In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. Matthew 2:18 This passage of scripture has gripped me since 1994. Just four short years into my ministry, I came across this stark depiction of a mother weeping for her children who are being mercilessly and systematically slaughtered. The biblical account was written hundreds of years ago. It is Matthews account of the Slaughter of the Innocents in Bethlehem and is seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy given in Jeremiah 31:15. Rama is the geographical location. Rachel is the mother who would not be comforted from her trauma and sorrows. And the children she is weeping for are her own. Its 2019, the geographical location is Indianapolis. Rachel is still weeping. The children are our own. Indianapolis has experienced another record-breaking year with a total of 161 homicides being reported. For the fourth year in a row, young Black males under age 25 are the victims in more than 34 cases. Three of every four homicide victims were Black. Since 2014, young Black males have been four times more likely than anyone else to be victims of homicides. Black male homicides outpaced all other races in every age category. The highest percentage of those killed are in the 18- to 24-year-old age range. We are experiencing a Black male epidemic. We are in the midst of a Black male crisis. With every Black male murdered, another mother and father are forced to bury their young son. In many cases the victim is also a parent. Thus, another Black child will grow up without his or her father. When the case goes unsolved another murderer remains loose on our streets. Since the perpetrators are often Black males, prison or death awaits them. Rachel is still weeping. Over 28 years ago, the murder of a young Black male by another Black male, who faced 60 years in prison because of the crime, compelled me to leave a comfortable and lucrative corporate position and devote my life to serving others and working to save our young Black males. I cant count the number of mothers, fathers, family members and friends that Ive consoled, preached funerals for, and written letters and cards to, on both sides of these tragedies. I cant count them. Ive grown tired of these senseless tragedies. Im tired of young lives being lost. Tired of funerals. Tired of mothers, fathers and family members crying over loved ones they will never see again. Tired of the court cases, plea bargains and seeing our young Black males sentenced to decades in prison. The Black community must stand up cohesively, and Black men must be in the forefront of the movement to save our Black sons. Our community must bond together like never before. We must find ways to build on the work we are already doing. We owe it to Aaron, Rodney, Earl, Terrell, and the countless other young Black males who were snatched away from us long before they ever reached their fullest potential. Yes, Rachel still weeps. She wept in the time of the prophet Jeremiah. She wept in the time of Jesus. And she still weeps in 2019 for her children who are being systematically destroyed. Rachel has been weeping for centuries, and she will continue to weep until the senseless slaughtering ceases. Dr. Preston T. Adams III is senior pastor at Amazing Grace Christian Church in Indianapolis. Contact Pastor Adams via email at seniorpastor@agccindy.org or via Twitter @DrPrestonTAdams. For more information, visit agccindy.org. Indiana Minority Business Magazine, sister publication of the Recorder, will honor public servants, advocates and business leaders who stand for diversity during the 2019 Champions of Diversity Awards Dinner on Jan. 18 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Through their efforts, these individuals repeatedly demonstrate diversity and inclusion, which are essential components of the modern workplace, according to experts. Its not just that having people who are different in the workplace is a good thing to do, Ezell Marrs, director of talent acquisition for TRG Talent Solutions and chair of the Diversity Roundtable of Central Indiana, said. It makes good business sense. According to Marrs, companies with diversity programs often have more productive workers and increased profits. Diversity programs not only inject more personal backgrounds and ways of thinking into companies but also make employees feel more valued. Employees who feel valued are more likely to stay at their job and be more productive. The human resources of an organization are the lifeblood of that organization, Sean Huddleston, chief diversity officer at University of Indianapolis and incoming president of Martin University, said. Once businesses implement systems like diversity-minded new hiring processes and training, Marrs and Huddleston said its important to review the results. Companies should make sure such systems are working and reaching their goals. Marrs said quality programs dont just feel good. They actually have measured improvement and response. In other words, there should be a strict observable difference. A good example is the efforts of Curtis Wright, CEO of Eskenazi Medical Group, associate director of IUs medical residency training program and a Champion of Diversity Awards recipient. He has focused on diversity in the medical residency training program so much that now 25 percent of enrollees are from a minority group, which is a significant trackable increase. However, Huddleston warns against just looking at quantitative diversity statistics. Statistics are important, but they do not reveal how inclusive or equitable a company is. Therefore, Huddleston recommends looking at qualitative data as well. You need to make sure you get information directly from people, Huddleson said. That can be through surveys, through focus groups, though interviews [or] through individual discussions. For companies interested in diversity programs, Marrs and Huddleston recommend looking at other companies examples. For example, Marrs likes a story in which a vice president provided his autistic son a job in Walgreens factory, and the son performed exceptionally well. This led to Walgreens opening up more job opportunities to people with mental disabilities, which fostered higher productivity. He was a good worker, Marrs said. He didnt take longer breaks. He took direction well. A local company Marrs and Huddleston praise for diversity is Eli Lilly and Company. Not only does Lilly stress diversity in its hiring and corporate culture, but it also has several suborganizations in the company dedicated to different groups such as LGBT people. Lilly garnered national attention for its commitment to diversity. The company was included in Black Enterprise Magazines 50 Best Companies for 2018 and named as the sixth best company for diversity by DiversityInc., an online publication. Lilly is not the only Indianapolis organization that has adopted diversity programs. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) created a diversity and inclusion think tank. The think tank addresses concerns of diversity and inclusion in the police department such as hiring and maintaining women and minority employees. It consists of community leaders from both inside and outside the police department. The program is still in its genesis, but Huddleston is calling the program one of the most innovative in the country because few other police departments in the country feature such a program. IMPDs commitment to diversity is a large reason why Chief Bryan Roach will be honored at the Champions of Diversity Awards Dinner. Contact staff writer Ben Lashar at 317-762-7848. Follow him on Twitter @BenjaminLashar. Workplace A group of mostly Black students from Indianapolis Public School gathered for what seemed like a normal party. They ate pizza, talked and listened to music played by a DJ, but they also weighed suitcases to ensure they were light enough for international travel. This party was a farewell to Thrival Academy students who were leaving for a three-month trip to Thailand the next day. Were going to an elephant sanctuary Sterling Moore Jr., a Thrival student, said. Im going to watch elephants. Elephants are my moms favorite animal, so I cant wait to take a lot of pictures for her. Thrival began as an IPS program and evolved into an innovation network high school this school year. The school is located on the Arsenal Technical High School campus. Students at Thrival began the school year by taking classes locally and learning how their background contributed to their identities and sense of self. Moore appreciated the smaller classes, in particular, as they helped him improve his grades and get As all semester. After a semester locally, Thrival students will spend three months in Thailand. They will stay in different rural villages, live with Thai farmers, go camping, visit temples and experience Thai culture. Activities tie into IPS curriculum. For example, students will not only read about the Vietnam War, but will actually visit military bases involved in the conflict. Instead of merely learning the concepts of environmental conservation, Thrival students will see rural Thai towns put those ideas into practice. At the trips end, students create a capstone project, similar to a documentary, showing what they learned. Were not going to be tourists, Micheal Bienz, a social studies teacher, said. Were going to be learners. Many students dont mind the academic aspect to their trip. In fact, theyre looking forward to it. Jerren Lewis, a junior, said he is excited to learn about the agriculture in Thailand and meet new people while traveling. Thrival doesnt cost parents a nickel because the school is funded through other means. As part of IPS, the district pays teacher salaries and administrative costs, Thrival World Academies, the national organization Thrival Indy operates under, buys the tickets. Philanthropy and donations cover other travel costs. Rustic Pathways, Thrivals partner organization, offers teen-focused travel programs and handles security concerns. I feel like as African-Americans, typically we dont have as many opportunities as everyone else, or we dont get to travel as much as everyone else, so having that extra experience under your belt makes you more marketable as a person, math teacher Angela Cox said. While traveling helps teach children about other people principal India Hui asserts it also teaches students about themselves. After seeing new ways of living, students become more aware of their own cultures. Being able to experience a completely different culture, they see a reflection of themselves, Hui said. They understand more about what it means to be American, what it means to be African-American, what it means to be a teenager. All of these things are extreme identity exploration. Interactions with Thais often can speak to the teenagers own experiences in impactful ways. For example, last year students stayed with the Radical Grandma Collective, a group of elderly Thai women protesting mining. Students were devastated to leave the grandmas, but Hui says one was crying especially hard because he never experienced a grandmother-grandchild relationship until the trip. His grandparents are in Mexico, so he never had a relationship with a grandmother like he had a relationship with his grandmom in Thailand, Hui said. Moore notes an important relationship Thrival students develop is with each other. They started the school year a divided group of students from different schools, but they grew close over the year. Closer and closer to the trip, we come to develop this family and get rid of a lot of animosity, Moore said. Contact staff writer Ben Lashar at 317-762-7848. Follow him on Twitter @BenjaminLashar. Those of us who stand for Israel know that the military and security forces of the Jewish state are elite efficient for a reason when faced with enemies from all sides, and often from within, Israel must constantly be prepared to protect herself. And this week, Arutz Sheva tells us, Prime Minister Netanyahu, himself a veteran of elite Israeli forces, paid a visit to the most elite Israels SWAT team who he praised as the best anti-terror unit in the world: Netanyahu met with the units soldiers and praised them for their activities in capturing the terrorists who carried out the attacks in Ofra, Barkan and Givat Asaf. The Prime Minister held a discussion at the site where he heard reviews of the combined operational-intelligence activity of the security bodies. During the visit, Netanyahu said, I was very impressed by the visit to the Yamam. This combination of SWAT and Shin Bet officers, who provide excellent intelligence, gives us the best anti-terror unit in the world. All the countries come here and ask me: Bring them to us, we will learn from them, What the citizens of Israel need to know is that anyone who harmed or murdered an Israeli citizen in the past year or was killed or captured. This is an unparalleled achievement in the world and it is because of these men, because of their daring, heroism, creativity and commitment. All the people of Israel know that Israels hand will reach [the terrorists], and it reaches them through the SWAT fighters and through the Shin Bet, he said. Minister Erdan said during the visit, The command that directs the Israel Polices anti-riot police is to chase my enemy and catch them and I will not return until they are dealt with. The recent achievements of the SWAT unit prove once again that it is fulfilling this command every time. It is not coincidental that the most common request among ministers of internal security from around the world to me is to send a SWAT team to train police forces around the world to deal with various terrorist scenarios. I will continue to do everything in order to enhance the SWATs ability to save lives and close accounts with terrorists. Tourists is planning to open a restaurant in the original inn on the property. The farmhouse rented rooms for 50 years. The restaurant is expected to open in February. PreviousNext North Adams' Tourists Repurposing Historic Farmhouse as Restaurant The original Airport Rooms sign and its neon is being restored and will be put back in place. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Tourists is planning a new eatery that will reflect some of the 200-year-old history of the property. The Airport Rooms will open in February in the historic 1813 farmhouse that first welcomed visitors to the area. It marks a significant change in the resort's plans for a fine-dining restaurant on Massachusetts Avenue that guests at the State Road motel would have accessed via a bucolic trail over the river. In a press release Wednesday, the motel said it the Airport Rooms will be "serving classic cocktails and a creative food menu from Austin [Texas] native, Greg Thomas." The developers of the former Redwood Motel had touched on some possibilities for the farmhouse but had not integrated it fully into their plans until now. A restaurant had been planned adjacent to the motel on State Road but complications of siting it near the Hoosic River led the group to look toward Blackinton, where it has been buying up properties including the Blackinton Mill. Award-winning chef Cortney Burns had been key to the development of farm-to-table restaurant Loom in the former Our Lady of Incarnation Church on Massachusetts Avenue. The plans had been approved by the Planning Board back in October. But Burns is apparently out of the picture, focusing on a forthcoming cookbook and other projects. The food and beverage menu at the lodge and deck bar is being taken over by chef Corey Wentworth, formerly of Boston's Flour Bakery. The motel is also working to create a venue for larger gatherings in response to inquiries from guests and residents. Tourists opened in August after several years of development. According to the release, the decision to open the Airport Rooms was also based on feedback over the past five months from guests and residents. "As a result, we have decided to not build a fine dining restaurant on the Tourists property at this time and are instead focusing on enhancing our food and drink offerings with a lively new addition." The nine-room farmhouse was known as Airport Rooms and Tourist Home from 1944 to 1995, accommodating travelers along Route 2 and those who flew into Harriman & West Airport located across the street. The Airport Rooms will be open daily from 5-11 p.m. serving drinks, dinner, snacks and more. Benjamin Svenson, one of the principals in the motel development, said he couldn't speak to the decisions being made on the restaurants but could on the motel's operations so far. "Things are going really well. We're blessed to have the audience we've had to date," he said. In barely five months, Tourists has welcomed more than 4,000 guests. Svenson said the hope was that Tourists would attract people to North Adams and, based on conversations with and feedback from guests, that seems to be the case. "The vast majority are being introduced to North Adams for the first time," he said. El Buki Mayor y sus companeros de siempre se convierten en los primeros artistas latinos en debutar en uno de los estadios mas modernos y nuevos del pais. LONDON, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) unveiled its nominations for this year's film awards Wednesday, with The Favourite dominating the nominations. The Favourite, a love-triangle comedy set in the 18th century British court of Queen Anne and featuring three women as top stars, headed the field with 12 nominations, including best director for Yorgos Lanthimos, and both Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone who battle each other in the best supporting actress category. Olivia Colman, star of The Favourite, who won the Golden Globe award in the same category for the same performance earlier this week, was nominated in the lead actress category. Other highly-nominated films include the rock band Queen's frontman biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, astronaut Neil Armstrong biopic First Man, Roma and musical A Star Is Born. Bohemian Rhapsody had won best film award at the Golden Globes, as well as best actor for its lead Rami Malek, and is nominated again at the BAFTAs in both categories This year's awards are the first where a diversity standards rule has been applied, but in only two categories "best debut" and "best British film". These means films must meet several production-stage quotas that show they have increased the representation of under-represented groups in areas including on-screen representation and industry access and opportunities. The BAFTA awards ceremony takes place on Feb. 10 at a televised event in London's Royal Albert Hall. The BAFTA awards take place two weeks before Hollywood's annual Oscar ceremony, and are seen as an indication of which films have gained momentum on the award circuit. A new advertisement campaign and a report in the fashion magazine Marie Claire seem to suggest Chinese actress Fan Bingbing is on the comeback road after being ordered to pay more than 800 million yuan ($116 million) for tax evasion. Her potential comeback is sparking mixed reaction on the Chinese internet. A series of photos in ads by the Chinese sunglasses brand Prsr have been circulating on Sina Weibo with Fan as the model. "The newly released photos are for the company's 2019 series of sunglasses," an employee of the Prsr online store, who asked for anonymity, confirmed with the Global Times. "The photos featuring Fan were newly uploaded," said the employee. The brand's website shows Fan has been representing Prsr since 2009 and introduces Fan's achievements and their cooperation. The same advertisement is also displayed on Prsr's official e-commerce store on jd.com. Fashion magazine Marie Claire also reported on Friday that Hollywood star Penelope Cruz will star in an all-female spy thriller 355 with Fan, Jessica Chastain and other actresses. Rumors that Fan was to be replaced by Zhang Ziyi were denied by Zhang's agent in September. Fan was also listed by The Beijing News on Monday as one of the Entertainers of 2018. Fan was fined some 880 million yuan ($128 million) in October for evading 248 million yuan in taxes. Tax authorities ordered her to pay the tax and fine by a deadline to avoid criminal charges. Fan's potential comeback sparked polarized reactions by netizens. Supporters welcomed her increasing public appearances, with one net user Fengbufan saying "she must have learned a lesson and will behave well hereafter." But many non-fans thought the economic punishment was too light for Fan, a celebrity who earns millions a year but shunned the basic responsibilities of a citizen. "Fan should have been sent to prison," said Weibo user "Wenzhebushangxin." In 2002, actress Liu Xiaoqing who gained fame in 1980s was detained for 14 months for tax evasion. Submitted At an awards evening Wednesday at the Sabetha Memorial Post 7285 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post Commander Tom Evans, right, presents Post 7285s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Jerry Clary, left, with a certificate of appreciation with this message: Veterans of Foreign Wars Certificate of Appreciation is awarded to Resource Officer Jerry Clary, Sheriffs Office, Brown County, Kansas, in grateful recognition of unyielding adherence to the highest ideals of law enforcement in maintaining, preserving and protecting the lawful rights of all citizens. Antti Rinne, the chairperson of the opposition party, stirred up concerns about the future of planned pulp mills in the country last autumn by stating repeatedly that the logging volumes cannot be raised. THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY came under pressure to clarify its position on forest harvesting in Finland at a debate event organised on Wednesday by Maaseudun Tulevaisuus and the Central Organisation of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK). Jouni Kemppainen and Niklas Holmberg, the hosts of the event from Maaseudun Tulevaisuus, asked Sanna Marin (SDP), who stood in for the indisposed Rinne, to clarify the position of the Social Democrats. Rinne became ill with pneumonia at the turn of the year while on a holiday in Spain. He is expected to be on sick leave until the end of January. Ive asked researchers and the Finnish Climate Change Panel many times to tell me whatd be the right harvesting level in terms of climate and biodiversity, but they havent been able to give me an answer, replied Marin. So Im not able to give you an exact number of cubic metres for whats the right level. She added that it is pivotal to adopt an impactful carbon sink policy for the land-use sector before making any decisions on timber harvesting volumes. Whats most important is that Finlands carbon sinks grow, she explained. If the sinks grow, the harvesting volume can be increased. Her reluctance to provide a direct answer provoked a pointed response from both Minister of Finance Petteri Orpo (NCP) and Prime Minister Juha Sipila (Centre). You can generally say based on the knowledge we have of the size of our carbon sinks that its possible to increase harvesting slightly in Finland, said Orpo. Thats why the SDPs position which is still unclear to me at least is problematic, because weve got major investments underway all over Finland. And if dont think its possible to increase harvesting in accordance with our current understanding, then the investments will be put on hold. This is a very big question, he stressed. Sipila, in turn, argued that policy makers must be able and prepared to make decisions based on information available to them at any given time and provide an answer to a simple yes-no question. That goes also for the SDP, he said. Both Marin and Li Andersson, the chairperson of the Left Alliance, also drew attention to the fact that the formulas used by the National Resources Institute Finland (Luke) to calculate the size of carbon sinks are not public. Other researchers cant evaluate them, said Andersson. Aleksi Teivainen HT Source: Uusi Suomi Ormala presented his report on the adequacy of the measures taken by the government to promote applied research to Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintila (Centre) in Helsinki on Wednesday. DRAMATIC CUTS in innovation and technology funding have severely eroded the international competitiveness of Finland, concludes a report drafted by Erkki Ormala, a professor of practice in innovation management at Aalto University. Its unfortunately a scientific fact that sustainable economic growth, productivity development and employment are dependent on successful innovation activity, he stated in a press conference. The question at hand today is do we want to accelerate economic growth and consequently save the welfare state in Finland? Or do we want to continue on the current track, which will lead to a situation where itll no longer be possible for us to maintain the welfare state were accustomed to today? Ormala expressed his concern particularly about the fact that businesses are widely and rapidly re-locating their research and development activities away from Finland. His report indicates the share of research and development activities conducted abroad is projected to rise from 17 per cent in 2015 to 28 per cent in 2019. We also enquired about the reasons for this trend, he said. Funding is considerably more plentiful abroad and, as a result, its easier to carry out innovation projects abroad than in Finland. Government funding for businesses innovation activities is 0.08 per cent of gross domestic product, meaning the amount of money given by the government to support businesses innovation activities is among the lowest in the OECD, highlighted Ormala. We should get at least a little bit closer to the international standards to make sure we arent dead last in this regard. His concerns are shared by Lintila. The report delivers a clear message, he conceded in a press release. Finland has to reinforce its position as an attractive location for research, development and innovation activity, if it is to remain at the forefront of development. It is alarming that our businesses are moving their research, development and innovation activities overseas in a trend-like fashion. Ormala acknowledged that corporate investments in research and development will grow moderately also in Finland in 20172019. The upward trend, however, is evidence rather of the positive economic situation than the willingness of businesses to invest in research required for their next-generation business activities in the country. Less co-operation opportunities Finland can also no longer take pride in its public-private partnerships in the field of research, development and innovation. Co-operation between universities and businesses has decreased by more than 40 per cent over the past seven years, when measured in terms of funding provided by businesses. Thats an enormous collapse. Nowhere else has such a collapse taken place, said Ormala. Finnish universities, he highlighted, received 8.5 per cent of their research funding from businesses in 2008 but no more than 3.9 per cent in 2017. We have to create clear incentives for universities and research institutions to engage in co-operation with the corporate world. Thats the only way to restore the positive culture of co-operation that was evident in Finland in the 1990s and early 2000s, he said. We have universities where co-operation with businesses has decreased by 70 per cent. Thats quite the frightening development in light of how fast it has taken place. Lintila similarly viewed that consolidating co-operation between the public and private sectors must be a key objective of overhauling the innovation policy, as businesses cannot produce systemic innovations without the support of authorities. Lack of predictability Ormala also argued that the inconsistency and unpredictability of research and innovation policy making has undermined the ability of businesses and universities to make the long-term commitments required to develop new business operations. One year, the funding goes up. The next year, it goes down, he summarised. You have to understand that innovation is a long-term effort from the perspective of businesses where they commit to developing a new kind of business activity. And that requires that theres a clear understanding of how the funding base and the innovation environment will develop, explained Ormala. He stressed that it is consequently of utmost importance to restore a tradition where research and innovation policy is developed in a co-ordinated and long-term fashion. He also proposed that an additional 300 million euros be earmarked for applied research and co-operation funding for 20202022. The funding, he underlined, would not provide the country with an advantage over other advanced economies but would simply ensure it can remain competitive relative to its competitors at least in some respects. Aleksi Teivainen HT If we are faithful, we should expect the reproaches of those who hate God to fall on us. In Read more PICKUPS AND boat trailers lined the Mississippi River levee at Deer Park and other locations in Concordia Parish on Sunday as those with camps and homes inspected their property and moved belongings. The Mississippi is slightly above flood stage at Vidalia and is expected to crest at 51 feet by Jan. 19. (Concordia Sentinel photos) News Updates Would you like to receive an email newsletter alerting you to the top news stories and sports stories from The Ouachita Citizen, The Franklin Sun and the Concordia Sentinel each week? Sign up today! UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called on the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels to strictly implement the cease-fire agreement in Hodeidah governorate. Endorsed in Sweden by both the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels in December, the agreement provided for a cease-fire in Hodeidah governorate and the mutual redeployment of forces from Hodeidah city and the three ports that have been under Houthi control. "Parties in Yemen have largely adhered to the cease-fire, and recently there has been a decrease in hostilities," said Ma Zhaoxu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, in a Security Council meeting. "Yet challenges remain," said the Chinese ambassador, adding that there has been some violence in the area, and the humanitarian convoy cannot be deployed because the main road from Hodeidah to Sanaa has still not been re-opened as agreed. The redeployment of both parties' armed forces should be completed on time according to the established time frame, he said. Ma also called on all parties in Yemen to show more goodwill toward each other, to build trust and to achieve an inclusive political solution as soon as possible. Political means is the only way to resolve the crisis. China stands ready to continue its constructive role in search for a solution, he said. #TheStew, in all its glory. Photo: Screenshots via Instagram Until mid-November, #TheStew was an Instagram hashtag primarily devoted to Boston hip-hop producers, filled with dimly lit shots of guys hunched over their laptops. (Stew is a play on studio.) Very quickly, though, the images featured on the hashtag transformed into shot after shot of actual stew, milky and yellow, decorated with a few chickpeas and a scattering of fresh herbs. Every image was a version of the same stew, a recipe for Spiced Chickpea Stew With Coconut and Turmeric by New York Times food columnist Alison Roman, and if you follow urbane, food-loving millenials on social media, you probably thought that everyone in the world decided to make it for dinner this winter. In less than two months, #TheStew has taken on a life of its own, and has no doubt entered the regular cooking rotation for numerous home cooks around the country. In the days when cookbooks, food magazines, and product labels were the primary spots that people found new recipes, it could take months or even years for ideas to become universally beloved household staples. (It probably required at least a few Thanksgivings before green-bean casserole achieved critical mass, and people are still discovering Marcella Hazans superlative tomato sauce.) But in the age of digital word of mouth, you only need to see the same recipe pop up on your feed so many times before you feel compelled to try it and then of course to post about it yourself. The Instagram snowball effect means a recipe can enter the home-cooking canon in a matter of days, not years. Call it the joy of hashtag cooking. Romans chickpea stew is only the latest example of this phenomenon. Others include Urvashi Pitres Instant Pot Butter Chicken, which got so big that it earned Pitre icon status among Instant Pot diehards; BuzzFeeds Best Fudgy Brownies, which, unsurprisingly, were more or less engineered with virality in mind; and Sullivan Street Bakery owner Jim Laheys No Knead Bread, published in 2006, now considered a timeless classic among New York Times Cooking obsessives, and arguably the proto-viral recipe of the digital age. For those who dont keep up with this sort of thing, #TheStew is actually the second recipe of Romans to achieve this coveted viral status. The first was #TheCookies, a.k.a. Chocolate Chunk Salted Shortbread cookies from her debut cookbook, Dining In. Between October 2017, when the book was released, and early 2018, you couldnt go out your front door, virtually speaking, without seeing some mention of this recipe. Thats exactly what happened to Jade McLaughlin, a recent college grad living in New Hampshire. I started a food Instagram account just to follow different food accounts and I started noticing that everyone was posting pictures of #TheCookies, the 23-year-old says. It seemed like something that was really taking off. So McLaughlin bought Dining In and made the cookies. Then she worked her way through the books desserts section. Then she joined a small group of other online food lovers who were cooking their way through the entire cookbook, documenting it online, and tagging Roman at every turn like millennial Julie Powells. (Roman often reposts her fans or engages with them in her Instagram Stories.) For her part, Roman has no idea why her recipes merit hashtags, both of which were created by fans and not Roman herself. Honestly, I dont know how much of it is social media, how much of it is the recipe itself, Roman says. I have no idea. If I did, Id do it all the time but I never know whats gonna hit and whats gonna stick. That the recipes are relatively easy and generally delicious is part of the appeal, of course, but the most important aspect of hashtag cooking is that it allows home cooks to feel like theyre part of a community one where joining is as easy as cooking something quick. Thats exactly what BuzzFeed was going for when it created its fudgiest brownies recipe video, according to publisher Dao Nguyen. In a TED Talk on the subject of what makes something go viral, Nguyen explains that in creating the recipe, the company hoped that a community would spontaneously spring up. We challenged ourselves to get people to say, Hey, BFF, lets see if we can do this together, Nguyen tells the audience. The video which has so far generated 70 million views was enormously successful in every metric possible. It did the job that it set out to do, which was to bring people together over baking and chocolate. Ava Friedmann, a Facebook employee living in New York, isnt at all surprised that another Roman recipe went viral. She and her family, most of whom live in Chicago, are longtime fans and actually spent the night of the Golden Globes discussing #TheStew in a group text. People tend to see virality as a negative, an online version lemming-ism, but as Friedmann points out, its just a way of connecting. Its about being part of the Zeitgeist, the same way that you want to watch that show on TV thats popular because you want to be a part of the conversation with your friends or family and at work, she says. And its not that #TheStew is the be-all and end-all of stews; its just that its the stew of the moment. This is the stew I need to make right now in order to know what everyone is talking about and be part of the online and offline community and the conversation surrounding it, Friedmann adds. As for those non-cooks whose own hashtags might be co-opted by home chefs racing to make the latest It recipe? Mark Merren, the Boston producer who originated #TheStew, doesnt seem to mind at all. He says he only recently noticed that the hashtag had transformed into recipe shots, and when he did, he had the same reaction as everyone else: I was like, Wow, its a good recipe, he says. Ill probably make it. Culture is key Better outcomes Much has been written about the evolution of the government workforce, and a fair amount of it has been written in this magazine.has documented the shift over the past few decades from the career public servant to the more mobile employee of today, more likely to jump between jobs in the private, nonprofit and public sectors in search of a new challenge or a raise. The fact is, few American workers spend their entire career in one place anymore.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 1983, almost one-third of employees ages 45 or older had worked for the same employer for 20 years or more, while one-third of employees between 35 and 44 had worked for the same employer for a decade or more. Todays workers tend to move around a bit more. Thirty-five years after the above data was collected, in January 2018, less than one-quarter of workers over 45 had at least 20 years of tenure at the same employer, while nearly 30 percent between 35 and 44 had at least 10 years at the same employer.Perhaps more telling, though, is the fact that government employees across local, state and federal government now have a median tenure of 6.8 years: 8.3 is the federal median, 5.9 for state and 6.9 for employees in local government. But what does this information tell us?Employees generally have more options when it comes to jobs than they did a generation ago. They dont feel as stuck in an unsatisfying position, which makes their leaders jobs harder. Theres a certain amount of workforce mobility that is to be expected, but managers need to cultivate the talent within their organizations using the tools that are available to them.A recent study from the Center for State and Local Government Excellence notes an increase in the availability of benefits like flexible work hours, paid training, wellness programs and paid family leave. And while these developments are positive, the onus on public-sector technology leaders is to undergo transformative modernization efforts while cultivating buy-in from a workforce with a growing number of other employment options.Arizona Chief Information Officer Morgan Reed said recently that the two things that state employees hate the most are the way things are and change. Its a sentiment that probably applies across the workforce, government or not. But as Reed points out, the road to modernization is not without its bumps. Whats key is to take the time to communicate the importance of coming changes and how they will help internal operations run more efficiently and, in the end, deliver a higher level of service to the public government serves.Colorado Chief Technology Officer David McCurdy says that the hardest part of the modernization process is to help employees understand that theres much more to transformation than new technology. The goal is not just to make the old process faster, but also to introduce an entirely new, and better, way of doing things.A lot of times, agencies and the state as a whole get stuck in trying to reproduce and do the same process over and over and over again, he said, and a lot of times technology can help agencies jump or completely change processes for the betterment of the whole interaction.Keeping up with consumer demands with a government budget requires courageous leaders with technical know-how that is complemented with the communications skills to cultivate the buy-in needed from the workforce for truly transformative change.Its really up to government leaders to make sure our employees know that this change is going to happen, its for the best and, ultimately, its to deliver better outcomes for our citizens, Reed said. (TNS) The North Dakota Legislature has begun its 2019 session.Rep. Vicky Steiner, District 37, joined her fellow legislators Monday in submitting several bills for consideration."We have a limit on how many bills we can put in starting tomorrow," she said, "so I'm getting signatures on some of my bills."Steiner said this legislative session promises to be "fascinating."Among her efforts, Steiner is proposing a robotic automated tax credit.The cost would be $2 million and would go to assist automation statewide."They've had this before," she said. "They would get a credit towards purchasing new robotic equipment and manufacturing equipment."The new bill does not threaten the status of current employees, Steiner said."They must maintain their employee base," she said, "but it can raise the standard and safety for their current employees."The tax credit would benefit manufacturing in Dickinson."With the workforce crisis and shortage we have, this would help them to stay competitive," she said. "It is certainly something that could benefit companies like Baker Boy."Steiner also wants to establish a marine passenger car ferry to provide summer service, from May to November, from Twin Buttes to Parshall and back."It would be another way for people to cross the river, and it would improve safety," she said. "You don't have to drive Highway 22 or 23 during high oil field truck times. You could take an alternate route."The project would cost an estimated $18 million.A possible $8 million match in federal funds exists, Steiner said, and the state could come up with the rest through the strategic investment infrastructure fund.Steiner is also preparing a bill for an energy study into the future, focusing on what markets will look like for North Dakota's natural resources in 2040, 2045 and 2050."Is there still a natural gas market? Are people going to more renewables?" she said. "If we have lost some markets for coal, how else can we use our 800-year supply of lignites?"The state budget remains an area of contention for legislation."[Gov. Doug Burgum] has different ideas about how to do the budget process," Steiner said. "We normally have certain funds we use for certain things. He's trying to move things more into the general fund, and I'm not sure there's complete agreement if that's the way we want to go yet."She added, "We're still going to be discussing what the governor proposed and some of the ideas that we have."Steiner described it as the start of the "sausage-making" process."We're just starting to put the meat into the grinder," she said. "We have a lot of choices to make." Colorado has named private-sector tech veteran Theresa Szczurek as its next CIO, according to a press release Szczurek is perhaps most notably the co-founder and CEO of Radish Systems LLC, which is a tech communications company based in Boulder, Colo. Szczurek is described on her LinkedIn as a serial technology entrepreneur and role model for technology leaders ... a senior global executive and strategist who has served on board of directors of business-oriented organizations.In the press release, Gov. Jared Polis, who took office on Monday, lauded his first round of appointments, saying, This cabinet is one of the most talented groups of people Ive had the pleasure of working with. I cant wait to tackle some of Colorados most pressing issues with this team.Szczurek replaces Suma Nallapati, who left the position in November after the new governor was elected, returning to Dish Network, where she started her IT career as a programmer in 1997. Nallapati returned to Dish Network as the companys chief digital officer.Szczurek is also a rare female appointee among state CIOs. She becomes one of only four women to hold state CIO positions not including acting or interim CIOs with Arkansas, California and Tennessee being the others. Both California and Tennessee, however, have recently elected new governors, which means a change in CIO is possible. The Promise of PDMPs Technologys Role in Combating the Epidemic Focuses on providing standards-based tools that are easy to access and integrates seamlessly with hospital and physician electronic medical records workflows. Provides complete, end-to-end data transparency among health-care officials, pharmacies, policymakers and law enforcement. Includes a patient-matching algorithm that enables information coming from multiple sources to be connected to the individual patient. For example, when addicted patients "doctor shop," they may attempt to use aliases, maiden names, past addresses, etc., to obtain additional prescriptions. Patient-matching algorithms identify these multiple records as belonging to a single patient. Integrates predictive analytics, which allow health-care providers to predict the most likely patient outcome or next step based on a relevant data set. Includes robust data visualization tools. This will help public health officials, researchers, law enforcement and all stakeholders to access anonymized data to identify local, community trends. The Long-Term PDMP Outlook Prescription opioid overdoses killed nearly 15,000 Americans in 2016 and nearly 15,000 more in 2017 , part of a growing crisis that has driven the United States into the longest sustained decline in life expectancy since World War I.To help curb the epidemic, President Trump on Oct. 24 signed into law the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act ( SUPPORT Act ). The new law expands the mandate of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide grants to states to improve their prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), with an emphasis on electronic health records integration and interstate data sharing. These are two longstanding pain points for PDMPs across the country.Prior to the SUPPORT funding, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reminded states in June 2018 of a 90/10 federal funding match program, where the federal government through CMS will, in some instances, pay 90 percent of the costs to enhance or replace an existing PDMP system. The SUPPORT Act broadened this CMS mandate in an unprecedented way, authorizing it to provide 100 percent federal funding support to states for technology investments that ease the impact of the opioid crisis among Medicaid beneficiaries. This authority includes funding for PDMPs.The Presidents Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, the CDC, the American Medical Association and other experts cite PDMPs as one of the most promising tools to help detect and prevent opioid abuse. While states can leverage other tactics to address the crisis as well, a comprehensive PDMP program is foundational to giving states a full set of data on controlled substance prescriptions being written and dispensed.According to the Congressional Research Service, all 50 states and the District of Columbia had core platform PDMPs as of February 2018. However, many states use simplistic PDMPs built several years ago to meet basic reporting requirements. These existing legacy systems typically have been black boxes, meaning it is difficult and costly to enable the free flow of information among the state, front-line clinicians and other parties such as law enforcement and public health officials. Offering the data transparency, reporting and other functionality required to deliver government and health-care providers with actionable, predictive information has been difficult or cost-prohibitive for many states.For state government, law enforcement, public health officials and health-care providers to all play an integral role in fighting the epidemic, states must enhance their systems to find suspicious patient prescribing, as well as collect public health information and enhance data sharing. The SUPPORT Act and CMS funding are designed to help state-based PDMPs make it easier and less expensive to integrate with health-care providers electronic health records software and engage in information sharing with hospitals, physician offices and across state lines. They also support the use of national standards for data exchange that already are common across the health-care industry, instead of proprietary methods.Technology has improved the landscape for PDMPs. It has become a key factor in helping solve the opioid epidemic, first and foremost because it connects the dots.A visit to a doctors office is a critical moment when the physician has the most direct influence on how the patient manages his or her care after leaving the exam room. Making the patients complete health history, including prescription opioid data, available in that moment through the providers electronic health records software as a modern, comprehensive PDMP can do allows the physician to check for over-prescribing patterns and doctor shopping for multiple prescriptions, as well as to advise on addiction treatment options, if necessary.Technology will play a critical role for states that want to pursue federal funding for PDMP enhancements. These states should look for a system that:PDMPs historically have operated on behalf of state agencies to fulfill compliance requirements by collecting information and providing reports. Currently, the focus is on getting actionable data into the hands of health-care providers for better patient outcomes.Going forward, PDMP data will be just one facet of states integrated population health strategies. For states to effectively manage the cost of providing health care to their citizens, while at the same time improving the quality of care, they will need better and more sophisticated tools for understanding which patients are high-risk or have the most complex needs. Programs and interventions will need to be more tailored and patient-centered.The prescription opioid epidemic is one factor pushing us in that direction. As states consider how they will take advantage of federal funding programs to enhance their PDMPs, they should begin thinking about how new technology can go far beyond regulatory compliance and use data to inform everyone who has a stake in combating this national crisis. (TNS) - Four key issues remain unsettled as negotiators for a Colorado River drought-adaptation plan wrap up discussions and prepare to send a complex package of water-saving proposals to the Arizona Legislature.Farmers, developers and officials of the $4 billion Central Arizona Project said Tuesday they still arent satisfied with various provisions in a proposed drought contingency plan aimed at propping up imperiled Lake Mead. Because of that, negotiations over details will probably have to continue even when the Legislature starts debating the plan next week.But leaders of the prolonged effort to produce a drought contingency plan for Arizona say theyre optimistic of getting the issues resolved and a legislative sign-off in time to meet a federally imposed Jan. 31 deadline to adopt the plan.Tuesday, during the eighth meeting of an advisory committee working on the plan, members groped for solutions and compromises but those remained elusive, although progress was made.There are only four issues left. We have 82 things that weve solved, CAP general manager Ted Cooke said at a news briefing after the meeting of the 40-member advisory committee thats worked since July on the drought plan.Its clear theres some disagreements. If we demonstrated anything today, its that we have found a lot of compromise on a lot of issues, said Hunter Moore, natural resources adviser to Gov. Doug Ducey. If we continue to follow that pattern, I do think the plan can be resolved, Moore said.The committee, representing numerous big water interest groups, including farmers, developers, cities, tribes and home builders, is discussing a plan to save up to 700,000 acre-feet of river water over a seven-year period.The hope is that the savings will prop up Lake Mead before it quickly falls to levels requiring catastrophic cuts in water deliveries to Arizona, California and Nevada in the Lower Colorado River Basin.Federal Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman has warned shell impose her own drought-saving plan on Arizona and the other six Colorado River Basin states if the states dont approve plans by Jan 31. Arizona and California are the only states without approved plans.The Arizona Department of Water Resources and the governing board for the CAP the states two biggest water agencies have endorsed the plans current version, as has Ducey.As the plan stands, Pinal County farmers would lose a big chunk of their CAP water once the first Colorado River shortage is declared, which could come as soon as next year. By 2023, the farmers must replace CAP supplies with groundwater their only water source until CAP went online there in 1986.The Tohono OOdham Nation and the Gila River Indian Community and numerous Phoenix-area cities will have their supplies whittled down over time starting the same year. All these users would get their cuts mitigated by the use of outside supplies for a few years.But at Tuesdays advisory committee meeting, these unsettled issues emerged:Pinal farmers are scheduled to get 105,000 acre-feet of CAP water in both 2020 and 2021 if shortages are declared for 2020, less than half what they get now. In 2022, that supply will be whittled to 70,000 acre-feet a year if the river is running low due to dry weather.Farmers, however, want 105,000 acre-feet of CAP water for 2022 as well, and its uncertain where that extra water would come from.Tim Thomure, a committee member and Tucson Waters director, said he would be prepared to offer 35,000 acre-feet annually for two years, water that would be placed on Pinal County farm fields.But making that offer will require four changes in state law to make it easier for the city of Tucson to use or sell credits it would gain from storing the water on those fields to allow it to pump additional groundwater elsewhere, he said. State Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke praised Thomures proposals as creative, but said some other interests whom he didnt name might not support more water for farmers out of concern that it wouldnt be fair to other water users.Paul Orme, lobbyist for four irrigation districts, wants more certainty about getting federal funding to help pay for the farms new groundwater wells, whose expected cost has escalated from $30 million to $50 million. The state and CAP have agreed to pay or support future legislation to provide close to half those costs. But Orme noted that competition for the federal funds with farmers in other states will be fierce, although Bureau of Reclamation officials in Arizona will support the Pinal farmers quest.The Central and Southern Arizona Home Builders Associations want 7,000 acre-feet of mitigation CAP water set aside to serve future suburban development, although officials say there is no alternative source of water to fulfill that request. The Gila River Indian Community has already agreed to lease 33,000 acre-feet of its CAP water for future suburban growth once its certain that the drought plan will pass the Legislature.The homebuilders groups say they want the extra 7,000 acre-feet included in the plan as a matter of certainty, and that pool of water could be removed once its clear the Gila Indian deal will go through. A Phoenix-based developer group, the Valley Partnership, disagrees, with its director Cheryl Lombard saying its members see no need for the extra 7,000 acre-feet.CAP and the Salt River Project utility are at odds over a plan for the utility to replace some water now stored in Lake Mead, which CAP wants to remove from the lake to help mitigate farm water losses. As the plan would work, the utility would supply CAP 50,000 acre-feet from 2021 to 2025. Cooke said his agency has legal, contractual and hydrological concerns with the idea.He acknowledged that, currently, that issue is the only one I dont know how to (solve). But well figure out a way to solve that.Contact reporter Tony Davis at tdavis@tucson.com or 806-7746. On Twitter@tonydavis9872019 The Arizona Daily Star (Tucson, Ariz.)Visit The Arizona Daily Star (Tucson, Ariz.) at www.tucson.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The problem with "projects" is that they end. This is the issue Alaska is facing as the feds prepare to pull out an array of seismic sensors that were used to map the Earth's crust up in Alaska.See this article for the status, With Earthquake Sensors Set to Be Removed, Alaska Officials Fight to Keep Them. I can tell you from experience, if they are told you can have them, there then needs to be a budget to maintain them and keep the system operational, ideally tying them all together with the existing state network of sensors.At least Alaska has some of their own sensors. Here in Washington, we are totally reliant upon the installation of federal sensors.My expectation given that they only recently had an earthquake in Alaska they will be able to keep portions of the sensor network.Claire Rubin, Senior Researcher, shared the sensor link above. (TNS) Pennsylvanias auditor general, a frequent critic of the Scranton School District, wants leaders to prove they have made improvements to the districts information technology department.The request is in response to three minority school directors contacting Auditor General Eugene DePasquale last week, asking him to audit the IT department.Seeking assistance as citizens and not as school directors, Katie Gilmartin, Mark McAndrew and Tom Schuster said they felt frustrated after the board voted 4-3 last month to table an official request from the board for the auditor general to step in and review the department.In October 2017, DePasquale released a scathing audit of the district, criticizing its leadership and operations, including the deficit and costs associated with the no-bid busing contract. The audit also concluded that the district had weak controls of its IT inventory, with poor records increasing the risk for loss, theft and misuse.As part of its response, the district vowed to conduct its own audit. Administrators previously said they have been unable to complete one because of a staffing shortage. Last month, the board approved paying the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit $2,500 a month to assist with information technology services, including conducting the internal audit. Minority members previously said both the internal audit and state inquiry could happen simultaneously.In a letter sent to the superintendent and board president this week, DePasquale asked for a report on how the district has adopted the recommendations made in the 2017 audit.Its been 15 months since my audit report, and local taxpayers deserve to know whether the school district has done anything to resolve this problem, DePasquale said in a news release. From all appearances, the district doesnt seem to think it should be held accountable for its use of taxpayer resources.In this weeks letter to district officials, DePasquale requested detailed responses to seven questions regarding current IT inventory policies and procedures. Questions include whether the district has developed policies governing purchasing, maintenance and disposal of inventory, and whether the district has a master list of all equipment by serial number.Superintendent Alexis Kirijan, Ed.D., said she is eager to respond and appreciates the correspondence with the auditor general.Were paying close attention to all the work that needs done in the district, she said. Were moving forward... were excited about the work. Were excited about making improvements to the district.Working with the NEIU, the district already started some aspects of the internal audit and also has updated its IT policies in recent years, she said.Gilmartin called DePasquales response appropriate and said she would like the auditor general to assess the districts progress in all aspects on the 2017 audit.Im very glad he heard our concerns and responded so quickly, Gilmartin said. (Techwire) Having run his campaign on a tech-heavy platform, newly sworn-in Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Tuesday turning public-sector procurement on its end.The executive order stretches the role of the state Department of General Services (DGS) and the California Department of Technology (CDT) to "develop a new iterative procurement approach called an Innovation Procurement Sprint."The four-page document promotes a new procurement tool that allows for solution development and collaboration on the front end of the process, instead of requiring payment before service delivery.The new option would create work groups of public-sector stakeholders, vendors and private-sector subject matter experts, convening to build proofs of concept in answer to problem statements released by state entities. It also inverts the traditional procurement system, which leans heavily on the state having a solution in mind when releasing a request for services.The new procurement method borrows from "challenge and award" style innovation, as seen in programs like Startup in Residence and Code for America "We do need other pathways, and the way that procurement is constrained these days does mean that often, we cannot get to the innovative solutions that we need, or we're restricted into thinking about what is available because that is how the procurement process works," Jennifer Pahlka toldin an interview."What this is saying is when we don't know exactly what the solutions are that could bear on a particular issue like this, then we can run a different process," said Pahlka, founder and executive director of Code for America, and the previous deputy chief technology officer for government innovation at the White House.The order leaves room for DGS and CDT "to prescribe more clearly in the long run how it will work, and that will be important to get right," she added. Jay Nath , co-executive director of City Innovate and previously the chief innovation officer of San Francisco, worked with other subject matter experts to develop the concept behind the procurement change."Myself, as well as a number of thought leaders, were brought together to have a discussion about how we can rethink procurement and what that approach should be to really be thoughtful about integrating emerging technologies and innovative solutions to the challenges that communities are facing in California," Nath toldin an interview.Nath said his focus was on addressing outcomes, making room for innovators to think about the impact and for experts to assist in the development of the solutions."It's not just about buying something off the shelf," Nath said. "This is about a partnership and working with the best and the brightest to solve these challenges. The governor's going to look at the high-level issues that the state's facing and how do we put the best minds, inside and outside of government, toward solving those problems."Being able to demonstrate a solution will be key, but there is some concern that smaller entrepreneurs may be disproportionately burdened by that cost."The governor really is sending a strong signal," Nath said. "When you think about the different executive directives that he could be issuing in his first day in office, this is an important signal that he's sending, that he's looking at solving challenges in a different way. I think it's really unlocking this opportunity to a broader audience, so it's not just the big vendors that are participating."Nath said having more members of the tech community offering solutions will create more creativity and diversity in solutions.Said Pahlka: "What we find very often is that folks who work in government can see that something is technically possible but feel that it's not politically viable for them to do, that it would be very risky for their career. This is Newsom saying, 'Not only am I declaring this a path, but I really want you to use it.'"Departments already have solutions in mind, according to Pahlka, who cited the governor's choice to first use the new procurement tool on fire detection "As tragic as the wildfires are, this is the right place to say, 'This is our top priority.' This is exactly the kind of place where it's not like the solutions we need are known, certainly not on contract with the state where they can just buy them," Pahlka said.DGS and CDT both referred requests for comment to the Governor's Press Office.is awaiting a response and will update this article.Techwire.net,Government Technology The Computing Technology Industry Association, a global nonprofit industry advocate and professional development organization, has absorbed the locally focused Public Technology Institute, promising to bring international resources and expertise to PTIs work with city and county governments.Established in 1971 through a grant from the National Science Foundation, PTI consists of private vendors who sell technology to the public sector, and public jurisdictional members, such as chief information officers and other staff, who use PTI for professional development.The merger, announced Tuesday , will allow CompTIA and PTI to take advantage of each others resources, advise local governments on emerging technologies and boost communication between elected officials and technology vendors.CompTIA Executive Vice President of Industry Relations Nancy Hammervik said CompTIA has been working with PTI for a few years, and they found a lot of overlap in their respective missions. She pointed out that both focus on networking, education, thought leadership, certifications, advocacy and philanthropy. But with only about 70 members, PTI could do with a bigger footprint.PTI was doing great work, but they were a very small organization, and its hard to have impact with the budget and resources that they had, she said. CompTIA is a large organization. Our revenues are about $70 million and we have a global focus, so we have a very wide network. We have a strong association management team, a strong research team, marketing team, all the resources they need. Our intent is only to help PTI expand the good work they were doing.According to a news release, PTIs corporate vendor members will integrate into the CompTIA State & Local Government and Education Public Sector Council (SLED), while PTIs government members will form a new CompTIA Public Sector Council with its own set of association governance and bylaws. These members will participate in CompTIA events when appropriate, but not engage in public policy committees or have a say in the associations legislative priorities. PTIs board of directors will become an executive council to advise CompTIA.Hammervik said a focus of the new partnership will be to use research and case studies to bring best practices to county-level IT decision-makers. She cited the procurement process as one place to start, since the public sectors approach is often dated and based on buying hardware, as opposed to planning for a cloud environment.Hammervik also pointed out that, with many gov tech innovations aimed at smart cities and therefore the local level, giving resources and education to local players will become increasingly important.One of the challenges with the tech industry is just trying to keep up with everything, understanding what technologies are out there, how they integrate with legacy platforms and infrastructures, she said. So we want to create this environment where our members can learn from each other, stay relevant and bring efficiency through shared learning. Chinese citizens should be able to move into 3D-printed houses that conform to national construction regulations and standards in 2019, China News Agency reported Tuesday. These houses are being developed by Beijing-based tech supplier, Huashangluhai, the only company to use normal-strength reinforced concrete as a printing material, after years of research. Wu Jiangping, founder of Huashangluhai, explained that the company had adopted a new print-on-site technology that helps improve structural stability. Apart from civil buildings, the company is also able to print commercial complexes. Compared with traditional methods, 3D printing could not only save 30 to 60 percent of building materials and over half of the associated human cost, but also shorten the construction time. Safety risks and pollution could also be significantly reduced. For these reasons, China eagerly supports the broad application of such technology. The 2016-2020 outline for informatization development of the construction industry issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development noted that China would actively explore this area. In modern Chinese society, where there is an emphasis on living quality, 3D-printed houses will undoubtedly catch the eyes of both the real estate market and buyers, said an expert. Description GIS - 10 January, 2019: Two commissions have been set up, one on economy and related matters and one on social matters. Two commissions have been set up, one on economy and related matters and one on social matters. This statement was made yesterday by the Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, who chaired the second meeting of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) held at the New Treasury Building in Port-Louis. The meeting saw the participation of several Ministers, representatives of the public sector, the private sector, trade unions and of civil society. The first meeting of this year approved a working method so as to be more efficient in the undertaking of natives. Several discussions themes have been identified namely demography, ageing population, road safety, the environment and food safety. The objective of the NESC is to promote a dialogue among the different partners so as to reach a consensus on social integration and inclusive and sustainable development. Description GIS - 10 January, 2019: The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr. Seetanah Lutchmeenaraidoo had a working session this morning with the newly appointed High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Mr Tanmaya Lal in Port-Louis. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr. Seetanah Lutchmeenaraidoo had a working session this morning with the newly appointed During the meeting, Minister Lutchmeenaraidoo dwelt on the socioeconomic evolution of Mauritius from being a newly independent country to its recent shift to a new strategy resting on new pillars of development which, he emphasised, may be of great interest to India. He explained that the strategy involves firstly, Mauritius assuming its role as an Ocean State possessing a huge expanse of marine resources and secondly partnering with the African continent so that Mauritius can serve as a link between Africa and Asia, and as a lighthouse for the region. The Minister underlined that the new strategy of Mauritius is based on a south-south cooperation for joint ventures with Africa, the Middle East, China and India, and involves the signing of free trade agreements wherein a system of Government-to-Government Joint Commission establishes the priorities of the collaborating countries and ensures their implementation. On that note, he underpinned the key role of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement in unlocking business opportunities for the two countries, adding that negotiations will be clinched based on mutual understanding and respect. For his part, High Commissioner Tanmaya Lal underpinned the special and unique relationship that India and Mauritius share and emphasised that he is looking forward to consolidate and expand existing ties through further cooperation. He reiterated the support of his Government to contribute to the socioeconomic development of Mauritius, adding that through conjoint efforts both countries will work on areas of priorities and look for new avenues of cooperation. Speaking about the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Jugnauth to India in January 2019 on the occasion of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas alongside the Kumbh Mela, Mr Tanmaya Lal underlined that his presence will reflect the close bond and intensity of engagement that prevails between the two nations. The state ethics commission suspended its director with pay Tuesday amid allegations that he misused state computers.Stefan Ritter, who has been the commission's executive director since 2015, called allegations first reported Monday by the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Channel 2 Action News "untrue," adding that he had not seen the complaints against him."I certainly am not going to think this is appropriate," Ritter said when asked whether he planned to fight the allegations that he misused his state computer. "I haven't even seen any allegations. It's puzzling to me."After an hourlong executive session, the commission voted to suspend Ritter, based, as Chairman Jake Evans said, "upon the allegations of improper workplace conduct." Evans will oversee an investigation and hire outside counsel to look into the complaints made against Ritter."They are serious enough to warrant an independent investigation," Evans said.The chairman did not give a timetable for finishing the investigation into the allegations.The agency, formally known as the Georgia Government Transparency & Campaign Finance Commission, is charged with collecting campaign finance, vendor gift and lobbying expenditure reports, registering lobbyists, issuing advisory opinions, and dispensing penalties for violations.Ritter was an 18-year veteran of the Georgia Attorney General's Office when he was unanimously chosen over three other candidates to lead the agency. He had previously been the commission's counsel and was known as an expert on Georgia's sunshine laws.Ritter took control of the commission at a tumultuous time. The agency had been without an executive director for months after the firing of Holly LaBerge, who was sanctioned and fined for her role in a whistleblower lawsuit filed by her predecessor.In 2015, a Fulton County jury found that her predecessor, Stacey Kalberman, had been forced from her job for investigating the campaign of Gov. Nathan Deal, and it awarded her and her attorneys $1.15 million. In June of that year, the state agreed to settle lawsuits with three other former commission employees who alleged abuse and political retaliation, bringing the total in legal fees to $3 million.After years of inaction, a backlog of more than 150 cases was finally cleared in 2017 -- just in time for the agency to handle a slew of new complaints filed by Georgia residents, watchdog groups and political adversaries.Ritter's pay was increased from $165,000 to $181,500 in 2016 -- a much bigger raise than most other state employees received -- after the commission lauded improvement in the agency.The commission put off making any decisions on a series of complaints made during the 2018 campaign, not wanting to influence the elections. So 2019 is expected to be a heavy year for the panel.Stay on top of what's happening in Georgia government and politics at ajc.com/news/georgia-government/. New Yorkers may soon have a right to relax.Mayor de Blasio said Wednesday that he would back legislation to require private employers in New York City to offer at least two weeks of paid vacation annually to their workers, a law he said would be the first of its kind in the nation."It's 2019, it's time to treat people decently -- it's time to value people, not just see them as cogs in the machine, but people who deserve to live life fully," de Blasio said.But while de Blasio enjoyed a splashy roll-out of the idea in the Washington Post, the proposed perk has been on the table before -- Councilman Jumaane Williams first introduced legislation requiring vacation time back in 2014, the first year of Mayor de Blasio's first term as mayor. Now, in the second year of his second term, the Mayor is on board -- rattling off a list of industrialized nations that require vacation time and arguing it's past time the city do so."Guess what? We're the exception and it's a bad exception," de Blasio said. "It's time for us to change and that changes begins here in New York City and it begins now."The city estimated that there are 500,000 New Yorkers who do not get any paid vacation time, a figure reached using federal labor and Census data that was applied to the city workforce. The population includes restaurant employees, non-union hotel workers, fast food employees and others, de Blasio said.Williams -- who is a front-runner in the race for public advocate -- joined de Blasio at the press conference. He said people often go without vacations -- either because culturally they've been made to feel bad for taking time off, or because they aren't offered paid time away from work."The reasons for that is the love of this," he said, holding up a dollar bill. "The love of this has caused all manner of abuse on workers...And we're starting today to say that the love of this is not more important than the people behind me"The proposal is likely to become a factor in the public advocate's race -- not only did the idea begin with Williams, it was opposed by many pols at the time, including then-speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, according to Crain's. Mark-Viverito is also a leading candidate for public advocate.De Blasio's proposal calls for employers with five or more employees to provide up to 10 days of paid personal time a year, which employees would have to accrue. They would be able to take the time off after 120 days of working, and employers would be able to require two weeks notice of when an employee wanted time off to make scheduling easier. Workers would accrue an hour of paid time off for every 30 hours they work.Hizzoner was otherwise short on details Wednesday, demurring when asked what fines businesses might face for breaking the law or what kind of phase-in period there would be, saying that would be part of the legislative process.But he drew parallels between the proposal and the city's paid sick time law, passed in 2013, which provides most businesses to provide five paid sick days to workers and which was phased in alongside education programs for business owners before fines went into effect.De Blasio also cited paid sick time in saying he believed the city had the authority to require employers to provide vacation time."It was not only passed, but it's gone five years without being successfully challenged," de Blasio said.The plan would not cover all workers in the city -- those who freelance, or who work regularly for the same employer but are working on a contract basis will not be eligible for the vacation time."The law does not apply to freelancers," Department of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Lorelai Salas said, adding that the city is always looking out for instances when companies misclassify an employee as a freelancer.De Blasio said the city builds policy "step-by-step.""There's a real challenge for workers that are a part of the economy who are harder to reach, harder to regulate," he acknowledged.The proposal was met with opposition from the business community."Mayor de Blasio's proposal to force businesses in the city to give two weeks of paid vacation to every employee is another example of municipal overreach into the city's private sector economy," Kathryn Wylde, president of the Partnership for New York City, said. "Most New York City employers are doing whatever they can to attract and keep good workers and do not need the government dictating their benefit policies."But de Blasio, anticipating such criticism, insisted the skeptics often predict such changes will hurt the economy -- and had been wrong before."We heard it when we started paid sick leave," de Blaisio said. "I think New York City's economy is doing pretty well right now, don't you?" The California Senate last November agreed to pay $350,000 to settle a lawsuit by a former employee who alleged that she was fired for asking for accommodation after she reported being raped by a colleague.The settlement, which the Senate did not provide to The Bee, was first reported by the Los Angeles Times. It included $280,000 in lost wages and damages, $50,000 to cover law school debt and $20,000 for medical assistance and career counseling, according to the Times. The plaintiff, who is referred to only as "Jane Doe" in the lawsuit to protect her privacy, agreed to drop her complaint."The resolution of this case is a huge step forward for all employees at the Capitol who've experienced discrimination and harassment," said Micha Star Liberty, the attorney for the plaintiff, who filed suit last May. "Our sincere hope is that in the future, the Legislature takes seriously and makes an effort to fully compensate any workers whose rights have been violated."The plaintiff was raped by an Assembly legislative aide in December 2016, after going out for dinner and drinks with friends, according to the lawsuit. She began experiencing difficult sleeping, anxiety, depression and panic attacks, and she informed her supervisor about the assault a few days later.The Assembly hired an outside firm to investigate the incident in April 2017, according to the lawsuit, but the inquiry concluded two months later with no recommendation for action against the perpetrator. The plaintiff alleged that the investigator made insensitive comments about her drinking when they spoke, prompting her to attempt suicide.In July, the lawsuit states, the plaintiff asked Senate administrators to bar the perpetrator from the Senate floor, where she would have to see him while she worked, but they declined. She also asked his parking spot to be moved to another garage, but was again rebuffed.Two months later, in September 2017, the plaintiff was fired, according to the lawsuit. She alleged that it was "instantly apparent" that the office she worked for "no longer wanted to accommodate her reasonable requests for time off for medical appointments and to deal with her disabilities.""For the sake of all involved, we want to move forward and focus on the work we need to do for the people of California," Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins said in a statement to the Times. "The result was acceptable to both sides and we are glad -- for all parties -- to move on with the business of the state."Sacramento Superior Court records show that the Senate defended the case vigorously through October, when it submitted a filing that argued the institution was not responsible for any harm to the former employee.Records show that the Senate filed subpoenas seeking personal, employment and disciplinary records from the plaintiff's former workplaces and her law school. Attorneys for the state also sought information about her academic background dating back to high school. Job openings are outnumbering unemployed workers across increasingly wide swaths of the country, forcing businesses to rethink how they find workers.The volume of openings first topped the number of jobless people in Midwestern states in early 2017. But in recent months that phenomenon has spread to other regions, particularly the South.The Labor Department on Tuesday is to release the latest data on job openings, from November. The report follows data released last week showing a surge in job growth in December and could help the Federal Reserve assess sometimes conflicting anecdotal reports about how hard firms must work to fill jobs.Economists say the most convincing signs of labor shortages would be a surge in wage growth. While average hourly earnings rose 3.2 percent in December, that is tepid by historical standards. Many Options Spurring Competition Even as calls for Medicare for All grow louder among Democrats in Washington, D.C., at least 10 states are exploring whether to allow residents to pay premiums to buy in to Medicaid, the federal-state health care program for the poor.Currently, Medicaid recipients pay for their coverage in only a handful of states, and the buy-in plans that states are considering might not offer the full range of benefits available to traditional beneficiaries. But advocates say the policies might be an appealing option for people hard-pressed to pay for plans on the health care exchanges, and spur competition that could lower prices for everybody.The concept of enrolling all Americans in Medicare, the federal health insurance program for the elderly, is probably a nonstarter in politically polarized Washington at least for now. So, states have started looking at other ways to provide health care to more people at more affordable prices.We think 2019 is going to be the year of Medicaid buy-in, said Allison OToole, senior director of state affairs for United States of Care, a nonpartisan group that promotes affordable health care for all. She cited the long-held maxim that states, not the federal government, are the laboratories of democracy where innovative solutions most often arise.Nevadas legislature passed a Medicaid buy-in program in 2017, only to have its then-Republican governor, Brian Sandoval, veto it, saying the state needed more time to study the plan. Legislative supporters say they are planning to file a new bill shortly and are optimistic about passage. The state now has a Democratic governor.In New Mexico, the legislature last year ordered a study of buy-in options. Analysts are estimating the cost of such a program, after which legislative supporters said they expect to draft a bill. Both houses have Democratic majorities, and the state also has a new Democratic governor who has declared public support for the idea.Studies of a buy-in option also are ongoing in California, Delaware, Oregon and Washington. And newly elected governors in Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin have pledged support for Medicaid buy-in. A poll in Minnesota commissioned by MPR News and the Minneapolis Star Tribune before the November midterms showed 70 percent of likely voters support allowing people to buy into public options, such as Medicaid or Medicare.And, a soon-to-be released survey commissioned by United States of Care and conducted by the Harris Poll in November found 78 percent of registered voters across the country saying that a Medicaid buy-in plan should be a priority for their states lawmakers.In some states, it already is.Things arent happening at the federal level, so states are saying, Lets see what we can do, said Heather Howard, a lecturer on health policy at Princeton Universitys Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. History tells us good ideas bubble up from the states.Just this week, Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee proposed a state-run health care system akin to Medicare for all. Inslee, a Democrat, said Cascade Care would provide coverage across the state by contracting with one or more insurers, and would be available to anyone seeking coverage as an individual. Patients would spend no more than 10 percent of their income on premiums.In California, incoming Gov. Gavin Newsom, also a Democrat, this week proposed increased subsidies for middle-class families who cant afford health insurance and a requirement that all residents be covered. Newsom also wants to expand the states Medicaid program to cover young immigrant adults in the United States illegally.In New York City, Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio pledged to provide coverage to 600,000 uninsured New Yorkers. Under NYC Care, uninsured New Yorkers will be able to call a central phone number to get an insurance card and be assigned a doctor. Depending on their income, some residents would have to pay fees on a sliding scale.But some lawmakers have concerns about Medicaid buy-in plans.Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, a Republican, said he does not regard Medicaid buy-in as "a viable option in his state."Local hospitals and providers will go out of business because they wont have the money they need because of the low Medicaid reimbursement rates to medical providers. He said proponents havent identified how they would raise the money to support such a plan.As states wrestle with the task of trying to create Medicaid buy-in plans, they confront a myriad of options, which explains why many of them have launched studies.Each state has numerous questions to answer: Who would be eligible to buy into the Medicaid plan? Would it be open to all comers or perhaps a more targeted population, such as those below a certain income level? What benefits would be offered the same as those offered to other Medicaid beneficiaries, fewer or more? Would the buy-in plans be offered on the current Affordable Care Act exchanges, in which case, unlike current Medicaid plans, they would have to be ACA-compliant?Other questions abound. How much would premiums, deductibles and other cost-sharing fees be? And who would administer the buy-in plans existing Medicaid agencies, some other state agency or a new entity?Looming over those questions is how the Trump administration would view Medicaid buy-in plans, which might require federal approval, depending on how states craft them.Securing that permission could have a far-reaching impact on who might benefit from a buy-in plan. The plans wouldnt be eligible for the federal matching funds provided in traditional Medicaid. But with Trump administration approval, low-income consumers (those with incomes between one and four times the poverty level) who are eligible for federal subsidies on health insurance exchanges could use that money to pay premiums for Medicaid buy-in plans.Another significant political challenge could come from the insurance industry, which is unlikely to welcome new, government-sponsored competition intended to offer consumers lower prices.Proposals such as Medicaid buy-ins, while well-intentioned, often lack important policy and programmatic details, Cathryn Donaldson, a spokeswoman for Americas Health Insurance Plans, the lobbying arm of the health insurance industry, wrote in an email to Stateline. Instead, she wrote, lets build on proven solutions that work.Medicaid buy-in plans theoretically could provide health coverage more cheaply than commercial plans for several reasons: They arent profit-making enterprises, they would benefit from Medicaids economies of scale, and they likely would reimburse providers at a lower rate than either commercial insurers or Medicare do.John Holahan, a health policy expert at the Urban Institute, said Medicaid buy-in mainly makes sense in states with little competition on their health insurance exchanges and where premiums are high. That describes most of the 14 that have refused to expand their Medicaid plans as originally mandated by the Affordable Care Act.I doubt that states with an ideological opposition to expansion would have any more interest in this, Holahan said.Oregon Rep. Cedric Hayden, the vice-chairman of the House Committee on Health Care, said he and his Republican colleagues would be willing to have an open, interesting conversation about a Medicaid buy-in plan. Oregon, he said, has a unique history of bipartisanship when it comes to health care legislation.Depending on how that would be set up, its certainly not a subject that Im adamantly opposed, he said. But Id like to see the structure.Mike Sprinkle, a Democratic assemblyman in Nevada, said last week he is preparing to introduce a bill this month on Medicaid buy-in. Sprinkle appears to be the first state legislator in the country to introduce Medicaid buy-in legislation, which he first did in 2017.The legislation passed in the Democratic-controlled legislature but was vetoed by Sandoval, who was succeeded this week by a Democrat, Steve Sisolak. The new governor has not indicated whether he supports Medicaid buy-in but did run on a platform of securing affordable health care for all.While premium prices did not rise dramatically for Nevadans on the health exchange this year, Sprinkle said they remain too high for many in the state, particularly in rural areas where consumers only have one insurance carrier.Sprinkle said his bill would open Medicaid to anyone whose income is above 400 percent of poverty ($83,120 a year for a family of three). Federal subsidies would not be available to them. He said the buy-in plan would match benefits offered to those in Nevadas existing Medicaid plan.Because it wouldnt be profit-driven, it would provide a level of stability that the market doesnt have now. People want to know their health insurance is going to be stable for the next three, four, five years so they can plan for it, he said. This would provide that.In New Mexico, the impetus for a buy-in program is to cut down on the number of residents still uninsured, which stood at about 186,000 in 2017. It all starts from the idea that no New Mexican should go without health care because they cant afford it, said Abuko Estrada, a health policy expert at the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, one of the groups that has promoted a buy-in plan.Last year, the legislature called for a study of the idea. A consulting company evaluated four types of buy-in plans, with a range of targeted populations and benefit packages, and whether federal approval would be required.In the end, the consultants recommended that the state pursue the least ambitious choice, one with the smallest targeted population and that would not require federal approval. They said, Lets be realistic; youre not going to get a waiver from the Trump administration, said State Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino, a Democratic backer of Medicaid buy-in.Now being analyzed for costs by Manatt Health, a consulting firm, the chosen option would make the buy-in available to those earning more than 400 percent of poverty and therefore not eligible for federal insurance subsidies. The benefits would be like those offered under traditional Medicaid. Although enrollees would pay premiums and other cost-sharing fees, the plan envisions the state giving financial aid to residents at the lower end of the eligibility range.Ortiz y Pino said the plan would expand coverage by 65,000 to 75,000 people. He said he expects it eventually would cost the state $35 to $45 million a year, although he hopes the plan would be expanded in later years, perhaps with a friendlier administration in Washington.If we can get it on the books, itll become the foundation for even broader efforts in the future, he said. How Will They Pay for Expanded Health Care? On Health Care, Newsom Inspires de Blasio Can a city or a state afford near-universal health care? New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and California's newly sworn-in governor, Gavin Newsom, think so.Earlier this week, both Democratic leaders initiated ambitious plans that would move their jurisdictions toward universal coverage, an idea that has gained traction in progressive circles thanks to support from leaders on Capitol Hill, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.The popular progressive platform permeated state and local politics in the midterm elections. Washington state came close to putting the matter before voters as a ballot initiative; it failed to get enough signatures to qualify. Newsom, meanwhile, campaigned on single-payer, a form of universal health care that has yet to be successfully implemented in any state because of cost concerns.On Monday, hours after being sworn in, Newsom officially proposed changes that would increase the number of insured Californians by close to 400,000 people. His plan would restore the individual mandate, the Affordable Care Act's requirement for people to have health coverage that the Republican Congress repealed in late 2017; expand the number of people eligible for health-care subsidies by 250,000 at an annual cost of $500 million, according to the governor's office; and extend the age -- from 19 to 26 -- that undocumented children could receive Medicaid. The governor says the latter proposal would cost the state $260 million each year and cover an additional 138,000 people.The following day, de Blasio announced the launch of NYC Care, which will coverthe city's600,000 residents who currently lack health insurance-- half of whom are undocumented immigrants and are ineligible for coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). De Blasio also expanded MetroPlus, the citys public option for health care. The estimated price tag for both programs is $100 million a year,according to the mayor's officeNYC Care will launch in The Bronx this summer and will be rolled out in all five boroughs by 2021.Cost is the No. 1 concern for those opposed to universal health care. They worry that covering everyone will come at the expense of other services as well as mounting debt for the government.De Blasio is going to face a market that's already riddle with high costs, which makes his program expensive to operate," says Michael Cannon, director of health policy studies at the libertarian Cato Institute, which opposes single-payer health care.But health policy expertssay resource-rich governments like California and New York have strong enough revenues to cover the cost of expanding health care to segments of the population who fall through the cracks. California is projected to have a budget surplus of $15 billion this year, according to the state's Legislative Analyst Office . New York City ended fiscal 2018 with a $2.6 billion budget surplus , according to the city's comptroller.NYC Care will be funded by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Newsom's proposals, however, will require legislative approval to pay for the programs with taxpayer money.Both California legislative bodies are controlled by Democrats. Still, critics are skeptical that the governor's proposals will win enough support."Newsom has to get through tax increases to pay for health care for undocumented immigrants, and thats going to be a harder sell, and I dont think its going to get passed," says Cannon.Newsom's plan is far cheaper than recent single-payer bills that were projected to cost California from $200 to $400 billion and could have triggered significant tax increases. They failed in the legislature and received criticism from former Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown.When politicians have to come up with money to pay for single-payer, they are no longer fans of single-payer," says Cannon.Newsoms push for universal health care dates back to his time as mayor of San Francisco. He pushed a plan that eventually became Healthy San Francisco. With federal money and local taxes on businesses, the program provides insurance to the uninsured and encourages low-income residents to seek care at local health clinics instead of hospital emergency rooms, which are more expensive.The program was seen as an overwhelming success. Currently, it covers around 14,000 people in the city. Furthermore, Healthy San Francisco enrollees were half as likely to depend on emergency room care as Medicaid recipients, according to a report by the journalDe Blasio's NYC Care mirrors Healthy San Francisco and was triggered by a report that showed public hospitalsin the city were bearing the brunt of indigent hospital visits but being compensated far less than their private-sector counterparts.Public hospitals in the city projected a $6.1 billion shortfall through 2020, according to the city's independent budget office.It may be a long time until single-payer becomes a reality -- if at all. The cost of single-payer means "all the state would do is health care," says Sherry Glied, dean of New York Universitys Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. "You dont want the legislature to be consumed with just the health-care system.In the meantime, single-payer advocates are taking more affordable steps toward their goal. Chinas high-speed rail, as well as online payment solution Alipay, bike sharing, and online shopping, are regarded as the new four inventions in China. Though railway is technically not a recent invention, the development of high-speed railway in China has achieved explosive growth over the past 40 years. Although it stemmed from Japan and prevailed in France, high-speed rail flourished and popularized in China. Today, China boasts some 29,000 km of high-speed rail, more than anywhere else in the world. The massive network of rail connects more than 100 cities in China, from snow-covered mountains to tropical islands. Back in the 1970s, Chinas railway operating mileage was only 51,700 km, with an average speed of less than 40 km/h. By the end of 2018, it registered at 131,000 km, including 29,000 km of high-speed rail, with an average operating speed of 350 km/h. The Fuxing bullet train, the newest and most advanced D-series (the d stands for dongche, which means fast train) train, led by China Railway Corporation, was developed using independent intellectual property rights and is the most advanced high-speed train in the world . It was officially put into use on the Beijing-Shanghai line on June 26, 2017. By the end of 2019, the Fuxing train on the Beijing-Zhangjiakou line is expected to be fully autonomous with a stop speed of 350 km/h, which can fill the void in automatic train operation (ATO) in the world. China has vowed to continually enlarge the scale and coverage area of railway and high-speed rail across the nation, aiming to deliver 3.535 billion of passengers and 3.368 billion tons of cargo delivery. HAVANA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Cuba plans to attract more Chinese visitors in 2019 in light of the growing number of Chinese overseas tourists. "China currently ranks 14th as a tourism market for Cuba, as last year approximately 46,000 Chinese visitors came to our country, representing a 10-percent increase over 2017," Michel Bernal, director of the development sector at the Tourism Ministry (Mintur), told Xinhua in a recent interview. That's a good start. But given the growing number of Chinese tourists traveling the globe, Cuba knows it can do better. It plans to step up promotional campaigns in China about the Caribbean island's varied destinations. Bernal said the majority of Chinese travelers to Cuba arrive from nearby countries and not through the weekly Air China flights connecting Havana and Beijing with a stopover in Montreal, Canada. The route inaugurated at the end of 2015 has seen low passenger rates, and Cuba wants to tackle the "challenge" of filling those empty airline seats, Bernal said. "We have created a working group at Mintur to improve the situation of this flight and we will visit China early this year to talk with travel agencies and tour operators, and promote Cuba as the most important destination in the Caribbean," he added. According to the official, Cuba will participate in relevant tourism fairs in China in 2019. "We currently have tour guides who speak Chinese, which is very important, and at several hotels in Havana, managers that work directly with tour operators who speak Mandarin," said Bernal. Since October, professors from China's Confucius Institutes have been teaching Mandarin at the Tourism School of the University of Havana. Agreements have also been finalized to incorporate Mandarin as a second language at the university's School of Foreign Languages. Two new Chinese restaurants will be opening in Havana this year, said Bernal. According to the official, there's a strategy to boost Chinese investments in the Cuban tourism sectors as it provides confidence for visitors from China. Official figures show Chinese companies are among the leading foreign partners in Cuba's tourism sector, with investments exceeding 700 million U.S. dollars. Ties in tourism represent a significant contribution to strengthening the financial, trade and economic links between the two nations, Bernal said. In the local car rental business, 65 percent of the fleet is Chinese brands. Nearly the entire fleet of buses were manufactured in China. "Every day we want to insert more Chinese products and technologies in the tourism sector. And currently, in addition to buses and vehicles for rent, we have bought air conditioners for rooms in many hotels," said Bernal, adding "we are also assessing other goods for the Cuban hotel industry." Cuba had a record 4.75 million international visitors in 2018 and this year it hopes to attract 5.1 million tourists, which will represent a 7 percent growth. Tourism is the island's second biggest source of foreign revenue. The Cuban government considers it as one of the main driving forces of its economic development. China recently released a promotional video to gather new recruits for the PLA Air Force. BEIJING, Jan. 9 (ChinaMil) -- The Conscription Office of the Ministry of National Defense of the Peoples Republic of China recently released the Notice on Advancing the Preparation for the 2019 Conscription Campaign, setting up instructions for the enlistment campaign this year. According to the Notice, all relevant areas throughout the country should accomplish this years recruitment tasks effectively and agreeably. The national conscription network will begin operation on January 10th for online military service registration, enlistment registration, policy consulting, and other affairs. The Notice also calls for maintaining the trend with college students as the primary source of enlistment, endeavoring to achieve the goal of significantly enhancing the overall quality of new recruits, and steadily increasing the proportion of college graduates, so as to provide more quality new recruits for building a world-class military. The corpse flower also known as titan arum is native to the rain forests of Sumatra. Its regular bloom cycle can take anywhere between five-to-10 years, but only lasts around 24 hours. But with proper care, the blooms... Amazon is reportedly developing its own cloud-based streaming service that would allow players to download and play games. A few sources in the know spoke to The Information about Amazon's plans to join the ranks of Microsoft and Google by developing its own game streaming service, although it seems the service won't be available until 2020. The company is supposedly already reaching out to publishers and developers about possible games that would be distributed as a part of the service. The Verge was able to track down some Amazon job listings to corroborate the report, where the company is currently hiring at least two engineers in Seattle and California specifically to work on Cloud Games," with a third post saying that Amazon has a new game business planned. It will be interesting to see which publishers and developers decide to work with the service. The following blog post, unless otherwise noted, was written by a member of Gamasutras community. The thoughts and opinions expressed are those of the writer and not Gamasutra or its parent company. Kliuless? Gaming Industry ICYMI #18 Hi, my name is Kenny Liu, and I work in Revenue Strategy at Riot Games. Each week I compile a gaming industry insights newsletter that I share with other Rioters, including Riots senior leadership. This edition is the public version that I publish broadly every week as well. Opinions are mine. See more or subscribe at: https://tinyletter.com/kliuless AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order Dr. Kai-Fu Lee's AI Superpowers is the best book I have read about the recent history and near future of China's technology scene. I would highly recommend reading his work in its entirety, but below please find some excerpts I chose to highlight from his blog "Silicon Valley and Chinas internet ecosystem grew out of very different cultural soil Entrepreneurs in the Valley are often the children of successful professionals[.] Growing up they were constantly told that they yes, they in particularcould change the world. Their undergraduate years were spent learning the art of coding from the worlds leading researchers but also basking in the philosophical debates of a liberal arts education. When they arrived in Silicon Valley, their commutes to and from work took them through the gently curving, tree-lined streets of suburban California Its an environment of abundance that lends itself to lofty thinking, to envisioning elegant technical solutions to abstract problems. Throw in Silicon Valleys rich history of computer-science breakthroughs, and youve set the stage for the geeky-hippie hybrid ideology that has long defined Silicon Valley. Central to that ideology is a wide-eyed techno-optimism, a belief that every person and company can truly change the world through innovative thinking. Copying ideas or product features is frowned upon as a betrayal of the zeitgeist and an act that is beneath the moral code of a true entrepreneur. Its all about 'pure' innovation, creating a totally original product that generates what Steve Jobs called a 'dent in the universe' Startups that grow up in this kind of environment tend to be mission-driven. They start with a novel idea or idealistic goal, and they build a company around that. Company mission statements are clean and lofty, detached from earthly concerns or financial motivations In stark contrast, Chinas startup culture is the yin to Silicon Valleys yang: instead of being mission-driven, Chinese companies are first and foremost market-driven. Their ultimate goal is to make money, and theyre willing to create any product, adopt any model, or go into any business that will accomplish that objective. That mentality leads to incredible flexibility in business models and execution, a perfect distillation of the 'lean startup' model often praised in Silicon Valley. It doesnt matter where an idea came from or who came up with it. All that matters is whether you can execute it to make a financial profit. The core motivation for Chinas market- driven entrepreneurs is not fame, glory, or changing the world. Those things are all nice side benefits, but the grand prize is getting rich, and it doesnt matter how you get there" "In my view, that willingness to get ones hands dirty in the real world separates Chinese technology companies from their Silicon Valley peers. American startups like to stick to what they know: building clean digital platforms that facilitate information exchanges. Those platforms can be used by vendors who do the legwork, but the tech companies tend to stay distant and aloof from these logistical details. They aspire to the mythology satirized in the HBO series Silicon Valley, that of a skeleton crew of hackers building a billion-dollar business without ever leaving their San Francisco loft Chinese companies dont have this kind of luxury. Surrounded by competitors ready to reverse-engineer their digital products, they must use their scale, spending, and efficiency at the grunt work as a differentiating factor. They burn cash like crazy and rely on armies of low-wage delivery workers to make their business models work. Its a defining trait of Chinas alternate internet universe that leaves American analysts entrenched in Silicon Valley orthodoxy scratching their heads" Revenue Strategy Washington Post: The app-store war between Netflix and Apple is heating up "A growing number of software companies are looking to bypass the dominant app store gatekeepers at Apple and Google selling their services directly to consumers and undercutting the tech giants that for years have controlled how most of iPhone and Android users discover, download and pay for their apps" Blog: Is 2019 the year that influencer marketing grows up? "I believe that theres a strong chance that in 2019, a major social platform Youtube, Instagram/Facebook, Twitch, or Snapchat fully embraces influencer marketing, by providing influencers / sponsors full access to the tools available to advertisers on their native ad platforms today. This includes tools such as attribution (particularly view-through attribution), native CTA buttons, audience data, and retargeting capabilities" Design Project Horseshoe: Design Practices for Human Scale Online Games [KL: Project Horseshoe is a game design think tank that includes Spry Fox's Daniel Cook] King: Breaking down the metagame design in a mobile RPG PC/Console Nintendo open to moving away from home consoles, says company president The Division 2 coming to Epic Games Store, skipping Steam [KL: one of first AAA releases to do so] Activision Blizzard makes three new major leadership appointments Related: Blizzard CFO poached by Square Inc Paradox Interactive Acquires Prison Architect from Introversion Software Robot Entertainment to shut down Orcs Must Die! Unchained, Hero Academy games Mobile How everyone at Supercell ensures the "creative people are running the show" Related: Supercell's killed games: Celebrating lessons, not failures Rumor: Xiaomi might be making a foldable tablet device of its own XR:AR/MR/VR Opinion: Pokemon Go creator Niantic raises $190 million in a funding round it doesnt need HTC unveils two new standalone VR headsets Vuzix will ship $1,000 consumer Blade AR smart glasses in February DigiLens shows its Crystal design for lightweight augmented reality glasses Audi & Disney want to "spice up" your Uber ride with VR [KL: unclear to me how they would also prevent "throw up" though] China Chinese companies, rallying around Huawei after CFO arrest, urge employees to boycott U.S. rival Apple Chinese censors ring in the new year with six-month cyber crackdown Quantic Foundry: How Chinese and American gamers differ Overtime DUSK and the Design of 90's FPS Games The Sims is integrating with Amazon Alexa devices Amateur esports platform, Super League Gaming, prepares to raise up to $25mm in IPO Tales of an aging gamer: Why dont I pick up a controller as often as I used to? Part Live-Performance Art, Part Video Game, Meditations Takes 365 Days to Experience Chinese students are hooked on homework apps because they have games and sexually explicit content Press A to Study Harder: A new video game captures the anxiety of Chinese parenting The Verge: The 40 Games We Can't Wait to Play in 2019 TouchArcade: Best iPhone Games of 2018 Related: 2018's Best Videogame Soundtracks Related: The best writing in games in 2018 The Bird Box Effect: How Memes Drive Users to Netflix See more or subscribe at: https://tinyletter.com/kliuless China's largest self-propelled vessel, named Tian Kun Hao, returned to Qidong Shipyard in Jiangsu Province after its first trial voyage, reports Xinhua News Agency. The ship, which is owned by China Communications Construction Company, was launched in October. It then started a month-long test of its automated dredging system, which it passed with flying colors. It took the ship's owner five years to develop a stable and high-efficiency dredging process, which the ship can manage automatically. Last year, we opened 2018 urging those who had not yet received a flu shot to get one. This year, for much the same reason, we are repeating that advice. Lee County has again experienced a sharp increase in flu cases in December with Lee Health reporting a jump from fewer than 90 cases during the week of Dec. 8 to more than 310 the week of Dec. 23. While, as of press time, the health care system had not again restricted children 12 and younger from visiting patients in high-risk units such as pediatric intensive care and hematology/oncology, Lee Health is asking that children not visit hospitalized patients while flu is prevalent, and that anyone with flu symptoms not visit as well. And if you think you have the flu? Lee Health advises you to seek medical care by visiting your primary care doctor, a Lee Health Convenient Care, walk-in or an urgent care center where they can diagnose and treat the illness. Lee Health also has some prevention advice with getting the flu vaccine, as well as the pneumococcal vaccine, topping its list. We agree, getting a flu shot makes sense. For almost everyone. The CDC recommends flu shots for anyone 6 months and older. While Florida is not yet among the nine states the U.S. Center for Disease Control now reports with a high-concern level of flu and flu-like activity, this years flu strains have resulted in an anomaly in hospitalizations: The highest hospitalization rate is among children younger than 5. Typically, its adults 65 years and older. While officials say the national hospitalization ranking for children is not overly concerning its older and younger, in that order, who are most at risk of flu-related complications there have been 11 pediatric deaths to date, eight of them in December. For too many, its more than the unpleasantness of fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. On average, 36,000 people die from the virus or related complications each flu season. The best time to get one is at the start of the flu season, around October, as peak season typically runs December through March and it takes two weeks for the inoculation to produce antibodies and so become effective. But its not too late to get one now. If fact, with flu still reported as minimal in Florida, its still a good time to protect yourself and your family ahead of what may be yet to come in February, the worse month for the airborne and contact illness. The Florida Department of Health provides free shots for children in Lee County. Free flu vaccines for children 6 months old through 18 years are available at the departments Immunization Clinic, 3920 Michigan Ave., Fort Myers. Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday. Flu vaccine for adults 19 years and older is $30, with High-Dose flu vaccine for adults 65 years and older $50. Appointments are required and may be made by calling 239-461-6100. Local health care providers and pharmacies all over Lee County also provide flu shots. Visit floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services /prevention/flu-prevention/locate-a-flu-shot.html for additional guidance as to location. Observer editorial Col. David Gibson and Command Sgt. Maj. Kyle Brunell, along with new parents Anysia and Jesse Medrano, cant hide their enthusiasm about their new arrival on New Years Day. The command team visited the Family to offer their congratulations and recognize baby Rowen, CRDAMCs first birth of 2019, with a diaper cake. Army Soldiers assigned to the 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, Minnesota Army National Guard, and the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Army National Guard, pull a patient from a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter during an aeromedical evacuation rehearsal at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. A Chinese airline captain from Shenzhen Donghai Airlines Co., Ltd. was fined 1,2000 yuan (around 1,755 U.S. dollars) for his misconduct. It's reported that the captain's wife flew with him in the cockpit and didn't pay part of the flight route fares. The captain was scheduled to fly two routes on July 28, 2018. One was DZ6286 from Nantong to Zhengzhou first and then land in Lanzhou, the other was DZ6206 from Lanzhou to Beijing. His wife only paid the flight ticket from Nantong to Zhengzhou, but flew with the captain in the cockpit all the way to Beijing without paying the rest of the flight ticket. The official Weibo account of Shenzhen Donghai Airlines released their internal document from August 2. According to the statement, the captain had misused his position in bringing his wife in the cockpit against the airlines' rules. He ignored the fellow crew member's dissuasion and also violated the airline's ticket policy by granting his wife aboard without paying the according flight fare. The captain was reported to be suspended from flying for 6 months, and his teaching qualification got cancelled and was fined 1,2000 yuan. He was also required to pay the rest of his wife's flight fare. His co-pilot was suspended from flying for 15 days and was fined 6,000 yuan. Long-time Pine island resident and Fire Commissioner Dr. Michael Dreikorn announced Monday that he is running for County Commissioner District #1 in the 2020 election. District 1 is currently held by retiring County Commissioner John Manning. Ive been a Pine Island resident since before Hurricane Charlie in 2004, Dreikorn said. I believe I can help bring Lee County where it needs to be with regards to infrastructure, water quality, property rights and sustaining the Old Florida feel of Lee County. Dreikorn, originally from southern California, joined the military at 18 years old and traveled the world. While working in Hartford, Connecticut, Dreikorn found Pine Island on the Internet on a Wednesday, flew down on a Saturday, bought a house on Sunday and moved to the island 3 weeks later. Six months after moving here, Hurricane Charley destroyed my house, Dreikorn said. I could have taken the insurance and lived someplace else but I wanted to stay on Pine Island and Im glad I did. I decided to make my announcement at the Matlacha Bridge because the bridge and the waters are symbolic of some of the problems we are facing, Dreikorn said. District 1 is an important district because it includes most of coastal Lee County. As you know, Lee County has struggled with its representation, especially in the coastal and unincorporated areas, for several years and I mean to change that. What we need is an active commissioner to get things done. The election for the seat will take place in November 2020. Cape Coral City Council debated a pair of issues Monday with each ultimately failing to get a unanimous nod. Mayor Joe Coviello was the lone dissenting vote involving a resolution to authorize City Manager John Szerlag to pay up to maximum when hiring the new Economic Development manager, presumably Ricardo Noguera, who received a conditional offer of employment contingent on Council action. The city manager can, at his discretion, pay a newly hired employee up to the mid-point of a pay grade. With Council approval, he can hire in at a higher rate for the position, in this case at the top of the scale. The position pays $74,672 $119,516.80 per year. Szerlag would like Noguera to start at the maximum, $119,516, with the possibility of a job classification, and so a raise, six months after hire based on performance. Councilmember John Gunter said an EDO manager is one of the most important positions in the city, as he or she is responsible for attracting and retaining business. Councilmember Jennifer Nelson said she was impressed by Nogueras credentials. According to his resume, Noguera has a Masters in City & Regional Planning: Emphasis: Land Use & Community Economic Development from U.C. Berkeley and 27 years of experience, including tenure in South Florida. A city interview panel, consisting of Lee County Manager Roger Desjarlais, interim Assistant City Manager Connie Barron, Community Development Director Vince Cautero and Szerlag, independently and unanimously rated Noguera as the top candidate. Mr. Noguera has extensive experience (more than 25 years) in municipal economic development and redevelopment in the states of California, Florida and Washington With his broad knowledge base and enthusiasm for the job, he will bring a new direction to our economic development efforts, Szerlag said in his memo to Council. An attached background check outlined allegations of discrimination with regards to a hostile work environment in Tacoma, Washington, where Noguera served as the Community and Economic Development Director. It was ultimately resolved via a mediated settlement with neither side accepting fault. Based on positive references and a review of the investigation (or lack thereof), Cape Coral Police Chief David Newlan found that the investigation lacked accuracy and was not meticulous to define a proper disposition. Therefore, it is my recommendation that the City of Cape Coral should move forward and offer Mr. Noguera the position he applied for with the City. Coviello asked about the six-month probation period contained in the citys offer and whether it was standard practice to have it be six months. He did not specify if that was the reason he voted against the higher starting compensation. If Noguera accepts the position, he is expected to start Feb. 4. In other business, Gunter and Councilmember Rick Williams disagreed with the decision to approve the appointment of Kevin Shedd to the Construction Regulation Board. Despite Shedds 40 years of experience in the electrician field and being the holder of a journeymans card, he is not licensed by the state, which was a deal breaker for Gunter. Williams was concerned that since the positions open were for roofing and plumbing, even though Shedd had installed roofs, if that was the best fit. I feel it is important if we had a plumbing or roofing contractor for the position. I feel a person should be a licensed contractor here who is familiar with the codes and regulations, Gunter said. Also, even if it didnt come to a vote, City Council debated who will go on a scheduled visit to China as part of a Sister City program. Nita Whaley spoke to Council about a scheduled visit from a delegation from Baise, China, set for the end of February. She added that part of the agreement would be for a delegation from Cape Coral to go to China, preferable in late April or early May. The delegation would likely include Coviello, Noguera, if hired, Whaley, Barron, JoAnne Killion, Vince Cautero and possibly one council member, along with some private entities who would pay their own way. Coviello said he wanted his assistant, Pearl Taylor, to go, since she had attended the meetings. He said bringing another council member could result in a Sunshine Law issue. But Gunter and others on Council thought it was a bit much. Szerlag agreed the EDO director would be a great choice to go, and said he declined to go himself. City Council voted unanimously to approve $10,000 for the visiting delegation. In other business, the city also formally approved the issuance of $60 million in General Obligation Bonds to finance a wide range of parks and recreation projects. That vote was unanimous. Council also approved an interlocal agreement for joint water quality and storage improvements to Yellow Fever Creek Preserve. Talentsoft, a Paris, France-based provider of learning and human capital management software, closed a $50m funding round. The round was led by Francisco Partners with participation from existing investors Bpifrance and Goldman Sachs. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate international development, invest in HR data management and employee experience innovations, pivot towards a platform open to external applications and strengthen its position as the European leader in HR tech. Founded in France in 2007 and led by CEO Jean-Stephane Arcis, Talentsoft provides cloud-based talent management and learning software to 2,000 clients and 9 million users across the world, and in 27 languages. Its digital platform offers a combination of core HR and HR analytics dashboards, and leverages the synergies between competency management, career paths, and learning opportunities. The application covers core HR and the entire talent management cycle: recruiting, onboarding, performance, talent review, competencies development, learning and compensation. Clients include EDF, Vinci, Lacoste, MaxMara, Toyota Europe, ST Microelectronics, Deutsche Bahn, Dorchester Collection hotels and National Bank of Belgium. FinSMEs 10/01/2019 Sophia Genetics, a Lausanne, Switzerland- and Boston, MA-based health tech company, closed a $77m funding round. The round was led by Generation Investment Management, joined by Idinvest Partners, and existing investors including Balderton Capital and Alychlo. The company, which has now raised a total of $140m, intends to use the funds to accelerate the reach of its data-driven medicine solutions add talent to reinforce its presence in the US. Led by Dr. Jurgi Camblong, CEO and Founder, Sophia Genetics combines expertise in life sciences and medical disciplines with mathematical capabilities in data computing to provide a universal platform, called SOPHiA AI, that enables healthcare professionals to make sense of complex genomic and radiomic data through advanced analysis to diagnose and treat patients, both for oncology and hereditary disorders. It is utilized by more than 850 hospitals across 77 countries and has already supported the diagnosis of over 300,000 patients. FinSMEs 10/01/2019 Chicago, IL-based Pritzker Group Venture Capital (PGVC) promoted three. These include: Sonia Nagar to partner, Ty Findley to vice president, and Eric Duboe to senior associate. Sonia Nagar, who joined PGVC as a vice president in 2016, is an experienced technology leader. Responsible for sourcing, diligence and oversight of investments primarily in the consumer sector, Nagar is a thought leader in e-commerce. Before joining PGVC, Nagar was vice president of product and head of mobile for RetailMeNot, which she joined following its acquisition of the venture-backed e-commerce app she founded in 2011. Nagar previously worked at Booz & Company, Amazon, Goldman Sachs and General Motors. She currently serves on the boards of Interior Define, Sittercity and Curiosity.com. Ty Findley joined PGVC in 2017 as a senior associate. With a focus on Industry4.0 and a particular thesis around supply chain disruption, Findley has built a founder-first reputation within the ecosystem, launching the Chicago Industry4.0 Tech Series Meetup. Since joining PGVC, Findley has led the firms investments in Plus One Robotics, FreightWaves and DroneBase. He currently serves as a board observer for Plus One Robotics and FreightWaves and works closely with portfolio companies such as SMS Assist and Sight Machine. He previously held investment roles at GE Ventures and G51 Capital, where he was responsible for sourcing, diligence execution and board oversight, with a focus on early-stage enterprise technologies. Prior to that, he worked as a product development engineer at Boeing. Eric Duboe, a Chicago-area native, joined PGVC as an associate in 2016. He has quickly established himself as a go-to diligence support leader across all three of the firms industry investment segments, with a primary focus on digital health. Duboe has helped provide deal support on more than 20 investments, currently serves as a board observer for Visibly (formerly Opternative), and works closely with portfolio companies such as SMS Assist and Signal. He previously worked as an investment banking analyst in William Blair & Companys technology group and holds a business-economics degree from Brown University. Duboe is an executive board member for VentureUp, an online and offline network for rising VCs investing in the Midwest, and NorthShore University Health Systems Associate Board. He serves as a mentor for 1871, Healthbox and MATTER. Led by Chris Girgenti, managing partner, Pritzker Group Venture Capital invests predominantly in Series A and Series B companies with particular focus on consumer, digital health, enterprise and emerging technologies. Exits in recent years include IO Data Centers (acquired by Iron Mountain), Cloud Technology Partners (acquired by HPE), Cleversafe (acquired by IBM), Dollar Shave Club (acquired by Unilever), Viv Labs (acquired by Samsung), and Fleetmatics (IPO NYSE: FLTX, acquired by Verizon). FinSMEs 09/01/2019 Piano, a NYC-based content monetization and audience intelligence technology company, raised $22m in Series B funding. The round was led by Updata Partners. The company intends to use the funds to continue to enhance its products and services, to grow across all of its functions, particularly in R&D and client services, and yo expand into new markets and sectors. Led by CEO Trevor Kaufman, Piano provides traditional content companies and digital-first entrants with a monetization and audience intelligence technology platform comprised of an integrated suite of intelligent business tools and includes: a subscription commerce engine, a customer experience toolkit, and a user management system. The company serves over a thousand premium media brands including Business Insider, The Economist, Bloomberg, Mens Health, AdAge, Digiday, The Chive and more. Piano currently employs 180 staff members across seven offices from New York and London to Rio De Janeiro. It is also considering several acquisitions. FinSMEs N26, a Berlin, Germany-based mobile bank, raised $300m in Series D funding. The round, which valued the company at $2.7bn, was led by Insight Venture Partners, with participation from GIC, Singapores sovereign wealth fund, and several existing investors. To date, N26 has raised more than $500m from well known investors including Tencent, Allianz X, Peter Thiels Valar Ventures, Li Ka-Shings Horizons Ventures, Earlybird Venture Capital, Redalpine Ventures and Greyhound Capital. The company intends to use the proceeds to drive global expansion, starting with the US launch of its mobile banking product in the first half of 2019. Led by CEO and co-founder Valentin Stalf (read our article about him here), N26 is building a global mobile bank. Currently operating in 24 markets across Europe (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK), the fully licensed bank has a customer base of more than 2.3 million customers, who currently hold over 1 billion in its accounts. The bank processed more than 20 billion in transaction volume to date. The Android, iOS, and desktop app features real-time notifications and no fees on card payments worldwide. Future functionalities will include sharing accounts. N26, which employs more than 700 employees across Berlin, New York and Barcelona, aims to reach over 100 million customers worldwide in the coming years. FinSMEs 10/01/2019 The Sino-U.S. trade talks held in Beijing have concluded and the results will be released soon, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told a daily news briefing on Wednesday. The talks were scheduled to be held in Beijing from Monday to Tuesday, but were prolonged to Wednesday. "The prolonged talks show the commitment both sides have put into the trade talks. If good results come out of the trade talks between the two countries, they will not only benefit both China and the U.S., but also be good news for the world economy," Lu Kang said. The U.S. delegation was led by Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish and accompanied by senior officials from the White House, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, and Treasury, according to the USTR. On January 4, the two sides, in a vice minister-level telephone call, agreed to implement the consensus reached in Argentina in December, and start positive and constructive talks. Feed tests reveal lower digestibility New seasonal feed quality test results showing the stark differences between wet and dry seasons have underlined the need for end users to measure and know what they are feeding. The Kindred Group, a large, international online gambling company, is going to court against a Norwegian regulator. The subsidiary of the company that made the decision to do so is accusing the regulator of unjustly blocking their app and payment systems, and preventing them from providing gambling services in the country. The company believes such actions from the regulator to be unjust and, supported by the rest of the Kindred Group, will be pursuing legal action against it. The suit has been filed against the Lotteritilsynet in the Oslo City Court. The Lotteritilsynet is a subsidiary of the ministry of culture of Norway and a response is being expected from them in the nearest future. Though it is unclear what stance the ministry will be taking at this time, a spokesperson from them has said that the ministry is working on the case and will be providing a response soon enough. Limited licensing in Norway The citizens of Norway are permitted to gamble online, but only with state-owned companies that have been licensed within the country, which there are two of. The Norwegian government has been trying to push out any private organizations from the country by denying them licenses. Still, Norwegian citizens persist in their attempts to gable with private, international companies. Indeed there is little to no restriction to whether they would be able to do this or not. In their attempt to stop Norwegian citizens from gambling with international companies, the government has been attempting to restrict their presence within the country. This is being done by blocking the apps or payments systems offered by these international companies. This has been viewed as unjust by the Kindred Group, who have decided to take the case to court. Sources: https://norskecasino.casino/nyheter/kindred-saksoker-norsk-gamblingregulator/ http://www.igamingbusiness.com/news/kindred-begins-legal-action-against-norwegian-regulator An unjust limitation According to the legal representative from the Kindred Group subsidiary, they believe this to be unjust. The companies that are being engaged by the Norwegian citizens are based outside of the country, where Norway has no authority over them. Blocking Norwegian citizens from accessing these websites and their services, including apps and payments systems, is unjust and a violation of the citizens and the companys rights. According to them, citizens should be free to access any service they wish to access, even if the Norwegian regulator is unable to or refuses to provide licensing to such companies. The year 2018 has been marked by the Norwegian government doing their best to restrict all unlicensed companies from the market. They are rolling out regulation which will block financial transactions to such companies in the future. It seems that the previous agreement with Apple to remove any unlicensed gambling apps from the Norwegian app store has not been sufficient from preventing citizens from gambling with international companies. It is interesting what the outcome of this lawsuit will be, as the results might determine the future of the Norwegian online gambling industry. If the Lotteritilsynet is proven wrong, this might set precedent for other international gambling companies in the region to try and emulate. Apple Tree Partners, a New York-based life sciences venture capital firm, has announced 4 team promotions. These include: Sam Hall, Ph.D., has been promoted to Partner, Aaron Kantoff has been promoted to Partner, Christine Borowski, Ph.D., has been promoted to Principal, and Jernej Godec, Ph.D., has been promoted to Senior Associate, who joins Chris Cain, Ph.D., also a Senior Associate. Aaron Kantoff joined the firm in 2011 and has played a key role in developing several ATP portfolio companies, serving on the boards of Akero Therapeutics, Corvidia Therapeutics, Elstar Therapeutics, Limelight Bio, and is a Board Observer of Stoke Therapeutics. He also was a board member of Syntimmune, acquired by Alexion in 2018. Prior to joining ATP, Aaron was a partner at the investment company Recess Global, LLC, and was a member of the investment banking team at Rothschild, Inc. Sam Hall joined ATP in 2013 and serves on the boards of Elstar Therapeutics, Limelight Bio, and Stoke Therapeutics. He also was a member of Syntimmunes Board of Directors. Sams experience in the life sciences includes roles as a private equity investor, investment banker and basic scientist. Previously, he served as a researcher at the University of Cambridge in the UK with a focus on autoimmune diseases, and previously as a member of the investment team of Symphony Capital. Christine Borowski joined ATP in 2017 as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence and has been involved in cultivating the next wave of ATP life sciences companies. Prior to joining ATP, she was Editor-in-Chief at Nature Medicine and a Senior Editor of Nature Biotechnology. Jernej Godec joined ATP in 2016. He has played an important role in building Elstar Therapeutics, acting as Board Observer and previously as Director of Business Development and Corporate Strategy. Prior to ATP, he was a VentureLabs Fellow at Flagship Ventures. Chris Cain joined ATP in 2016. He has contributed across the portfolio and has helped spearhead ATPs growing late stage investing practice. Prior to ATP, he was an Associate at RA Capital Management, and previously was a writer and editor at BioCentury Publications. Apple Tree Partners is a venture capital firm dedicated to building transformative life sciences businesses, actively investing its fourth fund, with $1.5 billion in capital commitments. ATP considers therapeutics and medical device investments at all stages, from discovery research through to commercialization and takes a long-term view to create sustainable value. FinSMEs 09/01/2019 This Page Is Under Construction - Coming Soon! Why am I seeing this 'Under Construction' page? Written by ACM *Strasbourg/Angelo Marcopolo/- The critical Findings of a joint Report adopted both by Pan-European CoE and Trans-Atlantic OSCE this Week-End, Challenge the Legitimacy of Turkish Elections, including those of 2018, on which are based the current Government and President of Turkey, also because of Last-Minute Changes impacting the Vote's Results. Decided by slightly more than only 2% or 3%, those Presidential and Parliamentary Elections had been already accused by the EU, OSCE a.o. for UnEqual Conditions, exceptional Restrictions to Freedom of Expression and/or Assembly, under State of Emergency, etc., to which, NGOs and Medias had also added alleged "Stuffing" of Ballots, particularly in certain key areas, etc. Now, the 61 Member States' strong (including EU Countries, Russia, Brazil, Magbreb [Algeria/Tunisia/Morocco], Korea, Brazil, Mexico and USA, i.e. 1,6 Billions of People) CoE's body of Top Legal Experts on Democracy and Human Rights through Law, known as "Venice Commission", together with OSCE's, 57 Member States strong, specialized ODHIR Office, focused mainly on "Last-Minute" Changes in Turkey's Electoral Laws, suddenly introduced by Ankara's Government on March and April 2018, i.e. shortly before the "Early" Presidential and Parliamentary Elections of June 2018. - Even if "Venice Commission"'s Reports usually concern Future moves by the concerned States, nevertheless, in the Exceptional Circumstances of this Turkish case, they inevitably concern also that Recent Event, CoE body's Head on Elections, Pierre Garrone from Switzerland, confirmed, speaking to "Eurofora". Significantly, the move responded to an Official Demand made by CoE Assembly's (PACE) "Monitoring" Committee, on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by CoE's Member States, initiated by PACE's Co-Rapporteurs on Turkey's Obligations, (Marianne Mikko from Estonia and Nigel Evans from the UK), and transmitted by that Committee's President, Sir Roger Gale, from the Governing Brittish Conservative party, with an Official Statement of the Majority of MEPs, expressing "Deep Concern", and Warning that the recent Situation in Turkey "will Impede ... genuinely Democratic Elections", so that, "the overall Legitimacy of these Elections is at Stake", asking "to Postpone" them ! - Turkey has to "Abide" by "CoE's Fundamental values, including the holding of Free and fair Elections", stressed the Statement of that key body of CoE's Assembly, from whose "Green Light" practically Depends EU's decision to hold, or Not, Pre-Accession Negotiations with a Candidate Country, which have recently been practically Stalled with Turkey, and Nowadays face even an Explicit Call inside EU Parliament to Officially "Freeze" them asap, while the Majority of EU Citizens in several Important EU Countries (including France and Germany, etc) notoriously Want to bring Ankara's controversial and unpopular EU bid to a clear End. ----------------------------- PACE's Monitoring Committee had already expressed its "Deepest Concern", (since April 2018), for the holding of those "Early" Elections, (on June 2018), in the Conditions currently existing in Turkey. The main Findings of the joint Report adopted Now by CoE and OSCE (comp. Supra), focus on "Amendments (which) Substantialy Change the Rules", and were "adopted ...only 1 Month prior to calling ...Snap Elections", unusually "Early" : "1,5 Years Ahead of Schedule", and "on the Same Day (that was) approved the ...Extension of the State of Emergency", as PACE's "Monitoring" Committee had already deplored previously, expressing "its Deepest Concern", both because "Changing the Election Rules 3 Months Before Election Day" "Contrary to International Standards", "in a Hasty and Non-Inclusive way", as well as since "it is Impossible to hold genuinely Democratic Elections under the State of Emergency", added even to still "on-going Security Operations in South-East Turkey"'s predominantly Kurdish population regions. - "Serious Questions" are raised, on "several" of these Last-Minute Changes of Rules, "about Election Security, Transparency and possible Interference of the Executive" in those Votes, PACE's Committee had Warned, pointing, f.ex., on "the possible presence of Police forces in polling Stations, which could have a Deterrent effect on Voters", and on "the decision to Accept Non-Stamped Ballot Papers", which risks Stuffing Ballots, etc. - Already, such "Late Amendments" to Electoral Law (Comp. Supra) "raise 4 Concerns" : 1) They "may Undermine ... a Fair and Stable Framework ... providing... an Equal playing ground". 2) "In particular, if they are Rushed, may be Detrimental to an ...Inclusive ...process". 3) "Might be perceived, ...as politically Biased, that is as Intended to (Dis)Advantage some Political Parties and Candidates", "Undermining Trust" in such Elections. 4) "Diminish the opportunity... to become Informed, ...and Limit the needed Time for ... Preparations, including (administrative) Training and Voter Education". CoE and OSCE point out. - Such Late Changes were normaly Excluded by the Turkish Constitution, (which required at least "1 Year" before the Elections), but this was Modified in the 2017 Constitutional Reform. However, even the latest's, Shorter Time "Deadline" : "6 Months", was "Significantly Exceeded" by those March-April 2018 Changes to June 2018 Elections... - This became a fortiori problematic since Many of those "Late Amendments" touched upon "Fundamental Elements of the Electoral System", provoking "particular Concern", CoE and OSCE critically observe : 1) "One" was the "Introduction" of Parties' "Alliances ... in relation to the 10% Electoral Threshold", "very High in Turkey", which "regulates the Transformation of Votes into Seats", and "Impacts a Fundamental Element" : "At the (Late) Time of its Adoption it was Clear ... that this ... could have a Significant Impact on the Electoral Results", and, "indeed", it had "a Direct Impact, ...as it Allowed the junior Partner in the (Nationalist) Opposition Coalition, the (New) <>, to Meet the Threshold and thus be Represented in Parliament", (while, on the Contrary, the pro-Peace and Democracy, pro-Kurdish "HDP" Party, was attributed Less MPs than otherwise expected). Moreover, that exceptionally High 10% Threshold had been, in the Past, tolerated in the case of Turkey, mainly on the Pretext to form "Stable" Governments, but Now, after the recent Introduction of a Presidential regime where it's the President who forms any Government (2017), there is "No longer" any "major Justification" for that, and it should be "Reconsidered", CoE and OSCE found. 2) Those "Amendments" also "Changed the Composition and Leadership of the Ballot Box Committees", "by Introducing (Government-Controlled) Civil Servants", including for their "President"; "while, Previously, (only) Party-Nominees were BBC Presidents". Another "Fundamental" point. Particularly when, "due to the perceived Lack of Independence of Turkey's Civil Service from the Political Powers, it's Hard to see how ...BBCs can be considered Impartial, as Required by the Code of Good Practice in Electoral Manners". In Addition the Turkish Supreme Board of Elections (SBE), ("a Powerful State Organ, which, in addition to Organising elections, also makes final Decisions in electoral Disputes and on the electoral Result, withOut possibility of judicial Review"), and is composed mainly by "Judges", became "Extremely Problematic" on "Independence" after the 2017 "Constitutional Reform" which allows the Turkish President to Control Judges and Prosecutors Directly and/or via its Parliamentary Majority, CoE and OSCE found. 3) Evenmore, "Several Important Safeguards, for Transparency and ...Security, were Affected by the ... Amendments..., which may Undermine the Integrity of Elections". F. ex. : - "Allowing Ballots that have Not been Stamped by the BBCs to be considered Valid". "This increases the Risk of Ballot (or Envelope) Stuffing", the Report Denounces. Indeed, "Other safeguard Measures, such as the WaterMark on Ballots, ... are Not a Guarantee that it wasn't Brought in from Outside the Polling Station", and "this Undermines the Voters' Right to an Accurae Assessments of the Ballot's Results". On the Contrary, "Stamping the Ballots or Envelopes is ... a Safeguard that a person is Not able to put More than 1 Ballot into the Ballot Box simultaneously, by Ensuring that Additional Ballots canNot be Brought into a Polling Station". But the Turkish Amendments "do Not ... establish a Procedure", neither "Clear and Objective Criteria" on "Whether an "UnStamped Ballot was ...due to Negligence, or ...Fraud, leaving room for Arbitrary application". Indeed, alleged "Widespread Stuffing", (mainly in favour of pro-Government Extremist "MHP" Party), impacted these Turkish Elections, particularly in the South-East, also according to Data cited in a "Washington Post" Article, as reported by a reference noted by "Wikipedia", among others. - "The possibilities" : * "for (Central Government-Controlled)) Governors and Presidents of provincial Electoral Boards (Comp Supra) to request Moving or merging Polling Stations", under "Security" pretexts. This "raises additional Concerns about ImPartiality", CoE and OSCE Warned, considering also that this "Legislation does Not include Strict, Clear, Objective Parameters for its application", speaking Only about "Security", with a "Wide Margin of Appreciation, which could be Abused, and Lacks Transparency". "ReLocation of a Polling Station may make it Difficult for Voters to exercice their Rights", and it "was Extensively Used in the 2018 Elections", triggering "Claims" that it "Limited Access to the Vote of the Kurdish Population", while "Numerous formal Complaints were lodged". * even "for Voters living in the Same Building Address, to be assigned to Different Polling Stations"; Turkish "Authorities" claimed that it "protected the Secrecy of Vote", but Others "were Concerned that" this "allowed Fraudulent Voting ...(e.g. Deceased Votes to be Registered)" and a "Difficulty for Parties, Voters and Observers to Control the Voting Lists", in Addition to "the Distance of Voters from Polling Stations". * as well as for "the SBE to Determine the Number of Voters per Polling Station", which is "No Longer" Fixed by Law : A "Discretion" which "may lead to OverCrouding or Discrepancies between Polling Stations, Denying in practice the Right to Vote in some areas" : F.ex., "give Advantages to Majority political parties if More polling Stations are set up in the regions with wider Support for them, while Fewer polling stations are set up in regions where the support is wider among Opposition parties", etc. "Moreover, Voters should be Informed, well in Advance", and "Distance and Transport means ...considered". CoE and OSCE are for "Equality in the Size of Polling Stations", with "a Maximum Number of Voters" to be provided by Law. * and for "Any Voter to request Law-Enforcement presence in Polling Stations", ("in Violation" of International Standards); as well as the "Increased Access for Law-Enforcement Personnel to Buildings housing Polling Stations"; But this may "Disrupt the Voting process by repeated and Unwarranted calls for Security Forces", while "a high level of Unreasoned presence of Police officers in the Polling Stations could Hamper a smooth Voting free from Intimidation", CoE and OSCE Warned. A fortiori when Amendments also "Restrict" the "Ballot Box Area" only "to the <> in which a Ballot Box is placed", while, "Before" that, BBArea "also Included a 100 metre Radius Around the Polling Station" : But, by "Narrowing the BBArea", this "also" Extends a possible "presence of Security Forces", "Allowing" it even "in the immediate Vicinity of the Polling Station, including in Hallways of the Buildings that House" them, "where Voters are Queuing", and this "could have an Intimidating effect". * "the Introduction of Mobile Ballot Boxes", (officially due to help Handicaped persons,"unable to be physically present at Polling Stations"), "should" be placed "under Strict Conditions, Avoiding all Risks of Fraud", according to International Standards, and "defined ... in the Legislation, to provide ...Stabiity, ...Predictability; ...Transparency and ...Trust", the Report found. (Etc.+) - "Adding to (CoE + OSCE's) Concerns"; such "Amendments were adopted in a Hasty manner, withOut proper Consultation ..(of) the opposition Parties and Civil Society", "moreover made in a State of Emergency, Limiting ...Democratic Debate and the Free Expression of a Plurality of Views", despite the fact that they "may have Significant Consequences for the exercice iof Suffrage Rights" and "the Electoral Result". => In Consequence, "Taken Together", all those Late and "Significant Amendments" (Comp. Supra), "their Timing and Process", (added to the pre-existing Lack of Judicial Review of the decisions of the Supreme Board of Elections [SBE],including on Final Election Results", and to a "system of Seat Allocation to Constituencies, which results in a significant Differential in the Number of Votes per parliamentary seat, ... Inconsistent with ... Equality of the vote"), => "Challenge the Legitimacy of Turkish Electoral legislation", CoE and OSCE concluded. ------------- + All these Findings are Added, according to CoE Assembly's "Monitoring" Committee's earlier official Statement mentioned above (Comp. Supra), also to the well Known Fact that "the State of Emergency has, since July 2016, led to Disproportional measures and Unacceptable Restrictions of fundamental Freedoms - in particular freedom of Expression, Media, and Assembly. It has Affected Negatively and disproportionally Oppositional and critical Voices", while "No Progress was achieved since then" : A significant number of Parliamentarians from the opposition (10), Journalists (about 150) and Human Rights Defenders remain in Detention, while Many Other face legal cases on Terror-related Charges. Many NGOs were Closed down. Numerous Media have also been Closed down, or Bought up by pro-Government businessmen. A newly adopted Law has Tightened the control of On-Line broadcasting", (etc). - Even "Repeated" previous Denonciations, by CoE's Assembly and CoE's Anti-Corruption Watchdog "GRECO", related to "Media Coverage, and Funding of Electoral Campaigns and Political Parties" in Turkey, still remain "UnAdressed", "Regretted" PACE's Monitoring Committee. ----------------- => That's why PACE's Monitoring Committee's official Call to "Postpone" those Turkish Elections (Comp. Supra) had been adopted already as Early as since April 2018, i.e. 2,5 Months Before the Date Scheduled for the controversial Votes of 24 June 2018, and it's obviously in order to Support this move, that MEPs had asked CoE's "Venice Commission" Top Legal Experts to examine also those Last-Minute Changes to Turkey's Electoral Law, (f.ex. at their Meeting of 21-22 June 2018). >>> But, curiously, "Venice Commission"s reaction was Delayed, for unknown yet reasons or pretexts, (particularly in order to Publish the Full Text of its Report), up to ... 17 December 2018 ! However, this CoE's latest Critical Publication almost Coincides with a renewed outbreak of Turkish Government's threats against Syrian Kurds (EU + USA's Allies against ISIS' Islamist Terrorists cowardly Targetting even Civilian People), provocations vis a vis Cyprus and Greece, Interferences in France's internal affairs, and a Trend to Augment the Number of Irregular Migrants/Mass Asylum Seekers send to Europe by Turkish Smugglers, (despite more than 3 Billions wasted by the EU in a controversial attempt to convince Ankara to prevent that), which are Raising EU, USA's and Other Countries' Concerns. Meanwhile, the Dates for the Next CoE Assembly's Plenary Session, on January 2019, and for EU Parliament's debate and vote on a New (and more Critical) Report on Turkey's controversial and unpopular EU bid, shortly Before the forthcoming May 2019 European Elections, are Approaching. (../..) ---------------------------------- *** (NDLR : "DraftNews", as already send, Earlier, to "Eurofora"'s Subscribers/Donors. A more accurate, full Final Version, might be Published asap). * Myanmar will launch Mekong-Lancang Cultural Exchange Youth Camp with the use of Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Fund, aiming at enhancing cooperation between cultural groups and youth artists from six Mekong-Lancang countries, Myanmar News Agency reported on January 10. * The Republic of Korean President Moon Jae-in welcomed the offer by Kim Jong-un, the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), to resume inter-Korean cooperation projects during his New Year press conference on January 10. * The DPRK leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping had in-depth discussions on how to "jointly study and steer" the situation on the Korean peninsula and denuclearisation talks, DPRK's state media KCNA said on January 10. * Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel replaced his transport and finance ministers this week in his first cabinet reshuffle since forming his own government in July and amid a cash crunch and growing discontent with the island's transport sector. * Britain's finance minister Philip Hammond said it would be against British people's interests to leave the European Union without an exit deal, but declined to say how the government would respond if parliament refused to back its Brexit plans. * Mexican authorities will meet with Central American officials to prepare for the arrival of a planned new caravan of migrants headed to the United States next week. * Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, a state-owned Israeli technology company, announced on January 9 that it has sold the US military "Trophy" protection systems for vehicles in a deal worth US$200 million. * Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on January 9 called on the public to be patient and cooperative as the government's strategy to combat fuel theft disrupted supplies to gas stations, leading to long lines of vexed motorists. * German officials are racing to bolster cyber security after a far-reaching data breach carried out by a 20-year-old student laid bare the vulnerability of Europes largest economy ahead of a critical European Parliament election in May. * Democratic Republic of Congo's electoral commission on January 10 declared opposition candidate Felix Tshisekedi the winner of the Dec. 30 presidential election. * The US-led coalition fired 15 missiles on the last two towns controlled by the Islamic State (IS) group in the eastern Euphrates River region in eastern Syria on January 9, a war monitor reported. * The UN humanitarian chief on January 9 called for progress on the humanitarian front in Yemen following the implementation of a ceasefire that largely restored Hodeidah to calm. * Morocco produced 35 percent of its electrical power in 2018 from renewable energy sources, said here on January 9 Moroccan Minister of Energy, Mining and Sustainable Development Aziz Rabbah. Demoney Elementary School in Estherville was evacuated for about an hour Thursday morning after the smell of smoke was detected. Firefighters and rescue workers from Estherville and Wallingford were on the scene. The source of the smoke smell was located and students returned to classes shortly before 11 a.m. Thursday. The Estherville News will have more details. During a special public meeting that lasted about one hour and 45 minutes, the Estherville Parks & Recreation board voted unanimously to move forward with the municipal pool committees design and the Regional Wellness Center site, the only site option still considered. The purpose of the meeting was to review the condition of the existing pool on the west side of Estherville, to present the pool committees design as well as alternate designs from Dave Burbach, and to present a timeline of the steps needed to make the new pool a reality. City administrator Penny Clayton said the Parks & Rec board would pick up where the pool committee left off. Dave Burbach of Burbach Aquatics, Inc. in Platteville, Wisconsin, said the basin is unstable due to movement from thaw and freeze cycles. Engineers from Burbach examined the pool extensively and reviewed flood plain maps that indicated river flooding would also have a detrimental effect on the pool. We knew the existing pool had come to the end of its useful life, Burbach said. The technical evaluation of the pool found that water was leaking as it left the pool vessel and the pumps and filters were not working properly. Adding in the fact that any major renovation of the pool would mean the pool would have to be brought completely up to code would mean repairs would cost an estimated $4 million. The ADA standards under which the existing pool was operating included accessibility up to the pool wall. Now accessibility is required to enter the pool. This is one reason zero depth entry has become popular in modern pool design. What we look at when evaluating a new pool vessel is whether we can get a 50-year life out of it. When we examine a pool repair, were looking for a 25-year life, Burbach said. To repair the existing pool in the flood plain, there would be no possibility of changing its footprint in any way. Some of the older pool vessels built in flood plains have floated. Thats never good. It really is just throwing good money after bad, Burbach said. Board member Bob Jensen said the brief consideration the board undertook to fix the existing pool so it would last perhaps the next two seasons came at an estimated $50,000 just to fix the filters, paint, and clean the joints. There would be no guarantee further, unseen damage wouldnt make the pool unusable anyway. Spending $50,000 seemed like a waste of money for a risky situation, Jensen said. In the course of reviewing the amenities and advantages of three pool designs, Bob Jensen made a motion to accept the original design created by the Estherville municipal pool committee and move forward with that design at the RWC site, the only site still under consideration. The Parks & Rec Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion, setting forth the first step in a timeline that spans at least to the summer of 2021 before the first splash in the new pool. With the decision made, Clayton said the city would apply for an Emmet County Community Foundation grant this month. A bond referendum could be presented in May, 2019 and conducted in August. If passed, the city will apply for additional grants to lower the bond amount. Plans and specifications will be let for bids in the fall of 2019 along with a capital campaign cabinet. Construction would then begin in 2020 with the pool open in the summer of 2021. What if the bond referendum doesnt pass? Burbach said in his four decades of working with municipal pools he has seen it happen. We have to pause for six to eight months, talk to folks to find out why the majority did not support the plan. Then we set it for a second vote about a year later. Members of the Parks & Rec Board set out the positive aspects of the pool. The board has passed a viable plan. The city council is behind the plan The RWC supports the plan. What would local swimmers enjoy at the new municipal pool? Zero depth entry A body slide flume Six lanes for lap swimming and a 10-foot depth area for diving A generous play area for splashing around A lily pad for jumping and nets for hanging and climbing The estimated cost: $4.3 million Burbach said in his 40 years of pool construction, the idea of the pool is rarely the issue. The fight comes over the location. People have attachments to certain locations, sentimental values, memories of things that happened at the pool they consider theirs. Tasha Welch said while she is enthusiastic about the new pool, she was hesitant about the RWC location due to trucks going by, no residential homes in the area, and the possible smell from the rendering plant and other nearby industry. Other citizen questions related to finances, accessibility, and whether the board could gather the community support needed to make the pool happen. Shari Bisgaard said, We need a pool in Esthervillewe need to move forward. Lets come together as a community, stay positive and let it happen. Jensen said the RWCs plans for a new splash pad have it opening June 30, 2019. The splash pad will add to the excitement. The city will be without a municipal pool whether or not the referendum passes for the 2019 and 2020 seasons. The city plans to continue a contract with the RWC to have open swimming available at its indoor pool during the swimming season for the same price as the municipal pool. While attendance was down in the summer of 2018, an earlier start and more promotion could improve attendance, especially with the splash pad on the RWC property Rembrandt van Rijn revolutionized painting with a 3D effect using his impasto technique, where thick paint makes a masterpiece protrude from the surface. Thanks to the ESRF, three centuries later an international team of scientists led by the Materials Science and Engineering Department of TU Delft and the Rijksmuseum have found how he did it. Impasto is thick paint laid on the canvas in an amount that makes it stand from the surface. The relief of impasto increases the perceptibility of the paint by increasing its light-reflecting textural properties. Scientists know that Rembrandt, epitome of the Dutch Golden Age, achieved the impasto effect by using materials traditionally available on the 17thcentury Dutch colour market, namely lead white pigment (a mixture of hydrocerussite Pb 3 (CO 3 ) 2 .(OH) 2 and cerussite PbCO 3 ), and organic mediums (mainly linseed oil). The precise recipe was, however, unknown until today. Plumbonacrite, Pb 5 (CO 3 ) 3 O(OH) 2 is the mysterious, missing ingredient of the impasto effect, researchers from The Netherlands and France have discovered. It is extremely rare in historic paint layers. It has been detected in some samples from 20th century paintings and in a degraded red lead pigment in a Van Gogh painting. We didnt expect to find this phase at all, as it is so unusual in Old Masters paintings, explains Victor Gonzalez, main author of the study and scientist at the Rijksmuseum and Delft University of Technology. Whats more, our research shows that its presence is not accidental or due to contamination, but that it is the result of an intended synthesis, he adds. The European Synchrotron, ESRF, played an essential role in these findings. The team sampled tiny fragments from the Portrait of Marten Soolmans (Rijksmuseum), Bathsheba (The Louvre) and Susanna (Mauritshuis), three of Rembrandts masterpieces. Using the ESRFs beamlines, they quantified the crystalline phases in Rembrandts impasto and in the adjacent paint layers, modelled the pigment crystallites morphology and size and obtained crystalline phase distribution maps at the microscale. The samples were less than 0.1mm in size, requiring the small and intense beam delivered by the synchrotron. The scientists analysed them on two ESRF beamlines, ID22 and ID13, where they combined High-angular Resolution X-Ray Diffraction (HR-XRD) and micro-X-Ray Diffraction (-XRD) . In the past, we have already successfully used the combination of these two techniques to study lead-white based paints. We knew that the techniques can provide us with high quality diffraction patterns and therefore with subtle information about paint composition, explains Marine Cotte, scientist at the ESRF, 2018 Descartes-Huygens Prize laureate for her research on art conservation. Part of the team during the experiments on ID13. From left to right: Marine Cotte, Martin Rossenthal and Victor Gonzalez. The analysis of the data showed that Rembrandt modified his painting materials intentionally. The presence of plumbonacrite is indicative of an alkaline medium. Based on historical texts, we believe that Rembrandt added lead oxide (litharge) to the oil in this purpose, turning the mixture into a paste-like paint, explains Cotte. The breakthrough yields the path for the long-term preservation and conservation of Rembrandts masterpieces. However, the number of samples studied is not extensive enough to assess if lead white impastos systematically contain plumbonacrite. We are working with the hypothesis that Rembrandt might have used other recipes, and that is the reason why we will be studying samples from other paintings by Rembrandt and other 17th Dutch Masters, including Vermeer, Hals, and painters belonging to Rembrandts circle, explains Annelies van Loon, scientist at the Rijksmuseum. Scientist Marine Cotte on beamline ID21. Credits: Steph Cande. In addition to this, the team will reconstruct specific impasto-like samples, preparing and ageing them under CO 2 rich and CO 2 free atmospheres (to assess the origin of carbonates in plumbonacrite) and in humid and dry conditions (to assess the effect of water). This work, led by the Materials Science and Engineering Department of the Delft University of Technology and the Rijksmuseum is a collaboration between academia (Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris, Sorbonne University and University of Amsterdam), Cultural Heritage research institutes (C2RMF: Centre de Recherche et des Restauration des Musees de France), museums (Rijksmuseum and Mauritshuis) and the ESRF. Reference: Gonzalez V., et al, Angewandte Chemie, 7th January 2018. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201813105 Text by Montserrat Capellas Espuny This is the second time Vietnam has hosted the forum, which is the largest annual event in ASEAN tourism cooperation. The first time Vietnam hosted the event was in 2009. Addressing the conference, MCST Deputy Minister Le Quang Tung stressed that the ATF 2019 is a great opportunity for ASEAN nations, and in particular Vietnam, to promote their unique destinations to international partners and businesses as well as major news agencies in the region and the around the world. Themed ASEAN The Power of One, the ATF 2019 will be attended by more than 2,000 delegates, including tourism ministers, leaders of national tourism agencies, travel agents, hotels and resorts, airlines, and news agencies. The event will feature a string of activities, including the ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting, the meeting of leaders of the ASEAN national tourism organisations, the ASEAN Tourism Forum on Travel Exchange (Travex), and the award-ceremony for the ASEAN Tourism Awards, among others. Emporia, KS (66801) Today Isolated thunderstorms during the evening. Mainly clear skies after midnight. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Isolated thunderstorms during the evening. Mainly clear skies after midnight. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%. The Vietnamese goodwill ambassador for cherry blossom must have a passion for enhancing the Vietnam-Japan friendship, knowledge of and interest in Japan and a N4-level Japanese speaking ability. Unmarried Vietnamese women who are over 18 years old and live in Hanoi are eligible to apply for the selection, which will last from January till March 2019. The winner will be introduced to the public at the opening ceremony of the festival, scheduled to take place on the evening of March 29. The festival features many cultural exchanges, including a display of Japanese cherry blossoms and various special Vietnamese flowers. Japanese tea culture, chess, Yosakoi a unique style of dance staged by large teams - and folk games, along with Vietnamese arts such as ca tru (ceremonial singing) and hat xam (blind wanderers music) will also be introduced during the festival. Visitors at the festival will have a chance to taste Japanese and Vietnamese dishes to be showcased at around 20 pavilions at the Hanoi Childrens Palace. There will also be investment and tourism promotion conferences, and exchange programmes on education and healthcare. Jointly held by the Hanoi Peoples Committee and the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, the festival aims to promote the images of the country, culture and people of Japan, and bring Vietnamese and Japanese people closer together. Japan's beef to help lead agricultural exports to US$9 billion record Beef will help spearhead Japan's agricultural exports to reach a target of JPY1 trillion (US$9.2 billion) in 2019, as global demand rises for sushi, sake and shochu spirits, Nikkei Asia Review reported. Japan's beef exports could reach an annual record for 2018, with January-October shipments rising about 30% on the year to JPY18.8 billion (US$174.3 million). The freight-on-board price averaged $65 per kilogramme, with demand strong for pricey parts like sirloin in Hong Kong, Taiwan and the US. According to Japanese Chief Secretary Yoshihide Suga, "[agricultural exports] target of one trillion yen is fully in sight" for 2019. Exports of farm, fishery and forestry products increased 15% on the year to JPY734.1 billion's (US$6.8 billion) worth in the January-October period of 2018, the agriculture ministry said. 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A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 58F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 58F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chinese State Councilor Wang Yong (L, back), also a deputy head of the Work Safety Committee of the State Council, speaks at a national video and telephone conference on production safety in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 9, 2019. Chinese State Councilor Zhao Kezhi (R, back), also a deputy head of the Work Safety Committee of the State Council, presided over the conference. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] The Ugandan government is still in talks with Kenya and the Export-Import Bank of China over the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), according to Minister of Finance Matia Kasaija. One of the major concerns by the financier was whether Kenya would extend its railway to the border with Uganda so that the lines would join, Kasaija told reporters. Kenya is in the process of compensating land owners so as to embark on the line to Naivasha, which is its second phase. Matia said Uganda had received assurances from Kenya that it would extend the line and the decision has been conveyed to China Exim Bank. Stories Continues after ad Uganda has started compensating locals who live on the land where the SGR will pass, the minister said. Last October, Uganda received a 21.5 million euro grant from the European Union to rehabilitate the 375-km railway line from the eastern border town Tororo to the northern district of Gulu. The planned SGR with an entire length of 1,724 kilometers will consist of four major sections: Malaba-Kampala section, Tororo-Gugu section, Kampala-Mpondwe section, Bihanga-mirama Hills section. When the SGR is completed, it will link Uganda with neighboring countries of Kenya, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Mississippi Northern District Transportation Commissioner Tuesday announced he would not been seeking re-election in the 2019 election cycle. Tagert has served North Mississippi in the capacity for nearly 10 years. Among the projects during his tenure was the completion of I-269 in DeSoto County, In what was, so far, the best baseball game of the week, the Jaguars pulled their 33rd win out of the fire and salvaged a gem of a start from their star pitcher. 4 January 2019 (The Guardian) A record $3.1 m (2.4 m) has been paid for a giant bluefin tuna at Tokyos new fish market, which replaced the world-famous Tsukiji late last year. The winning bid for the prized but endangered species at the predawn auction was more than double the 2013 annual New Year auction. The 278 kg fish (612 pounds) was caught off Japans northern coast. It was paid by sushi tycoon Kiyoshi Kimura, who runs the popular Sushi Zanmai chain. Kimuras Kiyomura Corp has often won the annual auction in the past. Japanese broadcaster NHK showed a beaming Kimura saying that he was surprised by the high price of tuna this year. But he added: The quality of the tuna I bought is the best. [] The celebration surrounding the annual Pacific bluefin auction hides how deeply in trouble this species really is, said Jamie Gibbon, associate manager for global tuna conservation at The Pew Charitable Trusts. [more] Sushi king pays record $3.1m for endangered bluefin tuna in Japan President Duterte addresses the Barangay Summit on Peace and Order at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City, 8 January 2019. Duterte advocated the kidnapping and torture of government auditors for hampering the work of his administration. Photo: Joven Cagande / The Philippine Star 8 January 2019 (Al Jazeera News) Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has advocated the kidnapping and torture of government auditors for hampering the work of his administration. In a speech before local officials gathered in the capital, Manila, Duterte cursed at the independent constitutional body, which is responsible for examining the accounts and spending by government agencies. Lets just kidnap people from COA [Commission on Audit]. Lets bring them here, then we will torture those sons of whores, Duterte said in an expletive-laden speech in English and Filipino. They always make things difficult. Thats what I dont like, making things difficult, he said. For decades, government auditors in the Philippines have earned the reputation of being difficult, for closely scrutinising expenditures of all government agencies. While they do not have powers to prosecute, evidence gathered by state auditors has been used to send public officials to jail. Previously, Duterte had railed against the state auditors saying they should be pushed down the stairs, and ridiculed government regulations as shit. [more] Philippines: Duterte wants state auditors kidnapped, tortured Brazils environment minister, Ricardo Salles. Salles claims that Brazil owes nothing in the fight against global climate change and should be paid for its work so far. Photo: Andre Coelho / Bloomberg By Simone Preissler Iglesias, Mario Sergio Lima, and Bruce Douglas 8 January 2019 (Bloomberg News) Brazil owes nothing in the fight against global climate change and should be paid for its work so far, according to the countrys new environment minister. For Ricardo Salles, the Paris Accord in itself is neither good nor bad, but it must bring economic benefits to Brazil. If the agreement limits production or the use of land, Brazil could withdraw. Brazil is not a debtor. Were creditors, he told Bloomberg News at his office in Brasilia referring to the countrys relatively clean energy matrix, reduction of deforestation and reforestation efforts in recent years. Our part needs to be remunerated, and regarding what weve done so far, the question is by how much, when, and how? The $722 million Amazon Fund, which supports preservation and anti-deforestation projects, is financed primarily by Norway and Germany. The Scandinavian country announced in December it would pay $70 million to Brazil for reduced emissions from deforestation in 2017. Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro backtracked on plans to scrap the environment ministry under pressure from the countrys powerful farm lobby that feared repercussions from international consumers concerned with sustainable agriculture. Conflict between producers and environmentalists has been artificially exaggerated, Salles said, and its perfectly possible to reconcile economic development with the preservation of the countrys natural resources. When you have more economic development, you attract more resources. When wealth circulates in the country, then you have more money to care for the environment, he said. As for global concerns over the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest, Salles noted that the bulk of the area belongs to Brazil and those parts not owned by the state have private landowners who must be compensated if they are to leave parts of their property undeveloped. In response to claims that farmers are illegally deforesting the Amazon, Salles said that up to two-thirds takes place in indigenous reserves or conservation areas, both administered by the government. Who is incompetent, neglected their job? Public institutions, he said. Data on the ministrys own website, however, show that in 2018 deforestation in indigenous reserves and conservation areas constituted just 15 percent of the total. For environmentalists such as Claudio Angelo, from the Observatorio do Clima, Salles argument is merely a variation on the theme of sovereignty long used by Brazilian governments. The latest version is we did more than everyone else, so shut up, he said. This is an idea that, besides being false, paves the way to climate hell. [more] In Climate Change Fight, Brazil Owes Nothing, Minister Says A suspect in an Orange County homicide was arrested Tuesday, Jan. 8, following a freeway chase that lasted over an hour and stretched from Anaheim to the Del Mar area during morning rush hour traffic, authorities said. The chase started after Anaheim police officers, who were searching for a homicide suspect, attempted to stop a driver at about 7:35 a.m., Anaheim Police Sgt. Jeff Mundy said. The suspect, whose name was not immediately released, was wanted for what investigators suspect was a gang-related shooting on Christmas Eve, Mundy said. The victim of that shooting was taken to an area hospital, but died Monday morning, Jan. 7, as a result of his wounds, Mundy said. According to Mundy, officers tried to make contact with the suspect, but he drove off. With police in pursuit, the driver jumped onto southbound Interstate 5. California Highway Patrol officers were called in to assist with the chase about 7:40 a.m., and continued pursuing the man, who was driving a gray Honda Accord, CHP Officer Jim Bettencourt said. The man continued down I-5 through the Oceanside area, reaching speeds as high as 80 mph, Bettencourt said. During the chase, the fleeing driver encountered heavy traffic in Encinitas and used the center median to avoid traffic. CHP officers deployed a spike strip around 8:30 a.m. near Leucadia Boulevard, but it was not immediately clear if the vehicle ran into the spike strip, Bettencourt said. The man pulled over on the right shoulder south of Via de la Valle, got out of the car and attempted to flee on foot up an embankment off the rightside of the freeway, Bettencourt said. The San Diego Blood Bank is asking those who have never given blood and those who havent given blood recently, and have type O blood, to schedule an appointment to donate blood immediately. Supplies of O positive and O negative blood are reaching critically low levels. The San Diego Blood Bank has a donor center locally in Carmel Valleys Piazza Carmel, located at 3880 Valley Center Drive. Type O positive is the most common blood type, and therefore needed by many hospital patients, while type O negative is the universal blood type and can be given to any patient, and is often used in emergency rooms when there is no time to determine the blood type of the patient. Coming out of the holiday season, we typically see a decrease in donations of all types at this time due to schools being out of session for the holidays and seasonal illnesses like the flu said David Wellis, San Diego Blood Bank CEO. The need for type O blood has hit a critically low level and we need the community to help us keep a safe supply for hospital patients. To be eligible to donate blood you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 114 pounds and be in general good health. Anyone who is eligible to donate blood and has O negative or O positive type blood is encouraged to make an appointment immediately at SanDiegoBloodBank.org or by calling 1-800-4MY-SDBB. A North County professional skateboarder is being charged in a federal drug distribution case months after a search of his Encinitas home turned up heroin, methamphetamine and Xanax. Robert Vincent Lorifice, 30, was arrested by the Sheriffs Department following the Sept. 26 search of his home on Blossom Field Way and is facing drug charges in two separate cases in San Diego Superior Court. A federal arrest warrant has now been issued. Lorifice grew up in Encinitas, perfecting his craft at the Magdalena Ecke YMCA and being mentored by the countys older generation of skating stars, including Tony Hawk, according to a 2010 profile in The Coast News. He is an X-Games veteran competitor and won a bronze medal for Best Air in 2010. Sheriffs detectives had to force their way into his home to serve the search warrant. They found Lorifice in the master bedroom, his hands wet with water all over the floor of the master bath, according to the complaint. Evidence suggests he had been trying to flush drugs down the toilet. Detectives found drugs in an open safe in one closet and thousands in cash in a closed safe in another closet. Various drugs were found elsewhere in the room, and traces of drugs in Tupperware and baggies were found in the bathroom. Drugs and cash were also found in rooms occupied by other people. In all, detectives seized a pound of meth, half-pound of heroin, 850 Xanax pills that may be counterfeit, psilocybin mushrooms, 200 grams of marijuana, about $17,000 in cash, according to the complaint and the Sheriffs Department. Lorifice told detectives at the time that he was not selling drugs and that someone else had left them at his home, but he was afraid to get rid of them, the complaint states. One of the homes other occupants told detectives that she had bought an ounce of meth from Lorifice for $200 a few weeks earlier. The District Attorneys Office has charged Lorifice and two others with a slew of drug possession for sale charges relating to the stash. Lorifice and a woman are also facing separate charges related to a Dec. 14 incident in which they are accused of possessing heroin and meth for sale, as well as possessing cocaine, according to court records. He is also charged with destroying evidence. Swarthmore, PA (19081) Today Mostly clear. Low near 60F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low near 60F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Neel Bhatt, a UW assistant professor of otolaryngology, specializes in treating patients with voice problems. Through his work, he began to realize people did not like the sound of their own voices. With the transition to school over Zoom, many students can relate to the discomfort of hearin The Trump administrations plans to slacken oversight on waterways and wetlands and ease restrictions on coal-fired power plant emissions will undoubtedly have negative effects on the bay. But problems the president creates should be lessons for lawmakers and scientists to fortify existing environmental protection policies against political winds that can shift every four to eight years. Trumps tweet, LaMalfa said, came out of left field, and it didnt really help with this situation. He added, as if addressing Trump, Dont make it about FEMA and the fire victims. If you want to cut off money, cut off money for stupid things like high-speed rail or other things that the federal government sends that have nothing to do with this subject. THE COURT VIEWED photographic evidence on Wednesday morning when Jesse Atwood of Sioux Falls was sentenced in a case described by Special Assistant Attorney General Paul Bachand as "the most egregious in South Dakota." The racks pictured were confiscated when a search warrant was executed at the home of Atwood. Jordan Pix/Getty Images(CAIRO, Egypt) -- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended the U.S. withdrawal from Syria and issued a strong rebuke of the Obama administration's Middle East strategy, during a major foreign policy address in Egypt on Thursday. While the secretary challenged Middle Eastern countries to take on new responsibilities in the fight against extremism, he failed to call out human rights abuses in places like Egypt and Saudi Arabia and did not mention the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. During his speech at the American University in Cairo, Pompeo declared that "American will not retreat until the terror fight is over," but acknowledged that President Donald Trump "has made the decision to bring our troops home from Syria." "We always do and now is the time. But this isnt a change of mission," he said. "We remain committed to the complete dismantling of the ISIS threat and the ongoing fight against radical Islamism in all of its forms." Pompeo's address came one day after his surprise visit to Iraq and in the midst of a whirlwind tour of the Middle East in which he is reassuring partners of America's presence in the region following Trump's decision three weeks ago to withdrawal 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria. What was originally a 30-day timeline for withdrawal gradually grew to several months, but now Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton are stating that any withdrawal is "conditions-based," including the enduring defeat of ISIS, protection for America's Kurdish partners, and the assurance that Iran will not increase its influence in the region. Speaking to reporters before his speech on Thursday, Pompeo said that any contradiction in the administrations Syria policy has been made up by the media. The secretary began his address in Cairo by blasting the Obama administration for "falsely seeing ourselves as a force for what ails the Middle East." "So today what did we learn from all of this? We learned that when America retreats, chaos follows. When we neglect our friends, resentment builds. And when we partner with our enemies, they advance," he said. "The good news is this: The age of self-inflicted American shame is over, and so are the policies that produced so much needless suffering. Now comes the real 'new beginning.'" In a statement, the National Security Action Group an advocacy organization made up of former Obama administration officials responded to Pompeo's criticism, writing: That this administration feels the need, nearly a decade later, to take potshots at an effort to identify common ground between the Arab world and the West speaks not only to the Trump administrations pettiness but also to its lack of a strategic vision for Americas role in the region and its abdication of Americas values." Pompeo also praised the Trump administration's decision to leave the Iran nuclear deal, saying "we will not ease our campaign to stop Iran's malevolent influence and actions against this region and the world." That includes Syria, where Iran has had a growing role in supporting the Syrian regime. Pompeo downplayed the idea that the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria would give Iran the upper hand there, saying that, "In Syria, the United States will use diplomacy and work with our partners to expel every last Iranian boot, and work through the [United Nations]-led process to bring peace and stability to the long-suffering Syrian people." Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded on Twitter, saying, "Whenever/wherever US interferes, chaos, repression and resentment follow. The day Iran mimics US clients and Secretary Pompeo's 'human rights models' be it the Shah or current butchers to become a 'normal' country is the day hell freezes over. Best for the US to just get over loss of Iran." Pompeo declined to call out human rights abuses happening Egypt, including the reported detention and torture of American-Egyptian Khaled Hassan who has been missing since last January -- allegations Cairo denies. During his address, the secretary applauded Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's efforts to promote religious freedom and encouraged him "to unleash the creative energies of Egypts people, unfetter the economy, and promote a free and open exchange of ideas." The State Department did say that the issue of human rights was brought up in Pompeo's private meeting with Sisi earlier in the day. Also noticeably absent from Thursday's address was the mention of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, brutally murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October. The killing led the U.S. Senate to vote to suspend U.S. support to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, as well as condemn Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the act. While the Trump administration has sanctioned Saudi officials for their alleged role in the murder, Trump has continued to defend Saudi leadership. With stops already in Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt, Pompeo will continue his tour of the Middle East on Friday with planned visits to Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait. Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. 99 cent introductory offer Includes everything we offer online for 24-7 news. This option allows you to read unlimited stories at ctnewsonline.com, and access our e-Edition (digital replicate of the daily newspaper). $7.99 per month after the introductory offer. This service comes with a complimentary CT Select Card allowing for local discounts. Rates are subject to change. Lamont was joined by his wife, Annie Lamont, and their three children. They were surrounded by an eclectic cast of characters throughout the day, from the stately House chamber where Lamont delivered his first State of the State address at the Capitol, to the glitzy governors ball. He has never maintained an office in Connecticut and is not employed by any law firm in Connecticut, Manaforts lawyers Frederic Ury and Anthony LaBella wrote in court filing. Mr. Manafort has no clients in the state of Connecticut and he has no appearances of record before any state or federal court in this jurisdiction. Theres also the matter of money your money. The three senators participated in the states program for public financing of campaigns. Together, they received close to $300,000 from state funds to make their case for re-election by voters. At no time, as far as I can see, did any of them say theyd serve unless something better for their pension case along. Instead, they highlighted what they saw as their accomplishments and promised to keep working in the legislature for their neighbors. While it is an imperfect comparison, it is what comes to mind when I think about the 400th anniversary of the 20 or so enslaved Africans brought to America in late August 1619, and the hundreds of thousands of Africans who followed them into the jars of slavery in the centuries that followed. That assertion forms the basis of a class-action lawsuit by Connecticut Legal Services, a statewide organization based in Middletown. The case features the experiences of six Medicaid patients with a range of serious illnesses who have missed appointments because of canceled or late rides. Some of have been hospitalized as a result, or have been dropped by their health care provider. The lawsuit names the Department of Social Services and its commissioner, Roderick Bremby, and was filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court. The new Wood-n-Tap in Farmington, the long-awaited rebuild of the former Apricots, is a marvelous place. Go on a sunny day and youll see people everywhere. People on patios and balconies; people sitting under umbrellas at a terraced outdoor pavilion bar; people lounging on teak chairs by the riverfront, playing sack toss on the lawn or clustering around portable fire stoves. This isnt a restaurant, really; its more of a family park with food and drink. When every seat is full, indoor and out, close to 500 people will be enjoying the premises. Call it Wood-n-Tap Park. Read full review here. The warrant revealed Thursday that East Hartford police have obtained a warrant for Njokus arrest charging him with several counts of illegal possession of narcotics. During an inspection of Njokus property, probation officers and drug control agents found a significant quantity of prescription medications, which were samples provided to Njoku when he was a practicing physician, according to the warrant. But since his license is suspended and he is no longer a doctor, it is illegal for him to possess the medications, the warrant says. The hearing marks the latest step in Cohen's transformation from a trusted legal adviser to the president to a public antagonist who has cooperated extensively against him. Although Democrats say the questioning will be limited to avoid interfering with open investigations, the hearing is still likely to pull back the curtain on key episodes involving Trump's personal life and business dealings, including hush-money payments to women and a proposed Moscow real estate deal, that federal prosecutors have been dissecting for months. The next season is pretty much set. Itll be my predecessors season; I will choose the last two shows. I have early thoughts on what those could be, but I cant say yet. I have a few projects of my own. I want to reach a variety of audiences, people from all backgrounds. Working with whoever the new managing director will be is a big part of this. [Michael Stotts is leaving as the theaters managing director at the end of January.] Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Electrochromic Materials Market Insights The electrochromic materials market is expected to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period. Technically, it is an amalgamation of chromogenic materials which responds to heat and light intensity and alters its transparency accordingly. In the electronics industry, it is commonly known as dynamic glass which offers various benefits such as control, on-demand privacy and energy efficiency. Electrochromic materials possess various properties such as evocation, bleaching of color and change affected either by sufficient electrochemical potential or by electron transfer process. Material or glass can change its property from transparent to translucent, blocking some wavelengths of light and heat intensities. Technological advancement is expected to boost the demand for electrochromic material in various applications such as hospitals, internet of things and others. Increasing number of manufacturing bases or plants across the region is expected to boost the growth of the market over the forecast period. Other factors expected to boost the market is increasing automotive production and a significant increase in building and construction industry across the region. However, there are some restraints which are creating barriers to the growth of markets such as lack of awareness about the material amongst the architects and builders, high cost of electrochromic materials and slower responsiveness to bigger glass surfaces as compared to the smaller sized glasses are some of the key factors restraining the growth of the market. Request a free sample of this report @: https://www.globalmarketestimates.com/electrochromic-materials-market/ Electrochromic Materials Market: By Type The electrochromic materials market can be segmented based on basis of type into transition metal oxides, polymers, Nanocrystals, reflective hydrides, and viologens. Viologens is the recent development in the electrochromic materials market. Various big players such as Gentex are using this material for rearview mirrors and windows. Growing automotive production manufacturers have boosted the demand for viologens in the market. Electrochromic Materials Market: By Application The electrochromic market can be segmented based on the application type into windows, mirrors, and displays. The automobile rearview mirror segment is anticipated to be the largest contributor to the market revenue share. Consumption volume for the segment is contributing more than half of market share and is expected to hold its dominance during the forecast period. Some of the factors which are driving the growth of the market are increasing demand for automobiles, growing business and construction industry. Electrochromic Materials Market: By End User Based on the End User segment the electrochromic materials market can be divided into construction, transportation, retail, hospitality, defense, and other industries. Presently transportation industry holds the largest market share in terms of volume and value. The reason behind such growth is increased automobile manufacturing plants. In the transportation industry, electrochromic material is used in rearview mirror, windows, sunroofs, and doors. The growing market share of electrochromic material in the transportation industry is owed to various properties that material possesses such as change, evocation, and bleaching of color. The material is mostly used for the manufacturing of sunroofs which provides good control over light and heat emission and also offer cost saving benefits. The construction industry is estimated as the second highest growing sector after transportation. It is anticipated that growing concerns about energy savings amongst the people for adopting new technologies will boost the market for electrochromic material in the industry during the forecast period. Electrochromic Materials Market: Regional Insights North America is dominating the electrochromic materials market, with the U.S. contributing its majority share. North America was accounted as the largest region in terms of market revenue share for electrochromic materials market. The region's dominance can be attributed to the various factors one of them being the presence of a large number of key automobile manufacturers in the region. Other factors boosting the market growth in the region are growing construction industries, rising concerns about environmental effects and various government initiatives to increase the investments in order to come up with innovative and high standard products are fueling the growth in the region. The Asia Pacific market for the electrochromic material is projected to witness strong growth during the forecast period. Factors behind this growth are growing automotive and construction industry in countries such as China, Japan, and India with regular investments by both public and private party to come up with an innovative product. It is expected that the region will grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period. Electrochromic Materials Market: End-Use Landscape The end-use landscape entails a list of current and prospective consumers prevailing across the regions. This section provides company addresses, contact details, products, and regional presence of companies who are purchasing or are likely to purchase electrochromic material over the coming years. Some companies which are currently using electrochromic material and are likely to use in the future are Ford Motors, Hyundai, Jeep, Toyota, Honda, and others. Electrochromic Materials Market: Vendor Landscape The report contains a chapter dedicated to vendors operating in the market, covering raw material manufactures, equipment developers, manufacturers, and distributors. The report provides these insights on a regional level. This section of the report entails contact details, experience, products manufactured/supplied, and geographical presence of companies. Electrochromic Materials Market: Share & Competitor Analysis Some of the key players operating in the electrochromic materials markets are SAGE Electrochromics, RavenBrick LLC, Asahi Glass Company, Gentex Corporation, Magna Glass and Window, PPG Industries, Guardian Industries, ChromoGenics AB, and View, Inc. In 2018, ChromoGenics AB a Swedish company has signed an agreement with Regal Forvaltning AB to deliver converlight dynamic glass. In September 2018 Audi e-tron will be the first model which will feature vehicle integrated toll module technology, which will allow the car to communicate and interact with its environment. They have already placed an order to the Gentex Corporation. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The Global Amorphous Magnetic Core Market report is encompassed of unique market dynamics that support the industry growth along with the various market issues such as trends, growth path, revenue, prediction, and market size analysis which directly impact the market dynamic. The information is obtained and analysed from the past and current year to forecast the market covering in the next coming years. The Amorphous Magnetic Core industry experts were interviewed across the globe to gather the data which is then validated based on the secondary data. In-depth study of market segmentation and active major players involved in the Market has been outlined in the report. The report also discloses the demand consumption along with the current and future market environment. Besides, it also throws light on the various regional market scenario which gives important information to gain a competitive edge. Moreover, the report also throws light on a strategy adopted by the top players followed by the wide range of service with the recent statistical data that help to understand the Market scenario. Also, this report gives an idea about the potential consumer in the market across the various industry which will definitely help to cater the consumer needs and expectations. Download Free Sample Report of Amorphous Magnetic Core Market Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-38473 The regional study covering all the key regions is an ideal data to understand growth opportunities at specific location or region. The analysis on the Industry Chain covering upstream and downstream customers will give access to a vast pool of knowledge to new or existing players. The data in the section covering the opportunities & challenges have been collected by industry experts and analysts with deep understanding of the market. The details of the threats and Affecting factors is sure to assist in corporate decision making. The following manufacturers are covered in this report: Hitachi, Dexter Magnetic Technologies, Zhixin Electric, Zhaojing Incorporated, Qingdao Yunlu, Foshan Catech, ENPAY, Mangal, UAML, TI-Electronic. Amorphous Magnetic Core Breakdown Data by Type C Core, E Core, Other. Amorphous Magnetic Core Breakdown Data by Application Transformer, Inverter, Others. Amorphous Magnetic Core Production Breakdown Data by Region United States Europe, China, Japan, Other Regions. Access Report and Full Table of Contents of Amorphous Magnetic Core Market @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/38473-amorphous-magnetic-core-industry-market-report Table of Contents - Snapshot Chapter 1 Study Coverage Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Breakdown Data by Manufacturers Chapter 4 Breakdown Data by Product Chapter 5 Breakdown Data by End User Chapter 6 North America Chapter 7 Europe Chapter 8 Asia Pacific Chapter 9 Central & South America Chapter 10 Middle East and Africa Chapter 11 Company Profiles Chapter 12 Future Forecast Chapter 13 Market Opportunities, Challenges, Risks and Influences Factors Analysis Chapter 14 Value Chain and Sales Channels Analysis Chapter 15 Research Findings and Conclusion Chapter 16 Appendix View More Related Reports @ Global Amorphous Dielectric Market Insights, Forecast to 2025 https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/29967-amorphous-dielectric-industry-market-report United States Amorphous Graphite Market Report 2018 https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/23880-united-states-amorphous-graphite-industry-market-report About Us: DecisionDatabases.com is a Global business research reports provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research Report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains. Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed. For More Details: DecisionDatabases.com E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com Phone: +91-90-28-057900 Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Global Industrial Thermostat Market Research Report is brief overview on Industrial Thermostat industry having detailed focus on major factors of worldwide market for future prospective which elaborates major factors and overall perspective towards business growth. This Industrial Thermostat market report offers detailed perceptions on the market dynamic forces to enable informed business decision making and development strategy formulation supported on the opportunities present in the market. The report provides the most up-to-date industry data on the actual and potential market situation, and future outlook. Get Sample Copy at https://www.orianresearch.com/request-sample/727028 Market Overview Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including its definition, applications and manufacturing technology. Then, the report explores the international major industry players in detail. In this part, the report presents the company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value, and market shares for each company. Through the statistical analysis, the report depicts the global market of Router industry including capacity, production, production value, cost/profit, supply/demand and import/export. Revenue and gross margin by regions (North America, EU, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India) and other regions can be added. Inquire more or share questions if any before the purchase on this report @ https://www.orianresearch.com/enquiry-before-buying/727028 All Key Regions Covered in Report: North America: US, Canada, Mexico Europe: Germany Spain France, Italy, UK, Rest of Europe Asia Pacific: Japan, China, India, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Rest of Asia Pacific South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Rest of South America Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa No. Of Pages: 110 The key Companies Analyzed in this Report are: Thermo Binder VWR Shel Lab Sanyo Hettich Lab Memmert Weiss Heal Force NuAire Jeio Tech Manish Scientific GENLAB Key Stakeholders Industrial Thermostat Manufacturers Industrial Thermostat Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers Industrial Thermostat Subcomponent Manufacturers Industry Association Downstream Vendors The report focuses on Global Industrial Thermostat Market major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. What's more, the Industrial Thermostat industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered. In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market. On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into Electrical Digital On 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, including Mining Automotive Oil & Gas Others Order a copy of Global Industrial Thermostat Market Report @ https://www.orianresearch.com/checkout/727028 Major Points Covered in Table of Contents: 1 Industrial Thermostat Market Overview 2 Global Industrial Thermostat Market Competition by Manufacturers 3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Complementary DNA Microarrays (cDNA 4 Global Industrial Thermostat Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018) 5 Global Industrial Thermostat Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type 6 Global Industrial Thermostat Market Analysis by Application 7 Global Industrial Thermostat Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis 8 Industrial Thermostat Manufacturing Cost Analysis 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders 11 Market Effect Factors Analysis 12 Global Industrial Thermostat Market Forecast (2018-2025) 13 Research Findings and Conclusion 14 Appendix About Us Orian Research is one of the most comprehensive collections of market intelligence reports on the World Wide Web. Our reports repository boasts of over 500000+ industry and country research reports from over 100 top publishers. We continuously update our repository so as to provide our clients easy access to the world's most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, and products. We also specialize in custom research in situations where our syndicate research offerings do not meet the specific requirements of our esteemed clients. Contact Us Ruwin Mendez Vice President Global Sales & Partner Relations Orian Research Consultants US: +1 (832) 380-8827 | UK: +44 0161-818-8027 Email: info@orianresearch.com Website: www.orianresearch.com/ Follow Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/13281002/ Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The Global Garment Interlining Market report is encompassed of unique market dynamics that support the industry growth along with the various market issues such as trends, growth path, revenue, prediction, and market size analysis which directly impact the market dynamic. The information is obtained and analysed from the past and current year to forecast the market covering in the next coming years. The Garment Interlining industry experts were interviewed across the globe to gather the data which is then validated based on the secondary data. In-depth study of market segmentation and active major players involved in the Market has been outlined in the report. The report also discloses the demand consumption along with the current and future market environment. Besides, it also throws light on the various regional market scenario which gives important information to gain a competitive edge. Moreover, the report also throws light on a strategy adopted by the top players followed by the wide range of service with the recent statistical data that help to understand the Market scenario. Also, this report gives an idea about the potential consumer in the market across the various industry which will definitely help to cater the consumer needs and expectations. Download Free Sample Report of Garment Interlining Market Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-38472 The regional study covering all the key regions is an ideal data to understand growth opportunities at specific location or region. The analysis on the Industry Chain covering upstream and downstream customers will give access to a vast pool of knowledge to new or existing players. The data in the section covering the opportunities & challenges have been collected by industry experts and analysts with deep understanding of the market. The details of the threats and Affecting factors is sure to assist in corporate decision making. The following manufacturers are covered in this report, with sales, revenue, market share for each company:Chargeur (FR), Freudenberg (DE), Wendler (DE), Kufner (DE), QST (US), Veratex (CA), Edmund Bell (UK), Block Bindings (CA), H&V (US), NH Textil (DE), Helsa (DE), Evans Textile (UK), Permess (NL), Sankei (JP), Asahi Kasei (JP), Jianghuai (CN), Haihui (CN), YiYi (CN), Webest (CN), Zhonghe (CN), UBL (CN), Yoniner (CN), Kingsafe (CN), Yueda Interlining (CN), YongJun (CN), FIX (CN), Surya (IN), Ruby (IN). Market size by Product Fusible interlining, Non Fuse Interlining. Market size by End User Shirts, Outer Garment, Other. Market size by Region North America, United States, Canada, Mexico, Asia-Pacific, China. Access Report and Full Table of Contents of Garment Interlining Market @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/38472-garment-interlining-industry-market-report Table of Contents - Snapshot Chapter 1 Study Coverage Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Breakdown Data by Manufacturers Chapter 4 Breakdown Data by Product Chapter 5 Breakdown Data by End User Chapter 6 North America Chapter 7 Europe Chapter 8 Asia Pacific Chapter 9 Central & South America Chapter 10 Middle East and Africa Chapter 11 Company Profiles Chapter 12 Future Forecast Chapter 13 Market Opportunities, Challenges, Risks and Influences Factors Analysis Chapter 14 Value Chain and Sales Channels Analysis Chapter 15 Research Findings and Conclusion Chapter 16 Appendix View More Related Reports @ Global Wedding Dress Sales Market Report 2018 https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/634-wedding-dress-sales-industry-market-report Global Household Garment Steamer Market Research Report 2017 https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/3272-household-garment-steamer-industry-market-report About Us: DecisionDatabases.com is a Global business research reports provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research Report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains. Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed. For More Details: DecisionDatabases.com E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com Phone: +91-90-28-057900 Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The Global Alkyl Polyglucosides Market report is encompassed of unique market dynamics that support the industry growth along with the various market issues such as trends, growth path, revenue, prediction, and market size analysis which directly impact the market dynamic. The information is obtained and analysed from the past and current year to forecast the market covering in the next coming years. The Alkyl Polyglucosides industry experts were interviewed across the globe to gather the data which is then validated based on the secondary data. In-depth study of market segmentation and active major players involved in the Market has been outlined in the report. The report also discloses the demand consumption along with the current and future market environment. Besides, it also throws light on the various regional market scenario which gives important information to gain a competitive edge. Moreover, the report also throws light on a strategy adopted by the top players followed by the wide range of service with the recent statistical data that help to understand the Market scenario. Also, this report gives an idea about the potential consumer in the market across the various industry which will definitely help to cater the consumer needs and expectations. Download Free Sample Report of Alkyl Polyglucosides Market Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-38442 The regional study covering all the key regions is an ideal data to understand growth opportunities at specific location or region. The analysis on the Industry Chain covering upstream and downstream customers will give access to a vast pool of knowledge to new or existing players. The data in the section covering the opportunities & challenges have been collected by industry experts and analysts with deep understanding of the market. The details of the threats and Affecting factors is sure to assist in corporate decision making. This report focuses on the top manufacturers' Alkyl Polyglucosides capacity, production, value, price and market share of Alkyl Polyglucosides in global market. The following manufacturers are covered in this report: BASF, Shanghai Fine Chemical, Dow, Yangzhou Chenhua, Akzo Nobel, Seppic, Kao, Yixing Jinlan Chemical, CRODA, Fenchem, LG Household & Health Care. Alkyl Polyglucosides Breakdown Data by Type C8APG, C10APG, C12APG, Others (C6APG, C14APG, etc.) Alkyl Polyglucosides Breakdown Data by Application Domestic detergent, Cosmetics, Industrial cleaning agents, Plastics, building materials additives, Pesticide synergist agent, Others (biochemical engineering, Derivatives development, etc.). Alkyl Polyglucosides Production Breakdown Data by Region United States, Europe, China, Japan, Other Regions. Access Report and Full Table of Contents of Alkyl Polyglucosides Market @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/38442-alkyl-polyglucosides-industry-market-report Table of Contents - Snapshot Chapter 1 Study Coverage Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Breakdown Data by Manufacturers Chapter 4 Breakdown Data by Product Chapter 5 Breakdown Data by End User Chapter 6 North America Chapter 7 Europe Chapter 8 Asia Pacific Chapter 9 Central & South America Chapter 10 Middle East and Africa Chapter 11 Company Profiles Chapter 12 Future Forecast Chapter 13 Market Opportunities, Challenges, Risks and Influences Factors Analysis Chapter 14 Value Chain and Sales Channels Analysis Chapter 15 Research Findings and Conclusion Chapter 16 Appendix View More Related Reports @ United States Demulsifiers Market Report 2018 https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/1023-united-states-emulsifier-industry-market-report Global Transglutaminase Market Research Report 2018 https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/1022-transglutaminase-industry-market-report About Us: DecisionDatabases.com is a Global business research reports provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research Report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains. Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed. For More Details: DecisionDatabases.com E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com Phone: +91-90-28-057900 Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. January 10, 2019: The global Healthcare IT market was valued at $XX million in 2017, Global market size will reach $XX million by the end of 2028, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2028. This report provides detailed historical analysis of global market for Healthcare IT from 2013-2018, and provides extensive market forecasts from 2018-2028 by region/country and subsectors. It covers the sales volume, price, revenue, gross margin, historical growth and future perspectives in the Healthcare IT market. Download sample Copy of This Report at: https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/2013-2028-report-on-global-healthcare-it-market/request-sample Leading players of Healthcare IT including: 3M Company Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc. Cerner Corporation Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Computer Programs and Systems, Inc. (CPSI) Conifer Health Solutions, LLC. Dell Technologies Inc. Eclinicalworks Complete Report Available @ https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/2013-2028-report-on-global-healthcare-it-market GE Healthcare Infor, Inc. International Business Machine Corporation (IBM) Koninklijke Philips N.V. Mckesson Corporation Meditech Nuance Communications, Inc. Oracle Corporation Quality Systems, Inc. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (Optum, Inc.) athenahealth, Inc. Market split by Type, can be divided into: Services Software Hardware Market split by Application, can be divided into: Healthcare Providers Hospitals Ambulatory Centers Home healthcare & Assisted Living Centers Diagnostic Centers Pharmacies Market split by Sales Channel, can be divided into: Direct Channel Distribution Channel Market segment by Region/Country including: North America (United States, Canada and Mexico) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia and Spain etc.) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia and Southeast Asia etc.) South America Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Chile etc.) Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia etc.) About Radiant Insights Radiant Insights is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. We assist and facilitate organizations and individuals procure market research reports, helping them in the decision making process. We have a comprehensive collection of reports, covering over 40 key industries and a host of micro markets. In addition to over extensive database of reports, our experienced research coordinators also offer a host of ancillary services such as, research partnerships/ tie-ups and customized research solutions. For More Information, Visit Radiant Insights Contact: Michelle Thoras Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Radiant Insights, Inc Phone: 1-415-349-0054 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: sales@radiantinsights.com Blog URL: http://ictmarketforecasts.wordpress.com Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. 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Mr Santorum is acting as the poster child for exactly what is wrong in Washington today. He speaks only to be heard in the moment. He contradicts himself more than anyone I have seen for some time now. It does not matter to Mr Santorum WHAT President Obama says or does, he will say it is wrong, even though it completely contradicts what he has stated previously. He criticizes because the president wants to act. He criticizes because the president has not acted. There is nothing that Mr Obama has or could say or do that this man would agree with. He speaks only to have himself heard. I have news for Mr Santorum. He IS being heard and anyone with half a brain laughs at the notion of this man coming anywhere close to the White House except, maybe, The progressive liberal idiots deserve the mess they created. Congratulations for President Vladimir Putin swiping the Nobel Peace Prize from Barry Soetoro! 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If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 319-283-2144 or email circ@oelweindailyregister.com. A blog about life under, and resisting, a dictatorship Centrul de Instruire Continua in Domeniul Electoral, cu suportul financiar al PNUD Moldova, anunta concurs de granturi mici pentru biblioteci Posted Thursday, January 10, 2019 9:45 am Far be it from us to dissuade Gov. Jay Inslee from throwing his hat in the ever-widening 2020 Democratic presidential ring. Dream big, we say. You never know who might resonate with voters: a grinning peanut farmer from Georgia in 1976; a reality-TV star and real estate magnate in 2016. Predictions, especially this early, are a crap shoot at best. Officially, Inslee has not yet entered a race that is expected to draw somewhere between 30 to 300 candidates in early primary states. But all the rumblings are there, all the coy still-exploring-options-but-lining-up-donors talk is buzzing. Last week, Inslees rather low profile beyond our state lines got an infusion of national attention. The Atlantic magazine ran a glowing profile, headlined, Jay Inslee betting he can win the presidency on climate change. He schmoozed with MSNBCs Chris Hayes, coming close but not quite going All In. A Washington Post columnist gushed that Inslee is a successful West Coast governor. He even got slapped around by the National Review, a badge of honor for any Democratic hopeful. But, as of this writing, Inslees spokesman still is saying No final decision has been made yet. Understood. But all indications are that the governor will be spending considerable time later this year in Iowa and New Hampshire. And that raises several issues for a governor with national ambitions, issues that often get left behind like so much morning-after convention confetti. Namely, will Washington essentially be left bereft of leadership while Inslee is pressing flesh and munching doughnuts in diners from Des Moines to Dover? We know his supporters say hes a mighty multi-tasker and darn-near indefatigable, but will he neglect Selah and Sequim? Or, will Inslees absence present an opportunity for Lieutenant Governor Cyrus Habib to burnish his gubernatorial credentials provided Attorney General Bob Ferguson doesnt stage a coup. Seriously, though, being governor is a full-time job, and home-state constituents do notice when the boss is gone for prolonged periods. Several sitting Republican governors made presidential forays in the last election cycle, and for most it did not go well either on the campaign trail or at home. New Jerseys Chris Christie, Louisianas Bobby Jindal and Wisconsins Scott Walker all slunk back to their state capitol buildings with weaker home-state approval ratings than before they left. Texas Rick Perry survived his lackluster 2012 presidential run upon his return to Austin, but when he tried again in 2016, even Texans tired of his act, though he was a hit on Dancing with the Stars. According to Governing magazine, Ohio Gov. John Kasich has been the only sitting governor to emerge from an unsuccessful presidential bid with his home-state approval rating intact (high 50s, low 60s). Then again, thats assuming Inslee will wind up not being successful. Currently, his name-recognition is negligible, and he doesnt even appear as an option to check off on the latest Iowa poll. Bill Clinton, recall, was a sitting governor in Arkansas in 1992 when he ascended to the presidency, so it can be done. Inslee boosters note that the political action committee hes formed already raked in $112,000 in a month, and hes met with deep-pocketed donors like Tom Steyer and consulted with Al Gore on climate change, Inslees signature issue. If Inslees climate-change-focused message is not able to lift him beyond the depleted ozone layer above such Democratic darlings as Cory Booker, Beto ORourke, Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren and the old war horses, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, its unclear whether Washingtonians will welcome him back or consider him used goods and in need of a trade-in. Part of it might depend on how long Inslee lasts on the presidential campaign trail. Remember, taxpayers will foot the bill for the (at least) two members of the Washington State Patrol who, by law, are required to accompany Inslee on all his travels. The State Patrol is seeking an addition $1.3 million in the next biennial budget cycle to pay for what it anticipates is higher security costs. This past year, when Inslees term as the chair of the Democratic Governors Association took him all over the country during the midterm election, the State Patrol spent $400,000 more than its $2.6 million budget to pay for trooper overtime and travel. State Republicans already are plotting to nip that expenditure in the bud. Rep. Jim Walsh (R-Aberdeen) has pre-filed a bill for the upcoming legislative session to curb taxpayer money for Inslees security. Its highly doubtful Walshs bill will pass, given that Democrats will control the House and Senate. But, if it did, would Inslee even be in Olympia to veto it? Posted Thursday, January 10, 2019 9:48 am It could not have been a worse transit plan if that were the express intention. Chop the county into individual cantons. Send a bus to each. Take all passengers to the police station. Dump them all out together. Pick through the crowd for criminals? After the excitement we can be on our way, unless its out of the county. The other county will send a bus to get us, if it wants us. This despite the third, fourth, fifth, ninth, 10th, and 14th amendments and section 201 of title 18 regarding fraud of honest services. Despite the Americans with Disability Act, which compels reasonable modifications whenever necessary and which I have repeatedly invoked. And despite my offer to do the Transit masters job. An offer open continuously since, and vigorously spurned. Since we last spoke you have lost your vote and your grants and I gained 500 votes talking to my neighbors about Twin Transit. Come May, I will be running against the mayor. Why the mayor? Because I can. We will be discussing access issues. Between then and now Twin Transit will accede to my request under 35.130 b7, or will not. Here is what you need to do to steal my thunder. Scrap routes 12, 22 and 30 and any thought of a transit center. Implement route 1. Packwood bus meets route 1 in Napavine before and after it meets the Vancouver express in Castle Rock. Avoid railroad crossings by using Marys Corner. The difference is Salem, the Oregon Coast, The Olympic Peninsula, Canada, and all points in between are connected as compared to the current situation, with Lewis County blocking the road. The difference is nearly every business in five cities is within a short walk of the same bus, under my plan. This knits the area into a single economic and labor pool. The difference is people can spend and earn money and access goods and services at these businesses. The difference is, the north end is 7 miles closer to northern counties than Centralia is. That saves them half an hour every trip and also puts a buck in Twin Transits hopper, coming and going, for every rider. The difference is Twin Transit would be normal. So, we really should meet. Kurtis Engle, Centralia Posted Wednesday, January 9, 2019 3:24 pm George Herbert Belcher, loving son, brother, uncle and friend, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jan. 1, 2019. He was born April 2, 1953, in Maitland, W. Va. George was the sixth of seven children blessed to Toby and Dorothy (Blevins) Belcher. The family resided during his early years in West Virginia at the family homestead on Belcher Mountain. In 1959, at the age of six, the family relocated to Riffe, Wash., in search of a more promising future. George attended the Mossyrock School District for all of his education and graduated in 1971. Soon after, he became employed by the Centralia Steam Plant where he remained until his retirement. He lived the majority of his adult life in the Centralia and Chehalis areas, but when he retired he moved back to Mossyrock to be closer to his family and the community members he was connected with. His large home on top of Salmon Creek was not just for him, but a safe haven for so many that he loved and cared for throughout his later years. Family was everything to George. While he had no children of his own, his nieces and nephews were his world. The experiences and memories he created with and for them will never be forgotten. Countless trips where kids were piled into his car would give them all memories that will last forever. Hosting family potlucks and BBQs was vitally important to him, as he was insistent that family always stay connected, and to George you didnt have to be blood to be family. His home and his heart were open to everyone. For the entirety of his life, Georges heart was drawn to help those who were less fortunate or without. No matter the need, whether it was a place to stay, transportation, food or providing financial assistance, what George had was given. He gave back to the community in more ways than could be counted. He gave of his time and energy to countless charities and organizations, and for years the annual easter egg hunt was a spot of pride for him, as well as helping with raffles for the Look-a-Rama Scholarship Fund and creating shoe box packages to send to children in need. He annually provided Christmas stockings, running over with goodies for senior care retirement centers. Besides all his charity work, he was a very active and vibrant member of the local TOPS group where he made life long wonderful friends. George was not only blessed to have a large family who loved him, but also had his best friend, Jim Lambert by his side throughout all of his life experiences, and who provided such loving and compassionate care for him in these last months that have been so difficult for him. George was preceded in death by his parents, Toby and Dorothy Belcher of Mossyrock; two sisters, Joyce Blakley of Mossyrock and Carol Rose of Mossyrock; and a brother, Robert Belcher of Centralia. He is survived by three brothers, Toby Belcher Sr. of Mossyrock, James Belcher of Arkansas and William Belcher of Mossyrock; as well as his best friend, Jim Lambert of Centralia; and many generations of nieces and nephews who loved him without end. Funeral services for George will be held Jan. 19, 2019, at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 South Gold St., Centralia, WA 98531. Viewing will take place from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Funeral service will take place at 11 a.m., and graveside service immediately following at Klickitat Cemetery, 367 Mossyrock Rd. W., Mossyrock, WA 98564. A potluck luncheon will follow the graveside service at the Mossyrock Grange Hall, 152 Isbell Rd., Mossyrock, WA 98564. Please bring your favorite dish and memories of George to share. Flowers can be sent to Sticklin Funeral Chapel. Posted Thursday, January 10, 2019 9:55 am A Lakewood man is accused of robbing three banks so far this year, and attempting to rob a fourth. The 36-year-old was arrested in Kent after police identified him through surveillance video. He pleaded not guilty Monday to two counts of first-degree robbery and one count of attempted first-degree robbery. Bail was set at $1 million. The man is expected to be charged in King County Superior Court with a Seattle bank robbery. Pierce County prosecutors also said they intend to charge him with the theft of a ring from a Puyallup store. Charging papers give this account: The first bank he tried to rob was a Wells Fargo branch in a Tacoma grocery store on Jan. 2. When he approached a teller, he whispered that he wanted money and the bank teller hit an alarm and the would-be robber fled. Later that day, he walked into a different Wells Fargo branch in Tacoma and gave the teller a note demanding cash. He is also suspected of robbing a Seattle bank Jan. 3 and a U.S. Bank branch in University Place on Jan. 4. In at least the University Place holdup, the man allegedly threatened the teller by saying he had a gun and holding his hand in his sweatshirt pocket. Police said the suspected bank robber had methamphetamine and cash on him when he was taken into custody and a BB gun was found in his vehicle. The man initially claimed the cash was from dealing drugs, but eventually admitted to robbing the banks because he needed money to buy drugs and to help his ex-wife pay bills, records show. Posted Thursday, January 10, 2019 9:52 am The Tenino City Council accepted the nomination of Rachel Davidson to fill council position No. 5 prior to Tuesdays regular meeting. She was subsequently sworn in and participated in the proceedings that followed. Davidson applied for the position vacated by Susan Copeland when she resigned in December for career-related reasons. Davidson will serve out the remainder of Copelands term set to expire at the end of the year, but hopes to remain on the council for years to come. I do plan to run for a full term, Davidson said. I have a lot to learn in this time, so that will be good. Ill get all the bumps smoothed out so that when (the seat) does come up for election and I run for it, I can knock it out of the park. Tenino Mayor Wayne Fournier chose Davidson from a pool of applicants and made the nomination to the council. Councilors had the opportunity to vote in favor of appointing Davidson, reject her application or table the item until the next meeting. According to her application materials, Davidson graduated from Tenino High School in 2003. She worked for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife from 2005-2014, when she chose to become a stay-at-home mother for her three children. She and her husband own and operate Point Blank Targets, which manufactures rubber targets for shooting practice. Her cover letter lists her involvement in community activities such as the womens shelter SafePlace, the Cornerstone Community Church and the Tenino School District. She started a drive to raise money for the Little Red School House, a nonprofit organization that provides school supplies for underprivileged children. Fournier appointed Davidson as the councils liaison to the school district because of her involvement with local schools. The schools are always my main focus, because I have three children enrolled in the district, Davidson said. Im really excited to work with the superintendent and the teachers. I have a passion for this town and want to get my hands in everything, so as soon as I start getting the process down, I definitely want to start diving into the more complex issues. Fournier said the newest addition to the council will soon be enrolled in a course run by the Association of Washington Cities for new members of city governments. He also had a bit of advice for her before she took her seat Tuesday. I told her to take a lot of notes and write down questions that come up, Fournier said. You kind of look through the world in a different lens when youre up there. Maybe you read the newspapers a little more often. Shes pretty gung ho about getting into things. Posted Thursday, January 10, 2019 9:30 am While advertising property for sale is easier than its ever been, the actual transaction still requires some know-how. The state of Washington has laws and some of those laws pertain to real estate sales, said Scott Horner, RE/MAX KEY LAND Company real estate broker. There are certain forms you need to fill out and provide to the buyer, and if you dont, there are consequences to that. Horner said real estate brokers have seen an increase in properties for sale by owner. When people wish to sell property on their own, certain brokers put sellers online in the Multiple Listing Service, then leave the seller to figure out the rest. Historically, whenever the market gets good, some people do a for-sale-by-owner, Horner said. Nowadays, with everything changing so dramatically in the last few years electronically, there are a number of websites people can sign up on and basically be their own broker. Horner said that while advertising with the Multiple Listing Service and a sign in the front yard is all the advertising sellers really need, problems arise when it comes time for the actual transaction. This causes issues when brokers ask for certain documents sellers arent aware they need. There are things that leave them at risk for not having a complete or legal transaction, just because they have no idea what theyre doing, Horner said. Its not quite as simple as it all appears. Sybil Kuhn, a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Kline & Associates, purchased her first home at 20, and worked with a realtor at the time. I knew that getting (my first home) meant there are certain things you have to do to be a homeowner, Kuhn said. You have to have money to put down on a loan, or put down on a contract to pursue that home, or you need a job to be able to pay for the home and monthly fees. Kuhn said that renting is similar in that renters need money and a job to pay monthly bills owning a home is a different level of commitment. However, Kuhn said, more people have the ability to purchase a home than realize it. Really anybody has the ability to be a homeowner, Kuhn said. There are just a few questions you need to ask. I think a lot of times they are just not asking the right questions or asking the right person those questions. Kuhn said one those questions includes learning how to qualify for a loan. The two most important things, she said, is a good credit score and holding down a stable job, which work together. A lot of times people are holding down jobs and saving up money, but theyre not building their credit, Kuhn said. Horner said that even for people living paycheck to paycheck, its still possible to purchase a home with minimal savings. You can go to a lender and the lender will sit down with you and say heres where you are, heres where your problems are, these are the things you have to get off your credit, Horner said. Clean up this bill, wait a year and then it goes away. So lenders will work with you on a multi-year plan to make yourself financeable. To put it simply there arent as many houses as there used to be. In Lewis County, specifically, there are about half the number of properties that there have historically been, according to Horner. Our number of properties for sale in Lewis County, properties of all types, is just about half of what it was for years and years and years and years, Horner said. So that amount of houses available, the amount of properties available, is greatly reduced. Horner said that Lewis County has historically had about 600 properties listed at any given time, but that its closer to 300 these days. Due to the tighter supply, he said, sellers are more particular with what documents they want potential buyers to present. Really, a good idea for anybody who wants to buy a house is to start out by getting themselves set up with a lender and getting a pre-qualification done, Horner said. That not only gives the seller some assurance youre in fact a real buyer, but it also gives you some idea of what you should be looking for. Lenders provide buyers with the price range of what kind of home they can afford. The two factors that contribute most to what a buyer can afford is level of income and credit score. During the financial crisis, all you heard was people saying you have to have 20 percent down and none of those cheap loans and yada yada, Horner said. That was just not true because there were always zero down loans and there were always 3 percent loans. There still are zero down loans and 3 percent loans. Horner said for people with tight finances who are interested in purchasing a home, step number one is to improve their credit score. As far as anybody who wants to buy a house stop buying stuff, Horner said. Clean up your credit, save up $3,000, $4,000, go to your lender and it works. Posted Wednesday, January 9, 2019 4:49 pm As has become the norm during this time of year, healthcare providers at Providence Centralia and Providence St. Peter hospitals have noted a spike in flu symptoms, prompting the hospitals to invoke some stricter guidelines and precautions during this flu season. Were trying to get the word out to folks to really take it seriously right now, because it is a serious issue, said Chris Thomas, communication senior manager with Providence Health & Services in southwest Washington. Until the rate of flu cases and symptoms drops closer to a baseline level, the hospitals are asking for those with flu symptoms to avoid the facilities, unless in the event of a serious case. Anyone with non-life threatening flu illness is asked to instead contact their primary care provider, or an immediate or urgent care clinic. Angie Dickson, quality and infection prevention manager for Providence in southwest Washington, said at around September or October, they begin to closely monitor the numbers of positive flu cases and flu symptoms, and how they compare to the baseline number of cases that remains steady through the year. Thomas said that baseline number is usually about three to four percent of their patients who exhibit some sort of flu-like symptom. Last week, it was 11 percent, he said. That was the stimulus to put the tighter precautions in place. That number is not abnormal, said Dickson, adding that its about the same rate as the year before. Unfortunately, last flu season saw somewhere in the ballpark of 280 flu related deaths across the state, she said, adding that this season, too, has potential to be a nasty one. So far, there have been nine deaths in the state. One was in Thurston County. None have been in Lewis County. Other precautions the hospitals are taking include increased signage with flu information, stricter cleaning protocols, screenings, fewer magazines in waiting areas to stop the spread of germs and hospital employees who havent gotten flu shots will start to wear masks. Thomas said about 8 percent of hospital employees are unable to get flu shots for one reason or another, such as an allergy. Thomas said emergency departments are busy this time of year, and if folks with flu symptoms refrain from showing up, they help prevent the spread of disease, and save themselves the trouble of sitting and waiting while sick. Anyone with truly serious cases are still asked to come to the hospital and emergency department for treatment. Such precautions typically remain in place for a few months possibly stretching into February or March. Numbers are continually monitored, and those practices are kept in place until the numbers begin to drop back down to the baseline. Dickson urged anyone who hasnt gotten the flu shot yet this season to do so. Its available at major grocery stores and drug stores, and is free with health insurance. Additionally, simple practices like washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough and staying home when you dont feel well can help curb the spread of illness, she said. Posted Thursday, January 10, 2019 9:45 am Kalaloch Beach is an anomaly among Washingtons slices of sandy coast based strictly on its location. The word Kalaloch is a Quinault Indian phrase that translates roughly to mean a good place to land and artifacts indicate that humans have been leaving footprints in the sand there for as long as 12,000 years. The skinny slab of wind swept coastline is located on the west end of the Olympic Peninsula north of the mouth of the Queets River and south of Forks. Kalaloch Beach was formerly managed by Washington State but in 1953 an act of Congress transformed a stretch of land that connects the Olympic Mountains to the Pacific Ocean into the newest portion of the Olympic National Park. Those are some of the known facts that help Kalaloch stand out from other sandy stretches around the state. However, theres a laundry list of known unknowns that seem to stalk the isolated beach like forlorn lanterns along the misty surf line. Late in 2018 the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife released a list of proposed razor clam digging dates at Kalaloch Beach. Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, though, the reality of those openings is currently hanging in the balance and not even the WDFW knows what to expect going forward. We dont know. We havent heard anything from the park other than that they are okay with the dates that we had but that was before the shutdown and we havent been able to reach them. So we are going ahead and assume that all systems are a go until we hear otherwise, noted WDFW coastal shellfish manager Dan Ayres on Wednesday. The first of those proposed clam tides at Kalaloch Beach would take place on Jan. 19 so long as marine toxin tests come back with favorable results and the Olympic National Park doesnt decide to build a moat around the beach to keep clamoring clam hounds away. That beach is probably unique to almost anything else that the (Olympic National) Park deals with, said Ayres. Congress language says the state will still manage fisheries the same as they always have, but one of the confounding things for us is that WDFW enforcement officers have no authority in Olympic National Park so when we open the beach we need enforcement staff to be there to enforce the rules. And as (ONP) will point out anywhere in the park they are not just the resource cops but they are also the cop-cops. Ayres says that over the years officials at the ONP have expressed that it can be a hardship to staff the beach during the winter when the park typically rosters fewer employees. Ayres postulates that those staffing and enforcement concerns may contribute to the relative dearth of digging days approved at Kalaloch each year. Ayres noted that the WDFW made a proposal to the ONP that would have opened up Kalaloch Beach on all 20 dates that have been scheduled for Twin Harbors this year. Instead, ONP officials agreed to clam tides on just six of those dates. To be sure, the current uncertainty at Kalaloch Beach is nothing new. In fact, the upcoming proposed dates would be only the second opening at the beach since 2012 when the WDFW shuttered the sands to succulent bivalve harvest due to a persistent rash of tiny clams. As fate would have it those highly anticipated digging opportunities in January of 2017 morphed into their very own saga of disappointment when the mollusks apparently vanished overnight. Ayres says he was on hand for those digs and he became baffled when scores of diggers returned from the beach complaining that there were no clams to be had. Ayres even grabbed his trusty shovel and hit the trail for the beach only to return empty handed himself after stomping around in the surf to no avail. The clams that wed seen the previous summer just werent there. We dont know what happened. We had a really strong population of clams and we just dont know where they went, explained Ayres. The populations there really vary. Its just a mind boggling setting of juvenile razor clams that later just arent there. There are multiple theories as to what exactly happened to those razor clams but perhaps the juiciest theory is that migrating whales descended upon the beach and gobbled them all up. Two years ago we had this really weird event happen where there were just a great set of juvenile razor clams and then a pod of gray whales came in, said a befuddled Ayres. I mean, what else could go wrong? Ayres noted that a group of WDFW biologists were in the area in a zodiac boat in order to collect whale feces for a study. Those scientists counted 50 whales converging on the Kalaloch tidelands. There were whales turned on their side so they could feed in the shallow water. What were they eating? We were never able to confirm that but it stands to reason to me that razor clams could have been one of the things, said Ayres. As it turns out whales are not the only marine animals who have been accused of fleecing Kalaloch of its precious razor clams. Ayres says that a case of unintended consequences may also be hindering the prosperity of those shellfish. We are seeing, and this has been a really hot topic lately, we are seeing large populations of sea otters on the north coast, note Ayres. Ayres says the otters were transplanted from Alaska to Washington in the 1970s in an effort to replace native populations that were trapped and hunted to extinction by pioneer settlers by the early 1900s. Over the decades those populations have continued to grow and sea otters are primarily shellfish eaters. And, in areas of Alaska where they have been transplanted they have had the ability to wipe out entire fisheries, Ayres said. Ayres said that some studies have shown that sea otters are capable of eating up to 200 razor clams per hour and adults require 30 pounds of salted sea flesh each day in order to sustain their body weight. In the face of that series of setbacks Ayres remains optimistic that the tides will turn at Kalaloch soon. He noted that when stormy weather wipes out opportunities on southern beaches like Twin Harbors and Long Beach the conditions are typically more tepid north of Grays Harbor. When conditions are rough you are always going to do better in the north. Twin Harbors always struggles in rough weather and the southern portion of Long Beach as well, explained Ayres. Twin Harbors is a little bit like Long Beach in that its a flat beach and when theres a high tide the water will surge up farther. Still, with less than ten days until Kalaloch Beach is set to open up to antsy clam diggers again Ayres is waiting with bated breath to find out if this will be the time dig that puts Kalaloch back on the clam digging map. Lets just say that Kalaloch can be a real head scratcher sometimes. It just gets a lot of curveballs that other beaches dont seem to get, said Ayres, who made sure to distinguish the government shutdown from the wild animals and shifting sands that usually add an air of mystery to Kalaloch Beach. This is sure one that I wouldnt have anticipated. Managers at Kalaloch Lodge were unavailable to comment on this story and multiple attempts to contact staff at the Olympic National Park have gone unreturned over the last two weeks. The Olympic National Park is not closed during the federal shutdown. The razor clam digs proposed thus far for 2019 include the following dates, tides and beaches: Jan. 17, Thursday; 3:39 p.m.; 0.4 feet; Twin Harbors Jan. 18, Friday; 4:30 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors Jan. 19, Saturday; 5:18 p.m.; -1.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Kalaloch Jan. 20, Sunday; 6:05 p.m.; -1.6 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis, Kalaloch Jan. 21, Monday; 6:51 p.m.; -1.8 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Kalaloch (Martin Luther King Holiday) Feb. 1, Friday; 4:48 p.m.; 0.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis Feb. 2; Saturday; 5:28 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks Feb. 3, Sunday; 6:04 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis Feb. 15, Friday; 3:11 p.m.; 0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks Feb. 16, Saturday; 4:08 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis, Kalaloch Feb. 17, Sunday; 4:59 p.m.; -1.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, Kalaloch Feb. 18, Monday; 5:46 p.m.; -1.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Kalaloch (Presidents Day Holiday) Feb. 19, Tuesday; 6:31 p.m.; -1.5 feet; Twin Harbors Feb. 20, Wednesday; 7:14 p.m.; -1.3 feet; Twin Harbors Feb. 21, Thursday; 7:56 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Twin Harbors Posted Thursday, January 10, 2019 10:00 am As the Legislature gears up to begin its 2019 session next week, local lawmakers are readying to head to Olympia with a slew of area priorities on their agenda. Chief among them are flooding projects, expanding rural broadband, mental health and the states budget. FLOODING Like most elected officials in the region, state legislators say theyre keenly focused on the flooding that has devastated the Chehalis Basin in the past and poses a continued threat. With a number of entities working on the issue the Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority, the Office of the Chehalis Basin, the Chehalis River Basin Flood Control Zone District lawmakers say they want to make sure they have the funding they need to continue the planning and projects on their agendas. I definitely want to keep moving forward on (a proposed dam for flood) retention, but obviously there are other projects that were going to need to be doing as well, said state Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama. State Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, said that progress on flooding projects moves slower than anything, but this years agenda included some big water infrastructure projects. Thats of big importance, he said. Sen. Dean Takko, D-Longview, represents the 19th District, downstream of the worst of the Chehalis River flood damage, but said hes supportive of the the issue as well. Those rivers go right on down into Grays Harbor, he said. Whatever you do upstream affects things downstream. I certainly support funding those to the degree thats reasonable. Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, and Reps. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, and Brian Blake, D-Longivew, could not be reached for comment. BROADBAND Both Orcutt and DeBolt are pushing bills that they believe will help expand broadband internet access to rural areas of Washington, which they say is key for growing economic opportunity. Orcutts bill would allow rural counties to keep a portion of the state sales tax to help fund the last mile infrastructure that remains an expensive obstacle to reaching rural areas. I thought that bill was going to move (last year), but then it just stalled at the last minute, he said. (Gov. Jay Inslees) office has expressed some interest in moving forward. This is expanding the grid out and getting that connectivity into the rural areas. Thats what our focus really needs to be, getting the infrastructure extended. Meanwhile, DeBolts proposal takes a different approach. The reverse auction proposal would award state funding for broadband infrastructure development in rural areas, with projects awarded to the lowest bidders from the private sector. This year the governors supporting it, he said. Well get that passed, and that will be a good bill. It drives prices way down to serve underserved areas. MENTAL HEALTH Another focus this session and not a new concern is mental health, which covers a broad spectrum of related issues that include addiction, homelessness and housing. Weve got a lot of stuff we need to do in mental health, Takko said, noting that nursing shortages, housing problems, homelessness and mental health form a complex nexus of issues that arent easily solved. Takko also said the Legislature will need to address the troubled Western State Hospital, which lost its accreditation in June. Inslee has proposed building a new replacement mental health facility at a cost of about $500 million. Takko, Orcutt and Braun attended a legislative forum on mental health in December put on by Cascade Mental Health Care. A lot of that came down to housing, Orcutt said. It sounds like some of the places that money is going is not accomplishing the objectives. Im certainly willing to work with anybody on ways of doing that. DeBolt said hes eager to work on the issue as well. We want to do what we can to support mental health issues and to support Cascade and our community, he said. We have a bunch of bills around addiction and mental health that are being looked at. BUDGET Inslee has proposed a budget of $54.4 billion for the upcoming biennium, which is an increase of about 20 percent of current state spending. That would be partially funded by a new tax on capital gains, which drew sharp opposition from the lawmakers who spoke with The Chronicle. Its one-party (Democratic) control, so its not going to be the best fiscally constrained budget that weve ever seen, DeBolt said. My goal is to pass a budget thats fiscally responsible. I just want to include the priorities of rural Washington. Orcutt echoed that sentiment. I want to make sure that when were writing budgets were doing it with existing revenue, he said. (Inslee) should be putting forth a budget thats balanced within existing revenues, and Im very disappointed hes coming out with a proposal that adds a burden to taxpayers. In December, Braun issued a statement on Inslees budget. If budgets are a statement of priorities, its clear the governor will always choose to spend more without considering the effect on taxpayers or the results we achieve, he said. Even Takko, a Democrat, had reservations about the proposal. I dont know that the votes are there, he said. Im not a big supporter of it. I dont know that the governors ideas for revenue are going to get a lot of traction. All of the legislators said they are looking for local priorities to fit into the budget, but noted that theres always more need than there is funding available. OTHER ISSUES Orcutt mentioned that he is focused on improving transportation, including improving Exit 72 on Interstate 5 and working to put electric vehicle charging stations on U.S. Highway 12. Takko is working on a proposal to trade out county trust lands that currently cant be logged due to the endangered marbled murrelet, in hopes of generating more revenue. Both legislators mentioned continued work on the states school funding structure, following the state Supreme Courts McCleary Decision and the subsequent funding package that led to teacher strikes across the state. Meanwhile, the polarizing political issues that have long been debated are sure to surface as well. Theres a lot of bills being filed on climate and carbon and clean energy, as well as a lot of bills being filed on guns, Takko said. Those are things that can kind of get emotional. Posted Thursday, January 10, 2019 9:55 am Powell Development confirmed Wednesday that it is still invested in the Centralia Station project and working to move forward with its retail development, despite the loss of anchor tenant Fred Meyer. There are a myriad of options out there and were working on it, said Ross Vontver, director of development for Powell Development. Peter Powell, chief executive officer of Powell Development, was not available for comment. Port of Centralia Executive Director Kyle Heaton said he did not have an update for Powell Developments progress. However, Heaton touched on the I-5/Mellen Connector project part of the Centralia Station project at the Port of Centralia Commissions regular meeting on Wednesday. We have submitted 30 percent plans to WSDOT (the Washington State Department of Transportation), Heaton said. ... We received a few comments, nothing real major. They wanted a right-turn lane extended a couple hundred feet, which triggered some additional drainage pipe that we will need (and) they wanted the pedestrian islands painted white instead of yellow. Heaton said the port will submit 60 percent drawings by the end of January, and then meet with WSDOT. Really, the ball has been in DOTs court for the last six months, Heaton said. They have shown a sudden motivation, I would say. So we are progressing things along. Fred Meyer was previously set to be the retail developments anchor tenant at Centralia Station. However, the Port of Centralia announced in late December that negotiations between Powell Development and Fred Meyer for a 175,000 square-foot anchor store were over. In 2017, the developer entered into a real estate and purchase agreement with the port for roughly 28 acres of land, which is set to expire near the end of March. Powell Development is currently working to secure a new anchor tenant. When asked if he believes Powell Development will be able to secure a new anchor tenant before its contract expires with the Port of Centralia, Vontver said, Developers are by nature optimistic. If we werent, we wouldnt be doing this and putting our time and money at risk. So I have a great deal of optimism about this project. Vontver declined to elaborate on the developers progress. I dont have anything concrete really to comment about at this point, Vontver said. We are still very enthusiastic about the project. By no means has that enthusiasm on our part weaned. Its a great piece of property (and) its a great community which has a need we intend to fill. We are the most effective way to get your press release into the hands of reporters and news producers. Check out our client list. Choteau, MT (59422) Today Mostly clear. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 51F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 51F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. RMCs MP for rural Efate and Minister of Health recently donated two 10,000 litre water tanks to the Mele community Flash Iran's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday confirmed the recent arrest of a U.S. national in Iran's northeastern city of Mashhad, official IRNA news agency reported. Months ago, "the American national, Michael White, was arrested in Iran's Mashhad city, and Iran informed the American government of the detention through the U.S. interest section in Tehran," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi told the reporters. In the absence of diplomatic or consular relations of the United States of America with the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Swiss government, acting through its embassy in Tehran, serves as the Protecting Power of the USA in Iran since May 21, 1980. Qasemi dismissed western reports about unfavorable condition of Mr. White in detention, saying that "such reports are lies, false and are categorically denied." Michael R. White, 46, the American Navy veteran from California, has been imprisoned in Iran since July on unknown charges, according to western media. White was arrested as he and his girlfriend were about to fly out of Hasheminejad Airport in Mashhad, the New York Times reported. The U.S. State Department said in a statement that it was aware of the reports of White's detention. Flash Chinese travelers' enthusiasm for visiting Japan during the Spring Festival holiday remains high, despite an appreciating Japanese yen and an exit tax levied on foreign visitors. Japan, next only to Thailand, has become the hottest overseas destination for Chinese travelers during the upcoming one-week Spring Festival break in early February, according to Ctrip, China's largest online travel agency. By Jan 4, the number of travelers who booked trips to spend Spring Festival in Japan jumped 40 percent year-on-year, and their per capita spending on booking is 9,000 yuan ($1,312) on average. More than half of the popular routes have been sold out, Ctrip said. From Jan 7, the Japanese government started to levy a 1,000 yen ($9.17) exit tax on foreign travelers who take flights or cruises leaving Japan, and the money will be added to their flight or cruise tickets. Industry analyst said the exit tax, which is around 64 yuan, would add to the cost of Chinese travelers visiting Japan, but it is unlikely to have an impact on the willingness of those who have plans to travel, as the amount is small. "I would still go to Japan, it's all right for me to pay the extra money. Japan is a suitable place for taking trips, given its proximity to China, tasty food and various shopping spots," said Bai Yu, a 29-year-old office employee in Beijing. So far, Ctrip has received tens of thousands of bookings for its Japan travel products for the Spring Festival break. Chinese consumers who chose tailored tours in Japan and the number of Chinese who applied for Japanese visas both significantly surpassed the numbers of bookings during Spring Festival last year. Last year, travelers from the Chinese mainland who visited Japan with tour groups spent 6,516 yuan per person on booking travel products, while those who traveled independently spent 6,789 yuan per person on average, Ctrip said. From January to November in 2018, 7.78 million travelers from the Chinese mainland who visited Japan, a rise of 14.6 percent year-on-year. During the period, Chinese mainland travelers accounted for 27.24 percent of the total foreign travelers who visited Japan, and they continue to stand as the largest tourist source, according to Japan Tourism Agency. "In the past few years, the surge of international travelers has put a lot of pressure on the transportation and accommodation in Japan, and the Japanese government considered that collecting tax may help to improve infrastructure, tourism facilities, and travelers' experiences," said Xiao Yinyuan, director of outbound tours at Ctrip. Meanwhile, the Japanese yen has appreciated against the Chinese yuan in recent days, while the prices of most travel products to Japan remain flat, Ctrip said. "Large travel agencies like us usually purchase flights, hotels and local guide resources beforehand, and we provide better prices due to our scale advantage. Now, trips to Japan for the Spring Festival break are nearing the end of booking," Xiao said. Flash Cuba plans to attract more Chinese visitors in 2019 in light of the growing number of Chinese overseas tourists. "China currently ranks 14th as a tourism market for Cuba, as last year approximately 46,000 Chinese visitors came to our country, representing a 10-percent increase over 2017," Michel Bernal, director of the development sector at the Tourism Ministry (Mintur), told Xinhua in a recent interview. That's a good start. But given the growing number of Chinese tourists traveling the globe, Cuba knows it can do better. It plans to step up promotional campaigns in China about the Caribbean island's varied destinations. Bernal said the majority of Chinese travelers to Cuba arrive from nearby countries and not through the weekly Air China flights connecting Havana and Beijing with a stopover in Montreal, Canada. The route inaugurated at the end of 2015 has seen low passenger rates, and Cuba wants to tackle the "challenge" of filling those empty airline seats, Bernal said. "We have created a working group at Mintur to improve the situation of this flight and we will visit China early this year to talk with travel agencies and tour operators, and promote Cuba as the most important destination in the Caribbean," he added. According to the official, Cuba will participate in relevant tourism fairs in China in 2019. "We currently have tour guides who speak Chinese, which is very important, and at several hotels in Havana, managers that work directly with tour operators who speak Mandarin," said Bernal. Since October, professors from China's Confucius Institutes have been teaching Mandarin at the Tourism School of the University of Havana. Agreements have also been finalized to incorporate Mandarin as a second language at the university's School of Foreign Languages. Two new Chinese restaurants will be opening in Havana this year, said Bernal. According to the official, there's a strategy to boost Chinese investments in the Cuban tourism sectors as it provides confidence for visitors from China. Official figures show Chinese companies are among the leading foreign partners in Cuba's tourism sector, with investments exceeding 700 million U.S. dollars. Ties in tourism represent a significant contribution to strengthening the financial, trade and economic links between the two nations, Bernal said. In the local car rental business, 65 percent of the fleet is Chinese brands. Nearly the entire fleet of buses were manufactured in China. "Every day we want to insert more Chinese products and technologies in the tourism sector. And currently, in addition to buses and vehicles for rent, we have bought air conditioners for rooms in many hotels," said Bernal, adding "we are also assessing other goods for the Cuban hotel industry." Cuba had a record 4.75 million international visitors in 2018 and this year it hopes to attract 5.1 million tourists, which will represent a 7 percent growth. Tourism is the island's second biggest source of foreign revenue. The Cuban government considers it as one of the main driving forces of its economic development. Vanuatu turns the Corner LETS USE THIS AS A SPRINGBOARD FOR THE FUTURE Flash Simpler visa policies, growing number of destinations spur more global travel Chinese citizens traveling abroad are cautioned to be more conscious of safety risks as more people visit foreign countries with easier and simpler visa policies. The Foreign Ministry and its overseas embassies and consulates properly handled about 80,000 cases involving consular protection and assistance last year, according to Guo Shaochun, director-general of the ministry's Department of Consular Affairs. Among the cases, about 40,000 are related to serious incidents such as drowning, car crashes, robbery or theft, as well as citizens encountering entry barriers while traveling abroad. Serious incidents included a boat sinking during a storm in waters off Phuket, Thailand, killing 16 Chinese tourists, and a typhoon in Saipan that trapped some 1,500 Chinese tourists, Guo said. "A total of 759 Chinese tourists died of accidents overseas last year and we feel grief over the figure," he told reporters at a news briefing on Wednesday. If tourists become more aware of safety issues, "the number would decline sharply", he said. The number of Chinese people traveling abroad reached 140 million in 2018, a year-on-year increase of 13.5 percent, and they visited 157 countries, according to a report released by the China Tourism Academy on Tuesday. Travel also has gotten easier. The United Arab Emirates is one of four countries that signed visa exemption agreements with China last year, meaning 72 countries and regions can now be visited visa free or with visa on arrival by Chinese citizens with ordinary passports. The agreement will benefit about 1 million Chinese citizens who visit the UAE as well as up to 3.5 million transit passengers every year. "We are pleased with the progress we've made over the past year, and we will continue to be dedicated to the pursuit of boosting the value of the Chinese passport in the future," Guo said. "China has started a new round of negotiations with some countries over visa simplification, and more good news will be heard next year," he said. In December, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said serving the interests of the people is the duty of the foreign service. He spoke at a symposium on international developments and Chinese diplomacy. "We must strive to meet the people's aspiration for a better life. The people's contentment and satisfaction is all that matters in measuring whether we have done a good job," Wang said. "That's why we are putting procedures in place to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens traveling overseas," he added. The ruling in a high-profile civil dispute over the ownership of a valuable coal mine has been put into question when it unexpectedly emerged that crucial documents in the case have gone missing from an office in the nation's top court. Anti-corruption and legal enforcement watchdogs have jointly launched an investigation. The Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China Central Committee announced on Tuesday night that it would lead the probe and that the facts would be made public. The investigation team's telephone number was published so the public could provide information. The Supreme People's Court said late Tuesday that it would cooperate with the probe, being jointly conducted by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the National Supervisory Commission, the Supreme People's Procuratorate and the Ministry of Public Security. The case, which had gone to the top court for an appeal, involves disputes between two mining organizations in Shaanxi province over the ownership of a coal mine said to have coal reserves worth 380 billion yuan ($55.6 billion). In December 2017, the top court had delivered the final verdict in the case, overturning a previous ruling of the Shaanxi High People's Court, 14 years after the dispute was first brought to the local court. The case recently came under the spotlight when well-known former news anchor Cui Yongyuan said on social networking platform Sina Weibo that some of the key court documents in the case were lost in the office building of the top court. Cui attached photos of a court document that said a hearing in the case scheduled for Dec 12, 2016, had to be postponed because the court couldn't provide trial documents. It also said the court was trying to recover the documents. The top court later confirmed the authenticity of the document Cui posted. Cui also posted a video clip believed to be made by a court officer related to the case. The officer, Wang Linqing, said in the video he was "astonished" that key documents related to the case's appeal went missing from his office in the top court's headquarters. "I looked for them everywhere and checked security footage. The footage only showed me taking the documents back to the office. Afterward, when trying to find out what happened, we noticed the two security cameras near the entrance of my office had stopped working. I found it extremely odd," Wang said, adding that he made the video as evidence to protect himself. New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has walked out of a meeting with top Democratic leaders, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer, after they refused to allocate a whopping USD 5.7 billion funding for his controversial US-Mexico border wall plan. "Just left a meeting with Chuck and Nancy, a total waste of time. I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works (sic)!" a furious Trump tweeted. The Democrats are refusing to allocate the money, arguing that a wall would be costly and ineffective. Mexico has rejected Trump's demand to pay for the border wall. Just left a meeting with Chuck and Nancy, a total waste of time. I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2019 ALSO READ | In Donald Trumps tributes for Indian-origin cop, a message for wall The sharp differences between the Trump administration and the opposition Democrats over border security has resulted in a partial government shutdown, which entered its 19th day on Wednesday, making it the second-longest in history after the 21-day shutdown in 1995-96. Earlier, Donald Trump had threatened to "entirely close" the Southern border with Mexico and change the immigration laws if the opposition Democrats did not agree to his demand of funding for a border wall. The Trump administration is seeking more than US dollar 5 billion for the construction of the border wall. Trump also threatened to end all US aid to three Latin American countries--Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras-- arguing that these nations have done nothing to stop the flow of illegal immigrants into the US. Donald Trump made a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking a key campaign promise in the 2016 election when he said it would be paid for by Mexico. "We will be forced to close the Southern Border entirely if the Obstructionist Democrats do not give us the money to finish the Wall & also change the ridiculous immigration laws that our Country is saddled with. Hard to believe there was a Congress & President who would approve," Trump had said in a series of four tweets. "The United States looses soooo much money on Trade with Mexico under NAFTA, over 75 Billion Dollars a year (not including Drug Money which would be many times that amount), that I would consider closing the Southern Border a 'profit making operation'," the US President had tweeted. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Kathmandu: Nepal Army chief General Purna Chandra Thapa will travel to India on Friday on a six-day visit during which he will hold talks with top officials, including his Indian counterpart, and receive the title of honorary general of the Indian Army. General Thapa, who took charge of the Nepal Army on August 9, is visiting India at the invitation of his Indian counterpart General Bipin Rawat - his first international tour since assuming office. Similar to the practice followed by Nepali prime ministers, there is a tradition in the Nepal Army that sees its chiefs make New Delhi their first international destination after taking command of the defence force. General Thapa will be handed over the insignia of the honorary chief of the Indian Army by President Ram Nath Kovind at a function to be held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, according to a Nepal Army press release. Read | Nepal stalls on LGBT rights despite early strides It is a customary practice between the two neighbouring nations to award the honorary title to each other's army chief. The practice of exchanging the title of honorary chief has been going on since 1950. In July last, General Rawat was in Nepal to receive the similar honour from Nepal's President Bidya Devi Bhandari. During his six-day stay in India, General Thapa will hold talks with his Indian counterpart and also meet Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaraman, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other top officials. Read | Railways announces Samanta Express from April 2019 to mark Ambedkar's 128th birth anniversary General Thapa will lead a seven-member delegation of the Nepal Army. He will also visit South-Western Command, Jaipur and Central Command, Lucknow. Such types of high-level visits will help strengthen age old ties between the two armies, the press release added. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Shanghai: Chinese telecom giant Huawei has punished two employees for posting a New Year greeting on the company's official Twitter account using an iPhone made by arch rival Apple, an internal memo showed. Huawei dislodged Apple last year from its position as the world's second biggest smartphone-seller, below global number one Samsung. But in a public relations gaffe, the Chinese company wished followers a "Happy #2019" in a tweet on New Year's Day -- marked sent "via Twitter for iPhone". Video producer Marques Brownlee shared a screenshot of the post with his three million Twitter followers before Huawei deleted it and sent another, this time marked "sent via Twitter Media Studio". ALSO READ | WhatsApp to introduce Fingerprint authentication soon on Android One unnamed employee and Huawei's director of digital marketing were demoted and had their monthly salary slashed by 5,000 yuan (USD 730), according to the memo widely shared on China's Twitter-like platform Weibo and seen by AFP. As well as the pay cut, the digital marketing director was also hit with a salary freeze and no promotions for the next 12 months. Although the blunder was made by a third-party social media company called Sapient, the pair were disciplined for the "negative impact" on the Huawei brand caused by the incident, which highlighted " procedural incompliance and management oversight", the memo said. In the memo dated Thursday, Huawei's corporate senior vice president Chen Lifang said the gaffe took place when Sapient used an iPhone with a Hong Kong SIM card to send the Twitter greeting after experiencing "VPN problems". Twitter -- and other major foreign sites like Facebook and Google -- are blocked in China and users need a virtual private network (VPN) connection to circumvent Beijing's internet controls. Huawei did not reply to AFP's request for a comment on the incident. The company has come under fire in 2018, with Washington leading efforts to blacklist Huawei internationally. The arrest of its chief financial Officer Meng Wanzhou in Canada in early December -- on a US extradition request linked to sanctions-breaking business dealings with Iran -- has led to a surge of patriotism in China with companies encouraging staff to buy Huawei smartphones. ALSO READ | Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro gets price cut by Rs 4000, check new prices Several companies are offering employees subsidies for Huawei phone purchases, while others have even warned staff against buying Apple products, AFP found. Huawei in December said it expects to see a 21 percent rise in revenue for 2018 despite some of its telecommunications equipment being banned in several countries due to security concerns. London: In a first, scientists have found evidence that the mysterious dark matterbelieved to make up most of the mass of the universecan be heated up and moved around, as a result of star formation in galaxies. The findings, published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, provide the first observational evidence for the effect known as dark matter heating, and give new clues as to what makes up dark matter. Scientists from the University of Surrey in the UK, Carnegie Mellon University in the US and ETH Zurich in Switzerland set out to hunt for evidence for dark matter at the centres of nearby dwarf galaxies. Dwarf galaxies are small, faint galaxies that are typically found orbiting larger galaxies like our own Milky Way. They may hold clues that could help us to better understand the nature of dark matter. Also read | NASAs TESS probe discovers new planet 3 times the size of Earth Dark matter is thought to make up most of the mass of the universe. However since it does not interact with light in the same way as normal matter, it can only be observed through its gravitational effects. The key to studying it may however lie in how stars are formed in these galaxies. When stars form, strong winds can push gas and dust away from the heart of the galaxy. As a result, the galaxys centre has less mass, which affects how much gravity is felt by the remaining dark matter. With less gravitational attraction, the dark matter gains energy and migrates away from the centre, an effect called dark matter heating. The team of astrophysicists measured the amount of dark matter at the centres of 16 dwarf galaxies with very different star formation histories. They found that galaxies that stopped forming stars long ago had higher dark matter densities at their centres than those that are still forming stars today. This supports the theory that the older galaxies had less dark matter heating. We found a truly remarkable relationship between the amount of dark matter at the centres of these tiny dwarfs, and the amount of star formation they have experienced over their lives, said Justin Read from the University of Surrey. Also read | Gene research limited by lack of diversity: Oxford study The dark matter at the centres of the star-forming dwarfs appears to have been heated up and pushed out, said Read. The findings provide a new constraint on dark matter models: dark matter must be able to form dwarf galaxies that exhibit a range of central densities, and those densities must relate to the amount of star formation. This study may be the smoking gun evidence that takes us a step closer to understanding what dark matter is. Our finding that it can be heated up and moved around helps to motivate searches for a dark matter particle, said Matthew Walker, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. The team hopes to expand on this work by measuring the central dark matter density in a larger sample of dwarfs, pushing to even fainter galaxies, and testing a wider range of dark matter models. For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Blessed are those who grew up reading Herges, The Adventures of Tintin, because some books are better left felt and experienced than explained. Comprising 24 volumes published between 1930 and 1986, the Belgian-produced The Adventures Of Tintin and their thrilling, globetrotting exploits of the intrepid boy reporter, Tintin, with his ever-loyal White Fox Terrier, Snowy, and his quirky band of comrades gives us an endless love-affair with adventures. While the Adventures of Tintin gives us an equal adventurous journey, we look back at some of his most memorable adventures that the world will never forget. Read | China faces unstoppable population decline The Black Island: Volume seven of the Tintin, The Black Island series first came out in the papers in 1937. Then in 1986 it got a superlative upgrade all thanks to Herges decision to send an assistant, Bob De Moore on a fact-seeking mission to the UK to help produce some wonderful and authentically detailed backgrounds, The Black Island has all the thrills of an adventurous ride. With cliff-hanging car chases and a fiend gorilla as the ever-mystery-solving Tintin trying to foil a forgery plot without detectives Thompson and Thomson and Snowys love affair with Scotland's Scotch, The Black Island is always a good memory to revisit. Cigars of the Pharaoh: One of Herges greatest virtues is his ever-thirst for adventures and his portraying of Tintin and Snowy that takes us to another dimension. Here he takes the Egyptian craze and the Curse of Tutankhamen occasioned by Howard Carters 1922 discoveries and weaves an intricate, funny and sometimes ridiculous plot from it, plucking in drug smugglers, mad professors and Octopussy like supervillain as well as the worlds greatest and very funny salesman. The Secret of the Unicorn: The eleventh volume from the Tintin series, The Secret of the Unicorn takes you to a world of sea-faring pirates. Captain Haddock formerly an alcoholic pain in Tintins behind, now a funny alcoholic boon companion comes into his own as he discovers his heroic ancestor Sir Francis and Tintin finds a mystery which could reveal what pirates do best-treasure of Franciss sworn enemy Red Rackham. The Haddocks famous way with an oath, often whiskey or rum fuelled, is one tongue-twisting, rhythm like Fancy dress freebooter! Freshwater pirate Pithecanthropus! which you cant ridiculously get over with. The Calculus Affair: Herge was an avid fan of Alfred Hitchcock, the master of thriller movies and it shines through here in a chase thriller-cum-spy mystery. And this eighteenth volume of the Tintin series is no different. Herges skill with a running joke is given full airing from the get-go. In this adventure, the roguish Bordurians are at it again this time by The Taschists! Kidnapping Cuthbert Calculus in the midst of a war is spiced up with thoughtful moral dilemmas about the use of science and weapons of mass destruction. Tintin and Snowys journey to solve the great mystery by stealing papers that will secure Calculus' release from the fortress of Bakhine have you sitting at the edge yet not falling, by the whiskers of Kurvi Tasch. Explorers of the Moon: Paying homage to the man who first trotted the moon, Neil Armstrong, Herges search of adventure takes us even to the moon and back. Starting off to explore the scientific payload and explore Earth's natural satellite to the unfortunate cutting off of the journey because of oxygen supply then adding the broached Destination Moon as revealed to be Wolff, who has been working for Colonel Jorgen, a secret agent from the brutish and autocratic republic of Borduria. This series has all the love for an adventure packed in a book. A child from a poverty-stricken, mountainous part of southwestern China who gained online fame last year as the "snowflake boy" has moved into a new house and is embracing a new life. Wang Fuman, from rural Ludian, Yunnan province, attracted nationwide attention a year ago after photos showing his ice-covered hair after a walk to school went viral online. Fuman, 9, and his family moved into a new house in June, and he is now living with his elder sister, mother and an ailing grandmother. His father, Wang Gangkui, works at a construction site in Kunming, the provincial capital. The family received donations from all over the country after Fuman became an internet sensation. He and his sister visited Beijing last winter at the invitation of People's Public Security University of China, with the trip organized by China Construction Third Engineering Bureau. Even though family members underwent trials last year, Wang said his son hasn't been too much affected. "Fuman performs well in school and is currently preparing for his final exam," Wang said. "His classmates are all treating him as well as usual." The many firsts Fuman experienced last year included being an internet sensation, flying in an airplane, going to the national capital and appearing on television. Before his fame, Fuman dreamed of becoming a policeman. After seeing the differences between a big city and his mountain home, he still has that ambition. "I appreciate those warmhearted people who helped us," the Grade 4 student said. "I will study hard and go out of the mountains on my own to repay them." His father added: "I contact him and other family members every week by phone, and he also shares his school life with me. Fuman and his sister often talk about how wonderful Beijing is, so I still need to work harder to offer my children a good life, even though many warmhearted people have given us a lot of help." Kunming is more than 400 kilometers from Ludian, and Wang returned home only three times last year. His next visit is scheduled for next month's Spring Festival. The new house has left the family several tens of thousands of yuan in debt, but Wang said it will be paid off in two years to three years. He now earns 3,000 to 4,000 yuan (US$440 to US$585) a month, in a job that China Construction Third Engineering Bureau helped him find. Concerned that the contrast between his hometown and the outside world would affect Fuman, teachers at Zhuanshanbao Primary School gave him special guidance after his return from Beijing, deputy headmaster Fu Heng told people.cn. Heating equipment was installed last year in the school's classrooms and new dormitories, with the help of the local government and outside donations. Fuman and more than 70 other students stay in the new dormitories four nights a week to avoid early morning walks to school in freezing temperatures. "My son goes to school every Monday, and leaves school on Friday," Wang said. "The school also covers his living expenses, so I feel reassured about his school life." Fu said society's warm response had let the students experience the beauty of the world, and many now want to venture out of the mountains. "The seed of a dream has been planted," he said. "We have full expectations for the future." New Delhi: The Supreme Court will now hear the Ayodhya case on January 29. Justice Uday Umesh Lalit recused himself from hearing the case after a lawyer pointed out that he had, appeared for one of the parties nearly two decades ago. A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi was hearing the contentious Ram Temple case. In October last year, the Supreme Court had decided to take up the matter on January 4 before the appropriate bench. However, on January 4, the matter was adjourned till January 10 in the hearing the lasted less than a minute. ALSO READ | Ayodhya land dispute: Hearing adjourned till January 29 after Justice UU Lalit recuses himself from case Rajeev Dhawan, who brought up the matter of UU Lalit being a lawyer from Kalyan Singh, said that he had no objection to the judge hearing the Ayodhya case. "I am bringing it to Your Lordships notice though we dont have objection to him hearing the matter. It is entirely upto Your Lordships," Dhawan told the Supreme Court. On September 27, 2017, a three-judge bench of the top court had rejected a plea seeking to refer to the five-judge Constitution Bench for reconsideration of its observations in the 1994 verdict that a mosque wasn't an integral part of Islam. The issue had arisen during the hearing of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case. Besides CJI, the other four justices of the Constitution Bench are in line to be the Chief Justice in the future. When justice Gogoi's term ends, his successor would be Justice Bobde followed by Justices Ramana, Lalit and Chandrachud. ALSO READ | Protests outside Supreme Court after adjournment of Ayodhya land dispute case hearing Who is Justice UU Lalit? Justice UU Lalit joined the bar in June 1983 and started practicing in the Supreme Court of India in 1986. Justice UU Lalit became a judge of the Supreme Court on August 13, 2014, and is one of the last appointments made through the collegium system. Justice Lalit is the 6th senior advocate ever to be directly elevated to the Supreme Court. Uday U. Lalit has represented Prime Minister Narendra Modi's close aide Amit Shah in two high profile criminal cases involving the killings of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Tulsiram Prajapati in Gujarat. Justice U U Lalit has appeared for actor Salman Khan in the blackbuck poaching case. He has appeared for Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh in a corruption case. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A Selection Committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday removed Alok Verma from the post of CBI Director. The Committee took the decision on the basis of the findings of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) report. According to reports, CVC found evidence against Verma of influencing investigation in the controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi case. There was also evidence of Verma taking a bribe of Rs 2 crore to give relief to Qureshi - a millionaire meat exporter from Kanpur, who faces multiple investigations, ranging from tax evasion to money laundering and corruption. The CVC said Alok Verma's conduct in the case is suspicious, and there is a prima facie case against him, sources privy of the development were quoted as saying. The CVC report claimed that the CBI team looking into the case wanted to make Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Babu Sana an accused in the case but Verma never gave clearance to special director Rakesh Asthana, who was leading the investigation. Asthana along with Verma was sent on forced leave on October 23. ALSO READ: IPS Mohit Gupta to head probe against CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana The CVC report also contained intercepts from the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), the external snooping agency, in which "money changing hands with number one in the CBI" is talked about, the officials said. Incidentally, Sana is the complainant for a case registered against Asthana in which he has given graphical details about how he had paid a bribe to his middlemen. He has also mentioned the name of Samanta Goel, the second-in-command at the RAW, of being involved in protecting the middleman, Manoj Prasad. ALSO READ: Congress says CVC is working on Modi government's direction, attacks PM over Rafael again Not only this, the CVC felt that Alok Verma deliberately excluded a name from an FIR in the IRCTC case involving former Union Minister Lalu Prasad, for reasons best known to him. The CVC found evidence against him in several other cases as well. It also found instances of wilful non-production of record. The CVC, which has a supervisory role over the CBI, was of the view that his conduct in the case is suspicious, and there is a prima facie case against him. The CVC also felt that the entire truth will come out if a criminal investigation is ordered. The commission also alleged that Verma was trying to bring in tainted officials into the CBI. It claimed that efforts seeking cooperation from the CBI chief did not yield results as he continued to keep the files away from the CVC. Watch Video | Alok Verma shunted out as CBI chief by PM Modi-led committee The high-powered panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and consisting of Justice A K Sikri and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, considered the CVC report which levelled eight counts of charges against Verma. The panel's decision to remove Verma was based on a majority vote of 2:1 with Kharge opposing it and Justice Sikri siding with the government, officials said. He has been shunted out just two days after the Supreme Court reinstated him with riders. Verma has become the first chief in the CBIs more than 50-year history to be removed. Meanwhile, Additional Director M Nageshwar Rao has been given interim charge of CBI chief till the appointment of a new chief. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has subsequently posted Alok Verma as DG, Fire Services, Civil Defence, and Home Guards. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: In a tough message to Pakistan, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said that India will talk on its own terms and there is no place for any third-party intervention. "Our terms and conditions are very clear. Come to negotiation table and let's start talking, but shun the gun, give up violence," General Rawat said during his annual press conference in New Delhi on Thursday. Addressing the issue of civilians being killed in encounters, General Rawat said that, "Indian Army as a professional army do not target civilians intentionally, but we do know there are terrorists operating from that soil (western neighbour) who attempt to cross the border. So, it is very difficult to identify between a civilian and a terrorist." "We are only facilitators for peace in J&K," he said. "We have managed the situation well along the northern and western borders," General Rawat said, adding that there should be no cause for concern. General Rawat said that the Army has managed the situation well along the borders with China and Pakistan and there should be no cause for concern. With the US and Russia reaching out to the Taliban in Afghanistan, General Rawat said, "We have interests in Afghanistan, we can't be out of bandwagon." However, the Indian Army chief added that "The same analogy can't apply to Jammu and Kashmir. Talks in the state have to be on our terms." #WATCH Army Chief General Bipin Rawat holds annual press conference in Delhi https://t.co/mdXiZZYCth ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 On new weapons for Army "By February-March, DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) will be giving us the final timeline as to when the ordered missile and rocket can be introduced. If they're failing and timelines are not being met, then we go in for the import mechanism," General Rawat said. The Army chief also announced that on January 20, Indian Army Northern Command will get new Sniper rifles. No 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' for Indian Army In another important decision, General Rawat suggested that the Supreme Court verdict on the decriminalisation of gay sex may not be implemented in the Indian Army. General Rawat, during his annual press conference, said such actions are forbidden in the Army. At the same time, he added that the Army is not above the law. "We will not allow this to happen in the Army," he said. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Countering Congress president Rahul Gandhi unabated attack over Rafale deal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday pilloried him over the alleged links of AgustaWestland middlemen Christian Michel with the Gandhi family. During an interaction with BJP workers from Tamil Nadu, the Modi said that the arrested middleman of the AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper deal was close to the First Family of the Congress. Modi said that middlemen from the Congress era and international forces were behind the attacks on the defence procurement deals as they dont want Indias military to get stronger. Recently, a defence middleman was caught and brought back to India. But do you know who this middleman is close to? This middleman is close to the current First Family of the Congress. The people behind attacks on our defence procurement are often middlemen from the Congress era and international forces who want to ensure that Indias military doesnt get stronger, Modi said. Also Read | Rahul says PM got a woman to defend him on Rafale, PM Modi calls it insult to all women The prime minister also linked Michel with the delay in the procurement of Rafale fighter aircraft during the UPA government and said that people of the country must know how he knew so much about the timing of Cabinet meetings and status of government files. People of country deserve to know how middleman Michel knew about the time of a meeting of Cabinet on security, about status of a government file, what role he played in delaying procurement of Rafale for 10 long years and what role he played in putting national security in danger, he added. On December 29, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had told the Patiala House Court that the alleged Augusta middleman had taken the names of "Mrs Gandhi" and "Son of the Italian lady" during the interrogation. The ED, however, said that it was not yet clear in what reference he named the Gandhis. The ED had also said that Michel identified how the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was removed from the deal and the VVIP chopper deal was offered to Tata instead. The ED also sought to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging he is being tutored from outside. "We need to decipher who the "big man" referred to as "R" is in the communication between Christian Michel and other people. We need to confront Michel with other people to decipher who "the big man" or "R" is, the ED had told the court. What is AgustaWestland VVIP choppers scam? 10 points In February 2010, the then Congress-led UPA government had signed a contract with AgustaWestland - the British arm of Italian firm Finmeccanica to buy 12 AW101 helicopters to ferry VVIPs, including the President of India, the Prime Minister and other important persons. Controversies surrounded the deal after reports that Finmeccanica paid a huge amount of money to several officials and politicians to win the VVIP choppers deal with the Indian Air Force. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had alleged that the deal signed with the AgustaWestland on February 8, 2010, to purchase 12 VVIP helicopters had cost the taxpayers a loss of approx... Read More: What is AgustaWestland VVIP choppers scam? 10-point explainer For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Jammu: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday took an apparent dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his 'extremely misogynistic' remarks against Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at a rally in Jaipur. Mufti said that she feels deeply disappointed when 'misogynistic comments are normalised in political discourse'. As a woman, feel deeply disappointed when misogynistic comments are normalised in our political discourse. Be a man/ man up/ stop behaving like a woman - such phrases reek of blatant sexism. Ironical since Indira ji was referred to as the only man in the cabinet. Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) January 10, 2019 "As a woman, feel deeply disappointed when misogynistic comments are normalised in our political discourse. Be a man/ man up/ stop behaving like a woman - such phrases reek of blatant sexism. Ironical since Indira ji was referred to "as the only man in the cabinet," she tweeted. Rahul Gandhi landed himself in a major controversy after he said, "The watchman with a 56-inch chest ran away and told a woman, Sitharaman ji, defend me. I won't be able to defend myself, defend me." The Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah has accused Gandhi of 'insulting' women and demanded his apology. Shah said the Congress and its leaders owed an apology to "India's Nari Shakti". Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has issued a notice to Gandhi. The notice says that the NCW has taken suo motu cognizance of news reports "wherein it is reported that you have allegedly made remarks insulting against a woman minister". "What is @rahulgandhi trying to imply with his misogynistic statement- "... ek mahila say kaha meri raksha kiijiye."? Does he think women are weak? The irony- calling an accomplished defence minister of the largest democracy a weak person. @nsitharaman @narendramodi @ncwindia," NCW chief Rekha Sharma tweeted. The NCW in the notice said, "It has been reported that you allegedly said, "..... the PM ran away and asked a 'mahila '- a veiled reference to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman - to defend him". The commission said the remarks are extremely misogynistic, offensive, unethical and shows an extreme disrespect towards the dignity and honour of women in general. However, actor-turned-politician has apparently supported the Congress president by saying that Gandhi's remarks were taken out of context. "He is not against women, if he can appoint a transgender representative in important position. Why do you want to look at his statement in only that way? Isnt it true that PM has not answered been in Parl, we should look at that too," Prakash said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday announced that her state has pulled out of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) or Ayushman Bharat. With this announcement, Bengal has become the second state to say no to the Centre's ambitious health scheme in the recent past. Earlier, Telangana had refused to join it by saying that it already has Aarogyasri scheme which covers nearly 80 lakh families in the state. "My state will not contribute 40% of the funds for the Ayushman scheme. Centre has to pay the full amount if Centre wants to run the scheme," the West Bengal chief minister said. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Ayushman Bharat Yojana: My state will not contribute 40% of the funds for the Ayushman scheme. Centre has to pay the full amount if Centre wants to run the scheme. pic.twitter.com/vCXM2vh25G ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 The Mamata Banerjee-led government decided to pull out of the scheme over alleged lack of transparency in the way Centre has projected the scheme. Earlier, the scheme was merged with the state government's 'Swasthya Sathi' health scheme and Mamata-led West Bengal government was providing 40 per cent of the total cost. The West Bengal chief minister also took a dig at PM Modi by saying that he cant speak English. "He (the Prime Minister) gives such speeches. But he can't speak English. He uses a teleprompter. Media knows. We know. You just see the screen, read and speak...That's a teleprompter. We don't use all that," she was quoted as saying by news reports. Ayushman Bharat, considered close to PM Narendra Modi, was launched in September last year. Touted as the world's largest scheme, it aims to provide coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family to more than 10 crore poor families. However, states like Odisha, Delhi, Kerala, and Punjab refused to opt for it. All families listed in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) database as per defined criteria will be covered in the scheme and there will be no cap on family size and age of members. The scheme has defined 1,350 medical packages covering surgery, medical and day care treatments including medicines, diagnostics and transport. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: After 10-hour long debate, the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Constitution (124 Amendment) Bill, 2019 that will provide 10% reservation to the economically weaker section of the General category in jobs and education. Earlier, on Tuesday, the Bill was passed with an overwhelming majority in the Lok Sabha. In the Upper House, the Bill was passed with only 7 members from the Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Dravid Munnetra Kazhagam and the Indian Union Muslim League voting against it. In other big news, the GST Council will meet today. This will be the 32nd meeting of the Goods and Services Tax Council. The meeting is likely to discuss the recommendations of the two ministerial panels among other issues. The ministerial panel under minister of state for finance Shiv Pratap Shukla has deliberated on the exemption threshold for MSME sector. News Nation brings all the action from around the globe. Stay updated with all the breaking news: 22:33 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Supreme Court to hear Sajjan Kumar' s appeal against his conviction in 1984 anti-Sikh riots, on January 14. Supreme Court to hear Sajjan Kumar' s appeal against his conviction in 1984 anti-Sikh riots, on January 14. pic.twitter.com/tBpJXYe8ZY ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 20:57 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Dr Raman Singh and Vasundhara Raje appointed national vice presidents of BJP. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Dr Raman Singh and Vasundhara Raje appointed national vice presidents of BJP. pic.twitter.com/i3ERqtzFbg ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 19:28 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Alok Verma removed as CBI chief after selection panel meet. 19:21 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Congress president Rahul Gandhi appoints Kuldeep Singh Rathore as President of Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee. 19:19 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In I am honoured that the party has given me this opportunity, says Sheila Dikshit. Sheila Dikshit on being appointed Delhi Congress President: I am honoured that the party has given me this opportunity. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/vHQMa6yiWL ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 19:18 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Spanish Police makes 83 arrests including 28 professional players in tennis fixing investigation: Reuters. 19:00 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In CBI chief Alok Verma appoints 2006 batch IPS officer Mohit Gupta as probe officer in Rakesh Asthana's corruption case: Officials. 18:29 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In GoAir Mumbai-Delhi G8 319 flight grounded at Mumbai airport GoAir Mumbai-Delhi G8 319 flight grounded at Mumbai airport after high vibration in the engine of the Airbus Neo aircraft, all 160 passengers onboard safe. 17:58 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Sheila Dikshit appointed Delhi Congress president. Devendra Yadav, Rajesh Lilothia, Haroon Yusuf appointed working presidents: PC Chacko. 17:45 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Former DPCC chief Ajay Maken congratulates Sheila Dikshit "I congratulate Shiela Dikshitji for being appointed the DPCC (Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee) President.," tweeted Ajay Maken. Former DPCC Chief Ajay Maken: I congratulate Shiela Dikshit ji for being appointed the DPCC (Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee) President. I am confident that under her leadership, we will play the role of strong opposition to Modi&Kejriwal governments. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/fGbufGFfLn ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 17:42 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Sheila Dikshit returns, becomes Delhi Congress chief Former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit has returned to Delhi politics. She will be heading the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC). 17:20 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In TCS reports net profit of Rs 8,105 crore Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) reports a net profit of Rs 8,105 crore for the October-December quarter. 17:15 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In CBI officers JD Ajay Bhatnagar, DIG MK Sinha, DIG Tarun Gauba, JD Murugesan and AD AK Sharma transferred. (Source: ANI). 17:09 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Five people injured in Tamil Nadu's Thirukovilur Five people injured in Tamil Nadu's Thirukovilur after a cut-out of actor Ajith collapsed during 'paal abhishekam' (pouring of milk on the cut-out). 17:05 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Actor Prakash Raj meets Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal. 16:44 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Sachin Tendulkar, NCP chief Sharad Pawar pay tribute to Ramakant Achrekar at Shivaji Park Gymkhana. Mumbai: Sachin Tendulkar & NCP chief Sharad Pawar at Shivaji Park Gymkhana to pay tribute to cricket coach Ramakant Achrekar who passed away on 2 January. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/VcQl1mhoeb ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 16:18 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Guard of Defence Security Corps (DSC) commits suicide in Mumbai Mumbai:A 56-year-old guard of Defence Security Corps (DSC), deployed at Naval Armament Depot (NAD), committed suicide by shooting himself while on duty. A case of accidental death was registered at Trombay Police Station. His body has been shifted to JJ hospital for a post-mortem. 16:05 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Prakash Raj backs Rahul Gandhi, says the Congress president is not against women. Prakash Raj on Rahul Gandhi's statement: He is not against women, if he can appoint a transgender representative in important position. Why do you want to look at his statement in only that way? Isnt it true that PM has not answered been in Parl, we should look at that too. pic.twitter.com/f14IAVBpQJ ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 15:59 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti makes a veiled attack on Rahul Gandhi Mehbooba Mufti makes a veiled attack on Rahul Gandhi, says "As a woman, feel deeply disappointed when misogynistic comments are normalised in our political discourse." As a woman, feel deeply disappointed when misogynistic comments are normalised in our political discourse. Be a man/ man up/ stop behaving like a woman - such phrases reek of blatant sexism. Ironical since Indira ji was referred to as the only man in the cabinet. Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) January 10, 2019 15:38 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Supreme Court reserves verdict on Maharashtra's plea in Koregaon-Bhima case The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on the Maharashtra government's appeal challenging the refusal of the Bombay High Court to extend the 90-day limit for filing charge-sheet in the Koregaon-Bhima violence case. 15:15 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In From 1st April, composition scheme limit will be increased to 1.5 crores, says Jaitley after GST meet Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley addresses media after GST meet in New Delhi. From 1st April 2019, composition scheme limit will be increased to 1.5 crores. Those who come under the composition scheme will pay tax quarterly, but the return will be filed only once a year. Council approved composition scheme for Services, Jaitley said. 15:02 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Day after passing Rajya Sabha test, Forward Quota Bill challenged in Supreme Court A petition has been filed by the Youth for Equality in the Supreme Court challenging the Constitution (103rd Amendment) Bill, 2019 that gives 10 % reservation in jobs and education for the economical weaker section of general category. 14:44 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Trouble for Lalu Prasad in Fodder Scam Jharkhand High Court rejects RJD chief Lalu Prasad's bail plea in Fodder Scam. 13:22 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In India-Aus series set to be played from Feb 24 to March 13 Paytm India-Australia series set to be played in India from February 24 to March 13. The series will comprise two T20Is and five ODIs, announces the BCCI. 13:17 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Trouble for Hardik Pandya The BCCI is likely to ban all-rounder Hardik Pandya for two matches over his sexist remarks on a TV show. According to TV reports, the BCCI is not satisfied with Pandyas reply for the showcause notice. 12:51 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat favours for talks with Taliban During the annual press briefing, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said that, If a number of countries are talking to the Taliban, and if India has an interest in Afghanistan, then we should also join the bandwagon. 11:58 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Jind bypoll turns into battle of prestige Jannayak Janata Party names Digvijay Chautala as the candidate for the by-poll to the legislative assembly of Jind in Haryana. Earlier on Wednesday, the Congress had announced that its chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala will be the party's candidate for the by-election in Haryana's Jind Assembly constituency. 11:24 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In National Commission for Women issues notice to Rahul Gandhi over his mahila remark The National Commission for Women (NCW) issued notice to Congress President Rahul Gandhi over his statement "PM ran away and asked a 'mahila' (Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman) to defend him," during Rafale debate. 10:59 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Supreme Court to constitute new bench for Ayodhya case The hearing in Ayodhya matter was adjourned after Justice UU Lalit recused himself from hearing the case. A new bench to be constituted. Advocate Rajeev Dhavan pointed out that Justice UU Lalit had appeared for Kalyan Singh in the matter. 10:41 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Delhi reels under the cold wave, air quality 'poor'. 10:18 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Rupee rises 14 paise against US dollar in early trade. 10:22 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In An earthquake of magnitude 4.6 hits Jammu and Kashmir at 8:22 am. 09:37 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Another accused of Bulandshahr violence arrested from Hapur Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha member Shikhar Agarwal, who was one of the accused in Decemebr 3 Bulandshahr violence, was arrested by police today. The cops say that Agarwal was arrested from UPs Hapur. 09:24 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Ahead of Kumbha Mela, part of under-construction heliport collapses in Prayagraj A portion of the building for heliport which was being built as a part of the arrangements for Kumbh Mela, collapsed last night, trapping two labourers under it; they were later rescued, reports news agency ANI. Prayagraj: A portion of the building for heliport which was being built as a part of the arrangements for Kumbh Mela, collapsed last night, trapping two labourers under it; they were later rescued. pic.twitter.com/RAJ34ynlx5 ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 10, 2019 09:02 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Second Trump-Kim summit 'imminent', says South Korea's President Conditions for key inter-Korean projects 'already met' and Seoul will seek to 'resolve' N. Korea sanctions issue 'as soon as possible', says Moon. He also said that North Korea needs to take 'bold' steps towards denuclearisation. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A senior guard of Defence Security Corps (DSC) deployed at Naval Armament Depot (NAD) committed suicide today by shooting himself while on duty. According to the early reports, the 56 years old guard was immediately rushed to the hospital by the co-workers. His body was later shifted to JJ Hospital for post-mortem. The case of accidental death has been registered at Trombay Police Station. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Baiju Prasad Gupta was shot by an unidentified gunman in Bihars Muzaffarpur on Wednesday. Baiju was at his medical facility when an unidentified person asked him about some medicine before shooting him. The injured BJP leader was shifted to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. "We have received the information that some criminal has shot one person. We are trying to ascertain the reason behind the incident based on which we can have some identification of the culprit. We are also planning to conduct raids for the arrest of the accused," news agency ANI quoted a police official as saying. A local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader named Baiju Prasad Gupta was shot dead in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/QToatO2ujv pic.twitter.com/JLX9FukMs5 ANI Digital (@ani_digital) January 9, 2019 ALSO READ | In Delhi, 5 women raped, 8 molested everyday, say cops "Villagers have informed me that he had a small medical store and he used to provide home-made medicines to the people of nearby areas," he added while sharing details of the BJP leader's profession. Earlier, a Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Indal Paswan was shot in Deepnagar police limits in Bihars Nalanda. He was shot dead due to personal enmity. We are investigating the matter," Sub-divisional Police Officer Nalanda had said. The accused's house was later set afire by locals. Paswan was returning home after a funeral meet when some youths of the village fired bullets at him leading to his instant death. The attack was reportedly motivated by the previous altercation of Paswan with some of the villagers. The incident took place at a crowded residential area, but the accused managed to flee the spot soon after perpetrating the crime, ABP News reported. Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress leaders targeted Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the rise in crime and total collapse of law and order. There is no law and order in Bihar. It is free for all for criminals and they do as per their will, RJD spokesperson Bhai Virendar had said. ALSO READ | Noida: Alert citizens save girl from kidnappers near Mahamaya College In December, a Punjab National Bank (PNB) customer care personnel was abducted and later killed by unidentified criminals in Gaya district. The bank's Customer Service Point (CSP) in-charge Pintu Singh was abducted near Amas, Officer in-chrage of Amas Police station Shayam Lal Sarah had said. Singh's killing came barely 48 hours after a businessman was shot dead in Vaishali district. Gunjan Khemka, the industrialist was shot dead in Hajipur in Vaishali. His son, Gopal Khemka is a well-known businessman in Patna. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday adjourned the hearing in politically sensitive Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case in Ayodhya till January 29 after All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) lawyer Rajeev Dhavan objected to Justice UU Lalits inclusion in the constitution bench. Dhavan had cited that Justice Lalit had earlier represented one of the parties in the case before the court. On this, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that he leaves it to Justice Lalit if he wants to rescue himself from the case. Following this, Justice Lalit recused himself from the five-judge constitution bench set up to hear the matter. Now, a new bench would be constituted by CJI Gogoi that would hear the case on January 29. Earlier, the Supreme Court had constituted a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justices SA Bobde, NV Ramana, UU Lalit and DY Chandrachud to hear a bunch of pleas against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgment that ordered equal distribution of the 2.77-acre land among the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. Also Read | Who is Justice UU Lalit? From Amit Shah to Salman Khan, know all about key court battles fought by this jurist Besides CJI, the other four justices of the Constitution Bench were in line to be the Chief Justice in the future. When justice Gogois term ends, his successor would be Justice Bobde followed by Justices Ramana, Lalit and Chandrachud. With Lok Sabha elections approaching the nation, various Hindutva organisations, including the RSS, are demanding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government to bring an ordinance for the early construction of a grand temple of Lord Ram at Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. However, PM Modi had recently rejected the idea of bringing an Ordinance before the judicial process is over. Modi had said that an Ordinance can be brought only after the hearing in the Supreme Court concludes. In October last year, the Supreme Court had decided to take up the matter on January 4 before the appropriate bench. However, on January 4, the matter was adjourned till January 10 in the hearing the lasted less than a minute. Also Read | Chirag Paswan warns again: Issues like Ram Temple, triple talaq may harm NDA During the January 4 hearing, when the matter was last taken up, it was not indicated that the case would be heard by the Constitution Bench. Then Chief Justice Gogoi had adjourned the matter till January 10 saying that it would be taken up by the appropriate bench, as may be constituted. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The Beijing West Railway Station, one of the three major railway stations in the capital city, is forecast to face an annual travel peak during the Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 5 this year. According to relevant officials, the Beijing West Railway Station is expected to receive 6.05 million visitors from Jan. 21 to March 1 this year. An additional 164,000 visitors are expected to board a train this year, which is a growth of 2.8 percent year-on-year. At the travel peak, from Feb. 1 to 3, the station is estimated to receive 220,000 visitors per day. The station authorities have streamlined security checks to accommodate with the world's largest annual human migration. These processes include enabling mobile payments at parking lots and placing automatic ticket machines in various areas to divide travel flows. Backup services include the extra night shift buses, shuttle buses, Metro Line 7, WiFi, and tailored taxi services. In addition, a division of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport in Xicheng district has been working with more than 30 taxi companies to send about 1,000 to 1,500 cars to the station at midnight, one of the busiest times of the festive season. "We hope we can ensure a safe, orderly, and comfortable transportation service during the Spring Festival for the peculiar 40 days," said Huang Daqing, a spokesperson for the West Railway Station. A huge amount of young people, who have relocated to bigger cities for better job opportunities, are expected to return home for the age-old tradition of a family reunion during the Spring Festival. New Delhi: Days after Prakash Raj, the actor-turned-filmmaker, announced his decision to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha Election 2019, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday reached out to the newest celebrity entrant to politics. According to sources close to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the two had discussed several ongoing issues. However, the party has refused to elaborate further on the Kejriwal-Prakash Raj meeting this morning. On January 5, Raj confirmed his official entry into politics, announcing that he will be contesting the 2019 general elections as an Independent candidate from the Bengaluru Central constituency. Soon after the meeting, the AAP took to Twitter and wrote, "Noted actor and politician Prakash Raj called on AAP Convenor and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. They discussed various issues". Raj too tweeted about the meeting while sharing a series of photographs with AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at his residence in Delhi. Thereafter, Kejriwal tweeted his response, saying that "We need people like Prakash Raj to enter Parliament". Read | I'm anti-Modi & anti-Amit Shah, not anti-Hindu, says Prakash Raj "Prakash ji, it was great meeting u today. AAP fully supports u and we agree wid ur decision to fight as an independent candidate. We need independent and non-partisan voices too in Parliament," the AAP leader added. We need people like Prakash Raj to enter Parliament. Prakash ji, it was great meeting u today. AAP fully supports u and we agree wid ur decision to fight as an independent candidate. We need independent and non-partisan voices too in Parliament. https://t.co/M0LO376dG7 Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 10, 2019 After Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, Raj has been the third eminent actor from the South Indian film industry to join full-fledged politics in recent times. Read | Prakash Raj takes a jibe at Modi, says 'if given chance people want to correct their 2014 mistake' Raj would be fighting against BJP's PC Mohan, who defeated the Congress candidate with over 40,000 votes in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The BJP leader has held Bangaluru central's seat ever since it was carved out from Bengaluru north and south after the delimitation process in 2019. The Bollywood actor is considered to have an anti-BJP stance and has been critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi government on many occasions. His demands include a fare and speedy justice for his friend and murdered journalist Gauri Lankesh in September 2017. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Hours after Alok Verma was ousted from the post of CBI director following a high-powered selection committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, Congress president Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Modi-led BJP government over the politically sensitive Rafale fighter jet deal. Taking to Twitter, the Congress chief alleged that sacking CBI chief Alok Verma twice in a row clearly shows that PM Modi is a prisoner of his own lies. In an apparent reference to the Rafale "scam", the Gandhi scion said fear is now rampaging through Mr Modis mind. He cannot sleep as he stole Rs 30,000 crore from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and gave it to industrialist Anil Ambani. "Fear is now rampaging through Mr Modis mind. He cant sleep. He stole 30,000Cr from the IAF and gave it to Anil Ambani. Sacking the CBI Chief #AlokVerma twice in a row, clearly shows that he is now a prisoner of his own lies," the tweet reads. Fear is now rampaging through Mr Modis mind. He cant sleep. He stole 30,000Cr from the IAF and gave it to Anil Ambani. Sacking the CBI Chief #AlokVerma twice in a row, clearly shows that he is now a prisoner of his own lies. Satyamev Jayate. Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 10, 2019 Read | Alok Verma removal: Congress says CVC is working on Modi government's direction, attacks PM over Rafael again Reacting strong to Verma's removal, Maharashtra Congress president Ashok Chavan wondered if IPS officer Alok Verma was shunted out as CBI director as he allegedly was going to probe the Rafale jet deal. In a related note, a group of HAL employees early in the day alleged a conspiracy by the NDA government to "bleed and shut down" the state-run aerospace major. They also demanded the aerospace company should be given the contract for making the remaining tranche of 90 Rafale aircraft under Transfer of Technology (ToT) route. Alleging graft in the deal, Gandhi has been critical of the Narendra Modi government for overlooking the HAL by giving preference to Reliance Defence. Raking up the political storm over the Rafale fighter jet deal, the Congress chief had in October 2018 interacted with HAL employees in Bengaluru. However, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday dismissed all those allegations in Lok Sabha, saying contracts amounting to more than Rs 26,570.80 crore have been signed between 2014-18 by the HAL and orders worth Rs 73,000 crore are in pipeline. Read | What CVC report said against CBI Director Alok Verma that led to his ouster? Read here In an unprecedented move, Verma, a 1979-batch AGMUT-cadre IPS officer, has been removed from the high-profile post on the charges of corruption and dereliction of duty. He is the first chief in the 55 years of the CBI's history to face such a vicious action. Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his dissent to the decision which was taken by a majority of 2:1. The third member in the panel was Justice A K Shikri, appointed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi as his nominee. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Christian Michel, the alleged 'middleman' in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, on Thursday moved an application before a special CBI court, seeking permission to make international calls to his family, friends and lawyers. Post that, the court has asked the jail superintendent to submit a report regarding the matter on January 14. "Christian Michel has moved an application before a special CBI court seeking permission to make international calls to his family, friends and to his lawyers. The court has asked the jail superintendent to submit a report on January 14," the news agency ANI reported. Christian Michel has moved an application before a special CBI court seeking permission to make international calls to his family, friends and to his lawyers. The court has asked the jail superintendent to submit a report on January 14. #agustawestland (file pic) pic.twitter.com/r5JTXDafEE ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 Read | On Rahul Gandhis Rafale reproach, Modis Augusta pillory: 'Congress-linked middleman.....' Last week, Delhi's Patiala House Court had sent Michel to judicial custody. In the ED case, Michel was sent to judicial custody till February 26 while in the CBI case, the court sent him to judicial custody till February 27. Michel, who was extradited from Dubai last month, was arrested by the ED on December 22 and sent to a seven-day custody of the agency. He was earlier lodged in the Tihar Jail in a related CBI case. Interestingly, the court had earlier imposed restrictions on Michel meeting his lawyers in ED custody after the agency alleged that he was misusing legal access by passing chits to the advocates, asking them how to tackle questions on "Mrs Gandhi". The agency sought that Michel be barred from meeting his lawyers in custody, alleging that he was being tutored from outside through his lawyers. Read | AgustaWestland row: AK Antony defends Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, says they never interfered in deals Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the AgustaWestland chopper scam case. The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. The AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper case pertains to the Indian governments deal to purchase 12 AW101 helicopters from AgustaWestland. The deal was signed by the then Congress-led UPA government in February 2010. The choppers were supposed to ferry VVIPs, including the President of India and the Prime Minister. However, controversies surrounded the deal after reports that Finmeccanica paid a huge amount of money to several officials and politicians to win the VVIP choppers deal with the Indian Air Force. Read | AgustaWestland Case: Congress says ED an 'embarrassing disaster', BJP asks 'why are you scared' It was alleged that the some of the technical specifications were changed to help AgustaWestland bag the deal. According to a CBI claim, the deal had cost the taxpayers a loss of approximately Rs 3,666 crore. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Nearly a year after Sri Devis death, speculations drew that husband and film maker, Booney Kapoor will soon be making a biopic on his late wife. The producer has, however come clean about the many biopic mulling on the legendary English Vinglish actor. Speaking exclusively to The Quint, the veteran film producer clarified that there is no truth to these reports. There is no such plan, I have just registered the title and copyrighted the name so that no one else misuses it, said Boney Kapoor. With 2019 seeing a lot of biopic-based movies like The Accidental Prime Minister, Thackery, Pm Narendra Modi biopic, Boney was asked if there were any likely chances that a film on the popular actor will be made in the future. To this question, the producer replied, You never know what can happen in the future, but as of now I am not. Read | Take the first look of Amrita Rao as Meena Tai Thackeray Sri Devi was for the last time seen onscreen in a special cameo the in Shah Rukh Khan starrer, Zero. Talking about her presence in the Anand L Rai directorial, Khan had earlier told ZoomTV.com, Its wrong to even kind of feel, Oh, its a privilege to have had her in the film, because, you know, just the loss is so great. I hope wherever she is, she makes the world happy like shes done. I kind of started my career when I came and did Army (1996) with her and then shes no more and I have a little scene with her, so its heartening that way, he added. The legendary actor known actor known for movies such as Chaalbaaz, Lamhe, Sadma and English Vinglish, was found dead on February 24, 2018, in her hotel room in Dubai, where shed gone to attend a family wedding. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi has landed in trouble over his be a man tweet. On Wednesday addressing a rally, Gandhi had attacked PM Modi and said, The chowkidar (watchman) with a 56-inch chest ran away and told a (mahila) woman, (Defence Minister Nirmala) Sitharaman ji, defend me. I won't be able to defend myself, defend me. Later, he took to Twitter and said that, With all due respect Modi Ji, in our culture respect for women begins at home. Stop shaking. Be a man and answer my question: Did the Air Force and Defence Ministry object when you bypassed the original Rafale deal? Yes? Or No?. While both the Prime Minister and BJP chief Amit Shah slammed Gandhi for this acerbic remark, the National Commission for Women on Thursday issued a notice to the Congress chief. The remarks made are extremely misogynist, offensive, unethical and shows an extreme disrespect towards dignity and honour of women in general, the notice read. National Commission for Women (NCW) issues notice to Congress President Rahul Gandhi over his statement "PM ran away & asked a 'mahila' (Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman) to defend him" pic.twitter.com/xTAyqNeXg1 ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 In his public meeting a few hours later in Agra, Modi accused Congress leaders of insulting all women in the country. PM Modi said Sitharaman had floored the Opposition in the Lok Sabha by coming up with "fact after fact" on the Rafale deal. "They are bent upon insulting a woman defence minister," he said, without naming Gandhi. "This is not an insult to a woman, but an insult to entire India's women power, for which these irresponsible leaders will have to pay the price." The prime minister said it was a matter of pride that a woman had become defence minister for the first time in the country. Meanwhile, away from the political slugfest, the Indian Air Force is planning to deploy Rafale fighter jets at strategic air bases near Pakistan and China, News Nation has learnt. As part of change in the current structure, the Indian Air Force will deploy Rafale squadrons at Haryanas Ambala and West Bengals Hashimpura bases respectively. At present, the number 3 Cobra squadron of MiG-21 Bison fighter jets has been deployed in Ambala since 1997. But with Rafale taking over the fighter base in next two years, the Cobra squadron will be shifted to Rajasthans Nal air base. The air force has almost completed the shifting process soon Ambala skies wont see the famous MiG-21 fighter jets. The air force has also confirmed the development. New Delhi: Large scale demonstrations and violent protests were witnessed in parts of Bihar's Gaya after another ghastly incident of minor rape and murder came to light on Thursday. As per the media reports, a 16-year-old girl was found beheaded with her face burnt with acid and deep gashes on chest in Gaya, 111 km away from capital city Patna on Sunday. Though police believe it to be a case of murder over family honour, agitators claimed that the teen was raped before being strangled to death. The gruesome incident led to growing public anger with the protestors alleging a perceived delay in arrests and relevant police action in the case. The teen's family also accused the police of not acting on their missing complaint promptly. The minor first went missing on December 28 and was later found in a decomposed state on January 6. Read | Fed up of marital strife, woman kills three children by throwing them into septic tank However, giving another edge to the story, senior police officer Rajiv Mishra told NDTV, the girl, according to her mother and sisters, had returned home on December 31 and was sent away with a man known to her father at around 10 pm the same night. Though preliminary investigation and call records indicate the man's connection with several local criminals, he has denied killing the teen. However, the autopsy report is still awaited to confirm whether the girl was raped or not. Read | In Delhi, 5 women raped, 8 molested everyday; most accused known to victims Meanwhile, scores of protestors took out candle light march in Bihar's Gaya district on Thursday, demanding a fair and quick investigation in the case. For all the Latest Crime News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Five women were raped and eight were molested everyday on an average in the national capital last year, Delhi Police said Wednesday. According to Delhi Police data, 2,043 cases of rapes were registered last year as compared to 2,059 cases the year before that and 2,065 cases in 2016. Last year, 3,175 cases of molestation were reported as compared to 3,275 cases the year before and 4,032 cases in 2016. In most of the rape cases, the accused were known to the victim, police said. According to Delhi Police analysis, 43 per cent of the accused in rape cases were either friends or family friends, 16.25 per cent were neighbours, 12.04 per cent were relatives, 2.89 per cent were co-workers, 22.86 per cent were other known persons. A meagre 2.5 per cent of the accused were not known to the victim, police said, adding that this was a decline from the previous years. In 2017 and 2016, strangers comprised 3.36 and 3.57 per cent of those arrested for rape. As many as 2,290 arrests were made in rape cases last year as compared to 2,275 in 2017 and 2,072 in 2018. Police have requested the Delhi government for improving last mile connectivity and also requested the Social Welfare Department for initiating programmes for awareness and education in slums and places recording higher incidents of crime against women. Delhi Police has also requested the city government for installation of lights on dark stretches, including self-defence as part of school curriculum. As safety of women in the national capital continues to remain a cause of concern, police have laid emphasis on popularisation of Himmat Plus, creating gender sensitisation and mindset reformation as a part of Sashakti. Identification of dark stretches and sharing information with civic agencies is also on the fore. Some of the sensational rape cases reported from the national capital included the rape of an employee of a multinational company by two of her colleagues in southwest Delhi's Vasant Kunj in October and the rape of a visually-impaired woman by her neighbour in central Delhi's Deshbandhu Gupta Road area in May last year. Yokohama: Nissan is showing the beefed-up version of its hit Leaf electric car as the Japanese automaker seeks to distance itself from the arrest of its star executive Carlos Ghosn. The unveiling Wednesday at Nissan Motor Co.'s Yokohama headquarters, southwest of Tokyo, had been postponed when Ghosn was arrested November 19. Ghosn has been charged with underreporting his income. Tokyo prosecutors have extended his detention through Friday, adding breach of trust allegations. The Tokyo District Court rejected Wednesday the protest filed by Ghosn's lawyers on his prolonged detention. ALSO READ | Mercedes Benz CLA 2019 revealed, to arrive in India in 2019-20 The lawyers have said they will appeal to a higher court. Ghosn made his first public appearance since his arrest Tuesday, and denied each allegation in the Tokyo District Court. The Leaf was among the achievements for Nissan that Ghosn highlighted in his statement to the judge. The new 4.16 million-yen (USD 38,000) Leaf e+ is about the same size as the model on sale, but gets more power and cruise range. The best-selling electric car competes against Tesla models and General Motors' Bolt. The Leaf that's on sale now costs about 3 million yen (USD 28,000), according to Nissan. The Leaf e+ gets faster acceleration and has more torque than the older model and offers 40 per cent more range at 458 kilometres per charge, as measured under Japanese regulations, compared with the old model's 322 kilometres. It goes on sale in Japan later this month, and rolls out in the US in spring 2019, and in Europe by mid-2019, Nissan said in a statement. Nissan Executive Vice President Daniele Schillaci said the new model was offering customers more power and range, noting that it was "now more convenient and appealing than ever." More than 380,000 Nissan Leaf vehicles have been sold globally since its 2010 debut, a tiny fraction of the overall auto market. But many nations such as China are bullish about electric vehicle technology as it allows newcomers in the industry a big chance to succeed. It is also an ecological technology and can be greatly boosted by government policies. Although Nissan as a legal entity has also been charged with the underreporting of income, no other executive besides Ghosn and Greg Kelly, an American accused of collaborating on the underreported income, have been arrested. ALSO READ | CES 2019: Hyundai shows off its elevated walking car project Kelly is out on bail since last month. He has not been suspected of breach of trust. Prosecutors say Ghosn, a Brazilian-born Frenchman of Lebanese ancestry, is a flight risk. Bail is harder to get for breach of trust than falsifying financial reports, according to his lawyers. Prosecutors tend to think the suspect may collude with others or tamper with evidence, they said. Please purchase a subscription read this premium content. If you have a subscription, please sign up for a digital website account or log in. As China seeks to improve protection to intellectual property, domestic enterprises are in the litigious hot seat, often over trademarks of well-known international brands that have yet to gain a foothold in the local market. In recent years, beloved names such as Lego and Peppa Pig have been embroiled in such disputes, but Chinese firms and organizations are increasingly making up the bulk of the complainants. Although it's common to see enterprises protecting their brands, domestic universities are also coddling their reputation. Top-tier Tsinghua University is the latest academic institution to take to the courts, filing a suit against entrepreneurs that have been selling online MBA classes using its trademark. The university is known nationwide for its STEM and finance programs. The advertisement for the classes claim that one can take 100 sessions of a Tsinghua MBA course for 99 yuan (about 15 U.S. dollars). The instructor is surnamed Lu, who is described in the ad as an angel investor and an international MBA graduate of MIT. What's also notable is that the ad appeared on a subsidiary platform under the Hong Kong-based Phoenix New Media, an influential broadcaster in China. The trial will begin in a Beijing district court on Monday, with Tsinghua University as the plaintiff and Lu and the Phoenix subsidiary as the defendants. IP in a globalized world Chinese regulators aim to improve the environment for foreign enterprises doing business in the country. Moreover, strengthening IP laws and regulations is part of China's efforts to become a global leader in science and technology as well as in its transition to a service-based economy, both of which it considers vital to continued national prosperity. China began considering IP protection in earnest soon after the country's reform and opening-up. It joined the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 1980, and promulgated a trademark law in 1982. Legislators have amended the law three times since then, most recently in 2014. The amendments were intended to streamline the application process and crack down on trademark infringements, a nontrivial pursuit as China processes the largest number of trademark applications in the world. The controversial practice of trademark squatting is often the subject of IP legal disputes. Squatters file for trademarks similar to those of well-known brands, so that they can sell them at high prices to foreign companies when the latter enter the Chinese market. Some squatters file hundreds or even thousands of similar trademarks each, while prosecution in these infringement cases can take over a year. Meanwhile, authorities in the country are already working on the next amendment to the trademark law, calling for public comments last year for the upcoming revision. There are two in particular legal experts say Mr Trump would likely be considering. One allows the President to redirect money set aside for military construction projects, the Washington Post reports, with the requirement the armed forces do the actual building. The US$5.6 billion Mr Trump wants would use up more than half of the military's construction budget. A second statute gives him the ability to take money intended for US Army civil works projects and reassign it to projects "essential to the national defence". But according to Bloomberg, the amount Mr Trump wants would use up all the funds allocated this year, much of it already earmarked for ongoing projects - and he'd need Congressional approval to change that. What else Trump could do Building the wall might just be one extreme measure Mr Trump takes to stop the so-called "invasion". The Atlantic's round-up of powers available to the US President under a national emergency makes for sobering reading. Technically, the options include: shutting down critical websites, or requiring search engines to always return pro-Trump results send the military into 'sanctuary cities' that don't crack down on illegal migrants, or to break up anti-Trump protests suspending the usual court systems in favour of martial law lifting the prohibition on testing biological and chemical weapons, including on human subjects blocking financial transactions and freezing assets. Will it work? There is debate over whether Mr Trump could legally invoke many of the statutes over illegal immigration. Writing for the New York Times, Yale law professor Bruce Ackerman said any soldiers that helped build the wall under a national emergency would be committing a federal crime and face up to two years in jail. "If President Trump declared an emergency, Section Five of the act gives the House of Representatives the right to repudiate it immediately, then pass their resolution to the Senate - which is explicitly required to conduct a floor vote within 15 days. "Since President Trump's 'emergency' declaration would be a direct response to his failure to convince Congress that national security requires his wall, it is hard to believe that a majority of the Senate, if forced to vote, would accept his show of contempt for their authority." Writing for NBC News, legal analyst Danny Cevallos said any national emergency would be declared against the will of Congress, and quickly be shut down by the Supreme Court. "The Supreme Court would have to deny any congressional power to act in the controversy to sustain the President's exclusive control. In this category, when the President acts in defiance of Congress, he should usually lose." Not that rare Though Mr Trump's threat of a national emergency has made headlines, it's not actually a particularly rare route for US Presidents to take. Barack Obama declared 12 states of emergency, and his predecessor George W Bush 13. There are unprecedented disruptions for parts of New Zealand's air traffic services, which are causing delays for passengers and costing airlines more in fuel. The main problem area is Napier, where the air traffic control tower has been intermittently unmanned for more than a month. But flights coming into and out of New Zealand's biggest centre, Auckland, are also facing issues. "As an air traffic controller and as the general manager of air traffic services, I have not seen this level of disruption before," air traffic services general manager Tim Boyle told Newshub. It's all due to staff being sick and others undergoing training. Serious staff shortages have been an issue since early December. "For me it's personally disappointing but we are working to address it as quickly as we possibly can," Mr Boyle said. Asked if there hasn't been enough preparation going into staffing, Mr Boyle said, "No, it doesn't mean that at all." Newshub understands part of the issue in Napier is because a senior controller was recently stood down from duties. It's understood that came about after police had to evict his wife from the tower, after she arrived angry at her husband. "I'm not going to comment on individual circumstances," Mr Boyle said. He says Napier is being monitored remotely and isn't a safety issue, but pilots don't agree. "It's far safer for aircraft to be in controlled airspace with a manned air traffic control service, whether it be a tower or a radar centre," Airline Pilots Association president Tim Robinson told Newshub. Passengers Newshub spoke to on Thursday talked of delays, including those on a plane on Wednesday that ended up circling the airfield. "I saw that we'd flown around in a complete circle, having flown regularly," said passenger Ross Boyce. "I wondered what the problem was and someone on the aircraft mentioned there was trouble at the tower." There have also been issues over lack of staff covering the Raglan Air Sector - the key linking pathway into Auckland. On Monday, this area had no coverage for an hour. Up to 20 planes were affected. As an example, on January 4, NZ628 from Queenstown should have gone straight to Auckland. But as Raglan Sector didn't have staff, the plane had to head out over Tauranga before arriving in Auckland. "We have seen some delays that are attributable to things like pilots waiting for other aircraft," Mr Boyle said. "That wouldn't happen under normal operation." Air New Zealand says dealing with airspace restrictions is "not unusual" and "in these cases they may carry extra fuel". "It is serious and it's serious in the sense that it seems to be ongoing," Mr Robinson said. Airways, New Zealand's air navigation service provider, say their contingency operations - including that in place for Napier - are approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). If you have more information and wish to contact Michael Morrah confidentially, you can do so by emailing MichaelMorrah@mediaworks.co.nz Newshub. Iain Lees-Galloway has promised to help a group of Chinese construction workers get alternative visas as soon as possible so they can start new jobs. The community has also rallied behind the group, who came to New Zealand in August on the promise of work - but dozens say they haven't picked up their tools once. The Immigration Minister called Unite Union's Mike Treen himself, offering hope to up to 48 Chinese migrant workers, thousands of dollars out of pocket, jobless and now homeless. Police evicted 23 from their accommodation in south Auckland on Monday, but relief is in sight. "The Minister of Immigration gave me a call and wants to see a solution," Mr Treen told Newshub. Mr Lees-Galloway says the priority right now is that "these people are taken care of," adding that their "welfare is my top priority". Mr Treen believes Immigration officials would have already been in touch to ensure their paperwork is straight so the workers can apply for alternative visas. "I know Iain and I know he's a fair man so hopefully we'll get a fair solution," he said. The workers, mainly carpenters, signed contracts with National Personnel Limited (NPL) as far back as August. Newshub has seen offer letters which stipulate at least 30 hours pay per week but many say they haven't seen a cent or picked up their tools since arriving. Their supporters are rallying: a Givealittle page has raised nearly $6000, there's temporary accommodation, food and clothing's arriving at Unite Union, and even job offers. Sam Lu from Stonewood Homes says his suppliers want carpenters now. NPL denies any wrongdoing and Immigration officials are still investigating, but Mr Lees-Galloway says tacking migrant exploitation - particularly involving labour hire companies - is one of his top priorities. "People need to know when they come to New Zealand that their rights are going to be upheld, that they're going to get decent wages and they're going to get the job that was promised to them." Mr Lees-Galloway says, overall, migrant exploitation's on the rise and it's damaging our reputation. Newshub. Scientists are preparing for the rupture of New Zealand's largest fault which is expected to breach at some point in the future. Five Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) groups from across the North Island are working together to develop an emergency response plan. They're using a magnitude 8.9 earthquake and tsunami scenario to prepare for the imminent threat, with vulnerable communities at the heart of the plan. Project lead Natasha Goldring says it's vital to build the collaborative response to raise awareness among communities of how to respond to an earthquake or tsunami. "The scenario we are using to support the development of this response plan is a very realistic example of what we could face in our lifetime, or that of our children and grandchildren," she said. The project was launched in response to research over several years which suggest the rupture of the Hikurangi subduction zone is more likely than initially thought. New Zealand Geoscience Society (GNS) scientist Dr Laura Wallace says it's due to a combination of factors, including new insights gained from the 2016 Kaikoura earthquakes and geological evidence for prehistoric quakes on the subduction zone. A subduction zone, she explains, is where one tectonic plate subducts or dives under another, and the boundary between the two plates forms a large fault. The Hikurangi subduction zone runs offshore from the east of Gisborne down to the top of the South Island and "poses a significant earthquake and tsunami risk to the entire east coast of New Zealand", says Dr Wallace. A Hikurangi megathrust quake the same strength as the one that hit Japan would release more than 11,000 times the energy of the 2011 Christchurch quake. Even the huge 2016 Kaikoura quake would pale in comparison - a magnitude 9 quake being 63 times stronger than a magnitude 7.8. Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) groups from across the North Island are presently working together to develop an emergency response plan, assuming a quake of a similar strength to the one that hit Japan will eventually strike. "The scenario we are using to support the development of this response plan is a very realistic example of what we could face in our lifetime, or that of our children and grandchildren," said project lead Natasha Goldring of Hawke's Bay Regional Council. Martha Savage, professor of geophysics at Victoria University of Wellington's School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, told RadioLIVE on Friday the longer the wait, the bigger the quake. "The one in Japan... it had been almost 1000 years between ruptures. That's one of the reasons why it was surprising." The previous time the Japan fault ruptured was 869, causing a tsunami that reached four kilometres inland. Evidence for previous quakes on the fault places them about 1000 years apart. New Zealand's recorded history is much shorter, so the frequency at which the Hikurangi zone ruptures is not well understood. But scientists believe it's capable of causing a magnitude 9 'megathrust' quake, like the one that hit Japan. And because of its location and our prior lack of research, the result could be a lot worse. "Because the subduction zone is closer to us than it is in Japan, we would have large tsunamis and we wouldn't have as much warning - they could come in as early as six minutes," said Prof Savage. "That would be very devastating to people near the coast - you could have up to 15, 20, 30m waves if you're right on the coast." New Zealand's warning systems also pale in comparison to what they have in Japan. Tokyo residents for example had about 80 seconds' warning before the shaking reached its peak, and a tsunami warning was issued in just three minutes - well ahead of the waves' arrival on the coast 15 minutes later. "We could do more if we had enough money, although we are constrained by the geometry," said Prof Savage. "In Japan for instance, they are putting in a network of seismometers on the seafloor. They're cabled together, and if we had enough money we might be able to do that and give ourselves maybe a couple more minutes' warning." GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Clayton F. Mallory Jr., 83, entered eternal life on Monday, June 14, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He retired from Speed Cement Plant after 43 years of service, a member of the Speed Church, Sellersburg Masonic Lodge and was a Purdue Master Gardener. Clayton was preceded More Information Below are some of key election-related dates for the 2019 primary. This information and more can be found at in.gov/sos/elections Feb. 8: Last day to file declaration of candidacy to run in the primary election (noon deadline) Feb. 11: Last day to withdraw from the primary election (noon deadline) April 8: Voter registration ends (deadline: close of business in the voter registration office for a voter to register or transfer registration/midnight for a voter to complete and submit a voter registration application online) May 7: Primary election day (Polls are open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) China's Alibaba Group cloud computing arm, Alibaba Cloud, launched on Wednesday its second data center in Indonesia to cope with the enormously growing demands in the Southeast Asia's largest economy. Alibaba Cloud has doubled capacity of its second data center set in Indonesia as well as expanding its capability, which was said to have stronger and quicker data recovery system for its clients. With more enhanced features and higher capabilities, Alibaba Cloud clients would be able to carry out mission-critical workloads from different zones as well as replacing their zones in a matter of seconds. The opening of Alibaba Cloud second data server in Indonesia makes the firm now operating 55 availability zones located in 19 regions across the world. Addressing the opening of Alibaba Cloud second data center, Indonesian Communications and Information Technology Minister Rudiantara said the data center opening in Indonesia fits the government's future vision of a digital economy. "Our target is to spur creations of new decacorn and unicorn startups, accelerating the growth of at least 1,000 startups, supporting at least eight million ones working in less-advanced agriculture and fishery processing, SMEs sectors to go global," Rudiantara said in the launching event held here. Alibaba Cloud's second data center in Indonesia was opened within ten months after the first one was launched in March last year. Praising rapid growth of Indonesian digital communities supported by improved Internet connectivity, Alibaba Cloud Singapore and Indonesia General Manager Leon Chen said that Indonesia provides robust potentialities both for foreign and domestic firms. On the occasion Chen also launched Alibaba Cloud's Internet Champion Global Accelerator program in Indonesia. "We expect that we can further develop cloud computing system in Indonesia and honing up deeper Indonesian talents at the same time," Leon said. He added that implementation of the program in Indonesia would support the Indonesian government's "Go Digital 2020" vision. Some 200 professionals and students have been shortlisted to take part in the initial program scheduled to commence on Jan. 12 in Bali, he said. The program would be featured with tutoring, training sessions and venture capital provision for those highly capable and potential ones, he added. Funeral services for Thomas Armond "Tommy" Ritch, 72, will be Friday, June 11 at 11 a.m. from the Chapel of Kilgroe Funeral Home. Interment to followe at Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Cemetery in Gallant. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10 a.m. until service time at funeral home While the editorial board may be superficially correct in that a governor in Virginia cannot run for re-election in the immediately following term, they are being horribly misleading. True, Gov. Ralph Northam cannot run for re-election for the next term. However, a governor is not prohibited from running for another term after taking a term off. In fact, theres nothing in the Virginia Constitution to prevent Northam from serving three, four, five or more terms as governor provided that he takes a term off in between serving. Article V, Section 1 of Virginias Constitution states [The Governor] shall be ineligible to the same office for the term next succeeding that for which he was elected. To say that there are term limits on the governor is misleading. The governor can serve as many terms as he wants, he just has to take a break in between. If there is any good to come from the tragedy of Rep. Tom Garretts single term in Congress, let it be a cautionary tale to others in elected office. Garrett, who represented the Fifth District in the House of Representatives during the recently concluded 115th Congress, left office under a cloud of scandal and personal tragedy brought on by his battle with alcoholism. When the congressman announced last spring he wouldnt seek re-election, he acknowledged his years-long dependence on alcohol, saying he needed to confront it once and for all. He recently told the news media he hasnt had a drink in nine months. But it was the resulting turmoil in his congressional office that drew the attention of the bipartisan House Ethics Committee. The panel launched an investigation into allegations of improper use of taxpayer-paid staff members to carry out menial, personal chores for Garrett and his family and of a hostile workplace environment that created turmoil among staffers. African-Americans made R. Kelly soar. They always had the power to bring him down. In 1994, there was his marriage at age 27 to Aaliyah, a rising music star who was only 15, although as the documentary shows, she was listed as 18 on the marriage certificate. Months later the marriage was annulled and she died in a plane crash in 2001. By then new allegations had emerged in lawsuits. In 1996 and 2001, lawsuits accused him of having sex with two underage girls, aged 15 and 17. Both settled out of court. In 2002, a videotape surfaced that appears to show Kelly having sex with and urinating on a much younger-looking girl than the two who sued him. He was indicted by a Chicago grand jury on 21 counts of child pornography. But in a trial that dragged on like the one at the center of Charles Dickens Bleak House, Kelly was found not guilty in 2008 on all counts after the girl in the video refused to testify. Last year, a new scandal erupted with accusations that Kelly was trapping women in a sex cult, which left them mostly cut off from their families. The documentary follows the parents of two of those women as they try without success to persuade their daughters to come home. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Tesla CEO Elon Musk Wednesday, saying that China welcomes enterprises from all countries to expand investment cooperation. U.S. electric carmaker Tesla Inc. on Monday broke new ground with its Shanghai factory, becoming the first to benefit from a new policy allowing foreign carmakers to set up wholly-owned subsidiaries in China. China hopes Tesla will become a participant in China's deepening opening up and a driver for the stable development of Sino-U.S. ties, Li said. Li said that China will continue to be a hot destination for foreign investment. He had an in-depth exchange of views with Musk on topics such as the development of the new energy automobile industry and the collaborative innovation cooperation covering science, technology and cultural areas. Musk said China's development speed and efficiency are impressive, and it is hard to imagine that the process of opening a car factory could be done in such a short period of time. Tesla will strive to build the Shanghai factory into one of the most advanced factories in the world, and will localize the products according to the needs of the Chinese market to better achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, according to Musk. He said museum staff and public historians will conduct focus groups to get feedback about what community members think the exhibit should include. It will address the history of the flag, but just as important, it will place it in its post-Civil War context, Delaney said. Other artifacts besides the battle flag will be included in the exhibit. Above all, the exhibit will be professional and responsible and all voices will be heard. Board member Rophenia Crawley said she still opposes the display of the flag and asked Delaney if City Attorney Walter Erwin had given a professional opinion. According to Delaney, Erwin said there is no legal obstacle to displaying the flag. Crawley said she wanted to ensure the exhibit included the perspective of those who were oppressed by the war. [If] a young person who comes into the museum and sees that flag or any display you have, I want to make sure they feel inspired by the things we are putting on the exhibit and they feel like they realize their full potential when theyre looking at our exhibits, she said. Delaney assured her the exhibit will address those concerns. Uzziel Wilson, an owner and manager of Central Virginia Yellow Cab Company, said he spoke with Salmon about updating regulations last year and was excited about the possibility of new options for cab drivers. However, after reviewing the changes, he was concerned that city staff and Salmon didnt thoroughly consult with taxi owners and operators who operate under the regulations on a day-to-day basis. We should be involved as well for any changes that are being made to the city code, he said. I just feel like were outsiders on whats possibly getting ready to take place to our livelihood. During the public hearing, four individuals all associated with a taxicab company in Lynchburg spoke against the proposal. No taxicab owners, operators or managers spoke in support of the proposal. Salmon was one of six who spoke in support of the proposed changes, citing their ability to facilitate transportation for those in the community who need it most. Salmons ridesharing app, called MoveUp Lynchburg, aims to link the citys transportation options including taxis, buses, medical transport and individuals under one umbrella to assist all citizens, including those in poverty. During last years D-Day ceremony, I had the honor of sitting down and chatting with George Patton Waters, grandson of famed U.S. Army Gen. George S. Patton; Desmond Doss Jr., the son of World War II Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Desmond Doss; and 98-year-old Wilbur Spangler, who was on Omaha Beach during the morning of June 6, 1944. Not many get an opportunity to meet such figures and it is something I truly love about my job. The staff at the memorial in Bedford has been busy preparing for the diamond anniversary of D-Day and I cannot wait to see what they have in store for us this year. Another story I followed with interest in 2018 and look forward to covering in 2019 is the future of the former Bedford Middle School and a proposal by Petersburg-based Waukeshaw Development Inc. to develop the 8.37-acre site off of N. Bridge Street. Waukeshaw is proposing turning Old Yellow into a 30-room boutique hotel and the old middle school building into apartments; the 8,000-square-foot cafeteria building would be subleased for office space. Supporters of the proposal said the deal would save the town money and will boost economic development in the area. Opponents of the proposal said the town is basically giving away the property and are unsure of the viability of the proposed uses for the schools buildings. Thought Leaders Dr. Nicole Polinski & Dr. Elnaz Atabakhsh Associate Director of Research Programs, Senior Product Manager Michael J. Fox Foundation & Abcam An interview with Dr. Nicole Polinski from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF) and Dr. Elnaz Atabakhsh from Abcam, discussing the importance of developing biomarkers for Parkinsons and the partnership between MJFF and Abcam. Which biomarkers are currently used for Parkinsons disease and why are additional biomarkers needed for this condition? Nicole: The diagnosis of Parkinsons Disease is based on the presence of motor symptoms. Patients typically present with a tremor, or issues with balance and gait, and undergo a series of tests which determine whether the classical hallmarks of motor dysfunction are present. The disease is only truly confirmed post-mortem. KateStudio | Shutterstock We do have an imaging biomarker in development; it's a scan of the brain that measures levels of dopamine transporter. What we've seen is that patients with Parkinson's have less dopamine transporter proteins than healthy controls. So, it's a good read-out that can tell you whether you may have Parkinsons. However, there are some patients that present with symptoms that do not have evidence of lower dopamine transporter. These patients are considered to have a separate condition. Now, diagnosis is based on motor symptoms, and sometimes the additional brain scan, which is very expensive and therefore seldom used. This creates an issue because motor symptoms can fluctuate based on how the patient feels. I think we've all had those circumstances where we've gone to the doctor with a problem, and then it's magically gone. Its the same with Parkinson's disease. With such a subjective read-out, the results can differ based on the doctor you're seeing and their experience with Parkinson's among many other things. We need a better diagnostic method for this disease that's less subjective and more stable across time, and, eventually, something that can help track disease progression. How does neuroinflammation contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinsons disease? When does it appear and are there any measurable markers of neuroinflammation? Nicole: It's still a big open question: whether neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease contributes to the disease once it's started or whether it initially starts the disease. We think that Parkinson's may not be one disease, but multiple. In certain cases, such as head trauma, for example, it could be possible that inflammation leads to the development of Parkinson's disease. However, in cases where there is a genetic mutation that has been linked to Parkinsons but is not related to inflammation, we think that neuroinflammation is probably a consequence of disease progression. Right now, we don't have really any great biomarkers for Parkinsons, so we're testing different assays and different platforms to see if they can detect differences between Parkinson's patients and healthy controls. I think the next step will be to determine whether there are any differential immune signatures between patients or not. It's still in very early stages; there are a lot of issues that can affect the inflammatory signature of a patient, from the time of day to exposure to different viruses like the flu, and sample collection and preparation methods. Using models of Parkinsons disease, we are hoping to tease out pathways, and maybe if we have a better understanding of the pathways involved in the disease, we can find something upstream or downstream that doesnt fluctuate with time of day or other factors. We can then develop a diagnostic test that gives a better readout. Kateryna Kon | Shutterstock How are the Michael J. Fox Foundation and Abcam working together to discover new biomarkers for Parkinsons disease? Elnaz: Abcam and The Michael J. Fox Foundation have been working together for almost ten years. The collaboration aims to develop antibodies for difficult-to-detect targets in Parkinson's disease. More recently, Abcam and MJFFs collaborations were expanded to our multiplex platform. The goal of this particular study was to try and determine if we can tease out some of the finer points on neuroinflammation. For example, is it chronic versus acute? Are there any gender-specific components? Can we use the serum sample as the surrogate readout for what's going on in CSF? The research is using Abcams FirePlex platform, which is a multiplex assay that comprises an internal biomarker development platform and internal antibodies. This makes it a really unique tool to build exactly whats needed. It has been a really collaborative effort where we took feedback from the scientists at MJFF that is enabling our assay team to develop a comprehensive neuroinflammation panel. Nicole: I would say the biggest advantage to this partnership is how collaborative it is. It was a couple of iterations and a lot of working together to refine what was already in place. How does the FirePlex platform work? Elnaz: FirePlex technology was developed at MIT about ten years ago using a method of photolithography to polymerize liquid PEG into bioinert particles. FirePlex started out as a multiplex nucleic acid-based detection platform and using our in-house antibody development expertise weve expanded into developing multiplex immunoassays as well. Right now, we have two immunoassay options; one that's designed for screening and is run in a 384-well format in a straightforward, automatable workflow. The second is a platform is run in a 96-well plate format and is designed for biomarker discovery. These multiplexed assays are specifically designed for when you don't necessarily know what you're looking for and you want to look at a broad set of detection ranges. The goal of the FirePlex technology is quite simple: to provide a technology platform that enables the discovery of biomarkers and for verification studies to be carried out using small sample inputs. We know it's not possible to ask clinicians to supply hundreds of microliters or milliliters of sample for just one project when there are hundreds of projects that one specific cohort is trying to address with a finite volume of sample. Therefore, being able to support limited sample inputs and still advance biomarker studies without depleting precious samples was vital. Get closer to the research: Multiplex miRNA and cytokine assays from Abcam. Being able to work directly from biofluids without sample analysis is also important because it means additional variables are not being introduced that create artifacts in the assay. Almost all of our panels have been informed by feedback from our collaborators. We think that this is important because science doesn't happen in a vacuum but is a truly collaborative endeavor. What have you found so far? Elnaz: We were looking for protein and microRNA biomarkers that might help differentiate people without Parkinsons from those with the disease. From the immunoassays, we identified some individual analytes that may be of interest. Based on the preliminary studies, we believe that neuroinflammation could provide a good biomarker for Parkinsons disease. We will need to further tune the panel design and make some modifications to the targets we include. Well also likely split the panels into high expressers and low expressers to further enhance the measurement of those analytes. From the microRNA side, I think it's interesting that we see the enrichment of the neural-specific micro RNAs in the serum. That's a pretty good internal validation that youre seeing some level of communication between these different matrices. Weve yet to find out what this means. Were anticipating that the RNA sequencing data might help narrow down and inform a different panel design. ktsdesign | Shutterstock How close do you think we are to producing a complete set of biomarkers that work to help diagnose and inform the treatment and prognosis of Parkinsons Disease? Nicole: We're closer than we've ever been. One of the things that drove this work is the generation of patient cohorts and the participation of patients in research. We have great models for Parkinsons disease, but we need to understand what is going on with real-life, human patients. This is why The Michael J. Fox Foundation and other groups are investing in the development of patient cohorts and collecting a lot of information on the patients and their clinical symptoms. We also monitor patients longitudinally, so that we can observe disease progression and look for changes in biofluid samples to see if there is a correlation between various readouts, like neuroinflammation, and disease state. We are putting a huge effort into profiling these patients by looking at differences in DNA, RNA, lipids, inflammatory signatures, and other variables to understand Parkinsons disease, the progression of the disease, and disease heterogeneity. It's probably not one thing that is going tell us whether you have Parkinson's or not, it's going to be this molecular signature that either increases or decreases your risk. Elnaz: The idea of a multiomic signature is something that has taken a while to be accepted, but I think we are now starting to see it as a standard and accepted approach to identifying biomarkers. What everyone recognizes is that while, for example, protein biomarkers do a tremendous job of indicating the presence of certain conditions, they might not be able to indicate the staging of a particular disease, or the degree of advancement, or the severity, and so on. Combining things like lipids or genomic markers will hopefully also reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis. What does the next year look like for PD research? Nicole: Getting this profiling information from some of our cohorts is going be highly informative, particularly from the patients were tracking longitudinally. Looking at the samples from these patients and seeing if there are any leads that we can then move forward with is going to be huge. Where can readers find more information? About Dr. Nicole Polinski Nicole earned a bachelors degree in biology from Kalamazoo College and a doctorate in neuroscience from Michigan State University. Her previous research focused on characterizing and improving gene therapy in the aged brain for use in age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's. In addition to her experience researching Parkinson's disease, Nicole also has advocated for investment in neuroscience and Parkinson's disease research on Capitol Hill with the Society for Neuroscience and MJFFs Public Policy Program. At MJFF, Nicole manages the Preclinical Tools and Preclinical Models portfolios where she works with academic groups, contract research organizations, and pharmaceutical partners to facilitate the Foundation's efforts to generate, characterize, and widely distribute novel, research-enabling tools for the Parkinsons drug development and fundamental research communities. About Dr. Elnaz Atabakhsh Elnaz earned an Honors B.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Ottawa, and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from The University of Western Ontario. She then went onto a post-doctoral fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, prior to joining Abcam. Her research has focused on deregulation of signaling programs in cancer development and progression, as well as the mechanisms by which epigenetic modulators promote copy number variation in cancer. In her current role as Senior Product Manager for Multiplex Assays at Abcam, Elnaz is responsible for shaping the vision for product development, commercialization, and collaboration projects related to the multiplex assays portfolio. Robots will perform spinal surgery with greater accuracy than humanly possible as part of a ground-breaking research project led by Nottingham Trent University. Prof Philip Breedon with two robot arms A team led by Professor Philip Breedon, of the Medical Design Research Group, have created a system which allows two robotic arms to semi-autonomously drill holes in individual vertebrae. The drilling is required as part of an operation which allows surgeons to straighten the spines of patients who have conditions such as scoliosis or kyphosis. The technology promises to deliver previously unachieved levels of accuracy, partly because the robotic arms move in unison and naturally with the patients spine during the operation whilst drilling. The research also explores the use of augmented reality to provide surgeons with live visual feedback to illustrate the depth of each hole as it is drilled. Accuracy of drilling has been recorded at 0.1 of a millimeter. Surgeons performing life-changing operations to correct spinal conditions such as scoliosis or kyphosis have to ensure pinpoint levels of accuracy are achieved to avoid causing unnecessary and potentially serious injuries. This technology promises to deliver greater levels of accuracy than ever previously achieved or even humanly possible to improve the safety and efficiency of such procedures which are needed by people with serious spinal conditions. Professor Philip Breedon, Medical Design Research Group, Nottingham Trent University The holes drilled in the vertebrae are used to insert pedicle screws which are attached to deformity rod reducers that allow surgeons to lever individual vertebrae and realign the spine. Two robotic arms work in collaboration during the procedure, known as the datum and tooling robots. The datum robot is secured to a vertebrae and moves with it to follow the natural movements of the patient. It relays data on this movement instantaneously to a computer. The tooling robot then adjusts automatically so that it remains on its pre-defined path and continues to drill accurately. It has been undertaken in collaboration with Professor David Brown of Nottingham Trent Universitys School of Science and Technology and consultant spinal surgeon Professor Bronek Boszczyk, Head of Spinal Surgery at Benedictus Krankenhaus Tutzing, Germany, and a visiting professor at Nottingham Trent University. Professor Boszczyk said: It is paramount that spinal procedures are carried out with total accuracy in order to minimize what can be substantial risks to a patient. This technology has the potential to minimize those risks by performing a key part of the operation with accuracy which cannot be achieved by a human hand. It's a brilliant example of how robotics can enhance and improve the way in which intrusive operations are carried out, improving patient safety and ensuring efficiency of process. Robotic surgery Play Source: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2019/01/robots-to-perform-spinal-surgery-with-pinpoint-accuracy British scalp cooling expert, PAXMAN is showcasing the latest model of the PAXMAN Scalp Cooling System (PSCS) at Arab Health 2019. The British-developed pioneering treatment prevents Middle Eastern cancer patients from losing their hair and retain a feeling of normality during chemotherapy. The improved simplicity of the new generation of PAXMAN Scalp Cooling employs an interactive user interface and touchscreen ensuring ease of use for clinical staff. Maintaining coolant levels is also simplified by a visual warning system and an easy-to-use self-drain coolant refill bag. The new control pump manages the speed and coolant flow, improving the consistency of treatment. Manufacturing technique changes have also been introduced the front cover of the scalp cooling machine is now injection molded rather than RIM molded - to improve the overall aesthetics of the system. Following the successful launch in the US, this updated model is being rolled out across the Middle East, UK and rest of world markets. This is the first time it will be showcased at Arab Health and the company is keen to find new partners from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The PAXMAN Cooling System (also known as the 'cold cap') alleviates the damage caused to the hair follicle by chemotherapy. It works by reducing the temperature of the scalp by a few degrees immediately before, during and after the administration of chemotherapy. Made from lightweight silicone, the scalp cooling cap is soft and flexible - providing a snug, yet comfortable fit during treatment, molding to all head shapes and sizes. Liquid coolant passes through the cap, extracting heat from the young persons scalp, ensuring it remains at an even, constant temperature to minimize hair loss. Chemotherapy works by targeting all rapidly dividing cells in the body. Hair is the second fastest dividing cell, and this is the reason why many chemotherapy drugs cause alopecia. The hair follicles in the growth phase are attacked, resulting in hair loss approximately two weeks after the commencement of chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy-induced hair loss is consistently ranked in the top five most distressing cancer chemotherapy side effects and we are working hard to ensure that cancer patients have a choice against hair loss. We are delighted to be able to offer scalp cooling to Middle Eastern patients and are keen to find new partners from across the region. Richard Paxman, CEO at PAXMAN The Arab Health Exhibition & Congress is taking place from 28th 31st January 2019 at the Dubai Convention and Exhibition Centre. Throughout the exhibition the Paxman Scalp Cooler will be located on the Leeds City Region stand (H7.H51) in the UK Pavilion. Stephanie Monty, an entrepreneur from the University of Birminghams BizzInn business incubator, has been awarded 310k by Innovate UK, the UKs innovation agency. Inspired by seeing close family members suffering from the devastating effects of Crohns Disease, she set up her company, Ostique, to develop a new range of stylish stoma products that are beautiful as well as functional. Ostique Mandala Every morning 200,000 people in the UK alone face a new day with a hole in their abdomen, a stoma, which diverts bowel waste. A stoma is often necessary as a result of cancer or bowel disease. Unable to use the toilet normally patients must wear a stuck-on fabric ostomy bag over the opening to collect their waste. Living with a stoma can be completely debilitating. The physical changes post-surgery are compounded by the limitations of currently available appliances including the bag leaking, poor deodorization and skin irritation. This impacts on patients physical and mental wellbeing, making daily activities such as work, socializing and intimacy, challenges fraught with anxiety. Up to a quarter of ostomates endure social isolation, anxiety, depression, even suicidal inclinations. Stephanies company Ostique has developed a new range of ostomy products inspired by body art, tattoos and lingerie. Designed to give people with a stoma freedom from the traditional ostomy bag which can be uncomfortable and stigmatizing. Ostiques designs can be worn while swimming, on the beach, in the gym, or during intimate occasions; times when exposing a typical ostomy bag would cause embarrassment. More akin to fashion items than medical appliances, the Ostique range will include embossed stoma covers that can be color-matched to the users skin and a disposable waste-collection insert. Ostiques patented designs use innovative adhesives to reduce skin inflammation. Stephanie set up Ostique in 2017. During her research, she interviewed over 200 patients and found that for many, wearing an ostomy bag, rather than the stoma itself caused the greatest distress. She believes passionately that good medical design should encompass the patients physical and psychological needs, and set about designing products that would do just that. Stephanie commented: The ostomy bag is a necessity, but it is also a constant reminder of disability. The depression, social anxiety and isolation experienced by many ostomates is very real: some people are afraid to leave the house, and going swimming or baring all on the beach is something that most could not dream of doing. Whilst at the BizzInn, she was introduced to the ERDF-funded Medical Devices Testing and Evaluation Centre (MD-TEC), and the NIHR Trauma Management MIC, both located at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, which are providing support for the testing and commercialization of the product. Cambridge Design Partnership will work with Stephanie to create detailed design specifications, trial the product and bring it to manufacture. The charity Bowel & Cancer Research is leading on all aspects of patient involvement, including testing the prototypes with volunteers before they go into production. The Innovate UK funding has provided a significant boost to Ostique, which aims to launch its first products in 2022. The company is now looking for match-funding. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. To subscribe, click here. Already a subscriber? Click here. David Lair has served as Geauga County administrator for 14 years. He is retiring from the position at the end of the day on Jan. 4. China had 225,000 bookstores and sales outlets for books at the end of 2018, a 4.3-percent increase from the previous year, according to an annual report on the country's bookstore industry released Tuesday. Issued by China's Books and Periodicals Distribution Association, the report showed that the total sales revenue of publications in China reached 370.4 billion yuan (about 54.1 billion U.S. dollars) last year, up 5.9 percent year on year, while 158 billion yuan was from retail, which enjoyed an 11.3-percent growth. Private bookstores played a significant part in the development, as 85 of the over 160 popular Sisyphe Bookstore chain as of October last year were opened in 2018 alone, and Yanjiyou, another popular brand, opened another 53 bookstores from January to November last year, according to an article on Wednesday's People's Daily. New media also contributed to the growth, with major outlets such as Yitiao opening brick-and-mortar bookstores last year based on their high popularity. According to the paper, the revitalization of bookstores in China was largely due to favorable policies unveiled in recent years. After a national guideline on supporting the bookstore industry was issued in 2016, 28 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities also released relevant policies to boost the industry. For instance, 50 million yuan of subsidies has been distributed to 151 bookstores in Beijing since the release of the local guideline in July 2018, the paper reported. For Tim Snider it all began when he was a teenager working as a barista at an Arabica shop in Mentor at the same time his brother worked at th Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Free access for current print subscribers As a home delivery subscriber, you get free unlimited digital access to news-daily.com including stories, photos, obituaries, e-edition and more on your computer, tablet or phone. All you need is your print subscription account number and your last name. Don't know your subscription number? Email access@news-daily.com with your delivery address. Activate your account now. You are here: Arts A unique take on a much-loved Chinese folk tale is vying for box-office honors, Xu Fan reports. Film director Zhao Ji is very familiar with the traditional folk tale Legend of the White Snake, but has always been puzzled by it. In the tale, which originated in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Bai Suzhen, a white snake spirit which longs to be a human, transforms itself into a beautiful woman. Then, while wandering on a bridge over West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, she bumps into Xu Xian-a suave, handsome young man-falls in love and marries him. But the romance sours after he discovers his wife's secret. Xu is scared and turns to a powerful monk for help, who jails her in the Leifeng Tower for two decades. Zhao's question is: Why does the white snake fall head-over-heels for Xu Xian and even risk her life for such an undeserved companion? In the tale, the man betrays his wife, despite her being pregnant. "It doesn't make sense," says Zhao. "She is pretty, kind and has superpowers, but he is a coward, who is unable to financially support them," adds the director. Connecticut Post readers donated $23,799 to local people and families in need of help this winter over seven weeks through The Giving Fund. For the 10th consecutive year, the Post partnered with United Way, a nonprofit organization focused on charitable fundraising and support, to provide stories of people in the community who need financial help to get through the holidays and the winter months. Donations are made to The Giving Fund, a philanthropic partnership between United Way, LifeBridge of Bridgeport and the Connecticut Post. Coupons to mail-in donations were provided in print weekly. Online donations can be made at https://bit.ly/2UWVaFx. As of 1 p.m. Wednesday, 127 Connecticut Post readers donated $23,799 to the cases shared from Thanksgiving 2018 through Jan. 3. The needs were fully met for the following cases: 001, 010, 017, 019, 021, 024, 027, 030, 034, 037, 043, 045, 051, 055 and 060. All cases for this season can be found at www.ctpost.com/ givingfund. Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those asking for help. Over the seven weeks, a total of $29,220 was asked for in the Connecticut Post cases. With the amount donated, roughly 91 percent of the total ask was met. David Kennedy, chief operating officer of United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, said he knows following the holiday season a lot of people tend to keep their spending to a minimum. We are all getting our post-holiday lives back on track and not thinking much about others, Kennedy said. But this is also a very tough time for those families who are facing struggles. But with so much generosity already for this seasons Giving Fund, Kennedy said, only about $5,500 worth of donations could meet 100 percent of the needs a feat that was accomplished last year. Hopefully readers will continue to be generous and help more of their neighbors, he said. Start the new year on a positive note. Over the next several days, the Connecticut Post will publish the cases that are still in need of donations, divided up by when the case was published. The following cases are from week one and were initially published in the paper on Nov. 22, 2018. Elena Case 002 Elena needs a warm coat and boots. The 18-year-old is living with her grandmother in Bridgeport. The two recently lost the home they were living in due to foreclosure and are searching for an apartment. Elena is a new mother who needs a winter coat and boots to help keep her warm while she waits for the bus to her part-time job in Stratford. A gift of $200 would help her make this purchase. Melissa Case 003 Melissa needs help paying off her dental bills. The single mother of three, living in Bridgeport, was a victim of domestic violence for years. Her landlord has raised her rent and a recent trip to the dentist left her with a $800 bill. A gift of $500 would help her pay off some of her dental bills and afford some groceries through the winter. Patrice Case 004 Patrice needs to keep on her familys heat and hot water. The single mother of two, living in Bridgeport, is struggling to provide from her family after getting out of an abusive relationship. Patrice is facing homelessness and her bills are piling up, leaving her family without heat or hot water. She has been forced her to take her kids to friends homes to bathe and eat. A gift of $500 would help Patrice and her family keep warm for the rest of the winter. Isabel Case 005 Isabel hopes to put on smile on her childrens faces. The single mother of two, living in Bridgeport, is trying to get her children some late Christmas gifts. Her son, who doesnt ask for much for Christmas, asked for a PlayStation game, a coat and pajama bottoms. Her daughter, who was born with cancer but is now cancer-free, asked for a Christmas Barbie Doll and a phone. A gift of $400 would help Isabel get these gifts to surprise her kids. Amanda Case 006 Amanda needs help covering some bills. She recently adopted her 3-year-old nephew and is working to hard to adjust to the new responsibilities and costs that come with it. A gift of $500 would help Amanda cover some of the costs of having another person to care for as she continues to handle the difficult transition. Leah Case 007 Leah needs help covering the cost of groceries. The 36-year-old has two children and has been battling depression, poverty, chronic body pain and domestic violence. Leah is stuck in a low-paying job as she waits to have her Masters Degree transferred after moving to Bridgeport. A gift of $400 will help her pay for some groceries and bills as she pushes through the winter. Andrea Case 008 Andrea needs help affording her transportation. The single mother of two kids lives in Bridgeport and has been in and out of work because of various health problems and surgeries. She was recently diagnosed with Parkinsons disease but continues to work. Her car is currently out of service. A gift of $500 would help her cover the cost of transportation through the winter season. Edward Case 009 Edward needs help affording basic home furnishings. He is a single father of two young children, living in Bridgeport. Though Edward has stable housing, he has limited resources and has been unable to really furnish his house with his kids. A gift of $300 would help him get some furniture to help Edward and his two children feel more at home. Help support your local hometown newspaper/website. Independent local news reporting matters. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription, for as little as $3, so we can continue to provide independent local reporting on our communities. HARTFORD In the 140-year-old Capitol building, 22-year-old Will Haskell was sworn in Wednesday as a state senator with a plan to involve those left out of policy decision-making. I hope it will be the job of this chamber to reach out to voters who are apathetic, or pessimistic, or too often do not vote. Lets demonstrate government is a place to come together and politics, if practiced responsibly, can help people, Haskell said after he took the oath of office, calling on his new colleagues and Connecticut residents, to believe in the good of government. Sitting at his large brown chair in the circle of 36 senators, Haskell said it took him a while for the new life to set in. It didnt feel real, Haskell just before the late-morning event. Several senators pointed out Haskells stark age difference compared to the other legislators during the ceremony. When I put my tie on this morning I realized its more than three years older than Sen. Will Haskell, Martin Looney, D-New Haven, a state representative since 1981 and current president pro tempore of the Senate, who has worn the same opening-day neck tie each year hes been in office. In delivering his remarks to the senate, Haskell said he looks forward to learning from the older members of the group, including Looneys tie. Haskell, a Westport native and 2014 Staples High School graduate who earned his degree from Georgetown University in May, launched an insurgent campaign against veteran senator Toni Boucher, winning the 26th District which includes parts of Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport and Wilton. He continues to amaze me and make me proud. Its exciting to see him have a fresh start and begin the next chapter of his life, Haskells mother, Nancy Aldrich, a Westport resident, and local lawyers said after the swearing-in ceremony. Haskell said hell focus on promoting modernized infrastructure, progressive social policies, and a millennial-friendly state. Gun violence prevention is my number one priority, Haskell, who plans to introduce a bill to ban ghost guns, said, adding he hopes to remain accessible to his constituents with frequent visits and communicate his day-to-day work via social media. Throughout the days festivities Haskell was surrounded by a cadre of family members and supporters, including his college roommate and campaign manager Jack Lynch, who came up from his new home in Washington to attend the ceremony. It was a really good excuse for missing class. Its funny to see everyone call him Senator Haskell, Haskells girlfriend and fellow Westport native Katie Cion, a student at Harvard Law School, said, adding she and Haskell would attend the inauguration ball later that night in the nearby Connecticut Convention Center. Im here today because Im excited about the new session. ...Will Haskell is clearly the future, John Hartwell, former Westport Democratic Town Committee chairman, said. Despite her loss to Haskell, Boucher also attended opening day activities in the Capitol. I may not have a vote, but I do have a very strong voice and I plan to continue using it, Boucher said. For the next two years, however, the voice of the 26th district in Hartford is Haskell. svaughan@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2638; @SophieCVaughan1 Hamlet will have its most accurate Chinese rendering yet thanks to a new adaptation of the classic that's set to hit the stage, Zhang Kun reports in Shanghai. Often portrayed as a melancholic young man burdened with indecisiveness, Hamlet will take on the form of a hero and philosopher in the upcoming Chinese adaptation of the famous Shakespearean play that will be performed at the Shanghai Grand Theater over Jan 16-17. The play marks the second time that 57-year-old theater director Li Liuyi is working with the Shakespeare Folio Translation Project, an initiative by the Royal Shakespeare Company, a major British theater company in Stratford-upon-Avon. RSC's folio translation project is aimed at making William Shakespeare's works more accessible to Chinese speakers. Li is an award-winning theater director whose previous work includes Tea House by Lao She, the classical Greek tragedy Antigone, The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov and Shakespeare's King Lear in 2016-the first play he worked on as part of the RSC project. STAMFORD - City legislators debate over building-permit fees this week got heated. It shouldnt be a surprise. The fire beneath the issue has been turned up for two years. In 2017 a number of newcomers won seats on Stamfords lawmaking body, the Board of Representatives, by promising to address residents concerns about overbuilt neighborhoods, crowded schools, and traffic and parking congestion they say is the result of decades of poorly managed development. So heat was likely to rise again during the boards January meeting, when representatives were scheduled to vote on a proposal to raise building-permit fees. Mayor David Martin, citing a need to raise revenue, has sent the board multiple requests for fee hikes. Among them was one that would raise an estimated additional $1.2 million a year for the city by increasing fees for residential and commercial building permits. The city charges a certain amount for each $1,000 of the estimated cost of a building project. Representatives accepted half of the mayors idea. City Rep. Nina Sherwood, D-8, a member of the boards Operations Committee, which researched the matter, explained during the meeting: The committee decided we didnt want to raise any building-permit fees on residents, said Sherwood, one of the members who ran in 2017 on concerns about overdevelopment. So we decided to just raise fees on commercial projects over $1 million. For residents seeking to add a bedroom or build a garage, it meant leaving the fee at $13 for each $1,000 of the estimated cost. For commercial developers, the committees latest proposal was to leave the fee at $16.50 for the first $1 million, and bump it to $19 for each $1,000 of whatever a project costs after that. But during the meeting Sherwood made a motion to increase it significantly higher. I propose raising it to $25, she said. The reason for that is we are going to be raising all kinds of fees on residents, and this is an opportunity to (charge) developers, who do a good job at raising money for themselves. The $25 per $1,000 of the cost of a project after the first million does not hurt the little guy or the small-business owner, Sherwood said. I think we owe it to our constituents, who in a lot of ways are upset with the kind of development thats been going on in the city. Sherwood the newcomer got support from some of the boards most senior members. City Rep. Annie Summerville, D-6, has been a representative for more than four decades. Developers are not my enemies, Summerville said. Im just asking for them to pay their fair share. Another long-timer, city Rep. John Zelinsky, D-11, agreed. Were elected by constituents, not by developers, Zelinsky said. This is better than raising more taxes on constituents. The call to control development has not been limited to Democrats. It was a Republican representative who in 2017 proposed a temporary ban on all new multifamily housing projects. Carl Franzetti, who did not run for re-election, was reacting to a plan by the citys biggest developer, Building and Land Technology, to construct 804 housing units on Long Ridge Road. City attorneys said a building ban is not legal. But, during this weeks debate on building permits, city Rep. Charles Pia Jr., a Republican from District 18, said attacking development is a double-edged sword. Were going from $16.50 to $25 - a 150 percent increase, Pia said. Developers like BLT are not going to just bear these costs themselves. You know whos going to pay them? The renters of the City of Stamford. I think this is a cost our residents will end up bearing, not just the big developers who dont live here. A fellow Republican, city Rep. Bradley Michelson of District 1, made another point. Projects that cost $1 million to $5 million are more likely to be the work of middle-class people, said Michelson, who founded a development company. These are people getting money from friends and family to start their dream of their first restaurant, or dry cleaners, or a first investment in a couple of townhouses, Michelson said. One million dollars might sound like a lot of money to put into real estate but its really not that much. This is not the person we want to be punished. He offered a solution. Perhaps we raise (the fee) to $25 for projects $10 million and over, and leave it at $19 for projects that are $1 million to $5 million, Michelson said. But the board approved the $25 fee by a vote of 22-16, with two members absent, for projects over $1 million. It isnt over, however. Members also voted to return the matter to the Operations Committee for a public hearing. Depending on the comments garnered during the hearing, which has not yet been scheduled, representatives could change the building-permit fees again. It needs mathematical analysis, said city Rep. Eric Morson, D-13. A lot more work needs to be done on this. acarella@stamfordadvocate.com; 203-964-2296. Victim was grabbed as she asked for directions, court told A MAN has been sentenced for groping a stranger at the Burghfield Box Kart Bash. The charity event was held in the village on June 24 and among the crowds was 32-year-old Regimentas Kriksciunas, of Green Lane, Burghfield Common. Reading magistrates heard how, when a woman approached him during the event and asked him for directions, he grabbed her and sexually assaulted her. Mr Kriksciunas denied sexually assaulting the woman, but was convicted following a trial. He appeared for sentencing on Tuesday, November 27. Reading magistrates made him subject to a two-year community order with the requirement that he carry out 210 hours of unpaid community work plus up to 20 days of rehabilitation activities. Mr Kriksciunas must also sign on the Sex Offender Register for five years. In addition, he was ordered to pay 950 costs towards the trial and a statutory victim services surcharge of 85. Finally, Mr Kriksciunas was ordered to pay his victim 300 in compensation. Wassail event to be held this weekend COME and sing and dance to bless Thatchams orchard this weekend. The annual wassailing event returns to the community orchard, close to the Nature Discovery Centre on Sunday. The event celebrates the orchard and the new year; blessing the trees, drinking to their health and frightening away evil spirits with singing, bashing pans and making as much noise as possible. The event will be held between 2pm and 3pm. If you play a musical instrument, bring it along, or bring pots and pans to bash. There will be cake, plus mulled cider and apple juice to toast the trees and quench the thirst after all the singing and pot bashing. Timetable: 13:30 meet at the Nature Discovery Centre to create your noise-makers and to crown the King and Queen of the Wassail. Jan Cover, Mayor of Thatcham will crown the King and Queen. 14:00 The Community Orchard will be blessed festivities there with the King and Queen assisting the mayor in the blessing of the trees 14:10 15:00 dressing the tree, blessing the trees, singing, mulled cider/apple juice and cakes. There is no charge for admission to this event, though donations towards the upkeep of the orchard will be appreciated. One of the gentlemen that was speaking last time said many of these rescue places that adopt dogs are actually purchasing them from other breeders and then they bring them in under the guise of an adoption and you have to pay several hundred dollars in adoption fees, Fleischhauer said. Is that any different than somebody selling dogs out of a pet store? Thats the question weve been wrestling with. Associated PressSigns announce the visitor center at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri Valley, Iowa, was closed Friday as the partial government shutdown continues. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is directing dozens of wildlife refuges to return to work to make sure hunters and others have access despite the government shutdown, according to an email obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press. Lawrence - Madeleine "Maddy" (Waye Descoteaux Brown), 87, passed away on April 5, 2020. Maddy was born to Irene and Charles Waye in Nashua, N.H., on December 17, 1932. She was predeceased by her parents; a brother Charles Waye; and husbands, Louis G. Descoteaux of Nashua, N.H., and George Br An estimated 42,000 active duty United States Coast Guard members will likely not see a paycheck this month due to the partial government shutdown. The stalemate and uncertainty is affecting thousands of families including the Broadways who live on Cape Cod. Amber Broadways husband, a Coast Guardsman of 14 years, is stationed at the base in Boston. She cannot speak for him or the Coast Guard but can speak about how the shutdown is impacting her family, including their two teenage sons. NBC10 Boston sat down with her at Bobby Byrnes restaurant in Sandwich on Thursday. Were having to plan like we cant provide for our families, Broadway said. How Im going to keep things normal at home, how Im going to make sure we have food? Its disheartening. As part of the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard is the only branch of the military that will not be paid during the shutdown. They likely will not see that pay until the shutdown is over barring a legislative miracle. Their last paycheck came on New Years eve after the Coast Guard announced it had found enough money to pay members one more time. Were just kind of being still and quiet and waiting, Broadway said. My greatest fear is what are we going to do? The Broadways live on Joint Base Cape Cod and are thankful for the food pantry set up by the Military Support Foundation. In anticipation of the needs during the shutdown, the foundation opened another distribution location at the base in Boston this week. The organization is actively seeking donations to keep up with the demand. Broadway does have a job, but said supporting her family on just her salary will be difficult over time. She said her sons have offered to forgo birthday presents and set up a hot chocolate stand to raise money. She told them it was not necessary. Thats really hard to hear as a mom, Broadway said. She did read the tip sheet posted online by the Coast Guard Support program suggesting members have garage sales and do side jobs like babysitting to get by during the shutdown. It was taken down after the Coast Guard said it did not reflect its efforts to support its workforce during the lapse. Broadway said she appreciates any advice, but it is far from enough. This isnt going to be solved by us having a garage sale and were not going to pay the car note by mowing someones lawn, Broadway said. She said she is holding out hope that a resolution will happen and the shutdown will be over soon. It doesnt matter which side of the aisle youre on, Broadway said. This is about providing salaries for the people who are serving the country. Massachusetts has a new law designed to give consumers more protection from data breaches. The bill signed on Thursday by Republican Gov. Charlie Baker was spurred by the massive 2017 Equifax breach. The measure includes several provisions, including one requiring companies that report data breaches to provide consumers with up to 18 months of free credit monitoring. Consumers will also be able to request, without charge, a security freeze on their credit reports. Baker says consumers will have more control over their personal data and how it's used. A revised version of the bill was sent to Baker's desk on Dec. 31 after he sought amendments to the measure originally approved last summer. The governor said he wanted to avoid unintended consequences, such as hampering enforcement of child support obligations. The question of how to best distribute state education dollars is emerging as a top issue in Massachusetts' new legislative session, as mayors, lawmakers and educational advocates pressed Wednesday for increased funding for public schools, especially in poorer communities. The renewed effort comes months after the breakdown of negotiations between the House and Senate on the subject and as legislators try to narrow the educational achievement gap between students from richer and poorer areas. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, in his recent inaugural address, also said he would propose revisions to the state's formula for distributing billions to school districts each year. The 25-year-old formula created under a major education reform law is now widely viewed as outdated. "When education reform happened in 1993, it was landmark. It was great, it was groundbreaking," said Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. "But that was the 20th century. And that 20th century formula doesn't work for a 21st century education anymore." The bill filed on Monday would implement key recommendations from a 2015 commission that examined the original formula, intended to guarantee that all school districts regardless of size and income variations could deliver quality education to its pupils. The formula, the commission said, did not properly account for the growing number of English-language learners and students requiring special education, along with rising health care costs for school districts. The result was a $1 billion to $2 billion annual shortfall in education funding. Both legislative chambers approved reform bills during the 2017-2018 session, but a House-Senate conference committee failed to broker a compromise during occasionally contentious talks last summer. Backers of the Senate bill said the House version, while calling for increased spending on special education and employee health care, failed to adequately increase funding for schools with high percentages of low-income students and English-language learners. The House instead called for the hiring of a research consultant to determine how much should be spent on those two groups. "There are no more excuses. ... There are no more 'wait until next year,' it is time to keep our promises," said Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz, a Boston Democrat and lead sponsor of the new bill. "We must act with urgency." Chang-Diaz, who co-chairs the Legislature's Education Committee, called for lawmakers to put aside differences and pass the current bill before the next school year begins in September. Democratic Rep. Alice Peisch, the committee's other co-chair, said the House is committed to working on the issue this year to "develop a plan that not only provides the necessary funding to all districts but also ensures that funding reaches the students it is intended to support." Democratic House Speaker Robert DeLeo also said the chamber would continue its work to update the funding formula. "The House will continue to prioritize its commitment to funding and supporting our schools, and we look forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate on this important issue this session," DeLeo said in statement Wednesday. Chang-Diaz said estimates of what the bill would cost range from $900 million to $2 billion over an initial five-year implementation period. The measure does not specify where the revenue would come from, though she said it would likely not require new taxes in the current fiscal year. Though framed by some speakers at Wednesday's event as a clash of "haves and have-nots," proponents of the bill said every school district in the state, regardless of relative wealth, would realize at least some additional funding. Jose Cruz, a 13-year-old middle-school student from Chelsea, asked lawmakers to remember students like him who come from neighborhoods beset by violence, poverty and substandard housing, and who lack access to after-school programs and other educational opportunities enjoyed by those in more affluent areas. "The reason I'm stating these challenges is because I would like for you to understand what conditions that youth have to live in inner-city environments," he said. A Massachusetts man is facing a number of charges after police say he struck a Boston police cruiser in the city's Dorchester neighborhood, tried to flee, then was caught with a loaded firearm and drugs in his vehicle. Adrian Ferguson, 29, of Dorchester, is expected to face charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon and trafficking class B drugs. Police said officers had been conducting a drug investigation in the area of Salisbury Park just after 7:30 p.m. Wednesday when they approached a stopped vehicle which had backed into a parking area. As officers approached the driver to speak to him, the driver, later identified as Ferguson, suddenly accelerated toward them, striking one of the officers as he attempted to get out of the way. The impact caused the rear passenger window on Ferguson's side of the vehicle to shatter. Police said the officer was not seriously hurt and immediately began chasing Ferguson, who fled the scene. Authorities said Ferguson then struck another cruiser on Park Street that was trying to block his potential path. Police said Ferguson then got out of the vehicle while it was still running and began fleeing with a firearm in his right hand. Officers were eventually able to arrest him in the area of Dorchester Avenue and Lincoln Street. Police said a loaded .380 caliber Ruger handgun with a laser sight that Ferguson discarded during the foot chase was also recovered nearby. During a search of his vehicle, police found a small plastic bag and two large plastic bags of cocaine in the front passenger seat. Ferguson was expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court. It's unclear if he has an attorney. So Trump has now added 17 new lawyers to his staff, at taxpayer expense, with absolutely no attempt to deny that their clear purpose is to impede the Mueller investigation as well as any efforts by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives to get at the truth of the Russia investigation or possible corruption in the Trump administration. Trump's protests of his innocence are just laughable. An innocent man doesn't need seventeen more lawyers. While many federal workers furloughed during the shutdown are wondering how they will pay their bills, the federal government says it will only pay part of its water bill. The U.S. Department of the Treasury said in an email to DC Water that it was short $6 million due to the shutdown. "So, of the approximately 16-and-a-half million dollars that we anticipated to receive, we will only receive 10-and-a-half million dollars," Matthew Brown, chief financial officer at DC Water, said during a board meeting on Jan. 3. With its thousands of sinks and toilets, the federal government is DC Water's biggest customer. Hearing that the feds weren't going to pay a large chunk of the bill prompted some light-hearted humor during the water authority's board meeting. "Is there a time from non-payment when we cut someones water off? Not trying to make news today," said Tommy Wells, chairman of DC Water's Board of Directors. "Sixteen-hundred Pennsylvania Avenue? Is that what you're talking about?" another board member responded jokingly. Wells told News4 DC Water is not seriously considering leaving the federal government high and dry. "The truth is is that the federal government's good for it. It's not putting DC Water at risk," Wells said. While the water authority won't shut off the water, board members did raise questions about charging the government a late fee similar to the 10 percent fee residents and businesses would pay if they are 30 days late on their bills. DC Water has never previously charged the federal or D.C. governments with a late fee. "These companies and businesses and government can get off on certain things, but when it comes to us people - like you said with the late fee - were gonna have to pay that. You one day late and you have to pay," Maryland resident Talla Davis told News4. A spokesperson for DC Water told News4 it has not yet made a decision to whether to charge the federal government late fees. DC Water says it will not affect its finances unless the feds get behind by $20 million or more. Washington, D.C.'s oldest synagogue was quite literally on the move Wednesday. Crews drove the building one block down 3rd Street NW from G Street to F Street, where it will be part of the new Capital Jewish Museum that's set to open in 2021. The short trip took hours as a huge flatbed carefully inched the 273-ton building along. President Ulysses S. Grant attended the historic synagogue's dedication when it was built in in 1876 as the home of Adas Israel congregation. This is the third time in the synagogue's history it has moved. First, in 1969 to make way for WMATA's headquarters and then two years ago for construction of the Capitol Crossing. A local food bank says it's seeing an influx of inquiries from furloughed and unpaid government workers as the government shutdown continues. The chief executive of the Capital Area Food Bank's Hunger Lifeline, Radha Muthiah, told The Washington Post they expect to serve as many as 600,000 more meals this month at a cost of $300,000 as the shutdown ripples through the local economy. Nonprofit organizations say the shutdown over President Donald Trump's promised U.S.-Mexico border wall is coinciding with the worst two months for donations. They worry their funding may not cover the need. The United Way of the National Capital Area pledged $50,000 to area nonprofits to help cover the shortfall, and Pepco offered a $50,000 match. President Donald Trump has repeatedly advocated for a steel slat design for his border wall. But Department of Homeland Security testing of a steel slat prototype proved it could be cut through with a saw, according to a government report. A photo exclusively obtained by NBC News shows the results of the test after experts from the Marine Corps were instructed to attempt to destroy the barriers with common tools. Testing by DHS in late 2017 showed all eight prototypes, including the steel slats, were vulnerable to breaching, according to an internal February 2018 U.S. Customs and Border Protection report. Photos of the breaches were not included in a redacted version of the CBP report, which was first obtained in a Freedom of Information Act request by San Diego public radio station KPBS. DHS did not respond to NBC News' request for comment. A department representative had told KPBS that the prototypes "were not and cannot be designed to be indestructible." The brother of a Fallbrook man who was reportedly killed alongside his wife and two young children broke down in court Wednesday testifying against the suspect in the murders. Mike McStay spent the entire day on the stand talking about his brother Joseph and his accused murderer Chase Merritt. Merritt is charged with killing Joseph; McStay's wife, Summer; and their 3- and 4-year-old sons. The family's disappearance in 2010 perplexed investigators for years, with no signs of forced entry at their Fallbrook home. But at first, the familys disappearance was of little concern to Mike, he told the jury. He thought they may have taken a short trip somewhere. During this time, Mike said he spoke with Merritt over the phone. He said Merritt was also looking for Joseph. NBC 7's Artie Ojeda reports with the latest details from the trial. The defense questioned Mike about specific dates and times he was in contact with Merritt and told the jury there was no evidence linking Merritt to the deaths. Merritt was staying at Joseph and Summers house, looking after their dogs, according to Mike. After two weeks went by, Mike said he went to sheriffs investigators, worried about his family. Investigators quickly discovered the familys SUV, which had been towed from a parking lot in San Ysidro. Surveillance footage in the area showed who officials believed to be the McStays walking into Mexico. But Mike said he knew right away that it wasnt them. Summer would never take the boys to Mexico, Mike said in court. She was too, she had commented about this, so, my brother and I had surfed there years ago, and this is not as safe as it used to be. After nine years, a murder case is now going to trial. NBC 7's Artie Ojeda has more on the suspect accused of killing the McStay family. Three years after the McStays disappearance, their bodies were found more than 100 miles away in a remote area of San Bernardino County, along with a 3-pound sledgehammer and a child's pants and diaper. Supervising deputy district attorney for San Bernardino County accused Merritt of "desperately [trying] to cover his tracks after the murders. Prosecutors also accused Merritt of stealing thousands of dollars from Josephs custom fountain business by hacking his electronic bank account. Merritt pleaded not guilty to the charges. If convicted, Merritt could face the death penalty. .large div.leadMediaRegion {border:none} .large .leadMediaRegion.city_module iframe {height:650px;} Sign up to get breaking news, weather forecasts, and more in your email inbox. Sign Up Now Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sought Wednesday to reassure U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in Syria that they will be safe after American troops withdraw from the country. Amid confusion over plans to implement President Donald Trump's pullout order and threats from Turkey to attack the Kurds, Pompeo made an unannounced stop in Iraq while on a weeklong trip to the Middle East aimed at assuaging the fears of Washington's Arab partners that the U.S. is abandoning the region or walking away from the fight against the Islamic State group. "These have been folks that have fought with us and it's important that we do everything we can to ensure that those folks that fought with us are protected," Pompeo said of the Kurds while visiting Irbil, the capital of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, after talks in Baghdad. His comments were similar to those made earlier in the week by Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, who said on visits to Israel and Turkey that protecting the Kurds is a priority for the U.S. even as it moves to withdraw some 2,000 American troops from Syria. Bolton's comments drew a quick rejection from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who said they were a "serious mistake" and that Turkey "cannot make any concessions in this regard." Turkey regards the Kurds as terrorists and has vowed to attack them. Pompeo, however, downplayed Erdogan's response to Bolton and predicted that any differences could be ironed out in upcoming talks between the U.S. special envoy for Syria, Jim Jeffrey, and Turkish and Kurdish officials. "Erdogan has made commitments; he understands that - I think he uses the language - he talks about he has no beef with the Kurds. We want to make sure that that's the case, and I'm confident that as Ambassador Jeffrey and others travel through the region in the days ahead, we'll make real progress on that," Pompeo said. Still, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Wednesday that Turkey will not refrain from military action to protect its borders from what he describes as threats posed by Syrian Kurdish fighters. The Turkish rebuffs continue to amplify a rift between the NATO allies and raise new questions about how the United States would protect fighters who are U.S. allies in the war against the Islamic State group. Earlier in Baghdad, Pompeo said he told Iraqi officials that "the fight to counter Iran is real and important." Pompeo and Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi discussed efforts to ensure the "lasting defeat throughout the region" of the Islamic State group, State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said. Pompeo also promoted the U.S. push to move Iraq toward energy independence, said Palladino. Iraq imports electricity and natural gas from Iran to meet its energy needs. Iran has cultivated close ties with Iraqi politicians and religious and business leaders since the 2003 U.S. invasion toppled dictator Saddam Hussein and destabilized the country. Neutralizing those relations will be a difficult and possibly dangerous task. Iran has the ear of several powerful Iraqi militias that rival the might of the country's U.S.-funded security forces. Abdul-Mahdi and Parliament Speaker Mohamed al-Halbousi, who met with Pompeo separately, both said they told the American diplomat that Iraq values good relations with its neighbors. Pompeo also met with Iraqi President Barham Salih and Foreign Minister Mohamed Alhakim and stressed the U.S.'s support for strong, relations based on the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement between the two countries. Pompeo has said the Syria withdrawal would not detract from U.S. efforts to contain Iran's considerable clout in the region. The White House reinstated sanctions against Iran last year for allegedly violating the 2015 nuclear deal championed by former President Barack Obama. International nuclear inspectors had said there was no evidence that Iran was violating the deal. Pompeo's visit is the third high-profile visit by an American official to Iraq in the last month. Iraqi politicians were incensed when Trump last month made an unscheduled visit to a U.S. base in western Iraq without also meeting Abdul-Mahdi, as his predecessors Obama and George W. Bush had done. Trump said on his Dec. 26 visit that the United States could use its bases in Iraq as a platform for continued operations against the Islamic State group in Syria. The visit left lawmakers smarting and prompted calls to annul a 2014 agreement that brought U.S. forces back to Iraq. Some 5,200 U.S. troops are now stationed in the country. Earlier in December, U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry urged Iraq to sever its energy dependence on Iran and open its energy sector to American investment. He was in Baghdad with a trade delegation arranged by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. President Donald Trump walked out of his negotiating meeting with congressional leaders Wednesday "I said bye-bye," he tweeted as efforts to end the 19-day partial government shutdown fell into deeper disarray over his demand for billions of dollars to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. In a negotiating session that was over almost as soon as it began, Democrats went to the White House asking Trump to reopen the government. Trump renewed his call for money for his signature campaign promise and was rebuffed. Republicans and Democrats had differing accounts of the brief exchange, but the result was clear: The partial shutdown continued with no end in sight. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers will miss paychecks on Friday; a little more than half of them are still working without pay. Other key federal services are suspended, including some food inspections. And as some lawmakers expressed discomfort with the growing toll of the standoff, it was clear Wednesday that the wall was at the center. Trump revived his threat to attempt to override Congress by declaring a national emergency to unleash Defense Department funding for the wall. He's due to visit the border Thursday to highlight what he declared in an Oval Office speech Tuesday night as a "crisis." Democrats say Trump is manufacturing the emergency to justify a political ploy. That debate set the tone for Wednesday's sit-down at the White House. Republicans said Trump posed a direct question to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: If he opened the government, would she fund the wall? She said no. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Trump slammed his hand on the table, said "then we have nothing to discuss" and walked out. Republicans said Trump, who passed out candy at the start of the meeting, did not raise his voice and there was no table pounding. Pelosi said Trump "stomped" out of the room and was "petulant." Republicans said he was merely firm. "The president made clear today that he is going to stand firm to achieve his priorities to build a wall a steel barrier at the southern border," Vice President Mike Pence told reporters afterward. Trump had just returned from Capitol Hill, where he urged jittery congressional Republicans to hold firm with him. He suggested a deal for his border wall might be getting closer, but he also said the shutdown would last "whatever it takes." He discussed the possibility of a sweeping immigration compromise with Democrats to protect some immigrants from deportation but provided no clear strategy or timeline for resolving the standoff, according to senators in the private session. He left the Republican lunch boasting of "a very, very unified party," but GOP senators are publicly uneasy as the standoff ripples across the lives of Americans and interrupts the economy. Trump insisted at the White House: "I didn't want this fight." But it was his sudden rejection of a bipartisan spending bill late last month that blindsided leaders in Congress, including Republican allies, now seeking a resolution to the shutdown. The effects are growing. The Food and Drug Administration says it isn't doing routine food inspections because of the partial federal shutdown, but checks of the riskiest foods are expected to resume next week. The agency said it's working to bring back about 150 employees to inspect more potentially hazardous foods such as cheese, infant formula and produce. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said the agency can't make the case that "a routine inspection of a Nabisco cracker facility" is necessary during the shutdown, however. He said inspections would have ramped up this week for the first time since the holidays, so the lapse in inspections of high-risk foods will not be significant if they resume soon. Republicans are mindful of the growing toll on ordinary Americans, including disruptions in payments to farmers and trouble for home buyers who are seeking government-backed mortgage loans "serious stuff," according to Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, was among several senators who questioned Trump at the Capitol. "I addressed the things that are very local to us it's not just those who don't receive a federal paycheck perhaps on Friday, but there are other consequences," she said, mentioning the inability to certify weight scales for selling fish. The president's response? "He urged unity." That unity was tested late Wednesday when the House passed a spending bill, 240-188, to reopen one shuttered department, Treasury, to ensure that tax refunds and other financial services continue. Eight Republicans joined Democrats in voting, defying the plea to stick with the White House. Democrats said before the White House meeting that they would ask Trump to accept an earlier bipartisan bill to reopen the government with money for border security but not the wall. Pelosi warned that the effects of hundreds of thousands of lost paychecks would begin to ripple across the economy. "The president could end the Trump shutdown and reopen the government today, and he should," Pelosi said. Ahead of his visit to Capitol Hill, Trump renewed his notice that he might declare a national emergency and try to authorize the wall on his own if Congress won't approve the money he's asking. "I think we might work a deal, and if we don't, I might go that route," he said. Republicans are particularly concerned about such a threat, seeing that as an unprecedented claim on the right of Congress to allocate funding except in the direst circumstances. "I prefer that we get this resolved the old-fashioned way," Thune said. Trump did not mention the idea of a national emergency declaration Tuesday night. A person familiar with deliberations who was unauthorized to discuss the situation said additional "creative options" were being considered, including shifting money from other accounts or tapping other executive authorities for the wall. Trump on Wednesday floated ideas for a broader immigration overhaul. Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has suggested a compromise that would include wall funding as well as protecting some immigrants young "Dreamers" and those in Temporary Protective Status, two programs Trump is eliminating from deportation. Smoke poured from a KFC/Taco Bell location in Delaware as firefighters doused the flames Thursday morning. An employee called 911 to report a fire in a storage area at the fast food joint at 1925 Lancaster Ave. in Wilmington around 8:40 a.m., Wilmington firefighters said. New Castle County dispatchers said the fire spread to two alarms as heavy smoke poured from the one-story restaurant. Thirty-two firefighters and EMTs responded to the scene, firefighters said. Doctors at a local hospital treated a firefighter for a leg injury, firefighters said. The fire department asked people to avoid the area. Roads in the area, including parts of Lancaster, Union, 2nd and Lincoln streets, were closed as firefighters battled the flames. Firefighters got the blaze under control around 10:30 a.m. The fire marshal spent the afternoon sifting through the heavily-damaged building searching for cause of the blaze. At Campbells sentencing hearing, three men a cousin, an uncle and a friend marched to the witness stand to testify on his behalf. They did their best to paint a portrait of a troubled man who loves his family, who no longer drinks, and who feels remorse for Andrews death. What to Know Jenna Burleigh disappeared in 2017 after leaving a bar near Temple's campus in North Philadelphia. During the murder trial's opening statements, the defense claimed Josh Hupperterz's roommate strangled Burleigh while trying to quiet her. Hupperterz turned down a plea offer in December. If convicted by a jury, he could face up to life in prison. Update: Defendant Josh Hupperterz's former roommate returned to the witness stand Friday. On the night she died, murdered Temple University film major Jenna Burleigh wore a T-shirt emblazoned with the words Positive Vibes Only on the front. The shirt, which was shown as evidence on Thursday in the trial of the 22-year-old's accused killer, Josh Hupperterz, brought Burleigh's mother to tears inside Philadelphia's Criminal Justice Center. She clutched a rosary through much of the day. Testimony by a crime scene investigator consumed the morning hours as Hupperterz's trial stretched into a fourth day. Hupperterz, 29, is accused of killing Burleigh in North Philadelphia and then hiding her body in a plastic storage tote at his grandparents' rural Pennsylvania home. From the stand inside the courtroom, an investigator recounted how she found blood drops splattered all over Hupperterz's North 16th Street apartment, including in the kitchen where prosecutors contend the young woman's life was ended. Bits of broken ceramic also were shown photographed next to a black hair tie on the kitchen floor. Photos: The Life of Jenna Burleigh Next on the stand Thursday was Hupperterzs former roommate, Jack Miley, who shared his side of what happened the night and early morning leading up to Burleigh's death, telling the jury that he and Hupperterz visited multiple bars throughout the evening. He described it as a typical night out- drinking and maybe picking up girls. He and Hupperterz had been friends for several years but only lived together for 30 days before Burleighs death, Miley said. The 24-year-old former Temple student began his testimony just two days after Hupperterz's defense attorney made an extraordinary accusation in his opening statement to the jury. On Tuesday, defense attorney David Nenner accused Miley of being Burleigh's killer. But Miley, who has not been charged with a crime, said he did not know about Burleighs disappearance until the day after he went out drinking with Hupperterz. He did recall, however, waking up in the afternoon of Aug. 31 2017 to find Hupperterz with a deep gash on his hand and cleaning up blood. He said he woke up in a pricker bush, Miley testified Thursday. I thought it was funny, honestly. It had been a long night. Miley and Hupperterz drank several beers at their apartment before bar hopping on what Temple students call Wild Wednesday. They went to several places before settling on Pub Webb. There, the two friends drank and Miley sang karaoke, he testified. He left the bar around 1 a.m. on the morning of Aug. 31, according to surveillance video shown in court. Miley slept in late that afternoon and woke up to find his roommate with a cut so deep, Miley could see bone, he said. As a multiagency investigation unfolded in Philadelphia, Miley traveled to New York on a pre-planned family vacation with his sisters. It was during a night out with relatives on Sept. 1 2017 that he learned of Burleighs disappearance from Temple police, he said. Miley then called Hupperterz at the request of law enforcement officials, but Hupperterz said he was in North Carolina, Miley said in court. I honestly dont know what to expect from this kid at this point, Miley later texted a friend about Hupperterz. His testimony is expected to continue Friday morning. Hupperterz pleaded not guilty to murder and using an instrument of a crime. He pleaded guilty to abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence for moving Burleigh's body to his grandparent's house. Prosecutors have said that Hupperterz, after having oral, vaginal and anal intercourse with Burleigh, took her down to the ground and strangled her, naked, on the kitchen floor. Grenell said Hupperterz punched the film student 38 times, broke a cereal bowl over her head, stabbed her repeatedly after wrestling a knife from her, then strangled her, so severely he broke her larynx. Josh Hupperterz, who is on trial for the 2017 murder of Temple Student Jenna Burleigh, claimed that it was his roommate who murdered her. He has pleaded not guilty to murder and use of an instrument of a crime, but guilty to abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. Its every parents worst nightmare. You stare at the phone waiting for the call, Grenell said. The Burleighs would never have that. They would never hear from their daughter again. Earlier in the week, Hupperterzs cousin testified that he unknowingly helped transport Burleighs body out of the city in a blue tote bag. "I said, 'Dang, this is heavy,'" Erick Carlson recalled saying at his cousin's apartment. Inside, it turned out, was the body of the Burleigh, authorities said. Wednesday was day two of the trial for Josh Hupperterz. He was accused of beating and strangling Jenna Burleigh, a Temple student, after he met her at a bar. Jurors heard from witnesses, including Hupperterzs cousin, who claimed he unknowingly helped move Burleighs body. Carlson has not been charged in connection with the murder. The 30-year-old steel mill worker from Philadelphia said he found Hupperterz cleaning up blood in his apartment. An investigator testified Thursday that blood was found in various places inside the residence, including a futon, clothing, toilet paper and gauze. Hupperterz told Carlson that he had cut his hand on a broken beer bottle and needed help taking some books to his mom's house in Jenkintown. Hupperterz turned down a plea offer in December from the Philadelphia District Attorney's office, which had offered 30-to-60 years in prison in exchange for a guilty plea. Hupperterz could face up to life in prison if convicted at trial which is expected to last for up to two weeks. Initial accounts by investigators of Burleigh's death alleged a grisly murder and cover-up that are eerily similar to circumstances surrounding Hupperterz's father's murder 24 years earlier. Police documents have revealed new details on the murder of Temple University student Jenna Burleigh. The documents reveal that the suspects grandfather was the one who found her body inside a tote in the shed of his estranged wifes home. The body of Octavio Hupperterz was found wrapped in a trash bag outside of a business in the Wyndmoor section of Springfield Township, Montgomery County, in 1993. Josh Hupperterz was 4 at the time. Octavio died from a bullet to the back of the head, his hands tied behind his back and shoved into a garbage bag when he was found. Sources had told NBC10 in 2017 that investigators believed the elder Hupperterz, who lived in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, was killed at another location and his body dumped in Montgomery County. What to Know Troopers have seized dozens of license plates from limousines around New York state after the limo crash that killed 20 people last fall When asked about the limo enforcement surge, Gov. Cuomo suggested more aggressive enforcement should be a permanent feature of limo safety The lawyer for Prestige Limousine says his client worked diligently to fix problems revealed during inspections New York state troopers have seized dozens of license plates from limousines around the state in the months after the deadly limousine crash upstate that killed 20 people. The Albany Times Union first reported that troopers have taken 59 limos off New York roads since that converted stretch limo crashed in Schoharie, near Albany. It was one of the deadliest road accidents in U.S. history, killing 17 passengers, two pedestrians and the limo driver. After the accident, inspection reports showed the converted stretch Ford Excursion had a history of brake problems. The limousine company's operator, Nauman Hussain, has pleaded not guilty to criminally negligent homicide. On Wednesday, a lawyer for the limo company said all the recent enforcement after the fact proves that the vehicle involved in last October's accident could have also been sidelined, but the state let the limo slide. "I think what you are seeing now is the state of New York coming back and tacitly acknowledging that they should have taken different steps in the past," said Lee Kindlon, attorney for Prestige Limousine. Since the crash, the state Department of Transportation, the DMV and state troopers have worked together to seize license plates from 59 limos with troubled inspection histories. Kindlon said all the new enforcement proved New York could have taken Prestige's limo off the road, but regulators kept its registration active. Neither the DOT nor the DMV responded to questions by Wednesday afternoon, but a state police spokesman said in a statement, "The DMV notified state police to seize the license plates due to non-compliance with DOT regulations." Joan McDonald, the former commissioner of the state DOT, said that after a major accident, it's typical and appropriate for the state to pull more vehicles off the road. "I think it is fair to say that after an accident, there is heightened public awareness," she said. "There is heightened media awareness. So there would be more intense enforcement, more intense inspection." When asked about limousine enforcement surge, Cuomo suggested more aggressive enforcement should be a permanent feature of limo safety. But he said to do that, new policy -- perhaps new legislation -- could be needed. "I would give DOT the ability to pull the plates," he said. "I would give DOT the ability to boot the vehicle. I'd give DOT the ability to call the state police and tow that vehicle. That is not what the current law allows." Kindlon said his client worked diligently to fix problems revealed during inspections, and he would have taken the vehicle off the road if the state ordered that. What to Know A Queens family was surprised on "The Ellen Show" in an episode that aired Wednesday Malachi Davis of Cambria Heights had written a letter to Ellen about how grateful he is for his mother, who sacrificed so much for her famil The family was showered with surprises from "Ellen," her producer Jeannie, tickets, and every gift from her 12 Days of Giveaways. A Queens family got a huge surprise when "The Ellen Show" showed up at their front door this week in a heartwarming moment that was broadcast nationwide Wednesday. Several weeks ago, Malachi Davis of Cambria Heights wrote a letter to Ellen DeGeneres about his superhero mom Michelle, and all the incredible sacrifices she made to raise him and his two younger sisters as a single mother in New York City. Speaking to News 4 New York after the episode aired, he reflected on how his mom always made sure to provide their family with the best of the best. "When I was younger, we would take the bus from Cambria Heights to Bayside, just so I can go to a better school," he said. "My mom would then take the train to get to work in Brooklyn. She would plan her commute two hours earlier." Malachi remembers having all brand-name clothing and Jordan sneakers while his mom wouldnt buy any brand name clothing for herself. Top Tri-State News Photos The Davis family regularly watches "Ellen" together. It started off with his younger sisters watching Ellen religiously on their tablets and iPads -- then they all got hooked and began watching the show together. After Davis sent the letter to the show, the family was told they would be receiving a video call this week from a digital producer on the "The Ellen Show." They were surprised to hear DeGeneres herself on the other line -- and positively shocked when producer Jeannie knocked on their door in one of the show's signature ambushes. The hilarious, sweet moment televised on Wednesday's episode of "Ellen" on NBC shows the family screaming and jumping up and down. But the surprises didn't end there. DeGeneres gifted them plane tickets and VIP tickets to a taping of the show, and an iPhone for Malachi. And there was even more in store for them. The family was stunned when they received every gift from Ellens famous 12 Days of Giveaways. In the end, thanks to "The Ellen Show," Davis' letter of appreciation allowed him to be the superhero his mother always was to him. Watch the full video from "Ellen" below: A driver accused of crashing on a New York City highway and fleeing his burning car while leaving his passenger to die has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. Saeed Ahmad was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the October 2017 crash on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in Brooklyn. Police say the 24-year-old Brooklyn man lost control and crashed into a barrier. They say he fled the vehicle, leaving 25-year-old Harleen Grewel stranded in the front passenger seat as the car burst into flames. Prosecutors say Ahmad then got into a cab and left without calling 911 or alerting anyone that a victim was in the car. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Ahmad was arrested later that day. His blood alcohol tested above the legal limit. What to Know The deaths of two men in a Queens blaze two days before Christmas have been ruled homicides It's still not clear what sparked the fire at the building on 150th Street in Jamaica on Dec. 23; the victims lived in a 2nd-floor apartment David Hawkins, 64, was pronounced dead at a hospital; John Wigfall, 86. was initially taken there in critical condition but later died The deaths of two men, one 64, the other 86, in a blaze that broke out in a Queens building with a storefront church two days before Christmas have been ruled homicides, police said Thursday. It's still not clear what caused the Dec. 23 fire at the three-story building on 150th Street in Jamaica, which has two floors of apartments above the Next Generation of Victory Temple. The victims, David Hawkins and the older John Wigfall, both lived in the same apartment above the church. Hawkins was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after he was pulled from the burning building; Wigfall initially was taken to the hospital in critical condition but later died. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. From suggestions of "political synergy" and offers of business deals to contact with more than a dozen people in then-candidate Donald Trump's orbit, Russian outreach to the Trump campaign has a familiar and alarming pattern to experts in the intelligence field. The attempts by Russians to establish contact, which were laid out in the latest court filings by special counsel Robert Mueller, were persistent, apparently targeted and more frequent than would be expected during a typical presidential campaign, former officials said after reviewing the documents. "This pattern is what the Russians do everywhere else in the world," said Steven Hall, a former CIA official. "It's standard intelligence tradecraft." Mueller has been investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election for more than a year and has not revealed clear evidence of coordination between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin. Much of the investigation is still under wraps, but the portrait emerging from court filings and other sources is striking to intelligence professionals. "It's all vintage Russian intelligence behavior," said Bruce Riedel, a former senior CIA officer and now a fellow at the Brookings Institution. Trump, who has repeatedly lashed out at the probe, insisted in a tweet again this week that there was "NO COLLUSION" between his campaign and Russia. And it's not unheard of for campaigns to be in contact at times with foreigners. What's "completely unusual" is the number of people involved, said Trevor Potter, who was general counsel for the late Sen. John McCain's 2000 and 2008 presidential campaigns. Typically, any such communications would be routed through the foreign policy team and the general counsel alerted, he said. Court filings and Associated Press reporting identified contacts between at least 14 people linked to the Trump campaign and Russian nationals. They include a Russian who reached out to former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen in 2015 and offered "political synergy" between Russia and the Republican campaign. A person familiar with the matter confirmed that person is a former Russian Olympic athlete named Dmitry Klokov. Former intelligence officials say the pattern of Russian outreach emerging is similar to the early stage of a Russian intelligence operation. Russian agents or third parties will approach people offering to help improve U.S.-Russian relations or offering a business deal before talking politics, said Hall, a retired CIA chief of Russian operations. Russian contacts with the Trump campaign, which recent court filings from Mueller show, began within months of Trump announcing his candidacy in June, 2015. A number of the Russians initiating the contact or proposing business deals were obscure figures with ties to the country's military or powerful oligarchs. On Trump's side, Russians made contact with at least 14 individuals ranging from members of Trump's family and senior members of his campaign to mid- and low-level associates. The range of people in Trump's orbit contacted by Russian individuals suggest the operation was in its early stages and was casting a "wide net," Hall said. "This is how Russian intelligence approaches start, in an amenable way," Hall said, noting that the word "synergy" in the Mueller filing stood out to him in particular. Russian agents or third parties will approach people offering to help improve U.S.-Russian relations or offering a business deal before talking politics, he said. Mark Galeotti, an expert on the Russian security services, said from what has been revealed so far he is doubtful the contacts were part of a Kremlin-directed operation. "What I see are greedy and foolish people trying to do business in Russia and thinking it was still the wild 1990s where all you needed was a buck and a Western name to make money," said Galeotti, who is now a fellow at the Institute of International Relations Prague. Galeotti said it is likely most of the Russians who reached out to the Trump campaign were "self-motivated." "It's often that you will have a whole variety of different actors doing what they think the Kremlin would like them to do in the hope that they will be rewarded down the line," he said. Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul said he was surprised by the relative obscurity of many of the Russians identified by the Mueller investigation. "These are not the most prominent business people," McFaul said. "This is not how Boeing, for example, does business in Russia. It seems rather amateurish." Former U.S. intelligence officials say the "amateurish" nature of the Russians who contacted the Trump campaign could be by design. Russian intelligence agencies often use third parties to initiate contact. "That's why you're seeing this weird cast of characters," Hall said, explaining that individuals like Konstantin Kilimnik fit the profile of someone who would be used by a Russian intelligence agency as a low-level intermediary. Mueller believes Kilimnik who was born in Soviet Ukraine and served in the Soviet military before joining the International Republican Institute in Moscow as a translator has ties to Russian intelligence. Kilimnik has denied this. The emergence of Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal lawyer and fixer, as central to Russian contact with the campaign also fits the mold of a Russian intelligence operation. Cohen's large debt of over $14 million could be easily identified as a possible leverage point and by arranging the payment of hush money he demonstrated his willingness to undertake risky behavior. "The goal is assess vulnerability and access," Riedel said. "Cohen would be an obvious target on both counts." The latest plunge in oil prices has dealt a heavy blow to Iraq's stagnating economy, threatening the new government's ability to rebuild after the war with the Islamic State group and provide basic services to areas roiled by recent protests. Brent crude oil, used to price international purchases, briefly rose above $85 a barrel in October but has since plummeted to less than $55 a nightmare for a country like Iraq that derives 95 percent of its revenue from oil exports. A $111.9 billion draft budget sent to parliament in October projects crude exports of 3.8 million barrels per day to be sold at $56 per barrel. The bill, which includes a 23 percent increase in spending, would leave a deficit of $22.8 billion. But that won't even begin to address the colossal challenge of reconstruction after years of war. Some 1.8 million people have yet to return to their homes, according to the United Nations. Mosul, the country's second largest city, lies partly in ruins, as do many other cities, towns and villages once held by IS militants. Iraq's Planning Ministry estimates the country needs approximately $88 billion for reconstruction. In February, donors at a Kuwait summit pledged $30 billion in loans and investments to finance a portion of the bill, but little progress has been made to fulfill the pledges. In Iraq's oil-rich south, meanwhile, which was spared from the war's devastation, protests have erupted in recent months over unemployment and poor public services. Rolling power outages have been a nationwide problem going back to the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, and in the south the tap water is undrinkable. "We were surprised by the plunging oil prices and we have fallen into a big problem," said lawmaker Haneen al-Qado, who chairs parliament's Economy Committee. "The government is not in an enviable position." Iraqis elected a new government earlier in 2018, but it is dominated by the same bickering political factions that have governed the country for the last 15 years. Lawmakers have rejected the draft budget, calling for a new one that would estimate an even lower oil price and allocate even more funds for public investments. Qado says they may not be able to approve a budget until sometime in the first quarter of next year. Until then, the government can only spend one-twelfth of the previous year's allocation each month. While international attention has been focused on the devastation in northern and western Iraq, and the protests in the south, the budget crisis has also taken a heavy toll on Iraqis living in more stable areas. Construction projects across Baghdad have been stalled for years, with half-finished buildings turned into neighborhood garbage dumps. Kadhim Nima Khudair's construction company signed contracts in 2014 to build four schools at a cost of $5 million. By the following year, three of them were 80 percent complete, but then public funds dried up as the government launched the costly war against IS. When oil prices started to recover in 2017, the government began paying installments again, but only for the projects that were mostly completed. Now the payments have stopped again pending the budget negotiations. None of the schools have been completed, and Khudair has fallen deeply into debt, forcing him to lay off some 500 workers and sell family homes and cars. "I don't want any profit now, I only want my capital back," Khudair said. "We have been struggling all these years. People are still knocking on my door, asking for their money." Sami al-Araji, the head of the National Investment Commission, told an economic conference in December that hundreds of projects worth an estimated $54 billion are delayed. He called for a major overhaul of the economy that would promote investment and lessen the country's reliance on oil. "We have to think of all alternatives," he said. "The country has promising opportunities." That's easier said than done. Efforts to diversify the economy have been stymied by political infighting and corruption going all the way back to 2003, fueling cycles of war and instability. "Our fate is attached to oil," Khudair said. "When it's down, our blood pressure rises." Once an outsider mocked by fellow lawmakers for his far-right positions, constant use of expletives and even casual dressing, former army captain Jair Bolsonaro is taking office as Brazil's president Tuesday. A fan of U.S. President Donald Trump, the 63-year-old longtime congressman rose to power on an anti-corruption and pro-gun agenda that has energized Brazilian conservatives and hard-right supporters after four consecutive presidential election wins by the left-leaning Workers' Party. Bolsonaro is the latest of several far-right leaders around the world who have come to power by riding waves of anger at the establishment and promises to ditch the status quo. "I will cry" upon seeing Bolsonaro inaugurated, said Paulo de Sousa, a teacher from Rio de Janeiro who traveled to the capital of Brasilia for the ceremony. "It will be a wonderful year. We have to help our president to achieve that. There will be jobs, health and peace." Brasilia will be under tight security, with 3,000 police patrolling the event. Military tanks, fighter jets and even anti-aircraft missiles will also be deployed. The increased security came at Bolsonaro's request. His intestine was pierced when a knife-wielding man stabbed him at a campaign rally in September, and he has to wear a colostomy bag. His sons, politicians themselves, insist their father could be targeted by radicals, but security officials have not spoken of threats. Bolsonaro has done little moderating since being elected in October, with progressives and liberals decrying stances that they say are anti-homosexual, sexist and racist. The incoming president, who spent nearly three decades in Congress, has also drawn international criticism for his plans to roll back regulations in the Amazon and his disinterest in social programs in a country that is one of the world's most unequal in terms of income. On the economic front, where Bolsonaro will ultimately lead Latin America's largest economy is unknown, as during the campaign he reversed course from previous statist stances with pledges to lead market-friendly reforms. He also promised to overhaul Brazil's pension system and privatize several state-owned companies, which has given him wide support among financial players. Bolsonaro says he will prioritize the fight against crime in a nation that has long led the world in annual homicides. More than 63,000 people were killed last year. Human rights groups fear his defense of police violence could shield officers from investigations of misconduct and lead to more extrajudicial killings. The most notable foreign leaders planning to attend the inauguration are also associated with far-right movements: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Leftist Presidents Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela and Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua, deemed dictators by Bolsonaro, were uninvited by Bolsonaro's team after the foreign ministry sent them invitations. The United States will be represented by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Seven of Bolsonaro's 22 Cabinet ministers are former military personnel, more than in any administration during Brazil's 1964-1985 dictatorship. That has sparked fears among his adversaries of a return to autocratic rule, but Bolsonaro insists he will respect the country's constitution. Bolsonaro's vice president is a retired general, Hamilton Mourao. Bolsonaro's Liberal and Social Party will have 52 seats in Brazil's 513-member lower house, the second largest bloc behind the Workers' Party. Michael Shifter, president of the think tank Inter-American Dialogue, believes the president will have trouble achieving major changes. "The obstacles are formidable, including in the business community. In some cases, necessary reform will clash with the business interests and incomes of large numbers of lawmakers," Shifter said. Associated Press writer Stan Lehman and video journalist Diarlei Rodrigues contributed to this report. What to Know The Florida Department of Law Enforcement took control of the plane and upgraded it to serve the office of the Governor. Floridas new Gov. Ron DeSantis will be getting a new ride to allow him to travel across the state, an airplane that was once used as a drug plane before it was seized by officials. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement took control of the plane and upgraded it to serve the office of the governor. DeSantis says its needed because the agency has the responsibility to protect the governor and provide transportation. That is not going to be like the old state planes where the cabinet and other people could do it, DeSantis said in explaining its use would just be limited to his office. The states original fleet of planes was sold off by former Gov. Rick Scott shortly after he took office in 2011, in part because Scott had his own private plane to use. Officials are looking into options for transporting other cabinet members, who traditionally drove by car during the Scott administration across a state that extends over 800 miles between Pensacola and Key West. Indiana University Northwests Office of Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs invites the campus community and general public to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Black History Month with three events. All programs will be held in the Bruce W. Bergland Auditorium, Savannah Center on campus, 3400 Broadway, Gary. MLK and the Strength of Shared Dreams, with Emmy award-winning actor and diversity trainer Ron Jones, will be held at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 24; Life and Times Bessie Coleman: The First African American Female Pilot, an interactive one-woman show by her great-niece, Gigi Coleman, will be featured at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 5; Long Road to Hard Truth: The 100-Year Mission to Create the National Museum of African American History and Culture, with Indiana native and Harvard University graduate, Judge Robert Wilkins, a U.S. Circuit Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, will be at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 12. More information on all events is at 219-980-6596 or at kevsbrya@iun.edu. What to Know Its Thursday, January 10th and NBC 6 has the top six stories you need to know for the day. Its Thursday, January 10th and NBC 6 has the top six stories you need to know for the day. No. 1 - Northerly winds will clear skies and pull down temperatures for a chilly Thursday morning in South Florida. A cold front will bring down Thursday morning temps in the lower 50s, with a few upper 40s inland and windchills of 45 to 50 degrees. Later in the daytime, it's forecast to be sunny with a high of 69 degrees. No. 2 - A Sweetwater police officer was caught on camera punching a man during the tense moments police raided a home to arrest his brother. Sweetwater police were searching for James Castro, who they say hit and injured an officer with a car while making a traffic stop earlier that morning. Surveillance video obtained by NBC 6 captured Wednesdays incident showing officers swarming the familys home in the 12900 block of SW 20th Terrace. No. 3 - Authorities are looking for a felon who was caught on camera shooting at his own father outside of a Pompano Beach home over a dispute about money. Surveillance video captured the moment QuanTez Rodney Baker drove by in an SUV and shot at a man and woman standing outside of the home, according to the Broward Sheriffs Office. No. 4 - President Donald Trump is taking the shutdown battle to the U.S.-Mexico border, seeking to bolster his case for the border wall after negotiations with Democrats blew up over his funding demands. During his stop Thursday in McAllen, Texas, Trump will visit a border patrol station for a roundtable on immigration and border security, and will get a security briefing on the border. No. 5 - Toyota is recalling 1.7 million vehicles in North America to replace potentially deadly Takata front passenger air bag inflators. The move announced Wednesday includes 1.3 million vehicles in the U.S. and is part of the largest series of automotive recalls in the nation's history. Takata inflators can explode with too much force and hurl shrapnel into drivers and passengers. At least 23 people have been killed worldwide and hundreds have been injured. No. 6 - Universal Orlando is offering a promotion to Florida residents that will allow them to visit the theme parks for less than $54 dollars per day. Florida residents can take advantage of the 2-park, 3-day ticket for $159.99. The dramatic arrest of a Chinese telecommunications executive has driven home why it will be so hard for the Trump administration to resolve its deepening conflict with China. In the short run, the arrest of Huawei's chief financial officer heightened skepticism about the trade truce that Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping reached last weekend in Buenos Aires, Argentina. On Thursday, U.S. stock markets tumbled on fears that the 90-day cease-fire won't last, before regaining most of their losses by the close of trading. The Huawei executive, Meng Wanzhou, faces extradition to the United States, and a bail hearing was set for Friday. But the case of an executive for a Chinese company that's been a subject of U.S. national security concerns carries echoes well beyond tariffs or market access. Washington and Beijing are locked in a clash over which of the world's two largest economies will command economic and political dominance for decades to come. "It's a much broader issue than just a trade dispute," said Amanda DeBusk, chair of the international trade practice at Dechert LLP. "It pulls in: Who is going to be the world leader essentially." Meng was detained by Canadian authorities in Vancouver as she was changing flights Saturday the same day that Trump and Xi met at the Group of 20 summit in Argentina and produced a cease-fire in their trade war. The Globe and Mail newspaper, citing law enforcement sources, reported that she is suspected of trying to evade U.S. sanctions on Iran. The British bank HSBC is cooperating with U.S. authorities in its investigation, people familiar with the matter said Thursday. Huawei, the world's biggest supplier of network gear used by phone and internet companies, has long been seen as a front for spying by the Chinese military or security services, whose cyber-spies are widely acknowledged as highly skilled. A U.S. National Security Agency cybersecurity adviser, Rob Joyce, last month accused Beijing of violating a 2015 agreement with the U.S. to halt electronic theft of intellectual property. Other nations are increasingly being forced to choose between Chinese and U.S. suppliers for next-generation "5G" wireless technology. Washington has been pushing other countries not to buy the equipment from Huawei, arguing that the company may be working stealthily for Beijing's spymasters. Beijing protested Meng's arrest but signaled that it doesn't want to disrupt progress toward settling its trade dispute with the Trump administration. Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng said China is confident it can reach a deal during the 90 days that Trump agreed to suspend a scheduled increase in U.S. import taxes on $200 billion worth of Chinese products. U.S. national security adviser John Bolton told NPR that he knew of the pending arrest in advance. He noted that there has been much concern about the suspicion that Chinese firms like Huawei use stolen U.S. intellectual property. In the view of the United States and many outside analysts, China has embarked on an aggressive drive to overtake America's dominance in technology and global economic leadership. According to analysts, China has deployed predatory tactics, from forcing American and other foreign companies to hand over trade secrets in exchange for access to the Chinese market to engaging in cyber-theft. Washington also regards Beijing's ambitious long-term development plan, "Made in China 2025," as a scheme to dominate such fields as robotics and electric vehicles by unfairly subsidizing Chinese companies and discriminating against foreign competitors. In addition to Trump's tariffs, the administration is tightening regulations on high-tech exports to China. It's also making it harder for Chinese firms to invest in U.S. companies or to buy American technology in such cutting-edge areas as robotics, artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Earlier this year, the United States nearly drove Huawei's biggest Chinese rival, ZTE Corp., out of business for selling equipment to North Korea and Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions. But Trump issued a reprieve, possibly in part because U.S. tech companies are major suppliers of the Chinese giant and would also have been scorched. ZTE got off with paying a $1 billion fine, changing its board and management and agreeing to let American regulators monitor its operations. The U.S. and Chinese tech industries depend on each other so much for components that "it is very hard to decouple the two without punishing U.S. companies, without shooting ourselves in the foot," said Adam Segal, cyberspace analyst at the Council on Foreign Relations. Dean Garfield, president of the U.S. Information Technology Industry Council trade group, said innovation by U.S. companies often depends utterly on product development and testing by Chinese partners, not to mention component suppliers. British Telecom said this week that it would stop using Huawei equipment in its 5G network, the BBC reported, and U.S. lawmakers have lobbied Canada's prime minister to freeze out the Chinese supplier. New Zealand and Australia already have. Other, less wealthy nations are concerned less about spying and more about low prices, which play to Huawei's advantage. Both Huawei and ZTE have not only been barred from use by U.S. government agencies and contractors; they have also been mostly locked out of the American market. A 2012 report by the House Intelligence Committee report urged U.S. businesses to avoid their products and called for blocking all mergers or acquisitions involving them. And nearly a year ago, AT&T pulled out of a deal to sell Huawei smartphones. "There is ample evidence to suggest that no major Chinese company is independent of the Chinese government and Communist Party and Huawei, which China's government and military tout as a 'national champion' is no exception," Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Marco Rubio, R-Fla., wrote in October to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. They urged him to keep Huawei off Canada's next-generation network. Priscilla Moriuchi, a former East Asia specialist at National Security Agency now with the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future, said both ZTE and Huawei are wedded to China's military and political leadership. "The threat from these companies lies in their access to critical internet backbone infrastructure," she said. "No matter what happens in the short term, (the arrest of Huawei's CFO) is a symptom of a long-term technology clash," said Derek Scissors, a China specialist at the conservative American Enterprise Institute. "We're not going to deal that away in 90 days." Scissors said he doubts that China will change its tech policies. Beijing must develop innovative technologies to keep its economy growing as its labor force ages and it confronts a huge stockpile of debt. Yet its political and economic system which promotes inefficient state-owned companies at the expense of nimbler private ones discourages innovation. "I don't see a way out of this," Scissors said. Likewise, Rod Hunter, an international economic official in President George W. Bush's White House and a partner at law firm Baker McKenzie, said, "I'm skeptical that the Chinese are going to want to say 'uncle.'" U.S. and Chinese officials are "trying to tackle a problem that is going to take years, maybe a decade, to resolve." AP staff writers Rob Gillies and Joe McDonald contributed to this report. Nearly one thousand people gathered for a memorial and candlelight march through Montecito Wednesday night in remembrance of the horrific storm flow disaster that claimed 23 lives exactly one year ago. Among the attendees were many grateful to have escaped with their own lives after torrrents of floodwater and mountains of mud and debris slammed into homes in the early morning darkness of Jan. 9, 2018. Marching at night was symbolic of the community's emergence from that darkness -- prolonged by loss of electricity service -- back into the light, said Layla Farinpour, LMFT, a therapist at Cottage Hospital and a member of the 1-9 Planning Committee. The year ago flooding and flows that overwhelmed ordinarily dry creeks were unleashed by a cell of intense rain onto the Santa Ynez mountains, left vulnerable by the Thomas wildfire that had scorched slopes and consumed vegetation only weeks before. Some of the boulders were the size of bungalows, and far more massive. Hundreds of homes sustained serious damage, scores beyond repair and since leveled. Dozens of the cleared sites stand empty. Many evacuees remain in temporary housing outside Montecito. Amye Leong and her husband Bob Price observed the anniversary in the rental house they found in adjacent Santa Barbara. "There's still a lot of unsettledness, a lot of pain," Leong said. Leong was downstairs in their house on Hot Springs Road when a wall of mud and boulders roared down Montecito Creek, topping its banks, and flooding through the ground floor. She barely made it upstairs to safety. "It's not so much the fear of it," Leong recalled. "I actually lived through that. How do you deal with that when others didnt't?" Leong has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the ongoing stress worsened her rheumatoid arthritis, she said. "The effects of all of this are not necessarily visible," she said. "And that's what I'm having to deal with." She and her huband find joy in the recovery of precious heirlooms wrenched from their house during the flow, and found weeks later buried in mud as much as a quarter mile away. Part of their hand-painted armoire turned up, as did place settings, silver serving ware, and two delicate porcelain vases -- filled with mud, but otherwise unharmed. "Go figure," Leong said, shaking her head. "We've got to stay optimistic," Price said. Rain returned to Montecito on the anniversary day, but fortunately it was light -- enough to encourage regrowth, but not enough to cause further erosion. During the day, earthmovers worked to clear the Cold Springs Debris Basin, which had accumulated some debris from runoff earlier this season. In hope of increasing protection, Santa Barbara County wants to create an additional debris basin for the San Ysidro Creek, said Supervisor Das Williams, whose first district included Montecito. The county is seeking grant money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Meantime, a private, non-profit group is pursuing a plan to locate giant steel nets strategically on private property to stop any boulders that might come loose during future storms. A year ago, evacuation warnings had been issued for much of Montecito in the hours before the storm hit, but were not received by many residents, and not heeded by others who did not see urgency. In the past year, state legislation has been enacted with the intent of increasing the reach of emergency notification systems. After the disaster, subsequent forecasts of rain last winter led to renewed evacuations, though there were no further significant flow events. Since then, with a calculated effort to minimize avoidable inconvenience and the boy who cried wolf syndrome, the county has adjusted the evacuation order threshhold to a higher level of forecast rain intensity. Insurance coverage was another issue to be tackled after the disaster. External flood and debris damage ordinarily is excluded from a standard homeowner's policy, and usually requires separate flood insurance. But California's Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones issued an opinion that exclusion should not apply in Montecito, finding that the damage was directly linked to wildfire destruction, which is covered by homeowner policies. Supervisor Williams expects the pace of home rebuilding will pick up in year two, and does see healing, but said it is a "process" as yet far from finished. "We as a community are still rebuilding." Prosecutors have cleared two Los Angeles Police Department detectives in the 2016 shooting and capture of a man on the 5 Freeway in Burbank, who was wanted in a six-month crime spree that included a murder, shootings, carjackings, and robberies across Southern California. The two detectives assigned to the Department's Special Investigations Section lawfully shot Artyom Gasparyan during a footchase on the freeway shoulder when Gasparyan turned and pointed a .357-magnum handgun toward officers. "Under the circumstances, the detectives had a choice to either allow a dangerous felon to escape and/or possibly fire at them, or use deadly force to apprehend him," the LA County District Attorney's Office concluded. "Gasparyan was clearly a continuing threat to public safety and, under the circumstances, the detectives and officers could not allow Gasparyan to escape into the community and continue his deadly crime spree." Gasparyan was shot seven times with rifle rounds fired by the detectives and survived. According to prosecutors, at the time of the police shooting on Jan. 4, 2016, Gasparyan was wanted for a violent crime spree that began on Aug. 5, 2015, when he allegedly stabbed a woman who refused to have sex with him after the two smoked crystal meth. Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office Gasparyan is suspected in dozens of other crimes, including a murder on Dec. 30, 2015 at Plummer and Van Nuys Boulevard in which he allegedly shot a driver at random while fleeing from another shooting scene. The 37-year-old driver, Adan Alexis Corea-Santillana, was struck in the shoulder, collapsed, and died. Gasparyan is awaiting trial on a multitude of charges and will appear in court on for another pretrial hearing Jan. 24, according to the district attorney's office. The remains of a local Navy sailor killed during World War II have been accounted for, more than 76 years after his death. Navy Chief Pharmacists Mate James T. Cheshire of San Diego was identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) on Sept. 10, 2018, the organization announced Wednesday. Cheshire was assigned to the USS Oklahoma battleship during the Pearl Harbor attacks on Dec. 7, 1941. His ship was docked at Ford Island, a small island in the center Pearl Harbor. During the attacks, the USS Oklahoma was hit by multiple torpedoes, causing the battleship to capsize, DPAA said. This resulted in the deaths of 429 servicemembers, including Cheshire, according to the agency. It took until June 1944 for the sailors remains to be recovered. After this time, they were buried in the Halawa and Nuuanu Cemeteries. Three years later, the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) then transferred these remains to the Schofield Barracks on Honolulu to be identified. Here, the staff was only able to identify 35 men from the USS Oklahoma wreckage, DPAA said. The remaining unidentified fallen servicemembers were then buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as the Punchbowl. The cemetery is also located on Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified these unidentified sailors as non-recoverable, including Cheshire, according to DPAA. More than 65 years later, Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work ordered for the unknown sailors associated with the USS Oklahoma to be analyzed again. This long process began on June 15, 2015, DPAA said. DNA, as well as anthropologic analysis and circumstantial evidence were used to try and identify these servicemembers. More than 1,000 days went by before DPAA confirmed Cheshires remains had been accounted for in Sept. of last year. Cheshire, who was listed on the Walls of Missing at the Punchbowl where he was laid to rest for so many years, now has a rosette next to his name to signal his remains have been found. Roughly 16 million Americans served in World War II. Of those servicemembers, about 400,000 died and more than 72,000 are still unaccounted for, DPAA said. Stashing fentanyl pills in condoms and a womans bra, four suspects are accused of smuggling thousands of pills through San Diego ports of entry at the U.S.-Mexico border, authorities confirm. The office of Adam L. Braverman, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, said Tuesday that federal prosecutors had filed drug trafficking charges against four defendants allegedly involved in the fentanyl pill trafficking ring: Dianna Dominguez, of San Diego, and Felix Inzunza-Dominguez, Jr., Norma Macias-Dominguez, and Tanairi Ponce, all three of Tijuana, Mexico. The four are charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. If convicted, they each face a maximum sentence of life in prison or a minimum penalty of 10 years in custody. The foursome was busted Monday through an undercover operation in which federal agents obtained more than 10,000 fentanyl pills from the group after they crossed the border. According to a federal complaint, undercover agents had been negotiating with a known drug trafficker in Tijuana back in December, looking to purchase about 4,000 fentanyl pills at a cost of $24,000. The trafficker did not know he was talking with an agent. After that conversation, the trafficker arranged for Dominguez, Inzunza-Dominguez Jr., Macias-Dominguez and Ponce to smuggle the pills through the San Diego ports of entry. The smugglings were to take place on Jan. 7. That morning, according to the complaint, Dominguez, Inzunza-Dominguez Jr., and Macias-Dominguez crossed into the United States at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Dominguez drove Inzunza-Dominguez Jr. who is her father and Macias-Dominguez to the parking lot of a Walmart where Inzunza-Dominguez planned to meet the undercover agent to deliver the pills. After parking, Macias-Dominguez walked away from the car. Dominguez texted the undercover agent to say her father was walking over to meet him with the drugs. Carrying a bag, Inzunza-Dominguez Jr. walked over to the undercover agent and handed him 4,000 fentanyl pills, expecting to receive the $24,000 payment that had been agreed upon. The complaint said the bag contained two condoms filled with pills, believed to be the smugglers method of concealing the fentanyl as they entered the United States. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California The three suspects were arrested by authorities on suspicion of smuggling the pills. Prior to this interaction, officials said Macias-Dominguez and Inzunza-Dominguez, Jr., had each delivered 1,000 fentanyl pills to an undercover agent in exchange for $8,000 per drug deal. After the trio was busted, the complaint said the undercover agent told the trafficker with whom he had been negotiating in Tijuana that he had not received the fentanyl pills as requested in the deal with Inzunza-Dominguez Jr. The undercover agent said he wanted another 2,000 fentanyl pills delivered to him. The trafficker recruited Ponce to make that delivery. Ponce placed 2,000 fentanyl pills in her bra, crossed the border and delivered the drugs to the agent, the documents said. Combined, the pills stuffed inside her bra weighed nearly 300 grams. Ponce was arrested. The complaint said she had a business card in her possession with the undercover agents phone number on it. On Tuesday, all four suspects entered not guilty pleas. They are scheduled to appear in court Friday for a detention hearing. Bravermans office said several agencies worked together to crack down on the fentanyl trafficking ring, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the San Diego County Sheriffs Department. The San Ysidro Port of Entry in south San Diego County is the busiest land border crossing between the U.S. and Mexico. Each day, it is used by 70,000 northbound vehicles and 20,000 northbound pedestrians. [DONT CHANGE MAIN HEADLINE] San Diego's Border Busts President Donald Trump has been briefed on a plan that would use the Army Corps of Engineers and a portion of $13.9 billion of Army Corps funding to build 315 miles of barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border, NBC News reported, citing three U.S. officials familiar with the briefing. The money was set aside to fund projects all over the country including storm-damaged areas of Puerto Rico through fiscal year 2020, but the checks have not been written yet and, under an emergency declaration, the president could take the money from these civil works projects and use it to build the border wall, said officials familiar with the briefing and two congressional sources. The plan could be implemented if Trump declares a national emergency in order to build the wall and would use more money and build more miles than the administration has requested from Congress. The president had requested $5.7 billion for a wall stretching 234 miles. Standing along the Rio Grande Thursday, President Donald Trump says "a lot of the crime in our country is caused by what's coming through here." Trump toured a section of the U.S.-Mexico border seeking bolster his case for spending billions of dollars on a border wall. A law enforcement officer told Trump during his tour that a greater percentage of apprehensions in recent weeks have involved people from places other than Mexico and Central America. He cited people from Pakistan, China and India as specific examples. Trump told reporters, "So they apprehended people from the Middle East and they do it all the time." He added. "Whether it's steel or concrete, you don't care. We need a barrier." Vice President Mike Pence said Trump has "made no decision" about declaring a national emergency to build the wall but added, "The president's going to get this done one way or another." Before departing for Texas, Trump said there were many mechanisms at his disposal that would allow him to build the wall without striking a deal that reopens the government but that he preferred to secure the wall through a deal with Congress. The president and congressional Democrats remain at an impasse over his demand for $5.7 billion for a wall along the southern border. Critics contend Trump overstates the security risks and that the administration is at least partly to blame for the humanitarian situation. Pence called on Democrats to negotiate an end to the shutdown, which is now in its 20th day. He told reporters it's time for Congress to "do its job." Democrats said Trump is holding the country hostage for his wall funding and have called on Republicans to re-open the government. Pence also indicated Trump has little interest in a broader immigration deal to end the shutdown. He said Trump is waiting to see how the courts rule on the legality of an Obama-era program that shields some young immigrants from deportation. What to Know Palestine Police said they responded to the Express Inn and Suites after getting a report a guest had been assaulted. The woman claimed the suspect, identified as Justin Tillman, 30, held her against her will at the motel for three days, police said. Tillman was arrested Tuesday morning and is facing multiple charges, including kidnapping. He was booked into the Anderson County Jail. A man is behind bars facing multiple charges, after police say he kidnapped and assaulted a woman at a Palestine motel for three days. Palestine Police said they responded to the Express Inn and Suites at 1100 E. Palestine Ave. at 1:00 a.m. Tuesday after getting a report a guest had been assaulted. Police said the 36-year-old woman claimed she was been brought to there from northern Anderson County in a stolen car driven by the suspect, later identified as Justin Tillman, 30, of La Marque, Texas. The woman told police Tillman held her against her will at the motel for three days, forcing her to change rooms each day, and assaulted her over the course of those days. The woman was able to escape the room and get help while Tillman was away, police said. Police waited at the motel and arrested Tillman when he returned to the Express Inn and Suites at about 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Police found Tillman was wanted for several warrants across Texas, including Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child out of Austin, Assault of a Family Member out of Harris County, and Resisting Arrest in Colorado County. Tillman was booked into the Anderson County Jail for several charges, including kidnapping and assault, and is being held on $125,000 bond. It's not clear if the woman and Tillman knew each other prior to the kidnapping. Authorities say a suspect in the New Year's Eve 2017 shooting death of a woman in Texas has been captured in northwestern Indiana. The U.S. Marshals' Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force says it took 52-year-old Dwight Patrick Scott into custody Tuesday in Gary following a tip he was at a home there. An arrest warrant for Scott was signed by a Texas judge in January 2018 that included a charge of murder in the death of 50-year-old Tracy Lynn Reedy. Authorities said they had lived together in Kilgore, Texas, and she was shot during an argument outside her apartment. Authorities in Indiana had earlier been looking for Scott, since he was believed to have ties to the Gary area. Scott is jailed and likely will be extradited to Texas. One of the victims stated she told her mother what had been going on, but that she felt like she could not say no to Montanez due to his authority, the affidavit states. The victim told a couple of other residents at the facility who told her she needed to say something because it was not right, according to the affidavit. Clodagh Kilcoyne - WPA Pool/Getty Images(LONDON) -- Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, marked another first in her eight months as a member of Britain's royal family. Meghan, who wed Prince Harry in May, will now assume her role as the royal patron of several charitable organizations. Kensington Palace announced Meghan's official patronages Thursday morning in a statement. The Duchess of Sussex will now become Patron of four organizations that "reflect the causes and issues with which she has long been associated including the arts, access to education, support for women and animal welfare," Kensington Palace announced in the statement. Meghan, 37, will start the new roles immediately. She plans to visit one of the charities later Thursday, according to Kensington Palace. Meghan will now be patron of The National Theatre, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, women's charity Smart Works and animal charity Mayhew. Her Majesty The Queen was previously patron of two of these organizations -- The National Theatre and The Association of Commonwealth Universities. She has now passed on the responsibility to the Duchess of Sussex. "The Duchess is delighted to become Patron of both national and grassroots organisations that are part of the fabric of the UK, and is very much looking forward to working with them to bring wider public attention to their causes," the statement added. "Her Royal Highness feels she can use her position to focus attention on, and make a particular difference to these organisations and, more widely, the sectors they each represent." "Over the last year, Her Royal Highness has held meetings and conducted private visits with each of these organisations," the Palace said. "The Duchess will today visit Smart Works and over the next few weeks will undertake public visits to the other three organisations." The organizations were delighted to have Meghan's endorsement. The Director of the National Theatre, Rufus Norris, said it was a "privilege to welcome The Duchess of Sussex as our new Patron," adding that Meghan "shares our deeply-held conviction that theatre has the power to bring together people from all communities and walks of life." Joanna Newman, chief executive and secretary general of the ACU, said she was "thrilled" Meghan had become their new patron. "The Duchess shares our passion for the transformational power of higher education, and Her Royal Highness' support will help champion higher education as a force for good in the Commonwealth and beyond," she said. "We would like to thank Her Majesty The Queen for her support, and we look forward to working closely with The Duchess as our Patron." Juliet Hughes-Hallett, chair and founder of Smart Works, said she was "thrilled" to have the Duchess on board. "An acknowledged champion of women and their rights worldwide, The Duchess will motivate ever more women to come to our centres and get the job that will transform their lives," she said. "The Duchess' patronage will inspire the women we serve and help them reach for the stars." Caroline Yates, CEO of Mayhew, said, "We are so excited that HRH The Duchess of Sussex has chosen to be our Patron. Mayhew works to improve the lives of dogs, cats and the people in our community." Royal patronages are not necessarily for life and the younger royals usually have fewer patronages than older royals, as they steadily acquire more. Queen Elizabeth II is a patron of more than 600 charities and Prince Philip of more than 700. Meghan began her public charitable work in the U.K. soon after she wed Prince Harry in May. She became the fourth member of the Royal Foundation, started by William, Kate and Harry, at the time of her wedding. In her first high-profile, solo charity project, Meghan collaborated with women at the Hubb Community Kitchen in West London on a charity cookbook that quickly became a bestseller. Her mom, Doria Ragland, flew from her home in Los Angeles to the U.K. to be with her daughter for the launch of the cookbook. She also marked the 125th anniversary of women's suffrage in New Zealand and touted the importance of equal access to education for women during her 16-day royal tour of New Zealand, Australia, Tonga and Fiji with Prince Harry. Official patronages are a hugely important aspect of what it means to be a royal, according to royal expert Victoria Murphy. "Members of the royal family can use their patronages to shape their legacy as members of the royal family," Murphy told ABC News. "By showing a consistent interests in certain issues they can create a significant impact in that area." The announcement of Meghan's official patronages comes as she prepares for a busy 2019. She is expecting her first child with Harry in the spring. The couple also plan to move from Kensington Palace to Frogmore Cottage on the grounds of Windsor Estate, about 30 miles from London. Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. What to Know Police responded to the Tribeca on the Creek Apartments on Melody Lane Jan. 9. Police said the victim was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds. If anyone has information about the apparent homicide, contact Dallas Police. Police are asking for help locating two persons of interest in relation to a man they found shot to death Jan. 9 northeast Dallas. Dallas police found 57-year-old Donald Anton Jelinek dead from multiple gunshot wounds when they performed a welfare check at the Tribeca on the Creek apartments in the 6200 block of Melody Lane. Tuesday, police released surveillance footage of two persons of interest in a convenience store. If you have any information, contact Dallas police. NBC 5's Chris Blake contributed to this report. A man who escaped from a Wyoming corrections center and the woman who helped him may be heading to Texas, authorities allege. The Casper Star-Tribune reports Richard Fountaine is still missing after he left the Casper Re-Entry Center Dec. 28. According to a search warrant filed in Natrona County Circuit Court, Fountaine climbed a wall and chain-link fence before getting into an SUV. The document states that authorities believe the employee gave Fountaine a cellphone while he was in the facility and helped him escape. Fountaine's brother told authorities that the two were heading to Texas. The employee is also missing. Fountaine was convicted of burglary in Park County and was sentenced in 2017 to three to five years in prison. Uncertainty over federal funding for transportation projects amid a partial government shutdown is forcing some states to delay contracts for new road and bridge work while others are preparing for that possibility. Transportation officials in Oklahoma this week announced plans to delay bids on 45 highway projects worth about $137 million. "This will affect only new projects that we haven't (bid) yet," Oklahoma Department of Transportation spokeswoman Terri Angier said. "Unless they reach a resolution that includes the budget and authorizes us more money to put toward the projects, we can't add new projects." The agency is delaying bids on 26 projects totaling about $101 million in January and another 19 projects in February worth about $35.6 million, she said. Highway and bridge projects already underway are not affected by the federal shutdown. The disruption in federal funding flowing to the states instead affects future projects for which departments were going to award bids in the coming weeks. That will put the bidding process on hold, especially in states that receive a large share of their highway dollars from the federal government. Delays can push back those construction projects by months or even into next year. Officials in some states say they are starting to see the effects of the shutdown. Federal agencies that often are involved in approving transportation projects, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, are closed and unable to act. "The longer these delays continue, the more likely it becomes that projects will not meet their planned (contracting) dates," said South Dakota Department of Transportation Secretary Darin Bergquist. States that receive a greater percentage of road and bridge funding from the federal government should be particularly concerned, said Tony Dorsey with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials in Washington, D.C. "It's just simple math," Dorsey said. "If you have a big chunk of your funding coming from the feds and you've got a partial government shutdown affecting that funding, you might be less inclined to move forward with these major projects." The association says some states, including Montana, New Mexico and Rhode Island, receive more than 85 percent of their transportation funding from federal sources, although transportation officials in those states said the federal shutdown has not yet delayed any projects. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission is expected to approve bids for 24 projects costing about $60 million at a meeting Thursday. The state agency, which has a $700 million cash balance, is pressing forward with planned projects despite the uncertainty over federal funding. "We maintain a cash balance that allows us to handle these types of situations, and some states do not," Missouri transportation department spokesman Bob Brendel said. Even if an agreement is reached soon to end the shutdown, the delays in Oklahoma could be exacerbated by environmental and weather concerns. That can create a domino effect that leads to projects getting postponed for much longer, said Angier, the transportation department spokeswoman. As an example, she said work on state bridges can't start once nesting season begins for cliff swallows, a protected species that frequently makes its home on the underside of bridges. That season runs from March to September. She pointed to planned construction on a bridge over Interstate 35 south of Oklahoma City that is several decades old. "If we don't let this project, it's not just delaying it for a few months," Angier said. "It could be a year before we could get back to that project." She said the agency also times the (contracting) of projects so that much of the work, particularly asphalt resurfacing, can be done in the spring and summer when the weather is better. Local officials are dismayed that the $9.3 million project to improve on- and off-ramps on the I-35 bridge is being delayed. They say the project is critical for connecting local communities. "My best guess would be 400 vehicles a day cross that bridge, including school buses, mail trucks, oil industry trucks," said McClain County Commissioner Wilson Lyles. "That project would definitely make it safer for the motoring public." Investigators in Houston said Monday that they have a surveillance video image of a pickup truck from which a driver fired several shots into a car carrying a family, killing a 7-year-old girl and wounding the child's mother. The image of the red, four-door pickup was captured shortly before the shooting occurred Sunday morning, Harris County sheriff's Lt. Christopher Sandoval told reporters. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez declined to speculate on what prompted the driver of the pickup to pull alongside and fire into the car carrying Jazmine Barnes, three of her sisters and her mother. Jazmine died at the scene, her mother suffered a gunshot wound to the arm and her 6-year-old sister was injured by shattered glass. The mother, 30-year-old LaPorsha Washington, remained in a hospital Monday. Gonzalez described the shooting as "totally unprovoked." "The family should be celebrating and spending time together anticipating the new year and instead they're making plans to bury this innocent, precious child," Gonzalez said. A distraught Washington told KTRK-TV from her hospital bed that the gunman sped up after firing into her car, only to pull in front and slow down before firing again. "He intentionally killed my child for no reason," she said. "He didn't even know her, he didn't know who she was." Authorities initially said the shooting occurred as Washington was leaving a Walmart parking lot, but Gonzalez on Monday said it occurred on a nearby service road as the family was heading to a store. The gunman was described as a bearded man in his 40s wearing a red hoodie. "I hope with each passing moment his conscience is eating away at him," Gonzalez said, later adding, "Do the right thing and turn yourself in. There's no need for anyone else to be harmed." Jazmine's father, Christopher Cevilla, who appeared with Gonzalez at Monday's news briefing, pleaded with the public to provide relevant tips to authorities so that an arrest can be made. "My daughter was 7 years old, loving, caring, very passionate with people, very sweet, just an innocent young girl," Cevilla said. "Very smart in school. There's just a lot of things that's being robbed of me and my family at this moment that we will never be able to get back." A man is dead after a truck crash in Enfield Wednesday. Enfield police said a Dodge Ram 1500 crashed into the gas station at the Stop & Shop Plaza at 54 Hazard Avenue around 2:09 p.m. The driver, identified as a 65-year-old man, was taken to Bay State Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. He has not been identified pending notification of his family. The crash remains under investigation. Any witnesses should contact police at 860-763-6400. A man was charged with intentionally killing another man by running him over with a pick-up truck Monday afternoon in the West Chatham neighborhood on the South Side. Keith Watley, 29, faces a felony count of first-degree murder after witnesses said he was the pick-up truck driver who purposely struck a 22-year-old man about 3 p.m. in the 200 block of West 87th Street, according to a statement from Chicago police. The 22-year-old was identified as Carlos Posadas of the West Englewood neighborhood, according to the Cook County medical examiners office. Police said he was performing work on a Honda Accord when the truck barreled into him. Watley and Posadas knew each other and had gotten into an argument the previous day, police said. An autopsy Tuesday found Posadas died of multiple injuries from the crash and his death was ruled a homicide, the medical examiners office said. Watley drove away after the fatal crash but was arrested in the 8600 block of South Lafayette about 15 minutes later, police said. The native of East Chicago, Indiana, was next scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. A former Illinois lawmaker was indicted by a grand jury Wednesday over accusations he disseminated private sexual images of two victims, according to officials. The grand jury issued a 12-count indictment for ex-state Rep. Nick Sauer for "non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images involving two separate victims," all of which are felonies, according to a release from the Lake County State's Attorney Michael Nerheim. The office did not elaborate on the incidents the charges stem from. "Our office has been in communication with Mr. Sauers attorney and we expect him to surrender himself on these charges by [Thursday] morning," Nerheim said in a statement. An investigation into Sauer began in late-July after the Illinois Legislative Inspector General Julie Porter informed the state's attorney's office of "possible criminal activities" by Sauer. In August, a report surfaced alleging that Sauer used an ex-girlfriend's privately shared nude photos to "catfish other men" on Instagram. Chicago police confirmed that an "obscenity report was generated by a 38-year-old victim on July 12" in which the victim claimed that a social media account "was created using her identity and photos." Soon after, Sauer, a GOP lawmaker representing portions of the northern suburbs, submitted his letter of resignation saying "my ability to fulfill my obligations as a State Representative and public servant will be affected by the distraction of addressing these allegations." "After speaking with my family, I feel it best to step away from my public responsibilities," he wrote. The first-term Lake Barrington Republican later withdrew his name from the November election ballot. The release does not identify the two victims or say if Sauer's ex-girlfriend is one of them. Chicago Ald. Ricardo Munoz checked into rehab in Indiana days after being charged with beating his wife. Munoz told Politico he has no intention of stepping down, and that his office is open and functioning. He already announced last summer that he wouldn't run again. Before that, he went public with his struggles with alcohol. Candidates vying for his seat are calling on him to resign now. A judge set Munoz's bond at $2,500 Thursday and granted his wife an order of protection against him after the alderman was charged with domestic battery. Munoz was arrested Wednesday in connection with a domestic violence incident that took place on New Year's Eve, according to police. He then spent the night in jail, which is legally required for anyone charged with battery to do before seeing a judge. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office said Munoz - who has represented the 22nd Ward since 1993 - was charged with misdemeanor domestic battery. The long-serving member of the Chicago City Council was taken into police custody after an argument with his wife in which police said Munoz "pushed and struck the victim throughout the body." Munoz was arrested last week without incident at his ward office in the 2500 block of South St. Louis in the Little Village neighborhood, authorities said. His wife asked the judge to order Munoz to stay away from their residence and their dog Rambo, a request the judge granted. Munoz will only be able to go home to get his belongings, and must be escorted by a Chicago police officer. The next hearing in Munoz's case was scheduled to take place on Jan. 23. An attorney for Munoz declined to comment on the case. This is not Munoz's first brush with the law. He has publicly spoken about his arrest as a teenager on drug and gun charges, which were later expunged. Now sober, Munoz has also opened up about his addiction to alcohol. Munoz announced this summer he would not run for re-election and opened the door on a possible run for mayor in the future. Im only 53, I can run for mayor in 2023 if I want to, he said during an exclusive interview at the time. Sworn into office in 1993, Munoz was appointed alderman by then mayor Richard Daley to replace Jesus Chuy Garcia, who moved on to the Illinois State Senate. Four candidates are on the ballot to replace him in the February elections. A woman whose body was found floating in the water off Kalmus Beach in Hyannis, Massachusetts has died, according to the Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office. The woman, who officials say is in her 60s, was discovered at about 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday by a bird watcher, according to Barnstable Police Sgt. Eric Drifmeyer. Officials rushed the woman to Cape Cod Hospital, where she later died. Her name has not been released. Authorities said she appeared to have been in the water for quite some time and they were worried about her wellbeing due to the icy temperatures. "It's icy, the rocks are slippery, if you take a walk on the jetty... certainly enjoy yourself on the beach but always be cautious and be aware," Drifmeyer said. Authorities are continuing their investigation on how the woman ended up in the water. They say they don't believe foul play is suspected. An internal affairs investigation is underway into Vermont State Police troopers handling of a report that a man snuck out of a court-approved drug rehab centerallegedly to commit far worse crimes. That man, Everett Simpson, 41, allegedly kidnapped a woman and her child from New Hampshire the next day and brought them to Vermontwhere Simpson is accused of sexually assaulting the woman in front of the child. The same day Vermont State Police launched the internal probe, Trooper Sean Brennan was suspended, with pay. Details on the reasons for the suspension were not provided by state police. Brennan was assigned to the St. Johnsbury barrackswhich handled the call about Simpsons unapproved departure from drug rehab. Brennan has been on the force for seven years, according to Vermont State Police records supplied to necn and NBC 10 Boston following a request. Everett Simpson snuck away from Valley Vista in eastern Vermont Friday, according to investigators. He was there on conditions set by a Vermont Superior Court judge following criminal charges unrelated to the serious federal accusations of kidnapping and sexual assault he is now facing. Police are looking into the theft of a vehicle in Vermont that took place after Simpson left the rehab facility late Friday, which they suspect he used to travel to Manchester, New Hampshire. Saturday, Simpson allegedly carjacked a woman and her young child at random from outside a mall in Manchesterforcing them back to Vermont in the womans car, where investigators say Simpson sexually assaulted the victim in front of her child. Simpson then fled to Pennsylvania, investigators say, where he was caught and is now in custody awaiting return to Vermont to face charges in federal court. This is someone whos expressing anger, hostility, power and control, observed Norwich University criminologist Penny Shtull, describing Simpson based on her understanding from news reports and police accounts of the case. He clearly has little empathy for both of his victims. While the Vermont State Police internal affairs investigation has just started, the agency has already acknowledged in a written statement that there were additional steps that should have been taken, including seeking an arrest warrant on Friday night, Jan. 4; issuing a be on the lookout alert for Simpson; and issuing a news release informing the public about Simpson. Vermont State Police declined necn and NBC 10 Bostons request for an interview about this internal probe, but one of the states former U.S. Attorneys says hes not sure anything couldve been done differently to prevent the horrific violence in this case. It doesnt mean theyre at fault, Jerry ONeill said of the internal affairs probe into the Vermont State Police. ONeill, who is now in private practice, said because the suspect is believed to have ditched one stolen vehicle in Manchester before carjacking total strangers, a tight timeline and several unknowns were working against police. Still, ONeill praised VSP for taking a close look at whether troopers couldve responded more effectively to that early tip that Simpson violated a judges orders and left rehab. Lets look back on it, ONeill said of the spirit of the internal affairs probereiterating that the investigation itself does not mean police couldve necessarily prevented the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault that followed the departure from drug rehab. What could we have done that mightve made a difference, so we couldve caught this man sooner? Under Vermont policy, trooper suspensions last until an internal investigation is complete. The internal probe into the handling of the case by state police will eventually be reviewed by an independent citizens board. My first interactions with the Clerk-Treasurers office were in grade school. My grandparents sent me to the window to pay their water bill, VanDenburgh said in a statement. While the office does much more than process utility bills, my experience running a large county department and serving the citizens of Crown Point in my legislative capacity have well prepared me for the responsibilities of city clerk-treasurer. Police in New Hampshire are searching for a man caught on surveillance holding up a toll booth attendant at knifepoint at the Hooksett Toll plaza on Interstate 93 Monday morning. According to New Hampshire State Police, the suspect had been traveling on the northbound side of the highway and got off at exit 11 at about 1 a.m. Surveillance video shows him emerging from a silver sedan wearing a black ski mask and demanding money from the toll attendant. "The suspect had exited his vehicle and was essentially entering the toll booth with a knife in his hand," said New Hampshire State Police Trooper Matt Field. Police said the man demanded cash from the attendant who had just started his shift. With most motorists using EZ-Pass, authorities said the attendant on duty likely had no more than 75 cents in his drawer. "The exact amount of change is unclear but it appears to be a quite small amount, under a dollar of likely quarters," Field said. The toll attendant was not harmed during the incident. Motorists NBC10 Boston spoke to could not believe a person would risk so much for so little. "It's a strange thing to do I must say," said Rhode Island resident Mike Rosen, who was driving through Hooksett Wednesday afternoon. Others say for some, desperate times call for desperate measures and now anyone could get caught in the middle. "We live in a different world now, everyone has to be on guard and it's kind of sad," said Vermont resident Chris Marineau. If police catch the suspect, he'll be charged with felony armed robbery. The suspect is described by the New Hampshire State Police as having blue eyes and is between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet tall. He was last seen wearing a blue ski mask, black coat, and jeans. Anyone who recognizes the driver or silver sedan is urged to contact New Hampshire State Police at 603-223-3792. What to Know Court records say Everett Simpson is due to appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on Feb. 7. Simpson, of Vermont, was hospitalized in Pennsylvania on Sunday after he crashed a stolen car while fleeing police. Simpson is charged with kidnapping a woman and her son in New Hampshire and later sexually assaulting the woman in Vermont. A Vermont man charged with kidnapping a woman and her son and later sexually assaulting the woman has been scheduled to appear in federal court in Burlington. Court records say Everett Simpson is due to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge John Conroy on Feb. 7. Simpson was hospitalized in Pennsylvania on Sunday after he crashed a stolen car while fleeing police. He's also facing a variety of state charges in Pennsylvania. Simpson is charged with leaving a Bradford drug abuse treatment center Jan. 4 and traveling to Manchester, New Hampshire, where the alleged kidnapping took place. He is then alleged to have brought them back to Vermont where the woman was assaulted. He then fled to Pennsylvania where he was arrested. Defense attorney Michael Desautels says it's too early to have any comment on the case. President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to declare a national emergency to circumvent Congress if he can't reach a deal with Democrats to fund his promised border wall. He headed to the U.S.-Mexico border to draw further attention to his case after negotiations with lawmakers blew up. The partial government shutdown dragged into a 20th day with hundreds of thousands of federal workers off the job or working without pay as the wall fight persisted. Asked about a national emergency declaration, Trump said as he left the White House for Texas, "I'm not prepared to do that yet, but if I have to I will." He contends such a declaration would allow him to direct the military to begin wall construction. "So we're either going to have a win, make a compromise because I think a compromise is a win for everybody or I will declare a national emergency," he said. It's not clear what a compromise might entail. Trump says he won't reopen the government without money for the wall. Democrats say they favor measures to bolster border security but oppose the long, impregnable walling that Trump envisions. He is asking $5.7 billion for wall construction. Trump insisted as he left Washington that there are "a tremendous amount of funds" available to build the wall if he declares a national emergency and claimed, incorrectly, that he never campaigned on Mexico paying for the wall directly. His campaign released a detailed plan that outlined how the Mexican government could make "a one-time payment of $5-10 billion" for the wall. Asked about an NBC News report that a steel border wall prototype could be cut through with a saw, Trump claimed that it was "designed by a previous administration." He said the "wall we'd be doing would be very, very hard to penetrate." Trump also insisted he doesn't have temper tantrums, as Democrats said he did at their meeting Wednesday, and claimed China, Trump's major trade adversary, is "far more honorable" than House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. Trump's comments came a day after he walked out of a negotiating meeting with congressional leaders "I said bye-bye," he tweeted soon after as efforts to reopen the government fell into deeper disarray. Affected federal workers face lost paychecks on Friday, and more people are touched every day by the rollback of government services. In McAllen, Texas, Trump visited a border patrol station for a roundtable discussion on immigration and border security and a briefing. But he has expressed his own doubts that his appearance and remarks will change any minds as he seeks money for the wall that's been his signature promise since his presidential campaign. He then toured a section of the U.S.-Mexico border as he continued to bolster his case for spending billions on a wall. Standing along the Rio Grande, the president said "a lot of the crime in our country is caused by what's coming through here." A law enforcement officer told Trump during his tour that a greater percentage of apprehensions in recent weeks have involved people from places other than Mexico and Central America. He cited people from Pakistan, China and India as specific examples. Trump told reporters, "So they apprehended people from the Middle East and they do it all the time." "Whether it's steel or concrete, you don't care," Trump said. "We need a barrier." McAllen is located in the Rio Grande Valley, the busiest part of the border for illegal border crossings. Several hundred protesters were chanting and waving signs opposing a border wall next to the South Texas airport where Trump was set to arrive. Across the street, a smaller group of protesters shouted back, chanting, "Build that wall!" At least two protesters were arrested, according to Telemundo 40. Meanwhile, federal workers in Washington Thursday denounced Trump at a rally with congressional Democrats, demanding he reopen the government so they can get back to work and receive their paychecks. Trump tweeted Thursday that he is canceling his upcoming trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, because of the partial government shutdown. Several Cabinet members are still scheduled to attend the event, which attracts business and political elite. Putting the standoff in personal terms, the president tweeted before leaving for Texas: "The Opposition Party & the Dems know we must have Strong Border Security, but don't want to give 'Trump' another one of many wins!" Pelosi fired back in a press conference Thursday, accusing the president of engaging in political games to fire up his base. "I think the meeting was a set-up so he could walk out," she said. The White House meeting in the Situation Room ended after just 14 minutes. Democrats said they asked Trump to reopen the government but he told them if he did they wouldn't give him money for the wall. Republicans said Trump posed a direct question to Pelosi: If he opened the government, would she fund the wall? She said no. Schumer said Trump slammed his hand on the table. But Trump, who handed out candy at the start of the meeting, disputed that characterization. He said he "didn't smash the table" but "should have." One result was certain: The shutdown plunged into uncharted territory with no endgame in sight. On Saturday, Washington appears certain to set an ignominious record for the longest government shutdown in the nation's history. The Democrats see the idea of the long wall as ineffective and even immoral. Trump sees it as an absolute necessity to stop what he calls a crisis of illegal immigration, drug-smuggling and human trafficking at the border. Trump also went to Capitol Hill Wednesday, seeking to soothe jittery Republican lawmakers. He left a Republican lunch boasting of "a very, very unified party," but GOP senators have been publicly uneasy as the standoff ripples across the lives of Americans and interrupts the economy. During the lunch, Trump discussed the possibility of a sweeping immigration compromise with Democrats to protect some immigrants from deportation but provided no clear strategy or timeline for resolving the standoff, according to senators in the private session. GOP unity was tested when the House passed a bipartisan spending bill, 240-188, to reopen one shuttered department, Treasury, to ensure that tax refunds and other financial services continue. Eight Republicans joined Democrats in voting, defying the plea to stick with the White House. There was growing concern about the toll the shutdown is taking on everyday Americans, including disruptions in payments to farmers and trouble for home buyers who are seeking government-backed mortgage loans "serious stuff," according to Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Senate Republican. Some Republicans were concerned about Trump's talk of declaring a national emergency at the border, seeing that as unprecedented interference with the right of Congress to allocate funding except in the most dire circumstances. "I prefer that we get this resolved the old-fashioned way," Thune said. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Colleen Long, Alan Fram, Deb Riechmann, Zeke Miller and Nomaan Merchant contributed to this report. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who had been overseeing the special counsel investigation, plans to step down after Robert Mueller finishes his work, according to administration officials familiar with his thinking. A source close to Rosenstein said he intends to stay on until Mueller's investigative and prosecutorial work is done, NBC News reported. The source said that would mean Rosenstein would remain until early March. Several legal sources have said they expect the Mueller team to conclude its work by mid-to-late February, although they said that timeline could change based on unforeseen investigative developments. The National Weather Service on Wednesday issued a tornado warning for Butte County. On Twitter, NWS Sacramento said: "A tornado warning has been issued for parts of Butte County. Take shelter if you are within the Tornado Warning." Just a week into the new year, some Palo Alto residents are scrambling to find a new place to live as the owner of the President Hotel Apartments on University Avenue plans to build a luxury hotel on the property. Back in June 2018, a Chicago-based real estate firm bought the apartment building and gave residents notice that the plan was to turn the space back into a luxury hotel. The tenants of the 75-unit, six-story building were given five months to vacate, meaning they need to be out by the end of this month, though some hoped they'd have more time. "Many of my clients bike and walk to me so not only would I be losing my home, Id be losing my place of employment," resident Diane Boxill said back in June. Other residents questioned whether a luxury hotel was really needed in the area. "Do we need luxury hotels more than we need housing?" Iqbal Serang questioned. Former Palo Alto City Manager Jim Keene responded, stating, "the displacement of 75 units is a concern given the citys current housing shortage, but hotel uses are permitted by right in downtown." According to the Palo Alto Weekly, the building owner considered extending the move out date if the city council took several actions that would have facilitated the conversion. The city did not, so the eviction date is Jan. 31. An Alameda County prosecutor told jurors on Wednesday that a 26-year-old man should be convicted of murder for the strangulation death of his uncle outside an Oakland restaurant in 2017 because she believes he intentionally killed him. In her closing argument in the trial of Trevaughn Soriano, which has been marked by tensions between his family and the family of the victim, prosecutor Malisha Jones alleged Soriano said, "I'm going to kill him" several times before he strangled 48-year-old Trevino Thomas. Jones alleged that Soriano was "cold-hearted" and bragged about killing Thomas afterward. Thomas was killed outside Lena's Soul Food Cafe in the 2700 block of 64th Avenue at about 8:30 p.m. on May 17, 2017. Jones said the background to the strangulation was that Soriano's pregnant girlfriend, D'Onicka Hal, and her mother, Kia Blacksher, who was Thomas' girlfriend, got into an argument with her over money when all four of them ran into each other at the restaurant that night. Jones said Hal and Blacksher had been close but "the relationship fell apart" because of money issues. Jones also alleged that Blacksher "had a problem with Soriano because she didn't think he was good enough for her (Hal)." Jones said Soriano's girlfriend and her mother got into a fight outside that restaurant and Soriano and Thomas also got involved in the fracas. Soriano testified on Tuesday that, "My concern was stopping her (Blacksher) from continuing to attack her (Hal)" and "I got in between the two ladies." Soriano said Blacksher "betrayed her daughter and grandson" by getting into a fight with Hal. Soriano also said, "I felt my uncle (Thomas) had betrayed me by stopping me from protecting my fiancee and unborn grandson." Jones alleged that Soriano didn't act rashly when he strangled Thomas because it took him 74 seconds to choke and kill him. Jones said, "He (Soriano) had a long time to think about it. He didn't act rashly." Jones said that after Soriano killed Thomas he and Hal went back to the restaurant to pick up the food they had ordered before the confrontation. Jones said, "The food they ordered was more important than his (Soriano's) uncle Thomas." Soriano's attorney Paul Feuerwerker will present his closing argument on Thursday. An East Bay community is rallying together behind a well-known couple who was hit by a car and critically injured over the weekend. Berkeley Unified School District school board President Judy Appel, 53, and her wife Alison Bernstein, 54, an attorney, were walking near their home in South Berkeley when a driver crashed into them. "Both of these women are fierce warriors they are going to fight this and work hard to heal," said Acting Board President Beatriz Leyva-Cutler at Wednesdays school board meeting where people came together to support the couple. Appel is in the middle of her second term on the School Board and her second time as president. She is known as being courageous and a leader, and the community made it sure she knew she was missed. "She really went beyond community service went beyond her own family to help our district do a better job," Cathy Campbell from the Berkeley Federation of Teachers. Appels wife is an attorney with the State Public Defenders Officer. As both Appel and Bernstein continue healing, police said the accident is still under investigation and that the driver is cooperating with police. Another male juvenile has been taken into custody after he allegedly helped fellow student thwart police investigation into threats of a school shooting at two campuses in the Napa Valley Unified School District, police said Thursday. Napa police detectives said the juvenile helped a 14-year-old boy, who was arrested on Jan. 2, by "actively attempting to thwart the investigation by hiding evidence and interfering with witnesses related to the threat to the victim student." Police said the suspect who made the threat, who wasn't identified due to his age, allegedly told a fellow student at River Middle School that he was planning a shooting at their campus and also at Vintage High School. According to police, the fellow student said he was going to report this to his parents and police, at which point the suspect then told the victim that he would kill him if he did that. Police said the victim was able to provide police with evidence of the threats, and they in turn served search warrants at the suspect's residences in Napa on Wednesday. The suspect was detained by police the same day and remained in custody for threatening the victim. There is no current threat to any campuses or students in the district, police said. The victim is being hailed as a hero, according to police, for coming forward and possibly averting a tragedy. Anyone with any information on the case is asked to call Napa police Det. Jason Barrera at (707) 258-7880 ext. 5325 or to email him at jbarrera@cityofnapa.org. Once the vehicle entered the parking lot, it drove up to the officers at which point officers learned that Ortiz, who was in the vehicle, had been shot in the head, according to Martin. An ambulance responded to the scene; and Ortiz was transported to the Gary hospital, where Ortiz was pronounced dead at 9:47 p.m., according to officials. Two-billion-year-old fossils could indicate steps towards multicellularity. You have full access to this article via your institution. Download PDF The colonial macrofossils found in Gabon. Credit: El Albani Thumb-sized fossils discovered in Gabon, West Africa, were veritable behemoths 2.1 billion years ago. Palaeontologists reporting the finding in Nature say that the fossils represent ancient signs of multicellular life1. Fossils of putative multicellular organisms, found in India, were nearly half a billion years younger2. And not until the Cambrian period, which began some 542 million years ago, were large, complex organisms commonplace. "We have these macrofossils turning up in a world that was purely microbial," says Stefan Bengtson, a palaeozoologist at the Swedish Museum of Natural History in Stockholm and a co-author on the report. "That's a big deal because when you finally get big organisms, it changes the way the biosphere works, as they interact with microbes and each other." Just as organisms change the biological and chemical make-up of their immediate environment, so the chemistry of the environment affects life too. Palaeontologists say that a rise in global atmospheric oxygen about 750 million years ago made the 'explosion' of multicellular animals in the Cambrian period possible. Similarly, the so-called Great Oxidation Event 2.4 billion years ago might have allowed the Gabon organisms to survive, Bengtson says. "It's just remarkable how large the fossils they've found are," says Philip Donoghue of the University of Bristol, UK. "Normally, to find fossils from this time period you need to dissolve rocks and look under a microscope." The 21-person team examined the fossils' structure and chemical content using micro-computed tomography and mass spectrometry, and concluded that the specimens were not rock formations but the remains of living organisms. They had flexible, fringed flaps surrounding their 7120-millimetre-long bodies, and from this the authors infer that the organisms consisted of multiple cells. Complex and communicative According to the team, the organisms might have been colonial bacteria that signalled to one another and so were able to form complicated structures. Mats of bacteria bound with sediment existed for millions of years before the Gabon fossils. Yet the Gabon specimens look different. Microtomography reconstruction of the outer (left) and inner (right) morphology of one of the macrofossils. Credit: El Albani - Masurier "These aren't aggregations of bacteria binding sediment," says Donoghue. "They're three-dimensional, which suggests coordinated multicellularity at a time just after the Great Oxidation Event." Evolutionary geneticist Inaki Ruiz-Trillo at the University of Barcelona in Spain says that key genes for cell adhesion and cell-cell communication existed before multicellularity arose. A case in point, he says, is his team's finding that a species of Amastigomonas, single-celled flagellates belonging to an ancient lineage, possess cell-signalling genes3. More than a dozen lineages appear to have independently made the unicellular-to-multicellular transition animals, plants and fungi being the most widely known. The Gabon organisms might have been an earlier 'experiment' in multicellularity, says Bengtson. Eukaryotic affinity Classifying the Gabon fossils is a difficult matter because they don't resemble any fossil or living organism. "The only modern analog might be microbial colonies, but these tend to be quite small and flimsy, while these are large and thick and resilient," says Bengtson. "It's quite possible they represent eukaryotes, which tend to make more resilient and larger structures." Eukaryotes, such as animals and algae, have cells with membrane-bound nuclei. But seeing those cells is impossible here. The fossils carry traces of sterol compounds typically found in the cell walls of eukaryotes. Coupled with their size and complexity, this evidence supports a eukaryotic affinity, says the paper's lead author Abderrazak El Albani of the University of Poitiers in France. However, sterols and other organic soluble molecules can migrate into older sediment from organisms buried at a later date. And if these were eukaryotes, they would be very much older than any known members, says Donoghue. "Why go out on a limb and argue that [sterol] is indicative of eukaryotes?" he comments. "We should take the most pessimistic view." Bengtson anticipates debate about the report. "Early macrofossils are always a contentious subject," he says. Calling the Gabon specimens "pseudo-fossils", palaeontologist Adolf Seilacher at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, instead interprets them as aggregations of the mineral pyrite that grew in different shapes depending on the changing state of the surrounding sediment. In 1998, Seilacher reported finding a fossil eukaryote 1.1 billion years old4. Referring to that find, he says: "I now firmly believe that my own so-called first animals were pseudo-fossils too." As long as the fossil bed in Gabon isn't transformed into a quarry, El Albani says, he will be returning soon to dig up more dirt on these exquisitely preserved curiosities. References 1 El Albani, E. et al. Nature 466, 100-104 (2010). 2 Bengston, S. et al. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 106, 7729-7734 (2009). 3 Sebe-Pedros, A. et al. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 107, 10142-10147 (2010). 4 Seilacher, A., Bose, P. K. & Pfluger, F. Science 282, 80-83 (1998). Download references Authors Amy Maxmen View author publications You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar Rights and permissions Reprints and Permissions (Natural News) A 2011 paper published in the British Journal of Pharmacology (BJP) has been retracted after it was found that data represented in the study were manipulated. The paper, entitled, Mice lacking the Raf-1 kinase inhibitor protein exhibit exaggerated hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension, documented a study that concluded that a specific protein (which regulates various signaling pathways in the body) contributed to pulmonary health. However, after a lengthy discussion among the authors, the journals Editor-in-Chief, and John Wiley & Sons Ltd., it was decided that the paper was not relevant, following an internal investigation. It was found that the numbers depicted in three figures were inappropriately manipulated to suit the desired conclusion. According to an official response notice on Retraction Watch, four of the five authors denied playing any role in the said manipulation. The remaining author, first author Ian Morecroft, has declined to comment. The internal investigation was prompted when a whistleblower contacted BJP editor, Amrita Ahluwalia, who had this to say: I assessed the issues raised and we conducted some internal assessment regarding the figures and I also asked an experienced academic for an independent opinion. Our assessments indicated that there were issues of potential duplication with three of the blots in question. We then contacted the corresponding author with our concerns to essentially offer the authors an opportunity to explain. The University of Glasgow, who initially supported the study, initiated an internal review. After speaking at length with each author, the decision to retract the paper was finalized. The University is still assessing how this breach of ethics occurred. An official spokesperson representing the authors and the University has said that the latter cannot discuss the details of an ongoing investigation. When cherry-picking is the norm Incidentally, a study published in PLOS ONE in 2009 has suggested that many scientists manipulate results to have their data published. Survey results gathered from 1986 to 2005 concluded that two percent of the questioned scientists knowingly and deliberately fabricated, falsified, or modified data at least once. Moreover, 33.7 percent of them admitted to following questionable research practices. The same study found that when rating their fellow colleagues, 72 percent of the participants said they believed their peers were dishonest as well. Daniele Fanielli, author of the study, did note, however that, considering that these surveys ask sensitive questions and have other limitations, it appears that [the results are] a conservative estimate of the true prevalence of scientific misconduct. Data manipulation is not limited to just scientific journals The title of the retracted paper was quite a mouthful, wasnt it? The scientific jargon alone would make any layman immediately confused. Taking all that aside though, there are deeper implications of this incident. If scientists can manipulate data in seemingly innocuous studies (not discrediting the health relevance of the raf-1 kinese inhibitor protein), is it possible for them to fabricate results for more impactful subjects? One appropriate example would be the controversies surrounding climate change. Only recently, a former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientist, Dr. John Bates, said that a 2015 climate change study (popularly known as the the Karl study) was rushed to time the publication of the paper to influence national and international deliberations on climate policy. In an article on Climate Depot, Dr. Bates alleges that the Karl study did not follow any of the formal procedures required to approve and archive their data, they had used a highly experimental early run of a program that tried to combine two previously separate sets of records. (Related: Climate change propagandists turn to FAKE SCIENCE VIDEO that falsely claims Manhattan will be under water in 60 years.) The article further stated, Dr. Bates said: I learned that the computer used to process the software had suffered a complete failure. The reason for the failure is unknown, but it means that Pausebuster paper can never be replicated or verified by other scientists. This is disturbing news, and brings to question the ethical practices of many self-claimed scientists today. The only remedy to this is to keep yourself informed. Visit RealScienceNews.com to know the truth. Sources include: RetractionWatch.com Online.Wiley.com Journals.PLOS.org ClimateDepot.com (Natural News) Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is touted as the miracle tree due to its numerous benefits with regards not just to health and nutrition but even to the economy. Scientists continue to find more and more uses for moringa. One of the more recent discoveries regarding this plant was that it has the ability to boost the immune system and even protect the liver from potential damage. This was determined by a team of researchers from the University of Ibadan and the Afe Babalola University in Nigeria. The different parts of the moringa plant all have their fair share of benefits. Traditionally, the plants roots were widely used as a natural remedy for rheumatism and constipation. Meanwhile, moringa leaves and seeds were used to treat headaches and liver conditions, respectively. Gum derived from the plant can also be used as a treatment for cavities, dysentery, asthma, and fevers. These days, people also use moringa for its diuretic, analgesic, antioxidant, antifungal properties. Previous studies have shown that the different bioactivities of moringa can be attributed to the presence of various phytoconstituents, which include alkaloids, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, flavonoids, glycosides, carbohydrates, and sterols. Although the use of moringa has gained immense popularity over the years, there are still limited studies looking at the plants toxicity profile. It is important to be aware of potential toxic effects to be able to establish the safety limits for products derived from this plant. This study, which was published in the journal Pharmacognosy Communications, assessed the possible effects of different concentrations of moringa seed and leaf extracts (100, 200, 400, and 1000 mg/kg body weight) on albino rats. To do this, the researchers used various biochemical assays for markers of liver cell damage, blood profile analysis, as well as the histopathological examination of the different organs. The results of the experiments showed that the rats administered with moringa seed or leaf extracts exhibited an increase in the number of neutrophils and white blood cells in the blood. This indicates a potential improvement in the immunity of the mice since they are types of immune cells. Furthermore, the rats exhibited reduced levels of liver cell damage markers, namely aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransaminase, and alkaline phosphatase. From this, the researchers determined that moringa possibly protects the liver from damage to some extent. Overall, this study proves that extracts from the leaves and seeds of moringa have hepatoprotective and immune boosting effects. (Related: Study: Moringa leaf powder improves the immune system of HIV patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy.) Tips on how to grow your own moringa You can easily find moringa in many organic markets and you can even buy it in powder or capsule form. However, for the green thumbs out there, theres nothing more satisfying than growing your own crops. Some people call moringa the Never Die Tree since it grows well in harsh conditions even if it prefers tropical and subtropical climates. When growing moringa, you can either start from seeds or from a cutting. Generally speaking, plants grown from seeds are stronger but make sure that you get mature seeds that are less than a year old. Similarly, if you decide to grow moring from a cutting, go for a mature stem and not a young green stem. Although moringa can tolerate various soil conditions, it will thrive in sandy, loamy soil thats directly exposed to sunlight. It is best to plant moringa during spring but it will still grow if you choose to start in the summer. Once youve planted moringa, it will require little to no attention. In fact, if you deprive a young tree of water they will grow into more drought-tolerant plants. However, wilting plants are a different case and should be given some water. After a few months you can already start harvesting leaves from your moringa plant, which you can then use for whatever purpose you wish. For more articles about the health benefits of moringa, visit Superfoods.news. Sources include: Science.news PhcogCommn.org FeraMoringa.com (Natural News) In a series of tweets over the weekend, Internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom made some stunning predictions for the coming year that, if true, will cause no small amount of tumult in an America that is becoming increasingly divided by the day. I smile every day watching the aftermath of preventing Hillary, he began, a reference to 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clintons loss to POTUS Donald Trump. Deep State exposed. Fake news exposed. DOJ & FBI exposed, he continued. Im happy you are more informed than ever. 2019 will reveal so much more. Get ready for the next round of leaks. Monumental stuff. https://twitter.com/KimDotcom/status/1081679080330686464 Dotcom then teased, This year the criminals who run the Deep State will be exposed. The shareholders profiting from war and chaos. The billionaires who turn democracy into an illusion. They own politicians, judges and all your data. They are the biggest pirates in history. Want to know who they are? (Related: Kim Dotcom confirms hes building a Twitter replacement that protects free speech.) This year the criminals who run the Deep State will be exposed. The shareholders profiting from war and chaos. The billionaires who turn democracy into an illusion. They own politicians, judges and all your data. They are the biggest pirates in history. Want to know who they are? Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) January 5, 2019 Dotcom has been dropping these kinds of hints for a number of years now, and hes been extremely accurate. Going back to 2015, he predicted the WikiLeaks release of Hillary Clintons emails that were actually revealed during the 2016 election cycle. Also, hes made headlines rejecting claims by Democrats, the mainstream media, and some establishment Republicans that Clintons emails and those of her campaign manager, John Podesta, were the work of Russia. In fact, as NewsTarget has reported, Dotcom says that Seth Rich, a former employee for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) who was murdered in 2016 in Washington, D.C., was the one responsible for downloading the emails and then getting them to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Mueller wasnt interested Also, in February 2018, Dotcom stated boldly that the supposed hack, which triggered special counsel Robert Muellers ongoing investigation, was bogus. Let me assure you the DNC hack wasnt even a hack. It was an insider with a memory stick. I know this because I know who did it and why. Special Counsel Mueller is not interested in my evidence. My lawyers wrote to him twice. He never replied, he tweeted. Let me assure you, the DNC hack wasnt even a hack. It was an insider with a memory stick. I know this because I know who did it and why. Special Counsel Mueller is not interested in my evidence. My lawyers wrote to him twice. He never replied. 360 pounds!https://t.co/AGRO0sFx7s https://t.co/epXtv0t1uN Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) February 18, 2018 Assange has also said repeatedly that Russia was not behind the theft of data (that there was no hack). And while he has not named Rich as the person who gave his organization the stolen DNC data, he has said hell provide U.S. investigators with evidence of where it came from in exchange for a pardon. Dotcom noted further in July that he was warned not to turn over the Seth Rich evidence to Mueller by his legal advisers. His statement followed an announcement by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein at the time that Mueller had indicted 12 Russians and Russian firms for 2016 election meddling. Deep State indictment against Russian DNC hackers is so light on evidence that the DOJ should place a Weight Watchers logo on the front page. #ZeroCalories Mueller knows that his PR stunt will never be tested in Court. The Russian Conspirators will never see a US Court room, he wrote on Twitter. He added: Deep State activities like this indictment against 12 Russians confirm the advise [sic] of my legal team. Special Counsel Mueller and the DOJ cannot be trusted. My team asked me not to provide my Seth Rich evidence without solid legal protections for me and my family. They were right! Its not clear yet what information Dotcom is referencing or who will release it him, WikiLeaks, or some other entity. But he is right about a couple of things: Thanks to revelations regarding the Obama administrations Spygate operation against POTUS Trump, Americans are much more familiar now with the D.C. Swamp, the establishment media, and the existence of the Deep State. Read more about Deep State corruption at Corruption.news. Sources include: TheNationalSentinel.com NewsTarget.com (Natural News) A Chinese biophysics researcher who gene-edited babies is under armed guard and is now facing the death penalty, according to reports. In November, Dr. Jiankui He announced that he had used the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technique to alter embryonic genes in twin girls to protect them from being infected by HIV, a virus their father was carrying. It is believed that six additional pregnant couples served as volunteers for his experiments. This spurred a global outcry, with much of the scientific community in China expressing shock. Many viewed his actions as a violation of international bans on the gene editing of a live human embryo. The Chinese Vice Minister of Science and Technology, Xu Nanping, stated that the work was illegal, while the organizers of the Hong Kong biomedical conference at which he made the announcement called his work deeply disturbing and irresponsible. The scientist has been living in a heavily-guarded state-owned university apartment under what many believe is a form of house arrest. According to his colleagues, he is facing charges of bribery and corruption, both of which are considered capital offenses in the communist country. It is believed that the corruption charges may be related to the methods he used in order to enlist the help of his assistants. His claims that he obtained their informed consent have been challenged, and the current status of the babies who were gene edited is a mystery. Lots of unanswered questions about Dr. Hes experiments In China, the media has been ordered not to cover the professors work and current situation, and staff at the university where he is currently being housed have been banned from talking about him and his work. He is believed to have funded his experiments via his personal wealth. This fall, he released a series of YouTube videos in which he said he wanted to help families to protect their kids from diseases. Chinese authorities have launched an investigation. They discovered that he had seriously contravened ethical codes, and experts believe Dr. He put these childrens lives at risk through his actions. Although the two children reportedly gained HIV resistance, experts say the procedure was pointless given the existing means of preventing infected men from passing the disease to their children. Chinese authorities say they have stopped all research along the lines of Dr. Hes and ordered universities to start reviewing gene editing research work. One British researcher, Professor Robin Lovell-Badge, denounced Dr. Hes inexperience and ego, likening the scientific hub in Shenzhen were the work was carried out to the wild west for this type of research. He believes Dr. Hes actions could inspire other scientists to act similarly irresponsibly, adding that given the backlash, we may never find out about such operations. He thinks Dr. He did it for the glory, stating: Here you have a physicist who knows little biology, is very rich, has a huge ego, wants to be the first at doing something that will change the world. Liu Chaoyu, who co-founded the Vienomics gene testing firm alongside Dr. He, concurs, describing him as motivated by fame and fortune. China is a hotbed of questionable genetic engineering experiments, and skeptics believe the Chinese government isnt opposed to his work but may have felt compelled to take action in response to the international backlash after he went public with it. A paper that he allegedly submitted about the experiment has since disappeared. We may never know the full truth about this situation, but its ramifications could be felt for a very long time. We now have two babies out there with engineered DNA, and no one really knows exactly what can happen to them as a result of these mutations not to mention their offspring, should they one day be able to start a family. Sources for this article include: Breitbart.com Independent.co.uk The car we will deal with tomorrow and the cops are blocking the road and we cant even get out the driveway cus they are waiting to search rickys house, and im trying brother, i really am trying, Cardosi texted. (Natural News) California Governor Gavin Newsom and NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio are rolling out new free healthcare initiatives for illegal immigrants. While illegals may be able to access care in these areas free of charge, it will cost tax-paying Americans a pretty penny. Newsom reportedly struggled to explain how California would pay for the expansion of healthcare for illegals, which he signed into law by executive order earlier this month. The Golden State is already in financial ruin, and it is hard to believe spending more tax dollars is going to help in any way, shape or form. In New York City, de Blasios free healthcare plan is expected to cost tax-payers upwards of $100 million. According to reports, the program will reach just 600,000 people who dont have health insurance, and will include both legal citizens and illegal aliens. Californias increasingly liberal, spendthrift policies have already devastated the state. Now, the leftists in power want to take even more from tax-payers, by forcing them to fund what will be an enormously expensive venture into the world of unsustainable liberal idealism. Liberal politicians write checks their taxpayers cant cash Governor Newsoms new budget reportedly proposes increasing the size of the subsidies for families who already receive it, and it would make California the first state to make subsidies available to middle income families. It will also make California the first state in the nation to cover young undocumented adults through a state Medicaid program. Under Newsoms latest scheme, illegal immigrants will receive state-funded healthcare all the way up to age 26. Undocumented young adults should not have to worry about losing their health coverage when they turn 19, the governors office stated. What about the needs of actual American citizens? To them, the radical left says, Kick rocks. Newsom has proposed a most atrocious plan to pay for the illegal immigrant healthcare scheme: Restore the individual mandate to buy health insurance. The governor is literally going to force the citizens of California to pay for his idiotic plan, by legally obligating them to buy something from the government. In other words, Newsom is willing to violate the rights of actual American citizens to benefit illegal aliens (and to secure votes for future elections, no doubt). The former mayor of San Francisco may like to boast about his big plans, but the financial state of the city has a very different story to tell like $10 billion in debt, crushing taxes and streets lined with human waste. In New York City, things arent looking any better. The NYC Care plan touted by Mayor de Blasio is expected to provide healthcare access to 600,000 NYC residents who are without including some 300,000 illegal immigrants. You can guess whos picking up the tab. The program is expected to cost $100 million in tax dollars, according to reports. Eric Phillips, de Blasios press secretary, stated over Twitter, This is the city paying for direct comprehensive care (not just ERs) for people who cant afford it, or cant get comprehensive Medicaid including 300,000 undocumented New Yorkers. In an interview with MSNBC, de Blasio bragged about the plan. Well put the money in to make it work; its going to save us money down the line, he insisted. Government spending is out of control It would seem that de Blasio and Newsom have forgotten that the money they are spending comes from taxpayers people whove worked very hard to earn something. Its easy to just throw money around when you arent actually the one earning it. Taxpayer dollars are not an infinite resource, though liberal politicians love to treat it as such. It is patently offensive that these politicians feel it is their right to spend taxpayer dollars on whatever they please. Thousands of American citizens live in poverty and are without the same basic necessities that Leftists are so hellbent on giving to illegal immigrants. But daring to suggest that American politicians should be putting the United States first is now a racist or xenophobic thing to say even though our legislators are supposedly elected to serve their citizens. Regardless of your feelings about immigration, the spending of tax dollars on healthcare for non-citizens is, at the very least, a blatant case of government overreach. Elected or not, there is no doubt that government spending in the United States is out of control at both the state and federal levels. In 2013, then-Vice President Joe Biden and his staff reportedly spent over half a million dollars staying at a hotel for one night. Politicians today are so enamored of spending tax payer dollars, Governor Newsom is planning on mandating his constituents buy healthcare so he can spend the money on something else. Not only is that ludicrous, it ought to be considered unconstitutional. Coercing the population to buy something from the government through law is really no different than levying a tax against them. The fact that Newsom has suggested this as a reasonable solution to funding his illegal immigrant healthcare plan is a serious red flag. More, its a sign of what we can look forward to seeing from the American Left in the future: More taxes and more tyranny. Illegal immigration has already proven itself to be very costly to American citizens. How much more do these politicians expect people to give? See more coverage of the radical lefts latest atrocities at Libtards.news. Sources for this article include: Breitbart.com LATimes.com Breitbart.com (Natural News) Theyre not your protectors if theyre eating you. (Articles republished from StraightLineLogic.com) Bruno walks into a neighborhood shop and threatens the shopkeeper with unspecified bad things if the shopkeeper doesnt fork over $200 a week. The shopkeeper pays. If Bruno runs a legitimate protection racket, bad things dont happen. You can skip a class, indeed an entire four-year program in political theory, if you realize that governments are everywhere and always protection rackets. Fork over money and personal freedom and the state will protect you from bad things, specified or otherwise. Sometimes the state aligns itself with a deity or deities, demanding not just money and obedience but worship, too. What if the shopkeeper pays Bruno, but his shop is still beset with burglaries? What if he discovers that Bruno is the burglar? The shopkeeper faces the same quandary as billions of people who are subjugated by governments: they need protection from their protection rackets. The protector has dropped all pretense of protection and has become a predator. When the Soviet Union conducted its first successful atomic bomb test on August 29, 1949, it undercut the protection-racket rationale for governments. No one realized it at the time, but how can you run a protection racket if you cant protect those youre purportedly protecting from annihilation? Perhaps that wasnt the case in 1949?the US still had a lead in nuclear armaments?but by 1955, when the Soviets detonated their first hydrogen bomb, it was clear that all either the Soviet or American government could offer its people was assured destruction of the other side, and most likely their own, in the event of an attack. Of course neither governments rhetoric changed from the historical protection-racket justification. They said that escalating budgets for defense and intelligence, foreign intervention, and skullduggery were necessary to protect their people from the other side. That was a lie. There was and is no protection from the other sides weapons, other than the admittedly incomplete protection offered by good faith negotiation and military forbearance. Trillions have been spent for armaments, intervention, and skullduggery far beyond what is required for an assured destructive capability. Propaganda stokes fear that the spending perhaps assuages. However, that fear has a rational basis, it can never be vanquished. Instead, it provides the political impetus and cover for governments to do what they do best: predation. If such predation wasnt immediately obvious to the general populace, it was to the predators. Commentators have noted that government attracts sociopaths and psychopaths. Is that just hyperbole? Government in the age of predatory theft is a gun trained on the subjugated. Why wouldnt it attract predatory people? A desire to be on the business end of the gun qualifies that person for a diagnosis as a sociopath, at the least. Read more at: StraightLineLogic.com (Natural News) At times like this, President Trump needs to know how much the real people of America support his resolve to defend Americas borders and halt the scourge of illegal immigration that enables drug trafficking, human trafficking and the illegal weapons trade to harm the American people. Under assault from every conceivable angle, President Trump is the one sane person in Washington D.C. who is willing to put everything on the line to protect our nation from lawlessness and violence. While left-wing mayors and governors are aiding and abetting criminal felons through the use of sanctuary cities and states, only Donald J. Trump has the fortitude to stand strong, even in the face of a blithering mob of left-wing idiots who are willing to commit national suicide in order to attract more illegal voters to their pathetic ranks. Call your representatives in Washington today and tell them you support Trump standing firm on the border wall. The capitol switchboard phone number is (202) 224-3121. Call today and urge your Senators to support border protection. You can also email the White House at this link. Comments for the White House can be called in at 202-456-1111. If Trump caves, he will lose the 2020 election and the American people will lose their country if he holds firm, he proves why America needs an outsider to shake up Washington D.C. Importantly, if President Trump caves to the deranged left-wing media and the utterly treasonous Democrats who openly call for America to be invaded and overrun by illegals, he will almost certainly lose the 2020 election. On the other hand, if he holds firm and shows his determination in the face of extreme pressure, he then demonstrates precisely the kind of personal fortitude we need in Washington D.C. The American people are fed up with spineless RINOs and weak-willed bureaucrats who fold faster than a wet napkin. We need real leaders to stand up for real America the America of working families, taxpayers, homeowners and citizens who are under constant threat from violent criminal felons who enter the United States illegally, bringing deadly opioid drugs, meth and heroin to sell to Americas youth. The American people understand that we are a nation under siege. The situation is beyond an emergency or even a crisis. It is very nearly a strategic invasion and occupation of America by enemy forces who are determined to obliterate our democracy, overthrow our republic, abolish the Constitution and send this nation into a downward spiral of poverty and violence that resembles the devastating collapse now unfolding in Venezuela. If we do not stop illegal immigration into our country, America is lost. We will become the next Venezuela especially with utterly deranged lunatic members of Congress like Ocasio-Cortez in charge, whose New Green Deal plan would cost 3,600 times more money than building the border wall. Lawless Democrats are insane, incompetent and should be rounded up and thrown in prison for aiding and abetting illegal criminal felons Democrats are insane. They are lawless. They destroy everything they touch, and America is now in their cross hairs. They dont want Americas border protected for the simple reason that they dont want America to survive in the first place. They actively seek the destruction of this great nation and the toppling of our great president. They are, truthfully stated, enemy collaborators who are engaged in a coordinated insurrection against the United States of America. If Democrats continue to aid and abet illegal foreign nationals, we must call for the arrest and imprisonment of those Democrats for their deliberate pursuit of destructive crimes against the United States of America. Schumer and Pelosi are not representatives of America, they are traitors of America and should be treated accordingly. Trump represents Americas last stand against tyranny and destruction. That why I say if Trump needs to shut down the government for an entire year, he must do it. He cannot cave on the border wall or we lose this nation forever. If Trump needs to declare a national emergency, he must do it. If he needs to dispatch military police to arrest those who are conspiring to carry out acts of treason against the United States of America, he must know that We the People support such actions to their fullest. This is the last line in the sand. If the Democrats succeed in stopping Trump now, they will overrun and decimate America, turning it into an authoritarian left-wing Hell hole if, if you prefer Trump lingo, a s##thole country that would make many Third World countries look advanced by comparison. Never forget: Migrants are fleeing s##thole countries for the obvious reason that they turned those countries into s##tholes first. No wonder they tend to vote for Democrats because collapse, tyranny and desperation is exactly how theyre used to existing. To them, Democrat-run collapsing cities look incredibly familiar, as they resemble the collapsed s##thole economies run by socialists and radical Leftists throughout Central and South America. (Ive lived in South America and toured many countries there. I know exactly what Im talking about.) To survive as a nation, the United States of America must defend its borders, halt illegal migration, enforce strong border security and remove Democrats from power. In fact, building the border wall is just one step out of many that need to follow. Next, President Trump must declare Mexican trafficking gangs to be terrorist organizations, then call for the arrest and indictment of the leaders of sanctuary cities for aiding and abetting those terrorist organizations. Its time to stop playing tiddly winks with Schumer, Pelosi and the Ocasio-Cortez tyrants-in-training. Defeat these destroyers, or be destroyed yourself. Its as simple as that. Democrats are at war with America. Its time that America stood up for itself and stopped allowing us all to be bullied by deranged, lunatic left-wing traitors who have sworn an oath to either rule over America or see it destroyed. Stay informed. Hear my podcasts at HealthRangerReport.com. Watch free speech videos at Brighteon.com. Read OpenBorders.news for daily updates. God Bless America. #MAGA and defeat all enemies of this great nation, including the enemies within. (Natural News) Traditional masculinity was the driving force behind the exploration of the Americas. The grit and determination of traditional masculinity established the first thirteen colonies on the North American continent. The toughness and aggressiveness of traditional masculinity paved a path into the unknown, fought for independence, and established founding principles for the greatest country in the world. Yet, in the 21st century, the American Psychological Association (APA) has defined traditional masculinity as harmful. The APA opened up 2019 with an article that reads, Men socialized in this way are less likely to engage in healthy behaviors. The article postulates, The main thrust of the subsequent research is that traditional masculinitymarked by stoicism, competitiveness, dominance and aggressionis, on the whole, harmful. The rule makers and behavioral science experts at the APA would fail to exist if it werent for the bold competitive nature that drove mankind to colonize North America and create the most prosperous and comfortable of societies. These APA intellectuals sit in heated corridors, with flick-of-the-switch lighting whilst the men of past centuries chopped firewood, skinned animals for food, and erected log shelters in a vast wilderness. Yet, limp-wristed APA intellectuals believe that mental health professionals should teach young men and boys that masculine behaviors and traits are on par with a mental disorder. Its this kind of thinking that further suppresses mans potential in modern society. New rules for psychologists promote the feminization of men, suppress masculine potential In order to cooperate in modern society, men are discouraged from competing, discouraged from striving to make themselves better, discouraged from becoming stronger, more independent, and more resilient people. The public school system chokes the life out of young boys from the start. Educational institutions now chastise masculinity and promote gender fluidity, a concept that promotes the feminization of men. One of the authors of the new mens guidelines, Ryon McDermott, Ph.D. asks the question, What is gender in the 2010s? The psychologist at the University of South Alabama says gender is no longer just this male-female binary. McDermott believes that boys should no longer feel pressure to meet the expectations of past masculine norms and should be free to identify as bisexual, gay, or transgender without question. The new guidelines instruct mental health professionals to look for and eliminate dominant masculine ideals and to identify male privilege and male power as harmful behaviors that trap men in narrow roles. (Related: However you identify there are only two types of brains: male and female.) The guidelines instruct mental health professionals to fight against homophobia, transphobia but the guidelines openly discriminate against the innate masculine qualities of being male. No organization of limp-wristed psychologists should be dictating what healthy masculinity is and what it is not. Males should feel free to express themselves however they desire, but discouraging bold masculine traits and suppressing men from being all they can be is no way to help boys and young men. Young men should never be told to poison themselves with feminizing synthetic hormones that cause cancer and suppress their testosterone and innate purpose. This is child abuse and medical malpractice. The AMA is discouraging men from engaging in behaviors that are inherent to being a man. Traits such as decisiveness, commitment, courage, hard work, winning, and strong leadership should be freely expressed by men. Men should step up and open doors for women. More men should be masculine, step up and take the wheel. Men should feel free to compete, to be the best at what they do. They shouldnt be ashamed for winning, dominating, and pushing one another to new heights. Men should desire respect, not to be coddled as submissive, superfluous pawns. The American Psychological Association is harming the mental health of men by shaming their innate masculinity. Psychologists must rebuke left-wing lunacy and encourage men to be independent, kind, and unashamed to let their testosterone work to its advantage, to carry out the purpose of the individual male. For more about how society is trying to redefine the genders, visit Gender.News. Sources include: Townhall.com APA.org NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com By Mark Ames, co-host of the Radio War Nerd podcast, author of Going Postal and publisher of The eXile, and Max Blumenthal, an award-winning journalist and the author of books including best-selling Republican Gomorrah, Goliath, The Fifty One Day War, and The Management of Savagery, which will be published in March 2019 by Verso. He has also produced numerous print articles for an array of publications, many video reports and several documentaries including Killing Gaza and Je Ne Suis Pas Charlie. Originally published at the Greyzone Project The Integrity Initiative has mobilized an international disinformation campaign across Europe. Now, with government and right-wing foundation money, this massive political smear unit is infiltrating the US. A bombshell domestic spy scandal has been unfolding in Britain, after hacked internal communications exposed a covert UK state military-intelligence psychological warfare operation targeting its own citizens and political figures in allied NATO countries under the cover of fighting Russian disinformation. The leaked documents revealed a secret network of spies, prominent journalists and think-tanks colluding under the umbrella of a group called Integrity Initiative to shape domestic opinionand to smear political opponents of the right-wing Tory government, including the leader of the opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn. Until now, this Integrity Initiative domestic spy scandal has been ignored in the American media, perhaps because it has mostly involved British names. But it is clear that the influence operation has already been activated in the US. Hacked documents reveal that the Integrity Initiative is cultivating powerful allies inside the State Department, top DC think tanks, the FBI and the DHS, where it has gained access to Katharine Gorka and her husband, the fascist-linked cable news pundit Sebastian Gorka. The Integrity Initiative has spelled out plans to expand its network across the US, meddling in American politics and recruiting a new generation of Russia watchers behind the false guise of a non-partisan charity. Moreover, the group has hired one of the most notorious American perception management specialists, John Rendon, to train its clusters of pundits and cultivate relationships with the media. Back in the UK, Member of Parliament Chris Williamson has clamored for an investigation into the Integrity Initiatives abuse of public money. In a recent editorial, Williamson drew a direct parallel between the groups collaboration with journalists and surreptitious payments the CIA made to reporters during the Cold War. These tactics resemble those deployed by the CIA in Operation Mockingbird that was launched at the height of the cold war in the early 1950s. Its aims included using the mainstream news media as a propaganda tool, Williamson wrote. They manipulated the news agenda by recruiting leading journalists to write stories with the express purpose of influencing public opinion in a particular way, the Labour parliamentarian continued. Now it seems the British Establishment have dusted off the CIAs old playbook and is intent on giving it another outing on this side of the Atlantic. Unmasking a British Military-Intelligence Smear Machine The existence of the Integrity Initiative was virtually unknown until this November, when the email servers of a previously obscure British think tank called the Institute for Statecraft were hacked, prompting allegations of Russian intrusion. When the groups internal documents appeared at a website hosted by Anonymous Europe, the public learned of a covert propaganda network seed-funded to the tune of over $2 million dollars by the Tory-controlled UK Foreign Office, and run largely by military-intelligence officers. Through a series of cash inducements, off the record briefings and all-day conferences, the Integrity Initiative has sought to organize journalists across the West into an international echo chamber hyping up the supposed threat of Russian disinformationand to defame politicians and journalists critical of this new Cold War campaign. A bid for funding submitted by the Integrity Initiative in 2017 to the British Ministry of Defense promised to deliver a tougher stance on Russia by arranging for more information published in the media on the threat of Russian active measures. The Integrity Initiative has also worked through its fronts in the media to smear political figures perceived as a threat to its militaristic agenda. Its targets have included a Spanish Department of Homeland Security appointee, Pedro Banos, whose nomination was scuttled thanks a media blitz it secretly orchestrated; Jeremy Corbyn, whom the outfit and its media cutouts painted as a useful idiot of Russia; and a Scottish member of parliament, Neil Findlay, whom one of its closest media allies accused of adopting Kremlin messaging for daring to protest the official visit of the far-right Ukrainian politician Andriy Parubiy the founder of two neo-Nazi parties and author of a white nationalist memoir, View From The Right. These smear campaigns and many more surreptitiously orchestrated by the Integrity Initiative offer a disturbing preview of the reactionary politics it plans to inject into an already toxic American political environment. Lessons from The Man Who Sold the War A newly released Integrity Initiative document reveals that the outfit plans an aggressive expansion across the US. The Integrity Initiative claims to have already established a simple office in Washington DC, though it does not say where. It also boasts of partnerships with top DC think tanks like the Atlantic Council, the Center for European Policy Analysis, CNA, and close relationships with US officials. A major hub of Integrity Initiative influence is the State Departments Global Engagement Center, a de facto US government propaganda operation that was established by President Barack Obama to battle online ISIS recruitment, but which was rapidly repurposed to counter Russian disinformation following the election of Trump. The Integrity Initiative has also recruited one of the most infamous American PR men to organize its clusters of journalists and political figures. He is John Rendon, best known as The Man Who Sold The War several wars, in fact, but most notoriously the Iraq invasion. Rendon was the self-described information warrior who planted fake news in the major US-UK media about non-existent WMD threats. With deep ties to the CIA and other military-intelligence agencies, his PR firm was paid $100 million to organize and sell Ahmed Chalabis Iraqi National Congress. In 2002, the New York Times exposed a Pentagon program using Rendon to plant disinformation including false stories and the blackest of black PR in media outlets around the world, in order to shape public opinion and sell the Iraq invasion. Journalist James Bamford outlined a catalogue of disinformation feats Rendon performed for the Pentagon, such as identifying the biases of specific journalists and potentially obtain an understanding of their allegiances, including the possibility of specific relationships and sponsorships. Bamford also found proposals and programs Rendon was involved in that aimed to coerce foreign journalists and plant false information overseas [and] find ways to punish those who convey the wrong message. These tactics seem particularly relevant to his work with the Integrity Initiative, especially considering the internal documents that reveal further Rendon-style plans to produce reports and studies to be fed anonymously into local media. (Among the outlets listed as friendly hosts in Integrity Initiative internal memos are Buzzfeed and El Pais, the center-left Spanish daily.) Keeping Up with the Gorkas Internal documents also refer to interactions between Integrity Initiative Director Chris Donnelly and top Trump officials like Katharine Gorka, a vehemently anti-Muslim Department of Homeland Security official, as well as her husband, Sebastian, who earned right-wing fame during his brief tenure in Trumps White House. The latter Gorka is an open supporter of the Hungarian Vitezi Rend, a proto-fascist order that collaborated with Nazi Germany during its occupation of Hungary. Following Trumps election victory in 2016, Gorka appeared for televised interviews in a black Vitezi Rend uniform. Gorka was among the first figures listed on an itinerary for Donnelly to Washington this September 18 to 22. The itinerary indicates that the two had breakfast before Donnelly delivered a presentation on Mapping Russian Influence Activities at the federally funded military research center, CNA. According to the itinerary, Donnelly was granted access to Pentagon officials like Mara Karlin, an up-and-coming neoconservative cadre, and John McCain Institute executive director Kurt Volker, another neoconservative operative who also serves as the US Special Representative for Ukraine. Numerous meetings with staffers inside the State Departments Office of Global Engagement were also detailed. A Foreign Agent in the State Department? Of all the State Department officials named in Integrity Initiative documents, the one who appeared most frequently was Todd Leventhal. Leventhal has been a staffer at the State Departments Global Engagement Center, boasting of 20 years of countering disinformation, misinformation, conspiracy theories, and urban legends. In an April 2018 Integrity Initiative memo, he is listed as a current team member: Funded to the tune of $160 million this year to beat back Russian disinformation with counter-propaganda, the State Departments Global Engagement Center has refused to denytargeting American citizens with information warfare of its own. My old job at the State Department was as chief propagandist, confessed former Global Engagement Center Director Richard Stengel. Im not against propaganda. Every country does it and they have to do it to their own population and I dont necessarily think its that awful. Like so many of the media and political figures involved in the Integrity Initiatives international network, the Global Engagement Centers Leventhal has a penchant for deploying smear tactics against prominent voices that defy the foreign policy consensus. Leventhal appeared in an outtake of a recent NBC documentary on Russian disinformation smugly explaining how he would take down a 15-year-old book critical of American imperialism in the developing world. Rather than challenge the books substance and allegations, Leventhal boasted how he would marshall his resources to wage an ad hominem smear campaign to destroy the authors reputation. His strategic vision was clear: when confronting a critic, ignore the message and destroy the messenger. Integrity Initiative documents reveal that Leventhal has been paid $76,608 dollars (60,000 British pounds) for a 50% contract. While those same documents claim he has retired from the State Department, Leventhals own Linkedin page lists him as a current Senior Disinformation Advisor to the State Department. If that were true, it would mean that the State Department was employing a de facto foreign agent. As a cut-out of the British Foreign Office and Defense Ministry, the Integrity Initiatives work with current and former US officials and members of the media raises certain legal questions. For one, there is no indication that the group has registered under the Justice Departments Foreign Agent Registration Act, as most foreign agents of influence are required to do. Grants from the Neocons Favorite Foundation An Integrity Initiative memo states that the right-wing Smith Richardson Foundation has also committed to ponying up funding for its US network as soon as the group receives 501 c-3 non-profit status. The foundation has already provided it with about $56,000 for covert propaganda activities across Europe. The Smith Richardson Foundation has old ties to the US intelligence community and controversial cold war influence operations. According to reporter Russ Bellant, the foundation was secretly bankrolling radical right-wing indoctrination campaigns for the American public on cold war and foreign policy issues programs that got the attention of Senator William Fulbright, who warned then-President Kennedy of their dangers. At one of these indoctrination seminars, a Smith Richardson Foundation director told attendees that it is within the capacity of the people in this room to literally turn the State of Georgia into a civil war college, in order to overcome their opponents. Smith Richardson has funded a whos who of the neoconservative movement, from hyper-militaristic think tanks like the American Enterprise Institute and the Institute for the Study of War. To say the [Smith Richardson] foundation was involved at every level in the lobbying for and crafting of the so-called global war on terror after 9/11 would be an understatement, wrote journalist Kelley Vlahos. Besides Smith Richardson, the Integrity Initiative has stated its intention to apply for grants from the State Department to expand the Integrity Initiative activities both within and outside of the USA. This is yet another indicator that the US government is paying for propaganda targeting its own citizens. The Main Event in Seattle An Integrity Initiative internal document argues that because DC is well served by existing US institutions, such as those with which the Institute [for Statecraft] already collaborates, the organization should concentrate on extending the work of the Integrity Initiative into major cities and key State capitals [sic] across the USA. This December 10, the Integrity Initiative organized what it called its main event in the US. It was a conference on disinformation held in Seattle, Washington under the auspices of a data firm called Adventium Labs. Together with the Technical Leadership Institute at the University of Minnesota, the Integrity Initiative listed Adventium Labs as one of its first partners outside DC. Adventium is Minneapolis-based research and development firm that has reaped contracts from the US military, including a recent $5.4 million cyber-security grant from the Pentagons Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA. Inside a modest-sized hotel conference room, the Adventium/Integrity event began with a speech by the Integrity Initiatives Simon Bracey-Lane. Two years prior, Bracey-Lane appeared on the American political scene as a field worker for Bernie Sanders 2016 presidential primary run, earning media write-ups as the Brit for Bernie. Now, the young operator was back in the US as the advance man for a military-intelligence cut-out that specialized in smearing left-wing political figures like Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader widely regarded as the British version of Sanders. Bracey-Lane opened his address by explaining that Integrity Initiative director Chris Donnelly had been unable to appear at the event, possibly because he was bogged down in the scandal back home. He proceeded to read remarks prepared by Donnelly that offered a window into the frighteningly militaristic mindset the Integrity Initiative aims to impose on the public through their media and political allies. According to Donnellys comments, the West was no longer in a peace time, rules based environment. From the halls of government to corporate boardrooms to even the UKs National Health System, the conclusion is that we have to look for people who suit a wartime environment rather than peacetime. During Q&A, Bracey-Lane remarked that we have to change the definition of war to encompass everything that war now encompasses, referring vaguely to various forms of hybrid warfare. There is a great deal to be done in communicating that to young people, he continued. When we mean being at war we dont mean sending our boys off to fight. Its right here in our homes. The emphasis on restructuring society along martial lines mirrored the disturbing thinking also on display in notes of a private meeting between Donnelly and Gen. Richard Barrons in 2016. During that chat, the two officers decided that the British military should be removed from democratic supervision and be able to operate as an independent body outside politics. While Bracey-Lanes presentation perfectly captured the military mindset of the Integrity Initiative, the speakers that followed him offered a diverse array of perspectives on the concept of disinformation, some more nuanced than others. But one talk stood out from the rest not because of its quality, but because of its complete lack thereof. Reanimating the Red-Brown Grifter The presentation was delivered by Alexander Reid Ross, a half-baked political researcher who peddles computer-generated spiderweb relationship charts to prove the existence of a vast hidden network of red-brown alliances and syncretic media conspiracies controlled by puppeteers in Moscow. Ross is a lecturer on geography at Portland State University with no scholarly or journalistic credentials on Russia. His students have given him dismal marks at Rate My Professors, complaining about his terrible monotone lectures and his penchant for insert[ing] his own ideologies into our class. But with a book, Against the Fascist Creep, distributed by the well-known anarchist publishing house, AK Press, the middling academic has tried to make his name as a maverick analyst. Before the Integrity Initiative was exposed as a military-intelligence front operation, Ross was among a small coterie of pundits and self-styled disinformation experts that followed the groups Twitter account. The Integrity Initiative even retweeted his smear of War Nerd podcast co-host John Dolan. In a series of articles for the Southern Poverty Law Center last year, Ross attempted to bring his warmed-over Cold War theories to the broader public. He wound up trashing everyone from the co-author of this piece, Max Blumenthal, to Nation magazine publisher Katrina Vanden Heuvel to Harvard University professor of international relations Stephen Walt as hidden shadow-fascists secretly controlled by the Kremlin. The articles ultimately generated an embarrassing scandal and a series of public retractions by the editor-in-chief of the Southern Poverty Law Center, Richard Cohen. And then, like some Dr. Frankenstein for discredited and buried journalism careers, the British Ministry of Defense-backed Integrity Initiative moved in to reanimate Ross as a sought-after public intellectual. Before the Integrity Initiative-organized crowd, Ross offered a rambling recitation of his theory of a syncretic fascist alliance puppeteered by Russians: The alt right takes from both this red-brown, its called, or like left-right syncretic highly international national of nationalisms, and from the United States own paleoconservative movement, and its sort of percolated down through college organizing, um, and anti-interventionism meets anti-imperialism. Right? In a strange twist, Ross appeared on stage at the Integrity Initiatives Seattle event alongside Emmi Bevensee, a contributor to the left-libertarian Center for a Stateless Society (C4SS) think tank, whose tagline, a left market anarchist think-tank expresses its core aim of uniting far-left anarchists with free-market right-libertarians. Bevensee, a PhD candidate at the University of Arizona and self-described Borderlands anarcho into tech and crypto, concluded her presentation by asserting a linkage between the alternative news site, Zero Hedge, and the physical militarized presence in the borderlands of anti-immigrant vigilantes. Like Bevensee, Ross has written for C4SS in the past. The irony of contributors to an anarchist group called the Center for a Stateless Society auditioning before The State the most jackbooted element of it, in fact for more opportunities to attack anti-war politicians and journalists, can hardly be overstated. But closer examination of the history of C4SS veers from irony into something much darker and more unsettling. Pedophile Co-Founder, White Nationalist Associates C4SS was co-founded in 2006 by a confessed child rapist and libertarian activist, Brad Spangler, who set the group up to promote Market anarchism to replace Marxism on the left. When Spanglers child rape confessions emerged in 2015, the Center for Stateless Society founder was finally drummed out by his colleagues. Theres more: Spanglers understudy and deputy in the C4SS, Kevin Carson currently listed as the groups Karl Hess Chair in Social Theory turned out to be a longtime friend and defenderof white nationalist Keith Preston. Prestons name is prominently plastered on the back of Kevin Carsons book, hailing the C4SS man as the Proudhon of our time a loaded compliment, given Proudhons unhinged anti-Semitism. Carson only disownedPreston in 2009, shortly before Preston helped white nationalist leader Richard Spencer launch his alt-right webzine, Alternative Right. The C4SS group currently participates in the annual Koch-backed International Students For Liberty conference in Washington DC, LibertyCon, a whos who of libertarian think-tank hacks and Republican Party semi-celebrities like Steve Forbes, FCC chairman Ajit Pai, and Alan Dershowitz. In 2013, C4SSs Kevin Carson tweeted out his dream fantasy that four Jewish leftists Mark Ames, Yasha Levine, Corey Robin, and Mark Potok would die in a plane crash while struggling over a single parachute. Potok was an executive editor at the Southern Poverty Law Center, which last year retracted every one of the crank articles that Alexander Reid Ross published with them and formally apologized for having run them. For some reason, the super-sleuth Ross conveniently failed to investigate the libertarian group, C4SS, that he has chosen to partner with and publish in. That ability to shamelessly smear and denounce leftists over the most crudely manufactured links to the far-right while cozying up to groups as sleazy as C4SS and authoritarian as the Integrity Initiative is the sort of adaptive trait that MI6 spies and the Rendon Group would find useful in a covert domestic influence operation. Ross did not respond to our request for comment on his involvement with the Integrity Initiative and C4SS. Disinformation for Democracy As it spans out across the US, the Integrity Initiative has stated its desire to build a younger generation of Russia watchers. Toward this goal, it is supplementing its coterie of elite journalists, think tank hacks, spooks and State Department info-warriors with certifiable cranks like Ross. Less than 24 hours after Rosss appearance at the Integrity Initiative event in Seattle, he sent a menacing email to the co-author of this article, Ames, announcing his intention to recycle an old and discredited smear against him and publish it in the Daily Beast a publication that appears to enjoy a special relationship with Integrity Initiative personnel. Despite the threat of investigation in the UK, the Integrity Initiatives network of networks appears to be escalating its covert, government-funded influence operation, trashing the political left and assailing anyone that gets in its way all in the name of fighting foreign disinformation. We have to win this one, Integrity Initiative founder Col. Chris Donnelly said, because if we dont, democracy will be undermined. By Lambert Strether of Corrente The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) originated with a 2007 report to Congress from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that administers Medicare and works with the states to administer Medicaid, among other things including ObamaCare. From that report, Promoting Greater Efficiency in Medicare (PDF), page 8: The concept of efficiency should include not only getting more for a set amount of inputs, but getting more of the right care. Another aspect of efficiency is getting the right amount of care over an entire episode of care. One possibility we discuss in this report is to decrease the number of avoidable hospital readmissions through higher quality care, better care transition at discharge, and better care coordination. And from page 16: To encourage hospitals to adopt strategies to reduce readmissions, Chapter 5 explores a two-step policy option that starts with public reporting of hospital-specific readmission rates for a subset of conditions. The second step of the policy is an adjustment to the underlying payment method to financially encourage lower readmission rates. For example, one could create a penalty for hospitals with high readmission rates and hold all other hospitals harmless. In 2012, ObamaCare implemented this policy option. From CMS: The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) is a Medicare value-based purchasing program that reduces payments to hospitals with excess readmissions. The program supports the national goal of improving healthcare for Americans by linking payment to the quality of hospital care. Section 3025 of the Affordable Care Act requires the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish HRRP and reduce payments to Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) hospitals for excess readmissions beginning October 1, 2012. CMS uses excess readmission ratios (ERR) to measure performance for each of the six conditions/procedures in the program: Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Heart Failure (HF) Pneumonia Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery (Spoiler: CMS doesnt measure performance; it measures reported performance.) Or in something closer to English, from Colleen K. McIlvennan, Zubin J. Eapen, and Larry A. Allen, Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, Circulation. 2015 May 19: Hospital readmission measures have been touted not only as a quality measure, but also as a means to bend the healthcare cost curve. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) established the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program (HRRP) in 2012. Under this program, hospitals are financially penalized if they have higher than expected risk-standardized 30-day readmission rates for acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and pneumonia. The HRRP has garnered significant attention from the medical community, both positive and negative Now, stepping back and putting on my laypersons hat here, I dont think anybody wants to go to the hospital, at least for illness, and nobody wants to go back to the hospital, either (which is sensible: superbugs). So on that level, minimizing re-admissions makes a lot of sense. On the other hand, I dont want to be prematurely discharged, and if I really need to be, I do want to be admitted. Both are aspects of the same thing: I want the hospital to decrease my risk of mortality. As it happens, weve had two major studies in HRRP released recently, both bearing on HRRP. The first, from JAMA, focuses on mortality. The second, from Health Affairs, shows that hospitals gamed the medical coding system to make their HRRP numbers seem better than they really are. The results of the first are not the greatest, but health care policy really is hard; absent proof of malfeasance or some malevolent form of cognitive capture (***cough*** neoliberalism ***cough***), Im inclined to give a free pass. The second, however, is horrifying. If hospital re-admission data is gamed, how deep does the gaming go? The JAMA Study on HRRP Mortality The JAMA study (Rohan Khera, Kumar Dharmarajan, Yongfei Wang, et al., Association of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program With Mortality During and After Hospitalization for Acute Myocardial Infarction, Heart Failure, and Pneumonia, JAMA Netw Open. 2018) was quite large. From the abstract: Findings In this retrospective cohort study that included approximately 8 million Medicare beneficiary fee-for-service hospitalizations from 2005 to 2015, implementation of the HRRP was associated with a significant increase in trends in 30-day postdischarge mortality among beneficiaries hospitalized for heart failure and pneumonia, but not for acute myocardial infarction. Meaning There was a statistically significant association with implementation of the HRRP and increased post-discharge mortality for patients hospitalized for heart failure and pneumonia , but whether this finding is a result of the policy requires further research. Its worth noting that the full text seems more sanguine: Question Was the announcement or implementation of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) associated with an increase in mortality following hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, or pneumonia among Medicare beneficiaries? Findings In this cohort study, between 2006 and 2014, in-hospital mortality decreased for the 3 conditions while 30-day postdischarge mortality decreased for acute myocardial infarction but increased for heart failure and pneumonia . Before the announcement of the HRRP, postdischarge mortality was stable for acute myocardial infarction and increasing for heart failure and pneumonia, and there were no inflections in slope around the announcement or implementation of the HRRP. Meaning There was no evidence for increase in in-hospital or postdischarge mortality associated with the HRRP announcement or implementationa period with substantial reductions in readmissions. And from the conclusion of the full text: Among fee-for-service elderly Medicare beneficiaries, there was no evidence for an increase in in-hospital or postdischarge mortality associated with either the HRRP announcement or implementation a period with substantial reductions in readmissions. The improvement in readmission was therefore not associated with any increase in in-hospital or 30-day postdischarge mortality. Again, putting on my laypersons hat, I cant tell whether the JAMA study says that HRRP increased mortality or not (or whether I should choose to come down with pneumonia or have a heart attack). Other authorities, including JAMA editors, say it does. From the Cardiovascular Research Institute: The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP), enacted by the 2010 Affordable Care Act, appears to have led to an increase in deaths within 30 days of discharge in Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for heart failure or pneumonia, leading researchers to conclude that more investigation is needed into the possibility that the program has had unintended negative consequences. However, there was no such pattern seen in patients who had been hospitalized for acute MI. Though postdischarge deaths for patients with heart failure were increasing in the years prior to the HRRP, this trend accelerated after the program was established, said Rishi K. Wadhera, MD (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston, MA), first author of the new report. In addition, death rates following a pneumonia hospitalization were stable before the HRRP, but increased after the program began. The study, published online today in JAMA, shows that the increase in deaths among heart failure and pneumonia patients was concentrated in those who had not been readmitted to the hospital. This raises the possibility that the HRRP may have pushed some clinicians and hospitals to increasingly treat patients in emergency rooms and observation units, when they would have benefited from inpatient care, to avoid readmissions, Wadhera added. In an accompanying editorial, Gregg C. Fonarow, MD (Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA), says the new study together with other recent analyses provides independently corroborated evidence that the HRRP was associated with increased postdischarge mortality among patients with heart failure, and new evidence that the HRRP was associated with increased mortality among patients hospitalized for pneumonia. Fonarow urges that, in light of the findings, it is incumbent upon Congress and [the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)] to initiate an expeditious reconsideration and revision of this policy. In an email response, senior study author Robert W. Yeh, MD (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center), said caution should be exercised before undertaking further expansion of the penalties to more health conditions. But unfortunately, causality is really very difficult to establish with this type of analysis, he added. So, I want to be equally cautious in not overstating the strength of our evidence that the HRRP has definitively harmed patients. The HRRP has clearly been successful at reducing readmission, something which patients care about. Right now, I think we still dont have a complete answer, and more work still needs to be done. Infinite are the arguments of mages. More study needed! And, to be fair, causality is genuinely difficult to establish. And now let me turn to medical coding, which is a great deal simpler. The Health Affairs Study on Medical Coding And now to the second study: Christopher Ody, Lucy Msall, Leemore S. Dafny, David C. Grabowski, and David M. Cutler, Decreases In Readmissions Credited To Medicares Program To Reduce Hospital Readmissions Have Been Overstated, HEALTH AFFAIRS, VOL. 38, NO. 1. I had intended to be able to quote from the full text, but sadly only the abstract is available to me. Here it is: Medicares Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) has been credited with lowering risk-adjusted readmission rates for targeted conditions at general acute care hospitals. However, these reductions appear to be illusory or overstated. This is because a concurrent change in electronic transaction standards allowed hospitals to document a larger number of diagnoses per claim, which had the effect of reducing risk-adjusted patient readmission rates . Prior studies of the HRRP relied upon control groups having lower baseline readmission rates, which could falsely create the appearance that readmission rates are changing more in the treatment than in the control group. Accounting for the revised standards reduced the decline in risk-adjusted readmission rates for targeted conditions by 48 percent. After further adjusting for differences in pre-HRRP readmission rates across samples, we found that declines for targeted conditions at general acute care hospitals were statistically indistinguishable from declines in two control samples. Either the HRRP had no effect on readmissions, or it led to a systemwide reduction in readmissions that was roughly half as large as prior estimates have suggested. Did the hospitals game the medical coding? Not at the code level (e.g., through upcoding). From a tweetstorm by author Grabowski, first we see the reduction in re-admissions: Were the hospitals gaming the codes? No: They were adding more codes![1] Which makes sense from the standpoint of you as an institutional provider; if your profit (or whatever non-profit hospitals call profit) is dependent on Medicare reimbursements, and your profit is also your ability to accumulate and allocate capital, then by all means code, code, code! However, now your coding is driven, as Grabowski et al. point out, by business and not medical necessity. Lets return to the JAMA article: Data SourcesWe used the Medicare standard analysis data files (2006 to 2014) and defined AMI, HF, and pneumonia hospitalizations as any hospitalization with a primary discharge diagnosis of the respective conditions, as in prior studies. We also obtained information on patient characteristics including demographics (age and sex) and mortality using the denominator files, and relevant comorbid conditions from the diagnosis codes in the insurance claims submitted to Medicare across inpatient and outpatient care settings. And from the discussion section: A notable finding is that postdischarge mortality among patients with pneumonia and HF has been rising since 2007. Prior studies and publicly available data suggest a similar trend. For [Heart Failure (HF)], this represents a change from improvements observed in prior decades. There are no clear explanations for this change. For both HF and pneumonia, we found an increase in the coded severity of illness as well as a decrease in the number of hospitalizations. Therefore, the increasing complexity of patients may manifest with an increase in early postdischarge mortality, particularly because risk adjustment may not adequately account for all changes in illness severity over time. Further, the decreasing in-hospital mortality despite such an increase in coded severity argues that there may be alternative factors driving this trend in postdischarge mortality. Notably, there has been a concomitant decrease in in-hospital mortality for both conditions, and accounting for this decrease in the assessment of hospitalization-related mortality attenuates the increased mortality observed in the postdischarge setting. This also suggest that while fewer patients died during hospitalization over time, the actual improvement in patient outcomes may be less substantial. But if the coding is driven by the bottom line, instead of health care. We dont really know anything, do we? Further study is warranted, but of what? How does one practice scientific medicine under neoliberalism? NOTES [1] CMS on HIPAA codes; there are many. I dont think the technical characteristics or topics for any code set can possibly determine the uses to which they are put for business purposes. Dear patient readers, I got a nice surprise in my inbox yesterday. Recall I posted about penny-ante grifting by Cigna, in the form of dragging out payment on a not-very-large claim, in the likely hope that Id give up, and then disappearing one of the four items in it. I got an e-mail from New Yorks Department of Financial Services encouraging me to complain, and the person who sent the letter said hed follow up if I did so. A few times over the years, Ive made external appeals on health care claims to the predecessor of DFS. Ive cited that bureau as one of the reasons that the high taxes in New York are worth it: we have some well-run agencies. Recall that when DFS was formed (by combining insurance and bank regulation), its first Superintendent, Benjamin Lawsky, ran rings around Federal regulators and even managed to get some banksters fired. Seeking pun-ters for Canberras pun competition, Capital Punishment Sydney Morning Herald (Ron A) Stranded seals wreak havoc in Canadian town BBC Who are you calling chicken? T. rexs closest living relative found on the farm Guardian (Robert H) George, reclusive Hawaiian snail and last of his kind, dies at 14 MPR News. Chuck L: :( Small Weasel-Like Animals Are Taking Down Big Cats National Geographic (bob). Eew. Scientists have found a link between genetics and monogamy Quartz (Chuck L) Earths magnetic field is acting up and geologists dont know why Nature (David L) Exxon Is Finally Being Forced to Turn Over Docs Showing What It Knew About Climate Change Earther (David L) Will the world embrace Plan S, the radical proposal to mandate open access to science papers? Science (Chuck L) Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning World Economic Forum (David L) China? Brexit. Hope readers pipe up. Wanted to post on this but not feeling so hot due to oral surgery (swollen and sore!!! And I am usually good about this sort of thing, but I had a bad day in the chair) New Cold War Syraqistan Big Brother is Watching You Watch Apple recruits prominent Facebook critic for privacy team Financial Times (David L) How Facebook tracks you on Android YouTube. Bob: Its worth watching the video to see how scared the presenters are in talking about their very cautious findings. The comparison between a new (clean, do not track) ad id and an old ad id are worth it alone. New one is 3x the length of the old one. I Gave a Bounty Hunter $300. Then He Located Our Phone Motherboard. A few hundred meters isnt good enough for court (although it might do for a suspicious spouse, particularly if the location inst one where the SO is supposed to be). Mind you, this is still bad but not as freak-out worthy as it might seem. Geolocation by triangulation has been thrown out as too inaccurate (and this was in a case involving an alleged drug dealer, so its not as if the judge might have been prejudiced in the defendants behavior). Your GPS location from your cells chip is what WILL get you. Its good to within 5 feet. I was surprised to see Google volunteer to map me from my current location (as in my laptop in my apartment) to a nearby storeand then place my current location more than a half mile from where I am. Trump Transition Joe Bidens Presidential Delusions New Republic (resilc) The New York Times #MeToo smear against Bernie Sanders Greanville Post (resilc) A Fake Nude of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Was Debunked By Foot Fetishists Motherboard (furzy). Only in America #InvisiblePrimary: Visible On DNC Debate Requirements and Candidate Strategy Frontloading HQ. UserFriendly: This really is going to be a clown car. Democrats Are Proposing Realistic Solutions, but Terry McAuliffe Isnt Listening Data for Progress (UserFriendly) Cyntoia Brown, in prison for murder, is granted clemency by Tenn. Governor MPR News (Chuck L) Ready to seize power everywhere? Want to make it easier for socialists to use the democratic party as a ballot line? We've got a heck of a thread for you pic.twitter.com/4Yg68TZb7n DSA San Francisco (@DSA_SF) January 8, 2019 The Public Option That Isnt: How Washington Governor Jay Inslee and King County Executive Dow Constantine Got It So Wrong Medium (martha r) Editorial: PG&Es disastrous string of wildfires should not lead to state bailout San Francisco Chronicle David S: When PG&E has lost the Comical 3 PG&E electric executives departing amid ongoing wildfire scrutiny San Francisco Chronicle David S: This article is a great-big nothing until the end where it is disclosed that the incoming Electrical Operations Chief has only worked for PG&E since August after working at Duke Energy in Florida his entire career. Zero system knowledge, zero local conditions knowledge. Just another corporate carpet-bagger. But CEO Geisha Williams (also a corporate carpet-bagger from Florida) points to his deep experience where have I heard that turn of phrase before? Were in deep all right. Deep shit. Fake News New Prosecutor Implements Fundamental Criminal Justice Reform in Ferguson NonProfit Quarterly Wall Street Intensified Housing Crisis: Fed Study David Sirota, Splinter News (martha r) What causes a flash crash? Economist (David L) Computer Models to Investors: Short Everything Wall Street Journal (John C) Guillotine Watch Class Warfare Antidote du jour (Tracie H): And a bonus (martha r): Moose are fast, even in deep snow! pic.twitter.com/DAlxRBPDBx Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) January 5, 2019 See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Yves here. Even though the gilet jaunes are getting a lot of interest due to the vivid images of damage to Paris, other important protests for labor and against inequality are being neglected by the Western media. One is against anti-labor reforms in India. By Vijay Prashad, an Indian historian, editor and journalist. He is a writing fellow and chief correspondent at Globetrotter, a project of the Independent Media Institute. He is the chief editor of LeftWord Books and the director of Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research. He has written more than twenty books, including The Darker Nations: A Peoples History of the Third World (The New Press, 2007), The Poorer Nations: A Possible History of the Global South (Verso, 2013), The Death of the Nation and the Future of the Arab Revolution (University of California Press, 2016) and Red Star Over the Third World (LeftWord, 2017). He writes regularly for Frontline, the Hindu, Newsclick, AlterNet and BirGun. Originally produced by Globetrotter a project of the Independent Media Institute. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.Indian cities never go silent. Sound is a constant featurethe horns of cars, the chirping of birds, the cries of hawkers, the steady hum of a motorcycle engine. On Tuesday, India is on strike. It is likely that about 150 million workers will stay away from their workplaces. Trade unions of the Left have called for the strike, a general strike in a country exhausted by rising inequality and a mood of dissatisfaction. The streets of Keralaa state governed by the Left Democratic Frontare not quiet. Cars and motorcycles go their way. But the roads are quieter. Public transport is off the road, because the transport unions are behind the strike. Thiruvananthapuram sounds like it did about 20 years ago, when traffic was lighter and when the city was calmer. But there is nothing calm in the atmosphere. Workers are angry. The government in Delhi continues to betray them. Largest Strike in World History Strikes of this scale are not unusual in India. The largest recorded strike in world history took place in India in 2016, when 180 million workers protested the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The demands of this strike areas usualmany, but they center around the deterioration of the livelihood of workers, around the demise of work itself for many people and around the political attack on unions. Modis government is eager to amend the trade unions laws. Tapan Sen, the leader of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), said that the new trade union laws would essentially lead to the enslavement of Indian workers. These are strong words. But they are not unbelievable. Liberalization Since India won independence in 1947, it has pursued a mixed path of national development. Important sections of the economy remained in government hands, with public sector firms formed to deliver essential industrial goods to enhance the development goals of the country. The agricultural sector was also organized so that the government provided credit to farmers at subsidized rates and the government set procurement prices to ensure that farmers continued to grow essential food crops. All this changed in 1991, when the government began to liberalize the economy, privatize the public sector, reduce its role in the agricultural market and welcome foreign investment. Growth was now premised on the rate of return on financial investment and not on the investment in people and their futures. The new policy orientationliberalizationhas grown the middle class and earned the wealthy fabulous amounts of money. But it has also created an agrarian crisis and produced a precarious situation for workers. Demoralize the Workers The government, since 1991, knew that it was not enough to privatize the public sector and to sell off precious public assets to private hands. It had to do two more things. First, it had to make sure that public sector enterprises would fail and would then lose legitimacy. The government starved these public sector firms of funds and watched them swing in the wind. Without investment, these firms were unable to make improvements and so began to deteriorate. Their demise validated the argument of liberalization, although their demise had been manufactured by an investment strike. Second, the government pushed to break trade union power by using the courts to undermine the right to strike and by using the legislature to amend the trade union laws. Weaker unions would mean demoralized workers, which would mean that workers would now be utterly at the mercy of the private firms. Right to Strike This strike, like the 17 before it, is about livelihood issues and about the right to strike. A new trade union law sits in the legislature. It would mean the death of trade unionism in India. Tapan Sens statement about enslavement seems less hyperbolic in this context. If workers have no power, then they are effectively enslaved to the firm. This is already the case in factories that operate almost like concentration camps. Walking through factories along the Chennai-Coimbatore corridor or in the Manesar area gives you a sense of the power of these new factories. They are a fortress, difficult to breach. Or a prison. Either way, trade unions are not welcome there. They are kept out by forceeither violence or political muscle. Workers are often brought in from far away, migrants with few roots in the area. No workers stay long. As soon as they appear settled, they are removed. Footloose workers and harassed trade unionists make for a harsh work environment. The culture of working-class solidarity erodes, social violence growsthe seedbed of neofascist politics. Hope in Kerala Kerala is a unique place in India. Here, the culture of struggle remains strong; the pride in Keralas history of social transformation is evident. Over the course of the past 100 years, Kerala has sharpened its attack on hierarchy and on division. Horrific social practices were beaten back, and the Left movement cultivated public action as a normal feature of social life. When the Left is in poweras it is now in powerit does not introduce new policies by fiat. Mass movements of the Left develop public campaigns to raise awareness and build a political will behind policies. This is one of the reasons why the air of hopelessness does not hang over Kerala. Elsewhere in India, about 300,000 farmers have committed suicide largely because of the agrarian debt crisis. Professor Siddik Rabiyath of the University of Kerala tells me that the fisher folk have a higher debt burden than farmers, but that they do not commit suicide. He suggests that this might be because of the hope that the next days catch will rescue them from debt. It is also because of the general atmosphere of hopefulness in Kerala. Last year, when this state of 35 million went underwater in a flood, the fisher folk grabbed their boats and became the frontline of rescue workers. They did not do this work for money or for fame. They did it because of the tradition of social solidarity in the state and because of the culture of public action here (see the Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research dossieron the floods in Kerala). Strike The rail lines out of Thiruvananthapuram do not function. Strikers sit on the tracks. They have blocked the trains. So have strikers in Assamat the other end of India. They have also blocked railway lines. National Highway 16 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is a parking lot. Cars and motorcycles cannot move. Schools and universities are silent. Unions patrolled the industrial areas outside Delhi and outside Chennai. Public buses in Mumbai sit in their parking lots, bus stands a lonely sight. Prime Minister Narendra Modis government has been silent. There are elections later this year. The temperature in India does not favor Modi. But that is not the reason for his silence. He has made it a habit to ignore public action, to stand above it all, pretend that it is not happening. If the new trade union law goes into effect, India will essentially abandon any commitment to workplace democracy. It is part of the slow erosion of democratic processes in the country, a drift into the ugliness of hierarchy and domination. The workers do not want this. They are on the streets. They have other plans for their future. A Mbare man, Nesbert Sabeta reportedly dumped wife and children after failing to fend for them due to economic hardships. Sabeta is reported to have ran away to South Africa leaving his family languishing in poverty. Despite efforts by Sabetas wife Happymore to approach the court and force the fugitive father to pay for maintenance, the hapless wife has now come to terms with her situation but says she is living a sorry life. Happymore says ever since her husband ran away, she has been struggling to pay school fees for the two children and has appealed to the first lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa to intervene. I have a seven year child, I have tried to do everything I can to fend for the child, I sell freezits but its not enough. The child has high expectations from me as a single parent, I dont have anything to offer for him and have lost all my hope. Now all thats left is for me to watch him grow into a criminal. And it is the same case for my five year old daughter, by the look of things, she is likely to end up in prostitution because this is all she knows and she cannot go school because I dont have the money. I last ate yesterday and I dont know where I will get my next meal, so where will I get school fees when I cannot have money for my familys upkeep. My husband left me because thing were getting worse, I have tried the maintenance route but his whereabouts remain known to him alone, he is reported to be in South Africa, said Sabeta. We appeal to the first lady to at least talk to the school authorities to reduce their fees, she is a woman who gave birth and knows how it feels to see a child grown into a zombie, she told 263Chat. Sabeta said the government needs come up with price controls as prices of basic commodities have spiralled out of the reach of the poor people. During (former President Robert) Mugabes era, we would have price controls and I think that is what is needed right now. We are suffering, our money has lost value and most transactions are now in US dollar, but we cannot get the foreign currency. This is a terrible situation for us, we want help from the First lady and the government, she said. Zimbabwes economic situation has dwindled in the past few months after elections and many people believe President Emmerson Mnangagwa has lost grip of the economy. 263Chat Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Nelson Chamisa, the countrys main opposition leader, has been told to accept that he is the official leader of the opposition to allow dialogue to commence between him and President Emmerson Mnangagwa. According to Nick Mangwana, the permnanet secretary of the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, President Mnangagwa is ready to engage Chamisa on any issues. If Mr Chamisa wants to engage President Mnangagwa on any issue, there is no problem, Mangwana said, but the issue which is not up for discussion, because it was resolved by the people of Zimbabwe, is who is the president of the republic, which brings up the issue of legitimacy. Mangwana went on: President Mnangagwa can engage Chamisa anytime. He is the president of the republic and Chamisa is the leader of the opposition. If those positions are established, and as Chamisa is a Zimbabwean, President Mnangagwa will engage with any Zimbabwean. Before Christmas, the MDC Alliance leader expressed the wish to have a dialogue with President Mnangagwa over the economy. He said he had met many Zimbabweans to discuss the worsening economic situation and the consequent unbearable suffering. The back-to-school burden, high prices, non-performing economy, joblessness, and worthless salaries bring sorrow. On this, I call upon my brother ED to an urgent dialogue to resolve our politics and economics or it gets worse, Chamisa said Chamisas view was echoed by Douglas Mwonzora, the MDC secretary general, who insists that the opposition is prepared to dialogue with the ruling ZANU PF. It is responsible on the part of the MDC to call for dialogue, we have always been calling for dialogue to resolve the national question, Mwonzora claimed. It is clear that the current crisis is beyond the individual capacity of the ruling party and therefore everyone must put their heads on the deck and resolve the crisis. Our people are suffering, they are wallowing in poverty and misery, and we need to redress it. So the ball is in the court of President Mnangagwa and ZANU PF. We are prepared for dialogue. Mwonzora added. The MDC said if dialogue were to go through, ZANU PF should not set any conditions. ZANU PF is setting conditions for dialogue and it is unacceptable, whatever they are demanding from us they must say it on the dialogue table, Mwonzora said, adding: They cannot set conditions, its negotiating in bad faith to set conditions, and these talks must be unconditional. There have been calls from a cross section of society for President Mnangagwa and Chamisa to sit down and talk, and address the current economic suffering in the country. But Chamisas failure, even after the Constitutional Court defeat, to recognise President Mnangagwa as the legitimate leader of the country has been a stumbling block. BusinessTimes Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News In order to have an art theme you definitely want your visitors to experience art in some way so visitors will have that opportunity to create their own art and then also hear presentations from professional artists. There will be history involved, which we have seen at every Dunes Geocache Adventure. Felix Tshisekedi, the leader of the Democratic Republic of the Congos main opposition party, has been declared the surprise winner of the 30 December presidential election in the vast central African country. The result, announced early on Thursday, means the first electoral transfer of power in 59 years of independence in the DRC. It will come as a shock to many observers who believed authorities would ensure that the government candidate, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, would be the victor in the polls, the third since the end of a bloody civil war in 2002. On Thursday, Tshisekedi paid his respects to Kabila, whom he described as an important partner in democratic transition in our country. Speaking to thousands of cheering supporters in the capital Kinshasa, Tshisekedi said he would be the president of all Congolese. The Tshisekedis victory is deeply controversial as pre-election polls had given outspoken opposition frontrunner Martin Fayulu, a respected former business executive, a healthy lead. Polls put Fayulu on 47%, at least 20 points ahead of Tshisekedi. Vote tallies compiled by the DRCs Catholic church found Fayulu clearly won the election, two diplomats told Reuters, raising the spectre of protests that many fear could lead to violence. Fayulus supporters feared outgoing president Joseph Kabila would rig the vote in favour of his hand-picked candidate, or do a power-sharing deal with Tshisekedi, head of the DRCs main opposition party. Fayulu immediately rejected the result. Where did the extra seven million votes come from [for Tshisekedis victory]? In 2019, we refuse that the victory of the people be stolen once more, he said. Riot police were deployed outside the offices of the DRCs election commission and elsewhere in the capital, Kinshasa. Antonio Guterres, the United Nations secretary general, said he takes note of the announcement and urged all parties to refrain from violence and to channel any electoral disputes through the established institutional mechanisms. The opposition was weakened by internal arguments and the exclusion by the electoral commission of two political heavyweights: Jean-Pierre Bemba, a former warlord, and Moise Katumbi, a popular tycoon. Tshisekedis father, Etienne, was a famous opposition leader under Mobutu. He died last year and his son has inherited his party, and with it a chance of winning power. Critics say Tshisekedi, 55, is unproven, inexperienced and lacks the charisma of his father. His father was a man of the country. The son is very limited, Valentin Mubake, a former secretary-general of Tshisekedis Union for Democracy and Social Progress told the Guardian last month. Already delayed by two years, the announcement of results was postponed by a further week to allow more time to overcome logistical challenges in a country of 80 million inhabitants spread over an area the size of western Europe with almost no paved roads. Kabilas second electoral mandate expired in 2016 and he only reluctantly called new elections under pressure from regional powers. The constitution forbade him from standing again and critics claimed he hoped to rule through Shadary, who has no political base of his own. He will bring light into our darkness: DR Congo pins hope on a new leader Read more The Roman Catholic church is a powerful institution in this devout country, and in a joint declaration with a group of Protestant churches and election observer mission Symocel, the Catholic bishops conference called for calm and demanded that the DRCs election board, CENI, publish only results that come from the ballot box. Domestic election observers say they witnessed serious irregularities on election day and during vote tallying, although a regional observer mission said the election went relatively well. Kabila, 47, has ruled since the 2001 assassination of his father, Laurent Kabila, who overthrew long-serving dictator Mobutu Sese Seko in 1997. Tshisekedi is the first leader to takes power via the ballot box in the DRC since prime minister Patrice Lumumba shortly after the DRC won its independence from Belgium in 1960. Lumumba was toppled in a coup and killed four months later. The DRC suffers from widespread corruption, continuing conflict, endemic disease, and some of the worlds highest levels of sexual violence and malnutrition. It is also rich in minerals, including those crucial to the worlds smartphones and electric cars. As 2019 begins Three years ago we set out to make The Guardian sustainable by deepening our relationship with our readers. The same technologies that connected us with a global audience had also shifted advertising revenues away from news publishers. We decided to seek an approach that would allow us to keep our journalism open and accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live or what they can afford. More than one million readers have now supported our independent, investigative journalism through contributions, membership or subscriptions, which has played such an important part in helping The Guardian overcome a perilous financial situation globally. We want to thank you for all of your support. But we have to maintain and build on that support for every year to come. Sustained support from our readers enables us to continue pursuing difficult stories in challenging times of political upheaval, when factual reporting has never been more critical. The Guardian is editorially independent our journalism is free from commercial bias and not influenced by billionaire owners, politicians or shareholders. No one edits our editor. No one steers our opinion. This is important because it enables us to give a voice to those less heard, challenge the powerful and hold them to account. Readers support means we can continue bringing The Guardians independent journalism to the world. Guardian Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Dear Rep. Will Hurd: As my family and I gathered for a joyful holiday season, we were struck by two current issues. 1. The federal government being closed due to President Donald Trumps irrational insistence on building a stupid, ineffective, ill-considered border wall. My husband called your office immediately after your appearance on one of the cable news shows. You were on cable news to push for your immigration compromise that would both enhance our border security infrastructure and provide relief to Dreamers. In April 2017, I met with one of your staffers to discuss a number of issues, among them border security. Despite leaning left, my views havent changed since then. Your ideas on how to enhance border security using technology, increased manpower and horses impressed me then, and those ideas impress me still. Please, Congressman Hurd, push harder! Yours is the only reality-based plan that Im aware of that is rational, potentially effective and should be supported by both parties. 2. Pulling out of Syria. It is my sincere hope that Trump can be talked back from this particular precipice. This is possibly the worst foreign policy decision hes made to date. Neither my husband nor I served in the Middle East during our combined 42 years in the Air Force. However, we still feel very acutely that the things our fellow military members fought and died for throughout that region (as well as in Afghanistan) will be for naught if we just throw in the towel because our current president made a pitch during a bizarre and reckless campaign to pull our troops back to the U.S. Though I regret that our troops were deployed to the Middle East in the first place, Trumps notion of unilaterally sending out a tweet and then pulling our troops back is the height of irresponsibility and not just because the United States will lose all measure of credibility around the world. I am both ashamed and horrified that the U.S. will be deserting the Kurds our most constant and effective allies against the Islamic State to the brutality and ruthlessness of Recep Erdogan and his Turkish military. The Kurds will be slaughtered, and it will be Americas doing, and you, sir, along with every elected official who fails to counter Trumps tweeted withdrawal policy, will have blood on your hands. And just as night follows day, blood will flow across the region and back to our shores if we betray the Kurds. The number of difficult issues facing us is almost beyond comprehension. As I pray for good to banish evil, for love to banish hate, for peace to banish war, I will also be praying that God grants you and your colleagues the strength and moral clarity to push back against the amoral usurper who has so thoughtlessly arrogated unto himself the contrived omniscience of a false idol and the illusory omnipotence of a feigning tyrant. Cindy Offutt lives in Fair Oaks Ranch. NASA has officially postponed SpaceX's first test flight of the commercial crew program until February or later so that officials can complete "hardware testing and joint reviews." The announcement, posted on NASA's website Thursday, comes less than a week after SpaceX founder Elon Musk hinted at a delay. "About a month away from the first orbital test flight of crew Dragon," Musk tweeted Saturday of the demonstration flight meaning, without humans onboard most recently scheduled for Jan. 17. Thursday's delay represents yet another setback for the commercial crew program, which has struggled to get off the ground since SpaceX and Boeing were tapped in 2014 to build commercial vehicles that can transport NASA astronauts to and from the International Space Station. In a statement, SpaceX said it was "assessing any impacts of the partial government shutdown to our commercial launches." HINTED DELAYS: SpaceX's first 'especially dangerous' test flight for commercial crew program still month away NASA's announcement said more testing is needed on the vehicle, but the delay comes as the federal government shutdown nears the three-week mark. About 16,700 NASA employees, or 96 percent of the workforce, are affected by the shutdown that started Dec. 22 as President Donald Trump holds firm on his demands that Congress fund a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Workers, parks and NASA bear brunt of shutdown SpaceX launches are conducted on NASA-owned launch pads in Cape Canaveral, Fla., so government shutdown-related delays are nothing new for the company. The January 2018 shutdown, for example, forced SpaceX to delay the 12-second test firing of its Falcon Heavy rocket, which Musk hopes will one day take humans to Mars. "NASA and SpaceX will confirm a new target date after coordination with the Eastern Range and the International Space Station Program," the announcement stated. DELAYS: SpaceX cannot test its Falcon Heavy rocket because of the government shutdown The commercial crew program began as an effort to alleviate the U.S.'s dependence on Russia for transporting astronauts to the orbiting laboratory. NASA has relied on Russia for this service since the Space Shuttle program was shuttered in 2011. The two companies initially were expected to launch crewed test flights in 2018, but like those of many space-related programs, their schedules have slipped. Now, SpaceX's uncrewed flight test will launch no earlier than February, with a crewed flight test in June. Boeing plans to launch its uncrewed flight test in March and a crewed flight test in August. But a NASA safety panel in October released a report calling into question both companies' timelines and construction. For example, it found that Boeing had not completed several important tests on the parachute systems, heat shield and other components of the spacecraft. It also found that SpaceX was struggling with the parachute system. Despite these delays, NASA already has announced the nine astronauts who will be the first to fly on Boeing and SpaceX vehicles. The commercial crew program also is on shaky ground because of an investigation by NASA into the workplace culture, including drug use, at both Boeing and SpaceX. It's not yet clear how that will impact the flight schedules. Alex Stuckey writes about NASA and the environment for the Houston Chronicle. You can reach her at alex.stuckey@chron.com or Twitter.com/alexdstuckey. On Friday, Christopher Davila frantically called police to report that an unknown woman stole his car with his 8-month-old son, King Jay Davila, inside. But as police release more information about the alleged kidnapping, the narratives told by the San Antonio Police Department and the family of the missing baby seem to drift further apart. As the two sides disputed whether the situation was a kidnapping or a plot to cover up foul play and whether the family was cooperating and police doing their jobs, the question remained Wednesday: Where is King Jay Davila? FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inbox The most blatant contradiction lies in the dispute between whether there was ever a kidnapping to begin with. Davila, 34, initially told police he had left his car running and unlocked at a gas station on the West Side when he went inside to buy water. When he realized his car had been stolen, allegedly with King Jay inside, he called police. But investigators were suspicious of his story from the get go. Davila was arrested on a charge of child endangerment but has since bonded out of jail. On the Express-News: Family says 'Only God knows,' where missing baby is At a press conference on Monday, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said the alleged kidnapping was an elaborate scheme Davila staged to cover up "foul play." He said King Jay was never inside Davila's car and that Davila coordinated with the woman who took the car. That woman, now identified by police as Davila's cousin, Angie Torres, is another point of contention. Torres was caught on security camera stealing the car from the gas station, police said, but Jasmine Gonzales, the mother of King Jay, maintains that no one in her family knows who she is. "Who is that chick? Why did she go inside the vehicle? Obviously she was watching. It's not that they were interacting," Gonzales told KSAT 12. San Antonio police officials say Davila conspired with Torres in the fake abduction. Police also indicated that others might have been involved in the fabrication, as investigators have identified the person who dropped Torres off at the West Side convenience store where the allegedly fake abduction occurred. RELATED: Updated: San Antonio police identify potential witness, search home of missing 8-month-old's father Gonzales made headlines this weekend when she lambasted the police department, accusing them of incompetence and falsehoods. She said the family has searched for King Jay since he went missing and that they've made efforts to assist SAPD. "The police is saying a whole bunch of bull****," Gonzales said at the park. "That's why I'm disagreeing with them and disputing them and everything." But McManus said the family and Christopher Davila have been uncooperative in the investigation and there are several people with information about the case who could face charges even if they were not directly involved in the alleged cover-up. No further information was released on Wednesday but the investigation remains ongoing. See what Christopher Davila's parents had to say about the baby's disappearance and who really took Davila's car on the Express-News. Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com Caleb Downs covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | cdowns@mysa.com | @calebjdowns Rachel Dolezal, known for claiming to be a black woman despite her white-European ancestry, has been uninvited from a scheduled event in San Antonio following a petition objecting to her visit. DreamVoice had invited Dolezal to the Alamo City in order to supplement its showing of the documentary about her, The Rachel Divide, during this weekend's annual DreamWeek Summit. But when more than 1,000 people signed a petition in protest of her visit and the event, DreamWeek organizers reconsidered. After meeting with the petition's author and those opposed to Dolezal's appearance, event organizers ultimately decided to uninvite Dolezal. "The Rachel Divide" will still be shown Jan. 20 at the Alamo Drafthouse, but instead of a conversation with Dolezal herself after, a community panel will lead a discussion. "We believe that Rachel's presence here is going to be a distraction from the over 150 partners and 170 plus events that we have lined up," DreamVoice President Shokare Nakpodia said. RELATED: Trial for former Rachel Dolezal set for March 4 Her original invitation was not an endorsement of her stance or personhood, Nakpodia said. Rather, he thought the documentary was well done and thought her presence could add insight to the conversation following the screening. "The documentary is not at all supportive of her actions, it really just talks about the impact of her actions," he said. DreamVoice decided to cancel when it became apparent that Dolezal's presence would be a distraction from the 170 other events at the summit, Nakpodia said. Kirsten Thompson, who authored the petition, described Dolezal's invitation as "an egregious offense against San Antonio's black women." She said uninviting Dolezal but keeping the event was not ideal, but it "lessen(ed) the blow" and was a compromise she was willing to accept. Dolezal was initially thrust into the national spotlight in June 2015, when her European ancestry came under scrutiny. Dolezal had been serving as the president of the Spokane, Washington, chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and was outed by her parents as having European ancestry. RELATED: Preparations under way for DreamWeek Summit 2019 Later that year, Dolezal admitted she was white, but said she identified as black. She was widely criticized and has since also been charged with welfare fraud. "The Rachel Divide," released in 2018, discusses how Dolezal's decisions impacted her family and children and how her environment allowed her lies to fester, Nakpodia said. He thought it was a fitting addition to this year's summit. "Our theme this year is 'what makes us human?" Nakpodia said. "So how can I have missing arms, missing legs, and still be human? How can one decide that the gender one was born with is not what one feels inside, what is that thing that feels? And though the Rachel issue is just one word in this huge paragraph, we may have lost the opportunity to discover why it is staring us in the face." RELATED: UTSA lecturer to remain out of class while school investigates controversial video Thompson, however, fears the engagement could be financially profitable for Dolezal and argued that the "proven fraud's" presence certainly wouldn't fit with the summit's goal of exchanging ideas peacefully and sharing the vision and teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. "Dolezal's actions were not only dishonest, but they were deeply damaging to the Black community because she took opportunities away from the very members of the community she claimed to be working on behalf of," her petition reads. The community's immediate and strong show of support further proved her point, she said. She supports the summit's mission, director, and board, she said, but not this particular decision. "We need to have difficult conversations, but we don't need to invite the aggressor in to have those conversations," Thompson said. Rachel Dolezal did not respond to multiple requests for comment. In six years and more than 1,000 events ranging from LGBT rights to abortion and more, this is the first time a group has ever petitioned to cancel an event, Nakpodia said. S. M. Chavey is a breaking news and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, mySA.com and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | sarah.chavey@express-news.net | @smchavey Texas scientists who developed an effective vaccine for the deadly Ebola virus are now reporting promising results with new medication to better treat full-blown cases of the disease. In a laboratory study published this week, researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston showed a single injection of two antibodies successfully treated monkeys infected with all strains of the virus, a significant advance on current treatment options which only cover one strain and require multiple injections. This medication would give doctors an advantage in situations where we dont know which strain of Ebola is going to pop up next, said Thomas Geisbert, a UTMB professor of microbiology and immunology and the studys primary investigator. The fear now, with all our eggs in one basket, is well get burned with the outbreak of a strain theres no protection against. Geisbert said the study results, published Wednesday in Cell Host & Microbe, suggest the medication would be effective even if Ebola viruses evolve over time, and Larry Zeitlin, president of Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., the drug manufacturer, said it should reduce the burden on health-care workers in the field during outbreaks. The broad-spectrum injection killed the virus in 100 percent of monkeys infected with the Sudan and Bundibugyo strains and the particularly lethal Zaire strain, the source of the 2013-2016 West Africa outbreak and the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Unlike mice, monkeys are considered highly predictive of treatment effectiveness for tropical diseases such as Ebola. Ebola is considered one of the worlds deadliest plagues. It caused about 11,500 deaths about 50 percent of those infected in the 2013-2016 outbreak in West Africa, and 377 more in the Congo, where another 101 suspected cases are under investigation. Ebola caused much alarm in the United States in 2014 when Liberian citizen Thomas Duncan developed symptoms during a trip to Dallas. The hospital there only recognized his illness as Ebola during a return appointment, when the course of the disease was very advanced. He was the first U.S. case and death of Ebola. Geisbert said it is unclear if the medication, known as MBP134, could have saved Duncan had it been available then, given how late he was diagnosed. But he said he thinks it would have enabled treatment in Africa of health-care workers who contracted the disease there and had to be evacuated to the U.S. or Europe, where they recovered. He specifically mentioned Dr. Kent Brantly, the Fort Worth medical missionary who became the first American to return to the United States to be treated for the disease. Brantly, who does not complain of lingering symptoms that some others do, was out of the country Thursday and could not be reached for comment. New medications are increasingly being used in the Congo to treat Ebola, most notably ZMapp, which was initially deployed late in the first outbreak. But those medications work only against the Zaire strain and require multiple injections, a challenge in Third World settings. ZMapp, for instance, must be given three times, each a few days apart, and by infusion which takes up to five hours. The single infusion of MBP134 only takes minutes. Thats a huge advantage in chaotic outbreaks or reactive settings where its often difficult to track down and identify patients to give them a second dose, said Dr. Peter Hotez, founding dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Childrens Hospital. Hotez added that of course, all of this needs to be confirmed in human clinical trials. He said the current outbreak in the Congo looks like a good time for such an evaluation. Geisbert said production of MBP134 could be ramped up quickly whenever health officials want to use it. His team is currently researching whether the medication can be injected in muscle rather than intravenously and whether a lower dose might be just as effective, which would make it less costly to produce. In the study, Geisberts team injected Macaque monkeys and ferrets infected with either the Sudan, Bundibugyo or Zaire strains of Ebola. The human predictive reliability of ferrets, a new disease model Geisberts team is using, is not as well established as monkeys. All 12 monkeys and 12 ferrets gradually got better and were healthy a few weeks later. The treatment was given between four and seven days after the animals began experiencing symptoms, depending on the speed with which the particular strain is known to progress. In the Zaire strain, for instance, the injection was given on the fourth day. The injections took three to five minutes, said Geisbert. Geisbert and a Canadian colleague developed the primary Ebola vaccine being used in Africa. It was introduced late in the West Africa epidemic, perhaps as it was already petering out, and its deployment in the Congo outbreak has been hampered because of ongoing conflict and violence in the region. Vaccines are great, but theyre challenging because of logistics, said Geisbert. What were trying to achieve here is to deal with people with full-blown Ebola. As much as you want to vaccinate, people still walk into clinics sick. todd.ackerman@chron.com twitter.com/ChronMed Vaping in particular has been embraced by many teenagers, according to a survey conducted by the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research, which found that vaping among high school seniors doubled in 2018, and among students in grades 9-12, there were at least 1.3 million new users of e-cigarettes this year. WASHINGTON - Mark Morgan, a career FBI official who served as Border Patrol chief for the last six months of the Obama administration before being removed once President Donald Trump took office, has come out this week in support of a border wall. Morgan, who has kept a low profile since he was forced to step down, first gave an interview to Law and Crime in which he defended the White House's desire to build a wall along the U.S. southern border. The morning after Trump reiterated in a prime-time address to the nation why wall funding was worth shutting down 25 percent of the federal government, Morgan told The Washington Post that he's breaking his silence because, in his view, the wall is an important piece in a group of policy changes needed to secure the border. RELATED: Border Protection officer's union sues Trump administration over shutdown after missed paycheck "I was removed. I'm standing up and saying, 'I should have disdain for them, but I don't because they are right,' " Morgan said. "I can stand up and say they are right because it's the right thing to do for this country. I'm begging the president to stay the course." Morgan's comments, which have been widely disseminated by right-leaning media, are sure to embolden Republicans as Trump heads to Capitol Hill to encourage GOP members to stick with him as some reportedly begin to lose patience as the shutdown enters its 19th day. When Morgan was pushed out in January 2017, it was reported that the Border Patrol union, which has been loyal to Trump and his policies since his candidacy, didn't believe Morgan was making border security a priority and lobbied the administration for him to be replaced. Morgan says now that some "wires got crossed" and that he had supported Trump's call for a wall since "day one." But during a congressional hearing, he was asked whether he supported "comprehensive immigration reform," and he said, "yes." What he meant, he says now, was a holistic approach to how immigrants come into the country, which would include a barrier, enhanced technology and more personnel, as well as more bed space in holding facilities, more immigration judges and aid to Central American countries to help them improve their quality of life. What he didn't mean, and what many misinterpreted, was a path to citizenship or permanent status. Echoing many of the GOP's recent talking points, Morgan said he didn't understand why Democrats supported a border fence in 2006 but now say a border wall is "immoral." "The issue is political, so we have to be honest about that," he said. "The substantive issue is what is important, it doesn't matter whether it's called the Secure Fence, Secure Wall, or Secure Barrier Act, the reason it was approved on a bipartisan front is because it was needed. What changed is that at one point it was wanted and needed, and now, because we call it a wall, it's immoral. Really? That's what we're talking about now? The size and width of the barrier is the delineation of what is moral or not?" Democrats have defended their support for the 700 miles of fencing that was constructed between the United States and Mexico as different from the 2,000 miles of concrete wall the president had originally proposed (he has since amended his offer to "steel slats") and that the 2006 bill was a lesser of two evils compared with what Republicans really wanted, which was to charge any illegal immigrant as a felon. Morgan said Trump may have called for a wall along the entire border, but no one actually believes it's needed for the entire 2,000 miles. But there are areas that remain porous, he said, that encourage illegal immigration rather than coming through legal ports of entry. For years, Trump has portrayed the issue at the border as one of national security, but in his address to the nation, he also tried to sell it as a humanitarian crisis. On the former, Morgan said he doesn't understand why politicians are arguing over the number of criminals or terrorists crossing the border - the Trump administration has been called out for claiming 4,000 terrorists were stopped at the southern border when the actual number is six. The goal, Morgan argued, shouldn't be to wait for a single terrorist to come into the country, but to be proactive so that it doesn't happen. Asked about the fact that more terrorists actually come into the country through the northern border with Canada, Morgan said issues there should be part of the conversation as well. Morgan said he's most frustrated by how children are brought into the country illegally under perilous conditions because coyotes exploit vulnerabilities at the border. He said agents perform thousands of water rescues when families are left at a body of water that isn't safe to cross. "I don't understand why anyone would be against developing a process that stops that from happening," he said. Democrats have said they are willing to have a debate over border security but not while unrelated agencies are being held for ransom by the shutdown. But Morgan said the shutdown is a necessary last stand for the president to force a solution to a problem that Washington has failed to fully address for decades. "In my heart of hearts, I truly believe we have to resolve this issue: It's in the best interest of this country," Morgan said. "We have to stop looking at the issue through our own ideological lens, setting aside our emotions, and it's not being done." Note: This is an abbreviated version of the full Taste Test review, with a star rating based on multiple visits. See the complete version on our subscriber site ExpressNews.com. After years of opening and moving on from Tribeca, Soleil Bistro & Wine Bar and others, Jean-Francois Poujol has settled into the former Casbeers Cafe & Cantina location in Beacon Hill with a neighborhood Italian place called SoHill Cafe. Its unpretentious, reasonable and occasionally inspired, the same as most of us. And judging from the healthy traffic the place attracted each time Ive gone in, SoHills already found a comfortable place in the neighborhood where it opened in November. On ExpressNews.com: Review: Tribeca 212 finds its sweet spot in Olmos Park When I say reasonable, I mean that two people can split a pizza, a plate of pasta, a salad and a few happy hour drafts for the same money theyd pay at a sit-down chain restaurant with half the charm. On Wednesdays, a pizza costs just $10, and the $8.50 weekday lunch specials include iced tea. The flashes of inspiration start with something as simple as well-seasoned meatballs packed as firm as sausages. Formed into a hamburger patty, the same meatball mix made a killer burger, propelled by sweet and tangy bacon-tomato jam. SoHill Cafe * 1719 Blanco Road, 210-455-2177, sohillcafe.com Quick bite: Intimate Beacon Hill Italian cafe with handmade pasta and sourdough pizza Hit: Bolognese lasagna roll, Greek pizza, fettuccine Alfredo Miss: Veggie lasagna roll, chicken pizza Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday Price range: Appetizers, $7.50-$12; soups and salads, $5-$8; entrees, $10-$5; pizzas, $10-$15; lunch specials, $8.50 Alcohol: Beer and wine **** Superior. Can compete nationally. *** Excellent. One of the best restaurants in the city. ** Very good. A standout restaurant of its kind. * Good. A restaurant that we recommend. (no stars) We cannot recommend this restaurant at this time. Express-News dining critics pay for all meals. See More Collapse Rolled lasagna feels like SoHills breakthrough moment. Chef Justin Limburg took a wide ribbon of handmade pasta, rolled it with cheese and meaty bolognese sauce and baked it to order for a lasagna that tasted like it took its sweet time letting those flavors marry. On ExpressNews.com: Review: Playlands pizza is good enough to steal Like all of us, SoHill Cafe has its brief, shining moments and its not-safe-for-Facebook episodes. But with its long, steady intervals of gliding along and getting the job done, SoHill Cafe is like the neighborhood it inhabits. Truly one of us. To read the full review, please visit our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. Mike Sutter is a food and drink reporter and restaurant critic in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read more of his stories on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | msutter@express-news.net | Twitter: @fedmanwalking | Instagram: @fedmanwalking The gripping case of a young South Texas mother killed by her estranged military husband, who left their 4-month-old baby on her body, will be featured on national television on Friday night. Dateline NBC will air a one-hour segment, The Alibi, about the death of Pfc. Karlyn Ramirez, 24, who was slain in August 2015 in Maryland in a plot by Army Sgt. Maliek Kearney of San Antonio, and his mistress. Kearney traveled in his mistress car from South Carolina to Maryland, where Ramirez, who grew up in Del Rio, was stationed at Fort Meade, and shot her. He tried to make it look as though she had been sexually assaulted, according to court testimony, and put the couples 4-month-old daughter in the dead womans arms. Kearney, 37, was convicted in August of Ramirezs killing and sentenced in December to life in prison. His mistress, Dolores Delgado, 33, also of San Antonio, pleaded guilty in August 2017 for her role in the murder. She admitted providing Kearney with the gun, and that she stayed at Kearneys South Carolina apartment with his phone and car to create the illusion that he was at home when Ramirez was shot. Kearney was arrested a year after the slaying in San Antonio, the Express-News first reported. The Dateline program features interviews by NBC News Andrea Canning of key players in the case, including the investigators and prosecutors, Ramirezs friends, and her mother, Susan Garcia-Ramirez of Del Rio, Dateline NBC News said. The segment airs at 9 p.m. Guillermo Contreras covers federal court and immigration news in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | gcontreras@express-news.net | Twitter: @gmaninfedland Style Lush TV, the hub for local fashion, is starting the new year with a fresh vibe. Along with producing fashion content for StyleLushTV.com, the group, with Burgundy Woods at the helm, organizes annual events hosted in downtown like the San Antonio Fashion Awards and Look Local Night. Through its online presence and events Style Lush TV strives to nurture the growth of the city's fashion scene while bringing national attention to local talent. The group's fifth year comes with a relaunch set to be revealed on Friday. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inbox "We can't wait to be back and begin a new generation of our fashion industry with you," the group said on Facebook. Fashionistas will be able to catch the reveal via a live broadcast from downtown that Style Lush TV will share across their social media channels. Three other announcements are also in store, which the group said will be made via Facebook video stream. Woods told mySA.com she feels that the new phase is a culmination the work Style Lush TV has done in San Antonio. RELATED: People who shook things up in San Antonio this year "I truly feel a new generation of our San Antonio fashion industry is upon us," she added. "We are beyond honored and excited to serve this next evolution and look forward to getting the entire community involved." The Style Lush editor said she hopes the video announcement will be shared widely throughout the state as it will be "jam-packed" with information and opportunities for creatives to get involved. "It's a thrilling time to be a San Antonian," she said. Madalyn Mendoza is a breaking news and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, mySA.com and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | mmendoza@mysa.com |@MaddySkye Airbnb hosts in the greater Houston area made a combined $72 million last year while welcoming some 512,000 guests, the company said Thursday. Harris County saw the most guests, 285,000, with hosts earning $44 million. This was followed by Galveston County with 163,000 and hosts earning $19.6 million. Montgomery County was third with 22,000 guests and $3 million. When you think about what it is police do in society, it really boils down to the words written over 200 years ago in that very, in my opinion, perfect document, Reynolds said. That is what the police are for in society. That is our purpose. At the end of the day, people choose to live in Oak Park for a reason. Their tax dollars support the operations of this village. We are the return on that investment. I pledge, I promise, to work as hard as I can to ensure the people who invest in this community and continue to invest in this community get the return on their investment. The unmistakable smell of banana bread wafted out of the house to the driveway as Penney Anzaldua opened the front door to her home on Monday. It's consistently smelled that way for about two weeks now as her son, Daniel Flores, and his girlfriend, Erin Ortega, have been working nonstop to raise money for an upcoming band trip. The band trip to New York is set for the summer, said Ortega. It's more of a reward for the Plainview ISD students involved in band. And Anzaldua said the two 18-year-olds are determined to raise all $1,600 required for the trip on their own. "He won't let me in the kitchen," Anzaldua joked about her son on Monday during a visit to The Herald. Later in the afternoon at her home, Flores explained why. "We have a system," he said to which Ortega agreed. The teenagers are strict about using three bowls in which they mix their banana bread ingredients before pouring them into baking tins and placing them in the oven a certain way to get the most bread out of one batch. Also, Ortega and Flores admitted, Daniel is kind of a perfectionist. The trip to New York is an "amazing" opportunity, Ortega said, and the pair is determined they want to raise all the funds on their own. They first began raising money by making bath bombs, she said. There's a table and work area in the Flores' living room devoted to the bath bomb making process. Before churning out the bath bombs which Anzaldua and Jesse Garcia, Daniel's dad, both described as smooth-feeling the teens had to learn how to make them because they'd never done anything like it before. So they searched social media and met an individual who talked them through the process via video chat. They've now got numerous smells and colors and moldings of different sizes and shapes they use to create one. At $5-$12 a pop, the teens were slowly making money. But just before the holidays, Ortega's family started hinting that maybe they should think about making some type of food. "I offered to make tamales," Anzaldua said. But Ortega and Flores wanted to do something different. They came up with the idea of banana bread and got a recipe from Ortega's aunt. Prior to the holidays, the pair had never made that type of bread. They now have a love/hate relationship with it. They spent the entire break from school, where they're seniors at Plainview HS, baking, delivering finished loaves and gathering ingredients to bake some more. On Sunday, Anzaldua said, the teens baked all night until about 5 a.m. Monday. They slept for about two hours before waking up again around 8 a.m. to keep going. Ortega said they plan to keep baking and making bath bombs as often as they can until they go on their trip. Bath bomb prices vary by size and package. The cost of their bread is $5 for a small loaf or $7 for a large loaf. There have been reports to The Herald that individuals claiming to be affiliated with the publication have been scamming customers via phone to renew their FYI Resource Guide publication advertisements for both the publication and online. The solicitors also offer extra copies and offer a discount if the customer pays up-front. While the FYI Resource Guide is published each July, the advertising representatives will only meet with customers face-to-face and will never request an up-front payment to receive discounts, said Carmen Ortega, regional director of advertising for Hearst Media. The Herald billing department sends a billing invoice. Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar would have 10,787 square feet of space, 1,431 of which would be an outdoor dining area, according to city documents. The patio would be covered and heated with a fire pit so diners can enjoy their meal alongside their canine companions in any weather, said Chris Simms, found and CEO of Lazy Dog. San Andreas, CA Calaveras County Water Districts board of directors did not have to go far to tap in a new general manager. CCWD officials announce today that the board today approved a hiring contract for Utica Water and Power Authority (UWPA) General Manager Michael Minkler, who will take over operations at CCWD from Interim Manager Jeffrey Meyer on Feb. 19. Meyer was brought in to temporarily replace Dave Eggerton, CCWDs GM of four years, who back in November assumed duties as Executive Director of the Association of California Water Agencies, as reported here. Minklers starting salary will be $160,000 plus benefits. Originally hailing from Oakhurst, Minkler earned a law degree from UC Davis in 2009 and specializes on land use and CEQA matters. A Coast Guard veteran, he earned a bachelors degree in international studies and a masters in international environmental policy from the Monterey Institute before attending Davis. Moving his family to Arnold from Sacramento in 2013, Minkler and his wife Nancy, also an attorney, set up a joint practice and began serving as legal counsel for the Blue Lake Springs Mutual Water Company in Arnold and UWPA. In November 2015, he hired on as UWPAs GM. Board Pleased With Candidate Pool, Final Pick After reviewing numerous applications, the board conducted its final interviews in mid-December. We were extremely fortunate to choose from a capable pool of candidates, Board President Russ Thomas confides. After careful consideration, were certain that Michael Minkler is the right person for the jobI feel very good about the possibility of him being with us for a good long while. Continuing, Thomas shares, I am pleased that Michael lives locally, is a dedicated family man and has a vested interest in Calaveras CountyCCWD has worked with UWPA over the past few years and Michael has proven himself to be an effective leader, diligent in his duties and a skilled communicator. Minkler says he is eager to assume his new role, adding he strongly believes in a team mentality in order to provide the best possible service to customers. The safety and well-being of staff will always be my first consideration, Minkler states, adding that is closely followed by providing safe, quality service to the districts customers. I will make sure we are doing everything we can to be efficient and exploring ways to generate non-rate revenue to keep expenses as low as possible. CCWDs new GM says will also focus on preserving and protecting water rights, capital improvement projects, implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), exploring hydropower opportunities, and building trust with other county stakeholders. Under Dave Eggertons leadership, CCWD made tremendous progress in rebuilding relationships with other local water agencies, he states. I intend to advance that collaborative approach because it enables us in the water industry to better serve our communities. San Andreas, CA A 20-year-old man arrested in Stanislaus County on outstanding warrants is now locally facing charges for allegedly molesting two children. According to Calaveras County Sheriffs spokesperson Sgt. Rachelle Whiting, Devon Tyler Brannon, whose current listed address is in Riverbank, was picked up earlier this week and transported to the county jail in connection with a case investigated last April. She adds that at the time of the alleged offenses, he was staying with family in Calaveras County and that there are no other details to release at this time. According to the booking report, he was booked late Monday morning at the Calaveras County Jail on three related felonies. They were listed as lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 and oral copulation with a victim under ten years of age with an additional enhancement charge under California Penal Code 667.61, that if proven, could bring a 25-years-to-life sentence. How about the designing? We start talking about colors and background. Thats when I jump in, Sotello said. I provide customers with renderings of what they are looking for. I try to pick their brain. Depending on the business, I try to figure out the color scheme. If they have a logo, I try to use that. We brainstorm together. Eventually, in two or three tries, I nail it. It is hard to pick a favorite thing as there is so much to look at and enjoy, DAmico said. I think that would be my favorite thing about this event that no matter how many times you visit, there is always something you hadnt noticed before. The layout is also great because it really showcases the arboretum as a destination for all four seasons. Were different because: Fuqua said its B.GOODs diverse menu and community focus that makes them stand out. We go beyond just salads and encourage people to tap into other menu choices they can still feel good about, he said. From a community perspective, an important aspect of serving food with roots is improving local communities by doing so. Not only do we bring communities a better way to eat, but we also partner with and support local farmers. In Chicago, some of those partners include Gotham Greens, MightVine and Russell Costanza Farms. All of west-central Illinois is under a winter storm watch as forecasters plot a developing winter storm expected to bring 5 to 7 inches of snow by Saturday. A storm system developing in the southwest today will track across the southern plains Friday. As the system continues to move east, snow will spread into central Illinois by Friday night and continue through the day Saturday. When winter starts to seem a bit bleak cold temperatures only made harsher by short, often gray days Robert Leffler has a solution. He turns to the color hes captured in photos during outings in less desolate moments. Leffler will share his solution beginning Saturday, when an exhibit of 73 of his favorite photographs go on display at the Art Association of Jacksonvilles David Strawn Art Gallery. In the middle of wintertime, I thought itd be nice to have a colorful display, Leffler said of the exhibit. Virtually all of these (photos) are in color. Its a very bright, vivid exhibit. Leffler, who lives in Springfield, has enjoyed photography as a hobby for most of his life. After a long career as a program manager and general manager at PBS stations, he retired in 2007. Ive been shooting for over 50 years for fun, Leffler said. Now I have the time to really pursue the ins and outs of photography and techniques of good composition. For all that he enjoys photography as a hobby, he might not have made it a post-retirement career if it hadnt been for some encouraging friends. (They) said, Thats a really cool photograph; you should enter it in some contests, Leffler recalled being told. He listened to his friends and entered some contests, followed by winning some contests, including second place in the 2006 Illinois State Fairs amateur photo contest and second place and honorable mention in the fairs 2009 professional art exhibit. He also has taken photographs for advertising campaigns. A lot of my photography gets mistaken for paintings, Leffler said, pointing to, among others, a photo of Lake Michigan at sunset that he shot from atop the 450-foot-tall Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan. The photo is a study in horizontal bands of color. Another, a snowy landscape shot in Yellowstone National Park, is just the opposite practically black and white because theres no other color up there, Leffler said. Since his retirement, Leffler has accumulated around 3,600 images that he sells as prints, he said. While he started off focusing on landscape photography, Lefflers interests have diversified a bit along the way. I kind of veered into wildlife photography, out doing landscapes, he said. Out there long enough and, gee whiz, something interesting comes along. Changing travel itineraries also account for some incredible shots, he said. For example, a wildfire during a trip with his wife to visit family kept disrupting their travel plans. Instead of moping in a hotel room when their idea to head for the Pacific Northwest coast went up in actual flames, they headed for Montanas Glacier National Park, where Leffler captured a blood-red, tomato-red sunset whose color was dictated by all of the smoke from the relatively nearby wildfire, he said. For all that Leffler enjoys the relative inexpensive nature of digital photography, he doesnt rely on digital-photo trickery or photo editing to create his photos, he said. Hed rather see what kind of creativity he can pull from the camera as he shoots. If you go Photographs by Robert Leffler will be displayed beginning Saturday at the Art Association of Jacksonvilles David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave. An opening reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the gallery with a gallery talk by Leffler at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. The exhibit will remain on display through Jan. 27. Gallery hours are from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and from 1 to 3 p.m. Sundays. Angela Bauer can be reached at 217-408-2057. SPRINGFIELD The Illinois History Forum at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum kicks off its 2019 schedule at noon today in the library atrium in Springfield. Todays topic is Lincoln in Art, with Mark Pohlad, an art and architecture historian at DePaul University, discussing various ways in which Lincoln has been depicted in art. This session will be in the library atrium, where the painting The Youth of Lincoln hangs. Pohlad will focus much of his talk on Harold Holzers book Lincoln Seen and Heard. Reading the book ahead of the forum is not required. The free series continues every two months, focusing the discussion on a book or museum exhibit. Experts on the various topics will lead the discussion. Audience members will be able to ask questions and share their thoughts, and participants may bring a lunch. Its a pleasure to hold these events, said Alan Lowe, executive director of the library and museum. The speakers always offer fascinating stories from history that spark great questions and insights from the audience. Other session in the 2019 Illinois History Forum schedule are: March 14 Illinois Civil War Officers and Emancipation; moderator Kristopher Teters of Western Governors University. Suggested reading: Teters Practical Liberators: Union Officers in the Western Theater During the Civil War. May 9 College Sports; moderator Kenneth Owen of the University of Illinois Springfield. Suggested reading: Winton U. Solbergs Creating the Big 10: Courage, Corruption and Commercialization. July 11 Illinois in World War I; moderator Chris McDonald of Lincoln Land Community College. Suggested reading: McDonalds Three Lying or Four Sitting From the Front in a Ford: WWI Letters of Kent Dunlap Hagler. This forum session will be at the Illinois State Military Museum instead of at the library. Sept. 12 Illinois and the Atomic Bomb; moderator Mark DePue of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Suggested reading: Richard Rhodes The Making of the Atomic Bomb. Nov. 14 The Anti-Slavery Movement in Illinois; moderator Jeanne Schultz Angel of the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association. Suggested reading: Eric Foners Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad. For more information, go online to PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov or call 217-524-6045. Angela Bauer can be reached at 217-408-2057. MINNEAPOLIS - On a recent tour of the Minneapolis Institute of Art - a whirlwind that included three "let me show you just one more" stops - Kaywin Feldman twice picked up candy wrappers from the gleaming stone floors and once stopped to welcome a group of schoolchildren. ("What did you like best?" the museum director asked them, and then laughed in delight at their "the ancient stuff" reply.) No visitor or task seems too small for Feldman, 52, who has turned the museum into a central player in the cultural life of this Midwestern city, as well as a national model for technological innovation. With an eye to detail, she has rejuvenated the regional museum with administrative skill, data-driven marketing and a focus on the life-changing potential of art. "I believe in the classic American values of truth and beauty, and I believe profoundly in the power of art," Feldman says. "It's the root of what I care about, the root of what we do." In March, Feldman and her husband, architect and retired professor Jim Lutz, will move to Washington, where she will become the fifth - and first female - director of the National Gallery of Art, succeeding Earl "Rusty" Powell III. The federally subsidized museum is larger and more conservative than Mia - the nickname of the 103-year-old Minneapolis institution - but it is ripe for a transformation of its own. The National Gallery is recognized for its scholarship and high-quality exhibitions, but it has many pressing problems, including low employee morale, lack of storage space and an outdated digital strategy. Feldman, colleagues and peers say, is up to the challenge. "She is somebody who understands all the different aspects of museum stewardship - passion for the collection, scholarship, exhibitions, the role of the institution within the city," says Marina Pacini, chief curator at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, where Feldman was director for eight years before moving to Minneapolis in 2008. "She is supportive of the staff. She is really someone who hits on all cylinders." Feldman interviewed for the Minneapolis position in 2005, when she was 39, but didn't get the job. "Silly us, we thought she was too young," says Mia board chairwoman Nivin MacMillan. "We lost our nerve." But, two years later, Feldman tried again and succeeded, taking over from William M. Griswold. She made an immediate impact, MacMillan says. "She has an unbelievable ability to persuade people, but not in a hawker, circus kind of way. It's uncanny," she says. In her first year, Feldman reorganized the staff, jump-started a moribund exhibition program and created a contemporary art department. In subsequent years, she guided the museum through the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009 (including two rounds of budget and staff cuts), introduced digital content to draw connections between the museum's diverse collections, and collaborated with such powerhouses as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the National Gallery in London. Her efforts dramatically increased attendance, which surpassed 890,000 in 2017, compared with 426,000 in 2007. "The most important thing is to have an impact on people," Feldman says, sitting at a utilitarian conference table in her no-frills office looking out onto the museum's student-filled plaza. "The use of technology, what we accession, our publications - it's not about the outputs, it's about the impact on people, and that starts with the art." --- Feldman has cemented the museum's place in the city by organizing shows and programs that reflect its communities. In 2017, it had its first exhibition of contemporary Somali art (Minneapolis has the largest Somali population of any U.S. city), and last year featured works created in response to the police shooting death of Philando Castile, an African-American resident of St. Paul. And in June, "Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists" will open, marking the first major national exhibition of Native female artists. These shows, as well as her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in both hiring and acquisitions, have opened Feldman up to criticism that she is more focused on politics than on art. Writing in the Wall Street Journal last month, art critic and New Criterion editor Roger Kimball called Feldman an enemy of art and warned that her hiring was "the latest stop on an express train whose destination is the subordination of art to politics." "The list of issues (Feldman) believes an art museum must tackle reads like a far-left manifesto," he wrote. Feldman, however, says she thinks museums have the capacity - and the responsibility - to both celebrate the beauty of an artwork and offer a platform to discuss the issues it raises. "There's a way to do so with such a light touch, absolutely acknowledging but not beating people over their heads," she says. "There are some works you can look at and just revel in their beauty ... and some that you spend a little more time with, and some that are really profound, and they might be upsetting or more interesting in some way, and you chew and digest those. "It's fine for visitors to get whatever they want out of it, but it is our job to offer them lots of tools." Feldman commissioned renowned theater director Robert Wilson to design "Power and Beauty in China's Last Dynasty," an installation of works from the museum's Chinese collection that ran for four months last year. It began with a five-minute meditation in a darkened gallery and replaced wall text with sensory effects. "It made us all nervous," Feldman says of the installation. "We wanted to test if the approach would inspire curiosity. People don't necessarily want to be educated, but everyone wants to learn." Reaction was mixed. Julie Risser, an art history professor at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design next to the museum, says the museum's focus on the audience went too far. "It treated objects as props," she says. "It was so self-indulgent, another case of a white man benefiting from showing non-Western art to build his career." But Mia board member Maurice Blanks says Feldman seeks dialogue, not drama. "She is committed to having a conversation," Blanks says. "I don't think she has an agenda about what the answer is." Feldman is quick to acknowledge that choices made at a regional museum might not be right for a national institution. "Our work here is very much about the community," she says. "But what does it mean to be the National Gallery, in terms of access, and online? I need to get there and know the people and understand (them) before I figure out what's the right thing." Colleagues say that Feldman is sure to have some ideas already. "It's got to be a question she's been thinking about," says Matthew Teitelbaum, director of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. "How does the notion of a museum and collection meet the idea of a set of national values, and at a moment when ideas of nationhood and identity are themselves being redefined and renegotiated? The National Gallery has a platform, a foundation. It is by definition a leader, and it has the potential to create a national conversation." At the National Gallery, the tasks of acquiring art, presenting exhibitions and soliciting private donations will be similar to Feldman's previous directorships, first at the Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art and Science and then in Memphis and Minneapolis. But leading the 77-year-old national museum also will require building relationships with Congress, which provides three-quarters of the museum's $190 million operating budget, and nurturing ties with Washington's embassies and art leaders around the globe. --- Feldman stumbled into the museum world at the University of Michigan, where she was a political science major. A Greek archaeology course changed everything. "It stole my heart," she says. "I think it's the combination of it being science and also art, the fact that we have to construct really good arguments to explain the past when we're absent so much specific information." After graduating with her archaeology degree, Feldman backpacked through the Middle East and Europe, where she had another change of heart. An Italian railroad strike left her stranded on a train without food for three days. The train finally deposited a smelly and famished Feldman in the Italian city of Padua - just as its famous Arena Chapel was about to close. "I had to decide - food and a shower or the chapel. Food and a shower, chapel," she says, her hands mimicking a scale, with one going up and the other down. "I went to the chapel, and it literally changed my life. Being there in front of Giotto's frescoes brought out this incredible emotion in me. It made me feel so positive about humanity and optimistic about the world, and the fact that humans could create something so beautiful and so powerful and moving." That moment still fuels her crusade to make art and museums a part of everyday life. A proponent of free admission - "it's the only way to make museum visiting a part of regular behavior," she says - Feldman started a free membership program and hosted events on racial stereotypes and issues of equity. She started the Center for Empathy and the Visual Arts, a collaboration among artists, researchers and social scientists to explore and measure how art promotes emotional intelligence. Feldman champions technology, too, in the galleries and behind the scenes. Flat-screen monitors at the Minneapolis museum help visitors understand the connections between the museum's eight collections, while guards carry iPads with information beyond what the wall text provides. There are also lots of chairs in the galleries (and they're quite comfortable) because Feldman believes good seating encourages people to slow down and spend more time with the art A data analyst Feldman hired sorts through information collected from visitors and guards (who record their interactions in the gallery); focus groups are brought in to test exhibition titles; and sophisticated computer programs help the marketing department. Kristin Prestegaard, Mia's chief engagement officer, says Feldman's support helped convince the curators and other employees of the value of the data. "She created an environment of collegiality. You're an expert on your subject, let me be an expert in my field," Prestegaard says. Feldman's love for her job was obvious on a recent December day. After conducting a tour of the galleries, she spent more than three hours in her office talking to curators about future acquisitions. Her enthusiasm for what she described as the "most fun part of the job" never waned. "They're like birds in a nest, all looking for food," she says of the curators and their pitches. Feldman's people skills were forged by an itinerant youth. Her late engineer father was in the U.S. Coast Guard, and the family moved frequently. Always being a newcomer made her appreciate the importance of extending a welcome to others, she says. "She's a lot of fun, and people respond to that," says Larry Wheeler, the recently retired director of the North Carolina Museum of Art and a close friend. "She has ample credentials and scholarship, but that's not her persona. She can talk that stuff with the best of them, but she's interested in the people we engage and how to make those (engagements) as rich as we can." Feldman and her husband - they met in Fresno, when he volunteered at the museum - are looking for a home in Washington that will fit their two cats and their 10,000 books, which they shelve in his-and-her libraries. Her 11 years in Minneapolis are the longest she's stayed in one place her entire life, and she's excited about returning to the D.C. area (she attended Montgomery Blair High School in Maryland as a sophomore) and exploring its restaurants and museums. Feldman is tight-lipped about any changes she might make at the National Gallery, saying she'll spend a lot of time listening and learning. "I think it's going to take me a year to understand who the people are, the culture," she says. "I'm a learner, so I want to dig in and really explore." Late in the Day By Tessa Hadley Harper. 288 pp. $26.99 --- With each new book by Tessa Hadley, I grow more convinced that she's one of the greatest stylists alive. The British author of seven novels and several story collections, Hadley regularly inspires such praise, but her success was hardly a foregone conclusion. Her first novel, "Accidents in the Home," didn't appear until she was 46, practically geriatric compared with those wunderkinds who secure contracts at the Iowa Writers' Workshop and graduate into a field of laurels. There are compensations, though, for achieving literary success later in life. Unable to sell her first stories while she was raising a family, Hadley went back to school and wrote a Ph.D. thesis on Henry James. That long immersion in James' canon offered a study of psychological acuity that now illuminates Hadley's work. But her quietly elegant style and muted wit are triumphs all her own. To read Hadley's fiction is to grow self-conscious in the best way: to recognize with astonishment the emotions playing behind our own expressions, to hear articulated our own inchoate anxieties. Her previous book, "The Past" - one of the best novels of 2016 - involves four adult siblings enjoying their last vacation in a summer cottage. It focuses on the passing of a beloved era, a melancholy transition that everyone knows will reshape their relations to each other. Her new novel, "Late in the Day," zeros in on a similar, but more dire moment of adjustment that arrives with the speed of a swinging scythe. The story involves two married couples who have known each other since their university days. Lydia is married to Zachary, a wealthy man who owns a London art gallery. Christine is married to Alex, a poet who teaches at a primary school. On the opening page, Lydia calls from the hospital with news that Zachary has suffered a heart attack. Christine listens in alarm for several minutes before asking, "Are they going to operate?" "I told you," Lydia says, "he's dead." It's a moment perfectly constructed to capture the confusion of life-changing news, those moments when the roof blows off our well-organized lives and we rush to close a window. "He wasn't the dying type," Zachary's widow objects. Suddenly alone for the first time in years, she's terrified by her own incompetence, and Zachary's friends are discombobulated by having the polished structure of their quartet torn apart. "There was something intolerable in the expectation in that room, strained around Zachary's absence, which could not be filled," Hadley writes. "The time when they might have been waiting for him to walk through the door was so recent, so close at hand, that it seemed vividly possible; they could imagine how he'd make his entrance, noisy with reassurances, full of jokes, puzzled by their glum faces. He was always so up to date on everything, so full of news. It seemed impossible he didn't know this latest fact, his own death." "Late in the Day" moves forward and backward in alternating chapters. The earliest sections show Christine and Lydia as students, respectively cautious and reckless, in their pursuit of Alex and Zachary. Here Hadley lays the cornerstones of the lives and romances the four of them will construct over the next decades. How easy it is to forget the cracks in those foundations, but when Zachary dies, they will discover that the intimacy of a long friendship equips them to help - and devastate - each other. In the novel's present-day sections, we watch Zachary's widow and his surviving friends struggle to recalibrate their world without him. Moments of sympathy and understanding are strafed with acts of callousness that shock even the perpetrators. It's nothing unusual, I suppose, just the everyday tragedies and betrayals of domestic life but rendered by Hadley's prose into something extraordinary. Years ago, when an interviewer asked Hadley if she had any advice for other mothers who write, she replied: "Don't be afraid that you don't have enough to say. Your experiences are as interesting as globetrotting!" That's true, but misleading. Motherhood and globe-trotting can be interesting or dull depending entirely on how they're brought to life on the page. For Hadley, that process involves the precise observation of conflicting motives flitting across her characters' minds. For instance, in a typically thwarted moment of humility, Lydia "thinks what a selfish person she is, but thinks it luxuriantly." These are characters on the threshold of understanding themselves, but we always get there first, which is the province and privilege of fine fiction. The tone of "Late in the Day" is perhaps Hadley's most delicate accomplishment. This is romantic comedy pulled by a hearse. The whole grief-steeped story should be as fun as a dirge, but instead it feels effervescent - lit not with mockery but with the energy of Hadley's attention, her sensitivity to the abiding comedy of human desire. Even Zachary's funeral is spiked with wit, as his daughter struggles to exude enough grief to catch the eye of a young rock star. Which hints at another wonder of Hadley's novels: Though she understands the aspirations and humiliations of middle age, she's just as perceptive when it comes to the yearnings of young people. They prowl around the edges of this story, alternately sympathetic and mortified, convinced with the pure righteousness of youth that they'll never behave so foolishly as their drifting, dying parents. Despite its grim opening, this is a novel about the persistence of life, the agonizing but clarifying effect of great loss. Even late in the day, Hadley suggests, there's still time to begin again. Living Alone By Stella Benson --- Mr. Godly Beside Himself By Gerald Bullett --- How many of us live lives of quiet desperation? To adapt a line from Randall Jarrell's poem "The Woman at the Washington Zoo," the world goes by our cage and never sees us. Lonely, unhappy, we yearn for romance or personal fulfillment or simple appreciation. Dressed in the "dull null/ Navy I wear to work, and from work and so/ to my bed, so to my grave," Jarrell's protagonist desperately cries out, "Change me! change me!" This ache for transformation runs throughout modern fiction (and life), but takes an unexpected turn in two gently comic and unjustly forgotten British literary fantasies: Stella Benson's "Living Alone" (1919) and Gerald Bullett's "Mr. Godly Beside Himself" (1925). In both, the main characters are changed by an encounter with magic. Benson's novel begins with a satirical portrait of a World War I committee devoted to good works. Its most prominent member, Lady Arabel Higgins, "had not yet long been a social worker, and had not yet acquired a taste for making fools of the undeserving." The most important figure for the story, however, is Sarah Brown, a mousy clerical worker who suffers from wretched health and has "seen Love and the Spring only through the glass of a charity office window." In an observation that will resonate with many Washingtonians, Benson concludes that "when your daily round becomes nothing more than a daily round of committees you might as well be dead." Before this ladies' sodality can get down to new business, a Stranger comes racing into the room, hides under the table and breathlessly pants "They're after me." She is dressed, we are told, in clothes appropriate to "a decayed gentlewoman." Asked her name, the Stranger declares herself to be Hazeline Snow, later announces that she is really Thelma Bennett Watkins, and later still calls herself Angela. In her bag she carries little packets labeled "Magic." The Stranger - whose real name we never learn - turns out to be a somewhat dotty witch, who rides a broomstick called Harold and manages a shop on Mitten Island that specializes in "Happiness and Magic." Attached to it is a small hostelry called the House of Living Alone. No one pays rent to reside in its monastery-like cells, but one must agree to spend at least 18 hours out of 24 entirely alone. Sarah Brown decides to move in, soon growing friendly with the only other guest, a young Cockney woman named Peony, who "showed unnatural energy even in repose, and lived as though she had a taxi waiting at the door." Sarah Brown also comes to know Lady Arabel's soldier-son Richard, a wizard who shrouds his powers and owns both Living Alone and a farm in Faerie. To reach the latter "you follow the Green Ride through the Enchanted Forest, until you come to the Castle where the Youngest Prince - who rescued one of the Fethersonhaugh girls from a giant and married her - used to live." The field workers are fairy folk, the overseer a talking dragon. Much else happens in this short novel, most notably a battle in the clouds between our English witch and a German witch leading an airstrike on London. Following a number of madcap, Keystone Kop-like shenanigans, the book concludes with Sarah Brown sailing to the United States and starting a new life. In the first chapter of "Mr. Godly Beside Himself" a commonplace, middle-aged businessman is edging toward suicide. Mr. Godly hates the dull routine of his meaningless existence. Above all, his lukewarm but "inconvenient affection" for his wife, Florence, "seemed to him a monstrous folly, a tragic weakness of character, which prevented his seeking and finding, in the ardent eyes of some other woman, that romantic intoxication of the spirit for which he thirsted as parched land thirsts for rain." Recently, though, the Mercantile Hope Corp., Ltd., has hired a new typist, Miss Maia M'Gree, with whom Mr. Godly has grown pathetically infatuated: Otherwise conscientious, the marine insurance executive "would have cheerfully sunk every ship on the sea if thereby he could have afforded her a moment's pleasure." When Maia sits down for dictation, a bumbling Mr. Godly timidly reveals his hitherto unspoken desires. To his surprise, this stunning young woman seems willing to offer him what he regards as "the impossible." "Seems" is the operative word. Following a sinister dinner during which Mr. Godly encounters the typist's supposed father (who turns out to be a goat-footed satyr), as well as a winged child and two preposterous rival admirers, the enigmatic, nymph-like Maia conducts our hero "over the hills and far away." As Mr. Godly unsuspectingly crosses into Faerie, he notices a figure virtually identical to himself proceeding in the opposite direction, back toward our world. Soon thereafter Maia disappears. While searching for her, the confused Mr. Godly finds himself caught up in a civil war between Faerie's two political parties, one favoring the ancient ways of magic and easy love, the other copying the restrictive morals and clothing of the possibly mythical Yewman Beans. He learns much from the crotchety Old Fairy Fumpum and even meets a little boy who might be the child he never had. When Mr. Godly finally rediscovers Maia, naked, glorious, immortally beautiful, she grants him a single kiss. Meanwhile, back in London, our hero's fairy doppelganger has been reawakening joy in Florence while sowing chaos at the marine insurance office. What will happen when a somewhat wiser Mr. Godly and his look-alike finally return, as they must, to their respective worlds and their old lives? Stella Benson (1892-1933) and Gerald Bullett (1893-1958) both wrote a great deal and their work is often tinged with fantasy. Still, their masterpieces, minor but well worth rediscovering, remain these lightly comic and quietly touching fairy tales for the disenchanted. Try one, try both. Facebook on Friday announced that it may allow former President Donald Trumps Facebook and Instagram accounts to be reinstated in January 2023. At that time, the social media company will re-evaluate whether the risk to public safety of allowing Trump back onto its services has receded. This two-year suspension will prevent Trump from using Facebook or Instagram to broadcast to his followers until after the 2022 U.S. midterm elections. Do you think tech giants like Facebook are using their power to censor political speech and manipulate U.S. politics? Choices are: You voted: Discuss this article with your neighbors or join the community conversation. Click here to get access Avery Frix serves District 13 of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He can be reached by phone at (405) 557-7302 or via email at avery.frix@okhouse.gov. Ashley Freeman (left) and Lauria Bible have been missing and presumed dead for much of the past 19 years. An anonymous tip the week after their abduction led to the search of a shaft at the old Admiralty III Mine north of the Douthat Baptist Church, an effort that came up empty but that now is in question. From left, MTSU forensic students Fiona McLeish, Reagan Evans and Joseph Kindoll handle artificial bones during the annual Forensic Anthropology Search and Recovery Team retreat in October at which students are trained to conduct skeletal recovery. A 22-year-old West Point, Mississippi, man died Tuesday night after a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 20, 4 miles west of Midland, according to a press release from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Antonio D. Reese was driving a Ford F-150 westbound in the right lane of I-20, and a Freightliner truck tractor towing a semi-trailer was in the left lane, a short distance behind the pickup. Reese attempted to cross the center median and turned into the path of the truck, which hit the pickup, according to the release. Staff will continue to get paid while the school is closed, district spokesman Nick Alajakis said. The district is also looking into what make-up days will be needed and will be in contact with the Illinois State Board of Education and the Lake County Regional Office of Education, he added. For AmeriSave, the acquisition marks the companys efforts to scale its loan originations business. We are excited to welcome the TMS originations team and business to AmeriSave, President Mike Berte said. While we had a strong 2018, this acquisition kickstarts 2019, allowing us to expand our market share, add talented mortgage professionals in two terrific markets, and help more people realize the dream of homeownership. For TMS, the acquisition is a strategic move to focus on revolutionizing servicing with its customer service platform SIME and to take a vertical approach to its core businesses. This is a perfect fit. AmeriSave brings years of delivering a truly exceptional, tech-forward experience to homeowners during originations as we do at TMS in servicing customers for the life of the loan, CEO Darius Mirshahzadeh said. We feel good knowing that they will take great care of our customers and our people while we double down on being the worlds best servicer. Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. Frank Whitfield was elected as the new Chairperson of MOVE Lorain County in December, 2018. The warrant was obtained after Sheriffs Office detectives were made aware in August that Klubertanz was making sexual advances toward a juvenile family member and their investigation found he had sexually abused the juvenile at his Ingleside home between June and December of 2017, according to the release. Lorain High School graduating seniors received their diplomas during the 2018 Lorain High School commencement held June 5, 2018, at the high school, and here get ready to switch their tassel to signify their new status as Lorain Titan alumni. The Lorain City School district has announced the 2019 commencement will take place at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. Over the past three decades, Debbie Dixon, owner of Your Deli, 395 Park Ave. in Amherst, said the loyalty of local residents has kept her busi Those sleep deprived nights may have an upside after science has revealed that those babies who don't sleep through the night are actually very gifted. Research from a UK university has established what it believes to be a direct link between a babys inability to sleep through the night and their intelligence. In other words, non-sleeping babies are potentially smarter than ones who sleep like tiny angels. Professor Peter Fleming from the University of Bristol said in an interview with Buzzfeed, said not sleeping through the night and intelligence are correlated. "Theres a link between very high levels of developmental and intellectual achievement and not sleeping throughout the night, he told the publication. Human infants are not designed to sleep for long periods, its not good for them, and there is absolutely no evidence whatsoever that there is any benefit to anybody from having a child that sleeps longer and consistently. Thats not perhaps what most parents would like to hear. So keep covering up those eyebags and trying not to lose your sanity as it should all work out in the end when your child is winning a Noble Peace prize! A man who was accidentally invited to a WhatsApp group about a woman's 50th birthday made some inappropriate requests as a joke - and he got a shock after realising who he was speaking to. Billy, a 23 year old from the UK recieved the invite to 'Sandra's 50th' group chat which he accepted, knowing well that it wasn't meant to be him who was added. With the other ladies all in the group thinking he was 'Lorraine', he decided to have some fun in the chat with the women. He posted the exchange of messages on his Twitter account on Monday after his "brush with the law" resulted in him being unmasked and kicked out of the group. January 10, 2019 Pompeo's Middle East Speech - A Blustering Promise Of Less U.S. Involvement Today Mike Pompeo, the U.S. Secretary of State, visited Egypt. He held a somewhat delusional speech at the American University in Cairo. It is headlined: A Force for Good: America Reinvigorated in the Middle East: There is little in the speech that supports the headline. It starts with blustering: [B]ecause Im a military man by training, Ill be very blunt and direct today: America is a force for good in the Middle East. We need to acknowledge that truth, because if we dont, we make bad choices now and in the future. Pompeo blames Obama for the trouble the "force of good" caused: Remember: It was here, here in this city, that another American stood before you. He told you that radical Islamist terrorism does not stem from an ideology. He told you that 9/11 led my country to abandon its ideals, particularly in the Middle East. He told you that the United States and the Muslim world needed, quote, a new beginning, end of quote. The results of these misjudgments have been dire. In falsely seeing ourselves as a force for what ails the Middle East, we were timid in asserting ourselves when the times and our partners demanded it. ... The good news. The good news is this: The age of self-inflicted American shame is over, and so are the policies that produced so much needless suffering. Now comes the real new beginning. It follows a list of false claims and fake history: For those who fret about the use of American power, remember this: America has always been, and always will be, a liberating force, not an occupying power. Weve never dreamed of domination in the Middle East. Pompeo ignores the still valid Carter doctrine which demands exclusive U.S. domination of the Middle East: "An attempt by any outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America, and such an assault will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force." When the mission is over, when the job is complete, America leaves. Today in Iraq, at the governments invitation, we have approximately 5,000 troops where there were once 166,000. We once had tens of thousands of U.S. military stationed personnel stationed in Saudi Arabia. Now that number is a tiny fraction. In 2011 the Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki rejected to sign a Status of Force agreement that would have given U.S. troops in Iraq special rights. In consequence the U.S. had to retreat from Iraq. A few troops came back to fight the Islamic State which Obama let grow to eject Maliki. Those troops will too have to leave. After the 1991 war against Iraq, Saudi Arabia came under pressure from radical Islamists to kick the many U.S. troops out of the country. Several thousand sill stayed. After the Kohbar tower bombing in 1996 the rest had to go too. In both cases the retreat was not voluntarily. The speech goes on with a long passage of bashing Iran and lauding Israel. Pompeo says that the Trump administration wishes to establish the 'Middle East Strategic Alliance', an Arab NATO that allies with Israel. A pipe dream born out of sheer ignorance that is destined to fail. Were also seeing remarkable change. New bonds are taking root that were unimaginable until very recently. Who couldve believed a few years ago that an Israeli prime minister would visit Muscat? Israel's then Prime Minister Rabin visited Oman in 1994. Two years later then Prime Minister Shimon Peres followed. So yeah, a lot of people could have believed that. None of them though believes that a 'Middle East Strategic Alliance' will ever be more than a talking point. The speech then comes to the core of Trump's thinking and policy: Let me be clear: America will not retreat until the terror fight is over. [...] But as President Trump has said, were looking to our partners to do more, and in this effort we will do so going forward together. For our part, airstrikes in the region will continue as targets arise. ... And as the fighting continues, we will continue to assist our partners in efforts to guard borders, prosecute terrorists, screen travelers, assist refugees, and more. But assist is the key phrase. Those who want to fight Iran down to the last U.S. soldier, i.e. Israel and Saudi Arabia, will not like to hear that. Under Trump the U.S. will not do the bleeding in their fight. On Syria: Let me be clear: America will not retreat until the terror fight is over. [...] President Trump has made the decision to bring our troops home from Syria. We always do and now is the time, but this isnt a change of mission. ... In Syria, the United States will use diplomacy and work with our partners to expel every last Iranian boot, and work through the UN-led process to bring peace and stability to the long-suffering Syrian people. There will be no U.S. reconstruction assistance for areas of Syria held by Assad until Iran and its proxy forces withdraw and until we see irreversible progress towards a political resolution. That is a revocation of John Bolton's plan to stay in Syria to defend the Kurds from a Turkish invasion or for whatever other reason. Indeed the Syrian Kurds are not mentioned at all in Pompeo's speech. They will surely take note of that. There is also no mention of human rights, Khashoggi, freedom, or Palestinian statehood. The speech ends as it started, with praising "Americas innate goodness". Daniel Larison calls the speech Pompeos Exercise in Arrogant Self-Congratulation. That fits well. For the people and the rulers in the Middle East the speech offers nothing. They are told that they are on their own. The U.S. will not longer play the "shinning city upon a hill" and it will no longer do the fighting for other interests. It wants purely transactional relations but with as little physical involvement as possible. There is a lot of support for Israel in the speech and an equal amount of bashing Iran. But there is no promise that the U.S. is willing to do more than verbal grandstanding and to keep up the ineffective 'squeezing' of Iran. Overall Pompeo's speech was directed more at a U.S. audience that to a Middle Eastern public. Iran hawks, evangelicals and President Trump will love it. Liberal interventionists and neo-conservatives will criticize it. While the speech points into a direction that more isolationist forces in the U.S. will support, it does not guarantee that the real policies will follow it. Even if Trump wants to go into a direction of less U.S. involvement, there are other forces in his administration which try to push him into new conflicts. Under these circumstances it is nothing more that one data point that shows what might be. Posted by b on January 10, 2019 at 19:50 UTC | Permalink Comments next page next page The indictments, released by the Lake County States Attorneys Office, state that Sauer allegedly knew the women involved; that a reasonable person would know that the image was to remain private; and that the defendant knew or should have known that the alleged victims did not consent to dissemination of their images. At time of writing, the share price of MGM Wireless Limited [ASX:MWR] is down 5.37%, trading at $3.70 per share. It has been a meteoric rise for the stock this year, with it delivering a 470% one-year return: Source: marketindex.com.au Yesterday, the company released a trading and sales update for the Christmas period, which investors are currently digesting. How Aussie investors could potentially win big when China takes on Silicon Valley download your free report now. Good news and bad news for MGM Wireless share price The good news for the company includes a couple highlights from their most recent announcement. For instance, sales for six months to 31 December 2018 totalled 10,989 units. That represents a more than tenfold increase versus the same time last year. These sales resulted in 1H FY2019 revenues exceeding $4 million, an increase of 154% compared to last year. In addition to the sales, recurring App revenue exceeded $30,000 per month in December with 6,200 active subscribers. Now for the bad news (sort of). They sold out! Namely, MGM Wireless sales were actually limited by their stock levels. MGM Wireless admitted this in the announcement saying: Determining demand and establishing stocking requirements at store level was a significant challenge for the Company and its distributors. On November 5, 2018, the Company announced that over 5,000 units had been shipped to bricks and mortar retailers as initial stock. Subsequently, the Company supplied about 4,000 units to replenish store stock levels. Even so, many stores sold out before Christmas but too late to raise their internal purchase orders that would have triggered further re-supply. They have, however, already received orders for 2,300 units so far in January as retailers restock ahead of the back to school sales period. Below you can see a picture of what their SPACETALK product looks like in the hands of their CEO: Source: Australian Financial Review Whats next for the MGM Wireless share price? Money Morning thinks MGM Wireless product is genuinely exciting, even cool. Those of us that grew up before the advent of smartphones are all aware of the potentially destructive effect that they can have on children, and MGM Wireless product addresses this concern. In a world where we get bombarded with stimulus and information from every angle, a product that limits these things is an interesting proposition. Indeed, MGM Wireless product distinguishes itself from other smartwatches by what it doesnt do. The regulatory environment around schools and smartphones could well be a boon for MGM Wireless as well. The companys focus on education is important, and with the recent ban of mobile phones in NSW primary schools, it may reap some rewards from a shift in how we educate children. In other news for the company, they are preparing to enter the UK and European market with the goal of launching this financial year. In France, the Education Ministry instituted a ban on mobile phones for years one to nine just this past September. Other European companies may follow suit, something which could be of benefit to MGM Wireless if it gets its European launch right. Going forward, they will likely need to address stock issues if they are to keep up with demand. Regards, Lachlann Tierney, For Money Morning PS: Silicon Valley is losing ground to this hot new competitor and you could potentially profit with this concise guide. Read the free report now. Last week, Moneylife had published an interview with Dr Pallavi Darade . Her raids on 350 outlets from where four leading online food app companies procured food for their customers, revealed unhygienic conditions in 112 outlets, which did not have registered licences either. To recall, Dr Darade had revealed the condition of restaurants/outlets from where cooked food is procured by the fashionable online food service appsZomato, Swiggy, Foodpanda and Uber Eatsand is served to thousands of unsuspecting youngsters. Thus: though it was promised that food had been delivered from this or that outlet, many a time it was found that the food was actually delivered from the dhaba right next to the customers house, or from a very small outlet and at times even from homemade kitchens where facilities were inadequate; there was no pest control; kitchens were dirty; the water in which the food needs to be cooked was not potable and was never tested for safety; sometimes toilets were very close to the kitchens and medical check-up of people who were serving the food under these extremely unhygienic conditions was never done; sometimes dirty clothing was lying around; sometimes the storerooms where raw material was kept was not hygienic. Dr Darade concluded by pointing to the shocking outcome of the searches and raids that there were several parameters that needed to be applied under the Food Safety Act, which were not complied. Providing the names of PIOs is compulsory under Section 4 of the RTI Act. In order to procure more details on the reports of the raids, I decided to file an RTI application with the public information officer, Food & Drugs Administration, government of Maharashtra. And that was the first stumbling block. During the entire day on Wednesday, its website http://fda.maharashtra.gov.in/ just did not open. I wanted to find out the name of the public information officer and the correct office address. I got access to it only today, Thursday at 4.30 am. However, I am appalled to note that when you click the `RTI Act icon on its homepage, you get no information on the name of the public information officer or the appellate authority for filing your RTI requisition/appeal ( http://fda.maharashtra.gov.in/SPK-D-3A11(1).pdf ). This pdf copy that has been posted on its website names designations of officers without any names. Besides, FDA is a government agency, which should be directly connected with the people as it deals with the crucial element of their health, and what better way than interacting through the public domain, that is, its website? I have decided to file a complaint with the state information commission against FDA for not following the proactive disclosures under Section 4 of the RTI Act. Also, what is shocking is this feedback from one of our readers, Adheer Pai who wrote in the comments column of my article published last week, The link to register a food related complaint on the FDA website does not work. (http://fda.maharashtra.gov.in/food.html (Click Report a Food Problem). Dr Darade had confidently stated that consumers could use this Facebook page for any complaint. Her words are: Yes, we get complaints often because we have offices across Maharashtra; we also have a Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/Maharashtra.FDA1/ .); a helpline number (1800222365) and our landline no is 022-265923-63/64/64. So, through all these online and offline support systems, we keep getting complaints. In fact, these complaints were the major ground information sources for us which brought our attention to the seriousness of the issue and made us believe that we need to check it thoroughly. Hence, I shall communicate Adheer Pais feedback to her. Nevertheless, you can address your RTI application (like I have done) to the public information officer, Food and Drugs Administration, Survey No. 341, 2nd Floor, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Opposite Reserve Bank Of India, Kala Nagar, Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051. Do not forget to stick Rs10 court fee stamp. (See picture shot of my RTI application) I have asked for the following information for the period of 1 January 2017 to 10 January 2019: 1. Please provide copies of all reports of raids conducted on 350 or more outlets of online food service appsZomato, Swiggy, Uber Eats, Foodpanda and any other. 2. Please provide a copy of the proposal and decision to conduct raids on Zomato, Swiggy, Uber Eats, Foodpanda and any other. 3. Please provide copies of photographs and videos taken of the kitchen, toilets and any other that may have been clicked or shot, during the above raids. 4. Please provide a list of all the outlets that were raided along with addresses and list of outlets. 5. Please provide copies of correspondence of authorities of Zomato, Swiggy, Uber Eats, Foodpanda and any other to your office, in this matter. 6. Please provide mandatory rules and regulations for procuring a food license and a copy of action taken when there is a violation of such rules and regulations. 7. Please provide a copy of FDIs order to close 10,000 or more outlets of above food companies. 8. Please provide a copy of the proposal for further action/action taken against Zomato, Swiggy, Uber Eats, Foodpanda and any others for being responsible for putting their customers health in danger. Let us make this into a public movement through the RTI route. We cannot afford an entire generation of unhealthy youngsters who are going to be the future citizens of this country! Iran confirmed it is holding US Navy veteran Michael R White at a prison in the country, making him the first American known to be detained under President Donald Trump's administration. White's detention adds new pressure to the rising tension between Iran and the US, which under Trump has pursued a maximalist campaign against Tehran that includes pulling out of its nuclear deal with world powers. Although the circumstances of White's detention remain unclear, Iran in the past has used its detention of Westerners and dual nationals as leverage in negotiations. The semi-official Tasnim news agency, believed to be close to the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, reported the confirmation January 9, citing Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi. "An American citizen was arrested in the city of Mashhad some time ago and his case was conveyed to the US administration on the first days" of his incarceration, Ghasemi was quoted as saying. The New York Times has quoted White's mother saying she learned three weeks ago that her son is alive and being held at an Iranian prison. His arrest was first reported by IranWire, an online news service run by one-time Iran detainee Maziar Bahari, which interviewed a former Iranian prisoner who said he met White at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad in October. Mashhad is about 95 kilometers (60 miles) east of Tehran, Iran's capital. Ghasemi also denied any mistreatment of prisoners in Mashhad, as alleged by the former prisoner quoted in the IranWire story. He described the allegations as "psychological warfare." The Associated Press has been unable to reach members of White's family. The State Department said it was aware of reports of an American citizen's arrest, but was otherwise unable to comment. White's mother, Joanne White, had told the Times that her 46-year-old son, who lives in Imperial Beach, California, went to Iran to see his girlfriend and had booked a July 27 flight back home to San Diego via the United Arab Emirates. She filed a missing person report with the State Department after he did not board the flight. She added that he had been undergoing treatment for a neck tumour and has asthma. While relations between Iran and the US warmed under President Barack Obama, they've turned increasingly toxic under Trump. Trump in May withdrew America from the nuclear deal, which saw Iran limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the easing of economic sanctions. Trump has said he withdrew from the deal to put further pressure on Iran over its ballistic missile program, as well as to blunt its influence in the wider Mideast. While American officials deny that the goal of the US policy is regime change, his administration includes officials who have openly called for Iran's government to be overthrown. The worsening ties could be heard in remarks January 9 by Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who previously has told Trump he "cannot do a damn thing" to stop Iran. "Some US officials pretend that they are mad," Khamenei said. "Of course I don't agree with that, but they are first-class idiots." There are four other known American citizens being held in Iran. Iranian-American Siamak Namazi and his 82-year-old father Baquer, a former UNICEF representative who served as governor of Iran's oil-rich Khuzestan province under the US-backed shah, are both serving 10-year sentences on espionage charges. Iranian-American art dealer Karan Vafadari and his Iranian wife, Afarin Neyssari, received 27-year and 16-year prison sentences, respectively. Chinese-American graduate student Xiyue Wang was sentenced to 10 years in prison for allegedly "infiltrating" the country while doing doctoral research on Iran's Qajar dynasty. Iranian-American Robin Shahini was released on bail in 2017 after staging a hunger strike while serving an 18-year prison sentence for "collaboration with a hostile government." A lawsuit filed on his behalf in US District Court in Washington says he's since returned to America. Also in an Iranian prison is Nizar Zakka, a US permanent resident from Lebanon who advocated for internet freedom and has done work for the US government. He was sentenced to 10 years on espionage-related charges. Former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who vanished in Iran in 2007 while on an unauthorized CIA mission, remains missing as well. Iran says that Levinson is not in the country and that it has no further information about him, though his family holds Tehran responsible for his disappearance. Tehran now says it has no information about him. Others held with Western ties include Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian woman who is serving a five-year prison sentence for allegedly planning the "soft toppling" of Iran's government while travelling with her young daughter. As pressure mounts in Britain for her release, Iranian state television this week aired footage of her arrest at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport. U.S. President Donald Trump delivers a televised address to the nation from his desk in the Oval Office about immigration and the southern U.S. border on the 18th day of a partial government shutdown at the White House in Washington, U.S., January 8, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Barria - RC1874104B10 A UK consultancy working on Donald Trump's US election campaign pleaded guilty and was fined by a London court January 9 over its refusal to release personal data it secretly hoovered off Facebook. The social media giant has admitted that Cambridge Analytica a political advisory that ran Trump's digital outreach in 2016 used an app to collect the private details of 87 million users without their knowledge. It then strategically targeted them with political ads and produced detailed polls that allegedly helped Trump score an upset victory over Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton. Cambridge Analytica pleaded guilty on January 9 of failing to comply with a UK media regulator's order to release the information it had on a US professor who demanded to know what the company knew about him -- and how. It was fined 15,000 pounds (USD 19,100, 16,700 euros) and required to pay around 6,000 pounds in court costs. January 9 hearing in a tiny courtroom in the residential outskirts of London was a test case that provided a glimpse into a scandal that has rocked Facebook's reputation and provided more work for US investigators probing Trump's campaign. An attorney representing the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) media regulator told the court that Cambridge Analytica managed to gather what amounted to 81 billion printed pages of data about Facebook users. Investigations by The Guardian and The New York Times published a year ago prompted the ICO to seize Cambridge Analytica's computers and servers as part of their own inquiry in March 2017. The firm has since gone into administration. But Wednesday's hearing showed that Cambridge Analytica is still putting up a fight. An ICO attorney said the London-based company had initially told US Professor David Carroll that his request for information was groundless because he was neither a British citizen or resident. "You have no right to make (a data access request) -- any more than a member of the Taliban sitting in a cave in the remotest corner of Afghanistan," Cambridge Analytica's letter to him said. One of the company's executives later told the ICO that he did "not expect to be further harassed with this sort of correspondence". The company's guilty plea was also carefully crafted. Cambridge Analytica admitted to a "failure to comply with (an ICO) enforcement notice". But the plea notes that "this prosecution does not relate to nor suggest misuse of data or any potential action relating thereto". Professor Carroll told AFP that he felt only partially vindicated by the verdict. "It's another step in the way. We are not done yet," he said in a telephone interview from New York. "The quest is complete when I get all my data." Presiding judge Kenneth Grant agreed to look into the specifics of Carroll's data request -- but not the wider issue of Cambridge Analytica releasing all the information it had. Carroll said the biggest revelation from January 9 hearing was that the ICO had obtained the passwords to Cambridge Analytica's servers that the company had initially tried not to disclose. He said this could lead to the eventual release of the data as well as a more thorough review of digital privacy rules in both Britain and the United States. "I think the story is not over," the US professor said. The court heard that Cambridge Analytica's guilty plea was coordinated with ICO representatives over the course of the past weeks. It marked a last-minute change of strategy by administrators who inherited the case from the company's executives. Cambridge Analytica pleaded not guilty in an initial hearing on October 3. The ICO called the admission and Wednesday's sentence "a warning that there are consequences for ignoring the law". "Wherever you live in the world, if your data is being processed by a UK company, UK data protection laws apply," the UK regulator said in a statement released to AFP. USA and China China's commerce ministry said on Thursday trade talks with the United States this were extensive and detailed, and established a foundation for the resolution of each others' concerns. The two sides "held extensive, deep and thorough exchanges on trade and structural issues of common concern, which promoted mutual understanding and established a foundation for the resolution of each others' concerns", it said. Both parties agreed to continue to maintain close contact, the ministry said in a brief statement on its website. The three-day talks in Beijing that wrapped up on Wednesday were the first face-to-face negotiations since US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping met in Buenos Aires in December and agreed a 90-day truce in a trade war that has disrupted the flow of hundreds of billions of dollars of goods. Washington has presented Beijing with a long list of demands that would rewrite the terms of trade between the world's two largest economies. They include changes to China's policies on intellectual property protection, technology transfers, industrial subsidies and other non-tariff barriers to trade. Nearly halfway into the 90-day truce, there have been few concrete details on progress made so far. The meetings in Beijing were not at a ministerial level, so were not expected to produce a deal to end the trade war. On Wednesday, the US Trade Representative's offices said in a statement officials from the two sides discussed "ways to achieve fairness, reciprocity and balance in trade relations". "The talks also focused on China's pledge to purchase a substantial amount of agricultural, energy, manufactured, and other products and services from the United States," the USTR said. At stake are scheduled US tariff increase on $200 billion in Chinese imports. Trump has said he would increase those duties to 25 percent from 10 percent currently if no deal is reached by March 2, and has threatened to tax all imports from China if Beijing fails to cede to US demands. US officials have long complained that China has failed to live up to trade promises, often citing Beijing's pledges to resume imports of American beef that took more than a decade to implement. No schedule for further face-to-face negotiations was released after the talks, and USTR said the American delegation was returning to Washington to report on the meetings and "to receive guidance on the next steps". Continued Conversation for Google Assistant (Image: Google) Google pulled out all stops make a huge splash at CES 2019. Googles booth at CES this year is three times larger than it was last time. The search giant has taken it a step further this year, integrating an interactive ride for guests to show off updates to the Google Assistant. Google Assistant Interpreter mode does live translations for two people speaking different languages. One Billion devices will feature Google Assistant by the end of the month. Google Assistant is adding an auto-punctuation feature, so users don't have to worry about adding commas or periods in their replies. Samsungs 2019 range of Smart TVs to feature Google Assistant, allowing you to control your TV with voice commands from your Google Home. Brands like Sony, Hisense, Philips, TCL, Skyworth, Xiaomi, Haier, Changhong, JVC, and Toshiba are following Samsungs lead, integrating the Google Assistant in future TVs. Car accessories like the Anker Roav Bolt and the JBL Link Drive will feature the Google Assistant, allowing you to connect your phone to your car system. Google Assistant will also be coming to Sonos Speakers and KitchenAids Smart Display. Lenovo also unveiled a Google Assistant-powered smart clock for your nightstand Dish is also adding the Google Assistant to its Hopper set-top boxes But thats not all folks. Heres a look at all Googles major announcements at CES 2019: CES is the worlds biggest technology conference, a fact that hasn't eluded Google. And if the last couple of days have told us anything, it is that the Google Assistant is at the helm of its CES strategy. The Consumer Electronics Show has only just begun and still has a long way to go before it is curtains on January 11 and one cannot wait to see Googles pending announcements in the next few days of the show. Citizenship-bill The controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which was passed by Lok Sabha on January 8, has put Assam on the boil and may spell trouble for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Northeast. The Bill seeks to provide Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, Jains and Christians from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The BJP has been at the forefront of pushing for this Bill, with Home Minister Rajnath Singh stating that the government would do everything to "preserve Northeast's identity and culture". "We want a peaceful situation in the Northeast and are in constant touch with the state governments. We will strive to protect the identity and culture of the Northeast and will take steps to address all concerns," Singh had said. However, parties in the Northeast, including those in alliance with the saffron party, have been up in arms against the Bill. Observers suggest that this is because people in the region feel that the Bill would allow entry of 'outsiders' into the Northeast and thus threaten the indigenous identity of the region. On January 8, student bodies called for a shutdown in the region in protest against the legislation. A day before the shutdown, Asom Gana Parishad (AGM), a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) member in Assam, pulled out of the alliance after it was told that the Home Ministry would try to pass the Bill in Lok Sabha. "The home minister clearly told us they will try to get this bill passed... so theres no question of us staying with the BJP anymore," AGP President Atul Bora had said. The AGP had, in November, threatened to pull out of the alliance over the issue. Other NDA allies in the Northeast, like Meghalaya's National People's Party (NPP), fired a warning salvo when Chief Minister and party president Conrad Sangma termed the passing of the Bill as "unfortunate". "Well, it is very unfortunate that this Bill has been passed as this is something which we have opposed vehemently," Sangma had said. The NPP leader has also indicated that the party might snap ties with BJP over the issue. The NPP is based out of Meghalaya but has a presence across the region. Four of its MLAs are part of the BJP-led government in Manipur. Meanwhile, the Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), which is in alliance with BJP in the state, has also expressed its opposition to the Bill. According to a report by The Indian Express, the IPFT has asked the central government to "reconsider" the Bill, while the Indigenous Nationalist Party of Twipra (INPT) said it would be launching a movement against the Bill shortly. The Mizo National Front (MNF) of Mizoram, which swept to power in the state recently, has also raised opposition to the Bill. The MNF is part of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), though it contested independently during the recent assembly polls. In Nagaland, the People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) government, of which BJP is a part, also voiced concern regarding the Bill and urged the Centre to re-examine and review it. Meanwhile, in Manipur, where the BJP has its own chief minister, the government has said it will be holding discussions regarding the Bill and decide upon the matter. "It is true that the country has a federal structure. However, the Centre cannot impose any policies that are unacceptable to the state government", Chief Minister N Biren Singh said. Experts have noted that the Bill could hurt the BJP's chances in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, both in terms of losing its existing as well as potential allies in the region. Do you have an event coming up you would like to see included in Five Things to Do? Email your item, including time, date, place and a contact number, to wweber@tribpub.com at least two weeks before the event. The board of directors at French automaker Renault will hold an unexpected meeting on the night of January 11, two days after its chief executive Carlos Ghosn made his first court appearance in an alleged Japanese fraud case, a union source told AFP. Agenda items have not been disclosed to board members, Fabien Gache, a CGT union official at Renault, told AFP. Ghosn, 64, has been detained for over seven weeks in Tokyo after his arrest on charges of under-reporting his salary for years as head of Renault's alliance partner Nissan. Since then he has been charged with a host of allegations of financial impropriety, though he has yet to be formally charged and has denied all the claims. Ghosn, once a towering figure in the auto industry, appeared handcuffed at a court hearing seeking to secure his release before trial, a request which was denied by a judge who declared he was a flight risk. One of his lawyers later conceded that Ghosn could spend a further six months behind bars before his case comes to trial. That has raised worries over the viability of keeping him on as Renault's chief executive, a post he has held since 2005. Nissan as well as Mitsubishi, the third alliance partner, have removed Ghosn as chairman, but Renault has kept him on while appointing a deputy CEO to ensure day-to-day management. The French automaker has said internal investigations have found no signs of wrongdoing by its chief during his tenure. The French government, which holds a 15 percent stake in Renault, has also stood by Ghosn so far, saying he must benefit from the presumption of innocence. But Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne told French radio this week that "Obviously, if this situation continues we'll have to draw the consequences." live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), the local subsidiary of the German trucking giant, posted sales growth of 35 percent last year even as it prepares to up its ante against local heavyweights Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland. Sales under the brand BharatBenz, which was created specifically for India, stood at 20,500 units during January-November as against 15,200 units in the same period last year. DICV sells trucks only in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle (MHCV) segment. The companys market share marginally improved to 5.86 percent during the reporting period as compared to 5.8 percent. The industry grew 33 percent without DICV to 3.29 lakh units during January-November. DICVs 35 percent growth last year is higher than the 28 percent clocked in 2017. DICV does not share its sales or production numbers with the auto industrys apex lobby body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). DICV makes tippers, tractor trailers, haulage trucks and intra-city buses. In India, sales were boosted by a significant recovery in demand for medium and heavy-duty trucks. DICV sold approximately 20,500 trucks in the first eleven months, a significant increase of 35 percent compared with the same period of last year of 15,200," Daimler said in its international statement. In comparison, Tata Motors' sales grew 35.57 percent to 1.7 lakh units, and that of Ashok Leyland went up 28.5 percent to 1.06 lakh units in January-November. Milestone Daimler Trucks also reached the milestone in September 2018 with the production of its 100,000th vehicle at the Chennai plant. In addition to BharatBenz trucks for the local market, the plant in Chennai also manufactures models for export to more than 40 markets worldwide. Established in 2009, DICV makes trucks and buses having tonnage range of 9-49 tonnes under the BharatBenz and Mercedes-Benz brands. Its Chennai-based factory spread over 400 acres, has seen an investment of more than Rs 5,000 crore. The consistent rise in market share and volumes of DICV comes on the back of the exit of MAN last year, a Volkswagen group company, from India after years of fruitless operation. MANs sister company Scania followed suit when it said it is exiting the bus body building operation in India. No other western manufacturer than Daimler has successfully become established in India so far," added Daimler in the statement. The upcoming Bharat Stage VI emission norm is putting a strain on the finances of all truck and bus manufacturers. BS-VI, which will be in force from April 1, 2020, will likely result in a 10-12 percent jump in prices of CVs translating to a rise of more than Rs 3 lakh. DICVs entire product comes from a range that used to have BS-VI in the past. The company said it will upgrade all the components and localise them as much as possible to keep costs down. Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy meets Congress President Rahul Gandhi, in New Delhi on Thursday, Aug 30, 2018. (Congress Twitter via PTI)(PTI8_30_2018_000084B) Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said he is working under tremendous pressure and Congress leaders always expect him to behave like their subordinate, said a News 18 report, citing its sources. The CM was addressing a meeting of Janata Dal (Secular)s MLAs and MLCs in Bengaluru on January 9. During the meeting, the emotional Kumaraswamy explained the difficulties his party is facing after joining hands with the Congress. After the assembly elections held in May 2018, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had emerged as the largest party by winning 104 seats. However, in a bid to keep the BJP from coming to power, the Congress, with its 78 seats, had supported the JD(S), which had won 38 seats for government formation. A coalition government was formed and Kumaraswamy was appointed the CM of the state. In the meeting, a visibly upset Kumaraswamy told party leaders that he is functioning like a clerk and not like a CM, because of Congress interference in everything, some JDS MLAs told the publication. The CM further said Congress leaders are forcing him to do everything which favours them and he is left with no option. He is sad. He almost cried. Told us that the Congress was behaving like a big brother. Forcing him to sign all kinds of orders, said the report, quoting an MLA who was present in the meeting. In the meeting, Kumaraswamy appointed four more Congress MLAs as heads of boards and corporations, while withholding two from the list recommended by the national party. The party leaders also gave enough hints that the Karnataka government may not last beyond the coming Lok Sabha election, the report suggested. JD(S) supremo and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, who was also present in the meeting, assured legislators that he will not do anything against the coalition till the most crucial Lok Sabha elections are over. (With PTI inputs) Representative Image A day after Parliament approved 10 percent reservation to general category poor, the Shiv Sena on January 10 wondered where will the jobs come from and warned that if it is an election-driven move, then it will prove costly. The Maratha community has been given reservation in Maharashtra, but the question still remains that where are the jobs, the Sena said. The Parliament had on January 9 approved amending the Constitution to provide 10 per cent reservation to general category poor in government jobs and education. "When those in power fail on the twin fronts of employment and poverty, they have to play the reservation card," the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'. "If this decision has been taken for votes, it will prove costly. After 10 per cent reservation, what about employment? Where will you get the jobs from?" it asked. In India, the population of those over 15 years of age is increasing by 13 lakh every month. Employing minors below the age of 18 years is a crime, but child labour continues unabated, said the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, which is an ally of the ruling BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra. Around 80 to 90 lakh new job opportunities are needed every year to balance the employment rate in the country, but this calculation has been unstable for a while now, it noted. "In the last two years, job opportunities have decreased instead of increasing and about 1.5 crore to two crore jobs have been lost due to decisions like demonetisation and GST implementation. There is a feeling of helplessness among youth," the Marathi publication said. In 2018, 2.8 crore people applied for 90 lakh jobs in Railways. Besides, for 1,137 positions in Mumbai Police, over four lakh people applied and many of the applicants had more educational qualifications than required, the Sena claimed. "After the government's 10 per cent reservation, will the eligible youth be able to gain anything? The prime minister, who had advised youth to fry 'pakodas' (snack), had to eventually give 10 per cent reservation to the economically backward classes," it quipped. Viju Cherian Over the years governments in Tamil Nadu have perfected the election sop opera from laptops to grinders, from mopeds to cycles, from mobile phones to televisions, from gold to goats, the list of freebies promised is long. It has become a calendar event for almost every state government to announce welfare schemes just before elections. These schemes are usually sops given with an eye on reaping electoral benefits. So, when the current government headed by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader Edappadi K Palaniswami declared last week that Rs 1,000 would be given to every ration card holder in the state little did it think of hitting a roadblock. On Wednesday, hearing a public interest litigation (PIL), the Madras High Court asked the State to stop the scheme saying it was nothing but waste of public money for non-productive purpose. The government camouflaged the financial incentive as a gift for all the 2.02 crore ration card holders in the state ahead of the harvest festival Pongal. However, the court observed that it could be given only to people living below the poverty line. It took into account the fact that the state has a total debt of Rs 3.5 lakh-crore. Even in the recently concluded assembly elections to five states freebies were announced. In Rajasthan, then Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje promised Rs 1,000 to every poor person to buy a smartphone its another matter that schemes such as these did not help her win the polls. The point is that despite there being strict guidelines by the Election Commission of India (ECI) against bribing/enticing voters, political parties find ways to bypass these rules. Either such schemes are announced before the model code of conduct sets in or it is promised in the election manifesto. The financial viability of implementing these promises are often not discussed. With the general elections round the corner and the ECI likely to announce the poll dates in 50-60 days, once can expect a rush of welfare schemes being announced. Political parties across the board need to ask themselves if they are morally on the right side when they entice even bribe voters with such schemes. The electorate needs to ask itself if it has no compunctions in falling for such promises. Back in Tamil Nadu, the Rs 1,000 Pongal gift reflects how political parties have taken the voters for granted. If earlier governments put thought behind such enticements to package them as welfare schemes, here there is an element of brazenness (and at one level laziness and lack of thought) in distributing cash through the State machinery. For every political party that intends to hand out freebies this election season, the Madras High Courts words should be a warning: Its not your party money for us not to raise questions. It is government money. Q4. Lashing out at the Modi government, Chidambaram said, "No penalty clause for undue influence, no clause against agency commission, no clause for access to suppliers' accounts, and Dassault goes laughing all the way to the bank."Citing the media report, Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "Modiji, after waiving off sovereign guarantee in Rafale deal, you also waived off the 'anti-corruption measure' of a 'safeguard Escrow A/c'! What is the corruption you wanted to hide?(sic)" The whole country is abuzz that "chowkidar chor hai", he said. This resonates Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? a Latin phrase found in the work of the Roman poet Juvenal from his Satires. Which not so money making venture of 2010 by Marvel has its origins in this statement? (Albeit originally was conceptually a literary phenomenon) Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on January 10 took a dig at the BJP-led central government over the resignation of IAS officer Shah Faesal, saying the world will take note of "his cry of anguish and defiance". In a series of tweets, the former home and finance minister claimed whatever Faesal, the first Kashmiri IAS topper, had said was an indictment of the Narendra Modi government. "Though sad, I salute Mr Shah Faesal IAS (now resigned). Every word of his statement is true and is an indictment of the BJP government. The world will take note of his cry of anguish and defiance," he said. Faesal has resigned from the civil services. He had Wednesday attributed his decision to the "unabated killings in Kashmir", the central government's "lack of sincere" efforts to reach out to the Kashmiris and the "marginalisation of the Indian Muslims". Chidambaram said that not long ago "legendary police officer" Julio Ribeiro, a former DGP of Punjab and a former commissioner of Mumbai Police, had stated the same thing, but there was "not a word of reassurance from the rulers". "Such statements from our fellow citizens must make us hang our heads in regret and shame," he said. On the Modi government, Ribeiro had said the country needed inclusive development and not just for some sections. Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar addresses on the establishment day of Bihar State Disaster Management Authority at Adhiveshan Bhawan, in Patna, Tuesday, Nov 06, 2018. (PTI Photo)(PTI11_6_2018_000047B) Opposition parties in Bihar on January 10 marched to Raj Bhavan to register protest with Governor Lalji Tandon against an alleged derogatory remark of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The activists, carrying flags of the RJD, the Samajwadi Party, the Congress, the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party, the HAM and other outfits, which constitute the "Mahagathbandhan", were, however, stopped by police at the Income-Tax crossing here, about a couple of kilometers ahead of the Governor's House, resulting in congestion on the busy Bailey Road. The protesters had skirmishes with security personnel, who faced a tough time in controlling them from crossing the barricades. They were dispersed after nearly an hour. On January 7, while replying to queries about Grand Alliance, which he had walked out of in 2017 to return to the NDA, Kumar told reporters that he saw no hope for the loosely-knit coalition which was "picking up people from the road" (sadak par se logon ko utha kar shamil kar rahe hain). Talking to reporters, RJD MLA Shakti Singh Yadav, who led the procession, reiterated that the chief minister had used the adjective "sadak chap" for Mukesh Sahni, a former Bollywood set designer who floated his political outfit a couple of months ago and joined the Grand Alliance last month. Yadav also alleged that "the chief minister is on an abusing spree". "He (Nitish) first abused RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha by calling him neech (lowly) and now he has berated Mukesh Sahni. Kushwaha and Sahni represent Koeri and Nishad communities respectively, both of which are extremely backward classes," he said The disdain with which Kumar has treated the two leaders displays his arrogance, the RJD leader said. At a news channel event a few months ago, Kumar had declined to comment on difficulties faced in finalising seat-sharing arrangements in the NDA in Bihar on account of problems with Kushwaha, who was then a part of the BJP-led coalition and a Union minister. "Bahas ka star itna neeche mat giraiye" (do not lower the level of discourse so much), Kumar - who also heads the JD(U) - had remarked, following which Kushwaha alleged that he was called "neech" by the chief minister. Later, parties like the Congress, the RJD and the HAM joined him in levelling the allegation in a bid to woo him into the Grand Alliance fold. The RJD MLA also sought to downplay the absence of senior leaders like Kushwaha, Tejashwi Yadav, state Congress president Madan Mohan Jha, and HAM founder Jitan Ram Manjhi, who had earlier in the week hinted that they would be taking part in the march. "What they meant to say is that their respective parties would be taking part. You can see for yourself, all Grand Alliance constituents are together," he told reporters. Incidentally, an hour before the Grand Alliance march reached the Income-Tax crossing, the area witnessed another demonstration by Savarna Sena activists, who expressed their anguish over the RJD's opposition to the 10 per cent quota for economically weaker sections of general category. Parliament on January 9 approved amending the Constitution to provide 10 percent reservation to general category poor in jobs and education. Carrying posters of senior RJD leaders, which were smeared with black ink, the protesters raised slogans against the party which has been calling the move to extend quotas to the poor from upper castes and minorities as a "gimmick". Sujata Anandan Maharashtra has a long tradition of the fiercest literary resistance to the political regime of the day. There is no greater example of this than Bal Gangadhar Tilak who took on the British through his two newspapers Kesari and Mahratta. It is through the columns in these newspapers that he sounded the bugle of resistance against the imperial powers not for nothing did the British call him the father of the Indian unrest. That policy of unrest was taken up and forward by Mahatma Gandhi who finally succeeded in getting the British to quit India. Closer to our times is the unforgettable Durga Bhagwat who unequivocally took on Indira Gandhi during the Emergency and was jailed for her fierce resistance to the denial of the freedom of speech and expression. She later refused any government honour such as the Padmashree, Jnanpith award, etc. Now, Nayantara Sahgal, Indira Gandhis cousin, is at the centre of a storm. Sahgal fiercely opposed the Emergency and more recently returned her awards in protest against the current governments curtailments of freedom of speech and expression. This time, however, the controversy is surrounding her attending a Marathi literary meet being held in the provincial town of Yavatmal in Maharashtra. Organisers of the 92nd Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, in the spirit of the above-mentioned fiercely independent Marathi writers, invited Sahgal to inaugurate the event on January 11. Soon, controversy erupted over the travesty of having a writer in English preside a Marathi literary meet. A closer investigation revealed it was a deliberately manufactured controversy to rescind the invitation to Sahgal. Local Congress and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers created the English-Marathi divide that neither state Congress President Ashok Chavan nor MNS President Raj Thackeray were aware of. Apparently the local BJP unit was also part of this controversy. Later, Thackeray issued a statement saying that neither he nor his party are against the English language and that Sahgals presence at the meet would only have raised the stock of a local event and brought it into national focus. This statement has startled many who look at the MNS chief as Marathi chauvinist. Though the meet was sponsored by the local BJP unit, for the organisers of the meet, the Kolte Library, the last thing they wanted was to politicise it. However, local BJP leaders felt that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Sahgal sharing a stage could be a problem, especially if Sahgal spoke up against the current regimes pressures on free thought and expression and lack of inclusiveness (which she would indeed have, according to a script of her address released to sections of the media). Fadnavis has shrugged off all responsibility for the withdrawal of the invitation to Sahgal, shifting the blame on to the local organisers. However, for the organisers of the event, the embarrassment has only increased with two prominent journalists, Rajeev Khandekar, the editor-in-chief of ABP Majha, and Girish Kuber, editor of Marathi newspaper Loksatta, deciding to pull out of the meet. They were slated to speak on the freedom of speech and expression in the media. Both Khandekar and Kuber have expressed their disappointment in the organisers lack of courage to stand up to political pressure and said it would be hypocritical to talk about a free press in India when a prominent writer is being denied that very freedom of speech and expression at the same platform. In any case, for years now Marathi litterateurs have lost the guts to challenge the establishment, whichever political party it may be, said Kuber. Following Khandekars and Kubers decision, at least 35 delegates have decided to boycott the meet unless Sahgal is invited back to the event. Criticism is rising from all quarters against not just the discourtesy shown towards Sahgal but also the capitulation to political authority. As one delegate who pulled out of the meet put it, Literature should not surrender to politics. If a government is scared of writers, it means its days are over. That is precisely what the government seems to fear. With the general elections in a few months and the state elections slated to be held later this year, these developments gain significance. It might not be an election issue the way farm distress and joblessness will be discussed, but it shows the insecurity of the government towards the fag end of its term. Sujata Anandan is a senior journalist and author. Views are personal. New Delhi: BJP National President Amit Shah addresses a press conference at the party headquarters in New Delhi, Friday, Dec 14, 2018. (PTI Photo/Arun Sharma) (PTI12_14_2018_000036B) Subir Roy A red herring has just been drawn across the political scene in West Bengal. The state BJP President Dilip Ghosh has said that if there was any Bengali who could become Prime Minister in the future it was arch rival Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee. Conveying birthday greetings, he wished her a long life. He recalled two close misses in the past how Jyoti Basus party prevented him from becoming Prime Minister and Pranab Mukherjee made it to President, but not Prime Minister. The next day Ghosh predictably backtracked, saying his remarks had been made in jest and looked at a very distant future. However, they were too elaborate to be set aside lightly. Ghosh did a precise Nitin Gadkari act of saying something, causing a flutter and then promptly denying it. Gadkari is now widely considered to have been floated by the RSS as a more benign and acceptable second option to Narendra Modi if the BJP fails to get an absolute majority on its own in the coming general elections and has to live in alliance with other parties. BJPs President Amit Shah is taking a direct interest in West Bengal for which he has set a target of winning at least half the 42 Lok Sabha seats. This is part of his aim of a BJP resurgence in the east and Northeast. This is an insurance policy against losing some seats in the Hindi belt where it will be difficult to repeat the 2014 sweep. There is speculation that Shah may be considering a change in the West Bengal BJP leadership as he may not be confident that Ghosh will be able to lead the party from two seats to 22. Ghosh, seeing that his position is shaky, may be indirectly threatening to walk over to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) if he is removed from the leadership post. While all this may be outright speculation he may indeed have shot his mouth and West Bengal BJP leaders are not known to be circumspect and cautious in what they say what is the political reality on the ground? In the last state wide panchayat elections in 2018, the TMC emerged way ahead of the BJP which came a respectable but distant second. It was ditto in 2017 when the TMC won all the seven municipal elections. Across the state the Congress and the Left parties were almost wiped out, the fall being particularly dramatic for the latter, previously in power. The scenario ahead for the 2019 elections is a direct contest by default between the TMC and the BJP, with the former emerging way ahead. A question mark hangs over whether there will be a revival in the Congress after its recent victory in assembly elections. The Left parties remain down in the dumps. Also, chances of a seat adjustment or alliance between the three (the TMC, Congress and Left parties) are not in sight. Contrary to the situation across the country where the BJP is on the defensive for failing to deliver on vikas, the key issue in West Bengal while electing the next national government will not be a formations ability to deliver on development but the extent of communal polarisation that will have taken place by the time polling day comes around. Muslims make up a good quarter (27.1%) of the states population and in districts where the proportion is higher than the average, the communal factor can become electorally important. Right now analysts give the BJP no more than eight seats and the BJPs desire to hold rath yatras across the state is seen as a straightforward device to stir up communal feelings. These yatras inevitably lead to communal clashes in areas where they pass through and that heightens communal polarisation. In cultural terms, large sections of the Bengali bhadralok, the educated middle class and cultural elite, have been stunned by the rise of communal sentiments in the state ever since the BJP has been on the ascendant across the country. The bhadralok believed that over three decades of Left rule had laid to rest the historically deeply-entrenched communal feelings that had laid the foundations for the partition of Bengal along with Independence. However, the communal feeling dies hard. It is now quite common in middle class social conversation for people to express fears over being swamped by illegal migration from Bangladesh and voice open animosity towards Muslims. It is ironic that Banerjee, who felled the Left, is trying her best to safeguard what is perhaps its best legacy making secular feelings take root among the people of West Bengal. It has been a revelation as to how deeply-entrenched communal feelings have been among a section, albeit a minority, of the educated Hindu middle class. The secondary position of State-led development as an issue in West Bengal for the general elections is best highlighted by the tribal-dominated district of Purulia. It, along with some other districts, had been home to the Maoist rebellion which Banerjee curbed, with appreciation even from the Centre. After the security forces action the West Bengal government undertook serious development work. However, tribals disenchantment with the Left has led them into the arms of not the TMC, but the BJP. Disillusionment with State-led development in a State which tried to put it in place over three decades seems strong indeed. Subir Roy is a senior journalist and author. Views are personal. K Chandrashekar Rao_KCR TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao will in all likelihood give a miss to the January 19 rally of opposition parties proposed by the TMC in Kolkata as he does not want to share stage with the Congress, party sources said. KCR, as he is popularly known, had recently met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as part of his renewed efforts towards forging a 'non-Congress, non-BJP' federal front of regional parties. While the Telangana chief minister spoke to media after their meeting in Kolkata on December 24 last, Mamata, reportedly not in favour of excluding the Congress in the proposed grand opposition alliance, did not offer any comment. Asked if KCR would attend the Kolkata rally, TRS deputy floor leader in the Lok Sabha, B Vinod Kumar told PTI Thursday, "I do not know whether KCR got the invitation or not. I am not aware of it. He might have got the invitation. I do not think KCR will attend when Rahul Gandhi is attending." For the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS), Congress is the main opposition in Telangana and KCR had last year described its president Rahul Gandhi as the "biggest baffoon" in the country. The TRS returned to power last month, winning 88 seats in the 119-member Telangana Assembly, pushing the Congress to a distant second position with 19 seats. The BJP won in only one segment. KCR had also recently met Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJP) chief Naveen Patnaik seeking to drum up support for the federal front. Patnaik's statement on Wednesday that his party would not align with the Congress and BJP has enthused the TRS. "I do not think because of KCR's visit, he (Patnaik) made such a statement. He took that position long back. He held the same view for a long time," Kumar said. He said both KCR and Patnaik have "same thoughts" as both are against aligning with the two national parties. The TRS leader said Samajwadi Party (SP) chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, who could not meet KCR during the latter's visit to Delhi recently, was expected to visit the southern state "any time" to talk to the Telangana chief minister. On BSP supremo Mayawati's stance on KCR's federal front, he said, "We did not discuss with her". The TRS sources claimed that KCR's federal front idea was gaining traction. "....already that idea is broached. Mayawati and Akhilesh took a stand that they are not going to ally with Congress in Uttar Pradesh. They are also fighting against the Congress and BJP, leaving only two seats for Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi," Kumar said. The TRS MP also cited the political scenario in some states, including West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana, where, he said, regional parties were set to take on both the Congress and BJP in triangular fights in the next Lok Sabha polls. India's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav speaks during a meeting with his party workers in the eastern Indian city of Patna June 20, 2009. REUTERS/Krishna Murari Kishan (INDIA POLITICS) - RTR24UMC The Jharkhand High Court on Thursday rejected the bail petition of RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav in three cases of the multi-crore fodder scam. Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh turned down the bail plea of Yadav, CBI lawyer Rajeev Sinha said. The same court had on January 4 reserved its order on the RJD supremo's bail plea after hearing arguments of his counsel Kapil Sibal and that of the CBI. Yadav is currently lodged in a paying ward of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) here. The fodder scam is related to fraudulent withdrawal of government funds from the treasuries of various districts of undivided Bihar in the 1990s when RJD was in power and Yadav the chief minister. Yadav was lodged in Ranchi jail in December 2017 in these cases. Rahul Gandhi A seat-sharing talks between Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar on January 9 remained inconclusive as there was no consensus on the eight Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra, a senior NCP leader on January 10 said. According to the leader, who is privy to the talks, Congress general secretary Mallikarjun Kharge and senior NCP leader Praful Patel would hold the next round of talks. The eight Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra on which the two parties are yet to reach an agreement include Yavatmal, Washim, Buldhana, Nandurbar, Raver and Ahmednagar, he said. Also, a consensus could not be reached whether to swap/share the RatnagiriSindhudurg and Pune seats. Gandhi met Pawar at the latter's 6 Janpath residence in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss seat-sharing and other issues ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The NCP leader's comments come after sources in the Congress claimed that the grand old party and some of its smaller allies would contest the election on 25 of the total 48 constituencies in Maharashtra. The remaining 23 seats, the Congress sources added, would go to the NCP and some other members of the alliance - being worked out to take on the ruling BJP. According to the NCP leader, Kharge and Patel would discuss seat-sharing and swapping of eight seats by the two parties and their partners. "A proposal would then be put up before Gandhi and Pawar for their approval...The Congress and the NCP have already agreed on sharing 20 seats each in the state," he said. "Nothing has been decided yet. We are yet to reach a consensus on the remaining eight seats. We will be able to spell out the exact number of seats each of the alliance constituents will contest in a week or so," the leader added. "Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil (of the Congress) is keen on fielding his son from Ahmednagar. The NCP, however, isn't relenting on the seat from its quota," he added. Meanwhile, sources in both the parties claimed that a Shiv Sena leader may join their fold to contest the election as the alliance candidate the from Jalna constituency. The claim, however, could not be confirmed by Sena sources. The Jalna Lok Sabha seat is currently represented by Maharashtra BJP chief Raosaheb Danve. The Congress and the NCP had suffered a drubbing at the hands of the Narendra Modi-led resurgent BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha election. In the last elections, the NCP, formed in 1999, registered its worst performance, winning only four seats Baramati, Satara, Kolhapur and Madha. It added one more seat to its cart, after its leader Madhukar Kukde won the Bhandara-Gondia bypoll held in May last year. The Congress, too, had recorded its lowest Lok Sabha seats tally in the state bagging only two constituencies- Nanded and Hingoli. hardeep singh puri The Delhi government has such a behavioural pattern that they always create "hurdles", Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri alleged on January 9, days after the AAP dispensation imposed a condition of 50-50 sharing in operational losses in the Metro Phase IV. The Housing and Urban Affairs minister said his officers are currently examining the conditions imposed by the Delhi Cabinet, while approving the Phase IV of the Delhi Metro on December 21 last year. After its nod to the much-delayed metro project, the Arvind Kejriwal government has now sent the same to the ministry. "We are committed to executing the Metro Phase IV. After obstructing the project for four years, especially two years, they have sent some approvals, but they have such a behaviourial pattern that they always create hurdles," Puri told PTI on the sidelines of an event. The Union minister said as he earlier stated, he would "open a box of sweets" only after he looks into the Delhi government's detailed approvals. "We will open a box of sweets only when a formal announcement for the Metro Phase IV project is made," Puri had said last year soon after Delhi Transport minister Kailash Gahlot assured people that the Metro Phase IV project would be approved in the next cabinet meeting. Asked whether his ministry will agree with the AAP government's conditions, Puri said, "Our ministry will announce how we propose to go. We are examining them (conditions)." The fresh tussle between the Centre and the Delhi government appears to be brewing after the Aam Aadmi Party dispensation imposed a condition of 50-50 per cent operational loss sharing, while giving approval to the Phase IV of the Delhi Metro. On January 3, Gahlot had said the Centre was "conspiring" to obstruct the Metro Phase IV project on the pretext of operating loss issue. "In a conspiracy, the Centre is planning to stop work (on Metro Phase IV). We have heard that a hurdle will be created and the Delhi government will bear the entire operating loss," Gahlot had said. Sikkim (Image: Reuters) Sikkims ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has decided to include Universal Basic Income (UBI) in its manifesto for the upcoming assembly and Lok Sabha elections, according to a report by The Indian Express. The state has already begun the process of introducing the unconditional direct cash transfer scheme and is planning to implement the same by 2022. It could become the first state in India to implement UBI. Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling-led SDF government has been in power since 1994 and also has the distinction of being India's longest serving Chief Minister. The state is heading for simultaneous assembly and general elections in April-May. While SDF is part of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Northeastern Democratic Alliance (NEDA), it is expected to contest the elections alone. The 2017 Economic Survey had advocated implementation of UBI as an alternative to the various social welfare schemes in an effort to reduce poverty. The Survey said, UBI is a powerful idea whose time even if not ripe for implementation, is ripe for serious discussion. However, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in June 2017 said the scheme as proposed in the Economic Survey will not be politically feasible in today's India. Our party and Chief Minister Chamling are committed to bringing in UBI. This, we will do within three years of coming back to power, SDFs lone Member of Parliament (MP) Prem Das Rai told the newspaper. It has been tried in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and tribal belts with fairly large samples and has worked. Basically, its an income given to families irrespective what do they do. In Sikkim, it will be for everyone and every household, he added. The SDF lawmaker suggested that the funds would come from Sikkims successful implementation of hydropower projects which have made it a surplus power generating state. The state produces 2,200 MW and the same will rise to 3,000 MW in the next few years. The states requirement is only 200-300 MW and the rest goes to power trading firms. When this money comes in, we at SDF feel its peoples money and it should be utilised for them, he added. According to the report, the idea is to subsume existing subsidies and allowances by providing a specific amount every month. Rai told the newspaper that it would 'work well for youngsters' because it would give freedom to choose their work, it will be more futuristic and it will serve as a future production tool. Young people can look into the future without worrying too much about income. The parliamentarian, however, added that it should not be looked at as a 'sop', the report added. UBI is a form of social security that puts a fixed amount of money into the pockets of every citizen regardless of their income or employment status. Many countries see it as an effective way of reducing poverty. It is also known as guaranteed minimum income. Basic income is currently being experiment in some form across many countries, notably Finland. India has tested the feasibility through studies and pilot projects in Delhi and Madhya Pradesh. The study, which tested impact of cash transfers when offered along with existing welfare schemes, was held in Delhi between January and December 2011. Another project was conducted from June 2011 to November 2012 with the Self-Employed Womens Association (SEWA) in Madhya Pradesh, which involved randomly selected households who were given Rs 1,000 per month. According to reports, the pilot projects yielded positive results. Narendra Modi Malaysia's ruling party leader Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. Anwar, a member of the Malaysian Parliament and the leader of the Parti Keadilan Rakyar Party, is in the national capital to participate in the 'Raisina Dialogue', considered India's flagship annual geopolitical and geo-strategic conference. Anwar was accompanied by two other members of the Malaysian Parliament --Kesavan Subramanian and Santhara Kumar Ramanaidu, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. Prime Minister Modi congratulated Anwar on his recent election as President of the PKR Party. Modi fondly recalled their last meeting in Malaysia in May 2018 and conveyed his regards to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. The two leaders discussed bilateral, regional and global matters of mutual interest, the statement said. Anwar served as the deputy prime minister of Malaysia from 1993-1998 and as the finance minister from 1991-1998 when he was a member of the UMNO, a major party in the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation on January 10 terminated the contract awarded to IL&FS Engineering & Construction citing project delays and awarded the same to J Kumar Infrastructure. The Rs 374.64-crore contract was to build four stations and lay a 4.6-km viaduct for the metro project in the city. Due to financial constrains at the parent group, the company had stopped the work since September 2018. The corporation has also decided to en-cash the bank guarantee given by the IL&FS group company. The IL&FS Group is being run by a government appointed board after it began defaulting on debt payments from late August last. The group and its 348 subsidiaries owe over Rs 94,000 crore to the lenders. The corporation said it had given a number of notices to the company to finish the work by the March 2018 deadline, but due to the cash crunch, they were not able to complete the work as per the schedule. "We have terminated the contract of IL&FS Engineering & Construction. They were to build four stations and a 4.6-km viaduct for the Ahmedabad Metro at a cost of Rs 374.64 crore," corporation said in a statement. The company was served numerous notices since October 2017 for not meeting the deadlines and by end-September 2018 the contractor stopped the work unilaterally, it said. "A final show cause notice was given in November 2018 and today (Thursday) we decided to terminate the contract," the statement said, adding the company had neither performed satisfactory in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract and nor was in a position to continue the work, therefore contract termination. The statement further said the corporation has awarded the balance work to J Kumar Infrastructure and has also started to encash the bank guarantee of IL&FS. Representative image The Gujarat CID is trying to trace the whereabouts of BJP leader Chhabil Patel, a suspect in the killing of former party MLA Jayanti Bhanushali, after Patel's family claimed that he was in the US, officials said January 10. The Crime Investigation Department (CID) has also sought information from Ahmedabad airport authorities about all those who flew out of the country from here during the period when Bhanushali was killed, they said. Bhanushali, 53, was shot dead in a moving train on January 8 when was returning to Ahmedabad from Bhuj town of Kutch district in Gujarat. The first information report (FIR) registered on January 9 at the Gandhidham railway police station in Kutch named Patel, his son, and four others, including a woman, as "suspects". While Chhabil Patel's son Siddharth Patel had earlier told mediapersons that his father was in the US for some business-related work, the Gujarat CID-Crime and Railways, which is probing the killing, was yet to verify the claim. "We cannot believe someone's claim blindly. People can claim anything. We are still probing this aspect," Superintendent of Police (CID) Bhavna Patel said. She is part of a seven-member special investigation team (SIT) of the CID probing Bhanushali's killing. Deputy Superintendent of Police (CID) J P Raol, who is also part of the SIT, said the Ahmedabad airport authorities have been asked to provide data about air travellers during the period of the killing. "It is still a matter of investigation as to where Chhabil Patel is. We have sought some information from the Ahmedabad airport authorities to find out if he has fled to another country," Raol said. Bhanushali had stepped down as Gujarat BJP vice president in July last year after a woman accused him of rape. The High Court had later quashed the case after she withdrew the complaint. He represented Abdasa Assembly constituency in Kutch from 2007 to 2012. Chhabil Patel, a Congress candidate then, had defeated him in the 2012 Assembly election. Within two years, Patel switched sides and joined the BJP but lost the bypoll for the seat in 2014. In 2017, the party chose Patel over Bhanushali for Abdasa seat, but he lost to a Congress candidate. Jayanti Bhanushali's nephew Sunil Bhanushali had alleged in the police complaint that Patel held his uncle responsible for his defeat in 2014 and 2017 and held a grudge against him. He also alleged that to end Jayanti Bhanushali's political career, Chhabil Patel and others made a CD which showed his uncle in a compromising position with a woman. When Bhanushali refused to retire from political life as allegedly demanded by Patel, the latter hatched the murder conspiracy, the complaint said. Social media websites are gearing up to drive political conversations across India as general elections are round the corner. Facebook, used by nearly 290 million people in India, is looking to enhance its 'integrity efforts' here by appointing senior personnel and increasing advertising among other steps, The Economic Times reported. The social media website will take lessons from the recently concluded elections in Brazil, mid-term elections in the United States and Bangladesh and India's assembly elections in 2018. The website wants to place a special check on the spread of misinformation. Katie Harbath, Facebook's Global Politics and Government Outreach Director, told the paper that the company has been trying to appoint an Election Integrity Head. Indian elections are top priority for Facebook's top management. "That we are still hiring people should not take away from the fact that we have been working on the Indian elections since October 2017, when we first started pulling together teams and started thinking about 2019 elections and state elections in between," she added. Since early December 2018, Facebook has started efforts to make political advertisements more transparent. "We are trying to understand how to balance people's privacy versus the public's right to know who is behind these political ads," Harbath said. For this, the social media giant may include entity verification, which it has already launched in the US. This would cover unverified Facebook pages that use strange names and act as a proxy for various political leaders. Elections in Brazil were a huge learning opportunity for the Mark Zuckerberg-owned company as it saw a non-English speaking population using Facebook before elections. However, Indian elections will be on a much higher scale than the Brazil elections, which is why it is a challenge. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More After a long ordeal, the Yes Bank board has independently shortlisted two potential persons for the post of CEO and Managing Director without consulting rival promoters Madhu Kapur and Rana Kapoor, Mint reported. This is important as the two promoters signed an Article of Association (AoA) back in 2005, which clearly stated that the appointment of any whole-time director will have to be approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and its two promoters. "The board has shortlisted the names after the nomination and remuneration committee of the bank approved the names on the recommendation of the search and selection committee and the appointed leadership advisory firm Korn Ferry," a source told the publication. In 2015, the Bombay High Court ruled that the bank has to follow the AoA, which also allows appointment of one of the board members as a whole-time director, subject to RBI approval. The top management of the bank had come under fire from the central bank for unsatisfactory corporate governance and accounting issues, which it is trying to improve. "The bank has sent a report on the recent measures in this regard to RBI in October,' a source told the paper. Yes Bank co-founder Ashok Kapur was killed in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. A year later cracks surfaced between his wife Madhu Kapur and Rana Kapoor. Kapur and her children had to approach the Bombay High Court for greater say in appointing directors to the board. Both parties had reportedly sought an out-of-court settlement for the greater good of the bank in October last year. Angel Commodities' report on Crude Palm oil MCX CPO edged higher on Wednesday tracking firm Malaysian palm oil and soy oil prices in India. India has cut import taxes on crude and refined palm oil from Southeast Asian (ASEAN) countries after a request from suppliers. The government increased tariff price of crude palm oil by $ 31 to $ 503 per tn and $21 per ton for refined, bleached and deodorised palm oil for the first half of January . According to SEA monthly update, palm oil imports were down by 3.6% at 6.91 lakh tonnes. There are reports of sufficient stock levels in the country and expectation of cheaper imports from Malaysia due to zero duty. Outlook CPO futures may trade sideways to higher due to higher tariff value tariff value and improving physical demand from the stockists. For all commodities report, click here Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Read More That said, I have gone back in time by visiting the La Grange Area Historical Society, which maintains a file on virtually if not every home in town. That includes newspaper clippings and other historic information on the house and people who lived there. I was able to learn more about the construction of the home and other families who lived here. SoftBank-backed Ola has raised another $74 million from its existing investors HongKong-based hedge fund Steadview Capital, according to documents of the Registrar of Companies (ROC) sourced from data intelligence firm PaperVC. ANI Technologies Pvt Ltd which owns and operates Ola is allotting 245,082 fully and compulsorily convertible, cumulative Series J Preference Shares having face value of Rs 10 at a subscription price of Rs 21,250 to Steadview Capital. Ola last announced a fund-raise of $1.1 billion from Chinas Tencent Holdings and existing investor SoftBank Group in October and said it was in talks to raise another $1 billion. This latest fund raise is expected to be a part of the $1 billion, the company has been trying to raise. Following the funding, the valuation of the company is likely to have soared to $5.5-6 billion. Last year, it also added $50 million of funding from Hong Kong-based private equity firm Sailing Capital and China-Eurasian Economic Cooperation Fund, a Chinese state-backed investment fund. The development comes at a time when Ola is aggressively expanding its operations internationally. Six months after foraying into Australia, Ola launched its operations in the United Kingdom in September. While in India, Ola operates across over 100 cities, in Australia it has set up operations in seven cities. It claims to have registered 40,000 drivers on its app in Australia. The domestic ride-hailing firm is also locked in an intense battle for market leadership with the US-based rival, Uber. The company is also focusing on the non-core business such as food and bike rides. Last month, it announced a strategic partnership with scooter sharing firm Vogo. It plans to invest in 100,000 scooters on the Vogo platform, worth $100 million. The company is also learnt to be entering into the e-pharmacy space. It is reportedly in talks with medicine delivery firm Myra for a potential acquisition. It runs its food delivery business through Foodpanda which was acquired in 2017. Ola 1 SoftBank-backed Ola on January 10 said it is organising a three day "Ola Bike Maha Rozgar Mela" in Gurgaon and targets to create nearly 3500 micro entrepreneurs. The event is being organised in partnership with the Haryana government and aims to enable entrepreneurial opportunities to bike drivers in the state, by bringing together bike manufacturers, service providers, Employment Office of Gurgaon representatives and financial institutions. The aspirants will have the flexibility of either buying or leasing new bikes. They will also have the option to convert existing vehicles to yellow-board commercial vehicles. In July 2018, Ola had signed a memorandum of understanding with Department of Employment, Government of Haryana to create 35,000 livelihood opportunities in the State under the Saksham Saarthi programme. Through this one event, the target is to achieve 3,500. Ola Bike is a mobility option that enables first and last-mile connectivity in cities. The event starts on January 10. Kapil Sharma Ever since the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) law, we have received a mixed response from various stakeholders on various issues arising out of the introduction of the new law. In order to smoothen the transition from erstwhile laws into GST regime, one of the many steps taken by the government was introduction of anti-profiteering mechanism. The mechanism was devised to focus on curbing unwarranted profiteering by the companies and ensuring that the benefits that accrue on account of commensurate reduction in prices due to transition from erstwhile tax regime into GST regime, are passed on to the ultimate customers. Also, proportionate input tax credit (ITC)is also made available to them, thereby protecting the interests of customers. The concept of anti-profiteering is not unique to India. Other countries such as Malaysia, Australia, Canada, New Zealand had also introduced anti-profiteering provisions when the GST regime was introduced in their countries. Whilst the intent behind the introduction of these provisions in GST law is good, serious doubts are cast with respect to the availability of enforcement in the absence of clearly laid provisions. To ensure that business entities comply with the anti-profiteering provisions, National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA) and state-level screening committees have been constituted. For real estate buyers, the introduction of GST was anticipated to be a boon as it paved way for a single tax that is applied on the purchase price of the property. However, the real estate sector did not welcome it and was apprehensive of the applicability of the anti-profiteering provisions to the complex nature and structure of the industry. Under the erstwhile tax regime, purchase of under-construction property attracted a total tax rate of 6 percent, (approximately) without income tax credit on goods. However, under the GST regime, under-construction property is charged at a rate of 12 percent with the corresponding ITC on goods. Irrespective of increase in tax rate, real estate buyers anticipated a reduction in prices of property owing to the fact that facility of ITC (for the purchase of raw materials) was available to developers, thereby resulting in reduced prices. This was to be the scenario if all real estate developers were passing on the 100 percent ITC benefit to the ultimate buyers. In reality, the picture so painted is far from rosy. While the mechanism of computing the benefit of increase in ITC was widely publicised, real estate developers, by and large, have not been compliant when it came to passing on the benefit on account of various reasons such as: 1. Difficulty in the computation of benefit with certainty. 2. Reluctance on part of contractors to provide the benefit of an increase in input tax credit. 3. Clear mechanism to compute and when to pass on the benefit. 4. Non-compliance by real estate industry at large. It is also pertinent to note that apart from the guidelines enshrined in Section 171 of the CGST Act, there is no concrete mechanism to compel developers to pass on the benefits. Further, the provision is silent as to what constitutes commensurate reduction of prices. There is nothing in the law that prevents developers from increasing the prices of property in a free economy. Hence, it is safe to say that anti-profiteering mechanism is certainly far from being fool-proof. It, therefore, emerges that there is certainly an incongruity in the understanding between government, developers and consumers. Given the non-compliance, deferment and difficulty faced in computing the amount, real estate developers are likely to be the among first few to bear the brunt of NAA for denying consumers the benefit of reduced tax burden under the GST. The NAA has already begun its streak with a Gurgaon-based realty developer Pyramid Infratech for profiteering and not passing on ITC to the buyers of its housing project in the GST regime. Though the matter is pending with the Delhi High Court on certain issues relating to computation of benefit, it would be fair to point out that the company has already agreed to pass on a certain amount to the customer on account of anti-profiteering. This clearly shows that the benefit of ITC was not passed by the developer after the rollout of GST. The NAA has already initiated an investigation against various real estate developers across India for not providing the benefit of the increased input tax credit to the customers wherein the authorities have been following a similar practice to what has been adopted in the Pyramid case. What is interesting to note is that when there is no defined approach for computing the benefit to be passed on and the parties have taken recourse to the judiciary for determining the appropriateness of method, how far will the entire scheme be of some benefit to the end consumers or home buyers. The action on part of NAA certainly seems justified as non-passing of benefit tantamount to non-compliance of law. However, their approach needs a re-consideration on an overall basis. The entire controversy stems from the lack of a clear cut mechanism for computing benefits arising out of the said provisions. It is crucial that 'commensurate reduction' is clearly defined and detailed guidelines on how ITC can be translated into price changes are issued. Further, factors such as stage of completion, the pattern of procurement of goods, demands to be made among other things need consideration before arriving at a benefit. It is evident that no straight jacket formula can be designed to arrive at a particular value of benefit. The exercise must be done on a case-to-case basis. However, unless the safety nets are mounted, it becomes difficult to comment on the reasonableness of approach of NAA. The focus must be on the regulation of unreasonable price changes rather than controlling price levels. The author is Partner, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan. Saumya Dubey, Associate at the firm also contributed to the article. Views are personal. MUMBAI, INDIA - JANUARY 31, 2010: Super Car Show 2010 - Automobiles - Cars - Gautam Singhania drives his Nissan Skyline at the Parx Super Car Show 2010. (Photo by Kunal Patil/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Gautam Hari Singhania will resign from the post of Chairman from all group companies of Raymond and detach himself from its functioning as he aims to build a firm that can run effectively without the presence of a promoter, The Economic Times reported. He has already stepped down from the top post in Raymond's FMCG entity -- JK Helen Curtis and Raymond Apparel. He will next exit from JK Files (India) and Ring Plus Aqua. It is uncertain whether he would keep his post in the flagship company, Raymond. At Raymond, I dont know how long I will be Chairman. I have something in mind which I dont want to talk about now. I am not the Chairman of all other group companies which are significant, he told the paper. Singhania aims to achieve independent governance in his companies and keep his family away from the everyday operations of Raymond. "Tomorrow morning if I die there are people identified who will take charge of everything. Raymond can run independently and competitively. My children are very young. I have a responsibility to my wife and children, to my emplyees and shareholders, my banks, institutions and customers," he said. Singhani said he prefers to rather focus on strategy, new product development, budget, set targets, compensation and public relations for the business, the report said. Rajeev Bakshi is the Chairman of JK Helen Curtis, while Singhania is a director. In November 2018, Nirvik Singh has replaced him as the Chairman of Raymond Apparel. Singhania told the paper he is ensuring that the Raymond Group is moving forward to a highly transparent governance structure. How many family managed companies are there in India where the promoter steps down at a young age as the chairman of the company? Thats where the problem lies, he stated. Indonesian paper company Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) on January 9 to set up Indias largest paper mill in the state with a capacity of a staggering five million tonnes per annum. The total investment of roughly Rs 24,000 crore ($3.5 billion) makes it one of the largest foreign direct investments (FDI) in recent times. While this is definitely a big positive for the country, we try to decipher the repercussions it can have for the sector and leading paper companies. Implications for existing players With a market size of around 17.1 million tonnes as of end-FY18, India has been the fastest growing paper market globally, and has expanded at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3 percent over 10 years. Thanks to increased demand from FMCG and packaged food segment as well as rapidly growing e-commerce (likes of Amazon and Flipkart), domestic paper demand (especially packaging paper) remains buoyant. At the same time, supply constraints remain following the closure of stressed domestic capacities (Ballarpur Industries), benefiting large domestic players. The paper industry has not added any significant capacities over the last three to four years. As a result, most paper companies are currently operating at around 85 - 90 percent capacity utilisation level, while the larger companies are operating close to or over 100 percent. Large players like JK Paper, International Paper APPM have so far reaped benefits of the positive demand-supply scenario. While they are beneficiaries of a sector upturn, they also remain vulnerable to new capacity additions. APPs future capacity additions obviously will have an impact on the supply-demand and competitive intensity of the industry. Though it will take few years for APP to hit the market, its production ramp-up could adversely impact prices and margins of incumbents in future. Implication on incremental investments Significant investments have been lined up by some of the large domestic players for capacity expansion. A bulk of these additions are in the packaging paper & board segment as high growth rate is anticipated there. A majority of the recently-announced capacity expenditure (capex) plans are scheduled for completion after April 2020. The bunching up of capacity additions if not commensurate with the demand growth could weaken the financial profile (debt servicing capability) of the players that have announced expansion plans. The lumpy capacity additions planned by APP can exert downward pressure on profitability and can result in a subdued performance for the sector in future. We dont see any near term impact on the sector due to the long gestation period involved in capacity addition. While impossible to comprehend at this point in time, APPs huge capacity set up plans will certainly alter sector dynamics in future. Follow @nehadave01 live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Highlight Prabhat dairy ties up with Denmark based animal nutrition major DLG- Plans to produce mineral pre-mixes for an increase in milk productivity- Growth expectation for Animal/Feed nutrition market runs into double-digit - Expected milk price improvement to aid earnings in the near term Prabhat dairy has forayed into animal nutrition segment in a joint development agreement with Denmark-based DLG. The company aims to produce mineral pre-mixes that help in improving cattle milk productivity. While it is already in cattle feed business, mineral pre-mixes not only extends the animal feed business but also opens it to relatively higher margin business. Given the farmers base for its milk sourcing business, a new business might be a tad easy to scale up. At present, the company aims to run a pilot of 4-6 months. Animal/Feed nutrition market expected to grow in double-digits Management of Prabhat Dairy expects the animal feed industry to be worth $30 billion by 2020. Within the industry, the cattle feed business is undergoing a transformation in terms of incorporation of global best practices. To participate in this transformation, foray into animal nutrition is a crucial step, according to the management. Broadly, the animal nutrition market comprises of natural antibiotics, nutritional additives and anti-fungal additives with the end applications for cattle and poultry. As per CRISIL Research, this segment is expected to grow in double digits in the medium term on account of the expanding food processing industry and a rising awareness about healthy end consumer products. New players eyeing specialty feed nutrition business Animal/Feed nutrition as a business opportunity has garnered attention from companies across sectors. Fine Organic Industries, a leading manufacturer of plastic and food additives, offers existing application of feed nutrition additives with a focus on the poultry industry. Here the applications tend to substitute antibiotics and improve nutrition for poultry. This product has been recently commercialised which it intends to export to selected international markets like Europe and the United States. Fine Organics has also developed a nutrition additive, mainly targeted for exports, that increases milk yield from cattle. The company is targeting a couple of new markets where regulatory approval process is completed as required by those countries. DLGs India entry is a follow up on global consolidation Globally, the animal feed business has witnessed a series of M&A activities. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Tyson and Cargill have acquired Neovia, Proteins Inc and Integral Nutricao, respectively in recent times and each one is looking at the growth opportunity India has to offer. DLGs tie-up with Prabhat Dairy is an attempt to harness Indian market. DLG Groups Premix & Nutrition business division comes under Vilofoss brand. Stock outlook Though still in early stages for Prabhat dairy, diversification to animal nutrition could be a new growth driver and likely more margin accretive. The stock of Prabhat Dairy has corrected by about 60 percent from its all-time high and currently trading at a level closer to what was prevailing in end CY2016. In the last few quarters, stock price performance remained weak across the dairy sector due to a higher supply of milk resulting in a price correction. In the case of Prabhat Dairy, Q2 sales growth was 8.5 percent year-on-year (YoY) despite 26 percent volume growth. For the Q2 period, milk prices had corrected by 17 percent YoY on average. However, now news flow suggests milk demand-supply balance has normalised. December quarter supply has been lower and therefore, milk prices are expected to rebound from here. Further, stocks of skimmed milk powder are already low due to export opportunities and hence prices have already increased by about 15 percent in last one month. The stock is currently trading at 14x FY20e (estimated) earnings. Key trends that make it a stock worth watching for are a higher share of value-added products of 45 percent (excluding milk powder) and rapid improvement in retail reach. The company plans to more than double retail revenue (B2C segment) in the next two years. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Here are stocks that are in the news today: Results Today: TCS, Bandhan Bank, Goa Carbon, Flexituff Ventures International. Adani Enterprises: Government of Andhra Pradesh signs MoU with Adani Group to build Data Center Parks up to 5 GW capacities in and around Visakhapatnam over the next 20 years. Delta Corp: Board fixed January 21 as record date for ascertaining entitlement for the payment of interim dividend. Delta Corp Q3: Profit rises to at Rs 50.53 crore versus Rs 44.74 crore; revenue increases to Rs 205.81 crore versus Rs 162.17 crore YoY, driven by gaming operations. Dilip Buildcon: Subsidiary DBL Anandapuram Anakapalli Highways Private Limited received the financial closure from the National Highways Authority of India for six laning of Anandapurdm-PenduthiAnakapalli section of NH-5 (new NH-16) in Andhra Pradesh under Bahratmala Pariyojana on Hybrid Annuity Mode. Dilip Buildcon - CRISIL downgraded rating for long ter mbank facilities from CRISIL A+/Stable to CRISIL A/Stable Short term reaffirmed at CRISIL A1 Yes Bank: Board finalised names of potential candidates for the position of MD & CEO and will submit an application to the Reserve Bank of India on January 10, seeking approval for the appoinbnent of the new MD & CEO. Puravankara: ICRA has maintained the previous rating and assigned a long-term rating of BBB+ (stable) and short term rating of A2 for an enhanced amount of Rs 3,000 crore bank facilities of Puravankara. Polyplex Corporation: CARE reaffirmed rating for long term bank facilities aggregating to Rs 357 crore (enhanced from Rs 196.36 crore) as A+/Stable and rating for short term bank facilities aggregating to Rs 48 crore (enhanced from Rs 42 crore) as A1+. AGC Networks: Subsidiary completed the acquisition of Black Box Corporation, a leading digital solutions provider in the US. Pfizer clarified that news item, Pfizer to stop manufacturing operations in Chennai, Aurangabad units, does not relate to Pfizer, India NRB Industrial Bearings: Board approved the allotment of 50,00,000 cumulative, redeemable, non-convertible preference shares of Rs 10 each aggregating to Rs 5 crore on private placement basis to Devesh Singh Sahney, Chairman, Managing Director and Promoter of the company. Majesco: Due to the federal government shutdown company has changed its record date for its previously announced rights offering from January 7 to January 29 and its expiration date from January 28 to February 19. Ashok Leyland: Company bags orders for 2580 buses from state transports, buses to be delivered before March 2019. Ashok Leyland: Company acquired additional 5,00,010 shares (constituting 12.50 percent in the paid-up share capital of Ashley Aviation Limited. Consequent to the said acquisition, the company's shareholding in Ashley Aviation Limited stands increased to 88.75 percent. Bajaj Finance issued 14950 secured redeemable non-convertible debentures of face value of Rs 10 lakh each aggregating to Rs 1495 crore Vijaya Bank revised MCRL w.e.f. January 10 Indian Overseas Bank increased MCLR by 0.05% across all tenors w.e.f. January 10 Tata Steel BSL: Board approved (a) issuance of non-convertible redeemable preference shares an amount upto Rs 12,000 crore and/or (b) Issuance of non-cumulative optionally convertible redeemable preference of up to Rs 12,000 crore on a private placement basis to Tata Steel. Vakrangee: There were no irregularities in matters (which are resignation of Price Water House as statutory auditor of the company, abnormal trading in share price, Income Tax Assessment order & Tax Audit report of last five years, details regarding the bullion & jewellery business and shareholding structure) in the preliminary findings provided by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs during inspection. HUDCO has achieved the level of loan sanctions of Rs 12,115.68 crore and loan releases of Rs 12,850.29 crore Kamron Laboratories: Board passed the resolution increasing the investment limit of non-resident Indians upto 24 percent of the paid-up capital of the company. Bulk Deals on January 9 IOL Chemical: Oregon Public Employees Retirement System bought 3,03,706 shares of the company at Rs 196.88 per share on the NSE. Rolta India: Central Bank of India (Capital Market Service Branch) sold 16,97,862 shares of the company at Rs 8.6 per share on the NSE. Shalimar Paints: Equity Intelligence India bought 3,00,000 shares of the company at Rs 67.17 per share while Atul Goel sold 3,35,967 shares at Rs 67.38 per share and Rajasthan Global Securities sold 2,55,334 shares at Rs 67.3 per share on the NSE. (For more bulk deals, click here) Analyst or Board Meet/Briefings Shree Pushkar Chemicals & Fertilisers: Officials of the company will be attending the investor conference hosted by HDFC Securities on January 10 in Mumbai. EPC Industrie: Board meeting is scheduled on January 30 to consider the un-audited financial results for the quarter ended on December 2018. Alembic Pharma: Company will hold post results conference call on January 22. Biocon: Board meeting is scheduled on January 24 to consider the unaudited financial results (both standalone and consolidated) for the quarter ended December 2018. Avenue Supermarts: Board meeting is scheduled to be held on January 12 to consider raising of funds by issuance of commercial paper. Oriental Hotels: Board meeting is scheduled on January 23 to consider the unaudited financial results for the quarter and period ended December 2018. ITC: Board meeting is scheduled on January 23 to consider the unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 2018. Shree Cement: Board meeting will be held on January 22 to consider standalone un-audited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended on December 2018 and payment of interim dividend for the year 2018-19. Tata Coffee: Board meeting is scheduled on January 29 to consider the financial results for the third quarter and nine months period ended December 2018. Raymond: Board meeting is scheduled on January 23 to consider the unaudited financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended on December 2018. Shreyas Shipping & Logistics: Board meeting is scheduled on February 7 to consider the unaudited financial results for the quarter ended December 2018. Zim Laboratories: Meetings with investors/analyst is scheduled to be held on January 10 in Mumbai. DHFL: Board meeting is scheduled on January 25 to consider the un-audited financial results of the company for the third quarter / nine months ended December 2018. Hero MotoCorp: Board meeting is scheduled to be held on January 31 to consider the unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 2018. Suzlon Energy: Company would be meeting certain investors / analysts in Mumbai on January 10. 5Paisa Capital: Board meeting is scheduled on January 16 to consider the standalone and consolidated unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 2018. HPCL: Company's officials will participate in a conference hosted by HDFC Securities at Mumbai on January 10. TTK Healthcare: Board meeting is scheduled on January 30 to consider the unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended December 2018. Bhageria Industries: Management team of the company will participate in a conference hosted by HDFC Securities at Mumbai on January 10, where the team will interact with various funds and institutional investors. Ramco Industries: Board meeting is scheduled on January 29 to consider the unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 2018. GRP: Officials of the company will be meeting analyst and investors on January 10. NOCIL: Company's officials will participate in a conference hosted by HDFC Securities at Mumbai on January 10. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More What a day for Indian markets! The bulls continued to dominate D-Street as benchmark indices ended higher for the fourth straight session in a row, thanks to global cues. So what was the reason well, trade talks between US-china ended on an optimistic note which boosted investor sentiments. The S&P BSE Sensex rallied 231 points to finally close above Mount 36K at 36,212 while Nifty50 reclaimed 10,850 to end at 10855. The broader market underperformed benchmark indices as the BSE Midcap and BSE-Smallcap ended lower by 0.04% and 0.2%, respectively. A steady rise in crude oil prices which are now hovering around $60/bbl could act as a headwind for Indian markets apart from earnings. December quarter is seasonally seen as a slow quarter for India Inc., suggest experts. On the macro front, World Bank in a report said that Indias GDP is expected to grow at 7.3 percent in the fiscal year 2018-19, and 7.5 percent in the following two years, attributing it to an upswing in consumption and investment. The bank said India will continue to be the fastest growing major economy in the world. Chinas economic growth is projected to slow down to 6.2 percent each in 2019 and 2020 and 6 percent in 2021. In other news, the Budget session of Parliament is likely to be held from January 31 to February 13 and the interim Budget is expected to be presented on February 1, government sources said on Wednesday. On the institutional front, FIIs turn net buyers in Indian markets to the tune of Rs 276 crore along with DIIs who poured in Rs 439 crores. Big News: As many as 7 companies will be reporting their results for the quarter ended December on Thursday which include names like Bandhan Bank, TCS, and Supreme Infrastructure Ltd. TCS: Likely to report 20% YoY growth in net profit to Rs 7892 crore Jefferies expects 1.8 percent QoQ constant currency growth (+1.1 percent USD growth) Edelweiss said that TCS is likely to deliver revenue growth of 2.2 percent in constant currency terms and 1.6 percent in US dollar terms Technical View: Nifty formed a Long Legged Doji pattern on charts Traders are advised to remain focussed on stock specific opportunities with a market stop placed below 10,733 levels on closing basis. Three levels to watch: 10750, 10930, 11000 Max Call OI: 11000, 11200 Max Put OI: 10500, 10000 Technical Recommendations: We spoke to Bonanza Portfolio and heres what they have to recommend: Tata Motors Ltd: Buy| CMP: Rs.183.05 | Target: Rs 198| Stop Loss Rs.176| Return 10% ITC: Buy| CMP: Rs.290.40 | Target: Rs 312| Stop Loss: Rs.279| Return 7% SPARC: Buy| CMP: Rs.186.50 | Target: Rs 209| Stop Loss Rs.177| Return 12% Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment expert on moneycontrol.com are his own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. January 10, 2019 / 02:20 PM IST GST threshold to be raised for turnover of Rs 50 lakh and above The threshold for the GST registration has been raised for businesses with an annual turnover of Rs 50 lakh, BloombergQuint quoted Andhra Pradeshs Finance Minister Y Krishnudu on the sidelines of the meeting. Currently, businesses with a turnover of gambit of Rs 20 lakh or above fall under GST. Fuel, customs, documentation and cross-border rules--these are some the of issues that continue to affect operationalisation of Chabahar Port even as union minister for shipping, Nitin Gadkari, hopes for an early operability. Sources told Moneycontrol that the follow-up committee, which is comprised of joint secretaries of the involved ministries, has identified areas of concern in order to streamline the transit protocol. Customs issues, issues of truckers including their harassment at borders, (lack of) uniform documentation across countries, (lack of system where) Iran recognises commercial transport of Afghanistan and vice versa, difference in fuel prices between the two countries and streamlining process at border crossing are some of the issues that need to be addressed, a person aware of the matter said. He said that a meeting will be held soon at the Follow-up committee level to chalk out a plan of action. India, Iran and Afghanistan had inked an agreement in 2016 to set up Transit and Transport Corridor among the three countries. The corridor would have Chabahar Port at the helm as the main trade hub, facilitating trade relations between the three countries. The Port is considered as a gateway to golden opportunities for trade by India, Iran and Afghanistan with central Asian countries, bypassing Pakistan and cutting short trade distance with gulf countries. Also read: Govt allows Iranian bank to open Mumbai branch: Nitin Gadkari India was handed over operations of Chabahar Port by Iranian government on December 24. First meeting of the Follow-up committee was held on that day which decided to finalise the trade protocol at the earliest. According to another person aware of the development, as part of the Follow-up committee, India has identified border crossing routes which will be discussed and thereafter finalised by others. The future of Chabahar Port seemed uncertain after the Donald Trump led US government pulled out of US-Iran nuclear deal struck by former US president Barack Obama. Trump imposed economic sanctions on Iran starting November 4, 2018. New Delhi, however, had to lobby really hard to receive waiver from the US to continue working on the Port. Modi government dug its heels firmly for almost six months to secure waiver with regards to importing oil from Iran and to safeguarding its interests in Chabahar port. New Delhi held discussions with both the US and Iran-Afghanistan governments to continue and expand its presence at Chabahar. Also read: India needs waiver on US sanctions to operate Chabahar port; will route payments through Iranian Bank: Official The Port, however, continue to see troubles ever since the sanctions were imposed on Iran. Sources said that problems continue to persist as people have taken the sanctions seriously. Banking channels face the most issues. Banks (who) have US exposure dont want to touch any transaction that involves Iran, said one of the sources. Presently, Indian government has devised alternate payment mechanism to conduct financial transactions between New Delhi and Tehran. India has roped in Bank Parasgad Iran (BPI), an Iranian private bank, and UCO Bank to route payments in the gulf country. Iranian foreign minister, Md Javad Zarif, who was on a two-day visit to India to discuss wide ranging issues, met Gadkari to discuss issues related to Chabahar Port and said that the two countries were trying to solve maximum issues despite illegal sanctions by the US. We are very happy that in the banking sector, both UCO and BPI are getting started with the business. We hope that despite illegal sanctions by US, Iran and India can cooperate for the benefit of the people of two countries, he said. Gadkari said that the discussions with Zarif were fruitful and that issues are being resolved. Some of the existing spaces we looked at were not able to be retrofitted, said Zach Waickman, a member of the preschool board. A few (properties) we looked at could be retrofitted for a very large cost but that was then paired with a short-term lease option. That would not be a fiscally responsible move for us to make. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday said that the SAARC swap arrangement with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is part of the international assistance to boost the island's flagging reserves. "The Reserve Bank of India has agreed to give our Central Bank USD 400 million under the SAARC currency swap arrangement. They (the Indians) are considering a further large sum," Wickremesinghe told parliament. His remarks came a day after Sri Lanka's Central Bank on Wednesday said that the RBI has agreed to provide USD 400 million under the SAARC swap arrangement to boost the island nation's reserves. It said that a further request to the RBI for another SWAP arrangement of USD 1 billion is "under consideration". Wickremesinghe said that Lanka will make its highest ever debt payment in history USD 2600 million - on January 14. "Within 2019 we have to pay USD 5900 million by way of interest and capital on foreign loans," he said. Wickremesinghe said that the nearly two-month long political crisis had an adverse impact on the country's economy. "During the 51 days, our Rupee fell by 3.8 per cent. When all other currencies were appreciating, the rupee was falling. There were capital outflows from the country," he said. "We are yet to quantify the losses, but it was a death blow to an economy that was struggling to recover," Wickremesinghe told parliament. President Maithripala Sirisena's dramatic move on October 26 to sack Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and install former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place following differences over policy issues, left the country without a functioning government for nearly two months. However, a Supreme court verdict forced Sirisena to reinstate Wickremesinghe. Sri Lanka's reserves dipped from USD 7991 million to USD 6985 million during the crisis, the prime minister said. Due to the political crisis, the big three credit rating agencies -- Fitch Ratings, Standard & Poor's (S&P) and Moody's -- downgraded Sri Lanka's sovereign rating. Wickremesinghe said the government is in the process of raising USD 1.9 billion to boost its reserves. One billion dollars are to be raised in international markets while USD 500 million would be raised from Chinese Panda funds and Japanese Samurai Funds in addition to the USD 400 million from India's RBI under SAARC currency swap arrangement. The government's priority right now is to work for the rupee's stabilisation, Wickremesinghe said. The weaker rupee has caused cost escalation of raw materials and all imports. Representative image The Reserve Bank and the government need to ensure timely and affordable bank credit for exporters to boost outbound shipments, EEPC India said on Thursday. Engineering Exports Promotion Council (EEPC) said there was a sharp annualised drop of over 54 percent in the gross bank credit deployment in the export sector. "Against a gross credit deployment of Rs 434 billion (Rs 43,400 crore) till October-end 2017, the figure dropped 54.6 percent year-on-year to Rs 197 billion (Rs 19,700 crore) in 2018," the council said in a statement. EEPC India Chairman Ravi Sehgal said while several global factors such as trade war between the US and China and uncertainties over Brexit are hitting the export demand, the cost of credit remains a big concern for exporters. "Subdued flow of credit is also seen in the engineering segment as well, as per RBI data. Credit is the lifeline of the industry and exporters and the situation need to be addressed sooner than later," he added. Besides, exporters are facing many problems in the wake of RBI's instructions to banks to not to honour shipping bills older than two years under the Export Data Processing and Monitoring System, he said. "Ironically, these irritants are surfacing at a time when the going is difficult in the global market due to trade tensions between the US and China and other issues," Sehgal said. The sector contributes about 26 percent to the country's total merchandise exports. Engineering exports were USD 76 billion in 2017-18 and are expected to touch USD 80 billion this fiscal. During April-October 2018-19, these exports stood at USD 48 billion as against USD 43.11 billion in the same period previous fiscal. Shipments to the US and Europe account for about 40 percent of the total exports from the sector. In the wake of rising fake currency notes in the Indian economy, banking officials have instructed their staff to be extra cautious while scrutinising received notes, The Hindu Business Line reported. According to the report, instances of counterfeit currencies, particularly of Rs 500, have increased. It has become a cause of concern for both banking officials and the public. "While counterfeits are not totally new, their numbers appear to be on a rise," a senior branch-level official of Central Bank of India told the paper. Confirming the growing menace of fake currencies, an official of a leading public sector bank said there are fake Rs 500 notes circulating with the wrong spelling of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) -- 'Resurve Bank of India -- on the left side of the obverse. Considering this, instructions have been issued to staff for being extra-vigilant while scrutinising the notes received. Also, cash management services providers involved in ATM replenishment have been alerted for the same, the official told the publication. In August last year, RBI had announced that 5,22,783 pieces of counterfeit notes were detected in the banking system in FY18. Of this, 63.9 percent were detected by banks other than the central bank. Moreover, out of the total fake notes detected by RBI, their share during FY18 was higher at 36.1 percent as against 4.3 percent during the previous fiscal. This was because of processing of a large volume of specified banknotes (SBNs) withdrawn from circulation due to demonetisation, the report stated. Tata Steel live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More In a possible tweak to its strategy, Tata Steel may retain up to 30 percent of its shareholding in its South East Asian units, which had been put on the block. Sources told Moneycontrol that the slight tweak means that Tata Steel is now looking for a partner and not a downright buyer. The units include the Singapore-based NatSteel Holdings and Tata Steel (Thailand). Earlier this week, media reports said the steel major was in talks with China's Hesteel Group. The Chinese company is the second largest steelmaker in the country. In response to a query on the development, Tata Steel said: In pursuit of its long-term strategy to create sustainable value for its shareholders, Tata Steel periodically undertakes strategic assessment and review of its portfolio including overseas business. "Tata Steel will continue to consider all strategic decisions including portfolio restructuring options in a responsible manner taking into account the interests of stakeholders including employees. However, as there is no firm proposal for consideration currently, the company has no further comment to make in this matter. The stake sale is part of Tata Steel's strategy under CEO and Managing Director TV Narendran to refocus its energy and resources into India. Even as it looks to dilute stake in its South East Asian units, Tata Steel has forged a joint venture with thyssenkrupp for its European operations. Now it wants to possibly follow the JV model in South East Asia too. The acquisition of the two units had marked Tata Steel's first steps in going global. It acquired NatSteel in 2004 for about 480 million Singapore dollars. A year later, the Indian major picked up Millennium Steel for $400 million, which included debts of $225 million. The two units, which will be sold together, have seen interest from multiple players, including private equity companies. Sources had earlier told Moneycontrol that the two units could be valued at $500 million. "Couple of private equity players have shown interest," an executive had said. But here too, Tata Steel now prefers a steelmaker to come over and pick up its stake in NatSteel and Tata Steel (Thailand). The two units have a combined steel capacity to make two million tonne a year. Members of the Illinois General Assembly took their oath of office Jan. 9, and already the race has begun to find ways for Illinois citizens to begin digging deeper into their own pockets. Taxes are an imperative way to fund the necessities of living in a democracy, such as building and maintaining roads so everyone can get to their daily jobs. The less fortunate should be assisted through social service programs until they can get on their own feet and become independent. While the village streets are in fair or good condition, about 35 percent were built in the late 1990s and early 2000s as the village experienced a population boom and are nearing the time when they will require maintenance and improvement, Super said. Work will include resurfacing, reconstruction or replacement as well as some sidewalk and storm water infrastructure repairs, he said. Ive heard everything thats been said tonight and (on) previous occasions, Powell said. We pride ourselves in Elgin for being a community that values community engagement, that values diversity, that encourages citizen involvement. But when people come here to speak their piece, to share their outrage, sadness and disappointment and to ask for justice, they are not always met with consideration. They are not always met with respect, and thats not right. SAGINAW, MI Can government operatives issue parking tickets based on chalking vehicle tires, or does such an act constitute a violation of ones constitutional rights? Thats an issue before a federal appeals court after a lawsuit was filed over tire chalking in Saginaw. In April 2017, attorneys Philip L. Ellison and Matthew E. Gronda filed a lawsuit on behalf of Alison P. Taylor in U.S. District Court in Bay City. Named as defendants in the suit are the City of Saginaw and Tabitha Hoskins, employed as a city parking official. The suit states that since 2014, Hoskins has issued Taylor 14 parking tickets some for $15, others for $30 for allegedly exceeding the 2-hour limit on a parking spot in Old Town Saginaw, where she works. Hoskins was able to tell that Taylors vehicles had surpassed the time limit by marking her tires with chalk, the suit alleges. Taylor works for MLive Media Group in Saginaw, which operates MLive.com and The Saginaw News. The media company is not a party to the lawsuit. The reason I felt this was an issue is because one day my tire was marked and I ran to the store and came back, Taylor said. The only spot open was the same spot I had originally been in. They were still going to give me a ticket because they assumed I never left until a witness said they had seen me leave and come back. That was when I realized there needed to be a better way to do this. Other cities use meters or cameras. They have no right to touch my property just to prove I might do something wrong. Taylor said Ellison took her case pro bono. He posted on Facebook asking if anyone he knew had tickets I said I did, she said. She added she has paid off all of her tickets. Our argument is very simple if the government trespasses on your property for the purpose of collecting information, they need a search warrant, Ellison told MLive-The Saginaw News Otherwise, its a Fourth Amendment violation. Here, our position is that meter maids or parking ambassadors or whatever you want to call them are putting marks on tires of peoples cars and thats a trespass. If you do that, thats a trespass. Theyre doing that to collect information on how long youve been there. That process, not parking enforcement as a whole, violates the Fourth Amendment. Taylor is suing both in her individual capacity and on behalf of a class, Ellison said. Were seeking reimbursement not just for her, but for everyone in Saginaw who has gotten a ticket as a result of the tire chalking, Ellison said. Attorney Brett Meyer, representing Saginaw and Hoskins, on June 5, 2017, filed a motion to dismiss. In it, Meyer argued that chalking tires tires does not amount to a search under the Fourth Amendment and, even if it did, the search is reasonable and therefore not a constitutional violation. Meyer cited numerous precedents to support his argument. The chalking of Plaintiffs vehicle did not relay any actual information to Defendant, the motion states. The only information that was obtained in this case was by virtue of Defendant Hoskinss physical observation of the Plaintiffs vehicle, which required her to return to the vehicles location to view whether or not the vehicle had moved. U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Ludington granted Meyers motion for dismissal on Sept. 15, 2017. Taylors attorneys appealed Ludingtons ruling with the U.S. Court of Appeals. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati heard oral arguments from Meyer and Taylors attorneys in October. The judges ruling on whether to uphold or reverse Ludingtons decision is pending and could arrive at any time, Ellison said. Depending on the ruling, either side could appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, Ellison said. This could have major effects across the country, Ellison said. Were not saying the government cant regulate parking. Were saying they cant do it in this way. Parking structures, meters, permits there are lots of different ways that are constitutional rather than this method, which we think is unconstitutional. OCEANA COUNTY, MI A caregiver who admitted to abusing a bedridden man and had been accused of not reporting his death has been sentenced to two years in prison. Rebecca Ann Deters, 41, of Howard City pleaded no contest in September 2017 to second-degree abuse of the 55-year-old man. She originally was sentenced to 12 months in jail, but a probation violation means she now will serve 24 months in the Michigan Department of Corrections. She received her probation violation sentence on Dec. 17, 2018, from Oceana County Circuit Judge Robert D. Springstead. The maximum sentence, set by state statute, is four years. Deters had been charged with involuntary manslaughter, failure to report a dead body and attempted removal of a dead body without permission of a medical examiner. Those charges were dismissed with her plea. Deters had a contract with the state, for which she received an undisclosed amount of money, to care for the victim, Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon has said. She took over responsibility for his care after the man's son, with whom Deters was in a relationship, was sent to jail, Bizon said. It was the victims nephew who called 911 to report his uncles death, Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast said earlier. It was believed that the victim, who had multiple sclerosis, died two days earlier. When deputies arrived at the home, the body "appeared to be in ... poor condition from bed sores and the length of time he had stayed in the home, deceased," Mast said. "It was very obvious that no one was caring for him." The nephew who called 911 told deputies Deters had called a funeral home to remove McCallum's body, but was told she needed to call law enforcement first, Mast said. Bizon alleged that Deters "attempted to circumvent" state law that requires a medical examiner declare a person dead. When deputies searched the home, they found Deters hiding in the basement, Mast said. KALAMAZOO, MI The man who admitted to killing her husband and son in a shooting spree that crossed Kalamazoo County in February 2016 took the cowards way out, Laurie Smith said Wednesday. Jason Brian Dalton, 48, of Cooper Township, pleaded guilty Monday, Jan. 7, to 16 felony counts against him six counts of premeditated, first-degree murder, two counts of assault with intent to murder and eight felony firearm counts in the Feb. 20, 2016, shooting rampage. Dalton shot and killed Smiths husband, Rich Smith, 53, and her 17-year-old son, Tyler, as the pair were looking at a truck at a Seelye dealership on Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo. He took the coward way out, Laurie Smith said. I still believe he didnt do it for us even though he said he did. He did it for himself so he didnt have to sit and listen to all the gruesome details and he did it so his family wouldnt have to testify or hear the gruesome details. Daltons plea came on the third day of jury selection, and the day before testimony was expected to start in the trial. Dalton faces mandatory life in prison without the possibility of parole when he is sentenced Feb. 5. His defense attorney, Eusebio Solis, told Kalamazoo County Circuit Court Judge Alexander C. Lipsey his client was entering the pleas against his legal advice. Dalton shot Tiana Carruthers four times in the parking lot of the Meadows town home complex, 5066 Meadows Blvd., just before 6 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2016. Dalton then shot and killed father and son Rich, 53, and Tyler Smith, 17, in the parking lot of Seelye Kia on Stadium Drive just after 10 p.m. that same evening. He then shot four women and a 14-year-old girl in the parking lot of Cracker Barrel, 5581 S. 9th St. in Texas Township. Mary Lou Nye, 62, of Baroda; Mary Jo Nye, 60, Dorothy Judy Brown, 74, and Barbara Hawthorne, 68, all of Battle Creek, were killed and the 14-year-old girl, Abigail Kopf, survived but was critically injured. Laurie Smith and her daughter, Emily Lemmer, were among about 50 friends and family members of the victims who rushed into the courtroom Monday to hear Dalton plead guilty. They had been preparing to endure a two-week trial starting Tuesday. Daltons last-minute plea changed those plans. Instead, they heard Dalton admit he planned to kill Rich and Tyler Smith when he shot them. Hearing their names associated with murder in a courtroom is surreal, Smith said. She said two days later, it still doesnt feel real that most of Daltons court proceedings are over, and she said she expects it to take weeks for it to sink in. I go on living like theyre going to walk through the door at any minute and thats how I get up every day, Lemmer said. Getting slapped in the face with the reality of, well, they arent here because their names just got read in court along with someone pleading that he did kill them, it doesnt give you anywhere to hide from your feelings. Smith said she wanted Dalton to see the aftermath of his crimes; to hear the details. I am grateful that the witnesses did not have to testify, first responders, everybody, reliving it, Smith said. But we did feel like we were robbed of being able to know what happened, specifically, to our loved ones. Smith, who has been bombarded with media interview requests, said she has heard from people saying they must be so happy the proceedings are mostly over so they can move forward. But thats not the case. Thats not it, Smith said. Yeah, this piece will be over, we wont have to hear about it all the time, we wont have to go back to court, but we live with it and will for the rest of our lives. Its a reality every time we wake up and every minute of every day. Its just about how do we try to find some joy without the one that I planned on being with at least a few more years, and my son? As of now, both Smith and Lemmer plan to deliver victim-impact statements at Daltons sentencing next month. I just want him to be sorry and I want him to know that what he did was absolutely, 100 percent horrible and he took a lot of people that meant the world to a lot of people and they werent just targets, Lemmer said. Smith said she still wants the focus to be who her husband and son and the other victims were, not how they died. The community support remains strong, and they are grateful, Smith said. It does really help knowing that were not alone, so to speak, Smith said. In some cases you are alone because even I feel differently than (Lemmer) does, but its nice to know the community is there and theyre feeling as much sorrow for us as a community could. Thats helpful and were grateful for that. KALAMAZOO, MI -- Protesters who faced misdemeanor charges agreed not to sue the city of Kalamazoo for alleged constitutional rights abuses in exchange for having their charges dismissed while others seek to argue their cases before a jury. Charges against five defendants arrested on Sept. 19, 2018, for violating a police barrier established in Bronson Park were dismissed by City Attorney Clyde Robinson. Documents obtained by MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette show Brittany Boydston, Chad Lassiter, Shamonte Moreno, Chris Wahmhoff and Ricky Woolfork Jr., signed individual settlement agreements, which state they will not sue the city for constitutional violations and for damaged, destroyed or confiscated property. Protesters retained Ann Arbor attorney Denise Heberle last summer to prepare a lawsuit against the city of Kalamazoo, alleging violations of their constitutional rights. The complaint has not been filed as of Jan. 10. While they may have been attempting to exercise their First Amendment right, the encampment was a violation of city rules against camping in the park, Robinson said. If they wanted to occupy the park during open hours that would be different, but they were camping overnight ... This was not just putting on a display to call the communitys attention to the plight of the homeless, this was an encampment that violated park rules. A message left for Heberle was not returned Thursday. During the protest, leaders of the encampment argued the First Amendment guarantees their right to occupy Bronson Park as part of a protest, while the Eighth Amendments prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment bars a city from criminally prosecuting people for sleeping on public property when no alternative shelter is available to them. Robinson said the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled cities are within their right to place time, place and manner restrictions on protests. He cited a 1982 case in which the court found rules against camping or overnight sleeping in public parks can be enforced during a protest. We dont believe we violated anybodys rights," Robinson said. They were given notice to move the encampment and they didnt ... The rule is against camping. When they call themselves an encampment how can you say youre not camping?" Wahmhoff was arrested for not leaving the park after three warnings announced the police zone was in effect. He was backpedaling from the Rotary Stage to exit the park while recording police when he was arrested, according to documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. Wahmhoff, who mounted a campaign for mayor as a write-in candidate in 2016, said the city violated the constitutional rights of protesters. He said he accepted the settlement because he couldnt afford to hire a lawyer or lose his job. One hundred percent I think they did and they know that, thats why they offered the settlement on the specific grounds of suing, Wahmhoff said. "Its just unfortunate some of the folks are at such a level of survival mode they really dont have a choice (but to accept the settlement). Police assembled in Bronson Park in the early morning hours of Sept. 19, 12 hours after a deadline set by City Manager Jim Ritsema, who had said protesters who stayed would be subject to a citation and arrest for trespassing. Officers arrested 10 people for violating the police line, one for resisting and obstructing police and three people on outstanding warrants. Police also issued citations to people who remained in tents that morning. Lt. Scott VanderEnde described the enforcement as an operation to clear out Bronson Park so that the park could be cleaned and remediated back to a sanitary condition. The encampment grew over the course of a month to include just under 100 tents, a makeshift cafeteria and kitchen, a first aid station and a donation drop-off station. A press release issued by Ritsema on Sept. 18 states the limited source of potable water and the absence of sanitary and safe food preparation facilities raise legitimate public health and welfare concerns, requiring the city to request voluntary compliance with its ordinances prohibiting camping in parks. Four defendants and Heberle did not appear in Kalamazoo County 8th District Court for a jury trial scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 10. Judge Anne Blatchford issued bench warrants for each of the defendants and ordered Heberle return to court to explain her absence while a new trial date is being set. Approximately five minutes ago I asked my staff, after numerous times of looking through the building for these individuals and being unable to find them, to contact defense council," Blatchford said Thursday morning. They were just able to reach defense counsel who apparently wasnt aware, somehow, that today was her court-date and/or mis-calendared it. Blatchford said the court notified defendants Barbara Hymel, Patrick White, Mento Matthews and Andre Lee of the Jan. 10 trial date. If convicted, they face up to 90 days in jail or fines up to $500. Assistant City Attorney Sarah Wemzlick prepared a handful of witnesses from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety to testify in the planned jury trial Thursday. She did not provide the number of witnesses she planned to call. Rudolphus Mendes III and Liberty Williams, arrested for breaking the police barrier last September, are both set to appear for a settlement conference on Jan. 28 and jury trial on Jan. 30. Mamie Butler is scheduled to appear on Jan. 14. A warrant was issued for Ethan Brooks after he failed to appear for an October 2018 court date. Mendes removed his attorney. Brooks, Butler and Williams are represented by Heberle. Williams pleaded guilty to violating the police line but is facing a misdemeanor charge for violating park rules. Three others pleaded guilty to violating parks rules. Kalamazoo City Commissioner Shannon Sykes-Nehring was arrested with the group on a charge of resisting and obstructing police, a violation of state law rather than city ordinances. Charges against her were later dropped. Protesters arrested for violating city ordinances The city of Kalamazoo spent almost $17,000 to end the month-long tent protest and repair damage to Bronson Park. The protest began on Aug. 19 in response to proposed city ordinance changes, which would lessen penalties for sleeping and camping in parks but were seen as a way to punish people for being homeless. A series of demands sought more emergency shelter space and resources to address the physical, emotional and mental health of people on the streets. At a Sept. 10 meeting, the Kalamazoo City Commission unanimously voted to work on demands presented by protesters during negotiations. Eight days later, Kalamazoos City Manager announced the encampment should leave Bronson Park or face arrest. Sykes-Nehring was arrested Sept. 19 after leaning on the hood of a transport van until several officers tried to remove her. She was booked at the Kalamazoo County Jail, then released with paperwork to appear at an Oct. 3 arraignment. According to invoices obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, the citys public services and public safety departments spent several thousand dollars each on overtime for dozens of employees. Other costs came from removing tents and equipment from the park after police arrested people who remained in Bronson Park the morning of Sept. 19. Some property was returned to people after they were released from custody, while other items went unclaimed. Heavy equipment was used to break down tents and load items. Sixty cubic yards of material including food, clothing, medicine and cooking equipment was thrown away. JACKSON, MI -- David DeBaker spends his Monday evenings lecturing Jackson College students on film, and when the clock strikes 7 p.m., he takes his lesson to the big screen. Jackson College is hosting its weekly film series beginning 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14, at the Michigan Theatre, 124 N. Mechanic St. Open to the public, each film in the Jackson College Winter Film Series was selected based on DeBakers Introduction to Film class, taught right before doors open. A new film is shown every Monday through April 1, beginning with The General. Tickets are $5 and ARRP members get a 20-percent discount on concessions. The films are reasonably priced and theyre ones you rarely see on the main screen, other than A Star is Born, said Michigan Theatre Executive Director Steve Tucker. Other films on the schedule include Crazy, Rich Asians on Jan. 21 and When Harry Met Sally on Feb. 11. The films are diverse like the audiences taste, so there will be something for everyone, DeBaker said. I try to pick a lot of different movies that people are hearing about because of award shows, but didnt get the to chance to see in theaters because they arent being shown in Jackson, he said. Other films shown will be a chance to revisit movies they saw on television or a long time ago, but now on a big screen in a beautiful theater. People come up to me after commenting how they forgot how wonderful a lot of the movies were. Jackson College has hosted the annual film series for more than 25 years, DeBaker said. All viewers are encouraged to engage in discussions after the showing. My favorite thing is wondering what my students will think of the film, DeBaker said. Some films are 15 years old, so I like to see what the new generations reaction is. Audience member ages vary, so I love to hear people talk about it. The full schedule for the Jackson College Winter Film Series is: Jan. 14: The General Jan. 21: Crazy, Rich Asians Jan. 28: Frida Feb. 4: "On the Water Front Feb. 11: When Harry Met Sally Feb. 18: Roma" Feb. 25: A Star is Born (2018) March 4: E.T. March 18: Singin' in the Rain April 1: If Beale Street Could Talk JACKSON, MI Expect more electric vehicle charging stations and higher electric rates from Consumers Energy in 2019. A $10 million electric vehicle charging project and $99 million electric rate increase were separately approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission on Thursday, Jan. 10 . The three-year electric vehicle pilot project allows for rebates to install and use public and private chargers across Michigan. Consumers will offer up to $5,000 each in rebates to 200 stations in public places and $70,000 in rebates each for 24 fast charging stations near highways, per Consumers spokesman Brian Wheeler and an MPSC press release. "People may have home chargers, but if they're traveling from say Jackson to Mackinac Island or the U.P., they'll need places where they can stop to charge their vehicles and do it quickly," Wheeler said. Charging times vary by the vehicle and charging station, said Kevin Miller, ChargePoint director of public policy. The California business has 1,100 stations in Michigan and 59,000 across the country. "On the top end, you're talking about charging a vehicle in 10 minutes or less," Miller said. "But that's all a process coming in the future as EV technology itself progresses and they can accept that higher level of charge." ChargePoint is looking to work with Consumers and its $10 million investment to build more stations in the state, Miller said. Michigan is already one of the leaders in building electric vehicle station infrastructure, he said. In addition to installation rebates, residents with electric vehicle charging stations will receive $500 to keep their charging between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. At the same meeting, the MPSC agreed to a rate decrease and increase for Consumers electric customers. The $24 million rate decrease is coupled with the elimination of a $123 million credit to customers from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It results in a $99 million increase and goes into effect Jan. 10. A customer using 500 kilowatt hours of electricity a month will see monthly bills increase by $1.62. Electric rates were last increased in March 2018 by $65.8 million. Natural gas rates for were last increased by Consumers in August by $10.6 million. GRAND RAPIDS, MI When Konrad Chance and his parents picked up his brother on a Saturday morning last month, Jared Chance appeared very disturbed, his brother recalled. Before the day ended, Konrad Chance learned apparently from his brother that Jared Chance had killed and dismembered Ashley Young, a 31-year-old Kalamazoo-area woman last seen alive two days earlier. Yes, I knew that she was dead, Konrad Chance, 27, told a prosecutor on Thursday, Jan. 10. Cut up into pieces? he was asked. Yes sir. Jared Chance, 29, faces charges of open murder, tampering with evidence, mutilation of a body and concealing a death. He has a probable-cause hearing on Friday, Jan. 11, in Grand Rapids District Court. His parents, James Chance, 76, and Barbara Chance, 63, had probable-cause hearings on Thursday on charges of perjury and accessory after the fact. She waived her right to the hearing and had her case bound over to Kent County Circuit Court. Her husband had a hearing that included testimony from Grand Rapids police detectives and crime-scene investigators as well their son, Konrad. Assistant Kent County Prosecutor Lawrence Boivin cautioned Konrad Chase that he could not testify at his fathers hearing about what his brother told him because it would be hearsay testimony. Judge Michael Distel also reminded that he did not have to incriminate himself in answering questions. Konrad Chance testified that he and his parents, who live in Holland, showed up at his brothers two-unit apartment, at 922 Franklin St. SE, early on Dec. 1. They were taking him back to their place for the weekend. When asked how his brother appeared, he said: Very disturbed. The family helped Jared Conrad carry out boxes, including a cardboard box lined with a black bag with something in it, the brother said. They took a trash bin and a mop, too. On the way to Holland, they stopped at Youngs car. Jared Chance got something out of the car and put it in the back of his parents Honda CR. Konrad Chance figured his brother had stolen the car. He did not remember stopping at Costco on the way home but said his family was shown on surveillance video. Once they got home, the brothers went to a nearby party store for beer, stopped at a friends house then went to their basement and smoked marijuana, Konrad Chase testified. At some point, he testified, he learned that his brother had killed and dismembered Young. The next day, they returned to Grand Rapids. They brought the boxes, trash bin and mop with them, and put them on the landing of his brothers second-floor rental home. Konrad Chase said he didnt have any idea what was in the boxes. He didnt want to know, either, he said. On the way back to Jared Chances home, the father and suspect son stopped at Grand Rapids Police Department. They were only there a couple of minutes. Defense attorney Laura Joyce said the father, a retired Illinois police sergeant, wanted to turn his son in but first wanted to make sure he had legal representation. The father, after leaving the police station, took his family to Jared Chances home and they put the boxes on the landing near the front door. Later that day, the man who lived in the apartment below Jared Chance called police after spotting blood in the basement while investigating an odor that permeated the home. Police found the victims torso. A forensic pathologist determined that a saw was used to cut the body. Police found two saw blades outside of Jared Chances home, and later found a saw, with blood and tissue on it, hidden under a couch in his parents home. The prosecution contended that the father told police they went to his sons house at night, rather than the morning, and said they didnt stop anywhere on the way back, to throw off investigators. Boivin, the prosecutor, speculated that body parts could have been disposed of at Costco. If police had known they stopped at Costco, they could have searched the garbage bins, he said. He contended that the father expected his son to continue cutting up the body into smaller pieces that would be easier to dispose of. Joyce, the defense attorney, said that it was outrageous that her client faced a potential life sentence for a faulty memory. She noted instances where police testified they did not remember answers to questions. The human mind is fallible, Joyce said. He might have mis-remembered what happened but he didnt lie about it. Detective Sgt. John Purlee said the father was aware of the killing and dismemberment on the weekend he picked up his son. He was afraid of what the containers held, Purlee said. The father told police that he feared he would be accused, in his words, of aiding and abetting, Purlee said. The father also did not look closely at the garbage at his own home. Purlee thought it odd that the father, a former cop, told police he was glad he wasnt working the case because it was a tough one. The prosecution contended that false statements by the father hampered investigators. Detective Erica Fannon said that time is of the essence in such cases. Body parts before they can be destroyed. Surveillance video isnt saved long, either. Police did recover video of the homicide suspect buying two bottles of ammonia and other items at nearby Miss Tracys party store. Police also found the victims purse in a garbage container. The container was supposed to have been emptied the day before the purse was found but someone had parked in front of it. Her mother, Kristine Young, and other family members and friends, have attended every hearing and endured difficult testimony. Friends described Ashley Young as a positive, happy young woman. If you knew Ashley, she was literally the sunshine of your life, a friend once said. She was just amazing and beautiful. She could make anyone laugh. Young, who lived in Oshtemo Township, worked at a call center for a bank. For many years, she was as a caregiver for developmentally disabled people. She also was attending Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Donahue said he and other council members want to know why Vargas never informed them that the two vehicles were allegedly registered to the city, or that the mayor allegedly signed a check for $76,899 to the city. KENT COUNTY MI -- A Grand Rapids Public Schools teacher has been arrested on a child pornography charge after police say he was caught in an online sting. Philip Gordon Paauwe, 32, of Grandville, is charged with possession of child sexually abusive material and using a computer to commit a crime, according to Kent County sheriffs investigators. He was arraigned Wednesday, Jan. 9 in Walker District Court and was in the Kent County Jail on a $5,000 bond. In November 2018, an online undercover operation was conducted and, according to the sheriffs office, "the investigation resulted in an undercover officer chatting online with an individual who expressed interest in sexual contact with an underage child.'' The officer chatted through an app. Investigators said Paauwe allegedly told the undercover officer he was interested in sexual contact with a 13-year-old girl. Investigators identified Paauwe as the person they were chatting with and arrested him on Jan. 8 after the investigation revealed he was in possession of child pornography. John Helmholdt, communications director for Grand Rapids Public Schools, said Paauwe was placed on unpaid administrative leave Jan. 8, when the sheriffs office notified the district of his arrest. He said Paauwe has been employed by the district for less than the year. "To our knowledge, we do not believe any of our students were involved. This is an ongoing investigation and we are fully cooperating with the authorities,'' according to the statement from the district. Paauwe taught at KEC (Kent Education Center) Oakleigh. The school provides services to students with severe emotional impairments. Helmholdt said the parents of students in his class have been contacted and a letter will be going home to school families. The investigating detective with the Kent County Sheriffs Office is currently assigned to the West Michigan Based Child Exploitation Task Force. The Sixth District Computer Crimes Unit assisted with the investigation. Reporter Monica Scott contributed to this report. GRAND RAPIDS, MI James Chance, a retired Illinois police sergeant, tried to help his son avoid arrest in the death and dismemberment of a Kalamazoo woman by lying to investigators and moving boxes that police suspect contained the victims body parts, a prosecutor said Thursday, Jan. 10. Assistant Kent County Prosecutor Lawrence Boivin told a judge that James Chance, 76, intended to help Jared Chance continue to destroy evidence primarily, the victims body before police could find what was left, a torso. Defense attorney Laura Joyce contended her client made honest mistakes in his testimony under a prosecutors investigative subpoena, and had tried to turn his son into Grand Rapids police but was rebuffed when he said he first wanted to have his son represented by an attorney. The body of Ashley Young was discovered Dec. 2 in the basement of Jared Chances apartment at 922 Franklin St. SE when the tenant of the lower unit saw blood while investigating a strong odor. James Chance was ordered bound over for trial in Kent County Circuit Court on charges of perjury, a potential life-offense, and accessory after the fact, at a probable-cause hearing before Grand Rapids District Judge Michael Distel. The defendants wife, Barbara Louise Chance, 63, waived her right to the probable-cause hearing and also had her case bound over to Circuit Court. The testimony on Thursday included that of their other son, Konrad Chance, who said his brother acted very disturbed on Dec. 1 when the family drove to Grand Rapids to take him back to their Holland home. Konrad Chance, who was with his brother that day, learned in the coming hours that Jared Chance had killed and dismembered Young, he testified. Young was last seen alive early Nov. 29 with Jared Chance. He allegedly told others he could kill and get away with it. Police testified that Jared Chance had bought two bottles of ammonia that was apparently used to clean up the crime scene. Police found two saw blades outside of his home, and a saw, with human blood on it, under a couch at his parents' home. Police also found numerous rubber gloves and an empty box for the gloves. Testimony showed that he brought a box lined with a black plastic bag and other items in his parents' Honda then returned with the items the next day and left them at his home. The prosecutor said that Chance would have continued cutting up the victims body, and disposing it, if the tenant in the apartment below hadnt investigated and called police. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Barbara Pierce Bush, granddaughter of the late former President George H.W. Bush, said she hopes people remember her grandfather as example of someone who led with empathy, humility and decency. I think that my grandfather was an incredible leader in many ways, and I think his version of leadership looks different than what we see now, Barbara Pierce Bush said before a speaking engagement Thursday in Grand Rapids. He very much led with love. He really saw strength in softness. He was a very gentle human being, and I love him for that. I think that thats an aspiration, to be that type of leader. I hope that he serves as an example of that form of leadership, of connecting and empathy and humility and decency. George H.W. Bush, the nations 41st president, died Nov. 30 at the age of 94. Barbara Pierce Bush also is the daughter of President George W. Bush. 6 Barbara Pierce Bush says grandfather led country with love Barbara Pierce Bush was in Grand Rapids on Jan. 10 at Calvin College as part of the universitys annual January Series lectures. During a moderated discussion, she touched on her work with Global Health Corps, a non-profit she co-founded in 2009 to advance youth leadership in the fight for health equity in the U.S. and in Africa. Barbara Pierce Bush also talked about her experiences growing up in a political dynasty. She and her sister, Jenna Bush Hager -- the twin daughters of former President George W. Bush -- co-authored a book on those experiences in Sisters First: Stories from our Wild and Wonderful Life. It was released in 2017. Jenna Bush Hager was initially scheduled for the Jan. 10 spot but, due to a scheduling conflict with NBC, was unable to attend. In a time when the country seems politically divided and the federal government remains shut down amid disputes about building a $5.7 billion wall on the Mexico border, Barbara Pierce Bush said uniting the country takes willingness and bravery to listen. I work with people from around the world, and we have much more in common than we have not in common, she said. So I think it requires a curiosity of others and to want to learn what motivates other people and not to quickly make assumptions about someone based on something that they said or a party they affiliate with. I think most people would say they were human before they were the party that they affiliated with, and trying to find that common humanity is so critical, both in terms of moving forward but also in the beauty of living and getting to know other people. BURTON, MI Joseph Pettigrew knew something wasnt right once he looked at his phone. The 24-year-old Flint native finished a run at Bicentennial Park in Grand Blanc Township on May 1, 2018 and went home for a shower before heading to a panel for Democratic gubernatorial candidates at Baker College. I remember it was the first hot day (of the year). It was like 80 degrees, he recalled. People were just so excited that we finally got hot weather. While seated in the crowd, Pettigrew began to receive phone calls from his mother, Aretha. He counted at least 10 missed calls. She was worried about his father, Sidney Pettigrew Jr., whod not contacted any family members after leaving home that day. Anytime he goes somewhere hed check up on us. He just lets us know whatever hes doing, said Joseph Pettigrew. Hes the type of guy that has a regular schedule. Hed go to work. Hed go to the gym. Hed take a nap. Pettigrew Jr. worked out three to four times a week at The Rock Fitness Center on South Saginaw Street in Flint. After checking local hospitals and other facilities and coming up empty, Joseph Pettigrew spotted a post about a shooting in the area of the fitness center which triggered a lockdown at a nearby school. Ashia Pettigrew, Josephs older sister, headed to the area. I say about 10, 15 minutes pass by, said Joseph Pettigrew. She calls us back and says, Yes, it was him. The detective is on his way to come speak with us. Sidney Pettigrew Jr. was pronounced dead at Hurley Medical Center. He was 51 years old. Thats the moment Josephs life changed. I didnt know how to react to it. I didnt know what to say, he said. My mom was flipping out. I was literally at a loss for wordsI would say that specific day was the worst day of my life whatsoever. In the days and months since the shooting, some parts of life have regained their routine. Pettigrew is still wrapping up his bachelors degree at Eastern Michigan University, for instance. But the impact of that days events linger -- the frustration over the length of the investigation with no charges as of yet -- all of which have spurred his efforts to try and alleviate some of the gun violence taking place in Flint. It wasnt Joseph Pettigrews first exposure to gun violence. His friend Sasha Bell was shot and killed during a double homicide April 20, 2016 at the Ridgecrest Village apartment complex in Flint. Toron Fisher, 20, and Malek Thornton, 21, were both charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm in the slayings. Thornton pleaded guilty in October 2017 to one count of second-degree murder and one count of felony firearm. Hes scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 11 but will serve a minimum of 22 years in prison as part of a plea deal in which he agreed to testify against Fisher, whose trial began this week, according to Genesee Circuit Court records. But it was the death of his father that made him want to make a difference. I would say me, just to be honest, before my dad died I cared about gun violence but it wasnt like a thing I had to deal with, said Joseph Pettigrew. Id say, Thats messed up, I feel for their family." But it didnt go beyond that point. He has started sharing his story through the Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and is now organizing Flint Youth Against Gun Violence. The group will target millennials with a focus on education about gun legislation, awareness and the wide-reaching impact of violent acts. After the incident, theres a still a family out there that has to deal with those struggles, said Joseph Pettigrew. The family dynamics change whos going to take care of the bills, depression, anxiety. Theres so many other issues that go just beyond that incident. He argued the issues also include a normalization of violence and built-in excuses of limited resources. The city has experienced 44 homicides in 2017 and 49 homicides in 2016 and 2017. The 2017 Uniform Crime Report data released in September 2018 by the Federal Bureau of Investigation showed Flint was the sixth most violent city in America with a population of at least 50,000, with a 23 percent increase from 2016 in the number of reported violent crimes -- homicides, rapes, robberies and assaults. We know Flint is a crime-stricken community, said Joseph Pettigrew. What can we do about it? Part of the process would include having mentors and positive role models for young people in the community. Joseph Pettigrew said he would also like to find out how guns used in violent crimes wind up in the city and potentially go after manufacturers. Were not going to prevent every homicide, but that rate can go down. Its just about if you actually want to deal with it, he said. The community has to get together and want to do something about it too. We cant depend on government, (or) the police department to do everything. Joseph Pettigrew is also working with others, including community activists Ryan LoRee and Abel Delgado, on getting the city to proclaim a day in remembrance of Flint residents whose lives have been lost due to violence. He will also work with others such as WOW Outreach and the North Flint Revitalization Initiative to provide mentors for young residents. He would also like to somehow take advantage of the $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justices Bureau of Justice Assistance that is funding the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program and North Flint Revitalization Initiative to reduce violence in neighborhoods. He does foresee a challenge in getting people to discuss gun control reform in todays political climate, however. When you talk about guns or anything like that, the first thing people talk about is (if the government is) going to take my guns away and Im not going to be able to protect myself, said Joseph Pettigrew. Its not about taking guns; its about saving lives. Hes using the work ethic instilled in him by his father and wants to move forward with the task at hand. Be the best man you can be really. Dont focus on the negative. Just keep striving for excellence, no matter how it gets, Joseph Pettigrew said, recalling the lessons he learned from his father. Always do the best you can do and always pray, keep faith in God. I feel that really helps me... now that I look at it. UPDATE: UPDATE: FLINT, MI A weapon found Thursday morning on the campus of Eagles Nest Academy led to a lockdown of the school building on Flints north side. A statement issued by principal Denesha Smith and Kevin Johnson, the schools dean of students, notes an administrative team member was informed of a weapon on campus and it was immediately confiscated." Authorities were contacted following the discovery and the school building, located at 5101 Cloverlawn Drive, was placed on lockdown until 11:15 a.m. Jan. 10. No details were provided in the statement on the type of weapon or exactly when the incident began. A message left for Smith by MLive-The Flint Journal was not immediately returned. Pastor Reginald Flynn, the schools superintendent, said he was unaware of the incident. Flint police were scheduled to hold a press conference Thursday afternoon to further discuss the matter. As with all matters of student safety, we have taken this very serious and have acted accordingly, utilizing both school system disciplinary resources and working along side Flint police, reads the statement. Parents are invited to a Coffee with the Principal event at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 11 at the school where Smith will be available to answer questions regarding the issue and other topics. UPDATE: FLINT, MI Police are seeking charges against a 10-year-old male student who allegedly brought a loaded handgun to Eagles Nest Academy in Flint Thursday morning. Officers with the Flint Police Department responded shortly before 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 10 to the school, 5101 Cloverlawn Drive, for a report of a weapons violation. Flint police Detective Sgt. Tyrone Booth told reporters at a press conference Thursday afternoon that the student made some other students aware he was in possession of a firearm." School officials immediately placed the building into lockdown mode. Another student got involved (and) was able to retrieve the firearm and take it to the main office school building, Booth commented. Were grateful that it occurred in that manner and something didnt go wrong with having done that. He declined comment on where the student may have obtained the weapon or how it made it into the school. The students parents were notified and have spoken with Flint police, Booth said. One of the charges being sought by police is felonious assault, Booth said, due to the conversations between the student that brought the gun to school and another student. Police are also seeking to charge the boy with carrying a concealed weapon. Booth commended school officials for their swift reaction to the situation and the student who made others aware of the situation. It ... can be a dangerous situation getting involved, but a courageous student who knew that something wasnt right stepped in and made adults in the building aware of that and also removing something that can potentially cause great harm, said Booth. The information gathered by Flint police will be turned to the Genesee County Prosecutors Office for review and potential formal charges. It would be up to the prosecutors office to charge the boy as a juvenile or adult, police said. ANN ARBOR, MI - Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy will test new material from his first album of original solo songs in an upcoming visit to Ann Arbors Michigan Theater. Tweedy will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 1, in support of his 2018 album WARM, a set of primarily acoustic songs accompanying his New York Times best-selling memoir Lets Go (So We Can Get Back." The alternative-country stalwart has previously released 10 studio albums with Wilco, including the 2001 release Yankee Hotel Foxtrot," considered by many as one of the best albums of the 2000s. Tweedy last performed solo in Ann Arbor as the headliner of the 2009 Ann Arbor Folk Festival. Tickets go on sale at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, and can be purchased online. ANN ARBOR, MI Anuja Rajendra sat silently in court Thursday morning, surrounded by her family and a large crowd of supporters who dont believe she should go to jail. The Ann Arbor businesswoman is facing criminal charges over the wording of her campaign literature when she ran for Michigan Senate last summer, and the case is about to be decided. The Washtenaw County Prosecutors office alleges Rajendra, who lost in a four-way Democratic primary, violated state law by giving voters the impression she was an incumbent senator in two mailings. One stated, "As a mom of four and as your State Senator, I want my kids and all kids in Michigan to have the same opportunity for quality education and success." Another stated, "As your State Senator, I'm steadfast in my commitment to ...." Its our position that these are plainly fraudulent statements that cant really be interpreted in any other way, Assistant County Prosecutor Darren Miller argued in court. A team of attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union represented Rajendra during a nearly hour-long hearing in Ann Arbors 15th District Court Thursday morning, Jan. 10. After hearing arguments from the prosecution and defense, Judge Elizabeth Hines said she plans to issue an oral decision at 4 p.m. and instructed both sides to come back then. Ive spent hours on this case, the judge noted at the start of the hearing, indicating shes done her homework and read through the volumes of paperwork both sides have submitted. The ACLUs team of attorneys representing Rajendra includes John Shea, David Blanchard, Frances Hollander, Michael Steinberg and Dan Korobkin. Shea argued for dismissal of the case, saying the law under which Rajendra is being charged is unconstitutional. The ACLUs position is that the First Amendment protects even allegedly misleading speech and does not allow for a law that empowers the state to police campaign speech and target statements in campaign literature for criminal prosecution. Rajendra never intended to suggest she was an incumbent, and the overriding theme of her campaign was that she was a fresh voice and political outsider, Shea told the judge. Politicians, including President Donald Trump. regularly say things that are false or misleading and theyre not prosecuted for it, ACLU attorneys noted, arguing the cure for false or misleading speech is more free speech, not prohibition of speech. Miller argued the state law in question does not seek to prohibit the free exchange of political ideas. Rather, he said, it seeks to prohibit fraud and theres a compelling state interest in protecting the integrity of elections. While the 2018 election is over, upholding the law in this case will send a message to future candidates to avoid fraudulently representing themselves as incumbents, Miller said. Rajendra is facing two counts of false incumbency designation, each a misdemeanor violation of state election law punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 in fines. The ACLU is concerned convicting Rajendra of a crime over political speech would have a chilling effect on future candidates running for office if a slip of words can land them in jail. The language in Rajendras campaign literature clearly presented her as the senator in the present tense and that could have been avoided by changing as your state senator to if elected as your state senator, Miller argued, suggesting it wasnt an honest mistake. Its common knowledge that being perceived as an incumbent in an election helps a candidate, Miller said. Shea argued nobody was misled to believe Rajendra was the incumbent, not even the troublemakers who filed the complaints against her. Two supporters of one of her opponents, Michelle Deatrick, filed complaints that led to a police investigation. Jeff Irwin, who won the race, and Deatrick both have said they dont support the charges against Rajendra. When there is misleading speech in a political campaign, the best way to address it is for the opposition to call it out, Shea said. Miller responded with the old saying that a lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. ANN ARBOR, MI Criminal charges against a Michigan Senate candidate over her campaign literature have been dismissed. Judge Elizabeth Hines issued an opinion from the bench Thursday afternoon, Jan. 10, in Ann Arbors 15th District Court, dismissing the case against Ann Arbor businesswoman Anuja Rajendra, who competed in a four-way Democratic primary race in 2018. The state law under which Rajendra was charged with falsely representing herself as an incumbent is an unconstitutional infringement of free speech, Hines ruled, agreeing with the American Civil Liberties Union, which defended Rajendra. Hines spent nine minutes laying out her findings, after which a crowd of supporters erupted with applause while Rajendra hugged her ACLU attorneys and her family. Words cannot describe the trauma of being thrown into the criminal justice system when you did nothing wrong, Rajendra said afterward, adding she fears for others who may end up in a similar situation. Its truly frightening, she said. But Im a person of hope and Im so grateful to the judge today and to the community that has been steadfast. There were so many people who supported me in this ordeal that didnt necessarily support me in the race. That gives her hope, she said, and the judges decision reminds me of whats best in humanity. Rajendra came in third place in her Senate race last August, behind Michelle Deatrick and Jeff Irwin, who won the seat. Supporters of Deatrick filed complaints against Rajendra with the Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office ahead of the primary, leading to an Ann Arbor police investigation of her campaign mailers. One stated, "As a mom of four and as your State Senator, I want my kids and all kids in Michigan to have the same opportunity for quality education and success." Another stated, As your State Senator, Im steadfast in my commitment .... After the race was over and the investigation concluded, Washtenaw County Prosecutor Brian Mackies office brought charges, alleging Rajendra violated state law by giving voters the impression she was an incumbent. Its our position that these are plainly fraudulent statements that cant really be interpreted in any other way, Assistant County Prosecutor Darren Miller argued in court on Thursday. Rajendra faced two counts of false incumbency designation, each a misdemeanor violation of state election law punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 in fines. The ACLUs position is that the First Amendment protects even allegedly misleading speech and does not allow for a law that empowers the state to police campaign speech and target statements in campaign literature for criminal prosecution. The ACLU argues the cure for false or misleading speech is more free speech, not prohibition of speech, and the judge agreed. The statements for which Ms. Rajendra is criminally charged could easily have been addressed and debunked by counter-speech to correct any potential misunderstanding, Hines said. Prosecuting her after the election does nothing to correct any misleading statements, the judge said. The ACLUs team of attorneys included John Shea, David Blanchard, Frances Hollander, Michael Steinberg and Dan Korobkin. Blanchard, an Ann Arbor attorney, supported Irwin in the Senate race, but when he heard about the charges against Rajendra, he said he didnt hesitate to come to her defense. When we see overreaching charges against a political candidate who just wanted to speak her mind and share her position and share her new voice with the electorate, we had to stand up and fight for her and fight for the constitution, he said. Were thrilled that the judge ruled the way she did, said Steinberg, legal director for the ACLU of Michigan. In this country, political speech is essential to our democracy and democracy won today. Since the judges ruling does not set legal precedent for other cases, the ACLU may be seeking repeal of the state law it believes is unconstitutional, Steinberg said. The Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office says it hasnt decided yet whether it will try to appeal Hines decision. ANN ARBOR, MI An Ann Arbor program that required thousands of city residents to disconnect footing drains from their homes and install sump pumps held up to another legal challenge. A federal appeals court issued a 12-page opinion on Thursday, Jan. 10, affirming a federal district courts decision to dismiss the case brought against the city by some residents who went through the program. This is the fourth ruling in favor of the city in cases challenging the footing drain disconnection program, which stopped years ago. The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals today ruled that this federal case was without any factual or legal merit, City Attorney Stephen Postema said in a statement. None of this litigation should have ever been filed, he added, recalling previous rulings in the citys favor by the Washtenaw County Circuit Court, Michigan Court of Appeals and U.S. District Court. It has been a great waste of time over the past almost five years in four different courts, Postema said. The city has faced multiple lawsuits challenging the legality of its footing drain disconnection program, which was started in 2001 to address problems with basement sewage backups. The city required homeowners in targeted neighborhoods to disconnect footing drains around their homes and install sump pumps. That diverts stormwater away from the city's sanitary sewer system and instead to the stormwater drainage system. City officials have maintained the program was both legal and effective at reducing basement sewage backups. The city is no longer requiring homeowners to go through the program. Some residents have argued the city's stormwater drainage system is inadequate, becoming overwhelmed in heavy rainstorms, and some have complained they've experienced basement flooding and water problems they didn't have before the city made them disconnect their footing drains and install sump pumps. Some residents also argue it's a burden to live with and maintain the sump pumps, limiting their enjoyment of their homes. Local attorney Irvin Mermelstein, who has been fighting the city over the issue for several years, filed a class-action complaint against the city in U.S. District Court in 2017, repeating many previously litigated claims that the program was illegally implemented. Those arguments failed to convince state court judges, and U.S. District Judge Stephen Murphy declined to hold a hearing on them, dismissing the case last year. The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the city in two cases in 2017, reaffirming rulings by Washtenaw County Circuit Judge Tim Connors and dismissing the cases. With the help of New York attorney Dan O'Brien, Mermelstein brought the latest case on behalf of four named plaintiffs: Anita Yu, Lynn Lumbard, John Boyer and Mary Raab. Mermelstein and O'Brien were unsuccessful in previous attempts to sue the city on behalf of the same plaintiffs. The latest case identified "all others similarly situated" as plaintiffs, indicating that's believed to be 3,000-plus people. The complaint alleged "the mandatory ongoing and perpetual responsibilities imposed on present and future owners for the observation, inspection, operation, repair and maintenance of the pumps and related equipment" represent an unreasonable financial and personal burden and constitute "forced labor." The plaintiffs have been seeking compensation for what they argue is a government taking of their private property, and for their work, physical labor and the expenses they have incurred. The city has argued in a response theres no city requirement that compels property owners to perform any work. Mermelstein said the plaintiffs are disappointed with Thursdays decision from the appeals court in Cincinnati, but they dont consider the matter over. We contemplate further proceedings in this case and are confident that, at some point in the future, the City of Ann Arbor will be required to defend its FDD program on the merits in a federal court, he said. The plaintiffs filed their appeal in March 2018, and the city filed a response in August, followed by another brief from the plaintiffs. The city then argued the case in the 6th Circuit against OBrien. The three-judge panel that issued Thursdays opinion included Raymond Kethledge, who was one of President Donald Trumps finalists for the U.S. Supreme Court seat given to Brett Kavanaugh, and two others: Alice Batchelder and Deborah Cook. Because the plaintiffs already litigated their claims and lost in state court, the panel concluded they were precluded from litigating the same claims in federal court. Some Oak Forest municipal workers will no longer have to pay union dues after the City Council amended a contract it had approved last year for Public Works employees to bring it in line with a U.S. Supreme Court decision that says government employees cannot be required to pay for union representation. ROCKFORD, MI A public townhall meeting about the Wolverine World Wide chemical pollution has been postponed indefinitely due to the ongoing partial shutdown of the federal government. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality announced the meeting, planned for Jan. 23 in Rockford, would be postponed until further notice. A new meeting date will be determined once employees at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 office in Chicago return to work. More than 800 EPA Region 5 staff are furloughed. The joint EPA & DEQ meeting was intended to update the public on investigation results from the former Wolverine tannery site in downtown Rockford, the companys former landfill on House Street in Belmont and a former dump site in Algoma Townships Wellington Ridge neighborhood. The gathering would be the first full community meeting on the contamination in more than a year and the third overall townhall since the contamination was brought to light on Aug. 30, 2017. Past meetings took place on Sept. 12 and Nov. 29, 2017. High concentrations of toxic chemicals known as PFAS, which Wolverine used to waterproof shoe leather at its former tannery, have leached into underground aquifers that local residents tap for drinking water around the Rockford and Belmont area. Multiple plumes from Wolverine tannery waste dump sites have contaminated groundwater in a roughly 25 square-mile investigation area. About 780 private residential wells in the area have tested positive for some level of PFAS. The contamination was discovered in April 2017. Exposure to PFAS has been linked in human studies to chronic health problems like certain cancers, thyroid disorders, elevated cholesterol and other diseases. In addition to litigation brought by the state of Michigan, Plainfield and Algoma townships, Wolverine is facing several private class actions and hundreds of individual lawsuits lawsuits in state and federal court related to the contamination. In a statement, the DEQ said it remains focused on seeing that critical environmental work continues to move forward at the former Wolverine tannery site. DEQ staff continue their weekly meetings with responsible party Wolverine and their private environmental contractors to see that work on the site continues. This postponement will have no effect on day-to-day DEQ operations or Wolverines commitments to residents with impacted wells, the department said. Apart from the delay in EPA reporting the results of the fieldwork they completed last year, we dont expect any immediate disruptions to this important project. The DEQ made the announcement on Jan. 10, the 20th day of the federal shutdown. Sen. Winnie Brinks, DGrand Rapids, issued a statement, saying Michiganders have already waited too long for Republican-led federal and state administrations to resolve this PFAS nightmare." "The current government shutdown not only threatens the livelihood of federal workers, it also creates further delays in holding Wolverine World Wide, and other polluters, accountable. Michigan families deserve better than this from the Trump administration. I urge the federal government to keep their commitment to holding public meetings and to put the health of Michigans residents, and safety of our drinking water, first. GRAND RAPIDS, MI A grand opening was hosted Thursday at the newly renovated Great Giant Supermarket in the Madison Square neighborhood. Store owner Delone Yelda purchased the former Duthlers Family Foods, 1226 Madison Ave. SE, in February 2018, and began renovating the supermarket a month or two later. Since then, hes installed a new floor, purchased new refrigeration cases and redecorated the stores interior. Hes also added additional products, including a new meat counter, more fresh produce, and an expanded soul food counter, where customers can buy macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, fried chicken, ribs, candied yams, and more. Our goal is to bring fresh groceries, fresh produce, fresh meats and affordable prices every day to the local neighborhood, said Yelda, 30, who operates the supermarket with his brothers Chris and Delone. He said he spent $1 million to purchase and renovate the supermarket. Yelda said Duthlers was preparing to shut down when he decided to buy it. He saw the store as a diamond in the rough. Prices were high, its equipment was outdated, and customer service needed improvement, he said. But he also saw an opening. There are a lot of residents in the neighborhood, but theres not another grocery store nearby, he said. We saw that as an opportunity to bring what we do best to this neighborhood, said Yelda, who helped open but does not own Great Giant Supermarket locations in Saginaw, Lansing and Flint. ALCONA COUNTY, MI A man facing drug charges who fled on foot from a courthouse after didnt get far thanks to the efforts of a Michigan State Trooper and his K9. According to the Michigan State Police, the incident occurred at 2:35 p.m. on Jan. 9 when Mason William Stafford, 21, was due to appear in the 81st District Court in Alcona County. Knowing he would be sent back to jail on the pending charges for an incident in Iosco County, he fled the courthouse on foot. Michigan K9 Atos retiring early due to medical issues Trooper Jordan Romel of the Michigan State Police Alpena Post and his canine Zed were called to the scene. They began tracking Stafford through the woods. After approximately one mile, they located him hiding under a downed tree. Stafford was taken into custody by Alcona County Sheriff Deputies and lodged in the Alcona County Jail. He was arraigned on Thursday on charges of Escape from Lawful Custody. He pled guilty and is currently being held on a 10 percent, $200,000 cash surety bond. He is scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 23. Fiat Chrysler says it has reached an agreement to settle allegations with federal investigators it had cheated emissions tests on more than 100,000 Jeep SUVs and Ram pickup trucks in the United States. The Associated Press reports the grand total to settle the allegations will exceed $650 million. About $311 million will go to federal and California regulators, $280 million to affected owners, and another $72.5 million to settle with U.S. states. In a news release, the Auburn Hills, Michigan-based automaker says the settlements do not change the companys position that it did not engage in any deliberate scheme to install defeat devices to cheat emissions test. It also adds that the settlement contains no finding or admission to the alleged federal emission violations. Also as a result of the Thursday, Jan. 10 news is that FCA will recall about 100,000 model year 2014-2016 Ram 1500 trucks and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs equipped with its 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine. The automaker says dealers will update the emission control software in affected models. As for owners impacted by this news, FCA says that each current and former owner/lessee of affected vehicles are eligible to receive a payout averaging $2,800." We acknowledge that this has created uncertainty for our customers, and we believe this resolution will maintain their trust in us, Mark Chernoby, FCAs head of safety and regulatory compliance in North America, said in a news release. We have implemented rigorous new validation procedures and updated our training programs to ensure continued compliance with the increasingly complex regulatory environment. FCA was first accused of cheating emissions tests by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency back in January 2017. The news came one day removed from Volkswagen reaching an agreement to plead guilty to criminal charges and pay $4.3 billion in fines and settlements for its own emissions scandal. Later in 2017, A.P. reports the Justice Department sued FCA on the federal agencys behalf alleging the automaker had software on its diesel engines to emit more than was recording during EPA tests. The federal government accused the automaker of installing software that changes the way a vehicle performs during testing. A.P. reports that the government said each affected vehicle differs materially from the specifications provided to EPA in the certification applications. Unlike Volkswagen in its well-documents diesel cheating case, FCA claims this software was installed to turn off the pollution control system in extreme off-road circumstances and not to cheat federal emission tests. By holding FCA and Bosch accountable for their diesel emissions cheating, consumers will now receive the vehicle they were promised plus cash compensation, while protecting our environment, Elizabeth Cabraser, lead counsel of the Plaintiffs Steering Committee, said in a news release. We look forward to presenting this settlement to the court, and once approved ensuring eligible owners and lessees take advantage of its benefits. Regions containing this locality North America Plate Tectonic Plate Commodity List This is a list of exploitable or exploited mineral commodities recorded at this locality. Chromium No minerals currently recorded for this locality. No minerals currently recorded for this locality. List of minerals for each chemical element Regional Geology Pearre and Heyl (1960, p. 772) describe the Wet Pit as three shafts on a line trending N23W. On their Plate 41, it is shown as location 39. The northernmost shaft appeared to them to be the main one.This pit is located near NE W development - a church. Therefore there may be some opposition to renewed mining here. Possible environmental problem there are no analyses of chromite or cr Fe ratio given for to deposit in general however the pa and maryland ores would probably meet the requirements for chemical grade. The mine consists of three small water filled shafts trending deg w. Two small piles of lo W grade disseminated ore remain NE and of the main shaft. The large dump from the three shafts contain much sparsely disseminated chromite in schlieren bands and I r lenses in serpentine. Date of comments 1975. This geological map and associated information on rock units at or nearby to the coordinates given for this locality is based on relatively small scale geological maps provided by various national Geological Surveys. This does not necessarily represent the complete geology at this locality but it gives a background for the region in which it is found. Click on geological units on the map for more information. Click here to view full-screen map on Macrostrat.org Ultramafic rocks Age: Phanerozoic (251.902 - 541 Ma) Description: Includes serpentine, steatite, and other products of alteration ofperidotites and pyroxenites. Comments: Digital map differences from 1980 printed map: name and map symbol changed from Xs (Serpentinite). Original map source: Pennsylvania Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Miles, C.E., and Whitfield, T.G., compilers, 2001, Bedrock Geology of Pennsylvania, edition: 1.0, digital map, scale 1:250,000. Lithology: Major:{serpentinite}, Minor:{metaperidotite,metapyroxenite} Reference: Horton, J.D., C.A. San Juan, and D.B. Stoeser. The State Geologic Map Compilation (SGMC) geodatabase of the conterminous United States. doi: 10.3133/ds1052. U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 1052. [133] Paleozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks Age: Cambrian (485.4 - 541 Ma) Lithology: Mudstone-carbonate-sandstone-conglomerate Reference: Chorlton, L.B. Generalized geology of the world: bedrock domains and major faults in GIS format: a small-scale world geology map with an extended geological attribute database. doi: 10.4095/223767. Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 5529. [154] Data and map coding provided by Macrostrat.org, used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License References Sort by Year (asc) Year (desc) Author (A-Z) Author (Z-A) Pearre, N. C. and Heyl, A. V. Jr. (1960) Chromite and other mineral deposits in serpentine rocks of the Piedmont Upland of Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, U. S. Geological Survey Bulletin 1082-K, p. 772 and Pl;ate 41. PEARRE N HEYL A JR USGS BULL (1082)K PG 772 1960 Alcohol is, like, super awesome. All the cool kids are drinking (unless you're underage, then none of the cool kids are drinking it, you delinquent), it can lower peoples' inhibitions, and it's actually super easy to make and distribute. So, it's probably no surprise that the military likes alcohol or that many warriors throughout time have loved the sauce. Here are four times that drinking (or even the rumor of drinking, in one case) helped lead to a battle: 1. Waffen SS soldiers got drunk to attack a Nazi-American super team defending POWs The Schloss Itter Castle was the site of one of history's strangest battles, in which American and German troops teamed up to protect political prisoners from other German troops. (Steve J. Morgan, CC BY-SA 3.0) It's been dubbed World War II's "strangest battle," that time German and American soldiers teamed up to defend political prisoners from an attacking SS battalion at Castle Itter. If you haven't heard about it, this article from Paul Szoldra is worth a read. What he doesn't mention is that the Waffen SS soldiers attacking the castle in an attempt to kill the political prisoners had to stockpile some courage first, and they decided to steal the castle's booze, drink it up, and finally kill the prisoners. Unfortunately for them, they took too long, giving the American and Wehrmacht defenders time to team up and occupy the castle. The attack failed, the prisoners survived, and 100 SS members were captured. 2. Rumored Hessian partying paved the way for Washington's post-Christmas victory Washington inspecting the captured colors after the Battle of Trenton. (Library of Congress) Gen. George Washington's Christmas Day victory over the Hessians is an example of tactical surprise and mobility. It was a daring raid against a superior force that resulted in a strategic coup for the Colonialists, finally convincing France to formally enter the war on the side of independence. And it never would've happened if Washington's staff officers hadn't known that Hessians liked to get drunk on Christmas and that they would (hopefully) still be buzzed or hungover the following morning. Surprisingly though, none of the Hessians captured were found to be drunk after the battle. Alcohol gave Washington's men the courage to get the job done, but it turns out the chance for victory was inside them all along. 3. Nearly all Viking raids were preceded by drunken debates Viking ships attack and besiege Paris in 845. When Vikings needed to make major decisions, like about whether to launch new raids or engage in a new war, they did it in a stereotypically Norse way: By getting drunk and debating the decision with no emotional walls between them. Then, they sobered up to finish the debate. But, once they decided to do battle, they were much more likely to be sober. The Vikings were professional warriors who left the village for the sole purpose of raiding, and they took their work seriously. So, the decision to do battle was aided by alcohol, but the actual fighting succeeded thanks to discipline. 4. The Celts would get plastered before battles on beer or imported Roman wines Celts fought the British at the Battle of Culloden, probably mostly sober. But the Celts, historically, liked to imbibe before a fight. Celts loved their alcohol, and anyone with the money went for jar after jar of red wine from Italy. For warriors heading into battle the next day, the drinking was a way to mentally prepare, to bond, and to get one last night of partying on the books in case you didn't make it through. Of course, most Celtic warriors weren't financial elites, so they were much more likely to be berserking their way through battle drunk on beer and mead than on imported wines. Want more cases of alcohol playing a role in war? Check out "7 times drunks decided the course of battle." MORE POSTS FROM WE ARE THE MIGHTY: Top 4, veteran-approved, year-round gift ideas 5 things to have in your home when you live off base 10 time-honored military traditions that civilians find weird We Are The Mighty (WATM) celebrates service with stories that inspire. WATM is made in Hollywood by veterans. It's military life presented like never before. Check it out at We Are the Mighty. Be honest: You've always wanted to try a Space-A flight, but the uncertainty and lack of detail have always kept you from taking the leap. You're not alone. Navy military spouse Jill, her active duty husband, and their three kids just returned to their home in Hawaii after a trip across Japan. They caught a Space-A flight to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, then on to Yokota Air Base, Japan. They took the trains around the country, sightseeing, then hopped back to Okinawa on another flight. Then their family couldn't get five seats aboard a plane to Hawaii. They had allowed a week's worth of extra time and prepared as much as possible, but after days of cancellations, they decided to bite the bullet and buy five airline tickets home, setting them back thousands of dollars. Fortunately, Jill was prepared for that possibility -- it comes with the risk of flying Space A. Her verdict? A successful family vacation. Are you ready to try it for yourself? Here's what you need to know. 4 Tips for Flying Space-A What is Space A? Space Available travel is when military planes or charters have empty seats and offer them to waiting eligible passengers. Eligible means they did their homework, have the right paperwork, and -- really -- just got lucky. 1. Know your category. I got an email from a service member's father asking how he could fly on a Space-A flight to visit his son. The answer is, unfortunately, he couldn't. Space-A is only available for service members, their dependents, military retirees and some disabled veterans. Active duty service members on emergency leave (Category I), or EML (Category II) get highest priority. Service members and any family with them traveling on leave get next priority, along with dependents of service members stationed overseas (Category III). After that comes dependents whose service member is currently deployed 120 days or more (Category IV), students whose sponsor is stationed OCONUS (Category V), and retirees and reservists and their dependents (Category VI). In 2019 service connected 100 percent disabled veterans were also added to Category VI, although they are not permitted to fly with dependents. 2. Know where you are going. Flights are tentatively announced 72 hours ahead of time, even for regularly scheduled flights. Download the Take-a-Hop app on your smartphone ($6.99), which lists all AMC terminals and their contact information. Then, start calling the information lines of any terminals you plan to fly out of. Interested in Asia? Look into the Patriot Express, a regular shuttle from the West Coast. Europe more your style? Check flight times on the Rotator from the East Coast. Or skip the jet lag and try to hop a flight to Key West! 3. Do you have all your paperwork? You must have your military ID card. You must have a copy of leave orders or EML orders. You must have a passport if you are traveling overseas. You must have a letter from your command verifying eligibility from the service member's command if you are in Category IV. You must have DD Form 1853 if you are a reservist. If you're heading out of the country, consider getting an international driver's license ($25 from AAA) before leaving home, since an American license won't always allow you to rent a car overseas. 4. Be flexible. The more flexible you can be, the more fun you'll have. The simpler and more direct your itinerary, the more successful you may be. Expect planes to get delayed or rerouted. Bring food, books and games for the airport. Pack lighter than light, bring lots of money, and expect to end up somewhere unexpected. Be prepared to rent cars, purchase flights home, and rent hotel rooms. The first time my husband was stationed on the East Coast, he decided he had to see Europe. From Jacksonville, Florida, we hopped to BWI. We rented a car and spent the night on a military base nearby, then toured Washington, D.C. in the morning before heading back to the airport. We each paid a small fee ($13 maybe) for the BWI hop to Ramstein AFB, Germany. There, we rented a car and drove south to Austria, Neuschwanstein, and Munich's Oktoberfest. Then we drove back to Ramstein and found out our flight back to BWI was canceled. We spent the night on base. Our flight the next morning was cancelled, so we regrouped and got on a flight to Charlottesville, via Newfoundland. Then we rented yet another car and drove home to Jacksonville, arriving at 4 a.m. If that sounds like an exhausting, stressful waste of time, maybe flying Space A is not for you. It did not end up being a cheap trip, but it was an adventure, and a much nicer trip than we could have bought for the same price. If you're going to spend money on a vacation anyway, and enjoy a little mystery in life, Space A might be just the ticket! The U.S. Air Force will begin accepting its newest refueling tankers from Boeing Co. this month despite continuing problems. The KC-46 Pegasus will hit flight lines at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, by the end of January and at Oklahoma's Altus Air Force Base in February, Boeing and service officials said Thursday. But the aircraft will arrive with deficiencies that the company has agreed to fix after delivery, said Air Force spokeswoman Capt. Hope Cronin. "We have identified, and Boeing has agreed to fix at its expense, deficiencies discovered in developmental testing of the remote vision system," Cronin said in a statement. "The Air Force has mechanisms in place to ensure Boeing meets its contractual obligations while we continue with initial operational testing and evaluation." Related content: Four aircraft will go to McConnell and another four to Altus. Another nine aircraft are "undergoing customer acceptance testing, with the remaining aircraft of the contracted amount in production," Boeing said in a statement. The company has contracted for 52 of the 179 tankers the Air Force intends to buy. Boeing is responsible for any cost overruns, which had climbed to $3.5 billion as of October, the company said. The service awarded Boeing a fixed-price, $4.9 billion contract in 2011. The company was supposed to deliver the initial 18 aerial refueling planes by August 2017. With ongoing issues throughout the program since its start in 2013, such as design problems in the refueling boom, Boeing and Air Force officials then said the first delivery would be pushed to February 2018. "Boeing is saying that they are going to deliver in the second quarter of 2018," Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson said during a House Armed Services Committee hearing last year. "The Air Force thinks it is more likely to be late 2018. And Boeing has been overly optimistic in all of their schedule reports." But the tanker experienced even more setbacks. The drogue hose, used during refueling, kept unexpectedly and prematurely disconnecting from receiving aircraft during testing. And the remote vision system (RVS), which allows aircrew to accurately view the fuel boom for better control, experienced issues in different lighting conditions, throwing refuelers off with an unclear display, Defense News reported. The RVS, which is made by Rockwell Collins and permits the in-flight refueling operator to view the refueling system below the tanker, has been subject to frequent software glitches. The first tankers will be delivered despite that problem. The systemic issue, which will require a software and hardware update, may take three to four years to fix, Cronin told Defense News on Thursday. Boeing said the Pegasus completed "more than 3,800 flight hours and offloaded more than four million pounds of fuel to A-10, B-52, C-17, KC-10, KC-135, KC-46, F-15E, F-16 and F/A-18 aircraft" during months of testing. "We look forward to working with the Air Force, and the Navy, during their initial operational test and evaluation of the KC-46, as we further demonstrate the operational capabilities of this next-generation aircraft across refueling, mobility and combat weapons systems missions," Leanne Caret, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said Thursday. The KC-46 is meant to replace older tanker fleets, such as the KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-10 Extender. It is expected to replace some of those fleets at bases such as Travis Air Force Base, California, and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. The total current inventory of KC-10s and KC-135s sits at 455 aircraft. The Air Force plans to retire part of its legacy aerial refueling fleet and meet its 479-tanker total force requirement with a mix of KC-46s and KC-135s in the future. All three tankers are manufactured or have been upgraded by Boeing. -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. The head of U.S. Army acquisitions said Thursday that allowing artificial intelligence to control some weapons systems may be the only way to defeat enemy weapons. U.S. military has embraced AI, arguing that America cannot compete against potential adversaries such as Russia and China without the futuristic technology. Concern over placing machines in charge of deadly weapons has prompted military officials to adopt a conservative approach to AI, one that involves a human in the decision-making process for the use of deadly force. But Bruce Jette, assistant secretary of the Army for Acquisitions, Logistics and Technology (ASAALT), said it may not be wise to put too many restrictions on AI teamed with weapons systems. "People worry about whether an AI system is controlling the weapon, and there are some constraints on what we are allowed to do with AI," he said at a Jan. 10 Defense Writers Group breakfast in Washington, D.C. There are a number of public organizations that have gotten together and said, "We don't want to have AI tied to weapons,"Jette explained. The problem with this policy is that it may hinder the Army's ability to use AI to increase reaction time in weapon systems, he said. "Time is a weapon," Jette said. "If I can't get AI involved with being able to properly manage weapons systems and firing sequences then, in the long run, I lose the time deal. "Let's say you fire a bunch of artillery at me, and I can shoot those rounds down, and you require a man in the loop for every one of the shots," he said. "There are not enough men to put in the loop to get them done fast enough." Jette's office is working with the newly formed Army Futures Command (AFC) to find a clearer path forward for AI on the battlefield. AFC, which is responsible for developing Army requirements for artificial intelligence, has established a center for AI at Carnegie Mellon University, said Jette, who added that ASAALT will establish a "managerial approach" to AI for the service. "So how do we put not just the AI hardware and architecture and software in the background? How do I do proper policy so we [ensure] weapons don't get to fire when they want and weapons don't get to fire with no constraints, but instead we properly architect a good command-and-control system that allows us to be responsive and benefit from the AI and the speed of some of our systems?" Jette said. "We are trying to structure an AI architecture that will become enduring and will facilitate our ability to allocate resources and conduct research and implantation of AI capabilities throughout the force," he said. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. The U.S. Army is asking defense firms to develop prototypes for a new, lightweight artillery muzzle brake that's designed to work with the service's future extended-range cannons. The Army has made long-range precision fires its top modernization priority under a bold plan to field new, more capable weapons systems by 2028. In the short term, Army artillery experts are working to develop a 155 mm cannon capable of striking targets to 70 kilometers, a range that doubles the effectiveness of current 155s. As part of this effort, the Army recently asked the defense industry to develop "novel muzzle brake structures for extended range cannon artillery systems" that are 30 percent lighter than conventional muzzle brakes, according to a solicitation posted on www.sibr.gov, a government website for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. "Given the Army's Long Range Precision Fires priority, a need exists for novel and innovative muzzle brakes capable of supporting the new extended range cannons and sabot, direct, and indirect munitions currently under development," the solicitation states. "High pressure waves produced within gun barrels during projectile acceleration have negative impact upon the surrounding environment due to muzzle blast ... exiting the barrel," it adds. Muzzle brakes are also subjected to "material degradation due to collisions with small particles exiting the gun barrel, such as solid propellant grains that did not undergo combustion," the solicitation states. Because of this, current muzzle brakes tend to be heavy. The effort "seeks to develop novel muzzle brake aerodynamic designs and structures which minimize the overall mass of the artillery system without compromising performance," according to the solicitation. Interested companies have until Feb. 6 to respond to the Nov. 28 solicitation. The first phase of the solicitation asks companies to model and simulate the operational performance of proposed muzzle brake designs that meet the weight-reduction requirements and simulate mechanical wear over the life cycle of the brake. Companies will then produce at least one prototype for Phase Two, which will be tested on a large-caliber Army platform identified during the Phase One effort, according to the solicitation. Companies will document "recoil, acoustic and optical signature, and muzzle blast" and make refinements on the prototype design, it says. Companies then will conduct a live-fire demonstration of their final prototype in an operational environment with involvement from the prime contractor for the weapon system, according to the solicitation. Meanwhile, under the Extended Range Cannon Artillery program, or ERCA, the Army plans to fit M109A8 155 mm Paladin self-propelled howitzers with much longer, .58 caliber gun tubes, redesigned chambers and breeches that will be able to withstand the gun pressures to get out to 70 kilometers, Army officials said. The service also is finalizing a new version of a rocket-assisted projectile (RAP) round that testers have shot out to 62 kilometers. Artillery experts plan to make improvements to the round by fiscal 2020 so Army testers can hit the 70-kilometer mark, service officials said at the 2018 Association of the United States Army annual meeting and exposition. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. My initial intention for the show was to make everything as if it was 2019. Some of the music does have a very 1970s feel to it because thats when it was written and thats how its orchestrated, but I didnt want to just do that and put everyone into hippie clothes. Thats been done, McMahon said. The Army, Navy and Air Force are finalizing plans to eliminate over the next few years more than 17,000 uniformed medical billets -- physicians, dentists, nurses, technicians, medics and support personnel. The reduction will allow those billets to be repurposed as war fighters or combat-support skills to increase lethality and size of operational units. Another goal is to deepen the workload of remaining medical billets at base hospitals and clinics to strengthen medical skills and also to improve quality of care for beneficiaries, defense officials explained. One senior service official shared the latest figures he has seen showing the uniformed Army medical staff falling by almost 7,300, the Navy by almost 5,300 and the Air Force by just over 5,300. Spread across a combined medical force of 130,000, both active-duty and reserve, the planned cuts would lower uniformed medical strength by roughly 13 percent, a drop steep enough to alarm some health care leaders as well as advocates for military health care beneficiaries. "If the goal is to tear down the military health system, this would be a reasonable way to do it," warned one service health official who asked not to be identified. Given the numbers involved, said retired Navy Capt. Kathryn M. Beasley, director of government relations for health issues at the Military Officers Association of America, the staff cuts eyed are worrisome for patient access, particularly to physicians young families rely on such as pediatricians and obstetricians. "We need to see the final numbers to understand the impact," she said. But senior defense officials, who say they collaborated closely with the services on overall staff reduction plans, contend the current force is larger than needed to meet today's operational missions and is overloaded with skill sets not useful for deployment and delivering of battlefield care. Also, they contend, the oversized staffs harm quality of care because, at too many base hospitals and clinics, these care providers don't treat enough patients to keep skills sharp. "So, part of this drill is to realign our people to the appropriate level of workload so that their skills, both for battlefield care and for beneficiary care, improve," said one Defense Department official. Top defense officials agreed to discuss reasons behind the planned staff cuts for the military health care system, but declined to confirm any numbers for medical slots targeted, which some service officials did share, because no figures will be firm until the fiscal 2020 defense budget request is approved by the White House and sent to Congress in February. If Congress approves the cuts, to be presented billet by billet, the reductions would begin to take effect in fiscal 2021. Preliminary Navy documents show uniformed staff at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center falling by 534 personnel, with, for example, 82 taken from director of clinical support, including 28 of 39 corpsmen, 5 of 12 radiological diagnosticians, 4 of 7 pharmacists, 8 of 19 pharmacy techs, and 9 of 45 medical lab technicians. Defense officials described a year-long collaboration between service medical departments, the Joint Chiefs, the Defense Health Agency and CAPE, the Cost Analysis and Program Evaluation Office of the Secretary of Defense. The force cuts are just one part of an enormous transformation occurring across military medicine. Control of all medical facilities is being transferred to the Defense Health Agency (DHA), where functions of the three separate service medical departments already are being consolidated to streamline health care operations, slash support costs and standardize practices and procedures, from scheduling appointments to reporting on provider errors. Meanwhile, the military health system is adopting MHS Genesis, a new electronic health record system. Just as Congress directed these changes, it told the secretary of defense in its fiscal 2017 National Defense Department Authorization Act to collaborate with service branches on defining medical and dental personnel requirements to ensure operational readiness, and to convert military medical positions to civilian positions if deemed unnecessary to meet operational readiness needs. The medical force reduction effort, however, isn't being funded for a mass conversion of military billets to civilian medical positions. Instead, the emphasis is on providing more effective and efficient care, on battlefields and through military treatment facilities to troops, families and retirees, using smaller staffs that are sized to gain more experience and be better trained for military operations. To understand what's about to happen, said a senior official familiar with the staff cut plans, it is helpful to grasp a notion that sounds counterintuitive: "Reducing the number of people providing a particular service within a facility does not mean a degradation of care within that facility." A "truism in the medical arena," he added, "is that the more times a provider performs a procedure, the better that provider is at performing that procedure." If a military hospital now staffed with five orthopedic surgeons performs 10 knee replacements a month, that's only two operations per surgeon. If staff is cut to one surgeon able to still comfortably perform 10 procedures a month, both quality of patient care and the readiness of that surgeon for war will improve. That argument for a careful reduction of staff isn't persuasive to some career medical personnel. One said he is worried that staff cuts this deep could leave hospitals short of personnel to deploy or to receive patients if old wars escalate or new ones break out in Korea, Eastern Europe or the South China Sea. He also worries about finding civilian replacements when needed, noting chronic staff shortages within the Department of Veterans Affairs medical system that can't be filled even in peacetime. "I don't believe it's doable when you take your platforms down to this degree and you're still putting people on [forward] deployment schedules," said this senior service official. "You can argue on the margins whether you need quite as many people here or there. But these hospitals support training as well as provide care and [they] keep people in operational units." After deep staff cuts, "you're going to have a very hard time keeping docs, especially in uniform," he said. Ironically, he added, these staff cut plans arise near the end of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan where U.S. military medicine produced "the best outcomes in combat casualty care in the history of the world." Senior defense officials answered such concerns with assurances DHA and the services are giving careful consideration to readiness needs, including wartime requirements. Military facilities still will have robust civilian staffs, they added, and will be able to backfill with reserve medical personnel and civilian contracts. Officials conceded the staff cuts, and refocusing on deployable skills, over time will change the mix of providers delivering care on base, forcing more family care off base and onto Tricare provider networks. "We will expect to see an increase in certain skill sets [and] a decrease in other skill sets. More trauma surgeons, fewer pediatricians, for example. Those kinds of changes are right at the heart of what Congress has directed us to do," said one official. The same shift in medical skill sets for hospital staffs will begin to reshape graduate medical education pipelines. "The reason why we do graduate medical education is to be able to supply that ready medical force," said another senior official. "We need to expand our capacity in some areas" but will see them "contract" in others. Some critics of the staff cuts suggest a desire for budget savings is a key factor. Navy documents identify "expected total savings of $1.14 billion" from that service's uniformed medical "end-strength divestiture" plan. Senior defense officials deny that's the case, citing an "unwavering commitment" to improving medical readiness and quality of care. "How do we get higher levels of medical readiness for the next major conflict? That central question is going to drive a lot of changes throughout the military health care system." To comment, write Military Update, P.O. Box 231111, Centreville, VA, 20120 or email milupdate@aol.com or twitter: @Military_Update. KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- The Department of Defense Education Activity plans to increase average class sizes in its middle and high schools next year and expects to shed about 300 "excess" jobs at the end of the school year. The change in staffing standards -- the first in about 10 years -- is necessary to free up more funds for school needs from a budget top-heavy with payroll expenses, DODEA said. Class sizes in the military's school system vary dramatically based on school sizes and class demand, from more than 30 in some cases to fewer than 10, students and teachers say. About 8,700 educators serve more than 70,000 students in DODEA, according to October data. In an email sent to all employees Friday, DODEA Director Thomas Brady said there are instances of high school classes with 10 or fewer students. There are opportunities, he said, to "gain efficiencies and better align staffing" through a minimal increase to class sizes. "Appropriate staffing adjustments will result in class sizes that are still below the national average and make resources available for areas like improving technology in our schools," Brady said in the email. Current staffing levels will go from a ratio of 14.2 students to each full-time school employee, up to 15-to-1 at middle schools; and from 12.5-to-1 up to 14.3-to-1 at high schools. But that formula, expressed in "full-time equivalent" positions to enrollment, takes into account more than just teachers, including principals, counselors, psychologists, aides and other staff, according to DODEA's definitions. DODEA did not provide data on teacher-to-student ratio averages in its secondary classrooms. The union representing DODEA educators was quick to criticize the plan. "Any cut to school-level staffing that will result in an increase to class sizes is a disservice to DODEA students and military families," said Federal Education Association President Chuck McCarter, in a statement released in response to Brady's note. McCarter questioned the need to reduce school staffing now, given that DODEA has said it does not expect funding cuts next year. Brady said in the email to staff, "at this time, it appears that an anticipated cut to the FY 2020 budget -- which would have had significant impacts on our resources -- will not happen." Nevertheless, "it is important that we make investments in our organization to sustain and improve critical infrastructure and education programs that directly support student achievement," Brady said. About 70 percent of the DODEA budget is committed to payroll costs -- including pay, benefits and housing allowance for overseas employees, DODEA spokesman Will Griffin said. The remaining budget funds everything else, from facilities maintenance and student transportation to a program that supports military-connected student populations in overseas areas without DODEA schools, Griffin said. "As increases in education program and operation costs have outpaced increases in the DODEA budget, the amount of funding remaining each year for things like additional curriculum requests or new computers gets less and less," Griffin said in a statement. DODEA is in the process of overhauling its curriculum and phasing in College and Career Ready standards, which set grade-level academic expectations for students. New testing to evaluate student mastery of the standards was also added last year. Rather than increase student-teacher ratios across all secondary schools, DODEA should re-examine class offerings and adjust scheduling to eliminate extremely large or small classes, McCarter said. "Despite Mr. Brady trying to undersell the damage by citing some classes in secondary schools with fewer than 10 students, we all know that such classes are an anomaly and are most likely the result of classes elsewhere having higher than normal enrollments," McCarter said. The average class size from the top nine states with military-connected students is 25.5 students for middle and high school, DODEA said. But an analysis of high school class sizes across DODEA revealed nearly 1,000 core classes in subjects like math, language arts and sciences with an enrollment of 10 or fewer students, Griffin said. "The sheer number indicates that this is not an anomaly," he said. DODEA expects to have around "300 excess positions worldwide" at the end of the current school year. Officials did not say how many of those were due to staffing level changes and whether the excess employees are teachers. DODEA said it will help find vacancies for affected employees and will offer incentives such as early retirement and voluntary separation payments, Griffin said. DODEA officials did not say how much money the agency expects to save from staffing reductions. "It would be inaccurate to think in terms of savings' resulting from these changes," Griffin said. Rather, it's an opportunity to put more resources towards student achievement while staying within budget limits, he said. McCarter suggested DODEA first cut "hundreds of above-school-level positions" and other "unnecessary experts'" added to the DODEA payroll in recent years. "There is fat to be cut from the DODEA budget but none of it is at the classroom level," he said. As of last year, about 9 percent of DODEA's workforce was employed in above-school level positions at headquarters and in area and district administration offices, according to its website. The Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded the first of several regional contracts for its new Community Care Network that will replace various private-sector health care programs for veterans with VA health benefits. The VA announced Dec. 28 that it awarded management contracts for three regions covering 36 states, plus Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico; and the U.S. Virgin Islands, to Optum Public Sector Solutions Inc., a government-services arm of Optum, the health services arm of UnitedHealth Group. The contracts, for Regions 1, 2 and 3, are for a base period of one year, starting Jan. 18, and seven renewable one-year options through 2026, worth a total of $55.2 billion, if all options are exercised. The VA Mission Act, signed into law last June, stipulated that the VA consolidate its multiple private-sector care programs, including the VA Choice and Patient Centered Community Care programs, into a single, comprehensive community care system that will supplement the VA's own system of medical centers and clinics. By law, the VA must have the framework for the new Community Care Network in place by June. The VA currently is ironing out rules regarding how and when veterans can get medical care in the private sector, paid for by the VA, rather than receive medical care at VA facilities. According to the VA, the new private care management companies will be responsible for project management, establishing medical networks and overseeing them, handling referrals from the VA and managing claims, providing quality control and administering pharmacy benefits networks, as well as dental networks and other services. VA spokesman Terrence Hayes said that, while current contracts provide primary care, inpatient and outpatient specialty care, third-party administration and other services, the new contractors will cover these areas and more, providing expanded health care services as well as medical management services, claims processing and audits, data analytics and exchange of health care information. About 30 percent of VA medical appointments occur in the private sector. At a hearing on implementation of the VA Mission Act on Dec. 19, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie told lawmakers that the department is in the process of crafting eligibility and access standards to determine who can receive care in the private sector under the new program. Lawmakers at that hearing, a joint meeting of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees, expressed concern that the VA would go too far in allowing access to private care -- a move Democrats say would undermine VA health care and be a step toward privatizing the VA. Republicans also said the VA's lack of transparency regarding rules and costs is a cause for concern. VA officials said a contract award for Region 4, which covers most of the western states, is expected in April. Awards for Regions 5 and 6, which include Alaska and the Pacific territories, will be given by the end of the year. Contractors are expected to have their networks up and running at two sites within 180 days of a contract award and be fully operational within a year of the award. "These contract awards reflect our ongoing commitment to increasing veterans' access to care," Wilkie said in the release on Optum on Dec. 28. "As part of VA's modernization efforts, we designed the new network based on feedback from veterans and other stakeholders, along with lessons learned from the Veterans Choice Program. We are confident this new network will greatly improve customer service for veterans and timeliness of payments to community providers." -- Patricia Kime can be reached at patricia.kime@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime. HARTFORD Past the date it was supposed to finish work and disband, a commission studying Connecticuts massive pension problem on Thursday agreed to continue work in attempt to possibly find properties and other assets that can be turned into cash. The goal is to help stabilize one of the nations worst under-funded pension liabilities, which in some estimates tops $100 billion. But the vast majority of the 8,400 state-owned properties are fully utilized, so selling off any of them, or gathering into a unusual form of trust to benefit the pension plans of state employees and public school teachers, would necessitate the acquisition of even more property for state offices. State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, D-Westport, chairman of the Pension Sustainability Commission created in the current years budget and was to expire with the start of the new Legislature, stressed that within a few more weeks, the panel of state officials and private-sector experts could agree on a final list of recommendations for the General Assembly. But the likelihood of suggesting $1 billion in possible assets to fund a possible Legacy Obligation Trust seems less likely, panelists agreed. In particular, trying to convert state parkland or historical properties would be very controversial. Steinberg called that tactic a potential electrified third rail for the commission to avoid. State Department of Transportation and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection properties are also unlikely targets. The commission is facing stiff opposition from the Connecticut Airport Authority over the possible privatization of Bradley International Airport. In a recent letter, Kevin Dillon, executive director of the CAA, warned the commission that federal rules require all airport revenues to be used to fund aviation, so revenue associated with the airport cannot be diverted from funding airport operations. And while Denise Nappier, the recently retired state treasurer, has suggested moving assets from the Connecticut Lottery Corp. into the pension plans while still keeping the proceeds in the general fund the pension commission is not yet convinced it will become a final recommendation. One suggestion the commission supports is the continuation of its work, whether Steinberg, who is also co-chairman of the busy legislative Public Health Committee, continues to head the pension panel, or not. Disposal of properties could come down to a painstaking case-by-case, with title searches and in-depth legal analysis. We can go on forever, noodling recommendations and narrative, and this will carry on for another six months, Steinberg said. Im very cognizant of building consensus in a way thats very fair and everyones voice is heard, but ultimately it comes to recommendations that will provide direction. So much of the legal considerations are explicit and pertinent to the particular assets. The question is whether the LOT concept as presented is feasible, said Erin Choquette, legislative and policy adviser at the state Department of Administrative Services, questioning whether there are enough assets to generate enough money to help prop up the pension plans. Im not sure there are sufficient assets to create a LOT at this time, said Ted Murphy, a Litchfield real estate professional on the panel. Steinberg recalled an initial goal of creating $1 billion in value to support the pension plans seemed easy to generate, back when the commission was formed. Its a nice big number, yeah, it would probably move the needle a little bit, he said. But I submit if we only had half a billion dollars worth of assets, were trying to make a contributory recommendation, knowing that no matter how much assets there are, its not solving the whole pension problem, Steinberg agreed. This is only small piece of the whole puzzle. On Friday, Steinberg said that ideally, the state could find assets to help fund the pensions, while also putting properties back on local tax rolls, because state property is tax-exempt. The biggest task remaining is to discriminate among assets, Steinberg said. Note: An earlier version of this story suggested that state DOT and DEEP properties would be potential locations for sale or privatization. That is unlikely, members of the pension commission say.. Storytelling preceded writing it is really the beginning of it all, she said. It is how we pass on our values, experiences and history. Storytelling tells us that there is nothing new happening. It has all been done and it also tells us that it will all turn out OK. No matter what difficult times we are going through, we have what it takes to get through them. Its important I think that people realize that during these turbulent times. EAST HADDAM A total of 34 established and emerging composers, lyricists, and librettists will converge from mid-January through mid-February to participate in the Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Colony at Goodspeed Musicals. The writing teams, representing 21 new musicals, will populate the campus, aiming to create an environment of discovery and inspiration, according to a press release. The colony is a long-term residency program devoted to musical theatre writing, which provides a sanctuary for composers, lyricists, and librettists to embark on new musical theatre work, or to devote a substantial amount of time to a work in progress in an environment rich with creative energy, the release said. For four weeks, starting Jan. 22, the writing teams work in residence at Goodspeeds Artists Village, each team in their own house, with whatever support is needed, from dramaturgical to Goodspeeds fine music department. In the evenings, writers get together in an informal, salon-style environment and share the days work. This gathering allows the artists an opportunity to gain insight from their colleagues, according to Goodspeed. Over the course of the four-week program, composer/lyricist Jonathan Brielle will again serve as producer/writer in residence. He is a writer, composer and lyricist who created the first songwriters room in New York City, Uncle LuLus. His first Broadway credit was writing music and lyrics for Foxfire, starring theater legends Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy (who won the Tony Award) and Keith Carradine, the release said. He became composer in residence of the prestigious Circle Repertory Company in New York, providing scores for some of New Yorks top playwrights. For television, he is the music director and composer for Wonderama on the Tribune network. He continues to serve as executive vice president of the Mercer Foundation. Clifford Lee Johnson III will serve as resident dramaturge. As part of Wonder City Productions, he produces and develops new plays and musicals. Current projects include moving a musical to Broadway, and creating another about a beloved American figure, the release said. Between 1993 and 2009, he was director of musical development at Manhattan Theatre Club. Prior to that, he was the assistant literary manager at Actors Theatre of Louisville. Goodspeeds Producer Donna Lynn Hilton is guiding Goodspeed Musicals efforts on the JMF Writers Colony. Goodspeed Artistic Associate Anika Chapin will provide additional dramaturgical support. The writers colony created a confluence of Goodspeeds long-held mission of fostering new works and JMFs dedication to nurturing the discipline of songwriting, according to the theatre. Goodspeed has moved several projects from the colony to production, including Deathless and Darling Grenadine in 2017, Indian Joe in 2015 and Chasing Rainbows in 2016. This year, Goodspeed will continue development of two new musicals which emerged from the colony. Hi, My Name Is Ben by Scott Gilmour and Claire MacKenzie and Passing Through by Brett Ryback and Eric Ulloa will be seen in developmental productions at The Terris Theatre, the release said. For information, visit goodspeed.org. The following are recent arrests released by the Middletown Police Department on Jan. 10, 2019. Jan. 1, 2019 A 61-year-old East Hampton male was arrested for Failure to Drive Right and Operating Under the Influence. He was released upon signing a $500.00 non-surety bond wherein he agreed to appear before the Middletown Superior Court on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. to answer to the aforementioned charges. Jan. 2, 2019 An 18-year-old East Hampton male turned himself in pursuant to an active warrant for his arrest and was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Assault in the 3rd Degree. He was released upon posting 10 percent ($250.00) of the $2,500.00 court set bond and promised to appear before the Middletown Superior Court on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. to answer to the aforementioned charges. Jan. 4, 2019 A 32-year-old Glastonbury male was arrested pursuant to an active warrant for his arrest.He was charged with Reckless Endangerment in the 1st Degree, Reckless Driving, Evading Responsibility, Operating While Under Suspension, Illegal Passing and Failure to Drive Right. He was unable to post the $100,000.00 bond and was held in police custody until his arraignment at the Middletown Superior Court later the same day. A 44-year-old East Hampton male was issued a summons for Speeding and is scheduled to appear before the Middletown Superior Court on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. to answer to the aforementioned charges. Jan. 8, 2019 A 47-yeal-old East Hampton female was arrested for Disorderly Conduct and Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree. She was released upon signing a $1,000.00 non-surety bond wherein she agreed to appear before the Middletown Superior Court later the same morning to answer to the aforementioned charges. As of January 2019, Hearst Connecticut Media does not include names in online police blotters. Learn a new skill, try a new activity and check out a variety of topics at Oak Lawn Public Librarys How-To Fest from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 19. This drop-in event is for all ages, but some stations may be geared toward a specific age group. Stations feature local experts, community members and library staff who will share their talents. Topics include: Making chocolate teens & adults; writing a book teens & adults; applying makeup teens & adults; gaming with Extra Life all ages; lobby demos with OLPL staff teens & adults; making a craft teens & adults; creating handmade comic book thought bubbles all ages; and caring for someone with Alzheimers adults. More information is at 708-422-4990 or www.olpl.org. EAST HAMPTON Councilor James Pete Brown this week mounted a strong defense of the towns effort to control silt flowing into Lake Pocotopaug. He did so while launching a blistering attack on a member of the Conservation Lake Commission who has charged that the town is contributing to the problem. Wesley Jenks sent an email last week calling for a public outcry over the issue, saying, Im fighting a losing battle here! Jenks bore in on the fact the new Town Hall/police station is being built inside the Edgewater Hills subdivision directly next to a condo development, Lake Vista, which triggered a major pollution event when it was built some 25 years ago. Jenks contends the town did not take the correct precautions given the problems associated with the construction of Lake Vista. But beyond that, he said, Frankly, [the town complex] never should have been built there. Quite to the contrary, town officials say: Knowing those problems with the previous development, they took additional steps to prevent contamination of the lake. However, Planning and Zoning Official Jeremy DeCarli said Tuesday that a series of excessive rainstorms overwhelmed those measures. Jenks had said he would attend the council meeting. But he did not do so , which particularly vexed Brown, who was intent on responding to Jenks email. Brown was not deterred by Jenks absence, however. Saying the letter speaks volumes, Brown said, I really take issue with a number of things in his letter, including Jenks assertion he alone was fighting for the lake. Everyone in town concerned about the lake, Brown said. More for you News East Hampton official blasts how town handles Lake... There are, however, people who say they are concerned about the lake until it infringes on what they want to do in the lake. Its almost a joke sometimes, Brown said, adding, I look these people in the eye and say, Am I on Mars? Everybody is in this fight, he added. Reached by telephone Thursday afternoon, Jenks regretted he had been unable to attend the meeting because of the press of business. He was not particularly troubled by Browns comments. Jenks was concerned more about the lack of adequate protection for the lake from the town hall project, and about what he said is a critical lack of funding for the Conservation Lake Commission. The reality of it is that the taxpayers have put together a plan to protect the lake, and the council has deviated from that plan, and we dont have the money to combat the damage being done, he said. We need between $2 (million) and $3 million to implement that plan, and they gave us $200,000. Thats an insult to the commission, to the town, and to the people who care about the future of the lake and want to see it protected, he said. Reporter Jeff Mill covers East Hampton, Cromwell and Portland for the Middletown Press. Contact him at jeff.mill@hearstmediact.com. NEW HAVEN With its executive director leaving after a decade-long run for a high-level state position, Tweed New Haven-Regional Airport is about to enter another chapter with a yet-to-be-named new leader on board. State Sen. Tim Larson, executive director for the airport authority, is resigning both as a state senator and as head of the airports operations. He is also the former mayor of East Hartford. Gov.-elect Ned Lamont has nominated Larson to head the Office of Higher Education, which administers state financial aid programs, oversees the licensure and accreditation of the states independent colleges and universities, and regulates more than 150 post-secondary career schools. Tweed officials say the states gain will be Tweeds loss. Tim was very good at his job, said John Picard, a former mayor of West Haven, and the chairman of the Tweed Airport Authority. He is not going to be easy to replace. But Larson sees the new position to head up an obscure office with a budget of $32 million and a staff of 25 employees as an opportunity. This is an exciting opportunity which allows me to leverage my experience and relationships as an elected official and my current role as executive director of Tweed New Haven Airport Authority to help further develop job paths and opportunities for students enrolled in our independent colleges and universities and postsecondary career schools, Larson said. Picard said Larson promised him some flexibility in his resignation date when they spoke on Monday. So hopefully well have some time. We may have to pick an interim person well see, Picard said. Being in charge of Tweed operations has always been a politically sticky position as the issue of weighing the pros of expanding the airport to the business community versus the cons of a neighborhood that doesnt want to see the expansion has been debated for decades. The issue has been talked about in East Haven, New Haven and up at the state capitol. Speaking of the state capitol, Picard is hopeful the change of administrations may help give the Tweed expansion plans the kickstart it needs. Picard said he has had discussions with Lamont and Lt. Gov.-elect Susan Bysiewicz and both understood the importance of a Tweed expansion to the business community. Lamont told Picard, Picard said that expanding Tweed would be one of his main priorities. Last year, the New Haven Board of Alders approved a resolution supporting the lengthening of the main runway, but the decision was still left in the hands of the General Assembly who said there was not time to take up the bill before the close of the last session. A recent report to the airport authority by a hired consultant said commercial service would increase if the airport were able to get permission to pave existing runway safety areas to expand its 5,600-foot main runway to 6,000 feet. One of the carriers interested if the airport was larger is Allegiant Air. Our analysis shows that the New Haven market would be a great addition to the Allegiant Air network, Dustin Call, of Allegiant, wrote in a letter to New Haven Mayor Toni Harp. We feel that the lack of affordable leisure fares in this region create the opportunity for us to potentially serve multiple cities. Allegiants plan would be to serve three destinations, with two flights per week to each, using 159-seat Airbus 319 aircraft and 177 or 186-seat Airbus 320 aircraft. American Eagle recently began once a week flights out of Tweed to and from a second destination, Charlotte, N.C., on Dec. 22. The carrier said it hopes to eventually increase the frequency. Tweed has been hampered for a decade by a settlement between New Haven and East Haven officials concerning the airports operation. As part of the settlement, East Haven withdrew its objections to the installation of federally mandated, unpaved runway safety areas at either end of the runway and the General Assembly subsequently passed legislation limiting the runway to its current 5,600 feet. The settlement also placed limits on future numbers of flights to and from Tweed, among other things. BAD AXE Rose Cooper, broker and owner of Hagle Real Estate in Bad Axe, always wanted to work in the real estate business. "I had spent years doing networking for computers and I wanted a different career," Cooper said. "Real estate was something I always wanted to do, I always wanted to be a real estate agent. When my daughter graduated from high school, I had the opportunity and enrolled in a real estate class." That was about 11 years ago, and after she got her real estate license, she spent eight and a half years with another local real estate agency. About a year and a half ago, Cooper decided that she wanted to start her own agency. "I worked with another company for eight and a half years," Cooper said. "I decided to open my own company because it was a career that I loved. I went and got my broker's license and opted to open my own company." In July of 2017, Cooper opened Hagle Real Estate. "I guess what made me want to open my own company is there were ideas and a direction that I wanted to go in," Cooper said. "There was a plan that I had and there were things that I wanted to do that they weren't doing, so I decided to open my own company. I loved my career in real estate and I knew I was going to be doing it for a very long time, so it made sense to open my own company and take it in the direction in the way I wanted it to go in." Cooper opened Hagle Real Estate at 305 E. Huron Ave., in the old Independent Bank building, which was built in 1912. "It's been astronomical," Cooper said of the move to the new building. "It has been a very good move for the company. People know where Bad Axe is with the central location. The move to that particular building, with the historical nature of the building, helps people notice us. We were the first business to move into that building after it sat empty." Since opening Hagle Real Eastate nearly a year and a half ago, Cooper has seen quite a bit of growth within the company. When she started, it was just her and three other agents. Now, Hagle Real Estate employs Cooper and 11 other agents, which serve not only the Thumb area, but the whole state of Michigan. "We've seen growth in the company," Cooper said. "There's actually myself and 11 agents now. We've had a very good following with our customer base. People have gotten to know the Hagle name. Our honesty and integrity have really carried us a long way." As Hagle Real Estate enters the New Year, and nears its two-year anniversary, Cooper has a few goals for the company. "Our goals are to continue to ensure that all of the real estate needs of our customers are taken care of," Cooper said. "We want to continue to build on what we are doing. We want to make sure that we have satisfied clients and continue to go above and beyond for the best real estate experience." "As we're moving forward, we want to continue with our astronomical growth, but not lose sight of what's important," she added. "We want to make sure that all of our real estate customers come first and we will go above and beyond to do that." UPPER THUMB The new year is upon us, bringing with it new opportunities. But along with the turn of the new year comes the likelihood that the number of cases of influenza are about to rise. Flu is a contagious respiratory disease caused by different strains of the influenza virus and can result in mild to severe illness. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommends that everyone six months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine, as it is the best way to prevent against getting the flu and can also reduce the severity of flu illness. MDHHS confirmed last month the first influenza-associated pediatric death of the 2018-19 flu season occurred in Osceola County. The reported death involved a child who was infected with influenza A/H1N1. Nationally, there have been six influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported during the 2018-19 flu season. At the local level, Huron County has experienced just one case of influenza and Tuscola County two cases. However, officials are still advising people to get their flu shots. According to Ann Hepfer, health officer for both the Huron and Tuscola county health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting widespread flu activity statewide. "We typically see flu spikes in late January and February, but that is not a guarantee," said Hepfer. "They can happen anytime of the year depending on the flu strain." Hepfer said there is still time to get a flu shot to help avoid the chances of catching the flu. Other tips she suggested include being diligent with hand washing, avoiding those who are ill and stay home from work and school if you are ill. According to the CDC, last year's flu season was estimated to be the deadliest since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. More than 79,000 deaths were attributed to the flu, 185 of which were children. In Michigan, two children died last year due to flu-related complications. A majority of the positive influenza specimens confirmed by MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories this flu season have been an H1N1 virus. During the 2017-18 flu season, only 39.5 percent of Michigan residents were vaccinated against flu, below the national rate of 41.7 percent. Vaccine is especially important for persons at increased risk for complications from flu, including children, adults aged 65 years and older, persons of any age with underlying medical conditions, and pregnant women. Children less than 6 months of age are too young to be vaccinated and need to be protected by vaccination of their close contacts, including parents, siblings, grandparents, child care workers and healthcare personnel. To find flu vaccine near you, call your healthcare provider, the Huron County Health Department at 989-269-9723 or the Tuscola County Health Department at 989-673-8114. For more information about the flu, visit Michigan.gov/flu. Registering to Vote: Step 3 - Submit Your Application Registering to Vote: Step 3 - Submit Your Application If you hand-deliver your application, the staff person helping you will take your form and you don't need to do anything else. If you have never registered to vote in Michigan and choose to mail in your application, you will need to meet an identification requirement. This means you must: Enter your driver's license number or personal identification card number where requested on the form. OR Send a copy of ONE of the following forms of identification with your application: A photocopy of your driver's license or personal ID card, or A photocopy of a paycheck stub, utility bill, bank document or government document that lists both your name and your address. of the following forms of identification with your application: NEVER SEND AN ORIGINAL DOCUMENT! The whole purpose of getting signatures is to show that youre serious and to show you have, at least, presented yourself to some voters, who will say, Hey, I might vote for this person in the coming April election, Vito said. We need to keep the momentum up because we know this works, said Julie Mirostaw, senior government relations director for the American Heart Association, who attended the recent board meeting to support the proposal. The age range that this makes the biggest difference is in the 15 to 17 year olds because it cuts off their access and separates their social circles. Services for Bonita Deweese will be held on Monday, June 14, 2021, at 15th Avenue Baptist Church, at 10:30 am. Visitation will be Sunday, 4-6 p.m., at Webb Funeral Home. View the obituary at www.jamesfwebb.com. It's Bollywood's OG superhero, Krrish aka Hrithik Roshan's birthday today. Although age is just a number for this Greek god, who was ranked as the world's most handsome actor last year, he turned 45 today. Instagram From his ex-wife and BFF Suzanne Khan to Sonali Bendre, Preity Zinta and Shabana Azmi, celebrities have flooded social media with birthday posts. However, it was Tiger Shroff who won the best birthday post award and took us on a nostalgic trip we were neither expecting nor ready for. Instagram As a tribute to Hrithik, whom he calls his inspiration, Tiger posted a video of him dancing to the hit party number 'Ek Pal Ka Jeena' from 'Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai'. If you remember the song and the signature step by heart, then you had an amazing childhood. Tiger Shroff wrote, "Blessed to be working with my inspiration thank you for being born and giving direction and inspiration to so many of us! #happybirthday." Hrithik Roshan is undoubtedly one of the best dancers Bollywood has ever seen, but Tiger Shroff's tribute video was on another level. Tiger Shroff not only nailed the dance steps of the iconic song, but ended up doing better than Hrithik Roshan. As we speak about 'Ek Pal Ka Jeena', let's re-watch the song again. On the work front, Tiger and Hrithik will soon share screen space in Siddharth Anand's next film. Although, not much is known about the film yet, we're confirmed about two things - an epic dance-off between Hrithik and Tiger and some insane high-octane action scenes. The SecondChance smartphone App accurately detects opioid overdose by monitoring the user's breath from as far as three feet away and also picks up slowing or absence of movement and can potentially save the person's life according to a team of scientists at the Washington University who developed the SecondChance App. The App works on the principle of sonar (sound navigation and ranging) to monitor the drug user's breathing. The findings of the study appear in the journal Science Translational Medicine. First Ever Smartphone App to Identify Opioid Overdose Efficacy of SecondChance App in Detecting Decreased Breathing For the study, the team worked with users at the Insite supervised injection facility in Vancouver, Canada. Interestingly, Insite is the first legal site that allows consumption of opiates in North America. The two parameters that the team was looking to identify included when the breathing rate dropped to 7/ minute and when it stopped . Typically in a hospital health personnel will hurry to see if a patient is okay if the breath rate dropped to below 8/minute that the team was looking to . Typically in a hospital health personnel will hurry to see if a patient is okay if the breath rate dropped to below 8/minute During the study, participants at Insite wore monitors on their chests that tracked breathing rates The participants were advised to prepare the drugs for use routinely and the team monitored the persons one minute prior to injection to get a baseline breathing rate for their algorithm for their algorithm After this, the team monitored the participants during the injection and for five minutes after since that is the most usual time for symptoms of overdose to occur of overdose to occur Out of the 94 volunteers who tried out the SecondChance algorithm, 47 had a breathing rate of 7/ minute or slower, 49 stopped breathing for a considerable period, and two people had an overdose event that needed oxygen, ventilation and/or naloxone treatment. Overall the SecondChance App accurately identified breathing issues preceding overdose opioid 90% of the time. Testing If SecondChance App Detects Actual Opioid Overdose The team also wished to check if the App could detect actual overdose as these were not encountered commonly at InSite facility For this, the team worked with anesthesia teams at University of Washington Medical Center to artificially 'simulate' overdoses in an operating room, while the App monitored the patient's breathing and detected an overdose event "When patients undergo anesthesia, they experience much of the same physiology that people experience when they're having an overdose," Sunshine said. "Nothing happens when people experience this event in the operating room because they're receiving oxygen and they are under the care of an anesthesiology team. But this is a unique environment to capture difficult-to-reproduce data to help further refine the algorithms for what it looks like when someone has an acute overdose." The team enlisted otherwise healthy participants undergoing planned surgery and after getting their consent they were given standard anesthetic medications that caused cessation or slowing of breathing for 30 seconds and the App tracked these episodes The algorithm correctly identified 19 out of the 20 simulated overdose events. In the one case it was incorrect, the patient's rate of breathing was just above the algorithm's threshold Making the App Interactive Right now, the Second Chance is only monitoring the people who use it and the team would like the app to interact with them, eventually with them, eventually In future, when the App detects decreased breathing it should send an alarm to the person to try and make him respond If there is no response, the phone should alert the emergency services for help to come and administer naloxone and other emergency aid The team is applying for FDA approval and plan to make the technology available commercially through a UW spinout called Sound Life Sciences, Inc. The App can be used to identify all forms of opioid Overdose, but the team cautioned that they have only tested illegal injectable opioid use since deaths due to this overdose is the most common. By detecting opioid overdose, the SecondChance App helps to save the person's life since the opioid effect can be reversed by the drug naloxone given at the earliest. Read More.. "We're experiencing an unprecedented epidemic of deaths from opioid use, and it's unfortunate because these overdoses are completely reversible phenomena if they're detected in time," Sunshine said. "The goal of this project is to try to connect people who are often experiencing overdoses alone to known therapies that can save their lives. We hope that by keeping people safer, they can eventually access long-term treatment." How Does the SecondChance App Work? The SecondChance App works on the principle of SONAR (sound navigation and ranging). It sends silent sound waves from the phone to the person's chest and then monitors the reflected sound waves and looks for specific breathing patterns. Also, it monitors the movement of the person to track their breathing as they keep shifting of the person to track their breathing as they keep shifting The App can also detect certain characteristic movements that may occur with opioid overdose such as slumping forward of the head Summary The SecondChance App can potentially save the lives of opioid users by detecting overdose quickly so that opioid effects can be reversed with naloxone. Reference : Opioid overdose detection using smartphones - (http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/11/474/eaau8914) Source: Medindia Sunshine said.The SecondChance App can potentially save the lives of opioid users by detecting overdose quickly so that opioid effects can be reversed with naloxone.Source: Medindia Overall theof the time.The team also wished to check if the App could detect actual overdose as these were not encountered commonly at InSite facilitySunshine said.The team is applying for FDA approval and plan to make the technology available commercially through a UW spinout called Sound Life Sciences, Inc.but the team cautioned that they have only tested illegal injectable opioid use since deaths due to this overdose is the most common. Recommended Reading Strong Link between Opioid Overdoses and Depression Identified New study highlights the relationship between opioid overdoses and depression. READ MORE Single Step Naloxone Nasal Spray Can Reduce Opioid Overdose Deaths Single-step nasal spray Naloxone is the easiest to deliver and has been identified as a key intervention for reducing opioid-related deaths due to overdose. READ MORE Opioid Overdose Study Supports Call for Caution in Prescription Levels The difference between controlling pain and dying from an opioid overdose can be linked to how strong a prescription the doctor wrote. READ MORE Cannabis Cannabis has a long history of medicinal, recreational, and industrial use and comes from a bushy plant with thick sticky flowers called Cannabis Sativa READ MORE Drug Abuse The use of Drugs for reasons other than its prescribed recommendation, is known as Drug abuse or substance abuse. Drug abuse or substance abuse is initiated by various biological and social factors. READ MORE Drug Detox Drug detoxification (or drug detox) is a process that helps drug addicts to give up drugs with less or no withdrawal symptoms. READ MORE Painkiller Addiction Painkiller addiction is the use of prescription painkillers in a way not meant by the prescribing doctor. Find ways to beat prescription painkiller abuse. READ MORE Prescription Drug Abuse Prescription drug abuse is consuming prescription medications in a way different from that as prescribed by the doctor. It is becoming a colossal health problem which can lead to addiction and even death. READ MORE OTTAWA Jan. 9, 2019 Canada Canada $250,000 $500,000 $1,000,000 $125,000 Canada In 2015, the TSCP was established to provide ongoing financial support to Canadian thalidomide survivors. The new CTSSP, which is expected to launch in spring 2019, responds to this commitment. The application period for the CTSSP will remain open for five years. Canada /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, announced that the Government ofis launching a new financial support program for eligible Canadian thalidomide survivors. In Budget 2018, the Government ofrecognized that some thalidomide survivors may have been excluded by the eligibility criteria under the Thalidomide Survivors Contribution Program (TSCP) and committed to addressing this concern to help ensure that all eligible thalidomide survivors receive the financial support they need.A new program, the Canadian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program (CTSSP), will replace the TSCP. The CTSSP will provide a fair and comprehensive approach to identifying thalidomide survivors that is based on international best practices. The program will include a tax-free, lump sum payment to each survivor to help cover urgent health care needs, ongoing annual payments based on level of disability, and an Extraordinary Medical Assistance Fund (EMAF) to support survivors with extraordinary medical expenses such as specialized surgery not otherwise covered by provincial/territorial health care plans or home or vehicle adaptations.Applicants who are eligible for the CTSSP will receive an ex gratia payment of, and ongoing tax-free payments. In addition, to account for an anticipated increase in the number of recognized thalidomide survivors, funds available through the EMAF will increase fromtoper year.Survivors already supported by the TSCP will automatically transfer to the CTSSP and will continue to receive their benefits. They will also receive an ex gratia payment ofto equalize the ex gratia payments to survivors under the two programs.The application period for the CTSSP will launch in spring 2019 and remain open for five years. More information will be made available when the program is launched."The Government ofrecognizes how much Canadian thalidomide survivors have already been through. We are committed to helping them to age with dignity. We realize that some thalidomide survivors may have been excluded by the previous program's eligibility criteria. This new program will align with international best practices to help ensure that eligible thalidomide survivors receive the financial help they need."External Administrator website Thalidomide Survivors Contribution Program Health Thalidomide Survivors Contribution Program (TSCP)SOURCE Health Canada CHICAGO Jan. 9, 2019 Illinois' Irvine, California Mike Acierno Illinois Steve Bilt Steve Bilt Mike Acierno Mike) Acierno Mike Acierno Illinois Illinois Schaumburg Chicago Irvine California the United States Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Florida Illinois Indiana Maryland Nevada Ohio Oregon Pennsylvania Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Washington San Francisco, CA. /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- DecisionOne Dental Partners, one offastest growing dental groups, has announced a new strategic investor; Smile Brands Inc. Based in, Smile Brands Inc. is one of the nation's pioneering dental support organizations (DSOs). By taking on this strategic investment, Smile Brands will allow DecisionOne to accelerate the rate of their growth and acquisitions throughout the Chicagoland area as well as neighboring states.DecisionOne Dental was founded in 2011 by two brothers, Dr. AJ and Dr.. They've witnessed several changes affecting the dental industry: dental students are graduating with high amounts of debt, the needs of an office both technologically and administratively have become increasingly complex and costly, and insurance companies are providing less coverage for higher costs, all of which are disrupting the doctor-patient relationship. They created DecisionOne Dental Partners by blending the values of a solo practitioner dental office with the business efficiencies of larger group practices and immediately attracted like-minded dentists. In seven years they've grown from 2 dental offices to nearly 30 while maintaining a commitment to a high level of oral healthcare and steadfast patient advocacy. The company was recently ranked as the #1 Top Workplace infor mid-sized businesses in the dental industry (#16 across all industries and businesses in the state) by The Chicago Tribune."Today there are hundreds of DSOs and thousands of group practices in the U.S.," said, CEO of Smile Brands. "Each group has its unique affiliation model in terms of financial compensation, business support and management processes, but the success of a partnership comes down to whether the groups share a common set of values. Our investment behind DecisionOne is as much about shared values as it is about business expansion. The DecisionOne team is clearly committed to maintaining the doctor-patient relationship as the vital center of our industry and that is something that we absolutely want to help expand."Smile Brands Inc. currently provides business support services to over 400 locations across 17 states and will provide DecisionOne with significant expansion capital as well as access to additional business support services. Both companies realize the future of mid-market DSOs is to have an investment and business support partnership that can accelerate growth while continuing to meet the needs of providers and patients. The strategic partnership between the businesses is an example of the industry investing into itself with the ultimate goal of changing the way dentistry is done to improve lives."Many DSOs help remove day-to-day management headaches allowing providers to focus on clinical excellence. At DecisonOne, we go beyond this by building offices around our doctors instead of simply inserting providers into cookie cutter offices," explains Dr. AJ Acierno. "This approach allows us to create individual office cultures that result in lasting patient relationships. We believe strongly that building patient relationships based on trust is the key to acceptance of care and making patients better."As the world of dentistry has changed dramatically over the past several decades, more and more providers are looking to affiliate with a dental support organization, but finding the right fit is imperative, something Smile Brands Inc. knows all too well. "A strong cultural connection within any team and across any partnership is fundamental to success," explains. "Glassdoor just named us as one of the best places to work in the country for the second straight year, and the fact that Dr. AJ and his team have received similar honors is very telling of how important a great culture is to this partnership."Dr., co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, knows that clinical autonomy is key in a patient-first delivery model. "After dental school, I went into private practice and AJ took the DSO path," explains (. "That gives us a unique perspective on both sides of the industry and how to improve the lives of our patients as well as our team members. We have always wanted DecisionOne to be a place that people want to work, not have to work, and we feel with this strategic partnership we can continue to make that dream a reality."ABOUT DECISIONONE DENTAL PARTNERS DecisionOne Dental is a network of carefully curated dental professionals who value personal doctor-patient relationships and high quality patient care. Over the last decade, the growing complexity of the dental sector has diluted doctors' focus and led to a perceived reduction in patient care and trust. DecisionOne Dental Partners was founded by brothers Dr. AJ and Dr., both practicing family dentists, who believe dentistry can thrive locally while adhering to the core values that support patients above all else. With nearly 30 current locations, DecisionOne is the fastest growing dental group in. DecisionOne Dental has been named one of the "Top Workplaces" for mid-sized businesses in(The Chicago Tribune) and one of "9 Dental Groups In The Nation to Watch" (Group Dentistry Now). Acierno Dental inwas also identified as a "Top Doctor" bymagazine.For more information about DecisionOne Dental or to find a dentist, please visit http://www.decisiononedental.com.ABOUT SMILE BRANDS Based in, Smile Brands Inc. is one of the largest providers of support services to dental groups in. Smile Brands provides expansion capital and access to support services to independent dental groups and DSOs. The organization delivers comprehensive business support services through exclusive long term agreements with affiliate dental groups, so dentists can spend more time caring for their patients and less time on the administrative, marketing, and financial aspects of operating a dental practice. Smile Brands supports over 400 Bright Now! Dental, Monarch Dental, Castle Dental, A+ Dental Care, OneSmile Dental, Johnson Family Dental, P3 Dental Group, and DecisionOne Dental offices in 17 states, including, and. Smile Brands is a portfolio company of Gryphon Investors, a leading middle-market private equity firm based inFor more information, visit http://www.smilebrands.com.SOURCE DecisionOne Dental ATLANTA Jan. 9, 2019 Georgia Georgia Sarah Vega Jan. 15 , 10 a.m. 4 p.m. ChanceLight McDonough Clinic 1233 Eagles Landing Parkway, Suite A/B, Stockbridge, GA 30281 Jan. 16 , 10 a.m. 4 p.m. ChanceLight Athens Clinic 135 Athens W. Parkway, Suite C, Athens, GA 30606 Jan. 17 , 10 a.m. 4 p.m. ChanceLight Savannah Clinic613 Stephenson Avenue, Suite 206, Savannah, GA 31405 401k Provide a minimum of 15 direct clinical support hours to clients Assist in the implementation of behavior treatment and instructional plans utilizing ABA principles in clinics, homes, and/or school settings Implement and report data on the progress of a client's self-help skills, behavioral management, and social skills Implement treatment plans as developed by the Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) Collect and analyze skill and behavior data Assist in developing functional behavioral analysis and assessment reports Monitor and supervise clients to ensure a safe and therapeutic environment Jessica McConnell Robin Embry /PRNewswire/ -- ChanceLight autism services announced today it is hosting three hiring events and plans to hire 40 behavior technicians throughoutin January. The ideal behavior technician candidate is interested in making a difference by providing children and adolescents life-changing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and working for an organization with an inclusive culture that offers professional development opportunities and a flexible schedule.ChanceLight is one of the nation's leading providers of ABA therapy, which is widely recognized as the most effective, evidence-based treatment for autism. The company is expanding throughout the state and will increase its number ofclinics to 13 by mid-summer 2019."ChanceLight specializes in providing the best therapy for children and adolescents with autism. Our behavior technician position requires no experience and is ideal for someone searching for a career or students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Special Education, Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis or related field," said, senior vice president of operations for ChanceLight. "For individuals who do not have a Registered Behavior Technician certification, we provide all the training and supervision behavior technicians need to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. We have plenty of opportunities throughout the state for people who are interested in pursuing a rewarding and fulfilling career."ChanceLight autism services will host three events to hire 40 goal-oriented, self-starters who are interested in changing the direction of children's lives. All hiring event attendees will receive immediate feedback and could leave with a contingent offer of employment the same day.Event details are as follows:ChanceLight offers behavior technicians full- and part-time positions, competitive compensation, mentorship and/or internship programs and opportunities for advancement. ChanceLight offers a full benefits package to full-time employees working 30 hours or more that includes medical and dental coverage, aretirement plan and life insurance.Behavior technicians provide ABA therapy in ChanceLight clinics, in homes and in school settings under the guidance of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The position requires a high school diploma and the job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:If you are interested in a behavior technician position with ChanceLight autism services but are unable to attend one of the hiring events, please contactat 615-430-1114 or jmcconnell@chancelight.com. For more information on ChanceLight autism services, please visit chancelightgeorgia.com.ChanceLight is the nation's leading provider of behavioral health, therapy and education solutions for children and young adults. We change the direction of children's lives by offering them the opportunity to create successful, independent futures. ChanceLight serves nearly 19,000 clients and students each year at more than 150 locations in more than 20 states across its three divisions. ChanceLight autism services serves children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder, pediatric developmental delays and physical challenges., Lovell Communicationsrobin@lovell.com 615-297-7766 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chancelight-hiring-40-behavior-technicians-in-georgia-300775835.html SOURCE ChanceLight Dermalex is an over-the-counter skin cream that people can use to treat psoriasis. Unlike some other psoriasis creams, it does not contain steroids. However, there is little research to support its safety and effectiveness. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes skin cells to multiply faster than usual, resulting in a buildup of skin cells. This cell accumulation leads to itchy, inflamed, scaly patches of skin and often silvery plaques too. Creams and lotions are available to help relieve these symptoms. In this article, we consider the evidence for the effectiveness of Dermalex in treating psoriasis. We also cover its safety, how to use it, and the possible side effects and risks. Can Dermalex treat psoriasis? Share on Pinterest Dermalex may be safe to use, but a person should consult a doctor before beginning treatment. Dermalex is a popular brand of cream that the UK company Omega Pharma Ltd produce and sell worldwide. The company offer a specific Dermalex cream to treat psoriasis, which is called Dermalex Psoriasis Treatment. According to the manufacturers website, Dermalex Psoriasis Treatment works by: reducing itching and scaling resulting from psoriasis moisturizing the skin repairing the skin barrier The manufacturers state that Dermalex returns skin cell production to normal by treating the swelling and inflammation that cause itching and by stimulating the skins repair mechanisms. Although they claim that clinical studies have shown Dermalex to be effective, they do not name the publications that featured these studies or explain where to find them. There do not appear to be any published studies looking at whether Dermalex Psoriasis Treatment is effective for the treatment of psoriasis. Given the relatively high price of the product and the lack of published clinical evidence, a person should think carefully before committing to the product. However, some people may find that this medication helps relieve their symptoms. People can try a range of products to find the one that works for them. Is Dermalex safe? There is little safety information available about Dermalex, but many people do use it without reporting problems. The Dermalex website advises people to check with a doctor or pharmacist if they are going to use Dermalex in combination with other medications. How to use Dermalex The Dermalex website recommends that people apply a small amount of the cream up to three times a day, massaging it into the areas of their skin that psoriasis is affecting. They advise using it on damp skin for the first 3 days. Are there any side effects? The Dermalex website notes that an individual may experience a slight stinging sensation the first few times that they apply the product. However, this should pass with subsequent applications. The manufacturers do not specify any other side effects. However, they note that if a person does experience any adverse side effects, they should stop using the product and consult a doctor. According to a fascinating new study, taking a drug that increases histamine levels in the brain could improve performance in long-term memory tests. Share on Pinterest Histamine granules within a mast cell. Histamine carries out multiple roles in the body. Perhaps most famous for its role in the immune system, histamine also helps regulate gut function and acts as a neurotransmitter. Thanks to their role in allergic reactions, medications that reduce histamine levels antihistamines are commonplace. Drugs that boost histamine levels are less common, but doctors sometimes prescribe them to treat dizziness. According to the latest study, however, histamine-boosting drugs might, one day, become more prevalent. Histamine and memory Over recent decades, researchers have demonstrated an interesting relationship between increased histamine and improvements in memory. However, currently, they do not fully understand the interaction. Researchers hope that by studying the interplay between the two, they might glimpse innovative ways of treating individuals with impaired memories, such as dementia. A new study set out to unwrap another layer of this phenomenon. The scientists wanted to understand how histamine impacts long-term memory. The team was headed up by Prof. Yuji Ikegaya and Hiroshi Nomura, Ph.D., from the University of Tokyo in Japan. This week, the journal Biological Psychiatry published the findings. To investigate, they recruited 38 males and females, all in their mid-20s. The researchers asked the participants to memorize images of everyday objects, such as wristwatches and glasses. A few days later, they tested the participants. The researchers showed them some of the original images mixed in with some that they had not seen before. The researchers asked the participants to identify which of the pictures they had seen in the initial session. Then, 79 days later, the researchers tested the participants again. However, this time, before the trial, the participants took either a placebo or a drug that boosted histamine levels in the brain. Memory boosted but not for all As expected, histamine did have a positive impact on some participants memory test scores. For individuals with poorer memories, the histamine boost helped them to recognize more images than they did in the first round of tests. It is also worth noting that histamine only boosted long-term memory it did not improve any other cognitive abilities. One finding from the study is especially intriguing. The researchers showed the participants a particular image. However, a few days later, they failed to remember seeing that image. Then, around 1 week later, after histamine treatment, they were able to recall that they had seen the image. To any students thinking about using this drug as a study aid, I must warn them to first always protect their health, and second to realize that we have not tested whether this drug helps anyone learn or memorize new things. Author, Prof. Yuji Ikegaya However, not all individuals saw an improvement. Those who had performed best in the pre-medication memory tests saw a drop in performance after histamine treatment. And, for all participants, whether high or low scorers, images that were easiest to recall in the pre-medication trials became harder to recollect after boosting histamine levels. The researchers believe that this surprising contradiction might involve something called stochastic resonance. Stochastic resonance If a signal is too weak for a sensor to detect, stochastic resonance can help boost it. It works by adding white noise to the signal. The original signals frequencies resonate with the white noise, lifting it above the rest of the white noise, making it easier to detect. Prof. Ikegaya and his colleagues believe that memory works in two ways; firstly, it is a digital system yes or no it is possible to recall the memory, or it is not. At the same time, the brain can store information as a gradient nerves do not fire until activity levels reach a certain threshold. Before reaching this threshold, we cannot remember, but once the levels have exceeded the threshold, we can. The scientists think that histamine might push the gradient past the point that triggers the neurons to fire. In this way, a latent memory a stored memory that we cannot access becomes accessible. Conversely, if a memory is already above the gradient, adding extra histamine produces too much noise, and the additional nerve activity hinders memory recall. by Karlene Lukovitz @KLmarketdaily, January 10, 2019 Heineken is looking to tap into health-conscious consumers growing interest in non-alcoholic beer, with the U.S. introduction of its Heineken 0.0. The beer was launched in Barcelona, Spain in May 2017, and has since been introduced in more than 30 countries. It's now being rolled out nationally in U.S. retailers that sell beer, with placement next to regular Heineken. Heineken views 0.0 as a way to boost the overall category with incremental sales by enabling new occasions for drinking beer. 0.0 is being positioned as a "fun," non-alcoholic choice for moments when regular beer is inappropriate. Its not about a replacement strategy; its complementary, Heineken USA CMO Jonnie Cahill told CNBC. Sometimes I drink Heineken. Sometimes I drink Heineken 0.0. We see this as an and, not an instead of, purchase. advertisement advertisement Non-alcoholic beers including leading brands like Anheuser-Busch InBevs ODouls currently account for under 1% of U.S. beer sales. The subcategory has until recently seen little investment from brewers, and is dated in the minds of consumers, according to Heineken. But Heineken and other big brewers are introducing new products to attract the young adults who are looking for low calories (0.0 has just 65) and tend to perceive wine, spirits and spiked seltzers as healthier than regular beer. The uptrend is already underway: Global Market Insights estimates that worldwide sales of alcohol-free beer will exceed $25 billion by 2024. Heineken reports seeing sales and share gains in the U.K. after introducing 0.0. The U.S. campaign for Heineken 0.0, launching this week, includes four 30-second ads for digital and television themed Now You Can. The humorous ads, from Publicis, have been aired previously in other markets, and are viewable on YouTube. They show people drinking what appear to be regular beers in inappropriate situations like work settings, then deflating shocked observers by revealing that the beverage is actually alcohol-free Heineken 0.0. The first ad to air on U.S. cable and network TV, starting this weekend, features an executive causing a stir by drinking a 0.0 while giving a formal business presentation (below). The other three spot vignettes take place on a film set, at a gas station, and in a parking lot. (The last two supply unexpected twists, as the 0.0 drinker finds that some people dont care enough to be faked out by the ostensibly rogue behavior.) Heineken which says it spent a decade developing the all-natural-ingredients 0.0 in order to get it to be nearly indistinguishable from regular beer will also use social media and influencer marketing. by Wendy Davis , Staff Writer @wendyndavis, January 10, 2019 Google appears poised to win a showdown in Europe over whether the so-called right to be forgotten requires censorship of results worldwide. On Thursday Maciej Szpunar, an advisor to the highest court in the EU, sided with Google in the fight, arguing that the right to be forgotten should only be enforceable in Europe -- not the entire world. The opinion is non-binding, but seen as likely to be followed. The controversial right to be forgotten was created in 2014, when EU judges ruled that Google (and other search engines) must remove links to embarrassing information about Europeans at their request, after weighing their right to privacy against the public interest in the information. The right to be forgotten doesn't exist in the United States, where free speech principles protect the right to publish accurate information. advertisement advertisement Google interpreted the EU's ruling as requiring removal of links to material in search engines designed for European countries, like Google.fr, but not from its worldwide search results, including the U.S. page Google.com. In 2015, French regulators rejected Google's position and ordered the company to remove material from all of its results pages. Google then asked Europe's highest court to reject that view. The company argues that no one country should be able to censor the web internationally. "In the end, the Internet would only be as free as the worlds least free place," global privacy counsel Peter Fleischer wrote on the company's blog in 2015. No one country should be able to impose its rules on the citizens of another country, especially when it comes to linking to lawful content," he wrote. "Adopting such a rule would encourage other countries, including less democratic regimes, to try to impose their values on citizens in the rest of the world." The company drew support from a host of rights groups, including the Center for Democracy & Technology, Electronic Frontier Foundation and Human Rights Watch. They argued that authorities in one country shouldn't be able to decide what search results are available in other countries -- especially because material that's illegal in one country is lawful in others. The CDT called attention to several examples -- including a request by Pakistan that Google take down videos that satirized politicians, and one by Thai authorities who asked Google to remove YouTube clips that allegedly insulted the royal family. The Washington Post's Global Opinions section has created its first destination for translated language articles - in Arabic. The page will house translations of Global Opinion columns, editorials and op-eds relevant to The Washington Posts Arabic-speaking audience. It will feature commentary from writers around the world, including those based in the Mideast and North Africa. The Global Opinions section works with professional translators who are native speakers from the region, according to Eli Lopez, senior editor of the section. The mission of the Global Opinions section has always been to give readers around the world a platform where they can find a variety of perspectives on the most pressing issues affecting their region, stated Fred Hiatt, editorial page editor at The Post. This page will make it easier for more readers to access free and independent commentary about the cultural and political topics that most impact them. advertisement advertisement The importance of this has become more evident since the murder of our own colleague, Jamal Khashoggi, who saw very clearly the need for a forum such as this," Hiatt added. WaPo had already published columns by the slain journalist in Arabic, as well as other translated Arabic pieces for over a year in the Global Opinions section. The importance of this effort became even clearer after Khashoggi's death, Lopez noted. Also beginning today, The Washington Post will run ads in print and across digital platforms, marking 100 days since Khashoggi was killed in the Consulate of Saudi Arabia in Istanbul. Over the past year, WaPos Opinions section has experimented with translating op-eds in other languages, including Spanish, Turkish and Farsi. by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, January 10, 2019 The Presidents prime-time Oval Office address and a rebuttal by the Democratic Congressional leadership Tuesday night was the highest-rated in a decade, according to estimates provided to Television News Daily by Nielsen. Combined common coverage for the two addresses delivered 35.3 million viewers two years or older. Nielsen did not break out ratings separately for the two addresses, which were covered by more than 11 national television networks, but a number of publications citing preliminary ratings reported that the Democratic response actually delivered more viewers than the Presidents Oval Office address. The audience was the highest for any Oval Office address -- which are usually reserved for national emergencies -- since President Barack Obamas March 24, 2009 address on the U.S. economic recovery following the 2008 financial crisis. The highest prime-time audience for any post-9/11 address was 73.4 million viewers 2+ who tuned in to watch George W. Bushs March 17, 2003 ultimatum to Saddam Hussein, which preceded the U.S. invasion of Iraq. by Wayne Friedman , January 9, 2019 As NBCUniversal continues to cut back on traditional TV advertising time on all its networks, the company has seen growing digital media outside its traditional TV network. In an interview at the Consumer Electronics Show, Linda Yaccarino, chairman of advertising sales and client partnerships, NBCUniversal, said that by the end of 2019 "well be at 20% less commercial time." A year ago, NBCU committed to reducing total advertising time by 10% along with a 20% decline in the number of commercials in prime time. Concerning non-traditional TV advertising revenue, she said about 35% of NBCUs revenue comes from digital viewing and over-the-top platforms. As to finding deeper data for marketers, NBC now has at least 10,000 of its shows attached to specific emotional attributes at the scene level, Yaccarino noted. It's for marketers that can then run TV commercials with specific creative that is appropriate for specific content. advertisement advertisement NBCUniversal has been aggressive in finding new ways to measure TV programming -- outside of traditional Nielsen data, moving away from C3/C7 ratings guarantees, the average commercial minute rating plus three or seven days of time-shifted viewing. Last year, NBCU begin selling its ads on a guarantee called CFlight,which combines Nielsens TV numbers with digital viewing from other sources. Its hard to imagine how the university ever thought it could prevail in this suit. Its easier to imagine that the university didnt settle for years in order to pressure the professors and chill potential blog contributors. (By the way, not all of the blog entries are critical of university brass. One intriguing September 2018 posting reported lots of excitement from Kanye West sightings on campus.) by Larissa Faw , January 10, 2019 The BMF Media Group is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a brand identity overhaul thats partly designed to raise awareness. It also serves as a rallying point for BMF employees, including the 40+ new hires in 2018. That takes the agency's employee count to over 100. Name-wise, experiential specialist BMF is dropping The and Media Group from its name, but the larger brand refresh, all conducted by Nights & Weekends, includes a new website, logo, social media, tagline, and related materials. The refreshed tagline, made to inspire," is meant to "convey modern simplicity, worldly sophistication and a bold confidence," says an agency spokesperson. This is the first significant makeover for the agency since its 2003 launch. We want to highlight that BMF has advanced to now provide additional services that amplify and enhance event production and experiential, such as research and analytics, and PR services, the spokesperson said. advertisement advertisement These expanded services have helped the agency land new projects from Calvin Klein and W Hotels and new clients like Colgate and Samsung SmartThing. BMF came of age during the digital era," says Bruce Starr, cofounding partner, BMF. The complexity of modern marketing will only keep increasing as consumer expectations change in response to new technologies and trends. Note: We have changed our commenting system. If you do not have an mdjonline.com account, you will need to create one in order to comment. West Cobb residents will go from having an outspoken conservative named Ehrhart representing them in the State House to having an outspoken co If you look up the meaning of the word resiliency, it is defined as the ability to recover from illness or other types of adversities. U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2018-19 Best Hospitals rankings, and though no local hospitals were on the national list, t Georgia lawmakers will have many new issues to decide when they are gaveled to order for their 2019 regular session Jan. 14, and Fulton County Thats a complete reversal from Burkes virtually unfettered control of the workers comp system for many of his 50 years on the City Council. Twice since 2012 the citys inspector general sought to pry into the way Burke ran the program, and twice Burke successfully sought to exempt the workers comp system from full IG oversight. The Emanuel-controlled City Council could have given the IG power for a forensic audit when Burke was still in power, but it chose not to challenge him. Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Marilyn Clark has a new home among her military peers thanks to some local businesses and Habitat for Humanity. Submit A Press Release $25.00 / for 2 days Ensure your press release runs prominently on our website and in our E-mail Newsletter. Gauranteed placement on these platforms is $25. Note: All submissions will go through our editorial approval process before being posted. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. The main floor at 35 W. Fort St. has 4,880 square feet and this provides ample room for the Register of Deeds office. Hampton said all kinds of old books and documents, which were previously stored for decades in various rooms at the courthouse, are now brought together in one location and one level for the first time in probably 35 years. Now we have everything together on one level and one corridor, she said. I am just humbled we had this opportunity. It is a real asset to the citizens of McDowell County for parking, record searching and accessibility. The new location offers more parking for the disabled and people can park along the street right close to the building. They can also use the parking lot that is next to the building and behind Kirksey Funeral Home. Hampton said she and her staff still offer curbside service for those who need it. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The new office has two sets of restrooms, one for the public and one for the staff. The large rooms are totally modern with bright lights and climate control systems. There is plenty of space for the computers used by the staff to pull up documents. The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate Marions newest movie theater, Mountain Marquee Cinema with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 6. The purpose of the occasion was to recognize the new business and welcome co-owners Aaron Shirley & Cody Andrews to the Marion business family. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Mountain Marquee is a small locally owned cinema that shows second run, independent, and classic films with a comfortable and friendly atmosphere that includes a full restaurant menu and bar. Their focus is showing quality films with good food and comfort. Their small but unique theater has one screen, with stadium risers, couches, stools with a bar top, and three wheel chair spaces. Come join the fun with Cody and Aaron and enjoy Marions hometown theater that is conveniently located in the downtown area. Location: 31 West Court Street, Marion. Business Hours: For show time information call 828-559-2852 or visit http://www.mountainmarquee.com CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO! My understanding is that all the residents, except for a couple, were able to arrange housing with family and friends, said Matthew Roberts with First Baptist. Our staff has continued to be present throughout the day today, said Walker on Wednesday. We are asking that anyone with needs contact the local Red Cross. As for the situation with the condominium buildings and the lake behind them, that is being followed up by a private engineer with the Westwood Chateau Homeowners Association, according to Walker. Many people have expressed concern about the houses located on a hill behind the Lady Marian Plaza next to the condos. City Manager Bob Boyette said he has not heard of any other properties that are in imminent danger. The city, county and state governments have worked with Westwood Chateau to learn more about this situation and to provide the best information to everyone involved, said Boyette on Wednesday. Ultimately, the lake, dam and issues found so far are located on private property and Westwood Chateau will have to make decisions about how to address the situation. The two parties involved in an early morning stabbing on Wednesday in Marion have been identified. At approximately 8:05 a.m. Wednesday morning, emergency units and law enforcement were dispatched to the area of US 221 Business North, across the street from Chow Time Pizza in reference to an assault that had just taken place. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Information being released at this time indicates that an altercation took place between 38-year-old Griffin Daniel Crawford of Rutherfordton and 26-year-old Ethan Wade Landis of Spindale in the grassy area beside of the bridge on 221 Business North that resulted in Crawford being stabbed in the abdomen. Crawford was transported to Mission Hospital of Asheville where he is still being treated for the single stab wound. At the time of the incident, Landis was detained by police, but was no longer in custody by Wednesday afternoon. The investigation is ongoing, according to Marion Police Lt. Rusty Jenkins. You dont have to be an expert in large numbers to count the number of people who won two of these awards, said colleague Robert Fefferman, the Max Mason distinguished service professor of mathematics at the university and former chair of the mathematics department. The fact that since 1938 (when the award was established) he was one of a handful of professors of all departments in the university to win this award twice says something about the quality of his teaching. Viola Caudill, 85, a resident of the Gowen Community passed away Thursday June 10, 2021 at home. A Graveside service will be held a 11:00 AM Monday June 14, 2021 in the Pavilion at Bache-Red Oak Cemetery. There will be a family and friends visitation on Sunday June 13, 2021 from 5:00pm to 7: The inpatient pediatric unit at Harrington Hospital will close in March after seeing several years of declining volume, the 11-bed unit only serving an average of 1.5 patients a day over the last year, officials said. The Harrington HealthCare System Board of Directors approved the closure of the Southbridge hospitals inpatient pediatric unit late last year. Now, any pediatric patient who needs to be admitted will be transferred to UMass Memorial in Worcester, the hospital wrote in a statement, adding that the closure will not affect Harringtons ability to treat children in its Southbridge or Webster Emergency Departments. The healthcare system will also continue to care for pediatric patients in all outpatient settings, including imaging, lab, primary care, behavioral health and physical therapy, the statement read. The pediatric unit staffed about nine full-time equivalent employees, Harrington said. The unit also saw a large Medicaid population, which accounted for 75 percent of discharges over the last 12 months. From 2016 to 2017, there was a 9 percent decline in volume, the hospital said. In the last 10 months, a portion of the pediatric unit was also used for post-surgical patient recovery three days a week. Harrington said the closure reflects " a trend showing families utilizing larger hospital systems for inpatient pediatric care." Statewide, there are only 13 hospitals that currently have dedicated inpatient pediatric units, according to Harrington. More than two dozen hospitals across the state have closed pediatric inpatient services, the hospital said. One of those closures was also in Central Massachusetts. Last year, UMass Memorial Health Care closed the pediatric unit at the HealthAlliance Hospital in Leominster. In 2017, Harrington Hospital closed its Family Birthing Center, sending patients to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. How did Russian operatives seeking to tilt our nation's 2016 presidential election toward Donald Trump know how best to target the advertisements and posts to social media they used to spread their disinformation? That's been the lingering, unanswered question since our nation's intelligence agencies universally agreed that the Kremlin worked to get Trump into the White House. Now, though, there's likely at least a partial answer: Trump's campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, appears to have supplied them with internal polling data. Can you say "collusion"? While the president was busy yapping ceaselessly about the need to build a wall on our nation's border with Mexico, a court filing that might have been otherwise routine provided a window into the heretofore secret doings of Manafort. And though the story is not yet completely known, it blows Trump's repeated contention that Manafort's misdeeds all predated his time as campaign chairman completely out of the water. Internal polling data aren't shared casually with adversaries. Generally, they aren't shared much at all. They are, however, sometimes provided to someone who is allied with a campaign and could find the information useful. Enter Manafort, the longtime political operative who headed Trump's campaign during a critical period in 2016. Manafort, of course, was convicted of 10 felony counts last year for tax fraud and other financial malfeasance. Those crimes, in fact, all predate his work for Trump, which the former reality TV star was fond of pointing out. One post to Twitter from Trump in October 2017 read as follows: "Sorry, but this is years ago, before Paul Manafort was part of the Trump campaign. But why aren't Crooked Hillary & the Dems the focus?????" Here's one obvious answer to that question, though it's one Trump wouldn't want to hear: Because Russian operatives and intelligence officers were hard at work trying to damage Hillary Clinton's campaign even as they strove to boost Trump's electoral chances. The latest surprising news came on Tuesday, when Manafort's defense lawyers accidentally disclosed in a court filing that he had shared polling data with Konstantin V. Kilimnik, a Russian business associate with ties to Kremlin intelligence officers. Such information, obviously, would have been invaluable for those who were seeking to target their disinformation campaigns most effectively. It's important to remember that Trump won the presidency by winning more votes in the Electoral College, which determines the winner of our nation's presidential race. In just three states -- Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin -- he bested Clinton by razor-thin margins of less than a single percentage point. A few key questions: Did polling data provided by Manafort help Russians target their posts and ads so they'd get the most bang for their buck? Were the Russians' efforts enough to turn the tide in the states with the closest margins? And was Trump aware of Manafort's doings? All along, as Trump has endeavored to dirty up special counsel Robert S. Mueller III's probe of Russian interference in our nation's election, he's had a single refrain to which he returns: No collusion. The latest revelations throw a bucketful of cold water on that claim. Manafort got himself into deeper trouble after he reneged on his cooperation agreement with Mueller's team by lying to investigators. After he'd already been convicted. The 69-year-old Manafort faces at least 10 years in prison. Why would he lie now? Whom is he protecting? Does he hold the keys to unlock the box that contains the still-hidden details of links between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin? Mueller may know the answer to those questions -- and myriad others. As they are revealed, the very foundation of the Trump presidency may begin to crumble beneath him. Special to The Washington Post How old is too old? Joe Biden is 76 years old, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is 77. Two years from now, would either man be too old to be president? Not just physically, but culturally and temperamentally? Donald Trump, though he was the oldest person (70) to be elected president, doesnt seem to have a problem with age, not so much because of his full head of dyed hair, but because he is strangely ageless. He is at once a vigorous old guy, a 28-year old Internet troll and an 11-year-old boy off his Ritalin. Biden, though he can seem reassuringly mature at times, can also seem a little dated, like a character out of the 1950s. A year and a half after the Access Hollywood recording was released, during which Trump was caught using what he later described as locker room talk, Biden, the former vice president, said he didnt want to debate Trump, but that he wanted to take him behind the gym and beat the hell out of him. Biden was assailed in some quarters for toxic masculinity, but really, he seemed at times a character out of an Archie and Jughead comic book. Many older people such as me (Im 67) feel out of step with the younger generation - probably because we are. We are insufficiently woke, we can be uncomfortable with or just confused by the variations of gender fluidity, and we can find ourselves stifling a laugh at a politically incorrect joke. Secretly, though, we think we are not just older but wiser than the young people who are reported by polls to have socialistic leanings. How, we ask ourselves, can the country pay for free college tuition and universal Medicare? When I was younger (35 years old), I helped popularize the notion that age and experience count for a great deal in government by co-authoring, with Walter Isaacson, a book called The Wise Men. During the 1960s and 1970s, at times of crisis, presidents would bring in elder advisers, dubbed the W.O.M. (Wise Old Men), to give them counsel. It was a meeting of WOMs in March 1968 that helped convince President Lyndon B. Johnson that the time had come to begin to draw down U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War; five days later, Johnson announced peace talks and that he would not run for reelection. It was a moment of true statesmanship - to see old Cold Warriors such as former secretary of state Dean Acheson (age 74) and ambassador at large Averell Harriman (age 76) warning the president of the perils of American hubris. So, when it comes to making tough calls in the Oval Office, is older wiser? Well, actually, maybe not. Older people can get stuck in their ways. They can be too confident in their judgments, and heedless of new facts. The Wise Old Men who advised Johnson in 1968 to get out of Vietnam had earlier counseled the president to get into Vietnam. During the mid-1960s, they had warned Johnson not to listen to the antiwar protesters or go wobbly on the communists. During the Cuban missile crisis in 1962, President John F. Kennedy brought Dean into his group of close advisers. Acheson, whose hawkishness had hardened in old age, counseled the young president to take out the Soviet missiles with airstrikes. Its a good thing Kennedy didnt listen to Acheson, or we might all be radioactive dust now. Old men (and old women) get worn out, mentally and physically, no matter how hard they try to stay vigorous and alert. In his mid-70s, President Ronald Reagan may have suffered from early dementia by the end of his second term. By the end of President Dwight D. Eisenhowers second term - he was 70, at the time the oldest president ever - he was spending more time on his putting than dealing with the out-of-control mushrooming of the nuclear arsenal or the secret excesses of the CIA. I recently thought about the burdens of age - the closed-mindedness and sheer fatigue - and the importance of younger and fresher perspectives in connection with the decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan in August 1945. President Harry S. Trumans top civilian adviser was Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson. In later years, Stimson would be revered as a role model for a later generation of Wise Old Men. But at a meeting of Trumans top war council in June 1945, Stimson, who was 77 years old, was exhausted. Suffering from a migraine, he had not slept well the night before. He barely spoke up. Instead, Stimsons aide, Jack McCloy, tried to argue that we ought to have our heads examined if the United States didnt try to induce the Japanese to surrender before dropping the bomb. McCloy suggested that instead of demanding unconditional surrender, the Allies should let Japan keep its emperor, a gambit that might have worked to avert Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The instance cried out for creative thinking, but no one in the room was ready to listen to the 40-year-old McCloy, who was deemed too young and brash. So listen to your elders. But dont necessarily vote for them. Evan Thomas is the author of First, a biography of Sandra Day OConnor, which will be published in March. SPRINGFIELD -- A West Springfield man has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison after taking photos of himself sexually abusing a young girl and trading them with other sex offenders on the internet. Justin Germaine, 28, pleaded guilty Jan. 3 in U.S. District Court in Springfield to 19 charges, including distribution of child pornography, receipt of child pornography and sexual exploitation of children. In addition to 420 months in prison, Germaine must serve 20 years of supervised probation after his release and pay $5 million in restitution. The three-decade prison term reflects the "horrific and shocking" facts in the case, a federal prosecutor wrote in a sentencing request. Judge Allison Burroughs imposed the sentence 15 months after Germaine's older brother, Alexander, 30, also of West Springfield, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography in a separate case. The elder Germaine was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Justin Germaine has been held without bail since July 2016, when federal agents raided the South Boulevard home he shared with his brother. Using the email handle "eviljustin," Germaine had been trading child porn, including photos of himself sexually abusing a 5-year-old girl, with a New Hampshire man who was being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, according to court records. Germaine had been trading sexual images of the child since she was a toddler and even younger, federal prosecutors said in court filings. The defendant used the images as a commodity to engage other child pornographers, according to investigators. When federal agents raided Justin Germaine's home, seizing his computer and other electronic devices, they also found pornographic images of children on his brother's iPhone, according to court records. The sentence was recommended by defense lawyer Kevin Murphy, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Grant and Assistant Federal Public Defender Jessica Thrall. "The facts and circumstances of this case are devastating for Mr. Germaine, for (the victims) ... and the community at large," Thrall wrote in her sentencing recommendation. "At the time of his arrest, Mr. Germaine was 25 years old. He will be sentenced to more years in prison than he has been alive. While the facts of this case are horrific and shocking, a term of imprisonment of 35 years properly fulfills the goals of sentencing an offense this serious," Thrall wrote. LONGMEADOW -- Voters next week will voice their opinions on two warrant articles seeking to give voters the ability to recall elected officials in town, a movement initiated by residents upset with a fractured School Committee's vote not to renew the superintendent's contract. A third warrant item that would have transferred budget expenditure power from the School Committee to the Select Board was deemed unlawful and will be withdrawn. Town Meeting moderator Rebecca Townsend has cautioned speakers not to stray off topic by delving into the character or motives of people on either side of a debate. Tensions between some residents and the School Committee have been high since the committee voted 4-3 in November not to renew Superintendent Marty O'Shea's contract, and two of the warrant articles were filed as a direct response. "People may have a lot of things to say on a wide variety of topics, but the range at which they may speak at Town Meeting is narrow," Townsend said. "We cannot discuss character at Town Meeting, whether good or ill, whether someone is wonderful or someone is rotten. We also can't speculate on motives. And I will call to order anyone who strays beyond the concept of the article. I will make that absolutely clear." The Special Town Meeting is Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Longmeadow High School gymnasium, with overflow room (and designated space for non-voters) in the auditorium. Article 1 would allow for recall elections for officials specified in section 3-3 of the town charter: members of the School Committee. Since it's a home rule petition, it would also have to be approved by the state Legislature before it could be enacted in the town. Both Articles 1 and 3 were submitted by petitioner Pat O'Shea. Article 3 is also a Home Rule petition and was submitted "15 minutes before the warrant closed," said Select Board chair Mark Gold. Article 3 would allow voters to recall any elected town official except the Select Board because changing the term, composition or appointment of the Select Board would require the election of a charter commission, said Town Manager Stephen Crane. Article 2, a citizen's petition by resident Marc Haber, would have transferred the control of $2 million (or another amount agreed on by Town Meeting voters) from the school department's fiscal 2019 operations budget to the Select Board under a reserve or school expenditures fund. The School Committee would then have to request by majority vote to transfer the money from the Select Board, and the transfer would also have to be approved by majority Select Board vote. But Townsend said Monday that town counsel deemed Article 2 unlawful and said it doesn't meet the state requirements under Chapter 71, Section 37 of Massachusetts General Law. Haber released a statement on Facebook Wednesday saying he disagreed with the town counsel's analysis, but decided to withdraw Article 2 anyway. "For various reasons, I have concluded that the Town Meeting on January 17th is not the time, place or forum for the voters of Longmeadow to answer the very specific legal issue contained within Warrant (Article) 2," Haber wrote. "But in doing so, it does not resolve the fundamental question of governance that grows by the day." Townsend told the Select Board Monday that she anticipates it will be a "highly attended meeting" and asked that voters sit toward the front upon entering to make space for latecomers in the back. Special Town Meeting Warran... by on Scribd GREAT BARRINGTON - An immigrant and longtime resident of Western Massachusetts was arrested by officials with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency this week, leaving local community members confounded as to why. Aleks Gole, an Albanian national who relocated to Great Barrington after fleeing violence and unrest abroad, has been living in the Massachusetts town for the past four years. Until this week, he worked as a chef at the Patisserie Lenox on Main Street and was also attending Berkshire Community College to learn English. But Gole was taken into custody by federal authorities early Tuesday morning, according to The Berkshire Eagle. It is so far unclear why Gole has been incarcerated. A profile of Gole from 2017 details how he escaped the turbulence of his home country--an ex-Communist nation undergoing political upheaval in the wake of the Cold War--by traveling to Greece during the 1990s. He lived there for years until the 2009 financial crisis made it difficult to find work. It was shortly after this that Gole made the decision to move to the U.S., settling in Great Barrington. Before his capture, Gole had expressed a seeming desire to stay in the U.S. "I'm a person who always goes forward. I'm not looking back. I never forget who I am, and I have my parents in Albania and my siblings in Greece for vacation. But I have no reason to go back to stay," he said, in an interview with The Eagle. Gole is allegedly being held in the Greenfield jail. He is alleged to also have legal representation. BOSTON Two freshman lawmakers from Western Massachusetts are asking Gov. Charlie Baker to support additional funding for food assistance programs if the federal government shutdown continues. Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, and Rep. Mindy Domb, D-Amherst, are urging the governor to mitigate the potential impact if federal food stamp benefits dry up. Governor Baker, we ask for your strong support and immediate commitment to ensuring the timely appropriation of funding needed to mitigate the negative impact of this ugly political ploy, they wrote. The federal government is partially shut down due to a disagreement between President Donald Trump and Congress over funding for a border wall. Several days ago, Trumps administration warned that funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could run out in February. But on Tuesday, federal officials backtracked and said food stamp benefits would be funded through the end of February. The letter from Comerford and Domb, sent to the governor and top administration officials on Tuesday, said that more than 746,000 Massachusetts residents benefit from food stamps. Children, the elderly and working families comprise the largest percentage of recipients, they wrote. We must not allow their well-being to suffer as a result of a shut-down predicated on an ill-conceived wall between the United States and Mexico. They lawmakers are asking for state funding to offset any loss in SNAP benefits, additional money for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program and extra funding for regional food banks. Although Baker can introduce a supplemental budget, any money must be appropriated by the Legislature. Comerford used to work for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Domb ran the Amherst Survival Center, which provides food assistance. Temescal Wellness will open its Pittsfield marijuana store next Tuesday, Jan. 15. The store will accept only cash payments for its opening week, and there will be limits on how much marijuana people can buy. The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission granted Temescal Wellness permission to open recreational marijuana stores in Pittsfield and Hudson as early as Saturday. But Hudson police said the company still has not gotten final permission from local officials to open in that town because it has not yet submitted a traffic mitigation plan. The Pittsfield store will be at 10 Callahan Drive, at the same location where Temescal Wellness is already selling medical marijuana. It will be open Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Medical patients can continue to park at 10 Callahan Drive. Recreational customers will be required to park at 1485 W. Housatonic Street. The lot will open at 10 a.m. Previous marijuana stores have opened to long lines. According to the company, there will be outdoor tents and porta-pottys available to customers who have to wait in line. The store will sell multiple strains of flower, extractions and concentrates. Purchase limits on opening day are: 1/8th ounce of flower; two pre-rolled joints of 0.5 grams; and one vape pen or cartridge. Massachusetts state law limits total purchases to 1 ounce of flower and 5 grams of concentrate. The Pittsfield store will be the second retail marijuana store to open in the Berkshires within a week. Theory Wellness plans to open a store in Great Barrington on Friday. The Cannabis Control Commission also on Thursday voted to issue final licenses to Temescal Wellness to cultivate marijuana and manufacture products for the recreational market. SPRINGFIELD Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, in response to grand jury testimony revealing that a Springfield detective chose to lie to investigators in 2016 rather than admitting he knew who kicked a juvenile in the head, said there is zero tolerance in such matters. As I have said before, police officers are sworn to uphold the law, not break it," Sarno said in a prepared statement released Wednesday. "There is zero tolerance in these matters and this behavior will not be tolerated. In grand jury testimony from U.S. District Court last June as obtained by MassLive and reported on Wednesday Springfield Police Narcotics Detective Luke Cournoyer admitted that he helped cover up a scandal related to the alleged assault of a juvenile suspect who stole an unmarked police car in February 2016. In the grand jury testimony, Cournoyer said that his statement to internal investigators that he had not witnessed anyone being kicked and did not kick anyone, was untrue all of it, according to the MassLive report. His testimony occurred under protection of a promise of immunity from criminal prosecution, MassLive reported. The grand jury proceedings relate to federal investigation that has already led to indictments against two officers: Detective Gregg Bigda, accused of threatening to frame, beat and kill two juvenile suspects during an interrogation capture on video, and former Detective Steven Vigneault, accused of kicking one of the suspects in the head. SPRINGFIELD A Springfield man who was released from prison in July after the states highest court overturned his murder conviction was arrested Wednesday in Springfield and charged with stealing multiple cars from a dealer. Curtis Combs III, 42, is charged with taking three cars on test drives from local dealers and then never returning them, said police spokesman Ryan Walsh. These occurred on Jan. 4, 5, and 8. He did not name the dealerships from which the the cars were taken. Combs is charged with three counts of larceny of a motor vehicle, as well as two counts of larceny of property of more than $1,200, and single counts of larceny of a license plate and breaking and entering into a vehicle at night with the intent to commit a felony. Combs had been sentenced to prison following his 2013 conviction for the murder of William Jones of Hartford. Jones had been strangled and left in a car in a parking lot in Bloomfield, Connecticut. He was prosecuted in Springfield by the Hampden district attorney because the murder was said to have happened at a Florida Street apartment, and the body was then carried into Connecticut. Combs appealed the conviction, and the case made its way to the Supreme Judicial Court, which ruled that because it is not clear where the murder occurred, the case should not have been tried in Massachusetts. The court ruled that with insufficient evidence to show the crime happened in Springfield, prosecutors lacked territorial jurisdiction" to proceed with the prosecution. As a result the verdict was overturned last year. Walsh said Springfield detectives this month received information about a possible suspect and the location of one of the stolen cars. They responded to the area of 500 Armory St. and found two of the stolen cars. A short time later, Combs was spotted walking on Armory near Grosvenor Street and taken into custody. The photo provided by police shows Combs with an injury to his left eye. Walsh said that injury is from a car accident Combs was in three days before his arrest. Social consumption of marijuana in places like pot bars or yoga studios should be allowed in Massachusetts, according to a state commission tasked with examining social consumption regulations. Supporters of allowing so-called social-use establishments say giving people a public place to smoke or eat marijuana will expand access to safe, regulated marijuana. Today, although marijuana is legal in Massachusetts, someone cannot consume it in public, in federally subsidized public housing or in hotels. A landlord can ban smoking in their building. People ought to have an equal opportunity to consume it that they currently dont have, said committee member Andrea Cabral, a former state public safety secretary who is now heading a marijuana company. The Public Safety and Community Mitigation subcommittee of the Cannabis Advisory Board, which makes recommendations to the Cannabis Control Commission, voted 5-2 at a meeting on Wednesday to recommend allowing social consumption. It will be up to the commission whether to accept that recommendation and write regulations for social consumption. The dissenting votes were Walpole Police Chief John Carmichael and Ken Halloran of the state police. Carmichael said he worries about people consuming marijuana at a social-use establishment, then driving impaired. He does not want to see more people being killed or injured due to drugged drivers. We already have an issue right now with impaired driving, and before we deal with the inadequacy of enforcement right now, I think it would not be a good idea to add to that problem with pot bars, Carmichael said. But supporters said there are public safety reasons for allowing social consumption. Committee Chairman Matt Allen, of the American Civil Liberties Union, said he wants to discourage people who cannot smoke at home from smoking while driving their car. Kim Napoli, an attorney focused on promoting equity in the marijuana industry, said people are already consuming cannabis in social settings. Saying were not going to license social consumption cafes means were going to have illegal or unregulated ones, Napoli said. The committee made several recommendations regarding how social-use businesses should be operated. It recommended unanimously that anyone under age 21 not be allowed to enter a social-use business, and that the businesses will be subject to compliance checks to ensure they are not serving anyone who is underage. Committee members supported recommendations that servers be trained to recognize impairment, that businesses be required to immediately report any theft or loss of product to the police and the Cannabis Control Commission, that businesses provide literature about the dangers of overconsumption and the health risks to pregnant women, that businesses post the penalties for violating the states marijuana law, and that menus list the cannabinoid profile of marijuana products. The committee agreed that businesses should be able to apply for temporary event licenses so, for example, a private club could host an occasional marijuana dinner. The committee considered regulating how much marijuana an establishment could serve, but ultimately decided against that, due to logistical concerns about setting appropriate limits and ensuring compliance. It will recommend that local governments have a role in licensing and inspecting social-use facilities, similar to the way they do for retail stores. BOSTON Cayla Plasse was addicted to drugs. After pleading guilty to shoplifting, a judge offered her numerous chances to remain out on probation and get treatment. But Plasse kept using drugs and breaking her probation. Finally, at the request of Plasse and her family, an Orange District Court judge sentenced her to jail, ensuring she would remain incarcerated for the time needed to complete an intensive residential addiction treatment program run by the Hampden County Sheriffs Department. Did the judge act appropriately in considering her need to complete a rehabilitation program in fashioning the jail sentence? The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court on Thursday decided unanimously that yes, the judge was allowed to consider her need for residential treatment in sending Plasse to jail. After the defendants failure to make use of the opportunity to avoid incarceration while on probation, the judge sought to maintain an appropriate balance between the defendants individualized needs and those of the community in which she resides, Justice Barbara Lenk wrote for the court. As attitudes toward drug addiction have shifted in society, and addiction is seen increasingly as an illness, not a crime, the Supreme Judicial Court has occasionally heard cases addressing the criminal justice implications of this shift. In July, the court ruled that someone who is addicted to drugs can be required to remain drug-free as part of their probation, and can be found to have violated probation if they use an illegal drug. The latest decision, Commonwealth vs. Cayla Plasse, addresses a unique set of circumstances, but also has implications for how judges should approach sentencing for people who are addicted to drugs. After Plasse, then 21, pleaded guilty to stealing from a department store, a judge said he would dismiss the charge if she spent a year on probation, completed a shoplifting prevention program and was supervised by the community corrections department, which performed drug and alcohol screenings. For three years, Plasse repeatedly violated the terms of her probation. She tested positive for THC, which is the compound in marijuana, cocaine, amphetamine and morphine. The judge required her to enter three different residential treatment programs, but she kept leaving the programs because of drug use. Eventually, she lost contact with her probation officer. Finally, Plasses family and even Plasse agreed that she needed to be incarcerated to receive treatment. Her attorney asked the judge to sentence her to at least nine months in jail so she could complete a particular drug treatment program. The judge imposed a sentence of two years, with enough credits that she could be released in nine or 10 months, saying he was doing it not to punish (her) but to make sure that she gets through a program and is back out on the street safe and alive. Months later, Plasse, represented by a new lawyer, asked to be released. Although she has since been released from jail, the SJC agreed to take to case to consider the larger implications of whether a judge can consider rehabilitative programming in fashioning a sentence. The court found that as long as the sentence is within the guidelines allowed by state law, a judge can consider rehabilitative programming, if a defendant asks for it. In circumstances in which a defendant specifically requests a judge's consideration of his or her substance abuse issues and related need to complete a rehabilitative program while incarcerated, the judge may take these factors into account, the court found. The court did emphasize that its decision was primarily due to the unusual circumstances in this case where the judge for three years recognized that incarceration was not the best way of achieving rehabilitation and only imposed a jail sentence once everything else failed, and once Plasse and her family acknowledged that she needed incarceration to complete treatment. Massachusetts is set to receive $5.6 million from nationwide settlements with Fiat Chrysler and auto supplier Bosch. The two companies that are paying more than $171 million to US states due to efforts to install emissions-cheating software in vehicles. The settlements came after a lawsuit alleging Fiat Chrysler, including its American and Italian subsidiaries violated consumer protection and environmental laws through the installation of defeat device software in vehicles including, the 2014 through 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, branded as Eco-Diesel, and Ram 1500 diesel vehicles. About 1,000 of those vehicles were leased and sold in Massachusetts, according to Attorney General Maura Healeys office, which announced the settlement Thursday. A separate lawsuit alleged automotive industry supplier Bosch violated state laws in helping program and supply its clients Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler with software that cheats federal and state emissions tests. The settlements were filed in Suffolk Superior Court and still require court approval. Fiat Chrysler and Bosch worked together to falsify environmental tests and trick Massachusetts drivers into buying dirty cars that pollute our air, Healey said in a statement. We will continue to work with our partners to pursue auto industry companies that pollute the environment and lie to consumers. Other settlements were reached with Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche over similar allegations. Volkswagen paid out $40 million to Massachusetts in civil penalties, on top of tens of millions in restitution to consumers, according to Healeys office. The company also funded a $75 million national trust for emission reduction projects. The Massachusetts side of the settlements announced Thursday call for Fiat Chrysler to pay more than $1.89 million and Bosch to pay $3.66 million. The nationwide settlements require Fiat Chrysler to provide a software fix for the emissions program, as well as work with Bosch to provide eligible owners and people with leases of restitution of up to $2,908 and $990, Healeys office said. Fiat Chrysler must also provide 200,000 upgraded replacement catalytic converters to owners for air pollution mitigation. For more than a decade, Bosch allegedly helped implement the rigged software in more than 600,000 Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler vehicles. Despite concerns raised within the companys own internal management and to Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler, Bosch allegedly supplied Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler with the electronic diesel control units that controlled the vehicles emissions functions and assisted the automakers in their implementation of the cheating software and their concealment of it from regulators and the public, Healeys office said in a release. SPRINGFIELD The Massachusetts Historical Commission has nominated the Springfield Technology Park on Federal Street for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The nomination of the site, known as the Federal Square Historic District, was announced this week by Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin. The nomination moves on to the National Register of Historic Places at the National Park Service in Washington, D.C., for final consideration. The 15-acre Federal Square district is part of the larger Springfield Armory complex. The district is across the street from the Springfield Armory National Historic Site and Springfield Technical Community College. Paul Stelzer, president of Appleton Corp., which managers the technology park, praised the nomination. Its an important thing to do to preserve not only the legacy of the Springfield Armory but also the legacy of Springfield, Stelzer said. The nomination is totally well deserved and has been a long time coming. Galvin said the state Historical Commission is dedicated to preserving the commonwealths rich historic, architectural, archaeological and cultural resources. "Inclusion of the Federal Square Historic District in the National Register is an important addition for Massachusetts, as it served an important role in the operations of the nationally significant Springfield Armory across the street," Galvin said. The technology park has been owned by STCC Assistance Corp. since 1996 and has more than 20 telecommunications companies as tenants. It is also home to the Liberty Mutual call center and Phoenix Charter School. It once housed and was owned by Digital Equipment Corp., before being purchased by STCC after Digital closed. The earliest buildings in the Federal Square Historic District date back to the late 1880s. It was a center of firearms manufacturing and innovation until 1968, the state Historical Commission summary said. The National Register is the nation's official listing of significant historic resources. I think its great, Robert McCarroll, a local historian in Springfield, said of the nomination. I think its long overdue. The Armory is a significant industrial catalyst for the city. A District Court judge has decided that no Breathalyzer tests administered in Massachusetts can be used in court until the states Office of Alcohol Testing undergoes major reforms. The ruling by Judge Robert Brennan comes after years of litigation over the reliability of the Breathalyzer test that is used in Massachusetts. During the course of the litigation, it was discovered that the Office of Alcohol Testing intentionally withheld important evidence from defense lawyers. Despite a state investigation of the office and the promise of reforms, Brennan wrote that none of the steps taken so far are sufficient to provide the level of transparency necessary to remedy the harm to the criminal justice system. Joseph Bernard, of Springfield, and Thomas Workman, of Taunton, representing drunken driving defendants, have been challenging the accuracy of the Alcotest 9150 developed by Draeger Safety Diagnostics. Brennan ruled in February 2017 that a lack of reliable standards by the Office of Alcohol Testing imperiled the use in court of Breathalyzer tests calibrated between June 2012 and September 2014. Brennan found that the test is reliable, but the way the state maintained the tests was not. The case took on a new twist in August 2017 when the judge found that OAT had not disclosed important evidence. After a judge ordered the office to provide all calibration and certification worksheets for the test, state officials provided 1,976 worksheets but intentionally withheld 432 worksheets that showed failed calibrations. The technical leader of the office was fired. By 2018, the states district attorneys had agreed to toss out evidence from tens of thousands of drunken driving cases. The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security conducted an internal investigation of OAT in 2017, and that investigation, as described in Brennans latest decision, identified various instances of intentional withholding of exculpatory evidence, blatant disregard of court orders, and other errors, all underscored by a longstanding and insular institutional culture that was reflexively guarded at OAT. Public Safety Secretary Daniel Bennett ordered OAT, which is part of the state police crime lab, to make changes to its operations, particularly related to discovery. The office plans to apply for accreditation from a national accreditation board by August 2019. It is providing additional training for employees and putting in place new standards about complying with discovery requests. The state argued that it should be allowed to use Breathalyzer tests done after Aug. 31, 2017, which is when OAT released all the failed worksheets. Bernard and Workman said the Breathalyzer should not be considered reliable until OAT receives accreditation. Brennans ruling says OAT cannot use the tests in court until it proves that its methodology will produce scientifically accurate results. Brennan wrote that this can be accomplished by OAT filing an application for accreditation that is likely to be approved. OAT must also write discovery protocols consistent with those used by the state polices crime management unit, and must train its staff in how to comply with discovery requests. The accreditation application and discovery protocols must be made public. Clarification: According to the Suffolk District Attorneys office, based on a voluntary agreement by prosecutors, breath tests can be introduced as evidence in cases of OUI motor vehicle homicide, OUI causing serious bodily injury, and OUI as a 5th or subsequent offense, if it is proven that the device was calibrated correctly. They will not be used in other cases. The federal government is asking a judge to throw out a lawsuit on behalf of children who were separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border. Attorneys for the U.S. Department of Justice filed a brief Tuesday calling for the suits dismissal arguing that the defendants in the suit - former and current Trump administration officials - are entitled to qualified immunity. This protects government officials from being sued for actions performed within their official capacity, unless those acts violate federal law or constitutional rights. Attorneys also argued that Supreme Court precedent would block a lawsuit for damages that challenges a government policy. The federal class-action lawsuit filed in September seeks funds to pay for mental health care for kids who were separated from their parents at the border before the Trump administration stopped the controversial zero-tolerance policy. Lawyers represent three Guatemalan children now living in Westborough with their families. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, unnamed immigration agents, and other federal officials are named as defendants in the lawsuit. In making their case, lawyers describe the detention and separation process for three children identified only by their initials: K.O., a 9-year-old girl, and her 17-year-old brother E.O. Jr. who entered El, Paso Texas on foot with their mother in May; and C.J., an 11-year-old boy who fled Guatemala with his father, reaching the Texas border in June. The suit details alleged abuse and mistreatment of the children at the hands of Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Lawyers allege the U.S. agents screamed at the children calling them "trash" and "donkeys." Lawyers say agents would wake 9-year-old K.O. up to take a shower by pulling her ponytail. Her brother, E.O. Jr., was kicked in the back at least 10 times by agents who didnt believe he was 17 years old, according to the suit. The practice of separating immigrant children from their parents as a way of deterring border crossings began around October 2017 and latest until June 26 when a federal judge in California ordered U.S. Immigration authorities to reunite families. Despite concerns about robberies and security, a state committee recommended that Massachusetts grant licenses to companies to deliver marijuana. The question surrounds delivery-only licenses, in which the Cannabis Control Commission would let a company form a business and obtain a license to deliver marijuana from a retail store to a customers home. Walpole Police Chief John Carmichael was among those who recommended strongly against the policy. Delivery-only is a tragedy waiting to happen, Carmichael said. The Public Safety and Community Mitigation subcommittee of the Cannabis Advisory Board, which makes recommendations to the Cannabis Control Commission, voted 4-3 at a meeting on Wednesday to recommend that the state allow delivery-only licenses. Subcommittee Chairman Matt Allen, of the American Civil Liberties Union, said the committee previously had hours of debate on the topic. He noted that there are already companies and individuals that deliver marijuana, but they are operating illegally. Its going to continue to happen whether or not theres a state license, Allen said. By having the commission offer a license, it will reduce the illicit market, which will allow the state to capture funds and tax revenue. Allen said allowing delivery will reduce the barriers needed to enter the marijuana industry, since it takes less money to start a delivery service than to open a store. But Carmichael argued that delivery services raise major safety concerns for the people who work for them. There are people robbed and shot over a cellphone, never mind a vehicle pulling up into a neighborhood with cash and marijuana products, Carmichael said. Its not safe, and it would be very difficult to make it safe. Medical marijuana dispensaries in Massachusetts are allowed to do home delivery. But Carmichael said the difference with recreational marijuana is stores do not know who the customer is who is ordering it. Commission member Andrea Cabral, a former state public safety secretary who now heads a marijuana company, suggested only allowing delivery for businesses that have a physical store, and requiring any home delivery customer to make their first purchase at the store and have their license information recorded. This could ensure that the store knows who is requesting delivery and that the person is over 21. Committee members who voted in favor of allowing delivery-only licenses were Allen, Cabral, Kim Napoli and Michael Latulippe. Committee members who opposed it were Carmichael, Julie Jacobson and Ken Halloran. The committee unanimously recommended that delivery vehicles be required to adhere to the same guidelines as delivery vehicles for medical marijuana businesses. Those cars must have GPS trackers, a list of inventory, two people in the car and other precautions. They can be inspected by enforcement officers at any time. Halloran, of the state police, recommended asking the Legislature to re-examine the civil and criminal penalties for people who deliver marijuana without a license. His motion was voted down 4-3. A federal judge has dismissed Ashley Judds sexual harassment case against disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, stating in the ruling obtained by CNN that her legal team had not adequately alleged that her relationship with Defendant was covered by the statute. The Court makes clear that it is not determining whether Plaintiff was sexually harassed in the colloquial sense of the term. The only question presented by the current motion is whether the harassment that Plaintiff allegedly suffered falls within the scope of the California statute that she has sued under, U.S. District Judge Philip S. Gutierrez ruled. However, Gutierrez ruled that Judd could move forward with her defamation case against Weinstein, in which she claims he derailed her career after she denied his alleged sexual advances in the 1990s. She claims he cost her roles, including a spot in the lucrative The Lord of the Rings franchise. Judd was among the first women in Hollywood to accuse Weinstein of sexual misconduct in a series of reports published by The New York Times and The New Yorker in 2017. Weinstein has denied any wrong doing after some 80 women came forward with allegations of sexual harassment or abuse. In May, New York police charged Weinstein with rape, criminal sex act, sex abuse and sexual misconduct for incidents involving two separate women. Weinstein pleaded not guilty and is free on $1 million bail as he awaits trial. SPRINGFIELD -- Hundreds of area residents will perform in honor of slain civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. as part of the seventh annual Dr. King Day Celebration here. The two-hour event, whose theme is "In the Words of Dr. King," will take place on Monday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. Jan. 21 is federal holiday honoring King. King was a Baptist minister and activist who became a leader in the civil rights movement from 1954 until his assassination in 1968. This free, public event is a collaborative celebration hosted by Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, Community Music School of Springfield, DREAM Studios Inc. and Springfield College. "The Springfield MLK Day Celebration is one of the largest celebrations of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King across the commonwealth, an event that annually brings together 3,000 guests, performers and distinguished community leaders," said Eileen M. McCaffery, executive director of Community Music School of Springfield. It will feature local gospel choirs, community leaders, music, dance and oratorical performances. "In light of the uncertainties around race relations and the polarization of various groups who continue to feel marginalized, this celebration reminds us we have the opportunity to engage in simple acts -- at school, at work and in our families -- that strengthen our community in the spirit of unity that defines the legacy of Dr. King," said Ronn Johnson, CEO of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services. "We must all speak out against intolerance and be change agents. The MLK Day Celebration inspires us reclaim the dream of a beloved community." This year the celebration will include the commemoration and celebration of 400 Years of African American Youth Experience in America. Also, hundreds of young people from throughout Springfield will join the MLK Community Chorale to perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing." McCaffrey hopes participants and attendees will take from the event a better understanding of the spirit of collaboration, from the bonds between presenting organizations, the sponsors who see the value in bringing the community together in celebration of King's legacy and the volunteers who support this event: It "is a profound expression of building a beloved community together." The celebration invites people from diverse backgrounds to come together and experience the power that each has to make a difference as neighbors and friends. Children from throughout Springfield -- from different neighborhoods, schools and life experiences -- work side by side for weeks in rehearsals and share their musical achievements. "This honors Dr. King's vision of a beloved community in a way that reflects Springfield's rich cultural diversity," she added. "This event provides hope and inspiration to the broader community as evidenced by the community response each year," McCaffrey said. "Young and old celebrate the legacy of Dr. King through the artistic achievements of young people in Springfield. When legislators and community leaders see young people who work so hard to develop these skills perform with confidence, the community is uplifted and these young people are connected to civic engagement in unique and profound ways." For more information, call 413-732-8428. HOLYOKE How many people vote in Holyoke? How far do people in Westfield drive to work each day? Whats the poverty rate in West Springfield? And what would the answers to similar questions about all 69 cities and towns in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties look like if it was plotted out in a pie chart or conveyed as a color-coded map? Now local governments, businesses and nonprofits can find out easily using Pioneer Valley Data, a data aggregation website developed over the past year by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. The website, live now at: https://pioneervalleydata.org, launched Thursday with an event at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute in Holyoke. We always had the data, said Molly Goren-Watts, manager of data, education and municipal technology for the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. Now we have put it all in one place and made it easily accessible. The numbers were in about a dozen government databases and websites from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics to the state Department of Education, and especially the U.S. Census Bureau. Each source has its own user interface, each with their own methods and definitions. Pioneer Valley Data puts all that information together in one place and makes it easy to find, easy to use and easy to compare numbers from various sources: like looking at poverty and employment rates together. The best part about it is you can create a graphic or a map and embed that on your website, use that in your report or share it on social media, Goren-Watts said. The website also allows users to create a community snapshot graphic for use in social media or online, Goren-Watts said. Katie Allan Zobel, president and CEO of Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, said the new website will make it easier for agencies to do a better job meeting the needs of the public. The website updates itself as newer sets of data flow in, Goren-Watts said. The site cost $100,000 and was funded by local charitable foundations. It is a project of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, MassMutual Foundation, Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, Beveridge Family Foundation, Regional Employment Board of Hampden County, Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts, Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts and Franklin County Council of Governments. Thursdays pie-themed event included a mock game show meant to demonstrate how easy the site is to use. The theme was a play on the use of pie charts and on the name " Pie-oneer" Valley. Im really looking forward to using this data to get to know more about our students, said Nicole Dorn, senior adviser at Up Education Network and the Up Academy Kennedy program in Springfield. Oh, and voter turnout in Holyoke was 64 percent in the 2016 presidential election. The mean commute time is 22.1 minutes in Westfield, and the poverty rate in West Springfield is 12.1 percent. Boston police said they recovered a loaded handgun and 40 grams of cocaine from a man who hit an officer with his car Wednesday night. Adrian Ferguson, 29, of Dorchester, was arrested after fleeing from officers who were conducting a drug investigation, authorities said. The citys Youth Violence Strike Force was conducting the investigation in the area of 5 Salisbury Park in Dorchester around 7:39 p.m. when they approached Ferguson in his car. Upon seeing the officers, police said Ferguson suddenly accelerated toward them, hitting one of the officers and shattering a vehicles windows. The officer was not seriously injured and began to chase the fleeing vehicle, authorities said. The suspects car then struck a police cruiser that had been positioned in its path. Authorities said Ferguson got out of the car and ran away with a gun in his hand. Officers caught up with him in the area of Dorchester Avenue and Lincoln Street, where a violent struggle ensued, police said. After Ferguson was arrested, police say they found a loaded .38 caliber Ruger handgun with a laser sight, which they said Ferguson dropped while running. Officers also found about 40 grams of cocaine in Fergusons front passenger seat, authorities said. He will appear in Dorchester District Court on drug, assault and several firearms charges. After almost two years of Trump demanding that Congress fund his desire for an expanded southern border wall, little time has been spent determining how the project might actually come together. A project of this scale has rarely been attempted not even by the developer-president himself when he was erecting New York skyscrapers. The borders landscape is uniquely remote and difficult. The project site is narrow and runs for miles. And there are unknowns, such as the maximum wind load for a fence reaching about three stories high. The wall design currently favored by Trump appears to make heavy use of steel which the president said would be good for the U.S. steel industry. About 3 million tons of steel would be needed for 1,000 miles of steel-slat wall and concrete base, according to Zarenskis calculations, which factored in 8-inch hollow steel tubes standing 30-feet high and spaced every 14 inches. But the demand for that steel would not land all at once. It would be stretched over the projects life. If it took an optimistic 10 years to build, the wall would require less than half a percent of the annual U.S. appetite for finished steel. The wall would have a very limited impact for U.S. steelmakers, said Josh Spoores, a steel analyst with the research firm CRU. The survey has 34 questions, including: Does the locality have a structurally balanced budget for the current fiscal year? Yes Has the locality utilized any significant transfers during the fiscal year in order to balance the budget? Please explain. Yes. The city of Martinsville owns and operates a utility system (electric, water, sewer, refuse and telecom) and has historically transferred from utilities to the citys general fund to balance the budget. Fund reserves are maintained, however. Are there any other external factors that have impacted the localitys budget for the year? -- Repayment of a Virgnia Tobacco Commission grant began in FY19 ($780,000 repayment over 5 years); unanticipated emergency costs related to several significant storm events; limited availability of utility transfers due to costs as well as a significant sewer repair project. Does the county have any non-essential enterprises that are not self-supporting? None At the Tuesday meeting, council member Jennifer Bowles asked if the city could find out how it ranked among other Virginia localities. Towarnicki said he tried to find such results on the internet but could not. You are here: International Students Lycoming College values the contributions international students make to the academic and social experience on our campus and works to create an intellectually and culturally supportive environment for students from both within and outside the U.S. Lycoming College prides itself in our supportive and opportunity rich community. From chatting with professors over coffee, to participating in volleyball on the quad or to attending a fireside chat, Lycoming students are actively engaged in and out of the classroom. College faculty, staff and students work to integrate international students into all aspects of college life, providing an atmosphere for participation in and contribution to Lycoming's high quality liberal arts education. The decision to study in a foreign country is a significant one. Adjusting to a new educational environment in another country presents many challenges to students as well as to their parents. As the Dean of Students, it is my pleasure to assist international students in their transition to life at Lycoming and in the United States. My office helps international students integrate into all aspects of college life, acts as liaison and advocate with both college and governmental offices, and provides direction to international students to ensure their time at Lycoming is enriching and memorable. I would be very glad to answer any questions you and your family might have about Lycoming College, please feel free to contact me at Millerda@lycoming.edu. I hope you will consider joining our growing international family at Lycoming College! I look forward to meeting you on campus! Prospective Students Current Students Admitted Students Location The city of Williamsport is located in beautiful rural Pennsylvania. Williamsport is a small, uncongested, relaxed city of 35,000 situated near the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. While the Pennsylvania tourist guide refers to the area as the region of "woods, water and wildlife," Williamsport is a bustling center for business, manufacturing, government and finance. Lycoming students are welcomed here. The campus is located within walking distance of downtown Williamsport where quaint shops and restaurants and the Community Arts Center and downtown cinema are readily available to our students. Bus transportation through River Valley Transit is free to Lycoming Students. For routes, visit the River Valley Transit website. Weather Pennsylvania has four seasons: fall, winter, spring and summer. Temperatures will vary between freezing (30F/0C) and hot and humid (90F/32C). You will need a warm coat and boots for winter (October-March), which can be purchased when you get here. You will have time before the cold weather arrives. Students dress very informally on campus and jeans are common. It's not necessary to dress up for classes, but you may want to bring one or two dressier outfits (a skirt or nice trousers and blazer) for special occasions. Reasons to Choose Lycoming Lycoming College international students receive a warm welcome to the U.S.! New students are picked up their port of entry and transported to campus and we provide a complete orientation program when you arrive. We understand that coming to a new country with a different culture can be a little stressful. That is why we do our best to help you transition into your new environment. We assist with things such as: Picking you up at the airport Moving into your residence hall Opening a bank account Obtaining a campus mailbox Getting your Lycoming ID card Giving you a tour of downtown Going shopping for food, clothes and personal items Navigating the bus system Recommending good restaurants and fun activities Assisting with storage during the summer break Employment Lycoming offers a variety of on-campus jobs. Working on campus is a great opportunity to earn extra money, get work experience, as well as enrich your personal skills. Students in F-1 status are permitted to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during spring and fall semesters, and up to 40 hours during summer. During vacation breaks when classes are not in session F-1 students are eligible to work on campus for 40 hours per week. This is considered full-time employment in the United States. The work must be on-campus. The Lycoming College Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences Office assists students with internships, externships, choice of majors, career and industry interests, and graduate/professional school searches. Contact Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences for more information. Information on Optional Practical Training and Curricular Practical Training can be obtained in the Center for Enhanced Academic Experience Office. Note: Employment (either paid or unpaid) off campus is not allowed unless it is approved OPT or CPT. Mobile Phone Opportunity Lycoming offers a special mobile phone plan for our international students through Verizon Wireless. A student may stay on the plan as long as the student is attending Lycoming College. View plan details and costs on the IT Services website. Should you desire to use a carrier other than Verizon, there are a number of companies in this area, including AT&T and Sprint. Be sure to compare prices and read the small print carefully. Typically, students will need a social security number and a deposit will be required. Another option would be to pay as you go. There are numerous companies that offer this option, including Verizon, AT &T, and Tracphone. There are also many Internet-based telephone services available. Yahoo and Skype are two companies and they both allow free calls between computers with downloaded software. Students can also use international calling cards. Pennsylvania ID You may want to consider applying for a Pennsylvania Photo ID card (cost $9). The photo ID can be used for cashing checks showing proof of age, etc. thus making it unnecessary to carry your passport. It is a good idea to always keep your passport and I-20 in a safe place. You can apply for a Pennsylvania Photo ID at the Photo License Center in the TJ Maxx Plaza on East Third Street, about 1 mile east of the College. You will need to take: A completed Form DL-54A, Application for Initial Photo Identification Card Acceptable Proof of Identification Your Social Security Card A check or money order payable to PennDOT for the appropriate fee (cash is not accepted). If you are 18 or older, two acceptable forms of address verification are required, e.g. bank statement, college tuition invoice. Directions: The Photo License Center is located in the TJ Maxx Shopping Plaza, on East Third Street (next to McDonalds). The Dean of Student's office can assist you with transportation to the photo license center. Hours: Monday - Closed Tuesday - 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Wednesday - 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Thursday - 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Friday - 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Saturday - 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Sunday - Closed Social Security Number A social security number is automatically assigned to American citizens at birth. It is a number that will later be used for financial and employment reasons. The social security number has become a form of identification. It is necessary to have a social security number to be employed on campus. To obtain a driver's license you will also need a social security number and most banks will require it as well. The closest Social Security Office is located at 240 West Third Street, Williamsport. Hours are Hours: Monday Friday 9 a.m. 3:30 p.m, Wednesday 9 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The Dean of Student's office will assist you in obtaining the documentation needed to apply. You must bring your passport and form I-20 or DS-2019, there is no charge. If you are in or F-1 status you must provide a letter from the Dean of Student's Office that authorizes you for on-campus employment at Lycoming as well as a letter of employment from the department in which you are working. Filing U.S. Taxes If you work in the U.S., you will have to file a tax return. Contact the Dean of Student's Office for appropriate forms. Please remember that employees of Lycoming College are not tax professionals. If you need specialized services, please seek out a licensed professional. Campus Break Information If you plan to remain on campus during breaks, it is imperative you sign up in advance with the Campus Housing. Watch your campus email for information regarding upcoming breaks. International Student Orientation International Student Acclimation and Orientation for new students entering Lycoming College for the Fall 2018 semester will begin on Monday, Aug. 20. New students need time to get adjusted to their different surroundings, recover from jet lag and start to make friends before they feel ready to start classes. Orientation can help you do all of these things. A small group of international students will be on campus and assisting with the international student orientation. These students will show you around campus and answer any questions that you have. 1st Weekend will begin on Friday, Aug. 24. 1st Weekend is informative and it's a great way to meet people who are also starting out at Lycoming. Paying Tuition and Fees All payments should be made to the Lycoming College Business Office, 1st Floor, Long Hall Administration Building. The Business Office telephone number is 570-321-4032. Medical History Record/Examination International students are required to have a completed Comprehensive Student Health Record on file at the Lycoming College Health Center. You will receive the health record form in your admissions packet. It is important that you get your physical as well as copy of your immunization records before departing for the United States. The health record includes: (page 1) Biographical data, Emergency Notification, Signatures for the Consent for Treatment and Authorization to Release Medical Information sections; (page 2) a signature at the bottom of the Mental Health History section; (page 3) a head-to-toe physical and TB Risk Assessment to be filled out by a health care provider; and (page 4) a completed immunization record. Immunizations include MMR (2 doses), Tetanus (within the last 10 years), Hepatitis B (3 doses), Meningococcal/meningitis (2 doses if 1st dose given before age 16) and Varicella/chicken pox (2 doses). Health Insurance It is the responsibility of each student to know and understand the type(s) of insurance(s) he/she holds. It is also the students responsibility to fill out and submit their own insurance claims. However, due to the complicated nature of medical insurance in the United States, our Health Services office offers assistance to international students in filing claims. Contact Dawn Burch, burch@lycoming.edu or 570.321.4052 with any questions. School Insurance Information on the waiving and enrolling process for 2018-19 is available on the Health Services website. What to Bring Suitcases Most students say two suitcases, certainly not more than three, but remember to check with the airline to check the baggage limit. You may pay extra if you exceed the limit. General Items Students provide their own sheets (extra-long), pillows and blankets for their bed as well as towels, soap, shampoo and other personal items. You may bring these with you or buy them when you arrive. There will be time during orientation week to do some personal shopping. It's a good idea to bring a few personal items from home such as photos of your family. These will help you settle in and make your room seem like home. Remember that you will be sharing your room with one other student. American students often come with their own television, microwave, sound system, computer and small refrigerator, so you may be able to share these items with your roommate(s). We suggest that you bring some of the following items with you: Favorite music Pictures of your country, your home and your family A book or movie of your country to share with friends and faculty Special musical instruments, clothing, crafts and games that represent your country. (There will be several opportunities during the academic year to showcase your culture, e.g. International Expo and International Dinner.) Don't bring electrical appliances, as you can purchase them in the U.S. Most students bring two suitcases, certainly not more than three, but remember to check with the airline to check the baggage limit. You may pay extra if you exceed the limit. Don't bring electrical appliances, as you can purchase them in the U.S. Transportation to Lycoming College It is suggested that students make their port of entry JFK International (JFK) or Newark Airport (EWR). Both are approximately 4 hours from Williamsport. Philadelphia International (PHL) is also an option and offers direct service to Williamsport Regional Airport (IPT). We try to meet our new students at the airport when they arrive in the U.S. Admissions staff will be in contact with you to obtain your flight information prior to your departure to the U.S. Should you come to campus on your own, you should report to the Public Safety Office and you will be provided with further instructions. It is very important that you inform the Dean of Student's Office that you have arrived safely and to complete immigration paperwork. Arrival United States Your arrival as an F-1 student in the U.S. will be smoother if you know what to expect. The Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement has prepared the following guide to ensure the quality of your experience. Through its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), the Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement is committed to facilitating your stay in the U.S. as you enjoy our nation's academic, educational and cultural offerings. To enhance security without slowing legitimate travel, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has instituted some changes in U.S. entry and exit procedures. Careful planning and preparation by international students can ensure that any delay based on these procedures is minimal. Plan Your Arrival You may be refused entry into the U.S. if you attempt to arrive more than 30 days before the academic program start date listed on your SEVIS I-20 form. Always Hand-Carry Your Documents There are documents you will need to keep with you when you arrive. Please do not check these documents with your baggage. If your baggage is lost or delayed, you will be unable to present the documents at your port of entry. As a result, you may not be able to enter the United States. Documents Needed: Your passport, valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected stay Sealed nonimmigrant documents (When you receive your nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, the Consular Officer will seal your immigration documents in an envelope and attach it to your passport. Do not open this envelope! The Customs and Border Protection Officer at the U.S. Port of Entry will open the envelope.) Your SEVIS Form I-20 We strongly recommended that you also hand-carry the following additional documentation: Evidence of financial resources Evidence of student status, such as recent tuition receipts and transcripts A paper receipt for the SEVIS fee, Form I-797 Name and contact information for your Designated School Official, including a 24-hour emergency contact number at the school For comprehensive information on procedures for traveling and arriving in the U.S., visit the EducationUSA website. Complete Your Entry Paperwork If you arrive by Air, flight attendants will distribute Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059) and Arrival Departure Record Forms (I-94). These must be completed prior to landing. If you arrive by land or sea, the CBP Officer at the port of entry will provide the necessary Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059) and Arrival-Departure Record Forms (I-94) to be filled out upon your arrival. When You Arrive At Your Port of Entry Go directly to the terminal area for arriving passengers. Have the following documents available for presentation: your passport; SEVIS Form (I-20); Arrival-Departure Record Form (I-94); and Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059). The Form I-94 should reflect the address where you will reside, not the address of your University or academic department. You will be asked to state your reason for entering the U.S. You will also be asked to provide information about your final destination. It is important that you tell the CBP Officer that you will be a student, along with the name and address of the University in which you will enroll. When Your Inspection is Complete Once your inspection is successfully completed, the inspecting officer will do the following: Stamp your SEVIS Form for duration of status (D/S) for F visa holders. Stamp your SEVIS Form for 30 days beyond program end date for M visa holders. Following Your Admission Into the U.S. You should report to Lycoming College to register for your courses within 30 days of the date that appears on your SEVIS I-20 form. Failure to do so may result in serious consequences. Secondary Inspection Requirement If the CBP officer at your port of entry cannot initially verify your information, or you lack some required documentation, you may be directed to an interview area known as Secondary Inspection. This allows inspectors to conduct extra research to verify your information without causing delays for other arriving passengers. First the inspector will attempt to verify your status by using the Student and Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Sometimes a CBP Officer needs to verify information with a student's university or program. You should keep on hand the name and telephone number of your admissions counselor or the Coordinator of International Student Services at Lycoming College. In case you arrive during non-business hours (evening, weekends, holidays), have an emergency or non-business hour phone number available for the CBP officer. Failure to comply with U.S. government entry-exit procedures may result in your being denied entry to the U.S. Under certain circumstances, the CBP officer may issue a Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor Form (I-515A), which authorizes temporary admission. Work with your school to submit the proper documentation without delay. U.S. Visit Every nonimmigrant visitor holding a Visa - regardless of race, national origin or religion - participates in the U.S.-VISIT program, a comprehensive registration system tracking entries to and exits from the United States. National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) Some nonimmigrant visitors with a Visa may be asked to give additional information under the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS). At your port of entry you can obtain a packet of information explaining the registration procedure. *U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. After you have been cleared for entry, staff members from Lycoming College will be on hand to transport you to campus. Lycoming When you arrive at Lycoming, the first thing that will happen is that you will be taken to your assigned residence hall room. For those of you who will be arriving late at night, we will have new bed sheets for you. Get a good night's sleep and someone from the College will be around in the morning to pick you up for some breakfast and a tour of campus. We will also assist you in getting your Lycoming ID and take you shopping for any personal items you may need so that you are all set and comfortable to begin international student orientation bright and early on Monday morning. Be sure you have the following documents with you as you will need them during the orientation: Passport identification pages F-1 and all other U.S. Visas Lycoming College's I-20 Form (if it was sent to you). I-20s from all schools you have attended in the U.S. A Request for Transfer Information Form (if it was sent to you rather than to Lycoming). Note: Be sure to protect your legal documents. Make extra photocopies. Never destroy your I-20 Forms; keep them in a safe place. For more information about International Student Orientation and what to do upon arriving at Lycoming, contact: Dean of Student's Office Phone: 1.570.321.4039 Email: Millerda@lycoming.edu Lycoming ID Card Students are issued a Lycoming College identification card when they arrive on campus. Students must have their ID card in their possession at all times and must present the card to any official of the college upon request. Because the identification card verifies board status, students must not loan ID cards to anyone. To do so constitutes misuse of college property and their card will be confiscated. In addition to the Dining Room, you will need your ID card to enter the Academic Center, Heim Building, Fine Arts Building, Wertz Student Center, Communications Building and Clarke Chapel as well as the Keiper Recreation Center, Library, and many college events. Please report lost ID cards to Public Safety. A lost ID will be replaced for a charge of $20. Campus Dining Lycoming College Dining Services strives to make dining on campus more than just a meal. Whether you visit Wertz Dining Hall, Jack's Corner, Cafe 1812 or attend one of our expertly catered events, you will find a friendly, courteous staff serving delicious dishes made from the freshest ingredients. We feature foods from around the country and around the world, and serve them up in a relaxed, welcoming setting so that our guests can enjoy good food and good friends while here at Lycoming! Storage Storage is available on campus for international students to store belongings during the summer break. This storage will be coordinated through the Dean of Student's Office. You will be responsible for marking your belongings carefully so they are easily identifiable when you return. Please contact the Dean of Student's Office for more information regarding storage. International Student Resources The Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students works closely with other departments and offices on campus to ensure that international students receive support services needed to succeed at Lycoming College. Some of the resources important to international students are listed below. Academic Affairs: Student Life: English Language Assistance International students sometimes need a little boost with their English language skills. If you wish to improve your skills there are a number of ways to do so: Speak English as much as possible; do not revert to your first language when speaking with students from your country. The college works with an ESL (English as a Second Language) Instructor to assist international students with their speaking skills. Students will be evaluated by the ESL at the International Student Acclimation and Orientation session In August. The College also offers an International Student Lab for help with English for any class. It is a "drop-in" lab where you can obtain help with planning, practicing, writing, or editing/revising. Our goal is to help our international students present their best work and learn skills that will help with future assignments and professional communication. Contact the Dean of Student's Office for additional information. Another free option is available here on campus with student tutors. Student tutors are always FREE. You will need to contact the Academic Resource Center for information concerning student tutors. Writing assistance is also available at the Writing Center in the Academic Resource Center. Contact Shanna Wheeler, Assistant Director of the Academic Resource Center for further information. For more information about any of the above, contact the Dean of Student's Office, 570-321-4039. Related Links: You are here: Army ROTC - Military Science Enrollment Officer: Briton D. Orndorf 205 Ulmer Hall, Lock Haven University 570-484-2393 | bdo324@lockhaven.edu Administrative Assistant: Beth Vuocolo 205 Ulmer Hall, Lock Haven University 570-484-2299 | bvuocolo@lockhaven.edu Army ROTC prepares college students for military service as commissioned officers in the active Army, or part-time in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard. Scholarship first-year students and non-scholarship first and second-year students may enroll on a trial basis with no commitment to the military. Students may leave the program or continue with advanced courses to earn a commission as an officer upon graduation. Although the program is designed to start with new first-year students each fall, it's possible to enter the program as late fall of the junior year. Students with prior military service or those who complete a 28-day summer training camp may bypass the freshmen and sophomore level training. Various types and lengths of scholarships are available, some of which guarantee duty in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard. Time Commitment First- and second-year cadets commit approximately five hours a week during the school year, while third- and fourth-year students commit approximately ten hours a week. Time is spent on weekly classes, physical training, monthly leadership labs and a semester field training exercise. Path to Success Upon completion of the Army ROTC program, graduates will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army and will embark on specialized training in their first Army branch. Following officer branch training and a first assignment, Army officers may pursue additional specialized training and postgraduate education opportunities. They will be assigned to advanced leadership positions and to staff positions in upper management. Also, they may develop doctrine, teach military tactics or serve as advisers. Scholarships and Grants Army ROTC offers competitive four-, three- and two-year scholarships of full tuition and fees, $1,200 for books and a stipend (paycheck) between $300 to $500 per month. Scholarships are awarded based on a students merit and grades, not financial need. And are offered in the following forms: two-, three-, and four-year scholarship options based on the time remaining to complete your degree full-tuition scholarships options for room and board in place of tuition, if qualified additional allowances for books and fees Students can apply for a ROTC Scholarship online or for more information contact Andy Mahoney. Non-scholarship Cadets Non-scholarship contracted cadets receive a subsistence allowance of up to $500 a month. Non-scholarship and some types of scholarship cadets may also become part of Army Reserve or Army National Guard units while in ROTC to receive additional benefits. Program requirements include a 29-day summer training course between the junior and senior years. Opportunities exist for other specialized summer training such as airborne school, air assault school, internships with active duty Army units, or internships with federal government agencies. For more information, please refer to the College Catalog. Ensure you get a print copy of the Loudoun Times-Mirror delivered weekly to your home or business! Complete online access is included with all print subscriptions purchased online. Plus, up to four other members of your household can share online access through this subscription with their own, individual linked accounts at no additional charge. (Are you a current advertiser? Ask your sales rep for our special advertiser rate code!) Suffolk Police: Three Men in Custody for Stabbing Teenager in Back Local News, Crime, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: January 10 2019 The victim was transported toa local area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, cops say. SCPD arrested (L to R) Nobeli Montes Zuniga, 20, Ramon Arevalo Lopez, 19, and Oscar Canales Molina, 17, all of Huntington Station, for stabbing a teenager. Huntington Station, NY - January 10, 2019 - Suffolk County Police today arrested three males for stabbing a teenager in Suffolk County Police today arrested three males for stabbing a teenager in Huntington Station on Wednesday, January 9. During an altercation between two groups a 16-year-old male was stabbed in his back in the rear of Burger King, located at 837 New York Avenue at approximately 3:30 p.m. The victim was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Nobeli Montes Zuniga, 20, of Huntington Station, Ramon Arevalo Lopez, 19, of Huntington Station, and Oscar Canales Molina, 17, of Huntington Station were all charged with Assault 2nd Degree. The men will be held overnight at the Second Precinct and are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on January 10. Rick Pfeiffer/StaffLocal judges, the Niagara County District Attorney and other county officials gathered Wednesday at Niagara Falls City Court to announce the creation of an opioid court, which will handle addiction cases across the county. Facing criticism from young activists and others who say shes trying to take too much credit for bringing the McDonald cover-up to light, Preckwinkle opened her media event by talking about the efforts of others before pivoting to what she said was her key role. It was the actions of young people and their movement that gave momentum to the Laquan McDonald case, and took it to the finish line, she said. Without the courage of the McDonald family and the efforts of the community, justice would not have prevailed. U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia and the candidate Ald. Ricardo Munoz backed to succeed him on the City Council have joined three other challengers for the council seat in calling for the veteran alderman to step down because he was charged with domestic battery for allegedly attacking his wife on New Years Eve. Two girls believed to be in their teens and a woman in her 30s were found fatally shot inside a multi-million dollar home located in an upscale, gated community in Boerne. Family members at the scene identified the woman as Nichol Olsen. Authorities have not confirmed the name or released the names of the two girls. A man who was dating the woman made the discovery just after 9 a.m. when he arrived at the home in the 11300 block of Anaqua Springs, in the Anaqua Springs Ranch community, officials said. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inbox Authorities pronounced all three dead at the scene. All had suffered gunshot wounds to their upper torsos. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said the women were related to one another but did not specify their familial relationship. Salazar said the two young girls appear to be the "victims of foul play" and that their apparent manner of death was homicide. The woman's manner of death has not been determined. "It's just too early to tell on the third person if that is a murder or a suicide," Salazar said. "We'll let the medical examiner take a look at it." Crime scene investigators are now examining the home where the woman and girls were found. The Bexar County Sheriff's Office has set up a mobile crime lab outside to help process the scene. "We're being meticulous about how this crime scene is processed, for certain," he said. READ ALSO: Contradictions mount between SAPD and family in missing baby case The man who discovered the bodies told authorities he was sleeping at another location the night prior to the slayings, though Salazar didn't detail where and why. Homicide detectives are questioning the man about his whereabouts and what may have led to the killings. "It's just a shocking thing that you would never expect to happen here," said Laura Rendon, who lives in the neighborhood. "It's a very peaceful quiet neighborhood and nothing like this has ever happened before." Later in the day, several family members and friends of the victims arrived at the Anaqua Spring community and, some solemnly and others frantically, made their way to the front gate, where they were confronted by security guards who blocked their access. At least one man jumped the fence and ran inside, while several others found alternate routes inside or were permitted entrance. Almost all of them declined to comment on the killings. SUBSCRIBERS: Asked where missing San Antonio child is, grandfather says: 'Only God knows.' The sheriff's office received no reports of gunshots in the area Wednesday night or early Thursday, Salazar said. That could be due to the nature of the lavish community in which the killings occurred. "They're multi-million dollar homes," Salazar said. "Very big. Very big lots. And the homes are probably very well constructed. So it's quite possible no one heard anything." "Naturally, it's not a common area for us to see this type of activity but it just goes to show that crime really knows no boundaries, geographic, socioeconomic or otherwise," he later added. "It could happen anywhere, literally." Anyone with information on the killings is asked to contact the Bexar County Sheriff's Office at 210-335-6000. Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com Caleb Downs covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | cdowns@mysa.com | @calebjdowns A fight between two families broke out during after-school pickup at a Northwest Side middle school Wednesday, officials said. Northside Independent School District spokesman Barry Perez said the parents started brawling at about 4 p.m. at Pat Neff Middle School, 5227 Evers. Ald. Edward Burke talks with members of the media outside his home after turning himself in at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago on Jan. 3, 2019. Burke, who has been on the City Council for five decades, is running for re-election under federal indictment. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) The shutdown, triggered by President Donald Trumps insistence on funding for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, was in its 20th day Thursday. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers were expected to miss paychecks Friday, with a little more than half of them still working but without pay. Other key federal services are suspended, including some food inspections, as budgets for numerous federal agencies havent been passed and signed into law yet. Federal employee unions have held rallies in other states and Washington, D.C., this week, in some cases working with Democratic leaders to try to highlight what they say are the effects of the shutdown. BEIRUT - Both Turkey and the Syrian Kurds are now pinning their hopes on Russia to resolve the problems created by President Donald Trump's abrupt decision last month to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, which has threatened to ignite a new war between the United States' rival Kurdish and Turkish allies. Turkish officials said Wednesday that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is planning to visit Moscow this month for talks on Syria and other issues with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kurds have already reached out to Russia for help to secure a deal with the Syrian government to fill the vacuum that will be left by the departure of U.S. troops, in the hope of averting a threatened Turkish attack, according to senior Kurdish officials. These recent developments are set to reinforce Russia's position as the dominant player in Syria. As if to underscore Moscow's importance, Russian troops launched patrols over the past two days on the outskirts of Manbij, one of the most contested towns currently under U.S. control. On Tuesday, just as U.S. national security adviser John Bolton was leaving Ankara after Erdogan declined to meet him, Russian and Kurdish websites posted videos of Russian military vehicles rumbling through the Syrian countryside trailing big Russian flags. The videos mirrored similar images of U.S. military patrols when they began nearly two years ago. The Russian patrols took place in an area around the town of Arima, which is already controlled by the Syrian regime, and don't pose any challenge to the U.S. troops located several miles away. But Aaron Stein, director of Middle East programs at the Philadelphia-based Foreign Policy Research Institute, said the patrols served as a reminder that with U.S. policy in disarray and U.S. troops on the way out, "Russia owns all of this now." Russia has so far not committed to helping either Turkey or the Kurds. After Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters that Erdogan was scheduling a visit to Moscow this month, the Kremlin said plans for Erdogan to visit Moscow are in the works but cautioned that no date has yet been set. The Russians have also made no commitments to the Kurds to support their quest for a deal that would bring Syrian government troops back into the area to deter a Turkish invasion, said Saleh Muslim, a senior official with the main Kurdish political party, the Democratic Union Party (PYD). The Kurds have submitted a proposal to Moscow that would allow the Syrian government to restore its overall sovereignty over the vast area of Syria taken over by the Kurds since 2012, first during the uprising against Syrian resident Bashar Assad's rule and then in the war against the Islamic State. In return, the Kurds want the Syrian government to grant them a degree of autonomy allowing them to continue their experiment in self-governance, Muslim said. "We have given our road map to the Russians. We are just waiting on a decision," he said. Amid conflicting messages from members of the Trump administration about how the troop withdrawal will occur, it seems increasingly clear that Russia, as the only power talking to all the players, is best positioned to mediate a solution, Stein said. "The U.S. is coming out and the other countries are moving in to fill the vacuum and they're all talking. They're just not talking to the U.S.," he said. Speaking to reporters after a visit to the Iraqi Kurdish city of Irbil on Wednesday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stressed that U.S. troops will withdraw after the Islamic State's last pocket of territory has been defeated. Pompeo's comments seemed to contradict statements by Bolton earlier this week. Bolton said the U.S. would not pull troops out of Syria without first receiving guarantees from Turkey that it would refrain from attacking the Kurds - which drew a sharp rebuke from Erdogan - and assurances that Iran would not fill the vacuum. Pompeo appeared to acknowledge that Turkey has concerns about the Kurds possibly using the territory they control to launch attacks against Turkey after the U.S. forces are gone. "We acknowledged that there is a threat to Turkey from terrorists and we will be very supportive," he said. Trump apparently promised Erdogan in a telephone call last month that the United States would turn over the war against terrorism in the area to Turkey, according to accounts by U.S. officials. But Turkey regards the main Kurdish militia, the People's Protection Units, as a terrorist group on a par with the Islamic State, because of the militia's affiliation with Kurdish militants fighting for autonomy inside Turkey. "They are all the same to us," Cavusoglu told reporters on Wednesday, referring to the Islamic State and the Kurdish groups fighting both in Syria and Turkey. Turkey is also reaching out to Iran to discuss the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal, Cavusoglu added. "Whether you like it or not, Iran is an actor in Syria," he said. "Thus, we need to work in a constructive manner with the present actors." Washington President Donald Trump, in a tweet, said Wednesday that he has ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency not to send more disaster funding to fire-ravaged California "unless they get their act together, which is unlikely." It was not immediately clear, however, whether Trump's threat was bluster like other tweets he has sent falsely criticizing California's fire management, or if he has actually ordered a funding cutoff to thousands of Californians trying to rebuild after the two devastating fires that hit the state late last year. Calls and emails to the White House and FEMA yielded no answers, with an automated response at the disaster agency citing the partial government shutdown now in its 19th day, an impasse provoked by Trump's demand for money to build a southern border wall. The president tweeted: "Billions of dollars are sent to the State of California for Forrest fires that, with proper Forrest Management, would never happen. Unless they get their act together, which is unlikely, I have ordered FEMA to send no more money. It is a disgraceful situation in lives & money!" He later re-sent the message after correcting the spelling of "forest." Just before his tweet at 10:25 a.m. the cable network's "Fox & Friends" program had extensive coverage of California matters. While it didn't mention the wildfires, it reported on Democrat Gavin Newsom's inauguration as governor on Monday, prompting mockery by the show's hosts. "He's already inviting illegal immigrants to his sanctuary state everybody!" one said of Newsom. Another added, "His first order of business: expanding state-run health care, including full coverage to 138,000 illegal immigrants." A separate report from San Diego had migrants reacting to Trump's prime-time address demanding a border wall Tuesday night. The White House did not respond to a request for comment on what specific actions Trump has taken, how they were legally justified and what if anything would be done to help people who are depending on FEMA for food or shelter in the wake of the wildfires. FEMA is running on a thin staff because of the partial government shutdown. Calls to the agency were answered by this recording: "Due to the federal funding hiatus we are not able to return voice mail messages about general press queries." California's Democratic politicians blasted Trump for his threat. Newsom said they had "been put in office by the voters to get things done, not to play games with lives." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called on Republicans to condemn Trump and get him to reassure Californians in need of assistance. Few California Republicans responded to Trump. Rep. Doug LaMalfa of Richvale, a Republican whose district includes Paradise and surrounding areas scorched by the Camp fire, in a statement said he shares Trump's "great frustration" with California but added that "threats to FEMA funding are not helpful and will not solve the longer term forest management regulatory problems." Both of California's Democratic senators lambasted the president. "It's absolutely shocking for President Trump to suggest he would deny disaster assistance to communities destroyed by wildfire," Sen. Dianne Feinstein said. "Attacking victims is yet another low for this president." "We should work together to mitigate these fires by combating climate change, not play politics by threatening to withhold money from survivors of a deadly natural disaster," Sen. Kamala Harris tweeted. November's Camp fire, which obliterated the town of Paradise, killed 86 people and destroyed more than 13,900 homes. The Woolsey fire in Los Angeles and Ventura counties left three dead and leveled about 1,500 structures. On Tuesday, Newsom proposed $305 million to remove thousands of acres of forests and brush, expand emergency crews and modernize California's 911 systems. He also joined other governors in a letter to Trump asking the administration to double its investments in taking care of federal land in Western states. Much of California's forests is federally managed or privately owned, putting them outside the state's authority to manage. Feinstein and Harris requested $9 billion in supplemental disaster funding from Congress. Their request was not considered last year and the new Congress has not taken up a disaster aid package. The House, under Democrats' control, is planning to vote on a package as soon as next week. As President Donald Trump heads to Texas to continue making his case for a wall along the Mexican border, he is facing mounting skepticism from those who would be affected the most. Nearly every state and federal official who represents a district along the border is opposed to his plan. Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, this week said he opposes an emergency declaration to build the wall. Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, whose district includes 820 miles along the border, has repeatedly spoken out and voted against it. Dennis Nixon, a bank executive from Laredo who was a top Trump donor, has published a lengthy rebuttal to Trump's desire for a wall. When the Texas Legislature reconvened this week for the first time in a year and a half, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott delivered a speech outlining proposals to cut taxes, address education funding and improve school safety. He, as well as other top state officials, did not mention border security, the issue Trump says may be so dire that a national emergency needs to be declared. "Quite frankly, I think the folks in Washington, D.C., are out of touch with what's going on at the border," said State Sen. Juan Hinojosa, a Democrat who represents the area Trump will be touring Thursday. "They come down, they do a photo op in a patrol boat or helicopter," he added. "The Democrats point the finger at Republicans, the Republicans point the finger at Democrats. And then they leave - they leave us with the problem. It's just a total circus." The debate playing out in Texas, the state with the longest border with Mexico, is more nuanced than the one taking place in Washington, with points of view that differ between the border area - and statewide politicians who have to take its voters into consideration - and more sharply Republican areas. Many in Texas, including Democrats, say much more needs to be done along the border. More Border Patrol officers should be added. Technology such as drones and cameras should be used. (Those components have also been pushed by Democrats in Washington who opposed the wall.) "The immigration system is completely broken, but the wall is not the answer," Hinojosa said. "There's a lack of common sense in building this wall. Some of the barriers are needed. But you can't just build a wall like in China from Brownsville [Texas] to San Diego." Trump has often talked about the need for a physical wall, one that he wants to be 30 feet tall and run along the border. "Build the wall" was the chant that defined his presidential campaign, and the pledge that he would force Mexico to pay for it drew howls of appreciation from his supporters. "It's not a fence, it's a wall," he chided reporters just before being sworn into office in 2017. But few in Texas - even among Republicans - go that far, preferring milder words such as "physical barrier" or "fence" instead. "Only in D.C. is the terminology important," Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said in an interview. "Call it a wall, call it a fence, call it what you want. What do we need to do to reclaim operational control over the border? But it needs to be a strong enough physical barrier that it is impossible to climb or cut through. To stick with the president's terminology, a wall is fine." "For those who say fences don't work, I say go look at nuclear sites, go look at the White House, go look at your own property, look at the dawn of time," he added. "Fences do their work." Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, mocked the terminology during a recent interview. "I know the Democrats are hung up on calling it a wall, but I don't care if they call it a gender-neutral palisade or a linear monument to climate change," Brady, the top Republican member on the House Ways and Means Committee, said on Fox News. "In truth, we need more resources for border security." There are complications to building a wall along the Texas border. The topography is challenging. A river adds additional issues. And unlike in Arizona and New Mexico, most of the land along the Texas border is privately owned, so building any structure would require taking it by eminent domain. Litigation is still pending on behalf of some of those from whom land was taken after President George W. Bush signed the Secure Fence Act in 2006. "Border security is three things: It is barriers in places that are hard to control, it is technology, ground sensors, radar, drones and other technological devices used to supplement the barriers, and then it's people," Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said this week on Fox News. "It really is a combination of those three, and there is no one-size-fits-all prescription for the entire border. It's quite a diverse geography." Abbott, in a statement to The Washington Post, emphasized that the state has spent billions on border security. But he did not forcefully demand a border wall. "A wall already exists on parts of the Texas border. I am hearing the same thing the president is hearing not only from law enforcement officials but also from those who live on the border, and that is, Barriers work," Abbott said. "Texans are tired of the empty rhetoric from Congress. They want action, and they want a secure border." Hurd, the only congressional Republican who represents a border district, is also the only Republican from Texas who has spoken out against Trump. After Trump argued in his prime-time address Tuesday that the border was rife with crime, Hurd said border areas are "some of the safest communities in the United States of America," and not "some scary drug cartel movie back in the day." "Building a 30-foot-high concrete structure from sea to shining sea is the most expensive and least effective way to do border security," Hurd said on CNN. He also urged Trump to reopen the government so Border Patrol agents can start receiving paychecks. "If this is a crisis," he said, "the people dealing with this crisis should get paid." Most Republicans in the Texas congressional delegation, whose districts can be hundreds of miles from the border, support Trump even if they don't all call for a wall. Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, a newly elected congressman from the Dallas suburbs, is wholly supportive of Trump and says he trusts him to do whatever it takes to secure the border wall funding. "Republicans are dug in, Democrats are dug in," he said. "It would thrill me if the president said to hell with Congress on this issue, we're going to declare an emergency and do this ourselves if the Democrats don't want to deal with us in good faith." Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, has also not dismissed Trump's option of using emergency powers to build the wall. "I think that would be a last resort for him, and that's something his lawyers are looking at right now," he said. "It is an emergency crisis, in my judgment, at the border." Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, a newly elected member of Congress from the Houston suburbs who is a former Navy SEAL, has forcefully backed the president's proposal. "I know from my experience as a Navy SEAL that barriers work," he said in a statement. "Democrats' argument that a wall is ineffective is not based on reason or fact, but on partisanship." Prison guard Brian Shoemaker was patrolling the halls of Lee penitentiary in southwestern Virginia Friday when an inmate tried to squeeze past him into a restricted area. Seconds after Shoemaker told the prisoner to turn around, the inmate lunged at him, punching him in the shoulder. Shoemaker did not sustain a major injury. But it did not escape him that he is working without a paycheck at one of the most dangerous federal jobs in America during the partial government shutdown. Fears for his other prison staff members' safety are escalating as 16-hour shifts become routine as a growing number of guards call in sick in protest or to work side jobs to pay their bills. "I don't think we should be subjected to that kind of thing and not receive a paycheck," said Shoemaker, 48, a 17-year veteran of Lee penitentiary."I'm walking in here and doing my job everyday, and it's very dangerous." Shoemaker is one of 36,000 federal prison workers nationally deemed "essential employees" by the federal government, which means he is expected to report for work during the shutdown even though he will not get paid until after the government reopens. Even though these employees are supposed to work, union officials at 10 prisons reached by The Washington Post, including Lee, say the number of employees who are not showing up for work has at least doubled since the shutdown began. As a result, those showing up are routinely working double shifts, correctional officers and other prison staff members say. Secretaries, janitors and teachers are filling in for absent officers. At least one prison - Hazelton Federal Correctional Complex in West Virginia - has seen the number of assaults on officers increase since the shutdown, according to a union official there. "There has been a rise in people calling in sick and taking leave during the shutdown," said Richard Heldreth, president of the corrections officer union at Hazelton prison in West Virginia. "The staff who are showing up are dealing with this violence, long hours and extra overtime with the uncertainly of when we will be compensated." The Federal Bureau of Prisons, which houses nearly 180,000 inmates, did not respond to repeated requests for comment, nor did they respond to written questions. Several wardens also declined to comment, directing questions to the bureau. The public affairs office for the bureau said they would not be commenting "due to the government shutdown." There are numerous reasons that correctional officers - commonly called prison guards - are unique among federal employees. They are in the rare position of risking injuries, even their lives, every time they report to work. Prison staff members also are among the lowest paid of those working in federal law enforcement, with average annual salaries of between $40,000 to $50,000. Many work in remote rural towns where there is no mass transit and commutes are often an hour or more each way. The prisons are frequently the lifeblood of these rural towns. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, whose district includes a federal prison in Lisbon, said the safety conditions of the prisons were already tenuous due to staffing shortages but the dangers have spiked since the shutdown. "I do know the anxiety level is going up and the stress levels are going up. It's been building for some time. This is putting gasoline on the fire," said Ryan, who toured the prison Tuesday. The tense nature of the situation is evident at Hazleton, the high-security facility where crime boss Whitey Bulger was killed by inmates in October. Union and prison officials say seven officers have been attacked in three separate incidents since Friday. None of the officers received serious injuries. The high-security prison typically sees that many assaults over the course of a month, said Heldreth. Prison officials acknowledged the three incidents took place, but did not provide further comment. The number of officers and other staff members calling in sick has quadrupled at the prison, Heldreth said, citing data providing to him by the prison - rising from an average of 15 to 20 employees a day to about 80 a day. Officers are being asked to work 16-hour shifts once or twice a week as opposed to once or twice a month, Heldreth said. Staff members who are not law enforcement officers are being told to leave their desk jobs to backfill for absent guards on nearly a weekly, as opposed to a monthly, basis. At the time of their hiring, these workers receive three weeks of training at the Federal Bureau of Prison's academy in Georgia. That was 20 years ago for 52-year-old Opal Brown, a secretary in the prison's education department. Since the shutdown, Brown has worked two shifts as an officer, once in the high-security penitentiary patrolling inmates who she never encounters during her regular job. "I have no rapport with them. They know you are not an officer, and they want to push you to see how far they can go. It's very dangerous," Brown said. One particularly humiliating aspect of the shutdown for prison guards has been that inmates are aware of the shutdown - and of the fact that the guards are not getting paid. On New Year's Day, prisoners even received special meals like steak or Cornish game hen, which was served by officers who were not receiving pay. Sensing their insecurity, the prisoners are taunting officers and even testing them to see if they can be bribed, union leaders and staff members say. "Inmates know about the shutdown; they know we aren't getting paid. They play on that stress," said Shoemaker, the correctional officer in Virginia. Meanwhile, few things have changed for prisoners, who continue to receive food and medical care out of a fund that has already been appropriated for the year by Congress. Several officers said inmates openly gloated on Friday when they received their paychecks for the work they perform at the prison. If an officer didn't hear about it from an inmate, they saw the telltale sign of payday when inmates lined up at the commissary to buy their weekly supply of snacks, stamps and soda. Prisoners perform various jobs - mostly to maintain the facilities - for between 12 cents to $1 an hour, plus the occasional bonus. Inmates aren't making much money, but their paychecks felt like a slap in the face, said Shane Fausey, the local union president at the prison in Allenwood, Pennsylvania. Fausey said they are funded through commissary profits. "We are risking our lives, but we aren't getting paid," Fausey said. "We are paying the guys who molest our kids and steal from the elderly."" At a prison complex in Lompoc, California, correctional officer Ryan Enos said that since the shutdown began, two inmates have taunted him about not being paid and one tested him to see if he was susceptible to be bribed. Enos works in a place called "the hole," where inmates who are being disciplined are locked in their cells 23 hours a day. The first taunt, Enos said, came last week as Enos was walking an inmate in restraints back to his cell after his one-hour break. "He said, 'Hey are you getting paid yet? That's why you should work for the cartels, they never close,' " Enos recalled. "They are always looking for an angle," he said. "Anytime anyone shows any type of weakness, they will use that to their advantage." Several prison workers said there is widespread anger directed at Washington, especially since President Donald Trump and members of Congress are still receiving pay during the shutdown while they are failing to resolve the budget impasse. They also said they feel abandoned by Trump and Congress. "These are honest, hard-working people who are paying the price for this game of political cat and mouse," Fausey said. "They just want to go home safe and sound and be able to take care of their families. I think the government needs to show them some loyalty and pay them for a good day's work." At a news conference with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Wednesday, the national president for the union that represents correctional officers said Trump's argument about the wall is disingenuous. "What does it serve America, the public, to shutdown the government in the name of border security and neglect our internal security and the fabric inside our federal prisons?" said Eric Young. "We are the faces behind this shutdown. . . . If something happens to any of our professionals behind this distraction, blood will be on your hands. Stop playing chicken with our lives." The coroner said he was unable to find any congenital or pre-existing medical issues and her doctors said she was up to date on her immunizations, but he does not know if that includes receiving a flu shot, Russell said. The Kennebunk-based New England Radio Discussion Society facilitated a talk between Sea Road School students and an International Space Station in January. South Portland Sentry Construction has started on the state-funded school, which is expected to be completed in 2023. EDWARDSVILLE Who better to share information on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville than those whose lives have been positively changed by their experiences as a student? Through the SIUE Alumni Recruitment Ambassador Program, proud Cougar alumni are sharing their experiences and sparking interest in prospective students across the country. I had an awesome experience as an undergraduate at SIUE, and I want to help promote my school in the best light possible, said Michael Yancey, who earned a bachelors in mass communications from the College of Arts and Sciences in 1993. As an Alumni Recruitment Ambassador, Yancey represented his alma mater at the New Castle County College Fair in Newark, Delaware last November. Yancey, who resides in Bear, Delaware, attended the college fair on behalf of the SIUE Office of Admissions to share University information with prospective high school students from that region. I love talking to people about SIUE, Yancey said. It has a beautiful campus. It offered me a quality education and the opportunity to meet lifelong friends. SIUEs Alumni Recruitment Ambassador Program began in fall 2017, and has grown to include more than 80 alumni who volunteer their time to promote the University nationwide. Its exciting to realize the tremendous growth of this program, said Kelley Brooks, assistant director for campus visits and outreach in the SIUE Office of Admissions, who trains and manages the alumni ambassadors. To have SIUE alumni all over the United States who are willing to donate their time to help recruit prospective students is incredibly special and extremely beneficial to the University. SIUE offers an affordable in-state tuition rate to domestic undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states. The Universitys high-quality education and competitive cost make it an excellent option for prospective students nationwide. On a day when President Donald Trump addressed the nation and spread fear of immigrants to gain support for his wall - speaking about "a choice between right and wrong, justice and injustice" - four Maryland children had their mother taken away from them by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. Contrary to the type of savagery - rapes and murders - that Trump described as being committed by undocumented immigrants in this country, their mother had hurt no one. Her crime? Eating while brown and then daring to stand up to the Frederick County authorities who never should have arrested her in the first place, advocates say. Roxana Orellana Santos, who came to the United States from El Salvador in 2005, was eating a sandwich before starting her shift as a dishwasher in 2008 when two Frederick County sheriff's deputies took her into custody and then turned her over to immigration authorities for possible deportation. Since then, she has consistently checked in with immigration officials. Tuesday was supposed to be just another routine check-in. Instead, immigration officials in Baltimore detained her in front of her teenage son. They allowed her to briefly hug him and hand him all her belongings before she was led away, her attorney, Nicholas Katz, said. "That was maybe the only moment of compassion we witnessed," Katz said. He described Santos as a "great mother" to twin 6-year-old girls and two sons, ages 11 and 18. Her three youngest children are U.S. citizens, and her oldest is a legal permanent resident. Katz also called Santos a "courageous civil rights leader." After her arrest in 2008, Santos could have stayed quiet and accepted that people in this country can be snatched up while eating their lunch. Instead, she decided to file a civil rights lawsuit - and she won. In 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit determined that the arrest, which occurred under the leadership of Sheriff Charles Jenkins, was illegal and violated her constitutional rights. At the time, Jenkins's office was in a partnership called 287g with ICE, but the deputies who arrested Santos had not been trained to participate in the program, and immigration officials had not asked that Santos be detained. In September, a federal court in Maryland ruled in Santos' favor and found the county and Jenkins liable for her unconstitutional arrest. On Monday, she is supposed to appear in court for a hearing about what damages are owed to her. Now, her family and attorneys are uncertain of where she will be that day. ICE could deport her at any time. ICE could also, of course, choose to release her. I wish I could tell you the agency's position on the case and give officials space here to explain why they took into custody a mother of four who did not pose a threat to public safety, but I can't. Apparently, a government shutdown caused by a disagreement over border security has made it impossible to get answers about border security. Requests for information from ICE are instead met with this unhelpful email: "All of ICE's public affairs officers are out of the office for the duration of the government shutdown. We are unable to respond to media queries during this period because we are prohibited by law from working. If you still need a response, please resubmit your query upon the government re-opening." In Trump's Oval Office address, he spoke about the dangers of letting immigrants cross our borders. He focused on the crimes some commit, detailing horrendous offenses, including the stabbing and beating death of a teenage girl by MS-13 gang members in Maryland. He also had a request: "To those who refuse to compromise in the name of border security, I would ask: Imagine if it was your child, your husband or your wife whose life was so cruelly shattered and totally broken." Imagining ourselves in someone else's place is not a bad suggestion. We should all do more of it more often. The problem with doing it in the way Trump requested is that the picture he painted is so incredibly narrow that it gives us only two possible roles to step into: that of the victimized American or the undocumented immigrant with criminal intent. What about people like Santos who, according to her lawyer, fled abuse in El Salvador and has no criminal record in the United States? She has victimized no one, committing no crime beyond being in this country illegally. If anything, our government has victimized her twice, first when she was arrested while eating lunch and now by keeping her from her children, even though authorities know she would not be in this situation if it were not for that first, unlawful arrest. Let us try imagining instead we are in her place. Maybe then we will move closer to finding productive ways to fix our broken immigration system. "This is a woman who represents so many other people," said Katz, who is the senior manager of legal services for CASA. "The rhetoric coming out of the White House is, We need to build a wall to protect us from these criminals, people who are dangerous. The reality is, the people who are coming here are people like her." People who hold jobs. People who buy houses. People who cook dinner for their kids and help them with their homework. They are moms and dads and nannies who fled horrible situations in their own countries. It is true that some undocumented immigrants commit horrible, indefensible crimes and deserve to face punishment. But that could be said of any group of people. To pretend that the worst immigrants represent the majority - even after experts have repeatedly found that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans - is a bold and irresponsible lie. After Santos was arrested, her supporters gathered outside ICE's office in Baltimore and held signs calling for her release. A few signs showed that people had already imagined themselves in her place. They read, "We're all Roxana." We are all Roxana. We are Roxana if we have ever run away from something that terrified us. We are Roxana if we have ever held a low-wage job. We are Roxana if we have faced a wrong and said "enough" before fighting back. Senate President Thomas Mike Miller Jr., D-Calvert, has been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer and recently started chemotherapy treatment at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, people familiar with the situation said. Miller, 76, the longest-serving senate president in the country, received the diagnosis shortly after the Christmas holiday, said one of the two people, both of whom have been involved in Maryland politics for years and said they had spoken to Miller directly. The diagnosis was first reported by The Daily Record. In the Senate chamber on Wednesday, Miller walked with a cane and appeared physically ill as he opened the annual 90-day legislative session. He said he would make an announcement about his health on Thursday, but has no plans to relinquish the position he has held since Ronald Reagan was president. A looming figure in Maryland politics, Miller has guided the state through its defining moments for more than three decades - including the legalization of casino gambling and same-sex marriage, the end of the death penalty and record funding in education. Miller is the second top elected official to announce a cancer diagnosis in the last four years. In June 2015, Gov. Larry Hogan, R, disclosed he was battling late stage 3 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma just five months after his election. After 18 weeks of intensive chemotherapy, Hogan was declared free of cancer. The eldest of 10 children, Miller grew up in rural Clinton, Maryland, where his family has lived for generations. He first became interested in politics in the summer of 1962, when he worked as a driver and aide for his neighbor, Republican gubernatorial candidate Frank Small Jr. Miller, who was raised a Democrat, won his first election to the General Assembly in 1970 on a ticket that U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., then a state senator, helped organize. In the General Assembly, he has wielded power with a combination of charm and confrontation, once pushing a lobbyist against a wall and telling him to lay off a particular piece of legislation. In recent years, he has grown more willing to compromise. A practicing Catholic who is more conservative than today's mainstream Democratic caucus, Miller voted against legalizing same-sex marriage in 2012 but nonetheless paved the way for the law to pass, saying he understood his personal views were "on the wrong side of history." He stood in the way of full repeal of the death penalty for years before letting it go through in 2012. "It goes without saying that he's a political genius," U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., who served nine years in the state Senate, told The Washington Post last year. "He has been open to a lot of the dramatic political changes of our time, even when it cuts against every fiber of his political upbringing." Miller survived a coup attempt in 2000 and retained a strong grip on power in his native Prince George's even as it shifted from being a largely white county during his youth to one of the wealthiest majority black jurisdictions in the nation. Some county leaders have criticized Miller for how he wields his power, including the president of the teacher's union, who pulled out a chain at a meeting last year to symbolize his control of Prince George's. Be he has enjoyed warm relationshps with many other county officials, including County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, D, who he praised Wednesday as one of the "greatest" county executives. Last year, progressives Democrats defeated several of Miller's key lieutenants in primary elections that one left-leaning leader described as a "political earthquake." Immediately, Miller set to work calling and forging bonds with the new members - all of whom he gave personal shout-outs during his remarks Wednesday. He has named a new leadership team, including Sen. Nancy King, D-Montgomery, as chairwoman of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and Sen. Guy Guzzone, D-Howard, as Majority Leader. In a nod to the historic number of women elected to the General Assembly, Miller selected Sen. Kathy Klausmeier, D-Baltimore, to serve as Senate President Pro Tem, the second woman ever to serve in the position. In the role, Klausmeier will fill in for Miller if he is absent. About 200 leftist rebels attacked an army post in northeastern El Salvador Saturday, killing at least 10 soldiers and a civilian, a military spokesman said. Seven of the guerrillas were killed, he said. The attack on the base in the town of San Francisco Gotera, 75 miles east of the capital, in the embattled department of Morazan, was the second large guerrilla raid on an army post in a little more than a month. The army spokesman said 17 soldiers and an undetermined number of civilians were wounded. The civilian killed was a woman who was near the base. The spokesman said the estimated 200 guerrillas were from the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN). The attack on the base, in a heavily populated section of town, started just before midnight and ended about 1:30 a.m. Saturday. The spokesman said the guerrillas used mortars and small-arms fire. A U.S. Embassy official said no U.S. military personnel were on the base when the attack occurred. On March 31, rebels overran a military barracks in the town of El Paraiso, 30 miles north of San Salvador. Between 43 and 65 Salvadoran soldiers were killed, as was a U.S. military adviser. The government said 43 soldiers died, but other sources said 65 were killed. The American, Sgt. Gregory Fronius, was the first of the 55 U.S. military advisers in El Salvador to die in combat. The scale of Saturday`s attack was much smaller than that of the March raid. One government source said most of the soldiers who died were killed when mortars fell on their barracks as they slept. The military spokesman said damage to the base was not serious, but the rebels, broadcasting on their clandestine station, Radio Venceremos, said the post was badly damaged. The base in San Francisco Gotera is much smaller than the El Paraiso barracks, which housed about 1,000 soldiers. The army spokesman would not say how many people were on the base at the time of the latest attack. FMLN guerrillas operate mainly in small units, but occasionally have worked in larger groups, such as the one that attacked Saturday. When the El Paraiso base was attacked, Ruben Zamora, a guerrilla leader, said the rebels would attempt such larger operations from time to time to demonstrate that they still are a major force despite recent army gains. WASHINGTON - A beefed-up White House legal team is gearing up to prevent President Donald Trump's confidential discussions with top advisers from being disclosed to House Democratic investigators and from being revealed in the special counsel's long-awaited report, setting the stage for a potential clash between the branches of government. The strategy to strongly assert the president's executive privilege on both fronts is being developed under newly arrived White House counsel Pat Cipollone, who has hired 17 lawyers in recent weeks to help in the effort. He is coordinating with White House lawyer Emmet Flood, who is leading the response to special counsel Robert Mueller's report on his 20-month investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 campaign. Flood is based in White House counsel's office but reports directly to Trump. Trump aides say White House lawyers are focused on preserving a legal protection routinely invoked by presidents of both major parties. But any effort to fight investigators is likely to further inflame Trump's relationship with Democratic leaders and could lock the administration and Congress in protracted legal standoffs that may ultimately go to the Supreme Court. Of particular concern to Democrats: whether the White House will seek to use executive privilege to keep private any portions of Mueller's report that addresses alleged obstruction of justice by the president. There is a growing sense that the special counsel's closely held investigation could come to culmination soon. Some Trump advisers think Mueller could deliver the confidential report explaining his findings to senior Justice Department officials next month. Under the rules authorizing the special counsel, the attorney general can then decide whether to share the report or parts of it with Congress and the public. Some House leaders have vowed to immediately seek to obtain a copy of Mueller's findings. But the White House would resist the release of details describing confidential and sensitive communications between the president and his senior aides, Trump advisers say. It is unclear whether the special counsel's report will refer to material that the White House views as privileged communications obtained from interviews with senior White House officials. Some Trump advisers anticipate that Mueller may simply write a concise memo laying out his conclusions about the president's actions. However, Rudy Giuliani, one of Trump's personal attorneys, said the president's lawyers have made clear to Justice Department officials that they want to see Mueller's completed report before the department decides what to share with Congress. Their aim: to have a chance to argue whether they believe some parts should remain private under executive privilege, Giuliani said. "At that point, we can decide whether we have executive privilege exceptions to the report," Giuliani said in an interview. If the Justice Department agrees with the White House counsel that the report or portions of it should be withheld from the public, the House could try to subpoena the document, Giuliani said - but the White House could then go to court to resist its release. The legal showdown could be one of the most significant debates over presidential executive privilege since President Richard Nixon sought to block the release of his White House tapes in the Watergate investigation. Ronald Weich, an assistant attorney general under President Barack Obama, said the Mueller report will be of such "overwhelming interest" to Congress and to the public that it is highly likely the courts would rule in favor of Congress' receiving it, as the Supreme Court did in ordering Nixon to turn over his tapes in July 1974. Nixon resigned the following month. Further complicating the current dynamic is a possible change in Justice Department oversight of the special counsel probe, which Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein has continued to supervise hands-on under acting attorney general Matthew G. Whitaker. Trump's nominee for the top post, former Attorney General William Barr, has criticized aspects of Mueller's investigation. His Senate confirmation hearing is scheduled for next week. Rosenstein is expected to leave the Justice Department if Barr is confirmed, although the timing of his departure is unclear. In preparation for the looming legal battles, Cipollone has been beefing up the White House counsel's office, which was down to fewer than 20 lawyers late last year, compared with 40 to 50 in past administrations. Four of the five deputies under previous White House counsel Donald McGahn had left the office, The Washington Post reported last year. Since his arrival in December, Cipollone has expanded the staff to about 35 lawyers, administration officials said, and he aims to bolster the ranks to 40 in the coming weeks. He also hired three deputies, all with extensive experience in the Justice Department and Republican administrations. Cipollone, a longtime litigator who worked briefly in the 1990s for then-Attorney General Barr, declined to comment. But Jay Sekulow, one of Trump's personal attorneys, said the new White House counsel has quickly assembled a stable of top-notch lawyers. "It's almost as if he's building a law firm within a government entity," Sekulow said. "You have very senior lawyers coalescing into a great team." Under Cippollone's guidance, White House lawyers are preparing a strategy to fend off a blizzard of requests expected from congressional Democrats, who are planning to launch investigations into an array of topics such as Trump's finances and controversial administration policies. Cipollone's goal, Trump aides said, is to try to find common ground with the congressional Democrats in responding to their subpoenas when he can, but to draw a clear line that would protect the confidentiality of the office of the presidency. People who know Cipollone describe him as a self-effacing listener who will work to build relationships on Capitol Hill. "Pat will be enormously effective, because if you meet him, you are not going to immediately put up your walls," said Melanie Sloan, a former federal prosecutor who attended the University of Chicago Law School with Cipollone and now helps run American Oversight, a liberal watchdog group. "Sure, you would expect him to take aggressive stands on executive privilege," she said. "But if there is a court order, he won't bring on a constitutional crisis by resisting it." Cipollone first met Trump when Fox News commentator Laura Ingraham, a close friend, recommended him to help prepare the then-candidate for the 2016 presidential debates. He began informally advising Trump's team of personal lawyers in 2018. In his new role, Cipollone is expected to consult and coordinate with Flood, a veteran of the Clinton impeachment battle, as Flood leads the response to the Mueller report. Trump advisers are concerned that Mueller - whose team has interviewed numerous White House aides - could include in his report accounts of private communications between Trump and senior advisers such as McGahn and former Chief of Staff Reince Priebus. "Conversations you had with your White House counsel. Conversations you had with senior advisers. Why should that be subject to disclosure?" said one Trump adviser, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. "It would be catastrophic for the presidency." White House lawyers are prepared to make a robust argument that such communications must be kept confidential under executive privilege. They credit former White House lawyer Ty Cobb, Flood's predecessor, along with Trump's previous personal attorney John Dowd, with crafting the legal strategy to shield those conversations. Cobb agreed to turn over extensive internal White House documents and make staffers available for voluntary interviews with the special counsel, relying on a 2008 Justice Department legal opinion that said the department should not provide Congress with privileged information the White House turned over as part of an investigation. It is unclear whether Mueller or other Justice Department officials would feel limited by that opinion. A spokesman for the special counsel declined to comment. Trump's lawyers have noted that the Obama White House also zealously defended executive privilege, including when it resisted sharing the president's correspondence with then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as part of a House investigation. At the time, one of Cipollone's new deputies expressed support for that stance. "Executive privilege is not a partisan issue," wrote Mike Purpura, at the time a lawyer in private practice. "It's important to protect the principle of allowing the president to receive candid, full, frank advice from his top advisers without fear that those deliberations and communications will become public." Purpura, who also served in the White House counsel's office under President George W. Bush, previously worked as a top Justice Department official and a federal prosecutor in Manhattan and Hawaii. Another new White House counsel deputy, Patrick Philbin, who worked with Cipollone at the law firm Kirkland & Ellis, played a role in a famous legal showdown in the Bush administration over secret surveillance of Americans. As a senior staffer for then-Deputy Attorney General James Comey, Philbin joined Comey in rushing to then-Attorney General John Ashcroft's hospital bedside in 2004 as part of an effort to block a surveillance program they considered legally dubious. A third new deputy White House counsel, Kate Comerford Todd, was a senior attorney at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's litigation center and previously worked as an associate White House counsel in the George W. Bush administration. They join John Eisenberg, a national security expert who has served as a deputy in the counsel's office since Trump took office. - - - The Washington Post's Alice Crites contributed to this report. The Border Patrol agent accused of killing four women in September and assaulting another pleaded not guilty Thursday afternoon during his arraignment hearing. Clad in an orange jumpsuit, his wrists handcuffed, Juan David Ortiz was escorted into the 406th District Court by three sheriff's deputies. During the brief hearing, Ortiz entered his plea. Afterward, the judge, Oscar J. Hale Jr., set an initial pre-trial hearing for April 25. A second pre-trial hearing was set for Oct. 3. "The president stomped out of the meeting when he said to me, 'Will you support a wall?' And I said no," Pelosi said. "Now they're trying to mischaracterize what he actually said. But that's par for the course with going to the White House. Mona Fresh Italian Food, a casual restaurant offering pasta, Italian sandwiches and chopped salads, will open in downtown as part of the Understory culinary marketplace in the 35-story Capitol Tower opening this year. Mona, an Italian concept from chef Sidney Degaine that opened last year off the Katy Freeway, will join the previously announced East Hampton Sandwich Co., Boomtown Coffee and Mama Ninfa's Tacos y Tortas as tenants of Understory, a 35,000-square-foot community hub and dine-around space designed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture. Denham Springs, LA (70726) Today Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Bigger isn't always better and that especially applies to dosages of erectile dysfunction drugs. Indeed, consuming excessive amounts of sildenafil the active ingredient in Viagra may be toxic for cells in the eye, according to a new report. This happened to a man in Massachusetts who developed vision loss after consuming an entire bottle of liquid sildenafil, the report said. (Viagra is not sold in liquid form, so the man did not consume the brand-name drug.) The man, who is in his mid-50s, drank a 30-milliliter bottle of liquid sildenafil all at once. The bottle contained 750 milligrams of the erectile dysfunction drug, about 10 times the recommended dose, according to the report, published today (Jan. 10) in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology. Then, the eye problems began and didn't go away. After two months, the man went to the doctor and described his vision defects, which produced a ring or "doughnut" shape in his vision. [Viagra Goes Generic: 5 Interesting Facts About the 'Little Blue Pill'] Tests showed that the man had problems with his retinal cells, which are the light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye that convert light into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for the condition, and the patient didn't return for follow-up appointments, so it's unclear if his vision ever improved, said lead case-report author Dr. Hilary Brader, an ophthalmologist in the Philadelphia-area affiliated with Ophthalmic Partners and Matossian Eye Associates. (Brader treated the patient while she was at Massachusetts Eye and Ear in Boston.) This isn't the first case of retinal problems linked to a sildenafil overdose. In 2012, doctors in the United Kingdom reported the case of a man who experienced vision blurring, also due to retinal abnormalities, after consuming 1,500 mg of sildenafil. And last October, doctors in New York described the case of a man who developed a red tint in his vision after drinking a bottle of sildenafil, Live Science previously reported. But how does sildenafil cause eye problems? It's known that the drug works to treat erectile dysfunction by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), which plays a role in regulating blood flow to the penis. But sildenafil also inhibits a related enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 6 (PDE6), which is found in retinal cells. It's thought that in high doses, this inhibition leads to the buildup of a molecule that is toxic to retinal cells, the report said. In rare cases, people who take sildenafil have also reported a different eye side effect, called "non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)," which causes sudden loss of vision due to the loss of blood flow to the optic nerve, according to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. However, it's unclear if the medication actually causes this condition or if people who take sildenafil are more likely to have other risk factors for the condition. In the current case, tests showed the man did not have NAION. Brader said she decided to publish the case to make eye doctors aware of the link between sildenafil and retinal toxicity. "Because this is such a commonly used drug, I thought it was important for the ophthalmic community to be aware of our findings," Brader told Live Science. "I am certain that others have seen similar cases, even if the mechanism of the toxicity was not as evident as in our case." Editors note: This story was updated on Jan. 11 to correct the specific drug the patient took. He took liquid sildenafil, not Viagra. Originally published on Live Science. Astronomers have just discovered a galaxy with a supermassive black hole at its core, and it's located over 12.8 billion light-years away from Earth, just a billion years shy of the Big Bang. Known as a quasar, this object is the brightest of its kind ever seen in the distant universe. The discovery gives scientists a better look at the universe's early years and helps them understand how supermassive black holes form and evolve. The newfound quasar, dubbed UHS J043947.08+163415.7, was discovered by taking advantage of gravitational lensing, a phenomenon in which a distant object's light is magnified by the gravity of a closer object. The intervening, or lensing, galaxy in this case makes the quasar appear 50 times brighter than it would otherwise. [Big Bang to Civilization: 10 Amazing Origin Events] "The reason this one was discovered was a bit lucky actually because the quasar is so bright and the lensing galaxy is very faint compared to all the other lensing galaxies we know," lead author and astronomer Xiaohui Fan, of the University of Arizona, told Live Science. "That object had been sitting in the database for a few years now, but no one had looked at that part of the sky for quasars, because we usually don't." The quasar was found in the constellation Taurus, which is close to the plane of the Milky Way galaxy. Astronomers generally avoid looking for quasars in this region, because the abundance of stars and dust there drown out the faint quasar light. The quasar was first imaged in multiple colors by two all-sky surveys, the UKIRT Hemisphere Survey and Pan-STARRS1. Astronomers typically use computer algorithms that compare colors to identify high-redshift objects, those whose meaning light from these objects has shifted to the redder wavelengths of the spectrum as a result of moving away from us. If the lensing galaxy in this system were just half a magnitude brighter, researchers may have entirely missed the quasar. Fan said this kind of stringent color-selection criteria has likely caused other quasars to be overlooked. "At such great distances, [quasars] are also extremely rare," said Laura Pentericci, an astronomer who studies distant galaxies at INAF Rome Astronomical Observatory but who was not part of the new study. For instance, despite searching for over a decade, astronomers have found only two quasars located more than 13 billion light-years away, Pentericci told Live Science. Luckily, the newly studied quasar and galaxy were just bright enough to be flagged as potential distant-universe objects. The astronomers next analyzed data showing the individual wavelengths emitted by the quasar. By analyzing these specific wavelengths of light, particularly one emitted by magnesium, the astronomers were able to confirm the quasar's distance. The light from quasar J0439+1634, about 12.8 billion light-years away, bends as it passes by a galaxy roughly six billion light-years away. This gravitational lensing, which occurs thanks to Einstein's theory of general relativity, magnifies the brightness of the distant quasar, thereby making it visible to astronomers. Both the foreground galaxy and the quasar is spotted by the Hubble SpaceTelescope. (Image credit: NASA, ESA, Xiaohui Fan (University of Arizona)) Studies of early quasars give scientists insight into our universe's youth. Quasars are powered by black holes, so they can tell us when and how the first black holes formed. Quasars' intense light also acts as a beacon shining through intergalactic space. As a quasar's light travels toward Earth, that light passes through intergalactic gas, which absorbs specific wavelengths of the light depending on the gas's temperature and composition. Astronomers can then decode quasars' light to learn about the material located between galaxies that is much too faint to see directly. The researchers in the new study are already working to learn more about this newfound quasar. They also plan to reanalyze older data to see if they missed other quasars. Originally published on Live Science. When she obtained the license, it is unlikely that the woman ever thought shed really have to use it, though she lives in a neighborhood where residents say such holdups are common. She probably never fathomed that she would end up shooting a teenager to death either. That is the last thing most people would ever want to do. As a workplace with nearly 50 full-time and 70 part-time employees, eight locations and a variety of office spaces from cubicles and conference rooms to campgrounds and retail shops, we know this is disruptive, Wood Shelton, a mom of three, wrote. We know babies cry. We know they need attention and care and diapers and quiet places. And yes, we also know that productivity will dip for parents who are multitasking with their infant present. Thats true. LIMERICK teenagers, who recently picked up a national award for their campaign highlighting the perils of sexting, briefed the Garda Commissioner on their concerns about sexting abuse and minors in Ireland. Students from Ardscoil Mhuire in Corbally, title-holders of the Young Social Innovators (YSI) of the Year 2018 for their project Keep It PG, met with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to discuss their research on sexting. Inspired by their concern that the sending of unsolicited, sexually explicit material is prevalent amongst teenagers, the students are calling for changes to current legislation in this area. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to meet with the Commissioner and to tell him about this issue that is affecting so many young people in Ireland today, said Sarah McDarby, one of the YSI team members who briefed the Commissioner. We hope that we can make a real difference in this area and help those who have and continue to be affected by sexting abuse, which is often something that is kept hidden by those who experience it. The Keep It PG team are also calling for Gardai to be given the appropriate support, guidance and legal frameworks to deal with reported cases of sexting abuse. As part of their work for the YSI project, the Keep It PG team has worked closely with local community gardai in Limerick and held workshops and information sessions for students. For their project, the students won the national title at the Young Social Innovators of the Year Awards held in Croke Park in May 2018. The students also received a Community Award at the Limerick Divisional Garda Youth Awards in November as well as a nomination for the National Garda Youth Awards to be held in May 2019. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: I am delighted to meet this group of young social innovators today. This is a great example of young people developing their own solutions for the problems facing their generation. Young people are at the forefront of tackling some of the most pressing and recent social issues facing society, according to YSI co-founder and chief executive Rachel Collier. The Keep It PG Campaign is a perfect example of an issue that adversely affects young people and their wellbeing. They have the insight to best know the impact of such behaviour and have the creative ability to help develop solutions. I just really like the style and the gracefulness and just being onstage, said Naomi, who grew up in Indiana but now lives in Rochester, N.Y., where she trains at Western New York Ballet. She returned to the Midwest this month to compete in the regional semifinals for the Youth America Grand Prix what spokesman Jack Meyer calls the American Idol of ballet. WITH ENGINEERING currently one of the worlds most sought after qualifications, Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) is shortly set to showcase the many career paths and opportunities available through this field of study. The LIT Engineering Open Day, taking place January 19, will allow prospective students to gain insight into the many engineering strands, according to the head of the LIT department of electrical and electronic engineering Dr Maura Clancy. It also provides an opportunity for industry and community to be actively involved with LIT as some of the regions most successful engineering employers will be present on the day, ready to advise on how to pursue a career in engineering, Dr Clancy said. Staff and current students of LIT will also be there to share some of the exciting work taking place at LIT, she added. Engineering is an exciting, interesting and rewarding career for all, irrespective of age, gender or general interests, according to Dr Clancy. Engineers apply science and maths to solve problems, they figure out how things work and find practical uses for scientific discoveries, she said. If you have an inquisitive mind, if you want to know how things work then a very rewarding career in engineering lies ahead for you, added Dr Clancy. Engineering is also an enticing and interesting career path for women, she said adding that she fears cultural perception may be hampering efforts to attract female school leavers into the field. Newly appointed as the head of the LIT engineering department, Dr Clancy is an advocate of lifelong learning. She joined LIT in 2012 and has lectured on many of the LIT engineering programmes. She will join staff, students and industry leaders at the LIT Engineering Open Day on January 19 in LITs Moylish Campus. Running from 10 am to 2pm, the event is free of charge. Booking is not required but visitors are recommended to arrive early to get the most from their visit. A LIMERICK lecturer has been named as one of the top 30 literacy leaders under the age of 30 on an international list celebrating influential people in the field. Patrick Burke, a lecturer in Language and Literacy Education at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) features on the International Literacy Associations 2019 30 Under 30 list for his research on disciplinary literacy and literacy integration. Representing 13 countries, this years list of honorees includes educators, school administrators, nonprofit leaders, authors, volunteers, researchers and social entrepreneurs. Mr Burke, who credits being introduced to the Harry Potter series at a young age as inspiring his lifelong love of literacy, completed a year-long stint at the Childrens Literature Centre at Frostburg State University in Maryland during his Masters. The award-winning researcher is currently working toward a PhD at Dublin City University. The individuals on this list are solving critical issues, issues many of them have faced on their own paths to success, says ILA executive director Marcie Craig Post. Their contributions are paving the way to more accessible and equitable literacy learning in their schools, communities and beyond. Its an honour to recognise these young leaders whose vision and tenacity are transforming our world. GARDAI in Limerick believe a young man who sustained around a hundred wounds to his head and face when he was attacked on Christmas Day in a county town was targeted in retaliation for an incident which happened almost two years ago. The victim, who was treated at University Hospital Limerick, was attacked outside a house at Fairhill, Rathkeale at around 8.20pm on Christmas night. Gardai believe the man, who is aged in his late 20s, was struck with a glass bottle and received multiple wounds which required a large number of stitches. He was glassed in the facial area so it was nasty alright, said one source. While gardai attended the scene of the altercation on the night, a formal complaint was not made for a number of days. Its understood both the victim and the suspect are members of the Travelling community. Because the pubs are closed (on Christmas Day) they go from one house to the other its a tradition and one fellow was lying in wait for his target and something like that can happen in the blink of an eye, said a garda source. The Limerick Leader has learned investigating gardai believe the incident was linked to another violent altercation which happened in Rathkeale in March 2017. Both parties would be known to each other and to us, there was in incident on Paddys Day back in 2017, there was a serious assault and violent disorder so its connected with that, said one person familiar with the investigation. While the victim in the Christmas night attack did not sustain life-threatening injuries, gardai are treating the matter very seriously and have launched a full investigation. While a suspect has been identified, he was not present when gardai attended the scene and efforts to locate him since have been unsuccessful. One possibility being pursued is that he has left the jurisdiction. We're sorry that the ministry you were looking for is no longer available on LightSource.com. However, below are some great ministries that offer related content. Enjoy the inspiration, encouragement, and Biblical challenge from these LightSource.com ministry partners! LifeStyle The best Lifestyle shows are right here, from Australia and around the world. Catch up with the experts on home design and interiors, food and cooking, the property market, and get fresh ideas with the savviest of renovators. Whether you need inspiration for cooking up a storm, to refresh a tired room, or tips to sell your property, Foxtel Lifestyle will always something new for you to watch. Enjoy your favourite experts like Andrew Winter and Neale Whitaker, or Shaynna Blaze and Jamie Oliver live or On Demand. The greatest family comedian of our generation, Brendan Grace, is celebrating 48 years in the comedy business, with most of that time spent at the very top of his profession. Brendans latest show, which will be at the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge tomorrow night (Friday January 11), features the best and most requested pieces from his vast repertoire over the last 48 years. His sense of timing and ability to read an audience is without equal. A brilliant character actor, his Bottler character is legendary and his interpretation of the Irish Wedding will forever remain a masterpiece. Apart from his obvious star quality in all aspects of his performance, Brendans drawing power is enormous and the House Full sign is the norm rather than the exception at his concerts. Although Brendan now resides in the United States with his wife Eileen and family and enjoys international success brought about by his association with the late Frank Sinatra, he still tours Ireland on a regular basis, and, indeed, still considers Ireland his first love. His Meet and Greet after each show is one of the highlights of the night.His recent documentary Funnymanon RTE 1 TV has received critical acclaim and had a huge audience. Brendan Grace will be in Keadeen Hotel on Friday, January 11. Call 045 431666 and or visit Ticketmaster.ie for tickets. All drone owners should have to register their devices. Kildare North Fianna Fail TD James Lawless has called on the Government to immediately progress the Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) Bill 2017, which is currently at second stage in the Dail. He said there is a need to enact legislation to regulate the use of drones given the recent disruptions at UK airports, which have impacted thousands of passengers. He was speaking as Minister for Transport Shane Ross convened a meeting of the National Civil Aviation Threat and Risk Group to discuss Irish vigilance on the issue. Dep. Lawless, a qualified barrister, wants it mandatory for all drones to be registered when bought. Residents in North West Kildare who are campaigning against a proposed 12 turbine wind farm have pledged "the fight is not over". Drehid Against Wind Turbines held a public meeting in the Hamlet Court Hotel, Johnstownbridge last Tuesday night January 8. Committee chairperson, Seamus Langan, opened the meeting by welcoming the large attendance including some local TDs and councillors including Padraig McEvoy, Brendan Weld, Bernard Durkan, Ita Cussen, Bernard Caldwell, Teresa Murray, Anthony Lawlor and Brendan Young. The group were supported by members of Kildare Environmental Awareness Group (KEAG), Wind Aware, Donadea Against Wind Turbines and Wild Kildare. "The meeting was attended by the renowned environmentalist Peter Sweetman whose work on environmental issues are well documented. Mr Sweetman spoke eloquently on the negative impact of such developments on communities and their environment," said a spokesperson for Drehid Against Turbines. The large attendance at the meeting PICTURE: TONY KEANE "Images of the proposed development of 12 industrial wind turbines in the town lands of, Ballynamullagh, Coolree, Drehid, Dunfierth, Killyon, Kilmurray and Mulgeeth, the application of which was lodged with Kildare County Council on December 18 2018 by North Kildare Wind Farm, was shown on screen by Niamh Mallon and Mike Pope detailing the full impact of such a development on our communities." Jim OByrne of Wild Kildare spoke about the ecological effects of industrial wind turbines on the bird population. He went on to say that species such as skylark and snipe have depleted greatly from farmlands according to a recent study by UCC. He said wind turbines have a detrimental effect on all wild life. Sheila OBrien said Kildare is being thrown to the wolves. She agreed with Peter Sweetman about the frustration over the lack of wind engergy guidelines. She went on to say we do not want a wind farm in this vicinity, they are not clean, not green. Stephen Carroll from Rhode gave an impassioned speech about the detrimental effects industrial wind turbines have on peoples health, stating that the only way to block out low frequency noise from an industrial wind turbine 500 metres away was to build a 12 metre thick wall. Mr Carroll said; if you live within 1km of an industrial wind turbine your property will suffer a loss of 25% - if you live inside a 1km radius, your property will suffer a loss of 50% to 100%." He then said your property is classed effectively unsalable. Cllr Tim Durkan, and TD Bernard Durkan at the Drehid Against Wind Turbines public meeting Dep Bernard Durkan was asked by a member of the audience to raise the issue of guideline legislation in the Dail, and he agreed to do so. Mr Langan stated; No industrial wind farms should be granted planning permission until new guidelines come out". Seamus closed the meeting stating, the fight is not over - no means no. Cllrs, Ide Cussen, Padraig McEvoy, Bernard Caldwell, Brendan Weld, and Senator Anthony Lawlor at the public meeting Drehid Against Wind Turbines are holding submission/objection clinics in the Hamlet Court Hotel, Johnstownbridge on Saturday January 19 from 10am to 8pm, and in the Castle Inn Carbury on Tuesday January 22 from 7pm to 10pm. "We would urge everyone to attend these clinics and make a submission/objection to Kildare County Council to prevent this proposed development going ahead," said the group. The company behind the plans previously said the Drehid proposal is being brought forward by Statkraft which acquired Element Power Ireland last October. It said Statkraft has a long history in "the development of renewable energy projects and is committed to the ethical and responsible development of pure energy in order to assist in our transition to becoming a low carbon economy". "From the outset, we have sought to encourage real community involvement in a project that will deliver real climate action. Our focus has been to develop a proposal that will make a positive difference for the environment, future generations and for the people who live in the locality today," it said. "We have engaged directly with over 260 households in the local and wider Drehid area to seek feedback on how this proposal could work best. This feedback has led to the reduction in the number of turbines being proposed from 14 turbines to 12, the distances between houses and turbines has been increased and we have committed to zero shadow flicker at any houses in the local area." It said whilst these changes have "reduced the potential output of green energy from the wind farm, we believe that this proposal sets an example of how positive engagement between renewable energy proposers and local communities during the design stages, can lead to exemplary projects that work well in local communities and bring benefits at both a local and national level. No applications came from Laois to get some of the 11 million set aside for outdoor recreation projects that could attract tourists and be an amenity for local people. The Department of Rural and Community Development and Failte Ireland announced this week that 78 projects would share 11 million under Measure 2 of the 2018 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. No Laois schemes received money. Grants for individual projects can amount to 200,000. The Department told the Leinster Express why no cash was coming to Laois. Each local authority was invited to submit four projects for funding through Measure 2 of the 2018 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, however, the Department did not receive any applications from Laois County Council for funding under this Measure," said statement. Minister Michael Ring's Department said Laois received all of the funding sought through Measure 1 of the scheme. This amount to 40,184.80. It added that there was one Laois based application for funding through Measure 3, which proved unsuccessful due to it not meeting the scheme criteria. Laois County Council made an application for funding to complete a phase of works of the Portlaoise Blueway, from JFL Avenue to Triogue Linear Park, under Measure 3 of ORIS 2018. The project application was not successful as all of the necessary access permissions were not yet in place, said the Department. The Portlaoise project received nearly 100,000 under the 2017 allocation. Blueways, greenways are among the type of projects that get funding because of their tourism potential. Read also: LAOIS RECEIVED TINY SLICE OF CASH A statement said that Laois has benefited from many of the Departments other funding schemes. "In total, in 2018, Laois received funding of over 4.8 million from my Department including 850,000 Town and Village Scheme funding, 980k CLAR funding and 500k Local Improvement Scheme funding and in addition to this, Emo Court received a further allocation of 1.2 million through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in November last, said a statement. The first stretch of a Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trail was completed in December 2017. It is a joint project involving Laois and Offaly councils and Coillte. The Minister for Health has made a new pledge to consult widely on the future of Portlaoise hospital more than a year after he promised to take on public views before proceeding with a downgrade proposed by the HSE. Minister Simon Harris first promised a Department of Health-led consultation process in December 2017. His commitment followed a big public protest against a Dublin Midland Hospital Group plan for the hospital. He has repeated the commitment on several occasions since then. In July 2018 his cabinet colleague and Laois TD, Minister Charlie Flanagan said the process was underway. Having met with Minister Harris last week, the Minister confirmed that the consultation process regarding Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise is underway. An independent, external facilitator will lead the consultation team, he said. Asked for an update by the Leinster Express the Department of Health indicated that the process has yet to begin but no decision on the future had been made. "No decision has been made yet on the draft Action Plan for Portlaoise Hospital. The Department is currently finalising the process for wider consultation. Minister Harris intends to appoint an independent, external facilitator in the coming weeks who will be charged with executing the consultation," he said. Plans published or leaked in 2017 pointed to a significant downgrade of the hospital. Under the proposals, A&E would close as would ICU. Also for the chop are maternity, paediatrics and most surgery. The HSE wants to relocate services to other hospitals, chiefly Tullamore promising investment to increase capacity to cope with the increased demand and pressure it would place on other hospitals in the midlands and Dublin. The HSE insists that the plan has the backing of national clinical leads and was driven by patient safety needs. In the run up the Christmas 2018 GPs in Laois hit out at the delay in consultation and the lack of a plan for the hospital. What Trump said matters. In Donald Trumps presidential announcement speech (June 16, 2015), he said, We need a leader that wrote The Art of the Deal (Really?)... I love China (Trump makes his neckties in China!) ... We got $18 trillion in debt (Today, its $22 trillion. Under Bill Clinton, Americans experienced five years of government surpluses.) ... I will build a great, great wall, and I will have Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words. (Mexico said its not paying.). Last month Trump said to Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, I will take the mantle. I will be the one to shut the government down. Im not going to blame you for it. On Sunday, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, said on Fox News that Trump means what he says that the shutdown could last years, and that Democrats are unwilling to let this president win. Win? After being called gutless by many right-wing pundits, including Ann Coulter, Trump must now secure a win for his political base. But cant any Trump win, a wall or fence, always be scaled by a taller ladder? On Sunday Trump invoked comments by Barack Obama on border security, but he neglected to mention Obamas entire comments. Obama said, We simply cannot allow people to pour into the United States undetected, undocumented, unchecked. We all agree on the need to better secure the border, and to punish employers who choose to hire illegal immigrants. Most illegals come because illegal employers hire them. When will Trump talk about those illegal jobs and employers that his win will never stop? Reggie Regrut Phillipsburg A Lehigh County business sold a winning Cash 5 ticket worth $125,000, according a news release from the Pennsylvania Lottery. The winning five balls, 10-11-17-29-40, were drawn Wednesday, the release says. The ticket was sold at Nevulis Beverage, 4041 Route 309, Schnecksville, the release says. The business earns a $500 selling bonus, the release says. Cash 5 prizes expire one year from the drawing date. More than 18,200 other Cash 5 tickets also won prizes in the drawing. Go to palottery.com to check for winning numbers, learn the rules of games and find out your chances of winning. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. Not all police work involves the investigation of major crimes. Many times patrol officers are dealing with low-level irritants that require time and effort to resolve and may only matter to a single person or family. After a rash of thefts in Eastons College Hill neighborhood, patrol officers being proactive in one of the cases led to the arrest on Wednesday of a 20-year-old woman from the 300 block of Taylor Avenue at the eastern edge of the Hill, Capt. David Beitler explained. A Trek Precaliber mountain bike, worth $355, was pawned the afternoon of Aug. 22 after being stolen from a front porch at 630 Weygadt Drive, officer Vince Bruneo said in court papers. Bruneo set about searching local pawn shops for the missing bike, Beitler explained. On Aug. 23, Bruneo found it at Easton Exchange Pawn Shop at 58 Centre Square, where Aniyyah Jade Brown had sold it for $50, police said. Brown used her Pennsylvania drivers license to secure the deal, Bruneo said in court papers, so on Aug. 30 an arrest warrant was sworn out in front of District Judge Antonia Grifo on charges of receiving stolen property and theft by deception. The second charge involves taking money after duping a pawn shop employee into believing the bike wasnt stolen, court papers say. Police would learn that Brown and her boyfriend drove her blue Nissan Maxima, Beitler said. Patrol officer Kevin Krische, staking out the car from nearby Eddyside Park, saw it leave and head west on Wednesday morning, Beitler said. The boyfriend was behind the wheel and Brown was in the passenger seat, Beitler said. A vehicle stop was made in the 600 block of West Lafayette Street and Brown was taken into custody without incident, Beitler said. Brown was arraigned before Grifo and released on $10,000 unsecured bail pending a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled 9 a.m. Jan. 21 in the Downtown court. Beitler credited good police work for the warrant and the arrest. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter@TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. The Shanty on 19th in Allentown got a second chance at success through a painful visit by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, a television show about the experience shows. "Gordon Ramsay's 24 Hours to Hell and Back" visited the West End restaurant last year, giving owner Joseph Tatasciore 24 hours to overhaul his and his employees' behavior while the menu and interior underwent a facelift. "We survived The Gordon Ramsay effect !!! Thank you for all friends and family that have supported us !!!" wrote Tatasciore's wife, Melanie Shuster-Tatasciore, on Facebook shortly after the episode aired Wednesday night on Fox. She was named general manager during the show. The Facebook post included a photo of Shuster-Tatasciore smiling beside her husband, whose face is a mix of relief and humor, with maybe a little embarrassment. The future of the restaurant and even the couples relationship seemed in jeopardy as Ramsays horror at the Shanty on 19th came into focus at the outset of the show, which is the second episode in the series' second season. "Joe, what on Earth is going on?" Ramsay asked Tatasciore after shedding the Lehigh Valley Phantoms apparel he wore into the Shanty, so he could try the food incognito. "It's embarrassing," Tatasciore responded, following a montage of pre-makeover clips caught on camera. "You're lucky to still be open," Ramsay told him. Tatasciore and his staff had agreed to permit cameras inside the restaurant, under the guise of taking part in a renovation show but without a whiff of Ramsays involvement. Those pre-Ramsay images from inside the Shanty on 19th showed "unsanitary cooking," moldy food, fries served still frozen inside, "filthy kitchen" surfaces, tasting food by licking fingers, Tatasciore's father spitting lettuce back into a bowl, Tatasciore repeatedly drinking from his own bar stock and executive chef Kennedy Agos loudly cursing in the open kitchen mere feet away from customers. I cant believe what weve just witnessed, Ramsay said after being served blackened scallops that came out burnt and a stone-cold Goon Burger that had never before been ordered, the waitress admitted. One of three friends also in Phantoms gear ordered shrimp Florentine that tasted sour to Ramsay. The wait for the entrees took 45 minutes, Ramsay complained. Ramsay had arrived impressed with the "great area around here" in the neighborhood, home to the venerable 19th Street Theatre that is now the Civic Theatre. Scene-setting cuts interspersed the iconic Bethlehem Steel Corp. blast furnaces in neighboring Bethlehem. But the Shanty's decor left him aghast. "It pays homage to its name: a crude, rundown shack," Ramsay said in a voiceover. The front entrance is pictured Nov. 14, 2014, at The Shanty on 19th in Allentown.EXT After a quick change in the men's room, Ramsay revealed himself and invited the staff and nearly full house of customers to follow him for a quick walk to his mobile command center parked nearby. There, the 24-hour countdown began, with Ramsay's renovation team going to work on the restaurant's interior as he introduced Agos and her cook staff to a menu whittled down to a few signature dishes from the 90-odd available to him when he sat down in disguise. Ramsay spoke tenderly with Shuster-Tatasciore in the nearby theater, empty of patrons for the bit, about her relationship with her husband, her husband's drinking and Ramsay's own youth spent with an alcoholic father. "Me and my husband are definitely at a breaking point," Shuster-Tatasciore says during the show, allowing additionally that she feared losing the business and her home where her mother lives with the couple. "Let's burn the place to the ground then, how's that," Tatasciore tells his wife in one clip as his frustration mounts before Ramsay's appearance. The couple came into the show a half-million dollars in debt, said Tatasciore, who had his own heart-to-heart with Ramsay in an SUV as night fell on the 24-hour rescue operation. Never in Ramsays career in the restaurant business has it been OK for an owner to be openly drinking from his bar alongside customers, he stressed. Ramsay also spent time privately with Agos, the executive chef, demonstrating the preparation of the new, extremely scaled-back menu built around fresh ingredients. She needed to stop cursing so loudly the customers could hear her, and she agreed. When she slipped up later in the show, Ramsay discreetly got her attention to remind her to keep her cool. By then, the 24 hours had just about lapsed, and the same customers present when Ramsay revealed his mission were invited back in to give the new Shanty on 19th another go. The food seemed to impress, Shuster-Tatasciore was finding her footing running things as general manager and Tatasciore found himself busily trying to stay out of the way and let Agos and her cooks work in their own way. Joe Tatasciore Sr., the owner's dad caught on camera spitting out the lettuce, had been fired reluctantly by his son moments into the 24-hour effort, accused of being a negative influence. Thursday morning, the Shanty on 19th was preparing to open at 11:30 a.m. Shuster-Tatasciore early Thursday afternoon told lehighvalleylive.com the experience with Ramsays show was very intense. You dont actually know whats going to air on TV until you actually see it, she said in a phone interview, calling the wait very stressful. I got no sleep for the last three nights. Since Ramsays visit, the Shanty on 19th hired new staff and expanded the menu a bit, but is still sticking with Ramsays advice to use all fresh ingredients. I think the show definitely helped us, Shuster-Tatasciore said. Business is definitely better and things are going a lot smoother." Agos called Ramsay a lovely human being and said she loved how the show turned out. After it was revealed during the episode she has a heart condition, Agos told lehighvalleylive.com on Thursday she plans to leave the Shanty in March for surgery followed by three to four months of recuperation. As far as the show went, I had a blast, she said. I was like, Oh s**t, when I realized it was Gordon Ramsay: Hes going to eat us alive. He was just the kindest, the warmest. Agos allowed that Tatasciore has retreated to some of his old ways, micromanaging her and her staff. Shuster-Tatasciore said her husband has his little slip-ups. Hes definitely trying to adjust to it and hes being more open-minded about things and listening instead of just trying to take everything on himself," she explained. Editors note: This article was updated from its original version to include additional comments. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Findlehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accuses the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being the mother of corruption in Nigeria - A representative of the party, Kunle Okunola, says the PDP practices internal democracy in the selection of aspirants for political offices - Okunola notes that any party that does not practice internal democracy cannot help Nigeria out of the problem it has found itself The Peoples Democratic Party has said it is now free of corruption because all its corrupt leaders have joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party during a political stakeholders forum organised by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Ikeja, Lagos, also accused the APC of being the mother of corruption, The Punch reports. READ ALSO: EFCC reveals how much physical cash Nigerians can carry to avoid arrest A representative of the party, Kunle Okunola, told the political gathering that the PDP practiced internal democracy in the selection of aspirants for political offices We are the only party that went through democratic selection when we were doing the structural replacement of our hierarchy, including the presidential candidate of our party," Okunola said. A party that does not practice internal democracy cannot help Nigeria out of the problem it has found itself. We have provided the leadership. And the corruption that they put on our neck, we have shed all the corrupt party leaders to the APC and I can say it. So, the PDP is free of corruption; APC is the mother of corruption for the past 16 years, a representative of the party. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Other political parties also spoke at the event to sell their programmes and manifestos to Christian leaders and opinion leaders in attendance. Representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the National Orientation Agency, among others were present at the occasion Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, January 10, presided over the meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council and said that the party was sure of victory in the forthcoming general elections. Speaking at the maiden meeting of the Council in Abuja, the president, however, warned the members of the council not to rest even for a moment, appealing to them to dedicate and commit themselves to the task at hand. The president disclosed that the agenda for the meeting was to consider and approve the structure and operational modalities of the Presidential Campaign Council. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We keep evolving to serve our readers better. Nigeria Latest News: Father Mbaka On Buhari, Atiku In Nigeria Election 2019 | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Electorates have been urged not to vote for corrupt leaders as Nigeria heads for the polls - Abdullahi Adamu, the senator representing Nasarawa west also urged Nigerians to vote President Muhammadu Buhari whom he said would deliver Nigeria from its travails - Also, Abdullahi Sule, the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Nasarawa state, urged voters to resist temptation to sell their Permanent Voters Cards Ahead of 2019 general elections, Abdullahi Adamu, the senator representing Nasarawa west at the National Assembly, has urged Nigerians not to vote for corrupt leaders. The senator who disclosed this at the commencement of his re-election campaign in Nasarawa, the headquarters of Nasarawa local government area of the state urged Nigerians to vote President Muhammadu Buhari whom he said would deliver Nigeria from its current travails, Punch reports. READ ALSO: 2019 elections: We didnt endorse Atiku - Ohanaeze In the three years of APC government, we have witnessed a lot of tremendous progress in the areas of infrastructural and human development, he said. Similarly, Mr Abdullahi Sule, the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Nasarawa state urged voters to resist temptation to sell their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to selfish politicians. Sule made the call in Lafia on Tuesday at the APC North Central rally of Women and Youths Presidential Campaign team. He said the call was necessary given the short period left before the general election. I urge you all to resist every attempt by selfish and rogue politicians trying to tempt you by any means to sell your PVCs. Please do not for any reason sell your right. Be at the polling unit from Feb.16 to vote candidates of your choice. I urge you to resist any attempt by anyone to buy your PVCs, he said. Sule also urged residents of the state who are eligible to vote but were yet to collect their PVCs to visit Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices in the state to collect their PVCs to enable them vote for candidates of their choice. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! As I talk to you, we hear that there are still thousands of PVCs yet to be collected. This is not good. I urge you all who are eligible and have registered but yet to collect your PVCs to rush to collect them so as not to be disenfranchised on election days, he said. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We keep evolving to serve our readers better. Minimum Wage: Is N30,000 Too Much for FG to Pay Workers? - Nigeria Street Gist | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Nigerians are complaining after they found out Dangote's net worth - Forbes recently released the list for 2019 richest billionaires in Africa and Dangote topped the list again - His net worth, however, dropped from 2018's $12.4 billion to $10.3 billion this 2019, and Nigerians are not happy about it The 2019 Forbes' list of richest billionaires in Africa was recently released and Nigerians have one or two things to say about it. The list of twenty business moguls was topped by Nigeria's very own Aliko Dangote. Legit.ng had earlier reported that Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga Folorunsho Alakija and Abdulsamad Rabiu were named as Africa's richest billionaires. The list contains twenty African business mogul. According to the list, Dangote's current net worth is $10.3 billion as opposed to the $12.4 billion he made in 2018. Nigerians complain about how Dangote's wealth has dropped UGC Source: TheCable Source: UGC READ ALSO: 2 Nigerians are named among Forbes' 50 world's top women in technology It was also reported that he made $25 billion in 2015, which means the billionaires' net worth had been gradually dropping, despite topping the list for the eighth time in a row. According to the list, Dangote's current net worth is $10.3 billion as opposed to the $12.4 billion he made in 2018. PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigeria's #1 news app It was also reported that he made $25 billion in 2015, which means the billionaires' net worth had been gradually dropping, despite topping the list for the eighth time in a row. After Forbes released the list, Nigerians took to social media to make complains about why the billionaires' net worth dropped. PAY ATTENTION: Get your daily relationship tips and advice on Africa Love Aid group It had been reported that his net worth dropped due to a drop in the stock price of cement which is Dangote's most valuable asset. However, Nigerians shared post on Twitter complaining that the drop in the net worth was due to how the economy of the country is run. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Read tweets below: NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better Top 4 Most Influential Nigerians in the World: Nigerians in Top Positions - on Legit TV Source: Legit - The price of oil has risen to $60 per barrel, and has shored up confidence in the 2019 budget estimates - The budget estimates placed the oil price dependent revenue at $60 per barrel - However, a source from OPEC, who craved anonymity, says the market is still uncertain, adding that price can leap further or drop, even beyond expectation. The price of oil has raised hope for Nigeria's 2019 budget as it increased to $60 per barrel following the resolve of members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) not to pump excess oil into the volatile market. Vanguard reports that OPEC has continued to withdraw excess oil from the international market. According to report, prices of Brent, West Texas Intermediate, WTI, and OPEC Basket of 14 crude stand at $60.00, $59.91 and $56.11 per barrel respectively. Legit.ng gathers that a source from OPEC said the market was still uncertain in the market as price could leap further or drop, even beyond expectation. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda The secretary general of OPEC, Dr Muhammad Barkindo, said, while speaking in Angola a few days ago, said: OPEC knew it had to act in the face of this potential calamity. Throughout 2016, extensive consultations were undertaken with our non-OPEC partners, aimed at building consensus about the strategic urgency of rebalancing the global oil market in a collective manner. Twenty-four (now twentyfive) oil producing nations agreed at the first OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting held on the 10th of December 2016 in Vienna, on a concerted effort to accelerate the stabilization of the global oil market through voluntary adjustments in total production of around 1.8 million barrels per day. What would become clearer in time is that one of the greatest inherent strengths of the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) was its flexibility, grounded on the core principles of equity, fairness and transparency. Over the last two years, the partners have been able to modify course depending on conditions in the market. "When the market appeared skewed to oversupply, we have reacted accordingly, and equally, when consumers expressed concerns regarding demand outpacing supply, the partners in the DoC have taken appropriate action. During the presentation of the budget proposals to the National Assembly in December 2108, President Mohammadu Buhari had stated: Notwithstanding the recent softening in international oil prices, the considered view of most reputable analysts is that the downward trend in oil prices in recent months is not necessarily reflective of the outlook for 2019. However, as a responsible Administration, we will continue to monitor the situation and will respond to any changes in the international oil price outlook for 2019. With regard to oil production, I have directed the NPPC to take all possible measures to achieve the targeted oil production of 2.3 million barrels per day. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, December 19, 2018, proposed a budget of N8.83 trillion for 2019 to a joint session of the National Assembly, saying the budget was prepared after wide consultations. According to the budget, about a quarter of the sum (N2.14 trillion) will be used for debt servicing while N2.031 trillion will be used for capital expenditure. Proposed recurrent expenditure is N4.04 trillion, statutory transfer is N492.36 billion, there is a sinking fund of N120 billion, while capital expenditure is N2.031 trillion. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better Nigeria News 2018: Nigerians Blow Hot as President Buhari Signs 2018 Budget in June | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Babatunde Raji Fashola, the power, works and housing minister, has revealed that FG approved N812m for Mambilla hydro power project - The minister noted that not less than nine companies will do the demarcation on the affected area of land for the project - He also said the project will take four steps namely enumeration, resettlement, compensation and construction The minister of power, works and housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, on Wednesday, January 9, disclosed that the federal government has approved a whopping amount of N812 million for the demarcation of the specific area of land to be affected by the Mambilla hydro power project. In a report available in Daily Trust, the minister said the approval was made during the weekly federal executive council meeting spearheaded by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Abuja State House Legit.ng gathers from the minister's response that not less than nine companies will do the demarcation on the specific area of land to be affected by the construction of the project. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda He remarked: "Yes, Mambilla is a power project but it is also a critical economic intervention project for growth, employment and for competitiveness of the national economy. People see power, we see an economic enabler and this is the first leg. We are working towards developing a framework for maintenance of other government assets including roads, bridges and oil assets, across the country. We have never developed this type of maintenance economy which we are creating today. With what we have done now, we have started with a National pilot plan for inventory of our national assets and a maintenance procurement manual which will be made available to all the ministries, departments and agencies of government, nationwide." Fashola, a former governor of Lagos state, also said the project will take four steps namely enumeration, resettlement, compensation and construction. PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news update Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Babatunde Fashola, on Tuesday, November 21, said in 2015, the government of President Muhammadu Buhari never promised to transform Nigeria in four years if given the mandate. Fashola, who inaugurated the President Muhammmadu BuhariOsinbajo 2019 campaign group comprising of about 5,000 political foot soldiers in Lagos state, argued that the administration did not promise to bring about change in different sectors of the country in four years. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Fashola EXCLUSIVE Interview: How Nigeria Can Have Uninterrupted Power Supply | Legit TV Source: Legit - The police command in Plateau state has discovered declared 13 more persons wanted over the murder of General Alkali - Alkalis body was found on October 31, 2018 in an abandoned well at Gushwet, Shen in Jos South LGA after being declared missing on September - The command's spokesperson said urged members of the public with useful information on the whereabouts of the suspects to contact the police The Plateau Police Command has declared 13 more persons wanted in connection with the killing of Major General Idris Alkali (rtd). The commands public relations officer, DSP Terna Tyopev, made the disclosure in a statement on Thursday, January 10, in Jos, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. According to Tyopev, 12 of the suspects hail from Dwei Village in Du District, while one is from Gushet-Shen Village, both in Jos South local government. READ ALSO: Buharis anti-corruption war is mere propaganda - Saraki gives reasons After an elaborate and painstaking investigation into the killing of Major General Idris Alkali (rtd), it has further been revealed that 13 more persons who participated in the illegal activities that led to the death of the late general are at large. Therefore, Austin Agbonlahor, the commissioner of police in charge of this command, has directed that they should be declared wanted, he said. Tyopev listed the wanted persons as: Kanan Nyam Solomon Gyang Dung Deme Gynag Murak Da Chuwang Samuel Nyam Samuel Dung Gbeh Daddy Dogo James dung Gynag Dung Jay Boy Destiny Gyang The spokesman called on members of the public with useful information on the whereabouts of the suspects to contact the police. NAN reports that the command had on November 4, 2018, paraded 19 suspects in connection with the killing. It charged the suspects to court the following day and they were remanded in the Jos Prison. Alkali was declared missing on September 3, 2018. He had left Abuja for Bauchi, via Jos, but never reached his destination. On September 29, 2018, his car and other personal effects were found in a pond in Dura-Du community of Jos South LGA. On October 31, 2018, his body was found in an abandoned well at Gushwet, Shen in Jos South LGA. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the governor of Plateau state, Simon Lalong, on Monday, November 5, 2018, led a delegation to the headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Abuja, to plead against avenge of the recent gruesome murder of Alkali. Lalong pleaded with the Army not to expose the state to danger by abandoning its current security operations because of the murder of the senior officer. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better TY Danjuma, Nigerian army and the herdsmen crisis | Legit TV Source: Legit Nigeria On a call this week, Burton helped a woman trying to find a place for herself and her baby, but the only two shelters with space were far from her job. Burton explained the options: She could go to the shelter despite the drive, or call back in the evening and then daily to see what else opened up. Burton also told her to make sure to gather important documents and to always have her cellphone on her, among other safety tips. - Forbes releases list of Africa's richest billionaires and four Nigerians made the list - Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga Folorunsho Alakija and Abdulsamad Rabiu were named as Africa's top billionaires - This is the eighth year in a row that Dangote would top the list as the richest billionaire in Africa Four Nigerians have topped the list of Africa's richest billionaires in Forbes newly released ranking for 2019. The list which ranked twenty-three people in 2018, ranks twenty Africans as the richest billionaires in the continent this year. In the 2019 list, Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Folorunsho Alakija and Abdulsamad Rabiu are the Nigerians who made the list. Dangote topped the list with a net worth of $10.3 billion, Adenuga made number two with a net worth of $9.2 billion, Abdulsamad Rabiu was number 16 with $1.6 billion and Alakija was number 19 on the list with a net worth of $1.1 billion. Forbes releases 2019 list of Africa's richest billionaires, Dangote tops it UGC source: Forbes Source: UGC READ ALSO: 8 talented Nigerians make 2019 `Forbes 30 under 30 list It was reported that Dangote is nearly $2 billion less than what is net worth was in 2018. This was reportedly due to a 20% drop in the stock price of Dangote Cement which is his most valuable asset. This is the eighth time Dangote would top the richest billionaires' list in a row. Forbes recorded the origin of wealth of the billionaires. Dangote's source of wealth comes from his production of cement, sugar and flour, Adenuga owns Nigeria's third-largest mobile phone network and oil exploration firm, Conoil Producing. PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigeria's #1 news app While Alakija owns a stake in one of the most productive oil fields in Nigeria, currently operated by Chevron and Abdulsamad Rabiu a cement mogul who owns the BUA Group The list ranks Egypt and South Africa with five billionaires each, Nigeria with four and Morocco has two. PAY ATTENTION: Get your daily relationship tips and advice on Africa Love Aid group It was revealed that the net worth of the 20 business tycoons altogether sums up to $68.7 billion and the average net worth for each person climbed to $3.4 billion from $3.3 billion in early 2018. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that two Nigerians were named among Forbes' 50 world's top women in technology. These women, Amy Jadesimi and Funke Opeke, are the ones topping technology in their fields. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better Top 4 Most Influential Nigerians in the World: Nigerians in Top Positions - on Legit TV Source: Legit - Governor Willie Obiano applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his work in the southeast and south-south - The Anambra governor said the president has done really well and deserves praise - Obiano expressed optimism that the Second Niger Bridge will be delivered as promise Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state has applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for the work on the Second Niger Bridge project. The Punch reports that the governor gave this commendation during an inspection visit of the project in Onitsha, Anambra state. READ ALSO: Buharis anti-corruption war is mere propaganda - Saraki gives reasons The Anambra governor said President Buhari has done well for the southeast and south-south. Obiano expressed gratitude for the level of work done and said the Buhari administration will deliver the work as scheduled. He said the completion of the bridge will boost the economic activities of the country. The governor said: I have no choice but to praise President Muhammadu Buhari for his determination in the implementation of other Federal Governments projects in the state and other states in the geopolitical zone. The project director of Julius Berger Construction Company, Fredrick Wieser, explained that the construction would be in three phases and that the Federal Government had made advance payment of N30bn as mobilisation fee. He said "the bridge will be 1.6 km long, while the access road from the Asaba axis will be 3.3 km and 7km from Anambra respectively. Right now, we are doing the foundation work in the river which will be 50 metres deep. The pilling work in the river will be 15 metres above the water level to allow free flow of ships. With the determination of the present administration, the project will be delivered on or before February 28, 2022. Recall that Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state has thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the completion of Ziks mausoleum in his country home, Onitsha. PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news update Obiano spoke on Tuesday, January 8, when he inspected the mausoleum, noting that the completion was immeasurable honour to Anambra people and the entire southeast people, NAN reports. Legit.ng gathers that the mausoleum is situated at the popular Borome in Onitsha, the commercial nerve of Anambra, and home of the first president of Federal Republic of Nigeria. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better. I married four wives, built houses under Buhari's regime - farmer boasts| Legit TV Source: Legit - Senator Bukola Saraki has criticised President Buhari's war against corruption - The Senate president said it war was mere propaganda - The PDP chieftain said those around Buhari should have faced the law The Senate president, Bukola Saraki has described President Muhammadu Buharis anti-corruption war as propaganda saying it is not realistic. In an interview with Channels TV, the director-general of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign claimed evidence showed the country was failing when it comes to corruption. READ ALSO: Beware of former president who wants you to vote for a 'Devil' - Soyinka warns Nigerians Saraki said if the president was actually serious about corruption, those around him would have neen made to face the law. He said: We go to the issue of corruption. I believe that is more of propaganda than reality. Why do I say that? Even by most of the world organisations, if you look at our indices in corruption, we have gone back. And more importantly what examples are they showing in the government and anybody in the government been prosecuted in the public. None. Zero, he said. If truly the president is fighting corruption, I am baffled how a member of his government who they found wanting, up till today, no charge, no prosecution. To me, once you cant do that, you lose the moral high ground to say that you are fighting corruption. You must show that nobody is above the law. You must show that no matter how close anybody is to you, you must take action and thats not happening. Saraki said if the president is a man of integrity, he must take action. Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has promised Nigerians that money from the treasury will not be used to finance the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign. In a couple of tweets on Wednesday, January 9, the president said he has made his intention clear to government workers. Buhari said the clean-up of campaign financing in Nigeria is one of the legacies he would like to leave behind. The president expressed optimism that Nigerians will no longer be swayed by money politics. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app He wrote: I have made it clear to Government officials that there will be no money from the treasury for use in the 2019 campaign. I will not authorize that. One of the legacies I would like to leave behind is the clean-up of campaign financing in Nigeria. We cannot and will not share money from the treasury to prospective voters. Nigerians have long sought for change and only the All Progressives Congress (APC) can deliver and is delivering that change. Our people can no longer be swayed by money politics. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: We have updated to serve you better! Is President Buhari really doing badly as Nigeria's leader? - on Legit TV: Source: Legit - Professor Wole Soyinka has urged Nigerian to be wary of a former president who pretends to love Nigeria more than anybody - The Nobel Laureate made the plea in Abuja on Wednesday, January 9, at a symposium on fake news organised by BBC News - Soyinka, however, said it is ironic that a former leader who had been referring to a certain person for eight years as a devil is now telling Nigerians to vote for the devil Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has lambasted a former president of Nigeria over his endorsement of a presidential candidate of the former ruling party ahead of the next general elections. The Punch reports that Soyinka urged Nigerians to be wary of the former president who pretends to be the conscience of the nation. Legit.ng gathered that he made the statement in Abuja on Wednesday, January 9, at a symposium on fake news organised by BBC News. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda The playwright, who was a panelist at the event tagged, Nigeria 2019: Countering Fake News, urged the traditional media not to spread unfounded allegations as the electronic media sometimes do. The Nobel Laureate said if the former leader had been referring to a certain person for eight years as a devil and is now telling Nigerians to vote for the devil, then there is a reason for Nigerians to express some doubt. Soyinka said: We have got to develop a very healthy skepticism. If someone in a position of power for eight years has lectured a nation for eight years and after that, continued year after year to continue to direct the minds of a whole nation in one direction, only saying, This is Lucifer from hell for eight years in office and several more years out of office saying, This is Lucifer and then one day he changed and says: Behold your redeemer; which of the two is fake news? He did not mention the former president he was referring to, nor the alleged Lucifer. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that former president Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday, October 11, pledged to support his former running mate, Atiku Abubakars presidential bid as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of 2019 general elections. He had said: "Let me start by congratulating president-to-be, Atiku Abubakar, for his success at the recent PDP primary and I took note of his gracious remarks in his acceptance speech that it all started here. READ ALSO: Breaking: Buharis minister resigns "Yes, when it started, it was meant for Atiku to succeed Obasanjo. In the presence of these distinguished leaders of goodwill today, let me say it openly that we have reviewed what went wrong on the side of Atiku. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better We are honestly tired of Buhari and Atiku | - on Legit TV Source: Legit.ng Nigeria, with its 36 states and the capital city, keeps developing economically and introducing innovations into the everyday life of millions of people. What are the top 10 most developed states in Nigeria in 2019? Let us look at this impressive selection of attractive areas so that you can see if you live in one of them? Photo: africa.com States in Nigeria Each of the 36 states can be nice to live in. Everything depends on where you were born and where your family and friends belong to. Still, being a part of the smaller and less developed states can play a big role in your childhood years. When we grow up and the time comes to select the college or university, find a good paying job and build a family, the thoughts come whether it is time to move to the most developed states in Nigeria or not. Why does it happen? It is understood. Most of us wish to live in a place with great infrastructure, many social facilities and financial opportunities. This is when developed states in Nigeria come to our mind. Who doesnt want to start his or her business in a place with many potential customers who have money? Taking all these thoughts into consideration, we have created a list of top 10 most developed states in Nigeria that offer amazing opportunities and great chances of changing your life for the better in 2019. READ ALSO: Top 10 most industrialized states in Nigeria Lagos State; photo: buzznigeria.com The most developed state in Nigeria: Top 10 Here comes our selection of some of the best places to live in now. 1. Lagos State Lagos is always number 1 when it comes to choosing the most developed state in Nigeria in 2019. This place attracts millions of citizens from all over the country. People choose to live here because Lagos is rich in industries, which means you can always find a job, and it also boasts wonderful infrastructure if compared to many smaller areas of our country. Lagos state has the fast-growing economy. This place is often called the financial center of Nigeria, and it is well known all across Africa. 2. Kano State This is probably the most developed state in the Northern part of Nigeria. It is the heaven of agriculture and the place where many food crops are produced and exported. The countrys economy gets money from the export of groundnuts cultivated here. Besides, local businesses are involved in the industrial production of cotton, millet, chili pepper, and other popular products. Kano has always been a commercial center, and it remains an exciting place to live in 2019. It is one of the biggest industrial centers in our country after Lagos. 3. Anambra State If you look at the map of Nigeria, you would see how small Anambra State is compared to others in terms of territory. Still, experts and locals call this area the light of Nigeria because it has all the chances to even outgrow Lagos and Abuja in the future. Anambra State has many natural resources. Besides, local soils are arable, and this gives amazing opportunities for developing agro-based industries (farming, fisheries, pasturing, etc.) and building future businesses that could become the basis of the Nigerian economy. Abuja; photo: naijalifemagazine.com 4. Abia State The state and its big commercial center Aba are also greatly developed. Firstly, the place is rich in gas and crude oil. Local production of these popular products contributes nearly 40 percent to the states gross domestic product. Most residents are involved in agriculture, but some find jobs at the textile manufacturing and different plants that produce cement, soap, cosmetics, plastic, footwear, etc. 5. Rivers State Rivers State is not only one of the top 10 most developed states in Nigeria, but it also boasts an amazing wild life and flora collection. There are many rare tropical plants, insects and animals here, so you can enjoy both infrastructure, business opportunities and nature. 6. Enugu State Enugu is an interesting place where you can start your business, receive education, and enjoy your life. The states major city (capital) is located at the intersection of the roads that lead to different developed cities such as Onitsha and Aba. This means that you can stay close to the countrys biggest trading centers. Enugu has a pleasant climate and great soils. People who enjoy it when the air temperature changes from 15 degrees Celsius in November to 30 degrees Celsius in February will love it here. Akwa Ibom State; photo: cometonigeria.com 7. Akwa Ibom State Being geographically close to Abia and Rivers States, Akwa Ibom is also a wonderful place where several million Nigerians enjoy living. Why? Well, this area is developed and economically stable thanks to the gas and oil production. Besides, Akwa Ibom state boasts seaports, airport, and other infrastructure that attracts tourists, visitors from different corners of Nigeria and businesses. 8. Ogun State It is located next to Lagos State which is number one on our list. Being an important industrial and manufacturing hub, Ogun State has many job opportunities for specialists and young people looking for excellent places to start their career. 9. Oyo State Being the passage route between several major states, Oyo State is surrounded by Kwara, Osun, and Ogun States as well as the Republic of Benin. Government focused on this state even before official independence. Oyo state is home to the first Nigerian University, University of Ibadan which became fully autonomous from London soon after Nigeria's independence. These days the state boasts many high schools, several universities, many attractions for visitors from all over the country and from outside Nigeria, and opportunities for people who are interested in agriculture. The local climate is great for growing maize, millet, rice, cocoa, plantains, and other crops. 10. Kaduna State Being located almost in the heart of Nigeria, Kaduna State can be a good place for obtaining an education, getting medical help, and doing your business. The states capital, Kaduna city is a big transportation hub with many roads and railroad. This place is developed, which should not surprise you because it used to be the capital of the Northern Region of Nigeria when the country was under British rule. All these developed states in Nigeria follow the latest tendencies and can be a wonderful home to you and family. READ ALSO: Top 20 Richest states in Nigeria Source: Legit.ng Why those huge numbers? Fewer and fewer people now work between Christmas and New Year (this is true throughout the developed world, if youre talking about those with the ability to fly to New York), so everyone wants to see shows at the same time. And producers have become far more sophisticated at raising ticket prices according to demand they are no longer squeamish about charging what the market will stand on a peak night, because such drastic variance in price is no longer so fervently resisted by the likes of you and me. The same issues are in play if you want to fly from Chicago to Florida on American Airlines on Dec. 26. Like theaters, airlines dont significantly change their capacity. They just charge a small fortune for the available seats. And their payroll costs dont change either. Cha-ching! New Delhi, January 9: Spain's Foreign Minister Josep Borrell said that no European nation is "capable" of responding to the rise of multipolarity and a new world order with the emergence of "economic giants" like India, China, and Brazil. Borell made these comments during his ministerial address at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, which is being attended by around 600 delegates from over 90 countries. "The EU was created before globalisation to deal with intra-European issues. Now with the rise of multi-polarity and the emergence of economic giants like India, China, and Brazil, no European country is capable of responding to the new world order," he remarked at the event. "The reality remains that the only way European countries can face these tectonic changes is... together! Sometimes, ceding sovereignty can help protect sovereignty," he added. The Spanish leader called for the European Union (EU) to develop its hard power to be seen as a "credible power". "History will judge EU based on the decisions that it takes today. We cannot be a soft power forever. EU needs to develop its hard power to be collectively seen as a credible power," he stated. Furthermore, Borell, during his address on the idea behind the EU and its future at the event, labelled it as a "nanny state". "Spain has gone from looking at the EU as something that helps develop infrastructure and lends member countries international legitimacy to a body that acts as a nanny state - whose values are often at odds with its founding principles," he outlined. He put forth that the EU is "not prepared" to deal with mass migration while highlighting that incidents of migration have led to a "divide between the eastern and western countries" in the EU. "Migration and asylum seekers have caused a divide between the eastern and western countries of the EU. With Eastern nations being inequitably impacted. They see Brussels as a new Moscow - and the EU as USSR, something that can dilute national identities," the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation said. The Spanish leader is currently on a four-day official visit to India and has met with several high-level officials, including External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Borell is scheduled to emplane for Spain on January 10. LEBANON, Mo. A 14-year-old Lebanon High School student was taken into custody this week after allegedly bringing a handgun to school and threatening to harm other students. The Lebanon Police Department received the report of a student with a handgun from the parent of another student on Tuesday, Jan. 8 and launched an investigation. According to the department, Lebanon officers were able to locate the juvenile suspect and the gun. The juvenile was taken into custody and transported to a juvenile detention center. Authorities did not say whether the handgun was loaded when taken to the school. The motive of the student is not known at this time. Lebanon R-III School District Director of Communication Jacy Overstreet said the school was notified by law enforcement that a student was in possession of a hand gun last night after school hours. According to a parent of a Lebanon High School student, the Lebanon R-III School District sent an email on the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 8 to staff and parents notifying them of the incident. Overstreet said that law enforcement confirmed that the student was in police custody and there was no safety threat to other students or staff at this time. The district will continue to partner with law enforcement as the investigation continues. The safety and security of our students and staff are always our utmost priority, Overstreet said. The Lebanon Police Department also said they were working in conjunction with the Lebanon R-III School District to ensure the safety of all students and faculty. Currently, the Lebanon Police Department believes this was an isolated incident and there is no further threat. LACLEDE COUNTY, Mo. Kevin R. Kayden, of Lebanon, Mo. is facing felony charges for the murder of 27-year-old Laquita Williams in December. Kayden, 25, was arrested on Sunday, Jan. 6 and charged with felony Murder First Degree and felony Armed Criminal Action with a cash or surety bond of $500,000. Williams was found at around 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, when the Lebanon Police Department responded to the 300 block of North Street in Lebanon for an unresponsive person inside a residence. Once officers arrived on scene, the victim was immediately identified as Laquita Williams. Williams arms had been bound behind her back, with a cord around her neck, and her throat had been cut. A later autopsy of Williams body confirmed that her cause of death was likely due to the left carotid artery being severed and the esophagus lacerated. Immediately, Kevin Kayden became a person of interest in the investigation, due to ongoing domestic abuse issues between the two. A warrant was issued on Sunday, Jan. 6th. Further investigative leads over the course of the investigation, including crime laboratory testing, led to the charges against Kayden for the murder of Williams. This case is still actively being investigated by the Lebanon Police Department and the Lake Area Major Case Squad. History of Violence and Abuse According to CaseNet, in 2011, Kayden was sentenced to three years for 1st degree endangering the welfare of a child, statutory rape involving a person under 14 years of age, and 1st degree statutory sodomy. In 2016, Kayden was also served with an order of protection in an adult abuse stalking case. Kayden also pleaded guilty to a 4th degree domestic assault charge in 2017 and was fined $121. Naples, January 10 - A Naples hospital was inspected Thursday after recent invasions by ants. Insects were recently found on patients in the San Giovanni Bosco Hospital including one intubated woman who later died in another city hospital. Rome, January 10 - Italian police on Thursday seized more than half a billion euros in assets belonging to the owner of Ostia's tourist marina, Mauro Balini. Balini was arrested in 2015 for fraudulent bankruptcy, money laundering and other offences. Balini also owns two bathing establishments, "Hakuna Matata" and "Plinius", which were also confiscated. Rome, January 10 - The deputy speaker of the Italian Senate, Five Star Movement (M5S) MP Paola Taverna, wrote Thursday on Twitter that she would sue anyone who tries to defame her mother. The comment came after a Rome court rejected an appeal filed by her mother against Aziende Territoriali per l'Edilizia Residenziale (ATER), which manages public housing projects. "As M5S member of parliament, after having paid back over 200,000 euros, I am so clean that they no longer find anything to attack me with except for through those I care about. I will sue anyone who has spread or will spread false or defamatory information on my mother," she said. A lot of what we do comes from the drumming, Crain says. We vary our sound, but its not a Cave song until weve achieved this lock groove. It has to be repetitive, and then we add variation, which depends a lot on who is in the band at the time. I might have a riff or a beat or some other idea that I bring to the table for a song, and always, within an hour of playing with the guys, it always turns out a different way than I thought it would go. And thats cool. New York, January 10 - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) will pay a civil sanction of $305 million euros within the framework of an accord with the US Justice Department for diesel emissions, according to a copy of the deal deposited by the American authorities. FCA has also reached an accord with the California authorities on diesel emissions, the consensual decree said. FCA was accused of installing on some its cars devices to cheat on tests. FCA has repeatedly denied the accusations. There may also be an announcement shortly of FCA accords with the owners of the cars concerned and with some US States, sources said. FCA will reportedly have to pay more millions of dollars to settle these accusations. The sums involved with the States ares aid to be at least 75 million dollars while a further 280 million could go to settling with the owners of some 104,000 cars. The vehicles are Jeep Grand Cherokees and Ram 1500s produced from 2014 to 2016 with three-liter diesel engines and sold in the USA. Rome, January 10 - Francesco Minisci, the president of the Italian magistrates union ANM, sounded the alarm on Thursday about the government's bill on legitimate self-defence. Minisci told the Lower House's justice committee that there was a risk of "legitimizing serious illegal conduct, including homicide". He also said there was the danger that the bill could be "unconstitutional". The bill would introduce rules similar to the US stand-your-ground laws where virtually all forms of self-defence on one's property are deemed legitimate. Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, the architect of the law, said "the magistrates should read the proposal, and support us". Rome, January 10 - Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said Thursday the army would not be used to fill in Rome potholes. He said he hoped the Rome city administration would "do better" on the problem. "I'm putting my heart and soul and money into Rome," he said. "As an adoptive Roman I expect more, more can be done. "I'm thinking of the management of public transport and the roads, the army can't be used to fill in holes in the streets". Rome, January 10 - Premier Giuseppe Conte will meet a delegation from Italian municipalities' association ANCI to discuss the government's controversial security and migrant decree next Monday, ANCI acting vice president Roberto Pella said Thursday. Some leftwing mayors have said they will not apply Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's decree because it allegedly strips asylum seekers of basic protection. Pella said "we will ask (Conte) to modify the technical application of the decree". Salvini said: "Premier Conte is right to meet the mayors. You don't deny anyone a coffee, obviously rthe decree is working, it can't be touched and remains as is, applied and appreciated by 99% of the mayors. Rome, January 10 - Leading Italian immunologist Roberto Burioni said Thursday that 5-Star Movement (M5S) founder Beppe Grillo and ex-premier and former Democratic Party (PD) leader Matteo Renzi were among the figures to sign up to a "pact for science' that he is proposing. The pact seeks to support scientific research and combat 'pseudomedicine'. "Something very important happened today," Burioni said on his Medicalfacts website. "Beppe Grillo (on his blog) and Matteo Renzi have signed (together with many others) a pact to defend science. "You can be divided on everything but there needs to be a common base". Rome, January 10 - A man was shot outside a nursery school in Rome's Magliana district at around 8:50 on Thursday, sources said. The victim had just dropped off his children and gotten into his car when he was shot by an assailant on a scooter, the sources said. He was hit several times in the head and has been taken to hospital in a serious condition, according to the sources. The man reportedly has a criminal record. Rome, January 10 - The cost-benefit analysis that the government has commissioned on the controversial TAV Turin-Lyon high-speed rail link is set to be negative, government sources said on Thursday. Premier Giuseppe Conte's 5-Star Movement-League executive has said the analysis will influence its decision over whether to press ahead with the project, which has come under fire over its cost and environmental impact. The sources said that so far only a "preliminary draft" of the analysis had been handed to the government and stressed that no decision has been taken. Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini reproposed the idea of holding a referendum on the project if the analysis gives it the thumbs down. "I'm in favour of new roads and railways," League leader Salvini told RTL radio. "I'm in favour of the TAV and the project being continued. "If the technical analysis of the TAV were negative, none of us would want to, nor would be able to, stop the request for a referendum". Fellow Deputy Premier and Labour and Industry Minister Luigi Di Maio reiterated that his 5-Star Movement "is against the project". "I haven't read it. It's a preliminary study," he told Radio Anch'io, referring to the cost-benefit analysis. "Let's wait for the official data. The experts will have to talk and say where the project is a good investment". Rome, January 10 - Italian-American carmaker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has agreed to pay out over $650 million to settle accusations in the United States that it cheated on emissions tests, the Associated Press. The agency said a source told it that FCA will pay $311 million in fines to the federal government and the State of California in a case regarding 104,00 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs and Ram pickups produced between 2014 and 2016. Around $280 million will be paid out to compensate owners, with around $72 million set to settle claims made by other states, AP reported. The carmaker will not admit to any wrongdoing, the agency said. Periodically Jack is seen in riffs on Bob Dylans Subterranean Homesick Blues music video. He signs his photos of the murder scenes Mr. Sophistication. Verge, the Virgil stand-in, confronts Jack in the underworld, but Jack is wily; his imagination may be lazily sadistic, but he can talk his way out of most rhetorical corners. (He gasses on and on; the films theatrical cut, which is rated R, runs a tick over two-and-a-half-hours.) The best work in the new Second City e.t.c. Stage revue "Gaslight District" engages at an equal level with the paying customers in the seats. For example, there's a terrific Uber Pool bit mocking the faux communities that emerge in the traffic-snarling world of shared rides. And cast member Jasbir Singh Vazquez plays a guy who shows up at the offices of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, requesting his own deportation. Vazquez is as good as anyone I've seen on the e.t.c. Stage. I wouldn't say new director Anneliese Toft's revue is fully secure in its own skin, but it's funny and knows how to hit hard against soft targets. Open run on the Second City e.t.c. Stage, 1608 N. Wells St. in Piper's Alley; $21-$48 at 312-337-3992 and www.secondcity.com "That this administration feels the need, nearly a decade later, to take potshots at an effort to identify common ground between the Arab world and the West speaks not only to the Trump administration's pettiness but also to its lack of a strategic vision for America's role in the region and its abdication of America's values," the National Security Action group said in a statement. Despite an ugly and fatal failure of Firestone tires that caused Explorers to roll over, prompting a massive recall in 2001, the Explorer sold record numbers in 2000 and continued to sell well in the new millennium. For the redesigned third-generation 2002 model, the Explorer moved off the Ranger platform and away from the ruggedness of its predecessor. An independent four-wheel suspension as well as an available third-row bench seat firmly put the Explorer in the family vehicle category. The manual transmission and two-door configuration were no longer an option. Just weeks after it was blocked in the Senate, Montana Representative Greg Gianforte reintroduces legislation that would start the process to federally recognize the Little Shell Tribe. If passed H.R. 297 would all the Tribe to purchase 200 acres of land to serve as it's reservation. That area would be determined by the Secretary of Interior and the Tribe and could be placed somewhere in Cascade, Blaine, Hill or Glacier county. It would also make the Tribe eligible for federal resources for economic development, health and education. We take up their worthy cause again today as I reintroduce the bill, Gianforte said. I call on this body to consider and pass this bill again. This Congress should provide the Little Shell Tribe with the federal recognition it deserves, particularly after its eight decades of dedicated efforts. Gerald Gray, Chairman of the Little Shell Tribe had this to say after Gianforte's announcement, "I appreciate Congressman Gianfortes steadfast determination to see justice served for the Little Shell Tribe. He is a true friend to my people. I am confident that his persistence will result in the long-awaited passage and enactment into law of the Little Shell Restoration Act. Sens. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Steve Daines, R-Mont., reintroduced the same legislation in the Senate on Tuesday. In a press release sent to KFBB Tester said, "The Little Shell deserve to have their sovereignty recognized. Its time for the federal government to do right by the Little Shell. After years of fighting, Im hopeful we can get it done this Congress. This is not the first time Montana's Congressman have tried to get the Tribe the recognition they believe they deserve however, it was quickly squashed in December. Senator Daines called for a vote and Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah was the single vote that struck the bill down. Sen. Lee he has not returned our phone calls to KFBB but in a Montana Public Radio report he pointed to the Bureau of Indian Affairs 2009 denial of the Little Shells petition for federal recognition. "I'm aware of no legal analysis indicating that the conclusion of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 2009 was inadequate or flawed. For that reason, I object, Lee said. Federal recognition for the Little Tribe has been proposed several times dating back to the 1930s. The closest it ever came to fruition was this past December in the Senate. The Tribe is comprised of about 5,400 enrolled members. It's been recognized in the state of Montana since 2000 but has not had a recognized homeland since the late 1800s. When we're talking about the industry of trucking, the career field itself hasn't seen too much growth, however, their job responsibilities have. The trucking industry in Great Falls has seen a dramatic increase in importing and exporting goods; especially with our Canadian neighbors to the north. The Canadian dollar is less valuable than ours, and as a result, there are an abundance of exports. However, as the Canadian dollar changes, well begin to see more imports as well. In fact, Turbo Auto Transport carries anywhere between three to five hundred vehicles a month through Canada, which is not only great business, but good for the economy as well. "Brings jobs to Great Falls. I mean currently, were at thirty employees in our little company right? And a lot of those employees have come on since weve started to import and export so its good for our economy," explains Aaron Corbett, Transportation Director at Turbo Auto Transport. Aaron continued to explain that trucking is the main way we're able to receive our goods and merchandise in America. With such a promising future, Aaron says becoming a trucker is a great opportunity and career. The industry has continued to change for the better and truckers can make anywhere between $70,000-$100,000 annually. As for the future of trucking in Great Falls, Aaron believes we'll continue to see more imports and exports within the next few years, and as a result, a growing career field and an even stronger economy. Earlier this week, a third grade student brought a handgun to Washington Elementary in Billings. Now, the superintendent said the student had no intention of causing any harm. He simply wanted to show his friends. We spoke to a gun specialist to talk more about children and gun safety. Wake Up Montana's Briana Monte is holding a custom Sig P-320. A kind of handgun Andrew Stapleton, managing partner at Black Butte Range, said should be kept in a secured place such as a lock box or a safe. This is to protect yourself as well as others, especially children. Stapleton said children tend to be very curious and they're never too young to start learning about the safety of firearms. "If the youth know about safety and firearms and how to safely operate firearms, the safe places to use a firearm- only at a range or a secured facility- I think that's the other half of the battle that we're missing because everybody wants to lock them up and secure them and hide them," Stapleton explained. "But then it becomes a thing where they're very interested in the secretive, the movie that mom never let you watch. You skip to your friends' house and watch it as soon as you can." Stapleton said it's not necessarily parents' job to teach their kids about gun safety, but educating them could prevent disastrous outcomes. "If you take a no firearm stance in your household, that's your choice, but when you walk through Walmart, you're going to walk past a case that has firearms in it or on a TV that has firearms in it," Stapleton added. "I just think knowledge is power and that definitely needs to be used." So where can you go to teach kids about gun safety? You can visit a nearby shooting range such as Black Butte Range, where professionals can give the proper education about gun safety. Civica Rx has already selected 14 hospital-administered generic drugs to focus on this year. Wall declined to identify the drugs, but she said Civica Rx is working to to bring them to market in the second half of the year. Civica Rx is working to gain approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to become a manufacturer, and it plans to either directly manufacture the drugs or contract with other manufacturers. UPDATE: SPD still on the lookout for suspect in slain SPD officer's death Without Messi and Luis Suarez in attack, the Catalan club had difficulties creating scoring opportunities. The trio of Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele and Malcom was largely ineffective, and the team's lone goal came late with penalty kick converted by Philippe Coutinho in the 85th. (ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) The state of Missouri will be continuing its Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) despite the government shut down. The St. Joseph Health Department released a statement saying they received word from the state that there's enough funding to keep programs running. "We have recently fielded calls from participants who've been concerned about how the shutdown has impacted the program and their benefits," Lisa Horn, WIC Coordinator, St. Joseph Health Department said. "Our clinic is open for business as usual." Individuals are asked to keep their appointment times for now. The health department said there will be an update provided at the end of January over the status of funding should the government shutdown last that long. Over 114,000 Missourians receive assistance through WIC, over 1800 of those are in St. Joseph. Weather Alert ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 410, ZONE 413 BELOW 6000 FEET AND ZONE 427 BELOW 7000 FEET... ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 413 BELOW 6000 FEET... The National Weather Service in Pocatello has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect until 9 PM MDT this evening. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 413 Caribou Range/Caribou NF below 6000 feet. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts of 25 to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...10 to 17 percent. * IMPACTS...Strong winds and low humidity coupled with dry fuels will create critical fire weather conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly based on these criteria for Southeastern Idaho: - Relative humidity at or below 15 percent and wind gusts of at least 25 mph in the mountains, or 30 mph in the Snake Plain. - Thunderstorm coverage of 25 percent, without specific rainfall criteria. - Other high impact events deemed critical by the National Weather Service and area fire management agencies. && Mom sentenced to probation after boy abducted, held in attic for six months Friends, family react to deaths of three fishermen after boat capsizes on Oregon coast Tribes in Montana and South Dakota say President Donald Trump approved the pipeline in March without considering potential damage to cultural sites from spills and construction (CNN) Saudi Arabia has opened up its vast energy reserves to independent auditors for the first time, a move that could help it revive plans to sell shares in state oil giant Aramco. The government of Saudi Arabia said in a statement Wednesday that U.S. energy consultancy DeGolyer & MacNaughton had concluded that its oil reserves total 268.5 billion barrels. The estimate is slightly higher than the 266.3 billion barrel figure previously published by the Saudi government. Allowing an independent company to assess its reserves represents a major shift for Saudi Arabia, which has for decades closely guarded data about its oil and gas industry. Yet the country is now embarking on reforms in an attempt to diversify its economy away from oil. It had hoped to launch an initial public offering for state-owned oil company Aramco in 2018, but plans for the listing stalled. A lack of transparency over the size of the country's energy reserves had caused skepticism about the potential sale and the value of Aramco. Now the kingdom is planning to bring back the IPO in 2021, Reuters reported, citing Saudi energy minister Khalid Al Falih. Saudi officials had said that selling just 5 percent of Aramco could generate $100 billion that could be used to fund Vision 2030, a blueprint of what the country's economy should look like over the next decade. The country on Wednesday highlighted the value and power of Aramco, the world's largest oil company. "This certification underscores why ... we believe Saudi Aramco is the world's most valuable company and indeed the world's most important," Al Falih said in a statement, which made no mention of the IPO. Saudi Arabia pumped oil at record levels in 2018, including output of 11 million barrels a day in November. That leaves "spare capacity very low, much lower than the 1.5 to 2 million barrels a day which they used to aim for," said Spencer Welch, oil markets executive director at IHS Markit. "This [audit] announcement ... means that Saudi has been doing more drilling and so has discovered more oil. The extra drilling is likely in an effort to regain some of the lost spare production capacity," he said. In December, Saudi Arabia agreed along with OPEC members and other major producers including Russia to cut production further in an effort to boost prices. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Saudi Arabia has always claimed vast oil reserves. An audit just proved it's right." Jan 10 (Reuters) - Acacia Mining said on Thursday the Tanzanian government has fined the miner 300 million Tanzanian shillings ($129,143), two days after the government appointed a new mining minister, over allegations of breaching environmental regulations at its North Mara mine. Acacia said it has been asked verbally to build a new tailings storage facility (TSF), a structure for storing uneconomical ore, but had not yet received any written notice from the government. "Acacia expects that a new TSF is likely to be an economically viable alternative to further expansions of the existing TSF at the mine," the company said. The company's North Mara mine, where operations remain unaffected, received an Environmental Protection Order (EPO). Although the National Environment Management Council found discharges of a hazardous substance at the mine, the company said it was unaware of it and was awaiting a detailed report. Acacia is in the middle of a prolonged spat with the government over a $190 billion tax bill, which has severely limited the London-listed company's operations in the East African nation. The Barrick Gold -owned company has been accused of tax evasion by the government, which charged three of its local subsidiaries, an employee and a former staffer for money laundering and tax evasion last year. ($1 = 2,323.0000 Tanzanian shillings) (Reporting by Tanishaa Nadkar in Bengaluru; Editing by James Emmanuel) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he is still scheduled to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland later this month but will not go if the partial shutdown of the federal government continues. I intended to go and speak in front of the world financial community in Davos. Thats still on, but if the shutdown continues ... I wont go. I had planned to go, its been very successful when I went. We have a great story to tell, Trump told reporters before leaving the White House to visit Texas. The partial government shutdown, now in its 20th day, could end by the meetings Jan. 22 start date. The meeting concludes on Jan. 25. Chinas Vice President Wang Qishan is also expected to attend, but it is not clear if there are any arrangements for a meeting between him and Trump during the annual gathering. China and the United States have taken a 90-day pause in implementing tariffs to hammer out a trade deal. The Swiss meeting could also provide Trump with opportunities to discuss better terms of trade with the European Union, Japan, Canada and Mexico. BUDAPEST, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Budapest had no target date for joining the euro, adding the zone using the common European currency is not the same as it was when Hungary pledged to join it. He said Hungary would constantly monitor economic developments to see whether it is in its interest to join but added: "I don't consider it necessary for everyone to enter the euro zone... if it is in our interests we can decide to join." Hungary joined the European Union in 2004, and made a commitment then to eventually join the currency bloc. (Reporting by Marton Dunai) 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. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Hundreds of furloughed federal employees chanting we want to work gathered for a union-led march to the White House on Thursday, the 20th day of a partial government shutdown over U.S. President Donald Trumps demand for border wall funding. Hey, hey, ho, ho, shutdowns got to go protesters shouted as they assembled in the bitter cold outside of the AFL-CIO union headquarters, hoisting signs reading Trump: End the Shutdown, Reopen Govt and Let Me Do My Job. Some 800,000 federal government employees have been ordered to stay home or work without pay during the shutdown brought on by a standoff between Trump and Democrats in Congress over Trumps demand for $5.7 billion to build a wall on the southern U.S. border. Trump, in a 2016 presidential campaign promise, repeatedly vowed that Mexico would pay for the wall. But he has said he will not sign any bill to reopen the government that does not provide wall funding. Protesters, many wearing neon green vests reading, I am a worker. I demand a voice, on Thursday demanded the government be reopened, separate from any debate over wall funding. We want our pay! We want our pay! We want our pay! shouted government employees and contractors bundled against the cold in knitted hats and scarves as they gathered for the march. In its third week, the shutdown of about a quarter of the federal government is the second longest since the mid-1970s. Trump has said it could continue for months or even years. Many furloughed federal workers have turned to online fundraising outlets such as GoFundMe.com to help cover expenses from food to utility bills. Trump will not be at the White House when the protesters arrive. He was headed to the U.S.-Mexico border in McAllen, Texas. The president has said he has the right to declare a national emergency if no deal with Congress can be reached on funding the project. SOFAZ, which has been buying gold since 2012, holds the former Soviet country's proceeds from oil contracts, oil and gas sales, transit fees and other revenue. "During 2019, SOFAZ plans to purchase gold taking into account factors like the price of gold in the global market and acceptable share of gold in the investment portfolio," the fund told Reuters. SOFAZ held 50.95 tonnes of gold worth $2.1 billion at the end of 2018. (Reporting by Nailia Bagirova; writing by Polina Devitt; editing by Dale Hudson) MASON CITY, Iowa - It's National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (LEAD), and as a way of giving back, some are rolling up their sleeves and donating blood as part of the National Blue Blood Drive. Many community blood centers across the country, including Iowa's LifeServe Blood Centers (which also includes the Mason City location), are participating in the drive and partnering with Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), which provides resources to help survivors after a loved one is killed in the line of duty. "If something I can do for just a couple minutes helps somebody else, then why not?" Dispatcher Molly Arns normally takes emergency calls, but today, she's donating a bit of her time and blood. And it's not just members of law enforcement giving, it's people throughout the community as well. Arns says something as small as donating a pint can mean so much to those that protect and serve. "Law enforcement sometimes they get a bad rap, so it's nice that anything anyone can do to help support them for everything they do for us." Charles City Officer Dario Gamino donated as well, and appreciates the turnout on such an important day, especially from his colleagues. "It's a huge family. Not only correction officers, but also the deputies, the sheriffs, the dispatch, you got us officers out on patrol as well. We're all one huge family that takes care of each other." The drive also comes during National Blood Donor Month, which encourages people to donate blood and platelets, as winter is one of the more difficult times of the year to collect blood. ROCKWELL, Iowa Authorities are investigating whats being called a suspicious death in Rockwell. Rockwell police and EMTs, the Mason City Fire Department, and the Cerro Gordo County Sheriffs Office were called to the 200 block of East Main Street just after 4 pm Wednesday. They say they arrived to find a deceased male. Sheriff Kevin Pals tells KIMT the death was not caused by blunt force trauma or foul play but is considered suspicious. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has been called in to examine the situation and an autopsy will be conducted to find out the cause of death. The name of the person who died has not been released. ALBERT LEA, Minn. A Freeborn County man is pleading not guilty to assaulting two women. Derek Allan Rothmeier, 22 of Geneva, is charged with 1st degree burglary, domestic assault, 5th degree assault, criminal damage to property, and violating a no-contact order. He was arrested on November 22, 2018, after Albert Lea police got a report of a domestic disturbance at an apartment in the 500 block of James Avenue. Two women say Rothmeier entered the apartment and started yelling at them, then began punching them when they tried to push him back out the front door. One woman says when she told Rothmeier she was going to call police, he rushed out the patio door and broke the screen. After speaking with the women, officers arrested Rothmeier near the apartment. Court documents state Rothmeier is married to one of the women and is already facing charges of disorderly conduct from August 2018 and 1st degree burglary, violating a restraining order, and domestic assault from October 2018 where she is listed as the victim. Rothmeiers trial is scheduled to begin on April 23. DES MOINES, Iowa An Election Contest Committee will take up the disputed Winneshiek County election to the Iowa House of Representatives. House Speaker Linda Upmeyer announced Monday she will appoint the committee and it will meet shortly after the Legislature convenes on January 14. Democrat Kayla Koether lost the election in House District 55 by nine votes to incumbent Republican Michael Bergan. She then went to court to get 29 absentee ballots counted. Those ballots had postal code bar markings which indicate they were mailed before the absentee ballot deadline but did not have postmarks as required by state law. Upmeyer says the Election Contest Committee will hear arguments from each side, gather necessary information, and issue a report for the full House, which will then vote to resolve the ballot dispute. A state judge dismissed Koethers lawsuit over the absentee ballots in December 2018, saying it was up to the House to decide the issue. Upmeyer says until that happens, Bergan will serve as the Representative for District 55. ROCHESTER, Minn.-Each month Destination Medical Center holds a sustainability meeting to get a check on how the city is doing. Kevin Bright is the director of sustainability for the DMC and Rochester. He tells us that statewide, 25% of electricity is from renewable sources. This year Bright says the city is looking to move more people downtown, add bike lanes and connect trails to communities. Trying to provide a variety of options to people so they don't have to continue their current behavior which predominately is driving a single occupied vehicle, says Bright. Linda Lewis is temporarily a Rochester resident. She owns a home in Mexico that relies on renewable energy. She tells KIMT that she thinks the key is convincing people to make lifestyle changes. You can access public transportation and decrease the amount of times you have to take a car especially if one person is driving a car, you know, it's lifestyle choices, she told KIMT. Bright tells KIMT that the city is on track for its goal of reducing energy by 25% in the next few years. CLARION, Iowa A man accused of shooting into an occupied bus is pleading not guilty. Jason Jacob Bouska, 38 of Eagle Grove, was arrested in December 2018 after the Eagle Grove Police Department says he fired several shots into a bus with several occupants at the Union Pacific Railroad Yard. Bouska is charged with going armed with intent and intimidation with a dangerous weapon. His trial is now set to begin on February 26 in Wright County District Court. This weeks Kilkenny People has details of a wide range of positions in the recruitment section. Here are some top picks for job vacancies. Chadwicks Kilkenny are expanding their team and seeking to recruit a full-time Fitter Driver, and an Administrative Assistant (part time). Farm Relief Services require Farm Operators throughout the county. The Blackberry Cafe is looking for a full-time Position Supervisor, Waiter/Waitress required for a day time cafe in Thomastown. There's a career opportunity at Teagasc, which is seeking a Pensions Manager. Muckalee Community Childcare is recruiting for a full time position for maternity cover with the possibility of the position becoming permanent. For more vacancies, and information on how to apply for these positions, be sure to pick up this weeks edition of the Kilkenny People. PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Relatives of a man who was shot and killed by a Portland police officer say he was legally blind and suffered from paranoid schizophrenia. The Oregonian/OregonLive reports 36-year-old Andre Catrel Gladen was shot at a southeast Portland home and declared dead at a hospital Sunday. His cousin Diamond Randolph says Gladen had been living in Sacramento, California, but went to Portland in December. Witness Desmond Pescaia says police were called after Gladen wouldn't leave the home. Pescaia says the officer used a stun gun on Gladen following a struggle. Pescaia says the officer fired three shots from his handgun after Gladen pulled out a knife and went toward the officer. SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon's new labor commissioner says her department will pursue its civil rights complaint against the Oregon Legislature whose leaders were accused of allowing harassment to persist. The complaint was initiated under Labor Commissioner Val Hoyle's predecessor. She said Wednesday protocol dictates that her deputy commissioner handle the next steps. Hoyle, who was sworn in on Monday, said there are two possible resolutions: adjudication before an administrative law judge and conciliation, which means reaching an agreement to settle the matter. State Sen. Jeff Kruse resigned last year amid accusations he repeatedly inappropriately touched women in the Capitol. House Speaker Tina Kotek and Senate President Peter Courtney denied accusations by former Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian that they failed to take sufficient action. EUGENE, Ore. -- A fundraiser will help a Harrisburg teenager who lost his leg last month. RELATED: Harrisburg teen loses leg after being hit by alleged drunk driver Jared Jones Jared Jones Linn County deputies said Jared Jones was drunk when he hit Jimmy Holland while Holland was parked on the side of the road in December. The fundraiser will help Holland and his family pay medical bills racked up during the life-saving surgeries. Holland's great grandmother said Holland has a long road to recovery with physical therapy and possibly more surgeries. She said Holland has managed to keep his sense of humor, but he'll need all the support he can get. "All we can do is pray for him and hope for the best, and hope people do come out and contribute," Ginny Long said. "I doubt there's enough money that will ever cover the hospital bill." MORE: Elmira raises money for Harrisburg teen hit by drunk driver Papas Pizza is holding a fundraiser on Thursday, Jan. 10. Fifty percent of all sales will go to Hollands medical fund. Its happening all day at the stores on West Eleventh and Coburg Road in Eugene, as well as Main Street in Springfield. Make sure to bring a copy of the flier. You can also make a donation at Key Bank. On Monday, the 99 Grill in Harrisburg is holding a fundraiser all day, and a third of their proceeds will go to the family. NEWPORT, Ore. -- A community on the Yaquina Bay is mourning the deaths of three fishermen after their boat capsized Tuesday night on the Oregon Coast. U.S. Coast Guard officials said the Mary B II fishing boat requested a Coast Guard escort across the Yaquina Bay bar in Newport due to 12 to 15-foot waves. The Coast Guard crew left the Yaquina Bay station and at 10:13 p.m., Oregon State Police was told the fishing vessel had capsized with three people on board. GOFUNDME CAMPAIGNS To learn more about Josh Porter's campaign, click here. To learn more about James Lacey's campaign, click here. They began searching immediately and the U.S. Coast Guard said their helicopter found James Lacey, 48, of South Toms River, New Jersey, in the ocean. They transported him to a hospital in Newport, where he was pronounced dead. At 12:28 a.m., Newport Fire Department found Joshua Porter, 50, of Toledo on the shore near Nye Beach, where he was pronounced dead. The Mary B II ultimately ran aground on the beach near the north side of the Yaquina Bay North Jetty. Stephen Biernacki, 50, of Barnegat Township, New Jersey was found with the boat and was pronounced dead at the scene. Biernacki was the boat's skipper. RELATED: Three fishermen dead after boat capsizes in Newport KEZI 9 News spoke with fishermen who knew Porter, and they said he was loved by everyone who knew and got to work with him on the docks. They said weather conditions were rough on the coast Tuesday night but trusted the men's judgment to head out onto the water. Gary Ripka, a fellow fishermen, said the men were facing 18-foot swells and that Porter was just filling in on the Mary B II for the night trying to make extra money for his family. "He was real easy going," Ripka said. "Just recently got married. A good family man. A father. Really heavily involved in the church." Ripka said Porter used to work for him on boats in the past and described Porter as his "right-hand man." "This is a tough day," he said. "Any way you look at it. The weather is crummy out here and you just, its a gloomy day, and it's just a tough day for our community." Brett Hamrick, the owner of Seawate Seafood in Newport said he gave the three men bait before they went out to sea and said he was devastated to learn they weren't returning. He said the men were out crabbing when their boat capsized. Ripka and Hamrick said they didn't know the two men from New Jersey personally, but they trusted their judgment when it came to heading out on the water that night. EUGENE, Ore. -- A Eugene couple is thanking the Eugene Springfield Fire Department for giving them lessons that helped save their lives. After a fatal fire at a Eugene mobile home park, park community members went to a meeting with fire marshals about fire safety. RELATED: COUPLE ESCAPES MOBILE HOME FIRE TWO DAYS AFTER REPLACING SMOKE ALARMS Because of that meeting, Bea Koch and her husband changed their 19-year-old smoke detectors just two days before a fire damaged their home and ten days after that fatal fire. "The fire marshals being here that day saved my life," Koch said. "That's why I'm sitting here. My husband, my puppy. I can't say enough for them." Koch said that she woke up at four on Tuesday morning to let her dog outside. She said she hung out in her living room for a while, but stopped by her spare bathroom before going back to bed. She went into the bathroom, turned on the lights and the home filled with smoke from a fire that was underneath and inside the walls of the home. "The alarms started going off, I got Nicki put away, I found out my phones weren't working," Koch said. "I ran to the neighbor, banged on her door, rang the doorbell, called the fire department -- I think the house is on fire." As a result of both recent fires, other community members have also signed up to have their smoke detectors inspected and replaced. UPDATE: No body was found in the truck pulled from the Willamette River Wednesday, the Benton County Sheriff's Office said. The vehicle belongs to Suzanne Durheim, 65, who went missing earlier this week. Officials said she did not show up for work Monday at Samaritan Health Plans in Corvallis. CORVALLIS, Ore. -- A truck belonging to a missing Brownsville woman was found in the Willamette River Tuesday, and the Benton and Linn county sheriff's offices worked to pull it out of the water Wednesday. It is not known at this time if 65-year-old Suzanne Durheim's body is inside the vehicle. Benton County undersheriff Greg Ridler said Durheim didnt show up for work Monday at Samaritan Health Plans in Corvallis. She was driving a red 2003 F-150 Ford pickup with a camper shell. Officials said divers had difficulty hooking up the truck to tow it out because it's fully underwater. Durheim's family and the county began the search for her Jan. 7. They found tracks that went off the road near milepost 1 of Highway 20 near Hewlett-Packard. They reached out to the Benton County Sheriff's Office. Deputies found evidence that suggested a vehicle went off the road into the river in that area, and searchers found a fender flare at the location matching the color of Durheims vehicle. Deputies then continued their search for the vehicle. The Benton County Sheriff's Office has been working with the Linn County Sheriff's Office during the investigation. 23 Shares Share An excerpt from The Medical Marijuana Guide: Cannabis and Your Health Despite the fact that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services applied for a patent on cannabinoids as neuroprotectants and antioxidants in 1999 and was granted that patent in 2003, cannabis is still Schedule I. This means it is deemed to be of no medical value and has a high potential for abuse. For this reason, medical providers in states with medical cannabis programs were and still are unable to write prescriptions. Instead, recommendations were made to patients that cannabis might be beneficial in alleviating certain symptoms. The governments view is that all of the cannabinoids in the plant are Schedule I. Not only is -9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but also cannbidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and other non-intoxicating compounds in the cannabis plant are all schedule l and are deemed to have no medical value and a high risk for abuse. Interestingly, synthetic -9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the same molecule that is in the plant, is classified as Schedule III and has been available since the 1980s by prescription for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and anorexia associated with HIV/AIDS. It is available for prescription use in the United States, Germany, South Africa, and Australia. In late 2017, at the World Health Organization convention, the United Nations officially recommended that cannabidiol (CBD) not be scheduled as a drug. As stated by the Expert Committee on Drug Dependence: Recent evidence from animal and human studies shows that its use could have some therapeutic value for seizures due to epilepsy and related conditions. Current evidence also shows that cannabidiol is not likely to be abused or create dependence as for other cannabinoids [such as -9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), for instance]. The ECDD, therefore, concluded that current information does not justify scheduling of cannabidiol and postponed a fuller review of cannabidiol preparations to May 2018, when the committee will undertake a comprehensive review of cannabis and cannabis-related substances. In states where medical cannabis is legal, it is still illegal at the federal level. After the 1996 California law was passed, the federal government, under both Clinton and Bush, attempted to prosecute doctors for discussing medical cannabis beyond its possible benefits and risks. Doctors could state that a patient might benefit from cannabis therapy, but were not allowed to discuss with the patient what type of cannabis to use or how to use it. They were not able to inform a patient about the whereabouts of a dispensary. All of this information was considered aiding and abetting and the doctors stood to lose their licenses to practice medicine. The Ninth Circuit Court issued an injunction against the Department of Justice in 2000. which was appealed by the Bush administration. The appellate court, in Conant v. Walters, 309 F.3d 629 (9th Cir 2002), ruled that the government could enforce its own laws but could not make a state change its laws. One of the judges, Alex Kozinski, went on to say that patients in federally approved studies and programs provide compelling support for the view that medical marijuana can make the difference between a relatively normal life and a life marred by suffering. The decision also said that doctors could be prosecuted for actively helping patients acquire illegal drugs but not for giving good-faith medical advice that might enable a patient to acquire marijuana independently. In 2009, in a memorandum issued by Attorney General Eric Holder, the Obama administration urged federal prosecutors to not prosecute people who distributed cannabis for medical purposes in accordance with state law and in 2013, the Department of Justice updated their medical cannabis policy by stating that they expected the states to create strong enforcement efforts based on state law and would defer their right to challenge legalization laws, while reserving the right to challenge the states at any time they felt necessary. It is important to keep in mind that although medical cannabis use may be legal in your state, it is still a federal offense and being a registered patient does not offer any job or housing protection and may impede your ability to purchase or even own a firearm. It is also important to remember that while the list of qualifying conditions may have been accurate at the time this was written, states often add conditions to their list and there may be conditions that a physician can approve case-by-case. Many states have a caveat that allows for physician discretion and states that the physician can recommend for any condition that would be thought to benefit from its use. That often includes conditions like insomnia, anxiety, mood disorder, stress, and depression. If your condition is not listed specifically, do not be discouraged. If in doubt, contact the states medical cannabis program and ask. If they are not able to help you, call or email a recommending provider, briefly describe your condition, and ask if they think you would likely be approved. Again, dont be discouraged if your specific condition is not listed. There is generally some flexibility. Patricia Frye is an integrative medicine physician and author of The Medical Marijuana Guide: Cannabis and Your Health. Image credit: Shutterstock.com EAGLE POINT, Ore. -- The largest credit union in Southern Oregon is helping construction for the Butte Creek Mill finish strong. Maryanne Pitcher, Executive Director of the Butte Creek Mill Foundation, said the budget for the re-building process is $2.5 million. Currently, the foundation has raised between $1.9 and $2 million. The Foundation is partnering with Rogue Credit Union, which will match all donations up to $5,000. You can go into any branch location to donate. Pitcher said the Foundation not only has the generosity of locals to thank, but thousands of others who have fond memories of the Mill. "We have people donating from all over the country, I think people don't realize that. They bought the products and they heard the story, it's very compelling," Pitcher said. She said she's never worked with a more supported project such as this one. She believes that is due to the important part the Mill played in the community. "For the Butte Creek Mill, when you give a dollar, you're not only contributing to preserving history, but also education with our field trips and our internships, you're also helping economic development and driving tourism to the area," Pitcher said. Pitcher said the St. Laurent Family Foundation is also doing a matching program currently. The Foundation will match up to $150,000. Construction on the Mill is set to be completed by Spring 2019. LAKE SHASTINA, Calif. A controversial sign outside of the Trinity Bible Presbyterian Church was vandalized following a rally against the church's message, according to organizers. However, they say that they intend to help the church repair the sign in spite of its message. Prior to the act of vandalism, the sign outside of Trinity Bible Presbyterian Church featured the statement: "Bruce Jenner is still a man / Homosexuality is still sin / The culture may change / The Bible does not." The sign was vandalized sometime on Tuesday night. "I woke this morning to find that our sign had been vandalized. They broke not only the plexiglas and stole some of the letters, they also busted the power box," said Justin Hoke, Pastor of the Trinity Bible Presbyterian Church in a Facebook post on Wednesday. "While we all objected strongly to the message that they displayed publicly, we condemn the use of violence and destruction of property that this person responsible has chosen. To our knowledge, nobody affiliated with our peaceful rally was involved, and if we do become aware of the culprit we will be informing the local authorities," said rally organizer Amelia Mallory. In their original response to the sign, the local LGBTQ community and their supporters organized a "Love Rally" on January 6. Now they intend to rally again on January 13 but this time with the added intent of raising money to repair the church sign. "To show our love for our neighboring church, despite the dogma they preach, we have decided that this Sunday at our rally we will have a collection to help the church with repairs to their sign. While we are donating with no strings attached, we do hope that pastor Hoke will reflect on the generosity of those he rebukes before posting another similar message," Mallory said. KCTV5.com is now with you on the go! Get the latest news updates and video, StormTrack5 weather forecast, weather radar, special investigative reports, sports headlines and much more from KCTV5 News. >> Click/tap here to download our free mobile app. << Copyright 2019 KCTV (Meredith Corp.) All rights reserved. Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. KCTV5.com is now with you on the go! Get the latest news updates and video, StormTrack5 weather forecast, weather radar, special investigative reports, sports headlines and much more from KCTV5 News. >> Click/tap here to download our free mobile app. << Copyright 2019 KCTV (Meredith Corp.) All rights reserved. Hundreds of demonstrators are expected outside Union Station Thursday for a rally to reopen the government, where just across the street you can see the IRS building, where employees are working without pay. North Kansas City-based health care IT firm Cerner Corp. says they are currently going through a reduction of their workforce. If you are old enough to remember the hit comedy movie of 1980, Caddy Shack, then you will recall that a gopher infestation was threatening a golf course in Nebraska. The somewhat deranged groundskeeper was tasked with getting rid of the pest. His efforts at eradication include shooting, f (CNN) U.S. Navy veteran Michael White is in Iranian custody, the Islamic Republic's Foreign Ministry said Wednesday, confirming claims made by White's mother a day earlier. "Michael White was arrested in the city of Mashhad a while ago, and within a few days after his arrest the U.S. government was informed of the arrest through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran," ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said. In the absence of relations, the Swiss Embassy represents U.S. diplomatic interests in Iran. The holy city of Mashhad is in northeastern Iran, 80 kilometers (about 50 miles) from its border with Turkmenistan. Ghasemi denied allegations that White, who hails from Imperial Beach, California, has been mistreated in prison. "This person's case is currently being processed by officials. The public will be informed of more details of the case in due time," he said. Speaking to CNN on Tuesday, his mother, Joanne White, declined to discuss why her son was being held. She said she filed a missing person report after he failed to return to work in California in late July. She is worried about her 46-year-old son's health because he has had cancer and suffers from asthma, she said. "My heart aches for him. ... I just want to see him home safe and sound," Joanne White said by phone. Visiting his girlfriend? News about the American's detention comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran. Those strains have increased since May when the United States withdrew from a nuclear deal and reinstated sanctions against the country. A U.S. State Department representative said the department was "aware of reports of the detention of a U.S. citizen in Iran," and that it has "no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad." British Iranian professor returns to UK after detention in Iran "Due to privacy considerations, we have no additional information to provide at this time," the representative said. Michael White flew from Los Angeles to Dubai on July 9, and then on to Iran, his mother said. He was visiting a woman whom he said was his girlfriend, she said. He met her online about four or five years ago, and he had visited her four times over the last few years, Joanne White said. Michael White's wife, Lupe White, said she last saw her husband July 9, and he texted her a day later saying he was on a business trip for two weeks. Lupe White said he has had an online relationship with a woman in Iran for six years and would go see her for two weeks at a time. She and her husband, who have been married for almost 15 years, have discussed divorce, she said, but she was hoping they had strengthened their relationship in the past six months as she helped him through chemotherapy. "I still love him. He is my partner. He is still my husband," she said. She said the State Department had not contacted her and she was unaware he was in prison until reached by CNN. White said she talked to police at her home. She called them when her husband did not return home, she said. Other foreign nationals held in Iran Michael White is one of several U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals held in Iran. The State Department advises Americans not to travel to Iran "due to the risk of arbitrary arrest and detention." Siamak Namazi, and his father, Baquer Namazi, are Iranian-Americans who have been detained since October 2015 and February 2016, respectively. The son was held while visiting relatives in Tehran; both were sentenced in 2016 to 10 years in prison for what the Iranian government said was "cooperating with Iran's enemies," which usually implies cooperating with the United States. American officials have demanded their release, saying the father and son did nothing wrong. Xiyue Wang, a China-born US citizen and Princeton University graduate student, was detained in August 2016 while doing scholarly research and studying Farsi, the university said. Wang was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of spying, the Iranian government said in 2017. U.S. officials have demanded his release. U.S. officials have also pushed Iran for information about the whereabouts of Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent and CIA contractor who went missing in Iran in 2007. Iran has denied having anything to do with his disappearance and said it doesn't know where he is. His family sued Iran over his disappearance in 2017. In December, six families of foreign or dual nationals held or believed to have disappeared in Iran -- including the families of the Namazis and Levinson -- issued an open letter alleging their relatives were political hostages detained without due process. Recent releases Iran has released Americans and other foreign nationals in recent years. In January 2016, Iran freed four U.S. prisoners -- Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian, Marine veteran Amir Hekmati, Christian pastor Saeed Abedini and Nosratollah Khosravi-Roodsari -- in exchange for the U.S. granting clemency to seven Iranians indicted or imprisoned in the United States. A fifth American, Matthew Trevithick, was separately released that month, US officials said. Those releases came months after the international deal to restrict Iran's nuclear program -- the same deal from which the United States withdrew last year. In December, Abbas Edalat, a British-Iranian professor who was detained in Iran for eight months after being accused of affiliations with an anti-Iran group, was allowed to return to the United Kingdom. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Iran confirms it arrested US Navy veteran 'a while ago'." Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said that India would talk with the Taliban if New Delhi feels the dialogue will serve the country's interests in Afghanistan. "If a number of countries are talking to the Taliban, and if India has an interest in Afghanistan, then we should also join the bandwagon. We should not be left out," General Rawat said at the Army's annual press conference here on Thursday. In November last year, India had participated in talks on Afghanistan in Moscow, of which the Taliban were also a part. New Delhi had participated at a non-official level, sending two former diplomats to the meeting. It is to be noted that India has a policy on not engaging with the group. General Rawat further said, "If somebody has started the talks, let us listen to what is being talked. I have only said what has already been said as someone had already been sent there. Unless you are not sitting on a high table and see how it suits you, you won't know what is happening there in Afghanistan." During the meeting in Moscow last year, the Taliban had said that the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan was the only way forward for maintaining peace and security in the region. -ANI Photo: The Canadian Press Scott Brison Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will shuffle his cabinet Monday to deal with the resignation of Treasury Board President Scott Brison, he said in a news conference Thursday. Brison announced Thursday morning that he won't seek re-election this fall because he wants to spend more time with his family. He'll said he'll quit the cabinet before then because the government is best served by ministers who are running again. Trudeau said he respects Brison's decision to leave to spend time with his young twin daughters. "Obviously this will require some changes to our cabinet, and that's something that we're going to be announcing on Monday," he said to reporters during a tour of a new building at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, B.C. Trudeau refused to be drawn on whether he plans a small shuffle just to replace Brison or a larger one with multiple ministers changing portfolios. As president of the Treasury Board (and the minister responsible for digital government), Brison has had responsibilities for minding the public purse and overseeing the federal public service. The portfolio isn't flashy but can cause big headaches for a government if it's mishandled. "His thoughtfulness, his capacity to understand how best to deliver programming, his ability to understand Canadians through his many, many years of service was extremely valuable around the cabinet table," Trudeau said. Brison has been the face of the Liberal government in Nova Scotia, where the party won every seat in 2015. But he's also been close to the story of Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, who is facing a trial for breach of trust related to allegations he leaked secrets to promote a navy shipbuilding contract. Norman's case is to go to trial late this summer, just as the campaign for the Oct. 21 election is getting underway. Brison has been accused of pressuring the newly-minted Trudeau government in 2015 to suspend a $700-million plan to build a new supply ship, a move that the RCMP alleges prompted Norman to leak secrets to Quebec's Davie Shipbuilding so it could pressure the Liberals into restarting the project. Brison has told the House of Commons that he simply did his job as Treasury Board president, the minder of the public purse, to ensure taxpayers were getting good value for the ship contract. Brison has denied accusations levelled by Norman's lawyers and echoed by opposition MPs that he lobbied on behalf of Halifax-based Irving Shipbuilding, which wanted the Liberals to cancel the Davie deal and hire Irving for the supply-ship job instead. Photo: The Canadian Press Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is returning to a Florida port a day early and giving passengers full refunds of their fare after 277 guests and crew members were hit with an outbreak of norovirus as it sailed to Jamaica. Cruise line spokesman Owen Torres told The Associated Press "we think the right thing to do is get everyone home early rather than have guests worry about their health." He says the ship will return to Port Canaveral on Saturday. It sailed from there Sunday on a seven-day Caribbean cruise. Passengers took to social media on Wednesday, tweeting they were forced to stay onboard after docking in Falmouth, Jamaica, for what was supposed to be a day of excursions. Torres says returning a day early gives the cruise line "more time to completely clean and sanitize the ship" before it sails again. Photo: The Canadian Press RCMP officer meets border crossers in Quebec. The arms-length agency that processes refugee claims in Canada estimated it would need twice as much money as it will ultimately receive to significantly tackle a major backlog in asylum claims, caused in part from an influx of irregular migrants. Documents obtained under access-to-information law show the Immigration and Refugee Board drafted costing estimates in November 2017 showing it would need $140 million annually plus an additional $40 million in one-time costs to finalize 36,000 extra refugee cases every year. That's how many cases the board would need to complete to cut the backlog and also meet the current intake of new asylum claims. The government ultimately earmarked $74 million to the IRB over two years in last year's federal budget to address Canada's refugee backlog, which currently stands at over 64,000. The IRB says in the documents the amount will not be enough to finalize the outstanding claims within two years and that a longer-term strategy is needed to tackle the problem. The documents also reveal employees processing the claims have raised concerns about heavy workloads, problems with their pay due to the Phoenix pay system and have pressed management about when the influx of claims will be considered a crisis. When the judges of the Higher Regional Court in South German town of Stuttgart handed down convictions in the trial of two leaders of a Rwandan armed group in 2015, the judgment was also a milestone for the team of the ZBKV, the specialised unit of the German Federal Police tasked with investigating international crimes. The Rwandans, Ignace Murwanashyaka and Straton Musoni, were leaders of the FDLR armed group [Democratic Forces for the liberation of Rwanda] which has allegedly been committing mass rapes, murder and other grave crimes in East Congo over the course of many years. Murwanashyaka was sentenced to 13 years in prison over four counts of being an accessory to war crimes, and for leading a terrorist organisation. Musoni was found guilty of leading a terrorist organization but acquitted of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The training grounds of Rwanda and Congo Last December, the German Federal Court of Justice partially overturned the verdict. It raised doubts about the war crimes conviction of Murwanashyaka and ordered a retrial. For the ZBKV, the decision was a disappointment since the prosecution of the FDLR leaders was one of its most important cases. It was the first trial held in Germany based on the Code of Crimes against International Law (CCAIL), which enables German authorities to prosecute crimes under the principle of universal jurisdiction. And it was the longest trial in the history of the south German court. Klaus Zorn, head of the ZBKV, recalls the challenges when the German investigators went to Goma in Eastern Congo to interview victims and witnesses of FDLR crimes. An all-female team had to cross the border from Rwanda every day to meet rape victims who lived in the rural Kivu provinces in Congo, Zorn wrote in an article 2017. The team received protection from the UN mission MONUSCO and was escorted through Goma, but was under constant threat from FDLR fighters and supporters. The ZBKV investigators pulled together a case against Murwanashyaka, the FDLR president, and Musoni, his then-deputy, who were both living in Germany at the time. In addition, the ZBKV investigated 15 lower-ranking FDLR supporters in other parts of Germany. In Frankfurt, they brought the case against Rwandan mayor Onesphore Rwabukombe to trial. Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been focus countries for the ZBKV since 2009, explained Zorn. A broad jurisdiction under the control of the prosecutor The unit was established in 2003 as part of the Federal Criminal Police Office and is comprised of 17 staff (as of 2017). ZBKV is the German acronym of the lengthy name Central Unit for the Fight against War Crimes and further Offences pursuant to the Code of Crimes against International Law. Last August, the ZBKV was upgraded to an independent unit within the Federal Criminal Police in order for it to be able to deal with a continuous increase of the workload. In the two years between 2013 and 2015 alone, the number of leads increased by 8,500 percent, according to official records of parliament. In the last years, it has become a leading institution for the domestic prosecution of grave crimes in Europe, says Maria Elena Vignoli, a researcher at Human Rights Watch. In the conflict in Syria, for example, the German and Swedish units were the only ones which were able to produce trials. Germany is one of the few countries where the laws allow for pure universal jurisdiction, says Vignoli. German authorities can technically prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in any country of the world. The law does not require a connection with Germany. However, the law gives a broad discretionary power to the prosecutor, says Vignoli. The provision was introduced to avoid an overload of cases with no link to Germany, but has been criticised by German international criminal law experts like Gerhard Werle and Wolfgang Kaleck because it doesnt allow victims to challenge a decision to dismiss a case. Focus on Syria In the investigations phase, the ZBKV proceeds similarly to the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. It reviews open sources like blogs, media and NGO reports, and can decide to open a Strukturermittlungsverfahren a structural or background investigation. At this stage, no suspect has been identified yet. Another important source have become tips from immigration authorities. German authorities have built efficient collaborations in ways other countries havent, says Vignoli, who compared the German and Swedish war crimes units in a 2017 report for Human Rights Watch. Immigration authorities, for example, introduced a strict categorisation and standard questions and guidelines for officers. During the interviews, all asylum seekers from Syria and Iraq are asked whether they have been victim, witness or perpetrator of grave crimes, and if they know perpetrators of such crimes. The ZBKV also works closely with liaison officers in the regional State Security authorities, for example to contact victims and witnesses. As a consequence of the large influx of migrants in 2015 and 2016, the ZBKV has been overwhelmed with tips of potential war crimes and crimes against humanity. Between 2015 and 2017 it received more than 4,000 tips. (In 2015 immigration authorities forwarded more than 1,500 leads related to grave crimes committed in Syria and nearly 800 in 2016.) Immigration authorities, in collaboration with the Federal Police, have introduced a categorisation for the structural investigations in Syria and Iraq, and are forwarding the tips according to a five-tier system. Category 1 refers to leads where asylum seekers provided concrete information on war crimes allegedly committed by suspects living in Germany or Europe. These tips are processed as a priority. Category 5, the lowest priority, are general tips relating to grave crimes. High-profile target According to the annual universal jurisdiction report Make Way for Justice by human rights organisations TRIAL International, FIDH, ECCHR, REDRESS and FIBGAR, Germany has completed at least four trials under the principle of universal jurisdiction. In September, the leader of a militia in Aleppo, Ibrahim Al F., was sentenced to life in prison over torture, war crimes and other acts. In 2017, a court in Berlin convicted the Iraqi government soldier Rami K. of war crimes and sentenced him to 20 month suspended sentence. K. had been posing with severed heads in Iraq and later sought asylum in Germany. Also in 2017, militia member Suliman al S. was convicted to three and a half years imprisonment for kidnapping a Canadian UN staff member in Syria. The re-trial of the case began on 14 December. Numerous cases are under investigation, in the pre-trial or trial phase. Most of them concern crimes in Syria. The latest indictment, made public on 28 December, concerns the case of Jennifer W., a German national who is accused of having travelled to Iraq where she allegedly held a 5-year old girl as a slave and let her die of thirst. In one of the major breakthroughs so far, the Federal Court of Justice issued an arrest warrant against Jamil Hassan, head of the Syrian Air Force Intelligence Service, in June. Hassan is one of the most senior representatives of the Syrian regime under investigation for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Germany signalizes its readiness to engage in meaningful investigations and prosecutions of grave human rights violations, said Wolfgang Kaleck, founder of the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), who filed the criminal complaint together with Syrian activists and lawyers. Judicial authorities in other states ought to follow such a step by the German judiciary. And they did: In November, France issued three arrest warrants against senior government officials, including Hassan. A Helsinki court on Thursday sentenced a former Iraqi soldier for war crimes after he was filmed cutting off the head of a dead Islamic State fighter. Ahmed Jabbar Hasan, 41, a corporal in the Iraqi army between 2003 and 2015, was handed an 18-month suspended sentence for desecrating and violating the dignity of a dead body, which constitute war crimes under international law. During an operation against the IS near the town of Karma in March 2015, Hasan was filmed decapitating the body of an IS militant and then brandishing the mans head. The video was uploaded to Hasans Facebook page, along with a second clip of him posing in front of burning bodies. Hasan admitted to the acts but denied they constituted a war crime. The court did not release details of when, or for what reason, Hasan came from Iraq to Finland. The Helsinki District Court quoted Hasan as saying that the IS fighter had been a terrorist and was himself accused of far more serious crimes and that he, on the other hand, had not caused anyone suffering, pain or injury. Hasan carried out his actions knowing that four of his close army colleagues had been captured and executed by IS, court documents said. However, the judges found Hasan guilty, ruling that the cruelty of IS does not justify inhuman and degrading treatment. In 2016 two Iraqi migrants to Finland also received suspended sentences after they were pictured on social media cutting off the heads of dead fighters. sgk/gab/ach Facebook Sri Lankas president has appointed a general accused by the United Nations of war crimes to the countrys second-highest army ranking, evoking outcry from rights groups. Major General Shavendra Silva, who commanded an army division accused of gross abuses against civilians during Sri Lankas civil war, formally assumed duties as Chief of Staff of the army on Thursday. Sri Lankas armed forces crushed the Tamil Tiger separatist rebels in 2009 in a no-holds barred offensive that ended a 37-year war that left 100,000 people dead. The final days of the conflict saw mass atrocities against civilians in Sri Lankas predominantly Tamil north. The UN, in a report into the allegations, named Silva as playing a major role in orchestrating war crimes. The International Truth and Justice Project, which has pursued war-era officials accused of crimes, said Silvas appointment was a shocking new low for Sri Lanka. This is arguably the most wanted man in Sri Lanka, the South Africa-based rights group said in a statement Thursday. A decade on, tragically, he is being promoted instead of standing trial. We believe there is more than enough evidence to charge him for international crimes should the opportunity arise. Another rights group, the South Asian Centre for Legal Studies, said Silvas election was proof of continuing impunity in Sri Lanka. It also signals the absence of vetting within the defence structure, allowing alleged violators of international humanitarian law and human rights law to remain in high ranking positions, the centre said. President Maithripala Sirisena, who appointed Silva in a ceremony in Colombo, said the major generals experience and leadership will bring strength and courage to Sri Lankas armed forces. Silva formally assumed duties in his new positon on Thursday, the army said in a statement. A number of Sri Lankan army generals have been denied visas to travel to Western nations over their alleged role in attacks against civilians. Rights groups say at least 40,000 ethnic Tamils were killed by government forces during their push to defeat the separatist rebels. Sri Lankas successive governments have resisted calls for an independent investigation into the conduct of troops during the final months of the conflict. President Sirisena came to power in January 2015 promising justice for war victims but his administration has been accused of dithering ever since. Sirisena, unlike his predecessor Mahinda Rajapakse, agreed to investigate war crimes but no generals have stood trial or been brought to justice. Opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi was on Thursday declared the victor of DR Congos controversial presidential election in a surprise result swifty denounced by his rival as a coup. In a pre-dawn announcement, the election commission named Tshisekedi, son of the countrys late veteran leader, as provisional winner of the bitterly-contested December 30 vote. At stake is political stewardship of the notoriously unstable central African nation which has never known a peaceful transition of power since independence from Belgium in 1960. Tshisekedis apparent victory was greeted by celebrations at the headquarters of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), the countrys oldest and largest opposition party which was founded by his late father, Etienne. The 55-year-old immediately pledged to work closely with current incumbent Joseph Kabila. Today we should no longer see him as an adversary, but rather as a partner for democratic change in our country, he told supporters. Electoral coup But the result was immediately denounced by his opposition rival Martin Fayulu, the runner up, who slammed the announcement as an electoral coup. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the declared outcome was not consistent with the results, saying that Fayulu appeared to have won. With the vast central African country increasingly on edge over the long-delayed vote to replace Kabila, who has ruled the country with an iron fist since 2001, the United Nations warned against any resort to violence. The Secretary-General calls on all stakeholders to refrain from violence and to channel any eventual electoral disputes through the established institutional mechanisms, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said late Wednesday. Kabila had been due to step down two years ago, but managed to cling on to power, sparking an escalating political crisis marked by widespread protests that were brutally repressed, leaving dozens of people dead. The vote finally took place at the end of December, pitting Kabilas handpicked successor Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary against Tshisekedi and Fayulu, a fiery orator who emerged from relative obscurity to take a front seat in the race. Ugly scam Election chief Corneille Nangaa declared Tshisekedi the winner with 38.57 percent of the vote, just ahead of Fayulu with 34.8 percent. Shadaray came third with 23.8 percent. The announcement of an opposition win was a shock as many had expected the results to be stacked in Shadarys favour, prompting heavy international pressure on Kinshasa to respect the wishes of the electorate as the mammoth ballot count was under way. But Thursdays outcome was swiftly denounced by Fayulu as a sham. These results have nothing to do with the truth at the ballot box, he told Radio France International. Its a real electoral coup, its unbelievable, he said. Its an ugly scam by Nangaa and his political cronies. They have stolen the Congolese peoples victory and the people will never accept that. Frances Le Drian also said Fayulu had apparently won, pointing to a parallel count by DR Congos powerful Catholic Church which . He indicated that the results were at odds with those of the Church, which deployed more than 40,000 people to observe the vote. Last week, CENCO, the body that represents the countrys Catholic bishops, said it knew the outcome of the vote and urged the electoral commission to publish the results in keeping with truth and justice. Although it did not name the winner, its announcement drew a sharp rebuke from the ruling coalition. Calculated risk Analysts described Tshisekedis win as highly surprising but said it made sense in the context of DRCs political dynamics. Kabila did not want to risk announcing Shadary as the winner, which would have triggered violent protests and international condemnation. Instead, he chose to split the opposition by creating a power-sharing deal Tshisekedi, said Robert Besseling, executive director of risk consultancy EXX Africa. Kabila will be able to influence Tshisekedi, who now owes his ascendancy to power to Kabilas control of the electoral commission. He said the result was starkly at odds with CENCOs parallel vote tabulation. And in a country of 80 million where half the population are Catholic, CENCOs assessment that the outcome was rigged was likely to be widely accepted, he added. Ahead of the results announcement, police deployed throughout Kinshasa, where residents went home early for the second day running fearful of unrest. CENI is expected to release definitive results on January 15 with the new president to be sworn in three days later. The last two elections in 2006 and 2011, both of which were won by Kabila, were marred by bloodshed, and many fear a repeat of the violence if there is any sense the result has been fixed. In 2006, Kabila defeated former warlord Jean-Pierre Bemba in a violence-tainted poll, and five years later, he was re-elected in another vote blighted by bloodshed, chaotic organisation and alleged irregularities. This time round, Bemba who was barred from running threw his weight behind Fayulu as did another opposition heavyweight, former Katanga governor Moise Katumbi. burs-hmw/txw The Democratic Republic of Congo has been mired in political crisis for much of the rule of President Joseph Kabila, who took over in 2001 and went on to extend his mandate, sparking deadly violence. It was hoped that elections for a new president in late December 2018 would ease the tensions, but long delays in announcing the results again stoked trouble. On Thursday opposition candidate Felix Tshisekedi was named by election officials as the provisional winner of the historic poll. Here is an overview of the election delays: First free vote In January 2001, 29-year-old Kabila takes over as leader of the vast central African country just days after his father Laurent-Desire is assassinated by a bodyguard. In 2006 he wins the first free presidential election for 41 years, defeating ex-warlord Jean-Pierre Bemba in a violence-tainted poll. A constitutional change the same year limits a president to two five-year terms. In March 2007 heavy clashes erupt in Kinshasa between army troops and soldiers loyal to Bemba, leaving 300 dead. With his men defeated, Bemba leaves the country but is arrested near Brussels a year later on charges of war crimes. In November 2011, Kabila is re-elected in a vote marked by chaotic organisation, violence and alleged irregularities. The opposition rejects the results. Elusive election In January 2015, demonstrations break out in Kinshasa over a bill that would delay the 2016 elections and enable Kabila to remain in office beyond the end of his second term. Around 50 people are killed. More demonstrations follow in September in which several dozen people are killed. December 20, 2016 is meant to be Kabilas last day but with no vote planned nor sign of him stepping down, protesters take to the streets prompting a crackdown that leaves at least 40 dead, the UN says. Polling day fixed On New Years Eve, opposition parties and the government reach a deal that the delayed elections will be held at the end of 2017 and that Kabila can stay in power until then. But the vote is postponed again, purportedly because of organisational problems. In November 2017 the Electoral Commission announces a new date of December 23, 2018. This means Kabila would stay in office until January 2019. The opposition demands his departure and there are more protests. The church says at least 56 people are killed at demonstrations between April and October 2017, with the police accused of using excessive force. In June 2018 the International Criminal Court acquits Bemba of war crimes and he returns home announcing he will run for president. Two months later Kabila names former interior minister Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary as his successor, ending speculation about his own candidacy. When the Electoral Commission publishes its list of 21 approved candidates in September, it excludes Bemba and exiled regional baron Moise Katumbi, both of them opposition heavyweights. More delays After a warehouse fire destroys electronic equipment needed to stage the election in the capital Kinshasa, the electoral commission on December 20 says it will postpone the vote for seven days. A new date is set for December 30; four days before, authorities announce the elections will be postponed to March in two regions troubled by violence. On the eve of the elections and with tensions rising, two opposition frontrunners Martin Fayulu and Felix Tshisekedi reject a proposed pledge aimed at averting post-election violence. Results held up Voting on December 30 takes place in relative calm, although there are reports of clashes in the volatile eastern South-Kivu province that claim several lives. The following day, as counting begins, the government suspends internet services to avert a popular uprising. On January 2 it pulls accreditation for a French radio journalist and cuts off the stations broadcasts. The next day the election commission says logistical problems may force it to postpone publication of provisional results. It later confirms the delay. As patience wears thin and international pressure mounts for the results to be revealed, opposition candidates warn authorities not to disguise the truth of the polls. K92 Mining files Independent Technical Report, Mineral Resources Estimate Update and Preliminary Economic Assessment of Kora North and Kora Gold Deposits, Kainantu Project, Papua New Guinea and corrects cash cost. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 09, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- K92 Mining Inc. (TSXV: KNT; OTCQX: KNTNF) (K92 or the Company) has filed and made available for download on the Companys SEDAR profile, a technical report titled, Independent Technical Report, Mineral Resources Estimate Update and Preliminary Economic Assessment of Kora North and Kora Gold Deposits, Kainantu Project, Papua New Guinea with an effective date of September 30, 2018 (the Technical Report) prepared by Anthony Woodward BSc (Hons.), M.Sc., MAIG, Simon Tear BSc (Hons), EurGeol, PGeo IGI, EurGeol, Christopher Desoe BE (Min)(Hons), FAusIMM, RPEQ, MMICA, Lisa J. Park, BEng (Chem), GAICD, FAusIMM. Refer to the Companys news release dated January 8, 2018 for a summary of the results of the PEA. The preliminary economic assessment (PEA) is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized. The Technical Report contains a full description of all underlying assumptions relating to the PEA. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Further to the Companys news release of January 8, 2019, the Company reported cash costs and all-in sustaining costs (AISC) based on Au/oz rather than AuEq/oz as disclosed. When computing costs per Au/oz, the Company credited estimated revenue from the sale of copper and silver against the Companys costs. The Company should have reported a cash cost of US$541/oz AuEq* (stated $429) and AISC of US$703/oz AuEq* per annum (*AuEq calculated on Current Metal Prices of Au - US$1,300/oz; Ag US$15/oz; Cu US$2.90/lb.) K92 Mine Geology Manager and Mine Exploration Manager, Mr. Andrew Kohler, PGeo, a Qualified Person under the meaning of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and is responsible for the technical content of this news release. Data verification by Mr. Kohler includes significant time onsite reviewing drill core, face sampling, underground workings and discussing work programs and results with geology and mining personnel. ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY, John Lewins Chief Executive Officer and Director For further information, please contact the Company at +1-604-687-7130. NEITHER 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. Non-GAAP Financial Measures In this press release, we use the terms cash costs" and "all-in sustaining costs". These should be considered as non-GAAP financial measures as defined in applicable Canadian securities laws and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Cash costs per gold equivalent ounce is a non-GAAP term typically used by gold mining companies to assess the level of gross margin available to the Company by subtracting these costs from the unit price realized during the period. This non-GAAP term is also used to assess the ability of a mining company to generate cash flow from operations. Cash costs per gold equivalent ounce includes mining and processing costs plus applicable royalties. Cash costs per gold equivalent ounce is exclusive of exploration costs. Cash costs per gold equivalent ounce is intended to provide additional information only and does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other mining companies. It should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The measure is not necessarily indicative of cash flow from operations under IFRS or operating costs presented under IFRS. The Company adopted an "all-in sustaining cost per gold equivalent ounce, a non-GAAP performance measure in accordance with the World Gold Council published in June 2013. The Company believes the measure more fully defines the total costs associated with producing gold; however, this performance measure has no standardized meaning. Accordingly, there may be some variation in the method of computation of "all-in sustaining costs" as determined by the Company compared with other mining companies. In this context, "all-in sustaining costs" for the consolidated Company reflects total mining and processing costs, corporate and administrative costs, exploration costs, sustaining capital, and other operating costs. All-in sustaining costs per gold ounce is intended to provide additional information only and does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other mining companies. It should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and 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 statements. All statements that address future plans, activities, events, or developments that the Company believes, expects, or anticipates will or may occur are forward-looking information, including statements regarding the realization of the preliminary economic analysis for the Project, expectations of future cash flows, the proposed plant expansion, potential expansion of resources and the generation of further drilling results which may or may not occur. Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the market price of the Companys securities, metal prices, exchange rates, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and other risks of the mining industry, changes in national and local government regulation of mining operations, and regulations and other matters.. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Corvus Gold Inc. (Corvus or the Company) - (TSX: KOR, OTCQX: CORVF) announces the initial five holes from the northern extension of its Phase-III resource expansion drill program at the 100% owned Mother Lode Deposit in Nevada (initial resource announced, September 2018). Step out holes have outlined potential for an expansion of the Mother Lode gold system to the north with the mineralized zone thickening and grades increasing (see Table 1, highlighted by ML18-093, 115.8m @ 1.83 g/t Au). Exploration modelling from the ongoing program are identifying potential for a new mineralization center to the North of the currently defined resource, which is scheduled to be tested with an aggressive grid drilling program this year (Figure 1). Gold mineralization in these northern holes has defined a strong N-S vector along the Fluorspar Canyon Fault (FCF) near the intersection with the Tertiary sediments, hosting both the upper sulfide zone and the lower oxide zone. This highly broken, structural intersection, has also localized multiple dikes which along with the sediments are a major ore host for the higher-grade mineralization (ML18-093 115.8m @ 1.83 g/t Au & ML18-83 65.5m @ 1.53 g/t Au). These results are encouraging for further resource expansion to the north which remains open. In addition, most of these northern step out holes ended in thick zones of oxide mineralization as highlighted by hole ML18-092 (24.4m @ 1.22 g/t gold) which ended in oxidized carbonates with a grade of 3.36 g/t gold. Further follow up drilling will target the thickest and highest-grade part of the FCF target to the north of ML18-092 and ML18-093 as well as up and down dip. Jeff Pontius, President and CEO of Corvus, said, We are excited about the thicknesses of both sulfide and oxide zones to the north which appear to be indicating a new center of mineralization similar to the current known deposit to the south which is encouraging for an expansion of the Mother Lode Deposit. We have been drilling the Mother Lode deposit for the past 18 months and have yet to find the edge of it in any direction. With the initial resource only including drilling through mid-July, these and earlier results point to continued expansion potential. Our evolving understanding of the overall Mother Lode sediment hosted system is helping define other new targets throughout our large 122 km2 land package. Table 1 Phase III - Mother Lode Drilling Results (Reported intercepts are not true widths as there is currently insufficient data to calculate true orientation in space. Mineralized intervals are calculated using a 0.3 g/t cutoff unless otherwise indicated below) Drill Hole # from (m) to (m) Interval (m) Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) Comment ML18-085 335.28 359.66 24.38 0.20 n/a North of ML18-083 Northern Zone AZ 080 dip-70 388.62 414.53 25.91 1.37 n/a inc 390.14 405.38 15.24 1.59 n/a 1 g/t cut inc 409.96 414.53 4.57 1.77 n/a 1 g/t cut 419.10 437.39 18.29 0.31 n/a ML18-092 374.90 384.05 9.15 0.51 n/a North of ML18-093 Northern Zone AZ 085 dip-70 420.62 445.01 24.39 1.22 n/a EOH @ 3.3 g/t Au inc 422.15 426.72 4.57 1.58 n/a 1 g/t cut inc 429.77 437.39 7.62 1.46 n/a 1 g/t cut inc 441.96 445.01 3.05 2.44 n/a 1 g/t cut ML18-093 AZ 085 dip-80 371.86 487.68 115.82 1.83 n/a North of ML18-083 Northern Zone inc 381.00 409.96 28.96 1.96 n/a 1 g/t cut inc 428.24 475.49 47.25 2.65 n/a 1 g/t cut ML18-094 332.23 335.28 3.05 0.71 n/a East of ML18-093 Northern Zone inc 339.85 349.00 9.15 1.02 n/a 355.09 370.33 15.24 1.76 n/a AZ 85 dip-68 355.09 364.24 9.15 2.69 n/a 1 g/t cut ML18-095 355.09 376.43 21.34 0.48 n/a East of ML18-092 Northern Zone inc 385.57 402.34 16.77 0.54 n/a AZ 085 dip-68 409.96 414.53 4.57 0.69 n/a Qualified Person and Quality Control/Quality Assurance Jeffrey A. Pontius (CPG 11044), a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101), has supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Pontius is not independent of Corvus, as he is the CEO & President and holds common shares and incentive stock options. Carl E. Brechtel, (Nevada PE 008744 and Registered Member 353000 of SME), a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, has coordinated execution of the work outlined in this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Brechtel is not independent of Corvus, as he is the COO and holds common shares and incentive stock options. The work program at Mother Lode was designed and supervised by Mark Reischman, Corvus Golds Nevada Exploration Manager, who is responsible for all aspects of the work, including the quality control/quality assurance program. On-site personnel at the project log and track all samples prior to sealing and shipping. Quality control is monitored by the insertion of blind certified standard reference materials and blanks into each sample shipment. All resource sample shipments are sealed and shipped to American Assay Laboratories (AAL) in Reno, Nevada, for preparation and assaying. AAL is independent of the Company. AALs quality system complies with the requirements for the International Standards ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 17025:1999. Analytical accuracy and precision are monitored by the analysis of reagent blanks, reference material and replicate samples. Finally, representative blind duplicate samples are forwarded to AAL and an ISO compliant third-party laboratory for additional quality control. Mr. Pontius, a qualified person, has verified the data underlying the information disclosed herein, including sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information by reviewing the reports of AAL, methodologies, results and all procedures undertaken for quality assurance and quality control in a manner consistent with industry practice, and all matters were consistent and accurate according to his professional judgement. There were no limitations on the verification process. Mr. Scott E. Wilson, CPG (10965), Registered Member of SME (4025107) and President of Resource Development Associates Inc., is an independent consulting geologist specializing in Mineral Reserve and Resource calculation reporting, mining project analysis and due diligence evaluations. He is acting as the Qualified Person, as defined in NI 43-101, and is the primary author of the Technical Report for the Mineral Resource estimate and has reviewed and approved the Mineral Resource estimate and the Preliminary Economic Assessment summarized in this news release. Mr. Wilson has over 29 years of experience in surface mining, resource estimation and strategic mine planning. Mr. Wilson is President of Resource Development Associates Inc. and is independent of the Company under NI 43-101. Mr. Wilson, a qualified person, has verified the data underlying the information disclosed herein, including sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information by reviewing the reports of AAL, methodologies, results and all procedures undertaken for quality assurance and quality control in a manner consistent with industry practice, and all matters were consistent and accurate according to his professional judgement. There were no limitations on the verification process. Metallurgical testing on North Bullfrog and Mother Lode samples has been performed by McClelland Analytical Services Laboratories Inc. of Sparks Nevada (McClelland), McClelland is an ISO 17025 accredited facility that supplies quantitative chemical analysis in support of metallurgical, exploration and environmental testing using classic methods and modern analytical instrumentation. McClelland has met the requirements of the IAS Accreditations Criteria for Testing Laboratories (AC89), has demonstrated compliance with ANS/ISO/IEC Standard 17025:2005, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, and has been accredited, since November 12, 2012. Hazen Research Inc. (Hazen), an independent laboratory, has performed flotation, AAO testing and cyanide leach testing on samples of sulphide mineralization from the YellowJacket zone and Swale area of Sierra Blanca, and roasting tests on Mother Lode flotation concentrate. Hazen holds analytical certificates from state regulatory agencies and the US Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA). Hazen participates in performance evaluation studies to demonstrate competence and maintains a large stock of standard reference materials from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Canadian Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET), the EPA and other sources. Hazens QA program has been developed for conformance to the applicable requirements and standards referenced in 10 CFR 830.120 subpart A quality assurance requirements, January 1, 2002. Pressure oxidation test work on Mother Lode concentrate samples was performed by Resource Development Inc. of Wheatridge, CO. For additional details, see technical report entitled Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Integrated Mother Lode and North Bullfrog Projects, Bullfrog Mining District, Nye County, Nevada, dated November 1, 2018 and amended on November 8, 2018, with an effective date of September 18, 2018 on the Companys profile at www.sedar.com. About the North Bullfrog & Mother Lode Projects, Nevada Corvus controls 100% of its North Bullfrog Project, which covers approximately 86.6 km2 in southern Nevada. The property package is made up of a number of private mineral leases of patented federal mining claims and 1,057 federal unpatented mining claims. The project has excellent infrastructure, being adjacent to a major highway and power corridor as well as a large water right. The Company also controls 445 federal unpatented mining claims on the Mother Lode project which totals approximately 36.5 km2 which it owns 100%. The total Corvus Gold 100% land ownership now covers over 123.1 km2, hosting two major new Nevada gold discoveries. The combined Mother Lode and North Bullfrog Projects contains a Measured Mineral Resource for the mill of 9.3 Mt at an average grade of 1.59 g/t gold, containing 475 k ounces of gold and Indicated Mineral Resources for the mill of 18.2 Mt at an average grade of 1.68 g/t gold containing 988 k ounces of gold and an Inferred Mineral Resource for the mill of 2.3 Mt at an average grade of 1.61 g/t gold containing 118 k ounces of gold. In addition, the project contains a Measured Mineral Resource for oxide, run of mine, heap leach of 34.6 Mt at an average grade of 0.27 g/t gold containing 305 k ounces of gold and an Indicated Mineral Resource for, oxide, run of mine, heap leach of 149.4 Mt at an average grade of 0.24 g/t gold containing 1,150 k ounces of gold and an Inferred, oxide, run of mine, heap leach Mineral Resource of 78.7 Mt at an average grade of 0.26 g/t gold containing 549 k ounces of gold. About Corvus Gold Inc. Corvus Gold Inc. is a North American gold exploration and development company, focused on its near-term gold-silver mining project at the North Bullfrog and Mother Lode Districts in Nevada. In addition, the Company controls a number of royalties on other North American exploration properties representing a spectrum of gold, silver and copper projects. Corvus is committed to building shareholder value through new discoveries and the expansion of its projects to maximize share price leverage in an advancing gold and silver market. On behalf of Corvus Gold Inc. (signed) Jeffrey A. Pontius Jeffrey A. Pontius, President & Chief Executive Officer Contact Information: Ryan Ko Investor Relations Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone: 1-844-638-3246 (toll free) or (604) 638-3246 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable Canadian and US securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding the potential use of proceeds from the offering, the advancement and development of our Mother Lode project and the expansion of our 2018 drill program; the full funding of the 2018 drill program as a result of the financing; updates on the development progress at the Mother Lode project; the potential for new deposits and expected increases in a systems potential; anticipated content, commencement and cost of exploration programs, anticipated exploration program results, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, variations in the market price of any mineral products the Company may produce or plan to produce, the Company's inability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its activities, the Company's inability to produce minerals from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2017 filed with certain securities commissions in Canada and the Companys most recent filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). All of the Companys Canadian public disclosure filings in Canada may be accessed via www.sedar.com and filings with the SEC may be accessed via www.sec.gov and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Companys mineral properties. Summerville, SC (29483) Today A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy. Low 68F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Nobly fought Old men start wars; young men fight in them. The statue in downtown Winston-Salem was erected to honor those who nobly fought and made the ultimate sacrifice for their homeland, with an inscription reading simply, our Confederate dead. The Northern Army was coming to invade the South their homes, their farms, their towns and all who were of age were expected to answer the call. They were not slave owners and they were not fighting for slavery. These were farmers and tradesmen who had no choice but to join in the endeavor. There was no escaping the invasion. These soldiers stood in a line firing muskets while being fired at in what is today considered foolhardy combat. They were certainly not cowards (as the graffiti proclaimed) (Confederate monument vandalized, Dec. 26). They fought to protect their families, friends and communities. We should gratefully acknowledge the bravery of our ancestors who were thrust into this impossible situation through no fault of their own. The case of a young boy whose life came to an abrupt end has reached a sad resolution with the settlement of a complaint against the state of North Carolina. Its not satisfying, but it is a conclusion. In 2013, in two separate incidents, three tragic deaths by carbon monoxide poisoning occurred in the Best Western Blue Ridge Plaza in Boone. The last victim was an 11-year-old Rock Hill boy, Jeffrey Williams, who stayed overnight in the hotel with his mother, Jeannie Williams. While Jeffrey played with an electronic game, Jeannie left the room to get ready for bed, according to court documents. She almost immediately began feeling sick and nauseous, according to the familys lawsuit. Her last thought was trying to reach her cellphone to call for help so her son would not be left alone. Jeffrey died that night. Jeannie Williams was seriously injured but survived. Investigators later discovered that carbon monoxide had seeped into the room from an improperly maintained swimming pool water-heating system on the floor below. What makes matters even worse is that two months earlier, a Longview, Wash., couple, Daryl and Shirley Jenkins, were found dead in the same room yet no steps were then taken to prevent a repeat of the deadly situation. Were it not for the fact that they are both women -- and frequent targets of President Donald Trump, those two things not necessarily being unrelated -- it's hard to imagine a reason that Warren's bid would already be freighted by associations with Clinton's. The populist Massachusetts senator has made no secret of her disdain for Clinton's brand of politics, which she says was too cozy with big banks and powerful interests. During the 2016 Democratic primaries, Warren pointedly waited until after President Barack Obama formally endorsed his former secretary of state, who was by then the presumptive Democratic nominee, before throwing her support behind Clinton. Warren represents a stark contrast from Clinton in a more fundamental way. While Clinton had a 20-point plan ready for every question, she failed to weave it all together into anything that resembled a coherent rationale for her candidacy. At one point, her campaign, floundering to articulate what she stood for, put together a document of 84 ideas for slogans. By the end, her message seemed to be only that Trump was not fit to be president. Every day, the comedian Megan Amram tweets "Today was the day Donald Trump finally became president." It's a joke both on the people who hoped that Trump might grow into his office and on the president himself, who lives in a fantasy land where he's a statesman of world-historical caliber even as he smashes cherished norms and gets played by dictators. Given the president's delusions, the strangest part of his prime-time address on Tuesday night didn't turn out to be a declaration of national emergency or a breathtakingly vulgar denunciation of undocumented immigrants. It was the sight of Trump straining to play a normal president. The performance didn't last long. And it suggested that if Trump suddenly acquired the self-discipline to behave the way we expect a president to act, the resulting whiplash might be even more jarring than the past two years have already been. Going into the evening, it seemed possible that Trump would careen across a political and moral red line, declaring that he would use emergency powers to deliver on his signature campaign promise, to build a wall on the border between the United States and Mexico. Given the hype, it was disconcerting to hear a speech that, at least for the opening minutes, could have been delivered by any normal politician. A wintry mix of snow and freezing rain will likely fall Saturday night into Sunday in the Triad and Northwest North Carolina, forecasters say. The National Weather Service in Raleigh says there is a 30-percent chance of snow after 2 p.m. Saturday in Forsyth County. There is a 80-percent chance of snow and freezing rain Saturday night into Sunday. The weather service still hasnt predicted accumulation amounts of the snow and freezing rain. The storm is still off the West Coast, said Ryan Ellis, a weather-service meteorologist in Raleigh. We got a long, long way to go before we know anything like that. The weather service likely will release its predicted accumulation amounts by Friday or Saturday, Ellis said. However, Brett Rossio, a meteorologist with Accuweather in State College, Pa. predicted that Forsyth and Guilford counties will receive 1 to 3 inches of snow and one-quarter inch of ice. Late Saturday night is when things turn dicey in the area, Rossio said. A low-pressure system will move from the southern Plains and across the South to the Carolinas coast, Ellis said. Those conditions will combine with cold air in the region to produce the wintry mix. A Kernersville man who turned himself in to authorities in Washington, D.C. on Sunday has been charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in Forsyth County, along with misdemeanor soliciting prostitution, court records show. Jaron Allen Kubler, 29, of Loradale Drive was returned from Washington to Forsyth on Wednesday. Kubler is accused of murder in the death of Kayla Melissa Dubuque on Friday, according to arrest warrants. He was being held Wednesday night in the Forsyth County Jail with no bond allowed on the murder charge, and a bond of $200,000 for the kidnapping and soliciting-prostitution offenses, the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office said. The warrants do not list a cause of death for Dubuque. Kubler is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 24. Kubler was in Washington, D.C., on Sunday about 1:50 a.m. near the Capital One Arena on F Street NW, when he approached an officer, according to a report from the Metropolitan Police Department. Kubler told the officer he killed someone in North Carolina, the report states. That officer contacted an officer in North Carolina, who entered the house Kubler referenced and confirmed a possible homicide occurred there, according to the report. HARTFORD Nancy Wyman has gone from lieutenant governor to private resident and now to head of the state Democratic Party all within the last Photo: VPD Gerald Richard McLean. UPDATE: 11 a.m. A high-risk sex offender has been arrested shortly after police reached out to the public to help find him. Gerald Richard McLean has been arrested and remains in custody. ORIGINAL: 10:15 a.m. A high-risk sex offender didnt return to his halfway house in Vancouver and police are now asking for the publics help in finding him. Gerald Richard McLean, 50, is a two-time federal offender and was convicted of sexually assaulting a child in 2000 and a teen in 1995. He is serving a long-term supervision order after completing his original sentence for sexual assault. McLean is described by police as Caucasian, five-foot-eight, 170 lbs, has light brown hair, green eyes and a goatee. Anyone who sees him should not approach him but to call 911 immediately. For a better experience on our website and avoid any trouble, we strongly recommand to activate Javascript ( click here ). Hello and welcome to Journal des Palaces You are a communication or the PR manager? Click here You are an applicant? Check out our questions and answers here ! Photo: CTV News Surrey RCMP are investigating another shooting in the City Centre area. The incident happened Wednesday night at 11:15 p.m. when , Surrey RCMP Frontline officers responded to a shooting call at a townhouse complex in the 9500 block of Prince Charles Boulevard. When they arrived on scene they found a 17-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound. The teen was transported to hospital, police tell Castanet he had serious but non-life threatening injuries from the shooting. Police believe this was a targeted shooting and evidence indicates it was a drive-by shooting. Investigators believe a light coloured Jeep Wrangler drove into a grey Toyota Sienna and then the driver of the Jeep fired a gun into the Sienna. Both vehicles then quickly left the area. Shortly after the shooting, officers from the Metro Vancouver Transit Police located the suspect vehicle and took the driver into custody. Both vehicles have been seized as part of the investigation. Early indications are that this incident is not related to gang conflict or drug trafficking. Allen K. Baker, 74, Stark City, MO, entered into rest on June 13, 2021, at his home, following an extended illness. Allen was born October 31, 1946, in Stella, MO, and was a graduate of Midway High School. He entered the United States Air Force in 1966 and served until his retirement in 1986 Email your Circling the Square information to Connie Owen at connie_owen@msn.com or call her at 734-9512. Emily Mieure covers criminal justice and emergency news. She also leads the News&Guides investigative efforts. She has reported for WDRB TV in Louisville, Ky., WFIE TV in Evansville, Ind., and WEIU TV in Charleston, Ill. Jennifer Dorsey is chief copy editor and Business section coordinator. She worked in Washington, D.C., and Chicago before moving to the Tetons. Photo: The Canadian Press In this Jan. 8, 2019, photo, father Roy Snipes, pastor of the La Lomita Chapel, speaks during an Associated Press interview inside the sanctuary of the church in Mission, Texas. As President Donald Trump travels to the border in Texas to make the case for his $5.7 billion wall , landowner Eloisa Cavazos says she knows firsthand how the project will play out if the White House gets its way. The federal government has started surveying land along the border in Texas and announced plans to start construction next month. Rather than surrender their land, some property owners are digging in, vowing to reject buyout offers and preparing to fight the administration in court. "You could give me a trillion dollars and I wouldn't take it," said Cavazos, whose land sits along the Rio Grande, the river separating the U.S. and Mexico in Texas. "It's not about money." Trump is scheduled to visit the border Thursday in McAllen , a city of 143,000 on the river. Congress in March funded 33 miles (53 kilometres) of walls and fencing in Texas. The government has laid out plans that would cut across private land in the Rio Grande Valley. Those in the way include landowners who have lived in the valley for generations, environmental groups and a 19th century chapel. Many have hired lawyers who are preparing to fight the government if, as expected, it moves to seize their land through eminent domain. The opposition will intensify if Democrats accede to the Trump administration's demand to build more than 215 new miles of wall, including 104 miles in the Rio Grande Valley and 55 miles near Laredo. Even a compromise solution to build "steel slats," as Trump has suggested, or more fencing of the kind that Democrats have previously supported would likely trigger more court cases and pushback in Texas. Legal experts say Trump likely cannot waive eminent domain which requires the government to demonstrate a public use for the land and provide landowners with compensation by declaring a national emergency. While this is Trump's first visit to the border in Texas as president, his administration's immigration crackdown has been felt here for months. Hundreds of the more than 2,400 children separated from their parents last summer were detained in cages at a Border Patrol facility in McAllen. Three "tender-age" facilities for the youngest children were opened in this region. The president also ordered soldiers to the border in response to a wave of migrant caravans before the November election. Those troops had a heavy presence in the Rio Grande Valley, though they have since quietly left. A spokeswoman for the border security mission said they closed their base camp along the border on Dec. 22. But Trump's border wall will last beyond his administration. Building in the region is a top priority for the Department of Homeland Security because it's the busiest area for illegal border crossings. More than 23,000 parents and children were caught illegally crossing the border in the Rio Grande Valley in November more than triple the number from a year earlier. Homeland Security officials argue that a wall would stop many crossings and deter Central American families from trying to migrate north. Many of those families are seeking asylum because of violence in their home countries and often turn themselves in to border agents when they arrive here. The number of families has surged. DHS said Wednesday that it detained 27,518 adults and children travelling together on the southern border in December, a new monthly high. With part of the $1.6 billion Congress approved in March, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced it would build 25 miles (40 kilometres) of wall along the flood-control levee in Hidalgo County, which runs well north of the Rio Grande. Funeral services for June Ann Leadbetter Arnold will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2021, in the Chapel at Boren-Conner Funeral Home, Jacksonville with Bro. George Folmar officiating. Burial will follow at the Jacksonville Old City Cemetery. June was born April 15, 1932 in Hidalgo, Te Photo: The Canadian Press Yumi Dobashi tries on the Focals at CES in Las Vegas. The CES 2019 gadget show is revving up in Las Vegas. Here are the latest findings and observations from Associated Press reporters on the ground. DING-DONG, THE PEEPHOLE IS RINGING Ring is giving the old-school peephole a high-tech spin. The company unveiled a new internet-connected video doorbell that fits into most peepholes. The new device is aimed at apartment dwellers or college students who want a video doorbell, but may not be allowed to install one next to their doors. Amazon bought Ring last year, giving it a shot at competing better with Google's Nest, which also makes cameras and doorbells. Privacy experts have long sounded the alarm on Wi-Fi connected cameras and how video is stored. Amazon recently filed a patent application for a facial-recognition system involving home security cameras, which would allow multiple cameras to create composites of faces to identify people who may be trying to burglarize a house. It doesn't appear Ring uses facial recognition yet, as Nest already does, though Ring may add such features over time. Amazon did not respond to a request for comment. Ring's Door View Cam will go on sale in March for $199. Ring's new device will still act as a peephole, but will also send alerts to user's smartphones when the doorbell is pressed or someone knocks the door. EYE OF THE BEHOLDER? The makers of a robotic "personal massager" for women won a prestigious CES award. Then organizers took it away. Its maker, the startup Lora DiCarlo, was also banned from exhibiting on the show floor (though it's in Las Vegas at a separate media event). The show's organizer, the Consumer Technology Association, said in an email to Lora DiCarlo that it reserved the right to disqualify any entry "deemed by CTA in their sole discretion to be immoral, obscene, indecent, profane or not in keeping with CTA's image." An independent panel of judges had selected Lora DiCarlo's Ose vibrator last fall to win a CES 2019 Innovation Honoree Award in the robotics and drone category. Gary Shapiro, CTA's president and CEO, apologized in a separate letter and said the company should have been told it's "ineligible for entry." CTA declined to provide further comment to The Associated Press on why the product was ineligible. Ose's makers say it's sexism, noting that "a literal sex doll for men launched on the floor at CES in 2018." Lora Haddock, the CEO of Lora DiCarlo, says that makes for a double standard at the tech show already under fire for not including enough women. SHADES THAT TEXT Smart glasses haven't been a hit, but at least one startup still sees them in our future. A company called North will be delivering its $999 smart glasses to customers in the coming weeks. Called Focals by North, they pair with a smartphone and show text messages, weather and mapping directions on the glass that only the wearer sees. Users also need to wear a ring with a joystick on their index finger, so they can flip through messages or respond with their thumb. It can also be controlled using the built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant, but the joystick has to be pressed down for it to start listening. Getting people to buy smart glasses has been a challenge Google famously stopped selling its smart glasses to the public about four years ago. Aaron Grant, North's co-founder, says his product is different because they are designed to look like regular frames. And prescription lenses can be added. But there's a small projector on one side, and the frames on the side are slightly thicker. FRESH BREAD, NO BAKER That smell wafting through the CES show? Freshly baked bread. Wilkinson Baking Co. unveiled a 22-square-foot machine that can bake 10 loaves of bread every hour no baker needed. But a human is needed to dump the ingredients into the machine, which then mixes them, forms the dough and starts baking. Someone also needs to slice the bread, although the company says it's working on a way for the machines to do that, too. The BreadBot, as it's called, is being pitched to supermarkets as a way to deliver fresh bread to shoppers who are increasingly worried about the ingredients in their foods. The machine is covered in glass, so customers can watch bread get made. They then select the loaf they want on a touch screen, sort of like a vending machine. Three local supermarkets are already testing it. The company says a couple of big chains have agreed to try it out soon, but it won't say which. SMART BRA Is your bra dumb? An underwear company is pitching a solution to an age-old problem for women: finding a bra that actually fits. In the past, women could get help from an expert human in finding their right size. A simple measuring tape wouldn't do, as it doesn't reflect other factors such as the shape of a woman's breasts. But these old-school "bra fitters" are hard to find these days. To address that, a company called Soma has added some circuits to a brassiere and connected it to an app. The Soma Innofit has four lines of circuitry hooked up to a circuit board in the back, which then connects to an app via Bluetooth. The smart $59 bra then recommends a bra from Soma's line, of course. The smart bra isn't meant for regular wearing, though it could be used again if sizes change because of pregnancy or other factors. The company says people who don't want to buy one can use it at a Soma store. MLK Teach-In to Focus on Gender and Social Justice Charlene Carruthers 07 BLOOMINGTON, Ill. Gender and social justice is this years theme for Illinois Wesleyan Universitys annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Teach-In on Monday, Jan. 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Hansen Student Center. The Teach-In is free and open to the public. Illinois Wesleyan alum Charlene Carruthers 07 one of Americas most influential activists will deliver the keynote address at 1 p.m. titled Gender Justice is Social Justice: An Unapologetic Perspective on Black Liberation. Carruthers will discuss the legacy of fighting for a world without gender-based oppression across racial, economic and LGBTQ rights movements. A strategist, writer and leading community organizer in todays movement for Black liberation, Carruthers has more than a decade of experience in racial justice, feminist, and youth leadership development movement work. She is the founding national director of Black Youth Project 100 (BYP100), an activist member-led organization of Black 18- to 35-year-olds dedicated to creating justice and freedom for all Black people. Recognized as one of the top-10 most influential African Americans by The Root 100, Carruthers was also the recipient of the Illinois Wesleyan University 2017 Outstanding Young Alumna Award. After earning a bachelors degree in history and international studies at Illinois Wesleyan, Carruthers received a masters degree in social work at Washington University in St. Louis. She is the author of Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements which was released on Aug. 28, 2018. Following Carruthers keynote address, President of Prairie Pride Coalition Dave Bentlin will present a talk at 2 p.m. titled Pre-Stonewall Actions That Formed the Foundation for a Modern-Day LGBTQI+ Movement. Bentlin, who serves in the Office of the President at Illinois State University, is an advocate for the LGBTQ community. In addition to his leadership position with the Prairie Pride Coalition, Bentline has played major roles in the Bloomington Human Relations Commission and the Central Illinois Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. The Teach-In will conclude with a session beginning at 3 p.m. focused on "gender identity and human rights." The session will be led by the IWU Pride Alliance, which is a student-run organization dedicated to equality for all students regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Held annually, the Teach-In honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who spoke at Illinois Wesleyan in 1961 and 1966 in his only visits to the Bloomington-Normal community. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Teach-In Schedule Date: Monday, Jan. 21 Location: Illinois Wesleyan University Hansen Student Center Theme: Gender and Social Justice Free and Open to the Public 1 p.m.: Keynote Address by Activist and Author Charlene Carruthers '07 2 p.m.: Dave Bentlin, President of Prairie Pride Coalition 3 p.m.: Session on Gender Identity and Human Rights led by IWU Pride Alliance By John Twork Nestle will phase out its company-wide deployment of Salesforce Chatter as it deploys Facebooks Workplace enterprise social network. The Swiss firm the worlds largest food company by revenue chose Workplace to connect staff and support communications across its complex operations. Nestle owns more than 2,000 brands, has a presence in 191 countries and employs approximately 323,000 workers. The company had previously relied on an implementation of Salesforces Chatter dubbed NestChatter internally as its social communications platform. The rollout was the largest Salesforce Chatter deployment ever, said Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff during a 2013 earnings call. Workplace will augment a range of collaboration and productivity tools currently in use at Nestle, including Sharepoint, Yammer and Microsofts chat tool Teams, according to a Nestle spokesperson. The company did not elaborate on the decision to replace Chatter. Good internal social media 'can transform a company A blog post from Facebook last week highlighted immediate improvements following an initial rollout last year of Workplace to Nestles staff in Mexico, Brazil, the Middle East, and South Africa. Facebook cited 25 times higher engagement per post and very high rates of mobile adoption. Workplaces video functionality is used by Nestle managers to communicate with workers in different locations, for example, while sales teams are able to share information and best practice with colleagues. Good internal social media can transform a company, a Nestle spokesperson told Computerworld, enabling better interactions. It boosts freedom to experiment and sharing. [The Workplace deployment] will help with our goal to move quicker to turn good ideas into great products to meet fast-changing consumer demand. The Workplace rollout has already reached 210,000 Nestle workers and will continue during 2019. Nestle is another major addition for the Facebooks enterprise social network offering, said IDC research director, Wayne Kurtzman. This is significant because of Nestles global presence, and underscores Workplaces ease of use, strong video abilities and inline translation features allowing easy communications between regions. A next-generation enterprise social network? The Nestle deployment is an indication of how Workplace has positioned itself as an alternative to established enterprise social networks such as Chatter and others. Last year, Virgin Atlantic announced that it was replacing Microsoft Yammer with Workplace for 7,000 employees, citing low end-user adoption of Yammer. Workplace is shaping up to be an updated version for the legacy enterprise social networks or intranets, said Raul Castanon-Martinez, a senior analyst at 451 Research. He added that the Nestle deal is not only an important win, itll also be a key proof of concept for the company since it will replace a private social network platform (Salesforce Chatter). Workplace inhabits an interesting space in the collaboration market, competing both with a new breed to team chat apps such as Slack and Microsoft Teams and established enterprise social network vendors. Workplace provides several advantages to large multinational companies, said Castanon-Martinez. It combines the reach of the legacy enterprise social networks/intranet, covering 100% of the workforce including everyone, and not just knowledge workers with the ease of use of team collaboration tools like Slack. This is an important differentiation that sets Workplace apart. Data processing, analytics, and storage increasingly are taking place at the network edge, close to where users and devices need access to the information. Not surprisingly, edge computing is becoming a key component of IT strategy at a growing number of organizations. A recent report from Grand View Research predicted the global edge computing market will reach $3.24 billion by 2025, expanding at a phenomenal compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 41% during the forecast period. One of the biggest contributors to the rise of edge computing is the ongoing growth of the Internet of Things (IoT). The vast amounts of data created by IoT devices might cause delays and latency, Grand View says, and edge computing solutions can help enhance the data processing power, which further aids in avoiding delays. Data processing takes place closest to the source of the data, which makes it more feasible for business users to gain real-time insights from the IoT data devices are gathering. Also helping to boost the edge market is the presence of high-connectivity networks in regions such as North America. Edge computing is used in a variety of industries such as manufacturing, IT and telecommunications, and healthcare. The healthcare and life sciences sector is estimated to see the highest CAGR between 2017 and 2025, Grand View says, because of the storage capabilities and real-time computing offered by edge computing tools that enable the delivery of reliable healthcare services in lesser time. The decision-making process is enhanced as network failures and delays are avoided. Supporting edge computing can be challenging for organizations because it involves a lot of moving parts and a change in thinking from the current IT environment dominated by data centers and cloud-based services. Here are some best practices to consider when building a strategy for the edge. Create a long-term edge computing vision Edge computing involves a lot of different components, and it requires building an infrastructure with the capacity and bandwidth to ingest, transform, analyze, and act on enormous volumes of data in real time, says Matt Kimball, senior analyst, data center, at global technology analyst and advisory firm Moor Insights & Strategy. On the networking side alone, it means deploying connections from devices to the cloud and to data centers. While companies might have a desire to ramp up their edge infrastructure as soon as possible in order to support IoT and other remote computing efforts, all of this is not going to happen overnight. Think big, act small meaning map out the long-term vision for edge deployments but dont be in a rush to implement edge technologies all over the place right away, Kimball says. The speed at which edge technologies can be rolled out varies Huntsville, TX (77320) Today Thunderstorms early, then becoming mostly clear after midnight. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then becoming mostly clear after midnight. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. January 10, 2019 POCATELLO The International Affairs Council of Idaho State University invites community members of Pocatello and surrounding areas to attend the 2019 Frank Church Symposium on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. This years theme The Best and the Worst of Us: Confronting Injustices in the World will bring together academics, refugees and activists debating the challenges and successes around environmental justice, refugee rights and minorities rights. The keynote address at 6 p.m. Jan. 31 will be held in Frazier Hall and will be given by Steven Feldstein, from Boise State University who is Frank and Bethine Church Chair of Public Affairs and an associate professor in the School of Public Service. He is a former deputy assistant secretary in the bureau of democracy, human rights and labor for the U.S. Department of State as well as a former director of policy at the U.S. Agency for International Development. The day events of the two-day symposium will be held in the Salmon River Rooms in the ISU Pond Student Union. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31, and 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 1 The symposium is free to all. The schedule for Jan. 31 is: 10 a.m. - Welcome 10:30 a.m. - noon, Refugee Rights Panel 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. Richard H. Foster Lecture 4 - 5:30 p.m. Minorities Panel 6 - 7:30 p.m. Keynote Address, Frazier Hall The schedule for Feb. 1 is: 10 - 11:15 a.m. Environment Panel 11:20 a.m. noon Joseph and Priscilla Hearst Memorial Lecture 12:15 - 1 p.m. Discussion on Global Careers The Frank Church Symposium is in its 49th year at ISU and continues its proud tradition of bringing leading experts and scholars from across the country in order to discuss, lecture and debate topics of international importance in the United States and around the world. This years topic was debated by the student members in the International Affairs Council, said Paige Tarr, International Affairs Council president. Being in a more conservative state, the students felt that these issues were the most pressing and often not discussed enough, she said. The student members wanted various experts on these topics to present their research and expertise to educate the region through discussion and deliberation. The Frank Church Symposium offers the opportunity for researchers and professionals from a wide variety of disciplines to help those at ISU and the surrounding community better understand the ways in which issues connected with confronting injustices in the world are shaping our future at both the local and international levels. Although the International Affairs Council is completely student run, the council is advised by the Director of the International Studies Program, Raphael Njoku. Members of the Minorities Rights Panel include Carmen Febles, Idaho State University, immigration and border conflicts at the US/Mexico border; Farida Jalalzai, Oklahoma State University, Women's rights; and Srobana Bhattacharya, Georgia Southern University, Rohingya crisis. Members of the Environment/Water Rights Panel include Shin-Kyu Ryu, Idaho State University, water rights; Elizabeth Brunner, Idaho State University, environmental activism; and Geoffrey Buckley, Ohio University, urban sustainability and environmental justice. Members of the Refugee Rights Panel include Zeze Rwasama, Director of the the College of Southern Idaho Refugee Programs; Justin Lee, Idaho State University; Mona Heern, educator, public speaker, and ISU alumnus; and Anselme Sadiki, execuitve director of Children's Home Society of Idaho and ISU alumnus. For more information, contact Tarr at (702) 427-4907, tarrpaig@isu.edu. Photo: The Canadian Press To prevent wildfires, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. should re-inspect its entire electric grid and cut off power during certain wind conditions regardless of the inconvenience to customers or loss of profit, a U.S. judge proposed Wednesday. Judge William Alsup said in a court order his goal was to prevent the utility from causing any wildfires in the 2019 fire season. "This will likely mean having to interrupt service during high-wind events (and possibly at other times) but that inconvenience, irritating as it will be, will pale by comparison to the death and destruction that otherwise might result from PG&E-inflicted wildfires," Alsup said. He gave PG&E until Jan. 23 to respond to his proposal. PG&E said it was reviewing Alsup's order. "We are committed to complying with all rules and regulations that apply to our work, while working together with our state and community partners and across all sectors and disciplines to develop comprehensive, long-term safety solutions for the future," the company said. Alsup is overseeing a criminal sentence against PG&E stemming from a deadly explosion of one of the utility's gas lines in 2010. The blast in the San Francisco Bay Area killed eight people. A U.S. judge in 2017 put PG&E on five years of probation following its conviction on pipeline safety charges. Alsup asked PG&E in November whether any requirements of the sentence might be implicated if its equipment ignited a wildfire. The judge noted that the sentence required that PG&E not engage in any additional crimes. He also asked the utility to explain any role it may have played in a massive wildfire that destroyed the town of Paradise and killed at least 86 people. Investigators have not determined the cause of the wildfire that began Nov. 8 but speculation has centred on PG&E, which reported an outage around the time and place the fire ignited. Alsup noted in Wednesday's order that state fire investigators have determined PG&E caused eighteen wildfires in 2017, twelve of which they referred for possible criminal prosecution. The judge proposed PG&E remove or trim all trees that could fall onto its power lines, poles or equipment in high-wind conditions and document its inspections and work. He accused the utility of a "history of falsification of inspection reports." He is also considering ordering the utility during the 2019 wildfire season to supply electricity only to those parts of its electrical grid it has determined to be safe under wind conditions at the time. PG&E cut power to tens of thousands of Northern California customers in October because of high fire danger, prompting complaints and demands for reimbursement from some customers. PG&E's credit rating and stock price fell this month following reports that it was considering filing for bankruptcy protection in the face of potentially crippling liability damages from a spate of wildfires. (CNN) U.S. President Donald Trump walked out of discussions to end a partial government shutdown, now in its third week, calling discussions with congressional Democrats "a total waste of time." "Just left a meeting with Chuck and Nancy, a total waste of time. I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works!" Trump said. Top congressional Democrats blasted Trump after the meeting Wednesday afternoon, accusing him of indifference to struggling federal workers and not trying to negotiate as the government shutdown drags on. "Unfortunately, the President just got up and walked out," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said. "He asked Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi, 'Will you agree to my wall?' She said no. And he just got up and said, 'Then we have nothing to discuss,' and he just walked out. Again, we saw a temper tantrum because he couldn't get his way, and he just walked out of the meeting." A source familiar with what happened inside the room said Trump ended the meeting by standing up and announcing "bye bye" before turning and walking out. As Democrats repeatedly told the President to open the government and deal with the border security fight after, the President continued to reject them as unwilling to have an actual negotiation, another source said. Schumer then asked Trump, "Why won't you open the government and stop hurting people?" Trump responded bluntly, "Because then you won't give me what I want." The meeting at the White House came just hours before the House of Representatives is expected to vote on individual bills to help reopen the government. The bills aren't expected to go anywhere in the GOP-controlled Senate at this time but the maneuver is aimed at putting pressure on Republicans. Trump promised earlier Wednesday to veto that legislation if it reached his desk. Pelosi, speaking alongside Schumer outside the White House, said Trump was "insensitive" to federal workers missing pay during the shutdown and alluded to Trump's own privileged upbringing. "He thinks maybe they could just ask their father for money, but they can't," Pelosi said. She added, "If you don't understand financial insecurity then you would have a policy that takes pride in saying, 'I'm going to keep government shut down for months or years unless you totally agree to my position.'" Top Republicans spoke to the media after the Democratic statements and took issue with their characterization of the meeting, though they did not dispute that Trump left the meeting. Among them were Vice President Mike Pence, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise and South Dakota GOP Sen. John Thune. Notably, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell did not appear alongside them. Pence said Trump told the Democrats "goodbye" after Pelosi denied his request for a wall, and contended the move made clear Trump would not end the shutdown without his border measures. "What the President made clear today is he is going to stand firm to achieve his priorities to build a wall, a steel barrier on the southern border, add additional personnel, additional resources, additional reforms to stem the crisis that we face on our southern border," Pence said. McCarthy likewise pushed back on the Democratic description of the meeting, noting that Trump "even brought a little candy for everybody." The exact candy was not specified but according to a source familiar at least one Butterfingers was spotted as well as Baby Ruth bars and M&Ms. The California Republican said Trump had gone back and forth with Pelosi and Schumer, and then eventually asked Pelosi, " 'OK, Nancy, if we open the government up in 30 days, could we have border security?' " "She raised her hand and said, 'No, not at all,' " McCarthy recalled. "The President calmly said, 'I guess you're still not wanting to deal with the problem.' " Wednesday's meeting came a day after Trump delivered an Oval Office address standing by his demand for Congress to fund his border wall with Mexico and Democrats continued to refuse the request. With no apparent end in sight to the disagreement, the shutdown was due to enter its 20th day. This story has been updated with additional developments Wednesday. This story was first published on CNN.com "Trump walks out of shutdown meeting, calling talks 'total waste of time'" News UN Chief in Myanmar Concerned Over Fighting in Rakhine State Villagers flee down a creek on bamboo rafts as fighting intensifies between the Arakan Army and government troops in Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State in late December 2018. / Tun Nay Aung / Facebook YANGONThe head of the United Nations in Myanmar on Wednesday expressed concern about the situation in the western state of Rakhine, where fighting between the military and the rebel Arakan Army has displaced about 4,500 people since early December. Myanmar government leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday discussed insurgent attacks on police in a rare meeting with the military chief, and her administration called for the armed forces to crush the rebels. Knut Ostby, who acts as the resident coordinator for the United Nations, said in a statement he was deeply concerned about the situation and urged all sides to ensure the protection of all civilians and to respect human rights. Mr Ostby further appeals to all sides to intensify efforts to find a peaceful solution to the situation and to ensure humanitarian access to all people affected by the violence, the United Nations said in a statement. The Arakan Army wants greater autonomy for Rakhine State, where the mostly Buddhist ethnic Rakhine people make up the majority of the population. Rakhine State saw a military-led crackdown in 2017, following attacks by Rohingya Muslim insurgents that prompted hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee westwards into neighboring Bangladesh. At a meeting on Monday between government and military leaders, the office of President Win Myint said it had instructed the military to crush the terrorists, the government spokesman later told a news conference. While Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is barred from being president by a military-drafted constitution, the president is a loyalist. She is seen as de facto leader of the civilian government, while the military remains in charge of security. Arakan Army insurgents killed 13 policemen and wounded nine in attacks on four police posts on Friday, as Myanmar celebrated Independence Day, state media reported. An Arakan Army spokesman outside Myanmar told Reuters last week the group attacked the security forces in response to a broad military offensive in the north of Rakhine State that also targeted civilians. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on Monday that 4,500 people were sheltering in monasteries and communal areas after being displaced by the fighting in the past month. Myanmar governments have battled various autonomy-seeking ethnic minority insurgent groups since shortly after independence from Britain in 1948, though some have struck ceasefire agreements. News Thailand Welcomes EU Decision to Lift Warning on Illegal Fishing Migrant workers sort fish and seafood unloaded from a fishing ship at a port in Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand on January 22, 2018. / Reuters BANGKOKThailand on Wednesday welcomed a decision by the European Commission to drop the Southeast Asian nation from a list of countries it had warned over illegal and unregulated fishing. In 2015, the worlds third largest exporter of seafood received a so-called yellow card, or warning from the European Union over unsustainable fishing practices, carrying the threat of a European ban on the exports. That move prompted a major crackdown by Thailands military government on illegal fishing and an overhaul of the industry. There have been sacrifices and adjustments to the way fishing is conducted, the deputy spokesman of the military government, Lt-Gen Werachon Sukhondhapatipak, told Reuters. Thailands fishing industry at all levels has a responsibility to the environment and the world through more sustainable fishing practices in line with international standards. The measures Thailand adopted ranged from new rules to vessel monitoring systems, as well as a satellite-based system of tracking the movements of fishing boats, enforced by the Royal Thai Navy. It also toughened labor regulations to combat human trafficking and ill-treatment of migrant workers, improving the situation of more than 300,000 citizens of neighboring countries employed in the Thai fishing industry. Since the yellow card was issued, the Commission and Thailand have engaged in a constructive process of cooperation and dialogue, the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, said in a statement on Tuesday announcing its decision. This has resulted in a major upgrade of the Thai fisheries governance, in accordance with the international commitments of the country. The European Commission now sees Thailand as a new committed partner in the fight against fishing practices that deplete global fish stocks and harm people who make their living from the sea, it added. Thai seafood exports stood at $2.1 billion in 2017, Commerce Ministry data shows, recovering to their 2014 level after a drop in 2015 to $1.8 billion following the European Union warning. About 9.9 percent of Thai seafood exports went to the European Union last year, versus 10.3 percent in 2014, ministry data show. Thailands private sector also welcomed the EU decision, saying the reforms would benefit the fishing industry. This will boost investment and confidence in Thai seafood exports in the international market, Poj Aramwattananont, the vice chairman of the Board of Trade of Thailand, said in a statement. News Suspicions Surround Sittwe Courthouse Fire Firefighters at the scene of the blaze which broke out at Sittwe Courthouse late on Wednesday night January 9, 2019. / Min Aung Khine / The Irrawaddy YANGONAmid continued armed conflict in northern Rakhine State which has shaken up the stability of the region, a courthouselocated a stones throw away from the main Rakhine State police headquarters in the state capital Sittwewas set alight late on Wednesday night. Lance Cpl. Maung Maung Aye from Sittwe Fire Services Department confirmed to The Irrawaddy over the phone on Thursday morning that the mysterious fire razed 46 motorbikes and one trishaw which are believed to be pieces of evidence in ongoing cases in the court. According to the officer, the fire caused more than 2.7 million kyats ($1,800) in damages and officers are still investigating the cause of the incident. He acknowledged that the police building and courthouse compound are just 90 meters (300 feet) apart. Also coincidentally, the fire occurred on the night before the final decision was to be made on the appeal of prominent Arakanese politician U Aye Maung. The founder of the Arakan National Party (ANP) and an elected Union lawmaker, was arrested in January 2018 accused of high treason for speaking up in support of the armed struggle of the Arakan Army (AA) in a public talk along with a young Arakanese Ko Wai Han Aung. Sittwe resident Ko Min Bar Chay told The Irrawaddy that some locals are speculating that someone may have intentionally torched the courthouse in order to destabilize the situation in the state capital ahead of U Aye Maungs court hearing. When it was decided to proceed with U Aye Maungs trial on Thursday morning, his appeal to the State High Court was thrown out. Ko Min Bar Chay said that as the incident had taken place in the courthouse compound, which is right next to the state police building, it shows there is a lack of rule of law and poor security in the state capital. The state police building is located merely yards away from the court, which is a very questionable point in this case, said Ko Min Bar Chay. Google satellite images show that the Sittwe courthouse is located near the new clock tower and right behind its compound is the Rakhine State Police Force building as well as the local General Administration Department offices, the department which was recently transferred from the control of the militarys Home Affairs Ministry to the civilian-controlled Office of the Union Government. Ko Min Bar Chay expected that authorities could identify the suspect by checking footage from surveillance cameras. Last December, Rakhine State authorities installed almost 1 billion kyats ($657,000) worth of CCTV cameras in the capital with the purpose of the prevention of crime and traffic incidents. News Govt Office Minister Urges GAD Officials to Serve the Public with Transparency U Min Thu, minister for the Office of the Union Government, meets with staff from the General Administration Department in Myitkyina, Kachin State on Jan. 9, 2019. / Ministry of Information YANGONU Min Thu, minister for the Office of the Union Government, has urged General Administration Department (GAD) staff to change their mindset and shed old habits when carrying out their duties, according to the Ministry of Information. The minister held a meeting on Wednesday with GAD staff working at the township, district and state levels in Kachin State to explain policy and other changes in the wake of the formerly military-run departments transfer to the Ministry of the Office of the Union Government. U Min Thu said the reason for the transfer was to establish an administrative mechanism that is in line with the political system the country is working towards, and to ensure good governance. Formerly overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA), the GAD has for more than 30 years formed the backbone of Myanmars public administration. Under the 2008 Constitution, MOHA is one of three ministries led by major-generals appointed by the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. GAD is authorized to support government security efforts, the rule of law and stability, and enforce some civil laws. Its duties also include reporting on population movements, security incidents and basic demographic data, and conveying relevant information back to Naypyitaw. U Min Thu instructed the civil servants to follow the policies and processes of the Ministry of the Office of the Union Government. He said GAD staff at all levels must ensure that the administrative system is smooth, fair, just, free of corruption and transparent. The Union minister also encouraged GAD staff not to be overly concerned about the departments transfer, urging them to continue working as normal and to fulfill their duties. He instructed them to implement any reforms in line with changing policies and instructions. GAD officials should always be ready to address the needs of the public, he said, adding that they had a special responsibility because they worked closely with the people, who placed a lot of trust in them. The Ministry of the Office of the Union Government was created by the current administration. In November, U Min Thu, a retired colonel and former Air Force pilot, was appointed as its minister. Last week, a senior Home Affairs Ministry official who serves as director general of the GAD, U Tin Myint, was appointed as a deputy minister at the Ministry of the Office of the Union Government. News Fearing Deportation to Myanmar, India-Based Rohingya Flee to Bangladesh The main entrance to UNHCRs Gundum transit camp in Naikhacchari in Bangladeshs Bandarban district. / File photo / Muktadir Rashid DHAKA, BangladeshFearing they will be sent to Myanmar, scores of Rohingya people have fled India for Bangladesh in recent weeks, officials here said. At least 74 Rohingya who had been living in Hyderabad as well as locations in the Indian states of Jammu-Kashmir, Rajasthan and Punjab for several years are now in Cumilla and Feni after entering Bangladesh via the Indian state of Tripura. About half of the refugees are children, including infants and toddlers, the officials said, adding that the Rohingya were sent to the UNHCR transit camp at Gundum, in the Naikhongchari sub-district of Bandarban district, adjacent to Coxs Bazar, which is currently home to a huge Rohingya refugee population. Police in Cumilla district said they had detained 48 Rohingya at Brammanpara and Cumilla district headquarters on Jan. 1 alone. They had come from Jammu-Kashmir, Rajasthan, Hyderabad and Punjab through the northeast Indian state of Tripura. Mohammad Rezaul Karim, the chief of the largest of the Rohingya camps, Kutupalong in Ukhiya sub-district of Coxs Bazar, said the Rohingya were trafficked to India six or seven years ago, and were now afraid of being deported to Myanmar. Indian authorities have recently begun sending Rohingya back to Myanmar. Officials of Bangladeshs Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commission said they have started working on the issue. All of the recently arrived Rohingya are now under the supervision of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Coxs Bazar. Shahjahan Kabir, officer-in-charge at Brammanpara Police Station in Cumilla, said the detained Rohingya had been living Indian cities for six to seven years, where they were employed in various menial jobs. According to local media, India, which is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, arrested 230 Rohingya in 2018. Rohingya in India fear deportation to Myanmar, so the Indian police crackdown had prompted an exodus to Bangladesh, Shahjahan Kabir said. He said the influx in recent weeks was not the first. Two dozen Rohingya traveled to the Brammanpara area via Tripura in two phases in 2018, the police officer said, adding that all were detained and handed over to authorities in Coxs Bazar. Bangladeshi police officials said the Rohingya had been able to enter the country due to poor policing by border security officials during Bangladeshs elections on Dec. 30, 2018. Borders Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officials based in Cumilla said they had instructed their officers to tighten security along the border. We have asked our troops to be more vigilant to prevent any trespassing, said a senior BGB officer based in the Sarail region. He spoke on condition of anonymity, as he is not an authorized spokesperson. Amnesty International (AI), among other rights groups, has blasted India for forcibly repatriating Rohingya to Myanmar while persecution of the group is ongoing in Rakhine State. AI India said in a statement on Monday that the Indian governments expulsion of Rohingya asylum-seekers to Myanmar showed a disdain for international law. On Jan. 4, UNHCR stated that a Rohingya family of five sent back to Myanmar the previous day were asylum-seekers registered with the agency in India. The fact that the government ignored UNHCRs requests for access to the family, who were registered as asylum-seekers, is deeply concerning. The governments actions indicate a blatant disregard for the international refugee protection mechanism and the mandate of the UN Refugee Agency, Abhirr V P, AI Indias senior campaigner, said in the Jan. 7 statement. He added: The expulsion of asylum-seekers and refugees amounts to a violation of Indias obligations under customary international law, which prohibits governments from returning people to a territory where they are at risk of serious human rights violations. Since August 2017, over 700,000 Rohingya women, men and children have fled a campaign of violence by the Myanmar security forces and sought refuge in Bangladesh. According to UNHCR, there are an estimated 18,000 Rohingya refugees and asylum seekers registered with the agency in India. UNHCR issues ID cards to registered refugees and documents to asylum-seekers in India, which are meant to help prevent arbitrary arrests, detention and deportation. News China's Xi Nudges N.Korea, US to Meet Half Way as Second Summit Planned US President Donald Trump and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un arrive to sign documents that acknowledge the progress of the talks and pledge to keep momentum going, after their summit at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island in Singapore on June 12, 2018. / Reuters SHANGHAI/SEOULChinese President Xi Jinping said he hopes North Korea and the United States can meet each other half way as they plan a second summit between leaders Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump, Chinas official Xinhua news agency said on Thursday. The remark by Xi, during a meeting with Kim this week in Beijing, hinted at the depth of the differences that remain between Pyongyang and Washington after Trump and Kim pledged to work towards denuclearization at their landmark summit in Singapore in June. That agreement was short on specifics and negotiations have made little headway since. Pyongyang has demanded Washington lift sanctions, imposed because of its nuclear and missile tests, and declare an official end to the 1950-1953 Korean War. Those demands are in response to Pyongyangs initial, unilateral steps toward denuclearization that included dismantling its only known nuclear testing site and a key missile engine facility. The international community expects peaceful dialogue on the fate of the Korean peninsula to continue and yield results, Xi told Kim during the North Korean leaders fourth visit to China in the past 12 months, according to the Xinhua report. The political settlement of the peninsula issue faces a rare historic opportunity, Xi said. Beijing supports US-North Korean summits and the use of dialogue to resolve concerns, he was quoted as saying. China hopes that North Korea and the United States will meet each other halfway, Xi said. Kim reiterated a pledge from his New Years speech that the North would try to make a second summit achieve a result that the international community would welcome, Xinhua said. Kims trip to China this week followed reports of advanced negotiations for a second summit between Washington and Pyongyang aimed at resolving the standoff over North Koreas nuclear and missile programs. Second summit soon? It was unclear where or when a fresh summit would take place but South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday the latest China trip signaled an imminent second summit between Kim and Trump. Moon said he expected high-level talks would take place before long. The second summit would also expedite an unprecedented planned visit by Kim to Seoul, Moon said. He said North Korea needed to take bold steps towards denuclearization in order to draw US concessions such as sanctions relief. Progress between Washington and Pyongyang has long been hobbled by wide differences on how denuclearization should unfold, and under what conditions. Wang Yiwei, a senior research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, said he believed North Korea was becoming impatient and beginning to lose hope with the United States for asking it to make changes without in turn removing sanctions. The crux is how to let North Korea denuclearize and to give it security guarantees. On this, the United States and North Korea dont have trust, so China has to act as a bridge, Wang said. In Beijing, Kim told Xi he hoped North Koreas reasonable concerns would be taken seriously in order to achieve a comprehensive resolution on the Korean peninsula, Xinhua said. It quoted Kim as saying North Korea would adhere to its stance of denuclearization and resolving Korean peninsula issues through dialogue, including a second summit with Trump, in order to achieve results that would be welcomed internationally. Xi commended North Korea for its denuclearization efforts and said China supported the resolution of concerns through dialogue. North Koreas state news agency KCNA said both sides agreed in Beijing on the need to maintain the goal of the peaceful resolution of nuclear issues. Kim told Xi about the difficulties and concerns created in the process of improving North Korea-US relations and denuclearization negotiations as well as the prospects of tackling them. The Xinhua report did not elaborate. In Seoul, Moon said other potential measures North Korea could take included abolishing intercontinental and intermediate-range ballistic missiles and dismantling weapons production facilities and other nuclear sites. However, he said reducing US military commitments, such as a withdrawal of troops or strategic assets from the region, would be unlikely options for Washington. US forces in South Korea or strategic assets in places like Guam and Japan are not linked with North Korea alone, as they exist for the stability and peace of the entire Northeast Asia, Moon told reporters at the presidential Blue House. News Anti-Corruption Commission Detains 4 Land Officials in Gwa Township A coastal area of Gwa Township in southern Rakhine State in March 2018 / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy NAYPYITAWThe national Anti-Corruption Commission on Tuesday detained four local land-registration officials in Gwa Township, in southern Rakhine States Thandwe District, under the Anti-Corruption Law. The current head of the township Settlement and Land Records Department, his deputy, a clerk and a retired officer were detained, Lower House lawmaker Myint Wai of Gwa Township confirmed. They were arrested for allegedly taking bribes to facilitate land transactions. Locals have complained of around five incidents involving the four, U Myint Wai said. Gwa Township police confirmed the arrests. The commission has taken them to Thandwe, township police chief Police Captain Aye Tun told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday. Residents of Sapp Thwar and Kan Tharyar villages filed complaints with the anti-graft body both individually and collectively, U Myint Wai said. Land is valuable in Gwa, which is close to the sea. Sometimes the land expands naturally as sandbanks form. An acre of it is worth around 200 million kyats. According to the complaints, [the detained officials] took money to issue Form-7 certificates [for such land], he said. The Form-7 certificate was created under the 2012 Farm Land Law. It allows holders to engage in farming on a given piece of land. The total amount the officials sought is unknown, but in a transaction involving a land plot in Kan Tharyar village in July last year, the department received 63 million kyats for allowing a newly formed piece of land measuring 0.63 acres to be included in the sale, said local resident U Maung Tin. I filed the complaint. Then the commission made inquiries to me and others, U Maung Tin said. Those cases date to between 2014 and 2018, according to Gwa residents. The residents added that the Myanmar Army has abandoned some of the land it confiscated in Gwa when the country was under military rule. However, many original owners have yet to recover their land, as disputes between them and recent buyers, mostly private companies, have yet to be resolved. U Kyin Ke, a farmers rights activist, accused the department of facilitating illegal land acquisitions by private companies. The private companies receive more land on the ground than what is officially recorded on the documents. An acre is worth at least 70 million kyats, he said, alleging that the companies pay the authorities money to keep quiet. Referring to the arrest of the four officials, he said, It is only the tip of the iceberg. There are many cases that go unreported on the ground. News AA Leader Expects Fighting in Rakhine to Get Worse Tun Myat Naing in Laiza, Kachin State in Jan, 2017. / Nang Lwin Hnin Pwint YANGONPeace is nowhere in sight in Rakhine State, and clashes there are likely to intensify now that the Myanmar military has deployed large numbers of troops in the state following the Arakan Armys deadly Jan. 4 attacks on border outposts in Buthidaung Township, AA leader Major-General Tun Myat Naing said. We saw [more] troop deployments today too. They are coming in by air and by road, so it is very likely that future clashes will be fierce, Tun Myat Naing told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday. AA troops launched a coordinated attack on four Border Guard Police outposts in Buthidaung Township on Jan. 4, as Myanmar celebrated its 71st Independence Day. Thirteen police were killed and nine others were injured in the attack. The AA also seized dozens of small arms and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition. Following the AA attacks, President U Win Myint convened a top-level coordination meeting on the afternoon of Jan. 7. It was attended by State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The Presidents Office has instructed the Defense Ministry [which oversees the Army] to increase troop deployments in the areas where the police stations were attacked on Friday and to use aircraft if necessary, government spokesperson U Zaw Htay told reporters the same day. Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing said the AAs attacks on the Border Guard Police outposts were justified because personnel based there had helped the Myanmar Army attack the AA in Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Kyauktaw and Ponnagyun townships in December. He also accused the police and Myanmar Army of using civilians as human shields during their offensives against AA troops, and claimed that police were forcing civilians to serve as night guards for them. Weve recorded the [identities of the] battalions that fired on us with artillery. We have made a detailed record of the police battalions and Border Guard Police units [that made military use of civilians]. We wont forgive them for this. We will retaliate, he said. The AA would not let the Arakanese people be oppressed, he added. Since clashes with the AA intensified in December, local civilians have alleged that Tatmadaw and Border Guard Police forced them to act as guides through forests, and beat them with rifle stocks. They also claim security personnel forced them to provide food. At the press conference on Jan. 7, Presidents Office spokesman U Zaw Htay accused the AA of having ties to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and of funding its own operations from the illegal drug trade. He warned AA sympathizers to end their support for the group. I want to tell AA supporters to think about whether the AA really can make Rakhine State better. Frankly speaking, please stop your support, he said. The AA has denied having links to ARSA. I heard [government and Tatmadaw officials] say that Rakhine will be completely ruined in the next 10 years or so, and that Rakhine will meet the same fate as Syria. So I believe that if they want to destroy our land [Rakhine State], we should destroy their [the Bamars] land, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing said. However, we are open to peace talks if our presence in Rakhine State is recognized, he added. The Arakanese community has responded angrily to the accusation by the Presidents Office that the AA has ties to ARSA. The Arakanese National Party released a statement objecting to U Zaw Htays remarks. No Arakanese political organizations, whether operating openly or underground, have any ties to any terrorist organizations, it said in a statement. The fighting between the Tatmadaw and the AA in Buthidaung and Kyauktaw townships has displaced over 5,000 villagers. Founded in 2009 by 26 Arakanese youths in Kachin States Laiza, the AA is now a 7,000-strong army. Since 2015, the ethnic armed group has been attempting to return to its homeland of Rakhine State, which has led to frequent clashes with Myanmar Army in Chin States Paletwa and parts of Rakhine over the last year. Photo: The Canadian Press Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., left, and Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., stand with President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., as Trump speaks while departing after a Senate Republican Policy luncheon, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019. There is no easy way out. As the third government shutdown of President Donald Trump's tenure stretched into its 19th day, political pressures on Trump and the Democrats have left little room for compromise in the standoff over funding for a border wall. Most prominently, Trump's narrow focus on the desires of his most ardent supporters has him convinced he cannot back off his signature campaign promise without facing backlash. Some powerful Republican allies in Washington and beyond are cheering on his demands for $5.7 billion funding for the wall, even if some remain uneasy. For Democrats, broad public skepticism about Trump's case for the wall combined with a driving push from the base to stand up to the president has assured them they're on solid ground in refusing to bend. The looming question is whether the impact of the shutdown on government services and the plight of struggling federal workers force Republican lawmakers to break from the president or compel Democrats to budge. Until then, the dispute has given both parties a fast first test in the politics of divided government as they try to trade blame, manage their messages and strike a balance between competing political wings. Each side appeared dug in even deeper after a White House meeting between Trump and Democratic leaders on Wednesday as the economic livelihoods of some 800,000 federal workers hang in the balance. Trump said he quickly ended the meeting after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated that Democrats would not fund his wall under any circumstances. Trump's focus now is squarely on his conservative base and its support for the wall that came to symbolize Trump's promise for a hard-line, unrelenting approach to immigration. "He got elected because of that wall," said Trump confidant Jerry Falwell Jr., president of the evangelical Liberty University. Falwell said he has told Trump he's doing the right thing. "I don't think it'll help him at all if he backs down." White House aides largely agree. Officials maintain the issue is a political winner, though they have urged the president to be more aggressive in making his case to the public and to any wavering Republican lawmakers. Trump outlined his argument in graphic terms during a prime-time Oval Office address Tuesday night. While several studies suggest that illegal immigration has no impact on crime rates, the president highlighted horrific crimes committed by immigrants and suggested his wall was needed to prevent this "crisis." "How much more American blood must we shed before Congress does its job?" asked Trump, who plans to visit the border Thursday. The White House has been searching for options but not one that involves compromise. The administration has explored the possibility of funding the massive wall without congressional approval by declaring a national emergency or using funds from another department, though such moves would almost certainly trigger a legal challenge and may push some Republicans in Congress to break. Trump on Wednesday acknowledged the political pressure from within his own party not to back down. "If I did something that was foolish, like gave up on border security, the first ones that would hit me would be my senators they'd be angry at me. The second ones would be the House. And the third ones would be frankly my base and a lot of Republicans out there and a lot of Democrats that want to see border security," he told reporters. Meanwhile, the president's Republican critics are few and far between. Vice-President Mike Pence got a standing ovation during a closed-door meeting of congressional Republicans on Tuesday after he told them to "stand strong" and cited a C.S. Lewis quote on courage as a virtue. As many as two dozen Republicans a tiny fraction of the 199 Republicans serving in the House are expected to join House Democrats this week in passing a bill to start reopening parts of the government. There were modest signs of discomfort with Trump's strategy among Senate Republicans, though few had a pressing political incentive to break with the president given that all but a handful expect easy re-elections in 2020. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, called the shutdown "completely unnecessary and contrived. People expect their government to work ... this obviously is not working." At the same time, newly elected Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., was more representative of the mood in his caucus when he said voters back home believe Trump is doing the right thing: "They love him. And they want the wall." The GOP support stands in sharp contrast to most Americans, who do not approve of Trump's job performance. His approval rating has hovered close to 40 per cent or below for much of his presidency. But Trump's approval within the Republican Party has surged close to 90 per cent. The sharp divide is reflected in public opinion of the wall. Overall, 54 per cent of Americans oppose construction of a wall along the Mexican border, according to a Quinnipiac poll released in December. At the same time, 86 per cent of Republicans backed the proposal. Those numbers have helped keep Democrats united in opposition. Both party leaders on the Hill and the handful of presidential hopefuls starting to compete for the Democratic nomination have called on Democrats to hold strong. Billionaire activist Tom Steyer began running ads in key states calling for Trump's impeachment long before the shutdown drama began to unfold. "It's not a question as to whether the Democrats are out of line," said Steyer. "What (Trump) is doing is trying to extort the Democratic Congress with the pain of the American people. ... It's like somebody who kidnapped a kid and is holding them hostage to his campaign promise, which made no sense then, makes no sense now, and is incredibly wasteful." Steyer said Wednesday that he had decided against a 2020 presidential bid. The competing force on Democrat leaders is the pressure to prove they can restore some stability to Trump's Washington. Despite the liberal base's calls to stand up to Trump, party leaders believe they won big in last year's midterms by talking about pocketbook issues and promising to govern. They are eager to make good on that pledge. Republican pollster Frank Luntz suggested there would be little political price to pay for those associated with the extended government shutdown, which is just days away from becoming the longest in U.S. history even if most Americans blame Trump and his party. "For most people, their day-to-day lives are not being affected," Luntz said. Millions of Americans could go hungry unless there is a quick resolution to the US government shutdown over President Donald Trumps demand for billions of dollars to fund a border wall against immigrants. Almost 40 million low-income Americans, including millions of children, parents, elderly people, and those with disabilities, who depend on federal food assistance will not receive it in a few weeks unless the government reopens and passes a budget to continue covering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (Snap), once known as food stamps. The programme pays about $126 per person each month to low-income Americans, who make up about 14% of the countrys 325m population, costing an average of around $4.8bn a month, according to the US Department of Agriculture, which administers it. But because of the government shutdown, which closed many departments on December 22, the programme now has only $3bn in emergency reserves for February. California, Florida, New York, Illinois, and Texas, which together pay out 38% of the countrys total Snap benefits, would be most affected if the shutdown drags on. More than a million low-income Georgians could also lose their benefits in February, while there are similar concerns in many other states across the country. People in this country will go hungry, Democratic Congresswoman Rosa DeLaura of Connecticut said. Dottie Rosenbaum, a senior fellow at the Centre for Budget and Policy Priorities, which analyses federal and state government budget policies, said: If the shutdown continues and USDA [department of agriculture] determines it does not have the authority to extend Snap in the absence of congressional action, many low-income households would be at risk of serious hunger and hardship. If USDA determines it has a shortfall of approximately $1.8bn in the amount needed for February benefits and directs that the partial funding that is available be spread evenly across all 19m Snap households [about 44m people], the average cut per household would be at least $90 or close to 40%. Trumps recent comments that the shutdown, involving some 800,000 government workers, could go on for months if not years have sparked alarm and have led to charges he was out of touch with the problems of working and poorer Americans. In 2017, Snap participants redeemed $63bn in benefits for food purchases at 260,000 supermarkets, grocery stores or other food retailers, so if such spending doesnt continue, many small businesses would also become secondary victims of the shutdown. Congress has never let funding for Snap run out to the point where the programme defaulted on benefits. During a shutdown under President Barack Obama in 2013, the government came close to not having money to cover benefits, but Congress came through with the funds at the 11th hour. The department of agriculture is also responsible for distributing $1.2bn in commodities through the Emergency Food Assistance Programme, which provides supplemental food to soup kitchens, food banks, and pantries, and this aid to needy families is also being affected. But the department of agriculture is just one of a number of the federal agencies that shut down last month as part of Trumps strategy to force Congress to allocate almost $6bn to build his promised wall. Thousands of tenants, for example, would face eviction without continued assistance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This department funds the Housing Choice Voucher Programme, the largest federal rental assistance scheme, helping more than five million people in 2.2m low-income households to find housing and avoid homelessness. Some employees of the Transportation Security Administration at the countrys airports, who have had to work without pay, have begun staging sick-days. At some point, air travel could grind to a halt, hitting large sectors of the US economy at a time when economists are already concerned about a slowdown. Nine out of 15 federal departments are closed, as well as dozens of agencies, and more than 800,000 public servants and their families are unsure when to expect their next pay cheque. Julie Burr, a federal contract worker for the Department of Transportation in Kansas City, Missouri, said she isnt expecting to get paid for hours she has already worked. Thats because she cant submit her time sheet since there is no one to approve it in her office. I just want the government to be back up and running and I want to get back to work and earn my pay cheque and thats what I think a lot of people feel like, she said. When asked to respond to President Trump saying he can relate to government workers who are going without pay, Burr said: I find it hard to believe that a billionaire could relate to anyone who lives possibly pay cheque to pay cheque, which many of the American people do. Those affected in the heartland of America include thousands of farmers, who rely on the department of agriculture as their lender of last resort to help pay bills and stay afloat during the winter. Many farmers are already preparing for the spring planting and banks are not willing to lend to them, leaving the department as their only hope. But it remains shuttered. The shutdown is also affecting the economies of local communities that depend on national parks for tourism. The National Park System sees an estimated half a million visitors per day, in winter months, who spend about $19m per day in accommodation, shops and restaurants in nearby communities. While the 800,000 federal workers on leave or working without pay wont remotely suffer like lower-income Americans during the shutdown, they will definitely feel the pinch because millions of Americans, even professionals with advanced degrees, are living from pay cheque to pay cheque. A 2018 report by the US Federal Reserve, for example, found that 40% of American adults dont have $400 in savings for an emergency. Four in 10 adults, if faced with an unexpected expense of $400, would either not be able to cover it or would cover it by selling something or borrowing money, the report said. An employee with the National Science Foundation underscored this point in an interview. I am beginning to feel the pinch now and of course if it continues and we miss two or three pay cheques, it will be hard, she told me. We are hearing the government may not open for months and that is scary. The Office of Personnel Management, which manages the governments civilian workforce, offered advice to those in a bind on how to ask creditors for extensions and even suggested workers might barter their services, like doing painting or carpentry, in exchange for paying rent though it didnt offer any advice to those without such skills. The agency said later the advice had been inadvertently posted. When asked about a safety net for federal workers losing pay, Trump said: The safety net will be a strong border, because were going to be safe. Im not talking about economically, but ultimately, economically, I really believe that these people believe in what were doing. In his Oval Office address on Tuesday night he declared his border wall was just common sense. But polls suggest most Americans disagree and are annoyed with the president. About 55% blame either Trump or congressional Republicans for the shutdown and about 35% blame Democrats. Our goodwill taken for granted, nurses have been pushed to the point of strike action, feeling like we have nowhere else to go, writes Phil Ni Sheaghdha Striking doesnt come naturally to nurses and midwives. In the hundred-year history of the INMO, we have gone on national strike just once. This is doubtlessly because we have always been a caring profession, motivated by the support we can provide our patients. Nurses and midwives are well known as the kind of people who will just get on with it when faced with difficult circumstances. Indeed, that ethic was something instilled in me when I trained as a nurse myself. So how then do we end up with 95% of nurses and midwives voting for strike action at the end of this month? The simple answer is that we have been pushed to this point, feeling like we have nowhere else to go. We have gone from process to report and back again, kicking the can down the road. Nurses and midwives increasingly feel that our professional goodwill is taken for granted. In the last 10 years, the number of nurses and midwives in the public health service has fallen by more than 1,400 a 4% drop. Meanwhile, the number of managers, consultants, doctors, and therapists have all risen by around 40%. This relative collapse in our numbers reflects the difficulty the HSE is having in recruiting and retaining nurses and midwives. They simply cannot hire enough of us on these wages, and now get only one application for every four vacant posts. The effects of the resulting understaffing are well documented, in this newspaper and elsewhere. We have waiting lists a mile long, where patients get sicker and sicker while they wait. We hear regular stories of missed or unsafe care, as hard-working health workers struggle to keep pace. And, as the INMO daily figures reveal, we see the numbers of patients stuck on trolleys rise and rise. Cork University Hospital is among the very worst-hit by the trolley crisis. Yesterday, it had an eye-watering 70 patients waiting on trolleys, without a bed. Considering there are only supposed to be a maximum of 12 patients in its emergency department, the problem is clearly out of hand. This worsens patient outcomes. Stuck on a trolley, patients are under bright, 24-hour lights, with no privacy or space for visitors. Recovery takes far longer in such circumstances, as a stay in our health system takes its toll. Healthcare is supposed to make people better, not sicker. This understaffing is bad value for money too. The HSE now spends over 1.5m a week on expensive agency nurse staffing, used to fill the gaps where permanent nurses should be. The HSE also has to look overseas to recruit nurses and midwives from other parts of the world. It now pays a whopping 10,000 per head to recruitment firms for nurses hired overseas. We are lucky to have so many brilliant migrant nurses in Ireland, but many leave Ireland within two years drawn away for the same reasons as Irish nurses. We train over 1,700 nurses and midwives each year in Ireland. According to student polling we did last year, the main reason so many are considering leaving is because of wages and conditions. Denial increasingly appears to be the political philosophy of this government. It dismisses and diminishes our concerns on understaffing, insisting its current pay proposals are acceptable. The fact that 94% of INMO nurses and midwives disagree does not appear to give it pause for thought. But there is hope. The governments own research has found enormous benefits to getting the mix and number of staff right. In wards in three Irish hospitals, it trialled safe staffing levels with a mix of 80% nurses to 20% healthcare assistants. The results were astonishing. The workforce stabilised, with less staff turnover and improved job satisfaction. Patients reported far better outcomes, wait times went down, durations of stay fell, and the number of patient deaths decreased. The results will impress financially minded readers too. By bringing in enough staff, the HSE actually saved money, primarily because of shorter stays for patients and a drastic 95% reduction in the need for agency staff. This is not abstract theorising. This is the result of government-sponsored trials, right here in Ireland. The safe staffing framework was launched as government policy with much ministerial fanfare, but low wages and investment have left it unimplemented. Sadly, without a pay rise, we will not be able to hire enough nurses to make it a reality. I worry it will simply be another report gathering dust on a shelf. There is a sense in Irish politics that our health service is hopeless and beyond repair. I do not accept this. Nurses and midwives do not accept this. And nor do patients. There is no reason why Ireland cannot have a top-class health service, consistently delivering the standards of care which patients deserve. To get there, we need the government to listen to the frontline, engage with us directly, and pay nurses and midwives a competitive wage. There is room to do so under the existing pay agreements. This strike can be averted, but its time for the government to act. Phil Ni Sheaghdha is general secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. Chinas digital system overtly seeks to monitor the behaviour of its 1.4bn people, writes John Lloyd A signature theme of the new year is the possibility of a malign confrontation between the worlds greatly enhanced capacity for electronic surveillance and the weakening of democratic control. The antidote to that risk is the democratic spirit and civil freedoms both of which are suffering worldwide. These are not dead, but they are unwell, at times untended. The worlds two most populous states, China and India together, around 37% of the global population have rolled out nationwide digital systems of monitoring and classification. These combine the collection of personal information needed for fuller citizenship with the capacity for fuller surveillance and intervention by the state. Chinas system overtly seeks to monitor the behaviour of its 1.4bn people and to reward those actions the state/Communist Party defines as good and punish those it defines as bad. It is the secular alternative to religiously guided societies, substituting the commandments of a god mediated through a priesthood with the criteria of a state whose ruling party claims virtual infallibility through its interpretation of the philosophy of Karl Marx, aided by a gloss provided by its president the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, now written into Chinas constitution. The countrys social credit system combines face, voice, and fingerprint recognition technology with monitoring of public and private behaviour such as internet use, educational choices, and social networks, as well as a huge web of paid informants who report unusual activities. The Chinese government uses these elements to produce a picture of each persons social, political, professional, and private activities and awards points which aid career and other choices or punishes antisocial or anti-Party behaviour by depriving citizens of rights, promotions, and travel possibilities. The official Party description of the system claims that it will allow the trustworthy to roam freely under heaven while making it hard for the discredited to take a single step. It already assigns rewards and punishments: 2019 is the year in which coverage is aimed to be completed so as to monitor everyone in the country by 2020. Indias Aadhaar (foundation in Hindi) national identity card technology aims to be as comprehensive as the Chinese model, but is not designed to be as intrusive. It began as a voluntary initiative, the brainchild of software entrepreneur Nandan Nilekani, who wanted to make every Indian, no matter how poor or marginalised, visible to the state. Since last year, it ceased to be a choice in several Indian states, and the ambition is to make it compulsory, with plans to link it to access to needed commodities, higher education, government subsidies, and healthcare. Complaints that Aadhaar breaches the right to privacy are lodged with the courts, and a battle is joined between civil libertarians and the state. The economist Reetika Khera wrote in the Washington Post in August that the system constitutes one of the most brazen breaches of the right to privacy and the right to live initiated by the government of a democratic country. Western democracies dont have China-sized or even India-sized digital ambitions. But in the aftermath of the 2013 publication of documents taken from the US National Security Agency, many of their secret services have been given legal power to monitor all their citizens communications, but with increased legal safeguards. The most powerful of democracies, the US itself, is the birthplace and headquarters of the great digital corporations which, with Facebook in the lead, now face increased questioning by the public and governments on their ability to preserve privacy and weed out or at least reveal the existence of illegal hate speech and covert propaganda masquerading as news. A few years later, as Facebook was soaring in popularity, founder Mark Zuckerberg opined that keeping information private was no longer a social norm. He has no doubt changed, or been forced to appear to have changed, his views since then, but the business model of Facebook, and others of the tech giants pack, remains dependent on Facebook sharing personal information with advertisers. These developments grow in importance and scope at the same time as the authoritarian world increases its size and becomes more restrictive. In a disturbing essay published last year, scholars Yascha Mounk and Roberto Stefan Foa wrote that in the span of a quarter century, liberal democracies have gone from a position of unprecedented economic strength to a position of unprecedented economic weakness. They believe the dominance of global affairs by liberal democracies through the 20th century was less because of the attraction of either liberalism or democracy, but because of the example they set of wealth creation. Besides the outright authoritarians, there are the democratically-elected populists as in the US, Italy, Poland, Hungary, and elsewhere who usually adopt some part of the authoritarian practice on issues like immigration, sexual and ethnic minorities, and NGOs. The most recent addition the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil saw the new leader threaten, on his first day in office, the land granted to indigenous peoples and to remove LGBT issues from the protection of the Human Rights Ministry. Neither the authoritarians nor the national populists are likely to use the new powers of surveillance, and their capacity to discipline populations, with a strong regard for human rights at least the rights of those of whom they wish to marginalise. Instead, these powers, especially the Chinese system, are likely to be used by leaders who wish to radically alter the liberal policies and customs they have inherited. The danger is not in the technology. Mature democracies, whose publics, courts, media outlets, and institutions of civil society remain free and vigilant, can with some exceptions and accidents ensure that technological use is consonant with the need to counter threats or secure efficiency in the public sphere. They can also ensure that debate on the use of technology is robust, and that the weight of public opinion is felt, and can change policy. The predictions of democratic failure in the face of authoritarian power will come true only if publics allow it. 2019 cannot be the year of more control, but of the revival of the liberal spirit. John Lloyd co-founded the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford. Victoria White is away. Though advised by medics to start their family in their 20s, many women often feel judged for having children before establishing their career or going on a world tour. Sharon Ni Chonchuir talks to three young mothers about the pros and cons THINK back to your 20s and youre likely to remember years spent studying then struggling to find your feet in the workplace. Youll probably also recall nights out with friends, carefree holidays abroad and romantic adventures. However, doctors often say that women who spend their second decade of life in this way are making a mistake. With one in five couples in Ireland now struggling with infertility, medics advise women to start their families early, ideally in their 20s. But the pressures and opportunities of modern life mean this is unlikely to happen for the majority of women. According to data published by Eurostat last March, 30 is now the average age for women having their first baby in Ireland. Only 35.2% of women are aged between 20 and 29 when they first become a mother, compared with 56.2% aged between 30 and 39. This phenomenon can be seen everywhere from maternity wards to online parenting forums. In a recent Mum Truths podcast on the MummyPages.ie parenting website, the former master of the National Maternity Hospital Dr Rhona Mahony said that 40% of the women in Holles Street having their first child were over 35. She also advised that 24 was the optimum time for starting a family, says Laura Erskine, head of community for MummyPages.ie. However, typically this is the age many graduates get their first job or travel abroad for work and children are not a consideration for the majority. What does this mean for the women who buck the trend by choosing to start their families in their 20s? Here, three young mums share their experiences. Aisling McNally Aisling McNally with children Ryan, age 4, Caoimhe, 2, and twins Cillian and Oisin, two months, in Clonmel, Co Tipperary. Picture: Pat Moore Aisling is 29 and lives in Clonmel in Tipperary with her partner Gary OShea and their four children, Rian, aged 4, Caoimhe, 23 months and three-month-old twins Oisin and Cillian. She always planned to be a young mother. My mother had me when she was 20 and our relationship is so special, she says. I always wanted that closeness with my children. She and Gary had only been together for 10 months when she became pregnant with Rian. We had already said wed love children and it was an important part of our relationship, she says. After having him, we knew we definitely wanted more and we wanted them close in age. This is not to say her experience has been easy. When Rian was born, she felt too intimidated to attend mother and baby groups. I was afraid of being judged, she says. Look at the cut of that young one, only with her boyfriend a year and theyve already had a baby. She did attend the second time around and found a welcoming circle of friends. She was glad of this because her relationship with her old friends had changed. I was the first of my friends to have a child and there would be nights when Id see Snapchat messages and pictures on Facebook while I was at home with the baby, she says. Id feel left out and want my old fun life back. It can still be lonely at times. She recognises that this is not her friends fault. They still text me on Friday nights asking me to join them for drinks, she says. They dont realise that they need to ask me on Monday so that I can have arrangements made in time for Friday. Gary works long hours and nights, so I cant just abandon the kids. She envies other aspects of her friends lives too. One has a great career with lots of money and I often think of her while Im trying to stretch what weve got, she says. Another is always off on holidays and can get up and go whenever she wants. McNally herself is a preschool teacher and is due back to work in April. I went back to work after my first and my second but well have to see if it makes sense with four, she says. Nothing has been finalised yet but I do miss the grown-up interaction already. Despite the drawbacks, McNally sees more positives than negatives in being a young mum. I wouldnt change it, she says. I am young so I have the energy for kids and my mam, sisters and grandparents are young so they get to enjoy my kids too. I also keep telling myself that once they hit their 20s, Ill still be young and able to do the things I may be missing out on now. Being a young mum has given me confidence in myself. It makes me feel like an adult and I enjoy the crazy responsibilities that come with it. This is the life I have now and I love it. Becky Durnin Becky Durnin, 30, from Dunleer, Co Louth, with her two daughters Saoirse, 4, and Trinity, 6. Picture: Ciara Wilkinson Becky from Dunleer, Co Louth, 30, is mum to Trinity, six, and Saoirse, four. She married her husband Peter when she was aged 23 and had their first daughter at 24. I always felt that motherhood was an important and intense stage of life and wanted to have my health and energy for it, she says. I wanted to be someone who could keep up with my children on a mountain climb. I also wanted to see my childrens children and to be well and healthy enough to be helpful to my daughters when they are raising their own families. My husband and I decided we were ready for parenthood and were delighted when we found out our first daughter was on the way. Her social life wasnt affected significantly by motherhood. A lot of my close friends had babies before I did with two having babies in their teens, she says. And because I was never much into the party scene anyway, I didnt feel I was missing out on that. I still went on nights out or to shows or dinner with my friends every now and then too. However, she felt distanced from her childless friends at times. I had different priorities and perspectives on life and we had much less in common than before. The friends she gained from joining groups made up for this. I attended breastfeeding and babywearing groups a couple of times a week and created a virtual tribe of women around me through social media, so I never really felt isolated or alone. Like McNally, Durnin lists youthful energy as an advantage to being a young mum. I can power through some of the sleeplessness of parenthood, she says. She also thinks the experience has changed her perception of herself. Theres a magnificent acceptance and gratitude that comes from living in a body that grew and birthed and nourished children, she says. I wish more young women could stand in front of a mirror and appreciate the wonder of what their bodies are capable of like I can. Durnin now works as a doula supporting couples through pregnancy and birth. The desire to welcome a baby hits different people at different times, she says. Ive supported couples in their mid-40s and that was the perfect age and timing for them. Im glad it arrived earlier rather than later for us. Weve been on an amazing journey so far and I feel very blessed to have two healthy and vibrant young daughters. Aisling OSullivan Aisling OSullivan, with her four children, Jack, 10, Jonathan, 6, David, 2, and Amelia, 7 months, at Minard Castle near their home in Lispole, West Kerry. Picture: Don MacMonagle Aisling is 30 and lives in Lispole, Co Kerry, with her husband Johnny and four children, Jack, 10, Jonathan, 5, Daniel, 2, and Amelia, 7 months. Id wanted a big family since I was young, she says. There were five of us growing up as well as lots of cousins whod be in and out of our house. Her relationships with her friends changed dramatically as soon as she had Jack. My priorities changed and I didnt want to go out drinking anymore, she says. But that was how you socialised then. You didnt go out for lunch like you do now. I had no friends my age who had babies, so I ended up drifting away from lots of people. Some of her childless friends struggled to understand this. They would tell me that I should make an effort and I would think that they should understand Id had a baby, says OSullivan. As a result, my friends were few and far between for a while and although I didnt miss the nights out, I did miss my friends. Like McNally, she felt too young to join any groups. I just got on with things and as soon as Jack was old enough, I put him in a creche and got a part-time job, she says. That was enough socialising for me. One of the positives she identifies to having children early is that she never got used to having a lot of time for herself. Because I never had much me time, I wasnt fazed by not having any when the kids came along, she says. My life has always been about the kids and always will be. This applies even to OSullivans career plans. She was studying a beauty therapy course when she became pregnant with Jack and was unable to sit the exams because they took place five days after he was born. But I run the family farm now and have done so for the past few years, she says. I dont know if Ill take on another job on top of the family and farming as the cost of childcare for four kids is quite steep and its hard to commit to an employers hours when it comes to school holidays, doctors appointments and kids getting sick so weve decided its best to have one of us about the house full-time for the next few years. OSullivan doesnt know if it makes a difference what age you are when you have children. Its always going to be tough and challenging, she says. Today half defeated me. But its a blessing to have a baby at any age. Children bring so much joy and its beautiful to watch them grow. Maternal instinct: Early or later Doctor Maria Dempsey is a lecturer in applied psychology at University College Cork. She had her son aged 19 and went on to carry out research on the experience of young mothers. I see a lot of differences between my situation and that of friends and family who left having children until they were in their late 30s, she says. I had more energy than they do. I didnt have fertility issues and because I didnt have the same idea of me time, I didnt find giving my routine over to a child as much of a challenge as a lot of them do. Those were the advantages. Her personal experience and research showed there were disadvantages too. My research, as well as that carried out by Dr Ciara Bradly in Maynooth and Dr Sara OByrnes recent Motherhood in Ireland Study, showed that young mothers are out of step with their peers, says Dempsey. Theyve started a new life and a whole new way of being. Their friends are massively interested initially but that interest tends to ebb away over time. To make up for this, Dempsey urges young mothers to reach out and join groups in their locality. There are so many innovative classes and events now, from music groups for babies to storytelling sessions, she says. Try to find the energy and courage to go to them. She would also like to see more supports put in place to prepare all women and couples who are about to become parents. There is this assumption that we all know how to parent but its not necessarily that easy or obvious, she says. Older parents can be more able on this level, having had time to figure out what sort of parents they would like to be. But every parent should be given an opportunity to look at the approaching transition to parenthood and what it actually means to them. No matter what age you are when you have a baby, Dempsey acknowledges that there are hurdles to overcome. There is rarely a perfect time to have a baby and there are costs no matter what stage of life youre at, she says. It would help everyone if there was a more open discussion about parenthood and what it means to each individual person. This would help women and couples to decide if they want to have their children at a young age, at a later stage, or even at all. A specialist Garda unit tasked with assessing intelligence on the financing of terrorism only has two members attached to it, despite external calls on the State to boost its resources and more actively pursue prosecutions. The Terrorist Financing Intelligence Unit receives around 880 suspicious transaction reports (STRs) with potential links to international terrorism on average per year. The unit sends about 95 reports every year to Garda Security and Intelligence (S&I) for investigation. The finance unit is tasked with examining referrals regarding financial transactions potentially relating to both domestic (such as republican) and international (such as jihadist) terrorism. The section is part of the Financial Intelligence Unit within the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau. The Irish Examiner understands that the strength of the overall finance unit stands at 11 staff, including two gardai attached to the terror unit. This has not changed since an analysis of Irelands record on combating money-laundering and terrorist financing was conducted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which published its 200-page report in September 2017. That intergovernmental body said Ireland should allocate greater additional resources to both the overall and terror financial units and said concerns it had previously raised about their resourcing persist. The body said it had been reassured in its visits that there was a priority to hire further garda analysts and financial analysis expertise. The Irish Examiner understands that despite competitions which saw additional staff going into the National Economic Crime Bureau, that office and the Financial Intelligence Unit have lost an equal number of gardai through promotions, transfers, and retirements. Official figures show: 4,419 STRs with potential links to international terrorism were sent to the terror unit between 2012 and 2016, up from 683 to 948; 477 reports submitted by the terror unit to S&I for investigation, rising from 76 in 2012 to 90 in 2016; 236 of these reports related to active targets, up from 24 in 2012 to 56 in 2016. The Financial Intelligence Unit as a whole has seen a sharp rise in total STRs referred to it, rising from 12,390 in 2012 to 21,682 in 2016. The FATF report said international terrorism referrals were the third-highest category of STRs, and that new technology would streamline the process. It said the high numbers of STRs linked to international terrorism may overburden the terror unit, with too many STRs to properly analyse for investigators or intelligence. The terror unit reports are sent to S&I, which in turn add it to its own intelligence, before referring cases to the Special Detective Unit for investigation. The FATF report criticised the State for the low number of prosecutions for terrorist financing, saying authorities had indicated that the threshold of evidence to prove it was too high to pursue prosecutions. There has been one terrorist financing prosecution to date: Irishman Hassan Bal was convicted last July of sending funds to IS. The FATF report said the lack of terrorist financing prosecutions was not consistent with Irelands risk profile. It said: Ireland should more actively pursue TF [terrorist financing] prosecutions in line with its risk profile, with a view to securing TF convictions." It is understood the Special Detective Unit hopes to pursue a number of prosecutions this year. It is thought Garda HQ is considering running a competition to increase staffing at the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, which would boost the resources of the Financial Intelligence Unit and the Terrorist Financing Intelligence Unit. The insurance industry has called for greater measures to tackle fraudulent compensation claims with one company claiming it will be contesting some 500 suspicious cases awaiting trial dates in the courts. The plea for legal reforms comes on the second anniversary of the publication of the cost of insurance working group report, which saw the establishment of the Personal Injuries Commission which is working to benchmark personal injury awards. However two insurers have warned there are still challenges with fraudulent claims a particular cause for concern. Allianz said it challenged over 1,500 claimants in the courts last year, 45% of which, it claims, are potentially fraudulent. It said each case it has won has delivered an average saving of 20,000 per claimant, and that it currently has 500 cases awaiting trial, which it deemed to be suspicious and is planning to challenge in the courts. These court victories against fraudsters are good news for the industry and for the consumer, who has had to bear some of the cost of fraudulent claims, said Sean McGrath, CEO of Allianz Ireland. The cost of investigating and mounting a case to challenge fraudulent claims is not cheap but, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial cost. The Personal Injuries Commission has found that the level of compensation in the Republic of Ireland for whiplash injuries is 4.4 times that of payments in England and Wales. It has recommended the establishment of a Garda Fraud Investigation Bureau, a measure that has received the backing of Liberty Insurance. Liberty also called for training for judges to bring about greater consistency in compensation awards, and measures that would require claimants to swear affidavits verifying their claims are valid. This amendment would provide for civil and criminal penalties in cases where it is later found that claims are false or exaggerated. Deirdre Ashe, director of customer and markets at Liberty Insurance, said some progress has been made in reforming the cost of insurance since the publication of the working group report. Independent data is telling us that the average cost of premiums has fallen, she said. Yet we need to do more to ensure long-term stability. For those of us who have been in the insurance market for many years, we know also that insurance in Ireland has traditionally been cyclical, with periods of both pricing spikes and, equally, declines. The objective for all stakeholders, whether Government or industry, is to put in place reforms which drive systemic change and maintain a stable market that is less vulnerable to turbulence and volatility. Our proposals will help to further stabilise our insurance market. Addressing key issues such as consistency in the value of compensation awarded to claimants, and also by more forcefully combatting and deterring fraud, will support a more balanced market for our customers and honest policy holders. Photo: The Canadian Press Photographers take pictures of what U.A.E. officials described as an Iranian Qasef drone captured on the battlefield in Yemen during a news conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. A bomb-laden drone launched by Yemen's Shiite rebels exploded over a military parade for the Saudi-led coalition and its allies on Thursday near the southern port city of Aden, killing at least six people in a brazen attack that threatened U.N.-brokered peace efforts to end the yearslong war tearing at the Arab world's poorest nation. The attack at the Al-Anad Air Base, where American special forces once led their fight against Yemen's al-Qaida branch, targeted high-ranking military officials in Yemen's internationally recognized government with what the rebel Houthis described as a new version of one of their drones. The attack also raised new questions about Iran's alleged role in arming the Houthis with drone and ballistic missile technology, something long denied by Tehran despite researchers and U.N. experts linking the Yemeni rebel weapons to the Islamic Republic. "Once again this proves that the Houthi criminal militias are not ready for peace and that they are exploiting truces in order for deployment and reinforcements," said Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani, who said two senior military officials were wounded in the attack. "This is time for the international community to stand by the legitimate government and force the militias to give up their weapons and pull out of the cities," he added. The Houthis immediately claimed the attack through their al-Masirah satellite news channel, saying the attack targeted "invaders and mercenaries" at the base in the southern province of Lahj, leaving "dozens of dead and wounded." Yemeni officials said that among the wounded were Mohammad Saleh Tamah, head of Yemen's Intelligence Service, senior military commander Mohammad Jawas, and Lahj governor Ahmed al-Turki, adding that authorities were still searching for wounded among the rubble. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to reporters. Local reporter Nabil al-Qaiti was attending the ceremony and standing in front of the stage when he saw a drone approach at a height of about 25 metres (82 feet) in the air, minutes after the parade started. Army spokesman Mohammed al-Naqib was delivering a speech from a podium when the drone exploded. "It was a very strong explosion and we could feel the pressure," he said, adding that two of the people standing next to him a soldier and another journalist were wounded. Al-Qaiti saw many wounded but no dead. "The drone was packed with explosives," he added. Some 8,000 soldiers had been taking part in the parade, as well as two governors and a large number of top military commanders, including the chief of staff. Initial reports said six troops were killed. Yemen plunged into civil war in 2014 when the rebels captured Sanaa, the country's capital. A Saudi-led coalition entered the war in March 2015 as government forces looked poised to lose Aden to the Houthi advance. The U.S. supported the Saudi-led coalition for years despite its airstrikes killing civilians, only recently beginning to step back after the assassination of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. The company which operates the speed camera system in Ireland has been urged to abandon its refusal to recognise trade unions. The Labour Court has recommended that Go Safe, which holds the five-year contract worth 115m to operate safety cameras for An Garda Siochana, should engage with Siptu on employment-related issues with its workers. At a recent hearing, lawyers for Go Safe claimed it uses a monitoring operators forum with employee participation which deals with proposed changes to business as well as pay and issues relating to terms and conditions of employment. It said the company had a successful history of negotiating with its staff and any trade dispute could be dealt with through its existing internal dispute resolution process. The Labour Court was told that it was Go Safes preference to engage with its staff directly through established forums. Although a recommendation by the Labour Court is non-binding, it is expected to be given serious consideration by the affected party. Siptu referred the dispute to the Labour Court last August with the union agreeing to be bound by any recommendation arising out of the proceedings. Union representatives claimed Go Safe operators worked under severe conditions and were confined to their van for the full duration of their shift which could last between nine and 11 hours. Siptu officials claim the company refused to engage with the union, despite the State paying for its services. It argued that Go Safe should recognise Siptu as the representative of its staff for both collective and individual negotiation for its members. The Labour Court heard that there was a collective agreement in relation to a number of issues in place at Go Safe which would run up until December 2019 but that the company was not willing to engage with Siptu. Having heard representations from both parties, the Labour Court recommended that Go Safe should recognise the union as the representative of its employees who were members of Siptu and engage with it on employment issues. Go Safe is owned by a consortium which comprises Spectra, a firm owned by Kerry businessman Xavier McAuliffe, and French company Egis, which own 42% each, as well as Australian traffic enforcement firm Redflex. A former chief executive of Redflexs US subsidiary, Karen Finley, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and fined $2m (1.73m) by a US federal court in 2016 for her role in a bribery scheme to win speed camera contracts in Chicago. Under the current contract, Go Safe provides a minimum of 7,400 enforcement hours at over 1,000 high-risk locations and a maximum of 100 survey hours per month across the Republics road network. A second nurses union has announced strike plans intensifying the prospect of widespread disruption to the health service in two weeks' time. The Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) has taken a similar tack to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) by announcing an extended plan of industrial action, beginning on January 31, with a refusal to work overtime. The action will take place a day after the first of six national 24-hour strikes planned by the INMO when its 37,000 members withdraw from providing all but emergency and life-saving cover. The psychiatric nurses campaign is one of escalating action, with an overtime ban effective on January 31, and February 5, 6 and 7, escalating to strike on February 12, 13, and 14. Some of the PNA dates overlap with the INMOs 24-hour strikes which are scheduled for January 30, as well as the 5, 7, 12, 13 and 14 of February. Both disputes centre on pay and staffing shortages. The INMO is seeking a 12% pay hike and says it cannot recruit and retain nurses on current pay levels. PNA general secretary Peter Hughes said the recruitment and retention crisis in psychiatric nursing was escalating on a monthly basis, with a 40% increase in vacancies between November 2017 and September 2018. He described this level of vacancies as unsustainable, saying that it was seriously impacting on service delivery and patient care. He said staff shortages needed to be addressed with realistic proposals from government "as a matter of extreme urgency". The government has repeatedly insisted that the nurses pay claims are unaffordable, and would trigger knock-on claims across the public service. A spokesperson for Health Minister Simon Harris said the Minister did not believe that industrial action was warranted and believed there was a clear need for engagement. Sinn Fein health spokesperson Louise OReilly said Fine Gael had been in government for almost eight years, and despite every opportunity to address the nursing recruitment and retention crisis in the health service, they have completely failed. Separately some hospitals continue to struggle with a surge in patient numbers attending emergency departments. In the South/Southwest hospital group a series of measures are being implemented including suspending some elective surgery so that people who represent at the ED are kept moving through the system. The group also said it was making 30 transitional care beds available outside of acute hospitals to reduce delayed discharges; opening additional orthopaedic /trauma rehab beds in February and establishing a Frailty Intervention Therapy Team (FITT) team in the ED at Cork University Hospital. The Policing Authority is due to hold a special public meeting next week to discuss concerns regarding Garda failures to prosecute serious juvenile offenders. The meeting will examine a lengthy internal Garda investigation into the Juvenile Diversion Programme. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris told the authority last November he had ordered an external review of the internal report. Last June, senior gardai said initial internal investigations had identified almost 13,000 cases between 2010 and 2017 where they could not find that any action had been taken against juveniles who had been deemed unsuitable for the juvenile diversion programme. This programme diverts children between 12 and up to 18 away from the criminal justice system. Children who are deemed as unsuitable are referred back to local district officers who are then supposed to consider a criminal prosecution or the submission of a file to the DPP. Gardai have said that as well as the significant risk involved in failing to pursue lawful sanction for crimes, there was the additional prospect that the juveniles concerned went on to commit further offences, resulting in more victims. Authority chair Josephine Feehily said at the June meeting that this meant that while young people who accepted their crimes were admitted to the diversion programme those who were unsuitable got away with it. Authority member Judith Gillespie said the issue was of considerable concern and asked him that without prejudice to any criminal or misconduct issues could he reassure the public the problem could not continue. Mr Harris said that because of changes to the Garda Pulse computer database there had been no reoccurrence in 2018 and it had tailed off in 2017. He said the review flagged up organisation or systemic failure in that changes in the work process probably hadnt been subject to the explanation, training and supervision required. He said that before he went near anything around individuals and disciplinary issues he wanted to establish what had happened. The Policing Authority published its Review of 2018 yesterday. Speaking on Newstalk and RTE, Ms Feehily said proper Garda data was very important. She said the authority was continuing to examine the Gardas review of 41 homicide investigations to determine if they were properly classified and investigated. He said the review was halfway through and that the authority had concerns about the investigations in two of the 24 so far examined. But she said the deficiencies did not appear to have impacted the outcome of the investigations. She said they related to delays in taking witness statements, protecting the chain of evidence and not recording reasons for decisions. She said they were happy with the thoroughness of the garda review. Ms Feehily said the origins of this review was that domestic violence-related homicides had not received the level of policing attention they had deserved. She said the issue of domestic violence was something the authority would definitely be looking at this year, noting the two murders of women already in 2019. Six new units for sexual/domestic crime Six new divisional units specialising in the investigation of sexual and domestic crimes have been set up, Garda HQ has announced. The Protective Services Units have been established in Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) South Central, Kerry, Kilkenny, Galway, Waterford and Limerick. Garda HQ said the units had gone live, but added that training for personnel attached to each unit had started in the Garda College last Monday. Four units had already been established in the DMR West areas of Cabra and Clondalkin, Cork, and Louth. Units will begin work in the remaining 19 divisions in 2019. The Garda statement said the units are part of the 2016 Garda Modernisation and Renewal Programme and would deliver a consistent and professional approach to the investigation of sexual crime, child abuse and domestic violence. The units also cover human trafficking, organised prostitution and missing-person cases. Detective Chief Superintendent Declan Daly, Garda National Protective Services, said: The continued expansion of the DPSU project will ensure a consistent level of service by An Garda Siochana to the victims of sexual crime and domestic abuse. They are a welcome and valuable addition to Garda divisions and will add to the service. A man drove through a wall injuring two people after seeing sexually suggestive texts on his wifes phone. Gavin Heaphy of Woodview Drive, Mallow, Co Cork, was jailed for a total of two years at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on charges of dangerous driving causing serious harm to a man and a woman. The court heard Heaphy jumped into his jeep after discovering the racy messages to go to the home of the man he believed sent them. When he got there, on the morning of May 27, 2018, the man wasnt there so he parked and waited. When he did see the man Heaphy drove at speed down the road with the intention of confronting him. He was unable to stop and he drove through a wall of a house, Garda PJ Roche told the court. The wall crashed down on the man who was hospitalised after a piece of steel from the wall pierced his anus. The woman he was with suffered an injury to her wrist. Both injured parties were given the opportunity to prepare victim impact statements for Heaphys sentencing hearing but declined. Garda PJ Roche who investigated the case said: Gavin Heaphy drove at speed. He was unable to stop and drove through a boundary wall. A piece of steel from the wall pierced his [the injured mans] anus, requiring him to be hospitalised. He [was] required to have surgery. He released himself five days later." Heaphy also pleaded guilty to the charge of endangerment arising out of the same set of circumstances. Garda Roche said there was no evidence that the defendant had been drinking. Judge Sean O Donnabhain said: All of this happened as a reaction to text messages. It is disproportionate, violent and inappropriate response. The judge said the best way to deal with unwanted text messages was by deleting them. However, he said the aggravating aspect of this case was that Heaphy deliberately went looking for the man who sent them. And he deliberately or recklessly lost control of the vehicle and it collided with the person and the wall, Judge O Donnabhain said. He said he had to impose a prison sentence. He is off the road, he gets into a car and drives it through a wall and he is sober. There has to be a prison sentence. I cannot operate where they drive while disqualified. Niamh Stewart BL said the father of four had psychiatric issues and moved to Mallow for a clean start. He is undergoing counselling at the moment. He suffers from depression and anxiety. He has behaved himself since this occurred. He was very remorseful from the start. The judge said it was commendable that the defendant had manfully taken himself out of a difficult situation in Cork City and gone about making a better life for himself and his family in Mallow. However, the judge said there was inexcusable, criminal use of a car in the circumstances. A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of his mother Elzbieta Piotrowska in Ardee, Co Louth. 32-year-old Tomasz Krzysztof Piotrowski of Cherrybrook, Ardee is accused of the murder of 57-year-old Ms Piotrowska of Clonmore, Ardee at her home on Tuesday. They're growing food on the moon, they've created plastic packaging from potato skins and they've built robots to distribute pollen - these are just some of the solutions that Ireland's young scientists have come up with. On day two of the 55th BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in Dublin's RDS, thousands of visitors swarmed around the 550 projects to catch a glimpse of the future. Transition year students from Cork's North Monastery Secondary School drew lots of attention with their 'Ro-Bee,' a robot that can be used to pollinate the world's plants, as bees are slowly dying out. "About 70% of all crops worldwide are affected by bees, they're pollinated by bees, so if bees die out then they won't be pollinated, so we won't have any crops," explained Jordan Woodgate. "How we envision it working, is first making it a drone structure, something that can actually fly, that'll suck up the pollen and it would store it in a storage tank and then when it reaches a certain capacity it could spray the pollen on to other flowers. A drone could work even more efficiently than the bee," said Paul Sunday. The reason their project is drawing such attention is because the decline in the world's bee population is potentially devastating. We found that in some parts of China the bee is completely gone altogether. And over here in Ireland, a third of all bees species are threatened with extinction. "So there's a massive decrease. And over in America, $30m worth of crops were destroyed because they weren't pollinated by the bees," Brian Prout said. Also focusing on the environment, a topic that was hard to miss at the exhibition with nearly 20% of all projects exploring climate change, is one creating plastic from food waste. Second year students, Rachel Ingle and Aoife McMahon from Santa Sabina Dominican College in Dublin, have been visited by several government ministers as their project, turning food waste in bioplastic, is turning lots of heads. "We tested our plastic for compostability, recyclability, its melting point and if it's waterproof and it is 100% compostable and recyclable and waterproof," said Rachel. Aoife McMahon and Rachel Ingle from Santa Sabina Dominican College with their project. Giving away their foolproof formula, which has a goo-like consistency before it sets, is Rachel's science partner, Aoife McMahon. "What you need to make our plastic is just potato starch (potato skins), white wine vinegar, vanilla extract, just to get rid of the vinegar because vinegar doesn't have a very nice smell and glycerine to make it gooey. And we just need food colouring just to give it a nice colour," explained Aoife. The students made both hard and soft products from their bioplastic, creating a spoon and some sheet packaging. "You could potentially use this, the thin version, as wrapping or food packaging. Potentially, in the long run, you could make boxes out of it as well," said Rachel. Staying with food, but this time focusing on growing it in space, is a project from third year students at Colaiste Chiarain, in Limerick, Oisin Brady Halmschlag and Kevin Lawlor. They have designed a farming system that will enable humans to live on the moon, and maybe even Mars, allowing them to grow food without soil. Oisin Brady Halmschlag and Kevin Lawlor of Colaiste Chiarain, Limerick, with their project to design a hydroponic system for sustainable plant growth on the moon. "Our project is about growing plants on the moon in a sustainable way," said Oisin. We were looking up stuff about NASA and we see they are planning on returning to the moon again soon. So we were thinking why spend all that money if they're just going to come straight back down again? "With this they can stay up there for a prolonged period of time, maybe set up a permanent habitat and then work to get to Mars as well." "Currently we are growing lettuces and radishes, but in the future we plan to grow stuff that has more nutritional value like potatoes and turnips," said Kevin. Back down on earth, three Cork students have taken the fear, and danger, out of foraging, allowing people to potentially pick mushrooms, while knowing which are poisonous and which are not. Alice Sexton, Hannah Rafferty and Aibhin Ruddy, from Sacred Heart Secondary School in Clonakilty explained their project to the Irish Examiner. Michael Martin with Aibhin Ruddy, Hannah Rafferty and Alice Sexton from Sacred Heart Secondary School Clonakilty. Photo: Kenneth O Halloran "We are coming up with simpler ways to identify mushrooms. We have an Instagram page called @fear.free.foraging and on there we do awareness posts. We've done posts on psychoactive mushrooms, one on mushroom identification, common species, and toxins," said Aibhin. "We would advise, unless you have done your research, not to go near the mushrooms, because 20% to 25% are poisonous in Ireland and there are 2,000 species," said Alice. "That's roughly 500 mushrooms that have the potential to harm you," added Hannah. The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is open to the public, in Dublin's RDS until Saturday. An investigation is underway after a man was seriously injured following a shooting in Bray, Co Wicklow last night. The incident occurred at St Laurence's Terrace in the town at approximately 8.45pm. Irish Farmer's Association (IFA) President, Joe Healy, has told Agriculture Minister Michael Creed that he needs to prioritise live trade in order to double export numbers in 2019. At a meeting in Portlaoise with live exporters, Healy said exporters highlighted a number of issues which must be addressed. Photo: The Canadian Press Harvey Weinstein, center, leaves New York Supreme Court with his attorney Benjamin Brafman, left, in New York. A federal judge has reportedly dismissed part of Ashley Judd's lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein. Judge Philip S. Gutierrez of United States District Court in Los Angeles ruled Wednesday that the actress' sexual harassment claim does not fall within the scope of a California statute. But he said Judd may proceed to trial with separate allegations against Weinstein of defamation and economic interference, according to reports in the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times. Judd says that after she rejected Weinstein's sexual advances two decades ago, he defamed her to "Lord of the Rings" director Peter Jackson, hurting her career. Weinstein, 66, also faces criminal prosecution in New York City and is the target of other criminal investigations. The former movie mogul has denied engaging in nonconsensual sexual activity. The High Court has ruled that two houses in Limerick City linked to murdered criminal Kieran Keane were acquired with the proceeds of crime. Keane was kidnapped and then murdered on January 29, 2003, by members of an opposing Limerick-based crime gang, the McCarthy-Dundons. Kieran Keane was a leading member of the Keane organised criminal gang and was involved in violent crime including the murder of rival criminals and the sale and supply of illegal drugs. Five men were subsequently convicted and jailed for Keanes murder. In High Court proceedings following an ongoing investigation, CAB claimed that two houses located at St Munchin St and St Marys Park in Limerick were acquired by Keane and that his widow, Sophie, became the beneficial owner. In a claim against Sophie Keane, with an address at Garryowen, Limerick CAB sought various orders under section 3 of the 1996 Proceeds of Crime Act that the properties were acquired with the proceeds of crime. Neither the late Kieran Keane nor his wife had a legitimate source of income that could have generated the cash to purchase the properties, claimed CAB. The court heard Ms Keane voluntarily went to CAB and offered the properties up for seizure. CAB claimed this came about due to it pursuing her in relation to debts owed to Revenue following the registration of judgments against her and her assets. The properties were acquired in 1996 and 2001 for approximately IR51,000 in total but were not registered in the Keanes names. The properties in question are three-bedroom terraced houses, with one adjoining a small commercial premises which formally operated as a takeaway restaurant. Both have been vacant for some time. CAB claimed Keane, using monies obtained through his criminal activities, paid for them in cash and left the properties in the name of the vendor or registered in the name of persons who had no real interests of the properties. CAB claimed one of the methods used by the Keane gang to launder the proceeds of their criminal activities was to make cash purchases of properties in parts of Limerick City designated for regeneration. This was done in order to hide the identity of their true ownership. In some cases, owners were intimidated or forced out of their homes, claimed CAB. Ms Keane, in a statement to gardai, confirmed that she did not know where her late husband would have found the money to purchase the properties. The orders, which were not contested, were made by Ms Justice Carmel Stewart, who said she was satisfied from the evidence before the court that the properties were acquired with proceeds of crime. No other party made a claim in respect of the properties. A group campaigning for reduced insurance costs said a dedicated garda unit tasked with tackling fraudulent compensation claims could happen tomorrow if the political will was there. Peter Boland, director of the Alliance for Insurance Reform was speaking after Minister of State Michael DArcy ruled out funding a Garda Insurance Fraud Unit with money from the insurance industry. Mr DArcy told RTEs Morning Ireland that he has met with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and that he is not prepared to accept the Garda Siochana being funded from outside the Exchequer. However Mr Boland said the issue of funding the unit is a sideshow and a distraction: The reality is that there's 17million sitting in the accounts of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board - that money came from policy holders who have had to defend cases through PIAB, the Exchequer are about to get control of it, that money would fund the Garda Insurance Fraud Unit." There is no need for any debate on this, it could happen tomorrow if the political will was there, Mr Boland told the Today show on RTE Radio 1. The same programme hosted a debate between former president of the Law Society, Stuart Gilhooly, and Kevin Thompson, CEO of Insurance Ireland. Mr Gilhooly disputed Mr Thompsons contention that the level of awards in Ireland is driving up premiums, and said a 22% reduction in premiums came despite no changes in the level of compensation pay-outs: So I think it's a little bit unfair to constantly come out every month or so it seems to be the case now with the insurance industry and say they're not doing this not doing that." It's almost as if they're trying to hide something. I think what they're trying to hide is the fact that they haven't actually reduced premiums by a significant amount. And that's what's going on here. Mr Thompson said the reductions achieved to date have been made by the industry rationalising costs within their control - and said payouts are a significant cost that companies have no power over: The most recent report by the Central Bank of Ireland economic review published in December of last year, shows the profitability trend within the sector so it's all there for people to see." We've been very clear on this and we've been clear on two points. The first point is that the majority of claimants are honest and we've always said that and that has been my narrative. Secondly, what we've also said is that unless you address the cost of claims, you will not address the cost of insurance, he said. Mr Boland said the legal profession needs to do its part in tackling fraudulent and exaggerated claims: The Irish College of General Practitioners, who would have to be seen as neutral in this area, have described the majority of compensated whiplash claims as frankly spurious and it is time for the legal profession to acknowledge this and it is time for the legal profession to put a stop to it internally because it's their reputation that is at stake at this stage here." Mr Gilhooly said fraudulent claims are the scourge of the legal profession and they're also the scourge of genuine claimants. The last thing any lawyer wants is to be involved in a fraudulent claim. They destroy reputations, they are waste of time and money and they also ruin it for honest claimants, he said. Members of a small Baptist church in west Clare will have to seek a new place of worship after being refused planning permission to use a shed attached to a residential home to assemble for prayer. An Bord Pleanala has overturned a decision of Clare County Council to approve the use of the shed near Doolin, Co Clare, as a chapel for the Bethel Baptist congregation. The decision to grant retention planning permission for the church by the local authority was appealed by three other local landowners who are based in the UK and the US. They had complained about the creeping development of the use of the property at Doonagore, outside Doolin, for religious-based activity and feared that an adjoining property had been bought as part of plans to develop a religious retreat centre. The objectors said a condition imposed by Clare County Council that the shed, which contains several pews, a pulpit, and an organ, could only be used as a place of private worship was vague and ineffective. They highlighted a brazen banner placed outside the property which stated: All welcome for the solemn worship of almighty God. The shed has been used as a chapel since March 2014 with morning and evening worship held on some Sundays in March and June to September. A post published by the Bethel Chapel said it hoped it would be possible to gradually increase the frequency of such occasions. An Bord Pleanala ruled that the size and capacity of the building as well as an associated car parking surface was not commensurate with its declared use as a place of private worship by the owner of the property, Anthony Cracknell. The board said the use ran contrary to planning policy for the area which was to discourage any development unrelated to agriculture and the rural economy. The proposed development would therefore set an undesirable precedent, said the board. It also ruled that the use of the building, which is located near a busy crossroads at Doonagore, as a place of worship could pose a hazard to the free and safe flow of traffic in the area. Mr Cracknell, a preacher based in Wattisham, Suffolk, disputed claims that he had shown a history of disregard for planning requirements. However, planning files show Mr Cracknell has been issued with a warning letter and enforcement notice by Clare County Council in the past 18 months about the unauthorised use of the shed as a place of worship. The evangelist, who visits Ireland for around six weeks each year, said the chapel was only used as a place of worship for himself and his friends five or six times a year. An Bord Pleanala said the capacity of the chapel and associated car park was suitable for numbers above those living in the adjoining house. A planning inspector said they also diminished the visual amenities of the area and could impact on the value of other properties. A new study shows two-thirds of people are not completely satisfied with items bought online, but just 38% send them back. The research by An Post found that clothes are the most difficult items to buy with 62% saying sizes are too hard to judge. One in three Irish adults say they shop online at least once a month. According to the survey by ReturnPal, over one in three Irish adults shop online at least once a month, with convenience and brand availability cited as the main reason for this growing shopping trend. Over half (52%) claimed they would spend more online than in traditional bricks and mortar stores, the chances of customers needing to return items is greater than ever. However, people are not returning items due to the process being too much hassle (48%), or claiming that the items arent worth enough (34%). One in five ReturnPal research respondents admit to having purchased an item they wouldnt normally buy after a few too many drinks, with a quarter accidentally ordering something that they didnt mean to buy in the first place. Impulse buying is also a common trait in Irish consumers, with over 40% admitting to buying something online after seeing a friend wear it and one in three going as far as hiding online impulse purchases from a partner. Main findings of the ReturnPal survey: Two in three Irish adults arent completely satisfied with items purchased online Almost half say that returning goods bought online is just too much hassle. Just 38% of Irish adults will always return unsatisfactory online purchases Clothes top the list for the most challenging online purchases, with 62% claiming sizes are too difficult to judge online To meet the demands of evolving consumer shopping habits, An Post launched ReturnPal, an online service providing shoppers with a hassle-free way to return those unwanted or unsuitable Christmas and January Sales purchases. The ReturnPal app is free to download from the Apple Store and Google Play Store and once registered, online shoppers can have their unsuitable or unwanted goods collected by An Post from an address of their choosing and returned directly to the retailer from which the goods came. Returns can be booked up to midnight for following day collection, via the ReturnPal app. Commenting on the research, Garrett Bridgeman, Managing Director Mails & Parcels at An Post, said: Our research shows that there is a clear need and demand for this service in Ireland and that demand will only increase as online spending grows amongst Irish consumers. We have been able to match what An Post does best to a very real demand from the growing online shopping market. For more information, search ReturnPal on Apple Store or Google Play Store, or visit the website. ReturnPal online research conducted among 260 Irish adults in November 2018. San Diego, CA - January 10, 2019 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTCQB: GOPH) ("Gopher"), a company specializing in the development of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence enabled mobile technologies, including a global mesh network technology platform for both mobile and fixed solutions, announced today it initiated testing multiple antenna types and configurations as part of the final phase of development for its mesh network gateway device. The antenna is a critical component of any wireless system and is responsible for maintaining thorough network communication. Most of the antennas for modern wireless communications are required to be small in size and low in profile. This requirement enables them to be embedded easily into static or portable devices, maintaining high performance. Gopher's evaluation of multiple antenna types and configurations includes a sophisticated analysis of bandwidth fidelity, gain, packet loss, efficiency of signal and other factors before selecting the optimal choice that can deliver the capabilities of Gopher's mesh network. These innovative capabilities include transmission of voice and video data, some of the industry's strongest encryption protections, and the ability to run privately over other networks. Danny Rittman, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer of Gopher, stated, "In this stage of our mesh network system we invest our technical resources to determine the optimal antenna types for our gateway and mobile units. It is well known that antennas play key role within RF systems performance. Efficient optimization techniques are used to achieve accurate design match. Today innovative antenna technologies offer a diverse range antennas distinct for each application. The key factors in consideration for our system are quality and reliability of the wireless nodes that comprise the network and we are performing all the necessary checks in order to ensure secured, and accurate communication. Our mesh network antenna is required to cover a wide frequency bandwidth and several frequency bands. It is expected to be small in size or low in profile. It will be integrated with other system's major components in order to achieve reliability, quality and high performance." About Gopher Protocol Inc. (http://gopherprotocol.com) Gopher Protocol Inc. (GOPH) ("Gopher") (http://gopherprotocol.com/) is a development-stage company which considers itself a native IoT creator, developing Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled mobile technology platforms. Gopher has a portfolio of Intellectual Property that, when commercialized, will include smart microchips, mobile and security applications and protocols, and supporting cloud software. Gophers system envisions the creation of a global mesh network. The core of the system will be its advanced microchip technology that can be installed in any mobile or fixed device worldwide. Gopher envisions this system as a low-cost, secure, private mesh network between any enabled devices, providing shared processing, advanced mobile database management/sharing and enhanced mobile features as an alternative to traditional carrier services. https://www.avant-ai.net Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission located at their website (http://www.sec.gov). In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, governmental and public policy changes, the Companys ability to raise capital on acceptable terms, if at all, the Companys successful development of its products and the integration into its existing products and the commercial acceptance of the Companys products. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release. Contact: Dr. Danny Rittman, CTO Gopher Protocol Inc. VM Only 888-685-7336 Media: press@gopherprotocol.com SOURCE: Gopher Protocol Inc. Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. 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Read for more info: https://www.bcsc.bc.ca/release.aspx?id=6894. Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp Los Angeles has agreed to pay $1.8 million to a woman who was sexually assaulted by two police officers. The Los Angeles Times reported the lawsuit settlement agreement was filed Monday in federal court, although it still requires City Council approval. The womans lawsuit said undercover narcotics officers arrested her in 2009, and one forced her to have sex in their unmarked car. The suit said the other officer sexually assaulted her later, while giving her a ride home from court. The officers, Luis Valenzuela and James C. Nichols, are serving 25-year prison sentences after pleading no contest to sexually assaulting women they were taking to jail or using as confidential informants. The city previously paid about $1.8 million to three other women who alleged the officer victimized them. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Abuse Molestation Law Enforcement Florida has revoked the license of a nursing home where 12 elderly patients died in the heat after it lost power during a 2017 hurricane. The Agency for Health Care Administration issued its order Friday, saying an administrative law judge correctly concluded the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills created an unsafe environment in September 2017 after Hurricane Irma knocked out its air conditioning. Patients began dying three days after the storm passed. Investigators say the center did not evacuate patients as temperatures inside rose, even though a fully functional hospital was across the street. The homes license was suspended days after the storm and it closed. Police have been investigating the deaths, but no charges have been filed. The centers attorneys did not immediately respond to an email Monday seeking comment. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Florida Senior Care More than 40 state attorneys general have announced a $1.5 million settlement with The Neiman Marcus Group LLC over a data breach the Dallas-based retailer disclosed in January 2014. The breach exposed customer credit card data at 77 Neiman Marcus stores nationwide. Over a three-month period in 2013, about 370,000 Neiman Marcus credit cards were accessed by unknown third parties unlawfully, and at least 9,200 were used fraudulently. Under terms of the settlement announced Tuesday, Neiman Marcus agrees to maintain reasonable procedures to protect customers personal data and obtain an information security assessment and report from a third-party professional. The settlement involves 43 states and the District of Columbia. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Claims Cyber The former chief executive of Insys Therapeutics Inc. pleaded guilty on Wednesday to participating in a nationwide scheme to bribe doctors to prescribe an addictive opioid medication and has agreed to become a government witness. Michael Babich, who resigned as the Arizona-based drugmakers CEO in 2015, pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to conspiracy and mail fraud charges after entering into a cooperation deal with prosecutors. His plea comes less than three weeks before five former Insys executives and managers including John Kapoor, its onetime billionaire founder and former chairman, face trial after being charged with participating in the scheme. Babich, 42, faces up to 25 years in prison. But the Arizona resident could receive a more lenient sentence by testifying at Kapoors Jan. 28 trial. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Wyshak in court said Babich committed his crimes at Kapoors direction. Kapoor and his co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy. Beth Wilkinson, Kapoors lawyer, had no comment after attending Wednesdays hearing. Prosecutors allege that from 2012 to 2015, Kapoor, Babich and others conspired to pay doctors bribes in exchange for prescribing Subsys, an under-the-tongue fentanyl spray for managing severe pain in cancer patients. Fentanyl is an opioid 100 times stronger than morphine. Prosecutors said Insys paid doctors kickbacks in the form of fees to participate in speaker programs ostensibly meant to educate medical professionals about Subsys that were actually sham events. Prior to working at Insys, Babich had worked at Kapoors venture capital firm. Insys in August said it had agreed to pay at least $150 million as part of a settlement with the U.S. Justice Department. The company has said it has taken steps to ensure it operates legally going forward. Prosecutors called the case a major example of their efforts to combat the nations opioid epidemic. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, opioids were involved in a record 47,600 overdose deaths in 2017. Babichs plea comes after Alec Burlakoff, Insys former vice president of sales, pleaded guilty in November and agreed to testify as a government witness. Babich is married to a former Insys sales representative, Natalie Babich, who in 2017 pleaded guilty to conspiring to pay kickbacks. She testified last month at the trial of Christopher Clough, a former physician assistant in New Hampshire accused of accepting kickbacks from Insys. A federal jury in Concord, New Hampshire, convicted Clough on Dec. 18. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Bill Berkrot) Topics USA U.S. airport security workers and air traffic controllers working without pay have been warning that security and safety could be compromised if the government shutdown continues, but the Trump administration said on Wednesday that staffing is adequate and travelers have not faced unusual delays. Union officials said some TSA officers have already quit because of the shutdown and many are considering quitting. The loss of (TSA) officers, while were already shorthanded, will create a massive security risk for American travelers since we dont have enough trainees in the pipeline or the ability to process new hires, American Federation of Government Employees TSA Council President Hydrick Thomas said. If this keeps up there are problems that will arise least of which would be increased wait times for travelers. Unions will hold a rally on Thursday on Capitol Hill urging an end to the shutdown. There has been no degradation in security effectiveness and average wait times are well within TSA standards, Transportation Security Administration spokesman Michael Bilello said. There are 51,000 airport security officers, and he said the agency has brought on hundreds of new ones. Bilello said there had been no spike in employees quitting and that on Tuesday, 5 percent of officers took unscheduled leave, up just slightly from 3.9 percent the same day last year. U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson, chairman of the House Homeland Security committee, asked the Trump administration how it is ensuring adequate staffing at airports. TSA officers are among the lowest paid federal employees, with many living paycheck-to-paycheck, Thompson wrote. It is only reasonable to expect officer call outs and resignations to increase the longer the shutdown lasts, since no employee can be expected to work indefinitely without pay. TSA said that on Tuesday it screened 1.73 million passengers and 99.9 percent of passengers waited less than 30 minutes. Bilello said TSA is still hiring officers and working on contingency plans in case the shutdown lasts beyond Friday, when officers would miss their first paycheck since the shutdown began on Dec. 22. TSA has brought on about 500 new officers since the shutdown with 300 more expected to start later this month. In order to maintain the right level of staffing, its critical to have a continuous process of recruiting, training and getting new officers to our nations airports, Bilello said. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association noted that the number controllers is now at a 30-year low, with 18 percent of controllers eligible to retire. If a significant number of controllers missed work, the Federal Aviation Administration could be forced to extend separation requirements, amount of time between takeoffs and landings, which could delay travel. The FAA closed its training academy in Oklahoma City for new air traffic controller hires. The FAA suspended training and limited safety efforts to urgent continued operational activity to protect life and property. NATCA President Paul Rinaldi said controllers often must work overtime and six-day weeks at short-staffed locations. If the staffing shortage gets worse, we will see reduced capacity in the National Airspace System, meaning more flight delays, Rinaldi said. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by David Gregorio) Topics USA Training Development Aviation Photo: CTV News A slot machine in Courtney Chances Casino is seen in this image captured by Nik Galego. The provincial governments program to keep gambling addicts out of casinos is being reviewed after a Vancouver Island man exposed serious flaws in the system. Nik Galego signed up for the Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program after his life was destroyed by losses, reports CTV News. What Im about to do tonight, it makes my heart pound. Its beating out of my chest right now, said Galego on a video he recorded on his cell phone outside the Courtney Chances Casino. Gambling has destroyed my life. Gambling has destroyed my personal life, my financial life, my health.This is just an experiment to see if anyone cares. Tonight Im going to put you in my pocket and see what happens, he said, pointing his cellphone forward while walking through the door. The Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program is supposed to eject gamblers from casinos if discovered and seize their jackpots, but Galegos video showed nobody stopped him. So three security guards at the front door did not ID me at all, he said. None of them paid much notice. Its pretty sad." Gaps in the program are well documented and date back nearly 20 years. Attorney general David Eby told CTV Vancouver, its not a perfect program...Were looking at ways to improve the program. We can do better. with files from CTV Vancouver On the heels of celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Jacksonville, Fla.-based Brightway Insurance, a national property/casualty insurance retailer selling through a network of franchised independent agencies, has unveiled a no-upfront cost program for independent insurance agents that offers a path to ownership of their own Brightway agency. It also offers a way for existing independent agents to grow and open additional locations. Describing it as going all in on the independent insurance agency channel at a time when some are questioning its future, Brightway Insurance Co-Founder & CEO Michael Miller said the new distribution model is designed for agents who have dreamed of being their own boss and owning their own agency but dont have the financial resources to get there. We are 100 percent committed to the independent agent channel, Miller said. Were betting everything that there are fantastic people who work in insurance today who would love to build their own business, be their own boss and have an organization like Brightway support them and were excited to do it. We are creating a program that helps people who would like to eventually be a franchise and own their own business, but don't have the money today. The new commission-based agent program, called Independent Agent, gives experienced property/casualty insurance producers access to the Brightway system, which offers its agency owners resources and support to run their business, to start selling insurance while simultaneously qualifying for franchise ownership. The new model is different from Brightways current franchise system because it works as a 50/50 commission share model where agents have no upfront costs and can start profiting immediately, Miller said. Under Brightways current business model, launched by Miller and his brother David back in 2008, people without insurance experience can be selected by the company to start a Brightway Agency and use the companys technology and support services to run their business. Individuals pay a $60,000 initial fee to purchase their agency franchise, which requires them to operate a retail location with a minimum of three staff. Retail stores handle the day to day operations, including quoting, binding and customer interactions, and the central Brightway Insurance office handles the carrier relationships, customer service, marketing, accounting and technology. How the New Program Works The Independent Agent model offers a first step towards becoming a Brightway franchise for experienced personal lines sales people, Miller said. Agents can do business out of a home office or other location without having to employ a staff. After one year or sooner if agents meet the Brightway sales goals they qualify for a fully financed, lower-cost entry fee of $30,000 into Brightways new office location franchise model where agencies operate in a professional office space with teams of up to two people. This new franchise model differs from Brightways existing model that requires agency owners be located in a retail space where they can build large sales teams, and reduces the current model up-front franchise fee of $60,000 as well as ongoing operating costs. I think about these options as opening doors to the Brightway system. Based on your background and goals, you can choose any door you likeIndependent Agent or a franchise located either in an office space or a retail locationand grow in the direction you want, Miller said. The commission split on the Independent Agent program is 50 percent renewal/50 percent new business. Agents are required to have personal lines/property casualty sales experience preferably two years to be eligible for the program, unlike Brightways existing franchise model that doesnt require agency owners to have any insurance experience but instead offers onboarding and training processes. Retail agents can bring over their current books of business and any carriers they work with that are not already affiliated with Brightway. Agents are given a six-month contract for the Independent Agent program with one renewal option for a total of one year under the program. Miller said agents must meet the Brightway sales targets of selling a minimum of four new policies a week for at least an eight-week period to qualify for the next step the new office location franchise model where Brightway finances the $30,000 franchise fee. Agents can move on to the new franchise model before six months or a year if they meet the minimum requirements sooner, but the Independent Agent contract does not go beyond a year. The Independent Agent model is not a forever state its an entry point, Miller said. Its designed as a way to get started and help [agents] be profitable from the day they leave their day job as a producer or [current role] in the insurance industry to becoming a full franchisee. It helps them transition. New Brightway Independent Agent, Franchise Model Option Retail store Office location Independent agent Insurance experience None Personal Lines property/casualty sales Personal Lines property/casualty sales Initial fee $60,000 $30,000 None Commission Split 85%-100% new/55% renewal 80% new/50% renewal 50% new/50% renewal Ability to grow an enterprise (multiple units) Yes No No Contract term 5 years with unlimited renewals at no cost 5 years with unlimited renewals at no cost 6 months with one renewal option before becoming a franchisee Holistic business support Yes Yes Yes After-the-sale service Yes Yes Yes Staff required Minimum of 3 Maximum of 2 Maximum of 1 Location Retail space Professional location Work from anywhere If agents move into the office location franchise model, they will own an economic interest in their book of business like all Brightway franchisees do. However, if someone starts as an Independent Agent and decides not to become a franchise owner, their customers will stay with Brightway to ensure their coverage and service are not disrupted. Miller said the new office location franchise model is designed to help people who want to build a business but dont have a large amount of money to invest to open a full retail store with a large team. Agency owners under this model can still access the full array of Brightway resources and work with all of Brightways carriers, and the reduced franchise fee of $30,000 is fully financed by Brightway through a seven-year loan at a rate of prime plus 2 percent with a floor of 10 percent. Agents can remain in this franchise model indefinitely if they choose, Miller said, but to grow to a larger business with multiple franchise locations theyd have to transition to a traditional Brightway retail store agency owner. What were really doing is moving to where we have created different options to allow people to not only engage with Brightway at the level that is right for them to begin with, but even move between these different models as they choose to grow their businesses, Miller said. Miller said Brightway is looking to partner with about 100 agents in the first year of the Independent Agent model in 21 states of the 22 states where it currently has franchise location stores (Ala., Ariz., Calif., Colo., Ga., Ind., Ks., La., Mich., Mo., N.Y., N.C., Okla., Pa., S.C., Texas, Wash., Tenn., N.J., Ill., and Wisc.). Because the company already has many retail stores in Florida, it is not looking to deploy the Independent Agent program in the state at this time. That said, Miller noted they could consider communities in Florida where Brightway is currently under-represented. Brightways Road to Success Miller said through the new Independent Agent program and franchise model, Brightway is evolving into a more robust insurance distribution company not just a retail franchise store concept. We are creating a program that helps people who would like to eventually be a franchise and own their own business, but dont have the money today. They now have a path in Brightway to get there with no cost, Miller said. We saw an opportunity to partner with a whole other group of people who we believe are fantastic and for whom our existing franchise model simply is not attainable. That existing model has been wildly successful in the 10 years since it was created by Michael and David Miller, the latter of whom started in the insurance business in 1993 as an employee agent with Liberty Mutual. The two brothers came up with their Brightway franchise concept after David started his own agency in 2003. In running that business, Michael Miller said the two brothers realized there was a better way to do insurance business, and thus the Brightway model was born. Today, the company boasts nearly $560 million in annual premium, with 178 Brightway agencies in 22 states doing business in all 50. Last year, the company opened 39 new stores and plans to open 40 more in 2019. The companys success is often recognized. In September, Brightway was named a Top 20 Agency Partnership by Insurance Journal for the fifth year in a row. On the national list that ranks only aggregators, clusters and franchise groups by 2017 revenue, Brightway ranks 14. Another example of how what it is doing is working, according to Miller, is its retention rate on customer policy renewals, which is more than 90 percent. Brightways growth over the last decade has been beyond anything they could have anticipated when they started, Miller said, and he believes a big part of that is because of the value Brightway agents bring to their customers. We have a very specific value proposition and one of the value propositions that to me defines us, is the local relationship, the expert consultation, that lifelong relationship that we give our consumers, he said. But that growth hasnt come without its challenges either. At the beginning of the business model they invented, Miller said, everyone was a naysayer. The idea was very unique to Brightway and so at the beginning it took years and a lot of delivering of fantastic results to convince people that its actually good, Miller said. At first, its a belief, but then after years of actually delivering better outcomes, it becomes fact. It is because of that success that launching the new program has been well received by Brightways carrier partners, Miller said. Brightway consulted with the hundreds of carriers they work with across the country in vetting the program and all had a positive reaction to the new concept. The results we have delivered to our carrier partners is fantastic from $36 million in written premium in 2008 to $559 million in 2018 and so they look to help us grow even faster because the business we write with them has been really good for them, he said. For those already in a Brightway retail agency, Miller says the new office location franchise model can help them grow their business as well. Current agency owners can opt to open a second location with fewer staff and without having to open a full retail store location, and the $30,000 franchise fee can be waived. Brightway also started a multi-unit program last year for traditional franchise agency owners who open additional retail stores for the $60,000 franchise fee and Brightway can waive the fee if the agency stays open a minimum of five years. We just believe so strongly that if you take someone whos already good and you help them grow, that the numbers will work, and were willing to take the risk, he said. As for the risks of this new model, Miller says he doesnt see any because the company believes they are investing in insurance agents with experience and passion for the business who want to grow, and he is very excited for the companys future because of that. In fact, these new models are designed to speed up growth and reduce risk for all parties because were partnering with people who are proven to already be good at selling insurance, he said. There just has never been an opportunity for someone to take control of their future in this way without a significant risk and actual costs. Related: Topics Agencies Property Property Casualty Casualty Cayman Islands-based catastrophe facility CCRIF SPC has increased its membership with the addition of Panama, which purchased parametric insurance cover for excess rainfall. CCRIFs membership now stands at 21 countries 19 Caribbean governments and two Central American governments. CCRIF added four new members to the facility this policy year, which began on June 1, 2018. The new members are British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, St. Maarten and now Panama, with Panama being the facilitys second member from Central America (along with Nicaragua, which has been a member since 2015). In Panama, events related to excess rainfall, such as La Purisima in 2010 and the floods in the Province of Colon in 2012, both caused losses of more than US$270 million and forced, on one occasion, the temporary closure of the Panama Canal operations, said the CCRIF in a statement. CCRIF said the facility is not designed to cover all losses on the ground but instead provides capital for emergency relief and early recovery needs, thereby reducing post-disaster resource deficits and government budget volatility. Indeed, CCRIF noted that Panamas participation in the facility forms only part of the countrys disaster risk contingency planning, which includes risk transfer. Empirical evidence based on studies undertaken by the World Bank illustrates that insurance obtained through CCRIF could be as low as half the cost of coverage a member country could obtain through the reinsurance market on its own, said the CCRIF. CCRIFs parametric insurance products are insurance contracts that make payments based on the intensity of an event (for example, hurricane wind speed, earthquake intensity, volume of rainfall) and the amount of loss calculated in a pre-agreed model caused by these events. Therefore, payouts can be made very quickly within 14 days of the event. On the other hand, traditional or indemnity insurance settlements require on-the-ground assessment of individual losses after an event before a payment can be made. Since the facilitys inception in 2007, CCRIF has made 38 payouts totaling US$139 million to 13 member governments. Source: CCRIF Topics Catastrophe Swiss Re Corporate Solutions announced it is launching parametric water-level insurance called FLOW. This new index-based product is designed to protect companies in Europe from the financial impact of high or low river water levels, such as lost revenue due to business interruption or increased costs due to risk mitigation measures. Swiss Re Corporate Solutions experts structure an index formula which references to measured water levels at defined river gauges. The customized index tracks the clients water level exposure related to revenues and costs. Each contract is tailor-made to the individual exposure of the client. Unlike traditional insurance covers, which often require loss investigations and adjudication, FLOW provides pay-out of fixed amounts based on a defined index, for example each day the index remains below or above the defined index threshold value. The very dry and warm summer of 2018 left the water levels of most rivers in Europe at record lows, explained Thomas Keist, head Marketing Innovative Risk Solutions EMEA. Decreased production volume and increased transportation costs were the consequence, he added. Since it is at the heart of our business to insure companies impacted by the effects of natural perils such as drought and heat, we developed FLOW to help them cope with risks like the loss of revenue due to business interruption from high or low water levels. Other factors that determine FLOWs pay-out amounts are the increased costs of operation, additional expenses to mitigate the situation as well as expenses not covered by traditional insurance policies, said Swiss Re Corporate Solutions. FLOW is available in the European markets of Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the Nordics, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. Source: Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Topics Europe Swiss Re Satellite Agency Network Group Inc. (SAN) has hired Mike Terry as regional vice president. In this role, Terry will be responsible for membership service, business development and insurance company relations for all SAN Group member agencies in his territory of Southern/Eastern Connecticut and the state of Rhode Island. Terry is an experienced sales professional with a background in management. Most recently, he served as an insurance advisor for Liberty Mutual, with an instrumental role in its Fairfield County office customer acquisition and business development strategies. In his new role, Terry will work closely with John Read, SANs regional agency development field specialist. Together, they will be a resource for agencies facing start-up challenges, growing personal and commercial lines, technology adoption and usage, as well as new business and retention strategies. SAN Group Inc. is an alliance of independent insurance agencies in the Northeast. More than 370 members across eight states have access to more than 45 insurance companies and write in excess of $718 million in total combined premium. SAN is the founding master agency of SIAA (Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance), a national alliance of independent insurance agency members. Source: SAN Group Inc. Topics Connecticut Over time, we expanded into home and auto insurance, employee benefits, and solutions for fire departments and ambulance associations. We also expanded into other passion areas such as equine, fine arts, antique cars and other collectibles. IBA: What is Gowrie Groups Burgee Program? CG: I started thinking about it in the mid-1980s. We got into a hard market cycle in the commercial world, and the yacht club I belonged to locally had their insurance canceled, and I couldnt find anyone to properly insure them. It was a class of business no one wanted because of the risks associated with coastal property, marine, restaurants, liquor, youth sailors and hosting events. Many of the things that yacht clubs do present a certain amount of risk. When I placed the new coverage for my club, it was all piecemealed. Other yacht clubs around the country were having the same problem at the same time. It made me think, if we could find a good solution, it would be a good program opportunity. I convinced an insurance company to work with me on it; we put together a program that included all lines of business, including workers compensation, marine, umbrella and D&O coverage. It worked really well, and we got traction right out of the box. Today, we insure more than 50% of the yacht clubs, community sailing programs and sailing schools in the US. In addition to our insurance carrier partner, our third partner in our Burgee Program is the US Sailing Association, which is the governing body of the sport of sailing. US Sailing endorses our program for their members and member organizations. IBA: How have natural catastrophes affected this space? CG: I think the biggest change we have seen recently as a result of catastrophes is in the boat insurance marketplace. Last year, there was a lot of devastation in the Caribbean, and most of the boats in the Caribbean were predominately insured by Lloyds of London, and Lloyds has really pulled back and tightened up on their underwriting requirements. Thats put a lot of hard-market pressure on boat insurance overall, and weve seen rates going up in that market. IBA: What are the emerging risks in marine insurance? CG: In regard to climate change, rising water and flood-type exposure is an issue. High tides are higher now than they used to be. We recently had a Noreaster, and the tide was six feet above normal high tide level, which was the highest the water has been in Connecticut since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The other trends we see in marine are similar to the emerging risks we see across general commercial accounts. For example, the HR component is a lot more complicated than it used to be. We also now see more companies taking our recommendation to add employment practices liability, cyber and D&O coverage a lot more than we used to see just five to 10 years ago. The JP Morgan Asset Management alumnus, who also sits on the Prudential Plc board as an executive director, will be dividing his time between Nashville, Tennessee and Lansing, Michigan. Meanwhile Stowe, who was pleased to be handing the reins to Falcon, will remain as an adviser to the group until his employment ends on December 31, 2019. In a new statement, Prudential Plc said Stowes salary, pension, and certain benefits will continue to be paid or provided as is, until that date. However, he will not receive a bonus for this year nor will he be given a long-term incentive award in 2019 or any subsequent year. Mr Stowe will receive an annual bonus for 2018 which will be determined based on performance achieved when the 2018 results are known, noted the insurer. Von Tobel will be succeeded by Souheil Badran, who is joining the company as chief innovation officer and executive vice president. Badran will be a member of the companys senior leadership team and will report to John Schlifske, chairman, president and CEO. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Badran served as president for the Americas at Alibabas Aliplay Ant Financial, the worlds largest third-party payment platform. I want to thank Alexa for helping us think bigger and expand our lens on innovation and our digital experience work, Schlifske said. We plan to continue working together in business ventures as she takes this next step that shes chosen to pursue in the innovation space. We look forward to having Souheil join our senior leadership team. His experience and track record make him the perfect successor for our top innovation role. I could not be more proud of the work we have done together over the last four years of merging LearnVest and Northwestern Mutual, and the work we will continue to do in the future, von Tobel said. I love this great company, the amazing people who work here, and everything our mission stands for. I feel deeply honored to have been a part of that important work for people across America, and Im thrilled for this next chapter and excited to hand the torch to Souheil. Several senior leaders in the company have also been promoted to executive vice president. They include: Tim Gerend, head of career distribution, leading growth and development of Northwestern Mutuals financial advisor system Aditi Gokhale, chief marketing and communications officer Beth Rodenhuis, chief transformation officer Emilia Sherifova, chief technology officer Don Robertson, chief human resource officer As we transform our company to give clients what they need and deserve, the breadth and depth of knowledge on our senior leadership team is critical, Schlifske said. This team brings diverse backgrounds and perspectives to the table, with a shared commitment to innovate and deliver results. Its our business model thats behind the success and brokers are a massive part of that, he explained in a phone interview with Insurance Business. Fundamentally the business was built on the back of partnerships thats what our strength is. DUAL underwrites with over 5,000 brokers around the world. Brokers are key to that it doesnt do any direct business. RKH is a specialty business but a phenomenal amount is acting for third party brokers. Meanwhile, 23% of our retail business comes from North America even though we dont have a retail broker there. So, partnerships drive our business. Focusing in on the individual aspects of its business, Howden explained to Insurance Business that DUAL had enjoyed growth on the back of a restructure and solid expansion in an underwriting capacity. Richard Clapham now holds the role of DUAL CEO with David Ibeson its chairman. DUAL has undergone a three-year restructure in which weve invested heavily in technology and new management, he said. Over the last three years weve built a highly efficient business. Now Richard [Clapham] and his team are going to drive the business forward. The key metrics are underwriting results and achieving a combined operating ratio that is market leading. A lot of MGAs are just starting up, but we have stable relationships in place with long-term growth. Retail broker Howden, meanwhile, saw its surge driven by a combination of acquisitions and organic growth with David Howden explaining that acquisitions are still on the agenda, telling Insurance Business that the firm is open for business with companies that want to join up. It also saw a new CEO during the year in the form of Jose Manuel Gonzalez, with Howden himself stepping back into focusing on leading the group at large. If you look at the focus of Howden you see a business thats grown phenomenally, he added. We are looking to build Howden into the largest non-US insurance broker in the world. Meanwhile, RKH, the largest producer of direct premium to Lloyds, enjoyed growth in a number of areas but particularly in its reinsurance business. During the year Andy Bragoli was appointed CEO, while Paul Redgate took the role of deputy chairman. Going forward it is set to focus on product specialism and expertise, according to Howden. Focusing on the individual regions in which Hyperion operates, Howden explained that Asia-Pac is a key focus, with DUAL enjoying phenomenal success in the area. Our MGA in Australia is now just short of AU$200 million GWP, he said. Its been the quality of the product and the digitalization of the business thats driven that - making it really easy for brokers to deal with them. We also enjoyed 15% organic growth in Singapore last year. The UK also saw GWP grow to just short of 300 million for DUAL; while its commitment to Canada has been boosted by the large investment from Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ); and the US continues to be driven by RKH and DUAL coupled with the establishment of the Howden One network. Another key area for the firm during the year was the formation of the Hyperion X division to develop the areas of analytics, digital platforms and data something Howden was keen to point out would offer benefits to brokers rather than compete against them. Its not competition, he said, it helps them to do their business better. We all have day jobs we need to be able to implement things like operational efficiency. You cant do that if youre working 100% of your time on the business. Hyperion X is there to help drive how we embrace these operational efficiencies and technologies. A release from the law firm, which is handling the plaintiffs case, contained statements from the former agents themselves, who describe the allegedly unfair practices of Farmers. I joined Farmers Insurance because I was told I could build my client base, benefit from residual renewals and continue until I choose to retire. That was all a sham, said Chuck Nielsen, a former Farmers agent based in San Jose, CA, who is one of the plaintiffs. Because of my age alone, I was forced to give up my extensive book of business and was shut out after 35+ years as a top regional Farmers agent. Out of nowhere I am notified that I am no longer meeting goals imposed on me by Farmers and that my 30+ year established book of clients is going to be moved to a younger agent and that my clients will be told that I retired. I have spent over 30+ years building my book of business as a top-notch Farmers Insurance agent, said another former agent and plaintiff, Thomas Mortensen of Concord, CA. I could see that all the seasoned agents were being sent termination notices and across the board being told that our book of clients were going to be given to younger agents, remarked James Melin, a plaintiff and a former Farmers agent who served for 12 years. Our clients were sold a bill of goods by Farmers, said J. Gary Gwilliam, Esq, founding partner of Gwilliam, Ivary, Chiosso, Cavalli & Brewer and attorney of the plaintiffs. Farmers told our clients that they would own their own agencies; that they could work as long as they liked and that they could create generational wealth. But it was all a lie. Instead, they wrongfully terminated them without any good cause. Farmers only called our clients independent contractors for tax and legal reasons. In fact, Farmers micromanaged our clients then terminated them for failing to meet unspecified business results, added Robert J. Schwartz, Esq. of Gwilliam, Ivary, Chiosso Cavalli & Brewer. In a cruel and calculated way, Farmers then reassigned the plaintiffs books of customers to younger Farmers agents. This is clearly age discrimination, Schwartz added. Our vision for AmTrust is to be a leading specialty commercial P&C insurer, said Barry Zyskind, chairman and CEO of AmTrust. We believe we can achieve this by focusing on local markets and niche products where we can add significant value. As a private company, we have the opportunity to return to the core of what made AmTrust so successful over the past 20 years and manage our business for long-term success through sustainably profitable future growth. AmTrust Forward is an organisation-wide program focused on using the companys unique strengths to offer select commercial P&C products globally where it can differentiate its offering and bring added value, AmTrust said. As a private enterprise, we believe we are better positioned to take a long-term view of every opportunity, Zyskind said. We will continue to ensure we are making the right decisions for the future of our business, our employees, and the agents, brokers, partners and clients we serve around the world. This is a new era for AmTrust, and we are positioning our company to thrive for the next 20 years and beyond. Executive succession AmTrust also announced the succession of certain executives. Michael Saxon, executive vice president of US commercial lines, and Max Caviet, CEO of AmTrust International Limited, the companys European parent holding company, have each announced their retirement. Saxon has been with AmTrust since 2001, and Caviet joined AmTrust in 2003. Saxon will stay with the company on a consultative basis as vice chairman of AmTrust North America. Both he and Caviet will assist in the transition to their respective successors, Christopher Foy and Peter Dewey. Christopher Longo, AmTrust chief operating officer, has also left the company. Longo has been with AmTrust since 2001. I would like to recognise and thank Mike, Max and Chris, who have been instrumental in building AmTrust over the past 20 years, Zyskind said. I greatly appreciate the commitment and dedication they brought to our company, throughout our many years of working together. I am very pleased to welcome Chris Foy and Peter Dewey to their new, expanded roles. Each is a talented leader with sound decision-making skills, driven by integrity and a deep commitment to excellence and service. Foy will serve as executive vice president and head of North American commercial P&C, and will be responsible for leading AmTrusts North American commercial business and specialty programs segments. Foy joined the company in 2016 as president of AmTrust Underwriters. Prior to joining AmTrust, he served as president and owner of Total Program Management, a specialty MGA. Dewey will serve as executive vice president and head of international. In that role, he will oversee AmTrusts international business. Dewey joined AmTrust in 2003 and has served as CEO of AmTrust at Lloyds since 2014. Prior to that role, he served as chief underwriting officer of AmTrusts specialty risk and warranty division. Photo: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at Liberal fundraising luncheon in Kamloops, B.C. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau touted the benefits of a liquefied natural gas project that's at the centre of an impasse with First Nations in a speech to supporters in Kamloops, B.C., on Wednesday. RCMP arrested 14 people Monday in northwestern British Columbia over a protest against construction of a natural gas pipeline by Coastal GasLink, a key part of the $40-billion LNG Canada project. In a campaign-style speech at the Liberal fundraiser, Trudeau did not address the arrests but heralded the massive project as one of his government's key achievements over the past year. "We moved forward on the LNG Canada project, which is the largest private sector investment in Canada's history, $40 billion, which is going to produce Canadian LNG that will supplant coal in Asia as a power source and do much for the environment," he said. The RCMP enforced an injunction Monday from the B.C. Supreme Court that ordered the removal of any obstructions to the pipeline project in and around the Morice River Bridge on a remote forest service road southwest of Houston. The pipeline company says it has signed agreements with all First Nations along the route but demonstrators say Wet'suwet'en house chiefs, who are hereditary rather than elected, have not given their consent. Later Wednesday, Trudeau told Radio NL that "we're going to have to do a better job" of dealing with First Nations rights and title. "There's still work to be done right across the country in terms of having the opportunity for Indigenous communities to strengthen their governance models," he said. "The federal government is not the one who should be deciding who speaks for which Indigenous community. Our responsibility is to support communities as they develop models that make sense. That's what we're in the middle of right now." The prime minister was scheduled to speak at a town hall gathering at Thompson Rivers University on Wednesday, where hundreds of people waited in a long line in frigid weather. Small groups of protesters gathered as well. About a dozen Indigenous protesters chanted Protect the Water and beat drums, while a handful of yellow-vest demonstrators stood nearby with No Carbon Tax signs. Tsi7i, a Secwepemc protester, said she opposes the arrests in northwest B.C. and Trudeaus "push for pipelines." She challenged Trudeaus comment earlier Wednesday that the demonstrators at the pipeline blockade must respect the law. "He needs to respect Indigenous law ... pertaining to the hereditary structure," she said. She said her group of protesters has been getting along amicably with the pro-pipeline yellow-vest demonstrators. "We can agree on one thing and that's no Justin Trudeau," she laughed. The prime minister told supporters at the fundraiser that he expected to hear "strong voices" at the town hall with very clear ideas about what his government should be doing. "The challenge we have to have as Canadians is to be open to listening to people, to understand their concerns and their fears, and to work together to try and allay them," he said. "We will always have in this country perspectives that vary widely." Dozens of protesters on both sides of the pipeline debate gathered outside the hotel where Trudeau spoke at the fundraiser. Protesters wearing yellow vests carried signs that read "Carbon Tax Cash Grab" and "Trudeau for Treason" while taking part in a chant opposing a United Nations pact on migration signed by Canada. Conservative critics argue it threatens Canada's sovereignty. Keith LaRiviere, who is Cree and participated in the yellow-vest protest, said he knows some of the people involved in the pipeline blockade. He said he supports their right to protest but he believes those building the pipeline also have the right to do their work. "I go to sweat lodges with some of those people so I really know them intimately, and I do support their cause. I do support their right to their land. I don't support the aggressive way they were forced out of their position," said LaRiviere, who travelled from Prince George. On the other side of the hotel parking lot, a group of Indigenous protesters opposed to the pipeline sang, drummed and held a banner reading "PM Trudeau: Canada needs climate action now." Janice Billy said she supports the Wet'suwet'en because her First Nation, the Secwepemc, are also losing control of their lands. "The people ... had no reason to be arrested. They are peaceful people. They were there protecting the land and water," she said. Local Twin Cities artists Enzyrose, Eyenga Bokamba, Noah Lawrence-Holder, LeShon Lee, and Meadow Gillispie, talk about their reaction to the murder of George Floyd, the trial of Derek Chauvin, and life as a black artist during this time. Real-time social media posts from local businesses and organizations across Northern Virginia, powered by Friends2Follow. To add your business to the stream, email cfields@insidenova.com or click on the green button below. Market leader SQM is proposing to almost double its capacity for production of iodine and has submitted an environmental impact study (EIS) for an expansion to 23,000 tonnes per year, a source close to the company told Fastmarkets on Thursday January 10. The Chilean iodine producer is currently ramping... Softer market conditions in the lithium market inside China over the course of 2018 caused a surge in export volumes of lithium carbonate in the last six months of the year, according to the countrys customs authorities. The available customs authority data does not yet include figures for December... Photo: The Canadian Press In this Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, third from left, and his wife Ri Sol Ju, second from left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, third from right, and his wife Peng Liyuan, far right, attend a meeting at the Beijing Hotel in Beijing. A special train believed to be carrying Kim Jong Un departed Beijing on Wednesday after a two-day visit by the North Korean leader to the Chinese capital. (Huang Jingwen/Xinhua via AP) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly told the leader of his only major ally, China, that he wants to "achieve results" on the nuclear standoff on the Korean Peninsula in a second summit with President Donald Trump. The comments, contained in reports Thursday from Chinese and North Korean state media, came a day after Kim left Beijing on his special armoured train for Pyongyang after a two-day visit to the Chinese capital. Kim's trip to China his fourth in the past 10 months is believed to be an effort to co-ordinate with Beijing ahead of a possible second summit with Trump. It comes after U.S. and North Korean officials are thought to have met in Vietnam to discuss the site of the summit. North Korea will "make efforts for the second summit between (North Korean) and U.S. leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community," Kim was quoted as saying by China's official Xinhua News Agency. All sides should "jointly push for a comprehensive resolution of the Korean Peninsula issue" and North Korea would "continue sticking to the stance of denuclearization and resolving the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue and consultation," Xinhua quoted Kim as saying. Kim also said North Korea hopes its "legitimate concerns" would be given due respect, a reference to Pyongyang's desire for security guarantees and a possible peace treaty to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War. He also credited President Xi Jinping with helping reduce regional tensions, saying "the Korean Peninsula situation has been easing since last year, and China's important role in this process is obvious to all." It wasn't clear from the reports if Kim was in back in the North, but his train presumably would arrive sometime Thursday. Xi was quoted as saying that China supports the U.S.-North Korea summits and hopes the two sides "will meet each other halfway." The North said in its report that Xi accepted an invitation to visit North Korea, although details of when he might come were not given. Xi has yet to visit North Korea since taking office in 2012. Trump and Kim met in Singapore in June for the first-ever leaders' meeting between their nations, but there has been a standoff ever since, with dueling accusations of bad faith. Tunnel to Towers CEO Frank Siller is seen with slain Fijian Indian American police officer Ronil Singhs widow Anamika. The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation helped raise $350,000 for Cpl. Singhs wife and his son. (photo courtesy of Tunnel to Towers) File photo of people waiting to cast their ballots during early voting at a community center on Oct. 25, 2018 in Potomac, Maryland, two weeks ahead of the key U.S. midterm polls. (Brendan Smialowski /AFP/Getty Images) Is there life outside our planet? Or are we Earthlings all alone? The subject of alien life if not absolutely true is just dizzyingly intriguing. Reuters/Picture For Representation And as curious humans, we tend to fall for even the smallest clues to assert their existence. More recently, Canadian astronomers have noted some mysterious signals emanating from a distant galaxy and it, for all we know, could be the alien species trying to make contact. CHIME telescope detects second-ever repeating fast radio burst. https://t.co/mrZuCd99AA pic.twitter.com/CbAqVkgKJl University of British Columbia (@UBC) 9 January 2019 But are we going to take it seriously or is just assume it to be another technical glitch? According to reports, a telescope in Canada picked up notes of the lights which is a second-time scientist detected such a consecutive radio burst. More than 60 bursts have been catalogued since 2007, but only one other observed in 2012 at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico was a repeater. ALSO READ: Scientists Say Oxygen On Alien Planets Doesn't Mean It Will Automatically Have Intelligent Life CHIME observatory which is located in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley has 100-metre-long, semi-cylindrical antennas that can scan the entire northern sky each day. Experts believe there could be up to a thousand FRB (Fast Radio Burst) in the sky every day. FRBs, it seems, are likely generated in dense, turbulent regions of host galaxies, Shriharsh Tendulkar, a corresponding author for both studies and an astronomer at McGill University, told AFP. ALSO READ: After Successfully Landing On Asteroid, Japan's Rovers Send Crazy Trippy Pics Of An Alien World Duffy Baker and Koa Hughes didn't know what to expect when CBC documentary camera crews arrived for their first day of filming about the couple's lives as entrepreneurs. "It was at first really nerve-wracking and we were both really awkward and didn't know how to act or what to do, even though we were supposed to be ourselves," Hughes said. The local couple operate Duffy Baker Construction Corp. together, and were chosen to be featured in Season 2 of the CBC documentary series "The Stats of Life," which chronicles regular Canadians through slice-of-life episodes. Koa and Duffy found out they had been chosen as subjects this summer, and filming took place over a five-day period in August a new experience for both of them that Hughes said was a lot of fun. "They followed us around from around 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day," Hughes said. "Sometimes we would forget that we were hooked up to microphones and we would say the most inappropriate things, and [the crew] would laugh and snicker from across the way as we remembered!" The pair will be featured in Episode 1 this coming Friday, titled "Working for Yourself." Hughes said the opportunity to share their story as entrepreneurs and address some of the misconceptions about the lifestyle was important for both of them. "A lot of people have this idea of being an entrepreneur that it's so glamorous, and being your own boss, and setting your own hours, and you can work whenever you feel like it and take time off whenever you want," Hughes said. "We get up extremely early in the morning to start work and we work sometimes til 10 p.m. at night, we don't get weekends off. Pretty much our entire life is consumed by our business. So it's not as easy or as glamorous as people make it out to be." Hughes added that she hopes their story will show Canadians how much work and dedication entrepreneurship really takes. "That was something that we wanted to show, it's possible to be your own boss, but you work really, really hard to get there," she said. As for watching herself on camera, Hughes said both she and Baker had some misgivings. "We were really nervous, but we saw some of the clips and thought, okay, we don't look too awkward!" she said with a laugh. "They did a really good job putting it all together." Catch the full event on CBC at 8:30 p.m. Friday, after which time it will also be available online. To mock the compulsory helmet law, a Pune group named 'Helmet Sakti Virodhi Kruti Samiti', conducted an elaborate funeral ceremony for a helmet at a crematorium. The event led by the Shiv Sena leader Mahadev Babai, slammed the police administration for making the helmet rule compulsory for all. Pune group takes out 'funeral' to oppose helmets via /r/nottheonion https://t.co/HjpQlpN2RX pic.twitter.com/UWALilKWhK Lost At Home Podcast (@TheLostAtHome) January 9, 2019 In the face of 184 deaths in two-wheeler mishaps last year, the city police have started taking strict action against those riding without helmets. Twitter The wearing of helmets is mandatory under the rules of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and authorities keep reiterating the importance of the helmet rule. But the Anti-Helmet group seems to have an entirely different argument. Anil Shirole an MP from Pune told HT that while they are not opposed to rules of public safety, the helmet rules according to him is a little over the top. ALSO READ: Pune Residents Form 'Anti-Helmet' Group After Police Commissioner Makes Safety Gear Mandatory The HT report quoted him as saying, "Public safety should always be the top priority but at the same time the police should consider local public sentiments and needs. People always ride slowly on local roads so there are very less chances of accidents. Hence, there is no need of helmet compulsion on these roads," And so the Anti-Helmet Compulsion Action Committee conducted the symbolic last journey of a helmet. They performed the tenth-day ritual at Vaikunth crematorium. According to a DNA report, the group is opposed to the protective gear on the pretext that it causes spine problems and hair loss. "There are a lot of riders who have faced back or neck pain after using the helmet which clearly shows that the use of helmets is not at all comfortable" Balasaheb Runwal, founder of the brigade, told DNA. NCP spokesperson Ankush Kakade said they have been demanding the police to raise awareness among riders instead of penalising them for not wearing a helmet. But the tenth-day ceremony for a helmet was heavily criticized by citizens who called it a political stunt before elections. It is an election stunt. Instead of protesting against the election mandate, these people should construct toilets here," the TOI quoted a witness as saying. Last year, Twitter talked about future plans to implement features that would help build interaction on the platform and would "increase the health of public conversation," according to CEO Jack Dorsey. Now, they're rolling out the first of these. At CES, Twitter representatives told Engadget that new features will begin rolling out to some users for testing in the coming weeks. One of these is a sort of status indicator like what we've seen in Facebook's website chat tool. The idea is probably to make it easier to start a conversation with people, knowing you'll get an immediate response Also Read: Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey Finally Realises People Want Edit Button, Says They're Working On It The other new feature is call "ice breakers". These are more like prewritten messages people can modify and use to initiate conversation with strangers. According to reporting by The Verge last year, it should look something like this. Image courtesy: The Verge Apparently Twitter is also considering allowing people to pin this sort of ice breaker to the top of their profile, so new followers can use it to start up a conversation with a familiar topic instead of floundering. At the very least, the company seems to be trying to make its social media platform a little less intimidating. And who knows, maybe fostering better conversations could go a long way towards curbing its problems with toxicity and harassment. The northeastern state of Sikkim could become the first to implement a universal basic income (UBI) to all its residents. State Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling who is seeking reelection in the upcoming assembly polls has made it one of his election promises. The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has proposed a UBI for all its residents by 2022 if voted back to power. BCCL/ FILE The state goes to polls simultaneously with the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and Chamling, the longest serving chief minister in India who has been in office since 1994 is seeking re-election. UBI is a scheme that a number of economists have talked about and it works well in developing countries. It has been tested even in India, debated within the Finance Ministry as early as 2017, Prem Das Rai, SDF MP in the Lok Sabha told The Indian Express. He also pointed out that the idea of a UBI has been tested in states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and tribal belts with fairly large samples and it can be implemented in a state like Sikkim. BCCL/ FILE UBI has been around globally for some time and had its fair share of controversies. UBI in simple terms means that every citizen gets a certain amount of cash from the government each month. Or simply put, government equally sharing its wealth with the public. The International Monetary Fund defines universal basic income as "a cash transfer of an equal amount to all individuals in a country." While it sounds the best thing possible to happen -- to get money doing nothing, those opposed to it say the UBI model is not sustainable and make people lazy and dependent on handouts from the government. BCCL/FILE One of the first countries to experiment UBI was Finland, in 2017 where 2,000 unemployed people were paid 560 euros each month for two years. However, the country later decided not to continue its pilot programme beyond 2018. Similar experiments have been undertaken in countries like the Netherlands, Kenya, Canada, and the United States. A passenger on a Bengaluru-bound SpiceJet from Pune was apprehended and handed over to the police after the airline staff found 22 live .22 caliber bullets from his baggage. The passenger whose identity was not immediately know was scheduled to travel on SpiceJet flight No. SG-519 bound for Bangalore on Thursday. But during the scan, the airline staff detected the ammunition in his bag. BCCL/ REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE After he failed to produce any valid documents to back his possession of the long rifle bullets, he was handed over to the police for questioning. ALSO READ: Spicejet Crew Summoned By DGCA For Celebrating New Year In Operational Flight As part of the security protocol, no firearms or ammunition are allowed inside cabin baggage. But passenger are allowed to carry firearms and ammunition in their check-in baggage after declare orally or in writing to the airlines about it. BCCL/ REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE This can be done at the time of check-in if screening of hold-baggage is done after check-in or before security screening of the hold-baggage if it is done prior to check-in. In the case of firearm, it must be unloaded and packed separately from the ammunition. Ammunition should not be carried in loose form and it should be in the proper package. Even after declaration only those with a valid license or authorization will be allowed to proceed. Failing to declare about the firearm could lead to criminal prosecution. ALSO READ: Indigo, SpiceJet Make Web Check-In A Paid Service & People Are Obviously Pissed Off People attending Uttar Pradesh lawmaker Nitin Agarwals event were in for a surprise on Monday. When they opened the food packets distributed to them, they could not believe their eyes. The food packets they had received were stashed with bottles of alcohol along with poori and sabzi. BJP leader Naresh Agarwals son had organised a sammelan (conference) for the Pasi community at the Shravan Devi Temple. In a video from the event, Nitin Agarwal can be seen announcing from the dais that the food packets will be handed over to the village headman who would, in turn, distribute it to the people accompanying him. "All the Pradhan's (village headman) must go to the place where food is being distributed. The pradhan's must take the packet to distribute it to their people," Agarwal was heard saying at the event. One of the people who had got the packet said, "I have got this liquor bottle in the food packet here at the event. The event was organised by Nitin Agarwal." The same packets were also distributed to the minor boys, one of who said, "I have come along with my father to attend this event. It has been given to me by Nitin Agarwal." Following the incident, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament from Hardoi Anshul Verma criticised Agarwal for the distribution of liquor and asserted that he will be raising the issue with the party leaders. Verma said "Naresh Agarwal, who has recently taken the membership of the BJP had organised a Pasi sammelan at one of our religious places. I will call it an unfortunate event because, to the same small children whom we have given pens and copies, Agarwal distributed the liquor bottles. I will inform the top leadership. I will also write a letter as to how the administration allowed this thing to happen. How did the excise department not take notice of such large-scale distribution of liquor? To rectify its mistake, BJP will have to rethink". Former SP leader Agarwal had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) in March 2018 along with his MLA son Nitin Agarwal and supporters. When #MeToo movement took the nation by storm, a lot of people doubted if all the women coming to the forefront and narrating their stories were legitimate. One of them that took everyone by surprise was writer-producer Vinta Nanda, who has accused Alok Nath of rape, about 20 years ago. Taking her fight forward, she even filed a case seeking justice. However, the sessions court granted bail to the Bollywood actor last week saying that rape against him was lodged on the basis of a "defamatory" and "false" report of complainant Vinta Nanda, as per a report in PTI. Granting relief to Nath on a surety bond of Rs 5 lakh, Additional Sessions Court Judge S S Oza said the rape complaint filed by the screenwriter is a "personal vendetta". The judge noted that the allegation raised by the complainant might have been inspired by her "unrequited and un-reciprocated love" for Alok Nath. TOI Reacting to this, Vinta Nanda says she respects the court's order and adds that the entire industry knows the truth. Everyone who knows me and who knows Alok Nath personally also knows the truth and there is nothing in the world that will change those facts. I may be fighting this battle in court alone but my family, my friends and my industry all know what the truth is. CINTAA has already expelled Alok Nath after having concluded that I am telling the truth, after having heard not just what Alok Nath had done to me but after having heard what he has done with all the other victims of his assaults and such behaviours, she was quoted as saying by Spotboye.com. Furthermore, she questioned the order that doubted if all the women who accused the actor of sexual harassment could be lying. Can it be that all of us Sandhya Mridul, Navneet Nishan, Himani Shivpuriji, Deepika Amin and the so many other women who have still not gathered the strength to come out publicly with what they have been through because of him are lying and the one and only Alok Nath is telling the truth?, she added. Also Read: After Filing Rape Case Against Alok Nath, Vinta Nanda Says Onus Is On Her To Prove Her Story The Nevada State Board on Geographic Names voted unanimously on Tuesday to support the tribal designation, according to news reports. The phrase means "White Mountain" -- chosen because the peak usually has snow on it. "It honors our cultural heritage, for the places that had names before they were renamed," the elders committee of the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe said in a statement of support, The Reno Gazette-Journal reported. The Yomba Shoshone Tribe , the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony also supported the name change, the paper said. The mountain, the third tallest in Nevada, is currently named for Jefferson Davis , who served as the only president of Confederate States. He has no known connections to Nevada. The state's decision will be forwarded to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names for final approval. The federal board usually accepts such recommendations. The mountain is located in Great Basin National Park, near the Nevada border with Utah. Read More on the Story Join the Conversation The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has a new attorney general and a tribal citizen is holding the job for the first time. N. Cheryl Hamby was confirmed to the tribe's highest legal post at a council meeting on Tuesday. Chief Phyliss J. Anderson called it a milestone for the tribe. I am very proud of this accomplishment for our tribe and for Mrs. Hamby as we work together to educate and promote our tribal members into professional level positions, Anderson said. Hamby has been working in the tribe's attorney general office for the past three years as an assistant attorney general. She was then named acting attorney general by Chief Anderson until being confirmed for the job. Hamby obtained her law degree from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, now known as Texas A & M School of Law. She has been admitted to practice law in a number of tribal, state and federal courts. Join the Conversation Related Stories (December 27, 2018) Students, staff, and community members have raised money for Make-A-Wish through Macys Believe Campaign. Macys Department store pledged to donate $1 to Make-a-Wish Foundation of Northern New York, for every letter submitted, up to one million dollars. This was a record year for the District with a final total of 7,858 letters submitted, earning $7,858 for Make-a-Wish. Various student groups conducted fundraisers to donate an additional $578. This has been a record year for the Believe Campaign, and we are grateful to the community for participating in this important initiative, said Elementary School Teacher Nichole Howard. The Believe Campaign is close to the hearts of many at Salmon River School District, because in recent years students in the District have personally benefitted from the Make-a-Wish Foundation. We have seen firsthand the impact that donations like these have on a childs life, said Howard. The final tally for letters submitted by school is as follows: Ms. Winters High School English-6,593 Ms. Trombley High School English-512 Salmon River High School-129 Salmon River Middle School-143 Salmon River Elementary-222 St. Regis Mohawk School-259 Staff and students also donated their time to raise money through various organizations: Community Based Work Experience Program raised $201.00 and donated popcorn. Salmon River Elementary Student Council 4th and 5th grade bake sale raised $138.00 St. Regis Mohawk School Bake Sale and Ornament Sale raised $239.00 For more information visit http://www.srk12.org. Photo: BC Gov't Premier John Horgan say there are no easy answers to resolving an impasse over a natural gas pipeline in North-Central B.C. Horgan said Wednesday that when plans for a $40-billion LNG export facility at Kitimat were announced in October the province concluded all the conditions for the project to proceed had been met.a TC Energy, formerly TransCanada Corp., says it has signed agreements with the elected councils of all 20 First Nations along the path, including the Wet'suwet'en, where 14 people have been arrested at a protest camp. "All nations, from wellhead to waterline, have signed impact benefit agreements," Horgan told a news conference in Victoria. "We were, of course, mindful of the challenges at the Unist'ot'en camp. But we were in dialogue and continue to be open for dialogue for hereditary leadership in that community." Horgan said he spoke to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the impasse on Tuesday night. "He understands, the federal government understands, that British Columbia is unique in Canada. We have unceded territory in every corner of the province. We have court ruling after court ruling that has affirmed we need to find a better way forward." Horgan said there are jurisdictional challenges facing B.C. that are different in every circumstance when it comes to aboriginal land claims and rights. "I know people would prefer to have, what's the answer, yes or no, but there isn't one," he added. New Democrat MP Nathan Cullen, who represents the area, said the conflict has been developing for years in part because of a failure to recognize the nuances between elected and hereditary Indigenous governments. He said Wet'suwet'en band councils have authority over reserves and services, while hereditary chiefs control activities on their traditional territories. "This is the clash of two forms of government," he said Tuesday. Cullen believes the hereditary leadership is looking for guidance from the federal government and expects Ottawa to recognize and accommodate their rights and title. "There is a whole series of Supreme Court (of Canada) decisions that say if there are established rights and title-holders, if you are going to infringe on those rights, then you have to justify and accommodate for it," he said. Trudeau was visiting Kamloops on Wednesday and highlighted the benefits of the LNG export facility in a speech at a Liberal fundraiser. "We moved forward on the LNG Canada project, which is the largest private sector investment in Canada's history, $40 billion, which is going to produce Canadian LNG that will supplant coal in Asia as a power source and do much for the environment," he said. remaining of Thank you for Reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. CONCORDConcord-Padgett Regional Airport's contributions to North Carolina's economy is approaching $1 billion dollars, according to a recently released state report. In a report released this week, Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (JQF/USA) is listed as one of 10 commercial service airports in North Carolina, and airline partner Allegiant Air served nearly a quarter-million passengers in Concord going to six destinations. "The N.C. Department of Transportation's network of 72 publicly owned airports, and the aviation and aerospace assets that rely on them, help move North Carolina's economy forward by creating jobs, supporting business growth and connecting people and companies to markets around the globe, according to the report, North Carolina: The State of Aviation. North Carolinas public airports annually contribute $52 billion to the states economy, supporting 307,000 jobs that generate $12.6 billion in personal income and $2.2 billion in state and local tax revenues." The report analyzed data from 2017, and Concord's contribution included $821 million in economic output, more than 4,500 jobs, more than $191 million in personal income and more than $30 million in state and local taxes. The world's richest man, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is divorcing his wife of 25 years in what could result in the biggest divorce settlement ever seen. Mr Bezos, who is estimated to be worth a massive $137bn (118bn), announced on Twitter that he and his wife MacKenzie were divorcing, although they would remain "cherished friends". They live in Washington State in the US where, unless there is a pre-nuptial agreement, a divorcing couple's assets are split 50/50. The couple met in New York in the early 1990s when Mr Bezos, then a hedge fund manager, interviewed Ms Bezos for a job. They married six months later and moved to Seattle so that he could launch the online bookseller that grew into one of the world's largest retailers. Ms Bezos, a Princeton graduate who is now a novelist, did accounting for Amazon for its first year after it was founded in 1994. The company recently took Microsoft's spot as the most valuable US company. The couple have four children together, ranging in ages from 13 to 18. Announcing the news on Twitter, Mr Bezos wrote: "As our family and close friends know, after a long period of loving exploration and trial separation, we have decided to divorce and continue our shared lives as friends. "We feel incredibly lucky to have found each other and deeply grateful for every one of the years we have been married to each other. "If we had known we would separate after 25 years, we would do it all again. "We've had such a great life together as a married couple, and we also see wonderful futures ahead, and projects, and as individuals pursuing ventures and adventures. "Though the labels might be different, we remain a family, and we remain cherished friends." The couple were last photographed in public together at the funeral service of Senator John McCain in the US capital, when Ms Bezos was seen linking arms with her husband as they walked into Washington Cathedral. Speaking at an event in Berlin last April, Mr Bezos said Mrs Bezos's support was instrumental when he founded Amazon in 1994. "When you have loving and supportive people in your life, like MacKenzie, my parents, my grandfather, my grandmother, you end up being able to take risks," he said at the event. Last year, the pair launched the Bezos Day One Fund, offering a $2bn (1.73bn) fund to help homeless families and build pre-schools in low-income neighbourhoods. They also donated $33m (28.6m) to fund college scholarships for high schools students, under an Obama-era programme protecting young immigrants brought to the US illegally by their parents. Amazon shares were up 0.2pc in midday trading yesterday. The divorce should have no material impact on the company and its shares, said analysts. It is unlikely that many details of the divorce will become public, said New York lawyer Bernard Clair, who is representing Judith Giuliani in her divorce from former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. "These two have been separated for a not insignificant time, and I would assume...they would have used the time to reach a private, confidential agreement," he said. A Republican rebellion against Donald Trump's refusal to reopen government without new money for his Mexico border wall appeared to be growing yesterday as his television address failed to break the impasse. Three Republican senators are now publicly calling for the federal government shutdown to end even if there is no border wall deal, while half a dozen more have voiced concerns about the stand-off. Mr Trump attempted to convince his own party to stick with his strategy during a closed-door lunch with Republican senators on Capitol Hill yesterday. He claimed there was "tremendous Republican support" for his stance, insisting it was the Democratic Party, and not his own side, that was feeling the pressure. But his blanket declaration of support clashed with the fact that some Republican politicians are beginning to break with him as the government shutdown enters its 20th day. Pressure will ramp up in the coming days as many of the 800,000 federal workers affected miss out on a pay cheque for the first time since the shutdown began. Some 25pc of the US federal government is affected. A recent Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll found that 51pc of Americans believe Mr Trump "deserves most of the blame" for the shutdown, against 32pc who blame congressional Democrats. Mr Trump walked out of talks with Democratic congressional leaders yesterday over funding for the border wall with Mexico and ending the shutdown, complaining the meeting in the White House was "a total waste of time". A short meeting that included Mr Trump, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi ended in acrimony with no sign of a resolution. "Just left a meeting with Chuck and Nancy, a total waste of time," Mr Trump wrote on Twitter. "I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier?" Mr Trump wrote. "Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works!" Exasperated Democrats called Mr Trump's behaviour a "temper tantrum" and said the meeting broke down when they refused to commit to funding his proposed southern border wall. Mr Schumer told reporters that Mr Trump asked Ms Pelosi if she would fund his wall. "She said no. And he just got up and said: 'Then we have nothing to discuss,' and he just walked out." Mr Trump's prime-time address to the nation from the Oval Office on Tuesday night, his first since taking office, was full of harsh warnings about illegal immigration but broke little new ground. The president warned that thousands of lives would be lost if action was not taken at the border, asking: "How much more American blood must be shed before Congress does its job?" He called the situation at the 3,200km US-Mexico border a "humanitarian crisis" and urged the millions of Americans watching to phone their congressman and demand a border wall. However, the arguments Mr Trump deployed were the same as he has been making for weeks and his central demand, that the Democrats approve $5.7bn towards the wall, remained unchanged. Mr Trump notably did not declare a national emergency, which could allow him to start wall construction without Congress's approval. Such a move would likely trigger a lengthy court battle which he would not be guaranteed to win. The president did not rule out the move yesterday, telling reporters that if he fails to do a deal with the Democrats over government spending then he could still take that step. Mr Schumer and Ms Pelosi gave their own rebuttal moments after Mr Trump's speech, which lasted nine minutes and was broadcast on all major television networks. Ms Pelosi said: "President Trump must stop holding the American people hostage, must stop manufacturing a crisis and must reopen the government." ( Daily Telegraph London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] New hope: Democrat Beto ORourke with his wife Amy after conceding to Ted Cruz in November. Photo: Adria Malcolm/Reuters A 'Beto O'Rourke for president' campaign in 2020 plan has been launched - without his backing. The strategy it is hoped will convince the as yet undecided former congressman to run for the White House. The Democrat presidential possibility who has done the least to prepare for a run is now poised to benefit from an early-state campaign organisation - albeit one that operates independently, works for free and puts its fundraising dollars in escrow for now. The effort to encourage Texas Democrat O'Rourke into the race, DraftBeto.org, has distinguished itself from similarly named efforts by attracting sought-after talent to its ranks, including two leaders of former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley's 2016 presidential campaign. Mr O'Malley, who wrote last week in the 'Des Moines Register' that he sees Mr O'Rourke as "the new leader who can bring us together", has been encouraging the effort behind the scenes, after meeting privately in December with Mr O'Rourke in Washington, DC. That enthusiasm helped push former O'Malley advisers in South Carolina, consultant Tyler Jones and former legislator Boyd Brown, to volunteer for the group. They were joined by Michael Soneff, a former communications adviser to the Nevada Democratic Party, who has taken on the task of organising Nevada and California. The group has been interviewing potential Iowa operatives as well, with the hopes of announcing a new adviser in that state later this week. "I had a long conversation with Governor O'Malley," said Mr Brown, who co-chaired Mr O'Malley's 2016 campaign in South Carolina. "Martin's words to me were, 'I am seeing green lights and some yellow lights, but no red lights'." Mr Brown said a friend had connected him with Mr O'Rourke and they had "traded texts" that did not include any admission from Mr O'Rourke of his presidential ambitions. Mr O'Malley did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Mr O'Rourke said the congressman was not in contact with the Draft Beto effort. "I have got experience building campaign structure in South Carolina, and if I need to hand it off, I will hand it off," Mr Brown said. "We are taking a shot in the dark here." Mr O'Rourke became a Democratic star last year after raising nearly $79m (68m) in his losing race against Republican senator Ted Cruz. Since then, Mr O'Rourke has fanned speculation that he is leaning towards a presidential campaign by backing away from the denials he made during the Senate race and meeting with former president Barack Obama. Draft efforts have been a mainstay of presidential politics since the advent of online fundraising. The current Draft Beto effort differs from the others in that all the fundraising so far has been for an ActBlue account that will be held in escrow and then delivered to Mr O'Rourke's campaign should he decide to run. ( Independent News Service) Cristiano Ronaldos lawyer has said US investigators are seeking DNA from the footballer in their investigation of a womans allegation that the international star raped her in his Las Vegas hotel penthouse in 2009. Lawyer Peter S. Christiansen in Las Vegas provided no additional detail. He did not immediately confirm a Wall Street Journal report citing an unnamed source saying that a warrant was sent to Italy to compel Ronaldo to submit a DNA sample. Las Vegas police spokeswoman Laura Meltzer declined to comment about the police investigation. It was closed in 2009 but reopened days before the woman from Nevada filed a civil lawsuit in the US state in September claiming that Ronaldo raped her. Ronaldo through his lawyers has denied the rape allegation. Hope: A mother and a child disembark from a patrol boat in Malta. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli / AFP Forty-nine migrants disembarked in Malta yesterday after spending more than two weeks stranded on board rescue ships, ending a stand-off in which European Union countries had refused to offer them a safe port. The deal calls for 300 migrants to be redistributed between eight countries, including Ireland. Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said five unaccompanied child migrants would be taken in from Malta as a gesture of solidarity and humanitarian assistance. "I am pleased to announce that we will offer to welcome five unaccompanied minors to Ireland from Malta," Mr Flanagan said. "These children have been rescued from the Mediterranean Sea in humanitarian search and rescue missions and have been through a terrible ordeal. "They will be welcomed to Ireland under our Irish Refugee Protection Programme, which has a proven record of helping those who are most vulnerable. "We will ensure that they are provided with all of the necessary supports". But Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has demanded a "clarification" since the agreement was announced. "I am and remain absolutely against any new arrivals in Italy," Mr Salvini said on Twitter. "Caving to the pressures and threats of Europe and the non-governmental organisations is a sign of weakness that Italians don't deserve." Two vessels had been sailing back and forth in Maltese waters for days after Italy, Malta and all other EU countries refused to offer them a port of safety. Departures from Heathrow, Europes busiest airport, were halted for an hour on Tuesday after a drone was sighted. Photo: PA Airport operators need to do more to counter the illegal use of drones after flights were disrupted at Heathrow and Gatwick, British prime minister Theresa May's de-facto deputy said. Cabinet office minister David Lidington said the government would consider toughening laws that ban the use of drones near airports, but that operators could also invest more in protection systems. Departures from Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport, were halted for an hour on Tuesday after a drone was sighted, raising fears that operations could face the serious levels of disruption that hit London's Gatwick last month. "The government is looking at the law to see whether there are ways in which it could be strengthened," Mr Lidington said. "What I think the airports themselves have to do is step up and do more investment in technology to both detect and then stop drones from flying." Gatwick Airport said it had upgraded its systems after it was targeted for three days in the run-up to Christmas. "Several million pounds has been invested with the aim of ensuring the airport is equipped to the level provided by the armed forces during the recent illegal and unprecedented drone activity," a spokesman said. "Safety remains our number one priority." Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of Jayden Moodie, who died in an "horrific" targeted attack when three men rammed a car into his moped then stabbed him multiple times. Metropolitan Police/PA Wire The family of murdered teenager Jayden Moodie has said he "had absolutely no affiliation with gangs". The 14-year-old was rammed off a moped, then repeatedly stabbed on Tuesday in an area of east London notorious for drug dealing and blighted by so-called county lines gangs that are known to exploit children. Police, who believe the attack was "targeted and intent on lethal force from the outset", have found the car thought to have been used by the three men who carried out the attack. Reading a statement to reporters on Thursday, a family spokesman described Jayden as a boy with "a huge heart" who "will be sincerely missed". "I would like to stress Jayden had recently moved from Nottingham to London and had absolutely no affiliation with gangs," he said. "The focus needs to be on the fact he has been brutally murdered in cold blood." The spokesman added: "If there are people capable of killing a 14-year-old child, then no one is safe." Chief Superintendent Richard Tucker has said he could not sleep for thinking about what had happened to such a young boy. Expand Close Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of Jayden Moodie, who died in an "horrific" targeted attack when three men rammed a car into his moped then stabbed him multiple times. Metropolitan Police/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Undated handout photo issued by Metropolitan Police of Jayden Moodie, who died in an "horrific" targeted attack when three men rammed a car into his moped then stabbed him multiple times. Metropolitan Police/PA Wire He said of the boy's age: "I think that will strike a chord with so many people and so many parents across the UK." Youth worker Marcellus Baz, who is behind a Nottingham-based youth project called Switch Up, said Jayden and his mother had recently moved to London for a "new start". Mr Baz, who said he met the youngster on a street known as a "hotspot for antisocial behaviour and knife crime", told the BBC he "seemed like a really respectable, polite young man that had his life mapped out". "He wanted to go down the construction, painting and decorating route," he said. "He looked like he was going to have a new start in London and do something amazing." The teenager was knocked off the moped he was riding by a black Mercedes B Class at around 6.30pm on Tuesday in Bickley Road, Leyton, and then stabbed several times by three attackers as he lay unconscious in the road. The car was found on Wednesday in the nearby Carlisle Road area of Leyton, a few hundred metres away, and remains there for forensic examination. Detective Chief Inspector Chris Soole from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are treating the recovery of the car as a significant development in our inquiries, which are still very much in their early stages. "Jayden's family are being fully supported and kept updated by our team. "This is a truly heartbreaking time for them and we are doing everything we can to find out who was responsible for Jayden's death." Mr Tucker said it was too early to ascertain a motive or say whether an incident a few streets away from the crime scene on Wednesday when a man was slashed across the face was linked. He said: "The overriding factor is he's 14 years old. "A lot of people are saying 'young man' - he's not. He's a boy. He's 14. "It's shocking, it's an appalling event and this will have affected huge numbers of our young people and we've got additional officers in the area, and at schools, to actually reassure people that they are safe in east London. "Whatever the reasons for his death, he was 14 years old and I would urge anyone who has any information to come forward and assist us to catch the people who did this horrific, horrific offence." A section 60 order was put in place to allow officers to search anyone in the vicinity of the scene for weapons. Jayden's godmother Zoe Grant, who lives in Nottingham, paid tribute to the 14-year-old by saying: "He was full of life, fun loving and a ray of sunshine. "He was a beautiful boy, so intelligent, had everything to live for. "He went to London and then this happens, it's just so unfair. "He was very dearly loved by everybody. "Jayden was a good kid. 14 is no life, it's not fair." A family friend, who gave his name as Solomon, said the schoolboy, a talented boxer, was a "wonderful" and "loving" child. Describing himself as Jayden's "acting grandfather", he said the system was "really letting down the youth". "They don't come on the streets because they want to, they don't have a choice," he said. "They need to be given a chance to breathe like everyone else in the world." In 2018, around a fifth (17pc) of homicide victims in London were teenagers, most of whom were stabbed. The youngest were aged 15. The borough where Jayden died, Waltham Forest, has been blighted by gang crime, with the local authority ploughing 3 million over the next four years into a prevention programme. Police patrols were stepped up in the wake of the murder. Photo: Colin Dacre Penticton city council formally voted Tuesday to allow cannabis stores on Main and Front Streets downtown. A second public hearing on the citys retail cannabis policy was held after council last month rejected a staff recommendation to ban them from the citys two highest-value retail streets. Coun. Jake Kimberley, who was not present at the previous vote, tried in vain to convince his fellow councillors retail cannabis would create problems downtown. We could be creating major problems, he said, claiming the stores will attract street-dealers to the area that will try to undercut the taxed legal cannabis. The peddlers that are out there, the drug movers and sellers will be out there competing with that in the same arena. Be assured, he said. Kimberley also said the daycare downtown takes their children out for walks in the area. I would not want my grandchild or children to witness that event, not in the downtown core. Coun. Julius Bloomfield pushed back, saying nobody is ever concerned about children walking by a wine or liquor store. From a drug perspective, cannabis poses less of a threat to society than alcohol, he said. Some people want to buy wine, some people want to buy cannabis. They are both legal. Coun. Campbell Watt noted Main Street is already home to multiple pawn shops, which attract a crowd far less desirable than a pot shop. Couns. Judy Sentes and Frank Regehr voted in support of allowing the shops on Main Street. Coun. Katie Robinson said she was opposed because she believed the stores would generate too much traffic and put more pressure on parking downtown. Mayor John Vassilaki recused himself due to his property holdings on Main Street. With the policy passed, the City of Penticton is now holding all applications for cannabis storefronts until Feb. 1, when they will start processing the first wave. Planning manager Blake Laven said the city has already received nine referrals from the provincial government for private stores and is expecting at least two more. Artur Jaku-Graham (32) of no fixed address, was jailed for six years at Liverpool Crown Court for drugs offences. PA Wire Christopher Rigg (52) of no fixed address, who was jailed for 10 years and nine months at Liverpool Crown Court for drugs offences. PA Wire Photo issued by the National Crime Agency of a box of cocaine recovered by officers from the National Crime Agency. Three men who attempted to smuggle 3m (3.3m) of drugs into Dublin have been jailed for a total of 27 years and five months at Liverpool Crown Court PA Wire Wayne Sudbury (40) from Crosby in Merseyside, was jailed for 10 years and eight months at Liverpool Crown Court for drugs offences. PA Wire Three members of an organised crime group who attempted to smuggle 3m (3.3m) of class A and B drugs into Dublin jailed for a total 27 years and five months. The gang was found with 30kg of cocaine, 45kg of cannabis, 15kg of MDMA and 2kg of ketamine following an investigation in the UK. Expand Close Photo issued by the National Crime Agency of a box of cocaine recovered by officers from the National Crime Agency. Three men who attempted to smuggle 3m (3.3m) of drugs into Dublin have been jailed for a total of 27 years and five months at Liverpool Crown Court PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Photo issued by the National Crime Agency of a box of cocaine recovered by officers from the National Crime Agency. Three men who attempted to smuggle 3m (3.3m) of drugs into Dublin have been jailed for a total of 27 years and five months at Liverpool Crown Court PA Wire Christopher Rigg (52) of no fixed address, Wayne Sudbury (40) from Crosby in Merseyside, and Artur Jaku-Graham (32) of no fixed address, were jailed for 10 years and nine months, 10 years and eight months and six years respectively at Liverpool Crown Court. All three had pleaded guilty to drugs offences at an earlier hearing. On June 4 last year, OCP officers watched as Sudbury drove to an industrial estate in Queensferry in North Wales and met up with Rigg, who was a HGV lorry driver. Sudbury was seen handing two large boxes to Rigg, who then drove to Holyhead Port in Anglesey. As Rigg attempted to catch a ferry to Dublin, he was stopped by Border Force officers. A search of the trailer uncovered the two boxes, which contained 26kg of cocaine, and Rigg was subsequently arrested on suspicion of importing controlled drugs. Meanwhile, Sudbury stayed at the industrial estate, where he met Jaku-Graham and handed him a bag containing a further 4kg of cocaine. After Sudbury drove off, Jaku-Graham was stopped by OCP officers. They searched his vehicle and found packages containing 4kg of cocaine. He was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of controlled drugs. Sudbury drove back to Merseyside and was arrested at his home. Expand Close Christopher Rigg (52) of no fixed address, who was jailed for 10 years and nine months at Liverpool Crown Court for drugs offences. PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Christopher Rigg (52) of no fixed address, who was jailed for 10 years and nine months at Liverpool Crown Court for drugs offences. PA Wire A search uncovered 45kg of cannabis, 15kg of MDMA, nearly 2kg of ketamine and 2kg of cutting agent hidden in a loft bedroom. An unused encrypted mobile phone and 3,740 in cash were found in a cupboard beneath the stairs. Expand Close Artur Jaku-Graham (32) of no fixed address, was jailed for six years at Liverpool Crown Court for drugs offences. PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Artur Jaku-Graham (32) of no fixed address, was jailed for six years at Liverpool Crown Court for drugs offences. PA Wire Sudbury was arrested on suspicion of supplying class A controlled drugs and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. Matt McMillan, OCP operations manager, said: "The OCP, working with our colleagues from the NCA Armed Operations Unit and UK Border Force, have successfully disrupted an organised crime network involved in the large-scale supply of class A and B drugs. "Those involved in the supply of drugs perpetuate the culture of violence and we will use all the specialist capabilities available to us to combat this threat. I have no doubt the public are safer now Rigg, Sudbury and Jaku-Graham are behind bars." Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson during his visit to visit RAF Marham in Norfolk. Joe Giddens/PA Wire All UK airports must buy anti-drone equipment because the Royal Air Force should not have to step in every time the devices are flown near runways, according to Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson. Technology which can detect and deter the gadgets is a "logical thing" for airports to invest in, Mr Williamson said. The military has been called in to the UK's two busiest airports in recent weeks after drone sightings caused flights to be grounded. Departures at Heathrow were suspended for an hour on Tuesday night, while the travel plans of 140,000 Gatwick passengers were affected over three days shortly before Christmas. Thousands of passengers bound for Ireland suffered disruption. Both airports have said they will invest millions of pounds to tackle the threat from drones. A system which can detect, track and ground the devices has been installed on the roof of Gatwick's South Terminal following last month's chaos. Expand Close Disruption: Passengers at Gatwick waiting for their flights. Photo: John Stillwell/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Disruption: Passengers at Gatwick waiting for their flights. Photo: John Stillwell/PA Wire Aviation minister Baroness Sugg and security minister Ben Wallace held a meeting with airport bosses on Thursday to discuss plans to crack down on the problem. Around 10 of Britain's busiest airports, such as the main London airports, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh, all told the ministers that they have drone detection equipment in place or are planning to install it, the Press Association understands. Mr Williamson said: "I think that everyone would be expecting all airports to be having this detection, and deterrence effect also, at all commercial airports in the future. "It is a logical thing for them to be investing (in)." Combat On Tuesday, the UK Government announced a package of measures designed to give police extra powers to combat drones. The exclusion zone around airports will be extended to approximately a 5km-radius (3.1 miles). This is expected to come into force by the start of April. From November 30, operators of drones weighing between 250g and 20kg will be required to register and take an online drone pilot competency test. Police will also be able to issue fixed-penalty notices for minor drone offences to ensure immediate and effective enforcement of the new rules. Fines of up to 100 could be given for offences such as failing to comply with a police officer when instructed to land a drone, or not showing their registration to operate a drone. Felix Tshisekedi, who has won won the long-delayed presidential election (Ben Curtis/AP) Democratic Republic of Congo opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi has won the long-delayed presidential election, the electoral commission announced. Mr Tshisekedi, who received more than seven million votes (38%) had not been widely considered the leading candidate and is relatively untested. The son of late opposition leader Etienne, who pursued the presidency for many years, he surprised many last year by breaking away from an opposition effort to unite behind a single candidate. Some observers have suggested that President Joseph Kabilas government sought to make a deal as hopes faded for a win for ruling party candidate Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, who received more than four million votes (23%). Expand Close Opposition candidate Martin Fayulu wipes his face before speaking to the press in Kinshasa (Jerome Delay/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Opposition candidate Martin Fayulu wipes his face before speaking to the press in Kinshasa (Jerome Delay/AP) It is not immediately clear whether opposition candidate Martin Fayulu, who had vowed to clean up DR Congos widespread corruption and led in polling, will contest the results. The constitutional court has 14 days to validate them. Mr Fayulu received more than six million votes (34%). This is DR Congos first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence in 1960. Mr Kabila has ruled since 2001 in the troubled nation rich in the minerals key to smartphones around the world and has amassed vast wealth. He is barred from serving three consecutive terms, but during more than two years of election delays many Congolese feared he would find a way to stay in office. This is the beginning of national reconciliation This is the coronation of a lifetime, the deputy secretary-general of Mr Tshisekedis party, Rubens Mikindo, said above the cheers at party headquarters. This is the beginning of national reconciliation. Scores of people in the capital, Kinshasa, danced after the election results were announced long after midnight, but observers waited to see how other Congolese would respond, especially after Mr Fayulu this week warned that the results were not negotiable. Activist groups on Wednesday urged people to be ready to massively take to the streets if results did not match the truth of the ballot boxes. Expand Close Residents celebrate in Kinshasa (Jerome Delay/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Residents celebrate in Kinshasa (Jerome Delay/AP) Attention turns to DR Congos powerful Catholic church, which has said its 40,000 election observers at all polling stations found a clear winner but was barred by electoral regulations from saying more. The delayed results come after international pressure to announce an outcome that reflected the will of the people. The United States threatened sanctions against officials who rigged the vote. The largely peaceful election was marred by the malfunctioning of many voting machines that DR Congo used for the first time. Dozens of polling centres opened hours late as materials went missing. And in a last-minute decision, some one million of the countrys 40 million voters were barred from participating, with the electoral commission blaming a deadly Ebola virus outbreak. Defiantly, tens of thousands of voters in one of the barred communities held their own ballot on election day. Mr Fayulu won easily. DR Congos government cut internet service the day after the vote to prevent speculation on social media. As the electoral commission met this week, anti-riot police moved into place outside. On Wednesday afternoon, hours before results were announced, some Tshisekedi supporters began to celebrate at his Union for Democracy and Social Progress party headquarters, with calendars already printed saying Felix Tshisekedi president. Mr Tshisekedi, 56, took over as head of DR Congos most prominent opposition party in early 2018, a year after his fathers death. Residents celebrate in Kinshasa after learning that opposition presidential candidate Felix Tshisekedi had been declared the winner of the elections. (Jerome Delay/AP) Supporters of the surprise Democratic Republic of Congo presidential winner have celebrated in the capital as the rival opposition candidate denounced the result as fraudulent. Today I am happy, Felix Tshisekedi told supporters. Happy for the people of Congo. Everyone is celebrating that there is peace. No one could imagine the scenario where an opposition candidate could be victorious. But Martin Fayulu alleged the results had been rigged, saying outgoing President Joseph Kabila made a backroom deal with Mr Tshisekedi. Mr Kabila appears to have negotiated with Mr Tshisekedi to prevent anti-corruption crusader Mr Fayulu from winning, diplomats and observers said. DR Congos Catholic church said the official election results did not tally with the outcome that its 40,000 observers compiled in recording results posted at all polling stations. Its secretary general, Donatien Nshole, refused to say who won the election according to its findings but diplomats briefed on the results said they indicated Mr Fayulu won easily. Mr Nshole urged all Congolese to remain peaceful and said those who challenge the official results should do so within the legal framework and without violence. Expand Close Opposition candidate Martin Fayulu wipes his face before speaking to the press in Kinshasa (Jerome Delay/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Opposition candidate Martin Fayulu wipes his face before speaking to the press in Kinshasa (Jerome Delay/AP) Now Congo and the world face the uncomfortable choice of accepting what could be the countrys first peaceful, democratic transfer of power or raising a protest that could lead to more violence in the nation. Mr Tshisekedi, who received 38% of the vote according to the electoral commissions results, had not been widely considered the leading candidate and is relatively untested. Long in the shadow of his father, the late opposition leader Etienne, Mr Tshisekedi startled DR Congo last year by breaking away from the unified opposition candidate Mr Fayulu to stand on his own. Mr Fayulu quickly called the announced election results rigged, fabricated and invented and said they do not reflect the truth of the ballots. He called on the Congolese people to rise as one man to protect victory. A police spokesman said three people were killed amid demonstrations against the election results. Pierrot Mwanamputu said that a youth in the city of Kikwit caused violence that led to the deaths of two civilians and the wife of a police officer. The spokesman said 17 police officers were wounded and some shops were vandalised but the vast country of some 80 million people was largely calm after the results. Mr Fayulu, a former Exxon manager and Kinshasa lawmaker, received 34% of the vote in the official results. Expand Close Opposition presidential candidate Felix Tshisekedi has been declared the winner (Jerome Delay/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Opposition presidential candidate Felix Tshisekedi has been declared the winner (Jerome Delay/AP) How long are we going to negotiate results? he asked. In 2006, Jean-Pierre Bembas victory was stolen. In 2011, Etienne Tshisekedis victory was stolen. In 2018, victory wont be stolen from Martin Fayulu. Even before the announcement, some observers suggested that Mr Kabilas government made a deal with Mr Tshisekedi as hopes faded for ruling party candidate Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, who received just 23% of the official results. DR Congos constitutional court has 14 days to validate the results. Frances foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian bluntly cast doubt on the official results, saying they did not match the findings of the Catholic Churchs observers. The United Nations secretary-general merely took note of the results and urged stability and peace. The delayed results, nearly two weeks after the December 30 vote, came after international pressure to announce an outcome that reflected the will of the people. The United States threatened sanctions against officials who rigged the vote. The largely peaceful election was marred by the malfunctioning of many voting machines that DR Congo used for the first time. Expand Close Residents celebrate in Kinshasa (Jerome Delay/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Residents celebrate in Kinshasa (Jerome Delay/AP) Dozens of polling centres opened hours late as materials went missing. And in a last-minute decision, some 1 million of the countrys 40 million voters were barred from participating, with the electoral commission blaming a deadly Ebola virus outbreak. Defiantly, tens of thousands of voters in one of the barred communities held their own unofficial ballot on election day, and Mr Fayulu won easily. DR Congos government cut internet services the day after the vote to prevent speculation on social media. As the electoral commission met this week, anti-riot police moved into place outside. Mr Kabila has ruled since 2001 in the troubled nation rich in the minerals key to smartphones around the world and has amassed vast wealth. He is barred from serving three consecutive terms, but during more than two years of election delays many Congolese feared he would find a way to stay in office. Now DR Congo faces a new leader who is little known after spending many years in Belgium and standing behind his outspoken father. The 56-year-old took over as head of DR Congos most prominent opposition party in early 2018, a year after his fathers death. Happy Tshsekedi supporters in Kinshasa, a lively opposition stronghold, said they were delighted by their candidates win and happy to see Mr Kabila step down. This is the coronation of a lifetime, said the deputy secretary-general of Tshisekedis party, Rubens Mikindo. This is the beginning of national reconciliation. President Donald Trump tours the US border with Mexico at the Rio Grande (Evan Vucci/AP) President Donald Trump has threatened to declare a national emergency to circumvent Congress if he cannot reach a deal with Democrats to fund his promised border wall. He spent most of the day in Texas near the US-Mexico border to draw further attention to his case after negotiations with politicians stalled. The partial government shutdown dragged into a 20th day with hundreds of thousands of federal workers off the job or working without pay as the wall fight persisted. Asked about a national emergency declaration, Mr Trump said as he left the White House: Im not prepared to do that yet, but if I have to I will. He contends such a declaration would allow him to direct the military to begin wall construction. So were either going to have a win, make a compromise, because I think a compromise is a win for everybody, or I will declare a national emergency, he said. In perhaps an ominous sign for those seeking a swift end to the showdown, Mr Trump announced he was cancelling his trip to Davos, Switzerland, later this month, citing Democrats intransigence on border security. He was to leave on January 21 to attend the World Economic Forum. It was not clear what a compromise might entail. Expand Close President Donald Trump holds up a belt buckle given to him to by rancher Monty Awbrey (Evan Vucci/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp President Donald Trump holds up a belt buckle given to him to by rancher Monty Awbrey (Evan Vucci/AP) Mr Trump says he will not reopen the government without money for the wall. Democrats say they favour measures to bolster border security but oppose the long, impregnable walling that Mr Trump envisions. He is asking for 5.7 billion US dollars for wall construction. Mr Trumps comments came a day after he walked out of a negotiating meeting with congressional leaders, I said bye-bye, he tweeted afterwards as efforts to reopen the government fell into deeper disarray. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused the president of engaging in political games to fire up his base. Expand Close Illegal drugs and other items that have been seized, are displayed as President Donald Trump speaks at a roundtable on immigration and border security at US Border Patrol McAllen Station (Evan Vucci/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Illegal drugs and other items that have been seized, are displayed as President Donald Trump speaks at a roundtable on immigration and border security at US Border Patrol McAllen Station (Evan Vucci/AP) I think the meeting was a set-up so he could walk out, she said. Affected federal workers face lost pay cheques on Friday, and more people are touched every day by the rollback of government services. In McAllen, Texas, Mr Trump visited a border patrol station for a roundtable discussion on immigration and border security and got a briefing. But he had expressed his own doubts that his appearance and remarks would change any minds as he seeks money for the wall that has been his signature promise since his presidential campaign. A wheel works and a wall works, Mr Trump said, mocking Democratic criticism of his plan. Expand Close Groups opposed to border walls demonstrate in McAllen, Texas (Eric Gay/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Groups opposed to border walls demonstrate in McAllen, Texas (Eric Gay/AP) Nothing like a wall Sitting between border patrol officers, local officials and military representatives, Mr Trump insisted that he was winning the shutdown fight. McAllen is located in the Rio Grande Valley, the busiest part of the border for illegal border crossings. Several hundred protesters were chanting and waving signs opposing a border wall next to the South Texas airport where Mr Trump was set to arrive. Across the street, a smaller group of protesters shouted back, chanting, Build that wall! And in Washington, US federal workers denounced Mr Trump at a rally with congressional Democrats, demanding he reopen the government so they can get back to work and receive their pay cheques. Expand Close Supporters of President Donald Trump in McAllen, Texas (Eric Gay/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Supporters of President Donald Trump in McAllen, Texas (Eric Gay/AP) Putting the standoff in personal terms, the president tweeted before leaving for Texas: The Opposition Party & the Dems know we must have Strong Border Security, but dont want to give Trump another one of many wins! The White House meeting in the Situation Room ended after just 14 minutes. Democrats said they asked Mr Trump to reopen the government but he told them if he did they wouldnt give him money for the wall. Republicans said Mr Trump posed a direct question to Ms Pelosi: If he opened the government, would she fund the wall? She said no. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Mr Trump slammed his hand on the table. Expand Close People watch as the motorcade of President Donald Trump passes by during his visit to the southern border (Evan Vucci/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp People watch as the motorcade of President Donald Trump passes by during his visit to the southern border (Evan Vucci/AP) But Mr Trump, who handed out sweets at the start of the meeting, disputed that characterisation. He said he didnt smash the table but should have. One result was certain: The shutdown plunged into uncharted territory with no endgame in sight. On Saturday, Washington appears certain to set an ignominious record for the longest government shutdown in the nations history. The Democrats see the idea of the long wall as ineffective and even immoral. Mr Trump sees it as an absolute necessity to stop what he calls a crisis of illegal immigration, drug-smuggling and human trafficking at the border. Mr Trump says Republicans are very unified, but his partys senators have been publicly uneasy as the standoff ripples across the lives of Americans and interrupts the economy. He has discussed the possibility of a sweeping immigration compromise with Democrats to protect some immigrants from deportation but provided no clear strategy or timeline for resolving the standoff, according to senators who attended a private lunch with him on Wednesday. Cristiano Ronaldo is being asked by police in the US to provide a DNA sample in an ongoing investigation of a womans allegation that he raped her in his Las Vegas hotel penthouse in 2009, the football stars lawyer has said. Peter S. Christiansen downplayed the development, denied the rape allegation and provided no additional details. He did not immediately confirm a Wall Street Journal report citing an unnamed law enforcement source saying that Las Vegas police obtained a warrant that was sent to Italy to obtain a DNA sample from the 33-year-old Ronaldo, who plays for the Turin-based club Juventus. Expand Close Juventus Cristiano Ronaldo (Martin Rickett/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Juventus Cristiano Ronaldo (Martin Rickett/PA) Mr Ronaldo has always maintained, as he does today, that what occurred in Las Vegas in 2009 was consensual in nature, so it is not surprising that DNA would be present, nor that the police would make this very standard request as part of their investigation, Mr Christiansen said. Las Vegas police declined to comment, said Officer Laura Meltzer, a department spokeswoman. The police case was closed in 2009 when the alleged victim, Kathryn Mayorga, declined to name her alleged assailant. Expand Close Cristiano Ronaldo (Adam Davy/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Cristiano Ronaldo (Adam Davy/PA) The police investigation was reopened at Ms Mayorgas request last August, shortly before the former model and schoolteacher filed a civil lawsuit in state court claiming that Ronaldo raped her and that she had been paid 375,000 US dollars to keep it secret. Ms Mayorga has given consent through her lawyers to make her name public. Ronaldo has not been served with the lawsuit, Mr Christiansen said. The lawsuit is on and the criminal police investigation are on separate legal tracks. Ms Mayorgas lawyers, Leslie Mark Stovall and Larissa Drohobyczer, have no information about the police probe, Ms Drohobyczer said. Cristiano Ronaldo is being asked by police in the US to provide a DNA sample in an ongoing investigation of a woman's allegation that he raped her in his Las Vegas hotel penthouse in 2009, the football star's lawyer has said. Peter S Christiansen downplayed the development, denied the rape allegation and provided no additional details. He did not immediately confirm a Wall Street Journal report citing an unnamed law enforcement source saying that Las Vegas police obtained a warrant that was sent to Italy to obtain a DNA sample from the 33-year-old Ronaldo, who plays for the Turin-based club Juventus. "Mr Ronaldo has always maintained, as he does today, that what occurred in Las Vegas in 2009 was consensual in nature, so it is not surprising that DNA would be present, nor that the police would make this very standard request as part of their investigation," Mr Christiansen said. Expand Close Cristiano Ronaldo with Kathryn Mayorga in Las Vegas. Photo: AP / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Cristiano Ronaldo with Kathryn Mayorga in Las Vegas. Photo: AP Las Vegas police declined to comment. The police case was closed in 2009 when the alleged victim, Kathryn Mayorga, declined to name her alleged assailant. The police investigation was reopened at Ms Mayorga's request last August, shortly before the former model and schoolteacher filed a civil lawsuit in state court claiming that Ronaldo raped her and that she had been paid 375,000 US dollars to keep it secret. Ms Mayorga has given consent through her lawyers to make her name public. Ronaldo has not been served with the lawsuit, Mr Christiansen said. The lawsuit is on and the criminal police investigation are on separate legal tracks. Ms Mayorga's lawyers, Leslie Mark Stovall and Larissa Drohobyczer, have no information about the police probe, Ms Drohobyczer said. Bargain retailer BandM saw a tough November hit sales over its Christmas quarter, but said trading bounced back in the crucial final month. Bargain retailer B&M saw a tough November hit sales over its Christmas quarter, but said trading bounced back in the crucial final month. The chain reported a 1.6% fall in UK like-for-like revenues over the 13 weeks to December 29 after a difficult November. This compared with a 3.9% sales surge seen a year earlier and left year-to-date comparable UK sales 0.7% lower. However, B&M said UK comparable sales lifted 1.2% in December, with the improved trading continuing into January. The group said it was pleased with trading over the key Christmas weeks and pledged to continue opening stores, with 13 planned for its final quarter. Simon Arora, chief executive of B&M, said: Despite the broader economic uncertainty over the last quarter, B&M is on track to deliver a record year for both sales and earnings, representing our 14th consecutive year of profit growth. We continue to open new stores and win market share when other retailers are retrenching, he added. The group said the new year had started well, and assured it remains on track for further earnings growth in the next financial year. Total revenues rose 12.1% to 1.1 billion over its third quarter, with sales up 12.6% in its Heron Foods arm and 5.5% higher on a local currency basis across its German chain Jawoll. French business Babou, which B&M bought in October, contributed 67.3 million of revenues in the quarter. 'Since Donald Trump became US president, there have been 14 incidents of US Navy vessels entering seas China claimed' Photo: Bullit Marquez/AP US naval operations in the South China Sea could spark conflict and the United States would be to blame if a clash occurred, a Chinese military researcher said yesterday. The warning came as Chinese and US trade teams ended talks in Beijing that have raised hopes an all-out trade war could be avoided, but fears remain that strategic tension between the two countries are growing. "Both countries' warships definitely have to come into close proximity and it's easy for there to be a misunderstanding or an error of judgment, even a collision," Zhang Junshe, a researcher at China's PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, said. "If there is a collision, the root cause is the United States." Earlier this week, a US guided-missile destroyer sailed near disputed islands in what China called a "provocation", just as the trade talks began. Mr Zhang said whenever US warships entered waters that China claimed, China had no option but to send warships to deal with them. Since Donald Trump became US president, there had been 14 incidents of US Navy vessels entering seas China claimed, to carry out what the US called freedom of navigation operations, Mr Zhang said. China claims almost all of the South China Sea and denounces US naval operations there. Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan have competing claims in the region. He Lei, former vice president of China's Academy of Military Sciences, said "foreign forces" that attempted to prevent the unification of China and Taiwan could compel Beijing to use force to bring the self-ruled island under its control. "Foreign forces that pose as world police to interfere in China's affairs, to obstruct and damage China's unification, are the main culprits that could force the mainland to use force to resolve the Taiwan issue," he said. Mr Trump has signed into law the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act, which reaffirms the US commitment to Taiwan. Chinese president Xi Jinping last week said nobody could change the fact that Taiwan was part of China. Photo: DriveBC Paulson Summit Hwy 3, about 3 km east of Paulson Summit, looking west. The Okanagan Valley received a fresh layer of snow Tuesday night and through the morning, while other areas of the Southern Interior are bracing for a storm tonight. Environment Canada meteorologist Bobby Sekhon said the forecast for Kootenay Pass is definitely a big concern for Southern B.C. tonight. That is where we have the warning for snowfall. We are expectng a total snowfall amount of 15 to 25 centimetres of snow - most of that coming tonight, he said. A snowfall warning was issued for Highway 3 from Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass saying snow wont taper off until Thursday morning. Sekhon said there is a very slight risk of freezing rain on the Coquihalla Highway tonight. Today we have only had six to seven cm of snow for the Coquihalla Summit, said Sekhon. Pennask Summit was the most hard-hit recently with nine cm of snow. There wasnt a whole lot through the Kelowna area, maybe four cm, he said. Sekhon said the white stuff wont last long, as temperatures are expected to rise back to 2 C on Thursday (CNN) The 18-year-old Saudi woman who fled to Thailand to escape her family has been referred by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) to Australia for possible resettlement as a refugee, Australia's Department of Home Affairs said in a statement to CNN. Rahaf Mohammed Mutlaq Al-Qunun flew to Thailand from Kuwait expressing fear that her family would kill her because she has renounced Islam. Australia's announcement suggests the UNHCR, which had been assessing Qunun's protection claims, determined her to be a legitimate refugee. The UNHCR in Thailand declined to comment. "The UNHCR has referred Ms Rahaf Mohammed Al-Qunun to Australia for consideration for refugee resettlement. The Department of Home Affairs will consider this referral in the usual way, as it does with all UNHCR referrals," the Australian government said in a statement. Earlier on Wednesday, Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said there would be no "special treatment" in the case, according to CNN affiliate Nine News. "Nobody wants to see a young girl in distress and she has obviously now found a safe haven in Thailand," Mr Dutton told reporters in Brisbane. Qunun and her supporters drew the world's attention to her case through a global social media campaign launched mostly on Twitter. Qunun documented her arrival and subsequent detention in Bangkok on her smart phone, creating new Twitter and Periscope accounts where she received a deluge of supportive messages. It was enough to pressure the Thai authorities to allow her access to the UNHCR and not deport her to Kuwait, where her family are currently believed to be based. Her online campaign was so successful that Saudi charge d'affaires Abdalelah Mohammed A. al-Shuaibi told Thai officials through a translator: "We wish they had confiscated her phone instead of her passport." Staying in Thailand The spotlight is on those countries that might assist in her resettlement. Under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, Qunun ought to be entitled to stay in the host county and have her claim heard. However, Thailand is not a signatory to the Convention and does not guarantee the rights of refugees. In actual fact, Thai authorities have a history of sending asylum seekers and even registered refugees back to their home countries at the request of foreign governments. On Monday, Thailand's immigration police chief, Surachet Hakpal said that Qunun was "now under the sovereignty of Thailand" and "we will protect her as best as we can." "Since she escaped trouble to seek our help, we are the Land of Smiles, we will not send anyone to their death. We won't do that, we will adhere to the human rights principles under the rule of law," he said. Qunun will have to wait in Thailand until Australia has considered the UNHCR's referral for refugee resettlement. Resettlement to Australia Qunun expressed a wish to be granted asylum in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom or the United States. Resettlement is not an automatic right for refugees, however, and less than 1% of registered refugees globally are resettled each year, a UNCHR spokesperson told CNN in an email. In most cases, those applying for asylum in a country do so at the border or once inside, whereas those wanting to apply for an immigration status from outside the country will only be allowed to do so if they have refugee status. The Australian Department of Home Affairs said it would "carefully consider" granting Qunun a humanitarian protection visa if she applies for one. "Any application by Ms Alqunun for a humanitarian visa will be carefully considered once the UNHCR process has concluded," a spokesperson told CNN affiliate Nine News. A humanitarian visa would permit her to stay permanently in Australia and have the right to work and study. Qunun would also be able to propose or sponsor family members for permanent residence. But refugees can wait their whole lives for a third country to resettle them. The process is often assessed on the urgency of a refugee's individual needs with the most vulnerable prioritized. Refugees can wait from nine months to several years to hear an answer -- longer if they appeal a refusal. Australia said Qunun's application would be processed "in the usual way, as it does with all UNHCR referrals," and so it could potentially take years for her to hear a decision. The North American option According to the UNHCR, the US resettlement program is the largest in the world, with 53,716 refugees being resettled in 2017. Canada, Australia and the Nordic countries also open a "sizeable number" of places annually. To be accepted for resettlement in Canada, Qunun must be referred by the UNHCR, a designated referral organization, or a private sponsorship group. If accepted, a refugee is granted permanent resident status upon arrival in Canada and permanent residents can become eligible to apply for citizenship once all requirements are met. The US conducts it's own security process to decide whether to accept a refugee for resettlement. According to the UNHCR, the process involves collecting biometric data and the application is then passed through eight government agencies, six separate security databases, five background checks, and three in person interviews. The whole process can take up to two years. This story was first published on CNN.com. "Rahaf al-Qunun: UNHCR refers Saudi teen refugee case to Australia." ABCNews.com(WASHINGTON) -- Michael Cohen, President Donald Trumps former personal attorney and fixer, has accepted an invitation to testify in an open session before Congress next month. I look forward to having the privilege of being afforded a platform with which to give a full and credible account of the events which have transpired, Cohen said in a statement to ABC News, adding that he accepted the invitation in furtherance of my commitment to cooperate and provide the American people with answers. The hearing, set for Feb. 7 before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, was announced Thursday afternoon by Rep. Elijah Cummings, a Maryland Democrat, who is the new chairman of the committee. In a press release, Cummings said, I thank Michael Cohen for agreeing to testify before the Oversight Committee voluntarily. I want to make clear that we have no interest in inappropriately interfering with any ongoing criminal investigations, and to that end, we are in the process of consulting with Special Counsel Muellers office. The Committee will announce additional information in the coming weeks. Cohen was sentenced in December to three years in federal prison for financial crimes, lying to Congress, and for two violations of campaign finance law in connection with hush money payments to two women who have claimed past affairs with Trump. He is due to report to prison in early March. In an exclusive interview after his sentencing with ABC News Chief Anchor George Stephanopoulos, Cohen slammed his former boss as incapable of telling the truth and faulted his own blind loyalty to the president for his role in the payments to the women. Cohen told Stephanopoulos that Trump directed him to arrange the payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal because then-candidate Trump was very concerned about how this would affect the election if their allegations of affairs became public before voters cast their ballots. Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York have implicated, but not charged, the president in the deals reached in the closing weeks of the 2016 election, alleging in court filings that Cohen acted in coordination with and at the direction of Trump. Prosecutors also reached a non-prosecution agreement with American Media Inc., the publisher of the National Enquirer, in which the tabloid admitted to making a $150,000 payment to McDougal in concert with the Trump campaign. Under federal law, it is illegal for corporations to make expenditures to influence an election in coordination with or at the request of a candidate or campaign. The president has denied the affairs but has deployed shifting explanations about when he learned about the payments to the women. He has also contended that the deals were private and unrelated to the campaign, insisting that if anything illegal occurred, it was Cohens responsibility. Trump lashed out at Cohen after his sentencing last month, tweeting that his former close confidant only agreed to plead guilty in order to embarrass the president and get a much reduced prison sentence, which he did. In the interview with Stephanopoulos, however, Cohen rejected Trumps claims as absolutely not true. I did not do it to embarrass the president, he said. The president, knows the truth, Cohen said. I know the truth, others know the truth, and here is the truth: The people of the United States of America, people of the world, don't believe what he is saying. The man doesn't tell the truth. And it is sad that I should take responsibility for his dirty deeds. Since his indictment in August, Cohen has also sat for multiple interviews, totaling about 70 hours, with investigators from the office of Special Counsel Robert Mueller amid his ongoing probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election, according to several people familiar with the discussions. In a plea deal reached with Muellers office, Cohen admitted that he made the misstatements about the Moscow Project the Trump Organizations efforts to pursue a branded property in Moscow in an August 2017 letter to the House and Senate Intelligence Committees, each of which were conducting inquiries into Russian interference, according to court records. When entering his guilty plea in court, Cohen told the judge he made the false statements to be consistent with Individual 1s political messaging and to be loyal to Individual 1. Based on the description in the court documents, Individual 1 appears to be President Trump. The special counsels questioning of Cohen, one of the presidents closest associates over the past decade, has since focused primarily on all aspects of Trump's dealings with Russia business and otherwise sources familiar with the matter told ABC News, as well as whether Trump or any of his associates discussed with Cohen the possibility of a pardon. Given Cohens prolonged time spent in proximity to Trump, his family and the Trump Organization, some insiders consider his cooperation with authorities to be one of most serious potential legal threats to confront the president. Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. An 18-year-old Saudi woman who fled her family and refused to leave her Bangkok hotel room is a refugee, a UN agency has said. The case of Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun has been referred to Australia for possible asylum. In a brief statement, Australia said it would consider the request "in the usual way, as it does with all UNHCR [United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees] referrals". Ms Al-Qunun said she had renounced Islam - known as apostasy and punishable by death in Saudi Arabia - and that she feared her family would kill her as a result. She arrived in Thailand on Saturday on a layover between Kuwait and Australia, but was detained by the Thai authorities. Publicising her case on social media, Ms Al-Qunun refused to board a flight back to Kuwait, barricading herself in a hotel room. She was later placed in the care of UNHCR workers while her bid for refugee status was considered. Yesterday, Thailand's immigration police chief said Ms Al-Qunun's father and brother had arrived together in Bangkok but Ms Al-Qunun had refused to meet them. The case has been held up as an extraordinary example of the power of social media to rally an international community behind a cause. Ms Al-Qunun started posting messages on Twitter from the transit area of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, saying she had "escaped Kuwait" and her life would be in danger if forced to return to Saudi Arabia. Within hours, a campaign had sprung up on Twitter, spread by a loose network of activists around the world, and after no more than 36 hours it prompted Thailand's government to reverse a decision to force the young woman on to a plane that would return her to her family. She was allowed to enter Thailand and begin the process of seeking asylum in a third country through the UN refugee agency. The Australian government has previously stated Ms Al-Qunun will not be given special treatment due to the high-profile nature of her case. "The UNHCR has referred Ms Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun to Australia for consideration for refugee resettlement," Australia's Department of Homeland Security said in an email yesterday. The department said it would consider the referral "in the usual way, as it does with all UNHCR referrals". Nonetheless, Australian health minister Greg Hunt has hinted an application would be accepted. He told ABC news: "If she is found to be a refugee, then we will give very, very, very serious consideration to a humanitarian visa." When 22-year-old Donabate native Grainne Binns downloaded the fashion app Depop four years ago, relatively few Irish buyers and sellers were using it. Yet for the fashion graduate, who now works in design and styling, it provided a handy alternative to overpriced vintage shops in Dublin's city centre. And there were serious bargains to be had: "I remember buying a pair of vintage, barely-worn Reebok shoes for about 30, after seeing them for 100 in town." Lucan native and master's student Titilola Akande (31) went even one better in terms of lucrative finds: "The best bargain l've ever bought was a pair of vintage Deadstock Levi jeans from the 70s," she enthuses. "They're like a piece of history." In the last few years, the cohort of young fashion trailblazers that raid their own wardrobes and sell (and buy) on the app has swelled considerably, both in Ireland and elsewhere. Founded in 2011, Depop now boasts 10 million users, a great many of them women aged between 13 and 24, and the site takes more than $400 million (350m) in sales a year, a figure that has doubled every 12 months. Ireland, according to Rachel Swindenbank, Depop's VP of Marketplace, was among the fastest-growing markets in 2018, and now boasts around 300,000 accounts. Expand Close Hazel OMalley sources vintage clothes to sell on Depop / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hazel OMalley sources vintage clothes to sell on Depop "We've built a product that's mobile-first, and our product really fits with the Gen Z trends," she reveals. "The younger generation are particularly interested in building a side hustle and not following the traditional (work) routes. We've just empowered them to build their own brands and empires." Young men and women are raiding their own wardrobes (and often, their parents') and selling off what they no longer need. Billed as a more Insta-adjacent alternative to eBay and Gumtree, Depop is a close relative of online marketplaces like Grailed and Thredup, albeit with one difference. Depop, with its filtered, aspirational look, is widely regarded as blazing a serious style trail, and its users are shaking up trends. Want to know what's about to become a huge trend? Depop is one of the best barometers out there. A study in the US by Thredup suggested there was a 25pc rise in the number of women prepared to buy second-hand in 2017 compared with the year before. The reasons are manifold: Gen Z is tiring of fast-fashion and looking for a more sustainable alternative, and they don't appear to have the reticence about wearing 'pre-loved' items that previous generations might. "The numbers on how much clothing end up in landfills or how much water it takes to make a new T-shirt is mind-boggling," notes Akande. "Vintage/second-hand clothing is a way to offer people affordable and trendy clothing while keeping vintage clothes out of the landfill. Being mindful about what l buy new is very important." But even more pertinently, Depop offers young men and women the chance to bag one-off items. "Irish women are looking for something different," observes Killarney-based Depop seller Hazel O'Malley (44). "I think Irish women are more confident in developing their own style and sometimes that means that what you are looking for isn't on the high street, just because it's not on trend that particular season. From speaking with customers, a lot of them have lived abroad or spent summers away and it has become the norm for them to shop in second-hand stores, markets and yard sales." Binns sells on her coveted looks from Irish festivals, as featured on her Instagram account. "It's a look that I probably won't wear again," she notes. "People going to music festivals will want to shop smaller, individual brands as they'll want to look different. If I bought an outfit for 150 and wear it once, I'll sell it for 100, and it pays for my festival ticket." Others, like Clonskeagh-based artist/textile designer Cathy Jackson (26), use the site with an eye trained towards business. "I've only been selling on Depop for a few months, but have made 100 selling little bits," she says. "I'm a single mum trying to work in the art industry and take care of my child, and I was scratching around for ways to make money. I'm pretty tech-illiterate, but it's the easiest thing I've used in my life. I studied textiles so it's easy for me to make clothes and embellish items." Akanda, too, admits that the financial potential is a huge part of the appeal: "A big accomplishment for me is having repeat customers," she says. "It's easy to sell once, but to have returning customers who buy multiple items is great. I have a good few girls that are returning customers at the moment and my goal is to increase that number. At first, a lot of the clothes l sold were my own as l already had quite an extensive personal vintage collection. Nowadays, l sell a mix of both and do actively find vintage clothing to upcycle and resell." Expand Close Grainne Binns from Dublin who sells vintage clothing on Depop. Picture: Justin Farrelly / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Grainne Binns from Dublin who sells vintage clothing on Depop. Picture: Justin Farrelly O'Malley had already enjoyed a successful stint at co-running a weekly flea market. Moving online was a natural progression. "I had been selling at vintage markets in Dublin, Galway and Cork and this just seemed like the perfect way to reach even more people," she explains. "I source the clothes to sell. I have a vintage shop in Killarney, Hazel's Nuts About Vintage, so the pieces I have in the shop are mostly all for sale on Depop too." For many years, one-off vintage items made up the bulk of listings, but its Irish sellers have noticed a shift recently. "I think vintage had a more 'exclusive' meaning years ago, but it's out a bit now, and designer labels are definitely coming back in," says Jackson. "We used to want the alternative, hipster thing, but now people want designer items but can't afford them." Binns echoes this sentiment: "Gucci belts were massive on Depop last year. I've seen people buy Balenciaga runners on Depop for 400 - I looked in Brown Thomas and they were 800." Yet Akande is adamant that our love affair with vintage looks set to run and run. "There's a higher appreciation for vintage clothing and the unbeatable quality that's hard to find these days - there's also wanting to own clothes that have a story/history behind them," she notes. Unlike eBay, Depop operates in much the same way as a social networking site, allowing users to amass followers (and by extension, social cachet), to contact each other and forge a community of sorts. "It's so personal," says Jackson. "I live in Clonskeagh and one buyer told me he was across the road, and he came to my house and paid the 30 for a Ralph Lauren jumper, and I saved on postage. Presumably as the site gets more mainstream, you might not be able to do that. But the good thing is you can message people for a while beforehand, and you can talk to others about how such and such a guy might have ripped you off," she adds. Similarly, sellers can take measures to get the most of the Depop experience. "As with Instagram, if you want more followers, you have to follow more people," says Jackson. "Your listings have to be photographed well, and you don't want to be selling ragged clothes. If there is a small stain on an item, it's best to say so." Depop is aiming to quadruple the size of the business in the next three or four years. In total, $40m (30m) has now been ploughed into the company by investors betting on that future, including Octopus Ventures, the company that backed Graze and Gym Box, and Creandum, that backed Spotify and iZettle. And Jackson has an eye firmly on the site's future: "If I could find the time, I'd love to make original pieces and sell them on there for 20 or 30," she notes. "I think people would definitely pay that - they feel special about handmade items." For more information see depop.com. Richard Hammond has claimed to have always been a cautious driver despite having been involved in a number of high-profile crashes. The Grand Tour star said that despite being a risk-taker he was not a gung-ho driver. However, the television presenter admitted he had become more careful since starting a family. Expand Close James May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond return for the third series of The Grand Tour (Ellis OBrien/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp James May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond return for the third series of The Grand Tour (Ellis OBrien/PA) He said: Im 50 next year. I have two beautiful teenage daughters and a beautiful wife and I want to be there for them. This is a job, remember. I do my job to be with my family. Thats why I work, therefore I wouldnt jeopardise the reason that I do it. I wouldnt risk not being there to see them. I think we all become a little more cautious perhaps. In 2006 Hammond, 49, was left in a coma for two weeks and with brain injuries after crashing a jet-powered car at Elvington airfield near York. He returns alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May in the third series of The Grand Tour, which will see the trio visit locations including China and Mongolia. Expand Close Richard Hammond says he has become more cautious since starting a family with his wife Mindy (Ian West/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Richard Hammond says he has become more cautious since starting a family with his wife Mindy (Ian West/PA) He added: Ive never been gung-ho. Honestly, never have been. Im naturally quite cautious. Im a risk-taker and therefore I am cautious, if that makes sense? I fly helicopters, Ive ridden motorcycles for 33 years, so I am naturally cautious. Ill look at a risk and think if it is worth taking. Are the odds reasonable and what can I mitigate against it going wrong? Then sometimes it does go wrong either by your own mistake or beyond your own control. There are some circumstances, for a little bit after the brain injury crash where I rolled that car at 320mph, there was a while when I didnt like sitting at the edge of a runway or a straight drag race. A fast, fast, fast one. No, I didnt like that for a bit, but Ive gotten over that. The third series of The Grand Tour airs on Amazon Prime Video on January 18. Actress Kate Beckinsale is seen in Midtown on August 7, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images) Director Len Wiseman (L) and actress Kate Beckinsale attend the 2014 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter on March 2, 2014 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) Director Len Wiseman (L) and actress Kate Beckinsale attend the 2014 LACMA Art + Film Gala honoring Barbara Kruger and Quentin Tarantino presented by Gucci at LACMA on November 1, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) Actress Kate Beckinsale is seen in Midtown on August 7, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images) Actress Kate Beckinsale is seen walking in the rain on August 7, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images) Actress Kate Beckinsale is seen in Midtown on August 7, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images) Actress Kate Beckinsale attends the Berlin to photocall for 'Underworld: Blood Wars' wearing a dress by Elie Saab on the terrace at Akademie der Kuenste on November 22, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Brian Dowling/Getty Images for Sony Pictures) Kate Beckinsale has reportedly split with her toyboy lover Matt Rife. The 44-year-old actress first set tongues wagging in June, when she was spotted kissing the 21-year-old aspiring actor during a date night in Hollywood. They were then seen getting close a few days later, but sources now say the romance has fizzled out. They went on a couple of fun dates. It fizzled out weeks ago. Shes happily single and has a lot going on, an insider confirmed to Us Weekly. Expand Close Actress Kate Beckinsale is seen in Midtown on August 7, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Actress Kate Beckinsale is seen in Midtown on August 7, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images) A second source claimed its Kates commitment to her 18-year-old daughter Lily, who she shares with actor Michael Sheen, and busy work schedule that caused the romance to end. Kate is very busy with her daughter and her career, they said. While Kate is yet to allude to the alleged split on social media, Matt seems to have hinted at it on his Instagram and Twitter accounts. Taking to the photo sharing site on Tuesday, he cryptically posted: Not gonna be on here for a while, stepping away for a minute to figure some stuff out. Will be back in a couple of days after I get some stuff off my mind. Expand Close Director Len Wiseman (L) and actress Kate Beckinsale attend the 2014 LACMA Art + Film Gala honoring Barbara Kruger and Quentin Tarantino presented by Gucci at LACMA on November 1, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Director Len Wiseman (L) and actress Kate Beckinsale attend the 2014 LACMA Art + Film Gala honoring Barbara Kruger and Quentin Tarantino presented by Gucci at LACMA on November 1, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) The day before he also uploaded snap of himself sitting at the bottom of the slide with caption: When someone doesn't text you back, but is on IG (Instagram)... so you just sit down and try to figure out how they died and who must've hacked their phone. Kate has posted numerous Instagram images over the past few days, including a photo of her getting ready for the Big Apple premiere of her new film The Only Living Boy in New York, with the help of her make-up artist Chase Aston, who posed under her skirt for the picture. Matt also let off steam on Twitter, writing: You're not ready for everything. Your editorial (January 7) rightly deplores the apparent lack of realism of many British MPs about the choices facing them over Britain's impending departure from the EU. However, this lack of realism equally extends to your own paper in that you completely ignore the American dimension. US President Donald Trump wants a no-deal Brexit and is actively lobbying in Britain to achieve this in close coordination with Tory Brexiteers. According to Nile Gardiner of the Heritage Foundation ('Daily Telegraph', January 7), he has bipartisan support in the US Senate for this. Gardiner writes: "A no-deal Brexit would be far better for the US than Theresa May's weak-kneed proposal and infinitely better than Brexit being derailed." The Good Friday Agreement was, among other things, a significant triumph for American diplomacy - enjoying strong bipartisan support in the US Congress. If the Irish Government wants to safeguard it via the Northern Ireland backstop it is high time it began some lobbying of its own among Ireland's friends in Congress. This might well be a more effective way of helping Mrs May than agonising over the wording of political declarations of comfort which both the DUP and Tory Brexiteers will inevitably reject regardless of their content. A reversal of Brexit, while unlikely, is not as fanciful as your editorial suggests as nearly two million young people have been added to the UK electoral register since 2016. Most of these are probably Remainers and, unlike many older people, deeply anxious about their futures. Ed Kelly Merseyside, UK Bishop Doran provides an antidote to scandal Anthony O'Leary, while criticising Bishop Kevin Doran ('Church caused first breach in "communion"', Letters, January 7), in fact unintentionally triggers an exploration of how well a Catholic bishop such as Bishop Doran seeks to live up to his responsibilities in these times - he "and a few". Due to the limitations of human nature it always possible to recount outrages committed by individual Catholics in the past. Equally due to the same limitations some untrue and unfair allegations occur. All outrages committed by Catholics are scandals and serve as grist to the mill for Mr O'Leary's schema. But first and foremost they are contraventions of Catholic teaching or they amount to an ignorance of such teaching. Given the certainty of temptation that Catholics undergo not to adhere to the Church's teachings, it is obligatory for a Catholic bishop, among other things, to remind and challenge the baptised to do good and avoid evil; to clarify categories of evil for the baptised; to outline the consequences of serious evil acts for both time and eternity; to preach the redemptive process provided by Christ's mercy through His Church to mitigate such consequences. Each bishop has the duty to do this, openly or privately as appropriate, in season and out of season, irrespective of the number of the baptised who are listening. This is the only means of stopping what Mr O'Leary, with some validity, terms the "Church's continuing slide into moral irrelevance for most of the population". Bishop Doran's efforts at pursuing his ministry in this way reveals a concern for the welfare of all in time and eternity. His efforts provide an antidote to scandal given by individual Catholics, and strengthens the faith of Catholics seeking to be faithful to the teaching of their Church. Neil Bray Cappamore, Co Limerick Irish Independent makes each day one to remember Congrats to the Irish Independent on the decent free calendar. Made my day(s)! Tom Gilsenan Beaumont, D9 Examinership was like 'a slow drowning' Regarding your main business article ('Examinerships still unpopular despite efforts to cut red tape', Irish Independent, January 8), our family business was one of the first companies to avail of examinership in this country back in 1992. It was a very distressing and expensive procedure, and in the end did not save the company. As one solicitor friend of mine remarked to me on the quiet at the time: "Brian, in all honesty, this is what they call 'a slow drowning'." Part of history now, thank God. Brian McDevitt Glenties, Co Donegal There will be no escaping Border checks after Brexit Nobody in the UK seems capable of cutting through the hubris with regards to Brexit. You cannot run with the hares and hunt with the hounds simultaneously. If you have different customs and different standards in place between the European Union and the United Kingdom there will have to be checks, to protect the integrity of their respective customs and standards. As for the movement of people, if there is no Border check between Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland nor a border check between the island of Ireland and the island of Great Britain, what's to stop someone from coming from any part of the EU to the Republic, then on to Northern Ireland and then on to any part of the UK. And vice versa with UK citizens to the EU. There will have to be checks either somewhere between the Republic and Northern Ireland or somewhere between the island of Ireland and the island of Great Britain. Otherwise why Brexit? Ireland was divided against the wishes of the majority of the Irish people, resulting in a civil war in the Republic and the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Is Ireland to be further divided by Brexit and at what cost to the Irish? And who will be responsible? It is with much sadness I write the above. When Anglo/Irish relations were at an all time high, along came Brexit. It may surprise many that on a pro rata population basis there is a higher percentage of UK-born citizens living in Ireland then Irish-born citizens living in the UK. Joseph Mackey Athlone, Co Westmeath The only thing surprising about US President Donald Trump's address from the Oval Office was how totally unnecessary and un-newsworthy it was. Trump did not declare he was reopening the government. He did not issue an "emergency" declaration. He did not even offer any new arguments for a border wall that voters say they don't want for a crisis that doesn't exist. Instead, he delivered a weak, unconvincing promise to sit down with Democrats. Never has he looked so helpless and small. In short, the president snookered the networks into giving him free time to commune with his base. They should not make that mistake again. The speech, again not surprisingly, was delivered in a wooden cadence. Without a cheering campaign-style rally filled with his cult followers, his words fell flat. Again, as anticipated, the speech was littered with falsehoods. He claimed there was a growing crisis along the US-Mexico border, though illegal crossings are a fraction of what they were in 2000. He bemoaned the influx of heroin, but didn't mention that the vast majority of heroin doesn't come over the border but through airports and other ports of entry. He claimed the wall would be paid for by Nafta 2.0, the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, but that's bunk, and no official has adequately explained how it would work. He falsely claimed that Democrats would not fund border security. In fact, they have offered $1.3bn. Perhaps his weirdest statement was to claim that African-Americans and Hispanics are the groups hurt most by illegal immigration. Calling it a "humanitarian crisis - a crisis of the heart and a crisis of the soul", the president did shy away from phony claims about terrorists. But a humanitarian crisis, of course, won't be solved by a wall. Refugees will still come to have their status adjudicated. It's difficult to imagine Trump would change the mind of any voter not already devoted to his cause and immunised against reality. To the contrary, one wonders whether Republican members of the House, voting this week on separate bills to reopen departments of the government that have been shut down, will think, "That's all he's got?" If so, be prepared for a substantial number of them to abandon Trump and vote with Democrats when individual spending bills come to the House floor. Had Democrats anticipated such a nothingburger speech they might have delivered a simple message in a few seconds: However, the Democratic leaders were able to get off a fair number of zingers. "Sadly, much of what we have heard from President Trump throughout this senseless shutdown has been full of misinformation and even malice," Speaker Nancy Pelosi began. "The president has chosen fear. We want to start with the facts." She reminded the audience that Trump had created the shutdown: "President Trump has chosen to hold hostage critical services for the health, safety and well-being of the American people and withhold the paycheques of 800,000 innocent workers across the nation - many of them veterans. He promised to keep government shutdown for 'months or years' - no matter whom it hurts. That's just plain wrong." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer picked up from there. "We don't govern by temper tantrum. No president should pound the table and demand he gets his way or else the government shuts down, hurting millions of Americans who are treated as leverage." This may have been the only modern presidential address where the response was better than the president's. Taking a step back, it's difficult to figure out why Trump did this. When Republicans bolt, it will seem even more like a personal rebuke than it would be had he not given the speech. His weak performance is unlikely to reduce Democrats' resolve; in fact, they may see him on the ropes and believe him more vulnerable for a knockout. ( The Washington Post) Planes at Terminal 5 at Heathrow after departures were temporarily suspended following reports of drones at the airport (PA) Airports say they are stepping up measures to stop drones grounding flights after the latest incident at Heathrow. Departures at the west London hub were suspended for around an hour on Tuesday night after a drone was spotted. This came three weeks after drone sightings caused chaos at Gatwick in the run-up to Christmas, affecting the travel plans of 140,000 passengers as the runway was closed. Police have appealed for information to help them trace the owner and operator of the Heathrow drone, and said the criminal investigation continues. UK aviation minister Baroness Sugg and security minister Ben Wallace will hold a meeting with airport bosses on Thursday to discuss plans to crack down on the problem of drone misuse near airports. The Department for Transport said the Government is working with the aviation industry to explore technical solutions. A spokesman for the Airport Operators Association, a trade association representing UK airports, said: In light of events at Gatwick and Heathrow, airports are working together, as well as with Government and the police, to see what lessons can be learnt. This includes looking at what technology is available and what deterrent action, such as increased police patrols, can be taken. The group is reviewing whether it wants the Government to introduce legislation which would make it mandatory for drones to be fitted with geo-fencing technology to stop them entering no-fly zones, such as airports. Heathrow would not be drawn on what action it is taking to stop drone incursions, but the airport recently said it is investing millions of pounds in equipment to prevent future flight disruption. The police and Government were criticised during the Gatwick incident by some passengers who felt they were too slow to ground the drones or apprehend their operators. Devices which detect, track and ground drones have been installed at the West Sussex airport. The Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Defence System was developed by three UK-based firms and has been pictured in use on the roof of Gatwicks South Terminal. Drone flying instructor Mitchell Apple warned that a lack of personal responsibility is a factor in drone misuse. Speaking from the show floor of the CES technology show in Las Vegas, he said the devices are just another tool which can be used however a person wants to. He added: You could use a car to drive somebody to a hospital, or you can use a car to drive into somebody and send them to a hospital. The military was brought in on Tuesday night to assist with the anti-drone operation at Heathrow. Commander Stuart Cundy, of the Metropolitan Police, said significant resources had been deployed to monitor the airspace and quickly detect and disrupt any illegal drone activity. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: We are deploying specialist equipment to Heathrow Airport at the request of the Metropolitan Police. A Heathrow spokeswoman said the airport would continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police on their ongoing investigations. Following the end of the initial drone-related disturbance at Gatwick, Mr Wallace said: I can say that we are able to now deploy detection systems throughout the UK to combat this threat. On Tuesday, the Government announced a package of measures designed to give police extra powers to combat drones. The exclusion zone around airports will be extended to approximately a 5km-radius (3.1 miles), with additional extensions from runway ends. Ministers also announced that from November 30, operators of drones weighing between 250g and 20kg will be required to register and take an online drone pilot competency test. Police will also be able to issue fixed-penalty notices for minor drone offences to ensure immediate and effective enforcement of the new rules. Fines of up to 100 could be given for offences such as failing to comply with a police officer when instructed to land a drone, or not showing their registration to operate a drone. 39pc of those aged 15 years and older binge-drink on a regular basis, consuming more than three pints or six pub measures of spirits in one sitting. Photo: Stock Image Ireland's population is rising - but it's fatter and drinking more. New figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that more of the population is overweight and binge-drink on a regular basis as incomes have risen over recent years. Almost two-thirds of the population (62pc) were overweight or obese in 2017, compared with 60pc in 2015. And 39pc of those aged 15 years and older binge-drink on a regular basis, consuming more than three pints or six pub measures of spirits in one sitting. This compares with 37pc in 2016. HSE lead on tackling obesity Dr Donal O'Shea said the obesity rates were "very disappointing", adding that higher-income families were less likely to be overweight. "When you break down the children's figures, we're seeing a reduction in the better-off parts of society," he said, adding he suspected the adult figures would show the same trend and this divide needed to be addressed. He also criticised the State's failure to provide the necessary funding for surgical treatments, adding that medication to help people lose weight was not included for reimbursement in the drugs payment scheme. "We are having great difficulty convincing the Government to actually fund treatment for people who are overweight and obese," he said. He also said the 'Healthy Ireland' policy was not mentioned in the last Budget statement. "It's just not good enough if it's your number one public health initiative," he added. "You have got to be allocating resources and visibility to it." On drinking, he said we had a very high prevalence of harmful drinking, and measures such as a zero-tolerance ban on drink-driving did help reduce consumption. The CSO's 'Ireland's Facts and Figures 2018' report also highlights that while the cost of many basic staples, including motor fuels, is on the rise, average annual earnings increased to 37,646 in 2017, a 2pc hike compared with 2016 when they stood at 36,920. The report compiles CSO data from across a range of indicators and estimates that the State's population currently stands at 4,857,000, a rise of 64,500, despite the number of births falling. There are 68,500 more women than men, 1.95 million compared with 1.88 million. The population is growing despite fewer babies. In 2017, some 62,053 children were born, a drop of 2.9pc compared with 2016. Traditional names remain popular - Jack, James, Daniel, Conor and Sean have been the five most popular boys' names since 2007, while Emily is the most popular girl's name for the seventh year in a row. But the report also highlights how a sizeable proportion of the population cannot afford basic staples. Of 14 household items analysed, 10 were more expensive in 2017 compared with 2016. The inability of many to afford everyday items is highlighted by the fact that in 2017, 18.8pc of the population experienced 'enforced deprivation', defined as not being able to afford two or more basics, such as two pairs of strong shoes, a warm waterproof coat, or a meal with meat or fish every second day. The report also finds that SMEs generated 50.2pc of total turnover in the business economy. Foreign multinationals employed 293,147 people and generated 345bn in turnover. There were 856,049 people employed in Irish multinationals abroad, 36pc of whom were in the UK or US. And it again highlights how Ireland is an export-led economy, subject to outside risks including Brexit. Total exports of goods and services amounted to 352.6bn in 2017, compared with 263.3bn in imports. It also says there were just over 7.36 million cattle in the State in 2017, compared with 6.93 million in 2015. The number of sheep and pigs is also up under national plans to boost food production. One of the leaders on RTEs Operation Transformation moved viewers to tears when she spoke to presenter Kathryn Thomas about the loss of her five-day-old baby Sloane last year. Jean Tierney (33) from Limerick revealed how she had an ectopic pregnancy in 2017. Last year, her little baby Sloane, who was born premature but healthy, developed complications and died five days later. Then later last year, Jean suffered a miscarriage. The sales and marketing manager in House nightclub in Limerick said told Independent.ie today that she hopes by telling her story to the public, she can help others. Obviously its quite hard to be honest and open and true, youre putting yourself out there, but I have to believe theres a reason something like this is happening, thats just who I am, thats how I look at it. What I went through with the ectopic pregancy, a neonatal death and a miscarriage, its something that people dont know how to talk about or how to approach, and if hearing my story helps people, then I feel that there was a purpose for it to happen to me. Thats the way I live my life anyway that you have two choices when things happen to you. You go down one road or the other road. When this happened to me, the amount of women that I knew, that my family knew, and my friends knew that it happened to, but we didn't actually know it had happened to them, was unbelieveable. When Sloane passed away, we didnt know what way we were going to approach it, because you dont know until it happens to you. But we had an open funeral and we asked people two things, that you came with a smile and you came with colourful clothes. We were proud of our daughter because we saw what she did to live for those five days. We wanted to make sure that we honoured her and that we celebrated her life. When Jean was pregnant with Sloane, her 31-week scan revealed that there were complications. There was very little fluid around the baby, and her placenta was low. So she spent the next two weeks in hospital. I went in for a 31-week scan, it was on the 8th of January last year. I was tiny, nearly two stone lighter than I am now and I had no bump really. I had very little fluid around the baby and the placenta wasnt working. They started giving me steroids because they wanted to get the placenta moving. I have to say that the maternity hospital in Limerick were amazing to me and Paddy and Sloane and my family. I had spent two weeks in there before she was born and I know it sounds strange to say it but we all had great craic. We did each others hair, brought in pizza and Chinese, which is probably why Im here (with Operation Transformation) now. At no stage was there anything detected with Sloane, just that she was going to be born early. On the 22nd of January she was born, I had a c-section and she came out roaring. She was taken to neonatal, there was no worry, it was just that she was a premature baby. However, that day complications arose for little Sloane. As the day went on she wasnt able to breathe at all so she was tubed. And then they knew the next day that she was a sick baby. Doctors thought that Sloanes difficulties were in her lungs, and they organised for six specialist doctors from Sweden to bring her to an ECMO (life saving for people with heart and lung defects) clinic there by helicopter when she was three days old. She flew out on the Wednesday, I came out of hospital on the Thursday. We got a call to say that she was there in Sweden, she was perfect, and she was being tested. Paddy and my dad were going to fly out the following day. There was a liaison in Sweden that was going to look after everything for us. Limerick Maternity hospital rang us at 3.30pm on Thursday asking us to come in and meet them. We knew then that it wasnt good. We went in to meet them and they had been ringing every hospital to see if there was anything we could do for her. Jean and her fiance Paddy were told that the veins in Sloanes heart were going the wrong way, and she wouldnt make it. Heartbroken, they waited for her to arrive into Shannon, and be brought by garda escort back to Limerick Maternity Hospital. Our daughter was so strong to fight. She did everything in her power to live... We were very blessed that she came back to us. She fought two flights she went to Sweden and then came back to us. She looked after us... we were very proud of her. Theres people who are 30/40/50 years old that dont have a passport and havent left the country. So Sloane has her own little story. When doctors turned off the machine that was keeping her breathing, Paddy and Jean were able to spend the next few hours holding her. They turned off the machine while we were holding her. They didnt know how long shed stay with us. She really was just a true little minx, we thought shed taken her last breath but then she was with us for two hours after that. There was a doctor called Asma who had been caring for her, and we were asking wheres Asma?, and then after Asma came in, she took her last breath, it was like she waited for her. For the funeral, we basically said that anyone who wanted to come and celebrate with us, our doors were open from 5.30pm that day. The people that came, we couldnt believe it. There arent often open baby funerals. We were glad people came. You had to come with a smile and colourful clothes. Our family could come in and out and spend time with Sloane. We asked for donationas, not flowers. And we raised over 3,500 in her name. 1,000 went to the ECMO team in Sweden, and 2,500 went to the Maternity Hospital in Limerick. We knew the price of the cuddle cot if they wanted it to go towards that, or breastfeeding pumps are expensive as well. In her short life, Sloane was granted an emergency passport, flew to Sweden, and had a garda escort bring her home. Jean and Paddy, who named their daughter Sloane because it means warrior, have learned so much from how their daughter fought to live. We do things differently now, we look for the best in things. Dont get me wrong, there are days when you dont want to face the world. Im on this show to help me but also to help others. For us, its to honour her memory and celebrate it, there are days when were very sad, but its about getting up and making the most of our day. To give her any justice we have to do it. This year will be much brighter. "Ive grown up around people that instilled a belief in us that you have the choice. Karren Brady was at the Pendulum summit this morning saying, if you dont like the music decide how youre going to dance to that tune... Where I come from, our community is like how can you turn something bad into something good? I always try to smile because there might be someone out there who needs that smile. Paddy and Jean, who first met when Jean was 16, are looking at this year as a bright start. Whilst youre the woman going through it, you have a husband, a partner, a dad, who is just as emotionally hurt with everything thats going on. Were a good strong couple. Weve been together for three years. Our story started back when we were 16, we had a few encounters, but then when I was 30 and he was 32, we said lets make a go of it. Paddy will probably say I was the one scooting off, he always slags me over that, he says he loved me since he was 16. One day I was turning 30 and I just couldnt stop thinking about him, and I texted him do you want to go for a walk. We got engaged on April Fools day because were messers. Hopefully thats what people see. Im always looking at goals and positive thinking. I love my job, I love talking to people - everyone has a story, if you can take one positive thing from everyone you meet, isnt your life fuller. Photo: CTV News A video of a police officer in southern Alberta repeatedly running over an injured deer with his service vehicle has sparked calls for his firing and an animal cruelty investigation. Investigators say the disturbing video has triggered an overwhelming number of complaint calls to police and animal welfare agencies and there are reports the officer faces death threats. Lethbridge police have said the officer was trying to euthanize the animal on Saturday with his truck and drove over the deer several times while it was still alive. The Toronto-based group Animal Justice is calling for Alberta's police watchdog to investigate whether the officer should be charged with criminal animal cruelty offences. Lethbridge police say the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is reviewing what happened, along with Alberta Fish and Wildlife and the Alberta SPCA. A petition on the website Change.org is calling for the officer, who remains on active duty, to be fired. "This is inhumane, and disgusting," the petition reads. "This officer should no longer be part of the police department for his inappropriate actions! "Sign this petition to make it clear to the police department that this officer should be fired!" Lawyer Camille Labchuk, executive director of Animal Justice, said police are not above the law and animal abuse by an officer must be taken seriously. "There is little doubt that this poor deer suffered immensely while the officer repeatedly ran her over with a heavy truck," Labchuk said Wednesday. "It is heartbreaking to watch the video and hear her crying out in pain as she was struck by the vehicle over and over again." Lethbridge Police are asking anyone who witnessed or recorded what happened to contact investigators. A subprime lender is said to have backed down on plans to repossess a widow's family home after a protest at the property was threatened. A possession order secured by Start Mortgages, an affiliate of vulture fund Lone Star, had been due to be enforced today by the Dublin City Sheriff. However, the repossession was put on hold earlier this week. Mortgage debt campaigner David Hall said this happened after he posted on social media on Sunday saying he would ask people to attend at the house and protest. According to Mr Hall, Start Mortgages has now agreed to allow iCare Housing, the approved housing body he heads up, to buy the house in the Dublin suburb of Cabra. If the sale goes ahead, the widow and two of her children will be able to continue living in their home under a rental agreement with iCare. Mr Hall told the Irish Independent the possession order had been given to the sheriff for execution even though an offer from iCare had been on the table. He said the day after he posted the protest tweet, Start indicated it would call off the eviction for four months to allow iCare to buy the house. Expand Close Campaigner: David Hall posted online a call for people to protest against the repossession. Photo: Tony Gavin / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Campaigner: David Hall posted online a call for people to protest against the repossession. Photo: Tony Gavin Start Mortgages declined to comment. However, it is understood it disputes that the threat of a protest was the catalyst for the repossession being cancelled. Details of the Cabra case come just weeks after the eviction of a family in Strokestown, Co Roscommon, and subsequent events caused considerable controversy. A video posted online showed the occupants of the Strokestown farm being wrestled by security guards brought in to enforce a possession order. Days later the guards were attacked by a large group of masked vigilantes and the family have since returned to the farmhouse. Mr Hall said that while his tweet may have been provocative he had been trying to get the lender to "see common sense". He said he only advocated non-violent protest and condemned what happened in Roscommon. "It was my intention to have a protest to signal clearly this was an unnecessary repossession," he said. "And we will be encouraging active protest at properties in the future, but they will be peaceful." In the Cabra case, the woman and her husband bought their home in 1995 with a mortgage from First National Building Society but soon got into difficulties paying off their loan. Start Mortgages took over the mortgage in 2006 and began High Court proceedings the same year. It is understood a possession order was granted soon afterwards but it was not enforced. The woman's husband died in 2012 and the matter did not come before the courts again until 2017. A renewed possession order was granted on November 28 last year. iCare has modelled its operations on the Government's Mortgage to Rent Scheme. It is seeking to buy suitable homes from lending institutions where the mortgage holder can't pay the mortgage and is eligible for social housing. Mr Hall said the Cabra family fell into this category, but that initially Start Mortgages would not agree to a deal. "Now Start have agreed to back down and allow iCare Housing to buy the house and allow the family stay there as social housing tenants and Start get paid in full," he said. "It is a sensible outcome and will stop a mother and two children becoming homeless." Under the terms of the iCare offer, the outstanding debt would be paid, as well as arrears and some legal costs. The property will then be owned and managed by iCare with the occupants becoming social housing tenants under a 25-year tenancy agreement. "They are means tested and they pay rent in accordance with the normal social housing rules. The local authority will then pay the balance of the rent," said Mr Hall. If at the end of the 25 years the occupants are still eligible for social housing, they can continue to rent. Should their fortunes improve they will be able to buy the house back at the price iCare paid for it. However, they will not be able to sell it on at a profit. Over 4,000 nurses are set to break ranks with their colleagues during six 24-hour strikes from the end of the month. Siptu will instruct its nursing members to go to work during 24-hour stoppages by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation from January 30, as they are not part of the dispute. However, the union will insist they do not "frustrate" the dispute by taking on the work of absent colleagues. The fact that 4,000 nurses may turn up for work will give the HSE some comfort as it draws up contingency plans. But over 40,000 of their colleagues plan to mount pickets on January 30 and five dates the following month, in pursuit of new pay rises to put their wages on a par with professionals like radiographers. A union for another 6,000 psychiatric nurses, that is also demanding pay hikes on top of what is already committed under the current public sector pay deal, is also due to announce strike dates today. Speaking during his trip to Africa, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he was "saddened" that nurses decided to strike on a Wednesday as thousands of operations and clinic appointments will be cancelled. "They had the option of striking on a Saturday or Sunday, which would have had the same political impact and put the same amount of pressure on the Government to resolve the problem and engage, but it wouldn't have had such a big impact on patients," he said. "Many of those people, and I am just thinking of them, will have had a date in their minds for January 30 and might have been waiting months for those appointments, and even if the strike is called off at the last minute it will be too late to reschedule. So I do regret it." He said there is a pay deal with all public servants that provides for five different pay increases in 2019. "All of that is costing hundreds of millions of euro," he said, adding that the State would have to borrow to fund more increases. "And even if we had that money, we might need it for Brexit in 10 weeks' time. We certainly need it for housing." Patients and health services will face particularly intense hardship if nurses and midwives go ahead with the stoppages, the HSE warned. Health service chiefs said the impact will be more severe because of the winter pressures which are leading to overcrowding. Although nurses will continue to provide emergency cover, this will mean hospitals will be in virtual shutdown, while only the most serious cases of people living in the community will be visited by public health nurses. Hospitals saw a spike in the numbers of patients on trolleys in the past week and doctors warn the crisis may worsen. Meanwhile, Paul Bell of Siptu said the union will issue an official notice to its nursing members in the coming days outlining the union's position. "We are telling our people that they will go to work on the basis that they are not involved in a strike, but not to frustrate the dispute," he said. He said the union is adhering to the existing pay agreement that means nurses' pay will be a standalone issue in the next deal. Health Minister Simon Harris has organised talks between health sector management and the nursing unions next Tuesday. The INMO will be asked to explain where it sees room for manoeuvre to resolve the row under the existing pay deal. It may seek a review to examine nurses' pay in relation to other professions "at an appropriate time", as suggested in a Public Service Pay Commission report. But Government sources said it "will not fly" with the Expenditure or Health departments if it depends solely on this clause. Mental health services are facing crisis following a strike threat by psychiatric nurses. The 6,000-strong Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) announced the planned action today. It will begin with a ban on overtime and escalate to strike action. PNA members will not be available to work overtime on January 31 or February 1. The same overtime ban is planned for February 5,6, and 7. They will strike on February 12, 13, and 14. They said the escalating campaign of action is in response to the Governments failure to address the recruitment and retention crisis in nursing. The ballot for industrial action up to and including strike "followed the rejection by the PNA of the totally inadequate proposals in the Public Pay Commission Report in September to address the recruitment and retention crisis in nursing," said a spokesman. The PNA represents approximately 6,000 nurses working throughout the country. Commenting, PNA General Secretary, Peter Hughes said: "The recruitment and retention crisis in psychiatric nursing is escalating on a monthly basis. With a 40pc increase in vacancies from November 2017 to September 2018, the level of vacancies is totally unsustainable and is seriously impacting on service delivery and patient care. "The recruitment and retention of nurses within the Irish healthcare system needs to be addressed with realistic proposals from Government as a matter of extreme urgency." Earlier this week the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said they would strike on several dates, beginning on January 30. It will mean they will only provide emergency cover. Talks are planned between the HSE and the unions next week. Concerns: Dr Cliona Murphy, chair of the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Photo: Collins Consultants have warned that hospitals are still not ready to offer abortions and said appropriate resources must be provided. At an EGM last night, the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists discussed a motion put forward in December expressing concern about "inadequate" resources. Under the rules of the institute - which is the national professional and training body for obstetricians and gynaecologists in Ireland - the meeting was scheduled for January, a month after the motion was first raised. Meanwhile, the Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy Act passed through the final stages of the Oireachtas and became law on January 1. Following the meeting, the institute said the motion was not voted on but was debated in depth with many doctors still concerned for the "safety and readiness" of abortions services. Dr Cliona Murphy, chair of the institute, said: "Members had a good discussion, with some expressing concerns about the preparedness on the ground for providing abortion care. "This new service is still evolving and will take time to fully implement. "Responsibility for implementation lies with the HSE. It is essential that appropriate resources to support clinicians involved in our hospitals is provided," she added. The institute said the HSE was responsible for providing abortion services and that it has no role or responsibility in the delivery of these. However, it said it was appropriate for members to express their concerns about the services, adding that better resources and support should be made available to them. At present, nine of the 19 maternity units and hospitals around the country are providing surgical terminations. A surgical termination is required after nine weeks of pregnancy while medical abortions - using abortion pills - can be accessed before this time through a woman's GP. Health Minister Simon Harris confirmed the number of GPs who have signed up to provide medical abortions has now passed the 200 mark. The nine hospitals currently offering surgical terminations are the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, and the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin; Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar; Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; University Hospital Galway; Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar; University Maternity Hospital Limerick; Cork University Maternity Hospital; and University Hospital Waterford. A charity providing support to children in care, which is partly funded by Tusla, has been found to have a litany of financial failings, including the use of credit cards to buy gift vouchers for staff and withdraw cash. The findings have emerged in an internal HSE audit of Epic (Empowering People in Care) which received 3.2m in income between 2014 and 2016, of which nearly 2m was paid by Tusla. The organisation, employing 23 staff, which works for children and young people living in State care, had no monthly payroll reports, while its travel and expenses procedure was not clear on what was allowable. There were no credit card spending reports available for the period audited. A sample of 22 statements found that 5,300 of the 12,600 was non-receipted. In one instance, medication was bought without a stated reason. Some 570 was spent on gift vouchers for staff. Cash withdrawals were merely listed as "for materials". Some 50 was spent on petrol with no evidence it was reimbursed. Auditors who examined invoices found they had not always been signed and dated. VAT rates were inaccurate. The auditors made a series of recommendations, including a halt to buying gift vouchers for staff. A spokesman for the organisation did not respond to questions yesterday. Management told the auditors that they confirmed agreement with the report and would be acting on recommendations. Separately, an investigation into a school completion programme in Jobstown, Dublin - an educational support programme which received 505,117 funding from Tusla - said there were weaknesses in its financial controls. These could expose it to risk or result in financial loss. A review found inaccuracies in the financial returns submitted to Tusla between 2015 and 2016. In one case, wages were overstated by 21,804. On another occasion, 17,531 was overstated in wages. There was an overestimation of 23,221 in spending. "The financial records maintained were incomplete, which restricted the ability of the auditors to reconcile the differences," it said. "Financial transactions were recorded manually on Excel spreadsheets and there was no accounting system in place. "The auditors found considerable delay in providing them with documents for assessment. It was incomplete and disorganised." A review of selected travel and subsistence claims paid out found no mileage workings, no date of travel, no name on the claimant and no signature of approval. A spokeswoman for Tusla said: "Tusla has been in regular contact with Jobstown school completion programme in relation to the findings and recommendations of this audit. "Jobstown school completion programme accepted the recommendations and put a detailed plan in place to address the issues raised. "Tusla also proactively organised a follow-up audit to ensure the recommendations were completed, and we expect the final report in the coming months." A cull of dozens of fallow deer in the Phoenix Park yesterday ahead of mating season has sparked alarm among animal rights activists. Some 34 of around 550 fallow deer who live in the Dublin park were shot in a bid to control their population. However, activists from the Alliance for Animal Rights (AFAR) group raised concerns about the manner in which the animals were killed, with a spokesperson describing the cull as "inhumane". "We spoke to people in the park at the time and they were horrified," said Bernie Wright of AFAR. "They were saying the animals were being shot from a bit away and then they were lying there until they came over to finish them off. "This happened last year, too, but we didn't realise that it is as brutal as it really is," she added. A spokesperson for the Office of Public Works, which oversees the management of the park, said around 20 to 30 deer were removed during each cull using "best practices, taking full regard for the welfare of the deer". They added: "An over-abundant deer population can result in an increasing incidence of road traffic accidents and increase the potential role of deer in the epidemiology of specific diseases." A senior republican is suspected of being the leader of an organised dissident crime gang that has built up a big property portfolio from the proceeds of illegal tobacco and alcohol smuggling. The suspect was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment in the mid-1980s for his part in terror offences in the North. He initially supported the Provisional ceasefire but then allegedly defected to a dissident group. He was charged in the Special Criminal Court in Dublin with being a member of the Real IRA but the charge was later withdrawn. He and his alleged associates are now prime targets for the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB). As part of their investigation, members of CAB, backed up by heavily armed officers from the Garda Emergency Response Unit, searched eight premises in Co Monaghan and Co Cavan yesterday morning. Viagra Three of the six houses raided are said to be owned by the suspect. Also searched were the offices of a solicitor's firm and an auctioneering company. CAB seized about 10,000 in sterling and euro in cash, along with a quantity of Viagra tablets. A sheaf of documents and electronic devices were seized for analysis, while gardai said evidence of illicit tobacco and alcohol smuggling was also taken for forensic examination. Gardai said the CAB inquiries centred on an organised crime gang operating in the Border region and heavily involved in the importation and distribution of illegal cigarettes and counterfeit goods. Yesterday's searches were part of an information gathering operation and did not include any arrests. A lengthy investigation is now expected into the alleged attempts by the gang to launder the proceeds of the cross-Border smuggling in property investments here and in the UK. Some of the property portfolio here is alleged to be based in counties Monaghan and Leitrim, while other investments are under investigation in the UK. The suspect has been on the radar of police and customs officers on both sides of the Border for his alleged major role in the highly profitable smuggling rackets in illicit tobacco and alcohol importation for several years. A court in the North previously made a six-figure confiscation order against him in connection with the seizure of smuggled cigarettes. He has also been convicted of evading customs duty. He was said in the past to be closely involved in the illegal cigarettes racket with another leading republican, who was alleged to have been a member of the Provisional IRA's ruling army council. It was estimated in 2016 that former IRA Provos controlled 10 organised crime gangs dominating the 3m-a-week illegal cigarette trade on both sides of the Border. AN AMERICAN woman who lost her entire family in a horrific Wexford collision just days before Christmas said the truck driver involved remains in their daily prayers. The revelation came as a New Ross coroner's inquest heard today that a hire car carrying four members of the Alexander family from Chicago pulled out directly in front of an articulated lorry in a bid to perform a U-turn on the busy N25 road - leaving the shocked truck driver with no chance to avoid a catastrophic impact. Coroner Dr Sean Nixon was told that the BMW 520 car, being driven by Douglas Alexander Jnr, was attempting the U-turn as it followed the car of an Irish relative after both had apparently missed a turn-off en route to a family funeral in Wexford. Police officer Stephen Alexander, 49, his parents Lily Ryan-Alexander and Douglas, both 75, and his brother Douglas Jnr, 52, were all killed when their BMW saloon collided with a lorry on the N25 at on the New Ross to Ballinaboule road at Begern at around 6.30pm on Monday, December 4 2017. The Alexanders, a proud Irish-American family based in Chicago, had travelled to Ireland that morning to attend the funeral of Ms Ryan-Alexanders sister, Winifred, in New Ross. Debbie Alexander Cegerlak, who remained in the US with her two children that day, lost both her parents and her two brothers in the horrific accident. All four died from catastrophic injuries as the Scania truck driven by Paul Caulfield was unable to avoid an impact when the BMW pulled out directly in front of it. The collision was so horrific that, at one point, the BMW was partially underneath the front of the truck. Expand Close Wexford road crash victims Doug Alexander and Lily Alexander / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Wexford road crash victims Doug Alexander and Lily Alexander Garda Robert Carty said, on arriving at the scene, he initially thought only a truck had been involved with the car wedged into and under the front of the lorry. Supt John McDonald, who attended the scene that December 4 evening, said it was "a very, very sad accident and very tragic loss." The coroner, Garda and Alexander family paid tribute to the desperate efforts of the Wexford emergency services to help the four injured Americans - and the courage shown by New Ross nurse, Grace O'Sullivan, who stopped her car as she travelled past and administered first aid to the stricken passengers. The nurse said she got "an enormous fright" when she shone a light into the car in a bid to assist the occupants such were the appalling scale of the injuries. All four died at the scene from what were described as catastrophic injuries by University Hospital Waterford (UHW) pathologist Dr Nigam Shah. Death was instantaneous in all four cases. New Ross priest, Fr Roger O'Neill, was also passing and stopped at the accident scene to administer the last rites to the dying BMW occupants. Garda forensic accident scene investigator, Tom Bulger, said the BMW had driven out directly in front of the truck with the lorry travelling at 70kmh, some 10kmh below the speed limit. "The truck driver (Mr Caulfield) did not have the time or the distance to avoid a collision," Garda Bulger said. Dr Nixon was told the Alexanders were following the vehicle of an Irish relative as they travelled in convoy to a local family funeral. Both believed they had missed a turn-off to the funeral - and had pulled over to the side of the N25 to retrace their route back towards New Ross. Mr Caulfield was driving the Scania truck with a passenger, Kevin Collins, en route to the UK via Rosslare. Mr Collins told the inquest he saw the tragic collision occur. "It pulled out foolishly (from the left) and did a U-turn. Paul said: 'Jesus Christ' and then flashed his lights. The BMW 5 series did the same thing and pulled out in front of us. Paul had no time to react," Mr Collins said. Mr Caulfield said he slammed hard on his brakes, desperately tried to avoid a collision as his lorry jack-knifed. The BMW struck the lorry's front side-on and both ploughed into a roadside crash barrier. "All I saw were lights. I slammed the brakes hard and we hit," the truck driver said. Dr Nixon said the American driver of the BMW was at a disadvantage that dark, wet winter evening. "The driver of the car (Douglas Alexander Jnr) was at a major disadvantage," Dr Nixon said. "They had travelled from Chicago the previous night. They did not have a lot of rest. "The driver was used to driving on the other side of the road. "Pulling out the way he did he might have expected the danger to come from the other side." In a special message read out on behalf of Debbie Alexander Cegerlak and Stephen Alexander's wife, Lynn, solicitor Caroline McLaughlin said the devastated family remain grateful for the heroic efforts of the emergency services to save their loved ones. "I express on their behalf their sincere gratitude to all who came to the assistance of their family in the immediate aftermath of the accident," she said. Special tribute was paid to the Gardai, New Ross fire brigade, paramedics and motorists who stopped to help. "To (nurse) Grace O'Sullivan, it is a source of great comfort to the family to know the care afforded by you and the bravery you showed under such difficult circumstances and they are eternally grateful to you. "To Fr O'Neill, it is also a source of great comfort to the family to know that the Sacraments were administered and that their family were blessed at the scene of the accident. "They have also asked that I express to the driver of the lorry, Mr Caulfield, and his passenger, Mr Collins, that there is not a day that goes by they do not think of you and how difficult the incident must have been for you to encounter. "They wish you health and happiness and pray that this accident will not cause you any difficulties into the future." The jury returned a verdict of accidental death due to catastrophic injuries sustained in a road traffic collision. Stephen Alexander was a decorated Bolingbrook Police Department officer. Shannon Airport has suffered a blow as lucrative stopovers between Kuwait and the US are set to end on Friday. Kuwait and the US are set to resume direct air flights, which have for three years been making transit stops at the Co Clare airport. The flight travelled between Kuwait and JFK via Shannon to allow passenger and baggage screening - but did not pick up any passengers at the Irish airport. However the stopover, in operation since 2016, did offer additional spin-off business for the airport. Passengers were on the ground in Ireland for up to two-and-a-half hours partway into their 13-hour flight. One source estimated that up to 5pc of the airports total passenger numbers came via the three-times weekly route. The passengers were screened by the USs Department of Homeland Securitys Customs and Border Protection (CBP) unit, as part of security procedures agreed between Kuwaiti and US authorities. The stopover arrangement was always meant to be temporary. Now Kuwaits chairman of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud has confirmed that the direct flights are set to resume. According to Kuwaiti News Agency (KUNA) the DGCA chairman praised the authorities' efforts to resume the direct flights. A spokesperson for Shannon Airport said: Shannons reputation for efficient and quick handling of transit aircraft, from the smallest to the largest was the reason why Shannon was selected back in 2016 by Kuwait Airways as a temporary transit stop on their Kuwait to JFK service. We would like to thank Kuwait Airlines for using Shannon Airport over the last two and a half years and we will continue to work with the Airline to explore future opportunities. Photo: CTV News Courtroom sketch Crown counsel says a man seeking bail while awaiting the possibility of a new trial had a dual motive to kill his common-law wife in 1994, and his confession to an undercover officer should stand. Hank Reiner told a B.C. Supreme Court judge that Wade Skiffington was angry, jealous and feared he would lose his son if Wanda Martin left him before he shot her in Richmond. Reiner says a supposed crime boss did not threaten Skiffington, whose confession about killing Martin was recorded on a hidden video camera and shown in court. The Newfoundland and Labrador resident is being defended by lawyers from Innocence Canada, which works to exonerate people believed to be wrongly convicted, and they maintain police used a so-called Mr. Big operation to coerce a confession that wasn't credible. Skiffington was found guilty of second-degree murder in 2001 and is serving a life sentence. Last year, Innocence Canada asked the federal Justice Department to review the conviction, which is ongoing, while it helps Skiffington apply for bail in hopes the case goes to the B.C. Court of Appeal and a new trial is ordered. Leo Varadkar reviews the honour guard during his official visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, January 9, 2019. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri Leo Varadkar is welcomed by his Ethiopian counterpart during his official visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, January 9, 2019. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri Leo Varadka and his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed stand for the national anthem during his official visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, January 9, 2019. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri The annual greening of iconic landmarks will extend to Ethiopia this year. The famous Lalibele churches will go green this March joining with hundreds of famous landmarks around the world. The Unesco site is home to eleven 12th century churches hewn from solid rock which remain in excellent condition. There has been no decision made on who may travel to Ethiopia to represent Ireland on this year's visit. Expand Close Leo Varadkar reviews the honour guard during his official visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, January 9, 2019. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Leo Varadkar reviews the honour guard during his official visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, January 9, 2019. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri However, official sources suggested Ruth Negga could be a good choice if it was something she would be interested in. Ms Negga has recently been appointed a cultural ambassador for Ireland. The Love Hate actress' father is Ethiopian. During a visit to the landmark churches Mr Varadkar announced that the site would be linked with Skellig Michael in an information sharing partnership between Ireland and Ethiopia. The partnership will focus on promoting heritage tourism and creating rural jobs through tourism. The Ethiopian Cultural Minister Dr Hirut Kassaw will visit Ireland later this year to meet with relevant tourism and cultural heritage bodies including Failte Ireland and OPW, and finalise a programme of experience sharing between the two countries. Expand Close Leo Varadkar is welcomed by his Ethiopian counterpart during his official visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, January 9, 2019. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Leo Varadkar is welcomed by his Ethiopian counterpart during his official visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, January 9, 2019. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri Officials from Newgrange have already been involved in a cultural tourism exchanges with Ethiopian officials. Mr Varadkar's visit to Ethiopia draws to a close tomorrow. Yesterday he visited an Irish Aid supported village, called Kawaneet, in the Tigray region in the north of the country. Here Irish Aid provides micro-loans to allow people in the drought stricken region to invest in their economic future such as by buying livestock. In all the Fine Gael leader visited four Irish Aid projects and said afterwards he was humbled by the experience. "Its the first time I have seen Irish Aid. I can say to the people in Ireland that their money is being well spent," he said. Amy Huberman and Lucy Kennedy at the Garden Party for the Royal Visit in Glencairn, the British Ambassadors Residence Lucy Kennedy with her children Jack, Holly and Jess at the opening night of Robin Hood panto at The Helix. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland Lucy Kennedy doesnt see her three children following in her career footsteps and said theyve no interest in watching her on TV. The Irelands Got Talent host will be returning to TV screens in February with her own series, Livin With Lucy, scheduled to hit the small screen later in spring. The 42-year-old, from Sandycove, has been a familiar face to Irish audiences for over a decade, working on both RTE and Virgin Media, as well as her current morning slot on Radio Nova with Colm Hayes. However, her children simply see her as someone who cleans up the house rather than a media star and she doesnt think they will enter the world of showbiz either. I dont think they will I think theyre kind of sick of seeing me on the telly, I think theyve no interest in what I do, she said. The only reason theyre excited about my life right now is because they love the judges but theyve never seen Livin with Lucy and I dont think they listen to me on Radio Nova unless I am talking about them. If you were to ask any of my children what I do, theyd probably say, Oh, she cleans. They dont really know what I do. Expand Close Lucy Kennedy at Virgin Media Television's Spring Press Briefing at The Alex Hotel,Dublin. Picture: Brian McEvoy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Lucy Kennedy at Virgin Media Television's Spring Press Briefing at The Alex Hotel,Dublin. Picture: Brian McEvoy Lucy is the Irish version of Ant and Dec on the talent show and is often a source of comfort for nervous parents and a shoulder to cry on when things dont go to plan. She admitted that while the job isnt intimidating for her, she does sometimes take home the auditions that end in disappointment. Being the owner of three smallies I feel physically sick with the parents because youre watching them and if they make a mistake or... it is kind of hard, she said. You do think about the odd person when you come home especially when I see my own son, he is nine, when you see a nine-year-old on stage. Last year saw the return of Greek-chorus puppets Podge and Rodge on RTE, with social media star Doireann Garrihy taking the reins on the show in the place of Lucy, who previously hosted in Ballydung Manor in 2006. She thought Doireann (26) had filled her shoes nicely and has been doing a cracking job of managing the foul-mouthed brothers. I have seen it and I sent her a good luck message I told her to sleep with one eye open, said Lucy, laughing. I think she is doing a cracking job and its good to see the boys back on telly about bloody time. Another star Lucy thought was holding her own was Jennifer Zamparelli, who hosted her first live episode of Dancing With the Stars last weekend. I thought she looked amazing, a really good job, she said. An Irish comedian is gearing up to perform on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. While the show has welcomed homegrown talent including Saoirse Ronan and Liam Neeson to the sofa over the years, Sean Finnerty, from Killoe, Longford, believes he is the first Irish comedian to perform stand-up on the show. Sean, who lives in New York, earned the coveted slot after he was spotted by a booker for Fallon at the Stand Up NBC comedy competition in Houston. "I got to the semi-final and had a really good set. I felt really good about it and I flew back to New York on the Sunday and had a message from the booker asking if I'd send a transcript and do an audition on Tuesday," reveals Sean. "The thing is, I was originally supposed to perform at Stand Up NBC in Charlotte, but I cancelled and switched to Houston, which worked out well in the end!" Sean spent Wednesday night practicing his set at three of New York's top comedy venues ahead of the show's taping today. "I feel pretty good about it," he tells Independent.ie, "The set, I feel it's ready to go. It's been working really well for me." Sean is understandably vague about the content, but admits it revolves around observations an Irish person would make about America, "with a little bit of reference to how we are at home - I think I have a mention of the gardai in there somehwere." His parents have flown over to New York to support him for his big break on a show which will also feature Cobie Smulders and Michael B Jordan. Sean has been honing his craft in the Big Apple for the past seven years and it has been a baptism of fire. "It's been good but New York is a tough, tough city to pursue stand up," he admits. "It's the best city to pursue it in but it's always tough because this is where some of the best comedians in the world are," he says. "If you're looking to get in with the clubs before you manage the TV breakthroughs and all that you're competing against people who have been on TV on numerous occasions and have been doing it for years." His plans post-Fallon are modest - he's hoping to start performing in front of audiences, hit the road, and "headline some clubs" and he's heading to LA next month to launch himself on the scene there. "It's one of those things where you put the work in and give yourself the opportunity to be lucky," he says. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon airs on NBC in the US on Friday night. The new Mary Queen Of Scots movie is a great opportunity for Scottish tourism, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said (PA) (Historic Environment/PA) The new Mary Queen Of Scots movie offers a great opportunity for Scotlands tourism sector, the Culture Secretary has said. Fiona Hyslop said she is delighted the historical drama, which stars Saoirse Ronan as Mary, Queen of Scots and Margot Robbie as her cousin Queen Elizabeth I, is being shown for the first time in Scotland next week. The film is being screened in Edinburgh on Monday, with Ronan and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon among those expected to attend. Defy history to change the future. #MaryQueenofScots pic.twitter.com/PwUhrwmTM1 Mary Queen of Scots (@MaryQueenMovie) December 27, 2018 The event takes place just over a month after the movie had its European premiere in London. Ms Hyslop, who represents Linlithgow where Mary was born, said: Im delighted that were going to see the premiere of Mary Queen Of Scots in Scotland. If I am allowed, as the MSP for Linlithgow, to say that that is a great opportunity not just for the screen and the culture side, but also for the tourism aspect for Scotland. Ms Hylsop made the comments while being questioned by MSPs on Holyroods Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee about the budget for 2019-20. She told them current budget proposals would see cash going to Screen Scotland to support the sector north of the border double to 20 million. Expand Close The film starring Margot Robbie, left, and Saoirse Ronan had its European premiere in London in December (Isabel Infantes/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The film starring Margot Robbie, left, and Saoirse Ronan had its European premiere in London in December (Isabel Infantes/PA) The minister said the cash injection is part of efforts to double the production spend by film and TV companies in Scotland. Netflix filmed the historical action movie Outlaw King which had a reported budget of some 90 million US dollars (70.6 million) in Scotland. Ms Hyslop said the film, which is focused on the life of Robert the Bruce, had had a very strong impact. She said: Importantly, the amount of spend that had particularly for crew, production etc was very strong indeed. FM @NicolaSturgeon meeting cast & crew of #outlawking including #chrispine #aarontaylorjohnson The film is based on the life of Robert the Bruce, was filmed across 45 Scottish locations and supported by @CreativeScots funding pic.twitter.com/HJEWPJtUje First Minister (@ScotGovFM) October 19, 2018 Ms Sturgeon has previously hailed Outlaw King as a brilliant production and great showcase for Scottish film talent. She tweeted her congratulations to the cast and crew, with a special well done to American actor Chris Pine on a stunning performance as Bruce (and a great Scottish accent!). When I was growing up, Laurel and Hardy were still a thriving cultural currency. Decades after their deaths they were everywhere: their classic short comedies were constantly shown on television, there was a cartoon series, and the boys even had a posthumous top ten hit in the mid-1970s with Trail of the Lonesome Pine. These days, its entirely possible that there are people under the age of 30 whove never heard of them. Theyre never on TV, arent feted in retrospectives like Buster Keaton or the Marx Brothers, and some critics have even gone so far as to dismiss their comedy as simplistic slapstick. Big mistake, because at their best Stan and Ollie were nothing short of sublime. They had a comic chemistry that verged on the poetic, the pratfall routines orchestrated by Stan Laurel were note-perfect absurdist ballets, and there was something touching about the way the boys, battle though they might, ultimately depended on each other. This elusive magic is beautifully captured by Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly in Jon S. Bairds Stan & Ollie, a warm-hearted biopic that finds the boys in the twilight of their careers. No prizes for guessing who plays who. Its 1952, their glory days are long gone, and Laurel and Hardy have arrived in northern England to begin a concert tour. In a prologue we discover how the duo fell out in the 1930s over a contract row with their parsimonious studio boss Hal Roach: they worked apart for several years, but without each other, the magic was gone. Now theyre uneasily reunited, and the carrot at the end of this grueling live tour is the possibility of a new feature film based on the legend of Robin Hood. Stan (Mr. Coogan) is full of new ideas for the movie, but Ollie (Mr. Reilly) seems tired, and easily out of puff: his heart is dicky, and his partner is beginning to wonder if an arduous tour is really the best thing for him. The crowds are initially disappointing too, but as the old pros get into their stride public enthusiasm grows, and by the time they reach London theyve sold out a string of nights at a West End theatre. Trouble brews when their wives (Shirley Henderson, Nina Arianda, both excellent) turn up, and proceed to bicker their way around the plush confines of the Savoy Hotel. And meanwhile Stanley is worried that their films producer isnt returning his calls. Nicely pitched if understandably sentimental, Stan & Ollie is thinly plotted and relies heavily on the quality of the two central performances. In this regard Coogan and Reilly faced a complex challenge: not only had they to catch the clownish subtleties of the Laurel and Hardy routines, but they also had to give us some idea who the men who played them really were. John C. Reilly plays Oliver Babe Hardy as the easy-going southern gent he was, and has all his wonderful stage ticks down to a T - the delicate hand gestures, infuriated glares towards the audience and that magnificent hmmh! sound he used to make whenever Stans idiocy had particularly exasperated him. Babe was a charmer alright, but Stan Laurel was the brains behind the duos success, a deep-thinking Lancastrian whod sailed to America on the same boat as Charlie Chaplin and earned his stripes in Vaudeville before heading west to Hollywood. Its his tenacity that keeps the act together through the ups and downs of the British tour, and all the time hes thinking up new routines. Thats funny, isnt it?, he says to Hardy after enchanting him with a behind-the-curtain routine, but his sense of physical comedy is so good that he shouldnt need to ask. Steve Coogan inhabits the character beautifully, his quietness and physical grace, but also the steely will that got him to the top in the first place. When he and Reilly break into one of Laurel and Hardys daft dance routines, its genuinely moving, and in the end this is a sort of love story. When the real Oliver Hardy died, Stan was too upset to go to his funeral, and years later was still dreaming up routines for a double act that no longer existed. (PG, 98 mins) A 7-year-old Irish girl has received a special message from Hollywood star Hugh Jackman on social media. Emma, from Lucan, was recorded by her mother Jacqueline Cooney singing 'A Million Dreams' from the hit musical film which released last year. Jacqueline posted the video to Twitter, tagging Jackman and several of the people he follows on the social media platform. Speaking to Muireann O'Connell on her lunchtime show on Today FM on Thursday, she revealed why she wanted to reach out to the star. "My daughter Emma is a huge fan of The Greatest Showman. She spent all Christmas singing the songs and Santa brought her a sing-along CD," she said. "We missed out on tickets to see the show in the 3Arena so I said I'd record her singing a little song for him from the movie and send it to him and see would he see it." Emma also spoke to Muireann of her joy at receiving Hugh's response. "At first we were thinking of giving up but then four days later or so he saw it and he sent a special message that I know he wouldn't have just sent to anyone," she said. Jacqueline added, "I was pretty freaked out when I saw it yesterday afternoon. I was looking at something else and then it came up, 'Hugh Jackman mentioned you on Twitter'. "I was expecting maybe a text or something but a video and what he said was so lovely and so genuine." Trade tensions: Chinas President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump who is said to be keen to strike a deal and help soothe financial markets roiled by the dispute. Photo: AFP/Getty Images The Trump administration wrapped up the latest round of trade talks in Beijing, noting a commitment by China to buy more US agricultural goods, energy and manufactured items. China and the US concluded three days of talks yesterday with a cautious sense of optimism that the world's two biggest economies might be able to reach a deal that ends their bruising trade war. In a statement, the office of US Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer said the two sides considered ways to "achieve fairness, reciprocity, and balance in trade relations". Officials discussed the need for any deal to include "ongoing verification and effective enforcement," USTR said. The US will decide on the next steps after officials report back to Washington. President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping have given their officials until March 1 to reach an accord on "structural changes" to China's economy on issues such as the forced transfer of American technology, intellectual-property rights, and non-tariff barriers. The USTR statement didn't say whether progress had been achieved on its main concerns. People familiar with the discussions said positions were closer on areas including energy and agriculture but further apart on harder issues. China was believed to be preparing its own separate statement on the talks. Stocks rose globally after the US and China concluded talks and appeared closer to an agreement, with all major US equities benchmarks rising. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said a one-day extension in talks showed both sides are serious about the negotiations. Some disagreements remain on structural issues and they need to be addressed when more senior negotiators meet later on, according to Chinese officials involved in the discussions who asked not to be identified. Later this month, Mr Lighthizer is expected to meet Vice Premier Liu He, Xi's top economic aide who is leading negotiations for China, a person familiar with the situation said last week. Liu made a brief appearance at the talks in Beijing on Monday, boosting optimism that China was serious about making progress on a deal. The mid-level talks were the first face-to-face meeting between the two sides since their leaders met on December 1. Prior to the meeting, China made a number of concessions to US demands including temporarily cutting punitive tariffs on US-made cars, resuming soybean purchases, promising to open up its markets for more foreign investment, and drafting a law to prevent forced transfers. The negotiations were extended from the two days initially scheduled, according to the Chinese. Mr Trump tweeted "Talks with China are going very well!" late on Tuesday in Beijing. The US president is increasingly eager to strike a deal with China soon in an effort to perk up financial markets that have slumped on concerns over the trade war, according to people familiar with internal White House deliberations. The S&P 500 Index has fallen about 7pc since Trump and Xi agreed on a 90-day truce at their meeting in Argentina last month. Bloomberg TED BAKER has seen its Christmas sales jump, despite allegations against its founder and challenges on the high street. The fashion brand said retail sales increased by 12.2pc over the five weeks to January 5. E-commerce sales, which account for about a quarter of retail performance, were up 18.7pc. "The Ted Baker brand has delivered a good performance across both our stores and e-commerce business, despite the continuing challenging external trading conditions across our markets," Lindsay Page, acting CEO, said. "This result again reflects the strength of the brand and the quality of our collections." It comes amid an ongoing investigation into the conduct of Ted Baker's founder and suspended boss, Ray Kelvin, who was accused of harassment in the workplace last year. The company said an independent investigation, led by law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, is "progressing" and a further update will be given in due course. Ted Baker has also had to contend with declining consumer confidence in several markets and the fallout from House of Fraser's collapse in the UK. PA Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) EUROPEAN shares rose yesterday, driven by the export-oriented autos and tech sectors as optimism grew that the United States and China could avoid a full-blown trade war that would further decelerate a slowing global economy. The pan-European Stoxx 600 benchmark broke a fresh three-week high, rising 0.4pc close to the end of the session, while the UK's Ftse-100 hit its highest level in five weeks. "My scenario is that of an economic slowdown, but I expect things to get gradually better following a brutal 2018 dominated by tariffs and very harsh commercial rhetoric," said Roberto Lottici, a fund manager at Italy's Banca Ifigest. Chinese and US teams ended trade talks in Beijing yesterday, and officials said details will be released soon. A US trade delegation member said "it's been a good one for us". European equities recorded their worst year in a decade in 2018, but so far this year they are up more than 3pc. A trade deal could turn investors more upbeat over company earnings as the fourth-quarter earnings season gets under way. Overall, fourth-quarter earnings for Europe are expected to have risen 7.1pc on revenues up 4.5pc, according to Refinitiv data. In Ireland, the Iseq Overall Index climbed alongside benchmarks at other European bourses. Near the end of trading, it had risen 0.5pc to 5,711. Shares in homebuilder Abbey plunged more than 7pc to 13. That was despite UK peer Taylor Wimpey saying that indicators for 2019 sales were solid, sending its shares more than 6pc higher. Abbey generates most of its revenue and sales in the UK. Shares in CRH, Ireland's biggest company, had advanced 1.6pc to 24.31, while Bank of Ireland rose 1.5pc to 4.94 before the close. The UK's Ftse-100 was 0.6pc higher as the end of the session neared, while Germany's Dax was also up 0.6pc. France's CAC-40 was ahead 0.7pc. Analyst Chris Bailey at Raymond James said the "glass half-full interpretation" of trading updates from domestically-focused UK businesses "indicates that investors are becoming a little less worried about problematic Brexit outcomes". Alanna Kelly In order to fly a drone, Canadians will need to pass an online exam and get a pilot's certificate. New regulations will come into effect June 1 and apply to all drone operators. The announcement made Wednesday by Transport Minister Marc Garneau places rules around age, the weight of drones and at what height they can be flown. Kelowna International Airport director Sam Samaddar says they have had drones being flown around the airport. Weve had incidents where drones were sighted near the airport, and weve been working with the public to educate them on the dangers of having drone activity in close proximity to aircraft landing and taking off, said Samaddar. He thinks the new regulations are a positive development. It contributes to the awareness of people that are actually using these devices, but it is also about safety and adds safety to the environment in terms of making sure people know how to use these devices properly, said Samaddar. The Canadian Press reports that operators will be required to register their drones and mark them with the registration number. If you put an object in the air, in this airspace of this country, you are in fact piloting it, and if you cause an accident it can have enormous repercussions, said Garneau. Kelowna-based drone racer Stew Alcock says the new regulations are a good thing. Only makes sense that if you are operating something that has potential to be dangerous, you should have some sort of certification, he said. For basic operations, you need to be at least 14 years old, and at least 16 for advanced operation. Pilots will have to keep their aircraft below 400 feet above ground. They must also stay away from air traffic. Drones must be kept within their sightline and at least 30 metres from other people at all times. Pilots will also have to avoid public events, according to The Canadian Press. - with files from The Canadian Press Car giant Jaguar Land Rover is to cut 4,500 jobs under plans to make 2.5bn of cost savings, the company has announced. Most of the cuts are expected to be in the UK, with a voluntary programme being launched. The savings and "cashflow improvements" will be made over the next 18 months. The new job losses are in addition to the 1,500 workers who left the company last year. Ralf Speth, chief executive of Jaguar Land Rover, said: "We are taking decisive action to help deliver long-term growth, in the face of multiple geopolitical and regulatory disruptions as well as technology challenges facing the automotive industry." The company also announced further investment in electrification, with electric drive units to be built at its factory in Wolverhampton and a new battery assembly centre at Hams Hall in Birmingham. JLR employs 44,000 workers in the UK at sites in Halewood on Merseyside and Solihull, Castle Bromwich and Wolverhampton in the West Midlands. In October last year, the car giant unveiled a 2.5bn turnaround plan that included cost cutting after Brexit uncertainty and slowing demand in China left it nursing a hefty second-quarter loss. The firm, owned by Indian conglomerate Tata, booked a 90m pre-tax loss in the three months to September 30, which compared with a 385m profit in the same period in 2017. In China, demand was adversely impacted by consumer uncertainty following import duty changes and escalating trade tensions with the US. In the UK, "continuing uncertainty related to Brexit" was blamed. Meanwhile, Ford signalled "significant" cuts among its 50,000-strong European workforce under plans to make it more competitive and make its business more sustainable. The company started consultations with unions, with details of job cuts not expected until later in the year, although staff based at Warley in Essex will move to Dunton. Steven Armstrong, Ford's European group vice president, said the company was taking "decisive action" to transform its European business. He said: "We will invest in the vehicles, services, segments and markets that best support a long-term sustainably profitable business, creating value for all our stakeholders and delivering emotive vehicles to our customers." New all-electric vehicles will be offered for all Ford models, while there will be a more "targeted" line-up of models in the future. Mr Armstrong said Ford was making "tough" decisions by undertaking a "complete review" of its European operations. He said the announcement was not directly linked to Brexit, but he added that Ford will have to undertake a further review if the UK leaves the EU without a deal in March. Mr Armstrong declined to say how many jobs will be cut, but he said the impact will be "significant". Unite national officer Des Quinn said: "Ford's workforce in the UK is world class in making and developing engines and gearboxes that are shipped all over the globe. "Unite is positively engaging with Ford over its plans as we seek to safeguard jobs and look after the interests of all the company's employees in the UK. "We expect the immediate impact on Ford's UK operations to be limited." Mr Quinn said Unite will scrutinise the business case for JLR's job cuts, and the union expects any UK redundancies to be voluntary. "Jaguar Land Rover workers have had to endure a great deal of uncertainty over recent months as they continue to work hard to ensure the carmaker remains a global leader. "With record levels of new investment and models set to come on stream in its UK factories we look for Jaguar Land Rover to continue to be a global success and the jewel in Britain's manufacturing crown. "Britain's car workers have been caught in the crosshairs of the Government's botched handling of Brexit, mounting economic uncertainty and ministers' demonisation of diesel, which along with the threat of a no-deal Brexit, is damaging consumer confidence. "Government ministers need to wake up and start doing more to support UK's car workers and their colleagues in the supply chain if Jaguar Land Rover's recent success is to continue." Business Secretary Greg Clark said the company was offering voluntary redundancy packages to their UK workforce, adding: "This is a commercial decision for the company but nevertheless it will clearly be a worrying time for Jaguar Land Rover employees and their families. "Jaguar Land Rover is a much valued British company with a talented and dedicated workforce. The Government has, and will continue, to work closely with the business to ensure that it can succeed long into the future as it invests and transitions to autonomous, connected and electric vehicles. "Jaguar Land Rover and its owners have made clear they remain firmly committed to the UK, continuing to invest billions and employing tens of thousands of people. "This includes today's announcement of investment in next generation electric drive units to be produced in Wolverhampton and a new battery assembly centre in Hams Hall. Building on last year's investment in their key plants in Solihull and Halewood to build the next generation of Land Rover models, including electric vehicles." Electronics company Xiaomi is one of the stars of the Chinese tech world Many Xiaomi investors, who could only watch as the stock shed $14bn in market value, are now able to join in on the selling after a lockup period expired yesterday. The six-month term followed its Hong Kong debut, during which some employees and cornerstone investors were banned from disposing of their allocated shares. It's been painful: Xiaomi has dropped to HK$10.34 from a listing price of HK$17, losing another 6.9pc yesterday on almost seven times its average volume of the past three months. More than three billion shares were unlocked, equal to about 19pc of those outstanding, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The lockup period for controlling shareholders - such as chairman and founder Lei Jun - was extended yesterday for another 365 days, Xiaomi said in a statement. It was previously due to expire in July. Touted by bankers last year as China's answer to Apple, Beijing-based Xiaomi sought a valuation that would have made it the most expensive smartphone maker in the world. The stock trades at 16 times projected 12-month earnings, less than half its July multiple. It's still 32pc more expensive than Apple, which is reeling from its worst quarterly rout in more than a decade. To be sure, longer-term investors may want to hold on to Xiaomi's shares rather than dump them at a loss. Analysts still predict Xiaomi will rebound to $16.72 on average within the next year. Hedge funds have been increasing their bearish bets, with almost 30 million shares sold short on Tuesday, the most since August. Xiaomi attracted the likes of China Mobile and US wireless-chip giant Qualcomm as cornerstone investors last year. Bloomberg BlackRock is still bullish on tech stocks. While many investors have identified challenges in the sector after a lacklustre 2018 that saw the Nasdaq Composite Index's first annual decline in seven years, the world's largest money manager is staying the course on the long-term trend, according to its chief equity strategist Kate Moore. "We're not giving up on technology," she said. "The tech sector is still a well-liked and well-loved sector across BlackRock." Tech shares from the US to China have languished in the past year as trade tensions between the two nations and concerns over slowing economic growth have hit the sector. The NYSE FANG+ Index lost almost half a trillion dollars in value last year from the end of January. Regulation and policy have also damped sentiment, with Facebook facing a number of controversies and the shock arrest of Huawei's finance chief. Companies are absorbing those changes and willing to work in that environment, Moore said. Investors should look to own both US and Chinese tech stocks for diversity as they operate in different markets and have less overlap than often assumed, she added. Moore is hopeful ongoing trade talks will conclude with an agreement between the two nations to explore "opportunity for co-operation" in tech. BlackRock's top call for the year is healthcare stocks for their increasing use of tech and innovation. Healthcare offers income, stability, defensiveness against a downturn too, Moore said. On the broader trade tensions, Moore said that the issues were likely to hang over the markets for "years not quarters" but that equities could stabilise or see a floor if an agreement is reached. Still, much fear has already been priced into emerging markets equities and Moore reiterated an overweight call on the asset class. Many high-quality companies have been ignored by international investors, she said. Moore maintained her underweight call on European equities in 2019, which she said would see a challenging year amid political challenges and a slower growth environment. Bloomberg A year ago, Bitcoin was trading at 16,000. Today, it's 3,600. So was it all just a bubble? Yes, say some. No, say others. "Demand has fallen, no question," says Peter Nagle, the co-founder of the Cork-based cryptocurrency exchange Bitcove.ie. "There was an element of a bubble involved. But while there's been a big drop in price, there have been before too. It's cyclical and interest is still there." Expand Close Lory Kehoe, Ireland MD of ConsenSys and its founder Joe Lubin / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Lory Kehoe, Ireland MD of ConsenSys and its founder Joe Lubin This year, analysts say, will go some way to sorting things out. But the last few months in Ireland have not been particularly promising. Towards the back of 2018, the country's highest-profile project - Ireland's 'Crypto Coast' initiative - petered out for a variety of reasons, according to one of its founders, Reuben Godfrey. Meanwhile, a succession of court cases and high-profile hacks placed Bitcoin and Ethereum in a negative light, associating them with the proceeds of crime rather than efficient alternative payments. And there appears to be a line of small-time investors that dabbled in cryptocurrencies for the first time in 2018, only to get financially burned. Expand Close David Wachsman / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp David Wachsman "People got overly excited and now they're overly depressed," says John Gleeson, a Dublin-based Bitcoin trader and writer. "It's dropped a lot, but it's the fourth time it's dropped 85pc or more. A lot of what happened is related to the false promises of other alt-coins that have come to light. But if you bought and held Bitcoin for any longer period than two years ago, you're actually up." How many people actually own or have traded Bitcoin? Some industry practitioners estimate it at around 100,000. "We've dealt with around 40,000 ourselves in Ireland," says Nagle, whose firm helps people to buy and sell Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple and other cryptocurrencies. "But there are lots of different services out there." One difficulty in estimating the size of the Irish crypto market is a policy of non-engagement by banks and conventional equity-trading firms. None of the major financial companies that people usually go to will deal in crypto-assets such as Bitcoin. Expand Close James and Peter Nagle of Bitcove.ie / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp James and Peter Nagle of Bitcove.ie "Goodbody does not advise on or invest in cryptocurrencies on behalf of clients and does not have any plans at this time to offer access to that asset class," a spokesman for the brokerage told the Irish Independent. Other main brokers here have a similar rule. This doesn't mean that Irish investors using such companies don't invest in cryptocurrencies. Within mainstream financial firms, some funds have allocated percentages for what are called 'alternative strategies'. This sometimes includes crypto-related enterprises or funds, although brokerages here say that they don't provide advice on such entities. The biggest problem in tackling crypto assets, bankers say, is its unregulated status. The rules aren't transparent or reliable enough, nor is there an administrative chain of responsibility that regulated investors can live with. In the US, some institutions are moving to address this. The owner of the New York Stock Exchange, Intercontinental, is launching a new crypto-focused exchange called Bakkt to let people buy, sell and spend digital currencies like Bitcoin. Its big draw is that it promises to be regulated, giving a degree of assurance to those interested in cryptocurrencies. (It is still waiting for approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission). Because of this, and the bluechip array of investors it has assembled (including Microsoft), it has just raised $182m in funding. But even if cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin become more acceptable as traded commodities, they still face the enduring problem that cryptocurrencies have had since the beginning: when, if ever, will ordinary people feel they can use the technology? From the effort to setting up a Bitcoin wallet to finding somewhere you can actually spend it, cryptocurrencies are simply out of bounds for the vast majority of ordinary people. "We have a cryptocurrency ATM in Cork and are going to put one in Galway and then hopefully in Dublin," says Bitcove.ie founder Nagle. The idea is to let people exchange euros for Bitcoin and vice versa. But even if this works, it's not clear that people have many options to use cryptocurrencies for the kinds of activities they associate with conventional money. While retailers such as Microsoft's Store and Overstock.com have accepted Bitcoin-compatible payment systems (such as Coinbase) for a while, most online retailers do not. For example, two-thirds of Irish shoppers use Amazon, but the web giant doesn't take cryptocurrencies. In some respects, things have actually gotten worse. The influential online payment firm Stripe recently stopped processing Bitcoin payments because it took too long for transactions to go through. The lack of regularised commerce that involves cryptocurrencies places an inordinate spotlight on shadier activities where crypto is front and centre. So when the Luas.ie website was hijacked earlier this month, most people learned the hackers were seeking a Bitcoin to unlock it. Fraud, too, is a problem. Because so much activity around crypto currencies is unregulated, scams and flim-flam operations are common. Last year, US authorities undertook hundreds of formal crypto fraud investigations with 50 cases taken. The high-profile digital coin BitConnect went bust in dramatic fashion last year following a cease-and-desist order from US regulators. The enterprise, which had been valued at over 2bn, is being pursued for losses of almost 1bn. Market analysts say that much of this was invested by ordinary people, lured by the promise of getting rich quick on a rising crypto market. But it's not all doom. Among the scepticism and doubt lies enthusiasm for the most important enabling technology behind cryptocurrencies - blockchain. Here, business looks brisk. Dozens of Irish institutions have committees or steering groups committed to integrating more blockchain principles into their own systems. Banks such as AIB, Ulster Bank and Permanent TSB are trialling blockchain-based payments through schemes like Project Greenpay. "This is a big year for adoption of the technology in real life applications," says Lory Kehoe, managing director of ConsenSys's Ireland office. ConsenSys is a blockchain company set up by one of Ethereum's co-founders, Joe Lubin. "A number of companies are bringing their solutions into the world for consumers to use," says Kehoe. That includes platforms such as Komgo, a new blockchain platform to facilitate oil and gas deals that has been launched by large multinationals such as Shell, Citi, BNP Paribas and ABN Amro. The venture will "seek to digitalise the trade and commodities finance sector through a blockchain-based open platform," the consortium said in a statement. "This is real," says Kehoe. "The Government and public sector are getting involved too. There are now three projects that the European Commission are working on and Ireland is a part of this. The aim is to try and create standards sooner rather than later, so that by summertime there will be hundreds of companies that are part of it. We will have a functioning legal entity as to how to drive forward with the technology." Despite the upbeat assessment, ConsenSys itself has not been immune from industry pressures. The firm recently announced that it was letting 13pc of its staff go in a 'streamlining' exercise. Kehoe says that this does not extend to the recently opened Irish office, which currently employs 40 and is still hiring. "There'll soon be significant announcements from ConsenSys in Ireland as to projects with Irish companies," he says. "We're still growing in Ireland. We're a really strong team here. So the answer to whether we're downsizing here is no." Kehoe isn't alone. Blockchain, as opposed to straight cryptocurrencies, has a growing number of advocates from 'respectable' business circles. "With the amount of the institutional money entering the space and increasing involvement and adoption by such top-level financiers, it's inevitable that in 2019, blockchain, the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies will come to the fore," says Angel Versetti, CEO of Ambrosus, a blockchain-powered Internet of Things network for food and pharmaceutical supply chains. Some services are already there, others say. "In growing numbers, consumers are trying the Rize app by livestreaming company YouNow, downloading the Brave web browser, or utilising events ticketing service BlockParty which runs concerts and music festivals through their blockchain-based application," says David Wachsman, founder and CEO of Wachsman, a services firm with clients such as Coindesk and Indiegogo. "The recent sharp plunge in crypto markets ... has had a knock-on effect and has created a PR challenge for the entirety of blockchain technology. This is a short-term problem, as the actual technology continues to mature and advance with real-use cases." Wachsman's view that cryptocurrencies are set to be around for the long-term is echoed by others in blockchain businesses. "We will continue to see expansion in this area," says Brent Jaciow of Utopia Music, a blockchain-powered music tracking and attribution platform. "Some of the primary functions include enabling fractional ownership of assets, allowing the tokenisation of assets and ideas formerly impossible with traditional capital markets." Local Irish proponents haven't lost heart in cryptocurrencies. "For me, Bitcoin has never been stronger," says Gleeson. "The network is still extremely secure and has never been hacked. We're in a cycle." Ireland's modest 100m Exchequer surplus for last year could be a drop in the ocean to a 2019 surplus if Apple decided to drop its European Court appeal on a 13bn European Commission illegal state aid ruling. If Apple drops its appeal, the Irish government would be crazy not to do the same. Such an outcome would see 14.4bn (when interest and penalties are included) flow into the Irish Exchequer coffers. The case could be heard this year, and if the Apple/Irish Government side lose, they would have to decide whether to take the money or appeal that decision to a different European court. Needless to say, a one-off 14.4bn boost to the Exchequer this year would be extremely welcome - but also a double-edged sword. Trying to create calm among every taxpayer, interest group and political party about how best to spend the money, would be politically fraught. What a great problem for a government to have you might think. Has any previous government got that lucky? But even among families who win millions in the lottery, things can get very messy. Because the windfall would be literally a one-off, it could not be factored into future government spending. In fact, someone like Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe would surely want to see the vast bulk of the money going to pay down some of our 200bn national debt. Mr Donohoe was interviewed on RTE Radio One's 'Today Show' last Friday by Miriam O'Callaghan. He was asked about whether Apple's recent sales performance warning should worry us, given Ireland's dependence on companies like the San Francisco-based giant to deliver for the economy. He said we had to offer certainty in the business environment to companies like Apple, and then made an interesting, if slightly cryptic comment. "There will be things coming up over the course of the year that will test our mettle and will test the mettle of our society overall regarding are we willing to be careful with the money that we are collecting." What better way to test how careful we are than a one-off 14.4bn windfall at a time of a housing crisis, a health crisis, Brexit, but also a 200bn national debt? Perhaps the minister's comments were intended to cover a multitude of tough fiscal decisions that will have to be made and may have had nothing to do with the Apple case at all. He did make the comment three days before heading off to San Francisco, where he met Apple executives yesterday as part of an IDA Ireland trip. There is, however, a plausible and logical sequence of events that could see Ireland get its hands on that money in the not too distant future. The Government took the appeal case because it strongly believed that the EC had drifted into making state aid judgements about issues it was not really empowered to do, namely sovereign tax matters. Who wants to say 'no thanks' to 14bn? For the State, there was a point of principle about defending the notion that our tax policies - and how they were implemented in the past - did not confer favourable treatment to any particular company and were not in breach of any rules. But there was another reason to take the case. Apple wanted to appeal. How could Ireland be seen to abandon Apple? It has 6,000 employees here and is one of the country's biggest corporation taxpayers. The State invited the company here based on a set of tax rules, terms and conditions, which the Irish Revenue Commissioners approved in 1991 and again in 2007. The particular corporation structures used in this case have been effectively shut down under new Irish tax rules. They won't be repeated. The Government's appeal was about defending the past and standing by a major investor in our country. So, what if Apple decided that it would no longer pursue its appeal? Ireland would be off the hook on its appeal. Continuing alone with the State's appeal would place the Government in a ridiculous position where the EC says the money is owed to us, and the firm paying the bill is no longer contesting it. Common sense would surely dictate that Ireland drop its appeal too, paving the way for the money to flow into the Irish Exchequer. Would Apple drop its appeal? The financial incentive underpinning its case has been seriously eroded by US President Donald Trump's corporate tax reforms. Apple has said it will repatriate around $259bn of overseas cash back to the US, in a move that will see it pay a 15pc tax rate or around $38bn to the US. But bear in mind, it can reduce its US tax bill by offsetting it against taxes it has paid on this money in other jurisdictions. If it has already paid 13bn to Ireland, that can be used to reduce its US tax bill. The tech giant has many options about how it handles its tax affairs. But the previous position where it would have to pay 13bn or nothing at all (until such time as the money is brought home) has now changed. It could make a certain financial gain by trying to win the case and avoiding the interest and penalties. Not an insubstantial sum. Any decision to go ahead or not will have to be weighed up against the risk of losing the case and the fact the company will probably end up paying a broadly-similar amount to Ireland or the US government anyway. Apple may still feel it has a strong case, but over a dozen lawyers asked by Reuters two years ago said it was impossible to predict how EU courts would rule in an area that has not been tested before. Then there is the reputational issue of whether Apple wants to continue with a tax appeal against the European Commission which could drag on, at a time when issues around corporate taxes are attracting bad press. For Apple, it may also see a point of principle. It said it hasn't done anything wrong and it operated within the boundaries of the rules approved by a sovereign independent country - Ireland. These are tricky issues to weigh up. But if there is little to be gained financially, and the issues are all historic, is it really worth it? Bear in mind, too, that the billions in question have been gathered up and paid over by Apple into an escrow account late last year. The money has "left the building" so to speak, which could influence Apple's future strategy in the case. Apple CEO Tim Cook may feel that it is still a case worth fighting. Equally, he might have something interesting to say about the appeal case when he delivers the tech giant's first quarter earnings on January 29. Last April the Government said the case would be heard by autumn 2018. It is probably not far away now. It has been suggested that other countries could lay a claim to some of this tax windfall if they showed that a portion of the tax should have been paid in their country. Tax experts believe this would only be possible through existing normal transfer pricing frameworks between the firm and tax authorities in different jurisdictions. But because the profits are so historic, such a claim by another government does not seem practical or feasible. Imagine the public sector pay claims, the calls for tax cuts, the clamour for investment if 14.4bn landed in the Exchequer as a windfall. Holding a line on using it for a rainy day or paying down national debt would certainly 'test our mettle'. The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) is to undertake a review of the State's Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to help determine its future strategy. It comes just months after the SBCI chairman Conor O'Kelly, who is also chief executive of the NTMA, told Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe that the prevailing low-interest environment had diminished the SBCI's financial advantage for banks. The SBCI was established in 2014 to provide SMEs with access to cheap finance via the banks, as Irish firms faced some of the highest borrowing costs in Europe. The NTMA said that following engagement with the Department of Finance, and as the fourth anniversary of the SBCI has passed, "it is considered timely and opportune" to undertake a review of the SBCI. "The purpose of the review is to inform the SBCI's future strategy and product development in a rapidly-changing market and support the SBCI as it continues to assist Irish businesses in accessing SME-friendly finance," said an SBCI spokesman. The NTMA said the review will focus on the SBCI's function "as a policy-delivery mechanism and national promotional finance institution within the context of the Irish State's suite of supports for SMEs and use of promotional finance". The SBCI launched its first products in March 2015 and has delivered more than 1bn of SBCI-supported lending to more than 24,000 SMEs. Primark - which retails under the brand Penneys in Ireland - is set to debut a 'Rick and Morty' clothing line. The retailer has partnered up with Cartoon Network Enterprises to create all featuring exclusive designs inspired by the hit adult animated show by Adult Swim, created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland. The collection of menswear, womenswear, fashion accessories, homeware, drinkware, and bedding, will feature fan-favourite characters from the series such as Pickle Rick, Mr. Meeseeks, and Rick and Morty themselves. The line will launch at Primark stores in the UK, Ireland, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the US on January 13. The collaboration with the Netflix programme will be celebrated with 40 of Primark's stores featuring 'Rick and Morty' themed window displays as well as gifts with purchase and in-store competitions for fans. This isn't the first time the show was inspired a fashion line, and in 2017 the programme teamed up with Absolute Cult to release a clothing range. The omni-channel retail brand released a series of t-shirts and jumpers - suitable for both men and women - also featuring unique designs of the eponymous characters. The critically acclaimed animated series, 'Rick and Morty', which hit screens in 2013, follows a sociopathic genius scientist called Rick, who drags his inherently timid grandson Morty on insanely dangerous adventures across the universe. The show originated from a short parody film of 'Back to the Future' and sees Rick and Morty split their time between domestic life and interdimensional adventures. 'Rick and Morty' is currently in its third season and, although it's not yet known whether a fourth will be commissioned next year, it was recently announced by Adult Swim and Nielson that it is the Number 1 TV comedy among adults 18-24 and 18-34 in the US. CORA Systems has every reason to be worried about Brexit. Located in Carrick-on-Shannon, and counting the UK's National Health Service (NHS) among its impressive list of clients, the project-management solutions provider believes innovation is the best antidote against a bad Brexit. Founder and CEO Philip Martin says the return of a hard border "would be the worst thing that ever happened" from a business point-of-view, but he is holding fast to the belief, perhaps the hope, that it may not happen. "I said at the start that I don't think Brexit will ever happen," he says. "I know people think I'm mad still saying it, but I continue to have a feeling in the background that Brexit will not happen." Cora stands on the front line of Brexit, located around 40 miles from the Border, and Martin advises others contemplating Brexit to innovate to mitigate its worst effects. "The more you innovate the better your product is going to be in that market, and the more likely you are going to sell regardless of tariffs - if that was ever to come in," he says. Martin, who founded the company in 1999, has proven that big business is possible in a small town. Or, as he puts it, "nothing has to be based in Dublin". Today Cora Systems employs around 60 staff in Ireland, with plans to add a further 15-20 people as the business grows. In addition, a smaller number of staff are based in offices in the United States and the UK. Cora Systems boasts the likes of the Health Service Executive, Boston Scientific, Honeywell, and Allergan on its client books. "We work with organisations that are running 40,000-50,000 projects and we have organisations that are running a couple of hundred projects a year," he says. Today the group is seeing more and more interest in its products in the UK and the US as well as in Ireland. As the company grows in strength, Martin says there is a huge amount of maturity around the products it offers. "We have seen a lot of large pharmaceutics and a lot of large government customers are actually buying the product now in much larger volumes to manage their whole enterprise. "That has a knock-on effect for the company because we are adding jobs to grow that, and it is great for the region, because it is not a region that gets too many high-tech jobs," Martin says. Despite the international footprint that Cora has, for Martin - whose background is in telecoms - establishing the company in his native Carrick-on Shannon as opposed to bigger urban areas such as Dublin or Galway, was a no-brainer. "My wife and I are both from Carrick-on-Shannon and we both have a huge sense of place. "All I ever wanted to do is grow it here, and especially in the last three to four years that is really what has been happening." He is enthusiastic when we discuss the potential benefits that a smaller location can offer businesses and employees. "This morning I was dropping my kids off to school; my son is nine and he is in a class size of four or five. My daughter has something similar. The level of attention and care they are given in school is fantastic. For anyone with a family coming back [to a smaller area] that is probably on top of your list," Martin says. "If you take Carrick-on-Shannon itself, property prices are low. I used to own a house in Dublin, I sold that house - half the proceeds of which went to setting up Cora. The house we sold is now actually up for sale again, and it is three times the price we sold it for - that's less than 20 years ago. "Here, you are in a small town that literally has everything you have in Dublin; restaurants, pubs, activity parks, it has everything in the region that you would have in a big city, but yet you are in a town of 4,500 people." As the company expands, Martin says it is becoming easier to attract staff. "We have put a lot of focus on our brand, and people are starting to realise that this is not just a small indigenous business anymore, this is a global company." To date, the business has been funded almost entirely organically, however a number of investment offers have come in recently. "We may look at it, but we are more focused on execution right now than fundraising," Martin says. "If we did take on funding we could probably grow faster, but what we are doing has served us well in the past. "The bottom line is you want to make profit at the end of the day, so you have to make sure and keep your eye on that as well. But to answer the question [the business] has all effectively been organically grown up to now." There are benefits and downsides to being an entrepreneur. Being your own boss is one such advantage, but sleepless nights over the future of the company is not something that can be delegated to a member of staff. When asked by his wife recently if he would go back and work for somebody else ever again, Martin said his answer was "probably not". "People always look at it in terms of it's a huge risk and responsibility, which it is. You are the person lying in bed at night worrying about something, maybe it is cash flow or closing a deal, or maybe it's an employee that you are worried about. "Other people can go home, switch off and go into their hobby horse, whereas for you, no matter what happens, it is very hard to turn your brain off and you have to have an outlet for that.". On the other hand, Martin declares that he loves what he does. "My biggest enjoyment out of the whole job is I meet people all the time. I meet employees, potential employees, customers, competitors, and I enjoy that and I learn," he says. "If you listen carefully enough, you will always learn something. Running a company, you have to constantly have what I would call good emotional intelligence. "You have to listen to people and understand where they are coming from. If you can do that with both clients and employees that will probably make you a better leader as well." As well as providing employment in Carrick-on-Shannon, Martin is also involved in helping other local businesses through his role on the Leitrim Enterprise Board. "What I am trying to do is bring practical jobs to an area that's bereft of jobs. I would be involved in a couple of initiatives what would be trying to bring jobs back to the area," he says. He adds that businesses in the region "are all in this together". "The more companies that set up in an area like this, the easier it is for somebody to make a move down to the North West and set up over here. People will always put up obstacles, say you can't do it because maybe you don't have the broadband or the staff. Everyone has staffing problems, you just have to be innovative, if you are a creative company, if you have a really innovative brand and company, people will come and work for you, and we have put a lot of work into that piece." As the company heads into its 10th year, it appears Martin has managed to find the right solution for Cora. Aryzta chairman Gary McGann has said he honestly doesnt know if he would have taken on the role if he had known just how bad the companys problems were. Mr McGann became chairman of the frozen food group in 2016, and recently oversaw the raising of 800m from shareholders. The controversial plan was narrowly approved by Aryzta shareholders last year. Speaking at day two of the Pendulum Summit in Dublin, Mr McGann said that had he known the extent of difficulty the company was in I'd like to think I'd be Braveheart and go in, but honestly I don't know. On whether it has been the biggest challenge of his career he said it is certainly a big one, but like most challenges, the challenge is greater if you dont have the talent, and there is a very talented team. There is still plenty of work to be done, it has been a multi-year problem and it will be a multi-year turnaround, but at least we have the basis for that now, he told Independent.ie. It is a business with a very strong history and there are some great people and some fantastic assets, the raw material is there and we have put a team together that are very committed and driven, but its a challenge that is no doubt, Mr McGann added. Along with the Aryzta, Mr McGann also sits as chairman of PaddyPower Betfair. With increasing regulation in the industry he said the company is very clued into the changes that are facing the industry. All businesses face challenges, in the world of PaddyPower Betfair the challenge is trying to understand what the regulator is trying to achieve, the context in which the regulation is put in place and to work with it, and certainly PaddyPower Betfair is very clued into that, Mr McGann said. The only way to have a long-term sustainable business is to work within the norms and the standards that are required to be successful, and regulation is part of that, he added. He also acknowledged companys potential for expansion in the United States. Certainly for the industry the US has huge potential, it has a sports-mad population it means it's an enormous business opportunity, but there are a lot of players and a lot of mouths to feed and a lot of complexity. Read More Commenting on his time as chief executive of Aer Lingus in the early 1990s he said that he was not anti-trade unions, however unless people are prepared to sit down and face realities, I have no time for them. In addition, McCann said he always believed the Government is a bad shareholder in a company, because from the point-of-view of the business management you dont know if they will be around in three, four years. He explained that this is too short a time frame for companies, adding that Governments are regularly held captive by trade unions. Turning to the Irish economy, and Mr McGann warned that unless the funding model for third level education is addressed, the levels of third level output will decline. I find it a total paradox that we have among the best businesses in the world here, Irish indigenous international companies like Smurfit, Kerry, Glanbia, CRH, we have world class arts, music, and sport, and we cant house people, we cant put hospital beds in for the ill and the aged, and we havent a funding model for third level education. And thats the most serious of all, the levels of third level education output will drop as a result of a lack of sustainable finance, and if we dont address that were in trouble. We are benefitting from having had great output, but if the places are being taken by foreign students to pay the bills that are not being paid by Irish students well have problems, he added. On the current problems with housing, Mr McGann said it is not being helped by all sorts of barriers being put in the way and we have to solve it and solve it urgently. The one bottleneck that will always stop an economy is unavailability of labour, and if you cant house people or they have to live two hours away and commute, and they have a child minder etc, the economic model breaks down and we have a huge problem and it will get worse, Mr McGann said. He added that the biggest barriers are zoned land for building. Affordable housing can be built, we have demonstrated that. And I dont blame politicians, I think we really have to rethink the model. I believe most of these things can be helped by public-private [partnerships] solutions. There is a lot of talk going on but we need to move. Luxury goods group Gucci saw its turnover in Ireland tumble 35pc to 4m in its last financial year after it closed its outlet store in Kildare Village. Newly-filed accounts for the company's Irish operation confirm the sharp decline and directors of the firm note that the reduction was "mainly due" to the closure of the store in the outlet mall. But Gucci's pre-tax profit in Ireland actually rose to 749,000 in the 12 months to the end of last February, from 726,000 a year earlier, the accounts note, as its cost of sales plunged to 1.7m from 3.7m. "A significant proportion of our sales performance is linked to the level of tourism in Ireland," the accounts added. "Exchange rate fluctuations are therefore influential." Dundrum Shopping Centre co-owner Hammerson owns about 41pc of the Kildare Village outlet mall. Another international retailer based at the Kildare shopping destination, The White Company, said that it generated sales of 661,000 at its store there between mid-November 2017 and the end of last March. It made a gross profit of 365,000. The retailer has since gone on to open a second outlet in Ireland, on Dublin's Grafton Street. Figures published this week showed that retail sales in Ireland rose 0.4pc year-on-year in November in value terms, excluding the motor trade. The figure was weaker than expected by economists. "Even with the fluctuation in consumer sentiment, overall personal spending has been positive in the past couple of years, boosted by the increase in the numbers employed in the country," said Merrion Capital economist Alan McQuaid. Photo: Contributed Adults with autism spectrum disorder are invited to participate in a medical research study. Okanagan Clinical Trials in Kelowna is conducting a study to determine the effectiveness of an investigational medication for the condition. It is estimated one in every 66 Canadian children and youth aged five to 17 has autism spectrum disorder, said Dr. Paul Latimer, psychiatrist and principal investigator for Okanagan Clinical Trials. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction and repetitive patterns of behaviours, interests, or activities, he added. The study is looking for men and women 19 or older diagnosed with ASD. Volunteers must have a study partner available to participate with them. The global clinical study will include 350 subjects worldwide. if you are interested or are looking for more information, call 250-862-8141. A hard Brexit could, indirectly, provide some opportunities for high profit dairy farmers, according to one leading Agri Consultant. Cork consultant Mike Brady told the Grassland Conference this week that at the moment young people coming into dairy farming have to be prepared to move for their chosen career. He said that young dairy farmers who don't own or even come from a farm can have a successful and profitable career in farming, but they must be prepared to move location to do so. "If you're from West Cork you're not going to end up milking 300 cows in West Cork. So you better be prepared to move where there will be opportunities." However, he also said that a hard Brexit may present an opportunity for some farmers, notably high profit dairy farmers. "It's a harsh thing to say but a hard Brexit might be the best thing ever for the dairy industry. That will free up lots of land." He said that a hard Brexit might be tough on the dairy industry, but it would be 'catastrophic' on the beef industry in Ireland. "There is going to be substantially less single farm payment and if there are tariffs going into Britain, it will be catastrophic for the beef industry in this country. "Figures from the National Farm Survey show that if you take out the subsidies, the average beef farmer with 100 acres loses 3,000 a year. If that goes to minus 20,000 a year, will he continue to do it? "I doubt it. So that will free up land for dairy farmers, which is profitably and will be profitable, even if you take a 20pc hit if we have a hard Brexit, they will still survive." "It could be an opportunity for high profit dairy farmers, which it is for high profit farmers in the UK." Land in the West Meanwhile, growing inequality in the farming sector will lead to a return of "landlordism" in the west, Roscommon-Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice has claimed. Deputy Fitzmaurice said land purchases in the West were now dominated by either large-scale dairy operations or forestry interests, with small drystock farmers losing out. "It's either trees or the big dairymen that are mopping up all the ground that's coming for sale," Mr Fitzmaurice said. He said local drystock farmers did not have the borrowing capacity to compete with either of these groups, adding that large dairy operators had the access to credit and the CAP payments to outbid most drystock farmers for any good parcels of land that came on the market. Private forestry interests were also willing to pay more for planting ground, he said. Deputy Fitzmaurice (right) claimed that over 5,000/ac was paid for a section of land near the Galway-Roscommon border recently that is likely to go for trees. "I see this happening around the country. Local farmers with 50-60ac who are trying to buy 20-30ac more just can't get the finance to compete with the dairy farmers or forestry interests," he said. "The small man and woman are being pushed out." He said State-backed low-interest loans should be made available to farmers with under 100ac who are seeking to expand the size of their holding to a commercial level, or who are looking to consolidate a fragmented farm. "Something has to be done to help these farmers, because Ireland is heading for a return to landlordism the way the land market is going," he stated. The European Union and United States have not yet agreed on the scope of their trade negotiations, but the EU will not include agriculture in the talks, its trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom told reporters on Wednesday. Malmstrom said the EU was willing to include all industrial goods, such as autos, in the discussions. We have made very clear agriculture will not be included, Malmstrom said, though the two sides had not yet agreed on that issue. She was speaking after meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and ahead of a meeting with U.S. and Japanese leaders to discuss World Trade Organization (WTO) reform this week. U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded better terms of trade for the United States from China, the EU and Japan, saying poor trade deals cost the United States millions of jobs. Washington has already reworked the North American trade treaty with neighbors Mexico and Canada. USTR notified lawmakers in October of its plans to pursue the trade talks with the European Union. American farmers and farm state lawmakers such as Republican Senator Chuck Grassley from Iowa have said they want agricultural products to be included in any new trade deal. Malmstrom said she had received no assurance that a U.S. auto tariffs report would be put on hold during the discussions, but believed the European Union would not be affected by such tariffs while the talks were ongoing. The EU was in the final stages of preparing its mandates for the talks, she said. It was unclear when the formal talks will be held. Discussions around the reform of WTO rules have focused on transparency and ways to address concerns over Chinese trade practices. We are not forming a coalition against China. We are worried about many of the Chinese practices, she said. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn delivers a speech on Brexit during a visit to OE Electrics in Wakefield. Danny Lawson/PA Wire British Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn has claimed the only way out of the "political chaos" in Westminster is a general election. He made the remarks at an event in Yorkshire during the second day of debate on Theresa May's Brexit deal in the House of Commons. But senior Conservative minister Michael Gove branded Labour's position on Brexit as "b***ocks". Meanwhile, during a visit to Northern Ireland, Tanaiste Simon Coveney rejected suggestions that defeat of Mrs May's deal is inevitable, insisting there is no majority in Westminster for a no-deal scenario. "In fact there is a majority who want to prevent that from happening," he added. Mrs May's Withdrawal Agreement with the EU - including the controversial backstop to avoid a hard border in Ireland - is set to be voted on by MPs on Tuesday. Expand Close Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May pictured during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons. Photo: HO / UK PARLIAMENT / AFP / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May pictured during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons. Photo: HO / UK PARLIAMENT / AFP It faces opposition from Labour, some in the Conservative Party, and the DUP - who Mrs May relies upon to stay in power. Mr Corbyn said his party doesn't have confidence in the government and added: "The political chaos cannot go on. The only way out of it would be a general election". He confirmed his party will call for a vote of no confidence in the UK government if the Brexit deal is voted down in a bid to force an election. He said Labour would campaign on a platform of opening fresh Brexit negotiations with Brussels on a potential deal involving a customs union and single market relationship. He suggested there would need to be extra time for these talks and so seeking an extension on the UK's March 29 departure date from the EU would be a possibility. He said Labour doesn't have enough MPs to win a confidence vote on its own and said MPs across the house should vote with them to "break the deadlock". Debate Speaking in the House of Commons, environment secretary Michael Gove claimed that Labour's Brexit stance is "b***ocks". His remarks came as he opened the second day of debate on Mrs May's Brexit deal. He referred to reports alleging that Labour shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner had made the same remarks about the party's Brexit plans. Mr Gove said: He summed them up, pithily, in a word which in Spanish translates as cajones and in English rhymes with rollocks. He added: "there are some distinguished citizens in this country who have put on their cars a poster or sticker saying bollocks to Brexit - but we now know from Labours own frontbench that their official Brexit position is b***ocks. Liberal Democrat former minister Sir Edward Davey called a point of order, asking whether Speaker John Bercow had made a new ruling on Parliamentary language which I am not aware of? Mr Bercow responded that Mr Gove had not been disorderly and use of the word was a matter of taste. Mr Gove said compromise was inevitable with any Brexit deal and insisted Mrs Mays agreement honours the referendum result and protects the interests of every British citizen. He defended the backstop for Northern Ireland saying: One of the opportunities that the citizens of Northern Ireland have as a result of this deal is to have unimpeded access, not just to the rest of the UK market, which is essential for the maintenance of our union, but also unimpeded access to the rest of the European Union. Additional Reporting: Press Association A SENIOR British minister has warned of security tensions in Northern Ireland and the risk that it could leave the United Kingdom in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Cabinet Office minister David Lidington, who is effectively prime minister Theresa Mays deputy made the warning as the House of Commons debates the Withdrawal Agreement with the EU. He said moderate Nationalists are becoming more hard-line and questioning Northern Irelands constitutional status in the UK. He said maintaining their consent to the Union is hugely important to preserving it. Mrs Mays government is facing an uphill battle to get the deal through Westminster amid opposition to the so-called backstop to avoid a hard border in Ireland. Many Brexit supporting MPs fear that if it was triggered in the absence of an overall trade deal it would trap the UK into EU rules indefinitely. As the debate continued today Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn suggested that the UKs exit date of March 29 could be delayed if his party forces a general election. The House of Commons vote on Mrs Mays deal is set to take place next Tuesday and Labour will call a vote of no confidence in the government if she loses. Mr Corbyn said that if an election occurs it would campaign on a platform of opening new negotiations with Brussels on a deal that would involve a customs union and single market relationship. He said time would be required for these negotiations and an extension to Article 50 the mechanism for leaving the EU - would be a possibility. Mr Lidingtons comments on the risk of Northern Ireland leaving the UK came late last night. He insisted that proposals made by the British government including one that would see the Northern Ireland given an effective veto on new EU rules should the backstop come into force - were new commitments. The DUP, who Mrs Mays government relies on to stay in power have already rejected them. Mr Lidington said he accepts that the documents published yesterday have not been enough to meet all of the DUPs concerns. But he added that they give expression to the British governments wish to make it very clear that we see Northern Irelands place in not only the political union of the United Kingdom but the single economic internal market of the United Kingdom now and into the future. He said the British government is also uncomfortable with the backstop but do not believe it poses the risks to the Union that are expressed by its critics. He later referred to concerns raised by the PSNI chief constable about security tension that could arise from a no-deal exit and also said we should also be aware of the symbolism of any kind of infrastructure on the border. Mr Lidington added: I want us to remain in a situation in which people living in Northern Ireland who identify themselves as Irish but have fairly moderate political views continue to support the Union with the United Kingdom. However he said he has seen opinion polls and had conversations with moderate nationalists. I am hearing from moderate people on the nationalist side who have been content with the Union that they are becoming more anxious, more hard-line and more questioning of Northern Irelands constitutional status. Their consent, to use the key term, to the Union seems to me to be hugely important to preserving the Union, which I passionately want to do. The Good Friday Agreement gives prominence to the 'principle of consent' which affirms the legitimacy of the aspiration to a United Ireland while recognising the current wish of the majority in Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom. Mr Lidington also said: We should not underestimate the importance of the guarantee of no hard border on the island of Ireland and no customs border in the Irish Sea. His remarks echo comments made by Mrs May last month where she warned that a United Ireland would move closer if the backstop was removed from the Brexit deal. She said: "They (in Northern Ireland) do not want a return to a hard Border. And if this House cares about preserving our union, it must listen to those people because our union will only endure with their consent. Uphill battle: UK Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the House of Commons to face Prime Ministers Questions yesterday. Photo: PA Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said it would not be acceptable for the Northern Ireland Assembly to have a veto over the so-called backstop to avoid a hard Border. The British government published proposals which would see Stormont given the power to veto new EU rules if the backstop came into effect post-Brexit. It came as British Prime Minister Theresa May desperately seeks to build support for her Brexit deal ahead of a Westminster vote on the Withdrawal Agreement next week. But amid renewed chaos in the House of Commons, she suffered another setback when MPs backed an amendment that would force Mrs May to outline a 'Plan B' for Brexit within three working days if, as is likely, her deal is voted down next Tuesday. Her government's latest proposals on Northern Ireland were designed to allay concerns over the backstop but they have already been rejected by the DUP, who Mrs May's administration relies on to stay in power. DUP MP Sammy Wilson was quick to dismiss the document published by the British government as "window-dressing" and a "meaningless piece of paper", insisting the backstop "has to go". Meanwhile, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said British attempts to "placate" the DUP can't undermine the backstop. The Northern Ireland Assembly collapsed almost two years ago after a row between Sinn Fein and the DUP. Mr Varadkar, speaking in Ethiopia, said it would not be acceptable for Stormont to have a veto over conditions attached to the backstop. He said the existing Irish protocol provides for an input by the assembly already. He added: "I don't think we could have a situation whereby the Northern Ireland Executive or Assembly had a veto power because that would essentially give one of the two communities a veto power over the other and that would create a difficulty." Mr Varadkar said the people of Northern Ireland want to avoid a hard Border which the current Brexit deal provides for. Tanaiste Simon Coveney said it was a "very serious time in British politics" and the Irish Government was watching very closely. He said it was a matter for the British government to manage the process but added: "All we are asking for is that decisions are made on the basis of fact, not rumour or not emotion." He said decisions taken in Westminster over the next week matter not only for Britain but for Ireland and many other EU countries. Meanwhile, there was more turmoil in Westminster in a dramatic first day of debate on Mrs May's Brexit plan. Amid chaotic scenes in the chamber, MPs backed an amendment requiring the prime minister to come back to the Commons within three working days to set out her 'Plan B' if the deal is rejected. The original intention was she would have three weeks to devise a new plan. While Downing Street sources said Mrs May always intended to "respond quickly" if she fails to secure Commons support for the deal, rejection would be seen as another blow to her authority. The UK government later accepted proposals which would give the Commons the power to reject both an extension to the Brexit transition period and the introduction of a backstop if no trade deal is secured by the end of 2020. The package, tabled by former minister Hugo Swire, also places a legally binding commitment on the government to end the backstop arrangement within 12 months, and to seek assurances from the EU that it will seek to do the same. It is likely to prompt an angry response in Brussels, which has repeatedly rejected efforts to put a time limit on the backstop. The British government would remain under an international obligation to keep the Border open, and it is understood ministers would be expected to seek alternative arrangements, possibly involving the use of new technology, within the 12-month deadline. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May pictured during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons. Photo: HO / UK PARLIAMENT / AFP Uphill battle: UK Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the House of Commons to face Prime Ministers Questions yesterday. Photo: PA A senior UK government minister has urged British MPs to work together to prevent the "disaster" of a no-deal Brexit. UK Business Secretary Greg Clark said that after the government suffered two Commons defeats over its Brexit plans in the space of 24 hours, it was clear that there was no majority for leaving the EU without an agreement. As MPs prepared to embark on the second day of the resumed debate on Theresa May's Brexit deal, Mr Clark said he would support a series of "indicative votes" to establish what sort of agreement could command a majority in the House. "It is my strong view that we need to come together. We need to act to avoid a no-deal because I don't think there is anything remotely like a majority in Parliament that will tolerate this," he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. His call came as Nick Timothy - who was formerly one of Mrs May's closest advisers - said that he did not believe the British Prime Minister would "willingly" allow a no-deal Brexit. Writing in The Daily Telegraph, he said: "No 10 is trying to give the impression that no deal remains possible but, after many years of knowing the Prime Minister, I do not believe that she would willingly take Britain out of the EU without a deal." Expand Close Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May pictured during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons. Photo: HO / UK PARLIAMENT / AFP / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May pictured during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons. Photo: HO / UK PARLIAMENT / AFP Mr Clark's intervention comes amid a widespread expectation at Westminster that the government is heading for a defeat in Tuesday's crunch vote on the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated with Brussels. In the Commons on Wednesday, the Prime Minister refused a call from Jeremy Corbyn to take the prospect of a no-deal break off the table. However, with no apparent majority for any of the mooted alternatives to Mrs May's plan, Mr Clark warned there was a danger the country could "fall into" a no-deal unless MPs came together to agree a way forward. "The default is in law that unless we have a deal, then we will fall into no-deal," he said. Read More "What Parliament needs to do is recognise that we need to put differences aside and establish agreement on a deal. It is something that has to involve the whole of Parliament." He suggested there could be a series of "indicative votes" on the various alternative proposals which had been discussed to see if any could command a majority. Some ministers believe that such an approach could see Mrs May's plan - or something close to it - emerge as the only viable way forward. Mr Clark said: "I have said in public and in discussions that to establish what Parliament wants and what Parliament supports can be a useful step. "You need, it seems to me, to move from Parliament being just a scrutineer, but to be active participants and that means discovering Parliament's mind." Mr Clark is widely seen, along with Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd, as one of the senior ministers most strongly opposed to a no-deal. Asked if he would resign rather than see a no-deal, he said: "I would always work and fight to make sure that the policy of the government is to have a good deal, to avoid what I think would be a disaster which would be no-deal." The scene on the Clonmore Estate in Ardee, Co Louth, where Elzbieta Piotrowska was found dead on Tuesday (Niall Carson/PA) A 32-year-old man has been charged with the murder of his mother in Co Louth. Tomasz Piotrowski, from Cherrybrook in Ardee, appeared before Drogheda District Court on Thursday. His solicitor, Patrick Goodwin, said he had serious concerns about his clients mental health and asked that he receive appropriate attention. Mother-of-two Elzbieta Piotrowska, who was originally from Poland, was found dead at her home on the Clonmore Estate in Ardee on January 8. The accused was arrested a short time later and taken to Drogheda garda station. Sergeant Jim McCumiskey told the court that after Piotrowski was charged with murder at 9.21pm on Wednesday, he replied: No comment. The accused, who wore a grey jumper, navy tracksuit bottoms and trainers, did speak during the short court hearing. He was remanded into custody and is to appear in court again on January 17. Judge John Cheatle said Piotrowski should receive all appropriate medical attention and granted him legal aid. I hate television experts, the infamous analysts who know all and support all about the military, the televisual ex-generals with vain presidential ambitions and the infamous American think tank personnel whose right-wing, pro-Israeli beliefs are carefully shielded from viewers by the US networks who employ them. I always characterise the antiseptic and pseudo-academic institutions to which they belong as the Institute for Preposterous Affairs. The Fisk IPA contains hundreds of robotic folk who will churn out claptrap about key players, stakeholders and moderate allies and, of course, world terror. They turn up on CNN, Fox and Russia Today. And, of course, the BBC. But William Arkin was always a bit different. This ex-US marine intelligence author of ground-breaking work on secret CIA black sites and equally secret US weapons dumps (nuclear and non-nuclear) has a respectful audience at both Harvard and Maxwell US Air Force Base. And when he quits, I take notice. Heres a guy the Reagan administration wanted to send to prison for revealing the location of US and Soviet nuclear weapons, and who in his own words had to fight editors who couldnt believe that there would be a war in Iraq. Hes just resigned his job as a talking head. Goodbye NBC News. Thats what I call a real story. And heres what Arkin told his colleagues about the American military when he left NBC last week. There is not a soul in Washington, he wrote to them, who can say that they have won or stopped any conflict. And though there might be the beloved perfumed princes in the form of the [David] Petraeuses and Wes Clarks, or the so-called warrior monks like James Mattis and HR McMaster, weve had more than a generation of national security leaders who have sadly and fraudulently done little of consequence. And yet we embrace them We do so ignoring the empirical truth of what they have wrought: there is not one country in the Middle East that is safer today than it was 18 years ago. Arkins draw for me, at least is that he doesnt suck on the rubber tube of Wikileaks or social media whistle-blowers. He prefers to dig down through the pages of dull, boring real military information available in serious army and air force journals and official government documents. I came across his work when a reader in Japan sent me pages from Arkins book Code Names: Deciphering US Military Plans, Programs, and Operations in the 9/11 World. I was investigating just how Israel was able to maintain its massive aerial bombardments of Lebanon and Gaza without running out of smart bombs, cluster munitions and air-to-ground missiles. Even Nato ran low on ammunition in the 1999 Serbian War. But not Israel when it was blasting its enemies including lots and lots of civilians in the Middle East. So here is what I found in Arkins work as long ago as 2005. Quietly, he wrote, the US maintains pre-positioned equipment and munitions on Israeli soil for use by US and Israeli forces. The War Reserve Stocks for Allies-Israel (WRS-I) programme includes ammunition owned by the US but intended for Israeli use, overseen by the army and Marine Corps. Locations, according to Arkin, include Ben Gurion IAP (International Airport), Herzliya-Pituach, Nevatim airfield and Ovda AB (air base). So there you have it. The Arkin system of picking up rock-hard intelligence is not impossible, providing you have the patience to sit down and read. I wrote a story for The Independent out of Israel when Israeli lobbyists were fearful the US might be restricting arms supplies to Ariel Sharon as a means of forcing him to sign up to a new Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement. They had nothing to worry about, I reported. Only a month earlier, the Americans had rolled out their first S-70A-55 troop-carrying Black Hawk helicopter to be sold to the Israelis. Israel had purchased 24 of the new machines, costing $211m (166m) (most of which would be paid for by the US) even though it had 24 earlier model Black Hawks. The logbook of the first of the new helicopters was ceremonially handed over to the then director general of the Israeli defence ministry, Amos Yaron. I was immediately abused. I had revealed Israels military secrets, a telephone call from an Israeli supporter in London told me. I had leaked military secrets for Israels enemies to read, an anonymous reader informed me. It was balderdash. I had merely done what I always do in Israel: scrupulously read the local papers and studied economic and military magazines because the Israelis were always boasting of their home-made weaponry and military relationship with the US. The story cost only a few shekels at a newsagents in Tel Aviv. But Arkin goes for facts in a much bigger way. He hoovers them up off every page. And NBC have just lost him. His expertise, he says, seems to be of less value right now. He was out of synch with the network. Journalists were turning the worlds national security into a political story: Rumsfeld versus the Generals, Wolfowitz versus Shinseki, the CIA versus Cheney, bad torturers versus the more refined variety. And all the while, Arkin writes, NBC would be looking over its shoulder at upstarts creeping up on the mainstream. After Donald Trumps election, journalistic investigations got sucked into the tweeting vortex, increasingly lost in a directionless adrenalin rush, the national security and political version of leading the broadcast with every snowstorm ... in many ways NBC just began emulating the national security state itself busy and profitable. Because of Trump, the networks had become anti-Trump and the national security establishment gained dangerous strength. So Arkin claims that he is ever so happy to return to writing and thinking in new books without the officiousness of editorial tyrants or corporate standards. He continues: And of course I yearn to go back to my first love, which is writing boring reports about secret programmes, grateful that the American government so graciously obliges in its constant supply. Arkin doesnt p**s on his colleagues at NBC. He rather wanly praises his former employers, the excellent young television reporters and the great team he worked with, which leads me to believe that hed like to go back some day. Hes not a bitter man, though I suspect hes not likely to be a leftist hero. While acknowledging that Trump is an ignorant and incompetent imposter, Arkin wonders if the television networks arent in favour of more conflict and more war. We shouldnt get out of Syria? We shouldnt go for the bold move of denuclearising the Korean peninsula? do we really yearn for the Cold War. And dont get me started with the FBI: What? We now lionise this historically destructive institution? I get Arkins point, even if hes still in danger of making the presidential lunatic into a statesman-to-be in generations to come. But theres a telling moment in his goodbye letter to NBC which is longer than any generals resignation from the White House, by the way. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events He says that journalists have become exhausted parents of our infant (and infantile) social media children. And because of the cycle [the 24-hour news system], we at NBC suffer from a really bad case of not being able to ever take a breath. I also dont think that we are on a straight line towards digital nirvana I sense that there is already smartphone and social media fatigue creeping across this land, and my guess is that nothing we currently see nothing that is snappy or chatty will solve our horrific challenges of information overload or the role (and nature) of journalism. Well, maybe its true that when Trump goes, well all suffer from a gigantic media hangover. Im not so sure. Where Arkin gets it wrong, it seems to me, is his faith that his own fact-digging will somehow come back into fashion in a world where falling into line with the authorities, the FBI, the comfortable generals and the taboo on talking about Israel and America will be discarded in the face of hard-hitting journalism. As a matter of fact, that particular taboo against talking about the Israeli-American relationship all important when Trump is in love with Benjamin Netanyahu appears to be strictly observed in Arkins own goodbye letter. It doesnt get a mention. Im delighted to hear that this particular expert is now going to write another non-fiction essay on national security and why we never seem to end our now perpetual state of war. Im equally distressed to hear that Arkin is planning a 9/11 conspiracy novel, even though it will supposedly ask how we can understand terrorists in a different way. Its the state of perpetual war and those who accept that this is a necessity which interests me most. War sells weapons and war sells newspapers and war boosts ratings. And war puts mendacious experts on our screens. Its crabby old boys like Arkin who have to stop the rot. By going back to NBC, maybe? People who kill whales say theyd stop immediately if these glorious sea mammals could scream. Nobody would be able to stand it. Even without screams, the reality of 21st-century whaling is horrific. The whales are chased until they are exhausted. They are caught using grenade-armed harpoons which explode inside the whales. Then their bodies, many of which will still be alive, are dragged to the ship. If they survived the harpoon, they will be killed using further harpooning or high-powered rifles. Or they may be hacked apart. Some whales take more than an hour to be declared dead. But these magnificent creatures naturally lower their breathing and heart rate, so even if they appear dead they could still be alive and in absolute agony. Eventually, their bodies give up the fight. Japan announced last month that it is going to resume commercial whaling, withdrawing from the International Whaling Commissions ban, which was imposed in 1986, after some species were driven to the brink of extinction. Japan opposes anti-whaling Unbowed by Tokyos barbaric move, Theresa May is welcoming Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe at Downing Street today to discuss trade. The two nations are to proudly announce a multi-million pound collaboration on medical research, robotics and the use of data. Whether May puts pressure on Abe over whaling remains to be seen. After all, our prime minister has said that she has always supported fox hunting. The horrors of whaling are worsened when you consider the extraordinary intelligence of these mammals. Studies have found they have self consciousness and can recognise themselves in mirrors, solve problems and use tools. They exhibit joy and grief. Fin whales, Humpback whales and Sperm whales have spindle neurons, a type of brain cell that only exists in other species of high intelligence: humans, great apes, bottlenose dolphins and elephants. Like us, whales live in complex societies. They even talk in regional dialects. They show love and valour: a perfect example being when a 30-strong pod of whales remained with an injured member in shallows for three days, exposing themselves to sunburn and the risk of stranding, until it passed away. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Mankinds relationship with fish and sea mammals is a bizarre one. For instance, we talk of sharks and jellyfish invading waters near tourist beaches, as if the oceans belong not to them but to us. Obviously, waters belong to those who live in them but the human race invades those waters in search of food and profit. Trillions of fish are killed each year for their meat, suffering horrific deaths. Sadly, whales seem to be the latest victims of the march of populism. Abe is under pressure at home over his plans to let more foreigners into the Japan and his failure to defeat Vladimir Putin in the battle over the northern islands controlled by Russia. For the more nationalistic members of his party, whaling is a nationalist emblem. So Abes sudden defence of Japanese whalers is highly expedient. As so often, human greed is trumping our natural compassion. When no one can hear the whales scream, its easy to do nothing. How many will stand against this barbaric whaling? The Westminster chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution marked the graves of three Revolutionary War patriots in the Emmanuel (Baust) Union Cemetery, just west of Westminster, on Nov. 10. The SAR is dedicated to preserving the memory of ancestors who fought to establish the United States of America. These patriots were John Fleugal, Michael Wagner Jr., and George Warner. All three lived in the Westminster area during the American Revolution. Fluegal served as a fife major in the company of Captain Welsh. Wagner served as a juror for the Oath of Allegiance in Frederick County in 1778. Warner was part of the Frederick Detachment, Fifth Maryland Line, in Captain Sheaff's company. Each of these men has numerous descendants, many still living in Carroll County today, some who attended the grave marking service. The Rev. Jeffry Dull, of Emmanuel Baust United Church of Christ, served as chaplain for the service, and the Maryland SAR Color Guard provided a musket salute for the three patriots. Its best to think of Jeremy Corbyn as the fat cat head of some failing aid charity thats being kept in business solely by Brexit. But for the earthquake of 23 June 2016, it would have folded long ago. Now he is twiddling his thumbs, waiting for the inevitable tsunami that follows it the humanitarian disaster that he and he alone can sweep in to sort out from behind the wheel of his Land Rover. Before we get on to his big Brexit speech, in a factory in Wakefield on Thursday morning, it is worth returning to the very first words he had to say on the subject. In April 2016, he launched Labours Remain campaign from the University of Londons Senate House, a building that is the subject of a well known piece of trivia. Of course, this is where George Orwell based his novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. This building was the Ministry of Truth, he told his audience, before pausing briefly and inclining his head for comic effect. Let us see. It is no disservice to the man, nor to misrepresent him, to say what he clearly meant by that remark. It was, arguably, an admirably honest way to acknowledge he had been one of the countrys leading Eurosceptics for 30 years. There were countless Eurosceptic things he had said and done that were a matter of public record. But now he was leader of the Labour Party, an explicitly pro-European organisation, and so he would have to lead his partys campaign to remain in the EU. It would, he was acknowledging, be a tricky couple of months for him personally, but the country would surely vote Remain, and the whole thing could be quickly forgotten. Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive. Now, two and half years later, as we reach Brexits panic hours, Jeremy Corbyn is positively cocooned in his own sticky little web of lies. On Thursday morning, we learned that it doesnt matter if you voted Leave or Remain, your problems are all the same. If youre living in Tottenham you may well have voted to Remain, he said. Youve got high bills, rising debts. Youre in insecure work. You struggle to make your wages stretch and you may be on universal credit, and forced to access food banks. Youre up against it. And guess what? If youre living in Mansfield, you are more likely to have voted to Leave. Youve got high bills, rising debts, youre in insecure work, you struggle to make your wages stretch and you may be on universal credit and forced to access food banks. Youre up against it. Now, he explained, is the time to just forget about Brexit and move on. Concentrate on what matters. There are bigger problems out there. Austerity. Poverty. Food banks. And who better to do just that than a guy who, when asked on Channel 4s The Last Leg how much he cared about remaining in the European Union, in the middle of his most high profile media appearance of the whole campaign, replied, Oooh, seven out of 10? He had Laura Pidcock there to introduce him, the young, Corbynista MP for North West Durham, who was only too glad to tell the audience that Brexit was no big deal. While many in the Westminster bubble seem only able to focus on Brexit and the Leave/Remain divide, we know that up and down the country, in the real world there are crucial issues that we must address, she said. Issues like child poverty becoming entrenched in the UK. Families living on food banks becoming the norm. It is boring to have to say that the Westminster bubble is obsessed with Brexit because all these questions follow after it. Brexit stands ready to deliver a major shock to the economy, that will make all these social problems so much more deeply ingrained, and so much harder to solve. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Corbyn spelled out in great detail how the Tory party is not fit to govern, how the failure of Theresa Mays Brexit deal should spell the end of that party as a party of government. And then, in his next breath, pleaded with Remainer Tories to help them bring down their own government. Lets see how that pans out. This entry level dissemblance was barely the start of it, however. Later on, Corbyn would have the sheer bravura to tell his audience how, I meet people who are frightened at the prospect of no deal. One wonders how these people, frightened of a no-deal scenario, react to the sight of Jeremy Corbyn, who is currently doing all he can to prevent a deal being done, weaponising the risk of it to propel him to Downing Street. He outlined, yet again, how he would do things differently. How he would negotiate urgently with the European Union, to achieve a Brexit deal that would give the UK a say in future EU trade deals. And how he would achieve a strong single market relationship. These promises oscillate between meaninglessness and downright impossibility, and the longer he clings on to them, like a drunk passenger in the Titanic control room, preventing the captain from steering away from the iceberg, the more certain the chance of disaster becomes. No one even knows what the next chapter of the Brexit story will be, never mind its ending. But we can look back to the beginning, and the narrative arc of the Corbyn character, which began with an honest lie it can no longer sustain. Something, at some point, has to collapse. For all the farcical invoking of Blitz spirit, Brexit isnt merely an absurdist experiment in English nationalist nostalgia it is the most audacious example yet of a futuristic Russian nationalism that seeks to divide and rule Europe. If we can be judged by our friends then Brexit has no stauncher ally than Vladimir Putin. After all, Donald Trump has proved unreliable. But Putin? It is hard to think of anyone who has done more for the cause (and that is not to take anything away from the years of Brexit monologues by Tory MP Bill Cash). Russian bot farms have been exposed as having supported the Leave campaign. This comes on top of allegations of iffy Russian money funding Brexit campaigns, and Arron Banks almost comical inability to explain his donations to Leave. Comical, that is, if his scarcely thought through Brexit wasnt driving Britain to what Hilary Clinton has called the single biggest act of deliberate self-harm a nation has ever committed. As if Russian interference in the original referendum was not shocking enough, it is still going on. The Channel 4 drama Brexit: The Uncivil War might have relegated Russian involvement to the briefest postscript, but in reality Putin is still in the trenches fighting for a hard Brexit. At a recent press conference Putin attacked the idea of a referendum on the deal, claiming the original result should be respected. Oh, the irony! Putin, the arch kleptocrat, giving advice on democracy. Dont steal Brexit, he seemed to demand, while probably stealing (sorry, being gifted) another superyacht. It should have been sufficiently chilling to make even Boris Johnson pause for thought. And all while using the Brexiteer message script of delivering the will of the people. As any student of Russian history could tell you, the people are often invoked by the Kremlin, including when justifying the mass murder of innocent people. But rarely does the Kremlin actually ask the people for anything so radical as an opinion. For Putin, the people are to be manipulated and even killed for his own ends. And Putins ends are clear. He wants a weak and divided EU. Ultimately, he seeks to break it up, with the Eastern bloc brought into the European fold by Margaret Thatchers single market dragged back into the lair of the Russian bear. In any other context, the howls of protest about Russian interference would be deafening. But where is the patriotic outrage of Brexiteers? Instead they make ever more preposterous Nazi slurs against the EU, as if Jean-Claude Juncker were an aspiring Adolf Hitler all the while ignoring the totalitarian autocrat looking to take back control of huge swathes of Europe. And what of Theresa May? She is refusing a second referendum. We are told repeatedly, as if this somehow makes it true that she possesses a great sense of duty. So when will she admit that it cannot be in the national interest to leave the EU either with her deal or no deal, both of which would leave Britain out of the single market, friendless and weaker than it has ever been? Can a statesperson doing their duty really sacrifice economic and geopolitical strength for a unicorn derby of competing lies, jockeyed by male Brexiteers of such tiny stature? Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Michael Gove likens MPs waiting for an alternative deal to 50-something men dreaming of an affair with Scarlett Johansson (a homely analogy to some of his colleagues, perhaps). But there is already a far more attractive alternative on offer: a peoples vote. It is why I asked May at prime ministers questions whether she is on the side of the people or Putin. The Independent, like the Liberal Democrats, have campaigned for a vote for a long time now. And we are winning the argument. But we need May to face reality. The finer details of democracy might not detain Putin, but poll after poll show voters want a say on this fatally flawed final deal. May has probably ended up here unwittingly, due to her famous inflexibility. But she now finds herself on the side of Putin, not the people. For the irony is as marked with May now as it is with her unlikely Russian ally: invoking the will of the people to deny the will of the people. It is both joke and tragedy, one that would have driven Kafka and Kundera to tears but when Putin is scheming with his old comrades in the KGB, you can be sure it drives him to howls of evil laughter. Layla Moran is a Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon More than 11,000 children living in camps in northern Syria have been affected by torrential rains that have caused floods and washed away tents. Severe winter weather has caused misery in Idlib province, which is home to around 1.5 million Syrians who have been displaced from other parts of the country. Save the Children said on Thursday that reports of illnesses among children there are increasing, but many are unable to get to medics because of the flooding. The conditions in the camps and settlements where displaced children are living are miserable, with families suffering through freezing temperatures with only the most basic protection from the elements, said Save the Childrens Syria response director, Sonia Khush. We urgently need to scale up life-saving support for children and families facing a harsh winter in Idlib and elsewhere in Syria, she added. Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Khaled Alawi stands with his daughters in front of his home in an informal settlement for Syrian refugees in Akkar, northern Lebanon Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A Syrian refugee child looks from his makeshift shelter at Qab Elias Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa valley EPA Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Children play in front of a shelter in Akkar Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Syrian refugees Jose Ahmad al-Jessi, a mother of eight in her 50s, and her daughter Raghad, stand in the doorway of a shop warehouse, where they fled to when their tent flooded on Tuesday Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Khaled Alawi surveys the damage to his shelter in Akkar Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Syrian refugees sit inside their makeshift shelter in the Bekaa valley EPA Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A young boy stands in front of his shelter in Akkar Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A Syrian refugee child plays with snow outside their makeshift shelter in the Bekaa valley EPA Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A Syrian refugee shovels mud in front of a makeshift shelter follwoing rain storms in the Bekaa valley AFP/Getty Images Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A shelter in Akkar Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Syrian refugee children play with snow outside their makeshift shelter in the Bekaa valley EPA Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A Syrian refugee family pumps water after heavy rain in the Bekaa Valley AP Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Syrian refugee children play outside their family tents after a heavy rain at a refugee camp in the town of Bar Elias, in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley AP Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A flooded road leads to an informal settlement for Syrian refugees in Akkar Richard Hall/The Independent The unusually bad weather comes at a time when violence in the beleaguered province is rising, as rival rebel groups battle for control. The fighting has made it difficult for aid groups to respond to the crisis. Idlib is home to one of the densest concentrations of displaced people in the world, and another major offensive there could send another 700,000 fleeing for a second time. Storms have also caused havoc for Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Tens of thousands have been hit by strong winds, rain and heavy snowfall, and hundreds had to be evacuated after their shelters were flooded. It has been popular across the Middle East for hundreds if not thousands of years, so when a newspaper labelled the shawarma an iconic Israeli street food, it was met with widespread mockery and derision. Noting the pleasing mini-trend had returned to Tel Aviv, Haaretz reported that new eateries were "making successful attempts" to bring back the meat filled wrap to the city. It headlined the article: Shawarma, the Iconic Israeli Street Food, Is Slowly Making a Comeback in Tel Aviv The newspaper's decision to claim the street food as Israeli was widely mocked on social media. Some sarcastically suggested other foods could be claimed by different nations. Pizza, the classic street food of the USA can now be found in Naples, one wrote. Another joked: Hamburger, an iconic Swedish street food can now be found even in America. Others took it further, with one writing: Pizza, the iconic Senegalese street food, is slowly making a come back in Dakar. Another tweeted: Shawarma? Israeli. Falafel? Israeli. Gyros? Israeli. Pizza? Israel, all the way, baby. However, others were less amused by the headline, going as far to label it and gastronomic theft. One said: Shawarma is just about as Israeli as spaghetti is Chinese. Stop trying to steal our culture. Its enough youve already stolen most of our land. Another said the headline blatantly erases the historic and cultural ties of this iconic street food and implies that Israel invented the shawarma and therefore has sole ownership over it. Traditionally made of lamb or mutton shawarma's are one of the world's most popular street foods. The furore was reminiscent of the debate over who invented hummus, with the Levantine dish being claimed by the Turks, Lebanese and Syrians. More recently, Jamie Oliver was accused of cultural appropriation after launching a jerk rice brand. Levi Roots calls Jamie Olivers jerk rice dish a mistake on Good Morning Britain Labour MP Dawn Butler said the celebrity chefs branding was not OK while others on social media noted the punchy jerk rice microwavable meal did not contain the traditional ingredients found in jerk seasoning. Gordon Ramsey was also similarly accused over his upcoming show for National Geographic. Uncharted will see him compete against chefs around the world, pitting his own interpretations of regional dishes against the tried-and-true classics. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sought to lay out a vision for Americas relationship with the Middle East at a time of widespread confusion over Washingtons policy on several key matters, and what analysts called huge gap between Americas ambitions and its willingness to act. Mr Pompeo spoke Thursday on the campus of the American University in Cairo, the same city where President Barack Obama delivered a landmark Middle East speech a decade ago. The longtime Republican Party foreign policy hawk sought to distance the administration of President Donald Trump from what he called the mistakes of his predecessor, vowed to fight Islamic extremism, confront Iran, and stay true to Washingtons longtime allies Israel, and the autocracies in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. In just 24 months, the United States under President Trump has reasserted its traditional role as a force for good in this region, because weve learned from our mistakes, he told the audience. We have rediscovered our voice. We have rebuilt our relationships. We have rejected false overtures from enemies. But Mr Pompeo cited dubious successes under Mr Trump. Isis has largely been defeated, but by pursuing a strategy begun under Mr Obama. The White House strengthened partnerships with old Middle East allies, but emboldened autocrats and alienated much of the population. It has contributed humanitarian aid to Yemen, but also helped exacerbate the crisis there by giving the Saudi-led coalition free reign. It bombed Syrian government positions after its use of chemical weapons, but launched limited airstrikes that barely changed the calculations of the regime of Bashar al-Assad. And while the White House has scuttled the Iran nuclear deal forged by Mr Obama and other world leaders in 2015, Tehran has yet to give in on any of Mr Trumps demands to roll back its support for militant groups and scale back its missile programme. Irans president Hassan Rouhani on Thursday announced the impending launch of two new satellites using multi-stage rockets that could also be used to refine military aims. Nations are rallying to our side to confront Iran in the region like never before, Mr Pompeo said. The speech comes weeks after Mr Trump upended the calculations of regional players in the Middle East by abruptly announcing a withdrawal of American troops from Syria, which he called a land of sand and death, and launched a drawdown of US forces in Afghanistan. It also corresponds with what scholars have described as a disconnect between the administrations rhetoric and willingness to commit resources in the region at a time of a long-term strategic shift by Washington away from the Middle East under several US presidents. Two years into Mr Trumps administration, more than 40 of 188 ambassadorial posts remain unfilled, many of them in the Middle East. The United States was on a trajectory to do less in the Middle East, and that was true before 9/11, said Tamara Cofman Wittes, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute and a former State Department official specialising in Middle East affairs. Some of it is driven by the fact by that the Middle East is less important than it used to be, partly because of energy markets, and new opportunities in East Asia and the America, she told The Independent. The opportunity costs of being deeply invested in the Middle East are rising, and thats just an objective fact. Mr Pompeo warned that despite the pullout from Syria, the Trump administration would be willing to use force against the the Syrian regime if it again resorted to chemical weapons in its war against rebels. But he spent much of the speech taking swipes a two of Mr Trumps favourite punching bags: Iran and Mr Obama. He accused Tehran of being behind much of the ills in the Middle East, but did not mention any new policies or initiatives. Obama's best speeches: addressing the Muslim World, June 2009 Without naming him, Mr Pompeo blamed Mr Obama for betraying Americas longtime allies and ignoring the threat of radical Islamists while making a nuclear deal with Iran, describing the moves as retreats caused by self-doubt about Americas inherent positive role. When America retreats chaos follows, Mr Pompeo said. When we ignore our friends the resentment builds. When we partner with our enemies, they advance. Rob Malley, a former Obama administration official and now head of the International Crisis Group, described Mr Pompeos speech as delusional, and self-congratulatory. "Listening to Secretary Pompeo's speech is like listening to someone from a parallel universe in which the war in Iraq or Abu Ghraib, US indifference to its allies' human rights violations, or Washingtons own complicity in the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen never occurred, he said. More explicitly than previous US administrations, Trump has sought to cozy up to the Arab worlds autocrats while ignoring both public demands for accountability and the regions track record on democratic advancement. Though Mr Pompeo made a gesture towards US humanitarian aid in the region in his 25-minute speech, he said not a word about human rights, including the dungeons into which the Egypts President Abdel Fattah Sisi has thrown his opponents since he took power in a coup more than five years ago. President Obama, in Cairo a decade ago, fielded questions from students and hobnobbed with civil society officials during his visit. Mr Pompeo instead was scheduled to meet with the Abbas Kamel, director of Egypts notorious mukhabarat, the domestic spy service accused of abducting, torturing and murdering dissidents and even foreign nationals such Italian researcher Giulio Regeni and several US nationals held in Egyptian prisons. Instead of focusing on Mr Sisis track record, Mr Pompeo praised his treatment of Egypts religious minorities after the opening a new church in a new desert satellite city outside Cairo in a location that critics say is too expensive and unsustainable. Meanwhile the government has been accused of looking the other way as Egypts Coptic Christians and members of other small faiths are brutalised or blithely discriminated against on a daily basis. All Sisi has to do is open a new church in a city where no one lives, said Ms Wittes. Hungarys prime minister has welcomed the creation of an anti-immigration axis in Europe that could see like-minded far-right EU leaders join forces to run the union. Viktor Orban said he wanted to see an anti-immigration majority in the EU institutions and that he would team up with countries like Italy and Poland to change the blocs direction. The far-right leader said there could be no compromise on the migration issue and that he would have to fight leaders such as Emmanuel Macron to respect Hungarians' decision not to become an immigrant nation. I wish for Europe to have a political force that is to the right of the European People's Party [the transnational centre-right party that dominates the European Commission], a Rome-Warsaw axis that is capable of governing, capable of taking responsibility and opposed to immigration, he said in a speech on Thursday. Mr Orban also said he believed there would be two civilisations in the EU: one mixed Muslim-Christian in the west and one traditional, in central Europe. Recommended Spain rescues 400 migrants in Mediterranean in first two days of 2019 Matteo Salvini, the far-right interior minister in the Italian government, earlier today called for a Rome-Warsaw axis to build a new Europe that was against migration. Id like to create a pact, an alliance for everyone who wants to save Europe, the more of us, the better, Mr Salvini had said. Polands right-wing populist prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki said earlier this week that with Mr Salvini we are on the same page with regards to many European matters. He cited alleged discrimination against Poland by Brussels. Austrias right-wing chancellor Sebastian Kurz last year called for an anti-immigration axis using the same language. Speaking alongside the right-wing Bavarian CSU party he cited Italy and Germany as possible allies. Mr Orbans speech comes as he comes under popular pressure in Hungary, where he is facing sustained public protest against a so-called slave law that loosens overtime protections. Italy's interior minister Matteo Salvini, who is also deputy prime minister and right-wing League party leader (Reuters/Ammar Awad) (Reuters) His party Fidesz still remains the most popular in opinion polls, though it appears to have lost some support. The far right is expected to make significant gains across the continent in this years European parliament elections, consolidating those it made at a national level since the last round in 2014. The European parliament elections in part decide the president of the European Commission, with the council and parliament making the choice in tandem. Polls suggest that a far-right group could credibly become the second largest grouping in the transnational parliament though divisions between different parties in different countries could prevent them from coalescing around a single banner. Anti-immigration parties and governments have already had some successes in the EU putting the issue they do best on high on the agenda. In the summer the European Council changed its policies on rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean under pressure from Italy condemning NGO-run rescue boats for picking up drowning people. Asked about the proposals for an alliance, a European Commission spokesperson said: "People in Europe, all over Europe, talk to each other, and they are free of course to do so. This does not question at all our commitment and the European Commissions commitment to guarantee the values that are enshrined in our treaties, and there are many of them - ranging from the rule of law, equality, democracy - all these things that member states are committed to, that they have signed up to voluntarily by being a member of the European Union. So the European Commission will always continue to uphold these values in everything that we do. 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 "People are talking to each other, people have different views, and are free to do so, but I think it is in the end the electorate that decides which governments are in place and what policy they should pursue. "We have the upcoming European elections in which people will be able to express the views on who should be representing them at the European level, and what course the European Union should take. I think the European Commission is very clear in all the values that we stand for and that we continuously defend, because this is what the European Union is based on and what we will continue to do." If the UK leaves the EU as it is set to do on 29 March 2019 it will not be able to participate in the European parliament elections. The previous round of European elections in the UK were won by Ukip in 2014. A group of female protesters have held a topless demonstration in Australia in support of a runaway Saudi womans fight to settle in the country as a refugee. Dressed only in jeans and calling themselves the Secret Sisterhood, they demonstrated outside the Saudi Consulate in Sydney, calling on Australia to grant Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun residency. Ms al-Qunun was deemed a refugee by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) earlier this week, after she was detained in Bangkok en route to Australia. The 18-year-old publicised her case on social media after barricading herself in a Bangkok hotel room. She said she feared for her safety if sent back to her family in Saudi Arabia. With "Secret Sisterhood" written on their backs, the female protesters held placards with slogans including "Let her in", "Rahaf Sisterhood Hero" and "All women free + safe". Secret Sisterhood founder Jacquie Love said the demonstration was held to urge the Australian government to recognise Ms al-Qununs plight and that of oppressed women everywhere. Shes been recognised by the UN as a refugee so we believe the Australian government needs to step up, recognise her plight and recognise what shes gone through," Ms Loves said. "She could be an icon for the rest of the world that women shouldnt be oppressed and they should be fleeing countries that they are oppressed in. We decided to go topless because we believe all women should be able to express themselves freely and safely and we wanted to send a message to Rahaf that we can actually do that in Australia, that women can actually be free and safe." Secret Sisterhood has also set up an online fundraising campaign, which had raised over 2,000 for Ms al-Qunun at the time of publication. Saudi woman Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun,18, is fighting to stay in Australia as a refugee after fleeing Saudi Arabia. (Reuters) After mounting a campaign for assistance on Twitter from her Bangkok airport hotel, Ms al-Qunun was allowed to temporarily stay in Thailand under the care of the UN refugee agency, which ruled her claim for asylum valid and referred her case to Australia. Following that decision, Australias Home Affairs Department said it would consider this referral in the usual way, as it does with all UNHCR referrals. Ms al-Qununs father arrived in Bangkok on Tuesday, but the teenager refused to meet with him. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Thailands Immigration Police chief Lieutenant General Surachate Hakparn said the father denied physically abusing Ms al-Qunun or trying to force her into an arranged marriage, which were among the reasons she gave for her flight. Several female Saudis fleeing abuse by their families have been caught trying to seek asylum abroad in recent years and returned home. Associated Press contributed to this report North Korea says the Chinese president Xi Jinping has accepted an invitation to make a landmark visit to Pyongyang, as both China and South Korea called on the US to offer more concessions in denuclearisation talks. Kim Jong-un was expected to arrive back in North Korea on Thursday after a two-day visit to Beijing that, according to South Koreas president Moon Jae-in, means a second summit between Mr Kim and the USs Donald Trump is imminent. In his annual new years address, Mr Moon said the US understands that there needs to be corresponding action to expedite the norths denuclearisation. Chinas Mr Xi, who hosted his North Korean counterpart this week, said he hoped Washington and Pyongyang would meet each other halfway, according to Chinese state media. The statements could suggest a softening of the stance of the two countries which have until now stood by the US in pressuring North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons, and a blow to Mr Trumps view that Pyongyang must take concrete steps in that direction before it begins to receive any kind of sanctions relief. In what would be a further sign of warming relations between the two, Mr Kim was said to have offered in person to reciprocate the visit by hosting Mr Xi in Pyongyang. Without providing further details, North Koreas state news agency said: Xi accepted the offer [to visit Pyongyang]. Mr Xis trip to North Korea would be the first by a Chinese president since his predecessor Hu Jintao went in 2005. While China is North Koreas only major ally and is suspected of continuing to supply some goods in breach of international sanctions, Beijing eager to avert conflict on its doorstep has also been instrumental in pressuring the Kim regime over its nuclear weapons development. During the talks in Beijing this week, Mr Kim acknowledged Chinas important role in bringing the US, North Korea and South Korea to the negotiating table, and secured Mr Xis blessings for a second summit with Mr Trump. [China also] supports the DPRK and the United States holding summits and achieving results, and supports relevant parties resolving their respective legitimate concerns through dialogue, Mr Xi was quoted as saying by the Chinese state news agency Xinhua. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Peace talks have stalled since Mr Kim and Mr Trump met for a historic first summit in Singapore in June. While North Korea hasnt conducted any test launches or detonations in more than a year, it has also displayed no real intention of abandoning the programmes that are seen as guaranteeing the leaderships survival. In his own new years address, Mr Kim expressed frustration with the lack of progress in talks, and suggested that if things dont improve meaning if sanctions relief and security guarantees arent in the offing North Korea might have to find a new way forward. But in his meetings with Mr Xi, Mr Kim said he still believed a second summit with Mr Trump could achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community. A hunter shot dead his teenage son after mistaking him for a moose, authorities in Russia have said. The federal investigation department said the tragic incident occurred last week during a hunt in the Nefteyugansk region of western Siberia, 2,000 miles east of Moscow. In conditions of insufficient visibility, the hunter fired a gun into a moving object, mistakenly believing that it was a moose, investigators said in a round-up of cases opened over the festive holidays. Coming closer, the hunter saw that he [had] mortally wounded his 18-year-old son. The young man died on the spot from the injury, it continued. The father was charged with causing death by negligence, which carries a prison sentence of up to two years. 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 Neither the victim nor the suspect have been identified. It comes months after an elk leaped into a research helicopter in Utah, US, killing itself and injuring two people on board. When Amba Boharas period came this week, she followed a familiar routine in western Nepal. Considered impure in her village because she was menstruating, Bohara barricaded herself in a tiny hut, built a fire and braced for an icy winter night with her two young children. By Wednesday morning, all three were dead. It seems they died from suffocation, said UddhabSingh Bhat, the deputy superintendent of police in the area. The hut was so small. It was very difficult to breathe. Bohara and her children were the latest victims of a centuries-old tradition of banishing menstruating women and girls from their family homes. Though Nepal criminalised the practice last year, many villages in the country continue to follow the taboo, known as chhaupadi in Nepali. During their periods, women living in places where chhaupadi is followed are unable to visit temples, use other villagers kitchen utensils or wash in communal water sources. Some religious Hindus consider it bad luck to touch menstruating women and girls. Recommended Woman dies in Nepal after being forced into exile because of period Instead, they leave their homes and sequester themselves in closet-size huts made of mud or rock, sometimes sleeping next to goats. Each year, at least one or two women die in the huts typically from exposure, animal bites or smoke inhalation after building fires to stay warm during the Himalayan winters. Reports of sexual assault from men who prey on women while they stay alone are also common. Many women who follow chhaupadi say they do so out of social pressure or guilt. A Nepali government survey from 2010, which was cited in a State Department human rights report, found 19 per cent of women ages 15-49 in the country followed chhaupadi. In Nepals mid-western and far western regions, the proportion climbed to 50 per cent. Nepals Supreme Court banned the practice in 2005, and last August the government went a step further by criminalising it. Anyone who forces menstruating women into the huts now faces up to three months in jail. But womens rights activists say the law has had little effect, particularly in western Nepal, one of the poorest pockets of Asia, where it is still politically unpopular for local representatives to oppose the taboo. So far, no one has been charged for following chhaupadi. The situation is miserable, said Mohna Ansari, a member of the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal. It seems nothing is changing. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty In a telephone interview, Khadak Bahadur Bohara sobbed as he related what happened this week to Amba Bohara, his 35-year-old sister-in-law. On Tuesday evening, the second day of her period, she fed her familys cattle in the village of Budhinanda and collected wood to build a fire in the hut. With her husband working as a manual labourer in India, Bohara also scooped up her two children, Suresh, 9, and Ramit, 7, and shut them inside the hut with her. Amba Bohara placed a large stone in front of the door to block others from entering. The next morning, when her mother-in-law brought cups of tea to the hut, she saw smoke seeping out from cracks in the walls. Relatives struggled to break the door. Once inside, they found a gruesome scene: Boharas legs were charred. Foam bubbled out from the childrens mouths. This has broken my heart, Khadak Bohara said of the three deaths. In interviews, senior police officials said they were investigating and would decide whether any charges would be applied after autopsies were performed and the womans husband was contacted. Rewati Raman Bhandari, a former lawmaker who drafted the measure that criminalised chhaupadi, said the push to eradicate the practice from villagers, the police and local politicians was still far too muted. Tradition is stronger than the law, he said. The New York Times Trump is not in control of Washington. He's not even in control of his own administration, where officials simply ignore his diktats until his feeble attention shrivels. Trump is not in charge even of the West Wing of his White House, where his own aides regularly leak embarrassing details of his ignorance and buffoonery and his recently departed chief of staff defined his personal achievements in terms of repeatedly foiling the boss's half-baked (and not quite half-legal) schemes. And, of course, the reason Trump still doesn't have a wall is that his fellow Republicans refused for two years to fund one. At least 20 people have been found dead near the US-Mexico border in Texas, with Mexican officials blaming a dispute between rival gangs. Out of the bodies found, 17 of them have extensive burns an unnamed security official told Reuters. Another unnamed official quoted by the Associated Press said 21 bodies were found near a number of fire-damaged vehicles. Mexicos President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the killings appear to have been part of a dispute between gangs. The bodies were found in Miguel Aleman in Tamaulipas, a state known for major drug shipments passing through. The area around Miguel Aleman had been long-dominated by the Zetas drug cartel, who had been locked in a battle with the Gulf cartel for control of the various local criminal enterprises. Hundreds of bodies have been found in recent years, many of which have been dumped in mass unmarked graves. The Zetas cartel has since splintered, and the deaths in Miguel Aleman appear to have resulted from a dispute between the Gulf cartel and one of the Zetas factions, the Northeast cartel. Recommended Trump Jr likens border wall to zoo fence shielding people from animals Despite the Mexico governments successes in killing and capturing major drug cartel leaders since it launched a US-sponsored war against drug cartels in 2006, violence persists. The Congressional Research Service estimates that about 150,000 people have been killed in gang-related violence since 2006. The highest homicide rate was recorded in 2017 with almost 29,000 people murdered in Mexico. However, it is expected that the 2018 statistics will see that record broken. In the first half of last year, Mexico saw a 16 per cent jump in homicide rates from the same period in 2017. Border security has become a major concern for the White House since Donald Trump was inaugurated in 2016. Mr Trump has repeatedly disparaged migrants and asylum seekers as a national security threat. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The latest US government shutdown is centred on Mr Trump's request for $5.7bn in funding for a wall on the Mexico border, which Democrats have said they will not sanction. It is part of a number of hardline policies the Trump administration has enacted. For exampale, those seeking asylum are forced to remain in Mexico while their application is being reviewed thus putting them at risk of danger from criminal gangs in the area. A number of caravans from Central America a region beset with gang violence as well as drug and human trafficking have reached the US-Mexico border in recent weeks, some of them containing 1,000 or more people. According to the Mexican National Human Rights commission, human trafficking can earn these gangs as much as $50 million each year. Donald Trump has repeatedly advocated for a steel slat barrier at the US-Mexico border, calling it absolutely critical" to national security. However, it may not be as secure as the president thinks. Testing of a steel slat prototype by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) demonstrated that it could be cut through with a saw, according to a report by the agency. On Thursday, NBC News released photos they obtained showing the result of a test after the US military and Border Patrol personnel were told to attempt to destroy the wall with common tools. There are eight steel and concrete prototype walls built in Otay Mesa, California, just a short distance from the border near Tijuana, Mexico. After inspecting the prototypes in March 2018, Mr Trump chose a steel slator steel bollardas the material for his proposed border wall. In late 2017,DHS testing proved that all eight of the Trump administrations prototypes, including his favourite steel slates, are vulnerable to breaching, according to an internal February 2018 report from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The steel bollard construction is based on the operational requirements of the United States Border Patrol and is a design that has been honed over more than a decade of use, DHS spokeswoman Katie Waldman said in a statement. It is an important part of Border Patrols impedance and denial capability. Ms Waldman added that the steel bollard design is internally reinforced with materials that require time and multiple industrial tools to breach, thereby providing US Border Patrol agents additional response time to affect a successful law enforcement resolution She also said the steel bollard design, compared to other prototypes, is quick and cost-effective to repair. The agency spokeswoman defended the prototype by insisting: The professionals on the border know that a wall system is intended not only to prevent entry, it is intended to defer and to increase the amount of time and effort it takes for one to enter so that we can respond with limited border patrol agents. 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 Ralph DeSio, a CBP spokesman, told San Diego's KPBS the prototypes were not and cannot be designed to be indestructible, but were designed to impede or deny efforts to scale, breach, or dig under such a barrier, giving agents time to respond. Mr Trump also defended his steel border fence design in his national address on Tuesday by claiming it is what our professionals at the border want and need. This is just common sense. Mississippi Democratic Representative Bennie Thompson, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said there is nothing special about Mr Trumps border wall design. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events President Trump likes to pretend a wall will solve all our problems, but its been clear for some time that it is little more than a very expensive vanity project, Mr Thompson told NBC News. Whether steel or concrete, there is nothing special about his wall and it will not secure our borders. Democrats are willing to work with the administration to improve our border security, but lets get back to proven and effective solutions. The president, who had campaigned on a promise of building the wall and making Mexico pay for it, is demanding $5.7 billion from the US Congress for the construction of 234 miles of the steel barrier. The US is currently in the 20th day of a government shutdown, which started after Democrats refused to sanction that spending. Donald Trump has doubled down on his threat to declare a national emergency to help build a wall on the US-Mexico border if Congress does not meet his request for billions of dollars in funding as part of any deal to end the partial government shutdown. The White House is also said to have directed the Army Corps of Engineers to comb through its budget, including $13.9bn (10.8bn) in disaster funds that Congress earmarked last year, to see what money could be diverted as part of any emergency declaration. That money has been set aside to help projects all over the US, including hurricane-damaged areas of Puerto Rico. Mr Trump has claimed contrary to the evidence there is an immigration and security crisis at the border, with reports that the president is considering using money earmarked for disaster relief to pay for the wall. Two days after delivering a televised address to the nation to make his case for a wall, and a day after he abruptly left a meeting with Democrats after they refused to pay for one, Mr Trump travelled to McAllen, Texas, where he signed autographs for supporters and met border agency officials. As he left the White House for the trip, Mr Trump, said he would look to declare an emergency if Congress cannot reach a deal. If this doesnt work out, probably I will do it. I would almost say definitely, the president said. At a roundtable meeting with community leaders and officials in McAllen, among them Texas senator Ted Cruz, the president repeated his insistence that a wall would be be built. Were going to build a powerful steel barrier. They said we dont want a concrete wall. I said thats okay, well call it a steel barrier, he said. They say this is a manufactured crisis. Thats their new sound bite ... Every network has manufactured crisis. But its not. Whats manufactured is the word manufactured. The president - who has cancelled an upcoming trip to Davos, Switzerland, because of the shutdown - also sought to address those critics who have pointed out he used to repeatedly promise Mexico would pay for any barrier. He claimed without evidence that the terms of a new trade deal with Mexico and Canada will provide the money for the wall. When I say Mexicos going to pay for the wall ... I didnt say theyre going to write me a check for $10bn or $20bn, he said. If Congress approves this trade bill, theyll pay for the wall many times over. When I say Mexicos going to lpay for the wall, thats what I mean. The presidents visit to Texas came as the partial government shutdown entered its 20th day, with more stories of hardships as as result of the closure emerging, and growing concern among some Republicans that Mr Trumps tactics are not working. When he met Republicans on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, several senators expressed concern about the pain being felt by ordinary Americans. When government is shut down, there are consequences and people are starting to feel those consequences, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, told reporters of her exchange with the president. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Susan Collins, of Maine, one of the most moderate Republicans in congress, said she had asked the president to consider a bipartisan compromise that would give certain immigrants, known as Dreamers, a path to citizenship in exchange for border security money. The shutdown, poised to become the longest in US history, has been caused by Mr Trumps refusal to compromise on a spending measure if it does not contain $5.7bn for a wall. Democrats have offered $1.3bn for border security but have refused to fund a wall. Earlier on Thursday, Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell moved to block an attempt by Democrats to force a vote on legislation to reopen the federal government. 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 Democrats went to the Senate floor and asked for consent to vote on a series of bills that would end the shutdown. On Wednesday, a meeting involving Mr Trump and leaders from both parties in the White House situation room bunker, broke up in acrimony after no more than 30 minutes. The president stomped out of the meeting, speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, told reporters. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said the president had a temper tantrum, after the Democrats refused to budge on his demand for a wall. Mr Trump denied claims he had slammed the table but said the meting had been a waste of his time. Cryin Chuck told his favourite lie when he used his standard sound bite that I slammed the table & walked out of the room. He had a temper tantrum, he wrote on Twitter. Because I knew he would say that, and after Nancy said no to proper border security, I politely said bye-bye and left, no slamming. Experts point out that while the number of asylum-seekers from Central American nations such as Honduras in recent months, there is no crisis of illegal immigration. Indeed, in 2017 the number of illegal immigrants hit a low of 310,000 from a high of 1.6m 2000. This week, his administration was forced to backtrack after White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on Fox News that nearly 4,000 known or suspected terrorists had crossed into the US from Mexico last year. When NBC News pointed that border officials caught a total of six people on a security watchlist over a six-month period, Kellyanne Conway told reporters Ms Sanders had made an unfortunate misstatement. Mr Trump told reporters he had been consulting with lawyers who assured him he 100 per cent had the right to declare an an emergency to get funding, a claim constitutional and lawyers scholars have questioned. Before leaving Texas, he repeated his claim the wall would reduce crime, even though studies show crime rates among immigrant communities is typically lower. Youll have crime in Iowas youll have crime in New Hampshire, youll have crime in New York. If we had the barrier it wouldnt happen, he said. Donald Trumps prime time address has cost a gambling website just short of $300,000 (234,000), all because of the number of false statements the president made. The website bookmaker.eu asked people to bet on how much Mr Trump would lie during his address, giving -145 odds that he would lie more than 3.5 times, and #115 for less than that. That means that $145 bet would yield $100 if Mr Trump lied four times or more. Odds consultant John Lester told BuzzFeed News, which first reported on the betting, that the website lost $276,424 as a result of the speech. All told, 92 per cent of those who put money down correctly predicted that Mr Trump would make a habit of lies in his speech. Its a bad day for Truthiness and Bookmaker, Mr Lester told the news website. We knew we were in trouble early with this one. Mr Trumps speech was his first such address from the Oval Office, and was aimed at drumming up public support for funding his controversial border wall. The US government has been in partial shutdown for nearly three weeks now as Mr Trump has refused to sign funding legislation that does not include $5.7bn to build that barrier. Recommended Trump suggests he has halted money to California for forest fires During the address, Mr Trump made his case for increased border security before saying that a border wall is a necessary solution to a myriad of issues facing the US. In his speech, Mr Trump claimed that a porous border allows for the proliferation of gangs and drug use in the country, and an influx of undocumented immigrants. Bookmaker calculated that Mr Trump might not lie quite as much during his speech, given the ample amount of consideration that was made by networks before his speech. The Washington Post's fact checker ultimately corrected six of his statements. 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 figured the president's strategy going in would be a bit of fear mongering to create pressure on the Democrats to approve the funding of the wall (or barrier), however the president was also constrained by an approximate 8-minute time limit, Mr Lester said. With all the cable networks agreeing to air the speech, it came down to, how many times is the president willing to exaggerate the truth to accomplish his agenda, when he knows the world will be scrutinising his every word? Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The maximum wager was set at $2,000. Donald Trump has claimed that, despite his repeated promises that Mexico would pay for a wall on US southern border, he obviously never meant Mexico would write a cheque. Mr Trumps website for his 2016 campaign had previously stated that the border country would make a one-time payment of $5-$10 billion. Instead, the president most recently claimed that Mexico would pay for the wall through changes to trade policy his administration has negotiated to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement. That new deal, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), has not been approved by congress yet but the president said on Thursday that it probably will be. The USMCA will mean Mexico will be paying for wall indirectly, many, many times over, Mr Trump said on Thursday. He then boarded Air Force One to fly to McAllen, Texas, where he hopes to drum up support for congressional approval for US taxpayer funding to build the wall. The 2016 promise that Mexico would directly pay for the wall was also included in a pay for the wall memo Mr Trumps team issued early that year that proposed pressuring Mexico by cutting off remittances sent from undocumented Mexicans in the United States. It proposed amending the Patriot Act, passed after the 9/11 attacks. Its an easy decision for Mexico: make a one-time payment of $5-10 billion to ensure that $24 billion [in remittances] continues to flow into their country year after year, the memo said. We have the leverage, so Mexico will back down, it said. Speaking outside the White House, the president claimed he never said they were going to write out a cheque and that Mexico would pay for it indirectly many, many times over. The president has amended his promise that Mexico would pay for the wall several times over the past couple of years that he has been in office, but his statement on Thursday is one of the first times that he has explicitly denied those earlier promises of direct payment. 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 Trumps trip to Texas comes on the 20th day of a partial US government shutdown sparked by a refusal from Democrats to acquiesce to the presidents demand for border wall payment. After several meetings between congressional leadership and the president over the past few weeks, talks appeared to break down on Wednesday after speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi told the president that Democrats had no intention to negotiate on wall funding, and that the government must be reopened without it. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Apparently aware of the difficulty he will have in forcing Democrats to fund the wall, the president has recently suggested that he may declare a state of emergency in the US to open up funds to do so. A state of emergency would allow the president to divert funds from other areas of the government, and to mobilise the US military in service of building the wall. On Thursday, Mr Trump promised that he would get his wall, one way or another. If we dont make a deal, I think it would be very surprising to me [if I dont declare a state of emergency], Mr Trump said. Donald Trump Jr has compared his fathers divisive border wall plan to fences at a zoo protecting visitors from animals. The presidents eldest son made the analogy in a social media post, amid a lengthy government shutdown caused by a dispute over funding for the proposed barrier on the US border with Mexico. You know why you can enjoy a day at the zoo? Because walls work, Mr Trump Jr wrote on Instagram. His comments were immediately denounced by other social media users. Seinfeld director Larry Charles tweeted that Trump's oldest son was so blinded by his own hubris that he can't see that once @realDonaldTrump falls, he will be nothing but a convict serving time for treason, in a cage, behind a wall. Emily Jane Fox added: Immigrants as caged animals, from the First Son. The comments were also described as ill-considered at best and racially insensitive, by CNN commentator, Van Jones. If you have the slightest bit of sensitivity on these types of issues the one thing you dont do is compare low income, Latino, brown people to zoo animals, he said. Mr Trump Jrs post followed a televised Oval Office address from his father on Tuesday evening, in which he said the nation was facing a humanitarian crisis on its southern border. The president used the speech to call on Democrats to negotiate a funding deal, the lack of which has seen parts of the government shut down for more than 19 days and left 800,000 federal employees either furloughed or working without pay. However, Mr Trump is said to have walked out 30 minutes into a White House meeting with top Democrats on Wednesday, after they refused to allocate $5.7bn (4.5bn) for his border wall. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer claimed the presidents behaviour at the meeting amounted to a temper tantrum, during which he slammed the table before storming out of the room. Mr Trump later tweeted the discussions had been a total waste of time. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? he wrote. [House speaker] Nancy [Pelosi] said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works! Republicans have defended the Mr Trumps actions, including vice president Mike Pence, who claimed it was the Democrats who were unwilling to negotiate. He denied the president had lost his temper during the meeting, telling reporters outside the White House: I dont recall him ever raising his voice. Close Trump: 'When during the campaign I would say Mexico is going to pay for the wall, obviously I never meant they're going to write out a cheque' Donald Trump has doubled down on his threat to declare a national emergency to free up federal funds to build a wall on a visit to Texas as part of an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity. When asked how soon it would be before he declare an emergency, the president said "if we don't make a deal with Congress most likely I will do that". Despite the fact any such move would bring legal challenges, Mr Trump said the law is "100 per cent on my side". He went on to call the situation at the border "a national emergency, if you look what's happening." Mr Trump did not lay out a specific timetable for when he might take the step of a declaration, saying: I think we're going to see what happens over the next few days. Critics have accused Mr Trump of "manufacturing" a border crisis to try and get the wall as part of a deal to end a partial government shutdown. Two days after delivering a televised address to the nation to make his case for a wall, and a day after he abruptly left a meeting with Democrats after they refused to pay for one, Mr Trump travelled to the city of McAllen where he signed autographs for supporters and met border agency officials. As he left the White House for his visit to Texas, Mr Trump again denied throwing a temper tantrum during the encounter with Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi a day earlier. At a roundtable meeting with community leaders and officials in McAllen, among them Texas senator Ted Cruz, the president repeated his insistence that a wall would be be built. Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Show all 23 1 /23 Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Joe Biden The former vice president - poised to be a frontrunner - has announced his run. He recently faced scrutiny for inappropriate touching of women, but was thought to deal with the criticism well AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Bernie Sanders The 2016 runner-up has announced that he will be running again in 2020 Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Hillary Clinton The 2016 Democratic presidential candidate and former Secretary of State says she is still considering whether she will run again. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Pete Buttigieg The Indiana mayor and war veteran will be running for president. If elected, he would be the first openly LGBT+ president in American history. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Kamala Harris The former California attorney general will be running for president in 2020. Introduced to the national stage during Jeff Sessions testimony, she has endorsed Medicare-for-all and proposed a major tax-credit for the middle class. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Elizabeth Warren The Massachusetts Senator has formally launched her bid for president in 2020. A progressive Democrat, she is a major supporter of regulating Wall Street. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Beto ORourke The former Texas congressman told Oprah Winfrey that he has been thinking about running for presidency, but stopped short of formally announcing his bid to run in 2020. AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Wayne Messam Mayor of the city of Miramar in the Miami metropolitan area, Wayne Messam has announced his bid. He intends to run on a progressive platform against the "broken" federal government. He favours gun regulations and was a signatory to a letter from some 400 mayors condemning President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord. Vice News Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Kirsten Gillibrand The New York Senator formally announced her presidential bid in January, saying that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Cory Booker The New Jersey Senator has announced that he will be running for the presidency in 2020. If he secures the nomination he said finding a female vice president would be a priority. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? John Delaney The Maryland congressman was the first to launch his bid for presidency, making the announcement in 2017. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Julian Castro The former San Antonio mayor announced his candidacy in January and said that his running has a special meaning for the Latino community in the US. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Tulsi Gabbard The Hawaii congresswoman announced her candidacy in January, but is likely to face tough questions on her past comments on LGBT+ rights and her stance on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Andrew Yang The entrepreneur has announced his presidential candidacy, and has pledged that he would introduce a universal basic income of $1,000 a month to every American over the age of 18. AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Marianne Williamson The author and spiritual advisor has announced her intention to run for president. She had previously run for congress as an independent in 2014 but was unsuccessful. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? John Kerry The former secretary of state has said he is still thinking about whether to run. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Michael Bloomberg The entrepreneur and former New York mayor with a net worth of around $50bn has said he will decide by the end of February whether to seek the presidency. AFP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Howard Schultz Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has not yet ruled out running for president in 2020, despite criticism that his bid could help re-elect Mr Trump by dividing the Democrat vote. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Eric Holder The former attorney general has said he will decide in the next month or so whether to run as a 2020 presidential candidate. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Eric Swalwell The California congressman said he is ready to do this and will decide before April whether to run. MSNBC Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Terry McAuliffe The former Virginia governor, who worked to elect Democratic governors during 2018 midterms, said there was a 50 per cent chance he would run. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Sherrod Brown The Ohio senator is still undecided about whether to run for president in 2020. Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Mitch Landrieu The former New Orleans mayor said he doesnt think he will run for president, but never say never. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin Were going to build a powerful steel barrier. They said we dont want a concrete wall. I said thats okay, well call it a steel barrier, he said. They say this is a manufactured crisis. Thats their new sound bite ... Every network has manufactured crisis. But its not. Whats manufactured is the word manufactured. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The president - who has cancelled an upcoming trip to Davos, Switzerland, because of the shutdown - also sought to address those critics who have pointed out he used to repeatedly promise Mexico would pay for any barrier. He claimed without evidence that the terms of a new trade deal with Mexico and Canada will provide the money for the wall. When I say Mexicos going to pay for the wall ... I didnt say theyre going to write me a check for $10bn or $20bn, he said. If Congress approves this trade bill, theyll pay for the wall many times over. When I say Mexicos going to lpay for the wall, thats what I mean. To see how events unfolded throughout the day, see our liveblog below Please allow a moment for the liveblog to load A Republican senator has said US government workers are being held hostage to a political dispute, in the most outspoken criticism yet from within Donald Trumps party of the federal shutdown. Lisa Murkowski said there was no good reason for a deadlock that has left hundreds of thousands of public workers suffering without pay for three weeks as the president continues to demanding funding for a border wall. Her comments came as eight House Republicans broke ranks to vote with Democrats to pass a spending bill that would reopen shuttered government departments without financing the wall. Ms Murkowski has previously indicated she would back the bill, although it remains unlikely it will pass the Senate. The Alaska senator said: I continue to stress that there is no good reason for a shutdown. The reality is thousands of federal employees and contractors have no pay cheque in sight, small businesses that rely on them are suffering and theres no reason they should be held hostage to a political dispute. Its important that we continue the debate on how we address border security and address the presidents top priorities, but its possible to provide for security and to address the humanitarian crisis on our border, while still doing our jobs to keep the government fully functional. Ms Murkowski is one of three Republican senators who have publicly declared support for ending the shutdown without funding a $5.7bn (4.5bn) wall on the southern US border. But Mitch McConnell, majority leader in the Republican-controlled Senate, has refused to bring any bill to the floor unless Mr Trump is willing to sign it off. Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Show all 23 1 /23 Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Joe Biden The former vice president - poised to be a frontrunner - has announced his run. He recently faced scrutiny for inappropriate touching of women, but was thought to deal with the criticism well AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Bernie Sanders The 2016 runner-up has announced that he will be running again in 2020 Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Hillary Clinton The 2016 Democratic presidential candidate and former Secretary of State says she is still considering whether she will run again. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Pete Buttigieg The Indiana mayor and war veteran will be running for president. If elected, he would be the first openly LGBT+ president in American history. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Kamala Harris The former California attorney general will be running for president in 2020. Introduced to the national stage during Jeff Sessions testimony, she has endorsed Medicare-for-all and proposed a major tax-credit for the middle class. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Elizabeth Warren The Massachusetts Senator has formally launched her bid for president in 2020. A progressive Democrat, she is a major supporter of regulating Wall Street. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Beto ORourke The former Texas congressman told Oprah Winfrey that he has been thinking about running for presidency, but stopped short of formally announcing his bid to run in 2020. AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Wayne Messam Mayor of the city of Miramar in the Miami metropolitan area, Wayne Messam has announced his bid. He intends to run on a progressive platform against the "broken" federal government. He favours gun regulations and was a signatory to a letter from some 400 mayors condemning President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord. Vice News Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Kirsten Gillibrand The New York Senator formally announced her presidential bid in January, saying that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Cory Booker The New Jersey Senator has announced that he will be running for the presidency in 2020. If he secures the nomination he said finding a female vice president would be a priority. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? John Delaney The Maryland congressman was the first to launch his bid for presidency, making the announcement in 2017. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Julian Castro The former San Antonio mayor announced his candidacy in January and said that his running has a special meaning for the Latino community in the US. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Tulsi Gabbard The Hawaii congresswoman announced her candidacy in January, but is likely to face tough questions on her past comments on LGBT+ rights and her stance on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Andrew Yang The entrepreneur has announced his presidential candidacy, and has pledged that he would introduce a universal basic income of $1,000 a month to every American over the age of 18. AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Marianne Williamson The author and spiritual advisor has announced her intention to run for president. She had previously run for congress as an independent in 2014 but was unsuccessful. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? John Kerry The former secretary of state has said he is still thinking about whether to run. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Michael Bloomberg The entrepreneur and former New York mayor with a net worth of around $50bn has said he will decide by the end of February whether to seek the presidency. AFP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Howard Schultz Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has not yet ruled out running for president in 2020, despite criticism that his bid could help re-elect Mr Trump by dividing the Democrat vote. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Eric Holder The former attorney general has said he will decide in the next month or so whether to run as a 2020 presidential candidate. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Eric Swalwell The California congressman said he is ready to do this and will decide before April whether to run. MSNBC Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Terry McAuliffe The former Virginia governor, who worked to elect Democratic governors during 2018 midterms, said there was a 50 per cent chance he would run. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Sherrod Brown The Ohio senator is still undecided about whether to run for president in 2020. Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Mitch Landrieu The former New Orleans mayor said he doesnt think he will run for president, but never say never. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin On Wednesday the president walked out of talks at the White House after Democrats reiterated that they would not release funding for the wall, which was one of Mr Trumps key 2016 election promises. Before the meeting, Mr Trump suggested the government shutdown that has left 800,000 federal employees unpaid was a blessing in disguise for focussing attention on immigration. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told Fox News on Wednesday that Mr Trump was still considering a declaration of a national emergency to circumvent congress and redirect government funds towards the wall. He has previously said he would be willing to prolong partial closure of six federal government departments for months or even years. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events But there are signs that Republicans in congress are growing increasingly concerned about the effects of the shutdown. On Wednesday eight House Republicans sided with Democrats to back a bill that would reopen agencies including the Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service, and Small Business Administration. The three senators who have signalling their willingness to break ranks all face battles to re-elected next year. A six-year-old boy from Missouri who was missing for five months has been found safe and alive. Braedence Jones was found in an attic crawl space of a home south of Camdenton in Laclede County, having first been reported missing on 3 August when he failed to return to his biological father Ryan Jones following a visit with his mother Aubrey Ferguson. The boy's disappearance prompted the Missouri State Highway Patrol to issue an endangered person advisory in October. On Tuesday, officers from the US Marshals service and Laclede County detectives searched the suspected property with a search warrant - where they found six-year-old Braedence in an attic crawl space alongside his mother. That crawl space had been nailed shut and covered with carpet, Camden County Sheriffs Department said. According to sheriffs, Ms Fergusons boyfriend Woodrow Ziegler had placed furniture in front of the attic crawl space in an effort to conceal it. According to an affidavit by the boys father, Ferguson had told him in text messages that their son was safe but would not disclose where he was. The Camden County Sheriffs office also said that the boys mother had been keeping him home from school and more than likely has not taken him to to a doctor if he needed one. Ms Ferguson and Mr Ziegler have been arrested and Braedence has been returned to his father. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Ms Ferguson is being held on a child abduction charge, with a bond of $200,000. Mr Ziegler is facing a charge of hindering a prosecution. Upon being reunited with his father, Jones girlfriend Breanne Dominguez posted on Facebook about the reunion, sharing photos of Jones and Braedence and writing: Our little boy is home. God is sooo good! Thank you for all the prayers, shared, phone calls and etc. We dont know how to thank everyone enough. Our hearts are so full of joy at the moment. Just thank you everyone. President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil said on Wednesday that his government would no longer be a party to a United Nations migration accord signed last month, arguing that not just anyone can come into our home. The decision is not expected to have any immediate effects because the deal, known as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, is not legally binding on the more than 160 nations that signed it. But it may signal Latin Americas largest nation, which has long been welcoming to foreigners, may adopt a harder line on immigration as Mr Bolsonaros far-right administration gets settled. Brazil has a sovereign right to decide whether or not it accepts migrants, Mr Bolsonaro said in a message posted on Twitter. Anyone who comes here must be subject to our laws and customs, and must sing our national anthem and respect our culture. Diplomats spent nearly two years negotiating the migration accord, which sought to lay out basic principles to address the surge in global migration in a humane and pragmatic manner. The 34-page pact called for the collection of better data on migrant movements, the strengthening of legal paths to migration, efforts to combat human trafficking and cooperation to ease the safe return of migrants to their original countries. The pact does not bar signatories from enacting and enforcing their own immigration laws, although Mr Bolsonaro suggested it would. Not just anyone is allowed to enter into our house, just like not just anyone will enter Brazil thanks to a pact adopted by third parties, he wrote. Immigration policy was not a dominant issue during last years presidential campaign in Brazil, which Mr Bolsonaro won by vowing to take an iron-fisted approach towards violent crime and graft. Yet Brazilians in some communities along the border with Venezuela have begun to criticise the countrys permissive immigration policies. Thousands of Venezuelans fleeing hunger and destitution have crossed into Brazil in recent months. Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Show all 23 1 /23 Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures One of the many children that have left their homes in Venezuela and seek temporary accommodation on their journey south. In Bogota, Columbia this Informal Tented Settlement close to the central bus station is now home to several hundred refugees Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures People leave Venezuela carrying their worldly possessions and enter Columbia filing past on the bridge at Cucuta. At the height of the crisis this August up to 40,000 were crossing each day Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Katiuska Rodriguez, 30, left three children back in Venezuela and stands at traffic lights with her life story on a cardboard sign in Quito begging for donations Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Kevin Reynold, 11, walked and hitchhiked with his family for 21 days to reach Quito, Ecuador. They arrived penniless and exhausted. CARE Ecuador through there delivery partners ADRA Ecuador are able to offer shelter, food and psychosocial support Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Jesus Hidalgo, 21, walked 20 days through Columbia arriving hungry and exhausted. The Columbian people were very kind to us he said. Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Ruth Santos 52, arrives with her husband and their two children at a shelter in Quito operated by the People for Venezuela group and supported by CARE Ecuador. When CAREs delivery partner ADRA Ecuador welcome her she breaks down with emotion Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Yolanda Mendez 27, from Puerto de la Cruz in Venezuela, left her husband and child to find work in Ecuador ahead of their arrival in the coming months. She is one of many mothers leaving their children behind with partners or relatives in order to support them Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Streams of people leave Venezuela reach the midway point on the bridge entering Columbia at Cucuta. The first round of immigration checks to see if they had the Andean card or passport stamped. At the height of the crisis this August up to 40,000 were crossing each day Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Hender Mendez Diaz, arrives with his wife and their two children at a shelter in Quito operated by the People for Venezuela group and supported by CARE Ecuador. He worked for PDVSA the Venezuelan Oil company for 26 years and was dismissed for joining a demonstration with 20,000 fellow employees objecting to the restructuring plans. He received no pension and no medical support for him or his family Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Maria Isabella 7, stood at reception with her mother at the Foundation of Migrant Attention in Bogota, Columbia. After resting at the shelter for five days, and with their worldly possessions in two plastic bags, their journey to Ecuador continues. Sister Teresina hands Maria Isabella, 7, a bear for her to take and she replied Thank you sister, this bear is the only thing I have in the world, I will look after him Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Streams of people leave Venezuela and enter Columbia filing past on the bridge at Cucuta. At the height of the crisis this August up to 40,000 were crossing each day Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures David Santos 8, arrives with her family at a shelter in Quito operated by the People for Venezuela group and supported by CARE Ecuador Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Gilberto Gomez 39, arrived at Rumichaca with his brother Pedro. They has managed to sell what possessions they could from their homes for a fraction of their value and purchase bus tickets to get them to Ecuador Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures John Hydro Fernandez 21, has not eaten properly for 3 years living in Venezuela. He now lives at an Informal Tented Settlement in Bogota, Columbia, close to the central bus station which is now home to several hundred refugees. He has had fever for five days and does not have the money to see a doctor, he wept from the pain. Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Kare Angely 4, sits on top of her mothers suitcase huddled in a blanket to shield her from the freeing cold temperatures at Rumichaca border crossing on the Columbian side. Sofia her mother couldnt stay in Venezuela any longer as there was no food for the children Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Venezuelans queued late into the night in Ecuador at Rumichaca on the border. The lucky few will have a seat on this bus destined for Huaqillias on the Peruvian border Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Richard Villaneuva, 18, walked and hitchhiked for 20 days through Columbia. He was one of a large exodus of single men leaving Venezuela alone rather than in groups as they felt they had more chance in being able to hitch a lift Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Venezuelans pass through Columbian migration at Rumichaca, they exit through metal barriers herding them through like cattle. The temperature drops to 5 degrees Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Jhoan Cedeno 24, walked and hitchhiked for 19 days through Columbia arriving hungry and exhausted. I need to find a job to be able to send some money home for my father who is unwell, It is difficult to find work here. Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Paddy Dowling Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: in pictures Paddy Dowling Mr Bolsonaro did not signal whether his governments approach to the Venezuelan exodus would change, but he suggested Brazil would continue to embrace those in need. We will never withhold help to those in need, but immigration cannot be indiscriminate, he said in a second message on Twitter. The defence of national sovereignty was one of the cornerstones of our campaign and it will be a priority of our government. Mauricio Santoro, a professor of political science at Rio de Janeiro State University, said Mr Bolsonaro was misguided in dropping out of the accord. There are close to 1 million foreigners in Brazil and more than 3 million Brazilians abroad, he said. Its in the national interest to have good global rules to protect immigrants and to participate in creating them. Mr Santoro said the decision would mean little to Mr Bolsonaros core supporters. But it aligns Brazils president ideologically with other conservative leaders who have risen to power by opposing multilateral approaches to contentious issues, including climate change and the treatment of refugees. The Trump administration was among the handful of countries that chose not to join the migration accord, which was signed in early December. Other nations that rejected it included Hungary, Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Australia and Israel. People from Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador are allowed to work and become permanent residents in Brazil easily, under a visa accord in force for several years. As the exodus from Venezuela has intensified, Brazil has allowed Venezuelans to obtain work documents and has helped a few thousand resettle from border communities to larger cities with more job opportunities. The New York Times I am concentrating! Look, Magic 8 Ball, I know that funding for our schools has been a problem in the past. OK, its been a big problem. Weve had previous Boards of County Commissioners that didnt really support the schools. They cut taxes to the detriment of education and infrastructure. They even funneled public funds to private school families for awhile. And I know our delegation to Annapolis has given way more lip service to schools than actually accomplishing anything of significance. Its kind of hard to bring home the bacon while at the same time criticizing the folks you are supposed to be working with. Lets face it, partisan politics only gets you so far. Maybe they will finally understand that reaching across the aisle can be for our benefit. At least we have a strong Board of Education who will advocate for schools and students. Our hard-working educators went way too many years without any pay increases, and everyone in power knows that. So this year its going to be different, right? Reply hazy, try again. Darn! A woman has described the moment a chunk of ice, believed to have fallen from a passenger plane, smashed through the roof of her family home and landed in a bedroom wardrobe while she was fast asleep. Carmela Caccavo was still in bed at her home in Mississauga, Canada, when she and her son woke up to a crashing sound at around 6.30am on Wednesday morning. I thought something collapsed, like if youre throwing something down the stairs and everything, boom shatters, Ms Caccavo told CP24, a Toronto-based cable news channel. She was just a couple of metres away when the ice smashed through the closet. I thought it was a raccoon, because I hear lots of stories. But my son came and we saw a big chunk of ice, Ms Caccavo added. Ms Caccavos son, Michael, said he heard a big loud boom that woke him up right away. After going into his parents bedroom, he found a block of ice in the wardrobe and a hole in the ceiling. At first I was in shock and disbelief. I didnt know what happened, he told CTV News Toronto. The piece of ice weighed almost five pounds, the family said. The block of ice that fell through the family home (CP24) You know its like two or three metres away from where my mom was sleeping. Or even if maybe my dad or mom were getting ready in the morning thats where they put their clothes on. Its scary, Michael added. The family patched the roof, but estimated a repair would cost up to $20,000 (15,673). According to public flight records, it appears an Air Canada flight from Las Vegas to Toronto passed right over the home at around the time of the accident. 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 Air Canada has been contacted for comment. In a statement, Canadas transport department said: The department takes all reports of possible debris coming from aircraft very seriously and every reported incident is investigated by departmental officials. If it is determined that the ice came from an aircraft, the department will try to identify the carrier to ensure the problem is rectified. A school in South Africa accused of alleged racial segregation is being investigated after a photo emerged showing black students sitting on a separate table from their white classmates. A teacher from Laerskool Schweizer-Reneke in the North West region has been suspended after the image sparked outrage and prompted demonstrations outside the school, Times Live reports. Education officials launched an investigation after the photo, which shows a large group of white pupils at a long table and four black students at a different table at the back of the room, went viral. The image of the children, aged between four and five, was shared on the schools WhatsApp group by the class teacher to let parents know how their first day was going. Critics said the image was reminiscent of the racial segregation seen under apartheid. A mother of one of the black pupils has insisted they were told where to sit in the classroom. She told Times Live: When I got to the class before school in the morning, all the children's names were already written on the desks they were supposed to sit at. The labels had been put on their tables and their aprons. Activist and ANC campaigner Mcebo Dlamini wrote on Facebook: What is most provoking about this image is not that black kids are ostracised from white kids, that is common in our supposedly post apartheid Africa. Rather what becomes painful is that there are black people who still insist that racism has ended and who think that blacks and white can have peaceful relations that do not have undertones of racism. This is impossible so long as white people have power, what therefore is needed is to change the existing power dynamics such that black people can have dignity. You can take your kids to the whitest schools in the country but so long as the black majority is poor, your kids will always be reminded that they are black and therefore inferior. 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 Later, another photo emerged showing white and black children sitting together in the classroom. However, the schools governing body has said the photo was only a reflection of a single moment. Freddy Sepeng, spokesperson for the local education department, told Times Live: "We have seen the picture and we are investigating the allegations. In a statement to the media, Jozeph du Plessis, chairperson of the governing body, said: The governing body does not condone any distinction based on race. "Learners from different backgrounds, including race, religion and language, are not merely accommodated but are fully integrated in all aspects of the school environment. New Years Day was greeted in Somalia by a mortar attack on Mogadishu airport. A fortnight earlier 62 al-Shabaab fighters were killed in 48 hours of airstrikes, the US announced. There were 52 fatalities from three car bombs in the capital two weeks before that, an attack that followed soon after 20 deaths from a truck packed with explosives. Still the level of violence is said to be down, by Somali standards. The latest crisis for the country is one of international politics. The government has expelled the UN special envoy to the country and this directly led to the British defence secretary, Gavin Williamson, cancelling a visit to Mogadishu and a meeting with President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and his ministers while on a trip to the region. The UN envoy, Nicholas Haysom, was asked to leave after he had questioned the arrest of Mukhtar Robow, the former deputy leader of al-Shabaab and one of the founders of the Islamist group, who had defected 18 months earlier and was running for a regional presidency. The special representative of the UN secretary general also raised concern over allegations of police brutality at protests which followed the detention. Mr Robow was seized by Ethiopian troops, part of an international peacekeeping force, two weeks ago in the city of Baidoa and flown to Mogadishu. Twelve people, including an MP from the regional parliament, died in the ensuing violence and a government minister, from the area, resigned from President Mohameds government. Nicholas Haysom, then the top UN envoy in Afghanistan, in 2015 (AP) The arrest is viewed by Western officials as a blow against getting others in the Islamist hierarchy to lay down the gun and join the political process in a country that has been largely kept afloat through international aid. Mr Robow, who had fought with the Taliban in Afghanistan, is the most senior member of the group to change sides in a project to turn extremists, one which Britain has played an important part in putting together. Mr Robow, The Independent understands, was rescued from al-Shabaab territory by US special forces in a mission with British help. A western security official who was involved in the operation said: His seniority and the standing of Robow in the community means that his defection was a big blow to al-Shabaab. Now what has happened to him will raise doubts among others who may want to come over. There are questions which need to be asked about who really gains from all of this. The UK, Germany and the European Union, it has been reported, have suspended financial aid to the police force from the Baidoa region for the time being. Mr Haysom wrote to the minister of internal security, urging that appropriate action is taken to hold any perpetrators, including commanding officers, responsible. The UN Security Council adopted a British drafted proposal expressing regret at the expulsion of Mr Haysom, a South African lawyer and diplomat who was legal adviser to Nelson Mandela, and the expectation of full cooperation between Somalia and the United Nations. The Somali government, however, has told UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres that it will not accept Mr Haysoms return. The UKs decision to condemn the UN envoys expulsion and cancellation of the defence secretarys visit have, so far, drawn a muted reaction from the Somali government. A Somali website published a report which claimed that sources inside the Somali president and prime ministers offices had confirmed that explosives from the UK government were used in a bombing in which 30 people were killed and that tail fins of mortar rounds showed they were UK military. Somali government officials said that there was no evidence to back any of the allegations and wanted to stress that none of them had emanated from the office of the president or the prime minister. One official said that it is unfortunate that such material is being put out so irresponsibly. But what happened to Mokhtar Robow, now in the intelligence services prison, provides a glimpse of the bitter divisions in this fractured society after decades of conflict, and the problems faced by the international community when dealing with a country beset by terrorism, poverty and economic collapse. The Somali government claims that Mr Robow was trying to smuggle guns and infiltrate Islamist fighters into Baidoa. There is a feeling among some people here that the UN and European states are ignoring the anger generated by the murderous violence which had been unleashed by jihadi chiefs like him over the years. Abdirahim Mohammed Hassan, a businessman whose 17-year-old son was killed in a bombing in Mogadishu three years ago, was adamant that the arrest was justified. This man has never said he was sorry, he has never condemned the violence. Why should someone like that be allowed to hold political power here? The Americans and Europeans are fighting al-Shabaab, so why do they want to allow people like that to establish themselves in the country? This will only create big problems in the future, he added. Among the international forces currently in Somalia is a 20,000-strong African Union force; just over 500 US troops and a British training team of around 100. There has been a rise in air strikes under the Trump administration, rising from 35 in 2017 to 47 last year. Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought Show all 18 1 /18 Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought Zeinab looks after one of her nephews Reuters Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought Zeinab's sister Habiba, 29, sits with her children beside their shelter at the camp Reuters Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought Zeinab helps her mother and sister build a new shelter Reuters Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought Women wait to fill their jerrycans at the camp Reuters Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought Zeinab and her sister Habiba carry a jerrycan filled with water to their shelter Reuters Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought Zeinab reads an English book in her shelter Reuters Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought Zeinab looks in the mirror as she brushes her teeth using a chewing stick Reuters Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought Zeinab cleans her feet before going into school Reuters Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought Zeinab at the entrance of her classroom near the camp Reuters Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought English teacher Abdiweli Mohammed Hersi in the classroom Reuters Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought Zeinab applies her make-up before heading to school Reuters Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought Zeinab writes in class Reuters Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought Zeinab attends a class Reuters Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought Zeinab's sister feeds her baby in the camp Reuters Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought Abdir observes Zeinab washing dishes as her nephews play REUTERS Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought Abdir carries a jerrycan while her daughter Zeinab washes dishes Reuters Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought Zeinab outside her shelter in the camp Reuters Fighting for Freedom in the Somalian drought The Hussein family at the camp for internally displaced people in Dolow While al-Shabaab has lost territory and fighters they have significantly increased the number of bombings. Hussein Sheikh Ali, the executive director of Somali think tank the Hiraal Institute, and a former national security adviser to the government, said: Al-Shabaab is definitely not getting stronger, but the government is not getting stronger either. The US is very active. The US has been very active and hitting very serious targets but holding territory is very difficult. Around 560 people are estimated to have been killed in the US strikes since the start of 2017, according to researchers and confirmed by the US military, and the Islamists have also lost large numbers in ground fighting. This has led to complaints that al-Shabaab has increased the forcible recruitment of child soldiers in rural areas. General Mohamed Ibrahim Sanyare, of the Somali national army, said: This is a problem we are coming across. They go to villages and take away children. It is obviously very distressing for the families. We have rescued some of these children. Car bomb in Mogadishu, Somalia leaves several dead and wounded But the Somali military, too, has been accused of using child soldiers. Gen Sanyara insisted it was an increasingly rare occurrence. This was something which happened in the past, especially when we were getting the tribal militias to integrate with the armed forces. Now if we find soldiers under the age [of 18] we definitely send them back to their homes and then they can rejoin when they are 18 if they pass the tests, he said. Nadifa Sheikh Omar, an adviser to the Somali president, spoke of the work being done in the field. We tell the communities, Give them a pen, not a gun. We try to persuade them how getting involved in violence will ruin their lives she said. And of course it is not just boys but girls as well who are taken away, and these girls are exposed to sexual violence. We use the Quran to discuss the issues. We talk of Islamic teachings on violence, on child soldiers and sexual abuse. We point out that what we are saying is not western ideologies being imposed on them but something based on our religion. There are difficulties, but we are making progress. And that is very important for the future of our country. Joyous dancing erupted in the streets of the Democratic Republic of Congos capital to celebrate the surprise victory of opposition candidate Felix Tshisekedi, who was declared winner of the long-delayed, disorganised and controversial presidential election. Today I am happy, said Mr Tshisekedi. Happy for you, my base. Happy for the people of Congo. Everyone is celebrating that there is peace. No one could imagine the scenario where an opposition candidate could be victorious! However, rival opposition candidate Martin Fayulu claimed the results had been rigged by outgoing president Joseph Kabila who made a backroom deal with Mr Tshisekedi. Along with diplomats and observers, Mr Fayulu has claimed that Mr Kabila may have negotiated with Mr Tshisekedi to prevent an anti-corruption crusader from winning. Mr Tshisekedi, who received 38 per cent of the vote according to the electoral commissions results, had not been widely considered the leading candidate and is relatively untested. Long in the shadow of his father, the now deceased opposition leader Etienne, Mr Tshisekedi startled Congo shortly before the election by breaking away from the unified opposition candidate, Mr Fayulu, to stand on his own. Recommended Congolese police open fire on election delay protesters in Congo Mr Fayulu quickly denounced Mr Tshisekedis victory as fraud. The results were an electoral hold-up that were rigged, fabricated and invented and do not reflect the truth of the ballots, he said. Speaking to the press shortly after the results, Mr Fayulu called on the Congolese people to rise as one man to protect victory. Mr Fayulu, a former Exxon manager and Kinshasa politician, received 34 per cent of the vote in the electoral commissions results. He claims he won a majority of the votes and he was deprived of victory because a deal was made with Mr Tshisekedi. How long are we going to negotiate results? said Mr Fayulu. In 2006, Jean-Pierre Bembas victory was stolen, in 2011 Etienne Tshisekedis victory was stolen. In 2018 victory wont be stolen from Martin Fayulu. Mr Fayulu urged the Catholic Church to release the results from its team of 40,000 observers who recorded voting tallies posted at each of the polling centres. Last week, the church said their observations showed a clear winner, and many say that was Mr Fayulu. Several diplomats briefed on the matter said the figures compiled by the Catholic Church showed Mr Fayulu won an absolute majority of the votes. Two diplomats also said all major observation missions, including from the African Union and the Southern African Development Community, showed similar results with Mr Fayulu the winner. The diplomats spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the press. Mr Kabilas government made a deal with Mr Tshisekedi to declare him the winner, as hopes faded for ruling party candidate Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, who received just 23 per cent of the official results. The constitutional court has 14 days to validate the results. A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo Show all 7 1 /7 A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo Therese Mulopo and her 4-month-old baby, Mbombo Marth, at Saint Martyr health centre in the city of Kananga. They have come for a one-day nutrition screening session at the Unicef-supported health facility, which provides free treatment for malnourished children. During the clashes, our family found refuge a few kilometres away from a relative. But we didnt have something to eat every day, says Mulopo, who also has two older children (ages five and six). Our children became ill and so they were treated with traditional herbs and leaves. But the diseases, mainly diarrhoea, didnt stop. With my husband, we used to be farmers. Before, we grew and ate rice and beans but now there is nothing there, because we could not sow any seeds last year. So there is nothing to harvest now. So, we are staying with my sister here. My only wish is to see my children eat and grow up healthy. Unicef/Tremeau A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo Ngalula Badiendele and her children. None of Ms Badiendeles four children have an appetite, and the two children in her arms, son Kajunga (left), 17 months old, and daughter Tshipala (right), three, are both malnourished. We had to leave to the bush when the clashes broke out. We walked for one day and then built a shelter. We stayed there for one month. When we heard the security was better we came back but soon fights happened again. And we had to leave again to the forest, where we stayed again for one month. Life was not easy at the time. It still isnt. I just hope peace will come back so my family will live like we used to, Badiendele says. Unicef/Tremeau A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo Ntambwe (who does not know her exact age) holds her brother, Nalula Kelende, three. I brought my brother Nalula to the health clinic because he suffers from malnutrition. My mother is working in the field, Ntambwe says. We come from Dibaya [a small town]. When clashes happened, we had to walk during three days to reach Tshikaji. Since the violences, we only eat cassava and, if my parents find some money, we can sometimes buy wheat to cook food. But we often sleep with empty stomachs. All incomes from the harvests are not sufficient this year to cover all the family expenses. Nothing could be sowed this year, so there is nothing to eat anymore. I had to stop school last year because of the clashes. Since then I couldnt go back because my family doesnt have enough to buy me a new uniform. I would like to become a nurse one day so I could help sick children just like my brother. Unicef/Tremeau A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo Muya Kapuku and his three-year-old daughter, Chosa, and his malnourished four-year-old son, Muhipay. When insecurity started in Kananga, I took refuge in the bush of Mutoto Village with my family. Food conditions were terrible, Kapuku says. We only eat tubers, fufu [a staple food in parts of West and Central Africa] and cassava leaves, once a day preferably in the evening; and these conditions have not changed yet. I lost my job as a sentry where I earned a little money and became unemployed since my return so far. I fear to lose my two children who are malnourished, but fortunately, they benefit from free nutritional care in this health centre. I wish the peace to come back in our province and to have a good job that will allow me to support my household and educate my children. Unicef/Tremeau A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo Bertine Kabedi, 14, and her one-year-old daughter, Bakatuseka. I came to the health centre because its been a month that my daughter doesnt eat well, Bertine says. I come from a place called Dibaya. When violence broke out there I fled to Tshikaji to seek refuge. Unfortunately, violence started also in Tshikaji, and so I had to flee to the bush. I lived with my three-month-old newborn during two months in the bush before we came back a month ago. Life wasnt easy in the forest, there was nothing to eat. Now I would like to set up a small business so I could feed my baby. I had to stop school a few years ago because my parents didnt have enough to pay for school fees. I want to send my kid to school one day, but if the ongoing troubles continue I know it will be impossible. Unicef/Tremeau A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo Bakena Mukendi, cradling her malnourished daughter, one-month-old Bakatjika, waits with her 28-month-old son, Manatshitua, outside the Saint Martyr health centre. I am a mother of six children, Mukendi says. When violence broke out, we had to flee with the whole family to the forest. We stayed there for two months, eating cassava only and palm oil. All my children fell sick then. They suffered from fever and diarrhoea. We had to cure them with traditional health care with tree leaves. I came back four months ago to Tshikaji. Before, I had a small shop, but I lost everything when we ran away all my savings. My husband now does small jobs so all the family can survive. Despite our situation and small incomes, I am proud to have sent all my children to school, because I know how important education is for their future. Unicef/Tremeau A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo Tshiela Masengu brings in her malnourished grandson Jean, four, to the health centre. My daughter was killed when clashes happened in April 2017, leaving behind her six orphans that I took care of. Jeans father died a few years ago already, Masengu says. During the fights, we took refuge in the forest with all six kids. We stayed there for weeks, without any food. This is when Jean fell sick. Thats why I brought him to the centre, because he suffers from malnutrition. I want him to be better, but I am worried about what tomorrow will bring. I have a small coconut business, but it is not enough to support the family. But I am proud to have sent the two oldest ones (11 and eight) to school this year. I would like all of them to go to school one day. This conflict took away my daughter from me, and destroyed the future of my grandchildren. I would like it to end now. Unicef/Tremeau Happy demonstrators in Kinshasa, however, showed no signs of wanting to challenge Mr Tshisekedis victory. Many said they were delighted pleased with Mr Tshisekedis win and to see Mr Kabila step down. This is the coronation of a lifetime, the deputy secretary-general of Mr Tshisekedis party, Rubens Mikindo, said shortly after the announcement that his candidate had won, above the cheers at party headquarters. This is the beginning of national reconciliation. The election may enable Congo to achieve its first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence in 1960. Mr Kabila has ruled since 2001 in the troubled nation rich in the minerals key to smartphones around the world and has amassed vast wealth. He is barred from serving three consecutive terms, but during more than two years of election delays many Congolese feared he would find a way to stay in office. Attention now turns to Congos powerful Catholic Church and whether it will dispute the official results. If the church finds Mr Fayulu won, how will the population react? Stephanie Wolters, analyst with the Institute for Security Studies, posted on Twitter. She added: [Will the African Union] consider a power transfer enough or will they push for investigation and real result? A supporter of Felix Tshisekedi, newly elected Congolese president, celebrates in the streets of Kinshasa (AFP/Getty) (AFP/Getty Images) The delayed results, nearly two weeks after the 30 December vote, came after international pressure to announce an outcome that reflected the will of the people. The United States threatened sanctions against officials who rigged the vote. The largely peaceful election was marred by the malfunctioning of many voting machines Congo used for the first time. Dozens of polling centres opened hours late as materials went missing. And in a last-minute decision, some 1 million of the countrys 40 million voters were barred from participating, with the electoral commission blaming a deadly Ebola virus outbreak. Defiantly, tens of thousands of voters in one of the barred communities held their own ballot on election day. Mr Fayulu won easily. Congos government cut internet service the day after the vote to prevent speculation on social media. As the electoral commission met this week, anti-riot police moved into place outside. Some Congolese, weary of Mr Kabilas 18-year rule, two turbulent years of election delays and years of conflict that killed millions of people, said they simply wanted peace. Some said they would be happy as long as Mr Fayulu or Mr Tshisekedi won, while recalling the violence that followed past disputed elections. Many Congolese objected to Mr Shadary, suspecting Mr Kabila would continue to rule from behind the scenes. Now Congo faces a new leader who is little known after spending many years in Belgium and living in the shadow of his outspoken father. The 56-year-old Mr Tshisekedi took over as head of Congos most prominent opposition party in early 2018, a year after his fathers death. Associated Press Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe will meet Theresa May in Downing Street on Thursday, as Britain pushes to strengthen its trade ties with the Asian country before Brexit. The two nations will announce a collaboration on medical research, robotics and the use of data, with 30m pledged in initial funding. Officials hope that the programme will allow researchers from both nations to collaborate on finding new treatments for illnesses such as dementia, as well as on developing greener transport and technological solutions to improve people's quality of life. Downing Street said wider adoption of such technology could create 175,000 new jobs and boost the UK manufacturing sector by 455bn over the next decade. Ahead of the visit the UK also announced that Mr Abe's administration will remove Japan's existing export ban on British beef and lamb. The restriction has been in place since 1996. "It is great news that British beef and lamb will be available on supermarket shelves and restaurant menus for the first time in more than 20 years," Dr Liam Fox, the international trade secretary, said. "This will give a 127m boost to farmers and food producers across the whole of the UK, from the Scottish Highlands to the Welsh Valleys." The UK and Japan are among the strongest champions of free trade and we look forward to an even closer trading relationship as we leave the European Union." Mr Abe is expected to reiterate Japan's commitment to a bilateral trade deal with the UK during the talks at Downing Street. 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 October the Japanese prime minister said he would welcome Britain with "open arms" into the the trans-Pacific trade after Brexit. The UK and Japan are natural partners. We face many of the same challenges, But also the same immense opportunities," Ms May said. "By agreeing to forge a new, dynamic partnership, we not only back some of the most cutting-edge sectors in our economy, but will also improve peoples lives and shape the 21st Century for the better. This is our modern Industrial Strategy in action. As the UK prepares to leave the EU, we raise our horizons towards the rest of the world. "Our relationship with Japan is stronger than ever, and this visit will enhance co-operation in a wide range of areas. From trade and investment, to science and innovation, and our unwavering commitment to defence and security - the close bond between our nations will help us achieve our shared goals. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Mr Abe will receive a military Guard of Honour during his trip. Alongside Ms May he will also attend a briefing chaired by Ben Wallace, the security minister, during which senior representatives from the emergency services will share the UKs experience of hosting large international events. "World attention is focused on the UK's exit from the EU," Mr Abe said, as he departed for Europe on Wednesday. "Precisely because of this problem, it is very meaningful for me to visit the UK and exchange opinions. I want to properly convey Japan's thinking." The former head of MI6 has warned Theresa Mays Brexit deal will threaten the national security of the country, in a call for Tory MPs to reject it. The agreement would place control of aspects of our national security in foreign hands, claims Sir Richard Dearlove, in an extraordinary letter to Conservative associations. It has also been signed by Lord Guthrie, a former chief of the defence staff, in a bid to stiffen grassroots resistance, ahead of next Tuesdays vote. Sir Richard and Lord Guthrie, who are both prominent Leave supporters, write: Please ensure that your MP votes against this bad agreement. The prime minister, a former home secretary, has insisted her agreement would protect national security by retaining existing cooperation arrangements during the 21-month transition. Recommended Corbyn indicates Labour will back Brexit delay However, she was forced to acknowledge the UK was likely to lose direct access to vital EU security databases after 2012, under the proposed long-term arrangements. In their letter, the ex-security chiefs argue the deal is dangerous because it would weaken membership of Nato and existing close defence and intelligence ties with the US. This withdrawal agreement, if not defeated, will threaten the national security of the country in fundamental ways, it says. Downing Street hit back immediately, insisting the letter was completely wrong and that the Brexit deal offered the broadest security agreement the EU has with any of its partners. But both sides of the Brexit divide seized on the intervention, arch-Brexiteer Owen Paterson calling it a devastating warning. Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Show all 11 1 /11 Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray (left) and a pro-Brexit protester argue as they demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A pro-Brexit protester argues Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround the pro-Brexit protester after he confronted Steve Bray, a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer as he argues with a remain supporter, Steve Bray, outside Parliament PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament MPs in Parliament are to vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal next week after her December vote was called off in the face of a major defeat Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police look on as anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament. Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police hold back a leave supporter PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A police officer speaks with anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround a pro-Brexit protester after he confronted a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Conservative MP David Davies, wearing a gopro camera, speaks to anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images Stephen Doughty, a Labour member of the Home Affairs Committee and supporter of the Peoples Vote campaign, said: Sir Richard Dearlove is right that the deal is a bad one for our security. However, he added: His proposed solution of leaving the EU without any agreement at all would make things even worse. As members of the EU we have the European Arrest Warrant available to arrest and extradite terrorism and serious crime suspects, and we have full access to the key databases on crime suspects across Europe that are accessed thousands of times every day by British police forces. The letter claims the agreements plans for a new, deep and special relationship with the EU will weaken the fundamentals of our national security policy. The first duty of the state, above trade, is the security of its citizens, says the letter, jointly-authored with former chief of the defence staff Lord Guthrie. The withdrawal agreement abrogates this fundamental contract and would place control of aspects of our national security in foreign hands. Please ensure that your MP votes against this bad agreement and supports a sovereign Brexit on WTO rules. Michael Gove tested parliamentary rules when he branded Labour's Brexit plans b*****ks, in an outspoken attack in the Commons. The environment secretary quoted Barry Gardiner, the shadow international trade secretary, who once used the word to describe his own partys EU policy. Praising Mr Gardiner's truth and perfect clarity, Mr Gove said MPs were grateful for his casting of light on the testicular nature of Labour's six Brexit tests. He summed them up, pithily, in a word which in Spanish translates as 'cojones' and in English rhymes with 'rollocks', Mr Gove said. "I know, Mr Speaker, there are some distinguished citizens in this country who have put on their cars a poster or sticker saying 'b*****ks to Brexit' but we now know from Labour's own frontbench that their official Brexit position is b*****ks. The choice of language provoked a question to the Commons Speaker, but John Bercow said Mr Gove had not breached the rules and that use of the word was a matter of taste. British women saved from forced marriage abroad will no longer have to repay the government for the cost of their rescue, foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt has announced, after a public outcry over the loans. Mr Hunt said victims who were helped to return to the UK by the Governments Forced Marriage Unit would in future be treated as exceptionally vulnerable people in need of help when it came to repatriation costs. Womens rights campaigners reacted angrily to revelations last week that the government was charging for emergency repatriation. Those unable to cover the costs of plane tickets, food, and shelter directly were being made to take out a loan with the Foreign Office. Mr Hunt said that after careful consideration, he had decided those helped by the unit would no longer be asked to take out such loans. Whereas the Foreign Office rightly expects that adult Britons who receive consular assistance will, in general, pay for their own travel home, victims of forced marriage may have endured particular suffering. They will often have travelled abroad against their wishes or under false pretences, he wrote in a letter to the chairman of the Commons foreign affairs committee Tom Tugendhat. Mr Hunt said that, where possible, the government would continue to seek to recover the costs from the perpetrators. They will often have travelled abroad against their wishes or under false pretences Jeremy Hunt He said that, of the 82 individuals helped to return to the UK in 2016-17, only a small minority had Foreign Office loans. Britain banned forced marriage in 2014, although there have only been two convictions. The Forced Marriage Unit received reports of nearly 2,000 possible cases last year, many involving girls from South Asian backgrounds, but campaigners say that is just the tip of the iceberg. Charities working to tackle forced marriage welcomed the change. Im absolutely delighted, said Jasvinder Sanghera, the founder of charity Karma Nirvana. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events I hope is this really does put a spotlight on the issue of forced marriage and... government tries to think about a plan towards pursuing prosecutions for these perpetrators. Additional reporting by PA The European Commission has said it is reflecting on how to offer Theresa May further help to get her Brexit deal through parliament next week. Brussels has been adamant that it cannot make any actual changes to the controversial deal, but there have been suggestions that further non-binding political reassurances could be made to smooth its passage. President Juncker spoke last Friday to prime minister May at her request to see how we can help with additional reassurances, an EU Commission spokesperson told reporters in Brussels. Right now we are in the process of reflecting on how to do this and I will update you as soon as there are any contacts foreseen, which is no the case at this stage. But indeed they had agreed to remain in touch throughout the week, which is not yet over. Recommended Corbyn indicates Labour will back Brexit delay But the spokesperson said they could not offer the prime minister a timescale on when help might arrive raising the prospect that it might come after the vote, possibly helping smooth a second attempt. The Commission provided some political cover for the prime minister on Thursday however by failing to raise an objection to a eurosceptic amendment that would see MPs given yet another vote in 2020 on whether the most controversial parts of the plan should come into force at all. The so-called Swire amendment, which the government has accepted, would let MPs vote on whether the backstop should come into effect. According to Downing Street the vote would not have automatic legal force, but there would be significant pressure on the government to abandon the backstop if it lost. This action would amount to breaking the withdrawal agreement. Behind the scenes an EU source told The Independent that it was for the UK government to explain the amendment and that the deal could not be changed. But publicly a spokesperson would not be drawn on it, telling reporters: We are not commenting on the on-going parliamentary debate in the United Kingdom. I can recall that we have reached a deal with the UK government and this deal is the best and only deal possible and will not be renegotiated so this is where we are at this stage. The form any reassurances could take and whether they happen at all is still subject to debate and will depend on how the EU reads the situation unfolding in Westminster. "Brexit betrayal" march in London Show all 43 1 /43 "Brexit betrayal" march in London "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds an anti-BBC sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator holds a sign in the picket line Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester carrying a noose at the "Brexit betrayal" march. The man carrying it told a reporter: "That's what the traitor May deserves." AP "Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro-brexit supporters hold a sign opposed to Nigel Farage Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters carry a defaced British flag on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Tommy Robinson addresses a rally after taking part in a Brexit 'betrayal' march in central London PA "Brexit betrayal" march in London Police officers attempts to keep rival protesters from clashing at the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London Victoria Jones/PA "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds an anti-Theresa May sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator and his dog Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator at the protest Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit sign at the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro-brexit demonstrators endorse UKIP Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A Brexit 'betrayal' march protester wearing a Make Britain Great Again hat in London on 9 December 2018 Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty "Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London The "Brexit Betrayal" march passes through Central London Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Tommy Robinson tells protesters to join Ukip via their mobile phones on stage next to leader Gerard Batten (right) at the Brexit 'betrayal' march Gareth Fuller/PA "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester speaks thorugh a megaphone on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator walks in the picket line Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit anti-May sign at the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester carries a Union Jack on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator wrapped in the Union Jack Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit anti-May sign at the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro brexit demonstrators move through Central London Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator marches with sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator holds a rude sign in the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London The march passes down Victoria Street near Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A festive protester marches near Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds a mock noose as the march passes down Victoria Street towards Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester wrapped in the Union Jack marches down Victoria Street towards Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester makes some noise on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester dressed as a dinosaur holds a sign rallying against "Davocracy" - in reference to the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds a pro-brexit sign on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London The march approaches parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester distributes pro-brexit lapel badges Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A demonstrator wears an anti-EU poster and holds an anti-BBC sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A smoke bomb is deployed in Parliament Square as the march comes across the counter-demonstration Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A flag bearing the Arms of Plantagenet flies in theprot Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters on the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters on the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent The Independent reported at the weekend that any further reassurances are not expected to go as far as the full legally binding commitment as demanded by Tory MPs. Such a text with legal status would require yet another summit which EU leaders are not prepared to hold after having already been dragged back to Brussels in November for an extra meeting. Instead, the current thinking in Brussels is understood to be that any further action could take the form of a letter. This would not go as far as Tory eurosceptics have demanded they want a mechanism for the UK to leave the backstop, or a fixed time-limit. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The EU already made clarifications to the deal at a Brussels meeting in December where it said the blocs firm determination to work speedily on a subsequent agreement that establishes by 31 December 2020 alternative arrangements, so that the backstop will not need to be triggered. Additional paragraphs going further that had appeared in earlier drafts were deleted by EU leaders after an apparently unimpressive showing by Ms May at a meeting with the 27 prime ministers and presidents. Theresa May has called the leaders of Britains biggest unions for the first time since becoming prime minister in a desperate bid to find backing for her Brexit deal. The calls to Unite leader Len McCluskey and the GMBs Tim Roache whose unions are Jeremy Corbyns biggest financial backers mark just how far she is being forced to go in the hope of finding support for the deal expected to be rejected by MPs next week. She was scorned by second referendum-backing Mr Roache, who joked after his call that he was glad the prime minister finally picked up the phone. The unprecedented move came as she also sought to convince Labour MPs to back her by promising new commitments to maintain workers rights in line with EU standards after Brexit. But expectations that she is heading for a heavy defeat on Tuesday simply grew further, with some estimates suggesting that opposition has actually grown since she delayed the vote on her deal in December. Capitalising on the deep Tory divisions, Mr Corbyn instead invited Conservative MPs to back a motion of no confidence in the government which he is promising to table if Ms Mays plans are defeated. Downing Street confirmed the calls to Mr Roache, whose union has 620,000 members, and Mr McCluskey, representing more than 1.4 million, and admitted it was the first time she had spoken to either of them since her arrival at No 10. The Independent understands the prime minister also attempted to call Dave Prentis, leader of Unison which also has some 1.4 million members, but could not get through because Mr Prentis was travelling. Michael Gove calls Labour's Brexit position as 'b*******' The prime ministers approach is all the more surprising because of her previous lack of engagement, with the TUCs Frances OGrady revealing last year that she had only met the PM once since she came to power. Mr Roache, whose union donated almost 1m to Mr Corbyns Labour party in 2018, said: After nearly three years Im glad the prime minister finally picked up the phone. As you would expect, I was very clear about GMBs position the [Brexit] deal on the table isnt good enough and non-binding assurances on workers rights wont cut it. If the deal genuinely did the job for GMB members, our union would support it, but it doesnt. Its clear more time is required, we need to extend Article 50 and ultimately give the final say on Brexit to the public. The Independent has campaigned for a fresh referendum through its Final Say campaign, with more than 1.1 million people signing its petition. But while the GMB has taken a tougher line against Brexit, Unite boss Mr McCluskey has previously warned of the consequences of attempting to hinder the UKs departure. Unite chose to make no comment last night. Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Show all 11 1 /11 Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray (left) and a pro-Brexit protester argue as they demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A pro-Brexit protester argues Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround the pro-Brexit protester after he confronted Steve Bray, a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer as he argues with a remain supporter, Steve Bray, outside Parliament PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament MPs in Parliament are to vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal next week after her December vote was called off in the face of a major defeat Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police look on as anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament. Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police hold back a leave supporter PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A police officer speaks with anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround a pro-Brexit protester after he confronted a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Conservative MP David Davies, wearing a gopro camera, speaks to anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images Downing Street reported that Ms May had also talked to the CBI president John Allan and said that all of the conversations had been constructive and that there would be more in the coming days. Asked if the move to call unions was desperate, her spokeswoman said: Its part of her ongoing engagement with leaders from across the United Kingdom. Earlier in the day Ms May signalled the government would consider very seriously a plan from Labour MPs to safeguard workers rights in her Brexit proposals, as part of her drive to woo the partys Brexiteers. An amendment tabled by Labour MP John Mann, which has the backing of his colleagues Gareth Snell, Caroline Flint and Lisa Nandy, would keep EU rules on pay and conditions, health and safety issues and environmental standards. Mr Mann called the move part of a process, suggesting it would not immediately mean Labour MPs swinging behind Ms Mays plan. Greg Clark refuses to rule out resigning over no-deal Brexit Ms Nandy also said its adoption would not be enough to persuade her to vote with Ms May, telling BBC Radio 4s World at One: The amendment that weve tabled, even though it represents progress, isnt sufficient to give me or many other Labour MPs confidence that this will lead to the sort of close relationship economically with the EU that we need to protect jobs in our constituencies. She added: Ive been saying for five months now that I would be prepared to vote for the withdrawal agreement, but Theresa May needs to get in touch with Labour on our front benches and back benches, and start having this dialogue about what we need to have the confidence to vote for it. Until now, shes only been prepared to talk to her party particularly, the right of her party. Mr Corbyn was also reaching out beyond his own benches as the crucial vote approached, urging Conservatives to back a no-confidence motion in their own government to end the Brexit impasse. The Labour leader appealed to rival parties to unite behind a bid to tear down the current administration and force a general election, admitting his party would need the support of Tory rebels to win. He said in a speech in Wakefield: I say to Theresa May if you are so confident in your deal then call that election and let the people decide. If not, Labour will table a motion of no confidence in the government at the moment we judge it to have the best chance of success. Clearly, Labour does not have enough MPs in parliament to win a confidence vote on its own. So members across the house should vote with us to break the deadlock. Right at Home is a national in-home care company with local offices. The Carroll County office, based in Westminster, will serve Carroll Lutheran Village. Residents of the village will receive billing, scheduling and coordination with village medical and social services staff. In-home care services range from transportation and light housekeeping to medication management and injections. In addition to the convenience offered to residents, there will be regular oversight of the program and resident satisfaction. MPs are weighing up how quickly to launch a bid for a fresh referendum on Brexit, after inflicting a stunning defeat on Theresa May which cleared the way for a Commons vote. Another Conservative revolt will force the prime minister to present her plan B within just three working days of what seems certain to be a heavy defeat of her proposed deal next Tuesday. The victory torpedoed Ms Mays apparent plan to force MPs to vote multiple times on that deal, while running down the clock to the threat of crashing out of the EU with no agreement, as the feared alternative. It triggered chaotic scenes in the Commons, as furious Brexiteers accused John Bercow, the Commons speaker, of blatant bias in allowing the vote, against legal advice. The government must now table a motion, setting out what it plans to do if it loses on Tuesday, by 21 January which, crucially, could be amended to allow parliament to take back control, as one senior Tory put it. Supporters of a Final Say referendum are weighing up whether to go for the kill immediately, or wait until after Jeremy Corbyn has, finally, set out Labours position. All eyes will be on the Labour leader, amid a growing expectation he will table a vote of no confidence in the government next week, to try to force a general election. That is likely to fail, piling enormous pressure on Mr Corbyn to then back a fresh referendum without which a Commons majority for a public vote is unlikely. Chris Leslie, a Labour MP, said referendum supporters should act quickly, telling The Independent: Now is the time to decide. Monday 21 could be parliaments last chance to avoid the cliff edge. The decision on a peoples vote cant be put off any longer. Sarah Wollaston, a leading Tory Final Say supporter, said it was time for the prime minister to concede a fresh referendum on Brexit without delay. Because parliament has reached an impasse, the right thing for her to do is say parliament cant decide, Im going to take it to the people direct, she said. Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Show all 11 1 /11 Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray (left) and a pro-Brexit protester argue as they demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A pro-Brexit protester argues Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround the pro-Brexit protester after he confronted Steve Bray, a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer as he argues with a remain supporter, Steve Bray, outside Parliament PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament MPs in Parliament are to vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal next week after her December vote was called off in the face of a major defeat Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police look on as anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament. Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police hold back a leave supporter PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A police officer speaks with anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround a pro-Brexit protester after he confronted a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Conservative MP David Davies, wearing a gopro camera, speaks to anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images But, by 21 January, there may still be no Commons majority for any alternative to Ms Mays doomed plan, whether a referendum, extending Article 50, or the soft Brexit Norway option. Furthermore, even if an amendment did pass, the government would not be legally required to comply with what the Commons had voted for although MPs would hope that political force would be sufficient. Paul Williams, a Labour MP who has pledged to table an amendment for a new referendum at some stage, said it was too early to say if that would happen on 21 January. He said: I hope Labour moves a vote of no confidence as soon as Mays deal voted down and, if that doesnt succeed, moves quickly to supporting a public vote on the final deal. MPs were divided over the significance of the defeat, on an amendment tabled by Dominic Grieve, the former Conservative attorney general, by a majority of 11. Mr Grieve himself warned the government would not survive for long if it defied parliament and refused to listen to MPs instruction to wake up. It is, in a sense, parliament exerting and taking back control, doing what its job is there to do which is holding the government to account, he said. Recommended Ministers tell May to force through Brexit by calling April election At the moment, the risk we have is that the government has been kicking the can down the road. Its wake up time we have a very short time in which to sort this out. But Jacob Rees-Mogg pointed out it did not have legal force, saying: Parliament can pass motions saying the moon is made of green cheese, but that doesnt mean its legally binding. A total of 17 Tory MPs rebelled, including Ken Clarke and Final Say supporters Justine Greening, Sam Gyimah, Jo Johnson, Philip Lee and Anna Soubry. The fresh setback for the prime minister came as she put herself on another collision course with Brussels, after toughening her stance on the Irish border backstop. The government accepted a backbench amendment that could give the Commons a veto over entry into the backstop even though it would be legally bound to do so, under the terms of the withdrawal agreement. Furthermore, if the backstop is implemented, the government would have a duty to have an agreed future relationship or alternative arrangements with one year, so it ceases to apply. Both contradict the divorce deal, under which the UK agreed the backstop was the default option if a trade deal is not in place by the end of 2020 and that it should apply indefinitely. The move risked the EUs wrath while being clearly designed to win over Tory MPs posed to vote down the prime ministers deal next Tuesday. But it was immediately dismissed by one leading Brexiteer, former minister Steve Baker, who said: This flimsy rubbish will only persuade those who have decided to be persuaded. Most of us have made our decision. Until the Grieve defeat, Ms May was only required, after losing on her deal, to make a statement on what will happen next within 21 calendar days and then allow a vote in the Commons within seven sitting days. That subsequent motion was not expected to be amendable until Mr Grieves victory, last month, which meant MPs would be able to put forward their alternatives but only for indicative votes. Before the defeat, Tory MPs raged at Mr Bercow for more than one hour, raising numerous points of order to vent their fury, in the closest the Commons comes to a riot. David Natzler, the Commons clerk and expert on parliamentary procedure, was believed to have advised Mr Bercow that the Grieve amendment should be struck out, because it clashed with standing orders. If the government does table the required motion within three working days, it could come very late on 21 January, postponing any debate until the following day. Cabinet minister Greg Clark has refused to rule out resigning if Theresa May pressed ahead with a no-deal Brexit, as he said such a scenario would be a disaster. Urging parliament to establish that it wants a disorderly exit from the EU ruled out, the business secretary also claimed there is mounting alarm in businesses around the world. Describing the prospect of leaving the bloc on World Trade Organisation (WTO) trading terms as the most rudimentary that exist between any nations on earth, Mr Clark said in an article for Politico that a no-deal scenario is bewildering in many boardrooms. He also contradicted the prime ministers mantra that no deal is better than a bad deal, adding: Business have been supportive of the agreement the prime minister has negotiated because it reflects what job creators say is needed. A deal, rather than no deal. Asked on BBC Radio 4s Today programme whether he would be able to stay in his position if the government was to oversee a no deal, he replied: Its not that it would become government policy ... what parliament needs to do is recognise that we need to put differences aside and establish an agreement on a deal. Pressed again, he added: I would always work and fight to make sure the policy of the government is to have a good deal and to avoid what I think would be a disaster, which would be no deal. His remarks came as Nick Timothy, the former chief of staff to the prime minister, wrote in an article for The Daily Telegraph that some Conservative MPs could vote against the government in a no-confidence motion to stop a no-deal Brexit. But crucially, he added: Other senior MPs including several ministers agree in private. Up to five cabinet ministers would resign. It is very difficult to imagine the government defying parliament in this way. Recommended MPs vote to force May to reveal Brexit plan B within days After the government suffered two damaging defeats in the Commons in the space of 24 hours, Mr Clark also said it was clear there was no majority for Britain leaving the bloc without a deal. It is my strong view that we need to come together. We need to act to avoid a no deal because I dont think there is anything remotely like a majority in parliament that will tolerate this, he said. Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Show all 11 1 /11 Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray (left) and a pro-Brexit protester argue as they demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A pro-Brexit protester argues Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround the pro-Brexit protester after he confronted Steve Bray, a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer as he argues with a remain supporter, Steve Bray, outside Parliament PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament MPs in Parliament are to vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal next week after her December vote was called off in the face of a major defeat Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police look on as anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament. Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police hold back a leave supporter PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A police officer speaks with anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround a pro-Brexit protester after he confronted a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Conservative MP David Davies, wearing a gopro camera, speaks to anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images The default is in law that unless we have a deal then we will fall into no deal. Now, I think, is the time for parliament to recognise this. We need to come together, we need to do a deal. We need to reflect on the points that are going to be made in the debates, but really give expression to that determination across parliament and conduct ourselves in the way that our reputation internationally has always been to be pragmatic and dependable and that means doing a deal. Jeremy Corbyn has agreed that a delay to Brexit appears inevitable, to allow for a renegotiation of Theresa Mays doomed deal. The Labour leader said there was no split with Keir Starmer, his Brexit secretary, who was reflecting practicalities when he signalled support for an extension to the Article 50 notice. On a Final Say referendum, he repeated his position to keep all options on the table, including the option of campaigning for a public vote, if his bid for a general election fails. Speaking in Wakefield, Mr Corbyn insisted an election was the only way to heal the deep divisions caused by Brexit, while insisting Labour could negotiate a better deal with the EU. But he admitted his plan to table a vote of no confidence in the government was doomed to fail unless it could win support from Tory rebels, or the Democratic Unionist Party. Clearly, Labour does not have enough MPs in parliament to win a confidence vote on its own, Mr Corbyn said. So, members across the House should vote with us to break the deadlock. This paralysis cannot continue. Uncertainty is putting peoples jobs and livelihoods at risk. But Mr Corbyn stepped back from an allys suggestion that he would stage the no-confidence vote immediately after the expected defeat for the prime ministers deal on Tuesday. Labour will table a motion of no confidence in the government at the moment we judge it to have the best chance of success, he repeated Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Show all 11 1 /11 Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray (left) and a pro-Brexit protester argue as they demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A pro-Brexit protester argues Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround the pro-Brexit protester after he confronted Steve Bray, a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer as he argues with a remain supporter, Steve Bray, outside Parliament PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament MPs in Parliament are to vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal next week after her December vote was called off in the face of a major defeat Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police look on as anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament. Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police hold back a leave supporter PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A police officer speaks with anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround a pro-Brexit protester after he confronted a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Conservative MP David Davies, wearing a gopro camera, speaks to anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images As expected, Mr Corbyn immediately rejected the prime ministers attempted olive deal to backbench Labour MPs, which could see her backing their bid to safe guard Labour rights after Brexit. It's already been quite clearly and emphatically rejected by the TUC and leading trade unions. They say it simply doesn't guarantee the protections that we are seeking, he said. On Wednesday, Sir Keir suggested an extension may well be inevitable, while acknowledging it would require the consent of the other 27 EU members. Asked if he agreed, Mr Corbyn said a Labour government would need time to carry out a fresh negotiation with the EU. Quite clearly, moving into office at a period right up against the clock, there would need to be time for that negotiation, he said. What Keir was doing was reflecting the practicalities of how that negotiation would be undertaken. Theresa May has called for John Bercow to fully explain why he broke with Commons rules to allow a vote that will give MPs a greater say over her Brexit strategy. The prime minister stepped into the bitter row surrounding the actions of the Commons speaker, saying: I was surprised at that decision; its for the speaker to explain that decision. The intervention came as the Japanese prime minister, speaking alongside Ms May warned: The world is watching the UK as it exits the European Union. Shinzo Abe said a no-deal Brexit must be avoided if Japan is to invest more into your country and to enjoy further economic growth with the UK. The comment was seized on by the anti-Brexit Best for Britain group. Labour MP Martin Whitfield said: It is humiliating for the prime minister to be told to her face that the whole world wants to avoid a no-deal scenario, yet she still refuses to rule it out. Countries across the globe are looking at Britain in despair. Japan, like our other allies, understands the folly of a no-deal Brexit. Why doesnt Theresa May? Mr Bercow provoked fury among pro-Brexit MPs over a vote to force Ms May to present her plan B within three working days of an expected heavy defeat of her deal next Tuesday. It triggered chaotic scenes in the Commons, as the speaker was accused of blatant pro-Remain bias in allowing the vote, against the advice of his own legal experts. Asked about the controversy, the prime minister said: Members of parliament need to know that there is a set of rules in the House of Commons. Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Show all 11 1 /11 Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray (left) and a pro-Brexit protester argue as they demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A pro-Brexit protester argues Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround the pro-Brexit protester after he confronted Steve Bray, a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer as he argues with a remain supporter, Steve Bray, outside Parliament PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament MPs in Parliament are to vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal next week after her December vote was called off in the face of a major defeat Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police look on as anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament. Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police hold back a leave supporter PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A police officer speaks with anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround a pro-Brexit protester after he confronted a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Conservative MP David Davies, wearing a gopro camera, speaks to anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images They need to know there will be consistent interpretation of those rules, so that they know how they can operate within the House. On Mr Bercow allowing the amendment, put forward by Tory rebel Dominic Grieve, she added: I was surprised at that decision. Its for the speaker to explain that decision. The leader of the House of Commons asked if he would publish the advice that he has received on that. Ms May reiterated her plea to MPs to back her agreement, saying: The only way to avoid no deal is to have a deal, and to agree a deal, and the deal that is on the table, the deal that is the deal that the EU has made clear is the only deal. Mr Abe said: The world is watching the UK as it exits the European Union. And he added: It is the strong will of Japan to further develop this strong partnership with the UK, to invest more into your country and to enjoy further economic growth with the UK. That is why we truly hope that a no-deal Brexit will be avoided, and in fact that is the whole wish of the whole world. Students feel they are being pushed down the route of going to university, according to a survey of 1,500 recent school leavers which found two-thirds were urged to go into higher education by teachers, while almost six out of 10 said their parents wanted them to pick that option. However, most respondents said their parents were supportive of whichever path they decided to follow. But one in five did say their parents pushed too hard to pick further education. The poll, carried out ahead of next week's deadline for UCAS applications also found seven in 10 kids asked their parents for advice on what to do with their lives. But only around one in eight followed the advice given to them when deciding on the next step. For many school leavers university remains entirely the correct option," said Rob Alder, head of business development for AAT, which commissioned the research. However, its not the only one available and many may not realise that there are alternatives available, including high-quality apprenticeships and trainee schemes which can unlock the door to a long and successful career. He added: In the accounting industry, for example, we see thousands of people each year who left school at 18, got a job and qualified a year earlier without the student debt that graduates built up. Of the school leavers who took part, 51 per cent went to university after finishing further education and 11 per cent took part in an apprentice or trainee scheme, while 15 per cent went straight into the world of work without doing any further training. Asked to consider what they thought was most important to them when deciding what to do after secondary school, 42 per cent said they wanted to pursue a route which they were passionate about. One in four prioritised making money above all else and 21 per cent wanted to do their best to follow a path which would provide them with a stable future. One in five wished their parents had given them more in-depth advice and guidance about what to do after secondary school, but 10 per cent wished they had let them make up their own mind more. A-level results 2018 in pictures Show all 21 1 /21 A-level results 2018 in pictures A-level results 2018 in pictures Students celebrate their A Level results from Ark Academy in Wembley PA A-level results 2018 in pictures Charlie Jenner, Nathan Sharp and Abhinav Boddu receive their A Level results at Norwich School PA A-level results 2018 in pictures Students collect their A Level results at Brighton College PA A-level results 2018 in pictures Students celebrate their A Level results from Ark Academy in Wembley PA A-level results 2018 in pictures Twins Himmat (left) and Arjun Sohal, who both got 3 A's in Maths, Physics and Chemistry, and will both be going to Bath Universirty to study Chemical Engineering, celebrate their A Level results at Peter Symonds College, Winchester PA A-level results 2018 in pictures Students celebrate their A Level results from Ark Academy in Wembley PA A-level results 2018 in pictures Alex Cox receiving his A Level results at Mander Portman Woodward College, Edgbaston, Birmingham PA A-level results 2018 in pictures Students react as they receive their 'A' level results at Stoke Newington School and Sixth Form in London Reuters A-level results 2018 in pictures Moyle Oloko with her results at Brighton College in East Sussex PA A-level results 2018 in pictures Grace El-Mokadem, Maddie Backhouse, Claudia Ballard and Sophie Plumber read their A Level results at Brighton College in East Sussex PA A-level results 2018 in pictures Twins Emily and Molly Goldberg receive their A Level results at Merchant Taylor School in Crosby, Merseyside PA A-level results 2018 in pictures A student reacts as she receives her 'A' level results at Stoke Newington School and Sixth Form in London REUTERS A-level results 2018 in pictures Students react as they receive their 'A' level results at Stoke Newington School and Sixth Form in London Reuters A-level results 2018 in pictures Simran Kaur Bahia 20 receiving her A Level results gaining an A*, A and B at Mander Portman Woodward College, Edgbaston PA A-level results 2018 in pictures Students pose for a photograph as they receive their A Level results from from Merchant Taylor School in Crosby, Merseyside PA A-level results 2018 in pictures Amanda Georgevic with daughter Phoebe Georgevic 19, who got two A's and one B in her A Level results at Mander Portman Woodward College, Edgbaston PA A-level results 2018 in pictures Students react as they receive their 'A' level results at Stoke Newington School and Sixth Form in London Reuters A-level results 2018 in pictures Harriet Selway, 17, left, and Niamh Davies, 17, right, both from Horfield, Bristol, react as they open their A Level results at St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School PA A-level results 2018 in pictures Eleanor Elizabeth Sykes 18 receiving her A Level results gaining 2 A's at Mander Portman Woodward College, Edgbaston PA A-level results 2018 in pictures A group of students talk after receiving their A Level results at Mander Portman Woodward College PA A-level results 2018 in pictures A student reacts as she receives her 'A' level results at Stoke Newington School and Sixth Form in London Reuters The study also surveyed 500 parents of school leavers to uncover how they assessed their own involvement in their childs decision and found that 56 per cent of parents recommended that their children continue on to university, and one in seven thought they would benefit from taking part in an apprenticeship. Only one in eight thought their child would be served best by entering directly into the world of work and 72 per cent believed apprenticeship schemes and further training courses have become a more viable choice for school leavers in recent years. Many young people are about to submit their UCAS forms to apply for university; and that route will get a lot of attention," Mr Alder said. Even with rising university fees adding a pressure on household finances, there is still only a minority of parents who are suggesting university alternatives to their children. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Its essential that each young person is given the right advice for their individual strengths, to give them the best chance of having a successful career, even if that means advising them that university might not be the best option for them. David Allison, CEO and Founder of GetMyFirstJob.co.uk said: In recent years, weve seen more and more young people and parents question the value they get from a traditional degree. The fees and associated debt quickly rack up with a full time degree, and owing 50,000 before you get your first job should really encourage all young people to look at the options open to them. The good news is that there are now more alternatives than ever before to the traditional university route with Accountancy and Professional Services leading the way. SWNS A homeowner has denied turning his house into a sushi restaurant despite hanging an illuminated sign above the door of the property. Orlando Williams rubbished claims from neighbours he had been running an eatery at from the seven-bedroom residential address in Norwich since October last year. An illuminated sign hung outside the property reading Orlandos, featuring a telephone number and web address, bears an uncanny resemblance to a restaurant front. And the unusual decor has been enough to pique the interest of Norwich City Council, which has launched an investigation into whether Mr Williams is breaking planning regulations. An initial inspection uncovered a bar in the property and seating for 24 people. However, the owner denies any wrongdoing, insisting he is not running a business from the property. All I do, I have my name on my house, Mr Williams told the Eastern Daily Press. There is no restaurant there. However, neighbours beg to differ. One, Becky Greengrass, told the newspaper Mr Williams even invited her husband to a launch party for the establishment last year. When my husband told me I was just dumbfounded, she said. I could not believe it. We are all up in arms because he didnt get planning permission for it. We thought surely we should have been notified. Then there is the god awful sign that has been put up. The amount of friends who drive past and ask me: What the hell has opened up next door to you? Orlando Williams has previously run a Japanese restaurant in Norwich (Eastern Daily Press) The word Sakura, the name of a now-closed Japanese restaurant Mr Williams had previously run in the city, is also emblazoned above his door. A Facebook page for the restaurant now lists its location as the Earlham Road address where Mr Williams house is located. Norwich City Council is currently investigating if any planning laws have been broken. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events A spokesperson for the local authority told The Independent an application had never been lodged to turn the property into a restaurant. We are aware of allegations that the property is being used as a restaurant and when officers visited they found tables and chairs set up inside, as well as evidence that the property has been marketed as a restaurant, they added. But unless it is actually being used as a restaurant, and we have evidence that customers have used it and dined in it, it doesnt require a change of use. Norwich council is investigating if the premises breaches planning regulations (Eastern Daily Press) The council had been advised to accept an application to convert the property into a bed and breakfast guesthouse at a planning meeting on Thursday. It was reported to the council that a restaurant was being run from the premises and that advertisements have been erected at the property, planning documents stated. The council is currently investigating the suspected breach above. However, members should be aware that the enforcement matters as outlined above are separate from the application under consideration. A Welsh town is challenging for the world record for the planets steepest street. The title is currently held by Baldwin Street in the city of Dunedin, New Zealand, which has a gradient of 35 per cent at its steepest point. However, residents of Harlech, a small town in Snowdonia, believe one winding road, Ffordd Pen Llech, is steeper by one percentage point. Official measurements are due to be taken next week. They will be sent to Guinness World Records, before being revealed a few weeks later. "I was driving down it in the summer when it struck me how steep it could be," said Gwyn Headley, a Harlech resident and the man behind the world record attempt. He told BBC Radio Wales the street was already considered the UKs steepest, but that a different methodology was used to calculate Baldwin Street. Mr Headley got in touch with surveyor Myrddyn Phillips, who agreed to use GPS equipment to work out the gradient of Ffordd Pen Llechs steepest 10-metre section - Guinness World Records stipulation for recognition. Any road or street considered needs to be a public thoroughfare commonly used by the public, who have to be able to drive a car up it. Ffordd Pen Llech could be the world's new steepest street (Google Maps) The challenge to Baldwin Street may have higher stakes than first appears. Thanks to its current status as worlds steepest, the road in Dunedin draws thousands of tourists every year. It has proved a hit on Instagram with visitors, helping the profile of the city, as well as being the site for a number of daredevil attempts, including one stuntman who drove on a motorcycle down the road on one wheel. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events In 2010, motorcycle stuntman Ian Soanes wheelied his way down the street in front of a 3,000-strong crowd. Transport bosses have been urged to reduce pollution on the London Underground network after it was found to be 30 times higher than on busy roads in the capital. The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) warned Transport for London it was likely that there is some health risk associated with exposure to underground PM tiny particles known as particulate matter. In its first study looking into the issue since 1998, COMEAP found underground particles were larger in size and concentration than those in outdoor air above ground. Researchers found that a person travelling on a bus for two and a half hours was exposed to a third of what they would be travelling on the Tube for just an hour. Unpublished data from Kings College London also showed that Hampstead station on the Northern Line had the highest levels of pollution. Recommended Man pulled out alive from under London Tube train Tests recorded an average of 492 micrograms per cubic metre (g/m3) of air on the stations platforms, compared with an annual average of 16 g/m3 from a roadside monitoring site in the capital. An average of 4.8 million journeys are made on the London Underground every day. The report found that the London Underground was affected more than any other subway system because it was the oldest and due to deep, poorly ventilated tunnels. 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 committee concluded that there was likely to be some health risk associated with using the Underground system but that a lack of studies into this made it impossible to determine the extent. It added that further investigation was required into the toxicity of the dust breathed in by tube passengers, which is heavier and more metal-based than the smaller, carbon-based particles in the air above ground. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events We would encourage Transport for London to continue to find practicable ways of reducing PM levels on the Underground network, the committee said. Professor Frank Kelly, chair of COMEAP, said people should continue to use the tube given the relatively short time spent underground and lack of evidence of harmful effects. He told The Guardian: Weve got all this information about the health impacts of the particles above the surface. Below ground, we know we have a higher mass but of a different type we dont yet have the research into the level of the toxicity, and hence the health risk. Prosecutors are assessing whether yellow-vest protesters that have been disrupting Westminster may have broken the law. Dozens of MPs called for a crackdown on the far-right Brexiteers for intimidating and harassing politicians, journalists and pro-Remain protesters outside the Houses of Parliament. Sir Stephen House, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, said authorities were probing whether protesters may have committed public order offences. There are a number of cases that we have referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in relation to what has been going on over the last few days and that is being considered, he added. The law of the land lays out a variety of different offences in public order. Sir Stephen said he could not comment on the three cases under consideration, but Scotland Yard previously confirmed that an incident where pro-Remain MP Anna Soubry was followed and insulted was reported as a potential offence. Speaking before the London assemblys police and crime committee, he said it was a very delicate situation. There is a very fine judgement to be made in terms of allowing people to go about lawful expression of their views whilst not preventing other people going about their lawful business, Sir Stephen added. Whether its an MP going into parliament or anyone else doing their job, people have got an absolute right to go about their lawful daily lives without impediment. Thats clearly a balance and outside parliament were seeing it tested to the extreme limit. Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Show all 11 1 /11 Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray (left) and a pro-Brexit protester argue as they demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A pro-Brexit protester argues Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround the pro-Brexit protester after he confronted Steve Bray, a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer as he argues with a remain supporter, Steve Bray, outside Parliament PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament MPs in Parliament are to vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal next week after her December vote was called off in the face of a major defeat Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police look on as anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament. Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police hold back a leave supporter PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A police officer speaks with anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround a pro-Brexit protester after he confronted a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Conservative MP David Davies, wearing a gopro camera, speaks to anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images The Public Order Act makes threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour illegal in some circumstances, as well as causing harassment, alarm or distress. No one has yet been arrested over abuse outside parliament, although three yellow-vest supporters have been detained in other incidents. At a protest in London on Saturday, three men were arrested on suspicion of public order offences and a 13-year-old girl was detained for allegedly assaulting a police officer. On Monday afternoon, a man was arrested in Parliament Square for suspected assault. Concern has been mounting over almost daily protests that started in December, seeing members target pro-EU protesters, politicians and journalists, as well as blocking roads and scuffling with police. More than 60 MPs have written to police demanding action, but officers have no power to remove the group from outside the Houses of Parliament or any other public place unless they are committing a crime, or a specific court order is made. Particular concern has been raised about the frequent use of the insults traitor and treason, following the murder of MP Jo Cox by a pro-Brexit white supremacist in 2016. Smoke bombs set off outside London's Downing Street by far-right 'yellow vest' protesters Len Duvall, a Labour assembly member, asked the police for assurances that yellow-vest members were being monitored to prevent the incitement to violence. Sir Stephen said comments and dialogue on social media was being monitored and does form part of the investigations that we are carrying out, while increased numbers of officers are deployed to Westminster. A small number of yellow-vest protesters returned on Wednesday, where they heckled journalists, and the group is planning a day of national action on Saturday. Last weekend saw scuffles with police at a demonstration in London, as yellow vests protested in other British cities including Manchester, Newcastle and Newport. Key organiser James Goddard, who used to live in Spains Canary Islands, has had his Facebook and PayPal accounts deleted amid condemnation of the groups activities. His profile on the social network Gab shows a history of racist and Islamophobic comments, including telling mixed-race women to jog off back to the jungle and f*** off back to Bongo Land. Mr Goddard, who has previously spoken at Tommy Robinson rallies, has called for a mass repatriation program for Muslims and labelled refugees barbaric, third-world savages. He now claims to be campaigning for a no-deal Brexit, but put banning Islam from the west above leaving the EU on an online wish list published a year ago. A Tommy Robinson supporter has admitted to verbally abusing a journalist at a protest and accusing her of being "Muslim-backed". William Eve, a restaurant owner from north-east London, was caught on camera insulting a female reporter and demanding to know whether she was with or against the English Defence League (EDL) founder. Westminster Magistrates' Court heard the 57-year-old shouted at Al Jazeeras Sonia Gallego during a Free Tommy protest that merged with a pro-Donald Trump rally in July. Prosecutor Robert Simpson said: The complainant is someone who is a reporter for Al Jazeera. She was conducting interviews and recording them. She was approached by the defendant, asked who she was, he found out and made the comment 'so you're Muslim-backed'. He went on to say she was stupid and call her a slag. Eve was filmed demanding to know who Ms Gallego worked for and asking: Are you with Tommy Robinson or against him? The journalist said she was not taking any sides in her reporting but Eve accused her of being Muslim-backed and called her f***ing stupid when she asked what he meant. Mr Simpson said he also jabbed a finger towards Ms Gallego, who recorded the incident in central London. Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Show all 50 1 /50 Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Far-right protesters demanding the release of jailed EDL founder Tommy Robinson brought chaos to central London The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Supporters of English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson demonstrate in London REUTERS Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Protesters blocked a bus being driven by a woman in a headscarf Staff Photographer Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release EDL block the roads in London Staff Photographer Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release EDL fly the St George flag at a Tommy Robinson support rally Staff Photographer Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Protesters hold up placards and wave Union flags AFP/Getty Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Supporters of English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson REUTERS Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release EDL shout through pub window REUTERS Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Supporters of English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson are confronted by police REUTERS Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release EDL display the St George flag to a bus driver Staff Photographer Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release EDL supporters in London Staff Photographer Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release EDL in Trafalgar Square Staff Photographer Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Pro-Tommy Robinson suport topless holds up a bus Staff Photographer Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Police stop EDL Staff Photographer Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release The Independent Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release EDL hold up traffic in London Staff Photographer Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Bus and passengers held up by EDL fury Staff Photographer Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Free Tommy Robinson supporters and Pro-Trump supporters come together on Whitehall PA Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Protest placards REUTERS Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Protesters hold up placards at a rally by supporters of far-right spokesman Tommy Robinson AFP/Getty Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Protesters march down Whitehall in support of far-right Tommy Robinson AFP/Getty Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release London EDL protests REUTERS Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Demonstrators hold banners supporting EDF founder Tommy Robinson and President Trump REUTERS Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release A protester dressed as a knight takes part in a rally by supporters of far-right spokesman Tommy Robinson in central London following the jailing of Tommy Robinson for contempt of court AFP/Getty Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Free Tommy Robinson supporters PA Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Protesters march down Whitehall AFP/Getty Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Supporters of English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson REUTERS Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Supporters of English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson demonstrate REUTERS Tommy Robinson march: Far-right protesters demand EDL founder release Supporters of English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson clash with police REUTERS Eve, of Adnams walk in Rainham, admitted one count of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress on 14 July. But he pleaded not guilty to a second count alleging that the harassment was religiously aggravated and is due to go on trial next month. Deputy district judge Jim Astle released Eve on bail until his trial at City of London Magistrates' Court on 21 February. Eve made no comment as he left the court, with a hat pulled over his face. Police said Robinson supporters at the rally physically attacked officers and hurled racial abuse, while a group also blocked a bus driven by a Muslim woman wearing a headscarf. Protesters chant 'We want Tommy out' as they block path of bus in London Ukip leader Gerard Batten, who has since hired Robinson as an adviser, and anti-Islam politicians from the US, Sweden and Belgium spoke at the event. It was one of several protests held over the imprisonment of Robinson, who was jailed for allegedly committing contempt of court at a grooming gang trial in May. The anti-Islam activist, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was released in April after the Court of Appeal overturned the findings because of procedural failings. Judges ordered a rehearing and the case has been referred to the attorney general for consideration on how it will proceed. Additional reporting by PA The Office of the State Fire Marshal said Friday that the fire caused approximately $80,000 in damage to the structure and $40,000 in damages to its contents. The fire marshal has deemed the fire accidental, having began as a result of an electrical issue involving a small refrigerator, according to a notice of investigation. A man who stabbed his pregnant girlfriend to death with a pair of scissors and left her to die while he went to "visit the Queen", has been jailed for life. Ioan Campeanu plunged the blades into 28-year-old Andra Hilitanus neck four times and then went for a drive around central London past Buckingham Palace. The 44-year-old eventually returned to their flat in Neasden, northwest London, where he called 999 two hours after he left Ms Hilitanu to die alone on 1 June last year, London's Old Bailey heard. The mother-of-two's 40 stab injuries were all survivable and that it was possible it could have taken more than 20 minutes for her to die, the court was told. Campeanu was found guilty of murdering his seven-month pregnant girlfriend and the destruction of their unborn daughter. He will serve a minimum term of 26 years behind bars for Ms Hilitanus murder, as well as 14 years to run concurrently for the death of their child. Sentencing him, Mr Justice Jacobs said Ms Hilitanu suffered a horrible death, alone and far from her home country. The senior judge rejected Campeanus claim that his victim had inflicted wounds on her pelvis herself because she did not want her baby, telling Campeanu: This was a prolonged and brutal attack in which you showed her no mercy. The terror and agony which she must have suffered are awful to contemplate. Ioan Campeanu, 44, was jailed for life on 10 January, 2019, after stabbing his pregnant girlfriend Andra Hilitanu to death with a pair of scissors at the couple's flat in Neasden, northwest London, on 1 June, 2018. (PA) Earlier in mitigation, Campeanu's defence barrister Michael Bromley-Martin QC said: I described this as a horror case and a lesson perhaps in the dreadful end of the inevitable spiral caused by addiction to drugs and in particular to cocaine. He said the defendant was in such as state after stabbing his girlfriend that he had it in his mind to visit Buckingham Palace to ask the Queen for medical assistance. Prosecutor Brian O'Neill QC said self-induced intoxication was no mitigation and pointed out Campeanu had denied any mental health problems when seen by two social workers the day before the killing. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The trial heard the killing came after years of domestic violence at the hands of the defendant, who was brought up in a brutal Romanian orphanage. He had previous convictions in Romania and England for robbery, theft and criminal damage, using crime to finance his drug addiction. Ms Hilitanu was one of four siblings who were brought close together following the death of their parents early in life. Her older sister Ramona Hilitanu said in a victim impact statement that Andras future was taken away in a cruel manner. An attempt to widen the educational opportunities for young people appears to have fallen flat. One year has passed since a legal requirement was introduced forcing schools to ensure that local colleges and companies have access to students from year 8 onwards to discuss technical courses and careers. But the latest research from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) suggests that almost two-thirds of schools have ignored this duty despite the governments push towards technical education. Britains biggest car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced it will cut 4,500 jobs to make 2.5bn of cost savings. The majority of those cuts are expected to be in the UK and a voluntary reduction programme has been launched. It comes as the luxury carmaker addresses growing uncertainty about Brexit and slowing demand in China. The new job losses are in addition to the 1,500 workers who left the company last year. Ralf Speth, chief executive of JLR, said: We are taking decisive action to help deliver long-term growth, in the face of multiple geopolitical and regulatory disruptions as well as technology challenges facing the automotive industry. Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year. The company, owned by Indian conglomerate Tata, also announced further investment in electrification, with electric drive units to be built at its factory in Wolverhampton and a new battery assembly centre at Hams Hall in Birmingham. JLR employs 44,000 workers in the UK at sites in Halewood on Merseyside and Solihull, Castle Bromwich and Wolverhampton in the West Midlands. The firm booked a 90m pre-tax loss in the three months to 30 September, which compared with a 385m profit in the same period in 2017. In China, demand was adversely impacted by consumer uncertainty following import duty changes and escalating trade tensions with the US. In the UK, continuing uncertainty related to Brexit was blamed. The company builds a higher proportion of its cars in Britain than any other major or medium-sized carmaker and has spent millions of pounds preparing for Brexit, in case there are tariffs or customs checks. Jaguar Land Rover CEO on car manufacturing in the UK after Brexit Commenting on the voluntary redundancies, business secretary Greg Clark said: This is a commercial decision for the company but nevertheless it will clearly be a worrying time for Jaguar Land Rover employees and their families. Jaguar Land Rover is a much valued British company with a talented and dedicated workforce. Mr Clark added: Jaguar Land Rover and its owners have made clear they remain firmly committed to the UK, continuing to invest billions and employing tens of thousands of people. He said the government would work closely with the business to ensure it can succeed and announced he would meet with leaders at JLR and local MPs on Monday. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Meanwhile, Ford signalled significant cuts among its 50,000-strong European workforce under plans to make it more competitive and make its business more sustainable. The company started consultations with unions, with details of job cuts not expected until later in the year, although staff based at Warley in Essex will move to Dunton. Steven Armstrong, Fords European group vice president, said the company was making tough decisions by undertaking a complete review of its European operations. He said the announcement was not directly linked to Brexit, but he added that Ford will have to undertake a further review if the UK leaves the EU without a deal in March. Mr Armstrong declined to say how many jobs will be cut, but he said the impact will be significant. Additional reporting by agencies Ford is to cut thousands of jobs across the UK and mainland Europe as part of a major plan to turn around its fortunes. The US car manufacturer has not confirmed exact figures but said there will be a "reduction of surplus labour" across all of its business areas. Ford Europe said on Thursday it would combine the headquarters of two divisions, Ford UK and Ford Credit, to a site in Dunton, Essex. The company will also stop producing multivans and will stop manufacturing automatic transmissions at a plant in Bordeaux in August. Operations in Russia are to be reviewed, the company announced. Ford has struggled to turn a profit in Europe, posting a 245m loss in its third quarter. The company is in discussions with unions and has said it hoped job cuts could be achieved "as far as possible through voluntary employee separations". It comes just hours ahead of an announcement from Jaguar Land Rover that is expected to lay out 5,000 job cuts. JLR is battling falling sales in China and uncertainty about diesel emissions regulations. Many of those will be culled from management, marketing and administrative roles, the BBC reported. The luxury carmaker employs 44,000 workers in the UK at sites in Halewood on Merseyside and Solihull, Castle Bromwich and Wolverhampton in the West Midlands. Thursdays announcement is expected to include details of sales for 2018, the business outlook for this year, an update on cost savings and planned investment in UK plants. The firm, owned by Indian conglomerate Tata, cut 1,000 temporary contract workers at its plant in Solihull in 2017. A no-deal Brexit would be catastrophic for the UKs food supplies, farmers have warned. The UKs four farmers unions have urged MPs to take all necessary steps to avoid crashing out of the EU ahead of a crucial vote on the governments proposed deal next Tuesday. The National Farmers Union, NFU Cymru, Ulster Farmers Union and NFU Scotland said a no-deal Brexit would have serious implications, including higher prices for consumers and disruption to food supplies. UK animals and animal products would effectively be prevented from being exported to the EU by high tariffs, including 65 per cent on beef, 46 per cent on lamb and 27 per cent on chicken, the unions said in a letter to MPs. A number of Brexit-supporting MPs have proposed the UK unilaterally cuts its own tariffs and non-tariff barriers to mitigate price rises in the event of no deal. Backers of the policy say it would help keep prices down but the farmers unions warned the UK would be open to food produced to lower standards, such as chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-treated beef. Research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies last year found that slashing import tariffs would have little impact on prices in shops. In a letter to MPs, the unions said: Brexit will mean that, for the first time in a generation, UK politicians will have direct responsibility for ensuring our nation is properly fed. Yet, in the face of this fundamental responsibility, there is a very real risk that a disorderly Brexit will lead to an immediate reliance on overseas imports, produced to lower standards, while many UK farms struggle to survive. The implications, not only for domestic food supply but for the careful management of our cherished countryside, would represent an historic political failure. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Our organisations remain committed to playing their part in managing Brexit in the best interests of farmers and the UK public in the years ahead, but we believe that leaving without a deal on 29 March will lead, very quickly, to the opposite outcome. We urge MPs, in light of the central role parliament will play in the coming days in resolving this impasse, to recognise the severe impact no deal will have and to take all steps necessary to avoid such a departure coming to pass. The main camera on Nasa's Hubble Space Telescope has broken and the space agency isn't working properly either. The problems with the famous telescope's instrument come as Nasa is unable to work properly because the US government is still in shutdown as Donald Trump attempts to get money to pay for his border wall. That means many of the space agency's staff are unable to go into work and that it is having to work through two sets of problems at once. Nasa said the camera stopped working Tuesday. Hubble's three other science instruments are still working fine, with celestial observations continuing. This third incarnation of the wide field camera was installed by spacewalking astronauts in 2009. The camera has backup electronics that could be called into action, if necessary, according to Nasa. Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Show all 30 1 /30 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Solar Flare An image from Nasa's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) shows a 200,000 mile long solar filament ripping through the Sun's corona in September 2013 Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Nasa Celebrates 50 Years of Spacewalking For 50 years, NASA has been "suiting up" for spacewalking. In this 1984 photograph of the first untethered spacewalk, NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless is in the midst of the first "field" tryout of a nitrogen-propelled backpack device called the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space A Hubble Cosmic Couple The spectacular cosmic pairing of the star Hen 2-427 more commonly known as WR 124 and the nebula M1-67 which surrounds it ESA/Hubble & NASA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Veil Nebula Supernova Remnant Nasa's Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled in stunning detail a small section of the Veil Nebula - expanding remains of a massive star that exploded about 8,000 years ago Nasa's most stunning pictures of space The Soyuz TMA-15M rocket launch The Soyuz TMA-15M rocket launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, carrying three new astronauts to the International Space Station. It also took caviar, ready for the satellite's inhabitants to celebrate the holidays Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Earth from the ISS From the International Space Station, Expedition 42 Flight Engineer Terry W. Virts took this photograph of the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. Gulf Coast at sunset Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Black Hole Friday Nasa celebrated Black Friday by looking into space instead sharing pictures of black holes Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space NuSTAR X-rays stream off the sun in this image showing observations from by NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, overlaid on a picture taken by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Cassiopeia A c A false colour image of Cassiopeia A comprised with data from the Spitzer and Hubble Space Telescopes and the Chandra X-Ray observatory Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Orion Capsule splashes down The Orion capsule jetted off into space before heading back a few hours later having proved that it can be used, one day, to carry humans to Mars Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Earth Observations From Gemini IV in 1965 This photograph of the Florida Straits and Grand Bahama Bank was taken during the Gemini IV mission during orbit no. 19 in 1965. The Gemini IV crew conducted scientific experiments, including photography of Earth's weather and terrain, for the remainder of their four-day mission following Ed White's historic spacewalk on June 3 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Frosty slopes of Mars This image of an area on the surface of Mars, approximately 1.5 by 3 kilometers in size, shows frosted gullies on a south-facing slope within a crater. The image was taken by Nasa's HiRISE camera, which is mounted on its Mars Reconaissance Orbiter Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Yellowstone from space NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman shared this image of Yellowstone via his twitter account Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Saturn This near-infrared color image shows a specular reflection, or sunglint, off of a hydrocarbon lake named Kivu Lacus on Saturn's moon Titan Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Worlds Apart Although Mimas and Pandora, shown here, both orbit Saturn, they are very different moons. Pandora, "small" by moon standards (50 miles or 81 kilometers across) is elongated and irregular in shape. Mimas (246 miles or 396 kilometers across), a "medium-sized" moon, formed into a sphere due to self-gravity imposed by its higher mass Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Solar Flare An X1.6 class solar flare flashes in the middle of the sun in this image taken 10 September, captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy An image of the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy seen in infrared light by the Herschel Space Observatory. Regions of space such as this are where new stars are born from a mixture of elements and cosmic dust Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Mars Rover Spirit Nasa's Mars Rover Spirit took the first picture from Spirit since problems with communications began a week earlier. The image shows the robotic arm extended to the rock called Adirondack Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Morning Aurora From the Space Station Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly captured this photograph of the green lights of the aurora from the International Space Station Nasa/Scott Kelly Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Launch of History - Making STS-41G Mission in 1984 The Space Shuttle Challenger launches from Florida at dawn. On this mission, Kathryn Sullivan became the first U.S. woman to perform a spacewalk and Marc Garneau became the first Canadian in space. The crew of seven was the largest to fly on a spacecraft at that time, and STS-41G was the first flight to include two female astronauts Nasa's most stunning pictures of space A Fresh Perspective on an Extraordinary Cluster of Galaxies Galaxy clusters are often described by superlatives. After all, they are huge conglomerations of galaxies, hot gas, and dark matter and represent the largest structures in the Universe held together by gravity Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Hubble Sees a Galactic Sunflower The arrangement of the spiral arms in the galaxy Messier 63, seen here in an image from the Nasa Hubble Space Telescope, recall the pattern at the center of a sunflower ESA/Hubble & NASA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Pluto image Four images from New Horizons Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) were combined with colour data from the Ralph instrument to create this enhanced colour global view of Pluto Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Fresh Crater Near Sirenum Fossae Region of Mars The HiRISE camera aboard Nasa's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter acquired this closeup image of a "fresh" (on a geological scale, though quite old on a human scale) impact crater in the Sirenum Fossae region of Mars. This impact crater appears relatively recent as it has a sharp rim and well-preserved ejecta Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Hubble Peers into the Most Crowded Place in the Milky Way This Nasa Hubble Space Telescope image presents the Arches Cluster, the densest known star cluster in the Milky Way NASA & ESA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space An Astronaut's View from Space Nasa astronaut Reid Wiseman tweeted this photo from the International Space Station on 2 September 2014 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Giant Landform on Mars On Mars, we can observe four classes of sandy landforms formed by the wind, or aeolian bedforms: ripples, transverse aeolian ridges, dunes, and what are called draa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Expedition 39 Landing A sokol suit helmet can be seen against the window of the Soyuz TMA-11M capsule shortly after the spacecraft landed with Expedition 39 Commander Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin of Roscosmos, and Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan (NASA/Bill Ingalls) Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Jupiter's Great Red Spot Viewed by Voyager I Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system and perhaps the most majestic. Vibrant bands of clouds carried by winds that can exceed 400 mph continuously circle the planet's atmosphere Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Chandra Observatory Sees a Heart in the Darkness This Chandra X-Ray Observatory image of the young star cluster NGC 346 highlights a heart-shaped cloud of 8 million-degree Celsius gas in the central region The camera has captured stunning images of stars, galaxies stretching far back in time and assisted in deep sky surveys. It's also studied objects in our own solar system, discovering some of the tiny moons around Pluto, as well as a 14th moon around Neptune. It takes pictures in both visible and ultraviolet light, as well as near infrared. Recommended Most distant star ever seen spotted 9 billion light years away Orbiting 350 miles (560 kilometers) above Earth, Hubble was launched in 1990 and visited by space shuttle astronauts, for repairs and upgrades, five times. Nasa associate administrator Thomas Zurbuchen said that such problems were to be expected and that they were being looked over by experienced engineers. "This is when everyone gets a reminder about two crucial aspects of space exploration: 1) complex systems like [the Hubble Space Telescope] only work due to a dedicated team of amazing experts; 2) all space systems have finite life-times and such issues are bound to happen from time to time," he posted. Last fall, Hubble stopped working altogether for three weeks because of a pointing problem. This is the first time the camera has acted up like this, said Cheryl Gundy, a spokeswoman with the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, which handle science operations for the telescope. "NASA is trying to pull together the team to try to diagnose the issue," Gundy said Wednesday. "We would like to have Hubble back up and working as quickly as possible, and NASA is making that happen," even with the partial government shutdown, she added. Additional reporting by Associated Press How many times have you sat down to watch TV or a movie, only to immediately shift your attention to your smartphone or tablet? Known as media multitasking, this phenomenon is so common that an estimated 178 million US adults regularly use another device while watching TV. While some might assume that frequently shifting your attention between different information streams is good brain training for improving memory and attention, studies have found the opposite to be true. Media multitasking is when people engage with multiple devices or content at the same time. This might be using your smartphone while watching TV, or even listening to music and text messaging friends while playing a video game. One recent study looked at the body of current research on media multitasking (consisting of 22 peer-reviewed research papers) and found that self-reported heavy media multitaskers performed worse on attention and working memory tests. Some even had structural brain differences. The study found that heavy media multitaskers performed about 8-10 per cent worse on sustained attention tests compared to light media multitaskers. These tests involved participants paying attention to a certain task (such as spotting a specific letter in a stream of other letters) for 20 minutes or more. Researchers found that on these tests (and others) the ability to sustain attention was poorer for heavy multitaskers. These findings might explain why some people are heavy multitaskers. If someone has a poor attention span, they may be likely to switch between activities quickly, instead of staying with just one. Heavy media multitaskers were also found to perform worse than light media multitaskers on working memory tests. These involved memorising and remembering information (like a phone number) while performing another task (such as searching for a pen and piece of paper to write it down). Complex working memory is closely linked with having better focus and being able to ignore distractions. Science news in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Science news in pictures Science news in pictures Pluto has 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen Pluto has a 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen that is doing strange things to its surface, Nasa has found. The mysterious core seems to be the cause of features on its surface that have fascinated scientists since they were spotted by Nasa's New Horizons mission. "Before New Horizons, everyone thought Pluto was going to be a netball - completely flat, almost no diversity," said Tanguy Bertrand, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center and the lead author on the new study. "But it's completely different. It has a lot of different landscapes and we are trying to understand what's going on there." Getty Science news in pictures Over 400 species discovered this year by Natural History Museum The ancient invertabrate worm-like species rhenopyrgus viviani (pictured) is one of over 400 species previously unknown to science that were discovered by experts at the Natural History Museum this year PA Science news in pictures Jackdaws can identify 'dangerous' humans Jackdaws can identify dangerous humans from listening to each others warning calls, scientists say. The highly social birds will also remember that person if they come near their nests again, according to researchers from the University of Exeter. In the study, a person unknown to the wild jackdaws approached their nest. At the same time scientists played a recording of a warning call (threatening) or contact calls (non-threatening). The next time jackdaws saw this same person, the birds that had previously heard the warning call were defensive and returned to their nests more than twice as quickly on average. Getty Science news in pictures Turtle embryos influence sex by shaking The sex of the turtle is determined by the temperatures at which they are incubated. Warm temperatures favour females. But by wiggling around the egg, embryos can find the Goldilocks Zone which means they are able to shield themselves against extreme thermal conditions and produce a balanced sex ratio, according to the new study published in Current Biology journal Ye et al/Current Biology Science news in pictures Elephant poaching rates drop in Africa African elephant poaching rates have dropped by 60 per cent in six years, an international study has found. It is thought the decline could be associated with the ivory trade ban introduced in China in 2017. Reuters Science news in pictures Ancient four-legged whale discovered in Peru Scientists have identified a four-legged creature with webbed feet to be an ancestor of the whale. Fossils unearthed in Peru have led scientists to conclude that the enormous creatures that traverse the planets oceans today are descended from small hoofed ancestors that lived in south Asia 50 million years ago A. Gennari Science news in pictures Animal with transient anus discovered A scientist has stumbled upon a creature with a transient anus that appears only when it is needed, before vanishing completely. Dr Sidney Tamm of the Marine Biological Laboratory could not initially find any trace of an anus on the species. However, as the animal gets full, a pore opens up to dispose of waste Steven G Johnson Science news in pictures Giant bee spotted Feared extinct, the Wallace's Giant bee has been spotted for the first time in nearly 40 years. An international team of conservationists spotted the bee, that is four times the size of a typical honeybee, on an expedition to a group of Indonesian Islands Clay Bolt Science news in pictures New mammal species found inside crocodile Fossilised bones digested by crocodiles have revealed the existence of three new mammal species that roamed the Cayman Islands 300 years ago. The bones belonged to two large rodent species and a small shrew-like animal New Mexico Museum of Natural History Science news in pictures Fabric that changes according to temperature created Scientists at the University of Maryland have created a fabric that adapts to heat, expanding to allow more heat to escape the body when warm and compacting to retain more heat when cold Faye Levine, University of Maryland Science news in pictures Baby mice tears could be used in pest control A study from the University of Tokyo has found that the tears of baby mice cause female mice to be less interested in the sexual advances of males Getty Science news in pictures Final warning to limit "climate catastrophe" The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued a report which projects the impact of a rise in global temperatures of 1.5 degrees Celsius and warns against a higher increase Getty Science news in pictures Nobel prize for evolution chemists The nobel prize for chemistry has been awarded to three chemists working with evolution. Frances Smith is being awarded the prize for her work on directing the evolution of enzymes, while Gregory Winter and George Smith take the prize for their work on phage display of peptides and antibodies Getty/AFP Science news in pictures Nobel prize for laser physicists The nobel prize for physics has been awarded to three physicists working with lasers. Arthur Ashkin (L) was awarded for his "optical tweezers" which use lasers to grab particles, atoms, viruses and other living cells. Donna Strickland and Gerard Mourou were jointly awarded the prize for developing chirped-pulse amplification of lasers Reuters/AP Science news in pictures Discovery of a new species of dinosaur The Ledumahadi Mafube roamed around 200 million years ago in what is now South Africa. Recently discovered by a team of international scientists, it was the largest land animal of its time, weighing 12 tons and standing at 13 feet. In Sesotho, the South African language of the region in which the dinosaur was discovered, its name means "a giant thunderclap at dawn" Viktor Radermacher / SWNS Science news in pictures Birth of a planet Scientists have witnessed the birth of a planet for the first time ever. This spectacular image from the SPHERE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope is the first clear image of a planet caught in the very act of formation around the dwarf star PDS 70. The planet stands clearly out, visible as a bright point to the right of the center of the image, which is blacked out by the coronagraph mask used to block the blinding light of the central star. ESO/A. Muller et al Science news in pictures New human organ discovered that was previously missed by scientists Layers long thought to be dense, connective tissue are actually a series of fluid-filled compartments researchers have termed the interstitium. These compartments are found beneath the skin, as well as lining the gut, lungs, blood vessels and muscles, and join together to form a network supported by a mesh of strong, flexible proteins Getty Science news in pictures Previously unknown society lived in Amazon rainforest before Europeans arrived, say archaeologists Working in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, a team led by archaeologists at the University of Exeter unearthed hundreds of villages hidden in the depths of the rainforest. These excavations included evidence of fortifications and mysterious earthworks called geoglyphs Jose Iriarte Science news in pictures One in 10 people have traces of cocaine or heroin on fingerprints, study finds More than one in 10 people were found to have traces of class A drugs on their fingers by scientists developing a new fingerprint-based drug test. Using sensitive analysis of the chemical composition of sweat, researchers were able to tell the difference between those who had been directly exposed to heroin and cocaine, and those who had encountered it indirectly. Getty Science news in pictures Nasa releases stunning images of Jupiter's great red spot The storm bigger than the Earth, has been swhirling for 350 years. The image's colours have been enhanced after it was sent back to Earth. Pictures by: Tom Momary Brain scans of the participants also showed that an area of the brain known as the anterior cingulate cortex is smaller in heavy multitaskers. This area of the brain is involved in controlling attention. A smaller one may imply worse functioning and poorer attention. But while researchers have confirmed that heavy media multitaskers have worse memory and attention, they are still uncertain about what causes heavy media multitasking. Do heavy media multitaskers have worse attention because of their media multitasking? Or do they media multitask because they have poor attention? It might also be an effect of general intelligence, personality, or something else entirely that causes poor attention and increased media multitasking behaviours. But the news isnt all bad for heavy multitaskers. Curiously, this impairment might have some benefit. Research suggests that light media multitaskers are more likely to miss helpful information that isnt related to the task theyre currently performing. For example, a person may read with a radio playing in the background. When important breaking news is broadcast, a heavy media multitasker is actually more likely to pick it up than a light media multitasker. So should you avoid media multitasking? Based on current research, the answer is probably yes. Multitasking usually causes poorer performance when doing two things at once, and puts more demands on the brain than doing one thing at a time. This is because the human mind suffers from an attentional bottleneck, which only allows certain mental operations to occur one after another. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events But if youre wondering whether media multitasking will impair your attention capabilities, the answer is probably no. We dont know yet whether heavy media multitasking is really the cause for lower performance on the tests. The effects observed in controlled laboratory settings are also generally rather small and most likely negligible in normal everyday life. Until we have more research, its probably too early to start panicking about the potential negative effects of media multitasking. Andre J Szameitat is a reader in cognitive neuroscience at Brunel University London. This article first appeared on The Conversation (theconversation.com) Following the Kevin Hart debacle, this year's Oscars ceremony is set to undergo a major change by having no host for the first time in almost three decades. According to Variety, producers will instead pick a selection of Hollywood stars to introduce segments throughout the evening. The ceremony is scheduled to air in six weeks. Hart dropped out of hosting the Oscars after refusing to apologise for resurfaced homophobic tweets he made between 2009 and 2011. He was said to have been reconsidering his decision following an interview with Ellen DeGeneres, but has since revealed he was done with the role. When asked if he will host in the future, Hart said; Its hard to predict what can happen. Reports suggests that the Academy is not seeking a set host, but if one were to materialise, they would accept. As a substitute, they'll rely on several high-profile stars to deliver viral-friendly skits as well as embracing what has been a strong year for music in film. Lady Gaga - a likely nominee - is strongly expected to perform a song from Bradley Cooper's A Star is Born. Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes Show all 23 1 /23 Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes "I can't remember exactly, but I'm pretty sure the rule is to eat as much as humanly possible before squeezing into a formal dress. Right?" Kristen Bell wrote in an Instagram caption. Bell's husband, Dax Shepard, can be seen relaxing in bed in the background. Kristen Bell (@kristenanniebell) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes Following their delicious pre-Golden Globes meal, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard looked sharp in their chic ensembles, which they accessorised with napkins. Naturally. Kristen Bell (@kristenanniebell) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes Golden Globes co-host Sandra Oh shared a photo on her Instagram story showing her getting ready before the big night. Oh won the Golden Globe for best actress in a television series drama for her leading role in thriller 'Killing Eve'. Sandra Oh (@iamsandraohinsta) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes Andy Samberg and Sandra Oh had a lot to prepare before hosting the Golden Globes together. Here, in a photo shared on Samberg's Instagram story, the pair appear deep in conversation, likely discussing the clever quips hiding under their sleeves. Andy Samberg (@thelonelyisland) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes Parenting is a time-consuming business, as Ricky Martin demonstrates in this photo posted on his Instagram account. "#Multitasking Getting ready for the @goldenglobes," he writes in the caption. In the picture Martin can be seen holding the pram of his daughter Lucia Martin-Yosef, whose birth he and husband Jwan Yosef announced in December 2018. Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes Dax Shepard showed just how much effort he'd put into his Golden Globes preparations with a selfie that he posted on Instagram. "Even showered (last night) for this," he wrote in the caption. What a gent. Dax Shephard (@daxshepard) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes Melissa McCarty, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for her leading role in 'Can You Ever Forgive Me?', wore a purple, star-studded Reem Acra dress for the award ceremony. She showed her seven million Instagram followers the preparations that she undertook for the big night, which included applying a face mask and receiving help from a dedicated glam squad. Melissa McCarthy (@melissamccarthy) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes Thandie Newton had a team of people to thank for her breathtaking Golden Globes look, which she finished off with a stunning silver cut-out Michael Kors dress. The actor shared a Boomerang on Instagram of the final makeup touches being added, which included a smokey eye and a soft pink lip. Thandie Newton (@thandienewton) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes While the Golden Globes may be a glamorous affair for all the celebrities who attend, the early preparations are frequently decidedly less so. Alex Borstein, who stars in comedy-drama 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel', shared a photo on Instagram that showed her having an eye and neck mask applied while simultaneously having her hair curled. The definition of a multitasker. Alex Borstein (@alexborstein) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes Timothee Chalamet may not have won the Golden Globe for his supporting role in drama 'Beautiful Boy', but he was very excited to bring his mother along to the award show. Chalamet posted this picture on his Instagram account, alongside the caption: "momma!" The actor wore a custom Louis Vuitton suit designed by menswear artistic director Virgil Abloh for the event. Timothee Chalamet (@tchalamet) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes Jessica Chastain is typically very private about her personal life, choosing to keep her partner Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo and their baby daughter out of the spotlight. While getting ready for the Golden Globes, Chastain shared a photo of her daughter curiously holding a ruby Piaget ring, with the caption: "You've got good taste, kid." Jessica Chastain (@jessicachastain) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes Rachel Brosnahan has become a household Hollywood name thanks to her star-making turn as an aspiring stand-up comedian in 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel'. The actor shared a selfie on Instagram with her "girl gang" prior to the Golden Globes, for which she wore a floor-length yellow Prada gown. Rachel Brosnahan (@rachelbrosnahan) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes Catherine Zeta-Jones shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her Golden Globes preparations, posting a photo on her Instagram story showing her having her hair and makeup done. "Gold is for Globes," she wrote for the caption. Catherine Zeta-Jones (@catherinezetajones) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes Sarah Silverman showed just how well she and ex-partner Jimmy Kimmel still get on by sharing a selfie with the talk show host and his wife, Molly McNearney. Silverman and Kimmel dated for seven years between 2002 and 2009. Sarah Silverman (@sarahkatesilverman) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes Darren Criss epitomised elegance at the Golden Globes with his fiancee, producer Mia Swier. Criss, who won a Golden Globe for his chilling role as killer Andrew Cunanan in 'The Assassination of Gianni Versace', wore a floral Dior tux, and Swier wore a sleek Vera Wang gown. Darren Criss (@darrencriss) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes For her first ever appearance at the Golden Globes, actor and activist Jameela Jamil had a sneaky trick for ensuring she didn't feel the January cold. The star of 'The Good Place' revealed on social media that she wore jeans underneath her pink Monique Lhuillier gown. An experienced woman wears jeans under her Golden Globes gown because its forking COLD, she wrote in a tweet accompanying the video. Jameela Jamil (@jameelajamilofficial) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes 'The Big Bang Theory' actor Kaley Cuoco shared a candid snap on her Instagram account of her walking along a hallway hand in hand with her new husband Karl Cook, whom she married in June 2018. Cuoco wore a navy, black and white strapless Monique Huillier gown for the Golden Globes. Kaley Cuoco (@kaleycuoco) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes While last year's Golden Globes saw numerous stars wear black in solidarity with the Time's Up movement, this year celebrities chose to show their support by wearing bracelets and ribbons with the slogan "Time's Up X2" written across them. Julianne Moore shared this photo on her Instagram account, showing her wearing the accessory next to a beautiful Chopard bracelet. Julianne Moore (@juliannemoore) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes Jamie Lee Curtis's stunning Alexander McQueen dress received a lot of praise when the actor appeared on the Golden Globes red carpet. Curtis posted this photo on her Instagram account while taking part in rehearsals for the show. Jamie Lee Curtis (@curtisleejamie) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes 'A Star Is Born' didn't win as many Golden Globes as people expected, having been nominated for five accolades. Nonetheless, the film's win for best original song still proved very exciting for Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando and Andrew Wyatt, all of whom collaborated on the song 'Shallow'. "We're off the deep end," Ronson wrote in an Instagram caption accompanying a selfie of the group. Mark Ronson (@iammarkronson) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen are known for their playful relationship, so much so that Fisher couldn't help but poke fun at her husband's Golden Globe loss for best actor in a musical or comedy for 'Who is America?' "My husband WON!... not," Fisher cheekily wrote on Instagram. Isla Fisher (@islafisher) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes With rumours rife that Idris Elba may still be in line to take over as James Bond when Daniel Craig decides to step down from the role, the 'Luther' actor fuelled the fire further when he posted this selfie with Craig on his Instagram story. "Awks..." he wrote, as Craig gives Elba a defiant stare. Idris Elba (@idriselba) Best celebrity Instagram posts from the 2019 Golden Globes One of the highlights of Julia Roberts's night came after the Golden Globes had ended, when she and husband Daniel Moder stopped off for a burger on their way home. "Fun night w my fella. Congratulations to all! And to all a good (burger) night," the actor wrote on Instagram. Julia Roberts (@juliaroberts) The Oscars will takes place in Los Angeles on 24 February. Nominations will be announced on 22 January. A federal judge in Los Angeles has dismissed the sexual harassment claims made by Ashley Judd in a lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein. Judd had accused the producer of defaming her in 1998 after she refused what she claimed were his sexual advances the year before. In the lawsuit, filed in April 2018, the Double Jeopardy star accused Weinstein of smearing her reputation by discouraging director Peter Jackson from casting her in Lord of the Rings. Judd, who was one of the first women to publicly accuse Weinstein of sexual misconduct, accused him of sexual harassment in violation of a California law that bars such conduct by a person in a business, service or professional relationship with another. According to Reuters, US district judge Philip Gutierrez said he was not determining whether Weinstein sexually harassed Judd in the colloquial sense of the term. However, he said her relationship as an actor with the film producer was not covered under the law she had sued under, nor under a 2019 amendment. Weinsteins lawyer, Phyllis Kupferstein, welcomed the judges decision. We have said from the beginning that this claim was unjustified, and we are pleased that the court saw it as we did, she said in a statement, adding: We believe that we will ultimately prevail on her remaining claims. 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 Judds lawyer said the ruling will not upend her complaint. Nothing about todays ruling changes that Ms Judds case is moving forward on multiple claims, he said in a statement issued on the evening of Wednesday 9 January. We look forward to pursuing the three claims for relief that the Court has already ruled can move forward. Jackson, known for directing films including the fantasy franchises Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, said in 2017 that he had been considering Judd for a role in the 2002 film Lord of the Rings, but was told she was blacklisted during conversations with the Weinstein company. He claimed Weinstein told him Judd was a nightmare to work with. Weinstein denied trying to derail Judds career and said he had no role in her casting in Lord of the Rings. Weinstein currently faces a separate, criminal case involving five allegations of sexual assault, including rape, and is due to stand trial in May. The Hollywood producer has been accused of sexual misconduct by more than 70 women. He has denied all the allegations and said any sexual encounters were consensual. When the news broke that Indias Supreme Court had struck down a colonial-era law making gay sex illegal, the reaction in Delhi was jubilant, with public celebrations erupting across the capital. Fast forward four months, and HIV/Aids charities are finding the old stigma and prejudice against members of the LGBT+ community are stubbornly refusing to go away. Although attitudes towards gay relationships have softened in the past two decades, a 2016 survey found that even among young people more than 60 per cent of respondents believed homosexuality was wrong. That translates to a lot of shame among men who have sex with men (MSM), says Abhina Aher from the India HIV/Aids Alliance, a leading charity supported by the Elton John Aids Foundation (EJAF). The Alliance has identified MSM as a key at-risk group being left behind in the countrys response to HIV, threatening Indias goal of meeting the UNs 90-90-90 pledge by 2020. HIV prevalence rates are around 16 times higher in this group compared to the general public. Intense societal pressure to get married at a young age makes the matter worse, Ms Aher says. Alliance estimates that 60 per cent of their MSM clients also have wives, making it very difficult to get them to open up about unsafe sex practices. For many young men in India, anal sex is seen as harmless experimentation: the most common Hindi word for it is masti, literally meaning fun, or mischief. A complete lack of sex education means most people dont realise it carries the same risk of infection as other forms of sex. We get people who will say they f***ed a man but wont admit that they liked it because it undermines their masculinity, says Ms Aher. If you don't want to acknowledge you are having sex with a man, you won't have conversations about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), you won't be careful about correct condom use. You don't want to talk about it you just want to get it done! Groups like the Alliance are having to come up with innovative ways to reach men having sex with men, to let them know that they are at risk of HIV and need to get tested. One option is to take advantage of the explosion of smartphone use in urban India. It is now thought that more than 50 per cent of all men in large cities like Delhi are online, and popular apps like Facebook, Grindr, WhatsApp and Instagram offer access to untapped communities that have never been subject to HIV outreach before. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Online trials have had very promising results. After a one-month test run with a social media consultant, the Alliance found the rate of clients getting tested at its Delhi clinic who heard about the service online rose from 6 per cent to 45 per cent. Another agency using funding from EJAF has launched the website Safe Masti, which includes Indias first anonymous online chat service for MSM seeking more information about safe sex. Programme manager Harsh Agarwal says the site has reached two million people in just 15 months. He believes government programmes, which exclusively rely on traditional methods of encouraging people to find out their HIV status, are increasingly out of touch. There has to be a shift to online, 100 per cent, he says. When you can meet anyone in the world from the comfort of your own home, no one in their right mind would want to keep cruising for sex [on the street]. Safe Mastis online chat service is manned by Vishwa Srivastava, a charismatic young doctor who says that, as a gay man who is also HIV+ himself, he can relate to shy and worried clients in a way counsellors at a public hospital never could. A safe space for Delhi's trans community Show all 7 1 /7 A safe space for Delhi's trans community A safe space for Delhi's trans community Samarth-hair A trans woman receives a haircut at the Samarth clinic in Delhi, where members of the LGBT+ community can go for HIV testing, counselling and support Photos Adam Withnall A safe space for Delhi's trans community Samarth-mirror In Indias conservative society, trans women still face huge hurdles with stigma in the workplace and bullying in institutions. At Samarth they find a community that accepts them for who they are The Independent/Adam Withnall A safe space for Delhi's trans community Samarth-team The Samarth clinic is a community-led project, meaning members of target groups are employed as outreach workers and project managers to ensure its services are helping the most at-risk communities The Independent/Adam Withnall A safe space for Delhi's trans community Samarth-boby Boby is a trans woman who earns a living as a sex worker in Delhi. She is not HIV positive, but regularly visits the Samarth clinic - supported by the Elton John Aids Foundation - for testing and guidance on protective measures The Independent/Adam Withnall A safe space for Delhi's trans community Samarth-test The Samarth clinic offers free initial HIV testing. Kits cost just 6 rupees and the whole process is over in a matter of five minutes The Independent/Adam Withnall A safe space for Delhi's trans community Samarth-wajood Underneath the Samarth clinic in Delhi, there is a safe space for members of the LGBT+ community to relax and receive beauty treatments The Independent/Adam Withnall A safe space for Delhi's trans community Samarth-paperwork The safe space under the clinic offers support to the LGBT+ community with workshops, advice on legal issues and crisis management The Independent/Adam Withnall Mr Srivastava described one case of a 21-year-old student from a poor family who was awaiting his initial HIV test results when he first reached out to the Safe Masti chatline. He hadnt ever told anyone else about his sexuality, let alone about his HIV status. We talked, and when the test came out positive, he called me crying. He was feeling guilty and trapped. He felt like he was being punished by God because he is a sinner, for having gay sex. He didnt know how he was going to inform his family. I helped him, I even sent him a little money to pay for travel to an NGO where he could start treatment. More than that, I could offer hope, and give him guidance for how he could go forward with his life. Despite the shift online, Delhi remains well-known in the LGBT+ community for its network of massage parlours, which are still among the most popular places gay men go to pay for sex. Speaking at the Alliances Samarth clinic, former masseur Avinash says it will still be some time before attitudes shift in the wake of the September ruling of the Supreme Court striking down Section 377, a clause of the British-era Indian Penal Code that was interpreted as outlawing gay sex. HIV-positive Avinash now provides outreach work for the Samarth HIV/Aids clinic in Delhi. He says social media has huge potential to raise awareness but can never fully replace one-to-one interactions (Adam Withnall/The Independent) Many dont understand what the 377 [ruling] is, he says. They think it means two kuthi (Hindi slang for an effeminate man) can get married, and thats something they dont think should be done. Avinash says he regularly experiences firsthand the stigma against gay men in Indian society. You get used to being called names. But there have been times when it was physical abuse too. He was one of the first clients to be tested positive when the Samarth clinic opened in 2016, at a time when he was cruising for sex with multiple partners more or less every night. His contacts within the massage parlour network have been invaluable to the Alliance, and he still believes there is a place for the traditional outreach worker in the battle against Indias HIV epidemic. The chunk of the population may stop using cruising spots to hook up, but social media has its limitations, he says. People may be using a smartphone, but a lot are less educated and they wont understand what you are trying to say. If Im trying to bring a person for a health check, that message will still require some explanation, and some kind of support [afterwards]. You need that one-to-one personal touch to get people to understand. (CNN) A group of prominent North Korean defectors called on the Italian and South Korean governments to provide protection for Pyongyang's former envoy to Italy Wednesday, as his whereabouts remain unknown. Jo Song Gil, Pyongyang's charge d'affaires in Rome, disappeared along with his wife in early November. His term was due to expire that month. Italy has been without a North Korean ambassador since Pyongyang's former envoy was expelled in 2017, following the country's sixth nuclear test. Jo joined the embassy in May 2015 as the third secretary, according to South Korean lawmakers. According to unconfirmed reports in the South Korean press, Jo has defected and is seeking asylum in the West. "Jo Song Gil and his family have the freedom to choose their place of asylum, and since they are the natural Korean citizens, they deserve the right to be protected by the (South) Korean government," Thae Yong-ho, Pyongyang's former deputy envoy to the United Kingdom who defected in 2016, said Wednesday at a press conference in Seoul. "We call upon the Italian government to provide Jo Song Gil and his family all the conditions needed to go to the country of their choice, in accordance with international law and the spirit of humanity. In the case that Jo Song Gil and his family want to come to Korea, we urge the Korean government to take a proactive stance in providing safe journey to Korea." Thae was joined by several prominent former politicians and critics of North Korea, including Park Kwan-yong, a former speaker of the South Korean National Assembly under the conservative, anti-Pyongyang administration of President Park Geun-hye. Difficult choice Conservative and hard-right figures in South Korea have criticized the government of President Moon Jae-in for allegedly ignoring human rights in his push for the denuclearization of North Korea. "South Korea needs to show that it is willing to embrace North Koreans, but the current situation doesn't seem to do that," Thae said. "Neither the South Korean government or its citizens express their intention to rescue Jo and his family after their defection, and I'm saddened by the current situation." Thae -- one of the highest-ranking North Korean officials to defect to the South in recent years -- said it was impossible for diplomats to discuss their intentions to seek asylum with anyone else beforehand. "There is no way of knowing who is a spy and who is reliable. It is unthinkable to discuss defection in advance with anyone," he said. He added that while he was unaware of Jo's whereabouts, "I know he needs to be protected wherever he is." "I'm not happy about the current attitude of the South Korean government. I want the government to publicly say that it is ready to take Jo if he wants to come to South Korea," Thae said. "The current attitude of denying any knowledge is not helpful." For his own case, Thae said a desire to defect came about partly for the sake of his children and their education. "The children having lived overseas know what human rights is and what rights you can have in the Western world," he said. Fellow defectors Wednesday marks the second public attempt by Thae and other defectors to reach Jo. In an open letter to the former diplomat last week, Thae said he hoped that if Jo came to Seoul, "more of our colleagues will follow after us and come to Seoul, and then the unification will happen on its own." "When you come to South Korea, you do not have to worry about personal safety. To protect me, several security guards stick closely and guard me every day," Thae wrote. "The country also provides rental housing and resettlement funds until you safely settle down." There are around 30,000 North Korean defectors and refugees registered with the South Korean government. While many defectors integrate into South Korean society and do not take part in politics, a substantial minority work to encourage and assist others to leave the North, and some are also involved in anti-Pyongyang activities and propaganda organizations, several of which were represented at the press conference Wednesday. Such groups have been criticized in the past for undermining the peace process and antagonizing Pyongyang, particularly those which seek to transmit anti-regime propaganda into the North. For their part, many defector groups criticize the South Korean government for downplaying human rights concerns in its communications with North Korean officials. This story was first published on CNN.com, "North Korean defectors voice concern for Pyongyang's missing Italy envoy." Add Alexa von Tobel to the list of entrepreneurs looking to back other startup founders. Von Tobel is best known as the founder and CEO of LearnVest, which aimed to demystify financial planning. That company was acquired by Northwestern Mutual in 2015, for a reported $250 million. On January 4, Northwestern Mutual announced that von Tobel would be leaving the company. And on January 9, von Tobel filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to raise up to $200 million for a venture capital fund to be called Inspired Capital. Von Tobel did not comment on the formation of the fund, citing SEC regulations. When Northwestern Mutual acquired LearnVest, the startup had about 1.5 million users and about 150 employees. Von Tobel stayed on as LearnVest was operated as a separate unit within Northwestern, eventually becoming Northwestern's chief innovation officer. LearnVest stopped offering financial planning services in May 2018. Northwestern says that it has incorporated LearnVest's technology into its own platform. If von Tobel succeeds in raising the $200 million, hers will be one of the largest funds started by a woman. Of course, others have paved the way: Aspect Ventures, founded by alumnae of Draper Fisher Jurvetson and Accel Partners, raised $181 million for its second fund. Von Tobel has seen all sides of the finance world. She worked as a trader at Morgan Stanley after graduating from college, and came up with the idea for LearnVest while working there. She then went to Harvard Business School, but left in 2008 to start LearnVest. In the process of building LearnVest, von Tobel raised a total of $69 million over five rounds. Her earliest investors included Golden Seeds, an angel group that invests only in women-led companies, and Accel Partners. The company later raised money from American Express and, in 2014, Northwestern Mutual. When the obnoxiously loud bell signaling the end of first period blared over the high school auditorium P.A. system, Steve Blank perked up in his seat. "I remember this," he said, smiling slightly. On Tuesday, Blank, the serial entrepreneur and creator of the Lean Startup movement, returned to his secondary school in New York City to speak in front of current students. He said it was his first time stepping inside Queens's Martin Van Buren High in 50 years--a number that prompted a few gasps and giggles from the audience of several hundred high schoolers. The talk was part of a series of fireside chats for students in BTech, a New York City Department of Education business program. Naturally, much of the dialogue revolved around business and Blank's experience as a student. Asked what he wishes he'd known in high school, Blank said he wished he'd understood the importance of a simple ability: how to talk to people. While talking to other humans is clearly an essential life skill, Blank was thinking of it from a business perspective. As an entrepreneur, he told the students, you'll have to sell your ideas to people quite often. "You're going to have to learn how to get people excited about the things you're excited about," he said. "In high school, they don't teach you how to look people in the eye and communicate," he continued. "I spent most days looking at my shoes. Maybe, on a good day, I'd look at some other people's shoes." The crowd of several hundred was surprisingly attentive for a group of high schoolers at 8:30 in the morning, at one point breaking into applause at the entrepreneur's advice to a student. Blank, dressed in a baggy sweater, khakis, and dad sneakers, kept the teens engaged with motivational quips peppered with occasional colorful language. "Every one of you can do everything you want. A couple of you will be millionaires. Some will be billionaires. Right now," he said, scanning the room, "some of you are saying, 'I feel sorry for these other poor sons of bitches, because that someone is me.'" Blank, who retired from startup life after the $66 million IPO of his marketing software startup, E.piphany, in 1999, likes to say that if his high school class had had a "least likely to succeed" superlative, he'd have won. One semester, Blank said, he earned four 65s on his report card--"mercy passes," he called them--and one 98. In that class, which he believes to be the first high school computer course offered in New York City, Blank and his classmates used the school's lone computer terminal to successfully hack the Department of Education's mainframe. "I found something I kind of liked about high school," he said. Throughout his career, Blank parlayed that interest into eight tech companies. Not all of them succeeded: In 1997, his gaming startup, Rocket Science Games, folded after four years in business. The failure lost the company's investors $35 million. The same venture capitalists later agreed to give Blank $12 million to start the company that became E.piphany. San Francisco and San Jose, California, are not only home to Big Tech's all-stars, they're also the top two spots where minority entrepreneurs are thriving. Over 42 percent of all minority-owned companies in these cities make at least $500,000 in annual revenue and more than half have been in business for six years or more, according to a new report released Tuesday by LendingTree, an online loan marketplace based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The study uses Census data to gauge how minority business owners with employees fare in the 50 largest metro areas in the U.S. It measures performance based on metrics including a company's longevity and revenue, and whether a city's minority population is proportionally represented in business ownership demographics, dubbed the "parity index." "We did not try to say this is the best place for minorities to have or start businesses," says Kali McFadden, lead research analyst at LendingTree. "We looked at where minority businesses are doing better--it's a more forensic attitude." Perhaps unsurprisingly, minority entrepreneurs have higher success rates in coastal cities like Seattle, Washington, D.C., and Portland, Oregon, than in the Midwest, according to the data. Kansas City, Missouri, and St. Louis received the lowest scores overall, settling at No. 49 and No. 50, respectively. Remarkably though, Cincinnati snatched No. 10, as the only heartland city to break into the top tier. (It also landed at No. 42 in Inc.'s Surge Cities index). The case of St. Louis is interesting, too. Even though it has the second-highest parity rate at 71--that is, the number of minority business owners is more closely aligned to the makeup of its population--only 18 percent of minority-led companies there reach or surpass the $500,000 revenue mark. That's nearly three times lower than the highest score on that metric in the survey, which is 49.7 percent in Memphis, Tennessee. What's causing the gulf between parity and revenue in these locales? McFadden isn't sure. A number of factors determine a company's success, including education and access to capital. Socioeconomic reasons can also cause businesses to sputter. For instance, if your customer base can't afford to pay for your services, that's going to erode your ability to scale. (The Center Square) Like many other service-sector industries, rideshare companies such as Lyft and Uber are looking to pick up where pre-pandemic business left off, and part of that means continued expansion into downstate Illinois communities. I think were making a big step here by saying: Look, lets bring in other jurisdictions experts. Lets get educated. Lets not just table it like we did two years ago, he said. Lets move it forward on a better pace, and perhaps we will be ready for whatever it is, in 2026, [202]4, [202]2. Over 140 journalists from 20 different media outlets handed a letter to the Government of National Accord (GNA) urging them to stop the attacks on media freedom and ensure a safe working environment for journalists in the country. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) shows its support to all Libyan journalist who have been suffering for years from intimidation and violent attacks and demands that the GNA- the internationally recognized Libyan government- duly investigate all the aggressions on journalists and hold those responsible accountable. The letter signed by the journalists denounced several incidents committed by different parties, and according to the letter, most of these attacks were carried out by personnel and agencies under GNA control. Among the incidents, journalists accuse the authorities of leading false prosecutions and fabricated espionage charges as well as conducting numerous arbitrary arrests. The letter reports physical assaults, the inspection of mobile phones and personal equipment without legal ground, gender, tribal, regional, ethnic and racial discrimination and illegal investigations of journalists. Journalists also denounced the authorities for failing to recognise press cards. The letter reported the obstruction of media procedures by the Department of External Information (e.g. not giving out press cards to Libyan journalists working for foreign media or not issuing visas for foreign journalists to report in the country) as well as applying pressure to influence media reporting. Lastly the letter warns that they will stop covering all information and events related to GNA government until the authorities change their attitude towards us. IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: The IFJ fully supports the journalists and their unity to defend themselves and their right to work in a safe and secure environment. The GNA and all authorities in Libya are responsible for the lives and welfare of the journalists working in areas under their control, and it is unacceptable that they are letting these attacks go unpunished. Still, Ali said, he has lost out on potentially thousands of dollars in income because of the order. For example, he had planned to bid to complete one such state project for $50,000, which would have meant about $15,000 in income had he won. Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation2@journalnet.com for help creating one. Im not doing this as a [deterrent] to learning world languages, because I find value in that as well, but having four children myself, kids are different and everybody doesnt fit into the same box, she told the Times. Information technology is a part of all of our lives, from the phones we hold in our hands. Having those basic programming skills can be an asset no matter what you do. The three other family members were able to escape and notified firefighters of the man still inside. Because of the location of his room and the fire, the family members could not get to him, Alkire said. We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation@idahopress.com for help creating one. Vietnam suggests EC remove yellow card on seafood exports soon January 08,2019 | Source: SGGP News Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received Vice President of the European Parliament (EP) Heidi Hautala at the Governmental Office on January 7. PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc affirmed that the European Union (EU) is leading partner of Vietnam, and the Vietnam and EU had blossoming relationship. Both sides often maintain high- level meetings in order to create understanding and build mutual confidence for the effective relationship development. Economic cooperation between the two sides harvested great achievements during the past time and the EU currently is the fourth largest trading partner, the second largest export market and a major investor of Vietnam, he said. Therefore, Vietnam always considers cooperation between the National Assembly of Vietnam and the European Parliament as an important factor for the EU-Vietnam comprehensive cooperation ties, he added. With the advantages, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc hoped that the EP would support hastening the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) signing, and would soon realize the EVFTA which would contribute to speeding the EU- Vietnam economic cooperation ties. The Prime Minister also said that since the European Commission (EC) imposed the "yellow card" on Vietnam's seafood exploitation, Vietnam dramatically has focused on finding solutions to overcome the recommendations of the EC, attempted to prevent and terminate illegal fishing vessels overseas and control certification, verification of seafood exploitation origin as key tasks. Vietnam's policy is to focus on the sustainable fisheries development; to prevent and combat and stop illegal, unreported or non-prescribed fishing activities. The PM proposed that the EP should review Vietnam's efforts and suggest the EC to soon remove the "yellow card" for Vietnam's seafood exports to the EU. 2005 SGGP English edition Theme(s): Post Harvest Technology and Trade. Mitigating overfishing in southwest Madagascar through low-cost artificial reefs by Margot Chapon January 09,2019 | Source: Earth Island Journal Madagascars vast 5,000 km coastline, 450 km barrier reef, and 250 islands provide an expanse of productive habitats for marine life. The Bay of Ranobe in southwest Madagascar is a shallow lagoon protected by a 32 km barrier reef that contains coral reefs, mangrove forest, and seagrass beds. These biodiverse and productive waters support more than 20,000 artisanal fishers who use these sheltered waters to fish. As a traditional fishing community, the Vezo (imperative of the verb mive in Malagasy which means to row) are culturally linked to the ocean. These coastal communities are specialist marine foragers and depend on the marine environment for survival. For decades, the Vezo thrived in their remote coastal habitat; fishing with wooden pirogues and using home-made fishing gears. Today, however, the growing demand for food security from an ever-expanding population is stripping these once productive waters and putting into jeopardy the future of these coastal communities. Consecutive years of severe drought have resulted in poor agricultural yields and a subsequent significant influx of people from inland communities to the bay looking for new means of livelihood. The majority of these new arrivals have little to no fishing knowledge and use destructive fishing practices such as mosquito nets and beach seines. Habitat degradation, declining fishery yields, and increased competition for marine resources is driving a pattern of over-exploitation and ecosystem collapse, compromising marine resource availability for Vezo fishermen. This has become a significant issue throughout the region, driving up poverty levels and famine. Vezo communities are now looking for sustainable solutions to address this social and natural crisis. There is an urgent need to rethink how best to reconcile nature conservation with sustainable development, and enhance community resilience and adaptive capacity to climate change. Progressive management approaches need to be developed such as habitat-based enhancements, restoration of damaged habitat, complex habitat development through artificial reef structures to increase survival and primary productivity, and securing biodiversity to ensure natural systems have the productive capacity to satisfy the demands of rapidly expanding indigenous coastal communities. International NGOs, along with local universities and community groups, are now working together to preserve coastal environments and marine resources in the region. In the fishing village of Ifaty, Bruno Keza Souvenir, the president of the local association of fishermen, FIkambanana MIaro sy HAnasoa ny RAnomasina (Association to Protect and Enhance the Marine Environment) or FIMIHARA, has been busy promoting a new type of fish refuge in the form of an artificial reef. Like the majority of people in the Bay of Ranobe, over his lifetime Souvenir has witnessed first-hand the dramatic decline of marine resources and habitats, along with an increase in unsustainable and destructive fishing practices. According to Souvenir, about 30 years ago, there used to be an abundance of fish throughout the bay and catches among all villages were bountiful. But nowadays people struggle to feed their families because fish and invertebrates are decreasing not only in abundance, but also in size. Over the last few years, fishermen have been forced to venture further out to sea and use more destructive gear in order to catch enough fish for daily sustenance. Now, a new artificial reef project in the bay is offering hope to the fisherfolk while also serving as a viable conservation tool. Artificial reefs are man-made structures that are placed in the water in order to promote marine life or to control erosion. They were first designed by Japanese fishermen 200 years ago in order to increase fishing resources through the creation of alternative habitats. Artificial reefs can deliver significant ecological and economic benefits, and have the potential to address food insecurity and poverty in many coastal countries. Theme(s): Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods. Largest fund in India earmarked for fisheries and aquaculture announced January 09,2019 | Source: DAHD The Government of India has approved the creation of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) and its implementation from the financial year 2018-19 onwards at a total fund size of Rs 7522.48 crore (US$1,067,522,240, just over US$1 billion). Most of the Fund (Rs 5266.40 crore or 70 per cent) will be raised by Nodal Loaning Entities like scheduled banks, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the National Cooperatives Development Corporation (NCDC). The rest will come from beneficiaries' contribution and budgetary support. The loan lending period will be five years, from 2018-19 to 2022-23, and the maximum repayment period will be 12 years, inclusive of a moratorium of two years on repayment of principal. State Governments/Union Territories have been requested to formulate specific action plan, strategy, roadmap and proposals for availing the benefits of the FIDF for development of the fisheries infrastructure facilities and their management in their respective States/UTs. They have also been requested to sensitize all the other Eligible Entities (EEs), including cooperatives, collective groups of fish farmers, self-help groups and NGOs, among others, about the provisions of the FIDF for availing its benefits. Investment activities under the FIDF include the introduction of deep-sea fishing vessels and the development of mariculture. The detailed implementation guidelines, cost norms, associated terms and conditions etc. for implementation of the FIDF are being issued separately and will be uploaded to the website of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (http://www.dahd.nic.in) in due course. The FIDF Administrative Approval is available at http://dadf.gov.in/sites/default/filess/FIDF%20Admn.%20Approval.pdf Theme(s): Fisheries Development and Aquaculture. Dueling Woodstocks: Two Festivals To Celebrate 50th Anniversary On Same Days Two major festivals just miles apart will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the iconic Woodstock Festival on the same days. One will be produced by the original Woodstock promoters and the other by Live nation will be held on the original Woodstock site. Heren courtesy of our partners at CelebrityAccess are the stories of each of the dueling Woodstocks. Woodstock 2019 Officially Announced Woodstock 1969s Co-Producer and Co-Founder Michael Lang on Wednesday officially confirmed the return of the Woodstock Music & Arts Fair to mark its 50th anniversary. The three-day event will take place from Friday, Aug. 16 through Sunday, Aug. 18 on a space in Watkins Glen located in Upstate New York. Lang will oversee the team handling the curation and production of the festival. Its time to put the speculation to rest and officially announce that Woodstock 50 is happening, said Lang. The original festival in 69 was a reaction by the youth of the time to the causes we felt compelled to fight for civil rights, womens rights, and the antiwar movement, and it gave way to our mission to share peace, love and music. Today, were experiencing similar disconnects in our country, and one thing weve learned is that music has the power to bring people together. So, its time to bring the Woodstock spirit back, get involved and make our voices heard. While the festival is commemorating the anniversary of the festival, it wont be taking place at the original location where Woodstock 69 was held. The new location features 1,000 acres of greenfield and will provide space for three stages of music, as well as lodging, including space for tents, RVs, vans, and more premium camping options. The original site in Bethel is wonderful but much too small for what were envisioning, said Lang. Watkins Glen International gives us the ability to create something unlike any other commemorative event and something uniquely Woodstock, he added. Watkins Glen International also has a place in music festival history as the home to Summer Jam in 1973. Its a beautiful location and an ideal site, said Lang, noting that when he first saw it, he felt an immediate emotional connection to the land. Details on the lineup are pending, but organizers promise more than 60 of the biggest names and emerging talent in rock, hip hop, pop and country with both classic and contemporary acts on offer. It will be primarily contemporary talent, but the legacy acts will be represented and honored, said Lang. Bethel Woods Announces Woodstock Anniversary Event The Woodstock 50th anniversary is being produced under license from Woodstock Ventures. Woodstock Ventures was founded by Michael Lang, Joel Rosenman and the late John Roberts. Together, the co-founders along with Artie Kornfeld, produced the historic 1969 Woodstock Festival. Kornfeld will be rejoining the team to celebrate and put together Woodstock 50. Additional details will be released in the coming weeks, including lineup and ticket information, as well as sponsors, and nonprofit partners. ethel Woods Center for the Arts, located at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival in Bethel, NY, Live Nation, and INVNT, a global live brand storytelling agency, have announced Bethel Woods Music and Culture Festival: Celebrating the golden anniversary at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival. The event, scheduled for Aug. 16-19, will feature live performances from prominent and emerging artists spanning multiple genres and decades, and TED-style talks from leading futurists and retro-tech experts, according to the announcement, and attendees can visit the Museum at Bethel Woods, which includes artifacts from the 1969 cultural event. We are thrilled to partner with Live Nation and INVNT to produce Bethel Woods Music and Culture Festival, said Darlene Fedun, CEO, BWCA. Fifty years ago, people gathered peacefully on our site inspired to change the world through music. As the stewards of this historic site, we remain committed to preserving this rich history and spirit, and to educating and inspiring new generations to contribute positively to the world through music, culture, and community. Share on: By Will Tucker This story first appeared on our Viewpoints blog and Ecosystem Marketplace Let's preface this post with an indisputable fact: buying carbon offsets isn't going to solve climate change. No one (outside of the climate denial camp) disputes that avoiding climate catastrophe will require a deep decoupling of the economy and greenhouse gas emissions. But when Forest Trends' Ecosystem Marketplace (EM) surveyed companies that buy carbon offsets, it found that they're using carbon markets to accelerate this deep transformation, rather than to create a green-tinted perpetuation of the status quo. So, keeping that in mind - and parking our prejudices at the door - it's time to take a fresh look at offsetting and how it can strengthen corporate strategies to reduce carbon emissions. Where better to start than with these eight oft-recycled misconceptions about the practice: Myth 1: Companies that buy offsets are just buying their way out of their obligations We hear this one all the time, but our research shows something completely different: namely, that those companies that do buy offsets are doing so as part of an overall carbon-management strategy, and they're mostly using offsets to either tackle emissions they can't eliminate internally or to create an internal price on carbon" that focuses attention on emissions and accelerates reductions. Among businesses tracked in EM's newest report, 88% of voluntary offset buyers and 92% of compliance buyers have formally adopted emissions reduction targets. In 2014, the 314 businesses that engage in offsetting invested more than US$42 billion in emissions reduction activities, surpassing the combined investment of the 1,522 companies who did not engage in offsetting (US$41 billion). In fact, companies that included offsetting in their carbon management strategy typically spend about 10 times more than the typical company that didn't offset. Contrary to the "greenwashing" narrative, it appears as though using offsets is increasingly the hallmark of a company that's leading on climate action rather than bringing up the rear. Myth 2: Offsetting is niche or arcane Actually, a lot of prominent consumer-facing brands use offsetting, including household names like General Motors, Delta Air Lines, and Microsoft, all of whom were among the top five buyers on the voluntary market in 2014. They're hardly alone: of the nearly 2,000 companies who publicly disclosed data to CDP last year, 248 (17%) invested in projects to reduce carbon emissions outside of their immediate operations, purchasing the equivalent of 39.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO2e) in 2014. (See the list of top-20 buyers from 2012-2014 here.) Myth 3: Offsetting is expensive Ultimately, offsets should be expensive to reflect the true cost of climate change, and companies that internally price carbon often do set their internal prices high to focus attention on the issue, but the average offset on the voluntary market sold for just $3.3/tonne of CO 2 equivalent last year. Even when the average price was more than double that value, it still fell significantly under the internal per-tonne price on carbon adopted by many companies: 120 of these businesses reported a median internal price of $18/tonne to CDP last year. Over time, the price of offsets should rise to reflect the cost of dealing with carbon emissions, but that's not an added cost imposed on us randomly; it's an existing cost being properly reflected. For now, however, offsets are cheap - too cheap. Myth 4: Offsetting is too cheap to incentivize real change This is true for now, but that's a question of policy, and not of product. So far, nearly all governments introduce caps on overall greenhouse gas emissions, and as those caps lower in accordance with the Paris Agreement, the price of allowances (issued by governments to permit emissions up to the level of the national cap) and offsets (created by entities that actively reduce emissions) should rise - unless, of course, emissions drop so far and fast that the problem is resolved. Advertisement Myth 5: Offsets come from a land faraway, from nebulous projects Legitimate carbon offsets come from projects and are rigorously verified by third parties in accordance with recognized carbon standards, and many companies choose to buy from offset-generating projects close to home. Among voluntary offset transactions reported with geographical details in 2014, about a quarter involved a buyer purchasing offsets from the same location as its corporate headquarters. This practice is especially prevalent in North America, exemplified by the purchasing habits of companies like TD Bank and Waste Management Inc. The EM report speculates that brands buy offsets close to home in order to demonstrate impact to their consumers and bolster their "social license to operate" in a country or region. Myth 6: Offsetting does not directly address emissions Unlike the allowances used in cap-and-trade markets, offsets always represent real removals of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or avoided emissions somewhere in the world, and carbon standards require that developers demonstrate "additionality," which means they have to show that the emission reduction wouldn't have happened without the project. What's more, EM's newest report found that 79 companies are generating offsets within their own operations or supply chains by reducing emissions above and beyond regulatory requirement and economic incentives. L'Oreal, for example, distributes efficient, cleaner-burning stoves to women in Burkina Faso who boil the shea nuts used in its cosmetics products. Those stoves reduce emissions by reducing the need to chop trees, thereby saving forests, and they also reduce the health hazards of indoor smoke. Myth 7: Offsetting barely makes a dent Well, this one might be sort of true, but that's partly because global emission reduction agreements have yet to take effect, and also because offsets are designed to be part of an overall reduction strategy and not a substitute for one. Companies surveyed in the report typically offset less than 2% of their total emissions, usually because they're using offsets to compensate for just one segment of that total, like employee travel or the carbon footprint of a single product. Even the small percentage, however, represents a tangible impact on the climate - the over 140 MtCO 2 e in offsets reported to CDP in 2014 had the equivalent impact of taking 30 million cars off the road for a year. As more companies sign on to the Science Based Targets Initiative, the percentage of emissions they address may go up. Myth 8: Offsetting isn't scalable because there simply isn't enough demand So far, the vast majority of companies that offset do so voluntarily, because there's no law telling them they have to. That's already changed in places like California, where companies are using offsets to help meet up to 8% of their emissions reduction obligation under the state's cap-and-trade system, and it will continue to change around the world as emissions trading ramps up under the Paris Agreement. Buyers in these nascent compliance markets disclosing to CDP reported purchasing nearly 27 MtCO2e in offsets in 2014. As industrial emissions drop, project developers are waiting with bated breath to see how things shake out in the aviation sector, where the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is determining rules for a Market-Based Mechanism (MBM) to help airlines achieve carbon-neutral growth starting in 2020. Upton Station briefly closed so MTA police could investigate the incident, spokeswoman Sandy Arnette wrote in an email. The man has not been identified. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. 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The 2018 elections were truly remarkable, energizing millions of voters and producing record turnout for a midterm yet more than half of eligible voters did not cast a ballot. Nearly 120 million people did not participate in our democracy last year, leading to elected officials who dont necessarily represent the majority of America. This middling turnout was despite competitive races and heated electioneering. Texas and Florida saw record spending on their Senate races more than $90 million was spent in each. The margins in Floridas governor and Senate races were razor thin, both going to a recount. Texas had a budding superstar on the ballot challenging a former presidential candidate. Outreach efforts were herculean. The Beto ORourke campaign claims it knocked on nearly 2 million doors and made more than 8.5 million phone calls to potential voters. Yet almost 10 million potential Texan voters didnt show. In Florida, 6.8 million potential voters abstained despite a close contest for governor and senator. More than 3 million eligible Georgians did not cast a ballot in their heated governors race. Two and a half million eligible people in Arizona did not weigh in on their hotly contested Senate race. This is a hard truth for a country that has a proud history of championing and exporting democracy. Yes, the two groups of people that have been hardest to reach, young people age 18-29 and Latinos, were much more involved last year than in previous midterm elections, and that is indeed a victory for democracy. Prompted by a barrage of celebrity pitches, messages on social media and texting campaigns, millions more tuned in but in the end only 31 percent of young people voted. Thats not good enough. Outreach to the Latino community was also in high gear. These have been hard voters to reach. Only one in five Latino voters cast a ballot in the last mid-term and less than half voted in the presidential race of 2016. Knowing the large and growing Latino population has the potential to swing elections, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spent $30 million to reach Latino voters this cycle. Voto Latino, a civic media organization, registered 202,339 young voters. It helps that there was a strong slate of Latino candidates on the ballot, both Republican and Democratic. The tide may be turning, however slowly. A quarter of Latino voters in 2018 said it was their first time participating in a mid-term election. That is welcome news, but we have so much further to go to see decent turnout say 80 percent of eligible voters. One path forward is being paved by a nine-year-old nonprofit in Texas the Texas Organizing Project (TOP). The group operates with a unique strategy. Rather than only contacting people during election season, TOP engages with voters throughout the year. Even though Election Day was months ago, TOP is still knocking on doors and making phone calls to low turnout populations, such as low- and middle-income black and Latino citizens in three of Texas largest counties. Its members are getting back to people they called on during electon season, thanking the unlikely voters for casting a ballot, and inviting them to meetings with policy experts on personally relevant issues such as housing, education, immigration and criminal justice. Constituents in Houston, for example, just helped Lina Hidalgo, a 27-year-old Latina, unseat a two-term Republican county judge who had won elections here since before Hidalgo was even born. After her victory, TOP reconvened the voters, invited them to join the organization as members ($5 a month), and arranged for them to discuss Harvey rebuilding plans with Hidalgo. Constituents in Dallas and San Antonio helped elect progressive district attorneys, and TOP said it will invite new voters in those cities to attend accountability sessions with their newly elected officials. Imagine being a new voter and receiving a phone call from TOP inviting you to attend the DAs inauguration. When the Texas Organizing Project goes back to the unlikely voters it turned out at the polls, it proves to these Texans that their votes made a difference, that they still have a role after the election, and that elected officials are answerable to them. It is process that creates a regular voter and an engaged citizen. No matter your political party, thats healthy for our representative republic. There is a crisis at the border, President Trump said Tuesday night, which is why we need to start funding a 2000-mile, 30-foot-high wall at a tune of $5.7 billion dollars. Texans who actually live at the border would mostly beg to differ. Although borderlanders agree that border security is important, only a few believe that a wall would address the issues that affect the public safety of most Americans. When it comes to drugs, for example, the governments own statistics show that around 90 percent of all heroin, cocaine and fentanyl cross at ports of entry not between them. The opioid scourge we face today appears to be fueled as much by prescription drugs as by illegal drugs coming from other countries. Finally, as marijuana has become increasingly legalized in the United States, seizures of it at the border are at an all-time low. A border wall cannot address the drug crisis we currently face. When it comes to undocumented migration, the number of unauthorized crossings is as low as it was in the early 1970s. Our operational control of the border is as high as it has been in the history of the country. Deportations of unauthorized residents have continued at a strong pace. And many unauthorized residents are actually overstays of legal visas a problem that is better addressed through improved enforcement and penalties for missing a date of departure. Most of the recent Central American migrants that traveled in caravan to the border prefer to confront border patrol and request asylum rather than try to breach the border. A wall would not stop overstays or deter Central Americans from approaching U.S. agents to seek asylym. The comparatively few remaining border jumpers can be dealt with using better technology for detection and resources for detention and return. Nor would a border wall address the threat of terrorism. Only a handful of individuals in the governments list have been caught crossing the southern border and the fact that they were caught is itself a testament to our agencies effectiveness in guarding the border. Also, as civil rights groups often point out, the terrorist threat list is a clumsy tool at best. There is also no case to be made for a violence spillover from Mexico. Border counties and cities are among the safest in the United States, as per the FBIs own unified crime reports. Trump called the border situation both a humanitarian and security crisis. Hes right about the former, but it is largely the result of our own national inability to process asylum seekers and return them home if they do not qualify to stay under our laws. The exodus of refugees and asylum seekers from Central America should be addressed by looking, together with Mexico, at the conditions on the ground in Central America and working to develop the economies and civic institutions that region so that people can stay and those who migrate may do so legally. If the United States is to invest on the border, the billions of dollars the president is asking for would best be used in increasing operational control through technology improvements and more agents. Our ports of entry are also understaffed and require new and better infrastructure to process the growing, legitimate trade and travel between the two countries and to detect illegal drugs hidden in cargo, vehicles and luggage. Finally, some of that funding should also go to improve the processing of refugees and asylum seekers more expeditiously, including investing on our understaffed immigration courts. At the end of the day, the presidents speech was anti-climactic. He neither retreated except for calling for a barrier instead of a wall nor did he take his fight up a notch or two by declaring a national emergency. There was no progress, rhetorical or political. The impasse on border security and the government shutdown is likely to continue. To solve this, President Trump and the Democrats must delink the two issues and deal with them separately. Open the government first by funding all government departments and agencies and negotiate border security separately within the budget line items directly related to homeland security. Texas security and prosperity depends on a functional government and smart investment on our border, not a wall that wont address the significant issues along the border and may even create friction with Mexico a key economic and cultural partner for the Lone Star State. President Donald Trump did something Tuesday night that he has rarely done since taking office: He used the presidential bully pulpit to reach beyond his hard-core base of supporters to make his case to the American people as a whole. Speaking from the Oval Office for the first time during his presidency, Trump embraced our country's tradition as a nation of immigrants, declaring America proudly welcomes millions of lawful immigrants who enrich our society and contribute to our nation. He then offered a cogent explanation for why he believes we face what he called a humanitarian crisis a crisis of the heart and a crisis of the soul along our southern border. RELATED: Trump yet again pandered to fear and ignored reality at the border He pointed out the human cost of our broken system to illegal migrants themselves, expressing compassion for the children [who] are used as human pawns by vicious coyotes and ruthless gangs and the women [who] are sexually assaulted on the dangerous trek up through Mexico. He shared heartbreaking stories of Americans killed by criminal aliens who had no right to be here including a police officer in California who was murdered, a 16-year-old girl who was brutally stabbed in Maryland, and an Air Force veteran who was raped and beaten to death. Ive held the hands of the weeping mothers and embraced the grief-stricken fathers, Trump declared. I will never forget the pain in their eyes, the tremble in their voices, or the sadness gripping their souls. And he laid out his solution, which he explained was developed by law enforcement professionals and border agents and includes funds for cutting-edge technology, more border agents, more immigration judges, more bed space and medical support and $5.7 billion for a physical barrier that he called just common sense. Without naming her, Trump responded to the absurd charge from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., that a wall is immoral. Democrats voted repeatedly for physical barriers until he was elected president, he noted. If a wall is immoral, Trump asked, "why do wealthy politicians build walls, fences and gates around their homes? They don't build walls because they hate the people on the outside, but because they love the people on the inside." The president did not unilaterally declare a national emergency. Instead, he called for compromise and said, To those who refuse to compromise in the name of border security, I would ask: imagine if it was your child, your husband, or your wife, whose life was so cruelly shattered and totally broken? He was, in short, presidential. Democrats insisted on equal time, which is highly unusual for presidential addresses other than the State of the Union. It was a mistake. In contrast to Trump, Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., came across as small and intransigent. While Trump spoke calmly and rationally from behind the Resolute Desk, the Democratic leaders accused him of pounding the table and having a temper tantrum. While Trump told human stories, they complained about process. They accused him of arguing that the women and children at the border were a security threat when he had just explained to the American people that they were victims, too. They charged him with using the backdrop of the Oval Office to manufacture a crisis, stoke fear and divert attention from the turmoil in his administration. They were partisan and petty, while Trump came across as reasonable and even compassionate. To normal Americans watching in the heartland, and who are not steeped in Trump hatred, the president must have seemed like the adult in the room. And, most important, Pelosi and Schumer failed to use the one word that millions of Americans were longing to hear compromise. But Trump did. That is why the president won the night. Schumer and Pelosi appealed to their base, while Trump made an effective appeal to persuadable Americans. Until now, Trump has owned the 18-day government shutdown that prompted this address, because hes the one who started it. But if Democrats continue to attack him, and won't entertain any compromise, soon the shutdown will be all theirs because they're the ones who have refused to end it. Thiessen is a columnist for The Washington Post. A day after being at the White House to consult with the Trump administration on the border wall, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Wednesday that the state doesnt need a barrier along the entire Rio Grande River from Brownsville to El Paso. Instead, Patrick said the key is building barriers from Brownsville to Falcon Lake. That is a stretch of fewer than 200 miles. We need to build the wall, or you can call it a wall, you can call it a steel fence, a barrier, between Brownsville and Falcon Lake. Thats where about half of the people who cross the border illegally in the country come. They come in that area, Patrick said, at a business event in Austin. Patrick said a more substantial wall in that area would push people illegally crossing the border to no mans land where border patrol and cameras can better intercept them. For subscribers: Texas border communities cringe as Trump sounds alarm over wall Patrick said beyond the wall, the issue on the border is a short-staffed U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency that needs to hire 800 more border patrol agents. He said with adequate staffing, authorities would easily be able to apprehend people crossing unwalled portions of the border that are more remote. Texas already has about 112 miles of border fencing in El Paso and along stretches of the Rio Grande Valley near places like McAllen, where Patrick is expected to join President Donald Trump on Thursday. Texas has long presented the debate over the border wall with additional complications because of the winding (and in parts desolate) Rio Grande River. U.S. Sens John Cornyn and Ted Cruz have similarly said a wall makes sense, but not necessary along the entire Texas-Mexico border. Cornyn has said there are parts of the border where it makes absolutely no sense to build a barrier. Trump himself has offered varying accounts of how much of the border would be walled. At points during the campaign in 2016 he said the whole border would be walled. At other times he has said it would be 1,000 miles. Yet other times hes given the figure 700 miles. When Trump took office, the nation had 654 miles of various fencing along the entire 1,954 mile U.S. border with Mexico from California to Texas. Patrick said a border wall is a key piece of the equation in stopping illegal immigration in Texas. He said last year in Texas 300,000 people were apprehended crossing the border illegally. He estimated that the border patrol and other law enforcement catch just one out of every five people who try to cross illegally. It is a disaster, he said. Its a real issue, and it has to be addressed. Patricks comments come just a day after he skipped the first day of the Texas Legislature for meetings at the White House, which he said included Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and adviser. Patrick said it was tough to miss the first day of the Legislature, but he felt compelled to help the president prepare for his first major address to the nation from the Oval Office. Related: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick skips first day of Legislature for Trump When the presidents team calls, and they dont call unless the president blesses it, it was tough to say no, Patrick said. Patrick, who lives in Montgomery County, is one of Trumps most trusted political allies in Texas. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Patrick led his Texas campaign. During Wednesdays event with the Texas Realtors, Patrick stressed that he was not auditioning for a position in the administration and specifically shot down any possibility that he would be in line to be Trumps next Secretary of Homeland Security given his expertise on the border. If the White House called and said tomorrow We want you and need you, I am not leaving Texas, Patrick said. And Im never going to run for president. jeremy.wallace@chron.com The article says that two of Stephensons creations generated fresh buzz for her most recent employer, North Carolinas Highland Brewing Company and added that Stephenson savors the freedom of operating a pilot brewery for experimental beers, concluding that todays taproom exclusive could be tomorrows national release. Gov. Greg Abbott called for a gang crackdown in Houston on Wednesday following the death of Jazmine Barnes and Chief Art Acevedo agrees, saying he would like to do so with federal funds now being used to combat the "border surge. The crisis is not at the border, Acevedo said, referring to President Donald Trumps televised address Tuesday night when he proposed a $5.7 billion border security plan, which included his sought-after border wall. Its on the streets of our cities, Acevedo said at a press conference. He dismissed Trumps depiction of a growing humanitarian and security crisis 300 miles to the south as political theater and contends data will show Houston and other U.S. cities should be the priority of federal law enforcement. The Gulf Coast is home to about 20,000 registered gang members, most of whom Acevedo described as homegrown, natural-born, red-blooded Americans. Additionally, the police chief said he spoke to William Barr, Trumps attorney general candidate, before the press conference and asked for more focus on data-driven policing, rather than political rhetoric and the demonization of immigrations. The political back-and-forth between the chief and the governor was triggered by the arrest of an alleged member of the Five Deuce Hoover Crips street gang in Jazmines Dec. 30 drive-by shooting death, and Abbotts suggestion that Houston needs a boost in anti-gang resources. There are too many gangs in Houston, Abbott wrote to his personal Twitter account. We must expand the Texas Anti-Gang Task Force in Houston to clean our streets of this trash and restore safety. Abbott pitched the expansion with a social media message from the Houston Police Officers Union president that depicted suspected gunman Larry Woodruffe as the dirtbag who killed the 7-year-old child. The accused assailants, Woodruffe and Eric Black Jr., were arrested over the weekend after Harris County Sheriffs Office waged a week-long manhunt to find who opened fire on a car with Jazmine, her mother and three sisters. Take a good look before people start framing him as some misunderstood youth, here he is flashing gang signs and below is his extensive criminal history at the ripe old age of 24, tweeted Joe Gamaldi, with a photo appearing to be 24-year-old Woodruffe. The union boss on Monday branded Woodruffe a documented gang member and shared another image he contended was an image of him brandishing a rifle and pistol. The suspect is believed to be the shooter in Jazmines death. During a press conference Wednesday, Acevedo thanked the governor for acknowledging Jazmine and made note that her slaying, which sparked international outrage, did not happen in his jurisdiction. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez appeared to address Abbotts tweet and said gang violence in Harris County, like in Houston, is an issue. Absolutely gangs continue to be a growing problem. It is here and its something were trying to deal with, Gonzalez also tweeted. While enforcement is crucial, lets not forget the need to invest in prevention & early intervention. State border surge funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security would do better in the hands of local crime fighters through grants, Acevedo said. Lets focus on crime fighting and not investments, like the border wall, Acevedo said. Were looking at an old world solution to a 21st century problem. He expressed hope that the start of the Texas Legislature could also produce new measures to limit gang violence by strengthening firearm background checks. In 2017, Abbott launched an initiative to fight gang violence in Harris County, which contains some of the highest concentration of gang activity in the state. nicole.hensley@chron.com twitter.com/nkhensley Deputies have identified the suspect and victims in a stabbing that killed one man at a Waller County business Wednesday night. Evan Lyndell Parker, 34, is accused of killing 64-year-old Harry Parnell and critically injuring 36-year-old Jose Rangel. All three were employees at the manufacturing business, Orizon Industries, according to the Waller County Sheriff's Office. Warrants for aggravated assault and murder have been issued for Parker's arrest, deputies said. Now Playing: A suspect is at large after one person died and another was injured in a stabbing at a manufacturing business in Waller County on Wednesday night, authorities said. Video: Metro Video The two men were stabbed sometime around 7:50 p.m. at the Orizon Industries building on FM 362 and Wilson Road, north of Brookshire. Parnell, a night shift supervisor, died at the scene, and Rangel was flown to the hospital in critical condition. Parnell had been with the company for 20 years, said Milo Thibeaudeau, chief operating officer at Spitzer Industries. Orizon is a division of Spitzer. Rangel has been with the company for about eight months. Parker is also an employee in the quality control group of Orizon. There was no known conflict between the victims and the suspect, Thibeaudeau said. "It's a family-oriented company that grew up organically," Thibeaudeau said. "For something this tragic to happen is beyond our imagination." Its unclear what led to the stabbing, although it is believed to be work-related, deputies said. Parker fled afterward in a gray 2014 Nissan Versa, with the Texas license plate No. GRJ0214. Multiple law enforcement agencies are working on leads to Parker's location. Parker is believed to be armed and dangerous, according to the sheriff's office. Parker's criminal history involves previous charges of aggravated robbery, assault, resisting arrest and aggravated assault against a public servant, deputies said. People who see Parker are urged to call 911. For as long as Gloria Halls two daughters have attended Alcott Elementary School, a high-performing campus with 230 students on the Houstons southeast side, they have received intensive one-on-one attention from teachers that she said speeds up their academic and social progress. The big, massive elementary schools that look like universities, the ones you see out in Katy, you dont get that personal touch because there are too many children, said Hall, whose daughters attend first and fifth grade. To me, the bigger schools have bigger problems. In the coming years, however, Houston ISD officials may have to decide whether the district can afford to maintain intimate campuses like Alcott, the districts smallest neighborhood elementary school. As Houston faces a third consecutive fiscal year of significant budget cuts, enrollment at several of the districts smallest and most expensive elementary schools has dropped dramatically in 2018-19, according to district data obtained by the Houston Chronicle. While school officials have not proposed closing any schools or initiated any formal conversations, Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said merging some lower-enrollment campuses could help close budget shortfalls and provide more academic opportunities for students. We have to talk about possibilities, Lathan said in early December, following the districts first school board workshop addressing the 2019-2020 budget. Long term, would it behoove us to consolidate some campuses? More Information Small schools shrink in HISD Nearly all of Houston ISD's smallest neighborhood elementary schools all lost students or did not significantly increase enrollment in 2018-19. School, 2017-18 enrollment, 2018-19 enrollment, Change Alcott, 270, 232, -38 Briscoe, 339, 262, -77 Pleasantville, 281, 266, -15 Port Houston, 301, 292, -9 Young, 297, 301, +4 Isaacs, 296, 305, +9 Fondren, 374, 316, -58 Nat Q. Henderson, 271, 322, +51 Looscan, 352, 327, -25 Tijernia, 391, 342, -49 Source: Houston ISD, Texas Education Agency See More Collapse Elementary schools accounted for roughly 90 percent of HISDs 3,500-student enrollment decline this academic year, the districts largest reduction since 2006. HISDs four smallest elementary schools Alcott, Briscoe, Pleasantville and Port Houston each enrolled fewer than 300 students this year after losing kids. Several smaller elementary schools experienced double-digit percentage declines in enrollment, including Briscoe, Fondren and Tijerina. On average, elementary schools in Houston ISD and the Greater Houston area enroll about 650 students. Thats very alarming to me that were losing kids at the elementary school level, HISD Trustee Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca said. Once we lose them, that could be 12 years of a student not being part of the HISD family. Were missing out on years and years of enrollment. In a statement, HISD officials attributed the enrollment declines to increased competition from charter schools and movement of families to school districts with more affordable housing. Lathan also has said that the districts administrative and governance issues likely have prompted some parents to leave HISD. We continually engage in community relations efforts to educate parents about beneficial programs and resources available in HISD, district officials said in the statement. They cited the districts top-ranked magnet schools, dual credit college offerings and its new Parent University engagement effort. In addition to out-of-district transfers, some lower-enrollment HISD schools also lose hundreds of students to other in-district magnet and specialty campuses. For example, 700 children who are zoned to attend Cullen Middle School travel to other HISD campuses, while only 345 students attend the school. While campus closures have not been seriously discussed, Lathans mere mention of the politically unpopular possibility illustrates the districts financial predicament. HISD trustees have addressed shortfalls totaling about $210 million over the past two years by pulling about $125 million from reserve funds and cutting spending. District officials are projecting a $76 million deficit in 2019-2020, though that total is based on conservative property tax revenue estimates. Several HISD schools have dropped well below the districts enrollment targets, hemorrhaging students over the past few years. Those schools require additional funding, largely through the district-provided small school subsidy, to ensure basic services are provided. The supplemental funding, however, puts some additional strain on HISDs finances. District budget documents show roughly 80 of the districts 284 campuses mostly elementary and specialty schools will receive subsidies this year totaling nearly $20 million. HISDs four elementary schools with sub-300 enrollment are expected to receive about $1.4 million combined. By closing schools, HISD experiences several financial benefits less spending on small-school subsidies, fewer facilities costs, possible profit from property sales and moves children to higher-enrollment campuses with more academic and after-school offerings. However, closures also force families to travel farther to school and remove key pillars from communities. Prior proposals to shutter campuses have been met with strong backlash, including allegations of racial discrimination. Of the 11 recent school closures, 10 have occurred in predominantly non-white neighborhoods. About 8 percent of the districts enrollment is white. I think, at some point, were going to have to start seeing how we can ensure we dont rob a neighborhood, because thats the scary part, Lathan said. But if two schools are within two blocks of each other and one is underutilized, maybe its two schools exist on the same campus, so the school doesnt lose their name. There are creative ways to do it. Most Houston ISD elementary schools are located a half-mile to 2 miles apart from other campuses. Some of the districts lowest-enrollment elementary campuses neighbor schools that are not near capacity, including all four of the sub-300-student campuses. Pleasantville and Port Houston, for example, are separated by 1.2 miles, and Pleasantvilles facility can support an additional 475 students beyond its current enrollment. For Karmesha Duplechain, who has children in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten at Alcott, increasing enrollment and offering more extracurricular opportunities should be the priority at her neighborhood campus. Duplechain said she takes her two older children to first and fifth grades at Law Elementary School, about five miles southwest of Alcott, after administrators told her Alcott could not afford to add classes to accommodate her kids. By me having to bring two of them here and then having to go over (to Law), both of them will be late because school starts at the same time, Duplechain said. Its a big hassle. jacob.carpenter@chron.com twitter.com/chronjacob If Gov. Greg Abbott believes Houston ISDs students and parents deserve a new school board, as he suggested in a blistering tweet last week, his administration could make it happen immediately. In fact, under a little-known state law, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath has had the authority to take over Houstons school board since September 2017. So, why hasnt the administration led by Abbott, who lambasted Houstons leadership as a disaster that has failed the children they are supposed to educate, done it? Abbotts office did not respond to questions in recent days about allowing Houston to keep local control, as Houston school board members criticized the two-term governor for lobbing rhetorical bombs while declining to take ultimate responsibility for the states largest school district. Its in their home court, so I do find it ironic for him to criticize when they have the authority to replace the school board, Houston Trustee Sergio Lira said. Its almost as if youre saying one thing out of one side of your mouth, then something different out of the other. Abbott did briefly address Houston ISD on Wednesday during a 15-minute press conference kicking off the Texas Legislative session, telling reporters that bills targeting the district are nothing that Im contemplating. What I want to see is the local school districts take care of their business to educate their kids to prevent failing schools, Abbott said. Were committed to providing the resources that are needed and the strategies that will be needed to make sure that the children will be educated adequately, if not superiorly. But we do also expect school districts and their leaders to behave responsibly and to advance their schools appropriately. Houstons school board has faced a barrage of criticism in recent months for unprofessional behavior, a widely-panned secretive effort to replace Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan and an inability to improve academics at several chronically low-rated schools In his scathing 43-word tweet, his first public comments on the districts governance turmoil, Abbott declared that if ever there was a school board that needs to be taken over and reformed, its HISD. Abbott did not explicitly call for a state takeover of Houstons school board, but he said the districts students and parents deserve change. For more than a year, Houston ISD leaders have fretted over the possibility of a state takeover mandated under a recently passed law, known as HB 1842. The statute directs the Texas Education Agency to close schools or replace a districts locally-elected board of trustees if any campus receives five straight improvement required ratings for poor academic achievement. Houston narrowly avoided that punishment in 2018, when six long-struggling schools met state standard. Four campuses still could still trigger sanctions this year. However, a lesser-known law quietly has loomed over the district. Texas law states that the education commissioner may replace the school board in a district under scrutiny from a state-appointed conservator for two consecutive years a threshold Houston crossed in September 2017. Houstons conservator, former Aldine ISD administrator Doris Delaney, was appointed in September 2016 to monitor Kashmere High School, which has failed to meet state academic standards for nine consecutive years. Her responsibilities expanded to monitoring the districts school board and other long-struggling schools in mid-2017. To date, Morath has chosen to not replace Houstons school board, exercising discretion granted to him under the conservator law. Instead, the TEA has taken several steps to work with Houston administrators and board members: keeping Delaney in place, requiring on-the-ground assistance from outside educators, overseeing campus turnaround plans and offering governance training, among other supports. Lira said trustees have not been threatened with immediate replacement by TEA officials, and that the agencys staff has been willing to work with us as long as we have a plan in place. In a statement, TEA spokeswoman Ciara Wieland said Abbott and Morath are working in concert to help Houston. Any action taken by Commissioner Morath or TEA to ensure Houston ISD has been given ample time, resources and support to achieve the best outcomes for students has also come with the full support of the governor and is in alignment with their shared vision of improving education outcomes in the district, Wieland said. Many local political leaders and community activists have railed against a possible state takeover of Houstons school board, calling it an improper seizure of power from local voters. Several Houston leaders have defended the district from criticism about academic achievement in the district, noting it scored a B-level rating under the states new academic accountability system. They also have noted that the district cut its number of schools failing to meet state standard to 21 in 2018, down from 58 in 2015. However, the persistently low academic performance at campuses such as Kashmere and Wheatley High School, which has not met state standard since 2010, has led to calls for drastic state intervention in Houston. A leading critic, state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, stopped short this week of calling for an immediate takeover of the districts school board under the conservator law, while also arguing imminent change is needed. I could see that statute employed. Its on the books and it could be triggered, Bettencourt said. I think that no matter what happens, were going to have to get the eyes of the state playing a greater role. Bettencourt said he plans to introduce a bill this month that would change the makeup of Houstons school board. Currently, all trustees are elected in nine single-member districts. Bettencourts bill would call for five single-member seats and four at-large seats. Abbott retweeted two posts about Bettencourts proposals on the same day he criticized the district last week. jacob.carpenter@chron.com twitter.com/chronjacob Across the country, retail is hurting, and it's no secret that Anne Arundel County has made themselves attractive to businesses in the area, he said. If Bowie wants quality retail in the future, we will need a comprehensive strategy involving the city and county with resident buy-in. WASHINGTON President Donald Trumps repeated threat to declare a national emergency so he can build his border wall without congressional approval has been denounced by Democrats as extreme and an overreach. But it could be the only politically realistic way out of the shutdown crisis in the nations capital. I think we might work a deal, and if we dont, I may go that route. I have the absolute right to do national emergency if I want, Trump told reporters on Wednesday. My threshold will be if I cant make a deal with people that are unreasonable. If the president does invoke emergency powers to circumvent Congress, it would be an extraordinary violation of constitutional norms and establish a precedent for presidents who fail to win approval for funding a policy goal. But Trumps threatened move offers both sides a face-saving solution in the budget standoff between the president and congressional Democrats that has prompted a partial government shutdown, which, if it lasts to Saturday, will be at 22 days the longest in U.S. history. Both sides have taken absolutist positions that leave no room for the kind of split-the-difference compromise that usually ends budget impasses. Trump refuses to accept anything less than his demand for about $5 billion in wall spending, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said his wall along the southern border would be immoral. But Trumps claim that he can and may attempt to build his wall another way opens the door for him to sign a spending bill with no wall funding, reopening the government without capitulation by either side. While any such move by Trump is certain to prompt outrage from his critics and wild approval from his supporters, there is good reason to believe that it is unlikely to result in much immediate change. His push for a wall would be channeled into a lengthy court fight, keeping lawyers far busier than construction workers, at least initially, as his term ticks away. Were going to be in 2020 before this gets resolved, said Walter E. Dellinger III, a former solicitor general in the Clinton administration, adding: If they are just planning where to build slats, judges are unlikely to decide that requires expedition in the Supreme Court. I think they would recognize the wisdom of going slow. If, in the end, the Supreme Court were to rule that emergency-power laws give Trump authority to proceed, he would probably face still more litigation with property owners over whether the government may use eminent domain to force them to sell their border lands. There may be little time left in his term after all that to add more than a few miles, if any, of barriers to the 1,954-mile border, which already has 654 miles of fencing. And if the court instead eventually ruled against him, Trump could honestly tell his supporters that he tried, and then vow to renew the push if he is re-elected. Indeed, he has suggested that he would relish still having the issue of wall to once again rev up supporters in the campaign. He wrote on Twitter late last month that Democrats may have enough votes to stop his wall, but we have the issue, Border Security. 2020! In the meantime, the shutdown that is threatening to last for months could end. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers and contractors could once again receive their wages and pay household bills. National parks could reopen and be cleaned. Needy families could keep receiving food assistance. Across the economy, farmers and businesses that depend on government actions could proceed with work they need to be handled. Its a way to get past an ugly fight in a way that allows the dust to settle and passions to cool while moving on, said Bruce Buchanan, an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Texas at Austin. If Trump does invoke emergency powers, fierce criticism would follow. Of the 58 times presidents have declared emergencies since Congress reformed emergency-powers laws in 1976, none involved funding a policy goal after failing to win congressional approval. Chris Edelson, an American University government professor and author of a 2013 book, Emergency Presidential Power: From the Drafting of the Constitution to the War on Terror, said he could recall no such instance in the first two centuries of U.S. history, either. The precedent Trump would establish raises the risk of longer-term damage to the U.S. constitutional system, undermining peoples confidence in the countrys democracy, said Elizabeth Goitein, who oversaw a recent study of presidential emergency powers for the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law. It is a crisis when the president of the United States flouts the role of Congress and abuses his powers in order to get around the will of Congress and to undermine the democratic process for lawmaking set forth in the Constitution, she said. Goitein and other experts who have studied emergency-powers laws have said there are serious if not dispositive arguments that Trumps legal team can make that at least two such statutes could be used to erect border barriers by redirecting military construction funds that can be freed up, in a presidentially declared emergency, to build something Congress has not approved. But she and others maintain that it would be an abuse of power for Trump to proclaim that there is a national emergency along the southern border that justifies a wall. The number of people illegally crossing the border is far lower than it was a generation ago. The recent phenomenon of caravans of Central American migrants largely consists of people who present themselves to border officials and request asylum. And despite repeated false claims by Trump officials that terrorists are infiltrating the country across the border, including by the thousands, no one in the modern era who committed a terrorist attack on domestic soil has turned out to have sneaked in via Mexico. Many legal experts nevertheless expect that in the inevitable litigation, the Justice Department would pressure judges not to even consider the facts, arguing that courts must defer to the presidents judgment about whether an emergency exists rather than substituting their own thinking. But even though courts have traditionally given substantial deference to the presidents determinations in security matters, Dellinger said that should not be true within the executive branch. He said it was the obligation of senior Justice Department officials who review the legality of proposed government actions the head of the Office of Legal Counsel, Steven A. Engel, and the acting attorney general, Matthew G. Whitaker to independently assess whether there really is a justifiable basis to declare an emergency, and if there is not, to tell Trump no, or resign. If there is not, in fact, a persuasive basis for this being the kind of national emergency that was contemplated by Congress, and it is nevertheless approved by the Department of Justice, what is the rule-of-law cost? What kind of slope does that start us down? Dellinger said. One question is whether there is some other way out of this current mess that doesnt involve such a cost to the rule of law. This article originally appeared in The New York Times When Yousuf Begs father died at the age of 67, no one was prepared for it not his wife, not his children, and as they soon found out, not him. Though he was a religious Muslim, Begs father had failed to leave behind a will which is mandatory in Islam to avoid family disputes over inheritance. We had a lot of issues, Beg said. My dad had debts and other relatives, so it was quite a bit of work to make sure that everything was taken care of fairly and Islamically. After consulting with imams and receiving advice from friends and relatives, Beg finally found a way to properly distribute his fathers assets in compliance with both Islamic and Texas laws. But Begs experience is far from an anomaly. Only 44 percent of Americans reported having a will in 2016, according to a Gallup poll. But professionals and imams estimate that number is far lower in the American Muslim community, who have extremely detailed religious directions on how to distribute assets to each family member. Immigrants, attorneys say, are even less likely to leave behind wills because they could usually count on the governments in their Muslim-majority home countries to automatically follow Islamic guidelines. But with the American Muslim community becoming more integrated through the children of immigrants, there has gradually been an uptick in the demand and supply of guidance for American Islamic will-writing, though not nearly as much as needed. Following guidelines A well-known and often-repeated quote states, It is the duty of a Muslim who has anything to bequest not to let two nights pass without writing a will about it. And Islamic jurisprudence (based on the Quran and Hadiths, or interactions with the Prophet Muhammad) provides specific guidelines on how a Muslim should distribute their assets. Before distributing inheritance, the decedents assets must be used to pay off any debts, money owed, and funeral and burial expenses. The assets that remain are then fractioned off. First, one-third of the remainder is essentially a free card. Called the wassiyah, it can be spent however the decedent wishes, whether its going to friends and family who arent prescribed inheritors, or being donated to charities. The other two-thirds is once again fractioned according to the family structure most commonly, a married couple with children. In this scenario, a man with a deceased wife would get one-fourth of her remaining assets, and the rest would be distributed to their children. The widower would get one-eighth of her deceased husbands assets. And among the children, the son inherits double what the daughter does. Islam is not alone in providing distribution guidelines. Judaism has an order of priority of inheritants that would receive the decedents entire estate, depending on who is living: first sons (the oldest son receiving double the others), fathers, paternal brothers, and so on. Daughters only inherit from their fathers if there are no sons, and wives do not receive inheritance although they can choose to receive either a certain amount from their pre-nuptial agreement, or receive living support from the estate until they remarry. Despite and sometimes because of the detailed instructions, American Muslims often hit a roadblock when it comes to writing their wills. Furqan Mohammed, an attorney and co-founder of Islamic Wills, estimated that only 10 percent of American Muslims prepare their wills. For some, the challenge is finding services to assure a religiously and legally sound will during a daunting, specific process especially with more complicated family structures. For others, the challenge is theological: How to adapt and implement Islamic law, or sharia, in a way that agrees with American Muslims varying lifestyles today. Niche market Ahmed Mattoo, born and raised in Houston, is a cancer survivor, a husband of over 15 years, and a father to a 15-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy. But he didnt think to write his will until he was preparing to take Hajj, or the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, a few years ago. (Writing a will is one of the prerequisites to take Hajj.) Its crazy, I shouldve done it a long time ago, he reflected. Mattoo searched for options to prepare his will. Thats when he came across My Wassiyah described by co-founder and Islamic scholar Joe Bradford as like a Legal Zoom for Muslims. My Wassiyah contained guidelines on state law and Islamic law, and it was easy to do, said Mattoo, whose will took only a few hours to put together. And at $125 for a basic will, the do-it-yourself type website is a more affordable option for American Muslims who want to avoid paying thousands of dollars to attorneys. Founded five years ago, My Wassiyah is just one of multiple businesses that have popped up to work within the niche of Islamic wills. Houston-based Bradford and his business partner, who is a lawyer, saw the need to create My Wassiyah when they were constantly being approached by people for help with writing wills and having to turn them away Bradford because he didnt feel he had the legal expertise, and his partner because he didnt feel he had the religious knowledge. The demand has been there, admittedly to varying degrees. Since starting My Wassiyah in 2013, the website has attracted around 150,000 users, Bradford said. Mohammed and his business partner, Amro Shamaileh, have worked with around 40 clients since their soft launch of Chicago-based Islamic Wills this year. Imani Jaafar, an attorney in Minneapolis, said writing Islamic wills quickly became a quarter of her practice. And yet Fatima Iqbal of Azzad Asset Management, an Islamic finance company, predominantly for high net worth clients, said their Virginia-based business has worked with under 10 clients so far this year. It should be more widespread, but I would blame both the supply and demand, said Haider ala Hamoudi, vice dean at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Mohammed brought up the same point, saying that educating the community on both the religious and secular benefits of preparing a will has been a challenge. The purpose of the obligatory will in Islam is to avoid conflict over material things after a death, and allow the family the ability to properly grieve. Secularly, of course, its avoiding probate court. Many attorneys say the absence of a will is common among immigrants from Muslim-majority countries, where the courts would automatically distribute a decedents assets according to Islamic guidelines if they had not left a will. Second-generation kids are coming to us proactively for an estate plan, whereas the first generation comes to us when something bad happens, Mohammed said. All these people have no idea what they should be doing, especially as they age or have children. Jaafar said some of her older clients who are recent immigrants were surprised they had to write a detailed will at all, assuming that a note stating they wanted everything distributed according to Islamic law would be enough. That can be dangerous because theres definitely courts that will say, We dont interpret Islamic law, were a secular court, Hamoudi said. The courts then end up calling in experts, who may have differing interpretations of sharia, and the court gets nervous because it feels like its starting to engage in deciding whose interpretation of the Quran is more sound. Professionals said that nervousness heightens with anti-sharia dialogue and sentiment, which Hamoudi said has permeated the legal field, keeping attorneys on high alert. A 2013 Pew Research Center study found that 32 states had introduced bills to restrict foreign and religious laws influence on courts decisions. In a 2017 study, Pew found that Americans felt the least warm toward Muslims out of nine religious groups. We make sure the language (in our wills) is very clear and secular, especially with anti-sharia legislation being proposed, Iqbal said. However, with 15 religious groups having their own established religious courts in the United States, according to Pew, and many existing precedents establishing the relationship between religious and secular laws set by the Jewish community in New York courts, other attorneys are less concerned. Interpreting the rules At the Islamic Society of Greater Houstons Maryam Islamic Center in Sugar Land, dozens of people attended a four-hour lecture that Bradford presented on estate planning on a recent Sunday afternoon. Hands shot up in the air as he described things like distribution fractions, joint tenancy and using trusts. And during a mid-conference break, Bradford was approached by audience members asking whether they could leave their daughters the same amount as their sons. With the varying and evolving lifestyles of American Muslims, theological questions challenging set distributions have also been raised particularly concerning adopted and non-Muslim children, who are not given inheritance rights, and the unequal distribution among women. While the disparate distribution among men and women may seem unjust in the modern context, Islam was actually the first religion to give women the right to inherit. Mohammed said he explains to his clients that while sons may receive more money, it comes with more strings attached. The way the money is given and what its allowed to be used for by sons and daughters is drastically different, he said. The daughter can use it for anything, the sons obligations are toward the family first and foremost. Regardless, Mohammed said, he and Shamaileh follow a clients wishes if they choose to equally distribute assets among their children, but put in writing that the will is not entirely Islamically sound. Jaafar follows a similar procedure with clients who express discomfort with unequal gifting. But others have a different take, recognizing unique family situations and that many modern women are financially independent. People often fixate on rules, that this is whats mandated, Iqbal said. But Islamic guidelines also offer a lot of flexibility in areas people dont realize. For example, a popular workaround is using funds from the wassiyah portion to distribute as one wishes among their children, regardless of their gender, religion or biological relationship. Lifetime gifts or trusts are another option as well. While different schools of Islamic thought may have contradicting interpretations regarding these loopholes, Bradford said as long as theres a conversation explaining ones decisions to inheritors in advance, its OK. If there is room within the same laws and rules God created, then whats the problem? Is it our own dogmatic reading of these texts, or is it simply taking an allowance that He has given us? I opt for the latter, Bradford reasoned. It takes a sophisticated reading of the sources to say when you can and cannot give a religious stamp of approval one that many people working in this area dont have. While professional options for American Muslims to turn to throughout the estate planning process are slowly rising, those already in the field say there are not nearly enough for the size of the community. There has been a considerable lack of familiarity within the Bar on how to do a proper Islamic will, Hamoudi said. Ultimately its going to be a niche business, and we should have a broader set of Muslim and non-Muslim lawyers familiar with it. With the nations 3.45 million Muslims making up just over 1 percent of the U.S. population and that segment growing by about 100,000 people a year, the market for that niche business is there. That holds particularly true for Houston, which is estimated to have the largest Muslim population over 1 percent of the citys population in Texas. We want Islamic estate planning because we want Muslims to integrate, Bradford said. To feel that they have the ability to live out the values of their faith under the umbrella of the American legal system. massarah.mikati@chron.com If youve ever wondered if youd like water splashed on your face during a movie, try 4DX. Though it sounds more like the name of a digital camera, 4DX is, in fact, the latest evolution of 4D movies cinematic presentations that use senses other than sound and sight to enhance the filmgoing experience. In other words, it does more than splash water. The technology, developed by South Korean company CJ 4DPLEX, is a more sophisticated version of the traditional 4D experience. You may remember 4D from a theme park, in which your face was bombarded with water and air while watching something like, say, Honey, I Shrunk the Audience! at Epcot. Of course, the idea reaches back even deeper into history with the experiments with Smell-O-Vision in the 50s. Thanks to the Edwards Houston MarqE Stadium 23, 4DX has now landed in Houston, where its the technologys debut in Texas. (Theres a handful of other 4DX screens across the country, including in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Orlando and Washington, D.C.) I saw Aquaman, a movie that features a lot of wind, water and explosions. And it was nearly exactly what youd expect a 4D Aquaman to be the same, but with water and air. What is 4DX? 4DX, now available at the Edwards Houston Marq'e Stadium 23, was first launched by the South Korean company the CJ Group with the release of the 2009 film "Journey to the Center of the Earth." The technology, which has since expanded to 61 countries, includes several effects, including smell, wind, water and motion. It's one of many technological advances exhibitors are launching to keep consumers interested in the theatrical experience. Regal has adopted 4DX, RPX (a giant IMAX-like screen), and is installing a Screen X auditorium (a multiprojection immersive experience with images on the two side walls) at Marq'E this month. AMC Cinemas has Dolby Cinema auditoriums at some of its multiplexes. Edwards Marq'E Where: 7620 Interstate 10 Details: $21.59 (adults), $15.95 (children) $16.49 (seniors 60+); regmovies.com How to dress for 4DX There is a long list of rules for attending the 4DX. Here are a few of them according to the Regal Edwards site, regmovies.com: You must be at least 3 feet tall and 4 years of age to experience 4DX. Children should be seated near their parents or guardians. Do not bring hot liquids, such as coffee or tea, into the auditorium. All cold beverages must be in a covered container that fits in the cup holder. Do not eat or drink during intense scenes when the motion chairs will be most active. Do not wear delicate clothing or any articles that may be adversely affected by the 4DX feature presentation effects. Take measures to protect clothing against wind, rainlike conditions, bubbles and strong scents. See More Collapse Yes, when Aquaman lifts a submarine up onto the surface of the ocean and the giant vessel plunges out of the sea, you feel the spray of cool water. When Nicole Kidman, dressed in an outfit fit for a Cher concert, roundhouse-kicks an alien-looking henchman, your seat lunges as if youve been kicked yourself. The physicality of the moving seat is more than a simply rumble and shake. The seat twists when a character is knocked sideways. It pitches up and down during wide-angle scenic shots. If an explosion occurs in the distance, you feel a mere vibration in the small of your back. When theres a view of the ocean, fans blow from high up in the theater, sometimes even spraying a cool mist. Lightning is re-created with, well, flashing lights. Theres even a snow-particle effect like youre seeing A Christmas Carol at the Alley Theatre. The 142-minute Aquaman is overstuffed with action sequences, meaning the lurching and pivoting of the seats quickly becomes an exhausting, even dizzying affair. And the water well, the whole movies in water. So, while the spray effect is deliberately selective, you never know when youre getting hit with a blast. A movies element of suspense should come from the story, not your fear of being unexpectedly hit in the face with liquid. So, its smart, that 4DX allows audiences to turn off the spigot. Aquaman may not be worth the runny eyeliner. But imagine a short, effective horror flick, the kind that stresses immersion over narrative the kind that sprays you with water during a decapitation scene. I recently experienced a VR version of the film It, and I realized how well the feeling of actually being there a feeling that 4DX sometimes successfully emulates serves the horror experience. 4DX isnt a subtle art form, not yet. Though the concept has been around since the 1970s, 4DXs introduction to traditional cinemas means a roller-coaster experience can be freely available without a theme-park pass. At $21.59 a ticket for adults, its certainly a cheaper alternative. Just remember to turn of the water if you care about your face and hair. And, frankly, if you dont have a strong stomach avoid a large meal beforehand. wchen@chron.com Linda Hernandez makes $62,000 per year as a secretary at the Federal Detention Center in downtown Houston, a salary she supplements by picking up overtime shifts as a corrections officer. Now, shes not getting paid for either. Hernandez, who has worked at the detention center for nearly 20 years, will miss her first paycheck Friday and doesnt expect to get another one until at least Jan. 25 as the federal government shutdown drags on through its third week. But the bills keep coming for Hernandez, who supports a daughter, a son and a grandchild. And to add her financial squeeze, her ex-husband is a furloughed federal employee who wont be able to make his child support payments until he gets paid. You dont expect things like this to happen to you, said Hernandez, a member of the American Federation of Government Employees, the union representing workers at the detention center. With kids to support, as a mother, you feel like you let them down. Emotionally, Im just drained. Hernandez is among some 800,000 federal employees, including nearly 30,000 in Houston, who will miss paycheck Friday, with little hope of receiving one anytime soon as the political stalemate over President Donald Trumps border wall shows few signs of ending. By Saturday, the shutdown, nearly three weeks old, will become the longest in history. Resources for federal employees: Sample letters for creditors and mortgage companies can be found at opm.gov. Federal workers, either furloughed or essential, can apply for unemployment with the Texas Workforce Commission. Employees have to repay benefits if they are paid retroactively when the shutdown is over. Some banks and credit unions are offering low or zero interest loans during the shutdown to federal employees. The Johnson Space Center holds an open house for NASA employees at Gilruth Center Alamo Ballroom to help them file for unemployment during the furlough as well as talk about loan options through the JSC Federal Credit Union. More information: https://jscsos.com/jsc-unites-employee-furlough-support-open-house/. See More Collapse On HoustonChronicle.com: Border wall shutdown prevents employers from confirming immigration status Federal employees deemed essential, including most of the more than 200 at the Federal Detention Center at 1200 Texas Ave., are working without pay due to the government shutdown. Others at agencies such as the national parks, NASA and some IRS employees have been sent home or furloughed. Holly Griffith, an engineer NASA's Johnson Space Center, and her husband have cut spending and dipped into their savings to try to get through the shutdown. But if it stretches on much longer, she said, shell have to borrow money. And worse, she added, shell probably have to borrow from her mother, a Trump supporter. Its just weird because Im used to always being able to take care of myself, said Griffith, 40, a safety engineer for life support systems on Orion, the spacecraft that will take humans back to the moon. I really dont want to take a loan from [my mom] but its free money. You do what youve got to do. What another NASA engineer did was launch a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for federal employees struggling to pay bills ahead of their first missed paycheck Friday. Johanna Petrocelli, who has worked at the Houston center since 2014, reported on her GoFundMe page that she raised $1,302 as of Thursday morning to help anyone (affected) by the furlough pay specifically for medical/child care/animal care bills. More than 3,000 federal employees, excluding contractors, work at the Johnson Space Center. They and other federal workers will likely get back pay once the government reopens, but that doesnt help when mortgage payments, utility bills and credit cards are due. Or the refrigerator is empty. Or the car needs gas to get to get to work. Clifton J. Buchanan, who has been a corrections officer for 20 years, said missing a check will add the the financial squeeze his family is feeling. Uncertainty about when he might get paid again has already led them to cut spending on everything except essentials, such as food. They have paid minimums on bills to conserve cash and limited travel around town to save on gasoline. You literally have to figure out what bill you have to pay and whether or not youre going to eat, said Buchanan, 49, the regional vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees. Buchanan, a disabled veteran, supports his wife and 11-year old daughter on annual earnings of about $78,000. But, he noted that he is better off than younger and new corrections officers. An entry level correctional officer in Houston makes $47,031, about $2,000 less than Houstons median household income of about $49,000. Most of these people are not rich, Buchanan said. We live paycheck to paycheck. Our paycheck is enough to set you over the edge and then youre not able to catch up. Missing payments on bills can have a particularly tough effect on corrections officers, union officials added. Federal correction officers undergo background checks every five years, and can receive disciplinary action or lose their jobs depending on the results. It includes a credit check, under the rationale that officers who have financial difficulties are vulnerable to bribes from inmates and compromising the security of the prison. Rey Osorio, the local union representative for correctional officers, has worked for the detention center as a correctional officer since it opened in 1999. When the government was shut down in 2013, he said, he sought to delay payments on his mortgage by bringing a letter provided by the government that explained his situation to his lender. The lender didnt go for it. The federal Office of Personnel Managements website issued similar letters for this shutdown, but many employees doubted they would have better luck with utility companies or landlords. A staffing shortage the detention center has made the shutdown more onerous for correction officers, who are working overtime without pay, said Osorio. Eighteen positions are vacant, according to human resources documents obtained by Osorio. One way that the detention center tries to alleviate shortages is through a practice known as augmentation, in which employees like the secretary Hernandez, are used as correctional officers to fill shifts. Additional training is provided to employees, but the most recent training was scheduled for this week and the shutdown canceled it. In the meantime, augmentation has been used much more frequently for the past two years, sources said. Related: NASA employee starts GoFunMe for hurting federal workers Some officers got their last paycheck on Jan. 3, but it was incomplete because they did not get paid for Dec. 22, the first day of the shutdown, or for overtime worked during the last pay period. Christian Schmale, a union member who works at the prison as a senior officer specialist, said his check was about $1,000 less than what he expected. Its very difficult to understand how some departments are funded and other parts are being left out, Schmale said. Senators and their staffers are fully taken care of, and were left in the dark. Susan Anderson, a protocol officer at the Johnson Space Center, has spent the last week adjusting her schedule for paying bills, making sure to pay the mortgage and credit cards, while holding off on bills not due until the end of the month. Shes hoping that political leaders will resolve their differences soon so everyone can get back to work and, most importantly, get paid again. I hope we see an end to this so we can get back to work on Monday, she said. Were getting pretty tired of it. President Trump said on Dec. 11 that he would be proud to shutdown the government if Congress cant make a deal that includes the wall. More recently, Trump said the shutdown could last, months or even years. In the meantime, for workers like Hernandez, that prediction borders on the unthinkable. I cant be superwoman, Hernandez said. My number one concern is not being able to provide for my kids and making sure we have a meal. erin.douglas@chron.com alex.stuckey@chron.com Tim Tebow and Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, aka Miss Universe 2017, are getting married. Tebow, 31, took to instagram today to share the news along with photos of the proposal and a caption that reads: @demileighnp Thank you for saying YES and making me the happiest man in the world. Youre the love of my life, and I cant wait to spend the rest of my life with you." Nel-Peters, 23, also posted some photos for her 1.3 million followers. The post reads, Any dreams Ive ever had, youve exceeded them all! I love you and I cant wait to spend forever with you! @timtebow. Tebow was previously linked to fellow Miss Universe winner, Olivia Culpo, in 2015. Last Spring, he told People Magazine that he was ready to settle down and start a family. Im looking, but I just cant seem to find anyone, Tebow told People last year. I dont want to be single; Im ready to settle down and start a family. I want to have kids. I have so many things I want. No one will be happier than me when I finally find the right person. The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner is currently a member of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the New York Mets' AA team. Wednesday night, Tay Keith suffered a horrific car crash on his way to the studio. The Memphis producer shot a series of Instagram stories, documenting the wreckage, in the immediate aftermath of the accident. Either through the intervention of a roadside assistant or a friend, Tay Keith does makes it to his final destination: the STU. After displaying the car's shredded rear bumper, and its dilapidated front wheels, Tay Keith turns his attention to the close friends gathered in his studio, the likes of which include producers Smash David, and OG Parker, among others. Before the videos cut to his expressed gratitude, Tay Keith labors over the damage dealt. "Look at my shit, bruh," he says as he contours the vehicle, camera in hand. "Bruh, I almost just died, bruh. What the fuck?" Apart from his astonishment, and the material evidence he puts on display, details have been fairly scant, in regards to the crash or its point of origin. Tay Keith is entering 2019 on a veritable hot streak. The greater hip-hop community is certainly in a better place moving forward, with the knowledge Tay Keith is safe and sound, and stuck-on stupid when it comes to his work rate as a producer. Mystikal was summoned back to the Shreveport court handling his rape and kidnapping case, after a short recess for the holidays. Mystikal, nee Micheal Tyler, was joined by his new lawyer Joel Pearce for yet another pre-trial hearing, Tuesday morning, this time in a winning effort. Pearce was successful in persuading the judge to include two key witnesses of his choosing, for the cross-examination part of the schedule. A second hearing taking place on March 6th will decide whether or not the prosecution can use social media records in its offensive. Pearce spoke to the media for the first time as Mystikal lead attorney, after the session was adjourned, Tuesday morning. "I dont think that anyone should be made to stand trial for number one, something they did not do," Pearce told the press. "And number two, something thats caught up in this political movement, the #metoo movement. Michael is not guilty of anything." Pearce's client Mystikal plead "not guilty" to charged levied against him concerning an alleged sexual assault at a Shreveport casino. The rapper is been held in at Caddo Parish Correctional Center since turning himself in, more than 16 months ago. After the March 6th hearing comes to pass - the final decisions rendered, as to the procedural order, the actual trial will begin May 20th, 2019, barring any hiccups. Mystikal will reside in the Correctional Facility unless his bond is secured at a premium of $3 million. Jordan Peele already has us ready for his upcoming film Us that's a theatrical follow-up to his Academy Award-winning film, Get Out. The trailer debuted on Christmas day and showed us almost everything that can go wrong when a family takes a trip out of town to their beach house. Fans have already come up with some crazy wild theories on the film, as they count down to the premiere date. Jordan has not stopped working though, the writer and director has teamed up with Charlie Sanders for an upcoming series titled Weird City. The trailer debuted today and from first glimpse the title really lives up to its name, as it depicts the lives of people who live in lower class below "the line." "In this dystopian setting of our show, the middle class has completely vanished dividing Weird City into two sections: Above the Line (The Haves), and Below the Line (The Have Nots)," the description of the show reads. "Presiding over the denizens of the city is the strange and mysterious Dr. Negari, who weaves all of our stories together. Each episode is a topic that pertains to present day life in America and the world: social media addiction, online dating, fitness obsession, etc.. WEIRD CITY captures the unease of modern urban living, in a bizarre and peculiar lens." The show stars LeVar Burton, Steven Yeun, Gillian Jacobs, Awkwafina, Laverne Cox, Rosario Dawson, Michael Cera and more. Peep the full trailer below and stream it on YouTube, if you have a premium account. Freddie Gibbs was once grouped with the likes of the Kodak Blacks, XXXTENTACIONs and other rappers who've been accused of sexually abusing women. The rapper was facing rape charges after a woman falsely accused the You Only Live 2wice rapper of sexually abusing her in Austria in 2016. Gibbs was later exonerated of all charges once it was revealed that he was innocent. During a recent conversation with Van Lathan, Gibbs explained that his arrest in Austria hasn't prevented him from believing women who have been victims of sexual abuse. Mike Windle/Getty Images Amid the controversy surrounding Surviving R. Kelly, months-old footage surfaced on Freddie Gibbs discussing the #MeToo movement has surfaced. Even though he himself was accused of committing a sex crime, he's well aware that men are "really out here doing inappropriate shit." "We a minority... I know that, for sure," he said about men falsely accused of sex crimes. "That's why I don't downplay victims. I didn't come out when that shit happened to me like, 'oh, these bitches lying.' No ni**a, that's not the case. This is an individual situation." He added, "So I can't relate my situation to everybody else's, you know what I'm saying? Because some people would be like, 'Look at him. He was free.' Like, nah, my n***a. Y'all n***as really be doing some inappropriate shit." Gibbs continued to explain that he doesn't just mean rape or any sort of intercourse, but also the way decides to interact with women. "If you stalkin' her, beatin' on the door, harassing her, all of that shit. No means no," he said. Compton's Buddy is the latest artist hand-selected by NPR for the much-lauded Tiny Desk Concert series. His appointment comes on the heels of the NPR staff ranking him among 2018's best for his full-length debut Harlan & Alondra, an album named after the cross-streets perpendicular to his childhood home. With NPR's backing, Buddy was able to flourish in a schoolhouse setting, alongside his musician friends. Between songs, Buddy explained his non-conformist attitude to the lucky few in attendance. "If you don't like it, you weird," he said in confidence. "Yeah, I am weird. So I guess being weird doesn't matter." Buddy's willingness to paint himself into a corner, made the concert stipulations feel less like an intrusion into his personal space. The Tiny Desk series continuously offers "concert-goer" an ulterior event, free of claustrophobia. Before ending the affair with a self-conscious induction speech, Buddy played his album opener like a closing sermon - for Harlan & Alondra achieved a deep-level of introspection within its opening measures. Buddy is an alumnus of Wendy Raquel Robinson's Amazing Grace Conservatory, an incubator for young up-and-comers in the Los Angeles Area. Tiny Desk setlist. "Legend" "Trouble On Central" "Hey Up There" "Real Life S**t" Hotelogix is happy to share that the adoption and successful use of its PMS has helped Hat Rock Inn hotel in the United States to realize 20% more revenue. This spike in revenue is a result of 20% increase in both OTA and direct bookings. Hotelogix, a leader in cloud-based Property Management Systems is happy to share that the adoption and successful use of its PMS has helped Hat Rock Inn hotel in the United States to realize 20% more revenue. This spike in revenue is a result of 20% increase in both OTA and direct bookings. Located in Mexican Hat, Utah, Hat Rock Inn is a popular 4-star hotel among travellers. Overlooking the San Juan River, this 43-room property offers many facilities including a private beach, heated salt water pool, a spa, etc. Based on guest reviews and recommendations, hotel aggregator Kayak rates this property as excellent with 8.6 out of 10 rating. It also enjoys 4 out of 5 ranking on TripAdvisor. According to Joy Howell, Owner of Hat Rock Inn, they couldnt see their desired ROI with the earlier cloud PMS. It was a very basic PMS and lacked many operationally imperative features. The application was slow, not user-friendly, expensive, and didnt support multiple POS set up. Their support was abysmal, too, Joy said. On their decision to replace the old and restrictive PMS, Joy said that they wanted to grow and that was possible only with a feature-rich PMS. They reviewed a few cloud-based PMSs, but Hotelogix exceeded their expectations on all parameters. It is now more than 3 years that we have been using Hotelogix, and the ROI is amazing. We have seen a 20% increase in both OTA and direct bookings which translated into 20% growth in our overall revenue, Joy added. Explaining her experience with Hotelogix so far, Joy further said, Hotelogix best suits my business needs. They are constantly striving to improve & update every detail of a product that is already far above its competitors. I always look forward to each 'rollout' as I can't imagine what they can improve on. Yet, they continue to perfect a program that already makes my life easier and saves me money. Speaking about Hotelogixs support, she further said, They are innovative, listen to their customers and offer tremendous support! It is wonderful to work with a company that you feel you have a personal relationship with and are leaders in their field. Speaking on this, Aditya Sanghi, Co-founder & CEO of Hotelogix said, We are delighted to be the preferred technology partner of Hat Rock Inn. We are committed to technologically empower independent hotels across the globe with our offerings. About Hotelogix Hotelogix provides a robust cloud-based Hotel PMS that helps hotels to automate and manage their end-to-end operations with ease. It also assists hotels to drive growth, increase revenue and to enhance their online reputation. The PMS is hosted on Amazon Web Services, and thus offers the much-needed stability and security to hoteliers. The company has rich experience in serving global markets with customers in 100 plus countries including developed geographies such as North America and Europe. Media Contact Debi Prasad Sarangi Corporate Communications Ph: +91 9986496849 Mail: debiprasad.sarangi@hotelogix.com Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe 2021 Hotel News Resource Supplier News 10 January 2019 London, RateGain, the leader in providing innovative price intelligence and revenue management solutions for travel and hospitality industries, today announced the release of DataSure, a unique machine learning-enabled data quality and data profiling framework that speedily identifies, learns and fixes data sufficiency issues for each and every report generated. The launch of DataSure would improve and enhance the accuracy level of the data which will be delivered to RateGain's partner hotels so that they are better equipped to make more effective and informed decisions. The accuracy check process is executed through in-house built artificial intelligence and machine learning systems. Commenting on the development, Bhanu Chopra, CEO, RateGain, said, "Today the hospitality industry thrives on volumes of data, and it is becoming more critical than ever to attend to the data quality issues head-on. According to a survey conducted by Gartner in 2018, bad data, today costs an average of 14 million $ per year, and this cost would most likely accelerate as companies increasingly acquire more data and continue to rely on it for their revenue decisions. RateGain is proud to address this issue by coming up with a first-of-its-kind solution that would do the challenging task of data profiling for its clients by running the data through a series of a quality checklist. This will further ensure that our clients are only processing and relying their revenue decisions on the highest quality of data possible" He Added, "We have been investing in our products consistently to maintain optimal levels of Data Accuracy. In April last year, we launched lightning refresh feature in optima that allow hotels to get real-time competitor data in less than 60 seconds. Now, with the announcement of DataSure, our efforts are to eliminate the business risks that the hotels face due to inaccurate data. DataSure would be rolled out to all the existing customers of RateGain in early 2019. With its launch, RateGain becomes the first player in the industry to tackle the issue of data quality. RateGain launched Optima in October 2016, as a solution to provide comprehensive rate-intelligence to hotels by tracking more than 500+ OTAs, meta-search sites, GDS, brand sites & mobile apps and more than 900,000+ rooms type data. In a very short time, Optima has established itself as a market leader, helping hotels across the globe leverage the power of price intelligence and maintain rate parity across all channels. Appointment 10 January 2019 Kokua Hospitality, LLC, an independent hotel management company based in San Francisco, announces the appointment of Ihab Kherati as general manager (GM) at Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach (175 Paoakalani Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii). Kherati's appointment is also a promotion from his previous position as Assistant General Manager. Located just off the southwest end of Waikiki Beach, the hotel brings inspired island comfort to its 426 guestrooms and over 4,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach emanates the spirit of aloha - offering unique amenities such as 24/7 food and beverage service and a complimentary lei-making class each Friday for guests. From a young age, Kherati's parents encouraged him to be the best he could be. He also attributes some of his best professional traits, including timeliness and his hospitality philosophy to treat every person like you would treat your own family member, to his parents. In addition to his upbringing, Kherati's exceptional educational and industry backgrounds have helped him hone key skills for this position. Kherati's 10+ years of experience in the industry first began when he was a housekeeping intern. Before moving to the U.S., Kherati lived in Pakistan, Canada, and Switzerland. After pursuing a career path in Criminology from the University of Windsor, he realized that his passion was elsewhere and moved on to attend the Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology in Niagara Falls and received a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Kherati then traveled to Les Roches Switzerland to obtain a Bachelors of Business Administration in Global Hospitality. After his housekeeping internship, Kherati spent five years working at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort and was promoted three times, moving from an entry level position in the housekeeping department up to Assistant Front Office Manager. He then worked as Front Office Manager at Loews Annapolis Hotel before moving to his first job with Kokua Hospitality - Director of Operations at Aloft National Harbor. His consistent and results-oriented work brought him to open the Hyatt Place Waikiki as Assistant General Manager in 2014. This move to the General Manager position marks Kherati's fifth year with Kokua Hospitality. While not working, Kherati spends time with his two children, enjoying all Hawaii has to offer. Appointment 10 January 2019 Where 2018 has been a year of preparation for the Danish hotel chain, Zleep Hotels, the chain will in 2019 finally be able to show how the preparations will bear fruit. Already this January Zleep Hotels will open two new hotels; one in Denmark and one in Sweden. An important prerequisite for success is, of course, a skilled and upgraded staff, and therefore Zleep Hotels starts the year with a new recruitment in the sales department. The new man in the department is Anders Nrgaad Hoe. Anders has 12 years of experience working with sales as Export Manager at Noridane Foods A/S. During his time in Noridane Foods Anders spent three years in Germany. With passion for good tradesmanship, service and solution-oriented sales, Anders is looking forward to join the Danish hotel market as Sales Manager in Zleep Hotels. Appointment 10 January 2019 Alex Robinson has taken the lead of all culinary operations for the resort, including T. Cook's, with his new role as executive chef. This will be Chef Robinson's seventh luxury-brand hotel position throughout his nearly 18-year career. Chef Robinson previously worked for The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel as the executive sous chef overseeing multiple outlets as well as servicing 80,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Robinson has also worked on the culinary teams at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, Four Season Resort Jackson Hole, opening team member Four Seasons Hotel Denver, The Ritz-Carlton Chicago and Four Seasons Hotel Boston. Chef Robinson is a graduate from Le Cordon Bleu Scottsdale with an Associate's Degree in Culinary Arts. Now Open 10 January 2019 Park Hotel Group has expanded its portfolio to South Korea with the opening of the Park Hotel Yeongdeungp in Seoul. The new-build hotel located within the Yeongdeungpo district, is owned by Seoul-based K2 Group and managed by Park Hotel Group. Sitiated in Yeongdeungpo district, just a 10-minute drive away from Yeouido financial hub, the 14-storey hotel features 140 rooms and family studios. Guests can easily explore numerous landmarks and attractions including IFC Shopping Mall, historical National Assembly Building and 63 Square, one of Korea's tallest skyscrapers, which features an art gallery, an aquarium, a performance hall, a wax museum and an observatory with panoramic views of Seoul. Right next to the hotel is Seonyudo Station, a train stop within Seoul's subway network, that provides guests hassle-free access to popular venues such as Times Square, Hongdae and Gangnam Underground Shopping Centre. Within walking distance from the hotel are shopping, leisure and dining districts including Seonyudo Park and popular burger joint, CHAN by Hikoco. The hotel is also a 50-minute and 25-minute drive from Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport respectively. Hotel facilities include three F&B outlets, a 24-hour fitness room, business centre, meeting room and a banquet hall. Just scan and upload a photo of your completed "news story" and you'll be entered for a chance to have your story published. Click here to find out where to get a COVID-19 vaccine or test. To find out how many local residents have been vaccinated for COVID-19, click here. Use the map to find numbers for individual counties. Find detailed statistics about COVID-19 tests, cases and deaths by county and for the state as a whole on the Indiana State Department of Health's online dashboard. Anchor/Multimedia Journalist Hello! I am the weekend anchor as well as a reporter for Your News Now! You can reach me with news tips (or just to say hello!) at khonigford@wlio.com. The Lets Talk About It! series at the County Public Library will start Monday, Jan. 14 with Dr. Susan Schmidt discussing Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner. All the discussions, which continue on various Mondays through March, will be from 7 to 8:45 p.m. The first discussion in the Western Carteret Public Librarys series will be led by Michelle Manning Tuesday, Jan. 15. The book is Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende. Discussions at Western Carteret will be from 7 to 8:45 p.m. various Tuesdays through March. (Photos submitted by the libraries.) (CNN) On December 19, President Trump declared: "We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency." U.S. troops there, he said in a video the same day, are "all coming back, and they're coming back now." On January 7, the President revised "now" to "leaving at a proper pace while at the same time continuing to fight ISIS," though he claimed it was no different from what he'd said before. But in between both statements, his Defense Secretary James Mattis and the U.S. special envoy on fighting ISIS, Brett McGurk, had resigned. Senior Republican Senators had openly criticized the abrupt withdrawal. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday that "there is no change in our commitment to the defeat of the caliphate or of ISIS globally," but has also maintained that it can be done without the 2,000 U.S. troops that currently support the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in northern-eastern Syria. For its part, the U.S. Defense Department says the withdrawal is conditions-based and not subject to "an arbitrary timeline." The rest of this article could be spent trying to divine the U.S. policy in Syria. But it's easier to ask whether ISIS is defeated or not. For sure, it's a shadow of what is was at the zenith of the self-declared Caliphate, when it controlled territory the size of Hungary. But it is far from vanquished, either as a fighting force or an ideology. Beyond Syria, there are signs that it's regenerating in Iraq. A UN report in August estimated that some 20,000 to 30,000 ISIS fighters were still at large in the two countries. And ISIS affiliates -- from West Africa to Indonesia -- show no sign of folding their tents. The "Hajin Pocket" Several hundred ISIS fighters still control territory along the Syria-Iraq border. It was there last weekend that two British soldiers were reportedly wounded by a rocket or missile attack during clashes in the "Hajin pocket", an area of some 20 square kilometers where networks of caves and tunnels enable ISIS fighters to survive. Kurdish forces on the ground, supported by western special forces and airstrikes, have battled to eliminate the ISIS presence in Hajin for months. Between December 9 and 15 alone, the US-led coalition conducted 208 airstrikes against ISIS in Syria, the vast majority around Hajin. Hardly a sign of operations winding down, let alone the liquidation of ISIS in Syria. ISIS has also been able to conduct offensive operations. It has exploited poor weather to attack Kurdish forces, killing dozens of them in one engagement in November and releasing videos of those it had captured. There are also signs that ISIS cells are active around Raqqa, once the group's self-declared capital. ISIS claimed on Monday that it was responsible for a suicide attack in the city in which several people were killed or injured. Recovering in Iraq There are also indications that ISIS is regrouping in Iraq, albeit in small numbers. Iraqi officials and counter-terrorism analysts say ISIS cells have infiltrated the sparsely-populated Hamrin mountains south of Mosul, which was the last major city in Iraq occupied by the group. They have exploited the fault line between the government in Baghdad and the Kurdish regional authorities -- and the fact that civilians have not returned to many villages because of poor security and infrastructure. Security in Baghdad is much improved, symbolized by the reopening of the high-security Green Zone in December after 15 years. But ISIS, which regards Shia Muslims as apostates, targeted Shia neighborhoods of the Iraqi capital in simultaneous bomb attacks in October and November. Elsewhere, it has assassinated security officials in Diyala province, Sunni tribal leaders in Nineveh province and carried out ambushes on the main highway linking Baghdad and Mosul. A car bomb near a restaurant in Mosul in November killed several people. The pattern of coalition airstrikes in Iraq over the past few months also suggests that ISIS retains a presence in the deserts of western Iraq. Nor is ISIS short of money. It is believed to have stashed away hundreds of millions of dollars from oil revenues and taxes levied while it occupied large parts of Iraq and Syria. Long before the Caliphate was declared, ISIS ran sophisticated extortion rackets in Mosul. One source tells CNN some of its cash pile has been laundered through businesses in Turkey. In October, the US Treasury imposed sanctions today on an Iraq-based money services business that had been moving money for ISIS, describing it as part of a "complex network of money services businesses, hawalas [informal money exchange businesses] and financial facilitators funding terrorism across the Middle East." At the same time, Kurdish commandos in Iraq arrested eight men in a raid on an ISIS financial network in northern Iraq. The ISIS diaspora The appeal of ISIS' ideology -- which once drew hundreds of foreign fighters to Iraq and Syria -- has dimmed with the loss of the Caliphate -- but it has not died. Affiliates pledging their allegiance, in West Africa, Libya, Yemen, the Philippines and Indonesia to name just a few places, are still active. A pro-ISIS group is suspected of bombing a shopping mall in the Philippines on New Year's Eve, an attack which killed two people. ISIS may not be able to direct attacks in Europe any more, but radicalized individuals still aspire to carry out attacks in its name. Cherif Chekatt, who killed five people in Strasbourg in December before being shot dead, had recorded a video of support for ISIS. He had been radicalized in prison and was on France's security watchlist -- but so are 29,000 others. According to security analysts Globesec, 97% of the jihadis responsible for terror attacks in France since 2012 were already known either for radicalization or by the police. But the task of tracking militants who might move from word to deed is beyond security agencies -- in France or anywhere. Should ISIS show remarkable powers of recuperation despite the international efforts to destroy it, its appeal to would-be militants beyond the Middle East might grow again. The future The current situation in Syria and Iraq suggests that recuperation has begun. A vast stretch of territory either side of their border lacks governance and security. Rural and remote, it is ideal for an insurgency, especially one as deep-rooted and well-organized as ISIS. Hassan Hassan, who has followed the group's evolution and is co-author of "ISIS: Inside the Army of Terror", sees the group's strategy as "sahraa, sahwat, sawlat" -- the Arabic words for the desert, opponents within the Sunni community, and hit-and-run attacks. The group's roots are rural; it has long maintained that holding cities is irrelevant to its existence. It has focused on attacking Sunni "collaborators" for over a decade and is now staging ambushes and "flying checkpoints" in Iraq to make its presence felt. It may be helped by what is frequently an arbitrary campaign by the Iraqi state to punish alleged ISIS sympathizers. New research by Kristen Kao and Mara Revkin at the University of Gothenburg shows that this heavy-handed "victors' justice" may yet push some of the Sunni population back into the arms of ISIS. Should the U.S. withdrawal from Syria proceed without a deal between the Kurds and the Syrian regime and without assurances from Turkey that it will not attack the Kurds -- which it regards as a terrorist group -- the coalition stitched together to defeat ISIS will quickly unravel. The idea that Turkey can pick up the slack against ISIS is unrealistic: it lacks the capacity and access to areas where ISIS is still active. And whatever guarantees it might offer, Ankara's prime target inside Syria would be not ISIS, but the Kurds. As Hassan Hassan has written, if the U.S. "simply leaves, new wars will almost certainly be reignited between Turkey and the YPG, the Arabs and the Kurds, and the opposition and the YPG." And that would suit the remnants of ISIS fine. This story was first published on CNN.com, "ISIS is far from being defeated as a fighting force or ideology." Copyright 2018 at Sun Newspapers/ APG Media of East Central Minnesota. Digital dissemination of this content without prior written consent is a violation of federal law and may be subject to legal action. W hy first time buyers are moving to Thurrock, Essex. Average first-time buyer spend: 276,650. Annual price increase: 4.9 per cent. Proportion of homes sold to first-time buyers: 37 per cent. The commute: Purfleet to Fenchurch Street takes from 33 minutes. An annual season ticket costs 3,564. Schools: Attention to detail is crucial for parents, or would be parents, because standards are variable with several schools in the district not up to scratch according to Ofsted. However there are some outstanding options too, including Quarry Hill Academy in Grays, Harris Primary Academy Mayflower, in Chafford Hundred, and Harris Primary Academy Chafford Hundred. Whats new? Over the next 10 years Thurrock council is planning a 6.6 billion investment in the district. This will include spending 1 billion reinventing dowdy Purfleet as Purfleet-on-Thames, with a riverside esplanade of pop-up shops, bars and restaurants, plus two new schools, almost 3,000 homes, a health centre, a film studio and a new park. Meanwhile, a proposed second port at Tilbury would give a much-needed boost to the local economy. The lowdown: the north bank of the Thames Estuary is probably best known for the monster Lakeside shopping centre, but with 20 miles of mainly industrial waterfront land its potential to provide overflow housing for London has long been recognised. Chafford Hundred, for example, is a new town created since the Eighties. The largest town is Grays, with its theatre, yacht club and Art Deco cinema, soon to be converted into a new bar. Matthew Cheeseman, a partner at Owen Lyons estate agents, says buyers like its affordability and good transport links, including being close to the A13 and M25, plus trains to London. Property ranges from two-bedroom turn-of-the-century cottages for about 250,000, to three- to four-bedroom Thirties semis priced at about 385,000. A forecast for London house price growth by 2020 has been downgraded from five per cent to zero, as Theresa Mays Brexit negotiations stall. In a report released in late 2017, estate agent Savills predicted a two per cent fall in prices in 2018, followed by no change at all this year. It expected house prices in the capital to regain momentum in 2020, with a five per cent price boost predicted following the UKs departure from the EU. However, with little clarity over the terms on which Britain will leave the EU, researchers at the estate agent no longer expect the property market to recover from its current slump next year. Instead, they now expect house prices to fall by two per cent from the current average of 469,000 this year and remain stagnant in 2020. Savills also expects prices to rise at half the rate they predicted last year, when they eventually start to pick up, with a 2.5 per cent increase predicted for 2021. Theres a lack of clarity on the outcome of negotiations. Whether we get a deal or what the deal is will have less of an impact on the market than the uncertainty, says Lawrence Bowles, associate director of residential research at Savills. With the threat of any deal the Prime Minister makes being voted down by Parliament and the shadow of a potential General Election overhanging the country, political uncertainty is the only certainty at the moment. When we were forecasting back in 2017 we were working under the assumption that the process would be difficult and high tension but wed know what the outcome would be by March 2019. Thats no longer the case, says Bowles. Long-term house price forecast Savills predict house prices in London to recover, with an average five-year rise of 4.5 per cent (or 21,000) expected by 2023. Were expecting values to bounce back after the Brexit negotiations but were pushing it back and the growth is less than we were previously thinking, said Bowles. Other property experts broadly agree with this prediction. Robert Butterworth, head of research at estate agents Jackson-Stops London: At present, a significant amount of buyers and sellers in London are holding off on making decisions before firm agreements have been made. We expect to see transactions increase unless the Brexit deal is particularly bad, as it is often economic and political stability that guides both sale and purchase decisions for clients particularly in the central London market. Where should buyers look for higher house price growth? Savills tips areas with planned infrastructure improvements will see the highest house price growth over the long term, with Crossrail eventually shaving time off journey times from outlying areas to central London and increasing the frequency of trains. This points to potential for prices around Abbey Wood, Hayes and Croydon to see higher than average house price growth, says Bowles. Longer term, an uplift in values is forecast around such proposed projects as the Bakerloo line extension in south-east London and Crossrail stations running between north and southwest London. Its perhaps worth looking for bargains in those locations if youre planning to stay put for a while, says Bowles. Its not just Brexit putting the damper on house prices in London Following a 70 per cent house price increase over the past 10 years, London buyer affordability is stretched to its limit, which has also made mortgage lenders wary about lending to people whose finances are going to be stretched. This makes areas which have seen lower price growth since the financial crash far more affordable and easier to secure finance in. The average loan-to-income ratio for first-time buyers is 4.07 in London; in the North West, its 3.34. House prices in Manchester are predicted to rise by 21.6 per cent by 2023 / Alamy Stock Photo Prices are expected to rise by 21.6 per cent (35,000) by 2023 in the region comprising Manchester and its surroundings. In Yorkshire & Humberside price growth is expected to be 20.5 per cent; in the East and West Midlands and Wales, Savills has forecasted 19.3 per cent. Its getting to the point where the gap between London values and the rest of the country is starting to shrink, says Bowles. Please be aware that Cache Valley Publishing does not endorse, and is not responsible for alleged employment offers in the comments. Recommended for you Teachers in droves joined Leone before the Board of Education to say they support the 6 percent jump in education spending including $35.1 million for pay increases. Many lamented they have to take on side jobs to make ends meet, and spend their own money on school supplies. They pointed out again that they lost a salary step increase during the recession, and teachers hired since then from other counties now make more. A day after abruptly ending talks with Democrats with a bye-bye, US President Donald Trump has said he will probably may be definitely declare a national emergency to fund his border wall if the present impasse continued, with the ensuing government shutdown likely to become the longest in US history. Have the option to do that, Trump told reporters before leaving for a border visit in Texas Thursday. If this doesnt work out, he said, referring to ongoing negotiations with Democrats, Ill probably will do it, maybe definitely. He could announce it during the tour, some reports said. Though aides and some Republican lawmakers have cautioned against it, saying it will be challenged in courts, the US President might still do it to demonstrate to his base that he did everything he could. Trump has the authority to declare a national emergency and dip in US militarys budge for constructions $13 billion at present for the wall. Though he has emphasised that he prefers the negotiations route, he might consider this option, as he said, if talks go nowhere, and they are not going anywhere. The Wednesday meeting at the White House broke up abruptly after 20 minutes. The President just got up and walked out, Chuck Schumer, the top Senate Democrat, told reporters in the driveway of the White House after the meeting. He asked Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi, Will you agree to my wall? She said no. And he just got up and said, Then we have nothing to discuss, and he just walked out. Again, we saw a temper tantrum because he couldnt get his way, and he just walked out of the meeting, Schumer said. President Trump confirmed most of it in a tweet shortly. Just left a meeting with Chuck and Nancy, a total waste of time. I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works! Just left a meeting with Chuck and Nancy, a total waste of time. I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2019 He did end the meeting with the bye-bye. According to The Wall Street Journal, the President put his hands in the air two open palms on either side of his face said, bye-bye and left. The meeting had been contentious as the ones before. Sticking to their position, Democrats urged the President to end the shutdown and continue negotiations for funding the border wall. At one stage, when Schumer asked Trump why he wouldnt open the government, the President replied, in Schumers telling, Because you wont give me what I want. Trump is seeking $5.7 billion for the wall, which he has now said can be a steel barrier. But Democrats are only willing to allow $1.3 billion, and that also not for the wall or the barrier, but other measures to boost security at the border. Also read: In televised plea for wall, Trump cites murder of Indian-origin cop The continuing stand-off has shut down a fourth of the federal government, forcing 800.000 employees to go on leave without pay or work, for those deemed essential, without pay. The shutdown is now in the 20th day, and will become the longest if it lasts until Saturday, beating the previous high of 21 days. And it could, with neither side showing any signs of giving in. But President Trump must also be worrying about keep together the Republicans. Some lawmakers have already indicated they want to end the shutdown, and they may be joined by more as it drags, causing further distress to those impacted. The President is keeping up brave front, insisting, in remarks to reporters on Thursday that Republicans are standing with him. Havent ever seen unity like this in the Republican Party, he said. Tremendous unity Over 60,000 illegal immigrants held in December US Customs and Border Control announced on Wednesday that more than 60,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended along the southwest border in December, for the third consecutive month. The agency apprehended 50,753 individuals between legitimate ports of entry, and 10,029 were individuals deemed inadmissible for entry at the ports of entry. Those entering as family totaled 31,901 called family unit aliens, and most of them were held attempting to cross over between ports of entry; 77% of these families were from Honduras and Guatemala. The department of homeland security, which made the announcement for the agency (impacted by the shutdown), said, December was a record-breaking month for FMUAs apprehended at the border. Those apprehended at the ports of entry and in between them included 5,121 unaccompanied children. Sri Lankas prime minister said Thursday the country was struggling to pay back its ballooning foreign debt, blaming a recent political crisis for dealing a death blow to the economy. Ranil Wickremesinghe said his government was scrambling to raise $1.9 billion to help service a first debt payment of $2.6 billion, that is due on Monday. Sri Lanka faces $5.9 billion in foreign debt repayments in 2019, a record for the cash-strapped island. The country lost $1 billion in foreign reserves during a power struggle between Wickremesinghe and president Maithripala Sirisena in late 2018. Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe in October and later dissolved parliament to quell any opposition, but Sri Lankas courts deemed the move unconstitutional. Wickremesinghe was reinstalled 51 days later but not without a cost, the prime minister said. We are yet to quantify the losses, but it was a death blow to an economy that was struggling to recover, Wickremesinghe told parliament. Three global ratings agencies downgraded Sri Lanka during the crisis, making it more expensive for the Indian Ocean nation to access foreign loans. Sri Lanka hopes to raise $1 billion from the international debt market, another $500 million from China and Japan and a further $400 million from the Reserve Bank of India. Wickremesinghe has dispatched his finance minister to Washington to try to revive a loan arrangement with the International Monetary Fund that was suspended during the chaos. Sri Lanka narrowly averted defaulting on its sovereign debt after Wickremesinghes reformed administration introduced a plan late last month to meet urgent spending obligations for the first four months of 2019. Sirisena came to power in 2015 with the help of Wickremesinghes United National Party but personal and political clashes came to a head before the October sacking. Democratic Republic of Congos election commission promised to release results of a presidential vote late on Wednesday, while residents said they feared violence would mar the first electoral transfer of power in 59 years of independence. Riot police were deployed at the commissions headquarters in Kinshasa and elsewhere in the capital before the announcement of the outcome of the Dec. 30 vote. Pre-election polls gave businessman Martin Fayulu a healthy lead but his supporters believe President Joseph Kabila plans to rig the vote in favour of his hand-picked candidate, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, or alternatively forge a power-sharing pact with Felix Tshisekedi, head of the largest opposition party. Any widespread perception the election has been stolen could set off a destabilising cycle of unrest, repeating violence that followed elections in 2006 and 2011. Whoever wins would be the first leader to take power at the ballot box since Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba, who was toppled in a coup less than three months after independence in 1960 and killed four months later. Kabila has ruled since the 2001 assassination of his father Laurent Kabila, who overthrew long-serving dictator Mobutu Sese Seko in a 1996-1997 civil war. The election commission (CENI) said it would start to issue the results around 11 p.m. (2200 GMT) on Wednesday. We dont want people to die when they announce (the results), blood to be spilled, said Kinshasa resident Ohn Kabamba. We are fed up, we are tired and we are waiting for a peaceful announcement which will allow us to rejoice rather than cry. If the CENI announces the true results of the ballot boxes it will be calm but if not, I dont know what will happen, said another Kinshasa resident, Abraham Tumba. Kabila had wanted to hand over to Shadary when he stands down this month two years after the official end of his mandate. But polls suggested the former interior minister was trailing both Tshisekedi and frontrunner Fayulu. The Roman Catholic Church, which helped monitor the poll, has said there was a clear winner in the vote but refrained from saying who it thought had won. It has been working behind the scenes in the strongly Catholic central African country to secure a peaceful transfer of power. In a joint declaration with a group of Protestant churches and election observer mission SYMOCEL, the Catholic bishops conference called for calm and demanded that CENI publish only results that come from the ballot box. It is on that condition that the Congolese people, who are already in possession of vote tallies posted in front of polling stations, will trust CENI and accept the results, it said. Besides the election commissions headquarters, police also took up positions along Kinshasas main boulevard. Although Kinshasa residents went about their normal activities, some parents kept their children home from school as a precaution. Everyone ... voted against the government in place. We are preparing fully to demand victory if it is stolen from us, said Augustin Bujiriri, 25, a student in the eastern city of Goma. CONTACTS The results were originally due last Sunday but were postponed due to delays tallying the vote. Tshisekedis camp, which says it expects to win, said on Tuesday that it had met with Kabilas representatives to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, although Kabilas camp denied any such meetings had occurred. Supporters of Fayulu have voiced suspicions that Kabila may be looking to negotiate a power-sharing agreement with Tshisekedi if his candidate Shadary loses. On Tuesday, Fayulu and six other presidential candidates issued a statement saying that the results cannot be negotiated. Tshisekedis spokesman, Vidiye Tshimanga, on Wednesday sought to play down the contacts with Kabilas representatives, saying they had occurred only on the sidelines of meetings with the CENI and regional observers about the electoral process. Domestic election observers say they witnessed serious irregularities on election day and during vote tallying, although a regional observer mission said the election went relatively well. (Additional reporting by Fiston Mahamba in Goma; Additional reporting and writing by Aaron Ross; Editing by Toby Chopra, William Maclean) An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced a cyberstalker to 24 years in jail for blackmailing 200 lady doctors and nurses through their social media accounts - the maximum punishment awarded to a convict in the offence related to social media crimes in the countrys history. Anti-Terrorism Court Lahore Judge Sajjad Ahmad on Wednesday sentenced Abdul Wahab to a total of 24 years in prison along with a fine of Rs 7 lakh. The judge sentenced Wahab to 14-year imprisonment along with Rs 500,000 fine. In addition to this, he was sentenced to seven-year in jail along with Rs 100,000 fine. He was awarded a further three-year jail term and fined Rs 100,000. All the sentences will run concurrently and benefit of section 382-B of CrPC shall be given to convict, the court ruled. The section 382-B says that the length of any sentence of imprisonment imposed upon an accused shall be treated as reduced by any period during which he/she was detained in custody for such an offence. Wahab, a resident of Punjabs Layyah district, was arrested in 2015 from Naran after the scam surfaced that nearly 200 women, including lady doctors and nurses of some government teaching hospitals of Lahore, had been harassed or blackmailed by him. Subsequently, Lahore Police registered a case against him on the complaint of the Young Doctors Association (YDA). Most of the victims were house officers and postgraduate trainees from King Edward Medical University, Fatima Jinnah Medical University and Children Hospital, Lahore. The convict introduced himself as an official of the military intelligence (MI) and extorted money from them by threatening them that he would upload their objectionable pictures on their Facebook accounts. Dr Salman Kazmi, of YDA, said the convict also hacked the Whatsapp accounts of lady doctors and nurses, blackmailing them with objectionable video clips and photos and then extorting money from them. He said the victims were reluctant to testify against the convict because of family reasons but the YDA persuaded them. During the trial, 31 witnesses (lady doctors and nurses) recorded their statements as state counsel Abdul Rauf Wattoo presented arguments from the prosecution side. The defendants lawyer claimed that a false case had been registered against his client and pleaded before the court to issue orders for his acquittal. After listening to final arguments from both sides, Judge Ahmad sentenced Wahab to a total of 24 years in prison. The convict will serve his sentence in Lahores Kot Lakhpat jail. Kuala Lumpur is looking for more evidence from New Delhi before it can act on any request for the extradition of Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, Malaysias prime minister-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday. Last year, India made a request for the extradition of Naik, who was given permanent residency status by the previous Malaysian government led by Najib Razak. Though India has an extradition treaty with Malaysia, current Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said last July his government will look at all factors before deciding on Naiks case. Ive seen that Prime Minister Mahathir has already said we are looking into it, we are waiting for more arguments or the case from India, for the Malaysian government to look at it because what we have now is a request to bring back (Naik), Ibrahim said on the sidelines of a meeting with Indian Muslim intellectuals. Speaking shortly after a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ibrahim said he had made it very clear to the Indian leader that issues of terrorism, in any way, will never be supported or condoned by the Malaysian government. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charged Naik with allegedly inciting youngsters to take up terror activities, giving hate speeches and promoting enmity between communities. Naik is also being investigated for hate speeches that allegedly inspired a terrorist attack on a popular cafe in Dhaka in 2016. Naik has lived in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia since he left India more than two years ago. Ibrahim said Malaysia needs India to furnish documents and reasons for the extradition request. I think you must appreciate the fact that the Malaysian government needs to study this. This is a case mentioned by India, we respect (their views) but the Malaysian government has to look at it and study the case. Im not in the government per se, but I understand the fact that (Mahathir) is personally looking into it, he said. Asked if Malaysia would act once more evidence is provided by India, he replied: I think at this stage, Malaysia is waiting for the documents. If they say that they have supplied (them), Malaysia will look at it positively and then the government will, of course, have to decide. Ibrahim, who was freed from prison last year after the Pakatan Harapan alliance formed by him and rival Mahathir swept to power in elections, is expected to take over as premier when Mahathir steps down. He refused to set a timeframe for the change. At the right time, I shall assume the premiership, he said. During his meeting with Modi, Ibrahim discussed bilateral, regional and global matters of mutual interest. Modi congratulated Ibrahim on being elected president of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat, the dominant player in Malaysias ruling alliance. We engaged in a few subjects. Prime Minister Modi met Prime Minister Mahathir recently, and we are keen to ensure bilateral relations stay on the best terms and include education and culture, Ibrahim said. India also feels, and we share the concern, that we should extend this understanding and collaboration that covers security interests of the region. China fully and firmly supports North Koreas denuclearisation efforts and backs its upcoming dialogue with the United States, President Xi Jinping has conveyed to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during their meetings in Beijing on Tuesday and Wednesday. Xi said China expects North Korea and the US to to meet each other halfway, indicating that Beijing wants Washington to consider waiving sanctions against Pyongyang in exchange of the Communist countrys assurance of gradually dismantling its nuclear facilities. China hopes that the DPRK and United States will meet each other halfway, Xi said, adding: China stands ready to work with the DPRK and relevant parties to play a positive and constructive role in maintaining peace and stability and realising denuclearisation on the peninsula and lasting peace and stability in the region. A lengthy statement issued by official news agency, Xinhua, on Kims visit issued several hours after he took the train from Beijing back to Pyongyang said China is willing to work with North Korea, US and relevant parties for peace in the peninsula. This was Kims fourth visit to China in less than a year and details of the meetings were kept secret until well after the North Korean leader who is officially chairman of the Workers Party of Korea and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea had left for his country. The statement revealed that Xi and Kim had met for several hours over official meetings and banquets. The message from the meetings as evident from the statement was Chinas as expected from the closest ally unequivocal support to North Korea. It was also clear that Kim was preparing for his second summit with US President Donald Trump set to take place soon. Kim and Trump had met at a high-profile summit in Singapore last June where the focus was on North Koreas denuclearisation and easing North Korea-South Korea tension. China supports the DPRKs continued adherence to the direction of denuclearisation on the peninsula, supports the continuous improvement of inter-Korean relations, supports the DPRK and the United States holding summits and achieving results, and supports relevant parties resolving their respective legitimate concerns through dialogue, Xi said. Kim told Xi that he hoped parties involved in peace dialogue in the peninsula will recognise North Koreas legitimate concerns. Kim said ... he hoped that relevant parties will attach importance to and positively respond to the DPRKs legitimate concerns, and jointly push for a comprehensive resolution of the Korean Peninsula issue. The DPRK will continue sticking to the stance of denuclearisation and resolving the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue and consultation, and make efforts for the second summit between DPRK and US leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community, Kim said. Xi said it has become the international communitys common expectation and consensus for the dialogue to continue and yield results. The political settlement of the Peninsula issue faces a rare historic opportunity. In the bilateral context, the two sides agreed to make joint efforts to push for continuous new development of China-North Korea relations in the new era and bring more benefits to people of the two countries. Prior to the talks on Tuesday, Xi held a welcome ceremony for Kim at the Great Hall of the People. After the talks, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan hosted a welcome banquet for Kim and his wife Ri Sol-ju, and they watched an art performance together, the statement. On Wednesday, Kim also visited Tong Ren Tang pharmaceutical plant in Yizhuang, Beijing, where he inspected relevant processing and production lines of traditional Chinese medicine that use traditional and modern techniques. Kim Yo-jong, who is Kims sister and alternate member of the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee and first vice director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department, accompanied him during the visit. It was a highlight of my life to inform the members of We Matter that the Court had granted an injunction from my hospital bed. Parents raise their children telling them not to lie, not to cheat, not to steal. It will be hard in the future to say that with a straight face if you are living in the state of Maryland. Actor-comedian Sunil Grovers Star Plus show Kanpur Waale Khuranas will go off air soon. The actor, however, says the shows ratings are not to be blamed. In an interview to Pinkvilla, Sunil said that the show was intended as a mini series that would air for eight weeks. It is because of me. I had signed the show for 8 weeks ONLY because my dates were locked for Bharat, the movie. I had made this clear even during the press conference and interviews that I could only accommodate this much time. I am kickstarting the last leg of shoot for Bharat from today, and I just want to thank the team who made this show happen including the channel and the guests who accommodated dates because of my schedule, he said. Many stars came earlier then they started promotions because I had limited days. It is a month and a half schedule for Bharat, hence we shot the 8 weeks show in the span of one month. I was missing television and hence I took up this show in between, when I had the month gap, he added. Sunil will soon be seen with Salman Khan in Bharat. It is directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and also stars Katrina Kaif, Disha Patani, Tabu and others. He was also recently seen in Vishal Bharadwajs Pataakha. When asked about being compared with rival Kapil Sharma, Sunil says let them compare and that it doesnt bother him. I am doing what I know. I enjoyed doing the show. I love humour as a genre. It was a great journey for, day and night we were working on funny one liners, developing a character, working as a team. Making two episodes a day is not easy, no one can do it in this genre, lining up artists and more. If you look at it, it was quite unachievable what this team has been able to achieve. Kudos to the team, Preeti, Neeti, Hemant and everyone, who made this happen, he said. Kanpur Waale Khuranas also starred Ali Asgar, Upasana Singh, Sugandha Mishra and others who had previously been a part of The Kapil Sharma Show. The actors all walked out of the show when Kapil physically abused Sunil on a flight in 2017. After their exit, the shows rating took a nosedive and the channel decided to take it off air. Now, Kapil has also returned to the television with a new season of the show. Follow @htshowbiz for more During the new years, some of the biggest names in Indian fashion ventured out to exotic locations for holiday. Who can blame them? Lucky for us fashion designers Masaba Gupta, Manish Malhotra, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla and Shivan and Narresh took us along via Instagram. If anyone knows how to kick back and relax in style, its the designers who have laboured over collections all year round. Below, find snaps from Masaba Guptas beach holiday in Maldives, Shivan and Narreshs trip to Kerala, Manish Malhotras adventure in Mussorie and much more. Perhaps you can use these as inspiration for your next holiday. Manish Malhotra chose Mussorie for an ideal hill station experience. Popular for its colonial heritage and religious sites, Mussoorie is a popular and charming town in Uttarakhand. It is famous as a weekend gateway. The spiritually-mined designer also visited Rishikesh. Masaba Gupta made the most of the solitary beaches on her Maldives vacation. With its crystal-clear lagoons, clear blue skies, blinding white sand beaches and private island resorts, Maldives offers the ultimate vacation spot for celebs. While the beaches and backwaters lap up all the glory, the hill stations in Kerala provide some stunning experiences. Fashion designers Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja (Shivan and Narresh), made the most of the idyllic topography of Gods Own Country on their visit to Munnar, Allepeye and Kochi. Theres no shortage of amazing ways to ring in 2019 in London. Sure, it isnt the most original holiday destination, but were certain designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla had one of the greatest New Years vacation in one of the most exciting and diverse food capitals in the world. As evidenced by their Instagam photos. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter As the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) staff strike entered into its second day on Wednesday, the management served notices to 300 employees under the Maharashtra Essential Services and Maintenance (MESMA) Act 2012, a first since 2007. The management also served eviction notices to 2, 000 other employees residing in BESTs Bhoiwada and Parel quarters, which saw families stopping officials from entering the premises. The unions termed the managements crackdown as pressure tactics and that it would not end the strike, and according to some officials, even escalate the situation. Shashank Rao, leader of BEST Workers Union, warned of a protest rally at Wadala depot on Thursday, stating that the managements move was an attempt to kill the labour movement. Nearly 29 lakh regular commuters of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses were troubled for a second day running after labour unions had called for a strike over their demands, including better pay, from Monday midnight. Despite better relief measures compared to day one with more state buses and permission for private buses to ferry passengers, commuters still had to deal with overcharging autorickshaw and taxi drivers, crowding in trains or traffic snarls. The BEST, which has 3,337 buses, is the second largest mode of transport in the city after the local train network. The state government on January 4 after the intimation from the BEST management had invoked MESMA and had asked the employees not to go on a strike. According to the act, it is unlawful to deny essential services, which affect the daily routines of citizens. The notice served by the management to the employees stated, The state government prohibited the strike from January 4, 2019. The industrial court in an order dated January 7 was pleased to grant interim relief and restrained the unions from going on strike from the midnight of 7.1.2019, till a decision on the main complaint. The notice further stated: In spite of this, you remained absent from work without intimation or prior sanction of leave on 08.01.2019. As you have participated in an illegal strike, you are in unauthorised occupation of the tenement allotted to you. You are called upon to vacate the tenement and hand over the tenement, failing which eviction proceedings will be initiated against you. The notice was served by the senior personnel manager. The serving of notices was a hasty step and can easily backfire for the management, said a senior BEST official. In 2007, after a similar notice was served, the management was forced to withdraw the order fearing escalation from unions. Rao said that employees are fighting for their rights. BEST employees are fighting for their rights and the management is serving them notices. This is unfortunate. However, the families of the employees gave a befitting reply to the management and did not allow them to enter the premises. The family of the employees will take out a protest march as well. If there is any dismissal of any employee, the situation will only further deteriorate, said Shashank Rao. A strike by Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) employees to demand better pay and benefits among other things entered the third day on Thursday as talks between staff and the management failed to break the impasse. BEST Sanyukta Kamgar Kruti Samiti (BSKKS), a joint action committee of labour unions leading the strike, was due to meet the administration again on Thursday as thousands of commuters were affected with buses off the road. We are firm on our demand. We want a written assurance from the BEST management that the issues of the employees raised will be heard and discussed. Post the assurance, we will discuss with the employees and decide the course of action, said Shashank Rao, president of BEST Workers union. BEST officials said out of the 2,058 buses scheduled to run at 7am, none left from the 27 bus depots across the city. Four bus drivers out of 2,513 and one conductor out of 2,593 reported to work on 7am on Thursday, they said. Office workers heading to work on Thursday morning and children waiting for school were the ones most affected. The state government allowed private buses and vehicles to ferry passengers in the city on Wednesday but commuters said they still had to wait for auto rickshaws and taxis. It is so irritating, I have been standing for 20 minutes with no share auto rickshaw in sight. A normal auto rickshaw is charging Rs 20 rupees. I would typically reach is my workplace in Rs 10 from BEST bus. The government is doing nothing about the strike, said Shweta Chavan, Andheri resident #Bestbus Stike in Mumbai is such a pity.. Can the acchedin Government step in and avoid inconvenience to both BEST employees as well as commuters.. I do not travel by bus but seeing so many commuters stranded near Andheri Station is sad @AUThackeray @Dev_Fadnavis (sic), tweeted @Blinkorshrink. The Central Railway they will run additional trains in view of the BEST strike. BEST management on Wednesday served notices to 300 employees under the Maharashtra Essential Services and Maintenance (MESMA) Act 2012, a first since 2007. The management also served eviction notices to 2, 000 other employees residing in BESTs Bhoiwada and Parel quarters, which saw families stopping officials from entering the premises. The unions said the managements crackdown as pressure tactics and that they would not end the strike, and according to some officials, even escalate the situation. BSKKS is demanding higher grade pay for employees recruited from 2007, a bonus equivalent to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) staff, a merger of BEST budget with the that of BMCs. They also want compassionate appointments to resume, and discussions on a new wage agreement that was to come into effect from April 2016. The unions are also strongly against the managements decision to get new buses on a lease. Even as the survival of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking is at stake owing to its poor financial state, labour unions that are on strike since Monday midnight want salary of around 14,000 junior grade workers to be revised, besides the interim pay hike for all employees. This demand of the BEST Sanyukta Kamgar Kruti Samiti (BSKKS), the joint action committee of labour unions in the undertaking, is the main reason behind the current stalemate. The debt-ridden BEST management is hesitant to accept the labour unions demand, as it will put an estimated burden of Rs 900-crore on the cash-strapped undertaking. BEST is the second largest mode of public transport in the city, which ferries around 29 lakh passengers daily, with its fleet of 3337 buses. It has a workforce of more than 35,000 employees. It is learnt from BEST officials and union activists that from the first round of negotiations with the management itself, BSKKS raised the demand for master grade of Rs 7,930 (as base pay) for around 14,000 junior grade officials recruited since 2007. The action committee has also asked for an interim hike of Rs 8,500 for all employees, until the wage agreement is signed. The agreement is pending since 2016. Ashish Chemburkar, chairman of BEST panel, who mediated the talks between the unions and management, said, If the demands are accepted, it will put a burden of Rs 900 crore on BEST. The undertaking is not in a position to pay the current salaries of its staff. A senior official said BEST was going through a financial crisis since April 2017, with a loan burden of 2,500 crore, besides a cumulative loss of Rs 1,800 crore. It is unable to pay workers salaries, and retirement benefits such as gratuity, in time. A union activist said, The 14,000 employees working on junior grade get a monthly salary of Rs 10,000 - Rs 12,000 (base pay of Rs 5,430) after provident fund and other cuts. So the unions are demanding master grade. The total burden of the demand is less than Rs 200 crore a year. The management is presenting inflated figures. Shashank Rao, the leader of the union, blamed BEST management for prolonged talks. We are ready to negotiate, but the management did not get back to us with their proposal, he said. According to BEST officials, the unions are fighting for salary hike mainly because the number of junior grade officials is high compared to the total employees. To attract these employees working on various posts such as conductor, driver and other posts, the unions have taken up this issue. This will help increase their membership, necessary for showing their strength, senior officials claimed. After its electoral setbacks in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is looking for ways to bounce back in 2019. An HT analysis on December 13 showed that the BJPs losses in these states were spread across caste, class and geographic boundaries. Can ratcheting up the religious polarisation rhetoric help the BJP overcome this problem? After all, the party has often taken this route to forge a rainbow Hindu coalition. An HT analysis suggests that this might not work as well now. This is because Hindutva is not very appealing to the floating voter, who played an important role in BJPs victories under the Narendra Modi wave in the period from 2013 to 2017 (more on this later). A floating voter is one who normally does not vote for either the Congress or the BJP. This analysis has looked at vote shares of the BJP and the Congress in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. These are the states which usually see a direct contest between the Congress and the BJP. This helps discount the role (or lack of it) of coalitions in election outcomes at the all-India level. The period from BJPs victories in the 2013 election cycle in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to its 2017 victory in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh is included under the Modi wave. This classification is justified by the fact that except in the 2015 assembly elections in Delhi and the 2017 elections in Punjab, the BJP increased its vote share in every election held during this period. While many, including several in the BJP, saw this process as the beginning of a Congress-mukt Bharat phase in Indian politics, a careful reading of vote shares suggests otherwise. Except in the 2013 Rajasthan elections, the Congress, though it lost elections to the BJP, did not suffer any significant erosion in its previous vote share in these direct contest states. In fact, its vote share actually increased in the 2013 Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh elections and the 2017 Gujarat elections. The BJPs vote share, however, increased significantly, which is what explains its electoral victories. How did the BJP increase its vote share without eating into the Congress vote? It attracted a large chunk of floating voters. This is borne out from the fact that the sum of BJP-Congress vote shares went up in all elections under the Modi wave. It is this section of floating voters who seems to be shifting towards the Congress now. The Congresss vote share in the 2018 assembly elections of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan is the highest since 2003. The process of consolidation of the floating voter behind the Congress began in the 2017 Gujarat elections when the party crossed 40% vote share for the first time since 1985. A reverse consolidation against the BJP suggests that a Hindutva push might not be having the desired impact on voters from the BJPs perspective. To be sure, even BJP victories under the Modi wave have always had extra elements in addition to Hindutva. For example, this author argued in an earlier piece that the BJPs 2017 victory in Uttar Pradesh was achieved through a mix of kamandal (Hindutva) and Mandal (multi-caste coalition). The statistics given above also underline the importance of BJPs Achhe Din campaign, which promised economic well being to all, in its success under the Modi wave. In the run-up to the 2019 elections, the economic narrative might be more important in influencing the floating voter. The BJP will find it relatively more difficult to capture the imagination on this front, given the fact that it will also face anti-incumbency this time, unlike its 2014 campaign. To be sure, the government will leave no stone unturned to curb the anti-incumbency through various steps until the elections. For example, the announcement of reservations for economically weaker sections of upper castes is an attempt to control the anger on the employment front. Whether or not such efforts will bear fruit, will only be known after the results. With eyes on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Congress government in Rajasthan on Wednesday announced second round of sops for farmers. The sops included no power tariff hike on agricultural connections for five years, pension to small and marginal farmers, Rs 1,000 crore to the RAJFED to pay the pending dues of farmers, purchase of mustard and gram on minimum support price (MSP) and formation of Kissan Ayog. Addressing the Kissan Rally in Jaipur in the presence of AICC chief Rahul Gandhi, chief minister Ashok Gehlot also announced to provide one lakh agricultural power connections by next June. Preparations have been made for this, he added. He said a Kissan Ayog (farmers commission) will be constituted in Rajasthan to establish contact with the farmers and solve their grievances. Across the country, AICC president Rahul Gandhi states that why not farmers set up food processing units in their fields. There produce can be value added and exported. We have taken an initiative and soon for small and marginal farmers separate schemes will be prepared, he said. Gehlot announced that farmers setting up processing unit in their fields up to 10 hectare land will not require land use change. He also assured to clear dues against the purchase of crops on MSP. Centre is not releasing funds, so we have decided that state government will give Rs 1,000 crore to RAJFED to pay the dues to farmers without any delay, he said. Launching scathing attack on the BJP, he said the previous government in the state was negligent towards development throughout the last five years. BJP came to power by making false promises and people are now feeling cheated, he said. He appealed people to continue their support to the Congress in the Lok Sabha and teach lessons to BJP. Referring to the 25 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan, state Congress president Sachin Pilot said, Soon there are Lok Sabha elections, two we have won and rest 23 we have to win and give to Gandhi. When the farmers and youth have made up their mind, victory of the party is certain, BJP spokesperson Mukesh Pareek said the promises are being made eyeing the Lok Sabha elections, and were an effort to misguide people. Gehlot has been CM twice, but did nothing. He failed to provide adequate electricity for irrigation. A male nurse at a government health centre in Ramgarh in Rajasthans Jaisalmer district pulled at a foetus so hard while attempting to deliver the baby that it broke into two parts. If that incident, which happened on January 6, wasnt horrific enough, the nurse and a colleague deposited the lower part of the foetus in the hospitals mortuary and asked the family to take the woman to Jaisalmer. Dr Ravindra Sankhla, gynecologist at Jawahar Hospital said the staff at the health centre informed him that they finished the delivery but left the placenta in the womb. He said he realised something was horribly wrong while attempting to take out the placenta. According to the doctor, he stabilised the mothers health and referred her to Ummed Hospital in Jodhpur. Doctors conducted an operation and found the foetus head in the womb. The doctors informed the womans relatives and the family members. The mother, identified as Dikhsha Kanwar is now fighting for her life in the Jodhpur hospital. A case has been registered against the two male nurses but police are yet to arrest them. Dr Nikhil Sharma,who is in charge of the Ramgarh community health centre said at the time of the incident, he wasnt around. Instead of informing him, the medical staff conducted the delivery, he claimed. Dr Usha Duggad, principal medical officer at Jawahar government hospital said it was a rare case. Jalam Singh, sub-inspector and investigating officer of the case, said on behalf of Diksha, her husband Tilok Bhati lodged a complaint against Amritlal and Junjhar Singh, the two male nurses. Tilok alleged that the nurses at the Ramgarh centre were drunk. When questioned, the hospital staffers handed over the lower part of the foetus to us, he said. No arrest has been made so far, he added. Congress president Rahul Gandhi took yet another swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi today over the Rafale deal, accusing him of being in a tearing hurry to sack the CBI chief. Gandhis tweet comes a day after the government convened a meeting of the PM-led selection committee to review the allegations against Alok Verma, who was reinstated as CBI director on the Supreme Courts order. The top court had ordered that the selection committee, which also as the Chief Justice of India or his nominee and the Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge as members, should meet within a week to review an inquiry report against Verma. The government called the first meeting of this panel on Wednesday. Congress Mallikarjun Kharge had initially asked for a few days to study the Supreme Court verdict but eventually, joined the PM and Justice SK Sikri, when his request wasnt accepted. 1. Why is the PM in such a tearing hurry to sack the CBI Chief? 2. Why will he not allow the CBI Chief to present his case in front of the selection committee ? Answer: RAFALE Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 10, 2019 It will meet again on Thursday. Hours before the three-member high-powered panel sits again to decide Alok Vermas fate, Rahul Gandhi wondered what the rush was all about. Why is the PM in such a tearing hurry to sack the CBI Chief? Why will he not allow the CBI Chief to present his case in front of the selection committee? Gandhi tweeted. The Congress president, who has led the opposition offensive against PM Modi over the Rafale deal, then went on to answer his own. Answer: RAFALE, he tweeted. Watch: Nothing is going to save PM Modi in Rafale: Rahul Gandhi Alok Verma, sent on forced leave by the government, was reinstated by the Supreme Court this week. In his speeches, Rahul Gandhi has suggested that PM Modi had attempted to remove Alok Verma because the CBI director wanted to probe the Rafale deal. Gandhi and other opposition parties allege that the government bought overpriced fighter jets from French aviation firm. Also read | Give me 15 mins: Rahul Gandhi dares PM to Rafale debate in Lok Sabha Nepal on Thursday said when India and China rise together, the rise of Asia is unstoppable and hoped for harmonious ties between its two big neighbours. Nepals foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, in his address at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, also pitched for strengthening of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and the implementation of the agenda of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) sub-regional cooperation. India and Nepal can work together towards common progress and prosperity, better physical connectivity and greater people-to-people connection, Gyawali said. On the sidelines of the dialogue, the Nepalese foreign minister met her Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj and reviewed recent developments in bilateral ties across diverse sectors, including development projects and connectivity, according to ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. In his address, Gyawali said: Next door, we have always emphasised the good and harmonious relations between our two big neighbours (China and India). When these two rise together, the rise of Asia becomes unstoppable. We were encouraged in this context by the positive vibe that last years Wuhan summit (between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping) created. We are of the view that one countrys rise should not be seen as a threat to the other. It could be an opportunity to rise together, he said. Gyawali said amity with all and animosity with none is the basis of Nepals foreign policy. A country like Nepal has been a firm advocate of a rule-based, predictable international order, he said. We are a believer of multilateralism where we can get our voices heard, problems and challenges recognised and support be extended. Rules-based order is essential for our survival. We have always been the supporter of multilateral institutions like the UN. What we have wanted though is its reform to reflect the current reality, he said. Nepal has always supported rules-based trading arrangements under WTO, Gyawali said, adding that Kathmandu want preferential treatment for least developed countries. India and Nepal relations have been comprehensive and the two countries are connected by geography, history, religion and cultures, he said. While the world is becoming more interdependent, the challenges ahead require to be addressed with more collective efforts, these include challenges posed by the tendencies to weaken multilateralism and collaboration, the Nepalese foreign minister said. There is uncertainty because the existing world order stands challenged and the new world order is yet to be established, he said. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas criticised the delay in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit hearing on Thursday with the latter outfit blaming the Opposition. The VHP, an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, said their apprehensions that the opposite party shall raise any frivolous issues to secure an adjournment have come true. The comment came on a day the apex court set January 29 as the date for the constitution of a new five-judge bench after justice UU Lalit recused himself. The VHP has been demanding a hearing on a daily basis; they have also been pushing the government to bring a legislation for the construction of the Ram Temple. The objection that a judicial order should have been passed for the constitution of a five-judge bench is apparently frivolous; for it is settled that the Honble Chief Justice is the master of roster. He alone decides the strength of a bench and the judges to sit in it, said VHP working president Alok Kumar. The Nyas alleged the Congress and other parties were hell bent on delaying the case. Earlier, it was Congress MP and lawyer Kapil Sibal who got the hearing adjourned last year. Today, it was another Congress supporter and Sunni Waqf Board lawyer Rajeev Dhawan who did the same thing, said Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, head of the Nyas. Dhawan had pointed out that justice Lalit had represented former Uttar Pradesh Kalyan Singh in an earlier case. The Congress party does not want Ram mandir... It wants Ram Lala to reside in a tent till eternity, said Sharad Sharma, VHPs regional spokesperson . The VHP described the adjournment as rather long. Hindus are known for their patience...The judicial system still has the responsibility of deciding the matters without undue delays, said Kumar. National Commission for Minorities chairperson Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi also called for an early resolution to the dispute. No one should create any hurdle in the hearing of the case. The country as well as Hindus and Muslims will be benefitted with the earliest resolution of the dispute, Rizvi told reporters. Former RSS ideologue KN Govindacharya wrote to the Centre seeking live streaming of proceedings. The whole country, including the prime minister, is eager for early resolution...For the last eight years, the matter has been pending before the SC. Countless attempts are being made by many parties to delay the hearings... the letter addressed to cabinet secretary PK Sinha by Govindacharya and veteran lawyer KG Gupta of think tank Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change said. (With agency inputs) Two men were detained after 24 live cartridges were seized from their baggage at the airport in Pune on Thursday, a police official said. A total of 22 live cartridges were found in the baggage of a 58-year-old passenger, who was scheduled to fly to Bengaluru in a SpiceJet flight, Vimantal police stations senior inspector Dilip Shinde said. After the detection, the passenger was handed over to the airport police. Our investigation has revealed that he has a valid license of a .32 caliber pistol, PTI quoted him as saying. The man told the police he was in a hurry and forgot to remove the cartridges from the bag before heading to the airport, Shinde said. A probe was underway, he added. In another incident, two live cartridges of a .9 mm weapon were seized from the baggage of a 61-year-old passenger, who was scheduled to travel to New Delhi in an IndiGo flight, Shinde said. The passenger, hailing from Delhi, worked as a locomotive driver with the Railways, the police officer said. He claimed that he had come to Pune to visit his son, who works as an IT engineer here. He has also said that he does not have any valid gun license, he said. We are questioning him about how the two cartridges came into his bag. He is also checking with his son and other family members about it, Shinde said. The two cartridges found in the bag of Delhi-bound passenger will be sent for ballistic analysis, and if they are found to be genuine and the passenger fails to produce a valid gun license, a case will be registered against him, the official said. Two days after Parliaments winter session ended, the Narendra Modi government re-promulgated the ordinance on the contentious triple talaq bill that makes the practice of instant divorce a penal offence. Two other ordinances were approved by the Cabinet on Thursday, one allowing a panel to run the Medical Council of India. The other is understood to be about an amendment to the Company Law, a government official said. The government managed to pass the amended triple talaq bill in the Lok Sabha but failed to push it through in the Rajya Sabha owing to stiff resistance by Opposition parties. In the Upper House, the NDA government is in a minority. The government had amended the bill to allow bail provisions for the accused. It also restricted outsiders from filing complaints against an accused. The earlier ordinance would have lapsed on January 22. The government has a window of 42 days to clear the related bill in the following Parliament session. The MCI ordinance provides for supersession of the MCI for a year. In the interim period, the central government will constitute a board of governors that will exercise the powers of the MCI, according to PRS Legislative Research. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 saw Opposition parties united against it. Although many Opposition parties dubbed instant talaq repressive, they objected to the manner in which the government wanted to criminalize a civil contract. Most Islamic countries have banned triple talaq. So it is not a matter of religion or faith. Even in Pakistan, triple talaq is banned. So it is an issue of gender equality, a matter of social justice. It is not an issue of faith. So keep the two separate, Modi had said. Opposition parties demanded that the bill be sent to a joint select panel for review. Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat said on Thursday if other countries are talking to the Taliban and India has an interest in Afghanistan, then we should also join the bandwagon but the same analogy cannot be applied to Jammu and Kashmir. The talks have to be on our terms, army chief Gen Rawat said, according to news agency PTI. Gen Rawats comments came a day after former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday wondered why the Centre was not initiating a dialogue with separatists in the state if the army chief could advocate holding talks with the Taliban. We bat for talks with taliban, autonomy for Tibet & Tamil areas of Sri Lanka yet we are unwilling to look at engagement or political initiatives in J&K. Why is our policy all about do as we say, dont do as we do? Engagement for Taliban, Operation All-Out for Kashmir (sic), Omar Abdullah had tweeted. If the Army Chief can advocate for talks with (the) Taliban then why different standards when it comes to our own people? Mehbooba also asked in a tweet. The Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti said the Centre should accept Pakistans offer for talks and also start a dialogue process with the Hurriyat Conference to end the cycle of violence in the state. The army chief said there is no cause of concern on the western and northern fronts and the force is gradually moving forward to bring the situation in control in the restive state of Kashmir. We are only facilitators of peace. We are there to ensure peace returns to the Valley, Gen Rawat said during his annual press briefing. As for internal security, we are gradually moving forward to bring the situation under better control... We are adopting both hard and soft power approaches but the offer to terrorists to come overground and look at peace is always there. As who is getting affected by this? It is the people of Kashmir themselves, he said. Gen Rawat said there are some issues which have to be taken in context as one size fits all policy cannot be adopted everywhere. The army, he said, has succeeded to a large extent in the northeast and is moving forward in ensuring better peace in these areas. A man suspected to be a spy of Pakistan intelligence agencies has been arrested in Arunachal Pradeshs Anjaw district, near India-China border, army sources said. The accused has been identified as Nirmal Rai, a resident of Sadiya in Assams Tinsukia district, they said. State Director General of Police (DGP) SBK Singh, when contacted, said Rai had been working as an army porter at Kibithu and Dichu two border posts along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). He was arrested on January 6 by army personnel and handed over to Arunachal Pradesh Police a day after, the DGP said. Rai belongs to a Nepali community. He worked at a burger shop in Dubai between 2016 and 2018 before moving to Kibithu, he said, adding that more details in the case will be available after interrogation. Army sources told PTI that Rai was under watch for over a month due to his suspicious behaviour. The suspected spy was probably trained and recruited by Dubai-based handler of Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), an army personnel said. He was involved in passing on sensitive information on location and deployment of army units, weapon profiles and artillery guns at Kibithu, as well as infrastructure development along the LAC, he said on condition of anonymity. A smart phone has been seized from the possession of Rai, the personnel said, adding that the arrest was made under provisions of Official Secrets Act, section 120B of the IPC for criminal conspiracy and section 72 of the IT Act for breach of privacy. A man was tied to an electricity pole and thrashed in Odishas Mayurbhanj on Wednesday. The incident occurred at the districts Baripada town. The man was thrashed by the crowd after they suspected him of stealing a goat. He was later handed over to police. An eyewitness said, I saw that some people were beating a man after tying him to an electric pole. Upon inquiry, I was told that he was trying to steal a cycle. Some time later, police came and took him away. A case has been registered and investigation is underway. (The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) Congress president Rahul Gandhi was on Thursday served with a notice by the National Commission of Women for what it called a misogynist and offensive comment against a woman. As a leader people look up to, he should not give such misogynist statements where he thinks that a woman is a weak person...What does he mean? I want clarification because it gives a very wrong impression when a leader says such things, the commissions chairperson Rekha Sharma said. Gandhi had said at a rally in Jaipur that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ran away from last weeks debate in Parliament on the controversial Rafale deal and fielded defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman instead. Janta ki adalat se ek 56-inch ki chaati wala chowkidaar bhag gaya aur ek mahila se kehta hain Sitharamanji, aap meri raksha kijiye... [The watchman with 56-inch chest fled from the court of the people and told a woman, Sitharamanji, you save me], Gandhi said referring to Modi on Wednesday. Watch: PM Modi versus Rahul Gandhi on Sitharamans Rafale defence But you saw [that for] 2.5 hours [of the debate] mahila raksha nahi kar payi [a woman could not defend]..., he said. This comment invited a barrage of criticism for the ruling BJP with foreign minister Sushma Swaraj calling it a new low Rahul Gandhis comments on Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaramans reply to a debate on a subject relating to Ministry of Defence is a new low in the history of Indian politics, Sushma Swaraj tweeted. Prime Minister Modi said it was an insult to Indias womens power, Smriti Irani also called out the Congress president over his comments. Rahul jis ego was hurt so much that he lost his patience - how did a common woman dare to challenge Rahul? Irani posted on Twitter. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in its inquiry report recommended a criminal probe against ousted CBI director Alok Verma terming his conduct suspicious in the Moin Qureshi case, said an official familiar with the details of the report who asked not to be named. The commission, chief vigilance commissioner KV Chowdary and two vigilance commissioners, Sharad Kumar and TM Bhasin, also said he tried to induct tainted officials in the agency despite adverse reports on them from his own officials. Vigilance commissioner Sharad Kumar briefed the PM-led selection panel on Wednesday on the inquiry conducted by the vigilance commission, the official added. Also Read | Congress Mallikarjun Kharge gives dissent note on Alok Vermas removal as CBI chief Sharad Kumar didnt respond to phone call and messages seeking comment. The main inquiry report ran into around 60 pages, with an additional 200 pages of annexures. According to a person familiar with the matter who asked not to be named, the report lists around 10 charges against Verma, of which it found substance in five, said two needed further investigation, and couldnt substantiate three. WATCH : Alok Verma removed as CBI chief The inquiry was conducted on the basis of a complaint from CBI special director Rakesh Asthana to cabinet secretary PK Sinha on August 24 . Sinha forwarded the complaint to CVC . Verma was first removed as the CBI chief on October 23 on the charges of not cooperating with CVC in its inquiry. Verma challenged his removal in the Supreme Court which asked CVC to conduct an inquiry on the basis of Asthanas complaint and submit a report. While ordering his conditional reinstatement on Tuesday, the top court asked the selection panel consisting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Justice of India (CJI) or a SC judge nominated by him (CJI nominated Justice AK Sikri) and senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge (in his capacity as leader of the single largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha), to consider the report and take a call on Verma. The selection panel met for the first time on Wednesday at 8pm but the meeting remained inconclusive. The panel met again on Thursday and decided by a majority decision to oust Verma as the CBI chief. Also Read | CBI chief Alok Verma loses his job again; this time he has been sacked Asthana, in his complaint, alleged that as director of the agency, Verma tried to save a Hyderabad-based businessman Sana Satish Babu in the Moin Qureshi case in return for a bribe of Rs 2 crore. Also Read | Whats the tearing hurry: Rahul Gandhis jab at PM Modi over CBI chief Vermas conduct was considered suspicious by the vigilance panel. Though Sana Satish claimed before the CVC-led panel that two alleged middlemen were trying to extort money from him on behalf of Asthana, he was not considered a reliable witness due to variations in his statement. The CVC panel said a thorough criminal probe is required , said the official. The second allegation against Verma was about his efforts to induct into CBI, officials who had not received a clearance from his own agency. Two officials Delhi police special commissioner RP Upadhyay and UP cadre IPS officer Rajiv Krishna were not cleared by the CBIs special unit, which looks into the record of the officials, for induction. In Upadhyays case, it was Verma who, as the Delhi police chief, recommended his name for induction into CBI; later, as CBI chief despite adverse report from the internal vigilance unit, Verma pushed for his induction into the agency. Vermas conduct was considered unbecoming of a government servant in this regard, added the official. Also Read | Back in charge of CBI, Alok Verma scraps transfer orders of interim director The CVC-led panel also found that Verma tried to save an accused from being named in the FIR in the IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) case against former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad, the official said. It is alleged that the railways leased two IRCTC hotels by flouting norms when Prasad was railway minister. CBIs own files showed that despite recommendations from the investigation officer to all his supervisory officials, the then IRCTC director was not named in the FIR due to objections from Verma although the record showed the official had material role in the altering the lease conditions that helped other accused, said the official. Asthana also alleged that in April, 2016, the Delhi police officials posted at the airport were instructed to escort a passenger out of the airport but, on inspection, this person was found to be in possession of old. Asthana also said in his complaint that Rs 36 crore exchange hands over a preliminary enquiry registered by CBI in connection with a land acquisition case in Gurugram. CBIs own record showed that the agency mysteriously kept asking for extension in time to complete probe and kept the matter pending, added the official. Moments after Alok Verma was removed as the CBI chief, Congress targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not giving him a chance and said Modi was too afraid of an investigation into the controversial Rafale deal. Verma, who was sent on leave by the government in October and reinstated by the Supreme Court on Tuesday, was shunted out of the CBI on Thursday by a PM-led panel, which includes Justice AK Sikri and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge. News agency Press Trust of India said Kharge had opposed the order and gave a dissent note. By removing Alok Verma from his position without giving him the chance to present his case, PM Modi has shown once again that hes too afraid of an investigation, either by an independent CBI director or by Parliament via JPC, Congress said in a tweet. By removing #AlokVerma from his position without giving him the chance to present his case, PM Modi has shown once again that he's too afraid of an investigation, either by an independent CBI director or by Parliament via JPC. Congress (@INCIndia) January 10, 2019 Verma was removed from the high-profile post on charges of corruption and dereliction of duty. He was earlier sent on leave following an internal feud with his deputy Rakesh Asthana, as a fallout of which he was accused of corruption. In its verdict this week, the Supreme Court ended Alok Vermas 77-day forced leave because the government hadnt followed the right process. It, however, made it clear that Verma could not take any policy decisions and left it to the PM-led selection committee to decide within a week on his future. Called the next day, Kharge initially asked for a few days to study the verdict, but eventually joined the PM and Justice Sikri, when his request wasnt accepted. According to sources, Kharge wanted that Verma should have been given an opportunity to rebut the allegations levelled against him. He said during the meeting that Verma, who was sent on a forced leave, should not be penalised and be given an extension of 77 days for which he was not allowed to attend the office, PTI reported. Earlier, Congress president Rahul Gandhi took yet another swipe at Prime Minister Modi over the Rafale deal, accusing him of being in a tearing hurry to sack the CBI chief. Why is the PM in such a tearing hurry to sack the CBI Chief? Why will he not allow the CBI Chief to present his case in front of the selection committee? Gandhi tweeted. The Congress president, who has led the opposition offensive against PM Modi over the Rafale deal, then went on to answer the questions himself. Answer: RAFALE, he tweeted. 1. Why is the PM in such a tearing hurry to sack the CBI Chief? 2. Why will he not allow the CBI Chief to present his case in front of the selection committee ? Answer: RAFALE Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 10, 2019 In his speeches, Rahul Gandhi has suggested that PM Modi had attempted to remove Alok Verma because the CBI director wanted to probe the Rafale deal. Gandhi and other opposition parties allege that the government bought overpriced fighter jets from French aviation firm. In his prepared statement, Walker said he is committed to navigating the red tape in the government process. Through spokeswoman Brandi Francis, the county executive said he valued the broad network that he has built during his time on the council and (as) the president of the Maryland Association of Counties. Congress president Rahul Gandhi continued to attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the sacking of CBI chief Alok Verma and the Rafale row on Thursday, saying fear had gripped Modi and he couldnt sleep. Fear is now rampaging through Mr Modis mind. He cant sleep. Sacking the CBI Chief #AlokVerma twice in a row, clearly shows that he is now a prisoner of his own lies, he said in a tweet, hours after a PM-led panel sacked Verma. Fear is now rampaging through Mr Modis mind. He cant sleep. He stole 30,000Cr from the IAF and gave it to Anil Ambani. Sacking the CBI Chief #AlokVerma twice in a row, clearly shows that he is now a prisoner of his own lies. Satyamev Jayate. Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 10, 2019 Verma, who was sent on leave by the government in October, was reinstated by the Supreme Court on Tuesday, but with limited powers. However, the PM-led selection committee, comprising Justice AK Sikri and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, which was tasked by the SC to take a call on his future within a week, ordered his shunting out in two days. In the meeting, Kharge opposed the order and gave a dissent note, news agency Press Trust of India said. Congress soon targeted Modi for not giving Verma a chance to present his case and said the Prime Minister was too afraid of an investigation into the controversial Rafale deal. By removing #AlokVerma from his position without giving him the chance to present his case, PM Modi has shown once again that he's too afraid of an investigation, either by an independent CBI director or by Parliament via JPC. Congress (@INCIndia) January 10, 2019 Verma was removed from the high-profile post on charges of corruption and dereliction of duty. He was earlier sent on leave following an internal feud with his deputy Rakesh Asthana, as a fallout of which he was accused of corruption. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had taken a swipe at Modi over the Rafale deal, accusing him of being in a tearing hurry to sack the CBI chief. Why is the PM in such a tearing hurry to sack the CBI Chief? Why will he not allow the CBI Chief to present his case in front of the selection committee? Gandhi tweeted. The Congress president, who has led the opposition offensive against PM Modi over the Rafale deal, then went on to answer the questions himself. Answer: RAFALE, he tweeted. 1. Why is the PM in such a tearing hurry to sack the CBI Chief? 2. Why will he not allow the CBI Chief to present his case in front of the selection committee ? Answer: RAFALE Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 10, 2019 In his speeches, Rahul Gandhi has suggested that PM Modi had attempted to remove Alok Verma because the CBI director wanted to probe the Rafale deal. Gandhi and other opposition parties allege that the government bought overpriced fighter jets from French aviation firm. A little over 30 hours after he assumed charge as CBI director, Alok Verma was sacked on the recommendation of a high-powered committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday evening. Sources said the panel, which also includes Justice AK Sikri and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, decided to remove Verma after examining the report of the Central Vigilance Commission. News agency Press Trust of India said Kharge had opposed the order and gave a dissent note. The Congress leader wanted that Verma should have been given an opportunity to rebut the allegations levelled against him. WATCH | Alok Verma to be removed as CBI chief Also Read | Back in charge of CBI, Alok Verma scraps transfer orders of interim director The findings of the CVC report arent public but the Supreme Court, which was first given the report, had concluded that it did contain portions that were not complimentary to Alok Verma. In its verdict this week, the top court, however, ended Alok Vermas 77-day forced leave because the government hadnt followed the right process. The court had, however, made it clear that Verma could not take any policy decisions and left it to the PM-led selection committee to decide on his future. Opinion | The SC judgment is a good starting point to remake CBI A government source said M Nageshwar Rao, who had been the interim director of the agency during the previous 77 days, would be given charge. In his 30-odd hours in the CBIs top job, Alok Verma had gone on an overdrive to revoke transfers of some officials close to him and altered the job description for some others. In all, over two dozen officers had been impacted. Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana had been engaged in an internecine battle that roiled the agency and almost split it down the middle. Back in October, the government cited this rivalry to send the two officers on leave. The decision came after more than a two-hour long meeting of the high-powered panel, This was the second meeting of the selection committee in two days and the provoked Congress chief Rahul Gandhi to accuse the government of going after Verma because it didnt want the agency to probe the Rafale deal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday invoked AgustaWestland accused Christian Michel and fired a fresh salvo at the Congress over the UPA regimes defence deals. Many people think that the Congresss biggest failure was in their mismanagement of the economy and their corruption. But they did deep damage to our armed forces too, Modi said while interacting with booth workers in Tamil Nadu. Not many know how much damage Congress culture did to our defence sector. For decades, they had made the defence sector a den of brokers and middlemen, he said. Referring to the AugustaWestland case accused Christian Michel, he asked the workers if they knew who he was close to. Recently, a defence middleman was caught and brought back to India. But do you know who this middleman is close to? This middleman is close to the current First Family of the Congress, Modi said. The people of the country deserve to know how did middleman Michel manage the leadership of a party to get the deal. The people of the country deserve to know what role did middleman Michel play in delaying the procurement of Rafale for 10 long years. The people of the country deserve to know what role did middleman Michel play in putting national security in danger, Modi said. The people behind the attacks on our defence procurement are often middlemen from the Congress era and international forces who want to ensure that Indias military doesnt get stronger, Modi said. Earlier in the day, Congress president Rahul Gandhi had launched a tweet attack on PM Modi on the issue of CBI chief Alok Vermas continuation and linked it to Rafale, a topic that the Congress has been attacking the government on almost every day. In his tweet, Rahul Gandhi asked two questions: 1. Why is the PM in such a tearing hurry to sack the CBI Chief? 2. Why will he not allow the CBI Chief to present his case in front of the selection committee ? Answer: RAFALE, Rahul Gandhi wrote. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Manipur government said on Thursday it will appeal to the Centre to exclude the state from the ambit of the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which seeks to provide citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, Jains and Christians from Muslim-majority Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Meanwhile, a magisterial inquiry was ordered in Tripura into clashes between the police and protestors against the Citizenship Bill that left seven people injured, and in Assam, the police slapped sedition charges against academic and public intellectual,Hiren Gohain, peasant rights leader Akhil Gogoi and journalist Manjit Mahanta. Manipurs coalition government, led by chief minister N Biren, held a cabinet meeting in Imphal and decided to ask the Centre to exclude the state from the jurisdiction of the Citizenship Bill altogether and to give its consent to the Manipur Peoples Protection Bill 2018, which has been passed by the state assembly and seeks to regulate the entry and exit of non-Manipuris to and from the state. The Manipur cabinet observed that the population of the state,which has a large number of ethnic groups each with unique dialects, customary laws and practices, is only about 0.2% of the whole countrys.Adequate constitutional protection is necessary to protect this small indigenous population, said a statement released by the CMs secretariat in Imphal . In Tripura, a magsterial inquiry was ordered into the clash that took place in Madhabbari on Tuesday, when the North East Students Organization (NESO) called an 11-hour shutdown across the region to oppose the Bill. Tripura police say that they were forced to cane the protestors and open fire to disperse them after the latter had blocked a national highway, ransacked some shops and set them on fire. A suo motu (Latin for on its own motion) case was registered against the a Tripura students body, part of the NESO, which the police suspect was behind the rioting. A 48-hour ban on Internet services imposed after pictures of the clashes went viral has been extended for another two days. In Guwahati, a first information report was registered on Wednesday against Gohain, Gogoi and Mahanta in connection with a public meeting opposing the Bill on January 7, where the three spoke. Gohain (80) called the move a desperate attempt by a cornered government. We have registered a case under sections 120 (B), 121, 123, 124 (A) at the Latasil Police station, Deepak Kumar, Commissioner , Guwahati, said. The meeting was held without permission... he said. The meeting was organised by the Forum Against Citizenship Amendment Bill (FACAB) and the Left Democratic Front, among other organisations. Manjit Mahanta is the convener of the FACAB. The meeting was attended by former Assam CMs Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and Tarun Gogoi and former Assam DGP Harekrishna Deka, among others. Protestors raised black flags at the event. According to the FIR lodged on the basis of video evidence, slogans criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal had been raised at the event titled We Condemn. It also said Gogoi had called for Assams independence if needed and threatened Indias sovereignty and that Hiren Gohain had supported Gogois address. Gohain said, In response to Gogois statement calling for Assams independence, I explained that the issue of independence could arise only if and when all other democratic avenues for fulfilling Assams demands are exhausted.Gogoi called the charges fabricated. Assam police imposed Section 144 in parts of Guwahati, banning public assemblies of five or more people, as protests continued. Telangana Rashtra Samithi president K Chandrasekhar Raos daughter and MP Kalvakuntla Kavitha on Thursday pitched for passage of Womens Reservation Bill in Parliament with the same spirit and speed with which the bill on quota for economically backward classes was passed. Kavitha, who represents Nizamabad parliamentary constituency tweeted: If the Women Reservation Bill could be passed with the same speed with which the bill on economically weaker sections/general category reservations has been passed in both the houses, our country would be truly progressive. We need more political will behind Reservation for Women. If the WomenReservation Bill could be passed with the same speed with which the bill on economically weaker sections/general category reservations has been passed in both the houses, our country would be truly progressive. We need more political will behind Reservation for Women. Kavitha Kalvakuntla (@RaoKavitha) January 10, 2019 The bill seeking to provide 10% quota to economically backward classes in general category was passed in both the houses of Parliament with overwhelming majority. The TRS also supported the bill, but insisted that the Centre should also incorporate the clauses in the bill for extending 12% reservations to Muslims under economically and socially backward category, besides enhancing reservations to STs in Telangana to 12%. The amendments proposed by the TRS MPs while passing the bill in Lok Sabha were rejected. Kavitha has been raising the issue of the passage of womens reservation bill on every forum for quite some time. At Young Thinkers Conference-2018 held recently at Indian School of Business in November last too, Kavitha said the womens quota was a must as a solution to overcome male dominance in various sectors, including politics. Pointing out that only 11% of MPs and 9% MLAs in the country were women, she said that the nation needs to introspect about such low participation of women in politics. She observed that inheritance of political lineage could be countered only through 33% reservation for women in legislatures. She regretted that despite the best efforts by a woman leader, the erstwhile government could not pass the bill and called for formation of an advocacy group to bring pressure on the government towards achieving this goal. Months after he publicly snubbed his cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu for hugging Pakistan army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa during the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan as prime minister in August last year, chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh has sent Sidhu a bullet-proof Toyota Land Cruiser from his own fleet. This week, the CM has sent Sidhu a bullet-proof Toyota Land Cruiser from his own fleet. The move comes after the home department headed by the CM enhanced Sidhus security cover to Z Plus category. He (Sidhu) should have avoided indulging in such a gesture when Indian soldiers are getting killed every day on the borders. After all, it is the Army chief who gives the orders to kill, the CM had said after the August incident in Pakistan. State home secretary NS Kalsi has also written to Union home secretary Rajiv Gauba on January 3 that the Punjab minister be provided the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) cover, preferably by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). The National Security Guards (NSG) and the CISF provide security cover to all VVIP protectees in the country. The threat perception to Sidhu has increased significantly after his visit to Pakistan to attend the swearing-in of Imran Khan as PM, where he hugged their army chief. He was also threatened by Dera Sacha Sauda followers in July 2018 for speaking against their head and the Hindu Yuva Vahini, a right-wing outfit from Uttar Pradesh, too has announced a bounty of Rs 1 crore for his head for his connections with Pakistan, reads the letter written by Kalsi. Till the Centre obliges, Amarinder is learnt to have been nudged by the Congress high command to enhance Sidhus security. Congress chief spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala had written to Union home minister Rajnath Singh in November last year seeking CISF security cover for Sidhu citing growing threat perception to his life. Surjewala had told Rajnath that Sidhu will be travelling extensively outside Punjab as Congress star campaigner and is an outspoken critic of Narendra Modi governments policies. While the state has provided him adequate security, Punjab police personnel cannot be assigned the responsibility of (Sidhus) security in rest of India, Surjewala had said, pointing out that the ministry has provided CISF cover to Akali leader and former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia too. Punjab is making its case for more security to Sidhu also by citing his bashing of the Badals. Sidhu has developed an acrimonious relationship with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders for his criticism of alleged anti-people policies and support to mafias. He has also earned the wrath of the drug mafia and gangsters, especially in Majha region, for his high-pitched campaign against them, the letter adds. Sidhu, who had refused to accept the used Toyota Corolla given to him by the Punjab government as minister saying it had already clocked 8 lakh kilometres, said he welcomes CMs concern for his security. He has given it out of his own entourage and thank him for the gesture, Sidhu said. But Sidhu might have to thank Badals too. It was former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and his son and former deputy CM Sukhbir Badal, who had ordered a fleet of Land Cruisers for their convoys, which Amarinder has inherited. The Badals had upgraded their fleet from armouredMitsubishi Monteros to Toyota Land Cruisers -- costing Rs1.3 crore and Rs35 lakh extra on bullet-proofing. TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao will in all likelihood give a miss to the January 19 rally of opposition parties proposed by the TMC in Kolkata as he does not want to share stage with the Congress, party sources said. KCR, as he is popularly known, had recently met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee as part of his renewed efforts towards forging a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front of regional parties. While the Telangana chief minister spoke to media after their meeting in Kolkata on December 24 last, Mamata, reportedly not in favour of excluding the Congress in the proposed grand opposition alliance, did not offer any comment. Asked if KCR would attend the Kolkata rally, TRS deputy floor leader in the Lok Sabha, B Vinod Kumar told PTI Thursday, I do not know whether KCR got the invitation or not. I am not aware of it. He might have got the invitation. I do not think KCR will attend when Rahul Gandhi is attending. For the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS), Congress is the main opposition in Telangana and KCR had last year described its president Rahul Gandhi as the biggest baffoon in the country. The TRS returned to power last month, winning 88 seats in the 119-member Telangana Assembly, pushing the Congress to a distant second position with 19 seats. The BJP won in only one segment. KCR had also recently met Odisha chief minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJP) chief Naveen Patnaik seeking to drum up support for the federal front. Patnaiks statement on Wednesday that his party would not align with the Congress and BJP has enthused the TRS. I do not think because of KCRs visit, he (Patnaik) made such a statement. He took that position long back. He held the same view for a long time, Kumar said. He said both KCR and Patnaik have same thoughts as both are against aligning with the two national parties. The TRS leader said Samajwadi Party (SP) chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, who could not meet KCR during the latters visit to Delhi recently, was expected to visit the southern state any time to talk to the Telangana chief minister. On BSP supremo Mayawatis stance on KCRs federal front, he said, We did not discuss with her. The TRS sources claimed that KCRs federal front idea was gaining traction. ....already that idea is broached. Mayawati and Akhilesh took a stand that they are not going to ally with Congress in Uttar Pradesh. They are also fighting against the Congress and BJP, leaving only two seats for Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Kumar said. The TRS MP also cited the political scenario in some states, including West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana, where, he said, regional parties were set to take on both the Congress and BJP in triangular fights in the next Lok Sabha polls. Former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday wondered why the Centre was not initiating a dialogue with the separatists in Jammu and Kashmir if Army chief General Bipin Rawat could bat for holding talks with the Taliban in Afghanistan. We bat for talks with taliban, autonomy for Tibet & Tamil areas of Sri Lanka yet we are unwilling to look at engagement or political initiatives in J&K. Why is our policy all about do as we say, dont do as we do? Engagement for Taliban, Operation All-Out for Kashmir, Abdullah tweeted. Earlier in the day, Rawat said there should be talks with the Taliban to bring peace in Afghanistan, but asserted that the engagement must be without any preconditions. He was speaking at the Raisina Dialogue -- Indias flagship conference on geopolitics -- in Delhi. If the Army Chief can advocate for talks with (the) Taliban then why different standards when it comes to our own people? Mehbooba asked in a tweet. The Peoples Democratic Party president said the Centre should accept the offer of talks by Pakistan and also start a dialogue process with the Hurriyat Conference to end the cycle of violence in the state. Accept peace offer from Pakistan, initiate dialogue with (the) Hurriyat and other stakeholders put an end to the vicious cycle of violence in J&K, she added. Offering major relief to small businesses, the GST Council on Thursday announced changes to the goods and services tax (GST) rules aimed at easing the burden of compliance on them and exempted an additional 2 million such businesses from registering with the indirect tax regime. Analysts say this is another attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government to woo a key constituency ahead of the 2019 general election. In the past three weeks, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has tightened rules for e-commerce so as to benefit small traders and retailers; pushed through Parliament a law promising 10% reservation in government jobs and college seats for the upper castes, and also discussed sops for farmers. The council has doubled the GST exemption threshold for businesses to Rs 40 lakh annual turnover from April 1, finance minister Arun Jaitley said after the 32nd meeting of the council. Jaitley heads the council, which counts state finance ministers as its members. He explained that not all 2 million eligible for the exemption may avail it. Eligibility and entitlement are one aspect. How many actually do it may not be the same because some of them still want to be the part of GST chain. The plan was to have a higher exemption threshold up to Rs 75 lakh, but finance ministers belonging to states ruled by the Opposition did not agree, officials with direct knowledge of the matter said on condition of anonymity. State finance ministers are members of the GST Council, a federal body where all decisions are taken on the basis of consensus. In a tweet after the meeting, Assams finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) resisted this. @RahulGandhi must explain why he is against small traders, Sarma tweeted, targeting the Congress president . For businesses in the northeast and so-called hilly states, the exemption limit was again doubled to Rs 20 lakh (the threshold is lower in the region because it has smaller businesses). However, states have been given some amount of leeway those with a Rs 20 lakh threshold can up it to Rs 40 lakh, and those with a Rs 40 lakh threshold can bring it down to ~20 lakh. This will be a a one-time provision for states to either increase of decrease this limit depending on their revenue considerations. States would have an option to decide about one of the limits within a weeks time, a statement released by the government said. According to the government officials familiar with the matter, Opposition-ruled states, particularly ones ruled by the Congress and the Left, did not want the exemption to be raised. After the council meeting, Bihar finance minister Sushil Kumar Modi tweeted: Threshold limit increased from 20 to 40 lakh in #gst. Kerala & Chattisgarh insisted on 20 lakh. So states given option either remain in 20 or 40 lakh. In another tweet, he said that the Congress-ruled states opposed every move of the council to give relief to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and small traders. In order to provide relief to small businesses, the council also increased the turnover limit for the existing composition scheme from Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.5 crore . The scheme has also been extended for service providers with an annual turnover of Rs 50 lakh at the rate of 6%. The scheme was introduced to save small GST payers from the taxs cumbersome procedures, which they could escape by paying tax at a fixed rate. Simplifying procedures for small enterprises, the council allowed them to file only an annual return in place of quarterly returns. They will, however, be required to pay tax every quarter. PwC India partner-GST and indirect tax, Anita Rastogi ,said that the changes have covered service providers under a composition scheme. Accordingly, service providers [including persons undertaking mixed supplies of goods and services] with aggregate annual turnover up to Rs 50 lakh will have the option to pay lower GST at the rate of 6%. This will bring cheer to small service providers. The council also permitted Kerala to levy a calamity cess at a rate not exceeding 1% for a maximum period of two years to help its recovery from the August floods. Abhishek Jain, tax partner, EY India, said, While this additional levy should help Kerala victims, companies as well as GSTN [GST Network] would need to modify their IT systems for incorporating this change. Also, to some extent it dilutes the One Nation One Tax concept. The council could not arrive at a consensus on two hot-button issues tax relief to the real estate sector and a uniform rate of tax on lotteries. The council referred to these issues to two separate groups of ministers. Jaitley also ruled out more immediate rationalisation in rates. This could happen in time as revenue increases, he explained. A Pratt & Whitney-engine powered A320neo plane of GoAir returned to the city due to high engine vibrations after an hour of its take-off for Delhi Thursday, a source said. The plane, which had 168 passengers on board, made a safe emergency landing at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 12.15 pm, he said. The aircraft is out of operations, he added. When contacted, a GoAir spokesperson said its flight G8319 made a turn back to Mumbai due to a technical glitch. GoAir flight G8319 departed for Delhi from the Mumbai airport at 10.17 am. However, mid-air, one of the aircraft engines experienced high vibrations, forcing the pilot to seek ATCs permission to return to Mumbai, the source said. The aircraft safely landed back at the airport here under emergency conditions at 12.15 pm, the source added. Flight G8 319 (Mumbai-Delhi) returned to Mumbai after the take-off due to a technical glitch. Post-normal landing, all passengers were immediately accommodated on to another aircraft for their journey to Delhi, GoAir said in a statement. There were 168 passengers on board the A320neo plane, the spokesperson said. The crew operated within the established guidelines to provide for safe travel, it said adding the (snag) rectification work is in progress. A query sent to P&W on this issue was awaited. This is the first incident of US-based firm manufactured jet engine experiencing in-flight vibrations after the government giving a clean to these engines on following a stakeholders meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday. Significantly, the clearance to the P&W engines came a day after the US aviation firm announced extending sponsorship for an aviation event being hosted jointly by the civil aviation and commerce ministries,industry lobby Ficci and Airports Authority of India. Prince Georges Circuit Court Judge Nicholas Rattal ordered on Dec. 17 Clark be committed to the Maryland Department of Health because he was found incompetent to stand trial for reason of mental disorder or retardation, and is a danger to himself, others or property. He has been committed until the court finds that he is no longer a danger, or that he is competent to stand trial. Justice UU Lalit, one of the five judges of the Supreme Court constitution bench hearing the Ayodhya case, offered to opt out after a lawyer pointed out that he had represented one of the parties nearly two decades ago. The Supreme Court will now hear the Ayodhya case on January 29. A new bench will be constituted before the next hearing. The five judges were expected to work out a date and schedule for the hearings. But before it could do that, senior lawyer Rajeev Dhawan, who is representing one of the parties, pointed that Justice UU Lalit had appeared in a contempt case to the Ayodhya dispute. In this case, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh was sent to one-day jail. Dhawan said that though he did not have any objection, it was for Justice Lalit to take a call. Dhawan did regret bringing up this information to the courts notice but Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi underlined there was no need to be sorry as he is simply asserting a fact. Justice Lalit said he had appeared for one of the contemnors and offered to opt out of the case. Watch: PM Modi on Ayodhya ordinance - Let judicial process be over Harish Salve, who was appearing for Ram Lalla, said he completely supported Rajeev Dhawan, recalling that the contempt arose for the breach of orders passed in a writ petition as the then Chief Minister had failed to maintain status quo at the site. These are civil suits. I dont think it should be a problem, he said. The Chief Justice said it is not a question of anyone having a problem. The point is it was mentioned to us. So Justice Lalit is of the view that it wont be correct for him to participate, the CJI said. Dhawan also referred to what he described as speculation over the Chief Justice Gogois order to constitute a five-judge constitution bench by an administrative order when a Supreme Court bench headed by former CJI Dipak Misra had, in a judicial order, rejected a request to send the case to a five-judge bench. Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the Supreme Court rules provided for a Chief Justice of India nominating a bench keeping in mind the importance of the case. Therefore, to set up a constitution bench for hearing this dispute is in no way contrary to the earlier three-judge bench order that had declined to send the title suit to a larger bench, the bench said. Also read | 26 years on: Ayodhya residents recall the horrors of 1992 tragedy The case is pending before the apex court since 2010 when 14 cross-appeals were filed against the Allahabad high courts 2010 judgement dividing the 2.77 acre land equally among the three parties - the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara, a Hindu religious denomination, and Ram Lalla, or infant Ram, represented by the Hindu Mahasabha - for the construction of a Ram temple. The Supreme Court was originally supposed to hear the case in October, but deferred this to January, rejecting the Uttar Pradesh governments plea for speedy hearings with CJI Gogoi saying the court had its own priorities The postponement had led to demands from several right-wing groups affiliated to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party for a law or executive order to facilitate the building of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a recent interview that his government would wait for the courts to rule on the case. Taking up the case on January 4, a bench comprising CJI Ranjan Gogoi and justice SK Kaul, in a 10 second hearing that gave lawyers on both sides no opportunity to address the court, that a new three-judge bench which will be formed by the CJI before January 10 to hear the case and pass any further orders on the land dispute in Ayodhya. However, on Tuesday, CJI Gogoi announced the setting up of a five member bench, which also comprises justices SA Bobde, NV Ramana, UU Lalit and DY Chandrachud - all potentially the next four chief justices of India. The setting up of a five-judge bench is significant because last year, the Supreme Court rejected the demand of Muslim parties to refer the Ayodhya title dispute to larger bench. That demand came in the context of its own observations in an earlier judgement by five judges in the 1994 Ismail Faruqui case where it was held that a mosque is not an essential part of the practice of the religion of Islam and namaz by Muslims can be offered anywhere, even in the open. Also read | Only BJP can build Ram temple in Ayodhya, says UP CM Adityanath Muslim petitioners in the Ram Janmabhoomi case said that the Ayodhya title dispute could not be decided until that judgement was revisited. A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court in September ruled that the earlier observation was in the context of acquisition of land. It further stated that those observations were neither relevant for deciding for suits nor for these appeals. All parties in the case have welcomed the setting up of the new and larger bench. Advocate Ejaz Maqbool , appearing for one of the Muslim parties in the case, said, CJI has an exclusive jurisdiction to refer any matter to a larger bench. This is what we had argued earlier but the former CJI committed a grave error and rejected our demand. Moreover when issues of national ramification like Sabraimala and other cases can be heard by a five- judge bench why should the Babri case not be heard by a similar composition? Advocate Vishnu Jain of Hindu Mahasabha, one of the parties to the case, said: Even though the demand for referring the case to a larger bench was rejected earlier by the Supreme Court, the CJI has the exclusive power to set up benches in important matters. We will argue the matter before the five-judge bench and we are not into bench hunting. Constitutional expert and senior advocate Chander Uday Singh welcomed the CJIs move to set up a larger bench in light of the importance of the case. He said: Notwithstanding the earlier judicial pronouncements, the CJIs power to set up benches is absolutely sacrosanct. This is the legal position. The CJI has done the right thing. Hoping for an early resolution to the contentious matter , Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)?spokesperson Vinod Bansal said : (We) Hope the newly constituted five-judge constitutional bench of the Supreme Court headed by the CJI will be able to deliver its verdict on Ram Mandir soon, after day-to -day hearing of the case. You may also like | Ordinance for Ram temple? No, says Nitish Kumars JD (U) General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said that if a group of countries is engaging with the Taliban and India has an interest in Afghanistan, New Delhi cant be out of the bandwagon, but the army chief was quick to add that the same analogy doesnt apply to Jammu and Kashmir. Do we have interest in Afghanistan is the first issue? If the answer is yes, then you cant be out of the bandwagon. If you have interest, you step in, Rawat said at his customary press conference ahead of the Army Day on January 15. Our thinking is yes we have an interest. And if other countries are saying there should be talks, we should in some way also become a part, maybe directly or indirectly. But we should not be left out, Rawat had on Wednesday endorsed the option of dialogue with the Taliban provided there are no preconditions and the talks were aimed at bringing lasting peace and stability to Afghanistan. His remarks came against the backdrop of efforts by Pakistan, the US, Russia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table. On holding talks with separatists in Jammu and Kashmir, Rawat said there cant be one-size-fits-all approach. Dont look at one size fits all. Theres a group of nations that decided to talk to the Taliban and see if they can come to negotiating table. There is also a feeling in Afghanistan that things have improvedSo some nations have decided that lets start talking to the Taliban to see if they can also be brought in the system of governance and there can be lasting peace, he said. Watch: No gay sex in Army, says Army chief Bipin Rawat He said the same analogy cant be applied in Kashmir as it was a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, and there was no room for third party intervention. Come to the negotiating table and start talking. Shun the gun, give up violence and stop taking support from the western neighbour If all that happens who says talks cannot happen.We are saying talks and terror cannot go on together You have to see your national interest and take a line, Rawat said. You cannot keep killing security forces, abducting cops and say we are ready for talks. It is high time they have to take a callnot take a call at the behest of somebody who is forcing you into violence. Talks can only happen if they give up violence, he said. Rawats comments came a day after former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti wondered why the Centre was not initiating a dialogue with separatists in the state if the army chief could advocate holding talks with the Taliban. Rawat said the army was willing to slow down its operations in the Valley if there was a guarantee that convoys would not be attacked, security men will not be abducted and people going on leave would not be killed. The army chief said hostilities against India had not come down after a regime change in Pakistan and more than 300 terrorists were waiting along the border to infiltrate into the state. Rawat also said that the biggest exercise in independent Indias history to restructure the army would gain momentum in the coming months. The mammoth drill, based on four comprehensive studies led by the armys topmost generals, seeks to change the complexion and direction of the 1.2 million- strong force and transform it into a deadlier fighting machine prepared for future wars. Rawat said all the four studies had been completed and would be sent to the government by January-end. The concept of Integrated Battle Groups (IBG) will be tested in war games in February before we conduct actual exercises involving these new fighting units in May. We will then go to government for sanction, he said. Rawat said recommendations made by the government-appointed Lieutenant General DS Hooda panel on optimisation of the force were aligned to the armys four studies. He said the army was in talks with the Indian Air Force to figure out who should finally control attack helicopters that are to be inducted into the armed forces. Apache attack helicopter is a tank killer. So it needs to be with the armys strike formations, he said. Rawat said military ties with China had improved after the Wuhan talks. Humne bhangra bhi karwa diya, he said referring to Sikh and Chinese troops dancing together during a recent joint exercise in China. He said the army was also in discussions with the defence ministry to get better monetary benefits for genuinely disabled soldiers, as opposed to those suffering from lifestyle diseases. Rawat also said that soldiers in Kashmir would get new sniper rifles. The new rifles will come by January 20, he said. The rifles are being bought from funds under the Northern Army commanders special financial powers. The defence ministry has sought additional funds from the finance ministry to meet its expenses in the current financial year and also pay, at least in part, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) the dues that the Indian Air Force (IAF) owes it, government officials said on condition of anonymity. In addition, the defence ministry has advised state-owned HAL to use its reserves, about Rs 12,000 crore, officials in the ministry said on condition of anonymity. On Wednesday, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman met HAL chairman and managing director R Madhavan in New Delhi. A company builds reserves for these very reasons, a senior government official said. In the meeting on Wednesday, the government and HAL also discussed delivery schedules of aircraft and helicopters that HAL produces for the Indian Army, the Navy and the Air Force. HALs finances have come under scrutiny after the defence minister listed orders that had been given to the public sector company and which are in the works and will soon be given to the aircraft manufacturer. After it came to light that the company recently borrowed Rs 1,000 crore to pay salaries, questions have been asked about its financial health. The company itself has been in the news because the Congress has made it one of the centrepieces in its attack on the Rafale jet fighter deal. The party has alleged that the National Democratic Alliance replaced an old deal (negotiated by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance) to buy 126 Rafale fighters, 118 of which were to be made by HAL, with an outright purchase of 36 fighters so as to benefit Anil Ambanis Reliance Defence, which has entered into an offset deal with Rafale maker Dassault Aviation. It has claimed that the new deal was struck at a much higher price than the old one. The government has defended the deal, said it had actually paid less for the aircraft, and also clarified that it has nothing to do with offset deals between manufacturers and their partners in India. The Supreme Court recently ruled, in response to a petition seeking a probe into the deal, that it is convinced due process was followed in the deal and that it will not go into issues such as pricing. HAL, which was expected to supply 16 Tejas fighters to IAF by March this year, has so far delivered 11 and expects to meet its target. The meeting also discussed payments from the debtors. IAF, for instance, owes Rs 15,000 crore to HAL. According to a senior HAL executive who did not wish to be named, IAFs outstanding sum is expected to soar to Rs 20,000 crore by the end of this financial year (March 31, 2019). Madhavan did not respond to queries seeking comment. The company paid Rs 9,406 crore in three years 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18 to the government of India as dividends, to buy back its shares and as tax on buyback and dividend, according to the financial statements of the company and documents accessed by Hindustan Times. Over a five-year period, including 2013-14 and 2014-15, the number increased to Rs 11,024 crore. In addition, HAL paid dividends of Rs 755 crore, Rs 962 crore and Rs 1,294 crore (the amount includes dividend tax) in the three years ending 2017-18. Another showdown is looming between the ruling Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), this time for the post of deputy speaker of the Madhya Pradesh assembly. Both parties have fielded candidates for the post, which will be filled through an election on Thursday. Congress emerged winner in the first showdown on Tuesday when its legislator NP Prajapati was elected speaker of the MP assembly, with 120 members voting for him in the house of 230. The Congress has 114 and the BJP 109 members in the assembly, in which the former also enjoys the support of four independents, two Bahujan Samaj Party legislators and one Samajwadi Party MLA. For the post of deputy speaker, the ruling party has fielded Hina Kawre, MLA from Lanji, Balaghat district, and BJP has nominated Jagdish Devra, MLA from Malhargarh, Mandsaur district. Traditionally, through consensus, the post of the speaker has gone to ruling party and that of deputy speaker to Opposition. The Congress is accusing the BJP of breaking the tradition by fielding candidate for the post. Congress spokesperson Shobha Oza said, The BJP is to be blamed for breaking tradition (of leaving the deputy speakers post to the opposition) which was started by BJP chief minister Sunderlal Patwa in 1990... BJP candidate Jagdish Devra blamed the Congress. We will insist on secret voting and I appeal to all the MLAs to be guided by their conscience while voting, he said on the election. The BJPs electoral feats in the northeast in the past two and half years, which turned the party from an also-ran to the biggest in the region, could face its first major stumble in the upcoming Lok Sabha election, thanks to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016. The bill, which seeks to provide citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, Jains and Christians from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan was passed in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday and is expected to come up for a vote in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. In a region where the fear of the outsider especially illegal immigrants has been a dominant theme for past many decades, many feel if the bill is passed by Parliament it will lead to a sudden rush of Hindus from Bangladesh, who in turn would pose a threat to the indigenous communities. Several student bodies and civil society groups have been opposing the bill for months and on Tuesday the region came to a near standstill due to a shutdown called by North East Students Union (NESO) in protest against the legislation. Despite the strong sentiments on the ground the Bharatiya Janata Party decided to brazen it out and is pushing for passage of the bill barely months ahead of the general elections. That move could affect its aim to bag 21 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the region. At present the BJP is heading governments in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura and is part of the ruling coalition in Nagaland and Meghalaya. In 2014, the party had won eight seats in the northeastseven in Assam and one in Arunachal Pradesh. Right now the situation in the northeast is volatile. People are annoyed and aggrieved. If this mood continues till the elections, it could percolate down and have some adverse impact on BJPs fortunes in Assam and the other states of the region, said Dr Nani Gopal Mahanta, professor of political science in Gauhati University. The biggest setback could come from Assam where there are 14 Lok Sabha seats. On Monday, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) withdrew its support to the BJP-led government in the state and a former chief minister from the party even dared it to seek a fresh mandate. Our party had a pre-poll alliance with the BJP ahead of the 2016 assembly elections. The people voted for the alliance and it came to power. The BJP cant claim that it won on its own steam. Since we have left the alliance, they should seek a fresh mandate, said Prafulla Kumar Mahanta. Meghalaya chief minister and president of National Peoples Party (NPP) on Tuesday termed passing the bill in the Lok Sabha as unfortunate and gave an indication that his party could snap ties with the BJP over the issue. The NPP-led government, of which the BJP is also a part, had earlier passed a cabinet resolution opposing the Bill. The party is a constituent of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), a conglomerate of anti-Congress parties in the region. Meghalaya has two Lok Sabha seats. NPP, which has four MLAs in Manipur, is also part of the BJP-led government headed by N Biren Singh. In Tripura, the Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), which is a part of the BJP-led government, is also opposing the bill vehemently. The state also has two Lok Sabha seats. Mizorams ruling party Mizo National Front (MNF), which is also a part of NEDA, has also voiced its resentment against the bill and chief minister Zoramthanga extended full support to Tuesdays shutdown. The state has one Lok Sabha seat. In Nagaland, where the BJP is part of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) led government, the state cabinet on Tuesday resolved to urge the Centre to review and examine the bill to ensure that it is in consonance with provisions of the constitution. Arunachal Pradesh could witness simultaneous assembly polls along with the general election. This would be the first time the Pema Khandu-led government will face voters as BJP candidatesin 2014 Khandu and others from his cabinet had won on Congress tickets. Union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju, is a BJP MP from the state, which has two Lok Sabha seats. Two days after he was conditionally reinstated by the Supreme Court as director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Alok Verma was removed from the agency again by the high-powered selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of Indias nominee, justice AK Sikri, and the Leader of the single largest Opposition party, Mallikarjun Kharge. Government officials said on condition of anonymity that the committee felt that a detailed investigation, including criminal investigation, was necessary, in some cases While PM Narendra Modi and justice Sikri were in favour of Vermas removal from the agency, Kharge opposed this, and also submitted a dissent note. Verma, who was to retire on January 31, is the first CBI director to be removed by the committee before completing his two-year term. The Department of Personnel and Training issued a note on Vermas new role immediately director general, Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards. The same note announced M Nageswara Rao, made the interim director of the agency on the intervening night of October 23 and 24, when Verma was divested of his powers by the government, was back in charge of the agency. Rao, whose powers were curtailed by the Supreme Court during his previous stint as acting director pending the disposal of Vermas case, faces no such restrictions now. Rao took charge at 9pm on Thursday, an official order said. Watch: Alok Verma removed as CBI chief The fate of the 24 transfer orders signed by Verma over the last two days wasnt immediately clear, although it is certain that Rao will probably rescind all of them. In October, soon after Verma was divested of his powers, Rao transferred many of the directors key aides and associates in the agency, including some who were investigating the agencys special director Rakesh Asthana. The government divested Asthana of his powers, too, on the intervening night of October 23 and 24. Asthana and Verma were engaged in an internecine battle that roiled the agency and split it down the middle. In August, Asthana wrote to the cabinet secretary alleging that Verma was trying to influence investigations. On October 15, CBI filed a first information report (FIR) against Asthana alleging corruption. Verma moved the Supreme Court when he was divested of powers. The court asked the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to investigate the charges against him. The investigation was monitored by a retired Supreme Court judge. HT learns that the CVC report lists 10 charges against Verma of which it indicts him in five cases, says further investigation is needed in two, and lists three as unsubstantiated. Interestingly, Asthana sought the quashing of the FIR against him in the Delhi high court which will deliver a verdict on this at 2.15pm on Friday. Meanwhile, suspended deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Devender Kumar, who is out on bail after he was arrested over allegations of fabricating the statement of a witness in a case, approached the Delhi high court against Vermas decision to reverse the transfers of CBI officers. In the meeting of the selection committee, Kharge, according to people familiar with the matter, said the CVC report was not sacrosanct and that some parts of it were unsubstantiated, and that Verma should be given a fair hearing. According to these people, justice Sikri tried to convince Kharge. When this failed, Modi pointed to the seriousness of charges in the report and told Kharge that he was free to submit a dissent note. Also Read | Whats the tearing hurry: Rahul Gandhis jab at PM Modi over CBI chief In his six-page note, Kharge asked the government to order an independent investigation into the veracity of facts that if correct would establish the conspiracy at the highest levels of the Government with statutory authorities being found complicit. He added that the entire exercise was in furtherance of a premeditated decision to remove Alok Verma as CBI Director, with reasons and processes being manufactured as an afterthought. Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted after the selection committees decision to remove Verma: Fear is now rampaging through Mr Modis mind. He cant sleep. He stole 30,000Cr from the IAF and gave it to Anil Ambani. Sacking the CBI Chief #AlokVerma twice in a row, clearly shows that he is now a prisoner of his own lies. Satyamev Jayate. The government officials cited in the first instance said the panel was of the view that being the head of a very sensitive organisation, Verma was not functioning with the integrity expected of him. The panels decision was criticised by the Congress. Senior party leader Abhishek Singhvi questioned how Verma could be removed by the committee without a hearing. How committee decided without natural justice? Without calling Alok Verma for a hearing? How removed on mere allegations found in CVC report. CVC provided shoulder for govt to fire gun, completely compromising his office. SC judges in committee do not exercise judicial powers & are reviewable as any other decision Singhvi tweeted. Union minister Piyush Goyal hit back at the Congress, pointing out that Kharge had opposed Vermas appointment as CBI director in 2016. Indeed, Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge is a man of amazing consistency.When Shri Alok Verma was appointed CBI chief by the selection committee, he dissented. Now, when Shri Alok Verma has been removed by the same Selection Committee, he has dissented. A person close to Verma said that he was likely to go back to the Supreme Court, seeking redressal on two grounds: one, the CVC is biased against him; two, he wasnt given a hearing by the committee before it took a decision. But government officials, who asked not to be named, contended that the committee did not need to hear Verma at all since both the CVC report and his rebuttal were considered by the panel before it decided to remove him. Read: Back in charge of CBI, Alok Verma scraps transfer orders of interim director CBI director Alok Verma carried out a second round of transfers in the investigating agency on Thursday, this one involving six officials. But the CBI director has decided against handing back the probe against his deputy Rakesh Asthana back to officials such as AK Sharma and Manish Kumar Sinha who were seen to be close to Alok Verma. Officials said Verma had decided to continue with the team constituted to supervise the probe into a corruption case against Asthana. The officers covered by the fresh transfer orders are joint directors Ajay Bhatnagar and Murugesan, Deputy Inspectors General MK Sinha and Tarun Gauba and additional director AK Sharma. The status of Dy SP AK Bassi and Additional SP SS Gurm is not clear yet News of the five transfer orders came hours after deputy superintendent of police Devender Sharma approached the Delhi High Court to challenge 12 transfers ordered by Verma. Alok Verma had taken on the government after he was, past midnight on October 23, ordered him and his deputy Rakesh Asthana to go on leave. Instead, the government brought in M Nageshwar Rao as an acting director who sent out officials seen to have Vermas trust. Many of them challenged their transfer orders in the Delhi High Court, which has reserved its verdict. Opinion | The SC judgment is a good starting point to remake CBI Alok Verma too moved the Supreme Court against the government stripping him of his charge. He was reinstated yesterday on the top courts directive, nearly after 77 days of forced leave. Also Read | Back in charge of CBI, Alok Verma scraps transfer orders of interim director Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana had been engaged in an internecine battle that roiled the agency and almost split it down the middle. The government had cited this rivalry to defend its decision to send both officers on leave. Vermas two-year tenure ends three weeks later, on 31 January. He has, however, been banned from taking major policy decisions by the Supreme Court till a committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which also comprises a nominee of the Chief Justice of India and the Congresss Mallikarjun Kharge clears him of corruption allegations. The Supreme Court, which had reviewed a probe report filed by the Central Vigilance Commission, had earlier said there were portions of the inquiry report that were not so complimentary to Alok Verma. WATCH: Congress says CVC has lost credibility after the order on Alok Verma It is in this context that the Congress sees the governments decision to quickly convene a meeting of the PM-led committee. This committee, which is to decide Alok Vermas fate, is holding its second meeting in two days. Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma has demanded that the Central Vigilance Commissioner KV Chowdary quit, given how the court verdict had exposed the CVCs bias. In a tweet, Congress president Rahul Gandhi had earlier linked what he described as the governments tearing hurry to fire Alok Verma and wondered if it was linked to concerns that he would probe the Rafale deal. Read more| Alok Vermas order scrapping transfers by interim CBI chief challenged The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on Thursday pointed out irregularities worth Rs 376 crore in the water resources department and worth Rs 113 crore in the tribal affairs department, apart from inadequacies in functioning of other departments. The reports, cover functioning of the state government between 2012 and March 31, 2017, were tabled in the state assembly on Thursday. The CAG reports are examined by the Public Accounts Committee of the assembly, which is normally headed by an opposition legislator. If that happens, PAC will be headed by a lawmaker of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which was in power during the period of CAGs examination of the state finances. In the Water Resources Departments Pench diversion project for creating irrigation potential, the CAG said there were irregular payments of Rs 263.38 crore, avoidable extra cost of Rs 46.43 crore on works and undue advantage of Rs 113.97 crore to contractors. Detailing irregularities, the report said, departmental officers violated provisions of the MPWD (Madhya Pradesh Works Department) manual. Technical sanction was granted without detailed surveys and investigation, which led to inflated estimation of the project. The payments were made to turnkey contractors without recording detailed measurement. Prescribed records for internal control and monitoring of works were not maintained. The provision of agreement was also unauthorisedly revised in favour of contractors. Instances of non-adherence to agreement clauses and provisions of schedule of rates were also not noticed, the report alleged. Despite all these irregularities, the report said the irrigation potential of only 30,000 hectare could be created under the project against the envisaged potential of 85,000 hectare. Despite this time extensions were granted to contractors without imposing penalties of Rs 41.35 crore. As per the report, construction of Pench diversion project which was taken up in 1987-88 and had several extensions was still behind schedule. Total cost of the project was Rs 1735 crore in 2013, which the CAG said, had increased because of delays. On construction of the Omkareshwar Sagar (canal) project, the report said, the envisaged irrigation potential of 1.47 lakh hectare by March 2017 could not be created due to slow progress in canal works in the years 2015-16 and 2016-17. On other irrigation projects of department including Water Resources, PWD and Narmada Valley Development Authority the report said there were 242 incomplete projects valued at Rs 9557.16 crore with cost overrun of Rs 4800.14 crore. The CAG also pointed out financial irregularities in the functioning of tribals affairs department saying the Commissioner Tribal Development department furnished fictitious utilisation certificates of Rs113.84 crore in respect of grants-in-aid received from government of India during 2012-13 to 2016-17. During this period, the report said, state government incurred Rs 2686.12 crore on functioning of residential schools and hostels for scheduled tribes but the infrastructure created was deficient. Minister for medical education Vijayalaxmi Sadho said, If CAG reports have pointed out irregularities these need to be inquired into. State BJP spokesperson Rajneesh Agrawal said, CAG report doesnt necessarily mean corruption... Three-time Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Thursday became the state Congress chief, making a political comeback at the age of 80 to try and revive the partys fortunes in the battle for the Capitals seven Lok Sabha seats in the upcoming general elections. Haroon Yusuf, a former minister in the Dikshit government, Devender Yadav and Rajesh Lilothia, both two-time state legislators and presently All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretaries, were appointed working presidents of the Delhi unit to aid her in the effort. PC Chacko, AICC in-charge of Delhi, made the announcements. Dikshit replaces Ajay Maken, who cited health reasons and resigned on January 4 from the post of state Congress president he held for four years. In her first remark after her appointment, Dikshit said that her first priority will be to keep the Delhi unit of the party together and chalk out a plan for the Lok Sabha elections. Im honoured that the party has given me the opportunity. My first priority will be to talk to all factions and keep the flock together. Ill meet the party workers at the booth level to chalk out a plan for the Lok Sabha elections, Dikshit, who held the same post for a brief duration in 1998, told HT. Dikshit was the longest-reigning chief minister of Delhi, serving for 15 years from 1998 to 2013, when the advent of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ended Congresss rule. The Congress then propped up an AAP government that lasted 49 days before chief minister Arvind Kejriwal resigned following his failure to introduce a bill for appointing an anti-corruption ombudsman, Jan Lokpal. The Congress failed to win a single Lok Sabha seat from the Capital in the 2014 general elections, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) grabbing all seven, and could not win a single seat in the 2015 assembly elections, which the AAP won by a landslide . When asked about the possibility of an alliance with AAP in Delhi in the coming Lok Sabha elections, Dikshit said: It is for the party high-command to decide. Chacko downplayed the talk of an alliance and said the Congress was strong enough to fight the elections on its own. This is only about the appointments of the Delhi Congress president and working presidentsThere is no question of discussion till now about alliance of Congress party with any other party [in Delhi]. The Congress in Delhi is strong enough to fight on its own. We are fully prepared and fully ready to face 2019 elections on our own. Maken congratulated Dikshit and said under her leadership the Congress party would play the role of a powerful Opposition against the Centre and the state government. Congratulations and well wishes to Sheila Dikshit on being appointed as president of Delhi Congress. I had the opportunity to work and learn under her as a parliamentary secretary and as a cabinet minister. I believe under her leadership we will play the role of a powerful opposition against Modi+Kejriwal governments, Maken tweeted. But Congress leaders said the party has its work cut out before the elections. The three working presidents will play a key role in galvanising the support of key sections of the electorate, especially Muslims, Dalits and young voters. Yusuf, 60, a four-time MLA from Ballimaran, had been a minister in the Dikshit government since 1998 and handled key portfolios such as power, transport, food and civil supplies, industries and revenue. He is the partys prominent Muslim face in Delhi. Yadav, 46, and Lilothia, 49, are both two-time MLAs, from Badli and Patel Nagar, respectively, and are relatively young. They will both play a key role in garnering the support of young voters, who sided with the AAP in 2015, a party leader said on condition of anonymity. Lilothia is a scheduled caste member. Muslims and scheduled castes had been a key vote bank of the Congress until it lost power. Since its 2015 debacle, the party has been trying to win back its support base. Congress leaders say that the partys vote share increased from 9% in the 2015 assembly elections to 26% in the municipal elections in 2017. SC to deal with unclear translations The Supreme Court also has to deal with unclear translations. The documents, written in Hindi, Awadhi, Gurmukhi, Persian and Urdu had to be translated into English but the registrar generals report to the bench said the translation were not clear and parties to the case had raised objections. Read: In Ayodhya case, over 30,000 pages, Awadhi and Persian scripts, videos New SC bench to go through 30K pages of witness deposition, earlier court orders The new Supreme Court bench has a daunting task of trawling through reams of evidence, deposition of witnesses and thousands of documents. The judges will be presented with deposition of 88 witnesses, running into 13,886 pages, other than 257 related documents and video tapes. The earlier court orders run into 4,304 printed pages and 8,533 typed pages. Read: In Ayodhya case, over 30,000 pages, Awadhi and Persian scripts, videos Objection about absence of Muslim judge disturbing: VHP Objections by two members of the Muslim Personal Law Board about the absence of any Muslim judge on the bench is disturbing. It would be a very sad day when judges would be assigned to hear matters on the basis of their religion. The attempt of forum shopping is to be condemned, Alok Kumar, International Working President, VHP, said in a statement. Court should decide matter without undue delay: VHP Under the circumstances, an adjournment from January 10 to January 29 is rather long. Hindus are known for their patience and forbearance. The judicial system still has the responsibility of deciding the matters without undue delays. The country hopes the CJI acts decisively to prevent the delaying tactics of the opposite party: Alok Kumar, International Working President, VHP Justice Lalit never appeared in Ram Janmabhoomi matters: VHP The other objection on Justice Lalit being on the bench is painful. Justice Lalit has never appeared in the Ram Janmabhoomi matters; neither at the trial stage nor in the appeal. His being Counsel of Kalyan Singh in 1997 in the contempt matter casts no shadow on his hearing the present appeals. The objections were merely ploys to delay further: Alok Kumar, International Working President, VHP Apprehension about adjournment true: VHP Our apprehensions that the opposite party shall raise any frivolous issue to secure an adjournment have come true. The objection that a judicial order should have been passed for the constitution of a five-judge bench is apparently frivolous, for it is settled that the CJI is the master of roster: Alok Kumar, International Working President, VHP Right-wing groups demand executive order for Ram temple The postponement of hearing had led to demands from several right-wing groups for a law or executive order to facilitate building of a Ram temple at the disputed site. PM Narendra Modi said in a recent interview that his government would wait for the court to rule on the case. Supreme Court originally supposed to hear case in October The Supreme Court was originally supposed to hear the case in October, but deferred it to January, rejecting the Uttar Pradesh governments plea for speedy hearings with CJI Ranjan Gogoi saying the court has its own priorities. Harish Salve supports Rajeev Dhawan Harish Salve, appearing for a Hindu party, says he supports Rajeev Dhawan. He says the contempt arose for breach of orders passed in a writ petition as then UP CM had failed to maintain status quo at the site. Contempt proceedings against Kalyan Singh for not maintaining status quo at disputed site Justice Lalit had appeared in 1997 for Kalyan Singh, then UP chief minister, after contempt proceedings were initiated against him for not maintaining status quo at the disputed site. Justice Lalit appeared for Kalyan Singh in 1997 Before the court could decide on the next date and schedule, senior lawyer Rajeev Dhawan, who is representing one of the parties, said that in an earlier related case heard in 1997, Justice Lalit had appeared for Kalyan Singh. Todays hearing was to fix schedule Early in the hearing, the CJI said that todays date was not fixed for hearing but to work out a date and schedule for the hearing. Supreme Court to hear Ayodhya case on January 29 Supreme Court to hear Ayodhya case on January 29. New bench to be constituted before next hearing. Justice Lalit opts out of hearing Ayodhya case Justice UU Lalit, one of the five judges of the Supreme Court constitution bench hearing the Ayodhya case, offers to opt out after a lawyer pointed out that he had represented one of the parties nearly two decades ago. The community rooms of the police stations will be open from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. each night. All locations have water and restrooms. But medical care in not available and pets are not allowed, though accommodations can be made for service animals. Assam police have slapped sedition charges against three people who spoke at a public meeting held in Guwahati on January 7 opposing the citizenship bill, a senior official said on Thursday. Well-known public intellectual Hiren Gohain, Akhil Gogoi, who leads peasants rights organisation Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, and Manjit Mahanta have been named in the first information report. Mahanta is the convenor of the Forum Against Citizenship Act Amendment Bill. We have registered a case under sections 120 (B), 121, 123, 124 (A) at the Latasil Police station, Guwahati commissioner of police Deepak Kumar confirmed. The meeting was held without permission. We are investigating it, he said. Upen Kalita, the officer in charge at Latasil police station and the complainant in the case, said police have video footage of the public meeting and they have registered a case based on that evidence. Others present in the meeting are also under the ambit of the probe. Interestingly, Assams former director general of police Harekrishna Deka was also present at the meeting. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, seeks to provide citizenship to minorities, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, Jains and Christians from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. It was passed in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday and is pending in Rajya Sabha. In a region where the fear of the outsider, especially illegal immigrants, has been a dominant theme for the past many decades, many feel if the bill is passed by Parliament, it will lead to a sudden rush of Hindus from Bangladesh, who in turn would pose a threat to the indigenous communities. Several student bodies and civil society groups have been opposing the bill for months. Also read: Citizenship bill could hurt BJPs 2019 prospects in northeast The meeting held at the Guwahati club area of the city was attended by former Assam chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta among others where protestors raised black flags. This is a desperate measure by a cornered government, said Gohain. Also read: Quota, citizenship bills wont trample on anyones rights, assures PM Narendra Modi In response to Akhil Gogois statement where he called for the independence of Assam in view of Centres neglect of Assams legitimate demands, I explained that this issue of independence could arise only if and when all other democratic avenues for fulfilling Assams demands are exhausted, Gohain said. And the state and other political organisations reject these democratic demands, he said, adding he has always opposed secessionist thinking. Gohain said he had to stand up thrice during the course of meeting to set things right. These people, instead of lodging a case should applaud me, he said. Gogoi was not immediately available for comment. On the sidelines of the January 7 meeting, Gogoi told Hindustan Times, We have explored all other ways of protest. The only way left is to demand sovereignty. The six communities from Assam, which will be granted the status of Scheduled Tribe, are sceptical about the implementation of the Centres decision as they questioned the timing of the announcement. The existing ST groups, meanwhile, have threatened an agitation protesting the decision, and have given a call for a shutdown in Assam on January 11. Home minister Rajnath Singh had announced Chutiya, Moron, Muttock, Tai Ahom, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes will be accorded the ST status after the Union Cabinet gave its nod. A bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. I want to assure that while giving ST status to these six communities, it will be ensured that interests, rights and privileges of the existing ST groups are fully protected, Singh said while speaking in the Upper House on the situation in Assam. The Centre had appointed a committee in 2016 to discuss the modalities of the ST reservation to these groups. The committee submitted a favourable report in December, said Pallab Bhattacharyya, Assams director general of police and one of the members of the panel. Leaders of several students union questioned the BJPs motive behind the decision ahead of the general elections this year in the state and said they will wait and watch. Reservation is our legal right. We will only be happy once it has legal sanction and is implemented. The BJP has been promising this before every election and these six communities voted overwhelmingly for the BJP, Arupjyoti Moran, the president of All Assam Moran Students Union, said. Why are they doing it on the last day of Parliament session? he asked. Let us see if they pass it in Parliament. It also depends on whether our demands of equal status to existing ST groups and same political and other rights in Sixth Schedule areas are taken care of, said Hitesh Barman, the chief advisor of the All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Students Union. In a memorandum to Prime Minister Modi on January 5, the groups opposing the move said it will destroy the existing Scheduled Tribes of Assam. Aditya Khaklari of the Coordination Committee of the Tribal Organisations of Assam said the decision to grant ST status to the six groups was not acceptable to them. The committee is a body which represents the existing ST groups including the Bodos, Karbis, Rabhas, Sonowal Kacharis, Hajongs, Dimasas among others. We voted overwhelmingly for the BJP. Now the party will face the same fate it did in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh if they implement this move, Khaklari said. They are also going to demand that the Bodo Peoples Front which has 12 MLAs withdraw from the BJP-led state government. Meanwhile, Khaklari, Moran and Barman also said their organisations are opposed to the Centres move to bring in the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and demanded that the proposed legislation be scrapped. This move is nothing but a pre-poll gimmick. They are doing it just because they have introduced the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, said Prabal Neog, a pro-talk ULFA leader. Neog is from the Moran community which has a substantial representation even among the cadres of ULFA(I), the banned faction. But this move will not stop agitation. Assamese will not accept this terms and conditions game that you accept Bangladeshi infiltrators and we will give you ST status, Neog said. The Indian Army said it rescued hundreds of tourists from Lachung Valley in north Sikkim on Wednesday night, just 12 days after it carried out the biggest rescue operation in the state after heavy snowfall stranded more than 3,000 tourists in the Nathula area. In yet another swift humanitarian operation, Indian Army rescued over 150 stranded tourists amidst heavy snowfall in North Sikkim, saving precious lives in sub-zero temperatures, Colonel SJ Tiwari said in a statement. The army soldiers reached out to the stranded tourists, most of them from West Bengal, in just four hours. A woman with a fractured hand was given immediate medical care among many others who complained of dizziness, breathlessness and other high altitude related symptoms, said the army statement. The tourists were provided food, shelter and medical care at the armys camps. We had never seen such a snowfall in our life and the army rescued us when we had lost our hope, a tourist, whose wife suffered a hand fracture, said. Also read: Darjeeling, Gangtok receive snowfall after a decade; tourists stranded in Nathula North Sikkim district collector Karma R Bonpo said the snowfall on Wednesday was unprecedented and cut off the popular tourist destinations in Lachung Valley in a span of two hours. The continuous snowfall sent temperatures crashing below minus 10 degrees Celsius. Roads above places like Lachung and Lachen are still closed and the army and the civil administration joined the rescue operation, Bonpo said. On Thursday, tourists would not be allowed to move further North from Lachen and Lachung, he said. Though many of the rescued tourists were brought down to places like Gangtok, 42 of them were still with the army till Thursday morning. Vehicles carrying them were stuck because of the snow and the army may keep them for some more time. On December 28, the army evacuated more than 3,000 stranded tourists from Nathula area above 13,000 ft in the biggest ever rescue operation carried out in Sikkim. They were brought down to 9,000 ft where they spent a night in barracks vacated by the soldiers. The embarrassed organisers of Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan has decided to invite a farm widow to inaugurate the three-day conference that will begin from Friday at drought-hit Yavatmal. Dr Ramakant Kolte, executive president of the 92nd edition of the Marathi literary meet, informed that the decision was taken in a meeting held at Yavatmal Thursday. Earlier, the organisers unceremoniously withdrew invite to writer Nayantara Sahgal to inaugurate the event. This triggered a controversy and nationwide criticism. Several people, including a local Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader, objected to her presence at the conference, citing that she is an English writer. Vaishali Yede, 28, of Rajur village in the Yavatmal district, who will inaugurate the event, is a distressed farm widow, living with two sons. I was aged 19 when I got married into a family of 14 people. We all worked on the farm, but my husband killed himself over debts in 2011. My son was five and I was pregnant when we lost him, she says. Congress president Rahul Gandhi who has been under attack for his comments attacking defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman found support from actor Prakash Raj on Thursday. The actor, a vocal critic of the NDA government, hinted that the Congress chiefs statement has been misconstrued. He (Rahul Gandhi) is not against women, he has also appointed a transgender representative in important position. Why do you want to look at his statement in only one way? Isnt it true that PM Modi has not answered (Rafale questions) and has not been in Parliament, said Prakash Raj. Rahul Gandhi had alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ran away from the Rafale debate in Parliament last week and instead fielded a woman, Indias first woman defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman, to defend him. WATCH: PM Modi versus Rahul Gandhi on Sitharamans Rafale defence Janta ki adalat se ek 56-inch ki chaati wala chowkidaar bhag gaya aur ek mahila se kehta hain Sitharamanji, aap meri raksha kijiye... [The watchman with 56-inch chest fled from the court of the people and told a woman, Sitharamanji, you save me], the Congress chief had said. Modi hit back at Gandhi for his comments and said they were an insult to Indias womens power. They are bent upon insulting a woman defence minister. This is not an insult to a woman, but an insult to entire Indias womens power, for which these irresponsible leaders will have to pay the price, the PM said. Rahul Gandhi was served with a notice by the National Commission of Women on Thursday for what it called a misogynist and offensive comment. Actor Prakash Raj had recently announced that he would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday. He met the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief at his official residence in the Civil Lines. Last week, Raj had said that he would be contesting the upcoming general elections from the Bengaluru Central constituency as an independent candidate. Met delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal thanked him and @AamAadmiParty for the support in my political journey. Discussed and requested to share various ways to address issues which his team has commendably done...#bengalurucentral #citizensvoice in parliament #justasking in parliament too (sic), Raj tweeted after the meeting. The AAP has also extended support, saying all good people should come into politics. The legislation to grant 10% reservation in government jobs and higher education to members of economically weaker sections, including upper castes cleared by both Houses of Parliament this week was challenged in a public interest litigation (PIL) filed before the Supreme Court on Thursday. The petition challenging the Constitution (103rd) Amendment Act was filed by a non-profit, Youth for Equality, which has in the past opposed caste-based quota reservations. It contends that the amendment alters the basic structure of the Constitution and annuls previous binding judgments of the top court. Headline: 10% quota for poor: Heres who will benefit from it The legislation got Parliaments approval on Wednesday even as leaders from Opposition parties questioned the Union governments haste in pushing the bill through just months ahead of the 2019 general election. In the Rajya Sabha, Congress leader Kapil Sibal accused the government of bringing the bill at a time when more jobs were being lost than created in the country and warned that it would face major hurdles going forward. Extensively quoting a Supreme Court order by a nine-judge bench in 1992 Sawhney case, the petition contends that economic criterion cannot be the only basis of reservation. Such an Amendment is hence, vulnerable and ought to be struck down as it merely negates a binding judgement, says the PIL. Also Read | In a Parliament question, a hint about governments last-minute quota plan The petition also argues that the amendment that gives quota benefits in addition to the existing reservations to members of the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities, breaches a 50% cap fixed by the top court in the M Nagaraj case in 2006. The government has said that the amendment will withstand legal scrutiny. Speaking in the Lok Sabha during a debate on the bill on Tuesday, finance minister Arun Jaitley said the apex court had stated that the rule of 50% [cap on reservations] applies only to reservation for backward classes... This bill is for social and economic justice. The petition filed on Thursday further says that confining the 10% quota to the general category negates the equality code, which is one of the basic tenets of the Constitution. By way of the present amendments, the exclusion of OBCs and the SCs/STs from the scope of the economic reservation essentially implies that only those who are poor from the general categories would avail the benefits of the quotas, reads the petition, arguing that such a reservation ensures that the elite in the OBCs and SCs/STs capture the reservation benefits repeatedly, while poor sections of these categories remain completely deprived. Also Read | 10% quota for economically weaker sections, a muddled thinking, says Amartya Sen The fourth ground on which the petitioner has assailed the amendment is that it imposes reservation in private unaided educational institutions, which, it says, has been clearly barred by the top court through two judgments. The amendment, which was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, adds new clauses to Article 15 which prohibits discrimination on the ground of religion, race, caste, sex and place of birth and Article 16 which provides equal opportunity in matters of public employment. The proposed Article 15(6) enables a special reservation provisions for EWS citizens in educational institutions, including private unaided institutions and Article 16 (6) enables provisions for reservation in jobs. While the bill saw overwhelming support from all parties, cutting across political lines, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government faced some criticism over the haste with which it brought in the legislation, just months before the Lok Sabha elections. The Samajwadi Party(SP)-Bhaujan Samaj Party (BSP) alliance in Uttar Pradesh (UP) could alter the nature of the 2019 election. It is not hard to see why. The road to Delhi, as the cliche goes, lies though Lucknow. By winning 71 of the 80 seats on its own, and 73 with allies, the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) sweep in 2014 has a lot to do with its success in the state. A substantial dip here will diminish the BJPs prospects and alter the arithmetic of the next Lok Sabha. But what has driven the alliance, what are its possibilities, what are the challenges ahead for both Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati, and where does the Congress fit in? Once again, it is easy to grasp that the sheer logic of political survival has brought the erstwhile rivals in UP together. Ms Mayawati has now lost three consecutive elections two in the state (2012 and 2017) and the last Lok Sabha polls (2014). Mr Yadav suffered a tremendous blow in both 2014 and 2017. Both recognised that the anti-BJP votes were getting fragmented between them and the continuous squabble with each other could lead to political extinction. By tentatively allying together in the bypolls of 2017, the SP-BSP smelled blood and recognised the potential of their partnership. The pressure from below also pushed them together. Mr Yadavs decision to be respectful of Ms Mayawatis seniority and stature has helped too. The alliance could unite three powerful social groups Yadavs, Jatavs and Muslims on one side. Many were sceptical if SP votes will get transferred to the BSP and vice versa. The Phulpur and Gorakhpur wins show that Dalit votes are indeed getting transferred to the SP; anecdotal evidence suggests that the Yadavs may be willing to shed their old bitterness and disdain and vote for the BSP too. The alliance vote share will spike if this holds true, and the BJP will need to consolidate all other Hindu social groups behind it to be in the reckoning. That is a tall order. The Congress was seen as a possible partner in this alliance. But its weak presence in the state meant that neither the BSP nor the SP was willing to concede to the grand old party more than a few seats. The alliance also seems to have calculated that the Congress, by contesting alone, could well split the BJPs upper caste votes. But the risk here for the alliance is if Muslims end up fragmenting between the two non-BJP formations. More importantly, politics is not just arithmetic. To offset Narendra Modis presidential style campaign, the SP-BSP alliance will need to tell UPs electorate a better story of why voting for it will lead to a better government in Delhi. But they begin with a numerical edge. A dog may be a mans best friend, but the cow is actually it for old people thats the message from Delhis development minister Gopal Rai , who said on Wednesday that the state government is modernising a cattle shelter in South-West Delhis Ghummanhera and adding an old-age home to the facility where cows and senior citizens will co-exist, taking care of each other. Rai was speaking during the release of Delhis draft Animal Health and Welfare Policy, 2018, a first for the state. The cow-shelter-and-old-age-home isnt part of the policy, special development commissioner Kuldeep Singh Gangar clarified, but an experimental one. Theres another experimental project injecting chips in animals to facilitate their identification. There is a big crisis of identification of animals in Delhi, be it pet animals or strays. We plan to inject pets with microchips which will help us rescue lost or abandoned animals, Rai said, adding that the government plans to change the name of the animal husbandry department to department of animal health and welfare. The policy also includes so-called cow hostels where cattle owners will get to keep their animals, perhaps even rear them there, all for a small fee. Animal rights activist Gauri Maulekhi, who is also an adviser to Union minister Maneka Gandhi, however, called the move odd. The policy has several loopholes as the main implementing agencies are the municipal corporations, said Maulekhi. The concept of cow hostels doesnt make any sense as there is no limit as to how long an owner will be able to keep his cattle. These hostels will be no different from the existing dairies which are already in a mess, she added. Responding to questions on how the policy will be implemented, minister Rai said the government is going to hold more consultations with the Municipal Corporations of Delhi and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which is the primary land owning agency in the national capital. The policy also recommends controlling the population of monkeys through birth control (monkeys are a menace in many parts of the capital), and mandates 24x7 veterinary services. It also aims to make Delhi free of rabies without setting any timeline for the goal. A veterinary hospital that will be operational round the clock will be inaugurated at Tis Hazari on January 16. Apart from this, the government will increase the number of veterinary hospitals in Delhi from 76 (existing) to 272 one in each ward, the minister said. Delhi isnt the first state to focus on cows. In recent weeks and months, several states have announced new policies aimed at bettering the lot of cows, considered holy in India. In Madhya Pradesh, in September , then chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced the creation of a cow ministry. More recently, in the run-up to elections in the state, Congress leader and current chief minister Kamal Nath promised a cow shelter in every panchayat of the state. Uttar Pradesh recently announced a cess that will be used to take care of abandoned and old cows. Rai too cited the old and the abandoned at Wednesdays event. When a cow dries up, people leave her and she ends up in a gaushala (cow shelter). Similarly, humans too are abandoned and sent to old age homes, even by rich families. So, we have decided that the unit in Ghummanhera will be a joint gaushala and old-age home, he riffed. Experts appreciated Delhis pro-activeness in framing a policy for animals in the city, but said the government may have gone a bit too far with its plan of introducing a cowshed-cum-old-age home. The expectation is that the senior citizens who live in this set-up will look after the cows kept in the cowshed. The government claims it will not only be an engagement for the elderly, but will also reduce its need for deploying staff for the cows. This is outright unethical because the government will be using the senior citizens living there for their labour, said Sonya Ghosh, an animal rights activist who was part of the consultation meeting for the policy organised by the animal husbandry department of the Delhi government. A city thats green and encourages biodiversity, is child-friendly, safe for women to commute and walk in, and has plans and systems in place to meet its housing, water and waste disposal needs thats what the Capital aims to be as it gets to work on the Master Plan of Delhi-2041. The objectives are clear, but getting there wont be easy. For the first time, the citys development plan will have provisions to monitor its implementation on the ground with details of how their suggestions should be implemented in specific areas. To this end, National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), an autonomous research and advisory body under the ministry of housing and urban affairs, is gathering baseline information and is in talks with the Delhi government and agencies, including the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Police and the citys municipal corporations. The aim to is to identify the gaps and work out ways to plug them. We want to have inputs from various stakeholders before we start the planning process. We will complete the baselining work by April-May. This information is crucial to identify the gaps in services and policies. We will be able to address the gaps in the new master plan. It will also help in measuring the progress over the years, said Jagan Shah, director of NIUA. One of the main reasons for the poor implementation of the present master plan, which is valid until 2021, is the scant data available to assess its progress over the years, experts said. NIUA officials say they are now adopting a bottom-up approach towards preparing the new master plan, which will come into effect in 2021. For instance, the present master plan broadly talks about the status of land (forest, developed and undeveloped) in the city, but there is no detailed data available about how much land is occupied by slums, unauthorised colonies, planned residential and commercial areas, and how much is lying vacant. This has led to encroachments going unchecked. In the new Master Plan, all the slums, unauthorised colonies, resettlement colonies, vacant and plotted land, will be mapped. NIUA officials say this exact data will help in planning development projects in the future and ensure proper utilisation of land For effective implementation of MPD-2041, NIUA will help the local bodies develop local area plans (LAP), which, experts say, are critical. This was one of the key suggestions made by urban planners at the School of Planning and Architecture. Apart from the need for a participatory approach, we have suggested them ways to use technical data, projectise the plan and also prepare local areas plans, said Sanjukkta Bhaduri, professor of urban planning and dean (research) at the School of Planning and Architecture. LAPs are crucial for the successful implementation of the master plan, she said. NIUA is collecting data broadly on nine areas: economy/employment; environment; heritage; land; housing; social sectors; solid waste management; transport; and water. The institute has held focus group discussions with public health experts, urban planners, and environment experts, among others. In the coming days, it plans to talk to street vendors and people employed in the informal sector, resident welfare associations and groups that work with the disabled, among others. Efforts are being made to address issues related to inadequate child-friendly infrastructure, especially near schools and residential colonies, NIUA members said . In a meeting with NIUA, the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) suggested planning of integrated child services centres to cater to the needs of children of different age groups and social and economic backgrounds. The idea is to shift the focus to planning and providing child-friendly infrastructure and services at the ward level. An integrated child care centre offering services such as counselling must be planned and established in every municipal ward to cater to all groups of children, said Ramesh Negi, chairman of DCPCR. The state of physical infrastructure for children in the city of 19 million people is dismal, said Negi. The city has few green spaces and open areas and lacks a sufficient number of day care centres such as anganwadis. The ones it has havent been planned keeping in mind the needs of the large population in the 0-18 years age group, he said. Kanak Tiwari, project coordinator of MPD-2041 and head of the child-friendly smart cities project at NIUA, said: The study is mainly based on secondary research but some on-ground surveys were done, including that of mapping the number of schools across Delhi, and the number of fire stations in the proximity of each of these institutions. This is because fire stations are the first response unit in case of an emergency. NIUA is also looking at making the city, especially residential areas and markets, walkable in a bid to make them safe for children and women. The agency will hold consultation with non-government organisations like Safetipin, which provides technology solutions to make cities safer for women and others. Dark spots need to be fixed, said Kalpana Vishwanath, chief executive officer, Safetipin. For instance, Dhaula Kuan is an important intersection, but gets desolate and dark after dusk; needs to be worked upon, Vishwanath said. Among other focus areas are expanding the citys green cover, measures to curbing dust pollution, development of the Yamuna river banks and floodplains, and fixing a potential water crisis staring at the Capital because of depleting groundwater levels. Delhi Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik on Wednesday blamed the migrant population and the ambitions and frustrations of youngsters as the reason for the 6% increase in the annual crime rate in 2018 compared to 2017. When youngsters living in underprivileged clusters located next to the affluent neighbourhoods see the rich people leading a comfortable life, they have ambitions of getting rich quickly. So, they are taking to street crimes like snatching and robberies, said Patnaik, while releasing the annual crime statistics for 2018 on Wednesday. There is a relentless churning of youths ambitions, often giving rise to frustrations. The socio-economic disparities between the rich and the poor are giving rise to criminals, said Patnaik, adding that the social structures were loosening and families were losing control over youngsters. Patnaik, speaking at a news conference at the NDMC convention centre, took over the mike from his colleague to make the point and said polices analysis of crimes has pointed to these factors. A total of 2,36,476 cases were registered in 2018, with an increase in the number of murders (3.25%) and thefts (7.7%), particularly of vehicles (12.98%), even as street crimes such as robberies and snatching came down compared to the previous year. Patnaik, however, said that his force was able to control the heinous crimes such as dacoity, attempt to murder, robberies, rioting and rapes, which showed an overall decline of 11.72% compared to the previous year. The police also claimed to have solved nearly 36% of all crimes, a 2% increase compared to 2017. The top cop also blamed drugs, illicit alcohol and illegal firearms as significant contributing factors to the rise in crime, and said these factors had been acted upon. The recovery of illegal weapons rose by 38%, heroin by 281% and illicit liquor by 4%, the crime data shows. While burglaries declined by 59%, thefts of vehicles and other items continued to trouble the public as well as the police through the year. With 121 vehicles being stolen every day on an average, the crime accounted for nearly one in every five offences reported last year. The police claimed to have cracked nearly 20% of vehicle thefts, but didnt share the data on how many stolen automobiles were recovered. In many big cities such as Washington and New York, vehicle thefts are not investigated as well as the Delhi Police do, said Patnaik, calling out to Delhi residents and vehicle manufacturers to do their bit to secure their vehicles. Like it has been happening in the past few years, the Delhi Police also attributed the high crime rate to the ease of reporting most offences. Crimes against women declined but only marginally, shows the data. Only 2.5% of all rapes were committed by strangers as against 3.36% the previous year, the police said in their bid to point out that they had limited the role of such people, ensuring better womens safety. On an average, a woman was raped every four hours and 28 minutes last year. The year which witnessed the Me Too movement rising in India, nearly five women complained of being raped by their employers or colleagues every month. The police claimed that more boots on the ground, targeting vulnerable places and communities and a planned crackdown on criminals had ensured fewer heinous crimes. The police also claimed credit for a 23.43% decrease (from 64 to 49) in road rage cases. Though the city frequently witnessed the use of firearms by street criminals, some of who left their victims dead or maimed, the polices figures showed an 11.32% decline in use of guns. The commissioner acknowledged that the reduced use of firearms was no consolation and said the police were increasingly reaching the source of the weapons after seizing them. The porous borders and influx of criminals from neighbouring states is a problem, said the commissioner. Stressing the need for people to feel safer in Delhi, the commissioner said an elaborate public perception survey is to be carried out this year to help the police gauge the needs and expectations of the people. Uttar Pradesh police arrested Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha member Shikhar Agarwal, one of the prime accused in the violence that rocked Bulandshahr last month, in Hapur early this morning. Police Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh and a civilian Sumit Kumar were killed by gunshots during the mob violence on December 3. Agarwal is the president of BJPs youth wing in Syana and had been absconding since December 3 after his name was included in the FIR against 87 men out of which 27 were named for the violence. Superintendent of Police (city) of Bulsndshahr Atul Kumar Srivastava said that Shikhar was arrested on Thursday from Hapur and was taken to Syana Kotwali for further interrogation. He would be presented before the court after interrogation. Srivastava also said Shikhar was one of the prime accused in Bulandshahr violence case. Police have arrested 36 accused in the case and 50 are still at large. Sumit Kumar who was killed in the violence, had also been named in the FIR. Police had earlier arrested another prime accused Yogesh Raj, district coordinator of Bajrang Dal, and Pawan Kumar who is associated with RSS, in connection with the violence. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress on Wednesday declared their candidates for the Jind bypoll slated to be held on January 28. While the BJP fielded Krishan Middha, the son of late INLD MLA Hari Chand Middha, the Congress picked Kaithal MLA and AICC in-charge of communication Randeep Singh Surjewala. Krishan Middha, whose fathers demise last year necessitated the bypoll, had recently joined the saffron party. The BJP, which has never won the Jind assembly seat, played it safe by choosing Punjabi leader Krishan, whose father was a renowned medical practitioner in the area and enjoyed the support of all communities. In case of Surjewala, the Congress made a surprise move considering that he is already a sitting MLA. His entry in the poll arena is being seen as a clever move by the Congress high command to take the ruling BJP head on. The entry of a Jat leader will also necessitate recalibration of poll strategy for the INLD and JJP who havent announced their candidates. The Election Commission had on December 31 announced that the bypoll to the Jind Assembly seat would be held on January 28 and the results will be out on January 31. The filing of nominations began on January 3 and end on January 10. The Jind assembly seat was held by the INLD in the past. After its MLA Hari Chand Middha died last year, his son was the partys obvious choice as he was vying to start his political inning. However, Krishan sent shockwave across the INLD by aligning himself with the BJP. Surjewala, who also comes from Jind district, has previously contested assembly elections from districts Narwana assembly constituency and won on two occasions defeating former chief minister Om Prakash Chautala. He, however, shifted his base to Kaithal after Narwana became a reserved constituency after delimitation in 2009. BJP state president Subhash Barala also dismissed the reports of Krishan joining the saffron party on condition of getting the ticket. He joined the BJP as he had full faith in the partys policies and principles. By now, people of Haryana have come to know that unlike other parties, the BJP does not believe in politics of caste or religions, he added. Krishans father had won the 2009 and 2014 elections for the INLD. Before him, the seat was held by the Congress twice. When asked about BJPs poor record on the Jind seat, Krishan maintained he was still confident of a victory. The BJP is setting new milestones with every new election. This one will be no exception. We will not just win, but break all records in terms of margin, he added. Besides the BJP, the INLD and the Congress, two more parties are in the fray this time. Hisar MP Dushyant Chautalas Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and rebel BJP MP Rajkumar Sainis Loktantra Suraksha Manch (LSM), both fighting their first election, have raised the stakes to aim for their maiden wins. While Sainis party fielded Vinod Aasri as its candidate, the JJP, sources said, was deciding to field Dushyants younger brother Digvijay for the seat. As per sources, the INLD is finding it difficult to shortlist a candidate. The last date of filing the nominations is January 10. The bypoll will prove to be a litmus test for various parties, including the ruling BJP, the Congress and the INLD. The win from Jind is going to be crucial for the contesting parties, with Lok Sabha polls not far away and the state assembly polls also scheduled for the later part of 2019.While the BJP will be eyeing a win from Jind to consolidate its position ahead of the state assembly polls, the opposition Congress, which has been attacking the Khattar government over its alleged failure on all fronts, will also look to grab a victory. Meanwhile, four-time former MLA from Jind, Mange Ram Gupta, on Wednesday said he was not in the race for the byelection and reports of him approaching the Congress for ticket were false. They are showing on TV that I had gone to Delhi to seek a ticket. Why will I go there when I dont intend to fight elections? he asked. (With inputs from PTI) Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan is not called the Greek god of Bollywood for nothing. The actor is blessed with looks that can kill and there arent any doubts about his talent on screen. The actor is not just a fine actor who has played a gamut if roles -- from Mughal emperor Akbar to superhero Krrish. The actor even stepped into Tom Cruises shoes for Bang Bang, which was a remake of Hollywood film Knight And Day. He will now be seen in a non glamourous role of a Bihar-based mathematician in his next flick titled Super 30. However, there are also quite a few roles he didnt give his nod to and which turned out to be superhits for his contemporaries. Hrithik Roshan was offered Swades by Ashutosh Gowariker. Imagine the contribution Swades could have made in Hrithiks career had he said yes to the role. Director Ashutosh Gowariker wanted him to play the NRI who returns to his homeland and opts to work for the upliftment of his countrymen. However, he rejected the role and Shah Rukh Khan went on to star in the film that also won him several awards. I had read Ashutoshs script for Swades. I couldnt see it from the directors perspective, and therefore didnt think I was equipped to perform the part. I wasnt the best person to translate Ashutoshs vision. And this was right after Lagaan so when Ashutosh came to me I felt on top of the world. Swades is one of my favourite films. And Ashutosh is definitely one of my favourite filmmakers, Hrithik has told Times of India in an interview. Hrithik Roshan was offered Zayen Khans role in Main Hoon Na. Hrithik had already played Shah Rukh Khans brother in Karan Johars 2001 blockbuster Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... However, he was in no mood to play his brother again in Main Hoon Na. According to some reports, the actor was not too happy with the carefree character which was eventually played by Zayed Khan. Hrithik Roshan said no to Dil Chahta Hai. Farhan Akhtar wanted to cast Hrithik in Dil Chahta Hai but the actor was not convinced with the role. I wanted Akshaye Khanna to play Akash, Hrithik Roshan for Sameer and Abhishek Bachchan for Siddharth (Sid). But films was made with a cast which was not on your wish list, Farhan had said on No Filter Neha. Farhan later directed him in Lakshya and shared the screen with him in Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara. Karan Johar had long dreamt of making Shuddhi but the project, after quite a few hiccups, fell apart after the lead actor Hrithik pulled out of the film in 2014. According to a report in Mid-Day, a source revealed that the actor wanted 40% of the profits to be made by the film which was not acceptable to producer Karan Johar, which led Hrithik to pull out of the project. Follow @htshowbiz for more Actor Ranveer Singh has clicked a selfie that could give some tough to competition to Ellen Degeneres Oscar selfie that went viral a few years ago. On Thursday, Ranveer and a few more young and influential Bollywood actors and filmmakers met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and clicked a selfie with him. The picture was shared by filmmaker Karan Johar. He thanked the Prime Minister for his time and the reduction of GST on movie tickets. Check out his full post: Powerful and timely conversations can bring about change and this was one of what we hope will become a regular conversation. Meeting the Honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi today was an incredible opportunity. As a community, there is a huge interest to contribute to nation building. There is so much that we want to do. And can do and this dialogue was towards how and what ways we can do that. When the youngest country (in demography) joins hands with the largest movie industry in the world, we hope to be a force to reckon with. Together we would love to inspire and ignite positive changes to a transformative India. The film industry would also like to send a huge thanks for the GST reduction in movie ticket prices that was implemented recently! Thank you so much for your time, Sir! Watch: Jai hind! chant Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh before meeting PM Modi The delegation of celebs included Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Rajkummar Rao, Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar, Sidharth Malhotra, Vicky Kaushal, Karan Johar, Ekta Kapoor, Rohit Shetty and Ashwini Iyer Tiwari. Another meeting was organised a few weeks ago before the government reduced the GST on ticket prices. Karan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and others were a part of it. Actor Dia Mirza and several others called out the delegation for its lack of female representation. Follow @htshowbiz for more Director Zoya Akhtars Gully Boy trailer has inspired creative memes on social media, poking fun at everything from the films tagline, and takeaway lines from the trailer. The films first trailer was released in a grand launch event in Mumbai on Wednesday, which was attended by the stars and director, along with producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. An announcement video, set to the beats of Ranveers rapping, was released a few days earlier, on January 4. Watch: Ranveer teases Alia about boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor at Gully Boy trailer launch The new trailer has given fans new material to work with, particularly Ranveers apne time aayega to Alias mar jayega tu lines. Fans also superimposed faces of other celebrities on the Gully Boy poster, and replaced the films title with a biting joke at the expense of the new subject. For instance, Virat Kohlis poster carried the title, Gaali Boy while Shahid Afridis poster had the title, Well Played Boys. The famously woke Mumbai Police Twitter account also joined in the fun, taking the opportunity to offer safety advice. When he argues to ride a motorcycle without wearing helmet #SillyBoy pic.twitter.com/OPzycNdEAm Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) January 10, 2019 Gully Boy is based in part on the lives of rappers Divine and Naezy, whose youth in the streets of Mumbai inspires Ranveers character in the film. Gully Boy will premiere at the Berlin International Film Festivals Berlinale Special category, ahead of its release on February 14. You can check out all the best Gully Boy memes here: Tell Cersei. I want her to know it was me. #GullyBoyTrailer pic.twitter.com/QG2BEFRbF7 SAGAR (@sagarcasm) January 9, 2019 #GullyBoyTrailer When you look up your common cold symptoms on the internet Google : pic.twitter.com/E44UsbLGX3 SwatKat (@swatic12) January 9, 2019 Eminem on seeing the #GullyBoyTrailer 8 Mile ka nalasopara version pic.twitter.com/O2bXOXDXCo Dr. Hanni Billu (@SavageRaptor7) January 9, 2019 Yo Yo Honey Singh's entire career described in one line.#GullyBoyTrailer pic.twitter.com/sJWSkckjD2 The Sarcastic Jerk (@The_Sarcastic_J) January 9, 2019 When you go for a massage in Thailand. #GullyBoyTrailer pic.twitter.com/nJ0x8AIXWk Bollywood Gandu (@BollywoodGandu) January 9, 2019 Follow @htshowbiz for more Emraan Hashmi film Cheat India has been changed to Why Cheat India a little over a week before its release. The films title was reportedly changed after an objection from Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Films co-producer Tanuj Garg told Mumbai Mirror, The Board had concerns about the previous title. We had an extensive conversation about the proposed changes since the theatrical trailer and TV promos have already been certified with the original title. We felt this could lead to dual communication with the audience but finally, in the interest of time, we mutually agreed on a title change. The article said CBFCs examining committee felt the title was misleading in the context of the film. While the makers pointed out that the title, Cheat India, has been in the public domain for two years, the committee referred the film to Revising Committee which also said that the title needed to change. Given the paucity of time -- the film releases January 18, the makers agreed to change the title to Why Cheat India. The film was finally cleared on Wednesday with one change where a shot of drug use was blurred out. Directed by Soumik Sen, the film also stars Shreya Dhanwantary. Earlier, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh starrer Padmavati released as Padmaavat and Loveratri -- Salman Khans production starring brother-in-law Aayush Sharma -- came out as Loveyatri. Monsantos legal proceedings against domestic seed companies will go down in history as one of the toughest Intellectual Property battles ever fought. One therefore expected a substantive ruling from the Supreme Court. Unfortunately, that was not to be. The court ruled on Monday that the meat of the matter the validity of the patent will have to be decided by the trial court, and returned it to the Delhi High Court. However, in a relative victory for Monsanto, it ruled that the Delhi HC order invalidating Monsantos patent was wrong in law. To summarise the origins of this dispute, Monsanto entered into licensing arrangements with Nuziveedu Seeds and a number of Indian seed companies that wished to use their patented BT cotton technology. This technology involved the use of a recombinant DNA construct that would keep the deadly bollworm (a pest) away from the cotton. The genetic fragment was derived from Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT), a bacterium, and inserted into a specific portion of the plant genome along with a promoter and a transit peptide producing sequence. Donor seeds carrying this artificial genetic construct were then delivered by Monsanto to seed companies who used these as carriers to breed their own BT gene infused cotton varieties. These varieties were then sold to farmers. In late 2015, a dispute broke out between the parties on account of non-payment of royalties by Nuziveedu and its affiliates. Monsanto terminated their licences and sued in the Delhi HC, asking for restraining orders against the continued use of their patented technology and trademarks. Nuziveedu shot back, claiming that the patent itself was invalid. It also argued that Monsanto couldnt legally insist on royalty fees that were higher than rates set by the government through the Cotton Seed Price Control Order (CSPCO). The single judge refused to rule on the issue of patent validity at the interim stage. However, the court noted that the patent appeared to be prima facie valid. It also held that the termination of the licences granted to seed companies was not in accordance with law. It, therefore (effectively), restored the licences, holding that royalties would have to be paid in accordance with the CSPCO rate. The matter was then appealed. A division bench of the Delhi HC ruled that the patent was invalid since it violated section 3(j), a provision in Indian patent law that effectively excludes plants and animals from patentability. Both Monsanto and the seed companies appealed this decision in the Supreme Court. After hearing extensive arguments from a battery of counsels, the SC finally ruled that the division bench ought not to have summarily invalidated the patent without the benefit of a full-fledged trial. This, in effect, is the crux of the SC ruling. That, unless the scope of an invention was assessed through elaborate evidence/witnesses, courts could not be expected to make a meaningful ruling on patent validity. The division bench apparently did this in a summary manner owing to an alleged concession from Monsanto. However, in the SC, Monsanto contested this, stating that it had not waived its right to a full trial on this issue. The SC agreed with Monsanto, since it was self- evident that no patentee would ever waive such a valuable right. However, for future purposes, in order to reduce the scope for such confusion, courts must video record all proceedings so that submissions by parties are accurately captured and can be replayed in case of a doubt. The SC also endorsed the initial single-judge order in this dispute: that seed companies, whose licences were terminated for non-payment, could use Monsantos patented technology, but only upon payment of royalties/trait fees as fixed by the government under the CSPCO. So what now? The trial court is faced with the enviable task of deciding an extremely complex patent dispute and, in particular, the metes and bounds of section 3(j), a statutory provision that excludes plants and plant parts from patent eligibility. Delightfully crisp and lucid, the SC ruling zeroes in on the key issue: whether or not the man-made genetic construct as patented by Monsanto amounts to a plant or plant part? This issue will, in turn, hinge in significant part on whether or not the process of inserting the genetic construct is a reversible one. While seed companies argue that the process is irreversible, Monsanto contends otherwise. Monsanto also argues that its patent claim covers only the man-made genetic construct and not the final plant. However, in developing a plant or plant variety out of the initial set of donor seeds, Nuziveedu and others will have invariably infringed Monsantos patent. One is not certain how long the trial court will take to issue its decision. But whichever way this goes, one can be certain that the matter will find its way back to the SC. At this stage, one hopes that the judges will sink their teeth right in and proffer a patent interpretation that bodes well for the future of innovation, food and farmers. Shamnad Basheer is the Bok Visiting Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania and the Founder of IDIA (Increasing Diversity by Increasing Access to Legal Education) The views expressed are personal After his impressive speech at Red Fort last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made another statement to discerning observers, one without a single word spoken. The PM, who rides in a vehicle custom-designed for security, on roads cleared for his motorcade, still took out three seconds from his busy schedule to fasten his seat belt. His gesture was brought to the nations light by a Union minister and then swiftly broadcast in the media; one could posit that it was a well-timed act of strategic message placement for road safety. Yet, hours later, Delhi customary traffic revealed to me people of all ages flouting seat belt rules, in both the front and rear seats. Road safety today must enjoy the highest importance for every Indian citizen. Its importance is linked not only to its societal impact but also to the scale of Indias auto demand and rising ownership. Over 30 years ago, the Indian car market began to show the first signs of its future potential, growing at a faster rate than that in many developed economies. In the next three years, as per a McKinsey report, India is set to emerge as the worlds third-largest passenger vehicle market. By 2040, the number of vehicles per 1000 inhabitants is anticipated to increase almost nine times. Yet, one only needs to look at the road fatality numbers to realise that rising access to personal mobility has not resulted in a stronger awareness of road safety. In fact, traffic-related fatalities have only increased year on year. The worst possible outcome incidents of traffic mortality is emerging out of Indias car boom. Without a culture of rigorous compliance to safety protocol, the road safety crisis will continue to fester. Road safety is, therefore, a vital intervention across the mobility ecosystem for measurable outcomes. The Indian car sector has served as a conscientious stakeholder. With industry-wide awareness campaigns across states, it has demonstrated acute cognizance of its role. Simultaneously, the rise of Internet of Things-enabled, connected cars in India, which international auto majors are heavily investing in currently, can give a digital edge to road safety. With an array of embedded sensors informing drivers of other on-road cars, onboard analytics can give them real-time driving suggestions to avoid collisions. Playing its role with diligence, the government is making a blueprint for a stronger policy framework that considers heftier penalties for dangerous driving and a body solely dedicated to road safety that will demand compliance with mobility regulations. The unprecedented pace of construction and infrastructure improvement is one more link in the journey to safer roads. The majority of road accidents are the fault of irresponsible drivers. That should present a direction for intervention. The simplest measure wearing seat belts is often the most ignored. Only 25% of drivers fasten their seat belts, even though it is mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act. This last mile of road safety, therefore, depends on drivers. Their negligence in buckling up will be the hardest to change due to an entrenched culture of driving without a seat belt. Across India, many reports have identified the seat belt to be the single most effective way of preventing bodily injury in the wake of a traffic accident. According to a United Nations study, India loses 3% of its GDP, or approximately $8 billion, to road accidents by removing prime age adults from the workforce. Accidents also take away many of the next-generation workforce todays children at the rate of 43 a day. What the numbers dont reveal is the ripple effect of seat belt negligence, its social and economic repercussions. Entire families can find themselves disrupted with the death of one breadwinner, or the loss of a son or daughter. This damage is compounded when we consider that every single passenger in a car may ignore the seat belt. Ignored often by the front seat co-passenger and driver, seat belts are almost never considered in the rear seat. Consequently, a collision or an accident jeopardises the life of every passenger. As vested stakeholders in partnership with government and the public work towards road safety awareness, we feel a new culture of comprehensive seat belt compliance must become the new focus area. Drivers are responsible not only for their own safety, but also for the safety of co-passengers. We, as citizens, would do well to create a better example for the next generation. Thomas Kuehl is president, Nissan India Operations The views expressed are personal In the last few years, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has witnessed a discernible rise in the levels of radicalisation and violent extremism. There has been a marked increase in local recruitment of terrorist groups. The youth today appear far more emboldened to disrupt military operations and challenge the State authority, especially in the Kashmir Valley. The frenzied stone-pelting mobs at the encounter sites, of late, have demonstrated increasing levels of motivation and boldness in facilitating the escape of terrorists. The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) sponsored propaganda and psychological operations based on toxic, warped and intolerant religious and ideological narratives have been instrumental in proselytising the people, eroding the ideals of Kashmiriyat and gradually sowing the seeds of jihadist culture. Pakistan has effectively employed the cyberspace, subverted sections of the media and its proxies in the state for this purpose. The Friday prayers at the mosques are being used to fuel extremism and the young impressionable minds at the madrassas are also being surreptitiously subjected to jihadist ideology on a daily basis. Pakistan has also leveraged the existing communal fault lines in other parts of our country to create insecurities that bolster secessionist tendencies and an inclination for a new political order. The rising level of radicalisation has manifested in increasing number of young people taking to arms. Even some of the well educated and employed youth have fallen prey to the ISIs psychological machinations. As compared to 131 young people , who joined various terrorist outfits in 2017, the number in 2018 rose to over 200. Some new terrorist outfits, such as ISIS-Kashmir and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind aligned to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Al Qaeda ideologies, have also mushroomed in the past few years. Radicalisation is a product of protracted psychological conditioning of the minds; it has no quick fixes. It requires an enduring strategy that focuses not just on targeting the external and internal actors and conditions that fuel radicalisation but also attends to the process of de-radicalisation. Logically, it should form an additional dedicated prong of our overarching national strategy that aims at bringing normalcy in J&K. In addition to the ongoing military operations, it will require a coordinated deployment of our political, diplomatic, economic, social, and perception management prowess. An effective sealing of the conflict zone, both in the physical and virtual domains, is a prerequisite for dealing with the deteriorating situation. Therefore, in addition to plugging the porosity of the Line of Control, we need to establish information superiority in the virtual space, which will deny the ISI and their proxies the ability to use various communication platforms to their advantage. It will also help us in the acquisition of uninterrupted real time intelligence, which is critical for proactive management and shaping of the environment. State of the art technologies available with our strategic partners like the United States and Israel should be leveraged to hone this capability. Improvements in governance are necessary, whereby political leaders at all levels and the administration remain committed to the aspirations of the people. The states Vigilance Commission should be revitalised to deal with widespread corruption, which has precluded the desired economic development in the state. Sincere efforts should also be made in addressing the feelings of any perceived injustice. Rogue political and community leaders, who are playing to the tune of negative elements and spoilers, should be sternly dealt with as per the law. Contemporary educational infrastructure with dedicated security cover should be created and the religious preachers at the mosques should not be allowed to spew venom and spread jihadist ideology. Since poverty creates exploitable conditions for radicalisation and idle minds are the root of all evil, job opportunities should be created expeditiously by giving a boost to tourism, developing infrastructure and raising additional Home Guards and security forces units. On the military front, the security forces should continue with their people-friendly counter proxy war operations, employing smart power, which is an imaginative mix of both hard and soft power. In concert with these operations, a determined drive under the police should be undertaken to ensure effective management of prisons and for neutralising various inimical players of the environment as per the law. De-radicalisation cells manned by experts and police personnel should be established alongside all prisons and also at the affected district headquarters. Well conceived and implemented de-radicalisation programmes can help the inmates and other radicalised individuals to reject the radical jihadist beliefs and re-embrace the prescribed value-based tenets of Islam. Enduring political, diplomatic and perception management initiatives to coerce Pakistan to stop meddling in our internal affairs and putting an end to external funding should continue with added zeal. Perception management initiatives should also help counter toxic narratives and help cement mental and emotional bonding of the people of the Valley with the nation. The electronic and print media, in the larger interest of national security, should exercise prudence and ensure their reportage strengthens our secular fabric and does not widen or deepen any existing fault lines. Radicalisation is the first step in the psychological process that transforms innocent young men into terrorists. As a nation, we need to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and put a pragmatic strategy in place at the earliest. Building strong shields of mental resilience among the youth is imperative to enable them to resist the temptations of any radical ideology. Bikram Singh is the former Chief of the Army Staff The views expressed are personal New Delhi : Former Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Katariya sparked row when he said that Hindus need to unite and vote for PM Narendra Modi in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Addressing a rally in Parshvnath temple in Vallabhnagar in Udaipur, Kataria further warned there will be Pakistan in every city of the country if people dont wake up on time. Love jihad is increasing in this country and now is the time for change Udaipur will also be like the Jaipur, Kataria added. Kataria claimed that in old Jaipur, people from a certain community are preventing Hindus to pray while the Gods are weeping in the temple. No one is worshipping and taking care of them. There is still time or else Udaipur will turn into Jaipur, the former state home minister said. Kataria, who is a two-time former home minister, appealed to the people to save their girls from the evil clutches of Love Jihad which is one of the biggest problems faced by the Hindu communities. Source : Times Now | BY Lynchy | Bring Happiness Home is a multi-year, multi-brand Chinese New Year campaign by PepsiCo, now in its 8th year. For 2019s instalment, Civilization Shanghai pitched a story inspired by Chinas burgeoning space programme. We drew the initial inspiration from the lives of Chinas first two female astronauts, Yang Liu and Ya-Ping Wang, explains Civilization co-founder Andrew Lok. Working closely with the brand team and with the production team headed by acclaimed film director Peter Chan, we created a three-handed narrative focussing on three different familial relationships that would resonate with our audience during the Chinese New Year. Conceptualised, produced, shot, edited and scored over a period of more than three months, Reach for the Stars is PepsiCos nod towards a Chinese nation that is coming into its own again after 40 years of unprecedented growth that has lifted more than 700 million people out of poverty. I was born in Shanghai in the year China opened up its economy to the world, says Civilization co-founder Alex Xie. I have seen my world transform in front of my eyes, and now PepsiCo has given us an incredible opportunity to show the next step of how my country is fulfilling every humans desire to explore and voyage into the unknown. This is a mission I held in my heart throughout the production of this film. The film was released as the key pillar of an integrated campaign, and was timed to coincide with China historic landing of a space probe onto the far side of the moon. Another example of art imitating life and vice versa. Credits Brand Team: Lilly Yip, Nina Mu, Lynn Lin, Lin Qian, Kiki Yang, Brian Zhang, Yang Chen, Jessica Yang, Evie Lai, Chris Wu, Diana Huang, Lorraine Chen, Irena Zhang, Stella Li Creative Directors: Elaine Yang, Alex Xie, Andrew Lok Executive Producer: Xu Jing Project Management: Amanda Dai, Jes Chen, Hill Xie Art/Copy: Qian Xiao Shu, Zhang Wei, Zhang Yi Nan, Lin Shuo Shu Director: Clement Cheng Executive Producers: JoJo Hui Yuet Chun, Derek Tsang Scriptwriters: Lam Wing Sum, He Liang Yu Breaking News Updates Would you like to receive our Breaking News updates? Signup today! Calendar Updates Would you like to receive our weekly Calendar updates? Signup today! Deals Updates Would you like to receive Deals updates? Signup today! | BY Ricki Green | With its growing team, 72andSunny Sydney has hired Ross Berthinussen as executive strategy director for Sydney. He will join Chris Kay, president and partner, APAC; Ngaio McCreadie, APAC director of talent and operations; Micah Walker, executive creative director and Tara Jaijee, APAC business development director in the Sydney office. Says Kay: Ross is wicked smart, creatively entrepreneurial, and an all-round good human. Having him come on board has been a breath of fresh air in our team, and already we can see the value he brings in both answering the work in front of us, as well as helping unpick where a creative company can iterate, and be unpredictable in its growth into the future. Originally from the UK, Berthinussen started his career at Grey London and spent almost a decade at BBH London where he developed strategy across a number of BBHs global brands, including British Airways, Lynx, KFC, Gordons Gin and Mentos. A Lenoir woman admitted her status as a habitual felon in Burke County Superior Court on Wednesday, according to a press release from 36th District Attorney Scott Reillys Office. Sharon Denise Logan, 60, pleaded guilty to larceny by defeating an anti-theft device and habitual larceny and was sentenced to six to eight years in prison. On April 20, 2016, Officer Clint Lail of the Morganton Department of Public Safety responded to a larceny complaint, where a stores loss prevention staff identified Logan for stealing three womens handbags. According to the release, surveillance footage showed her cutting the anti-theft devices from the bags before leaving the store. Logan was previously convicted of felony larceny in 1998, possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine in 1995 and obtaining property by false pretenses in 1987, all in Caldwell County. Superior Court Judge Lora Cubbage of Guilford County imposed the sentence and Assistant District Attorney Michelle Lippert prosecuted for the state. | BY Ricki Green | A pair of creatives from Australia have been selected to serve on juries for the global ADC 98th Annual Awards, one of the worlds longest-running and most prestigious global competitions celebrating excellence in craft and innovation in all forms of design and advertising. Michele Aboud, photographer and director, Michele Aboud Photography in Sydney will be part of the Photography jury. Luke Lucas, an illustrator, typographer, designer and art director based in Newport, will sit on the Typography jury. More than 150 highly qualified creatives representing 25 countries will judge work from around the world. To view the complete list of all ADC 98th Annual Awards jury members, please visit http://www.adcawards.org/jury/. Says Michael ORourke, executive director, ADC: For nearly a century, the ADC Cube has been awarded for work based on excellence in craft, design and innovation. This strong tradition is alive and well in the hands of this years jury members such as Michele, who are recognized creative leaders in their fields. The ADC 98th Annual Awards are part of The One Club for Creativity, the worlds foremost non-profit organization celebrating creative excellence in advertising and design. Entries can be submitted via http://www.adcawards.org, final deadline is January 31, 2019. This years competition marks continuation of a tiered pricing structure, designed to make it easier for smaller studios, agencies and freelancers to participate in the ADC Annual Awards. The fee structure varies depending on whether the submitting firm is a design studio or ad agency. Design studios with between 2-20 employees get a discount (amount varies by discipline), while ad agencies with between 2-50 employees qualify for the tiered pricing discount. Freelance creatives and one-person shops in either design or advertising are eligible for an even greater reduction in their entry fee. (CNN) Former Israeli Minister of Energy Gonen Segev will serve 11 years in prison as part of a plea deal over spying for Iran, the country's Ministry of Justice said in a statement Wednesday morning. The sentence comes as Segev pleaded guilty to charges of serious espionage and passing information to an enemy. The disgraced former doctor was recruited in 2012 by Iran's embassy in Nigeria, the Israel Security Agency (ISA) said at the time of Segev's arrest last summer. He had relocated to Africa's most populous nation after serving time in an Israeli prison for a 2006 drug smuggling conviction. Segev had been found guilty of attempting to bring 25,000 Ecstasy pills into Israel from the Netherlands. According to the ISA, Segev met twice with Iranian operatives, knowing they were from Iranian intelligence. A gag order remains in place on other details of the investigation and the plea agreement. Segev served in the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, from 1992 to 1996 in the Tzomet and Yi-ud political parties. He served as Minister of Energy and Infrastructure under prime ministers Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres between 1995 and 1996. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Drug-smuggling Israeli ex-minister jailed over spying for Iran." Uniontown, PA (15401) Today A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. A few clouds. Low 49F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. A few clouds. Low 49F. Winds light and variable. Staff reports The Herald-Mail Revisit the 25th Amendment: I am watching Trumps comments on TV on Jan. 2. I have heard drunks that make more sense than this man! His rambling, his vitriol, his total incoherence, tell me that Trump has gone round the bend. It is time for the Senate to take a long look at the 25th Amendment. Margie Wight, Hagerstown Flag-flying freedom: Its my freedom to fly any flags I want. I bought them. Whether it be the Confederate flag or not, people can take things however they want. I dont tell people that they shouldnt fly the gay pride rainbow flag, even if I might not like it. To each his own. It takes all kinds to make our world go around. Pete Seville, Greencastle, Pa. Not understanding representative form of government: On Jan. 2, a Feedback comment said that Christians should work to oust extreme liberals from the Senate. First, one could assume there are some Christians who are also extreme liberals, who might not agree such policy positions are bad. Second, those extreme, secular Senators apparently (by the fact that they got elected) represent states where a majority of voters do not disagree with policies the commenter is labeling extreme, secular liberal views. Would the commenter not want those citizens views represented in our governing bodies? Would they agree I would be equally right in advocating that no Christian conservatives be allowed in the Congress (if I have umbrage at policy positions held by such congresspeople), even though those congresspeople may represent districts where (apparently) a majority of voters are supportive of concepts of conservative Christianity? Its not apparent the commenter has a deep understanding of the concepts behind our representative form of government. Steve Specht, Brownsville Missing WDVM: It is a shame that Antietam Cable is not carrying our local station, WDVM. This carries our local news and weather. I pay a $2.45-a-month sports-programming fee when I watch no sports. I do not think that is fair. Take my monthly $2.45 and use it for WDVM. Cynthia J. Shank, Hagerstown Jenni Vincent jvincent@herald-mail.com MARTINSBURG, W.Va. West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice not only lavished praise on the Communities in Schools program during Wednesday nights State of the State address, but he also had other good news about future plans for it. That is because his proposed budget calls for $5 million to make it a statewide initiative after it go off to a good start in Greenbrier County, W.Va. First lady Cathy Justice also is a fan, and that is extra incentive to grow the program, the governor said. My salary, if I didnt do this, shed kill me. But my salary is all dedicated, 100 percent, to Communities in Schools, he said. Gubernatorial spokesman Butch Antolini wrote Thursday in an email that Justice has been donating his $150,000 salary to the program since taking office in 2017. The program already is making a difference locally, according to Marjy Lynch, Berkeley County (W.Va.) Schools Communities in Schools coordinator. It is part of the districts new Family and Youth Services branch, which also includes other human-service programs such as Project AWARE and the Martinsburg Initiative aimed at addressing student and family needs, she said. Berkeley County was chosen along with Wyoming and McDowell counties to serve as pilot projects, and the effort got underway locally this school year, Lynch said. Participating local schools include Orchard View Intermediate School, Eagle School Intermediate, and South and North middle schools, she said. If you cut it down to the bare bones, its like a drop-out prevention program, but is also very multifaceted, she said. Participating schools choose a goal, and a site coordinator is given a percentage of students to work with, Lynch said. Orchard View and Eagle School Intermediate schools are working to increase student attendance rates, while North and South middle schools are working toward decreasing behavioral referrals, she said. An issue like attendance can extend to the family as well. So my job is to really go in and look at the picture here to see the students needs, as well as some possible interventions that can be put in place to help the student get to school on a more regular basis, she said. Participation is voluntary after students are selected to be part of the program, and parents must agree to it, Lynch said. We explain to the parents that children were selected based on last years data in order to identify the students. From there, we meet with the students individually, and it is all about relationship building, she said. There also is some fun involved. Were going to start a program called A Day Without an Absence, where we would have competitions between classrooms every month to see who had the best attendance. Maybe have a pizza party for the winners, Lynch said. About 125 students are participating in the program, she said. School staff members are vital and already have gone way beyond the call of duty to help make a difference build upon programs already being offered, she said. It only has been a few months, but students already are responding positively, Orchard View Intermediate Principal Luke Smith said. This program fits in seamlessly here because we all share a desire to take a look at what obstacle is getting in the way of a student attending school regularly, he said. Every situation is unique, and it is valuable to have an opportunity to work with individual students, Smith said. You can see it matters when you talk to them and have that engagement. They really appreciate the extra attention they are receiving, and like the fact that we notice when they miss. They know we want them here, and that extra attention means a lot, he said. Jenni Vincent jvincent@herald-mail.com MARTINSBURG, W.Va. The status quo is not good enough for visionaries who see opportunities in challenges and make it their mission to change the future. In the case of Project AWARE, educators and mental-health professionals are collaborating to increase the awareness of emotional issues among school-aged youths and better serve student needs. Berkeley County (W.Va.) Schools was chosen as one of three West Virginia counties to receive a federal five-year, $2.5 million grant to implement the program in 2014, program Manager Joni Greenberg said. Students at Hedgesville (W.Va.) High School, and North Middle and Burke Street Elementary schools, both in Martinsburg, now receive free access to additional mental-health services thanks to eight therapists working in the schools. Another primary component of the program is providing mental-health first-aid training to everyone from first-responders to local residents. The grant was a dream come true for Greenberg and Christi Heaton, the school districts academic-support coordinator, because both women were school counselors. I remember how Joni talked all those years ago about the importance of doing as much as possible when it comes to school mental health. And now, we have been able to do even more, which helps students and families, as well as our school counselors, Heaton said. Students have more diverse problems now, and school counselors have a wide range of responsibilities, she said. It really can be almost overwhelming, especially with the social and emotional issues we see now. Counselors are putting out fires every day, dealing with hundreds of students, so they cant do weekly therapy sessions, she said. EastRidge Health Systems is an important partner in the effort, and Rita Quinn wouldnt have it any other way. Quinn, who serves as vice president of mental-health and substance-abuse services, is an unsung hero who always helped as needed before the grant funding, Heaton said. The program reaches youngsters in a different way, and that is needed, said Quinn, who has been with EastRidge for more than 20 years. Since weve been going into the schools, it has been a real education to see what these children are facing and how they are trying to cope. But they are children, and just trying to survive. It is heart-breaking, she said. Substance abuse at home often is a major contributor to many of the students problems, she said. Even 26 years as a school counselor didnt prepare Greenberg for what youngsters face today. When I first started, the worst thing was probably kids running away from home. Now, we might not even get a call about them running away. And certainly back (then), no one ever diagnosed a child with a mental-health condition, she said. Now, we not only have children who are homeless, we also have a lot who are basically responsible for the household, including doing the parenting. Substance abuse is there. Their parents are overdosing. Their friends are overdosing and dying, she said. Program evaluator Suzanne Houston has watched former classmates die from drug abuse. I just had a high school reunion, and we had a memorial table for people who had died of overdoses, she said. Anxiety and stress are not healthy for youngsters, especially when they have no way to share their problems, Houston said. The impact of trauma and stress on brain development is out there and has been documented. Thats also going to impact a childs academic performance, so this is all wrapped up together, she said. Working with the program has given her renewed hope. Student evaluations indicate they are moving ahead in terms of coping skills, anger management and generally feeling better about their lives. Its not easy work. But every day is another opportunity to make a difference, and that is happening here, she said. Tim Shea tims@herald-mail.com By The Associated Press CHARLESTON, W.Va. West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice is proposing the elimination of a state tax on Social Security benefits, and offering significant funding increases for substance abuse, social services and tourism in the next fiscal year. Justice gave his third State of the State address Wednesday night as revenue figures continue to improve two years after the state was mired in a budget crisis. Figures released Tuesday showed revenue collections were $186 million ahead of estimates at the current fiscal years midpoint. The last fiscal year ended with a $36 million surplus. The first time I walked in the door, things were pretty doggone tough. Our state was bankrupt, the Republican governor told a House of Delegates chamber packed with lawmakers, other officials and guests. Theres been lots and lots and lots of hard work. I do feel like I came up with a doggone good bunch of ideas. This is not a king or a dictatorship. This is a body of people that are all in this together. Justices proposed budget of about $4.7 billion from general revenue for the fiscal year starting in July is based on a 2 percent projected revenue growth. Proposed expenditures represent a 1.73 percent increase. Justice proposed no new taxes. If passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature, eliminating the Social Security tax would mean a $50 million reduction in revenue collected. West Virginia is among 13 states that currently tax Social Security benefits. Surrounding states are not among them. Mark Muchow, the states deputy revenue secretary, said most senior citizens dont pay taxes on Social Security income because they dont make enough money. Justice also wants to phase out business-inventory taxes to eliminate what has been considered a roadblock to the state economy and job growth. That tax bill failed to pass last year. Revenue from the tax would have to be replaced most of that money goes to counties to support their school systems. Senate President Mitch Carmichael said eliminating the two taxes are valid objectives, but well have to validate the (budget) numbers. In a statement, House Speaker Roger Hanshaw called Justices budget a bold, ambitious agenda. He has many ideas I believe the House can embrace, and our members will be excited to move forward on. Senate Democratic leader Roman Prezioso said Justice shouldnt take credit for the improvement in the states economy because its just the way the economy is moving now. He said the governor proposed a lot of ideas that amount to a lot of money. Is there going to be enough money in the budget to pay for it? The budget includes an additional $25 million for substance-abuse programs, $20 million each for social services and state building maintenance, and $14 million more for tourism. Justice is proposing another 5 percent pay increase for teachers and other state employees that he promised in October. Teachers last year also received a 5 percent pay increase following a nine-day strike. Justice previously proposed infusing $100 million into a troubled insurance plan covering teachers and other state employees. On Wednesday, he increased that to $150 million, which would be handled through a supplemental budget appropriation. Justice also wants legislation that would raise teacher salaries in areas such as math and science even more in order to remain competitive. He also suggested using $5 million to expand a dropout-prevention program statewide. The Communities in Schools program currently is in use in three counties, including his home base of Greenbrier County. I really do believe education is the hot spot that can really change our image, he said. The governor also called for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to look into the development of more lakes for use in either hydroelectric power or flood control. Justice suggested using unspecified funding to fix more of the states secondary roads and update the state police forensic lab. The governor also wants to eliminate more than 10,000 vacant state government jobs that have gone unfilled over the past year. He also is seeking the establishment of an intermediate court system, a proposal that failed to pass the Legislature last year. Some lawmakers have floated the idea to address legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, but Justice said he is adamantly against it. Matthew Umstead mumstead@herald-mail.com MARTINSBURG, W.Va. In the weeks leading up to the Dec. 10 resignation of Martinsburg Fire Chief Paul Bragg, the West Virginia State Fire Marshals office was investigating allegations that the department wasnt properly testing its hoses. The West Virginia Fire Commission voted last month to refer the investigation to Berkeley Countys prosecuting attorney and for the city fire department to again be evaluated by the state fire marshals office. Berkeley County Prosecutor Catie Wilkes Delligatti said Tuesday that she had not yet received the referral from the state fire commission. She said she asked an investigator in her office to contact the commission for more information and to begin an investigation. When contacted about hose testing requirements and the city fire departments certification status, a spokeswoman for the West Virginia State Fire Marshals office shared an online link to the fire commissions Dec. 14 meeting minutes. Prior to voting to refer the investigation to the county prosecutor, the state fire commission heard a report on the investigation by the state fire marshals office, during which Bragg apparently admitted that the departments hose testing apparently had not been completed for up to 10 years, according to the commissions meeting minutes. City Attorney Kin Sayre said Wednesday that Martinsburg could not find documentation that hose testing was performed, as required by law. All fire pumps and hose must be tested annually for compliance with nationally recognized standards, according to fire department requirements. Sayre said the city asked a third-party company conducting tests last month of the fire departments apparatus to also test the hoses. Sixteen of 61 sections of hose failed tests in December, according to a fire department memorandum the city released this week. The West Virginia Fire Commission oversees fire programs in the state, including the fire marshals office, training, uniform standards, certification of fire departments, finance and planning, and fire prevention. Assistant State Fire Marshal James Lewis reported last month to the commission that he was assigned to investigate allegations that the Martinsburg Fire Department had not completed hose testing as documented on its state fire marshal self-evaluation form or during the last state fire marshal department evaluation after the commissions October meeting, according to meeting minutes. As part of his investigation, Lewis subpoenaed all documents related to annual required testing and reviewed those in November, according to meeting minutes. Everything was tested, but there was not any documentation of the required hose testing, Lewis told the fire commission. He subsequently discussed the issue with Bragg, who said it had gotten away from him, according to meeting minutes. Lewis then reviewed the state fire marshals office records of fire department evaluations and found that it was documented by another assistant state fire marshal that the hose testing was completed and that during his evaluation, an Excel worksheet was provided as proof that hose testing was completed, according to meeting minutes. There is no specific indication of whether Bragg or someone else from the city fire department provided the Excel worksheet. Lewis told the commission that he went back to Bragg, who admitted to not completing hose testing for up to 10 previous years. Sayre said this week that the citys fire department continues to be certified and there has been no revocation. The fire department memorandum noted that an internal review of the departments condition was completed regarding the state fire commissions requirements for certification. The memorandum also indicated that a third-party testing company examined all of the hose used by the department. In addition to the sections of 5-inch hose that failed the testing, the companys assessment and inspection found that the age, or manufacturing date, of 10 sections of hose couldnt be determined. Among other sections of hose examined, 37 dated to 2005-06, six dated to 1995-96, and eight sections were manufactured between 2010 and 2018, according to the findings. The latter sections were purchased to replace hose that failed during that time period. During the period 2010-2018, there was no spare 5-inch hose available, according to the memorandum. This means that when a section failed, we generally didnt have replacement until it was ordered and delivered, which took several weeks. Replacing the sections of failed hose would restore levels available before testing in December, but there wouldnt be any spare hose available if 5-inch hose needed to be replaced, the memorandum stated. The memorandum notes that Bragg and the departments fire captains evaluated the need to replace all of the departments 5-inch hose before his resignation. They concluded that all of it needed to be replaced due to age, visual condition and the history of failures based on the amount of use. The evaluation resulted in a recommendation to purchase 4-inch hose as replacement. The departments fire captains have pitched two proposals to replace the hose to City Manager Mark Baldwin. Complete replacement of the 5-inch hose to 4-inch would cost $52,500, according to the memorandum. Bragg, who was fire chief since September 2001, previously worked for the West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services and was fire chief for the city of Beckley, W.Va. Tim Shea tims@herald-mail.com CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. Wilson College recently received a $720,000 grant from the Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation to fund scholarships for students with financial need through the Stabler Scholarship Endowment. The endowment has provided scholarships for 305 Wilson students since the program began in 2008. Students are selected for scholarships based on financial need, academic achievement and service to the community. Students who receive Stabler scholarships sign a debt of conscience indicating that when they are able, they will make contributions to the endowment in an amount equal to what they received. The agreement, while not a formal legal pact, serves as a commitment to future philanthropy on graduation. We are thankful for this gift from the Stabler Foundation because it will enable deserving students who need financial assistance to receive an education at Wilson College, Wilson President Barbara K. Mistick said in a news release. We are tremendously grateful for the foundations faithful and generous support. Since 1985, the Stabler Foundation has provided Wilson with more than $5.5 million in funding for a number of programs, including the Stabler Scholarship Endowment; Curran Scholars program, which promotes student volunteerism; and day care support for students in Wilsons Single Parent Scholars program. Located in Harrisburg, Pa., the Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation was established by the Stablers in 1966 exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, literary or educational purposes. The foundation awards grants to educational institutions, parochial or church-related schools, nonprofit hospitals and medical facilities. It also supports religious institutions and social-services organizations that seek to preserve and instill traditional moral and ethical values, respect for the family, concern for others, self-reliance and a productive life. Jennifer Fitch waynesboro@herald-mail.com GREENCASTLE, Pa. An updated study related to widening Interstate 81 to six lanes estimates the full project in Pennsylvania could cost $2.9 billion, with the section in Franklin County representing $813 million of that price tag. Mike Keiser, executive for Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 8, spoke this week at a Carlisle (Pa.) Area Chamber of Commerce event and described the widening project. This will have to be done in small chunks. ... The widening is needed to achieve acceptable levels of service for the 2030 projected traffic volumes, Keiser said, according to pennlive.com. Documents provided by PennDOT show that the agency in 2018 updated a study first done in 2005. The study looks at most of I-81 from the Mason-Dixon Line to Interstate 78 in Lebanon County, Pa., except for a portion in the Harrisburg area being addressed separately. The study provides estimates for design and construction for most of the route. The study notes improvements already have been made at the exit 3 interchange near Greencastle. It also mentions that the proposed exit 12 in Guilford Township, Pa., is being designed. The challenge is still funding, and the hope is that funding may come from federal infrastructure legislation, PennDOT spokesman Greg Penny wrote in an email. PennDOT is looking at using the interstates existing median to accomplish the widening. Joyce F. Nowell jnowell@herald-mail.com GREENCASTLE, Pa. A Hagerstown man arrested within a half-hour of an armed robbery at a Greencastle bank last month has been charged by federal officials. George Arthur Graves, 51, of Elgin Boulevard was charged by federal prosecutors with one count of robbery, Attorney David J. Freed of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania said Wednesday. The charge stems from the Dec. 7 armed robbery of M&T Bank at 643 E. Baltimore St in Greencastle. Graves was charged then with robbery and a weapons violation. Franklin County District Attorney Matt Fogal wrote Thursday in an email that the local charges havent been dismissed yet, but likely will be in light of the federal indictment. The federal charge carries a maximum penalty of 22 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Graves originally was charged as a fugitive from justice in Maryland, but was extradited to Pennsylvania in late December to face the robbery charge. He is being held without bond at the Franklin County (Pa.) Jail. The indictment alleges that $1,969 in cash and a gun were found in Graves vehicle after it was pulled over in Hagerstown by police from multiple agencies during the swift apprehension. The time involved from the teller counter to the individual being in handcuffs was a total of 26 minutes, Greencastle Police Chief John Phillippy said. A lot of good things came together at the same time. Three bank employees were approached at 4:54 p.m. by a man brandishing a handgun who said, Give me the money, give it all to me, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed with District Magistrate Duane Cunninghams office. Neighbors in the area gave authorities a description of a vehicle seen traveling at a high rate of speed, court records said. Graves then was tracked into Hagerstown, where the arrest was made at 5:20 p.m., the affidavit said. The police work in the case drew a commendation from Greencastle Mayor Ben Thomas Jr. Three officers joined bank personnel in conducting and expediting an intense bank-robbery investigation, he said. It was culminated successfully and safely in under 30 minutes. We especially thank our fellow law-enforcement officers from the state of Maryland who also (assisted in) that arrest. Phillippy said the quick arrest not only was a good example of police work, but also exhibited good interagency cooperation. The 911 center did a great job getting us real-time information, he said. Its amazing. We have this imaginary line between Pennsylvania and Maryland that negates so much good communication, but when we take the initiative for that communication, good things happen. When a cop needs help, I dont think lines and boundaries should be in the way. In addition to Greencastle police, other law-enforcement agencies involved were the Hagerstown Police Department, Washington County Sheriffs Office, Pennsylvania State Police and a K-9 unit from Chambersburg, Pa. The December robbery marked the fifth at the Greencastle M&T branch, which is off exit 5 of Interstate 81, in the past 3 1/2 years. If I could answer why, I could make them a whole lot safer, Phillippy said. M&T continues to be a good community partner. People want to point at the interstate, but quite frankly, theyve been robbed five times in the last 3 1/2 years, and the interstate only played a factor in one of those. Del. William Wivell, R-Washington, left, has taken over as chairman of Washington Countys delegation to the Maryland General Assembly. Del. Mike McKay, R-Washington/Allegany, is the vice chairman. They are shown displaying their certificates after taking their oath of office Wednesday in the House chamber. C.J. Lovelace cj.lovelace@herald-mail.com A medical-marijuana grower that won a state license as a result of legislation last year is moving ahead with plans for an operation in Hagerstown. Maryland Cultivation and Processing LLC on Wednesday received unanimous approval from the citys Planning Commission for a preliminary site plan that includes a 46,500-square-foot greenhouse to be built at 560 Western Maryland Parkway. The company will draft formal site plans for review later. Were excited, said Andras Kirschner, an owner of Maryland Cultivation and Processing, or MCP. The citys been very welcoming. MCP recently bought the former Cosmo Films property, near the dead end of Western Maryland Parkway, a short distance from the Washington County Sheriffs Office and detention center. The greenhouse would be built on a graded pad site on the north side of an existing 35,900-square-foot warehouse on the 12-acre property. The proposal includes a 13,000-square-foot pond to harvest rainwater and reuse run-off from the facilitys roof. Kirschner, who also co-owns Phyto Management LLC, a large-scale grower in Washington, D.C., told city planners a typical operation uses about 10,000 gallons of water daily. In the initial review stage, the planning commission considers issues such as sidewalks, forest conservation, stormwater management and parking. There were no concerns about any of those aspects in MCPs proposal. The company secured preapproval for a cultivation license from the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission thanks to reforms that expanded the number of licensed growers from 15 to 22. MCP was one of two companies that sued the state commission over being denied a license for geographical reasons, despite scoring among the top 15 during the initial application process. Green Thumb Industries was the other. Jennifer White, a communications director for the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, said both companies were preapproved as a result of the state legislatures passage of House Bill 2, which Gov. Larry Hogan signed into law last May. Once preapproved, awardees have a year to secure a facility and pass necessary inspections and background checks to receive an official license. Two other companies are licensed to grow in Washington County. They are Harvest of Maryland, which has an operation in Hancock, and Kind Therapeutics USA LLC, which has a growing and processing facility, also in Hagerstown. Beaver Creek Farming LLC, which has the same mailing address as MCP, bought the property in the western reaches of the city in December for $3.1 million, according to state property records. The Herald-Mail ANNAPOLIS Washington County Commissioners President Jeff Cline and County Administrator Robert Slocum met with local lawmakers to discuss the countys priorities during this years legislative session, which began Wednesday. Though county officials met with the local delegation last month, Cline said there were three reasons he and Slocum traveled to Annapolis this week. One, we want to demonstrate support and unity for your work down here, he said. Thats very important that we stand behind all the issues that relate to Washington County and Western Maryland. I think its important to share that were going to be involved and engaged and supportive of your actions down here. The second reason, he said, was to remind you, even though its been seven, eight years, about highway user revenues. This money, which comes from gasoline taxes, vehicle registration and other fees related to transportation, goes into the states Transportation Trust Fund. A portion is returned to local governments to help pay for their transportation projects. For years, counties received 30 percent of these funds. But when Martin OMalley was governor, that percentage was reduced to less than 10 percent in a budget-balancing move. Since then, some of the local distribution has been restored, but not all of it and not permanently. Its the same old song, Cline conceded, but we dont want that song to get old. The loss of highway user revenues has forced the county to borrow money from other areas to pay for necessary road projects. Its taking away from public safety and other concerns that we have in Washington County, Cline said. The third is the $1 million the county is requesting for a planned police, fire and emergency services training facility. Half of the money is being sought for Fiscal Year 2020; the other half in FY 2021. In a November letter to former delegation Chairman Neil Parrott, R-Washington, former commissioners President Terry Baker wrote that design for the facility was wrapping up and that construction could begin as early as this summer. State officials are hoping for a permanent solution to the loss of highway user funds, Parrott said, but were not there yet. Other county government priorities include: Legislation to recodify and publish county laws. The Code of Public Laws was last published in 2007. Since then, there have been three supplements. Sen. George Edwards, R-Washington/Allegany/Garrett, recommended Thursday that the bill be drafted. A measure to give the county authority to prohibit abandoned trailers in public rights-of-way. Continued support for the Urban Improvement Project in downtown Hagerstown. Additional funding for widening Interstate 81 through Washington County and for improvements to the Interstate 70-Maryland 65 interchange near Premium Outlets south of Hagerstown. Alexis Fitzpatrick afitzpatrick@herald-mail.com PTA donates $5K to Fountaindale Elementary The Washington County Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously passed a motion approving a donation of $5,401.25 from the Fountaindale Elementary PTA. Board member Jacqueline Fischer was absent. According to Jana Palmer, executive director for elementary education and counseling, the funds will be used to offset the cost of Fountaindale Elementary teachers attending the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Classroom this summer. Alexis FitzpatrickCommittee assignments for 2018 The Washington County Board of Education on Tuesday approved standing-committee assignments for 2019, including: Curriculum and instruction Linda Murray (chairwoman), Michael Guessford and Melissa Williams Facilities Guessford (chairman), Wayne Ridenour and Stan Stouffer Finance Pieter Bickford (chairman), Stouffer and Murray Human resources Ridenour (chairman), Jacqueline Fischer and Bickford Policy review and development Fischer (chairwoman), Stouffer and Williams Purchases approved The Washington County Board of Education voted to approve the following purchases Tuesday: Maintenance and repair of mechanical and refrigeration equipment, MTS Equipment, $34,140; and Ty Construction Co., Inc., $54,000; from the food and nutrition services fund. Mobile device management for Apple products, JAMF, $69,834; from the general fund. Network security assessment renewal, Securance Consulting, $52,496; from the general fund. Professional development for math techbook, Discovery Education, $67,400; from a Title II grant. Repair the chiller at Smithsburg High School, Johnson Controls Inc., $63,710; from the general fund. Dave McMillion davem@herald-mail.ocm Some members of Congress representing the Tri-State area said they are not accepting their paychecks during the partial federal government shutdown. If lawmakers cannot do their jobs, they shouldnt be paid, they said. On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., announced that he will donate his salary to food banks across West Virginia during the shutdown. If Congress cannot do our job, we should not get paid, Manchin said in a news release. As a result of this reckless shutdown, 340,000 West Virginians who depend on food stamps will go without that critical assistance. Children will go hungry, pregnant mothers will not get the nutrients they need and our elderly neighbors will not have dinner on the table. This is unacceptable. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers face missed paychecks Friday as the shutdown extends into a third week. The stalemate seemed as solid as ever Wednesday, when Vice President Mike Pence said Democrats were unwilling to even negotiate an end to the shutdown. As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, some other members of Congress in the Tri-State area also said they will not accept their pay during the shutdown. U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., has donated money to charities during previous shutdowns and plans to do the same this time, according to Capitos press secretary, Kelley Moore. U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., has instructed the financial clerk of the Senate to treat him like any other federal employees impacted by this shutdown and withhold his paycheck until the government is reopened, according to his press secretary, Francesca Amodeo. U.S. Rep. John Joyce, R-Pa., wrote a letter to the chief administration of the U.S. House saying he will not take a salary during the shutdown. He will instead donate his pay to charity. I dont think any legislature should be paid when their job is not being done, Joyce said in a news release. U.S. Rep. David Trone, D-Md., also plans to forgo a salary during the shutdown. Members of the House Representatives and the Senate make $174,000 a year in base pay. U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., responded with his thoughts about Trumps address on Tuesday about border security, but did not answer the question about his salary. Jacklin Rhoads, deputy communications director for U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., said the senator is keeping his salary as we continue to work on a shutdown resolution. Casey would vote yes on an appropriations bill sent over by the House that would reopen government, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refuses to bring it up for a vote, Rhoads said. U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., will keep his salary, press secretary Tim Zink said. Cardin is highly mindful of the pain and uncertainty felt by furloughed employees and for that reason, he is fully engaged in ending the shutdown immediately, Zink said. Cardin is the chief sponsor of the principal measure that would guarantee federal workers will be paid retroactively at the end of the shutdown, he said. U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney, R-W.Va., could not be reached for comment. The Associated Press contributed to this story The Herald-Mail ANNAPOLIS Wednesday was a busy and symbolic day in the state capital as the new General Assembly gathered for the first time. Both chambers started the 2019 session with lawmakers elected in November taking the oath of office many for the first time. Sen. Andrew Serafini, R-Washington, likely will be sworn in next week as he was absent Wednesday, recovering from knee surgery. Health care and health insurance likely will get a lot of attention during the 90-day session. Senate President Mike Miller, D-Prince Georges/Charles/Calvert, surprised reporters Wednesday by highlighting that fact with news that hell make an announcement Thursday about his own health. Miller, who has been using a cane to help him walk, insisted that he planned to be at the helm for the long haul. Lawmakers again chose Miller as Senate president and Mike Busch, D-Anne Arundel, as House speaker. Family members of other legislators crowded the floors and took photos during the proceedings. Gov. Larry Hogan and U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., briefly visited both chambers urging cooperation in the coming weeks as lawmakers churn their way through thousands of anticipated bills. Obviously, a lot of family and friends have come to witness the House of Delegates be sworn in, said Del. Mike McKay, R-Washington/Allegany. He said he was impressed with the very, very positive tone of the governor, the tone of the speaker, the tone of the senator that we could work together to move Maryland forward in a direction that respects all. My viewpoint was similar, Del. William Wivell, R-Washington, said. It seems like on opening day, we always talk about the bipartisanship, and hopefully that does carry through for the 90-day session, so we respect each others opinions. As the speaker said, we may not always agree, but hopefully, they are receptive to everyones bills that have been introduced, regardless of whether you have the R or the D behind your name. Del. Neil Parrott, R-Washington, didnt quite feel the happy vibes. Buschs remarks, he said, were unusually partisan for a first-day address, highlighting traditionally Democratic items such as abortion rights, raising the minimum wage and other issues expected to come up this year. Especially the first day of a four-year cycle, its normally less partisan than what I saw today, Parrott said. Del. Paul Corderman, R-Washington, served as an appointee during the last legislative session. On Wednesday, he took office for a full four-year term with his wife Kerri, daughter Samantha and a political mentor on hand former Washington County Del. Paul Muldowney and his wife, Harriet. Corderman said he had a fantastic day. It was great to be back here in Annapolis, great to have all the new legislators here, the returning legislators, he said. It was great to have Gov. Hogan here, as well. Im looking forward to getting the session underway. Over in the Senate, Sen. George Edwards, R-Washington/Allegany/Garrett, said he enjoyed the very nice ceremony. Its the first session of the new term, he said. Youve got 17 new members (of the Senate), which is probably more than usual. And the president introduced everybody; it was very cordial. But thatll change shortly, he quipped, once we get into the issues but it was a good way to start off. The bipartisanship most embraced on Wednesday will probably ebb and flow as those topics become a little more heated and the debate grows, McKay said. I only hope that the debates dont become personal, because when they do become personal, its not good for the state of Maryland [or] the residents. The real work will begin Thursday, as Washington Countys delegation meets in the morning to choose leadership for the new term and start mapping out a plan for local issues with the county commissioners president, Jeff Cline. Standing committees in both the Senate and the House also will conduct their first meetings Thursday. Next week, Hogan and Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford will be inaugurated for the second time. A choir from Barbara Ingram School for the Arts is slated to perform during the pre-inauguration festivities Wednesday morning. The ceremony begins at noon. Also next week, Hogan is expected to release budget proposals for Fiscal Year 2020, which begins July 1. His annual State of the State address is slated for Jan. 30 in the House chamber. Comment Policy Calaveras Enterprise does not actively monitor comments. However, staff does read through to assess reader interest. When abusive or foul language is used or directed toward other commenters, those comments will be deleted. If a commenter continues to use such language, that person will be blocked from commenting. We wish to foster a community of communication and a sharing of ideas, and we truly value readers' input. Report Child Abuse If you are in danger or have an emergency, please call 911. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, please call the Division of Child and Family Services 24-hour intake line at (855) 323-3237. Utah law requires any person who has reason to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse, neglect, or dependency to immediately notify the nearest office of Child and Family Services, a peace officer, or a law enforcement agency. Abuse, neglect, or dependency of a child can be physical, emotional, or sexual. Source: The Division of Child and Family Services Pass a clean budget, Shoemaker said. Congress needs to do their jobs. While some corrections officers nationwide have reported seeking second jobs to make more money during the shutdown, that hasnt yet been the case at USP Lee, Shoemaker said. He noted that many corrections officers at Lee already have second jobs. Hes a farmer on the side. Another officer owns a store. But hes concerned others may consider finding second jobs once they dont receive a paycheck on Friday. Some local companies have begun assisting corrections officers and other federal employees. The Lee Bank & Trust Co., which has branches in Abingdon, Bristol, Jonesville and Pennington Gap, is offering federal employees a no-interest, no-fee loan for up to 60 days for the amount of two semimonthly paychecks, according to institutions CEO, Robert Coffey. Lee Bank has customers that struggle with their financial circumstances every day, and we work with them on an individual basis, Coffey said. In this case, we were able to identify a large number of our customers that could be affected by the government shutdown and decided to reach out to them by mail, email and social media in order to reach as many as possible. The complex, slated to open next year, is a project Flora said shes excited about because its an opportunity for Northeast State to meet industry demands for skilled technical workers and is an example of how healthy the college is and its potential for growth. Northeast State still has to come up with $2 million to match funding from the state for the project, but a couple of companies have already committed to donating money, and Flora plans to launch a capital campaign. Flora said faculty and staff are still working through occupational PTSD from Gilliams administration that she is mindful of, and she knows it will take time to recover from, but morale has improved, and everyone is energetic and enthusiastic about the future. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Were moving forward, Flora said. Im confident were on the right path. You cant, though, have those type of net revenue loss years and turn it around overnight. The ship has turned, but we are in a slow rebuilding process, and so we will continue to be fiscally conservative. We will continue to make the kinds of slow but steady movement in the right direction. MARION, Va. A Marion man has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed an elderly woman inside her home last weekend. Joseph H. Kestner, 31, Marion, was identified as the driver of a 1993 gold Honda Accord that ran off the right side of the highway on Sunday and crashed into a home in the 500 block of Riverside Road, according to a news release issued Thursday by the Virginia State Police. Margaret A. Poe, 87, lived in the home and was injured as a result of the crash. She died at the scene, the VSP said. No one else was at the home. The driver, later identified as Kestner, left the scene, according to the State Police. VSP and the Smyth County Sheriffs Office were searching for the driver and reached out to the public for help. They were able to identify Kestner and arrested him Wednesday, the release states. He has been charged with fatal hit-and-run, failure to report a crash and involuntary manslaughter. He was transported to the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail in Abingdon. Update: The Buchanan County Sheriff's Office reports that the missing girl has been located and Michael Newman has been taken into custody. GRUNDY, Va.The Buchanan County Sheriff's Office is looking for a girl who may have disappeared with a person she met on Facebook. Madeline Faith Serria Wells (Maddy), 15, was last seen in the Grundy area on Wednesday about noon, according to a written statement from the Sheriff's Office. She was last seen with Michael Newnam (Mike) from the North Carolina area, the release adds. They are believed to be in a 2003 black Chevy Silverado, with North Carolina license plate number FFJ 8570. If anyone has any information on the location of these individuals they are asked to contact the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office 276-935-2313 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Pictured is a print-out of the group text-message sent by Lone Oak ISD Superintendent Lance Campbell to members of the school board in which Campbell asks the board to permanently ban four private individuals from being included on the board's meeting agendas. Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email customercare@heraldandnews.com for help creating one. DOYLESTOWN >> Not since the initial weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic has the number of new cases in Bucks County been as low as now. The threat of drone activity to Irish airports is to be considered in the wake of incidents that disrupted flights in Britain. Transport Minister Shane Ross has called a special meeting of the National Civil Aviation Threat and Risk Group today to advise him on the recent incidents in the UK and their implication for Irish airports. A reported drone sighting at Heathrow Airport halted departures at the London location for about an hour on Tuesday. And thousands of passengers saw their travel plans disrupted after drones were sighted at Gatwick Airport last month, with departures and arrivals postponed and a huge backlog of flights resulting from the closure of the runways. Fears have surfaced of Ireland's state of readiness should any similar incidents occur here and officials have expressed their wish that potential passengers' concerns over drones be allayed. Fine Gael Senator Neale Richmond yesterday called on Mr Ross to confirm that Dublin Airport is adequately prepared to deal with similar incidents to those that caused such chaos and misery to travellers in the UK. "The economic and human costs of these drone attacks have been massive," he said. Strict "Understandably many Irish travellers are concerned the same could happen here." Mr Ross yesterday said he is convening the special meeting of the National Civil Aviation Threat and Risk Group. A Transport Department statement said that should there be any further steps required to improve how the State can respond to the threat of illegal drone activity around Irish airports, the minister "will take appropriate action". "There are already strict rules in Ireland around the use of drones, including an exclusion zone of five kilometres around airports," Mr Ross said. "The misuse of drones is an offence, and flying drones in controlled Irish airspace or within five kilometres of an airport is a very serious matter. "I have asked my department to convene at short notice a special meeting of an expert industry group to assess recent events and advise me on how we are prepared at our own airports, and whether there are further things which can be done." The National Civil Aviation Threat and Risk Group is chaired by the Department of Transport and includes representatives from the Irish Aviation Authority, the State airports, Irish airlines, the Departments of Justice and Foreign Affairs, gardai and Defence Forces. Dozens of deer were shot in the Phoenix Park yesterday in a bid to control the growing population, sparking anger from animal rights activists. Around 550 fallow deer live in the park, descending from the original herd that was introduced in the 1600s. The cull, one of several carried out each year, saw 34 of the animals shot in order to keep numbers down and protect the biodiversity of the park. However, the Alliance for Animal Rights said the way the cull was carried out was "inhumane" and "brutal" as the animals were reportedly shot by a sniper from a distance. Spokesperson Bernie Wright said there was an incentive to shoot the deer and sell the carcasses to make money instead of looking at other methods such as contraception to control the population. "We spoke to people in the park at the time and they were horrified," she said. "They were saying the animals were being shot from a bit away and then they were lying there until they came over to finish them off. Terrified "The other deer were just standing around, and when they hear shots ring out they're terrified. They feel pain and fear just like we do. "This happened last year too, but we didn't realise that it is as brutal as it really is." A spokesperson for the Office of Public Works, which oversees the management of the park, said an average of two or three culls were carried out each year, removing around 20 to 30 animals each time. The OPW said the deer carcasses are sold to a game dealer under an agreement with the Department of Agriculture. "Sustainable deer management must rely on sound, practical and applied scientific research, and any deer management policy must be cognisant of its application to practical deer management," the spokesperson said. "An over-abundant deer population can result in an increasing incidence of road traffic accidents and increase the potential role of deer in the epidemiology of specific diseases." Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he expects to talk to former president Mary Robinson about her controversial trip to Dubai. Mrs Robinson has been criticised since her meeting last month with Princess Latifa, who had made a reported att-empt to escape the emirate. Photos were issued by the authorities in Dubai showing the pair having lunch together. Mr Varadkar declined to comment on the visit, saying: "I just don't know enough about it and I haven't had a chance to speak to Mary Robinson in a few weeks. Escape "We're in touch and I imagine we'll have a chance to talk about it in the future." Before Mrs Robinson's visit, Latifa, the daughter of the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, had not been seen in public since reports she had been recaptured near the Indian coast after her apparent escape attempt last March. Mrs Robinson had been invited to Dubai by Latifa's stepmother, Princess Haya bint Hussein. The former president told the BBC that Latifa is a "troubled young woman" who is in the "loving care of her family". The nature of the visit has been criticised by advocacy groups Human Rights Watch and Detained in Dubai. Mrs Robinson has insisted that she travelled to Dubai to meet Latifa "in good faith" and has written a report of her visit for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Earlier this week, she ignored questions about the Dubai visit when she attended the Global Ireland 2025 Conference: Making it Happen, which was held in Dublin Castle. Despite posing for photos on her arrival at the castle, Mrs Robinson did not acknow- ledge a question asking for a comment on her trip to Dubai as she made her way into the conference hall. Parents are being urged to vaccinate their children against meningitis following the deaths of three people who fell ill with a deadly form of the disease. The HSE has warned of a spike in meningococcal disease in the country in the last two weeks. Eleven cases of the potentially fatal disease have been notified to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) over the last week in December and the first week of January. "All age groups have been affected, ranging from infants to elderly. Of the three patients who died, two different strain types were identified," said the HSE. The 11 cases notified compares to five for the same period last year. In 2018 there were 89 meningococcal cases notified, compared to 76 in 2017. The warning comes as hospital emergency departments saw little respite from overcrowding yesterday. Up to 212 patients endured trolley waits of at least nine hours for a bed, as several hospitals had to line up rows of patients on trolleys. Meanwhile, more than 4,000 nurses are set to break ranks with their colleagues during six 24-hour strikes from the end of the month. Siptu will instruct its nursing members to go to work during 24-hour stoppages by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation from January 30, as they are not part of the dispute. However, the union will insist they do not "frustrate" the dispute by taking on the work of absent colleagues. The fact that 4,000 nurses may turn up for work will give the HSE some comfort as it draws up contingency plans. Saddened However, more than 40,000 of their colleagues plan to mount pickets in pursuit of new pay rises on January 30, and five dates the following month. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he is "saddened" that nurses decided to strike on a Wednesday, as thousands of operations and clinic appointments will be cancelled. "They had the option of striking on a Saturday or Sunday, which would have had the same political impact... but it wouldn't have had such a big impact on patients," the Taoiseach said. A Fiji Water brand ambassador became an online sensation at the Golden Globes after repeatedly sneaking into the background of photos as Hollywood royalty showed off their awards attire - but not everyone saw the funny side. Halloween star Jamie Lee Curtis made her feelings known on Twitter, claiming she "didn't want to be doing advertising" for brands handing out freebies. "So, I specifically moved away from the blatant Fiji and Moet promotions," she wrote. "I knew there was a photographer poised and I moved as I didn't want to be doing advertising for either. "The sponsors of events need to get permission from people before they try to take their picture with them." Other celebs, such as Riverdale actress Lili Reinhart, had a more positive reaction. Expand Close The Fiji Water Girl / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Fiji Water Girl Stunt "Fiji Water starting off the year right with the best publicity stunt ever pulled. #fijiwatergirl," Reinhart wrote on Twitter, alongside a picture of her appearance on the red carpet with the water carrier behind her. After hours of speculation, Fiji Water Girl, real name Kelleth Cuthbert, revealed her identity on Instagram, writing: "Not the worst way to spend a Sunday... #goldenglobesfijigirl #fijiwatergirl." The Canadian-born model was hailed as the first meme of the awards season for her gutsy self-promotion, trending on social media as viewers applauded her ambition. She has not let the opportunity pass her by in the days since her five minutes of fame, giving a number of media interviews and appearing on James Corden's chat show. Showbiz website E! News even gave Ms Cuthbert her own awards ceremony in a video posted to Instagram. Among the celebrities she thanked were Bodyguard and Game Of Thrones actor Richard Madden "for giving me my start", as well as Dakota Fanning and Luke Evans "for allowing me the space to have my best angle". A spokesman for Fiji Water said in a statement: "The award for best supporting actress in (literally) every picture goes to Fiji Water Girl!" Huntington, WV (25701) Today A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies. Low around 55F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies. Low around 55F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Free access for current print subscribers As a home delivery subscriber, you get free unlimited digital access to premium content on HenryHerald.com, including local news, local sports, obituaries, legal notices, local features, and the e-edition. All you need is your print subscription account number and your last name. Don't know your subscription number? Email access@henryherald.com with your delivery address. Activate your account now. This year were celebrating Heifer Internationals 75th year of working to end hunger and poverty and care for the Earth. As we look back over our history as an organization, we are proud that as we have matured into a world-class nonprofit, many world-class leaders have taken notice of our work, including several United States presidents and first ladies. Here is a short retrospective of what a few of these prestigious leaders have said about Heifer. Ike Liked Heifer President Eisenhower celebrates donating to Heifer in 1957. President Eisenhower donated several of his own prize Angus bulls to a Heifer project in Greece. He also donated a bull to Heifers relief project in Korea in 1972, the same year that First Lady Mamie Eisenhower joined Heifer Project Internationals Advisory Council. At the time, Heifers International Advisory Council functioned as a liaison between the organization and prominent world citizens who endorsed Heifers work and wanted to lend their support. It sounds like a fine project and I am pleased to lend my support, said First Lady Eisenhower when she distinguished the Advisory Council with her membership. The Clintons Reach Out Heifer International came together on common ground with former President Clinton and the Clinton Foundation in Haiti in 2013, when Heifer Haitis REACH (Rural Entrepreneurs for Agricultural Cooperation in Haiti) project was in full swing following the devasting 2010 earthquake. The former president visited Haiti with a delegation of executives key to agricultural development in Haiti, including Heifers President and CEO Pierre Ferrari. In a wrap-up speech at the Port-au-Prince Heineken plant announcing that company's $40 million investment and commitment to local sourcing of sorghum for the brewery, Clinton thanked Ferrari and Heifer International by name, in addition to others in the delegation, for their contributions in Haiti. One of the great debates that I hope to see favorably resolved while I'm still alive is whether the world population can go to 8 or 9 billion or wherever it's going, and we can deal with the challenges of climate change in a way that enhances and empowers smallholder farmers. President Bill Clinton "This has been a great day," Clinton said in a press conference at the brewery. "One of the great debates that I hope to see favorably resolved while I'm still alive is whether the world population can go to 8 or 9 billion or wherever it's going, and we can deal with the challenges of climate change in a way that enhances and empowers smallholder farmers instead of throwing them off their lands with the pipe dream that large-scale mechanized farming can solve that problem. Former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton granted us an interview in World Arks Holiday 2012 issue, discussing her lifelong work to improve the lives of women and children in Arkansas as Arkansass first lady and around the world as the nations top diplomat. Empowering women has always been one of Heifers nearest and dearest values, and Secretary Clinton voiced our feelings and experience when she said, Women have shown time and again that they will seize opportunities to improve their own and their families lives. And even when it seems that no opportunity exists, they still find a way. The Bushes Visit the Bush Former First Lady Laura Bush visited Zambia in 2012 and took the time to visit one of Heifer International's project sites there. She toured the Mpima milk processing center in Kabwe and got to meet some of the families working with Heifer there. Mrs. Bush said she is grateful for Heifer's work and "all the ways you help the people of Zambia." But the gratitude lies on our side: we were appreciative of the time Mrs. Bush took to learn more about our Zambia projects and learn about the needs of people there. After her short visit to a Heifer project in Zambia, Mrs. Bush agreed to an interview in World Ark magazine, detailing her work as the chair of the George W. Bush Institute Womens Initiative, focusing on a program aiming to unite and empower Egyptians at a critical time for womens rights in their country. Heifers work has long recognized the profound power of community among women, so we couldnt have agreed more when she said, Its important to have womens voices at the table. A broad network empowers women and gives them more of a voice. C.J. Cregg is confused when Heifer International sends a goat for a photo op in season 4 of NBC's The West Wing Bartlett for Heifer Even fictional presidents love Heifer. In episode 12, season 4 of The West Wing, NBCs serial political drama of the early aughts, the unforgettable Press Secretary C.J. Cregg sets up a photo op for President Bartlett to promote Heifer Internationals work. Confused when Heifer sends a goat instead of a cow, shenanigans ensue as various bemused characters encounter Heifers goat. While not too keen on the idea at first, the episode ends with President Bartlett and his senior staff doing the photo op in good humor for a good cause. If someone is bored or unhappy at work, it could affect their well-being in the long run and thereby, the quality of their work. Worse, instead of planning their next holiday, they could be planning their exits as plenty of reports on HRD have cited in the past year. All is not lost. As one prominent HR director puts it, engagement goes back to having a strong purpose. Although it is not solely HRs responsibility to help employees connect the dots, HR can drive the campaign and ensure everyone from company leaders to managers play their part in re-engaging staffers. Tackling engagement A challenge is that [sometimes] people tend to put themselves last, and think about the needs of their families, jobs and homes first, said Lisa Tay, head of HR at Johnson and Johnson (J&J), Asia Pacific. Weve had to encourage a shift in mindsets to get employees understanding the importance of health at all levels physical, mental, emotional and spiritual to tackle it holistically. At J&J, health and well-being is a core part of employee engagement, which is why CEO Alex Gorsky made a commitment to having the worlds healthiest workforce by 2020. This morning I walked down to Tonys On The Beach for breakfast. I called it a walking meditation because naming it such makes me feel better about my small steps, snail pace. Once again I am in Mazatlan. Kathy and Richard asked me if I would like to join them for a week on the beach. Who would say no? It has been three years now since I lived in Mazatlan. Tonys is in my old neighborhood. Oh, the changes. Each time I come, there are changes. Economy is booming if one may judge by new construction; condo towers shooting up like corn stalks on every vacant beach lot. On the short w... Havre Area Chamber of Commerce has selected a founder of a highly successful Montana business for this years speaker in the 110th Annual Meeting and Luncheon. Dean Folkvord, founder of Wheat Montana Corp., said this will be his first year speaking at the Havre Chamber of Commerce and that he is excited for the event. Folkvord said that he and his dad founded Wheat Montana Farm and Bakery, located in Three Forks, in 1988, with it fully up and running in 1990. We were the quintessential farm-to-table success story before it was a buzz word, he said. Weve been fortunate... The list of names released by the Catholic Church of clergy who served in the West and were accused of sexual abuse includes many names from this part of Montana. The Catholic Churchs Diocese of Great Falls-Billings and the Jesuits West have both released lists of the priests and sisters which have been accused of sexual abuse. Diocese of Great Falls-Billings Chancellor Darren Eultgen said Tuesday that the diocese released its list due to the conditions of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy claim made in March 2017. (I) dont have any comments on the allegations. It might be good to talk... Companion to legislation Montanas U.S. senators Havre Daily News staff Montanas sole U.S. representative has again introduced legislation in the House asking Congress to recognize the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians, a companion to a bill introduced by Montanas U.S. senators. Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., spoke on the House floor Wednesday to introduce the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act and urge lawmakers to pass the bill. We take up their worthy cause again today as I reintroduce the bill, a press release reports Gianforte said. I call on this body to consider and pass this bill again. Th... Press release HELENA The Montana Department of Justice seeks applications for membership to the Tow Truck Complaint Resolution Committee from: A representative of the tow truck industry from western Montana; A representative of the insurance industry; and A representative of the public-at-large. The Tow Truck Complaint Resolution Committee consists of six representatives: Two members from the tow truck industry; one member from the commercial motor carrier industry; one member from the insurance industry; one member from the public; and one member from the Montana Highway Patrol. The Committee reviews and resolves complaints involving tow truck issues. The term of membership is three years. People interested should send letters of application to: Montana Highway Patrol Attn: Tow Truck Complaint Resolution Committee 2681 Palmer St., Ste. B Missoula, MT 59808 Letters should include the applicants name, address, and any qualifications the applicant believes are relevant to his or her ability to serve as a committee member. The deadline for applications is Jan. 23. Once the deadline for application has passed, Attorney General Tim Fox will review the applications and make a final decision on committee membership. Questions should be directed to Montana Highway Patrol Capt. James Kitchin at 406-531-3610 or Assistant Attorney General Kelley Hubbard at 406-444-2026. Nach Kategorien filtern: Artikel +-- Artikel - Hardware +--+-- Artikel - Grafikkarten +--+-- Artikel - Storage +--+-- Artikel - Prozessoren +--+-- Artikel - Monitore +--+-- Artikel - Eingabegerate +--+-- Artikel - Netzwerk +--+-- Artikel - Notebooks +--+-- Artikel - Arbeitsspeicher +--+-- Artikel - Chipsatze +--+-- Artikel - Gehause +--+-- Artikel - Multimedia +--+-- Artikel - Komplettsysteme +--+-- Artikel - Netzteile +--+-- Artikel - Kuhlung +--+-- Artikel - Mainboards +--+-- Artikel - Auto +-- Artikel - Software +--+-- Artikel - Betriebssysteme +--+-- Artikel - Browser und Internet +--+-- Artikel - Spiele +--+-- Artikel - Anwendungen +--+-- Artikel - Treiber +--+-- Artikel - Benchmarks +-- Artikel - Consumer Electronics +--+-- Artikel - Handys +--+-- Artikel - Tablets +--+-- Artikel - Konsolen +--+-- Artikel - mp3-/Media-Player +--+-- Artikel - Digitalkameras +--+-- Artikel - Gadgets +--+-- Artikel - Heimkino +--+-- Artikel - Sonstiges +-- Artikel - Sonstiges +--+-- Artikel - Messen +--+-- Artikel - Guides und Anleitungen +--+-- Artikel - Specials +--+-- Artikel - Luxxlinks +--+-- Artikel - Sonstige News +-- News - Hardware +--+-- News - Kuhlung +--+-- News - Mainboards +--+-- News - Prozessoren +--+-- News - Netzteile +--+-- News - Wasserkuhlung +--+-- News - Komplettsysteme +--+-- News - Eingabegerate +--+-- News - Notebooks +--+-- News - Chipsatze +--+-- News - Grafikkarten +--+-- News - Gehause +--+-- News - Festplatten/Laufwerke +--+-- News - Monitore/Projektoren +--+-- News - Multimedia +--+-- News - Netzwerk +--+-- News - Arbeitsspeicher +--+-- News - Auto +-- News - Software +--+-- News - Benchmarks +--+-- News - Treiber +--+-- News - Anwendungsprogramme +--+-- News - Spiele +--+-- News - Browser und Internet +--+-- News - Betriebssysteme +-- News - Consumer Electronics +--+-- News - Tablets +--+-- News - Konsolen +--+-- News - Handys +--+-- News - MP3-/Mediaplayer +--+-- News - Gadgets +--+-- News - Digitalkamera +--+-- News - Heimkino +-- News - Allgemein +--+-- News - Hardwareluxx +--+-- News - Netzpolitik +--+-- News - Vor-Ort +--+-- News - Wirtschaft +--+-- News - Team Hardwareluxx Germany Uncategorised Buyer's Guides - 1500 Euro PCs Buyer's Guides - 1000 Euro PCs Buyer's Guides - 500 Euro PCs Company Pages Buyer's Guides Company Pages-Alles Uber Kaufberatung +-- SSD Rangliste +-- Prozessor Rangliste +-- CPU Rangliste +-- Mainboard Rangliste +-- Gehause Rangliste +-- Grafikkarten Rangliste +-- RAM Rangliste Internes Suche By Vasia Orion | Published on 2019/01/09 The hunt is on, and these new posters portray danger closing in on Lee Seo-jin and Sung Dong-il's characters in "Trap - Drama". The two play an anchorman caught in 'the cruelest trap', as the show's full title states, and a veteran detective on the case. Advertisement I love it when posters have a theme, and I love it even more when the design is created to be viewed as a whole. These posters work well separately, but they become dynamic when one realizes that they start from a wide shot, and get right close and personal with the characters. The location is the same field that we see in the drama's teasers, and protagonist Kang Woo-hyeon (Lee Seo-jin) is in the same dire condition that we've previously witnessed. The man knows that someone is out there, as the tagline reads "I was caught in an elaborate hunt". I imagine the hunt will be from two fronts, since Go Dong-gook (Sung Dong-il) has a job to do, and the trap will hopefully not be easy to spot. Let's hope that our detective will also hunt for the enemies our journalist and anchorman surely has. "Trap - Drama" premieres on February 9th on OCN. Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings' Haiti - Social : Nearly 132,000 Haitians deported or turned back from DR in 2018 The General Directorate of Migration (DGM) of the Dominican Republic announced that in 2018, nearly 57,000 people of Haitian origin in an irregular migratory situation were deported to Haiti, while nearly 75,000 others were turned back in Haiti at the border, as they tried to enter the Dominican territory illegally. Hundreds of foreigners from other countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Germany, Belgium, Bermuda, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, United States, France, Italy, Mali, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Russia, Turkey, Venezuela and Vietnam, in irregular migratory situation were also deported to their country of origin. In total in 2018, 132,322 people were deported or expelled from the Dominican territory in 2018, because they did not respect the law on migration. According to official data, the foreign population in the Dominican Republic stands at 847,979 people, of which 88.5% were born in Haiti or descendants of Haitian immigrants (excluding illegal migrants whose estimates vary between 500,000 and 1.5 million of people, mostly of Haitian origin). SL / HaitiLibre Haiti - Chile : A 26-year-old Haitian savagely stabbed in the street Tuesday, a Haitian Delicienne Sajuste (26 years old) was savagely stabbed by her ex-partner on Tralcamahuida street, in El Quisco, a seaside resort located 120 km southwest of Santiago, Chile, after leaving her elderly daughter five months with friends, before going to work. On the way to work, his ex-partner, a 29-year-old man, approached her and after a heated argument, stabbed her at least twelve times in the chest and abdomen. When passers-by tried to intervene, the man took a bottle of hydrochloric acid out of his pocket and tried to kill himself by swallowing the contents. Both were rushed to the San Antonio Hospital, where the woman's death was confirmed, while her unidentified assailant was in critical condition. On Wednesday, authorities in the province of San Antonio filed a complaint against the attacker. Commissioner Robinson Alarcon of the Investigative Police Homicide Squad (IDP) said that the Haitian couple arrived in Chile in 2017, separated for five months and that there had already been violence on the part of the man, who had tried several times to return to live with his ex-partner. According to data from the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality, since the beginning of the new year, four women have already been murdered in Chile. In 2018, 42 women were victimized by their husbands, partners or boyfriends, against 43 in 2017. SL/ HaitiLibre MOSS POINT, Miss. -- The Mississippi Press has obtained documents showing 12 current and former employees of the City of Moss Point have filed complaints against the city with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. According to the complaints, former employees allege age discrimination and the new mayor ran for office partially upon the fact that he believed older people could not keep up and that age was holding the City of Moss Point back. The complaint also alleges when Mayor Mario King entered office, he began harassing everyone who was not a millennial or younger and eliminated positions and lowering salaries of older, non-millennials. It is unfortunate that people want to work against the system instead of working with it, King said. The board should be trying to lead the charge of people supporting the administration and not working against it. Decisions relating to hiring, pay or any way someone can be discriminated against, this falls onto the board. These are not decisions that I can make this has nothing to do with me from a day-to-day standpoint. Because of these alleged actions, former employees said they were forced out of employment with the city, according to their filed complaints. The 12 employees who filed complaints include: Stephanie Coleman- Former City Clerk Felicia Yearwood- Grants Willie S. Nettles Jr. Dina W. Singh Jacqulyn Davis Shirley Joseph Chadwick L. Smith- Parks and Recreation Wardell Ashford Bat. Chief Scotty Montague Fire Chief Tommy Posey . David Eaker . Lee Vance Yearwood contends King retaliated against her because she provided evidence to support another employees complaint. This news comes days after the city received a tort of claim from the lawyer of current alderman Ennit Morris. The people elected me to hold the mayor accountable and thats what I am doing, Morris said. Within the claim, Morris alleges King in their Dec. 4, 2018 executive session meeting attempted to have him arrested and removed from the meeting but was told not to do so by City Atty. Amy St. Pe. King responded to the claims during a press conference on Friday stating the city would continue on its path to rejuvenation, despite the allegations. As mayor, I am confident if any of the EEOC complaints go forward, they will be dismissed and our city attorney will deploy any resources she has to ensure they are handled properly, King said. This administration has hired 17 employees over 40 -- we have promoted and awarded employees and it is important the city continues to move forward to rejuvenation. On the campaign trail in 2007, Sen. John McCain sang a parody to the tune of the Beach Boys' "Barbara Ann": "Bomb, bomb, bomb . . bomb, bomb Iran." That sentiment resonates in the Donald Trump administration, and it's understandable. The Iranians continue to push their influence throughout the Middle East: Using proxies to threaten U.S. allies; supporting Bashar al-Assad in Syria; fueling the war in Yemen through support for Houthi rebels; and seeking to destabilize Iraq and gain further influence in Lebanon. Now we face a new twist to Iranian expansionism that demonstrates both Tehran's ambition and its growing ties to Russia: The Iranian navy announced it will undertake a five-month deployment to the western Atlantic. While it's unclear how many ships will be involved, Tehran says the flotilla will include a newly built destroyer, the Sahand. Some vessels are expected dock in Venezuela, one of the few countries in the Western Hemisphere that would welcome them. A handful of Iranian combatants in waters close to the U.S. will not send our navy to general quarters, nor should it. Iran's ships are a couple of generations behind similarly sized U.S. destroyers, and they have nothing remotely like the powerful strike capability of America's carriers, nuclear submarines and amphibious warships. Nor do they have sophisticated land-attack cruise missiles comparable to U.S. Tomahawks. But two aspects of the deployment should strike an ominous chord. First, it will undoubtedly be conducted in cooperation with the Russian navy, which has been increasing its patrols in the approaches to the continental U.S. Second, it is an indication of how Iranians truly believe themselves to be a global power. One problem in forging an Iran strategy is that we do not understand their history, culture and self-image. We see Iran as a moderate-sized regional power with significant natural resources and a fairly large, growing population. But Iranians see themselves as the inheritors of the Persian Empire, which at its peak ruled nearly half of the world's population. In a slightly different twist of history's DNA, the Persians would have conquered the Greek city-states 2,500 years ago and potentially stymied the birth and growth of the Roman Empire. So, is John McCain's prescription the right one? Not at the moment, and let us hope we do not need to turn to military action. Instead, we should create a coherent strategy for dealing with Iran that rests of three pillars. First, we need to increase intelligence collection focused on Iran's internal debates over global strategy. For example, how do the revolutionary guards and the regular military interact? While a great deal can be collected by overhead surveillance and cyber activity, it makes sense to work more closely with our allies' intelligence services, especially Israel and Jordan. And as we collect data in more depth, we should be applying a historical and cultural filter to extract a more sophisticated and nuanced understanding of Iranian goals. Working militarily with our allies, partners and friends - both in the region and globally - is a second key. Since the Jimmy Carter administration, this confrontation has largely been the U.S. versus Iran, instead of a global community versus Iran. Much of Tehran's relentless interference and provocation across the larger Middle East and south-central Asia violates international law, to say nothing of its nuclear program. In the region, Israel and Saudi Arabia are pillars of a coalition that could include many of the other Arab states to face Shiite expansionism. It may be the moment to reopen discussions of an "Arab NATO." Third, we must continue to use targeted economic sanctions. Some big nations - including Russia and China - will probably not cooperate. But the U.S. and Europe collectively represent over 50 percent of global GDP. While it remains unclear how the Europeans will ultimately react to the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, we can bring them back onside by refocusing the international effort on the proxy wars and the ballistic-missile threat. As for Iran's navy, it has strong capabilities to create mischief in the Arabian Gulf and the northern Indian Ocean. Iran has stealthy diesel submarines, it employs swarming flotillas of small armed boats to threaten larger warships, and it is very good at employing mines to constrict shipping. But this new deployment to the distant waters off America is a concerning display of advanced capability and ambition. We need to pay attention. Bombing Iran now would be a grave mistake. Building a more coherent approach that flows from a deeper analysis and understanding of Iranian goals and plans is a better bet. The bombs will be available if that time ever comes. - - - Stavridis is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. He is a retired U.S. Navy admiral and former military commander of NATO, and dean emeritus of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He is also an operating executive consultant at the Carlyle Group and chairs the board of counselors at McLarty Associates. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) Senator Win Gatchalian said "there were probably insertions" in the 2019 budget, as previously claimed by other lawmakers, but these may not necessarily be all linked to corruption. "The question now if whether those insertions are really needed or those insertions are not needed, and those insertions can be a root cause of corruption," Gatchalian told CNN Philippines' The Source on Thursday. The Senate economic affairs committee chair explained that some insertions, if actually needed for projects for the benefit of the people, may be above board. But he said these insertions are usually the product of lobbying of local government officials to lawmakers, which would have to follow the regular budgetary process and be forwarded to line agencies which would evaluate whether these projects are needed. "The right method there is to bring it back to the line agencies because the line agencies will have the regional development plans and the regional investment plans. All of these documents are very important because these are the guiding documents which would determine whether that project is needed in that area or not," Gatchalian said. He said lawmakers should not try to cut corners around the budgetary process by inserting funding for their pet projects in the budget bill, which should be aligned with projects asked for by local governments and included in regional development plans. However, he said breaking this practice proved to be easier said than done. "It's very difficult to stop congressmen and even legislators. Ako, I have to admit, some of the local governments come to us," Gatchalian said. The senator said leaders of the legislative and executive branches of government can fix the issue on insertions. He said the House Speaker could tell congressmen to coordinate with line agencies if they needed anything for their districts and bar them from cutting the budgetary process short, while the executive should ensure that legislators' projects should be part of the development plan. Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri previously admitted that all lawmakers have "institutional insertions" and that there is "nothing wrong" with these, which are used to provide funding for government projects. Senator Ping Lacson has hit this insertion, saying it is akin to the Priority Development Assistance Fund, commonly known as pork, which the Supreme Court outlawed in 2013. READ: Lacson maintains 'pork' inserted in 2019 budget Present evidence vs Budget chief The House rules committee is probing the alleged billion-peso insertion in the 2019 budget supposedly facilitated by Budget Secretary Ben Diokno to favor his daughter's in-laws, Sorsogon Vice Governor Ester Hamor and her husband, Casiguran, Sorsogon Mayor Edwin Hamor, who are both gunning for posts in the midterm polls. Diokno has repeatedly denied these allegations, saying the Department of Budget and Management decided to realign 75.5 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways for 2019 in fulfillment of their commitment to spend at least five percent of the country's gross domestic product for infrastructure. Gatchalian said the DBM has the power to cut and realign funds to different government agencies as deemed necessary, but has no hand in the implementation of the projects. He added that the Senate would also be scrutinizing these claims. Senators expect the proposed 3.757 trillion 2019 budget to be enacted by January 27. However, he said those accusing Diokno of corruption should present evidence to back up their allegations. "I would want to see the evidence. And off top like this, I would not want to believe it because Secretary Diokno is known for his competence," Gatchalian said. The start of 2019 has seen a flurry of political activity from Mali to Madagascar, with a shock opposition victory in Africa's biggest country, protests against long-serving rulers, a short-lived coup and agitation stirred by economic mismanagement all suggesting this will be a year to watch on the continent. South Africa and Nigeria, the continent's two biggest economies, are among more than 20 African nations that will hold elections this year. Voting takes place against a backdrop of growing discontent among the young over faltering job and educational opportunities in countries long dominated by strongmen. China, Russia and Islamist militants add a layer of unpredictability as they jostle for influence at a time when the U.S. is turning inward. One of the continent's brightest spots is Ethiopia, whose 42-year-old prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, is pursuing change at a breathtaking pace and overseeing Africa's fastest-growing economy. Since taking power last year, Abiy has sought to establish a multi-party democracy in a nation that's been under the iron rule of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front for a quarter-century. The jury is out on whether he can see it through. Following is a country-by-country guide to the issues -- and opportunities -- across Africa for investors this year: - Democratic Republic of Congo: The risk of widespread political unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo receded after electoral authorities announced that opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi won last month's presidential elections. Tension had been building in sub-Saharan Africa's largest nation and the world's biggest cobalt producer after an earlier postponement of results from the Dec. 30 vote that was more than two years overdue. There is still a danger of protests from supporters of another opposition candidate, Martin Fayulu, who called the result "electoral fraud." If confirmed by the Constitutional Court, the outcome will bring to a close Joseph Kabila's 18-year rule and, just possibly, mark the first democratic transition since independence from Belgium in 1960. - Nigeria: Africa's most populous nation is bracing for another round of general elections that have traditionally been marred by violence and rigging. Presidential and parliamentary votes are taking placed under the shadow of a devastating war against Islamist militants in the northeast, clashes between farmers and herders that have been claimed thousands of lives, and a moribund economy. The presidential race in OPEC's sixth-biggest oil producer is proving to be a hard-fought battle between the incumbent, former military strongman Muhammadu Buhari, 76, and Atiku Abubakar, a 72-year-old businessman who served as vice president from 1999 to 2007. - Sudan: Sudan entered the new year with unprecedented protests over soaring living costs that are posing one of the greatest challenges to President Omar Bashir since he came to power in a 1989 Islamist-backed coup. Bashir, who's quelled several internal rebellions and been indicted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes, is now facing an existential challenge much closer to home in the shape of unrest that's left dozens of casualties. - South Sudan: Africa's newest nation is emerging, tentatively, from a conflict that at its height rivaled Syria for the dubious title of the world's worst conflict, claiming almost 400,000 lives. The country, which split from Sudan in 2011, has witnessed false dawns before, and its pillaged towns and villages show the scale of the challenge in rebuilding even a country endowed with sub-Saharan Africa's third-biggest oil reserves. - Somalia: Twin explosions that killed at least 30 people near the presidential palace in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, at the close of 2018 served as a reminder of the threat al-Qaida-linked militants pose to the Horn of Africa country. The insurgents remain the biggest source of insecurity in Somalia, despite continuing operations to degrade it, including U.S. airstrikes that are intensifying under President Donald Trump's administration. - Cameroon: A violent rebellion in Cameroon's two Anglophone regions is increasingly affecting the country's much larger French-speaking area, which registered its first attack late last year and is sheltering thousands of people who've been forced to flee their homes in the Northwest and Southwest regions. A disarmament program recently announced by longtime President Paul Biya has yet to yield results. Biya has vowed to quash those who refuse to put down their weapons in 2019. - Sahel region: An Islamist insurgency that began in northern Mali seven years ago and has reverberated across West Africa shows no signs of abating. The deployment of more than 15,000 United Nations peacekeepers and 4,000 French troops has failed to stop militant attacks from spreading to neighboring Burkina Faso. At the same time, both nations are facing a surge in inter-communal violence in impoverished rural areas that, as in Nigeria, pits farming communities against ethnic Fulani herders. - Chad: Chad has deployed troops and military aircraft near its northern border with Libya following a deadly attack last year on army positions claimed by rebels called the Military Command Council for the Salvation of the Republic, or CCSMR. While few details have trickled out about the group, it's widely believed to be supported by Libyan fighters. The government of the oil-producing nation has also been bogged down by weeks of public-worker strikes amid an economic crisis. - Libya: After eight years of turmoil, Libya was offered some hope when the main rival leaders -- Fayez al Serraj, whose internationally recognized government is based in the west, and Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar in the east -- agreed to cease hostilities and call elections early this year. But the holder of Africa's largest proven reserves of crude remains deeply divided, and disputed vote results could spark more chaos and embolden Islamic State's bid to carve out a base in Libya. That would affect regional security and increase migrant flows to Europe. In an added complication, Russia has been expanding its presence in Libya and is lobbying for the return of Saif al-Islam Qaddafi, the late dictator's son, as a possible next ruler. - Zimbabwe: Labor unrest is mounting as the southern African nation endures its worse economic crisis in at least a decade, with fuel, food, medicines and foreign exchange all in short supply. Doctors have gone on strike, demanding that their salaries be paid in hard currency instead of via electronic transfers, and teachers have threatened to take similar action. Political tensions also continue to simmer, with the government and opposition still at loggerheads over last year's disputed election. - Guinea-Bissau: A political feud in the sleepy capital of Guinea-Bissau is threatening to push one of the world's poorest countries back to being a haven for gangs smuggling cocaine into Europe and open the door to Islamist militants. The dispute between President Jose Mario Vaz with his party, known as PAIGC, over delayed elections is stoking anger among young people dissatisfied with faltering job and educational opportunities. - Togo: Negotiations about planned constitutional changes with Togo's largest opposition parties are at an impasse, and mass protests against the regime of President Faure Gnassingbe are likely to continue into 2019. Gnassingbe has been in power since winning disputed elections in 2005 that were held shortly after the death in office of his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled Togo for 38 years. - - - Bloomberg's Brian Latham, Caroline Alexander and Jeremy Diamond contributed. HARTFORD Wednesday was a day for pomp and circumstance as the new General Assembly, Governor, and Lieutenant Governor were sworn in, but a few people showed up at the state Capitol to remind everyone that the issue of tolls is going to be a big if not THE issue this session. A small contingent of anti-toll demonstrators paraded around the outside of the state Capitol as the General Assembly and Gov. Ned Lamont were sworn in. Several of them carried anti-toll signs. Instead of talking about adding tolls the governor and legislature should take a close look backward [at what] is already on the books to see what spending can be cut, Cyndy Kozczensky, of Montville, said. Putting in tolls will impact everything we do, everything we buy, she said. We already have one of the highest gas taxes. Tolls are the last thing we need. Nodding in agreement was Wendy Gauthier of Voluntown: Yes we just need to cut spending. We will be up here sending that message as much as we need to. One of Lamonts campaign promises included tolling out-of-state tractor trailer trucks. Lamont estimated the state could collect as much as $100 million from electronic truck-only tolls on only out-of-state trucks. Joseph Sculley, president of Motor Transport Association of Connecticut, has said out-of-state trucks already contribute $30 million annually to the state. There is also the question of legality. Trucking associations and carriers sued Rhode Island in July, claiming its truck-only tolls were unconstitutional. The lawsuit is still pending. Lamont said the decision in that lawsuit will help guide his proposal, which will require legislative approval. The Connecticut legislature, pending a few recounts, ushered in a Democratic majority in both the House and the Senate. However, that doesnt mean tolls for all vehicles will be an easy sell. Senate President Martin Looney, D-New Haven, said he supports Lamonts proposal to toll out-of-state trucks and a broader toll. However, there are more moderate Democrats who come from districts where the idea of tolling is opposed. House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, said the real question is where does Connecticut come up with the money to fund the failing infrastructure in order to remain competitive. Aresimowicz, a supporter of tolls, said he might have to adjust his position because he doesnt know his new caucus yet. On the Republican side, House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, said this week one of her ideas is to eliminate some of the buses that arent at capacity on CTfastrak, the nine-mile rapid busway between New Britain and Hartford. Klarides said its by no means a solution to Connecticuts transportation problems, but its an idea they wanted to share. She didnt have a dollar figure associated with cutting some of the buses, but said if the state is looking at implementing tolls then it needs to find transportation funding by reducing operating expenses for public transit. The state is facing a $1.7 billion deficit in the upcoming fiscal year and a $2.3 billion deficit in the following year. Klarides added that Republicans are open to having a conversation about eliminating the gas tax if tolls become a reality. However, she said Democrats have said they want to lower the gas tax if they approve electronic tolls, but we know that they dont mean that. Its never enough with these people, Klarides said. Its always lets spend more, lets borrow more, lets make something bigger and we never look at what were doing and if its working. WASHINGTON In a potentially major breach of Washington political etiquette, Sen. Richard Blumenthal learned Wednesday that although he is a Senate Judiciary Committee member, he would not get a meeting with President Donald Trumps nominee for attorney general, William Barr, before confirmation hearings scheduled for next week. Such meetings are customary for Judiciary members so they can have a relatively relaxed exchange with a nominee away from glaring television lights and hearing-room theatrics. Blumenthal received such courtesy calls from Trumps first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, and Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch. But earlier this year, Blumenthal declined a chance to meet with Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh because of he considered it an empty, deceptive charade in the wake of bland answers given Democratic colleagues on the Trump-Russia investigation of Special Counsel Robert Mueller. But Gorsuch and Kavanaugh ultimately won confirmation despite no votes by Blumenthal, a liberal Democrat and former Connecticut attorney general and U.S. attorney. The Justice Department, which handles all such nominations, cited a truncated schedule in denying a meeting to Blumenthal and other Democratic senators an indication that there was insufficient time to hold one-on-one meetings with Democrats before hearings next Tuesday and Wednesday. A White House spokesman referred an inquiry to the Justice Department. Mr. Barr is meeting with senators from both parties on the Senate Judiciary Committee, despite the holidays, reduced DOJ staff and resources due to the partial government shutdown, and the compressed timeline to prepare for the upcoming hearing. He will continue to do so both before and after the hearing and looks forward to meeting with Senator Blumenthal and his colleague, said Kerri Kupec, a Justice Department spokeswoman. William Barrs refusal to meet with Democratic Senators on the Judiciary Committee is entirely unprecedented and unacceptable, Blumenthal said in a statement. The Department of Justices attempt to excuse this gross break in the norms by citing a truncated schedule is galling when they are the ones who have rushed it. My Republican colleagues should share my outrage at this appalling violation of the Senates independent authority. Blumenthal was offered a meeting after the confirmation hearings but considered it a much-less desirable alternative. Barr served as attorney general under President George H.W. Bush in the early 1990s. Although very conservative, he was known as a straight-forward law enforcement official who actually worked closely with Mueller, who served as head of the departments criminal division among other roles. Trump fired Sessions last year for a variety of reasons, chief of which was his recusing himself from overseeing the Mueller investigation. The duty fell to the departments No. 2, Rod Rosenstein, who on Wednesday was said to be leaving the department once a new attorney general is confirmed. Barr, a well-known figure in Washington legal circles, won the attention of Trumps legal staff for his stout defense of presidential power. He wrote an unsolicited memo last year that criticized the Muellers inquiry into whether Trump had obstructed justice by firing James Comey as FBI director. But Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., the Judiciary Committees new chairman, said after a meeting with Barr that Barr has a high opinion of Mueller and would let him complete the Trump-Russia investigation. dan@HEARSTdc.com Toward the end of Gov. Ned Lamonts inaugural ball Wednesday, long after the first couple made their exit, the head of a nonprofit services agency greeted state Treasurer Shawn Wooden. Congratulations, he said to the newly sworn-in Wooden, who controls $34 billion in pension funds. Holding his right hand up to mimic taking an oath, he added, You really nailed it. Wooden joined the gag, feigning pride in how he stuck the dialogue perfectly. I do. They touched each others shoulders. The nonprofit head turned and wheeled into the night but not before turning back to say, Anything I can do. Multiply that exchange times 10,000 for a picture of an oddly loose, black-tie celebration of Connecticuts Democratic Party power base, lobbyists, labor leaders and foot soldiers, industry executives and friends of the newly seated state officials. On the surface, it was an opulent party with dozens of Connecticut restaurants serving small samples of serious grub and celebs such as MSNBCs Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski as Scarborough, a former GOP congressman from Florida and later a New Canaan resident, fronted a very loud R&B band. Business titans including recently retired PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi and multibillionaire Bridgewater hedge fund founder Ray Dalio, both Ned friends from Greenwich, held forth as Lamont basically danced, and wildly, the whole time he was there wearing low-cut Doc Martens or something like them, with thick, bright red laces. But this is politics and business, where networking counts almost as much as dealmaking. And this crowd of more than 1,000, most of whom paid $200 per ticket ($99 for young professionals under 29) included some real pros. Doing the dance of maintaining contact for a purpose is not an add-on its who they are; who we are, if news columnists dressed in tuxedos count as part of the networking machine. See it as corrupt insiderism, or as I prefer, humans being human. We are the law school of the state of Connecticut. Our job is to do right by the taxpayers, said UConn law school Dean Timothy Fisher. He and I looked around the room and surmised there could be 100, maybe 200 UConn lawyers. His goal, besides a fun night? Just to maintain our presence and show our respect for these officers. Matthew Nemerson, a familiar figure as New Havens economic development chief under Mayor Toni Harp, and before that head of the Connecticut Technology Council, has a brand new gig as vice president at Budderfly, a Shelton energy services company. Were changing the whole model about how to do energy efficiency, Nemerson said. We take the risk and we share the savings with you. He was telling that story, aside from just seeing old friends. Weve got to educate governments on how to use our model. As my colleague Kaitlyn Krasselt and I watched and listened, most people downplayed the whole lobbying and plying power stuff. For Sen. Marty Looney, D-New Haven, president pro-tem of the Senate, the night was less about people currying favor with him, and more about him seeing old friends such as former Rep. Cameron Staples, who co-chaired the education committee and is now CEO of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Any talk about the Massachusetts-based association accrediting a consolidated Connecticut community college system, after it rejected the plan last spring? No need, on this night. A steady stream of well-wishers approached House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz as he sat at a table with his cousin, Donald Arasimowicz (same family, different spelling) and Donalds wife, Jennifer Arasimowicz. Shes general counsel at FuelCell Energy in Danbury and might well have networked with the likes of Nemerson. Im sure theres a bunch of that going on, Arasimowicz said, but she was there just to enjoy herself, not advance business. Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, now the longest serving constitutional officer along with Comptroller Kevin Lembo, accepted plenty of congratulations and also reached out to people for her political cause. Are you kidding me? Ive got a constitutional amendment to pass, Merrill said, referring to the open-voting initiative that failed in a referendum in 2014, which shes committed to seeing through. Lamont set the tone for an informal atmosphere of talking at least when the band wasnt playing with some jokes, like the dilemma of whether he would have an inaugural ball at all. I asked my friend Lowell Weicker, he said, talking about the former governor, who was also from Greenwich when he served from 1991 to 1995. I said, what do you think? He said, I love a Connecticut party. Weicker, recall, left the Republicans to run under A Connecticut Party as a reformer. If you wanted to talk to Lamont, youd have to cut a few moves with him and his wife, Annie, on one of two dance floors at the cavernous Connecticut Convention Center. Its a relaxed setting, setting the tone for the next four years, lobbyist David Kozak said. Well see about the whole four years. For this night, the lobbying, or at least networking, was subtle but real. Labor leaders and union employees didnt need to ply anyone. Salvatore Luciano, president of the state AFL-CIO, said labor had a few hundred people in the room, to celebrate. We knocked on over 60,000 doors, he said. Tonight is just a celebration, not only for the constitutionals, but for a governor who is truly at the bottom of his heart an optimist. Another optimist, Sen. George Logan, R-Ansonia, was one of the few Republicans on hand and he brought his ax. After playing his trademark, kick-ass version of Jimi Hendrixs solo guitar Star Spangled Banner made famous at Woodstock he stayed late. I grew up with a lot of these people in the New Haven area he said. The hard stuff will come soon enough. For now, Logan said, Its the honeymoon. Liquor giant Diageo designated New York City for its North American headquarters currently in Norwalk, with plans to move at the start of next year while maintaining a smaller satellite office in southwestern Connecticut. Diageo has its main U.S. office at 801 Main Ave., in The Towers complex it shares with GE Capital and where FactSet Research plans to move its own headquarters by the start of next year. The company did not identify immediately any specific municipality it is eyeing for its Fairfield County office going forward, and how many Connecticut workers will become New York City commuters in a years time. Diageo had more than 400 employees in Norwalk at last report, with the office overseeing operations in the United States and Canada that total 2,600 workers. The company is based in London, with brands including Captain Morgan rum, Casamigos tequila, Guinness beer and Johnnie Walker whiskey to name a few. With both Diageo Norwalk and New York office leases due to expire, we have taken the opportunity to review our future workplace locations, stated Deirdre Mahlan, president of Diageo North America, in an email forwarded by a company spokesperson. We are committed to continuing to operate in Connecticut. Our Fairfield County office will house a number of teams, including our innovation center of excellence. The news breaks the day after new Gov. Ned Lamont took office, replacing Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. More than 15 years ago, the state of Connecticut awarded Diageo an incentive package to move its corporate offices to Norwalk from Stamford, but the company failed to maintain a workforce of 700 employees to qualify for the full incentive package. The office of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio did not immediately publish on Thursday any notice of Diageos plans, on the same day the mayor touted a booming economy in the city during his annual state of the city address. The loss of Diageo represents Norwalks biggest corporate defection since Norden Systems closed its former military radar plant in 2012, with the city having held onto several more in the past few years, including Xerox, FactSet and Reed Exhibitions which all relocated within the city limits. Priceline parent Booking Holdings has expanded in Norwalk with its Kayak subsidiary based in nearby Stamford. General Electric has maintained its GE Capital headquarters in Norwalk where it moved corporate staff not relocating to Boston in its own 2016 headquarters exodus from Fairfield. And in nearby Wilton, General Mills is expanding the home office of Blue Buffalo Pet Products after acquiring the pet food maker last April for $8 billion. Only this fall, the Reeds maker of ginger beer and Virgils root beer moved its own main office to Norwalk from Los Angeles after hiring two former Diageo managers to become senior executives, with Reeds CEO citing the citys proximity to beverage industry talent, with Nestle Waters having its North American headquarters in Stamford. Diageo indicated the New York City expansion is being driven in part by its own search for an expanded pool of executive and managerial candidates. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman STAMFORD Bridgewater Associates, the worlds largest hedge fund, has announced a partnership with a professional-services firm to improve key operations and establish a center for that work at the companys offices in the citys South End. The new initiative shows the growing use of outside consultants at southwestern Connecticuts largest companies. Employees and clients would benefit from a cohesive suite of services covering parts of Bridgewaters HR, recruiting and finance operations, company officials said. At the same time, a number of Bridgewater staff would become employees of the firm, Genpact. We are constantly searching for ways to improve our business, as well as improve the experience for our clients and employees," Bridgewater co-CEO Eileen Murray said in a statement. I am extremely excited about this partnership with Genpact, as I believe it will allow us to harness the latest in process expertise, digital innovation and design thinking to connect our operations and deliver optimal results. A digital hub, at Bridgeports waterfront offices at 2200 Atlantic St., would house employees from both companies working on the new projects. It would eventually serve additional clients. From Bridgewaters point of view, this initiative will provide cost savings, said John Knopf, an associate professor of finance at the University of Connecticut. Firms like Genpact are getting much more sophisticated at helping the likes of Bridgewater to streamline their operations and analyze their data. Genpact serves clients across the world in industries including financial services, health care, insurance, energy, manufacturing and hospitality. The platform we have developed with Bridgewater, using strategic design and advanced digital technologies, we believe over time will become a model for the broader financial services industry, Tiger Tyagarajan, president and CEO of Genpact, said in a statement. Bridgewaters Stamford offices which opened last year complement the firms Westport headquarters, at 1 Glendinning Place. The company did not disclose how many work in Stamford. Bridgewater employs more than 1,600 in Connecticut, according to a report last year by the state Department of Economic and Community Development. Demand for consulting Officials at Bridgewater which manages more than $160 billion in assets touted the new venture as the latest of several partnerships launched in the past few years that draw on third-party expertise. In 2012, Murray led an overhaul of the firm's middle- and back-office operations, working with Bank of New York Mellon and Northern Trust. The dual back-up approach aimed to bolster the security and accuracy of Bridgewaters asset management. It is interesting that even a firm as big and successful as Bridgewater doesnt have such unlimited resources that they would take in-house and pay for all the non-core functions, Bruce McGuire, president of the Connecticut Hedge Fund Association, wrote in an email. If you don't think they watch and manage every penny, you are wrong. The Bridgewater-Genpact alliance launches during a period of major growth for professional-services firms in Stamford. KPMG plans to move later this year its local offices from 3001 Summer St., to 677 Washington Blvd. Related to the relocation, the company plans to add more than 100 jobs during the next five years. A $3 million state grant is supporting the project. Last May, PricewaterhouseCoopers announced it would add up to 400 jobs in the state during the next five years and create a divisional headquarters in the city. More than 500 employees are now based in the downtown office tower at 300 Atlantic St., which has served as PwCs local center since 2000. Up to $9 million in state grants are financing the PwC expansion. Deloitte and EY the other two members of the Big Four of professional-services firms also have Stamford offices. More than 1,000 work in Deloittes offices in the downtown clock-tower building at 695 E. Main St., where it has operated since late 2014. Deloittes own job deal with the state allotted up to $14.5 million in grants. In July 2017, another major professional-services company, RSM, moved to offices next door to Deloitte, at 200 Elm St., after 15 years in the citys South End. In the decade before the move, its local contingent had grown from approximately 150 to about 200. Nearly 223,000 were working in professional and business services in Connecticut last November, up about 3 percent year-over-year, according to state Department of Labor data. pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott Support local journalism We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story. GREENSBORO Woodmere Park residents lived in a virtual desert a food desert. Although they lived just a few miles from the center of Greensboro, residents had no full-service grocery store for 18 years. That all changed Friday, when the Renaissance Community Co-op opened its doors. Bless this store, Beverly Ritchie said Monday. Its just like any other supermarket that we used to have to drive somewhere else to shop. Food desert is the term used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to describe high-poverty areas where at least one-third of residents live more than a mile from a grocery store. There are 24 food deserts in Guilford County 17 in Greensboro, including Woodmere Park. But thats changing. Congratulations is all I can say, summed up Donald Ray Hughes, who has called Woodmere Park home for 53 years. We need this so badly in this neighborhood. Although the 10,531- square-foot store wont celebrate its official grand opening until Nov. 5, shoppers wasted little time getting acquainted with the gleaming new grocery, which features a coffee bar, butcher shop, WiFi, dining area and community meeting space. WENTWORTH When Rockingham County Manager Lance Metzler took his seat prior to the start of Monday evenings regular meeting of the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners, he had no idea the surprise in store. As usual, the meeting was called to order, an invocation was given and the Pledge of Allegiance was rendered. But as the governing board of five made its way center stage for what was listed on the agenda as a recognition by the Local Government Association, Metzler presented a look of surprise as Chairman Reece Pyrtle mentioned his name. The shock didnt wear off as Pyrtle asked Metzler to come forward and accept a plaque issued by the International City and County Managers Association recognizing his 25 years of service as a credentialed manager. The board chairman recognized Metzlers tireless work ethic, before presenting him with the plaque. After receiving the recognition, Metzler was joined by his wife Gwen and two daughters Caroline and Catherine, who he had no idea were going to be in attendance. His son Merritt and daughter Memorie, attendees of East Carolina University, were unable to attend with the start of a new semester. ROCKINGHAM COUNTY As we close in on the weekend, the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Virginia, is calling for an impactful winter weather event. During a 9:30 a.m. briefing today, the western half of Rockingham County has an elevated risk and the eastern half has a limited risk of snow and sleet. Early indications show that Eden and Western Rockingham County should expect 2 to 4 inches of snow and sleet accumulation. The Reidsville area should expect 2 inches accumulation. Heres how NWS lays out the forecast for Rockingham County: Saturday 7 a.m.-1 p.m. slight chance of snow 1-5 p.m. chance of snow and rain 5-7 p.m. chance of snow 7-10 p.m. snow 10 p.m.-midnight sleet Sunday Midnight-1 p.m. sleet 1-3 p.m. sleet likely 3-5 p.m. sleet and rain likely 5-7 p.m. sleet likely 7 p.m.-midnight chance of snow Monday Deon Jawan Peatross died Sunday following a family argument that ending with a hail of bullets, court documents show. Devon Drecole Smith, 27, of Martinsville, was arrested Sunday in connection to the shooting death of his brother-in-law, 23-year-old Peatross, of Eden, North Carolina. He was charged with first-degree murder and the use of a firearm in commission of a felony, court documents show. According to a criminal complaint filed in Pittsylvania County General District Court, Smith was arguing with Peatross and his mother-in-law, Veronica Peatross, over an altercation between him and his wife, Shameka Smith. The tension built over Facebook and text messages until Smith and his in-laws agreed to meet and settle the argument face to face, court documents state. Fearing the meeting could get violent, Veronica Peatross gave her revolver to her son, who put it in his pocket, according to court documents. The three converged on the driveway of 2521 Martin Drive in Axton, and as Smith pulled up to the meeting spot, court documents state, Veronica Peatross told him that Deon had his hand in the same pocket as the gun. Smith started yelling you got a gun, at Deon, who Peatross said did not show the revolver. Then Smith threw his hands up. When it comes to retirement, if you have a pension, youre one of the lucky ones. Over the past few decades, most employers have shifted away from offering pension funds for their workers and former employees. Increasingly, its up to people to save on their own, usually through a 401(k) from their employer or from opening an Individual Retirement Account. Yet, many workers are finding themselves near retirement, without the income or savings they need to stay out of poverty and off public assistance programs. What this calls for are innovative solutions to spark savings. States recognize that partisan battles in Congress are unlikely to address the growing risk that large segments of our population are aging into poverty. And as states worry about the impact on state-funded programs, like Medicaid spending, they are finding their own solutions. The best way to provide that access is to make sure that employers offer retirement or emergency savings plans in ways that small businesses can afford, by using their current payroll systems and without extensive financial commitments or burdensome regulatory requirements. When the N.C. General Assembly convenes this month, AARP will be asking them to look into this problem. Doug Dickerson Raleigh Even assuming for the sake of argument that it did, theres no reason to believe his removal would be a panacea for the disunion, disharmony and dyspepsia that afflict this country. Indeed, it could easily make matters worse. Remember: 63 million people voted for this guy, even knowing what he is. Remember, too, that his latest Gallup approval rating stands at 39 percent. Though no elected president since Eisenhower has polled that low at a similar point in his term, that figure still seems stunningly high. As flagrantly awful a president as Trump has been, four in 10 Americans think hes doing a bang-up job. To overturn the will of that many people, especially in todays charged environment, is to fracture an already fractured union. None of which is to say it shouldnt be done, but only to point out the consequences thereof. But again, the argument is academic. As noted, Trump will probably be impeached (though not removed). And the six in 10 of us who see his awfulness for what it is surely will exult. Which is fine so long as we realize that impeachment will very likely change very little of what actually ails America. Perhaps thats as it should be. We can only tax our residents but so much, Saunders added. Councilmen said they have received lots of citizen feedback on a possible casino, with a majority in favor but a considerable amount of opposition. A slight majority of Danvillians voted against establishing a lottery in Virginia in 1987, Saunders said. Since then, the Danville School Division has been getting $5 million to $6 million per year in lottery funds, he said. Alluding to concerns about increased crime from a casino, Councilman Larry Campbell said a dearth of jobs can compromise public safety as well. If we dont have more jobs in our area, we will have an increase in crime, Campbell said. I would have to vote yes to move forward. Also, council would not make the final decision on whether a casino comes to Danville if the state legislation passes, they pointed out. The citizens would determine that by a referendum. This is a no-brainer, said Councilman James Buckner. If we dont allow our citizens this opportunity, it is a great injustice to our citizens. To walk away from this opportunity, I think would be foolish, said Councilman Adam Tomer. If its going to be a contiguous wall across the entire southwest border, youre talking about a massive land seizure of private property, he said. Most people, he said, are not willing to voluntarily hand over their land, even with a fair market price, forcing the government to go to court to obtain it. Youre talking about thousands and thousands of eminent domain proceedings that would have to run through federal district courts in Texas for the most part, but also places such as Arizona and New Mexico. Olivares said there were 334 eminent domain lawsuits filed in South Texas during the Bush administration; approximately 60 to 70 cases are still pending from a decade ago, mostly regarding payouts. The Texas Civil Rights Project is now trying to let people know that they are not required to sign over access to their land. They are going door-to-door in some neighborhoods, letting people know their rights, and they are running digital ads and spots on local radio stations. They also plan to host town-hall style meetings. If you dont have a lawyer, youre just going to get railroaded, Olivares said. Were trying to make sure this isnt going to happen. DURHAM Authorities are identifying a man found dead at his North Carolina home after a sheriff's deputy shot and wounded a second person barricaded inside the home. The Durham County Sheriff's Office identified the man in a statement Thursday as 60-year-old Willie Moore. Officials say deputies were called to the home for a welfare check Tuesday and an emergency response team entered the home after trying to make contact for five hours. At some point, a deputy shot one person, who is expected to survive. They also found Moore dead in the home. Officials say the deputy involved has been placed on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of an investigation. They haven't released the names or races of the deputy and person who was shot. "If you take $10 and go to Food Lion or Walmart or Aldi or whatever store you shop at, it's going to be worth $10," said Shante Woody, the People's Market manager. "But if you take those same $10 on your card and come here, we are going to give you $20 to spend." GREENSBORO A portion of Lawndale Drive will close this weekend for bridge work. Beginning at 9 p.m. Friday, N.C. Department of Transportation crews plan to close the road between Cottage Place Extension and south of Regents Park Lane. The closure allows girders to be set for a bridge that will carry the future Interstate 840 over the road. The closure should end at 6 p.m. Saturday. Detours will be in place following Lake Brandt, Battleground Avenue and Pisgah Church Road. Crews plan to work through the night to minimize the closure time. It simply isnt feasible economically for many small and rural communities to change over to a career format for their fire departments, Kimberly Quiros, the chief of communications for the National Volunteer Fire Council said. These communities have always had these volunteer systems, and just dont have the tax base to do otherwise. Nationally, the number of volunteer firefighters was slightly higher in 2016 (the latest year for which the National Volunteer Fire Council has figures) than it was 30 years before about 815,000 compared to 808,000 in 1986. But the amount of calls those firefighters deal with has nearly tripled over those 30 years. The Guil-Rand Fire Department, which serves about 90 square miles, has about 60 personnel, roughly half of whom are volunteer. The number of paid personnel in the department has gone up as the number of volunteers has fallen. And the number of calls is continuing to increase. Our volunteer resources are aging out, Causey said. And you can get people to come in, but the hard part is retaining those folks. Everybody sees a need, and goes, Oh yeah, I want to help out. But then when they come and realize the dedication that it takes, the training that it takes, we lose them. "It is because of their courage that we have been able to successfully apprehend and charge a dangerous individual with a series of significant criminal acts," the university said. The university thanked police "who pursued this case tirelessly," encouraged any other victims to come forward and warned people to be vigilant about their security on social media. Here is the university's entire statement: We are grateful to the victims who have come forward. It is because of their courage that we have been able to successfully apprehend and charge a dangerous individual with a a series of significant criminal acts. We are also exceptionally proud of the dedicated, professional work of our UNCG Police officers who pursued this case tirelessly. This outcome helps protect our students and so many individuals across the region who were victimized by this scam. We believe there may be more victims who have not yet come forward. We encourage anyone with information about this or any other similar crimes to contact their local police department. In 1776, Thomas Paine anonymously published his influential pamphlet, Common Sense, which argued for American independence from British rule. In 1863, the London Underground had its beginnings as the Metropolitan, the worlds first underground passenger railway, opened to the public with service between Paddington and Farringdon Street. In 1870, John D. Rockefeller incorporated Standard Oil. In 1946, the first manmade contact with the moon was made as radar signals transmitted by the U.S. Army Signal Corps were bounced off the lunar surface. In 1994, President Bill Clinton, attending a NATO summit meeting in Brussels, Belgium, announced completion of an agreement to remove all long-range nuclear missiles from the former Soviet republic of Ukraine. In 2000, America Online announced it was buying Time Warner for $162 billion (the merger, which proved disastrous, ended in December 2009). In 2006, Iran resumed nuclear research two years after halting the work to avoid possible U.N. economic sanctions. In 2009, the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush was commissioned with its namesake, the 41st president, and other members of the Bush family on hand for the ceremonies at Naval Station Norfolk. For other highlights from this date, see On This Day in the gallery area of greensboro.com. You can search the News & Record Historical Archive at greensboro.com/archive. GREENSBORO Mike Sakellaridis was just one day on the job as general manager of Renaissance Community Co-op when a tornado tore through the citys east side. No employees were at the store, which had closed for the day. The Phillips Avenue shopping center it anchors suffered no direct damage. But the center lost power along with swaths of surrounding neighborhoods. Despite many streets littered with debris, Sakellaridis managed to get to the store to see what he could move from the refrigerators to the freezer. Ive never been through a tornado, said Sakellaridis, who came to Greensboro to manage the co-op after managing one for eight years in Point Arena, Calif., about 130 miles north of San Francisco. Ive been through other stuff. We had multiple power outages where we were. Every place has its disasters. California gets fires and earthquakes. Here you get tornadoes and hurricanes. But his efforts to save the refrigerated stock were in vain. The store didnt have power restored for four days. The co-op filed an insurance claim for a net loss of $27,000. The loss added to the stores struggles just a year and half into its 10-year lease. Thank you for reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. As the 2019 legislative session approaches, a major discussion topic in state government from 2018 moves to action. That topic is government efficiency. Youve likely heard it mentioned on the campaign trail from candidates, in news coverage, and throughout your communities when discussing our states affairs. As a statewide elected official, this topic has been a top priority for me for the past four years. I thought I would take an opportunity to provide some insight into government efficiency as it relates to education. Government efficiency is the current intentional eff... Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation@skagitpublishing.com for help creating one. What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 814-368-3173 or email nfinnerty@oleantimesherald.com. Gloucester, MA (01930) Today Thunderstorms early, then becoming clear after midnight. Low 58F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then becoming clear after midnight. Low 58F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Britain Will no Longer be Bound by EU Sanctions After Brexit By Henry Ridgwell January 09, 2019 With the March deadline approaching for Britain to depart the European Union, there are concerns that Britain's exit could undermine Western sanctions against countries like Iran, Syria and North Korea. Analysts note that Britain has been influential in persuading the EU to take action, saying there are risks Britain will seek a different path as it carves out new economic and strategic partnerships. "Some estimates hold that up to 80 percent of the EU's sanctions that are in place have been put forward or suggested by the UK," said Erica Moret, chair of the Geneva International Sanctions Network. She says Britain's future absence from EU meetings will impact the bloc's future relations. "The UK is also a very important player of course as a leading economic and political power, a soft power player in the world. Also the City of London means that financial sanctions are rendered much stronger through the UK's participation." Britain was quick to coordinate expulsions of Russian diplomats among EU allies following the nerve agent attack in the city of Salisbury last year against a former double agent, an incident London blamed on Moscow. Through EU membership, Britain enforces common sanctions against several other states and individuals, such as Syrian officials accused of war crimes. After the Brexit deadline day on March 29, Britain will be free to implement its own sanctions. "I wouldn't see this happening in the short term, especially because again both sides have said they are committed to EU sanctions and they are also committed to projecting some political values that both EU and UK agree to," says Anna Nadibaidze of the policy group Open Europe. Britain, however, could seek a competitive advantage over Europe by diverging its sanctions policy, says Moret. "It's very unlikely that the UK would deliberately seek to gain commercial advantage over EU partners. But when you think about the tensions that will come into play post-Brexit, when it comes down to trying to negotiate new trade deals, seeking new foreign investment into the country. There will be pressure, a balance to be made between alignment with EU sanctions and domestic interests." That pressure could be felt first over Iran. Alongside European allies, Britain backs the 2015 Iran nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA, which lifted some Western sanctions on Tehran in return for a suspension of its atomic enrichment program. U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal last year, saying Iran has violated the spirit of the agreement. Britain urgently wants a trade deal with the United States after Brexit. Will the price be alignment with Washington's policy on Iran? "That is a key risk and it's a very important one that will be in the forefront of policymakers' minds," adds Moret. Britain was among EU nations backing sanctions against an Iranian intelligence unit this week, accusing Tehran of plotting attacks and assassinations in Europe. Both Brussels and London say they will continue to work together to counter common threats through a range of policy tools including sanctions. May suffers defeat over no-deal Brexit tax powers Iran Press TV Wed Jan 9, 2019 02:21AM The government of British Prime Minister Theresa May has suffered another crushing defeat in parliament after lawmakers voted to block possible preparations for a no-deal Brexit. British lawmakers in the House of Commons, who oppose leaving the European Union without an accord, voted on Tuesday to curtail the government's powers to amend laws that would allow smooth taxation after a no-deal Brexit. The amendment to the finance bill was passed by 303 votes to 296 and would require the government to obtain parliamentary approval before changing tax laws. "This vote is an important step to prevent a no-deal Brexit. It shows that there is no majority in Parliament, the Cabinet or the country for crashing out of the EU without an agreement," opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn of the Labour Party said. May's government downplayed the significance of the defeat, saying the vote would not change the fact that the UK had to leave the 28-member bloc in March. "This amendment does not change the fact that the UK is leaving the EU on the 29 March, and it will not stop the government from collecting tax," a spokesman said. "We will work with Parliament to make sure that the tax system works smoothly in all Brexit scenarios." The bill is set to undergo further scrutiny in the House of Lords. With less than three months until Britain leaves the EU, May is struggling to win approval for her Brexit deal. The British government has indicated that it has plans in place to cope with the no-deal Brexit, a scenario that could become highly likely on Britain's departure date from the EU on March 29, 2019, if the parliament rejects a draft Brexit deal signed between London and the bloc in November. Earlier in the day, Germany warned British lawmakers that the EU would not reopen Brexit negotiations if they rejected the deal agreed in November. During a meeting with his Irish counterpart in Dublin, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas ruled out the possibility of extending Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to postpone Brexit deadline. "Those who do so and who hope that is going to happen in order to have a better position for further negotiations run a great risk," Mass said, calling on British politicians "to act responsibly" and unite behind the draft Brexit agreement. Maas noted that the UK must leave the bloc on the scheduled date of March 29. UK Labour urges early elections if Brexit deal is rejected Iran Press TV Wed Jan 9, 2019 02:42PM The leader of UK's opposition Labour Party has called on Prime Minister Theresa May to call general elections if she fails to go through the parliament next week with her controversial European Union withdrawal agreement. Jeremy Corbyn told May on Wednesday during a debate in the British parliament that the prime minister's best option after a possible rejection of her Brexit deal in the chamber next week would be to call snap votes because her political mandate would no longer be tenable in those circumstances. "So, if her deal is defeated next week, as I hope and expect it will, will the Prime Minister do the right thing and let the people have a real say and call a general election?" said Corbyn at the first Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) of the year in the House of Commons. Corbyn has repeatedly criticized May for the way she has negotiated Brexit with the EU since June 2016, when Britons voted in a referendum to leave the bloc after more than four decades. During the Wednesday PMQs, Corbyn again scorned May for delaying an earlier Commons vote on her draft Brexit deal. He said that the deal that May would bring to the parliament on January 15 will be exactly the same document that was supposed to be rejected in the chamber on December 11. He said "not one single dot or comma has changed." However, May responded to Corbyn's criticism by saying that she will stand by her decision to bring the UK out of the EU on March 29, 2019, even if the Commons reject her Brexit agreement. She told Corbyn that "if he wants to avoid no-deal he has to back a deal". Military lays out drill plan for 2019 ROC Central News Agency 2019/01/09 11:31:05 Taipei, Jan. 9 (CNA) Taiwan military on Wednesday made public its annual major drill plans for 2019 to boost its combat readiness a week after Chinese President Xi Jinping () reasserted China's right to use force against Taiwan. Maj. Gen. Yeh Kuo-hui (), chief of the Ministry of National Defense's Operations and Planning Division, said the annual plan is divided into four major parts. It will begin with a month of combat readiness training in the first quarter; another month-long Han Kuang () live-fire military exercise in the second quarter; the holding of joint anti-landing operations in the third quarter and a joint anti-airborne exercise in the final quarter of 2019, Yeh said. He did not give an exact timetable for the plan, however. Yeh said the drills and training routines to be used are being drafted based on newly adopted tactics for defending against a possible Chinese invasion. In recent decades, Taiwan's Armed Forces have made beaches where enemy forces land the focal point in repelling a potential Chinese invasion, but that emphasis has now been broadened to an outer perimeter along coastal areas since President Tsai Ing-wen () took office in May 2016. The Armed Forces' drill plan for 2019 was announced a week after Xi renewed his warning on Jan. 2 during his address in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of China's "Message to Compatriots in Taiwan." In his speech, Xi said that China is willing to talk with any party in Taiwan to push forward the process of peaceful unification on the basis of the "one China principle." However, "we make no promise to renounce the use of force and reserve the option of taking all necessary means" to serve the end, Xi said. Asked to comment on Xi's threat, military spokesman Chen Chung-chi () stressed that the training and drills being conducted by Taiwan's military are intended as preparations to counter a possible invasion. "We want to assure citizens that the military is constantly beefing up its combat preparedness and stands ready to fight for the survival of the Republic of China (Taiwan)," he said. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/ls Putin, Merkel Agree To Coordinate Syria Peace Efforts Amid U.S. Troop Pullout By RFE/RL January 10, 2019 Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed in a telephone call to coordinate efforts to work toward peace in Syria, the Kremlin says. "The desire was expressed to advance the political processes in close coordination with the United Nations, in order to solve the Syrian crisis in the long term," the Kremlin said on January 9. Merkel and Putin also discussed the formation of a constitutional committee for Syria, which is to work out a new constitution for the war-torn country, repeating issues they covered during a phone call at the end of December and at an October summit in Istanbul involving Russia, Germany, Turkey, and France. The latest conversation comes amid confusion over plans by the United States for its troops in Syria, where they have been assisting a Syrian Arab and Kurdish alliance fight against Islamic State (IS) terrorists and separately against the government of President Bashar al-Assad. U.S. President Donald Trump on December 19 said that "after historic victories" against IS, all U.S. troops "all coming back and they're all coming back now." That announcement shocked many U.S. lawmakers and international allies, who said a premature withdrawal from Syria would hand Russia and Iran a victory and leave U.S. Kurdish allies at the mercy of Turkish forces also operating in the country. After the outcry, Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, said on January 6 that the decision to withdraw U.S. troops was conditional on Turkey ensuring the safety of Kurds in Syria. During an unannounced visit to Iraq on January 9, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attempted to reassure the U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters in Syria that their safety will be ensured after the U.S. troop withdrawal. "These have been folks that have fought with us, and it's important that we do everything we can to ensure that those folks that fought with us are protected," Pompeo said of the Kurds while visiting Irbil, the capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, after talks in Baghdad. Turkey, which accuses many of the Kurdish fighters with having links to separatists in Turkey, has vowed to clear Northern Syria of Kurdish fighters after the pullout of the 2,000 U.S. troops. With reporting by dpa and TASS Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-merkel -discuss-syria-us-troop-pullout-trump -bolton-pompeo/29700714.html Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. Waters Off Syrian Coast Closed Off for Russian Navy Missile Drills Sputnik News 18:07 09.01.2019(updated 18:24 09.01.2019) Russia maintains a naval presence off the Syrian coast, consisting of about ten vessels of various classes, including warships and submarines which have been used to rain precision Kalibr cruise missiles down on terrorist targets in the Arab Republic. An area of international waters off the coast of Syria in the Mediterranean Sea has been closed off for imminent Russian missile firing drills, a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) circulated Wednesday has revealed. The drills, to be held January on 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31, will see the area closed off to both ships and civilian aircraft between 10 am and 6 pm Moscow time. Russia has repeatedly held drills in the Mediterranean Sea off the Syrian coast in 2018, with the largest such exercises held in September, when 26 ships and 34 aircraft engaged in training in the area amid threats by the US-led coalition to launch airstrikes against Syria under the pretext of the use of chemical weapons in the country's rebel and terrorist-held Idlib province. Nearly a dozen militant groups are believed to be operating in Idlib, including the so-called National Front for the Liberation of Syria and Jabhat al-Nusra*, which is part of the al-Qaeda franchise. In November, Russia deployed the Kalibr missile-armed Admiral Makarov frigate to the Mediterranean. Russia has repeatedly used Kalibrs against Daesh (ISIS)*, al-Nusra and other terrorist groups in Syria. The long-range missiles were first used in October 2015, when gunboats in the Caspian Sea launched Kalibrs at targets over 1,500 km away in Syria. Russia beefed up its Mediterranean Sea deployment this summer, deploying the Admiral Grigorovich, Admiral Essen and Pytlivy frigates to the area, along with the Nikolai Filchenkov landing ship and the Vishny Volochek missile corvette. The western Mediterranean has been the source of considerable friction between regional and world powers in recent months. Over the weekend, a US spy plane was spotted over western Syria near the Russian base at Hmeimim. Last month, a US P-8A Poseidon was detected flying off of Syria's coast over waters which had been closed for Russian naval drills. *Islamist fundamentalist terrorist groups outlawed in Russia and many other countries. Sputnik South Korea's Moon Says Next DPRK Leader Kim's Visit to Seoul to Happen Soon Sputnik News 06:45 10.01.2019 South Korean president Moon Jae-in announced on Thursday that he second US-North Korea summit as well as DPRK leader Kim Jong-un's visit to Seoul would take place "soon". Moon Jae-in said at a news conference that the upcoming Kim Jong-un's visit to Seoul as well as the second US-North Korea summit which according to South Korean leader will happen "soon," will be turning points to cement peace on the Korean peninsula. South Korean President also said in his New Year's address, as broadcast by local TV channels that South Korea seeks to cooperate with the United States and other interested countries for lifting international sanctions imposed on North Korea. "We will maintain our cooperation with the United States and other countries for the soonest settlement of the remaining issue of international sanctions We go along a road of peace on the Korean Peninsula and we will go along this road faster this year," Moon said. Moon argued there will be "one more breakthrough" in the settlement of the crisis on the Korean Peninsula in the near future, noting the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was expected to meet US President Donald Trump for the second time and to pay a visit to Seoul. The South Korean president added that the settlement of the sanctions issue depended on the pace of North Korea's denuclearization. "North Korea should make more decisive and real moves for the denuclearization," Moon noted, saying that determining these actions would be a key task of the upcoming Kim-Trump meeting. Moon said Kim had assured him during their latest summit that his understanding of the "full denuclearization" did not differ from the denuclearization that China, Russia, South Korea and the United States called for. Kim recognized that the denuclearization and reaching the formal end to the war between the South and the North was not related to the status of the US military forces in South Korea, Moon argued. Various economic and diplomatic sanctions have been imposed on North Korea in response to its repeated missile launches and nuclear tests carried out in violation of UN resolutions. Sputnik S.Korea welcomes DPRK leader's visit to China People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 11:21, January 09, 2019 SEOUL, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's presidential Blue House on Tuesday welcomed the visit by Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to China, as it was anticipated to contribute to building peace on the Korean Peninsula. Kim Eui-keum, the Blue House spokesman, told a press briefing that Kim's visit to China was anticipated to contribute to the complete denuclearization of the peninsula and the settlement of permanent peace. The spokesman said exchanges were underway between the two Koreas, between China and the DPRK, and between the DPRK and the United States, noting that each exchange was anticipated to advance others by creating a virtuous cycle among them. He noted that South Korea hoped the exchange between China and the DPRK would become a stepping stone for the second DPRK-U.S. summit. The DPRK leader and U.S. President Donald Trump met in Singapore in June last year, holding the first-ever DPRK-U.S. summit. Kim and Trump expressed their hopes to meet again in the near future. The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee's International Department spokesperson said in Beijing that Kim is visiting China from Jan. 7 to 10. S. Korea to offer antiviral medication to DPRK in humanitarian aid People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 13:35, January 09, 2019 SEOUL, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- South Korea decided Tuesday to offer about 200,000 doses of Tamiflu antiviral medication to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in humanitarian aid. The Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Council made the decision, setting aside 3.56 billion won (3.2 million U.S. dollars) for transport cost and purchasing the medication that treats influenza, according to Seoul's unification ministry. The council, composed of government officials and civilian experts, is tasked with reviewing and deciding on policies relevant to inter-Korean exchange and cooperation. In addition to the drugs, about 50,000 early medical detection kits, which were donated by a private entity, would be delivered to the DPRK. An unnamed unification ministry official was quoted by local media as saying that 10 government officials would visit the DPRK's border town of Kaesong as early as this week by a land route to deliver the medication. It was part of efforts to implement the Pyongyang Declaration, signed by South Korean President Moon Jae-in and top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un after their third summit in Pyongyang in September. The two Koreas held working-level talks in November and December to discuss health and medical cooperation. It would mark the first time since Moon took office in May 2017 that Seoul sends such medication to Pyongyang. In 2009, South Korea offered about 400,000 doses of Tamiflu and 100,000 doses of Relenza antiviral medication to the DPRK. Amid troop build-up in Rohingya's home state, UN appeals to Myanmar for peaceful solution 9 January 2019 - Major fighting in Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state has so far been avoided following clashes between armed separatists and national security forces who are increasing troop numbers there, a top UN humanitarian official there said on Wednesday. In an interview with UN News, Knut Ostby, Acting Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Myanmar, reiterated calls for all sides "to find a peaceful solution to the situation", amid concern "that there could be a quite immediate escalation of fighting". It is also vital that humanitarian access is improved to help all those affected by the violence, Mr Ostby said. Some 4,500 people have been displaced in the fighting in recent weeks, Mr Ostby noted, adding that the Myanmar authorities have announced that they intend to "crush" the so-called Arakan Army insurgents. "I think the situation as far as we know, has not broken out to major fighting, but there have been more troop build-ups", Mr Ostby said, before speaking of his shock at attacks on police outposts last Friday that claimed 13 officers' lives. Noting that humanitarian access to communities in need of help in Rakhine state "has not improved since 2017" - when some 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fled violence there to neighbouring Bangladesh - the UN official warned that facilities were not in place to cope with yet more mass movement of people. An estimated 600,000 Rohingya remain in Rakhine state, the UN official explained. "We are worried that if there is new major displacement and new need for major humanitarian assistance that the access we are having will not be sufficient to deliver the assistance needed", Mr. Ostby said, noting that the violence risked affecting "all ethnic groups". The latest violence comes amid a wider pattern of sporadic but at times intense fighting between ethnic groups and the authorities in Myanmar dating back more than 70 years in some cases, since independence in January 1948. Although a ceasefire is in place in northern and eastern areas of Myanmar, the UN official explained that "it does not include Rakhine state, and that is why we are worried that there will be new escalation that would lead to new suffering of the civilian population". The United Nations will continue to maintain contact with local authorities in Rakhine state as well as central Government to "try to do more on the humanitarian and development side" in Myanmar, Mr Ostby insisted, noting that "there is a lot more that could be done and should be done, if we had more access". The 2018 Mrs Botswana, Keletso Lenchwe has made Botswana proud at the universal platform as she was crowned Mrs Universe Personality last week in Philippines. Lenchwe says that walking the international ramp meant a lot to her and she is set to change lives as a reigning queen. This is an honour to me and I also count it as a blessing, therefore I am aware that it comes with a huge responsibility of serving the community, she says. She also acknowledges the fact that there is a vast difference between local and international pageants. I have realized that Botswana is still lagging behind, after I have walked on the universe ramp. Our local pageantry projects need to be improved, she said, emphasizing that she has learnt a lot and she understands that it should not end at the universal stage but go a long way to reach out to the entire country. Being a beauty queen doesnt mean winning and going to compete internationally only. It has always been my dream to serve the community therefore going out there to be Mrs Universe has actually sealed and reaffirmed my dream that I should go on and continue to serve as Mrs Botswana, she says. The beauty queen says she aspires to visit across the country and reach out to places like Okavango, Kgalagadi and Kalanga land. Her major task, she says is to inspire young women and women in marriages, to help them recognize the power that they posses as women. We are naturally beautiful as women but I want us to take pride in that just like peacocks. However, let us not allow our beauty to be just physical, let our beauty be seen in our works too, she said, reiterating that it is within her aims to see that married women dont just sit, doing nothing but do something valuable in the community. For this, she asked the corporate companies to come on board and help her accomplish her mission. Upon her arrival from Philippines, Mrs Botswana was hosted by the Vice President, Slumber Tsogwane who applauded her for not coming back home empty handed. He further applauded the fact that Mrs Botswana brand mentors families, which is something that the country needs. He added that the pageant should also include issues like Gender Based Violence and work together with the government towards building happy healthy marriages and families of Botswana. The reception that the queen received upon her arrival was classic as she was escorted to the office of the president in that special classic car, which really set her apart as the queen of the nation. Lenchwe further said that she hopes to motivate women to be proud of who they are, have confidence and also work harder in securing leadership roles. It is my dream to see women standing out to be the best just like what the national anthem says, women should stand. It would actually be an honor for me to see every Motswana becoming the best version of themselves, said Lenchwe. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reminded the police force to refrain from drinking in public upon the orders of President Rodrigo Duterte. PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde on Thursday said there are existing directives prohibiting policemen from going to bars and nightclubs. "We are covered by the code of conduct, code of ethics as a government employee, as a public servant. But as I've said just the same nagpalabas pa rin kami ng (we have issued) reminders sa ating mga kapulisan (to our police) to avoid drinking in public," Albayalde said in a press briefing. He said policemen could instead drink inside their camps, calling it a "controlled social activity." "Secured na secured naman yan at alam naman nating kontrolin yan (That's secured and we know how to control it)," he said. His statements come after Duterte on Tuesday ordered the police and military: "Do not drink in public," and "Do not enter into drinking places." READ: Duterte to police, military: Do not drink in public Following Duterte's directive, Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano urged the PNP to issue the necessary administrative circular to ban policemen from drinking in bars, nightclubs, and other private places. Albayalde, along with Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Lieutenant General Benjamin Madrigal Jr. said they will strictly enforce existing measures. "Lalo nating pinaiigting na masiguro na maipatupad yung kagustuhan ng ating Pangulo (We will strictly enforce this policy to ensure that we abide by the President's order)," Madrigal said. Japan to Buy Uninhabited Island for Carrier Aircraft Drills With US Report Sputnik News 09:39 09.01.2019(updated 09:40 09.01.2019) Mage Island is located 400 kilometres (248 miles) from US-run Iwakuni Air Force Base in the south-east of Honshu Island, where about 60 US carrier-capable aircraft were earlier deployed. The Japanese Ministry of Defence has decided to allocate around 16 billion yen (more than $147 million) for the purchase of uninhabited Mage Island in Kagoshima Prefecture in the country's south-west to use it for massive aircraft drills involving US aircraft carriers, according to Japan's Yomiuri newspaper. The island, currently owned by a private company from Tokyo, is expected to be handed over to the Japanese military before the end of March. A preliminary agreement is due to be signed in the next few days. Planes make a lot of noise taking off and landing during the deck-based aircraft exercises, something that has repeatedly prompted residents and local governments to protest in Japan. As a result, the drills were moved to the almost-deserted remote island of Iwo Jima, located more than 1,200 kilometres (745 miles) from Tokyo. In 2011, the US and Japanese military agreed to work out the issue of relocating a training ground for the deck-based drills to Mage Island, located just 400 kilometres (248 miles) from the US Iwakuni Air Force Base in the southeast of Honshu Island, where about 60 United States carrier-based aircraft were earlier deployed. Sputnik Pompeo Meets Top Iraqi Officials During Unannounced Visit to Baghdad By Edward Yeranian January 09, 2019 U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with top Iraqi officials Wednesday during an unannounced visit to Baghdad. Pompeo's visit coincided with the anniversary of the Iraqi national police force. A police band serenaded Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, who presided over the celebration before meeting Pompeo in private. A spokesman for the secretary said the two men discussed "the U.S. commitment to Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity," as well as the new Iraqi government's "efforts to deliver stability, security and prosperity to all Iraqis." The men also discussed efforts to "ensure the lasting defeat of ISIS in the region." Pompeo also met with Iraqi President Barham Salih and parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi. Salih told the secretary that Baghdad "will need the support of (U.S. troops)," and expressed his "gratitude to the U.S. for its support, over the years." He added that "ISIS is defeated militarily, but the mission is not (fully) accomplished." Halbusi discussed U.S. efforts to help Iraq "with reconstruction and investment." Iraqi analyst Hani Ashour, who teaches political science at Baghdad University, told Sky News Arabia that the "Iraqi parliament was due to debate U.S. troop levels in Iraq Thursday, following protests by some political parties over fears the U.S. was moving troops it was withdrawing from Syria to Iraq." He said that Secretary Pompeo "reassured Iraqi leaders that was not the case," prompting a cancellation of Thursday's parliament debate. Iraqi political analyst Hazem al-Shammari told Al-Arabiya TV that Iraqi leaders are caught between U.S. and Iranian wishes, given that Iran has called on the U.S. to withdraw its troops completely from Iraq. "Given the divisions among Iraq's political leaders," he argued, "It is a strategic mistake to stick Iraq in the midst of the quarrel between the U.S. and Iran," since Iraqi politicians "might not be able to withstand the pressure." Joshua Landis, who heads the Middle East program at the University of Oklahoma, tells VOA that Secretary Pompeo is facing a strategic dilemma in Iraq: "America's position in Iraq, like its position in Syria, is on thin ice, because Iran -- in Iraq -- has really won the day and ultimately we've seen that the rise of sectarian sensibilities and sectarian animosities in the larger Middle East has undermined America's position and strengthened Iran's position, because Iran is (a majority) Shi'ite country...and the U.S. is seen to be a pro-Saudi, pro-Sunni, pro-Gulf country," said Landis. Theodore Karasik, a Washington-based Gulf analyst, tells VOA that Pompeo's visit was the "third by a senior U.S. official to Baghdad in as many weeks," and he was hoping to "reassure (Iraqi leaders)...about the restructuring of (U.S.) forces and operations in the region." Karasik said he believed that energy issues were "another important facet of the visit" along with discussions over the sanctions regime (regarding Iran) and the "logistic flow of oil in the region and protection of that flow." He thinks that Pompeo may also announce the establishment of a regional Gulf energy entity during a stop in Oman. Pompeo makes unannounced visit to Iraq, makes no statements to the media Iran Press TV Wed Jan 9, 2019 12:55PM US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has made an unannounced visit to Iraq, involving meetings with high-ranking officials and no statement to media. The American top diplomat landed in the capital Baghdad on Wednesday amid conflicting statements from the White House over troop withdrawal from Syria. He met with Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, President Barham Salih, Foreign Minister Mohamed al-Hakim and Parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi. During his Middle East tour, the American hawk has been keeping up with his campaign of anti-Iran threats. Last month, US Energy Secretary Rick Perry led a trade delegation to Baghdad to urge the Iraqi government to sever its energy ties with Iran and turn to Washington. The former CIA chief's visit is the third high-profile one by an American official to Iraq in the last month. He was expected to visit the Egyptian capital Cairo later in the day. Meanwhile, efforts are underway in US Congress that could possibly result in hearings on Trump's Syria policy. "It may be one of those issues that would be appropriate to have a hearing on to see exactly what the administration intends to do and when," Texas Republican Representative Mac Thornberry told reporters in Washington. "I think currently there are a fair number of folks here and around the world trying to figure out what we're going to do and when. And I don't have any good answers." A withdrawal framework for Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) has been approved and is currently being executed by US forces, said Pentagon spokesman Commander Sean Robertson in a statement on Tuesday, failing to offer any timetable for the allegedly finalized plan. Operation Inherent Resolve is the name of a US military campaign launched in August 2014 after the Daesh terrorist Takfiri group overran large swaths of Syria and Iraq. The US has ever since maintained military presence in Syria without any authorization from the Damascus government or a UN mandate. Iran Supreme Leader Calls U.S. Officials 'First-Class Idiots' By RFE/RL January 09, 2019 Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, has mocked U.S. officials, calling them "first-class idiots." "Some U.S. officials pretend that they are mad. Of course I don't agree with that, but they are first-class idiots," he said in the speech in Tehran on January 9, according to his official Twitter feed. Khamenei's comments were unusually crude, reflecting increasing tensions between Iran and Washington after President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from a landmark nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. Khamenei also taunted an unnamed U.S. official for predicting there would be regime change in Iran by the end of 2018. "A while ago, a U.S. politician had said, among a gathering of terrorists and thugs, that he hopes to celebrate this Christmas in Tehran," Khamenei said, according to his Twitter feed. "Christmas was a few days ago. This is how U.S. calculations work." It was unclear which U.S. official Khamenei was referring to, but members of the Trump administration have called for regime change and predicted it would happen soon. This has included national-security adviser John Bolton who often speaks at gatherings of the exiled People's Mujahedeen of Iran (MEK) opposition group, considered a terrorist movement by Tehran's leaders. "Before 2019 we here will celebrate in Tehran," Bolton told an MEK meeting in Paris in July 2017. The United States reinstated sanctions on Iran in November after pulling out of a 2015 nuclear deal, in which Tehran received international sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. That move has exacerbated the country's economic problems, with Iran's currency, the rial, losing around half of its value against the U.S. dollar last year. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-supreme -leader-khamenei-calls-u-s-officials-first -class-idiots-/29699548.html Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. US sanctions are surprise boon to Iran's steel exports Iran Press TV Wed Jan 9, 2019 09:06AM Iran's dramatic currency depreciation has had beneficiaries, foremost in its burgeoning steel industry which has seen exports remain steady despite the new US sanctions. Last August, the US reenacted its secondary sanctions against Iran's steel and aluminum products, gold and precious metals, graphite and coal to choke off the country's vital revenue streams. Further sanctions were imposed in November to target its lifelines in the oil, energy and shipping sectors, leading to a drop by several hundred thousand barrels per day in oil exports. However, the metals industry has taken it all in its stride and even been boosted by the lower rial which has made steel exports highly competitive on world markets. According to CEO of Tehran-based AASIM Consulting Group Mohsen Parvan, Iran's steel exports this year which ends March 21 are set to equal last year's record of over 9 million tonnes. "Iran has so far exported 6 million tonnes of steel in this Iranian year, similar to the previous year. At least half is semi-finished products such as billet and slab," oil pricing agency S&P Global Platts quoted him as saying. Iranian steelmakers have largely maintained their links with their partners, mostly in the Middle East, Russia, China and the European Union, despite the sanctions. Iranian rebars, billets, IPE (I-beams), blooms and slabs have avid customers in Iraq, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. CIS nations such as Ukraine and Kazakhstan also take in supplies, with small amounts being sold in the EU where Iran's steel exports are facing an increasingly hostile terrain. The European Union has been levying tariffs on Iranian steel imports since October 2017 when the European Commission, the bloc's executive body, hit hot-rolled steel from Iran with taxes. Germany, Spain and Italy are Iran's key customers for steel in the European Union. According to Iranian Steel Producers' Association (ISPA) figures, exports of steel products totaled 5.273 million tonnes in the first eight months of the current Iranian year. They included 1.92 million tonnes of finished products, up 104% year on year, and 3.335 million tonnes of semi-fabricated products, down 21%. Last month, head of the Iranian Steel Producers Association Bahram Sobhani said Iran is capable of producing 25 million tonnes of steel in the current fiscal year. Sobhani, however, gave a lower figure than AASIM's 9 million tonnes in Iranian steel exports, expecting them to reach 7.8 million tonnes by the end of the year. "At an average rate of $450 (per tonne), Iran's steel exports will total $3.5 billion," IRNA quoted him as saying. Iran also imports steel, mainly stainless, flat and pipe products from CIS states, China and the EU, with Parvan expecting them to remain around 4 million tonnes this year. AASIM operates an engineering consultancy with an Indian partner in the Iranian iron, steel, mining and chemical sectors, according to Platts. Iran plans to boost steel output to 55 million tonnes a year by 2025, of which 10-15 million tonnes would be earmarked for export. Currently, domestic steel consumption remains flat due to stagnating construction and car manufacturing industries which use up much of the steel needed in Iran. 'EU harbors terrorists, blacklists terror-fighting Iran' Iran Press TV Wed Jan 9, 2019 11:10AM The Iranian Foreign Ministry has condemned a decision by the European Union to place two Iranian individuals and a department of the Iranian Intelligence Ministry on its "terror" list over what it calls links to "foiled attacks" in Europe. In a press release on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi called the EU's decision to blacklist the two Iranians and the Directorate for Internal Security at the Iranian Intelligence Ministry "irrational" and "odd" and said the move showed the European countries' "dishonesty" in fighting terror. "Instead of blacklisting such terrorist and criminal groups as the Monafeqin (MKO) and al-Ahwaziya, the European Union has allowed them freedom to carry out their inhuman and terrorist activities and even provides them protection, while it levels accusations against Iran, which is the flag-bearer in the fight against terror in the region and to which Europe owes its security," Qassemi said. He said Iran will take reciprocal measures in response, without elaborating. Earlier in the day, an EU press release said sanctions, which include the freezing of funds and other financial assets, will be effective against those targeted as of Wednesday. "These listings have been adopted by the Council as part of its response to recent foiled attacks on the European soil," it added. This is the first time the EU has imposed sanctions on Iran since lifting an array of embargoes following Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. The US and Israel were quick to welcome the anti-Iran move. "The US strongly supports the new sanctions and stands with our European allies as we counter this common threat," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted. The Israeli Foreign Ministry also said in a tweet, "This is an important first step by the EU, combating Iranian aggression. The newly imposed sanctions offer some hope that a growing number of countries are willing to take an active, clear stand against Iran's global campaign of terrorism." The European Union's decision was first announced by Denmark on Tuesday. Also on Tuesday, the Netherlands' government accused Tehran of hatching plots and involvement in two killings in 2015 and 2017, sending a letter, signed by the foreign and interior ministers, to the Dutch parliament to warn of further economic embargoes if Tehran did not cooperate with European probes. The provocative move follows last year's statements by Denmark and France that they suspected a so-called Iranian government intelligence unit pursued killing plots on their territories. Copenhagen at the time sought an EU-wide response. Tehran has strongly denied any involvement in the purported plots, saying the accusations were merely intended to damage EU-Iran relations amid efforts to save the 2015 deal following Washington's withdrawal. Iran also stresses that it is a victim of terrorism, particularly inflicted by the anti-Iran terror outfit Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization (MKO), whose members live freely in EU countries. The EU's latest move prompted a strong reaction from Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who said on Twitter that the sanctions would "not absolve Europe of responsibility for harboring terrorists." The MKO has carried out numerous attacks against Iranian civilians and government officials over the past three decades and is listed as a terrorist organization by much of the international community. Out of the nearly 17,000 Iranians killed in terrorist assaults since the victory of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, about 12,000 have fallen victim to MKO's acts of terror. India begins settling Iran oil debt after US sanctions Iran Press TV Wed Jan 9, 2019 11:36AM Indian refiners have begun clearing their oil debt to Iran under a new payment mechanism which they put in place after the US reimposed sanctions on the Islamic Republic. The development comes after the Indian government intervened recently to exempt some $1.5 billion of Iranian oil money held at state-owned UCO Bank from withholding taxes. It also coincided with a visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to New Delhi where he said Tehran was working with its traditional partners such as China, Russia and India to circumvent the US sanctions. UCO Bank "received a good amount from some oil companies" which have pending payments to Iran, its executive director Charan Singh told Reuters. India is Iran's second biggest oil customer after China. Oil accounted for about 90 percent of Indian imports from Iran, which totaled about $11 billion between April and November. "Iran has been and will be a reliable source of oil supply to India," Zarif said on Monday as he arrived in New Delhi to take part in an annual research forum attended by economists and entrepreneurs. India was among the eight countries which got US waivers late last year to continue crude oil imports from Iran for six months. On Tuesday, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for economic diplomacy Gholamreza Ansari called on India to try to get another waiver from US sanctions. Indian refiners have said they want to continue buying Iranian oil for which they are accorded free shipping and an extended credit period. They also pay Iran all in rupees under a new transaction mechanism which Tehran has worked out with its trade partners in the face of dawdling by the EU to put a much-hyped special purpose vehicle into operation. Trading partners such as India, Russia, China and Turkey have agreed to use national currencies in transactions with Iran. India settled 45 percent of oil payments in rupees and the remainder in euros in the previous round of sanctions but this time it has been allowed to make all payments in rupees. Iran will use the money to import Indian goods and pay its diplomatic staff based in that country. Indian Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday his country can provide steel rails and locomotive engines to Iran, and receive urea in return. He also said India had agreed to allow Iran's Bank Pasargad to open a branch in Mumbai within the next three months to process mutual transactions. "We are very happy that both UCO Bank of India and Pasargad Bank of Iran are getting started with the business," said Zarif who has taken along a big business delegation on the three-day visit. Meanwhile, Ansari said Indian companies still have a chance to get development rights for Iran's Farzad B gas field and that Tehran could ease some terms associated with the project. Veep: Iran will continue to protect JCPOA IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Jan 9, IRNA -- Iran's First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri reiterated Iran's absolute determination to protect the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and said Tehran will contine to defend it. He made the remarks in an interview with the Euronews Television network in a recent interview. He said 'Europe is facing a test to prove that they can make decisions independent of the US government, in particular when an administration like Trump's is in office.' 'The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action has been one of the important measures taken by the Islamic Republic of Iran. This agreement was concluded to answer an allegation that had resulted in pressures being imposed on Iran and the Iranian people,' he said. Jahangiri said, 'Whether it's been during the course of negotiations or now, we've always tried to share the issue honestly with our people. Unfortunately, US sanctions were reinstated - and in a more damaging way - following Washington's decision to pull out of the deal unilaterally.' 'With this new round of sanctions, the US has used every possible means, incentivizing and threatening other countries and companies to impede them from working with the Islamic Republic of Iran. In response, we've adopted some measures in a number of areas. For one, we've stated that so long as other JCPOA signatories keep their sides of the bargain, and in particular as long as the European Union takes concrete measures in this regard, we are prepared to see the deal remain in place and will continue to honor it.' Regarding the actions the three signatories of the JCPOA, namely Germany, France and the UK, have done to salvage the deal, he said these countries are among the ones that agreed to implement their commitments and obligations under the deal if Iran kept its side of the bargain. They, as well as Russia and China and the other remaining five parties to the deal, are expected to keep to all their commitments. 'So far, the EU in general and Germany, France and the UK in particular have behaved well and in a timely fashion when it comes to the politics and adopting diplomatic stances and we are satisfied with them. However, in terms of practical, concrete measures, we are yet to see any concrete measures from these three countries that would enable us to implement this deal to serve the interests of our people and our economy.' Iran's first vice president added that 'now, since World War II, Europe is facing a crucial test. Can it make decisions independent of the US government, in particular when an administration like Trump's is in office? Can it defend its interests and its international commitments?' 'In reality, we haven't seen any effective performance from the EU.' Answering a question about the EU's willpower or capability to stand up against Trump, he said that Iran had assumed the EU has such a capability, and in fact theoretically, they have done well so far. 'However, when it comes to practice, the EU financial structure and in particular the EU banking system has revealed that this Union isn't capable of standing up for itself as an independent decision-maker... a powerful entity that can conserve what it has achieved and fulfill its commitments. However, we're still hopeful it will keep its end of the deal.' Jahangiri said when it comes to making any international decision, Iran takes the costs and its national interests into account. Where the benefits outweigh the costs, Iran stands by our decisions. 'Although we have been largely disappointed with the EU's efficiency in taking concrete measures, there is still hope that the EU could do something so we can reap the benefits of the JCPOA. Inside the country, the government has been under massive pressure from those who believed all along the EU would not fulfill its commitments and is not to be trusted. As a matter of fact, this pressure has been mounting, given the EU's failure to fulfill its commitments. However, we believe that the JCPOA should remain in place so long as the interests of the Iranian people require it. Answering the question about if Iranian government could take other voluntary steps in exchange for promises from the EU, Jahangiri said, 'The JCPOA is a deal in which everything has been defined. The measures Iran has to adopt or steps it must take have been specified in the deal.' Saying that the JCPOA is main issue now, he added Iran won't make any commitments beyond the scope of the JCPOA. 'Under the Plan of Action, all parties to the deal who have negotiated and signed it must keep their sides of the bargain.' Regarding the EU parliamentary elections and the fact that it os possible that High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and her team may leave their posts after this election, Jahangiri said that Governments come and go. Even commitments undertaken by figures like Mrs. Mogherini who is affiliated with the whole EU are not individual commitments. 'This is a commitment of an entity called the EU and from Germany, France and the UK. Who is in office and holds power is not the main determinant. We expect the EU to fulfill all its commitments under the Joint Plan of Action regardless of any change that may happen.' Jahangiri also answered a question about the movement in France called the Yellow Vests and its similarity to the recent events involving Iranian workers in Tehran. He said, 'These two don't share any similarities.' 'The Islamic Revolution emerged victorious 40 years ago and now we are about to celebrate the anniversary of this victory. The most important objective of the Islamic Revolution has been to address the needs of the underprivileged, protect and contribute to the development of deprived regions and create the freedom and justice that the public demands. During the last 40 years, we've witnessed peaceful rallies and gatherings in big cities across the country such as Tehran. The slogans voiced during these gatherings were in line with the slogans of the Revolution and the public demands are a far cry from what is happening now in France and some other European countries.' 'However, there's no way you can interpret these demands as a public protest triggering a movement like that of the Yellow Vests in France.' Regarding the Syrian Crisis and US pullout of the war stricken country, Jahangiri said The only country that's always had a consistent, stable stance regarding the Syrian issue has been Iran. Some countries, even some of our friends currently engaged in negotiations with us, were insistent on the overthrow of the Syrian government and the dismissal of President Bashar Assad. It seems that with the support it's received, the Assad government along with the Syrian people and the Syrian army have managed to emerge victorious in their struggle against the groups and the extremists who had plans to overthrow them and install their own government. He added that the US' presence in Syria was always an illegal one. The Syrian government never invited the US, even to combat ISIS. It's on record that ISIS and other terrorist groups operating in Iraq and Syria came to life through the activity and sponsorship of the United States, some western countries as well as some regional ones, notably Saudi Arabia and the Zionist regime. Jahangiri said once they saw the Syrian government and its supporters had weathered the crisis, they realized their presence in Syria was in vain and had to leave. I believe the US withdrawal means the Americans finally realized that they had a costly presence in Syria that wouldn't serve their interests. Others cannot restrict Iran's presence in Syria; it will keep helping the Syrian government as long as the Syrian government needs Iran's help. 9417**1424 Supreme Leader bewares against enemies' deceptions IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Jan 9, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei bewared against the enemies' deceptions and said their attempts to reduce the revolutionary spirit of people should not be neglected. The Leader made the remarks here on Wednesday when addressing the gathering of thousands of people from the city of Qom who met with him to comemorate the anniversary of the city's historical uprising on January 9, 1978, against the Pahlavid regime. The Ayatollah said today is an occastion to praise the people of Qom as a city which turned to a source for this revolutionary movement and the beginning for the revolution. Qom is a city which is the center and mother of revolution. Ayatollah Khamenei went on to say that, "There are, of course, attempts to change the atmosphere of Qom and weaken the revolutionary spirit of Qom. The enemy's deception should not be overlooked." The Supreme Leader of the Revolution emphasized that Qom's elders and youth should not allow traitors to undermine the pivotal role of Qom in the revolution. He said "Qom is the main source of revolution and Qom's seminary is the spiritual backbone of the movement that shook the world." 9455**1424 Iran vows help to Afghanistan-Taliban talks IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Jan 9, IRNA -- A top military advisor to the Iranian Supreme Leader highlighted the importance of promoting security in Afghanistan and voiced Iran's willingness to help talks between Afghan government and Taliban to reach understanding. Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Major General Hassan Firouzabadi said Iran is conducting negotiations with Taliban in the framework of international regulations. He added that Taliban is willing to play a role in establishing peace in Afghanistan. As part of Afghan society, Taliban has its own opinions and tends to have a share in Afghan defense and security bodies, he noted. Referring to the fact that Iran pursues interests in holding talks with Taliban, Firouzabadi said since Iran is neighbors with Afghanistan, its security is of prime importance for Tehran so Iran has agreed to help negotiations between the Afghan government and Taliban group to make them develop a common understanding to be able to confront enemies. Earlier on December 31, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi confirmed that a Taliban delegation held extensive talks with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for political affairs Abbas Araqchi in Tehran. Meanwhile, The Taliban spokesman Zabihollah Mojahed has acknowledged Iran attempts to establish peace and stability in Afghanistan. In his statement, Mojahed announced that the Taliban delegation had a trip to Tehran to pursue peace process in Afghanistan. Elsewhere in his remarks, Firouzabadi referred to Iran's positive role in the region, saying that in current conditions, Iran is playing major role in establishing security in the region. Pointing to developments in eastern Euphrates, he said Iraq and Turkey will own their share of this area. Highlighting Iran's support of other countries' legal sovereignty, he said based on the agreements between Iran, Turkey, Russia, Iraq and Syria, all sides are for respecting the defined border lines. Elsewhere in the interview, Firouzabadi referred to Yemeni war, saying US is going in the way of aggression, intervention and viciousness. He also urged the US to stop its interventions because it is America's ultimate fate to leave the region. Saudi Arabia and its regional allies attacked Yemen in March 2015 to bring back to power the deposed president of Yemen Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. Since then, the invaders have committed horrible war crimes against Yemeni civilians. 9376**1424 Of all the places in the world, I have never dreamt of visiting Kazungula township. But I recently found myself here by default. Following an impromptu trip to Livingstone, Zambia, I was forced to sleep over in the township on my return. The thought of spending a night in the dusty townships streaming with immigrants and hustlers sent shivers down my spine but thankfully, I have lived to tell my story. I left Livingstone at around past 5, thinking that I would make it to the border post, which I had learnt closed at 6pm. Apparently this has been the case since construction on the Kazagula bridge started. After all, no one would want to be a victim of a hippo attack. However, when I arrived a few minutes to six we were turned back and told the border was closed for the day. Unlike the nearly 200 travellers who got stranded at Piet rief border post some weeks ago, we did not have the backing of the Minister and director of immigration to send out an authorative that the border be specially opened for us. There were about six of us. I wanted to cry. There was no transport back to Livingstone and my phone battery was at literally four percent. The officers shooed us off. What? It felt like a nightmare. A taxi driver who was lurking nearby in the dark offered me a lift. To Livingstone? I asked, my eyes lighting up with hope. He looked at me as if I had lost my marbles. No aunty, to Kazungula, he responded. Kazu what? My heart dropped. I shook my head stubbornly. He seemed to lose patience and said to me: Ok, sleep there on the ground. If I were you I would get a room, relax for the night and take off in the morning. So if you are going to be difficult, sleep here. Of course I was not going to sleep at the border post. I begrudgingly placed my bag in the backseat of the car and hopped in the front. The taxi sedan was an old beaten up thing that creaked and wobbled as it moved. If it had a name, it could be called death on wheels. I held on to my seat as it screeched and humped along the short drive into the township, taking a sharp curve that would have sent us flying across the fence. I prayed he would not speed off with me. I wasnt prepared to be a human trafficking victim. But he turned up to be a nice man. He first took me to his favourite spaza so I could buy airtime and Pepsi. I could not bring myself to eat anything there, it was dirty and dusty and he took me to a nearby guest house. He then gave me stern warnings of how I should not walk about and mix with the truck drivers as if I was a small kid, gave me directions of how to get to the border in the morning. The guest house looked like a multi-res property in Old Naledi; a dilapidated structure with poorly built rooms lined across the yard. I was welcomed by a chap probably about my age, who had a bored expression on his face. He told me that they had only one room left: the one next to the reception and it went at 150 kwacha. I took it, paid and followed him to the room and stood a safe distance away as he fought with the door before it finally unlocked. When he said: Enjoy your night little did I know that there would be a lot of irony in that statement. The room was small with a hard bed, a chair, a bar fridge, flat screen on the wall. The other area had a toilet and shower. I had to suck in my tummy in order to squeeze into the tiny space to the shower which was so small that I could not turn to back out and instead had to take steps back to get out. Phew! Since I had noticed that the guest house was near the shops, I took a walk back there. I bought a quart of beer on the street from a guy with the thickest and longest locks I have ever seen. There was what seemed like a bar or club nearby and music blared loudly. Many girls in skimpy outfits were loitering about. Lots of people, dusty and defeated faces. Some of them looked at me suspiciously but went about their business. I learnt that in Kazungula township, it went on further. Here, usually truck drivers, visitors and illegal immigrants, as well as those who worked on the bridge project. I returned to the guest house. As I was still watching the movie in between zoning into sleep, I could hear screams from the next room. I was convinced that someone was being murdered. The womans scream would come back louder as if from a hollow tunnel and I heard a male voice grumping angrily. I pulled on my clothes and went to the front room. My heroine tactics were misplaced. It turned out that my roomies on the right were enjoying a roll in the hay, abeilt a brutal and wild one. The man had come out and now stood at the stoep, blowing large cigarette rings in our direction, with a self-sated expression on his face as he stroked his round hard stomach. I backed off and ducked back into my room. It was too much for me. I turned up the volume on the television and tried to fall alsleep but the mosquitoes would not let me. Although there was a mosquito net hanged neatly over the bed, the little devils still attacked me brutally. It felt as if the mosquitoes were having a conference on my thighs and arms. I tossed and turned most of the night and only went into a deep sleep at about 4am. I woke up an hour and a half later because I wanted to be at the border as soon as it opened. I stepped onto the tiny shower area and when I opened the tap, hot and cold water alternated. When you are in pressing conditions you think quickly. I lathered myself in soap, and then opened the tap and jumped under the hot water then closed the tap. And opened it again, hot water. Close. Just like that until I had finished. I got dressed, took my bag, locked up and returned the key. There was little chance of chit chat small talk because of the language barrier but I did show the young man the bumps from the mosquitoes and he giggled that maybe I am sweet. I was not amused. Since it was morning, I could better see my surroundings. I noticed that I was in fact closer to the border than I imagined: it was a stones throw away. On the short walk, I noticed many truck drivers brushing their teeth, wiping their faces or smoking. Apparently some of them can queue for days on end and Kazungula township becomes their home, where they eat, drink and pick up girls for a bit of fun to while away time. I stamped on the Zambia side and set off to Botswana. When the phantom came to the docked, I sighed in relief and sang Going Home by Micheal Buble as I savoured the morning sunrise. Interestingly, a ride is about two or three bucks but the man took five bucks from me. Plus a tip, he said with a sly smile. Sigh! Iran's defensive authority Known to friends, enemies IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Jan 9, IRNA -- Secretary of the Expediency Council says today missile and defense achievements of Iran are acknowledged by friends and enemies. Mohsen Rezaie made the announcement in an address to the second day of the conference on "Explaining 40-year achievements of the Islamic Revolution". Rezaie stated that revolutionary measures would result in significant achievements. Rezaie recalled the conspiracies of global arrogance against the Islamic Revolution and described the United States as the root cause of challenges against the Iranian nation. "On the 40th anniversary of the victory of Islamic Revolution, the Islamic Revolution's confrontation with the United States has come to one of its most important stages, and this February 11 is a good opportunity to give a concrete answer to all the abuses of this country and its leaders." 9455**1420 India to Receive Russia's S-400 Air Defense Systems Without Delays - Moscow Sputnik News 10:01 09.01.2019 NEW DELHI (Sputnik) - India will receive S-400 air defense systems within the timeframe agreed under contract with Russia, without delays, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Wednesday. "Our commitments under the contract will be fulfilled. India will receive the systems on time, at the agreed date and without any delays. Therefore, the national security of your country will be strengthened," Ryabkov told reporters. In October, Moscow and New Delhi concluded a contract on the deliveries of Russia's S-400 missile systems to India worth over $5 billion. The deal was signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin's two-day visit to India. According to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov, the contract has been signed in the Russian national currency. The S-400 Triumf system is a next-generation mobile air defense system, which is capable of destroying aerial targets at an extremely long range of up to 400 kilometers (almost 250 miles). Sputnik Indian Firm Signs $110 Mln Contract for Production of Russian ATGM for Army Sputnik News 17:42 09.01.2019(updated 17:43 09.01.2019) Russia and India had signed a $225 million contract to supply about 10,000 Konkurs anti-tank missiles to the Indian Armed Forces in 2012. Konkurs are partially produced in India under Russian license. New Delhi (Sputnik) India's state-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has signed a contract worth $110 million with the Indian Army for the production and supply of Konkurs Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) and Launchers. The contract was signed on Tuesday by V Gurudatta Prasad, Director of production at BDL in New Delhi. "The missiles and launchers will be manufactured under continued technical collaboration with Russia at the Bhanur unit of BDL in Telangana State," a statement issued by BDL said. BDL has been producing Konkurs ATGMs under Russian license at the Bhanur facility. The missiles have been upgraded with a tandem warhead. The order for the missiles is considered as a stopgap measure to quickly address the capability gap of around 68,000 anti-tank guided missiles of various types. This gap is around 60% short of authorised capacity. However, a defence source told Sputnik that the second-generation Konkurs lacks night fighting capabilities. As per the report published in the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute`s (SIPRI) arms transfer database, the Indian Army had received approximately 7,000 upgraded Russian 9M113 Konkurs ATGMs in late 2015. The Indian government had scrapped a $500 million deal with Israeli defence contractor Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd. in favour of an indigenous ATGM system. Sputnik French Air Force's Mirage 2000D Bomber Crashes in Eastern France Reports Sputnik News 20:00 09.01.2019 PARIS (Sputnik) - The Mirage 2000D tactical bomber of the French Air Force crashed in eastern France on Wednesday after disappearing from radars, the debris of the aircraft have been already found, France 3 reported. According to the France 3 broadcaster, a parachute has been found at the site of the crash. The search operation to find the crew members is ongoing, the TV channel added. The bomber reportedly disappeared from radars at around 11:00 a.m. local time (10:00 GMT) on Wednesday morning after taking off from the Nancy-Ochey air base with two crew members aboard. It vanished when flying over the mountains in the eastern French region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comte, close to the country's border with Switzerland. The information about the bomber's disappearance was later confirmed by the French Defense Ministry. According to them, the bomber was carrying out a training flight when the incident occurred. Sputnik N Korean leader 'concerned' about impasse in denuclearization talks with US Iran Press TV Thu Jan 10, 2019 02:54AM North Korean leader Kim Jong-un says he is "concerned" about what he calls a "deadlock" in denuclearization negotiations with the United States, whose president is to meet him in the near future. Kim on Wednesday "raised concern about the deadlock created in the process of improving US-DPRK ties and in denuclearization talks," the official KCNA news agency said. Kim said Pyongyang's "basic position of pursuing a peaceful resolution through dialogue remains unchanged," it added. He said North Korea "will continue sticking to the stance of denuclearization and resolving the Korean peninsula issue through dialogue and consultation," Xinhua reported. The North, Kim said, will "make efforts for the second summit between DPRK and US leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community". The North Korean leader made the remarks in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The two allies held two days of talks in the Chinese capital this week seen as preparation for his second meeting with Trump, with denuclearization talks making little progress since the first historic US-North Korean summit. According to the KCNA, Beijing issued a ringing endorsement of the North's position during the Wednesday talks. President Xi said that the legitimate issues raised by the DPRK are rightful demands and that he fully agrees that the country's reasonable interests should be justly resolved, the report said. The Chinese president told Kim the Korean peninsula faces a "rare historic opportunity" as he backed the North Korean leader's planned denuclearization summit with US President Donald Trump, at which he expressed hope the pair would "meet each other halfway". "Political settlement of the Korean peninsula issue faces a rare historic opportunity," Xi said, according to Xinhua. The Chinese leader said "major progress" was made last year to reach a political solution with joint efforts from China, North Korea and other nations, and the international community expects dialogue to continue. Discussions between the US and North Korea over Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal have stalled since Kim and Trump's high-profile first summit in Singapore in June where they issued a vaguely worded declaration about denuclearization. The US insists that UN sanctions must remain in place until North Korea gives up its weapons, while Pyongyang wants them immediately eased. China -- North Korea's sole major ally and main trade partner -- also wants the sanctions to be relaxed. Trump said Sunday that the United States and North Korea were negotiating the location of their next summit. In a New Year speech, Kim warned that Pyongyang may change its approach to nuclear talks if Washington persists with sanctions. Kim Jong Un Leaves Beijing after Brief Visit By VOA News January 09, 2019 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is headed back home after a two-day visit to China and talks with President Xi Jinping. Kim's special train departed Beijing Wednesday afternoon and headed towards the northeast border, where it will enter North Korea early Thursday morning. The visit was Kim Jong Un's fourth to North Korea's primary diplomatic and economic ally since last year, and raises speculation that Kim was coordinating with China ahead of a possible second summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. South Korea's Yonhap news agency says Kim spent his final day in Beijing visiting a pharmaceutical factory in an economic zone outside of Beijing, then had lunch with President Xi before departing. Kim and Xi held talks Tuesday -- believed to be Kim's birthday -- shortly after the North Korean leader arrived in Beijing. He later attended a dinner with Xi and his wife at the Great Hall of the People. Kim was accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju. Neither side has provided details on the talks, nor of Kim's schedule during his visit. Kim and President Trump signed a vague agreement during their historic summit in Singapore last June that calls on Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear program. But further negotiations have stalled over the North's demand for front-loaded sanctions relief tied to small progress, and its opposition to the Trump administration's call for complete denuclearization prior to granting any concessions. During his annual New Year's Day address last week, Kim said it was his "firm will" that North Korea will no longer produce or test nuclear weapons. He also said he would be willing to hold another face-to-face meeting with Trump, but warned his country may have to take another path unless Washington takes "corresponding measures." North Korea is also demanding that the United States and South Korea first issue a peace declaration to formally end hostilities and replace the armistice that has been in effect since the Korean War ended in 1953. Critics worry a peace declaration could undermine the justification for the U.S. military presence in South Korea. North Korea leader ends China visit as Trump summit looms Iran Press TV Wed Jan 9, 2019 04:38PM Kim Jong-un's train has left Beijing after the North Korean leader visited China on a trip ahead of his expected summit with US President Donald Trump. Media reports said on Wednesday that Kim's motorcade was spotted arriving at the Beijing central railway station early afternoon, and the train departed shortly after on a day-long ride back to the northeast border. According to South Korea's Yonhap news agency, Kim met for one hour with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday and the two later dined with their wives at Beijing's Great Hall of the People. Kim also toured a factory operated by medicine firm Tongrentang for about half an hour in an economic zone in the Chinese capital. This is Kim's fourth trip to China since last year, when Pyongyang started unprecedented diplomatic engagement with other countries. Kim's visit also coincided with another development in China, where a delegation of American negotiators has already started talks over a trade war between Beijing and Washington. Some analysts say China could use its cooperation on the North Korean issue as a bargaining chip in the US trade talks. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, however, told CNBC on Monday that the trade talks and the North Korean issue were not related. On the contrary, Harry Kazianis, the director of defense studies at the Washington-based Center for the National Interest, said the timing from China's perspective "could not be any better," as "Beijing clearly has a North Korea card to play if it sees fit" amid the trade talks with the US. Kim has made sure to keep Xi informed about his dealings with the United States and South Korea. The North Korean leader held three meetings last year with Xi before and after summits with Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Discussions between the US and North Korea over Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal have stalled since Kim and Trump's high-profile summit in Singapore in June 2018 where they issued a vaguely worded declaration about denuclearization. Trump has also claimed that Washington's diplomacy with Pyongyang has eliminated a purported threat posed by North Korea to the US national security. In the Singapore summit, Trump and Kim agreed to work toward denuclearization. But that agreement, made in a written document, was broadly worded. Denuclearizing North Korea has made little progress in recent months. Trump has recently said officials are working to arrange a second meeting between him and Kim. On Sunday, Trump said that the United States and North Korea are negotiating the location of their next summit. The United States refuses to remove any of its harsh sanctions on Pyongyang, while the North Korean government has already taken several unilateral measures toward denuclearization. Follow-up diplomacy between the United States and North Korea has borne little fruit. But South Korea has significantly advanced in its diplomatic engagement of its long-time rival North Korea. Still, the North has taken several steps toward that goal. It has suspended missile and nuclear testing, demolished at least one nuclear test site, and agreed to allow international inspectors into a missile engine test facility and another nuclear testing site. In return, Pyongyang is seeking relief from harsh international sanctions, mostly spearheaded by the United States, imposed on the country over its nuclear and missile programs. Washington, however, has not offered any such relief, hence the slowdown in further diplomacy. Election of Deputies to SPA to Be Called in DPRK Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Date: 09/01/2019 Pyongyang, January 9 (KCNA) -- The Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the DPRK decided to call an election of deputies to the 14th SPA on March 10, Juche 108 (2019), according to Article 90 of the Socialist Constitution of the DPRK. The decision was made public on Tuesday. -0- Enforced Patriotism Tests Hong Kong Opposition By Suzanne Sataline January 09, 2019 The Hong Kong legislature has issued the draft bill legislation that calls for stiff punishments for anyone who fails to stand or "display any behavior that is disrespectful" to the Chinese national anthem. Infractions could draw a HK$50,000 fine (nearly $6400 US) and up to three years in prison. But the legislation isn't bringing out the patriot in everyone. "It's a total subversion of our legal concept, since it violates the right of keeping silent," said Hong Kong lawmaker Eddie Chu Hoi-dik, pointing out a passage on a photocopied sheet that he highlighted in green. "It's not only you deliberately insult the national anthem [that] becomes an offense. Even if you do nothing, you only sit there without standing or without giving respect it's an offense. So it's a new thing, new political logic of active patriotism." After a massive pro-democracy protest in 2014 fanned a small, but determined independence movement, China has sought to reverse trend of residents who identify as Hong Kongers but not as Chinese citizens. President Xi Jinping and several top officials have rolled out various measures that seem created to remind Hong Kong that it is an inalienable part of China. Xi has stated repeatedly that advocating independence in Tibet, in Hong Kong or Taiwan is subversive and will not be allowed. "Since 2003, patriotism has been raised again and again as a pretext by Beijing trying to stifle dissenting voices and control the power game," said Sing Ming, associate professor of political science at Hong Kong's University of Science and Technology. "Those terms of patriotism, 'love Hong Kong, love the country,' those are not empty ... We are worried when they are raised now, particularly when President Xi said Beijing should control everything in Hong Kong. We are very apprehensive of politics that they will use as a criteria for patriotism." Carrie Lam, the city's chief executive, has continuously brushed aside concerns about requests for loyalty, especially in a city filled with residents from around the world. "Of course, in Hong Kong we do expect, whether you are a scientist or researcher, or government official like myself, to love our country and love Hong Kong," she told reporters in May. The city's education officials have continuously crafted policies to urge students to love the country. The effort a few years back, a proposed schools curriculum written to foster positive feelings about the nation, drew more than 100,000 outraged protesters to the streets in 2012, as they decried the content as brainwashing. The city government shelved the lessons, but residents say the curriculum is quietly taught in pro-Beijing schools. The Hong Kong government did not respond to VOA's request for comment on this story. In May, Xi offered Hong Kong's scientists and technology researchers access to government grants for the first time since Britain relinquished the territory to Beijing, 21 years ago. The funds would strengthen the city's research sector as officials rebrand Hong Kong as a technology and science hub. The invitation, however, came with a prerequisite: Successful applicants had to "love the country and Hong Kong," as state media outlet Xinhua termed it. It sounded similar to a request the government made in 2014 that city judges love China. The proposal agitated the bar and was rejected as improper; several judges are foreign nationals who have long worked in the city to deepen the professional standards of the bench. Benson Wong, an assistant professor of government at Hong Kong Baptist University, said research proposals had been rejected because they were deemed offensive to the party. One of his projects sought to assess the impact of mainland study tours another tool to build bonds with the nation on Hong Kong students. His proposal, he said, was criticized as "too hostile" to China. Lawmakers have not escaped new patriotic standards. Six legislators were ejected by the courts, starting in 2016, after each was accused of improper oath-taking. Since then, several democracy advocates have been blocked from seeking office, deemed unlikely to uphold the Basic Law, the city's constitution. None has succeeded in overturning those decisions. Chu's patriotism was tested this fall. The 41-year-old journalist has served in LegCo since 2016, winning a record number of votes as he vowed to clear out corruption in the territory's rural areas. There, researchers say, land bequeathed by the government to indigenous residents has been illegally sold or stolen. Frightened local residents feel pressured to stay silent. Last year, Chu decided that the best way to curb the property grabs, and ensure more land for public use, would be to serve on a rural village board. But Hong Kong has started barring politicians from seeking office if they have supported independence or offering voters the opportunity to choose a different sort of governance. In December, a government officer barred Chu, a sitting lawmaker, from running for his village board. Chu's support for Hong Kong's self-determination, the official wrote, was akin to advocating independence, because Chu did not adamantly reject such a stance. Chu has said continuously he does not advocate independence, but that Hong Kongers must be allowed to advocate for independence peacefully. For now, Chu remains a sitting legislator, but he senses that his time in the legislature has now been shortened. As the government limits more opposition actions, and labels more activists as subversives, Chu acknowledged in an interview that it's unlikely he'll be allowed to seek re-election in 2020. He says there's little he can accomplish in the legislative council now, since no one in the pro-Beijing majority would support any of his initiatives. "Maybe we can challenge the current situation with certain articles in the Chinese constitution," Chu said. "But the problem is always it is a one way street. They can do with it whatever they want. China Expands Maritime Power in Southeast Asia, Docks Frigates in Cambodia Sputnik News 14:13 09.01.2019(updated 14:38 09.01.2019) Last month, Phnom Penh denied reports that China was planning to build a naval base in the country following media reports of Beijing actively lobbying the south Asian nation to set up a military facility in the country since 2017. Three Chinese warships arrived at the Sihanoukville Port in western Cambodia on Wednesday for a four day visit, a Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesman told AFP. "The goal of the visit is to boost ties and military cooperation, especially between the navies from both countries," the spokesman said. The warships, belonging to the People's Liberation Army Navy's Northern Theatre Command, include the Wuhu and Handan, a pair of 4,050 tonne Type 054A guided missile frigates, as well as the Dongpinghu, a hulking 20,500 tonne resupply vessel. The visit is expected to include meetings between a Chinese Navy delegation and Cambodian commanders, including Defence Minister Tea Banh, before wrapping up on January 12. No joint military drills are expected. However, the visit will include the celebration of the opening of a new Cambodian naval outpost on the nearby Koh Rong Island. Earlier, Cambodian Navy Deputy Commander Tea Sokha said he wasn't sure whether the ships would return directly to China or continue onwards to Thailand or Vietnam. China has invested the equivalent of billions of dollars into Cambodia's economy, including the Sihanoukville Port, a strategic deep water port situated about 185 km southwest of the capital of Phnom Penh. Last month, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen addressed rumours that China wanted to build a naval base in Koh Kong in the Gulf of Thailand, calling the rumours "fake news" and stressing that Cambodia's constitution "does not allow any country to set up military bases" in the country. Ties between Phnom Penh and Washington declined dramatically in 2017 after the Cambodian government accused the US of interfering in the country's internal affairs. The spat prompted the Asian country to suspend military cooperation with the US. Tensions between Washington and Beijing have also escalated in recent years amid a growing number of US naval 'freedom of navigation' missions in the South China Sea, and Chinese efforts to beef up their military presence in territories over which several Asian powers have overlapping claims to. The tensions have prompted both countries to make an effort to woo regional powers to their respective side. Sputnik The magazine titled TA ENDA, which is Kalanga for I journeyed or the journey, was conceptualized by Banana Emoji blogs curator Tanlume Enyatseng and designed through the collaborative efforts of The Black Tip Crew and John Boatile with a special print sponsorship from St Louis Lager. This was revealed in a Press Release by local Artivism blog, Banana Emoji which celebrated two years after its inception. Speaking on the blogs journey, Banana Emojis curator Tanlume Enyatseng said, It has been an exciting two years creating on this platform. As bizarre as this may sound to admit, I believe my greatest strength and joy has been my arrogance and naiveite and that comes with the freedom of self-publishing. I have made every single decision based on what I like before thinking about how it will be perceived. I have just been listening to my creative needs in terms of expression. Ive missed my own deadlines. Ive taken pictures smoking and shooting toy guns. I wrote a blog post about loving boys. But this all has contributed to the Banana Emoji magic and has set the brand apart from the pack The foldable magazine also pays homage to all the creatives that have contributed to the site, with a special illustrated page dedicated to the many faces or rather friends of Banana Emoji, titled Bakwinya, a Kalanga word meaning friends. These artists include Giancarlo Calameo Laguerta, Tebogo Cranwell, Glotto, Eugene Hilton, Paul Shiakalis, Trotse Tert, Nao Serati, Ugh Dan, John Boatile and Black Tip Crew. Speaking on the brands decision to lend support to this project, Kgalagadi Breweries Limited Marketing Manager Botswana Kgomotso Garebakwena said, Our decision to sponsor the printing of this project was purely born out of our support of the local creative minds of Botswana. The magazine is not a product of St Louis Lager and is not about us but about collaborating with local, talented artists, visionaries and creatives. It is about celebrating 100% proudly local excellence. The limited-edition publication will be distributed for free via several local business not limited to but including; Mmamontle, Cafe Dijo and Culture Art Caffe. A full detailed list will be shared on the Banana Emoji Facebook page. Concluded Enyatseng, I am forever grateful to all the collaborators who have dedicated their time and talent to Banana Emoji, most times without pay. The zine celebrates them and all their hard work. Astana Says China Allowing 2,000 Ethnic Kazakhs To Leave Xinjiang January 09, 2019 Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry says China is allowing more than 2,000 ethnic Kazakhs to renounce their Chinese citizenship and leave the country. Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang region have launched a massive indoctrination and detention campaign, sending hundreds of thousands and possibly more than 1 million people into internment camps that Beijing describes as "reeducation" centers. Former detainees have said they were forced to renounce their culture and religious beliefs and were subjected to political indoctrination. The detention of Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other ethnic minorities at the camps has been a sensitive subject in neighboring Kazakhstan, a mostly Muslim country of 18 million people. China is a major trading partner for Astana, and Kazakhstan's state-controlled media has generally avoided reporting about the internment camps. But pressure for action has increased following international media coverage of the issue. Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry in a January 9 statement confirmed December media reports in Kazakhstan that Beijing has agreed to allow more than 2,000 ethnic Kazakhs to leave China. The statement said they will be allowed to apply for Kazakh citizenship or permanent residency after they arrive in Kazakhstan. China's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the reports. Based on reporting by AP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/astana-says-china-allowing-ethnic -kazakhs-to-leave-xinjiang/29699823.html Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. PLA trains super soldiers with futuristic weapons People's Daily Online By Liu Xuanzun (Global Times) 10:12, January 09, 2019 Equipped with futuristic individual combat weapons like grenade-launching assault rifles, corner shot pistols and knife guns, the PLA special forces are aiming to build "super" soldiers capable of "1 vs 10" and to meet the requirements of the digitalization of modern warfare. The wide variety of advanced firearms is used in an internal competitive training by the Xuefeng Special Operation Brigade under the PLA 76th Group Army, cctv.com reported on Monday. The corner shot pistol system can be used so that the muzzle points to a different direction across a wall, while the soldier aims the weapon behind the wall with the help of a monitor. In dangerous urban warfare, the system allows the operator to accurately shoot targets without exposing himself to hostile attackers, the report said. A knife gun hides bullets inside what seems to be a knife, which can be fired in close quarters combat, the report said. The grenade-launching assault rifle, also known as the Individual Comprehensive Operation System QTS-11, integrates the function of a rifle and a grenade launcher along with an advanced aiming module, according to the report. With these weapons, "super" soldiers capable of "1 vs 10" will be created, Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military analyst, told the Global Times on Tuesday. It is rare for these advanced Chinese weapons to appear at a same place, cctv.com said. Training using these "sci-fi" weapons shows that related technologies are very mature, Wei said. "The weapons are made for special forces Some standard troops will also use them in the future," Wei said. But these high-tech guns will remain exclusive to elite forces for a while because of their higher cost, he predicted. In the 1990s, the US developed the XM29 rifle that is similar in concept to the QTS-11. However, it was too expensive to win bids from the US Army, Science and Technology Daily reported. The QTS-11, dubbed a "strategic rifle" by Chinese military observers despite being a tactical weapon, gained its nickname because it not only has multiple functions and provided the strongest individual firepower in the world, but is also highly digitalized with sensors, a positioning system and a data sharing system, making it a cut above other tactical weapons, media reported. These weapons being used for basic-level combat units show the PLA's modernization and informatization level, the cctv.com report said. Roscosmos Introduces $15Bln Cap on Building Yenisei Super-Heavy Rocket - Source Sputnik News 03:39 10.01.2019 MOSCOW (Sputnik) The leadership of Russian space agency Roscosmos has introduced a limit of 1 trillion rubles (approximately $15 billion) for the project of building the first specimen of the super-heavy Yenisei rocket, a source in the aerospace industry told Sputnik. In December, a source told Sputnik that the project might require up to 1.5 trillion rubles in funding. "During one of the recent sessions, the leadership of Roscosmos noted that the cost of designing and creating the first rocket should not exceed 1 trillion rubles or a bit more," the source said. Another source told Sputnik that the specific cost had not yet been agreed upon. Meanwhile, Roscosmos has refused to comment on the issue. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on the creation of the super-heavy rocket in early 2018. The Energia rocket manufacturer, which is part of Roscosmos, has been assigned the main contractor in the project. The program for funding the rocket building is part of the Russian national program on the exploration of the Moon. Sputnik Global Certainty of Future Cyberattacks Growing By Jeff Seldin January 09, 2019 Cyberattacks on elections, public infrastructure and national security are increasingly being seen as the new normal, according to a global survey on cybersecurity. And in some of the world's largest economies, people think their governments are not prepared. The survey of more than 27,000 people across 26 countries conducted by the Pew Research Center found less than half of the respondents, 47 percent, believed their countries are ready to handle a major cyber incident. A median of 74 percent thought it was likely national security information would be accessed. Sixty-nine percent said they expected public infrastructure to be damaged. And 61 percent expected cyberattacks targeting their country's elections. Israel and Russia ranked as among the most confident populations, with more than two-thirds of survey-takers in those countries saying their governments are prepared for a major cyber incident. The three sub-Saharan African countries in the survey Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa were generally optimistic, with more than half of those polled saying their nations were prepared for a cyber incident. Brazil and Argentina were the least confident, with just nine percent of Argentineans responding their government was prepared. In key economies such as Germany and Japan, more than half of the respondents expressed concern they were ill-prepared to deal with cyberattacks. United States The Pew survey found expectations for cyberattacks ran highest in the United States, where there have been more than 100 major cyber incidents since 2006. Almost 80 percent of U.S. respondents expected damage to public infrastructure, breaches of national security information and elections tampering. But while more Americans than not say the country is prepared for cyberattacks, 53 percent to 43 percent, feelings on cyber preparedness changed depending on political affiliation. More than 60 percent of Republicans thought the United States is prepared for cyberattacks as opposed to 47 percent of Democrats. Politics, age The Pew survey detected similar trends in many of the other countries in the survey. In Russia, for example, about 75 percent of those who support President Vladimir Putin are optimistic about handling a cyberattack, compared to 61 percent of non-Putin supporters. The level of concern about cyberattacks also varied according to age. In many of the Western countries surveyed, Pew found older people were likely to be more concerned than younger people. In Sweden, for example, 82 percent of those aged 50 or older feared a cyberattack on infrastructure, compared with 53 percent of those aged 18 to 29. The Pew survey was conducted in-person or via telephone between May 14 and August 12, 2018. The 26 countries surveyed are: United States, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Britain, Russia, Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, Israel, Tunisia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. Trump reiterates call for border wall funding amid government shutdown Iran Press TV Wed Jan 9, 2019 03:18AM US President Donald Trump has described the situation along the country's border with Mexico as a "growing crisis," reiterating his call for funding a wall that he claimed was "absolutely critical to border security." In a televised speech from the Oval Office on Tuesday night, Trump said there was a "humanitarian and national security crisis" at the southern US border, adding that all Americans had been hurt by illegal immigration. "This barrier is absolutely critical to border security," Trump said in his address. "This is just common sense. This is a choice between right and wrong, between justice and injustice." The US president pointed the finger of blame at congressional democrats for the partial government shutdown which has caused political turmoil in Washington for nearly three weeks over disagreement on funding the construction of a border wall. Trump stressed that the only solution to resolve the deadlock was for democrats to pass a spending bill which would include funding for a border wall with Mexico. The US president said that law enforcement needed $5.7 billion to build border fence, which he claimed would stop the influx of drugs, criminals and illegal immigrants to the country. Trump also said that he would invite congressional leadership to White House on Wednesday to negotiate a deal over border security. Results of a Reuters/Ipsos poll released Tuesday showed 51 percent of Americans believe Trump deserves most of the blame for the shutdown, up 4 percentage points from last month. Roughly one-third said congressional Democrats were to blame and 7 percent blamed congressional Republicans. Congressional Democratic leadership swiftly responds to Trump Shortly after the Oval Office address, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate minority leader Charles Schumer condemned Trump's remarks in a joint statement and accused him of trying to "stoke fear" with his calls for a wall on the Mexican border. "Sadly, much of what we have heard from President Trump throughout this senseless shutdown has been full of misinformation and even malice," said Pelosi, who spoke first. "The President has chosen fear. We want to start with the facts." Schumer criticized Trump for using the Oval Office to make his pitch for the US-Mexico border wall. "Most presidents have used Oval Office addresses for noble purposes. This president just used the backdrop of the Oval Office to manufacture a crisis, stoke fear, and divert attention from the turmoil in his administration," he said. Schumer insisted that the US president should separate the government shutdown from the debate over border security, calling on Trump to end the shutdown "now." US government's assessments contradict Trump's border security claim Iran Press TV Wed Jan 9, 2019 06:54AM The US government's assessments contradict President Donald Trump's claim that terrorists enter the country through its border with Mexico. Counterterrorism officials and experts also say there has never been a case of a known terrorist crossing into the US through its southern border. Trump, who addressed the nation in a televised speech from the Oval Office on Tuesday night, described the situation along the country's border with Mexico as a "growing crisis," reiterating his call for funding a wall that he claimed was "absolutely critical to border security." However, a White House strategy document sent to Congress last month to outline measures to monitor terrorists did not include any reference to the need for construction of barriers, fences or walls. The 2018 assessment by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence was sent to Congress on Dec. 21, the day before the government shutdown began after Trump and Democrats failed to reach an agreement over his demands for $5.7 billion for a border wall. Meanwhile, an intelligence analysis described cyberattacks as the top threat to the country rather than terrorists at the border. "There is no wave of terrorist operatives waiting to cross overland into the United States," Nicholas J. Rasmussen, the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, said on Tuesday. "It simply isn't true." According to the State Department's 2017 Country Reports on Terrorism, the majority of Latin American countries have border law enforcement gaps which extremists could exploit to harm the United States. However, the department clarified, that has not happened. "These vulnerabilities offer opportunities to foreign terrorist groups, but there have been no cases of terrorist groups exploiting these gaps to move operations through the region," said the State Department. There was also "no credible evidence terrorist groups sent operatives via Mexico into the United States," it noted, concluding that, "At year's end there was no credible evidence indicating that international terrorist groups have established bases in Mexico, worked with Mexican drug cartels, or sent operatives via Mexico into the United States." That report sharply contradicts remarks by White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders and Vice President Mike Pence. "We know that roughly, nearly 4,000 known or suspected terrorists come into our country illegally, and we know that our most vulnerable point of entry is at our southern border," Sanders said on Fox News Sunday. Also, Vice President Mike Pence, who talked to ABC News' chief White House correspondent Johnathan Karl on Tuesday, made the same claim. However, he conflated figures when Karl pressed him that the majority come through airports. "Yeah but, 3,000 special interest individuals, people with suspicious backgrounds that might suggest terrorist connections were apprehended at our southern border," he said. "Last year alone, 17,000 individuals with criminal histories were apprehended at our southern border." Emergency declaration in US for Trump's border wall still on table: White House Iran Press TV Wed Jan 9, 2019 03:15PM US President Donald Trump may still declare a national emergency in the country to go solo in building a wall on the southern border without a green light from Congress, the White House says. During a prime time address to the nation Tuesday night, Trump refused to mention the possibility of declaring a national emergency although he had threatened to do so. But White House press secretary Sarah Sanders told Fox News on Wednesday that the declaration is "certainly still an option" and "something that's on the table." "We're hopeful, again, that they get serious about doing their jobs and work with us to accomplish these things," Sanders said. Funding for the wall has been has led to a budget impasse, causing the ongoing partial government shutdown despite several rounds of negotiations with Democrats. Trump demands over $5 billion, for which he is "proud" to have shut down the government but Democrats are not offering more than $1.3 billion. "Sadly, what President Trump is trying to do is create fear and hatred in our country," said Vermont Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders of Trump's prime time speech. "Instead of trying to bring us together as a people, he is trying to divide us up. And in the process, divert our attention from the real crises facing the working families of this nation." A frequent critic of Trump's, Sanders added that the president "lies all of the time," and his latest speech is no different. "It gives me no pleasure to tell you what most of you already know, and that is that President Trump lies all of the time," Sanders said. "And in his remarks tonight and in recent weeks regarding immigration and the wall, he continues to lie." Trump has been calling for a wall along the southern border since his 2016 presidential campaign, pledging that Mexico would pay for it. "In terms of immigration in this country, what we need to do is not to waste billions of dollars on a wall, but to finally the address the need for comprehensive immigration reform, including improved border security," Sanders said. There were also those who voiced support for Trump's agenda, including Oklahoma Republican Senator James Lankford. "[A wall] needs to be a part of it. You can't say we're going to do everything with technology," Lankford said. "In urban areas when you've got a large town on one side of the border and a large town on the other side of the border, you've got to have a physical pedestrian barrier between the two or someone can quickly cross the border." DR Congo: Ebola response resumes despite 'risky environment' 8 January 2019 - Despite a precarious security environment and continuing pockets of mistrust on the part of affected populations, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Tuesday that all Ebola-affected areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) North Kivu Province are now accessible to health workers. Civil unrest in Beni, the epicenter of the epidemic, crippled operations last month. But WHO says that now, under Government leadership and in collaboration with partner agencies, the Ebola response has resumed in force. However, it warned, further disruptions and security issues, could seriously impact the complex effort to end the outbreak. The main challenges to the response are a hazardous security situation and the inability to prevent and control infection in many public and private health facilities. WHO revealed that some 577 confirmed cases and 377 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak was declared in August last year. The UN agency also stated that 220 people have recovered and more than 56,500 have been vaccinated. From 31 December 2018 to 2 January 2019, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus traveled to Ebola-affected areas in the DRC, where he spelled out that "Ebola responders are sacrificing a lot to combat one of the world's deadliest viruses in a risky environment." Accompanying him, Dr, Jeremy Farrar, Chair of WHO's Research and Development Blueprint, came away "worried by the immense challenges they face in such a complex environment." "It is vital the international community recognizes this and ensures the DRC and WHO have the support needed to ensure this outbreak does not spiral out of control," he said. The Ebola outbreak is in reality, several distinct outbreaks in the different affected areas. While the major outbreak in Beni, which was responsible for a large proportion of cases in recent months, is coming under control, the positive trend there is not mirrored elsewhere. WHO pointed out that the volatile situation in Komanda and Butembo/Katwa has rendered those outbreaks more unstable. Felix Tshisekedi Declared Winner in DRC Election By Anita Powell January 10, 2019 After several days of intense speculation on the outcome of the DRC's presidential elections, the country's election board, CENI, proclaimed Felix Tshisekedi the winner. The result could lead to the country's first democratic transfer of power since independence from Belgium in 1960. The announcement came as riot police were deployed in the capital, Kinshasa, amid fears of a disputed result in the Dec. 30 vote marked by accusations of vote fraud. The U.S. Embassy in the Democratic Republic of Congo had warned Americans to leave the country, as Congolese officials prepared to announce the results. The embassy in Kinshasa posted an alert Wednesday that said Americans in Congo should make departure plans that do "not rely on U.S. government assistance." The message urged Americans to avoid large crowds and demonstrations, monitor local media for updates, and remain alert for dangerous situations. Election challenges The election in the DRC had been more than two years in the making. Postponed twice by the ruling coalition, the Common Front for the Congo, problems persisted even after a date was set. Nevertheless, the elections finally went ahead in late December. There were a number of candidates vying to lead the country. The three key contenders were Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, from the governing Common Front for the Congo, who had close ties to the Kabila government. Martin Fayulu was chosen by the major opposition candidates after a meeting in Geneva in early November 2018. Lastly there was Tshisekedi, leader of one of the Congo's oldest opposition parties, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress. Fayulu and ruling party candidate Shadary can contest the results before the country's constitutional court, which has 10 days to hear and rule on any challenges. President Joseph Kabila is scheduled to leave office this month after 18 years in power and two years after the official end of his mandate. He backed Shadary, his former interior minister, in the election. The DRC suffers from widespread corruption, continuing conflict, endemic disease, and some of the world's highest levels of sexual violence and malnutrition. It is also rich in minerals, including those crucial to the world's smartphones and electric cars. Tokyo to Continue Peace Treaty Talks With Moscow on Principle Position Basis Sputnik News 05:17 10.01.2019(updated 05:41 10.01.2019) TOKYO (Sputnik) Tokyo to continue holding talks on the peace treaty with Moscow, seeking to put into effect its position that envisions the conclusion of the deal after the settlement of the territorial dispute between the two countries, a spokesperson of the Japanese Foreign Ministry told Sputnik on Thursday. "In any case, the Japanese government will persistently continue to hold the talks on the basis of its principle position, which seeks to conclude a peace treaty after settling the territorial issue. This is the position of the government," the spokesperson said. The ministry's spokesperson also said that the Japanese Foreign Ministry refrains from commenting on the Russian Foreign Ministry summoning Japanese Ambassador Toyohisa Kozuki in order to ensure the calm atmosphere of the bilateral talks on the peace treaty between the countries. "In terms of the need to hold the Japanese-Russian talks on the peace treaty in a quiet and calm atmosphere, we refrain from answering the question. Ambassador Kozuki has explained in detail to [Russian] Deputy Foreign Minister [Igor] Morgulov the position of our country but we refrain from commenting on this issue," the spokesperson said. The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Kozuki on Wednesday, citing the recent comments of the Japanese leadership on the peace treaty issue which, Moscow said, sought to artificially fuel tensions around the talks on the bilateral deal. Japan and Russia have never signed a permanent peace treaty after the end of World War II as Japan has for years maintained that a group of the Kuril Islands should be recognized as a part of its territory as a precondition for signing the document. Sputnik For every P3 million or more that the Ministry for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration spends per annum in advertising in the Daily News - government gave a paltry P8, 092.06 to each private house. In fact to say government spent P8, 092.06 in advertising in private media is an exaggeration as not all private media houses benefitted the same for the 2018/19 financial year. Acting Minister of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Dr Pelonomi Venson- Moitoi told Parliament before it went on a Christmas break that the ministry does not have a specific budget to sustain jobs created in the private print media. However, the advertising and publicity budget in the ministry has been allocated to amongst other things, pay for advertising by the ministry in any media house. She said that for the 2018/2019 financial year a total of P5,469, 920 was credited to the ministry for advertising and publicity purposes. For the past 12 months from December 1 2017 to November 31 2018, the ministry spent a total P3,209, 556 - 80 for advertising in the print media. From this amount P3,112, 452 were spent on the Daily News, whilst P97,104.80 was spent on the private media. Moitoi was answering a question asked by Specially elected Member of Parliament Reatile Mephato who had asked the minister to state the annual budget under her ministry to support different print media houses, through advertising to help them sustain jobs they have created, if any, and to provide a monthly breakdown of expenditure towards each print media house for the past 12 months. In a supplementary question Member of Parliament for Gaborone Central, Dr Phenyo Butale asked what, historically, has been the ratio of the amount that the ministry spends on private print media vis-a-vis on Daily News in terms of the advertising budget. I want to put it to you that there has been a drastic drop, which drastic drop is linked to your attempt to kill the print media, which you know very well is dependent on government for adverting and survival, said Dr Butale.Moitoi said she believes the MP has the information as he said he knows more than I do. I do not have the proportions and ratios that he is talking about. If he wants me to give them to him, I would have to go back to the office and the substantive ministry. Another supplementary question came from Member of Parliament for Kanye South Abram Kesupile. I ask, given the fact that government has a moral responsibility to see to it that the print media succeeds, would you be amenable to a suggestion that you invert the numbers that you have just given to us, the P3 million to the private print media, the P97 000 to the Daily News? Moitoi answered that, We are talking about responsibilities here. If I may hazard an answer, everybody has a responsibility, if we are talking about media and government; the latter does have a responsibility to help the media grow. The media does have a responsibility to educate, inform and entertain. Now the questions we can ask and spend the whole afternoon debating is whether we are all doing our responsibilities and carrying them out to the satisfaction of all the parties and I suppose that is a debate maybe we should engage in, she said. South Africa's ANC Facing Factionalism Ahead of Vote By Thuso Khumalo January 09, 2019 South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) celebrated its anniversary this week by counting the party's successes in the past 25 years. But the ANC is battling with factionalism and corruption allegations against senior party members, which could affect its standing in upcoming May national elections. In a speech Tuesday marking the 107th birthday of ANC, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa touted the party's success since the end of apartheid. "Our economy has tripled in size over the last 25 years. Seven million more people are now employed today than they were in 1994. And we have taken bold steps to confront corruption," Ramaphoda said. The ANC was born January 8th, 1912, in the little town of Bloemfontein. The party became famous for leaders like Nelson Mandela, who gave up his freedom to end apartheid, South Africa's former system of racial segregation and discrimination. But former ANC lawmaker Ben Turok said, a century later, the party of Mandela is a different organization. "A catch-up culture penetrated the movement. Catch-up! The whites had this, we want the same. And that catch-up led to many of the problems that we have today," Turok said. These problems include the ANC's mismanagement of state-owned enterprises, 25 percent unemployment, inequality, corruption, and a divided party. The ANC split last year between supporters of President Cyril Ramaphosa and disgraced former president Jacob Zuma after the latter was forced to resign over corruption allegations. 'Fault lines' Political analyst Theo Venter said the ANC is not in the best shape as the country heads toward May national elections. "One can clearly see the fault lines in the ANC. There are factions talking about each other as factions. I think there is a far more urgent need for discussion, because I think the push back from the Zuma side in the ANC is threatening the unity," Venter said. Although the ANC has received the majority of votes in every election since the end of apartheid, the winning margins have been gradually decreasing. Opposition parties are hoping to take advantage of the ANC's waning support, including in its biggest support base Kwazulu Natal Province. Democratic Alliance party leader Zwakele Mncwango said the ANC is at its weakest moment. "The main mission for us is to drop the ANC below 50 percent. We've seen it's possible," Mncwango said. Political analyst Tinyiko Maluleke said although the ANC will no doubt win the coming elections, the party will no longer be able to rely solely on its liberation credentials. South Africans are now demanding services like clean water and electricity. "I think the most serious challenge is that perhaps the ANC has not managed to facilitate service delivery to the extent that the ANC as a party has been promising," Maluleke said. At the anniversary celebrations this week, the ANC sought to project an image of a confident and unified party. Ramaphosa was side-by-side with Zuma and told the nation their comradeship is still at its best. How much that translates into reversing the party's downward trend will become clear with the May elections. UN Envoy: Yemen Port Cease-fire Largely Holding By Margaret Besheer January 09, 2019 The U.N. special envoy for Yemen said Wednesday that a cease-fire for the crucial port city of Hodeida is largely holding, but more progress needs to be made before a second round of peace talks can take place. "Progress on implementation has been gradual and tentative, but it has made a tangible contribution to peace," Martin Griffiths said of the December 18 cease-fire and other agreements made at peace talks last month in Sweden. "There are doubtless many hurdles to be overcome in the days, weeks and months ahead, but the parties must not be diverted from their commitments." Last month, delegations representing the government of Yemeni President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi and Houthi rebels met under U.N. auspices near Stockholm for a first round of talks aimed at ending the nearly four-year long conflict. Parties agreed to the localized truce in Hodeida, as well as redeployment of fighters to agreed locations outside the city. Agreements were also reached on the exchange of thousands of prisoners and for easing the situation in the southwest city of Taiz. Under the Stockholm Agreement and a U.N. Security Council resolution endorsing it, the U.N. has deployed an advance team to monitor the cease-fire. It is also working on details of the redeployment of forces, providing security for Hodeida and the opening of humanitarian access routes. The council is working on a follow-up technical resolution which will authorize a full U.N. team to support the Hodeida truce. Envoy Griffiths, who addressed the council via a video link from Amman, said he has met with both President Hadi and rebel leader Abdelmalik al-Houthi and that he remains hopeful a second round of talks could take place "in the near future." On the humanitarian front, U.N. aid chief Mark Lowcock said the situation remains "catastrophic." "More than 24 million people now need humanitarian assistance that's 80 percent of the population," Lowcock told the council. "They include 10 million people just a step away from famine." He said aid agencies are scaling up to meet these needs. Last month, the World Food Program reached a record 9.5 million people with emergency food assistance. In the next few months, Lowcock said WFP will expand operations to reach 12 million people a month including the 10 million most at risk of famine. "The important progress we have seen on the political track, which Martin [Griffiths] just briefed you on, deserves our full and continuing support, but it does not of itself feed a single starving child," Lowcock said. "Millions of Yemenis are looking to us for assistance and protection, and we need to see more and faster progress on all the humanitarian elements of your resolution to make any practical difference to their lives." A Saudi Arabian-led coalition began bombing Iranian-aligned Houthi rebels in support of Yemen's government in March 2015. Since then, the U.N. estimates more than 10,000 people have been killed, mostly due to coalition airstrikes. Pompeo Vows to Coordinate US Troops Pullout From Syria With Iraq - Baghdad Sputnik News 19:09 09.01.2019(updated 19:54 09.01.2019) MOSCOW(Sputnik) - US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo promised during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi on Wednesday that Washington will coordinate with Baghdad the withdrawal of US troops from Syria, which is planned to be carried out gradually, the Iraqi prime minister's press service said. "The US Secretary of State expressed his country's intention to implement this decision [on the withdrawal of US troops from Syria], gradually and in coordination with Iraq," the press service said in a statement. Commenting on the meeting, US Department of State Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino stated that Pompeo reaffirmed the United States' support for the efforts of Iraq's new government to deliver stability. In addition to his meeting with Prime Minister Al-Mahdi, Pompeo also held talks with Iraqi President Barham Salih, Council of Representatives Speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi and members of the Council of Representatives Foreign Relations Committee. Another point of emphasis for the Secretary was Iraq's energy independence, with Pompeo highlighting the resumption of oil exports via the Kirkuk oil pipeline as an important step toward this goal. The US top diplomat is currently making a Middle East tour in an effort to reassure US regional allies of the country's ongoing support despite US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw troops from Syria. Pompeo initially planned to visit Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait, with no mention of a stop in Iraq. Sputnik Yemeni Warring Parties Largely Adhering to Al Hodeidah Ceasefire UN Spokesman Sputnik News 22:01 09.01.2019(updated 22:02 09.01.2019) UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) Both sides to the conflict in Yemen are mostly adhering to the ceasefire agreed in Stockholm last month, United Nations Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a press briefing on Wednesday. "Both sides have largely adhered to the ceasefire we agreed in Stockholm on the Al Hudaydah governorate, and there has been a significant decrease in violence since then," Dujarric said. The spokesman hailed the progress that has been made since the warring parties agreed to the deal inked in Sweden. The next steps in resolving the crisis in Yemen should include prisoner exchanges and an effort to address the ongoing violence in Taiz, Dujarric said. The remarks come after, earlier in the day, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held a meeting on Yemen to discuss the implementation of the Stockholm Agreement. In December, during the first round of UN-led consultations in Sweden, the warring parties to the conflict agreed to a ceasefire in the port city of Al Hodeidah, as well as an exchange of prisoners and establishment of humanitarian corridors in the area. Later in the month, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution calling for a 30-day deployment of a United Nations team to Yemen to help monitor the ceasefire. Yemen has been ravaged by almost four years of war between the internationally backed government, supported by the Saudi-led coalition, and the Houthi rebels. Sputnik Trump Advisor Bolton Says Groundwork Being Laid for Anti-Iranian 'Arab NATO' Sputnik News 22:08 09.01.2019(updated 22:21 09.01.2019) Last month, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said that Gulf states were continuing negotiations with Washington on the creation of a regional security alliance directed against Iran, despite earlier fears that the proposed pact may have been scrapped after the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in a Saudi consulate in October. The White House remains committed to the Middle East Strategic Alliance (MESA), Trump National Security Advisor John Bolton has indicated. "The White House is laying the ground work for a Middle East Strategic Alliance," Bolton tweeted, thanking the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, as well as Egypt and Jordan, "for standing together as we pursue a more vibrant and secure Middle East." Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived for an eight day tour of the Middle East on Wednesday, and are expected to visit eight countries to meet with regional leaders in this time. Earlier, responding to Bolton and Pompeo's heavy focus on Iran in their recent statements, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javid Zarif compared the pair to "persistently failing psychotic stalkers" engaged in "Iran-obsession" in place of real diplomacy. President Trump revived the Obama-era concept of an anti-Iranian alliance of Gulf state nations in 2017 in a bid to stop what Washington and its regional allies have described as Iran's "malign activities" in the region. Late last year, Pompeo met with Qatari officials to try to smooth out tensions between Doha and Saudi Arabia in order to move forward with the alliance idea. US and Gulf state leaders have met several times to push the MESA concept forward. The traditional bilateral strategic alliance between Washington and Riyadh suffered a blow last October following the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and Washington Post contributor who expressed criticism of the Saudi monarchy. Congressional leaders have called on Washington to condemn the killing, with some calling for sanctions. President Trump, however, has indicated that he is not willing to risk US-Saudi ties, including the Kingdom's purchase of tens of billions of dollars' worth of US arms, over the incident. Sputnik U.S. Envoy On Afghanistan Starts Regional Tour After Taliban Talks Cancelled By RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan January 09, 2019 KABUL -- The U.S. special envoy on Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, has begun a two-week diplomatic tour of Afghanistan and other countries in the region in an attempt to push forward the peace process with the Taliban. Khalilzad began his latest diplomatic mission on January 8 -- the same day that Taliban representatives announced they would not attend peace talks in Qatar planned for January 9 and 10 with Khalilzad and other U.S. officials. Khalilzad's tour is meant to take him to Kabul as well as China, Pakistan, and India. The U.S. State Department says his visits in the region will last through January 21. In accordance with U.S. policy, the State Department did not say if Khalilzad would meet with Taliban representatives during the tour. Quoting Khalilzad, the State Department said "the only solution to the conflict is for all parties to sit together and reach an agreement on the political future of Afghanistan with mutual respect and acceptance." Khalilzad last met with Taliban representatives in Abu Dhabi in December. But a Taliban representative in Qatar told RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan on January 8 that it had "postponed" a January 9-10 meeting with Khalilzad "until further consultations" could resolve an "agenda disagreement." Another Taliban source said the disagreement focused on Washington's insistence that Afghan government officials must be involved in the talks. He said there also was disagreement on a possible cease-fire deal and a proposed prisoner exchange. The Taliban has consistently rejected requests from regional powers to allow Afghan government officials to take part in peace talks, insisting that the United States is their main adversary in Afghanistan. Afghanistan's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah reiterated on January 9 that "any peace talks about Afghanistan should be under the umbrella of the Afghan government." Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's special peace envoy, Omar Daudzai, arrived in Pakistan on January 8 for a four-day visit that is focusing on the Afghan peace process. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmud Qureshi said after talks with Daudzai on January 8 that Pakistan is also trying to get Afghan Taliban representatives to meet with Afghan government officials at the negotiating table. Qureshi said peace and stability in Afghanistan is in Pakistan's own national interest because it is necessary for the economic development and prosperity of the region. With additional reporting by Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/u-s-envoy-on- afghanistan-starts-regional-tour-after-taliban- talks-cancelled/29699304.html Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. UN envoy says 'substantial progress' needed to end Yemen war Iran Press TV Wed Jan 9, 2019 07:20PM United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths says "substantial progress" would be needed before more talks can be held to build on a ceasefire recently agreed by the warring parties in Sweden and to reach a final deal to end the war. Griffiths briefed the UN Security Council after he had met with Yemen's former Saudi-backed government officials, including former President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and members of the ex-parliament in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Tuesday, after holding talks with leaders of the Houthi Ansarullah movement in the capital Sana'a. "Both sides have largely adhered to the ceasefire and there has been a significant decrease in hostilities," Griffiths told the UNSC on Wednesday by video-conference from Amman. However, he stressed that he and the warring parties shared the view that "substantial progress, particularly on Hudaydah, is something we would like to see before we reconvene the next consultations." "I am still hopeful that we can proceed to a next round of consultations within the near future and I am working with both parties to make sure that that will happen at the earliest possible date," Griffiths added. The UN is proposing to bring the warring sides together again for a new round of talks later this month, probably in Kuwait. The UN special envoy added that talks are ongoing on a redeployment of forces from Hudaydah, providing security in the city and opening up humanitarian access routes. Hudaydah, a lifeline for millions of Yemenis, has seen some of the heaviest fighting in the Saudi-led aggression, which began in March 2015. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates launched the Hudaydah offensive in June but have been facing strong resistance from Yemeni armed forces led by the Houthis as well as the city's residents. The UN Security Council (UNSC) is considering the creation of a new observer mission to Hudaydah, which will be tasked with monitoring a ceasefire recently agreed by the warring parties and the pullout of rival forces from the flash point. Ansarullah delegates and Hadi loyalists held a round of peace negotiations in Rimbo, north of the Swedish capital city of Stockholm, last month. The talks resulted in the announcement of a break-through agreement. The document includes three provisions: a ceasefire along the Hudaydah front and the redeployment of armed forces out of the city and its port; an agreement on prisoner exchange; and a statement of understanding on the southern Yemeni city of Ta'izz. A meeting will be held in the Jordanian capital next week to follow up on an agreed prisoner exchange that could pave the way to an airlift of "many, many thousands" of detainees from both sides. Saudi Arabia and a number of its regional allies launched a devastating military campaign against Yemen in March 2015, with the aim of bringing former Hadi's government back to power and crushing the country's Houthi Ansarullah movement. According to a new report by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), a nonprofit conflict-research organization, the Saudi-led war has so far claimed the lives of around 56,000 Yemenis. The Saudi-led war has also taken a heavy toll on the country's infrastructure, destroying hospitals, schools, and factories. The UN has already said that a record 22.2 million Yemenis are in dire need of food, including 8.4 million threatened by severe hunger. According to the world body, Yemen is suffering from the most severe famine in more than 100 years. A number of Western countries, the US and Britain in particular, are also accused of being complicit in the ongoing aggression as they supply the Riyadh regime with advanced weapons and military equipment as well as logistical and intelligence assistance. UN urges deploying truce monitors to Yemen IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Jan 9, IRNA -- The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged the UNSC to confirm deployment of 75 truce monitors to Al-Hudaydah, Yemen, for six months, British media reported. According to Reuters, 'the 15-member U.N. Security Council will need to take action on Guterres' request by about Jan. 20.' As per UN foreign diplomats, none of the UN Security Council members has yet confirmed Guterres' plan. Earlier the UNSC offered Guterres to deploy more truce observers to Al-Hudaydah. The UN special envoy Martin Griffith and Mark Andrew Lowcock, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator awre supposed to present their report on conditions in Yemen to UNSC on Wednesday. The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2451 to support the Stockholm Agreement on deployment of a team in order to facilitate monitoring and implementing the Agreement and establishing truce in important Yemeni ports. The resolution mainly focuses on sending essential commodities to the Yemeni people, supporting the Stockholm Agreement, assigning the Secretary-General of the United Nations to implement it and observing the ceasefire. The fourth round of Yemen peace talks kicked off in Stockholm, Sweden on December 6 with the attendance of the UN special envoy Martin Griffith and the government representatives, and agreed to establish truce in Yemeni ports of al-Hudaydah, al-Salif and Ayn Issa. Saudi Arabia and its regional allies attacked Yemen in March 2015 to bring back to power the deposed president of Yemen Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. Since then, the invaders have committed horrible war crimes against Yemeni civilians. 9376**1424 U.S. Department of Defense Press Operations News Release No. NR-006-19 January 09, 2019 Navy to Commission Littoral Combat Ship Wichita The Navy will commission its newest Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the future USS Wichita (LCS 13), during a 10 a.m. ceremony Saturday, Jan. 12, at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., near Jacksonville, where the ship will be homeported. U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas will deliver the commissioning ceremony's principal address. Kate Lehrer, author and wife of Wichita native Jim Lehrer, the former anchor of "The MacNeil-Lehrer News Hour" on PBS, is the ship's sponsor. The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when Mrs. Lehrer gives the first order to "man our ship and bring her to life!" "This commissioning represents USS Wichita's entry into the active fleet and is a testament to the increased capabilities made possible by a true partnership between the Department of the Navy and our industrial base," said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. "This ship honors the citizens of Wichita, Kansas for their longstanding support of the Navy and Marine Corps team and I am confident USS Wichita and crew will make our Navy and nation stronger." The future USS Wichita is the third naval vessel to honor Kansas's largest city. The first was a heavy cruiser in service from 1939 to 1947. Active during World War II, Wichita supported amphibious landings during Operation Torch in November 1942 in the European Theater. She later participated in the Battles of the Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf and the invasion of Okinawa in 1944 in the Pacific Theater. Wichita earned 13 battle stars for wartime service. The second USS Wichita (AOR 1) was a first-in-class replenishment oiler in service from 1969 to 1993. During her first three deployments, the ship made numerous trips to replenish ships on "Yankee Station," earning four battle stars for service during the Vietnam War. The future USS Wichita is a fast, agile, focused-mission platform designed for operation in near-shore environments as well as the open-ocean. It is designed to defeat asymmetric "anti-access" threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft. The LCS class consists of two variants, the Freedom variant and the Independence variant, designed and built by two industry teams. The Freedom variant team is led by Lockheed Martin, Marinette, Wis., (for the odd-numbered hulls). The Independence variant team is led by Austal USA, Mobile, Ala., (for LCS 6 and the subsequent even-numbered hulls). The ceremony can be viewed on the Navy Live blog at http://navylive.dodlive.mil. Media may direct queries to the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342. For more information about the Littoral Combat Ship Program: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=1650&ct=4 Additional information about the future USS Wichita (LCS 13) can be found at: https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/w/wichita-iii--lcs-13-.html https://dod.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1727683/ CJTF-OIR reflects on significant military gains, fighting ISIS in 2018 U.S. Central Command Release No: 19-004 Jan. 9, 2019 January 08, 2019 Release # 20190108-01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOUTHWEST ASIA Today, the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve reflects on 2018 and looks forward to 2019. Within one year, the Coalition has grown from 70 nations and four partner organizations to 74 nations and five partner organizations in the campaign to ensure the lasting defeat of ISIS. The Coalition welcomed the Philippines in February, Republic of Guinea and the Community of Sahel-Sahran States in June, Kenya in August, and Fiji in September. Since the establishment of CJTF-OIR in 2014, the Coalition reclaimed more than 99 percent of ISIS's previously held ground of more than 100,000 square kilometers, roughly equivalent in size to Britain. CJTF-OIR and partner forces liberated key cities in Iraq and Syria, including, Hajin, Mosul, Hawijah, al-Qa'im, Tal Afar, Raqqah, and Tabqah. Each town the Coalition liberated has continued its path toward normalcy free of ISIS influence. In 2018 the Coalition and partner forces have territorially constrained ISIS and severely degraded their capabilities, allowing more than 4 million internally displaced persons to return to their area of origin free from ISIS rule. During the past year, Coalition forces and partner forces have killed thousands of ISIS fighters, and destroyed their media sites, command and control centers, weapons caches and other facilities. This degraded ISIS's capabilities and access to funding, recruiting, arms and training. Between January and March 2018, a Coalition team worked with Syrian partners to erect a steel bridge near the village of Hawi al-Hawa of the Raqqah province. This effort allowed the Raqqah Internal Security Force to provide security to the people of Raqqah and facilitated greater humanitarian assistance and relief efforts there. The Coalition also announced, following the liberation of Mosul, that it would shift its focus in Iraq from enabling combat operations to sustaining military gains against ISIS. During this period, successful operations by the Coalition and its partners reclaimed approximately 98 percent of the territory ISIS once held in Iraq and Syria. Closing out the month of March, the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command authority transferred from the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division to the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division. Between April and June 2018, the Coalition partner force, the Maghaweir al-Thowra, destroyed a large cache of ISIS narcotics. The drugs were seized during counter-ISIS operations within the 55km de-confliction zone near At Tanf, Syria. The drugs were estimated to have a black market value of $1.4 million. Also, the Coalition killed four ISIS members affiliated with the group's Oil and Gas Network in the MERV, Syria. Abu Khattab al-Iraqi, the networks leader, managed revenue generation through the illicit sale of oil and gas. The other three men killed, Abu Yusuf al-Hashimi, Abu Hajir Milhim, and Abu Hiba al-Maghrebi, facilitated these operations. Furthermore, the Coalition congratulated the people of Iraq and the ISF on the successful completion of the first Parliamentary election since Iraq declared the full liberation of its population from ISIS. Closing out the month of June, the Coalition enabled the Syrian Democratic Forces ground operations to begin phase two of Operation Roundup to defeat ISIS in northeastern Syria. This was bolstered by coordinated Coalition cross-border air and artillery strikes, and Iraqi partner strikes by the Iraqi Air Force and Iraqi Army artillery positioned near the border. Furthermore between July and September 2018, the Coalition and partner forces continued support efforts for Operation Roundup from Fire Base Um Jorais, a temporary artillery position, to aid in the acceleration of the defeat ISIS mission. The Coalition made further military gains when it enabled SDF to begin phase three of Operation Roundup. Phase three was also supported by Coalition cross-border air and artillery strikes, with the intent to clear ISIS from northeastern Syria, along the Middle Euphrates River Valley toward the Syria-Iraq border. Closing out September, the CJTF-OIR mission shifted commanding generals, from Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, III Corps Commanding General, to Lt. Gen. Paul LaCamera, XVIII Airborne Corps Commanding General. Moreover, between October and December 2018, Coalition partner, the Maghaweir al-Thowra, provided security to ensure the safe delivery of thousands of tons of U.S. humanitarian aid to the Rukban internally displaced persons camp near At Tanf, Syria. Additionally, during this time period, the CJTF-OIR commemorated the centennial anniversary of the end of World War I with a ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq. Also, the ISF eliminated an ISIS fighter and senior leader known as "Katkut," during an operation in the Salah ad Din province, Iraq. Katkut previously led an ISIS mortar detachment in which his attacks resulted in the deaths and injuries of Iraqi civilians and security forces. Katkut's removal disrupted ISIS's leadership chain and reduced ISIS's ability to conduct terrorist attacks, both within the region and abroad. Additionally, the ISF conducted an airstrike against two ISIS location in As Susah, Syria. Their airstrike resulted in the destruction of two buildings used by senior ISIS leaders as meeting places. The destruction of these building severely degraded ISIS's ability to exert command and control over the remaining fighters in and around As Susah. "While we look forward to 2019, let us reflect on this current generation of warriors and remember those service members and partner forces who made the ultimate sacrifices in the fight against ISIS. We are indebted to those brave men, women, and their families who endure the unbearable weight of loss of their loved ones on their shoulders," said Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Albertson, command sergeant major of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve. "You are not forgotten, and we thank you more than we could ever express in words." CJTF-OIR remembers those we lost in 2018; U.S. Army Spc. Javion Sullivan, British Army Capt. Dean Sprouting, U.S. Army Sgt. Christina Schoenecker, U.S. Army Capt. Christopher Zanetis, U.S. Air Force Capt. Andy O'Keeffe, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dashan Briggs, U.S Air Force Master Sgt. Christopher Raguso, U.S. Air Force Capt. Mark Weber, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. William Posch, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Carl Enis, French Army Caporal Bogusz Pochylski, U.S. Army Master Sgt. Jonathan Dunbar, British Army Sgt. Matt Tonroe, U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Taylor Galvin. CJTF-OIR also remembers those we've lost since the missions inception; U.S Air Force Capt. William Dubois, Canadian Army Sgt. Andrew J. Doiron, U.S. Army Master Sgt. Joshua L. Wheeler, U.S. Marines Staff Sgt. Louis F. Cardin, U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Nathaniel H. McDavitt, U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Charles H. Keating, Spanish Army Pvt. Aaron L. Vidal, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Jeffrey D. Cooper, U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Jason C. Finan, U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott C. Dayton, British Army Lance Cpl. Scott Hetherington, U.S. Army Spc. Isiah L. Booker, U.S. Army Pfc. Brian P. Odiome, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alexandria M. Morrow, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Austin L. Bieren, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Weston C. Lee, U.S. Army Spc. Etienne J. Murphy, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. David Board, U.S. Army Sgt. Roshain E. Brooks, U.S. Army Sgt. Allen L. Stigler, French Army Adjudant-Chef Stephane Grenier, U.S. Army Spc. Alexander Missildine, U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Lee Smith, U.S. Army Cpl. Todd L. McGurn, and U.S. Army Spc. Avadon A. Chaves. Moving onward in the mission, the Coalition will be involved through the continued tactical level training of the ISF. The Coalition will build on the training which has already been delivered to more than 173,000 Iraqis. In 2019, the NATO mission in Iraq will take the lead in the 'train the trainer' mission to teach Iraqi military instructors to impart key skills such as countering improvised explosive devices, civil-military planning, armored vehicle maintenance, and military medicine to their trainees. NMI will train the ISF in multiple capacities and build upon their professional military academies, amongst other critical military schools. CJTF-OIR, representing 74 nations and five international organizations, remains committed to the lasting defeat of ISIS. CJTF-OIR works by, with, and through partner forces to defeat ISIS in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, and set conditions for follow-on operations to increase regional stability. Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) has opened up the Botswana Innovation Fund (BIF) Second Call for proposals to all innovation companies not registered with BIH. According to Brand and Communications Manager, Kemiso Ben the Second Call for Proposals seeks to attract a broader pool of applicants hence the invitation to non-members. However, Ben says shortlisted non-member applicants will be taken through the BIH registration process prior to grants being awarded. The Call for proposals opened this week on December 16 and closes on January 23, 2019. A total of P16 million has been set aside for funding selected projects that will meet the evaluation criteria. The grants awarded shall be up to P2 million per project and will be spent on eligible costs only. In line with the BIH mandate, the Second Call for Proposals seeks innovative solutions in the sectors of Mining technologies, Clean technologies, Biotechnology (Agriculture and Health Technologies), Information and Communications technologies, Knowledge intensive business services and Indigenous knowledge systems. The Call places emphasis on facilitation of local Intellectual Property development and registration, Innovative solutions at prototype development, technology transfer, and pre-commercialisation. The BIF Second Call for Proposals invites applicants from Research Institutes, Academic Organisations, Entrepreneurs, Applications Developers, Indigenous Knowledge Holders, Social Enterprises, Private Sector Companies and Non-governmental Organisations. Collaborative project proposals with a mix between solution providers and entities that would adopt the solution is highly preferred. The Second Call for Proposals follows the announcement of the First Call for Proposals Grantees in October 2018. The First Call for Proposals awarded seven companies whose projects were successful based on concept, value and impact as vetted by an independent expert panel of adjudicators. According to Ben, five companies were funded up to P500 000; whilst two of the projects were funded up to P1.5 million. Grants allocated will be focused on economic sectors that have been selected as priorities for the Botswana National Development Plan, Vision 2036 or Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). BIH CEO Alan Boshwaen said the government is dedicated to expanding opportunities for funding of innovative projects. The Innovation Fund is a great framework to promote innovation by giving innovators access to early stage funding, Boshwaen said. With the launch of the Second Call for Proposals, BIH hopes to deliver on their commitment to foster commercialisation of innovations and technology transfer and contribute towards Botswanas competitiveness and economic diversification. We expect to see funded projects scaling up sustainably and thereby creating more jobs. Applicants can access the application form on the BIH e-portal https://eportal.bih.co.bw/recruit-ticket-new BIH Members may access the form directly on the BIH e-portal. The Botswana Innovation Fund (BIF) is a Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology initiative, administered by the BIH. Funded companies in First Call Aeronautical Solutions - The main technologies being exploited in this solution are directly borrowed from the aerospace, electronics and telecommunications engineering disciplines. It is a remote controlled aerial vehicle with the capability of collecting data with cameras that have sensory capability. Kebalepile Technologies & Innovation - The solution is a mobile based application that allows users to make payments before they visit Botswana. It will allow BURS to collect revenue in a more efficient way. It also enhances security, by clearing all vehicles entering Botswana by checking any criminal record or infringement in collaboration with country of origin in the SADC area. SmartCom - The solution is a mobile application that communicates with a micro-controller equipped with wireless control functionality that is integrated to the current smart prepaid electricity meters. This will offer users remote access to their prepaid energy meters, anywhere and anytime at the comfort of their mobile devices. Pyro Carbon Energy - The solution is a containerised plant that will convert poultry litter into high value products, namely; biochar, bio-oil and biogas, while simultaneously providing cost effective, environmentally friendly and safe waste disposal. The products can be readily used as fertiliser equivalent to Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium (NPK) and biofuel for burners and electricity generators. Motheo Technologies - Motheo Technologies solar-powered electric generator would adopt the latest and state-of-the-art solar Photo Voltaic (PV) and battery technologies where higher power output capacities would be realised at smaller physical sizes and at lower operating costs. Intelligent Traffic Management System - A project developing traffic lights control system that mimics police officers to control traffic. This is by allocating green light times at the junction based on traffic volumes; therefore, giving the side that has more cars more green light times and the side that has few cars less green light time, all happening in real time, changing as the traffic flow changes. EcoHub - The solution uses plastic waste to innovatively make flatpack Eco bricks that will build affordable houses. It is an architect designed, flatpack house that is environmentally friendly and impact driven to address challenges of waste management and sustainable housing. Israeli Ex-Minister Accused of Spying for Iran to Be Jailed - Ministry Sputnik News 11:00 09.01.2019(updated 12:00 09.01.2019) In June 2018, Israeli prosecutors charged Gonen Segev, a former cabinet minister, with spying for Tehran, Tel Aviv's most powerful rival in the region. The Israeli security agency claimed that Segev had made contacts with Iranian officials in the Islamic Republic's embassy in Nigeria. Israel's former minister of energy and infrastructure Gonen Segev has been indicted for spying for Iran, and will be sentenced to 11 years in prison, the Israeli Justice Ministry announced on Wednesday. Segev, who held the cabinet position 1995-1996 and was a member of the Knesset, Israel's legislature, in 1992-1996, has negotiated a plea bargain. He will confess to serious espionage and transfer of information to the enemy as part of his plea bargain, the ministry said, as quoted by AFP. He was arrested in May 2018 and charged by Israel in June with "assisting an enemy during a time of war and espionage against the State of Israel". Investigators found that Segev, who was living in Nigeria, made contact with officials at the Iranian embassy in Nigeria and was recruited as an agent. He had allegedly spied for and passed information to Tehran for at least six years and met with Iranian intelligence agents across the globe. The ex-minister was accused of providing Iran with information related to the energy market, security sites in Israel, and officials in Israeli political and security bodies. Gonen Segev was also convicted, in 2005, of plotting to traffic over 30,000 ecstasy pills from the Netherlands into Israel and forging a diplomatic passport. He was handed a five-year prison term as part of his guilty plea and moved to Nigeria after his release in 2007. Sputnik Iran Vows Response to EU's Sanctions Over Alleged Terror Attack Plot Sputnik News 11:02 09.01.2019(updated 15:47 09.01.2019) MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Council of the EU has added two Iranian individuals and one entity to a terrorist list over alleged recent foiled attacks in Europe, according to a press release issued Wednesday.Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi, meanwhile, announced that Tehran will act reciprocally in its relations with the EU. "Iran will adopt the necessary measures in response to this move and and within the framework of reciprocation," Iranian FM spokesman Bahram Qassemi said in a statement published on the ministry's official site. Initially the statement was made on the Telegram messaging app, where Qassemi wrote that "the Islamic Republic of Iran will take necessary countermeasures in response [ to the EU's step]", noting that Brussels' decision was surprising, and insisting that the accusations against Tehran were groundless. Earlier the EU had adopted sanctions, which were linked to Tehran's alleged plots targeting an Iranian opposition event in France and Iranian opposition figures in Denmark. "The Council added 2 Iranian individuals and the Directorate for Internal Security of the Iranian Ministry for Intelligence and Security to the EU terrorist list (measures set down in common position 2001/931/CFSP). These listings have been adopted by the Council as part of its response to recent foiled attacks on the European soil. These sanctions are effective as of today," the press release read. The council renewed restrictive measures against those already added to the list, according to the press release. Earlier, Danish Foreign Affairs Minister Anders Samuelsen stated that the EU had agreed to impose sanctions against Iran over the alleged murder plot, which targeted the leader of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahwaz (ASMLA) on the Danish soil. Commenting on the issue, Stef Blok, the Dutch foreign minister, and Interior Minister Kajsa Ollongren, noted that the reason for the sanctions is that Iran was allegedly involved in the politically-motivated killings. "[The General Intelligence and Security Service] has strong indications that Iran was involved in the assassinations of two Dutch nationals of Iranian origin, in Almere in 2015 and in The Hague in 2017. These individuals were opponents of the Iranian regime", Blok and Ollongren said in a letter to the president of the country's House of Representatives. An agreement between the EU member countries regarding the possibility of introducing anti-Iranian sanctions over the alleged assassination plot was reached in November 2018.The decision was made after the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) in late October accused its Iranian counterparts of plotting an assassination of an Iranian separatist group member in Denmark. Iran has repeatedly rejected statements made by the head of the Danish Security and Intelligence Service about the alleged illegal activities of Iranian intelligence services in Denmark. After the EU decision was announced, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif fired back at European officials, saying that no sanctions will "absolve Europe of responsibility for harbouring terrorists". Sputnik EU Names Two Iranian Officials Blacklisted For Suspected Roles In Assassination Plots By RFE/RL January 09, 2019 BRUSSELS -- The European Union has named two Iranian officials who, along with Iran's intelligence services, have been targeted by fresh sanctions for their suspected involvement in assassination plots in France, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The listings in the EU's terrorism sanctions list were agreed to on January 8 and published on January 9 in the EU's Official Journal. The two individuals were identified in the Official Journal as Assadollah Asadi and Saeed Hashemi Moghadam. Both men are already subject to French asset freezes in response to an alleged Iranian plot to bomb a meeting of an exiled Iranian opposition movement near Paris in 2018. Asadi, an Iranian diplomat accredited to Tehran's embassy in Vienna, was arrested in Germany in 2018 in connection with the foiled plot in France and has since been extradited to Belgium. Hashemi Moghadam is a deputy chief in Iran's Ministry for Intelligence and Security. The ministry's Directorate for Internal Security was also placed on the EU sanctions list, freezing any assets its holds within the European Union. Tehran has denied the allegations of Iranian assassination plots, saying the accusations are aimed at damaging relations between Iran and the EU. Iran's Foreign Ministry said on January 9 that it would reciprocate in response to the fresh EU sanctions. In a statement, Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said: "Iran will adopt the necessary measures in response to this move and within the framework of reciprocation." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-names-two- iranian-officials-blacklisted-for-suspected-roles- in-assassination-plots/29699600.html Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. Kremlin Denies Using Detained Ex-U.S. Marine As A 'Pawn' By RFE/RL January 09, 2019 Russia has rejected a British suggestion that it might use a former U.S. Marine detained last month in Russia on espionage charges as a pawn in a diplomatic game, saying that Moscow reserves the right to conduct counterintelligence activities. Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine who also holds British, Canadian, and Irish citizenship. was detained by Russia's Federal Security Service on December 28. His family have said he is innocent and that he was in Moscow to attend a wedding. British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said, in remarks about the case, that individuals should not be used as pawns of diplomatic leverage. Asked about Hunt's comment, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "In Russia we never use people as pawns in diplomatic games. In Russia we conduct counterintelligence activity against those suspected of espionage. That is done regularly." Peskov also said that he was not aware of statements on a possible swap of Whelan in exchange for Russian citizen Maria Butina, held in the United States. Butina has pleaded guilty in a U.S. court to acting as an agent for the Kremlin and has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors, leading to speculation of a possible swap. On January 5, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that discussing a swap involving Whelan would be premature because Whelan hasn't been formally charged. "As to the possibility of exchanges of one sort or another, it's impossible and incorrect to consider the question now when an official charge hasn't even been presented," Ryabkov was quoted as saying by the state-run RIA-Novosti news agency. The Russian outlet earlier reported that Whelan had been indicted on spying charges that carry a possible prison sentence of up to 20 years. With reporting by Reuters, AFP, TASS, and Interfax Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kremlin-peskov-won-t-use- detained-ex-u-s-marine-as-a-pawn/29699336.html Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. Ex-Israeli minister to get 11 years in prison over spying for Iran Iran Press TV Wed Jan 9, 2019 09:25AM Under a plea bargain with prosecutors, ex-Israeli energy minister Gonen Segev accused of spying for Iran has agreed to plead guilty to reduced charges against him and serve a prison term of over a decade. Israel's Justice Ministry announced on Wednesday that under the negotiated bargain, Segev would plead guilty to charges of serious espionage and transfer of information to the enemy. In exchange, the ministry added, prosecutors would drop charges of aiding the enemy and sentence the former minister to 11 years in prison. The Jerusalem al-Quds District Attorney's Office said that a sentencing hearing for Segev would take place on February 11. Segev was elected to the 13th Israeli parliament (Knesset) in 1992. He also served as the regime's energy and infrastructure minister from 1995 to 1996. Last June, Israel's so-called Security Agency, better known by the acronym Shabak or the Shin Bet, said that Segev had been arrested a month earlier on suspicion of committing the offenses of assisting the enemy in a time of war and of spying against Tel Aviv. "The defendant gave the Iranians secret information with the intention of harming state security. Among other things, the information included the location of security installations, the names of security personnel, and more. The accused also gave the Iranians dozens of pieces of information in order to harm state security," read the charge sheet. An investigation by the Shin Bet and the police found that Segev had acted as an agent on behalf of the Iranian intelligence, made contact with officials in the Iranian Embassy in Nigeria in 2012 and visited Iran twice to meet intelligence officials. It also found that Segev had met with his Iranian operators around the world and received a secret communications system to encrypt the messages between himself and his operators. During his interrogation in June 2018, Segev admitted to having established links with Iranian officials, but claimed that he had had no ideological or financial reason to spy for Iran. "I wanted to fool the Iranians and come back to Israel a hero," he was quoted as saying during his interrogation. Israeli media and observers interpreted the developments as a victory for the Iranian intelligence services. Ha'aretz wrote back then, "For Iranian intelligence, the recruitment of a former cabinet minister and Knesset member like Gonen Segev as an agent would have been a significant achievement." Tehran has not officially confirmed the espionage reports. However, the Iranian Intelligence Ministry made an apparent reference to reports of Segev's espionage for Tehran late last month, while responding to claims by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about spying operations inside Iran. The director general for counter-espionage at the Iranian Intelligence Ministry said the premier's "delusional" comments were meant to ease "the most intense internal and foreign pressure" on him "due to leaks about an Israeli minister spying for Iran as well as the large-scale infiltration of the Zionist regime's intelligence services by those of the Islamic Republic of Iran." The Iranian official revealed that Netanyahu had recently ordered Shin Bet to check on all political, parliamentary and intelligence officials for possible contacts with Iranian intelligence services. A spectacular cash in transit heist occurred in Boksburg on Thursday morning of May this year. According to the South African police, two cash in transit vehicles were bombed. Four suspects were later arrested following a car chase, a rifle and a vehicle were recovered. The men face 23 charges including robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of explosives, possession of automatic and semi-automatic weapons, and 10 counts of attempted murder. Among them, two Batswana young-men going by the nickname, The Bomber, otherwise born as Thato Gaopatwe and Boze, officially known as Calvin Molete. Emerging information on the heist team is like a plagiarised script from the movie, Oceans Eleven. The alleged ringleader goes by the harmless nickname Bibi, otherwise known as Wellington Cenenda. He is alleged to be the brains behind spate in CIT heists that rocked South Africa mid this year. His alleged ruthlessness is known to be of very unique kind. His foot soldiers included one nicknamed, Spikiri and the other Tauyaborwa Machika. Probably the best nickname is that of Madam, the name Stanford Dihangoane goes by. The two Batswana young-mens expertise in bomb-making, improvised explosive device and blasting is known to come second-to-none. Even South Africas Police Minister, Bheki Cele acknowledged their expertise. The exponential growth of Batswana in violent crimes, particularly armed robberies is without doubt the cause of anxiety on any investor, potential or otherwise. Besides causing an uncertain investment climate, the situation is dragging the image of the country in the mud, making us look like a violent nation whereas we are not. As it stands, there are many questions than answers to the situation. Others are questioning if our law enforcement agencies are resourced enough to deal with such sophisticated organised gangs, while on the other side of the equation others are questioning the competency of our intelligence services. However, in agreeing that the answer to the question is multi-faceted, multi-layered and may include issues of logistics, low-morale, deplorable working conditions and old policing strategies based on being reactive rather than being proactive, we also need to scrutinise our criminal intelligence apparatus. May be this whole situation is a result of intelligence failure. The pattern that has been emerging from the recent spate of armed robberies clearly shows a high level of syndicated planning and masterful execution from the criminal gangs. It also tells us a bit about their professional ethos, that is, we are dealing with a group of professional criminals who know their job like the back of their hands. We can also read from their targets, tactics and timing that they do a lot of intelligence gathering including surveillance on the target before attempting any robbery. This then leads us to one question, what is our intelligence apparatus doing to counter their activities? If we are to use the currents statistics of armed robberies, we would then have to conclude that they are so far not only losing the battle on the streets but also public confidence. In a recent interview with Professor Solomon Hussein of University of Kwa-Zulu Natal who is an expert in intelligence and counter-terrorism, he says the death of human intelligence (HUMINT), particularly lack of intelligence assets within organised crime syndicates is making fighting organised crime a futile exercise. He cautioned that the general neglect of HUMIT in preference for Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) which includes amongst other things communication interception, is compounding the problem as criminal are very aware of the vulnerability of such modes of communication. It should be noted that the intelligence community in Botswana is not only made up of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DISS). There are many other players like Military Intelligence and Crime Intelligence Branch that even though they have their different areas of responsibilities, they are supposed to liaise and share information. The question is, to what extent are these agencies cooperating both at strategic level and at operational level. As a matter of fact, we cannot afford to have a situation where the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing. This information sharing may be on need-to-know-basis but it must take place particularly at strategic level so that it benefits all policy makers. Therefore, the need for cross-pollination in the intelligence community is a matter of must. BSNL launches affordable Rs 1,312 prepaid plan with 365 days validity News oi-Karan Sharma BSNL has also come up with a new year-long plan of Rs 1,312 which last for 365 days. All you need to know. A few months back, we have seen long term plans from all the telecom operators. Reliance Jio was the one who has started the stream of a long-term plan for its subscribers. Now BSNL has also come up with a new year-long plan of Rs 1,312 which last for 365 days. Back in October, the telco had launched two new plans of Rs 1,699 and Rs 2,099 which offers the same benefits and validity. This new plan remains more affordable than the last two plans for Andhra Prades and Telangana circle. As mentioned above, the Rs 1,312 prepaid plan comes with a validity of 365 days. Under the plan, the user will receive 24 hours free local, STD and roaming calls. But there is a catch, this plan allows calling to all the circles except Delhi and Mumbai because BSNL doesn't have the operation in these locations. The plan comes with total 5GB of data for the entire year, which means this is not for one who uses more internet. Subscribers who give preferences to call will be the one to enjoy this plan. Additionally, users will also get free hello tunes for a whole year. Do note that this plan is currently rolled out in only two circles which are Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. On the other hand, the Rs 1,699 plan offers 2GB of data per day along with local, STD and roaming calling including Mumbai and Delhi circles. The plans also offer 100SMS per day and hello tune for a year. The Rs 2,099 offer 4GB per day data along will the same calling benefits which are offered with Rs 1,699 prepaid plan. Recently, the telco started offering additional talk time benefits on a few plans in select circles. According to the reports, the telco offers 66% additional talk time with its Rs. 252 prepaid plan. Source Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications After porn ban, Reliance Jio blocks VPNs and proxy websites: Reports News oi-Karan Sharma Reliance Jio is soon going to block proxy websites on its network. All you need to know about the ban. After the porn ban in India, there are man VPN and proxy websites came up in the frame to help the Indian consumers. These VPN and proxy websites never let any ban to disrupt the activities of users. ISPs have noticed this and it seems that the solutions provided by VPN and proxy are soon coming to an end. According to a thread going on Reddit since last week, Reliance Jio one of the third largest telecom operators in the country is soon going to block proxy websites on its network. The proxy websites are usually used to avoid the geographical location and trespassing the internet restrictions. Some of the popular sites are proxysite.com, hide.me, kproxy.com, hidester.com, anonymouse.org, zend2.com, whoer.net, megaproxy.com, and vpnbook.com. A Reddit user with user name Alpha-Grizzly has noted that Reliance Jio has already started blocking proxy websites like hide.me, whoer.net and vpnbook.com. The user post reads, "This is outrageous. They have blocked hide.me, vpnbook.com and whoer.net/webproxy. Sometimes using https solves the issue. But my question is what's next to be banned? They have already banned porn along with normal websites like behance.net and collegehumor.com. This is moral policing." It seems Jio is also blocking torrent indexing websites and multihost platforms, say some Reddit users replying to the thread. Some has also given the solution to this problem. A user with pat_at_exampledotcom wrote, "Assuming you're on Android, you should be able to work around this by setting your own DNS servers (use google or open DNS). Try this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.burakgon.dnschanger&hl=en_US Edit: This app, though popular, has a sketchy privacy policy: https://burakgon.com/privacy.html" According to IPS, "You are not authorized to access this web page as per the DOT compliance." Let's see which DoT rule the telecom operator is going to use to defend the blocking. Blocking and banning websites is not going to be working ever in the country. Many times the government has also tried doing that but there are a lot of alternatives which can crack those bans. Moreover, people have their own right to watch what they want. Putting a restriction on such things are never gone work in a democratic country. Source Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Reliance JioPhone 2 flash sale begins at 12 noon today on Jio's online store News oi-Sandeep Sarkar The phone features a QWERTY keypad design and packs a 2.4-inch OQVGA display panel. If we talk about the feature phones in the country then Reliance JioPhone is undoubtedly the most popular smartphone amongst the masses. Reliance had first introduced the JioPhone 2 back in October 2017 and it instantly became a hit. Following the success of the first JioPhone, Reliance had launched the second version of its popular feature phone, i.e, the Reliance JioPhone 2 was launched last year itself. The Reliance JioPhone 2 features a QWERTY keypad design similar to that of an old-school Blackberry smartphone and runs on KaiOS. The affordable 4G feature phone is going live via a sale starting 12 noon today. The Reliance JioPhone 2 will be up for grabs via a flash which the company is hosting on Jio's official website. As mentioned earlier, the sale will begin at 12 noon today. There is no mention about any offers or cashback on the purchase of the smartphone. The device comes with a price tag of Rs 2,999. Reliance JioPhone 2 features and specifications: Like we mentioned above, the phone features a QWERTY keypad design and packs a 2.4-inch OQVGA display panel. In terms of optics, the smartphone sports a 2MP primary rear camera along with a 0.3MP front snapper to capture selfies and for video calling. Under the hood, the phone comes with 512MB of RAM and has 4GB of internal storage. The internal storage of the device can be further expanded up to 128GB via a microSD card slot. The phone runs on KaiOS operating system, this OS is specifically designed for feature phones. The device also supports some useful third-party apps such as WhatsApp, Google Maps, Google Assistant, Facebook, and YouTube. Backing up the unit is a 2,000mAh battery unit. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications BORDERLAND BEAT The Most Extensive and Reliable Source of Information Related to the Mexican Drugs Cartels. You will not find this level of coverage anywhere else, join us! Send information, pictures or videos, you remain 100% anonymous. Envia fotos, videos, notas, enlaces o informacion todo 100% Anonimo. General Mail Box: borderlandbeat@gmail.com Want to be a contributor or citizen reporter for Borderland Beat? We love to have you in our team, send us an email! WARNING: Posts may contain strong violent material, discretion is advised. COMMENTS: We do not publish all comments, and we do not publish comments immediately. Gillette, WY (82718) Today Mostly clear. Low around 65F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low around 65F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Gov. Mark Gordon gives his first "State-of-the-State" address to a joint session of Wyoming's Legislature on Wednesday. During his first speech to the Legislature as governor, Gordon called for fiscal responsibility and urged legislators to find a stable source of funding for schools. But here's the big question that still needs to be solved in all of this: How will we pay for those projects? There was a time, DeFazio has said, when Trump appeared amenable to increasing the federal gas tax, which hasn't been boosted since 1993. But then administration officials opted instead for an infrastructure plan that relied heavily on the notion of privatization, which may not be particularly effective for areas like the mid-valley, where private contractors might not be able to get the return on investment they need. Nevertheless, if this session of Congress quickly bogs down into a partisan quagmire, its members might start casting around for areas in which progress can be made and the spotlight could fall on DeFazio's committee. On another front, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, the Portland Democrat, have reintroduced their bill to expand Oregon's vote-by-mail system nationwide. The act would require every state to provide registered voters the opportunity to vote by mail. The bill also requires states to ensure that each citizen who provides identifying information to their state motor vehicle authority would be automatically registered to vote; in other words, it would expand Oregon's motor-voter law to the other states. CORVALLIS POLICE Burglary 10:37 p.m. Tuesday, 3000 block Northwest Thistle Place. A woman returning from vacation reported that sometime in the previous week an unknown person had stolen a laptop and jewelry after entering her residence through an unlocked garage door. DUII crash 1:40 a.m. Wednesday, Northwest Sixth Street and Van Buren. An officer arrested Paul Kenneth McGee, 49, of Nashville, after he reportedly high centered his car on a barrier near the train tracks. McGee was charged with DUII and reportedly had a blood alcohol content of 0.18 percent. LINN COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT Identity theft From Tuesday afternoon. David Thomas Ramsdell, 32, of Lebanon, was charged with identity theft, computer crime and second-degree theft. The crimes allegedly occurred on April 18. The Albany Police Department investigated the case. Witness tampering From Wednesday afternoon. Kyle Isaiah Jaco, 29, of Albany, was charged with solicitation to commit tampering with a witness and conspiracy to commit tampering with a witness. The crimes allegedly occurred on Saturday and Sunday. The Albany Police Department investigated the case. Identity theft From Wednesday afternoon. Igor Ramos-Desouza, 26, of Albany, was charged with nine counts of identity theft, nine counts of computer crime and one count of first-degree theft. The crimes allegedly occurred on Tuesday. The Albany Police Department investigated the case. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. THURSDAY, JAN. 17 What Transpires Now: Transgender Histories & Futures: In this talk drawn from her work in progress, What Transpires Now, Susan Stryker explores the relationship between the transgender past and present, and how history can inspire us to reimagine the future. The talk will focus on the story of Frances Thompson, whose life became the focus of a national scandal in the 1870s, in ways that prefigure the weaponization of trans people in contemporary political controversies. Stryker is associate professor of Gender and Womens Studies at the University of Arizona. Thursday, Jan. 17, 5 p.m. LaSells Stewart Center, C&E Auditorium. Galveston, TX (77553) Today Scattered thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 78F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 78F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Graveside services for Ruby Mae Brackeen, 93, of Gainesville, are set for 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at the Fairview Cemetery in Gainesville with Bro. Gary Carter officiating under the direction of the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home. A visitation will be held at 7:00 PM Monday, J The dining room is the site of two subsequent scenes. In the first, two of the Lewises slavesHattie the washerwomen and Rachel the cookare in a deep and honest conversation about how to respond to Dunmores Proclamation. Hattie, the younger of the two, says that she would be willing to take the risks involved in fleeing to the British lines, while Rachel is hesitant and more cautious. These could have been different positions that enslaved people had. They were faced with the fear of being caught and punished as well as the risk of the unknown, said Cunningham. While all slaves would have wanted to be free, some took the practical position that The devil I know is better than the devil I dont know. The Lewis family then enters the room as an ongoing debate is waged between two of their sons, Fielding Jr. and John, regarding the Virginia Correspondence Committees recent ban on horse racing. While Fielding Jr. holds that the measure is unnecessary, John declares that, given the seriousness of the times, frivolous activities should be abandoned to focus exclusively on supporting the Patriots cause. His argument is buttressed by George Weedon, even though he once operated the Fredericksburg Jockey Club. RAINY WEATHER has always been bad news for the Chesa- peake Bay. Rain washes all sorts of pollutants, sediment and debris into the bay and its tributaries, reducing water clarity and quality. In a typical year, rainfall is one of the reasons that improvement is so hard to come by. But this past year has been anything but typical as far as rainfall is concerned. Across the Mid-Atlantic, which includes the 64,000-square-mile Chesapeake Bay watershed, rainfall records were not just brokenthey were shattered. Areas that get an annual average of about 41 inches recorded around 66 inches. The 66.3 inches recorded in 2018 in the Washington area was just 1 inch shy of the rainfall recorded in 2016 and 2017 combined. Bay researchers and advocates knew there would be consequences, and they were right. The 2018 State of the Bay Report, which is issued every other year by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, gave the bay an overall D-plus grade this year, down from a C-minus in 2016, almost entirely due to the effects of excessive rainfall. CHARLOTTESVILLE While former Rep. Tom Garrett, R-5th, intended to amend his bill honoring Army Capt. Humayun Khan with the renaming of a post office in Charlottesville, the version that was signed by the president instead renames a contract postal unit. Now, Virginias U.S. senators are working to correct the situation. HR 3184, signed by President Donald Trump on Dec. 23, designates the McCormick Road site near the University of Virginia as the Captain Humayun Khan Post Office, honoring the only U.Va. graduate to be killed in action during the Iraq War. A Garrett spokeswoman in November said an amendment had been submitted to instead rename the post office at 2150 Wise St., located in the Barracks Road Shopping Center. She also said the change avoids any issues with renaming on a university property that is also not an official postal-operated facility. The new location also would allow a plaque to be installed. Garrett said by phone on Wednesday night that the bill was amended and passed out of committee. However, floor staff members mistakenly put the original bill up for a vote by the full House. Supporters of ratifying the federal Equal Rights Amendment made their presence felt Wednesday on the opening day of the 2019 General Assembly session, hosting a news conference and holding signs as they greeted people outside the Capitol. Resolutions for the Virginia General Assembly to ratify the ERA did not get out of GOP-controlled committees last year, even with ERA supporters packing committee rooms pressuring lawmakers to take action. Since then, ERA supporters have done a flurry of lobbying across the state, including a bus tour, and enlisted support from more Republicans in anticipation of a major push this year. On Wednesday afternoon two Republicans joined Democrats on a Senate committee to vote in favor of the ERA, sending it to the full Senate. The federal amendment says: "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex." It provides that Congress shall have the power to enforce its provisions "by appropriate legislation." Virginia is among the states that never ratified the ERA. Although supporters and opponents are in dispute over whether the deadline to do so has expired, theres a major push for Virginia to this year become the 38th state to ratify the amendment. The report also showed that by 2023, the school-aged population of the county will be even more concentrated in the Ladysmith area than it is now. Leopold said many factors can affect future school enrollment, such as a change in the number of live births or housing growth. His report showed that the Caroline housing industry has been slower to recover from the recession than it has been in Spotsylvania and Culpeper counties. Spotsylvania issued over 400 building permits last year and Culpeper issued about 200. Caroline issued fewer than 100. In other action, the board elected Madison District Supervisor Clay Forehand to be chairman this year. Bowling Green Supervisor Jeffery Sili was elected vice-chairman. The board also approved a special exception permit for the construction of a 199-foot Verizon Wireless communications tower on a property zoned rural preservation in Ruther Glen. The tower will have room to accommodate three other cellphone carriers, a Verizon representative said at the meeting. It will also be built to accommodate the 5G network when it rolls out. Responding to a question from Supervisor Nancy Long as to how the tower will affect service in urpose is to improve servicevoice and datafor this region. A Spotsylvania County man was ordered Wednesday to serve eight years in prison after being convicted of sexually molesting a 13-year-old girl. Shawn Anthony Leatch, 47, was found guilty in Spotsylvania Circuit Court of sodomy and aggravated sexual battery. He entered Alford pleas to the charges, meaning he did not admit guilt but acknowledged that the evidence was sufficient to bring a conviction. Prosecutor Crystal MontagueHolland said the offenses took place between July and October 2016. The victim was having an argument with her mother when she informed the mother what Leatch had been doing. The mother then contacted police and Leatch was arrested earlier this year. The girl claimed there were more incidents than what Leatch was charged with. Leatch adamantly insisted that he did none of the things he was accused of, but defense attorney Andy Cornick said he was deeply concerned about taking the case to a jury and did not want to make the child testify in open court. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. by Kristina Knight Kristina: What's on the horizon in tech and innovation that businesses should be ready for in 2019? Maxim Frolov, Managing Director, Kaspersky Labs North America: Cyberattacks are becoming more and more complex implying financial, reputational and legal impact on the affected organizations. Now that digital transformation is at stake, and the average cost of a breach is constantly growing, businesses will need a comprehensive approach to fighting advanced threats. In addition, small and medium sized businesses continue to embrace the cloud and they will require cloud-friendly solutions and services that provide protection without overheads, complexity and extra administration. Kristina: Supply chain attacks on businesses were a widely discussed threat in 2018. Will this remain a key issue for enterprises this year? Maxim: In 2019, supply chain attacks on businesses will remain a major concern for corporate cyber protection. In the last couple of years, we saw a number of supply chain attacks such as AppleJeus, Olympic Destroyer, ShadowPad, and ExPetr. In these cases, businesses that were not the most interesting target for sophisticated threat actors were still affected in the attacks aimed at larger prizes. While both software and hardware supply chain attacks are already a reality, we believe to see more of them in the future -- and organizations will need to come up with new approaches, including more strict requirements for service providers, hardware and software makers to reduce the risks. Kristina: Cryptocurrency was another hot topic in tech last year. How will increased interest in cryptocurrency affect the cyber-threat landscape for 2019? Maxim: Cybercriminals and fraudsters are keen on attacking new and developing technologies and cryptocurrencies are no exception: according to our estimates, they gained $10 million in Ethereum only through social engineering tricks in the last year. For responsible players in the crypto market, cybersecurity will not only become a way to protect their business and customers, but it will also be a strong differentiator in the industry flooded by fake projects and schemes. We are working to provide our services and solutions for the industry and we're already working on a few projects in that direction - our most recent case being a cybersecurity audit of the cryptocurrency exchange Merkeleon. Kristina: What changes will business make to their cybersecurity strategies in the upcoming year? Maxim: Businesses, especially small to medium ones, will be moving towards managed security services. Cyberattacks rising in quantity and complexity, growing regulations and digital transformation trends are forcing businesses to invest in cybersecurity: according to our global survey of CISOs, 56% expect their IT security budgets to grow in the next years. However, organizations, especially SMBs are experiencing a lack of talent (62% of CISOs admit that) and may find it difficult to keep their in-house IT security stuff motivated and trained. Besides, they would want a clear SLA and also would prefer to move their IT security expenses from CapEx to OpEx which is easier for business. This all will drive further demand for managed security services. According to Gartner, the MSS market already grew 9.5% in 2017, reaching $10.3 billion in revenue. Services (including managed) will represent at least 50 percent of security software delivery by 2020. Kristina: What are some of the biggest cybersecurity mistakes that CISOs learned from in 2018? Maxim: Last year alone saw a few cases when massive breaches went worse because of how incident response was handled, especially the communication part of it. Examples of Equifax and Uber are still fresh in the memory. Our global survey of CISOs showed that IT security leaders now consider reputational damage of a breach as the most critical one: even more critical than the direct financial impact. This is not surprising considering that reputational losses may lead to even greater financial loses in the end, not reduced to stolen money or worth of the data lost. Such attention to reputational aspects of the breaches will continue and will drive demand for expertise how to establish the right processes of building communications after a breach. Kristina: What changes will we see in the way consumers approach cybersecurity this year? Maxim: Recent reports in the media on privacy concerns about Facebook, Google and other tech companies' approaches to handling personal information show the growing attention and importance of the topic. We expect that privacy will become the key factor in the consumer market and there will be a growing demand for solutions and services protecting personal data. Tags: advertising, cybersecurity, digital currency, ecommerce, Kaspersky Labs, mobile marketing Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) The recent procession of the image of the Black Nazarene or Traslacion was "better" and more "peaceful" compared to previous years, the police said. C/Supt. Guillermo Eleazar, National Capital Regional Police Office Chief, said his personnel were prepared for the event. For 2019, there were 846 reported injuries, on top of least 714 patients who sought medical assistance.According to police records, there were no deaths or untoward incidents during the procession. "We (expected) na mas magiging handa tayo [We expected to be more ready]. I believe that based on our assessment, it's better than before ngayon [now]," Eleazar told reporters. He added that around 7,200 police personnel were deployed to sustain the crowd. He commended the troops' efforts, adding that they will create a technical working group to evaluate the Traslacion. "Andito ang kapulisan more than one day na walang palitan ng uniporme, walang tulugan, walang pahinga. I would like to commend ang ating kapulisan at pati na din ang mga media na sumasama sa atin," Eleazar added. [Translation: The police were here for more than one day without changing from their uniforms, sleeping or resting. I would like to commend our police and media who participated with us.] Manila Police District Director S/Supt. Vicente Danao Jr. echoed the chief's sentiments, saying the procession was "peaceful." He said only one petty crime was reported during the procession and the suspect has already been apprehended. "It was very peaceful. So far we only recorded one pickpocket incident and the suspect was duly apprehended," Danao told CNN Philippines' New Day. The procession lasted for almost 21 hours, 40 minutes shorter than the Traslacion in 2018. It began at 5 a.m. on Wednesday and ended at 2:21 a.m., Thursday. Danao attributed the improved travel time to the smooth turnover of the image from the police to the volunteers. "One of the reasons siguro yung nakita natin diyan is during the take off ng ating image, initially kasi ang naghihila diyan is yung ating mga kasundaluhan and then included po yung ating mga kapulisan, then it was properly turned over sa ating mga [naghihila] na volunteers," he said. [Translation: One of the reasons probably is during the take off, initially the soldiers and the police pull the image, then it was properly turned over to the volunteers.] He added that the travel time from the starting point of the procession to beyond the Manila Hotel was cut short from four hours to one hour and thirty minutes. Meanwhile, the Philippine Red Cross reported that as of 7 a.m., 1,613 patients sought treatment for various medical emergencies. Of this number, 62 devotees suffered from major cases such as difficulty of breathing, laceration, dizziness, body weakness, blunt trauma and deformity. Four were transported to the hospital due to hypertension, fractures, deformity and chest pain while 603 patients suffered from minor cases such as fainting, sprains, burns, muscle spasms, bruises, laceration, etc. Seven hundred forty seven patients had their blood pressure monitored and 197 devotees sought psychosocial support. The procession began from the Quirino Grandstand in Manila City to the Quiapo Church, covering a six kilometer long route. The police said a total of four million people took part in the Black Nazarene festivities leading up to the Traslacion, among them the thanksgiving mass and Pahalik. Of this number, 2.5 million people directly took part in the procession. The number of armed robberies at Fredericksburg businesses during the past week has risen to four, police said. The latest took place late Wednesday at the Express Food Mart at 3333 Fall Hill Ave. in Bragg Hill. City police spokeswoman Sarah Kirkpatrick said a man walked in with a handgun at 11:36 p.m. and demanded money. The clerk responded by locking himself in a back office, after which the robber went behind the counter and helped himself to an undisclosed amount of money. The robber then left on foot. He was described as a young white man, 5 feet 6 inches tall with a slim build. He was dressed in black and was wearing a jacket with a hood over his face and was wearing Adidas pants with three white stripes on both legs. All four recent robberies have occurred on or near the Fall Hill Avenue corridor of the city. The method of operation and clothing descriptions have been similar in all four armed robberies, but the Express Food Mart robbery was the first one in which the robber was described as being a white man. Kirkpatrick said it remains unclear if all or any of the robberies are connected. Keep the conversation about local news & events going by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Recent updates from The News-Post and also from News-Post staff members are compiled below. We welcome your letters and columns! Use the button below to send us your thoughts. Remember: Letters must include your real name, town of residence and daytime phone number, which we use for verification. We do not accept anonymous letters or letters written under a pseudonym. Letters should be no more than about 400 words. Those of no more than 200 to 300 words are more likely to be published. Submit More Information The next three public meetings to help Frederick city officials collect feedback from members of the public while developing the citys first strategic plan, are set for various dates and times through the month of January. Officials encourage anyone who plans to participate to RSVP to: http://www.cityoffrederick.com/FormCenter/Mayors-Office-30/Strategic-Plan-RSVP-95. Officials said RSVP is not required, though, and that anyone can attend any event they wish. The schedule, which is available for viewing online at https://www.cityoffrederick.com/strategicplan, is as follows: Duck Donuts Announces Opening of First International Location in Santiago, Chile Founder and CEO of Duck Donuts Franchising Company, CEO of OBX Alimentos SpA Celebrate Grand Opening January 10, 2019 // Franchising.com // MECHANICSBURG, PA - Duck Donuts, known for serving Warm, Delicious and Made-to-Order! donuts, is set to open its first location in Santiago, the capital city of Chile, on Jan. 11. Russ DiGilio, founder and CEO of Duck Donuts Franchising Company (DDFC), Betsy Hamm, COO of DDFC and Marcial Dieguez-Acuna, CEO of OBX Alimentos SpA, celebrated with a commemorative official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. We are excited to officially open our first location outside of the United States in Chile, a key market for us as Chileans are known for enjoying their sweet treats, said DiGilio. We see enormous growth potential for Duck Donuts as we continue to actively seek qualified franchise partners to introduce and develop the brand in international areas of interest. Located at Av. Consistorial 2100, Penalolen, Chile, this is the first Duck Donuts store for OBX Alimentos SpA. In May 2018, the group signed a master franchise agreement to open 10 units throughout Chile over the next four years. The Dieguez-Acuna family has a track record of more than 50 years of successful business ventures in Chile. Much of the success is due to their ability to bring unique American concepts and products to Latin America and adapt them to the local culture. Duck Donuts will become a significant player in the sweets industry in Chile, said Marcial Dieguez-Acuna, partner of Inversiones Rio Potomac Ltd and CEO of OBX Alimentos SpA. By offering a superior donut to current market offering, having a commitment to high standards and our strong partnership with our local community, we will be able to guarantee our success. Duck Donuts specializes in warm, delicious and made-to-order donuts. Customers can create their own donut combination by choosing from a variety of coatings, toppings and drizzles, including traditional favorites such as chocolate icing with sprinkles and more adventurous creations such as maple icing with bacon. The family-friendly stores offer a viewing area where children and adults alike can watch their donuts being made. Duck Donuts also sells coffee, tea, donut breakfast sandwiches and now offers online ordering in many locations. To learn more about local promotions or locate the nearest Duck Donuts, visit duckdonuts.com/locations/. About Duck Donuts Duck Donuts was founded in 2006 by Russ DiGilio in Duck, North Carolina. His intention? To solve a family vacation problem: Our family wanted a place to buy warm, delicious, made-to-order donuts, and when we couldnt find one, we decided to start our own. By 2011, Duck Donuts had expanded to four Outer Banks locations and the donut business was so successful that DiGilio was continuously approached about franchise opportunities by fans who begged for a Duck Donuts in their community. The first franchise opened in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 2013, and there are now 78 open franchise locations and more than 145 additional contracts in 25 states and two countries. Media Contact: Kristin Kellum PR Manager kkellum@duckdonuts.com 717-463-1947 SOURCE Duck Donuts ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus Hyatt Launches Public Bug Bounty Program With HackerOne Adds an additional layer to Hyatts cyber security strategy January 09, 2019 // Franchising.com // CHICAGO - Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the launch of a public bug bounty program with HackerOne in which ethical hackers are invited to test Hyatt websites and mobile apps for potential vulnerabilities and securely disclose them to Hyatt. In working with HackerOne, Hyatt is able tap into the vast expertise of the security research community to accelerate identifying and fixing potential vulnerabilities. At Hyatt, protecting guest and customer information is our top priority and launching this program represents an important step that furthers our goal of keeping our guests safe every day, said Hyatt Chief Information Security Officer Benjamin Vaughn. As one of the first global hospitality brands to launch this type of program, we extend the ways we care for our guests and deepen our commitment to protecting their sensitive information. Through the bug bounty program, security researchers will be able to earn cash rewards, also known as bounties, if they report valid security flaws on Hyatt.com, m.hyatt.com, world.hyatt.com, and the iOS and Android versions of the Hyatt mobile app so they can be safely resolved. All ethical hackers that have agreed to HackerOnes terms and conditions, and adhere to disclosure guidelines are eligible to participate in this program. Bug bounty programs are a proven method for advancing an organizations cyber security defenses, trusted by leading enterprises across industries, said HackerOne CEO Marten Mickos. In todays connected society, vulnerabilities will always be present. Organizations like Hyatt are leading the way by taking this essential step to secure the data they are trusted to hold. For more information, please visit: hackerone.com/hyatt The term Hyatt is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates About HackerOne HackerOne is the #1 hacker-powered security platform, helping organizations find and fix critical vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. More Fortune 500 and Forbes Global 1000 companies trust HackerOne than any other hacker-powered security alternative. The U.S. Department of Defense, General Motors, Google, Twitter, GitHub, Nintendo, Lufthansa, Panasonic Avionics, Qualcomm, Starbucks, Dropbox, Intel, the CERT Coordination Center and over 1,200 other organizations have partnered with HackerOne to resolve over 88,000 vulnerabilities and award over $41M in bug bounties. HackerOne is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in London, New York, the Netherlands, and Singapore. About Hyatt Hotels Corporation Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 14 premier brands. As of September 30, 2018, the Company's portfolio included more than 750 properties in more than 55 countries across six continents. The Company's purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top colleagues, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company's subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, vacation ownership properties, and fitness and spa locations, including under the Park Hyatt, Miraval, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt, Andaz, Hyatt Centric, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Residence Club and Exhale brand names. On November 30, 2018, the Company expanded its hotel and resort portfolio with the inclusion of the Alila, Destination, Joie de Vivre, Thompson Hotels and tommie brands. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com. Media Contact: Vanessa George Hyatt +1 312 780 5451 vanessa.george@hyatt.com SOURCE Hyatt Hotels Corporation ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus UNION COUNTY, SC (FOX Carolina)- The Union County Sheriff's Office says that it arrested two suspects that are accused of attempted murder and murder for shooting incidents that occurred in 2015, according to a release. TARRYTOWN, N.Y. (AP) The road to this years Westminster Kennel Club dog show passed through a pandemic and a major change of date and venue. The road also proved dangerous for one of the nations best known dog handlers. His wife and fellow star handler said Saturday that Bill McFadden wa Please either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin. Images Sorry, there are no recent results for popular images. MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A sex offender wanted in New York was arrested in West Mobile Tuesday night. 55 year-old Robert Warren Junior now facing numerous charges in the Port City and in George County Mississippi. Warren's latest charges include 22 counts of possession of forged instrument 1st (counterfeit money) and stolen property from a home break-in last Wednesday in George County. "It took place January 2nd in the Rocky Creek Community. The individual was home and got a good look at the suspect," said Sheriff Keith Havard. Sheriff Havard says it was the middle of the day. The homeowner also got a good look at what the suspect was driving and snapped a picture. "It was a white Chevrolet pickup truck, Arizona plates, 4-wheel drive, single cab. Had a hazard light on top - so that kind of stuck out a little bit," said Sheriff Havard. George County put out a "be on the look out" for the truck. Mobile Police not only locating it but arresting the man matching the suspect's description at an RV park on Jasper Road in West Mobile. There officers found the stolen property along with all that fake money. However, the biggest discovery -- Warren is a wanted sex offender out of New York. Convicted in 1998 for sexual abuse to an 8 year old girl -- authorities say he failed to register. Sheriff Havard praises the working relationship with Mobile County and is glad Warren is off the streets. "Any time someone is bold enough to attempt to break in somebody's home in broad daylight -- we didn't have a reason to believe he was armed -- but it definitely creates a dangerous situation for everybody involved," said Sheriff Havard. Warren won't be getting out any time soon. He faces extradition to George County and also has a hold for the failure to register as a sex offender in New York. Federal employees who have been furloughed due to the partial government shutdown can apply for unemployment compensation benefits, the Alabama Department of Labor announced on Wednesday. Employees who are not working due to the shutdown should apply online at www.labor.alabama.gov or by calling 1-866-234-5382. Officials say furloughed employees must meet state eligibility requirements, which can be found on page four of the Rights & Responsibilities Handbook. In Alabama, unemployment compensation benefits weekly amounts range from a minimum of $45 to a maximum of $265, and are available for up to 26 weeks. There are thousands of federal employees in Alabama who may be impacted by this shutdown, said Fitzgerald Washington, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Labor. Should these workers need assistance during this time, I would encourage them to apply for unemployment compensation benefits. According to November 2018 data, 53,200 workers were counted as federal employees in Alabama. Since the beginning of the shutdown on December 22, 2018, ADOL has received approximately 242 unemployment compensation benefit applications from federal workers, including those affected by the shutdown and those who were laid off for other reasons. Employees should be prepared to provide verification of their wages, as ADOL may not be able to confirm wages with affected federal agencies. Valid documents include pay stubs or W-2s. Should the affected employees receive back pay at a later date, any benefits received would need to be repaid to ADOL, as required by law. Payment plans can be arranged by contacting the agency. More information and Frequently Asked Questions can be found HERE. https://www.labor.alabama.gov/Shutdown%20FAQ%202019.pdf MOBILE, Ala. -- For more insight on what's happening in Washington with the partial government shutdown and the negotiations, FOX10 News on Thursday morning televised a live interview with Republican Congressman Bradley Byrne of Alabama. That conversation comes as President Donald Trump is taking the shutdown battle to the U.S.-Mexico border, seeking to bolster his case for the border wall after negotiations with Democrats blew up over his funding demands. Trump walked out of his meeting with congressional leaders "I said bye-bye," he tweeted soon after as efforts to end the partial government shutdown fell into deeper disarray. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers now face missing paychecks on Friday. "I think the president has taken the right position, and I support him," Byrne said on the air on FOX10 News Thursday morning. The congressman continued, "Now, I know there is some pain out there. Yesterday I filed a bill in the United States House of Representatives that would allow us to go forward with paying our Coast Guard personnel. And Im going to make sure I work with the speakers office here to keep her to her word that she wants to open parts of the federal government so we can open that part and pay our personnel in the Coast Guard." Lawmakers including Democrat Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama are calling for a short-term deal now to end the partial shutdown. Jones was expected to talk to the media later Thursday morning about the costly shutdown, as well as his legislation to expand Medicaid. We hope to have more from him later on FOX10 News. During a stop Thursday in McAllen, Texas, Trump will visit a border patrol station for a roundtable on immigration and border security and will get a security briefing on the border. But Trump has expressed his own doubts that his appearance and remarks will change any minds, as he seeks $5.7 billion for the wall that has been his signature promise since his presidential campaign. Democrats said before their brief White House meeting with Trump on Wednesday that they would ask the president to accept an earlier bipartisan bill that had money for border security but not the wall. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned that the effects of hundreds of thousands of lost paychecks would begin to have an impact across the economy. "The president could end the Trump shutdown and re-open the government today, and he should," Pelosi said. Tuesday night, speaking to the nation from the Oval Office for the first time, Trump argued that the wall was needed to resolve a security and humanitarian "crisis." He blamed illegal immigration for what he said was a scourge of drugs and violence in the U.S. and asked: "How much more American blood must we shed before Congress does its job?" Coast Guard members haven't been paid since last year and may not get a check on the 15th. This is causing a lot of anxiety and stress for many families across the country. Jen Dexter-Edsall's husband is an active duty member of the Coast Guard. They have one son together. She admits these times are rough, but believes the community can band together to make a difference. You've seen them in the air, on the waters, during the good times and during a disaster. It's safe to say the Coast Guard does a lot for America. Since the Coast Guard falls under the Department of Homeland Security, the government shutdown has hit their pockets unlike branches of the military that fall under the Department of Defense. "If this goes long, it will very much effect families very badly," said Dexter-Edsall. "It really is a matter of just praying, hoping that they come to some kind of conclusion. There's nothing really we can do to change what they're doing up there in the government and the only thing we can do right now is just trying to survive." With no pay coming in and many of the members being furloughed, it's causing frustration throughout the ranks. Edsall says after all of their sacrifices, it's hard to believe these families are in this position. "They put their lives on the line. They leave their families to do stuff for America and I don't think they get the appreciation they deserve," Edsall explained. While reading comments from Coast Guard spouses on social media, Edsall got an idea for the community to step in and help. "I'm not going to sit around and complain from my keyboard, I'm going to jump out in the community, and this community is amazing, and ask for help," she said. She teamed up with her son's martial arts school, McCranie ATA to offer a way for the community to help out. "We are one big family here we support everybody, we love this community and we just feel its good to give, when you give you get back," said Tracie McCranie, co-owner of McCranie ATA. Her husband retired from the army, so McCranie says she knows the sacrifices military families make all too well. At her martial arts school, she says they teach their students to keep their heads up and that's the kind of positivity she hopes to spread to these families. "Don't give up. You go down but you're going to get back up. There's a saying that we have knocked down 7 times, get up 8," she added. If you want to help, they're accepting monetary donations, toiletries, groceries, and any living essentials. Donations can be dropped off at McCranie ATA at 3385 Schillinger Rd N in Semmes. It's in the shopping center in the plaza with Walmart. Money and items can be dropped off from 11 am to 9 pm. For more information call, (251) 473-0015 MOBILE, AL. (WALA)- Safety concerns, a lack of money and proper inspections, it's the latest into a FOX10 News Investigation on group homes. FOX10 News Investigates first began digging deeper into this, after the death of a group home patient in Mobile this November. Now, people are reaching out to FOX10 News Investigates with concerns. According to national studies, there's more need than ever for group homes in Alabama for those with mental or intellectual disabilities and that trend is only expected to continue. The need for group homes is there, but is the support? Matthew Cox, gone too soon. Through tears, Carol Easterwood, Matthew Cox's grandmother said, "I've really lost a lot, I've lost a lot." Court documents said the 21-year-old with autism living in a group home in Mobile was stomped to death, allegedly, by his own caretaker. His family is now suing four companies for his death. Matthew's dad, Ryan Cox said, "We hope this never happens to another family, another child again." A person involved in the group home industry who wanted to remain anonymous said it didn't have to happen. "When you start cutting corners, you start putting peoples lives in jeopardy," the source said. Our anonymous source said it all comes down to having less money to run the homes. "One agency that I worked with actually was paying their staff $10 an hour. When the cuts came, they are now paying them $8 an hour and that affects the quality of work and it also affects the morale of the staff," the source said. From 2009 to 2012, Alabama's Department of Mental Health took one of the largest budget cuts in state history, 36%, that's according to a study from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. That cut causing a ripple effect. On Halloween of 2012, Searcy Hospital in Mt. Vernon shut its doors for good. Just last year, Mobile Infirmary, the only hospital in our area serving inpatient psychiatric care, ended its services. Both closings sending hundreds of psychiatric patients from controlled environments to community based programs or group homes. James tucker, Director of the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program said the need for mental healthcare is the same, but how patients are treated has shifted. "The number of persons who are living in Group homes as opposed to living in the warehouses that existed in the state of several decades ago of several hundred to literally more than a 1000, naturally when you have persons served in a different place, youre going to have more persons in the new setting," said Tucker. A report by the University of Colorado shows the trend will continue. Nearly 880,000 people are expected to be in a group home by 2030. That's double the number from 2000. Since group homes are a fairly new trend, Tucker said the way they are regulated has many flaws. In the case of Matthew Cox, Trent Yates, his caregiver at the time, was able to work at Matthew's group home called New Way Out, despite pleading guilty to a previous assault charge. In that case, court records say he assaulted a man so badly, he was admitted into the hospital. Tucker said, "What are the qualifications of the individuals Who are hired to provide care for persons with disabilities in a setting like that and what are the background checks, what is the degree of training, and then what kind of supervision is provided?" The anonymous source we spoke to said a huge issue is in the way homes are certified. The state department of mental health designates one person to certify homes in 10 counties. That means one person is checking up on 572 locations. "There are hundreds of homes in this area and for one person to be responsible for all of these homes to see if they are doing what theyre supposed to be doing is just mathematically impossible," a source said. Our source said there used to be two certifiers for every 10 counties, but after those major budget cuts, there's now only one. FOX10 News Investigates made several attempts to contact the Region III Certifier, but he never returned our emails or calls. Our source said if a home receives a score of a 90 or better, he won't visit for two years. If the home scores an 80 through 89, the certifier visits every year and if the home scores a 79 and below the certifier goes back after 60 days. As the Cox family continues to mourn, they just want something to change, so it doesn't happen again. Matthew's dad said, "Our goals and hopes for the future is that his legacy is remembered by protecting other children, other adults that are in this group homes so they don't have to go through the same thing." FOX10 News Investigates filed an open records request with the department of mental health, asking for inspection reports on all group homes in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. The department told FOX10 News Investigates, they would not give us that information because they say it is private information protected by Health Insurance Portability and Accountabilty, or HIPAA. Click this link to look up group homes in Alabama to see how they score. MOBILE, Ala. -- The Coast Guard and local agencies are searching Thursday morning for two people from an overdue vessel in Mobile Bay. Officials have confirmed that they recovered an overturned boat but there has been no sign of the missing fishermen. They say divers are in the water searching. Missing are Floyd Nelson, 83, and David Stadman, 40. The USCG reports that watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a report at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday of an overdue 22-foot white Jon boat with both men aboard. A family member of one of the two men reported the men were planning to fish between the Theodore Ship Channel and Gaillard Island Tuesday evening and were supposed to return by 9 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Coast Guard. Involved in the search are: Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter air crew Coast Guard Station Dauphin Island 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boatcrew Mobile County Sheriffs Flotilla Daphne Search and Rescue Mobile Police Department Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile HC-144 Ocean Sentry air crew Alabama Marine Resources Anyone with information about the two men and overdue vessel is asked to contact Coast Guard Sector Mobile at (251) 441-6211. FOX10 News will continue to follow this developing story. Yes, I have been vaccinated Not yet, but I plan to get vaccinated No, I don't want to get vaccinated Vote View Results Xiaomi just announced Redmi Note 7, the companys latest mid-range smartphone under the new Redmi by Xiaomi brand in China, as it had promised. The phone packs a 6.3-inch Full HD+ waterdrop notch display with 1.95mm narrow bezels, is powered by Snapdragon 660 with up to 6GB of RAM, runs Android Pie with MIUI 10 on top. The main highlight of the smartphone is its 48-megapixel rear camera with 1/2 Samsung ISOCELL Bright GM1 sensor, f/1.8 aperture with four-in-one pixel binning to make an 12MP image with 1.6m pixel. It has a 5-megapixel secondary camera for portrait shots and also comes with AI features. There is a 13-megapixel camera on the front. It has a glass back with gradient design, rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and packs a 4000mAh battery with support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0. Redmi Note 7 specifications 6.3-inch (2340 1080 pixels) Full HD+ 19:5:9 2.5D curved glass display, 1500:1 contrast ratio, 450 nits brightness, 84% NTSC Color Gamut, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection Octa Core Snapdragon 660 14nm Mobile Platform (Quad 2.2GHz Kryo 260 + Quad 1.8GHz Kryo 260 CPUs) with Adreno 512 GPU 3GB LPDDR4x RAM with 32GB storage, 4GB / 6GB LPDDR4x RAM with 64GB storage, expandable memory up to 256GB with microSD Android 9.0 (Pie) with MIUI 10 Hybrid Dual SIM (nano + nano / microSD) 48MP rear camera with LED Flash, f/1.8 aperture, 0.8m pixel size, PDAF, EIS, 5MP secondary camera 13MP front-facing camera Fingerprint sensor, IR sensor 3.5mm audio jack, AK 98937 Smart PA Dimensions: 159.21 x 75.21 x 8.1mm; Weight: 186g Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac (2.4 /5GHz) Bluetooth 5, GPS + GLONASS, USB Type-C 4000mAh (typical) battery with Quick Charge 4 The Redmi Note 7 comes in Black, Blue and Purple colors, is priced at 999 yuan (US$ 147 / 10,390 approx.) for the 3GB RAM with 32GB storage version, 4GB RAM with 64GB storage version costs 1199 yuan (US$ 176 / 12,460 approx.) and the 6GB RAM with 64GB storage version costs 1399 yuan (US$ 205 / 14,540 approx.). It will be available for order in China from today and goes on sale from January 15th. The company is providing 18 months warranty instead of regular 12 months. Xiaomi said that it has gone with the Samsung sensor instead of Sony IMX586 sensor for the Redmi Note 7 due to issues with mass production of the sensor, probably since Honor has bought everything for its Nova 4 and V20. It said that it will introduce the Redmi Note 7 Pro with the Sony sensor and improved specifications in the Spring. Source Xiaomi is all set to introduce its new Redmi smartphone at an event in China today in a couple of hours. Ahead of the launch, the company introduced the new Redmi by Xiaomi logo yesterday, today the companys has confirmed that the phone will be called the Redmi Note 7 and the CEO Lei Jun has announced the appointment of Lu Weibing as the president of the new Redmi brand and vice president of Xiaomi. Lu Weibing was the former president of Gionee and he stepped down in 2017 and went on to establish a venture to replace the companys overseas OEM arm. He has more than 20 years of experience in the mobile phone industry, and the CEO believes that he will take Redmi to heights and make Redmi live up to everyones expectations. As we already know, the smartphone will come with a 6.3-inch waterdrop notch screen with minimal bezels, rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and a gradient design. It has dual rear cameras, with a 48-megapixel main camera sensor. The phones dimensions is 159.2175.218.1mm and it will come with a 4000mAh (3900mAh minimum) battery. The phone will likely come with a Sony IMX586 1/2-type (8.0 mm diagonal) sensor. We should know the complete specifications and the price when it goes official in a few hours. Source 1, 2 Geneva, NY (14456) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low near 50F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low near 50F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. (Reuters) - Venezuela's defense minister told socialist President Nicolas Maduro to step down last month, and said he would offer his own resignation if he did not, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday, citing an anonymous U.S. intelligence official. Both Maduro and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez are still in office. (Reuters) - Venezuela's defense minister told socialist President Nicolas Maduro to step down last month, and said he would offer his own resignation if he did not, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday, citing an anonymous U.S. intelligence official. Both Maduro and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez are still in office. Maduro is set to be sworn in for a second six-year term on Thursday, though several countries in the region have warned him not to take office, calling his May 2018 re-election vote a sham. Discontent within the military's ranks has grown as Venezuela's economic collapse has deepened, prompting millions to migrate. Security forces tortured dozens of military personnel accused of subversion last year, according to human rights groups, and detentions for desertion have increased. A U.S. government source told Reuters the government believes reports that Padrino threatened to resign if Maduro did not depart are credible. "Nobody (in the U.S. government) would be surprised if (Padrino) stepped back," the source added. Venezuela's Information Ministry did not respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Luc Cohen; Additional reporting by Mark Hosenball in Washington, D.C.; Editing by James Dalgleish) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. CAIRO (Reuters) - U.N. Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths expressed alarm on Thursday over an escalation of violence there and urged all parties to exercise restraint. Earlier in the day, the Iranian-aligned Houthi group used drones to attack a Yemeni government military parade in Lahaj province, killing several people, Saudi and Houthi media reported. CAIRO (Reuters) - U.N. Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths expressed alarm on Thursday over an escalation of violence there and urged all parties to exercise restraint. Earlier in the day, the Iranian-aligned Houthi group used drones to attack a Yemeni government military parade in Lahaj province, killing several people, Saudi and Houthi media reported. (Reporting by Nayera Abdallah, writing by Stephen Kalin, editing by Andrew Heavens) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Sharon Bernstein SACRAMENTO, Calif. By Sharon Bernstein SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump cannot withhold disaster relief once an emergency has been declared, federal statutes show, despite the Republican's tweet on Wednesday that he had ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to cease helping victims of last year's California wildfires. At FEMA offices near the site of last year's devastating Camp Fire, which destroyed the town of Paradise and killed 86 people, disaster victims continued to apply for government aid to pay bills, buy food and rebuild their businesses. "FEMA is here and people are signing up and theyre getting relief right now," James Gallagher, the Republican state assemblyman who represents the area, said in a telephone interview. In his tweet, Trump returned to his oft-repeated - and disputed - theme that California had mismanaged its forests, over-regulating logging and other measures that would thin them out to make wildfires less intense. "Unless they get their act together, which is unlikely, I have ordered FEMA to send no more money," Trump wrote on Twitter. It is not clear whether Trump was referring to money already approved which FEMA is distributing or to future funds. Representatives of FEMA did not respond to requests for comment about the law or the president's tweet on Wednesday, even though some were working despite the government shutdown. The agency's website, however, shows the text of federal laws governing emergencies. A key statute, the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, says that once a federal declaration of emergency or disaster has been made, the president "shall not ... delay or impede the rapid deployment, use and distribution of critical resources to victims of an emergency." SHOCK TO REPUBLICANS Trump's tweet early on Wednesday was a shock to Republican lawmakers in the state, who criticized Trump for politicizing disaster relief and pointed out that it was the federal government, not California, that had been doing less in recent years to manage its forests. Trump's tweet was part of an ongoing back-and-forth with the most populous U.S. state, which is overwhelmingly Democratic and has a new governor, Democrat Gavin Newsom, who criticized Trump on his first day in office on Monday. It also came a day after Newsom and the governors of Oregon and Washington signed a letter asking Trump to spend more to manage the federal government's forests in the Western United States. The fire that devastated Paradise hit one of the last remaining Republican bastions in the state, and Trump's tweet came as a surprise to the party's representatives. "Californians in fire areas have lost everything," said Marie Waldron, the state Assembly Republican Leader. "They should not be victimized again because of a political squabble." Moreover, Waldron said, the fire likely started in the Plumas National Forest, and not on state land. Federally owned lands make up 60 percent of California's forests, she said, and at the state level, Democrats and Republicans last year passed a bipartisan plan to better manage its woodlands. FEMA has so far made available about $50 million to help victims of the wildfires in Paradise as well as in other parts of the state with housing needs, according to the agency's website. There was no indication the funds had been cut off. Last year, the state asked Congress to appropriate an additional $9 billion in assistance, about half of it from FEMA. That request has been delayed as Congress deals with the funding disputes that have led to a partial shutdown of the federal government. (Reporting by Sharon Bernstein; editing by Bill Tarrant and G Crosse) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. In what seemed like yet another hurdle in the Afghanistan negotiations, the Taliban was reported to have called off talks with the US, citing differences in the agenda among other things In what seemed like yet another hurdle in the Afghanistan negotiations, the Taliban was reported to have called off talks with the US, citing differences in the agenda among other things. The cancellation seemed to be centred around the issue of Afghan officials being included in the talks, while other issues included the question of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. The Reuters report added another interesting detail. Quoting a Taliban "source", it said that "Both sides have agreed not to meet in Qatar". There is no doubt that in the spaghetti soup that is the Taliban negotiations, the only surety was that the whole process would be fraught with difficulties. A primary and consistent objection from the Taliban has been to sitting down for formal talks with the Kabul government that it characterises as a "puppet" regime. It's not that Afghan officials are not in touch with one or other Taliban leader. That's something that has been going on for years. Besides, most are well acquainted with each other, which marks another one of the oddities about the Afghan "war". Apparently, they have no issues talking with the puppet master which is at present, the US and the countries broadly grouped as "the West". The US, and indeed most other countries including India, have insisted quite reasonably that Kabul should be part of talks, a position that recognises two points first, that President Ashraf Ghani heads a legitimate government, a position that is hotly opposed by the Taliban. Arising from this is the second position, that talks between Afghans are the only valid way that a peace can be negotiated. That second position is mouthed conveniently by everyone involved, but is a farce on the ground. The reality is that the whole Afghanistan imbroglio is a function of regional and extra-regional positioning. As wise heads have often said, an Afghan can be rented, never bought. And the Taliban fulfils that more than anyone else, dancing to the tune of Pakistan primarily, as well as all those who are allied with it, single or otherwise. Pakistan, itself increasingly a rentier state, also tends to sway to the needs of those countries who provide the big bucks. Evidence of some of those "influencers" was apparent in recent weeks in two separate categories of meetings. The first was the Taliban's own visits to various countries, particularly over the past few months. Most recent was a visit to Iran in the New Year, that followed an earlier visit by Iranian National Security Council head Ali Shamkhani to Kabul to announce its entry into the list of formal negotiations. That move would certainly have alarmed US officials. Prior to that, Taliban representatives held meetings with Afghan officials in Saudi Arabia in order to discuss prisoner exchange and other matters. The Saudis have long been in cahoots with the Taliban, and its previous incarnation, the mujahideen. A new influencer has stepped in over the past year. In mid-October, The Financial Times reported that China had met Taliban officials several times over 2018. Beijing, that had been careful to remain one step removed from direct negotiations, had clearly changed its mind when frontman Pakistan could not or would not deliver the goods. In November, the Taliban had a set of highly-publicised meetings hosted by Russia, where members of the Afghan High Peace Council were present, showcasing the reemerging influence of Moscow. Then there is Turkey, that has long been a player in the Afghan medley since the 1990s. The Taliban even quite literally crossed a Rubicon of sorts with a visit to Uzbekistan to discuss among other issues, transport and power lines that make Dushanbe indispensable to Afghanistan. The second line of meetings was held by Pakistan's foreign minister, who visited five countries in four days, making the rounds of the same capitals, and spending the most time in 'briefing' Beijing. This list of countries doesn't include those involved in other ways like intelligence collection for counter-terrorism or simply for information. But these capitals are the primary seekers of "spheres of influence" at a time when it looks like the US is going to cut and run. Nature abhors a vacuum, and so does international politics. If the talks in Qatar have been cancelled, it's highly likely that the group led by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is pushing for its own agenda in ensuring that talks are again held in UAE instead, in a repeat move that shifted the location of talks in December last year. In all possibility, talks could also have been sabotaged by any of these "influencers", but heres the thing: All talks and negotiations have to absolutely have to go through Rawalpindi. In mid-2018, powerful Kandahar police chief Abdul Raziq gave an assurance that 50 percent of the Quetta shura were on board for negotiations, an input that was probably instrumental in kicking off negotiations with various US officials. By October, Raziq himself was killed in a vicious suicide attack. This is no isolated incident. Taliban leaders like Abdul Ghani Berader, who was imprisoned for 11 years, and probably Mullah Akhtar Mansoor who dared to talk directly to Iran have all suffered severe torture or were simply killed when they refused to toe Pakistan's line. Since most Taliban leaders also have their families in Pakistan, their ability to refuse the ISI's demands is obviously limited. The key is to find just who is paying Pakistan this time around. The strongest likelihood is the newly-adventurous Saudi regime, the interests of which coincide with those of Pakistan, while its purse funds its economy. Islamabad is (as yet) far from being a pushover. Any move that upsets its own strategic calculus will find little traction. To push this analysis further is the question as to whether China friend to both Riyadh and Islamabad supports these manoeuvres. This seems unlikely. A Saudi brand of Talibanism in Afghanistan would be detrimental in the extreme to Beijing. Then are other influencers like Turkey who together with Pakistan have offered to host talks in March. Turkey has interests entirely similar to Pakistan, and is more likely to win Chinese approval. With so many suitors, both the Taliban and Islamabad may imagine that the decision lies with them alone. That's dangerous thinking. Other influencers are rapidly gaining strength, which will only increase if the US actually does pull out, even partially. In such a climate, Pakistan could be the biggest loser. It would be back to the 1990s, when terrorism spilled over into the country, making it the single most dangerous place on earth. If Imran Khan wants to achieve his entirely laudable ambitions for his own country, it's time he sat his generals down for a talk and advised them that it's time to wake up and smell the coffee. Xem them ... Tin bai cuoi cung Khong con du lieu e load SHANGHAI (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to make a second summit with U.S. President Donald Trump achieve a result that would be welcomed by the international community, China's Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday after Kim visited Beijing SHANGHAI (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to make a second summit with U.S. President Donald Trump achieve a result that would be welcomed by the international community, China's Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday after Kim visited Beijing. Kim said he hoped relevant sides would take North Korea's "reasonable concerns" seriously and actively respond to them to promote a comprehensive resolution to the Korean peninsula issue, China's official news agency said. The North Korean leader met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where they reiterated their support for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. (Reporting by Josh Horwitz and John Ruwitch; Editing by Paul Tait) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping had in-depth discussions on how to 'jointly study and steer' the situation on the Korean peninsula and denuclearisation talks, North Korea's state media KCNA said on Thursday. Kim said during his China visit this week that there is no change in North Korea's stance to faithfully carry out the agreement reached with U.S. President Donald Trump during their Singapore summit, and pursue a peaceful resolution through discussion, KCNA said SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping had in-depth discussions on how to "jointly study and steer" the situation on the Korean peninsula and denuclearisation talks, North Korea's state media KCNA said on Thursday. Kim said during his China visit this week that there is no change in North Korea's stance to faithfully carry out the agreement reached with U.S. President Donald Trump during their Singapore summit, and pursue a peaceful resolution through discussion, KCNA said. Xi told Kim North Korea's reasonable demands must be resolved, KCNA said. (Reporting by Joyce Lee, Soyoung Kim and Hyonhee Shin; editing by Richard Pullin) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Shadowy hackers transferred the cash in 2016 from Bangladesh's US accounts to Philippine bank Rizal Commercial Banking Corp (RCBC), where it was swiftly withdrawn Manila: A Philippine ex-banker was handed a lengthy jail term and $109 million fine on Thursday in the first conviction over one of the biggest ever cyberheists which saw $81 million stolen from Bangladesh's central bank. Shadowy hackers transferred the cash in 2016 from Bangladesh's US accounts to Philippine bank Rizal Commercial Banking Corp (RCBC), where it was swiftly withdrawn. The theft exposed the Philippines as a haven for dirty money, where some of the world's strictest bank secrecy laws protect account holders from scrutiny. A Manila court found Maia Deguito, who was an RCBC branch manager where the money landed, guilty on eight counts of money laundering which carry a minimum of four years each behind bars. The court also ordered her to pay $109 million in fines. Deguito plans to appeal and can remain free on bail until the conviction is finalised. Authorities charged that Deguito helped coordinate the transfer of the money, which was taken from Bangladesh's reserves account at the Federal Reserve bank in the United States. Deguito is the only person who has been convicted in the case which has drawn international concern her lawyer Demetrio Custodio told AFP, adding that his client had been turned into a scapegoat. "She could not have done this on her own. A bank the size of RCBC could not have allowed a lowly bank officer to have planned this, so there are others involved in this," Custodio said. RCBC said in a statement that it was a "victim" and that Deguito was a "rogue" employee. The Philippine justice department said the case was not closed, but could not immediately provide details on other cases. A North Korean hacker is also wanted by the United States on charges that he and a state-sponsored hacking crew masterminded the Bangladesh heist. Only $15 million of the money was recovered after it landed in the Philippines and was quickly dispersed. Tens of millions of the loot disappeared into Manila's casinos, which were at the time exempt from rules aimed at preventing money laundering. The Philippine Central Bank imposed a record $21 million fine on RCBC after the discovery of the heist as it investigated the lender's alleged role in the theft. The US Reserve Bank, which manages the Bangladesh Bank account, has denied its own systems were breached. By Lesley Wroughton and Lena Masri CAIRO (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Barack Obama on Thursday of sowing chaos in the Middle East by failing to adequately confront Islamist militants in a blistering critique of the policies of President Donald Trump's predecessor. By Lesley Wroughton and Lena Masri CAIRO (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Barack Obama on Thursday of sowing chaos in the Middle East by failing to adequately confront Islamist militants in a blistering critique of the policies of President Donald Trump's predecessor. Speaking in Cairo, where Obama gave a major speech in 2009 in the first year of his presidency, Republican Trump's chief diplomat took on Obama by arguing that the Democratic former president had in effect misread and abandoned the Middle East. The comments raised eyebrows in the United States and abroad not the least because Trump himself is being criticized for his ambiguous plan announced last month to pull U.S. troops out of Syria. While that decision's timing is unclear, it is widely seen as abandoning the region and benefiting U.S. rivals Russia and Iran. "We learned that when America retreats, chaos often follows. When we neglect our friends, resentment builds. And when we partner with our enemies, they advance," Pompeo said in a speech at the American University in Cairo in which he did not mention Obama by name but called him "another American" who gave a speech in the capital of the Arab world's most populous nation. Pompeo is touring the region to try to explain U.S. strategy after Trump's surprise announcement of an abrupt withdrawal of all 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria, which rattled allies and shocked top U.S. officials, prompting U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to resign. It is highly unusual for an American secretary of state to deliver a speech in a foreign capital attacking a former U.S. president. But Trump has frequently sought to belittle his predecessor and has reversed Obama policies on international issues such as the Iran nuclear deal, trade agreements and the Paris climate change accord as well as domestic policies. Describing the United States as a "force for good" in the Middle East, Pompeo sought to reassure allies that Washington remained committed to the "complete dismantling" of the threat posed by the Islamic State militant group despite Trump's decision to withdraw troops from Syria. Pompeo also faulted what he called Obama's "desire for peace at any cost" that led him to strike the 2015 nuclear deal under which Iran agreed to curtail its nuclear weapons program in exchange for easing of international economic sanctions. Trump this year abandoned that deal, pursuing instead what his administration has called a policy of "maximum pressure" on Iran to try to force it to limit its nuclear program, curtail its ballistic missile activities and cease supporting proxy forces in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon. 'SELF-INFLICTED AMERICAN SHAME' "The good news is this: The age of self-inflicted American shame is over. And so are the policies that produced so much needless suffering. Now comes the real new beginning," Pompeo added. In his June 2009 speech at Cairo University, Obama called for better mutual understanding between the Islamic world and the West and said both should do more to confront violent extremism. As a result, Republicans have long accused Obama of apologizing to the world for U.S. actions abroad, a point that Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney emphasized during his 2012 attempt to unseat Obama. Pompeo's speech drew immediate criticism from Middle East experts as well as officials who served under Obama who accused the secretary of state of violating the American tradition that "politics stops at the water's edge." "It feels a little bit as if the approach is to 'talk loudly and carry a small stick,'" said Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East program at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank. "There is a lot of ambitious language, but very little actual commitment of U.S. resources. You could read this as obscuring a continued U.S. retrenchment from Middle Eastern commitments," Alterman added. On Twitter, Martin Indyk, who served in the Obama administration, called the speech "shameful Obama-bashing." Pompeo directly repudiated Obama's 2009 Cairo speech, which was an overture by the then-new president to the Islamic world. "Remember, it was here in this city that another American stood before you. He told you that radical Islamist terrorism does not stem from an ideology. He told you that 9/11 (the Sept. 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States) led my country to abandon its ideals, particularly in the Middle East," Pompeo said. "He told you that the United States and the Muslim world needed, quote, a new beginning, end of quote. The results of these misjudgments have been dire," Pompeo added. "In falsely seeing ourselves as a force for what ails the Middle East, we were timid in asserting ourselves when the time and our partners demanded it." (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton and Lena Masri; Additional reporting by Amina Ismail in Cairo and David Brunstrom and Steve Holland in Washington; Writing by Arshad Mohammed and Sami Aboudi; Editing by Will Dunham) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Richard Cowan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As the partial U.S. government shutdown neared the end of its 19th day, President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats were still divided over his demands for funding a U.S.-Mexico border wall, with a prompt resolution looking unlikely. Trump walked out of negotiations with Democrats on Wednesday, according to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer By Richard Cowan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As the partial U.S. government shutdown neared the end of its 19th day, President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats were still divided over his demands for funding a U.S.-Mexico border wall, with a prompt resolution looking unlikely. Trump walked out of negotiations with Democrats on Wednesday, according to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. The following are some possible scenarios for how the impasse might play out, with Trump's request for $5.7 billion in taxpayer funds for his wall firmly opposed by congressional Democrats: A COMPROMISE EMERGES As ordinary Americans begin to feel the impact of the closure of about a quarter of the government, both sides could feel the heat from voters and move to do a deal, perhaps focussed on these factors. * "Dreamers." These mostly young Latin Americans are living in the United States after being brought into the country illegally as children. Trump could offer to protect them from deportation in return for wall money. A deal along those lines was nearly achieved previously but collapsed. * Barrier, not wall. Trump has insisted on funding for a "wall," but lately has shifted to talking about steel fencing in the hope the term is less politically charged. Tall, slatted fences already are in place in some spots on the border and more are being built. Funding for more slats, or other alternatives to concrete, could let Trump declare victory and let Democrats say they blocked a wall. * Other steps. There are many additional ways to fortify the U.S.-Mexico border, such as deploying more all-terrain vehicles and border guards on horses. Large metal detectors also could be installed to scan trucks and buses for illegal activities. * Follow the money. A dollar-figure bargain could be reached somewhere between Trump's demand for $5.7 billion in wall funding and the Democrats' offer of $1.6 billion for border security. TRUMP DECLARES 'NATIONAL EMERGENCY' Trump has threatened to declare a national emergency, saying that illegal immigration jeopardizes U.S. security and empowers him to redirect existing federal funds to build his wall, perhaps by tapping Defense Department accounts. Under the Constitution, Congress holds the power to make decisions about spending U.S. taxpayers' money. Trump did not mention that option in a televised address on Tuesday about what he calls a border "crisis." Such a step by Trump would escalate what is now a policy dispute into a fight over presidential powers. Democrats would almost certainly move to block Trump, likely kicking off a protracted court battle. DEMOCRATS FOLD, TRUMP WINS Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer have vowed they will not give Trump any money to build a wall. But as the shutdown grinds on, they could have second thoughts, although that seems unlikely given the political climate. Democrats won a majority in the House of Representatives by a landslide in November's elections. Trump's approval rating continues to hover at around 40 percent. There is plenty of scepticism among voters about the need for a wall, polls show. In addition, a growing proportion of Americans now blame Trump for the shutdown even as Republicans mostly are supportive, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll found. TRUMP BACKS DOWN, DEMOCRATS WIN Trump, whose main responsibility as president is to make sure the federal government carries out its duties, could find the shutdown too politically hazardous. Closed national parks and museums is one thing. But U.S. airport security workers and air traffic controllers working without pay have been warning that security and safety could be compromised if the government shutdown continues. Union officials said some TSA officers had already quit. Trump has promised for years to build his wall - initially saying Mexico would pay for it - and has repeatedly attacked Democrats for standing in his way. But he may find the shutdown unsustainable, fold and endorse Democrats' shutdown-ending bills while finding a way to claim victory. Democrats on Wednesday began advancing agency-by-agency funding bills in the House that would then go to the Senate. Republicans there would then have to decide whether to approve the bills or block them in the name of Trump's wall project. Blocking a bill to fund the Treasury Department, for example, might delay Americans' tax refunds. So far, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has not indicated any interest in staging votes on those bills. (Reporting by Richard Cowan; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and Peter Cooney) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun was on Wednesday deemed a refugee by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, after being detained in Bangkok en route to Australia Sydney: Four women held a topless protest in Sydney on Thursday to support runaway Saudi woman Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun, as Australia began considering her bid to settle in the country as a refugee. Alqunun was on Wednesday deemed a refugee by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, after being detained in Bangkok en route to Australia. The 18-year-old publicised her case via social media after barricading herself in her Bangkok hotel room, saying she feared for her safety if sent back to her family in Saudi Arabia. In downtown Sydney on Thursday morning, four women, dressed only in jeans and calling themselves the Secret Sisterhood, protested outside the building housing the Saudi Consulate, calling on Australia to grant Alqunun residency. With "Secret Sisterhood" written on their backs, the women held placards with messages including "Let her in," ''Rahaf Sisterhood Hero" and "All women free + safe." Secret Sisterhood founder Jacquie Love said the protest was held to urge the Australian government to recognise Alqunun's plight, and that of oppressed women everywhere. "We are here to encourage them to let her in," Love said. "She's been recognised by the UN as a refugee so we believe the Australian government needs to step up, recognise her plight and recognise what she's gone through, and she could be an icon for the rest of the world that women shouldn't be oppressed and they should be fleeing countries that they are oppressed in." "We decided to go topless because we believe all women should be able to express themselves freely and safely and we wanted to send a message to Rahaf that we can actually do that in Australia, that women can actually be free and safe," Love said. Secret Sisterhood has also set up a GoFundMe account, which had raised USD 2,290 dollars for Alqunun by Thursday morning. Alqunun's case has highlighted the cause of women's rights in Saudi Arabia. Several female Saudis fleeing abuse by their families have been caught trying to seek asylum abroad in recent years and returned home. Human rights activists say many more similar cases will have gone unreported. After mounting a campaign for assistance on Twitter from her Bangkok airport hotel, Alqunun was allowed to temporarily stay in Thailand under the care of the UN refugee agency, which ruled her claim for asylum valid and referred her case to Australia. Following that decision, Australia's Home Affairs Department said it would "consider this referral in the usual way, as it does with all UNHCR referrals." Alqunun's father arrived in Bangkok on Tuesday, but his daughter refused to meet with him. Thailand's Immigration Police chief Lt General Surachate Hakparn said the father whose name has not been released denied physically abusing Alqunun or trying to force her into an arranged marriage, which were among the reasons she gave for her flight. Surachate said Alqunun's father wanted his daughter back but respected her decision. Surachate described the father as being a governor in Saudi Arabia. "He has 10 children. He said the daughter might feel neglected sometimes," Surachate said. "But he didn't go into detail." Before the UN agency's decision to refer her case to Australia, the country's Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said there would be no "special treatment" for her. However, Health Minister Greg Hunt, also speaking before the UN's decision, said: "If she is found to be a refugee, then we will give very, very, very serious consideration to a humanitarian visa." Pro-Russia Ukrainians Serhiy Lyovochkin and Rinat Akhmetov had paid Paul Manafort millions of dollars over the years for lobbying work Washington: Two Ukrainian oligarchs were the intended recipients of US polling data President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman admitted to sharing with a Russian during the 2016 presidential race, a CNN report said Wednesday, citing a source close to the matter. Pro-Russia Ukrainians Serhiy Lyovochkin and Rinat Akhmetov had paid Paul Manafort millions of dollars over the years for lobbying work. The revenue seemingly dried up in 2015 but Manafort wrote to his accountant in August 2016 saying he expected USD 2.4 million for Ukraine-based work, according to court documents. A spokesman for Manafort denied to CNN that the polling data was quid pro quo for the money he expected to receive, adding it was for old debts predating the Trump campaign. But CNN said the development nevertheless demonstrated Manafort had an interest in taking money from a foreign country while he led Trump's campaign. According to the network, Akhmetov is one of Ukraine's richest men and bankrolled the pro-Moscow Party of Regions. Lyovochkin was a senior official under former pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych. Manafort admitted in a court filing Tuesday to sharing the polling data with Russian political consultant Konstantin Kilimnik, who reportedly has intelligence ties. But he denied allegations from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russian collusion investigation that he had lied about these dealings, arguing he merely forgot details during the hectic campaign. The specifics of the Mueller allegations were not previously known publicly, having been blacked out in a heavily redacted December 7 filing by the prosecutor's team. But in Manafort's response, the electronic formatting for the redaction could easily be bypassed, revealing exactly what he was accused of lying about. It showed that Mueller had questioned Manafort on his discussions with Kilimnik in 2016 on a possible peace plan for Ukraine. That could be significant, because Manafort is believed to have played a role in changing the Republican platform position on Ukraine during 2016 to a more Moscow-friendly stance. The 69-year-old has already been convicted in one case brought by Mueller, and pleaded guilty in another, over financial crimes related to his work in Ukraine before the 2016 campaign, and for witness tampering, which also involved Kilimnik. He had a deal to cooperate with Mueller while delaying sentencing, which eventually could mean years in jail. But in December Mueller's team asked the court to schedule sentencing, saying Manafort had violated that deal by lying to investigators. Manafort's lawyers said he had no reason to misrepresent the truth in his 12 interviews with investigators in late 2018. US President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to declare a national emergency to circumvent Congress if he can't reach a deal with Democrats to fund his promised border wall. He arrived at the U.S.-Mexico border to draw further attention to his case after negotiations with lawmakers blew up. The partial government shutdown dragged into a 20th day with hundreds of thousands of federal workers off the job or working without pay as the wall fight persisted. Texas: US President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to declare a national emergency to circumvent Congress if he can't reach a deal with Democrats to fund his promised border wall. He arrived at the U.S.-Mexico border to draw further attention to his case after negotiations with lawmakers blew up. The partial government shutdown dragged into a 20th day with hundreds of thousands of federal workers off the job or working without pay as the wall fight persisted. What Trump wants: "He's looking to build a wall -- a steel barrier on the southern border". Trump's deputy Mike Pence reiterated Trump's $5.7 billion request. Asked about a national emergency declaration, Trump said as he left the White House for Texas, "I'm not prepared to do that yet, but if I have to I will." He contends such a declaration would allow him to direct the military to begin wall construction. "So we're either going to have a win, make a compromise because I think a compromise is a win for everybody or I will declare a national emergency," he said. In perhaps an ominous sign for those seeking a swift end to the showdown, Trump announced he is canceling his trip to Davos, Switzerland later this month, citing Democrats' "intransigence" on border security. He was scheduled to leave Jan. 21 to attend the World Economic Forum. It's not clear what a compromise might entail. Trump says he won't reopen the government without money for the wall. Democrats say they favor measures to bolster border security but oppose the long, impregnable walling that Trump envisions. He is asking $5.7 billion for wall construction. Trump's comments came a day after he walked out of a negotiating meeting with congressional leaders "I said bye-bye," he tweeted soon after as efforts to reopen the government fell into deeper disarray. Affected federal workers face lost paychecks on Friday, and more people are touched every day by the rollback of government services. In McAllen, Texas, Trump will visit a border patrol station for a roundtable discussion on immigration and border security and will get a briefing. But he has expressed his own doubts that his appearance and remarks will change any minds as he seeks money for the wall that's been his signature promise since his presidential campaign. McAllen is located in the Rio Grande Valley, the busiest part of the border for illegal border crossings. Several hundred protesters were chanting and waving signs opposing a border wall next to the South Texas airport where Trump was set to arrive. Across the street, a smaller group of protesters shouted back, chanting, "Build that wall!" And in Washington, federal workers denounced Trump at a rally with congressional Democrats, demanding he reopen the government so they can get back to work and receive their paychecks. Putting the standoff in personal terms, the president tweeted before leaving for Texas: "The Opposition Party & the Dems know we must have Strong Border Security, but don't want to give 'Trump' another one of many wins!" Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi fired back in a press conference Thursday, accusing the president of engaging in political games to fire up his base. "I think the meeting was a set-up so he could walk out," she said. The White House meeting in the Situation Room ended after just 14 minutes. Democrats said they asked Trump to reopen the government but he told them if he did they wouldn't give him money for the wall. Republicans said Trump posed a direct question to Pelosi: If he opened the government, would she fund the wall? She said no. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Trump slammed his hand on the table. But Trump, who handed out candy at the start of the meeting, disputed that characterization. He said he "didn't smash the table" but "should have." One result was certain: The shutdown plunged into uncharted territory with no endgame in sight. On Saturday, Washington appears certain to set an ignominious record for the longest government shutdown in the nation's history. The Democrats see the idea of the long wall as ineffective and even immoral. Trump sees it as an absolute necessity to stop what he calls a crisis of illegal immigration, drug-smuggling and human trafficking at the border. Trump says Republicans are "very unified," but GOP senators have been publicly uneasy as the standoff ripples across the lives of Americans and interrupts the economy. LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's main opposition Labour Party will demand a general election if Prime Minister Theresa May loses a vote in parliament over her Brexit plans next week, its leader Jeremy Corbyn will say on Thursday. Lawmakers are due to vote next Tuesday on May's plans and are widely expected to defeat them after she failed to win over the Northern Irish party that props up her minority government. LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's main opposition Labour Party will demand a general election if Prime Minister Theresa May loses a vote in parliament over her Brexit plans next week, its leader Jeremy Corbyn will say on Thursday. Lawmakers are due to vote next Tuesday on May's plans and are widely expected to defeat them after she failed to win over the Northern Irish party that props up her minority government. "If the government cannot pass its most important legislation, then there must be a general election at the earliest opportunity," Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will say, according to the text of a speech he will deliver in Wakefield, northern England, extracts of which were released by Labour. In response to Corbyn, the chairman of May's Conservative Party said Labour did not have a plan for Brexit. "Instead they are arguing in public about whether to frustrate the decision of the British people and rerun the referendum," Brandon Lewis said. May has so far refused to retreat from her deal, which envisages close trading ties with the EU, but without any say on policy as Britain has now, after leaving on March 29. Lawmakers voted 308-297 on Wednesday in favour of demanding the government come up with an alternative plan within three working days if it loses the Jan. 15 vote, rather than a planned 21 days, putting more political pressure on May. "To break the deadlock, an election is not only the most practical option, it is also the most democratic option," Corbyn will say. "It would give the winning party a renewed mandate to negotiate a better deal for Britain and secure support for it in parliament and across the country." (Reporting by Andy Bruce; editing by Stephen Addison) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Mark Hosenball and Nathan Layne (Reuters) - Senior Democratic lawmakers called on Wednesday for further investigation into a revelation that in 2016 Donald Trump's then-presidential election campaign chairman gave polling data to a man U.S. prosecutors have linked to Russian intelligence. On Tuesday, portions of a court filing by lawyers for convicted former Trump campaign head Paul Manafort were inadvertently made public By Mark Hosenball and Nathan Layne (Reuters) - Senior Democratic lawmakers called on Wednesday for further investigation into a revelation that in 2016 Donald Trump's then-presidential election campaign chairman gave polling data to a man U.S. prosecutors have linked to Russian intelligence. On Tuesday, portions of a court filing by lawyers for convicted former Trump campaign head Paul Manafort were inadvertently made public. They showed he shared the data with a business partner and Russian-Ukrainian political operative Konstantin Kilimnik. Patrick Boland, a spokesman for Representative Adam Schiff, the House Intelligence Committee's new Democratic chairman, noted that Schiff had described the revelation as "stunning" to the Washington Post. He referred Reuters to Schiff's statement that lawmakers on the committee "need to find out" about Manafort's interaction with Kilimnik on polling data. The office of Special Counsel Robert Mueller has charged Manafort and Kilimnik in its investigation of Russian interference in the election and whether Trump campaign members coordinated with Moscow officials. President Trump denies any campaign collusion with Russia. Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, which has been conducting a bi-partisan investigation into Russian election meddling, also called for further probing of the matter. "If accurate, this is damning evidence of a senior Trump campaign official providing information to individuals tied to Russian intelligence at the height of the Kremlin's effort to undermine our election," Warner said. There is no evidence that Trump was aware that Manafort was sharing the data with Kilimnik, who was described by Mueller in court documents last year as having "ties to a Russian intelligence service." Jackie Speier, a Democratic member of the House Intelligence Committee, said the revelations raised new questions about possible "collusion" between Trump's election team and Russia. "It's a significant revelation that further makes the case for cooperation between the President's team and Russia on steering the outcome of the 2016 election," Speier told Reuters. Tuesday's court filing was submitted by Manafort's lawyers in response to allegations that their client had lied repeatedly to Mueller, breaching a plea deal under which Manafort agreed to assist Mueller's probe. Due to a formatting error the redacted portions of the filing as initially submitted could be electronically reversed, and an uncensored version was circulated by journalists and others on the Internet. It was later replaced with a properly redacted version. In addition to the polling data revelation, the filing also showed that Mueller believes Manafort lied to prosecutors about his discussions with Kilimnik about a "Ukrainian peace plan" and a previously undisclosed meeting between Manafort and Kilimnik in Madrid. Manafort's lawyers said any incorrect statements by him were unintentional. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a former Trump campaign aide told Reuters that he was unaware Manafort had shared data with Kilimnik and found the news "disturbing" and especially problematic because the data was provided to a foreign national. Rudy Giuliani, a lawyer for Trump who has repeatedly criticized the Mueller probe as a fruitless "witch hunt", dismissed the sharing of data with Kilimnik as inconsequential. "It's not a crime to talk to a Russian," Giuliani said. "They are searching for what doesn't exist. The president did not conspire with the Russians." Giuliani also said on Wednesday that Trump's legal team told Mueller that the president will not answer any more questions in the investigation. (Reporting by Mark Hosenball in Washington and Nathan Layne and Karen Freifeld in New York; editing by Grant McCool) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Marijuana-based Products Coming to Mexico Drugstores Mexico City - Marijuana-based products will reach the Mexican market this year, with the first batch of CBD "gummies" arriving on shelves by the end of this month. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of at least 113 identified cannabinoids in hemp plants, accounting for up to 40% of the plant's extract. The company CBD Life will import the product from the United States and sell a pack for about 250 pesos (US $12.50), a price that is far cheaper than in the United States, where it sells for $50 dollars. CBD Life COO and founder Janko Ruiz de Chavez told the newspaper El Financiero that the CBD gummies, sold in fruit and berry mixes, will allow the Mexican public to get to know the benefits of CBD in a safe way. The product "is a pleasant way to know the ingredient, and it is oriented toward minor ailments like anxiety, stress, pain, depression, all those imbalances of the nervous system ... it's not like taking a Tafil [a tablet of Alprazolam] that can calm your nerves but is way more aggressive," said Ruiz. One of 10 Mexican firms approved by the Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks (Cofepris) to import cannabis-based products, CBD Life also intends to sell Mariguanol, a CBD-based ointment, for between 80-150 pesos, depending on tube size. The Mexico City-based firm currently has a portfolio of 21 products that it will sell at San Pablo, Ahorro, Yza, Nutrisa and Farmacia Guadalajara drug stores around the country, as well as online via Amazon Mexico. BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombian state-run oil company Ecopetrol said on Wednesday there were two bomb attacks overnight on the Cano Limon pipeline in western Antioquia province, four days after a similar attack halted pumping. The latest bomb attacks occurred in the rural areas of La Pesquera and Las Bancas. Last year, there were 89 attacks on the 485-mile (780-km) pipeline. BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombian state-run oil company Ecopetrol said on Wednesday there were two bomb attacks overnight on the Cano Limon pipeline in western Antioquia province, four days after a similar attack halted pumping. The latest bomb attacks occurred in the rural areas of La Pesquera and Las Bancas. Last year, there were 89 attacks on the 485-mile (780-km) pipeline. Although Ecopetrol did not name the group responsible, military officials say bombings are usually carried out by leftist rebels of the National Liberation Army (ELN), considered a terrorist organisation by the United States and the European Union. The regular bombings have not affected exports or production at the Cano Limon field, operated by Occidental Petroleum Corp , because crude has been moved through the nearby Bicentenario pipeline. One of the bombings on Tuesday night caused a spillage that has since been contained, Ecopetrol said in a statement. On Friday, a bomb attack damaged the pipeline, spilling crude into two streams in Norte de Santander province. The ELN has about 2,000 combatants and opposes multinational companies that its leaders accuse of seizing natural resources without benefiting Colombians. Colombian President Ivan Duque has demanded the insurgent group free all of its hostages and stop criminal activities before he will consider restarting peace talks that began last year under his predecessor, Juan Manuel Santos. (Reporting by Helen Murphy; Editing by Peter Cooney) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. China's ambassador to Canada accused the country Wednesday of 'white supremacy' in calling for the release of two Canadians detained in China last month, while describing the detentions as an 'act of self-defence.' Toronto: China's ambassador to Canada accused the country Wednesday of "white supremacy" in calling for the release of two Canadians detained in China last month, while describing the detentions as an "act of self-defence." The arrests were in apparent retaliation for the arrest of a top Chinese tech executive in Canada. But Ambassador Lu Shaye's charged in op-ed in the Ottawa-based Hill Times that Western countries are employing a "double standard" in demanding the immediate release of the Canadians. "The reason why some people are used to arrogantly adopting double standards is due to Western egotism and white supremacy," Lu writes. "What they have been doing is not showing respect for the rule of law, but mocking and trampling the rule of law." China detained Canadian ex-diplomat Michael Kovrig and entrepreneur Michael Spavor on 10 December on vague allegations of "engaging in activities that endanger the national security" of China. In the op-ed, Lu seemed to admit detaining the Canadians was in retaliation for the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, something China has previously denied. "I have recently heard a word repeatedly pronounced by some Canadians: bullying. They said that by arresting two Canadian citizens as retaliation for Canada's detention of Meng, China was bullying Canada. To those people, China's self-defence is an offence to Canada," Lu wrote. The arrests came 10 days after Meng was arrested in Canada at the request of the US, which wants her extradited to face charges that she misled banks about the company's business dealings in Iran. A Canadian judge granted Meng bail while she awaits extradition proceedings. Le writes that "elites" in Canada are completely dismissing China's law by demanding the immediate release of the Canadians. "It seems that, to those people, the laws of Canada or other Western countries are laws and must be observed, while China's laws are not and shouldn't be respected," Lu writes. Lu also writes that Meng was arrested without violating any Canadian law, suggesting that Canada should never detain someone for extradition. "It seems that, to some people, only Canadian citizens shall be treated in a humanitarian manner and their freedom deemed valuable, while Chinese people do not deserve that," he writes. Roland Paris, a former foreign policy adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, called Lu's claims "hogwash." "I don't know what the ambassador was trying to accomplish but his article won't help China's cause. The reference to white supremacy was bizarre and unfortunate," Paris said. "There is false equivalency in this article. Canada is a rule of law country. China is a rule by law country and the distinction is important. Meng was not illegally detained as the ambassador claims." Paris noted Canada is following the letter of the extradition law it has with the US and while the Canadians were grabbed in China under suspicious circumstances and China has held them without charge. Julian Ku, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Hofstra Law, called Lu's claims ridiculous and said he is playing the race card in an apparent effort to win sympathy from Chinese Canadians and Americans. "He's making it seem like the two legal proceedings are morally equivalent and they are not," he said. "On one side you have due process, which makes a huge difference, and the other side you don't, but he says it's all the same." Ku noted China has still not revealed any specific information about what Kovrig and Spavor are charged with and have not given them a judicial hearing and thus Canada is not wrong with calling the arrests arbitrary. "I am struck by how brazen they are being by making this appeal," Ku said. "He says "You are being racist by not respecting our law.' That's an easy card to play." A message for the Chinese embassy in Ottawa was not immediately returned. Alex Lawrence, a spokesman for Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, did not address Lu's claims, but reiterated that Canada is "deeply concerned by the arbitrary detention by Chinese authorities of two Canadians last month and reiterate our call for their immediate release." Canada has embarked on a campaign with allies to win the release of the detained Canadians. The US, the UK the EU and Australia have issued statements in support. Trudeau called US President Donald Trump this week about it and the White House called the arrests of the Canadians "unlawful." Trudeau spoke with Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, on Wednesday and thanked him. "Canada remains closely engaged with partners, who have also spoken in support of these detained Canadians and the rule of law, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the EU, the United States, and Australia," Lawrence said. Domestically-developed radar system will enable the Chinese navy to fully monitor China's seas and spot incoming threats from enemy ships, aircraft and missiles. Beijing: China has developed an advanced compact size maritime radar which can maintain constant surveillance over an area of the size of India, media reported Wednesday. The domestically-developed radar system will enable the Chinese navy to fully monitor China's seas and spot incoming threats from enemy ships, aircraft and missiles much earlier than the existing technology, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported, quoting the scientist who took part in China's Over-the-Horizon (OTH) radar programme. Liu Yongtan, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) from the Harbin Institute of Technology, is credited to have upgraded the China's radar technology and developing an advanced compact size radar for the PLA Navy's carrier fleet to "maintain constant surveillance over an area the size of India," the SCMP reported. President Xi Jinping conferred the country's top science award, carrying a prize money of $1.116 million, to Liu and another military scientist, Qian Qihu at an event in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday for their contributions. Qian was felicitated for setting up the theoretical system for China's modern defence engineering and contributions in creating underground nuclear shelter facilities, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported. According to Liu, the ship-based OTH radar had greatly increased the range of area that the Peoples' Liberation Army (PLA) could monitor. "Relying on traditional technologies, our surveillance and monitoring could only cover about 20 per cent of our maritime territory. With the new system, we can cover the whole area," he said. A senior member of Liu's team told the Post that the new system would be a ship-based OTH radar system. The floating radar "will increase our navy's information gathering capabilities in critical areas" including the South China Sea, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, he was quoted as saying in the SCMP. China is not the only nation developing the technology. A major US defence contractor, Raytheon, was granted a patent in 2016 for a similar system. The Raytheon design involves a transmitting vessel and several receiving ships with antennae mounted on the deck. Radio waves are directed into the sky by the transmitter to be collected by the receiving ships, which then pass on the signals to aircraft carriers via satellite or airborne relays. According to a recent report China had built an antenna five times the size of New York. Chinese military, which now has over $175 billion annual defence budget, is focussing on developing heavy military equipment to compete with US for global strategic influence. China is investing heavily specially in development of the navy to extend its influence beyond to shores. China has developed two aircraft carriers with third in the pipeline. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, Karzai also asserted Pakistan has the 'most significant role' to play in bringing peace in Afghanistan. Asked about the Taliban issue, he said, 'Taliban are also Afghans, sons of our soil'. New Delhi: Amid efforts by the US and Russia to reach out to the Taliban for a reconciliation process in Afghanistan, former Afghan president Hamid Karzai said Thursday his country wants India to be on board for all peace efforts and also "do more" on its own, detached from other countries. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, Karzai also asserted Pakistan has the "most significant role" to play in bringing peace in Afghanistan. Asked about the Taliban issue, he said, "Taliban are also Afghans, sons of our soil". "Eventually someday, I hope someday, sooner, we all will get together as Afghans and take issues in our own hands, and bring our country to peace. For peace to occur in Afghanistan, for peace to come to Afghanistan, the Taliban are inevitable, as they are Afghans," Karzai said. He said, he was sure there are "great patriotic forces among them, who love Afghanistan and don't want to be dictated by Pakistan," adding, a good, well-thought-out peace process will bring the Taliban to an expression of their free will. About Indo-Afghan ties, the former president said India and Afghanistan share an "amazing and romantic relationship" which raises expectations to an "unrealistic level". "We want India to do a lot more in Afghanistan, do things entirely on its own, detached from all other countries. We have had one of the best relationships, and for that reason, expectations are high. "So, we want India to be on board all the peace processes that seek to bring stability, institution-building and development in Afghanistan," he said. India has been one of the greatest contributors to Afghanistan and has already built Parliament, power lines, dams and roads and extended thousands of scholarships, he said. Asked about US President Donald Trump's recent remarks mocking New Delhi's role in Afghanistan, Karzai said it was "hyped" by the media and he did not mean what was being reported. "What he was alluding to was seeking India's larger role in Afghanistan and support from India for peace and reconstruction, which is exactly what the Afghans want. Of course, he put it in different words," Karzai said. Trump recently took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for funding a "library" in Afghanistan, saying it is of no use in the war-torn country. Major powers such as the US and Russia have been reaching out to the Taliban as part of efforts to push the stalled Afghan peace process. In a significant move, India had sent two former diplomats in "non-official" capacity to a conference on the Afghan peace process in Moscow in November which was attended by a high-level Taliban delegation. The conference organised by Russia was attended by representatives of Afghanistan as well as several other countries including the US, Pakistan and China. The US too had recently started a peace process and appointed special Afghan envoy Zalmay Khalilzad for it. He is currently in India to coordinate efforts to facilitate an intra-Afghan political settlement. Karzai said he had "tremendous hope" for this renewed US efforts for peace in Afghanistan to succeed. But peace process means it has to be totally and fundamentally based on intra-Afghan dialogue, seen clearly by all Afghan people, and one the one that enjoys the support of neighbours. "Afghanistan differentiates between peace and a deal between the US and Pakistan on Afghanistan," he said. "Pakistan has the most significant role to play to bring peace in Afghanistan. That role is recognised and we want Pakistan to play that role. We want a peace process in which, we have the US, India, Russia and China and Iran," Karzai added. On the "Afghan-owned and Afghan-led" peace process, he said, he meant a peace process in which the Taliban movement and other Afghans sit together in an intra-Afghan dialogue and "sort out the difficulties within our own country". "And this effort be backed by those who matter, in Afghanistan, in the region and internationally... And, once the settlement is done, Afghanistan gets what it wants -- peace, sovereignty, dignity and friendship with other countries," he said. On US troops' presence in Afghanistan, he said he believes "the US is not going to withdraw" and stay as part of a bilateral security agreement. He said Russia and India historically have been closer to Afghanistan in shaping things in his country. "I am among the Afghans who very strongly supports Russian role. I hope the US will engage with them and I believe Russians are willing to do that," he said, adding that Russian presence in Afghanistan is what Afghans want and "is good for us". He also welcomed Chinese efforts, saying China is a superpower and a close neighbour who have good relations with Pakistan. Karzai also said he fully backed the Chabahar port project of India and Iran that would help improve connectivity in the region. tech2 News Staff Scientists have discovered repeating fast radio bursts (FRBs) released into space far outside the Milky Way galaxy for the second time in history. In January 2017, a team of researchers were among the first to pinpoint the location of an FRB. According to a study that was published on 9 January 2018 in the journal Nature, researchers for the second time found over a dozen bursts of radio waves coming from outside our galaxy, and a few of them were from the exact same location in the sky. They used the Canadian telescope dubbed CHIME. The new repeating fast radio burst is called FRB 180814.J0422+73 was one of the 13 FRBs detected by CHIME during the July and August 2018 period and was recorded six times coming from the same location from as far as 1.5 billion light-years away. The origin of these waves is still a mystery. The finding was also presented at the 233rd meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Seattle. The CHIME Telescope or the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment, is a novel radio telescope that has no moving parts, located at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO), a national facility for astronomy operated by the National Research Council of Canada. Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are sudden radio flashes that last for about one-thousandth of a second and can outshine the intensity of an entire galaxy located at the same distance. The radio burst repeats sporadically from one known source but is difficult to capture. Astronomers first discovered FRBs in 2007. The FRB is the brightest radio phenomenon known to man. (Also read: Fast radio bursts may be a sign of alien civilisations) Exactly what causes these high-energy surges of long waves at the far end of the electromagnetic spectrum remains the subject of intense debate. Here's an animation illustrating the random appearance of Fast Radio Bursts in the sky. Alien civilisation? Could these waves be a message for a civilisation that is far, far away? While the common perception is that of an agreement, study coauthor Shriharsh Tendulkar thinks otherwise. He told AFP that it is extremely unlikely. "As a scientist, I can't rule it out 100 percent. But intelligent life is not on the minds of any astronomer as a source of these FRBs," he said. Scope for finding the origins We know that the origin of these waves is not known, but the researchers are convinced that they will be able to find them. Scientists who recorded it believe that other repeating FRBs or fast radio bursts will definitely be found in future and repetitions could certainly help figure out where they originate. Maybe this will help find some real answers. Ingrid Stairs, a member of the CHIME team and an astrophysicist at the University of British Columbia told CNN that, "knowing that there is another suggests that there could be more out there. And with more repeaters and more sources available for study, we may be able to understand these cosmic puzzles, where they're from and what causes them." And maybe, answer questions about alien life. tech2 News Staff The rumours around Redmi's upcoming phone launch have flooded the internet. The company is set to unveil a 48 MP AI-enabled dual rear camera phone at the event which is going to take place on 10 January at 2 PM in Beijing. Now a new teaser has surfaced on Weibo which refers to the upcoming phone as 'Little King Kong'. Also, "Little King Kong" won't be the only device stealing the show (Or maiden? And fending off mini-drones?), the post suggests that more than one product would be unveiled during the launch event, but there is no mention of what the product might even be. As per the previous rumours, the phone that is speculated to launch is the Redmi Note 7. The Redmi Note 7 has even been spotted on Geekbench. The listing revealed that the device is powered by a Snapdragon 660 SoC and is running Android 9 Pie. The phone also was seen to sport 6 GB RAM. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun had also announced that the Redmi brand would be splitting off from Xiaomi. This might be made official on 10 January, alongside the launch of the new Redmi phone and the new "surprise" product hinted at in the post. There is no other information about the products. tech2 News Staff Google has just formally announced that its ad blocker feature for Chrome will be expanding to all countries worldwide by 9 July. For the uninitiated, Google began its battle against bad web ads by joining the Coalition for Better Ads back in February 2018. Google began blocking disruptive promos in its Chrome browser across North America and Europe soon after as a pilot. Google in a post on Chromium Blog states that the current Better Ads Standards on Google Chrome aims to offer users a better experience from websites that spam visitors with "disruptive" and "annoying" ads. The Better Ads Standard focuses on 12 obtrusive ad experiences that users find particularly disturbing pop-up ads, auto-play video ads with sound and large, sticky ads. The tech giant also goes to explain how the ad blocker works. When a user lands on a website, the browsers filter checks if that page has any of the mentioned annoying ad strategies. After checking, if the result is positive, the concerned publisher will be informed about it via the Ad Experience Report. If the publisher does not do anything to resolve the issue, the network will take steps by blocking the intrusive ads from the pages. Google has also mentioned that it has stopped selling such violative ads on all platforms (desktop and mobile). As per the post, the Coalition helped Google launch an improved web advertising experience based on the feedback from more than 65,000 users across the US, Canada and Europe. This feedback process will now be open for publishers in regions across the world to understand if they have intrusive ad experiences on their site and to resolve outstanding issues or contest a review. Google claims to have completed reviews of millions of websites so far and will continue to expand these reviews in the coming months. Reuters Google and other search engines can limit the right to be forgotten to the European Union, an adviser to the blocs top court said on Thursday, in a case that has important implications for the territorial scope of EU law. Under European Union law, individuals can request that a search engine remove certain links from its search results. If the request is approved, the individuals name will no longer result in that content appearing in search results. Approval is based on a balance between a persons right to privacy and the publics right to know. US Google had appealed a 100,000 euro ($115,000) fine imposed by the French data protection authority CNIL in March 2016 for failing to delist information across national borders. The case was ultimately referred to the European Court of Justice. Judges of the European Court of Justice typically follow the advice of the advocate general, although they are not bound to do so. They usually rule within two to four months. In Thursdays opinion, Advocate General Maciej Szpunar said search requests made from outside the EU should not be affected by the so-called de-referencing of information at the request of individuals. The fundamental right to be forgotten must be balanced against other fundamental rights, such as the right to data protection and the right to privacy, as well as the legitimate public interest in accessing the information sought, Szpunar said. He said, however, that once the right to be forgotten had been established within the EU, a search engine operator should do all it could to remove entries, including using geo-blocking in the event that the IP address of a device connected to the internet is deemed to be within the EU. In a second dispute between a group of individuals and CNIL, Szpunar said that prohibitions on processing certain types of data should also apply to the operators of search engines. They should accede, as a matter of course, to de-referencing requests, said Szpunar. Where issues of freedom of expression come into conflict with respect for privacy, the search engine should also weigh the public interest in its decision, he said. Google did not have any immediate comment while CNIL declined to comment. Reuters AMD on Wednesday unveiled its next-generation smaller and power-efficient computer chip and a graphics processor, aiming at bigger rivals Intel Corp and Nvidia Corp. Chief Executive Officer Lisa Su, during a keynote address at the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, gave a preview of AMDs third-generation Ryzen CPU chips for desktop users. The Ryzen CPU chips will be launched in the middle of this year and will compete with Intels PC processors. AMD will start shipping its Radeon VII (seven) graphics chips, which compete with Nvidias gaming chips, from 7 February and the next generation of EPYC server chips in mid-2019, Su said. All the three chips are based on AMDs new 7 nm manufacturing technology that packs more transistors on smaller chips and can boost performance at lower power. AMD last year said it would quit trying to develop such advanced manufacturing techniques on its own and would instead turn to outside suppliers such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd, which analysts also believe is making 7nm chips for Apple. AMDs EPYC server chips and the Ryzen CPU chips are based on Zen 2 architecture, an advancement over its Zen chips that was launched in 2017, establishing the chipmaker as an equal, if not better than Intel in terms of chip performance, according to many tech websites. For Intel, which has faced production delays for its 10nm-based chips, this could mean a loss of market share to AMD, analysts have said. Intel has said it expects to ship 10nm PC chips later this year and 10nm server chips early next year. During the keynote, Su showed that Ryzen III consumed 30 percent less power than Intels Core i9 CPU chip. Intel, the worlds biggest maker of computing chips for personal computers and data centres, has been a leader in manufacturing the tiniest chips so far but recently lost its title to Taiwan Semiconductor. Su also announced that Alphabet Incs Google was partnering to use AMDs Radeon graphics chips on its recently announced video game streaming service, Project Stream. CES 2019: To catch up with all the announcements from the world's largest consumer electronics show, head here. Other than Bengal, the Odisha government in September, had withdrawn itself from joining the central scheme. Escalating the tiff with Narendra Modi, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday announced that her government will pull out of the Centre's healthcare scheme, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, ANI reported. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Ayushman Bharat Yojana: My state will not contribute 40% of the funds for the Ayushman scheme. Centre has to pay the full amount if Centre wants to run the scheme. pic.twitter.com/vCXM2vh25G ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 Banerjee said that West Bengal will withdraw from contributing 40 percent of the state share for the scheme. Addressing a public meet in Nadia district, Banerjee alleged that the Modi government was running a parallel administration in states, Deccan Herald reported. "They are claiming to do everything from health projects, housing, education infrastructure and even Kanyashree. If you ( Centre) you are doing everything then there is no need for state governments. Are you running parallel governments in the states?" asked Banerjee. According to News18, in West Bengal, the Centre's flagship scheme was merged with Banerjees Swasthya Sathi health scheme, where the state government provides for 40 percent of the total cost of healthcare. Other than West Bengal, the Odisha government in September had withdrawn itself from joining the central scheme, saying it has introduced a better programme, Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, in the state. Ayushman Bharat is a National Health Protection Scheme that provides for up to Rs 5 lakh medical coverage per family annually to more than 10 crore poor and vulnerable households. Everyone with a smart phone can get those stats in a moment. The facts are that New Orleans has a murder rate at least seven times the national average for the past 30 years. New Orleans had the highest murder rate of any U.S. city with a population of 100,000 or more in 2011. New Orleans murder rate of 58 per 100,000 from 1990-2012 is nearly 20 percent higher than any other major city. For the 29th straight year, Louisiana, with New Orleans being its largest population center, owns the highest murder rate in the country. The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed by Poonam Mahajan, challenging the Delhi HC order in favour of The Accidental Prime Minister. The Delhi High Court had dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the release of the trailer of The Accidental Prime Minister. Following this, the petitioner, Poonam Mahajan, had moved the Supreme Court. According to news agency ANI, the SC has also denied urgent hearing on the appeal she had filed against Delhi HC's order. Supreme Court denies urgent hearing on an appeal filed against the Delhi High Court order that dismissed a PIL seeking a ban on the release of trailer of The Accidental Prime Minister' ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 The PIL sought the revocation of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) nod to the film and the subsequent withdrawal of its trailer, claiming that the film violated Section 416 of the Indian Penal Code as impersonation of a living character or living persons is not permissible in law. Further, it said that the the film is not based on Sanjaya Baru's book, a fact that has been maintained by the makers of The Accidental Prime Minister. As per Bar and Bench, a Division Bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V Kameswar Rao refused to entertain the PIL on the ground that the petitioner had no locus. Anupam Kher plays Manmohan Singh in the film that also stars Akshay Khanna and Arjun Mathur among others. The Accidental Prime Minister is slated for a release on 11 January. Narendra Modi attacked Rahul Gandhi for his remarks that the prime minister made a 'woman' defend him in Parliament over the Rafale deal. Congress president Rahul Gandhi's recent jibe at Narendra Modi, asking the prime minister to "be a man" and face questions on the Rafale deal, drew flak from various quarters. Reacting sharply to Rahul's remark, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said she was "disappointed" at how "misogynistic comments are normalised in our political discourse". Mufti took to Twitter to say phrases like "Be a man/ man up/ stop behaving like a woman" reek of "blatant sexism". As a woman, feel deeply disappointed when misogynistic comments are normalised in our political discourse. Be a man/ man up/ stop behaving like a woman - such phrases reek of blatant sexism. Ironical since Indira ji was referred to as the only man in the cabinet. Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) January 10, 2019 External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said the comments on Sitharaman's reply to the Rafale debate mark a "new low" in Indian politics, while textiles minister Smriti Irani put out a tweet with the hashtag "#MisogynistRahul". The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday also expressed its displeasure at Rahul's statement in a letter addressed to him. The NCW called his remarks "extremely misogynistic, offensive and unethical." The commission also wrote that the body "strongly condemns such irresponsible and disparaging views of persons holding responsible positions." National Commission for Women (NCW) issues notice to Congress President Rahul Gandhi over his statement "PM ran away & asked a 'mahila' (Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman) to defend him" pic.twitter.com/xTAyqNeXg1 ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 Similarly, Delhi Commission for Women chairperson Swati Maliwal called Rahul's statement "regressive". "I fail to understand how men forget that women are far stronger than them!" Maliwal tweeted. After Modi attacked Rahul for his remarks that the prime minister made a "woman" defend him in Parliament over the Rafale deal, the Congress president took a jibe at the prime minister saying in "our culture respect for women begins at home". With all due respect Modi Ji, in our culture respect for women begins at home. Stop shaking. Be a man and answer my question: Did the Air Force and Defence Ministry object when you bypassed the original Rafale deal? Yes? Or No? #RafaleScam Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 9, 2019 While addressing a rally at Jaipur in Rajasthan, Rahul on Wednesday said the prime minister, who "claims to have a broad chest" had "run away" from a debate in the Parliament on the matter. "The watchman with a 56-inch chest ran away and told a woman, Sitharaman ji, to defend him," he said. "For two-and-a-half hours, the woman could not defend him. I had asked a straight question answer yes or no but she couldn't answer," Rahul said. Later, on Wednesday, in his public meeting in Agra, Modi reacted strongly at the Congress chief's remark, saying that the Opposition is bent on insulting women. "This is an insult to the women in the country," Modi added. Opposition parties in Bihar marched to Raj Bhavan to register protest with Governor Lalji Tandon against an alleged derogatory remark of Nitish Kumar. Patna: Opposition parties in Bihar on Thursday marched to Raj Bhavan to register protest with Governor Lalji Tandon against an alleged derogatory remark of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The activists, carrying flags of the RJD, the Samajwadi Party, the Congress, the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party, the HAM and other outfits, which constitute the "Mahagathbandhan", were, however, stopped by police at the Income-Tax crossing in Patna, about a couple of kilometers ahead of the Governor's House, resulting in congestion on the busy Bailey Road. The protesters had skirmishes with security personnel, who faced a tough time in controlling them from crossing the barricades. They were dispersed after nearly an hour. On Monday, while replying to queries about Grand Alliance, which he had walked out of in 2017 to return to the NDA, Kumar told reporters that he saw no hope for the loosely-knit coalition which was "picking up people from the road (sadak par se logon ko utha kar shamil kar rahe hain)." Talking to reporters, RJD MLA Shakti Singh Yadav, who led the procession, reiterated that the chief minister had used the adjective "sadak chap" for Mukesh Sahni, a former Bollywood set designer who floated his political outfit a couple of months ago and joined the Grand Alliance last month. Yadav also alleged that "the chief minister is on an abusing spree". "He (Nitish) first abused RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha by calling him neech (lowly) and now he has berated Mukesh Sahni. Kushwaha and Sahni represent Koeri and Nishad communities respectively, both of which are extremely backward classes," he said. The disdain with which Kumar has treated the two leaders displays his arrogance, the RJD leader said. At a news channel event a few months ago, Kumar had declined to comment on difficulties faced in finalising seat-sharing arrangements in the NDA in Bihar on account of problems with Kushwaha, who was then a part of the BJP-led coalition and a Union minister. "Bahas ka star itna neeche mat giraiye (do not lower the level of discourse so much)," Kumar who also heads the JD(U) had remarked, following which Kushwaha alleged that he was called "neech" by the chief minister. Later, parties like the Congress, the RJD and the HAM joined him in leveling the allegation in a bid to woo him into the Grand Alliance fold. The RJD MLA also sought to downplay the absence of senior leaders like Kushwaha, Tejashwi Yadav, state Congress president Madan Mohan Jha, and HAM founder Jitan Ram Manjhi, who had earlier in the week hinted that they would be taking part in the march. "What they meant to say is that their respective parties would be taking part. You can see for yourself, all Grand Alliance constituents are together," he told reporters. Incidentally, an hour before the Grand Alliance march reached the Income-Tax crossing, the area witnessed another demonstration by Savarna Sena activists, who expressed their anguish over the RJD's opposition to the 10 per cent quota for economically weaker sections of general category. Parliament on Wednesday approved amending the Constitution to provide 10 per cent reservation to general category poor in jobs and education. Carrying posters of senior RJD leaders, which were smeared with black ink, the protesters raised slogans against the party which has been calling the move to extend quotas to the poor from upper castes and minorities as a "gimmick". Rahul Gandhi set off a controversy when he accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of running away from the Rafale deal debate in the Lok Sabha and letting a 'woman' (Nirmala Sitharaman) defend him in the Parliament A day after Rahul Gandhi set off a controversy when he accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of running away from the Rafale deal debate in the Lok Sabha and letting a "woman" (Nirmala Sitharaman) defend him in the Parliament, the National Commission for Women (NCW) issued a notice to the Congress president on Thursday over his statement. NCW's letter to Rahul calls his remarks "extremely misogynistic, offensive and unethical." The women's panel also wrote that the body "strongly condemns such irresponsible and disparaging views of persons holding responsible positions." National Commission for Women (NCW) issues notice to Congress President Rahul Gandhi over his statement "PM ran away & asked a 'mahila' (Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman) to defend him" pic.twitter.com/xTAyqNeXg1 ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 Speaking to ANI, NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma said, "We've asked explanation from Rahul Gandhi for why he said what he said yesterday in tweets. The statement was pathetic, sexist & misogynistic. That's why we've sent him a notice. He has to explain what does he mean when he is trying to talk low of women." Addressing a rally in Jaipur on Wednesday, the Congress leader had remarked: "The watchman with a 56-inch chest ran away and told a woman, Sitharaman ji, defend me. I won't be able to defend myself, defend me." Hours later, Rahul's comment came under attack from Modi when he accused the Opposition of insulting India's "women power", at an event in Agra. "The Opposition is bent upon insulting a woman defence minister. This is not an insult to a woman, but an insult to entire India's women power, for which these irresponsible leaders will have to pay the price," Modi had said. Later in the evening, Rahul hit back with a tweet, saying "Stop shaking. Be a Man." With all due respect Modi Ji, in our culture respect for women begins at home. Stop shaking. Be a man and answer my question: Did the Air Force and Defence Ministry object when you bypassed the original Rafale deal? Yes? Or No? #RafaleScam Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 9, 2019 Rahul's tweet, however, drew further flak on social media with twitterati slamming him with a hashtag "#BeAMan". Rahul Gandhi betrays the misogynistic mindset of the Congress party. That also explains the several instances of women being exploited in the Congress ranks. Disgraceful to see Congress President stoop so low. #BeAMan Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) January 10, 2019 Delhi Commission for Women chairperson Swati Maliwal also took to Twitter calling Rahul's statement "misogynistic." "Rafale scam should be thoroughly investigated but @RahulGandhi statement on it is really regressive and misogynistic. I fail to understand how men forget that women are far stronger than them! Can they even think of carrying a baby in their womb for nine months and give birth to it?," she tweeted. For the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS), Congress is the main opposition in Telangana and KCR had in 2018 described its president Rahul as the 'biggest baffoon' in the country Hyderabad: Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao will in all likelihood give a miss to the 19 January rally of opposition parties proposed by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Kolkata as he does not want to share stage with the Congress, party sources said. KCR, as he is popularly known, had recently met TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as part of his renewed efforts towards forging a 'non-Congress, non-BJP' federal front of regional parties. While the Telangana chief minister spoke to media after their meeting in Kolkata on 24 December, 2018, Mamata, who is reportedly not in favour of excluding the Congress in the proposed grand opposition alliance, did not offer any comment. Asked if KCR would attend the Kolkata rally, TRS deputy floor leader in the Lok Sabha, B Vinod Kumar said, "I do not know whether KCR got the invitation or not. I am not aware of it. He might have got the invitation. I do not think KCR will attend when Rahul Gandhi is attending." For the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS), Congress is the main opposition in Telangana and KCR had in 2018 described its president Rahul as the "biggest baffoon" in the country. The TRS returned to power in December, 2018, winning 88 seats in the 119-member Telangana Assembly, pushing the Congress to a distant second position with 19 seats. The BJP won in only one segment. KCR had also recently met Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJP) chief Naveen Patnaik seeking to drum up support for the federal front. Patnaik's statement on Wednesday that his party would not align with the Congress and BJP has enthused the TRS. "I do not think because of KCR's visit, he (Patnaik) made such a statement. He took that position long back. He held the same view for a long time," Kumar said. He said both KCR and Patnaik have "same thoughts" as both are against aligning with the two national parties. The TRS leader said Samajwadi Party (SP) chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, who could not meet KCR during the latter's visit to Delhi recently, was expected to visit the southern state "any time" to talk to the Telangana chief minister. On BSP supremo Mayawati's stance on KCR's federal front, he said, "We did not discuss with her". The TRS sources claimed that KCR's federal front idea was gaining traction. "....already that idea is broached. Mayawati and Akhilesh took a stand that they are not going to ally with Congress in Uttar Pradesh. They are also fighting against the Congress and BJP, leaving only two seats for Sonia Gandhi and Rahul," Kumar said. The TRS MP also cited the political scenario in some states, including West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana, where, he said, regional parties were set to take on both the Congress and BJP in triangular fights in the next Lok Sabha polls. Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said, 'The prime minister has not shown such hurry in any matter. The question is why does he run away from the Parliament? He is visible everywhere else.' Hours before the selection committee meeting on CBI director Alok Verma, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma claimed the NDA government was in a "tearing hurry" to look for Verma's successor. "The events of the last few days have taken the national intention back to the episode of when CBI director was abruptly transferred in an illegal manner because of recommendation of the CVC (Central Vigilance Commission) which has no authority to do it under law the Supreme Court has said so in clear terms. The prime minister is arrogant. He thinks he is not accountable, either to Parliament or to the law of the land," Sharma said during a press conference on Thursday. He further added: "What is the prime minister worried about? What does he not want the CBI to look into? The manner in which the CBI chief was removed abruptly at midnight should be investigated." In its order, the Supreme Court on Tuesday set aside Verma's forced leave, but restrained him from taking any major policy decision till the CVC probe into corruption charges against him is over. The apex court said any further decision against Verma, who retires on 31 January, would be taken by the selection committee. Sharma claimed that the Centre will use CVC "as a tool again". "It's clear that the prime minister is in a tearing hurry, pushing to look for a successor. Though the Supreme Court has restored the CBI director, they will not allow him to function that is the intent. The entire process is vitiated. The same CVC will be used as a tool again. Where is the fairness? There will be no justice. The handpicked nominee of the prime minister will be put as the CBI director so that all wrongdoings of this government will be covered." The Congress MP demanded that the CVC share its inquiry report. "The present director's 77 days of service were stolen from him. He should get his full tenure. Under the principles of natural justice, the CBI chief should be given a fair opportunity. Also, the CVC report should be shared." Continuing his attack on Modi, Sharma said, "The prime minister has not shown such hurry in any matter. The question is why does he run away from the Parliament? He is visible everywhere else." "In Rajya Sabha, they (BJP) did not allow, despite saying that the government is available to debate on the Rafale deal. The prime minister himself is complacent and that's why he was afraid to come to the Parliament. He avoided Parliament because he could not contradict the statement of former French president (Francois Hollande)." According to the rule, the prime minister-headed selection committee comprises the Chief Justice of India (CJI) or a Supreme Court judge, and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha as members. Nominated by CJI Ranjan Gogoi, Supreme Court Justice AK Sikri and leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge had attended the meeting on Wednesday. Ahead of the Thursday meeting, set to be held at 4.30 pm, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge sought documents, including the CVC inquiry report into the matter. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress: Meeting of the Selection Committee (comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Justice AK Sikri) on CBI director Alok Verma, scheduled to take place later today. Yesterday, we did not get CVC's report. pic.twitter.com/L5I7JgyY4X ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 With inputs from PTI Congress general secretary Mukul Wasnik Thursday alleged that if the Indian Constitution was facing any danger or challenge from anyone, it was from Prime Minister Narendra Modi Nagpur: Congress general secretary Mukul Wasnik Thursday alleged that if the Indian Constitution was facing any danger or challenge from anyone, it was from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The senior Congress leader was talking to reporters at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur at the launch of the fifth phase of the party's 'Sangharsh Yatra' in Vidarbha. "Today, when we are starting the Sangharsh Yatra, I want to say that Narendra Modi took charge as the Prime Minister by taking the oath of the Indian Constitution. But today, if the Constitution is facing any danger or challenge from anyone, then it is from PM Modi," he said. "With this Sangharsh Yatra, we will go to every town and village for the protection of the Constitution and I am sure people will support us," the former Union minister said. Wasnik also alleged that Modi had failed to fulfil the promises he had made before becoming the prime minister. "We all remember that in 2014 he had come out as a 'dream merchant' promising every section of the society that their aspirations will be fulfilled in some way or the other. But five years down the line he has proved to be a hollow leader as none of the promises made by him have been fulfilled," he said. "Whether it is concerning employment for young people, remunerative prices to farmers, security to women, strengthening of the economic situation and development of society in different parts of the country, he has failed on every single promise. Therefore, people across various sections of the society are very annoyed and agitated," Wasnik said. The Congress will highlight the failures of the Modi government during the Sangharsh Yatra, he added. "In the recently-held elections in five states, we have seen how people have responded in Madhya Pradesh, Chhatishgarh and Rajasthan, the states where the BJP was in power. They were hoping that they will get confidence again, but that has not happened," Wasnik said. Congress failure to scrap the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill instead of stalling it temporarily has given birth to a number of theories including how it fears losing votes in states like Punjab where there are Hindus and Sikhs Did the Congress and the Opposition miss a golden opportunity to scrap the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday by not allowing the government to place it in the Upper House? This question has arisen after the drama, which the Congress staged Wednesday, to oppose the governments move to place the Bill. Renowned constitutional expert Subhash Kashyap says that the Congress and the Opposition could have scrapped the bill on Wednesday itself by allowing the government to place it in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill requires support from a simple majority in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha to become a law. The government has the adequate number of members to pass the Bill in the Lok Sabha and hence it did it. The Opposition has the required majority in the Rajya Sabha to reject the Bill, and could have cancelled it there itself, he said. The simple majority refers to the majority of more than 50 percent of the members present and voting. When the Constitution or the laws do not specify the type of majority needed, the simple majority is considered for voting. Significantly, the Opposition still has a bigger number of members in the Rajya Sabha than the ruling NDA. Since the Congress was seen opposing the Citizenship Amendment Bill playing to the agitating masses of the seven states of North East India, it was expected that it would use the Oppositions numbers to scrap the bill in the Rajya Sabha. The contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, was slated to be placed in the Rajya Sabha on 9 January, after it was passed in the Lok Sabha a day before. But instead of rejecting the Bill, the Congress did not allow the government to place the bill itself in the Rajya Sabha. Though the move prevented the governments move to pass the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, it is seen as the Congress partys failure to make the best of the opportunity of scrapping it. "The passage of the bill certainly got delayed by the move. But since it is not yet scrapped, it can be placed again in the Rajya Sabha for its approval later on, said Kashyap. Soon after the government failed to place the Bill in the Rajya Sabha due to stiff opposition, Debabrata Saikia, a leader in the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee claimed in a press conference that the Congress in the Rajya Sabha foiled the placing of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, as per the assurance that was given to a delegation of Assam Congress leaders by senior leaders of the Congress. Had it not been for the strong and effective strategy adopted by the Congress party, the Bill would surely have been introduced in the Rajya Sabha, if not actually passed, said Saikia. However, the Congress' move to only temporarily stall the Bill has created a number of theories. As per one interpretation, the Congress stalled the bill only temporarily because it wanted the issue to remain alive in the North East till 2019 polls, to derive maximum political mileage out of it in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogois statement appealing the people to vote for the Congress in the upcoming polls keeping the issue in mind backs this theory. "We are going to make this Bill an issue in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Since we are a national party and would form a government in the Centre, we are the only party which can scrap this Bill. So, people should vote for us," he said. Another interpretation is that the Congress fears losing votes in other states like Punjab where there are Hindus and Sikhs. As per another article published in the DNA, depicting the Congress' dilemma over the issue, "Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge and MPs from states like Maharashtra and Rajasthan have expressed their reluctance over the contentious issue." Quoting an unnamed source in the Congress, the article further said, "The Bill impacts the entire country, and if the party stands up for the sake of Assam, it will be seen as a party that is coming in the way of Hindus coming back home. But APCC president Ripun Bora has an entirely different take on the issue. He says that the party is still working in the Rajya Sabha to create a consensus to oppose the Bill. While speaking to Firstpost, Bora said, We satisfied ourselves only by causing the delay in the passage of the Bill this time, because we were not sure how many members of other Opposition parties would support our move to scrap the Bill. By delaying, we just bought time for effective floor management to ensure that the Bill is not passed. The Bill is expected to be placed in the Rajya Sabha again during the interim Budget Session of the Parliament which starts on 31 January. The Bill that amends the Citizenship Act, 1955, to make illegal migrants who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, eligible for citizenship has faced tremendous protest across seven states in the North East. The BJP had fought the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu leading a rainbow alliance comprising smaller parties including PMK, MDMK of Vaiko and won two of the 39 seats - one each by the party and PMK. Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was open to alliances and cherished its old friends, in a hint that it was looking to strengthen the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. In an interaction with the party's booth-level workers from five districts in Tamil Nadu through video-conferencing, he recalled the "successful coalition politics" ushered in by former prime minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the 1990s and said the BJP's doors were "always open". "...20 years ago the visionary leader Atal ji brought in a new culture in Indian politics, that of successful coalition politics. He gave utmost importance to regional aspirations...BJP has followed the way Atal ji has shown us," he said. Modi, in this fourth interaction with the party workers in the state, was responding to questions from a worker whether the BJP would ally with AIADMK, DMK or Rajinikanth, who is yet to form his political party. Lashing out at the Congress for "ill-treating" regional parties, he said, "What Atal ji did was in direct contrast to the Congress, which has never cared for regional aspirations." "Congress ill-treated regional political parties, aspirations and people because they felt they alone have the right to be in power," he said. The BJP had fought the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu leading a rainbow alliance comprising smaller parties including PMK, MDMK of Vaiko and won two of the 39 seats - one each by the party and PMK. A day after Parliament approved 10 percent reservation to general category poor, the Shiv Sena Thursday wondered where will the jobs come from and warned that if it is an election-driven move, then it will prove costly. Mumbai: A day after Parliament approved 10 percent reservation to general category poor, the Shiv Sena Thursday wondered where will the jobs come from and warned that if it is an election-driven move, then it will prove costly. The Maratha community has been given reservation in Maharashtra, but the question still remains that where are the jobs, the Shiv Sena said. The Parliament had on Wednesday approved amending the Constitution to provide 10 per cent reservation to general category poor in government jobs and education. "When those in power fail on the twin fronts of employment and poverty, they have to play the reservation card," the Shiv Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'. "If this decision has been taken for votes, it will prove costly. After 10 per cent reservation, what about employment? Where will you get the jobs from?" it asked. In India, the population of those over 15 years of age is increasing by 13 lakh every month. Employing minors below the age of 18 years is a crime, but child labour continues unabated, said the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, which is an ally of the ruling BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra. Around 80 to 90 lakh new job opportunities are needed every year to balance the employment rate in the country, but this calculation has been unstable for a while now, it noted. "In the last two years, job opportunities have decreased instead of increasing and about 1.5 crore to two crore jobs have been lost due to decisions like demonetisation and GST implementation. There is a feeling of helplessness among youth," the Marathi publication said. In 2018, 2.8 crore people applied for 90 lakh jobs in Railways. Besides, for 1,137 positions in Mumbai Police, over four lakh people applied and many of the applicants had more educational qualifications than required, the Shiv Sena claimed. "After the government's 10 per cent reservation, will the eligible youth be able to gain anything? The prime minister, who had advised youth to fry 'pakodas' (snack), had to eventually give 10 per cent reservation to the economically backward classes," it quipped. In my opinion, a wall is a good start. I fail to understand why the Democrats have opposed it and, by the way, caused the government shutdown. Its a shame so many Americans are hurting and something must give. The statement that an emergency declaration would potentially unlock military dollars for building the wall is commendable. Isnt it time American taxpayers stopped funding a bloated defense system and created real defense of our nation? Eliminating troops unnecessarily stationed all over the globe is a great idea. It boggles the mind that we still have forces in Germany and dont get me started on NATO which is nothing more than a European welfare system. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said 1,20,000 eco-friendly toilets have been installed in Prayagraj, ahead of the Kumbh Mela, which President Ram Nath Kovind will visit on January 17. Prayagraj: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said 1,20,000 eco-friendly toilets and 40,000 street lights have been installed in Allahabad, now called Prayagraj, ahead of the Kumbh Mela, which starts on January 15. Chief minister Adityanath also revealed that President Ram Nath Kovind will attend the Kumbh Mela on January 17. "The theme 'Swachh Kumbh, Surakshit Kumbh' is appropriate enough, a message which the 'Kumbh' can send to the world. As many as 1.22 lakh eco-friendly toilets have been installed, and more than 40,000 street lights have also been put up," Adityanath told reporters. "With the efforts of the Centre and the state, infrastructure development is going on in full swing. For the first time, waterways, roadways, and airways have extended connectivity to the Kumbh," he added. The chief minister said 3,200 hectares have been assigned to the Kumbh Mela this year. "Ganga has been in its purest form if you compare it to the last 50 years. Also, Akshay Vat will be open for the public after 450 years. All important places in Kumbh will get better infrastructure," he said. The 55-day long Kumbh Mela will end on 4 March. It is the largest human congregation in the world, with over 130 million pilgrims expected to participate in the festival with the belief that taking a dip in the holy water of Ganges River will pave the way for their salvation and would rid them of their sins. Keeping in mind the security of the visitors, the Uttar Pradesh police will keep a strong vigil and monitor the areas adjoining the banks of the river Ganges and its tributaries. "As per the order by the Director General of Police to all the senior police officials in all the districts, they have been instructed to ensure that any sort of illegal industrial activity or waste should not be discharged into the Ganges and its tributaries including the Yamuna," said Praveen Kumar, Inspector General of Police, Law and Order, Uttar Pradesh Police. He said that that police, Industry department, Environment department, and District Magistrate will work in coordination with each other to ensure that river Ganges remains clean during the Kumbh Mela when millions take a dip in the holy river. By a majority 2-1 judgment, the Supreme Court rejected a plea to refer to a Constitution bench the issue of reconsideration of the observations in its 1994 judgment that a mosque was not integral to Islam. A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court was scheduled to decide on Thursday the timeline of hearing in the politically sensitive case of Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute in Ayodhya. However, Justice UU Lalit recused himself, prompting the Supreme Court to reschedule the hearing on 29 January by setting up a fresh bench. When the court next takes up the matter, it is expected take a call on the frequency of hearings and also fix a date to begin hearing a batch of 14 petitions. By a majority 2-1 judgment, the Supreme Court had on 27 September 2018 rejected a plea to refer to a Constitution bench the issue of reconsideration of the observations in its 1994 judgment that a mosque was not integral to Islam, which had come up during the hearing. It further referred the civil suit on the land dispute to the then constituted three-judge bench that began the hearing from 29 October. When the matter was last taken up on 4 January, there was no indication that the case would be referred to a Constitution bench as the apex court had simply said that further orders in the matter would be passed on 10 January by "the appropriate bench, as may be constituted". In view of the case, here is a look at the chronology of events from 1528, when Mughal emperor Babur's commander Mir Baqi built the Babri Masjid: With inputs from agencies SpiceJet staff found the cartridges at Pune airport. The passenger was to take SpiceJet flight number SG-519. He was not able to produce any valid document and has been handed over to police for further action. Airline major SpiceJet on Thursday found 22 live cartridges of .22 caliber from the baggage of one of its passengers bound for Bengaluru. The airline staff found the cartridges at Pune airport. The passenger was to take SpiceJet flight number SG-519. He was not able to produce any valid document and has been handed over to police for further action. At about 4:45 am today, SpiceJet Staff detected 22 live rounds of .22 caliber from baggage of a passenger bound for Banglore by SpiceJet flight No. SG-519 at Pune airport. He couldn't produce any valid document & has been handed over to Police by airline for further legal action pic.twitter.com/P1sv9PE0KQ ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 Speaking to ANI, a SpiceJet spokesperson said the cartridges were found by its security staff during baggage screening. He was questioned by both SpiceJet staff and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel. SpiceJet spokesperson: SpiceJet security staff during baggage screening found a passenger carrying 22 live cartridges at Pune airport. He was questioned by SpiceJet staff & CISF was immediately informed. Passenger was handed over to CISF & was then taken to local police station. https://t.co/hHwGouaGm3 ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 The flight finally landed at Bengaluru at 8.15 am on Thursday. A Dubai-bound Spicejet flight also returned to Pune on Thursday due to a "technical glitch". It sends a chill down the spine to think of all that a CBI officer scorned can do taking cue from two two illustrious gents. What this sordid drama shows is that both the director and special director have been busy carving up the CBI into their personal fiefdoms, forcing everybody around them to become part of this dirty factional war. Editor's note: This article was originally published on 20 November, 2018, arguing why Alok Verma did not deserve to return to CBI. It is being republished in light of the Selection Committee's decision on Thursday evening (10 January, 2019) to remove Verma from the post of CBI chief following the findings of the Central Vigilance Commission. The high-powered Selection Committee comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Justice AK Sikri voted 2-1 to sack Verma just a day after he resumed office. Here is the piece written on 20 November: *** The Supreme Court of India will take up on 29 November further hearing in the plea of Alok Verma, director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), for being reinstated. Verma was sent on forced leave by the government in the wee hours of 23 October along with Rakesh Asthana, his deputy and special director. Most of the speculation around Vermas future has since centred on the findings of the court-ordered probe by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) into the charges leveled against him by Asthana. For a few days before and after 12 November the media was full of reports of a CVC clean chit to Verma; the inference being that Verma would give the government a bloody nose in court and return to resume his duties. That narrative changed dramatically after 16 November when the Supreme Court, having reviewed the report of the CVC, revealed that some of its findings were very uncomplimentary to Verma. The chorus changed to how Vermas fate was sealed. It is clear from the above that there is general agreement that Vermas future is tied to what the CVC investigation has found and what the Supreme Court will make of it once it takes Vermas response on board. It is stupid to predict what the court will find. I am not treading that path. Instead I am arguing that Alok Verma should not be allowed to set foot in the CBI headquarters ever again, whichever way the Supreme Court rules on 29 November (or later) on the legality of the charges against him. Thats because Verma has simply lost the moral authority to run the CBI, an institution of public trust. As the head of the countrys federal investigation agency it is his job to preserve the integrity of the institution. He has instead participated fully in achieving the opposite: besmirching the image of the institution further. Asthana is as responsible for betraying the trust of the public. It can be said of every employee of every institution that it is their responsibility to preserve the integrity of the institution they serve. But there is one crucial difference between the director and the rest of the staff. It is only the director of the CBI who gets a fixed two-year tenure. The Supreme Court provided this suraksha kavach a ring of protection only to the director of the CBI, not to every officer of the CBI, for a very good reason. The Supreme Court ring-fenced only the director because that officer is the custodian of public trust in the institution. It is the directors responsibility to protect the image of the CBI (such as it is) and enhance it during his charge. The Supreme Court indicated that this trust factor weighs heavily on its mind when it explained on Friday (16 November) why it had asked the CVC to file its report in a sealed cover. This course of action has been considered necessary by the court keeping in mind the need to preserve and maintain the sanctity of the institution of CBI and public confidence in the said institution, said the court. The operative parts being "sanctity of the institution of CBI" and "public confidence". Verma claimed his deputy had gone rogue. Even if that were true, the solution was not in turning rogue himself. Never has a CBI director supervised the filing of an FIR as flimsy as the one that was filed against Asthana, his immediate deputy. By the same token it is now clear that at least some of the charges brought by Asthana against Verma have failed legal scrutiny. If the special director can put up corruption charges against his boss (in his letter to the Cabinet Secretary no less) some which are unsustainable and if the director can file an FIR in retaliation against his deputy that has the smell of a frame up, it throws up important questions: a) What is the level of efficiency of the CBI that even when the director and the special director want to fix each other, they cant come up with charges that will stick, and b) If this is the extent to which the director and special director can go to fix each other, what must their juniors be doing to ordinary citizen? It sends a chill down the spine to think of all that a CBI officer scorned can do taking cue from these two illustrious gents. What this sordid drama shows is that both the director and special director have been busy carving up the CBI into their personal fiefdoms, forcing everybody around them to become part of this dirty factional war. For that and that alone, Verma should be allowed retire in disgrace rather than retake office. In fact, it might be quite in order for the collegium to convene and dismiss him for the simple fact of allowing himself to be leader of one vicious faction of the CBI against another rather be leader of the entire institution. India inked an agreement with Russia in October 2018 to procure a batch of the missile systems at a cost of Rs 40,000 crore. India went ahead to seal the deal notwithstanding the US' warnings against it. New Delhi: Russia on Wednesday said there will be no delays in the delivery of the S-400 air defence systems to India and a payment mechanism for the deal is being worked out. Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said the missile systems will significantly enhance India's air defence capability. Last week, the government informed Lok Sabha that it will start receiving the missile systems from Russia from October 2020 and the deliveries will be completed by April 2023. India inked an agreement with Russia in October 2018 to procure a batch of the missile systems at a cost of Rs 40,000 crore. India went ahead to seal the deal notwithstanding the US' warnings against it. There were apprehensions about the payment mechanism for the deal in the wake of the US sanctions against Russia. "India would receive the systems as agreed upon in due time, without any delays. And, your (India's) national security will be enhanced substantially," Ryabkov told reporters. "We (Russia) want to be immune to arbitrary unilateral measures undertaken by some country against a very legitimate form of international cooperation," he said. Asked how President Vladimir Putin extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an economic conclave in Vladivostok in Russia in September when the information of India's next prime minister will be known only after the parliamentary elections in April-May, he said Moscow is no mood of assessing the political situation in India. On the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, the deputy foreign minister said there are "huge chances" for the US to formally depart from the treaty in the very near future. The 1987 pact helps protect the security of the US and its allies in Europe and the Far East. "We are deeply concerned on the situation around the INF treaty. We do not see any signs of any improvement so far... We have received a formal note, a formal notification from the US side, of its intention to suspend the implementation of the treaty," he said in response to a question. President Donald Trump in October had confirmed that the US will pull out of an arms control treaty with Russia dating from the cold war that limited the number of missiles in the two nations, accusing Moscow of violating the deal. "The material implementation of the treaty was concluded in 2000, to suspend something that was materially finished, would mean now only a departure from the treaty, altogether some action in contravention from the core, principles of the treaty which is very unfortunate," Ryabkov said. The deputy foreign minister said Russia was "ever prepared to bilaterally deal with this if and when the US would be prepared". "It can be done through a dedicated round of consultations with involvement of all agencies, the military, the diplomats, the security council apparatus and can be done in the form of joint commission, with new implementation of the treaty or in any other form comfortable to the US," Ryabkov said. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter, alleging that Narendra Modi is in a tearing hurry to sack CBI chief Alok Verma as the prime minister is worried about the Rafale deal. New Delhi: Congress president Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter on Thursday, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in a "tearing hurry" to "sack" CBI chief Alok Verma because the former is ostensibly worried about the Rafale deal. On Wednesday, the selection committee headed by Modi met to decide agency director Alok Verma's fate. "Why is the PM in such a tearing hurry to sack the CBI Chief?" Rahul asked on Twitter. He also asked, "Why will he not allow the CBI Chief to present his case in front of the selection committee ?" before writing, "RAFALE." 1. Why is the PM in such a tearing hurry to sack the CBI Chief? 2. Why will he not allow the CBI Chief to present his case in front of the selection committee ? Answer: RAFALE Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 10, 2019 Rahul's attack came two days after the Supreme Court quashed the government's unprecedented "overnight" order issued in October, 2018, stripping Verma of his powers and sending him on leave after a bitter feud with his deputy Rakesh Asthana, with both charging the other with corruption. The court, while reinstating Verma on Tuesday, however, made it clear that he will desist from taking any major policy decision till a high-powered committee considers the issue of "divestment of power and authority". The outcome of the meeting, which took place at the prime minister's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, was not known. Following the apex court verdict on Tuesday, Rahul had said no one can save the prime minister from the Rafale investigation and the entire nation would know "without a shadow of doubt" that he took Rs 30,000 crore of people's money and gave it to his "friend" Anil Ambani. The Congress party has been targeting Modi on the Rafale deal, alleging the price of each aircraft has sharply increased from Rs 526 crore, negotiated by the previous UPA government, to Rs 1,600 crore and that the contract will help Anil Ambani get Rs 30,000 crore benefit through offset contract. The government, as well as Ambani, have rejected the charges. The last few sessions of Parliament witnessed many a Bill being bulldozed through both Houses, by resorting to dubious and unconstitutional means. Yet, even those Bills figured in the list of legislative business of Parliament with ample time given to MPs to prepare for the debate. The last few sessions of Parliament witnessed many a Bill being bulldozed through both Houses, by resorting to dubious and unconstitutional means. Yet, even those Bills figured in the list of legislative business of Parliament with ample time given to MPs to prepare for the debate. The passing of the 124th Constitutional Amendment Bill stands out for the unique manner in which it was forced into being top-priority legislative business, riding roughshod over most parliamentary rules concerning time. For one, the Bill had been in existence only 36 hours when it was introduced before the Lok Sabha, having been drafting on Sunday night. For another, nobody, knew on Tuesday morning that the Bill would be part of the Lok Sabhas business for the day, and Rajya Sabha MPs were surprised to discover, at the end of what they believed was their last day of session, that they would be sitting yet another day. The only seeming explanation for this bizarre distortion of parliamentary process is that the Government had willed that the Bill would be passed in the Winter Session come what may, and the discretion allowed to the chairs of both Houses was fruitfully used to realize the governments desires. The 124th Amendment Bill was approved in a single sitting Cabinet meeting on Monday, 7 January, the morning after it was drafted, and supposedly held the key to the "dreams of crores of Indians". It permits special provisions as well as a maximum of 10 percent reservations to "economically weaker sections" of citizens who are not already protected under Articles 15 and 16 of the Indian constitution, in both private and public educational institutions as well as in jobs in the government. Several details about this Bill, such as the eligibility criteria of a gross annual family income of less than 8 lakhs, and family ownership of residential flats or plots of land of a certain size or less were reported by the media on Monday. Parties had even issued whips to their MPs requiring that they be present and voting on the Amendment Bill. However, no draft of the Amendment Bill was accessible to the public as of Tuesday morning, when the Bill was to be taken up by the Lok Sabha. The Bill was also conspicuously absent on the Lok Sabha's Revised List of Business for that day. The Lok Sabha rules of procedure state that a notice to oppose a Bill's introduction ought to be given by 10 am on the day on which introduction of the Bill is listed in the List of Business (rule 72). Needless to say, when the introduction of a Bill does not figure in the List of Business before the day begins, MPs have no window of opportunity to oppose the introduction of the Bill. The first signs of the Bill appeared on the horizon when Minister for Social Justice introduced the Bill, in the middle of the House's discussion of the DNA Bill, a little past noon on Tuesday. Sashi Tharoor, who was opposing the Trade Union (Amendment) Bill, even remarked that a copy of the Constitutional amendment was being circulated then. At around the same time, a supplementary List of Business was uploaded on the Lok Sabha website listing the Amendment Bill not only for "introduction" but also for "consideration and passing" immediately thereafter. It was then that the first copy of the Bill came into the public domain through a reporter: Govt circulates Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill among Lok Sabha MPs. The Bill stipulates 10% quota for economically weaker sections @DeccanHerald pic.twitter.com/3DvubP7FPY Shemin (@shemin_joy) January 8, 2019 The bill, which was published by the Lok Sabha website after it was introduced in the House, is a pithy 3-page draft that does not even define "economically weaker sections" leave alone stipulate eligibility conditions concerning annual family income or house/land ownership. The definition of the category of beneficiaries is left entirely to the discretion of the government of the day, that may willy nilly notify any stipulations it fancies. At 5 pm that evening, the Bill that was just introduced only 4 hours ago was taken up for "consideration and passing". The intervening 4 hours were spent by MPs in session, thus leaving them no time to even read, leave alone analyse the Bill. The Lok Sabha rules, however, make it compulsory that two days pass after the introduction of a Bill before it can be considered and passed (rule 74). The idea is to permit MPs the time to peruse the Bill and make an educated statement on the virtues and flaws of the Bill. Unfortunately, even this rule of the Lok Sabha permits the Speaker an overriding discretion, which was deployed to bulldoze the Bill's passage late last night without providing any reasons, on its last day of session. On Wednesday, the Bill was listed in the Rajya Sabha's Supplementary List of Business, which specified in a footnote that the Bill be given priority, ahead of all other listed legislative business in the earlier published List of Business. Several MPs led by Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, objected to the last minute extension of the term without the Chair's notice or a consensus of the House, contrary to the rules of procedure. While every MP in both Houses made lip service to the unacceptable rush with which the Bill was made the business of both houses, no MPs opposed the Bill except AIMIM's Asadduddin Owaisi in the Lok Sabha and AIADMK's Navaneethakrishnan and DMK's Kanimozhi in the Rajya Sabha. Even as Kanimozhi registered DMK's protest, the Deputy Chair cut her off asking that she "understand his problem". She had spoken for more time than allocated to her and there was a pressing need to pass the Bill before the end of day, he said. It only helped him that the opposition were in an unspoken consensus with the Government which claimed to be acting on "election promises" - after all, vote banks are a bigger concern to opposition parties than the Constitution of India or parliamentary procedure. The Opposition's half-hearted albeit repeated calls to abide by parliamentary procedure in the Rajya Sabha were met with a statement by the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Vijay Goel, that no time be wasted on "technical issues". If parliamentary procedure can be done away with so easily by the minister entrusted with Parliamentary Affairs, why do we have them at all? There are many costs to the single-minded agenda with which the House's time was manipulated by all parties seeking to extract political value for the upcoming elections. First, the Indian Constitution was amended in one fell swoop over a period of just forty eight hours. Second, crucial bills such as the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2018 and the Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 which were pending debate in the Rajya Sabha were sidestepped to make time for this Bill, even though they had been passed in the Lok Sabha before the Reservation Bill. Worst of all, the Bill does not define the category of beneficiaries of this reservation scheme - leaving us no way to understand what kind of social group will receive reservations under the proposed Articles 15(6) and 16(6). The media reportage on the "8L annual family income" and other conditions indicates that the Government has individuals in mind, not social groups. No data was placed before the House to indicate what percentage of the Indian upper caste population falls within these eligibility criteria, how many jobs already exist that can be made available to the economically disadvantaged of the upper castes, or why creamy layer OBCs and upper castes are treated on par with each other under these criteria notwithstanding the caste disadvantage faced by members from OBC. The last two days were yet another instance of a betrayal of the Constitution of India by the Government and the opposition parties who appear to be working hand in hand, indicating yet again that we the citizens are the only victims of our imploding democratic process. Our political parties have no bone in this fight. The author is an advocate and doctoral fellow at the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research. She teaches democracy and the Indian Constitution through experiential learning. She tweets at @Malawdy Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to lay the foundation of industrial projects in Uttar Pradesh totalling up to Rs 80,000 crore at a groundbreaking ceremony in Lucknow on 20 January. Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to lay the foundation of industrial projects in Uttar Pradesh totalling up to Rs 80,000 crore at a groundbreaking ceremony in Lucknow on 20 January. These projects, mostly related to IT and electronics sector, are part of the Rs 4.68 lakh crore worth Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) signed by the Yogi Adityanath government with public and private sector companies during the UP Investors' Summit held here in February 2018. "We are planning to lay the foundation stones of projects worth nearly Rs 1 lakh crore in January. We are confident that projects worth Rs 75,000 crore to Rs 80,000 crore would be launched at the groundbreaking ceremony," UP Industrial Development Minister Satish Mahana told PTI. The state government is, however, awaiting official confirmation from the PMO about the prime minister's visit next Sunday, an official said. The first groundbreaking ceremony, held in July 2018, was attended by the prime minister who laid the foundation stones of 80 projects worth Rs 60,000 crore. The Adityanath government is also pushing its other mega infrastructure projects, including the Bundelkhand Defence Corridor, Bundelkhand Expressway and Jewar International Airport. While, the defence corridor is expected to attract an investment of almost Rs 50,000 crore, the 289-km Bundelkhand Expressway is estimated to garner investments worth Rs 10,000 crore. A high-powered committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday removed Alok Verma as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director. A high-powered committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday removed Alok Verma as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director, merely a day after he had resumed office on Wednesday. PTI quoted officials as saying that Verma was removed on charges of corruption and dereliction of duty. The officials also said that he was likely to be posted in the National Human Rights Commission. According to news reports, the decision to remove Verma as CBI chief was not a unanimous decision. India Today TV also reported that Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge dissented. The committee had met late on Wednesday and again on Thursday to decide on the matter. A Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) report had made charges of bribery against Verma. The committee had met for over two hours on Thursday to decide the fate of Verma, reinstated by a Supreme Court order after he was sent on forced leave by the government. Here is the full statement of Kharge, who had dissented with the decision to remove Alok Verma as CBI chief: "I am shocked because first of all, I don't know whether it was a majority or unanimous decision. I also do not know whether Alok Verma was given an opportunity to rebut the charges made by the CVC," BJP leader Subramanian Swamy told CNN-News18. Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi also told the news channel that he was sorry to hear this, adding that it was sad to see that a person who had 15 to 20 days left in the job was suddenly removed. The meeting was also attended by Kharge and Justice AK Sikri, who was nominated by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi to represent him. The CBI chief and his deputy Special Director Rakesh Asthana were sent on the forced leave over two months ago to stop the "kilkenny cat fight" between them. They had accused each other of corruption. Verma had revoked most of the transfers done by M Nageshwar Rao, who was appointed as the interim CBI chief in his absence. Ahead of the meeting, Kharge had said he has sought documents, including an enquiry report by the CVC into the matter. "I have asked for certain documents from the government concerning the matter including the CVC's inquiry reports," he had said. He had said that Verma should also be given an opportunity to appear before the committee and represent his case. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had also attacked the government ahead of the crucial meeting and said Modi is in a "tearing hurry" to "sack" Verma because of the Rafale deal. With inputs from PTI As the 116th Congress begins its first full week of work, members should critically assess the NEA and the current expansive executive powers that have been delegated to the executive. The national emergency framework poses a serious and real threat to our democracy when it is used to circumvent our carefully crafted checks-and-balances system. Presidential declarations should be easier for a single body of Congress to revoke, and they should last for days not years. Presidents should be required to articulate why they need special emergency powers, and the reasonableness of that justification should be reviewable by the courts. Expenditures permitted during a national emergency without congressional approval should be capped, and the presidents ability to reenact an emergency declaration that had been terminated by Congress prohibited. Without reform, the NEA remains a legal loophole for the executive to bypass congressional oversight and while maybe not by this president, and maybe not to build a wall, it will at some point be abused. Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders called on Indian authorities to set up an independent inquiry into the murder of tribal community journalist Amit Topno in Jharkhand. Washington: A media watchdog on Wednesday called on the Indian authorities to set up an independent inquiry into the murder of tribal community journalist in Jharkhand, claiming that the local police's investigation has been stalled. On 9 December, 2018, 35-year-old Amit Topno, a community reporter working with Video Volunteers, an NGO that promotes community media, was shot dead at point-blank range. His body was found by some locals at a roadside in Ranchi. The Reporters Without Border (RSF), in a statement, said the local police investigation into Topno's murder "has been stalled". "Topno's reporting clearly annoyed certain people and, in the absence of any other motive, it is time that investigators focused on the hypothesis that his murder was linked to his work as a journalist," Daniel Bastard, the head of RSF's Asia-Pacific desk, said. "In view of the lack of action by the local police, we call on the Indian authorities to immediately appoint a special team to carry out an independent investigation and identify those responsible for this despicable crime as soon as possible," he said. According to Deepak Bara, the coordinator of the Video Volunteers website, the sensitive stories covered by Topno included the growing conflicts with the local authorities resulting from emancipation movements within the Adivasi minority and their attempts to assert their special rights under their ST status, which is supposed to help them combat discrimination. In recent months, he had been covering the Pathalgadi movement, in which Adivasi have been erecting large stone slabs at the entrance to their villages inscribed with the articles of the Constitution that accord special privileges to Scheduled Tribes. These articles are routinely violated and, in Topno's district Khunti, the violations increased after gold was discovered there, fuelling local authority interest, the RSF statement said. Seeing the magnitude of the problem of land inequality, the Indian government had initiated land reforms programmes soon after Independence. As the agenda for upcoming general elections for Lok Sabha shapes up, one agenda that is likely to be missing is that of wealth inequality and, more precisely, land ownership. Yet, the issue remains ever relevant as about 5 percent of farmers hold about 32 percent of farmland and a large farmer (owner of around 43 acres) owns 45 times the size of land that a marginal farmer (owner of around 0.96 acres) owns. Seeing the magnitude of the problem of land inequality, the Indian government had initiated land reforms programmes soon after Independence which were subsequently adopted in different states. While the programmes succeeded in a few states, they largely failed in most. The stagnation of the progress of land reforms programmes in various states and in the nation as a whole, especially in recent times, has been elaborated in detail by this correspondent in an earlier published article. Acknowledging this failure, in 2009, the Committee on State Agrarian Relations and the Unfinished Task of Land Reforms (henceforth referred to as CSLR), appointed by the Government of India, prepared an extensive report looking over the entire gamut of land reforms which was forwarded to PMO, the same year in September. Yet almost a decade later, no progress has been made on the report as revealed by the Ministry of Rural Development (MORD) in response to an RTI application made by this correspondent. The matter of the report is still being processed at the PMO, response to a separate RTI application to the PMO says. Along with the committee, a National Council for Land Reforms (NCLR) under the chairmanship of the prime minister had also been appointed in 2008, which is yet to meet even once as informed by the MORD response. The committee and the council were appointed as part of a renewed focus on land reforms. The agenda of land reforms, with regards to land ceiling, land redistribution and rehabilitation of tribal population alienated from their land among other issues, was part of the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) released by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) in May 2004 after coming to power. The report contains observations and recommendations from seven sub-committees which looked at issues of land ceiling and redistribution of ceiling surplus, government and bhoodan land; tenancy, sub-tenancy and homestead rights; governance and policies related to land; alienation of tribal and Dalit lands; modernisation of land management; common property resources and conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural use and land management in the north-eastern states. A quick study of the report reveals its perspective to be favouring landless, marginalised communities, historically deprived communities, women, tribal population and poor farmers, among others. At multiple points, it critiques the provisions of the various legislations and executive decisions such as Special Economic Zones Act 2005, Central Land Acquisition Act, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notification 2006 and other policies, many of which were enforced during the UPA reign itself. For instance, it highlights that the monitoring of compliance of EIA is self-regulatory and some of the EIAs are being funded by the proponents of the project themselves which could be adversarial to norms of public consultation. Similarly, it severely criticises the SEZ Act 2005 for no mention of the role of the Pollution Control Board and coastal regulation provisions, among other shortcomings and defects. It also recommends for the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act 1996 (PESA) to be extended to non-scheduled areas where there is a sizeable tribal population and its better implementation in nine states where it is enforced. At the same time, it also recommends strengthening the role of tribal advisory councils, better implementation of Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 and amendment of Land Acquisition Acts (Central and States) to incorporate rehabilitation and resettlement act for all projects. It also proposes a Minimum Land Holding Act for settling of nomadic tribes as well as enforcement of samata judgment in all acquisition of tribal land by private companies. These are few of the many observations and recommendations that suggest the reports inclination for vulnerable sections of population by contextualising them both historically and in present day scenario. The committee underlines the implementation of land reforms as paramount for equitable agrarian relations and as part of countrys national psyche in the report itself. It also raises concern for the health of the land reforms agenda in the wake of neo-liberal reforms and highlights the huge discrepancies in the total land controlled by the small farmers and the large and medium farmers. The report also indicts the poor implementation of land reforms programme by various states in the past. With regards to the action taken on this report, the MORD annual reports reveal that the report which was finalised within a years time was also sent to the PMO and the various state governments for their review and recommendations since land is a state subject. In the meantime, it was sent to a Committee of Secretaries (CoS) for review, which had forwarded its recommendations and comments to the PMO. However, in the response to the RTI application, the Department of Land Resources, MORD declined to disclose the details of the deliberations of the CoS on the pretext of Section 8 (1) (i) of the RTI Act 2005, which allows non-disclosure provided that once the final decision is taken, the material on basis of which the decision has been taken shall be made public. With decisions still pending, these deliberations are not likely to be made public anytime in the near future. Thus, there had neither been any action taken on the report nor are there deliberations or recommendations on the same in public domain. The lack of action on the report in the past ten years is reflective of a policy paradigm shift when it comes to land reforms, tenancy issues, land redistribution, protection of tribal lands and forest areas and protection from land acquisition policies and acts in general as reflected by a quick analysis of MORD annual reports from 2007-08 onwards. The section on land reforms in the 2007-08 report initially mentions the importance of agrarian reforms and land reforms for ensuring social justice and poverty alleviation respectively. The ensuing sections talk about rehabilitation and resettlement in cases of land acquisition, tenancy rights, prevention of alienation of tribals from their lands alongside renewed focus on land reforms. The report also mentions efforts for computerisation and modernisation of land records, especially for effective enforcement of land reforms. In subsequent reports during the UPA era, the National Land Records Modernisation Programme (NLRMP) acquires greater significance with a focus on its technical aspects and efficiency in the interest of conclusive land titling. The mention of rehabilitation and resettlement is retained while the section on land reforms is increasingly diminished with absence of any reference to social justice and poverty alleviation. The report for 2013-14 is not available on the website of the Ministry of Rural Development. The one from 2014-15, the first available from the present NDA term, talks about NLRMP in detail with separate section on land titling, national land use policy and land governance assessment. The section on land reforms has no mention of the report on land reforms or the NCLR. The 2015-16 report begins with informing that the NLRMP has been renamed as the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP). The 2016-17 report signifies the conclusive transformation in the land reforms agenda. The land reforms section of the report begins with highlighting the modernisation of land records and mapping of land but the sub-section on land reforms agenda with regards to land redistribution, prevention of land alienation etc is completely absent. The transformation seems complete in the 2017-18 report, even as a chapter in the report is completely done away with. Based on the RTI responses and the analysis of annual reports, it is evident that the agenda of land reforms, as prioritised in the CMP in 2004, gained momentum in 2008 with the appointment of the committee and the council. However, after the exit of CPM from UPA during the vote of confidence motion in Lok Sabha on the issue of Indo-US nuclear deal the same year, apparently the momentum slowly dissipated. The UPA government dragged its feet on this issue for the remaining term and during UPA-II, only lip service was paid to it. During the subsequent NDA term, the agenda of land reforms has been completely forgotten, if not abandoned as the National Council on Land Reforms still awaits a maiden meeting. The author is an independent journalist and maintains a blog OpinionTandoor Hot in the heels of Kashmiri IAS officer Shah Faesal's resignation, Congress leader P Chidambaram took a dig at the Narendra Modi-government saying everyone could relate to Faesal's predicament. New Delhi: Union minister Jitendra Singh said the resignation of Kashmiri IAS officer Shah Faesal displayed a "lack of conviction" on Faesal's part and that the former civil servant should have been "ready to condemn the act of terrorism". Singh's rebuke was countered by National Conference supremo Omar Abdullah, who had, on Wednesday, welcomed Faesal to the "fold". Singh, who is the minister of state (independent charge) for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, North East India, as well as minister of state for the Prime Minister's Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, along with the departments of Atomic Energy and Space, spoke to ANI, addressing Faesal. "You can't enjoy protection of security forces against a potential attack and at the same time not be courageous enough to point at a terrorist and call him a terrorist but find a soft target in an Indian state which is tolerant and gives leverage to your expression," Singh said. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on the resignation of Shah Faesal, an IAS officer from J&K: This in itself is an indication of lack of conviction. If you have the conviction then you should be ready to condemn the act of terrorism... 1/2 pic.twitter.com/mWQlDmFztk ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 Singh's suggestion that Faesal has enjoyed a life free from the violence of terrorism was taken apart by Abdullah who pointed out on Twitter that the Kashmiri's father had "died in the hands of militants." Faesal, who resigned on Wednesday, is likely to join the National Conference, and contest the Parliamentary elections from the north Kashmir seat. He had, on Wednesday, attributed his decision to the "unabated killings in Kashmir", the Central government's "lack of sincere" efforts to reach out to the Kashmiris and the "marginalisation of the Indian Muslims". Abdullah referred to Singh as "Dr Sahib" and asked him to "educate" himself before speaking. Dr Sahib Shah Faesals father was killed by militants but I dont expect you to bother to educate yourself before you speak. No one more than Faesal knows the pain & suffering militancy & violence have brought upon Kashmir & its people. https://t.co/YfHGIrL3eZ Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) January 10, 2019 Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, meanwhile, took a dig at the BJP-led Central government over the resignation, saying the world will take note of "his cry of anguish and defiance". In a series of tweets, the former home and finance minister claimed whatever Faesal, the first Kashmiri IAS topper, had said was an indictment of the Narendra Modi-government. Though sad, I salute Mr @shahfaesal IAS (now resigned). Every word of his statement is true and is an indictment of the BJP government. The world will take note of his cry of anguish and defiance. P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 10, 2019 Chidambaram tweeted that not long ago "legendary police officer" Julio Ribeiro, a former top cop of Punjab and a former commissioner of the Mumbai Police, had stated the same thing, but there was "not a word of reassurance from the rulers". To protest the unabated killings in Kashmir and absence of any credible political initiative from Union Government, I have decided to resign from IAS. Kashmiri lives matter. I will be addressing a press-conference on Friday. Attached is my detailed statement. pic.twitter.com/Dp41rFIzIg Shah Faesal (@shahfaesal) January 9, 2019 "Such statements from our fellow citizens must make us hang our heads in regret and shame," Chidambaram added. On the Modi government, Ribeiro had said the country needed inclusive development and not just for some sections. He had also said he "felt threatened, not wanted, reduced to a stranger in his own country" and that he never felt that he belonged to a different religion. Gujarat CID is verifying the claim made by main accused BJP MLA Chhabil Patel's family that he was in the US for business-related reasons at the time of the Jayanti Bhanushali murder. Ahmedabad: The Gujarat CID is trying to trace the whereabouts of BJP leader Chhabil Patel, a suspect in the killing of former party MLA Jayanti Bhanushali, after Patel's family claimed that he was in the US, officials said on Thursday. The Crime Investigation Department (CID) has also sought information from Ahmedabad airport authorities about all those who flew out of the country from here during the period when Bhanushali was killed, they said. Bhanushali, 53, was shot dead in a moving train on Tuesday when was returning to Ahmedabad from Bhuj town of Kutch district in Gujarat. The first information report (FIR) registered on Wednesday at the Gandhidham railway police station in Kutch named Patel, his son, and four others, including a woman, as "suspects". While Chhabil Patel's son Siddharth Patel had earlier told reporters that his father was in the US for business-related work, the Gujarat CID-Crime and Railways, which is probing the killing, was yet to verify the claim. "We cannot believe someone's claim blindly. People can claim anything. We are still probing this aspect," Superintendent of Police (CID) Bhavna Patel said. She is part of a seven-member special investigation team (SIT) of the CID probing Bhanushali's killing. Deputy Superintendent of Police (CID) J P Raol, who is also part of the SIT, said the Ahmedabad airport authorities have been asked to provide data about air travellers during the period of the killing. "It is still a matter of investigation as to where Chhabil Patel is. We have sought some information from the Ahmedabad airport authorities to find out if he has fled to another country," Raol said. Bhanushali had stepped down as Gujarat BJP vice president in July, 2018, after a woman accused him of rape. The High Court had later quashed the case after she withdrew the complaint. He represented Abdasa Assembly constituency in Kutch from 2007 to 2012. Chhabil Patel, a Congress candidate then, had defeated him in the 2012 Assembly election. Within two years, Patel switched sides and joined the BJP but lost the bypoll for the seat in 2014. In 2017, the party chose Patel over Bhanushali for Abdasa seat, but he lost to a Congress candidate. Jayanti Bhanushali's nephew Sunil Bhanushali had alleged in the police complaint that Patel held his uncle responsible for his defeat in 2014 and 2017 and held a grudge against him. He also alleged that to end Jayanti Bhanushali's political career, Chhabil Patel and others made a CD which showed his uncle in a compromising position with a woman. When Bhanushali refused to retire from political life as allegedly demanded by Patel, the latter hatched the murder conspiracy, the complaint said. In a remark which is likely to spark controversy, army chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said that the India Army is conservative and not above the law, but there is no place for homosexuals in the army. In a remark which is likely to spark controversy, army chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said that the India Army is conservative and not above the law, but there is no place for homosexuals in the army. Quoting the army chief, News18 reported. No GAYS & ADULTERY pls we are the Army. Gen Bipin Rawat says Army are not above the Supreme Court but 'ye sab Humara yahan Nahi chalega. We are conservative' @CNNnews18 @adgpi pic.twitter.com/IbsqpS5gOy Shreya Dhoundial (@shreyadhoundial) January 10, 2019 Homosexuality was decriminalised by the Supreme Court last year, but the Army chief insisted "hum logon ke yahan nahi chalega (all this wont work here). He accepted that the Army is not above the law but maintained that the Constitution does give it some independence. "We are neither modernised, nor westernised. LGBT issues are not acceptable to us," he said, adding that they would "still deal with the issues under the Army Act". The Supreme Court order striking off parts of the archaic Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code had been hailed as a milestone moment for LGBTQ rights in the country, but it has failed to translate into any change for the soldiers. Laws governing the three arms of the Indian military bar homosexuality and rule it a punishable offence. Section 45 the Army Act, 1950, talks about the unbecoming conduct of officers without detailing it while Section 46 (a) says any person guilty of any disgraceful conduct of a cruel, indecent or unnatural kind will, on conviction by court-martial, face up to seven years in jail. As far as adultery is concerned, last year, the Supreme Court had struck down a colonial-era law, saying it was unconstitutional, dented the individuality of women and treated them as "chattel of husbands". Earlier, Rawat had ruffled feathers when he said women were not ready for combat roles. The Army chief had given reasons such as women having the responsibility of raising children and a woman officer feeling uncomfortable at the frontlines or accusing jawans of peeping as she changes clothes. Rawat was addressing the media as part of Army's annual address to the nation and said, "As far as the situation along the border is concerned, the army has been managing well both on the western and the northern front." Rawat also said that the Indian Army has managed the situation well along the borders with China and Pakistan. Rawat said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be improved further. "We are only facilitators for peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Violence is being perpetrated by Jammu and Kashmir's own people," he said. Commenting on the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Rawat said it is a bilateral issue between two nations. There is no place for third party intervention. We've to talk on our terms and conditions. Our terms and conditions are very clear. Come to negotiation table and lets start talking, but shun the gun, give up violence." Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat in Delhi: J&K is a bilateral issue b/w 2 nations. There is no place for 3rd party intervention. We've to talk on our terms&conditions. Our terms&conditions are very clear. Come to negotiation table&lets start talking, but shun the gun, give up violence pic.twitter.com/umZsiNPHXp ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 "We're adopting hard-power and soft-power approach. But the offer to terrorists to come overground and look at peace is always there. Who is getting affected by this(terrorism)? People of Kashmir themselves," he said, adding, "There are around 300 terrorists waiting across the LoC to infiltrate into India." Speaking on Afghanistan, he said, "If a number of countries are talking to the Taliban, and if India has an interest in Afghanistan, then we should also join the bandwagon." However, he added that the "Taliban analogy" cannot apply to Jammu and Kashmir. "Talks in the state have to be on our terms," he said. He also claimed that the situation in the North East has been improved by the army. Calling for unity among army veterans, he said, "I have noticed that there is a kind of disunity among some of our veterans. I think they need to be united. Our veterans are a very strong community which is required to support the mainstream. They can do that if they unite and remain united." Rawat revealed plans for providing help to disabled veterans. "Now, we have a strong database of soldiers with genuine disabilities. We are helping them in every possible way. This year we are focusing on doing away with the disparity among the next of kins of the soldiers," he said. With inputs from agencies National Commission for Minorities chairperson Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi said on Thursday that no hindrance should be created in the hearing of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute in the Supreme Court, saying the earliest resolution of it will benefit both Hindus and Muslims. New Delhi: National Commission for Minorities chairperson Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi said on Thursday that no hindrance should be created in the hearing of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute in the Supreme Court, saying the earliest resolution of it will benefit both Hindus and Muslims. Rizvi also thanked the Modi government for the 10-per cent reservation in employment and education to the economically weaker sections, claiming it will be more beneficial for the minorities most of whom are financially poor, he said. "No one should create any hurdle in the hearing of the case. The country, as well as Hindus and Muslims, will be benefitted with the earliest resolution of the dispute," Rizvi told reporters. The Supreme Court on Thursday decided to constitute a fresh five-judge Constitution bench to hear the politically sensitive Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute on 29 January after a judge, Justice UU Lalit, recused himself. Rizvi termed Parliament's approval to the bill for 10 per cent reservation to general category poor, as a "historic" development. "It is a historic thing as the economically weaker among Muslims will be provided reservation for the first time in the history. We thank the government for the bill which was passed by Rajya Sabha on Wednesday as it will go a long way in benefitting economically weaker sections of the minorities," he said. Rizvi supported the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, saying exclusions of Muslims from its ambit was not unjustified as they did not migrate to India from countries such as Bangladesh because of persecution. "Minorities like Hindus were persecuted in Bangladesh that's why they came here. Muslims came due to other reasons like seeking jobs," he said. The bill seeking an amendment to the Citizenship Act will provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan based on some conditions after it is passed by Parliament. Rajya Sabha passes quota bill; Supreme Court to start hearing on Ayodhya title suit; Selection panel to meet on Alok Verma - these are Thursday's top stories Rajya Sabha passes quota bill The Parliament on Wednesday approved amending the Constitution to provide 10 percent reservation to general category poor in jobs and education with the government terming the landmark move as 'slog over sixes'. A day after Lok Sabha approved The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019, the Rajya Sabha passed the law with 165 voting in favour and seven against. In the last leg of the legislative process, the Bill will now go to the President for his assent. And once it gets his nod, it will become the law that will provide economically weaker sections in the general category with 10 percent reservation in education as well as Central and state government jobs. The Bill was approved after the House rejected a motion moved by Kanimozhi (DMK) and supported by Left parties for sending it to a parliamentary select committee for scrutiny. The Bill was approved after the House rejected five amendments moved by Opposition members. SC to start hearing on Ayodhya title suit A five-judge Constitution bench led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi will hear the Ayodhya case along with four other judges Justice SA Bobde, Justice NV Ramana, Justice UU Lalit and Justice DY Chandrachud. The Supreme Court is scheduled to take up petitions for hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case from Thursday at 10.30 am, ANI reported. All the judges accompanying the CJI are slated to be CJI themselves at some of time in the future. On 4 January, a three-judge Supreme Court bench took up as many as 14 appeals filed against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgment, delivered in four civil suits. The 2010 judgment had said that the 2.77-acre disputed land be partitioned equally among the three parties the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. The apex court on 29 October had fixed the matter in the first week of January before an "appropriate bench", which will decide the schedule of hearing. An application was moved earlier praying an urgent hearing by advancing the date, but the top court had refused the plea, saying it had already passed an order relating to the hearing on the matter. Selection panel to meet on Alok Verma The Selection Committee on CBI director will meet again on Thursday after documents were provided to all members on the issue at hand on Wednesday evening. Alok Verma who resumed office as Director reversed transfers ordered in his absence. The CBI director joined office on Wednesday, 77 days after he was sent on forced leave by the Central government through a much-criticised late-night order on 23 October 2018, which was set aside by the Supreme Court. Joint Director M Nageswar Rao, a 1986-batch Odisha cadre IPS officer who was later promoted as additional director, was given the duties and functions of the CBI director late night on 23 October, 2018, after Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana were divested of their powers. Rao had issued seven transfer orders including those probing corruption case against Asthana, like DySP AK Bassi, DIG MK Sinha, Joint Director AK Sharma among others. Meanwhile, on Thursday, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi nominated Justice AK Sikri to be part of the Selection Committee that will decide on Verma's fate at the agency for the remainder of his tenure till 31 January. TCS Q3 results to be out today IT majors Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys will be kickstarting the earnings season this week. Today, IT bellwether, TCS will release its third quarter earnings. The country's largest exporter posted a 22.6 percent jump in consolidated net profit at Rs 7,901 crore in September quarter, compared with a net profit of Rs 6,446 crore in the year-ago period. The growth in the reporting quarter was driven by expanding demand for digital transformation across verticals, and continued acceleration in banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) and retail, the company said. Centre, states, industry representatives to discuss ways to boost exports today In the wake of growing protectionism globally, Centre, state governments and industry representatives will meet on Thursday to discuss ways to boost the country's exports. The issues would be deliberated upon in the fourth meeting of the Council for Trade Development and Promotion, which will be chaired by the Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu. Indian film in Haryanvi dialect Gaddi heads to Rotterdam Ridham Janve's debut feature The Gold Laden Sheep and The Sacred will have its international premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) this year. The film, presented by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), is competing with 20 films from all over the world in the Bright Future Competition Section, which highlights new talents and new approaches to cinema, read a statement.The fest will be held from 23 January to 3 February. Set among the Gaddi community in Himachal Pradesh, the film explores the adventures of a shepherd, Arjun (played by Bhedpal Arjun Pant) who sets out to find a pilot who crashed near the mountain. The film is in the Gaddi language. Former Assam Sahitya Sabha president Nagen Saikia came down heavily on the government for taking such a drastic step. The slapping of sedition charges against Sahitya Akademi awardee Assamese litterateur Hiren Gohain, senior journalist Manjit Mahanta and Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti leader Akhil Gogoi in Assam on Thursday has evoked sharp reactions from all corners in the state. All three were speaking at a public event in Guwahati recently that was held to protest the attempts of the governments both at the Centre and in the state to turn the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill into an Act. Gohain, a former Gauhati University professor and a prolific writer had in the meeting warned that the call for a "free" Assam might revive again if the Citizenship Bill is imposed upon the indigenous people in the form of a law passed by the Parliament. According to a PTI report, the police suo motu registered a case at the Latasil police station in Guwahati under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code: including 124(A) that deals with charges of sedition, 120 (B) dealing with criminal conspiracy. "We have registered the case no. 15/19 and are going through the speeches made by different speakers in the meeting to examine if there is any reference to any call for sovereignty. We are lawfully bound to act as the meeting was held in our presence. It was held on 7 January at the Tarini Choudhury Government Girls HS & MP School at Silpukhuri in Guwahati. The meeting was convened by Manjit Mahanta," said officer-in-charge of the Latasil police station Upen Kalita. Senior IPS officer and Guwahati commissioner of police Deepak Kumar said that the investigation is on. "We have not made any arrests. Things will become clear only after the investigation is over," Kumar said. All three individuals are part of the Nagarik Samaj organisation protesting the Bill tooth and nail which called the meeting. The Congress party also objected to the manner in which the government is handling the case. "I condemn this act of the government," veteran Congress leader and former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi told Firstpost. "The state government is trying to shut the mouth of the people but it won't succeed. I do not support such an angry reaction from the government. Even though I don't support what Gohain said regarding a 'free' Assam, I believe that he broke no law. The state government should realise that such harsh measures would only encourage the protestors to protest more and not scare them off. I demand that the state government withdraws the case against Gohain." The tough stand by the government was also criticised by its recent ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) which withdrew three of its ministers from the Sonowal government on Wednesday protesting against the BJP's intent to get the Citizenship Bill passed. AGP president Atul Bora, the party's working president Keshab Mahanta and Phani Bhushan Choudhury tendered the resignation to the chief minister last evening as the party fear that sticking with the BJP will do the regional outfit more harm than good. "The government through such repressive measures is trying to hide its weaknesses. Gohain did not say any seditious thing. The Citizenship Bill threatens the Assamese community. The act of the state government is at best condemnable. The government should refrain from taking such repressive measures," said senior AGP leader and former Assam chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta. He represents the Barhampur legislative Assembly constituency in Assam. BJP Gauhati Lok Sabha MP Bijoya Chakravarty disagreed with the former chief ministers. "Gohain is against Assam. He has become a reactionary individual. He is no longer an intellectual as he was at one point of time," she said. BJP leader Suman Haripriya and Hajo MLA blamed the Congress. "As the election is nearing the Congress is doing all kinds of things to instigate people," Haripriya said. Former Assam Sahitya Sabha president Nagen Saikia came down heavily on the government for taking such a drastic step. "It's a wrong move by the government. Gohain did not say anything seditious. He only expressed what he feared. By this act, the government has only invited another movement against it. It is an unfortunate incident," Saikia said. All Assam Students' Union advisor Samujjal Bhattacharyya also severely criticised the steps taken by the Assam government. "This is a complete misuse of power by the state government. The BJP, the Assam government and the Centre have betrayed the people of Assam. This approach by the government machinery is not acceptable to the people of Assam. The government should know that such repressive measures would not finish off the movement," said Bhattacharyya. In a nutshell, according to PRS Legislative Research, "The Bill amends the Citizenship Act, 1955 to make illegal migrants who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, eligible for citizenship. Under the Act, one of the requirements for citizenship by naturalisation is that the applicant must have resided in India during the last 12 months, and for 11 of the previous 14 years. The Bill relaxes this 11 year requirement to six years for persons belonging to the same six religions and three countries." The Lok Sabha has already passed the Bill on 8 January while it is yet to get the nod from the Rajya Sabha. There are apprehensions in most of the northeastern states, even among allies of the BJP including the Mizo National Front, Indigenous People's Front of Tripura and National People's Party, that the passing of the Bill in Parliament would bring an immense existential crisis for the indigenous population in these states thereby triggering off massive violent protests in the region. Assam Police has filed a case against three intellectuals of the state on charges of sedition after they raised the issue of separate statehood. Assam Police has filed a case against three intellectuals of the state on charges of sedition after they raised the issue of separate statehood for Assam if the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 was passed by the government. Upen Kalita, officer in charge of the Latasil police station in Guwahati, has filed the case against Dr Hiren Gohain, an intellectual and academician, Manjit Mahanta, a senior journalist, and Akhil Gogoi, an RTI activist and leader of the peasant organisation named Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti under the number 15/2019 under section 120(B), 121/123/124 of Indian Penal Code. In a public rally in Guwahati against the Citizenship Amendment Bill on 7 January, the activists had allegedly stated that they were going to raise the demand of breaking out of the Indian nation if the Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed by the Centre. Assam has been on the boil after the Bill, which intends to give citizenship to refugees on the basis of religion, was tabled in the Parliament during the Winter Session. The FIR reads: On 7/01/19, under the leadership of Manjit Mahanta, a citizen meeting was held in Guwahati Club under Latasil Police Station from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm against the Citizenship Amendment Bill. In this meeting intellectual Dr. Hiren Gohain, noted journalist Haidar Hussain, Lachit Bordoloi, Akhil Gogoi from KMSS along with former Chief Ministers of Assam - Prafulla Kumar Mahanta (AGP) and Tarun Gogoi(Congress), former DGP of Assam Harekrishna Deka, Hemen Das from CPM participated. In this meeting, they hurled slogans of 'Murdabad' against honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal while opposing the bill and declared the day as 'Dhikkar Divas'." The FIR further reads: In this meeting Akhil Gogoi while giving speech against the Citizenship Bill, stressed on the need of creating a separate nation out of India. He urged for the support of the people of Assam which threatens the sovereignty of India. He also said that he was living in non-independent country and wanted to live in a free country. Dr. Hiren Gohain in his speech supported Akhil Gogoi and said that if necessary they would go to villages of Assam and gain support against the government of India and Assam. So, though the meeting was held democratically but these people threatened the sovereignty of the country and so I urge to take action against these people. On the other hand, over hundreds of supporters of Dr Gohain reached his home to prevent arrest of the intellectual in his house in Guwahati. Dr Gohain said, I have come to learn that an FIR has been prepared by the police in a local police station accusing me of sedition against the state. I do not yet have the details. The police have not contacted met yet nor have I any idea of the kind of evidence on which the charges have been raised. As far as my knowledge goes, there was a joint rally of Forum Against Citizenship Amendment Bill and Left Democratic Front of 7th January. I have allegedly made a statement amounting to sedition there." "In truth, some younger elements at the rally, in their indignation on the attitude of the government towards the bill and protests in Assam, mentioned the irrelevance of the freedom of Assam swadhinata. I intervened to state that such a demand can have relevance only, if and, when all democratic resources have been exhausted and if and when the state and all democratic parties and organisations of India reject the legitimate demands of the people of Assam. I had elaborated my stand by further stating that by fighting for the secular basis of citizenship of India and the dignity and rights of Assam in a federal polity, we are fighting for the fundamentally democratic state of India. Another accused Manjit Mahanta said, The police has filed the case stating that we have mentioned the issue of independence of Assam on 7 January. The issue was raised by Akhil Googi and then, we talked of the same. We said that if New Delhi always neglects and disrespects the demand of Assam, and plays with the identity of the people of Assam, then people could raise the demand of independence. But that will happen democratically and with full faith on the Constitution of India. We never talked about armed struggles." He further said that the government of Assam has been using the police to destroy the protest of the people against the Bill. A three-member committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday removed Alok Verma as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director, merely a day after he had resumed office on Wednesday Former attorney general Mukul Rohatgi on Thursday said that Verma's sharp reaction to his removal was "not in good taste". Verma has claimed that he was transferred on the basis of "false, unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations" made by only one person who was inimical to him. Breaking his silence over the issue, Verma termed it "sad" that he was transferred to another post pursuant to the orders of the committee on the basis of "false, unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations made by only one person, who was inimical to him". "I don't think Alok Verma's statements are in good taste. If the PM and a senior Supreme Court judge, after seeing the CVC report, gave a decision, then its not fair for Verma to say the decision is bad. The government should have settled this earlier. It has spoiled the name of the agency and the CBI," Rohatgi told ANI. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy told CNN-News18, "I am shocked... I do not know whether Alok Verma was given an opportunity to rebut the charges made by the CVC." Earlier on Thursday, Swamy had said that Verma cannot be removed merely on the basis of a CVC report, without the government hearing him. He had asked the prime minister to not to listen to "bogus legal brains" in the government who had given wrong advice and landed the government in such a situation. Swamy had gone to the probe agency's headquarters to meet Verma, who resumed his duties on Wednesday. According to PTI, he told reporters that the CVC report was based on the version of another officer who gave a "false report". "It has to be investigated. I don't think it can be done (Verma can be removed). If Verma is removed problem will get only worse not better. I would like the prime minister to take steps to see that this episode becomes history," he said. Swamy, however, said he was not at the probe agency's office regarding this issue. CPM leader D Raja, reacting to the development, told India Today that this decision proves that the credibility of CBI is completely lost. Whereas, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi told CNN-News18 that he was sorry to hear this, adding that it was sad to see that a person who had 15 to 20 days left in the job was suddenly removed. He later tweeted that it is a case of "innumerable skeletons tumbling out of the government's dirty cupboard" as the BJP and Narendra Modi could not "tolerate him for 20 days". Instead of giving him compensatory 77 days additional tenure, he is summarily removed. CVC office totally compromised. Mere adjectives, absolutely no proof in the CVC report," he tweeted. how comm decd wo Natural justice wo calling #alokverma for a hearing? How removed on mere allegations found in #cvc report. Cvc provided shoulder 4govt 2fire gun, completely compromising his office. SC judges in comm do nt exercise judl powers & r reviewable as any othr decision. Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) January 10, 2019 #alokverma 6 of 10 allegations nt made out; the 4relied upon have no findings; mere adjectives like behaviour nt upto mark, suspicion etc; if mere allegations were enuff wld #PM or #Amitshah step down on surmises &allegations. Remove CBI director wo hearing wo finding wo proof! Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) January 10, 2019 Senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan also tweeted to express his resentment against Verma's removal. He called the move government's "desperation to prevent any investigation". Breaking! So, a day after he resumed charge as CBI Director, the Committee headed by Modi again transfers out Alok Verma post haste, w/o even hearing him, fearing the prospect of his registering an FIR against Modi in the Rafale scam! Such desperation to prevent any investigation Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) January 10, 2019 Reacting to the development, the Congress said, "By removing Alok Verma from his position without giving him the chance to present his case, Narendra Modi has shown once again that he's too afraid of an investigation, either by an independent CBI director or by Parliament via JPC." Congress senior spokesperson Anand Sharma alleged that the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) "had lost credibility and was compromised". Whereas, Union Minister Piyush Goyal pointed out to Kharge's double-standards as he called out the Congress leader for having dissented even when Verma was appointed as the CBI chief and now again when he was removed. Indeed, Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge is a man of amazing consistency. When Shri Alok Verma was appointed CBI chief by the selection committee, he dissented. Now, when Shri Alok Verma has been removed by the same Selection Committee, he has dissented. Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) January 10, 2019 Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi also criticised the "hurried" move saying that it shows Modi's "desperation". Priyanka Chaturvedi,Congress on #AlokVerma: Hurried decision shows desperation level to ensure he gets out of the way as he was going to probe Rafale scam. In his dissent note,he(Kharge) has mentioned the loopholes in the manner in which constitutional norms were bypassed by Govt pic.twitter.com/RdTqDeZgBO ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 Congress leader and Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot said that he senses a "conspiracy" behind the decision. Sachin Pilot, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister on #AlokVerma transferred: There is something murky going on which needs to be investigated, the Congress party has already objected to it. Something very suspicious about all this pic.twitter.com/lEjEoJFs5a ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 The CBI chief and his deputy Special Director Rakesh Asthana were sent on a forced leave two months ago to stop the "Kilkenny cat fight" between them after they had publicly accused each other of corruption. Verma returned to his office after a 77-day exile following the Supreme Court setting aside a controversial government order divesting him of all powers on 23 October, 2018. In its order on Tuesday, the Supreme Court set aside Verma's forced leave but restrained him from taking any major policy decision till the CVC probe into corruption charges against him is over. After taking over, Verma had revoked most of the transfers done by M Nageshwar Rao, who was appointed as the interim CBI chief in his absence. Meanwhile, ahead of the meeting on Thursday, Kharge had said he has sought documents, including an enquiry report by the CVC into the matter. He had said that Verma should also be given an opportunity to appear before the committee and represent his case. Earlier, Congress President Rahul Gandhi had also attacked the government ahead of the crucial meeting and said Modi is in a "tearing hurry" to "sack" Verma because of the Rafale deal. With inputs from PTI Hi, this is Ali, a donor to the National Center for Transgender Equality, calling to ask you to support Delegate Kathy Szeliga in tomorrows Republican primary election, the call stated. Kathy Szeliga is a true friend of the transgender community, having voted for House Bill 1003, making it illegal to discriminate against transgendered persons in the workplace. With the support of lawmakers willing to work across the aisle, like Kathy Szeliga, transgenders will soon be able to use the bathrooms of their choice. Again, this is Ali calling to ask you to support Kathy Szeliga, a friend of the transgender community. Thank you. With an aim to expand the outreach of quality health care to the remote corners of the nation, the Union Cabinet gave its nod to the proposal for establishing three new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) including one each for Jammu and Kashmir region and one at Gujarat. New Delhi: With an aim to expand the outreach of quality health care to the remote corners of the nation, the Union Cabinet gave its nod to the proposal for establishing three new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) including one each for Jammu and Kashmir region and one at Gujarat. The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday gave its approval for establishing AIIMS at Vijaynagar, Samba, Jammu at a cost of Rs 1,661 Crore; Awantipura, Pulwama, Kashmir at a cost of Rs 1,828 Crore and at Rajkot, Gujarat at a cost of Rs 1,195 Crore. Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda, said that the approval follows the Prime Minister's vision and upholds the spirit of 'Sabka Saath, SabkaVikas'. "Two new AIIMS, one each for Jammu Region and Kashmir Region in the State of Jammu and Kashmir was announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the Prime Minister's Development Package and AIIMS in Gujarat was announced by the Finance Minister in his Budget Speech," said Nadda. Each new AIIMS will have 100 undergraduate (MBBS) seats and 60 B.Sc (Nursing) seats and will have 15-20 super speciality departments. "Each new AIIMS will add around 750 hospital beds. As per data of current functional AIIMS, it is expected that each new AIIMS would cater to around 1,500 OPD patients per day and around 1000 IPD patients per month," said Nadda. Furthermore, he stated that setting up new AIIMS would not only transform health education and training but will also address the shortfall of health care professionals in the region. "The establishment of new AIIMS will serve the dual purpose of providing super specialty health care to the population closer to their homes, while also help create a large pool of doctors and other health workers in this region that can be available for primary and secondary level institutions and facilities being created under National Health Mission (NHM)," said Nadda. According to the government, the new AIIMS in the states will lead to employment generation for nearly 3000 people in each of the AIIMS. BJYM leader Shikhar Agarwal was on the run ever since the police began investigating the violence which broke out in Siyana tehsil of the district on 3 December, 2018. Over a month after the Bulandshahr violence, when an inspector and another youth were killed, the Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested one of the main accused Shikhar Agarwal. Agarwal a Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) leader who was accused of instigating violence was held at 7.20 am near a flyover in adjoining Hapur district by the Bulandshahr police. He had been on the run ever since the police began investigating the violence which broke out in Siyana tehsil of the district on 3 December, 2018. "We are interrogating him and gathering information to proceed further in the case. He will be produced in the local court later today (Thursday)," Additional Superintendent of Police (Bulandhshahr city) Atul Kumar Srivastava told PTI. Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh and civilian Sumit Kumar of Chingrawathi village were killed in the mob violence that broke out after cattle carcasses were found strewn outside a village. After the incident, Agarwal had released a video in which he blamed the slain inspector for the violence in the district. He claimed that it was Singh who created tension in the public over the dead cow carcasses after stopping Agarwal and his aides from taking them to the Chingrawathi police station to file an FIR over the alleged cow slaughter. In the video, Agarwal further accused Singh of threatening to kill him and his aides and he later conveyed the same to ADG Avinash Chandra Maurya. Agarwal, who claimed to be pursuing a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from Aligarh, also said in the video that he had "full faith in the Yogi (Adityanath) government" in the state and he was ready for any probe. With his arrest, the number of accused held for violence has reached 36. Seven people have been arrested and jailed in connection with the separate cow slaughter case registered on the same day. Twenty-seven people were named in the FIR, while 50 to 60 unidentified people were booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc), 307 (attempt to murder), 302 (murder), 124A (sedition), 147, 148, 149 (related to rioting), 332, 33, 353 (related to voluntary assault on public servant to obstruct them from performing their duty), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others). They were also booked for destroying public property, among others. On 3 January, the police had arrested local Bajrang Dal leader Yogesh Raj, also a key suspect in the case. A separate FIR was lodged by the police for cow slaughter on a complaint by Raj. Among the 36 people arrested for violence are Army jawan Jeetender Malik, Prashant Nat, who allegedly shot the inspector dead, and Kalua who had first attacked him with an axe. With inputs from PTI The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on the Maharashtra government's appeal challenging the refusal of the Bombay High Court to extend the 90-day limit for filing charge-sheet in the Bhima-Koregaon violence case. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on the Maharashtra government's appeal challenging the refusal of the Bombay High Court to extend the 90-day limit for filing charge-sheet in the Bhima-Koregaon violence case. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it would pass orders after the counsel for the parties concluded their arguments. The top court was hearing an appeal of the state government against the Bombay High Court's order refusing to extend the time limit of 90 days by another 90 days for filing the probe report in the violence case. The apex court had stayed the Bombay High Court order. The charge-sheet has already been filed by the state police before a local court in the case. The Pune Police had arrested lawyer Surendra Gadling, Nagpur University professor Shoma Sen, Dalit activist Sudhir Dhawale, activist Mahesh Raut and Kerala native Rona Wilson in June for their alleged links with Maoists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Listing out the steps taken by the NDA regime for the welfare of workers, Arun Jaitley said no government in the past has taken, within a short period, so many continuous pro-worker decisions. New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday accused the Left-affiliated trade unions of manufacturing a protest on non-existent issues, saying the NDA government has taken a host of decisions for the welfare of workers. His statement comes on the second day of the 'Bharat Bandh' organised by ten central trade unions to protest against the alleged anti-labour policies of the Centre. "If the Left trade unions insist on politicising the trade union movement to manufacture a protest on non-existent issues, it is for the workmen in the country to seriously analyse what the present government has done for them and compare it with the relatively blank record of several earlier governments," Jaitley said in a Facebook post titled 'The Present Government and the Workers'. Listing out the steps taken by the NDA regime for the welfare of workers, Jaitley said no government in the past has taken, within a short period, so many continuous pro-worker decisions in order to ensure that the advantage of a better quality of life is ensured to them as a result of the economic development of the country. "Even though procedural simplifications have been done in several legislations in order to cut down the paper work, the government has desisted from taking any decision which hurts the interest of the employees," he said. The NDA government since 2014 has set up a group of ministers to continuously maintained a dialogue with the trade unions and taken a host of steps like raising the bonus and gratuity ceiling, hiking minimum wages, increasing maternity benefits, and guaranteeing fixed pension of Rs 1,000 per month. "Are there any real issues before them (trade unions) or is it a part of the strategy of the Left political organisations to organise a symbolic unrest to ensure that they are not wiped out from the political map of India," Jaitley said. He further said the strength of the Left parties has been significantly eroded in West Bengal and Tripura. In the recent past, the political environment in Kerala is also building against them. The hearing in the Ayodhya case has been adjourned to 29 January after Muslim petitioners objected to the presence of Justice UU Lalit in the five-judge bench constituted to hear the case. The hearing in the Ayodhya case has been adjourned to 29 January after Muslim petitioners objected to the presence of Justice UU Lalit in the five-judge bench constituted to hear the case. Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, while dictating the order, said that the Constitution Bench hearing the matter will be re-constituted after Justice Lalit recused since he had appeared in a connected matter earlier as a lawyer. #Breaking: Constitution Bench hearing #RamMandir - #BabriMasjid case to be reconstituted after Justice UU Lalit recuses since he had appeared in a connected matter earlier as a lawyer. Bar & Bench (@barandbench) January 10, 2019 Iqbal Ansari, who is the main litigant from the Muslim side in the Ayodhya dispute, while speaking to CNN-News18 said, "Lots of people were hopeful that the hearing will begin today, but we have to obey on what the Supreme Court decides. The court will not come under any kind of religious pressure. No ordinance or law will be passed on the basis of religion." He added that the demolishing of the Babri Masjid was a part of a larger political conspiracy, but "this time around, people are intelligent, they understand and will not let those who indulge in such stunts come to power." Reports said that the Supreme Court turned into a fortress ahead of the hearing. The bench led by the Chief Justice of India Gogoi initially comprised of Justice SA Bobde, NV Ramana, Uday U Lalit and DY Chandrachud. The CJI also clarified that there was no hearing on the case and only a schedule was to be fixed. Senior lawyer Rajeev Dhavan submitted that one of the judges, Justice Lalit, had appeared in a connected matter. Dhavan said that Justice Lalit had appeared as a lawyer for Kalyan Singh in a criminal case related to the dispute. "I am bringing it to Your Lordships notice though we don't have any objection to him hearing the matter. It is entirely up to Your Lordships," Dhavan was quoted as saying by Bar and Bench. Following this Justice Lalit requested to recuse himself from the case. The decision to post the matter before a five-judge Constitution Bench has been taken by the Chief Justice of India on the administrative side pursuant to the Supreme Court Rules, the apex court clarifies in its order. The apex court registry informed the CJI that 120 issues have been framed and 88 witnesses have been examined. The judgment runs into 8,500-plus typed pages, the Supreme Court said. The hearing in the Ayodhya case has been adjourned to 29 January after Muslim petitioners objected to the presence of Justice UU Lalit in the five-judge bench constituted to hear the case. The Supreme Court also said that "there is a history regarding correctness of translation of documents", and directed the registry to engage official translators and submit a report regarding the correctness of the translated documents. Speaking to CNN-News18 about the Ram Janmabhoomi title case, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said, "This hearing is a limited one, as it only looks into the question of title of the disputed land. It has nothing to do with the construction of the temple, which is a separate hearing." Talking about his partys commitment to build Ram Temple in Ayodhya, he said that it is not a political act. "A new generation of the country says do it now, and so the temple will be built," he added. How was the matter placed before the Constitution Bench? The decision by the CJI to set up a Constitution Bench for deciding Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri title dispute is not only surprising but also a first of its kind. There is perhaps no precedent in the Supreme Court when a Constitution Bench has been set up by way of an administrative order of a CJI without there being a reference by a bench of lesser composition, or questions having been framed in the matter to show its necessity. Clarifying his stand on setting up a constitutional bench for the hearing, CJI Gogoi said: "Order 6, Rule 1 of Supreme Court Rules, 2013 states the minimum number of judges should be two on a bench. There is no upper limit. CJI can use his discretion on the basis of the facts & circumstances of each case." CJI Gogoi rests the controversy as to why he set up a CB in #Ayodhya: Order 6, Rule 1 of SC Rules, 2013 states the min no. of judges should be 2 on a bench. There is no upper limit. CJI can use his discretion on the basis of the facts & circumstances of each case. @LiveLawIndia Namit Saxena (@namitsaxena2007) January 10, 2019 Ever since the notice sending the case to Constitution Bench was issued, there was a lot of debate surrounding how the same could have been done. The issue was raised today by Senior Counsel Rajeev Dhavan and Harish Salve. The Court clarified in its order that it was done by CJI Ranjan Gogoi on the administrative side, pursuant to the Supreme Court Rules. Justice Gogoi's order is unique also because it has apparently nullified a judicial order in the same case whereby the prayer for a Constitution Bench had been declined by a three-judge bench. Here's the timeline of the Ayodhya land dispute case: A three-judge bench of the top court on 27 September last year, by 2:1 majority, refused to refer to a five-judge constitution bench for reconsideration of the observations in its 1994 judgement that a mosque was not integral to Islam. The matter had arisen during the hearing of the Ayodhya land dispute. When the matter was last taken up on 4 January, there was no indication that the land dispute case would be referred to a constitution bench as the apex court had simply said that further orders in the matter would be passed on January 10 by "the appropriate bench, as may be constituted". The newly set up five-judge bench comprises not only the incumbent CJI but the four judges who are in line to be CJI in the future. Justice Gogoi's successor would be Justice Bobde followed by Justices Ramana, Lalit and Chandrachud. A notice on the apex court website on Tuesday read: "Take notice that the following matters (petitions in the Ayodhya land dispute) will be listed on Thursday the 10th January, 2019 at 10.30 am in Chief Justice's court before the constitution bench comprising the Chief Justice, Justices S A Bobde, N V Ramana, Uday Umesh Lalit and Dr D Y Chandrchud." As many as 14 appeals have been filed in the apex court against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgement, delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.77-acre land be partitioned equally among the three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. The apex court on 29 October last year had fixed the matter in the first week of January before the "appropriate bench". Later, an application was moved for according an urgent hearing by advancing the date, but the top court had refused the plea, saying it had already passed an order on October 29 relating to the hearing of the matter. The plea for early hearing was moved by the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM) which is one of the respondents in the appeal filed by legal heirs of M Siddiq, one of the original litigants in the case. Various Hindutva organisations have been demanding an ordinance on early construction of Ram temple at the disputed site. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had suggested that any decision on an ordinance on Ram temple in Ayodhya can happen only after the completion of the judicial process. Modi's comments had come amidst heightened demands by Hindutava organisations, including the RSS, for an ordinance for an early construction of the temple. "Let the judicial process take its own course. Don't weigh it in political terms. Let the judicial process be over. After the judicial process is over, whatever be our responsibility as government, we are ready to make all efforts," the prime minister had said during an interview, broadcast by several TV channels. Typically, commercial vehicles account for around 65-70 percent of the total vehicular movement on a majority of national highways. New Delhi: Toll collections are likely to witness a double-digit growth in the next financial year, propelled by an increase in commercial vehicle sales and wholesale price index (WPI), rating agency ICRA said on Thursday. "Driven by strong growth in medium and heavy commercial vehicles (M&HCV), along with an increase in WPI, toll collections are likely to witness a significant growth in 2019-20," ICRA said in a statement. A high growth in automotive sales would subsequently lead to growth in traffic volumes, it said. Typically, commercial vehicles account for around 65-70 percent of the total vehicular movement on a majority of national highways. Passenger vehicles account for the remaining 30-35 percent. The latest commercial vehicle (CV) sales trend is encouraging with the M&HCV cargo segment witnessing a robust growth of 38 percent during first eight months of 2018-19, Rajeshwar Burla, assistant VP & associate head, corporate ratings, ICRA said. "Further, the average increase in WPI (toll rates are linked to WPI) for 2018-19 is expected to be around 4 percent. The combination of high M&HCV sales and the increase in WPI would result in toll collections witnessing double-digit growth in 2019-20," he said. ICRA, in its latest study on performance of toll road projects, analysed 48 projects with a median operational track record of six years. Based on the study, it observed that traffic volumes started decelerating in 2012-13 due to prolonged slowdown in economy. "The implied median traffic growth (adjusting the revenues for toll rate hikes) witnessed a de-growth of 2.5 percent in 2013-14. Most of these projects are important arterial routes and were affected in 2013-14 due to a slowdown in manufacturing and mining activity, following a ban on mining of several ores," it said. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. During CY2013-17 shrimp exports grew at 17 percent annually, ratings agency Icra said in a report Mumbai: Indian shrimp export volume is expected to slow down to 7-10 percent during this calendar year after a four-year period of robust growth during CY2013-CY2017, according to a report. During CY2013-17 shrimp exports grew at 17 percent annually, ratings agency Icra said in a report. This is mainly due to weakness in demand in the European and Japanese markets even as demand from China and USA are likely to grow, the report said. EU and Japan contributed to 11.6 percent and 6.5 percent of total exports during the first 10 months of FY2018, respectively. However, EU's and Japan's demand remained muted for the period 2013-17 calender year with EU's shrimp imports growing at an annual level of 3.3 per cent, and Japan's shrimp imports declining by 4.6 percent. According to the Icra report, Chinese shrimp demand will be driven by low domestic production growth coupled with growing domestic shrimp consumption. This along with any potential trade agreements (under negotiation) between India and China is expected to augur well for the Indian shrimp exports. "The country derives almost 87 percent of its shrimp export demand from the US, EU, China, Vietnam and Japan. The healthy growth in the past four years was attributed to weak production dynamics in other major shrimp producing nations such as Thailand and Vietnam leading to strong uptick in demand for Indian shrimp," Icra vice president and sector head - Corporate Sector Ratings, Pavethra Ponniah said. In terms of key export volumes, over the last four fiscals, USA has contributed to the majority of India's shrimp exports accounting for 38 percent of the total shipments during the first 10 months of CY2018. This was driven by a steady increase in USA's demand for Indian shrimp due to the lower production in disease hit Thailand. Exports to the USA witnessed a robust annual growth of 25.2 percent during CY2014-17, outpacing the country's demand growth of 7.1 percent. This was followed by strong exports growth to Vietnam and China, which overtook EU in CY2016 to become the second largest destination for Indian shrimp exports. The same was due to healthy demand for shrimp in China and weak domestic production. In November 2018, Singhania stepped down as the chairman of Raymond's branded apparel arm with a view to run the company more professionally Raymond Group Chairman and Managing Director Gautam Singhania is planning to step down as chairman from all group companies, according to media reports. Singhania said he would dissociate himself from day-to-day functioning to build an organisation which can run competitively and independently without the involvement of the promoter, a report in The Economic Times said. In November 2018, Singhania stepped down as the chairman of Raymond's branded apparel arm with a view to run the company more professionally. He has also exited the group's FMCG entities, Singhania said. Singhania will soon exit the group's two engineering entitiesJK Files and Ring Plus Aquafor which he is already looking for a professional chairman, according to The Economic Times report. He may also move out from the top post of the flagship entity, Raymond Ltd, the report said. Meanwhile, Singhania who has been having a family feud with his father, Vijaypat Singhania said in an interview he was willing to discuss issues with him. Singhania and his father, Vijaypat, chairman emeritus of the Raymond Group have been engaged in a legal battle over a duplex apartment in the 36-storey redeveloped JK House in south Mumbai. In a petition filed in the Bombay High Court in 2016, Vijaypat Singhania had claimed that his son was refusing to honour an arbitration order which awarded the duplex apartment to the former. Singhania had filed a plea in the Bombay High Court seeking an injunction on his father Vijaypat Singhania's proposed autobiography, The Incomplete Man and also sought a copy of the book's manuscript. He claimed the book contained defamatory statements which would cause damage to his reputation. The court, however, noted that there was no prima facie case to believe and accept Gautam Singhania's apprehensions on the contents of the proposed book. In an interview to The Times of India, Singhania made an offer to his father to stay with his family. If he (father) has a problem, we can sit and discuss why should he write this book. I am ready to sit across and resolve the issue if he does not have a problem, he was quoted as saying by the newspaper. Singhania thought he was keeping his billion-dollar textile empire in the family when he gifted control of the Raymond Group to his son Gautam three years ago. But their relationship has disintegrated since, with the father accusing the son of cheating him out of an exclusive apartment and of unceremoniously kicking him out of the company offices. Vijaypat now bitterly regrets his decision, which he claims was made because of "emotional blackmailing", marking the latest in a long line of high-profile family feuds to scar corporate India. The 80-year-old transformed a small textile business into a household name in India, and the Raymond Group today claims to be the world's biggest producer of high-quality worsted wool suits. --With inputs from agencies To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. As many as 140 small scale industries from Maharashtra have listed on the stock markets, while over the past four years, SMES have raised about Rs 2,800 crore through public listing Nagpur: The Maharashtra government plans to pick up a small portion of equity from the state-based SMEs which raise capital through listing, industries minister Subhash Desai said on Wednesday. During the past one year alone, as many as 140 small scale industries from Maharashtra have listed on the stock markets, while over the past four years, SMES have raised about Rs 2,800 crore through public listing. "Those SMEs raising capital by listing itself on stock markets will get some proportion of financial assistance from the government. Though it will not big, it will boost the confidence of both companies and investors. We have approved this proposal in our new industrial policy," Desai told an SME summit organized by the Loksatta daily. The minister also said the state has emerged as the most preferred investment destination among all the states attracting Rs 6.50 trillion in FDI since the past four years. He said the Magnetic Maharashtra summit saw as much as 84 percent conversion of MoUs compared to only 10-20 percent conversion in other states. "As many as 286 companies have already gone into production and 276 are expected to go into production soon. Besides, 2,666 companies have purchased land from MIDC at various locations in the state," he said. The state has allotted land after going through their project reports. It's 84 percent conversion and implementation of MoUs signed during investment summit, he added. Desai further said prominent companies are setting up their operations in Maharashtra. "During the past four years, the state attracted FDI worth about Rs 6.50 trillion, which is 20 percent of the entire inflows of FDI inflows into the country," he said. Highlighting the growth of the IT industry in the state, he said "the state has received a huge response from the IT industry after changes in the IT policy by this government by providing more facilities. Around 119 private IT parks are developed in the state paving way for Rs 19,000 crore of new investments and created 5.5 lakh new jobs since this government came to power," Desai said. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. The minister, who attended the 32nd GST Council meeting in New Delhi, also demanded early release of the unsettled Integrated Goods and Service Tax (IGST) amount of Rs 7,000 crore to the state governments. New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh finance minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu Thursday expressed serious concern over the GST Council fixing the agenda items without consulting state governments. He, however, supported the decisions taken by the Council with regard to raising the turnover limit for availing the composition scheme to Rs 1.50 crore from Rs 1 crore, doubling GST exemption limit to Rs 40 lakh annual turnover and filing of one annual return by the businesses availing the GST composition scheme, among others. In an official statement, Ramakrishnudu "expressed serious concern that the Council agenda items are being prepared without consulting the states". States have issues particularly related to exemptions and reductions in taxes, some of which are not discussed despite several letters written to the Council, he said "Henceforth, the agenda items (should) be fixed taking into consideration the requests of the states also," Ramakrishnudu said adding that even Karnataka, Kerala and Delhi governments have supported this point. The minister, who attended the 32nd GST Council meeting in New Delhi, also demanded early release of the unsettled Integrated Goods and Service Tax (IGST) amount of Rs 7,000 crore to the state governments. "This ad hoc settlement should also be done and released to the states without delay. Andhra Pradesh is expected to get about Rs 100 crore," he added. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. I have been told that in spite of my treatments, I will be fully able to join my colleagues and preside this session. Despite my longevity as president, I have never sought to retain this position out of personal gratification, but out of a true belief I could lead the body to the tremendous achievements we have accomplished together over the years. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the Telecommuting Act, which allows employees in the private sector to work from home. Republic Act No. 11165 was signed by the President on December 20, 2018, according to the document released Thursday. It defines telecommuting as a work arrangement wherein an employee is allowed to work from an alternative workplace with the use of telecommunication and computer technologies. The law does not require employers to establish telecommuting arrangements, but stresses those must be offered to employees "on a voluntary basis." It also mandates employers to ensure that "telecommuting employees are given the same treatment as that of comparable employees working at the employer's premises," including the pay and benefits. As ordered, the labor secretary will come up with the implementing rules and regulations in consultation with stakeholders within 60 days. Trump has said he would increase those duties to 25 percent from 10 percent if no deal is reached by 2 March, and has threatened to tax all imports from China if it fails to cede to US demands. Beijing/Shanghai: China and the United States made progress on structural issues such as forced technology transfers and intellectual property (IP) rights in talks this week and more consultations are being arranged, Chinas commerce ministry said on Thursday. The three-day talks in Beijing that wrapped up on Wednesday were the first face-to-face negotiations since US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, met in Buenos Aires in December and agreed on a 90-day truce in a trade war that has disrupted the flow of hundreds of billions of dollars of goods. The negotiations were initially scheduled to last two days but went on for three because both sides were serious and honest, Gao Feng, spokesman at the Chinese commerce ministry, told a news conference. Asked about Chinas stance on issues such as forced technology transfers, IP rights, tariff barriers and cyber attacks, and whether China was confident it could reach agreement with the United States, Gao said those issues were an important part of this trade talk. There has been progress in these areas, he said. He did not elaborate. The United States has presented China with a long list of demands that would rewrite the terms of trade between the worlds two largest economies. They include changes to Chinas policies on intellectual property protection, technology transfers, industrial subsidies and other non-tariff barriers to trade. China has repeatedly played down complaints about intellectual property abuses, and has rejected accusations that foreign companies face forced technology transfer. Nearly halfway into the 90-day truce, there have been few concrete details on any progress made. Gao did not address questions on what demands both sides raised, or if the United States had agreed to drop its plan to implement additional tariffs by the 2 March deadline. In a brief statement earlier, the ministry said the talks were extensive, and helped establish a foundation for the resolution of each others concerns, but gave no details. On Wednesday, the US Trade Representatives office (USTR) said officials from the two sides discussed ways to achieve fairness, reciprocity and balance in trade relations, and focused on Chinas pledge to buy a substantial amount of agricultural, energy, manufactured, and other products and services from the United States. At stake are scheduled US tariff increase on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports. Trump has said he would increase those duties to 25 percent from 10 percent if no deal is reached by 2 March, and has threatened to tax all imports from China if it fails to cede to US demands. US officials have long complained that China has failed to live up to trade promises, often citing pledges to resume imports of American beef that took more than a decade to implement. No schedule for further face-to-face negotiations was released after the talks. The USTR said the American delegation was returning to Washington to report on the meetings and receive guidance on the next steps. Both sides agreed to maintain close contact, the Chinese commerce ministry said. For the next step, work teams from both sides will continue to work hard and push forward consultations as originally planned, Gao said. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. Idea network also failed to meet call drop norm due to around network availability parameter in Assam and North East while BSNL also failed to meet the criteria in West Bengal. New Delhi: All major telecom operators failed to comply with the quality of service benchmark during June-September 2018, according to a Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) report. Call drops were higher on Idea Cellular and Vodafone networks in some of the telecom circles during the period, the report showed. Idea breached call drop norms in Madhya Pradesh, UP West, while Vodafone network failed to meet criteria in UP East and UP West telecom circles. Call drops on Idea network due to fault in mobile tower or sites were beyond the quality benchmark in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and North East. State-run BSNL also failed to comply with call drop norms due to mobile tower problem in West Bengal. Idea network also failed to meet call drop norm due to around network availability parameter in Assam and North East while BSNL also failed to meet the criteria in West Bengal. Idea also failed in meeting customer service norms like request for closure or termination of services and time taken to refund money to customer after closure of service. Congestion was found in network of Reliance Jio and BSNL in Rajasthan which led to delay in connecting calls, the report said. While there were no network related quality issues in Airtel, it failed criteria around accessibility of its call centre or customer care in Bihar, Karnataka and Kolkata. Tata Teleservices, which is in the process of merging business with Airtel, failed to meet call centre accessibility quality norms in most of the circles where it operates. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. Banerjee said on Wednesday that people prefer government jobs as they are well paid and have no very strong obligation to work. Mumbai: As the poll-bound BJP government is striving to get lawmakers' nod to get a 10 percent quota for the economically backward upper-castes practically making everyone eligible for reservations, MIT economist Abhijit Banerjee has opined that we badly need to make government jobs less "cushy" to improve labour market conditions. The Narendra Modi government has already passed the 124th Constitutional amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday with just three MPs opposing the proposal, the Bill is being debated in the Upper House on Wednesday. The Bill seeks to offer 10 percent Central and state government jobs to all those who are economically backward, including minorities who have an annual income of Rs 8 lakh or own under 5 acres of farm land. According to analysts, this will make almost 87 percent of the population eligible for this quota. Already, 50 percent of the government jobs are reserved for lower castes after the Supreme Court capped it at level. The move also goes against the Constitutional mandate of caste-based reservations for the backwards classes and not based on creed or economic conditions. Banerjee said on Wednesday that people prefer government jobs as they are well paid and have no very strong obligation to work. "We need to make government jobs less cushy and make them count more," Banerjee said while delivering the Exim Bank's 34th commencement day annual lecture here this evening. Citing the example of a whopping 2.8 crore applying for 90,000 low-level Railway jobs last August, the economist called for starting a mandatory apprenticeship programme for government jobs. "For all government jobs, make five years of apprenticeship mandatory. If you are good at the job you keep it and, if not, you can leave it," he said, adding the step will change the attitude towards government jobs. It will free up the labour market because people will realise that they can't get the job by giving tests and that they have to do something to get the job," said Banerjee who is the Ford Foundation's international professor of economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He further suggested that creating real special economic zones (which are not limited to exports) with access to transport infrastructure, land and environmental clearances can be one possible solution for creating more jobs. Against a promise of creating 1 crore jobs every year, which was the poll promise of the prime minister, the note-ban and GST implementation have ensured that millions of jobs were lost since this government came to power. In 2018 alone, as many as 11 million jobs were lost, according to the latest CMIE data. According to Banerjee, the social policy framework of the nation was designed at the time when it was one of the poorest countries in the world but now it requires a reset in these policies. The new social policies should focus more on improving education, healthcare, jobs, social protection and urbanisation, he said. Banerjee said while the country is increasingly focusing on tertiary care, there is an urgent need to focus on primary care, which includes early detection and more credible advice from healthcare providers. He suggested that recognizing the presence of such healthcare providers and regulating them by frequent tests of competence and certifications could be some possible solutions for this issue. Significantly, Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen has described the 10 percent reservation bid as a "muddled thinking" that raises serious questions about its political and economic impact. He also said the Modi government sustained the "high economic growth" achieved during the UPA regime, but that did not translate into jobs, poverty elimination and better healthcare and education for all. Talking to PTI in Kolkata Wednesday, Sen said, "the reservation for the low income upper caste is a different problem. If the whole of the population is covered by reservation then that would be removal of reservation? "Ultimately this is a muddled thinking. But this muddled thinking may have serious political and economic effects which are seriously questionable," he warned. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. London, United Kingdom, January 10, 2019 - Seadrill Partners LLC (NYSE: SDLP) ("Seadrill Partners" or the "Company") announces today that its Chief Executive Officer, Mark Morris, will step down from his position at the end of June, providing time for the Company to find a suitable replacement. Commenting, Chairman, Harald Thorstein, said "Mark has been a valuable partner to both the Company and the Board and I would like to thank him for his leadership and insight through what has been a challenging period in the off-shore Oil & Gas sector. We wish him every success in his future pursuits". Mark Morris, said, "It has been a privilege to have led the Company over these last three and a half years, but now I am looking to seek new and different challenges. I wish the Company every success in the future". The Company has begun an internal and external search process and a further announcement will be made in due course. This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Seadrill Partners LLC via Globenewswire Hamilton, Bermuda, January 10 - Seadrill Limited ("Seadrill" or the "Company") announces today that its Chief Financial Officer, Mark Morris, will step down from his position following the completion of the Company's financial restructuring. He will remain in post until the end of June 2019 to enable the Company to find a suitable replacement. Commenting CEO, Anton Dibowitz, said, "Mark has been a valuable partner to both the Company and me and I would like to thank him for his contribution to Seadrill, in particular his financial leadership through the restructuring process. We wish him every success in his future pursuits." Mark Morris, said, "It has been a privilege to have led the restructuring of Seadrill through what was a very complicated set of negotiations and transactions. I have enjoyed my time here as CFO, and now is the right time to seek new and different challenges. I wish the Company every success in the future." The Company has begun a formal search process and a further announcement will be made in due course. This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Seadrill Limited via Globenewswire Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 10, 2019) - Nebu Resources Inc. (TSXV: NBU) ("Nebu" or the "Company") announces that it has terminated its previously announced proposed reverse take-over transaction with Linceo Media Group Inc. ("LMGI"). In consideration for the expenses incurred by Nebu and the assistance provided by Nebu to LMGI in connection with the proposed transaction and related financings, LMGI agrees to issue to Nebu 6,667 common shares of Linceo which are expected to have a value of approximately $240,000. Such value was determined as reasonable through arms-length negotiation between the parties. LMGI has informed Nebu that it is in discussions with various parties regarding an alternative transaction or joint venture with respect to its properties. The Company is pleased to announce that it is finalizing details of a conditional letter of intent with Farris Holdings Group Inc. a Delaware corporation, pursuant to which Nebu to change its business to an investment company. Details of the proposed transaction remain subject to negotiation and will be provided in a separate press release when finalized by the parties' respective advisors. The common shares of Nebu will remain halted from trading pending the review of the proposed transaction and change of business by the TSX Venture Exchange. For further information please contact: Paul Crath Interim CEO Nebu Resources Inc. Telephone: 416-504-4128 Forward Looking Information "Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable, disinterested shareholder approval. Where applicable, the transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Nebu should be considered highly speculative. 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 news release." This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views and/or expectations of management with respect to performance, business and future events, including but not limited to express or implied statements and assumptions regarding the Company's intention to negotiate for or complete the Transaction. Forward-looking statements are based on the then-current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about the business and the industry and markets in which the Company operates. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. In particular, there is no guarantee that the parties will successfully negotiate and enter into a definitive agreement or complete the Transaction contemplated herein, that the Company's due diligence will be satisfactory or that the Company will obtain any required shareholder or regulatory approvals, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The Company does not undertake any obligations to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law. All information contained in this press release with respect to Linceo and FHG, their respective business and proposed corporate reorganization and financing was supplied by Linceo and FHG for inclusion herein. The Company has not conducted due diligence on the information provided and does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations 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. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 10, 2019) - Blind Creek Resources Ltd (TSXV: BCK) would like to cordially invite you to visit us at Booth #618 at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) to be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver) on Sunday January 20 - Monday January 21, 2019. The Vancouver Resource Investment Conference has been the bellwether of the junior mining market for the last twenty-five years. It is the number one source of information for investment trends and ideas, covering all aspects of the natural resource industry. Each year, the VRIC hosts over 60 keynote speakers, 350 exhibiting companies and 9000 investors. Investment thought leaders and wealth influencers provide our audiences with valuable insights. C-suite company executives covering every corner of the mineral exploration sector as well as metals, oil & gas, renewable energy, media and financial services companies are available to speak one on one. This is a must-attend for investors and stakeholders in the global mining industry. For more information and/or to register for the conference please visit: https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference We look forward to seeing you there. For further information: Blind Creek Resources Ltd Nelson DaSilva Manager of Corporate Communications 604-722-0041 nelsondasilva@shaw.ca www.blindcreekresources.com The new DEINOVE website displays an updated presentation of DEINOVE's corporate activities and identity It illustrates the disruptive approach that DEINOVE is implementing to develop novel antibiotics and biobased active ingredients for cosmetics and nutrition. Regulatory News: DEINOVE (Euronext Growth Paris: ALDEI), a French biotech company that builds on a disruptive approachtodevelop innovative antibiotics and bio-based active ingredients for cosmetics and nutrition, announces the online release of its new website, featuring a refreshed presentation of corporate activities and visual identity. Emmanuel Petiot, CEO of Deinove, said, "Our new website highlights the in-depth changes undertaken over the past two years. We reassert our double specialization around next-generation anti-infectives and active ingredients of natural origin, together with the power of the technological platform we have built. This unique expertise is revealed through our diversified portfolio of innovative active molecules. We want our website visitors to be able to learn more about these topics." DEINOVE OVERVIEW DEINOVE is a French biotechnology company, a leader in disruptive innovation, which aims to help meet the challenges of antibiotic resistance and the transition to a sustainable production model for the cosmetics and nutrition industries. DEINOVE has developed a unique and comprehensive expertise in the field of rare bacteria that it can decipher, culture, and optimize to disclose unsuspected possibilities and induce them to produce biobased molecules with activities of interest on an industrial scale. To do so, DEINOVE has been building and documenting since its creation an unparalleled biodiversity bank that it exploits thanks to a unique technological platform in Europe. DEINOVE is organized around two areas of expertise: ANTIBIOTICS, Next--generation anti-infectives : DEINOVE is preparing to enter a first antibiotic candidate into Phase II. The Company is also pursuing the systematic exploration of biodiversity to supply its portfolio with new leads, drawing notably on partnerships with Naicons and bioMerieux (AGIR program supported by Bpifrance). : DEINOVE is preparing to enter a first antibiotic candidate into Phase II. The Company is also pursuing the systematic exploration of biodiversity to supply its portfolio with new leads, drawing notably on partnerships with Naicons and bioMerieux (AGIR program supported by Bpifrance). BIOACTIVES, Active ingredients of natural origin with cosmetics as the first market and potential in nutrition and health: DEINOVE already markets a first innovative active ingredient, a second in partnership with Greentech, while two others are in development with Oleos (Hallstar Group). It also runs a program in animal nutrition with Groupe Avril. Several other partnerships are also being developed. Within the Euromedecine science park located in Montpellier, DEINOVE employs 62 employees, mainly researchers, engineers, and technicians, and has filed more than 260 patent applications internationally. The Company has been listed on EURONEXT GROWTH since April 2010. Discover the new website www.deinove.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190110005598/en/ Contacts: Investors Coralie Martin Communication, Marketing and Investor Relations Ph.: +33 (0)4 48 19 01 60 coralie.martin@deinove.com Media ALIZE RP Aurore Gangloff Catherine Megelas Ph.: +33 (0)1 44 54 36 66 deinove@alizerp.com Regulatory News: Europcar Mobility Group (Paris:EUCAR) has become in less than 5 years a mobility service company , offering now a wide range of mobility solutions: vehicle rental, chauffeur services, vehicle sharing (cars and scooters), peer-to-peer car rental. This transformation has been supported by an organization in 5 Business Units: Cars, Vans Trucks, Low Cost, New Mobility and International Coverage (franchises, alliances and international sales development). In 2019, Europcar Mobility Group will be pursuing the scale up of its New Mobility Business Unit. Well positioned on double digit growth segments in Europe, the new mobility activities of the Group vehicle sharing, chauffeur services, peer-to-peer car rental experienced a +52% growth in 2018 versus 2017 (YTD results end of Q3 2018). In this context, the Group has set an ambitious target for those activities for 2019, with a doubling of its revenue. This target will be achieved through growth in cities where services are already operated and through service openings in new cities and new countries. At the forefront of these developments: Ubeeqo (round trip car-sharing, BtoB and BtoC), Scooty (scooter-sharing) and Brunel (chauffeur services). Europcar Mobility Group plans to deploy its services in 4 new countries (Portugal, Denmark, Australia and New-Zealand), and to intensify the presence in the current 7 countries in which those services are already operated (France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Ireland, Spain, UK). This expansion will be supported by the doubling of the vehicle sharing fleet: from 2,500 vehicles to 5,000 vehicles. In line with this ambition, the Management team of the Business Unit is evolving: Sheila Struyck, who joined Europcar Mobility Group nearly 4 years ago to create the Group Lab of innovation, launched the New Mobility activities and set up the Business Unit, has decided to step down from her executive role of Managing Director of the Business Unit, after having strongly contributed to its development. She will first act as Senior Advisor for the BU and will then leave the company end of July 2019. Francois Barraud is appointed as Deputy Managing Director of the Business Unit, under the leadership of Fabrizio Ruggiero, Deputy CEO of the Group and Head of the Business Units. Francois Barraud has over 25 years experience in various business environments (Bain Company, Carrefour Group and Arc International), including digital pure players and tech companies such as Brainsonicand Microsoft where he held several senior management positions. He has a proven track record of successful implementation of synergies and cross-fertilization, as enablers of business acceleration and scale up, in France and in other countries. His key priorities will be to manage growth and optimize the existing synergies between the New Mobility Business Unit and the other activities of the Group. Fabrizio Ruggiero, Europcar Mobility Group Deputy CEO, Head of Business Units (Cars, Vans Trucks, Low Cost, New Mobility and International), comments: "As a "mobility service company", we want to offer alternative attractive to vehicle ownership, delivering an experience of open mobility for all. While some new mobility players proceed to divestments, we want to expand our new mobility activities in a sustainable and profitable manner. In this context, it is key to be able to address identified customer needs building the expansion of our New Mobility Business Unit on our historical know-how in fleet management. That is exactly what we plan to do in 2019." ENDS About Europcar Mobility Group Europcar Mobility Group is a major player in mobility markets and listed on Euronext Paris. The mission of Europcar Mobility Group is to be the preferred "Mobility Service Company" by offering alternative attractive solutions to vehicle ownership, with a wide range of mobility-related services: vehicle-rental, chauffeur services, car-sharing, scooter-sharing and peer-to-peer car-rental. Customers' satisfaction is at the heart of the Group's mission and all of its employees and this commitment fuels the continuous development of new services. Europcar Mobility Group operates through multi brands meeting every customer specific needs; its 4 major brands being: Europcar the European leader in vehicle rental services, Goldcar the most important low-cost car-rental company in Europe, InterRent 'mid-tier' brand focused on leisure and Ubeeqo one of the European leaders in car-sharing (BtoB, BtoC). Europcar Mobility Group delivers its mobility solutions worldwide through an extensive network in 135 countries (including 16 wholly owned subsidiaries in Europe, 2 in Australia and New Zealand, franchises and partners). Plus d'informations sur : www.europcar-mobility-group.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190110005565/en/ Contacts: Media: Europcar Mobility Group Valerie Sauteret / Marie-Anne Benardais +33 1 30 44 98 82 europcarpressoffice@europcar.com Publicis Consultants Salima Djeziri +33 (0) 1 44 82 47 48 salima.djeziri@publicisconsultants.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 10, 2019) - Rex Opportunity Corp. ("Rex" or the "Company") announces the resignation of Mr. Olin Reid as a director and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the resignation of Colin Bowdidge as a director of the Company. The Company also announces the appointment of Bruce Reid and Julio DiGirolamo to the board of directors, and the appointment of Mr. DiGirolamo as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Bruce Reid Mr. Reid is the President and Chief Executive Officer of 55 North Mining Inc., as well as a Director. Mr. Reid was previously the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Carlisle Goldfields from January 2010 until January 2016 when the Company was purchased by Alamos Gold Inc. Mr. Reid is also currently a Director of Satori Mining Inc. and several other public mining companies. Mr. Reid was also the Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Silver Corp. from June 2005 to November 2008. Previous to this Mr. Reid was intimately involved in the start-up and successful build and sale of numerous Mining Companies such as Western Goldfields, Patricia Mining and High Plains Uranium. Mr. Reid also has extensive experience in Corporate Finance and Mining Investment Research with a twenty year career in the investment business with such firms as Nesbitt Thomson, Loewen Ondaatje McCutcheon and Yorkton Securities. Mr. Reid combines all this with direct practice as an Exploration Geologist working on numerous projects in the Canadian North during the 1970s and early 1980s. His background of more than 35 years of direct and indirect experience in the mining and mineral exploration industry follows graduation with a B.Sc. in Geology from the University of Toronto in 1979 and a finance degree from the University of Windsor in 1982. Julio DiGirolamo CPA, CA Mr. DiGirolamo is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 23 years of senior-level public company experience, over half of it in the mining sector and including four and a half years as CFO for Carlisle Goldfields Limited until its acquisition by Alamos Gold Inc. in January 2016. He currently serves as the CFO for Bunker Hill Mining Corp., Idaho Champion Gold Mines Canada Inc., and others. He has served on the boards of various public corporations and non-profit organizations. Mr. DiGirolamo has experience in corporate governance and regulatory matters. For further information contact: Rex Opportunity Corp. Jim Boyle, President and CEO Email: rex@boyleco.com No securities regulatory authority, stock exchange or regulatory services provider has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the content of this release. I think youre going to see him almost every day if not every day, the source said. Prostate cancer is always serious, but these days theres a lot you can do about it. CINCINNATI, Jan. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- It's official. Union Institute & University is breaking down higher education barriers worldwide with the signing of the new, historic articulation agreement with the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica (CCCJ) effective January 9, 2019. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/806810/CCCJ_Screenshot_with_Dr__Soto.jpg This new affiliation underscores Union's commitment to its social justice mission by removing barriers to a college degree on an international level and fulfills President Karen Schuster Webb's commitment to equity of access to educational excellence around the world. "Union is a world-class university with a distinguished social justice legacy," said Dr. Webb. "We have had a long relationship with Jamaica through our alumna, former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. Providing accredited bachelor's degrees to Jamaica's citizens fulfills our mission to transform lives and communities through rigorous, relevant, and results-oriented education." Students from the Community Colleges of Jamaica will now have direct pathways to earn a bachelor's degree in a variety of subject areas, including Criminal Justice Management. "The new partnership allows graduates of CCCJ's associate programs seamless transfer opportunities for educational advancement to the UI&U bachelor's degree program and to validate and facilitate the transfer of credit between the two systems," said Dr. Nelson Soto, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Union Institute & University. Union is a leader in student-centered education with socially relevant and applicable learning outcomes in its undergraduate, master's and doctoral degree programs. "Union is the right partner to solve the need for higher education degrees worldwide due to its more than five decades of identifying and refining ways to structure and deliver education to meet the needs of online learners," said Dr. Soto. Transfer students from CCCJ will receive all UI&U academic services, including small classes, dedicated faculty who are practitioners in their fields, one-on-one program advising, writing and math tutoring services, access to its renowned 100 percent online library, and career services. Learn how you can transfer your credits today to complete your undergraduate degree at this link. About Union Institute & University Union Institute & University is a non-profit, regionally accredited university specializing in providing quality higher education degrees for adults nationwide. Founded in 1964, Union's academic programs and services are the result of more than five decades of identifying and refining ways to structure and deliver education to meet the needs of adults. Distinguished as the pioneer in adult education, Union perfected the concepts now common in higher education such as the hybrid model, a blend of online and traditional classroom instruction, interdisciplinary studies, and student centered education with socially relevant and applicable learning outcomes in its undergraduate, master's and doctoral degree programs. The university is guided by its core mission to educate highly motivated adults who seek academic programs to engage, enlighten, and empower them to pursue professional goals and a lifetime of learning, service, and social responsibility. Union is a national university with academic centers located in: Ohio, Florida, and California. For more information about Union Institute & University, visit www.myunion.edu or call 1- 800-861-6400. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/709465/Union_Institute_and_University_Logo.jpg Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 10, 2019) - First Vanadium Corp. (TSXV: FVAN) (OTCQX: FVANF) (FSE: 1PY) (formerly Cornerstone Metals Inc.) ("First Vanadium" or the "Company") is pleased to announce results from an additional 17 confirmation drill holes from within and along a 1,220 metres ("m") (4,000ft) corridor of mineralization at its Carlin Vanadium Project located 6 miles south of Carlin, Nevada. Three highlight intervals from this drilling encountered 41.15m (135ft) grading 0.84% vanadium ("V 2 O 5 "), 38.1m (125ft) grading 0.75% V 2 O 5 and 27.43m (90ft) grading 0.84% V 2 O 5 . The average grade of these 17 holes is 0.54% V 2 O 5 . The average estimated true thickness of the zone in these 17 holes is 33.7m (110ft). The highlights of the 17 holes are tabled below. First Vanadium President and Chief Executive Officer, Paul Cowley stated, "We continue to be pleased with these drill results that reinforce continuity of a thick, shallow, near horizontal bed of high-grade vanadium mineralization, correlating well to the nearest previous drill holes and improving drill density. Remaining drill assay results from an additional 25 exploratory holes, are expected to be released next week." Confirmation Drilling Highlights: DrillholeID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Est.True (m) From (ft) To (ft) Length (ft) Est.True (ft) V2O5 (%) RCC18-21* 76.20 114.30 38.10 32.4 250 375 125 106 0.75 RCC18-22* 62.48 103.63 41.15 35.0 205 340 135 115 0.84 RCC18-23* 27.43 80.77 53.34 45.3 90 265 175 149 0.64 RCC18-30* 36.58 77.72 41.15 30.9 120 255 135 101 0.64 RCC18-32* 57.91 88.39 30.48 27.7 190 290 100 91 0.48 RCC18-33* 18.29 62.48 44.20 33.2 60 205 145 109 0.47 RCC18-40* 9.14 47.24 38.10 32.8 30 155 125 108 0.52 RCC18-41* 1.52 22.86 21.34 16.0 5 75 70 53 0.35 36.58 100.58 64.01 48.0 120 330 210 158 0.65 RCC18-42* 6.10 59.44 53.34 50.7 20 195 175 166 0.38 RCC18-43* 64.01 86.87 22.86 19.4 210 285 75 64 0.27 RCC18-44* 18.29 32.00 13.72 10.3 60 105 45 34 0.30 39.62 103.63 64.01 48.0 130 340 210 158 0.25 RCC18-52 7.62 45.72 38.10 38.1 25 150 125 125 0.58 RCC18-54 0.00 12.19 12.19 12.2 0 40 40 40 0.51 RCC18-60 0.00 18.29 18.29 18.3 0 60 60 60 0.62 RCC18-64* 0.00 27.43 27.43 20.6 0 90 90 68 0.84 RCC18-67* 57.91 85.34 27.43 20.6 190 280 90 68 0.27 RCC18-69 28.96 62.48 33.53 33.5 95 205 110 110 0.50 A map has been placed on the Company website to demonstrate the location of these holes. (https://firstvanadium.com/images/PDF/News_release_Jan_10_2019.pdf) Four of the holes, RCC18-32, RCC18-43, RCC18-44 and RCC18-67, ended in mineralization. Holes RCC18-32, RCC18-43 and RCC18-67 also returned 10m (30ft) to 25m (75ft) thick, near surface, flat-lying mineralized intervals above the main high-grade zone that graded between 0.21% and 0.26% V 2 O 5 . Thirteen of the 17 holes were angle holes; adjusted and estimated true thickness (Est. True) of their intercepts are displayed in the table above. The drill intercepts of the vertical holes are considered true thickness. The Carlin Vanadium deposit is considered the largest, highest grade primary vanadium deposit in North America (USGS Professional Paper 1802 Critical Mineral Resources of the United States-Economic and Environmental Geology and Prospects for Future Supply dated December 18, 2017). Vanadium is growing in importance for key industrial manufacturing sectors most notably steel and renewable energy. Today, more than 90% of the world's vanadium is used in steel manufacturing applications. Its importance to the energy sector is also growing rapidly with more than 5% of vanadium production used in energy storage where its substantial cost and performance benefits make it an alternative choice to lithium ion in several areas. About First Vanadium Corp. First Vanadium (formerly Cornerstone Metals Inc.) has an option to earn a 100% interest in the Carlin Vanadium Project, located in Elko County, 6 miles south from the town of Carlin, Nevada on Highway I-80. The Carlin Vanadium Project hosts the Carlin Vanadium Deposit which is flat to shallow dipping and at shallow depths, 0-60 m (0-200 ft) below surface. ON BEHALF OF FIRST VANADIUM CORP. per: "Paul Cowley" CEO & President (604) 340-7711 pcowley@firstvanadium.com www.firstvanadium.com Technical disclosure in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Paul Cowley, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, and President and CEO of the Company. 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. Forward-looking information Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking" statements. These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance and include the Company's ability to meet the conditions required to exercise in full its option to acquire the Carlin Vanadium project and with respect to current and planned drill programs, the results of exploration programs, metallurgical test work, and changes in mineral resources. All such statements involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to vary from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, they should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and they will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions on the date of this news release, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations. 2018 Featured Charities Include Second Chances Garage and America's VetDogs FREDERICK, MD / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2019 / Legal & General America (LGA) today announced it has raised more than $950,000 through its annual Charitable Giving Campaign. Funds raised will be donated to featured charities, Second Chances Garage and America's VetDogs , as well as hundreds of others chosen by LGA employees. The campaign kicked off on Oct. 19 and ran through Nov. 2. As part of its annual campaign, LGA employees raised $476,716.33 with the help of local community members. Employees were able to pledge to the charity of their choice, while in-house fundraising events benefited Second Chances Garage and America's VetDogs. LGA matched the amount raised by employees, bringing the total to $952,845.36, with approximately $70,000 in donations split between the two featured charities. 'It's incredible to see what can be accomplished through the combined generosity of our employees and the support of our local Frederick community,' said Mark Holweger, President & CEO of LGA's insurance division. 'We've been blessed with a team and a community that cares about others and about the missions and values of charities here in Frederick and across the U.S. We're proud to stand by organizations like Second Chances Garage and America's VetDogs and help them, in some way, reach the goals they've set out to achieve.' Frederick-based Second Chances Garage offers 'second chances' for individuals and families on their journey to independent living by providing assistance with transportation needs. The non-profit solicits vehicle donations from the local community, refurbishes the vehicles and places them with individuals and families who are gainfully employed. 'As founder of Second Chances Garage, I would like to thank Legal & General America for selecting us as a featured charity for its annual campaign,' said Rick Trawick. 'LGA's great employee support will allow us to replace our aging tow truck with a newer model. As you may imagine, a reliable tow truck is a key component essential for collecting our donations. We are very thankful that LGA is located in Frederick County and for its generous support of our community.' Based in Smithtown, New York, America's VetDogs provides service dogs to veterans, active-duty service members and first responders with disabilities, enhancing mobility, renewing independence and allowing them to live with pride and self-reliance. 'America's VetDogs is extremely grateful to Legal & General America for their generous donation to further our mission to provide even more service dogs to our nation's heroes,' said America's VetDogs President and CEO John Miller. 'The fundraising efforts Legal & General America held during their annual giving campaign will enable us to change the lives of veterans with disabilities so that they may live a life without boundaries.' For more information on LGA, visit www.lgamerica.com . About Legal & General America Legal & General America (LGA) is part of the worldwide Legal & General Group. For nearly 70 years, the Legal & General America companies have been in the business of providing financial protection through life insurance for American families. The Legal & General America companies are Banner Life Insurance Company and William Penn Life Insurance Company of New York. With more than $53 billion in new coverage issued in 2017, LGA is ranked in the top ten of U.S. life insurers and ended 2017 with in excess of $703 billion of coverage in force with 1.3 million U.S. customers. LGA shares Legal & General's independent financial strength ratings: A+ Superior from A. M. Best and AA- Very Strong from Standard and Poor's and Fitch. Media Contact Michelle Mead Caliber Corporate Advisers michelle@calibercorporate.com 888.550.6385 ext. 7 SOURCE: Legal and General America View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/532262/Legal-General-America-Raises-More-Than-950000-for-Charity-Through-its-Annual-Charitable-Giving-Campaign MADISON, Mississippi, Jan. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The U. S. Air Force has once again awarded its C-12 program to Mississippi-based company Vertex Aerospace. The option year award has an estimated value of $35M and an estimated cumulative value of $70M. The contract provides contractor logistics support to the USAF C-12 Fleet. Nydia Rosado, Vice President of Contracts and Global Trade Compliance, says Vertex is proud to have been given the opportunity to continue its service to the USAF. "We are extremely pleased with the trust the United States Air Force has placed in Vertex by unilaterally extending our contract," said Rosado. "We look forward to supporting the Air Force's very important mission for years to come." Vertex will provide services to the C-12 Fleet in over 20 locations throughout the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, and Honduras. Historically, the Company has also offered support to the USAF's T-1A, T-38, T-6, and KC-10 programs. Vertex Aerospace is a global aerospace company that provides rotary and fixed wing aircraft maintenance and logistical solutions for government and private sector customers. The Mississippi-based Company has over 4,200 employees at its 65 U.S. and 35 international locations, and is a strong supporter of U.S. service members, employing over 1,900 veterans. Information about the company and job announcements can be found on the Company website at www.vtxaero.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter. POC: Rachel C. Henson Corporate Communications Manager rachel.c.henson@vtxaero.com Wk: 601-607-6552 Cell: 601-760-9297 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/806102/USAF_C_12.jpg BurstIQ is the First and Only Blockchain Data Platform to Receive SOC 2 Type 2 Certification DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2019 / BurstIQ, the leading provider of blockchain platform solutions for the healthcare industry, announced today that the company has successfully completed a SOC 2 Type 2 audit performed by independent CPA firm Linford & Co. The company's HIPAA-compliant blockchain data platform passed the audit with zero exceptions - the highest level possible. This audit positions BurstIQ as the first and only blockchain platform to receive compliance certification under SOC 2 Type 2 audit requirements. BurstIQ provides enterprise-level data platform solutions to large health systems, insurers, digital health companies and all levels of government: local, state, national and global. The blockchain-based platform uses NIST security standards and is fully compliant with HIPAA and GDPR. The BurstIQ Platform is globally recognized as the world's leading blockchain platform for management and sharing of healthcare data, and the company provides blockchain advisory expertise to the OECD, EU Parliament and the World Economic Forum. Brian Jackson, COO of BurstIQ, underscored the implications of being the first blockchain provider to achieve SOC certification. "This certification is a huge milestone for the blockchain industry. Blockchain holds the potential to fundamentally change how businesses and individuals access and manage sensitive personal information, but only if we can assure users that their data is secure. We are excited that the BurstIQ platform is the first to achieve SOC certification, but that doesn't mean we're done - we're just getting started." The full audit report is available upon request to all BurstIQ platform partners. About BurstIQ BurstIQ is the industry-leading enterprise-level (PaaS) blockchain enablement platform for the health and healthcare industry. The company offers a HIPAA- and GDPR- compliant platform that seamlessly leverages blockchain, advanced security, Big Data capabilities and machine intelligence to enable healthcare businesses and individuals to access, control and gain value from their health data. BurstIQ provides services to healthcare institutions, insurance and pharmaceutical companies, pension funds and government agencies at all levels: state, national and global - including sovereign nations. For more information visit: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Contacts: PR & Media Contact: Matthew Bird CEO @ 1800pr 1-800-PublicRelations O: 646.248.7676 E: matt.bird@1800pr.com BurstIQ Business Inquiries: Amber Hartley Chief Corporate Development Officer E: marketing@burstiq.com W: www.burstIQ.com SOURCE: BurstIQ, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/532330/BurstIQs-Blockchain-Health-Data-Platform-Passes-Independent-SOC-Audit TEMECULA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2019 / International Endeavors Corporation, Inc. (OTC PINK: IDVV) today announced that it has entered a funding agreement for its Temecula Valley CBD Project with plans to showcase working OGGL units that will cultivate plants to be used for CBD products, as well as the production of edibles. IDVV plans to develop the parcel to accommodate a warehouse for indoor marijuana / cannabis growth, outdoor cultivation for CBD, and an industrial center to process products for distribution. Company Spokesman Barry Smith stated "IDVV looks forward to developing this property. We are consulting with leading horticulture / farming experts to assure the maximum use of the property. The build out of this project will comply with the law, and we will be posting video and pictures of the land as the development progresses on the Company Website." http://internationalendeavorscorp.com About the OGGL: The OGGL is the first purpose-built, self-contained, off-grid growing laboratory. Built in a low-cost shipping container, the OGGL has integrated solar modules and lithium-phosphate batteries coupled with a generator backup to supply uninterrupted power to the grow room. The OGGL is configurable for the three stages of the growing process, which are: vegetative, flowering, and cloning. OGGL Unit https://youtu.be/WRvXqpbA634 About International Endeavors Corporation (OTC stock symbol: IDVV) International Endeavors Corporation focuses on building intellectual property and making equipment sales in the medical marijuana and legal cannabis industry through the creation of off-grid grow labs, biomedical devices, clean-energy solutions, and patented devices. The company is also engaged in locating and acquiring established companies, brands, and technologies. The company's real estate portfolio includes commercial property, agricultural land, and buildings. Forward-Looking Statements are included within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategy, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, including words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements and involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. International Endeavors Corporation (IDVV) is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Contact: Nate Engel, CEO Phone: 1-951-296-1024 Email: nate@internationalendeavorscorp.com SOURCE: International Endeavors Corporation, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/532307/IDVV-Enters-Into-Funding-Agreement-To-Build-Temecula-Valley-CBD-Project Collaboration with the University of Victoria opens the pathway to three FDA applications Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 10, 2019) - CardioComm Solutions, Inc. (TSXV: EKG) ("CardioComm" or the "Company"), a leading global provider of consumer heart monitoring and electrocardiogram ("ECG") acquisition and management software solutions, confirms completion of a six month collaborative project with researchers at the University of Victoria, Canada, leading the way to a release of artificial intelligence ("AI") enhancements to CardioComm's Global ECG Management Solution ("GEMS") and reporting software technologies ("GEMSTM Rhythm"). GEMS Rhythm will support the management of large-scale, long-term ECG data recordings on computers and smartphones. CardioComm provides innovative software solutions for information management systems in cardiovascular medicine, telemedicine and consumer markets supporting near real-time ECG transmitting devices for a range of ECG monitoring use cases including recording periods from a few seconds to up to 30 consecutive days. CardioComm's software is device-agnostic providing a market advantage by allowing it to be plug and play with many different approved outpatient and over-the-counter ("OTC") ECG recording devices. Not all such devices are capable of ECG arrhythmia classification and so the burden of analysis will reside server-side in the hands of ECG technicians and physicians or on Smart devices as point of care diagnostic tools. New generations of wearable and smaller devices with less firmware based processing capabilities are being developed that will place more ECG management responsibility software side. GEMS Rhythm will provide fast and accurate review of very large ECG data pools and will address important challenges in the denoising and processing of ECG data where recording quality is not optimal or where ECGs are recorded from different devices with different sampling rates. While GEMS Rhythm classifies ECGs for the presence of clinically-relevant abnormalities, it will do so while using much less computational power, allowing it to be run much faster on weaker platforms such as embedded microcontrollers. GEMS Rhythm will also be capable of running on smartphones, removing the need for immediate access to cloud-based systems for the collection and interpretation of ECG data. The work conducted with the University of Victoria was funded in part by the Government of Canada through an Engage Grant set up to facilitate university-industry partnerships. Under the terms of the grant, any intellectual property ("IP") arising from the project belongs to CardioComm. The Company expects to use the IP in three separate FDA software-as-a-medical device applications. The first application will be for GEMS Rhythm itself, which will provide a full suite of arrhythmia detection tools designed to support hospital and ECG scanning service installations of GEMSTM. The second and third applications, named GEMS AF and GEMS QT, will both be marketed as smartphone applications used for AF detection and QT interval determination, respectively. QT interval abnormalities are seen simply as aberrantly shorter or longer parts of an ECG trace that is associated with sudden cardiac death. These interval abnormalities are sometimes seen in athletes and in patients prescribed certain medications. To learn more about CardioComm's products and for further updates regarding HeartCheck ECG device integrations please visit the Company's websites at www.cardiocommsolutions.com and www.theheartcheck.com. About CardioComm Solutions CardioComm Solutions' patented and proprietary technology is used in products for recording, viewing, analyzing and storing electrocardiograms for diagnosis and management of cardiac patients. Products are sold worldwide through a combination of an external distribution network and a North American-based sales team. CardioComm Solutions has earned the ISO 13485:2016 certification, is HIPAA compliant and holds clearances from the European Union (CE Mark), the USA (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Etienne Grima, Chief Executive Officer 1-877-977-9425 x227 egrima@cardiocommsolutions.com investor.relations@cardiocommsolutions.com Forward-looking statements This release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of CardioComm Solutions and certain of the plans and objectives of CardioComm Solutions with respect to these items. Such statements and information reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. By their nature, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. In evaluating these statements, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this release other than as required by applicable laws, including without limitation, Section 5.8(2) of National Instrument 51-102 (Continuous Disclosure Obligations). Neither 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. 10 January 2019 Clear Leisure Plc ("Clear Leisure" or "the Company") Completion of High Court Case Settlement The Board of Clear Leisure (AIM: CLP) is pleased to announce that, further to the announcement on 12 December 2018, the Company has now received both tranches of the settlement of 1.15 million (before legal and insurance expenses of nearly 300,000) from the defendants in the High Court case. As announced on 12 December 2018, the first tranche of 500,000 was payable by 14 December 2018 and the second tranche of 650,000 was payable by 7 March 2019. -ends- For further information please contact: Clear Leisure Plc +39 335 296573 Francesco Gardin, CEO and Executive Chairman SP Angel Corporate Finance (Nominated Adviser & Broker) +44 (0)20 3470 0470 Jeff Keating / John Mackay Leander (Financial PR) +44 (0) 7795 168 157 Christian Taylor-Wilkinson About Clear Leisure Plc Clear Leisure plc (AIM: CLP) is an AIM listed investment company with a portfolio of companies primarily encompassing the leisure and real estate sectors mainly in Italy. The focus of management is to pursue the monetisation of all of the Company's existing assets, through selected realisations, court-led recoveries of misappropriated assets and substantial debt-recovery processes. The Company has recently realigned its strategic focus to technology related investments, with special regard to interactive media, blockchain and AI sectors. For further information, please visit, www.clearleisure.co.uk VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2019 / RESAAS Services Inc. (TSX-V: RSS, OTCQB: RSASF), a cloud-based and blockchain technology platform for the real estate industry, is pleased to announce that it has executed an agreement with LEGACY Council of Canada to license RESAAS technology for its real estate investors. LEGACY Council of Canada is a boutique real estate investment advisory firm. It empowers investors worldwide through digital academia and education, creating access to service providers inside the realm of real estate, finance and intergenerational estate planning. LEGACY's approach to providing service is grounded by AI (artificial intelligence) and driven by new technologies developed by RESAAS. This agreement executed on November 9th 2018 supersedes a Memorandum of Understanding previously signed with REIN Group of Companies in May 2018, one of LEGACY's portfolio brands. More specifically, this agreement includes new customizations to suit the specific requirements of the project, totaling $200,000. The agreement has a term of 5 years; once customization is complete, a monthly licensing fee subscription is activated. "We have had a tremendous response from our members about our plans to digitize some of the very core fundamentals we provide," said Jean-Guy Francouer, Chief Growth Officer at LEGACY Council of Canada. "Proptech ("property technology") will push real estate businesses to the next level, through growth using real estate tools, artificial intelligence, technology and apps. The value we provide our members will be tremendous, as the basis for the technology is built from RESAAS' award-winning technology platform that already has an enterprise value of approximately $25m. By extending it for our own specific needs, we will have a best-in-class solution for our members." "Since forming a relationship with REIN in the spring of 2018 and then LEGACY Council of Canada in early 2019, we have uncovered areas within the proptech sector that are primed for innovation," said RESAAS CEO, Tom Rossiter. "LEGACY's commitment to their thousands of members, and providing them with never-before-seen technology through new investment in the RESAAS technology platform, will position them for unprecedented growth in 2019." About RESAAS Services Inc. RESAAS is a cloud-based and blockchain technology platform that enables real estate brokerages, franchises and associations to bring real-time communication, new business opportunities and unique data to their agents on a global basis. Visit www.resaas.com for more information. For further information contact: Tom Rossiter, CEO RESAAS Services Inc. Tel: +1 (604) 558-2929 Email: investors@resaas.com The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The statements made in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results could differ materially from RESAAS Services Inc.'s expectations and projections. SOURCE: RESAAS Services Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/532308/RESAAS-Signs-Agreement-with-LEGACY-Council-of-Canada Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 10, 2019) - Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. (TSXV: SPA) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the remaining assay results from its strategic 2018 drilling program for the Spanish Mountain Gold Project (the "Project") located in British Columbia, Canada. The program's first set of assay results were reported in a news release dated December 4, 2018. As stated previously, the highly selective program targeted areas within the high-grade, near-surface First Zone of the Project's multi-million ounce gold resource. The objective is to increase the total number of gold ounces captured in a future mine plan by reclassifying certain Inferred Resources to the Measured & Indicated categories. By design, the 2017 Preliminary Economic Assessment only incorporated M&I resources in the mine plan and thereby treated the extracted Inferred Resources as "waste", which had the effect of artificially inflating the Project's strip ratio and operating cost. If the current drilling program is successful in upgrading the targeted ounces in a future resource estimate, it is expected to further improve the Project's robust economics as it effectively converts mined "waste" into mill feed and production ounces. Highlights of Each Drill Hole in the Remaining Assay Results include: 6.10m grading 0.98 g/t, including 1.52m grading 2.92g/t gold in hole 18SMRC-1227 24.38 metres (m) grading 0.62 grams per tonne (g/t), including 9.14m grading 1.19 g/t and 1.52m grading 2.94 g/t gold in hole 18SMRC-1228 25.91m grading 1.06 g/t, including 4.57m grading 2.40 g/t and 1.52m grading 3.84 g/t gold in hole 18SMRC-1229 7.62m grading 0.70 g/t, including 1.52m grading 1.91g/t gold in hole 18SMRC-1230 Significant assay results are summarized in Table 1 appended to this news release. The current assay results are consistent with those from the first set as previously reported: All drill holes completed in the 2018 program clearly indicate additional higher grade gold mineralization at shallow depths, most of which is at less than 100 metres from the surface. The holes are all located in areas that are proposed to be mined during the early years (Phase I) under the mine plan developed in the 2017 PEA. As alluded to in the news release dated December 4, 2018 regarding a potentially more robust project scenario, the results from the drilling program raise the distinct and welcome possibility of further scaling down from the 2017 mill throughput, which could potentially further reduce the initial capital cost significantly while maintaining the robust project economics. Under such a scenario, it is envisioned that the Project could potentially achieve higher process plant feed grades, a lower capital cost and a more robust resource than those assumed in the 2017 PEA. Larry Yau, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "As I mentioned previously, this is the third consecutive drilling program over a number of years in which we have consistently encountered results with grades higher than 1 g/t over reasonably long intercepts at shallow depths, far exceeding the average grade for the entire resource. These results undoubtedly give us confidence in fulfilling our objective of converting 'waste' into mill feed in the next mine plan and pursuing a project scenario that's even more robust than that reported in the 2017 PEA." Judy Stoeterau, P.Geo., the Company's Vice-President of Geology and the qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the contents of this news release. All samples were assayed at ALS Global Ltd. in Vancouver, BC. The Company has retained Discovery Consultants of Vernon, BC, to monitor independently the quality control and quality assurance (QC/QA) data on the Spanish Mountain Gold Project. Analytical precision and accuracy are being measured and monitored by the use of duplicates, prep and pulp samples and by standards (reference material). Possible contamination during the sampling and processing procedures is being monitored by the insertion of blank samples. On Behalf of the Board, SPANISH MOUNTAIN GOLD LTD. Larry Yau Chief Executive Officer Inquiries: Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. Phone: (604) 601-3651 E-mail: info@spanishmountaingold.com Website: www.spanishmountaingold.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations 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 contains forward-looking information, which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectation. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time on SEDAR. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The company disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Table 1: Summary of Significant Assay Results Terassa, Fry Hester, Watson and Feldmark are among a wave of female newcomers to the General Assembly this year. In all, 60 legislators are new to their job this year 43 in the House and 17 in the Senate, although some (such as delegates moving up to the senate) have been in Annapolis before. Women now account for 37.8 percent of legislators, 15 in the senate and 56 in the house. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 10, 2019) - UGE International Ltd. (TSXV: UGE) (the "Company" or "UGE"), a leader in renewable energy solutions for the commercial and industrial sector, is pleased to announce it has signed a contract to develop a new community solar project in Staten Island, New York. Community Distributed Generation ("CDG") is the fastest growing segment of commercial solar, within which UGE is an industry leader. Having developed the first such project in New York City last year, UGE has reinforced itself as an industry innovator with additional project wins thereafter. Through UGE's innovative approach, the building owner collects rent for roof space, upon which UGE installs a solar system. Energy from the solar system is sold to community members, who purchase solar energy at a price lower than their utility rate. The building this project is located on is a production facility run by a family business, focused on custom kitchen cabinetry. UGE's approach has already facilitated ongoing conversations with the building owner about additional partnership opportunities for solar in the region. At 304kW, the project's value exceeds $600,000. "UGE is excited to build this project and lead the development of CDG projects in New York City," said Mateo Chaskel, UGE's Director of Development. "This market represents an enormous opportunity for solar. We are excited to be pursuing further opportunities for solar in the area and providing real benefits to the community." About UGE International Ltd. UGE delivers immediate savings to businesses through its low cost solar energy solutions. UGE helps commercial and industrial clients become more competitive by providing distributed renewable energy solutions at no upfront cost, thus generating long-term economic and environmental returns. With over 375 MW of global experience and over 630 projects completed, UGE works daily to power a more sustainable world. Visit us at www.ugei.com. For more information, contact: 917-720-5685 investors@ugei.com Tenneco Inc. (NYSE: TEN) announced today that it has completed its acquisition of Ohlins Racing A.B. ("Ohlins"), a Swedish technology company that develops premium suspension systems and components for the automotive and motorsport industries. "Ohlins is an integral part of what will become our new Aftermarket and Ride Performance company. Its premium technology and brand reputation will strengthen our OE and aftermarket portfolios while enhancing our position in the global advanced suspension systems space. This transaction is yet another example of our strategy to leverage key technologies that will better position Tenneco to take advantage of secular trends in intelligent suspension, autonomous driving and mobility," said Brian Kesseler, co-CEO, Tenneco. The agreement to acquire Ohlins was signed and announced on November 15, 2018. Today's closing precedes the planned separation of Tenneco into two independent, publicly traded companies through a tax-free spin-off to shareholders that will establish an Aftermarket and Ride Performance company and a Powertrain Technology company. The spin-off, which is expected to be complete in the second half of 2019, is part of Tenneco's transformation that follows its acquisition of Federal-Mogul in October 2018. About Tenneco Headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, Tenneco is one of the world's leading designers, manufacturers and marketers of Ride Performance and Clean Air products and technology solutions for diversified markets, including light vehicle, commercial truck, off-highway equipment and the aftermarket, with 2017 revenues of $9.3 billion and approximately 32,000 employees worldwide. On October 1, 2018, Tenneco completed the acquisition of Federal-Mogul, a leading global supplier to original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with nearly 55,000 employees globally and 2017 revenues of $7.8 billion. Additionally, the company expects to separate its businesses to form two new, independent companies, an Aftermarket and Ride Performance company as well as a new Powertrain Technology company, in the second half of 2019. About Ohlins Ohlins or Ohlins Racing AB, is a Swedish company that develops suspension systems for the automotive and motorsport industries and supports performance teams in F1, Formula E, NASCAR and MotoGP racing. Ohlins, with last twelve months revenue of approximately $130 million at current exchange rates, employs 340 people and is headquartered in Upplands Vasby, Sweden, where the main R&D departments and production site are also located. Ohlins also has branch offices and subsidiaries worldwide: Auto Norden and Ohlins CES in Sweden, Ohlins Asia in Thailand, Ohlins Distribution/Technical Centre in Germany, Ohlins USA in North Carolina. About the Future Aftermarket and Ride Performance Company Following the separation, the aftermarket and ride performance company will be one of the largest global multi-line, multi-brand aftermarket companies, and one of the largest global OE ride performance and braking companies. The aftermarket and ride performance company's principal product brands will feature Monroe, Walker, CleviteElastomers, Ohlins, MOOG, Fel-Pro, Wagner, Champion and others. The Aftermarket and Ride Performance company would have 2017 pro-forma revenues of $6.4 billion, with 56% of those revenues from aftermarket and 44% from original equipment customers, exclusive of the Ohlins transaction. About the Future Powertrain Technology Company Following the separation, the powertrain technology company will be one of the world's largest pure-play powertrain companies serving OE markets worldwide with engineered solutions addressing fuel economy, power output, and criteria pollution requirements for gasoline, diesel and electrified powertrains. The powertrain technology company would have 2017 pro-forma revenues of $10.7 billion, serving light vehicle, commercial truck, off-highway and industrial markets. Safe Harbor This release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (i) all statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this communication that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future or that depend on future events and (ii) statements about our future business plans and strategy and other statements that describe Tenneco's outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals, and any discussion of future operating or financial performance. These forward-looking statements are included in various sections of this communication and the words "may," "will," "believe," "should," "could," "plan," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," and similar expressions (and variations thereof) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included in this release concern, among other things, Tenneco's planned separation into an aftermarket and ride performance company and a powertrain technology company; Tenneco's other plans, objectives and expectations; and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to materially differ from those described in the forward-looking statements, including the possibility that Tenneco may not complete the spin-off of the Aftermarket Ride Performance business from the Powertrain Technology business (or achieve some or all of the anticipated benefits of such a spin-off); the possibility that the acquisition of Federal-Mogul or the separation may have an adverse impact on existing arrangements with Tenneco, including those related to transition, manufacturing and supply services and tax matters; the ability to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers or other business partners; the risk that the benefits of the acquisition of Federal-Mogul or the separation, including synergies, may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the risk that the acquisition of Federal-Mogul or the separation may not advance Tenneco's business strategy; the risk that Tenneco may experience difficulty integrating all employees or operations; the potential diversion of Tenneco management's attention resulting from the separation; as well as the risk factors and cautionary statements included in Tenneco's periodic and current reports (Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K) filed from time to time with the SEC. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Unless otherwise indicated, the forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date of this communication, and, except as required by law, Tenneco does not undertake any obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to publicly disclose revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190110005191/en/ Contacts: Tenneco investor inquiries: Linae Golla 847 482-5162 (office) 224 632-0986 (cell) lgolla@tenneco.com Tenneco media inquiries: Bill Dawson 847 482-5807 (office) 224 280-4308 (cell) bdawson@tenneco.com Margie Pazikas (Europe) 32 (0) 2 706 9025 (office) 32 (0) 477 22 6152 (cell) mpazikas@tenneco.com SpendEdge, a global procurement market intelligence firm, has announced the release of their Global Clinical Research Services Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190110005330/en/ Global Clinical Research Services Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report. (Graphic: Business Wire) The pharmaceutical industry is leveraging various clinical research services to develop new drugs and treatments to tackle the growing instances of chronic ailments and to tend to the aging population. The healthcare industry is seeking services to make the treatments more affordable. These factors are driving the category spend momentum in various regions. Buyers from developing nations prefer outsourcing clinical research services to CROs that have necessary skillsets and knowledge to invent drugs and devices. This is also contributing to the global category spend growth rate in the coming years. Request a Free Sample of this market intelligence report here! North America is registering a high category adoption rate because of the growth of biosimilar and biologics markets and rising demand for outsourcing of clinical research services to CROs by pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies. Statistics imply that North America currently holds the largest market share for clinical research services. Favorable government policies and outsourcing of services done by the pharmaceutical companies are prompting service providers in APAC to improve their service portfolio and adopt advanced technologies to cater to the diverse needs of the buyers. This market intelligence report on clinical research services provides buyers with insights into the category spend and cost and volume drivers impacting the pricing of such products. It also offers information on the critical growth enablers that are responsible for influencing the overall supplier cost structure. This clinical research services procurement research report also highlights a set of procurement best practices that will foster cost-effective category procurement and help achieve cost savings. Get free customization of this market intelligence report on clinical research services to get information tailored to your business needs. "Buyers must engage with suppliers that conduct clinical quality assurance programs adhering to quality standards as per protocols and international regulations," says SpendEdge procurement expert Sumit Yadav. "These programs aid buyers in evaluating the integrity of scientific data, clinical research, and clinical trials,"added Sumit. This clinical research services procurement research report has estimated the following cost drivers to influence the category growth in the coming years: Increase in labor costs is a high business impact factor for category service providers Tactical levers offer greater cost-saving opportunities relative to strategic levers Purchase the full market intelligence report on clinical research services here! SpendEdge is now offering limited-time discounts on report purchases. Buy two reports and get the third one for free SpendEdge's procurement market intelligence reports for the pharma and healthcare category provide detailed supply market forecasts and cost drivers that impact category growth. Such information will help procurement managers as well as the suppliers to determine the total cost of ownership and change their procurement strategies accordingly. Additionally, SpendEdge's reports provide category management insights and information on the procurement best practices for the category. Report scope snapshot: Clinical research services Category pricing insights Pricing outlook Total cost of ownership analysis Supplier cost structure Interested to know more about the scope of our market intelligence reports? Download a FREE sample Cost-Saving Opportunities Supplier-side levers Buyer-side levers Quantifying cost savings by negotiation strategies Want customized information from the clinical research services procurement research report? Get in touch Category ecosystem Competitiveness index for suppliers Buyer power Supplier power score To view the table of contents of this market intelligence report, Download a FREE sample Do you purchase multiple reports in a year? Our subscription platform, SpendEdge Insights, provides ready-to-use procurement research reports for various categories. Now access latest supplier news, innovation landscape, markets insights, supplier tracking, and much more at the click of a button. Start your 7-day FREE trial now Related Reports: Global Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Service Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report Global Tablet Coatings Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. To know more, https://www.spendedge.com/request-free-proposal View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190110005330/en/ Contacts: SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager US: +1 630 984 7340 UK: +44 148 459 9299 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us GENEVA, January 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Firmenich is proud to have joined RE100, a global initiative of the world's most influential companies, all committed to 100% renewable power. Today, Firmenich manufacturing sites in the U.S. and Europe are operating with 100% renewable electricity, as the Group gets closer to meeting its ambitious goal of 100% renewable electricity across all of its production sites by 2020. Firmenich joins more than 160 major businesses in the global RE100 initiative, which is led by the international non-profit "The Climate Group" in partnership with "CDP". Other members of the RE100 include Google, Lego, Apple and Nike. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/798187/Firmenich_Logo.jpg ) (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/806749/RE100_Logo.jpg ) "With all of our manufacturing sites in the U.S. and Europe currently 100% powered by renewable electricity, I am confident we will reach our goal of 100% for all our sites worldwide by 2020," said Gilbert Ghostine, CEO Firmenich. "It is critical that business partners together to tackle climate change with a sense of urgency, which is why we have joined RE100 and the 160 world-class companies committed to driving the world's economy towards sustainability." "In 2018, 78% of our global electricity came from renewable sources, and we are on our way to reach 90% of renewable electricity globally in 2019," added Jane Sinclair, Head of Legal & Compliance and General Counsel, Firmenich. "Our teams are fully dedicated to fighting the urgent climate crisis and scaling up our actions with other like-minded companies in the RE100 initiative." "By joining RE100 and committing to source 100% renewable electricity by 2020, Firmenich is proving that it's possible for big businesses to set ambitious targets that speed up the global transition to clean energy," said Sam Kimmins, Head of RE100, The Climate Group. "This is the kind of corporate climate leadership that will help us stay below 1.5 degrees global warming and deliver a robust, sustainable economy." "To achieve our goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2020, we are not only relying on the purchase of green electricity, we are also collaborating with our suppliers to develop onsite clean solutions such as wind power and solar energy," commented Neil McFarlane, Senior VP Quality, Health, Safety, Security & Environment, Firmenich. "We look forward to partnering with RE100 and its member companies to push our thinking and help ease the transition towards a more sustainable global economy." In 2015, Firmenich announced its ambitious Environmental Goals for 2020 as well as its vision to become a carbon neutral company. In addition to committing to 100% of electricity from renewable sources or offsets, Firmenich is targeting a 20% reduction in absolute CO 2 emissions and a 25% decrease of water use in water stressed areas. Taking its ambitious 2020 environmental goals to the next level, the perfume and taste company is also one of only 149 companies worldwide to have approved science-based targets. In joining the "Science Based Targets initiative" the Swiss company committed to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 CO 2 emissions by 39% and Scope 3 emissions by 20% by 2030. Learn more about Firmenich's 2020 environmental goals and commitments to climate change management in its "Performance and Sustainability Report 2018." To view it, click here. About Firmenich Firmenich is the world's largest privately-owned perfume and taste company, founded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1895. Driven by its purpose to create positive emotions to enhance wellbeing, naturally, Firmenich has designed many of the world's best-known perfumes and tastes, bringing delight to over four billion consumers every day. Renowned for its world-class research and creativity, as well as its leadership in sustainability, each year, Firmenich invests 10% of its turnover in R&D to understand and share the best that nature has to offer responsibly. Firmenich had an annual turnover of 3.7 billion Swiss Francs at end June 2018. More information about Firmenich is available athttp://www.firmenich.com About RE100 Led by The Climate Groupin partnership with CDP, RE100 is a collaborative initiative bringing together the world's most influential businesses committed to 100% renewable power. Renewables are a smart business decision, providing greater control over energy costs while helping companies to deliver on emission reduction goals. RE100 members, including Global Fortune 500 companies, have a total revenue of over US$4.5 trillion and operate in a diverse range of sectors - from information technology to automobile manufacturing. Together, they send a powerful signal to policymakers and investors to accelerate the transition to a low carbon economy. RE100.org| RE100 |info@RE100.org Coveted Award Honors New, Innovative Link Learn Sales Education System Brandon Hall Group, one of the most well-known and established research organizations in the performance improvement industry, recognized Mary Kay with a coveted Brandon Hall Group Bronze award for excellence in the category ofBest Advance in Learning Management Technology for External Training. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190110005091/en/ This innovative e-learning platform connects Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants to a learning community based on content, accessibility and localization. (Graphic: Mary Kay Inc.) The award honored the beauty company's new, innovative Link Learn global sales education system. A panel of veteran, independent senior industry experts alongside Brandon Hall Group analysts and executives evaluated the entries. The award winners will be honored at the Human Capital Management Excellence Conference hosted by Brandon Hall in West Palm Beach Florida in January. Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants in nine European markets are among the first to experience the robust learning curriculum designed to amplify educational support for the independent sales force and increase their business success. The innovative e-learning platform connects Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants to a learning community based on content, accessibility and localization. "Mary Kay fosters a culture of innovation and we are honored to receive the 2018 Brandon Hall Group Bronze award for the hard work put into the launch of our Link Learn technology," said Beth Lopez, Vice President of Global Sales Education for Mary Kay and Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Mary Kay Inc.'s European Region. "Reaction and engagement to the new sales education system has been overwhelmingly positive and we will continue to work with our Mary Kay markets to roll out this innovative, award-winning platform to help continue our mission of enriching women's lives around the world." Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards in Technology recognize organizations that have successfully deployed programs, strategies, modalities, processes, systems and tools that have achieved measurable results. Entries for the awards are based upon criteria including breakthrough innovation, unique differentiators and value proposition. "We're proud to honor the innovators. As human capital management continues to evolve, the creativity of the award winners is breathtaking," said Rachel Cooke, Chief Operating Officer of Brandon Hall Group and Head of the Awards Program. "Organizations of all sizes showed that creativity and technology can create new and better work experiences." For a complete list of Brandon Hall Group award winners, click here. About Mary Kay At Mary Kay, success lies in our dedication to irresistible products, a rewarding opportunity and positive community impact. For 55 years, Mary Kay has inspired women to achieve their entrepreneurial goals in nearly 40 countries. As a multibillion-dollar company, we offer the latest in cutting-edge skin care, bold color cosmetics and fragrances. Discover more reasons to love Mary Kay at marykay.com. About Brandon Hall Group, Inc. With more than 10,000 clients globally and 20 years of delivering world class research and advisory services, Brandon Hall Group is the most well-known and established research organization in the performance improvement industry. We conduct research that drives performance and provides strategic insights for executives and practitioners responsible for growth and business results. Brandon Hall Group has an extensive repository of thought leadership, research and expertise in Learning and Development, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Talent Acquisition and Human Resources. At the core of our offerings is a Membership Program that Empowers Excellence Through Content, Collaboration and Community. Our members have access to research that helps them make the right decisions about people, processes, and systems, combined with research-powered advisory services customized to their needs. For more information, visit www.brandonhall.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190110005091/en/ Contacts: Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications marykay.com/newsroom 972.687.5332 or media@mkcorp.com 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. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 10, 2019) - Dunnedin Ventures Inc. (TSXV: DVI) (the "Company" or "Dunnedin") President, Claudia Tornquist today provides a year-end review of the Company's activities and progress in 2018. Dear Investor, 2018 marked a busy and exciting year for Dunnedin that saw progress on many fronts: Our initial drill program considerably advanced the Kahuna diamond project considerably advanced the Kahuna diamond project We extended two high-grade diamond bearing dikes through drilling and geophysics through drilling and geophysics Industry-leading kimberlite dike experts have been retained to advise on the advancement of our diamond resources to advise on the advancement of our diamond resources We furthered our exploration for diamondiferous kimberlite pipes and significantly narrowed down the most prospective area for a potential discovery A till sampling campaign was completed in order to prioritize kimberlite pipe targets for follow-up drilling in order to prioritize kimberlite pipe targets for follow-up drilling The newly acquired MPD copper project joins our Trapper project to form a strong copper-gold porphyry portfolio in British Columbia in British Columbia We strengthened our board with the addition of Steven Krause with the addition of Steven Krause We completed the spin-out of the gold mineralization rights on the Kahuna project into Solstice Gold Corp , which commenced trading on the TSX-V , which commenced trading on the TSX-V Over the year Dunnedin raised $3.5 million through private placements and our advisor Dr. Charles (Chuck) Fipke increased his share in the company to over 10% through his participation Figure 1: Diamonds from the Kahuna Project To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/42071_56b3fe32d4136848_002full.jpg Initial Drill Program at Kahuna Dunnedin set out to drill-test the targets we determined following three years of analyzing historic data and probing thousands of surface samples for diamond indicator minerals (DIMs). We took a prudent approach by relying on the surface exploration methods that our advisor and largest shareholder, Dr. Charles (Chuck) Fipke used to discover Canada's Ekati mine, before embarking on our drill program. Our initial drilling program was successful on two sides: Kimberlite Dikes We drilled significant extensions to two diamond bearing, high-grade kimberlite dikes. These expand the quantity of diamondiferous kimberlite that has been confirmed on the property to date, as neither body is yet included in our maiden inferred resource of 4 million carats (see resource estimate, DVI website) and target for further exploration (see TFFE estimate, DVI website). To date we now have approximately 20 km of kimberlite dikes defined through drilling and geophysics and the Kahuna property hosts many more linear structures that remain largely untested and collectively comprise over 100 km of prospective, potentially kimberlite-bearing targets. To further the potential of our kimberlite dikes Dunnedin has engaged SRK Consulting to develop options to expand the existing inferred diamond resource on the Kahuna and Notch dikes, incorporate the numerous other proven diamondiferous dikes on the Kahuna property and assess conceptual mining methods. We expect the results of this study in Q1 2019. Kimberlite Pipes We have significantly narrowed down our main target area for kimberlite pipes on our large property where we hold diamond rights over 1600 km2, to a 10 km2 area that shows a high concentration of high-quality DIMs. This section in the northeast of the property is known as the Josephine Target Area. Through till sampling and drilling programs, we were able to show that known and weakly diamondiferous kimberlites in this area were not the sources of the abundant DIMs in till, which indicates that there must be one or several yet-to-be discovered sources for these DIMs nearby. To zero-in on these sources we collected another batch of nearly 1,000 surface samples in the autumn of 2018 and we expect the priority results from these samples in the coming weeks. Copper Portfolio Provides Additional Discovery Potential In 2018 Dunnedin also started to actively explore options to unlock the value of its 100% owned Trapper copper-gold porphyry project in BC's prolific Golden Triangle, on the heels of several high-profile porphyry exploration successes in the province. In November we strategically acquired 100% of the historically drilled, and recently consolidated, MPD property in South-Central British Columbia. Like Trapper, MPD has immediate exploration upside and the potential to yield a major copper-gold porphyry system. The project is in a known, productive copper-gold porphyry belt with historically drilled grades similar to nearby producing mines. Dunnedin will provide further information on 2019 exploration plans at MPD as the project database is analyzed. Strong Team & Strategic Alignment On the management front, we were pleased to welcome Mr. Steven Krause to our Board of Directors. Steven is CFO of Viva Gold Corp. and former CFO of Bear Creek Mining. He was also former chairman of Luna Gold, where he led the $360m merger with JDL Gold to form Trek Mining. Steven's experience in finance, corporate development, and governance is a welcome addition to our high-caliber team of director and advisors. We are also proud to be affiliated with some of the most successful exploration and resource development professionals in Canada through the Discovery Group, led by John Robins. With a shared philosophy of finding and advancing overlooked high-quality assets with good historic results and strong economic potential, several companies in this group have generated industry-leading returns for shareholders over the past year and certainly our CEO Chris Taylor is becoming well-known through the successes of our sister company Great Bear Resources, which made a significant high-grade gold discovery in Canada's Red Lake District. Indeed, it is our intention replicate these successes to the benefit of Dunnedin shareholders. We have the underlying assets and the team to unlock their potential. Our belief in the discovery potential at Kahuna is as strong as ever and our copper portfolio provides us with additional options to create value. In 2019 we will be pursuing a variety of avenues for funding, exploring and monetizing our assets to the benefit of shareholders. Watch for more news early this year as we move our projects forward, and we thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, Claudia Tornquist President Jeff Ward, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. For further information please contact Mr. Knox Henderson, Investor Relations, at 604-551-2360 or khenderson@dunnedinventures.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors Dunnedin Ventures Inc. Claudia Tornquist President About Dunnedin Ventures Inc. Dunnedin Ventures Inc. (TSXV: DVI) is focused on its 100% owned, advanced-stage Kahuna Diamond Project in Nunavut which hosts a high-grade, near surface inferred diamond resource and numerous kimberlite pipe targets. The Company holds diamond interests in 1,664 km2 of mineral tenure located 26 kilometres northeast of Rankin Inlet and adjacent to Agnico Eagle's Meliadine gold mine. The Kahuna Diamond Project has an Inferred Resource Estimate of 3,987,000 tonnes at an average grade of 1.01 carats per tonne, totalling over 4 million carats of diamonds (+0.85 mm) (see news release dated March 31, 2015). Dunnedin's drilling is aimed at the discovery of diamondiferous kimberlite pipes, and the Company is working with advisor and largest shareholder Dr. Chuck Fipke to define and prioritize drill targets based on an extensive historic data set, and diamonds and indicator minerals recovered from a series of kimberlite and till samples over four seasons of field work. Dunnedin also holds a 100% interest in the Trapper Porphyry Project in the northern "Golden Triangle" region of British Columbia, and the MPD Project in south-central British Columbia near Princeton. The Trapper and MPD Projects are interpreted to overlie gold-rich copper porphyry systems having surface geochemical, geophysical and regional alteration signatures of considerable size. Based in Vancouver, Dunnedin is backed by a world-renowned team of exploration experts with decades of combined exploration experience and significant capital market strength. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws. VALLEY COTTAGE, New York, January 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Hybrid rice seed varieties are the first filial generation of two distinct parent seeds. These hybrid rice seeds demonstrate superior productivity, raising yields above the high yielding varieties of the original Green Revolution. Hybrid rice seeds fit well for a New Green Revolution, which are a must for meeting the rapidly increasing need of the growing population. The quality of seeds largely affects the efficiency of the added fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs. Hence, to enhance productivity, quality seeds with appropriate properties are needed to develop and be made available to farmers. Hybrid rice seeds are getting widely acknowledged for their enhanced productivity. Yet, at present, the hybrid rice seeds technology is limited to India, Vietnam, the Philippines, and the U.S., while China is cultivating around half of its rice with hybrid rice seeds. Major limitations are generally due to the hybrid rice seed technology being laborious and intensive, besides the high cost of the seeds. Still, hybrid rice cultivation tops other hybrid crops. FMI predicts that the global market for hybrid rice seeds is expected to grow at a rate of 7.5% in terms of revenue during the forecast years. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/677274/Future_Market_Insights_Logo.jpg ) For Requesting a Sample Copy of this Report, Please Visit @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8182 Hybrid Rice Seeds Scenario in Developing Countries at a Glance The hybrid rice seeds market growth in developing countries is varying from moderate to stagnant, owing to the lack of trained human resources, lack of sufficient water, and unfavorable climatic conditions. Rice producing Asian countries, apart from China, which include India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Pakistan, together have 4.5 million hectares of land under hybrid rice seed cultivation. The area contributes to a small percentage in each country. The U.N. FAO's regional office in this region has developed a strategy in collaboration with these countries to move toward sustainable food security in Asia. In African countries such as Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Uganda, Madagascar, and Tanzania, cultivation with hybrid rice seeds started in the early 2000s. The Green Super Rice (GSR) project, which was introduced in some countries in the African continent cultivating hybrid rice seeds, developed in Asia, coordinated by the Chinese Academy Agricultural Sciences, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Africa Rice, during 2009-2011, succeeded from the yield perspective. However, these hybrid rice seeds are not practical for commercial rice production, since they are susceptible to African diseases. Developing hybrid rice seeds that have better resistance to these diseases as well as high yield potential will be more beneficial. On the other hand, Egypt has succeeded in producing a local hybrid rice seed variety on a commercial scale through a rice breeding program. With strategic programs and support from the private sector, governments, and leading companies, hybrid rice development in Asia and Africa has a great potential to achieve a breakthrough in the technology related to hybrid rice seeds. Preview Analysis On Hybrid Rice Seeds Market: Enhanced Yield and Shorter Time to Harvest to Boost Utilization: Global Industry Analysis 2013 - 2017 and Opportunity Assessment 2018 - 2027: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/hybrid-rice-seeds-market Self-Cloning Hybrid Rice - a Milestone in Hybrid Rice Seeds Technology Hybrid rice seeds are a product of the hybridization of two good parent rice varieties, which are engineered with desirable traits such as higher yield. Such hybrid rice seeds do not pass the same genetic information to the next generation of seeds. Hence, if farmers need to achieve the same yield the next time, buying new hybrid rice seeds is a must. However, a recent study conducted at the laboratory level shows the possibility of preserving genetic information through the self-cloning of hybrid rice seeds. On December 12, 2018, it was reported that, hybrid rice seeds engineered with CRISPR, a gene-editing tool, can produce such a rice plant that can clone their seeds. Successful commercial production of such hybrid rice seeds can lead to a marvelous improvement in hybrid rice seed technology and overall crop development. Hybrid Rice Seeds Giving Higher Economic Returns Rice cultivation using hybrid rice seeds has been reported to produce higher economic returns when compared to the economic returns of conventional rice varieties. This is due to the significant yield the hybrid rice seeds over conventional rice seeds. Also, the milling yield of hybrid rice seeds was found to be the same, or in some cases better than the milling yield of conventional rice seeds. This advantage of cultivation with hybrid rice seeds is likely to encourage poor farmers to shift from conventional rice seeds to hybrid rice seeds. Request Report Table of Contents with figures @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-8182 More from Food and Beverages Market: Kombucha Market Sales Forecasting 2019 Cottonseed Oil Demand Forecasting 2019 Aloe Vera Gel Global Market Share 2019 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 and an aerial view of the competitive framework and future market trends. Browse MoreFood and Beverages Market Insights Contact Us Abhishek Budholiya 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 T (UK): +44(0)20-7692-8790 Sales:sales@futuremarketinsights.com Press Office: Press@futuremarketinsights.com Blog: Market Research Blog Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com 10 January 2019 Ruffer Investment Company Limited (the "Company") LEI: 21380068AHZKY7MKN047 Share Dealing by Investment Manager Ruffer Investment Company Limited announces that it has been informed of the purchase of 7,000 Redeemable Participating Preference Shares of 0.01 pence each by Duncan MacInnes of Ruffer AIFM Limited, the Investment Manager of the Company, at a price of 2.1475 per share on 9 January 2019. Following this purchase of shares, Duncan MacInnes is the beneficial owner of 28,800 Redeemable Participating Preference Shares. Disclosure of this purchase is not a regulatory requirement but it was felt by the directors of the Company to be of interest to shareholders. Enquiries: Company Secretary Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited Tel: 01481 745001 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 10, 2019) - Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARU) (OTCQB: AUIAF) (FSE: 20Q) ("Aurania" or the "Company") reports up to 9% copper with 185 grams per tonne ("g/t") silver - from grab samples of rock in streams draining a doughnut-shaped magnetic feature identified as the "Tsenken-A" porphyry target in magnetic data from the Lost Cities - Cutucu Project ("Project") in southeastern Ecuador. Aurania's Chairman and CEO, Dr. Keith Barron commented, "The significance of these high-grade copper results is that they suggest that the highly magnetic feature at Tsenken - rather than being one very large, broad target area - is resolving into a cluster of discrete magnetic features, each of which could be a porphyry body. So, rather than having one potential source of copper at Tsenken, we probably have multiple sources that underscore the mineralization potential of the target area. The resolution of the magnetic feature at Tsenken into a cluster of discrete bodies is leading us to look at the other big magnetic features along trend of Tsenken - the Kirus, Jempe and Awacha target areas - as potential porphyry clusters too." "Tsenken A" Target The high-grade samples contain malachite, chrysocolla, tenorite and chalcocite with minor cuprite. A total of 8 samples in this area returned grades ranging from 0.9%-9% copper. These secondary copper minerals are hosted in distinctly bedded sedimentary rocks, some of which have a tuffaceous component. These high-grade grab samples were found in streams that drain an area that has a distinct geophysical signature on the edge of the large magnetic feature at Tsenken. Magnetic data over the Tsenken-A target, acquired in the geophysics survey flown in late 2017, defines a circular area of relatively low magnetism surrounding a core of strong magnetism (Figure 1) - the type of signature expected from a porphyry system in which the central, potassium-altered, magnetite-bearing core is enclosed by "phyllic" alteration in which magnetite has been altered to non-magnetic minerals. Copper mineralization at Tsenken-A has been found in an area of 3km by 1km in extent (Figure 1, Table 1). The current exploration concept defines a porphyry body intruding a sedimentary and volcano-sedimentary sequence, with fluids from the porphyry infiltrating and mineralizing the enclosing permeable sedimentary and volcano-sedimentary rocks. The Tsenken magnetic feature lies 8km from the Kirus magnetic feature, where copper grades of up to 5.4% with 54g/t silver were obtained, and 12km from Jempe, where grades of up to 3% copper and 47g/t silver were reported in a press release dated October 4, 2018. Figure 1.Map of magnetic data from the Tsenken target showing the location of the high-grade rock samples. Data for each sample includes the alpha-numeric sample number and grade for copper ("Cu") and silver ("Ag"). Magnetic data are illustrated by colour, dark blue being the least magnetic areas and purple/pink shades being the most intensely magnetic. Rock grab sample positions are shown as yellow triangles. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2477/42061_34b1ea3c948b2bb0_001full.jpg Table 1. Copper and silver assays from grab samples of rock in streams in the "Tsenken A" target area. Sample Number Silver (g/t) Copper (%) C175938 19.6 7.16 Y003554 45.0 2.63 Y003556 27.8 1.45 Y003557 23.1 1.68 Y003558 45.6 2.65 Y003560 185.0 9.28 Y003561 12.2 0.89 Y003562 23.8 1.46 Update on Scout Drilling Program The Company is awaiting one more permit to clear the way for scout drilling of the epithermal gold-silver target at Crunchy Hill. This permit is within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Environment, in which the new minister was appointed in early-December. Management has met with the new Minister and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of the Environment and has been assured that the scout drilling permit will be issued shortly. The selected drill contract company has had its technical staff on site and is ready to mobilize as soon as the final permit is received for drilling at Crunchy Hill. Sample Analysis & Quality Assurance / Quality Control ("QAQC") The samples were prepared for analysis at ALS Global's ("ALS") lab in Quito, Ecuador. The rock samples were jaw-crushed to 10 mesh (crushed material passes through a mesh with apertures of 2 millimetres ("mm")), from which a one-kilogram sub-sample was taken. The sub-sample was crushed to a grain size of 0.075mm and a 200 gram ("g") split was set aside for analysis. Aurania personnel inserted a certified standard pulp sample, alternating with a field blank, at intervals of approximately 20 samples in all sample batches. ALS's preparation lab in Quito sent the prepared samples to its analytical facility in Lima, Peru for analysis. Approximately 0.25g of rock pulp underwent four-acid digestion and analysis for 48 elements by ICP-MS. For the over-limit samples, those that had a grade of greater than 1% copper and 100g/t silver, 0.4 grams of pulp underwent digestion in four acids and the resulting liquid was diluted and analyzed by ICP-MS. ALS reported that the analyses had passed its internal QAQC tests. In addition, Aurania's analysis of results from its QAQC samples showed the batches reported on above, lie within acceptable limits. Qualified Person The technical information contained in this news release has been verified and approved by Jean-Paul Pallier, MSc. Mr. Pallier is a designated EurGeol by the European Federation of Geologists and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators. About Aurania Aurania is a junior mineral exploration company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and copper. Its flagship asset, The Lost Cities - Cutucu Project, is located in the Jurassic Metallogenic Belt in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range of southeastern Ecuador. Information on Aurania and technical reports are available at www.aurania.com and www.sedar.com, as well as on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/auranialtd/, Twitter at https://twitter.com/auranialtd, and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurania-resources-ltd-. For further information, please contact: Carolyn Muir Manager - Investor Services Aurania Resources Ltd. (416) 367-3200 carolyn.muir@aurania.com Dr. Richard Spencer President Aurania Resources Ltd. (416) 367-3200 richard.spencer@aurania.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. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking information that involves substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the control of Aurania. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Aurania's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that Aurania or its management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to Aurania, Aurania provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, Aurania's objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the corporation's portfolio, treasury, management team and enhanced capital markets profile, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, regulatory, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in Aurania's public documents filed on SEDAR. Although Aurania believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Aurania disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Families that apply will be notified within 24 to 48 hours if they are eligible. Even if they do not normally qualify for the free meals, a family could be eligible for the remainder of the school year because of the current loss of income, the system said. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 10, 2019) -Para Resources Inc. (TSXV: PBR) (WKN: A14YF1) (OTC Pink: PRSRF) (the "Company" or "Para") is pleased to announce that effective January 1, 2019, it has entered into a Final Services Agreement with Clark Construction Group, LLC ("Clark"), a Maryland, limited liability company whereby Clark will provide contract mining services at the Company-owned, Gold Road Mine in Oatman, AZ. The contract transitions from the original "time and materials" contract that was previously announced in November 2018 with an open book Target Pricing contract. This new contract establishes the basis on which mining and extraction will occur at the Gold Road Mine. Clark has already been present on the project with equipment and crews and Atkinson is currently driving an exhaust drift in preparations of installing an exhaust fan to upgrade the ventilation system, upgrading the main decline to accommodate larger trucks rehabilitating the secondary escape routes and remediating the previously announced ground control issues. In addition, maintenance, testing, repair, and general cleanup of the mill has been completed. The mill is now in functional condition with the exception of additional ball mill liners and first fills which are expected later in January. Mineralized rock production is on schedule and expected to commence in late January 2019 with the re-commissioning of the plant with first gold pour anticipated in February 2019. Geoff Hampson, Para's CEO states, "We are very pleased to have now transitioned our relationship with Clark Construction Group to a Target Price contract which will ensure continuity of costs and production. We have implemented several key bonus programs to ensure that Para's and Clarks' interests and incentives are in sync. Clark is one of the most experienced and respected building and civil construction firms in the United States and they bring extensive experience and knowledge to our operations and capacity. The partnership between Clark and our highly skilled and tested Para team will ensure a smooth and successful production ramp up." On other news with respect to the Company's El Limon Mine in Colombia, Para is pleased to announce that the mill continues to perform as anticipated and that the ramp up of feed is continuing. Para is now assisting several of the larger formalized artisanal miners with equipment, technology and management. The new winch and the new tailing disposal site at El Limon are expected to be completed by the end of Q1 2019. The current ramp up at El Limon is anticipated to move the operation into positive cash flow in the coming months and Commercial Production is expected to be declared by the end of Q1. Paulo J. Andrade, BSc Senior Geologist, vice-president for Para Resources is considered by TSX and ASX a Competent Person according to CIM (NI-43-101) and JORC standards as a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (MAIG # 6136), who is responsible for the geological disclosure contained in this news release. ABOUT PARA RESOURCES: Para Resources Inc. ("Para") is a junior gold mining and exploration company. The Company owns two projects that couple areas of highly prospective exploration potential with an existing mining and milling operation that can generate cash flow to support an exploration program. Purchasing existing and fully permitted mines and facilities dramatically reduces the exploration risk as the small mining operations are profitable and provide excellent returns as a stand-alone entity. This is a unique approach to developing "world class" assets. In addition, Para is unique in that the Insiders have invested more than $20 million of their own capital and own approximately 70% of the equity. Para's management team is seasoned and proven, having discovered, built, managed and sold several different mines over the last 40 years. The Company has two major projects: The Gold Road Mine in Arizona, USA and the El Limon Mine in Zaragoza, Colombia. The Gold Road Mine, Arizona, USA In August 2017, Para, through its 88% owned subsidiary Gold Road Mining Corp., acquired the 500 TPD CIL/CIP Gold Road Mine and Mill, including patented claims and a mill and processing facility, located in the historic Oatman Mining District in Northwestern Arizona. The Oatman District is the largest primary gold producing district in Arizona with a historical gold production including Gold Road of more than 2.1 million ounces. The vast majority of the production has come from two sub-parallel vein systems, the Gold Road system and the Tom Reed-United Eastern (Tr-Ue vein) system. In addition to these two systems there is a third vein system, the Pioneer-Midnight system, which is southwest of the Tr-Ue system for which production records are mostly unknown. The distance between these veins is less than 1 kilometer. Para is the first company to have secured the rights to all of the patented and unpatented claims along the Gold Road and the Tr-Ue veins which includes the sites of over 7 historical underground mines. These mines mostly ceased production in 1942 as a result of the US war effort. It is important to note that the mines stopped production while still mining high grade ore. Para believes that there is significant potential to re-open these mines and to process the ore at Gold Road which is approximately 1 km away on a paved road. In February 2018, Para published a NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Gold Road Mine and in April 2018, a NI 43-101 Technical Report on Report on the Oatman Gold Mining District for the Tr-Ue vein. Both reports recommend multi-year exploration plans that together target and additional 1,600,000 to 2,150,000 ounces for an estimated cost of US$14.2 million. El Limon Mine in Zaragoza Colombia Para owns approximately 86% of the El Limon project, in Colombia, which in addition to its current underground operation is purchasing mineralized rock mined by formalized small artisanal miners working on the Company's property. The El Limon and OTU properties also have exploration and development upside. Para completely re-built and re-habilitated the El Limon mill and increased capacity from 75 TPD to 225 TPD. That re-habilitation and upgrade has now been completed and commissioned. Mineralized rock from the El Limon underground and from the formalized small miners is has begun to flow with full capacity anticipated by mid-2019. Cautionary Notes: This press release contains forward-looking information under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". All information contained in this news release, other than statements of current and historical fact, is forward looking information. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Para to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to those risks described in the annual information form of Para and in its public documents filed on SEDAR from time to time. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Although management of Para has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Para does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Para's Readers should also review the risks and uncertainties sections of Para's annual and interim MD&As. On behalf of the Board of Directors "C. Geoffrey Hampson" C. Geoffrey Hampson, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director For further information, please contact Andrea Laird, telephone: +1-604-259-0302 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. 10 January 2019 Acacia Mining plc LSE:ACA ("Acacia" or the "Company") Statement on North Mara Acacia informs the market that its North Mara mine ("the Mine") has received an Environmental Protection Order ("EPO"), requiring payment of a fine of 300,000,000 Tanzanian Shillings (US$130,000) in relation to alleged breaches of environmental regulations in Tanzania. The Mine has not yet received any supporting reports, findings or testing data in relation to the matters set out in the EPO and is currently assessing the technical basis of the alleged non-compliances. Acacia also notes media reports in Tanzania that the Government of Tanzania ("GoT") has issued a directive to the Mine to construct a new Tailings Storage Facility ("TSF") at North Mara. Whilst the Mine has been verbally directed to construct a new TSF, the Mine has not yet received any written notice or directive from the GoT. The Mine has already recognised the need for additional tailings management and storage capacity to meet its life of mine plans and, while the Mine does not yet have detailed or fully costed plans or project schedules for the construction of a new facility, Acacia expects that a new TSF is likely to be an economically viable alternative to further expansions of the existing TSF at the Mine. Acacia also notes the National Environment Management Council's ("NEMC") reported findings regarding discharges of a hazardous substance at the mine. We are awaiting NEMC's detailed reports, findings and testing data in relation to this allegation but are not aware of any such discharge. The Mine believes that these reports relate to a longstanding seepage issue at the base of the TSF, which is already well known to NEMC and the GoT. This seepage remains managed by pumps which return the water to the TSF and it is, therefore, contained on the mine site, does not flow into the surrounding environment or present a risk of contamination to any public water source. Operations at the Mine remain unaffected. Acacia will provide further updates as required. ENQUIRIES For further information, please visit our website: http://www.acaciamining.com/ or contact: Acacia Mining plc +44 (0) 20 7129 7150 Sally Marshak, Head of Investor Relations and Communications Camarco +44 (0) 20 3757 4980 Gordon Poole / Nick Hennis About ACACIA Acacia Mining plc (LSE:ACA) is the UK holding company of the Acacia Group, Tanzania's largest gold miner and one of the largest producers of gold in Africa. The Acacia Group has three mines, all located in north-west Tanzania: Bulyanhulu, which is owned and operated by Bulyanhulu Gold Mine Limited, Buzwagi, which is owned and operated by Pangea Minerals Limited and North Mara, which is owned and operated by North Mara Gold Mine Limited. The Acacia Group also has a portfolio of exploration projects in Kenya, Burkina Faso and Mali. Acacia Mining plc is a UK public company headquartered in London. It is listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange with a secondary listing on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange. Barrick Gold Corporation is the majority shareholder of Acacia Mining plc. Disclaimer and forward-looking statements This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of Acacia in any jurisdiction. This announcement includes "forward-looking statements" that express or imply expectations of future events or results as opposed to historical facts. These statements include, financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future production, operations, costs, projects, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates" and other similar expressions. All forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Acacia, which could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained herein. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences between the actual results, performance and achievements of Acacia include, but are not limited to, changes or developments in political, economic or business conditions or national or local legislation or regulation in countries in which Acacia conducts - or may in the future conduct - business, industry trends, competition, fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold or certain other commodity prices (such as copper and diesel), currency fluctuations (including the US dollar, South African rand, Kenyan shilling and Tanzanian shilling exchange rates), Acacia's ability to successfully integrate acquisitions, Acacia's ability to recover its reserves or develop new reserves, including its ability to convert its resources into reserves and its mineral potential into resources or reserves, and to process its mineral reserves successfully and in a timely manner, Acacia's ability to complete land acquisitions required to support its mining activities, operational or technical difficulties which may occur in the context of mining activities, delays and technical challenges associated with the completion of projects, risk of trespass, theft and vandalism, changes in Acacia's business strategy and ongoing implementation of operational reviews, as well as risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development, mining and production and risks and factors affecting the gold mining industry in general. Although Acacia's management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, Acacia cannot give assurances that such statements will prove to be correct. Accordingly, investors should not place reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this announcement. Any forward-looking statements in this announcement only reflect information available at the time of preparation. Save as required under the Market Abuse Regulation or otherwise as may be required under applicable law, Acacia explicitly disclaims any obligation or undertaking publicly to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this announcement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast or estimate and no statement made should be interpreted to mean that Acacia's profits or earnings per share for any future period will necessarily match or exceed its historical published profits or earnings per share. Pre-Stabilisation notice 10 January 2019 Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful. pbb Deutsche Pfandbriefbank EUR senior unsecured preferred Notes due 2023 Pre-Stabilisation Notice Commerzbank AG (contact:Daniela Olt-Farrelly; telephone: +49 69 13623492 hereby announces, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilising Managers named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014). The security to be stabilised: Issuer: Deutsche Pfandbriefbank Guarantor (if any): none Aggregate nominal amount: EUR 500mn Description: Senior preferred Notes Offer price: tbc Other offer terms: maturity 17th January 2019; under their DIP; denoms 100k/100k, settlement 17th January 2019 Stabilisation: Stabilisation Coordinator: Stabilising Managers: Commerzbank AG BayernLB Goldman Sachs UBS Limited UniCredit Bank Stabilisation period expected to start on: 10th January 2019 Stabilisation period expected to end on: no later than (30 days after the proposed issue date of the securities) Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over-allotment facility. The Stabilising Managers may over-allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law. Stabilisation trading venue: Regulated Market of the Munich SE In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilising Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities during the stabilisation period at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, stabilisation may not necessarily occur and and any stabilisation action, if begun, may cease at any time Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules. This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction. This announcement is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any other jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful. END LAUF AN DER PEGNITZ, Germany, January 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Paradisiacal colours and a modern mix of graphic shapes are now joining forces at THOMAS SABO to create new items of jewellery that radiate happiness and positive energy. Developed with a keen sense for individual wearing experiences, the 'Paradise Colours' carry forth the high standards of design and quality for the jewellery and watch brand. The entire THOMAS SABO variety is represented in statements that range from summery-light to expressive, and their colourful trend is destined to inspire personal creations. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/806433/THOMAS_SABO_STERLING_SILVER_SS19_MODEL_1.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/806434/THOMASSABO_STERLING_SILVER_SS19_STILL_1.jpg ) In their unique style, Creative Director Susanne Kolbli and Company Founder Thomas Sabo welcome all customers to a paradise of jewellery: Floral patterns and richly symbolic fauna motifs now broaden the portfolio of iconic Sterling Silver and of the lovingly detailed Generation Charm Club collection. The new items of jewellery create impulses full of joie de vivre and expressiveness and can be perfectly combined to create new looks. Many of the 925 Sterling silver designs, some of them plated in gold, are elaborately hand-crafted with harmonising coloured stones and shimmering mother-of-pearl. The new designs for Spring/Summer 2019 will be introduced in several drops between mid-January and late March in all THOMAS SABO shops, at http://www.thomassabo.com and from selected partners. Images for editorial use: http://images.thomassabo.com/www/2/2019/01/THOMAS-SABO_Paradise-Colours_SS19.zip paradisebyTS About THOMAS SABO THOMAS SABO is one of the globally-leading jewellery and watches companies, designing, selling and distributing lifestyle products for women and men. The company, established in 1984 in Lauf an der Pegnitz, Germany, operates around 300 of its own shops across all five continents with a total of 1,800 employees. THOMAS SABO also collaborates globally with approximately 2,800 trade partners. Press contact THOMAS SABO GmbH & Co. KG Felizia Kindermann Head of International & Corporate PR +49912397150 press@thomassabo.com http://instagram.com/thomassabo http://twitter.com/THOMASSABO http://www.youtube.com/ThomasSaboOfficial LONDON, Jan. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- simplyBrand, the world's first blockchain-based e-commerce verification platform, launches their token pre-sale on January 10th, 2019 in conjunction with strategic partner COBINHOOD, a leading cryptocurrency service platform featuring zero-trading-fee exchange as well as an end-to-end ICO service provider. By integrating blockchain, AI and crowdsourcing, simplyBrand aims to end online counterfeiting through a safe and trustworthy digital commerce ecosystem. As the recent trade war between US and China, the war between famous brands and fake goods factories has never ceased. Global counterfeiting has long been a great threat to individuals, companies and world economies. With the expansion of e-commerce, brands find more difficulty tracing counterfeit goods and proving authenticity in the highly fragmented Internet space, which leads to massive revenue losses and brand reputation damage. In addition, consumers continue to suffer from fraudulence without effective precaution. "For the past years, simplyBrand has utilized data intelligence to successfully protect brand image and drive business results for Fortune 500 and renowned clients, including ASUS and popular luxury brands. As we usher in a new era powered by blockchain and AI technology, we believe the whole retail economy will benefit from this organic platform, which truly makes every purchase matter." said Kaufman Chang, founder and CEO of simplyBrand. simplyBrand, a well-established company with a proven business model and trusted customers utilizing big-data anti-counterfeiting services, is now extending their expertise in machine learning and AI to a more innovative, comprehensive solution. They are able to identify and verify products sold on all the major e-commerce platforms with high efficiency based on data including images, prices, locations, product description, etc. An immutable "blacklist" of counterfeit product will then be created on the blockchain for public reference. This allows brands to remove offending product pages responsively and continuously help to improve AI accuracy. Within this ecosystem, crowdsourced participants who report fake products through the simplyBrand DApp can earn SBA token rewards to purchase brand privileged items or sell them on exchange, while brands can buy tokens from exchange and purchase brand-protection services. As a result, a virtuous cycle of loyal consumers, companies and other enforcement agencies will be created to eradicate the online scourge of counterfeit products for good. simplyBrand pre-sale begins with a series of bonus programs: First Mover Program This sale is comprised of 14 stages. At the beginning of the first 11 stages, the first participants to invest will share a bonus pool and receive bonuses according to the amount that they invest in at the given stage. Referral Bonus Program If participants refer friends to join the pre-sale with a unique referral code, they will receive 1,000 SBA for every valid referral. A valid referral is defined as a participant investing in simplyBrand's pre-sale while having input the unique referral code. simplyBrand Ambassador Program After the end of the pre-sale, the top 100 participants that have accumulated the most investment amount from their referrals will be eligible to split a pool of SBA according to their referral contribution. The more people are referred to invest in simplyBrand, the higher the chance a participant has of receiving a large bonus. The pool will be determined by how much ETH simplyBrand raises as a whole. Total ETH raised Pool for ambassadors to share >5,000 ETH 1,000,000 SBA >10,000 ETH 2,000,000 SBA >20,000 ETH 3,000,000 SBA >30,000 ETH 5,000,000 SBA The pre-sale on the COBINHOOD coin offering platform (https://cobinhood.com/token-offering) beginning on January 10, 2019. To discover more about simplyBrand's pre-sale details, visit simplyBrand at https://simplybrand.io About simplyBrand simplyBrand is an inclusive ecosystem combining artificial intelligence, blockchain and crowdsourcing to eliminate counterfeit products in digital commerce. simplyBrand enables people and AI to collaborate utilizing the unique features of blockchain technology to strengthen security in online purchases. simplyBrand was co-founded by Kaufman Chang and Ronnie Ng. Both Kaufman and Ronnie are alumni of University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Kaufman is a startup entrepreneur with ventures in cloud computing software and big data security software. Ronnie is an entrepreneur who has also previously handled marketing for reputed organizations. He is also a business development expert. About COBINHOOD Launched in 2017, COBINHOOD is a next-generation cryptocurrency service platform. COBINHOOD is home to the world's first zero-fee, high-frequency cryptocurrency trading platform. The company was founded by Popo Chen, the original founder of '17 Media', and Wei-Ning Huang, former Senior Engineer at Google, with the intention of shaping future economies by creating a financial center for the blockchain era. COBINHOOD believes the evolution of blockchain technology and a decentralized financial landscape will transform global capital markets and business organizations with long-lasting impacts. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/806692/simplyBrand_COBINHOOD.jpg HELSINKI, Jan 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Global trade of softwood lumber from January through September 2018 was down 2.5% as compared to the same period last year. China, Japan, the United Kingdom and the MENA region reduced their imports, while the US and continental Europe have imported more lumber this year than in 2017. This is a brief excerpt from the newly released market report Wood Resource Quarterly). To read the full 56-page quarterly report, please visit www.WoodPrices.comto initiate a subscription. WRQ - 31 Years of Global Wood Price Reporting Global Softwood Lumber Trade Global trade of softwood lumber from January through September 2018 was down 2.5% as compared to the same period last year. China, Japan, the United Kingdom and the MENA region reduced their imports, while the US and continental Europe have imported more lumber this year than in 2017. Lumber markets - North America After US lumber imports reached a 10-year high in the 2Q/18, import volumes fell 3.5% to 9.44 million m3 in the 3Q/18, which was still over ten percent more than in the same quarter in 2017. The trend over the past few years has been that the market share for overseas lumber supply to the US has increased at the expense of Canadian supply, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ). The Canadian share has fallen from 95% of total imports in 2016 to 91% in 2018. Lumber prices in the US plummeted during the summer and fall, with major grades falling about 40% from June to November. Lumber exports from Canada were down in all markets in the 3Q, and the total export volume was down 4.3% q-o-q. Almost 80% of the shipments were destined for the United States. During the first nine months of 2018, export volumes to China were 16% lower than the same period last year. Lumber markets - Northern Europe Lumber exports from both Finland and Sweden slowed substantially in the late summer, with August shipments being down 10% (Finland) and 6% (Sweden) from August 2017. The biggest decrease in Finnish exports so far this year have been in shipments to China and Saudi Arabia, while Swedish sawmills have reduced exports to Egypt, China and Japan the most. Both countries have kept up sales in the European market in 2018 with only minor changes in shipped volumes from 2017, according to the WRQ. Lumber prices in both Finland and Sweden have remained fairly stable during most of 2018. Lumber market - United Kingdom The United Kingdom is the world's third largest importer of softwood lumber, after the US and China. In 2017, the country imported 7.5 million m3 of lumber, the highest level seen since 2007 and up almost 50% from five years ago. Sweden has long been the major supplier, with a market share of about 45%. However, demand for imported lumber to the UK has fallen by 20% during the first nine months of 2018. Import prices for lumber have trended upwards in US dollar terms in the past few years to reach a three-year high in the 2Q/18, followed by a decline of 7.3% in the 3Q/18. Lumber markets - China A gloomier outlook by Chinese consumers and a shortage of credits for many provincial governments and state-run firms have contributed to reduced demand for forest products. As a result, total softwood lumber imports to China have slowed in 2018, with volumes in the first nine months falling 11% as compared to the same period in 2017, according to Chinese customs data. Imports were down from all supplying countries except Russia. Global lumber, sawlog and pulpwood market reporting is included in the 56-page quarterly publication Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ). The report, which was established in 1988 and has subscribers in over 30 countries, tracks sawlog, pulpwood, wood chip, lumber and pellet prices, trade and market developments in most key regions around the world. To subscribe to the WRQ, please go to www.WoodPrices.com CONTACT: Wood Resources International LLC Hakan Ekstrom info@woodprices.com www.woodprices.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/wood-resources-international-llc/r/declining-trade-of-softwood-lumber--plummeting-lumber-prices-in-the-us-and-slowing-wood-demand-in-ch,c2711720 The following files are available for download: Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 9, 2019) - Tidal Royalty Corp. (CSE: RLTY.U) ("Tidal Royalty"), a leading provider of royalty financing to licensed U.S. cannabis operators, is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated November 5, 2018, the Company has closed its strategic private placement for US$5,000,000 of Series A membership units of Lighthouse Strategies, LLC ("Lighthouse") and concurrent financing fee agreement (the "Financing Fee Agreement"). Pursuant to the Financing Fee Agreement, Tidal Royalty is entitled to 1% of the net sales of certain of Lighthouse's beverage lines, including Cannabiniers, Two Roots Brewing Co. and Creative Waters Beverage Company. Financing fees will accrue until December 1, 2019, at which point Tidal Royalty may choose to receive such fees in cash or Series A membership units of Lighthouse. Thereafter, financing fees are payable quarterly in cash. The term of the Financing Fee Agreement is between four and six years, depending on the achievement of certain milestones and includes acceleration provisions in certain events (including a substantial asset divestiture, change of control, or initial public offering). Lighthouse operates 11 companies and 150,000 ft2 serving both traditional and regulated markets, including vertically-integrated cannabis assets licensed in California and Nevada. The company is renowned for developing the world's first non-alcoholic cannabis-infused craft beer and liquor brand. Lighthouse's brands include: Cannabiniers : a "Beverage & Technology" company servicing the regulated cannabis markets, offering equipment, financial, distribution and marketing, and brand management services. Two Roots Brewing Co .: a microdosed non-alcoholic cannabis-infused craft beer, developed to emulate the rapid onset of alcohol, as well as its rapid dissipation from the body. Just Society Coffee & Tea Co .: a combination of responsibly-sourced whole tea leaves and single origin coffee and high-quality cannabis flower to create exhilarating blends that delight the senses. These responsibly-formulated microdosed coffees and teas utilize Lighthouse's rapid onset and dissipation technology. Brewbudz TM : the world's first 100% compostable and patented line of cannabis-infused single-serve coffee pods that are compatible with all K-Cup and K-Cup 2.0 style brewers. Creative Waters Beverage Company: a line of non-alcoholic adult beverages crafted to emulate the rapid onset and dissipation of alcohol, and provide an alcohol-like bite in the finish. "Our enthusiasm for infused beverages has only grown since we initially announced this transaction," said Paul Rosen, Tidal Royalty's CEO and Chairman. "We've seen continued market uptake for this category. We believe that Lighthouse has all the pieces in place to be a market leader in this space." The cannabis-infused beverage sector experienced significant momentum over the past year. Fortune 500 alcohol company Constellation Brands purchased a controlling interest in Canadian licensed producer Canopy Growth Corporation. Molson Coors Canada entered into a joint venture with licensed producer Hexo Corp. to develop cannabis-infused beverages, while Heineken-owned Lagunitas launched a THC-infused sparkling water in California. Most recently, Anheuser-Busch InBev and Tilray, Inc. announced a $100MM joint venture to bring infused beverage products to market. The market for cannabis-infused beverages is expected to grow to $600MM by 2020, according to Canaccord Genuity. This transaction continues to grow Tidal Royalty's portfolio of licensed cannabis operators. Tidal Royalty is currently in the process of evaluating multiple additional opportunities across the U.S., including in California, New York, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Michigan. Tidal Royalty intends to provide further information on those opportunities when the respective parties reach an agreement and execute letters of intent. About Tidal Royalty Tidal Royalty provides royalty financing to the U.S. regulated cannabis industry. Led by an executive team with extensive industry experience in Canada and the U.S., Tidal Royalty provides operators with the funding they need to grow their business. Operators benefit from non-dilutive capital and investors get top-line access to a diversified portfolio of companies that will form the future of this transformative industry. For further information, please contact: Tidal Royalty Corp. Terry Taouss, President Email: terry@tidalroyalty.com This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or information that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking information contained in this new release is not based on historical facts but instead is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management. Forward-looking information contained in this news release includes, but is not limited to: the future prospects of the cannabis-infused beverage industry; the growth and development of Tidal Royalty's portfolio companies and their impact on the revenues of Tidal Royalty; Tidal Royalty's entitlements under the financing arrangement; Tidal Royalty's entitlements as a holder of units in Lighthouse; the ability of Tidal Royalty to enter into additional letters of intent and associated definitive documentation with current or further proposed investee companies, the operating and financial performance of any investee company to be funded by Tidal Royalty from time to time and the ability of Tidal Royalty to generate revenue or realize profit through royalty agreements or equity investments with any future investee companies. Further, this news release contains information provided by third-party sources, including information regarding the properties, characteristics and relative timing of the development of Lighthouse's beverages and topical products, that have not been independently-verified by Tidal Royalty. Forward-looking information contained herein is based on the opinions and reasonable assumptions and estimates of management as at the date hereof and is subject to a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Tidal Royalty, that could cause actual events or results of Tidal Royalty to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Such factors include: the fulfillment by Tidal Royalty's portfolio companies of their obligations under executed agreements; the occurrence of changes of control or other significant transactions in the businesses of Tidal Royalty' s portfolio companies; the U.S. regulatory landscape and enforcement related to cannabis, including political risks and risks relating to regulatory change, risks relating to anti-money laundering laws and regulation, other governmental and environmental regulation, public opinion and perception of the cannabis industry, risks related to the enforceability of contracts, the requirement by Tidal Royalty to obtain additional financing, the limited operating history of Tidal Royalty, timeliness of government approvals for granting of permits and licences needed by any future investee companies, including licenses to cultivate cannabis, the actual operating and financial performance of any future investee company, competition and other risks affecting Tidal Royalty in particular and the U.S. cannabis industry generally, and the risk factors effecting Tidal Royalty disclosed in the listing statement of Tidal Royalty available at www.sedar.com. Because of such risks, uncertainties and other factors, investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained herein. Tidal Royalty is under no obligation, and expressly 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 expressly required by applicable law. The foregoing statements expressly qualify the forward-looking information contained herein. This release does not constitute an offer for sale of, nor a solicitation for offers to buy, any securities in the United States. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. David Luboff has joined KKR to head its Asia-Pacific infrastructure business, the private equity firm said on Thursday. Luboff becomes a member of KKR after 18 years at Macquarie Group, most recently as chief executive officer and investment committee member of Macquaries Asia Infrastructure Funds I and II and as a senior managing director at Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets. Luboff will be based in KKRs Singapore office and will lead the Pan-Asian operations of KKRs global infrastructure business. His track record and vast experience building and managing infrastructure investment businesses makes him the ideal candidate to build... Petta Cutting Goes Viral Superstar Rajinikanth has an overwhelming fan following in Bangalore too. Fans were seen waiting before the theaters early in the morning to watch the first show. The Petta craze has taken over Bangaloreans and now, Petta hair cut is trending among the fans! They are seen getting a hairdo like thalaiva's! Tech Savvy & Others Mass Bunk Apparently, Rajinikanth's fans from across different sectors of profession have taken a day off to watch Petta. Mostly the corporate employees have mass bunked to watch their favorite star on the big screen. Seems like the superstar has managed to win the mass's heart yet again! Rajinikanth To Dub Kannada Version Since Rajinikanth originally belongs from Karnataka, he can speak in Kannada. Reports are making rounds that the actor would himself b e dubbing the Kannada version of the movie. Now, isn't that some good news for Thalaiva's fans? Kannada Release Delayed The Kannada version of Petta's release has been delayed by two weeks. Apparently, Rajinikanth has just returned from abroad. So it's going to take some time until he dubs the film in Kannada. Kannadiga fans might have to wait a tad bit longer to see the superstar rule in their language too! Puneeth Refuses To Talk About It Fans and the media have been curious to learn more about the IT raid at their favourite star's residence. But, Puneeth has a different opinion. While talking to media he said, " This matter only concerns me and the IT officials. The verification is going on. I don't see the necessity to tell you about it." The Reason Behind The Raid Until now, the actual reason behind the raid hasn't been disclosed. While, Puneeth's brother Shivarajkumar brushed the question off, Puneeth had an answer. He said, " The IT Raid was conducted for account verification. We have answered all of their questions and cooperating with the verification". What's The Action Taken Against Him? According to the latest news reports, the IT offcials haven't found any such records or documents for whch Puneeth Rajkumar can be charged. Also, the offcials are yet to disclose the details of unrecorded assests aquired at the Power Star's if any. So we need to wait until further notice. IT Raid Doesn't Bother The Superstar! Seems like Puneeth Rajkumar isn't too affected by the IT raid after all. Though, for nearly three days in a row the officials interrogated the actor, he continued to be a part of his next big film Nata Sarvabhouma's events. He also graced the audio launch program that took place in Hubbali and made it a success. Gregg Schwind, the Hickory Ridge representative on the Columbia Association Board of Directors, said he supports the boards stance in favor of the Kimco plan because the redevelopment could revitalize the town center, which has room for 21 businesses. The center currently has several vacancies, including a space once occupied by Luna Bella, an Italian restaurant that closed in 2016 after 15 years. Oak Hill, WV (25901) Today A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. A few clouds. Low 51F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. A few clouds. Low 51F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike. We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve. Scottish land rich in natural capital now on market The land 'ticks all the boxes for natural capital' The number of livestock in Northern Ireland Persistently Infected with Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) declined by more than 200 in the last two months of 2018. Animal Health and Welfare NI (AHWNI) have reported that in November and December of 2018, the total number of these cattle dropped from 908 to 690. The percentage of Persistently Infected (PI) in the cattle population fell to 0.04 per cent from 0.06 per cent. Ulster Farmers Union (UFU), deputy president, David Brown says farmers should be commended for their efforts to battle the devastating disease. He is urging others to follow this approach to benefit the industry and their own herds. Mr Brown said the figures reflect more farmers making the prudent decision to destroy PIs, to the advantage of their farm businesses. Many herd owners who have kept PIs have seen BVD infection persist into subsequent seasons, he said BVD positive animals are restricted to their herds and abattoirs will not accept them for slaughter. The best option in these circumstances, in line with veterinary advice, is to minimise losses by culling positive animals at the earliest opportunity, said the UFU deputy president. Despite many farmers achieving low risk status and reduced levels of the disease, Mr Brown warned against complacency about BVD. He added: We must continue to source animals responsibly, follow good biosecurity protocols, and discuss vaccination options with vets. Farmers who have achieved low risk status continue to be frustrated with the small number who are prolonging the eradication of BVD. The number of low risk herds is however encouraging. It shows what can be achieved if everyone plays their part in targeting this costly disease, he said. BVD is a common cause of respiratory and reproductive issues in cattle. It is a economically important disease in many countries. Japan will lift its import restriction on UK beef three years earlier than planned following its 1996 BSE ban. The ban was implemented 23 years ago after the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as 'mad cow disease', in the UK. Japans ministry of health said that, following discussions with the British government and inspections in the UK which took place last year, the import of British beef and bovine organs will restart. An import ban on British lamb will also be lifted. However, the ministry added that restrictions will still be in place on beef from cattle older than 30 months, and on certain body parts, such as the spinal cord. The reopening of UK beef is expected to be worth 127m to British farmers over five years. Livestock product exports are worth 2.4 billion to the UK a year - the second largest food and drink export after spirits. The move by Japan comes ahead of a meeting between Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday (10 January). In a similar move, China announced last year it will be lifting its ban on exports of British beef in a landmark move for farmers, estimated to be worth 250m in the first five years alone. The milestone follows more than 20 years of the Chinese government imposing a ban on British beef in the wake of the BSE crisis. It is a move seen as a major boost for UK farmers and producers, as well as the UK's global reputation for high quality and welfare. New legislation banning the slaughter of animals without prior stunning comes into effect in parts of Belgium, showing that a similar ban is possible in the UK, according to the veterinary industry. The ban in the Flanders region of the country was put in place on New Years Day, following on from legislation that was passed by Belgiums parliament in July 2017. Similar restrictions are expected to be implemented in the countrys Wallonia region from September. Belgium follows several other countries including Iceland, Estonia, Sweden, Switzerland and Denmark in its decision to ban the slaughter of animals without prior stunning. John Fishwick, Senior Vice President at the British Veterinary Association (BVA), said: This shows that there is considerable strength of feeling on the issue and that a ban would be possible within domestic law of EU member states. BVA would like to see all animals stunned before slaughter and this call has received widespread support from the veterinary profession and general public, including a petition with over 120,000 signatures. Our focus on this has nothing to do with the expression of religious beliefs, but is about finding ways to reduce the welfare harm of non-stun slaughter. Mr Fishwick added: If slaughter without stunning continues to be permitted in the UK, then meat and fish from this source must be clearly labelled, to help customers make informed choices about the food that they buy and eat. The BVA has previously said that slaughter without stunning 'unnecessarily compromises' the welfare of animals at the time of death, and has called for all livestock to be stunned before slaughter. Humanists UK have also called the Government to expand its definition of the 'welfare needs of animals' by explicitly including pre-stunning of animals at time of slaughter. It follows research from the National Secular Society which shows that at least 18 councils in the UK are supplying non-stunned meat to schools most of which are not Islamic faith schools. This fifth concert is especially meaningful because I am still alive and still dancing, Kudirka said, in a telephone conversation from her Ellicott City home in the Valley Mede neighborhood. When I was diagnosed in 2014, medical statistics gave me a life expectancy of two to three years. I knew that only one in four metastatic breast cancer patients live five years. I am fortunate to be among that group and grateful to my outstanding medical team and to everyone who has supported, encouraged and prayed for me. It has given me hope and kept me living and dancing. COLUMBUS The Mahoning County Junior Fair Board traveled to Columbus, Jan. 5 to attend the 94th annual Ohio Fair Managers Convention and Trade Show at the Columbus Convention Center. The fair board members watched as the 2019 Ohio Fairs Queen, Laura Current of Champaign County, was crowned by Morgan McCutcheon, the 2018 Ohio Fairs Queen. The 2018-2019 Mahoning County 4-H Queen Callia Barwick of Canfield also competed in the queen competition. There were a variety of workshops to attend, from Farm Chore Olympics to Learning the Ropes of Being a Good Junior Fair Board Member. Following the convention, the youth, adult advisers and committee members of the Mahoning County Livestock Clubs were treated to dinner by the Mahoning County Senior Fair Board. HANOVERTON, Ohio The Just Rite 4-H Club met Dec. 18 for the installation of new officers. Leading the club in 2019 will be: Ryan Irwin, president; Callie Koons, vice president; Addison Blazer, secretary; Grant Irwin, treasurer; and Camryn Cody, news reporter. The club will meet Jan. 20 at the Salem Community Center from 6-9 p.m. by Mike Maher | Thu, Jan 10th 10:40am EST Free agent second basemen Brian Dozier has agreed to a one-year, $9 million deal with the Washington Nationals, according to MLB insider Jeff Passan. (Jeff Passan on Twitter) Fantasy Impact: While it is not the free agent news that many Washington Nationals fans are hoping for, Dozier is just a year removed from hitting 34 home runs for the Twins. After a down year in 2018, he looks to be betting on himself by signing a one-year deal that should be a win-win for both Dozier and the Nationals. Wall Street analysts have given United States Natural Gas Fund a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but United States Natural Gas Fund wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Fifteen states plus the District of Columbia now permit the recreational use of cannabis and Congress is on track to decriminalize marijuana possession on the federal level. As a result, the North American cannabis market is expected to TRIPLE in size from $30 billion to $100 billion by the year 2027 and one Seattle manufacturer is poised to cash in! Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. provides natural gas compression services and equipment to the energy industry in the United States. It fabricates, manufactures, rents, and sells natural gas compressors and related equipment. The company primarily engages in the rental of compression units that provide small, medium, and large horsepower applications for unconventional oil and natural gas production. As of December 31, 2020, the company had 2,224 natural gas compression units in its rental fleet with 438,524 horsepower. The company also engages in the design, fabrication, and assembly of compressor components into compressor units for rental or sale; engineers and fabricates natural gas compressors; and designs and manufactures a line of reciprocating compressor frames, cylinders, and parts. In addition, it is involved in the design, fabrication, sale, installation, and service of flare stacks and related ignition and control devices for the onshore and offshore incineration of gas compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gases. Further, the company offers customer support services for its compressor and flare sales business; an exchange and rebuild program for small horsepower screw compressors; and maintains an inventory of new and used compressors. Its primary customers are exploration and production(E&P) companies that utilize compressor units for artificial lift applications; E&P companies that focuses on natural gas-weighted production; and midstream companies. Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Midland, Texas. Read More You are the heart of who we are at Starbucks, the message continued. It has been a great pleasure to connect with you every day. We are very thankful to have played a role in your daily routine and that you have shared these moments of your life with us. The following companies are subsidiares of Archer-Daniels-Midland: ADM (Shanghai) Management Co. LTD, ADM (Thailand) Ltd, ADM Ag Holdings Ltd, ADM Agri-Industries Company, ADM Agriculture Limited, ADM Agro Iberica S. L. U., ADM Agro Indust Latur and Vizag Pvt Ltd, ADM Agro Industries India Private Limited, ADM Agro Industries KOTA and AKOLA Pvt. Ltd., ADM Agro SRL, ADM Agroinvestimentos LTDA, ADM Alliance Nutrition of Puerto Rico LLC, ADM Americas S de RL, ADM Andina Peru SRL, ADM Antwerp NV, ADM Arkady Ireland Limited, ADM Asia-Pacific Trading Pte. Ltd., ADM Australia Holdings I PTY Limited, ADM Bio Science And Technology (Tianjin) Co Ltd, ADM Bioproductos SA DE CV, ADM CZERNIN SA, ADM Caribbean Inc, ADM Chile Comercial LTDA, ADM Clinton Bioprocessing Inc, ADM DO Brasil LTDA, ADM Direct Polska SP. ZO.O, ADM Dominican Holdings Inc., ADM Dominicana SA, ADM Edible Bean Specialties Inc, ADM Europe HoldCo SL, ADM European Holdings LLC, ADM European Management Holding GMBH, ADM Export Co, ADM Food Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., ADM France, ADM Germany GmbH, ADM Grain River System Inc., ADM Hamburg Aktiengesesllschaft, ADM Holding (Thailand) LTD, ADM Holdings LLC, ADM Hungary Agro Trading LLC, ADM Industries Centers Ltd, ADM International Holdings Inc, ADM International SARL, ADM Interoceanic LTD, ADM Investments LTD, ADM Investor Services Inc, ADM Investor Services International LTD, ADM Ireland Receivables Company Limited, ADM Israel, ADM Japan Ltd, ADM MALBORK SA, ADM Mainz GMBH, ADM Medsofts Sarl, ADM Mexico Inc, ADM Mexico SA DE CV, ADM Milling Co, ADM Milling LTD, ADM New Zealand Limited, ADM Olomouc S.R.O., ADM Paraguay SRL, ADM Protexin Limited, ADM Pura Limited, ADM Receivables LLC, ADM Rice Inc, ADM Ringaskiddy Unlimited Company, ADM Romania Logistics SRL, ADM Romania Trading SRL, ADM Specialty Ingredients - Europe BV, ADM Spyck GMBH, ADM Szamotuly SP Z O.O, ADM Trading Australia Pty. Ltd., ADM Trading Co, ADM Transportation Company, ADM Trucking Inc, ADM Vietnam CO. LTD, ADM WILD Europe GmbH and Co. KG, ADM WILD Ingredients GmbH, ADM WILD Nauen GmbH, ADM WILD Valencia S.A., ADM Wild Netherlands BV, ADM Worldwide Holdings LP, ADMIS Holding Co Inc., ADMIS Hong Kong LTD, ADMIS Singapore Pte Limited, AOR, AT Holdings II Company, Agri Port Services Investments Ltd., Agri Port Services LLC, Agricolas Madagascar SARLU, Agrinational Insurance Co, Agriserve, Agrograin LTD, Alfrebro LLC, Alfred C Toepfer International Netherlands BV, Alimenta USA, American River Transportation Company LLC, Ameriseed, Amylum Bulgaria EAD, Amylum Nisasta Sanayi Ve Ticarek Anonim Sirketi, Archer Daniels Midland (UK) Limited, Archer Daniels Midland Asia Pacific Ltd., Archer Daniels Midland Erith LTD, Archer Daniels Midland Europe BV, Archer Daniels Midland Europoort BV, Archer Daniels Midland Nederland BV, Archer Daniels Midland Singapore PTE LTD, Arinos Unlimited, Aston Foods & Food Ingredients, Balanceados Nova SA Balnova, Barbados Mills Limited, Bela Vista Bio Etanol Participacoes LTDA, Bern Aqua, BioPolis SL, Biopolis, Campa Sued GmbH & Co KG, Cattleman's Choice Loomix LLC, Chamtor, Ci ADM Colombia Ltda., Controladora ADM Sa De Cv, Crosswind Petfoods Inc., Daavision BV, Eaststarch, Eatem Corporation, Eatem Foods, Elstar Oils, English River Pellets Inc., Epicore Bionetworks INC, Epicore Networks (USA) INC, Erich Ziegler GmbH, Evialis France, Fasco Mills Co., Filozoo SRL, Florida Chemical, Florida Chemical Company LLC, GP Blanching Inc., Global Cocoa Holdings LTD, Golden Peanut Company LLC, Golden Peanut and Tree Nut Seed SA (PTY) LTD, Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts SA, Group Lysac, Guyomarc'h - VCN Company Limited, Guyomarc'h Vietnam CO LTD, HFR Shipping Company Ltd, HRA Shipping Company Ltd, HTI Shipping Company Ltd, Harvest Innovations, Hilltop Grain and Feed, Holding P and A Asia Company Limited, Hubei Meiweiyuan Biotechnology, Ilitchevskiy Maslo Extractionniy Zavod (IMEZ), Invivo NSA Asia PTE LTD, Invivo NSA Philippines Inc, Jamaica Flour Mills Limited, Julius Meijer-Alpharma BV, LLC ADM Ukraine, Liquid Feed Commodities, Malta Industries SA de CV, Malta-Texo De Mexico SA de CV, Master Mix of Trinidad LTD, Medsofts Investment Co, Medsofts L.L.C., Medsofts Trading Co, Mepla Comercio e Navegacao Ltda, NRG Inc, Naviera Chaco SRL, Neovia, Neovia Latina SL, Neovia Nutricao E Saude Animal LTDA, North Star Shipping S.R.L., P and A Marketing SA, PJSC ADM Illichivsk, PT Wirifa Sakti, Pancosma (Shanghai) Feed Additives CO LTD, Pancosma France SAS, Pancosma SA, Premiere Agri Technologies of Mexico Inc, Pura Foods LTD, Rodelle Inc., Schokinag-Schokolade-Industrie Herrmann, Sermix, Setna Nutricion SA, Societe Industrielle Des Oleagineux, Southern Cellulose Products Inc, Soy Investors LLC, Specialty Commodities, Specialty Commodities LLC, Sul Mineira Alimentos LTDA, SzSzV Kft, Toepfer International, Toepfer International Trading (Shanghai) Co. LTD., Vantage Corn Processors LLC, WILD Amazon Flavors Ltda, WILD Flavors, Wild Flavors Inc., Wild Flavors International GmbH, Wild Flavors Singapore Pte. Ltd., Wild Intermare GmbH, Wild Russia LLC, and Wisium SA (PTY) LTD. Wall Street analysts have given iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. If, when, it happens again, we will have to put in holding tanks to live there, Greg Ayers, who has lived on Terry Way since 1996, said, and he doesnt want holding tanks because he wont be able to sell his house. I dont like the expense [of the sewer connection], but its the only option we have. GREENWICH Teacher Mary OConnor has neither desks nor chairs in her classroom at Julian Curtiss School in Greenwich, which surprised other participants at an international education conference in Australia. Theyd never seen classrooms like that, said Bronwyn Ewing, a committee member of a STEM in education conference that was recently hosted by an Australian university. A lot of classrooms in Australia are not conducive to that. OConnor and Julian Curtiss teacher Sandra Grandinetti flew to Brisbane in November for the conference sponsored by the Queensland University of Technology. There, the Greenwich teachers championed recent changes in the district to make learning math personal including comfortable, flexible seating and toured two Australian schools. Such enrichment opportunities for teachers could be affected after deep cuts in the funding for professional development, including conference stipends, in the proposed Greenwich Public School operating budget for 2019-20. Currently, the district reimburses tuition, travel or lodging for educators who present at conferences, Greenwich Public Schools Chief Academic Officer Irene Parisi said in an email. For the Julian Curtiss teachers, QUT covered some of the costs. Given the significant reductions, we have to evaluate how to proceed for the next school year when our teacher colleagues present at conferences, be them state, national and international, Parisi said. She expects the district will only fund registration fees, but every conference will be reviewed case by case. The connection between Julian Curtiss and QUT happened by chance while Ewing was visiting her daughter, Estee McMahon, and her two granddaughters, Madeleine and Isabelle Hunt, who live in Greenwich. McMahon spoke highly of the chair styles, including a wiggle chair, that allow Madeleine to move and improve her ability to focus. OConnor is pleased with how her students conduct themselves in a classroom without traditional furniture and seating charts. They do a good job of self-regulating, understanding the right place to sit to optimize their learning, she said. Ewing asked OConnor to share how her teaching style keeps students engaged at the STEM in education conference, and she managed to secure funding for the two teachers. These Greenwich teachers are being recognized on an international stage for the work they do, McMahon said. Quite often now, educators fly under the radar; they dont necessarily get acknowledgment they should. The teacher was encouraged to see Greenwich was a leader in this topic at the conference, she said. Presenters also focused on the importance of computer coding, Grandinetti said. Many keynote speakers spoke about the importance of coding, and how technology, especially artificial intelligence, is shaping how industry is going forward and the jobs that might be available in the future, Grandinetti said. Districtwide efforts to make learning personal have succeeded, but in the future, educators should tie in more coding, she said. OConnor returned from the conference ready to implement Swift playgrounds, an iPad app that teaches students to code in Swift a language many Apple app developers use and iOS code, which is used for Apple products. She is certified to use it but has not yet. Ewing, who also teaches math to marginalized students from indigenous populations in Australia, came away from the experience interested in creating a partnership among QUT, Greenwich Public Schools and a nearby university to research new ways to teach math to diverse and at-risk populations. The idea is that we get all these kids on the bus for learning, which means on the bus for life, she said. jo.kroeker@hearstmediact.com GREENWICH Efforts to grant an extension on a property tax credit for senior citizens in Greenwich stalled as one member of the Board of Selectmen seeks to expand the benefit to help more town residents. Id like this board to speak to the issue and say our senior citizens need help and the amounts were giving are not adequate, Selectman Sandy Litvack said at a board meeting Thursday morning. We do have leeway. We do want people to stay. We want people to age and be able to stay in their homes, and we want them do it with dignity. This should be available to them. The Board of Selectmen deferred the vote on extending the existing tax credit until at least its next meeting on Jan. 24. It currently offers a credit, based on a sliding scale by income, for seniors who make up to $66,000 annually. The selectmen are now looking to extend the credit to residents with disabilities and to raise the income levels of eligibility for seniors. A person living in Greenwich making $75,000 with a family of four is really pressed financially, Litvack said. Why shouldnt the town be more responsive to that and give more aid? I mean $600 (as a tax credit) is nice but does nothing to anybody. At his request, members of the Commission on Aging will bring data to the Jan. 24 meeting showing how many more seniors could benefit from the tax credit if the upper limit were raised. Well take a look at it see what we can come up with, Commission Chair Patricia Burns said. Other communities set higher thresholds for eligibility, said Lori Contadino, director of the Commission in Aging. But those town also have higher mill rates than Greenwich, she said. The commission will look at how other communities to determine the levels for their tax credits. Im not sure how successful well be, but well give it our best shot, Contadino said. Litvack said he wasnt arguing for the change just because we can raise it, we should raise it. He said the income level should be increased because it is woefully under where it should be. He praised Contadino, Town Assessor Lauren Elliott and Tax Collector Howard Richman for publicizing the tax credit by sending out notices with every tax bill in December. But according to First Selectman Peter Tesei, the board does not have the power to simply make more people eligible. It can recommend to the BET that the eligibility requirements be expanded, he said. The focus at the Jan. 24 meeting will be on how that could be done. The clock ticking for the tax credit, which has been in place since 2000, because it will expire on June 30, which is the end of the fiscal year. The Commission on Aging is seeking a new 10-year extension of the credit, which also needs the approval of the Board of Estimate and Taxation and the Representative Town Meeting. The commission is now focused on securing that extension. It would be nice to get more people in the program, but our biggest fear right now is getting this extended, Burns said. There was some pushback from the RTM five years ago, when the last extension was granted, she said. Our greatest fear is that the RTM will say we dont need this, Burn said. We want this sunset extended 10 years, not five and then we would have time to push it up to do more. Kip Burgweger, a member of the commission as well as the RTM, said it was up to the BET to set the numbers for the tax credit. He also noted the challenge of getting three different boards in town to agree. Litvack said he understood that but said he wanted the selectmen to send a clear signal to both the BET and RTM. We need to get the ball rolling in the right direction starting here, Litvack said. If the BET and the RTM dont want to go along with it, thats their decision. But well do whats right. Under the current tax credit, seniors who are town residents and own their homes would be eligible for a credit if they earn less than $24,000 in household income. There is a sliding scale up to seniors who earn between $50,001 and $60,000. The credit is not automatically granted. Seniors must apply through the town assessors office, which evaluates all the applications. The selectmen agreed that residents with disabilities should quality for the tax relief. Tesei said he has heard from residents who wanted the benefit extended in this way, and he agreed with them. Elliott said her records show 22 town residents receive the states $1,000 exemption for disabled individuals. The change could make those residents and others, if they qualify under the income levels, eligible for the towns tax credit. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com BRIDGEPORT The Bridgeport Fire Department is looking for diverse applicants to apply to be city firefighters. To become a firefighter, applicants have to get Candidate Physical Ability Test certification. CPAT registration opened on Wednesday and will remain open through March 9. Applications open for Bridgeport firefighters on April 22. Throughout the years the Bridgeport Fire Department has been a fundamental part of keeping Bridgeport safe, said a prepared statement from Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim. Now they are looking for new public servants that will honor its legacy of keeping our residents safe. To register for the CPAT, visit portal.ct.gov/CFPC/Candidate-Physical-Ability-Test The city fire department and the mayors office announced the launch of the 2019 firefighter recruitment campaign on Thursday. The campaign is designed to attract diverse applicant, according to a news release. We are looking to expand our fire department by hiring a new recruit class. Both men and women, who have integrity and passion, are welcome to apply, said a prepared statement from Bridgeport Fire Chief Richard Thode. Our department needs individuals who are dedicated to the city of Bridgeport. The city fire department gets more than 20,000 calls each year. Among the calls are medical emergencies, disposing of hazardous waste and fire alarms and fires. Other than emergency calls, firefighters also install smoke alarms, teach fire safety and partake in charity events. In a video posted on YouTube, possible applicants can meet the fire personnel at Bridgeport Fire Department. The video can be viewed at youtube.com/watch?v=uLeNy_w40QE&feature=youtu.be&a=. There are 300 uniform positions at the Bridgeport Fire Department across eight fire stations. The city has two fire battalions, nine engine companies, four ladder companies, one rescue company and one fireboat. Entry-level base pay for a Bridgeport firefighter is $52,645. The salary ranges from that entry-level pay to $69,013. City firefighters are open to promotional opportunities, overtime, a pension plan, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance coverage, uniform allowance, paid vacations, paid training and 12 paid holidays. For help with the process or for more information about the Bridgeport Fire Department, call 203-337-2068. For months, President Donald Trumps economic advisers have cheered Chinese economic suffering, celebrating every sign of weakness in stock markets, manufacturing, retail sales, investment since it surely means China is on the verge of a humiliating capitulation to Trumps demands. Now might be a good time to put the schadenfreude to rest. Not (only) because its a bit gauche; as is becoming increasingly clear, theres also a self-interest reason to stop rooting for the worlds second-largest economy to falter. When China sneezes, the rest of the world can catch a cold. Including, perhaps, the United States. There are multiple avenues through which the U.S.-China trade war has already harmed the United States. First are the tariffs that the president has placed on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of Chinese products. Which sounds like it would only hurt China, except that most Chinese imports targeted by Trump are inputs that U.S. firms need to manufacture their own products. Some of those Chinese goods have no alternative sourcing, noted Syracuse University economics professor Mary E. Lovely; even when workarounds from other countries are available, they are often not perfect substitutes and lead to higher pricing for U.S. companies (and ultimately U.S. consumers). Then there are the tit-for-tat tariffs that China has placed on American products. These retaliatory duties have foreclosed new market opportunities and destroyed relationships cultivated over decades by U.S. farmers, manufacturers and other entrepreneurs. Then theres the continued uncertainty surrounding the future of our trading relationship with China. This has complicated investment and hiring decisions, not to mention firms access to equity-based financing. While Trump blames the Federal Reserve and Democrats for stock market volatility, the damage his trade wars has wrought is large and quantifiable. Trade policy news has triggered major daily jumps in U.S. stock prices swings of at least 2.5 percent four times since March. For context, that happened only seven times before, total, over the previous 118 years, according to University of Chicago professor Steven J. Davis. In a forthcoming paper with Scott R. Baker, Nicholas Bloom and Kyle Kost, Davis has constructed a new equity market volatility index, based on keywords in news stories about stock market movements. The index finds that trade policy uncertainty over trade policy was flagged in 26 percent of articles related to equity market volatility since March, compared with just 2.7 percent between 1985 and 2015. Finally, theres the issue of the Chinese economy itself. Depending on whom you ask, China may have been overdue for a sharp slowdown, or even a recession, long before the trade war began, given its structural problems. But the trade war could tip the balance. It might lead investors to suddenly re-evaluate Chinas long-term growth prospects, Cornell University professor Eswar Prasad told me. The global fallout from a Chinese recession would be devastating. It would harm many of our closest allies in East Asia including South Korea and Japan which count China as one of their most important export markets. And, of course, there is the fallout for U.S. firms that do business in China. Last week, Apple slashed its revenue forecast, noting that falling sales in China were responsible for more than 100 percent of its global revenue decline. Not because Apple had been directly hit by tariffs but because the Chinese economy was slowing. Its not going to be just Apple, White House Council of Economic Advisers chairman Kevin Hassett said the following day. I think that there are a heck of a lot of U.S. companies that have a lot of sales in China that are basically going to be watching their earnings be downgraded next year until we get a deal with China. Markets, as expected, plummeted. This was a dunderheaded thing to say out loud, but Hassett was right: Apple isnt the only U.S. company at risk in a China slowdown. Ford and General Motors, for instance, have also seen their Chinese sales plummet. Maybe, as Hassett and others argue, the prospect of a Chinese recession would be so unbearable to Beijing that its leaders have no choice but to give Trump everything he wants. I remain skeptical, in part because Trump cant decide what he wants. In the meantime, Team Trump should be careful what it wishes for. crampell@washpost.com WASHINGTON, D.C. Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz wants to place term limits on members of Congress, an idea that has long appealed to people across the political divide who have grown skeptical of the current crop of professional politicians. But even if Cruz's amendment to the U.S. Constitution were somehow enacted by the current Congress and the states a long-shot at best it would not bar him from running for a third or even fourth term in the Senate. Nor would it bar fellow Texas Republican John Cornyn from running for a fourth Senate term in 2020. That's because terms beginning before final ratification would not count. "The amendment, as drafted, would start the clock once it was ratified," Cruz explained in an interview. "So term limits would begin at that moment." Cruz and Florida U.S. Rep. Francis Rooney, a Republican, introduced an amendment last week to limit U.S. senators to two six-year terms and members of the U.S. House of Representatives to three two-year terms. Cruz offered up a similar amendment in January 2017. It went nowhere, as have a succession of term limit proposals since the 1940s, experts say. Many are intended as messaging bills to make a political statement. For Cruz, who was elected to a second term in November, exempting current lawmakers at least for now represents a concession to political reality. "My personal preference would be to make it retroactive," he said. "But as a nod to practical politics, it would be much, much more difficult to get this passed if the immediate consequence of it happening was to throw out a whole bunch of incumbents. It's awfully difficult to get them to vote for it if they'd be immediately giving up their jobs." Cruz, who ran for president in 2016, said he would vote for a retroactive term limit proposal. But he's not willing to voluntarily term limit himself like his 2018 opponent, Beto O'Rourke, an El Paso Democrat who left the House after three terms. "I've long said that I don't support unilateral term limits just one person or one side unilaterally restricting themselves when the rules don't apply across the board," he said. "I think there should be a fair and uniform rule for everyone." Nevertheless, Cruz said O'Rourke's decision to restrict himself to three terms in a relatively safe Democratic district "demonstrates the bipartisan appeal of this idea." Still, delaying the impact on current office holders would avoid some political awkwardness in Texas, where 25 of the state's 36 House members many of them veterans of more than a decade in Congress are currently in their third terms or beyond. The Texas Democratic Party, poking fun at Cruz's proposal, recently suggested that he might be calling to an "end" of his own Senate career or that of Cornyn, whom he has endorsed for reelection in 2020. But for Cruz, who does not face reelection until 2024, the soonest he could be term limited would be in 2036. For Cornyn, the expiration date would not arrive until 2032 assuming the Cruz amendment were ratified before 2020. Cornyn's office did not immediately respond Wednesday to an inquiry about his position on term limits. Backers of Cruz's term limit proposal include Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and David Perdue (R-Ga.). They argue that term limits prevent career politicians from becoming captive to lobbyists and special interests in Washington. President Donald Trump has pushed the idea as a way to "drain the swamp." Critics say it would do the opposite by filling the halls of Congress with inexperienced lawmakers with little policy expertise, forcing them to rely even more for guidance on professional staffers, insiders, bureaucrats and lobbyists. Casey Burgat, a governance analyst for R Street, a free market think tank in Washington, has argued that a Congress of novice lawmakers would lend itself to more corruption, not less. "Many of the corruptive, 'swampy' influences advocates contend would be curtailed by instituting term limits are, in fact, exacerbated by their implementation," he wrote in Brookings Institution paper last year. Opponents also argue that term limits would restrict voters' choices, applying to good lawmakers as well as bad ones. Whatever their merits, Constitutional amendments are few and far between. For an amendment to be enacted, it needs to be approved by both chambers of Congress by two-thirds, as well as three quarters of state legislatures or conventions. The 27th Amendment the most recent was ratified in 1992. It requires that any law changing the salaries of members of Congress not take effect until an intervening election. Cruz, however, said conditions may be right for his latest attempt at term limits. Trump's election vindicated an anti-establishment message, and polls show support for the idea of term limits across party lines. "When it comes to the American people, there is widespread, diverse agreement that limiting career politicians is good for America," he said. "The impediment, the one population group that has historically been resistant to term limits has been, unsurprisingly, career politicians in Washington." He also sees the current era of divided government with a GOP-led Senate and a Democratic-led House as a potential plus. "Term limits don't operate to favor or disfavor any particular political party," he said. "They don't favor or disfavor Republicans or Democrats ... Divided government may be the ideal terrain to consider and pass that constraint on everybody." Most importantly, they wouldn't affect anyone for nearly another decade. District 6 Councilman Greg Brockhouse wants to outlaw leaks to the press unless hes the one leaking to the press. That was my takeaway, at least, from a typically blustery news conference this week in which Brockhouse mansplained to a female reporter, Iris Dimmick, why she should be outraged that City Manager Sheryl Sculley had given a factual, newsworthy document to the reporters own boss, Robert Rivard, the editor and publisher of the Rivard Report. Dimmick and San Antonio Express-News Staff Writer Josh Baugh both had filed open records requests for the document: a summary of the work history of firefighter Dereck Hillyer, one of 13 candidates vying for a council appointment to District 2. Both requests were pending when Sculley authorized its release to Rivard. OnExpressNews.com: Brockhouse targets San Antonio city manager, local publisher Iris, one of Bobs own reporters, had an open records request, and then Bob back-doored a relationship to get data to write his own piece, Brockhouse told a roomful of reporters, including Dimmick, at his Northwest Side district office. So Iris would have liked to have known, Wheres the status of my open records request? The councilman added, Everybody whos in the press, period I dont care who you are, youre (Texas Public Radio), youre Express-News, it doesnt make any difference you should find it egregious and a violation of public trust that there are pending open records requests, pending requests, and another member of the media is able to utilize personal relationships to obtain information outside of the open records process. The councilman then made a number of flamboyant proposals to crack down on leaks. Brockhouse might have expected the assembled ink-stained wretches to break out in spontaneous applause for his efforts to safeguard the tenets of journalism. In any case, thats not what happened. Id guess thats because he had no idea what he was talking about. Official requests to a governmental body for records are a helpful way to gather information that some would prefer to keep under wraps. An even better way to get a document is to receive it from a source. Brockhouse knows this because he himself has leaked newsworthy information, something he acknowledged during the news conference. I share information. You know I do all the time, he said at one point, adding, Yeah, Ive given all of you information at one time or another, sure. Why, then, the outrage over this particular leak? Lets be honest, Brockhouse said. The differencemaker here is, Sheryl Sculley has been identified as the leaker. Thats it. We know she did it. At another point, the councilman chided me for trying to justify leaking. You cant leak information, he said. Follow the process. If Brockhouse actually were being honest, he would admit hes worked up over this particular leak for two reasons: He doesnt like its effect on the District 2 appointment process, and its a good opportunity to grab some free press at Sculleys expense. OnExpressNews.com: Brockhouse, San Antonio firefighters union take victory lap The one-page summary of Hillyers work history, subsequently released to Baugh, showed he was suspended for five days without pay in 2016 for insubordination, failure to follow orders and poor on-duty performance, and that he was counseled on numerous deficiencies, including absence without leave. The document also states that Hillyer, 57, owes the city $11,251 because he mistakenly received duplicate workers compensation between 2016 and 2018. Officials have tried without success to obtain reimbursement, the document states. That effectively disqualifies him from office. And thats too bad for Brockhouse and members of the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association, who have been working in concert for years to upend city government and gain power in the process. Theyve found some success. The fire unions own Proposition B charter amendment that passed in November effectively ran Sculley out of town, an outcome Brockhouse seemed to celebrate at the news conference when he said the city manager had one foot out the door and another on a banana peel. The next phase: install union lackeys on the council, including Brockhouse in the mayors seat. As usual, the councilman has gone to great lengths to insist hes independent from the firefighters. During the hour-long news conference, I counted five times he volunteered the phrase, I dont know Mr. Hillyer. At one point, though, Brockhouse took credit for Prop B, saying, I fought and took it to the vote with the public. He argued that Sculleys apparent motive for leaking the document to a friendly journalist she wanted retribution for the fire unions propositions and was trying to block the appointment to the council of someone who supported them somehow made the leak more nefarious, an instance of systemic corruption. The obvious truth is that anyone who leaks information has a motive for doing so. The job of a journalist is to take these motives into account while also asking whether the information is newsworthy and accurate. In this case, it was. In a televised speech Tuesday night, President Donald Trump argued the wall was needed to resolve a security and humanitarian crisis, blaming illegal immigration for what he said was a scourge of drugs and violence in the U.S. and asking: How much more American blood must we shed before Congress does its job? The City Council on Wednesday pared down a list of 13 candidates for the open District 2 position to three. Those finalists will return today for a final round of interviews before a morning vote to seat the newest member of the body. The three are Jada Sullivan, a disabled veteran; Aubrey Lewis, president of the Denver Heights Neighborhood Association; and Art Hall, a former District 8 councilman who moved to District 2 several years ago. All are African-American. Weve heard from a number of District 2 residents about candidates and we heard from a number of very qualified residents of our city, people who have stepped up to serve, and we have whittled it down to three finalists, a diverse set of finalists who I think represent the city and this district very well, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said after Wednesdays council meeting. I think were going to end up (today) with a new City Council member for District 2 who will do great work for the city. OnExpressNews.com: Brockhouse explains journalism to journalists The three finalists each would bring different skill sets and visions to the dais. Sullivan, 43, who served as president of her community-service-oriented college sorority, told the council theres a dearth of services in District 2 that shed like to see grown there: an etiquette school; a safe haven for young women who need respite from lifes struggles; high-quality, affordable preschools; and a cheerleading school, among other things. We are looking for a change, she said. We are looking for someone who is desperate for change. District 2 needs strong, commanding leadership that can help cultivate the rich culture of the East Side, she said. Im a leader, she said. I believe in District 2. Lewis, 75, pointed to his civic service as a top reason why he should be appointed. Hes the second vice president for the San Antonio chapter of the NAACP and worked his way through the ranks at Greyhound over a career there spanning nearly three decades. I feel like I work in the community continuously, on a daily basis, he said, noting he had weekly conversations with the former District 2 councilman, Cruz Shaw, who resigned to accept an appointment to a judicial position at the Bexar County courthouse. Lewis said hes helped build his neighborhood associations National Night Out event from a handful of people to hundreds who now attend annually. Hall, 48, represented District 8 from 2003 to 2007 and left the council after those two terms, which was the maximum a council member could serve at the time. City Attorney Andrew Segovia has told the council that Hall may serve in the appointed role to fulfill Shaws unexpired term. OnExpressNews.com: Lopez emerges as likely front-runner for vacant Texas House seat Hall, a lawyer, told the council he doesnt intend to run for the seat in the May 4 election but said some legal analysts have suggested that former council members who served during the era when the city restricted them to no more than two 2-year terms may be able to serve another two 2-year terms under the current limits, which allow four 2-year terms. Hall told the council that he doesnt consider himself a politician and prefers the term statesman. He told the council hes well-suited to hit the ground running if hes appointed an idea that generally was accepted among the sitting council. Hall said that District 2 deserves continued experience and knowledgeable leadership until the next council member is selected by voters in May. With me, there will be no learning curve, he said. That may be a persuasive argument that carries the day, though theres no clear front-runner among the three. After todays interviews, the council will select one of the three finalists, who will be sworn in immediately and take a seat on the dais. There are numerous pressing matters facing the council, including choosing San Antonios next city manager. The council is scheduled to discuss the 31 applicants Friday, and could decide as early as next week who will succeed retiring City Manager Sheryl Sculley. Other major issues facing the council in the near future, Nirenberg said, include the burgeoning transit plan he and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff are pushing, and the implementation of a housing plan to combat an emerging housing crisis here. On Wednesday, the council declined to short-list the controversial retiring firefighter Dereck Hillyer, who has been in the public eye recently in part because of several poor marks in his personnel file with the city. At Wednesdays meeting, Hillyer recited a speech in which he said hes committed to public service and did not address any of the issues of his work record, including a five-day unpaid suspension from the Fire Department and an $11,000 debt to the city, among other things. Hes expected to run for the seat in the May election. An eyewitness to the Columbine High School shooting and former mayors Ivy Taylor and Julian Castro are among the speakers at key events during DreamWeek 2019, celebrating its seventh anniversary of advancing equality and peace starting Friday. More than 150 partner-sponsored events, including forums, films, symposiums, panel discussions and more, will take place Friday through Jan. 26. A highlight is San Antonios annual Martin Luther King Jr. March on Jan. 21, when tens of thousands of San Antonians will take to East Side streets in honor of the late civil rights leader. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio celebrates 50 years of marching for Kings dream This years DreamWeek theme, What Makes Us Human? is designed to inspire conversation and bring a diversity of voices and unique ideas to a citywide audience. Most of the 16-day summit events are open and free to the public. Paid events in support of fundraising will be listed on the DreamWeeks website calendar of events. The summit kicks off Friday morning with an opening breakfast featuring former Mayors Taylor and Castro. The final event is the Inaugural DreamWeek Mayors Ball on Jan. 26, including performance artists and entertainers selected by Mayor Ron Nirenberg and the DreamVoice team. On Jan. 18, Crystal Miller, an eyewitness of the Columbine High School shooting, will be the keynote speaker at the DreamWeek Awards Luncheon at The Spire at St. Paul Square, 230 Center. The Boys and Girls Club, located at 3503 Martin Luther King, will host a vigil from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20, for participants of the next days MLK March, considered one of the largest processions in the nation. The 2.75-mile march will start in the 3500 block of MLK Drive at 10 a.m. Jan. 21, winding through the East Side and ending at Pittman Sullivan Park, 1101 Iowa. The keynote speaker of the commemorative program is journalist and activist Shaun King. On ExpressNews.com: Activist Shaun King urges white people to be like Pop Other highlights of the program include the presentation of the Bahai Unity of Humanity and the Rev. Raymond R.A. Callies Courage Award, named for the late pastor who started the march to draw attention to issues on the East Side and Kings message of unity. There has been controversy surrounding one event, the Jan. 20 screening and panel discussion of a Netflix documentary about Rachel Dolezal, a one-time president of an NAACP chapter in Washington state who has claimed to be African American despite her white-European ancestry. Critics call her a liar and accuse her of cultural appropriation; she and supporters say she has a right to identify as black even if shes white. The debate over racial identity continues to flare up, and Dolezal was invited to participate in the panel after the screening of the film, which looks at the effect of her claims on her family. But an online petition with more than 1,000 signatures demanding she be uninvited is prompting event organizers to reconsider, according to Shokare Nakpodia, president of DreamVoice which puts on DreamWeek. No decision had been made as of Wednesday, Nakpodia said. DreamWeek was formed after Castro, then mayor, challenged several advertising firms to tell San Antonios broader story. Nakpodia, creative director for The MightyGroup, founded the summit in 2012 as a place where people could gather, talk, listen and exchange ideas without violence and share Kings vision and teachings. For more information, call 210-444-2315 or send an email to hello@dreamvoice.org. Staff writer S.M. Chavey contributed to this report. | Vincent T. Davis is a reporter in the Greater San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | vtdavis@express-news.net | Twitter: @vincentdavis After police accused 34-year-old Christopher Davila of faking the kidnapping of his infant son, his father confronted him. Tell me the truth, mijo, Mario Davila Sr. recalled saying, raising his voice slightly. The baby, mijo. Where is the baby? According to his father, Christopher admitted making a mistake when he left 8-month-old King Jay inside his Dodge Dart with the doors unlocked and the engine running. But, the father said, Christopher told him the same thing hes told police: He has no idea who took his car and the child from the Friends Food Mart on Friday evening or where King Jay was. In an exclusive interview with the San Antonio Express-News, four members of the Davila family including Christopher Davilas parents and his eldest sister, Amy Davila Ozuna spoke about the bizarre disappearance of King Jay. The elderly couple worry the scrutiny could hinder their efforts to regain custody of their five great-grandchildren, who were removed from their home by Child Protective Services last year. I dont know where the baby is, said 68-year-old Mario Davila, his eyes brimmed with tears. If I knew, I would tell them. Only God knows. He paused, trying to regain his composure. I wish God would tell me, he added. Nearly a week after King Jay was reported missing, police have maintained that Christopher Davila staged an elaborate scheme with relatives to cover up foul play involving the infant. They arrested him and charged him with child endangerment for leaving King Jay unattended. Police Chief William McManus has declined to elaborate or speculate about whether the baby is still alive. We believe the story of the kidnapping was made up, McManus said Monday. Ask yourself why someone would concoct such a story. On ExpressNews.com: Father of missing infant staged kidnapping, police say Now Playing: San Antonio Police Department released surveillance footage of a suspect believed to be connected with the abduction of the missing baby. Video: San Antonio Police Department Two days later, the Davila family insisted that Christopher Davila is innocent and that authorities have unfairly targeted him because of his tattoos and his past affiliation with the San Antonio-based prison gang Tango Orejon. They said Christophers cousin, Angie Torres, is not the woman who police think is seen in a surveillance video at the corner store taking the car. They think Torres, who is petite, does not match the appearance of the woman. Torres only told police that it was her in the video to take pressure off of her relatives, they said. She was arrested Sunday on an unrelated charge of aggravated robbery of a Dollar General store. When asked how they know Christopher Davila is telling the truth, his mother responded in a barely audible whisper. Hes my son, Beatrice Davila said. To kill someone? I dont know. I dont know. For years, her family says, she has battled cancer, which makes her voice soft and raspy. Now 64, she spends most of her days in bed in her modest home on the West Side. Above her bed is a simple cross. Mario Davila, her husband of 40 plus years, sat nearby. Amy Davila Ozuna, Christophers sister, said she understands that investigators are doing their due diligence and that her family will face extra scrutiny in the beginning stages of the investigation. I understand, said Ozuna, whose daughter, Savannah, 24, was questioned by police Tuesday. They look at the family first. But for how long? She said she took a lie detector test administered by detectives and passed. Ozuna cried as she talked about King Jay and the adorable way he thrashes his legs. Hes no fuss and is always smiling, she said. Her brother, who has five other children and a baby on the way, is a great father despite his lengthy criminal record. On ExpressNews.com: Woman who helped stage infants kidnapping robbed store two days later, police say Lupe Sampayo, Christophers uncle, said he is frustrated that authorities did not initially focus the search for King Jay on Rodriguez Park, where a baby bottle was discovered Sunday. He said his family initiated the search, not police. Sampayo said police should have searched the area Friday evening, when they first found the car. It only takes fifteen minutes to walk from where the car was found to Rodriguez Park. If they blocked off the area that night, they would have found her, he said, referring to the female suspect seen in surveillance video. McManus wants Chris bad, Sampayo said. We just want to find the baby. Bizarre disappearance The Sampayo-Davila family is large and close-knit, with several generations living under the same roof. Throughout the evening Tuesday, family members came and went, all paying close attention to Beatrice and Mario, who received a kidney transplant years ago. Hes said hes taking Xanax to help cope with the stress of his grandsons disappearance. Beatrice Davila said she and her husband were caring for King Jay on Friday evening. Christopher got off work at a lumber supplier in Schertz and stopped by sometime before 7 p.m. to pick up the baby. He told them he was headed home to his fiance, Jasmine Gonzales, on the Northeast Side. On the way, Christopher Davila stopped at Friends Food Mart on Enrique M. Barrera Parkway, where he is a regular customer. He told police he went inside to get a bottle of water and left his car running with the doors unlocked and King Jay inside. When he came outside, he saw the car was missing, as was his son. He called police to report it. Police say they immediately noticed discrepancies in Davilas story. Video surveillance from the corner store shows a woman wearing a hoodie walking up to the Dart without hesitation, opening the door and driving away. The video made detectives think she was working in cahoots with Davila. They arrested Davila that evening. Later, they said they believe King Jay was never in the car to begin with a claim the family disputes. Early Saturday, authorities asked Beatrice Davila to go to police headquarters to give a statement, the family said. There, she claims she was pressured to sign papers allowing detectives to search her home. She said she signed it because she felt she had no choice. Ozuna said detectives, including some from the homicide unit, arrived later that morning. Are you saying my nephew is dead? Ozuna recalled asking. On Monday, the family said detectives used dogs to scour their house. They stopped by again Wednesday and told Beatrice Davila to convince her son to tell the truth. Since King Jay disappeared, many members in the Davila family said they have been inundated by messages on social media from strangers who accuse them of hurting King Jay or taking part in his disappearance. They said strangers have released their address and phone numbers on social media. They often see unfamiliar cars drive by and slow down as they reach the house. Ozuna stayed in bed crying most of Tuesday. Shes afraid to send her kids to school and worries that their peers might have heard about the missing boy and the suspicions. Beatrice and Mario Davila worry about their five great-grandchildren, who are Savannah Ozunas children and Amy Davila Ozunas grandchildren. Until sometime last fall, they had custody of them. They said they do not know why the children, who are between the ages of 8 months and five years, were removed by CPS. They said they are working with CPS employees to get them back. We wont be around forever, Mario Davila said. This house is for them. I miss them. They set up two rooms for the children. One room is painted pink, with a sign that reads Pink isnt just a color. Its an attitude. A cutout of Queen Elsa, the character from Disneys Frozen, hangs on another wall. The other room is painted light blue. When asked whether they believe King Jay is still alive, Beatrice paused. I think so, she said quietly. I hope so, her husband added. I dont want any more bad news. Emilie Eaton is a criminal justice reporter in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | eeaton@express-news.net | Twitter: @emilieeaton An armed man who Seguin police said was planning to fulfill a prophecy at a Texas church tried to act as his own lawyer at a hearing Wednesday, until a judge talked him out of defending himself against a federal gun charge. Tony Dwayne Albert II, 33, of Houston, was charged last Friday with possessing a gun after having been convicted of domestic violence. Several news outlets have reported that Albert is an ex-Marine, but his military service could not be verified Wednesday. A criminal complaint affidavit unsealed Wednesday revealed that the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives charged him on Jan. 3 with possession of a Smith and Wesson MP9, 9mm caliber pistol when he was arrested by Seguin police on Dec. 30. Albert also had a magazine loaded with 17 rounds of 9mm ammunition, according to the affidavit. OnExpressNews.com: Armed, masked man was heading to church to 'fulfill a prophecy' Albert made national headlines when he was arrested in Seguin after a tipster reported a suspicious person later found to be Albert carrying a pistol and wearing cargo pants, military-style boots and a green T-shirt near the intersection of West Kingsbury and West Court streets. Albert also had on a white surgical mask with a white T-shirt wrapped around his head. Police arrested him on state charges of possessing marijuana and possession of a firearm by a felon. The Seguin Police Department said that Albert later told officers that he was on his way to fulfill a prophecy at a church, but he thought he was 240 miles away in Vidor, on the outskirts of Beaumont. Albert is serving two years of probation after pleading no contest to disarming a police officer in Harris County. Albert was also convicted June 21, 2017, in Harris County of assault on a family member, court records said, which authorities say bar him from having a gun. The federal affidavit said Albert told police he believed he was in Vidor and was looking for the First Baptist Church there. When a Seguin detective asked him about the gun, he said it was for protection because people try to kill Gods people, the affidavit said. What should have been a routine, brief initial hearing for Albert on Wednesday turned into anything but. Albert interrupted, or spoke over, U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Farrer, invoking terminology from the criminal justice system and requested to act as his own lawyer because he mistrusted certain attorneys and felt he could do better. For example, Albert correctly noted that if he is indicted by a grand jury, there will be no need for a hearing to determine if law enforcement had probable cause for his arrest. The judge set the probable cause hearing for Jan. 22, and ordered him held without bail pending a hearing that same day to determine if he can be released on bail. Farrer asked whether Albert had studied law. Albert said he had because he has a bachelors degree in criminal justice, but not a law degree. When the judge asked Albert if he was familiar with the federal rules of criminal procedure and evidence, Albert answered: No. Im familiar with truth, however. I only need the truth to represent myself, your honor. Albert also said he had acted as his own lawyer before: I dont remember what the case was for, but it got dismissed. As the judge tried to explain that he had to go through a certain process and ask certain questions before allowing someone to act as their own lawyer, Albert interjected. Dont interrupt me, Farrer firmly said. If youre going to represent yourself, thats lesson number one. Dont interrupt the judge. Eventually, Albert agreed to let the judge appoint him a lawyer. Can I be guaranteed a Christian lawyer? Albert asked. Can I be guaranteed not to get a military lawyer?...If I dont like the way the person you appoint is representing me, I can remove them, correct? The judge said Albert didnt have an unqualified right to an attorney of your choice and explained that the appointed lawyer would certainly take his viewpoints into consideration. If convicted of the federal charge, Albert faces up to 10 years in prison without parole. Note: This is a full Taste Test review, with a star rating based on multiple visits. Jean-Francois Poujol is the restless kind. After years of opening and moving on from Tribeca 212, Soleil Bistro & Wine Bar and others, hes settled into the former Casbeers Cafe & Cantina location in Beacon Hill with a neighborhood Italian place called SoHill Cafe. Its unpretentious, reasonable and occasionally inspired, the same as most of us. And judging from the healthy traffic the place attracted each time Ive gone in, SoHills already found a comfortable place in the neighborhood where it opened in November. The unpretentious part comes from a staff that follows Poujols casual, congenial lead. They work together in one big room divided by upholstered speakeasy booths, well-spaced tables and a few seats by the bar up front. Blond wood, gray walls, original art and retro Edison lamps make the old building feel clean and new. Every seat has a view of the kitchen, an open workspace where a wood-burning pizza oven holds court in the back. On ExpressNews.com: Review: Tribeca 212 finds its sweet spot in Olmos Park SoHill Cafe * 1719 Blanco Road, 210-455-2177, sohillcafe.com Quick bite: Intimate Beacon Hill Italian cafe with handmade pasta and sourdough pizza Hit: Bolognese lasagna roll, Greek pizza, fettuccine Alfredo Miss: Veggie lasagna roll, chicken pizza Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday Price range: Appetizers, $7.50-$12; soups and salads, $5-$8; entrees, $10-$5; pizzas, $10-$15; lunch specials, $8.50 Alcohol: Beer and wine **** Superior. Can compete nationally. *** Excellent. One of the best restaurants in the city. ** Very good. A standout restaurant of its kind. * Good. A restaurant that we recommend. (no stars) We cannot recommend this restaurant at this time. Express-News dining critics pay for all meals. See More Collapse When I say reasonable, I mean that two people can split a pizza, a plate of pasta, a salad and a few happy hour drafts for the same money theyd pay at a sit-down chain restaurant with half the charm and no Jean-Francois Poujol. On Wednesdays, a pizza costs just $10, and the $8.50 weekday lunch specials include iced tea. But SoHill Cafe isnt just a cheap red-sauce joint. Thats where the flashes of inspiration kick in. And they start with something as simple as well-seasoned meatballs packed as firm as sausages. I tasted meat and herbs, not filler. Formed into a hamburger patty, the same meatball mix made a killer burger, propelled by sweet and tangy bacon-tomato jam. Chef Justin Limburg has wrestled sourdough into a consistent, bready, lightly charred pizza crust strong enough to support some creativity. A Greek pizza, for example, began with creamy eggplant baba ghanoush and worked its way up the flavor chain with olives, feta cheese, artichokes and finally to tomatoes dried in the oven for a balance of acidity and roasted sweetness. Handmade sausage with licorice esters of fennel animated a pizza already braced by bright, sharp tomato sauce and jalapenos. That sauce kicked up a level with bacon lardons made even a traditional fried chicken Parmesan sandwich feel inspired. The handmade ethos at SoHill extends to pasta, and the kind of velveteen elasticity that defines handmade pasta worked especially well in fettuccine Alfredo, a macaroni and cheese so grown up that even grownups wont care about the fat, cream and calories. For the ones who might, theres spaghetti dressed like a floral bouquet with artichokes, tomatoes and garlic, a smart sidecar for salmon roasted in a superhot oven for a crackery-crisp skin and meat still blushing red at the core. Rolled lasagna feels like SoHills breakthrough moment. Made-to-order lasagnas hardly a practical thing. Those deep baking dishes dont care how long you wait. But Limburg took a wide ribbon of handmade pasta, rolled it with cheese and meaty Bolognese sauce and baked it to order for a lasagna that tasted like it took its sweet time letting those flavors marry. Inspiration is like bottled lightning, though, and much of my experience at SoHill Cafe revolved around food that was solid and consistent, but stayed within the predictable boundaries drawn by generations of mom-and-pop Italian restaurants. Youve had this garlic butter shrimp before, with all that glossy sopping sauce. And youve started Italian dinners with a decent plate of fried calamari and Caesar salad lost in a snowfall of grated Parmesan. On ExpressNews.com: Review: Playlands pizza is good enough to steal SoHill stuck with the standard Caprese salad shuffle of mozzarella, basil and tomato with sticky-sweet balsamic. Even the arugula salad with strawberries and blue cheese that might have seemed innovative in its day has become boilerplate Italian-American. Thats not to say they didnt work. They were fine, same as a pizza made with wild mushrooms that didnt seem wild at all, or another with low-spark pepperoni and an outlier pie with prosciutto and fig jam that came off more like an unintentional dessert. Only a few times did SoHill swerve from its happy medium to an unhappy place. On two visits, smoke from the pizza oven didnt find its way out of the restaurant so much as its found its way into my clothes. A pizza with fried chicken, bacon and ranch dressing failed to capture the magic of any of those things, and the vegetable version of that rolled lasagna fell apart like a pasta soup, with artichokes cut way too close to the toughest and spiniest parts. Like all of us, SoHill Cafe has its brief, shining moments and its not-safe-for-Facebook episodes. But with its long, steady intervals of gliding along and getting the job done, SoHill Cafe is like the neighborhood it inhabits. Truly one of us. Mike Sutter is a food and drink reporter and restaurant critic in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read more of his stories on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | msutter@express-news.net | Twitter: @fedmanwalking | Instagram: @fedmanwalking Investment management company Victory Capital Holdings Inc. will move its corporate headquarters from Cleveland to San Antonio, building off a recent acquisition of an arm of USAA and adding 50 jobs in coming years. Victory Capital will keep 300 employees from its November acquisition of USAAs investment management unit, move CEO David Brown and five other senior executives here and create at least 50 new jobs paying an average base salary of $96,000, according to officials with the company, the city and the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation (SAEDF). The headquarters is another get for the local financial services industry, where employment has grown by double digits since 2010. San Antonio and Bexar County officials have agreed to give Victory Capital $750,000 in tax incentives for the move. The city projects a $945 million economic effect and $460,000 in tax revenue from the headquarters over the next decade. Were thrilled that theyve chosen to relocate their headquarters in San Antonio, City Manager Sheryl Sculley said. We remain committed to supporting the companys growth. Victory agreed to buy USAA Asset Management Co. from the San Antonio financial services company for at least $850 million in November. The publicly traded company, which currently manages $52.8 billion in assets, will manage $144 billion in assets when the deal finalizes later this year, Brown said. Though the USAA acquisition played a large part in Victorys decision to move to San Antonio, Brown said the areas 160,000 college students, population growth particularly among millennials, low cost of living and information technology presence sealed the deal. The company also considered Denver and Columbus, Ohio, in relocating its headquarters, according to a City Council agenda memo released Thursday. Its an area where, when you stack that up against a lot of different areas in the country, it scores out really well, Brown said of the San Antonio region. Victory hasnt decided where it will locate in San Antonio but plans to open in mid-2019. Per the agenda memo, the company plans to invest $500,000 in real and personal property while creating five annual paid internships and a foundation promoting financial literacy for area military members. The company, which spun off of Cleveland banking company KeyCorp in 2013, will keep a presence in Cleveland along with its nine offices from San Francisco to Boston, Brown said. San Antonio City Council members are expected to vote on a $500,000 economic development grant to Victory at their Jan. 17 meeting. Bexar County commissioners will take up a separate $250,000 grant when they meet Tuesday. Asked whether Victory would have picked San Antonio for its headquarters without the $750,000 incentives package, Brown said the company didnt evaluate the move without accounting for incentives. I would just tell you the San Antonio market really fits what were looking to do, Brown said. The incentives were additive to it. The incentives offered by San Antonio and Bexar County were definitely more of a deal-closing tactic here, said Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, chief executive of SAEDF. I think that their analysis was much broader and more strategic as it related to accommodating their growth from a human capital perspective. Business and financial services accounted for 9.3 percent of the San Antonio workforce in 2017 and grew 29 percent from 2010 and 2017, according to a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. The industry, including the headquarters operations of USAA and Cullen/Frost Bankers Inc., now employs more than 71,000 people in the area, figures provided by the economic development foundation show. And the industry is attracting expansions from major companies. Ernst & Young has opened a client service delivery center that promises to employ 600 full-time workers in the Farinon Business Park on the Northwest Side and plans to make room at the facility for an additional 300 workers in its government and public-sector assurance practice, which contracts with federal agencies and the U.S. military. The industrys growth stems from a deliberate, targeted strategy by city economic development officials to expand the financial services industry among others, including information technology and biosciences, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said. The growing financial services sector proves that the economic development strategy is working overall because were seeing similar growth spurts in (cybersecurity), advanced manufacturing and so forth, Nirenberg said. Sculley said city economic development officials efforts vis-a-vis financial services largely focused on support services and call centers when she arrived in 2005. Since then, those efforts have broadened to emphasize tech and corporate positions, she said. We werent supporting those positions to that degree in the past, Sculley said. Thats changed. Victory isnt the only company to announce a headquarters project in San Antonio recently. Czech company Okin BPS announced plans in October to put its North American headquarters at the Brooks mixed-use development on the Southeast Side, a $23 million investment that promises to bring more than 1,400 jobs to the area. Joshua Fechter is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering real estate, economic development and philanthropy. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFreports What a difference a decade makes. At one point in 2008, U.S. oil production fell to its all-time low of about 3.8 million barrels a day. Today, the Permian Basin alone produces 3.8 million. Once the epitome of Texas wildcatting and strike-it-rich oil exploration, the West Texas oil field is now the home of big corporations bringing industrial efficiency to the production of crude. And thats increasingly true with each passing day as the big players buy out the smaller ones. The countrys top energy companies Exxon Mobil, based in Irving, and Chevron have made the Permian their global focal points. And European supermajors such as Royal Dutch Shell and BP are making moves to keep growing in West Texas. Late last year, Exxon Mobil planted its flag as the most active driller in the Permian with 38 drilling rigs running in the region, which extends into southeastern New Mexico. That jumped Exxon past the Midland company Concho Resources 34 rigs, which rapidly expanded last year through the $8 billion acquisition of rival RSP Permian. Chevron, headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., isnt far behind in the region with more than 20 rigs. For comparison, all of California counts about 10 active drilling rigs versus almost 500 rigs just in the Permian. Chevron recently boasted that its Permian production spiked 80 percent within a year up to about 340,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day. Chevron developed its holdings slowly, but has recently kicked up production. It was almost walking before youre ready to run and now, as you see in our results, were running, said Chevron Vice President Jeff Gustavson, who oversees Permian production, in a recent interview. We call it a factory or manufacturing model. Likewise, Exxon Mobil has bragged that it plans to surpass 600,000 barrels a day in the Permian by 2025. The top Permian firms including other independents like Houstons Occidental Petroleum and Dallas Pioneer Natural Resources both produce either a bit more than or just below 300,000 barrels daily these days. But the leading independent companies, while still representing huge operations, cant match the scale and diversification of the global supermajors. With oil prices having plunged since early October, companies like Exxon and Chevron can still lean on their refining and petrochemical profits, helping to offset the losses in oil. The independents cant quite claim the same. The diversification advantage when oil prices are lower also accrues to BP and Shell. Last year, BP shelled out $10.5 billion to acquire the Texas shale assets of Australias BHP Billiton, including a large swath of acreage in the Permian. Now, Shell, which has a modest Permian presence, is eyeing more growth. One target is Midland-based Endeavor Energy. The privately owned firm is on the selling block for at least $8 billion, and deep-pocketed Shell, Exxon Mobil and Chevron reportedly are among the top bidders. New Shell Oil President Gretchen Watkins declined to comment on Endeavor, but expressed interest in more growth in the Permian, where Shell is increasing production by about 30 percent per year. The Permian is certainly an area of focus for us, Watkins said, and one where I can see us expanding over the next little bit here. jordan.blum@chron.com twitter.com/jdblum23 The charge of misconduct in office is a misdemeanor, Davitt said. There is no set sentence if convicted on that charge, he said. Even though its a misdemeanor, the state says the sentence is any penalty that is not cruel or unusual. That is for the court to determine. Davitt said the case would be set for a new trial in Worcester County Circuit Court. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Both the media and citizens have been overly quick to find the police at fault about some cases where citizens have been killed by the police. Alternatively, the media and many citizen have been quick to blame illegal immigrants as a group when one of them kills a police officer. But both demonizing a whole group -- cops in the one case, illegal immigrants in the other -- by the behavior of one individual is wrong, as noted by criminal justice expert Paul Brakke, who has just published his latest book, Crime in America from American Leadership Books. Another problem is that in making these political statements, the death of a police officer can play second fiddle to the focus on the illegal immigrant doing the killing -- or a police officer can be falsely portrayed as a criminal killer when the officer kills a suspect in the line of duty. Thus, the police officer is either ignored or portrayed as the bad guy, as Brakke points out. Instead, his focus is on getting the facts, as he describes in chapters on the police and on dealing with illegal immigrants in Crime in America. For example, in many of the high profile cases of a citizen killed by the police, such as in the killing of Trayvon Martin in Florida, Freddie Gray in Baltimore, and Eric Garner in New York City, the protests and sometimes riots have portrayed the police as engaged in unjustified criminal acts. Later, the protesters have accused the justice system of being corrupt, when the police involved in these killings were subsequently found not guilty of murder. But the stats present a different story, since 99% of the police officers involved in killing 1165 people in 2018 were not charged with a crime. A key reason is that the police are largely confronting hardened criminals who have just committed crimes, are trying to evade police capture, and are threatening the police, so a killing is justified as the appropriate use of force. As for the cases of cops killed by a few illegal immigrants, most recently the killing of California Police officer Ronil Singh on December 26 by Gustavo Perez Arriaga, this is one of the few cases of an illegal immigrant killing a police office. By contrast, the vast number of officers is killed by American citizens. But such details are ignored in using these cases to make political points to support deporting illegal immigrants or keeping them out of the country. Instead, the outrage should be over the high number of on-duty police officer deaths which surged to 140 in 2018, up from 129 in 2017, including 5 officers who were ambushed and killed in 2018. Thus, Brakke emphasizes the need to look at the hard facts in a case, rather than using an incident to paint the police as the bad guys or to underplay their contribution in capturing a criminal, because the focus is on the criminal. Accordingly, in Crime in America, Brakke looks at the facts and makes recommendations based on careful research on the criminal justice system and what to do fix the many problems with it. To this end, he discusses the major parts of the criminal justice system, including the police, courts, and prisons, and he has chapters on how to deal with the opioid crisis, illegal immigrations, and the deep divisions in American society. He also has extensive statistics showing the relationship between reduced incarceration, lower recidivism, and rehabilitation for prisoners and ex-cons. Now, based on his research and recommendations in his book, he is reaching out to legislators and governors to consult with them on the best approaches to criminal justice reform in their jurisdiction. His hopes to use his book to reach out to Federal and state government officials, politicians, and the media to help implement some of his recommended changes. In writing his book and working as a consultant, Brakke brings to the table a unique conservative approach to crime and criminal justice, since usually liberals discuss ways to reform the system through more of a social welfare approach. But Brakke uses an approach that is more based on an economic business model of doing what works most efficiently to both cut down costs and create more productive citizens. Brakke has also made 30 videos featuring highlights from the book which are available on the American Leadership Books YouTube channel at https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCfHgXXiW3jgODnaypgcYZFw/videos/upload To learn more, you can get a copy of Crime in America, which is now available through Amazon, Kindle, and major bookstores. It is currently available on Kindle for free during its special KDP Select Promotion at https://www.amazon.com/Crime-America-Conservatives-Approaches-Criminals-ebook/dp/B07MKZG84Z. Also, free copies are available for government officials who are seeking ways to reduce crime and fix the criminal justice system and for members of the media at www.crimeinamericathebook.com. For media copies of the book, more information on American Leadership Books and Paul Brakke, and to set up interviews, please contact: Jana Collins Jones & O'Malley Toluca Lake, California jana@jonesomalley.com (818) 762-8353 Welcome to the News Release Wire Selection Control Panel. Instant News Wire GBP/AUD Exchange Rate Slumps as UK Retailers Suffer Worst Christmas in a Decade The Pound Sterling Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate started to slide over the course of the morning, with the pairing currently trading at inter-bank rates of AU$1.7759. Weakness in the US Dollar has helped buoy the Australian Dollar, as USD fell to its lowest levels since October, with traders pulling out of the safe-haven, opting instead for higher-yielding currencies such as AUD. Signs have emerged of progress being made between the US and China during trade talks in Beijing over the start of this weeks session. Meanwhile, the Pound suffered as a result of Decembers like-for-like retail sales being released which showed that UK retailers, despite slashing prices, had suffered their worst Christmas in a decade. GBP/AUD Exchange Rate Rises Despite Mays Inability to Win over DUP The Pound Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate rose over the course Wednesday afternoon despite Brexit pessimism within the British Parliament. With the Brexit debate continuing, Wednesday saw Prime Minister Theresa May lose the support of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), as they stated her proposal regarding the Northern Irish backstop was meaningless. Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England (BoE) gave a speech yesterday afternoon which likely weighed down the British currency as he stated any future increases in Bank Rate are likely to be at a gradual pace and to a limited extent. Carney did emphasise that the BoE would not remain passive, however, stating: From a monetary policy perspective, the Monetary Policy Committee is well-prepared for whichever path the economy takes. We have the tools we need. We will be prudent not passive. GBP/AUD Exchange Rate Buoyed by Poor Australian Building Permits Figures On Wednesday the Australian Bureau of Statistics released the latest building permits figures which saw building approvals plummet to a five-year low. There was a higher-than-expected drop to -9.1% in November over the course of a month, with the year-on-year figure sliding a worrying -32.8%. A slowing Australian service sector, as detailed in the latest AiG Performance of Service Index, did little to aid the Aussie in continuing to make gains on Sterling. The Australian Industry Group reported the index fell to 52.1 from 55.1, a bearish result for the Australian Dollar. GBP/AUD Exchange Rate Outlook: Pound to Rise if November GDP Remains Steady? The Australian performance of construction index for December is due for release later this evening, and if there is an increase from the previous 44.5, it could see the Australian Dollar continue to make gains on the Pound. Friday will see the release of the Novembers Australian seasonally adjusted retail sales figures, which are forecast to remain steady at 0.3%, although if this figure is higher, AUD could rise further against the Pound. Novembers Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the UK is set for release tomorrow morning, with the forecast suggesting the figure will remain steady at 0.1%, although if it nudges higher, we could see the Pound claw back some of the losses made in todays session. The UK manufacturing production figure for November will also be released on Friday, with the forecast suggesting that British manufacturing activity will decrease by a further -0.7%, which could see GBP fall against AUD. GBP/USD Exchange Rate Weakens as Mays Brexit Deal Under Increasing Pressure The Pound US Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate is down today and is trading within the region of $1.2760. The Pound (GBP) was also further weakened against the US Dollar (USD) after the release of the UKs year-on-year BRC like-for-like retail sales figures for December, which showed a worse-than-expected decrease of -0.7%. Helen Dickinson, a Chief Executive at the British Retail Consortium (BRC), commented: Squeezed consumers chose not to splash out this Christmas. The worst December sales performance in ten years means a challenging start to 2019 for retailers, with business rates set to rise once again this year, and the threat of a no-deal Brexit looming ever larger. The Pound also failed to recover from yesterdays latest defeat for Prime Minister Theresa May, who came under increasing pressure from rebel Conservative MPs. This followed an amendment put forward by MP Dominic Grieve being passed by the House of Commons Speaker, John Bercow which forces May to come up with a Plan B within three working-days if her Brexit deal is voted down next Tuesday. Investors in the US Dollar, meanwhile, will be looking ahead to todays publication of the US continuing jobless claims figures for December which are expected to decrease, potentially further strengthening the US Dollar. Today will also see a speech from the Chair of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, with any bullish comments further benefiting the US Dollar to Pound exchange rate. US Dollar Pound (USD/GBP) Exchange Rate Rises Despite On-Going Government Shutdown The US Dollar, meanwhile, has managed to strengthen on the Pound today despite the CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Raphael Bostics dovish comments yesterday in which he outlined: A patient approach to monetary policy adjustments in the coming year is fully warranted in light of the uncertainties about the state of the economy and about what level of policy rates is consistent with a neutral stance. The continuing divide between the US President and the House of Representatives also continues to dampen confidence in the Greenback. This was after yesterdays news that President Donald Trump had seemingly extending the partial government shutdown indefinitely, with the president storming out of a meeting with top Democrats over funding for the Mexican border wall, calling it a total waste of time. The Greenback, however, continues to gain on the increasing shaky Sterling as Brexit debates continue to heat up ahead of next weeks vote, providing the upper hand for the US Dollar to Pound exchange rate. GBP/USD Outlook: Brexit to Remain in Spotlight Tomorrow, however, will see a raft of UK data releases, including the publication of the manufacturing production figures for November, which are expected to increase. These will be followed by the UKs non-EU trade balance figures for November which are, however, expected to decrease. The most significant release for the UK tomorrow will be the GDP figures for November, with any above-forecast increase potentially bolstering Sterling. Tomorrow will also see a slew of US data publications, with the US Consumer Price Index excluding food and energy for December expected to decrease, potentially dampening confidence in the Greenback. However, Brexit developments are expected to dominate Sterling investors attention, with any signs of Theresa Mays UK-EU withdrawal agreement being rejected by Parliament likely to further weaken the GBP/USD exchange rate. Pound Sterling (GBP) Exchange Rates Pull Back Ahead of Brexit Debates Wednesdays session brought with it the resumption of Brexit-centric debates in the House of Commons ahead a meaningful vote, in which MPs will vote to implement or reject PM Mays withdrawal agreement, provisionally scheduled for January 15th (7pm). Pound Sterling (GBP) price action remained vulnerable to Brexit-related developments throughout the session, highlighting the Brexit-coupled nature of the Sterling. The GBP kicked off the session appreciating against a basket of peers following reports signalling progress towards reaching a consensus over the current deal between Prime Minster Theresa May and the co-aligned Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) who have bitterly opposed the deal over the contentious Irish backstop arrangements. Reports saw the Pound Sterling US Dollar (GBP/USD) spike to a daily high of $1.277 before a DUP statement calling PM Mays offer of concessions over the Irish border meaningless prompted a swift reversal, relinquishing Sterling gains and pushing GBPUSD x-rate below the daily open. Against the single currency, similar price action played out with the Pound Sterling Euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate spiking to 1.1139 before retracing to just above the early morning session low of 1.110. Commerzbank analyst, Antje Praefcke, warned investors away from false hopes regarding the Pound Sterling (GBP), A positive vote on the exit agreement with the EU next week has not become any more likely. So please do not go ahead and buy sterling hoping that a no-deal Brexit has become less likely ... Beware of false hopes! MPs Back Amendment to Finance Bill to Block Treasury Taxation Powers in No-Deal Scenario The latest development comes following Tuesdays blow to PM Mays plans which saw parliament vote in favour of an amendment which in theory creates a fresh barrier to a no deal scenario. The Prime Minister and backers of her deal have consistently portrayed the current deal and no deal scenarios as the only possible outcomes for the on-going Brexit saga and while the UK could exit the EU with no deal, with such an outcome being the default solution in lieu of an overarching agreement, the amendment highlights opposition to both these outcomes. Danske Bank commented on the development, While the amendment in itself has limited impact in practice, it signals that there is currently no majority for a no-deal Brexit among British politicians. However, markets did not seem to put too much emphasis on this vote and the pound weakened only modestly during the day. Heated House of Commons Debates Prompt The debate in a packed House of Commons saw heated exchanges across the House with leader of the opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn accusing the Prime Minister and her government of recklessly wasting time and holding the country to ransom in their attempts to force a choice between PM Mays less-than-perfect withdrawal agreement or no deal, calling on the Prime Minister to call a general election in the event that her agreement is rejected in next weeks meaningful vote, as its widely expected to be. In response, PM May reiterated her position, firmly against a snap general election and a government spokesperson when questioned on the governments reaction to a failed meaningful vote said We would seek to provide certainty, quickly. The deal, which continues to face fierce criticism from both opposition parties and from within the current government, remains unlikely to pass before a vote in the House of Commons with assurances over key areas such as the Irish backstop lacking despite PM Mays attempts. Government Defeated in Amendment Vote, Must Table Plan B Within 3 Days Rejected Deal Given MPs speculation that the government would attempt to run down the clock ahead of the March 29th Brexit deadline to force MPs to back PM Mays deal or face a no deal exit, Speaker of the House, Bercow, controversially allowed MPs a vote on a proposed amendment which will force to government to table contingency plans within 3 days of a failed vote instead of the 21 day timeframe originally laid down in the EU Withdrawal Act. The results of the vote saw the government defeated by 308 votes to 297, meaning a minister of the crown shall table within three sitting days a motion considering the process of exiting the European Union under article 50. British Firms Tipped to Demand Emergency Measures if MPs Reject PMs Deal With the clock ticking, UK business leaders expressed their intentions to call for emergency measures to be put in to place in the event that MPs fail to back PM Mays Brexit deal, an outcome which seems likely, in order to cushion the effects of a disorderly Brexit. Speaking to Business Insider, the Freight Transport Associations (FTA) deputy chief executive, James Hookham, said Im not going to let the logistics industry take the fall for political indulgence. Itll be messy, expensive and not end well, and [has been] caused by people who suffer from ignorance or privilege. Or both, UK PMI figures and business confidence measures have increasingly highlighted the negative impact of Brexit and the potential disruption to trade a no deal scenario could entail. The Federation of Small Businesses have likewise expressed their concerns with the groups director of external affairs and advocacy, Craig Beaumont, commenting While it is of course just a hypothetical at the moment, if there is a big defeat on Tuesday then our priority is to avoid drifting into a chaotic no deal on 29 March. In that circumstance, a short technical extension of article 50 until July should be considered. Pound Sterling US Dollar (GBP/USD) Exchange Rate Boosted by Fresh Barriers to No Deal Brexit Amid heightened volatility the FX value of the Pound Sterling US Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate surged during Wednesdays session in the wake of the governments defeat, which will accelerate the tabling of plan B should MPs reject the current withdrawal agreement. The startling price action comes in response to speculation that the amended timescales should in theory lessen the odds of a no deal Brexit as it provides more time for MPs to find an alternative solution, other than PM Mays current deal and also against the backdrop of a softening tone as indicated by the Federal Reserve Open Committee (December) meeting minutes and growing optimism of a US-China trade (prompting a return of risk appetite), softening the US Dollar (USD) considerably. Versus the Euro (GBP/EUR) the British Pound however the development saw the exchange rate plunge through resistance at 1.110 while price action among other Pound Sterling major FX pairings spiked sharply before largely retracing gains. As debates continue, further volatility is expected for Pound Sterling FX pairs with the general consensus being that anything which prevents, or reduces the likelihood of, a no deal Brexit scenario likely to be reflected by Pound Sterling (GBP) appreciation, at least in the very short term until a final resolution clarifies. Commodity linked currencies such as the Australian and New Zealand Dollars (AUD & NZD) alongside oil prices were supported during Wednesdays session as the US-China trade talks, which were extended into Wednesday, prompted growing optimism over an imminent trade deal between the two nations which in turn saw risk appetite returning to currency markets and encouraged US Dollar (USD) sell-offs. Summarising major themes affect currency markets and risk-sentiment at the moment, global head of strategy at ING, Chris Turner, commented Higher crude prices, thawing US-China relations and a re-steepening of the US yield curve could give investors a reason to put cash to work after a shaky start to the new year. The high-stakes trade talks taking place in Beijing between US and Chinese officials come amid a ceasefire to the trade war between the two nations which threatened to hamper global trade prospects with reciprocal tariff hikes weighing on investor sentiment. Commenting on the reported progress, chief currency strategist at RBC, Adam Cole, said the growing expectations of a mutually acceptable trade deal laid the groundwork for a better tone for risk this morning. Its all about a general risk-on mood. While specifics remain largely unreleased, reports indicated that progress had been made with regards to future Chinese purchases of US energy commodities and agricultural produce alongside increased access to Chinese markets. Comments on Tuesday from US President Donald Trump, including a tweet which said Talks with China are going very well! prompted a significant uptick in stock indexes as improved market sentiment drove prices higher. The FTSE100 Index, which tracks the top 100 (in terms of market capitalisation) companies listed by the London Stock Exchange (LSE) hit a fresh monthly high during Wednesdays session after fluctuating risk appetite saw the index hit a 28-month low in December. Swissquote analyst, Vincent-Freedeeric Mivelaz, commented Equities are rallying on optimism that the US-China trade dispute might be resolved The arrival of US officials from energy, agriculture and treasury departments is a good sign that discussions are becoming more explicit on topics such as intellectual property and trade deficit. Analysis from Danske Banks Daniel Brdsgaard concurred, markets continue to rally on the back of the positive signs given yesterday from the US-China trade talks and unconfirmed news reports breaking from White House officials that Trump is determined to get a deal passed. In turn, the commodity-coupled Australian Dollar (AUD) and New Zealand Dollar (NZD), which reflect sentiment towards China and are significantly coupled to economic developments within the nation, benefitted largely at the expense of the US Dollar (USD). While commentary from Chinese officials hasnt been as forthcoming as that from US delegates, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said I can only say that extending the consultations shows that the two sides were indeed very serious in conducting the consultations. State newspaper China Daily said that while Chinese officials are keen to see a resolution to the trade dispute which has weighed not only domestic economic activity and prospects but partially fuelled global trade concerns, China will not make any unreasonable concessions, highlighting that while progress tracks positive, much still hangs in the balance. Given the 90 day ceasefire, a trade agreement is widely expected before March 2nd, when in the event a deal hasnt been secured President Trump has said he will continue with his plan to hike tariffs on over $200B worth of Chinese goods from 10% to 25%. Trade Talk Progress Aids Oil Price Recovery, Risks of Global Slowdown Loom As trade talks were extended into Wednesday, oil prices were boosted amid the prospect of growing demand an expected outcome of a resolution to the trade dispute with U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures regaining eh $50 per barrel handle for the first time since mid-December, after bottoming out at $42.206, 45% down from October highs above $77. Brent Crude Oil (BCOUSD) also saw prices boosted, retaking the $60 per barrel level for the first time in three weeks during a 7th consecutive day of rallying prices which combined with last weeks increases have seen BCO appreciate by over 13%. Commenting on the impact of the ongoing trade negotiations, Bob Yawger, director of futures at Mizuho Bank in New York said The trade situation is definitely bullish; you have a good demand construction if we can wrap up this trade deal. Further comments from Daiwa Securities senior currency strategist struck a similar, positive tone, Markets are finding comfort in the fact that the trading level of West Texas Intermediate futures has shifted above $50 a barrel, adding that Commodity-linked currencies are performing strongly as a result. Trade talk progress, coupled with OPEC+ cuts to production and exports have prompted a significant rebound for both WTI and Brent crude oil (BCOUSD) but risk factors remain in projections with concerns over the health of the global economy tipped to cap the rebound should sentiment continue to decline, denting demand, an assumption which finds credence by way of aggressive cuts in hedge fund bullish positions. S&P Global Ratings have also downgraded forecasts for both WTI and BCO, lowering projections by $10/barrel for each to $50/b and $55/b respectively. Danny Huang, an analyst at S&P Global Ratings commented on their downgraded forecasts, Our lower oil price assumptions reflect slowing demand and rising supply globally. Economic data out of developed economies have painted a picture of a slackening pace of growth with Swissquotes Mivalez commenting recent economic releases have pointed to a drop in growth, including a slowdown in manufacturing, with the US ISM manufacturing index at its lowest in 25 months. China faces similar trends, with its manufacturing PMI at its lowest in 19 months setting the tone for data-driven swings in risk appetite as market participants anticipate a potential global slowdown. US President Trump to Meet China VP Wang Qishan at World Economic Forum While talks in Beijing have now ended, parties on both sides as well as global market can breathe a sigh of relief as expectations of escalating trade hostilities see a significant reduction. While a deal hasnt yet been agreed or ratified by either nation, investors look to a proposed meeting between President Trump and Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan at the 2019 World Economic Forum later this month (January 22nd) in Davos. Thursdays session will see the release of statements from both Chinese and US officials on the state of trade negotiations with Global Times editor Hu Xijin tweeting the trade talks, though arduous, were conducted in a pleasant and candid atmosphere. Neither side has made the briefing, because the US delegation is on the plane now. The two sides will release message at the same time on Thursday morning Beijing time. Continued positive indications are likely to prompt further Australian and New Zealand Dollar (AUD & NZD) appreciation, most likely at the expense of the Greenback (USD), while significant negativity or disparity between Thursdays releases could prompt some moderation in bullish sentiment for the Anitpodean currencies. Maunakea, Hawaii - A Northwestern University-led international team of astronomers is getting closer to understanding the mysterious bright object that burst in the northern sky this summer, dubbed AT2018cow or 'The Cow.' With the help of W. M. Keck Observatory on Maunakea, Hawaii and the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy's ATLAS twin telescopes, the multi-institutional team now has evidence that they likely captured the exact moment a star collapsed to form a compact object, such as a black hole or neutron star. The stellar debris, approaching and swirling around the object's event horizon, caused the remarkably bright glow. The research, which will be appearing in The Astrophysical Journal, was announced today during a press conference at the 233rd Meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Seattle. This rare event will help astronomers better understand the physics at play within the first moments of the creation of a black hole or neutron star. "Based on its X-ray and UV emission, 'The Cow' may appear to have been caused by a black hole devouring a white dwarf. But further observations of other wavelengths across the spectrum led to our interpretation that 'The Cow' is actually the formation of an accreting black hole or neutron star," said lead author Raffaella Margutti, assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Northwestern University and faculty member of Northwestern's CIERA (Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research for Astrophysics). "We know from theory that black holes and neutron stars form when a star dies, but we've never seen them right after they are born. Never." THE CURIOUS COW The Cow was first spotted on June 16 after the ATLAS telescopes on Haleakala and Maunaloa captured a spectacularly bright anomaly 200 million light years away in the Hercules constellation. The object quickly flared up, then vanished almost as quickly. The event captured immediate international interest and left astronomers scratching their heads. "We thought it must be a supernova," Margutti said. "But what we observed challenged our current notions of stellar death." For one, the anomaly was unnaturally bright -- 10 to 100 times brighter than a typical supernova. It also flared up and disappeared much faster than other known star explosions, with particles flying at 30,000 kilometers per second (or 10 percent of the speed of light). Within just 16 days, the object had already emitted most of its power. In a universe where some phenomena last for millions and billions of years, two weeks amounts to the blink of an eye. "We knew right away that this source went from inactive to peak luminosity within just a few days," said co-author Ryan Chornock, assistant physics and astronomy professor at Ohio University. "That was enough to get everybody excited because it was so unusual and, by astronomical standards, it was very close by." Using Northwestern's access to Keck Observatory's twin telescopes, Margutti's team took a closer look at the object's makeup with the Low Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (LRIS) on the Keck I telescope as well as the DEep Imaging and Multi-Object Spectrograph (DEIMOS) on Keck II. "Keck was instrumental in determining the chemical composition and geometry of AT2018cow," said co-author Nathan Roth, a JSI postdoctoral fellow at the University of Maryland. "Keck's unique niche is its capability to monitor the late-time behavior of The Cow. This can be difficult; as more time passes after the event, the fainter it becomes. But with Keck's late time spectroscopy, we were able to pierce through the 'interiors' of the explosion. This revealed AT2018cow's red-shifted spectral features very nicely." "The Cow is a great example of a type of observation that's becoming critical in astronomy: rapid response to transient events," says Keck Observatory Chief Scientist John O'Meara. "Looking forward, we are implementing new observational policies and telescope instrumentation that allow us to be as quick on the sky and to the science as we can." The team also obtained optical images from the MMT Observatory in Arizona, as well as the Southern Astrophysical Research SOAR Telescope in Chile. When Margutti and her team examined The Cow's chemical composition, they found clear evidence of hydrogen and helium, which excluded models of compact objects merging -- like those that produce gravitational waves. "It took us a while for us to realize what we were looking at, I would say months," said co-author Brian Metzger, associate physics professor at Columbia University. "We tried several possibilities and were forced to go back to the drawing board multiple times. We were finally able to interpret the results, thanks to the hard work of our incredibly dedicated team." In addition to Chornock, Roth, and Metzger, Margutti's core team also includes Indrek Vurm, senior research fellow at Tartu Observatory, as well as Northwestern CIERA postdoctoral researchers Giacomo Terreran, Deanne Coppejans, and Kate Alexander. COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY Astronomers have traditionally studied stellar deaths in the optical wavelength, which uses telescopes to capture visible light. Margutti's team, on the other hand, used a more comprehensive approach. After ATLAS spotted the object, Margutti's team quickly conducted follow-up observations using multiple observatories to analyze The Cow in different wavelengths. The researchers viewed the object in hard X-rays using NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) and the European Space Agency's (ESA) INTErnational Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory (INTEGRAL), in soft X-rays (which are 10 times more powerful than normal X-rays) using ESA's X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton), and in radio waves using National Radio Astronomy Observatory's (NRAO) Very Large Array (VLA). This enabled them to continue studying the anomaly long after its initial visible brightness faded. Margutti attributes The Cow's relative nakedness to potentially unraveling this intergalactic mystery. Although stars might collapse into black holes all the time, the large amount of material around newly born black holes blocks astronomers' vision. Fortunately, about 10 times less ejecta swirled around The Cow compared to a typical stellar explosion. The lack of material allowed astronomers to peer straight through to the object's "central engine," which revealed itself as a probable black hole or neutron star. "A 'lightbulb' was sitting deep inside the ejecta of the explosion," Margutti said. "It would have been hard to see this in a normal stellar explosion. But The Cow had very little ejecta mass, which allowed us to view the central engine's radiation directly." GALACTIC NEIGHBOR Margutti's team also benefited from the star's relative closeness to Earth. Even though it was nestled in the distant dwarf galaxy called CGCG 137-068, astronomers consider that to be "right around the corner." "Two hundred million light-years is close for us," Margutti said. "This is the closest transient object of this kind that we have ever found." "Being given the opportunity to contribute to something as cutting edge and international as understanding AT2018cow as an undergrad is a surreal experience," said co-author Daniel Brethauer, a first-year undergraduate student at Northwestern. "To have helped the world's experts figure out what AT2018cow is even in the smallest way was beyond my wildest expectations at the beginning of the summer and something that I will remember for the rest of my life." ### ABOUT LRIS The Low Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (LRIS) is a very versatile visible-wavelength imaging and spectroscopy instrument commissioned in 1993 and operating at the Cassegrain focus of the Keck I telescope. Since it has been commissioned, it has seen two major upgrades to further enhance its capabilities: addition of a second blue arm optimized for shorter wavelengths of light and the installation of detectors that are much more sensitive at the longest (red) wavelengths. Each arm is optimized for the wavelengths it covers. This large range of wavelength coverage, combined with the instrument's high sensitivity, allows the study of everything from comets (which have interesting features in the ultraviolet part of the spectrum), to the blue light from star formation, to the red light of very distant objects. LRIS also records the spectra of up to 50 objects simultaneously, especially useful for studies of clusters of galaxies in the most distant reaches, and earliest times, of the universe. LRIS was used in observing distant supernovae by astronomers who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2011 for research determining that the universe was speeding up in its expansion. ABOUT DEIMOS The DEep Imaging and Multi-Object Spectrograph (DEIMOS) boasts the largest field of view (16.7arcmin by 5 arcmin) of any of the Keck Observatory instruments, and the largest number of pixels (64 Mpix). It is used primarily in its multi-object mode, obtaining simultaneous spectra of up to 130 galaxies or stars. Astronomers study fields of distant galaxies with DEIMOS, efficiently probing the most distant corners of the universe with high sensitivity. ABOUT W. M. KECK OBSERVATORY The W. M. Keck Observatory telescopes are the most scientifically productive on Earth. The two, 10-meter optical/infrared telescopes atop Maunakea on the Island of Hawaii feature a suite of advanced instruments including imagers, multi-object spectrographs, high-resolution spectrographs, integral-field spectrometers, and world-leading laser guide star adaptive optics systems. The data presented herein were obtained at Keck Observatory, which is a private 501(c) 3 non-profit organization operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Observatory was made possible by the generous financial support of the W. M. Keck Foundation. The authors recognize and acknowledge the very significant cultural role and reverence that the summit of Maunakea has always had within the Native Hawaiian community. We are most fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct observations from this mountain. Maunakea, Hawaii - Astronomers have discovered the brightest object ever seen at a time when the universe was less than one billion years old. With the help of multiple, world-class telescopes in Hawaii - Gemini Observatory, James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), United Kingdom Infra-Red Telescope (UKIRT), and W. M. Keck Observatory on Maunakea, Hawaii Island, as well as the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS1) operated by the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy on Haleakala, Maui - the researchers discovered that the brilliant beacon is a quasar, the core of a galaxy with a black hole ravenously eating material surrounding it. The results are published in today's issue of The Astrophysical Journal Letters and were announced this afternoon during a press conference at the 233rd Meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Seattle. Though the quasar is very far away - 12.8 billion light-years - astronomers can detect it because a galaxy closer to Earth acts as a lens and makes the quasar look extra bright. The gravitational field of the closer galaxy warps space itself, bending and amplifying the distant quasar's light. This effect is called gravitational lensing. Though researchers have searched for these very remote quasars for over 20 years, a rare and fortuitous celestial alignment made this one visible to them. "We don't expect to find many quasars brighter than that in the whole observable universe," said lead investigator Xiaohui Fan, Regents' Professor of Astronomy at the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory. The super-bright quasar, cataloged as J043947.08+163415.7, could hold the record of being the brightest in the early universe for some time, making it a unique object for follow-up studies. Shining with light equivalent to 600 trillion suns, the quasar is fueled by a supermassive black hole at the heart of a young galaxy in the process of forming. An immense amount of energy is emitted as the black hole consumes material around it. The detection provides a rare opportunity to study a zoomed-in image of how such black holes accompanied star formation in the very early universe and influenced the assembly of galaxies. The quasar existed at a transitional period in the universe's evolution, called reionization, where light from young galaxies and quasars reheated the obscuring hydrogen that cooled off not long after the Big Bang. The quasar would have gone undetected if not for the power of gravitational lensing, which boosted its brightness by a factor of 50. However, because very distant quasars are identified by their red color (due to absorption by diffuse gas in intergalactic space), sometimes their light is "contaminated," and looks bluer because of the starlight of an intervening galaxy. As a result, they may be overlooked in quasar searches because their color is diluted to resemble that of a normal galaxy. Fan proposes that many other remote quasars have been missed due to this light contamination. His team got lucky with finding J043947.08+163415.7, because the quasar is so bright it drowns out the starlight from the especially faint foreground lensing galaxy. "Without this high level of magnification, it would make it impossible for us to see the galaxy," said co-author Feige Wang, a physics postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, Santa Barbara. "We can even look for gas around the black hole and what the black hole may be influencing in the galaxy." "This detection is a surprising and major discovery; for decades we thought that these lensed quasars in the early universe should be very common, but this is the first of its kind that we have found," said Fabio Pacucci, a postdoctoral associate at Yale University who observed J043947.08+163415.7 with Fan at Keck Observatory. "It gives us a clue on how to search for 'phantom quasars' - sources that are out there, but cannot be really detected yet." Pacucci is the lead author of a follow-up paper with Harvard University's Astronomy Department Chair, Abraham (Avi) Loeb, on the theoretical implications of Fan's discovery, which is published in the same issue of The Astrophysical Journal Letters as Fan's paper. "Our theoretical study predicts that we might be missing a substantial fraction of the population of these 'phantom quasars.' If they are indeed numerous, it would revolutionize our idea of what happened right after the Big Bang, and even change our view of how these cosmic monsters grew up in mass," said Pacucci. "The puzzling growth of extremely bright quasars within less than a billion years after the Big Bang might be partly a mirage. After removing the magnification by gravitational lensing, the inferred black holes would be less massive and could originate more naturally in the infant universe," added Loeb. METHODOLOGY Fan's team selected J043947.08+163415.7 as a very distant quasar candidate based on its color by combining photometric data from the UKIRT Hemisphere Survey in the near-infrared, Pan-STARRS1 survey at optical wavelengths, and NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer archive in the mid-infrared. Follow-up spectroscopic observations at the University of Arizona's Multi-Mirror Telescope confirmed that the candidate was in fact a high-redshift, ultra-distant quasar. The team then analyzed the quasar in greater detail using Keck Observatory's Low Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (LRIS) to obtain a sensitive spectrum in optical light. "I have been observing at Keck since I was a graduate student more than 20 years ago," said Fan. "The combination of Keck's large collecting area, powerful instruments, and unparalleled observing conditions on Maunakea allows us to study objects at literally the edge of the observable universe and constantly expand our cosmic horizon." Another Maunakea Observatory, Gemini North, collected an infrared spectrum, which determined the distance of the quasar and the mass of its powerful black hole. All the data combined revealed the signature of a very faint foreground galaxy directly between the quasar and Earth that is magnifying the quasar image. However, the foreground lensing galaxy and the quasar are so close in the sky that it is impossible to separate them with images taken from the ground due to blurring of Earth's atmosphere. It took the exquisitely sharp images by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to finally reveal that the quasar image is split into three components by a faint lensing galaxy. "It's a hard system to photograph because it turns out to be so compact, which requires the sharpest view from Hubble," Fan said. Besides being bright in visible and infrared wavelengths, the lensed quasar is also bright in submillimeter wavelengths, where it was observed with the JCMT. This is due to hot dust heated by intense star formation in the galaxy hosting the lensed quasar. The formation rate is estimated to be up to 10,000 stars per year (by comparison, our Milky Way galaxy makes one star per year). "Clearly, this black hole is not only accreting gas, but has a lot of star formation around it," said co-author Jinyi Yang, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Arizona. "However, because of the boosting effect of gravitational lensing, the actual rate of star formation could be much lower than the observed brightness suggests," she added. NEXT STEPS The quasar is ripe for future scrutiny. Fan's team is analyzing a detailed 20-hour spectrum from the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, which would show gas absorption features to identify chemical composition and temperatures of intergalactic gas in the early universe. Astronomers also will use the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, and eventually NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, to look within 150 light-years of the black hole to directly detect the influence of the black hole's gravity on gas motion and star formation in its vicinity. ### Many stars explode as luminous supernovae when, swollen with age, they run out of fuel for nuclear fusion. But some stars can go supernova simply because they have a close and pesky companion star that, one day, perturbs its partner so much that it explodes. These latter events can happen in binary star systems, where two stars attempt to share dominion. While the exploding star gives off lots of evidence about its identity, astronomers must engage in detective work to learn about the errant companion that triggered the explosion. On Jan. 10 at the 2019 American Astronomical Society meeting in Seattle, an international team of astronomers announced that they have identified the type of companion star that made its partner in a binary system, a carbon-oxygen white dwarf star, explode. Through repeated observations of SN 2015cp, a supernova 545 million light years away, the team detected hydrogen-rich debris that the companion star had shed prior to the explosion. "The presence of debris means that the companion was either a red giant star or similar star that, prior to making its companion go supernova, had shed large amounts of material," said University of Washington astronomer Melissa Graham, who presented the discovery and is lead author on the accompanying paper accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal. The supernova material smacked into this stellar litter at 10 percent the speed of light, causing it to glow with ultraviolet light that was detected by the Hubble Space Telescope and other observatories nearly two years after the initial explosion. By looking for evidence of debris impacts months or years after a supernova in a binary star system, the team believes that astronomers could determine whether the companion had been a messy red giant or a relatively neat and tidy star. The team made this discovery as part of a wider study of a particular type of supernova known as a Type Ia supernova. These occur when a carbon-oxygen white dwarf star explodes suddenly due to activity of a binary companion. Carbon-oxygen white dwarfs are small, dense and -- for stars -- quite stable. They form from the collapsed cores of larger stars and, if left undisturbed, can persist for billions of years. Type Ia supernovae have been used for cosmological studies because their consistent luminosity makes them ideal "cosmic lighthouses," according to Graham. They've been used to estimate the expansion rate of the universe and served as indirect evidence for the existence of dark energy. Yet scientists are not certain what kinds of companion stars could trigger a Type Ia event. Plenty of evidence indicates that, for most Type Ia supernovae, the companion was likely another carbon-oxygen white dwarf, which would leave no hydrogen-rich debris in the aftermath. Yet theoretical models have shown that stars like red giants could also trigger a Type Ia supernova, which could leave hydrogen-rich debris that would be hit by the explosion. Out of the thousands of Type Ia supernovae studied to date, only a small fraction were later observed impacting hydrogen-rich material shed by a companion star. Prior observations of at least two Type Ia supernovae detected glowing debris months after the explosion. But scientists weren't sure if those events were isolated occurrences, or signs that Type Ia supernovae could have many different kinds of companion stars. "All of the science to date that has been done using Type Ia supernovae, including research on dark energy and the expansion of the universe, rests on the assumption that we know reasonably well what these 'cosmic lighthouses' are and how they work," said Graham. "It is very important to understand how these events are triggered, and whether only a subset of Type Ia events should be used for certain cosmology studies." The team used Hubble Space Telescope observations to look for ultraviolet emissions from 70 Type Ia supernovae approximately one to three years following the initial explosion. "By looking years after the initial event, we were searching for signs of shocked material that contained hydrogen, which would indicate that the companion was something other than another carbon-oxygen white dwarf," said Graham. In the case of SN 2015cp, a supernova first detected in 2015, the scientists found what they were searching for. In 2017, 686 days after the supernova exploded, Hubble picked up an ultraviolet glow of debris. This debris was far from the supernova source -- at least 100 billion kilometers, or 62 billion miles, away. For reference, Pluto's orbit takes it a maximum of 7.4 billion kilometers from our sun. By comparing SN 2015cp to the other Type Ia supernovae in their survey, the researchers estimate that no more than 6 percent of Type Ia supernovae have such a litterbug companion. Repeated, detailed observations of other Type Ia events would help cement these estimates, Graham said. The Hubble Space Telescope was essential for detecting the ultraviolet signature of the companion star's debris for SN 2015cp. In the fall of 2017, the researchers arranged for additional observations of SN 2015cp by the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii, the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array in New Mexico, the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope and NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, among others. These data proved crucial in confirming the presence of hydrogen and are presented in a companion paper lead by Chelsea Harris, a research associate at Michigan State University. "The discovery and follow-up of SN 2015cp's emission really demonstrates how it takes many astronomers, and a wide variety of types of telescopes, working together to understand transient cosmic phenomena," said Graham. "It is also a perfect example of the role of serendipity in astronomical studies: If Hubble had looked at SN 2015cp just a month or two later, we wouldn't have seen anything." Graham is also a senior fellow with the UW's DIRAC Institute and a science analyst with the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, or LSST. "In the future, as a part of its regularly scheduled observations, the LSST will automatically detect optical emissions similar to SN 2015cp -- from hydrogen impacted by material from Type Ia supernovae," said Graham said. "It's going to make my job so much easier!" ### Co-authors are Harris; Peter Nugent at the University of California, Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Kate Maguire at Queen's University Belfast; Mark Sullivan and Mathew Smith at the University of Southampton; Stefano Valenti at the University of California, Davis; Ariel Goobar at Stockholm University; Ori Fox at the Space Telescope Science Institute; Ken Shen, Tom Brink and Alex Filippenko at the University of California, Berkeley; Patrick Kelly at the University of Minnesota; and Curtis McCully at the University of California, Santa Barbara and the Las Cumbres Observatory. The research was funded by the National Science Foundation, NASA, the European Research Council and the U.K.'s Science and Technology Facilities Council. For more information, contact Graham at mlg3k@uw.edu. Grant numbers: AST-1211916, NNX17AG28G, 615929, 758638 Presentation details: 2019 American Astronomical Society; Seattle, WA Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019; 10:50 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Washington State Convention Center 611. Graham ML et al. "Delayed Circumstellar Interaction for Type Ia SN 2015cp Revealed by an HST Ultraviolet Imaging Survey" Link to Google Drive folder containing images with caption and credit information: https:/ / drive. google. com/ drive/ folders/ 1pcxzGCRMjcBUyYP_qxTXg7gIzThIk-H8?usp= sharing (San Antonio, Jan. 10, 2019) -- Researchers at The University of Texas at San Antonio have revealed significant insight into cocaine addiction, a phenomenon which has grown significantly in the United States since 2015. Now new data by UTSA shows how the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine changes when working for cocaine. Our brains naturally release dopamine to reward us for working hard for something gratifying, for example, enjoying a sweet piece of chocolate. Yet when it comes to illicit substances such as cocaine, the harder the effort put into getting cocaine, the less likely there will be a large jolt of dopamine. With the new understanding that there is a difference between how the brain responds to additional effort in relation to a specific object of desire, either food vs. illicit drugs, the UTSA data suggests that this new finding into the dopamine production complex could help guide future solutions for drug addiction. "By identifying these differences, you can come up with pharmacological or behavior strategies so you can maintain normal responses for natural rewards but at the same time manage the responses for drugs," says Matthew Wanat, assistant professor in the Department of Biology at UTSA. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays key roles in the brain and body. The chemical messenger is involved in regulating physical movement. It's a catalyst for a person to be able to engage in motivated behaviors and also facilitates learning. Scientific studies show that a disruption in dopamine production can lead to neurological disorders such as Parkinson's but also drug addiction. Wanat's previous research showed that there is a larger dopamine response when we delay gratification for food. Now his work on cocaine adds another dimension which can aid to solve the complex puzzle of the impact of illicit drug use on brain chemistry. The latest UTSA research will be published in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Neuroscience. Professor Wanat and post-doctoral fellow Idaira Oliva, the lead researcher on the project, used rats that were trained to work for infusions of cocaine. The rodents in order to obtain the desired stimulant, had to engage in a progressive series of nose pokes before getting another dose of cocaine. Later, voltammetry measurements of the dopamine levels in the rats' brain were taken while they worked to obtain cocaine. As to why there is an opposite effect of dopamine surge in cocaine usage with added effort is still not fully understood. However, UTSA scientists don't necessarily think it's related to the actual drug. "We think there might be a change in the subjective value. It's just perceived as less valuable. It fits in with the idea that you don't like the drug as much," says Wanat. "They (drug users) want it but they don't like it as much as they would." Although much of the recent drug crisis which impacts the country has centered on opioids, cocaine usage in the United States has surged since 2015. The latest Centers for Disease Control data suggests that after marijuana, cocaine is the second most abused illicit drug, and deaths have grown by 37%. Moreover, the DEA shows that another factor for increased cocaine usage is the boom in global cultivation and coca production of the psychostimulant. The independent effects of illicit drugs are difficult to tease out. Many drug users tend to rely on several abused substances and the interplay between them and the combined impact on the body is not understood. For now, researchers at UTSA will still continue future investigations on what beyond dopamine causes addiction. "This effect is not due to cocaine levels in the brain, it's something upstream to what's getting the dopamine neurons to fire," says Wanat. ### I am so happy to live in a community that is willing to help people that they dont even know, she said this week. We have made a difference in many peoples lives, and the Sykesville community should be proud of it. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) Despite Filipinos' growing concerns on his health, President Rodrigo Duterte is "not obligated" to release a medical bulletin, his spokesman said Thursday. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey still won't prod Malacanang to release an official health update as the President does not have a serious illness. "No it will not, because the constitution requires serious illness. The President knows he's not in serious illness kaya (that's why) he's not obligated to release anything about his condition," Panelo said in a media briefing. Section 12 of Article VII of the Constitution states, "In case of serious illness of the President, the public shall be informed of the state of his health." READ: Majority of Filipinos believe Duterte's health is a public matter - survey SWS on Wednesday reported that 66 percent of Filipino adults said they were worried about the state of Duterte's health during the last quarter of 2018. The statistic was 11 points more than the 55 percent who shared the same sentiment in the previous quarter. The spokesman meanwhile noted the pollster's result showed how the countrymen want the President to remain in office. "That shows that there is an increase in people worrying and caring for the President. They want this President to remain in office. They don't want to be deprived of the change that they have seen in his governance," Panelo said. "I think they're worried na may sakit siya. Kasi si Presidente mismo minsan nagpapakwela na may cancer, na mamamatay, 'yun ang stilo nya eh." [Translation: I think they're worried that he's sick. The President himself jokes that he has cancer, that he will die soon, that's just his style.] "But his body language, his actions, his activities all negate the fear that this man is sick or nearing death," he added. The same survey found that 17 percent of Filipinos strongly believe that the chief executive has health problems, while 32 percent somewhat believe. 24 percent, on the other hand, do not believe this while 27 percent are undecided on the issue. Duterte, in previous speeches, admitted to having several medical conditions-- prompting critics to call for transparency on his health. The President said he had suffered migraines, nausea, pain due to a spinal injury, Buerger's disease or a disorder affecting blood vessels, and Barrett's esophagus or a complication which causes heartburn or acid indigestion. Duterte continued to shrug off rumors on his health problems-- when a few detractors pointed out the visible darkening of his face and skin. He also visited the hospital on the eve of his 2018 State of the Nation Address. CNN Philippines Digital Producers Alyssa Rola and Luchi de Guzman contributed to this report. For many years, a team of researchers at the University of Copenhagen have been focussing on developing a vaccine that can protect against the disease pregnancy malaria from which 220,000 people die every year. Now they have come a significant step closer to being able to introduce such a vaccine in the market. In a new study published in the scientific journal Clinical Infectious Diseases the vaccine has been subjected to so-called phase one clinical trial, and the results are uplifting: The vaccine is safe to use, and it passes the test by inducing the right antibody response in the blood. 'It is a great milestone for us to be able to show that our vaccine is completely safe and induces the exact antibody response in the blood we want. Because it is the immune response that has been shown to be connected with protection from pregnancy malaria. The next step is to document that it prevents pregnancy malaria in African women who would otherwise have contracted the disease', says main author of the study, Associate Professor Morten Agertoug Nielsen from the Department of Immunology and Microbiology. Safety First The researchers have applied the normal method for testing new drugs by doing a so-called randomised, double-blind study. This means that the test subjects were randomly given the vaccine and placebo, respectively, and neither the subjects nor the researchers performing the study knew who got what. The effect of the vaccine was examined among 36 German women and men who had volunteered for the trial. After injecting the test subjects with the vaccine, the researchers were able to detect the right immune response with antibodies against the malaria parasite in the blood, and the subjects showed no serious side effects. The German test subjects are described as 'malaria naive', because they are not and will not be exposed to the malaria parasite and therefore will never develop pregnancy malaria. They were nevertheless used as test subjects to document that the vaccine is safe and appears to work, before it is introduced in a group of African women vulnerable and at risk of developing pregnancy malaria. 'Of course we will be doing more tests, because we want to take the vaccine as far as we can. We are therefore cooperating with hospitals in Benin in Africa, where we can conduct studies in women in risk of developing the disease. We expect to be able to publish the results of these studies sometime next year', says co-author of the study, Professor Ali Salanti from the Department of Immunology and Microbiology. Cooperation Ensures Medicine for People in Need The researchers' journey towards a malaria vaccine began with Ali Salanti's discovery of the protein hook in the placenta of pregnant women to which the malaria parasite may attach itself. Subsequently, Ali Salanti and his research team have been trying to utilise this knowledge to produce an actual vaccine against the fatal disease. 'Our development and production of the vaccine has only been possible due to our close public-private collaborations. It is a strong example of how such a constellation can make it possible to develop medicine for people in need, including people with few resources', says Professor Ali Salanti. In academia, it is also unusual to see researchers take their discovery further to clinical trials. Clinical trials can be extensive and expensive, and therefore the pharmaceutical industry is typically the one developing and safety-testing drugs before introducing them in the market. But in this case the researchers have managed to do so themselves. 'The next step in the process is a phase two clinical trial, which will show whether the vaccine is still safe, but also whether it can prevent disease. Concurrently, we have developed a method for transforming the vaccine into a virus-like particle. This increases the antibody response. But the crux of the matter is whether it is sufficient for attacking all the different forms of the protein hook found in the malaria parasite', says Associate Professor Morten Agertoug Nielsen. ### The University of Copenhagen owns the patent on the vaccine technology, but the researchers have also cooperated with a series of companies on realising the malaria vaccine. Among other things, the researchers have founded the spinout NextGen Vaccines Aps, which together with the private biotech company ExpreS2ion Biotechnologies Aps has formed the joint venture company AdaptVac Aps. They all work together on developing this type of vaccine. In addition, the researchers have cooperated with AGC Biologics (previously called CMC Biologics), who has been responsible for producing the active substance in the vaccine. In this study, the researchers have also worked closely together with researchers at Tubingen University Hospital and the German Center for Infection Research. The study is funded by the EU programme FP7-Health-2012-Innovation, the Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation, the Independent Research Fund Denmark, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The classic molecular-biological narrative has a simple form: Gene-RNA-protein. This is what we learned in school: DNA is transcribed into RNA. In the protein factories (the so-called ribosomes), the RNA serves as a kind of punch card - the proteins are assembled by the machinery exactly according to the DNA template. A single large apparatus can thus produce a wide variety of proteins. In recent decades, however, biologists have realised that this scheme is far too simple, in particular with regard to the role of RNA. More and more RNA has been found with no code, i.e. no protein instructions. Today, it is assumed that in many living organisms the majority of RNA produced by transcription is actually "non-coding". In humans, noncoding RNA makes up an amazing 98 percent of RNA. Why is so much RNA transcribed that does not serve the "classical" purpose? RNA is obviously not only a DNA blueprint, but also takes on many other tasks in the cell. Brake, but also accelerator But it is not only human biology that continues to pose puzzles. Researchers are particularly interested in trypanosomes, parasitic protozoa responsible for sleeping sickness. These microorganisms are known for their unique molecular biological apparatus. Recently, researchers from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Bern discovered a particularly unusual mechanism: an ncRNA molecule that acts as a kind of stimulant for ribosomes and that is produced during stress. This finding astonished the researchers because until now only the opposite function of non-coding RNA had been known, acting as inhibitors for the cell apparatus. During stress, ncRNA molecules attach to ribosomes, pushing the emergency stop button of the protein machinery. When nutrients become scarce or environmental conditions become especially challenging, the entire assembly line is shut down, saving time for the cell. ncRNA molecules are predestined for such a regulatory mechanism - they are produced within fractions of minutes and can thus lead to a much faster reaction of the cell than via the detour of a protein. Possible target But an acceleration of production? This irritated the researchers in two respects: Firstly, it is not immediately clear what the purpose of such a regulation might be, and secondly, it is much more difficult to come up with an intuitive mechanism for such a mode of operation. "We knew of inhibitors, which typically block important binding sites," said Norbert Polacek, the head of the research group. To unravel the mystery, Polacek's group collaborated with trypanosome experts from Andre Schneider's group, both part of the Bern-based NCCR (National Centre of Competence in Research) "RNA and Desease". Together they were able to show that the stimulating effect of RNA has a precautionary effect: Stress situations are usually followed by more "relaxed" times, and being able to produce proteins again as quickly as possible can be crucial. The ncRNA fragment has the effect of bringing the ribosomes up to full production capacity without delay as soon as, for example, sufficient nutrients are available again - Polacek calls it a " kick start " for the cell. The exact mechanism remains unclear, however, and Polacek believes this opens up an interesting field for further research. At best, the discovery will lead to a whole new class of substances for the treatment of trypanosomal diseases. For the biological extravagances of trypanosomes also make them vulnerable. Once we understand better how it works, we might find ways to disturb this turbocharger that are completely harmless to humans. The study has been published in Nature Communications. "RNA & Disease - The Role of RNA Biology in Disease Mechanisms" The NCCR "RNA & Disease - The Role of RNA Biology in Disease Mechanisms" studies a class of molecules that has long been neglected: RNA (ribonucleic acid) is pivotal for many vital processes and much more complex than initially assumed. For instance, RNA defines the conditions, in a given cell, under which a given gene is or is not activated. If any part of this process of genetic regulation breaks down or does not run smoothly, this can cause heart disease, cancer, brain disease and metabolic disorders.The NCCR brings together Swiss research groups studying different aspects of RNA biology in various organisms such as yeast, plants, roundworms, mice and human cells. Home institutions are the University of Bern and the ETH Zurich. ### After early reports of microplastic pollution in our oceans and beaches sounded the alarm, the global scientific community intensified its focus into this area. Researchers have since found evidence of microplastic contamination seemingly everywhere - also in our lakes and rivers, beverages and food supplies. Dr. Natalia Ivleva, a researcher with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), has developed new analytical methods for the identification and quantification of microplastic. In this interview, she shares her latest findings. What exactly is microplastic? According to current definitions, microplastic is any piece of plastic measuring five millimeters in size down to one micrometer, that is one-thousandth of a millimeter. Plastic particles that are smaller - from one micrometer down to 100 nanometers - are defined as sub-microplastic. Particles below 100 nm are called nanoplastic. Studies show, that most of the plastic particles possess sizes in lower micrometer range. Both microplastics and nanoplastics are usually formed by the breakdown of larger pieces of plastic - for example, from shopping bags to the wear and tear on a car's tires or when we wash an article of microfiber clothing. And since some manufacturers are still adding microplastics to personal care products like toothpaste and scrubs - they are a source of microplastic pollution, too. Why do we need to be worried about microplastic pollution? Actually, it's not yet totally clear just how dangerous microplastics are for living organisms. What is known: aquatic organisms and other species, including humans, can absorb microplastic particles. But that alone doesn't prove toxicity. However, we have also ascertained that smaller-sized particles might have the ability to be absorbed in certain types of body tissue in aquatic organisms. Each year, humans produce around 400 million tons of plastic worldwide. A significant proportion of this plastic ends up in the environment as litter, and most types of plastic take several hundred years to completely degrade. The result? Over the next few decades, we will probably be facing a massive increase in the amount of microplastic pollution in the environment. We all know that even inert and non-toxic substances can have unforeseen effects once they reach a certain level of concentration in the environment. Why don't we know more about the effects of microplastic pollution? Early on, when researchers first realized that microplastic was entering the environment as a result of human activity, optical methods were used to distinguish plastic from other particles in a given sample. Unfortunately, this method is not very reliable. When you are looking at a particle that is smaller than a millimeter in size, it's difficult to discern whether it is a grain of sand or a piece of plastic. They look very similar at that size. One good example of this: under the auspices of the research project "MiWa," funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), we did a chemical analysis of around 3,000 particles from a water sample taken from the Elbe River. We ascertained that only one in a thousand particles in the sample was actually plastic. Alongside limestone and other mineral particles, the water sample also contained a lot of organic material. That is why it's of the utmost importance to develop reliable and standardized analysis methods - otherwise, there is no way to accurately compare different sample values with one another. I want to emphasize here that we're talking about extremely low concentrations of microplastics in the samples we have analyzed - which we would expect would have a correspondingly small effect on the health of a living organism. In some experiments testing for high concentrations of microplastic, negative effects have been measured - while in others, no negative effects have been found. This research is still very much in its infancy - which doesn't mean that we should take a 'wait and see' approach.. If we consider the slow rate at which plastic degrades, it is an urgent priority for us to find strategies for reducing the amount of plastic waste we're producing in the first place. What methods are being used to detect and identify microplastic particles? Depending on what questions you're asking, there are several different methods currently being employed to analyze samples for microplastic. For example, thermal analysis paired with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry is employed to determine the quantity and types of plastic particles and additives that might be present. But these methods cannot be used to determine particle sizes. Spectroscopic methods can be used to determine both the chemical fingerprint as well as the size and shape of microplastic particles. And infrared micro-spectroscopy can even be used to automatically analyze particles down to the size of 20 micrometers. At the TUM Institute of Hydrochemistry, we predominantly employ Raman microscopic analysis in our research. Raman is a non-destructive spectroscopic method that makes it possible to conduct both a signature spectrum analysis as well as facilitate reliable particle identification. Using this method, we can determine whether a particle is made of synthetic polymers -- or if it's a natural substance such as cellulose or quartz. Additionally, this method allows us to precisely determine the type of plastic in a sample. And coupling the power of a Raman spectrometer with a regular optical microscope, we can analyze particles down to one micrometer or even smaller. The result: we have the ability to clearly define the number of particles, the range of particle sizes and the polymer types of the microplastics in any given sample. We have been able to confirm the presence of microplastic particles in the digestive tracts of water fleas. Furthermore, in a project funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Environment and Consumer Protection, we have found that mussels ingest especially small microplastic particles - deposits of which we have found throughout their bodies. What are the next steps in your research? To develop representative and statistically reliable conclusions about the level of microplastic contamination in any given sample, we will need to analyze a lot of particles per sample. That is why we are also currently working on the automation of Raman-based methods in the project "MiPAq," which is being funded by the Bavarian Research Foundation (BFS). As plastic particles degrade to ever-smaller sizes in the environment, they present an increasingly higher potential for environmental toxicity. That is why our institute is collaborating with other TUM chairs to develop more accurate methods for analyzing very small particles within the BMBF-funded "SubTrack" project. First, we'll need to collect enough comparable sample results - using standardized analysis methods - which will show us just how much microplastic or nanoplastic is actually present in any given sample. Only then we can begin to analyze the negative effects that might be caused by a certain level of microplastic or nanoplastic contamination in the environment - or in humans and other species. It will also be necessary for researchers to determine which types, particle sizes and shapes - and especially which concentrations of microplastics and nanoplastics - have which toxic effects. Would you recommend that we ban all plastic production in the future? Absolutely not - plastic is an incredibly versatile material and has a lot of advantages over other materials. That said - it is of paramount importance for us to drastically reduce the amount of plastic we are introducing into the environment. And it's not just the companies manufacturing plastic that need to shoulder the sole responsibility and burden for this - it is also up to us as consumers to become more responsible in how we use, reuse, recycle and dispose of plastic in the future. ### Further information: Dr. Natalia P. Ivleva is a group leader at the Institute for Hydrochemistry (IWC), Chair for Analytical Chemistry and Hydrochemistry (Prof. Martin Elsner), at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). The work mentioned in the interview was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Project "Microplastics in the Water Cycle", MiWa, MSc Philipp M. Anger and Project "Tracking of (Sub) Microplastics of Different Identity", SubTrack, MSc Christian Schwaferts) and the Bavarian Research Foundation (project "Microparticles in the Aquatic Environment and Food", MiPAq, MSc Elisabeth von der Esch). Cooperation partners at the Technical University of Munich include the professorships of Urban Water Systems Engineering (Prof. J. E. Drewes, PD Dr. T. Letzel, PD Dr. J. Grassmann), Animal Physiology and Immunology (Prof. M. Pfaffl), Aquatic Systems Biology (Prof. J. Geist), Science and Technology Policy (Prof. R. Muller), Food Packaging Technology (Prof. H. C. Langowski) and Food Chemistry and Molecular Sensory Science (Prof. T. Hofmann, Dr.-Ing. Karl Glass) as well as the Institute of Groundwater Ecology (PD Dr. Griebler, PD Dr. Stumpp) at the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen. Publications: Christian Schwaferts, Reinhard Niessner, Martin Elsner, Natalia P. Ivleva Methods for the analysis of submicrometer- and nanoplastic particles in the environment Trends in Analytical Chemistry 2019 - DOI:10.1016/j.trac.2018.12.014 Philipp M. Anger, Elisabeth von der Esch, Thomas Baumann, Martin Elsner, Reinhard Niessner, Natalia P. Ivleva: Raman microspectroscopy as a tool for microplastic particle analysis Trends in Analytical Chemistry 2018, 109 214-226 - DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2018.10.010 Janina Domogalla-Urbansky, Philipp M. Anger, Hermann Ferling, Florian Rager, Alexandra C. Wiesheu, Reinhard Niessner, Natalia P. Ivleva, Julia Schwaiger Raman microspectroscopic identification of microplastic particles in freshwater bivalves (Unio pictorum) exposed to sewage treatment plant effluents under different exposure scenarios Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2018 - DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3609-3 Natalia P. Ivleva, Alexandra C. Wiesheu und Reinhard Niessner Mikroplastik in aquatischen Okosystemen Angewandte Chemie 2016,128, 2-23 - DOI: 10.1002/ange.201606957 (Philadelphia, PA) - Beneath the amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that are the hallmark pathological features of Alzheimer's disease, is another, lesser-known anomaly: the almost complete absence of adult neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons form in the developed brain. Thought to serve a critical role in maintaining memory and learning ability, little is actually known about the significance of reduced adult neurogenesis in Alzheimer's disease. Now, scientists at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University have a chance to find out, thanks to a $100,000 gift from Stop Alzheimer's Now, a non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating Alzheimer's disease. Domenico Pratico, MD, Scott Richards North Star Charitable Foundation Chair for Alzheimer's Research, Professor in the Departments of Pharmacology and Microbiology and Director of the Alzheimer's Center at the Katz School of Medicine will be leading the study supported by the Stop Alzheimer's Now donation. The new study will test whether inhibition of a specific protein in the brain can stimulate neurogenesis. Dr. Pratico and colleagues previously found that the targeted protein functions as a controller of neurogenesis and demonstrated in vitro that its inhibition triggers the growth of new neurons. Reinvigorating the endogenous process of adult neurogenesis differs from current trends in the development of stem cell therapies for Alzheimer's disease, which rely on the administration of stem cells. "The research project is high-risk, high-reward," Dr. Pratico said. "Our work may not yield a significant result, but if we show that natural adult neurogenesis can be restored, it could lead to big breakthroughs in our understanding of neurogenesis, in addition to the generation of novel therapies for Alzheimer's disease." "The reason I chose Temple [to receive funding] was simple," said Shaun McDuffee, founder of Stop Alzheimer's Now. "It was Dr. Pratico and his team. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to wiping out this disease are second to none. I truly believe they will find a cure." Stop Alzheimer's Now (SAN), founded by McDuffee in 2013, has committed to walking across all 50 states to raise awareness and funds for research for a cure. To date, SAN has walked nearly 900 miles and raised over $360,000 through individual contributions and partnerships with organizations such as the Scott Richards North Star Charitable Foundation and the McDuffee Family Foundation. "We are very excited and grateful that Stop Alzheimer's Now has chosen to support our research," Dr. Pratico added. ### About Temple Health Temple University Health System (TUHS) is a $2.1 billion academic health system dedicated to providing access to quality patient care and supporting excellence in medical education and research. The Health System consists of Temple University Hospital (TUH), ranked among the "Best Hospitals" in the region by U.S. News & World Report; TUH-Episcopal Campus; TUH-Northeastern Campus; Fox Chase Cancer Center, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center; Jeanes Hospital, a community-based hospital offering medical, surgical and emergency services; Temple Transport Team, a ground and air-ambulance company; and Temple Physicians, Inc., a network of community-based specialty and primary-care physician practices. TUHS is affiliated with the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, and Temple University Physicians, which is Temple Health's physician practice plan comprised of more than 500 full-time and part-time academic physicians in 20 clinical departments. The Lewis Katz School of Medicine (LKSOM), established in 1901, is one of the nation's leading medical schools. Each year, the School of Medicine educates more than 800 medical students and approximately 240 graduate students. Based on its level of funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Katz School of Medicine is the second-highest ranked medical school in Philadelphia and the third-highest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. According to U.S. News & World Report, LKSOM is among the top 10 most applied-to medical schools in the nation. Temple Health refers to the health, education and research activities carried out by the affiliates of Temple University Health System (TUHS) and by the Katz School of Medicine. TUHS neither provides nor controls the provision of health care. All health care is provided by its member organizations or independent health care providers affiliated with TUHS member organizations. Each TUHS member organization is owned and operated pursuant to its governing documents. A Regenstrief scientist is calling on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to create access to better care for the 20 million Americans affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias - both patients and their caregivers. The proposed reimbursement changes, outlined in the newest issue of Health Affairs, greatly expand the scope of services offered to patients and even provide residual benefit to caregivers. Through these changes, quality of life for patients could be improved, relocations to nursing homes can be delayed, and caregivers' stress can be significantly reduced. "Collaborative care models will get a strong return on investment to CMS through cost savings on patient care, however, that is just the beginning," says Malaz Boustani, M.D., MPH, a Regenstrief Institute research scientist and lead author of the Health Affairs paper. "We're not just reducing expenditures on CMS' current patients, we're also providing a future return on investment. These unpaid caregivers are later being introduced into the system at a health deficit. Those caregivers could enter the Medicare system as healthier patients with lower stress." Dr. Boustani is also director of the Center for Health Innovation and Implementation Science, a collaboration among the Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute and Regenstrief. He is the Richard M. Fairbanks Professor of Aging Research at the IU School of Medicine and a clinician at the Sandra Eskenazi Center for Brain Care Innovation. Studies have shown collaborative care models, which use a multidisciplinary team of specialists to manage and coordinate holistic care for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, to be among the most effective methods of care, providing better outcomes for patients and reducing costs to healthcare systems by thousands of dollars per patient, per year. However, Medicare currently does not reimburse for the wide range of evidence-based services that are offered as part of collaborative care. Examples of effective models exist. Dr. Boustani and colleagues developed and have tested for nearly a decade, a dementia care model - the Aging Brain Care (ABC) model - which includes care coordination for diseases like depression and heart failure that often co-occur with dementia, offers families a highly qualified team of diverse experts to provide wraparound services and coordinate care, and activates services for caregivers that could help reduce stress and avoid burnout. "Collaborative care models lead to better health and better lives for patients and caregivers as well as lower expenses for hospitals and Medicare," says Dr. Boustani. "If we get their family member eligible for care, they too will benefit, and it will help them enter the Medicare system in better health." In the new payment model being advocated, existing patients experiencing moderate to severe dementia, or patients with mild dementia whose caregivers present high levels of stress, would be eligible to receive coordinated services such as medication management, dementia care, care navigation support, and complementary support for diseases that commonly co-occur with Alzheimer's and related dementias. In addition, unpaid caregivers would receive access to mental health services and support groups. Reimbursement to providers for these services would all be tied to performance-based metrics. "An Alternative Payment Model to Support Widespread Use of Collaborative Dementia Care Models" appears in Health Affairs Vol. 38, Issue 1, and was written by Dr. Malaz Boustani, the Richard M. Fairbanks Professor of Aging Research at Indiana University School of Medicine, director of the Center for Health Innovation and Implementation Science at the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, the IU School of Medicine and the Regenstrief Institute Inc., and the Chief Innovation and Implementation Officer at the Sandra Eskenazi Center for Brain Care Innovation at Eskenazi Health; Catherine Alder of Eskenazi Health; Craig A. Solid of Solid Research Group, LLC; and David Reuben of the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles. ### The phylogenetic position of chaetognaths, or arrow worms, stumped scientists for centuries; now, researchers have revealed important evolutionary trends by pinpointing their proper place Chaetognaths, whose name means "bristle-jaw," can be found all over world, swimming in brackish estuaries, tropical seas and above the deep dark ocean floor. Also known as arrow worms, the creatures have been around since the Cambrian Period, but their precise place in evolutionary history has long eluded scientists. Now, researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) have learned where arrow worms wiggle on the Tree of Life, and their results could reveal important trends in the evolution of bilateral organisms. The researchers sought to verify the relationship of the predatory arrow worm to other spiralia -- members of a diverse group of organisms, or clade, believed to share a common ancestor. The spiralian clade includes mollusks, segmented worms and flatworms. Strikingly, the scientists found that arrow worms don't belong with spiralians, but instead with a new group of animals that form a sister group to the clade. The results, published January 10, 2019 in Current Biology, challenge the classical view that complex organisms evolved from simple ancestors by gaining new traits over time. "Arrow worms are predators, they have nervous systems, they have developed sensory organs. But the other organisms they're grouped with are much simpler," said Ferdinand Marletaz, first author of the study and a postdoctoral scholar in the OIST Molecular Genetics Unit, led by Prof. Daniel Rokhsar. "If you place arrow worms here, it means there was probably a lot of independent simplification, rather than the independent emergence of complexity." Though very different in appearance, arrow worms and their phylogenetic relatives, such as the microscopic animals known as rotifers, seem to share a unique jaw structure. Composed of dense protein matrix and a fibrous substance called chitin, these jaws are situated near the organisms' mouths and allow them to grasp their prey. "Arrow worms group with a fairly obscure collection of small marine animals -- they're not animals most people are familiar with," said Prof. Daniel Rokhsar, senior author of the study and principal investigator of the research unit. "The fact that these different animals had jaws that were probably related to each other wasn't clear until this paper." Arrow worms from around the world The roughly 200 species of arrow worms resemble tiny spears and range from only one millimeter long to 12 centimeters in length. The predators mostly feast on small crustaceans called copepods, using their keen vibratory sense to hunt prey and swallow them whole. The weird worm-like creatures actually share many morphological and developmental traits with other organisms, which makes their evolutionary timeline difficult to trace. "Different animals that share the same early development are often related to each other," said Rokhsar. One reason researchers have struggled to characterize arrow worms is that their early developmental patterns are ambiguous; they resemble patterns observed in two major groups of animals. "We really had no way of precisely classifying arrow worms one way or the other." The two animal supergroups are known as deuterostomes and protostomes. Both sets of organisms have a single gut running through them, from their mouths to the other end. In early development, the deuterostome gut forms from the bottom up, while protostome gut formation starts at the mouth. Though arrow worms develop bottom-up like deuterostomes, they strongly resemble protostomes both morphologically and genetically. To clear up this discrepancy, the researchers gathered data from 10 arrow worm species and compared it to publicly available data from other animals. They examined the species transcriptomes, which serve as a snapshot of all the genes being expressed in a given cell. The scientists originally plucked their sample arrow worms from the Atlantic Ocean, the Gullmarfjord in Sweden, the Amakusa in Japan and Marseille in France. Dr. Katja Peijnenburg from Amsterdam University, Dr. Taichiro Goto from Mie University, and Prof. Noriyuki Satoh of the OIST Marine Genomics Unit assisted Marletaz in collecting and preparing the samples. The comparison placed arrow worms solidly in the protostome superclade within a subgroup that includes microscopic organisms known as rotifers, gnathostomulids, and micrognathozoans. Other established subgroups were shuffled around as an unintended consequence of this grouping, meaning many relationships among protostomes are now under scrutiny. "I was a little bit surprised," said Marletaz. "We still don't fully understand this association with rotifers and the others. That will be the focus of future research." Protostomes, past and future The study improved on earlier work by collecting the new arrow worm data and comparing it to a representative sample of other members of the animal kingdom. The researchers also chose to focus on evolutionary lineages that had evolved relatively slowly, rather than quickly. Fast-evolving lineages tend to appear similar in analysis, even if they are barely related, so the researchers sought to avoid this bias. Looking forward, Marletaz hopes there will be more morphological studies of arrow worms, to connect the dots between the animals' phylogeny and their physical characteristics. For instance, the researchers don't yet know what genes give rise to the iconic "bristle jaw" of the Gnathifera clade, or what other specific feature might unite the group. "We also need to look closer at the arrow worm genome," said Marletaz. "Arrow worms have very original genomic features, so we want to understand that better in the context of their new phylogenetic position." ### EVANSTON, Ill. --- A Northwestern University-led international team is getting closer to understanding the mysteriously bright object that burst in the northern sky this summer. On June 17, the ATLAS survey's twin telescopes in Hawaii found a spectacularly bright anomaly 200 million light years away in the Hercules constellation. Dubbed AT2018cow or "The Cow," the object quickly flared up, then vanished almost as quickly. After combining several imaging sources, including hard X-rays and radiowaves, the multi-institutional team now speculates that the telescopes captured the exact moment a star collapsed to form a compact object, such as a black hole or neutron star. The stellar debris, approaching and swirling around the object's event horizon, caused the remarkably bright glow. This rare event will help astronomers better understand the physics at play within the first moments of the creation of a black hole or neutron star. "We think that 'The Cow' is the formation of an accreting black hole or neutron star," said Northwestern's Raffaella Margutti, who led the research. "We know from theory that black holes and neutron stars form when a star dies, but we've never seen them right after they are born. Never." Margutti will present her findings at the 233rd meeting of the American Astronomical Society at 2:15 p.m. PST on Jan. 10 in Seattle. (Reporters can join the session to watch, listen and ask questions via webcast.) The research will then be published in the Astrophysical Journal. Margutti is an assistant professor of physics and astronomy in Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and a member of CIERA (Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics), an endowed research center at Northwestern focused on advancing astrophysics studies with an emphasis on interdisciplinary connections. The curious Cow After it was first spotted, The Cow captured immediate international interest and left astronomers scratching their heads. "We thought it must be a supernova," Margutti said. "But what we observed challenged our current notions of stellar death." For one, the anomaly was unnaturally bright -- 10 to 100 times brighter than a typical supernova. It also flared up and disappeared much faster than other known star explosions, with particles flying at 30,000 kilometers per second (or 10 percent of the speed of light). Within just 16 days, the object had already emitted most of its power. In a universe where some phenomena last for millions and billions of years, two weeks amounts to the blink of an eye. "We knew right away that this source went from inactive to peak luminosity within just a few days," Margutti said. "That was enough to get everybody excited because it was so unusual and, by astronomical standards, it was very close by." Using Northwestern's access to observational facilities at the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii and the MMT Observatory in Arizona, as well as remote access to the SoAR telescope in Chile, Margutti took a closer look at the object's makeup. Margutti and her team examined The Cow's chemical composition, finding clear evidence of hydrogen and helium, which excluded models of compact objects merging -- like those that produce gravitational waves. Comprehensive strategy Astronomers have traditionally studied stellar deaths in the optical wavelength, which uses telescopes to capture visible light. Margutti's team, on the other hand, uses a more comprehensive approach. Her team viewed the object with X-rays, hard X-rays (which are 10 times more powerful than normal X-rays), radio waves and gamma rays. This enabled them to continue studying the anomaly long after its initial visible brightness faded. After ATLAS spotted the object, Margutti's team quickly obtained follow-up observations of The Cow with NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) and INTEGRAL hard X-ray laboratories, soft X-rays at XMM-Newton and radio antennae at the Very Large Array toward The Cow. Margutti attributes The Cow's relative nakedness to potentially unraveling this intergalactic mystery. Although stars might collapse into black holes all the time, the large amount of material around newly born black holes blocks astronomers' vision. Fortunately, about 10 times less ejecta swirled around The Cow as compared to a typical stellar explosion. The lack of material allowed astronomers to peer straight through to the object's "central engine," which revealed itself as a probable black hole or neutron star. "A 'lightbulb' was sitting deep inside the ejecta of the explosion," Margutti said. "It would have been hard to see this in a normal stellar explosion. But The Cow had very little ejecta mass, which allowed us to view the central engine's radiation directly." Galactic neighbor Margutti's team also benefited from the star's relative closeness to Earth. Even though it was nestled in the distant dwarf galaxy called CGCG 137-068, astronomers consider that to be "right around the corner." "Two hundred million light years is close for us, by the way," Margutti said. "This is the closest transient object of this kind that we have ever found." Margutti's team at Northwestern includes graduate student Aprajita Hajela, postdoctoral fellows Giacomo Terreran, Deanne Coppejans and Kate Alexander (who is a Hubble Fellow), and first-year undergraduate student Daniel Brethauer. "Being given the opportunity to contribute to something as cutting edge and international as understanding AT2018cow as an undergrad is a surreal experience," Brethauer said. "To have helped the world's experts figure out what AT2018cow is even in the smallest way was beyond my wildest expectations at the beginning of the summer and something that I will remember for the rest of my life." ### The research was made possible by Swift, XMM-Newton (soft X-rays and ultraviolet), NuSTAR, INTEGRAL (hard X-rays), SoAR, Keck I, Keck II, Magellan, WIYN, SMARTS (optical), United Kingdom Infrared Telescope, MMT Observatory (near infrared), Very Large Array and Very Large Baseline Array (radio). Margutti's team was partially funded through NASA (XMM-Newton AO-17, program number 82258) and through Hubble Fellowship grant NSGHF2-51373. The Keck and part of the MMT Observatory observations were supported by Northwestern University and CIERA. Scientists increasingly believe that one of the driving forces in chronic pain--the number one health problem in both prevalence and burden--appears to be the memory of earlier pain. Research published today/this week in Current Biology suggests that there may be variations, based on sex, in the way that pain is remembered in both mice and humans. The research team, led by colleagues from McGill and University of Toronto Mississauga, found that men (and male mice) remembered earlier painful experiences clearly. As a result, they were stressed and hypersensitive to later pain when returned to the location in which it had earlier been experienced. Women (and female mice) did not seem to be stressed by their earlier experiences of pain. The researchers believe that the robust translational nature of the results, from mice to men, will potentially aid scientists to move forward in their search for future treatments of chronic pain. It was a discovery that came as a total surprise. Robust results in mice and men "We set out to do an experiment looking at pain hypersensitivity in mice and found these surprising differences in stress levels between male and female mice," explains Jeffrey Mogil, the E.P. Taylor Professor of Pain Studies in McGill's Department of Psychology and Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain who is the senior author on the study. "So we decided to extend the experiment to humans to see whether the results would be similar. We were blown away when we saw that there seemed to be the same differences between men and women as we had seen in mice." "What was even more surprising was that the men reacted more, because it is well known that women are both more sensitive to pain than men, and that they are also generally more stressed out," explains Loren Martin, the first author on the paper and an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Creating memories of pain in humans and mice In experiments with both humans and mice, the subjects (41 men and 38 women between the ages of 18-40 in the case of humans) were taken to a specific room (or put in a testing container of a certain shape--depending on the species) where they experienced low levels of pain caused by heat delivered to their hind paw or forearm. Humans rated the level of pain on a 100-point scale and mice "rated" the pain by how quickly they moved away from the heat source. Immediately following this initial experience of low-level pain, subjects experienced more intense pain designed to act as Pavlovian conditioning stimuli. The human subjects were asked to wear a tightly inflated blood pressure cuff and exercise their arms for 20 minutes. This is excruciating and only seven of the 80 subjects rated it at less than 50 on a 100-point scale. Each mouse received a diluted injection of vinegar designed to cause a stomach ache for about 30 minutes. In order to look at the role that memory plays in the experience of pain, the following day the subjects returned to either the same or a different room, or to the same or a different testing container. Heat was once again applied to their arms or hind paws. When (and only when) they were taken into the same room as in the previous test, the men rated the heat pain higher than they did the day before, and higher than the women did. Similarly, male, but not female mice returning to the same environment exhibited a heightened heat pain response, while mice placed in a new and neutral environment did not. "We believe that the mice and the men were anticipating the cuff, or the vinegar, and, for the males, the stress of that anticipation caused greater pain sensitivity," says Mogil. "There was some reason to expect that we would see increased sensitivity to pain on the second day, but there was no reason to expect it would be specific to males. That came as a complete surprise." Blocking memories makes the pain go away In order to confirm that pain was increased due to memories of previous pain, the researchers interfered with memory by injecting the brains of male mice with a drug called ZIP that is known to block memory. When the researchers then ran the pain memory experiment, these mice showed no signs of remembered pain. "This is an important finding because increasing evidence suggests that chronic pain is a problem to the extent that you remember it , and this study is the first time such remembered pain has been shown using a translational - both rodent and human subject - approach," says Martin, who is also the Tier II Canada Research Chair in Translational Pain Research. "If remembered pain is a driving force for chronic pain and we understand how pain is remembered, we may be able help some sufferers by treating the mechanisms behind the memories directly." Mogil echoes this optimism, "This research supports the idea that the memory of pain can affect later pain." He adds, "I think it is appropriate to say that further study of this extremely robust phenomenon might give us insights that may be useful for future treatment of chronic pain, and I don't often say that! One thing is for sure, after running this study, I'm not very proud of my gender." ### To read "Male-specific conditioned pain hypersensitivity" in Current Biology: https:/ / www. cell. com/ current-biology/ fulltext/ S0960-9822 (18)31496-9. The research was funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) the Canadian Pain Society/Pfizer Early Career Investigator Pain Research Grant, the Louise and Alan Edwards Foundation, Brain Canada and the Canada Research Chairs Program. Contacts: Jeffrey Mogil, Department of Psychology and Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain McGill University Jeffrey.mogil@mcgill.ca (English interviews only) Loren Martin, Department of Psychology University of Toronto Mississauga lj.martin@utoronto.ca 905-569-5784 (office), 905-828-3785 (lab) Katherine Gombay, Media Relations McGill University Katherine.gombay@mcgill.ca, 514 398-2189 Nicolle Wahl, Director Communications UTM A new bioengineering approach for boosting photosynthesis in rice plants could increase grain yield by up to 27%, according to a study publishing January 10 in the journal Molecular Plant. The approach, called GOC bypass, enriches plant cells with CO2 that would otherwise be lost through a metabolic process called photorespiration. The genetically engineered plants were greener and larger and showed increased photosynthetic efficiency and productivity under field conditions, with particular advantages in bright light. "Food shortage related to world population growth will be a serious problem our planet will have to face," says senior study author Xin-Xiang Peng of South China Agricultural University in Guangzhou, China. "Our study could have a major impact on this problem by significantly increasing rice yield, especially for areas with bright light." Bioengineering improvement of rice, a staple food crop worldwide, has high practical importance, particularly in light of the need for increased crop productivity due to world population growth and the reduction of cultivable soils. But increases in yield for rice and several other major crops have been sparse in recent years, and crop yield seems to be reaching a ceiling of maximal potential. The main genetic approach for increasing the yield potential of major crops focuses on photosynthesis, the biochemical process in which CO2 and water are converted into O2 and energy-rich sugar compounds that fuel plant growth. One way to increase photosynthesis is to bypass photorespiration, a light-dependent process in which O2 is taken up and CO2 released. The cost of photorespiration is massive. Abolishing photorespiration could result in up to a 55% increase in photosynthesis, placing photorespiration on center stage in attempts to improve photosynthetic efficiency and yield. Over the past few years, three photorespiratory bypasses have been introduced into plants, and two of these led to observable increases in photosynthesis and biomass yield. But most of the experiments were carried out using the model organism Arabidopsis, and the increases have typically been observed under environment-controlled, low-light, and short-day conditions. "To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first that tested photorespiration bypass in rice," says co-author Zheng-Hui He of San Francisco State University. In the new study, the researchers developed a strategy to essentially divert CO2 from photorespiration to photosynthesis. They converted a molecule called glycolate, which is produced via photorespiration, to CO2 using three rice enzymes: glycolate oxidase, oxalate oxidase, and catalase. To deploy GOC bypass, which was named for the three enzymes, the researchers introduced genes encoding the enzymes into rice chloroplasts--organelles where photosynthesis takes place in plant cells. As a result, the photorespiratory rate was suppressed by 18%-31% compared to normal, and the net photosynthetic rate increased by 15%-22%, primarily due to higher concentrations of cellular CO2 used for photosynthesis. Compared to plants that were not genetically engineered, the GOC plants were consistently greener and larger, with an above-ground dry weight that was 14%-35% higher. Moreover, starch grains grew in size by 100% and increased in number per cell by 37%. In the spring seeding season, grain yield improved by 7% to 27%. Moving forward, the researchers plan to optimize the performance of the engineered plants in the field by putting the same metabolic bypass in other rice varieties. They would also like to apply the same approach to other crop plants such potatoes. "Our engineered plants could be deployed in fields at a larger scale after further evaluations by independent researchers and government agencies," Peng says. "Although we don't expect this approach would affect the taste of these plants, both the nutritional quality and taste are yet to be comprehensively evaluated by independent labs and governmental agencies." ### This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Science and Technology Project of Guangzhou City. Molecular Plant, Shen and Wang et al.: "Engineering a new chloroplastic photorespiratory bypass to increase photosynthetic efficiency and productivity in rice" https://www.cell.com/molecular-plant/fulltext/S1674-2052(18)30370-8 Earlier detection of cardiovascular disease is a step closer thanks to the findings of a research team at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) led by Francisco Sanchez-Madrid and Pilar Martin. The scientists have found that the expression level of the molecule CD69 in blood cells inversely predicts the appearance of subclinical atherosclerosis (developing before symptoms appear) independently of classical cardiovascular risk factors. Atherosclerosis is a disease characterized by the accumulation of lipid deposits in the artery wall, but the disease is usually not detected until after it has caused a clinical event such as a myocardial infarction or stroke. Because of the diminished quality of life experienced by affected individuals, treatment after symptoms appear is of limited benefit, and the long-term management of the disease is a major cost for health care systems. The origin of atherosclerosis and its progression to acute myocardial infarction and stroke involve an essential contribution from the inflammatory immune response. However, according to Francisco Sanchez-Madrid, of the Hospital Universitario de la Princesa (Madrid), "the relationship between lipid metabolism and the immune response is not well understood. The established hypothesis is that oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDLox) induce the recruitment of inflammatory immune cells and their accumulation in the plaque; however, there is also evidence that cells and tissues can respond to LDLox by inhibiting proinflammatory signals." The study was a collaboration between the CNIC research groups led by Sanchez-Madrid and Pilar Martin. The study identifies the molecule CD69 as a T cell receptor for oxidized lipoproteins that contributes to the control of inflammation and thus prevents the development of atherosclerosis. "Binding of LDLox to CD69 triggers the adoption of an anti-inflammatory profile by T lymphocytes that protects against the development of atherosclerosis in mice and humans," explained Pilar Martin. For this research project, the team used mice lacking the CD69 gene. The project was supported by the Spanish Cardiovascular Disease Research Network (CIBER-CV) as was conducted in partnership with Jose Martinez Gonzalez, whose group is based at the Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas in Barcelona (IIB-Sant Pau). The clinical relevance of the study is demonstrated by the results of an analysis of lymphocyte-expressed CD69 in blood samples obtained from 305 participants in the PESA project (Progression of Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis). PESA is a prospective study that uses advanced imaging techniques to detect the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in overtly healthy individuals. This part of the study was conducted in partnership with the PESA project investigators Valentin Fuster and Borja Ibanez and the CNIC technical units focused on Bioinformatics (Fatima Sanchez-Cabo), Genomics (Ana Dopazo), and Proteomics (Jesus Vazquez). The PESA study is a joint project between the CNIC and Banco Santander and is led by Dr. Fuster. The study evaluates the presence and progression of atherosclerosis in more than 4000 middle aged participants. The results of the Circulation study show that the expression of CD69 in circulating lymphocytes correlates inversely with the presence and extent of subclinical atherosclerosis. Cardiovascular disease is the single largest cause of death in the world, and preventive strategies for this disease are therefore a major priority. ### This study was made available online in September 2018 ahead of final publication in print this month. About the CNIC The Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), directed by Dr. Valentin Fuster, is dedicated to cardiovascular research and the translation of knowledge gained into real benefits for patients. The CNIC, recognized by the Spanish government as a Severo Ochoa center of excellence, is financed through a pioneering public-private partnership between the government (through the Carlos III Institute of Health) and the Pro-CNIC Foundation, which brings together 14 of the most important Spanish private companies. Chabad is also suing Baltimore County and the Circuit Court in federal court, arguing the governmental bodies discriminated against it and created undue hardship in its efforts to build the addition. The Chabad lawyers say the county has violated the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, which prohibits the creation of zoning and land-use laws that substantially burden churches and other religious institutions. OTTAWA, January 10, 2019 - A study published today in the journal Gut shows that women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at greater risk of developing a mental illness after giving birth compared to the overall population. Study authors found that more than one-fifth of pregnant women with IBD had a new-onset mental health diagnosis. For every 43 pregnancies, there is one extra case of mental illness in a woman with IBD, compared to other women. The study used healthcare data on women who gave birth between 2002 and 2014 in Ontario, Canada to analyze the frequency of a new mental illness diagnosis in these women during and up to one year after a pregnancy. Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, are a group of chronic gastrointestinal disorders in which people have ulceration, inflammation, and bleeding of their gastrointestinal tract, and are at risk for complications in other parts of the body. The two main subtypes are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. People with IBD have an elevated risk of mental illness, especially anxiety and depression, potentially related to the inflammation in the gut affecting their brain. "There's increasing awareness about mental illness in women during pregnancy and postpartum," said Dr. Eric Benchimol, senior author on the paper, and Senior Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute, Core Scientist at ICES, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Epidemiology at the University of Ottawa, and a Pediatric Gastroenterologist at the CHEO Inflammatory Bowel Disease Centre. "Because of the elevated risk of mental illness in people with IBD, we felt it was important to study if women with IBD were at greater risk of developing a new mental illness during pregnancy and after giving birth compared to the overall population. We found the risk to be elevated during the post-partum period for women with IBD, particularly in the first 90 days after birth. We did not find an elevated risk during pregnancy." In the study population, pregnant women with IBD had an elevated risk of developing a new-onset mental illness postpartum when compared to women without IBD - 22.7 per cent compared to 20.4 per cent. The women with IBD were at increased risk of two out of the four mental illness diagnostic categories: mood disorders (such as anxiety and depression) and substance use disorders (such as opioid dependency). These women were primarily treated by doctors in the outpatient setting, and did not need to be hospitalized. There was no evidence of increased risk for psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia or hallucinations). The risk appeared elevated in women with Crohn's disease, but not ulcerative colitis. "This is a small but significantly increased risk of new-onset mental illness in women with IBD," says Dr. Simone Vigod, lead author of the study, Scientist at the Women's College Hospital Research Institute, Chief, Department of Psychiatry, Women's College Hospital, and Adjunct Scientist at ICES. "Women with IBD face increased health challenges during pregnancy and after giving birth, and it's not just physical challenges. We need to look at both the physical and mental health needs of women and ensure they are getting the best treatment and support." "These findings are very important for both patients and healthcare providers in the IBD community," says Mina Mawani, President and CEO of Crohn's and Colitis Canada. "If a pregnant woman with IBD knows that there's an elevated risk of mental illness during the post-partum period, she should discuss this potential risk with her healthcare provider. It's important that healthcare providers are aware of this increased risk in women with IBD. Together, women and their healthcare providers can look for opportunities to prevent mental illness during pregnancy and after birth as well as identify and treat it earlier." ### An embargoed copy of the article is available. About the CHEO Research Institute The CHEO Research Institute coordinates the research activities of CHEO and is affiliated with the University of Ottawa. Its three programs of research are molecular biomedicine, health information technology, and evidence to practice research. Key themes include cancer, diabetes, obesity, mental health, emergency medicine, musculoskeletal health, electronic health information and privacy, and genetics of rare disease. The CHEO Research Institute makes discoveries today for healthier kids tomorrow. For more information, visit http://www. cheori. org About Women's College Hospital For more than 100 years Women's College Hospital (WCH) has been developing revolutionary advances in healthcare. Today, WCH is a world leader in the health of women and Canada's leading, academic ambulatory hospital. A champion of equitable access, WCH advocates for the health of all women from diverse cultures and backgrounds and ensures their needs are reflected in the care they receive. It focuses on delivering innovative solutions that address Canada's most pressing issues related to population health, patient experience and system costs. The WCH Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care (WIHV) is developing new, scalable models of care that deliver improved outcomes for patients and sustainable solutions for the health system as a whole. Women's College Research Institute (WCRI) is tackling some of the greatest health challenges of our time. Its scientists are conducting global research that advances the health of women and improves healthcare options for all, and are then translating those discoveries to provide much-needed improvements in healthcare worldwide. For more information about how WCH and WCRI are transforming patient care, visit http://www. womenscollegehospital. ca and http://www. womensresearch. ca About ICES ICES is an independent, non-profit research institute that uses population-based health information to produce knowledge on a broad range of health care issues. Our unbiased evidence provides measures of health system performance, a clearer understanding of the shifting health care needs of Ontarians, and a stimulus for discussion of practical solutions to optimize scarce resources. ICES knowledge is highly regarded in Canada and abroad, and is widely used by government, hospitals, planners, and practitioners to make decisions about care delivery and to develop policy. In October 2018, the institute formerly known as the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences formally adopted the initialism ICES as its official name. For the latest ICES news, follow us on Twitter: @ICESOntario The University of Ottawa--A crossroads of cultures and ideas The University of Ottawa is home to over 50,000 students, faculty and staff, who live, work and study in both French and English. Our campus is a crossroads of cultures and ideas, where bold minds come together to inspire game-changing ideas. We are one of Canada's top 10 research universities--our professors and researchers explore new approaches to today's challenges. One of a handful of Canadian universities ranked among the top 200 in the world, we attract exceptional thinkers and welcome diverse perspectives from across the globe. For more information and to arrange interviews, please contact: Aynsley Morris Director of Communications, CHEO Research Institute Office: (613) 737-7600 x 4144 Mobile: (613) 914-3059 E-mail: amorris@cheo.on.ca A new high-throughput, miniature, portable sequencing technique* has been developed in recent years, for human and animal health purposes. It uses mobile laboratories to diagnose viruses such as Ebola or Zika almost instantly, in the field. Diagnosis is both quick and early, which avoids the need to transfer contaminated samples. "The technology is characterized by the production of long nucleotide sequences, which makes it possible to sequence the entire viral genome", Philippe Roumagnac, a virologist with CIRAD, explains. CIRAD was one of the first laboratories in the world to test and validate its use in plant virology. "Using a diseased yam plant, it took us just a few hours to sequence the entire genome of two single-strand RNA viruses, a macluravirus and a potyvirus" , his colleague Denis Filloux adds. Mobile, instant diagnosis of plant viruses, to back up epidemiosurveillance networks As with human virology, the fact that the technique has now been validated in a plant virology laboratory paves the way for real-time, mobile detection of chronic, seasonal or emerging plant viruses, even in isolated areas. By shortening the time that elapses between sampling and diagnosis, the technology will help epidemiosurveillance networks detect harmful organisms at an earlier stage. ### This work, by an international team including CIRAD and European, Indian and South African partners, was funded by Agropolis Fondation under a flagship project, E-SPACE (Improving epidemiosurveillance of Mediterranean and tropical plant diseases). * Oxford Nanopore MinION Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) tablets are associated with a higher risk of rare but serious blood clots (known as venous thromboembolism or VTE), finds a large study in The BMJ today. No increased risk was found for HRT skin patches, gels or creams, yet the vast majority of women choosing HRT continue to be prescribed oral preparations. The researchers say these findings provide important information for women and their doctors to help them make the best treatment choices. HRT is used to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. Different treatments are available depending on the symptoms. For example, tablets containing oestrogen only or a combination of oestrogen and progestogen, as well as 'transdermal' treatments, such as patches, gels and creams. Previous trials have shown increased risks of blood clots in menopausal women using HRT, but there is a lack of information on risks associated with different types of HRT. So Yana Vinogradova, a member of an epidemiological team at the University of Nottingham led by Julia Hippisley-Cox, set out to assess the association between VTE risk and all available types of HRT in the UK between 1998 and 2017. Using two UK primary care databases (QResearch and CPRD), they compared HRT prescription records of over 80,000 women aged 40-79 years who developed blood clots (cases) with those of over 390,000 women who did not (controls). Other relevant factors, such as lifestyle, family history of blood clots, and underlying conditions linked to blood clots were taken into account. Most HRT tablets were found to be associated with increased VTE risk (9 extra cases per 10,000 women per year) compared with no HRT. Tablets containing equine oestrogen, including single and combined preparations, were consistently associated with higher risks than tablets containing synthetic oestrogen. Higher doses of oestrogen were also associated with higher VTE risk. However, no increased VTE risk was found for skin patches, gels and creams. This is an observational study, and as such, can't establish cause, and the researchers point to some limitations that may have influenced the results. Nevertheless, they say this study "has provided a more detailed picture of the VTE risks for different HRT preparations and can help clinicians and women make treatment choices." They suggest greater consideration should be given to transdermal HRT, particularly for women already at an increased VTE risk and in line with recent guidelines. ### Professor Bente Vilsen from Aarhus University, Denmark, and her research group have mapped out a newly discovered serious disease which causes children to suffer epileptic seizures, loss of magnesium in urine and reduced intelligence Two children from Europe and a child from Canada suffer from a previously unknown disease that causes epileptic seizures, loss of magnesium in urine and reduced intelligence at the same time - though unfortunately without it being possible to treat or alleviate their symptoms. But researchers in an international consortium have now discovered what is wrong with the children aged 4, 6 and 10. Professor Bente Vilsen and her research group at the Department of Biomedicine at Aarhus University, Denmark, are part of the consortium, which also includes researchers from universities in Germany, England, Austria, the Netherlands and Canada. The research results have been published in the American Journal of Human Genetics. Using a genetic analysis, the researchers have discovered that the disease is caused by a newly occurring mutation in one of the sodium-potassium pump's four forms, known as the Alpha-1 form. Even though the children have exactly the same three symptoms, they do not have the same genetic defect, as the amino acids in the pump protein which are genetically altered are different, explains Bente Vilsen. "It turns out that the form of sodium-potassium pump which mutates is found in both the kidneys and the brain. The mutation leads to the kidneys, which normally absorb magnesium, instead secreting the substance in the urine; however, it is not the loss of magnesium which triggers the epileptic seizures. The convulsions occur because the sodium-potassium pump is also extremely important for the brain's functions, meaning that giving extra magnesium supplements won't help prevent the seizures," says Bente Vilsen. She adds that the third frightening sign of the disease, mental retardation, should probably be attributed to a lack of oxygen to the brain during the seizures. The children share the common trait that the mutations have destroyed the pump functioning that Jens Christian Skou received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1997 for discovering. This knowledge is important because understanding the role of the sodium-potassium pump is the first step towards developing effective treatment methods. The research group is now working towards this goal, even though the disease is most likely rare. "But three cases have turned up in two different places in Europe and in Canada, and they're not likely to be the only ones," says Bente Vilsen. She explains that the new knowledge about the disease will probably mean that medical doctors will in future be more aware that loss of magnesium in combination with epilepsy may be caused by genetic defects in the sodium-potassium pump. "I believe that we will in future find many more children with the disease, and that this is a good example of why international research cooperation is absolutely necessary - there are simply too few cases of the disease for a single country to carry out the research alone," says Bente Vilsen. She points out that in future, it will be possible to replace sick genes with healthy, and that it is therefore important to know precisely which gene is affected by a mutation. She also points out that the understanding of the disease mechanisms causing rare diseases often turns out to lead to better treatment of patients with related but far more commonly occurring diseases. Jens Chr. Skou's sodium-potassium pump is best known as the membrane pump that is needed for the normal functioning of nerve cells, kidney cells and most of the body's other cells. The pump works like a battery that separates sodium and potassium on either side of the membrane. This creates an electrical current across the cell membrane that drives many other processes such as e.g. electric conduction along the nerve cells and the absorption of magnesium and a range of nutrients from the urine into the kidney cells, so that they are not normally lost in the urine. Jens Christian Skou, who died in early summer at the age of 99, originally had the idea that mutations in the sodium-potassium pump would be incompatible with life. But it has since been found that more serious diseases which are not necessarily fatal are due to genetic defects in the sodium-potassium pump - and this is precisely the case with the disease that the three children suffer from. This is due to two factors. Firstly, that in the body's different types of tissues there are several variants of the sodium-potassium pump which are able to supplement each other if one of the forms does not work. And, secondly, that we have genetic material from both our parents, so even in the kidneys, which in contrast to the brain only contain one variant of the sodium-potassium pump (Alpha-1), not all of the sodium-potassium pumps will be defective, but only those derived from one of the two parents. Therefore, in both the brain and kidneys, there will be a reduced number of functioning sodium-potassium pumps, but not a total absence of pumps - because if this was the case, the children would have died before birth as predicted by Jens Christian Skou. In the specific research project, the patients were discovered by medical doctors working in clinical practice. Bente Vilsen's group have contributed with their expertise in examining sick sodium-potassium pumps by inserting the diseased gene in cultured cells that originally come from monkey kidneys, making it possible to measure their pump function in the laboratory. As it turned out, the three mutations each in their own way caused the pump to be unable to transport sodium and potassium. There is a long way to go before the research results benefit the patients as the discovery is as such basic research. However, Bente Vilsen explains that Postdoc Rikke Holm from her research group recently discovered how it was possible to use an additional mutation - a so-called 'rescue' mutation - to nullify the effects of the disease mutations on the pump's binding of sodium. "This provides an insight into the molecular mechanism which we in the research group are working to utilise to improve the pump's transport activities, meaning that we can possibly one day develop a drug with a similar 'rescue-effect'. In any event, that's our hope. The fact is that it's basic research which generates the knowledge that forms the basis for the development of the vast majority of drugs and forms of treatment," points out Bente Vilsen. ### In response to concerns that the use of forensic evidence such as shoe prints, fingerprints, bite marks, fibers or hairs has contributed to wrongful convictions, the American Statistical Association (ASA) has released a document with guidelines for discussing forensic evidence. "Past errors provide us with opportunities to work with the forensic science community to improve the process and strengthen the use of forensic evidence," said ASA president Karen Kafadar. "This statement is just one step in that direction, but we hope it will be an important step." In particular, the ASA wants experts to base their testimonies on databases and quantitative analyses, rather than subjective personal experiences. "The forensic practitioners are dedicated and well-meaning--they see agreement between a crime scene sample and one provided by a suspect and they're trying to assess the relevance or value of that evidence for prosecuting the crime," said Hal Stern, vice-chair of the ASA Advisory Committee on Forensic Science. "One point of the ASA statement is that if you're overstating or understating the value of the evidence, there are several harms that can occur. If you overstate the evidence, you might put the wrong person in jail, but just as importantly, the guilty party would go free." As one example of the relevance of the ASA statement, consider a case in which a crime scene shoe print is found. Forensic practitioners analyzing the print will identify features of the print (e.g., size, model, tread pattern, wear pattern) and determine if they match the corresponding features of the suspect's shoe. The ASA statement makes clear that practitioners should use data to assess the probative value of these matching features. "How many shoes would have this tread pattern; how many shoes would have wear of this type?" Stern asked. "Answers to such questions would allow a forensic practitioner to opine about the strength of this particular evidence." In this example, to align with ASA recommendations, an expert might identify the corresponding features, and then testify based on data about the likelihood of matching size, model, tread pattern and wear pattern if the suspect did not commit the crime (i.e., the likelihood that another person from the population would have matching features). New technologies changed how the justice system viewed forensic evidence, said Matt Redle, former prosecuting attorney of Sheridan County, Wyoming, who served on the National Commission on Forensic Science (NCFS). The commission, jointly run by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of Justice, existed from 2013 to 2017 and made recommendations to the Department of Justice to enhance the practice and improve the reliability of forensic science. "We really didn't know a lot about this, and we assumed the forensic evidence we were working with was true and correct," Redle said. "Frankly, what was the eye-opener for prosecutors and the system writ large was the information we received from DNA and the education we got about what good evidence looks like." Better practices with forensic evidence will ultimately benefit the criminal justice system, Redle said, even if the new principles for practice make it more difficult to admit certain types of evidence in the short run. "Credibility in the system is the greatest asset prosecutors have," Redle said. "There's damage we do to the system and credibility in our rule of law if we're hiding the ball from our juries about what the limitations [of forensic evidence] are. It's far better to be open and upfront and recognize the limitations." The ASA statement extends a document drafted but not passed by the NCFS. The ASA Advisory Committee on Forensic Science, under the leadership of Kafadar and Stern, updated that document with the latest statistical research. "Ultimately, we hope this statement will be useful in explaining to stakeholders--forensic scientists, law enforcement officers and courtroom personnel--the data necessary for making assessments about sources of evidence," Kafadar said. "We also hope the document will guide forensic scientists toward the type of research needed to strengthen and quantify the value of evidence being presented in criminal cases and thereby increase our confidence in the judicial system." The ASA statement encourages practitioners to follow "reliable and valid" scientific processes, audited by an independent science organization such as NIST, as the NCFS recommended. "The ASA statement being adopted by the entire organization is extremely important because the ASA has an extraordinary reputation and a very large membership," said Peter Neufeld, co-founder of the Innocence Project, the nonprofit legal organization that exonerates the wrongly convicted through DNA testing and reforms the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice. "We have plenty of first-hand encounters where forensic examiners relied on their subjective impressions and personal experience instead of statistical data to explain the value of the evidence." Neufeld continued, "As a consequence, there were serious miscarriages of justice, where factually innocent people lost decades of their lives and some of them were sentenced to death. Hopefully policymakers, judges and people who really care about the strength of evidence used to make decisions about life and liberty will take notice and do everything they can to apply rigorous scientific and statistical principles in the future." ### Contact: Steve Pierson, pierson@amstat.org, (703) 302-1841. About the American Statistical Association An unusual supernova studied by multiple telescopes, including the SOAR telescope and other telescopes at the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) and NSF's Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), is thought to herald the birth of a new black hole or neutron star, caught at the exact moment of its creation. Observations made with facilities ranging from X-rays to optical and radio wavelengths were used to understand this remarkable event. These multi-messenger observations give astronomers a rare glimpse into the physics at play during the creation of a black hole or neutron star. A Mysterious Bright Glow On June 16, 2018 a sky survey telescope in Hawai'i alerted the astronomical community to the sudden appearance of a new object in the sky. It was similar to a supernova, except that it brightened, and then faded, faster than a typical supernova, and was intrinsically brighter at its peak. A supernova (from nova meaning "new" star) is a sudden explosion of a massive star which has reached the end of its lifetime, leading to the formation of a black hole or neutron star. The transient object, assigned the designation AT2018cow, was immediately nicknamed "the Cow" based on the final 3 letters of its name. "The Cow" is located in a relatively nearby galaxy - only 200 million light years away from our own Milky Way galaxy in the direction of the constellation Hercules. It Takes a Team Immediately after receiving the alert, an international research team led by Raffaella Margutti (Northwestern University) leapt into action and began observing the unusual source across the electromagnetic spectrum - at X-ray, optical, infrared and radio wavelengths. Telescopes around the world contributed to the effort using spectroscopy to decode the nature of the source. Among the telescopes that contributed was the Southern Astrophysical Research Telescope (SOAR) in Chile whose instruments obtained spectra of the Cow. With spectra, which spread out the light in the form of a rainbow, astronomers could quickly confirm that matter was expanding from the object at up to 10% the speed of light. Regis Cartier, who made the SOAR observations, said, "Almost from the very start I realized that this transient was special. It was fast, blue and bright, different from any supernova seen before. I dropped everything else I was working on to focus on understanding this event." In addition to the SOAR telescope, other telescopes at NSF's CTIO and KPNO imaged the object and contributed to a broader picture as the Cow faded away. A Nearly Naked Cow Because the collapsed star was surrounded by a relatively small amount of debris, the team was able to peer through the debris and get a glimpse of the object's "central engine." This rare event will help astronomers better understand the physics at play within the first moments of the creation of a black hole or neutron star. The results were presented today at this week's meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Seattle, Washington. "We think that 'The Cow' is the formation of an accreting black hole or neutron star," said Giacomo Terreran (Northwestern University), who led the CTIO observations. "We know from theory that black holes and neutron stars form when a star dies, but we've never seen them right after they are born." This event may represent a new class of objects within the category known as fast luminous transients. A Whole New World of Transients Although a supernova like the Cow has never been seen before, Cartier expects that astronomers will detect larger numbers of such rare events in the future. Now that surveys are searching for sources that vary on a wider range of timescales, "we've already discovered a whole family of fast transients that we didn't know existed," noted Cartier. The SOAR telescope is gearing up to help us understand these new events. Said Dr. Jay Elias, Director of SOAR, "The SOAR telescope was designed from the start to provide flexible instrument configurations, allowing it to respond quickly to events like this. There are many astronomical surveys observing interesting transient events, as well as other events, such as last year's kilonova detected by LIGO, which was also observed at SOAR. Very soon, there will be even more interesting transient events from the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) and other large-scale survey telescopes." The LSST is a new telescope being built on the same mountaintop as the SOAR telescope with major funding from NSF: it will conduct a 10-year survey of the sky with special emphasis on transient events. ### The SOAR telescope, located in Chile, is operated by Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, a division of National Optical Astronomical Observatory, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy Inc. under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The CTIO complex is part of the U.S. National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), along with the Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) in Tucson, Arizona. NOAO is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), under cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation (NSF). NSF is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 to promote the progress of science. NSF supports basic research and people to create knowledge that transforms the future. CTIO, as part of the AURA Observatory in Chile, operates in Chile under Chilean law, through an Agreement with the University of Chile and with the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile. Our DNA is under constant attack. The delicate molecule that contains our genetic information is extremely vulnerable to everything from environmental agents, such as radiation, to the chemicals in the air we breathe and the food we eat. Genome instability can lead to genetic disorders, chronic diseases and a predisposition to cancer. A new Tel Aviv University study identifies elevated levels of a protein called ubiquilin-4 as a new biomarker for genome instability. The study finds that ubiquilin-4 takes part in defending the genome from DNA damage, but too much ubiquilin-4 is harmful. When the amount of ubiquilin-4 rises in tumor cells, the cells become more prone to genome instability, accelerating the tumor's progression and making it resistant to commonly used cancer treatments. The study was led by Prof. Yossi Shiloh of the Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry at TAU's Sackler School of Medicine, in close collaboration with Prof. Christian Reinhardt of University Hospital Cologne and University of Cologne. Research for the study was carried out in Tel Aviv by Dr. Ron Jachimowicz, now at the University Hospital of Cologne, and Dr. Yael Ziv and PhD student Bhavana Velpula, both of TAU. Dr. Dave Hoon of the John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, CA, also contributed to the research. It was published on January 3, 2019, in Cell. "This novel biomarker provides new, critical information about the tumor stage and grade, as well as the patient's chances of responding to treatment," says Prof. Shiloh. "Tumors with high levels of ubiquilin-4 may be more resistant to radiation and some chemotherapies than those with normal levels of this protein. But the good news is that they may also respond better to other types of cancer therapy. Obviously, this is vital information for clinicians and patients. "The importance of maintaining genome stability and integrity has been demonstrated through the study of rare genetic disorders," Prof. Shiloh continues. "But genome stability has now become a public health issue. There are so many proteins involved in responding to DNA damage, and behind every protein is a different gene. There are infinite ways in which a gene can mutate. Various combinations of these mutations may lead to chronic diseases and a predisposition to cancer, premature aging and other conditions. Genome stability is everyone's problem." According to the new research, the body's DNA damage response is key to maintaining genome stability in the face of the constant onslaught of damaging agents. The response is composed of a broad, fine-tuned signaling network involving a standing army of proteins fully dedicated to this mission, as well as reserve proteins recruited temporarily to help resolve genome integrity. In 1995, the Shiloh lab discovered the gene encoding of one of the major sentries at the gate of genome stability -- the protein ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM). The finding was met with great fanfare. It concluded a long effort to identify the gene mutated in a severe genome instability syndrome, ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T). But ATM also plays a critical role in the body's DNA damage response, mobilizing an extensive signaling network in response to tears in the long DNA molecule. It causes subtle chemical modifications in many proteins, which temporarily render them reserve proteins and recruits them away from their regular duties to carry out damage control. "We are constantly searching for new reserve proteins that respond to ATM's call," Prof. Shiloh says. "Our new study shows that, like many other proteins, ubiquilin-4 is modified by ATM, and for several hours it serves the ATM-governed system." The researchers, in collaboration with Prof. Dagmar Wieczorek of the Institute of Human Genetics at Heinrich-Heine-University in Dusseldorf, also discovered that the deficiency of ubiquilin-4 alone can lead to yet another rare genome instability syndrome. "We hope our findings will provide a new tool for tumor classification, prognosis and treatment design," Prof. Shiloh concludes. "The research highlights the broader implications of the importance of genome stability for our health." ### American Friends of Tel Aviv University supports Israel's most influential, comprehensive and sought-after center of higher learning, Tel Aviv University (TAU). TAU is recognized and celebrated internationally for creating an innovative, entrepreneurial culture on campus that generates inventions, startups and economic development in Israel. TAU is ranked ninth in the world, and first in Israel, for producing start-up founders of billion-dollar companies, an achievement that surpassed several Ivy League universities. To date, 2,500 US patents have been filed by Tel Aviv University researchers -- ranking TAU #1 in Israel, #10 outside of the US and #43 in the world. 2019-01-10 Maeci The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Enzo Moavero Milanesi, and the Dutch Foreign Minister, Stef Blok, met today in Rome. The meeting follows up on the frequent meetings they had last year, namely in the Hague on 17 September and during EU Councils and NATO and OSCE Ministerials. The meeting culminated in the signing of an ad-hoc and innovative Memorandum of Understanding. For the first time in the history of diplomatic relations between the Italian Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the MOU introduces a complex methodology for joint activities, with scheduled meetings and debates. The MOU provides for an annual meeting between the Foreign Ministers and regular quarterly consultations between the respective administrations. A special round table will be organized every year, involving politicians, entrepreneurs, scholars, media operators and artists. The conference is dedicated to the great Dutch painter Gaspar van Wittel, a.k.a. Vanvitelli, who was naturalized as an Italian. He worked as an artist between the two countries, bringing together both cultures and sensitivities in a remarkable way. The meeting also provided the opportunity for an exchange of opinions on several prominent issues in bilateral relations and multilateral and European themes that involve both countries. The two Ministers noticed the markedly positive trend in trade between Italy and the Netherlands, which in 2017 (ed.: data on will be available towards the end of March 2019) reached almost 33 billion euros, with a growth rate of about 10% compared to the previous year. This shows how relevant Italian-Dutch trade integration is and the excellent cooperation between the two business communities, which are very well integrated. Regarding international political relations, the two Ministers underlined in particular how the UN Security Council non-permanent seat, which Italy and the Netherlands shared in 2017-2018, was an excellent demonstration of the great friendship and alliance between the two countries. Regarding European politics, they discussed the necessary reforms for a well-functioning European Union, the financial resources for the EU budget, the security of citizens, migration flows and related repatriations, a more impactful action to promote economic and social growth in migrants' countries of origin (Africa, in particular), the protection of Europe's values and founding principles, climate change and international initiatives to protect the environment, and opportunities to improve the effectiveness of EU common foreign policy. Trump's son says border wall is like a zoo fence Donald Trump Jr. used Instagram Tuesday night to endorse his father's border wall policy, saying the evidence that a wall works is because they protect people from zoo animals. President Donald Trump's eldest son appeared to liken migrants to dangerous animals, his latest controversial remarks on desperate people seeking to enter the US. "You know why you can enjoy a day at the zoo? Because walls work," Donald Trump Jr wrote in a post on Instagram. Trump Jr. has made controversial analogies on social media before, like when he compared Syrian refugees to a bowl of Skittles, in which some of the candies are poisoned. Trump has doubled down on his pledge to build a wall on the border with Mexico, leading to a partial shutdown of the US government. Trump had urged Congress in a televised speech Tuesday to give him US$5.7 billion this year to help build a wall on the US border with Mexico. Bolivia set to open embassy in Turkey amid growing ties Agreement to open embassy follows a meeting between Turkish vice president and Bolivias president in Venezuelas capital. Bolivia plans to open an embassy in Turkey to cement bilateral relations, Turkish presidential sources said late Wednesday. THE EMBASSY TO BE OPENED IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2019 The agreement on opening the embassy was reached at a meeting between Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay and Bolivian President Juan Evo Morales Ayma in the Venezuelan capital Caracas. During the meeting, they acknowledged that significant progress had been made in their countries relations after Turkey opened an embassy in Bolivia last year. The two countries agreed that the Bolivian embassy should be opened in the first half of this year. Both Oktay and Morales emphasized that cooperation between Turkey and Bolivia should be increased, especially in the area of defense. Separately, Morales said Bolivia fully supports Turkey in its fight against the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), the terror group behind the July 2016 defeated coup. In addition, Oktay presented Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's invitation message to Morales to visit Turkey. Oktay arrived in Venezuelas capital late Wednesday to attend President Nicolas Maduros inauguration ceremony. One of the Wilmington Police cars collided with one of the Pennsylvania State Police cars on I-95 North, and both struck the highways right barrier, causing the Wilmington Police car to roll over, Durham said. Pennsylvania State Police confirmed the Kirts car was involved in the crash, but could not say how. The services celebrating and honoring the life of Jerry Richter, 93, of Enid, are pending under the direction of Brown-Cummings Funeral Home. Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family online at www.Brown-Cummings.com/. Lila Jean Wales, 70, of Athens, passed away Friday, June 11, 2021. Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at Spry Funeral Home with Bud White officiating. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. until service Tuesday. Interment will be in Limestone Memorial Gardens. She is survived by husband Inquest to open today An inquest into the death of a man from the UK will open this morning. Coroner of Inquests, John Needham, will open the case regarding 27-year-old Luke Ogden from Wolverhampton. It will take place at Douglas Courthouse, and is due to get underway at 10am. With the rediscovery of the ring, Conley says she is hoping to find the person who lost the it. "I'd like to get it back to the rightful owner," she said. (Photo: Peter Kenny)The Brandenburger Gate on August 26, 2015. BERLIN -- The Ecumenical Jury at the 68th Berlinale in the German capital for the first time in years chose to differ from the main Berlinale jury by giving the award to a German film In den Gangen/In the Aisles by film director Thomas Stuber. The feature film premiered late in the competition and received raving reviews. It is about the dreary world of a wholesale supermarket in which the taciturn Christian (Franz Rogowski) is trained by an older colleague and falls in love with his colleague Marion (Sandra Huller). Awarding the prize, the jury said "When life is a supermarket what we need is not found on the shelves but in the aisles. The film shows in an artistically convincing way what is meant by: "Blessed are the pure in heart"." A special commendation was made for the Norwegian film Utya 22 July based on a real-life, historical event - the Utya summer camp massacre on 22 July 2011. Shot in real-time, in one single take, the characters are however fictional. "In a single take, with a handheld camera, the filmmaker creates a claustrophobic engagement with tragedy of the shocking attack that took the 69 lives of young people outside Oslo. The film plunges the audience into the anxiety and despair of the participants and suggests the possibility of compassion and hope in the face of tragedy," the jury said. The International Festival Jury headed by Jury President Tom Tykwer controversially awarded the Golden Bear to Touch Me Not by woman director Adina Pintilie from Romania, in what many Berlinale observers felt was a political and not an artistic decision. 19 FILMS IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETION It was the only film out of the 19 films in the International Competition, competing for the 2018 Golden Bear that was virtually universally panned by all the world's top film critics. The International Competition also included new works by film directors Lav Diaz, Gus van Sant, Benoit Jacquot and Malgorzata Szumowska. In the Forum section the prize went to the Argentinian film Teatro de guerra (Theatre of War) by Lola Arias, 2018. The jury report about the experimental film which brought together six veterans from the Malvinas/Falklands War to make a film about their memories and post-war nightmares, said "More than 3 decades after the conflict has ended, British and Argentinian veterans and young actors explore the stories of the war in a setting that transcends theatre. In this reenactment, the Falkands conflict stands for all wars and their traumatic consequences. War ends lives but here humanity prevails." Lola Arias is an Argentinian filmmaker, theatre director and visual artists whose productions play with the overlap zones between reality and fiction. The film playfully switches between reality and fiction, spontaneity and acting. It explores how to transform a soldier into an actor, how to turn war experiences into a story, how to show the collateral effects of war. The veterans do not only act in the film but also in a theatre production Minefield. Other awards by the Ecumenical Jury in the Panorama section went to German-Austrian film Styx by Wolfgang Fischer. It is the story of a woman embarking on a solo-sailing trip from Gibraltar to Ascension Island in the South Atlantic Ocean. She doesn't get very far out into the Mediterranean before she comes across a boat packed with refugees, in danger of sinking. She calls for help, but the coast guard is slow to arrive and she is eventually forced to act. During the screenings Styx palpably held the audiences in awe as the shocking film raised familiar but uncomfortable questions about personal responsibility in Europe's current refugee crisis. "Styx captures the attention of the Ecumenical Jury for the way it discovers the biblical story of the Good Samaritan in the challenge the EU faces in the arrival of desperate immigrants from Africa. It is a film of high artistic quality, which tells a tale of suspense, and confronts us with the ethical dilemma that individuals and nations must face when we are asked, "Who is my neighbor?" the jury report said. The Jury has been awarding prizes at the Berlinale since 1992 and consists of representatives of the major churches and the church media organizations Signis and Interfilm. The Ecumenical Jury at the 2018 Berlinale consisted of Vesna Andonovic (Luxemburg), Freek L. Bakker (The Netherlands), Inge Kirsner (Germany), Winifred Loh (Singapore), Jeffrey H. Mahan (USA), and Joachim Opahle (Germany). Awards of the Ecumenical Jury at the 68th Berlinale, 2018: Ecumenical Award to a film in the International Competition: In den Gangen/In the Aisles, Thomas Stuber, Germany 2018 Ecumenical Award in the Panorama Section: Styx by Wolfgang Fischer, Germany, Austria 2018 Ecumenical Award at the 47th Forum section of the Berlinale Teatro de guerra/ Theatre of War, by Lola Arias, Argentinia, Spain 2018 Commendation for a film in the International Competition: Utya 22. juli/Utya - July 22, by Eric Poppe, Norway, 2018 LONDON A new international research poll released today by Ipsos MORI indicates that most shoppers hold apparel brands accountable for what happens in their supply chains, but do not trust them to self-police or communicate accurately what is really going on. The findings of the poll, which questioned consumers in Poland, UK, USA, France, Italy, Spain and Germany, says the majority of consumers now expect retailers to make garments in a more environmentally-responsible manner, provide more accurate information on environmental commitments and would be put off buying from a brand associated with pollution or the disposal of unsold goods. Despite the wide geographical range of the consumer poll, responses were broadly similar in each region, which will be something of a surprise to some in the industry that shoppers in Spain and France appear to be more concerned than others that clothing production could be detrimental to the environment. Overall, 46 per cent of (surveyed) consumers feel that the manufacturing of the clothes they purchase is harming the environment, says the Ipsos MORI poll. Concern is particularly high amongst Spanish consumers (62%) and the French (51%). Those in the UK, Germany and (particularly) the USA are all significantly less likely to say that they are concerned. Its often thought by industry experts that northern European consumers such as those in the UK and Germany are more environmentally aware than their southern European counterparts when it comes to fashion. So, the results of this poll will no doubt cause some brands in the industry to have a rethink. In this information hungry age, the new poll also revealed that 70 per cent of consumers feel the names and locations of factories used in their clothing supply chain should be provided, but the overall findings do still reveal that design and fit, quality and cost are deemed more important than ethical production when purchasing clothes. Opinion polling by Ipsos MORI was conducted on behalf of the Changing Markets Foundation and the Clean Clothes Campaign. It questioned a total of 7,701 interviews, with over 1,000 interviews achieved in each of the seven countries. If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here. Submit "We would need to follow adolescents into adulthood to start to answer this question," Quinlan said. "In this study we did not look at changes in brain activity, which could be a mechanism by which the effects of bullying on mental health could persist even if structural changes were halted or reversed." Survival rates vary by the stage of cancer. For prostate cancers that are local which have not spread to other areas of the body the five-year survival rate is nearly 100 percent, meaning nearly all men diagnosed will live for at least five years, according to the American Cancer Society. Prostate cancers in the regional stage in which the cancer has spread to nearby areas also carry a five-year survival rate of nearly 100 percent. Distant stage prostate cancers, which have spread to lymph nodes, bones or other organs, have a five-year survival rate of about 29 percent, the cancer society reports. North Andover, MA (01845) Today Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to mainly clear skies after midnight. Low 57F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to mainly clear skies after midnight. Low 57F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Claremont, NH (03743) Today Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Low 52F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Low 52F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Submit Readers Survey As our valued readers, we want to hear from you. Please take a moment to fill out the survey below. - Thank you, Eastern Arizona Courier Click Here There were 445 fewer people signing on the Live Register in Dundalk in December 2018 than 12 months previously, according to Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures released today. This represents a 10.9% decrease on December 2017. On a monthly basis however, there has been a slight increase, with seven more people signing on in Dundalk in December than in November. Ardee saw a 17.5% decrease on December 2017, with 186 fewer people signing on but saw a relatively high monthly increase 46 more people signed on in Ardee in December than November, representing a 5.5% increase. Overall in Louth there were 1,087 fewer people signing on in December 2018 than December 2017. 7,992 people signed on in Louth in December 2018, down from 9,079 in December 2017 representing an annual decrease of 12%. On a monthly basis in Louth, 168 more people were signing on in the county in December than November 2108, representing an increase of 2.1%. On a national basis, 36,599 fewer people signed on in Ireland in December 2018 than December 2017 an annual decrease of 15.5%. The State also saw a monthly decrease of 1.4% on November 2018, with 3,000 fewer signing on. It is important that people with acute behavioral health disorders are in a place where they feel comfortable and safe in order to best receive and respond to care, said Dr. Stephanie Knight, assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and chief of psychiatry at the Midtown Campus, in a statement. Patients will benefit from the healing environment that this beautiful new unit represents and from the care provided by our multidisciplinary team of health care professionals who are highly trained and dedicated to the people we serve. POTTSBORO [ndash] Thelma Irene Toney passed away on June 11, 2021, in Denison, Texas. She was born on Feb. 28, 1924, in Francis, Oklahoma to John Franklin and Essie Akins Scroggins. She attended grade school at Cedar Grove School and then attended and graduated from Francis High School. She Since the hospital is technically a public entity, Herring wishes the public had more input or oversight of the authoritys actions. The only impact he can make on the board is when appointments are made, Herring said. He could ask for his appointees to resign if disagreements persist, but the appointee can refuse. Herring did not criticize any recent board decisions or any members, just the absence of a mechanism for input by commissioners and the public in board decisions. As your commissioner, I am accountable to you, the citizens of Houston County, Herring said in the Facebook post. If you question my decisions or if I do not meet your expectations, then you can have your voice heard at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Houston County Commission. I am simply calling for better accountability and for our voices to be heard when our countys largest employer makes decisions that affect the lives of so many of us. The only way change can be enacted is through the Alabama State Legislature. State Rep. Paul Lee, who served on the Houston County Health Care Authority for several years, said he has had some constituents occasionally suggest that the board needs more accountability throughout his time in the legislature. The Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole denied parole Tuesday for a man convicted in 1979 for the violent murder of his wife in Houston County. Clarence Louviere Roberts was sentenced to a life term Nov. 27, 1979, for the murder of Violet Lence Roberts, who was found stabbed and beaten to death in a field off Highway 231 on Jan. 22, 1979. According to court documents, Violet Lence Roberts suffered at least 11 stab wounds to her back and skull. Police identified Clarence Roberts as a suspect and located him a few weeks later in Brenham, Texas, driving his wifes vehicle. The cars tire tracks matched those leading to where the body was found on Jan. 22. Roberts appealed his conviction on the grounds that his statements to police should have been suppressed at trial because he asked for an attorney during questioning. However, an appeals court ruled that Roberts did not make a definitive request for an attorney during questioning. Clarence Roberts escaped from prison in 1985 and was captured in 2005. He was denied parole in 2013 and again this week. Houston County District Attorney Pat Jones and a victim services officer from the Office of the Attorney General protested the parole. Roberts, 74, will be eligible for parole again in five years. He is currently serving time at the Hamilton Facility for the Aged and Infirmed. Get Breaking News Alerts Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. MARIANNA, Fla. A Jackson County Sheriffs Ofce school resource ofcer was alerted Monday afternoon to several students displaying unusual behavior on campus. The deputy and school administrators went to a classroom and made contact with three students who appeared to be lethargic. The students were escorted to the nurses station. A short time later, two other students were escorted to the school ofce with similar behavior and complaints of not feeling well. The ve students were evaluated by medical staff while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive. It was later determined all ve students had intentionally ingested multiple Xanax pills, which law enforcement believes were purchased from a student on campus. The students showed signs of slurred speech; trouble walking, standing or balancing; glassy eyes; and delayed motor functions, and they struggled to communicate at a normal level. The ve were transported to Jackson Hospital for treatment and observation. It was later determined that one of the ve had distributed Xanax to the other four. COVINGTON COUNTY An Andalusia man facing murder and arson charges will undergo a mental evaluation to determine if he is fit to stand trial. James Benton Horn, 50, of Andalusia, was indicted by a Covington County jury on charges including second-degree arson, first-degree criminal mischief, and murder in connection to the June 20, 2018, death of 49-year-old Bruce Nelson. Defense Attorney William B. Alverson III filed a motion requesting a psychiatric examination be performed on his client to determine his capacity to stand trial for the charges pending against Horn, and to further determine his capacity at the time of the alleged criminal offenses. Just before 4 a.m. on June 20, deputies with the Covington County deputies responded to a call on Brooklyn Road west of Andalusia, where a burned vehicle was found with a body inside. Nelsons friend, Tomi Cox, cant believe someone that Bruce knew since he was a teenager is accused in his death. Bruce knew James, but over the years, Bruce realized their friendship was something that needed to come to a halt, Cox said. He wanted James out of his life due to the fact James was always a problem. He tried his best to distance himself from James without being hateful or rude; and this happens. Bethel Baptist Church in Dothan will host weekly meetings of the support group GriefShare on Wednesdays starting Jan. 16 and continuing until April 17. The group will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. in the churchs Family Life Center, room 502. GriefShare is for people who are grieving the death of someone close to them. Participants may begin attending at any point in the course. Each session is self-contained, so you do not have to attend in sequence. You will be able to make up any missed sessions in the next 13-week cycle. The Jan. 16 meeting will focus on loss of a spouse. Bethel Baptist Church is located at 3257 E. Cottonwood Road. For more information, contact Kathy Stumbaugh at 334-792-5908 or kathyg.stumbaugh@gmail.org. You can also visit www.griefshare.org. Commerce minister reviews export strategy with export organisations Union minister of commerce and industry and civil aviation Suresh Prabhu has suggested augmented credit flows to exporters, especially to the medium, small and micro enterprises (MSME) for generating more employment. Presiding over a meeting of government officials and export organisations in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss problems faced by the export sector, the minister highlighted the declining trend of export credit in recent months and exhorted banks to encourage flow of credit to the export sector The commerce minister also suggested that the refund on input tax credit (ITC) be made online to ensure that the refund process is seamless and also transparent and accountable. Representatives of the export sector highlighted the problems of pre-import under advance authorisation and requested the commerce minister to bring the notification deleting the condition with retrospective effect. Prabhu asked DGFT and the Department of Revenue of the finance ministry to look into it so that genuine exporters are not harassed. The meeting also discussed banking issues like caution listing of exporters, third party/ third country exports and list of items to be traded with Iran. The Department of Financial Services of the finance ministry has agreed to discuss such issues with banks in the meeting scheduled on 22 January. The industry acknowledged the support provided by the government by extending Interest Equalisation Scheme to merchant exporters which will boost exports of MSME units. Minister of state for finance, senior officers from finance, revenue, DGFT and Department of Commerce and representatives of Federation of Indian Export Organisations, Pharmexcil, Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, Engineering Exports Promotion Council and Chemexcil were present at the meeting. New rail line to connect Solapur and Osmanabad via Tuljapur Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched several development projects and laid foundation stones for various projects, during his visit to Solapur in Maharashtra. He also said the government has given approval to the Solapur-Osmanabad rail line via Tuljapur. The line, which will be constructed at a cost of approximately Rs1,000 crore, The will make it convenient for people from not only the region but from all over India to visit Tuljapur on pilgrimage. The PM also dedicated to the nation the 58 km four-lane, Solapur-Tuljapur-Osmanabad section of NH-211 (New NH-52). The project is part of a larger project for four-laning of 98.717 km Solapur-Yedashi section of NH-211, at a cost of Rs972.50 crore. It will help improve the connectivity of Solapur with the important Marathwada region of Maharashtra and give a boost to the tourism and economy of the region. The foundation for this project was laid by the PM in 2014. The section of the NH dedicated to the nation today has road safety features like two major and seventeen minor bridges, four vehicular and ten pedestrian underpasses, besides one 3.4 km bypass at Tuljapur that will help decongest the city. It also has four realignments, 33.2 km long service roads and 30 bus bays. Addressing a gathering, the PM expressed satisfaction that various initiatives have been taken to improve the supply of electricity, roads and water. He said that speedy progress is being made, be it in Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana or National Highways or Saubhagya Yojana. He complimented the state government for working in mission-mode towards the goal of universal electricity coverage. The prime minister also laid the foundation stone for construction of 30,000 houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The PM said these will primarily benefit poor homeless people like rag pickers, rickshaw drivers, textile workers, beedi workers, etc. Very soon, the keys of the houses will be in their hands, the PM assured the beneficiaries. The total cost of the project is Rs1,811.33 crore, out of which total Rs750 crore will be provided by central and state overnments as assistance. The carpet area of each house will be 300 sq ft. Ownership of house will be in the name of woman member of the house or jointly in the name of husband and wife. The construction of all 30,000 houses is targeted to be completed within four years. The houses will employ green technologies. On the occasion, the PM handed over cheques to two woman beneficiaries of the scheme. In keeping with his vision of Swachh Bharat, the prime minister also dedicated to the nation, an underground sewerage system and three sewage treatment plants with a total capacity of 102.50 million litres per day (MLD). This will increase the sewer coverage of the town and improve sanitation in the city. It will replace the existing system and also connect to the trunk sewers being implemented under AMRUT mission. Solapur is also in the process of implementing core infrastructure elements, under the Smart Cities Mission of the Government of India. The underground sewerage system and three STPs (at Degaon, Kumthe and Pratapnagar) have been developed to address this need. The Degaon STP generates approx 350 kWh Electricity through anaerobic digestion process (generation of methane gas), which is utilised to power pumping machinery in the same STP. The whole system is on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). The parameters of treated sewage are much above requirement of MPCB norms. The prime minister also laid foundation stone of the combined project of improvement in water supply and sewerage system as part of area-based development in Solapur Smart City, augmentation of drinking water supply from Ujani Dam to Solapur City and underground sewerage system under AMRUT mission. The sanctioned cost of the project is Rs244 crore under Smart City Mission. This project is expected to bring significant improvement in service delivery and improve public health enabled by technology as a means to create smart outcomes for citizens. The Solapur ABD area water distribution system is unbalanced and needs revision in terms of capital works and better management of water supply and pressure in the system. The new system is being implemented, with an aim of increasing sewer coverage of the town and improving service level. Union minister for road transport and highways, shipping and water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari said four bridge-cum-weirs will be constructed on Bhima and Sina rivers in the district, keeping in view the problem of water shortage. He said that almost all projects in the district are making good progress. Gadkari said irrigation work which has been pending for 15 years got started because of PMs priority on the area, including Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. He said that around Rs1,200 crore has been sanctioned for Tembhu lift irrigation for Solapur, Sangli and Satara districts. The minister said construction of the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj-Palkhi route and Sant Tukaram Maharaj-Palkhi route at around Rs3,750 crore will commence in February 2019. He said that under Bharatmala project 75 km ring road has been sanctioned and work begun. Gadkari said there are 38 sugar factories in Solapur district, and 2 more are being built, adding that issues of sugarcane farmers are serious and this has been addressed minimum price and a policy for subsidy to sugar exporters. Centre's 10% quota for economically weak gets Parliament approval The bill that proposes to provide 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education to the economically weaker among the upper castes got Parliament approval with the Rajya Sabha also approving it on Wednesday after the Lok Sabha passed it on the previous day. The Rajya Sabha passed the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019, with 165 'ayes' and seven `nays after the Lok Sabha approved it on Tuesday with 323 lawmakers supporting it and only three voting against it. The quota bill is expected to benefit a huge section of upper castes -- including Brahmins, Rajputs (Thakurs), Jats, Marathas, Bhumihars, and several traders belonging to the Kapu and Kamma communities. The Rajya Sabha also voted down the demand by some opposition parties that the bill be sent to a select committee for scrutiny. The bill will now have to be signed by the President to become law. Most parties have called the government's move a political stunt ahead of the national elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called the law a "victory for social justice", pointed out that elections are held in the country every few months. "Delighted the Rajya Sabha has passed The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019. Glad to see such widespread support for the Bill. The House also witnessed a vibrant debate, where several members expressed their insightful opinions," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted. Key opposition parties, while supporting the quota for the economically weaker sections, questioned the haste in which bill was drafted and passed. Congress's Kapil Sibal questioned whether it would stand the scrutiny of the Supreme Court, since it exceeds the 50 per cent cap for quota set by the court. The government has argued that since the bill provides reservation on basis of income, not caste, it was not subject to the 50 per cent bar. There, however, have been instances where an economic bar has been struck down by the Supreme Court and the high courts. The Aam Aadmi Party said it had boycotted the voting as the bill, in effect, lets down the economically weaker upper castes. The quota proposal was supported by Lalu Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Left Front and Tamil Nadu's opposition DMK. The bill also exposed rifts within the opposition, which is trying to project a united front to take on the BJP in the national elections late this year. Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party and Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party refused to back the demand for scrutiny by a select parliamentary committee. Replying to the arguments put forth by the opposition on how the beneficiaries of the new reservation bill shall be decided, union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told the Rajya Sabha that the legislation gives powers to the states to decide on the economic criteria for defining the beneficiaries of the tabled quota bill. He said the 10 per cent reservation to poor in the general category will be applicable to jobs in both central and state governments. The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit Wednesday urged the president to extend to the state 10 per cent reservation for the general category poor. Welcoming the passage of the bill in the Lok Sabha, state BJP president Ravinder Raina told reporters that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had fulfilled his promise of empowering all neglected sections of society. "We urge President of India to extend the benefit of 10 per cent reservation to the general category poor living in Jammu and Kashmir as the act cannot be directly implemented here in view of Article 370," he said. Subscriber content preview SEATTLE An apartment building at 201 30th Ave. S. in Leschi has sold for a little over $2.6 million, according to King County records. The seller was a family group that had owned the property for decades. . . . He did not have a big enough TV presence to fill that media and memory space where some of us had come to see and hear John Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford or Barack Obama talk to us about real crises, as opposed to what many believe is a phony, racist one ginned up for political reasons. This perception of Trump as not big enough for the Oval Office, as unconscious as it might have been while watching, could be deadly if Trump winds up running for re-election in 2020. Subscriber content preview SEATTLE The Estada apartments, at 12728 33rd Ave. N.E., have sold for $4.6 million, according to King County records. The seller was a family group that acquired the property in 2007 for a little over $1.8 million. . . . If theres anything about Consumer Electronics Show, it is that you get to see some of the most amazing things in the world here. While walking through Lenovos booth, we chanced upon the recently announced Lenovo Z5 Pro GT sporting the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset and 8GB of RAM. This phone is slated to be the first phone to hit the market with a Snapdragon 855 chip, but there are a few other reasons to be excited about it. We managed to spend some time with a Chinese variant of the phone and heres what we thought. Looks and Design The Lenovo Z5 Pro GT is a flagship smartphone out of Lenovos stables after a very long time. Its a phone with 95 percent screen to body ratio giving it an all display front. The 6.29 inch Super AMOLED display sure is gorgeous on this phone. The phone ditches the notch and gets around the camera housing issue by using a rather clever design trick. The front actually slides down to reveal the selfie camera and thankfully, this is not an automated process. The slider is held together using what felt like very strong springs that had a snap to them. Unlike the self-rising mechanisms we have seen in the last year, Lenovos design choice actually makes a lot of sense. Plus, it does look really cool. The back has a carbon fiber weave below the glass panel, so you can see it, but cannot feel it. The dual camera setup has red rings around the lenses, which immediately draws your attention, followed by making you wonder who else has this same design? Performance The Lenovo Z5 Pro GT is specd out to the hilt. Sporting a Snapdragon 855 chip, theres 8GB of RAM to boot. The 12GB RAM variant was not available at the demo zone so we couldnt get a look at that. Additionally, the unit was a China variant onto which we were not allowed to install any applications, especially benchmarking apps. In using the phone for a short time at the demo zone to see how basic apps function when theyve all been opened once, the performance did not show a single glitch, and we dont expect it to. Only when we run benchmarks on the phone will we know just how well Lenovos software is leveraging the hardware on the phone. Cameras The Lenovo Z5 Pro GT comes with a quad-camera setup; two in the front and two at the back. With a 16 megapixel primary camera and an aperture of f/1.8 accompanied by a secondary 24 megapixel camera, we found that the smartphone could take decent looking photos, at least at the Lenovo booth. We were again asked not to copy any of the photos we took, but there seemed to be no shutter lag or any lag in the UI in general. The photos looked good on the phones display, but do require a far more in-depth analysis, something that we would get into if and when the phone launches in India. First Impressions After the Lenovo Z2 Plus which launched in 2016, the company has not released any flagship smartphones. Many wondered if Lenovo was going to really make a return to a smartphone space that is dominated by Apple and Samsung. Well, the Z5 Pro GT is one impressive smartphone to mark the return of the brand to the flagship smartphone space. It is an incredibly promising device, not only because of the specs, but also because of the novel, but functional design and the overall aesthetic. This is not a phone to be ignored and we cannot wait for the Lenovo Z5 Pro GT to come to India just so we can evaluate thoroughly what the phone can do. Highlights The Honor View 20 will be up for pre-order from January 15, via Amazon. Those who pre-order the device will get Honor Sport BT earphones for free. The phone will be available to purchase from January 29. Honors new flagship smartphone, the View 20 will be available for pre-order in India from January 15. As noted earlier, the smartphone will be exclusively available via Amazon from January 29. However, those who pre-order the phone will get Honor Sport BT earphones for free. The price of the smartphone is not yet known, but since this will be a flagship-grade device, expect it to cost anywhere between Rs 35,000 - Rs 45,000, depending on different storage variants. In terms of specs, the Honor View 20 packs a large 6.4-inch Full HD+ All-View display with a resolution of 2310x1080 pixels. The All-View display has a punch-hole in it to incorporate a selfie camera, similar to Samsungs Infinity-O displays. This should also make it the first smartphone in India to come with such a feature. The punch-hole is placed at the top left corner of the screen and measures 4.5mm in diameter. At the back, the phone is covered in glass which gets a V-shaped pattern that look a lot like chevrons. Powering the View 20 is Huaweis new flagship chipset, the Kirin 980, which is manufactured using the 7nm process. The device also comes with GPU Turbo 2.0 as well as liquid cooling, which should help when playing games. In China, the phone is available in three variants and judging by the landing page on Amazons website, it looks like all three might make it to India. The base variant offers 6GB RAM/128GB storage, while the middle version offers 8GB RAM/128GB storage. The special Moschino edition offers 8GB RAM/256GB storage. In the camera department, the Honor View 20 packs a 48MP Sony IMX586 CMOS sensor on the back. There is also a second TOF 3D sensor at the back for depth sensing. The punch-hole in the display houses a 25MP sensor with f/2.0 aperture. The handset is backed by a 4,000mAh battery with Super Charger 5V 4A charging. The phone comes with Android 9 Pie-based Magic UI 2.0.Click here for notify and buy. Recommended read Honor View 10 review Honor View 20 Maserati Edition Robert Hockett, a professor of law and finance at Cornell University, said the plan could improve New York City's economy by boosting worker morale and was unlikely to lead to a major exodus of firms, who have other reasons to stay in the city. The legislation is modeled in part after de Blasio's paid-sick-leave law, which was implemented by the city in 2014. Global Schools Programme launches around Ireland Press release Today, Thursday 10 January, Irish Ambassadors and peacekeepers will begin the first phase of the Global Schools programme, with visits to over 40 secondary schools around Ireland. This will give students around the country the chance to learn about our role in a changing world from diplomats and peacekeepers who have served Ireland abroad. The Global Schools programme will bring a deeper understanding of how UN membership has been central to our foreign policy, and has played a significant role in Irelands history. Each school will be presented with a UN flag and a copy of the preamble of the UN Charter, in recognition of Irelands contributions to addressing the biggest challenges facing our world today through peacekeeping, international development, human rights and disarmament. This forms part of the Global Ireland programme the Governments strategy for doubling Irelands international impact by 2025. In conjunction with the Departments of Education and Skills, and Defence, the Global Schools programme will run throughout 2019, with staff from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Irish UN peacekeepers who have served abroad visiting secondary schools to engage students in the scope and ambition of Global Ireland. Speaking about the Global Schools programme, Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D., said: Through our peacekeeping operations around the world, the work of our diplomats, state agencies, and international development programme, Ireland has always proven that a small country can have a strong and decisive impact on the international stage. Although we are an island, Ireland has never been isolated, and must continue to show that we are part of that bigger world which exists beyond our borders. Because the shared challenges we face today also exist beyond borders, they cannot be solved by countries acting in isolation. Migration, climate change, armed conflict and hunger are global issues that require multilateral solutions. In Global Ireland, we set an ambitious target as a country to double our global impact and our footprint around the world by 2025. The Global Schools initiative plays an important role in this by highlighting to secondary school students how our membership of the United Nations and European Union have affected Irelands history, as we celebrate the centenary of our presence as an actor on the international stage. My hope is that this programme can inspire those students to realise the potential they have to make a real impact; be it in their schools, their local communities, or in the wider world. ENDS Press Office 10 January 2019 Notes to Editors Taking an All-of-Government approach, the Global Ireland programme will double Irelands global footprint in three key areas by 2025; how we trade, the bilateral and multilateral partnerships we build, and our wider contribution to the world. In line with this ambition, a core theme of Global Ireland is ensuring that Ireland maintains a strong presence across multilateral organisations, and continues a proud record of active participation and achievement in the United Nations and the European Union. 2019 is the Centenary of Ireland as an independent international actor. The Global Ireland programme includes marking this important milestone and aims to ensure strong citizen engagement with Irelands long-term international policy objectives. The Global Schools programme is a means of engaging second-level students across the country in the central elements of Global Ireland. Previous Item | Next Item Following the arrest of Huaweis CFO in Canada last month, new documents released by Reuters indicate that the Chinese vendor has closer ties than previously thought with two companies under investigation by the US Department of Justice. On 1st December last year, Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou - who is also the daughter of the vendors founder Ren Zhengfei was arrested in Vancouver, where she was detained until 11th December before being released on C$10 million (5.9 million) bail by a Canadian court. She remains in the city while the US attempts to extradite her. US authorities claim that the Huawei CFO obfuscated Huaweis connection to the two firms under investigation - Iranian equipment seller Skycom Tech and Mauritius-registered shell company Canicula Holdings to convince a number of financial institutions to clear transactions linked to Skycom Tech. If proven true, the allegations could mean that Huawei had violated trade sanctions that the US had in place against Iran. Huawei has strongly denied a connection to either company, maintaining that both are independent and that its relationship with Skycom Tech was a normal business partnership. The company has stated that it has complied with all laws and regulations, and that it required Skycom to follow suit. However, the corporate filings and additional documents released by Reuters appear to show that a senior Huawei executive was appointed as the Iran manager for Skycom Tech. The documents also confirm that least three individuals with Chinese names held the signing rights for the Iranian bank accounts of both Huawei and Skycom. Reuters also provided a statement from a Middle Eastern lawyer indicating that Canicula had conducted business in Syria on behalf of Huawei. In a 2014 letter to Middle Eastern business website Aliqtisadi.com, attorney Osama Karawani requested a correction to a story about the dissolution of a Huawei company in Syria which incorrectly inferred that Huawei itself had been liquidated. Karawani wrote: Huawei was never dissolved[it] has been and is still operating in Syria through several companies which are Huawei Technologies Ltd and Canicula Holdings Ltd. Reuters findings appear to support the US assertion that Huawei held control of Skycom and used it to sell telecoms equipment in Iran as well as repatriate money from the country through the international banking system. This would mean that several financial institutions would have inadvertently approved transactions that contravened US sanctions against conducting business with Iran. The US case against Meng leans heavily on reports by Reuters, including the revelation that Meng sat on Skycoms board of directors between February 2008 and April 2009. Investigators allege that Meng and Huawei repeatedly lied over the fact that Skycom was entirely controlled by Huawei. If the US is successful in extraditing Meng, she could face a number of charges of conspiracy to defraud these financial institutions. While the exact charges have not been disclosed, each carries a maximum sentence of 30 years. Upon Mengs arrest, Huawei stated that it has not been provided with detailed information about the charges that she faces, and that the company is not aware of any wrongdoing by Ms. Meng. Mengs arrest has exacerbated the deterioration of US-China relations, which have been fraught for months due to growing tensions over trade. The Chinese government has requested that Canada release Meng, and in an apparent reaction to the arrest has taken at least 13 Canadians into custody. Two have been charged with spying. While Huaweis equipment has long been banned in the US due to security concerns, the arrest of Meng appears to have prompted other developed markets to reassess their use of the companys network equipment. Australia and New Zealand have both banned operators from building next-generation networks using Huawei products, and UK authorities are similarly scrutinising the vendor. Telekom Srbija is unlikely to be privatised in 2019 despite investors registering their interest, according to Serbias minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications. Speaking to the news agency Beta, Rasim Ljajic said: I dont expect anything to happen with the sale of Telekom. There has always been interest from various funds or companies, but everything depends on the offers and a business decision by Telekom. I cant say whether they will choose a partnership process. The operator is majority (58%) owned by the Serbian government, with the remaining shares held by the companys employees and Serbian citizens. In December, US-based private equity firm Ripplewood Advisors expressed interest in acquiring a 20% stake in the operator. Telekom Srbija is in the process of boosting its TV and internet offering, having bought a majority stake in local provider Kopernikus Technology in November. It has just acquired cable companies Radijus Vektor and AVcom for an undisclosed sum. In an effort to expand its TV and internet services to more than 1 million subscribers, it is discussing takeover bids for five more cable firms. Vladimir Lucic, internet and multimedia coordinator at the operator, said: We decided to put an end to Telekom lagging behind, i.e. to occupy a position that the national operator should have, which is the leading positionOur goal is to prove not only that we can compete with the existing competitionbut also stand shoulder to shoulder with large companies in terms of the provision of digital services. Govinda Finally Reacted To Kader Khan's Son Calling Him Insensitive, Reverts By Calling Him A Child Actor Govinda has refused to respond to the comments made by late actor Kader Khans son Sarfaraz Khan. The latter had said that Govinda hasnt called the family even once since the actors death on December 31. Woh bachche hain. Aur mujhe aisa lagta hai ki main uspe comment nahin doonga. He is a kid. Mujhe pata laga woh (He is a child. And I think I should not comment on it. He is a child. I know about it), Govinda said in an interview to BBC Hindi. Govinda had paid tribute to Kader Khan in a tweet after his death. RIP Kader Khan Saab. He was not just my ustaad but a father figure to me, his midas touch and his aura made every actor he worked with a superstar. The entire film industry and my family deeply mourns this loss and we cannot express the sorrow in words, he had written. RIP Kader Khan Saab. He was not just my "ustaad" but a father figure to me, his midas touch and his aura made every actor he worked with a superstar. The entire film industry and my family deeply mourns this loss and we cannot express the sorrow in words.#ripkaderkhansaab pic.twitter.com/NISPM1UMs1 Govinda (@govindaahuja21) January 1, 2019 Sarfaraz gave an interview to IANS a few days after his fathers death and called out Govinda for not asking after his mentor even once. Please ask Govinda how many times he inquired about his father figures health. Has he even bothered to call us even once after my fathers passing away? This is the way our film industry has become, he had said. Kader Khan had spent nearly four months in hospital, for various old-age related ailments, including breathing issues, and finally died on December 31 evening in Toronto, Canada. Born in Kabul, Afghanistan on October 22, Kader Khan was known for his impeccable comic timing, and his nonpareil work as an actor and a writer in several films. He has been part of numerous blockbusters including Amar Akbar Anthony, Naseeb, Bol Radha Bol, Khoon Bhari Maang, Biwi Ho To Aisi, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Judwaa, Dulhe Raja and Haseena Maan Jayegi. He was last seen in 2015 in Ho Gaya Deemag Ka Dahi. LAS VEGAS Former Nevada Sen. Harry Reid said Thursday that he thinks President Donald Trump has no conscience and said he'd like to see Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney challenge Trump in 2020 for the GOP nomination for president. "I've had dealings with the man," Reid said of Trump. "I think he's amoral. I don't think he has a conscience." Speculation that Romney is maneuvering for another presidential run started after he criticized Trump's character in an op-ed the day before he was sworn into the Senate last week. Romney shot down that idea in an interview with the Deseret News on Jan. 2. "I am certainly not going to do that," he said. "As you know, I've run twice before. I'm not doing it again. And I'm not doing anything to position myself in that regard." Reid, the 79-year-old Democrat who served as Senate majority leader, said in a radio interview with KNPR in Nevada that the partial government shutdown over Trump's push for a U.S.-Mexico border wall is an example of Trump's behavior. Reid said the border wall does not have popular support, but the shutdown over it is causing people to suffer financial harm. The White House did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Thursday. Reid said Thursday that he and Romney had differences in the past. But he said he likes Romney and thinks he's "a moderate voice the Republicans need." He also insisted that he had claimed Romney hadn't paid "his fair share of taxes," rather than no taxes and said he was glad he had raised the issue. Reid hammered Romney on his taxes during the 2012 presidential race, including an unsubstantiated claim that Romney paid no income taxes for a decade and criticism about his choices to keep money in Swiss and Cayman Island accounts. "I think he would be a great foil against Trump," Reid said Thursday. "I think Republicans may even allow him to be nominated, to be the Republican nominee. That would be good for the country." A message seeking comment from Romney's office was not returned Thursday. Reid also said in the interview that he didn't think there was much more Democrat Hillary Clinton could have done to defeat Trump in the 2016 election, calling Trump's win "an aberration." "It was a time in the country that they were looking for something different," he said. "And believe me, they got something different with Trump." Reid, who is seen as a political kingmaker and remains a sought-after endorsement among Democrats, said he has met with many candidates considering a run for president in 2020, including former Vice President Joe Biden. Reid said that it's well-known that Biden is thinking about running and would be the front-runner. But the only thing that may be holding him back is the 76-year-old's age, Reid said. "Everyone is waiting to see what Joe Biden is going to do," he said. The Nevada senator said he has also discussed potential bids with Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, California Sen. Kamala Harris and California billionaire Tom Steyer, who bowed out Wednesday. "Any of them would be good," he said, adding, "That doesn't mean that I'm going to be out beating the bushes for any one of them" ahead of Nevada's nominating caucus next year. Reid was asked whether Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer had been an effective replacement of the Nevadan. "I think the world of Chuck Schumer, and I would never, ever second-guess what he's doing," Reid said. Reid also disclosed that his health is strong and he's doing fine despite a pancreatic cancer diagnosis last year. "I'm doing fine. Everything is working out well," he said. "I'm strong and have a pretty good life I think." SALT LAKE CITY Sen. Mike Lee is taking another crack at prohibiting presidents from creating or expanding a national monument in Utah without approval from Congress and the state Legislature. Lee, R-Utah, along with newly sworn Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, re-introduced legislation Thursday that would exempt Utah from the Antiquities Act. Lee said the legislation would protect the state from "abuses" in much the same way Alaska and Wyoming are currently protected. Lee and Romney say the Protect Utahs Rural Economy Act would give local communities a voice in public lands management. President Bill Clinton used the 1906 law to create the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and President Barack Obama used it designate Bears Ears National Monument. President Donald Trump issued an order in 2017 slashing the acreage in both monuments. His action is being challenged in court. Lee first introduced the bill last July, but it didn't go anywhere in the previous Congress. The Sierra Club's Utah chapter last year called the measure "incredibly shortsighted and a "baseless attack" on the Antiquities Act that would undermine future public lands policy in the state. The group wants to see the laws regarding Wyoming and Alaska reversed, arguing those situations involved massive amounts of federal land and were much different than the one in Utah. Last month, Lee killed a public lands package widely supported by local Republicans after his attempt to include an exemption for Utah from any new monument designations under the Antiquities Act failed. Sugar Puffs or Frosties? It's the first in a series of choices viewers are confronted with as they navigate Netflix's hit interactive film "Black Mirror: Bandersnatch." It also gives Netflix unprecedented access to very specific viewer data that could become a revenue gold mine for the streaming giant in the future, according to recent reports. Quick facts about "Bandersnatch": Set in London during the 1980s, "Bandersnatch" follows 19-year-old developer Stefan as he attempts to create a choose-your-own-adventure video game. Viewers participate in their own choose-your-own-adventure experience by using their remotes, mice or trackpads to select different storyline options as the show progresses. Some choices present difficult moral dilemmas while others seem like mundane red herrings, like what cereal Stefan should eat (like Sugar Puffs or Frosties). However: According to The Verge, Netflix could use even the smallest viewer decision to steer choices in the writer's room, deploy tailored, programmatic product placement and mine data that could be invaluable for potential brand partners. Netflix data collection isn't new: The service's recommendation algorithms are fine-tuned to the viewing patterns of users. Netflix has also experimented with the choose-your-own-adventure format before. However: "Bandersnatch" introduces several new elements that could change the face of streaming advertisement, including first-of-its-kind tracking software called "Branch Manager" that Netflix created with "Bandersnatch" writer Charlie Brooker. The Hollywood Reporter described this tool: "The final product which looks like islands of flowcharts that branch out to include series of if-then options creates an infinite number of variations to the story because of the 'state tracking' technology that tracks viewer choices as the experience progresses." The Netflix team is calling "Branch Manager" technology "revolutionary" and they plan on using it for all future interactive projects. What that means for viewers: In the future, our streaming services may not only cater shows to our interests but subliminally cater products and brands to them. If that sounds vaguely like a talking point of a "Black Mirror" episode, it's probably because we're on our way. Editor's note: "Integrity & Trust: Lessons From Watergate and Today" is a Deseret News event featuring legendary journalist Bob Woodward and Elder D. Todd Christofferson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. SALT LAKE CITY Bob Woodward literally wrote the book on Watergate. Five books, in fact, including "All the President's Men" with Carl Bernstein, his partner in the landmark reporting on the presidential scandal that led to the resignation of Richard Nixon. So what now, after 45 years and all that reporting, does Woodward hope to learn about Watergate from Elder D. Todd Christofferson, who once called it "a scandal's scandal?" And, what do the lessons of Watergate teach us about the need for honesty and integrity today and the threat to the nation if either are compromised? On Monday, the Deseret News will host a discussion between the legendary investigative journalist and the member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. The roots of the reason Woodward, 75, and Elder Christofferson, 73, will meet (for the first time) date back to February 1971, when Nixon ordered his deputy assistant to install a voice-activated taping system in the Oval Office of the White House. Alexander Butterfield and Secret Service agents installed five microphones in Nixon's desk, two in lamps over the office's mantelpiece and others in Nixon's phones. The existence of the taping system was a closely held secret known only to Nixon, his chief of staff, the chief of staff's assistant and those who installed it. The system remained under wraps for more than a year after five burglars broke into the Democratic National Committee office in the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C., in June 1972. Woodward and Bernstein's Pulitzer Prize-winning reporting soon implicated White House officials in a cover-up of the burglary, which was designed to remove wiretaps previously placed in the Watergate office. The question was how high up did the conspiracy go? On a Friday in July 1973, Butterfield revealed the existence of the tapes to a small group of members of the Senate Watergate Committee. The committee members swore each other to secrecy, but Woodward learned about the tapes on that Friday night. "Two people had told me that Butterfield had come in for a confidential interview and disclosed this taping system," Woodward said this week on "Therefore, What?," a Deseret News podcast hosted by Opinion Editor Boyd Matheson. "I was stunned. I finally called Ben Bradlee on Saturday night and said, 'Nixon taped himself.' I said, 'What do you think? Should we do a story? Should we pursue it?'" Bradlee said no, adding. "I think its just a B-plus." Woodward took Sunday off, but on Monday, Butterfield "electrified Washington and triggered a constitutional crisis," in the words of one historian. He revealed the taping system live on national television during testimony before the committee. "It was an explosion," Woodward said. "Talk about a bombshell. Bradlee came by my desk and knocked it and said, 'OK, its more than a B-plus.'" The bigger bombshell loomed in what was on the tapes. A young Todd Christofferson would wind up right at the center of that revelation. Nixon went to court to block a subpoena to produce all tapes relevant to Watergate. The legal argument landed in the courtroom of Judge John Sirica of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The whole role of Judge Sirica in this was incredibly significant. He was very tough when he sentenced the Watergate burglars and others who at the middle level were involved in this. He was the one who said, no, Nixon had to turn over the tapes. Bob Woodward on "Therefore, What?" Elder Christofferson was then Judge Sirica's 28-year-old law clerk. He began his clerkship two weeks before the Watergate burglars were indicted in Sirica's courtroom. Due to events and the clerk's contributions, Sirica asked him to extend his one-year clerkship to what eventually became 28 months. "Both the judge and I were really surprised to hear that tapes existed," Elder Christofferson said. "We didn't have the initial sense there would be a subpoena he would have to rule on. But just the fact they existed ... if the meetings between John Dean (Nixon's White House counsel) and the president were taped, this would tell us who was telling the truth, because they had directly opposite recollections." Sirica ruled that the Senate Watergate Committee couldnt subpoena the tapes but the special prosecutor could, according to "Watergate," a six-part History Channel series that aired in November 2018. "The whole role of Judge Sirica in this was incredibly significant," Woodward said on the podcast. "He was very tough when he sentenced the Watergate burglars and others who at the middle level were involved in this. He was the one who said, no, Nixon had to turn over the tapes." Nixon appealed Sirica's ruling, citing both executive privilege and national security Nixon was worried that he might look weak to Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev in the midst of the Arab-Israeli War. A compromise emerged: Judge Sirica would screen the tapes. Sirica asked his law clerk to join him and listen to the tapes. They borrowed one of the Oval Office tape recorders. In a jury room next to the judge's chambers, the law clerk slipped a tape into the machine and stuffed paper under the record button to protect against an accident that might erase evidence. He and Sirica slipped on headphones and listened in stunned silence as the president of the United States engaged in criminal conduct by instructing Dean that payments to the Watergate burglars for their silence should continue. Nixon agreed to pay the blackmail and acknowledged it was obstruction of justice. "On the money," he told Dean, "if you need the money ... you can get $1 million and you can get it in cash. I know where it can be gotten." This is what Woodward wants to talk about with Elder Christofferson. What was it like to hear a U.S. president commit a crime when the world waited to know whether he had? Woodward spoke to Sirica, who died in 1992, but he has never received a firsthand account of the moment when the two men listened to the tapes. He said he wants to ask Elder Christofferson, "what was it like?" "Ive heard stories of the first moment Judge Sirica heard some of these tapes, and what his reaction was. His reaction was, as I understand it, he was appalled that the president of the United States was ordering all kinds of illegal activity. He said, 'we cant have this.' There was a trial subpoena for the tapes, and Sirica said it had to go forward." Up to this point we both still hoped that the president was not really involved, but this was indisputable. Elder D. Todd Christofferson on listening to the Nixon White House tapes Elder Christofferson spoke about the experience in 2017 at Oxford University. The Deseret News covered the talk and interviewed him about what happened. "Judge Sirica and I were shocked," he said, adding, "The judge and I couldnt believe, didnt want to believe what we were hearing, and he passed me a note suggesting we rewind the tape and listen again. Up to this point we both still hoped that the president was not really involved, but this was indisputable." Sirica told his clerk it felt like punch in the gut. They finished listening to the conversation, put the tape away and went home early. "Even now, I remember the sense of disillusionment and sadness," Elder Christofferson told the Deseret News at Oxford. "This was some months before Nixons resignation, but we knew then that the president would be impeached if he did not resign first." In fact, Woodward said, "It was just two weeks after the Supreme Court ruled in Judge Siricas favor that Nixon resigned." Sirica and his law clerk guarded the tapes carefully. Editorial pages said the tapes would leak if given to the judge. They didn't. "We kept the tapes in a metal filing cabinet like a safe," Elder Christofferson said. "It had a dial on it for a combination lock. Only the judge and I knew the code. It was his wife's birthday backward. Instead of day-month-year, it was year-month-day." Elder Christofferson said he followed the reporting of Woodward and Bernstein as the Watergate story unfolded. "They didn't get everything right, but they got it mostly right," he said. He looks forward to talking with the famed journalist. "He's obviously a very thorough and intellectually curious individual who wants to get to the bottom of things and learn all he can about things," Elder Christofferson said. "That's an admirable trait." Woodward said Sirica praised the reporters in the aftermath and said their reporting prompted him to ask his own questions of witnesses during the Watergate trials. "He of course presided at the first Watergate trial where the prosecutor said it was the five burglars and their two operation directors, Gordon Liddy and Howard Hunt, who did all this on their own and Gordon Liddy was the mastermind," Woodward said this week. "Carl Bernstein and I had written in the Post before this trial that no, higher-ups were involved, were approving the money, including the former attorney general, people in the White House, people in the Nixon campaign. "Sirica said to me it was very important as he saw the total contradiction of what was appearing in his courtroom (and) what we were writing in The Washington Post. So he started questioning people as judge in the case, and eventually one of the burglars, the lead burglar, James McCord, wrote his famous letter to Judge Sirica saying there was a cover-up, higher-ups were indeed involved." Woodward concluded, "The pressure that he applied was critical to getting to the truth here." SOUTH SALT LAKE Police are crediting a Wyoming mom for convincing her son to turn himself in to police, after he allegedly prompted a standoff with SWAT officers and the evacuation of several South Salt Lake residents. James Doyle Emerson McCormick, 52, of South Salt Lake, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail Thursday for investigation of two counts of possession of a firearm by a restricted person and drug possession in one case, and a domestic violence-related aggravated assault in another, according to police. On Sunday, McCormick allegedly attacked his live-in girlfriend, causing multiple spine fractures, said South Salt Lake police detective Gary Keller. Police had been looking for him since then. On Wednesday, officers followed him to the parking lot of McDonald's, 17 E. 3300 South, where they attempted to make a high-risk stop about 7 p.m., Keller said. Initially, McCormick complied with officers' orders to throw his keys out of the window, but he refused to put his hands up, according to Keller. McCormick then allegedly got out of the car, grabbed his keys, got back in his car and sped off to his home, 61 E. Cordelia Ave. Because of his history with guns and violence, a SWAT team was called and neighbors were evacuated. Murray police and K-9s from Davis County were also called to assist, said Keller. SWAT team members entered the house about 1 a.m. Thursday, but McCormick was gone. About 30 minutes later, however, McCormick turned himself in to Murray police. McCormick's mother, who had been watching coverage of the standoff, drove to Utah from Evanston, Wyoming, to meet with her son and convince him to surrender, according to Keller. "That is the best resolution we could have," he said. While Keller was addressing the media outside the South Salt Lake Police Department after the arrest, a man who police say was McCormick's stepfather tried to intervene with his own questions. The clearly agitated man questioned why police caused so much damage to the house where the standoff occurred, and why so many officers attempted to arrest McCormick in the McDonald's parking lot. "They all pulled their guns on him for what? A little domestic violence, the man stated. The stepfather claimed that he had talked to the woman and that she did not suffer a broken back or broken ribs. "You guys are trying to blow this story out of proportion, he told reporters on scene. When investigators served a search warrant on McCormick's home they found "several firearms as well as several thousand rounds of ammunition," according to a jail report. McCormick has a lengthy criminal history. He was scheduled to go on trial on Jan. 23 on five counts of possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person and several drug-related crimes. Those charges were the result of a search warrant served exactly one year ago from Wednesday's standoff, on Jan. 9, 2018, at the same residence. Four rifles and two handguns were seized, according to charging documents. In 1999, McCormick was charged in federal court with bank robbery. He was later convicted of that charge and sentenced to five years in federal prison, according to court records. SOUTH SALT LAKE Residents were evacuated Wednesday night as police tried to apprehend a man who they say has a history of guns and violent crimes. South Salt Lake executive police officer Gary Keller said officers were trying to arrest the man about 7 p.m. when he fled on foot to the area of 61 E. Cordelia Ave. Keller said officers called a SWAT team to the scene as a precaution about 8 p.m. due to the man's history. His name was not immediately released. As of late Wednesday night, Keller said officers have containment but do not know if the man is barricaded in a yard or inside a residence. Police evacuated residents in the area to keep them out of harm's way, according to Keller, but he said time was on officers' side as of about 10:15 p.m. Murray police and K-9s from Davis County were assisting South Salt Lake police and a combined SWAT team, Keller said. SALT LAKE CITY Issues that affect women affect everyone. That was the message Wednesday as advocates and lawmakers met to discuss ways women can make a difference in the state's upcoming legislative session. "It's just important to keep in mind that women's advocacy is everyone's advocacy, and women's issues are everyone's issues," said Andrea Himoff, executive director of Action Utah. Action Utah, YWCA Utah and Women's Leadership Institute hosted an educational event and panel Wednesday to discuss women's issues in Utah and how to advocate for change when the legislature convenes this month. On the panel were Pat Jones, CEO of Women's Leadership Institute; Erin Jemison, director of policy at YWCA Utah; Utah Sen. Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City; and Sen. Jake Anderegg, R-Lehi. Although specific issues were discussed, the event was focused on general steps women can take to make a difference. "How do we take this energy that we have and channel it in ways that will really move the needle?" said Jones. One of the most important steps presented for advocating with Utah legislators is creating a relationship. Jones suggested reaching out to representatives early in the year before the legislative session starts. "Every time you are emailing or calling or texting elected officials, that's part of a long-term relationship that you're establishing," said Himoff. Elizabeth Braymen, who attended the event, said she became involved with issues in the state last year and has been using this approach of engaging with representatives. "I started going to the legislative information sessions that January and got to know some of the legislators and just felt there wasn't this division anymore between the people and the politicians, it was like they really are us," Brayman said. Escamilla encouraged those in attendance to be respectful and concrete when reaching out to their representatives. She also suggested letting representatives know in the subject line of an email that you are one of their constituents. "I'm going to respond first to my constituents," Escamilla said. Jemison said she has done gender issue advocacy in four different states, and in Utah she has found that decision-makers are more willing to have a conversation with her. "I've never seen a level of difference that ordinary people can make like I have in this state," Jemison said. Being educated about the bills lawmakers are considering is also important in advocacy, said Himoff. The bills can be viewed on the Utah Legislature website. The Action Utah and YWCAwebsites also have pages that follow specific bills. Another point made Wednesday is that change in legislation does not happen quickly and can take many years. One example presenters gave is the gender wage gap. "What I've learned from this conversation over the years is you can find data on both sides, and it gets really tense. Utah hasn't necessarily done a lot of in-depth compensation studies, and I know people are tired of studies, but if you want data-driven policy I think it's critical," said Escamilla. Anderegg agreed "legislature is a long-term game," saying you must lay groundwork and find facts before you can make changes. Jones, who served in the Utah Legislature for 14 years, also noted that women can make a difference by running for office. "It was the very best leadership training that anyone could ever ask for, and so I love encouraging women in particular to run for political office," said Jones. Jones talked about women's abilities to impact both the government and other organizations because of gender differences. "There are issues that women have feelings about and concerns about that maybe aren't as apparent to men, and they're willing to speak out about them," said Jemison. "I would say in some ways it's harder for women because we haven't reached gender parity in terms of access to the power and the decision-making." SALT LAKE CITY Just two states South Dakota and Utah had a total fertility rate above replacement level in 2017, according to a new federal report. Overall, the U.S. total fertility rate is 1,765.5 births per 1,000 women, compared to 2,227.5 in South Dakota and 2,120.5 in Utah. The replacement rate the number of births needed to maintain the population at its existing level is 2,100 births per 1,000 women, or an average rate of 2.1 births per woman. It is often invoked in discussions of economic growth and having enough young workers to support an aging population. The data, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, used birth certificates to calculate each state's total fertility rate, then broke the data out for the three largest race populations: non-Hispanic white women, non-Hispanic black women and Hispanic women. The Beehive State had the highest total fertility rate for white women, at 2,099.5 per 1,000 women. The total fertility rate (TFR) is a projection of how many births 1,000 women would have in their lifetimes, based on the age-specific birth rates. TFR is a tool used by planners and others to calculate potential growth, derived by adding up five-year age specific birth rates, then mulitiplying by five. Demographic experts who follow national birth numbers say there's a real question about what recent numbers mean long-term. On one hand, birth rates have been declining in most populations, but especially among teens. "Most think it's great that teen births are down," said Samuel Sturgeon, president of Demographic Intelligence. Less clear, though, he noted, is whether recent numbers indicate people are simply delaying having children or foregoing having children entirely. Those are two very different stories with separate potential impacts. Sturgeon calls delayed birth, for example, a "micro/macro" issue, meaning that while one might worry delaying births overall could have negative impact on the larger economy or job market for everyone in the future, for example, "it might at the same time look exactly like the kind of advice one would give a close friend or relative: 'Wait until you're ready.'" Data highlights The District of Columbia had the lowest total fertility at 1,421.0, well below replacement rate, the report says. DC was also lowest in the total fertility rate for white women, at 1,012 per 1,000. Maine had the highest fertility rate for black women (4,003.5), while Alabama was highest among Hispanic women (3,085). The lowest rates for Hispanic women were found in Vermont (1,200.5) and Maine (1,281.5). Among white women, the report said, Utah's rate was more than double the District of Columbia's. The Utah rate hovered right around replacement rate. And California, which the report said had the most births in terms of raw numbers, "was consistently among the lowest reported (rate) overall and for each group by state." The report noted potential limitations, including a small number of births within some groups. "The TFRs reported here, particularly the highest or lowest rates for a given race and Hispanic-origin group, may reflect a relatively small number of births and population size for a given state," it said. What it means With declining fertility, populations shrink if migration doesn't bolster the numbers, said Pamela Perlich, director of demographic research at the University of Utah's Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. She pointed to Utah's open economy, where the population has continued to grow despite a smaller birthrate because people have moved into the state. In some other places in the world that have shrinking fertility and less in-migration, like Japan, the older population can outnumber the younger population. Sometimes, a place's demography gets out of balance, which can have "pretty profound implications." How a society fares involves many factors, including resources, policies and what people value, she added. One of the big stories about why the total fertility rate has been declining nationally is near-eradicaton of teen pregnancy. Pamela Perlich, director of demographic research at the University of Utah's Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute What's happening with this generation of women and fertility may only become clear as a look back after the women have completed their fertility, Sturgeon told the Deseret News. For example, one might expect that an average of 1.8 births per woman could mean most women have given birth at least once. At the moment, though, 40 percent of births are first births and 60 percent are second or later births. One has to look closely to see that women who are having children are averaging 2.5 children, while a growing number of women are having zero children, Sturgeon said. Perlich said a breakdown of birth data by the age and race of the mother might be more telling than general data to show what's going on in a state. For example, births to immigrants may bolster fertility and birth rates. Perlich said recent Utah data has shown higher birthrates among young Hispanic women compared to white women of the same age. Around age 25 and older, that reverses. That's what the new CDC data shows, as well. "One of the big stories about why the total fertility rate has been declining nationally is near-eradicaton of teen pregnancy," Perlich said. But total fertility could also climb back up when women who are now aged 20-24 and not having children do have them when they become 30-34. And recent postponement has also taken place within the context of a bigger national picture, which could change. "Part of the reason postponement has taken place is the effect of the recession," she said. Other changes also impact numbers. For example, Utah's average age at which women marry for the first time has climbed. That fact, along with how many children they have and when, will impact birth data. The size of a state also matters. For instance, while South Dakota outpaced Utah in total fertility rate for 2017, Utah women had nearly three times the raw number of births: 48,585 according to the report, compared to 12,134 in South Dakota. SALT LAKE CITY President Donald Trump opened a nationally televised speech Tuesday evening by describing a growing humanitarian and security crisis at our southern border. The prime time address was an attempt to drum up support for his proposed $5.7 billion border wall, as a partial government shutdown over the issue continued into its third week. The claim of a crisis is one that administration officials including Vice President Mike Pence and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen have put forth many times before. They frequently cite three main issues: increasing numbers of illegal border crossings, the flow of drugs and terrorism, and the overwhelming number of asylum seekers. But is there actually a crisis at the border? Some experts have called the Trump administration's claim into question. The Deseret News took a close look at the three parts of the administrations case for a border crisis. 1. Has the number of illegal border crossings increased to crisis levels? The short answer is no. Trumps description of a growing crisis of people crossing the border illegally implies a problem that is getting worse. Immigration data show that the number of people caught crossing illegally at the border the standard measure of the volume of illegal crossings generally peaked at 1.6 million in 2000 and has been on the decline ever since, according to The Washington Post. In 2017, border arrests dropped to a historic low (310,531). To find a year with fewer border arrests, you have to go back 45 years all the way to 1971. And while there was an uptick in illegal border crossings in fiscal 2018 (396,579), they remained lower than the average over the previous decade (400,741), as well as the number of border arrests in fiscal 2016, 2014, and 2013, Politico reported. A combination of factors explain the decline, including technology upgrades, tougher penalties post-9/11 and sharp rise in the number of Border Patrol officers, The Washington Post reported. But experts agree that the primary explanation is the sharp decrease in the number of Mexicans entering the country illegally over the last decade, which has plummeted by more than 300,000, according to the Pew Research Center. Economics played a major role in that decrease, Heide Castaneda, associate professor at the University of South Florida, told the Deseret News in December. There was a nosedive in Mexican migration in 2008 due to the recession, which wiped out millions of jobs that attracted undocumented immigrants to the United States. With the recession, there was just no draw of the U.S. job market, and the migration of low-wage workers since 2008 never fully recovered, she said. At the same time, the Mexican economy improved, giving people from Mexico less reason to migrate to begin with. In fact, a 2015 Pew study found that more Mexicans returned to their home country between 2009 and 2014 than entered the United States. And while migration from Central America increased by 375,000 between 2007-2016, a trend most powerfully exemplified by the migrant caravan that arrived in December from Central America, it has not come close to offsetting the decline in Mexican migration, according to Pew. Statistics show that recently arrived unauthorized immigrants to the United States are less likely to have crossed the U.S-Mexico border illegally, according to a 2018 Pew study, and more likely to be visa overstays people who arrive in the United States on legal visas, and then overstay their departure date. Higher overstay rates highlight a need for more interior enforcement, but doesnt mean the U.S. should pare down border security efforts, Matthew Sussis, assistant director of communications for the Center for Immigration Studies, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank that favors low immigration numbers, told the Deseret Newsin December. The fact that overstay rates are high doesnt mean you can ignore the border, Sussis said. Just because your back door is open doesnt mean you can forget about keeping your front door closed too. To sum up: If a border crisis is defined by an increase in the number of illegal border crossings, then immigration data do not indicate a crisis. 2. What about the flow of drugs and terrorism across the border? In Trumps portrait of a crisis at the border and his justification for a wall, he has also often referred to the flow of illegal drugs and terrorists across the border. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, the majority of the drugs that cross the southwest border are brought in through official ports of entry, PBS Newshour reported. And the drugs that Border Patrol agents seize at official ports of entry are three time more valuable than drugs seized outside of those ports, David Bier, an immigration policy analyst for the libertarian Cato Institute, told PBS Newshour. In other words, a border wall would not target the most valuable drugs crossing the border, said Brier. The White House has also expressed concern about the numbers of terrorists crossing the border. The State Department, however, has said no terrorists have been identified crossing the southern border from Mexico into the United States, and a 2017 report said there was no credible evidence that terrorist groups have established bases in Mexico or sent operatives to the United States from there, PBS News Hourreported. Last week, Secretary Nielson told Democrats that immigration officials apprehended more than 3,000 terrorists in the last fiscal year. But data obtained by NBC news showed that just 41 people on the Terrorist Screening Database were stopped by Customs and Border Protection at the southern border from Oct. 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018, but 35 of them were U.S. citizens or permanent residents. And only six were classified as non-U.S. persons and suspected of terrorist ties. The U.S. keeps databases of people it believes may have ties to terrorism based on travel patterns, spending activities, family connections and other activities, according to NBC News. When pressed at a news conference, Nielsen clarified that officials stopped more than 3,000 "special interest aliens" last year at the border. A special interest alien, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, is a non-U.S. person who potentially poses a national security risk to the United States or its interests based on an analysis of travel behaviors, meaning that they simply come from countries regarded as potential sources of terrorism not that the individuals are necessarily terrorists themselves, according to DHS. DHS has never indicated that the SIA designation means more than that, stated the agency. 3. Are migrants overwhelming and exploiting the U.S. asylum system? In mid-November, more than 6,000 migrants, half of them women and children, traveling in caravans from Central America arrived at the U.S. border at Tijuana fleeing poverty, violence and political oppression and seeking to claim asylum in the United States. (The Immigration and Nationality Act allows migrants to apply for asylum after entering the United States at a border and proving that they are escaping their homeland because of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.) Trump has pointed to these caravans as evidence of a security crisis at the border, saying migrants are exploiting backlogs in the asylum system to remain in the United States long-term. There is in fact an enormous backlog, in part because of the small number of immigration judges relative to the increase in cases, that grew from 186,108 cases in 2008 to 714,067 cases in 2018, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. The average waiting period for immigrants to have their cases heard is two years, allowing asylum applicants to stay in the United States while their cases are processed. A huge and growing backlog of applications in the hundreds of thousands has created perverse incentives for would-be migrants to file spurious asylum claims, because these can allow them to remain in the U.S. for years while their cases wait to be processed, according to a Bloomberg editorial. The backlog doesnt discourage bogus asylum seekers, as you might suppose; it does the opposite. The backlog is due partly to a sharp increase in the number of people seeking asylum in the United States in recent history, according to Human Rights First. But the notion that "bogus" asylum claims are overwhelming the system is disputed. About a decade ago, about 1 of every 100 border crossers was an unaccompanied child or asylum seeker in search of protection. Today, that share is 1 in 3, as a result of political and economic instability in the Northern Triangle El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras according to the Migration Policy Institute. Trump has attempted to curtail the ability of migrants to seek asylum in the United States, including largely eliminating domestic violence as grounds for protection and requiring migrants to "Remain in Mexico" while their asylum claims are processed. Some of these actions have been challenged in court by federal judges. That's why some experts say it would be more constructive to describe and respond to the current situation not as a border security crisis but an asylum system crisis. What you need is not necessarily more detention, more security, more walls, more barriers, more detection, Randy Capps, the director of research at the Migration Policy Institute, told PBS Newshour. You need facilities that can handle women and children, a better and faster screening process for asylum. Meanwhile, the White House has still left the possibility of declaring a national immigration emergency on the table. Whether such a move would actually free up the funds Trump needs for the border wall remains unclear. Correction: This article previous identified the Pew Research Center as Pew Charitable Trusts. SALT LAKE CITY Some Utah students will have their school debt loads reduced following a national settlement with an Illinois-based education company that was involved in what the director of Utah's Division of Consumer Protection called "shady, troubling" business practices. The Utah Division of Consumer Protection announced Wednesday the state will receive settlement funds for students from nationwide lawsuit against Career Education Corp., a for-profit education company. In the court filing, the company agreed to reform its recruiting and enrollment practices and forgo collecting almost $494 million in debts owed by 179,529 students across the country including nearly 400 Utahns. The complaint was filed through the Utah Attorney General's Office in conjunction with 48 other attorneys general. "The types of things that are alleged here are misrepresentations to students about very material things," explained Daniel O'Bannon, director of the Utah Division of Consumer Protection. The five-year investigation uncovered numerous deceptive practices that were affecting students in Utah and across the country, he added. As part of the settlement, the company agreed to forgo any and all efforts to collect amounts owed by former students living in the states participating in the agreement. In Utah, 399 students will get relief totaling $980,547. Nationally, the average individual debt relief will be approximately $2,750 per student. Based in Schaumburg, Illinois, Career Education Corp. currently offers mostly online courses through American InterContinental University and Colorado Technical University. The company has closed or phased out many of its schools over the past 10 years. Brands have included Briarcliffe College, Brooks Institute, Brown College, Harrington College of Design, International Academy of Design & Technology, Le Cordon Bleu, Missouri College, and Sanford-Brown. A group of attorneys general launched an investigation in January 2014 following several complaints from students. Additionally, the U.S. Senates Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee released a report on for-profit education that revealed evidence demonstrating the company misrepresented the potential for students to obtain employment in their field by failing to adequately disclose the fact that certain programs lacked the necessary accreditation. The report also found that the company "deceived prospective students about the rate that graduates of CEC programs found a job in their field of study, which gave prospective students a distorted and inaccurate impression of CEC graduates employment outcomes," a news release stated. Additionally, the company used "emotionally charged" language to pressure them into enrolling in their schools, "deceived students about the total costs of enrollment" and "misled students about the transferability" of school credits. "These are not minor, collateral points," O'Bannon said. "These are the essence of what students want and need to know as they are going into an education program." Career Education Corp. denied the allegations of the attorneys general but agreed to resolve the claims through the multistate settlement, the release stated. Under the agreement, the company must make no misrepresentations concerning accreditation, selectivity, graduation or placement rates, transferability of credit, financial aid, veterans benefits or licensure requirements. The company must provide a single-page disclosure to each student that includes the anticipated total direct costs, the median debt amount for program completers, program cohort default rates, program completion rates, a notice concerning transferability of credits, median earnings for completers and job placement rates. Before enrolling, students will be required to complete a financial impact disclosure that provides specific information about debt burden and expected post-graduation income. The company is working with the states to develop this platform, the release stated. O'Bannon said most of the dubious practices were a result of the company trying to boost its bottom line. "The idea is that if you get more students in the door, you're going to make more money," he said. "How do you get more people to come through the door? Tell them things that in this case are alleged not to have been true." Under the agreement, the company is required to have incoming undergraduate students with fewer than 24 credits to complete an orientation program before their first class that covers study skills, organization, literacy, financial skills and computer competency. During the orientation period, students may withdraw at no cost. The company also has to establish a risk-free trial period that allows undergraduates who enter an on-ground program to withdraw within seven days of the first day of class without incurring any cost. According to the release, Career Education Corporation agreed to forgo collection of debts owed by students who either attended a CEC institution that closed before Jan. 1, 2019, or whose final day of attendance at American InterContinental University or Colorado Technical University occurred on or before Dec. 31, 2013. "We hope that this (settlement) sends a strong message to for-profit schools that regulators are watching," O'Bannon said. "Students needs accurate representations and proper disclosures to assess their options." Former students with debt relief eligibility questions can contact the company via email at CECquestions@careered.com or by telephone toll-free at 844-783-8629. OGDEN An Ogden attorney who admitted to bringing drugs into a Utah jail has been ordered to spend four months behind bars. A tearful Tony Miles, 55, told a judge Wednesday that he never dreamed he would become an addict but developed a painkiller problem following a hand injury, the Standard-Examiner reported. Third District Judge Jennifer Valencia ordered Miles to serve a heftier sentence than the 60 days prosecutors sought, saying he previously manipulated the system to get out of jail early and has two other drug-related convictions, according to the newspaper. Miles pleaded guilty in October to two counts of possession of a controlled substance in a correctional facility, a third-degree felony. He admitted he tried to smuggle drugs into the Weber County Jail in April 2017, court documents show. He brought a contact lens case containing cocaine and heroin into the building, according to the charges, and also allegedly used a fake name to enter the jail and meet with two inmates. On Wednesday, he received identical terms of 120 days in jail in two other drug possession cases from 2017 and 2018, but the judge allowed them all to run at the same time. Miles said he hopes he can someday regain his now-suspended law license and wants to help others who are fighting addiction. He is scheduled to appear in court March 27 for a possible transfer to drug court, which seeks to balance penalties with treatment for offenders. SALT LAKE CITY Members of Utah's congressional delegation aren't sure when the government shutdown will end as federal workers start feeling the pinch of going without paychecks, and the Republicans aren't budging on the president's call for a wall. "Im concerned about the financial challenges that many Utah families and businesses are facing as federal workers start to miss paychecks," Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said Wednesday in a statement. "Im hopeful this will be resolved soon in a way that protects border security and reopens the government, and thats what Im focused on with my colleagues." Romney did not directly address President Donald Trump's Tuesday speech to the nation urging Democrats to fund his long-promised border wall. Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah, said he doesn't know when government now three weeks into a partial shutdown will reopen. He said it's not fair to government workers who find themselves in the crosshairs of the dispute. "They have almost no influence over the outcome and yet were taking advantage of a very unfortunate situation and really hurting them and their families," he said Wednesday on KSL Newsradio's "Dave & Dujanovic Show." Like the president, Utah Republicans in Congress aren't willing to give in on funding for a wall, though some have taken to calling it a "barrier" or "border security." Rep. Chris Stewart said he wishes Trump wouldn't use the word wall. "Its not a wall. Its border security. Its sensors. Its monitors. Its patrols. In some cases its wall, but not generally," he said on the radio show. Stewart and Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, continue to blame the shutdown on Democrats and the Republican-controlled Senate's 60-vote rule for passing legislation. "Its what leads to these shutdowns every winter. I mean, you can plan on it. Every winter were going to have a shutdown over something or another. It's because we can't get any spending bills through the Senate because of that 60-vote threshold," Stewart said. Bishop agreed, saying the 60-vote "tradition" is the problem. He said he doesn't know when the shutdown will end. "I wish I could give you a definitive answer to that," he said on the "Dave & Dujanovic Show." "My answer is it didnt have to happen. It should have ended before Christmas." Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said shutdowns are a byproduct of congressional leaders waiting until the last minute to bring out spending bills. He said he doesn't see this one ending without funding for the wall, adding Trump's request is not "outlandish" and that Democratic presidents have built sections of wall in the past. "Walls work. Thats why we build them, so let's come together. Let's give the Department of Homeland Security the money and the resources that it needs to address this crisis and let's end the shutdown," he said. Utah's lone Democrat, Rep. Ben McAdams, said in a statement after Trump's speech Tuesday that Utahns expect Congress to work together, find common ground and move forward. "Both parties and President Trump need to work together to end the partial government shutdown. This impasse is unproductive, unnecessary and harms our ability to resolve serious issues such as reforming our broken immigration system and lowering health care costs," he said. McAdams also said he's voting for funding measures to end the shutdown that previously received overwhelming support in the Senate. SANDY High school seniors from Juan Diego Catholic High School skipped their first week of school in 2019 and not for the typical reason one might think. The 213 seniors are spending the week after the holiday break participating in various service projects across Salt Lake County. Four of those Juan Diego seniors could be found at the Sandy Senior Center. "They're a godsend," said Ed Fox, janitorial assistant for the center. The students helped with maintenance, completing multiple projects including washing all the windows in the 22,000-square-foot building and reorganzing the cafeteria storage space. Fox, 82, said he has a good rapport with the "kids." The students agreed. "Ed likes to tell us what to do and we like to tell him what we think we should do," said Grace Anglesey, one of Juan Diego's student-volunteers. Dave Brunetti, director of Juan Diego campus life, said he hoped students become engaged with the service project. They can become a part of the cultures and communities theyre working in," said Brunetti said. "They develop relationships with the people theyre working with. This has been the case for the Sandy Senior Center volunteers. Lindsey Holly said she enjoyed making new relationships with the senior citizens. One of the center's members, Ana Linauna, knitted headbands for Anglesey and Holly. "I love them," Linauna said. "They are good help. I love them like my children." All four students at the Sandy center said their favorite part of the experience was the opportunity to interact with another generation. "You would never expect them to be so relatable, but they are," Anglesey said. Easton Rex, another Juan Diego volunteer, said he loved talking to the center's patrons. "It's been really cool for me just getting to know the seniors and getting to hear their life stories," Rex said. While the students do get to spend a week outside the classroom, some said they're more tired after a full day volunteering than after a full day of school. "It's not an extra week of vacation," said Nikolas Santiago. "You still have to work hard but we're still having fun at the same time." Charles Otis, Sandy Senior Center manager, said he hoped the students enjoy being at the center as much as the senior citizens enjoy having them there. "Our goal was to give them a variety of experiences," Otis said. "It's a great service to us." As part of the volunteer experience, the students participate in a variety of classes offered by the center, from ballroom dancing to tai chi. "Now they'll know about tai chi for the rest of their lives and maybe not wait until they're 60 to take it up," Otis said. Beyond cleaning windows and taking classes, the students also helped moderate the center's bingo game which was no easy feat. "It was a very high-stress situation," Anglesey said, laughing. Rex said the players weren't shy about when they thought the students had called a number wrong. "The seniors really appreciate having high school students at the center doing something productive," Otis said. April van der Sluys, volunteer coordinator for Juan Diego High School, said a goal of the service project is that students learn from it. Were really hoping that this will push them a little bit out of their comfort zone," van der Sluys said. "When they are pushed, they learn. Barbara Franz, a member of the senior center and the center's thrift shop coordinator, said she wished the students could stay longer. "My only regret is they're only here for one week," Franz said. "But we'll take what we can get." The Salt Lake Veteran's Home, the Utah AIDS Foundation and the Utah Food Bank are among the 30 other locations the high school seniors volunteered at this week. Correction: An earlier version reported 113 students participated in service projects. There were 213 students involved. Editor's note: "Integrity & Trust: Lessons From Watergate and Today" is a Deseret News event featuring legendary journalist Bob Woodward and Elder D. Todd Christofferson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Famous journalist Bob Woodward will speak at an event in Washington, D.C., next week, focused on integrity and trust. The event, hosted by the Deseret News, will feature Woodward talking about his time as a Washington Post reporter, his current work covering President Donald Trump, and his thoughts on gaining trust in todays political climate. We put together some quick facts on Woodward to help you learn more about him. Quick facts: Woodward is currently an associate editor for The Washington Post. He has won two Pulitzer Prizes. The first came in 1973 after breaking the Watergate scandal with colleague Carl Bernstein. The second came in 2003 as a lead reporter after the 9/11 attacks. He has authored or coauthored 18 books. The beginning: Woodward was born in Geneva, Illinois, on March 26, 1943. His full name was Robert Upshur Woodward. His parents' names were Jane and Alfred Woodward, according to Biography.com. Woodward attended Yale University, where he graduated with an undergraduate degree in 1965. He majored in history and English literature. He joined the U.S. Navy for the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) while in college and served for five years after he graduated from school. Once he returned to the United States, he reached out to The Washington Post for a two-week unpaid internship. None of his stories were printed. But the Post recommended he work at the Montgomery County Sentinel in Maryland. He left the job for a spot at The Washington Post within a year, according to Biography.com. Before Watergate: When Woodward first worked at the Post, he covered the police beat for nine months. Watergate: It was at The Washington Post where Woodward saw his career blossom, becoming the legend of journalism he is today. Along with Bernstein, Woodward was tipped off to a burglary at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. The two reporters eventually connected the robbery to President Richard Nixons administration. The Watergate coverage led to The Washington Post receiving the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. Bernstein and Woodward later published a book called All the Presidents Men, which was later adapted into a feature film starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman. After Watergate: Woodward became the assistant managing editor of the Post in 1979. After he assumed the position, he started to write a number of exposes on personalities from John Belushi to former U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle. 9/11: Woodward continued to report vigorously for the Post after the Watergate scandal. He provided in-depth coverage of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The Washington Post later received a Pulitzer Prize for national reporting. Recent: Woodward wrote a pair of books on President Barack Obama and his administration. One of the books, called Obamas Wars, focuses on the Afghanistan war. The other, The Price of Politics, reveals insight into the struggle between Obama and Congress over fiscal policy. Most recently: Woodward has been thrust back into the spotlight with his coverage of the Trump administration. His 2018 book, Fear: Trump in the White House,sold 1.1 million copies in the first week, CNBC reports. It had the highest first-week sales for Simon & Schuster in the companys 94-year history. Editors note: This is the first in 5 Food Thoughts, a new recurring series highlighting notable people in Salt Lake Citys food scene. SALT LAKE CITY In 18 months, the @SaltPlateCity Instagram account has amassed more than 1,000 mouthwatering posts and 5,700 followers. There are bigger food-focused Instagram accounts in Utah, but Salt Plate Citys creators, Lala Phunkhang and Ryan Roggensack, want to keep the focus on food great local restaurants to visit, dishes youve got to try, etc. rather than just getting more followers. Sitting down with the duo recently at Meditrina tapas bar, they told us about their accounts rising success and the things people should know about Salt Lakes expanding food scene. 1. What the food scene does well According to Phunkhang and Roggensack, Salt Lakes Mexican food is top-notch. (Some of their favorites are Yoyis Mexican Grill and Taco Taco.) For Phunkhang, its a chance to acquaint her relatives, most of whom live in Calgary, Alberta, with real Mexican food. If you say Mexican food, the first thing they think of is Taco Time, she said. Every time they come, there are so many Mexican places to take them to, and theyre always so hesitant because they think of Taco Time as Mexican. But I think we kill it with Mexican food. 2. When Salt Plate City started In 2017, when Phunkhang and Roggensack were working together in design and digital marketing, the two began visiting Salt Lake restaurants together. Phunkhang, an established Yelp reviewer, would post food pictures on her personal Instagram, and the two realized a food-focused Instagram account would fit their professional skillset as well as their personal passions. She was already doing the work taking the photos, posting them, hashtagging them, everything like that, Roggensack said. So it was just a matter of putting it on its own thing. 3. Where to eat Phunkhang loves Nomad Eatery, which specializes in adventurous modern American cuisine and cocktails. She mentioned Nomads vegetarian hot dog, which uses a carrot instead of a normal sausage. I just love that they switch up the menu almost everything every two to three months, she said. Normal Ice Cream, an increasingly popular soft-serve truck that sells imaginative flavor combinations, also has Phunkhangs heart. As for Roggensack, hes partial to the brunches, drinks and kimchi fries at Purgatory Bar. 4. Why Salt Lakes food scene is changing I feel like were just always changing, just like Salt Lake is changing, said Phunkhang, who grew up here. Back in the day, when I was growing up here, it was a lot of Arctic Circles and Chuck-A-Ramas and things like that. She still remembers eating at good places as a kid her father worked for Gastronomy, Inc., which runs the Market Street restaurants but Salt Lake's offerings were fairly narrow (mostly steakhouses and Italian restaurants). As Salt Lakes demographics have diversified, so have the restaurants. Roggensack remembers growing up in Midvale/South Jordan, where the population boomed and chain stores/restaurants swooped in to meet demand. He said he wonders if Utahs entrepreneurs used to be more interested in franchising an existing chain, whereas now theyre feeling more gumption to start their own thing. He and Phunkhang also noted the unique ownership landscape in Salt Lakes food scene. Salt Lake is so little, but one group will own five or six restaurants, Phunkhang said. But theyre not opening up Sapa 2, Sapa 3, Roggensack added, referencing Salt Lakes popular Asian fusion restaurant. Ones doing sushi, ones doing crawfish, ones doing a bar. 5. How to photograph your meal I think its got to be up close, Roggensack said. He leaves Salt Plate Citys photographing up to Phunkhang though hell sometimes use his phones flashlight to give Phunkhang some extra lighting. I know a lot of the blogger people who are not really foodies, theyre more on the business side of it, they do a lot of aerial shots, but youre not really seeing the food, Phunkhang added. Like, I want to see it in 3D. To read more from Salt Plate City, visit its website. SALT LAKE CITY As Utah finds itself mired in another winter inversion, experts Wednesday proposed a series of solutions to the states air quality problem at an event hosted by the University of Utahs Gardner Policy Institute in conjunction with the Deseret News and the Utah Clean Air Partnership. Some changes are things individuals can incorporate into their daily lifestyle, such as limiting the amount of time cars are left idling, carpooling or taking public transit to work, and considering alternate forms of transportation such as electric vehicles or biking, said UCAIR Director Thom Carter. However, Carter and Gardner Policy Institute senior energy analyst Thomas Holst also issued a call to action to local and state governments, one that could be answered by the $100 million recently set aside in Utah's 2020 budget to address the air quality problem. In Utah, we sit on abundant resources and we should view them as a gateway to using renewable energy, Holst said, referring to the state's large quantity of natural gas. Holst suggested other counties follow the clean energy road being paved by Beaver County, which has a population of around 6,500 residents but is leveraging 15,000 acres of wind, solar, hydro, geothermal and biomass alternative energy projects with the ability to power over 250,000 homes. The panel discussion was born out of a series of in-depth reports on Utahs air pollution predicament by Deseret News reporter Erica Evans. Panelists included Evans, Holst and Carter. Deseret News Editor Doug Wilks moderated the event, which was also the January installment of the institute's monthly Newsmaker Breakfast series. A main focus of the event was Evans trip in August 2018 to Oslo, Norway a city with a population and geographic conditions similar to those of Salt Lake City to learn what steps Norwegians are taking to improve their air quality that could be implemented along the Wasatch Front. The trip was made possible through a grant from the Solutions Journalism Network. Norway has made the health of their citizens a priority above cost or convenience, Evans told the group. She cited Norways greedy method, which refers to city officials propensity to make small changes whenever possible instead of waiting for long-term, perfect solutions that may never arise. For example, instead of drawing lanes based on the minimum width allocated for bikes, city planners have decided to draw them based on the minimum width for cars. The rest of the road is reserved for bikes. The panelists said Utah still has a long way to go in following Norways example. Carter cited a 2018 UCAIR poll that revealed that 52 percent of Utahns want to do their part to improve air quality, but only if its convenient and saves them money. We need to continue to make progress, Carter said. Were in the early stages of an inversion right now, and we need everyone to do small things to make a difference. Inversions often occur in valleys in the winter, when a layer of cold air filled with dangerous pollutants and particulate matter is trapped underneath a layer of warm air. The resulting gray cloud of smog and pollutants can result in adverse health effects ranging from asthma to lung cancer. A recent University of Utah Health study showed that women living along the Wasatch Front had a 16 percent higher risk of miscarriage due to short-term air pollution exposure. UCAIR found people are most likely to change their behavior and habits in order to reduce emissions after learning how air quality affects health, Carter said. There needs to be a personal link, such as you or someone you know getting sick because of poor air quality, he added. However, peoples ability to change behavior is also dependent, to a certain extent, on public infrastructure and economic incentives. It always helps when theres an incentive given by the federal or state government, such as those for solar panels, Holst said. In 2017, one such incentive was rolled back in Utah when a credit of $1,500 given to buyers of electric vehicles was replaced with a electric vehicle registration fee. The fee is $60 in 2019, and will be hiked up to $90 in 2020 and $120 in 2021. Carter said situations like these are an opportunity to engage with the state Legislature. Do we ask them to go and scrap that fee because we need more electric vehicles? he asked. We have to put people in the position to make better choices. We need to push people a little bit to get them to be a little bit better. In December 2018, Gov. Gary Herbert proposed to earmark a historic high of $100 million for air quality projects in the 2020 fiscal budget. What form those projects will take is unclear, but the panelists had some ideas of areas that should be prioritized. Evans, who tested Salt Lake Citys public infrastructure by going for a week without a car, said that transit systems need to be more comprehensive, with better weekend and evening service, in order to be a viable alternative to driving. Holst emphasized the importance of investing in and tapping into renewable energy sources, following in the steps of Beaver County, which received $140 million in federal funding in 2018 to build the country's first laboratory dedicated to developing geothermal reservoirs. Beaver County is the renewable energy capital of the world, Holst added. There's money going into its coffers to improve infrastructure and improve educational opportunities. It's good for the citizens. At the same time, local communities can and should do their part to make a change, said Soren Simonsen, an audience member and executive director of the Jordan River Commission. The state Legislature is central, but I believe that more can happen at the local level, he said. Every small city and municipality along the Wasatch Front should have a transit and bicycle plan and air quality standards. That would really begin to move the dial. Correction: An earlier version incorrectly reported Utah's $1,500 electric vehicle tax credit expired in 2018. It expired in 2017. The article also incorrectly reported the new electric vehicle registration fee is $122. The fee is $60 in 2019 and will be elevated to $90 in 2020 and $120 in 2021. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) Over 400 gasoline stations nationwide are now charging higher fuel prices due to additional excise taxes on petroleum products, authorities said Thursday. This is part of the second tranche of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, which took effect on January 1. It imposes an additional 2 per liter excise tax on diesel and gasoline, 1 for every liter of kerosene, and 1 for every kilogram of cooking gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for 2019. Of the 444 retail stations that started implementing this, 369 are from Petron, 46 from Shell, and 29 from Flying V, according to the Oil Industry Management Bureau of the Department of Energy (DOE). Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella, DOE spokesperson, said 8,600 more gas stations in the country will follow suit. Despite more expensive fuel products, he stressed that consumers will benefit from higher excise taxes in the long run, since funds will be used for infrastructure and poverty alleviation projects, among others. "Saan siya mapupunta? Ma-traffic 'di ba? Kailangan ng bagong daan, kailangan ng bagong tulay. Marami tayong nakikitang mahihirap 'di ba? Kailangan tulungan yung mahihirap through poverty alleviation [programs]," Fuentebella said in a press briefing. Translation: "Where will it go? There's traffic, right? We need new roads, new bridges. Many are poor, right? We need to help them through poverty alleviation programs." The DOE also reiterated that companies should first empty their 2018 oil inventories before imposing excise taxes because only new products should be covered by the second tranche of the TRAIN law. READ: DOE to oil firms: Empty 2018 fuel stocks before applying 2019 excise tax hike Senator Grace Poe on Thursday also warned petroleum retail outlets against charging beyond what the law allowed. She said Congress "will continue to use [its] oversight function" to examine the implementation of TRAIN Law. CNN Philippines' Eimor Santos contributed to this report. Four years ago, about 500 people jammed into the 160-seat Cache County Courthouse to make a point: Dont take away our right to burn wood in the winter. That word, right, came up, as it did in other hearings around northern Utah. So did the idea that government was overreaching, according to news reports at the time. Gov. Gary Herbert had asked the states Air Quality Board to see how the public felt about banning wood burning completely between Nov. 1 and March 15 in seven northern Utah counties susceptible to inversions. The reaction was strong and negative. At one meeting in Tooele, someone said the government might as well ban all cars if its going to head down that slippery slope, the Deseret News reported. Reaction was so strong that the Legislature subsequently passed a bill outlawing any complete, seasonal ban on wood burning, period; and Herbert signed it into law. Maybe you cant fight city hall, but apparently you can fight the state Capitol if your fireplace is under attack. This subject came up the other day during an editorial board visit with the Utah Clean Air Partnership and Alan Matheson, director of the states Department of Environmental Quality. It is a subject thrust upon us every winter, whether we like it or not like the flu outbreak, only without a vaccine. You dont have to earn a living watching the air to be thinking about it. After each storm, we watch the skies for signs that smog is building, hoping another storm comes along before it gets too bad. On days like that, some of us fantasize about giant electric fans, stationed strategically around the Wasatch Front, oscillating at high speed and pushing all the gunk into Nevada. Matheson said his staff actually studied that idea, for fun. The conclusion was, for the fans to work it would take the energy output of the entire Western power grid. That would, of course, generate a few other problems along the way. So quit dreaming about that one, but dont stop worrying about the problem. Actually, people dont need to be reminded to do that. Envision Utah surveyed high-tech employees in the state and asked them to list the top reasons why they might consider leaving Utah. The top answer, for 69 percent of respondents, was air quality. Our quirky Utah culture came in a distant third at 39 percent. And this despite what our visitors said has been a dramatic improvement in air quality through the years although nowhere near anything that would be considered a victory. Which brings me back to fireplaces. Partnership representatives say the smoke coming out of our chimneys is a big deal. Automobiles may be the No. 1 contributor to air pollution, but homes, small businesses and buildings arent far behind. Together, they contribute 39 percent of the fine particulates in the air on an average winter workday, and wood burning stoves and fireplaces make up 15 percent of that. And yet they estimate only .0003 percent of Utahns rely on wood to keep their homes warm. With seasonal bans outlawed, the best the state can do is mandate restrictions on bad air days. Whats wrong with that? First of all, some people keep burning through the smog anyway, and little money is available to enforce the restrictions. But beyond that, blue skies can be deceptive. The day after a storm, the inversion kicks in immediately, Matheson said. Even though you have a green air day after that, everything you put into the air is helping to build it. The governors proposed budget includes $100 million to fight air pollution, including money to help people convert wood burning devices to natural gas. The Legislature will have to decide whether to do this and how. Such incentives have been popular in the past. People would protest anything stronger than an incentive. Suggest we buy electric cars and youre OK. Mandate it and people come unglued. I get it, and I dont disagree. A nudge is better than a push. Im also as nostalgic as the next guy. Crackling fires are great, especially with hot chocolate and a good book. But I also have a grown son who has struggled with asthma his whole life, including times when he was young and I sat with him in hospital rooms. The discussion should focus on where someones right to burn wood ends and his right to breathe begins. Correction: An earlier version misnamed a local clean air organization. It is the Utah Clean Air Partnership, not the Utah Clean Air Alliance. SALT LAKE CITY The Utah Supreme Court has reinstated a man's conviction for a teenage crime that had been thrown out by a lower court after he served his prison sentence. The court on Monday reversed a decision of the Utah Court of Appeals, allowing an original ruling in the case of Cooper Van Huizen to stand. Van Huizen's long and complicated case began in 2014 when he was 16 years old. He and four others robbed a Roy man at gunpoint of his cellphone, some money and a "little bit of weed," according to court records. Although Van Huizen did not have any prior criminal history, he was certified to stand trial as an adult and convicted under the Serious Youth Offender Act. In district court, Van Huizen was convicted of two counts of robbery, a second-degree felony. The case then gained national attention when 2nd District Judge Ernie Jones went against presentence report recommendations and a plea agreement that had been worked out between defense attorneys and prosecutors, and sentenced Van Huizen to two concurrent terms of one to 15 years at the Utah State Prison. Under the plea deal, attorneys had recommended a sentence of some jail time followed by probation, and that his crimes reduced to misdemeanors once probation was completed. Six months after he was sent to prison, the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole, in a highly unusual move, ordered the boy released from prison the next day. While he was serving time in prison, Van Huizen learned that the juvenile judge who presided over his preliminary hearing was married to the Weber County Attorney Office's chief criminal deputy attorney. Because of that, Van Huizen contended there was a potential conflict of interest that was never revealed and that the decision to bind his case over from juvenile court to district court should be thrown out. The Utah Court of Appeals agreed. But in a unanimous 5-0 decision handed down this week by the state's highest court, justices for the Utah Supreme Court ruled that the appeals court erred in its decision and reinstated the decision to bind the case over, thereby reinstating his conviction. Justice Paige Petersen, who wrote the opinion for the court, said under the interpretation of the law, "it is not clear that the juvenile judge made an obvious error by not recusing herself or seeking a waiver." And there was no evidence to show the chief deputy had any involvement or influence on the case, according to the opinion. "Indeed, no matter what the result of the bindover, Van Huizen would have still been subject to a criminal trial in juvenile court and a conviction could have been obtained there. There is no evidence of the juvenile judge's husband having 'more than a de minimis interest' in the outcome of the proceedings in juvenile court." Although Van Huizen, now 21, argued he could not have raised the issue of a potential conflict during trial because he didn't even know about it, the Supreme Court ruled he did not meet the high burden of proving that neither he nor his attorney were aware of the potential conflict at the time of the trial. The Utah Supreme Court did not made a decision on two other issues that the Utah Court of Appeals also declined to rule on. Van Huizen also argued that his case should not have been bound over from juvenile court because "his counsel was ineffective at the bindover hearing for failing to inform the court of the 2013 amendments to the Serious Youth Offender Act" and the juvenile court judge "misinterpreted the Serious Youth Offender Act by failing to adequately consider factors for retention that existed in this case." The case will now be sent back to the appeals court to consider those two issues. Van Huizen will not serve any more prison time, no matter how the court rules. But if the court rules in his favor, he would have two felony convictions erased from his adult criminal history. COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution adopting a goal of achieving 100 percent clean, renewable electricity for city operations by 2022 and communitywide by 2032. It joins three other Utah cities Salt Lake City, Moab and Park City and Summit County in establishing the goal. I couldn't be more proud of the steps my city is taking to ensure breathable air and a livable environment for our children and grandchildren, Councilwoman Tali Bruce said in a statement. I would strongly encourage every city to commit to clean energy by 2032. Will McCarvill, chairman of the Sierra Clubs Utah Chapter, also applauded the decision. As a resident of Cottonwood Heights, I know the families and businesses of our city are making the smart, forward-thinking decision to commit to 100 percent clean renewable energy, and well create good-paying local jobs, keep electricity bills low, and protect our air and water from toxic pollution in the process, he said. Few were surprised to learn last week that Sen. Mitt Romney (still) has concerns about President Donald Trumps character. Certainly there was no need to convince the average reader of the Washington Post of such concerns. Even those who share the senators concerns are wondering (along, it seems, with Utahs senior senator) just what was the practical point of Romney once again signaling the virtue alarm just as he was about to be sworn in. It wasnt so long ago when he was campaigning in Utah for his new job that, like so many Utah Republicans, he seemed to be readier than he was in 2016 to cut the president some slack. Whatever Romneys intentions, the question of the presidents character is a serious one. Even if one turns one's gaze away from gross misconduct in private life (where, alas, he is in the good company of so many illustrious predecessors), his outrageously bad manners, including rough treatment of rivals as well as adversaries, seem to indicate a lack of elementary self-control that is both appalling and surprising in a man who has, after all, made his way in life with some notable success, which presumably requires at least some rudimentary discipline and command of the executive functions of human nature. (This combination of grown-up success and apparent childlike indiscipline has nourished the hypothesis ably developed by James Piereson that the president may at some level know what he is doing.) Whether there is some method behind much apparent presidential madness, Romney is right that a presidency shapes the public character of the nation and a president should unite us and inspire us to follow our better angels. Similarly, conservative columnist Jonah Goldberg recently predicted that the president's "character will be his downfall and has consistently warned Republicans that their embrace of Trump threatens the partys character, intellectually and morally. Romneys and Goldbergs full-bored critiques have prompted an almost philosophical debate on the question of character in politics. The arguments of those who defend Trump, or at least push back against his character critics, such as Roger Kimball and Ben Shapiro, come down to three essential points: 1) Whataboutism, that is, the practical alternatives (Hillary Clinton, most obviously) were and are worse; 2) The question of character in politics is complicated, and the presidents virtues of loyalty to America as well as a certain courage are strong points in his favor; 3) the ends (worthy Supreme Court justice, economic deregulation, the fight for border security, etc.) justify the means. Such pertinent replies to Romney and to Goldberg remind us that means cannot be evaluated apart from ends, or that character is always bound up with purpose, with a shared sense of a common good. Just what is the vision of these better angels we wish were in charge? Those who invoke the angels find the presidents boldness too brutal to count as true courage and his loyalty too narrow to qualify as a virtue. However, in the current context, the apparently more angelic virtues touted by the anti-Trump party have a partisan flavor as well. As Goldberg himself points out, not so long ago the left tended to view the very idea of defining and upholding virtues of character as a conservative ploy. But in the anti-Trump context, simple ideas of decency and politeness become associated with a broader political or transpolitical vision, as we hear when Romney derides the politics of anger that causes dismay around the world and falls short of the ideal that is the essence of America, i.e., respect (for) the dignity of every child of God. One can see the pertinence of Trumps response, namely, that Romney would do better to focus on border security. There is more than a hint in Romneys rhetoric that any anger Trumps supporters may feel at the perceived neglect of their interests as Americans, as well as Trumps courageous loyalty to such supporters, falls far beneath the more angelic standard of regard for simple human dignity as understood by more enlightened world opinion. The president may seem to be using the question of borders simply to distract us from the moral question, but the problem of what defines a people is more than a distraction. Whatever may be Trumps distinctive character faults, the current debate raises substantive questions of national character and of the character of nations. What this debate shows is that simple virtues of decency, politeness and civility have become separated from virtues that should be their foundation, virtues essential to defending the security and prosperity of ones own country, virtues of courage and loyalty. When you open your heart to patriotism, the president said in his inaugural address, there is no room for prejudice. But the most polite and angelic among us see patriotism itself as a prejudice. For todays ascendant moralists, transnational partisans of humanity, human dignity is increasingly seen as inconsistent with borders (except perhaps around ones own property), so a border wall is not only impractical, but simply "immoral. Trumps character is a flagrant example of the disastrous rupture between politeness and loyalty. But he is not the cause of that rupture. education Ridley schools vow to hold to Pa. Act 1 index on taxes Police: More should have been done in case of suspect wanted in New England finally tracked down in Delco Officers injured in pursuit, crash on I-95 in Tinicum; suspect still on loose digital first media file photo Longtime state Sen. Ted Erickson, center, seen in this photo sharing a laugh with then-Gov. Tom Corbett, died this week at the age of 80. Chapo's nickname for his wife was 'Reinita Coronel,' or 'RC' and the girls were 'reinitas,' or little queens in Spanish. (Photo: AFP | File) New York: Prosecutors trying Joaquin "Chapo" Guzman opened an extraordinary window Wednesday into the intimate life of the Mexican drug lord as he plotted crime deals with his wife and a lover while doting on his twin daughters. Jealous and paranoid, Guzman spied on both his beauty queen wife, Emma Coronel, and the lover, Agustina Cabanillas Acosta, using a surveillance system installed in the encrypted Blackberries he gave them. The FBI, it turns out, also had access to his communications, after recruiting the computer expert who installed the FlexiSpy surveillance system. Read out in court, text messages between Guzman and the two women recorded them discussing major cocaine shipments but also more mundane things, like the kids. "Our Kiki is fearless," Chapo jokes to his wife in one message in January 2012, referring to one of their twin daughters, Maria Joaquina, now seven. "I'm going to give her an AK-47 so she can hang with me." The 29-year-old Coronel, who married Guzman while still an adolescent, was in court as the messages were read out. She listened with a serious expression, avoiding eye contact with anyone but her 61-year-old husband, who waved to her several times during the proceedings. Little queens and the Wild Beast Chapo's nickname for his wife was "Reinita Coronel," or "RC" and the girls were "reinitas," or little queens in Spanish. The couple discuss the children, a USD 12,000 watch he gave her that she wanted to return, and a drug shipment across the border that Coronel's father is involved in. She also asks him for money for plastic surgery. Guzman, whose trial began two months ago, faces life in prison if convicted of smuggling 155 tonnes of drugs into the United States as the head of the Sinaloa cartel. He was extradited to the United States nearly two years ago after twice escaping from prison in Mexico. While on the run, he was nearly captured in Los Cabos, a Mexican resort town, on February 22, 2012, escaping minutes ahead of the police. The same day he sent a text to Emma, asking her to quickly send him two pair of black shoes, jeans, shampoo -- and "black ink for the moustache." Although Guzman escaped, three others were captured, including Cabanillas, his lover and partner in crime who was known as "Fiera," Spanish for Wild Beast. The text messages read out in court suggest she was particularly close to him. They discuss the formation of two companies -- a chemical fertilizer business in German and citrus firm in Ecuador -- with the aim of exporting drugs to "Europe, Canada, Australia and also the United States." In another exchange they talk about buying between 630 and 700 tonnes of cocaine in Belize. They address each other as "Love" in the texts. The evidence shows she had liposuction performed at his expense. "I adore you," Guzman tells her. "You are the most important person to me." But in a text to a friend, Cabanillas dismisses Guzman as an "idiot." "I don't trust these BlackBerries, the ones he gives me over here, because the bastard can locate me." Google also said that the assistant will be integrated to Google Maps for both iOS and Android. In the past few days, there has been a flurry of tech news as expected. Yet, tech giant Google remained on the sidelines. That is until now. Google, in rapid fire, announced a host of news regarding its Assistant that becomes smarter with these new upgrades. The biggest, without a doubt, has to be the introduction of realtime translation for its Assistant via the Interpreter Mode. While the Assistant has long been able to do quick translation of few words, it wasnt of much help during a conversation. To solve that Google had slowly been building the Interpreter Mode. It claims that the mode will help travellers overcome the barrier of language while travelling abroad. The Interpreter mode, which will first be rolled out to Google Home speakers and smart displays like the Google Home Hub, will play the role of an interpreter for two and will be able to translate as many as 27 languages. Among other upgrades that were announced, Google said that its Assistant would now be able to check into flight as well as book hotels. Google also said that the assistant will be integrated to Google Maps for both iOS and Android. However, the Android variant is expected to be the more powerful version due to Googles flexibility with the operating system. Finally, Google, which expects the voice-powered AI to be on one billion devices around the world by January end, introduced Assistant Connect to help third-party device makers easily integrate the AI into their products. With so many updates, Googles voice-powered artificial intelligence was the focus of its attention for this years CES with almost every single news item was related to it. To provide further context, it would be wise to say that Google built a two-storeyed building right outside the convention center, dedicated for demonstrating the Assistant. With CES 2019, Google has made it pretty clear that the company sees the Assistant as the next evolution of Google searches. With rivals also aiming for the voice-powered AI to play a big role, Google expects that the Assistant will be the winner in this AI race as the company has made a big bet on it. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. The Central governments recent directive giving a clutch of state agencies the right to snoop on citizens by electronic means has several grey areas which havent been sufficiently thought through. These could take the government to surrendering its sovereignty to foreign companies that control the technology and codes which make snooping on personal computers possible, and do deals that give them great power. It also leaves the decision about who is to be watched and why to the bureaucracy, with no oversight by the courts or Parliament. Unlike the tapping of landline phones or opening letters sent by post, the new snooping methods involve not-so-simple options. To break into a computer would require the assistance of telecom companies, and to get at the information inside would require that of the Internet service provider. The giant outfits that control the Internet would not provide such assistance without a cost. There are a whole lot of companies that control the Internet Google, Amazon, Facebook, eBay, Instagram, Apple, Twitter and many, many others. Taken together, these companies have turned our computers and phones into a vast corporate-owned surveillance network. Of these, Facebook is the most active in India. In 2014, it spearheaded a campaign to elect Narendra Modi as Prime Minister. More recently, several journalists have accused Facebook of censoring political content by suspending accounts, labelling news as spam, and not permitting news organisations to promote their articles. Google, the biggest Internet company, is also a big government contractor in the United States. As it turns out, the same platforms and services that Google deploys to monitor peoples lives and grab their data could be put to use running huge a swathe of the US government, including the military, spy agencies, police departments and schools, says a recent book Surveillance Valley: The Secret Military History of the Internet, by Yasha Levine. Google has been doing brisk business selling Google Search, Google Earth and Google Enterprise (now known as G Suite) products to just about every major military and intelligence agency, including the US state department. By the time Google Federal went online in 2006, the Pentagon was spending the bulk of its budget on private contractors. That year, of the $60 billion US intelligence budget, 70 per cent, or $42 billion, went to corporations. The big telecom industries in India, like Reliance Jio and Bharati Telecom, have direct access to mobile smartphones on which many people access their emails and use for other purposes like keeping their data files. Any help given to the government in getting hold of such data would involve a negotiation between them, the results of which would not necessarily be in the governments favour and certainly not in the citizens favour as it would leave these telecom firms with the right to snoop on their customers. One action possible for individuals is to disconnect from the Internet to prevent snooping. Another factor that would make random snooping more difficult is that normally the data is in millions of computers, and is so much that they have to identify some keywords used by terrorists, or other potential targets, to decide which ones they want to look at in detail. The 10 agencies which have been given the power to order electronic surveillance are varied in nature and cover most government functions relating to information gathering. Of these, three are related to economic life, five cover general intelligence gathering and only two can be said to cover terrorism. The agencies have been authorised to pry for the purpose of interception, monitoring and decryption of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource. One worry among some businessmen is that this snooping could give the authorities the wherewithal to launch tax raids against them. While they do have a capacity to harass normal businessmen, will these new powers give them the ability to stop fraudulent robbing of banks by people like Nirav Modi and his ilk? Business people in India and elsewhere sometimes break the law by doing something that could be considered illegal, though not criminal. The normal processes of the enforcement authorities should be enough to catch and punish them. For them and others, including those in politics and public life, having to live with an intrusive system of surveillance ties down their performance and makes it difficult for them to function effectively. Another worrying aspect is the excessive power this new move gives to the bureaucracy. If it were a genuine attempt to curb terrorism by invading our private lives and affairs, greater thought should have been given to ensure that it is free from any taint of being arbitrary and ill-conceived against political opponents. The decisions are to be made entirely by the government-appointed bureaucracy. They are not monitored either by the courts or by a parliamentary committee. In effect, they could turn out to be a means to denigrate critics and the governments political opponents. And instead of being a means to cow down opponents before the 2019 parliamentary election, if used wrongly, it could even galvanise the Opposition with a new issue. Given the past record of the Narendra Modi government, swift changes in the rules or laws are meant to give the ruling party an advantage in the future. The government has been playing around recklessly with the laws and rules, but this is creating a sense of disrespect for the law. Its group of loyal adherents in the bureaucracy is gradually growing smaller. Its doubtful that if the government wants to turn the full force of the new rules onto its political opponents, it will be able to do so. Far from showing the strength of the government, the move to pry into personal information stored in peoples computers really shows its weakness, and makes it a possible hostage to private telecom and Internet interests. Led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on Tuesday, a three-judge Supreme Court bench nullified the Narendra Modi governments order to remove CBI director Alok Verma from the discharge of his duties by sending him on forced leave. The directive, passed shortly after midnight on October 23, had drawn condemnation by the governments political opponents, especially the Congress, since pressing political motives were read into the sudden decision. In reinstating the CBI chief, the Supreme Court agreed with Mr Verma, who had approached it to challenge the governments decision, as well as with the contention of NGO Common Cause. Prominent lawyer Prashant Bhushan and eminent journalist Arun Shourie, who are closely linked to the NGO, in collaboration with BJP dissident Yashwant Sinha, had during Mr Vermas tenure asked the CBI to investigate the Rafale deal. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has alleged that the Modi government decided to effectively remove Mr Verma from the scene after it sensed that the CBI chief was assembling documentary material on the Rafale purchase agreement. But the government gave its action of sending Mr Verma on leave a CBI versus CBI colour as special director Rakesh Asthana, who was brought into the investigative agency by the government against the express advice of Mr Verma, began to make allegations against his chief, which were sent to the Central Vigilance Commission for evaluation. In light of the extreme discord between the agencys director and special director, against whom an FIR had been filed, the government said it was sending both on leave in order to be even-handed. This was not persuasive as the CBI chief has been given a statutory two-year term and the directors selection is cleared by a three-member body comprising the Prime Minister, the leader of the largest party in Parliament, and the Chief Justice of India. As such, the governments opponents suggested that any action against the CBI director, if it is in the public interest, should have the sanction of this selection committee. The Supreme Court, in reinstating Mr Verma, has upheld this view but ordered that the director should not take any policy decisions until the selection committee, which had appointed him in the first place, gives him full functional latitude. The committee has been given a week to do so. Mr Vermas two-year statutory term ends on January 31. It will be interesting to see if in this period he takes note of the Rafale matter in any manner since he is free to carry out all functions except those relating to policy. What the judgment appears to underline is that the government had dealt with the CBI as an institution in a cavalier fashion to suit its exigent needs. This fortnight, Assam once again saw the stewing of its citizenship soup. The master chef, of course, was the BJP-led government at the Centre which touched raw nerves when the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) lent its approval to the draft Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 without any changes, after having rejected amendments proposed by the Opposition members who were a part of the committee. After the due push by the BJP-majority JPC, Union home minister Rajnath Singh moved the bill in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, and it was passed the same day after some hasty discussions that saw Opposition members stage walkouts. The bill, that is about to become law, would empower the government to provide Indian citizenship to Hindu migrants from Bangladesh as well as other allegedly persecuted non-Muslims from Pakistan and Afghanistan. Then, waking up from its slumber, the nearly five-year-old Narendra Modi government decided at a Cabinet meeting to take a fresh look at the 35-year-old Assam Accord. Now, the decision taken was to set up a high-level committee to look into the existing recommendations on implementation of Clause 6 of the accord that provided for constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards to the Assamese people. What is the linkage between the two the passage of the bill in the Lok Sabha and its subsequent transformation into a law, and the Cabinet decision to set up a committee to look at the issue of implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord? And why is the timing of the two moves so significant? The JPC nod was a demonstration of the Modi governments intent to have the Citizenship Bill passed so that Hindu migrants from Bangladesh and elsewhere can be conferred with Indian citizenship. This, obviously, is a sticky point for the BJP-led government in Assam as the same people who gave the party a huge mandate in the 2016 Assembly elections are vehemently opposed to the move to amend the Citizenship Act. Mass organisations like the All Assam Students Union (AASU), the protagonists of the six-year Assam agitation against illegal Bangladeshi migration of the 1980s, dont want any illegal Bangladeshi to stay in the state, irrespective of religion. The BJP at the Centre and the state has been bent on facilitating stay rights for Hindu migrants who fled countries like Bangladesh and elsewhere, claiming that India is the natural refuge for such people. The BJP was aware of the sentiments of the people in Assam and elsewhere in the Northeast and decided to push the process of granting constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards to the Assamese people with perhaps the hope that it would neutralise the anger over the move to bring the new citizenship law. AASU is not amused at the timing of the Union Cabinets move to set up the committee to look into Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. The student group has since rejected the high-level committee headed by a former IAS officer, M.P. Bezbaruah, and raised a serious question articulated by AASU leader Samujjal Bhattacharya thus: When you seek to violate Clause 5 of the Assam Accord that provides for detection and expulsion of illegal migrants from Bangladesh, why are you talking about implementation of Clause 6 for safeguards to the Assamese people. If the illegal migrants are deported, the interests of the indigenous people would be automatically served and further safeguards can come later. The question is also being asked as to why the Modi government did not choose to look into the Assam Accord earlier in its tenure. The term of the committee, for instance, has been fixed at six months, and by then the Lok Sabha polls would have been over and a new government installed! Again, many see a clear contradiction in the Centres move of granting citizenship to Hindu migrants from Bangladesh (those who had come over till December 31, 2014) and its mega Rs 1,500-crore exercise to update the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The draft NRC had left out the names of over 40 lakh people from among those who had applied to have their names in this list. More than 30 lakh of them have since filed claims for inclusion of their names in the final NRC. The process will take time, but many say Hindu Bangladeshis who had migrated illegally to India comprise the bulk of those whose names did not figure in the final draft NRC. Therefore, organisations like AASU argue that it is the BJP-led government at the Centre and in Assam which are engaged in a deliberate move to protect a section of illegal Bangladeshi migrants, and the Citizenship Bill or the new law that is coming contradicts the provision of the Assam Accord as well as negates the very purpose of having an updated NRC. The immediate political fallout of the BJPs move to enact this new citizenship law is the exit of the regional Asom Gana Parishad from the coalition in Assam. The AGPs position as a coalition partner of the BJP in Assam and the continuance of its three ministers, including party chief Atul Bora, in the Sarbananda Sonowal Cabinet became untenable as the Narendra Modi government wanted the Citizenship Bill to become a law at any cost. The AGP had come to power with the promise of freeing Assam of illegal Bangladeshi migrants, and therefore the party couldnt stay with the BJP that wanted to confer citizenship to Hindu migrants from Bangladesh. The Sonowal government does not face any danger as the BJP has 60 seats of its own in the 126-member Assam Assembly, besides enjoying the support of the 12-member Bodoland Peoples Front (BPF). The AGP does not enjoy its past popularity, but the fact that the BJP decided to go for a pre-poll alliance with the regional party ahead of the 2016 state elections indicated the latters hold in certain pockets. Now the BJP will not have the AGPs backing in 2019 and will have to go it alone in the Brahmaputra Valley except, of course, with the BPF by its side. The agitation has only begun with the 11-hour shutdown in Assam and the rest of the Northeast on Tuesday. The murky politics over citizenship will unfold in its ever-expanding avatars in the days ahead. Hyderabad: Telangana state Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is likely to give a miss to the January 19 rally of Opposition parties proposed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata, as he does not want to share the stage with the Congress when he is working on the non-Congress non-BJP Federal Front. With the Samajwadi Party-BSP tie-up in Uttar Pradesh leaving out the Congress and the statement of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik that the BJP would neither ally with the Congress or the BJP, the TRS leadership of the opinion that Mr Raos Federal Front idea is gaining traction. In such a situation it would be better to skip the Opposition rally in which the Congress is a partner. Mr Rao had recently met Ms Banerjee as part of his renewed efforts towards forging a federal front of regional parties. While Mr Rao spoke to the media after their meeting in Kolkata on December 24, Ms Banerjee, reportedly, not in favour of excluding the Congress in the proposed alliance, did not offer comment. When contacted, TRS MP B. Vinod Kumar said, I do not know whether KCR got the invitation or not. I do not think KCR will attend when Rahul Gandhi is attending. Hyderabad: Telangana state Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is likely to give a miss to the January 19 rally of Opposition parties proposed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata, as he does not want to share the stage with the Congress when he is working on the non-Congress non-BJP Federal Front. On Wednesday, Mr Patnaik in a statement made it clear that the BJP not align with the two main national parties. Asked whether Mr Patnaiks had enthused the TRS, Mr Vinod said, I do not think that he made such a statement because of KCR's visit. He took that position long back. He has held the view for a long time. He said both Mr Rao and Mr Patnaik had the same thoughts as both were against aligning with the national parties. Mr Kumar said Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who could not meet Mr Rao during the latters visit to Delhi recently, was expected to visit Hyderabad any time to talk to him. Asked about BSP chief Mayawatis stance, he said, We did not discuss with her. He said Ms Mayawati and Mr Akhilesh Yadav had taken a stand that they were not going to ally with the Congress in Uttar Pradesh. They are fighting against the Congress and BJP, leaving only two seats for Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Mr Kumar said. The TRS expects that some more states will see regional parties allying and forcing three-cornered contests against the BJP and the Congress. This development, the party, feels will improve the prospects of the Federal Front as it not have the presence of a dominant partner but will be a grouping of more equal partners. This idea runs counter to the Congress-aligned front being promoted by TD chief and AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. After its debacle in the state assembly elections, other parties are not keen to forge an alliance with the BJP. Hyderabad: The Bharatiya Janata Party in Telangana state, which is trying for an image makeover, has to contend with a dearth of candidates willing to contest the forthcoming parliamentary elections. The state leadership of the party admits there are not enough candidates to contest about 10 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The party may do well nationally but the state unit will not be able to cash in on that. The BJP had contested eight Lok Sabha seats in 2014 in alliance with the Telugu Desam and won only one seat. In the 2019 elections, the party is likely to contest 17 seats independently in the state. After its debacle in the state assembly elections, other parties are not keen to forge an alliance with the BJP. BJP candidates lost their deposits in 104 segments out of 119 Assembly seats where the party contested without any alliance. In the 2014 general election, the BJP had fielded Ch. Vidyasagar Rao from Karimnagar, E. Lakshminarayana from Nizamabad, C. Narendranath from Medak, Bandaru Dattatreya from Secunderabad, Dr Bhagavanth Rao from Hyderabad, Nagam Janardhan Reddy from Mahbubnagar, N. Indrasena Reddy from Bhongir and Parameshwar Ramgalla from Warangal. The party will have to rely on these same old faces and on candidates who were defeated in the Assembly elections in December last year, in view of the shortage of potential candidates. Sources in the party revealed that G. Kishan Reddy, party state president Dr K. Lakshman and sitting MP Bandaru Dattatreya are aspiring for the Secunderabad Lok Sabha seat and Baddam Balreddy and Janardhan Reddy, brother-in-law of Bandaru Dattatreya, are aspiring for the Chevella seat. A Bhaskar, son of A. Narendra, is in the race for the Hyderabad seat along with Dr Bhagavanth Rao, BJPs lone MLA Raja Singh, and Satish Agarwal. Sources further revealed that N. Ramachandra Rao, member of the legislative council (MLC) and V. Sriram are likely to contest from Malkajgiri and Bhongir for Lok Sabha seats in the coming polls. Mr Ramachandra Rao, a senior leader and MLC of the BJP said, It is a fact that though we have strong leaders for the Nizamabad, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Malkajgiri and Chevella seats, we do not have potential candidates for other seats, more particularly in the seats reserved for the Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes. He explained that though BJP candidates lost their deposits in 103 Assembly segments, the party succeeded in increasing its vote share and this will be of some help in the ensuing the Lok Sabha elections. Hyderabad: Poor finances, election-time promises and uncertainty on what funds the Centre will provide to the state in the Union Budget is compounding preparation of the states annual Budget for 2019-20. Telangana has decided to present a vote on account Budget as a way out. The average revenue growth is around Rs 2,000 crore per year, but additional expenses keep growing every year. Compared to current financial year, the additional financial burden in the ensuing year is likely to be around Rs 50,000 crore, because of election promises made by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. The state has to depend on off-budget borrowings to meet additional expenses. The Telangana finance department has asked all departments to send budget proposals for the ensuing financial year by January 18. Generally, in an election year, state governments or the Central government present a vote on account budget instead of a full one. But Telangana has decided to present a vote on account budget despite Assembly elections being over and a new government being formed in the state. This is because the state government will not get any clarity on funds to be received from the Centre in a vote on account Union budget. The Centre has decided to present a vote on account Budget in Parliament on February 8. The state government is also planning to hold a brief Assembly Budget session at the end of this month or in the first week of February. Telangana finance department officials will face more problems preparing a full Budget than a vote on account one. The poll promises the TRS made are going to be an additional burden on the state exchequer. In the current financial year, the state government has to pay over Rs 8,000 crore in addition to Rs 500 crore to farmers under the Rythu Bandhu scheme during Rabi season. According to contractors, the state government has to pay Rs 2,500 crore for roads and building works and Rs 6,500 crore for Irrigation works. Till November-end this financial year, the total revenue receipts were around 60 per cent. The Central government also did not release funds to the state government under grant-in-aid and contributions. At the end of November, it had released only 18 per cent of funds. After GST came into existence, there is no scope for the state government to increase its revenue. Compared to the current financial year, the state government has to spend more for various schemes in the ensuing financial year. For example, under old-age pension scheme, the state government spends Rs 134 crore per month at the rate of Rs 1,000 per beneficiary. In the elections, chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao had announced to increase pension amount from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,016 and reduce age limit for old-age pension to 57 years from the next financial year. Going by rough estimates, the state government's expenditure will jump from Rs 134 crore a month to Rs 650 crore a month from the next financial year. Officials said there was no way to cut expenses in other schemes to save money. The state government has to depend on central government funds and borrowings. According to the 2018-19 state government annual budget, Telangana state's total debt stands at Rs 1.80 lakh crore. Every year, the state government pays Rs 11,000 crore interest on debt. In addition, the state government has made off-budget borrowings for Kaleshwaram, Mission Bhagiratha and double bedroom housing schemes. Servicing the debt has become a major burden. Bengaluru: The long awaited suburban railway project got a thumbs up from the cabinet on Thursday with the big ticket Rs 23,000 odd crore venture set to cover four corridors, linking satellite towns around Bengaluru, to the city. The cabinet approved commencement of a feasibility study and report for the project with the Union and state governments set to chip in 20 per cent each while the remaining 40 per cent of the cost would be raised through loans and market borrowings, according to Co-operation minister Bandeppa Kashempur. He told the media soon after a meeting of the cabinet that the suburban railway project would provide an alternative approach to the city from places such as Nelamangala, Rajanakunte, Whitefield, Kengeri, Heelalige and other places. The minister said the cabinet also approved a modified alignment of the proposed Metro link to Kempegowda International Airport from Nagavara in an effort to decongest traffic from the city to the airport. The new alignment will push costs up from Rs 5, 958 crores to Rs 10, 584 crores. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday decided to constitute afresh the five-judge Constitution bench to hear on January 29 the politically-sensitive Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute in Ayodhya after a judge, Justice U.U. Lalit, recused himself from the hearing. Justice Lalit, who was part of the five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, expressed his disinclination to participate in the hearing any further and opted himself out of the contentious matter. The apex court said, since Justice Lalit has opted out of the hearing in the matter, there was no option left but to adjourn the case to fix a date of hearing and to draw up a time schedule for hearing of the case. Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for a Muslim party, said, Justice Lalit had appeared as a lawyer for former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh in a connected matter sometime in the year 1997. He said Singh, as then chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, had failed in his promise to maintain the status quo over the disputed structure at Ayodhya which was demolished on December 6, 1992. The viral video shows villagers assaulting the helpless cub and dragging it across the open field and flinging it around. Mumbai: A six-month-old leopard cub recently succumbed to injuries after it was dragged around and thrashed by the locals in Gondia, Maharashtra. A video of the incident, which occurred at Koylari village near the Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve in Gondia forest division of Vidarbha region, has gone viral on social media platforms. According to the state forest department, the severely injured cub was rescued on January 6, but it succumbed to its injuries during treated in Kohmara village the next day. We have arrested three persons in connection with the torture of the animal. Some local villagers had dragged the cub by its tail and dumped it in an open area in the forest, the official said. After the torture, the locals clicked pictures and took selfies while the dehydrated cub was lying on the ground. The viral video shows villagers assaulting the helpless cub and a villager dragging it across the open field and flinging it around. On receiving the information about a leopard cub being thrashed by locals, forest officials rushed to the spot and found it unconscious. We immediately provided medication to the injured cub, which was suffering from diarrhoea, and kept it under observation, Gondia deputy conservator of forest Yuvraj S. said. Officials stated that during the search operation, a sub-adult leopard was also found. The forest department provided necessary medication to the leopard, after which it was released in the forest. Three persons were arrested and are now in police custody. The three were identified as Prakash Puram, Lokesh Jhade and Asif Sheikh. They were produced in a local court and sent to police custody till Friday. Hyderabad: Most people who were sent to jail last year were drunk drivers caught during enforcement drives. Over 12,000 motorists were caught for drunk driving by the traffic police personnel and were jailed by the courts for Motor Vehicles Act violation. Briefing the media on the data, Director General (Prisons) V.K. Singh on Thursday said that the prisons departments industries earned about Rs 17 crore in 2018, up from Rs 1.5 crore in 2013. The industries include Ayurvedic villages, petrol pumps, My National outlets. The total turnover of the prisons industries in 2018 was about Rs 495.85 crore, and the net profit was Rs 17 crore. Mr Singh said the department had the intention of improving the prison industries. In the last five years, over 1.32 lakh prisoners turned literate and in 2018 alone, as many as 22,639 persons turned literate. About 745 prisoners are employed at prison industries, Mr Singh said. He said the department had received 15 complaints from prisoners of which only one was about corruption. The complainant was given a reward of Rs 10,000. He said Anand Ashram, the prisons department initiative, now sheltered 240 homeless persons. Mr Singh said a proforma is being prepared to collect information on education and health of the jail staff and their family members. In a step towards reduction of recidivism, Mr Singh said 32 teams were deployed, one in each district, to monitor the released prisoners and potential criminals. As of now, 5,608 prisoners are confined in jails of whom 2,081 are convicts, 3,228 are undertrials, 299 detainees and 406 female prisoners. The department has ensured that 34 prisoners who were freed last year were given loans to help them start a means of livelihood. The IAF has banned smartphones inside Air Force training centres as they interrupt the Frequency Modulation Receiver. The HQ in Bengaluru pulled up the officers and punished them. Hyderabad: Forty Indian Air Force officers serving at the training station in Hyderabad reportedly broke security rules by carrying smartphones in restricted areas and were found exchanging official service-related information on WhatsApp. This was revealed when their smartphones were confiscated. Several such incidents were reported in 2018. The number of violations would be higher if cases across all stations are considered. The IAF has banned smartphones inside Air Force training centres as they interrupt the Frequency Modulation Receiver. The HQ in Bengaluru pulled up the officers and punished them. The HQ Air Force Station issued a warning to its personnel: On October 9, 2015 and September 12, 2016, an advisory was issued banning usage of smart phones in office/Technical/ training area. Despite timely instructions by the Air HQ, smartphones usage is prevalent. Despite clear direction adopted to arrest this trend, around 40 cases of violation of smart phone usage into AF NET PCs have been caught and found that official letters/signals being shared on WhatsApp etc. The HQ directed the station security officer to examine the confiscated mobiles and check for any service related information or breach of security. Hakimpet and Dundigal are the premier training grounds for the Indian Air Force. The two stations train cadets on Stage 1 and 2 aircraft and helicopters, before they are sent to Bidar. New Delhi: After West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, the Congress-led Chhattisgarh withdrew general consent accorded to the CBI to probe cases in the state, officials said on Thursday. The Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel-headed state government has written to the Union home ministry and the ministry of personnel asking them to direct the CBI not to register fresh cases in the state, the officials said citing an official statement. With this, the CBI would now require permission of the state government to conduct raids and probe in Chhattisgarh, they said. The Chhattisgarh government in 2001 had given general permission to the CBI, the officials said. West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh governments had late last year withdrawn the general consent accorded to the CBI to conduct probe and raids in the states. The withdrawal of general consent will not have any impact on the cases already being probed by the CBI, a personnel ministry official in Delhi said. The AP government withdrew general consent after a series of raids by CBI, income-tax and Enforcement Directorate officials on politicians belonging to the Telugu Desam and their supporters. The raids came immediately after TD president and AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu withdrew from the NDA. Hyderabad: Increasing bus fares might be a way to pull the state road transport corporation out of the Rs 3,000 crore debt accumulated since Telangana states formation. An expert committee constituted for improving RTC received the same suggestion from many employee unions. It has been four years since the corporation hiked ticket fares, an RTC official said. The governments permission is needed to increase ticket prices by over 10 per cent. Though there were representations from the corporation to permit a hike, the same was being denied as it would have meant increased burden on the people. But employee unions feel the government should not politicise the decision. They felt that if a decision considering the RTCs financial position was taken, people would understand. Despite continuous rise in fuel prices, the corporation has managed to stick to the same ticket price for the past four years. Hike in diesel prices has contributed to 38 per cent of the total loss of around Rs 463 crore that the corporation reported till November 2018. RTC has spent over Rs 700 crore for overall purchase of fuel last year. An RTC official speaking on the condition of anonymity said: The expenditure the corporation is incurring is increasing by the day, but income remains the same. It would be difficult for any organisation to survive with such meagre funds. There were demands to allocate at least one per cent of the state budget for RTCs survival, but its not being put on the table. Adding to the woes is the provision of bus passes for students, journalists, senior citizens. The corporation is spending around `550 crore per annum, which needs to be reimbursed by the government, but this is getting delayed. An expert committee has been constituted to work on the domain of transportation, carry out an in-depth study of RTC and suggest plans and measures for its efficient functioning. Thiruvananthapuram: Strikers attacked the SBI treasury branch near Secretariat here around 10:30 am on Wednesday, though it functioned smoothly on the first day of the national strike. A group entered the office and damaged computers, phones and a table inside the managers cabin, following a scuffle with the officers. The police registered a case against 15 people caught on CCTV cameras. The footage obtained from the SBI branch at Statue showed Left labour organisation leaders. Those identified by the police included NGO Union state committee member and GST department Karamana Commissioner Office inspector Suresh Babu and GST deputy commissioner office inspector Suresh. The bank manager, Santosh Karunakaran, lodged a complaint with Cantonment police station. "The protesters barged into my cabin and asked if I did not know that today is a protest day," he told reporters. "I told them that although we are open, banking operations were not taking place. Then they threw away the computer and other equipment on my table." Several people turned up at the Chennai rally to demand the reopening of Sterlite plant, on Wednesday. (Photo: DC) Chennai: In a show of solidarity, a large number of people from Thoothukudi took out a rally and submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami seeking to reopen the Sterlite Copper Plant and obey the Supreme Court order.. They also presented 1,60,000 support letters to the Chief Minister requesting the plant be reopened. People have highlighted that the closure of the plant was adversely affected the livelihood of over 45,000 families and a number of businesses were affected as a result of the ban. Representatives of all segments affected by Sterlite Coppers closure assembled at Chepauk on Wednesday. The people included representatives from villages of Thoothukudi including those from Milavittan, Pandarampatti, 1herku Veerapandipuram and Kumareddiapuram, employees and contract employees, lorry drivers' association, suppliers' associations, small business owners, Sterlite Copper's CSR beneficiaries, farmers and labourers. Ponraj, former panchayat president, said as a result of the closure, they lost their job and currently struggling to make ends meet. They hope the government would reopen the plant for their livelihood. Rekha Sharma, NCW chairperson said, 'We've asked explanation from Rahul Gandhi for why he said, what he said on Wednesday in tweets.' (Photo: ANI | Twitter) New Delhi: National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday issued a notice to Congress President Rahul Gandhi over his statement "PM Modi ran away and asked a 'mahila' (Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman) to defend him". Rekha Sharma, NCW chairperson said, We've asked explanation from Rahul Gandhi for why he said, what he said on Wednesday in tweets. The statement was pathetic, sexist and misogynistic. That's why we've sent him a notice. He has to explain what he means when he is trying to talk low of women. (Photo: ANI/Twitter) Union Minister Sushma Swaraj said the comments mark a "new low" in Indian politics and her colleague Smriti Irani put out a tweet with the hashtag #MisogynistRahul. Rahul Gandhi's comments on Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaraman's reply to a debate on a subject relating to Ministry of Defence is a new low in the history of Indian politics. Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 9, 2019 On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi had tweeted, with all due respect Modi Ji, in our culture respect for women begins at home. Stop shaking. Be a man and answer my question: Did the Air Force and Defence Ministry object when you bypassed the original Rafale deal? Yes? Or No?. The arrest of Kanhaiya Kumar catapulted him to national fame and resulted in protests across the country. (Photo: File) New Delhi: The Delhi Police will soon file a charge sheet in the sedition case against former JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar and other activists, including Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya, Delhi Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik said Wednesday. Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya were arrested in 2016 in a sedition case for allegedly organising an event in Jawaharlal Nehru University campus against the hanging of Parliament-attack mastermind Afzal Guru. The arrests had triggered a huge controversy with the opposition slamming the police for "working at the behest of the ruling BJP". "The case is in stage of finalisation. The investigation was complex as the team also had to visit other states to take statements. The charge sheet will be filed soon," Patnaik said. The controversial event at the JNU had sparked an outrage after allegations were made that anti-national slogans were raised. The arrest of Kanhaiya Kumar catapulted him to national fame and resulted in protests across the country. Chennai: In a major setback to the state government, the Madras high court has restrained distribution of Rs 1,000 as Pongal cash gift to a section of ration card holders. Passing an interim order, a division bench of Justices M Sathyanarayanan and P Rajamanickam, before which a petition by activist J Daniel Jesudass came up for hearing, said the Ccurt was of the prima facie opinion that giving the Pongal cash gift to all the ration cardholders is nothing but a wastage of public money for non productive purpose. The bench has stopped the government from issuing the cash gift to people holding ration cards categorised as Non Priority House Hold only for sugar (NPHH-S) and No Commodity above poverty line wherein no commodities are distributed (NC). However, there is no bar on distribution of cash gift to the people holding ration cards categorised as PHH (priority household below poverty line), PHH-AAY (below poverty line lower middle income group) and NPHH (between the poverty line and the lower middle income groups). In the petition, Daniel challenged the governments decision to provide the cash gift to all the ration card holders irrespective of their financial status. He said on account of the report of RBI coupled with the fact that every year the financial deficit is widening and there is absolutely no need or necessity to give cash gift of Rs 1,000 to all the card holders and such a policy decision has no nexus with the object sought to be achieved. The state government is facing a serious financial crisis in recent times, which is evident from the fact that the Government has not paid the relief funds to the Gaja Cyclone affected people in the coastal districts. According to the petitioner, every year the loan and interest liabilities are going up and it is going beyond control. The financial experts had also expressed deep concern about the increase in the uncontrolled loan liability due to the undeserving freebies and according to them, the allocation of Rs 28,282 crores towards capital expenditure is less than the interest liability of Rs 29,624 crores. The petitioner stated that he is not against the policy decision to give gifts to the deserving people, but giving such a gift to all the cardholders, irrespective of their financial position and status, would create unnecessary financial crisis. Counsel for the petitioner N.Manoharan, said there is no need or necessity to give cash gift of Rs 1,000 to every cardholder regardless of their financial position and status. Advocate General Vijay Narayan, appearing for the authorities, submitted that it is the policy decision of the Government to distribute articles for preparation of ''Pongal'' and also to give cash gift of Rs 1,000 to each cardholder. And in the absence of any arbitrary or malafide exercise of power, such a policy decision cannot be normally interfered into by this Court, he added. The bench said distribution of freebies insofar as the State is concerned becomes an order of the day and whichever party is in power had resorted / resorting to distribute all such freebies and on account of resorting to such freebies distribution, crores and crores of rupees had been spent. The bench said even after 70 years of independence, basic infrastructure and amenities such as potable water, good roads, electricity and quality education to the students etc. are yet to be provided and provision of those basic facilities and amenities still remain as a dream, whereas tonnes and tonnes of money have been spent towards freebies without any worthwhile return. Mamata Banerjee also accused the Union government of making 'false claims' about crop insurance benefits to the farmers. (Photo: File | ANI) Krishnanagar: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday announced that the state is pulling out of the Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme, accusing the Narendra Modi-led NDA government of "playing dirty politics" under the garb of the health coverage programme. A top government official said that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government has written to the Centre to notify about its decision to withdraw from the scheme. The ambitious Ayushman Bharat or the National Health Protection Scheme, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August last year, aims to cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) by providing health cover up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year. The expenses incurred is to be shared between the Centre and the state in 60:40 ratio. The TMC supremo alleged that the Prime Minister was "politicising" the health scheme by sending letters about its provisions to every household of the state with his picture and a lotus symbol on top. The Centre is "using" post offices to dispatch these letters, she said. "You (Narendra Modi) are sending letters with your photograph on them to every household in the state, making tall claims to take credit for the scheme. Then why should I bear 40 per cent? The NDA government should take the entire responsibility," she observed at a programme. "I have seen the document with the PM's picture and a logo resembling BJPs party symbol. You (BJP government) have already destroyed the banking system with demonetisation and GST implementation. Now, you are using government money to campaign for the party," Banerjee said. According to reports, the Centre is sending out a two-page customised letter, highlighting the importance of the Ayushman scheme, to every beneficiary. "In West Bengal, people do not need to pay for treatments. At state hospitals, people from Bihar, Jharkhand and even Nepal and Bangladesh receive free medical assistance. Then why is that the Prime Minister of the country is playing dirty politics?" the CM questioned. She also accused the Union government of making "false claims" about crop insurance benefits to the farmers, even as the state government was bearing 80 per cent of the cost. Last year, the state has spent Rs 625 crore for the purpose, Banerjee claimed. "The Centre is making false claims about bearing crop insurance cost of farmers. In reality, the Union government pays just 20 per cent of the incurred cost," the chief minister said. Last month, Banerjee directed officials to rename central schemes, claiming the state was bearing 80 per cent cost of these programmes "but the Union government was taking credit for them". She also said the state government was willing to fund these schemes entirely. Banerjee on Thursday claimed that the Modi government was deducting taxes from people's accounts in the state without doling out adequate benefits to them. "You are deducting money from people's accounts in West Bengal and other states as income tax and customs and using just a percentage of it for their welfare. That is not a favour. Why is Narendra Modi acting as 'dalaal (agent)? I do not favour this politics of cheating people," the TMC chief said. Questioning the role of the central government, she also alleged that the Modi government was trying to "run a parallel government" in all the states, including West Bengal. "We were elected to power by the people, just like them. Do they (Centre) consult me when they set up any deal in the defence sector. Why is that they are interfering in the state matters? They do not enjoy the rights," she added. Prasad is currently at a hospital in Jharkhand and shares his views on politics through his official Twitter handle which is operated by people close to him. (Photo: File) Patna: RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday launched a blistering attack on his arch rival and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for having forecast that the Grand Alliance of the opposition parties in the state has no future. Prasad, who is serving sentence in a number of fodder scam cases in Ranchi, took exception to the remark made by Kumar earlier this week when reporters asked the Chief Minister about the prospects of ''Mahagathbandhan'', of which the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is the largest constituent. "A person who is occupying his chair by virtue of the votes secured by Mahagathbandhan...is making a forecast on the future of the alliance," the RJD chief said on Twitter. Prasad is currently at a hospital in Jharkhand and shares his views on politics through his official Twitter handle which is operated by people close to him. He also accused the chief minister of insulting the mandate of 11 crore Biharis and called him a ''shameless turncoat''. Notably, besides dismissing the Grand Alliance as a coalition for which he saw no hope in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Kumar had also remarked that the bloated formation included people picked up from the road. The remark triggered a controversy as leaders of the RJD and RLSP alleged that this was tantamount to Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahni, the latest entrant in the Grand Alliance, being called ''roadside'' and an insult to the Nishad community which he represented. Kumar, who is also the JD(U) national president, had formed an alliance with Prasad ahead of the 2015 assembly polls, giving up years of bitter political hostility. The Grand Alliance thus formed also included the Congress and the coalition went on to win the elections with a thumping majority. While Kumar returned as chief minister, Prasad's younger son Tejashwi Yadav was appointed Deputy CM, while elder son Tej Pratap Yadav got a state cabinet berth. However, Kumar grew uneasy after Tejashwi was named an accused in corruption and money laundering cases against several members of the Prasad family, including his wife and former chief minister Rabri Devi. The JD(U) chief walked out of the coalition in July, 2017 asserting that he could make no compromise on the issue of corruption, and formed a new government with the BJP, the party with which he had snapped more than a decade-old political ties in 2013 following differences over the projection of Narendra Modi as its prime minister. Actor Prakash Raj met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the national capital on Thursday in New Delhi. (Twitter | @prakashraaj) New Delhi: Actor Prakash Raj, who recently announced he would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the national capital on Thursday, with the latter saying that his Aam Aadmi Party "fully supports" him. The actor, who has been vocal about his views on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre, met the chief minister at his official residence in the Civil Lines. Last week, Raj had said that he would contest the upcoming general elections from the Bengaluru Central constituency as an independent candidate. "We need people like Prakash Raj to enter Parliament. Prakash ji, it was great meeting u today. AAP fully supports u and we agree wid ur decision to fight as an independent candidate. We need independent and non-partisan voices too in Parliament," Kejriwal tweeted. According to Raj, he discussed ways with the chief minister to address various issues. Met delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal thanked him and @AamAadmiParty for the support in my political journey. Discussed and requested to share various ways to address issues which his team has commendably done.. #bengalurucentral #citizensvoice in parliament #justasking in parliament too pic.twitter.com/FJu4OirGWW Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) January 10, 2019 Raj has also been one of those seeking justice for his friend and senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot outside her residence in September 2017. SIET Director B. Abu Raj inaugurats the state level meet the scholar programme for school children at CUSAT PS&RT auditorium. Also seen are Prof. M.K. Jayaraj, Dr. T.V. Vimal Kumar, Dr.Manulal P. Ram, Prof. Honey John and erudite scholar Prof. Suresh C Pillai. KOCHI: Meet the scholar programme, one of a series of ambitious and innovative initiatives organised by State Institute of Educational Technology(SIET) under General Education Department for school children has taken off to a colourful start at CUSAT here. The programme, organised jointly by SIET and CUSAT Inter University Centre for Nanomaterials and Devices(IUCND) was inaugurated by B. Abu Raj, Director of SIET. As part of the state governments objective of raising the standard of education, SIET has embarked upon a series of new ventures to bring up promising students to a level of international reckoning. Meet the scholar programme organised in ass-ociation with the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), envisages meeting and sharing of ideas by erudite scholars from foreign universities visiting university departments and colleges in the state with selected students from the government and aided schools in the vicinity, said Abu Raj. Accordingly, the other day 60 selected students from various government and aided schools in and around Kalamassery atte-nded the programme and interacted with Prof. Su-resh C Pillai from Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland and Dr. Victor Koledov, leading scientist, Kotelnikov Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics of Russian Academy of Sciences, both experts in nanotechnology and nanomaterials, currently in CUSAT under the scholar in residence programme of KSHEC. The objective of the programme is to inculcate scientific temper among the school children and try to raise the meritorious and promising students to renowned scientists. Last year 70 students of 9th standard, selected from various schools through talent test, were sent to prominent national institutes like IIT Mumbai and TIFR. Another 50 students selected from 42 schools are being sent to different colleges to visit the laboratories and facilities under the Sasthrajalakam programme. On 13th next, Nobel laureate Sir Richard Robert will participate in a programme being organised for students at MES College, Mambad. We are closely monitoring these students to understand the effects of these programmes,, Abu Raj said. Prof. Honey John, Director, IUCND, CUSAT, and Syndicate member and Director, Centre for Advanced Materials, Prof.M.K. Jayaraj, SIET State Programme Co-ordinator Dr. T. V. Vimal Kumar, KSHEC Research Officer Dr.Manulal P Ram and Dr.Manoj N attended the inaugural event. Our true friendship is based on our shared values as prominent ancient civilizations in the past and leading democracies in the present, Israel's new Ambassador to India, Dr. Ron Malka was quoted as saying in official statement. (Photo: Press Information Bureau) New Delhi: Israel's new Ambassador to India, Dr. Ron Malka on Thursday presented the 'Letter of Credence' to President of India Ram Nath Kovind in New Delhi on Thursday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. "I am honoured and privileged to be given this opportunity of taking the Growing Partnership between our countries forward. Our true friendship is based on our shared values as prominent ancient civilizations in the past and leading democracies in the present," Ambassador Malka was quoted as saying in an official statement of the President's Secretariat. "This month, January 2019, marks 27 years of diplomatic relations between India and Israel. Our countries are strategic partners working together to achieve prosperity, security, and peace," he further said. On Indo-Israeli cooperation, Ambassador Malka added: "We are all part of the vision to double the farmers' income within a few years. From security to food security, from education to innovation, I will make sure we do more in the areas of agriculture, water, defence, cybersecurity." "I look forward to working closely with the people of India and the Government of India. I am sure that our close existing cooperation in every field will only continue to grow and flourish in the coming years," he said. "If we do not love our brothers and sisters whom we see, how can we love God whom we cannot see?". "Only faith will give us the strength not to gossip, to pray for everyone, even for our enemies and not to let feelings of jealousy and envy grow". Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "Only faith will give us the strength not to gossip, to pray for everyone, even for our enemies and not to let feelings of jealousy and envy grow". It is the path to love our brothers and sisters, necessary to love God concretely, said Pope Francis at Mass this morning at Casa Santa Marta, inspired by the First Letter of Saint John the Apostle (1 Jn 4, 19) - 5.4). Pope Francis said that in order to love God concretely, one must also love one's brothers and sisters all of them: both those we like and those we dont like. He said good Christians must not neglect to pray even for the enemy, nor give way to feelings of jealousy or engage in harmful gossip. At the heart of his message was an encouragement to overcome a deceitful and divisive worldly spirit with the strength of faith. The Pope noted that St. John the Apostle speaks of worldliness when he says that whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. He explained that this refers to our everyday struggle against a worldly spirit that is deceitful and lacks in consistency while Gods spirit is truthful. The spirit of the world is a spirit of vanity, of things that have no strength, no foundation and that are destined to fall he said. The Pope said the Apostle shows us the way reminding us that if we go by Gods spirit, we will do good things. Concretely, he says that If anyone says, I love God but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. If you are unable to love something you see the Pope explained, why would you love something you do not see? Describing this as fantasy, he urged us to love what you see, what you can touch, what is real. Not the fantasies that you do not see. Francis also said that if one does not show his love for God in a concrete manner, it is not true love. He then spoke of the spirit of the world which he said can be divisive and create splits in families, communities and society. When divisions multiply they bring hatred and war he said. Pope Francis went on to dwell on three signs that indicate that one does not love one's brother. The first, he said, is actually a question we must all ask ourselves: Do I pray for others? For those whom I like and for those whom I dislike?. The second pertains to feelings of envy and jealousy and wishing someone ill: Dont let these feelings grow he said, They are dangerous. The third, he said, has to do with engaging in chatter - or gossip that is harmful to others: If I do this he said, I do not love God because with my words I am destroying another person. Pope Francis concluded saying that the spirit of the world is conquered with the spirit of faith: believing that God is really in the brother and sister who are close to me. Only faith, he said, gives us the strength to tread the path of true love. Hyderabad: The Central Industrial Security Force personnel have caught an air passenger who attempted to smuggle currency of seven foreign countries, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport during the wee hours on Wednesday. The officials seized Rs 1.02 crore worth of foreign currency and handed over the passenger to the customs officials. According to the CISF officials, at about 2 am on Wednesday, the CISF sub-inspector Mr Varun Kumar checked the baggage of an Indian passenger at Interim International Departure Terminal, based on the passenger profile. The passenger identified as Mohammed Parvez had tickets to go to Dubai. The SI at the departure terminal screened the baggage of Parvez at the departure gate. The SI found some bundles in the baggage and physically examined them only to discover that they were huge amounts of foreign currency. The worth of the foreign currency was about Rs 1,02,53,105, said the officials Parvez was carrying USD 16,500, Qatar Riyals 52,450, UAE Dirhams 37,950, Kuwaiti Dinar 2,165, Omani Rial 4,625 and Bahraini Dinar 2,395 and Saudi Riyals 2,99,100. . The passenger could not produce any valid documents for the high volume of the cash of different foreign currency that was being carried by him. As per the procedure, the airport security personnel handed over the seized currency along with the accused to the customs officials for legal action. Further investigations have been initiated. This is one of the biggest seizure of cash at Hyderabad airport in recent times, said the CISF officials. New Delhi: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said if number of countries are holding talks with the Taliban, and if India has an interest in Afghanistan, then the country should also join the bandwagon. Addressing his annual press briefing in Delhi, the Army chief said, "We have interests in Afghanistan, we can't be out of bandwagon." However, he asserted that the same analogy cannot be applied to Jammu and Kashmir. Talks in state have to be on our terms, he said. Rawat said talks and terror cannot go together, and it applies to Jammu and Kashmir too. Our position is very clear shun the gun and stop taking support from the western neighbour. Talks can happen only if they shun violence, he said on holding dialogues with Hurriyat leaders. He emphasised that the situation in the state needs to be improved further. General Rawat also said that the Army has managed the situation well along the borders with China and Pakistan and there should be no cause for concern. Patna: Hundreds of people took to the streets after a 16-year-old girl from Gaya in Bihar was found dead beheaded and mutilated, in a decomposed state, with acid burns on her face and horrible wounds on her chest on Monday. The girls family alleged that she was gang-raped and was later killed, though they have not named any suspect. However, the police claimed that this is a case of honour killing. Activists and journalists from different cities took to Twitter to seek justice for the minor. People also organised rallies and candle marches in Gaya demanding the arrest of the killers, reports said. UPDATE: Just had a phone conversation with one of the protesters and organisers of the candle march. The family is allegedly in police custody and the police is trying to give this an honour killing angle. The girl is from an OBC family and has been missing since Dec 28. Rituparna Chatterjee (@MasalaBai) January 10, 2019 The girl reportedly went missing from her home in Manpur village of Gaya on December 28. However, her parents filed a complaint on January 4. Her decomposed body was found very close to her house on January 6. A relative of the girl told The Indian Express, The family first thought it could be a case of elopement. But when the girl did not return after three to four days, a missing report was lodged. The badly decomposed body of the girl was found from a field, barely 700 metres from her house, on January 5. She worked at a weaving unit in the locality. She was possibly kidnapped on her way home. Though her family said they filed a police complaint as soon as they realised she was missing, police claimed the complaint was registered four days later. It looks to be a case of honour killing. When we first tried to meet the girls family, we were not allowed. When the police talked to the family, the girls younger sister said the girl had returned on December 31 after she had gone missing on December 28. As the girl was last seen with a friend of the girls father, we have arrested him and the girls parents, said Gaya Senior Superintendent of Police Rajiv Mishra. The police also said that the autopsy report is awaited to determine if the girl was raped or tortured before she was murdered. The girl was from a poor family in Manpur, belonging to a community of weavers and was a student in a government school near the village. She was also working alongside to support her family financially. Hundreds strong crowds led candle light marches in Gaya on Tuesday and Wednesday, demanding a fair and speedy investigation into the matter. Activists in the locality claim that schools, factories and weavers shut down their operations on January 9 as a symbol of their protest. Watch out for film industrys personalities representing you either in the assembly or Parliament because some will be in the fray in the upcoming Andhra Pradesh Assembly and General Elections. One of them is Producer M.V.V. Satyanarayana of Geethanjali fame and he is all set to contest from YSR Congress Party from Visakhapatnam Parliament constituency. M.V.V. is one of the top names in the realty business in Vizag and turned producer with Geethanjali and went on to make a few more films. The biopic on Bihars world-renowned mathematician has just gotten bigger. The producers have decided to hold it back to give it a more comprehensive look and a more complete overview of the protagonists life. Says a source close to the producer, They are likely to shoot further, add incidents to the Anand Kumar saga that were not included earlier. Anand Kumar is not just a great mathematician, there are many sides to his personality that were not fully explored in the biopic. They are now looking at expanding the bandwidth of the film. On his part, Anand Kumar says hes all for expanding the plot. Many things have happened. I was attacked from many sides. Recently my brother suffered a road accident which, I suspect, was a deliberate attempt on his life. I have many enemies, as all successful people do. But I have many more well-wishers than ill-wishers. I want all of this to be part of the film. People will get to see the real Anand Kumar in Super 30. Hrithik Roshan, who plays the protagonist, also agreed to the enhancement of the biopic. Hrithik, Anand avers, has not just played him. He has understood my lifelong mission to provide learning to underprivileged students, he says. Hyderabad: With a no-deal Brexit still a possibility, Estonia, in a bid to attract business, is hard selling its e-residency scheme as a good vehicle for foreigners to set up business in the country, according to Estonian ambassador to India. In the past, Estonia has held roadshows in the UK on how to keep doing business in the European Union.... We said that with a base in our country, business will still have access to the European Union and have free movement of labour, said Riho Kruuv. Speaking about the e-residency scheme, he said, The nearly two-decade old authentication scheme was expanded to include foreigners a few years back. With this, a person will be able to open a business in the country within an hour. However, the person will need to visit the country once to set up a bank account. Such ease of doing business has managed to attract not just companies outside of Europe but also from countries such as Finlad, Ukraine, Germany and Russia. Some of the notable person who are e-residents include Mukesh Ambani and Union IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. Very prominent people are also Estonian e-residents. Present Minister of IT and Law and Justice honourable Ravi Shankar Prasad is an Estonian e-resident. Business tycoon Mukesh Ambani is an e-resident. Pope Francis and Bill Gates also have accepted it. The RBI has agreed to provide the funds under its SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Swap Facility. Colombo: Sri Lanka's Central Bank on Wednesday said that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has agreed to provide USD 400 million under a swap arrangement to boost the island nation's reserves. "The RBI's very rapid and timely assistance will serve to boost investor confidence by supporting Sri Lanka to maintain adequate level of external reserves while accommodating outflow related to imports, debt servicing and if necessary support for the currency to avoid disorderly adjustment," it said in a statement. It said that a further request to the RBI for another SWAP arrangement of USD 1 billion is "under consideration". These are to be made available under the SAARC SWAP facility. The RBI has agreed to provide the funds under its SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Swap Facility, the Central Bank said. Analysts said the RBI's assistance would be much appreciated by Sri Lanka given that the island is still recovering from the political and constitutional crisis in October and November which had an adverse impact on the economy with poor investor sentiment and foreign outflows of capital. Available Central Bank data showed that in 2018, foreign investors had pulled out a net Rupees 22.8 billion out of stocks, and Rupees 159.8 billion from government securities. The Sri Lankan rupee ended last Thursday at an all-time low of 183 against the US dollar. The rupee fell 19% in 2018, making it one of the worst-performing currencies in Asia. Central Bank Governor Indrajith Coomaraswamy last week said that the nearly two-month long political crisis had an adverse impact on the country's economy. Due to the political crisis, the big three credit rating agencies -- Fitch Ratings, Standard & Poor's (S&P) and Moody's -- downgraded Sri Lanka's sovereign rating. President Maithripala Sirisena's dramatic move on October 26 to sack Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and install former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place following differences over policy issues, left the country without a functioning government for nearly two months. However, a Supreme court verdict forced Sirisena to reinstate Wickremesinghe. The Central Bank also announced that Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera will visit Washington next week to resume negotiations on the IMF's assistance. The IMF had held back discussions on Lanka's next loan tranche due to the political impasse. After completion of the IMF's fifth review Lanka would expect to receive a sixth tranche of about USD 250 million. The total loan was expected to have been disbursed with a seventh tranche by mid-2019. Sri Lanka is hoping to complete a 3-year programme with the IMF this year. Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning becoming more and more integral to business operations in the IT/ITES sector. Bengaluru: Tech hiring outlook for 2019 will remain muted throughout the year as companies have not shared any people addition mandate with their human resources (HR) heads and people officers. Low single-digit, need-based, lateral hiring may take place across Indian technology landscape. But companies in general will stay extremely low-key on hiring, especially when there is uncertainty (of a slowdown) in their key marketplace, the USA. HR head at a tier I technology company said, Until a few years ago, we used to spent as many as 10-12 hours a day in hiring and induction-related activities. With jobless growth being the new business mantra, hiring is no more the key function of HR today, instead the focus is on training, skilling and re-skilling to equip employees for digital and emerging technologies. Tech hiring was in the 20-25 per cent range until some five years ago, before it dropped to single digits, first to 7 per cent, 4 per cent and then to 2 per cent, and now to almost nil in some cases. Hiring intentions and mandates are almost missing among enterprises, say experts in the recruitment industry. BS Murthy, chief executive officer of Leadership Capital, a Bangalore-based tech hiring firm, said, Hiring is almost off the horizon and this scenario is likely to continue for the next 2-3 years. Job situation in India will get more alarming as Western markets may be heading towards a slowdown. Said Pallavi Nair, a Chennai-based independent tech recruiter, I get a sense that most lead technology companies in the country are confident of growing without hiring in the next 2-3 years. Companies have enough people and the focus is on training and making as many people billable as possible under digital engagements. Shine Learning.com CEO Zairus Master, however, argued that with cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning becoming more and more integral to business operations in the IT/ITES sector, the demand for professionals with evolved, tech-led skill sets are likely to increase in 2019. Expertise in areas like data compliance and cyber security will also be much sought-after, given how critical data privacy and information security have become in the global business discourse. With rapid technological advancement paving the way for a high-growth, high-value jobs ecosystem, we can expect continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning to become the motto of the new-age workforce, Master remarked. Snapdeal is not a company, which has received licence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act to sell drugs online; neither does the seller have a licence. New Delhi: The e-pharma industry had just got a breather from the court, that online sale of drugs has come once again under the scanner affecting the reputation of the industry. The Karnataka government issued an order permitting authorities to initiate prosecution proceedings against Snapdeal and its seller for unlawfully selling drugs. The Karnataka drugs controller in a December 21 order permitted assistant drug controller in Belagavi to initiate prosecution proceedings against Snapdeal, its chief executive officer Kunal Bahl, chief operating officer Rohit Kumar Bansal for their involvement in display, sale and distribution of Suhagra 100, a schedule H drug, on their platform, PTI reported. The case pertains to a 2014 sting operation carried out by the drug authorities. The drug cannot be sold over the counter in violation of drugs and cosmetics norms, Karnataka drugs controller Amaresh Tumbagi was quoted by PTI. Prosecution proceedings also have been initiated against Herbal Health Care, a Ludhiana-based company, for selling the drug on the Snapdeal platform. Suhagra-100, a sex stimulant drug that falls under schedule H category of drugs cant be purchased over the counter without doctors prescription. Snapdeal is not a company, which has received licence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act to sell drugs online; neither does the seller have a licence. Usually licenced e-pharma companies ask for a prescription from the customer. They check whether the prescription comes from an authorised doctor and has not crossed the validity period before delivering the medicine. The Delhi High Court and the Madras High Court had recently come down heavily upon the e-pharma companies and they were also restricted from operating for some time. However, the licenced online pharmacies got a breather last week to operate till further orders from the Madras High Court. Meanwhile, Snapdeal, in a statement, said it was just an intermediary. Snapdeal is an intermediary that connects independent, third-party sellers with buyers. Sellers are prohibited from selling any schedule H drugs on Snapdeal. Any reported violations are acted upon strictly, including barring future access to the marketplace for any such sellers, company spokesperson said. We also extend all required cooperation to law enforcement in this regard. We havent received any communication in this instance and hence cannot offer any specific comment, he added. Industry experts find that Snapdeal might not be affected by the sale of schedule H drug, as under section 79 of the Information Technology Act, intermediaries are not liable for any third party information, data or communication link made available. The government has not yet formulated regulations for the e-pharma companies. Once that comes into force, probably the intermediaries too will be liable for the sale of products on the platform. Prelates call for action to overcome obstacles, political or otherwise, and find a way to form a new government that can come up with structural reforms and investments. They slammed the speaker of parliament for trying to force through a budget bill and expressed solidarity with a Muslim lawmaker who was criticised for taking part in a Mass. Beirut (AsiaNews/Agencies) - The Maronite Bishops' Conference, which held its monthly meeting yesterday in the patriarchal headquarters of Bkerke led by Card Beshara Al-Rahi, renewed its appeal to the countrys political leaders to form a government of technocrats. We call on leaders to overcome political and other obstacles to the formation of a government, and to quickly agree on a cabinet that can put in place structural reforms and investments, the prelates said in a statement. For the leader of the Maronite Church, the best solution would be a government of technocrats, experts and specialists in specific domain, so as to overcome the political, economic and institutional stalemate in which the country finds itself. For Card al-Rahi, the nation is a "hostage to political militias" who have made the crisis worse, pushing people into the streets to protest. The bishops, who renewed Patriarch Al-Rahis appeal for a smaller cabinet of independent experts", also criticised, without explicitly naming him, Speaker Nabih Berry who wants parliament to adopt the 2019 budget despite the absence of a government with full powers. For them, this is a "disturbing" and "anti-constitutional" prospect. The prelates also discussed the case of Roula Tabch Jaroudi, a Muslim lawmaker from Hariris block who is at the centre of a controversy after a priest blessed during Mass a few days ago. The bishops slammed those who attack Lebanons pluralistic and multicultural character and undermine "mutual respect, the protection of personal liberties and freedom of worship". Since last May Lebanon has been waiting for a strong and unified government, able to overcome the many threats and challenges that await the country: from economic difficulties to the immigration crisis; from growing poverty to youth unemployment. The Lebanese Church is well aware of the serious situation, exacerbated by the war in neighbouring Syria and its unprecedented humanitarian crisis, which has been compounded by a recent cold snap with snow that has caused serious hardships for ordinary people. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription and are still unable to access our content, please link your digital account to your print subscription If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. remaining of SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. GREENWICH Two high school seniors representing Greenwich schools have been named scholars in a prestigious science and math competition. Anisha Laumas, of Greenwich Academy, received recognition for her leukemia research, and Bennett Hawley, of Greenwich High School, was honored for designing a new way to reduce landfill pollution. They were among 300 high school seniors selected this week from nearly 2,000 students to become scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Each received an award of $2,000. After weeks researching at Yale University, Laumas, a Stamford resident, made discoveries that could lead to new treatment options for patients with a blood cancer that accounts for one percent of childhood leukemias, competition organizers announced. Laumas demonstrated how two molecules that are crucial to normal blood cell development interact in new ways when they come in contact with an abnormal protein present in the blood cancer, called acute megakaryoblastic leukemia. She then wrote a computer program that sifted through existing data and identified more molecules that could relate to the cancer. If I were a career scientist with resources to pursue it, I guess, my next steps would be doing more experiments to figure out what the roles of the new players are, and coming up with a relationship between how these elements are related to the blood cancer, Laumas said. Laumas did not expect her biomedical research would incorporate her knowledge of computer science. One similarity I found ... is even though theres an initial hurdle, once you overcome that and see the bigger picture of why youre doing the research youre doing, it becomes something you can wrap your head around and become passionate about, she said. Laumas has worked at Yale for two years. Before her individual project, she ran experiments and analyzed data for stem cell research her mentor was conducting. Her work, and her name, figured into an abstract in the Journal of Blood in December. Environmental science has always been Hawleys passion, said GHS science teacher Andy Bramante. Regeneron has picked between one and seven of Bramantes students annually since he started teaching more than a decade ago. For his experiment, Hawley demonstrated how a gut bacteria in the common wax worm could help break down plastics that sit in land fills for hundreds of years before decomposing. No other scientist has done such a direct and sophisticated analysis of this topic, Bramante said. The news came as a surprise, Hawley said in an email. My research was inspired by biomimicry, where sciences seek scientific solutions inspired by nature. After a years worth of research, it is gratifying to see my work recognized but even more exciting to think about how I advance my findings in the future. Hawley was able to use an electron microscope that Hitachi High-Technologies, a Japanese technology manufacturing company, donated to Bramante in November. With the scope, he could even see evidence of plastics breaking down. This is the latest in a series of projects Hawley has completed. Previously, he devised a buoy that generates energy from waves, and for his Eagle Scout project, Hawley demonstrated that trash dumped into storm drains in Greenwich pollutes Long Island Sound. To me, this is an awesome culmination of everything he has been doing, Bramante said. Next, 40 of the 300 scholars will travel to Washington, D.C. in March, where they will interact with leading scientists, display their research and meet with members of Congress as they compete for $1.8 million in prizes. Winners will be announced on the last day of the trip. These students are the future leaders of tomorrow and are using innovative thinking to improve our world, said Hala Mirza, senior vice president of corporate communications and citizenship at Regeneron. More than 100 Science Talent Search alumni have gone on to earn top science and math honors, including 13 Nobel Prizes, 42 National Academy of Sciences memberships, 19 MacArthur Foundation fellowships, 13 National Medals of Science and five Breakthrough Prizes. For the complete list of scholars, visit the website for the Society for Science. jo.kroeker@hearstmediact.com Japanese companies invest some 40 billion pounds a year into the UK economy. Nissan, Toyota and Honda together produce about half of Britains 1.7 million cars. London (AsiaNews/Agencies) Concerned about a no-deal Brexit between the United Kingdom and the European Union (EU), Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe today met with his British counterpart, Theresa May. For Japan, the main issue of the meeting was the future of billions of dollars in Japanese investments in what has been its "gateway to the Old Continent. On 15 January, the British parliament will vote on the draft agreement reached by the United Kingdom and the European Union. However, the deal has been criticised by Mays allies and might fail to pass. For analysts, no deal would be catastrophic for Japanese companies. Since the days of Margaret Thatcher, Japan has invested heavily in the UK. Japan is the second source of direct foreign (non-EU) investment in the UK. After the European Union, the United States and China, Japan is the largest market for British exports. Japanese companies have been investing more than 40 billion pounds a year into the UK economy. Currently, about a thousand Japanese companies benefit from privileged economic relations with the United Kingdom. They include carmakers Nissan, Toyota and Honda, which together produce about half of the 1.7 million cars manufactured in the UK. Other major Japanese players are tech conglomerate SoftBank Group Corp and fashion brand Uniqlo. World attention is focused on the UKs exit from the EU, Abe told reporters before leaving Tokyo for his visit to the UK and the Netherlands. In Rotterdam, Abe said he and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte agreed during bilateral trade talks that we were both in for the avoidance of no-deal Brexit and confirmed the importance of a smooth process. We want to see the influence of Brexit to the global economy be minimized through ensuring transparency, predictability and legal stability through a transition, Abe added. BRIDGEPORT Wednesday was a banner day for Marilyn Moore. She began another two-year term in the state Senate and celebrated the swearing-in of her friend and fellow Democrat, Ned Lamont, as governor a job coveted by Moores big city chief executive, Mayor Joe Ganim. Twenty-four hours later, Moore, long considered a potential Ganim challenger in this years mayoral race, told Hearst Connecticut Media, I am leaning toward it. Moore, 70, plans a formal announcement next week. I have been spending time talking to various people in the city and around the city, she said Thursday. Not just people saying, Oh, youll be good, solidifying relationships and support. But, Moore said, she needs to have a final discussion with her family to make sure everybody understands the risks of taking on Bridgeports political machine. Ganim not only has the typical advantages enjoyed by incumbents he is well-ahead in fundraising and has the use municipal government to promote himself and reward supporters but he also has strong backing from Democratic Town Chairman Mario Testa. Moore, in contrast, has for years sought to define herself as independent of Testa and the town committee. A likely scenario would be for Ganim to receive the town committees endorsement and Moore to petition her way onto a primary ballot against the mayor. It is unclear how crowded that primary might be. State Rep. Charlie Stallworth, who helped elect Ganim in 2015, has soured on the mayors performance and has plans to announced by mid-January whether he will mount his own challenge. Will others step forward? If elected, either Moore or Stallworth would be Bridgeports first minority chief executive. Will a Latino also see an opportunity to try to make history? Retired Superior Court Judge Carmen Lopez, who is Puerto Rican, has been urged to run. I have not ruled it out, Lopez said Thursday. Why not? Moore first joined the legislature in 2014 after unseating Democratic state Sen. Anthony Musto to represent the 22nd District, which also includes Monroe and Trumbull. She then survived a 2016 primary challenge from then-Bridgeport City Council President Tom McCarthy, who is also very close with Testa. In April 2017, Moore was interviewed in Bridgeport for radio station WNPRs Where We Live. Host Lucy Nalpathanchil asked the state senator, Why not run for mayor? Why not? Moore responded. But she noted one big challenge Ganim and Testa were already fundraising. The incumbent early on built up a campaign war chest of over $170,000 before turning his focus to last years failed bid for governor against Lamont. One Ganim supporter who did not wish to be identified said this week that the mayors re-election fundraising would soon resume with the goal of amassing an additional $200,000. Moore said Thursday that she is well aware she will need a message, organization and money. And that still might not be enough to beat Ganim, who is admired by friends and foes for his tireless and aggressive campaigning skills. Those skills helped Ganim, who ran Bridgeport from 1991 until he was convicted of corruption in 2003, convince city voters in 2015 that he deserved a second chance when he beat incumbent Bill Finch in a three-way primary. Ganim did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Moore on Thursday. Some Ganim allies admitted he is vulnerable after three years back in office and after spending so much time last year focused on his bid for governor. Hes got a lot of patching up, fence mending and bridge building (to do), said one. But thats what hes good at. Hes a great candidate. (And) hes already out there doing that. Independent streak Another Ganim supporter said Moore doesnt have very high negatives. But that person questioned whether the state senator had the mastery of the local issues needed to effectively manage the city. And while Moores insistence on independence may earn her votes, it may have cost her some support. State Rep. Jack Hennessy, who has also bucked the establishment, backed Moore for Senate. But asked this week whether Moore would run for mayor, Hennessy said they had not discussed it. Then Hennessy added, Maybe Im completely missing this, but I dont see Ganim doing a horrible job that he needs to be taken out (of). ... I think hes been pretty good. I just hope he concentrates on Bridgeport issues and loses his state ambitions. Moore could open herself up to similar criticism, should she be seen as shirking her senatorial duties during this legislative session, scheduled to end June 5, to campaign for mayor. I definitely think she should run, said Aaron Turner, a former state senate staffer who ran unsuccessfully last year to replace Moores legislative partner, Bridgeports Ed Gomes, who retired Thursday. I know folks the general population arent happy with the incumbent (Ganim). ... Marilyn has been out in the community for years, Turner said. Shes been a great advocate for Bridgeport and the rest of her district during her time in Hartford. And shes done some good stuff, with integrity. City Councilman Kyle Langan also used the word integrity in describing Moore. I hope that she runs, and I encourage her to run, Langan said. We need a pool of legitimate candidates to have a competitive primary that gives the citizens of Bridgeport a lot of credible options. CHRCHx Soul Music Festival: Episode Three The Dallas Weekly partnered with Michael Clay Productions to host the CHRCHx Soul Music Festival where artists like Marium Echo performed. Stay tuned to see what other artists have... She Represents: Fayth Jefferson Jefferson comes from a lineage of bishops, businessmen, and philanthropists. As the youngest sibling of five, she learned entrepreneurship and non-profit business solutions at an early age. This led her... Kevin Harts Muscle Car Crew Sneak Peek Clip Learning along the way from the nations best car builders and attending car shows/events from local ones in small towns to the most popular ones like SEMA in Las Vegas.... CHRCHx Soul Music Festival: Episode Two The Dallas Weekly partnered with Michael Clay Productions to host the CHRCHx Soul Music Festival where artists like Demarcia and Mirek.e.l performed. Stay tuned to see what other artists have... A once under-the-radar workshop between the Steele Ocean Sciences Building and the Life Sciences Centre has been transformed into a student space where big ideas about science and innovation will thrive. On Tuesday (January 8), the Government of Nova Scotia joined students, faculty, staff and industry partners on campus to officially announce the opening of Dalhousies newest innovation sandbox: SURGE. Short for Science Unleashed: Research Growing the Economy, SURGE joins nine other sandboxes in Nova Scotia all working to foster talent development in and economic growth in the region. The new sandbox finds its home nestled between two core facilities in the Faculty of Science, making it a natural fit to pipeline talent into provincial science-based sectors such as oceans, clean technology, and life sciences. Ben Jessome, ministerial assistant for youth and MLA for Hammonds Plains-Lucasville, greeted a jam-packed room on behalf of Labi Kousoulis, minister of Labour and Advanced Education, to announce government support of $1.05 million for SURGE. MLA Ben Jessome. Innovation and entrepreneurship are necessary to move our province forward, said Jessome. Nova Scotias network of sandboxes helps us build capacity for innovation and foster a spirit of entrepreneurship among the next generation. Progress starts with an idea Sandboxes are collaborative spaces that bring together multidisciplinary teams to develop ideas and innovative solutions that tackle important local and global problems. SURGE is now the fourth sandbox to launch at Dalhousie. Others include ShiftKey Labs (Faculty of Computer Science), IDEA Sandbox (Faculty of Engineering) and Cultiv8 (Faculty of Agriculture). A fifth sandbox in health innovation is underway. Were pleased to partner with fellow educators, industry partners and the provincial government to grow the innovation ecosystem in our region, said Alice Aiken, Dalhousies vice-president, research and innovation. Dr. Alice Aiken, vice-president research and innovation at Dalhousie. This is about supporting students who want to innovate. Sandboxes give them a place that sparks creativity while working together to brainstorm, test and fine-tune ideas, then move those ideas through to the next phase of innovation. Each year SURGE will offer a range of courses, workshops and events for both undergrads and graduate students, as well as faculty members and industry partners. Programming begins this month with a new innovation course for fourth-year students (SCIE 4705: Science Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship). The course is taught by Aaron Newman, a professor of psychology and neuroscience and the new director of SURGE, who passionately delivered a snippet of the course in a mini-lecture following the announcement. We aim to train students on how to identify and work through the worlds big problems those where solutions rooted in science present opportunities for commercialization and entrepreneurship, said Dr. Newman. Dr. Aaron Newman, director of SURGE. Students will get hands-on experience building solutions based on their own ideas and backed by science. Theyre the next generation of leaders and sandbox initiatives help these students turn lessons learned in classrooms and labs into companies and products that can benefit society. Sharing the sandbox impact The SURGE opening also featured a panel discussion so that guests could hear first-hand how the Nova Scotia Innovation Sandbox project has already helped Nova Scotian students in their quests to ideate, create and deliver on solutions. The panels participants included Catherine Rutledge, a first-year student in the integrated Environmental Management program who benefits from Cultiv8 sandbox programming. It was empowering to work with students coming from all different programs, ages and backgrounds with one common goal: to create solutions for real issues in our local community, said Rutledge, who worked with vendors at the Truro Farmers Market to prototype a regulated online platform that aimed to help them reach more customers outside of market walls. Cultiv8 provided a creative learning environment where we could freely ask questions, try new things and build creative confidence. Charles Milton, a student at NSCC taking Applied Data Analytics, emphasized the importance of gaining a professional network through his participation in The Spark Zone sandbox a partnership between the province, Saint Marys University, NSCAD University, Mount Saint Vincent University, Nova Scotia Community College, the University of Kings College and the Atlantic School of Theology. Im looking around right now and Im seeing just how big my network is. These people are just an email or a phone call away, said Milton. Theyre mentors, influencers, and some have even become friends over time. These are all people who really help in moving projects forward. Ramping up in 2019 SURGE already has its first few Deep Dive events scheduled, beginning with a hackathon that will explore science-focused augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications, similar to how Dals Ocean School uses VR to teach junior high students about ocean science in classrooms across Canada. Dr. Newman describes these events as immersive sessions that span days, sometimes weeks, that focus on a single theme. In a way, they lead up to the annual Innovation Bootcamp challenge, which takes place each summer and involves all provincial sandboxes. Read also: NS Sandboxes bootcamp fosters creativity, innovation for entrepreneurs In the future, SURGE will also host a residency program designed to support promising teams of students as the move to turn their innovative ideas into reality through refining their business model, developing prototypes, validating hypotheses, and seeking initial funding and traction with investors. SURGE website: surgeinnovation.ca by Wang Zhicheng Talks between US and Chinese delegations ended today. Beijing pledges to buy more from the US. Washington wants trade deals implementation to be verified. Some 37 per cent of Chinese manufacturers have moved production abroad; 33 per cent plan to do it over the next six to twelve months. Beijing (AsiaNews) Three days of talks ended today with a few positive notes between the United States and China aimed. Negotiations were aimed at finding a solution to the trade war that broke out last year between the two countries. For their part, most Chinese manufacturers have already moved or are about to move out of China to avoid the wars consequences. Officials had scheduled two days for talks but extended them by another day. Chinas Ministry of Commerce said today that the discussions "established a foundation for the resolution of each others concerns". Beijing pledged to buy of "a substantial amount" of US agricultural, energy, manufactured goods as well as other products and services to reduce the huge US trade deficit vis-a-vis China. Negotiators also discussed implementation as well verification mechanisms. The United States has demanded structural changes in China with respect to forced technology transfer, intellectual property protection, nontariff barriers, cyber intrusions and cyber theft of trade secrets for commercial purposes, services, and agriculture. After the first series of salvos in the trade war, Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to a three-month truce. If no deal is reached by March, the US administration plans to increase duties on US$ 200 billion worth of Chinese goods from 10 per cent to 25 per cent. Meanwhile, the trade wars impact on China is being felt more and more. Analysts predict that Chinese export growth will decline from 11 per cent in 2018 to 5.6 in 2019. Around 37 per cent of the 200 export manufacturers polled by the UBS investment bank said that they have transferred production to other Asia-Pacific countries in the past year, whilst another 33 per cent plan to do so in the coming six to twelve months. The companies planning a move said that they will shift at least 30 per cent of their production capacity abroad, which is likely to have a negative impact on investments and workers. by Nirmala Carvalho The hearing will take place at Vijay High School in Raikia, one of the villages hit by the anti-Christian pogrom. Persecution by Hindu radicals forced 56,000 people to flee. Meanwhile, seven innocent Christians are still languishing in prison. Chennai (AsiaNews) Mgr John Barwa, archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, told AsiaNews that on Saturday he will attend a public hearing on the violence that struck Kandhamal district in 2007-2008. The event is being held at he Vijay High School in Raikia and offers an opportunity to know the current status of the cases. The prelate feels the need to share, together with many activists, with the victims and the families of the seven Christians unfairly accused who are still languishing in prison." In August 2008, in Kandhamal district, Odisha (Orissa), Hindu radicals engaged in the most vicious acts of persecution against Christians in India. At the end of the pogrom, 56,000 people had been forced to flee, 5,600 houses had been torched or looted in 415 villages, 38 people were dead (according to government figures), two women raped, and scores suffered mutilations and serious wounds. For the Church and social activists, the tally includes nearly 300 churches destroyed, as well as convents, schools, hostels, and the offices of welfare organisations. At least 91 victims: 38 killed right away, 41 from injuries sustained, and 12 in police actions. Although evidence shows that the attacks were premeditated, only seven Christians of humble origins have ended up in jail, and they are still there. "In all these years, there were sporadic hearings, and none ended positively, Mgr Barwa explained. No one involved in the destruction has been jailed. Assassins, rapists, looters and vandals remain unpunished. According to the National Solidarity Forum, the attacks led to more than 3,300 complaints, but only 820 were registered: All the others were rejected. Only 518 contained the details of the attackers; of these, at least 247 were shelved. At present, the archbishop is in Chennai for the Plenary Assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India - Latin Rite (CCBI), one of the three branches of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI). The meeting began on Monday and will last a week (7-14 January). Its focus is Pope Franciss Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium"(The joy of the Gospel). The prelates are discussing how to revitalise the Catholic Churchs ministry of love and compassion at the diocesan and parish level. In all, 189 bishops representing 132 dioceses are present. The Narendra Modi-led BJP is depicting a nightmare that would be Indias fate if an unstable, non-ideological coalition is placed at its helm. Indisputably, India has entered the last lap of the most confrontational years between two parliamentary elections, and the early indications are that this will be the most rancorous polls ever. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly told his core team in 2013-14 that the middle class has a memory of just three months, and whatever has to be done to enlist this demographic group should be done in the last quarter. This explains the new narrative he has begun weaving with the passage of the quota bill for the not so poor in the general category. There are expectations that he would, in the time available before the Model Code of Conduct kicks into effect when the dates of the election are announced likely in first week of March like last time, announce a slew of schemes and promises. The shower of largesse is likely to be aimed at farmers, the urban poor, youth and possibly women, all sections which had expected a lot from this government but are disillusioned, especially since the later part of 2017. The governments urgency to evolve a new narrative is evidence that the verdict of 2014, described by Mr Modi as an occasion when India won, did not lead to the fulfilment of the hopes it had generated. Instead, the past five years was characterised by what Amit Shah immortalised in the Indian political lexicon jumlabaazi. It will, consequently, be judged by future historians not for what it delivered, but for the deficit in expectations. Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party, however, know that the election will not be determined by historians of the future but by people whose opinion can still be shaped by last-minute handouts. This explains why the political campaign directed against adversaries is being backed by government decisions like the quota bill, made a law in less than 72 hours. This government can be decisive, but only when its goose is about to be cooked. Incumbents taking desperate measures is nothing new, but there is less ground for disenchantment when the expectations were few. This is not the case with this government, as with his much-hyped promises in 2014, Mr Modi had raised the hopes of people like never before. Achche din may have been a mere election slogan for the BJP, but people actually believed the yarn that UPA-2 was marked by policy paralysis and that Mr Modi was the redeemer of their futures. Because there has been no dramatic improvement in the lives of people, the government is forced to stress on incremental gains toilets, gas cylinders, Jan Dhan accounts, etc, in a bid to obfuscate the fact that people do not have what they need most cash in hand or ready jobs. As a result, the India of 2019 is dramatically different from that of five years ago. By early 2014, there was a certainty across the country that Mr Modi would be the next Prime Minister. Much needed to be formally done, and although officially anointed by his party, he was yet to mount a campaign that would enable him to take an unbeatable lead. Mr Modi is aware of the limitations of an incumbent, and while he weighs various options to turn the sense of insufficient deliveries, he has so far built an electoral campaign based on negativism. In fact, this marks the fundamental difference between the two elections, as both the ruling party and the Opposition are focused more on delegitimising the adversary than on seeking a positive vote. While the contest in 2014 was between the Modi-personified optimism and the despair typified by Dr Manmohan Singh and the rest of the Congress leadership, the dominant sentiment this time is of fear. Both the BJP and the Opposition parties are peddling varieties of horror or worry. The Narendra Modi-led BJP is depicting a nightmare that would be Indias fate if an unstable, non-ideological coalition is placed at its helm. On the other hand, the Opposition is sounding the alarm that yet another mandate for Mr Modi would herald the death of the republic. In 2014, Mr Modi secured support from people who were not part of the BJPs core voter base because of his promise of reforms and development. This section, including the ideological middle India, disregarded the reality that Mr Modis narrative was embedded in Hindutva. This time, however. the equilibrium is getting increasingly skewed in the reverse direction. The governments possible decisions over the next few weeks would establish where Mr Modi positions himself between being the Hindu Hriday Samrat once again and the man whose heart bleeds for the last person in the line. Regardless of whether Mr Modi rediscovers the magical weave over peoples perception or whether the Opposition is successful in converting dissatisfaction into anger, like in Chhattisgarh recently, the events over the past five years presents people with an opportunity to assess their experience with dominant leaders. There is a need to examine if the nations socio-economic compositeness is more secure under governments dependent on continued support of the people because they have not been handed a runaway mandate. From past experience, the answer is in the affirmative. There is little reason to be worried at the prospect of a weak coalition coming to power in the summer of this year. There is little doubt that the elections this year will be the most important one since 1977. Just as Indira Gandhis Emergency regime attempted a major departure from democratic principles, this government has tried to deviate from the commitment to social inclusiveness. Dogged pursuit of the Citizenship Bill by the BJP demonstrates acceptance of the Muslim Leagues two-nation theory. People this time face the challenge of side-stepping emotive issues. Instead of being propelled by worries over the absence of alternatives, people need to make choices on the basis of their aspirations and not on superimposed ideas. This will be Indian democracys true test this time. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) The Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) has questioned why President Rodrigo Duterte seemed to have singled out hotels as pollutants to Manila Bay during his recent speech. "You only have a handful of hotels along that stretch of Manila Bay, and of course common knowledge naman na Manila Bay is the catch basin of all tributaries around Metro Manila. I think a lot more of the waste would come from those areas. And if the hotels do contribute to the pollution level, I think it would only be a small percentage compared to other sources of pollution," TCP President Jojo Clemente said. Duterte on Wednesday threatened to close down hotels near Manila Bay without proper water treatment systems following his order to fully rehabilitate the polluted body of water. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) denied Duterte singled out hotels. However, an official said they have proof that a number of hotels in Metro Manila are among the pollutants of Manila Bay. "When we conducted our investigation, meron mga lumalabas na issues na nagsasabi na hindi sila naka-tap man lang sa sewer, kailangan at least meron kayong discharge permit. Wala rin silang discharge permit," Environment Undersecretary Benny Antiporda told CNN Philippines on Thursday. Aside from hotels, DENR discovered that based on its initial inspection, at least 50 other establishments have been disposing untreated waste water, draining it in the Manila Bay. These include clinics and hospitals, factories, subdivisions, and other residential areas. DENR said these establishments will be immediately closed if they fail the inspection, once the Manila Bay rehabilitation begins on January 27. "The Supreme Court is clear, hindi kami binibigyan ng extension na pag hindi nagawa trabaho namin ay hahabaan. Sabi nga ng President, hindi namin sasantuhin sinuman siya. Panawagan sa mga establishment kung may dapat gawin, gawin niyo na po ngayon. 'Wag niyo kami hintayin pumunta sa inyo," Undersecretary Sherwin Rigor said. The inspection and rehabilitation of the 2,000-square kilometer Manila Bay will be a tedious task. Seventeen rivers in Metro Manila and Regions 3 and 4-A drain water into Manila Bay. Establishments and residents also dump their waste into the bay. During the inspections, DENR officials will check the establishment's liquid waste discharge to determine if the water reached the acceptable quality. Tracing sources of waste going to Manila Bay and preventing bacteria to multiply is the first part of the rehabilitation. The government also has to relocate 233,000 informal settlers living near the bay and ensure a complete sewage system and waste water treatment facility would be in place. DENR has requested the for P47 billion to bring back Manila Bay's glory. Alex Wong/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Robert Mueller is breathing new life into a World World II-era law that requires lobbyists hired by foreign governments to register with the Department of Justice and document their efforts. The special counsel has now brought a half dozen indictments utilizing the law in cases related to Russian efforts to influence the 2016 presidential campaign. And more cases are reported to be in the works. The most high profile of these cases have involved central members of President Donald Trumps campaign team, including former chairman Paul Manafort, who was convicted of engaging in a secretive lobbying operation for Kremlin-backed Ukrainian president back in 2012, his longtime associate Rick Gates, and Trump's former national security adviser Lt.Gen. Michael Flynn, who admitted to a foreign lobbying violation when he pleaded guilty to making false statements. Investigators are now looking at the same law as they scrutinize Democratic operative Tony Podesta, former Minnesota Republican Rep. Vin Weber and former Obama White House counsel Greg Craig, who were all involved in Manafort's Ukraine-related work. The succession of high-profile cases has served as a wake-up call for lobbyists and consultants in Washington, according to experts who have argued that compliance had grown lax. There was, they said, a mistaken belief that the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) had wilted with age. It was a serious eye-opener, said Caleb Burns, a lawyer who has expertise in political and lobbying laws. The registration requirements, commonly referred to as FARA, were crafted in 1938 to expose efforts by Nazi sympathizers to try and influence U.S. government activity leading up to World War II. FARA requires individuals and entities acting as an agent of a foreign client to register under the Department of Justice. The demands on those who register are substantial filings are supposed to include details about money spent and contacts made on behalf of the foreign client, as well as a full accounting of the payments. But few cases have been brought to prosecution. According to a Department of Justice Inspector Generals audit report, from 2016, between 1966 and 2015, federal prosecutors brought only seven criminal FARA cases, and only three of them resulted in convictions. In recent years there has been a gradual decrease in the number of lobbyists filing registrations. Experts say the decline is largely due to the passage of new lobbying rules that let consultants working for foreign clients that were not directly tied to governments file a relatively simple, and less revealing, disclosure form instead. Josh Rosenstein, a lawyer with expertise in FARA compliance, said the Justice Department typically has followed its formal policy of encouraging voluntary compliance over prosecution. The rare instances in which violations led to prosecution, Rosenstein said, have been high-profile cases involving unfriendly regimes. "FARA has been dangled as both a carrot and a stick as part of a negotiation for a plea," Rosenstein said. For the special counsel's office, it has been used a stick. Manafort, Gates and Flynn retroactively registered as agents under FARA once it became clear they were under investigation, but the special counsel was not satisfied by that in all three cases. The allegations have helped the special counsel team's gain leverage as they tried to flip witnesses. On their own, violations carry a maximum fine of $10,000 and five years in prison. The Mueller teams tactic of locking down cooperating witnesses using FARA violations follows a standard prosecutorial tactic, said Daniel Petalas, a former federal prosecutor who has expertise in election and lobbying laws. The Mueller teams actions came as the Justice Department was initiating its own crackdown on FARA, Petalas said. "FARA charges have constituted a key part of the mosaic of [the special counsel's] approach to prosecuting many of these cases," said David Laufman, the former chief of counterintelligence and expert control at the Department of Justice. Gates in February 2018 pleaded guilty to reduced charges and agreed to cooperate with Muellers investigators. Manafort in September also pleaded guilty and reached a cooperation agreement with the special counsel, but only after going through a weeks-long trial in Virginia with his former business partner Gates as the governments witness against him. The high profile use of FARA appears to have been noticed. New registrations are up substantially. In 2017, there were 101 new companies registered under FARA as working for a foreign client and 713 individuals registered as foreign lobbyists, compared to 69 new firms and 549 new lobbyists in 2016. New registrations have only increased in 2018. Weve had an extraordinary uptick in FARA-related work since 2017, Burns said. And I suspect many other firms in Washington have seen the same. More attention to the law will follow if the Department of Justice follows through on cases against three more high-powered Washington figures who have reportedly been subject to scrutiny for their FARA filings -- Podesta, Weber and Craig. Those investigations are being handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of New York. Podesta stepped down from his firm immediately after Manafort and Gates were indicted, and revealed he has been fully cooperating with the special counsel's office. His firm, the Podesta Group, closed in May 2018, after months-long financial struggle. Craig left his firm Skadden Arps amid the controversy. Weber's firm, Mercury Public Affairs, appears to remain strong, boasting new clients on FARA filings almost every month. Craig's attorney William Taylor and Skadden Arps spokesperson declined ABC News' request for comment. Mercury Public Affairs partner Mike KcKeon was not available for comment by the time of publication. Podesta's spokesperson was not reachable for comment by the time of publication. Prosecutors have also brought charges of FARA violations against two of Flynns former business partners, who were involved work on behalf of the Turkish government. Bijan Kian, one of the defendants in the case, pleaded not guilty. The other partner lives abroad and has not yet been arrested. Laufman, who now advises companies and individuals on FARA, said he believes the increased attention has given an old law new teeth. "I think it's quite likely that the department will continue to keep its foot on the gas pedal of FARA enforcement in appropriate cases," Laufman said. Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. When compared to rich countries like the UK, Germany, France or Spain, India appears poor in economic terms. A friend once asked me this riddle: What do you call someone who speaks many languages? I replied, multilingual. He asked again: What about those who speak two or three languages? I replied, Bilingual or trilingual. Finally, he asked, And what do you call one who speaks just one language? I was stumped. Give up! said I. He said wryly: American. In an effort to protect and promote languages spoken by the worlds indigenous peoples, the UNs declaration for 2019 as International Year of Indigenous Languages seeks to raise awareness of the crucial role languages play in peoples daily lives. Nelson Mandela famously said, If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his mother tongue, that goes to his heart. When compared to rich countries like the UK, Germany, France or Spain, India appears poor in economic terms. However, all these rich countries basically have just one national language written in the Roman script, with a few dialects. But, Bharat Mata is most richly blessed with her mindboggling diversity of languages: 22 official languages with distinct scripts and well over a thousand other mother tongues! However, about 96 percent of Indians consider one of the 22 official languages as their native tongue. Ones mother tongue is not only helpful to understand others and make oneself understood to others, but it is also the means by which one builds ones identity, imbibes ones culture, transmits ones traditions to successive generations and feels at home within a particular worldview. Thus, the ridicule, repression or rejection of anyones language is tantamount to the destruction of persons and communities. Sadly, with aggression and the assertion of majoritarian agendas, worldwide, many indigenous languages are on the verge of extinction. Gaon, gaon, boli badlai, is a Gujarati expression indicating that languages change after every few kilometres. Living with south Gujarats adivasis for some years, I got used to hearing Vasavi, Chaudhary, Kokana, Gamit and Dangi in a rather small territorial expanse. The songs, sayings and skills of each of these often communicated much deeper meanings than what was possible in the official state language, Gujarati. While most languages are made up of words, in Kongthong a remote, hilly Khasi village in Meghalaya people communicate through whistling. This is perhaps the only place in the world where people communicate through whistling and using different tunes to call each other, which supposedly is more effective in the hilly terrains where words are likely to get distorted over distances. Commemorating a year for preserving and promoting indigenous languages should make each of us grateful for other mother tongues and eager to assist others to promote theirs. Its been a long road, but redevelopment of the aging Crescent Halls a city-owned complex for low-income elderly and disabled residents is taking final steps toward action. The 105-unit complex was built in 1976. For several years now, residents have been complaining about problems ranging from air conditioner failures to sewage overflows. The Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority had been trying, with various degrees of alacrity and success, to address the problems piecemeal, but it became evident that as with so much of city public housing a more comprehensive solution is required. The new redevelopment effort is being praised not only for what it aims to accomplish, but also for how it was organized. A consortium of residents, private developers, equity managers and city officials will cooperate on the project. As they say of relationships: Its complicated But the complexity of the arrangement demonstrates just how difficult it can be to pull together resources for major projects such as public housing development or redevelopment. Modi said the rights of deprived sections, including Dalits and tribal will not be affected because due to this bill. Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday termed the passage of the Citizenship Bill in Lok Sabha as a historic step aimed at the welfare of deprived sections. He defended introduction of the 10 per cent quota for the general category poor in jobs and education, adding the bills passage in the Lok Sabha is a strong answer to those spreading lies. Addressing a public rally in Solapur, PM Modi expressed hope that the Rajya Sabha will pass the Bill on Wednesday. He said the rights of deprived sections, including Dalits and tribal will not be affected because due to this bill. On the passage of the Citizenship Bill, seeking to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangaldesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Mr Modi assured people of Assam and North East that their rights will not be curtailed in any way through the Bills provisions. The PM indicated that alleged middleman Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, was lobbying for French manufacturer Rafales rivals in the multi role aircraft deal. During the earlier (UPA) regime, the middlemen culture had become a part of the system. They had snatched the rights of the poor and also played with the security of the nation, Mr Modi said. Michel has made a shocking revelation. As per media reports, he was not just involved in the helicopter deal but also involved in the deal of the fighter planes (Rafale), when the earlier government was in power, Mr Modi said. He added, Media says that Michel was also lobbying for some other company. Congress should answer which leader of their party has a connection with Michel. They should give an account of each and every penny spent. Calling himself a chowkidar (watchman), Mr Modi said he has undertaken a safai (clean-up) mission to uproot corruption and that he cannot be bought or scared and will continue with his work relentlessly. Modi is made up of a different soil. He cannot be bought nor can anyone scare him. I will take an account of every single penny. This chowkidar doesnt sleep and can pick a wrongdoer even in darkness, Mr Modi said. BERLIN Armin-Paulus Hampel, a former journalist and commentator who now is a member of the Bundestag, is ebullient, affable, opinionated, voluble and excellent company at lunch. But because his party is Alternative for Germany, one wonders whether he is representative of it, and whether he is as congenial politically as he is socially. AfD is a Rorschach test for observers of German politics, who see in it either a recrudescence of ominous national tendencies or a healthy response of the political market to unaddressed anxieties. It was founded in 2013, two years before Chancellor Angela Merkel impulsively decided to welcome almost a million asylum seekers, most from the Middle East. The nation was abruptly challenged to become a melting pot at a moment when there was increasing interest in recapturing a sense of Germanness. Politics usually is grounded in grievances, and Hampel nurses AfD's originating complaint, which was that Germany's role under the EU's common currency has been to bail out slothful, spendthrift Greeks and other southern Europeans. In this, AfD resembles America's tea party movement, which was a spontaneous combustion in response to TARP (the Troubled Asset Relief Program), the bailout of banks and of people with improvident mortgages. A criminal arrest operation conducted Monday resulted in the arrest of two men and seizure of $79,000 in illegal drugs in Albemarle County. The Jefferson Area Drug Enforcement task force arrested Jonathan Lorenzo Ricks and Maleek Qualls, both 22 and from Tuscumbia, Alabama, according to a news release. Ricks is charged with one felony count of distribution of more than 100 grams of a Schedule I/II drug, one felony count of distribution of a Schedule I/II drug while in possession of a firearm and one felony count of importing more than one ounce of a Schedule I/II drug into Virginia. Qualls is facing one felony count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. They were arrested in the 2000 block of Inn Drive. During the operation, JADE investigators seized about 790 grams of crystal methamphetamine, which has an estimated street value of $79,000, and a 9 mm handgun. The task force is continuing to investigate, and additional charges are pending. JADE started in 1985 as a regional narcotics task force and is made up of officers from the Charlottesville, Albemarle and state police departments. Send news tips to news@dailyprogress.com, call (434) 978-7264, tweet us @DailyProgress or send us a Facebook message here. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Corey Long, who was found guilty of using a makeshift flamethrower at the 2017 Unite the Right rally, has withdrawn his appeal. Long was found guilty of disorderly conduct by a Charlottesville General District Court Judge last June and sentenced to 360 days in jail, with all but 20 suspended. He initially appealed the conviction and was set for a trial in Charlottesville Circuit Court on Jan. 24. However, Long dropped his appeal on Thursday, according to court documents. He will serve 10 days in jail over five weekends, half the original sentence, as is typical of misdemeanor convictions. Long has claimed he was acting in self-defense when he ignited an aerosol can on Aug. 12, 2017, during the deadly white supremacist Unite the Right Rally. The makeshift flamethrower Long created was used for a failed self-defense argument in former-Ku Klux Klan member Richard Prestons case, who in August was sentenced to four years in prison for discharging a firearm within 1,000 feet of The Park School. Send news tips to news@dailyprogress.com, call (434) 978-7264, tweet us @DailyProgress or send us a Facebook message here. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. While former Rep. Tom Garrett, R-5th, intended to amend his bill honoring Army Capt. Humayun Khan with the renaming of a post office, the version that was signed by the president instead renames a contract postal unit. Now, Virginias U.S. senators are working to correct the issue. HR 3184, signed by President Donald Trump on Dec. 23, designates the McCormick Road site near the University of Virginia as the Captain Humayun Khan Post Office, honoring the only UVa graduate to be killed in action during the Iraq War. A Garrett spokeswoman in November said an amendment had been submitted to instead rename the post office at 2150 Wise St., located in the Barracks Road Shopping Center. She also said the change avoids any issues with renaming on a university property that is also not an official postal-operated facility. The new location also would allow a plaque to be installed. Garrett said by phone on Wednesday night that the bill was amended and passed out of committee. However, he said, floor staff members mistakenly put the original bill up for a vote by the full House of Representatives. Cox countered that Preston wasnt honored for owning slaves. If the street was named because of the owning of people, then change the name, he said. If it was the owning of slaves that was the conditional factor, youve got a lot of people in town and a lot of streets. Bellamy said the road was intentionally named for Preston because of its path. When we look at the fact that that street, Preston Avenue, is literally in the middle of two predominately African-American neighborhoods and it was named Preston Avenue after this gentleman, it was not by mistake, he said. I dont think thats the kind of individual we need to honor with a street name on one of our main streets in Charlottesville. Cox later posited: So were going to remove Jefferson from the front of the building? Many in attendance replied in the affirmative. Nonprofit funding In other business, the council on Monday delayed the creation of a priority-setting commission to determine how the city should contribute to nonprofits. The board of Piedmont Virginia Community College approved on Wednesday a request to offer a parcel of land along Avon Street and Interstate 64 for lease. A 99-year lease, if approved by the State Board for Community Colleges, is intended to help generate funding for the planned Advanced Technology Center. The college also had hoped to offer the parcel for sale, but several board members expressed concerns about permanently giving up the asset. God didnt create any more land, said Frank Gallo, the board member from Nelson County. Everyone wants the technology center and some buildings, and Im comfortable with that, but at what cost in the future? Frank Friedman, the colleges president, said the school was unlikely to expand its campus in that direction and was focusing building efforts centrally. Pam Baker Guzman, one of the board members from Charlottesville, said she was comfortable offering up the parcel for sale. Who knows, in 99 years we may be teleporting to classes on Mars, she said. If we can get revenue from this to go to programs, I think thats reasonable. The following companies are subsidiares of Roche: 454 Life Sciences, Adheron Therapeutics, Adheron Therapeutics Inc., Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Anadys Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ariosa Diagnostics, Ariosa Diagnostics Inc., Arius Research, Ascur Versicherungsvermittlungs GmbH, BINA Technology, Bina Technologies Inc., BioImagene, BioVeris, BioVeris Corporation, Biopharm AG, Boehringer Mannheim, Borean Pharma, Chemical Manufacturing and Trading Company Limited, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Disetronic Holding AG, Dutalys GmbH, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd / Jordan P.S.C., FLLC "Roche Products Limited", FMI Germany GmbH, Flatiron Health, Flatiron Health Inc., ForSight Labs, ForSight VISION4 Inc., Foundation Medicine, Foundation Medicine Inc., Foundation Medicine Securities Corporation, Galenus Mannheim Pharma GmbH, GeneWEAVE, GeneWEAVE Biosciences Inc., Genentech, Genentech Inc., Genentech P.R. Inc., Genentech USA Inc., Genia Technologies, Hoffmann - La Roche Ltd, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Hoffmann-La Roche Limited, Hoffmann-La Roche Products Limited, I5 Surviving Corp., IGEN International Inc., IGEN LS LLC, IQuum, IQuum Inc., Ignyta, Ignyta Inc., Inflazome, Infogenetik Molekuler Bilgi Hizmetleri Anonim Sirketi, Institut Roche SAS, InterMune, InterMune Holdings Limited, InterMune Inc., InterMune International AG, Jecure Therapeutics Inc., Kapa Biosystems, Kapa Biosystems (Pty) Ltd, Kapa Biosystems Inc., Limited Liability Company Roche Diabetes Care Rus, Limited Liability Company Roche Diagnostics Rus, MTM Laboratories, Marcadia Biotech, Medingo Ltd., Medingo Medical Solutions, Memory Pharmaceuticals, Memory Pharmaceuticals Corp., Mirus, Museum Tinguely AG, N.V. Roche S.A., P.T. Roche Indonesia, PVT Probenverteiltechnik GmbH, Phaor AG, Piramed, Productos Roche (El Salvador) S.A. de C.V., Productos Roche (Honduras) S.A., Productos Roche (Nicaragua) S.A., Productos Roche (Panama) S.A., Productos Roche Dominicana S.R.L., Productos Roche Guatemala (Sociedad Anonima), Productos Roche Interamericana S.A. (PRISA), Productos Roche Quimica Farmaceutica S.A., Productos Roche S.A., Productos Roche S.A. Quimica e Industrial, Productos Roche S.A. de C.V., Produtos Roche Quimicos e Farmaceuticos S.A., Promedior, Rabbit-Air Ltd, RoDiagnostics Egypt for Trading S.A.E, Roche (China) Holding Ltd., Roche (Hellas) S.A., Roche (Hungary) Ltd, Roche (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Roche (Philippines) Inc., Roche (Shanghai) Pharmaceuticals Consulting Co. Ltd, Roche (Shanghai) Pharmaceuticals Trading Co. Ltd., Roche - Moscow Ltd., Roche AB, Roche Algerie SPA, Roche Austria GmbH, Roche Bangladesh Limited, Roche Beteiligungs GmbH, Roche Biomedical Laboratories Inc., Roche Bolivia SRL., Roche Bulgaria EOOD, Roche Cameroun SARL, Roche Capital Market Ltd, Roche Capital Services Ltd., Roche Catalyst Investments Ltd., Roche Chemische Unternehmungen AG, Roche Chile Limitada, Roche Cote dIvoire SARL, Roche DC Japan K. K., Roche DC Mexico S.A. de C.V., Roche Deutschland Holding GmbH, Roche Diabetes Care (Switzerland) Ltd, Roche Diabetes Care Argentina S.A., Roche Diabetes Care Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Roche Diabetes Care Australia Pty Limited, Roche Diabetes Care Austria GmbH, Roche Diabetes Care Brasil Ltda., Roche Diabetes Care Deutschland GmbH, Roche Diabetes Care France SAS, Roche Diabetes Care GmbH, Roche Diabetes Care Inc., Roche Diabetes Care India Private Limited, Roche Diabetes Care Italy S.p.A., Roche Diabetes Care Limited, Roche Diabetes Care Middle East FZCO, Roche Diabetes Care Nederland B.V., Roche Diabetes Care Polska sp. z o.o., Roche Diabetes Care South Africa Proprietary Limited, Roche Diabetes Care Spain S.L., Roche Diagnostica Brasil Ltda., Roche Diagnostics (Hellas) S.A., Roche Diagnostics (Hong Kong) Limited, Roche Diagnostics (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Roche Diagnostics (Shanghai) Ltd., Roche Diagnostics (Suzhou) Limited, Roche Diagnostics (Switzerland) Ltd, Roche Diagnostics (Thailand) Limited, Roche Diagnostics Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Roche Diagnostics Australia Pty. Limited, Roche Diagnostics Belgium NV, Roche Diagnostics Corporation, Roche Diagnostics Deutschland GmbH, Roche Diagnostics France SAS, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Roche Diagnostics Hematology Inc., Roche Diagnostics India Private Limited, Roche Diagnostics International Ltd, Roche Diagnostics K.K., Roche Diagnostics Korea Co. Ltd., Roche Diagnostics Limited, Roche Diagnostics Ltd., Roche Diagnostics Middle East FZCO, Roche Diagnostics NZ Limited, Roche Diagnostics Nederland B.V., Roche Diagnostics Norge A/S, Roche Diagnostics Operations Inc., Roche Diagnostics Oy, Roche Diagnostics Polska Sp. z o.o., Roche Diagnostics Proprietary Limited, Roche Diagnostics S.L., Roche Diagnostics S.p.A., Roche Diagnostics Scandinavia AB, Roche Diagnostics Turkey Anonim Sirketi, Roche Diagnostics a/s, Roche Ecuador S.A., Roche Eesti OU, Roche Egypt LLC, Roche Egypt for Manufacturing and Trading SAE, Roche Farma (Peru) S.A., Roche Farma S.A., Roche Farmaceutica Quimica Lda., Roche Finance Europe B.V., Roche Finance Ltd, Roche Financial Investments Ltd., Roche Financial Management Ltd., Roche Financial Services Ltd., Roche Forum Buonas Ltd, Roche Georgia LLC, Roche Glycart, Roche Glycart Ltd, Roche Health Solutions Inc., Roche Holding (UK) Limited, Roche Holdings Inc., Roche Hong Kong Limited, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen A/S, Roche Innovatis, Roche International Ltd., Roche International Ltd. (Montevideo Branch), Roche Intertrade Limited, Roche Ireland Limited, Roche Kazakhstan LLP, Roche Kenya Limited, Roche Korea Company Ltd., Roche Laboratories Inc., Roche Latvija SIA, Roche Lebanon S.A.R.L., Roche Long Term Foundation, Roche Makedonija DOOEL, Roche Molecular Systems Inc., Roche Myanmar Company Limited, Roche Mustahzarlari Sanayi Anonim Sirketi, Roche Nederland B.V., Roche NimbleGen, Roche Norge A/S, Roche Operations Ltd., Roche Oy, Roche PVT GmbH, Roche Pakistan Limited, Roche Palo Alto LLC, Roche Pars Co. (Ltd.), Roche Pharma (Switzerland) Ltd, Roche Pharma AG, Roche Pharmaceuticals (Israel) Ltd., Roche Pharmaceuticals Middle East FZCO, Roche Pharmholding B.V., Roche Polska Sp. z o.o., Roche Privacy GmbH, Roche Products (India) Private Limited, Roche Products (Ireland) Limited, Roche Products (Mauritius) Ltd, Roche Products (New Zealand) Limited, Roche Products (Proprietary) Limited, Roche Products Ghana Limited, Roche Products Inc., Roche Products Limited, Roche Products Ltd., Roche Products Pty. Limited, Roche Products Saudi Arabia LLC, Roche R&D Center (China) Ltd., Roche Real Estate Services Mannheim GmbH, Roche Registration GmbH, Roche Registration Limited, Roche Romania S.R.L., Roche S.A., Roche S.p.A., Roche SAS, Roche Sequencing Solutions Inc., Roche Services (Asia Pacific) Sdn. Bhd., Roche Services (Europe) Ltd, Roche Services Americas Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Roche Services Holdings Ltd., Roche Servicios S.A., Roche Servicios de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Roche Singapore Pte. Ltd., Roche Singapore Technical Operations Pte. Ltd., Roche Sistemas de Diagnosticos Sociedade Unipessoal Lda., Roche Slovensko S.R.O., Roche TCRC Inc., Roche Thailand Limited, Roche Tunisie SA, Roche Ukraine LLC, Roche Vietnam Company Limited, Roche a/s Medicinalvarer og Kemikalier, Roche d.o.o., Roche d.o.o. farmaceutsko drustvo Roche Ltd. Pharmaceutical Company, Roche farmacevtska druzba d.o.o., Roche mtm laboratories AG, Roche s.r.o., Santaris Pharma, Sapac Corporation Ltd., Seragon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Shanghai Roche Pharmaceuticals Limited, Signature Diagnostics GmbH, Spark Therapeutics, Spring Bioscience Corp., Stratos Genomics, Syntex Corporation, Syntex Pharm AG, Syntex Pharmaceuticals International Limited, Syntex Puerto Rico Inc., Tanox Inc., Tavero AG, Tensha Therapeutics, Tensha Therapeutics Inc., Therapeutic Human Polyclonals, Therapeutic Human Polyclonals Inc., Trophos, Trophos SA, Tusk Therapeutics, Tusk Therapeutics Limited, UAB Roche Lietuva, Ventana Medical Systems, Ventana Medical Systems Inc., Verum Diagnostica GmbH, Viewics, Viewics Inc., Viewics India Private Limited, mySugr, mySugr GmbH, and mySugr Inc.. Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated insurance holding company in the United States. The company develops, markets, and underwrites insurance products for personal residential insurance, such as homeowners, renters/tenants, condo unit owners, and dwelling/fire; allied lines, coverage for other structures, and personal property; and commercial residential multi-peril, as well as liability and personal articles coverages. The company also advises on actuarial issues, oversees distribution, administers claims payments, performs policy administration and underwriting, and assists with reinsurance negotiations; places and manages reinsurance programs for the insurance entities; and operates Clovered, in which consumers receive side-by-side quotes from multiple carriers across multiple states, as well as educational materials about homeowners insurance policies. It offers its products through a network of independent agents, as well as Universal Direct, a direct-to-consumer online platform, which enables homeowners to directly purchase, pay for, and bind homeowners' policies. The company was formerly known as Universal Heights, Inc. and changed its name to Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. in January 2001. Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. was incorporated in 1990 and is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Thermo Fisher Scientific: 236 Perinton Parkway LLC, 27 Forge Parkway LLC, ABR--Affinity BioReagents, ACI Holdings Inc., ARG Services LLC, ASPEX Corporation, Abgene Inc., Abgene Limited, Acoustic Cytometry Systems Inc., AcroMetrix LLC, Acros Organics B.V.B.A., Advanced Biotechnologies Limited, Advanced Scientifics (ASI), Advanced Scientifics Inc., Advanced Scientifics International Inc., Affymetrix Biotech Participacoes Ltda., Affymetrix Biotech Shanghai Ltd, Affymetrix Inc, Affymetrix Japan K.K., Affymetrix Pte Ltd, Affymetrix UK Ltd, Afora S.A.U., Ahura Scientific, Alchematrix Inc., Alchematrix LLC, Alfa Aesar, Alfa Aesar (China) Chemical Co. Ltd., Alfa Aesar (Hong Kong) Limited, Allergon AB, Alphine Mountain Limited, Ambion Inc., Apogent Denmark ApS, Apogent Finance Company, Apogent Holding Company, Apogent Technologies Inc., Apogent Transition Corp., Apogent U.K. Limited, App-Tek International Pty Ltd, Applied Biosystems B.V., Applied Biosystems Finance B.V., Applied Biosystems International Inc., Applied Biosystems LLC, Applied Biosystems Taiwan LLC, Applied Biosystems Trading (Shanghai) Company Ltd., Applied Biosystems de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Applied Scientific Corporation, Avances Cientificos de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Avocado Research Chemicals Limited, B.R.A.H.M.S. Biotech GmbH, B.R.A.H.M.S. GmbH, B.R.A.H.M.S. UK Ltd, BAC BV, BAC IP BV, Barnstead Thermolyne LLC, Beijing Phadia Diagnostics Co Ltd, Bender MedSystems GmbH, BioTrove Corporation, BioTrove International Inc., Bioanalysis Labsystems S.A., Biochemical Sciences LLC, Biolab, BmT GmbH Laborprodukte, Bonsai Tecnologies - Sistemas para Biotecnologia e Industria Unipessoal Lda, Brammer Bio, Bumi-Sans Sendirian Berhad, CAC Limited, CB Diagnostics AB, CB Diagnostics Holding AB, CEPH International Corporation, CHK Holdings Inc., CRS Robotics, CTPS LLC, Capitol Scientific Products Inc., Capitol Vial Inc., Cellomics Inc., CellzDirect Inc., Cenduit GmbH, Cenduit LLC, Cezanne S.A.S., Chase Scientific Glass Inc., Chromacol Limited, Clintrak, Clintrak Clinical Labeling Services LLC, Clintrak Pharmaceutical Services LLC, Cohesive Technologies (UK) Limited, Cohesive Technologies Inc., Columbia Diagnostics Inc., Compendia Bioscience Inc., Comtest Limited, Consolidated Technologies Inc., Consultores Fisher Scientific Chile Ltd, Core Informatics, Core Informatics LLC, Core Informatics UK Ltd., D-finitive Technologies Inc., DCG Systems B.V., DCG Systems C.V., DCG Systems G.K., DCG Systems GmbH, DCG Systems Korea Ltd., DCG Systems LLC, DPI Newco LLC, DSM Pharmaceutical Products Inc., Dharmacon, Diagnostix Ltd., Dionex (China) Analytical Ltd, Dionex (Switzerland) AG, Dionex (UK) Limited, Dionex Austria GmbH, Dionex Benelux B.V., Dionex Brasil Instrumentos Cientificos Ltda, Dionex Canada Ltd., Dionex China Limited, Dionex Corporation, Dionex Denmark A/S, Dionex Holding GmbH, Dionex I LLC, Dionex Pty Ltd., Dionex S.A., Dionex S.p.A., Dionex Singapore Pte Ltd., Dionex Softron GmbH, Dionex Sweden AB, Distribution Solutions International Inc., Doe & Ingalls Investors Inc., Doe & Ingalls Limited, Doe & Ingalls Management LLC, Doe & Ingalls Properties II LLC, Doe & Ingalls Properties LLC, Doe & Ingalls of California Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of Florida Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of Maryland Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of Massachusetts Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of North Carolina Operating LLC, Doublecape Holding Limited, Doublecape Limited, Drakeside Real Estate Holding Company LLC, Duke Scientific Corporation, Dynal Biotech Beijing Limited, EGS Gauging Ltd., EGS Gauging Technical Services Company, EP Scientific Products LLC, Ecochem N.V., EnviroEquip Pty Ltd, Epsom Glass Industries Limited, Equibio Limited, Erie Electroverre S.A., Erie Finance Limited, Erie LP Holding LLC, Erie Scientific Company of Puerto Rico, Erie Scientific Hungary Kft, Erie Scientific LLC, Erie U.K. Limited, Erie UK 1 Limited, Erie UK 2 Limited, Erie UK Holding Company, Erie UK Senior Holding Limited, European Laboratory Holdings Limited, Eutech Instruments Europe B.V., Eutech Instruments Pte Ltd., Eutech Instruments Sdn Bhd, Ever Ready Thermometer Co. Inc., FEI Asia Pacific Co. Ltd., FEI Australia Pty Ltd, FEI CPD B.V., FEI Company, FEI Company Japan Ltd., FEI Company of USA (S.E.A.) Pte Ltd., FEI Czech Republic s.r.o., FEI Deutschland GmbH, FEI EFA Inc., FEI EFA International Pte. Ltd., FEI Electron Optics B.V., FEI Electron Optics International B.V., FEI Europe B.V., FEI France SAS, FEI Global Holdings C.V., FEI Hong Kong Company Limited, FEI Houston Inc., FEI Italia Srl, FEI Korea Ltd., FEI Melbourne Pty Ltd., FEI Microscopy Solutions Ltd, FEI Munich GmbH, FEI Norway Holding AS, FEI SAS, FEI Saudi Arabia LLC, FEI Servicos de Nanotecnologia Ltda., FEI Technologies Inc., FEI Technology de Mexico S.A. de C.V., FEI Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., FEI Trondheim AS, FEI UK Ltd., FHP LLC, FRC Holding Inc. V, FS (Barbados) Capital Holdings Ltd., FS Casa Rocas Holdings LLC, FS Mexicana Holdings LLC, FSI Receivables Company LLC, FSII Sweden Holdings AB, FSII Sweden Holdings I AB, FSIR Holdings (UK) Limited, FSIR Holdings (US) Inc., FSUK Holdings Limited, FSWH Company LLC, FSWH II C.V., FSWH International Holdings LLC, Fermentas China Co. Ltd, Fermentas Inc., Fermentas International, Fermentas Sweden AB, Fermentas UK Limited, Fiberlite Centrifuge LLC, Finesse Scientific Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Finesse Solutions AG, Finesse Solutions Inc., Finnzymes Oy, Fisher Alder S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Asia Manufacturing Ventures Inc., Fisher Bermuda Holdings Limited, Fisher BioImage ApS, Fisher BioPharma Services (India) Private Limited, Fisher BioSciences Japan G.K., Fisher BioServices Inc., Fisher Bioblock Holding II SNC, Fisher CLP Holding Limited Partnership, Fisher Canada Holding ULC 1, Fisher Canada Holding ULC 2, Fisher Canada Holding ULC 3, Fisher Canada Limited Partnership, Fisher Chimica BVBA, Fisher Clinical Logistics LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Fisher Clinical Services (Bristol) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Colombia) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Korea) Co. Ltd, Fisher Clinical Services (Mexico) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Peru) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Fisher Clinical Services Colombia S.A.S., Fisher Clinical Services GmbH, Fisher Clinical Services Inc., Fisher Clinical Services Japan K.K., Fisher Clinical Services Latin America S.R.L., Fisher Clinical Services Limited Liability Company, Fisher Clinical Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Clinical Services Peru S.R.L, Fisher Clinical Services Pte Ltd., Fisher Clinical Services U.K. Limited, Fisher Emergo B.V., Fisher Germany Holdings GmbH, Fisher Hamilton China Inc., Fisher Hamilton Mexico LLC, Fisher Holdings ApS, Fisher Internet Minority Holdings L.L.C., Fisher Laboratory Products Manufacturing (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Fisher Luxembourg Danish Holdings SARL, Fisher Manufacturing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Fisher Maybridge Holdings Limited, Fisher Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Scientific (Austria) GmbH, Fisher Scientific (Hong Kong) Limited, Fisher Scientific (M) Sdn Bhd, Fisher Scientific (SEA) Pte. Ltd., Fisher Scientific A/S, Fisher Scientific AG, Fisher Scientific Australia Pty Limited, Fisher Scientific Biotech Line ApS, Fisher Scientific Brazil Inc., Fisher Scientific Central America Inc., Fisher Scientific Chile Inc., Fisher Scientific Colombia Inc., Fisher Scientific Company, Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C., Fisher Scientific Costa Rica Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Fisher Scientific Europe Holdings B.V., Fisher Scientific GTF AB, Fisher Scientific Germany Beteiligungs GmbH, Fisher Scientific GmbH, Fisher Scientific Holding Company LLC, Fisher Scientific Holding HK Limited, Fisher Scientific Holding U.K. Limited, Fisher Scientific Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd, Fisher Scientific Holdings (S) Pte Ltd, Fisher Scientific International LLC, Fisher Scientific Investments (Cayman) Ltd., Fisher Scientific Ireland Investments Unlimited, Fisher Scientific Ireland Limited, Fisher Scientific Japan Ltd., Fisher Scientific Jersey Island Limited, Fisher Scientific Korea Ltd, Fisher Scientific Latin America Inc., Fisher Scientific Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Fisher Scientific Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Scientific Mexico Inc., Fisher Scientific Middle East and Africa Inc., Fisher Scientific Norway AS, Fisher Scientific Operating Company, Fisher Scientific Oxoid Holdings Ltd., Fisher Scientific Oy, Fisher Scientific Pte. Ltd., Fisher Scientific S.A.S., Fisher Scientific S.L., Fisher Scientific SPRL, Fisher Scientific The Hague I B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague II B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague III B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague IV B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague V B.V., Fisher Scientific U.K. Limited, Fisher Scientific UK Holding Company 2, Fisher Scientific UK Holding Company Limited, Fisher Scientific Unipessoal Lda., Fisher Scientific Venezuela Inc., Fisher Scientific Worldwide (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Fisher Scientific Worldwide Holdings I C.V., Fisher Scientific Worldwide Inc., Fisher Scientific de Mexico S.A., Fisher Scientific of the Netherlands B.V., Fisher Scientific spol. S.r.o, Fisher Servicios Clinicos (Chile) LLC, Fisher Servicios Clinicos Chile Ltda, Fisher WWD Holding L.L.C., Fisher Worldwide Distribution SPV, Fisher Worldwide Gene Distribution SPV, Flux Instruments, Fuji Partnership, G & M Procter Limited, G V Instruments Limited, GV Instruments Canada Ltd., GV Instruments Inc, Gatan Inc, General Scientific Company Sdn Bhd (M), Genomed molekularbiologische und diagnostische Produkte GmbH, Gerhard Menzel B.V. & Co. KG, Gold Cattle Standard Testing Labs Inc., Golden West Indemnity Company Limited, Goring Kerr Detection Limited, Greenville Service Company Inc., HENO GmbH i.L., Hangar 215 Inc., Helmet Securities Limited, Henogen, HighChem, HyClone International Trade (Tianjin) Co. Ltd, Hybaid Limited, I.Q. (BIO) Limited, IDnostics AG, ILS Laboratories Scandinavia AB, Inel Inc., Inel SAS, InnaPhase Inc., InnaPhase Limited, IntegenX, Intrinsic BioProbes Inc., Intrinsic Bioprobes Inc., Invitrogen (Shanghai) Investment Co. Ltd., Invitrogen Argentina SA, Invitrogen BioServices India Private Limited, Invitrogen Europe Limited, Invitrogen Finance Corp., Invitrogen Holdings LLC, Invitrogen Holdings Ltd., Invitrogen Hong Kong Limited, Invitrogen IP Holdings Inc., Invitrogen Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ion Torrent Systems Inc., Ionalytics Corporation, JSC Thermo Fisher Scientific, Jouan LLC, Jouan Limited, Jouan SA, Kendro Containment & Services Limited, Kendro Laboratory Products Ltd, Kettlebrook Insurance Co. ltd., Keystone Scientific, KonTEM GmbH, Kyle Jordan Investments LLC, LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION, LTC Tech South Africa PTY Ltd., La-Pha-Pack GmbH, Lab Vision (UK) Limited, Lab Vision Corporation, Lab-Chrom-Pack LLC, Lab-Line Instruments Inc., Labomex MBP S. de R. L. De C.V., Laboratoire Service International - L.S.I, Laboratory Management Systems Inc., Laboratory Specialties Proprietary Ltd., LambTrack Limited, Laser Analytical Systems Inc., Liberty Lane Investment LLC, Liberty Lane Real Estate Holding Company LLC, Life Sciences International (Poland) SP z O.O, Life Sciences International Holdings BV, Life Sciences International LLC, Life Sciences International Limited, Life Technologies AS, Life Technologies Australia PTY Ltd., Life Technologies BPD AB, Life Technologies BPD UK Limited, Life Technologies Brasil Comercio e Industria de Produtos para Biotecnologia Ltda, Life Technologies Chile SpA, Life Technologies Clinical Services Lab Inc., Life Technologies Co. Ltd., Life Technologies Czech Republic s.r.o., Life Technologies DaAn Diagnostic (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Life Technologies Europe B.V., Life Technologies Finance Ltd., Life Technologies Finland Oy, Life Technologies GmbH, Life Technologies Holdings PTE Ltd., Life Technologies Inc., Life Technologies International B.V., Life Technologies Japan Ltd., Life Technologies Korea LLC, Life Technologies Limited, Life Technologies Magyarorszag Kft, Life Technologies New Zealand Ltd., Life Technologies Norway Investments US LLC, Life Technologies Polska Sp z.o.o., Life Technologies SA, Life Technologies SAS, Life Technologies s.r.o, Linkage Biosciences Inc., Linkage Biosciences S.a.r.l., Loftus Furnace Company, Lomb Scientific, Lomb Scientific (Aust) Pty Limited, MTI-GlobalStem, Marketbase International Limited, Matrix MicroScience Inc., Matrix MicroScience Ltd., Matrix Technologies Corporation Limited, Matrix Technologies LLC, Maybridge Chemical Company Limited, Maybridge Chemical Holdings Limited, Maybridge Limited, Medical Analysis Systems Inc., Medical Analysis Systems International Inc., Medical Diagnostics Systems Inc., Metavac LLC, Microgenics Corporation, Microgenics Diagnostics Pty Limited, Microgenics GmbH, Microm International GmbH, Microm Laborgerate S.L.U, Molecular BioProducts Inc., Molecular Probes Inc., Molecular Transfer Inc., NAPCO Inc., NERL Diagnostics LLC, NOVODIRECT GmbH Labor- und Industrie- Megerate, Nalge (Europe) Limited, Nalge Nunc International (Monterrey) LLC, Nalge Nunc International Corporation, Nanjing WeiKangLe Trading Industrial Co Ltd, NanoDrop Technologies LLC, National Scientific Company, Navaho Acquisition Corp., Neomarkers Inc., New FS Holdings Inc., NewcoGen PE LLC, Nihon Dynal K.K., Niton Asia Limited, NovaWave Technologies Inc., Nunc A/S, ONIX Systems Inc., OXOID CZ s.r.o., Odyssey Holdings Corporation, Odyssey Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Odyssey Luxembourg IP Holdings 1 S.a r.l., Odyssey Luxembourg IP Holdings 2 S.a r.l., Odyssey Venture Corporation, Omega Data Systems, One Lambda Inc, Onix Holdings Limited, Orme Scientific Limited, Owl Separation Systems LLC, Oxoid (ELY) Limited, Oxoid 2000 Limited, Oxoid AS, Oxoid Australia Pty. Limited, Oxoid Company, Oxoid Deutschland GmbH, Oxoid Holding SAS, Oxoid Holdings Limited, Oxoid Inc., Oxoid International Limited, Oxoid Investments GmbH, Oxoid Limited, Oxoid N.V., Oxoid New Zealand Limited, Oxoid Pension Trustees Limited, Oxoid Senior Holdings Limited, Oxoid UKH LLC, PAX - DSI Acquisition LLC, PE AG, Pacific Rim Far East Industries LLC, Pacific Rim Investment LLC, Panomics L.L.C., Panomics S.R.L., Patheon, Patheon API Inc., Patheon API Manufacturing Inc., Patheon API Services Inc., Patheon Austria GmbH & Co KG, Patheon B.V., Patheon Banner U.S. Holdings Inc., Patheon Biologics (NJ) LLC, Patheon Biologics Australia Pty Ltd, Patheon Biologics B.V., Patheon Biologics LLC, Patheon Calculus Merger LLC, Patheon Cooperatief U.A., Patheon Development Services Inc., Patheon Finance LLC, Patheon France SAS, Patheon Holdings B.V., Patheon Holdings I B.V., Patheon Holdings II B.V., Patheon Holdings SAS, Patheon I B.V., Patheon I Holding GmbH, Patheon Inc., Patheon International AG, Patheon Italia S.p.A., Patheon KK, Patheon Life Science Products International GmbH, Patheon Manufacturing Services LLC, Patheon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Patheon Pharmaceuticals Services Inc., Patheon Puerto Rico Acquisitions Corporation, Patheon Puerto Rico Inc., Patheon Regensburg GmbH, Patheon Softgels B.V., Patheon Softgels Inc., Patheon U.S. Holdings Inc., Patheon U.S. Holdings LLC, Patheon UK Limited, Patheon UK Pension Trustees Limited, Pelican Acquisition Corporation, Perbio Science (Canada) Company, Perbio Science AB, Perbio Science BVBA, Perbio Science France SAS, Perbio Science Inc., Perbio Science International Netherlands B.V., Perbio Science Invest AB, Perbio Science Nederland B.V., Perbio Science Projekt AB, Perbio Science Sweden Holdings AB, Perbio Science Switzerland SA, Perbio Science UK Limited, Phadia AB, Phadia Diagnosticos Ltda, Phadia GmbH, Phadia Holding AB, Phadia International Holdings C.V., Phadia Korea Co. Ltd, Phadia Luxembourg Holdings S.a.r.l., Phadia Malta Holdings Limited, Phadia Oy, Phadia Real Property AB, Phadia Sweden AB, Phadia Taiwan Inc., Phadia US Inc., Phadia s.r.o., Pharmacaps Mexicana SA de CV, Phenom-World B.V., Phenom-World Holding B.V, Phenom-World Innovations B.V., Phinotex, Pierce Biotechnology Inc., Pierce Milwaukee Holding Corp., Pierce Milwaukee Inc., Polychromix, Power Sweden Holdings I AB, Power Sweden Holdings II AB, Power Sweden Holdings III Aktiebolag, Princeton Gamma-Tech Instruments LLC, Princeton Security Technologies, Prionics AG, Prionics Asia Ltd., Prionics Deutschland GmbH, Prionics France SAS, Prionics Italia S.r.l., Prionics Lelystad B.V., Prionics USA Inc., Priority Air Express LLC, Priority Air Express Pte. Ltd., Priority Air Express UK Limited, Priority Air Holdings Corp, Priority Solutions International, Promedica Pty Limited, Proxeon, Proxeon Biosystems ApS, Qiagen, REP GBP I-B Blocker Inc., Raymond A Lamb Limited, Remel Europe Limited, Remel Inc., Richard-Allan Scientific Company, Robbins Scientific LLC, Robocon Labor- und Industrieroboter Gesellschaft m.b.H, Rupprecht and Patashnick, Rupprecht and Patashnick (R&P), Russell pH Limited, S.C.I. du 10 rue Dugay Trouin, SCI Inno 92, STC Bio Manufacturing Inc., Samco Scientific (Monterrey) LLC, Samco Scientific LLC, Saroph Sweden AB, Schantz Road LLC, Seradyn Inc., Shanghai Life Technologies Biotechnology Co. Limited, Shanghai Thermo Fisher (C-I) Trading Co. Ltd, Shanghai Thermo Fisher (S) Trading Co. 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Ltd., Thermo Life Sciences AB, Thermo Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Thermo Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Thermo MF Physics LLC, Thermo Measurement Ltd, Thermo Measuretech Canada Inc., Thermo Neslab LLC, Thermo Nicolet Limited, Thermo Onix Limited, Thermo Optek (Australia) Pty Ltd., Thermo Optek Limited, Thermo Optek S.A., Thermo Orion Inc., Thermo Portable Holdings LLC, Thermo Power Corporation, Thermo Process Instruments GP LLC, Thermo Process Instruments L.P., Thermo Projects Limited, Thermo Quest S.A., Thermo Radiometrie Limited, Thermo Ramsey Italia S.r.l., Thermo Ramsey LLC, Thermo Ramsey S.A., Thermo Re Ltd., Thermo Scientific Microbiology Pte Ltd., Thermo Scientific Microbiology Sdn Bhd, Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments Inc., Thermo Scientific Services Inc., Thermo Securities Corporation, Thermo Sentron Canada Inc., Thermo Sentron Limited, Thermo Shandon Inc., Thermo Shandon Limited, Thermo Suomi Holding B.V., Thermo TLH (UK) Limited, Thermo TLH L.P., Thermo Trace Pty Ltd., Thermo-Fisher Biochemical Product (Beijing) Co. Ltd., ThermoLase LLC, ThermoSpectra Limited, Trek Diagnostic Systems LLC, Trek Diagnostic Systems Ltd., Trek Holding Company II Ltd., Trek Holding Company Ltd., Trex Medical Corporation, USB Corporation, Union Lab Supplies Limited, United Diagnostics Inc., VG Systems Limited, Westover Scientific Inc., ZAO PE Biosystems, eBioscience GmbH, eBioscience Ltd, eBioscience SAS, and picoSpin LLC. As per army sources, the rescue operations will continue through the night to locate any other tourist in the area. Kolkata: In yet another swift humanitarian operation, Indian Army on Wednesday rescued over 150 stranded tourists amidst heavy snowfall in North Sikkim, saving precious lives in sub-zero temperatures. Unprecedented snowfall in a span of two hours cut off the popular tourist destinations in Lachung Valley, rendering the tourists helpless. The troops of Sukna-headquartered Trishakti Corps under the Eastern Command immediately launched Quick Reaction Teams including medical staff to locate the tourists in stranded vehicles, provide medical care and bring them to the nearest Army camps, the Eastern Command said in a statement. In barely four hours, the Army soldiers reached out to all stranded persons bringing sigh of relief on their distraught faces. A woman with fractured hand was given immediate medical care amongst many others who complained of dizziness, breathlessness and other high altitude related symptoms. Rescued touri-sts are being provided, food, shelter and medical care at the Army camps. As per army sources, the rescue operations will continue through the night to locate any other tourist in the area. On December 28 December, Indian Army had evacuated over 3000 stranded tourists from Natula area in the biggest ever rescue operation carried out in Sikkim. First Horizon Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank that provides various financial services. The company operates through four segments: Regional Banking, Fixed Income, Corporate, and Non-Strategic. It offers general banking services for consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments. The company also underwrites bank-eligible securities and other fixed-income securities eligible for underwriting by financial subsidiaries; sells loans and derivatives; and offers advisory services. In addition, it offers various services, such as mortgage banking; title insurance and loan-closing; brokerage; correspondent banking; nationwide check clearing and remittance processing; trust, fiduciary, and agency; equipment finance; and investment and financial advisory services. Further, the company sells mutual fund and retail insurance products; and credit cards. It operates approximately 490 banking offices in 12 states under the First Horizon Bank brand; and 29 offices in 18 states under the FHN Financial brand in the United States. The company was formerly known as First Horizon National Corporation and changed its name to First Horizon Corporation in November 2020. First Horizon Corporation was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Read More On talks with Taliban, Army chief said, 'We have interests in Afghanistan, we can't be out of bandwagon.' New Delhi: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said if number of countries are holding talks with the Taliban, and if India has an interest in Afghanistan, then the country should also join the bandwagon. Addressing his annual press briefing in Delhi, the Army chief said, "We have interests in Afghanistan, we can't be out of bandwagon." However, he asserted that the same analogy cannot be applied to Jammu and Kashmir. Talks in state have to be on our terms, he said. Rawat said talks and terror cannot go together, and it applies to Jammu and Kashmir too. Our position is very clear shun the gun and stop taking support from the western neighbour. Talks can happen only if they shun violence, he said on holding dialogues with Hurriyat leaders. He emphasised that the situation in the state needs to be improved further. General Rawat also said that the Army has managed the situation well along the borders with China and Pakistan and there should be no cause for concern. Fifteen states plus the District of Columbia now permit the recreational use of cannabis and Congress is on track to decriminalize marijuana possession on the federal level. As a result, the North American cannabis market is expected to TRIPLE in size from $30 billion to $100 billion by the year 2027 and one Seattle manufacturer is poised to cash in! Parker-Hannifin Corporation manufactures and sells motion and control technologies and systems for various mobile, industrial, and aerospace markets worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems. The Diversified Industrial segment offers sealing, shielding, thermal products and systems, adhesives, coatings, and noise vibration and harshness solutions; filters, systems, and diagnostics solutions to monitor and remove contaminants from fuel, air, oil, water, and other liquids and gases; connectors, which control, transmit, and contain fluid; control solutions for extreme corrosion resistance, temperatures, pressures, and precise flow; and hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical components and systems for builders and users of mobile and industrial machinery and equipment. This segment sells its products to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors who serve the replacement markets in manufacturing, packaging, processing, transportation, construction, refrigeration and air conditioning, agricultural, and military machinery and equipment industries. The Aerospace Systems segment offers products for use in commercial and military airframe and engine programs, such as control actuation systems and components, engine build-up ducting, engine exhaust nozzles and assemblies, engine systems and components, fluid conveyance systems and components, fuel systems and components, fuel tank inerting systems, hydraulic systems and components, lubrication components, pilot controls, pneumatic control components, thermal management products, and wheels and brakes, as well as fluid metering, delivery, and atomization devices. This segment markets its products directly to OEMs and end users. It markets its products through direct-sales employees, independent distributors, and sales representatives. The company was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Read More Fifteen states plus the District of Columbia now permit the recreational use of cannabis and Congress is on track to decriminalize marijuana possession on the federal level. As a result, the North American cannabis market is expected to TRIPLE in size from $30 billion to $100 billion by the year 2027 and one Seattle manufacturer is poised to cash in! Northrop Grumman Corporation operates as an aerospace and defense company worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems, and Space Systems. The Aeronautics Systems segment designs, develops, manufactures, integrates, and sustains aircraft systems for strategic and tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions; and long-range strike aircraft systems, tactical fighter aircrafts, and airborne battle management systems. The Defense Systems segment offers weapon and mission systems for the U.S. military and civilian agency customers. Its principal products and services include integrated battle management systems, weapons systems, information technology services, and intelligence operations. This segment provides command and control and weapons systems, including munitions and missiles; precision strike weapons; propulsion, such as air-breathing systems; and gun systems and precision munitions. It also offers life cycle service and support for software, weapons systems, and aircraft; security services, including information and cyber operations; intelligence analysis and support; and IT infrastructure, such as cloud. The Mission Systems segment offers command, control, communications, and computers ISR systems; radar, electro-optical/infrared, and acoustic sensors; electronic warfare systems; communications and network systems; processing systems; navigation; and maritime power, propulsion, and payload launch systems. This segment also provides airborne sensors and networks; cyber and intelligence mission solutions; maritime/land systems and sensors; and navigation, targeting, and survivability solutions. The Space Systems segment offers satellites and payloads; ground systems; missile defense systems and interceptors; launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; and strategic missiles. Northrop Grumman Corporation was founded in 1939 and is based in Falls Church, Virginia. Read More It may be recalled that the Afghan govt as well as the United States and Russia are in favour of engaging with the Pakistan-backed Afghan Taliban. New Delhi: Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat on Wednesday supported the talks (by the concerned parties) with the Taliban, but said it should be without any preconditions, as Americas special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad is visiting New Delhi. The Army chief, meanwhile, also pitched for some control over the social media to contain the spread of radicalisation and terror funding. It may be recalled that the Afghan government as well as the United States and Russia are in favour of engaging with the Pakistan-backed Afghan Taliban. While India is backing the Afghan government to the hilt in peace efforts in that country, New Delhi doesnt want to talk directly to the Taliban. Yes, there should be talks with the Taliban so long as they do not come out with any preconditions and so long as they are looking at a lasting peace in Afghanistan to bring about stability in that country, the Army Chief said at the Raisina Dialogue now being held here. On the menace of terrorism, the Army Chief, in a veiled indication towards Pakistan, said terrorism is becoming a new form of warfare and it will keep growing like a multi-headed monster till nations continue to use it as State policy. In a veiled reference to Pakistan, Gen. Rawat said a weaker nation has been using terrorists as a proxy to put pressure on other nations to come to terms with them, and warned against tolerating such a policy. If this is going to happen, then there will be states that will be funding the terrorists and allowing them to move around in the manner in which they want to move, he said, adding that Pakistan has always kept the Taliban in its backyard. Identifying the social media as a platform to spread radicalism and generate financial resources for terrorism, the Army Chief said the time has come for some control over it. We see a different kind of radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir. My take is that terrorism is here to stay so long as there are nations which are going to continue to sponsor terrorism as state policy. We are seeing it happen in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, adding that J&Ks youth were being radicalised by the use of misinformation and falsehoods on religion. It is a low-visibility, high-gain option. This is now becoming a form of warfare. We referred to guerrilla warfare some years ago. This is now graduated to terrorism, he said. I think we have a lot to do with the media and the social media, which must be controlled. For this, if one particular nation starts controlling a particular media, it will be taken as media rights are being curbed... Therefore, I think the international community must get together in ensuring that the source of the social media is prevented from spreading false information and disinformation because a lot of funds are coming from people who are getting radicalised, said Gen. Rawat. He said radicalisation through social media was also helping in fundraising by terrorist organisations. They are being convinced about the acts of terrorists and the radicalised people are also helping terror outfits generate funds, he said. Meanwhile, US Afghan special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad began a four-nation tour of India, China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan that will extend from January 8 to 21. He began his tour in India and is now in New Delhi, meeting Indian officials. Wall Street analysts have given Invesco Total Return Bond ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but Invesco Total Return Bond ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Wall Street analysts have given iShares MSCI Japan ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but iShares MSCI Japan ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. 12 hours ago | June 15th | 2021 7:40 AM Does Wendys (NASDAQ: WEN) Have What It Takes To Be A Winner In 2021? Though Wendys (NASDAQ: WEN) stock was cut in half during the dark days of February and March of last year, Wall Street quickly realized that convenient fast food would probably be towards the bottom of the list of things to be cut by hard-hit consumers who were tightening the proverbial belts. So back the stock roared and since this time last Ingersoll Rand Inc. provides various mission-critical air, fluid, energy, specialty vehicle and medical technologies in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through four segments: Industrial Technologies and Services; Precision and Science Technologies; Specialty Vehicle Technologies; and High Pressure Solutions segments. The company offers air and gas compression, vacuum and blower products, fluid transfer and management equipment, loading systems, power tools and lifting equipment, displacement pumps, liquid and precision syringe pumps, and compressors, as well as as well as aftermarket parts, consumables, and services. It also designs, manufactures, and markets golf, utility, and consumer low-speed vehicles, as well as integrated systems. The company's products are used in medical, laboratory, industrial manufacturing, water and wastewater, chemical processing, drilling, hydraulic fracturing, well servicing applications, precision irrigation, energy, food and beverage, agriculture, and automated liquid handling end-markets, as well as various manufacturing, industrial facilities applications, and other activities. It serves to various industries and sectors. The company sells its products through an integrated network of direct sales representatives and independent distributors under the Ingersoll Rand, Gardner Denver, Club Car, CompAir, Nash, Elmo Rietschle, Robuschi, Thomas, Milton Roy, ARO, Emco Wheaton, and Runtech Systems brands. The company was formerly known as Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Ingersoll Rand Inc. in March 2020. Ingersoll Rand Inc. was founded in 1859 and is based in Davidson, North Carolina. Read More Medical cannabis stocks have delivered solid gains over the last 3 years. In fact, since 2017, 21 medical cannabis stocks have soared by more than 1,000%. Yet, with medical cannabis sales expected to triple by 2026, the market still offers significant profit potential. QS Energy, Inc. develops and commercializes energy efficiency technologies in the United States and internationally. The company's energy efficiency technologies assist in meeting energy demands, enhancing the economics of oil extraction and transport, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Its intellectual properties include a portfolio of domestic and international patents and patents pending, which have been developed in conjunction with and licensed from Temple University of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company's primary technology is Applied Oil Technology, a commercial-grade crude oil pipeline transportation flow-assurance product that reduces crude oil viscosity by applying a high intensity electrical field to crude oil while in transit. It serves upstream and midstream energy sectors. The company was formerly known as Save the World Air, Inc. and changed its name to QS Energy, Inc. in August 2015. QS Energy, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Tomball, Texas. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Arrow Electronics: A.E. Petsche Belgium BVBA, A.E. Petsche Canada Inc., A.E. Petsche Company, A.E. Petsche Company Inc., A.E. Petsche Company S De RL, A.E. Petsche SAS, A.E. Petsche UK Limited, ACI Technology, AKS Group Nordic AB, ARROWECS Portugal Sociedade Unipessoal, ARROWECS Sociedade Unipessoal LDA, ARW Electronics Ltd., ARW Enterprise Computing Solutions S.A., ARW Portugal Unipessoal LDA, ASI Dedicated Services LLC, ASI Electrical Services LLC, ASI Managed Services LLC, ATM Electronic, ATM Electronic Corp., ATM Electronic Corporation (HK) Limited, ATM Electronics Hong Kong Limited, ATM Electronics Technology (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd, Addex Distribution AS, Adilam Pty. Ltd, Aiqi Xinxing (Beijing) Information Technology Co. Ltd., Altimate Belgium BVBA, Altimate Group, Altimate ND Belgium BVBA, Altimate Netherlands B.V., Annuity Systems Pty Ltd, Arrow (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Arrow Altech Distribution (Pty) Ltd., Arrow Altech Holdings (Pty) Ltd., Arrow Argentina S.A., Arrow Asia Distribution Limited, Arrow Asia Pac Ltd., Arrow Brasil S.A., Arrow Capital Solution BVBA, Arrow Capital Solutions Inc., Arrow Capital Solutions Nederlands BV, Arrow Capital Solutions SAS, Arrow Capital Solutions UK Ltd, Arrow Central Europe GmbH, Arrow Central Europe Holding Munich GmbH, Arrow Chip One Stop Holdings GK, Arrow Componentes ACCR S.R.L., Arrow Components (M) Sdn Bhd, Arrow Components (NZ), Arrow Components Mexico S.A. de C.V., Arrow Components Sweden AB, Arrow Denmark ApS, Arrow Denmark ApS, Arrow ECS (Ireland) Limited, Arrow ECS (NI) Limited, Arrow ECS AG, Arrow ECS ANZ Limited, Arrow ECS ANZ Pty Ltd, Arrow ECS Asia PTE. Ltd, Arrow ECS Australia, Arrow ECS B.V., Arrow ECS Baltic OU, Arrow ECS Brasil Distribuidora Ltda., Arrow ECS Canada Ltd., Arrow ECS Central GmbH, Arrow ECS Denmark A/S, Arrow ECS FZCO, Arrow ECS Finland OY, Arrow ECS GmbH, Arrow ECS Internet Security AG, Arrow ECS Internet Security S.L., Arrow ECS Kft., Arrow ECS Ltd., Arrow ECS New Zealand Limited, Arrow ECS Nordic A/S, Arrow ECS Norway AS, Arrow ECS Pty Ltd., Arrow ECS SA/NV, Arrow ECS SAS, Arrow ECS SPA, Arrow ECS Sarl, Arrow ECS Services Sp.z.o.o., Arrow ECS Singapore Pte. Limited, Arrow ECS Sp.z.o.o., Arrow ECS Support Center Ltd., Arrow ECS Support Center Morocco S.A.R.L.A.U, Arrow ECS Sweden AB, Arrow ECS a.s., Arrow ECS d.o.o., Arrow Eastern Europe GmbH, Arrow Electronice S.R.L., Arrow Electronics (CI) Ltd., Arrow Electronics (China) Trading Co. Ltd., Arrow Electronics (Jersey) Limited, Arrow Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Arrow Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Arrow Electronics (Sweden) KB, Arrow Electronics (Thailand) Limited, Arrow Electronics (U.K.) Inc., Arrow Electronics (UK) Ltd., Arrow Electronics ANZ Holdings Pty Ltd., Arrow Electronics Asia (S) Pte Ltd., Arrow Electronics Asia Limited, Arrow Electronics Australia Pty Ltd., Arrow Electronics B.V., Arrow Electronics Canada Ltd., Arrow Electronics China Ltd., Arrow Electronics Components (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Arrow Electronics Czech Republic s.r.o., Arrow Electronics D.O.O., Arrow Electronics Danish Holdings ApS, Arrow Electronics EMEA Group GmbH, Arrow Electronics EMEASA S.r.l., Arrow Electronics Estonia OU, Arrow Electronics FC B.V., Arrow Electronics Funding Corporation, Arrow Electronics GmbH & Co. KG, Arrow Electronics Hellas S.A., Arrow Electronics Holdings Vagyonkezelo Kft, Arrow Electronics Hungary Kereskedelmi Bt, Arrow Electronics India Ltd., Arrow Electronics India Private Limited, Arrow Electronics International Holdings LLC, Arrow Electronics International Inc., Arrow Electronics Italia S.r.l, Arrow Electronics Japan GK, Arrow Electronics Korea Limited, Arrow Electronics Labuan Pte Ltd., Arrow Electronics Ltd., Arrow Electronics Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Arrow Electronics Norwegian Holdings AS, Arrow Electronics Poland Sp.z.o.o., Arrow Electronics Russ OOO, Arrow Electronics Services S.r.l., Arrow Electronics Slovakia s.r.o., Arrow Electronics South Africa LLP, Arrow Electronics Taiwan Ltd., Arrow Electronics UK Holding Ltd., Arrow Electronics Ukraine LLC, Arrow Elektronik Ticaret A.S., Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions Inc., Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions India Private Limited, Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions Ltd., Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions S.A., Arrow Finland OY, Arrow France S.A., Arrow Global Asset Disposition Inc., Arrow Global Supply Chain Services Inc., Arrow Holdings (Delaware) LLC, Arrow Iberia Electronica Lda., Arrow Iberia Electronica S.L.U., Arrow International Holdings L.P., Arrow International Holdings Limited, Arrow Nordic Components AB, Arrow Norway A/S, Arrow S-Tech Norway AS, Arrow SEED (Hong Kong) Limited, Arrow Systems Integration Inc., Arrow UEC Japan KK, Arrow United Holdings LLC, Arrow United International Holdings LP, Arrow Value Recovery ApS (fka Greentech Denmark ApS), Arrow Value Recovery Belgium BVBA, Arrow Value Recovery Czech Republic sro, Arrow Value Recovery Denmark ApS, Arrow Value Recovery EMEA BV, Arrow Value Recovery Finland Oy (fka Greentech Finland OY), Arrow Value Recovery France SAS, Arrow Value Recovery Germany GmbH, Arrow Value Recovery Netherlands BV, Arrow Value Recovery Norway AS (fka Greentech AS), Arrow Value Recovery Sweden AB (fka Greentech Sweden AB), Arrow Value Recovery UK LTD, Arrow eCommerce B.V., Arrow/Artlink Technology (Hong Kong) Limited, Arrow/Components (Agent) Ltd., Arrow/Rapac Ltd., Artlink Technology Co. Ltd., Aspen Labs LLC, Aspencore China Investment LLC, Aspencore LLC, Aspencore Media GmbH, Aspencore/IDG China Investment LLC, Asplenium SA, Asset Recovery Corporation, B.V. Arrow Electronics DLC, Beijing AIQI Technology, Beijing Arrow SEED Technology Co. Ltd, Beijing Canon Advertising Co. Ltd., Broomco (4184) Limited, COMPUTERLINKS, COMPUTERLINKS (UK) Ltd., COMPUTERLINKS Belgium BVBA, COMPUTERLINKS Denmark A/S, COMPUTERLINKS Nederland B.V., COMPUTERLINKS S.A., CSS Computer Security Solutions Erwerbs GmbH, CSS Computer Security Solutions Holding GmbH, CSS Computer Security Solutions Ltd., CT3 Europe Limited, Centia Group Ltd, Centia Ltd., Channel Support Pty Ltd, ChiWan Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Chip One Stop, Chip One Stop (Hong Kong) Ltd., Chip One Stop (Shenzhen) Ltd., Chip One Stop Inc., Commtech Solutions (UK) Limited, Components Agent (Cayman) Limited, Components Agent Asia Holdings Ltd., Components Distribution Business - Achieva, Conrac Asia Display Products Pte. Ltd., Conrac MENA FZE, Converge, Converge (Shanghai) International Trading Co. Ltd., Converge Asia Pte Ltd., Converge Electronics Trading (India) Private Ltd., Converge France SAS, Converge Netherlands BV, Converge Scandinavia AB, Cross Telecom, Data Modul, Data Modul AG, Data Modul Electronics Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Data Modul FZE, Data Modul France S.a r.l, Data Modul Hong Kong Ltd., Data Modul Iberia S.L., Data Modul Inc., Data Modul Italia S.r.l., Data Modul Ltd., Data Modul Shanghai Ltd., Data Modul Suisse GmbH, Data Modul Weikersheim GmbH, Diasa Informatica, Dicopel Inc., Distribution Business - Seed International, Distribution Central (MY) Sdn. Bhd., Distribution Central HK Pty Limited, Distribution Central Limited (NZ), Distribution Central Pte Limited (SG), Distribution Central Pty Limited, E-InfoChips KK, EC America, EDN Asia Advertising Pte Ltd., ETEQ Components Pte Ltd., Electronics Products Technology Co. Ltd., Embedded Developer LLC, Erf 211 Hughes (Pty) Limited, Eshel Technology Group Inc., Eurocomponentes S.A., Excel Tech, Excel Tech Inc., Firewall Systems Pty Limited, Fusion Distribution FZCO, Gates - Arrow Distributing, Gates - FA Distributing, Global Link Technology, Greentech Holding AS, Gross Telecom, ICC Global Media GmbH, IP Vista A/S, IPVista A/S, ITM USA Enterprises Inc., Intechra Holdings, Intex-semi Ltd., KeyLink Systems Group, LED Franchise LLC, LED Source Holdco LLC, LED Source LLC, LOGIX S.A., License Central Pty Ltd, Lite-On Korea Ltd., Marubun Arrow (HK) Limited, Marubun Arrow (S) Pte Ltd., Marubun Arrow (Thailand) Co Limited, Marubun Arrow Asia Ltd., Marubun Arrow Europe Kft., Marubun Corporation, Marubun USA Corporation, Marubun-Arrow Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Marubun/Arrow (HK) Limited, Marubun/Arrow (M) Sdn. Bhd (Malaysia), Marubun/Arrow (Philippines) Inc., Marubun/Arrow (S) Pte Ltd., Marubun/Arrow (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Marubun/Arrow (Shenzhen) Electronic Product Consulting Company Limited, Marubun/Arrow (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Marubun/Arrow Asia Ltd., Marubun/Arrow USA II LLC, Marubun/Arrow USA LLC, NIC Components Asia PTE Ltd., NIC Components Corp., NIC Components Europe Limited, NIC Eurotech Limited, NUH Electronics India Private Limted, Networld Systems Pty Ltd, Nextworth Solutions Inc., Nu Horizons Electronics, Nu Horizons Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Nu Horizons Electronics Asia PTE Ltd., Nu Horizons Electronics Hong Kong Ltd., Nu Horizons Electronics Malaysia SDN BHD, NuHo Singapore Holdings LLC, Observatory Crest, Openway Group SA, Openway SAS, PCG Parent Corp., PCG Trading LLC, PT Marubun Arrow Indonesia, Pansystem S.r.l., Pax8 Inc., Power and Signal Group GmbH, R.D. Trading Limited, RDC, RF Wireless & Power - Richardson Electronics, Rack Systems Pty Ltd, Red Education Pty Ltd, Redemtech, Renewal Systems Pty Ltd, Richardson RFPD (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Richardson RFPD (Thailand) Limited, Richardson RFPD Australia Pty. Ltd., Richardson RFPD Canada Inc., Richardson RFPD Electronics Trading (China) Co. Ltd., Richardson RFPD France SAS, Richardson RFPD Germany GmbH, Richardson RFPD Hong Kong, Richardson RFPD Inc., Richardson RFPD Israel Ltd., Richardson RFPD Italy Srl, Richardson RFPD Japan KK, Richardson RFPD Korea Ltd., Richardson RFPD Netherlands BV, Richardson RFPD Singapore, Richardson RFPD Spain SL, Richardson RFPD Sweden AB, Richardson RFPD Taiwan, Richardson RFPD UK Ltd., Richey Electronics, San Systems Pty Ltd, Schuylkill Metals of Plant City Inc., Seneca Data, Seneca Data Distributors Inc., Shared Technologies, Silicon Frameworks LLC, SiliconEgypt Technologies LLC, SiliconExpert Holdings LLC, SiliconExpert Technologies, SiliconExpert Technologies Inc., Sphinx CST Limited, Sphinx CST Networks Limited, Sphinx Group, Sphinx Group Limited, Sphinx Professional Services Limited, Spoerle Hungary Kereskedelmi Kft, Sun Chain Technology Corp., TLW Electronics Ltd., TechTurn, Titan Supply Chain Services Limited, Titan Supply Chain Services Pte Ltd., Trafomo AB, Trafomo ApS, Transim Technology, Transim Technology Corporation, U.S. Micro Operating Company LLC, UBM Tech Electronics Network, Ultra Source Electronics (SZ) Co LTD, Ultra Source Technology Corp., Ultra Source Trading Hong Kong Limited, United Technical Publishing Division - Hearst Business Media, Universe Electron Corporation, Verical, Verwaltungsgesellschaft Arrow Electronics GmbH, Wireless and Infrastructure Business Unit - Waching Company, Yongming Xincheng (Beijing) Technology Co., e-InfoChips, e-Infochips Private Limited, eInfochips, eMedia Asia Limited, immixGovernment Inc., immixGroup, immixGroup Inc., immixSolutions Inc., and immixTechnology. The Supreme Court on Tuesday reinstated Verma as the CBI director. New Delhi: A selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on Wednesday to discuss the fate of CBI Director Alok Verma, reinstated by a Supreme Court order after he was sent on forced leave by the government. The panel has reportedly decided to hold a second meeting on Thursday to discuss the issue. Meanwhile, immediately after joining the office on Wednesday Alok Verma revoked most of the transfer orders issued by then Director (in-charge) M Nageshwar Rao. Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and Senior Supreme Court judge, Justice AK Sikri are among the members of the panel. Justice Sikri is part of the panel in place of the chief justice Ranjan Gogoi. The meeting held at the prime ministers residence at Lok Kalyan Marg here. Kharge had earlier requested the government to defer the meeting since he had been busy with the Lok Sabha proceedings and hadnt studied the Supreme Courts order on Alok Verma. In his letter he had asked for the meeting to be held on January 11, giving him enough time to study the judgement. The Supreme Court on Tuesday reinstated Verma as the CBI director. It quashed the governments unprecedented overnight order over two months ago, stripping him of his powers and sending him on leave after he and his deputy Rakesh Asthana traded corruption charges sparking a bitter feud. The court, while reinstating Verma, however, made it clear that he will desist from taking any major policy decision till a high-powered committee considers the issue of divestment of power and authority. Vermas two-year tenure as CBI director ends on January 31. Meanwhile, Verma had on Wednesday joined the office following the order. He revoked most of the transfer orders issued by then Director (in-charge) M Nageshwar Rao. Rao had effected a large number of transfers, including of officials probing a corruption case against Asthana like DySP A K Bassi, DIG M K Sinha and Joint Director A K Sharma. The October 23 (2018) order sent Verma and his deputy Special Director Rakesh Asthana, booked by the agency on corruption charges, into exile in a first-of-its-kind move by the government in the agencys history. In sending Verma on leave, the government overlooked the immunity given to the CBI director by the Supreme Court ensuring a two-year minimum tenure to protect the incumbent from any political interference. The government tried to justify its decision, saying it became necessary amid an unprecedented feud between the two senior-most officials of the agency who had levelled charges of corruption on each other, an argument rejected by the apex court on Tuesday. The government had given charge to then Joint Director M Nageswara Rao who was later promoted as additional director in the agency. Verma had challenged the move in the Supreme Court which clipped the powers of Rao as director in-charge and barred him from taking any major policy decision till a final order comes from it. Citizens Financial Group, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Citizens Bank, National Association that provides retail and commercial banking products and services in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking. The Consumer Banking segment offers traditional banking products and services, including checking and savings accounts, home and education loans, credit cards, business loans, mortgage and home equity lending, and unsecured product finance and personal loans, as well as wealth management and investment services to retail customers and small businesses. This segment also provides indirect auto finance for new and used vehicles through auto dealerships. The Commercial Banking segment offers various financial products and solutions, such as loans and leasing, trade finance, deposit and treasury management, cash management, and foreign exchange and interest rate risk management solutions; and loan syndications, corporate finance, merger and acquisition, and debt and equity capital markets capabilities. It serves government banking, not-for-profit, healthcare, technology, professionals, oil and gas, asset finance, franchise finance, asset-based lending, commercial real estate, private equity, and sponsor finance industries. Citizens Financial Group, Inc. operates approximately 2,700 ATMs and 1,000 branches in 11 states in the New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions, as well as through online, telephone, and mobile banking services; and maintains approximately 130 retail and commercial non-branch offices. The company was formerly known as RBS Citizens Financial Group, Inc. and changed its name to Citizens Financial Group, Inc. in April 2014. Citizens Financial Group, Inc. was founded in 1828 and is headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. Read More Shah Faesal achievement was hailed across state, his tweets sparked many a row. Srinagar: Shah Faesal who announced his decision to quit as an IAS officer on Wednesday was the first Kashmiri and third Indian Muslim to top the civil services examination. After qualifying the prestigious Civil Services examination in his maiden attempt in 2009-the achievement of an orphaned Kashmiri youth from a middleclass family widely celebrated across the restive State and beyond he was allotted the Jammu Kashmir cadre and served in various capacities, including Director Education, Deputy Commissioner and Managing Director of the Power Development Corporation. He had on being declared the IAS topper said that the Kashmiri youth were caught in self-created confines of perceptions and that Ive broken those myths and perception. He had also said, Our participation in the (Civil Services) exam is miserable as we often say it is no fun. We are not going to be allowed to thrive. His achievement had inspired many young Kashmiris to join the civil services. But the outspoken officer courted many controversies while serving in his native State. In July last year, the Centre had asked the J&K government to initiate action against him for violating the service rules through a series of tweets including one against rape-culture in India. Population+patriarchy +illiteracy +alcohol +porn+ technology+anarchy = rapistan, Mr Faesal had tweeted, drawing the ire of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T). It had said that his twitter handle carries contents prima-face in contravention of the extant provisions of the All India Service (Conduct Rules) 1968 and All Indian Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules 1969. He was accused of having failed to maintain absolute honesty and integrity in discharge of his official duty and thus acted in a manner unbecoming of a public servant. While making the letter public through a tweet Mr. Faesal wrote on micro-blogging site, Love letter from my boss for my sarcastic tweet against rape-culture in South Asia. The Irony here is that service rules with a colonial spirit are invoked in a democratic India to stifle the freedom of conscience. Im sharing this to underscore the need for a rule. On another occasion, he had while tweeting a link of a newspaper story about the arrest of an alleged porn addict in Gujarat accused of raping a 46-year-old mother wrote on his twitter handle @shahfaesal Difference between theory and practice. Mr. Faesal had courted another controversy when he compared Article 35A of the Constitution to a marriage deed between India and Jammu and Kashmir, saying if the constitutional provision granting special rights and privileges to permanent residents of the State was scrapped, the marriage will be annulled. I would compare Article 35A to a marriage-deed/nikahnama. You repeal it and the relationship is over. Nothing will remain to be discussed afterwards, he had tweeted. He had said the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India took place before the Constitution had come into force. He, however, also said continuing the special constitutional provisions with respect to the state did not pose any threat to the sovereignty and integrity of the country. Lets not confuse the issue. Sovereignty and integrity of India cant be challenged. Not at all. But the Constitution has kept some special provisions for J&K state. Its a unique arrangement. It isnt a threat to Indias integrity at all, he had said. On an earlier occasion, he had threatened to quit his government job if mainstream media of the country does not stop dragging him into its ridiculous debate surrounding the happenings in the Valley. After being referred to as a new role model and an icon for Kashmiri youth ever since his qualifying the civil service examination, Mr. Faesal was being repeatedly weighed against Burhan Muzaffar Wani, the new-age poster boy of militancy, whose killing on July 8, 2016 had pushed the Valley into a new and deadly phase of protests and turbulence, during TV debates. But Mr. Faesal took a strong exception to him being made part of what he alleged was propagandastic and provocative coverage of the unrest in the Valley. By juxtaposing my photos with the images of a slain militant commander, a section of national media has once again fallen back upon its conventional savagery that cashes on falsehoods, divides people and creates more hatred, he had written on his Facebook timeline. He had said, At a moment when Kashmir is mourning its dead, the propaganda and provocation being dished out from red and blue newsrooms is breeding more alienation and anger in Kashmir than what Indian state can manage. He had also said, Personal vulnerability apart, the very fact of becoming a part of a ridiculous debate is something which has disturbed me very much. He had asked, Have I joined IAS to do a job or to become a part of your sadistic propaganda machine? and then said, In fact, when I qualified this exam I never thought of spending my whole life scratching the desk and if this nonsense around me continues, I might prefer to resign sooner than later. Mr. Faesals father Gulam Rasool Shah was slain by unidentified assailants at Sogam, his native village in frontier Kupwara district, in 2002. The incident was blamed on separatist militants by the authorities but never substantiated nor were the killers brought to justice. The murder of the young schoolteacher shattered his family as were many others in Jammu and Kashmir destined in the upshot of such gory acts committed every now and then after the outbreak of violence in 1989-90. But his wife and Faesals mother Ms. Mubeena, also a schoolteacher, did not give up hope. She took great pains towards the upbringing of her offspring-two sons and a daughter. Mr. Faesal (born 1983) after passing the matriculation examination from a local school relocated to Srinagar where his uncle, a government employee, admitted him to Tyndale Biscoe School. After passing both XI and XII class examinations from the prestigious Christian missionary school with distinction, Mr. Faesal also qualified in the MBBS entrance examination. He did his MBBS with excellence from the Jhelum Valley Medical College in Srinagar and completed the mandatory internship at the Srinagar Government Medical College. It was during this period that he also prepared for the Civil Service examination. Surge Energy Inc. explores for, develops, and produces oil and gas in western Canada. The company holds interest in the Greater Sawn Lake assets located in Northern Alberta; Valhalla/Wembley property located in northwestern Alberta; Sparky assets located between Provost and Wainwright in eastern Alberta and western Saskatchewan; and Shaunavon properties located to the southwest of Swift Current, Saskatchewan. It holds an average working interest of approximately 83% in approximately 109,941 net developed acres and approximately 92% in approximately 152,344 net undeveloped acres in Greater Sawn area; approximately 70% in approximately 16,032 net developed acres and approximately 74% in approximately 8,208 net undeveloped acres in Valhalla area; and approximately 76% in approximately 80,213 net developed acres and 96% in approximately 58,598 net undeveloped acres in Sparky area; and approximately 61% in approximately 88,178 net developed acres and approximately 39% in approximately 10,483 net undeveloped acres in Edmonton and other minor areas. As of December 31, 2020, it held interests in 316 net oil and 13 net gas wells in Greater Sawn area; 56 net oil and 4 net gas wells in Valhalla area; 466 net oil and 10 net gas wells in Sparky area; 176 net oil wells, as well as an average working interest of approximately 100% in approximately 23,409 net developed acres and 13,698 net undeveloped acres in the Shaunavon properties; and 28 net oil wells and 7 net gas wells in Edmonton and other minor areas. The company was formerly known as Zapata Energy Corporation and changed its name to Surge Energy Inc. in June 2010. Surge Energy Inc. was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More Wall Street analysts have given iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. 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, and trust services to individuals and families, and high-net-worth individuals; investment management and institutional investment advisory services to corporations, government entities, and foundations; and brokerage offering equities, mutual funds, life insurance, and annuity products. This segment operates 65 branch locations and 357 ATMs throughout Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, as well as through a customer service center, and 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. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of American International Group: AGC Life Insurance Company, AIG APAC HOLDINGS PTE. LTD., AIG Advisors S.r.l., AIG Aerospace Insurance Services Inc., AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd., AIG Asset Management (Europe) Limited, AIG Asset Management (U.S.) LLC, AIG Assurance Company, AIG Australia Limited, AIG Brazil Holding I LLC, AIG CIS Investments LLC, AIG Canada Holdings Inc., AIG Capital Corporation, AIG Capital Services Inc., AIG Claims Inc., AIG Egypt Insurance Company S.A.E., AIG Employee Services Inc., AIG Europe (Services) Limited, AIG Europe Holdings S.a.rl., AIG Europe S.A., AIG Federal Savings Bank, AIG Financial Products Corp., AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd., AIG Global Asset Management Holdings Corp., AIG Global Real Estate Investment Corp., AIG Global Reinsurance Operations, AIG Holdings Europe Limited, AIG Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, AIG Insurance Company China Limited, AIG Insurance Company JSC, AIG Insurance Company of Canada, AIG Insurance Company-Puerto Rico, AIG Insurance Hong Kong Limited, AIG Insurance Limited, AIG Insurance Management Services Inc., AIG Insurance New Zealand Limited, AIG International Holdings GmbH, AIG Investments UK Limited, AIG Israel Insurance Company Ltd, AIG Japan Holdings Kabushiki Kaisha, AIG Kenya Insurance Company Limited, AIG Korea Inc., AIG Latin America I.I., AIG Latin America Investments S.L., AIG Lebanon SAL, AIG Life Holdings Inc., AIG Life Insurance Company (Switzerland) Ltd, AIG Life Limited, AIG Life South Africa Limited, AIG Life of Bermuda Ltd., AIG MEA Holdings Limited, AIG MEA Limited, AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad, AIG Markets Inc., AIG Matched Funding Corp., AIG PC Global Services Inc., AIG Philippines Insurance Inc., AIG Property Casualty Company, AIG Property Casualty Inc., AIG Property Casualty International LLC, AIG Property Casualty U.S. Inc., AIG Re-Takaful (L) Berhad, AIG Resseguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., AIG Shared Services Corporation, AIG South Africa Limited, AIG Specialty Insurance Company, AIG Technologies Inc., AIG Travel Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., AIG Travel Assist Inc., AIG Travel Assist Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., AIG Travel EMEA Limited, AIG Travel Inc., AIG Uganda Limited, AIG Vietnam Insurance Company Limited, AIG WarrantyGuard Inc., AIG-FP Pinestead Holdings Corp., AIG-Metropolitana Cia. de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A., AIGGRE EOLA LLC, AIGGRE Europe Real Estate Fund I GP S.a r.l., AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund I GP LLC, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund I LP, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund II GP LLC, AIU Insurance Company, AM Holdings LLC, Ageas Protect, AlphaCat Managers Ltd., American General Corporation, American General Life Insurance Company, American Home Assurance Co. Ltd., American Home Assurance Company, American Home Assurance Company Escritorio de Representacao no Brasil Ltda., American International Group Inc., American International Group UK Limited, American International Overseas Association, American International Overseas Limited, American International Realty Corp., American International Reinsurance Company Ltd., American International Underwriters del Ecuador-Holding S.A., American Security Life Insurance Company Limited, Arthur J. Glatfelter Agency Inc., Avondhu Limited, Blackboard Customer Care Insurance Services LLC, Blackboard Insurance Company, Blackboard Services LLC, Blackboard Specialty Insurance Company, Blackboard U.S. Holdings Inc., Chartis Takaful Enaya B.S.C. (c), Commerce and Industry Insurance Company, Crop Risk Services Inc., Eaglestone Reinsurance Company, Ellipse, Fortitude Group Holdings LLC, Fortitude Life & Annuity Solutions Inc., Fortitude Reinsurance Company Ltd., Franklin Life Insurance Company, Fuji Fire and Marine, Glatfelter Insurance Group, Globe and Rutgers Insurance Group, Grand Isle SAC Limited, Granite State Insurance Company, Group Risk Services Limited, Group Risk Technologies Limited, Illinois National Insurance Co., Jefferson Eola Venture LLC, Johannesburg Insurance Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, Laya Healthcare Limited, Lexington Insurance Company, MG Reinsurance Limited, Mt. Mansfield Company Inc., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh Pa., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Vermont, New Hampshire Insurance Company, PT AIG Insurance Indonesia, Pine Street Real Estate Holdings Corp., Private Joint-Stock Company AIG Ukraine Insurance Company, Risk Specialists Companies Insurance Agency Inc., SA Affordable Housing LLC, SAFG Retirement Services Inc., Service Net Warranty LLC, Stratford Insurance Company, SunAmerica Affordable Housing Partners Inc., SunAmerica Asset Management LLC, Talbot Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Ltd., Thai CIT Holding Company Limited, The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York, The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company, Travel Guard, Travel Guard Group Canada Inc./Groupe Garde Voyage du Canada Inc., Travel Guard Group Inc., Tudor Insurance Company, VALIC Financial Advisors Inc., Valic Retirement Services Company, Validus Holdings, Validus Holdings (UK) Ltd., Validus Holdings Ltd., Validus Reinsurance (Switzerland) Ltd, Validus Reinsurance Ltd., Validus Ventures Ltd., Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services Inc., Western World Insurance Company, and Western World Insurance Group Inc.. The Budget Session of the Parliament will be held from January 31 to February 13. This will be the last Budget of the current BJP-led NDA government before the General Elections. (Photo: ANI) New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will present the Interim Budget on February 1, while the full-fledged Union Budget will be presented by the new government, sources said on Wednesday. The Budget Session of the Parliament will be held from January 31 to February 13, which was decided in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA), sources further informed. This will be the last Budget of the current BJP-led NDA government before the General Elections. As per the standard practice, a vote-on-account or approval for essential government spending for a limited period is taken in an election year and a full-fledged budget is presented by the new government. If the budget date falls few months ahead of polls, then an Interim Budget is presented. The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be held between March and April this year, and accordingly, the new government at the Centre can be formed sometime in May. Narendra Modi had taken oath as the Prime Minister of India on May 26, 2014. It is worth mentioning that then Finance Minister P Chidambaram had presented an interim Budget in 2014. His successor Arun Jaitley had presented a full-fledged Budget in July 2014 when the new government was formed after the Lok Sabha elections under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The following companies are subsidiares of Accenture: 2nd Road, 2nd Road Pty Ltd., ?What If!, ?What If! China Holdings Ltd, ?What If! Holdings Limited, ?What If! Innovation Singapore Holdings Pte, ?What If! Limited, ?What If! Shanghai Co. Ltd, ?What If! USA LLC, ACN Consulting Co Ltd, AD Dialeto Agencia de Publicidade SA, AD.Dialeto (Digital Agency acquired by Accenture), AGS Business and Technology Services Limited, ASM Research Inc., ASM Research LLC, ATAN, Accenture (Beijing) Mobile Technology Co Ltd, Accenture (Botswana) (Proprietary) Limited, Accenture (China) Co Ltd, Accenture (Shenzhen) Technology Co. Ltd., Accenture (South Africa) (Proprietary) Limited, Accenture (South Africa) Pty Limited, Accenture (UK) Ltd, Accenture 2 Business Process Services S.A., Accenture 2 LLC, Accenture A/S, Accenture AB, Accenture AG, Accenture AS, Accenture Africa Pty Ltd, Accenture Australia Holding B.V., Accenture Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, Accenture Australia Pty Ltd, Accenture Azerbaijan Ltd, Accenture BPM Operations Support Services S.A., Accenture BPM S.C.R.L., Accenture BV, Accenture Branch Holdings B.V., Accenture Bulgaria EOOD, Accenture Business Services for Utilities Inc, Accenture Business Services of British Columbia Limited Partnership, Accenture Business and Technology Services LLC, Accenture C.A, Accenture CAS GmbH, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc., Accenture Capital DAC, Accenture Capital Inc, Accenture Central Europe B.V., Accenture Chile Asesorias y Servicios Ltda, Accenture Cloud Services GmbH, Accenture Cloud Software Solutions Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions LLC, Accenture Cloud Solutions Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Co Ltd, Accenture Co Ltd., Accenture Communications Infrastructure Solutions Ltd, Accenture Company Ltd, Accenture Consulting Services Ltd Tanzania, Accenture Consultores de Gestao S.A., Accenture Consultoria de Industria e Consumo Ltda, Accenture Consultoria de Recursos Naturais Ltda, Accenture Credit Services LLC, Accenture Customer Services Distribution SAS, Accenture Customer Services Limited, Accenture Danismanlik Limited Sirketi, Accenture Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trustees Ltd, Accenture Defined Contribution Pension Plan Trustees Ltd, Accenture Delivery Poland sp. z o.o., Accenture Dienstleistungen GmbH, Accenture Digital France Holdings SA, Accenture Digital Holdings GmbH, Accenture East Africa Limited, Accenture Ecuador S.A., Accenture Egypt LLC, Accenture Enterprise Development (Shanghai) Co Ltd., Accenture Federal Services LLC, Accenture Finance (Gibraltar) III Ltd, Accenture Finance GmbH, Accenture Finance GmbH in liquidation, Accenture Finance II GmbH, Accenture Finance II GmbH in liquidation, Accenture Finance II Ltd, Accenture Finance Limited, Accenture Finance and Accounting BPO Services S.p.A., Accenture Finance and Accounting Services Srl, Accenture Flex LLC, Accenture GP LLC, Accenture Ghana Limited, Accenture Global Holdings Ltd., Accenture Global Services Ltd, Accenture Global Solutions Ltd, Accenture GmbH, Accenture HR Services Ltd, Accenture HR Services S.p.A., Accenture Healthcare Processing Inc., Accenture Holding GmbH, Accenture Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Accenture Holding GmbH in liquidation, Accenture Holdings (Iberia) S.L., Accenture Holdings B.V., Accenture Holdings France SAS, Accenture Holdings plc, Accenture Hungary Holdings Kft, Accenture Inc, Accenture Industrial Software Limited Liability Company (Accenture Endustriyel Yazylym Cozumleri Limited irketi), Accenture Industrial Software Limited Liability Company (Accenture Endustriyel Yazlm Cozumleri Limited Sirketi), Accenture Industrial Software Solutions Kft, Accenture Industrial Software Solutions SA, Accenture Insurance Services LLC, Accenture Insurance Services SAS, Accenture Insurance Services SpA, Accenture International BV, Accenture International Capital SCA, Accenture International LLC, Accenture International Limited, Accenture International Sarl, Accenture Japan Ltd, Accenture Korea BV, Accenture LLC, Accenture LLP, Accenture Lanka (Private) Ltd, Accenture Limited, Accenture Ltd, Accenture Ltda, Accenture Maghreb S.a.r.l., Accenture Managed Services SRL, Accenture Managed Services SpA, Accenture Management GmbH, Accenture Middle East B.V, Accenture Middle East BV, Accenture Minority I BV, Accenture Minority III Ltd, Accenture Mozambique Limitada, Accenture Mzansi (Pty) Ltd, Accenture NV/SA, Accenture NZ Limited, Accenture Newco LLC, Accenture Nova Scotia Unlimited Liability Co., Accenture OOO, Accenture Operations Sp. z o.o., Accenture Outsourcing SRL, Accenture Outsourcing Services, Accenture Outsourcing Services S.A., Accenture Oy, Accenture Panama Inc, Accenture Participations BV, Accenture Participations II Limited, Accenture Peru S.R.L, Accenture Peru S.R.L., Accenture Post Trade Processing SAS, Accenture Post-Trade Processing Limited, Accenture Process Ltd, Accenture Product Lifecycle Services, Accenture Properties, Accenture Pte Ltd, Accenture Puerto Rico LLC, Accenture S.A., Accenture S.C., Accenture S.L., Accenture S.R.L., Accenture SAS, Accenture SG Services Pte Ltd, Accenture SRL, Accenture Saudi Arabia Limited, Accenture Sendirian Berhad, Accenture Service Center SRL, Accenture Services (Mauritius) Ltd, Accenture Services AB, Accenture Services AG, Accenture Services AS, Accenture Services GmbH, Accenture Services Ltd, Accenture Services Morocco SA, Accenture Services Oy, Accenture Services Pty Ltd, Accenture Services S.r.l., Accenture Services SRL, Accenture Services Sp. z o.o., Accenture Services Sp. z.o.o., Accenture Services and Technology Srl, Accenture Services fur Kreditinstitute GmbH, Accenture Services s.r.o., Accenture Servicos Administrativos Ltda, Accenture Servicos de Suporte de Negocios Ltda, Accenture Solutions Co Ltd, Accenture Solutions Private Limited, Accenture Solutions Pte Ltd, Accenture Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Solutions Sdn Bhd, Accenture Sp. z o.o., Accenture Sp. z.o.o., Accenture SpA, Accenture State Healthcare Services LLC, Accenture Sub II Inc., Accenture Sub Inc, Accenture Sub LLC, Accenture Systems Integration Limited, Accenture Sarl, Accenture Tanacsado Kolatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Accenture Tanacsado Kolatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag KFT, Accenture Technologia, Accenture Technologia Consultoria e Outsourcing S.A., Accenture Technology Infrastructure Services Pty Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions (Dalian) Co Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions (HK) Co. Ltd., Accenture Technology Solutions (Thailand) Co. Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions - Solucoes Informaticas Integradas, Accenture Technology Solutions - Solucoes Informaticas Integradas S.A., Accenture Technology Solutions GmbH, Accenture Technology Solutions Oy, Accenture Technology Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions S.A. de C.V., Accenture Technology Solutions SAS, Accenture Technology Solutions SRL, Accenture Technology Solutions Sdn. Bhd., Accenture Technology Solutions Slovakia s.r.o., Accenture Technology Ventures BV, Accenture Technology Ventures S.P.R.L., Accenture Uruguay SRL, Accenture Vietnam Co., Accenture Vietnam Co. LTD, Accenture Zambia Limited, Accenture do Brasil Limitada, Accenture plc, Accenture s.r.o., Acceria, Acquity Customer Insight Limited, Acquity Group, Adaptly LLC, Adaptly UK Limited, AddVal Technology, Adqptly, Advantium Inc., Agave Consultants Limited, Agilex Technologies Inc., Allen International, Allen International Consulting Group Ltd, Alnova Technologies Corporation S.L., AlphaBeta Advisors, Altima, Altima Asia Ltd., Altima SAS, Altitude, Altitude LLC, Analytics 8 LP, Analytics 8 Pty Ltd, Analytics8, Aorui Advertising (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Apis, Appaloosa Technology SAS, Arca, Ariba - BPO, Arismore, Aspiro Solutions (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Avanade, Avanade (Guangzhou) Computer Technology Development Co. Ltd., Avanade (Thailand) Co Ltd, Avanade Asia Pte Ltd, Avanade Australia Pty Ltd, Avanade Belgium SPRL, Avanade Canada Inc., Avanade Denmark A/S, Avanade Denmark ApS, Avanade Deutschland GmbH, Avanade Europe Holdings Ltd, Avanade Europe Services Ltd, Avanade Federal Services LLC, Avanade Finland Oy, Avanade France SAS, Avanade GZ Computer Technology Development Co. Ltd. (SH), Avanade Guangzhou, Avanade Holdings LLC, Avanade Hong Kong Ltd, Avanade International Corporation, Avanade Ireland Limited, Avanade Italy SRL, Avanade KK, Avanade Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avanade Netherlands BV, Avanade Norway AS, Avanade Poland Sp. z o.o., Avanade Poland Sp. z.o.o., Avanade Schweiz GmbH, Avanade South Africa, Avanade South Africa Pty Ltd, Avanade Spain SL, Avanade Sweden AB, Avanade UK Ltd, Avanade do Brasil Limitada, Avanade Osterreich GmbH, AvantBiz Consulting Limited, Avenai, Axia Ltd., BABCN LLC, BCT Solutions, BCT Solutions Pty Ltd, BPO Servicos Administrativos Ltda, BRIDGE Energy Group, Beacon Consulting Group Inc., Beijing Genesis Interactive Technology Co. Ltd., Boomerang Pharmaceutical Communications, Boomerang Pharmaceuticals Communications Ireland Limited, Bow & Arrow, Brand Learning, Brand Learning Group Limited, Brand Learning LLC, Brand Learning Ltd, Brand Learning Partners Limited, Brand Learning Pte Limited, Bridge Energy Group LLC, Brightstep AB, Byte Prophecy, CAS, CRMWaypoint, CadenceQuest Inc., Capable Marketer Limited, Capgemini - North American health practice, Capital Consultancy Services Inc., Certus Solutions Consulting Services Ltd, Certus Solutions Ltd, ChangeTrack Research Pty Ltd., Chaotic Moon Studios, Chengdu Mensa Advertising Co. Ltd., Cimation, Cimation UK Limited, Cirruseo, Cirruseo SAS, Clarity Insights, Clearhead, Clearhead Group, Clearhead Group LLC, ClientHouse GmbH, Cloud Sherpas, Cloud Sherpas (GA) LLC, Cloud Sherpas (SN) (PTE.) Limited, Cloud Sherpas New Zealand Ltd., Cloud Talent Limited, Cloudsherpas, Cloudsherpas Inc., Codagenic Pty. Ltd., Computer Research and Telecommunications LLC, Concrete Desenvolvimento de Sistemas Ltda., Concrete Solutions, Concrete Solutions Ltda., Context Information Security, Coritel S.A., Corliant Inc., CreativeDrive, CustomerWorks Europe SL, Cutting Edge Solutions Ltd, D5 Global Holdings LLC, DAZ Systems Inc, DAZ Systems LLC, DAZSI Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd., DMA Solutions Limited, Davies Consulting, DayNine Consulting, DayNine Consulting (Australia) PTY LTD, DayNine Consulting (Deutschland) GmbH, DayNine Consulting (New Zealand) Limited, DayNine Consulting France SAS, DayNine Consulting Japan K.K., DayNine Consulting LLC, Declarative Holdings, Declarative Holdings LLC, Defense Point Security, Deja vu Security, Design Strategy and Research de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Designaffairs LLC, Digiplug S.A.S., Digiplug SAS, Digital Consulting & Software Services LLC, Droga5, Droga5 LLC, Droga5 Studios LLC, Droga5 UK Ltd., Duck Creek Technologies, Duck Creek Technologies LLC, Deja Vu Security LLC, ESR Labs, Elcurator SAS, Enaxis Consulting, Enaxis Consulting L.P., End-to-End Analytics, Energuia Web, Energuia Web S.A., Energy Management Brokers Ltd., Energy Quote Private Ltd., EnergyQuote JHA, EnergyQuote JHA Ltd., EnergyQuote Trading Ltd., Enimbos, Enkitec, 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, Enterprise System Partners PR LLC, Enterprise System Partners S.A.S., Epylon, Evopro Group, Exactside Limited, Fairway Technologies Inc, Fairway Technologies LLC, Filmproduction ApS, First Annapolis Consulting, First Annapolis Consulting Inc., First Annapolis Consulting LLC, First Annapolis International, Fjord, Focus Group Europe, Focus Group Europe Limited, Formicary, Formicary Holdings Limited, Formicary Limited, FusionX, FutureMove Automotive, Gapso Servicos de Informatica Ltda., Genfour, Genfour Limited, George Group Consulting L.P., Gestalt LLC, Gestion Altima Canada Inc., Global Public Firm S.L., GlobalView SAS, GoodFilm GmbH Filmproduktion Stuttgart, H.B. Maynard and Co. Inc., Hagberg Consulting Group, Hangzhou Aiyunzhe Technology Co. Ltd., Happen, Hjaltelin Stahl, Hjaltelin Stahl K/S, Hytracc Consulting AS, Hytracc Consulting Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Hytracc Consulting UK Limited, Hytracc Holding AS, I-Faber S.p.A., IBB Consulting, IMJ Corp, IMJ Corporation, INCAD, INSITUM, IT One Company Limited, ITBS Servicios Bancarios de Tecnologia de la Informacion SL, Icon Integration, Imagine Broadband (USA) Ltd, Imagine Broadband USA LLC, Imaginea Inc, Industrie&Co, Infoman AG, Infoman Schweiz AG, Informatica de Euskadi S.L., Infusion Development Inc., Infusion Development UK Limited, InfusionDev LLC, Innoveer Solutions India Pvt Ltd, Insitum Consultoria Argentina SRL, Insitum Consultoria Brasil LTDA, Insitum Consultoria Colombia SAS, Insitum Consultoria Europa SL, Insitum Consultoria Peru SAC, Insitum Consultoria S.A. de C.V., Intrepid, Intrigo Systems Inc, Intrigo Systems India Pvt. Limited, Intrigo Systems LLC, Inventor Advertisement (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inventor Technology Limited, InvestTech, Investtech Systems Consulting LLC, Javelin Group, Javelin Group (Bulgaria) EOOD, Javelin Group Limited (UK), Javelin Group SASU, K Comms Group Limited, KCS.net AG, KCS.net AG West, KCS.net Deutschland GmbH, KCS.net Holding AG, KCS.net Osterreich GmbH, Kaper Communications Limited, Karma Communications Debtco Limited, Karma Communications Group Limited, Karma Communications Holdings Limited, Karmarama, Karmarama Comms Limited, Karmarama Limited, Knowledge Rules Inc., Knowledgent, Knowledgent Group LLC, Kogentix, Kogentix LLC, Kogentix Ltd, Kogentix Singapore Pte. Ltd, Kogentix Technologies Private Limited, Kolle Rebbe, Kolle Rebbe GmbH, Kream Comms Limited, Kunstmaan, Kunstmaan NV, Kurt Salmon, Kurt Salmon Canada LTD, Kurt Salmon UKI, Kurt Salmon UKI Ltd., Kurt Salmon US LLC, LINKBYNET, LabAnswer, LabAnswer Government, LemonXL Limited, Logistics Market Place Limited (UK), Loud & Clear Creative Pty Ltd, MAXIM Systems Inc., MCG US Holdings LLC, Mackevision CG Technology and Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Mackevision Corporation, Mackevision Japan Co. Ltd., Mackevision Korea Ltd, Mackevision Medien Design, Mackevision Medien Design GmbH, Mackevision Singapore Pte. Ltd., Mackevision UK Ltd, Maglan, Maglan Information Defense Technologies Research Ltd., Maihiro, Matter, Matter Llc, Maud Corp Pty Limited, Maxamine International, Media Audits Ltd., Media Hive, Mediasenz Pty Ltd., Meredith Specialty LLC, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing Corporation, Meridian Informed Purchasing Ltd., Mindtribe, Mindtribe Product Engineering LLC, MobGen, MobGen Technology S.L, Moonrise NV, Mortgage Cadence, Mortgage Cadence an Accenture Company, Most Champion Ltd, Mudano, N3 LLC, NBS Marketing Inc., NYTEC, Nanjing Demeng Advertising Co. Ltd., Nashco Consulting, NaviSys Inc., Neo Metrics Analytics S.L., Neo Metrics Chile, Neo Metrics Chile S.A., New Content, New Content Chile SpA, New Content Editora e Produtora Ltda., New Energy Aborda, New Energy Associates Ltd, New Energy Group, New Energy S.r.l., NewsPage, NewsPage (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, NewsPage China Ltd., NewsPage Pte Ltd, Nice Agency Limited, Northstream, Northstream AB, Northstream Holding AB, OCTO Technology, OPS Rules Management Consultants, Octagon Research Solutions Inc., Octo Technology LTDA, Octo Technology Pty Ltd, Octo Technology SA, Octo Technology SPRL, Octoman SAS, Odgaard ApS, Olikka, Operaciones Accenture S.A. de C.V., OpusLine, Orbium, Orbium Consulting Ltd, Orbium GmbH, Orbium Holding AG, Orbium Inc., Orbium International AG, Orbium International sp. z o.o., Orbium Licences AG, Orbium Limited, Orbium Pte. Ltd., Orbium Pty Ltd, Orbium Services sp. z o.o., Orbium Sarl, Origin Digital, PCO Innovation, PCO Innovation Canada Inc., PCO Innovation EURL, PIXO PUNCH Limited, PLM Systems S.r.l, POC Holdings, PRION GmbH, PT Accenture, PT Asta Catur Indra, PT Kogentix Teknologi Indonesia, Pach Invest SARL, Pach Invest SAS, PacificLink Group, PacificLink iMedia Ltd., Paja Finanssipalvelut Oy, Parker Fitzgerald Inc, Parker Fitzgerald Inc., Parker Fitzgerald International Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Limited, Parker Fitzgerald PTY Ltd, Parker Fitzgerald Services Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Solutions Limited, Partners Technology Mexico Holdings BV, Pecaso Ltd., Pegasus Production K/S, Perseroan Terbatas. Accenture, Phase One Consulting Group, Pillar Technology, Pollux, Pragsis Bidoop, Pragsis Bidoop UK Ltd, Pragsis Technologies S.L, PrimeQ, PrimeQ Australia Pty Ltd, PrimeQ Ltd, PrimeQ NZ Pty Ltd, Procurian Germany GmbH, Procurian Inc., Procurian International I LLC, Procurian International II LLC, Procurian LLC, Procurian Singapore Pte. Ltd., Procurian Switzerland GmbH, Procurian USA LLC, Proquire LLC, PureApps Ltd., Qi Jie Beijing Information Technologies Co Ltd, Radiant Services, Radiant Services LLC, Random Walk Computing Inc., Reactive Media Limited, Reactive Media Pty Ltd., Real Protect, Realworld OO Systems Ltd., Redcore, Redcore (Asia) Pte Ltd, Redcore (India) Private Limited (India), Redcore (New Zealand) Limited, Redcore Group Holdings Pty Ltd, Redcore Pty Ltd, Renacentis IT Services, Revolutionary Security, RiskControl, Rothco, Rothco Holdings Designated Activity Company, Rothco Unlimited Company, S.C. EnergyQuote S.r.l., S3 TV Technology Limited, S3 TV Technology Ltd., SALT Solutions GmbH, SEC Servizi, SEC Servizi S.p.A., SOPIA Corp., Sagacious Consultants, Sagacious Consultants LLC, Sanchez Capital Services Pvt Ltd, Schlumberger Business Consulting, Seabury Airline Planning Group, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace (UK) Limited, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace Asia (Hong Kong) Limited, Seabury Aviation Consulting LLC, Seabury Cargo Advisory B.V., Seabury Consulting, Seabury Corporate Advisors LLC, Seabury Human Capital LLC, Seabury Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Seabury Structured Finance LLC, Search Technologies BPO, Search Technologies BPO Inc., Search Technologies GmbH, Search Technologies International LLC, Search Technologies LATAM, Search Technologies LATAM S.A., Search Technologies LLC, Search Technologies Limited, Sente Partners LLC, Sentelis, Servicios Tecnicos de Programacion Accenture S.C., Shackleton, Shackleton Barcelona S.L., Shackleton Chile S.A., Shackleton Madrid S.L., Shackleton S.A., Shanghai Baiyue Advertising Co. Ltd., Shun Zhe Technology Development Co. Ltd., Silveo, Simian Pty Limited, SinnerSchrader AG, SinnerSchrader Commerce GmbH, SinnerSchrader Content GmbH, SinnerSchrader Deutschland GmbH, SinnerSchrader Praha s.r.o., SinnerSchrader Swipe GmbH, Sinnerschrader, Sistemes Consulting S.L., Solutions IQ, Solutions IQ LLC, SolutionsIQ, SolutionsIQ India Consulting Services Private Limited, Storm Digital, Storm Digital B.V., Structure Consulting Group, Structure Consulting Group LLC, Sutter Mills, Systor AG, TQuila Limited (UK), Tadata Creative Unlimited Company, Tara Insurance DAC, Tara Risk DAC, TargetST8, TargetST8 Consulting LLC, Tech - Avanade Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Tecnilogica Ecosistemas S.A., Tecnilogica Ltd., Tecnilogica, The Brand Learning Partners Limited, The Callisto Integration Corporation, The Monkeys, The Monkeys Pty Limited, The Myrtle Group, Total Logistics, Total Logistics Supply Chain Consultants Limited, Tquila, Troop Studios Pty Ltd, VanBerlo, Verax Solutions, Verax Solutions Corporation, Vertical Retail Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd., Vertical Retail Consulting Hong Kong, Vertical Retail Consulting Hong Kong Ltd., Vertical Retail Consulting Ltd., Vivere Brasil Servicos e Solucoes SA, Vivere Brasil Solucoes De Credito Ltda., Weblinc Pty Ltd, Wire Stone, Wire Stone LLC, Wire Stone Sarl, Wolox, Yesler, Zag, Zenta, Zenta Global Philippines, Zenta Global Philippines Inc., Zenta Mortgage Services LLC, Zenta Recoveries Inc, Zenta US Holdings Inc., 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, and solid-serVision.com GmbH. Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. The company's personal banking products and services include checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and financial and investment advice services; and commercial banking products and services comprise business deposit accounts, commercial credit cards, business loans and commercial mortgages, cash management solutions, foreign exchange, specialized banking programs, treasury and payment solutions, and risk management products for small business and commercial banking customers. It also offers investment and wealth advisory services; digital investing services; financial services and solutions; and investment management, and trust and custody services to institutional, retail, and high net worth investors. In addition, the company provides life insurance, accident and sickness insurance, and annuity products; creditor and travel insurance to bank customers; and reinsurance solutions. Further, it offers client's debt and equity capital-raising services, as well as loan origination and syndication, balance sheet management, and treasury management; strategic advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and recapitalizations, as well as valuation and fairness opinions; and trade finance, risk mitigation, and other operating services. Additionally, the company provides research and access to markets for institutional, corporate, and retail clients; trading solutions that include debt, foreign exchange, interest rate, credit, equity, securitization and commodities; new product development and origination services, as well as risk management advice and services to hedge against fluctuations; and funding and liquidity management services to its clients. It operates through approximately 1,400 bank branches and 4,800 automated banking machines in Canada and the United States. The company was founded in 1817 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Sealed Air: AFP (Shanghai) Limited, AFP Inc. (Branch), AFPTOH LTD, Aconcagua Distribuciones SRL, Air Ride Pallets Hong Kong Limited, Austin Foam Plastics Inc., Auto-C LLC, Automated Packaging Systems, B+ Equipment, B+ Equipment SAS, Beacon Holdings LLC, Biosphere Industries, BluPack (New Zealand), Blue Dot Packaging Pty Ltd., CPI Packaging Inc., CPI Packaging Systems Inc., Cactus (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Cactus Shanghai Trading Co. Ltd., Ciras C.V., Ciras C.V. - Luxembourg Branch, Ciras C.V. Luxembourg Branch, Cleanwise Inc., Cryovac (Malaysia) SDN. BHD, Cryovac (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Cryovac Brasil Ltda., Cryovac Chile Holdings LLC, Cryovac Holdings II LLC, Cryovac Inc., Cryovac International Holdings Inc., Cryovac LLC, Cryovac Leasing Corporation, Cryovac Londrina Ltda., Cryovac Packaging Portugal - Embalagens Ltda., Cryovac Packaging Portugal Embalagens Ltda, Cryovac Sweden AB, Cryovac-Sealed Air de Costa Rica S.R.L., DELTAPLAM Embalagens Industria e Comercio, Deltaplam Embalagens Industria e Comercio Ltda, Diversey, Diversey Australia Pty. Ltd., Diversey Austria Trading GmbH, Diversey B.V., Diversey Belgium BVBA, Diversey Brasil Industria Quimica Ltda., Diversey Canada Inc., Diversey Centroamerica S.A., Diversey Danmark ApS, Diversey Hungary Acting Off-shore Capital Management Limited Liability Company, Diversey J Trustee Limited, Diversey Trustee Limited, Diversey Ceska republika s.r.o. clen koncernu Diversey, Entapack Pty. Ltd., Fagerdala (Chengdu) Packaging Co. Ltd., Fagerdala (Chengdu) Packing Co. Ltd. (Chongqing Branch), Fagerdala (Chongqing) Packaging Co. Ltd. (Branch), Fagerdala (Huiyang) Packaging Co. Ltd, Fagerdala (Huiyang) Packaging Co. Ltd. (Branch), Fagerdala (Shanghai) Foams Co. Ltd., Fagerdala (Shanghai) Polymer Co. Ltd., Fagerdala (Shenzhen) Packaging Co. Ltd., Fagerdala (Suzhou) Packaging Co. Ltd., Fagerdala (Suzhou) Packing Co. Ltd. (Hefei Branch), Fagerdala (Thailand) Limited, Fagerdala (Xiamen) Packaging Co. Ltd., Fagerdala Leamchabung Limited, Fagerdala Leamchabung Ltd., Fagerdala Malaysia Sdn Bhd., Fagerdala Mexico S.A. de C.V., Fagerdala Mexico S.A. de C.V. (Chihuahua Branch), Fagerdala Mexico Supply Chain S.A. de C.V., Fagerdala Packaging Inc. (Indiana), Fagerdala Shanghai Foams Co. Ltd., Fagerdala Singapore Pte Ltd, Fagerdala Singapore Pte Ltd (Branch), Fagerdala Singapore Pte. Limited, Fagerdala Singapore Pte. Limited (Taiwan Branch), Fagerdala Singapore Pte. Ltd., Fagerdala Suzhou Packaging Co. Ltd., Fagerdala Suzhou Packaging Co. Ltd. (Hefei Branch), Fagerdala Thailand Ltd., GEIE VES, Getpacking.com GmbH, Indonesian Rep Office of Sealed Air Hong Kong Limited, Invertol S. de R.L. de C.V., JCS Sealed Air Kaustik, JSC Sealed Air Kaustik, Kevothermal LLC, Kevothermal LLC, Kevothermal Limited, Nelipak Holdings, Pack-Tiger GmbH, Packaging C.V., ProAseptic Technologies S.L., Producembal - Producao de Embalagens Ltda., Proxy Biomedical Ltd., Reflectix Inc., SLD Air Packaging Paketleme Malzemeleri Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Saddle Brook Insurance Company, Sealed Air (Asia) Holdings B.V., Sealed Air (Barbados) S.R.L., Sealed Air (Canada) Co./CIE, Sealed Air (Canada) Holdings B.V., Sealed Air (China) Co. Ltd., Sealed Air (China) Co. Ltd., Sealed Air (China) Limited, Sealed Air (China) Ltd., Sealed Air (India) Limited, Sealed Air (Israel) Ltd., Sealed Air (Korea) Limited, Sealed Air (Latin America) Holdings II LLC, Sealed Air (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Sealed Air (New Zealand), Sealed Air (Philippines) Inc., Sealed Air (Singapore) Pte. Limited, Sealed Air (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Sealed Air (Thailand) Limited, Sealed Air (Ukraine) Limited, Sealed Air Africa (Proprietary) Limited, Sealed Air Africa (Pty.) Limited, Sealed Air Americas Manufacturing S. de R. L. de C. V., Sealed Air Argentina S.A., Sealed Air Australia (Holdings) Pty. Limited, Sealed Air Australia Pty Ltd., Sealed Air Australia Pty. Limited, Sealed Air B.V., Sealed Air Belgium N.V., Sealed Air Central America S.A., Sealed Air Chile S.P.A., Sealed Air Colombia Ltda., Sealed Air Corporation (US), Sealed Air Denmark A/S, Sealed Air Embalagens Ltda., Sealed Air Europe Holdings C.V., Sealed Air Europe Holdings LP, Sealed Air Finance B.V., Sealed Air Finance II LLC, Sealed Air Finance II LLC (Sucursal Mexico), Sealed Air Finance Ireland Unlimited Company, Sealed Air Finance Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Sealed Air Finance Luxembourg S.a.r.l. Luxembourg (L) Root Finance Branch, Sealed Air Finance Luxembourg S.a.r.l. US Finance Branch, Sealed Air Funding Corporation, Sealed Air Funding LLC, Sealed Air General Trading LLC, Sealed Air Global Holdings C.V., Sealed Air Global Holdings I C.V., Sealed Air Global Holdings I LLC, Sealed Air GmbH, Sealed Air Hellas S.A., Sealed Air Holding France S.A.S., Sealed Air Holding France SAS, Sealed Air HoldingS I LLC, Sealed Air Holdings (New Zealand) Pty. Ltd., Sealed Air Holdings I C.V., Sealed Air Holdings LLC, Sealed Air Holdings South Africa Proprietary Limited, Sealed Air Hong Kong (Jakarta Indonesia Branch), Sealed Air Hong Kong Limited, Sealed Air Hungary Ltd., Sealed Air International Holdings LLC, Sealed Air International Holdings LLC , Sealed Air Investment and Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Sealed Air Investment and Management Co. Ltd., Sealed Air Japan G.K., Sealed Air Korea Limited, Sealed Air LLC, Sealed Air Limited, Sealed Air Luxembourg (I) S.a.r.l., Sealed Air Luxembourg (II) S.a.r.l., Sealed Air Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Sealed Air Management Holding Verwaltungs GmbH, Sealed Air Multiflex GmbH, Sealed Air Netherlands (Holdings) I B.V., Sealed Air Netherlands (Holdings) II B.V., Sealed Air Netherlands (Holdings) II B.V. - Deutsche Zweigniederlassung, Sealed Air Netherlands (Holdings) II B.V. - Deutsche Zweigniederlassung, Sealed Air Netherlands (Holdings) III B.V., Sealed Air Netherlands (Holdings) III B.V., Sealed Air Netherlands Holdings V B.V., Sealed Air Nevada Holdings Limited, Sealed Air Norge AS, Sealed Air OY, Sealed Air Packaging (India) Private Limited, Sealed Air Packaging (Shanghai) Co. Limited, Sealed Air Packaging (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Sealed Air Packaging LLC, Sealed Air Packaging Materials (India) LLP, Sealed Air Packaging Materials (India) LLP, Sealed Air Packaging S.L.U., Sealed Air Paketleme Malzemeleri Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Sealed Air Peru S.A.C., Sealed Air Polska Sp. Zoo, Sealed Air Pty Limited, Sealed Air S.A S., Sealed Air S.A.S., Sealed Air S.r.l., Sealed Air South Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Sealed Air Svenska AB, Sealed Air Taiwan Limited, Sealed Air US Holdings (Thailand) LLC, Sealed Air Uruguay S.A., Sealed Air Venezuela Corporation, Sealed Air Verpackungen GmbH, Sealed Air de Mexico Operations S. de R.L. de C.V., Sealed Air de Venezuela S.A., Sealed Air s.r.o., Shanklin Corp, Shanklin Corporation, Soinpar Industrial Ltda., TART s.r.o., TART s.r.o. Joint Venture, TTS-Ciptec, TXAFP Asia Pacific Ltd., TXAFP GP LLC, TempTrip LLC, Trigon Industries, and Vietnamese Rep Office of Sealed Air Hong Kong Limited. Fifteen states plus the District of Columbia now permit the recreational use of cannabis and Congress is on track to decriminalize marijuana possession on the federal level. As a result, the North American cannabis market is expected to TRIPLE in size from $30 billion to $100 billion by the year 2027 and one Seattle manufacturer is poised to cash in! SunTrust Banks, Inc. operates as the holding company for SunTrust Bank that provides various financial services for consumers, businesses, corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit entities in the United States. It operates in two segments, Consumer and Wholesale. The Consumer segment provides deposits and payments; home equity and personal credit lines; auto, student, and other lending products; credit cards; discount/online and full-service brokerage products; professional investment advisory products and services; and trust services, as well as family office solutions. This segment also offers residential mortgage products in the secondary market. The Wholesale segment provides capital markets solutions, including advisory, capital raising, and financial risk management; asset-based financing solutions, such as securitizations, asset-based lending, equipment financing, and structured real estate arrangements; cash management services and auto dealer financing solutions; investment banking solutions; and credit and deposit, fee-based product offering, multi-family agency lending, advisory, commercial mortgage brokerage, and tailored financing and equity investment solutions. This segment also offers treasury and payment solutions, such as operating various electronic and paper payment types, which comprise card, wire transfer, automated clearing house, check, and cash; and provides services clients to manage their accounts online. The company offers its products and services through a network of traditional and in-store branches, automated teller machines, Internet, mobile, and telephone banking channels. As of December 31, 2018, it operated 1,218 full-service banking offices located in Florida, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, South Carolina, and the District of Columbia. SunTrust Banks, Inc. was founded in 1891 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Read More The history of imperial conquests shows that one of the first places of attack of the invading Army is the library. The recent off the cuff remarks loaded with sarcasm by Donald Trump on aid to Afghanistan have made headlines. Reacting rather contemptuously to Indias proposed plan to build a library in Kabul, POTUS is said to have remarked a library of all things! Whos going to read? Behind all this, of course, the USs impatience with Indias aid efforts to Afghanistan now totalling $3 billion. Thats just a few hours of what we spend. More importantly, POTUS wanted to see a more visible sign of the Indian presence, more boots on the ground as the US prepares for a phased withdrawal of the 14,000 troops still left on Afghan soil. This is indeed very similar to the pressure mounted by the US on India to send troops to Iraq under the Bush administration. At that time, lucrative building contracts worth millions of dollars were offered by the Bechtel Corporation and others, if India would, but comply. Of course, India didnt. Now, it turns out that Indias aid development projects do not include a library (mores the pity) but Trumps remark whos going to read is significant. Indeed, who? Why the people of course, and more importantly, the children of Kabul and its surroundings. POTUS may well be innocent of the crime of ever having visited a library or even of reading but surely the people of the beleaguered and war-torn nation can benefit with a library. Kabul does have a library and the Kabul Library built by King Amanullah Khan is one of the oldest and largest libraries in Afghanistan. It has about 220,000 books, most of them in Persian showing the very strong influence of Iran but also has significant collections in Pashto, Arabic, Urdu and more recently, Russian. But the Kabul Librarys holdings have no literature of interest to children and young people. And its they who need a library the most. To answer POTUS directly, its the young people of a strife-driven country like Afghanistan who would like to use the library and read. Its time world leaders paid attention to developing resources like libraries and promote reading habits among children in societies that need them the most. But the need for libraries and for books are universal in all societies and very much so in conflict situations. A fact not very well known is that when 9/11 happened in New York, the authorities had a few precious minutes to evacuate people from the second twin tower after the plane had slammed into the first. Some of the people were taken out of the building by the underground subway tracks and emerged to safety at ground level and took shelter in a Borders bookshop. The people would simply have been too traumatised by their experience to think of reading but the sight of so many books around them would surely have had a calming and reassuring effect. The history of imperial conquests shows that one of the first places of attack of the invading Army is the library. We have so many examples, the libraries of the ancient Nalanda University, the library of Alexandria, the great library of Constantinople at the time of the Ottoman invasion in 1453 and nearer home, the library of Jaffna in Sri Lanka during the civil war. The reasons why this is so may be obvious but what is not so obvious is when overt imperialism is on the wane, our libraries continue to be in a state of crisis. The community libraries which were a great source of pride in almost every county in England are being shut down one by one. More often than not, this is due to budgetary reasons. But the library has become such an integral part of community life that the community says it would fund the library with its own resources; but sometimes even this desperate plea falls on deaf ears. Some years ago, the BBC had initiated a Big Read programme to promote the classics. It had trained actors read excerpts from the classics, quiz programmes on the classics and asked listeners to vote for their favourite classics over radio. The result was a resurgence of interest in the classics and both libraries as well as bookshops began stocking up on the classics. Many proactive librarians carried forward reading programmes on the classics among their patrons. I remember a visit to the Saratoga Library in the Bay Area in the US some years ago. They had a scheduled a visit by the author Toni Morrison to participate in a book discussion programme. If libraries are shut down, we will lack venues for these programmes. A library is an integral part of the community and society. This was clearly brought home to us on a visit to the Uruyasu Public Library on the outskirts of Tokyo quite some years ago. We saw the library being actively used by readers from the age of four to 80. A group of children between the ages of four and five were actively being read to by their mothers. The children were deeply engrossed for the parent would more often suit action to words. They would become avid readers in the future. For members of the community too sick to come to the library, the Uruyasu Library would travel to them. A van loaded with books was organised as a mobile library. It would travel to homes and hospitals spreading cheer with the written word. We have no doubt that the therapeutic effect of books had as much to do with the patients recovery as the medicines! To come back to Afghanistan. In the absence of a suitable library to cater to the needs of young people, individual initiative and entrepreneurship has taken over. To cater to the needs of the young, the Charmaghz organisation, a volunteer group, takes a bus filled with books to young children. The brainchild of Freshta Karim, who on her return from the University of Oxford, realised that people had a hunger for books but could not access them easily.I got the idea a few years ago on returning from Oxford. Some people in my neighbourhood found out that I had brought some books back with me from England. Some of them came knocking at my door to borrow English literature. Others would come to my house just to read a few pages of a novel. I was astounded. Before this, I did not realise what a thirst people of Kabul had for knowledge and for books. Thus was born Charmaghz. In Dari, the dialect of Persian spoken in Afghanistan, the word means a walnut. And in structure, the walnut resembles a human brain. Just five volunteers help Karim in her effort. The community wanted Charmaghz to help young people to read. Earlier the volunteers had to get down from the bus to tell the children about the books inside. Now the children throng the bus at the stops. Over 300 children visit the mobile bus everyday. Yet the volunteer organisation receives no official funding. Its solely funded by private donations. A library here by an enlightened leadership would surely be welcome. The writer is a senior publishing industry professional who has worked with OUP and is now a senior consultant with Ratna Sagar Books 11 hours ago | June 15th | 2021 7:40 AM Does Wendys (NASDAQ: WEN) Have What It Takes To Be A Winner In 2021? Though Wendys (NASDAQ: WEN) stock was cut in half during the dark days of February and March of last year, Wall Street quickly realized that convenient fast food would probably be towards the bottom of the list of things to be cut by hard-hit consumers who were tightening the proverbial belts. So back the stock roared and since this time last Fifteen states plus the District of Columbia now permit the recreational use of cannabis and Congress is on track to decriminalize marijuana possession on the federal level. As a result, the North American cannabis market is expected to TRIPLE in size from $30 billion to $100 billion by the year 2027 and one Seattle manufacturer is poised to cash in! ChannelAdvisor Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions in the United States and internationally. 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Its customers include online businesses of brands and retailers, as well as advertising agencies that use its solutions on behalf of their clients. ChannelAdvisor Corporation was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina. Read More A bomb-laden drone flown by Yemen's Houthi rebels flew into a military parade on Thursday outside of the southern port city of Aden, killing at least six troops from a Saudi-led coalition and their allies in a brazen attack threatening UN-brokered peace efforts to end the years-long war tearing at the Arab world's poorest nation. The attack at the Al-Anad Air Base, where American special forces once led their fight against Yemen's al-Qaida branch, targeted high-ranking military officials in Yemen's internationally recognised government. The attack also raised new questions about Iran's alleged role in arming the Houthis with drone and ballistic missile technology, something long denied by Tehran despite researchers and UN experts linking the weapons to the Islamic Republic. "Once again this proves that the Houthi criminal militias are not ready for peace and that they are exploiting truces in order for deployment and reinforcements," said Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani, who said two senior military officials were wounded in the attack. "This is time for the international community to stand by the legitimate government and force the militias to give up their weapons and pull out of the cities," he added. The Houthis immediately claimed the attack through their al-Masirah satellite news channel, saying the attack targeted "invaders and mercenaries" at the base in the southern province of Lahj, leaving "dozens of dead and wounded." Yemeni officials said that among the wounded were Mohammad Saleh Tamah, head of Yemen's Intelligence Service, senior military commander Mohammad Jawas, and Lahj governor Ahmed al-Turki, adding that authorities were still searching for wounded among the rubble. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to reporters. Local reporter Nabil al-Qaiti was attending the ceremony and standing in front of the stage when he saw a drone approach and hover nearby about 25 meters high in the air, minutes after the parade started. Army spokesman Mohammed al-Naqib was delivering a speech from a podium when the drone exploded. "It was a very strong explosion and we could feel the pressure," he said, adding that two of the people standing next to him a soldier and a journalist were wounded. Al-Qaiti saw many wounded but no dead. "The drone was packed with explosives," he added. Some 8,000 soldiers had been taking part in the parade, as well as two governors and a large number of top military commanders including the chief of staff. Initial reports said six troops were killed. Yemen plunged into civil war in 2014 when the rebels captured Sanaa, and the Saudi-led coalition intervened a year later when they pushed further south. The coalition, which is fighting alongside government troops, has since been trying to restore Yemen's internationally recognized government to power. Hopes were raised last month that the country was moving toward peace, after the two sides agreed to a prisoner swap and cease-fire in the port city of Hodeida, where rival forces were to withdraw to allow humanitarian aid flows to return and hopefully relieve a country pushed to the brink of famine by war. Fighting has largely abated in Hodeida but progress on the withdrawal has been slow. The UN humanitarian aid chief Wednesday accused the rebels of blocking humanitarian supplies traveling from areas under their control to government-held areas. Mark Lowcock told the UN Security Council that the rebels also recently informed humanitarian agencies that 72 hours' notice is required ahead of any movements instead of 48 hours. Officials in the Saudi-led coalition have shown journalists a series of drones they said showed a growing sophistication by the Houthis, starting first with plastic foam models that could be built by hobby kit to one captured in April that closely resembled an Iranian-made drone. Those drones have in the past been flown into the radar arrays of Saudi Arabia's Patriot missile batteries, according to the research group Conflict Armament Research, disabling them and allowing the Houthis to fire ballistic missiles into the kingdom unchallenged. Iran has been accused by the US and the UN of supplying ballistic missile technology and arms to the Houthis, something Tehran denies. Arab satellite channels owned by Saudi Arabia immediately began describing the drone used in Thursday's attack as Iranian made, without offering evidence. However, a United Nations panel of experts on Yemen issued a report in 2018 noting that the Houthi's Qasef-1 drone "is virtually identical in design, dimensions and capability to that of the Ababil-T, manufactured by the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries." "At least two components of the system were supplied to the Islamic Republic of Iran after the implementation of the targeted arms embargo" in April 2015, the panel said. The Ababil-T can deliver up to a 45-kilogram warhead up to 150 kilometers away. Such drones also remain difficult to shoot down with either light or heavy weapons fire. Iraqi forces learned while driving out the Islamic State group from northern Iraq, where the extremists would load drones with grenades or simple explosives to target their forces. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday announced that the state is pulling out of the Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme, accusing the Narendra Modi-led NDA government of "playing dirty politics" under the garb of the health coverage programme. A top government official said that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government has written to the Centre to notify about its decision to withdraw from the scheme. The ambitious Ayushman Bharat or the National Health Protection Scheme, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August last year, aims to cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) by providing health cover up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year. The expenses incurred is to be shared between the Centre and the state in 60:40 ratio. The TMC supremo alleged that the prime minister was "politicising" the health scheme by sending letters about its provisions to every household of the state with his picture and a lotus symbol on top. The Centre is "using" post offices to dispatch these letters, she said. "You (Narendra Modi) are sending letters with your photograph on them to every household in the state, making tall claims to take credit for the scheme. Then why should I bear 40 per cent? The NDA government should take the entire responsibility," she observed at a programme here. "I have seen the document with the PM's picture and a logo resembling BJP's party symbol. You (BJP government) have already destroyed the banking system with demonetisation and GST implementation. Now, you are using government money to campaign for the party," Banerjee said. According to reports, the Centre is sending out a two -page customised letter, highlighting the importance of the Ayushman scheme, to every beneficiary. "In West Bengal, people do not need to pay for treatments. At state hospitals, people from Bihar, Jharkhand and even Nepal and Bangladesh receive free medical assistance. Then why is that the prime minister of the country is playing dirty politics?" the CM questioned. She also accused the Union government of making "false claims" about crop insurance benefits to the farmers, even as the state government was bearing 80 per cent of the cost. Last year, the state has spent Rs 625 crore for the purpose, Banerjee claimed. "The Centre is making false claims about bearing crop insurance cost of farmers. In reality, the Union government pays just 20 per cent of the incurred cost," the chief minister said. Last month, Banerjee directed officials to rename central schemes, claiming the state was bearing 80 per cent cost of these programmes "but the Union government was taking credit for them". She also said the state government was willing to fund these schemes entirely. Banerjee Thursday claimed that the Modi government was deducting taxes from people's accounts in the state without doling out adequate benefits to them. "You are deducting money from people's accounts in West Bengal and other states as income tax and customs and using just a percentage of it for their welfare. That is not a favour. Why is Narendra Modi acting as 'dalaal (agent)? I do not favour this politics of cheating people," the TMC chief said. Questioning the role of the central government, she also alleged that the Modi government was trying to "run a parallel government" in all the states, including West Bengal. "We were elected to power by the people, just like them. Do they (Centre) consult me when they set up any deal in the defence sector. Why is that they are interfering in the state matters? They do not enjoy the rights," she added. A 37-year-old Delhi techie evading police for the last three years after killing his nephew at Dwarkas Dabri area was arrested from Hyderabad, police said on Thursday. After killing his nephew in 2016 the accused had buried the body in the house under the soil and planted saplings on it. The accused was identified as Bijay Kumar Maharana, a resident of Ganjam district in Odisha. According to Rajender Singh Sagar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Dwarka district, on October 8, 2018, police got information regarding a human skeleton which was found in the balcony of a house in Dabri area. After reaching the spot, police found that parts of human skeleton noticed after the fencing wall of the flat number 9 balcony on third floor of a building was pulled down for renovation.The skeleton was found wrapped inside a blue colour jacket and a green colour shirt, bed sheet, blanket and a mattress, said the DCP. During investigation, Vikram Singh, the owner of the house, said that in 2015, he constructed the third floor. One Bijay Kumar Maharana used to live there with his nephew Jai Prakash Maharana. They both used to work in private companies. Two months later, Bijay lodged a missing report of Jai at Dabri police station and said that he went out with his friends and did not return, said the DCP adding that he lived in the house for another two months and then left the place. After that, few other tenants also lived there. Bijay was found missing and no one in his family or friends had any information about him. He had switched off all his mobile numbers, left his job, stopped operating his bank accounts after withdrawing all money, shifted to an unknown place, said the DCP. His friends, colleagues and other persons were interrogated. He used to work in a company Noida Sector-144 from where, some documents were obtained. With the help of technical surveillance, police received information about his location. The police team first went to Vishakhapatnam on December 26, 2018 and later reached Hyderabad on January 1. Bijay was nabbed on Sunday from Hyderabad and was brought to Delhi, the DCP said. During interrogation, Bijay revealed that he had a relationship with one Priyanka (name changed) when he was in college. Later, Priyanka was shifted to Delhi for higher studies and in 2012, after completing BCA from Odisha, he too shifted to Delhi, the DCP said. Here, he started working in Noida. They continued their relationship. In 2015, his nephew Jai Prakash Maharana came to Delhi and began working in a company in Gurugram after completing his studies in Hyderabad. Later, Jai became a good friend of Priyanka and Bijay did not like it. The closeness of Jai and Priyanka made him very tense and upset due to which, he decided to eliminate Jai, said the DCP. On the intervening night of February 6 and 7, 2016, when Jai was asleep, he smashed his head with the motor of ceiling fan which had been removed for repair. He dragged his body to the balcony and buried it under the soil which had been arranged by him in pursuit of his plan. Saplings were also planted on the soil to alleviate any suspicion, said the DCP. On February 12, he lodged the missing report of Jai and vacated the flat after two months and shifted to Nangloi. Later, in 2017, he had shifted to Hyderabad, the DCP added. Punjab would use latest techniques of Brazil to further improve the breed of Desi Cows in the State with the setting up of state of the art centre of excellence at a cost of Rs 35 crore in collaboration with Brazil. After a bilateral meeting with a high level delegation from Brazil, Balbir Singh Sidhu Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister said the idea of this meeting was to bring about revolutionary advancement in the animal husbandry sector by using new techniques being adopted in Brazil. He said that the state government has been fighting hard to usher in the crop diversification by encouraging the farmers to opt for subsidiary occupation like animal husbandry and dairy farming. He said that the Union Government is establishing five centre of excellence in the country out of which one would be set-up in the Punjab. This Centre of Excellence would be catalyst breed of the indigenous cows besides facilitating the farmers for the IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) of their livestock, production sexed sorted semen and imparting training to the resource-persons on the latest technology and techniques to further sensitize farmers by them. Tarcisio da Cruz Mesquita, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister, Belem, State of Para, Brazil said that the centre of excellence Kalsi, Uttarakhand Central Agriculture University, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Motihari the with have been set-up technical help of experts from Brazil. He revealed that Brazil had imported Indian breed Cows like Gir, Kankrage, Red Sindhi and Ongole and the breeds for further improved in Brazil and now Gir Cow is producing 86 liter milk per day, Kankrage 60 liter per day, Red Sindhi 50 liter milk in while Ongole Cow is producing 41 liter per day which is substantially larger quantity of milk these cows are producing India. Later on, the Brazil delegation also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Haryana for assistance in Murrah breed improvement. A five-member Brazilian Delegation called on the Haryana Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister, O.P. Dhankar. The delegation included Dr. Jose Ribamar Felipe Marques, Director, Buffalo Research and Development, Embrapa Eastern Amazon, Dr. Tarisio da Cruz Mesquita, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock and Dr. Guilherme Minssen, Technical Director, Federation of Agriculture and Livestock, Belem, State of Para, Brazil, and Dr. Jose Otavio Lemos, Animal Scientist, ABCZ High Director, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil and Venugopal Badaravada, Brazilian Citizen cum Member of Central Advisory Committee, Rashtriya Gokul Mission, Government of India. Additional Chief Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department, Sunil Gulati said the State is willing to go for exchange of semen and can provide good quality of Murrah semen. He said that the experts from Brazil would impart training to teachers, students and officers of the Department at Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar. Initially the training programme would be organised for three months, he added. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) A Makati court on Thursday found former RCBC bank manager Maia Santos-Deguito guilty of money laundering in connection with the $81-million Bangladesh bank heist. In the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 149's 26-page decision, Deguito was sentenced to 4-7 years imprisonment for each of the eight counts of money laundering and was ordered to pay $103 million. RCBC's Jupiter Makati branch, where Deguito served as a manager, allegedly processed the money stolen by Chinese hackers from the Bangladesh government through the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. In February 2016, hackers breached the Bangladesh Bank systems to steal the credentials. A total of $101 million was stolen. $21 million went to Sri Lankan accounts, while $81 million ended up in the Philippines. The $81 million involved in the bank heist was later withdrawn, converted to pesos, then gambled in a number of casinos in the Philippines before authorities could track it. The court found Deguito liable of the crime because she facilitated the withdrawal and deposited the millions of dollars to accounts of four unknown and fictitious bank account holders. Deguito, during a Senate probe in April 2016, said she was set up to be the scapegoat. She added the money laundering scam "could be possible only with the participation of people from the highest officialdom of RCBC, in cahoots with extremely wealthy businessmen whose far-reaching powers and influence span several countries." RCBC President Lorenzo Tan and treasurer/executive vice president Raul Victor Tan resigned shortly after. The Makati court said Deguito was in charge of the RCBC Jupiter branch during the incident, therefore she must be held responsible and criminally liable for the violation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act. It said her defense was not substantiated by clear and convincing evidence. Deguito's lawyer said they will appeal the verdict. They added she won't be imprisoned because she is currently out on bail. "The judgment as far as I can recall provides that because the amounts allegedly taken have been credited to the account of William Go. My client Maia will not be forced to turn over those amounts. The judge noted that the prosecution failed to prove the amounts ended up in Maia's account, so she's not liable to turn over those amounts," Atty. Demi Custodio said. William Go, a businessman, earlier alleged that Deguito and RCBC senior customer service relations officer Angela Torres falsified his signature on the withdrawal slip to release the P20 million from the account under his name. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has cleared remittance firm Philippine Remittance Ltd. (PhilRem) owners Salud and Michael Bautista and casino junket operator Kim Wong. CNN Philippines correspondent Anjo Alimario contributed to this report. Last year, over 2,000 Delhi Police personnel faced disciplinary action, of whom 23 were removed from service, according to the Delhi Police annual report card. Stating that the Delhi Police maintained zero tolerance towards corruption and aberrations, Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik said, "A total of 2,069 policemen faced disciplinary action, with 23 being dismissed and 253 facing forfeiture of service wherein their service benefits were curtailed for different offences. We have taken action against our own personnel when found guilty." Police said 23 police personnel were terminated while 23 others were dismissed under Article 311 (2) (b) and 15 were dismissed under rule 11 (1). "More than 1,600 were censure while 253 were forfeiture for service, two faced reduction in pay and one was demoted," said the report. Senior officials laid emphasis on "identification of aberrations, prompt enquiry and exemplary punitive action in complaints against policemen" as it impacted image of the entire force. "Special focus was on complaints of corruption, involvement in land and property deals, non-registration of cases, faulty probe and nexus with criminals," a senior officer said. The Delhi Police Crime Cell has arrested a 57-year-old man for allegedly cheating around 2,000 people to the tune of Rs 3 crore on the pretext of providing cheap houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, police said on Thursday. In addition, he also duped four advertisement agencies of Rs 1 crore on the pretext of inviting tenders for organising an event Rashtriya Awas Divas for the promotion of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. According to police, he used pictures of the Prime Minister and Minister of Housing and Poverty Alleviation in his website nhdoindia.org to fool people into thinking that his organisation was associated with the Government. The accused identified as Rajinder Kumar Tripathi (57) resident of Faridabad Haryana was managing a trust called National Housing Development Organisation (NHDO) in Nehru Place through which he duped 1500-2000 people, said Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ajit Kumar Singla. A team of Narcotics Cell of Crime Branch led by Inspector Brijpal Singh under close supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Bhisham Singh and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Narcotics Cell) RK Ojha arrested the accused on the basis of a complaint lodged by the Under Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, he said. According to police, the complainant alleged that chairman of NHDO was publishing unauthorised official photographs on its website to promote his organisation with malafide intentions. The complainant further alleged that Ministry had received a complaint along with a forged letter dated on February 2017, allegedly written by chairman of NHDO, in which NHDO had been projected as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) formed under Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation. Simultaneously, another complaint was received from M/S Goldmine Advertising Ltd. regarding siphoning off money taken by chairman of NHDO on the pretext of inviting tenders for organizing an event Rashtriya Awas Divas for the promotion of Pradhanmantri Awas Yojna, following which three other companies came forward with similar allegations, he added. He was arrested under sections 406, 420, 120 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and 3 and 5 Emblem and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act at Crime Branch police station. A case was also registered against him at Hauz Khaz police station for duping NGOs with the excuse of providing loans for the women of rural areas in 2004, Singla said. Developing skill in such a large number and through it creating job is very good in the country like India. By skilling youths one can provide jobs and in this line a big opportunity is waiting, said Ambassador Azerbaijan Ashraf Farhad while addressing a technical seminar on Thought Leadership for Scale, Speed and Innovation for future skills readinesses organised on the occasion of Global Skill Summit 19 on Thursday. It is very difficult in country like India to run such a big programme and providing skill enhancing programme for poor especially for girls is very difficult, he added. Suggesting some ways to garners benefit of Skill India programme Farhad said, The medium and small industry sector has high potential to provide job as it is already engaged a large numbers of people but it still in the country like there is huge big opportunity to grow sector like MSME. If the government support a youths in their family business then it can provide jobs in large numbers and it can also provide chances to increase income of the government through taxes. The meaning of government support means legal support, electricity, purchasing or marketing of their produce, transport etc he added. The Ambassador was deeply impressed by the step taken by the State government and the Chief Minister Raghubar Das. As the Global Skill Summit 2019 a large numbers of jobs searching youths visited the venue and also a numbers of institutes have installed their stall at the exhibition place of the venue to woo aspirant. As time is changing with rapid pace a numbers of new job providing institutes come provides by developing skills as Rubber Skill Development Corporation, Agriculture Skill Council of India, Skilling under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna, Jharkhand Skill Development Society, Kalyan Gurukul, Furniture and Fitting Skill Council, Sports, Physical Education, Fitness and Leisure Skills Council, Nettur Technical Training Foundation, Paint and Coating Skill Council etc. A large number of job searching youths visited the stalls and enquire questions regarding their prospective career. While speaking to the pioneer Ramnath Munda from Bundu said, As I belong to a very poor family and I have no money spent money to spend on private vocational trainings but the governments run Skill Development Programme has given me chance to learn about automobile mechanism. Now I will go to open my own motor repairing garage. I have come here to watch what is going on as I have also offer letter of Bajaj service Centre but I will not join it because I have all basic knowledge of motor repairing, said Munda. Paniit Alumni Reach for Jharkhand Foundation (PREJHA) Regional Manager Naga M Reddy said a numbers of visitors coming to know about the programme. The youth are showing deferent kinds of courage in the programme as such a big stage has given a very big opportunity for the youths of the State for better planning for their future Reddy added. External Affairs Minister Sushma Sawaraj said India is a proactive and constructive contributor to maintaining international peace and security. Emphasising on educating the mass in the country about changing dynamics of International Politics, Sushma said, for us, transformation is not just a national agenda, but a global vision. Through the Ministry of External Affairs, we hope to elevate research and our knowledge base by reaching out to various institutions, building partnerships. Increasing knowledge lies at the heart of Indias aspirations in the world arena, she said during ongoing Raisina Dialogue series in New Delhi. On international Solar Alliance, Sushma said that tremendous strides were being made in launching international solar alliance in partnership with France. India and other countries alike must remember that the world is one family, she said. In another talks in Raisina Dialogue series, titled The World in a Moment: Looking Back, Looking ahead, Looking Hard, emerging power equation between China and United States were discussed. In discussions former security officer expressed concern over trans -Atlantic relationship and also sought to open the alliance for India. General David H Petrarus (Retd), Chairman, KKR Global institute, USA said, India has to decide and has to take a side in the new world order shaped by rising China and resurgent Russia. Echoing the same view, Former foreign secretary S Jaishankar said,Yes, India must take a side. Paolo Gentiloni, Former Prime Minister, Italy said that Europe is more aware of China and the issue of cooperation. There is a worry about the unpredictability of hostile escalations between China and the US, adding,Perhaps, Europe and India can stand together in the face of these concerns. On Chinas emergence at global platform in business, trade and commerce, security, General David said, The China situation has become the defining issue of our time, and it will become more relevant with different countries becoming key players in the international system. adding, the trends suggest that what seems to emerging is in a way, a new cold war between the two great superpowers, he added. Experts also said the trans-Atlantic alliance and Europe is not keen to have a confrontational attitude towards Russia. We have to defend and transform our multilateral, global strategies to eradicate the current rising tensions. In the current political climate, there has been concern around the complacency of European nations in terms of the events taking place in Asia, said Dr Jai Shankar. India needs to reiterate its commitment to their beliefs and stand in terms of the power dynamics. A part of the problem with the US for us today is the ability to distinguish between the baby and the bath water, he said further. On common interests to resolve security and trade issues, experts highlighted that Europe has failed to develop a common defence agenda and we need to delve deeper into solving this issue. Giving preference to Europe for its pivotal geopolitical role, Gentiloni said, The primary concern in Europe has been the conditions required to accord China, a market economy status. This complex process requires many decisions to facilitate this situation. The Delhi Government is looking for innovative, concrete, reliable and cost friendly solutions for managing urban waste, said Delhi Cabinet Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday in an event at organised by The Associate Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM). Managing waste is not a difficult task as several technologies are available for the same that do not cost much but even if there is need for funds, then Delhi Government will provide the same, Jain said while addressing delegates at ASSOCHAM National Conference on Managing Urban Waste. The Delhi Government is looking for simple, viable, decentralised and concrete solutions and is willing to provide funds to counter the citys waste management problem, he said. Questioning the will of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhis Urban Development Minister further said, While there are companies that are willing to provide end-to-end solution for waste management, the municipal corporations do not let them take action in this regard. The Minister also said that while many committees were constituted by various authorities but none of them are willing to accept that the there is a solution for managing the waste. According to Jain, in Delhi, almost 40 per cent of the waste generated is organic which is not required to be carried to a dumping site. Making serious allegations on various waste collecting agencies, he said, For corporations transporting trash is a business worth Rs 1,000 crore, so they do not let it to be managed locally. Half of the inorganic waste is sand and stones which is mixed with trash because corporations get paid for waste as per weight, and the rest is a mix of plastic, polythene, metal and other things which is all saleable. He added, We need to holistically look at the politics being done over trash, we need to simplify things instead of making them complex. Jain further said that while many landfill sites have come up in various parts of Delhi of late, but these landfill sites are the biggest contributor of pollution in Delhi where the waste is burnt down. Very soon, a driving skill training institute will be set up in Ranchi in a joint initiative of Jharkhand Government and Dubai based Emirates Driving Institute. Chief operating officer (COO) of Emirates Driving Institute, Ali Al Zaabi, who attended the Global Skill Summit 2019 organized by government of Jharkhand on Thursday said, We are in talks with the Jharkhand government to set a driving training centre in Ranchi where youth will be given training of Dubai standards. Zaabi informed that this training institute will open many avenues for the Jharkhand youth to get employment in Dubai. The first major employment opportunity for these trained drivers will open during the Auto Expo 2020, to be organized at Dubai. Zaabi said, There would be requirement of around 60,000 drivers in Dubai during the expo and youth from India can utilize the opportunity. Once they have a DL of Dubai, the youth from Jharkhand can continue to be a driver at many other countries as the DL issued in Dubai is valid in more than 50 countries including all the Gulf countries. Zaabi said, The auto expo would act as a catalyst for the youth to find better employment. Once they get a driving license of Dubai they can practice driving in many other countries. They can start as a driver in the expo and be re-employed elsewhere as personal drivers or even trainers. The cost of the training will be borne both by Emirates Driving School and government of Jharkhand. Diplomats from 17 countries participated in the skill summit including Republic of Uganda, Mauritius, Madagascar, Panama, Serbia, Ghana, Vietnam and others. Pham Sanh Chau, ambassador of Socialist Republic of Vietnam who was a part of the programme said, This is the biggest event on skill development that I had an opportunity to attend. This event shows how skill development is very important. Referring to the inauguration of six new skill development centres in Jharkhand on the occasion he said, I would request the government of Jharkhand to set up a similar skill development centre in our country. We would also wish to share the skills and techniques of our country with the youth of Jharkhand. Meanwhile, Jagdishwar Goburdhun, Mauritius High Commissioner in India informed about the free education in Mauritius and the various skill development programmes there. Addressing the youth of Jharkhand he said, I invite you to come to Mauritius and take benefits from the various programmes in the country including skill development. Leader of Opposition Dharamlal Kaushik on Thursday said in the Chhattisgarh Assembly that the women in the State had voted Congress to power on the promise of enforcing total prohibition but the Government has decided to form a Committee to discuss enforcing total prohibition. The Government should not backtrack on its promise, he said. Kaushik said that liquor sale is not BJP's doing and it was the Congress party which promised total prohibition to gain power. On one side, the Government talks about prohibition and on the other, it is inviting quotations for sale of liquor brands, he said. There is an attempt to restart the liquor contract system which the BJP had ended, Kaushik said. He said that the previous government took stern measures against chit fund companies to return money of investors. The Congress government had promised in its manifesto that it would help get the money of investors back. It was expected that the move would reflect in Governor's address but this did not happen. Kaushik said that there should be positive action to end Naxalism in the State. He said that much noise was made about loan waiver of farmers and every farmer should be made free of loans burden, Kaushik said. There is no policy on power tariff waiver on the horizon and people have already started not paying their power bills. This could bring in a situation of anarchy in the State, Kaushik said. This Government has closed e-tenders of the value between Rs 5 lakhs to Rs 20 lakhs and now the tendering process has commenced so the problems which were encountered before will reappear. The decision to close online tendering will encourage corruption, he said. Punjab Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Sadhu Singh Dharamsot on Thursday urged Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot for releasing pending funds of Rs. 1286 crore under Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC students without delay. He said a large number of students in Punjab were facing grave problems in getting admissions in educational institutes due to delay on part of central government in releasing its share under this scheme. During a meeting with Gehlot, the Punjab Minister said that center has already delayed in releasing its share of funds to the tune of Rs. 1286 Crore under Post Scholarship Scheme to Punjab. Out of these total pending funds Rs. 719 Crore were of financial year 2016-17 and Rs. 567Crore were of financial year 2017-18 and due to delay in releasing these funds a large number of students belonging to the economically weaker sections were facing difficulties in getting admissions in educational institutes. He said he had urged Gehlot for releasing these funds as early as possible so that problems of the students can be solved on priority. We have already provided the Utility Certificates ( UCs) of Rs. 327 Crore funds which were earlier released by the center to Punjab, added Dharamsot. Later, talking to reporters after the meeting, Dharamsot said that the Union Minister has assured that the pending funds would be released in the coming month of February. The Delhi Police data released on Wednesday revealed that Delhi has seen a marginal decrease in crime against women with a total of 5,787 cases pertaining to rape, molestation, eve teasing registered in 2018, compared to 5,955 cases in 2017 and 6,991 in 2016. Although cases of crime have seen a slight decrease, cases of rape in 2018, has reduced just by 0.78 per cent compared to the previous year. 2043 cases of rape were reported in 2018. Considering that over 170 cases of rape were reported per month, the Delhi Police has to be prepared to face these challenges going into 2019. In cases of molestation of women, 3175 cases were reported in 2018 compared to 3275 in 2017. Cases of eve teasing saw a significant decrease with 569 cases reported compared to 621 in 2017. Moreover, Delhi Police have disclosed a high solving rate in crime against women. "Around 95 per cent cases of rape, 85.95 per cent cases of molestation of women and 84 per cent of cases of eve teasing were solved in the year 2018," the Delhi Commissioner of Police, Amulya Patnaik said, however, he added that the rate of conviction is still low as it often takes years to get an accused convicted. Police revealed that in more than 63 per cent of crime against women, the accused are arrested within the first two weeks. "In the year 2018, in 43.47 per cent of rape cases, the accused are known to the victim, either a friend or family friend. Neighbours constitute around 16.25 per cent of rape accused, while 12.04 per cent were relatives of the victims," Patnaik said. "In 59 cases of rape from the total 2043, the accused are employees or co-workers and 22.86 per cent are other known persons. The involvement of strangers in rape cases, constituted 2.50 per cent of the total in 2018, and 3.36 per cent in 2017," Satish Golcha, Special Commissioner of Police (Crime). With new initiatives over the years, Delhi Police is trying to ensure frontline preventive measures for the safety of women and children. Initiatives like self-defence training for women and girls, night-patrolling, CCTVS at sensitive areas, presence of women officers in PCR Vans and more. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has hailed the GST Councils decision to keep small companies with turnover of less than Rs 40 lakh out of the ambit of goods and services tax, saying the decision will help MSME sector and small traders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi deserves all credit because the proposal was mooted by him. This decision of the GST Council will help the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector to generate more employment opportunities, Yogi said in a statement issued here on Thursday. He said the GST Councils decision to increase the composition limit of traders from existing Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.50 crore was praiseworthy. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradeshs Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal, who attended the 32nd GST Council meeting, said the Council had accepted the demands of the UP government to exempt singhara (water chestnut) and handmade soap from GST. This will help poor people and local artisans, Agarwal said. The inaugural session of the fifth Chhattisgarh Assembly concluded here on Thursday. Speaker Charandas Mahant adjourned the Assembly Session till February 8. The Budget Session would be continued from February 8 to March 8, he informed. Notably, the inaugural session marked the administration of oath to the newly elected members as well as election of new Speaker. The Assembly session had a total of five sittings and was concluded a day prior to scheduled sessions. Pro-tem Speaker Rampukar Singh administered oath to the members on the very first day and on the same day and the new legislators elected their new Speaker. Address of Chhattisgarh Governor Anandiben Patel was on January 7. Motion of Thanks to Governors address was moved by Congress legislator from Sitapur Amarjeet Bhagat. Supplementary budget was tabled and passed during the session on January 8 while debate on Motion of Thanks to Governors address was discussed on January 9 and 10. The Delhi Police on Thursday arrested three persons in a sensational double murder of an Uber cab driver and his friend in Dwarka area. The bullet-ridden bodies of both the deceased were found lying along Nangloi-Najafgarh road on Sunday around 10 pm. The accused have been identified as Deepak Tiwari (18), Suraj Tiwari (21) both residents of Jai Vihar in Najafgarh and Shrikant (20) resident of ShyamVihar in Najafgarh. Police have also recovered three country-made pistols along with five live cartridges and one stolen bike from their possession. According to Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Special Cell, on Sunday Deepak and Neeraj, residents of Jai Vihar in Najafgarh were shot dead by unknown assailants and their bodies were found lying along Nangloi-Najafgarh road on Sunday around 10 pm. During initial investigation it was revealed that one person identified as Sachin Thapa had somehow managed to escape during the incident. Police was searching for the third victim and specific inputs were received that the three assailants, involved in this brutal act are wandering in Dwarka area in order to eliminate the eye-witnesses and deceaseds friends and would come to Kakrola area of Dwarka riding upon a black colour bike following which a trap was laid and all three accused were apprehended, said the DCP. During interrogation the accused revealed that they murdered two boys namely Neeraj and Deepak on Nangloi-Najafgarh road, in the area of Ranhola, when they were strolling with one Sachin Thapa. Deepak Tiwari was pillion rider, who fired 6-7 bullets from his pistol at deceased persons. After killing the deceased persons, they chased Sachin Thapa to eliminate him, as he was assailants prime target, but Thapa managed to escape, said the DCP. They had planned to kill Thapa after Deepak was beaten by them in Jai Vihar few days ago. A complaint regarding the scuffle was filed in Ranhola police station against one of the accused Deepak Tiwari. They also said that Deepak was creating pressure on Thapa to take complaint back through local boys. So to teach Thapa a lesson he along with his brother Suraj and Shreekant planned to kill Thapa, said the DCP. As Delhi unit chief, Dikshit to be assisted by 3 working presidents of State Congress In a political development in the national Capital ahead of the Lok Sabha polls this year, former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit was on Thursday appointed as the chief of the Delhi Congress. Her name was cleared by none other than party chief Rahul Gandhi following a brainstorming meeting of State Congress leaders on Thursday. Dikshit is an old war horse and a favourite among the party workers for her experience of being three-time Chief Minister of Delhi. In view of her age and health concerns, the Congress has appointed three working presidents to assist her. Dikshit, 80, makes a comeback into Delhi politics ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The longest serving Chief Minister of Delhi from 1998 to 2013 Dikshit stayed away from active politics following the Congress defeat in Assembly elections. Dikshit had represented Gole Market constituency of New Delhi thrice and was one of the most successful Chief Ministers who is credited for adorning the landscape of Delhi. Interestingly, she replaces Ajay Maken, who is known as her protege-turned-bete noire. Maken had been appointed president of the Delhi Congress following the partys defeat in the Assembly elections in 2014, when Dikshit was vanquished by Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal. AICC incharge of Delhi Congress PC Chacko announced Dikshits appointment at a Press conference at the party headquarters. The three working presidents who will assist Dikshit are: Devendra Yadav, a two-time MLA and AICC secretary, Rajesh Lilothia, also a two-time MLA, AICC secretary and known Dalit leader, and Haroon Yusuf, who was a Minister in the Dikshit Government. Maken had earlier conveyed to the party leadership, his inability to continue as the DPCC chief in view of the serious health issues he is facing. He is suffering from a spinal ailment, said sources close to the Delhi leader. Despite being perceived as having worked hard to revive the party in Delhi, Maken met with little success electorally. The party failed to win any of the three municipalities in Delhi, and could not register a victory in the by-elections. According to sources, he was unhappy with a section of party leaders who want to forge an alliance with the AAP in Delhi. With just months to go for the general elections, this is Dikshits third major assignment from the party after ruling Delhi for 15 consecutive years. She served as Kerala Governor and then Congress had named her the chief ministerial candidate during the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls. During her three terms, she became the face of development of Delhi but the rise of Kejriwal due to corruption against the Congress led to her downfall after 15 years in the saddle. After her loss she was appointed Governor of Kerala in 2013 but she resigned after Narendra Modi came to power in 2014. She was briefly given charge of Uttar Pradesh but quit for health reasons. AICC sources said Sheilats political acumen is more than the current run of part leadership in Delhi politics and her induction at the helm of Delhi Congress is seen as a signal of the partys seriousness about its prospective alliance with AAP to defeat the BJP which is holding all the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. Kejriwal -- who was at loggerheads with the Congress after their partnership ended with his 49-day tenure as Chief Minister in 2013 -- has been co-opted into the proposed Grand Alliance against the BJP. Andhra Pradesh chief N Chandrababu Naidu who quit NDA and joined the Opposition bandwagon has along with DMK chief MK Stalin have persuaded Kejriwal to drop the negative stance against the Congress to take on Modi juggernaut. Dikshits comment on the prospective partnership had marked a fresh stance that took the big picture into account and helped catapult her to the pole position in the race for the partys top job in Delhi. Asked about the alliance, Dikshit in an interview last had said the high command, Rahul and all will decide and whatever they decide will be acceptable to all of us. A change of guard was also announced for Himachal Pradesh with senior party leader Kuldeep Singh Rathores name cleared by Rahul to hand him the batons of Himalayan State by replacing Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu. Congress chief also cleared Rathores appointment after deliberations with State unit leaders. Rathore is a member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and former general secretary and chief spokesman of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee. The removal of Sukhu came ahead of the parliamentary election as the faction led by former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh was at loggerheads with him and wanted his removal. Favouring talks with the Taliban as India has interests in Afghanistan, the Army Chief, however, ruled out applying the same strategy in Jammu & Kashmir. Several political parties had said if the Indian Government was willing to engage the Taliban then they should do so with separatists and other organisations in Jammu & Kashmir to bring peace after the Army chief in a conclave on Wednesday said India should talk with the Taliban as many other countries were also doing so. Reiterating his opinion on Thursday, Rawat said the Indian Government was willing to talk every section in Kashmir after they shun violence. However, it was not happening, he said. Similarly, Kashmir is a issue between India and Pakistan and New Delhi is willing to come to the negotiation table but talks and terror cannot go together, the Army Chief said. On Afghanistan, Rawat said since India has interests there and since many countries are already talking to the Taliban, We cannot out of the bandwagon. He also said India has to be involved directly or indirectly in talks though it should not take the lead adding we should not be left out. Unless you are not sitting on that table you will not know what is discussed. Because a lot of this is discussed in closed doors. Thats why we are saying sit on the high table, and see how it suits you. We have our issues. I think we need to take our call on our own terms but unless you are sitting on the high table how do you know what is happening, he said. Actress Madhuri Dixit Nene says she has tried to give her best in every role in her life -- right from being an actor to a mother to a wife. "I was fortunate to get good songs and collaborate with amazing choreographers to create such memorable songs which are loved and enjoyed till date so much," Madhuri said in a statement. "And there is no substitute to hard work. To succeed, 2 per cent is genius and 98 per cent is hard work. I have tried to give my best in every role in my life, right from being an actor, dancer, mother, wife," added the actress, who is married to Shriram Nene. Madhuri, who shares two sons with her husband, expressed her views when she became a part of StarPlus' show "Dance+4". "One of the most important aspects of dancing is growing and practicing every day," she said. On the film front, the actress will soon be seen in "Kalank" and "Total Dhamaal". Declaring that passion for the country should be proclaimed loudly, actor Kangana Ranaut says terms such as "chest-thumping nationalism" and "jingoism" are being used to shame people these days. Ranaut, who spoke on nationalism during the launch of a song from her new film "Manikarnika", said she agreed with lyricist Prasoon Joshi and writer Vijayendra Prasad who articulated the same views. "Nowadays, words like chest-thumping nationalism and jingoism are used for shaming. When we used these words on our set, Prasoon sir and Vijayendra Prasad would tell us, 'Yes, it's chest-thumping. So, why not?' So, how passionate you are, that's how your passion will be," Kangana told reporters at an event along with Joshi on Wednesday. "How beautifully Prasoon sir said, one should not be shamed for whichever kind of love one has. Flags of various colours are being waved, so what's bad in our tricolour? We should not be ashamed about it," she added. Echoing her, Joshi said love for the country had become "uncool" today. "I don't know who has done this but someone has made love for the country uncool. They are like, 'What's this nationalism?' Whatever love we have for someone, it should remain cool. "I feel hurt when youngsters question the need to show it. We need to. When there's love, there is a need to express. I have been wanting to start this hashtag, 'deshprem jatao'," he said. The writer-lyricist said there are several ways to express love for the country but one must "show" it. "By writing a poem or making a painting... You have to show it. If you have love, you need to show it. Wear it on your sleeves," he added. Asked for her reaction on the downside of hyper nationalism, including beating up people who do not stand up for the national anthem, Kangana seemed to digress and said, "Like Prasoon sir said, love is love. If you love your partner and you never want your partner's company, it's up to you." The actor said the Constitution of India is "a promise we have all made with each other" and is not a gift from God that has "fallen from heaven". "That promise needs to be owned. It needs to be shown that we own it. It is not something to be internalised," she added. Joshi said one should not express love for the country according to "convenience". "You say, 'I will sit alone in a room and tell people when they ask me about it'. No. If you love someone, then saying it a little bit, showing it a little bit... Of course in your own way but one should express it. It is important. "It reflects in the eyes, in your gestures, in your hugs and touches. Don't base the love for your country on convenience. As far as you are cognisant of it and honest about it, don't make it convenient. If you are hiding behind convenience, I have a problem," he added. "Manikarnika", on the life of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, is scheduled to release on January 25. While VP Singhs overnight embrace of Mandal Commission recommendations caused a serious stir, the 2019 tool is a step in the right direction The summer of 1990 was simmering in more ways than one. The decision to implement the controversial Mandal Commission recommendations led to widespread agitation. As young students, aspiring to join the elite Indian Civil Services, many of us felt that it was a brutal assault on our opportunities, regressive and a desperate ploy by the then Prime Minister VP Singh to latch on to a plank that would ensure his survival. While Delhi boiled literally, agitation gripped large parts of north India. Anger was enormous and spilled over to the streets it was a mass protest of anguish and rejection of populist politics. Thirty eight years later when a new provision has been made to allow 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education for the economically-backward people in unreserved category, the mood is that of justice done; protests are confined to those who have pursued a regressive political ideology. India has moved on. The warmth of social engineering tool of reservation to those who need it has subsumed the chill of January 2019. For many of us, who grew up young and were in awe of a progressive, non-conventional Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, VP Singh was an iconic opportunist. Desperate to latch on to a turf that he had scaled with shrewd political manoeuvres, and by raising a pitch of honesty in the wake of Bofors murmurs, Singh sensed the Mandal Commission recommendations as a tool that would cement his shaky political standing. He became the Prime Minister in 1989 after a regional coalition of political parties, called the National Front, won the general election, earning a simple majority. Parties like the BJP and the CPI supported the National Front from outside and Singh was dramatically installed as the Prime Minister, causing severe heartburn in Chandra Shekhar, who, too, aspired to occupy the slot. Within days of taking over, Singh faced a huge crisis when the daughter of his Home Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, was kidnapped and the Government had to release dreaded militants in exchange. Sensing his dwindling political fortunes sooner than he had anticipated, Singh embraced the Mandal Commission by championing the cause of reservation and projecting himself as a messiah of social justice for the backward classes despite he coming from the upper caste. He notified the implementation of the commissions suggestions that would grant 27 per cent reservation in jobs in Union Government and public sector undertakings to members of the Other Backward Classes. The recommendations section of the Report read: As the Commission had concluded that 52 per cent of the countrys population comprised OBCs, it initially argued that the percentage of reservations in public services for backward classes should also match that figure. However, as this would have gone against the earlier judgment of the Supreme Court, which had laid down that reservation of posts must be below 50 per cent, the proposed reservation for OBCs had to be fixed at a figure, which when added to 22.5 per cent for SCs and STs, remains below the cap of 50 per cent. In view of this legal constraint, the Commission was obliged to recommend a reservation of 27 per cent only for backward castes. The 52 per cent figure was certainly flawed and many alleged that the Census data was compromised by partisan politics. Along with widespread protests, the recommendations also triggered an intense intellectual debate with many saying that the estimates were problematic. According to the National Sample Survey 19992000, about 36 per cent of the countrys population could be categorised as OBC. The proportion would fall to 32 per cent if the Muslim OBCs were excluded. A National Family Health Statistics 1998 survey put the proportion of non-Muslim OBCs as 29.8 per cent. In fact, LR Naik, the only Scheduled Castes member in the Commission, refused to sign the Mandal recommendations, arguing that intermediate backward classes are relatively powerful, while depressed backward classes, or most backward classes (MBCs) remain economically marginalised. The 10 per cent reservation policy has received widespread support, barring some notional political Opposition. On Wednesday, after the 124th Amendment Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was a victory of social justice. He added that the Bill would ensure wider canvas for yuva shakti to showcase their prowess and contribute towards Indias transformation. This perhaps sums it up. The difference between the summer of 1990 and winter of 2019 is the statement of intent. While VP Singh was a desperate Prime Minister wanting to create a new constituency of supporters, which would ensure his sustenance in office, Modis act is that of a series of equity tools being unleashed for all classes of people. While Singhs overnight embrace of the Mandal Commission recommendations caused a serious stir, the 2019 tool is viewed as one of delayed and deserved, justice for a class of people who suffered the ignominy of neglect by myopic political ideologies. It promises to bring parity and corrects a historical folly. (The writer is a strategic communications professional) The sales figures have come in, and while several luxury car manufacturers have had great years, the Indian market is still minuscule All the luxury car brands in India have declared their sales figures for 2018; and sales in the luxury car segment are reflective of the sales figures in the overall car market in India for 2018. That is, described in a single word, tepid. But, while the overall car market in 2018 has been slow, one reason for that seems to be because sales tend to go slow and even fall in pre-election years. Long story short, sales in 2018 for the leading brands were the following. Mercedes-Benz, 15,538; BMW (with MINI) 11,105; Audi, 6,463; Jaguar-Land Rover, 4,579 and Volvo, 2,638. Throw in the few hundred cars sold by the likes of Porsche, Ferrari and other supercar makers and ultra-luxury brands such as Bentley, in and overall sales of luxury brands in India would touch around 40,000 units. If you throw in sales of all cars that exceed Rs 30 lakh in value, sales would touch around 50,000 or so cars a very small proportion of the overall car market in India of three million. Some might say that this is because Indians are prudent car buyers, which is a pity and is reflective of the overall Indian economy. And the comparison I will make is with China, all three German luxury car brands sold over 600,000 cars each in China in 2018. To put that bluntly, it means that each luxury car brand sells more cars in China every month than the entire industry sells annually in India. And that has meant that most carmakers are not just manufacturing in China, often in multiple locations, but are also designing cars for China, aspects of the new BMW 3-series that was reviewed last month in this column are clearly designed for the Chinese market. With China accounting for one-third of sales for all major brands and almost all their growth, little wonder. It is a sign of Indias lack of leverage and the fact that luxury cars are still considered a sin, that Indias economy is still driven by a very strange way of looking at wealth. A couple of years ago, prices of luxury cars had dropped when new taxes under GST came down. This was a positive thing, despite taxes falling marginally, sales increases were disproportionately large. There is a pent-up demand for luxury brands in India but with insane levels of taxation both excise and GST, it has been impossible to lift up demand. For even a second, I do not doubt that driving luxury vehicles in India sometimes seems incongruous. Driving a Mercedes-Benz S-Class through the bylanes of Noida, where there is poverty staring at you in your face, is a blatant display of the wealth gap in India. But one thing has to be remembered protectionist policies and povertarianism do not work until you can generate more wealth to distribute. Successful India will want luxury cars to show off their wealth, they do not care about the optics of it all to outsiders and if you have made your money you should be able to display it, if it is through a car, good for you. And the government should make money on this car, but tempering the amount of money they make will only serve to increase demand and thus may make the brands set up proper manufacturing bases in India, not just factories that put the cars together like a Lego kit, all the pieces shipped in from Europe, America or even China. Just look at China, all the major brands are manufacturing there, Chinas auto industry is taking a lead in new technologies such as battery-electric vehicles and hybrids and more. Of course, I do not expect duties on luxury cars to come down and the thinking of politicians to change overnight, but maybe now it is high time that it does. Economic prowess, strategic capability and the way world leaders perceive a nation are crucial markers of our foreign policy. The Modi Government has failed on each count The Free Hugs Campaign is a social movement that involves individuals who offer hugs to other people to showcase the power of a random act of kindness. The movement is motivated by the phrase sometimes a hug is all you need. Foreign policy is a broad term used to describe the approach/strategy of one country vis-a-vis the other or a union representing countries, for example, the European Union. The two statements mentioned above may seem incongruous but Prime Minister Narendra Modis practice of hugplomacy with Indias neighbours and friends, while tackling the nuanced area of foreign policy, makes both these statements relevant. Unfortunately, since foreign policy and the arena of international relations are serious matters, this is one of those times where a hug may not be enough. In this weeks column, I will examine how the Prime Ministers foreign policy has been a failure and will talk in detail how the significant investments behind the Prime Ministers jet setting ways have not really borne any tangible results. The amount spent on Prime Minister Modis foreign trips is about Rs 2,021 crore, which dwarfs the Rs 1,346 crore spent on foreign trips during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs term from 2009-2014. Therefore, purely relying on numbers and the sheer amount spent on foreign trips, one can reasonably say that foreign policy appears to be an area of focus of Prime Minister Modi. But let us evaluate what fruits this investment has borne. As stated above, while foreign policy has no clear definition or boundary, this column, too, is limited by word constraint and, therefore, I will evaluate three heads: Economic prowess, strategic capability and how other world leaders view the Indian Government. On the issue of economic prowess, reports are not encouraging. A popular metric to measure the economic success of a Governments foreign policy is the amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) that a country receives. In the financial year 2017-18, the increase in FDI stood at a five year low of three per cent and there is a growing concern among foreign investors about India. The buck must surely fall with the Prime Minister. This concern among foreign investors is inspired by the overarching approach of this Government to discard expertise in favour of image-management. Repeatedly, questions have been raised about the manner in which the ruling Government has changed and how should growth be measured, which has flummoxed even the best statisticians and economists. In order to encourage foreign investment, it is imperative that the Government provides accurate numbers about the status of the Indian economy so that at the very least, investors understand what they are getting into. The moment doubts arise about the authenticity of the numbers published by a Government, it will inevitably lead to hesitation and trepidation among potential investors. The Governments colourful approach to numbers is not the only cause for concern. The economic catastrophe, ie, demonetisation, is yet another example that reflects the unreliable, ill-thought out and unpredictable approach of the Government that has done great damage to Indias story. The past few years of this Government were littered with examples of an approach that aggressively countered expertise with compliance. Just take the resignation of two Reserve Bank of India Governors in the past four years as an example or the nomination of mere yes-men to positions that demand integrity and expertise. All of these instances are only a few examples as to why foreign investors are hesitant about the Indian economy. Another area of foreign policy where Prime Minister Modi has missed a trick is strategic prowess. In this context, it will be relevant to note that there are certain interesting developments in the world that India has failed to take advantage of. For example, the past few years has seen a clear deterioration of the relationship between China and the United States, especially with respect to trade. Since China is a manufacturing hub that services a number of requirements of the American economy, this dispute between the two countries could have been a boon for India where it had an opportunity to showcase its own prowess so as to fill the void that would exist due to the present stand-off between the US and China. Instead, what we have seen is the US looking to other countries to fulfill its requirements and a deterioration of the relationship between it and India. The clearest example of this has been the postponement of the 2+2 dialogue between the US and India for the third consecutive time (the 2+2 dialogue is a mechanism where two countries defence and external affairs ministries discuss among other things the scope for strategic partnerships). Another way in which the success of a Governments foreign policy is gauged is by the manner in which other world leaders view our Government. The term diplomacy implies that this determination can rarely be made on the basis of explicit statements or acts but rather have to be inferred. While the BJP was extremely proud to talk about having a leader with a 56-inch chest, this arrogance has had to take a beating over the past few years. The most obvious example is that of the surgical strikes, where in order to win political points, the BJP created noise and celebrated victory about a tactical strike, despite the fact that such strike acts have taken place a number of times in the past without the same cries of victory or celebration. It was inevitable then that the Prime Minister and this Government has been a lot more coy and sheepish while facing uncomfortable questions about Chinese incursions in Doklam. Celebrating premature victories and appropriating the brave acts of soldiers for winning political points presents an opportunity to other countries to push back a Government that is already on the back foot, domestically, because it has presented a less than accurate picture of its might. This coupled with the recent examples of how President Trump belittled the massive contribution of India in Afghanistan and how our relationship with our neighbours has suffered due to the aggressive, ill-thought foreign policy of this Government, shows that when Plan A, ie an aggressive foreign policy fails, the Prime Minister and his Government do not have a Plan B which involves tact or diplomacy. Richard Haass, a famous diplomat, once said, Success in foreign policy, as in carpentry, requires the right tools for the job. On the basis of the past few years, it appears that the Prime Minister only has one tool in his pocket and it has not really done the job. (The writer is Jharkhand PCC president, former MP and IPS officer. Views are personal) SYDNEY (AP) - Australian police arrested a man after 38 packages allegedly containing asbestos were sent to foreign consulates in the cities of Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney. Savas Avan, 48, was arrested at his home in Shepparton, Victoria state, on Wednesday night, and charged with sending dangerous articles to be carried by a postal service. He appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday to face the charge, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Commonwealth prosecutor Matthew Simpson told the court the deliveries contained asbestos. Avan, who was not required to enter a plea, did not apply for bail. He will appear again on March 4. Around 10 diplomatic missions, mostly in Melbourne, on Wednesday reported the delivery of suspicious packages, some of them labelled "asbestos." The missions included those from the United States, Britain, India, South Korea, Pakistan, Israel, Switzerland and Greece. This followed the discovery and removal on Monday of a suspicious package at the Argentinian Consulate in Sydney. Hazmat and fire crews work outside the Indian and French Consulate in Melbourne, Australia Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019. At least seven international consulates were evacuated in Melbourne, Australia, on Wednesday after reports that multiple suspicious packages had been sent to them. (Kaitlyn Offer/AAP Image via AP) Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police said in a joint statement they will allege the substance in the packages was sourced from the man's home. A fire fighter is seen carrying a hazardous material bag into the Korean consulate in Melbourne, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019. Several foreign consulates in Melbourne were evacuated Wednesday as Australian officials noted they were responding to multiple "hazardous material" events in the city. (James Ross/AAP Image via AP) North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un stands beside China's President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Chinese President Xi Jinping offered North Korean leader Kim Jong Un firm backing in deadlocked nuclear talks with the United States, insisting the two sides should meet "halfway", state media said Thursday. Kim visited Beijing by train this week for two days of discussions that reasserted China's role in the process, and were seen as a strategy session ahead of a second summit between the North Korean leader and US President Donald Trump. At their first meeting in Singapore in June, Kim and Trump signed a vaguely worded document with Kim pledging to work towards the "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula". But progress has since stalled with Pyongyang and Washington -- which stations 28,500 troops in South Korea -- disagreeing over what that means. Kim's fourth visit to China in the past year shows that Beijing -- the North's sole major ally -- retains a vital role in the diplomatic shuffle despite past tensions between the Cold War-era allies North Korea wants relief from the multiple sets of sanctions imposed on it over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, while the US wants the measures to remain in place until Pyongyang gives up its arms -- something it has made no public promise to do. China also wants the sanctions relaxed and Xi said he "hopes that the DPRK and the United States will meet each other halfway" according to China's state news agency Xinhua, using the initials of the North's official name. Xi "spoke highly of the positive measures taken by the DPRK side", it added. North Korea has carried out six nuclear blasts and launched missiles capable of reaching the whole of the United States, but has performed no such tests for more than a year, and blew up the entrances to a nuclear testing ground it said it no longer needed. Relations between China and North Korea had deteriorated in recent years over Pyongyang's nuclear activities, but ties appear to have warmed Pyongyang has rejected demands for what it calls its "unilateral" disarmament as "gangster-like". China is the North's sole major ally and key trade partner but relations had deteriorated over Pyongyang's nuclear activities, before warming up last year, with Kim meeting Xi three times. Kim noted the "difficulties and concern" in talks with the US, according to Pyongyang's official KCNA news agency, which said the Chinese leader had issued a ringing endorsement of the North's position. Xi said that "the principled issues suggested by the DPRK side are deserved requirements and its reasonable points of concern should be resolved properly", it said. - Summit 'imminent' - Each of the previous Kim-Xi meetings have come shortly before or after the North Korean summits with either Trump or South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Trump said Sunday the US and North Korea were negotiating the location of their next summit, a meeting Moon said Thursday was "imminent". North Korea has carried out six nuclear blasts and launched missiles capable of reaching the whole of the United States Pyongyang needed to take "bold, practical measures for denuclearisation" to ensure sanctions are lifted, he told reporters, but added that "corresponding measures" were also needed from the US, such as agreeing a "peace regime" and formally declaring an end to the 1950-53 Korean War. Moon acknowledged the Singapore agreement was "somewhat vague", and there was "scepticism" over Kim's denuclearisation pledge. But Kim had assured him and other leaders that his view of denuclearisation was "no different in any way from what the international community demands", Moon said, and Pyongyang would not link it to the presence of US forces in the South or nearby. Nonetheless a commentary carried by KCNA last month stressed that when Pyongyang refers to "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula", it includes the North, the South, and "surrounding areas from where the Korean peninsula is targeted". Kim Han-kwon, an analyst at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy warned that preliminary talks between Pyongyang and Washington would be crucial. "If what the North puts on the table after its summit with China fails to meet Washington's expectations, there will be conflict and fresh doubts about whether a second summit should take place," he told AFP. - Birthday banquet - Washington and Beijing have competing strategic interests in northeast Asia, and Xinhua said Xi had re-asserted China's importance in the diplomatic process. Beijing stands ready to "play a positive and constructive role in maintaining peace and stability and realising denuclearisation on the peninsula and lasting peace and stability in the region", it cited him as saying. South Korean President Moon Jae-in has pushed for engagement with his northern neighbour Xi greeted Kim at Beijing's ornate Great Hall of the People on Tuesday -- believed to be the North Korean leader's birthday -- before hosting a welcome banquet for Kim and his wife Ri Sol Ju. Kim visited a pharmaceutical plant that makes traditional Chinese medicine on Wednesday and met Xi again for lunch before heading home. The visit coincided with trade talks between Chinese and US officials. Analysts say China could use the North Korean issue as a bargaining chip in the negotiations, but Beijing's foreign ministry rejected any link between Kim's trip and the talks. There was a "rare historic opportunity" for a political settlement on the peninsula, Xi said according to Xinhua, and China "supports the DPRK and the United States holding summits and achieving results". Advertisement Taylor Hill sure gave the locals something to gaze at during a modeling session in offbeat Venice Beach, California on Thursday afternoon. The 22-year-old beauty from Illinois wore bikinis and casual clothes as she posed for a photo session. The Vogue favorite is best known for working with Victoria's Secret but she has also represented Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain, Givenchy, Fendi and Ralph Lauren. She must do 100 sit ups a day: Taylor Hill sure gave the locals something to gaze at during a modeling session in offbeat Venice Beach, California on Thursday afternoon Slender as can be: The 22-year-old beauty from Illinois wore bikinis and casual clothes as she posed for a photo session The sultry supermodel made her toned tummy the focus of her photo shoot. She looked to have a six pack as she raised her arms while wearing a white crop top and skimpy string bikini briefs in a pale blue color. The dark-haired cover girl wore black high top sneakers as well. At one point she appeared to be holding up an oversized perfume bottle that had a square shape and a flat top. The name of the perfume was Victoria's Secret Tease Dreamer. We see you: In this shot, the leggy wonder is photo bombed by a man in a cap and sunglasses So many eyes on Taylor: There was both a photographer - who wore all black - and a man with a video camera at the shoot; an assistant wore a heavy down jacket Nice to see a female in the crew: Hill was touched up by a woman who seemed to poke her in the eye Ho hum: During this session she slipped on short denim Daisy Duke shorts. She looked bored, like a millennial on holiday, and stared off in the distance as her beach curls fell over her shoulders The runway favorite was also seen sitting down in a skate park with a board under her feet and two more around her. During this session she slipped on short denim Daisy Duke shorts. She looked bored, like a millennial on holiday, and stared off in the distance as her beach curls fell over her shoulders. Later the star kept the shorts on but added a fun yellow bikini top that looked perfect for summer. The label up close: The name of the perfume was Victoria's Secret Tease Dreamer and the bottle was often by her side She gives new meaning to the term laying down on the job: After standing around for hours, Hill laid down on this concrete wall with her hair falling down Spunky: The Vogue favorite is best known for working with Victoria's Secret but she has also posed for Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain, Givenchy, Fendi and Ralph Lauren. Here she is seen in a yellow bikini top Weee: At this point she held onto a skateboard then went stomach down on the board as she pushed herself around with her hands At this point she held onto a skateboard then went stomach down on the board as she pushed herself around with her hands. This comes after she relayed a bad modeling experience. Hill revealed that bleaching her eyebrows was the 'craziest thing' she ever did for the sake of modeling in a new interview with Glamour. The ordeal left the IMG Models star in tears but, she said she did it for the sake of the job. Red-y for the sun: Later the siren changed into a red bikini top as a man looked at her locks Weeee! Hill attempted to recreate the iconic shot of Farrah Fawcett riding a skateboard in Charlie's Angels Action shot: It was an overcast day at the beach for their Victoria's Secret shoot on the Venice boardwalk The beauty sat down with the magazine to discuss her latest campaign with real-life boyfriend Stephen Shank and opened up about the industry. When asked about something crazy she'd done 'in the name of beauty,' Taylor had an answer ready. 'I bleached my eyebrows for the Alexander McQueen show because Pat McGrath was doing the makeup,' she revealed. 'I was 18, and it was my first major London Fashion Week,' the VS Angel explained. Action! It certainly takes a village on set to help make a magical, memorable image Baywatching: Taylor looked pensive in between takes in her cheery rainbow-print, high-cut one piece Heavy lifting: The Midwestern model certainly got an arm work-out holding up the oversized glass perfume bottle She continued: 'My eyebrows are my thing! Theyre my look, theyre my staple.' Taylor's notable bold brows have her in the eyebrow hall of fame with the likes of Brooke Shields, Cara Delevingne and Lily Collins. 'I was crying, saying I couldnt do it,' she recalled. 'And then Pat looks at me and shes like, "Darling, its McQueen! So I did it.' Adding: 'Ive always loved Brooke Shields; she made me appreciate my eyebrows.' Bold look: Hill said she cried when she was forced to bleach her eyebrows in a new interview with Glamour published on Tuesday My eyebrows are my thing! Theyre my look, theyre my staple,' Hill told Glamour Taylor isn't the only one to done barely there brows. In 2014, Kendall Jenner joined her fellow models with platinum brows during the Marc Jacobs show. Taylor's bleached brow look at the McQueen show helped put her on the map and the beauty has gone on to become one of the faces of Lancome. Alexander McQueen remains one of the industry's most coveted and cutting edge fashion houses. In love: Taylor and her beau Stephen Shank are currently featured together in the fragrance campaign for the 20th anniversary of Ralph Lauren Romance Duchess Kate famously wore a McQueen design to marry Prince William in 2011. A year earlier, the label's eponymous designer, Lee Alexander McQueen, took his own life. Taylor's most recent campaign is one that wasn't a hard decision. The twenty-something and her beau were tapped to pose together for the 20th anniversary of the Ralph Lauren Romance fragrance. Her boyfriend Travis Scott has made no secret of his plan to wed her. And now Kylie Jenner is making fans wonder if that time may be near - after she was spotted rocking a diamond ring once more on her engagement finger. Heading out in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Kylie shielded her face from the bright sunshine with her manicured hand, showcasing the sparkling ring as she did so. Is she or isn't she? Kylie Jenner keeps fans guessing as she rocks sparkling diamond ring on her engagement finger in Los Angeles on Wednesday Set to wed: Kylie shielded her face from the bright sunshine with her manicured hand, showcasing the sparkling ring as she did so The ring was first seen in photos published by DailyMail.com last week, sparking excitement among her fans, who speculated it meant Scott had popped the question. For Wednesday's outing, Kylie had bundled up in a fluffy shearling coat, and thrown a fancy Chanel purse over her body. Her outfit was otherwise low key - white sneakers and all black Spandex. 'We'll get married soon,' Scott said last month. 'I just gotta sturdy upI gotta propose in a fire way.' All about the accessories: For Wednesday's outing, Kylie had bundled up in a fluffy shearling coat, and thrown a fancy Chanel purse over her body There had been speculation that they had already secretly tied the knot, given that Scott calls Jenner, 'Wifey' a lot, but he told Rolling Stone he hadn't yet popped the question. 'We was just two kids, f**king around,' he told the magazine, about the beginning of his relationship. 'Maybe, like, the first week, you don't know if it's real or a fling. Then the second week you're like, 'Whoa, I'm still talking to her, she's responding, I'm responding. 'We ain't run out of a thing to say,' he added. 'And it got to a point where I was like, "I need her with me to operate. She's that one."' Mom's the word: Kylie gave birth to her daughter Stormi, on February 1, 2018, with the child's first birthday approaching Kylie gave birth to their first child, daughter Stormi, on February 1, 2018, with the tot's first birthday approaching. The two conceived within a few weeks of meeting for the first time, but grew closer and closer during Kylie's pregnancy and following their child's birth. Kylie said back in October that she was thinking of expanding her brood once more. She said: 'Am I going to have another baby? I want another baby but, "When?" is the question and I'm definitely not ready right this second. 'And I don't know when I will be.' Rocking it: Kylie was first seen with the diamond last week, sparking engagement rumors A restaurant in Goa, India managed by former MasterChef Australia contestant Sarah Todd caught fire on Wednesday afternoon. Sarah confirmed the incident on Thursday, revealing the 'accidental fire started in a neighboring plot and then quickly spread to the roof' of the Antares restaurant. Footage of the blaze, which is believed to have been extinguished within an hour, showed extensive damage to the venue. Horror in paradise: MasterChef star Sarah Todd's beachside restaurant in India burst into flames on Wednesday. Pictured recently at the venue in Vagator, Goa with her son 'The flames were seen around 4.30pm and immediately fire tenders were rushed to the spot,' inspector C.L. Patil of Anjuna Police told local news outlets. Taking to Instagram after the incident, Sarah confirmed 'no one was injured'. 'We are saddened by the tragic and unfortunate incident that took place at Antares yesterday,' she wrote. Destruction: Footage of the blaze, which is believed to have been extinguished within an hour, showed extensive damage to the venue 'We are truly thankful that there were no casualties': In a statement released after the incident, Sarah confirmed no one was injured 'Like family': Sarah is pictured with her Antares employees at a recent staff party 'The accidental fire started in a neighboring plot and then quickly spread to the roof of the restaurant. We are truly thankful that no one was injured. 'We would like to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for their support. Antares is a family and is very dear to my heart and we will work together to get through this.' Antares is located in the beachside tourist spot of Vagator, which is regarded as one of the first 'hippie haunts' in Goa. Ordeal: She also wrote on Instagram, 'We would like to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for their support. Antares is a family and is very dear to my heart and we will work together to get through this' Expat business: Antares is located in the beachside tourist spot of Vagator, which is regarded as one of the first 'hippie haunts' in Goa. Pictured: Sarah at the restaurant with her children Businesswoman: Sarah, who rose to fame on season six of MasterChef in 2014, opened the 400-seat beach club and restaurant two years ago Sarah, who rose to fame on season six of MasterChef in 2014, opened the 400-seat beach club and restaurant two years ago. The former model's journey to opening the venue was documented in the six-part SBS series My Restaurant in India. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Sarah Todd for further comment. Their romance has gone from strength-to-strength since meeting in the ITV2 villa over the summer. And Josh Denzel and Kaz Crossley look more loved-up than ever as they shared several sweet snaps from their romantic Jamaica getaway on Thursday. The Love Island stars, aged 27 and 24, couldn't resist packing on the PDA on their idyllic sun-soaked trip. Sweet: Josh Denzel and Kaz Crossley look more loved-up than ever as they shared several sweet snaps from their romantic Jamaica getaway on Thursday In one post, pictured at Margaritaville Montego Bay, Kaz looked radiant as she went make-up free and snuggled up to Josh, with a stunning sunset in the background. She sweetly captioned the picture with: 'Tag your holiday bae.' While Josh also took to his Instagram to share a picture of their holiday as he shared a picture of them in swimwear posing in the crystal clear sea. He jokingly put: '"Im not f**cking leaving" as he tagged girlfriend Kaz in the post. Smitten: The Love Island stars, aged 27 and 24, couldn't resist packing on the PDA on their idyllic sun-soaked trip Over the Christmas break, Kaz revealed that Josh had planned to whisk her off for a romantic break in Miami and Jamaica. The couple have been enjoying a fun-filled trip, travelling to Miami's Biscayne Island to bring in the New Year in their typically glamorous fashion. While moving on to the luxurious Sandals Royal Caribbean resort in Jamaica more recently. Holiday goals: Over the Christmas break, Kaz revealed that Josh had planned to whisk her off for a romantic break in Miami and Jamaica The couple have been flooding their social media profiles with snaps in recent days, leaving their combined total of 2.4 million Instagram followers green with envy. But everything isn't as it seems as Josh, 27, bemoaned Instagram isn't 'fun' because he has to change his outfits on a night out in the toilets to get the best post. The social media influencer with 1.2 million followers he has a duty to update complained not being able to get the picture he wants ruins his day. 'No joke, I've been in places where I've fully done an outfit change in the toilet because I can't post exactly same picture as Kaz.' He told BBC Radio five live. After a year of lacklustre ratings, Em Rusciano announced her resignation from 2Day FM in September 2018. And the former breakfast radio host revealed last month she was consumed with 'rage' after leaving the position. Speaking to Offspring magazine, Em, 39, interpreted her anger in a broader feminist sense, saying: 'I came out of radio feeling so much rage. There's this rising tide of women going, "Why do I feel so itchy and cross all the time?"' 'I came out of radio feeling so much rage': Em Rusciano (pictured) has revealed her anger and frustration over her short-lived career at 2Day FM She continued: 'We're all becoming more awakened to the little inadequacies and little inequalities toward women.' Em confessed to feeling angry most of the time while working for 2Day FM. 'I spent six months of this year [2018] angry and I couldn't understand why, and it started showing up in weird ways,' she confessed. Off the air: After a year of lacklustre ratings, Em Rusciano announced her resignation from 2Day FM in September 2018. Pictured with Ed Kavalee (left) and Grant Denyer (right) The pregnant mother-of-two, who confessed to sometimes feeling 'helpless [and] angry', also revealed she is planning an upcoming stand-up tour about 'embracing feminine anger'. Furthermore, Em vowed that she will 'never' work in breakfast radio again. In January 2017, Em was hired by 2Day FM to replace Rove McManus and Sam Frost after their breakfast show was axed due to low ratings. She was partnered with Melbourne-based comedian Harley Breen. Philosophical: Speaking to Offspring magazine last month, Em interpreted her anger in a broader feminist sense, saying: 'I came out of radio feeling so much rage. There's this rising tide of women going, "Why do I feel so itchy and cross all the time?"' In November 2017, Harley resigned live on-air and was subsequently replaced with Ed Kavalee and Grant Denyer. Em eventually quit 2Day FM in September 2018, telling listeners she would not be returning after having her third child. 'I had intended to work through until December, but as my pregnancy is progressing I'm finding it increasingly harder to fulfill the requirements of my job. So after talking it through with my family, and my boss Gemma [Fordham, Hit Network's Head of Content], it was decided that I should finish up,' she said at the time. Heavily pregnant: Em - who already shares two daughters, Marchella and Odette, with her husband Scott Barrow - is due to welcome a baby boy later this month Em - who already shares two daughters, Marchella and Odette, with her husband Scott Barrow - is due to welcome a baby boy later this month. In December, Ash London, 32, was confirmed as Em's permanent replacement on 2Day FM. Since Ash took over the role, ratings have improved. She has moved from the soaps circles into the reality star television zone. And Jorgie Porter took a walk on the wild side when she headed back to Manchester for The Rocky Horror Show press night at The Opera House Theatre on Thursday. The actress, 31, felt the freezing chill of five degrees as she layered an animal print scarf over the top of her chic ensemble. Taking a walk on the wild side: Jorgie Porter showcased her winter chic in a sandy furry jacket and a leopard print scarf at The Rocky Horror Show in Manchester on Thursday All about the glamour, Jorgie applied heavy make-up and she styled her golden locks in a poker straight style. The I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here star didn't let the bitter-cold get her down as she wrapped up in a fashionable winter furry coat in a sand colour. Reality star Jorgie dressed down her polka dot little black mini dress which grazed her thighs with a chunky pair of military boots. The Rocky Horror Show is a cult classic which tells the story of a couple who have strange encounters after stumbling across a mansion in the thick of a storm. Fur-ever fabulous: The I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here star didn't let the bitter-cold get her down as she wrapped up in a fashionable winter furry coat in a sand colour A starry reunion! The soap star enjoyed a cosy reunion with her Hollyoaks co-star Nicole Barber-Lane at the event Jorgie was fresh from her fabulous trip to London where she hit the red carpet in a deep purple dress with a risque split up to nearly her waist. Since leaving Hollyoaks in 2016, after playing her character Theresa McQueen, the actress has gone on to do Dancing On Ice, I'm A Celebrity and Celebs Go Dating. While more recently, Jorgie has been starring in Fame the Musical which has been running in Manchester since the summer. Casual chic: Rhian Sugden stayed warm in a turtleneck jumper, jeans and knee-high boots In May, prior to her start date, Jorgie enthused she was very excited to make her stage debut as Iris Kelly in Fame. She said: 'I am so excited to be making my stage debut playing Iris Kelly in Fame. The musical is one of my favourite ever films and I can't wait to open the show in Manchester, my home town. 'I've not had a chance to perform ballet for a long time, it's what I originally trained in so I'm looking forward to getting my ballet shoes on!' Pin-credible: Jorgie was fresh from her fabulous trip to London where she hit the red carpet in a deep purple dress with a risque split up to nearly her waist She likes to wear couture gowns when on the red carpet. But in real life, Rachel McAdams is much more casual as she proved on Thursday during a run to a grocery store. The Wedding Crashers actress wore a pair of denim overalls as she picked up groceries in Los Angeles, carrying to recyclable green bags from M Cafe. Too bad the beauty, 40, also got a parking ticket. So normal: Rachel McAdams was seen during a run to a grocery store in LA on Thursday as she carried a purse by Madewell The average parking ticket in Los Angeles is $73. The Mean Girls vet also had on a white T-shirt and black boots with sunglasses on. The cover girl also went makeup free for her day of errands and her hair was pulled back into a messy updo. A red cross body purse by Madewell looked no-nonsense. And she carried with her a red smoothie, which are often made with beets, spinach, avocado and cucumber. Dressed way down: The Wedding Crashers actress wore a pair of denim overalls while carrying to recyclable green bags from M Cafe M Cafe is an organic restaurant. There are three locations in Southern California: Venice Beach, Santa Monica and the West Hollywood area. The beauty was not with her son, whom she welcomed in April. A name has yet to be shared. And her partner, writer Jamie Linden, could not be seen. In December she posed for a powerful image during a shoot for Girls Girls Girls magazine, being pictured while wearing two breast milk pumps. With the nanny? The beauty was not with her son, whom she welcomed in April. A name has yet to be shared Ouch: Too bad the beauty, 40, also got a parking ticket on her luxury car The actress was dripping in Bvlgari diamonds and had on Versace clothing. She was aiming to break certain motherhood taboos in society. While a lot is being done to normalize breastfeeding, there is still a long way to go. And the juxtaposition of Rachel's glam red-lipped sexy look combined with the notion of motherhood is an important one. Magazine founder, Claire Rothstein shared the Instagram image and wrote a lovely and impassioned comment to go alongside it. She typed: 'Just sharing this image from my account which I think encapsulates @girls.girls.girls.magazine and what we stand for... I'm so fancy: She likes to wear couture gowns when on the red carpet. Here the movie staple is seen at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California in November 'A million reasons why I wanted to post this picture. 'Obviously #rachelmcadams looks incredible and was quite literally the dream to work with but also this shoot was about 6 months post her giving birth to her son, so between shots she was expressing/pumping as still breastfeeding. We had a mutual appreciation disagreement about whos idea it was to take this picture but Im still sure it was hers which makes me love her even more.' Claire continued: 'Breastfeeding is the most normal thing in the world, like breathing and I cant for the life of me imagine why or how it is ever frowned upon or scared of. 'I dont even think it needs explaining but just wanted to put this out there, as if it even changes one persons perception of something so natural, so normal, so amazing then thats great. 'Besides shes wearing Versace and @bulgariofficial diamonds and is just f***ing major. Big shout out to all the girls. 'Side note: I did not look anywhere near as fabulous as this when feeding/pumping. And thats ok too.' Rachel welcomed her son in April with her screenwriter boyfriend Linden but is yet to disclose his name, wishing to 'keep his life private, even if hers isn't.' She told the Sunday Times: 'Its the greatest thing thats ever happened to me, hands down. '[People say] your life is not your own any more. But I had 39 years of me, I was sick of me, I was so happy to put the focus on some other person.' Latin trap artist Kevin Fret has been shot and killed in Puerto Rico. The 24-year-old was on his Yamaha motorcycle when he was shot at around 5.30am on Thursday in Santurce, San Juan. He died later the same day at the Medical Center of Rio Piedras of injuries related to the shooting, police confirmed to El Nuevo Dia. Killed: Kevin Fret, the first openly gay Latin trap artist, was shot and killed aged 24 in Puerto Rico on Thursday According to El Vocero, one of Puerto Rico's biggest newspapers, Fret was shot eight times. Fret was an outspoken advocate for the LGBT community, and was one of the few well-known gay rappers on the island nation. He first stepped into the spotlight in April 2018 with his single Soy Asi. Fret's manager, Eduardo Rodriguez, said in a statement: 'Kevin was an artistic soul, a big-hearted dreamer. Missed: His manager, Eduardo Rodriguez, said in a statement: 'Kevin was an artistic soul, a big-hearted dreamer 'His passion was music, and still had a lot to do. This violence must stop. There are no words that describe the feeling we have and the pain that causes us to know that a person with so many dreams has to go. We must all unite in these difficult times, and ask for much peace for our beloved Puerto Rico.' On his Instagram account on Wednesday, Fret wrote: 'Pray, relax, wait for my times and I'll do the rest.' She is reportedly hoping for another child with boyfriend Tristan Thompson, just nine months after they welcomed daughter True. And in the midst of the rumors, Khloe Kardashian shared a racy black and white snap of herself as she got glammed up by her makeup artist. The 34-year-old reality star flashed major cleavage in a skintight corset for the Instagram picture, which she captioned: 'Truth or Dare.' Gorgeous: Khloe Kardashian shared a racy snap of herself as she got glammed up by her makeup artist on Thursday afternoon Khloe donned the Love Me Down To The Corset top by online boutique Naked Wardrobe; the item however is currently sold out. She wore a silky black jacket on top with matching colored denim bottoms. Makeup artist Ash K. Holm was in the midst of doing her eye makeup in the shot; Khloe's hair was in rollers - she tagged hair stylist Andrew Fitzsimons. Khloe shared two snaps the day before showing off the finished makeup and hair look. Lovely: Khloe shared two snaps the day before showing off the finished makeup and hair look Khloe was getting ready to do her Keeping Up With The Kardashians behind the scenes interviews. In her after pictures, Khloe sported wavy platinum tresses center parted with nude colored lipstick on her pout beneath defined brows and gold eye shadow. The Good American jeans co-founder welcomed daughter True Thompson on April 12, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio with Tristan, 27. Stunning: In her after pictures, Khloe sported wavy platinum tresses center parted with nude colored lipstick on her pout beneath defined brows and gold eye shadow Two days prior to Khloe giving birth, Tristan's cheating scandal came to light, exclusively revealed by Dailymail.com. He was seen kissing strip club worker Lani Blair before heading to a hotel with her in New York City. Other outlets reported more woman soon after. Despite the scandal, Khloe and Tristan remained a couple; they spent Halloween, Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve together. She reportedly wants a second child with Tristan because daughter True 'changed her life,' a source told People magazine. Second time around? She reportedly wants a second child with Tristan because daughter True 'changed her life,' a source told People magazine; pictured February 17, 2018 in LA The insider said her daughter gave her 'something incredible to focus her love and energy on, and it helped her and Tristan stay bonded no matter what.' Adding: 'Though you might think having a new baby amid all this drama with Tristan would make things even harder for her, it was actually the opposite.' The source also revealed that she wants to give True a sibling, noting that Khloe 'always wanted to be a mom and it wouldn't be surprising if she got pregnant again.' He's a producer and actor, with an impressive five projects coming out in 2019. And Brad Pitt was seen taking care of business while out in LA on Wednesday, where he attended several meetings. The Hollywood heartthrob, 55, was dressed casually, looking laid back in an all grey outfit. Grey day! Brad Pitt donned an all grey outfit while attending meetings in LA on Wednesday His look consisted of an ashen tee shirt over a white longsleeve top with slate colored jeans below. Brad accessorized with sunglasses and a woven bucket bag he's been seen toting around town recently. He added an upscale touch with a pricey silver Breitling watch. He completed the look by topping off his nearly shoulder-length hair with an asphalt-hued newsboy cap. The actor kept a scruffy beard. Guy style: Brad accessorized with sunglasses and a woven bag he's been seen toting around town recently Brad is getting back to work after spending his holiday with some of the kids he shares with ex Angelina Jolie. But not everyone was there, as Pitt's two oldest reportedly refused to go. While Pitt was 'extremely happy' to have his four youngest spend the night at his house, 'Maddox refused to go, and Pax didn't go either,' a US Weekly source says. Just a few weeks earlier, Pitt, 55, and Jolie, 43, reached a new custody agreement giving them both joint physical and legal custody of their kids, Maddox, 17, Pax, 15, Zahara, 13, Shiloh, 12, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 10. Brad's Christmas: Brad Pitt spent Christmas with four of his six kids, but his oldest, Maddox and Pax, refused to go 'Brad exchanged Christmas gifts with the kids on December 25 at his house,' the source added. '[He] has never spoiled the kids for their birthdays or holidays. It wasnt over the top but low-key,' the source added. The visit was supervised with a 'monitor' staying overnight in a guest room, which was part of the new custody agreement. Pitt also hosted a monitored sleepover on December 17, a day before his birthday, but Maddox wasn't present for that visit either. Brad and Maddox: Brad and Maddox are seen together at the 2014 premiere of Unbroken Pitt and Jolie came to the new custody agreement on December 1, avoiding a trial that was set for December 4. Pitt had requested the monitored overnight stays himself, which will end, 'over a period of the next six to eight weeks.' The couple still hasn't finalized their divorce, which they announced back in 2016, and there is no indication yet as to when they may do so. The source added the family is, 'continuing to focus on making new traditions,' while Brad is, 'looking forward to the future with the kids.' She's one of Hollywood's biggest stars - but could Margot Robbie be preparing for her biggest role yet? The Oscar-nominated actress, 28, spoke about the use of fake 'baby bumps' in films during an interview on The Project on Thursday. Appearing alongside her Mary Queen of Scots co-star Saoirse Ronan, who wore a prosthetic belly in the period drama, the pair joked about feeling broody on set. Scroll down for video Will her next role be motherhood? Margot Robbie appeared rather broody while talking about wearing prosthetic baby bumps. Pictured with her husband Tom Ackerley on January 7, 2018 'I would find myself rubbing my belly all the time,' Saoirse said during the interview. This prompted Margot to say she would also touch her belly in order to 'connect' with her on-screen child while filming. 'I do that too when I've had a fake belly!' Margot said. 'You end up like, rubbing it subconsciously.' 'You end up like, rubbing it subconsciously': Appearing on Thursday's The Project alongside her Mary Queen of Scots co-star Saoirse Ronan (right), who wore a prosthetic belly in the period drama, the pair joked about feeling broody on set While Margot admitted to feeling maternal on set, she isn't planning on having a real-life baby just yet. The Australian star, who married film director Tom Ackerley two years ago, told Porter magazine in November she was too busy to have children. She joked that the couple already have their hands full owning two dogs. 'I can't cope with two puppies, let alone children!' While Margot admitted to feeling maternal on set, she isn't planning on having a real-life baby just yet 'I can't cope with two puppies, let alone children!' Margot said. She continued: 'If I'm looking into my future 30 years from now, I want to see a big Christmas dinner with tons of kids there. But definitely not at the moment.' Margot previously denied pregnancy rumours after it was widely reported in January last year that she and Tom were expecting a child. Not yet! Margot previously denied pregnancy rumours after it was widely reported in January last year that she and Tom were expecting a child. Pictured on December 10, 2018 in London Speaking to WHO magazine at the time, the Wolf of Wall Street actress threw cold water on the persistent rumours. 'I am not having a baby. I am not pregnant, no,' she told the magazine. 'Every six months that rumour seems to start.' Bethenny Frankel is suffering from vision and memory loss in the wake of her near-fatal allergic reaction last month. The 48-year-old RHONY star reached out to her 1.6million Twitter followers on Thursday seeking advice. 'Well tweeps, youre usually smarter than anyone & I keep researching & cannot find out. Can anaphylactic shock affect memory or vision afterwards?' she asked. Hurting: Bethenny Frankel has revealed she is suffering from vision and memory loss following her near-fatal allergic reaction last month Help: The 48-year-old RHONY star reached out to her 1.6million Twitter followers on Thursday seeking advice 'I had 20 20 & it does not appear to be the case now. I am getting it all checked out this week but you have all the answers.' The mom-of-one was spotted in NY on Thursday, wrapping up warm in a brown fur-lined coat, sweatpants and thick fur-lined black boots. On December 17 the Skinny Girl founder revealed she was almost killed after an extreme allergic reaction to soup containing fish. 'I have a rare fish allergy. Sunday, I had soup, itched & was unconscious for 15 mins then to ER & ICU for 2 days w BP of 60/40,' Frankel tweeted. 'I couldn't talk, see, thought I had a stroke & dying & told if 5 mins later I'd be dead. 911 & EPI saved me. I'll never not carry an #epipen.' She also tweeted to a fan that the allergy is 'very unusual & confusing' so she keeps it to herself as it's 'hard to describe.' Chilly: The mom-of-one was spotted in NY on Thursday, wrapping up warm in a brown fur-lined coat, sweatpants and thick fur-lined black boots Close one: On December 17 the Skinny Girl founder revealed she was almost killed after an extreme allergic reaction to soup containing fish Her story: 'I have a rare fish allergy. Sunday, I had soup, itched & was unconscious for 15 mins then to ER & ICU for 2 days w BP of 60/40,' Frankel tweeted afterwards It's hard on her: She also tweeted to a fan that the allergy is 'very unusual & confusing' so she keeps it to herself as it's 'hard to describe' Frankel thanked Newton Wellesley Hospital in Massachusetts by tagging them on Twitter and writing, 'xo.' The Blast obtained the dispatch audio for a medical response after a 911 call. According to the audio, officials noted that she was suffering from a fish allergy, and was 'losing consciousness.' It was added she had very low blood pressure. Last week the Real Housewife blasted an unnamed airline for reneging on a guarantee not to serve fish on board. Death trap: Last week the Real Housewife blasted an unnamed airline for reneging on a guarantee not to serve fish on board Frankel noted that 'being trapped in a cabin [with] no windows [with] cooking fish is a death trap.' WebMd says that the symptoms for a fish allergy are hives or a skin rash, nausea, stomach cramps, indigestion, vomiting and/or diarrhea, stuffy or runny nose and/or sneezing, headaches, asthma and - less common - anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that impairs breathing and can cause the body to go into shock. Fish is one of eight allergens with specific labeling requirements under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004. At work: Here the brunette is seen with Dorinda Medley and Harry Dubin on an episode of RHONY Under that law, manufacturers of packaged food products sold in the U.S. and containing fish or a fish product as an ingredient must identify on the ingredient label, in clear language, the specific type of fish used. This is not the first time Bethenny has had a fish scare. During a season 10 episode of RHONY she suffered an allergic reaction when in Cartagena, Colombia. 'Is there fish in that soup? Frankel feasked during her dinner. 'Im itching. My throat is itching. I thought it was chicken, f***.' The star then vomitted. 'Its the worst feeling, your throat gets itchy, you feel like youre going to throw up,' she said. 'It's like poison inside of you.' Kate Price shared a sweet snap of herself cradling her new 1,000 puppy after confessing that she couldn't pay a 1,100 fine straight away for driving while banned. The glamour model, 40, is said to have splashed out on a new puppy just three months after buying blue German Shepherd Bear, The Sun reports. Katie took to Instagram to post an image of herself posing with the pup, named Sparkle, while flaunting a new set of glossy extensions. Adorable: Kate Price shared a sweet snap of herself cradling her new 1,000 puppy after confessing that she couldn't pay a 1,100 fine straight away for driving while banned The post comes after Katie admitted to a judge that she would need a couple of weeks to get her finances in order before she was able to pay the fine. One of Katie's followers asked her 'Is that a new puppy Kate?', in the comments section of her most recent Instagram post. MailOnline have contacted a representative for Katie for further comment. Banned: The post comes after Katie admitted to a judge that she would need a couple of weeks to get her finances in order before she was able to pay the fine Katie attended Crawley Magistrates Court where she pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and not having third-party insurance for her vehicle, ending up being sentenced to a three-month driving ban and a fine of 1,100 on Thursday. The mother-of-five was spotted driving on the A24 near her West Sussex home on July 25 while a six-month driving ban was still in place. It comes after she pleaded not guilty on Monday to drink-driving after allegedly crashing her 75,000 Range Rover into a parked car while twice the legal limit. Bear: The glamour model, 40, is said to have splashed out on a new puppy just three months after buying blue German Shepherd Bear, The Sun reports Katie's pink 4x4 smashed into a car and a hedge in South East London following her ex-boyfriend's birthday party in the early hours of October 10 last year. At the beginning of December, Katie avoided bankruptcy after coming to an agreement over her tax bill and a close pal allegedly loaned the star 22,000 to bail her out. Katie's case was heard at a specialist insolvency and companies court in Central London, which estimated her total debts ranged from 250,000 to 500,000. She was not at the court for the hearing, which lasted less than two minutes. Adding to her family: Katie shared a snap of her daughter Princess with their dog Bear Deputy Insolvency and Companies Court Judge Middleton said: 'This case has been dismissed after the parties concerned reached an out of court agreement. 'Court costs of 881 are to be paid in accordance with the terms of the IVO (Individual Voluntary Agreement).' Outside court, a spokesman for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) added: 'We are not the lead creditors in this case, but we are happy with the agreement. I can't tell you who the other creditors are in this case at the minute. 'We don't have a specific date for the first payment and the amount has not been decided. Katie Price was not obliged to turn up to this court hearing today.' She shared how she had a breakdown in her early 20s following her rise to fame. Yet Keira Knightley was a spectacle to behold on arrival at the Colette Paris Premiere at Cinema Gaumont Marignan, in France on Thursday. The actress, 33, looked demure in a pleated long-sleeved dress which had a glistening sequinned hem to catch the eye. She's the leading lady: Keira Knightley cut a ladylike figure in a demure black dress with a sequinned hem at Colette's Paris premiere on Thursday Sequins were sewn into the hem of the black midi dress to bring a dazzling quality to her look, paired with her silver metallic heels. A high neckline and white collar cuffs gave off an elegant vibe when Keira commanded the attention of the red carpet. The Never Let Me Go star styled her chocolate shade locks in crimped curls and she sculpted out her striking features with defining strokes of make-up. Keira steps into the heels of the author Sidonie-Gabrielle who is the leading lady in the film Colette. Showbiz sparkle: Sequins were sewn into the hem of the black midi dress to bring a dazzling quality to her look, paired with her silver metallic heels (Collateral) Beauty! The Never Let Me Go star styled her chocolate shade locks in crimped curls and she sculpted out her striking features with defining strokes of make-up The movie charts Sidonie's fight for creative ownership in 20th century Paris after agreeing to ghostwrite a semi-auto-graphical novel for her husband. Mother-of-one Keira took time away from her daughter and jetted over to Paris to promote her latest movie. Keira's appearance comes after she documented her breakdown during her early 20s when the crippling pressures of the movie industry became too much. As one of the darlings of Hollywood, no doubt it was hard for Keira to lay bare the harrowing time when her world came crashing down at the age of 22. Hollywood's most beautiful star: Keira steps into the heels of the leading lady in the film Colette who is author Sidonie-Gabrielle Storytelling: The movie charts Sidonie's fight for creative ownership in 20th century Paris after agreeing to ghostwrite a semi-auto-graphical novel for her husband The brunette first hit the big screen with supporting roles in Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace (1999) and The Hole (2001). By the age of 23, the New Year's Eve star had featured in over 20 movies, including adventure film King Arthur and romantic drama Pride & Prejudice. Keira shared with Balance Magazine: 'My world crashed when I was 22. Everything stopped working and I felt as if I was broken into tiny pieces; as if my brain was literally shattered. Flying solo: Mother-of-one Keira took time away from her daughter and jetted over to Paris to promote her latest movie Home time: Keira left Paris after promoting her new movie at the premiere 'Yet all of a sudden, people were being very vocal with their views on me as a young woman and as an actress. I lost confidence in myself because I was made to feel that I didnt deserve to be doing what I was doing. 'There was no way I was going to be able to get on the red carpet without having a f*****g panic attack. So I had hypnotherapy and it worked. Thankfully, I havent had that feeling for a long time.' Aside from being a Hollywood star, Keira is the mother to her three-year-old daughter Edie whom she shares with her husband James Righton. Dramatically different: Worlds away from her typical red carpet glamour, the Colette star opted for jeans which were rolled up at the hem as she arrived back in London Chilly in the capital: As temperatures plummeted to a biting 3 degrees, Keira wore a faux fur hat with ear flaps over her brunette locks in a bid to stay warm She's home! Keira looked pleased to be back on home turf as no doubt the prospect of her reunion with her daughter and husband filled her with joy Stacey Dooley has hit back at critics who have accused her of 'selling out' and opting for 'trivial work' after her Strictly Come Dancing win in December last year. The documentary maker, 31, announced that she is the new host of BBC Three reality show Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-up Star, cementing her status as the broadcaster's new darling. Stacey's role will see her host a show where ten eager contestants compete to win a contract assisting top make-up artists, judged by L'Oreal's Val Garland and Mac's Dominic Skinner. Glam: Stacey Dooley has hit back at critics who have accused her of opting for 'trivial work' after her Strictly Come Dancing win in December last year Critics: Stacey's news was met by backlash from some of her followers, who suggested that she had forgotten her 'journalism roots', because 'Strictly turns people in reality TV stars' Stacey's news was met by backlash from some of her followers, who suggested that she had forgotten her 'journalism roots', because 'Strictly turns people in reality TV stars'. This is despite the broadcaster signing up to host the show before her winning stint on Strictly. Other sceptical social media users also commented on Stacey's career move, with one adding: 'From documentary maker to this! Wow!' While another wrote: 'Make up, why?' Following the negative feedback from the minority of Stacey's fans, she took to Twitter to defend her decision to join the new make-up show. New show: The documentary maker, 31, announced that she is the new host of BBC reality show Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-up Star, cementing her status as the broadcaster's new darling Reaction: Other sceptical social media users also commented on Stacey's career move, with one adding: 'From documentary maker to this! Wow!' Replying directly to her commentator, Stacey wrote: 'This is such a Stone Age assumption. You can care about human issues, the planet and also be into fashion. You can also take time out to look after yourself mentally'. She later tweeted: 'For those telling me you're suddenly doing 'trivial' work... I've been filming stories covering rape, incest drugs, murder and war for a decade. 'It's a privilege to cover these issues, but I also need to take time out to enjoy the lighter side of life.' Stacey went on to pay credit to the 'incredibly talented' dancers and make-up artists she has worked alongside, while slamming the idea that talent is 'exclusively measured on how intellectual you are'. Hitting back: Following the negative feedback from the minority of Stacey's fans, she took to Twitter to defend her decision to join the new make-up show She added: 'Also. Dancers and make-up artists are incredibly talented. I'm lucky to work alongside them. 'The idea that talent is exclusively measured on how academic or intellectual you are is SO ridiculous. Snobbery and judgement not really my thing. 'Anyway. Off to nail my routine.' A source told MailOnline Stacey has more documentaries in the pipeline. The Strictly champion's fans were quick to offer their support after she posted the response on the social media platform. Supportive: The Strictly champion's fans were quick to offer their support after she posted the response on the social media platform One Twitter user offered some reassurance to the broadcaster, writing: 'Appearing in something that appeals to a typically wider 'prime-time audience' may also encourage people to revisit your earlier work as well, who hadn't previously seen any of it.' While another said: 'Whatever you do Stacey I love it. Keep being you.' A third wrote: 'You don't have to justify your career choices to anyone. Maybe some people are worried they'll miss the docs you make which they so love but in time they'll see you're still you & awesome to watch.' Stacey's other new role's include a contributing editor role at Grazia magazine, and there's a signing tour in the offing for the paperback version of her book. That's in addition to her appearance in the Strictly Come Dancing UK Tour that starts its 29-show later this month, with her upcoming projects predicted to net her 1.2M. 'It looks set to be a bumper year for Stacey whose bubbly, girl next door personality has been likened to Holly Willoughby - now one of the highest paid women on TV,' PR agent Claire Shiels told Femail. 'She's in demand and understandably taking advantage of her popularity which will enable her to command higher fees,' commented Claire. Activists at animal rights group PETA have slammed Katie Price for making a court appearance on Wednesday wearing fur. The former glamour model attended Crawley Magistrates Court where she pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and not having third-party insurance for her vehicle, ending up being sentenced to a three-month driving ban and a fine of 1,100. But it was her choice in attire gaining all the attention. Fur goodness sake: Activists at animal rights group PETA have slammed Katie Price for making a court appearance on Wednesday wearing fur Not only was she wearing real fur, the 40-year-old has faced a bankruptcy battle over the past year, and is claiming that she is unable to pay her caught fine, plus costs, all at once. Elisa Allen, Director of PETA UK, told MailOnline: 'When it comes to wearing fur, Katie Price is a repeat offender who is driving animals to a painful death and doing so wilfully, since she has been told again and again about the cruelty involved in capturing or rearing and slaughtering them. 'Today, most women wouldn't be caught dead wearing the fur of animals who endured miserable lives, confined to tiny, filthy wire cages before their necks were broken or they were anally or vaginally electrocuted. 'As the judge of the way animals are abused for their pelts, PETA would like to order Ms Price to donate her furs to us so that we can use them as bedding for orphaned animals or distribute them to refugees from war-torn countries to help them keep warm, as they're the only people who have an excuse to wear fur.' Cash-strapped? Not only was she wearing real fur, the 40-year-old has faced a bankruptcy battle over the past year, and is claiming that she is unable to pay her caught fine, plus costs, all at once Backlash: Katie was also targeted by her own Twitter following Katie was also targeted by her own Twitter following. One posted: 'Looks like a few animals perished to give this dumb b***h her fancy hat and fur jacket!' '@KatiePrice disgusting walking round in real animal fur. Scum,' another ranted. Courtroom drama: The former glamour model attended Crawley Magistrates Court where she pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and not having third-party insurance for her vehicle, ending up being sentenced to a three-month driving ban and a fine of 1,100 'Cruel!' Elisa Allen, Director of PETA UK, said - 'When it comes to wearing fur, Katie Price is a repeat offender who is driving animals to a painful death - and doing so wilfully, since she has been told again and again about the cruelty involved in capturing or rearing and slaughtering them' 'Wat a grotesque looking fur hag. They say anyone wearing fur is either very thick or very cruel. Which is it Katie Price? [sic],' another demanded to know. 'I find it insulting as a animal lover that she is being classed as one. She's a baby lover, whether it be human or animal, that's it. And there's certainly no place in this day & age for wearing animal fur. Not necessary & should not be promoted for fashion [sic],' came another post. '@KatiePrice Are you planning on taking your kids to a fur farm, can see the suffering, torture and abuse? #DontWearFUR no different to human skin #Revolting!' another wrote. Rachael Ostovich has moved on with her life after she was savagely beaten to a pulp by her MMA fighter husband Arnold Berdon in November. And it looks like she has put her daughter Ruby front and center as her Instagram page is full of portraits of the cute darling. On Thursday, the 27-year-old UFC fighter shared a photo where she and her mimi me had on matching makeup while in NYC. Baby Rachael: UFC fighter Rachael Ostovich put makeup on her mini-me daughter Ruby for cute photo shared this week The fighter thanked a member of her glam team for giving both of the girls new haircuts. The star is in full training model for her big January 19 fight with Paige VanZant in New York. The fight was initially cancelled due to Ostovich's injuries, which were sustained in the alleged attack in Hawaii. But soon after Ostovich's manager Brian Butler-Au told ESPN she was cleared t. 'She never really wanted to be off of this fight,' Butler-Au said. 'When everything happened, it was very emotional. All made up: The fighter thanked her glam team for giving both of the girls new haircuts as she worked in New York City 'The injuries were significant enough that, combined with the emotions of everything that was going down, we made a decision to pull out of the fight,' Butler-Au continued. 'Now that things are settling out and the swelling of the injury is going down, Rachael got a second opinion and everything will work out to where she can keep this fight.' ESPN also confirmed with UFC president Dana White that the fight is back on. Ready to get in the ring: The star is in full training model for her big January 19 fight Onwards: Ostovich is not letting the beating hold her back as she shared a very upbeat Instagram note about her fight with Paige VanZant The beauty said to quit the fight would allow him to 'mess with her dreams,' she told KHON2 in Hawaii earlier. The star spoke on camera, revealing she still has a black eye. 'This is something that cant be taken away from me,' said the UFC fighter. 'I want to use this big worldwide UFC platform to show people that dont let anyone or anything come between you and your dreams and your career.' She also said she wants to be a role model for women suffering from domestic abuse. The past: Ostovich has moved on with her life after she was savagely beaten to a pulp by her MMA fighter husband Arnold Berdon in November 'I felt that it was extremely important to me to follow through with it and not only for me but for my daughter and other people that might be going through similar situations,' Ostovich told KHON2. 'I want to take a stand against domestic violence and show others that its okay to come out and speak about it and not be quieted.' She also said, 'I feel like I have to do this.' And she thanked her family. 'Im extremely grateful and blessed for my support system. My family, who has done so much for me and has kept me together and kept me strong.' Berdon was taken into custody by Honolulu police and charged with second-degree assault. Ostovich was also granted a restraining order against Berdon. She suffered a broken bone near her eye and was heavily bruised. Still recovering: The 27-year-old UFC fighter suffered a broken bone near her eye and was heavily bruised; here she is seen with a black eye on KHNO 2 In December she shared an upbeat note. The beauty said God was 'sooooo good' to her and 'the best is yet to come' as she shared a photo of her ESPN cover with Paige. The caption read, 'First ever ESPN UFC event at the Barcalys Center!!!! Making History. God is sooooo good to me.' She added a prayer emoji. 'The best is yet to come!' she also noted. 'New York here we come!! Thank you Sizlak008 for the graphic! And suckerpunchent for having me REPRESENTED.' She added, 'We keep it movin.' Her fans loved her note. One said, 'You are incredibly inspiring!' while another added, 'I wish you well and best of luck in your next fight!' She has been his friend since their early days on Jersey Shore and has watched his toxic relationship with Jen Harley unfold. And now Snooki has weighed into the drama surrounding Ronnie Ortiz-Magro and his on-again, off-again girlfriend. The reality star, 31, advised her Jersey Shore co-star to find Jesus and gain perspective on his priorities, according to Us Weekly. 'You need Jesus, bro': Snooki, pictured August 2018, has weighed into the drama surrounding Ronnie Ortiz-Magro and his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Jen Harley 'You need Jesus, bro,' she told the outlet. 'No, we've been talking to him, and you know, he just needs a clear headspace. That's all he needs. He needs to realize what's important in life and that's his daughter. And I think he realizes that now.' The reality star added she thinks Ronnie will be just 'fine.' The drama between Ronnie and Jen has been intensifying in recent days, after the couple split once again following a blow-out fight on New Year's. The couple reportedly got into a physical fight at the Hustler Club in Las Vegas around 2 a.m. on January 1. Toxic relationship: The drama between Ronnie and Jen has been intensifying in recent days, after the couple split once again following a blow-out fight on New Year's Us Weekly confirmed that Ronnie filed a battery report against his ex after she allegedly threw a glass ashtray at him during their dispute. In security footage from the venue, the reality star is seen a few minutes before midnight, wiping away blood from his nose with a tissue in the video obtained by TMZ. The video doesn't show the actual attack, but sources claim Jen 'allegedly nailed him with an ashtray.' Family matters: Magro shares nine-month-old daughter Ariana with Harley They called it quits again following the NYE outing. 'Ronnie and Jen got into a fight on New Years Eve. They broke up before New Years Eve, got back together right before then and got in a big fight on Monday night,' an insider told Us. 'Theyre currently broken up. But its the same story every time: They are together, they fight, they break up and then get back together.' The Famously Single alum reportedly hesitated to contact the authorities because 'he did not know what would happen to his 9 month-old daughter', Ariana, whom he shares with Harley, according to the publication. She's been single since the end of her marriage back in 1995. Now Connie Britton has a very special matchmaker trying to find her love - her friend Julia Roberts. Talking to Busy Phillips on her chatshow on Wednesday night, the 51-year-old single mother said Julia was doing her best to help her. Having fun: Connie Britton told Busy Philipps on her chatshow on Wednesday night that her friend Julia Roberts tried to set her up on a date... but 'it hasn't worked out' Friends: Julia Roberts poses with Connie Britton, right, in October last year 'I've gotten to be friends with Julia Roberts,' said Connie. 'She tried to set me up with somebody. It hasn't worked out yet, but at least mama tried, you know what I'm saying.' Connie joked that now Julia had done it, it was Busy's turn to play matchmaker. 'I mean Julia Roberts did it, you know what I'm saying, like whoa. Give it a shot,' she laughed. Talking of Julia, Connie revealed how they became friends - admitting that she was the one who pursued the actress. Help a girl out: Connie joked that now Julia had done it, it was Busy's turn to play matchmaker Playing dress up: The two had fun filming together on the show Laughing, she told the Busy Tonight host: 'It's not really, it's not really a healthy friendship. It's more like I idolize her, and she's nice to me.' Replied Busy: 'I get it very deeply.' Connie married her college boyfriend, investment banker John Britton, in 1991. The couple divorced four years later. She adopted her only child, son Eyob, from Ethiopia in 2011. This Sunday Connie will be at the Critics' Choice Awards, having received a nomination for Best Actress In A Movie Made For Television for her work on Bravo's Dear John. She's regularly spotted doing the rounds at glitzy events and parties. And Donna Air looked effortlessly chic in a pale pink jumper, as she enjoyed a lunch date with her gal pal Denise Van Outen at the Chiltern Firehouse in London on Thursday. The Dancing On Ice star, 39, was in good spirits when she left the trendy eatery, as she paired her colourful top with grey trousers. Stylish: Donna Air looked effortlessly chic in a pale pink jumper and grey trousers as she enjoyed a lunch date with Denise Van Outen at Chiltern Firehouse in London on Thursday Donna kept her look casual by wearing a pair of white trainers, while she carried a black coat in her arms in case she felt too cold. She wore her blonde locks in a loose waves, and accessorised by wearing a pair of simple silver earrings. Denise upped the glamour for the outing, as she boosted her height in gold heeled boots which added a glittering touch to her dark ensemble. Chic: Denise upped the glamour as she boosted her height in gold heeled boots, which added a glittering touch to her dark ensemble Wrapping up in a large navy blue jacket, she completed her look by donning a black turtleneck jumper over a pair of frayed black jeans. Denise's blonde locks were styled into glamorous curls, and she wore a natural palette of make-up to accentuate her pretty features. The Loose Women panellist completed her look by keeping her personal items in a black handbag, while she carried a baker boy cap in her hands. Comfy: Donna kept her look casual by wearing a pair of white trainers, while she carried a black coat that she could use when she felt too cold Donna began a new romance with property developer Ben Carrington in March, a few weeks after confirming the end of her five-year romance with James Middleton. They went public with their romance in February after the TV presenter split from the younger brother of the Duchess of Cambridge, 31, in 2017. The couple dated on and off for four years, but in October Donna told The Mail on Sunday: 'James and I are no longer an item. We parted ways in December but remain the very best of friends and always will be.' Donna is mum to daughter Freya Aspinall, 15, who she raises with her former partner of six years, multi-millionaire businessman and conservationist Damian Aspinall, 58. Cosy: Wrapping up in a large navy blue jacket, Denise completed her look by donning a black turtleneck over a pair of frayed black jeans While Denise first began dating her boyfriend Eddie Boxshall in 2014, and she shares her daughter Betsy with ex-husband Lee Mead. The family uprooted from Kent to London three months ago for Betsy to attend a specialist school that caters to those with dyslexia by providing extra support. Speaking about her move to the city from countrylife, she told Little London magazine: 'Id also started on Loose Women and work was dragging me back to the city, and I have to say, Im loving being back. 'Having done all the teashops and farms, I just needed to get back to city life, it was nice to step away for a bit and then come and appreciate all the things Id forgotten I loved about London.' Ex Coronation Street actor Sean Ward spoke about his addiction battle during a candid chat on Thursday's episode of Loose Women. The actor bravely opened up about his depression and his determination to give up alcohol, cannabis and porn to combat the condition, after previously revealing all in a hard-hitting Instagram video posted on Sunday. The actor, 30, who played villain Callum Logan on Corrie, revealed that his addictions and mental health had caused physical ailments such as his hair falling out and weight loss. Speaking out: Ex Coronation Street actor Sean Ward spoke about his addiction battle during a candid chat on Thursday's episode of Loose Women Speaking about the height of his depression, Sean admitted to Loose Women it stemmed from loneliness when he spent seven months away from home filming BBC drama Our Girl, which he has starred in since 2014, last year. 'I was away from my partner, my family, you get lonely you realise who your friends are,' he admitted, revealing he started secretly watching porn on set. The actor also admitted that as he grew more famous he felt more lonely, explaining: 'You do get lonely and realise who your friend are. That's when it all unravelled at that point. The more people I met when I got in Corrie the lonelier I felt.' Honest: The actor opened up about his determination to give up alcohol, cannabis and porn to combat the condition, after previously revealing all in an Instagram video posted on Sunday He added that he realised both who his true friends were and the extent of his problems during one night with pals. 'I had friends come up from London, it was who you spend time with. All they did was bring vodka to my house, so I lost it and said get out.' When asked if his addictions had always been there or as a result of being on Corrie, he said: 'Half and half. I think any creative in this industry has ups and downs. 'I was living next door to Justin Bieber in South Africa one minute and living in Westbury another minute.' Loneliness: Speaking about the height of his depression, Sean admitted to Loose Women it stemmed from loneliness when he spent months away from home filming Our Girl last year Troubles: 'I was away from my family, you get lonely you realise who your friends are, and that's when it unraveled,' he admitted, revealing he started secretly watching porn on set 'It was a massive shift in my consciousness, when I can't continue on this path, I didn't want to start on anti-depressants, I was offered them, but I think I had to look inside to see what I was filling this void with.' Revealing his addictions affected his relationship, Sean continued: 'I had to leave the relationship I was in, I wasn't looking after my ex's needs which was one thing I realised.' He started experiencing physical effects too, explaining: I started getting alopecia and had no actual energy, I started losing weight. If somebody is at home feeling depressed and you have to trick your mind, and you just have to say I love myself. Fame game: The actor also admitted that as he grew more famous he felt more lonely, explaining: 'You do get lonely and realise who your friend are' Villain: Sean's Corrie character, drug dealer Callum Logan was first introduced in 2014, but was killed by Kylie Platt the following year Hair loss: He started experiencing physical effects too, explaining: I started getting alopecia and had no actual energy, I started losing weight' He added he has a nifty trick to disguise the bald patches in his facial hair - using his mum's mascara to colour it in. Sean has dug deep to get to the root of his problems, admitting one major factor was the lack of progression in his career, pointing out 'I wasn't getting any work, I did 50 auditions last year and didn't get one job, I was becoming bitter.' 'For starters, finding out what my addictions were, and finding out where I was going wrong and you have to admit to yourself you are on a bad path. Before you take something like an anti-depressant, you should at least try and battle.' For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details. Single: Revealing his addictions affected his relationship, Sean continued: 'I had to leave the relationship I was in, I wasn't looking after my ex's needs' On Wednesday, HBO released the first image of Jude Law and John Malkovich in The New Pope, the follow up series to 2016's The Young Pope. And on Thursday John was seen shooting some telling scenes in Venice, dressed in full Papal regalia, confirming rumours his as yet unknown role in the HBO series is the title character of the new pontiff. The acclaimed actor shot a crowd scene in the historic city, dressed in all-white, aside from bright red slippers. In character: John Malkovich was seen shooting some telling scenes in Venice, dressed in full Papal regalia, fuelling rumours his as yet unknown role in The New Pope is the title character John sported a gold decorated white saturno hat, a white Pellegrina with a fringed fascia attached and decorated with a coat of arms. Each pope has a different coat of arms. A gold cross hung around his neck while he sported red shoes, commonly associated with papal wear. The actor had a white beard for his role in the anticipated new series. Important role: The acclaimed actor shot a crowd scene in the historic city, dressed in all-white Costume: John sported a gold decorated white saturno hat, a white Pellegrina with a fringed fascia attached and decorated with a coat of arms. Each pope has a different coat of arms In other scenes being shot on Thursday, the actor wore a white zucchetto, a Roman Catholic cleric's skullcap with white the colour worn solely by the Pope. In between scenes John covered up his costume with a black padded coat, pulling his hood up to keep warm in the chilly weather. The star was shooting exterior scenes with crowds of extras playing paparazzi as he walked out of a building flanked by security. Head to toe: A gold cross hung around his neck while he sported red shoes, commonly associated with papal wear Change: In other scenes being shot on Thursday, the actor wore a white zucchetto, a Roman Catholic cleric's skullcap with white the colour worn solely by the Pope VIP coming through: The star was shooting exterior scenes with crowds of extras playing paparazzi as he walked out of a building flanked by security Secretive: HBO have yet to confirm Malkovich's role in the follow up to The Young Pope He was later spotted travelling by water taxi to a new location, being helped off the boat by a member of crew. The New Pope currently lacks a premiere date but HBO released the first official image on Wednesday. In the original series, Jude Law played Lenny Belardo, Archbishop of New York. His youth and novel status as an American leads to his election as the first American pope. Keeping warm: In between scenes John covered up his costume with a black padded coat, pulling his hood up to keep warm in the chilly weather Say cheese; Extras snapped photos as the actor emerged into the winter sun for the scene Huge production: Shooting has resumed in Italy after a break for the festive season, with Jude Law seen in the city this week Rather than being a force for rejuvenation, the new Pope Pius XIII doubles down on the Vatican's gamesmanship and intrigue, threatening to upend the organization's top chain of command. The 10-episode limited series was created and directed by Paolo Sorrentino, who also helms each episode of its follow-up, The New Pope. The Italian auteur is best known for his 2013 film The Great Beauty, which captured the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and was nominated for the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Moving locations: Malkovich kept his hood up as he moved between locations by foot and water taxi on Thursday Spotted: The star kept warm in his modern coat over his elaborate costume Helping hand: He was spotted travelling by water taxi to a new location, being helped off the boat by a member of crew The series takes up after The Young Pope's cliffhanger ending, which saw Pius XIII confronted with a moment of weakness that threatened to destroy his papacy. Little has been revealed about the plot of this follow-up series, and Malkovich's character has yet to be confirmed. However, the stage and screen veteran was seen filming from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, where he appeared to be giving an Urbi et Orbi papal address to the crowds in November. The series will come out some time in 2019. Sinful savior: On Wednesday, HBO released the first image of Jude Law, 46, and Malkovich, 65, in The New Pope She is often seen larking around in kooky scenarios. And Alison Hammond was again up to fun and frolics on Thursday's episode of This Morning as she filmed a segment in the lavish Val-d'Isere ski resort, however she stunned hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield when she took a tumble. Giggling Holly said: 'Oh my god that is hilarious. She's been wiped out', just before Phil said: 'That had to happen. That was fantastic. It's worthwhile sticking with her.' Agh! Alison Hammond was again up to fun and frolics on Thursday's episode of This Morning as she filmed a segment in the lavish Val-d'Isere ski resort, however she stunned hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield when she took a tumble Taking to Twitter before the stunt, Alison shared a selfie with the instructor while adding the caption: 'Tune into @thismorning where I will be live with my ski instructor in Val dIsere , hope you can join'. While she was certainly excited for the ski session, Alison's fate was sealed when she rounded out the moment with a dramatic tumble which stunned the presenters. Having fallen over once while clinging on to the instructor she then hilariously took yet another tumble however recovered well from the fall. Between his laughs, Phillip continued: 'I love the fact she actually had two ask the people standing on the slopes where she was'. Shocker: Giggling Holly said: 'Oh my god that is hilarious. She's been wiped out', just before Phil said: 'That had to happen. That was fantastic. It's worthwhile sticking with her' Woo! Having fallen over once while clinging on to the instructor she then hilariously took yet another tumble however recovered well from the fall Adding further to the hilarity of the situation, Alison headed to the bar for a touch of apres ski however her accent was causing difficulties with pronunciation. Prior to her trip to France, Alison jetted to the Australia to join Holly while the blonde beauty was undertaking her I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of here! hosting duties. A delighted Holly, 37, said she 'nearly cried' when she saw Alison in the camp, as it was akin to seeing a family member. Yay! Adding further to the hilarity of the situation, Alison headed to the bar for a touch of apres ski however her accent was causing difficulties with pronunciation Snap happy: Taking to Twitter before the stunt, she shared a selfie with the instructor while adding the caption: 'Tune into @thismorning where I will be live with my ski instructor in Val dIsere , hope you can join' Meeting up with Holly during a behind the scenes tour of the camp, Alison gave the blonde beauty a huge hug and asked her how she was adapting to jungle life. Holly said: 'Well you saw when I saw you, I nearly cried 'It's my family! But yeah, Dec has been so wonderful, he's really helping me.' Alison laughed: 'Watching you two in the trials, it's like you're doing the trial!' He revealed his wife Francesca Abbott was expecting their first child in a joyful Instagram post in October. And Ashley Banjo has discussed the couple's 'tough' journey to conceive their baby girl and his excitement at becoming a father during an interview on Thursday's episode of Lorraine. The Diversity dancer, 30, who wed Francesca in 2015, has previously spoken about the couple's 'difficult' journey to become parents. Dad to be: Ashley Banjo has discussed the couple's 'tough' journey to conceive their baby girl and his excitement at becoming a father during an interview on Thursday's episode of Lorraine Excitement: The Diversity dancer, 30, who wed Francesca in 2015, has previously spoken about the couple's 'difficult' journey to become parents Speaking of his excitement out of 10 at the impending birth, he said: 'There's no number. Honestly, it's already quite surreal for me to think there's a little baby Banjo on the way, little girl.' The Britain's Got Talent champion has reprised his role as a judge on Dancing On Ice this year but said his Diversity pals Perri Kiely and Jordan Banjo were poised to step in should Francesca go into labour. He said: 'I'll have to get Perri in. Perri or Jordan to sit there. On standby!' Speaking of being on the Dancing on Ice panel, he said: 'I'm loving it. Great show, it's a classic.' Happy couple: Speaking of his excitement out of 10 at the impending birth, he said: 'There's no number. Honestly, it's already quite surreal for me to think there's a little baby Banjo on the way, little girl' Anticipation: The Britain's Got Talent champion has reprised his role as a judge on Dancing On Ice this year but said his Diversity pals Perri Kiely and Jordan Banjo were poised to step in should Francesca go into labour And of early favourites for the title, he said: 'I don't think I've ever seen a week one like James Jordan. I can't believe what he did week one Jason [Gardiner] gave him an 8! What does that tell you? 'He's set his bar extremely high! He works so hard, I know he does, so good on him.' The interview comes three months after Ashley showed off his wife's baby bump for the first time in a sweet Instagram post uploaded from Bristol. The dancer just announced the lovebirds were overjoyed to be expecting a baby girl after the pair had a 'difficult journey'. Choreographer Ashley looked ecstatic as he cradled his wife's blossoming baby bump in the first picture revealing pregnant Francesca's maternal curves. 'Time for the tour bus!': The interview comes three months after Ashley showed off his wife's baby bump for the first time in a sweet Instagram post uploaded from Bristol He captioned the post: 'Time for the tour bus with Two and a half Banjo's #babybump #tourlife #family.' In the cute snap, Francesca displayed her baby bump in her figure-hugging khaki green knitted dress. Ashley and Francesca, with the unborn baby in tow, were climbing on board the tour bus from Bristol. The TV host thanked his 312k followers for their support since the announcement that he is expecting a baby girl with his wife following a 'difficult journey'. 'Just wanted to say a huge thank you for all the love for our little one!! We are overwhelmed xx.' Happy news! Just one day ago, Diversity's Ashley has confirmed his wife Francesca is pregnant with the couple's first child, a baby girl The Instagram comes just one day after the dancer confirmed his wife Francesca is pregnant with the couple's first child. The dancer and choreographer took to his Instagram page on Wednesday afternoon to reveal the childhood sweethearts are 'so excited' to be expecting a baby girl after a 'difficult journey'. Alongside a sweet selfie of the couple holding a picture of their ultrasound scan, eh wrote: 'I am so excited to finally share the news that we are having a baby!! Now the time has come to finally say this out loud I have no idea what to say! 'We are overwhelmed': The TV host thanked his 312k followers for their support since the announcement that he is expecting a baby girl with his wife following a 'difficult journey' 'I don't know if words alone can explain how full of joy and happiness we both are. It has been a more difficult journey to this point than most people know but we are now here with one of the most precious gifts in the world... A little girl! 'I have so many strong and incredible women around me, I know she will have great examples to follow. 'Especially this woman right here - my wife and my rock. You are going to be the best mum in the world. 'I'm so excited to see our little one grow up and if by any chance she wanted to be like her daddy and bust a few moves, I've already got the dancing shoes covered! Can't wait to meet you little sweetie.' Parents to be: The dancer and choreographer, 29, took to his Instagram page on Wednesday afternoon to reveal the childhood sweethearts are 'so excited' to be expecting a baby girl Grateful: In the lengthy message, the street dance pro hailed his wife as his 'rock' and said she will be the 'best mum in the world' Set to follow in their footsteps? Ashley also explained he will support his daughter if she wanted to 'bust a few moves' in the future Ashley's brother Jordan also took to Instagram to post a gushing message about the exciting announcement, alongside a snap of the dancer cradling his nephew. The Dancing On Ice presenter penned: 'My big bro is going to be a DAD @ashleybanjogram & @francescabanjo I'm so proud of you guys, you're already the best aunty and uncle to my little Cass (as you can see Ash's huge smile holding his nephew). 'I can't wait to see the banjo family get even bigger! Love you guys, and I know Cass is buzzing to have a beautiful little cousin to play with', he concluded. 'My bro is going to be a DAD!': Ashley's brother Jordan also took to Instagram to post a gushing message about the announcement, alongside a snap of the dancer cradling his nephew New parents: The happy news comes just months after Ashley's brother Jordan welcomed his first baby in May when his girlfriend Naomi Courts give birth to son Cassius Ashley Banjo Ashley and Francesca are childhood sweethearts and have been together for 13 years; they got engaged in 2014 and tied the knot in 2015. Francesca is a member of another dance troupe called Out of the Shadow. The happy news comes just months after Ashley's brother Jordan welcomed his first baby in May when his girlfriend Naomi Courts give birth to son Cassius Ashley Banjo - with his middle name serving as a nod to his big brother. Long-time couple: Ashley and Francesca are childhood sweethearts and have been together for 13 years; they got engaged in 2014 and tied the knot in 2015 Jordan recently told Lorraine Kelly: 'Ashley's a wicked uncle already! 'He's not even three weeks old yet and Ashley's already telling me how he wants him in Diversity so I've got to train him pretty quick.' Ashley shot to fame when his dance troupe, Diversity, won the third series of Britain's Got Talent in 2009. He later became a co-judge on Sky1's Got To Dance, and joined the judging panel of ITV1 celebrity skating show Dancing On Ice in January. They're two of the country's biggest talents, and they're set to share the screen together next Christmas. While the 2018 festive season may be over, Emilia Clarke and Emma Thompson were keeping the spirit alive on Wednesday as they continued shooting scenes for their upcoming film Last Christmas. Both stars were wrapped up warm in the chilly London weather as they shot scenes in London. Winter warmer: While the 2018 festive season may be over, Emilia Clarke and Emma Thompson were keeping the spirit alive on Wednesday as they continued shooting scenes for their upcoming film Last Christmas Game of Thrones star Emilia looked chic in her cosy leopard print coat, which was paired with loose fit jeans and lace-up boots. In between takes, the star layered another warm jacket on over her costume to keep warm as she chatted to crew and Emma, who as well as starring in the movie, also co-wrote the screenplay. Emma piled on the layers, teaming a yellow sweater and sweats under a hooded coat, and accessorising with a white bobble hat and gloves. Feeling the chill: Both stars were wrapped up warm in the chilly London weather as they shot scenes in London Keeping warm: Emma piled on the layers, teaming a yellow sweater and sweats under a hooded coat, and accessorising with a white bobble hat and gloves Wild: Game of Thrones star Emilia looked chic in her cosy leopard print coat, which was paired with loose fit jeans and lace-up boots The makeup-free actress looked in great spirits as she watched on from behind the camera while Emilia shot her scene on a leafy London street. Emilia plays the movie's leading role, a girl named Kate, with the movie set in the capital and centered around a holiday romance. She is set to star alongside Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Goulding, who plays her love interest Tom. Behind the scenes: Makeup-free Emma looked in great spirits as she watched on from behind the camera while Emilia shot her scene on a leafy London street Close: In between takes, the star layered another warm jacket on over her costume to keep warm as she chatted to crew and Emma Multi talented: As well as starring in the movie, Emma also co-wrote the screenplay Hands on: Emma got stuck in as she looked on at the action with the crew Leading lady: Last Christmas follows Emilia's character Kate, who works as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop and is prone to making bad decisions Last Christmas follows Emilia's character Kate, who works as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop and is prone to making bad decisions, and her relationship with Tom (Golding) a guy she meets and immediately seems 'too good to be true'. As the shoot went on into the evening, Emilia was spotted shooting with Henry on a park bench. The actress was also seen outside shops as she filmed what looked like a dramatic confrontation as darkness fell. Direction: Emma placed a hand on Emilia's back as she offered some guidance on the scene Talented pair: The film has been shooting for weeks and will be released this Christmas Hectic start to the year: It's a busy time for Emma who is also currently filming her new drama Years & Years in Manchester Romantic moment? As the shoot went on into the evening, Emilia was spotted shooting with Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Goulding, who plays her love interest Tom Sparks: Tom is a guy Emilia's character Kate meets and immediately seems 'too good to be true' It's a busy time for Emma who is also currently filming her new drama Years & Years in Manchester. Emma will play a charismatic celebrity-turned-politician in the upcoming BBC and HBO drama from Doctor Who's Russell T. Davies. The story follows one British family, the Lyons, over 15 years, starting in 2019, through political instability, technological advances and a changing economy. Rory Kinnear, Russell Tovey and Jessica Hynes also star. Long day: Darkness soon fell on set as Henry and Emilia moved the action to outside a row of shops Good looking pair: The actors ditched their winter wear as they filmed a scene walking down the street together Long day? Emilia looked a little anxious as she got some direction during the chilly night Is it over yet? Emilia looked freezing as she added a beanie to her outfit Helping hand: A member of the crew wrapped Emilia's second coat around her during a break He went through a tumultuous time in 2017, being cleared of sexual assault and then splitting from his girlfriend Jessica Serfaty. Yet Ed Westwick seemed in good spirits for the start of the new year as he was seen enjoying an al fresco lunch date in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The Gossip Girl star, 31, seemed to be taking good care of himself as he was seen chowing down on some vegetables alongside a pretty blonde companion. Two's company: Ed Westwick seemed in good spirits for the start of the new year as he was seen enjoying an al fresco lunch date in Los Angeles on Tuesday Keeping things casual for the outing, Ed donned a khaki jumper and brown suede flat cap on the outing. The lunch date comes four months after Ed split from girlfriend of 16 months Jessica Serfaty. A source close to the model and actress, 27, who has a 10-year-old son, told the Sun: 'Ed did not dump Jess, I think they still love each other they're just taking time apart to work on themselves and their careers.' 'They had a flat together and remodelled and furnished it, but she is now living in her own apartment elsewhere,' the source added. 'They still talk, but Jess has booked a film and has been spending a lot of time away shooting recently.' Low-key look: Keeping things casual for the outing, Ed donned a khaki jumper and brown suede flat cap on the outing The split came shortly after Ed was cleared of sexual assault charges after four women made accusations in 2016. The district attorney's office decided to go forward with an investigation into three of the allegations in March. In a memo released in July, prosecutors said they were not able to collect enough evidence to pursue charges against Westwick. Ed's lawyer Blair Berk told TMZ: 'The evidence was clear from the start that each of the allegations made by these three women were absolutely untrue. 'It is a shame there are those who prejudged this case and that it took over eight months for Ed to be officially cleared of all of these charges. 'I hope that those who made such quick judgment here not knowing anything about the abundant evidence of innocence in this case will hesitate next time before they so publicly accuse someone who has committed no wrongdoing.' The actor also vehemently denied the claims on Twitter, writing: 'I have never forced myself in any manner, on any woman. I certainly have never committed rape.' They've been happily dating for five years after meeting on Strictly Come Dancing. But Rachel Riley has admitted that she still hasn't been taught anymore dancing by beau Pasha Kovalev, despite her persistent requests. Speaking on Thursday's Lorraine, the 32-year-old Countdown guru admitted she's still no better at ballroom, as the only dancing she has done was on a night out at a salsa club in Mexico. Funny: Rachel Riley has admitted that she still hasn't been taught anymore dancing by beau Pasha Kovalev, despite her persistent requests Rachel had nothing but kind words to say about Pasha, as she gushed about their sweet romance. She said: 'He's gorgeous, he's amazing when you need a bit of support that's when you know you're with the nice person. He's a good egg.' Rachel went on to admit she's still not improved on any of the dancing skills she learned while taking part in Strictly 2013, when she first sparked up a romance with Pasha. Happy couple: Rachel, 37, and Pasha, 38, have been dating for five years, after they first met on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013 Sweet: Speaking on Thursday's Lorraine, the 32-year-old Countdown guru admitted she's still no better at ballroom Funny: But she sweetly added: 'I was never going to get the Glitterball, but I got a Russian' She joked: 'I keep telling him to teach me! My last birthday we were in Mexico we went to a salsa club, but he did most of the dancing. 'I was never going to get the Glitterball, but I got a Russian.' And despite previously saying she was learning to speak fluent Russian, Rachel confessed that plan has been put on 'the back burner.' She added: I'm conversational so I can talk to his family, but we were on Holiday in Greece this year and said ''what's the Russian for chicken poo?'' He said ''I'm not shouting that across a beach?'' Getting there: And despite previously saying she was learning to speak fluent Russian, Rachel confessed that plan has been put on 'the back burner' Proud: Rachel also revealed that she was about celebrate ten years as the letters and numbers guru on Countdown Rachel also revealed that she was about celebrate ten years as the letters and numbers guru on Countdown, but added that she likes being a bit more naughty on its evening mash-up with 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 'It was supposed to be a one-off and we've done over 100 now, it's brought it to a new audience,' she said. 'The comedians, they're just amazing, I just get a front row seat to comedy shows every time I'm working. 'I have been through my collection of naughty countdown words and I'll be posting some filth to celebrate my 10th anniversary.' Cheeky: The blonde beauty also hinted that she enjoys being a bit more 'naughty' on the prime time spin-off 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown Passionate: Rachel did admit that she wouldn't be joining her co-stars at the National Television Awards, as she will be speaking to the government about anti-semitism Celebrating: Fans will get to see Rachel's 10th Anniversary Countdown episode on Friday It comes as 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown will compete for the National Television Award for Best Quiz Show, but Rachel admitted she will not be attending the ceremony. She said: 'I could choose between the NTA's, a Manchester United event or going to government to speak about antisemitism about holocaust memorial day. 'I've been doing this 10 years, I hope I've banked enough credibility for people to know this is a serious thing that needs a bit of light shown on it. I've shown so much support, the attempts to discredit us are elaborate.' Fans will get to see Rachel's 10th Anniversary Countdown episode on Friday, and the star added that as the episode was pre-recorded, she took the entire cast out for dinner afterwards to celebrate. Low-key: Rachel cut a casual figure as she arrived at the ITV studios earlier in the day, sporting a white chunk knit jumper and skinny black jeans Stylish: As she chatted on phone the blonde beauty was bundled up in a black trench coat, as she carried a quirky multicoloured bag At ease: Rachel added a quirky twist to her look by sporting large-bowed trainers, with her blonde hair styled into effortless waves Flawless: Ahead of arriving for her TV appearance, Rachel was going au naturelle with barely any makeup for the outing She has landed in the Far East for a whirlwind promotional tour. And Miranda Kerr was every inch the supermodel as she put on a dazzling style display at an event to promote Marukome Co. Ltd Miso products in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday. The Vogue coverstar, 35, showed off her honed legs in a stylish floral mini dress before paying homage to Japanese culture and slipping into an kimono. Supermodel chic: Miranda Kerr was every inch the supermodel as she put on a dazzling style display at an event to promote Marukome Co. Ltd Miso products in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday Wowing in her first stunning outfit, Miranda's high-necked pastel pink floral dress, dotted with scarlet roses featured a pussybow detail at the neck. Cinching in at her slender waist, the beautiful dress cascaded into a ruffled skirt, showing off her tanned legs. She boosted her height with vibrant scarlet stilettos. Her brunette tresses were styled in a sleek middle-parting while her stunning features were enhanced with feline flicks of liner, peachy blush and a slick of coral lipstick. Gorgeous: Wowing in her first stunning outfit, Miranda's high-necked pastel pink floral dress, dotted with scarlet roses featured a pussybow detail at the neck Leggy display: Cinching in at her slender waist, the beautiful dress cascaded into a ruffled skirt, showing off her tanned legs Glossy: Her brunette tresses were styled in a sleek middle-parting while her stunning features were enhanced with feline flicks of liner, peachy blush and a slick of coral lipstick Happy: The star looked delighted as she sampled some products with Gelato artisan Taizo Shibano In good spirits at the event, the brunette beauty made a heart sign with her hands as she posed for the cameras. The catwalk queen then donned a gorgeous pastel pink kimono and tradional Japanese Geta shoes as she promoted sweet rice sake. The stunning garment was adorned with a gold and cream belt and decorated with orange and candied pink flower print. Looking good: Miranda showed why she rules the world of modelling as she posed up Take two: The catwalk queen then donned a gorgeous pastel pink kimono and tradional Japanese Geta shoes as she promoted sweet rice sake Love: The star dazzled as she posed with her calligraphy at the event Happy: Her locks were pulled back into a sleek updo, held in place with hair sticks Ethereal: The stunning garment was adorned with a gold and cream belt and decorated with orange and candied pink flower print Her locks were pulled back into a sleek updo, held in place with hair sticks. Miranda welcomed her second son, Hart, in May 2018 with husband, Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel, 28. The couple tied the knot in an intimate backyard ceremony at the billionaire businessman's home in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles in May 2017, in front of just 45 family and friends. Miranda and Evan made their debut as a couple in June 2015 after first meeting at a Louis Vuitton dinner in New York City in 2014. The former also has a son Flynn, eight, with her ex-husband, Pirates Of The Caribbean star Orlando Bloom, 41, who she was married to from 2010 to 2013. Miranda recently spoke out about encouraging women to be positive about their bodies after childbirth. Speaking in an interview with the January issue of Marie Claire magazine, she said: 'It's really important that we're gentle with ourselves and don't feel like we have to snap into shape after a baby. 'I took nine months - well, 10 months - to grow a beautiful child and it might take 10 months to feel good in a swimsuit again. Or longer. Or never.' Delight: Miranda showed off her calligraphy skills at the event Riverdale star KJ Apa got wet and wild in Lake Wakatipu while vacationing in his native New Zealand over the New Year. The half-Samoan, half-Kiwi 21-year-old was joined in the summery South Island by his shirtless castmate Cole Sprouse. Apa not only bonded with the Italian-born, Cali-raised 26-year-old in the water, he also taught him some rugby moves on a field. Pecs alert! Riverdale star KJ Apa got wet and wild in Lake Wakatipu while vacationing in his native New Zealand over the New Year Refreshing dip: The half-Samoan, half-Kiwi 21-year-old was joined in the summery South Island by his shirtless castmate Cole Sprouse However, the Friends alum - who played Ross' (David Schwimmer) son - didn't seem too familiar with New Zealand's national sport. KJ (born Keneti James) and Cole brought along Matthieu Olo-Whaanga, Boston Ridge, and Blair Huston for some outdoorsy male-bonding organized by Fortis Events. While visiting home, the Hate U Give heartthrob also cuddled up to his sister Timena's pet Chihuahua whom he called 'my tiny son.' The adventure-filled bromance continued with a helicopter tour, a mechanical bull ride at Cowboys Bar, and the Hidden Valley Festival. Kick! Apa not only bonded with the Italian-born, Cali- raised 26-year-old in the water, he also taught him some rugby moves on a field Whoops! However, the Friends alum - who played Ross' (David Schwimmer) son - didn't seem too familiar with New Zealand's national sport 'Thats a wrap!' KJ (born Keneti James) and Cole brought along (from L-R) Matthieu Olo-Whaanga, Boston Ridge, and Blair Huston for some outdoorsy male-bonding 'My tiny son': While visiting home, the Hate U Give heartthrob also cuddled up to his sister Timena's pet Chihuahua 'Lads': The adventure-filled bromance continued with a helicopter tour, a mechanical bull ride at Cowboys Bar, and the Hidden Valley Festival Lensman: Sprouse (L) - who just shot a J Brand campaign with his twin brother Dylan - enjoyed photographing the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park The NYU grad wrote on Instagram Wednesday: 'New Zealand makes it easy for you. Needed a breath of fresh air, brains before brand' Sprouse - who just shot a J Brand campaign with his twin brother Dylan - enjoyed photographing the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. 'New Zealand makes it easy for you,' the NYU grad wrote on Instagram Wednesday. 'Needed a breath of fresh air, brains before brand.' By Wednesday, KJ and Cole appeared to be back on the LA set of their Archie Comics-inspired teen soap as he Insta-storied co-star Lili Reinhart. Onscreen leading lady: By Wednesday, KJ and Cole appeared to be back on the LA set of their Archie Comics-inspired teen soap as he Insta-storied co-star Lili Reinhart Lady in red: The 22-year-old blonde - who's been dating Sprouse since March 2017 - attended the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills on Sunday 'I've wanted to walk this carpet since I was 10': The Galveston actress nearly put on a sideshow in her strapless red chiffon Khyeli couture gown selected by stylist duo Brit + Kara Elkin The 22-year-old blonde - who's been dating Sprouse since March 2017 - attended the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills on Sunday. The Galveston actress nearly put on a sideshow in her strapless red chiffon Khyeli couture gown selected by stylist duo Brit + Kara Elkin. 'I've wanted to walk this carpet since I was 10 years old,' Lili gushed on Instagram. 'I am floored. God is good.' Catch more of Betty Cooper, Forsythe 'Jughead' Jones III, and Archie Andrews in the third season of Riverdale, which resumes January 16 on The CW. Christina Ricci and Judith Light looked radiant while hitting the red carpet at the Lifetime Winter Movies Mixer in Los Angeles Wednesday. The actresses both star in the upcoming Lifetime movie Escaping the Madhouse: The Nellie Bly Story, which debuts January 19 on Lifetime. They both posed together on the red carpet to promote the upcoming movie, with stars from the rest of Lifetime's movie winter movie slate. Co-stars: Judith Light and Christina Ricci looked radiant in pantsuits at the Lifetime Winter Movies Mixer on Wednesday The 38 year old Ricci was wearing a long-sleeved black top that exposed some midriff, along with green and black striped pants. Her 69 year old co-star Light was wearing a stylish navy blue blazer with a large silver brooch, with matching navy blue pants and pointed black heels. Their upcoming movie is inspired by Nellie Bly's undercover stay at the impenetrable Women's Lunatic Asylum. Light poses: Her 69 year old co-star Light was wearing a stylish navy blue blazer with a large silver brooch, with matching navy blue pants and pointed black heels The movie follows Bly (Ricci) as she pretends to be mentally ill in order to expose the conditions at a mental institution from the inside. Light plays the facility's head nurse, Matron Grady, who tortures Bly when she's unwilling to submit to their rules. Bly was left with neither no recollection of how she came to the asylum, or who she really was, before she was ultimately released. Stylish Ricci: The 38 year old Ricci was wearing a long-sleeved black top that exposed some midriff, along with green and black striped pants Escaping the Madhouse: The Nellie Bly Story also stars Josh Bowman as Dr. Josiah, who tries to help Bly. Bly's report, which was ultimately turned into the book Ten Days in a Mad-House, helped launch a new form of investigative journalism. The expose was the first of its kind in America also helped launch global reformation of the mental health care system. Lifetime star: Light plays the facility's head nurse, Matron Grady, who tortures Bly when she's unwilling to submit to their rules Also seen at the gala was Marcia Gay Harden, who stars in the Lifetime movie Love You To Death, which debuts January 26. Harden plays seemingly the perfect caretaker mother, whose grisly murder unlocks a terrible secret. Victoria Gotti was also at the gala to support the Lifetime movie Victoria Gotti: My Father's Daughter, which she narrates and executive produces, debuting February 9. Showing support: Bly's report, which was ultimately turned into the book Ten Days in a Mad-House, helped launch a new form of investigative journalism All smiles: Also seen at the gala was Marcia Gay Harden, who stars in the Lifetime movie Love You To Death, which debuts January 26 They are two of the world's top lingerie models. And on Wednesday night, Jasmine Tookes and Chanel Iman lent their stunning looks to the WeWork Creator Awards Global Finals at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Both are Victoria's Secret Angels and showcased their individual styles as they arrived at the event. Stunners: They are two of the world's top lingerie models. And on Wednesday, Victoria's Secret Angels Jasmine Tookes, left, and Chanel Iman, right, showcased their figures at an event in LA Tookes, 27, opted for a black sweater with pearl beading on the sleeves and collar. She added black leather cropped pants and a pair of black heels. The California beauty wore her hair styled back from her face and she was made up with black mascara, blusher and dark glossy lip color. Stylish: Tookes, 27, opted for a black sweater with pearl beading on the sleeves and collar. She added black leather cropped pants and a pair of black heels Gorgeous: The California beauty wore her hair styled back from her face and she was made up with black mascara, blusher and dark glossy lip color Iman, 28, posed up a storm on the red carpet in a thigh-skimming lemon mini dress with long cape sleeves. The figure-hugging number was backless with a silver zipper down the back of the skirt. The Georgia native accessorized with striking earrings and kept her make-up light with black eye-liner and mascara, a touch of blush and matte lip color. She completed her look with yellow heels. Leggy look: Iman, 28, posed up a storm on the red carpet in a thigh-skimming lemon mini dress with long cape sleeves Dared to bare: The figure-hugging number was backless with a silver zipper down the back of the skirt. She completed her look with yellow stiletto heels Top model: The Georgia native accessorized with striking earrings and kept her make-up light with black eye-liner and mascara, a touch of blush and matte lip color Australian model Shanina Shaik also showed off her natural beauty at the event. The 27-year-old chose to go bra-less under a black tailored jacket belted with a statement gold buckle over a tiny black mini skirt. She wore over-the-knee black boots and an eye-catching gold pendant necklace. Her long dark hair was loose and she added black mascara, rosy blush and red lipstick. Blinged: Australian model Shanina Shaik, 27, chose to go bra-less under a black tailored jacket and wore an eye-catching gold pendant necklace Pretty: Her jacket was belted with a statement gold buckle and worn over a tiny black mini skirt. She added over-the-knee black boots and wore her long dark hair loose Pals: Another celebrity who showed up was Ashton Kutcher. The actor, 40, posed for photos with Adam Neumann, one of the co-founders of WeWork Another celebrity who showed up was Ashton Kutcher. The actor, 40, posed for photos with Adam Neumann, one of the co-founders of WeWork. He also had his picture taken with fellow guests, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk and Ventura Capitalist Kirsten Green. It was another red carpet, another jaw-dropping display from supermodel Shanina Shaik on Wednesday evening. The Victoria's Secret Angel stunned in a plunging black top and mini skirt while stepping out at the WeWork Creator Awards in Los Angeles. Flaunting her decolletage in the low-cut belted number, Shanina, 27, teamed her ensemble with thigh-high boots, offering a hint of leg. Black to basics! Supermodel Shanina Shaik stunned in a plunging ensemble and thigh-high boots as she attended the WeWork Creator Awards in Los Angeles on Wednesday night The brunette beauty added a touch of bling with an eye-catching gold pendant and choker necklace. Rocking a sun-kissed complexion after her recent Bali getaway, the brunette wore a nude make-up palette. The Melbourne beauty is currently one of the most in demand faces - and bodies - in fashion. Babe: Flaunting her decolletage in the low-cut belted number, Shanina, 27, teamed her ensemble with thigh-high boots, offering a hint of leg Picture perfect: The brunette beauty added a touch of bling with an eye-catching gold pendant and choker necklace Meanwhile, her glamorous display comes after Shanina revealed her intensive post-Christmas workout routine with her 1.5 million fans last week. Taking to Instagram, Shanina told followers she likes to walk up an incline of 4.5 and for 10 minutes. She then proceeded to perform the grueling act of jump rope for 20 minutes. Natural beauty: Rocking a sun-kissed complexion after her recent Bali getaway, the brunette wore a nude make-up palette The model moved onto her upper-body, executing an arm workout sequence for 10 minutes. She finished off her extensive routine with ankle weights, leg exercises and several rounds of core circuits. Shanina is married to long-time partner DJ Ruckus. The pair lavished in a lavish Bahamas ceremony in May 2018 Girls night out: Shanina stepped out with fellow Victoria's Secret angel Jasmine Tookes It Girl: The Melbourne beauty is currently one of the most in demand faces in fashion They're some of the top faces in fashion. And though they weren't on the runway Wednesday, Karlie Kloss and Joan Smalls still pulled out all the stops while attending Louis Vuitton's temporary menswear residency at the Chrome Hearts store in New York City. While Karlie, 26, went for uniform elegance in a crisp white shirt that featured several utilitarian pockets, her pal Joan, 30, sizzled in a technicolor ink blotch top and a tight black miniskirt. Showing their range: Karlie Kloss made a fashionable appearance with Joan Smalls during Louis Vuitton's menswear residency in New York on Wednesday Karlie completed her look with a pair of loose front-pleated khaki slacks and strappy gold heels. She pulled her hair back into a messy updo, letting several loose strands frame her face. The new wife of Joshua Kushner added a rich scarlet lip as a final touch. Joan provided colorful contrast, rocking a bright blouse half-tucked into her body-contoured bottoms. Pocket protector: Karlie went for uniform elegance in a crisp white shirt that featured several utilitarian pockets Work it: The top models posed up with Louis Vuitton creative director Virgil Abloh Crimson kiss: The new wife of Joshua Kushner added a rich scarlet lip as a final touch Style queen: Karlie completed her look with a pair of loose front-pleated khaki slacks and strappy gold heels Runway: Karlie looked in her element as she strutted along in style What are friends for: Karlie linked arms with pal Derek Blasberg as they strolled along Say cheese: She continued to smile at photographers as she hopped into an awaiting vehicle She continued her playful style with pigtails, Kallati pink sapphire hoop earrings, and silky ankle strap heels in the same pattern. Backstage the beauties made sure to pose with creative director Virgil Abloh. And the top model weren't the only ones who got to saddle up to the cutting-edge fashionisto. The incomparable Martha Stewart also caught a photo with Abloh, looking lovely in a black sheath from the French fashion house. Rainbow bright: Joan (above with designer Virgil) sizzled in technicolor ink blotch top and a tight black miniskirt Vested interest: Bella Hadid turned heads donning a lightweight silk shirt with a fluorescent vest The incomparable Martha Stewart also caught a photo with Abloh, looking lovely in a black sheath from the French fashion house. Kourtney Kardashian's on-off boy toy / Grownish actor Luka Sabbat posed with the designer, looking put together in a black jean jacket, hoodie and pants with a sizable diamond pendant and cool hat. Bella Hadid turned heads donning a lightweight silk shirt with a fluorescent vest. She left her pants at home, showing off her long, lean stems wearing chunky 90s-chic sneakers which are all the rage right now. Amping up the sex appeal, the runway stunner pulled her hair up into a high ponytail and accented her eyes with a feline flourish. Inside the girlfriend of The Weeknd teamed up with Jesse Jo Stark, who looked daring in a white jacket worn over just a lacy bra and tight bottoms Kourtney Kardashian's on-off boy toy / Grownish actor Luka Sabbat posed with the designer, looking put together in a black jean jacket, hoodie and pants with a sizable diamond pendant and cool hat Her makeup also featured an overlined nude lip. Inside the girlfriend of The Weeknd teamed up with Jesse Jo Stark, who looked daring in a white jacket worn over just a lacy bra and formfitting bottoms. Future was sharp in a royal blue puffer jacket and striped sweater over a teal turtleneck. Adding another level of style, he put on midnight-hued velvet trousers and two classic chains. Victor Cruz pushed the envelope in a pair of billowy white trousers stained with tea-green stripes. He layered two white shirts with a hearty diamond chain up top. Rap royal: Future was sharp in a royal blue puffer jacket and striped sweater over a teal turtleneck Cruz control: Victor Cruz pushed the envelope in a pair of billowy white trousers stained with tea-green stripes. He layered two white shirts with a hearty diamond chain up top Yellow brick road: Louis Vuitton promised tons of Emerald City chic in their latest menswear collection, which was designer Virgil Abloh's first for the beloved brand and was originally presented in June 2018 in Paris, above Limited engagement: The collection will be on display from January 10 to 17 Louis Vuitton promised tons of Emerald City chic in their latest menswear collection, which was designer Virgil Abloh's first for the beloved brand. The collection was originally presented in June 2018 in Paris. Describing the VIP pop-up presentation on their website, the French fashion house wrote: 'A yellow brick road, a field of red poppies, an emerald green forest - The colorful World of Oz that inspired the Men's Spring-Summer 2019 Collection has been brought to life in a short-lived residency housed in the Chrome Hearts' West Village store. 'Presented this past summer on a rainbow runway at the Palais Royal in Paris, the collection was Virgil Abloh's first as Louis Vuitton's Men's Artistic Director. For one week only, visitors are invited to discover the new ready-to-wear, accessories, and leather goods through a distinctly prismatic lens.' The collection will be on display from January 10 to 17. Double the trouble: It proved to be a busy day for Karlie as she headed to The Today Show in New York Work it: Karlie looked lovely in a floral baby blue dress, while a brown coat was draped effortlessly over her shoulders Kendall and Kylie Jenner posed together for a racy photo shoot on Wednesday. The 23-year-old supermodel rocked a strapless black dress and matching hat as the 21-year-old makeup mogul slipped into a plunging white number for the snaps shared on their social media accounts. And the posting shows the siblings are in solidarity amid reports that the two successful sisters 'can't stand each other'. Saucy sisters: Kendall Jenner, 23, and Kylie Jenner, 21, posed together for a racy photo shoot on Wednesday Daring to impress, both of the Kardashian-adjacent beauties flaunted their famous figures in the couture numbers as they knelt down on the floor together. Meanwhile, it was reported that financial envy has caused a rift between Kendall and Kylie according to Radar Online. 'Theres so much envy between these two, its as though theyre not happy when the others doing well,' the source said. The tension seems to be about their financial situations where Kylie is reportedly worth $900 million and Kendall about $50 million. Stunners: The supermodel rocked a strapless black dress and matching hat as the makeup mogul slipped into a plunging white number for the snaps shared on social media Rift: Meanwhile, it was reported that financial envy has caused a rift between Kendall and Kylie 'Kylie really rubs it in and its been a big issue lately, because Kendalls on the ascendency with her modeling. And thats gotten Kylie looking over her shoulder,' the insider added. The financial feud is causing friction as they 'cant really stand each other and have nothing in common.' 'Whats crazy is that theyre both impossibly spoiled and have been rich since birth, but nothing seems to be enough and their greed knows no bounds,' concluded the source. Tension: The tension seems to be about their financial situations where Kylie is reportedly worth $900 million and Kendall about $50 million Kiss Kiss: 'Kylie really rubs it in and its been a big issue lately, because Kendalls on the ascendency with her modeling. And thats gotten Kylie looking over her shoulder,' the insider added Kylie was just named the fifth Wealthiest American Celebrity of 2018. Her net worth of $900 million sees her tied at fifth place with Jay-Z in a new list compiled by Forbes Magazine. Kylie Cosmetics was launched two years ago, and has already shifted over $630 million in makeup products, according to Forbes. Success! Kylie was just named the fifth Wealthiest American Celebrity of 2018 She means business! Kylie Cosmetics was launched two years ago, and has already shifted over $630 million in makeup products; (pictured November 2015 in Los Angeles) Top model: Kendall was named 2018's highest paid model for the second year in a row, according to Forbes Meanwhile, Kendall was named 2018's highest paid model for the second year in a row, according to Forbes. The star, who raked in $22.5million, completely annihilated the competition, with second place Karlie Kloss earning nearly half on $13 million. While Kendall has walked some of the world's top shows including Burberry, Versace and Fendi, her impressive salary have come from her hefty contracts with a slew of top brands. The elder Jenner sister has posed this year as an ambassador for companies including Estee Lauder, Longchamp, Adidas and Calvin Klein. And although she received backlash for touting her new partnership with the skincare company Proactiv, the deal is no doubt quite lucrative. Josh Hutcherson revealed Tuesday that he and his Hunger Games castmates Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth once got naked together while partying at the Berlin hotspot KitKatClub. 'There's like these big German bouncers there,' the 26-year-old SAG Award nominee recalled on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. 'And he's like, "No, no, no, you can not come in because it is fetish night. You have to take off your clothes."' 2015 cast portrait: Josh Hutcherson (L) revealed Tuesday that he and his Hunger Games castmates Jennifer Lawrence (R) and Liam Hemsworth (M) once got naked together while partying at the Berlin hotspot KitKatClub The 26-year-old SAG Award nominee recalled on The Late Show: 'There's like these big German bouncers there. And he's like, "No, no, no, you can not come in because it is fetish night. You have to take off your clothes"' After the trio, their security detail, and Hutcherson's girlfriend stripped at the mandatory clothing check - they were very surprised to see the native German clubgoers. 'You have this idea of what like an underground Berlin nightclub would be with no clothing. [That's] not what the situation was because it was like, geriatric,' Josh explained. 'It was so strange. I'm not even kidding you, it was like literally like old, old, old people like raving with jangling bits everywhere. There was a guy walking around fully naked and he had like a leather strap and it was holding things up. And he was just like walking around plucking on his ukulele. It was fun. We didn't stay long.' The Future Man actor previously discussed on Monday just how 'brother-sister' his relationship has always been with the 28-year-old Oscar winner who, like him, is from Kentucky. 'It was geriatric!' After the trio, their security detail, and Hutcherson's girlfriend stripped at the mandatory clothing check - they were very surprised to see the native German clubgoers Josh continued: 'It was like literally like old, old, old people like raving with jangling bits everywhere. There was a guy walking around fully naked and he had like a leather strap and it was holding things up. And he was just like walking around plucking on his ukulele. It was fun. We didn't stay long' Pals: The Future Man actor discussed on Monday just how 'brother-sister' his relationship has always been with the 28-year-old Oscar winner who, like him, is from Kentucky The Worst Nites video director said on Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert podcast: 'It never got confusing or blurred or weird or anything like that. Genuinely, for me, that was so much better than having had some romantic thing. I'll tell you why, because now she's a friend of mine and there's nothing that has tainted that friendship' 'It never got confusing or blurred or weird or anything like that,' the Worst Nites video director said on Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert podcast. 'Genuinely, for me, that was so much better than having had some romantic thing. I'll tell you why, because now she's a friend of mine and there's nothing that has tainted that friendship.' Hutcherson and his co-stars had 'a lot of crazy nights' together while traveling the world for premieres and press junkets between 2012-2015 for the $2.97B-grossing Hunger Games franchise. Kevin Hart has never been one to be accused of slacking when it comes to hard work. And Wednesday was no different, as the 39-year old hit the bustling streets of New York City to promote his new film The Upside, which co-stars Bryan Cranston. 'Still out and about getting the word out about my movie The Upside .....Work hard & play harder,' Hart shared on his social media platforms in the early evening. 'Make sure yall get to the theaters this Friday and check out the movie.' Hitting it hard: Kevin Hart hit the promo trail hard on Wednesday in support of The Upside The Philadelphia native attended a special screening of The Upside that was hosted by The Moms, a multi-media company that was co-founded Denise Albert and Melissa Gerstein. Prepared for the New York chill, Hart showed off his fun sense of fashion when stepped in front of the sea of cameras dressed in stylish green and black flannel pants, a light green button-down shirt and a light brown overcoat with furry lapels. After a few minutes of solo work for photographers, he then shared the spotlight with The Moms hosts. making the rounds: Hart attended a special screening of The Upside hosted by The Moms Sea of media: Hart posed alongside The moms co-founders Denise Albert and Melissa Gerstein Stylish: Hart showed off his fun sense of fashion when stepped in front of the sea of cameras Hip and fun: The actor/comedian wore green and black flannel pants, a light green button-down shirt and a light brown overcoat with furry lapels 'The best movies make you laugh and cry!' The Moms shared on Twitter after the screening. 'Featuring a star studded cast of@KevinHart4real @BryanCranston and #NiicoleKidman. @TheUpsideFilm will have you in stitches and snitching for tissues.' Earlier in the day, the Ride Along star stopped by the ABC studios for a spot on Good Morning America to promo The Upside. Making moves: Kevin kept busy as he was later seen attending the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations panel event at The Robin Williams Center Good times: He was joined by Neil Burger for the chat Promo trail: Hart was also caught on camera heading to his spot on Good Morning America The controversy lingers: While on GMA, he was asked once again about whether he could still host the Academy Awards in the wake of his apology to the LGBTQ community Dressed in a form-fitting suit for GMA, Hart was asked once again about whether he could still host the Academy Awards in the wake of his apology to the LGBTQ community on his Sirius XM show Straight from the Hart earlier this week. He shot down the notion and explained that it's too late to prepare. But he then added that it's 'hard to predict what can happen,' and that he doesn't want 'people to think there's a thing about me and the Academy.' The actor/comedian was previously announced as the host of next month's Oscars, but he stepped down from the position when homophobic tweets he had made more than 10-years ago resurfaced. The Upside: Co-stars Bryan Cranston and Hart recently attended a photocall in Beverly Hills Rock solid: The 39-year old looked fit and ready for the event During Hart's promo de force, he has also attended a photocall with Cranston and the film's director Neil Burger, at the Four seasons in Beverly Hills. In the comedy-drama, the story follows a paralyzed billionaire (Cranston) who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a recently paroled convict (Hart) who he hires to take care of him. The film also stars Nicole Kidman, Julianna Marguilies and Aja Naomi King. Hollywood promo: The co-stars also posed along with the film's director Neil Burger She called off her engagement to her ex-fiance Chris Zylka in November. And Paris Hilton looked to be enjoying herself in the company of Australian model Jordan Barrett on Wednesday night, at a charity event in Florence, Italy - having been linked to him romantically in 2015. Sporting a red semi-sheer gown, the socialite, 37, posed next to Jordan, 22, leaning against him as they both glared down the camera lens. Working it: Paris Hilton looked to be enjoying herself in the company of Australian model Jordan Barrett on Wednesday night, at a charity event in Florence, Italy Paris' gown featured a halterneck design, with a tapered satin sash cascading down her lithe frame, a band nipping in her waist. The shoulders and skirt of the gown featured a lacy, see-though detailing, teasing her creamy skin beneath. Her blonde locks were styled in a buoyant wavy 'do, and she accessorised with diamonds. Jordan wore all black, including a satin barely-buttoned shirt. Rouge: Paris' gown featured a halterneck design, with a tapered satin sash cascading down her lithe frame, a band nipping in her waist Smouldering: Sporting a red semi-sheer gown, the socialite, 37, posed next to Jordan, 23, leaning against him as they both glared down the camera lens She's single! Paris split from fiance Chris Zylka in November- they had been engaged for 10 months, and he proposed to her with a $2 million engagement ring His deeply plunging top revealed a gold chain around his neck. Despite her recent decision to end her relationship with actor Chris, 33, Paris was beaming happily. She and the 'bad boy' model were in fact romantically linked in 2015, when he was 18. Jordan denied that he was dating the former reality star after the twosome were seen together at several social events that year. Suits him! Jordan left the buttons of his silk shirt mostly undone to show off his chest, drawing further attention to his torso with a low-hanging necklace Throwback! Paris had been spotted canoodling with Aussie model Jordan in 2015, when he was 18 'Paris has always been a friend of mine': Jordan denied that he was dating the former reality star in 2015 after the twosome were seen together at several events that year 'Paris has always been a friend of mine, for at least a year now, but it has been the same friendship the whole time,' the runway model told The Daily Telegraph in 2015. Paris was also seen chatting to fashion CEO Andrea Panconesi. The heiress threw her arms around Andrea's neck and smiled for photos. They were in attendance at a dinner for the Naked Heart Foundation, of which Andrea is one of the event hosts. Pout: The shoulders and skirt of the gown featured a lacy, see-though detailing, teasing her creamy skin beneath Sleek: Her blonde locks were styled in a buoyant wavy 'do, and she accessorised with diamonds. Jordan wore all black, including a satin barely-buttoned shirt Thrilled to be here! Despite her recent decision to end her relationship with actor Chris, 33, Paris was beaming happily, also chatting to fashion CEO Andrea Panconesi. The heiress threw her arms around Andrea's neck and smiled for photos The initiative is a charity that aims to ensure that every child in Russia has a loving family and a safe and stimulating place to play. Paris and ex-fiance Chris were engaged for 10 months, after he popped the question with a $2 million ring just over a year ago. She told The Talk in November: 'I just realized after time it wasnt the right decision... But I wish him the best and one day I would love to get married and have children, but for right now Im just focused on myself and my work.' It looks like Rebel Wilson had a great time filming her new movie, Isn't It Romantic. On Wednesday, the Australian actress reflected on the shoot by sharing a behind-the-scenes throwback snap featuring her co-stars. The bubbly blonde, 38, showed off her cleavage in a stylish red dress while posing on the streets of New York City with Liam Hemsworth, 28, and Priyanka Chopra, 36. Scroll down for video Best friends forever! Rebel Wilson flaunted her cleavage next to glamorous Priyanka Chopra in a behind-the-scenes photo from her new movie Isn't It Romantic In the cast photo, Rebel put on a busty display while smiling broadly. Meanwhile, fellow Aussie Liam looked all business in a white shirt, black trousers and shiny dress shoes. The pair stood alongside Bollywood starlet Priyanka, who wore a dazzling pink dress, and fellow actor Andy Bovine. Rebel is sure to amuse cinema-goers when Isn't It Romance premieres on Valentine's Day In the caption, Rebel also paid tribute to the film's director Todd Strauss-Schulson. 'That's our fab director far right so give him some love,' she wrote. Rebel is sure to amuse cinema-goers when Isn't It Romance premieres on Valentine's Day. Blimey! Rebel features in some rather steamy scenes with fellow Australian Liam Hemsworth The movie is considered quite progressive by Hollywood standards because it features a plus-size female lead Rebel, 38, stars as Natalie, a woman who grew up idolising the 1990 film Pretty Woman, only to be told by her mother she is 'no Julia Roberts'. After almost completely giving up on ever finding love, Natalie decides she needs to put herself out there more. Unlikely heroine: Rebel stars as Natalie, a woman who grew up idolising the 1990 film Pretty Woman, only to be told by her mother she is 'no Julia Roberts' But when she's mugged on the NYC subway system, she runs into a pole while trying to escape her attacker, and knocks herself out. When she finally comes to, she notices 'someone has put a beauty filter across New York City'. Suddenly, Natalie finds herself living in one of the romantic comedies she grew up watching - and it isn't long before she attracts an impossibly handsome suitor. While the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences still haven't chosen a host for the 2019 Oscars, comedian Awkwafina has thrown her name into the mix. While speaking on the red carpet of the National Board of Review Awards on Tuesday night, Awkwafina, 30 (real name Nora Lum), said she'd host, if asked. 'You know what, if they give me the call, I would do it,' the comedian said. 'Sure, why not? It's the Oscars.' Why not?: Awkwafina teases she would host the Oscars if asked 'I think they're working on finding someone that's gonna be great,' Awkwafina added on the red carpet. She was also absent during the Golden Globes this past Sunday, where her hit movie Crazy Rich Asians was nominated for Best Picture - Comedy or Musical. The comedian said on the red carpet that she couldn't be there because she was flying to New York, but she was looking forward to reuniting with everyone at the National Board of Review Awards. No Globes: She was also absent during the Golden Globes this past Sunday, where her hit movie Crazy Rich Asians was nominated for Best Picture - Comedy or Musical Reunited: The comedian said on the red carpet that she couldn't be there because she was flying to New York, but she was looking forward to reuniting with everyone at the National Board of Review Awards, seen above with co-star Michelle Yeoh While Awkwafina expressed her interest in hosting on Tuesday night, Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu had a different idea on Wednesday afternoon. The filmmaker took to Twitter on Wednesday afternoon, stating, 'I think the cast of Crazy Rich Asians should host the @Academy Awards. Thats all.' If that were to happen, Awkwafina would be one of many co-hosts alongside Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Gemma Chan and Ken Jeong, to name just a few. Group host: While Awkwafina expressed her interest in hosting on Tuesday night, Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu had a different idea on Wednesday afternoon Oscar hosts?: If the Crazy Rich Asians cast would host the Oscars, Awkwafina (center) would be one of many co-hosts alongside Constance Wu (right), Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Gemma Chan (left) and Ken Jeong, to name just a few After Kevin Hart bowed out following controversial tweets re-surfacing, the latest rumor claims there will be no host at all. A new report from Variety claims that the Academy is moving forward with no singular host, with producers instead lining up groups of A-list stars to introduce a number of different segments. There have been no new offers out for anyone to serve as host, and barring an 11th-hour replacement, there will be no host this year. Crazy hit: As for Crazy Rich Asians, the film was one of the surprise hits of 2018, earning $238 million worldwide from just a $30 million budget As for Crazy Rich Asians, the film was one of the surprise hits of 2018, earning $238 million worldwide from just a $30 million budget. Warner Bros. has already moved forward with two sequels, with Deadline reporting in December that both films will be shot back to back. The 91st Oscars will take place Sunday, February 24 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. Big hit: As for Crazy Rich Asians, the film was one of the surprise hits of 2018, earning $238 million worldwide from just a $30 million budget She recently laid bare the tormenting days her world come crashing down at the age of 22 as a young actress making her name in the bright lights of Hollywood. Yet Keira Knightley, 33, exuded confidence and let her natural beauty shine as she went make-up free on arrival at Gare du Nord station in Paris, France. Worlds away from her typical red carpet glamour, the Colette star opted for jeans which were rolled up at the hem. 'My world came crashing down': Keira Knightley went make-up free in Paris on Wednesday after she documented her harrowing breakdown at the age of 22 The Pirates of the Caribbean actress layered up in a woolly navy sweater and a biscuit coloured coat with faux fur lining. As temperatures plummeted to a biting 3 degrees, Keira wore a faux fur hat with ear flaps over her brunette locks in a bid to stay warm. The Love Actually star sauntered through the train station in lace-up boots which elevated her height with a steep heel. Worlds away from glamour: The brunette bombshell exuded confidence and let her natural beauty shine (L) as she went make-up free on arrival at Gare du Nord station Keira's appearance comes after she documented her breakdown during her early 20s when the crippling pressures of the movie industry became too much. As one of the darlings of Hollywood, no doubt it was hard for Keira to lay bare the harrowing time when her world came crashing down at the age of 22. The brunette first hit the big screen with supporting roles in Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace (1999) and The Hole (2001). By the age of 23, the New Year's Eve star had featured in over 20 movies, including adventure film King Arthur and romantic drama Pride & Prejudice. Chilly in the capital: As temperatures plummeted to a biting 3 degrees, Keira wore a faux fur hat with ear flaps over her brunette locks in a bid to stay warm Keeping warm: The Pirates of the Caribbean actress layered up in a woolly navy sweater and a biscuit coloured coat with faux fur lining Keira shared with Balance Magazine: 'My world crashed when I was 22. Everything stopped working and I felt as if I was broken into tiny pieces; as if my brain was literally shattered. 'Yet all of a sudden, people were being very vocal with their views on me as a young woman and as an actress. I lost confidence in myself because I was made to feel that I didnt deserve to be doing what I was doing. 'There was no way I was going to be able to get on the red carpet without having a f*****g panic attack. So I had hypnotherapy and it worked. Thankfully, I havent had that feeling for a long time.' Aside from being a Hollywood star, Keira is the mother to her three-year-old daughter Edie whom she shares with her husband James Righton. She walked the runway for Victoria's Secret in 2008. And more than a decade later, Sarah Stephens is looking better than ever as she fronts a racy new campaign for Honey Birdette. Posing seductively on a motorcycle, the 28-year-old put on a sultry display while modelling various items of lingerie. Scroll down for video Va-va-vroom! More than a decade after walking the runway for Victoria's Secret, Sarah Stephens is looking better than ever in a racy new campaign for Honey Birdette Sarah, who rose to fame by winning the 2006 Girlfriend Model Search competition, looked simply sensational in the classy, semi-sheer designs. The brunette wore black lingerie for most of the campaign photos, but also stripped down to a lacy red set. The theme of the photo shoot was 'va-va-vroom!' as she flaunted her hourglass figure while posing suggestively on a Ducati motorcycle. Peek-a-boob! Posing seductively on a motorcycle, the 28-year-old put on a sultry display while modelling various items of lingerie Start your engines! The theme of the photo shoot was 'va-va-vroom!' as she flaunted her hourglass figure while posing suggestively on a motorcycle Modern-day siren: Sarah, who rose to fame by winning the 2006 Girlfriend Model Search competition, looked simply sensational in the classy, semi-sheer designs In one particularly daring photo, she revealed a glimpse of her nipples while modelling a sheer bodysuit. Her bra-and-knickers sets were paired with waist belts and suspenders, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the daring designs. After slipping into a more intricate, BDSM-inspired ensemble, she flaunted her pert derriere while flirtatiously glancing over her shoulder. That's cheeky! After slipping into a more intricate, BDSM-inspired ensemble, she flaunted her pert derriere while flirtatiously glancing over her shoulder Worth every penny! The outfits worn by Sarah retail for more than $470, making them very exclusive items indeed The outfits worn by Sarah retail for more than $470, making them very exclusive items indeed. Speaking to The Morning Show in 2017, Sarah revealed she had left high fashion into move to commercial modelling because it was a 'happier, nicer environment'. 'I don't think fashion should be taken that seriously... it wasn't me anymore and I grew up,' she said at the time. Striking: Sarah's bra-and-knickers sets were paired with waist belts and suspenders, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the daring designs Sarah has previously posed for major international brands, including Bras N Things, Seafolly and Lacoste. In addition to modelling, she has also dabbled in acting, landing a supporting role in Danny DeVito and Michael Douglas' film Solitary Man. She also played a lead role in the 2015 horror film The Witch. Headline star: Sarah has previously posed for major international brands, including Bras N Things, Seafolly and Lacoste Advertisement A middle aged couple have swapped their six bedroom house to travel the world in a camper-van - and say they are happier than ever after ditching their 500,000 home and jobs. Chris, 48, and Marianne Fisher, 51, originally from Telford, Shropshire, decided to travel the world last year and after buying a camper-van for 18,500, they have since journeyed across Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Andorra and Portugal. The pair then decided to rent their lavish home - as well as give up their successful jobs with the NHS. Chris and Marianne Fisher, who have swapped their six bedroom house to travel the world in a camper-van called Trudy, pictured The pair decided to rent their lavish home - as well as giving up their successful jobs with the NHS The couple has journeyed across Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Andorra and Portugal. Pictured is the camper van on their travels The couple, who have three children, now live off just 27 per day, which includes all living expenses. After recently returning from France, the pair are currently at home in Shropshire until the end of January. Mr Fisher, who was head of catering services for an NHS Trust, said: 'We're really living the dream, even if we are living off 27 a day. 'We didn't want to wait for retirement, we wanted to see more of the world and live a hassle-free life. 'Our children have all grown up and there was nothing stopping us so we sold our six bedroom house and decided to lead a simple lifestyle. 'We have emergency funds from selling all our belongings and have a steady income from renting the house, we have made our plan as sustainable as we can, but to achieve this adventure we have to live within our means.' The couple bought the camper-van at the end of 2017 for 18,500 from a local dealer. Mr Fisher added: 'We have a double bed, a sink, two gas rings, a fridge, a wardrobe, shower and toilet, it's a mini home on wheels. You soon realise that you don't actually need a lot. The couple, who have three grown up children, now live off just 27 per day, which includes all living expenses The camper van has a double bed, pictured, a sink, two gas rings and fridge in the kitchen as well as a shower and toilet 'We thought it would be a challenge going from living in a six bedroom house to a six metre long camper-van but we love it and it only takes 15 minutes to clean from top to bottom. 'I'm 6ft 3 but I still manage to live comfortably I can even lie flat on the bed. To be honest, I think our friends were surprised that we would move into such a small van.' The couple decided to make their bold decision to quit their jobs and buy the camper-van after seeing close friends die suddenly. Mrs Fisher, who worked in theatre admin, added: 'You never know what's around the corner and we both wanted to make the most out of our lives. 'It's never too late to travel the world and we're living the dream. The couple are pictured during one of their adventures in Spain. Mr Fisher said: 'We're really living the dream, even if we are living off 27 a day' Mrs Fisher poses next to the river in the Belgian town of Ghent. She said: 'You never know whats around the corner and we both wanted to make the most out of our lives' The couple decided to make their bold decision to quit their jobs and buy the camper-van after seeing close friends die suddenly. Pictured is Mr Fisher in Seville, Spain 'It was an easy decision for us as we both sat there and asked ourselves three questions beforehand, what do we want to do when we retire? What we would do if we won the lottery? And what we would do if we only had a year to live? 'The answer to all three questions was to travel the world, so that's when we knew it was the right choice. 'With us suddenly deciding to quit our successful careers and jeopardise potential future jobs, family and friends found it challenging to accept, but those closest to us have been both excited and supportive and know we'll be fine.' The couple named their six metre camper-van Trudy and embarked on their first 12 week adventure across Ireland last year. The pair pose beside the Bilbao sign in the northern Spanish city. Mr Fisher said: ''We thought it would be a challenge going from living in a six bedroom house to a six metre long camper-van but we love it and it only takes 15 minutes to clean from top to bottom' The couple are now set to go backpacking, without Trudy the camper-van, in Central America for five months and plan on visiting Costa Rica, Honduras, Belize, Panama, Guatemala and El Salvador Mr Fisher added: 'We've done so many exciting things on our travels so far such as releasing seals back into the wild with Seal Rescue Ireland, walked Caminito Del Rey, Spain, and Marianne even did pier leap in Donaghadee, Ireland. 'We're currently at home in Shropshire after enjoying a pit stop over the Christmas period whilst we get ourselves ready for the next adventure at the end of the month.' The couple are set to go backpacking, without Trudy the camper-van, in Central America for five months and plan on visiting Costa Rica, Honduras, Belize, Panama, Guatemala and El Salvador, which they will document on their YouTube channel, Tread The Globe. Mrs Fisher added: 'We can't wait to travel Central America next month, it'll be strange without Trudy but we'll be sure to make more memories with her this summer.' A street in Wales could soon be named as the steepest in the world - snatching the title from a road in New Zealand. Residents in the town of Harlech, in Gwynedd, believe the street called Ffordd Pen Llech stands on a gradient of 36 per cent. And if the measurements stand up, this is a bigger the 35 per cent gradient of Baldwin Street in New Zealand, which currently holds the Guinness World Record for being the steepest in the world. Residents in the town of Harlech, in Gwynedd, believe the street called Ffordd Pen Llech, pictured, is the steepest in the world Ffordd Pen Lech lies within Snowdonia National Park and is close to the grand Harlech Castle Measurements have now been taken on Ffordd Pen Llech and have been sent to Guinness World Records to be analysed. Residents in Harlech will receive confirmation in three months time if a new record has been set. Gwyn Headley, one of the Harlach residents behind the world record attempt, told MailOnline Travel: 'If we were to be awarded the record, it would be tremendous for tourism. 'We are only a small town but Harlach has a lot going for it. 'We rely a lot on tourism so having the title would be fantastic.' Ffordd Pen Lech lies within Snowdonia National Park and is close to the grand Harlech Castle. It is the steepest signed road in the UK but cars can travel to the peak. The 14 homes on the street are generally at the bottom of Ffordd Pen Llech with the local shops at the top, meaning it is steep climb to go to collect groceries. It is especially popular with cyclists who try to make it up the extreme gradient. In contrast, Baldwin Street on the other side of the world, draws in thousands of tourists each year. Baldwin Street in New Zealand, pictured, which currently holds the Guinness World Record for being the steepest in the world Baldwin Street in New Zealand draws in thousands of tourists each year. People also take part in races up the steep road to see who can run up in the fastest time The road has become a hit with Instagrammers as when photos of houses on the street are taken on an angle, it creates the illusion that they are sinking into the ground. The stretch of road is about 350 metres long. It runs at a gradient of 1:2.86m, which means for every 2.86 metres horizontally, the elevation changes by one metre. But the mayor of Dunedin appeared to brush off the challenge to its record by telling the Guardian Baldwin Street had faced them before but had 'seen them off.' He joked: 'If Wales turns out to have a steeper one we will just have to arrange one of our periodic earthquakes and tilt Baldwin a bit more.' Advertisement Lebanon is often associated with death and destruction. But a series of stunning images shows a very different side to the Middle Eastern country that its a land of cascading waterfalls, beautiful forests, mesmerisingly rugged coastlines and even epic ski resorts. It also captures little known towns and villages and the countrys more famous sites. Boats line up in the marina, left, in downtown Beirut. Beirut is the capital of Lebanon and is thought to have a population of just over two million. Pictured right is the rugged coastline of Jounieh, which is a city north of Beirut. Many tourists flock there as it is the starting point of a gondola lift, which takes tourists up to the Our Lady of Lebanon statue in Harissa The deep blue waters off the west coast of Lebanon in the district of Keserwan, which is north east of Beirut The incredible pictures were snapped by Lebanese photographer Rami Rizk last year as he travelled the length and breadth of his home nation. Rami told MailOnline Travel: 'I have always been triggered by the curiosity to discover new places and their specialties. 'Over the past few years, I began to wander in my own country, and this led me to unveil hidden gems that only a few people knew about. People relax and enjoy drinks at The Frozen Cherry Sky Lounge at Club Zaarour, which usually operates as a ski resort in winter A lone building stands on the side of the valley in the Lebanese town of Bsharri, left, which is the birthplace of influential poet Kahlil Gebran. Pictured right are the terracotta roof houses in the village of Douma. The village has been part of the ancient Greek, Rome, Turkish and Ottoman Empires The sun begins to rise above the clouds and shine across the lush green forest in Bkassine located in the Al Janub region of Lebanon 'I decided to capture the beauty of every place I visited, not only to satisfy my hobby, but also to highlight the hidden landmarks for the locals, with the dream of reaching the world.' His photographs certainly paint a country whose recent history includes civil war and constant eruptions of sectarian violence in a more tranquil light. From 1975 to 1990, Lebanon was at war after conflict broke out between Christians and the Muslim-Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) alliance. Trees stand in the foreground of the stunning hills in Bkassine, left. One person commented that the trees almost look like broccoli. Pictured right are rays of sunshine poking through the branches of a tree in the Al Shouf Cedars Nature Reserve on the slopes of Barouk mountain in the north of the country The famous Mohammed Al Amine Mosque, which is sometimes also called the Blue Mosque, thanks to its distinctive colouring, which stands in the downtown area of Beirut, which used to be known as the Paris of the Middle East An aerial shot taken from the top of the Our Lady of Lebanon shrine in Harissa, left. Pictured right are houses that are just visible through the clouds in the village of Ehden in the heart of the northern mountains of Lebanon An incredible image showing the huge Horsch Park in Beirut, which is the biggest urban park in the city. It covers 300,000 m of green space and had to be reconstructed at the end of the Lebanon Civil War An estimated 120,000 people were killed in the 15-year war and almost one million people fled the country. After it started to rebuild, tourists began to return, but in 2010, the outbreak of war in neighbouring Syria had a knock-on effect on visitor numbers, and they reportedly fell by 38 per cent. Perhaps Ramis pictures will help to reverse this trend. The grand statue of Jesus, left, which stands next to the Yasou El Malak church in the coastal town of Jounieh. Pictured right is the Our Lady of Lebanon statue, which looms over Harissa on the west coast. The small town of Harissa has become one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the East An aerial shot of the coloured parasols and the deep blue water along the coastline of the town of Anfeh. It is one of the top tourists destinations on the northern coast Three girls soak up the sun in a swimming pool among the hills of the village of Hamat in northern Lebanon. The village is home to the historic shrine and monastery of Our Lady of Nourieh, where one of the first Christian communities was set up An overview of the southern city of Tyre, left, which is the fourth largest city in Lebanon after Beirut, Tripoli and Sidon. Pictured right is one of the incredible buildings in Tyre, which was once dubbed the 'best-kept secret of the Mediterranean' Skiers race down one of the runs at Mzaar Kfardebian, which is a ski area in Lebanon and the largest ski resort in the Middle East. It is located an hour north-east of Beirut The bright lights of Mzaar can been seen from the top of one the ski runs. There are a total of six ski resorts in Lebanon The statue of St Charbel is the largest in Lebanon and was installed in 2017 in the village of Faraya on top of the Mount of the Cross. St Charbel was a Maronite monk and priest from Lebanon, who was thought to have healing powers and was pronounced a saint by Pope Paul VI in 1965 Man-made lakes, pictured left, which have been formed to collect rain water, which can then be used to irrigate the crops in the drier summer months. Rami took the snap in the village of Falougha in central Lebanon. Pictured right is the incredible waterfall in the town of Jezzine, which is also known as the 'City of Falls' He has uploaded them to his Facebook and Instagram pages and tells MailOnline Travel that hes on a mission to change perceptions about his country. He said: The fact that it is a Middle Eastern country strengthens the misconception of Lebanon being a desert. 'The ideas spread to the world by mass media visualise Lebanon as a country of war and havoc, which once again hinders its actual beauty. 'For this reason, I've decided to make it my mission to prove the opposite to foreigners and even Lebanese who have fled the country.' And his favourite image so far? He replied: Undeniably that of Jezzine, my hometown, and the place where I was born and raised.' The Litani River, which flows through the fertile Beqaa Valley and eventually into the Mediterranean Sea close to the town of Tyre. It flows entirely through the borders of Lebanon The church bell, left, which still remains close to Chouwen Lake Nature Reserve in the north of the country. Pictured right is another view of the St Charbal statue in the village of Faraya on top of the Mount of the Cross in summer time The leaves on the trees have turned to their autumnal orange and brown colours in Laqlouq, a small mountainous village in the north of the country Fields stretch for miles around the quiet village of Ammiq in central Lebanon. The village is known for having fertile land and home to a number of rare species of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles Samsung will unveil its much anticipated folding phone and the Galaxy S10 on February 20th in San Francisco, it is expected. The firm today revealed the event, at the Bill Graham auditorium in San Francisco, which Apple has previously used for its launch events. 'On February 20, Samsung Electronics will unveil new devices that promise to usher in new Galaxy experiences based on 10 years of innovations,' the firm said. Scroll down for video Samsung today revealed the event, at the Bill Graham auditorium in San Francisco, which Apple has previously used for its launch events. 'The exciting reveal will take place at the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco.' 'Weve set our sights on Galaxys future and are focusing on engineering the technologies and breakthroughs that will continue to transform the mobile landscape,' the firm said in a blog post. 'At the 2018 Samsung Developer Conference, Samsung unveiled the Infinity Flex Display, marking the beginning of the era of foldable smartphones.' Recent images reportedly show the Galaxy S10 'in the wild,' according to noted leaker Evan Blass. The photo shows the 5.8-inch 'Beyond 1' version of the upcoming phone, which features an all-screen design and a 'hole-punch' in the display. SAMSUNG'S FOLDING PHONE Samsung's foldable smartphone was announced last week and leaked reports from Korea are claiming it will be more expensive that its rival, the iPhone XS. It is believed the pioneering handset will cost approximately two million Korean Won, which is around 1,370 ($1,760), before taxes. The pricey gadget has been labelled the Samsung 'Galaxy F' and is expected to be available to buy in early 2019. iPhone's current marquee device, the XS, starts at 999 ($999) while the larger XS Max is available for a minimum of 1,099 ($1,099). It is believed the pioneering Samsung galaxy F will cost approximately two million Korean Won, which is around 1,370 ($1,760), before taxes. iPhone's current marquee device starts at 999 ($999) and the prices for the XS max begin at 1,099 ($1,099) Kim Jang-yeol, head of research at Golden Bridge Investment, told the Korean Times that the device will be so expensive as a result of it being the first mainstream device to enter the unknown territory of foldable handsets. According to the leak, the screen will expand to a 7.3-inch OLED screen when unfurled and it will shrink to a 4.5-inch display when closed. The device is shrouded in mystery and Samsung has yet to release any confirmed details about the gadget's specifications or release. Samsung's Developer Conference last week provided the first glimpse at the device when a prototype was displayed on a deliberately dark stage. The tech giant has already confirmed that the phone has an Infinity Flex Display, which enables it to transform into a phone or a tablet when it's opened and closed. Advertisement While parts of the screen and its icons are blurred out, some details are distinguishable, like the nearly bezel-less screen, a slight chin on the bottom, as well as a camera cutout in the top-right corner. Bezels are a border around the edge of a phone screen and house chunkier technology such as home buttons, sensors, cameras and a speaker. Samsung first debuted this camera cutout design in the Galaxy A8S phone, released in China late last year, which features the 'Infinity O' display. 'Infinity O' is what Samsung calls the O-shaped cutout, used to house the front-facing camera. Samsung is also expected to launch a larger variant of the Beyond 1, likely to be named the Galaxy S10 Beyond 2. It'll likely feature a 6.4-inch screen, two front cameras and two rear-facing cameras, as well as many of the same features of the Beyond 1. Verizon and Samsung said on they plan to release 5G smartphones in the first half of 2019 in the United States. Both are expected to be equipped with a Snapdragon 855 processor. Consumers will have to wait a little longer to get their hands on the new devices, however, as Samsung isn't expected to launch them until February, possibly at Mobile World Congress, an annual mobile technology convention. Previous leaks have also noted that Samsung might have more than two devices up its sleeve this year. Code from an Android 9 Pie update file, first discovered by XDA-Developers, showed that the firm may be preparing to release four versions of the Galaxy S10. The files described four possible devices named 'beyond0,' 'beyond1,' 'beyond 2' and 'beyond25g.' Several reports have suggested that Samsung's codename for the Galaxy S10 is 'Beyond.' WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE GALAXY S10? Samsung is widely expected to release the Galaxy S10 in February, which is when it usually launches S models. It's unclear how many devices are planned for the lineup, but some have speculated it could include up to four phones. Several reports have suggested that Samsung's codename for the Galaxy S10 is 'Beyond.' Samsung's next flagship smartphone may ditch the notch. New images have leaked that reportedly show the Galaxy S10 'in the wild,' according to noted leaker Evan Blass The firm is rumored to be releasing a low-end version of the S10, a base model with a 5.8-inch AMOLED display, a bigger version with a 6.44-inch screen, as well as a 5G model. Various leaks have indicated Samsung may move to ditch the notch entirely, instead opting for a nearly all-screen design that features an O-shaped camera cutout, also known as the 'Infinity O' display. Advertisement The code describes what could be a low-end budget version of the S10, then a base model with a 5.8-inch AMOLED display and a bigger version that's expected to have a 6.44-inch screen. Finally, the 'beyond25g' version may be Samsung's first phone to handle 5G network connectivity. Previous reports have indicated Samsung plans to release a 5G-enabled smartphone next year. However, Samsung has said that the S10 won't be its first 5G phone, which means the firm could be planning a separate handset with 5G connectivity. The world's oceans are rising in temperature faster than previously believed as they absorb most of the world's growing climate-changing emissions, scientists said Thursday. Ocean heat - recorded by thousands of floating robots - has been setting records repeatedly over the last decade, with 2018 expected to be the hottest year yet, displacing the 2017 record, according to an analysis by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. That is driving sea level rise, as oceans warm and expand, and helping fuel more intense hurricanes and other extreme weather, scientists warn. Scroll down for video The worlds oceans are rising in temperature faster than previously believed as they absorb most of the world's growing climate-changing emissions, scientists have said. WHY ARE OCEAN TEMPERATURES IPORTANT? Ocean heating is critical marker of climate change because an estimated 93 percent of the excess solar energy trapped by greenhouse gases accumulates in the world's oceans. And, unlike surface temperatures, ocean temperatures are not affected by year-to-year variations caused by climate events like El Nino or volcanic eruptions. The new analysis shows that trends in ocean heat content match those predicted by leading climate change models, and that overall ocean warming is accelerating. Advertisement The warming, measured since 1960, is faster than predicted by scientists in a 2013 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report that looked at ocean warming, according to the study, published this week in the journal Science. 'Its mainly driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere due to human activities,' said Lijing Cheng, a lead author of the study from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The increasing rate of ocean warming 'is simply a signature of increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere', Cheng said. Leading climate scientists said in October that the world has about 12 years left to shift the world away from still rising emission toward cleaner renewable energy systems, or risk facing some of the worst impacts of climate change. Those include worsening water and food shortages, stronger storms, heatwaves and other extreme weather, and rising seas. For the last 13 years, an ocean observing system called Argo has been used to monitor changes in ocean temperatures, Cheng said, leading to more reliable data that is the basis for the new ocean heat records. The system uses almost 4,000 drifting ocean robots that dive to a depth of 2,000 metres every few days, recording temperature and other indicators as they float back to the surface. HOW OCEAN TEMPERATURES ARE MONITORED For the last 13 years, an ocean observing system called Argo has been used to monitor changes in ocean temperatures, Cheng said, leading to more reliable data that is the basis for the new ocean heat records. The system uses almost 4,000 drifting ocean robots that dive to a depth of 2,000 metres every few days, recording temperature and other indicators as they float back to the surface. Through the data collected, scientists have documented increases in rainfall intensity and more powerful storms such as hurricanes Harvey in 2017 and Florence in 2018. Argo uses almost 4,000 drifting ocean robots to monitor ocean temperatures Advertisement Through the data collected, scientists have documented increases in rainfall intensity and more powerful storms such as hurricanes Harvey in 2017 and Florence in 2018. Cheng explained that oceans are the energy source for storms, and can fuel more powerful ones as temperatures - a measure of energy - rise. Storms over the 2050-2100 period are expected, statistically, to be more powerful than storms from the 1950-2000 period, the scientist said. Cheng said that the oceans, which have so far absorbed over 90 percent of the additional sun's energy trapped by rising emissions, will see continuing temperature hikes in the future. If you want to see where global warming is happening, look in our oceans 'Because the ocean has large heat capacity it is characterized as a `delayed response to global warming, which means that the ocean warming could be more serious in the future,' the researcher said. 'For example, even if we meet the target of Paris Agreement (to limit climate change), ocean will continue warming and sea level will continue rise. Their impacts will continue.' If the targets of the Paris deal to hold warming to 'well below' 2 degrees Celsius, or preferably 1.5C can be met, however, expected damage by 2100 could be halved, Cheng said. For now, however, climate changing emissions continue to rise, and 'I dont think enough is being done to tackle the rising temperatures,' Cheng said. The find means Earth is more sensitive to fossil fuel emissions than thought and could be set to warm even faster than predicted in the years ahead (stock image) The results also provide further evidence that earlier claims of a slowdown or 'hiatus' in global warming over the past 15 years were unfounded. 'If you want to see where global warming is happening, look in our oceans,' said Zeke Hausfather, a graduate student in the Energy and Resources Group at the University of California, Berkeley, and co-author of the paper. 'Ocean heating is a very important indicator of climate change, and we have robust evidence that it is warming more rapidly than we thought.' Centuries-old statues and sculptures wrecked by jihadists are being painstakingly restored by archaeologists. Islamic State has twice seized control of the ancient city of Palmyra during the country's bloody civil war, an on-gong conflict that first broke out in 2011 and will go into its ninth year in March. The 1,800-year-old bust of a bejewelled and richly clothed woman - The Beauty of Palmyra - was damaged during the first offensive on the city in central Syria by fighters, in 2015. Scroll down for video In the National Museum of Damascus, archaeologist Muntajab Youssef works on an ancient stone bust from Palmyra, one of hundreds of artefacts his team is painstakingly restoring after they were damaged by Islamic State In the National Museum of Damascus, archaeologist Muntajab Youssef is one a team working on the ancient stone bust, one of hundreds of artefacts that were damaged by Islamic State. After Syrian government forces took back the city with Russian military support in March 2016, the bust, alongside other damaged ancient monuments, was taken to Damascus and archived in boxes. When restoration work on it began last year, Mr Youssef said it was in pieces. 'The hands and face were lost completely, also parts of the dress and there are areas that are weaker,' said Mr Youssef, who has been working on the bust for two months. Mr Youssef is one of 12 archaeologists working on the arduous restoration job, which first began with the of moving the damaged pieces to Damascus. Centuries-old statues and sculptures were wrecked by the jihadists when they twice seized control of the old city in central Syria during the country's war, which will go into its ninth year in March The 1,800-year-old bust of a bejewelled and richly clothed woman, The Beauty of Palmyra (pictured), was damaged during the first offensive on the city by Islamic State fighters in 2015 The 1,800-year-old bust of a bejewelled and richly clothed woman, The Beauty of Palmyra, was damaged during the first offensive on the city by Islamic State fighters in 2015 How many artefacts there are in total is difficult to say, given the state they were found in. The lack of documentation for the artefacts also adds to the restoration challenge WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ANCIENT CITY OF PALMYRA? Palmyra, situated about 130 miles (210km) northeast of Damascus, is known by Syrians as the 'Bride of the Desert'. It was an important caravan city of the Roman Empire, linking it to India, China and Persia. Before the outbreak of Syria's conflict in March 2011, the Unesco site was one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Middle East drawing 105,000 visitors a year. The whole of Palmyra, including the four cemeteries outside the walls of the ancient city, has been listed as a world heritage site by Unesco since 1980. Global concern for Palmyra's magnificent ancient ruins spiked in September 2015, when satellite images confirmed that ISIS had demolished the famed Temple of Bel as part of its campaign to destroy pre-Islamic monuments it considers idolatrous. Unesco described the temple as one of the best preserved and most important religious edifices of the first century in the Middle East. Advertisement Mamoun Abdulkarim, the former Head of Syrian Antiquities, said that in some cases broken artefacts were transported in empty ammunition boxes provided by the Syrian army in Palmyra. How many artefacts there are in total is difficult to say, given the state they were found in. The lack of documentation for the artefacts also adds to the restoration challenge. 'A big part of the documentation in the Palmyra museum, was damaged with the antiquities and computers,' archaeologist Raed Abbas said. 'A statue needs pictures ... in order to be rebuilt.' Palmyra, situated about 130 miles (210km) northeast of Damascus, is known by Syrians as the 'Bride of the Desert'. Palmyra, situated about 130 miles (210km) northeast of Damascus, is known by Syrians as the 'Bride of the Desert'. This image shows the ruins before the Syrian civil war Before the outbreak of Syria's conflict in March 2011, the Unesco site was one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Middle East drawing 105,000 visitors a year. This image shows the ruins after the war It was an important caravan city of the Roman Empire, linking it to India, China and Persia. Before the outbreak of Syria's conflict in March 2011, the Unesco site was one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Middle East drawing 105,000 visitors a year. The whole of Palmyra, including the four cemeteries outside the walls of the ancient city, has been listed as a world heritage site by Unesco since 1980. Global concern for Palmyra's magnificent ancient ruins spiked in September 2015, when satellite images confirmed that Islamic State had demolished the famed Temple of Bel as part of its campaign to destroy pre-Islamic monuments it considers idolatrous. Unesco described the temple as one of the best preserved and most important religious edifices of the first century in the Middle East. Sex in relationships comes before a couple have formed a deep emotional connection, according to new research. The findings suggest that sexual desire plays a major role in people's capacity to form an emotional bond with a potential partner. Psychologists, from the University of Rochester in New York and the IDC Herzliya in Israel, said that this physical intimacy could bring them closer together. They also say that gender plays no part in trying to form an emotional connection as both men and women try to connect with potential partners when sexually aroused. Scroll down for video Sex in relationships comes before a couple have formed a deep emotional connection, according to new research. The new findings suggest that sexual desire plays a major role in people's attraction towards a partner, enticing them to have sexual relations (stock image Professor Gurit Birnbaum, who led the study at IDC Herzliya, said: 'Sex may set the stage for deepening the emotional connection between strangers.' Professor Birnbaum and his team found that sexual desire between strangers could encourage people to behave in ways that helped them to bond and connect. 'This holds true for both men and women - sex motivates human beings to connect, regardless of gender,' says Professor Birnbaum. 'Some believe that men are more likely than women to initiate relationships when sexually aroused. 'But when one focuses on more subtle relationship-initiating strategies, such as providing assistance (as proved in the study), this pattern does not hold true. 'Both men and women try to connect with potential partners when sexually aroused.' Previous research from brain images showed similar areas of the brain are activated when a person experiences either sexual desire or romantic love. Scientists said such patterns suggest a neurological pathway that causes sexual activation to affect emotional bonding (stock image) Researchers conducted four separate studies and found that sexual desire between strangers could encourage people to behave in ways that help them to bond and connect. In the first study, participants were introduced to a potential partner of the opposite sex who they met face-to-face. Men and women lip-synched to pre-recorded music while sitting next to an attractive person of the opposite sex who, unbeknown to participants, was involved in the study. They rated their desire for them and results showed the greater their attraction, the more they signalled and the more they synched with them. The second study asked men and women to slow dance with an attractive study insider of the opposite sex and produced the same results. In a third study, men and women were shown flashes of erotic, non-pornographic images on a screen for 30 miliseconds - which they were not aware of seeing. WHAT TACTICS DO PEOPLE USE TO STOP THEMSELVES CHEATING? Researchers at the University of New Brunswick asked 362 heterosexual adults how they had staved off temptations to cheat while in a relationship. 1. 'Relationship enhancement' Seventy-five per cent of the study's respondents, who were aged between 19 and 63, selected 'relationship enhancement' as their primary tactic. This ploy included things like taking their partner on a date, making an extra effort with their appearance around them, or having more sex with them. 2. 'Proactive avoidance' The second most-popular was 'proactive avoidance', which involved maintaining distance from the temptation. As well as physically avoiding the temptation, people also avoided getting close in conversation with that person. 3. 'Derogation of the temptation' The third and final tactic used by people was 'derogation of the temptation', which involved feelings of guilt, and thinking about the tempting person in a negative light. Participants reported flirting less when they applied the final, 'derogation of the temptation' strategy. But none of the strategies had an effect on the levels of romantic infidelity, sexual infidelity, and whether the relationship survived. Psychologist Dr Alex Fradera, who was not involved in the research, said the findings show little can be done once feelings of temptation have crept in. Advertisement They then discussed interpersonal dilemmas with a potential partner, also participating in the study while being videotaped and their behaviour was rated in terms of responsiveness and caring. Scientists found when the 'sexual system was activated' people showed signs of caring about their potential partner's well-being - which is a way of signalling their interest in a relationship. The final study included 50 men and 50 women - half of who watched an erotic non-pornography movie scene while the others watched a neutral video about South American rainforests. They were then matched with an attractive study insider from the opposite sex and told to complete a verbal reasoning task. The study insiders pretended to get stuck on the third question and ask participants for help and those who had watched the erotic movie scene proved to be more helpful than those who watched the neutral film. Co-author Professor Harry Reis, of the University of Rochester, said: 'Although sexual urges and emotional attachments are distinct feelings, evolutionary and social processes likely have rendered humans particularly prone to becoming romantically attached to partners to whom they are sexually attracted.' Professor Birnbaum added: 'Sexual desire may play a causally important role in the development of relationships. 'It's the magnetism that holds partners together long enough for an attachment bond to form.' The iconic theory of relativity developed by Albert Einstein is one of the central pillars of modern science and a British professor has been commended for his work to improve it. Gustav Holzegel, from Imperial College London, won the prestigious Blavatnik Award and a 23,500 prize for his ground-breaking work. He conquered the thorny issue of what happens when a black hole is shaken. Solutions to the so-called 'black hole stability conjecture' have eluded physicists for decades but his research has now 'broken its back'. Scroll down for video The iconic theory of relativity developed by Albert Einstein (pictured) is one of the central pillars of modern science and a British professor has been commended for his work to improve it Professor Holzegel, from the Department of Mathematics at Imperial, won the monies as a finalist for the award. He said he was 'delighted' to win the only unrestricted cash prize for young scientists and engineers less than 42-years-old in the UK. His citation for The Blavatnik Awards stated that 'Professor Holzegel has pushed the frontiers of our understanding of the universe as outlined by the general relativity theory.' Professor Holzegel has previously studied at University of Cambridge and said of his triumph: 'I am delighted to receive this prize and I would like to thank my collaborators without whom this would not have been possible.' His work goes a long way to answer the question of what would happen after a massive black hole is shaken or 'perturbed' - known as the 'black hole stability conjecture'. Gustav Holzegel (pictured), from Imperial College London, won the prestigious Blavatnik Award and a 23,500 prize for his ground-breaking work It predicts that the black hole would eventually settle down into a stable form in the same way that a block of jelly will return to its original shape after being prodded. But this remained unproven for many decades even for the simplest black hole - one that doesn't spin and is perfectly spherical as well as bereft of any electrical charge. Professor Holzegel and his collaborators proved a version of the conjecture for those black holes in 2016. His new equations, which apply to any kind of black hole, have allowed experts to make huge strides in finding a solutions to the problem. The esteemed academic has also worked in other areas of the theory of general relativity, including a series of papers on Einstein's field equations that have advanced string theory and particle physics. Noted philanthropist Sir Leonard Blavatnik is founder and Chairman of Access Industries, and head of the Blavatnik Family Foundation. He said: 'Recognising and encouraging the brilliant talent of the UK's best young scientists through the Blavatnik Awards is our honour. 'By supporting young scientists as they embark on their careers, we create a positive impact on the country's future prosperity, accelerating scientific discovery and innovation that mankind can benefit from, and encouraging others to follow their path.' China's ground-breaking rover on the far side of the moon has sprung back to life after a brief 'siesta'. The rover went into standby mode for five Earth days to protect itself from temperatures reaching towards 200 degrees Celsius (390 degrees Fahrenheit). Moon's lunar day lasts for the equivalent of 14 Earth days and the lack of an atmosphere means the heat is unabated, unlike on Earth. Yutu-2, or Jade Rabbit 2, has its own social media account and it posted: 'Noon nap is over. [It's time to] get up and stretch my legs.' The 308-pound (140-kilogram) rover has since resumed activities, which will include taking a picture of the front side of the lander and exploration missions. Scroll down for video China's lunar rover got back to work on the far side of the moon after waking from a five-day hibernation, its official social media page announced Yutu-2, or Jade Rabbit 2, has its own social media account and it posted: 'Noon nap is over. [It's time to] get up and stretch my legs' (pictured) Yutu-2 has a host of instruments and will be powered by solar panels. Unlike the similar probe on-board the Chang'e-3 mission this rover has no robotic arm. It announced afterwards it will be taking a 'nap' to protect against the sun's immense heat on the moon Another Weibo user, a Twitter-like microblogging site used in China, said: 'Your nap is so long.' Another added: 'If you don't get up now, your turnip will be snatched by the aliens.' Twitter is blocked by the Chinese government but microblogging site Weibo is popular in the country and the posts from Yutu-2 have been made there. The social media account follower up the announcement with a flippant tweet explaining why the stars were not visible in the images of Yutu-2 from Chang'e-4. It read: 'Good evening. These few days I have seen so many stars. 'The moon is a place suitable for star-watching. No matter its day or night, the sky is always pitch black. Without the interruption of an atmosphere, the stars are light spots that dont twinkle. 'A day on the moon is more than 600 hours (about 27 earth days). It takes a star half a day to travel from one side of the horizon to the other. 'So I can look at one star continuously for more than 300 hours. 'The picture taken by my fourth sister (Change 4), because the light ratio is too high, some details have gone missing. You cannot see the starry sky that I have seen. Ill draw it for you.' The social media account follower up the announcement with a flippant tweet explaining why the stars were not visible in the images of Yutu-2 from Chang'e-4.It read: 'The picture taken by my fourth sister (Change-4), because the light ratio is too high, some details have gone missing. You cannot see the starry sky that I have seen. Ill draw it for you' (pictured) China's space agency has said the mission 'lifted the mysterious veil' from the far side of the moon, which is never seen from Earth, and 'opened a new chapter in human lunar exploration'. Experts say that the craft will not be able to function indefinitely and may only be able to operate for as little as one day. 'Of course, it's never going to leave the Moon, so the question is really how long it can remain operational,' said Professor Ian Crawford from the department of Earth and planetary sciences at Birkbeck College London 'I suspect they will hope for at least one lunar day - 14 Earth days - after which, if it is still working, it will have to hibernate during the 14-day lunar night because it is solar powered, and hopefully wake up again afterwards. 'That is a tall order because the lunar night is so cold - about -180C (-292F). A post from January 5 at 9:42pm GMT on the official account of the Yutu Lunar Rover read: 'Ya, it's getting hot here. 'Right now, the back of the moon has entered the day time, there is no atmosphere to block the heat and the temperature will reach 200C. 'In order to protect important parts and avoid extreme condition, I have to take a siesta for a while.' Yutu-2 rover explained how it would survive the harsh conditions on the barren surface of the moon after announcing the need for its rest. 'My masters have given me thick insulating components. My golden jacket could reflect strong light,' it continued. 'There are variable heat conduction pipes, controllable two-phase electric fluidic circuits, etc. and they can control my temperature to under 55C. '(I must feel proud that even the small Chinese flag on my chest can withstand high temperatures! There are no pictures, only an impression drawing. Here it is.) The post also provided some insight about the Chang'e-4 lander which brought the rover to the surface. The post referred to the much larger lander as its 'fourth sister' and said: '[its] heat control abilities are stronger than mine. She will still carry out a series of surveying works during my siesta. You've been working hard.' Twitter is blocked by the Chinese government but microblogging site Weibo is popular in the country and the posts from Yutu-2 have been made there (pictured). A post from January 5 at 9:42pm GMT on the official account of the Yutu Lunar Rover read: 'Ya, it's getting hot here' Yutu-2's Weibo post explained that during the machine will not actually turn off during the mid-day snooze. It will simply enter a standby mode. In this form it will be charged up via solar panels, write a 'diary', send monitoring footage and provide readers with stories about the moon. The post concluded: 'I didn't expect to take a break after working only for one day, but it's an important mission to protect oneself. 'Master, remember to wake me up early when the work starts again.' Zhang Yuhua, deputy chief commander of the mission, told Chinese state media: 'After that, the rover will go to its planned area and start a series of scientific exploration projects in the Von Karman crater as planned by scientists.' Jade Rabbit 2 weighs 308lbs (139kg) and has six individually powered wheels so it can continue to operate even if one wheel fails. It rolled on to the lunar surface from the lander via two ramps and will explore the Von Karman crater in the southern region of the far side of the moon It is expected that after a few days activity the lander will once again engage 'nap mode' to prepare for the lunar night. This period of time lasts for 14 days and can see temperatures plummet to a frigid -180C (-292F). The Yutu-2 - or Jade Rabbit 2 - rover drove off its lander's ramp and onto the exterior of the moon's far side at 10:22pm Beijing time (2:22 pm GMT) on Thursday, about 12 hours after the Chinese spacecraft carrying it came to rest. China's space agency later posted a photos online, revealing the lunar rover several yards away from the spacecraft. The tracks it makes on the surface of the moon will be forever immortalised and will never be lost as there is no wind on the moon due to its lack of an atmosphere. By 5pm Beijing time (9am GMT) the three 15-foot long antennaes on Chang'e-4 had also been fully unfurled to enable the low-frequency radio spectrometre to begin work. Jade Rabbit 2 has six individually powered wheels so it can continue to operate even if one wheel fails. It can climb a 20-degree hill or an obstacle up to eight inches (20cm) tall and its maximum speed is said to be 220 yards (200 metres) per hour. The pioneering rover is five feet (1.5 metres) long and about 3 feet (one metre) wide and tall, with two foldable solar panels and six wheels. Yutu-2 and its accompanying lander will carry out mineral, biological and radiation tests ahead of a future base that China hopes to build on the moon. There have been numerous landings on the moon as a result of the 20th century space race between the US and the USSR - including the famed Apollo 11 mission which saw Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first humans on the moon. After Luna 24 landed on August 18 the next lunar landing was the Chinese mission Chang'e-3 on December 14, 2013. Chang'e-4 is the first spacecraft to land on the far side of the moon The mission is formed of three basic parts - the rover, the lander and the relay satellite. They will work in unison to study, analyse and send information back to the scientists on Earth Results of these experiments could lead to new understandings of the challenges faced by settlers who may one day colonise our natural satellite. 'It's a small step for the rover, but one giant leap for the Chinese nation,' Wu Weiren, the chief designer of the Lunar Exploration Project, told state broadcaster CCTV. 'This giant leap is a decisive move for our exploration of space and the conquering of the universe.' The rover is equipped with a variety of scientific instruments to help it analyse the surface of the moon, including a panoramic and infrared camera, ground-penetrating radar and a low-frequency radio spectrometer. Professor Crawford added: 'While operational, it will rove around studying the composition of rocks, and the sub-surface using its ground-penetrating radar. 'It will just be left on the Moon once it ceases to function, unless one day it is collected and brought back to a museum.' The rover will use its panoramic camera to identify interesting locations and its Visible and Near-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (VNIS) will help analyse minerals in the crater. This includes what scientists call 'ejecta' - rocks that have churned up from deep to the surface from impacts meteors. Its Lunar Penetrating Radar (LPR) instrument will take a look down into the depths of the moon with a maximum vertical distance of approximately 300 feet (100 metres). The rover is equipped with a variety of scientific instruments to help it analyse the surface of the moon, including a panoramic and infrared camera, ground-penetrating radar and a low-frequency radio spectrometer A never-before-seen 'close range' image taken by the Chinese spacecraft Chang'e-4 of the surface of the far side of the moon. It appears to take on a reddish hue in some of the images released by China, an effect of the lights used by the probe WHY DID CHINA CHOOSE TO LAND IN THE VON KARMAN CRATER? Chang'e-4 landed in the Von Karman crater in the South Pole-Aitken basin. This is an enormous crater which resides at the very most southern tip of the moon. China opted to study the far side of the moon and has in the process beat all other nations to the landmark moment. The basin is so far the largest known impact basin in the solar system. China's space agency hopes that by exploring the huge divot on the surface of the moon they may be able to shed some light on its history and geology by collecting rocks that have never been seen before. Researchers hope the huge depth of the crater will allow them to study the moon's mantle, the layer underneath the surface, of the moon. The crater is believed to be composed of various chemical compounds, including thorium, iron oxide, and titanium dioxide. It is also hoped that by judging this 8-mile deep scar on the surface of the moon the scientists could find clues to piece together the origin of the lunar mantle. There is also another logistical reason for the choice of landing site, the crater is mostly flat in the south of the basin. This increased the likelihood of a successful landing. Advertisement The Yutu-2 - or Jade Rabbit 2 - rover drove off its lander's ramp and onto the exterior of the moon's far side at 10:22pm Beijing time (2:22 pm GMT) on Thursday, about 12 hours after the Chinese spacecraft carrying it came to rest. China's space agency later posted a photos online, revealing the lunar rover several yards away from the spacecraft Experiments of seeds and plants that were taken to the moon from Earth on-board the Chang'e-4 probe will be done inside the lunar lander itself. Unlike its predecessor, the Chang'e-3 mission, the latest addition to the moon's surface does not have a robotic arm. The lander also has a low-frequency radio spectrometer (LFS) which will be part of a scientific experiment to study space without the constant radio interference from Earth. Being on the far side of the moon shields the equipment from the noise and will allow Chang'e-4 to produce a low-radio wave emission map of the sky. Dr Matthew Bothwell, an astronomer at the University of Cambridge, told MailOnline that this could be a crucial step in the future of space exploration and compared its importance to that of the first telescope. 'The far side of the moon is the only place in the reachable universe that we are able to do this kind of research. WHAT DO THE NAMES OF CHINA'S MOON MISSION MEAN? Chang'e-4 Chang'e is the moon goddess and wife of god Houyi in Ancient Chinese mythology. Houyi is one of the most powerful mythological figures in China. It is said that he shot down nine Suns to make Earth a liveable habitat for human beings. The number four in the name is a more modern-day nod to the space programme. This spacecraft is the fourth of the Chang'e missions. Yutu-2 Yutu (jade rabbit) is the companion of Chang'e in the mythological stories. This is fittingly also the name of the rover on-board Chang'e-4. Yutu-2 is so labelled because it is the successor to Yutu-1 which was deployed from the Chang'e-3 mission earlier this decade. Queqiao Queqiao is the relay satellite and translates to Magpie Bridge. This name also stems from Ancient Chinese mythology. Queqiao, or the Magpie Bridge, is a legendary bridge which appears once a year to connect Niu Lang and Zhi Nv. Niu Lang is a cattle herder on Earth while Zhi Nv, or the Weaving Maid, is a goddess in heaven. The couple met and fell in love when Zhi Nv snuck to the 'human world' in secret to play. Their union enraged the chief goddess, Queen Mother of the West. The couple got banished to live at different sides of the Milky Way. Every year on the seventh day of the seventh month on the Lunar Calendar, thousands of magpies that are moved by the couples' love story will form the Magpie Bridge, or Queqiao, so that Niu Lang and Zhi Nv can meet each other. This relay satellite will allow communication between the moon probe and Earth. Advertisement 'Putting an object as large as the moon between the Earth's constant beaming of radio waves and the antennaes is a fantastic way of filtering out noise from Earth. 'Very long wavelength radiowaves are impossible to study due to their universal beaming of radio waves 24/7 and the emissions from the universe is really faint in comparison.' Dr Bothwell added that there is no way of knowing what this could reveal and the opportunities for discovery are enormous. 'It will provide a new window to look at the universe and we will likely find unexpected things,' he added. Dr Bothwell also said that depending on the success of the data gathered by Chang'e-4, it could lead to a ground-based telescope being installed on the far side of the moon. The far side can't be seen from Earth and is popularly called the 'dark side' because it is relatively unknown, not because it lacks sunlight. As the landing is happening on the dark side of the moon it required its own satellite to be able to send information back. To facilitate communication between controllers on Earth and the Chang'e-4 mission, China launched a relay satellite named Queqiao on 20 May and is now stationed in operational orbit about 40,000 miles beyond the moon. This will be the primary form of communication between Earth and the spacecraft. The probe and explorer will use Queqiao to get their findings back to China. Its descent was also aided by the relay satellite, the Queqiao, or Magpie Bridge. This is positioned at a place in space called L2, a Langraine point. A Lagrange point is a spot in space where the combined gravitational forces of two large bodies are equivalent to the centrifugal force of another body. L2 is a million miles beyond Earth in the opposite direction to the sun and for an object to remain stationary there it depends on a fragile equilibrium between the gravitational pull of the moon, Earth and the Sun. The far side of the moon - colloquially known as the dark side - actually gets as much light as the near side but always faces away from Earth. This is because the moon is tidally locked to Earth, rotating at the same rate that it orbits our planet, so the far side - or the 'dark side' - is never visible from our planet. This relatively unexplored region is mountainous and rugged, making a successful landing much harder to achieve. Beijing is pouring billions into the military-run programme, with hopes of having a crewed space station by 2022, and of eventually sending humans to the moon. The Chang'e-4 lunar probe mission - named after the moon goddess in Chinese mythology - launched in December 2018 from the southwestern Xichang launch centre. It is the second Chinese probe to land on the moon, following the Yutu rover mission in 2013. China announced that in honour of this success the rover on-board Chang'e-4 has been named Yutu 2. Previous spacecraft have seen the far side of the moon, but none has landed on it. China launched the Chang'e-4 probe on December 7 2018 by a Long March-3B rocket. It includes a lander and a rover to explore the surface of the moon. The Chang'e-4 first entered a lunar orbit on December 12, 2018. A TIMELINE OF HOW CHINA REACHED THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON Chang'e-4 launched from the Xichang satellite launch centre in Sichuan, south-west China at 6:30 GMT on December 7 October 24 2007 - China launches Chang'e-1, an unmanned satellite, into space where it remains operational for more than a year. October 1 2010 - China launches Chang'e-2. This was part of the first phase of the Chinese moon programme. It was in a 100-km-high lunar orbit to gather data for the upcoming Chang'e-3 mission. September 29, 2011 - China launched Tiangong 1. September 15 2013 - A second space lab, Tiangong 2, is launched. December 1 2013 - Chang'e-3 launched. December 14 2013 - Chang'e-3, a 2,600 lb (1,200 kg) lunar probe landed on the near side of the moon successfully. It became the first object to soft-land on the Moon since Luna 24 in 1976. April 1 2018 - Tiangong-1 crashed into Earth at 17,000 mph and lands in the ocean off the coast if Tahiti. May 20 2018 - China launched a relay satellite named Queqiao which is stationed in operational orbit about 40,000 miles beyond the moon. This is designed to enable Chang'e-4 to communicate wit engineers back on Earth. The Chang'e-4 lunar rover is lifted into space from the Xichang launch centre in Xichang in China's southwestern Sichuan province on December 7 December 7 2018 - Chinese space agency announces it has launched the Chang'e-4 probe into space. December 12 2018 - Retrorockets on the probe fired to stabilise the spacecraft and slow it down. December 31 2018 - The probe prepared for the first-ever soft landing on the far side of the moon. Estimated for 2020 - Tiangong 3,a follow-up mission to the Tiangong-2 Before 2033 - China plans for its first uncrewed Mars exploration program. 2040 - 2060 - The Asian superpower is planning a crewed mission to Mars. Advertisement The probe entered lunar orbit 'to prepare for the first-ever soft landing on the far side of the moon', the China National Space Administration said at the time. The tasks of the Chang'e-4 include astronomical observation, surveying the moon's terrain, landform and mineral composition, and measuring the neutron radiation and neutral atoms to study the environment on the far side of the moon. Researchers hope the seeds will grow to blossom on the Moon, with the process captured on camera and transmitted to Earth. China aims to catch up with Russia and the United States to become a major space power by 2030. It is planning to launch construction of its own manned space station next year and have its own lunar base by 2036. Dr Bothwell said: 'The success of the landing and of this mission puts china in a very strong position among other nations. 'The co-operation between the space agencies is great for science and is a case of humanity working together to understand more about the mysteries and issues of the universe. 'Possibly the best thing that could happen is another space race similar to the competition between the US and Russia in the 60s and 70s. 'With ESA, Roscosmos and NASA all taking significant steps and the private space race between SpaceX and other firms hotting up, it could bring about a renaissance in space exploration.' An immaculately preserved gold ring from the 17th century has been found by an amateur metal detectorist in Scotland. The signet ring is in perfect condition and is believed to be worth up to 10,000 and previously belonged to a King's courtier who was wrongly executed for treason. It belonged to Edward Colman, who worked for King Charles II before being hung, drawn and quartered in 1678. Treasure hunter Michelle Vall, 53, of Blackpool found the artefact under six inches of mud while holidaying at Loch Lomond. Scroll down for video The signet ring is in perfect condition and is believed to be worth up to 10,000 and previously belonged to a King's courtier who was wrongly executed for treason Mrs Vall was staying in a holiday cottage close to Loch Lomond and gained permission from a local land owner to search a field when she found the ring. The school teacher said she did a little dance of joy when she realised she had struck gold. The ring has now been declared as 'treasure' by the Scottish Treasure Trove and is deemed to be so historically significant it must reside in a museum. Mrs Vall is expected to receive a reward along with the land owner. She said: 'The ring was only six inches underground. Obviously at the time I didn't know what it was, but to find gold is rare for us detectorists and I even did a little dance to celebrate. 'It was a very exciting moment and you just don't expect to find something so special.' The ring is believed to have belonged to Edward Colman, who worked for King Charles II before being hung, drawn and quartered in 1678. It bears the coat of arms of his family and is thought to have originally belonged to his grandfather Edward Colman was convicted as part of the Popish Plot, a fake conspiracy put before the privy council by priest Titus Oates in 1678 (pictured). Oates, later dubbed Titus the Liar, claimed several Catholic men were plotting to kill the King, with Edward Colman among those named. Edward Colman was convicted as part of the Popish Plot, a fake conspiracy put before the privy council by priest Titus Oates in 1678. Oates, later dubbed Titus the Liar, claimed several Catholic men were plotting to kill the King, with Edward Colman among those named. Although later established to be false, the plot resulted in the execution of at least 22 people, including Colman. He was hung, drawn and quartered at Newgate Prison in London in 1678. It is believed the ring originally belonged to Colman's grandfather Samuel, who lived in Norfolk between 1569 and 1653, and handed down through the family. It is likely to have been taken to Scotland in 1673 when Edward began working as a secretary for Mary of Modena, the wife of James II. The ring bears the grand-looking coat of arms of the Colman family. She enlisted the help of specialist auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb to help research the coat of arms which was confirmed to be that of the Colman family. Treasure hunter Michelle Vall, 53, of Blackpool found the artefact under six inches of mud while holidaying at Loch Lomond. Mrs Vall also discovered a 40,000 gold coin dropped by one of Richard III's soldiers during the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 Mrs Vall found the artefact has now been declared as 'treasure' by the Scottish Treasure Trove and is deemed to be so historically significant it must reside in a museum Mrs Vall said: 'The Scottish Treasure Trove have claimed the ring back due to its historical importance. 'They are working on a valuation but a similar ring has previously sold at auction for around 10,000 so we'd expect it to be in that region. 'I've dealt with Dix Noonan Webb in the past and I can't thank them enough for how helpful they've been. 'They came back to us with information about the Colman family and without them we would never have found out the story. 'The history of the ring is really interesting and it's been a really amazing find.' This is not the first time Mrs Vall has found treasure. In 2017 she discovered a 40,000 gold coin dropped by one of Richard III's soldiers during the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. American heath executives are pushing for the development of a device that measures a patients pain to evaluate relief measures. Currently the National Institute of Health uses questions like whether their pain is 'stabbing or burning', estimating on a scale from 1 to 10 and even emojis. But the system, which is often imprecise and subjective, is said to contribute - at least in part- to the opioid addiction crisis that killed 49,000 people in 2017. The 'pain-o-meter' or POM is a potential answer to improving assessment and management of pain in acute and chronic pain patients. Scroll down for video American doctors are pushing for the development of a device that measure a patients pain called a 'pain-o-meter' to evaluate relief measures. Here, arthritis sufferer Sarah Taylor is pictured having her pupils tracked with the device to see how they react when she's in pain OPIOIDS IN AMERICA: BY THE NUMBERS Opioid prescriptions are going down across the US, but overdoses are not. Last year, the rate of opioid overdose deaths hit a record high, with around 200 Americans dying every day, according to new figures, published by the DEA in July. US Health Secretary Alex Azar insists the tide has turned this year. However, doctors warn the boom in prescriptions flooded the market with unused pills, some of which may have made it onto the black market. An in-depth analysis of 2016 US drug overdose data shows that America's overdose epidemic is spreading geographically and increasing across demographic groups. Drug overdoses killed 63,632 Americans in 2016. Nearly two-thirds of these deaths involved a prescription or illicit opioid. Overdose deaths increased in all categories of drugs examined for men and women, people ages 15 and older, all races and ethnicities, and across all levels of urbanization. The Orange County Health Agency found that there has been an 88 percent of drug overdose deaths between 2000 and 2015. Half of those deaths were due to accidental prescription drug overdoses. Seven out of every 10 overdose deaths between 2011 and 2015 involved opioids. Source: CDC, Orange County Health Agency Advertisement NIH-funded scientists have begun studies of brain scans, pupil reactions and other possible markers of pain in hopes of finally 'seeing pain' so they can better treat it. Patient Sarah Taylor struggled to make doctors understand her sometimes debilitating levels of pain, first from joint-damaging childhood arthritis and then from fibromyalgia, a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body. 'It's really hard when people can't see how much pain you're in, because they have to take your word on it and sometimes, they don't quite believe you,' Ms Taylor said. Now scientists are using the experimental device to look into Sarah's eyes and track how her pupils react when she's in pain and when she's not. There also isn't a way to determine what kind of pain someone has - to decide whether opioids are necessary - or whether the pain, like Sarah's, is better suited to nerve-targeting medicines. The growing drugs crisis sweeping across the US is deadlier than gun violence, car crashes or Aids, according to figures. Dangerous synthetic opioid fentanyl was the biggest driver - which killed more than 29,000 people that year. 'We're not creating a lie detector for pain,' stressed David Thomas of NIH's National Institute on Drug Abuse, who oversees the research. 'It's early-stage research, and it's not clear how soon any of the attempts might pan out. 'My vision is that someday we'll pull these different metrics together for something of a fingerprint of pain.' The growing drugs crisis sweeping across the US is deadlier than gun violence, car crashes or Aids. Dangerous synthetic opioid fentanyl was the biggest driver - which killed more than 29,000 people that year (stock image) Recently arthritis sufferer Sarah Taylor climbed onto an acupuncture table at Children's National, rated that day's pain a not-too-bad 3, and opened her eyes wide for the experimental pain test. 'There'll be a flash of light for 10 seconds. All you have to do is try not to blink,' researcher Kevin Jackson told Ms Taylor as he lined up the pupil-tracking device, mounted on a smartphone. The eyes offer a window to pain centres in the brain, said Dr Julia Finkel, who directs pain research at Children's Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation. This is because some pain-sensing nerves transmit 'ouch' signals to the brain along pathways that also alter muscles of the pupils as they react to different stimuli. Dr Finkel's device tracks pupillary reactions to light or to non-painful stimulation of certain nerve fibers, aiming to link different patterns to different intensities and types of pain. Children's National Medical Center is testing an experimental device that aims to measure pain according to how pupils react to certain stimuli. 'If we can't measure pain, we can't fix it,' said Julia Finkel, who invented the eye-tracking device, pictured here with Sarah Taylor (left) Acupuncture needles are applied on Sarah Taylor's back. She uses a combination of medications, acupuncture and lots of exercise but the 17-year-old struggled to make doctors understand her sometimes debilitating levels of pain, first from joint-damaging childhood arthritis and then from fibromyalgia Consider the shooting hip and leg pain of sciatica: 'Everyone knows someone who's been started on oxycodone for their sciatic nerve pain. And they'll tell you that they feel it - it still hurts - and they just don't care,' Dr Finkel said. 'The problem is that an opioid like oxycodone brings some relief by dulling the perception of pain but not its transmission - while a different kind of drug might block the pain by targeting the culprit nerve fiber. Certain medications also can be detected by other changes in a resting pupil, Dr Finkel said. So far, scientists at Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital found MRI scans revealed patterns of inflammation in the brain that identified either fibromyalgia or chronic back pain. Other researchers have found changes in brain activity - where different areas 'light up' on scans - that signal certain types of pain. Still others are using electrodes on the scalp to measure pain through brain waves. Advertisement At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, attendees were given a firsthand look at what the future of driving will look like. Everything from autonomous 'people-movers' to a VR experience that lets users battle Iron Man from the backseat of a car was on display at the world's largest tech trade show. Major companies including BMW, Honda and Mercedes had concept cars to show off, many complete with facial recognition, flashy OLED touchscreens and futuristic pod-like designs - you'd be forgiven if you thought many of them didn't even look like cars. Scroll down for video Major companies including BMW, Honda and Mercedes had concepts to show off at CES, many complete with facial recognition and OLED touchscreens. Pictured is Mercedes' concept car, which can be used for personal rides and delivery Audi and Disney grabbed attendees' attention with their debut of a new 'Holoride' system that aims to bring virtual reality to every car, including Ford, Mercedes and other models. Using an Oculus Rift headset, passengers can be transported into virtual reality environments inside a moving E-Tron crossover SUV. Holoride, a new division from Audi, took the wraps off its first VR game for cars, called Marvel's Avengers: Rocket's Rescue Run. In it, players are tasked with joining Iron Man and Rocket to defeat Thanos and his villainous sidekicks. Audi and Disney grabbed attendees' attention with their debut of a new 'Holoride' system that aims to bring virtual reality to every car, including Ford, Mercedes and other models. The system tailors content to the length of each user's ride The companies say it'll give passengers something to do once the inevitable wave of self-driving cars takes over and they're sitting bored behind the wheel or in the backseat. Games and movies made by Holoride will be tailored exactly to the length of your ride so that you can be on your way once you get to your destination. 'Due to the haptic feedback of the real drive, the virtual experience feels incredibly realistic and more intense than ever before,' said Nils Wollny, head of digital business and consumer strategy at Audi, in a statement. Holoride noted that the VR experiences are also designed to match the movements of the car, so that there's a lower risk of riders getting motion sickness. One of the most eye-catching concept vehicles came from Hyundai's Mobis division, which debuted its 'car of tomorrow' that could become a reality as soon as 2025. It's designed to be a luxury concept car for people to get around The car features level five autonomy, as well as a gesture-based system where users point their fingers or wave their hands to move through different modes displayed on the windshield. There's a spacious area in the front with massive displays One of the most eye-catching models came from Hyundai's Mobis division, which debuted its 'car of tomorrow' that could become a reality as soon as 2025. The unnamed concept car features level five autonomy, as well as a gesture-based system where users point their fingers or wave their hands to move through different modes displayed on the windshield. It includes emoji mode, driving mode and multimedia mode, Hyundai said in a demo with Dailymail.com. In multimedia mode, users can watch videos on the windshield while the car transports them autonomously, or even activate immersive scenery that makes them feel like they're at the beach. In multimedia mode (left), users can watch videos on the windshield while the car transports them, or even activate immersive scenery that makes them feel like they're at the beach. Emoji mode uses the car's facial recognition cameras and AI to study the passenger's face, determine their mood and turn on ambient lighting to match it (right) Mercedes' EQ Silver Arrow concept car (pictured) was on view, which is designed to pay homage to the retro racing car, Mercedes' W125 Grand Prix racing car. The firm debuted a concept car, called the 'Vision iNext,' which features 'Shy Tech.' Emoji mode uses the car's facial recognition cameras and AI to study the passenger's face, determine their mood and turn on ambient lighting to match it. This also helps determine if drivers or passengers have become distracted, so as to prevent potential accidents. If users aren't ready to surrender the car completely to robots, driving mode will activate a steering wheel, disable gesture controls and magically make the car's windows transparent so they can see out. Elsewhere, Mercedes-Benz debuted a futuristic 'Vision Urbanetic' concept vehicle that's both a delivery van and a shared taxi for ferrying people around town. As a taxi, the seats are arranged like a circle, including a bench in the back that's two levels to encourage a communal atmosphere. The Mercedes-Benz Vision Urbanetic is on display at the Mercedes-Benz booth at CES International, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) The Mercedes-Benz Vision Urbanetic is on display at the Mercedes-Benz booth at CES. The seats are arranged like a circle, including a bench in the back that's two levels to encourage a communal atmosphere. Mercedes-Benz unveils the Vision URBANETIC concept vehicle Above riders' heads is a circular LED display, which Mercedes calls the 'halo display,' that can show things like points of interest and how far away they are from their destination Above riders' heads is a circular LED display, which Mercedes calls the 'halo display,' that can show things like points of interest and how far away they are from their destination. Sweeping windows surround passengers on the inside, while the windshield can display safety messages, like telling pedestrians it's safe for them to cross. The all-electric, fully autonomous car has 353 cubic feet of space and can ferry up to 12 people per ride, the firm said. Mercedes hasn't determined a target launch date for the vehicle, but said it expects it to be operational 'sooner rather than later.' Honda debuted its autonomous work vehicle at CES, which is an all-terrain vehicle that can handle a range of environments, including dangerous ones like wildland firefighting The BMW Vision iNEXT concept car is shown during the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles. Inside, it features something BMW calls 'Shy Tech.' These control interfaces are integrated into the interior materials and only appear when your hand touches a specific point Byton kicked off CES 2019 by revealing the souped up interior of its M-Byte vehicle.Not only does the mid-sized vehicle come with a 49-inch display across the dashboard, and a touchscreen at the center of the steering wheel, but it now boasts an touchscreen between the driver's and passenger's seats 'The concept...presents what might be possible in the future,' Thomas Rosenthal, product communications for future transportation at Daimler parent company Mercedes. 'It shows how ride-sharing might work, so if you want to drive from point A to point B, you have your app. 'You can call one of those cars and it arrives at your place and drives you somewhere,' he added. Mercedes' stunning EQ Silver Arrow concept car was also on view, which is designed to pay homage to the iconic retro racing car, Mercedes' W125 Grand Prix racing car. BMW showed off its own electric concept car, called the 'Vision iNext,' which features what it calls 'Shy Tech.' User controls are built into the car's interior materials, only appearing when a user's hand touches a certain area of the seat. Hyundai showed off the Elevate walking car concept. The vehicle features robotic legs that can climb over debris and obstacles to reach people in an emergency or aftermath of a disaster Audi's Holoride took the wraps off its first VR game for cars, called Marvel's Avengers: Rocket's Rescue Run. In it, players are tasked with joining Iron Man and Rocket to defeat Thanos The company has also built an 'intelligent personal assistant' that can respond to the passenger's needs. For example, if the passenger says 'Hey BMW, I'm cold,' it will automatically adjust the temperature inside the vehicle. Other handy features allow the passenger to check oil levels by saying 'Is the oil level OK?' or turn on a radio station suited to their mood by saying 'I want to relax.' Additionally, Bosch debuted a driverless electric concept shuttle that can transport up to four people at once and displays infotainment content on the windows, like movies and games. The Government has confirmed it will back moves by Labour MPs to safeguard workers' rights after Brexit in an attempt to win support for the deal. The backbench amendment would require Britain to at least match EU rules on pay and conditions, health and safety issues, plus environmental standards. The Government would be obliged to 'consider' any new laws on these standards passed by the EU after Brexit. John Mann, one of the Labour MPs behind the amendment, said Government backing for the proposal could make the Prime Minister's plan 'more attractive'. 'If we have a guarantee that works on workers' rights and conditions, that's significant,' he told the Daily Mirror. The White House counsel's office has advised President Donald Trump and his team to talk about a 'crisis' as often as possible when it comes to the border to help justify a legal argument for a national emergency should the president declare one to get his wall built. The presidential lawyers argue the more times the term is used, the more citations they will have in filing a legal defense of such a move, CNN reported. Should the president declare a national emergency, Democrats are expected to challenge it in court immediately. President Trump visited the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas on Thursday Vice President Mike Pence was on Capitol Hill as seen with White House counselor Kellyanne Conway Speaker Nancy Pelosi won't say what Democrats will do if Trump declares a national emergency Trump isn't ruling out using his emergency powers but he also hasn't pulled the trigger - yet. 'We can declare a national emergency. We shouldn't have to. This is just common sense,' he said during a visit to the border on Thursday. 'And there's no question it holds up,' he said of a possible legal challenge. He added he was prepared to go to the court over the issue if it comes to that. 'I'm prepared for anything, I'm prepared, the lawyers tell me, like, 100%. That doesn't stop people from suing,' he said. The White House also has begun laying the groundwork for such a declaration by searching for unused money in the Army Corps of Engineers budget to build the wall, The Washington Post reported. The $13.9 billion in Army Corps budget includes money to fund projects throughout the United States, including storm-damaged areas of Puerto Rico through fiscal year 2020, but the checks have not been written yet, NBC News reported. If Trump declares a national emergency, he could take money from those projects and use it for his wall. Meanwhile, the administration has focused on rebranding the situation at the border a humanitarian and national security crisis in the past week to prepare for such an occurrence. White House officials have used the term 'crisis' more frequently in recent days. 'Just arrived at Capitol to talk w/ members of Congress about the humanitarian & security crisis at our southern border,' Vice President Mike Pence tweeted on Thursday morning. 'The crisis on the border is real' was the title of a video the official White House twitter account posted Wednesday. Even the president has joined in and used the word in his primetime address on the border Tuesday night. 'To every member of Congress: Pass a bill that ends this crisis,' Trump pleaded during his Oval Office speech. The president has also held his shutdown talks with Congressional leaders in the White House Situation Room to help add to the impression this is a crisis. The counsel's office review of whether Trump can declare a national emergency began in the middle of last week, CNN reported, amid a partial government shutdown over funding Trump's wall. The president wants $5.7 billion to build his barrier while Democrats are holding firm at $1.3 billion for border security. Neither side shows any sign of budging, which has increased speculation Trump may use the national emergency option. Trump said Wednesday he has the 'absolute right' to declare an emergency, declaring that the only meaningful 'threshold' for making that decision would be the failure of his team and negotiators in Congress to cut a deal. And with both sides at an impasse, ideas have been flying, offers have been made, legislative maneuvering has been in play, and options are being considered. House Democrats, starting Wednesday, have begun to pass piecemeal bills that fund the government one Cabinet agency at a time. Last week they passed two proposals - one that would fund all departments except for the Department of Homeland Security through the end of the fiscal year and another bill to fund Homeland Security until Feb. 8. Senate Democrats took the floor of the upper chamber on Thursday to try and bring the proposals to a vote. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell shot down their efforts. He has said he will not bring up any legislation for a vote that Trump won't sign and the president is holding fast on not signing anything that doesn't fully fund his wall. 'It's been perfectly clear that the only way to produce this result is for the president, the speaker of the House and the minority leader to agree,' McConnell said. There are also concerns Republicans on Capitol Hill aren't sold on the idea of the president declaring a 'national emergency.' Trump has not said he'll declare a national emergency but he hasn't ruled it out Vice President Pence tweeted about the 'crisis' The White House counsel's office has urged officials to use the word 'crisis' to help justify a legal argument for declaring a national emergency Trump had lunch in the Capitol building with Senate Republicans on Wednesday to urge them to hold the line. Republicans were getting vocal about their concerns the shutdown has gone on too long with some saying it's time to reopen the government even without a guarantee of full funding for Trump's border wall. The president played down what's happening in his party when asked about it during his visit to Capitol Hill. 'There is tremendous Republican support. Unwavering,' he said. And one of his staunchest allies in the Senate - Republican Lindsey Graham - tweeted his encouragement to the president on Thursday to pull the trigger on using his emergency powers. 'Speaker Pelosi's refusal to negotiate on Wall/Barrier funding even if the government were to be reopened virtually ends congressional path to fund Wall/Barrier. Time for President @realDonaldTrump to use emergency powers to build Wall/Barrier. I hope it works,' he wrote. Speaker Nancy Pelosi earlier Thursday said she thought the president just wanted to hold a debate on his signature campaign promise instead of doing any actual building. 'I don't think the president wants a wall. I think he wants a debate on the wall,' she said during a press conference on Capitol Hill. She also refused to reveal Democrats' plans should the president opt to use emergency powers. 'If and when the president does that you'll find out how we'll react,' she said, adding: 'I think the president will have problems on his own side of the aisle.' Pence was on Capitol Hill Tuesday to talk to lawmakers as the shutdown hit day 20. Adding to the sense of urgency, Friday marks pay day for 800,000 federal workers who won't get checks thanks to the shutdown. And Saturday will make this shutdown the longest in history. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said he is 'depressed' about the situation Graham urged Trump to declare a national emergency Graham and a group of Republican senators came up with a plan to end the stalemate: Democrats would have to agree to billions of dollars in funding for the president's wall in exchange for temporary protections for immigrants protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Temporary Protected Status, Politico reported. But Pence indicated Trump was a no go on that option. 'No wall, no deal,' he said. Graham sounded despondent talking to reporters on Capitol Hill Thursday. 'I have never been more depressed about moving forward than right now. I just don't see a pathway forward. Somebody's got to like get some energy to fix this,' Graham said. 'I've run out of ideas.' 'I don't know who to talk to and I don't know what else to do,' he said. He ended with: 'I'm gonna meet with Ron Johnson and then I'm going to the gym.' Furious Theresa May has accused her own Cabinet ministers of plotting to undermine her as she fights to save her Brexit deal, a bombshell secret No 10 memo has revealed. An email leaked to this newspaper lays bare the open warfare in the Cabinet as rival ministers jockey for position amid reports the Prime Minister could be forced to resign if her Brexit deal is defeated. The email, written by No 10 director of communications Robbie Gibb, slams rival Tory leadership contenders Sajid Javid, Amber Rudd and Liz Truss. British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a press conference with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan He accuses them of trying to upstage Mrs Mays 20billion annual NHS boost unveiled last weekend by announcing their own initiatives at the same time. He says Mrs May was frustrated by their actions; she had not approved them and they had not even bothered to ask her permission. And in the email to Cabinet special advisers high powered spin doctors employed by senior ministers he claims they are making her Brexit task even harder. He says: We deliberately starved out the Downing St weekend (media) grid to give the launch of PMs NHS plan the best coverage. British Prime Minister Theresa May (R) and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (L) hold a joint press conference at 10 Downing Street today But because of briefings and articles by ministers in Sunday papers, attention was diverted elsewhere. To add to our frustration, No 10 had no warning of two ministerial op-eds (articles) and there was a briefing on a policy change we did not approve. Id like to say it was out of the ordinary, but it isnt. In a stern warning not to defy Mrs Mays authority, he adds: Let me remind you that all Government special advisers work for the Prime Minister as well as your own Secretary of State. This situation cannot continue. Gibb says Mrs May was frustrated by their actions; she had not approved them and they had not even bothered to ask her permission. Pictured with a senior British Army officer Downing Street Director of Communications Robbie Gibb walks towards Number 10 Downing Street on October 15, 2018 The accusation of Cabinet plotting came as: A BBC projection was reported to show Mrs Mays deal could be defeated by 228 votes the heaviest Government loss in modern history; Conservative MPs Remainer George Freeman and Brexiteer Trudy Harrison gave Mrs May a chink of light by saying they would drop their opposition to the deal and back her; A Former MI6 chief and former head of the Armed Forces claimed that Mrs Mays deal would threaten national security in fundamental ways a claim angrily rejected by No 10; Mrs May rounded on John Bercow for tearing up Commons rules to allow her opponents to cause trouble on Brexit. Former BBC executive Mr Gibb does not name individual ministers in his email. But insiders said his anger was directed at Home Secretary Mr Javid, Work and Pensions Secretary Miss Rudd and Treasury Chief Secretary Miss Truss. All three are highly ambitious figures and seen as leading contenders to replace Mrs May when she steps down. Miss Rudds office briefed a Sunday newspaper on new changes to the Universal Credits welfare system. Former BBC executive Mr Gibb does not name individual ministers in his email. But insiders said his anger was directed at Home Secretary Mr Javid and others Mr Javids allies reportedly briefed another paper on tighter rules on asylum claims. Home Office sources say Mr Javid was due to write a bylined article setting out his policy until No 10 vetoed it. And Miss Truss wrote an article calling for expensive white elephant projects such as the HS2 rail line to be scrapped to inject more cash into the economy after Brexit. Miss Rudd and Mr Javid have both clashed before with Mrs May. The email, written by No 10 director of communications Robbie Gibb, slams rival Tory leadership contenders Sajid Javid, Amber Rudd (left) and Liz Truss (right) 'I am sorry to start the New Year on a sour note but...' Mr Gibb's full leaked email This is a challenging time for the Government. Number 10 worked incredibly hard and deliberately starved out the Downing St weekend grid [of media appearances] to give the launch of PMs NHS plan its biggest ever cash injection the best possible coverage. But because of briefings and articles by ministers in Sunday papers, attention was diverted elsewhere. To add to our frustration, No 10 had no warning of two ministerial op-eds [articles] and there was a briefing on a policy change we did not approve. Id like to say it was out of the ordinary but it isnt. More and more interviews and briefings appear that have not been approved or are even on the No 10 grid. There is a clear process for doing this and it must be adhered to. Let me remind you that all Government special advisers work for the Prime Minister as well as your own Secretary of State. Your duty is to promote the Governments message, not just your own ministers. I am sorry to start the New Year on a sour note but this situation cannot continue. Advertisement Allies of the Prime Minister say she was irritated by the way pro-Remain Miss Rudd is leading a rebel Cabinet move to promote a so-called Norway-style deal with the EU. No 10 was angry with Mr Javid for refusing to back Mrs Mays vow to reduce immigration to tens of thousands. When Mr Javid was forced to cut short his Christmas holiday to deal with the Channel migrant crisis, it was alleged that Downing Street leaked details of his luxury safari holiday in an act of revenge. The memo is the latest evidence of what some ministers claim of total disarray inside Downing St. New Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill has been shocked by persistent leaks at Cabinet meetings. In some instances, Cabinet discussions have been leaked while the meeting is still in progress. Some Tories say the growing revolt against Mrs Mays Brexit deal from her MPs and Cabinet ministers, together with her own crumbling authority, has resulted in her and the Downing Street machine losing control of events. Mr Gibb last night declined to comment. A shred of good news for Mrs May came yesterday when two Conservative MPs expected to vote against her deal stood up in the Commons to pledge their support and express their fears about the dangers of no deal. Former business minister Mr Freeman had argued for the Norway-style Brexit but yesterday said he would vote with the Government with a heavy heart. Copeland MP and Leave supporter Mrs Harrison had been widely expected to vote against the deal having signed up to the Stand Up For Brexit website. Mrs May will hope that their decisions, which came on the second day of debate over the Withdrawal Agreement, will encourage other MPs to do the same. Mr Freeman, the MP for Mid-Norfolk, told MPs he respected the referendum result and was deeply opposed to a second referendum. He warned that public trust in our politics and parliamentary democracy is at a dangerous low. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, third left, meets with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 10 Downing Street, today He said the deal was not perfect and he had many reservations about it but added: It would be woefully irresponsible of the Government to pursue no deal. Mrs Harrison, a mother of four, said she did not want a no deal Brexit, adding that Mrs Mays proposal met the key points of leaving. Tony Fabrizio, who served as the lead pollster of Donald Trump's presidential campaign, met with special counsel Robert Mueller's investigators back in February, it was revealed Thursday. The meeting was spotted by CNN at the time in advance of former Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort's trial on corruption trials. Fabrizio also assisted Manafort on work years earlier on Ukraine. Tony Fabrizio, the head pollster for Donald Trump's 2016, met with special counsel Robert Mueller's office in February. Paul Manafort passed poll information to a Russian linked to an intelligence service, it was revealed this week although it is unclear what poll information was provided It takes on potential new significance in light of this week's explosive revelation that Manafort passed on campaign polling information during the campaign to former associate Konstantin Kilimnik, who Mueller's prosecutors have identified in filings as being linked to Russian intelligence. A source familiar with the line of questioning told the network the inquiries were about Fabrizio's Ukraine work, rather than his polling for Trump. CNN reported this week that Ukrainian oligarchs Serhiy Lyovochkin and Rinat Akhmetov were the intended recipients. Both had paid Manafort for his work in Ukraine in the past. Trump on Thursday denied knowledge of Manafort's actions. 'No. I didn't know anything about it. Nothing about it,' Trump said at the White House. Fabrizio's firm touts its work for Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and others Special counsel Robert Mueller's prosecutors accuse Manafort of violating a cooperation agreement Blacked out portions reveal what Manafort told prosecutors in a 'proffer meeting' in September of 2018 Konstantin Kilimnik has been indicted by special counsel Robert Mueller on charges he tampered with witnesses in the upcoming Paul Manafort trial. Kilimnik has been described as a fixer, translator or office manager to Trump's ex-campaign chairman, Manafort. But an Associated Press investigation finds documents show that he was far more involved in Manafort's activities than had been portrayedHe helped formulate Manafort's pitches to clients in Russia and Ukraine, including Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, to whom he was main go-between. Mueller has alleged that Kilimnik has ties to the Kremlin's intelligence apparatus Trump said Thursday that he didn't know 'anything' about his former campaign chair Paul Manafort passing on campaign polling to an alleged Russian spy during the 2016 campaign. 'No I didn't know anything about it nothing about it,' said Trump, when asked about it before taking off for the border on the 20th day of a government shutdown. The information about Manafort came out this week in a court filing by Manafort's lawyers that included botched redactions. Although the filing was meant to push Manafort's position that he had not lied in breach of a cooperation deal, the faulty redactions revealed the substance of what the dispute was about. President Trump on Thursday denied knowing anything about Manafort's actions 'Issues and communications related to Ukrainian political events simply were not at the forefront of Mr. Manafort's mind during the period at issue and it is not surprising at all that Mr. Manafort was unable to recall specific details prior to having his recollection refreshed,' according to the blacked out material in the memo. 'The same is true with regard to the Government's allegation that Mr. Manafort lied about sharing polling data with Mr. Kilimnik related to the 2016 presidential campaign,' according to the Manafort filing. Fabrizio is a longtime pollster with a Florida office who has taken on a number of top-tier clients. The firm's website cites 'A History of Winning,' and features pictures of Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Florida Sen. and former Gov. Rick Scott, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, as well as a large picture of Trump. There is no indication what kind of poll information Manafort turned over to Kilimnik, a former business associate of his. A nurse at a government hospital in India is said to have 'decapitated a baby while pulling too hard during a difficult birth'. The mother, who has been named by local media as 'Dikhsha Kanwar' is reportedly fighting for her life in hospital following the incident. During the delivery a male nurse pulled at the foetus so hard that it broke into two parts, it was reported. Following the incident which reportedly happened on January 6, the nurse and a colleague took the torso of the baby to the mortuary of the hospital in Ramgarh in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district. The mother, who has been named by local media as 'Dikhsha Kanwar' is reportedly fighting for her life The woman was then taken to Jawahar Hospital for further treatment after staff said there had been a 'complication' with the birth. Speaking to the Hindustan Times Dr Ravindra Sankhla, a gynecologist at Jawahar Hospital said the staff at the health centre informed him that they had completed the delivery but left the placenta in the womb. Dr Sankhla said he realised there was something 'horribly wrong' when he attempted to remove the placenta, who then referred her to the Ummed Hospital in Jodhpur'. Doctors conducted an operation and found the foetus' head in the womb. The doctors informed the woman's relatives and the family members. A case has been opened against two male nurses but police are yet to arrest them. The man in charge of the heath centre in Ramgargh, Dr Nikhil Sharma, said he wasn't present at the time of the incident. Dr Usha Duggad, principal medical officer at Jawahar government hospital said it was a rare case. Jalam Singh, sub-inspector and investigating officer of the case, said on behalf of Diksha, her husband Tilok Bhati lodged a complaint against Amritlal and Junjhar Singh, the two male nurses. Mr Bhati alleged that the nurses at the Ramgarh centre were drunk. 'When questioned, the hospital staffers handed over the lower part of the foetus to us. 'No arrest has been made so far', he added. The minister in charge of reining in government expenditure charged taxpayers $37,000 so he could fly on a military jet instead of getting a commercial flight. Finance Minister Mathias Cormann billed taxpayers for three flights aboard a RAAF CL604 Challenger last year so he could spruik the government's income tax plan and lobby crossbench senators to cut corporate tax. These flights on June 22, taking him from Canberra to Adelaide and then back to his home city of Perth, cost $37,000 or about 20 times the cost of one commercial flight. Finance Minister Mathias Cormann (left with wife Hayley Ross) billed taxpayers $37,000 for three flights aboard a RAAF jet so he could lobby crossbench senators on tax policy The hefty expenses haven't been listed by the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority but Senator Cormann has confirmed he took the military flights because there were no available commercial services at short notice. 'Use of the special purpose aircraft was approved in the appropriate way to facilitate official business in Adelaide in transit from Canberra back to Perth in between two parliamentary sitting weeks,' his spokeswoman told the ABC. June 22 was also the day Parliament agreed to pass the government's personal income tax cuts. Crossbench senators, however, continued to opposed the Coalition's plan to reduce corporate tax from 30 per cent to 25 per cent. These flights on June 22, taking him from Canberra to Adelaide and then back to his home city of Perth, aboard a CL604 Challenger (pictured) cost 20 times that of one commercial flight This was why Senator Cormann flew to Adelaide, during a non-sitting week of Parliament, to meet with Centre Alliance senators Stirling Griff and Rex Patrick in a bid to lobby them, the ABC confirmed. Two days later, Senator Cormann took a commercial flight from Perth to Canberra for $1,808, Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority data showed. On June 29, he took another commercial flight from Canberra to Adelaide, charging taxpayers $1,758, before flying from Adelaide to Perth for $1,754. Just days after chartering a RAAF military jet, Senator Cormann (pictured) took three commercial flights on the same routes costing $5,320 or seven times less These three flights came to $5,320, or seven times less than the $37,000 he charged for a military jet on June 22. While Australia's finance minister is in charge of government expenditure programs, Education Minister Dan Tehan defended Senator Cormann's use of a military jet. 'What that trip was about as I understand, was making sure that we were doing everything possible to see Australians pay less tax,' he told ABC TV's Breakfast on Friday, arguing he travelled to Adelaide to lobby the Centre Alliance senators because he was 'hellbent' on reducing tax. A fertility tracker bracelet designed to help women get pregnant could soon perform the reverse role and replace traditional contraception such as the Pill, its makers claim. The Ava bracelet, which is already being used by thousands of women in Britain, is close to launching a contraception setting which will show when fertility is high and warn against intercourse. Ava is in the late stages of research before rolling out the new setting on the 249 bracelet, which looks like a Fitbit-style fitness tracker. The move is likely to be welcomed by women who often forget to take their pill. It is claimed the bracelet and its app help users keep an accurate track of their menstrual cycle by monitoring nine biomarkers, including skin temperature, breathing, heart rate and perfusion blood supply around the body. The makers say the bracelet can detect an average of 5.3 fertile days per cycle with 89 per cent accuracy. Women track their fertility through an app, and can pinpoint the exact days they are most likely to get pregnant using Ava The Swiss-based company decided to launch the contraceptive feature following feedback from women who admitted they were already using the device to avoid pregnancy. Ava global brand director Sonja Lutz said: We are not a contraceptive as of today but we have clinical trials and studies running at the moment. Ava is planning to seek approval from the US Food and Drug Administration which would mean it could market itself as an alternative to traditional contraception. The company says that soon - they won't say exactly then - it will roll out a new contraception feature That is the next step, said Mrs Lutz, speaking at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The company will not say when the new feature will roll out or be made available in Britain. The plan is that the bracelet will help a woman know when and when not to be intimate with her partner. The bracelet is currently worn at night by those trying to conceive. Through a mobile phone app connected to the device, the wearer is shown her fertility window each month and sent an alert when it is time to start trying for a baby. It is claimed users are able to plan intercourse months in advance, with the app mapping out when they will be most fertile. Mrs Lutz said: We have a lot of military wives, for example, or husbands who travel a lot. They need to know when to be home. She added that many women use the tracker because they are sick of having to pee on a stick to carry out an ovulation test and find out if they are fertile. Ava claims 50 women around the world get pregnant each day using the bracelet. The firms contraception plans come after an advert for an app which claimed to act as digital birth control was banned in Britain last year. Natural Cycles, founded in Sweden, claimed to help prevent pregnancies through algorithms based on ovulation, menstrual cycle length and temperature. But the Advertising Standards Authority ruled that claims made about the effectiveness of the 5.99-a-month app were exaggerated. An April examination of a woman who gave birth to a baby boy while in a vegetative state showed no signs of the pregnancy. Court documents revealed on Thursday that the Arizona woman, who was sexually assaulted, received a medical exam nearly nine months before giving birth. The 29-year-old woman's mother and legal guardian submitted an annual report as required by state law that included results of a physical done on April 16. According to the report, the doctor who examined her at Hacienda HealthCare, the long-term care facility where she lives, found 'no change' in her health. The doctor also noted that the exam was external only. Doctors in fetal medicine say it's possible there might not be extreme outward signs of pregnancy if the mother is in a vegetative state. On Wednesday, Phoenix police said during a press conference that the baby nearly died during birth. Scroll down for video Thompson confirmed that the baby was in distress following the birth, but he and his mother are now recovering at a local hospital. The victim gave birth on December 29 at Hacienda HealthCare (pictured). She has been in a vegetative state for more than 10 years Sgt Tommy Thompson confirmed that the baby was in distress following the birth, but he and his mother are now recovering at a local hospital. The victim gave birth on December 29 at Hacienda HealthCare. She had been in a vegetative state for more than 10 years after a near-drowning when she delivered the baby boy. Thompson said he didn't have many details about the birth, but to his knowledge, staff members of the facility were there when the baby was born, and it was a natural birth. He wasn't able to confirm if the baby was full term at the time of the birth, but he said the baby boy was 'quite a long ways'. When asked if staffers at the facility knew about the pregnancy and failed to report, Thompson said: 'I'm led to believe that this [pregnancy] came to light when the baby was born.' Thompson said that if staffers did know about the pregnancy, they will face possible charges for not reporting it to authorities. 'This was a helpless victim who was sexually assaulted,' Thompson told reporters. Sgt Tommy Thompson (pictured) said during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that the baby born to the victim nearly died during birth He said the woman, who has not been identified, was 'not in a position to give consent'. It's unclear if the woman was assaulted more than once, but it is a possibility. When asked whether police would speak to other women at the facility to see if they had been sexually assaulted, Thompson said the police department is only focusing on the one sexual assault case. A lawyer for the woman's family said they were outraged at the 'neglect of their daughter' and asked for privacy. 'The family would like me to convey that the baby boy has been born into a loving family and will be well cared for,' Phoenix attorney John Michaels said in a statement. On Tuesday, police served a search warrant to get DNA from all male employees at a long-term care facility. Hacienda HealthCare said it welcomed the DNA testing of employees. 'We will continue to cooperate with Phoenix Police and all other investigative agencies to uncover the facts in this deeply disturbing, but unprecedented situation,' the company said in a statement. Local news website Azfamily.com first reported that the woman, who had been in a vegetative state for more than 10 years after a near-drowning, delivered a baby on December 29. San Carlos Apache officials announced Tuesday night that the woman was an enrolled member of the tribe, whose reservation is in southeastern Arizona about 134 miles east of Phoenix. In a statement, tribal officials said the woman was still in a coma when she gave birth. The woman's name was redacted from the tribal statement. 'On behalf of the tribe, I am deeply shocked and horrified at the treatment of one of our members,' tribal chairman Terry Rambler said. 'When you have a loved one committed to palliative care, when they are most vulnerable and dependent upon others, you trust their caretakers. Sadly, one of her caretakers was not to be trusted and took advantage of her. It is my hope that justice will be served.' San Carlos Apache Police Chief Alejandro Benally said Phoenix police 'will do all they can to find the perpetrator' and his department will assist 'in any way possible'. A spokesman for Hacienda HealthCare said investigators served a search warrant Tuesday to obtain DNA samples from all male staffers. San Carlos Apache officials announced Tuesday night that the woman was an enrolled member of the tribe, whose reservation is in southeastern Arizona about 134 miles east of Phoenix. Members of the San Carlos Apache Tribe are seen in a 2014 Facebook photo In a statement, board member Gary Orman said the facility 'will accept nothing less than a full accounting of this absolutely horrifying situation'. 'We will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of every single one of our patients and our employees,' Orman said. Hacienda CEO Bill Timmons stepped down Monday, spokesman David Leibowitz said. The decision was unanimously accepted by the provider's board of directors. Gov Doug Ducey's office has called the situation 'deeply troubling'. The Hacienda facility serves infants, children and young adults who are 'medically fragile' or have developmental disabilities, according to the website. In the wake of the reports, the Arizona Department of Health Services said new safety measures have been implemented. They include increased staff presence during any patient interaction, more monitoring of patient care areas and additional security measures involving visitors. The state's online complaint database for care facilities shows multiple complaints about the facility going back to 2013. Most of them involve fire drill and evacuation preparation or Medicaid eligibility. San Carlos Apache Tribal Chairman Terry Rambler said: 'On behalf of the tribe, I am deeply shocked and horrified at the treatment of one of our members' But one complaint from December 2013 outlines an allegation that a staff member made inappropriate sexual comments about four patients two months earlier. Nobody relayed the incidents to an administrator. That employee was later fired. Martin Solomon, a personal injury attorney in Phoenix whose clients are mostly vulnerable adult victims of abuse and neglect, said a lawyer representing this woman should call for all pertinent medical records, a list of current and ex-employees and any past litigation involving Hacienda. It would be the police who would lead DNA testing to figure out who fathered the baby, Solomon said. It would be hard for Hacienda to escape any kind of liability in court. 'There's a lot of information we do not have. But things like this don't happen without someone either knowing about it or should have known about it,' Solomon said. 'Whether it's an employee or someone from the outside, the facility has an obligation to protect residents.' Thompson said that the baby's DNA will be one of their key tools in the investigation. Advocates for the disabled say Arizona needs to find a way to monitor allegations of sexual abuse and sexual violence in group settings. Doing background checks isn't enough, said Erica McFadden, executive director of the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council. 'I think when you've had somebody who's had multiple allegations from different parties, there has to be some way to track that,' McFadden said. 'If it's the same story from different people, then there's something wrong.' The council recently formed a task force to look at how to improve training for health care workers when it comes to identifying and reporting sexual abuse. 'We don't have a systematic way to train people what's a good touch or a bad touch. We also don't have required training for providers,' McFadden said. 'We really need a lot of work in this area.' Jon Meyers, executive director of The Arc of Arizona, an advocacy group for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, called the allegations 'disturbing, to put it mildly.' 'I wasn't there. I clearly don't have firsthand knowledge of what happened,' Meyers said. 'But I can't believe someone receiving that level of constant care wasn't recognized as being pregnant prior to the time she delivered.' Weet-Bix fans are fuming after Sanitarium slashed the size of family value packs by 300g and continuing to charge full price. Family favourite 1.5kg boxes of Weet-Bix sold at Coles have dropped in size over the new year, with the supermarket shelves now stocked with 1.2kg boxes. Many shoppers have been left puzzled as the price of the smaller box has remained the same. Customers took to social media to express their disappointment with the change Coles had exclusively sold the 1.5kg box for $5, while Woolworths was selling 1.2kg boxes for $4. Now, just the 1.2kg value box is available and Coles and Woolworths have set the price at $5, despite the boxes being short six Weet-Bix. Customers took to social media to express their disappointment with the change. 'So where has the value gone?' one person asked. 'You're stiffing us a whole row of Weet-Bix,' one person said. In a statement, Sanitarium said the price for 'things like energy and transport' had increased and as a result the price of Weet-Bix had gone up 'Another hit to the family budget value pack same price but 300g less, not cool,' another said. A Woolworths spokesman told the Daily Mail it had 'reluctantly moved the shelf price of 1.2kg Weet-bix' as a result of a recent cost increase by Sanitarium. When approached by the Daily Mail, a Coles spokeswoman directed questions to Sanitarium. In a statement, Sanitarium said the price for 'things like energy and transport' had increased and as a result the price of Weet-Bix had gone up. The company also said the drought in eastern Australia had impacted wheat prices too. A cash-strapped police force has become the first in the country to use special constables as volunteer detectives to help investigate serious crimes. Unpaid specials will be assigned by Essex Police to help with complex cases including murders and rapes. Other forces have recruited members of the public to criminal investigation departments but these have involved less sensitive roles, such as helping to locate stolen property or trawling through documents. Community Support Police officers, Westminster, London (file image) Essex denied the measure was due to budgetary constraints and insisted volunteers with skills in particular areas would benefit investigations. But the Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said it was a response to the rock-bottom morale afflicting overworked criminal investigation departments. Meanwhile, critics warned of specialist policing on the cheap that could hinder investigations and risked robbing victims of justice. An advert by Essex Police states: Were on the lookout for driven, organised and self-motivated individuals who can volunteer for a minimum of 16 hours a month as special constables in a volunteer detective type role alongside serving detectives. Appealing for volunteers, Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings, of the Serious Crime Directorate, added: Do you want to help investigate the most serious crimes in Essex including murders, attempted murders, stranger rapes and kidnappings? Could you help us investigate complex fraud and corruption cases, money laundering and electoral fraud? If so, you could be a great fit for our Major Crime Unit or our Serious Economic Crime Unit. Mr Jennings last night insisted the scheme would not plug any gaps in policing or financing. We have to accept that crimes are moving and changing daily and there are skills in the private sector that would benefit us, like telecoms, IT and mobile phone technology, or anyone particularly au fait with cybercrime, he said. That knowledge or skill base would help us. British police dog handlers work with their sniffer dogs outside The Mill pub in Salisbury, southern England, on March 15 (file image) The force is recruiting two specialists for now, although the scheme could expand if successful. Karen Stephens, of the Police Federations Detectives Forum, said Essexs decision, while the first of its kind, was not surprising. Forces across England and Wales are struggling to cope with minimal numbers and results from our National Detectives Survey show that detectives feel overworked and overwhelmed, with morale at rock bottom and a staggering number taking sickness absence, she said. Being a detective was always a sought-after, desirable role. However, this is no longer the case. The support for overstretched detectives would be positive as long as they have adequate training and support, she added. Do you want to help investigate the most serious crimes in Essex including murders, attempted murders, stranger rapes and kidnappings?' said DS Stephen Jennings But victims rights campaigner Harry Fletcher warned: It sounds to me like specialist policing on the cheap and no amount of goodwill from special constables will make up for expertise and professionalism, so there is a risk victims of serious crime will not receive the detailed attention their case warrants. Essex which currently has 600 fewer officers than in 2012 said the volunteers would go through a rigorous selection process before taking part in structured training programmes over several months, typically on weekends and evenings when they were not at work. Three years ago Cambridgeshire Police advertised for volunteer detectives to track stolen items. Property recovery volunteers might visit car boot sales or trawl through lots at auctions to identify missing valuables. And West Yorkshire Police announced it was recruiting 60 members of the public to join its Homicide and Major Enquiry Team for duties including making door-to-door enquiries. Specials who have the same powers as regular officers including the right to arrest individuals generally work for between 16 and 25 hours per month. They do not receive pay but are reimbursed for expenses. A former Nazi concentration camp guard who was deported from the US back to Germany after he was found living in Queens died on Thursday, aged 95. Jakiw Palij, thought to be the last Nazi liaison living in the US, was deported back to Germany last year after a lengthy citizenship battle. He had been living in the New York borough of Queens when details about his secret Nazi past were unearthed by authorities in 2003. The discovery of his links to the Third Reich sparked outrage in the area and his home was regularly subjected to picketed protests demanding his deportation. Jakiw Palij (pictured on August 20, 2018) became the last Nazi to be deported from the US, after a 15 year legal battle. He had been living in Queens, New York, before details about his heinous past were revealed in 2003. He died on Thursday in Germany Eventually, in August last year, Palij was escorted from his home in a wheelchair and banished back to Germany after they agreed to provide him residency. German media have reported that Palij died on January 10 in a retirement home in Ahlen, near Dortmund. US Ambassador Richard Grenell, who lobbied for Germany to take Palij in, said: 'It would have been very upsetting to many Americans if he had died in the US in what many viewed as a comfortable escape.' Born in 1925 in Ukraine, Palij entered the U.S. in 1949 under the Displaced Persons Act, a law meant to help refugees from postwar Europe. In 1949 Palij, a former Nazi concentration camp guard, lied to US immigration officers telling them he'd never served in the military and had spent the work working at a farm and in a factory At the time he told immigration officers he'd been working at a woodshop and farm during the war in Nazi-occupied Poland, and later at a upholstery factory in Germany. He claimed he never served in the military. However, the U.S. Justice Department said he played an essential role in the Nazi program to exterminate Jews as an armed guard at the Trawniki concentration camp. When investigators knocked on his door in 1993, he told them: 'I would never have received my visa if I told the truth. Everyone lied.' According to the Justice Department, Palij served in a unit that 'committed atrocities against Polish civilians and other', and then in the notorious SS Streibel Battalion, 'a unit whose function was to round up and guard thousands of Polish civilian forced laborers.' He shared a red-stone home in Queen with his late wife, Maria for several decades After his past became public his home was regularly picketed by furious New Yorkers, calling for his deportation (as shown in April 2017) Palij served at Trawniki in 1943, when 6,000 prisoners in the camps and tens of thousands of other prisoners held in occupied Poland were slaughtered. Eventually, the Nazi collaborator admitted to serving in Trawniki but denied his involvement in any war crimes. Palij was never convicted of any crimes in the US, as none of those speculated happened on American soil and the victims weren't American. His US citizenship was revoked in 2003 for 'participation in acts against Jewish civilians'. He lived in limbo for the next 15 years as Germany, Poland, Ukraine and other countries refused to grant him citizenship. But a diplomatic push last year finally convinced Germany to claim Palij. Once extradited, German investigators concluded there wasn't enough evidence of wartime criminal activity to charge him. The 95-year-old eventually admitted to working as a guard at the Trawniki concentration camp in 1943, but denied any involvement in war crimes. The same year he joined the camp, 6,000 prisoners at the facility were executed (Pictured: Heinrich Himmler shakes hands with new guard recruits at the Trawniki camp in 1942) 'Good riddance to this war criminal,' Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, after Palij's deportation was announced. Palij managed to live quietly in the U.S. for years until a fellow former guard told Canadian authorities in 1989 that he was 'living somewhere in America.' Investigators asked Russia and other countries for records on Palij beginning in 1990 and first confronted him in 1993. Palij's cover was blown in 2003 when a fellow former guard told Canadian authorities that he was living 'somewhere in America' It wasn't until after a second interview in 2001 that he signed a document acknowledging he had been a guard at Trawniki and a member of the Streibel Battalion. Palij suggested at one point during the interview that he was threatened with death if he refused to work as a guard, saying, 'If you don't show up, boom-boom.' In 2017, all 29 members of New York's congressional delegation signed a letter urging the State Department to follow through on his deportation. Michael Cohen, the former Donald Trump attorney who was sentenced last year to three years in prison, has agreed to testify in a public congressional hearing next month about his private sector work for the president. Trump told reporters in Texas an hour after the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee announced its plans: 'I'm not worried about it at all. No.' Cohen was Trump's most dogged and visible fixer for more than a decade. The committee, now helmed by Democrats for the first time in eight years, will hear his testimony on February 7. He said Thursday that the hearing will give him a chance 'to give a full and credible acount of the events that have transpired.' The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, California Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, said too that he hopes Cohen will testify in a 'closed' hearing about alleged Trump ties to Russian election meddling. Former Donald Trump attorney Michael Cohen will testify in a public congressional hearing on February 7 about his work for the president in the private sector and the crimes to which he pled guilty in November Trump employed Cohen as his personal lawyer and fixer at the Trump Organization for years before he ran for president; he told reporters in Texas on Thursday that 'I'm not worried about it at all' 'It will be necessary,' Schiff said Thursday, 'for Mr. Cohen to answer questions pertaining to the Russia investigation, and we hope to schedule a closed session before our committee in the near future.' Cohen entered a guilty plea in November to a charge of lying to Congress about a Trump Organization real estate project that was slated for Moscow, Russia and discussed through the fall of 2016 while the president was rnuning for office. Discussions about a planned construction project were ultimately abandoned and no contract was signed. Cohen was also the central figure in a plot to buy the silence of pornographic actress Stormy Daniels, who claimed that she had an affair with Trump in 2006. Daniels signed a nondisclosure agreement in exchange for $130,000 from Cohen, a transaction that he admitted was a violation of campaign finance laws since it amounted to an illegally large contribution benefiting Trump's White House hopes. He also said in court that Trump directed him to make the payment, suggesting the president was guilty of a crime. Maryland Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings, the new chairman of the House Oversight of Government Reform Committee, announced Thursday that he had booked Cohen for a date in front of his panel Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of California said he also wants Cohen to testify before his panel, but in secret In August he pleaded guilty to eight separate charges related to tax dodges, falsifying bank documents and the campaign finance violations involving Daniels and another woman, former Playboy magazine model Karen McDougal. Cohen claims that at Trump's request, he arranged for the publisher of The National Enquirer to pay McDougal another self-described past Trump paramour for the exclusive rights to her life story. The magazine never published anything, engaging in a practice known as 'catch and kill' in order to help Trump avoid new scandals in the final weeks of the 2016 campaign. Trump has denied ever having a sexual relationship with either Daniels or McDougal. Rep. Cummings set the state for Cohen's testimony four months ago, long before Democrats knew they would control the House of Representatives this year. He wrote to the White House and the Trump Organization in the fall, demanding documents related to the president's 'apparent failure to report debts and payments to Mr. Cohen to silence women alleging extramarital affairs with the President before the election.' This week, Cummings said Thursday, he told Trump's government office and his family business that the documents 'are now due on January 22.' 'I want to make clear,' he said in a statement, 'that we have no interest in inappropriately interfering with any ongoing criminal investigations, and to that end, we are in the process of consulting with Special Counsel [Robert] Mueller's office. Dure to figure in the Feb. 7 hearing is the saga of pornographic actress Stormey Daniels, who accepted $130,000 from Cohen for her silence about what she claimed was a sexual affair with Trump in 2006 Trump was pictured in 2011 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in front of his corporate helicopter with former security guard Keith Schiller (left), former lawyer Michael Cohen (2nd left) and another unidentified aide Cohen's decision to testify marks the latest step in his transformation from a loyal Trump Tower foot soldier to a pragmatic felon who could become a threat to the president at the moment he's preparing to surrender to authorities. Trump blasted him in hours after he entered his guilty plea in court six weeks ago. On the White House's South Lawn, the president accused his former lawyer of lying to 'get a reduced sentence.' 'He's a weak person and not a very smart person,' Trump said Nov. 29. Cohen said Thursday that his hearing testimony would be part ot 'my commitment to cooperate and provide the American people with answers.' Maryland Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings, a longtime Trump antagonist, will chair the hearing. At his sentencing in December, a dramatic Cohen said his 'weakness and a blind loyalty' to his longtime boss 'led me to choose a path of darkness over light.' 'Time and again I felt it was my duty to cover up his dirty deeds,' he told a federal judge in New York City. Cohen, 52, will report to prison on March 6 and is free on bail until that date. A former model who killed a man he met on a gay dating app has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. David Keegan Riotto Haigh, 43, was convicted of killing James Johnson Jr. in a stabbing frenzy inside the victim's Brooklyn apartment in April 2017. Haigh was sentenced on Thursday in a Brooklyn court after a jury found him guilty of first-degree manslaughter. Prior to his sentence being handed down, prosecutors read several victim impact statements from Johnson's family saying they were heartbroken about the 41-year-old's death. David Keegan Riotto Haigh, 43, was sentenced to 12 years in prison in a Brooklyn court on Thursday for the fatal 2017 stabbing of James Johnson Jr. 'Manslaughter is a fitting term for what you did. You slaughtered James,' his sister Loretta Johnson Monroe wrote in her statement. 'You showed him no mercy when you put a knife to his heart and a knife to ours.' Haigh has claimed that he acted in self defense when he killed Johnson, saying that the victim had attacked him inside the Brooklyn apartment on April 9, 2017. He addressed the court during his sentencing, saying he did what an reasonable person would have done if they feared for their life. Haigh tearfully told the judge that he remained at the scene, called 911 and cooperated with police and EMTs. Haigh and Johnson organized to see each other in Manhattan after meeting on Jack'd - a dating app for gay men. They went back to the victim's apartment after embarking on a 48-hour bender. James Johnson Jr., 41, was stabbed to death inside his Brooklyn apartment after meeting Haigh on a gay dating app a few days earlier Haigh is a former model who was working as an interior decorator at the time of the killing Haigh, who was an interior decorator at the time and lived in Philadelphia, claimed Johnson attacked him when he tried to leave the home. He dialed 911 at 4.42am and again at 5.58am to report the stabbing. When first responders arrived, they found Johnson on his back in a pool of blood with a knife sticking out of the left side of his chest. The autopsy noted bite marks on Johnson's chest and body hair between his teeth. Police found a broken mirror in the apartment and the flat screen TV knocked onto the floor. A glass table had also been tipped over and a drawer of silverware was turned over. Haigh's face was covered in bruises and he had a bite mark on his finger. The jury rejected Haigh's claim that he was acting in self defense when he fatally stabbed Johnson. His attorney said he would appeal the sentence. St. Lucie police booked 31-year-old Kathrine Graham at the county jail in late December for an armed robbery charge Florida police say that it took several X-rays and a visit to a local hospital to determine that a newly booked woman had housed a meth pipe inside her vagina. St. Lucie police booked 31-year-old Kathrine Graham at the county jail in late December for an armed robbery charge. The Fort Pierce resident claimed that she didn't have any contraband on her at the time of the arrest, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Treasure Coast Newspapers. But as she underwent a X-ray scan, personnel at the jail noted that there was a 'small object' in her pelvic area. They then gave Graham a change of clothes and had her conduct another X-ray scan, but 'the same object was visible on the X-ray.' The Fort Pierce resident claimed that she didn't have any contraband on her but X-rays revealed a 'small object' in her pelvic area. The object was a meth pipe (stock) Officers took the woman to the Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute, located approximately five miles from the jail, and had Graham undergo additional X-rays. The woman agreed to a body cavity search and doctors were able to remove 'a small glass smoking pipe, commonly used for smoking crack or other illegal drugs.' It is currently unknown how the pipe wound up in that location. Graham was additionally charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and introduction of contraband into a detention facility. A Utah elementary school substitute teacher was sentenced for between six years to life on Friday, after pleading guilty to sexually abusing multiple children during his lessons. Max Bedel, 63, was teaching at Wasatch Elementary School in Clearfield in 2017, when he sexually assaulted six school boys between the ages of seven and nine, both over and underneath their clothing. Court documents revealed that Bedel told one of the victims 'he was his favorite', after molesting him twice in one day. He was arrested in October 2017 after a number of children came forward detailing abuse during class on September 27. Previous to his arrest, Bedel had no other criminal history. Bedel molested six different children, all aged between seven and nine in 2017, during his time at Wasatch Elementary School in Clearfield, Utah One child told police he felt 'uncomfortable and unsafe', according to documents. Another child detailed that Bedel had touched him inappropriately at least two times prior to September 27. He said Bedel had tried to touch him on multiple other occasions as well, but the boy managed to block his advances by placing his arms over his lap. The 63-year-old initially faced eight counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child but was sentenced for just two counts as part of a plea deal. During Friday's hearing, the parents of Bedel's victims read out emotional letters to the court detailing the irrevocable damage he has caused to their children. 'He's not the same boy,' said one mother. 'It's unbelievably heartbreaking.' The mother went on to ask the judge to give the harshest possible sentence to Bedel, because her son lives in constant fear he will find him and try to kill him. Multiple students came forward alleging a multitude of abuse taking place on and before September 27, 2017 at the school (shown above) Court documents reveal Bedel told one of his victims 'he was his favorite' after abusing him twice in the same day. He was arrested in October 2017 and released on bail after posting a $50,000 bond A father of a different victim said his son can no longer use a public restroom without fear that Bedel might be lurking nearby. Prosecutor Troy Rawlings described Bedel as an individual who poses an 'unjustifiable public safety risk'. Bedel's attorney, Michael Langford said his client was 'extremely remorseful' for his actions and said he'd been 'drinking heavily' on the day of the abuse. The claim was met with a series of outbursts from the victim's parents watching on from the gallery, according to the Standard-Examiner. He will serve to consecutive sentences of three years to life at the Utah Department of Corrections (shown above) Residing over the case, Judge John Morris said teachers should set an example to their students, and that Bedel violated their trust. He added Bedel's claim of excessive drinking shouldn't be viewed as a mitigating factor, but an aggravating one. Led away in handcuffs, Bedel was sentenced to serve two consecutive terms of three years to life in prison. He will serve his sentence at the Utah Department of Corrections. Paul Gilfeather (pictured above) was appointed to the GMCA in Autumn 2018 The Mayor of Greater Manchester's spin doctor has been sacked after failing to declare he was facing drugs charges when he took the Manchester council job to assist Andy Burnham with news and media relations. Paul Gilfeather was appointed to the role of assistant director of news and media in the late autumn by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), with one of the elements of his job being to advise the Mayor of Greater Manchester. Just weeks after being employed by GMCA the 46-year-old from Aberdeen admitted to possession of heroin and cocaine. A court heard that the drugs had been found at his property on June 28th, just four months before he was appointed as a senior communications office. Heroin had been recovered at Gilfeather's property, which is said to have had a street value of around 50, while the cocaine had a nominal value. Gilfeather, who was not represented by a solicitor entered a plea by letter to Aberdeen Sheriff Court and is set to be sentenced next month. One of Paul Gilfeather's roles was to advise Andy Burnham (pictured above) He had previously worked as an external communications manager at Aberdeen City Council before taking the role at the GMCA. During December Gilfeather took to Twitter to highlight Mr Burnham's efforts to help the homeless with his 'A Bed Every Night' campaign. He had been employed by the GMCA for six weeks before being dismissed. Earlier in his career he had worked for a tabloid newspapers, and in public relations in Singapore. A GMCA spokesperson: 'Paul Gilfeather was employed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and his appointment was subject to normal recruitment procedures, which requires applicants to provide referees and disclose convictions. 'As soon as the GMCA was made aware of Mr Gilfeather's court proceedings he was suspended and subsequently dismissed. 'He worked for the GMCA for a total of six weeks.' UPDATE: Jan. 23 Le Regard dAutrui may now be purchased in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Italy, Japan, France, and Spain. CARL WEISSNER (1940-2012) was the preeminent German translator of dissident writers such as Charles Bukowski, William S. Burroughs, J.G. Ballard, Ken Kesey, Bob Dylan, Allen Ginsberg, Frank Zappa, and Nelson Algren, having published more than 100 books of theirs and others. But he also wrote books of his own, both in German and English. On Jan. 23, the anniversary of his death, Phantom Outlaw Editions will make available a tale he wrote toward the end of his life, Le Regard dAutrui. Why he gave a French title to a story written in English is not clear. Perhaps because of the setting. What is crystal clear, however, is that it shows him to have been a master storyteller as good as any of the celebrated writers who were beneficiaries of his masterly translations. Doucement, doucement, plus fort, plus vif, plus profond. Click to purchase the trade edition in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Italy, Japan, France, and Spain. My tireless staff of thousands found a copy of the scarce Cold Turkey Press limited edition available for purchase at Walgenbach Art & Books, a Dutch gallery-cum-bookstore in Rotterdam. Almost two thirds of Frances 3200 fixed speed cameras have been destroyed or otherwise vandalized during two months of Yellow Vest protests, it was announced today. The incredible figure refers to 1920 devices that have been attacked and in some cases smashed to pieces by protesters linked to the anti-government movement. Christophe Castaner, Frances Interior Minister, said: Nearly sixty per cent of speed cameras have been degraded since the start of the Yellow Vest movement. Almost two thirds of Frances 3200 fixed speed cameras have been destroyed or otherwise vandalized during two months of Yellow Vest protests This picture taken on January 8, 2019, in Noyal-sur-Vilaine, western France, shows a fixed speed camera covered by tape and plastic with a graffito reading "GJ" after it was vandalised to block its operation Speaking at a media briefing in Paris, Mr Castaner added: Nearly sixty per cent of them have been put out of action or otherwise damaged by those belonging to this movement. This is viewed as an extremely troubling blow to a government campaign to reduce speeding on Frances roads, where there are some 3500 deaths and 70,000 injuries every year. The Yellow Vests who are named after the high visibility motoring jackets that they wear originally started out as a group of motorists incensed by the high price of fuel. This picture taken on January 8, 2019, in La Brulatte, western France, shows a fixed speed camera covered by tape and a plastic bag after it was vandalised to block its operation The protests began in November to oppose fuel tax hikes and have expanded into broader rejections of President Macron (right) and his economic policies. Yellow Vested protesters (left) claim his policy benefits only the rich When President Emmanuel Macron agreed to cancel green taxes on petrol and diesel, they carried on demonstrating. Many of their protests have turned extremely violent, with rioting in major cities including Paris, Bordeaux and Marseille. Motorway toll booths have also been burned down by activists, who are now calling for Mr Macron to resign. This combination of pictures made on January 10, 2019 with pictures taken between January 8 and 10, 2019 in north western France showing fixed speed cameras damaged to block their operation. Nearly 60 percent of the 3,200 speed radars along French roads have been destroyed or damaged since the 'Yellow Vests' (gilets jaunes) movement began Mr Castaner confirmed that 80,000 police and gendarmes will be on duty across the country on Saturday the traditional Yellow Vests protest day when further trouble is expected. Crackdowns have also been launched against the Yellow Vests, with hundreds arrested. The Vests have been joined by extremists from the far Right and the ultra-Left, as well as anarchists intent on causing as much damage as possible. The Yellow Vests who are named after the high visibility motoring jackets that they wear originally started out as a group of motorists incensed by the high price of fuel Crisis-ridden Mr Macron has not only climbed down on imposing green surcharges, but increased the national minimum wage by seven per sent, and scrapped tax on bonuses. But the Yellow Vests said their protests would continue indefinitely as they campaign for even more concessions. The independent Mr Macron, leader of the Republic On The Move party, won the French presidential election in a landslide in 2017, but he is now dubbed the President of the Rich with polls showing his popularity rating down to just 18 per cent. Iowa Republican Rep. Steve King issued a statement rejecting white nationalism Thursday after facing pressure from both inside and outside his own conference for his comments on the subject. 'White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive?' King was quoted saying in the New York Times Thursday. 'Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization?' His comment drew immediate blowback, including condemnation from two fellow House Republicans. The Iowa lawmaker responded in a statement Thursday where he went after the Times, which included the quote deep into a profile of King, and even invoked the Holocaust. 'Under any fair political definition, I am simply a Nationalist,' Rep. Steve King (R-IA) said in a statement, after his comments about the terms white supremacy and white nationalism appeared in the New York Times 'Today, the New York Times is suggesting that I am an advocate for white nationalism and white supremacy. I want to make one thing abundantly clear; I reject those labels and the evil ideology that they define,' King said in the statement, which did not deny the accuracy of the quotation. 'Further, I condemn anyone that supports this evil and bigoted ideology which saw in its ultimate expression the systematic murder of 6 million innocent Jewish lives,' he said, bringing up the Holocaust. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, attends a rally with Angel Families on the East Front of the Capitol, to highlight crimes committed by illegal immigrants in the U.S., on September 7, 2018 The King controversy unfolded on a day when President Trump visited the southern border to tout his plan for a $5.7 billion wall Republican Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan called it an 'embrace of racism' which has 'no place in Congress' Fellow Republican lawmaker Paul Mitchell condemned King's comments King issued a statement responding to the story Thursday King's statement referenced the nation's founding documents. He also in the past has embraced Confederate flag, although he has since removed it from his congressional office King continued: 'It's true that like the Founding Fathers I am an advocate for Western Civilization's values, and that I profoundly believe that America is the greatest tangible expression of these ideals the World has ever seen. Under any fair political definition, I am simply a Nationalist,' he continued. 'America's values are expressed in our founding documents, they are attainable by everyone and we take pride that people of all races, religions, and creeds from around the globe aspire to achieve them. I am dedicated to keeping America this way', he said. He continued: 'This conviction does not make me a white nationalist or a white supremacist. Once again, I reject those labels and the ideology that they define. As I told the New York Times, 'it's not about race; it's never been about race.' One of my most strongly held beliefs is that we are all created in God's image and that human life is sacred in all its forms.' Rep. Paul Mitchell, R-Mich. condemned King's remarks Rep. Justin Amash, R-Mich., blasted the 'embrace of racism' after King's interview King's statement came after lawmakers from both parties condemned his earlier comments. Michigan Republican Justin Amash retweeted a tweet with King's comments, adding: 'This is an embrace of racism, and it has no place in Congress or anywhere.' As the Hill reported, another Michigan Republican, Rep. Paul Mitchell, tagged King and wrote on Twitter: 'The embrace of these terms and philosophies are fundamentally wrong and offensive and have no place in Congress, our nation, or anywhere.' Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) called for the House to formally censure King for his remarks. The quotes came in a story that described King as a forerunner to President Trump's immigration views. It noted that years ago he touted a 12-foot border wall, and repeatedly blasted illegal immigration. King barely survived a challenge from Democrat J.D. Scholten in November, as his race became nationalized amid a series of controversial public comments. He drew a potentially serious primary challenger this year in Iowa Republican state Sen. Randy Feenstra. Jeffrey Lendrum was caught with 19 rare eggs from hawks, eagles and vultures taped to his chest An ex-special forces soldier caught at Heathrow airport with a stash of 19 rare eggs strapped to his body worth 100,000 has been jailed for three years. Border Force officers stopped Jeffrey Lendrum, 57, on June 26 last year and discovered he had 17 rare hawk, eagle and vulture eggs taped to his chest - plus two chicks which had already hatched. Lendrum, who has been branded 'the Pablo Escobar [deceased Colombian drug lord] of the falcon egg smuggling trade' told the officers that he was on his way to customs to declare his stash. He insisted he brought the eggs into the country to protect the birds because their natural habitat was being destroyed by tree felling, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard. Jailing Lendrum, a former Rhodesian SAS member, for three years and one month, judge Neil Sanders told him: The laws which recognise and the restriction on the trade of protected species are there for good reason, to protect the species in the wild. In this case the chicks had to be hand-reared, making it impossible to return them to their habitat. A hatched chick in an incubator which had been by Lendrum a former Rhodesian SAS member After he was caught trying to board a flight to Dubai with 14 peregrine falcon eggs taped to his stomach - Lendrum was jailed for 30 months in 2010. He was also caught in Brazil with four albino falcon eggs stolen from Patagonia and jailed for four-and-a-half-years in October 2015. The joint Zimbabwe-Irish passport holder fled Brazil when he was released on bail to appeal against his sentence. Lendrum has always insisted that he was motivated by compassion and once told author Joshua Hammer: The whole media has portrayed me as the Pablo Escobar of the falcon-egg trade. He claimed he brought the eggs into the country to protect the birds because their natural habitat was being destroyed. Eggs in incubator which Jeffrey Lendrum had smuggled into the UK But Sean Sullivan, prosecuting said Lendrum was motivated by greed and hoped to make a fortune selling the hatched birds. He was illegally importing rare birds of prey in the UK. He purposefully avoided the permit procedure. He did so not out of any concern for the for their well-being, but for financial gain, that financial gain being significant. The court heart that once all the birds had hatched their estimated value would be between 80,000 and 100,000. Mr Sullivan added: There is a stark unlikelihood about the way in which he says he came into possession of the eggs. He said someone involved in cutting their trees handed them to him because they had lost their habitat. Mr Sullivan told the court that most of those birds did not nest in the same habitat and Cape Vultures roost on cliffs. Almost all of the eggs, who were handed to a bird of prey sanctuary, have now hatched. One egg hatched while strapped to Lendrums chest and a second bird died three days after hatching. He insisted he brought the eggs into the UK to protect the birds because their natural habitat was being destroyed The eggs were found to be five baby Fish Eagle eggs (Haliaeetus Vocifer), nine Black Sparrow Hawks (Accipiter Melanoleucus) and three Cape Vultures (Gyps Coprotheres) and two African Hawk Eagles (Aquilo Spilogaster). Jemima Parry-Jones MBE, director of the International Centre for Birds of Prey, said most of the birds did not tend to live in the same type of habitat and Cape Vultures in particular nest on cliffs. Asked whether there was a commercial market for them, Ms Parry-Jones said: Yes, there is they are a lot more valuable than they used to be. I have been staggered at the prices they fetch now, especially the vultures. They are one of the most endangered birds in the entire world - the transport methods were not sensible. She added: The eggs should have stayed where they were, if there was no risk they should have stayed in the nest. If there was any risk or they moved them for any reason, they should have gone to a suitable rehabilitation centre in that country. It was insane to bring them here. Lendrum told the court media attention following that conviction was so extensive that it led him to legally change his name to John Smith on 28 April 2017. There are more hits on my name than the Yorkshire Ripper, he said. Lendrum said growing up near the bush in what was then known as Rhodesia led him to develop a life-long fascination with wildlife, and birds in particular. It also led to his first brush with the law when he was fined 500 for possessing eggs of an endangered species without a permit in 1984. Explaining why he fled his four and a half year sentence in Brazil he said: My lawyer said look, unofficially, you being a gringo, you will not last in prison. Leave the country. I was quite sick and decided to do what he said. Anthony Bell, defending, said Lendrum has prostate cancer. He is 57, as you know his health is not the best. He has been working, the last time he went to prison, as an orderly on the segregation wing, a trusted position due to the nature of the work. Pictured: Protected birds eggs Lendrum attempted to smuggle through Birmingham airport before pleading guilty to smuggling Peregrine Falcon eggs in August 19 2010 Mr Bell added that while the eggs were removed from their habitat, mortality rate for birds in the wild were high. They are now available for breeding in captivity programs which there might not have been had they stayed in South Africa, he added. They may be better off where they are. The eggs were later found to be five African fish eagles, nine black sparrow hawks, two African hawk eagles and three Cape Vultures. Lendrum, who lives in Johannesburg, South Africa, admitted four counts of evasion of a restriction. He was given 37 months jail on each count, to be served concurrently. An earlier hearing heard, Lendrum - also known as 'John Smith' - has Irish and Zimbabwean citizenship, and a series of bird smuggling convictions spanning decades. Some of the birds discovered at the airport were stashed in socks and in egg boxes - with some strictly outlawed by Defra. Border Force officers stopped Lendrum after his arrival from South Africa and asked him if he had anything to declare, the earlier hearing heard He claimed that he was traveling to Luton for aeroplane parts, before entering a toilet - without using it. Notorious smuggler: Peregrine falcon chicks which hatched from eggs discovered strapped to the chest of Jeffrey Lendrum in 2010 Lendrum returned and confessed to carrying the stash and was arrested at the airport. He was living in Johannesburg in South Africa before his arrest - which led further investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA). Earlier in the trial the court heard that Lendrum had several previous convictions in Zimbabwe in 1984 and Canada in 2002. The smuggler was also caught trying to smuggle four rare albino falcon eggs from Brazil to Dubai, where they are worth up to 64,000. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he won't attend the World economic Forum this month in Davos, Switzerland, and blamed the decision on congressional Democrats who he says are responsible for prolonging a partial U.S. government shutdown. 'Because of the Democrats intransigence on Border Security and the great importance of Safety for our Nation, I am respectfully cancelling my very important trip to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum,' the president tweeted from Air Force One on his way to Texas. 'My warmest regards and apologies to the @WEF!' Trump was headed for a pair of events in the border town of McAllen, continuing his bully-pulpit approach to arguing for a wall along more of the U.S.-Mexico border. Partisan disagreements over the project, which was the president's signature campaign promise, drove a stalemate that caused the lapse in funding on December 21 for about one-quarter of the government. President Donald Trump said Thursday in a tweet that he won't go to the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos, Switzerland later this month Trump had suggested hours earlier as he left the White House for Texas that he would go to Davos if the partial government shutdown isn't brought to an end; that developed into a definitive decision while he was aboard Air Force One Trump said Thursday morning as he left the White Houe for Texas that he hadn't yet made the decision to cancel his Davos trip. 'I intended to go and speak in front of the world financial community in Davos. That's still on. But if the shutdown continues ... I won't go,' he said then. 'I had planned to go. It's been very successful when I went. We have a great story to tell. We have the best job numbers we've ever had, in many ways. Certainly with African Americans, with Hispanic, with Asian Americans. 'And overall, we have the best job numbers in at least 50 years. We have a lot of great things happening. The economy is incredible.' The partial government shutdown, now in its 20th day, could end by the meeting's Jan. 22 start date. It concludes on Jan. 25. But Trump's decision to call of his trip could indicate a much longer horizon for the domestic conflict. China's Vice President Wang Qishan is also expected to attend, but it is not clear if there were any arrangements for a meeting between him and Trump during the annual gathering. China and the United States have taken a 90-day pause in implementing tariffs to hammer out a trade deal. The Swiss meeting could also provide Trump with opportunities to discuss better terms of trade with the European Union, Japan, Canada and Mexico. Trump attended the Davos forum last year, delivering a speech on January 26, 2018 The president also sat down with a list of world leaders at last year's Davos event, including UK Prime Minister Theresa May (pictured) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Trump said Thursday morning that he has been 'negotiating and having tremendous success with China.' 'And I find China, frankly, in many ways, to be far more honorable than Cryin' Chuck and Nancy,' he added, in a slap at Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. 'I really do. I think that China is actually much easier to deal with than the opposition party.' Trump's January 2018 Davos trip was also threatened by a government shutdown. That one, hoewver, lasted less than 48 hours. Hilary Diana Mackay (pictured outside court today), 54, from Earl's Court, London appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court and plead not guilty to assaulting three cabin crew on a flight from Johannesburg to Heathrow on December 12 last year A globetrotting economist accused of attacking three cabin crew on a Virgin Atlantic flight has said she was just practising her judo leg sweeps at the time. Hilary Diana Mackay, 54, appeared in court today to plead not guilty to assaulting the cabin crew on a flight from Johannesburg to Heathrow on December 12. Mackay claimed she wanted the 'non-case' thrown out because she was 'practising judo sweeps,' Uxbridge Magistrates' Court heard. She said: 'I was practising judo sweeps so it wasn't to target those three people.' She pleaded not guilty to assaulting Lucey Downey, Leanne Palmer and Phillip Sumner on Virgin Atlantic's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Mackay, from Earl's Court, London, also had a dressing down by a magistrate after repeatedly interrupting court proceedings. An international Finance and Project Manager, she has links to MPs, senior lawyers and accountants. Cabin crew on the flight had told her to she must pay an extra 50 charge for sitting in a seat with extra legroom. Prosecutor Ms Zara Khan explained: 'Ms Leanne Palmer has said that: 'At 10.30 my attention was drawn to a female passenger. The customer had her leg in the isle, looking like she was stretching. 'She moved it in and then moved it out to deliberately trip me and I grabbed a headrest to break my fall. She made contact by my shin and I believe this was a deliberate attempt to trip me up.' 'The next complainant Lucey Downey says: 'A passenger was sitting in an extra legroom seat that costs fifty pounds.' 'She says Ms Mackay was aggressive towards her and offensive and Ms Mackay stared at her and says she deliberately put her leg into the isle with: 'Force and anger to trip me up and was successful and I tripped down the isle.' 'Mr Sumner says: 'At. 11.05 Ms Mackay tripped me up as I approached her and tripped me up as I approached her again. She looked at me and put her foot out. 'I told her she could injure someone'.' Ms Mackay (pictured outside Uxbridge Magistrates' Court today) claimed she wanted the 'non-case' thrown out because she was 'practising judo sweeps'. She also had a dressing down by a magistrate after repeatedly interrupting court proceedings Mackay, a former Grants Officer for the Big Lottery Fund, was arrested at Heathrow Airport when her flight landed. She is currently a self-employed independent consultant and researcher specialising in international research and development and humanitarian assistance. Mackay is also the ex-Company Secretary of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, a think-tank that counts Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge amongst its members and promotes democracy all over the world. She also has a BA in Russian Studies from the University of Leeds and a postgraduate degree from Birkbeck, University of London in Economics. Mackay told the magistrates: 'I didn't trip the people up in the way that's been described. It was judo sweeps along the floor. 'They stated they did not fall. The aim of the judo sweep is to put someone on the flat of their back, so as a judo sweep I failed. 'It is not an assault. Battery is with the hand and not the foot and I used a foot. 'I was practising judo sweeps. It wasn't to trip someone up or target these people. 'I did aikido for three years and judo for five years.' Mr Kahlon added: 'An altercation did occur on the airplane, but Ms Mackay believes it is not the right concept of what she did that makes an offence. 'She is saying it is not guilty, but: 'I did swipe my leg.' 'She wants to claim compensation from the police for wasting my time and your time,' Mr Kahlon told the magistrates. Mackay had been on a Virgin Atlantic flight (pictured stock image) from Johannesburg to Heathrow on December 12 last year when the alleged incident took place Mackay, who appeared wearing a green hooded parka, black trousers and flat black shoes confirmed her name, date of birth, address and nationality. She was reluctant to enter a plea, claiming she had not seen any prosecution statements or had the complainants identified to her. 'It's not a guilty or not guilty, it's no case,' she told the court from the dock. 'I have the right to see the witness statements of the person who said I assaulted them. 'How can I plead guilty or not guilty if I don't know who the person is. I don't know who these people are.' Mackay was repeatedly told to be quiet by bench chairwoman Evadne Cookman, who told her: 'This is now the time for the prosecution to speak. Please stay calm and don't interrupt the prosecution again. 'You can't come in this court and decide what a case is or not.' While Mr Kahlon had said he wished to speak to the court before Mackay came in because he was 'up to his tether' dealing with her. He said: 'She's saying it's not assault by beating. She did a judo sweep on an airplane, which constitutes an assault because people were tripped up. 'She's telling me the law, what she thinks it is. She wants to claim compensation from police. To be honest I'm up to my tether. 'I would like her to be told in legal court what the law is. She's saying it's not guilty but 'I did do a sweep with my leg'.' Prosecutor Ms Khan told the court: 'No defence has been put forward. I'm not sure what the defence is.' In her defence case statement Mackay claims the prosecution's timings are all wrong, concluding: 'The whole situation is a set-up.' She pleaded not guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates Court to the assaults and a charge of being drunk on-board Flight VS462 was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service. She was bailed unconditionally to return to the same court for trial on February 26. The cousin of a man accused of beating and stabbing to death a Temple University student inside his Philadelphia apartment after she refused to have anal sex with him, told a court he unknowingly helped move the body. Erik Carlson told the court, on the second day of the murder trial for suspect Joshua Hupperterz, 30, that he lugged a blue tote containing 22-year-old Jenna Burleigh's remains but didn't ask what was inside the heavy bag. He claimed in court on Wednesday: 'I said, "Dang, this is heavy".' Scroll down for video Joshua Hupperterz, 30, is accused of murdering 22-year-old Jenna Burleigh at his apartment in August 2017 after first meeting at a bar in North Philadelphia earlier in the night 'Dang this is heavy': Hupperterz used rides from his cousin and a Lyft driver to transport Jenna Burleigh's body to his mother's house, then his grandparents' shed in Pennsylvania in 2017. The storage container her body was stuffed in was displayed in court on Wednesday Carlson admitted he saw Hupperterz cleaning up blood inside the property that he visited to buy marijuana, but said that Hupperterz told him he'd cut his hand on a beer bottle. The man whose uncle was married to Hupperterz's mother for six years, explained how his cousin seemed 'normal' as they smoked together before the assailant loaded the dead woman into his trunk that afternoon. Hupperterz, who Carlson had known from childhood, arrived at his mother's house nearby then got the help of his ride-sharing driver to load the corpse into another trunk. Stating that it 'felt like bricks' the driver told the court Hupperterz paid him $200 and asked him to switch off the company's app, which has GPS tracking, as they drove out 100 miles. The driver said Hupperterz took a nap during the trip to his grandparents house where his grandfather reported he'd found the body in a storage container just one day after local authorities and an FBI agent visited the rural Pennsylvania property. It's believed the suspect transferred the body into a container and stored in a shed at the home and the large bin was displayed in court Wednesday, NBC 4 reported. Carlson transported the dead body to Hupperterz's mother's house nearby. Hupperterz later used a Lyft to transport the body to his grandparents' shed in rural Pennsylvania Hupperterz allegedly killed Burleigh (above) in his apartment then tried to hide her body Jurors heard that Hupperterz and Burleigh started having consensual sex before neighbors heard screaming in the apartment at about 4am. The prosecutor said evidence would show that the screaming started when Hupperterz tried to have anal sex with the victim Hupperterz had Burleigh over at his apartment after first meeting at a bar in North Philadelphia earlier in the night. He rejected a plea deal in December for 30-60 years in prison and claims his roommate Jack Miley killed the woman, strangling her in an attempt for quiet after he heard her scream. Police have previously said Hupperterzs statement that Miley murdered the victim was a lie. Miley is set to testify on day 3 of the trial and has not been charged in relation to the student's murder. Hupperterz pleaded guilty on Tuesday to abuse of corpse and tampering with evidence but pleaded not guilty to murder and possession of an instrument of crime. Prosecutors told jurors on Tuesday on the first day of testimony that their encounter had started out as consensual but turned violent when Burleigh refused to engage in the sex act. Hupperterz allegedly beat, stabbed and strangled Burleigh in his apartment before then trying to hide her body. 'You're going to watch and you're going to see how her body was beaten and contorted, and how he tried to cover it up,' Assistant District Attorney Jason Grenell told jurors, according to Philly.com. Prosecutors told the court that Hupperterz had met the victim at Pub Webb the night of August 31. Surveillance footage captured the pair leaving when the venue closed at 2am and going back to his apartment a few blocks away. Roommate Jack Miley was to testify in court on Thursday for day 3 of the trial Jurors heard that Hupperterz and Burleigh started having consensual sex before neighbors heard screaming in the apartment at about 4am. The prosecutor said evidence would show that the screaming started when Hupperterz tried to have anal sex with the victim. Burleigh grabbed a kitchen knife as she tried to fight Hupperterz, the court heard. Hupperterz allegedly beat her 38 times and then stabbed her. Jurors were told that Hupperterz then smashed a bowl over the victim's head and started to strangle her. Burleigh died from blunt trauma and strangulation. Hupperterz's murder trial is expected to hear testimony for the rest of the week. The responding police officer has already testified. He faces life in prison if he is convicted of first or second degree murder. One of two men who have been charged in connection to the murder of Jazmine Barnes has claimed that he wasn't involved in the attack. Larry D. Woodruffe made his initial court appearance on Thursday. The 24-year-old, who is the second man charged in Jazmine's murder, kept a blank stare on his face as he was escorted into the courtroom by officers. His attorney, Lisa Andrews, said after the hearing that Woodruffe says he wasn't in the SUV that opened fire on the car carrying seven-year-old Jazmine, her sisters and mother on December 30. Andrews filed a motion seeking to have Woodruffe's trial moved out of Houston, saying social media posts and comments investigators have made could prevent him from getting a fair trial in the city. Prosecutors called the motion premature. Prosecutors have filed capital murder charges against Woodruffe and, Eric Black, 20, who is suspected of driving the SUV. Larry D. Woodruffe (pictured in court Thursda), 24, who has been charged in connection to the murder of Jazmine Barnes claimed Thursday that he wasn't involved in the attack His attorney, Lisa Andrews, said after the hearing that Woodruffe (pictured) says he wasn't in the SUV that opened fire on the car carrying seven-year-old Jazmine, her sisters and mother last month . He has a tattoo with the word 'family' on his arm Eric Black Jr, 20, appeared in court Monday (left). Prosecutors told the court the slaying unfolded after Black and Woodruffe mistook the car Jazmine (right) was in for one belonging to individuals they had fought with Black made his initial court appearance on Monday. During the hearing, prosecutors said they believe a fight at a nightclub just hours earlier led to the senseless drive-by shooting. Prosecutors told the court the slaying unfolded after Black and Woodruffe mistook the car she was in for one belonging to individuals they had fought with. It wasn't until the next day when they watched the news and saw a little girl had been shot and killed that they realized they had opened fire at the wrong car, prosecutors say. Woodruffe was charged as Jazmine's funeral took place Tuesday afternoon, attended by hundreds of people at a Houston church. Jazmine was in the family's car with her mother and three siblings when she was gunned down in the drive-by shooting on December 30 It wasn't until the next day when they watched the news and saw a little girl had been shot and killed that they realized they had opened fire at the wrong car, prosecutors say The girl's killing prompted an outpouring of support for her family from celebrities and ordinary people across the country. Prosecutors say Woodruffe and Black mistakenly thought they were attacking people they'd fought at a club hours earlier when they shot at Jazmine and her family. The family had initially described the shooter as a white man driving a red pickup truck, prompting concerns that her death was a hate crime. Based on the family's description, the Harris County Sheriff's Office circulated a composite sketch of a white man possibly being the shooter. But the sheriff's office later received a tip from civil rights activist Shaun King that sent the case in a new direction. The tip implicated Woodruffe and Black in the shooting. The sheriff's office corroborated the tip and took Black and Woodruffe into custody on Saturday. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said he believes the family's initial description of the shooter was sincere and the man in the red truck was likely a bystander who left the scene of the shooting. While Black was charged on Sunday with capital murder, Woodruffe was held in the county jail on a drug charge while the sheriff's office prepared a capital murder charge against him. Jazmine was remembered during her more than two-hour funeral (pictured) at The Community of Faith church for her sweet spirit, her smile and as a person who always wanted to give hugs and help others LaPorsha Washington (center), Jazmine's mother, speaks to the crowd during a community rally outside a Walmart in Houston Court records show Woodruffe has a long criminal record, including arrests for assault on a family member, drug possession and being a felon in possession of a firearm. In one case, he pleaded guilty in 2017 to trying to choke a woman he was dating. The Harris County District Attorney's Office said it will decide later whether to pursue the death penalty against either Black or Woodruffe. Jazmine was remembered during her more than two-hour funeral at The Community of Faith church for her sweet spirit, her smile and as a person who always wanted to give hugs and help others. Her white casket was draped with purple flowers. Purple was Jazmine's favorite color and many of those at the service were dressed in purple. During the funeral, Jazmine's mother, LaPorsha Washington, read a poem one of her aunts had written from the point of view of the little girl. 'I'm writing this from heaven where I dwell with God above, where there are no more tears, pain or sadness, just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy just because I'm just outside of sight. Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night,' a tearful Washington said as she read the poem. Many of the speakers at the funeral said they hoped Jazmine's death would help fuel efforts to combat gun violence. 'I just want to believe that all of us will be better, that all of us will work harder, all of us will strive to make this world a safer place for our children,' said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. This young boy doesn't need to worry about getting stuck in traffic on the school run because he pilots himself to classes on a motor boat. Five-year-old Tanadet Petnoi lives a wooden house that backs onto a canal in Samut Prakan, on the outskirts of Bangkok. He started riding in his father's boat before he could walk - and is now skilled enough to take control of the rudder and steer the longboat at speeds of up to 40mph. Five-year-old Tanadet Petnoi lives a wooden house that backs onto a canal in Samut Prakan Bangkok's waterways were once the main form of transport in the 19th century - giving the city the nickname the 'Venice of the East' - and Tanadet is keeping that tradition alive. Footage shows how the pint-sized helmsman navigates the canals on his daily commutes with father Banpot, 25, as a passenger. Tanadet's father also helps him to start the engine, because Tanadet is not yet strong enough. He started riding in his father's boat before he could walk and is now skilled enough to take control Tanadet said: 'I used to play games on a tablet. But after learning to steer the boat, now I do not want to play computer games, I want to be on the water. 'It is very good exercise and good for people to learn to do this. My father is very careful and I have to learn more about safety. 'I want to learn all of the steps so I can start the boat myself.' Tanadet said: 'I used to play games on a tablet. But after learning to steer the boat, now I do not want to play computer games' Tanadet's father, Banpot, a car mechanic, said that he taught his son how to pilot the boat because their house is next to the canal. He added: 'Tanadet can go everywhere by himself. He is very skilled and can handle the boat by himself. 'I have taught him different steps, very gradually. Next, he will learn to start the engine and do everything himself.' Murder suspect, Dejuan Robinson (pictured), 20, is still on the loose after he led police on a multistate chase that caused two crashes A murder suspect is still on the loose after he led police on a wild, multistate chase that caused two crashes and injured at least eight people, including three officers and a three-year-old boy. The chase began on Wednesday when Dejuan Robinson, 20, fled a traffic stop in Delaware, continued into Philadelphia and caused the crashes. Authorities said they are still searching for the 'armed and dangerous' suspect. Robinson has ties to Wilmington, Delaware's, Touch Money Gang, whose members have been indicted on 91 charges, including murder. Philadelphia police tweeted a photo of Robinson and described him as a person of interest in multiple homicides in Delaware. Delaware corrections officials say Robinson removed a GPS device in October that he was ordered to wear while on probation. Officers have not been able to locate him since. It was not immediately clear why Robinson was on probation. On Wednesday, some responding officers crashed on Interstate 95 near the Philadelphia airport, and the suspect crashed into the bus after exiting the highway onto city streets, according to Philadelphia Police Capt Sekou Kinebrew. Three officers were taken to a local hospital following one of the crashes. Authorities said a passenger on the bus was also injured. On Wednesday, some responding officers crashed on Interstate 95 near the Philadelphia airport, and the suspect crashed into the bus after exiting the highway onto city streets, according to Philadelphia Police Capt Sekou Kinebrew Philadelphia police tweeted this photo of Robinson and described him as a person of interest in multiple homicides in Delaware The three-year-old injured boy has been identified as David Tillman. He was injured while traveling with his family on I-95 from Baltimore to New York City for a birthday celebration. His mother, Meghan Stone-Kirts said other passengers in the their car were hurt, but David was seriously injured. David is in critical condition at Children's Hospital with multiple skull fractures, a brain bleed and a spinal injury. He is listed as being stable in the ICU. The three-year-old injured boy has been identified as David Tillman (pictured). He's in critical condition at Children's Hospital with multiple skull fractures, a brain bleed and a spinal injury. David is listed as being stable in the ICU He was injured while traveling with his family on I-95 from Baltimore to New York City for a birthday celebration. His mother, Meghan Stone-Kirts (left) said David was suffered the worst injuries. David is also pictured with his father and sister Stone-Kirts suffered a concussion and several broken ribs as well. Her brother also suffered a concussion. Stone-Kirts' daughter escaped the crash with no serious injuries. Pictured is their crumpled vehicle following the crash Stone-Kirts told CBS that her vehicle was struck first by the suspect and then by police cruisers. According to a GoFundMe account set up for the family, Stone-Kirts' husband, Billy, suffered a brain bleed and broken ribs. Stone-Kirts suffered a concussion and several broken ribs as well. Her brother also suffered a concussion. Stone-Kirts' daughter escaped the crash with no serious injuries. Several schools were locked down during the chase. Authorities said a passenger on the bus (pictured) was also injured during the chase A Georgia jailer who authorities say was recorded having sex with an inmate, was arrested and fired on Tuesday after the facility received a tip off from a former inmate. Durell Malik Roberson was arrested for abusing the position he took on after a recommendation from the Milledgeville Youth Development Center, following a set-up that allegedly proved he was breaking the rules. The was 20-year-old was captured in an alleged sexual encounter with a female inmate earlier this week after police set up a camera to catch him in action. Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills personally arrested Roberson. Durell Malik Roberson, 20, was arrested for having sex with an inmate at the Georgia jail he worked for 'He admitted to it,' Sills told The Union-Recorder Wednesday. 'Without going into great detail, let's just say we have some video recordings.' Sills said an inmate released from jail last month informed authorities that Roberson was having sexual contact with a woman in custody. The sheriff said there could be up to four incidents of a similar nature that occurred between November last year and this week and those occasions involve more multiple females. 'At this point in time, we know of two women inmates who engaged in sexual acts with this man,' Sills added. 'I know there's two and there be maybe three, but I'm not absolutely sure about a third one at this time.' The woman in the was said to be taking part in the act 'by her own admission, the sexual activity was consensual, and there was no threat or duress on the part of Mr. Roberson', the sheriff claimed. However it's against the law for inmates and corrections officers to engage in sex. The jailer was taken into custody by Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills after a woman revealed the nature of his contact another jailbird when she was released Roberson was charged with sexual assault by a person with supervisory or disciplinary authority, aggravated sodomy and violation of oath by a public officer. He could face substantial time in prison. It's unclear if he has a lawyer who could comment. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) Philippines' pride Catriona Gray finally settles the dispute after several international publications highlighted her Australian heritage following her Miss Universe win. Gray's parents are Scottish and Filipino. She was born and raised in Cairns, Queensland in Australia before moving to the Philippines in her teens. This prompted several Australian tabloids and websites to lay claim on her as their very own "Miss Queensland." The 67th Miss Universe queen said she didn't feel weird about the Australians' claim over her. "I really feel like I'm Miss Philippines. I feel like a Filipina, a Filipino woman. It just so happens that when I was growing up, I was very much in Australia. I think you can be both. Because I did grow up in those two sides of the world," she said on Wednesday, during her interview with BUILD Series in New York City. After Australia's claim, Filipino netizens were quick to highlight Gray's Filipino roots. She told host Kerry Justich that she actually found the tug-of-war funny. "It was almost a war. Like, 'No she's ours, she's practically a Miss Australia.' But I am a Miss Philippines, but I can't blame them for being excited, so I'll let them have that," she said. The 25-year-old beauty queen has embraced her Filipino roots, especially throughout the Miss Universe competition. She has continuously showcased Philippine textiles made by indigenous groups in her dresses and accessories. During the pageant coronation on December 17, 2018, she wowed everyone with her red crystal-encrusted gown created by Kapampangan designer Mak Tumang. Her evening gown was inspired by the Mayon Volcano located in Albay, her mother's hometown. Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is returning to a Florida port a day early and giving passengers full refunds of their fare after 277 guests and crew members were hit with an outbreak of Norovirus as it sailed to Jamaica. Cruise line spokesman Owen Torres told AP that 'we think the right thing to do is get everyone home early rather than have guests worry about their health.' He says the ship will return to Port Canaveral on Saturday. It sailed from there Sunday on a seven-day Caribbean cruise. Scroll down for video Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is returning to a Florida port a day early after 277 guest and staff were hit with an outbreak of Norovirus The trip was headed to Jamaica but will return to Port Canaveral on Saturday as staff will then rush to clean the ship so that it can be ready in time for the next departure Torres says returning a day early gives the cruise line 'more time to completely clean and sanitize the ship' before it sails again. Passengers took to social media on Wednesday, tweeting they were forced to stay onboard after docking in Falmouth, Jamaica, for what was supposed to be a day of excursions. 'One hell of a time on #OasisoftheSeas I took a week off from work to sail on a boat for 6 days. @RoyalCaribbean this is NOT the trip we purchased. #completechaos,' asserted one woman. Passengers took to social media on Wednesday, tweeting they were forced to stay onboard after docking in Falmouth, Jamaica, for what was supposed to be a day of excursions Another added: 'I'm on the Oasis of the Seas cruise ship right now and over 2% of the boat is sick. We just got word that they've cancelled the rest of the trip and are bringing us back to Florida.' 'We docked in Foulmouth, Jamaica, yesterday and weren't allowed off the boat because of the outbreak. One passenger, Alan Thomas, shared that the cruise line was 'doing everything they can to contain the situation.' One passenger, Alan Thomas, shared that the cruise line was 'doing everything they can to contain the situation' including having staff serve guest if they wanted food or drink He added: 'Exceptional food handling and disinfecting procedures implemented. Surfaces in guest areas being disinfected multiple times per day. Self serve tongs are done, crew serving all food and drinks to avoid transfer between guests' He added: 'Exceptional food handling and disinfecting procedures implemented. Surfaces in guest areas being disinfected multiple times per day. Self serve tongs are done, crew serving all food and drinks to avoid transfer between guests.' The man shared that the Jamaican government wouldn't let anyone off the ship. Thomas also posted a letter that Goran Peterson, Master of the Oasis of the Seas, sent to guest on the cruise before they canceled the cruise altogether. Thomas also posted a letter that Goran Peterson, Master of the Oasis of the Seas, sent to guest on the cruise before they canceled the cruise altogether When folks began asking if the virus would impact future trips, Royal Caribbean responded on social that those trips would go on 'We hope all the information in this letter helps you understand the importance Royal Carribbean places on the health and safety of every one of our guests and crew members,' said Peterson. 'Like you, we want to ensure that every guest's cruise is a fun, relaxing and healthy experience.' When folks began asking if the virus would impact future trips, Royal Caribbean responded on social that those trips would go on. 'Unfortunately, we did experience an outbreak on the current Oasis sailing,' the company said on Twitter. 'I see you'll be boarding on Sunday, but no need to worry. We're taking all necessary precautions to ensure your safety as well.' The Government is considering whether to install military-grade anti-drone equipment at all UK airports, prisons and power stations, according to reports. Gatwick and Heathrow are already ploughing millions into new hi-tech gear but ministers are looking at plans to extend cover to all airports as well as other key installations. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said airports must buy anti-drone equipment as it would stop Royal Air Force from intervening every time devices are flown near runways. Mr Williamson added technology which can detect and deter the gadget is a 'logical thing' for airports to invest in. Passengers walk beneath screens displaying information in Gatwick Airport after a drone sparked travel chaos just before Christmas Reports suggest all UK airports could install anti-drone equipment following the disruption at Gatwick airport The BBC said there will be a move to install anti-drone equipment at airports, prisons and power stations following the disruption caused over the last few weeks. And Mr Williamson said all airports should get the technology as he unveiled new stealth jets at RAF Marham in Norfolk. His remarks come after flights at the UK's busiest airports were cancelled in recent weeks after a drone sighting caused flights to be grounded. An estimated 140,000 Gatwick passengers were affected in the three days shortly before Christmas, while departures at Heathrow were suspended for an hour on Tuesday night. Both airports have promised to invest millions of pounds in cutting-edge technology to nullify the threat from drones. A system which can detect, track and ground the devices has been installed on the roof of Gatwick's South Terminal following last month's chaos. Civil Aviation Authority figures revealed 120 near misses between drones and aircraft were reported in the year to December 4, 2018 - up 29 per cent on the total of 93 in the whole of 2017. In 2014, there were just six recorded incidents. Aviation minister Baroness Sugg and security minister Ben Wallace were holding a meeting with airport bosses on Thursday to discuss plans to crack down on the problem.Mr Williamson said: 'I think that everyone would be expecting all airports to be having this detection, and deterrence effect also, at all commercial airports in the future. The Airport Operators Association, a trade association representing UK airports, said on Wednesday its members are working with the authorities to 'see what lessons can be learnt' from the recent drone disruption, including 'looking at what technology is available' 'It is a logical thing for them to be investing (in).' He added: 'It wouldn't be right to expect the RAF to be the people that are constantly stepping in on this.' The Airport Operators Association, a trade association representing UK airports, said on Wednesday its members are working with the authorities to 'see what lessons can be learnt' from the recent drone disruption, including 'looking at what technology is available'. MailOnline has contacted the Department for Transport and Ministry of Justice for comment. Texas authorities are using cardboard cutouts of sheriff's deputies in a bid to crack down on speeding drivers. The Williamson County Sheriff's Office recently deployed its newest cardboard deputy as part of a new anti-speeding campaign. The cutout was made to resemble a real department employee, Deputy Wolf, pointing a radar gun. Scroll down for video The Williamson County Sheriff's Office in Texas is using cardboard cutouts of sheriff's deputies in a bid to crack down on speeding drivers A number of the cutouts were put up in various areas north of Austin that are problematic for speeding. While up close it is clear the deputy is just a cutout, the sheriff's office said drivers can't always tell the difference when they are driving above the speed limit. They said a driver's first instinct will be to brake when they see the so-called deputy. The sheriff's office posted a side-by-side comparison of Deputy Wolf on Twitter on Tuesday, saying: 'Trivia: Which Deputy Wolf will you meet this morning during your morning commute? '1) The cardboard image on the left. 2) The real deputy on the right. Both will be out this morning. The real deal writes citations for speeding: especially in school zones. #NoSpeeding.' They also posted footage of cars slowing down as they drove by a cutout in Fern Bluff. The new speed cameras (pictured) have been cropping up across southern England This is the new speed camera that uses infrared equipment to catch people eating, drinking and smoking behind the wheel. The 'yellow vulture' is designed to catch out motorists who are using their phones, but can also spot people not wearing a seatbelt. And given their different appearance to the familiar yellow cameras recognised up and down the country, you might not even realise you've been caught out. They have already begun cropping up in the south of England, Devon Live and Essex Live have reported. If you do spot any, it's guaranteed that another will be lurking nearby - as two are set at a minimum of 200 metres apart. They are then synchronised to record the times every vehicle passes, achieving this by reading the number plates. The yellow vultures (pictured in Plymouth) do not share the same colour as their predecessors The average speed between the cameras will reveal whether or not the driver was speeding. That means that slowing down right in front of them won't help you, as the computer that calculates the average will be able to determine if you've sped up in between. Because they use infrared technology, the vultures work whether it's night or day and in any weather conditions. And it's not just the surveillance that is sharpening, as several UK police forces have warned of less leeway for speeding motorists. The cameras can spot you using your phone, smoking and eating as well as catching out speeders Drivers have long assumed that as long they don't go 10 per cent plus 2mph faster than the limit, they'll avoid a fine. But police have indicated that greater accuracy on the part of new cameras mean they will be able to follow the law with greater rigidity. The law states that tickets can be issued as soon as a motorist exceeds the speed limit - even if it's just by 1mph. Two senior former security chiefs condemned Theresa May's Brexit deal as a threat to national security today and called on Tory MPs to vote it down. Ex-MI6 boss Sir Richard Dearlove and former head of the Armed Force Lord Charles Guthrie together wrote to local Tory party chairmen urging to pressure their MPs to vote no. The letter is a fresh blow to Mrs May's desperate attempts to win on Tuesday night with forecasts suggesting she is on the brink of the biggest ever Commons loss. Protecting national security has been a key argument of the Prime Minister in defence of her deal - insisting cooperation with the EU is crucial for protecting UK citizens. Ex-MI6 boss Sir Richard Dearlove and former head of the Armed Force Lord Charles Guthrie together wrote to local Tory party chairmen urging to pressure their MPs to vote no The letter (pictured) is a fresh blow to Mrs May's desperate attempts to win on Tuesday night with forecasts suggesting she is on the brink of the biggest ever Commons loss The duo insisted the deal would 'threaten the national security of the country in fundamental ways'. They said: 'Buried in the agreement is the offer of a 'new, deep and special relationship' with the EU in defence, security and intelligence which cuts across the three fundamentals of our national security policy. Both Sir Richard and Lord Guthrie supported Brexit ahead of the 2016 referendum i arguing that quitting the EU would be better for Britain's defence and security. The letter, obtained by Sky News, added: 'Please ensure that your MP (Member of Parliament) votes against this bad agreement and supports a sovereign Brexit on WTO rules.' The PM's official spokeswoman said: 'The claim is completely wrong. Nothing in the Withdrawal Agreement or the political declaration cuts across Nato, our defence or intelligence relationship with the USA or the five eyes alliance in fact our deal delivers the broadest security agreement the EU has with any of its partners.' Liberal Democrat Tom Brake, a Best for Britain supporter, said: 'It's astonishing that someone of Sir Richard Dearlove's experience can make the case that cutting our ties with the EU would enhance security cooperation. It clearly wouldn't. 'We've already lost access to the Galileo programme and police departments around the country have time and again warned about the threat Brexit poses to their ability to stop terrorists. 'Then again, this is the guy who was head of intelligence when we went into Iraq.' Protecting national security has been a key argument of the Prime Minister (pictured at Twickenham today with Shinzo Abe) in defence of her deal - insisting cooperation with the EU is crucial for protecting UK citizens Britain's Security Minister Ben Wallace said in November that leaving the EU without a deal would jeopardize cooperation with the bloc and affect the ability to keep the public safe. He said: 'If we reject the current deal and go back to square one, this will open the door to far greater uncertainty, increased risk and the prospect of downgrading our ability to protect the public.' MPs resumed discussion on the PM's deal in the chamber today - amid fears that Parliament is locked in a 'Mexican stand-off' where every possible option for resolving the crisis is blocked. Opening the debate in the House, Mr Gove highlighted that shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner had once been caught out privately using the swear word to refer to Labour's six tests for a Brexit deal. And he then pointed out that Mr Bercow's wife Sally had a sticker saying 'Boll***s to Brexit' in her Land Rover. 'I know, Mr Speaker, there are some distinguished citizens in this country who have put on their cars a poster or sticker saying boll***s to Brexit,' Mr Gove said. 'But we now know from Labour's own frontbench that their official Brexit position is boll***s.' Amid gasps and laughter in the chamber, Lib Dem Ed Davey interrupted to ask if Mr Bercow had made a new ruling on what language is suitable for parliament. But Mr Bercow said he had 'richly enjoyed' Mr Gove's speech. 'Was it orderly? Yes,' he said. 'There was nothing disorderly about the using of the word.' 'I think it is a matter of taste.' Mr Bercow has been accused of throwing the Commons into chaos by ripping up the rule book. But ministers and Tory Eurosceptics have voiced concerns about whether Mr Bercow can still be seen as 'neutral' after he ignored centuries of convention yesterday to make life more difficult for the government. The Speaker sparked extraordinary scenes when he defied the advice of officials to allow the amendment tabled by former attorney general Dominic Grieve. Nathan Wyatt, pictured outside Westminster Magistrates' Court with partner Kelly Howell, is fighting extradition to the US after being charged with cyber crimes against healthcare firms A stay-at-home father once accused of hacking Pippa Middleton is now fighting extradition to the US over cyber attacks on healthcare firms. Nathan Wyatt, 37, was arrested in 2016 after the Duchess of Cambridge's sister had 3,000 images stolen from her iCloud account. He was later released without charge due to lack of evidence, but during their investigation police found he had hacked a US law firm and demanded 10,000 euros to fix the damage. Wyatt was then jailed in September 2017 over the blackmail and other credit card fraud before being released last August. But he was then immediately seized over similar blackmail schemes against healthcare and accountancy firms in Missouri after authorities in the US issued a warrant for his arrest. He has been charged with one count of conspiracy to blackmail healthcare providers in the USA, two counts of aggravated identity theft and three counts of threatening damage to a protected computer. Westminster Magistrates' Court heard today that Wyatt, a house-husband from Northamptonshire, extorted the American healthcare providers out of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency under the moniker of 'The Dark Overlords'. Daniel Sternberg, prosecuting, said: 'In terms of the domestic proceedings in this jurisdiction, Mr Wyatt was arrested on August 7 last year at the gates of HMP Wandsworth where he was serving a domestic custodial sentence. 'He declined to consent to extradition. 'An arrest warrant was issued by the US district of Missouri on November 8th, 2017. 'It is said he threatened the owners of the data in those computers that they would release it.' The first of these blackmails allegedly occurred in April 2016 - with the hacker group demanding a ransom paid to a Paypal account in the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Mr Sternberg said: 'Threatening emails to the victims were sent. The healthcare provider was located in the eastern district of Missouri in the United States of America. 'On the April 23, 2016, the victim, a healthcare records company in Missouri received various threats from a Gmail email address. Wyatt, pictured at court with his partner, allegedly hacked into the networks of businesses in Missouri and demanded ransom money in Bitcoin to fix the damage. Authorities say he called himself 'The Dark Overlords' 'The victim was informed their Dropbox and Paypal accounts had been hacked and that their funds had been paid out on Paypal. 'They were told to respond or they would be publicly named as the source of their client's suffering.' Another victim, also a health care provider in Missouri, received threats in June 2016. The prosecutor said: 'The Dark Overlords demanded Bitcoins to satisfy its demands. Attached to emails was various personal information about the owner of the company and his family. 'On July 17 threatening text messages were sent to the daughter of the owner. 'They were informed its network had been hacked and they were asked to pay $75,000 in Bitcoins in order to meet The Dark Overlords demands.' The court heard another healthcare provider in Athens, Georgia, had its database hacked and was threatened with illegal data being reported to the US Department of Health and Human Services. They were told to make payments in Bitcoin to the hackers, who released 500 records belonging to the company onto a website called 'Paste Bin'. Mr Sternberg added: 'On July 27, The Dark Overlords sent an email saying they would accept a payment of 400,000 to be sent in 100,000 increments to four different bank accounts.' A final victim is said to be a public accounting firm in Missouri which was hacked in July 2016. The Department of Justice want to extradite the convicted fraudster to face trial in the eastern district of Missouri - where the majority companies and individuals affected by the hacking and blackmail are located. Wyatt, pictured with Ms Howell right and pictured left after being arrested over the Pippa Middleton incident, was previously jailed for a similar crime against a US law firm in 2016 that was uncovered after he was investigated over an alleged hack on Pippa Middleton The court heard that Wyatt was linked to the hacking attacks in respect of the blackmail attempts to the healthcare provider in Georgia. Mr Sternberg said: 'One of the bank accounts to be paid the demand into was that of Mr Wyatt, and that of his girlfriend in Wellingborough in the UK. 'That clearly connected Mr Wyatt in the conduct against companies and persons in the US. 'Mr Wyatt's IP address was used to register a telephone number that was used to send threatening messages. It was used to register an email address in the name of 'Lauren Bowler', the alias used by Mr Wyatt. 'The Gmail account was used in this name and also used to search for one of the victim's president. Wyatt was accused of hacking Pippa Middleton's iCloud account after 3,000 photos were stolen from the Duchess of Cambridge's sister, pictured with husband James Matthews 'The same phone number was used to register a WhatsApp account in November 2016, which used Mr Wyatt's picture as the avatar. 'The same number was used to log-in to a Paypal account that received stolen funds from one of the victims. 'Another phone number was used to set up a Twitter amount used by The Dark Overlords on July 1 2016 and to register a VPN in April 2016. 'That VPN was used to log-in to Mr Wyatt's Facebook account. 'Another email address Mr Wyatt is connected to has been abbreviated to '....2'@gmail.com' was used to register The Dark Overlords Twitter account. 'In short he set up multiple accounts to set up and extort the companies. He's therefore charged in the conspiracy.' District Judge Nina Tempia adjourned the hearing until her judgment later this month. Wyatt, of Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, was bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court for that judgment. As part of his bail conditions he is not able to possess or order new travel documents and is electronically tagged. He also has to report to a police station every day. The court heard he was a 'house husband' and stayed at home to look after his youngest two children, aged six and 12, in an application to vary his bail conditions. Kate O'Raghallaigh, defending, said Wyatt wanted to check in at a police station at a later time at the weekends so he could spend time with his children. Wyatt was previously accused of taking thousands of images of the Duchess and her children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, with police claiming the pictures were then offered for sale for 50,000. Pippa and now-husband James Matthews took the case to the High Court in 2016 to obtain an order barring publication of any photos or material leaked from her iCloud account. A Japanese popstar has apologised after speaking out about allegedly being assaulted in her own home by two male 'fans'. Maho Yamaguchi, 23, revealed this week that she had been 'attacked by two men' at her flat in Niigata, central Japan, accusing fellow members of the pop-group NGT48 of leaking her personal details to fans. Yesterday, Yamaguchi apologised during a performance in the city, bowing deeply to the crowd before saying she regretted 'causing trouble' by speaking publicly about the alleged assault. Apology: Maho Yamaguchi bows on stage in Niigata, Japan, as she apologises to her fans for speaking out about an alleged assault which took place in December NGT48 is a so-called 'idol group', a Japanese manufactured performance group with 48 members, of which Yamaguchi is a 'team leader'. Local media reports that Yamaguchi was attacked on December 8, as she entered her flat in Niigata, by two men 'grabbing her by the face'. The 23-year-old 'screamed in fear' which saw the two men cover her mouth to silence her, Kotaku.com reports. The men, two 25-year-old students, were arrested for assault, but later released without charges. Police said that the suspects 'only wanted to talk to Yamaguchi, and didn't think it would be a big deal', according to AnimeNewsNetwork. Yamaguchi, 23, revealed this week that she had been 'attacked by two men' at her flat, accusing fellow members of the pop-group NGT48 of leaking her details to fans Girl group: Maho Yamaguchi, 23, is one of 48 members of NGT48, pictured onstage during the 2015 Asia Song Festival in Busan, South Korea Despite the alleged assault taking place last month, Yamaguchi did not address the incident until earlier this week. In an emotional video livestreamed on social media, Yamaguchi broke down in tears as she spoke for the first time about the attack. She claimed that someone in NGT48 had leaked her personal details, including her address, and that this had seen the two men turn up at her door. With tears streaming down her face, she relayed her fear as she was pinned down by the two attackers outside her flat. She claimed she was able to escape when they became distracted by the building's lift. She said she reported the incident to her management, and that she had decided to speak up when nothing came of her complaints. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe poses with NGT48 members in Shinjuku Gyoen park in Tokyo in spring 2016 A translation posted on Twitter quotes her as saying 'I wanted to speak out sooner but [management] said they would take care of everything, so I waited this whole month while in fear. 'However, there were no results. The people who did the evil deed are all just as they were.' The day after the livestream, Yamaguchi took to the stage to apologise to her fans 'for causing trouble' during a performance. Taking a deep bow in front of a crowd, she said she was sorry for 'causing troubles for those who have taken care of me'. NGT48 management denied that another member of the group leaked her address to the attackers. This is the moment three Russian men are beaten up by a shopper after they mocked him for the 'feminine' bag he was carrying. CCTV footage showed the man reacting violently after the others waiting at the till suggested he was gay. The man, a veteran of the second Chechen war, was ordering food in St Petersburg when the sudden violence broke out. At the start of the clip the man, dressed in a black cap, takes the black bag off his shoulder, revealing it to the camera. Calm before the storm: The war veteran, far left, holds a bag which was mocked by other shoppers for being 'feminine', prompting an outbreak of violence in the shop Sent flying: One of the shoppers is sent tumbling to the ground as the man who had been mocked - a veteran of the war in Chechnya - punches him with both fists According to reports the former soldier lashed out at the fast-food shop after one of the men said that the bag was 'feminine looking' and its owner might be 'gay'. Without warning he attacks one of the other men with both fists, striking him in the face and sending him falling backwards into a table. One of the other yobs throws a punch but barely makes an impact and the veteran responds by knocking him to the ground with a much more powerful strike. Another shopper in a yellow rain coat initially waits to see if the situation will calm down but hurries away after the second man crashes to the floor. The veteran then punches a third man before returning to assault the first of his victims, who had climbed back up off the ground. A man steps from behind the till but retreats again when he sees the attacker has picked up a chair. He smashes into two of the men with the chair before finally pausing, as one of his victims - a man in a blue hat - tries to plead with him. As the violence dies down the ex-soldier appears to argue his case with the shopkeeper before shaking hands with one of the men he had punched. Onslaught : The attacker sends another man to the ground after punching the first of his victims with two fists and flooring the second who had tried to fight back Empty chair: The attacker brandishes one of the seats in the fast food shop and uses it to attack one of the men as another shopper hurries out of the way President Donald Trump said Thursday that he didn't know 'anything' about his former campaign chair Paul Manafort passing on campaign polling to an alleged Russian spy during the 2016 campaign. Trump got asked about the revelation days after it was revealed in a court filing by Manafort's lawyers. Although the filing was meant to push Manafort's position that he had not lied in breach of a cooperation deal, botched redactions revealed the substance of what the dispute was about. The most explosive among them is that Manafort, while a senior figure in Trump's campaign, gave campaign poll data to Konstantin Kilimnik, a former business associate who special Mueller's office has tied to a Russian intelligence service. 'No I didn't know anything about it nothing about it,' said Trump, when asked about it before taking off for the border on the 20th day of a government shutdown. 'I didn't know anything about it,' said President Donald Trump, denying knowledge that his former campaign chair Paul Manafort passed campaign poll data to an alleged Russian spy in 2016 Manafort's lawyers filed the letter containing the information under seal late Monday. Manafort lawyer Kevin Downing and his team countered prosecutors' claims that he lied by arguing that it was difficult for his client to remember things about Ukraine during the busy campaign season when he was among Trump's top advisors. In this handout provided by Alexandria Sheriff's Office, Paul Manafort poses for a mugshot photo at the Alexandria Detention Center in Alexandria, Virginia. Prosecutors say he violated a cooperation deal, which could extend his jail term at sentencing Special counsel Robert Mueller's prosecutors accuse Manafort of violating a cooperation agreement Konstantin Kilimnik has been indicted by special counsel Robert Mueller on charges he tampered with witnesses in the upcoming Paul Manafort trial. Kilimnik has been described as a fixer, translator or office manager to Trump's ex-campaign chairman, Manafort. But an Associated Press investigation finds documents show that he was far more involved in Manafort's activities than had been portrayedHe helped formulate Manafort's pitches to clients in Russia and Ukraine, including Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, to whom he was main go-between. Mueller has alleged that Kilimnik has ties to the Kremlin's intelligence apparatus Blacked out portions reveal what Manafort told prosecutors in a 'proffer meeting' in September of 2018 COPY PASTE: When readers copied the document and pasted it in a file, it was possible to read the redactions that the government had imposed Former Donald Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort sent campaign polling data to an alleged Russian spy in the midst of the 2016 campaign, according to a filing by his lawyers that the government failed to properly redact 'Issues and communications related to Ukrainian political events simply were not at the forefront of Mr. Manafort's mind during the period at issue and it is not surprising at all that Mr. Manafort was unable to recall specific details prior to having his recollection refreshed,' according to the blacked out material in the memo. 'The same is true with regard to the Government's allegation that Mr. Manafort lied about sharing polling data with Mr. Kilimnik related to the 2016 presidential campaign,' according to the Manafort filing. That passage was meant to be blacked out, but could be seen when the document was copied and pasted. CNN reported this week that Ukrainian oligarchs Serhiy Lyovochkin and Rinat Akhmetov were the intended recipients. Both had paid Manafort for his work in Ukraine in the past. Manafort banked millions as a consultant, including through wire transfers from the oligarchs that went through some of the many shell companies he set up overseas. Manafort wrote his accountant in August 2016 stating that he expected to be paid $2.4 million in November 2016 for his Ukraine work. The money was to reimburse debts from Ukrainian backers Lyovochkin and Akhmetov, Manafort spokesman Jason Maloni told the network. A legal defence fund is being launched for Julian Assange amid fears that the WikiLeaks founder is under 'increasingly serious threat'. The Courage Foundation, which offers legal support for whistleblowers and journalists, said Mr Assange had become 'isolated' inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Mr Assange, 47, has been holed up under asylum inside the embassy since 2012 when he was accused of sexual assault by two women in Sweden. The Australian denied their claims but refused to travel to Sweden to face them, saying it was part of a ruse to extradite him to the US due to his involvement in the leaking of a huge amount of classified documents in 2010. The Courage Foundation which supports whistleblowers claims Julian Assange, pictured at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London where he has claimed asylum for six years, is 'increasingly under threat' and has become 'isolated' The Courage Foundation now claims his expulsion from the embassy may be imminent, putting him at risk of extradition to the United States. A spokesman said: 'The US government has pursued a Grand Jury investigation into WikiLeaks since 2010, with major politicians and public figures calling for Assange's arrest or execution. 'It has recently been confirmed that the US government has already charged Assange in a sealed indictment and seeks his arrest and extradition. 'In response to these developments, the Courage Foundation is launching a Julian Assange Legal Defence Fund. 'Prosecuting Assange for publishing constitutes a major attack on press freedoms at large, and his transatlantic legal defence will require contributions from supporters around the world.' The foundation claimed the US government will use all its resources to force Mr Assange's extradition from the UK and take him into custody. Tensions have been rising between Mr Assange and Ecuadorian officials, who have imposed restrictions on him including limited internet use and cleaning up after his cat, pictured Last month Ecuador's president Lenin Moreno said conditions had been met for Assange to leave the embassy 'in near-liberty' and that Britain had guaranteed the whistleblower would not be extradited to any country where his life would be in danger. But a lawyer for Mr Assange has since said the deal is not acceptable. Mr Assange has long maintained the he faces charges under seal in the US for revealing highly sensitive government information on his website. While the exact charges against Assange remain unclear, WikiLeaks has served as a vehicle for release of thousands of classified US military and diplomatic cables. Antonio Boparan, 31, pictured arriving at Birmingham Magistrates' Court today, is charged with death by dangerous driving A millionaire's son appeared in court today over the death of girl who died nearly a decade after a car crash which left her severely disabled. Antonio Boparan, 31, of Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, is charged with causing the death of Cerys Edwards by dangerous driving. The girl was left paralysed and brain damaged after a crash in 2006, when she was 11 months old, and a post-mortem found her death aged nine in 2015 was 'a result of the collision'. Boparan, who appeared in court this afternoon, was allegedly driving a Range Rover Sport involved in the crash. His father Ranjit Boparan Singh, 52, is a food manufacturing tycoon known as the 'Chicken King' in the West Midlands. Antonio Boparan was charged by postal requisition in December last year after a criminal case review was launched following the post-mortem results. He appeared in the dock at Birmingham Magistrates' Court with short hair and stubble, wearing a navy suit, white shirt and waistcoat and spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth. Chair of the bench Christopher Beesley told Boparan, represented by Jim Sturman QC, to take his hands out of his pockets before the brief hearing began. Cerys Edwards was left paralysed and brain damaged after the crash in 2006 and died in 2015 Cerys is pictured aged three with her mother Tracey. The little girl died aged nine in 2015 Cerys died one month before her 10th birthday, after the crash left her needing round-the-clock care and a ventilator to breathe. Speaking after her death, her father, Gareth Edwards, said his daughter could 'melt the heart of anyone' and 'never complained' despite her injuries. Mr Beesley granted Boparan unconditional bail ahead of an appearance at Birmingham Crown Court on February 7. Boparan (right) is the son of Ranjit Boparan Singh (right, file picture), a food manufacturing tycoon known as the 'Chicken King' in the West Midlands Boparan was allegedly driving a Range Rover Sport (pictured) involved in the crash in 2006 Hungarian PM Viktor Orban warned of two civilisations in Europe - one Christian, the other mixed Islamic - as he called for an 'anti-immigrant' coup in the EU. Speaking at a news conference in Budapest, Orban predicted there would be two civilisations, 'one mixed Muslim-Christian in the West, and one traditional European-Christian in Central Europe.' The nationalist leader called for 'anti-immigration forces' to seize power in May's European elections and said he would 'fight' French President Emmanuel Macron, who he claimed was leading a pro-immigration agenda. He welcomed a 'Warsaw-Rome axis' as he echoed calls for a 'European Spring' made by the Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini who challenged the 'French-German axis' on Wednesday during a visit to Warsaw. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told the press conference in Budapest there would be two civilisations, 'one mixed Muslim-Christian in the West, and one traditional European-Christian in Central Europe' 'Nothing personal': Orban took aim at French President Emmanuel Macron, saying he would have to 'fight' Macron if his pro-immigration agenda prevailed in Europe 'The Polish-Italian or Warsaw-Rome axis is one of the greatest developments that the year could have begun with,' Orban said. Orban called Salvini his 'hero,' after the Italian leader said there would be a 'new plan for Europe' at talks with Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the head of Poland's governing right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party. Orban said Salvini's stance was 'brave.' 'He was the first politician in Europe who said that migration can also be stopped at sea, that made him a hero in my eyes.' The 55-year-old Hungarian leader said. Orban, who won a third consecutive term in April with an electoral campaign based on anti-immigration policies, also said that he had 'great hopes' for cooperation between Italy and Poland. He gave full support to an Italian-Polish initiative to form a right-wing alliance for the European Parliament where he hopes anti-immigration parties will gain a majority. The Polish and Italian ruling nationalist parties currently sit in different European Parliament groupings to Orban's Fidesz, which is a member of the centre-right European People's Party (EPP). But Orban said he sees that 'anti-immigration forces capable of governing are searching for different modes of cooperation... and that is good news for both us (Fidesz) and the EPP.' Fidesz's presence in the EPP has been controversial, with critics calling for it to be expelled from the grouping over what they say is Orban's growing authoritarianism. Last September the European Parliament voted to launch unprecedented legal action against Budapest over alleged 'breaches of democratic values'. Orban said that 'for the first time the European elections will decide on a question that touches all of Europe, that is, immigration.' Orban took aim at Macron, whom he called the leader of pro-immigration policies in Europe. 'It is nothing personal, but a matter of our countries' future,' Orban said of Macron. 'If what he wants with regards to migration materialises in Europe, that would be bad for Hungary, therefore I must fight him.' Orban also said he saw no chance for a compromise with Germany. He said German politicians and media attack him, often brutally, exerting undue pressure on him to admit migrants. Immigration has been the main political vehicle for Orban since 2015, when he was the first leader on the continent to take an extreme hard-line on the issue. He built a razor wire fence along Hungary's southern border to stop it as tens of thousands of refugees fleeing war and poverty reached Europe's shores and border. Orban has tightened his grip on power since 2010, defying EU norms and rising to prominence as the continent's voters increasingly respond to populist agendas. Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini called for a 'European Spring' in Warsaw on Wednesday as he discussed forming an anti-immigration bloc with Polish politicians ahead of May's election German Chancellor Angela Merkel is seen as a controlling influence over the EU by nationalist populists who wish to see an end to her dominance While Orban made strides in fixing the economy, his critics have said he has done that while eroding democratic checks and balances, turning much of domestic media into mouthpieces, and using EU funds to bolster businessmen friendly to his regime. Orban's stance set up the prospect of a southern and eastern European axis against a France-German tandem ahead of the EU elections which could redraw the continent's political map. Salvini said during a visit to Warsaw on Wednesday that Italy and Poland should join forces in a euro-sceptic alliance. 'The Polish-Italian or Warsaw-Rome alliance is one of the greatest developments that this year could have started with,' Orban said, describing Salvini as a 'hero' for stopping migration at the shores of Italy. 'I am pinning great hopes on this.' Hungary's goal is to gain an anti-immigrant majority in the European Parliament, then in the executive European Commission, and later, as national elections change the continent's political landscape, the European Council, where national leaders make the most important EU decisions, Orban said. Christopher Dupuy, a 47-year-old former judge in Galveston County, Texas, was convicted of online impersonation and sentenced to six years in prison on Wednesday A former Texas judge has been sentenced to six years in prison for posting fake sex-for-hire ads online with two of his ex-girlfriends' photos and phone numbers. Christopher Dupuy, 47, was convicted of online impersonation on Wednesday in the same Galveston County court where he used to sit on the bench. Prosecutors say he sought revenge against the women by creating provocative ads with their information and posting them on Backpage, a now-defunct classified advertising website that offered escort and sex services, under the pseudonym 'Don Tequila'. The victims filed a complaint about the ads in 2015 and investigators traced them back to Dupuy through evidence collected from his phone and computer. Assistant District Attorney Adam Poole said the case was part of a larger pattern of Dupuy's harassment against women, and that this conviction has been 'a long time coming'. The defense argued that the evidence against Dupuy was 'circumstantial' and that the investigation was unfair because it was focused on him from the start. 'I did believe there was some reasonable doubt here,' Simone Bray told the Houston Chronicle on Wednesday. 'But the citizens of Galveston felt different, and I respect their verdict.' Dupuy was arrested on impersonation charges in July of 2015 after the two women filed a complaint about the advertisements, which investigators traced back to him. The 47-year-old was forced to resign from the bench in 2013 amid unrelated criminal allegations One of Dupuy's victims said that he used pictures from her Facebook page to create an ad on the escort section of Backpage. The post detailed that she was into fetishes and would 'guarantee full satisfaction', according to the complaint. It also listed her real phone number. In a similarly provocative ad, Dupuy posted photos of the other woman's breasts that she had texted in confidence to him while they were dating. Backpage was seized and shut down by federal investigators last April as part of a broad investigation into prostitution and human trafficking. Dupuy was first arrested in July of 2015 on impersonation charges and spent nearly a year in jail. He was kept in solitary confinement for his own safety, according to authorities. In 2016 he was released after a visiting county judge ruled that the state's online impersonation statute was unconstitutional. That ruling was later overturned by an appellate court. The Galveston County courthouse where Dupuy used to serve on the bench is pictured above Police issued a warrant for Dupuy's arrest in May 2018 after a Harris County woman accused him of calling her 200 times in one night and threatening to kill her. That case is still pending, according to court records. The 47-year-old was arrested in August at a home near Austin where police found him hiding in an attic. Dupuy's legal trouble began in 2013 when he resigned from his job as a high profile judge amid unrelated criminal allegations. He pleaded guilty that year to two misdemeanor charges, abuse of office and perjury and received two years of deferred adjudication. President Donald Trump argued Thursday he never believed Mexico would write him a check for $20 billion dollars to pay for a border wall. 'When I say Mexico is going to pay for the wall, you think they're going to write a check for $20 billion or $10 billion or $5 billion or two cents? No, they're paying for the wall in a great trade deal,' he said during his visit to the banks of the Rio Grande in the Texas border town of Mission. The president has been arguing he never meant Mexico would write a check to the United States to pay for the border wall but would pay for it 'indirectly' instead. President Donald Trump salutes a U.S. Border Patrol helicopter with U.S. Border Patrol agents as it flies over the Rio Grande River during his visit to the U.S. - Mexico border President Donald Trump speaks with Border Patrol agents and next to Sen. John Cornyn Trump went to the border for a photo op to help gin up public support for his wall 'When during the campaign I would say Mexico is going to pay for it. Obviously I never said this and I never meant they are going to write out a check. I said they are are going to pay for it. They are. They are paying for it with the incredible deal we made called the United States, Mexico and Canada it's a trade deal,' he told reporters at the White House before he left for his visit to the U.S.-Mexico border. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal - which Trump calls USMC - still has to be approved by Congress and Trump complained lawmakers could hold that up because of the upcoming presidential election. 'It has to be approved by Congress. Probably will be other than maybe they hold that up because they want to have - they want to do as much harm as they can. Only because of the 2020 presidential election. So, Mexico is paying for the wall indirectly and when I said Mexico will pay for the wall in front of thousands and thousands of people they are paying for the wall indirectly. Many, many times over by the really great trade deal we just made,' he argued. The president said multiple times on the campaign trail that Mexico would pay for his border wall and gave the impression America's Southern neighbor would be sending cash directly to the U.S. for it. During his presidential announcement speech on June 16, 2015, Trump said, 'I will build a great, great wall on our southern border. And I will have Mexico pay for that wall.' And Trump's campaign posted a document detailing how Mexico will pay for the wall. The two-page proposal outlines a three-day plan that would forbid money transfer companies like Western Union from transferring funds outside the United States by anyone who couldn't prove they were in the United States legally. If Mexico does not pay for the wall, the administration would put that regulation into affect: 'Tell Mexico that if the Mexican government will contribute the funds needed to the United States to pay for the wall, the Trump Administration will not promulgate the final rule, and the regulation will not go into effect,' the document says. President Trump said he never meant Mexico would write the U.S. a check for the wall After he announced his presidential bid, Trump appeared in a sketch on NBC's 'Saturday Night Live' where he was given a check for the wall by Mexico's then president Enrique Pena Nieto, played by Beck Bennett The plan also included thoughts on raising trade tariffs and canceling visas to push Mexico into coughing up the cash. But he even joked about Mexico paying for the wall when he appeared on Saturday Night Live in 2015, pocketing a check for $20 billion from its 'president', played by Beck Bennett. In recent days, Trump and his administration have been arguing Mexico will pay for the wall indirectly as they try to secure the $5 billion in funds needed to build it. However, one Trump adviser admitted tax payers will bear the cost. U.S. tax payers will pay directly for the wall, White House spokesperson Mercedes Schlapp said on CNN Wednesday. 'Yes,' Schlapp said when asked about taxpayers paying for the wall. 'And you know what else taxpayers are paying for? The financial burden of this illegal immigration.' There is nothing in the trade agreement that requires Mexico to pay for the wall. The administration is making a more nuanced argument that taxpayers and businesses will be saving money on goods and services that they will inject back into the U.S. economy. Trump said multiple times during the campaign Mexico would pay for the wall Trump's campaign posted a document outlining how they would make Mexico pay for the wall The latest salvo comes on day 20 of a partial government shutdown and as both sides are at an impasse over reopening it. Trump is holding firm for his $5.7 billion and Democrats aren't budging from their $1.3 billion. The president is leaving for the border to gin up support for his border barrier as Democrats vow not to fund his wall and he vowed not to sign any legislation to fund the government that doesn't fund his wall. The USMC trade agreement isn't even legal yet. Although the three leaders of the U.S., Canada and Mexico signed the trade deal, the legislative bodies in each respective country must approve it before its binding. None of them have done so. And there's no direct line of revenue from the agreement to the U.S. Treasury. Tax revenue generated by the trade provisions would not come from Mexico but from U.S. tax payers and corporations. A fact check by the Anneberg Public Policy Center found Trump's claim of indirect payment by Mexico to be false. Trump is taking the shutdown battle to the U.S.-Mexico border, seeking to bolster his case for the border wall after negotiations with Democrats blew up over his funding demands. Trump stalked out of his meeting with congressional leaders - 'I said bye-bye,' he tweeted soon after as efforts to end the partial government shutdown fell into deeper disarray. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers now face lost paychecks on Friday. During his stop Thursday in McAllen, Texas, Trump will visit a border patrol station for a roundtable on immigration and border security and will get a security briefing on the border. But Trump has expressed his own doubts that his appearance and remarks will change any minds, as he seeks $5.7 billion for the wall that has been his signature promise since his presidential campaign. McAllen is located in the Rio Grande Valley, the busiest part of the border for illegal border crossings. The unraveling talks prompted further speculation about whether Trump would declare a national emergency and try to authorize the wall on his own if Congress won't approve the money he's seeking. 'I think we might work a deal, and if we don't I might go that route,' he said. President Donald Trump is heading to the U.S.-Mexico border for a photo-op he's not convinced will change anyone's mind about the need for a wall Workers replaced sections of the border wall, left, with new sections, right, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019, in Tijuana, Mexico House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (left) insisted Wednesday that the president let his temper get the best of him during a brief West Wing meeting after she refused to promise congressional funding for his border wall expansion project The White House meeting in the Situation Room ended after just 14 minutes. Democrats said they asked Trump to re-open the government but that he told them if he did they wouldn't give him money for the wall. Republicans said Trump posed a direct question to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: If he opened the government, would she fund the wall? She said no. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Trump slammed his hand on the table. However, Republicans said Trump, who handed out candy at the start of the meeting, did not raise his voice and there was no table pounding. One result was certain: The shutdown plunged into new territory with no endgame in sight. The Democrats see the idea of the long, impenetrable wall as ineffective and even immoral. Trump sees it as an absolute necessity to stop what he calls a crisis of illegal immigration, drug-smuggling and human trafficking at the border. Trump headed to Capitol Hill earlier Wednesday, seeking to soothe jittery Republican lawmakers. He left a Republican lunch boasting of 'a very, very unified party,' but GOP senators have been publicly uneasy as the standoff ripples across the lives of Americans and interrupts the economy. Trump gave a lukewarm speech Tuesday night in which he tried to restate his case for a border wall, but it changed the minds of no Democrats in Washington Federal Aviation Administration employee Michael Jessie, who is currently working without pay as an aviation safety inspector, is among government employees affected by a now 20-day-old partial government shutdown During the lunch, Trump discussed the possibility of a sweeping immigration compromise with Democrats to protect some immigrants from deportation but provided no clear strategy or timeline for resolving the standoff, according to senators in the private session. GOP unity was tested further when the House passed a bipartisan spending bill, 240-188, to reopen one shuttered department, Treasury, to ensure that tax refunds and other financial services continue. Eight Republicans joined Democrats in voting, defying the plea to stick with the White House. There was growing concern about the toll the shutdown is taking on everyday Americans, including disruptions in payments to farmers and trouble for home buyers who are seeking government-backed mortgage loans - 'serious stuff,' according to Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Senate Republican. Some Republicans were concerned about the administration's talk of possibly declaring a national emergency at the border, seeing that as an unprecedented claim on the right of Congress to allocate funding except in the most dire circumstances. 'I prefer that we get this resolved the old-fashioned way,' Thune said. Democrats said before the White House meeting that they would ask Trump to accept an earlier bipartisan bill that had money for border security but not the wall. Pelosi warned that the effects of hundreds of thousands of lost paychecks would begin to have an impact across the economy. Vice President Mike Pence spoke to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House after Trump stormed out of a meeting with Pelosi and Schumer on Wednesday 'The president could end the Trump shutdown and re-open the government today, and he should,' Pelosi said. Tuesday night, speaking to the nation from the Oval Office for the first time, Trump argued that the wall was needed to resolve a security and humanitarian 'crisis.' He blamed illegal immigration for what he said was a scourge of drugs and violence in the U.S. and asked: 'How much more American blood must we shed before Congress does its job?' Democrats in response accused Trump appealing to 'fear, not facts' and manufacturing a border crisis for political gain. In an off-the-record lunch with television anchors ahead of his speech, Trump suggested his aides had pushed him to give the address and travel to the border and that he personally did not believe either would make a difference, according to two people familiar with the meeting. But one person said it was unclear whether Trump was serious or joking. The people familiar with the meeting insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the meeting publicly. A retired Army paratrooper and West Virginia lawmaker who formalized his campaign for the presidency on Veterans Day is stepping down from the state Senate. Democrat Richard Ojeda told news outlets that he's resigning as of next week because he doesn't want his seat to sit empty while he's campaigning for president in 2020. Republican Gov. Jim Justice will choose his replacement. The tattooed veteran who carries a populist message in a district reeling from lost coal jobs announced his presidential ambitions after losing a congressional race to a Republican in November. Ojeda is of Mexican descent and became a champion of teachers during their fight for better pay and benefits. He sponsored successful legislation to make medical marijuana legal and has stressed health care and economic issues. Veteran: Populist Richard Ojeda plans to run on his Army service and his rejection of the establishment as he steps up a long-shot bid for the Democratic nomination by quitting as a West Virginia state senator Ojeda has been running for president since November, although he is not the longest-standing candidate by a long margin; that title goes to John Delaney, a former congressman from Pennsylvania who filed papers in July 2017. The most high-profile entrant to the race so far is Elizabeth Warren, the ultra-liberal Massachusetts senator who announced on New Year's Eve that she has formed an 'exploratory committee' to consider whether to run - a formality given that she has since traveled to Iowa to campaign. Other senators including Kamala Harris of California and Cory Booker of New Jersey are considered to be certainties to run, while Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar has said she is considering what to do. Independent senator Bernie Sanders had been widely expected to run again as a Democrat but has been hit by turbulence over revelations that there was sexual harassment during his failed run against Hillary Clinton, for which he apologized Thursday. A man arrested after leading them on a high speed chase across Virginia told cops it was his 'lifelong dream to run from the police'. After his arrest last Wednesday, 24-year-old Dejuane Ramel Wilson of Wakefield, Virginia was pictured smiling as cops put him in handcuffs following the high-speed pursuit. The pursuit started in Pulaski County at around 10.30am after Wilson's 2013 Chevrolet Camaro failed to stop on Interstate 81 at the 104 mile marker after an officer recorded it speeding in a work zone. Dejuane Ramel Wilson, 24, of Wakefield, Virginia was eventually stopped by police after leading them on a prolonged chase And cops trailed him all the way to Roanoke County, over 30 miles away, before he was eventually brought to a halt. At one point in the chase police recorded the vehicle traveling 130 mph. 'He said it was his lifelong dream to run from the police,' Virginia State Police Sgt. Rick Garletts said. After cops managed to bring his car to a stop, Wilson was arrested and charged with eluding police. Garletts said more charges could be filed. Nobody was injured in the chase. This is the moment Waffle House workers appear to pour food on a passed-out drunk customer before using him as a puppet and posting the humiliating video online. The shocking footage shows the victim sat at the counter of the Georgia restaurant as the employees lift his arms and make him 'dance' after putting food on his head. Waffle House confirmed they have since fired the two employees involved. The drunk man, who does not want to be identified, had gone to to the Waffle House in Lithonia to sober up when the incident is said to have happened. His devastated fiancee said she 'burst into tears' when she saw the footage and that her partner did not know he had been filmed until the footage was shared online. The shocking footage shows the victim sat at the counter of the Lithonia, Georgia restaurant as the employees lift his arms and make him 'dance' after putting food on his head Speaking to WSB-TV his fiancee said: 'He went to go get his head together, his mind straight, he passed out during the time, and they took advantage of him.' The woman claims the now private Instagram page where the clip was posted is full of similar videos of other unsuspecting customers. She added: 'Half of the people who are on his page probably don't even know they're being exposed at the moment.' Waffle House has been forced to apologize for the incident. A spokesman said: 'We have been in contact with the customer and have apologized. When we learned of this event we launched an investigation, and have terminated the employees involved. 'Their actions in no way represent our company or our thousands of Associates who strive to provide our customers with a positive experience daily.' Waffle House has been forced to apologize for the incident but the couple are calling for those involved to be fired from the restaurant But the customer and his girlfiend think the workers in question should be fired for their actions. Once the man in the video woke up he said ordered food and then walked home. DeKalb County Police Department has filed a report for simple battery. The holiest site in Islam has been hit by a plague of locusts, forcing cleaners into action to drive the insects out. Footage shared on social media showed the insects swarming around the Great Mosque in Mecca, which hosts millions of Muslim pilgrims every year. In one of the videos the insects can be seen clearly when the night sky is illuminated by the lights of the mosque. Insect invasion: The swarm is seen against the night sky in Mecca as cleaners desperately try to control the bugs at the holiest site in Islam A closer-up view shows them swarming in all directions, over the heads of the cleaners in green uniforms attempting to deal with them. Another shot shows the insects covering the walls of the mosque as they swarmed across the site. Mecca authorities shared pictures on Twitter of the cleaners, wearing face masks, spraying insecticide as they tried to decontaminate the site. Officials said the insects had been identified as 'black grasshoppers', according to CNN's Arabic website. The statement noted the videos shared on social media, saying they were dealing with the migratory insects. 'Specialised teams have been directed to work in the fight to eliminate these insects,' the statement said. There were 138 people working in 22 teams with 111 pieces of equipment to eradicate the insects, according to the statement. The focus was on the breeding sites near open water drains at the holy pilgrimage site, officials said. According to Al-Araby, they said: 'We have harnessed all efforts available to speed up the eradication of the insects in the interest of the safety and comfort of guests to God's house.' Clean-up: Footage shared by local authorities in Mecca showed cleaners in green uniforms spraying insecticide around the site as they try to decontaminate the mosque Swarm: Footage on social media showed the insects flying in every direction around the mosque, which attracts millions of Muslim pilgrims every year A Danish man has been found guilty of raping his daughter on his own wedding night, after defending his actions by saying he thought she was his wife. The incident took place at a country estate near Kolding, southern Denmark, in August last year, where the 50-year-old was holding his wedding reception. The daughter, 20, had passed out drunk in the bridal suite, after which the bride and groom went to sleep in the same bed. Vile: The 50-year-old texted his daughter, 20, after raping her in the bridal suite at a country estate in Kolding, Denmark, apologising and explaining that he had mistaken her for his wife The father and daughter had been out of contact for several years, but had reconnected around Christmas time the previous year, and he had invited her to his August wedding. The court heard that the 20-year-old had become 'very intoxicated' during the celebrations, and family members decided she would not be able to get to the nearby bed and breakfast where she was staying. At 2.30am she was helped to the bridal suite by her father and another guest and put to bed. Some 90 minutes later, the father went to sleep next to his daughter, with his new wife on the other side. The man claims to not remember anything that may have taken place after this, and denies all allegations of rape and sexual misconduct. Court documents seen by JydskeVestkysten state that at some point between 4am and 4.45am, the man grabbed his daughter. Raped: The victim says she shouted and hit her father, begging him to stop (file photo) The report continued: 'When she asked him to stop and tried to sit up, he pushed her hard in the chest. 'After this, while she was on her back, he forced sexual intercourse despite her begging him to stop several times.' Prosecutors told the court in Kolding the 20-year-old had been unable to defend herself due to intoxication. In a text exchange between father and daughter the following days, he apologised to her - saying he had mistaken her for his wife. 'I think we should cease all contact,' the daughter wrote, according to Ekstrabladet. 'What you have subjected me to is something I cannot accept. I asked you nicely to stop and you continued. I shouted, you continued, I hit you, you continued.' 'I'm sorry,' the man replied. 'It was a mistake. I'm sorry. I thought it was [wife's name]. Can't we try to stay in touch? I'm sorry'. The unnamed 50-year-old man has been found guilty of rape, and jailed for two years and six months. Potential border crossers who encounter a new steel prototype of President Trump's wall may be able to ditch their shovels as long as they have a good circular saw. The new wall prototype consisting of steel bollards didn't hold up when members of the military and border police went at it with 'common' tools as part of a test. Those test results have already been revealed, but NBC news published photo evidence that showed just how effective the tools were in slicing through it. President Donald Trump responded saying that every wall can be penetrated in some fashion although during the campaign he called for construction of an impenetrable wall. 'There's nothing that can't be penetrated, but you can fix it,' Trump said when asked about the test where a steel barrier was able to be cut through by common tools 'There's nothing that can't be penetrated, but you can fix it. It's a very difficult thing to do, But that's a wall, and they have other walls. We have many walls under consideration,' he said, when asked about it by DailyMail.com on his way to visit the border Thursday. 'Even concrete, there's acid that can eat through concrete,' he said. The newly-revealed image shows a large gap cut into the wall and reveals a way potential entrants could make way for movement of either people or smuggled goods even if congressional Democrats did give in to Trump's demand for $5.7 billion for wall construction in order to reopen shuttered parts of the government. CUT TO THE CHASE: An image obtained by NBC News reveals the results of a test where security personnel tried to use common tools to penetrate a steel bollard border wall that President Trump wants to build Trump has recently moved away from his call for a reinforced concrete border wall. In speeches this week, he has called the steel wall a concession to Democrats, and says it would be a boost to the steel industry. He even said he would invite U.S. steel and other steel manufacturers to design it. The administration ordered testing of eight prototypes installed in Otay Mesa, California. The Homeland Security Department unveiled two miles of steel slat construction on the border in October. DHS responded to the network's report with a long statement noting that even if the wall isn't impenetrable, by slowing border-jumpers it would provide valuable time for border agents. 'The steel bollard construction is based on the operational requirements of the United States Border Patrol and is a design that has been honed over more than a decade of use,' said spokeswoman Katie Waldman. "While the design currently being constructed was informed by what we learned in the prototypes, it does not replicate those designs," she continued. "The steel bollard design is internally reinforced with materials that require time and multiple industrial tools to breach, thereby providing U.S. Border Patrol agents additional response time to affect a successful law enforcement resolution.' 'Even a wall that is being breached is a valuable tool in that it allows us to respond to the attempted illegal entry,' she said. But Trump multiple times has called for the wall to be impenetrable, in addition to stating during the campaign that Mexico would pay for it. "I want nothing to do with Mexico other than to build an impenetrable WALL and stop them from ripping off U.S,' he tweeted in 2015. (ANSAmed) - Brussels, January 10 - European Home Affairs Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos is ready to talk to Italy about the reallocation of migrants, the Commission said on Thursday. "Commissioner Avramopoulos is willing to meet the Italian government to discuss supplementary measures that can be taken to regulate the problem," a Commission spokesperson said regarding the reallocation of migrants at the European level. The spokesperson said the Commission was "relieved" that a solution had been found that will see 49 migrants who disembarked in Malta on Wednesday after weeks at sea received by eight European states. (ANSAmed). 14 people have now been convicted of fraud over the Grenfell Fire disaster. Sharife Elouahbi The 38-year-old, claimed to be living with a family of five on the 21st floor of the west London apartment block. He was given 300 a week in food expenses and was put up in three different hotels, which were funded by the Grenfell disaster fund, before getting kicked out of two for breaking the rules. The career criminal had 28 previous convictions, including stealing pictures of singer Will Young in drag to sell them to the press, robbery and assault. Elouahbi was due to receive further resettlement payments worth another 14,730 towards a flat and free utilities before he was caught by police. He was jailed for six years at Isleworth Crown Court after becoming the thirteenth person to be convicted of 'Grenfell fraud' and the person to steal the most from the fund set up to support victims of the fire that killed 72 people last June. Abolaji Onafuye The Nigerian father-of-five claimed Zainab Deen, 32, who perished in the blaze was his sister and he was sharing a flat with her. He was put up at one of London's top hotels and racked up a total bill of more than 35,000. Onafuye later admitted he was not staying at the tower block and said he must have been 'hallucinating' when he claimed he was. Local taxpayers in Kensington and Chelsea footed the 23,500 bill for Onafuye's stay at the four-star Grosvenor Hotel in Buckingham Palace Road. Onafuye received another 13,000 in living costs after he was moved to a flat in Gorleston Street, Hammersmith - where two bedroom apartments can cost up to 500,000. A jury at Isleworth Crown Court convicted Onafuye of two counts of fraud by false representation between 21 June last year and 7 June this year. Koffi Kouakou This west Londoner lied about his girlfriend dying in the Grenfell tragedy to swindle the council out of thousands of pounds meant for real survivors. 53-year-old Koffi Kouakou of Westfield Close, Coleridge Gardens claimed he had been living in the tower with his girlfriend, an occupant who died in the tragic fire. Following his claimed Kensington and Chelsea Council put him up in a hotel for two months before re-homing him in council accommodation. The council spent more than 30,000 on accommodation for Kouakou who was found to be lying following a Metropolitan Police investigation. Police confirmed Kouakou had not been living in Grenfell Tower and that he had not been in a relationship with the woman. He pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation at Isleworth Crown Court on October 17 and was jailed for four years. Mohammed Syed Rinku Illegal immigrant Mohammed Syed Rinku, claimed he was in a relationship with a Grenfell Tower Fire victim to try and stay in the country. The 46-year-old applied to stay in the UK and received more than 5,000 in support while his claims were investigated. He was found to be lying to try and stay in the country and charged with fraud as well as being ordered to pay back 4,044.36. Rinku, who is of no fixed address, was jailed for 18 months at Isleworth Crown Court on October 9. Abdelkarim Rekaya The 28-year-old conned Kensington and Chelsea Council out of more than 80,000 in financial support after claiming he was a Grenfell Tower resident and had been made homeless by the tragic fire on June 17 last year. He was re-homed at an address in Lots Road, Fulham where he lived rent free and without paying bills until July 1, 2018 when enquiries found his story was false and that he had never lived in Grenfell Tower. He pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and obtaining leave to remain by deception at Isleworth Crown Court on September 21. Rekaya, of Lots Road, has been remanded to be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on November 27. Jenny McDonagh Last month the former Kensington and Chelsea Council finance minister admitted to stealing more than 60,000 meant for Grenfell Tower victims. The 39-year-old took the money meant for survivors using pre-paid credit cards, despite having no personal connection to the tragedy, which she used to fund trips to Dubai and Los Angeles, expensive dinners and online gambling. She was charged with two counts of fraud by abuse of position, one count of theft by an employee and one count of money laundering. McDonagh who was described in court as a 'serial fraudster' who 'lived beyond her means' has been bailed and a sentencing date has yet to be set. She was jailed for five and a half years on September 28. Derrick Peters Homeless Derrick Peters, 58, lied about living in Grenfell Tower to get a shorter sentence for burglary. He was put behind bars after falsely telling a judge he had lost all his belongings in the blaze. His lies meant he put up in free four-star hotel accommodation worth 38,784, courtesy of Kensington and Chelsea Council . Now Peters, who pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud and perverting the course of justice will spend the next six years in jail. This includes a three year and four month sentence for two counts of fraud by false representation, 20 months for one count of perverting the course of justice and 12 months after being resentenced for previous count of burglary - all to be be served consecutively. Tommy Brooks and Elaine Douglas Tommy Brooks, 52, and Elaine Douglas, 51, were described as 'parasitic' after they claimed to be victims of the devastating fire in order to freeload a combined 125,000 in financial support. The duo claimed they had lived on the 19th floor of the building but they had been staying with friends the night of the tragedy. Douglas had claimed 67,125.35 and Brooks had received 58,396.89 in financial support after the fire as well as free hotel accommodation by the time their fraud was discovered by the authorities. They were sentenced at the same court on July 13, with Douglas receiving three years imprisonment and Brooks receiving three years and three months. Mohammed Gammota Gammota pretended his dad died in the fire to get hundreds of pounds in cash and a free hotel stay, where he racked up a large room service bill. The 31-year-old was sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to two fraud charges in June this year. He claimed he had been living on the 24th floor of the tower with his dad, who he pretended had died in the devastating fire. In reality he was living with his mum in Croydon and his dad was living abroad. To make his fraud more convincing, Gamoota researched a newspaper article about one of the 71 real victims of the fire, and used their name and details - pretending they were his dad - to make his claims for free hotel accommodation and cash sound more convincing. He also made Internet searches using the words 'Grenfell Tower Fraud'. Gamoota was able to receive 500 in cash, although he had applied for 5,000 and he received 910 worth of free hotel accommodation over nine days, and a 354 room service bill. He was sentenced to three years and two month's imprisonment at the court. Antonio Gouveia Antonio Gouveia fraudulently claimed more than 50,000 after pretending to be a victim of the Grenfell Tower disaster. The 33-year-old homeless man came forward days after the disaster, claiming to have lived in Flat 42 on the seventh floor of the tower. Gouveia claimed nine months free accommodation at a Marble Arch hotel, worth 155 a night, as well as 260 in emergency cash, a 249.99 Google Chromebook laptop. His hotel stay alone was worth a total of 53,456.76. The cash and hotel accommodation were given to him after he turned up at Westway Centre, a hub for the emergency efforts at the time of the fire. The 'disgusting' fraudster was jailed for three years at Isleworth Crown Court on 6 September. Joyce Msokeri Posed as the widow of a fire victim to claim accommodation and goods worth 19,000. The 47-year- old Londoner filled her free room at Kensington's Hilton hotel with donated items including handbags and dresses. When officials began to suspect she was lying, she told them she had just found out her husband had in fact survived and had been living in a cave in Margate, Kent, where he was fed by tourists. In April, she was jailed for four-and-a-half years. Yonatan Eyob The 26-year-old nabbed 87,000 worth of cash and hotel accommodation after claiming he had lodged in a flat where a family of five died. It is the largest sum scammed by any single Grenfell fraudster. CCTV footage proved Eyob had never actually been in the block, and when cops raided the Hilton hotel room he had been given, they found a stash of MDMA and cocaine. It lead to him being convicted of drug offences in addition to fraud. He was jailed for a total of six years and eight months on September 7. Anh Nhu Nguyen The 53-year-old was the first fraudster caught for falsely claiming he had lived in the tower. He said he had lost his wife and son in the blaze giving an elaborate account of his dramatic escape to Sky News. The con artist, of Beckenham, South East London, was even comforted by Prince Charles at a meeting with victims. He collected nearly 12,500 from charitable and council funds before being rumbled after giving multiple different flat numbers as his address. Nguyen was jailed for 21 months after admitting fraud in February 2018. Twenty-one bodies, some burned, have been found in the northern Mexico near the Texas border in what appears to have been a clash between drug gangs. The horrifying scene was discovered near the border town of Miguel Aleman in Tamaulipas on Wednesday. Graphic photographs show the bodies scattered in and around several charred vehicles. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the killings appear to have been part of a dispute between gangs. He said details would be released once all the information was gathered. A Tamaulipas state official who was not authorized to be quoted by name told the Associated Press that investigators had counted 21 bodies at the scene. One of the dead men, identified as Dulce Garcia, had been reported missing to local police by her husband, according to local media. Authorities are still working to identify the remaining 20 victims. Some of them appeared to be wearing bulletproof vests and military clothing. WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES Twenty-one bodies, some burned, were found scattered among charred vehicles in the northern Mexico border state of Tamaulipas on Wednesday in what is believed to have been a clash between drug gangs. Horrifying photographs captured the gruesome scene The area around Miguel Aleman had long been dominated by the Zetas drug cartel, which was locked in a battle for control of crime in the Rio Grande Valley with the rival Gulf cartel. Miguel Aleman is about 50 miles west of McAllen, Texas, which was to be visited Thursday by President Donald Trump as part of his campaign for a wall or barrier along the border with Mexico. The Zetas cartel has since splintered, and the deaths in Miguel Aleman appear to have resulted from a dispute between the Gulf cartel and one of the Zetas factions, the Northeast cartel. Local media has reported that the Cartel del Noreste in the city of Nuevo Laredo and the Los Metros gang, a suspected arm of the Gulf Cartel in the border city of Reynosa, have been engaged in a drug war since May of last year. Tamaulipas has been a major conduit for drug shipments and has also been the scene of some of the worst massacres and fiercest fighting in Mexico's drug war. Authorities are still working to identify the remaining 20 victims. Some of them, like the man above, appeared to be wearing bulletproof vests and military clothing David Cameron has been chillaxing on a sunny beach in Costa Rica while Theresa May's government has been sent into meltdown over Brexit. The ex Prime Minister, who called the EU referendum, has been on a family holiday to the picturesque beach town of Playa Hermosa in the sunny country. He has been spotted out surfing and enjoying temperatures of up to 33 degrees on the getaway with his wife Samantha and children. While the jet-setting former PM was enjoying the sun, sand and surf, his successor Mrs May was battling a fresh onslaught against her Brexit plans. Mr Cameron has been slammed for calling the divisive referendum and then quitting as Prime Minister as soon as he lost the 2016 vote - leaving Mrs May to pick up the pieces. Eastenders star Danny Dyer slammed Mr Cameron for 'scuttling off' and putting his 'trotters up' while the country is plunged into crisis. David Cameron (pictured on holiday in Cornwall in 2014) has been chillaxing on a sunny beach in Costa Rica while Theresa May's government has been sent into meltdown over Brexit Mr Cameron stayed at a 1,700-a-night luxury resort in the picturesque town (pictured) and was spotted out surfing and enjoying temperatures of up to 33 degrees on the getaway with his wife Samantha and children A worker at Jackalopes Surf Shop in the resort town told the Daily Mirror that Mr Cameron hired a 9 foot surf board for three days. They told the newspaper: 'It was only because of his security we realised he was someone famous. We had to google him. 'He seemed very relaxed and didn't appear to have a care in the world. He surfed for about three days. He loved the waves here.' Mr Cameron, who has now returned from the trip, is well known for his love of surfing. He was often photographed in his wetsuit and clutching his board while spending his summer holidays in Cornwall while PM. Mr Cameron, 52, stayed at the 1,728-per-night White House at Playa Hermosa while his bodyguards were put up at 490-per-night villas nearby. One worker at a cafe he visited said: 'He was very carefree. If you can't relax here you cannot relax anywhere. 'They ordered breakfast and then left together. My sister-in-law is British and it was she who recognised who he was.' Mr Cameron has been accused of deserting his country after he broke his promise and quit after losing the referendum. While the jet-setting former PM was enjoying the sun, sand and surf, his successor Theresa May (pictured in the Commons yesterday) was battling a fresh onslaught against her Brexit plans Since moving out of No10 he has become a regular on the lucrative corporate speech scene. He has also been penning his memoirs in his 'man shed' - but reportedly is reluctant to finish them off and release them until the Brexit debate has simmered down. Meanwhile, Mrs May is staring down the barrel of a disastrous defeat on her Brexit deal when it goes to the crunch vote next week. And she suffered two devastating Commons defeats in just 24 hours as Tory rebels teamed up with Labour to tie her hands on the crunch talks. Last night they voted to force the PM to come back with her Plan B in just there days if her deal is rejected by MPs next week. MPs could then vote to instruct No10 what to do next in talks - allowing them to push for a softer Norway-style Brexit or demand a second referendum. Mr Cameron's spokesman said: 'We would never comment on private family matters.' Police say a man doing donuts in his brand new car struck a power pole in Ohio, sending him and his two children to the hospital. Authorities say that the man was doing the stunt in a Pontiac G8 in a snowy parking lot in Riverside Wednesday afternoon. The Riverside Police Department informed the DailyMail.com that the man has been identified as 40-year-old Johnathan S. Fairchild. Scroll down for video The Riverside Police Department say the man apparently lost control and hit a live power pole, knocking the pole over and leaving the car with a crumpled front end Police say Fairchild apparently lost control and hit a live power pole, knocking the pole over and leaving the car with a crumpled front end. Fairchild and his two children have been hospitalized with non life-threatening injuries. One of the children was of high school age and the other was younger. Fairchild has been cited for reckless operation but the official report has not been completed, as of yet. The man was identified as Johnathan S. Fairchild and he was driving with two children - one that appeared to be of high school age and the other younger Dayton Power & Light was asked to send a crew to deal with the light pole He is set to appear in court on January 22 at the Montgomery County Eastern Division Court. Fairchild has a plethora of past offenses going back all the way to 1996. He has been charged with driving without a license (1996), having an unsafe vehicle (1998), domestic violence along with aggravated menacing and assault (1998), seat belt and speeding violations (2000), domestic violence (2000), false plates and speeding (2001), another seat belt violation (2003), speeding (2009) and an open watercraft violation (2017). Dayton Power & Light was asked to send a crew to deal with the light pole, according to the Dayton Daily News. Paul Wallington was attacked outside The Vine gastro bar in Brentwood, Essex, at 11.50pm on Christmas Eve A bouncer has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the death of a reveller punched outside a bar made famous by TV's The Only Way Is Essex. The un-named doorman, aged 29, was quizzed by police after Paul Wallington, 25, suffered fatal head injuries outside The Vine gastro bar in Brentwood, Essex. Mr Wallington died at Queen's Hospital in Romford five days after it is believed he was punched outside the bar at around 11.50pm on Christmas Eve. The Vine is among a number of pubs and bars which attracts fans to the town where the ITV reality show was filmed. Police have confirmed that a man from Basildon, who was working as a door supervisor at the time of the incident, had been arrested and later bailed. Essex Police said that following his arrest, officers liaised with the Security Industry Authority which has suspended his licence while the probe continues. The pub has also had its licence suspended at the request of police. Brentwood Borough Council approved the suspension at a meeting yesterday and a review will take place within 28 days. A post-mortem examination found Mr Wallington, who is a builder in London, died from head injuries. The doorman has been bailed until January 25. The Vine pub in Brentwood, Essex, was made famous by ITV reality show The Only Way Is Essex The cast of ITV reality show The Only Way Is Essex, pictured in 2011. There is no suggestion any stars of the programme were involved in the incident Since the incident Mr Wallington's family paid tribute to their son, saying: 'We are devastated at the loss of our beloved son, Paul. 'He was a happy and loving son and enjoyed spending time at home with his family, especially his nephews and nieces. Paul is a much-loved son, brother and grandson.' Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Stoten said: 'The death of a man so young at this time of year is heart-breaking. 'We would like to hear from anyone who was at or near to The Vine prior to, or at the time of the incident and witnessed it or recorded footage on their phones. 'I would also like to appeal to the occupants of any passing vehicles who witnessed the incident or have dash-cam footage to contact us.' Norwegian police probing the kidnap of a millionaire's wife have released CCTV of a man seen walking outside his office on the day his partner went missing. Anne-Elisabeth Falkevik Hagen, married to businessman Tom Hagen, disappeared on October 31 last year from her home in Lorenskog, east of the capital Oslo. A note found in the couple's house claimed that the 68-year-old would be killed if a ransom - thought to be of 9 million euros (8.1million) - wasn't paid in the cryptocurrency Monero or if police got involved, Norwegian media reported. Officers have known about the disappearance since Halloween but did not speak publicly about the incident until Wednesday. They have now released two surveillance videos taken outside the businessman's office on the day his wife disappeared and want three people seen in the footage to get in touch. Norwegian police probing the kidnap of millionaire Tom Hagen's wife have released CCTV of a man (pictured) seen walking outside his office on the day his partner disappeared Officers have released two surveillance videos taken outside businessman Tom Hagen's office on the day his wife, Anne-Elisabeth Falkevik Hagen, disappeared and want three people seen in the October 31 footage to get in touch. One of the clips shows a man walking on a road before turning around and going back down the road immediately Anne-Elisabeth Falkevik Hagen disappeared in Lorenskog on October 31 after being snatched from the bathroom of her home A 9 million (8.1 million) ransom in cryptocurrency has been demanded by the kidnappers who grabbed Mrs Falkevik Hagen from her home Chief police investigator Tommy Broeske said one of the men was seen walking on a road before turning around and going back down the road immediately. Police wanted to speak to the man, as well as another person walking on the same road and a passing cyclist. Police have received 'more than 100 tips,' Broeske said, adding 'several seems to be interesting' without elaborating. 'We still have no suspects,' he said. Hagen is number 172 on a list of Norway's wealthiest people published by the financial magazine Kapital, with a fortune estimated to be nearly 1.7 billion kroner (156million) in 2018. Falkevik Hagen was said to have been attacked when raiders snatched her from the couple's bathroom at their house which is surrounded by woodland. It has also been reported that there had been limited contact between police and the suspects with the only communication sent through encrypted digital platforms. Family lawyer, Svein Holden, told reporters: 'The family sees this as a cruel and inhumane act. The family decided to follow the police advice.' Mr Hagen, who is Norway's 172nd richest man and made his fortune in real estate and the energy sector. Anne-Elisabeth Falkevik Hagen is married to businessman Tom Hagen (pictured) According to the magazine Kapital, the 68-year-old has an estimated fortune of 1.7 billion kroner (174 million euros, 156m). He owns 70 per cent of electricity company Elkraft which he co-founded in 1992, Norwegian media reported. Norwegian police confirmed that 'a woman in her late 60s is believed to have been kidnapped from her home in Lorenskog', around 12 miles from Oslo and 31 miles from the Swedish border, but did not disclose her identity. Broske at the Eastern Police District said the way Mrs Falkevik Hagen was abducted suggested 'that these are professional offenders'. Police added that officers do not know if she is being held in the same place since her kidnap or has been taken outside of Norway. The kidnappers are said to have asked for the ransom to be paid in cryptocurrency Monero, which can be sent and received anonymously. Many Norwegian media outlets knew of Mrs Falkevik Hagen's disappearance but did not publish any details after the police warned against publicising the kidnap over fears the attackers would harm the victim. Police said a note found in the couple's house, east of Oslo not far om the Swedish border, described what would happen to her if the demanded ransom was not paid Members of the media outside the house of the Hagen family after a news blackout had previously been in place over fears for the victim's family Police outside the house of Anne-Elisabeth Falkevik Hagen, who is the wife of real estate investor Tom Hagen, and was kidnapped over ten weeks ago There is no evidence Mrs Falkevik Hagen has been harmed since she disappeared, but officers have also not received any 'proof of life', police said. Broske added during an appeal for help to the public: 'A ransom demand and serious threats have been issued. We have not known anything comparable in this country. 'Our main theory is that the victim was kidnapped by unidentified perpetrators at her home. We need information, and that is why we now go out into the media. 'As the case now stands, police have advised the family not to settle the claim. We have no suspects in this case.' Broske declined to comment further, other than to add that 'the threats [in the note] were of a very serious character'. Tommy Broske, head of the investigations unit, at a press conference in Lillestrom yesterday where he made a public appeal for information Norwegian broadcaster NRK says the couple live a 'secluded lifestyle' and asked the public to get in contact if any suspicious activity was seen in woodland that surround the family home. Europol and Interpol have been connected, Norwegian police said at a press conference yesterday. Events like this are extremely rare in the wealthy Scandinavian country, which enjoys a generally low crime rate. Michael Gove shocked MPs today as he repeatedly branded Labour's Brexit policy 'boll***s'. The Environment Secretary deployed the swear word twice as he spoke during the debate on Theresa May's deal. But Speaker John Bercow dismissed complaints that the term breached conduct rules, saying it was a matter of 'taste'. Opening the debate in the House, Mr Gove highlighted that shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner had once used the swear work to refer to Labour's six tests for a Brexit deal Environment Secretary Michael Gove deployed the swear word twice as he spoke during the debate on Theresa May's deal (pictured) Mrs May was in Downing Street today to welcome Japanese premier Shinzo Abe for talks The spat came as MPs resumed discussion on the PM's deal in the chamber today - amid fears that Parliament is locked in a 'Mexican stand-off' where every possible option for resolving the crisis is blocked. Opening the debate in the House, Mr Gove highlighted that shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner had once been caught out privately using the swear word to refer to Labour's six tests for a Brexit deal. And he then pointed out that Mr Bercow's wife Sally had a sticker saying 'Boll***s to Brexit' in her Land Rover. How could MPs try to block a no-deal Brexit? WRECKING BILLS To prepare for Brexit, several major laws must be passed between now and March 29 and any or all could be amended by MPs in a bid to stop no deal. CONTEMPT If ministers ignored motions for a second referendum or an extension of Article 50 they could, with the likely connivance of Speaker Bercow, be held in contempt of Parliament. Repeated contempt motions would be difficult, if not impossible, for ministers to ignore. NO CONFIDENCE If the Government repeatedly ignored parliamentary votes and a no deal Brexit appeared close, Labour could table a no-confidence motion, potentially triggering an election. Advertisement 'I know, Mr Speaker, there are some distinguished citizens in this country who have put on their cars a poster or sticker saying boll***s to Brexit,' Mr Gove said. 'But we now know from Labour's own frontbench that their official Brexit position is boll***s.' Amid gasps and laughter in the chamber, Lib Dem Ed Davey interrupted to ask if Mr Bercow had made a new ruling on what language is suitable for parliament. But Mr Bercow said he had 'richly enjoyed' Mr Gove's speech. 'Was it orderly? Yes,' he said. 'There was nothing disorderly about the using of the word.' 'I think it is a matter of taste.' Mr Bercow has been accused of throwing the Commons into chaos by ripping up the rule book. But ministers and Tory Eurosceptics have voiced concerns about whether Mr Bercow can still be seen as 'neutral' after he ignored centuries of convention yesterday to make life more difficult for the government. The Speaker sparked extraordinary scenes when he defied the advice of officials to allow the amendment tabled by former attorney general Dominic Grieve. Mr Bercow said he had 'richly enjoyed' Mr Gove's speech and said use of the swear word was not disordely Making a business statement in the House, Mrs Leadsom (pictured) said Mr Bercow's actions were unacceptable because MPs were being treated differently Jeremy Corbyn used a speech in Yorkshire today (pictured) to demand a general election Mr Gove pointed out that Mr Bercow's wife Sally had a sticker saying 'Boll***s to Brexit' in her Land Rover Seventeen Tory rebels, including Mr Grieve, joined forces with Labour, the SNP and the Liberal Democrats to defeat the Government by 308 votes to 297 Mrs May's second Commons defeat in 24 hours. Under the terms of the change, Mrs May must table a motion setting out her plan within three sitting days of her deal being rejected. But Downing Street indicated that does not believe the amendment requires the government to hold a vote. Sources said the next showdown would not be held until later that week. They also claimed it will last just 90 minutes and only one amendment should be allowed to the motion - although senior figures conceded that Speaker John Bercow could again choose to ignore procedural conventions. The position from No10 could further inflame tensions with Remainer MPs, who have been accusing Mrs May of 'running down the clock' to Brexit day on March 29. Mr Bercow and Andrea Leadsom were involved in another extraordinary spat in the chamber as he denied abandoning his duty to be impartial. Making a business statement in the House, the Cabinet minister said Mr Bercow's actions were unacceptable because MPs were being treated differently. But a clearly furious Mr Bercow branded himself the 'champion of Parliament' - insisting he had not been 'arbitrary' and saying he did not need 'lectures'. 'I hope colleagues will understand when I say that I require no lessons or lectures from others about how to discharge my obligations to Parliament and in support of the rights of backbench Parliamentarians,' he raged. Mr Bercow added: 'I have been doing it, I'm continuing to do it and I will go on doing it, no matter how much abuse I get from whatever quarter. It's water off a duck's back as far as I am concerned.' Mr Gove pointed out that Mr Bercow's wife Sally had a sticker saying 'Boll***s to Brexit' in her Land Rover Catalan detainee's partner vows 'fight will go on' 'Cuixart's sentence will show referendum was legitimate' (by Gaetana D'Amico) (ANSAmed) - BARCELONA, JANUARY 10 - ''I would never, ever have thought Jordi would be arrested and imprisoned. But the trial he is awaiting will prove that what he did was legitimate - and that the referendum on self-determination was legitimate.'' Txell Bonet can't stop talking. The 43-year-old journalist is the partner of Jordi Cuixart, head of the Catalan separatist organization Omnium Cultural, who has been in jail since October 2017 after a referendum on Catalan independence in which over 80% of voters were in favor of it. Some 2.3 million of the 5.3 eligible to vote did so. The situation worsened sharply after a proclamation of independence by Catalonia president Carles Puigdemont, which was immediately rejected by Madrid. The Spanish central government took control of the Catalan parliament and charged its leaders with crimes. Cuixart has been charged with 'rebellion' for having pushed forward with the political plan for independence, a crime that carries a sentence of 30 years in prison. However, the trial against him has not yet started, nor has a hearing been held on possibly releasing him on bail. Also in jail are other civil society members such as Jordi Sanchez, as well as several politicians including the former deputy president of Catalonia, Oriol Junqueras. In the Omnium headquarters in central Barcelona, Cuixart's partner told a group of foreign journalists about what has ensued concerning the case in recent months. ''They are trying to destroy us but they will not succeed,'' Txell, who has an 18-month-old son with Jordi, said. ''January 15 is the final deadline for the defense team to present documentation. After that - two or three weeks later - the trial date should be set. At that point we will be able to prove the irregularities in the Spanish justice system.'' ''But even if he is found guilty,'' she stressed, ''our fight for independence will continue.'' ''He is very optimistic and strong,'' she said. ''I always say: he is in prison, what could happen to him that is worse? Our families lived through the dictatorship period and we are used to difficult situations. I don't have any regrets. Neither does he.'' She noted that protests had been held for his release both at Christmas and New Year's Eve. Since Cuixart's arrest, Omnium Cultural has had to adapt ''but it has not lost its principles and its aims, which are to spread social cohesion, integration of the Catalan language and culture and defending human rights,'' said Marcel Mauri, vice president of the organization, which counts some 133,000 members. Mauri has taken on ever more responsibility since Cuixart's arrest but he stresses that he has not taken his place and that even from prison Cuixart ''continues to defend human rights''. ''Of course we made some mistakes,'' he admitted, citing ''that of not believing that a modern European state would respond with violence to a proposal for dialogue. But we are the only ones paying the price for that mistake.'' Mauri added that ''if the Spanish justice system is fair, the leaders will be acquitted. However, even if they are found guilty, we are ready to take the case to the Strasbourg court.'' ''The only way to get past this stalemate is independence. And we are always prepared for dialogue, but Madrid continues not to respond to our requests. The polls in any case confirm that the population's will is ever stronger. the question is: for how long will Madrid continue to ignore the fact that most want independence?''. (ANSAmed). An adorable rough collie named Gucci has made a miracle recovery after being impaled on a metal spike while playing a game of fetch. Gucci was rushed to the Animal Emergency Service centre in south-east Brisbane after suffering puncture wounds to both sides of her abdomen by the metre-long rod, Courier Mail reported. In a freak turn of events, another dog accidentally knocked over the rod at the exact time Gucci attempted to jump over it - causing it to slice straight through her body. Gucci was rushed to the Animal Emergency Service centre in south-east Brisbane after suffering puncture wounds to both sides of her abdomen by the metre-long rod Vet Elise Lenske said if the rod had pierced her body from a different angle it would have damaged her vital organs by millimeters and been fatal for the dog. Gucci was back on all fours and released after just 24 hours in the vet. 'The owners had managed to keep her still, so that was a big help, and then once she arrived at the clinic we anaesthetised her pretty quickly,' Ms Lenske told the publication. 'I haven't had a dog with a near miss like this before.' Drew Justice, 38, died after he was punched to the ground during an argument with a dog owner who was letting his pit bull run free at a park in South Philadelphia on Saturday night Police have identified the dog walker who was killed by a single punch after he got in an argument with another man at a park in South Philadelphia. Drew Justice, 38, and his fiancee Kristi Buchholz were walking their black Shih Tzu at Gold Star Park on Saturday night around 9.15pm when they came across the other man, whose pet pit bull was running free. An argument ensued after Justice, a data programmer, asked the owner to put his dog on a leash because he feared for his own dog's safety. Things escalated to the point that the man punched Justice, causing him to fall backward and hit his head on the concrete sidewalk. The suspect fled the scene on foot as witnesses rushed in to help Justice. Police were dispatched to the scene after a neighbor reported hearing someone screaming in the park following the assault. When officers arrived, they found Justice laying on the ground unconscious as another person administered CPR. The victim was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead soon after. His death was officially ruled a homicide on Tuesday. Justice and his fiancee Kristi Buchholz (above) were walking their black Shih Tzu at Gold Star Park when the data programmer confronted the man about not having his dog on a leash The couple have lived across from the park (pictured) for more than a year and have been described by neighbors as 'enthusiastic' members of the community Police are still searching for the attacker, who was described as a white man in dark clothing. He is believed to be a frequent visitor of the park. Investigators have reportedly interviewed a person of interest, but no arrests have been made. 'They got some surveillance, I know that,' nearby resident Anthony Barosso told NBC10. 'But they don't have a good picture because there's no lighting here.' Witnesses said they don't believe the assailant intended to kill Justice, but said it was inexcusable that he ran off immediately after striking him. Multiple people tried to resuscitate the victim, but the medical examiner determined he died instantly of 'blunt impact trauma injury to the head'. Justice's neighbor Julie Abruzzese told NBC10: 'I heard the screaming. But it was already done. He was laying on the ground.' 'Him and his fiancee were ready to get married. It's heartbreaking.' Bucholz has not spoken publicly since her fiance's sudden and tragic passing. One neighbor said: '[Justice] and his fiancee were ready to get married. It's heartbreaking' Justice and Bucholz lived across the street from the park and were described as 'enthusiastic' members of the community, according to Regan Cooper, chair of the Friends of Gold Star Park group. Cooper said in a statement: '[Justice] raked leaves at cleanup days, hung lights for our winter celebration, and was always up for firing up the grill to feed volunteers or raise money for the park. 'He will be greatly missed.' Bucholz has not spoken publicly since her fiance's death. According to a post on the Gold Star Park Facebook page, dogs are required to be kept on a leash at all times. Anyone with information on the fatal assault is urged to call Philadelphia Police at 215-686-TIPS. Donald Trump Jr. has posted a meme calling his dad a 'motherf***er' to hit back at liberal congresswoman Rashida Tlaib for calling his dad the exact same thing. The President's son, 41, shared a picture of his dad with his thumbs up on a meme which read: 'Hey Rashida, guess who just got Ford to ditch their plans for Mexico and send 700 jobs to your home state instead? 'That's right, this motherf***er.' Scroll down for video. The President's son, 41, shared a picture of his dad with his thumbs up on a meme which read: 'Hey Rashida, guess who just got Ford to ditch their plans for Mexico and send 700 jobs to your home state instead? 'That's right, this motherf***er' Donald Trump Jr., pictured, posted the meme on Instagram to hit back at liberal congresswoman Rashida Tlaib for calling his dad the exact same thing Democrat Tlaib, 42, is the first Palestinian-American woman in Congress, and dropped her F-bomb at the president during a party hosted by the liberal group MoveOn. She told a cheering crowd that she had told one of her young sons: 'We're going to impeach the motherf***er!' But on Wednesday Trump Jr took to social media, writing: 'Wish some of these Anti-American liberal activist reps would do a little more fighting for the people of THIS country and THEIR constituents for a change. 'I know that's what @realdonaldtrump is Actually doing. He is fighting for America and Americans for their jobs, for their families,and for their wellbeing.' Tlaib apologized for her language but not for calling for President Trump's impeachment, saying she only regretted the distraction her words caused. She tweeted: 'I will always speak truth to power. #unapologeticallyMe.' Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib, left, apologized for calling President Donald Trump, right, a 'motherf***er' but not for calling for his impeachment Rashida Tlaib told supporters that 'we're going to impeach the motherf***er' about President Trump as she celebrated becoming the first Palestinian-American woman in Congress Trump Jr has already faced criticism for his posts on social media this week after he took to his Instagram on Tuesday night to push for support of the border wall. 'You know why you can enjoy a day at the zoo?' he said. 'Because walls work.' Trump was immediately blasted for the remarks, with many branding him a racist and xenophobic for his remarks likening immigrants to animals. President Donald Trump has kept the government shut down for more than two weeks as he demands $5.7 billion in funding for the border wall. He had reportedly told aides that he is prepared to make his 'last stand' on the wall issue, staking his entire presidency on constructing the border barrier that he called for forcefully in a Tuesday night address to the nation from the Oval Office. The son of the President took to his Instagram on Tuesday night to push for support of the border wall but was slammed for his comments comparing immigrants to animals On Wednesday, Trump ratcheted up tension in the shutdown standoff in dramatic fashion by storming out of a meeting with Congressional Democrats. The White House meeting in the Situation Room ended after just 14 minutes. 'Just left a meeting with Chuck and Nancy, a total waste of time,' Trump tweeted soon after the meeting, referring to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Trump is preparing to visit the border at McAllen, Texas on Thursday - a move that he reportedly described as a pointless photo-op in an off-the-record luncheon with television news anchors on Thursday. Police are searching for two men captured on security camera who went to great lengths to get their hands on a winning lottery ticket. The men, seen on video, stole the California State Lottery kiosk from a grocery store in Davis, California. It was taken at around 3 a.m. on Friday from Safeway at 2121 Cowell Boulevard. However, the thieves failed to get their hands on the jackpot after the machine was found and recovered. The men, seen on video, stole the California State Lottery kiosk from a Safeway grocery store in Davis, California The suspects (pictured above) failed to get their hands on the top prize as the lottery machine was later recovered Surveillance footage show the two suspects carrying the kiosk out of an open door at the store's south entrance and into a white pickup truck, as reported by the Sacramento Bee. The vehicles license plate number has not been released by police and is unclear on the surveillance image. They carried the lottery machine to a white pickup truck before making their escape. No arrests have been made The suspects are at large and authorities are still searching for them, according to police. The video shows two men wearing gray and black hooded sweatshirts and beanie hats during the incident. They haven't been identified. A half-naked man has been arrested after he went to an Oklahoma court and exposed his genitals by wearing only a t-shirt and a leather harness as part of a dare. Brian Edward Johnson, 55, was captured on surveillance cameras entering the Tulsa County Court on Monday morning. He was only wearing a blue t-shirt, a black leather harness, sunglasses and black shoes. A half-naked Brian Edward Johnson, 55, was captured on surveillance cameras entering the Tulsa County Court in Oklahoma on Monday morning Cameras outside the courthouse captured the stunned expressions of onlookers as he arrived at the courthouse in a Porsche 911 and walked up to the doors while exposing his genitals. He was arrested for indecent exposure for the nude stunt, which he told police was part of a dare He glanced behind him several times before making his way into the courthouse. Johnson was stopped by a deputy before going through security screening and was placed in handcuffs. He was arrested for indecent exposure. Johnson told Fox23 after his arrest that he was doing it as a dare. He thought he would just face a misdemeanor charge but didn't realize he would be hit with felony indecent exposure. Johnson said he now regretted the decision. He was released on a $2,000 bond on Tuesday. He will face court for the indecent exposure charge on January 14. Johnson was stopped by a deputy before going through security screening when he walked into the courthouse Johnson was placed in handcuff and booked for a felony indecent exposure charge A 19-year-old girl has died after undergoing a nose job at a plastic surgery hospital in south-west China. The university student, identified as Xia Lisha, died from malignant hyperthermia, a severe reaction caused by anaesthesia, during the procedure at Li Mei Kang Plastic Surgery Hospital in Guiyang, Guizhou province last Thursday. During the surgery, the girl experienced a high fever, increased heart rate and severe muscle spasms. She was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead, according to the local government. The 19-year-old university student, identified as Xia Lisha (pictured), died from malignant hyperthermia, a severe reaction caused by anaesthesia, during the procedure at Li Mei Kang Plastic Surgery Hospital in Guiyang, south-west China's Guizhou province During the surgery, the girl had a high fever, increased heart rate and severe muscle spasms Founded in 2004, Li Mei Kang is a listed company and claims to be the largest and most reputable plastic surgery hospital in Guiyang city, according to Chinese reports. The girl paid 26,900 yuan (3,106) for the procedure, which was performed by an attending physician surnamed Zhang. An autopsy has been ordered on the body and the relevant authorities are conducting an investigation into the girl's death, according to the Yunyan district government in a notice. Her mother, Wang Tianqin, told CCTV her daughter has been saving up for the nose job since 2017 by taking up part-time work. She was studying to become a nurse. Founded in 2004, Li Mei Kang is a listed company and claims to be the largest and most reputable plastic surgery hospital in Guiyang city, according to Chinese media A photo of the Xia displayed at the hospital reception. An autopsy has been ordered on the body and the relevant authorities are conducting an investigation into the girl's death She said Xia was wheeled into the operating room at 1pm but she became concerned after more than four hours, knowing that the procedure would take less than four hours. Finally at around 8pm, hospital staff informed Wang her daughter had a reaction to anaesthesia and was being transported to the Affiliated Hospital of Guiyang Medical College across the street. 'We reached the hospital - only to have a doctor tell me that my daughter is dead,' Wang said in tears. 'The doctor said my daughter was not breathing and did not have a heartbeat when she arrived at the hospital,' she said. What is malignant hyperthermia (MH)? Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a genetic disease that involves people who have a complication with general anaesthesia. With MH, there can be a bad reaction where the patient's body temperature increase dramatically, to the point that it's dangerous and even deadly, as well as an increased heart rate and muscle spasms. Though rare (about 100 to 200 cases are reported in the US each year), anaesthesiologists are always on the lookout for this severe reaction. A drug called dantrolene, available everywhere gas aesthetics are used in the US, is the antidote. Advertisement 'She just wanted to be pretty, she doesn't deserve to die like this,' the devastated mother said. Hospital records show that the girl started experiencing malignant hyperthermia at 5:30pm and had a fever reaching 42C, according to the CCTV report. The Xia family and the hospital reached a mediation agreement on Tuesday. Persons close to the matter told KanKan News that the Xias received about 3.5 million yuan (405,000) in compensation. The National Health Commission has been cracking down on unregulated cosmetic clinics, handing down punishments in more than 2,700 cases involving legal violations and irregularities in cosmetic surgery services in the past year, according to China Daily. Health authorities across China have revoked the permits of 28 cosmetic surgery providers, including medical institutions, ordered 47 vocational training institutes to cease illegal services and ordered service providers to correct 743 cosmetic surgery advertisements. Police have shut down 728 sites producing or selling fake drugs for cosmetic surgery valued at nearly 700 million yuan (80 million), the authority said. The number of complaints filed by consumers over disfigurement caused by botched cosmetic surgery across China exceeds 20,000 annually, according to CCTV. A Jewish woman, nicknamed 'blonde poison,' lured 3,000 to their doom as she collaborated with the Nazis, even after her family were killed at Auschwitz. Stella Goldschlag was a beautiful, blue-eyed girl, raised in a middle-class Jewish family, who turned traitor to help the gestapo capture Jews living in Berlin's underground. The beauty showed a voracious appetite for her role, luring men to the bedroom, snaring widows at funerals and turning in her old classmates. Although she originally agreed to work for the Nazis to protect her family, she continued to do so even after they had been killed at Auschwitz. Stella Goldschlag agreed to work for the Nazis as a 'catcher' while her family were sent to their deaths at Auschwitz in 1943 Stella at home after her release from prison in the 1950s, she became a notorious anti-Semite Stella took to her role and even after her family were killed at the notorious death camp she continued stalking the streets of Berlin, as she was handed 300 Reichsmarks for every tip-off The shocking tale is revealed in a new novel, 'Stella', based on her life by Takis Wurger. Born in 1922, Stella Goldschlag's family tried to flee Germany after the pogroms of Kristallnacht in 1938 but could not get visas. Her father had sought a new life for them in the United States, and her musical talent could have made her a Jazz star, according to the Jerusalem Post. Her family were able to remain in hiding, helped by Stella's fair hair and blue eyes, until they were caught in 1943. In a deal with the Nazis, which she always claimed was to protect her parents, she agreed to become a 'catcher.' Stella remarried three times before committing suicide in 1994 at the age of 72 by throwing herself from the balcony of her flat in Freiburg Stella appearing at court in June 1957, after her release from a Soviet prison she returned to West Germany Together with her husband, a Jewish musician called Manfred Kubler, she betrayed hundreds of Jews - many of whom she had known since childhood through the Jewish school she attended - and earned the nickname 'blonde poison.' She dressed in a black Gestapo coat while hunting fellow Jews and continued this role even after her family were executed in Auschwitz. Ernst Gunter Fontheim was one of the lucky few to escape from Stella. He said: 'For those of us in Berlin who lived underground and were previously known to Stella, she was a source of constant terror. 'All of our activities were governed by the need to avoid her. The gates to the notorious Auschwitz Nazi concentration camp where Stella's family were murdered 'Having lived in hiding themselves, they knew exactly where to look for us. In fact, they were far more effective than any Gestapo official could have been.' Estimates vary regarding how many Jews were betrayed by Stella. Some sources list the number as several hundred while research journalist and writer Peter Wyden estimated that it was probably over 2,000 in a 1993 book called 'Stella'. Takis Wurger has taken Stella's story and turned it into a novel which is also published under the name 'Stella' and will soon be released in English. Stella was said to be so enthusiastic with her role that she was promised 300 Reichsmark for every Jew she betrayed, and not even Gestapo officers could match her fervour. The shocking tale is revealed in 'Stella', a novel by Takis Wurger Every time Stella handed a Jewish woman over to the Gestapo, she immediately searched her handbag for address books and other clues to help find other Jewish contacts. She even turned up at funerals to arrest Jewish widows and hunted down her former Jewish classmates. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Nazis did not keep to their end of the bargain and Stella's parents, as well as her husband, were eventually rounded up and deported to Auschwitz where they were murdered. However, it did not stop Stella from betraying more Jews. With her blonde hair and good looks, she was able to quickly disarm her targets and learn about their secrets. She even married another Jew who collaborated with the Nazis called Rolf Isaaksohn. After the war, Stella was captured by the Soviet Army and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. Following her release, she went to West Germany where she converted to Christianity and became a notorious anti-Semite despite her own Jewish past. Stella remarried three more times before committing suicide in 1994 at the age of 72 by throwing herself from the balcony of her flat in Freiburg. She had a daughter who became a nurse in Israel. (by Olga Piscitelli) (ANSAmed) - RABAT, JANUARY 10 - A man's life has become a nightmare after a road accident in Marrakech, Morocco. The identity of the man, Chafiq L., who was dressed as a woman at the time of the accident, was revealed by police, sparking homophobic and sexist reactions and a debate on the issue of privacy. The story has become viral and ended up in parliament. The four police officers involved have been disciplined for the way in which they treated the man, in particular for ''failing their professional obligations and not taking the necessary measures to protect the personal data of a citizen at the center of a preliminary investigation on a road accident''. NGOs and human rights associations have protested. Meanwhile the private life of Chafiq, 30, who spent 11 years in the royal armed forces, is ruined: with a three-month-long medical leave for the psychological trauma he suffered due to the accident he wants to leave Morocco and seek asylum in Europe. The incident took place after a New Year's Eve party, when Chafiq was driving back home and had an accident with a motorcycle. Nobody was injured but after initially driving away from the scene, Chafiq drove back to make sure the other person involved was fine. At that point, a policeman ordered him to get out of the car. ''I knew that if I got out of the car with that dress and high heels it would be the end'', he admitted the following day. ''I love to dress as a woman''. The policeman insisted ''in an aggressive manner'', as Chafiq explained to the prosecutor a day later. Meanwhile a group of people had gathered around the car to watch, filming the whole thing. Some people were screaming, ''we will kill you''. ''I like to dress as a woman, I didn't hurt anybody'', Chafiq later told investigators. People also filmed him later at the police station and posted the videos online. A day later, the images went viral on Facebook and YouTube, along with his address and phone number and his alleged shoe and bra sizes. Newspapers also published details of the story. ''When she saw one of those videos, my mother fainted'', he said, saying he felt humiliated, angry and scared. ''Nobody knew in my family''. With the support of the Alternative movement to defend individual freedom (Mali), Chafiq's case was raised in Parliament with Socialist MP Hanane Rihab requesting a response from the interior ministry. The general director of national security Abdellatif Hammouchi opened an investigation. Disciplinary action was taken against the four policemen. The national center for human rights followed the case closely. On January 8, Chafiq's case was heard by the general prosecutor of the court of appeals in Marrakech. And the case appears to be closed. However, Chafiq says he is terrified. He is not leaving home and fears for his family's life and has applied for asylum in Europe. ''Instead of protecting me, the police attacked me'', he said. ''I never hurt anybody - I'm simply like this''. Sabine McNeill, 74, directed a campaign to uncover claims of devil worship in Hampstead primary school A pensioner, described as one of Britain's worst online trolls, has been jailed for nine years after ruining lives of parents she accused of satanic child abuse. Sabine McNeill, 74, led a campaign to uncover claims of devil worship and child abuse at a primary school in Hampstead, northwest London. McNeill harassed four mothers, who cannot be named, by claiming they were members of a cult who cooked babies and ate them. She made a series of baseless allegations against the innocent parents which sparked a police enquiry, Southwark Crown Court heard. She published details of the cult online saying: They would drink the blood of babies and then dance around wearing the skulls on parts of their bodies. They would put them to sleep by injecting them, slit their throats, cook the babies and eat them. McNeill even claimed babies were cooked in a secret room in a McDonalds restaurant on Finchley Road. Meanwhile the pair whose lies and abuse led to two children making the false claims which inspired McNeills campaign of hate remain at large. Ella Draper, 45, is believed to be in Spain having evaded arrest in February 2015 when she escaped from police via the back window of her Hampstead home. Her former partner Abraham Christie, who along with Draper forced the eight- and nine-year-olds to peddle fabricated tales of child murder and blood-drinking to police, also remains on the run. The pair whose lies and abuse led to two children making the false claims which inspired McNeills campaign of hate remain at large. Ella Draper (left), 45, is believed to be in Spain having evaded arrest in February 2015 while her former partner Abraham Christie (right) also remains on the run McNeill was convicted by a jury of four counts of harassment and six counts of breaching a restraining order. Judge Sally Cahill, QC, told the weeping pensioner: This case has to be one of the most serious cases of stalking and breach of a restraining order that there can be. The direct consequences of your actions, is that for the four families concerned you have ruined all normal family life. Police release update on pair wanted in relation to perverting course of justice and child cruelty The pair whose lies and abuse led to two children making the false claims which inspired McNeills campaign of hate remain at large. Ella Draper, 45, is believed to be in Spain having evaded arrest in February 2015 - while her former partner Abraham Christie remains on the run. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police told MailOnline today: 'A 45-year-old woman and 61-year-old man are both wanted for questioning in relation to perverting the course of justice and child cruelty. Enquiries continue.' Advertisement Their children have been unable to attend school normally, and are either home schooled or have to carry tracking devices and alarms. The families have escape routes planed in case of attack, mothers have slept on the floors of their childrens bedrooms to protect them. They have had to move home; they have had businesses ruined as a result of being unable to have an online profile. As if that is not bad enough, for the children they will never, as things stand at the moment, be able to go online and put in their own names without seeing the vile filth that you have peddled over a period of years. The allegations were of murder, cannibalism, satanism and sexual abuse. They could not be more serious or vile. The childrens lives have been blighted forever. In my judgement you are an arrogant, malicious, evil and manipulative woman. One of her victims told how her life had been affected by the claims in a statement read out in court. The family have been forced to change their childs name and carry out what police call special measures, changing their route to school and practicing panic drills. The mother said McNeills campaign of abuse has affected every part of her life. She said she is unable to concentrate at work and her marriage has come under strain. I now feel like Im failing on every level, as a mother, wife and worker, she said. To this day my daughter is fearful and worries that our family will be attacked in our home - my husband keeps a crowbar under our bed. She struggles to understand why adults post material of a sexual nature about her online for the world to see. My daughter has had to assume an alternative name in certain aspects of her life, which is something that no child should have to do. We may have to consider fully changing our daughters name by deed poll. She may have to live with the stigma of being branded a satanic sexual abuse victim for the rest of her life. She was jailed for nine years at Southwark Crown Court (pictured). Judge Sally Cahill said it was one of most serious cases of stalking and harassment she'd seen I cant tell you how it breaks my heart, told the, at times, visably upset mother. Our family was placed under special measures by the police. Miranda Moore, prosecuting, said McNeill repeatedly harassed her victims from 2014 until earlier this year. She said: This relates to four totally innocent women who have had their lives turned completely upside down by this defendant. McNeill published scandalous satanic child abuse accusations and encouraged people to take direct action against the children of these women. According to McNeill they would drink the blood of babies and then dance around wearing the skulls on parts of their bodies. They would put them to sleep by injecting them, slit their throats, cook the babies and eat them. The ritual is performed on an upstairs room in McDonalds on Mondays and Fridays. Sacrifice, blood drinking and babies flesh eating occurs on Saturdays. The children are frequently injected and put to sleep, apparently the school nurse is the one who does the injections. McNeill claimed up to 18 teachers from the primary school were also involved in abusing children. She said members of the cult - from all walks of society - carried out satanic rituals in secret rooms at a Hampstead church. Referring to McNeills claims, the prosecutor said: There is someone who works in Costa Coffee, a solicitor, someone who works in Waitrose, people who work in Hampstead police station, then we have got people from the Royal Free Hospital, social services and finishing up with people from the Brownies. Ms Moore told the court: In September 2014 the Metropolitan Police received reports of wide spread child abuse. Satanic child rape and murder in churches in Hampstead in north London. These allegations surround two small children, commonly referred to as P and Q. She said police initially took the complaints seriously and interviewed the children. The matter eventually reached the High Court and Mrs Justice Pauffley ruled that the accusations relating to the cult were baseless. But recordings of the childrens police interviews surfaced online and McNeill began her campaign to uncover the alleged cult, said Ms Moore. All of this is completely fake and as a result of Ms McNeills activities, these woman have had to change their lives drastically - they have had to take their children out of school, they have had to protect their children. Jurors heard one parent was forced to install a panic alarm and another was approached by a paedophile online looking to sleep with her child, making her physically sick. Describing how McNeill directed the campaign, Ms Moore added: She said online that members of the public should paint dolls of the Barbie variety with red nail polish and send them to business owners in the Hampstead area. McNeill was involved in a protest at the church in March 2015 and subsequently arrested. McNeill even claimed babies were cooked in a secret room in the McDonalds restaurant on Finchley Road (pictured) She was later cleared of plotting to intimidate a vicar and his parishioners after a trial at Blackfriars Crown Court, but handed a retraining order to stop her harassing the parents involved. Having been told not to publish these false allegations, particularly about the school and the church, and having been before the courts on a few occasions she changes method, said Ms Moore. She goes to what I will call the analogue method - She attends the General Synod who were having a meeting to deal with the Church of Englands approach to child abuse. She attends the meeting and gives out leaflets. Ms McNeill was again arrested for doing that. She is an online troll of the worst kind, making the lives of innocent families a misery. McNeill, of Goldhurst Terrace, Camden, was convicted of four counts of harassment and six counts of breaching a restraining order. She was cleared of 11 further charges of breaching a restraining order. McNeill was jailed for a total of nine years. A tourist was charged 22 for an ice cream in Florence - only for the shop to be fined 1,800 when police were called, it has emerged The Taiwanese holidaymaker complained about the price of his cone but was told the ice creams 'cost a lot because they are tasty'. He ended up paying for his 25 euro ice cream, but his Italian tour guide then called police. A tourist was charged 22 for an ice cream in Florence - only for the shop to be fined 1,800 when police were called (file picture) Officers found that the shop had concealed its price list behind the counter and imposed a fine of 2,000 euros (1,800), the Times reports. Police official Elio Covino, told La Repubblica: 'Hiding prices is very common and is a habit that creates a poor impression around the world, given that tourists are the main victims.' It is not the first time tourists have complained of exorbitant costs in Italian tourist hotspots. In August, a furious customer slammed a cafe for charging him 43 (38) for two cups of coffee and two bottles of water. Juan Carlos Bustamente, 62, was shocked when he got the bill at Caffe Lavena in St Mark's Square, Venice. He was charged the equivalent of 10.30 for each cup of coffee and 8.90 for each 25cl bottle of water. In January 2017, a Venice restaurant charged tourists 1,000 for four steaks and a plate of fish. The Taiwanese holidaymaker complained about the price of his cone but was told by the shop in Florence (file picture) that the ice creams 'cost a lot because they are tasty' The outraged Japanese diners - students from the University of Bologna - said they ordered three steaks and fried fish at an eatery also near St Mark's Square. With only glasses of water to accompany their modest meal, the group was left shocked by their 1,145 bill on Friday. In 2013, a British family complained over being charged 13.50 each for three ice creams in Rome. The Antica Roma gelataria charged brothers Roger and Stephen Bannister and their wives the sum when they stopped at the outlet near the city's famous Spanish Steps. A naked man was arrested Wednesday evening after he led police on a wild chase through two states. Authorities said they used spike strips to help apprehend nude motorist, Kyle Merena, 29, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Merena reportedly led the officers on a chase through Delaware and Pennsylvania. Naked driver, Kyle Merena, 29, has been arrested after he led police on a wild chase through Pennsylvania and Delaware Wednesday evening Delaware State Police began pursuing Merena's SUV after it was spotted traveling south in the northbound lanes of Interstate 95. The vehicle (pictured) switched direction several times before crossing into Pennsylvania Delaware State Police began pursuing Merena's SUV after it was spotted traveling south in the northbound lanes of Interstate 95. The vehicle switched direction several times before crossing into Pennsylvania. Police said Merena attempted to flee after the spike strips flattened the vehicle's tires near Philadelphia International Airport. Eventually, Merena was apprehended. He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, police said. Merena is facing multiple charges, including reckless endangerment and disregarding a police officer's signal. Andra Hilitanu, 28, a Romanian immigrant, was brutally stabbed to death by the vile, crack cocaine addicted Ioan Campeanu, 44, at their home in Neasden, northwest London A crack cocaine addicted who threatened to eat his seven-month pregnant girlfriend before hacking her death with a pair of scissors has been jailed for 26 years. Ioan Campeanu, 44, repeatedly stabbed Andra Hilitanu, 28, in the bathroom at their home in Neasden, northwest London killing their unborn child in the same attack. The mother, who was carrying her third child, suffered more than 40 injuries and bled to death from a fatal neck wound. Tragic Miss Hilitanu could have survived, but Campeanu delayed calling an ambulance for two hours and called his wife and daughter and went out for a drive before he did. He then told police: 'She's dead, I killed her.' Campeanu showed no trace of emotion as Mr Justice Jacobs passed a life sentence with a minimum recommendation of 26 years. He told Campeanu: 'You have never shown any remorse for what happened that night to Ms Hilitanu and your unborn child. 'This was a prolonged and brutal attack in which you showed her no mercy.' The judge added: 'The terror and agony which she must have suffered are too terrible to contemplate. Ioan Campeanu (left), 44, repeatedly stabbed Andra Hilitanu (right), 28, in the bathroom at their home in Neasden, northwest London killing their unborn child in the same attack. The mother, who was carrying her third child, suffered more than 40 injuries and bled to death 'She died a horrible death, being left to bleed to death after a prolonged attack in a country far from home. 'She could have survived if the emergency services had been called at that time.' The court heard the killer often attacked Andra and flatmate Tonka Nikolova told how she would find her sobbing on the kitchen floor, covered in bruises. Once she had a very bad black eye after he punched her in the face. Andra's cousin, Roxana Dragoi, told investigators she had witnessed the murderer telling his partner: 'I'll kill you Andra, I'll eat your flesh.' She also described seeing Campeanu kicking her cousin in the groin before the murder on the night of May 31 last year. The couple lived in a rented room in the building's basement flat, sharing a kitchen and bathroom with other tenants. Andra had children aged six and nine but had left them to escape a violent relationship with the child's father. On the night of the killing another flatmate Daniel Neves-Gabriel texted the landlord complaining of a loud argument. 'He heard Andra screaming and things being thrown. He was aware of Andra going to the bathroom and locking herself in and the noise of the defendant banging on the door,' said prosecutor Brian O'Neill. Later that evening, Mr Neves-Gabriel texted their landlord Borivoj Cisler saying: 'Big problem here, the girl is dead.' Campeanu called his daughter Sabina Campeanu, shortly after midnight and told her: 'I got rid of her, take care of yourself.' She rang him several times and he told her: 'She is gone, she is in the bathroom,' and added: 'I did not realise what I did.' The victim could have survived, but Campeanu delayed calling an ambulance for two hours and called his wife and daughter and went out for a drive before he did. He then told police: 'She's dead, I killed her' After the murder Campeanu took his red Mazda for a spin leaving Andra dying on the bathroom floor. He returned to Neasden an hour later at around 1:40am. At 2:24am, Campeanu called the London Ambulance Service and told them: 'She's dead, I killed her.' Asked how he had killed her he replied: 'With some scissors.' Police arrived at the flat at around 2:40am where the Campeanu was waiting outside and waved officers over. One of the officers said Campeanu appeared relaxed and 'was in no rush.' Mr O'Neill said: 'The defendant gestured towards the bathroom door, which was slightly ajar, and behind which the deceased was laying on the floor - the bathroom radiator was off the wall. 'The deceased had multiple puncture wounds all over her body and neck. She was extremely cold to touch.' He added that the murder weapon was 'a very ordinary pair of scissors,' which were found at the scene stained with the victim's blood. Campeanu, of Neasden Lane, Neasden, denied murder and child destruction but was convicted by the jury. He claimed he stabbed Andra after she attacked him and claimed some of the injures were caused when she jabbed at her own pelvis with the scissors to show she did not want his child. After the attack he admitted smoking crack cocaine and watching YouTube videos as she bled to death. In a victim impact statement the victim's sister Romana said: 'What Campeanu has ripped from us the most is the future. 'It is not possible to accurately describe how upset I am. 'I cannot sleep properly, daily life is difficult to manage. I cry all of the time.' She added: 'I do not hate Campeanu. I am not a hateful person. I am sad for what he has done.' Michael Bromley-Martin, defending Campeanu, admitted: 'His actions were extraordinary, almost inexplicable and certainly dreadful.' He claimed Campeanu was deluded because of an addiction to cocaine and drove to Buckingham Palace after the murder to get medical help for the victim from the Queen. The said Campeanu had been abused as a child in a Romanian orphanage and had drifted into petty crime to feed his drug habit. Detective Inspector Jamie Stevenson, of Scotland Yard, said: 'This was Campeanu's final act of brutality against Andra after months and years of domestic violence. 'Despite initially admitting his guilt to the attending officers, Campeanu has since refused to take responsibility for his despicable actions. 'He has unnecessarily put Andra's family through even more pain and suffering by forcing them to re-live Andra's murder at trial. 'My heart goes out to Andra's friends and family and I hope today's sentencing gives them at least a small measure of comfort and closure. 'We will never know if reporting the abuse she suffered could have saved Andra, but I would implore anyone who is suffering or knows of someone suffering domestic abuse to call police immediately.' A Texas pastor who called the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting 'sodomites' has resigned in an apology video where he admitted to drinking, gambling, having sex with prostitutes and smoking weed. Donnie Romero posted the video on YouTube on Wednesday. In it, he admitted to going to a casino in Jacksonville where he cheated on his wife with prostitutes 'multiple times', drank and gambled 'multiple times' and 'even smoked weed'. 'I did sins that... I went back to sins that I committed before in the past and it even caused me to commit sins that I'd never done before. 'I've completely shattered our life, my wife's life and our kids. Scroll down for video In 2016, Romero gave a shocking sermon at the Steadfast Baptist Church where he praised Pulse nightclub gunman Omar Mateen for killing 49 people at the gay nightclub 'I know I've hurt a lot of people. I just want to say I'm sorry... there's no excuse for what I've done,' he said. Towards the end of the video, he said: 'I hope I can turn my life around.' Romero, 41, made headlines in 2016 after describing the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando as 'sodomites, perverts and pedophiles'. He praised gunman Omar Mateen for the homophobic massacre and said the earth was a 'better place' because of it in a shocking sermon at the Steadfast Baptist Church in Fort Worth. The June 2016 attack at Pulse nightclub (pictured) left 49 people dead 'There are still several dozen of these c***ts in ICU. I will pray to God that God will finish the job that that man started,' he said. Afterwards, he defended his abhorrent remarks in an interview with Fox News, saying: 'The bible teaches that they are predators and I believe that every sodomite is a pedophile and a pervert. Omar Mateen, who perpetrated the attack, was shot and killed by police 'I believe that in that retrospect, it is a message of hate. 'Just like if there is a building that had a bunch of rapists or evil murderous people and the building collapsed on them or something happened where they were all killed, I don't think it's something we should all mourn over because they are all evil people.' Romero is married and has children. It is unclear if he will stay with his wife Caryn or if they will separate. He also previously called for Connor McGregor to be struck by a lightning bolt after the former UFC boxer said: 'Jesus ain't alive is he, so I don't f****** know [if he'd beat him in a fight], maybe he can come back from the dead. I'd still whoop his a**.' 'Me and Jesus are cool. I'm cool with all the gods. Gods recognize gods.' A Muslim man has been fined 170 in Switzerland for saying 'Allahu Akbar' in public when he saw a friend. The 22-year-old man, named in Swiss media as Orhan E., made the exclamation - which means 'God is the greatest' in Arabic - in May last year. Fearing a terror attack, police in the city of Schaffhausen stopped the man and charged him with causing a public nuisance. But police have defended their actions, saying they would have reacted the same way if someone had been running around swearing, local newspaper Schaffhauser Nachrichten reported. A Muslim man has been fined 170 in Switzerland for saying 'Allahu Akbar' in public when he saw a friend in Schaffhausen (pictured) last year Orhan said he had been searched by police with armed weapons after saying the words out loud when he was astonished to encounter a friend. He told 20 Minuten: 'Suddenly the police officer called me over, and she asked what I meant by that phrase.' Orhan explained he had meant nothing sinister, saying: 'We use "Allahu Akbar" as a greeting and almost in every other sentence. 'I was threatened with prison if I didn't pay the fine. I was born here and I've never experienced anything like it.' He was handed a fine of 150 Swiss francs and ordered to pay another 60 in costs, adding up to 210 francs (170). A police spokesperson said: 'At the time there was a possibility that people could be scared and terrified.' The officer had to inspect the situation because of the phrase's connection to terror attacks in recent years, they said. Another police officer said it was the manner of the expression which had led to the fine. 'If someone's running around the square swearing, we'll bring them under control then too,' they said. Theresa May told John Bercow tonight he had to 'explain' his actions after his triggered an explosive row and claims he backs a Remainers' revolt over Brexit. The Prime Minister carefully avoided directly answering whether Mr Bercow was no longer an impartial chairman of the Commons. But she insisted MPs had a right to know the rules of the House would be applied consistently after the Speaker defied convention to allow a rebel amendment on Brexit yesterday. The extraordinary spat left the Commons in meltdown yesterday amid virtually unprecedented condemnation of Mr Bercow's actions. The row rumbled on today as Mr Bercow accused Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom of abusing him after he tore up Parliamentary rules to aid a Brexit revolt. Theresa May told John Bercow tonight he had to 'explain' his actions after his triggered an explosive row and claims he backs a Remainers' revolt over Brexit The Speaker (pictured) and Mrs Leadsom were involved in another extraordinary spat in the chamber today as he denied abandoning his duty to be impartial Speaking at a Downing Street press conference tonight, Mrs May said she was 'surprised' at the Speaker's actions yesterday. She said: 'The question of the confidence in the Speaker is a matter for the House of Commons not for the Government. 'The issue that underlines this is the question of rules in the House of Commons. MPs need to know there is a set of rules in the House of Commons, they need to know there will be consistent interpretation of those rules. 'Obviously the Speaker made a decision on a particular amendment - I was surprised at that decision, it is for the Speaker to explain that decision.' The Speaker and Mrs Leadsom were involved in another spat in the chamber today as he denied abandoning his duty to be impartial. Making a business statement in the House, the Cabinet minister said Mr Bercow's actions were unacceptable because MPs were being treated differently. But a clearly furious Mr Bercow branded himself the 'champion of Parliament' - insisting he had not been 'arbitrary' and saying he did not need 'lectures'. 'I hope colleagues will understand when I say that I require no lessons or lectures from others about how to discharge my obligations to Parliament and in support of the rights of backbench Parliamentarians,' he raged. Mr Bercow added: 'I have been doing it, I'm continuing to do it and I will go on doing it, no matter how much abuse I get from whatever quarter. It's water off a duck's back as far as I am concerned.' Meanwhile, Tory MPs accused him of behaving like Oliver Cromwell and are launching a bid to try to force him to publish the advice his clerks gave him. Making a business statement in the House, Mrs Leadsom (pictured) said Mr Bercow's actions were unacceptable because MPs were being treated differently Mr Bercow was assailed by MPs after he flouted Commons procedure to call the amendment An early day motion, tabled by Tory MP David Davies and signed by six other Tory MPs, states: 'This House calls on the Speaker to uphold the principle of transparency by publishing any written notes taken at the meetings he held with House of Commons officials to discuss whether to allow an amendment to be moved to the Business of the House.' Tory MP Andrew Bridgen, who has signed the EDM, told MailOnline: 'The Speaker sees himself a some kind of Cromwell-type Lord Protector where is word is not the law. 'He has caused a full blown constitutional crisis - he is a danger to our Parliament and democracy. He needs to be removed from the Speakers chair.' The latest clash came ahead of another day of heated debate on Theresa May's Brexit deal. The Speaker sparked angry scenes yesterday when he defied the advice of officials to allow an amendment by former attorney general Dominic Grieve, which will force Mrs May to come back to Parliament by January 21 with a Plan B if she loses next week. Seventeen Tory rebels, including Mr Grieve, joined forces with Labour, the SNP and the Liberal Democrats to defeat the Government by 308 votes to 297 Mrs May's second Commons defeat in 24 hours. Mr Grieve said his amendment was an attempt to 'accelerate the process' if the vote was lost so as to avoid the prospects of a no-deal Brexit. But decision to allow the vote on the amendment enraged chief whip Mr Smith. A source said he told Mr Bercow he was 'totally out of order', adding: 'You are throwing centuries of precedence in the bin against the advice of your clerk in order to thwart the referendum result.' Deputy chief whip Chris Pincher was also seen mouthing 'bully' at Mr Bercow in the chamber. But the Speaker was later overheard saying: 'I will not be bullied by Government whips.' During angry exchanges with Mr Bercow in the Commons, former minister Sir Crispin Blunt said: 'Many of us will now have an unshakeable conviction that the referee of our affairs ... is no longer neutral.' Mr Bercow admitted there was no precedent for his decision, but told MPs that centuries of convention did not 'completely bind' him. A second day of debate on Theresa May's (pictured) deal with the EU is getting under way in the chamber Jeremy Corbyn will use a speech in Yorkshire today to repeat that Labour will vote down the PM's Brexit deal He added: 'If we were guided only by precedent, manifestly nothing in our procedures would ever change ... I have made an honest judgment.' Mr Bercow rounded on Tory MP Adam Holloway after he noted that his car has a sticker with the slogan 'B******s to Brexit' in the window. The Speaker said the car in fact belonged to his wife Sally. And he denied being biased over Brexit, telling MPs: 'I have always been scrupulously fair to Brexiteers and Remainers alike.' Former chancellor Kenneth Clarke came to Mr Bercow's defence, saying some Tory MPs were getting so agitated 'that perhaps they should don a yellow jacket and go outside' a reference to the far-Right protesters accused of harassing pro-Remain MPs outside Parliament. One of the leading Tory rebels, Sir Oliver Letwin, yesterday broached the idea of talks with the Labour front bench over the next steps. He asked the Opposition whether it would work with the Government on a customs union and a single market deal. Labour's Brexit spokesman Sir Keir replied: 'If we are to leave other than without a deal there has to be a consensus in this House for something.' It also emerged that Mrs May has been holding private meetings with Labour MPs and could offer concessions on workers' rights to try to win their support. Advertisement John Major has said Lord Ashdown was a 'man of duty, passion, and devotion to the country he loved right up to the very end' as tributes were paid at the funeral of the former Lib Dem leader who died from cancer last month. Lord Ashdown's family and friends celebrated the life of the Royal Marine and MI6 agent turned statesman today. The ex-MP's widow Jane managed a smile as she was supported by loved-ones including the couple's children and grandchildren at St Mary's church in Norton Sub Hamdon, near Yeovil, Somerset. Paying tribute, Sir John Major also said of Lord Ashdown: 'In Government, Paddy Ashdown was my opponent. In life, he was a much-valued friend.' The former leader of the Liberal Democrats died surrounded by his family on December 22, aged 77, just weeks after revealing he was battling bladder cancer. His family wanted his funeral to be a private service with the majority of guests friends and supporters from the local area. Paddy Ashdown's widow Jane (centre) managed a smile as she was supported by loved-ones at her husband's Somerset funeral today Sir John Major was also among mourners celebrating the life of the former Liberal Democrat leader, who died aged 77 last month. He described Lord Ashdown as a 'man of duty, passion, and devotion to the country he loved right up to the very end' Pallbearers carry the wicker coffin containing Lord Ashdown at his moving funeral in Somerset today Lord Ashdown died of bladder cancer just three weeks after he revealed he was undergoing treatment It meant many prominent Liberal Democrat politicians did not attend, although a large memorial service will be held in London later this year with guests expected to include Sir Vince Cable, Tim Farron and Nick Clegg. The service for loved-ones was conducted by his close friend, former rector Peter Thomas, who started the funeral with a reference to Paddy's real name Jeremy. Mourners laughed when he welcomed them by saying: 'Weve come together to remember before God our brother Paddy - and I suspect God also knew him as Paddy rather than Jeremy and probably didnt call him Lord.' One of the speakers at the service, Myles Wickstead, said Lord Ashdown 'espoused the values of openness and tolerance, and he found them in this village which he loved'. He added: 'He was never happier than when at the Lord Nelson on a Friday night, indulging in a mixture of arguments, fun, gossip, banter and, of course, drink. 'Our community and our country now are poorer that Paddy has gone.' Tributes have poured in for former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown, pictured last year at the Henley Literary Festial His sister Alisoun Downing said: 'You were always the axis of our family. My big brother out there fighting dragons somewhere. And I thought you would always be there.' Alison read one of Lord Ashdowns favourite poems, A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning, by John Donne. She said Lord Ashdowns 'advice' to those attending was the poems final lines: 'Thy firmness makes my circle just, And makes me end where I begun.' His former constituents, serving Marines and even a horse wearing Liberal Democrat rosettes attended the service at Midday. A spokesman for Sir Vince said: 'It was an expressly private ceremony, and the party was represented by Baroness Olly Grender and Baroness Cathy Bakewell. 'Sir Vince will attend the memorial service planned for later this year.' In an extraordinary life he quit school before his A-Levels to join the Royal Marines in 1959 and would later be recruited to Britain's elite Special Boat Service, the seagoing equivalent of the SAS. He served in Borneo, Hong Kong, the Persian Gulf and later commanded the Marines in Northern Ireland in 1970 before retiring with the rank of Captain. Lord Ashdown would join MI6 as an agent but as diplomatic cover worked for the Foreign Office at the UN in Geneva, Switzerland. He then moved into politics and was elected as MP for Yeovil, Somerset, in 1983. He then took over as leader of the Liberal Democrats in 1988 after its crushing 1987 General Election defeat, leading it to a stunning breakthrough at the 1992 election. He was extolled as one of the most talented politicians never to hold high office after being eclipsed by Labours 1997 Election having been on the brink of a coalition government. After stepping down as leader in 1999, Mr Ashdown was knighted and then made a peer as Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon. He became High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2002, and was an active campaigner for Remain in the 2016 referendum. The Prime Minister led a chorus of cross-party tributes, remembering a man who served his country with distinction when he died just before Christmas. Theresa May said: It is with great sadness that I have learned of the passing of Lord Ashdown. He dedicated his life to public service and he will be sorely missed. My thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time. Lord Ashdown's body is carried on its final journey into the church at Norton Sub Hamdon, near Yeovil in Somerset today Paddy's widow is accompanied by family into the church for the funeral, which was not open to the public Sir John Major is greeted by the vicar of St Mary's Church, Norton Sub Hamdon, who led the funeral service Mourners packed the church today to mark and remember the life that ended so suddenly on December 22 Members of the Royal Marines band arrive at the church to celebrate the life of the serviceman turned statesman Current Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable said it was a hugely sad day for the party and everyone else across politics who had immense affection and respect for Paddy. He was famous for his politics, but his talents extended well beyond that arena. He was an accomplished author, and had spent many years serving the country before he got near the House of Commons. Few people know how hard he fought to get into politics following his service in the Marines and diplomatic service. Former Conservative Prime Minister Sir John Major hailed his one- time rival as a man of duty, passion and devotion to the country he loved right up to the very end. In government, Paddy Ashdown was my opponent, he added. In life, he was a much-valued friend. Throughout his life, Paddy was a true patriot, whose overriding wish was to serve his country: first, in the Marines, and then in both Houses of Parliament. I can attest to the fact that even when he knew he was gravely ill Paddys concern for the future of our country continued to dominate his thinking. And fellow 1990s sparring partner Tony Blair, with whom Ashdown held talks about forming a coalition in 1997, said he was deeply saddened and shocked by the news about Paddy. I had enormous admiration for Paddy as a man and as a political visionary and leader. He was one of the most talented politicians never to hold high office but as leader of the Liberal Democrats he nonetheless had a major impact on British political life. Paddy Ashdown, pictured here with his wife Jane, and dog Luke, died earlier today aged 77 Ashdown, second right, began his military career in the Royal Marine Commandos Ashdown, right, pictured in Borneo, was also in the Special Boat Service, the Marine version of the SAS In 1988, Ashdown, pictured with his wife, was elected leader of the newly created Social and Liberal Democratic Party which saw a merger between the SDP and the Liberals Ashdown, pictured here with John Major and Tony Blair in 1995, received tributes from across the political spectrum Ashdown was a hugely-respected figure on the world stage despite never being a Government minister (pictured with Nelson Mandela in 1996) American musician and bandleader Glenn Miller (1904 - 1944) in a U.S. Air Force uniform. The mystery surrounding his disappearance has never been solved The mystery surrounding the disappearance of wartime musician Glenn Miller's aircraft crash could be a step closer to being solved, 74 years after the jazz star's disappearance. A previously-unknown witness has claimed he is 'utterly convinced' he pulled up the wreckage of Miller's small plane in his fishing nets while out on the English Channel 32 years ago. Following the advice of coastguards at the time, the unnamed fisherman dropped the aircraft back where he found it around 30 miles south of Portland Bill, Dorset. It was not until years later when he saw photographs of the UC-64 Norseman plane Miller was in when it vanished in December 1944 that he thought his find may be connected. Now a team from the US-based The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) has teamed up with local divers Deeper Dorset to try and find the wreckage. Richard Gillespie and Grahame Knott abroad his research vessel. A search begin this year to try and locate the wreckage of the plane pulled from the sea They plan to return to the UK later this year to carry out a physical search of the area for the plane. Members of TIGHAR have already visited Dorset to interview the witness and gain the precise coordinates to work out exactly where he found the wreckage. They were able to confirm that no official records exist of any aircraft at that location. A C-64 Norseman aircraft, similar to the one in which Glenn Miller disappeared in while travelling to Paris in December 1944 Ric Gillespie, of TIGHAR, said: 'We know what happened to Glenn Miller. He took a flight he shouldn't have taken and went down on the English Channel. 'But finding the wreckage of his plane will bring an end to the story and the conspiracy theories.' The 71-year-old added he had spoken to the fisherman who claimed to have pulled up the plane more than 30 years ago. He added: 'He said that in 1987 he was captain of a fishing trawler and their nets hooked on something. They pulled it to the surface and he was amazed to see what he had was a small aircraft with World War Two markings. 'It was the whole plane, a single engine, fixed landing gear with the wing tips sticking out of his net. 'He radioed the coastguard and they said it could be a war grave and to get rid of it and that is what he did. 'He took a note of the location and thought nothing more of it it. 'Several years later he realised the plane he pulled up looked very much like the plane in which Glenn Miller disappeared in. 'This was 1987 and nobody had a camera to hand like you would have now. 'He is utterly convinced that the plane he hauled up in 1987 was the Miller aircraft. 'We checked official records of what aircraft wrecks are known of in the part of the English Channel and how much is know about them and the answer is that there aren't any recorded.' Map shows the area where the fisherman claimed to have pulled up a plane similar to Miller's Mr Gillespie, who is an aviation accident investigator for the US insurance industry, said: 'It is still very long shot that this could lead to the discovery of Glenn Miller's aircraft.' The disappearance of Glenn Miller is one of the great mysteries of the Second World War. He took off from RAF Twinwood Farm in Bedfordshire on December 15, 1944, to fly to Paris where he was due to give a morale-boosting performance to troops. Yet the jazz musician, who was one of the best-selling recording artists in the 1930s and '40s, never made it, and there has been a number of conspiracy theories since his disappearance over the English Channel. The leading theory is that the pilot strayed into a bomb jettison zone over the Channel and was struck by an explosive dropped from a Lancaster returning from a raid on Germany. Another is that he made it to Paris but died in a brothel. The plane flew within a few miles of Woodley Airfield, Berks, at about 2.12pm before turning south. It nor those on board were ever seen again. Dennis Spragg, historian at the Glenn Miller Archive in Colorado, US, said he welcomed TIGHAR's search for the doomed aircraft but expressed doubts that the plane in question was his. Mr Spragg said: 'I am very pleased and encouraged by TIGHAR's interest and I applaud their diligence in the matter. 'I don't wish to rule anything out but the area where the fisherman pulled up the aircraft is well west of the logical flight course Glenn Miller's aircraft would have taken on that night. But it may be possible. 'However the account of the fisherman is that the aircraft was mostly intact the it was pulled up. That is possible but not probable. 'The Norseman was more likely to have disintegrated on impact with the water and of anything of it was found it would be the engine or the cockpit which was made out of aluminium. The wings and fuselage were lightweight and made out of fabric and would have broken up.' Sue McVay, of the Glenn Miller Orchestra UK, added: 'If these people have the means to search for the wreck then why not. Good luck to them. 'Glenn Miller is still very well known around the world and it would mean an awful lot to people if his plane was found. It would be amazing if they managed to find it.' A British ISIS family including a grandmother, her two adult daughters and their children have been captured hiding among refugees in Syria, it has been claimed. The two sisters, both in their 20s, and their mother are said to have fled from the town of al-Shafaa in Deir Ezzor, Syria, last week. They were travelling with young children and were among other wives of ISIS fanatics as well as local refugees, according to Kurdish sources. The family has since been sent to a detention camp in the north eastern Syrian town of al-Hawl. A British ISIS family including a grandmother, her two adult daughters and their children have been captured hiding among refugees in Syria (file picture) Another British woman, Zara Iqbal, from East London, has been at the same camp for a number of months, according to The Telegraph. A Kurdish source told the newspaper: 'They claim, as all the women do, that they were brought here by their husbands and that they have been trying to escape Daesh.' A total of 13 Britons are now being held by the Syrian Democratic Forces over suspected links to ISIS. News of the latest capture comes a day after it emerged that eight foreign jihadists - including a 16-year-old American - had been seized during battles with ISIS in Syria. The eight, detained on Sunday and Monday, also included a German and a Russian, the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) said in a statement. The Kurdish force say the group were plotting an attack on civilians. They identified the alleged terrorists as Soulay Noah Su (aka Abu Souleiman al-Amriki), a 16-year-old American and Lucas Glass (aka Abu Ibrahim al-Almani), a 31-year-old German. They listed the names of the fighters along with their Arabic aliases alongside their mugshots, according to Rudaw. Syrian Democratic Forces - who fight alongside the YPG - had announced on Monday they had detained two Americans among five foreign jihadists. The two Americans, two Pakistanis and an Irishman were part of a cell planning an attack on civilians fleeing the jihadist group's last bastion, the SDF said. The two daughters, both in their 20s, and their mother had fled from the town of al-Shafaa in Deir Ezzor, Syria, last week (file picture) The force, which receives key support in the air and on the ground from the US military, said in a statement that the jihadists were captured on December 30. The Kurds in northeastern Syria say they hold around 1,000 foreign jihadist fighters, as well as 550 foreign women and 1,200 children who lived with them. The SDF, backed by coalition air strikes, has achieved major gains since the launch four months ago of an offensive to root out IS from the last rump of the once-sprawling 'caliphate' it proclaimed in 2014. They have cornered ISIS into a shrinking strip of land east of Syria's Euphrates River around the town of Hajin - one of their largest remaining strongholds which was captured last month. The jihadists are clinging bitterly to a handful of villages in this river valley and have pledged to fight to the death. The largest ones are Sousa and Bahgouz, following the capture on Saturday of Al-Shaafa, according to the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights war monitor Jordan's economy to grow by %2.3 in 2019,World Bank forecast 'Massive influx of Syrian refugees boosts the informal sector' (ANSAmed) - AMMAN, JANUARY 10 - The World Bank said it expects Jordan's economy is to grow by 2.3 per cent in 2019, 2.4 per cent in 2020 and 2.7 per cent in 2021, according to annual report. The report cited "massive influx (of Syrian refugees), many of whom are unregistered, has boosted the informal sector, where jobs tend to be labor intensive and low skilled," said the report which drew a gloomy picture of the world economy for 2019. Jordanian authorities, meanwhile continue to rely on foreign and local debts to keep its fragile economy going. An official delegation including prime minister Omar al Razaz is currently in Washington negotiating new loans and other deals with the World Bank to help the government meet its fiscal policies. The WB this week announced it approved a new round of loans to the kingdom as part of a trend that saw foreign debt reach more than 95.6 percent of the GDP. Economists have creticised successive governments for relying on taxation as a main source of revenues for the government, expressing concern that foreign investors could flee the country in search for safe heavens, which would cause a negative impact on unemployment and lead to further increase in poverty. (ANSAmed) Millions of lottery entrants were left waiting to see if they held the winning numbers to tonight's $80 million jackpot Powerball after a technical error delayed the draw. The numbers were supposed to be available online by 9pm tonight and televised about 9.30pm on channel 7, but an error has delayed the results, 7 News reported. The news provider took to social media on Thursday evening to share the news of the delayed results and promised to keep people updated. Millions of lottery entrants were left waiting to see if they held the winning numbers to tonight's $80 million jackpot Powerball after a technical error delayed the draw 'Due to complications there has been a delay of the $80 million jackpot draw. Stay tuned on Seven for the full draw,' 7 News Perth posted to Twitter. The post garnered plenty of reactions from entrants who were no doubt eagerly waiting to see if they could finally send the long-awaited resignation email. 'Hurry... bosses number is on speed dial for my resignation!!!' one person wrote. 'This is a disgrace I spent my paycheck on this. Looks like my kids are going without,' another person said. A third person added: 'Complications? What? Retrieving a bunch of ping-pong balls from a barrel? Soooooo complicated.' After being left in the dark for almost an hour, the winning numbers were finally revealed to the millions of eagerly awaiting people via the lottery website The Lott. According to the website, the winning numbers for Draw No. 1182 were 3, 10, 7, 28, 34, 24, 31 along with the Powerball 14. Channel 7 later televised the draw just after 11pm. Head of Public Relations at The Lott, Matt Hart, told Daily Mail Australia the reason for the delay was largely to do with the number of lottery entrants. 'The draw occurred after 9.30pm AEST - a little later than usual as it took longer to validate the large volume of entries across Australia,' Mr Hart said. After being left in the dark for almost an hour, the winning numbers were finally revealed to the millions of eagerly awaiting people via the lottery website The Lott Mr hart said if one single entry takes home the entire $100 million jackpot next week it would be the biggest Australian lottery prize ever won by a single entry 'We need to validate the entries before any balls are drawn'. Mr Hart confirmed the winning numbers were now available on the website and added there were no division one winners - taking next week's jackpot to $100 million. 'If one single entry takes home the entire $100 million jackpot next week it would be the biggest Australian lottery prize ever won by a single entry,' he explained. 'While we hope that next week is the week these lottery records are broken, it's hard to know just how high the jackpot will go if the Powerball winning numbers don't come up for Australian lottery players.' Mr Hart said with $100 million up for grabs, up to one-in-three Australian adults were expected to have an entry into next week's Powerball draw. 'It's the start of 2019 and everyone is dreaming about what they might do with a massive Powerball prize. ''As a result, we're expecting queues out the door in lottery outlets across the nation,' he said. This is the skin-crawling moment a man went to the toilet and found a huge monitor lizard happily swimming in the water tank. Attasit Charoensuk, 32, heard a splashing noise when he walked into the bathroom at his home in Thonburi, Thailand, on Sunday afternoon. He was stunned to see the four foot long reptile swimming in the water tank which is used for storing water for having a shower. The monitor lizard happily swims around a green pipe, left, before sinking to the bottom of the water tank, right, in Thonburi, Thailand Video recorded in the bathroom shows the beast in the top right hand corner of the tank next to a green pipe. As Mr Charoensuk talks to the camera the lizard moves around the tank, showing off its long tail. It eventually drops to the bottom left corner before the video jumps to a clip after it has been taken out of the tank and is crawling on the floor next to the toilet. Mr Charoensuk said he grabbed the beast by the tail and yanked it from the water before dropping the reptile onto the tiles and watching it scurry away. The four foot long reptile stretches out, left, as it swims before the video changes to a clip showing the lizard, right, on the bathroom floor The sales worker is heard in the video saying: 'You little blighter, what are you doing in my bath. Look at you, swimming away happily. 'Are you trying to hide from me? Come on, you can't hide from me.'' Speaking afterwards, Attasit said: 'It looks like we have a new member of the family. I hope my wife doesn't get jealous. 'I was scared when I saw the lizard and after I pulled it out I ran away.' Advertisement The UK is set for clouds and mild temperatures rather than the bone-chilling winds pounding the continent - thanks to the position of the jet stream over Britain. While countries such as Greece suffer lows of -23C (-9F) this week, the UK will enjoy highs of 12C (54F) by the weekend, with only light rain as opposed to the heavy snow that has hit Austria and Germany. The position of the jet stream - strong winds six miles above the Earth - is currently well to the north of Britain, bringing settled weather; but diving south over continental Europe, bringing sub-zero conditions and snow. Met Office graphics show how the jet stream is keeping Britain relatively warm by acting as a barrier against freezing winds that are sweeping the continent and bringing widespread snow and ice Zoom out on the LIVE interactive Ventusky map below to see the stark difference in temperatures across Europe - click on the tab labelled temperature to see the changes in air pressure, snow cover or freezing level The Met Office's forecast for the UK this afternoon (left) and how the weather will look across the country tomorrow (right) Today will be cloudy but dry in the UK, with only a threat of light rain or drizzle, especially for coasts and hills. Southern parts of England are likely to start bright with sunshine, sunny spells also develop later in the North East. Tonight will be mostly cloudy in the South and far North with a few spots of light rain or drizzle possible. Central and northern areas will be generally dry with clear spells, but through the night, there is a risk of mist and fog. Tomorrow will be a misty start for some, especially over the hills. Once any mist clears, it will become a dry day with bright or sunny intervals developing in many places. Some patchy rain will move into the North West later on. The outlook for Saturday is cloudy for many places and it will become windy for all areas of Britain. Southern parts will stay mostly dry, while northern areas will see showers or longer spells of rain. Athens, pictured on Tuesday, has been covered in snow as Greece experiences much colder temperatures than the UK A graveyard in Vordernburg, Austria, is covered in snow today as Europe experiences far colder conditions than Britain A train in Saxony-Anhalt was almost submerged in snow yesterday as the freezing conditions swept across Germany where temperatures as low as -9C are expected Bad day for a bike ride: A bicycle is covered in snow while a child climbs stairs in the background in Ilmenau, central Germany, as Europe's cold weather chaos deepens Slow progress: A bus and car near Berchtesgaden, Germany try to make their way along the icy road while a man walks nearby amid a cold snap across central Europe Escape: A man climbs out and abandons his car after it got stuck in snow in Kars, Turkey, with the cold snap in Europe spreading towards the Mediterranean Soldiers of the German armed forces Bundeswehr leave the Jaeger barracks in Berchtesgaden to remove snow from buildings in downtown Berchtesgaden, Germany This picture shows an aerial view of the snow covered mountains of the Cedars area in the Lebanese mountains norh of Beirut Workers clear snow from the tracks around a classic steam locomotive near Wernigerode, Germany On Sunday, it will remain windy for all, and northern parts will see frequent showers - while there will be sunny spells and scattered showers in the south. Although stable weather conditions are on the way over the next fortnight, a sudden stratospheric warming event in the Arctic around Christmas, could bring much colder temperatures by the end of January. This is what caused the 2018 Beast from the East - an icy blast of freezing Siberian winds which brought sub-zero temperatures, heavy snow and travel chaos - leading to the chance of the same conditions returning this month. Austria could face 10ft of snow in the next few days. The weather has closed more than 1,000 miles of ski slope in the Alps as the cold stretches as far as Greece where temperatures reached as low as -23C in Florina on Tuesday. Donald Trump has been accused of manufacturing the migrant crisis as it emerged arrests at the border over the long term have actually fallen. Critics of the president said Trump has weaponized the migrant caravan to get support for the border wall through Congress. The number of migrants arrested trying to cross the border remains far lower than in the early to mid-2000s, when Border Patrol agents regularly caught more than 100,000 individuals a month and in some months made over 200,000 arrests. Official figures released on Tuesday show that in December 27,518 members of 'family units' were arrested and 60,782 migrants overall were detained at the US-Mexico border. Scroll down for video In the early 2000s the number of illegal migrant arrests at the southern border topped 1.6 million then steadily dropped to 310,000 in 2017 (source: United States Border Patrol) President Donald Trump has been accused of manufacturing the migrant border crisis to gain support for a southern border wall Migrants jumping the border fence to get into the U.S. side to San Diego, California. Figures show the number of illegal crossings in December was lower than in the early 2000s Despite Trump claiming this week that the country is facing a 'humanitarian and security crisis at our southern border', figures show the number of migrant arrests in the early years of the 21st century were around four times higher. In 2000 the number of arrests at the southwest border hit 1.6 million and steadily dropped to 310,531 by 2016 to 2017, according to the United States Border Patrol. Customs and Border Protection recorded the lowest level of illegal cross-border migration on record in the fiscal year 2016 to 2017, Forbes reports. But the number of 'apprehensions and inadmissible encounters' in October to December last year were even lower than during the same period of 2016 to 2017. Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, a Los Angeles-based immigrant rights organization, accused Trump of lying to the public over the 'crisis'. She told USA Today: 'Manufacturing a crisis at the border, shutting down the government, lying in prime time to the American public and executing a power grab just to build a medieval, ineffective wall is too much.' A two-year-old Honduran child with her mother after being detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents near the U.S.-Mexico border in McAllen, Texas in June last year Cuban and Central American migrants queue at the Paso del Norte International Bridge in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua State, Mexico, to cross the border and request political asylum in the United States on Tuesday President Trump has vowed to let the shutdown continue for 'whatever it takes' to get his border wall One of the key changes to the demographics of those seeking entry to the U.S. is that the number of Mexican migrants crossing illegally has dropped dramatically - by around 90 per cent since 2000. But the number of families and unaccompanied children coming from Central American countries has increased. A record number of Central American migrant families illegally headed towards the United States was recorded for the fourth month running in December. Trump said on Tuesday that the situation on the southern border was a national security threat. He said went on to say the situation at the border is a 'humanitarian crisis, a crisis of the heart and a crisis of the soul'. Official figures show 27,518 members of 'family units' were arrested while the crossing US border in December, a record high for the fourth month in a row The Trump administration has claimed a humanitarian crisis on the southern border Trump added: 'Last month, 20,000 migrant children were illegally brought into the United States a dramatic increase. These children are used as human pawns by vicious coyotes and ruthless gangs. 'One in three women are sexually assaulted on the dangerous trek up through Mexico. Women and children are the biggest victims by far of our broken system.' The president vowed to let the shutdown continue and allow 'whatever it takes' unfold so he can win support for his border wall. While family crossings appear to be on the up illegal crossings in general remain low compared to the early to mid 2000s when there were months were more than 100,000 migrants were caught illegally at the border. And the number of minors who arrived without a parent fell to 4,766, down 10 per cent. The White House has requested $5.7 billion in new funding to continue the wall's construction. Children playing with balloons in front of Federal Police outside an empty warehouse used as a shelter set up for migrants in downtown Tijuana, Mexico earlier this month Noemi, 22, a Mexican migrant cries as she holds her daughter Emily, 1, before trying to jump the border fence to get into the U.S. side to San Diego, Calif., from Tijuana, Mexico last month The conflict between Trump and congressional Democrats led to a partial shutdown of the federal government a few days before Christmas. The Washington Post reports that the migration surge has slowed down in recent days with El Paso's largest migrant shelter receiving less than half the number of people it was helping at the end of last month. On Wednesday morning the president tweeted that the nation 'is doing so well in so many ways. Great jobs numbers, with a record setting December. We are rebuilding our military. Vets finally have Choice & Accountability. Economy & GDP are strong. Tax & Reg cuts historic. Trade deals great.' 'But we MUST fix our Southern Border!' In December two children died while in US border Patrol custody. Young migrant girl Jakelin Caal Maquin, seven, died on December 8 in a hospital in El Paso, Texas, in the early hours of the morning. Caal and her father, Nery Caal, were traveling with a group of 163 migrants who arrived at the New Mexico border from her home in northern Guatemala. A Mexican migrant holds her baby as she is taken on custody by Border Patrol officers after they jumped the border fence last month After they were taken into custody December 6, the father told a U.S. agent that the girl was sick and vomiting. Felipe Gomez Alonzo, 8, from Guatemala, lost his life on Christmas Eve after being held at a detention center by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.l His mother, Catarina Alonzo, 32, revealed she had allowed him to join his father Agustin Gomez, 47, on the journey through Mexico with the hopes of being granted asylum at the US border. Felipe was transported to a local hospital after showing possible signs of influenza. An EU rule which forces search engines to remove certain links referencing individuals, should only apply in the EU, according to the bloc's most senior lawyer. Google has been battling France over the 'right to be forgotten' law, which the US firm would like to see limited to European domains of its website - such as Google.fr or Google.co.uk - and not Google.com or domains outside the EU. In 2014 the European Court of Justice granted the right for individuals, under certain conditions, to have references to them removed from search engine results. Advocate General Maciej Szpunar told the ECJ on Thursday that EU law 'should limit the scope of the de-referencing that search engine operators are required to carry out, to the EU.' In this file photo, the Google offices in New York City, if the advice of the EU's advocate general is taken by judges at the ECJ Goggle chiefs will have cause for celebration Judges at the ECJ usually, but not always, follow the legal opinions of the court's advocate general. Szpunar is 'not in favour of giving the provisions of EU law such a broad interpretation that they would have effects beyond the borders of the 28 member states,' the statement added. The US tech behemoth firmly opposed the decision in 2014, but complied with the ruling by delisting search references once requested across its European domains. France's data regulator, the Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertes (CNIL), opposed the distinction and said the firm should apply the delisting to all extensions, regardless of the national domain. In 2016, CNIL fined Google 100,000 euros ($112,000) for non-compliance and Google appealed to France's highest court, which in turn has referred to the ECJ for an opinion. Google argues that its application of the right to be forgotten is already effective in France for well over 99 percent of searches. In 2014 the European Court of Justice granted granted the right for individuals, under certain conditions, to have references to them removed from search engine results It also adds that the company has implemented geo-blocking technology for EU searches that attempt to use non-EU domains to access de-listed information. In September, EU court judges heard a long list of stakeholders, including human rights groups that fear abuses of the EU's 'right to be forgotten' rule by authoritarian states outside the bloc. In a statement, the lobbying body for tech giants including Google welcomed the opinion. The opinion 'balances EU residents' right to be delisted while respecting the constitutional rights of citizens outside of the EU,' said CCIA Senior Manager Alexandre Roure. 'We hope the final court ruling will take the same pragmatic and balanced approach,' he added. Jeremy Corbyn demanded Theresa May call a general election today to break the deadlock over Brexit if she loses a showdown vote on Tuesday. The Labour leader said if as expected Mrs May's deal is crushed by MPs next week she must go to the country so a new government has a mandate to end the crisis. Mr Corbyn has faced demands from many of his MPs and the SNP to call a vote of no confidence in the Government - which if he won would start a countdown to an election. But in his Brexit speech today he refused again to set out when he would call a vote - insisting still it would only happen 'at the moment we judge it to have the best chance of success'. And in a warning to Labour activists demanded a second referendum, Mr Corbyn warned they could not 'wish away' the votes of 17 million Brexit supporters. Without a confidence vote, the only way an election can be held is if Mrs May calls for one and gets a two-thirds majority of MPs to back it. If an election is held, it is likely that Article 50 the process that enables a nation to leave the EU would have to be extended to allow campaigning and time for new negotiations with Brussels. Jeremy Corbyn (pictured today in Wakefield) demanded Theresa May call a general election today to break the deadlock over Brexit In a warning to Labour activists demanded a second referendum, Mr Corbyn said they could not 'wish away' the votes of 17 million Brexit supporters Mr Corbyn (pictured as he started his speech today) has faced demands from many of his MPs and the SNP to call a vote of no confidence in the Government - which if he won would start a countdown to an election Yesterday, shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer said earlier that he doubted whether the process of leaving could be completed by March 29 if MPs rejected Theresa May's deal next week. May backs Labour plan to protect worker rights and the environment after Brexit The Government has confirmed it will back moves by Labour MPs to safeguard workers' rights after Brexit in an attempt to win support for the deal. The backbench amendment would require Britain to at least match EU rules on pay and conditions, health and safety issues, plus environmental standards. The Government would be obliged to 'consider' any new laws on these standards passed by the EU after Brexit. John Mann, one of the Labour MPs behind the amendment, said Government backing for the proposal could make the Prime Minister's plan 'more attractive'. 'If we have a guarantee that works on workers' rights and conditions, that's significant,' he told the Daily Mirror. Advertisement Sir Keir has reportedly warned Corbyn that a second referendum might be the only way to prevent the government steering Britain on a crash course towards no-deal. Mr Corbyn said the real divide is not between Leave and Remain voters, but 'between the many, who do the work, create the wealth and pay taxes, and the few, who set the rules, reap the rewards and so often dodge taxes'. Speaking today at in Wakefield, he said: 'Let there be no doubt Theresa May's deal is a bad deal, and Labour will vote against it next week in parliament. 'If the Government cannot pass its most important legislation, then there must be a general election at the earliest opportunity. 'A government that cannot get its business through the House of Commons is no government at all. 'So I say to Theresa May, if you are so confident in your deal, call that election and let the people decide. To break the deadlock, an election is not only the most practical option, it is also the most democratic option. The Labour leader said if as expected Mrs May's (pictured yesterday at PMQs) deal is crushed by MPs next week she must go to the country so a new government has a mandate to end the crisis 'It would give the winning party a renewed mandate to negotiate a better deal for Britain and secure support for it in Parliament and across the country. 'For both sides, the EU referendum was about so much more than our relationship with our biggest trading partner and its rules. It was about what's happened to our people over decades and how to build a better future.' But frustrating his critics again, Mr Corbyn added: 'Labour will table a motion of no confidence in the government at the moment we judge it to have the best chance of success. 'Clearly, Labour does not have enough MPs in parliament to win a confidence vote on its own. 'So members across the House should vote with us to break the deadlock.' Yesterday, shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer (pictured today in Wakefield) said earlier that he doubted whether the process of leaving could be completed by March 29 if MPs rejected Theresa May 's deal next week Mr Corbyn's call comes amid confusion about whether Labour will put forward a motion of no confidence next week after the expected Commons defeat of the Government's deal. Barry Gardiner, Labour's international trade spokesman, suggested that such a motion would be tabled immediately after a defeat on Tuesday. But party sources said they were not saying when they would table it, merely stating it was a question of 'when not if'. Sources also said Labour was not yet pressing for an extension to Article 50. Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir told MPs yesterday Labour believes leaving with no deal would be 'catastrophic'. He said: 'We can't do it on 29 March. It's not viable, for so many practical reasons. 'So we're going to have to look at what are the available options realistically still on the table, and what are the merits of each.' North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has told China he wants to 'achieve results' on the peninsula's nuclear standoff, during a two-day visit to Beijing. The ruler of the secretive state left Beijing on his special armoured train yesterday after his fourth trip to China in the last 10 months. Kim is believed to be preparing for a possible second summit with President Donald Trump. It comes after U.S. and North Korean officials are thought to have met in Vietnam to discuss the site of the summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, right, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during Kim's two day visit to China The North Korean leader outside his armoured green and yellow train, the same one used by his father Kim Jong-il on a trip to China in May 2000 All aboard: Kim's personal train which brought him to Beijing has pink leather chairs inside. He and Xi Jinping discussed the nuclear standoff on the Korean peninsula North Korea will 'make efforts for the second summit to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community,' Kim was quoted as saying by China's official Xinhua News Agency. All sides should 'jointly push for a comprehensive resolution of the Korean Peninsula issue', he said. North Korea will 'continue sticking to the stance of denuclearization and resolving the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue and consultation,' Xinhua quoted Kim as saying. Kim also said North Korea hopes its 'legitimate concerns' will be given due respect, a reference to its desire for security guarantees and a possible peace treaty to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War. He also credited Chinese President Xi Jinping with helping reduce regional tensions, saying 'the Korean Peninsula situation has been easing since last year, and China's important role in this process is obvious to all.' Xi told Kim that that China supports the U.S.-North Korea summits and hopes the two sides 'will meet each other halfway.' From left: Kim Jong-un's wife Ri Sol-ju, the North Korean leader, the Chinese President, and Xi's wife Peng Liyuan, in Beijing during the summit North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping greet children waving the flags of North Korea in Beijing during Kim's two-day visit Kim Jong-un receives a present from a girl outside his distinctive green and yellow train, on which he arrived in Beijing and left again yesterday Kim Jong-un examines an item as he walks with officials during the two-day visit in Beijing Trump and Kim met in Singapore last June for the first-ever leaders' meeting between their nations, but there has been a standoff ever since. North Korea has not conducted any test launches or detonations in more than a year but has shown little intention of abandoning the nuclear programmes. Kim expressed frustration in his New Year's address over the lack of progress in negotiations with Washington since the Singapore summit. According to North Korea's own news reports Kim told Xi that the North remains unchanged in its push to seek a negotiated resolution of the nuclear standoff. The Chinese leader has yet to visit North Korea since taking office in 2012. Trump's own relationship with his Chinese counterpart has frayed over the U.S.-China trade war. During the summit Kim met with Xi at the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday after a welcoming ceremony. Later on Tuesday Xi gave a grand banquet for Kim, his wife Ri Sol Ju and other visiting North Korean officials. The two leaders pose in Beijing, where they discussed North Korea's nuclear standoff with the United States ahead of a possible second summit between Kim and Donald Trump Kim and Xi lead round-table discussions at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, with the flags of North Korea and China placed at one end of the table Gavin Williamson has warned Britain's 'enemies' including Vladimir Putin not to mess with Britain now that the RAF's new fleet of supersonic stealth fighter jets are combat ready. The Defence Secretary said the F-35 Lightning jets - which cost 100 billion each - are now 'ready for operations' as he promised the air force had the 'power to dominate the skies into the 2040s'. It is understood they will be sent on a training mission to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus in the spring. Speaking today at RAF Marham in Norfolk Mr Williamson said: 'It means dont mess with us, because we have the capability and we have the people, and we have the will to always defend ourselves. 'As we bid farewell to the RAF's first century, we are setting our sights on the next 100 years. 'Our nation is moving into a new era outside the EU, and our huge achievements in air capability make our commitment to a role on the world stage clear to both our allies and our enemies. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin (pictured) that Britain's new state-of-the-art 1billion stealth fighter squadron is ready for front-line service 'The incredible F-35 jets are ready for operations, a transformed Typhoon has the power to dominate the skies into the 2040s and we continue to look even further into an ambitious future.' The jets will form the backbone of the UKs combat air fleet alongside the Typhoon jets which have now been fitted with advanced new weaponry. The developments mean that the RAF is now the deadliest it has ever been, the Chief of the Air Staff Sir Stephen Hillier claimed yesterday. In terms of platform capability thats both the aircraft and the weapons and the sensors then I think we are more lethal now than we have ever been, he said. Under Project Centurion, worth 425m over the past three years, Typhoons now have the deep strike cruise missile Storm Shadow, the air-to-air missile Meteor and the precision attack missile Brimstone at their disposal. It means the Typhoon jets have boosted capabilities to intercept airborne missiles and strike ground based targets, taking over from the Tornados attack role as it nears retirement after 40 years as the RAF workhorse. In this @royalairforceuk Instagram photo Defence secretary of state Gavin Williamson readers over some paperwork onboard an RAF Chinook Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the F-35 (above) gives the RAF the 'power to dominate the skies until the 2040s' The RAF is modernising its fleet as the Tornado reaches the end of its 40-year service The first of the RAF's fleet of F-35 Lightnings, a supersonic stealth fighter jet, are now combat ready The planes cost 120m each, carry two air to air missiles, and can reach speeds of Mach 1.6 The F-35B: factfile Powerplant: one Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan rated at 40,000lb st with afterburning and 40,500lb st for vertical take-off Length: 51ft 2.5in Height: 14ft 3.5in Wingspan: 35ft Wing area: 460sqft Maximum take-off weight: around 60,000lb Maximum speed: Mach 1.6 Combat radius: on internal fuel more than 450nm Maximum altitude: 50,000ft Armament: typically two AAMs [air-to-air missiles] and two bombs carried internally, with optional 25mm gun pod and underwing pylons enabling stores carriage up to 15,000lb Advertisement New arms for fleet In addition to declaring nine of the current fleet of 17 Lightnings combat ready, Mr Williamson also announce weapons upgrades giving three main options to the current fleet of Typhoon aircraft: Meteor (air to air) Meteor is a state of the art, complex, beyond-visual-range weapon which significantly enhances Typhoons Air Defence capability throughout the next decade and beyond. Storm Shadow (deep strike) A unique capability giving the UK one of the most advanced weapons of its kind in the world. It offers niche battle-winning capabilities and has been employed to great effect by the RAF since 2003. A fire-and-forget, air-launched cruise missile, with a range in excess of 250km, and able to navigate autonomously using GPS and digital terrain profile matching to attack a range of high value static targets, it was one of the primary weapon systems transferred from Tornado GR4 to Typhoon under Project Centurion. Brimstone (precision attack) Brimstone provides a combat proven, low collateral, close air support weapon offering the unique capability of engaging a wide range of target types, including fast moving vehicles / vessels in both land and naval environments and in both direct and indirect modes. SOURCE: MOD Advertisement Mr Williamson said nine F-35s were now ready to be deployed on operations, and that the RAF's Typhoon fleet has been upgraded with a new weapons system. It comes as the last of the Tornados, in service since 1979, will be retired by the end of March. Mr Williamson added: 'The RAF has long shown Britain at its great and global best, and today it lifts our nation to even greater heights.' This year F-35 Lightning pilots and ground crew will continue learning how to operate and maintain the jets in a new centre at the airbase with state-of-the-art simulators, where pilots from 617 Squadron will familiarise themselves with the planes. The Defence Secretary made the announcement in front of four aircraft, including the Tempest concept fighter jet model, which may come on stream in 2035. Around 150 UK personnel had been working with the F-35 jets in the US before the first batch of the supersonic aircraft came to the UK. At peak production, the F-35 programme is expected to support 25,000 jobs in the UK. The Tornado, used by the RAF since the 1970s, will be retired from service this year, after decades of active service providing air power Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkans and beyond. With upgraded Typhoons and the new F-35s the UK will be flying the world's most capable combat aircraft for at least 20 years. The Typhoon is likely then to be replaced by Tempest, the next-generation stealth jet unveiled last July at the Farnborough air show. In addition to the Typhoon and F-35, the Tempest concept fighter jet model was also on show. The model, which represents an example of what the UKs future capability might look like, was unveiled last Summer at Farnborough International Air Show. At the show, the Defence Secretary launched the nations Combat Air Strategy which he said would ensure the UK remains a world-leader in the sector for years to come. The aim is then for a next-generation capability to have initial operational capability by 2035. In October the UK had to ground its fleet of F-35s following the crash of a US jet. The aircraft were examined to see whether they had a faulty fuel tube after the crash of a US Marine Corps F-35B in September. A pair of RAF F-35B Lightning stealth jets over the English Channel during Operation Point Blank, which featured aerial capabilities from the RAF, United States Air Force and French Air Force. (left to right) An RAF F-35B Lightning stealth jet, a United States Air Force F-15 Strike Eagle and a French Air Force Rafale fly in formation over the English Channel during Operation Point Blank The jet went down near a military base in South Carolina on the same day the first F-35B jets landed on the HMS Queen Elizabeth- the pilot managed to eject to safety. The MOD said at the time 'Safety is our paramount concern, therefore the UK has decided to pause some F-35 flying as a precautionary measure while we consider the findings of an ongoing inquiry. 'F-35 flight trials from the aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, are continuing and the programme remains on schedule to provide our armed forces with a game-changing capability.' The MoD is expected to declare the fleet is ready to meet the 'resurgent threat' from Russia Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has described the F-35s as 'formidable fighters' The RAF has 15 of the planes, has allocated money for more than 40, and pledged to buy 138 Theresa May will set out her Brexit 'Plan B' on January 21 if her deal is defeated - but MPs won't get to vote on it until later in the month. The timeline emerged after Tory Remainers and Labour forced through an amendment trying to speed up the process of bringing the issue back to Parliament. Under the terms of the change, Mrs May must table a motion setting out her plan within three sitting days of her deal being rejected. But Downing Street indicated that does not believe the amendment requires the government to hold a vote. Sources said the next showdown would not be held until later that week. They also claimed it will last just 90 minutes and only one amendment should be allowed to the motion - although senior figures conceded that Speaker John Bercow could again choose to ignore procedural conventions. The position from No10 could further inflame tensions with Remainer MPs, who have been accusing Mrs May of 'running down the clock' to Brexit day on March 29. Theresa May (pictured at Twickenham today) will set out her Brexit 'Plan B' on January 21 if her deal is defeated Environment Secretary Michael Gove opened the latest day of debate on the Brexit deal in the House of Commons today Speaker John Bercow yesterday caused uproar in the chamber by ripping up the rule book to allow a Remainer amendment MPs resumed the debate on the PM's deal in the chamber today amid warnings that Mr Bercow has thrown the Commons into chaos by ripping up the rule book. But ministers and Tory Eurosceptics have voiced concerns about whether Mr Bercow can still be seen as 'neutral' after he ignored centuries of convention to make life more difficult for the government. The Speaker sparked extraordinary scenes when he defied the advice of officials to allow the amendment tabled by former attorney general Dominic Grieve. Seventeen Tory rebels, including Mr Grieve, joined forces with Labour, the SNP and the Liberal Democrats to defeat the Government by 308 votes to 297 Mrs Mays second Commons defeat in 24 hours. Mr Grieve said his amendment was an attempt to accelerate the process if the vote was lost so as to avoid the prospects of a no-deal Brexit. But the decision to allow the vote on the amendment enraged chief whip Julian Smith. A source said he told Mr Bercow he was totally out of order, adding: You are throwing centuries of precedence in the bin against the advice of your clerk in order to thwart the referendum result. Deputy chief whip Chris Pincher was also seen mouthing 'bully' at Mr Bercow in the chamber. But the Speaker was later overheard saying: I will not be bullied by Government whips. How could MPs try to block a no-deal Brexit? WRECKING BILLS To prepare for Brexit, several major laws must be passed between now and March 29 and any or all could be amended by MPs in a bid to stop no deal. CONTEMPT If ministers ignored motions for a second referendum or an extension of Article 50 they could, with the likely connivance of Speaker Bercow, be held in contempt of Parliament. Repeated contempt motions would be difficult, if not impossible, for ministers to ignore. NO CONFIDENCE If the Government repeatedly ignored parliamentary votes and a no deal Brexit appeared close, Labour could table a no-confidence motion, potentially triggering an election. Advertisement The Speaker and Mrs Leadsom were involved in another extraordinary spat in the chamber as he denied abandoning his duty to be impartial. Making a business statement in the House, the Cabinet minister said Mr Bercow's actions were unacceptable because MPs were being treated differently. But a clearly furious Mr Bercow branded himself the 'champion of Parliament' - insisting he had not been 'arbitrary' and saying he did not need 'lectures'. 'I hope colleagues will understand when I say that I require no lessons or lectures from others about how to discharge my obligations to Parliament and in support of the rights of backbench Parliamentarians,' he raged. Mr Bercow added: 'I have been doing it, I'm continuing to do it and I will go on doing it, no matter how much abuse I get from whatever quarter. It's water off a duck's back as far as I am concerned.' Tory and Labour MPs have been mobilising against no-deal Brexit. More than a dozen Conservatives have indicated they could vote no-confidence in the government to avoid the UK crashing out in March. Sarah Wollaston this morning told the BBC she 'will resign the Conservative whip' if policy becomes to go for no deal. Business Secretary Greg Clark dodged around when asked whether he would stay in government if the PM decided to take the country out without an agreement. During the Commons debate yesterday, Senior Conservative Sir Oliver Letwin effectively opened negotiations with shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer in the Commons yesterday, raising the prospect of a joint approach on a customs union and single market deal. Sir Keir replied: 'Obviously, at some stage, if we are to leave other than without a deal there has to be a consensus in this House for something.' Pressed by former chancellor Ken Clarke, Sir Keir said: We are going to have to sit down and consider credibly what are the options and how parliament takes control of what happens next.' Former chancellor Ken Clarke (left) and Oliver Letwin (right) yesterday raised the prospect of a cross-party approach to end the deadlock in Parliament Labour's Sir Keir Starmer (pictured in the Commons yesterday) raised the prospect of delaying Brexit by extending Article 50 Both Mr Clarke and Sir Keir raised the prospect of delaying Brexit by extending Article 50 - something that would be anathema to many Tory Eurosceptics. During angry exchanges with Mr Bercow in the Commons, former minister Sir Crispin Blunt said: Many of us will now have an unshakeable conviction that the referee of our affairs ... is no longer neutral. Mr Bercow admitted there was no precedent for his decision, but told MPs that centuries of convention did not completely bind him. He added: If we were guided only by precedent, manifestly nothing in our procedures would ever change ... I have made an honest judgment. Mr Bercow rounded on Tory MP Adam Holloway after he noted that his car has a sticker with the slogan B******s to Brexit in the window. The Speaker said the car in fact belonged to his wife Sally. And he denied being biased over Brexit, telling MPs: I have always been scrupulously fair to Brexiteers and Remainers alike. Former chancellor Kenneth Clarke came to Mr Bercows defence, saying some Tory MPs were getting so agitated that perhaps they should don a yellow jacket and go outside a reference to the far-Right protesters accused of harassing pro-Remain MPs outside Parliament. (see related story on agreement to share out 49 migrants who has been at sea for weeks). (ANSA) - Rome, January 10 - Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini hit back on Thursday after the Maltese government expressed "disdain and surprise at the inaccurate allegations" it said were made by him over the management of asylum seekers. "(We take) no lessons from Malta, which for years closed its eyes and let small and big (migrant) boats head towards Italy," League party leader Salvini said via Twitter. "The music has changed, (now) you can only arrive in Italy with a permit. We have received too many (asylum seekers), the others should wake up. #portsclosed". Salvini posted the tweet after the Maltese government said in a statement that he made "unfounded claims" about unfulfilled voluntary reallocation pledges. European Home Affairs Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos is ready to talk to Italy about the reallocation of migrants, the Commission said on Thursday. "Commissioner Avramopoulos is willing to meet the Italian government to discuss supplementary measures that can be taken to regulate the problem," a Commission spokesperson said regarding the reallocation of migrants at the European level. The spokesperson said the Commission was "relieved" that a solution had been found that will see 49 migrants who disembarked in Malta on Wednesday after weeks at sea received by eight European states. Government workers are turning to part-time work as Uber drivers in order to earn extra money during the government shutdown - it has been revealed. According to CBS Local, a number of the 800,000 government employees in Washington DC are getting behind the wheel to earn extra money from ride-sharing services. 'With the government shutdown, you have more people working for the government doing Uber, and for the full-time Uber drivers, that is really affecting us too, and our money,' ride-share driver Nate Murrell said. Some of the 800,000 workers said to be temporarily unemployed because of the government shutdown are taking jobs with ride-sharing companies While driver Cliff Monroe told WJLA on Monday: 'Whenever the government is shutdown, it really affects us.' 'Life has its curves and straight lines. You got to take the bitter with the sweet,' he added. Drivers in the city also complained about a remarkable drop in demand since the partial shutdown began on December 21. They say that the lack of business from government employees needing to be driven around the city has led to tough times for drivers across the board. Yesterday afternoon, President Donald Trump met with congressional Democrats to try and end the stalemate. But the negotiations broke down after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer refused to fund the border wall. Trump's talks over the shutdown with congressional Democrats broke down Wednesday Trump tweeted that he told Pelosi and Schumer bye bye before walking out of the Situation Room. It comes after a source revealed yesterday that thousands of civilians working for the US Coast Guard have been advised to find supplemental income during the shutdown by holding a garage sale, baby sitting or dog-walking. Unlike all other military branches that operate under the auspices of the Defense Department, which has not been impacted by the shutdown, the Coast Guard is funded by the Department of Homeland Security. Of 245,000 department employees, nearly 213,000 have been deemed essential, so they are working without pay until a funding bill is passed. The US Coast Guard employs 8,500 civilians, of whom 6,400 are on furlough, The Washington Post reported. The other 2,100 are considered essential, which means they have been working without pay from the start of the shutdown. They were last paid on December 22, 2018. Germany is on the brink of a recession as Europe's financial powerhouse suffered a collapse in industrial production. The German economy stunned traders this week when it plummeted more sharply than expected. Industrial production fell by -1.9 percent in November - a year-on-year low of -4.6 percent - which has fuelled uncertainty in the world's fourth largest economy. A recession in Germany could have a devastating impact on the fragile Greek and Italian economies. The Euro symbol stands outside the European Central Bank, a recession in Germany could spell disaster throughout the Eurozone, particularly in countries like Italy and Greece which are already fragile The German share price index DAX graph is pictured at the stock exchange in Frankfurt on Wednesday as traders reacted to the bleak outlook 'Yesterday's manufacturing data in Germany provided alarming evidence of a much more severe slowdown in the second half of last year than economists had initially expected.' Claus Vistesen of Pantheon Macreconomics told Business Insider. He said the economy had been rocked by a 'perfect storm across all sectors.' The collapse was so swift that Vitesen initially told his clients he did not believe the data was accurate. Stefan Schilbe of HSBC told Business Insider that a recession was now likely, as Germany faces its lowest industrial production since 2008. In recent days, evidence has been piling up that the eurozone recovery lost more momentum than anticipated at the end of 2018, particularly in Germany. Unemployment across the eurozone had been falling steadily from a peak of 12.1 percent in 2013 as the region recovered from the global financial crisis. However, ongoing worries about the level of government debt in a number of countries kept unemployment high, such as in Greece and Spain. Since the German economy contracted by a quarterly rate of 0.2 percent in the third quarter of 2018 largely as a result of one-time factors related to new car emissions standards, another drop in the fourth-quarter drop would mean Germany will have entered a recession, defined as two straight quarters of negative output. Still, unemployment remains extremely low in Germany at 3.3 percent, in sharp contrast to the rates still seen in those economies that were at the forefront of the eurozone's debt crisis. Traders toasted in Frankfurt's stock exchange after the closing bell for the festive period in December, but numbers released this week have sent shock waves through the eurozone Greece's unemployment rate, though sharply down from its peak, was still 18.6 percent in September. There are other clouds beyond Germany hanging over the eurozone economy at the start of the new year. France, the eurozone's second largest economy, is also facing difficulties. The country's statistics agency INSEE revealed Wednesday that consumer confidence plunged in December to a four-year low largely as a result of the yellow vest protests that brought much of France, but particularly Paris, to its knees in the crucial Christmas trading period. In addition, trade tensions between the U.S. and China have the potential to further weigh on a softer global economy while Britain's impending exit from the EU could be another negative hit particularly if the country crashes out of the bloc without a deal to smooth its transition to new trading arrangements. Advertisement Work on Meghan and Harry's new home has begun as workers have put up a giant marquee over the mausoleum at Grade II listed Frogmore Cottage as part of a 3million revamp to the property. New photos from the Windsor estate show the huge white marquee which can be seen from Long Walk which is a public walkway. The marquee can be see from almost two miles away. Frogmore Cottage is currently undergoing renovations, with the royal couple due to move to the ten-bed Grade II listed house in the Spring. New documents reveal the couple's builders plan to add fireplaces, staircases, and a floating floor, but will keep the original floorboards and shutters. Protective covering is placed over the mausoleum near Frogmore House (pictured above) as the renovations works continue on the new home of Prince Harry and Meghan Duchess of Sussex The marquee (pictured above) can be seen from almost two miles away New documents reveal the couple's builders plan to add fireplaces, staircases, and a floating floor, but will keep the original floorboards and shutters to Frogmore Cottage The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are currently renting a 2.5million Cotswold farmhouse in a historic retreat in the Oxfordshire hills, which the couple prefer to their Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace in West London. As well new additions, the royal couple are also set to go green and install a 50,000 energy unit that will provide heat, hot water and electricity and also install satellite dish outside the Grade-II listed property. There have been concerns about the security of Frogmore Cottage, prompting the renovations, which are reportedly being overseen by Meghan. A map shows the couple's new home in the grounds of the Windsor Estate in relation to nearby landmarks and public walkways. There are major concerns about security, with the cottage located just 200 yards away from the Long Walk The Grade-II listed cottage is just 200 yards from the publicly accessible Long Walk, triggering major concerns about the couple's privacy. The new plans have been revealed in planning documents published by the local council alongside strict conditions imposed to 'protect and preserve' the house. Insiders now claim the renovations are expected to cost up to 3million - double the royal-funded refurbishment of Anmer Hall for William and Kate. The building work will be covered by the Sovereign Grant - funded by the taxpayer - while the couple will pay for the furnishings. The source also claims Duchess of Sussex has been corresponding with the renovation team regularly. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (pictured attending a church service on Christmas Day) currently live in two-bedroom Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace They added the home was being 'specially designed' to ensure that the family has a 'comfortable country life'. A source said: 'It is a very expensive affair. 'Frogmore Cottage is in an extremely run down condition and is needing a lot of TLC and heavy restoration to bring it up to standard ahead of the Duke and Duchess' moving in date. 'As a result, it is set to cost between 2million and 3 million for the whole project. 'It is being specially designed to ensure that the family has a comfortable country life away from the hustle and bustle of London where they are living now. 'The Duchess is very involved in the project and wants a home that is perfect for her, the Duke and her new baby. 'She has been corresponding with the planning team regularly as to what she wants. 'Security procedures are also to be tightened up at the site and it is being made secure ahead of the royal arrivals. 'Once the work has finished, Frogmore Cottage will be a fantastic family home fit for the Duke and Duchess but it will be like Fort Knox. 'Now all applications have been approved and work is now quickly being undertaken.' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to move to Frogmore Cottage - once five flats for royal staff - in the spring ahead of the birth of their first child. Plans were approved by Royal Maidenhead and Windsor Borough Council in July for two orangery extensions, and a 'granny flat' above a studio in the grounds of the cottage. A Google Earth image of Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor Estate, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be moving into in preparation for the birth of their first child A second 'listed building consent' application was submitted in October, asking for permission for 'internal and external works [...] and associated landscaping'. But there was no further details on the council's planning page at the time, just a note which said it contained 'sensitive information' so documents wouldn't be made public. However, the council planners approved the application last month, and as a result details of the plans have now been revealed. It states the architects have been given permission to remove a chimney - but only if the roof is repaired in the original materials. It details there will be new staircases and fireplaces and said there will be a 'new floating floor'. In a planning decision letter Jenifer Jackson, head of planning at Royal Maidenhead and Windsor Borough Council said: 'All existing doors and frames [are] to be retained and reused unless agreed in writing. '[...] All existing shutters to be retained and all new shutter furniture to be agreed in writing by the local planning authority prior to installation. 'All floor boards must be retained and full details of the new floating floor will need to be agreed in writing by the local planning authority prior to installation.' Kensington Palace declined to comment about the overall costs and the application. But said while the building work costs would be covered by the Sovereign Grant - funded by the taxpayer - all fixtures and fittings would be paid for by the couple. The source said the '2million and 3 million' cost was for both elements combined. Frogmore Cottage was built in the 18th century for Queen Charlotte, the consort of King George III. Queen Charlotte used the property as a countryside retreat for herself and her unmarried daughters. Queen Victoria had breakfast at the cottage in 1875 and said it was a place with an 'immense number of frogs' which she found 'quite disgusting'. As the US federal government shutdown over Trump funding his border wall with Mexico continues, a newly unearthed video shows him having a slightly different view on the efficiency of such barriers 15 years ago. President Donald Trump is demanding $5.7billion for a wall along the US-Mexico border, claiming this is the only way to prevent illegal immigration. However, in a 2004 speech to college graduates, he urged them: 'If there's a concrete wall in front of you, go through it, go over it, go around it, but get to the other side of that wall. Trump made the speech while accepting an honorary doctorate at Wagner College on New York's Staten Island in May 2004. 'Never ever give up,' he can be heard telling graduates in the video. 'Don't give up. Don't allow it to happen. 'If there's a concrete wall in front of you, go through it, go over it, go around it, but get to the other side of that wall.' The footage was dug up and broadcast by comedian Trevor Noah during Wednesday night's Daily Show. 'If there's one thing we know, it's that nothing will stop immigrants from trying to come to America,' Noah said. 'This is a place that people dream of coming to, because people trying to make a better, safer life for their families will do anything to achieve that dream. And I know Donald Trump understands this because of this video we found from 15 years ago.' Good advice: Donald Trump told graduates in Wagner College on New York's Staten Island in 2004 to do 'whatever it takes' if they ended up with a 'concrete wall in front of you' Throwback: The footage of Trump, filmed as he accepted an honorary doctorate, was dug up and broadcast by comedian Trevor Noah during Wednesday night's Daily Show Oh man, once Trump gets his wall he better hope no one shows Mexico this old video we found. pic.twitter.com/FtzeGlmecz The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) January 10, 2019 Presently, the federal government is entering its 20th day of partial shutdown, and Trump is heading to Texas to visit the border town of McAllen. The partial government shutdown has left hundreds of thousands of Americans out of work or working without pay, while Trump and his fellow Republicans fight with Democrats over his demand for $5.7 billion this year to construct the barrier. Trump's plan to build a wall at the southern border was a central promise of his 2016 presidential campaign. He said last month he would be 'proud' to shut the government down over the issue. He has also been considering whether to declare a national emergency and use it to go around Congress by spending money allocated for the Department of Defense to build the wall. Democrats who control the House of Representatives refuse to approve the wall funding. The Tory MP branded a 'Nazi' by furious Yellow Vest Brexiteers says she wears shoes that enable a quick getaway. Anna Soubry - who campaigned to remain in the European Union and wants a second referendum - has dubbed her trusty footwear 'Brexit Bovver Boots' and said: 'They are absolutely glorious.' The Broxtowe MP said even her 85-year-old mother has been threatened, with a letter that read: 'We know where you are, look out for yourself.' British conservative lawmaker Anna Soubry, right, who campaigned to remain in the European Union during referendum debates, walks among Brexit protesters outside parliament in London today alongside Labour MP Jess Phillips She told The Times that she positions herself far from the tracks of the London Underground for fear 'that someone could push me on the line'. Anna Soubry calls the shoes her 'Brexit Bovver Boots' 'When I am in London and take the Tube I always keep my back to the wall,' she said. It comes as police were accused of 'wishy washy' policing outside the Houses of Parliament. Pro-Brexit protesters have been mirroring French demonstrations in Paris by donning yellow safety vests. On Saturday left-wing activists are set to wear the jackets as they march through the capital to demand a general election. But prosecutors are currently assessing whether the yellow vested protesters who harangued politicians like Ms Soubry outside the Houses of Parliament may have committed an offence. It follows a series of incidents in which politicians were filmed being confronted by protesters. On Monday, Ms Soubry's live television interviews opposite Parliament on College Green were interrupted by chants branding her a 'Nazi' and a 'liar'. Scotland Yard said police investigating 'a number' of allegations have requested advice from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). A Scotland Yard spokesman said: 'The Met are currently investigating a number of allegations that have been made to police and have referred the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for early investigative advice.' A CPS spokesman said: 'We have today received a request for early investigative advice from the Metropolitan Police regarding an incident outside the Palace of Westminster on January 7 and will respond to them in due course.' Whitehall authorities have pledged extra security for politicians who feel like they need it and Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday told the House of Commons that politicians and media should be able to 'go about their work without harassment and intimidation'. After Labour MP Jo Cox was murdered by a far-right terrorist in 2016, extra security measures including panic buttons and locks were made available in the offices and homes of politicians. Brexiteer Tory MP David Davies has taken to wearing a body camera to record any abuse that may be directed at him. David Davies (pictured) has started wearing a bodycam to record any abuse he may receive from Remain voters Anna Soubry was targeted by Brexiteer demonstrators outside Parliament and says she wears shoes that allow for a quick getaway Labour's Harriet Harman and Conservative Ken Clarke are calling for an inquiry due to fears that intimidation and threats are stopping MPs going about their work. And Parliament's joint committee on human rights will hear evidence from politicians on both sides of the Commons on the threat to MPs. The Metropolitan Police have pledged to enhance their presence in Westminster. A parliamentary spokesman said security in the Commons is taken 'extremely seriously'. Conservative MP Anna Soubry needing a police escort as she is harangued by right wing protesters wearing HiViz tabards in December last year (pictured left). And chatting to Justine Greening (pictured right) in December after PMQs A band of pro EU protesters have gathered outside Parliament on College Green where they have been noisily protesting (pictured, today) Pro and anti Brexit protesters angrily clash with each other outside parliament as they continue their noisy demonstrations (pictured, today) - while MPs inside Westminster debated Brexit What are bovver boots? MP Anna Soubry has described her hefty boots as her 'Brexit Bovver Boots.' Originally the boots, sturdy in design and often with steel toe-caps, were worn by workmen. But they became associated with skinheads and football hooligans who would use the boots in altercations, causing serious damage. They were co-opted by punk rockers in the 1970s and became a symbol of rebellion. They are still immensely popular and fashionable, with the most famous designer of the boot being Dr. Martens. Advertisement 'For security reasons, we cannot discuss our arrangements at parliament or MPs' security arrangements away from the estate,' he added. It comes after Prime Minister Theresa May demanded Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell to say sorry about comments that spoke of 'lynching' ex-work and pensions secretary Esther McVey. Mr McDonnell insisted he was not approving of such an action when he quoted a member of the public four years ago. Mrs May has stated that politicians and journalists 'should be able to go about their work without harassment and intimidation'. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has also condemned abuse and called for a 'safe space for political debate'. A mother who was left trapped after a huge overhead highway sign crushed her car has relived the terrifying moment she escaped death. Nella Lettieri, 55, was driving along the Tullamarine Freeway in Melbourne on Tuesday when a sign came loose and fell on top of her Hyundai, caving in the roof. The lucky mother was taken to hospital with minor injuries to her neck, arm and face as a result of the airbag being deployed. Ms Lettieri, who has since returned home after the accident, said she was 'grateful to be alive' after the incident, which has left her with more mental scars than physical. Nella Lettieri, 55, was driving along the Tullamarine Freeway in Melbourne on Tuesday when a highway sign came loose and fell on top of her Hyundai, caving in the roof. Ms Lettieri was taking to hospital after suffering injuries to her neck, arm and face from when her airbag deployed and was taken to hospital. 'I'd gone to swerve to the side and it just kept falling,' she told Nine News. 'I started thinking, when's it going to stop?' Ms Lettieri, who has been left with headaches, chest pains and a bruised body, said she would wait for her body to heal before considering legal action. As an independent reviewer inspects other highway signs across Victoria, a leading expert has described the signs as 'ticking time bombs' that could kill someone. Welding Technology Institute of Australia chief executive Geoff Crittenden told The Age he was concerned that someone could die if a sign collapsed again. 'There are ticking time bombs all over Australia,' Mr Crittenden said. 'There is absolutely no question, lives are at risk. The fundamental issue is there isn't adequate regulation in most states in Australia.' Ms Lettieri's daughters Claudia (left) and Stephanie (right) said she their mum was lucky to escape with nothing more than injuries to her neck, arm and face caused by her airbag Emergency services (pictured) were called to the scene near Essendon Airport VicRoads deputy chief executive Robyn Seymour told The Age that the roads should be closed until all signs have been properly inspected. 'We need to make sure risk doesn't develop in the longer term which is why we need to do the investigation to make sure we understand what is the root cause,' he said. The base of the sign which broke appeared to show signs of corrosion despite being installed just a year ago. The car was travelling along the Tullamarine Freeway in Melbourne's north when the overhead sign fell on the car at about 5.30pm on Tuesday (pictured) A 78-year-old Trump-supporting farmer has spelled out his view on the current 20-day federal government shutdown. Gene Hanson, of Edgeley, North Dakota, plowed the words 'build the wall', in capitals in one of his fields. The shut-down has been caused by the US President demanding $5.7billion to build a wall at the southern border with Mexico, and the Democrats refusing this funding. Message for the government: Gene Hanson, of Edgeley, North Dakota, plowed the words 'build the wall', in capitals in one of his fields An aerial photo shows the huge message plowed across a frozen field, with Mr Hanson telling Fox News ''President Trump, stand your ground.' Mr Hanson has become a minor celebrity with his 'field art' messages, helping his grandson propose to his partner last year and creating a huge Purple Rain symbol in honour of Prince. He also has a history of creating political messages, such as 'Drain the Swamp', 'Blue Lives Matter', 'We stand for the National Anthem', 'Vote Trump' and 'Never Hillary.' Gene Hanson, of Edgeley, North Dakota, is a committed supporter of President Donald Trump Got form: Mr Hanson has notably done similar stunts in the past with other political messages The septuagenarian creates his plowed messages without GPS or technology, instead plowing his tractor in a drawn-up pattern. His creations have even caught the attention of the President, who posted on Facebook about his 2017 message to demand US citizens stand for the national anthem. 'Thank you Gene Hanson a GREAT American (and farmer) who is standing up for our flag, our anthem, and our country!,' Trump wrote in a Facebook post. Nicola Sturgeon and her top civil servant face being hauled before a Holyrood inquiry to answer key questions on the 'unlawful' probe into sex claims about Alex Salmond. The Scottish Conservatives will propose that a powerful committee of MSPs conducts an investigation into how the matter was handled. If they secure support from at least two of the other parties, the public audit committee will be told to launch an inquiry. The First Minister could be ordered to answer questions about her involvement in the case, her discussions with Mr Salmond about it and what her closest aides knew about the way it was carried out. Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans may also be grilled by MSPs over why she allowed an official with prior knowledge of the complaints to head the investigation. Nicola Sturgeon (pictured in Holyrood on Tuesday) and her most senior civil servant face being hauled before an inquiry on the 'unlawful' probe into sex claims about Alex Salmond The demand for an inquiry came only a day after Miss Sturgeon and Mrs Evans issued apologies following the Government dropping its defence against Mr Salmond's legal action. It admitted its investigation into two allegations of misconduct had been 'unlawful', 'procedurally unfair' and 'tainted by apparent bias'. The Tories say an inquiry by the public audit committee, convened by Labour MSP Jenny Marra, is necessary as the errors in the way the case was handled have landed taxpayers with a 500,000-plus bill, after the Government was forced to pay Mr Salmond's legal expenses. While Mr Salmond estimated that was the total, some reports suggest it could reach seven figures because of the amount of time lawyers spent on the Government's case. Last night, a Scottish Government spokesman said: 'Costs have not been assessed and any figures are purely speculation.' Scottish Conservatives interim leader Jackson Carlaw said: 'The questions facing the SNP Government are mounting up. 'Nicola Sturgeon claims she did not intervene at any stage, yet now we learn she had no fewer than three meetings and two phone calls with Mr Salmond when he raised his concerns about the process with her. 'If she wanted to stay out of it, why did she agree to meet him? 'We also now learn the SNP Government decided to settle after it had learned the First Minister's closest aide was about to give evidence. 'It begs the question: did the Scottish Government cave in to stop more facts coming to light about its involvement? Alex Salmond (pictured outside Edinburgh's Court of Session on Monday) won a judicial review into how the Scottish Government handled allegations against him 'Mr Salmond made serious accusations that details of the two women's cases were deliberately leaked to damage his reputation. Will the Permanent Secretary order a leak inquiry to find out what has gone on? 'When 500,000 of public money has been squandered, the public is entitled to answers. Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans (file) may also be grilled by MSPs over why she allowed an official with prior knowledge of the complaints to head the investigation 'If the SNP Government won't front up, the Scottish parliament will need to do so. A Holyrood inquiry may be the only way forward.' Following the Court of Session ruling, Miss Sturgeon told MSPs she had spoken to Mr Salmond five times about the sexual misconduct allegations against him comprising two meetings at her home, one before the SNP conference in Aberdeen and two telephone calls. Despite the case being discussed, no record of the conversations was published on the First Minister's official list of engagements. We revealed yesterday Miss Sturgeon's chief of staff Liz Lloyd and principal private secretary John Somers had been due to give evidence before the case collapsed. They were to be cross-examined under oath by Mr Salmond's legal team on Monday. The Government raised questions last Thursday on whether their appearance was necessary. When informed they must attend as planned, the Government privately dropped its defence to the case within hours. In court on Tuesday, the Government admitted to a 'failure' in its investigation by allowing it to be headed by an official who had direct contact with the women about their allegations before they made a formal complaint, in breach of its own rules. Scottish Conservatives interim leader Jackson Carlaw (pictured in Holyrood last month) said the questions facing Nicola Sturgeon were 'mounting up' Tory chief whip Maurice Golden is prepared to demand a public audit committee inquiry at the next meeting of the Parliamentary Bureau, which sets business and comprises one member of each of the five parties. The committee will be asked to hold the inquiry if the proposal wins support from two other MSPs. The Lib Dems said their representative, leader Willie Rennie, will listen to the proposal. But Labour was tight-lipped on whether Neil Findlay would back it. In a letter to the First Minister, Labour equalities spokesman Pauline McNeill said: 'Your decision to meet and hold phone calls with Mr Salmond on multiple occasions about the investigation could have compromised the investigation.' On the Tory calls for an inquiry, a Scottish Government spokesman said: 'The First Minister, the Permanent Secretary and the Government's legal team have already set out the reasons for settling this case, which specifically relate to contact between the investigating officer and the complainants around the time of the complaints being made in January 2018. Any other claims or conspiracy theories are ridiculous and unfounded. 'The First Minister has set out the details of her meetings and phone calls with Alex Salmond and the substance of them. As the First Minister told parliament, she was clear to Mr Salmond that she had no role in the process and would not intervene.' Last night, the Scottish Government also revealed it will never disclose the details of the complaints or the findings because it gave an 'undertaking' it would not do so as part of the settlement reached with Mr Salmond. Mr Salmond strongly denies any inappropriate conduct and says he was unaware of any formal allegations against him at the time. A man who allegedly murdered his estranged wife had struggled to move on from their marriage breakdown and was convinced she was having an affair, a court has heard. Adrian Basham, 42, was charged with murder after Samantha Fraser, 38, was found dead inside her home's garage on Phillip Island, south of Melbourne, on July 23 last year after failing to pick up her three kids. Her tragic death was initially treated as suicide, but Basham was charged with her murder 11 days later. A hearing was told last October by Basham's psychologist that he found it difficult to deal with the fact he could not see his children, it can now be revealed. The details of the hearing have been reported by The Herald Sun after a suppression order blocking publication lapsed on Wednesday. Adrian Basham, 42, (left) who allegedly murdered his estranged wife Samantha Fraser, 38, (right on right) had struggled to move on from their separation and was convinced she was having an affair, a court has heard Ms Fraser's body was discovered in her garage on Phillip Island, south of Melbourne on July 23 Basham's psychologist told Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court she had tried to play down the accused killer's belief his wife was having an affair. 'I tried to challenge his assumptions of his wife's affairs. I told him: "She's a busy woman, with three kids",' she told the court. 'Do you think she has time for an affair?' The psychologist also told the court Basham said he could not make an appointment that had been arranged just two days after the death of Ms Fraser, who was also a psychologist. When she sent Basham a message to confirm their appointment, he responded with 'sorry I wont be attending,' the court heard. The psychologist also told the court Basham said he could not make an appointment that had been arranged just two days after the death of Ms Fraser (pictured), who was also a psychologist In earlier sessions between the two, Basham complained about the relationship between Ms Fraser and another psychologist who stroked her back and shared a 50-minute phone call with her, the court heard. Police allege Basham had called off a motorcycle ride on the day of the murder with a friend on July 23 - the day of Ms Fraser's death. Ms Fraser's body was found after authorities were alerted when she didn't arrive to pick up her children from school on the afternoon of July 23. A welfare check was conducted at her home on Seagrove Way, Cowes, where police found her dead. Her death came as a shock to the local community, who were notified of the police investigation four days after her body was found. Samantha Fraser (pictured) was allegedly killed by her ex-husband at her Phillip Island home in late July last year (ANSA) - Rome, January 10 - Deputy Premiers Luigi Di Maio and Matteo Salvini both played down talk of turmoil within the government on Thursday following tension about Italy's decision to take some of the 49 migrants who had been at sea for weeks after being rescued by NGO-run ships in the Mediterranean. League leader and Interior Minister Salvini, who has spearheaded a tough stance that has seen NGO-run migrant-rescue ships denied access to Italy's ports, had said he was against receiving any of the asylum seekers. But at a meeting of senior figures with Premier Giuseppe Conte late on Wednesday, the executive reached an agreement for Italy to be among eight European countries to take a share of the migrants. Around 10 of the people who were finally allowed to disembark in Malta on Wednesday will come to Italy and they will be entrusted to the care of the Waldensian Church at no cost to the State. 5-Star Movement (M5S) leader Di Maio said Wednesday's meeting was "very cordial". "You always find a solution with Giuseppe and Matteo," he told Radio Anch'io. Salvini also said the government was not in crisis. "I don't leave anything half done and I don't want to cause any government to collapse," Salvini told RTL radio. "The government is fine. We have done a lot in six months and the two government parties have the confidence of 60% of the Italian people, which is pretty unique". A high-ranking customs official at a major Chinese port has been accused of helping 'professional shoppers' smuggle luxury goods from overseas in exchange for sex. Guan Zhaojin, 37, the head of customs at Dalian port in north-east China's Liaoning province, has also been accused of taking bribes and abusing his power while helping the shoppers evade inspections and customs duty. He was reported to the authorities last August by his wife, 36, who shared a video of him confessing to the affairs with the women. The video went viral his week, sparking an outcry. Guan Zhaojin, 37, the head of customs at Dalian port in north-east China's Liaoning province, has also been accused of taking bribes and abusing his power while helping the shoppers evade inspections and customs duty. He has been suspended amid investigations In the video posted by his wife, surnamed Bu, Guan was seen wearing only a pair of underpants and listing the names of at least seven women he has slept with. Guan has been suspended from his job and is under investigation, the Dalian Customs District said on its official Weibo account on Sunday. 'We have received new leads and online reaction concerning Guan Zhaojin's cover-up and assisting with smuggling, corruption and bribery,' the authority said. The customs office said a team has been set up to strictly review the evidence and the authority will publicise the result of the investigation. Guan denied the affairs and said he was cleared of any wrongdoing by Dalian Customs last September, according to The Paper. Guan was reported to the the authorities last August by his wife, 36, who shared a video of him confessing to the affairs with the women. The video went viral his week, sparking an outcry Guan had relationships with 14 women, Guan's wife said. Married since 2009, the couple originally lived in Shenyang before her husband was transferred to Dalian in 2016 Guan's wife told MailOnline she found out Guan was taking bribes and sleeping with the shoppers while checking his phone for evidence of an affair. 'I suspected he was having more than one affair. Then I found out through his messages with the women he was violating the law,' Bu said. Guan had relationships with 14 women and slept with nine of them, she said. Married since 2009, the couple originally lived in Shenyang before her husband was transferred to Dalian in 2016. 'I just couldn't stand it anymore. I have forgiven him many times and he was still having affairs,' she added. 'I hope he will get the punishment he deserves,' she said, adding that she will seek a divorce. Professional shoppers, known as 'daigou' in China, purchase products including expensive purses, cosmetics and infant formula overseas and sell them back in China via messaging app WeChat or Chinese e-commerce platforms. Professional shoppers, known as 'daigou' in China, purchase products including expensive purses, cosmetics and infant formula overseas and sell them back in China via messaging app WeChat or Chinese e-commerce platforms. Above, the city of Dalian, Liaoning province Due to China's heavy import tariffs of 30 per cent to 80 per cent, the industry has been thriving in the country. There is an estimated one million small-time business operators who frequently shop overseas, according to Caixin. A 2015 report by consulting firm Bain said that the daigou market for luxury goods alone was worth between 34 billion yuan (3.9 billion) to 50 billion yuan (5.8 billion). Last year, an estimated US$100 million (78 million) of foreign luxury goods was brought into China. A hardworking daigou could earn 50,000 yuan (5,777) to 60,000 yuan (6,932) every month - around eight times Shanghai's average salary. On Jan 1, China's new e-commerce law came into effect to clamp down on the unregulated trade. Daigous are required to register as businesses, which make them subject to taxation. John Rea (pictured) says that all sorts of abuse could have happened at the charity A former director of the UK's largest childcare charity yesterday admitted vulnerable youngsters looked after by its staff had faced an 'inherent risk' of abuse. John Rea, 74, who was a divisional director of Barnardo's in Scotland for 15 years, was questioned about what was done to keep children safe from paedophiles. He told the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) he was unaware of the term 'risk assessment' while he was in a senior role in Scotland from 1976. The inquiry has heard of a practice where a Barnardo's residential care worker would stay awake overnight, while a colleague slept. Inquiry senior counsel James Peoples, QC, said this meant the staff member effectively 'had the run of the place' and was unsupervised overnight. He asked if this had put vulnerable children 'at inherent risk' of abuse and Mr Rea replied: 'Absolutely.' But Mr Rea argued that 'if a member of staff is inclined to abuse, it can happen in so many different ways' for example if they were driving a child 'on a lonely road' to a medical appointment or a sporting activity. He said there was 'no cast-iron guarantee' against child abuse for people who are determined to cause harm. Mr Rea said that in the mid-1980s a Barnardo's residential childcare worker was suspended and ultimately dismissed after allegations of sexual abuse. Later Mr Rea saw the man working as a baggage handler at Edinburgh Airport and was relieved he was no longer involved in childcare. He stressed that the sexual abuser had worked at Tyneholme, at Pencaitland in East Lothian, for only a 'couple of years'. Killian Steele, 54 (pictured) was taken into care in 1976 aged 12 after abuse in his family from three-years-old. But he suffered sexual abuse at Barnardo's North Berwick children's home at the hands of a staff member But SCAI chairman Lady Smith said this still meant he had had access to children for '600 days', allowing for holidays. Mr Rea conceded that 'all sorts of abuse could have happened in that time'. He said one of his assistant directors had investigated a carer at Tyneholme who was likely to have abused children and had lied about his credentials to get the job. Mr Rea said he could remember the 'passage of events' but not the outcome, which was in fact that the man was dismissed. He said: 'I feel ashamed that I cannot recall that myself.' Asked if there had been any mandatory training of childcare staff, Mr Rea said 'No', and added he did not believe the idea had been discussed there was instead a culture of people learning 'on the job'. He was also asked about an alleged abuser, who cannot be named for legal reasons, who would take children in his care at Glasclune House in North Berwick to his parents' home. Mr Rea said he could remember the man but he did not support the idea of children being taken to staff members' homes as it was unnecessary and inappropriate. He told the hearing in Edinburgh he could not 'recall any specific policy guidelines [about staff not taking children home] but it's so basic that I would have hoped it was generally accepted by people in positions of responsibility'. In November the inquiry heard that a boy of 12 was raped by his male carer after a 'grooming' campaign that left him 'petrified'. Killian Steele, 54, a former resident at Glasclune, claimed the charity had issued 'reprimands' to the man who had abused him after suspicions were raised but let him stay on. The SCAI is investigating claims of abuse by children in the care of Barnardo's, Quarriers and the Aberlour Child Care Trust. Beijing has reportedly mobilised its supersonic nuclear missile DF-26 after a U.S. destroyer earlier this week sailed into the disputed waters in South China Sea. The medium-to-long-range missile, also known as Dongfeng-26, is capable of reaching the U.S. territory and sink aircraft carriers, according to previous reports from China. The news came after a retired Chinese admiral recently urged that Beijing should sink two American aircraft carriers and kill some 10,000 American sailors to intimidate Washington amid trade war tensions and territorial disputes. DF-26 is reportedly capable of reaching the U.S. territory and sink aircraft carriers. The missiles are seen participating in a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 2015 Beijing's official media previously reported that the powerful missile could reach Guam, a U.S. territory about 2,000 miles away from the Chinese coast, and was China's top weapon DF-26 has been billed as the 'Guam Killer' by Chinese media as it's said to be capable of reaching Guam, a U.S. territory about 2,000 miles away from the Chinese coast. The missile was developed and built solely by Chinese engineers and was commissioned to the Rocket Force of People's Liberation Army last April, according to People's Daily Online. China's Central Television Station claimed that DF-26 was capable of carrying nuclear warheads and striking 'important targets on land and medium-to-large ships at sea with precision'. The state broadcaster hailed the nuclear missile as Beijing's top weapon against the United States. Footage released by China Central Television Station shows soldiers at the Rocket Force of People's Liberation Army getting ready to drive a truck which is believed to carry DF-26s A close-up shot of the truck which is believed to be transporting the DF-26 missiles in China The far-reaching, anti-ship ballistic missile has been mobilised to north-west China's plateau and desert areas, according to China's official news outlet in a report from yesterday. A video released by Central Television Station today shows soldiers at the Rocket Force operating the DF-26 missiles. The mobilisation is said to be a reaction towards a U.S. ship that 'trespassed' the Chinese territory in South China Sea on Monday. China issued 'stern' warning to the United States over the matter The USS McCampbell, a guided missile destroyer, sailed within 12 nautical miles of the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea on Monday, prompting an angry reaction from Beijing Paracel Islands, known in China as the Xisha Archipelago, are controlled by Beijing but also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan. China also claims Taiwan as a part of its territory USS McCampbell, an American guided missile destroyer, sailed within 12 nautical miles of the Paracel Islands, known in China as the Xisha Archipelago. A group of more than 30 islands in the South China Sea, the Paracel Islands are controlled by China, but are also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan. China also claims Taiwan as a part of its territory. Last month, retired Chinese admiral Luo Yuan reportedly urged during a summit in China that Beijing should sink two American aircraft carriers which could kill some 10,000 soldiers. Retired Chinese admiral Luo Yuan (pictured) reportedly urged Beijing to sink U.S. ships The son of a former Chinese official claimed it could be a good solution to the China-U.S. trade war and the disputes over South China Sea. Admiral Luo was quotes saying that China should strike the United States in its weakest point and 'what America fears the most is people dying'. He also reportedly said that China should increase spending on developing deadly weapons, such as the DF-21 and DF-26 missiles. A teenager has been deported after he thought it would be 'funny' to make a bomb threat on a flight. Meke Fifita, 19, fronted Manukau District Court on Thursday after he made a false threat on-board a Sydney-bound flight, Sydney Morning Herald reported. 'Anyone with half a brain would understand that this is not a funny thing to do, given the times we live in,' Judge Anna Johns said. Fifita was on board an Air New Zealand A320, transiting at Auckland for his home bound flight from Tonga. A teenage has been deported after he thought it would be 'funny' to make a bomb threat on a flight (stock photo) The Sydney teenager typed 'I have a bomb' into an in-flight messaging app as the plane prepared to take off. The tasteless joke forced an emergency response - when airline staff announced a security breach Fifita knew 'immediately' he had sparked the response, the court heard. Fifita was subsequently arrested when the plane returned to the gate. The court heard Fifita typed the message because he 'thought it was funny'. Though it was no laughing matter for the 19-year-old after he was charged for breaching the Civil Aviation Act and providing false information relating to the safety of an aircraft. Defence lawyer Jane Northwood told the court her client was remorseful for the 'grossly stupid event of the century'. Meke Fifita, 19, fronted Manukau District Court (pictured) on Thursday after he made a false threat on-board a Sydney bound flight She pushed for an immediate sentencing amid concerns for his welfare in Mt Eden prison, where he was away from his family and any kind of support. As an Australian citizen, Fifita faced imprisonment or a fine. Judge Johns said she could not enforce a fine, but consider reparation as Fifita's actions cost New Zealanders, emergency services and Auckland airport as much as tens of thousands of dollars. Fifita was slapped with a $3,000 reparation sum, which his father in Sydney paid. An Immigration New Zealand staffer was present at the court to arrange Fifita's flight back to Australia. A female Louisiana police officer has died after being shot while on her way to work on Wednesday. The officer, named by the Shreveport Times as Chateri Payne, was about to start her shift when the shooting took place in the town of Shrevport, Louisiana at around 8.20pm on Wednesday. Sources said Payne was shot a total of four times, including once in the head, and was rushed to hospital soon after the incident. The officer, named by the Shreveport Times as Chateri Payne, was shot a total of four times Video courtesy of ArkLaTex.com A total of 54 first responder units were said to have rushed to the scene to try and assist, but she was later pronounced dead in hospital. Police said Thursday they had detained a suspect for questioning, although the motives behind the attack remain unclear. A spokesperson for the Shreveport Police Department refused to confirm officially that Payne was the victim. But posts paying tribute to Payne were widely circulated on Facebook along with messages of condolence. The scene in Shreveport, Louisiana on Wednesday night after the female officer was shot four times Sources in the town said as many as 54 first responders were on the scene to deal with the incident at one point One post on the Shreveport Police Officers Association page paid tribute to 'one of their own', although it too failed to name Payne as the victim. 'The Shreveport Police Officers Association would like to thank the Citizens of Shreveport for their prayers and their genuine sympathy shown to us at this critical time,' a statement on Facebook read. 'We have lost one of our own. She was young, and she was beautiful. 'She was proving herself to be a capable professional, dedicated to serving the Citizens of Shreveport.' Hilarious footage captures member of the public showing off their dance moves on the streets of Beirut in an elaborate prank. Tricksters persuade random residents that if they danced for a man posing as a celebrity they could win $1,000. The pranksters say they are seeking a man with masses of curly hair who is a big Brazilian samba star and will give the prize to whoever dances in front of him for five seconds. Shortly afterwards, a curly-haired man saunters up to the same people. Remembering what they've been told, they dance in front of him. The man, feigning bewilderment, asks: 'Are you okay, bro?' before walking off, muttering that he doesn't know what's wrong with people today. Pranksters approach their intended victims in Beirut and tell them about the reward for dancing in front of a famous Brazilian samba star The actor posing as a Brazilian samba star, second left, is approached by people keen to dance But when some 'victims' start to dance, the actor asks them if they have something wrong They are being secretly filmed by a hidden camera as part of a popular comedy Several people are fooled into dancing for the man with a striking curly hairstyle Robbie Brittain, 33, was said to have used a coat to cover himself and a student to conceal their public sex acts at Langley School in Norfolk. Pictured: Leaving court in 2015 A former physics teacher who worked at a 32,000-a-year boarding school has been struck off from his job for alleged sex acts with an underage schoolgirl. Robbie Brittain, 33, was said to have used a coat to cover himself and a student to conceal their public sex acts at Langley School in Norfolk, a misconduct hearing was told. Despite being cleared over child sex offences in court, Brittain was banned from teaching after a disciplinary panel found the claims proven 'on the balance of probabilities'. The Teaching Regulation Agency also heard how Brittain had sexual encounters with the girl after giving her after-hours tuition in the school's communal rooms between 2013 and 2014. The hearing in Coventry heard Brittain, who was engaged at the time, touched her inappropriately. He denies the allegations made by the girl, known only as Pupil A. Panel chair Anthony Greenwood said: 'Pupil A states that within a few weeks of the tuition starting, Mr Brittain engaged in sexual touching with her. 'She states that Mr Brittain would place a coat over both of them which was also used as a makeshift table, but which also served the purpose of concealing this mutual touching.' Authorities were first alerted to the alleged sex encounters after the girl told a friend on a school trip in April 2014 after being warned about not smoking. Friends at the school then told staff, which eventually led to Brittain being charged with engaging in sexual activity with a girl under 16. He was cleared at a trial in 2016 after insisting the student was 'prone to lying and exaggerating'. He claimed the coat was used a makeshift table. Yet the teacher disciplinary panel ruled it could 'detect no motivation' by the student to 'fabricate allegations'. The hearing heard how the girl had written poetry about her teacher, including a poem directed at Brittain's fiancee called: 'Why do you want me when you have her?' She claimed that the teacher had warned her that he would be 'screwed' if she told anyone about their exploits. The alleged sexual incidents took place at the 32,000-a-year Langley School in Norfolk The hearing found allegations of sexually motivated misconduct against Brittain proven. He has been banned from the profession indefinitely. Mr Greenwood added: 'The panel is of the view that the account given by Pupil A was entirely convincing and has the ring of truth to it. 'Her account was both compelling and credible, and for that reason it prefers her account to that of Mr Brittain.' Mr Greenwood added: 'The panel is of the view that there is a risk of the conduct in question being repeated and pupils being exposed to a risk of harm.' 'The findings of misconduct are serious and the conduct displayed would likely have a negative impact on the individual's status as a teacher, potentially damaging the public perception. 'In my view, it is necessary to impose a prohibition order in order to maintain public confidence in the profession.' Brittain, formerly of Wymondham, Norfolk, left Langley School in February 2016 after signing a settlement agreement. Fees at the elite school range from 16,000 per school year for day pupils and 32,000 for boarders. A spokesman for Langley School said: 'Mr Brittain has not been employed by Langley School since 2014. 'Every employee at Langley School; teachers, support staff and volunteers, go through rigorous pre-employment safeguarding checks, as well as regular training in-line with other organisations who work with children. 'The schools Deputy Head (Pastoral) leads a team of safeguarding specialists who are responsible for ensuring safety and safeguarding of every pupil at Langley. 'Our number one priority is the wellbeing and safety of our pupils.' The man found dead in the apartment of prominent Democratic Party donor Ed Buck has been named and pictured today, as it is also revealed he was a gay former porn star. Timothy Dean, 55, was originally from Florida but had long been living not far from Buck's apartment in West Hollywood, California. Buck is now under investigation over the death of Mr Dean, who is the second black man to be found dead in the wealthy 63-year-old's apartment in 18 months. The investigation into the death of Gemmel Moore, 26, in July 2017 at the residence, as now been reopened after being closed for lack of evidence. Unexplained: Timothy Dean, 55, from West Hollywood, died in Democratic Party donor Ed Buck's apartment on Monday According to the Internet Adult Film Database , Dean had been starring in gay adult films from as early as 2007 up until 2016. He had most recently been working at Saks Fifth Avenue was a member of the National Gay Basketball Association Interracial flings were a common theme in Dean's work, with him often engaged with smaller white men who were enamored with his large stature Dean worked at Saks Fifth Avenue was a member of the National Gay Basketball Association and of One LA - a religious group - prior to his death. But before working in retail and pre-baptism, Dean was actually known in the gay porn industry as a dominant top named Hole Hunter. According to the Internet Adult Film Database, Dean had been starring in gay adult films from as early as 2007 up until 2016. Some of the films include: Dark Chocolate Cravings 2 (2007), Black on Boys 4-8 (2011-2015) and Interracial Public Pickups 3 (2016). Buck, a prominent Democratic donor who gave to Hillary Clinton's campaign, is now under investigation over the deaths of both Mr Dean and 26-year-old Gemmel Moore 18 months ago Interracial flings were a common theme in Dean's work, with him often engaged with smaller white men who were enamored with his large stature. Dean's tattoos on his arms can be seen in various clips. Buck's attorney, Seymour Amster, said Dean was a long-time friend of Buck's and claimed that he had 'a history of substance abuse.' 'Unfortunately in the early hours this morning, a good friend of Ed's reached out to him. Ed was reluctant to have him over but he was insistent. He had him come over and come into his apartment,' Amster told DailyMail.com on Monday, hours after the death, adding - without naming Mr Dean - that he had died inside the home. 'It seems the individual came over already having consumed controlled substances. There were no controlled substances ingested in the presence of Ed, nor did Ed give any to his friend.' However, a neighbor who witnessed Dean arriving less than an hour before he died told DailyMail.com she did not think the man was intoxicated. Man of faith: Dean, who died aged 55, is pictured during a baptism ceremony in 2018 Claims: Buck's attorney, Seymour Amster, said Dean, who worked at Saks Fifth Avenue, was a long-time friend of Buck's 'I came out at 12.15am to walk my dogs after the Golden Globes, so I know exactly what time it was,' Jackie Tepper, a Hollywood film producer, said. 'I hesitated thinking, 'oh c**p', because we're so used to seeing young black men coming in and out of Ed's apartment at very odd hours.' . 'He was fine, he did not seem inebriated,' she said. 'He wasn't stumbling, he was buzzing the building, he was on his phone. I must have seen him 45 minutes before he passed away.' Dean was known in the gay porn industry as a dominant top named Hole Hunter The prominent Democratic donor gave to Clinton and posed with former California governor Jerry Brown. One party congressman, Ted Lieu, has said he will return the cash Buck donated to him but the Clinton campaign has so far said nothing. Buck has also faced protests outside his apartment over the deaths, which his attorney has denied he had any part in, claiming he opened his door to 'vulnerable' people in bad circumstances to try to help them. This comes as another man told DailyMail TV how Buck paid to fly him from Minnesota to Los Angeles, drugged him with a substance dissolved in Gatorade then injected him with crystal meth at his West Hollywood apartment. Jermaine Gagnon, 28, shared pictures which show Buck, wearing white long johns, crouched over him on the mattress of a pullout bed during one of their nights together, as well as the 'toolbox' of sex toys he produced during their encounter. Buck's attorney, Seymour Amster, declined to comment on Gagnon's allegations when contacted by DailyMailTV but questioned why Gagnon didn't contact the police at the time. He added: 'We see no reason to respond to unverified accusations from individuals just trying to seek attention.' Jermaine Gagnon, 28, (pictured) told DailyMailTV how he narrowly escaped death when Democratic donor Edward Buck injected him with crystal meth at his sex-toy filled apartment The 28-year-old shared photos of Buck, wearing white long johns, crouched over him on a mattress during one of their nights together (pictured above) Buck offered him $200 to spend the evening with him at his apartment, Gagnon said. Gagnon said the mirrors were about seven-foot high and appeared to be suspended on ropes so that they tilted forward over the bed (pictured) Gagnon told DailyMailTV that he was homeless and couch-surfing in LA in April 2018 when he met Buck on the gay dating site, Adam4Adam. Buck offered him $200 to spend the evening with him at his apartment, he said. Gagnon said: 'I had done sex for money other times but I don't make it a habit. 'The first day we met, I met him at his house. There is a gate at the main entrance and he buzzed me up. He's on the second floor. 'When I walked in, it was dim lights, a mattress in the middle of the floor, three mirrors surrounding the mattress and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall.' Gagnon said the mirrors were about seven-foot high and appeared to be suspended on ropes so that they tilted forward over the bed. 'It was just kind of weird,' he told DailyMailTV. 'Anywhere you look in this room, you'll see yourself in the mirror. What mostly caught my attention was the windows, they were covered in fabric. You couldn't see out of them and nobody can see in. 'He had this red and black toolbox with all types of fetish toys, like c**k rings, sex toys. He also has needles inside this drawer.' Gagnon shared images of sex toys Buck had for their encounter (pictured), saying: 'He had this red and black toolbox with all types of fetish toys, like c**k rings, sex toys' A man's death on Monday marks the second time a black man has died in Buck's West Hollywood apartment (pictured) in the past 18 months Gagnon said that he had a couple of drinks and chatted with Buck. 'He knew my situation. We discussed my lifestyle and what I was going through, how long I'd been using crystal meth,' he said. 'He was a good person when I first met him. He was really cool. He was calm, he was collected. The apartment looked like a club scene or something. 'We just sat at the table trying to get to know each other and the fetishes that he likes. 'He likes the bulge in your pants, he likes you to wear c**k rings and pocket p***ies. He's fixated on pictures and looking at you. He says ''two men f***ing each other, f****ts do that''. He may do touching or looking, but he doesn't do penetration. 'He gave me a little oral and I gave him a little oral. 'He's more oral or foreplay, dressing you up and you being his sex slave. He had a certain way of what you had to wear into his house to play in his game. 'When you first come into the house, you take your clothes off. He said, ''I want you to put on this, this is what entertains me.'' I had no problem with it. 'He gave me some Tommy Hilfiger tighty whities, a muscle t-shirt and some long johns. White knee-high socks. The underwear was laid around the bed. Everything is all folded up, nice and neat.' The 28-year-old said that during this first meeting he smoked crystal meth with Buck. 'We smoked together, we passed the bowl back and forth and then he was like, 'I've been smoking all day, go ahead and enjoy.' 'There's pipes everywhere, there's baggies, straws.' Gagnon said that Buck was open about the fact he was having dates with multiple men - 'young, black, handsome and well-endowed.' Buck is an active donor who supports the Democratic Party. He is seen above with former California Governor Jerry Brown in this undated file photo Gagnon told DailyMailTV that he was homeless and couch-surfing in LA in April 2018 when he met Buck on the gay dating site, Adam4Adam 'He was quite open about being very generous to the black community,' he said. 'I'm his type and pretty much half of the black community is his type - vulnerable, depressed. If you're in a depressive state, that's the energy that feeds him.' Gagnon says that he stayed for around four or five hours on that first date. 'After the first time I was like well that was kind of easy, I think I can do that again. I felt comfortable enough to come back,' he said. The 28-year-old said a few days later he left LA and moved to Dallas, to spend time with his brother who was dying from cancer, but soon got a call from Buck asking him to visit. 'I was probably in Dallas for two or three weeks before Ed Buck offered to pay for my ticket back to California. He wanted me to come to California for a weekend.' Gagnon said he took Buck up on his offer, but this time when he came over Buck wanted to inject him with a syringe of crystal meth, known among drug users as 'pointing.' The 28-year-old said that before meeting Buck he had never injected crystal meth. 'This time he introduced the point,' said Gagnon. 'He asked me, it was the first thing he said. I allowed him because it was my first time trying it. 'He has this big black old school flashlight. It unscrews and there's a whole bunch of drugs in there.' Gagnon says he saw a little bag with a small amount of what he believed to be crystal meth and another bag with a lot of crystal meth in it. He said he didn't see other drugs other than Viagra. 'He always told me 'in my house I'm the only person that can administrate.' He was the only person who would give the drugs to anybody. 'He only smoked. He would make a needle to inject himself but he would inject me first. I never saw him inject himself in front of me. These are his drugs, his needles.' Gagnon said: 'He gave me some Tommy Hilfiger tighty whities, a muscle t-shirt and some long johns. White knee-high socks. The underwear was laid around the bed. Everything is all folded up, nice and neat' The 28-year-old said a few days later he left LA and moved to Dallas, to spend time with his brother who was dying from cancer, but soon got a call from Buck asking him to visit. Pictured: An itinerary showing the flight Ed Buck bought for Gagnon to come visit him Gagnon said that Buck injected the crystal meth into the vein on his arm and he reacted badly to the drugs and became aggressive. 'It hit me, my body went to tingling, my mouth went to jittery. I got so high that I was enraged, I cussed him out and made a big scene at his apartment and he pretty much put me out,' he said. 'I changed back into my clothes, he paid me $250 and I left.' Gagnon said there was no one else in the apartment during that meeting but there was a knock on the door. He said that Buck cracked open the door and spoke to a man through it. Before leaving the apartment, Gagnon took pictures and secretly filmed Buck on his phone, asking him on camera about crystal meth. Buck refused to answer, and asked if Gagnon was filming him. The two men stayed in touch, and four months later, around September 22, Buck offered again to pay Gagnon to come over to his house. He said this time the atmosphere was tense. Over the summer, Gagnon had learned about the death of Gemmel Moore. Buck was investigated for suspected murder when Moore, 26, was found dead of a meth overdose at his home in July 2017. That investigation was closed when West Hollywood police said they had found insufficient evidence, but is now open again after the death of the unnamed man this week. Gagnon said: 'I had called him and said, 'So did you kill the boy?' 'He was nonchalant, he changed the subject. He wouldn't answer anything about Gemmel Moore.' He added: 'The third time I met Buck, I was stupid and dumb and wanted to go back for more. I wanted to get him to admit that he had something to do with Gemmel Moore's death. I went back for more trouble and fell back into his s***.' Over the summer, Gagnon said he had learned about the death of Gemmel Moore (pictured left and right and with his mother LaTisha Nixon). Buck was investigated for suspected murder when Moore, 26, was found dead of a meth overdose at his home in July 2017 In an undated journal entry, Moore admitted he 'ended up back at Buck house (sic) again and got manipulated into slamming down again' 'I was going through my drug abuse and I needed the money so I met up with him again. When you're in that situation, you do anything to be able to survive. 'I wasn't thinking about it's hurting me, it's killing me. I was thinking I need this money. I need food, I need a place to sleep.' Gagnon said when he arrived he didn't like the atmosphere. 'Buck wasn't himself. He was too jittery, like he had a task to do but was procrastinating. He was determined to finish something, but I don't know what he was determined to do.' The 28-year-old said Buck offered him a drink of Gatorade. When he drank it, Gagnon said, he began to feel as if he'd been drugged, and suspects the drink contained a drug such as GHB. 'We did the usual, I changed into his clothes. I drank most of the Gatorade then within a few minutes, I felt woozy. I didn't feel like my normal self. I was so scared. I felt the sensation of death. I felt death walked into my soul. I said, 'Mom, I feel like he's going to kill me, I think I'm going to die.' 'I could barely keep my eyes open. I was real drowsy and limp. I was laying in the middle of the floor.' Gagnon does not believe that Buck raped or sexually assaulted him while he was incapacitated. 'Buck said, 'You're not high enough for me, I want you to do another point.' I was so blurred in the situation. He actually pointed me and when he injected me with crystal meth, my body heated up like fire. 'My head felt like it was going to explode and I just felt so dizzy and limp. 'My body was numb, I could barely move. It was a matter of seconds. My speech started slurring, I was in and out,' he said. 'I saw him preparing the drugs at the table. He said 'you've got to watch.' I couldn't really stand up. 'I really thought I was the next person that was going be dead at Ed Buck's house.' Gagnon said that Buck didn't say anything while he was lying on the floor unable to move and just moved around, watching him. 'He was touching things, periodically picking things up and moving them around. He was quiet as a church mouse but you can feel when someone has an agenda. 'He took my phone. I was so scared. I felt the sensation of death. I felt death walked into my soul.' The 28-year-old said Buck (pictured) offered him a drink of Gatorade. When he drank it, Gagnon said, he began to feel as if he'd been drugged, and suspects the drink contained a drug such as GHB Gagnon believes the Democrat donor should be arrested. 'He needs to be put away for the rest of his life. I want to see Ed Buck prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,' he said. Pictured: Gagnon with one of the sex toys from Buck's toolbox Gagnon said that he dragged himself to his feet because he knew he had to drink water. 'I went and drunk out of the faucet. I found my phone and called my mother. I said, 'Mom, I feel like he's going to kill me, I think I'm going to die.' She said, baby, I love you.' Gagnon said he lay praying for two and a half hours while Buck wandered around the apartment, seemingly unconcerned. When he came down from his high, Gagnon told Buck he wanted to go outside for a walk. The Democrat donor gave Gagnon $60 and told him to get a drink at a nearby bar. Instead, Gagnon went to a corner store and bought a taser and two knives to protect himself. While he was out, he noticed Buck's friend and neighbor following him. He recognized the man from his previous visits, describing him as white, in his 50s, about 6'4' and weighing around 215 lbs. Gagnon said the neighbor had also been calling Buck every two or three hours, checking Buck was drinking enough water and eating. When Gagnon returned to the apartment, he said Buck had become cold and distant, and asked Gagnon to leave because he had another young man coming round to his home. 'He started blowing me off and brushing me to the side. He was saying 'how about you go to Las Vegas for the weekend and when you're ready to go home I'll pay for your ticket to go back to Minnesota.' It sounded like a good idea just to get away from him,' said the 28-year-old. Buck paid Gagnon $300 and bought his flight back to Minnesota, and the two never spoke again. He said: 'Looking back on that day, I was frightened, I was vulnerable. I was frustrated because I allowed this person to harm me. I put myself in harm's way again.' Gagnon said he did not report Buck to the police at the time because he had no other way to pay for a plane ticket home and he felt extremely paranoid about what had happened The 28-year-old is now living in Brooklyn, New York with two close friends from his hometown of Minneapolis. Jermaine is currently fighting to stay off drugs and he is due to enter rehab later this month for his addiction issues. Gagnon said he did not report Buck to the police at the time because he had no other way to pay for a plane ticket home and he felt extremely paranoid about what had happened. He said: 'He has taken pictures with Hillary Clinton, who knows who he knows? 'It just amazes me when at the same time, he degrades gay, black men who live with HIV and makes them go through more pain and struggle. I don't understand the human mind that can do that.' Gagnon added: 'It frustrated me when I heard about the second body. Just imagine what my mother went through when she heard that phone call from me and what Gemmel's mother is going through. 'It's going to take for him to kill a whole village before they do anything about it.' Gagnon believes the Democrat donor should be arrested. 'He needs to be put away for the rest of his life. I want to see Ed Buck prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,' he said. 'These boys are not just dying of an overdose, it's not a coincidence another person has died in the same home during the same situation. 'This man is a murderer and he's getting away with it and it's all because the media wants to sweep it under the rug because he's this rich, white man. 'If my body was a little bit weaker, I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't be telling you the story. I would have died at Ed Buck's house that night.' Buck's attorney did not respond to repeated requests for comment from DailyMailTV about Gagnon's allegations. Protesters gather outside Ed Buck's home in California on Monday night after it emerged that a second black man had died there in the space of 18 months Jasmyne Cannick, a Democratic candidate for California state assembly who has worked with Gemmel Moore's family, said the DA and Sheriff's Department 'have blood on their hands' for failing to properly investigate the donor after Moore's death Jasmyne Cannick, a Democratic candidate for California state assembly who has worked with Gemmel Moore's family, said the DA and Sheriff's Department 'have blood on their hands' for failing to properly investigate the donor after Moore's death. At the time of Moore's death the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office decided not to prosecute Buck, saying there was 'insufficient [evidence] to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that [Buck] is responsible for the death of Gemmel Moore.' The DA's Office said: 'Likewise, the admissible evidence is insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that suspect Buck furnished drugs to Gemmel Moore or that suspect Buck possessed drugs.' In February of last year Moore's family published pages from his diary in which he alleged that it was Buck who first introduced him to narcotics. These revelations prompted the LASD to reopen its investigation into Buck but that too was closed until this week. Since the investigation was launched, a number of other men of color have come forward to claim political power player Buck, who is single and came out as gay at 16, paid them to take drugs. The coroner's report, from July 31, 2017, noted that investigators spoke with a woman who knew Moore, who said that the prostitute had told her about another man he knew that had been tied up by Buck 'over a year ago', who then 'held him against his will at the residence in West Hollywood.' The report also stated that Buck's apartment was full of drug paraphernalia including dozens of syringes containing brown residue, five glass pipes with white residue, several baggies of white power, and a bag of a 'crystal-like' substance, such as crystal meth. Pages from Moore's personal journal allege that Buck had a strange fascination with watching others take drugs, and had even supplied him his first hit of crystal meth. Buck has given $47,427.50 to Democrat campaigns, according to Federal Election Commission figures, including Clinton, Barack Obama, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and many others. He became a successful businessman, pioneering in computer technology, specifically in electronic information services, in Arizona before moving to Los Angeles. A one-time registered Republican, Buck began getting involved in Southern California Democratic politics in the early 1990s. Advertisement A lion was forced to flee from a battle with a herd of buffalo who mounted a spirited defence of their calves in South Africa. In the epic fight at Kruger National Park the lions were first to approach the buffalo but the tide quickly turned as the herd charged at their attackers. Wildlife photographer Stefenie Botha, 27, came breathtakingly close to the hunt and captured the stunning pictures on camera. Despite their misjudgement the lions did manage to walk away with a partial prize after successfully taking down two calves. Run for your life! A female lion sprints away across the grassland with two of the buffalo in pursuit, as the herd mounts a furious defence of its calves during a battle in Kruger National Park, South Africa Single combat: A male lion grapples with a buffalo, as the horned animal attacks its opponent with its head while the lion uses its paws to cling on to the buffalo's front legs Battle scars: One of the lions has blood on its mouth as three of the pride collect their prize, finishing off one of the buffalo. After the buffalo stopped fighting back, the lions killed the calves and started eating One shot shows a terrified female lion sprinting away from the fight as two of the buffalo pursue her across the grassy land. In another picture the male lion grapples with a buffalo, as the horned animal attacks its opponent with its head while the lion uses its paws to cling on to the buffalo's front legs. Ms Botha said: 'My adrenaline was pumping. I was excited and could not believe what was happening. The whole herd of buffalo turned back and ran in the direction of the lions. 'The herd smashed through the lions and I thought the one female lion got trampled to death, but fortunately she was okay. 'Four of the lions caught a buffalo calf on the one side of the road and another female caught another calf on our side. 'Both the buffalo calves were saved, but the lions went back and took another two calves. After the buffalo stopped fighting back, the lions killed the calves and started eating.' Lonely battle: One of the lions faces a head-on assault from a buffalo as dozens of the horned animal's comrades look on Clash of the titans: A buffalo looks on as three of the lions lie on the ground in South Africa. Despite their misjudgement the lions did manage to walk away from the fight with two buffalo scalps Clash of heads: One of the lions tries to leap out of the way as it is charged at by a rampaging buffalo, while another lion stays low to the ground and attempts to keep out of harm's way Out numbered: One of the buffalo calves lies to a ground while a lion turns to run away as a buffalo charges at it with dozens more of the horned animals lying in wait in the background A seven-hour stand-off between police and an armed man who barricaded himself inside a house has come to an end following his arrest. The siege at the property in Wallan, around 45km north of Melbourne, ended just before 7pm on Thursday following tense negotiations between officers and the 22-year-old man. The residential area around the house on Forbes Boulevard was placed in lockdown at 12pm, with neighbours describing a 'scary' situation. A seven-hour standoff between police and an armed man who barricaded himself inside a house has come to an end following his arrest A spokesman for Victoria Police told Daily Mail Australia the man was arrested without incident. The man came out of the building unharmed and police from the Family Violence Unit were at the scene. Armed officers were positioned in the backyard of the property, as well as in front of the house. Firefighters and Specialist Operations Group officers were present. 'I wanted to take the dog out but the copper said "go inside because he's got a gun"', neighbour Gloria Brook told The Herald Sun. Mrs Brook said: 'I'm all right, I've got my dog here and my walking stick. They wouldn't want to come in here.' 'I wanted to take the dog out but the copper said "go inside because he's got a gun", neighbour Gloria Brook said The resident told the publication the man who normally lived in the property was away at the time of the siege. During the stand-off, local area commander Peter Koger said members of the public had no reason to worry about the situation. 'Its ongoing but theres no risk to anyone else in the community, hes on his own and were just hoping we can resolve it peacefully,' he said according to The North Central Review. (ANSA) - Rome, January 10 - Deputy Premiers Luigi Di Maio and Matteo Salvini both played down talk of turmoil within the government on Thursday following tension about Italy's decision to take some of the 49 migrants who had been at sea for weeks after being rescued by NGO-run ships in the Mediterranean. League leader and Interior Minister Salvini, who has spearheaded a tough stance that has seen NGO-run migrant-rescue ships denied access to Italy's ports, had said he was against receiving any of the asylum seekers. But at a meeting of senior figures with Premier Giuseppe Conte late on Wednesday, the executive reached an agreement for Italy to be among eight European countries to take a share of the migrants. Around 10 of the people who were finally allowed to disembark in Malta on Wednesday will come to Italy and they will be entrusted to the care of the Waldensian Church at no cost to the State. They will be sent to a reception centre at Scicli near Ragusa in Sicily, sources said. 5-Star Movement (M5S) leader Di Maio said Wednesday's meeting was "very cordial". "You always find a solution with Giuseppe and Matteo," he told Radio Anch'io. Salvini also said the government was not in crisis. "I don't leave anything half done and I don't want to cause any government to collapse," Salvini told RTL radio. "The government is fine. We have done a lot in six months and the two government parties have the confidence of 60% of the Italian people, which is pretty unique". The government will "go ahead despite all the birds of ill omen," Salvini said later Thursday. "We are in the hands of the good God but this government is going ahead despite all the birds of ill omen," he said on Porta a Porta talk show. Asked if it would last the full five years, he said "Yes, there are so many things to do, I don't want to leave things half done, we've just started". The Giraffe's neck is covered in the warty lesions which look like knots on a tree trunk A giraffe that appeared to be turning into a tree has been spotted in South Africa's Kruger National Park. The animal's neck was covered with strange bark-like bumps which are, in fact, lesions caused by papillomavirus. The virus, which is not life threatening, tends to affect cattle and causes large irritable lesions to develop on their bodies. In giraffes it is spread from animal to animal by oxpecker birds who feed on ticks in their skin. Although the virus will not kill them, the sores are sometimes itchy and if persistently scratched can open into wounds and infections. This giraffe was spotted by Helen Olive, a civil servant from Oxfordshire who has been photographing wildlife for 15 years. The giraffe has the warts across its skin, but predominantly around its neck, Helen Olive took the pictures while on holiday in the Kruger National Park Giraffe's are the world's largest land mammal, reaching heights of almost 20 feet which allows them to graze on tall trees in the African bush She said: 'Initially I wasn't sure what was wrong with the giraffe as it was standing behind bushes and trees, but then I realised the giraffe had what looked to be a virus.' The papillomavirus is found across several species including humans, chimps and rabbits, and each strain is highly developed to each animal it affects. The giraffe is the tallest land mammal in the world, reaching heights of almost 20 feet, the beasts are found throughout Africa. South Africa has an estimated population of just over 30,000 giraffes after extensive conservation efforts have been made to recuperate the population which has been stricken by hunting and disease. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a scathing rebuke of the Obama administration's Mideast policies on Thursday, accusing the former president of 'misguided' and 'wishful' thinking that diminished America's role in the region, harmed its longtime friends and emboldened its main foe: Iran. In a speech to the American University in Cairo, Pompeo unloaded on President Donald Trump's predecessor, saying he was naive and timid when confronted with challenges posed by the revolts that convulsed the Middle East, including Egypt, beginning in 2011. Pompeo laid the blame notably on a vision outlined by President Barack Obama in a speech he gave in Cairo in 2009 in which he spoke of 'a new beginning' for U.S. relations with countries in the Arab and Muslim world. 'Remember: It was here, here in this very city, another American stood before you,' Pompeo told an invited audience of Egyptian officials, foreign diplomats and students. 'He told you that radical Islamist terrorism does not stem from ideology. He told you 9/11 led my country to abandon its ideals, particularly in the Middle East. He told you that the United States and the Muslim world needed "a new beginning." The results of these misjudgments have been dire.' 'In falsely seeing ourselves as a force for what ails the Middle East, we were timid about asserting ourselves when the times and our partners demanded it,' Pompeo said, without mentioning the former president by name. Pompeo's speech came on the third leg of a nine-nation Mideast tour aimed at reassuring America's Arab partners that the Trump administration is not walking away from the region amid confusion and concern over plans to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke to students at the American University In Cairo on Thursday, laying waste to Barack Obama's approach to the Middle East 'The attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights,' Obama complained in June 2009, saying that 'this has bred more fear and mistrust' Former Obama administration officials rejected Pompeo's assertions as petty, political and weak. They said the speech pandered to authoritarian leaders and ignored rights violations that Obama had called out. 'That this administration feels the need, nearly a decade later, to take potshots at an effort to identify common ground between the Arab world and the West speaks not only to the Trump administration's pettiness but also to its lack of a strategic vision for America's role in the region and its abdication of America's values,' National Security Action group, a group of former officials, said in a statement. Rob Malley, who was Obama's national security council director for the Middle East and is now at the International Crisis Group, said hearing Pompeo's speech was like 'like listening to someone from a parallel universe' in which the region's shortcomings were ignored. 'In that parallel universe, the Arab public probably will receive it enthusiastically,' he said. 'Back on planet earth, they will see it for what it is: a self-congratulatory, delusional depiction of the Trump administration's Middle East policy.' Pompeo met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi in Cairo, reassuring him that the United States has no intention of abandoning the region despite public acknowledgements that the Trump administration plans to pull U.S. troops out of Syria Pompeo blamed the previous administration's approach to the Mideast for the ills that consume it now, particularly the rise of the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria and Iran's increasing assertiveness, which he said was a direct result of sanctions relief, since rescinded by the Trump administration, granted to it under the 2015 nuclear deal. He said Obama ignored the growth of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon to the detriment of Israel's security and not doing enough to push back on Iran-supported rebels in Yemen. Since Trump's election, however, Pompeo claimed this was all changing. 'The good news is this: The age of self-inflicted American shame is over, and so are the policies that produced so much needless suffering,' he said. 'Now comes the real 'new beginning.' In just 24 months, actually less than two years, the United States under President Trump has reasserted its traditional role as a force for good in this region, because we've learned from our mistakes.' Pompeo and his wife Susan (right) were in Cairo for one day, part of a 9-day swing through the region In the speech entitled 'A Force for Good: America's Reinvigorated Role in the Middle East,' Pompeo extolled the Trump administration's actions across the region cementing ties with traditional, albeit authoritarian, friendly governments, taking on the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria and imposing tough new sanctions on Iran. 'President Trump has reversed our willful blindness to the danger of the regime and withdrew from the failed nuclear deal, with its false promises,' Pompeo said. Since withdrawing from the nuclear deal last year, the administration has steadily ratcheted up pressure on Tehran and routinely accuses the nation of being the most destabilizing influence in the region. It has vowed to increase the pressure until Iran halts what U.S. officials describe as its 'malign activities' throughout the Mideast and elsewhere, including support for rebels in Yemen, anti-Israel groups, and Syrian President Bashar Assad. 'The nations of the Middle East will never enjoy security, achieve economic stability, or advance the dreams of its peoples if Iran's revolutionary regime persists on its current course,' Pompeo said. The writer of award-winning film Green Book has apologized for a 2015 that resurfaced in which he agreed with Donald Trump's debunked claims that Muslims cheered when the twin towers fell on 9/11. 'I want to apologize,' Golden Globe-winning writer Nick Vallelonga said in a statement provided to TheWrap. 'I spent my life trying to bring this story of overcoming differences and finding common ground to the screen, and I am incredibly sorry to everyone associated with Green Book.' Trump said as a presidential candidate on the campaign trail that he saw 'thousands' of Muslims cheering in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Vallelonga replied to Trump's tweet in November 2015, saying: '@realDonaldTrump 100% correct. Muslims in Jersey City cheering when towers went down. I saw it, as you did, possibly on local CBS news.' Star of Green Book Viggo Mortensen (center), with writers Brian Currie (right) and Nick Vallelonga (left). A 2015 tweet by Vallelonga has been criticized for agreeing with Trump's claims about Muslims Vallelonga's 2015 tweet in which he replied to Trump to '100% agreed' with claims Muslims cheered after 9/11 The statement continued: 'I especially deeply apologize to the brilliant and kind Mahershala Ali, and all members of the Muslim faith, for the hurt I have caused. I am also sorry to my late father who changed so much from Dr. Shirley's friendship and I promise this lesson is not lost on me. Green Book is a story about love, acceptance and overcoming barriers, and I will do better.' The tweet has since been deleted but a screen grab of the unearthed post was shared on social media by a BuzzFeed reporter on Wednesday. Since the furor, Vallelonga's entire Twitter account has been taken down. Film producer Jordan Horowitz tweeted: 'My industry just gave him a Golden Globe for writing. This is all too disgusting.' In November 2015, Trump defended his comments on NBC's saying: 'I saw it. So many people saw it. So why would I take it back. I'm not going to take it back.' Trump's claims of celebrations were denied by elected officials, religious leaders and a former state attorney general in the wake of his claims and no video footage could be found to back up the assertion. Vallelonga co-wrote the script for Green Book with friend Brian Currie and director Peter Farrelly about his father's real-life journey through the deep South as a driver for black concert pianist, Donald Shirley, played by Mahershala Ali. Trump said as a presidential candidate on the campaign trail in Alabama in 2015 that 'thousands' of Muslims cheered in the aftermath 9/11 Actors Mahershala Ali (left) and Viggo Mortensen (right), who plays Vallelonga's father, star in the Golden Globe-winning film, Green Book After working as a bouncer at the Copacabana in New York, Tony Lip became an actor, best known for his role as Carmine Lupertazzi in hit mob show The Sopranos, as well as featuring in mafia flicks Donnie Brasco, Goodfellas and The Godfather. The latest controversy came on the same day as the new movie's director, Peter Farrelly, apologized after reports emerged that he liked to flash his genitals as a joke while filming. The Cut on Wednesday published excerpts of a 1998 Newsweek story saying Farrelly and his brother and frequent film making partner Bobby Farrelly liked to use ruses to get people to look at his penis. The acclaimed director issued a statement through his publicists saying the stories' descriptions are true. 'I was an idiot. I did this decades ago and I thought I was being funny and the truth is I'm embarrassed and it makes me cringe now. I'm deeply sorry'. Green Book director Peter Farrelly has apologized after reports emerged that he liked to flash his genitals as a joke while filming Those who told Newsweek they'd been tricked included film executive Tom Rothman and actress Cameron Diaz, who was starring in the Farrelly brothers' comedy 'There's Something About Mary' at the time. According to Newsweek, Diaz said of the incident: 'When a director shows you his penis the first time you meet him, you've got to recognize the creative genius. 'Green Book', which stars Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortenson as a black concert pianist and his Italian-American driver who become unlikely friends, won a Golden Globe Award on Sunday for best musical or comedy film. In another 1998 Newsweek story, film executive Tom Rothman, now chairman of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, recounts being 'flashed'. 'It wasn't a pretty sight. In fact, I'm still recovering,' he told the publication's reporter. Farrelly's other credits include 'Dumb and Dumber' and 'Shallow Hal'. Cameron Diaz was one of the actors who claimed Farrelly flashed at her. She said the incident happened while they filmed 'There's something about Mary'. Her character from the hit movie is seen on the left The film won Best Motion Picture (Musical/Comedy), with writers Nick Vallelonga, Bryan Currie and Farrelly winning Best Screenplay. Actor Mahershala Ali winning his first Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture for his role as famed pianist 'Doc' Don Shirley. The movie is based on a true story about the relationship between celebrated pianist Dr. Donald Shirley, who was black, and his driver, who was white. Critics claim that the pair's friendship was exaggerating and other details about the film have been questioned, in particular by some of Shirley's surviving relatives. Farrelly's latest film won Best Motion Picture (Musical/Comedy), with writers Nick Vallelonga, Bryan Currie and Farrelly winning Best Screenplay Golden Globe winner Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen star in the film. Farrelly was also nominated for Best Director but lost out to Alfonso Curaon who directed Roma. 'I hope that everybody sees this movie, and it's not talking to one side or the other. I've been asked, 'What do you think of the guy in the White House?' I'm not going to answer that. 'I'll tell you why, because no matter what I say, I'm going to lose half the audience, and I want everybody to see this. I want everybody to see it, so yes, that would be a good thing.' A teacher at a school in South Africa has been suspended after black pupils in her class were photographed sitting separately from white children. The image, taken at Laerskool Schweizer-Reneke in the North West region, sparked outrage as the few black children in the class were sitting at their own separate table. The local education department launched a probe and said an inspector would visit the school on Thursday morning. Today they said in a statement: 'The Education and Sport Development department has with immediate effect suspended the teacher allegedly behind the racism incident at Laerskool Schweizer-Reneke.' Black and white children were seen sitting at separate tables at Laerskool Schweizer-Reneke kindergarten in South Africa in an image taken by the class teacher Officials were also reported to be investigating the school's principal as they visited the school this morning. The image was shared on the school's WhatsApp group by the children's class teacher to show parents how the first day back was going. The image of the children, who are all aged between four and five, echoed South Africa's dark apartheid past of racial segregation and oppression. An education official said: 'We are not sure whether is fake or real, if it's real we are condemning it, we say not during this era, we cannot really accept it.' Meanwhile the mother of one of the black pupils has insisted the pupils were told where to sit in the classroom. She told TimesLIVE: 'They say the school says the children decided to sit that way, which is not true. 'When I got to the class before school in the morning, all the children's names were already written on the desks they were supposed to sit at. The labels had been put on their tables and their aprons.' After the break the children were moved to a different seating plan and were no longer separated by race. Another parent said she was 'pi**** off' by the picture, saying white parents had been thanking the teacher for the image in the WhatsApp group but no-one had brought up the separation. The school, pictured, is facing an investigation from officials who said an inspector would visit the classroom on Thursday morning ANC activist Mcebo Dlamini wrote on Facebook: 'What is most provoking about this image is not that black kids are ostracised from white kids, that is common in our supposedly post apartheid Africa. 'Rather what becomes painful is that there are black people who still insist that racism has ended and who think that blacks and white can have peaceful relations that do not have undertones of racism. 'This is impossible so long as white people have power, what therefore is needed is to change the existing power dynamics such that black people can have dignity. 'You can take your kids to the whitest schools in the country but so long as the black majority is poor, your kids will always be reminded that they are black and therefore inferior.' The school has not responded to requests from the local media for comment. Advertisement The heartbroken brother of a British backpacker who was murdered in New Zealand carried her coffin into the funeral where friends and family said their last goodbyes this morning. Grace Millane, 22, was in New Zealand as part on a round the world trip 'trip of a lifetime' when she went missing from a hostel in Auckland on December 1. Ms Millane's body was found by police more than a week later on the outskirts of the city after a nationwide search and international outcry over her disappearance. Hundreds of mourners gathered at Brentwood Cathedral, in Essex, for the funeral service. Her family - including mother, Gillian, and brothers Michael, 29, and Declan, 26, arrived at the cathedral this morning for what they have titled 'Grace's Day'. Friends watched as the procession was slowly led into the grounds of the cathedral on the cold winter's morning. The coffin is carried into Brentwood Cathedral by brother Declan Millane (pictured front of the coffin) at the funeral of his sister Grace Millane Grace Millane's brother, Declan (pictured right) being comforted by his father David Millane. Friends and family embraced each other as they said goodbye to the 22-year-old today The order of service for the funeral with a family picture and at the top a tribute to their beloved sister, daughter and friend Grace Millane, saying 'You are our sunshine' Family and friends will pay their respects to Grace Millane today, with her coffin carried into Brentwood Cathedral this morning (pictured) Mourners clutch each other at the funeral of murdered backpacker Grace Millane, in Brentwood, Essex. She was found dead after a missing persons search in New Zealand where she was on a gap year backpacking David Millane, pictured middle, with Declan Millane (right) as mourners prepare to enter the funeral of murdered backpacker Grace Millane, in Brentwood, Essex, that is taking place today A picture of Grace Millane surrounded by flowers in the hearse. A number of mourners are gathered today at the funeral taking place in Brentwood, in Essex, Ms Millane's home county There was an outpouring of support today as hundreds of mourners attended the funeral of Grace Millane in her home county of Essex Grace's farther David Millane (pictured middle) alongside friends and family at the funeral. At the service mourners were handed a brightly coloured service book before singing the hymn Amazing Grace The funeral of murdered Essex backpacker Grace Millan ( Pictured: brother Declan right and brother Michael the left) A wooden sign that read Amazing Grace was surrounded by white flowers and her family carried the brown coffin into the cathedral as black-clad mourners dabbed their eyes and held each other Her devastated family looked visibly upset as they got out of the cars and they made their way to the flower-packed hearse. A wooden sign that read Amazing Grace was surrounded by white flowers. Her family carried the brown coffin into the cathedral as black-clad mourners dabbed their eyes and held each other. Speaking ahead of the service this morning Father John Corbyn paid tribute to Grace's family as they try to cope with their loss. He said: 'Grace's name was very appropriate because Grace is about God's gift to us and she certainly was very much. 'Every child is a gift to their parents but she was certainly a gift from God's grace and she very much showed in her brief life God's goodness and God's grace. 'Just as God gave them Grace whose funeral we celebrate today so God will we pray give them the grace and his love to surround them in what will be a difficult time. 'They are a very strong family you can perceive a great deal of love and bonding and strength within that family. 'They have many friends who will I believe help them.' Two mourners comfort each other at the funeral of Grace Millane. Grace's father, David, read a eulogy to his daughter before the mourners left to the sounds of the Ed Sheeran song, Photograph A group of mourners walking to the funeral of Grace Millane. Speaking ahead of the service this morning Father John Corbyn paid tribute to Grace's family as they try to cope with their loss The coffin is carried out of Brentwood Cathedral funeral of murdered backpacker Grace Millane, Brentwood. Her brother Declan Millane is at the front (pictured right) The coffin of Grace Millane is put into a hearse by family members. A burial - for family and close friends only - is set to take place this afternoon in Ramsden Bellhouse Mourners were handed a brightly coloured service book before singing the hymn Amazing Grace. The order of service was full of heartbreakingly beautiful images of Grace as she was growing up, including one of with her as a smiling baby alongside her two loving brothers as well of images of her on her travels. It also included a picture of the Millane family enjoying a skiing trip - above the image it said 'In a world where you can be anything, be kind. And underneath that: 'Let your smile change the world but don't let the worlds change your smile'. Grace's father, David, read a eulogy to his daughter before the mourners left to the sounds of the Ed Sheeran song, Photograph. In a previous statement Grace's family said: 'By the amount of pictures and messages we received, she clearly loved this country, its people and the lifestyle. 'We all hope that what has happened to Grace will not deter even one person from venturing out into the world and discovering their own OE (overseas experience).' 'We would like to thank the people of New Zealand for their outpouring of love, numerous messages, tributes and compassion. In a touching tribute, the order of service says 'You are our sunshine', referring to Ms Millane, above a large picture of the smiling family. Another picture shows the family skiing with the words 'In a world when you can be anything be kind' and 'Let your smile change the world but don't let the world change your smile.' A burial - for family and close friends only - is set to take place this afternoon in Ramsden Bellhouse. Ms Millane's family have asked for any donations to be made to charities close to her heart - The Little Princess Trust, White Ribbon UK, Mutts in Distress and Smile Train. Mourners, pictured, were handed a brightly coloured service book before singing the hymn Amazing Grace at the service today Today friends and family members are celebrating the life of Grace Millane, who died in New Zealand. Her funeral is taking place today in Brentwood, Essex Pictures from the order of service for the funeral of murdered Essex backpacker Grace Millan which is taking place at Brentwood Cathedral in Essex today. The 22 year old was in New Zealand when she died The family of murdered British backpacker Grace Millane (far right) have paid tribute to their 'beautiful daughter and sister'. From left to right: Father David Millan, brother Michael Millane, mother Gillian Millane, brother Declan Millane and Grace A day before her funeral, her brother Declan Millane, posted a picture of him with his sister and older brother Michael Millane (pictured right) with a heart symbol on Instagram The 22-year-old, originally from Essex in south-east England, travelled to Auckland after visiting Peru and Machu Picchu Yesterday, brother Declan posted a heartbreaking photo of himself with his sibling and their older brother Michael, with a single heart, on Instagram. Ms Millane's family, who flew out to New Zealand to collect the body, previously paid tribute to the talented artist. They said: 'Grace went off to travel the world in mid-October and arrived in New Zealand on the 20th November. 'By the amount of pictures and messages we received, she clearly loved this country, its people and the lifestyle. 'We all hope that what has happened to Grace will not deter even one person from venturing out into the world and discovering their own OE (overseas experience).' Grace Millane's (pictured) family, who flew out to New Zealand to collect the body, previously paid tribute to the talented artist British backpacker Grace Millane (pictured), had been travelling New Zealand when she disappeared on December 1. Her body was found more than a week later, on Sunday morning Grace Millane (left) with her mother Gillian. The incident caused New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden to apologise to the family Calling the alleged crime 'heinous', the family also paid tribute to investigating officers for completing a 'concise, stringent and thorough investigation'. They added: 'We would like to thank the people of New Zealand for their outpouring of love, numerous messages, tributes and compassion. 'Grace was not born here and only managed to stay a few weeks, but you have taken her to your hearts and in some small way she will forever be a Kiwi.' More than 1,000 people across New Zealand had previously turned out out for candlelight vigils held to commemorate the British tourist. Declan Millane, (pictured) wrote out the lyrics to You Are My Sunshine in a heartfelt tribute to his sister in December last year The 22-year-old backpacker's death has struck a deep chord in a country where many young people take gap years to travel and citizens gathered in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland in December to pay their respects. The incident caused New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to apologise to her family on behalf of her country. She said: 'From the Kiwis I have spoken to there is this overwhelming sense of hurt and shame that this has happened in our country, a place that prides itself on our hospitality ... especially to those who are visiting our shores,' she said. 'On behalf of New Zealand, I want to apologise to Grace's family. Your daughter should have been safe here and she wasn't and I'm sorry for that.' From New Zealand, Ms Millane was intending to go to Fiji, then Australia before returning to Britain on June 26, 2019. She intended to go on another trip to the Far-East. The buyer was given cocaine in a plastic vial similar to these (file photo) A cocaine user was baffled when his dealer sold him the drug in an eco-friendly reusable container favoured by his 'hipster' customers. The Class A substance came in a plastic pod as the Birmingham seller told his buyer that hipsters loved the idea. With single-use plastic bags firmly out of fashion, it might not be that surprising that even drug dealers ditch the tiny wallets in which measures are often sold. But the customer remained sceptical about the environmental impact of providing reusable containers to hold a substance the United Nations has linked to massive deforestation in Colombia. 'I was given a gram of cocaine in this plastic pod thing and my dealer said they were not serving up in plastic Ziploc bags or wraps any more,' he told Metro. 'He said that I could bring it back if I wanted to and he would refill it and that it would be better for the environment. 'I told him I was not bothered about the environment and surely cocaine itself can't be that be eco-friendly, but he reckoned he had a load of hipster customers and they loved it.' The University of New York revealed the devastating impact cocaine cultivation has on South America in a 2011 study. But their findings were disputed in 2016 by the state's Stony Brook University, which called the impact of the cocaine trade 'negligible' and blamed livestock grazing as well as road-building projects. The dealer told his buyer that he had loads of hipster customers and they loved the idea of buying cocaine in a reusable container Cocaine use in England and Wales is currently the highest it's been in a decade, with 875,000 users from 2017/18 according to a crime survey. The West Midlands dealer's switch from single-use 'baggies' mirrors the trend across the nation after David Attenborough's Blue Planet II raised awareness on the impact plastic has on the world's oceans. The upsurge has seen plastic straws scrapped for cardboard in bars across the country. It comes four years after the government imposed a charge of 5p on single-use plastic bags at supermarkets. Theresa May has been appealing for help from union chiefs amid signs she faces the biggest Commons defeat ever over her Brexit deal. The PM is on track to lose by a massive 228 vote margin next Tuesday as Tory Brexiteers and Remainers rebel to join Labour in the division lobbies, according to a BBC analysis. The biggest previous setback for a government is believed to be by 166 in 1924, when Labour's Ramsay MacDonald was leading a minority administration. However, in a chink of light for Mrs May two Tory MPs, George Freeman and Trudy Harrison, revealed they are switching sides to support her deal. At a Downing Street press conference, the Prime Minister insisted 'for those who want to avoid no deal, backing the deal is the right thing to do'. Speaking alongside her, Japan's PM Shinzo Abe warned Britain against no deal and said the 'world is watching' as MPs wrestle with how to deliver Brexit. The intervention was slammed by Brexiteers who warned it would prove as damaging to the PM as Barack Obama's endorsement of Remain in 2016. As efforts step up to turn the tide, No10 also confirmed spoken to Unite chief Len McCluskey - a close ally of Jeremy Corbyn - about how to find a way forward on Brexit. It will be the first ever meeting between May and McCluskey, according to reports, as the Prime Minister attempts to gain cross party support. Estimates from the BBC suggest just 206 are going to back her plan - with 433 against. The PM's spokeswoman confirmed Mrs May has spoken to Mr McCluskey and Tim Roach for the first time since becoming Prime Minister. Desperate cross-party talks are under way today as the political crisis over Brexit mounts dramatically as Theresa May (pictured today at a welcome ceremony for Japan's PM Shinzo Abe) faces defeat She said: 'She has had some phone calls today. 'Obviously the PM is seeking the widest possible support for her deal, and it is a dal that protects jobs and the economy and it's a good deal for workers. Union leaders obviously represent workers across the country and as part of her widespread engagement she has spoken to some of those leaders today.' If she loses Mrs May will likely face increasing pressure to stand down. The move comes after senior Tories opened discussions with Labour amid fears that Parliament has descended into a 'Mexican stand-off' - with all sides vowing to block the others' plans. Meanwhile as the Brexit debate continued in the Commons ahead of Tuesday's showdown vote, Environment Secretary Michael Gove lambasted Labour's position as 'b*******'. At a Downing Street press conference, the Prime Minister insisted 'for those who want to avoid no deal, backing the deal is the right thing to do' The depth of the deadlock was underlined over the past two days with Mrs May suffering two humiliating defeats in the Commons, stepping up the timetable for her to spell out a 'Plan B' and restricting the Treasury's tax-raising powers if there is no-deal Brexit. May backs Labour plan to protect worker rights and the environment after Brexit The Government has confirmed it will back moves by Labour MPs to safeguard workers' rights after Brexit in an attempt to win support for the deal. The backbench amendment would require Britain to at least match EU rules on pay and conditions, health and safety issues, plus environmental standards. The Government would be obliged to 'consider' any new laws on these standards passed by the EU after Brexit. John Mann, one of the Labour MPs behind the amendment, said Government backing for the proposal could make the Prime Minister's plan 'more attractive'. 'If we have a guarantee that works on workers' rights and conditions, that's significant,' he told the Daily Mirror. Advertisement As the vote nears, Mrs May used a press conference with Mr Abe to warn against No Deal. She said: 'The only way to avoid no deal is to have a deal and to agree a deal, and the deal that is on the table, the deal that is the deal that the EU has made clear is the only deal. 'There's an issue that's been raised about the backstop, and we are continuing to work with the EU on that particular issue, but there is a good deal on the table and for those who want to avoid no deal then backing the deal is the thing to do.' Mr Abe said: 'That is why we truly hope that a no-deal Brexit will be avoided, and in fact that is the whole wish of the whole world. 'Japan is in total support of the draft Withdrawal Agreement worked out between the EU and Prime Minister May which provides for transition to ensure legal stability for businesses that have invested into this country.' Brexiteer Simon Clarke said: 'Today's stunt brings back memories of President Obama being wheeled out by David Cameron before the referendum. 'This is about how we implement a decision made by the British people and one which British MPs need to get right for the future of our country. 'That does not involve being stuck as a rule-taking hostage of the EU, no matter how convenient that might be for others.' Speaker John Bercow also caused fury yesterday when he demonstrated he is willing to tear up the Parliamentary rulebook in order to bring the government to heel. Mrs May has been privately meeting Leave-leaning Labour MPs in an attempt to boost support for her deal ahead of a crunch vote on Tuesday. Characterising the calls, she said: 'They were constructive calls.' She was asked if Mrs May was doing too little too late' and if it was 'desperate' for the PM to turn to 'Red Len' as she tries to drum up support for her deal. The spokeswoman said: 'The PM speaks to leaders across a range of industries, business groups etc and has done that consistently throughout this process and today she spoke to a couple of union leaders and there will be further engagement in the days ahead.' Jeremy Corbyn used a speech in Yorkshire today to repeat that Labour will vote down the PM's Brexit deal Gove shocks MPs by repeatedly branding Labour's Brexit policy 'boll***s' Michael Gove shocked MPs today as he repeatedly branded Labour's Brexit policy 'boll***s'. The Environment Secretary deployed the swear word twice as he spoke during the debate on Theresa May's deal. But Speaker John Bercow dismissed complaints that the term breached conduct rules, saying it was a matter of 'taste'. The spat came as MPs resumed discussion on the PM's deal in the chamber today - amid fears that Parliament is locked in a 'Mexican stand-off' where every possible option for resolving the crisis is blocked. Opening the debate in the House, Mr Gove highlighted that shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner had once been caught out privately using the swear word to refer to Labour's six tests for a Brexit deal. And he then pointed out that Mr Bercow's wife Sally had a sticker saying 'Boll***s to Brexit' in her Land Rover. 'I know, Mr Speaker, there are some distinguished citizens in this country who have put on their cars a poster or sticker saying boll***s to Brexit,' Mr Gove said. 'But we now know from Labour's own frontbench that their official Brexit position is boll***s.' Advertisement In the Commons debate today, Tory MP Mr Freeman confirmed he will be voting for the deal. He tweeted afterwards that 'we urgently need an orderly Brexit'. 'So, with a very heavy heart, I will vote for the Withdrawal Agreement,' he said. However, Mr Freeman added that if the package falls he will push for a Norway-style deal. The focus of ministers and MPs is already turning to what happens after the PM's plan has been defeated. Tory and Labour MPs have been mobilising against no-deal Brexit. More than a dozen Conservatives have indicated they could vote no-confidence in the government to avoid the UK crashing out in March. Sarah Wollaston this morning told the BBC she 'will resign the Conservative whip' if policy becomes to go for no deal. Business Secretary Greg Clark dodged around when asked whether he would stay in government if the PM decided to take the country out without an agreement. He told Politico: 'This is a time for parliament to come together and work intensively to establish an agreement that can command majority support.' Senior Conservative Sir Oliver Letwin effectively opened negotiations with shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer in the Commons yesterday, raising the prospect of a joint approach on a customs union and single market deal. Sir Keir replied: 'Obviously, at some stage, if we are to leave other than without a deal there has to be a consensus in this House for something.' Speaker John Bercow was berated by ministers and Tory Eurosceptic MPs after he made the extraordinary ruling yesterday Mrs May (pictured at PMQs yesterday) has been privately meeting Leave-leaning Labour MPs in an increasingly vain attempt to boost support for her deal ahead of a crunch vote on Tuesday But the focus of ministers and MPs is already turning to what happens after the package has been defeated next week Speaker John Bercow also caused fury yesterday when he demonstrated he is willing to tear up the Parliamentary rulebook in order to bring the government to heel Pressed by former chancellor Ken Clarke, Sir Keir said: We are going to have to sit down and consider credibly what are the options and how parliament takes control of what happens next.' How could MPs try to block a no-deal Brexit? WRECKING BILLS To prepare for Brexit, several major laws must be passed between now and March 29 and any or all could be amended by MPs in a bid to stop no deal. CONTEMPT If ministers ignored motions for a second referendum or an extension of Article 50 they could, with the likely connivance of Speaker Bercow, be held in contempt of Parliament. Repeated contempt motions would be difficult, if not impossible, for ministers to ignore. NO CONFIDENCE If the Government repeatedly ignored parliamentary votes and a no deal Brexit appeared close, Labour could table a no-confidence motion, potentially triggering an election. Advertisement Both Mr Clarke and Sir Keir raised the prospect of delaying Brexit by extending Article 50 - something that would be anathema to many Tory Eurosceptics. Mrs May is said to have met Gareth Snell, Lisa Nandy, Jon Cruddas, Caroline Flint and John Mann last night. Concessions being mooted include giving a commitment to stick to EU standards on workers' rights. Mr Mann suggested that could make a difference. However, shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon made clear there was little enthusiasm for the idea among the Labour leadership. 'When it comes to the crunch I don't trust the Conservatives on workers' rights,' he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. 'Even the noises that are being made in the press by the Conservatives don't mean any such agreement would be legally binding when it comes to protecting workers' rights.' Mrs May's former chief of staff, Nick Timothy, used his column in the Telegraph today to liken the situation in Parliament to a 'Mexican stand-off'. 'Theresa May's metaphorical gun is aimed at the MPs who back a second referendum. Whose guns are pointed at the no-dealers. Whose guns are trained on supporters of Norway-plus. Whose guns are aimed at Jeremy Corbyn. Whose gun is pointed at Theresa May,' he said. 'Like in the movies, nobody wants to drop their weapon, yet nobody is prepared to pull the trigger. Everybody says they're ready to shoot. And everybody is starting to get twitchy.' Former chancellor Ken Clarke (left) and Oliver Letwin (right) raised the prospect of a cross-party approach to end the deadlock in Parliament Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn today repeated his demand for a general election, saying it is the most 'practical and democratic' way to 'break the deadlock' in the Commons over Brexit. Mr Corbyn used a speech in Yorkshire today to repeat that Labour will vote down the PM's Brexit deal. He said: 'If the Government cannot pass its most important legislation, then there must be a general election at the earliest opportunity. 'To break the deadlock, an election is not only the most practical option, it is also the most democratic option. 'It would give the winning party a renewed mandate to negotiate a better deal for Britain and secure support for it in Parliament and across the country.' However, Sir Keir and scores of Labour MPs are believed to favour pushing for a second referendum. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has welcomed a Saudi teenager to Canada after she fled Bangkok fearing her family would kill her because she had forsaken Islam. Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun, 18, took a flight to Seoul, South Korea, with a final destination of Toronto, in a surprise twist after officials gave heavy hints she was bound for Australia. 'Canada has been unequivocal that we'll stand up for human rights and women's rights around the world,' Trudeau said. 'When the United Nations made a request of us that we grant miss (Rahaf Mohammed) al-Qunun's asylum, we accepted.' Canada's ambassador saw her off at the airport, Mr Surachate said, adding that she looked happy and healthy. 'She chose Canada. It's her personal decision,' he said. Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun (pictured left in Bangkok today), 18, who fled her family and armed only with Twitter staved off deportation from Thailand has been accepted as a refugee by Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (pictured yesterday) announced today Rahaf's attempt to flee the ultra-conservative kingdom was embraced by rights groups as a beacon of defiance against repression. Thai authorities initially threatened to deport her after she arrived in Bangkok from Kuwait last weekend. But armed with a smartphone and hastily opened Twitter account, she forced a U-turn from Thai immigration police who handed her into the care of the UN's refugee agency as the #SaveRahaf hashtag bounced across the world. She flew to the Thai capital last week saying she feared her family would kill her after she renounced Islam and 'rebelled' against her father. Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne had been in Bangkok today after Canberra said it would consider giving asylum to the 18-year-old. Payne said this morning that there was no timeframe for the assessment of the case. Her visit came as four women staged a bizarre topless protest in Sydney in support of the teenager. Demonstration: A group of young women staged a topless protest in Sydney's CBD this morning to demand a Saudi teenage refugee be given asylum in Australia The so-called Secret Sisterhood posted on social media a video of their protest in Sydney's Martin Place in which they stood topless with signs reading 'let her in' Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun (pictured) has reacted to news Australia is considering granting her asylum, saying, 'Is it true??? Australia wants me to go there??? I'm so happy' The so-called Secret Sisterhood posted on social media a video of their protest in Sydney's Martin Place in which they stood topless with signs reading 'let her in'. The group also set up a fundraising page for the teenager which had raised more than $3,000 by this morning. The page read: 'Rahaf Alqunun, still a teen at 18 years old, has demonstrated a huge amount of courage fleeing from her country and her family in Saudi Arabia. 'As a global Secret Sisterhood, we will look after her once she arrives safely, but we need help to make sure she has resettlement and protection funds. Because her story has gained worldwide attention these funds are needed for her to set up safely in a new country.' Last night, Ms al-Qunun reacted with joy the news of possible asylum, writing on Twitter: 'Is it true??? Australia wants me to go there??? I'm so happy.' Ms al-Qunun, pictured at Bangkok airport, ran away from a family trip to Kuwait last week and flew to Thailand in the hope of reaching Australia on a tourist visa The 18-year-old was detained in Thailand following her arrival in the country. She is pictured having barricaded herself in an airport hotel room in a bid to avoid deportation The 18-year-old's message was accompanied by a series of emojis, including praying hands, a smiley face and a dancing woman. Australia's Department of Home Affairs revealed on Wednesday it will consider Ms al-Qunun referral from the UN, which ruled she was a refugee. 'The UNHCR has referred Ms Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun to Australia for consideration for refugee resettlement,' a statement from the department said. 'The Department of Home Affairs will consider this referral in the usual way, as it does with all UNHCR referrals.' Ms al-Qunun will be subject to Australian checks before she is granted a humanitarian visa, including character and security assessments. But Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said al-Qunun will not be given any 'special treatment'. 'Nobody wants to see a young girl in distress and she has obviously now found a safe haven in Thailand,' Mr Dutton said. Ms al-Qunun (pictured) claims her family would kill her if she were sent home to Saudi Arabia, where she has renounced Islam and 'rebelled' against her father Ms al-Qunun's defiant message after her ordeal in Bangkok airport was to 'fight and get your rights' The Saudi teenager posted the caption 'Hey.. I'm happy', alongside a smiling selfie on her Twitter account after the United Nations ruled she was a refugee Ms al-Qunun remains in Thailand after she ran away from a family trip to Kuwait last week and flew to Bangkok in the hope of reaching Australia on a tourist visa. She reportedly spent months plotting her escape having planned it with the help of friends in Australia, Canada and Sweden who had also left Saudi Arabia behind, the Australian reported. But things went awry after she landed in Bangkok, where she wanted to spend a day or two breathing in fresh air as a free woman - despite friends warning her it was risky. Her friend Shahad, 19, who fled Saudi Arabia for Sweden, said Ms al-Qunun was advised 'no, you cannot stay. It's too dangerous'. 'We say that to every woman who wants to skip Saudi. Rahaf chose Thailand because she believed there was no Saudi embassy there,' Shahad told The Australian. Shahad added Ms al-Qunun 'thought it was not a dangerous place' and said the friends had 'bought her a ticket to Australia from Thailand but she didn't listen to us'. Ms al-Qunun saved money for several months for the trip to Australia, where she was to seek asylum following her arrival. But she was barred from entering Thailand, and the Thai government threatened to deport her back to Kuwait, leading to her barricading herself in a Bangkok airport hotel room with a table and mattress. Ms al-Qunun is currently in the care of UN officials and under the protection of Thai police. She has claimed her family would kill her if she were sent home to Saudi Arabia, where she has renounced Islam and 'rebelled' against her father. She took to Twitter to post updates on her detention in an appeal for help from international authorities. Her father and brother arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday, but Ms al-Qunun refused to meet them. Ms al-Qunun's father denied ever physically abusing her, Thai immigration chief General Surachate Hakparn told reporters. Ms al-Qunun will be subject to Australian checks before she is granted a humanitarian visa, including character and security assessments Ms al-Qunun is currently in the care of UN officials and under the protection of Thai police 'He said that he has been taking good care of his daughter, he never forced her or hurt her. He said that in Saudia Arabia there is an agency that enforces the law [against abuse], and he certainly couldn't do anything illegal,' General Surachate said. 'He has 10 children. He said the daughter might feel neglected sometimes. But he didn't go into detail.' When the United Nations ruled Ms al-Qunun is officially a refugee, she posted a selfie on Twitter with the caption, 'Hey... I'm happy', alongside a heart and praying hands emoji. She then added in a separate post: 'Don't let anyone break your wings, you're free. fight and get your RIGHTS!', followed by a post in Arabic which read, 'I made it'. Pictured: Madeleine McCann before she disappeared in Portugal in 2007 The 11.75million search for Madeleine McCann has had a 85,00 boost thanks to royalties from her mother's book. Find Madeleine - Leaving No Stone Unturned was the foundation set up by the toddler's parents Kate and Gerry McCann in 2007 to manage donations given to help find her. It also holds money raised from the sale of Mrs McCann's book - Madeleine - which she wrote in 2011 to help raise even more money for the hunt for her daughter. She has now donated 84,096 in royalties, taking the firm's private profits to 823,332, reports The Mirror. It has remained a best-seller ever since with thousands fascinated by the mystery of her disappearance from the family's hotel room in Praia da Luz in Portugal in May 2007. The private funds the family have donated to the search are on top of the 11.75million in public money officials have granted them so far. Find Madeleine - Leaving No Stone Unturned was the foundation set up by Kate and Gerry McCann (pictured in 2017) in 2007 to manage donations given to help find her At Christmas the McCanns said they will never give up on her, vowing to continue the search until they find answers. Kate McCann wrote 'Madeleine' in 2011 with all sales donated to the hunt On a Christmas card posted online, the couple of Rothley, Leicestershire, wrote: 'We couldn't let a Christmas go by without passing on a warm thank you to all our supporters for the kind and continuing good wishes, especially at this very busy time of year. 'We miss Madeleine dearly. Christmas will never be the same without her, but we will continue to make the best of what we have. 'The investigation is ongoing and our hope remains. May 2019 be a peaceful and positive one for us all.' Next to an image of a sparkling silver tree the couple signed off: 'Thank you. Kate & Gerry.' In November the Home Office agreed to give another 150,000 to detectives investigating Maddie's disappearance. It takes the amount of public money used on the probe to 11.75million. It gives 'Operation Grange' the capacity to continue until at least March 2019. Small business owners are being forced to shut their shops for good after Woolworths expanded their new Metro stores to Sydney's inner-north shore. The supermarket giant is slowly building more of the smaller convenience-style stores across the city, but now business owners in Kirribilli are paying the price. The owner of a fruit shop next to the latest Woolworths Metro said he sees no future for his store and has already cancelled his lease. The new stores offer ready-to-eat meals, an onsite butcher, barista-made coffee, fresh Seafood and even Sushi. The supermarket giant is slowly building more Woolworth Metro stores across Sydney, but now business owners in Kirribilli are paying the price According to news.com.au, the smaller modern stores are targeting Sydney's high-density areas. The new store offers ready-to-eat meals, an onsite butcher, barista-made coffee, fresh Seafood and even Sushi. Because of the new, cheaper products Woolworths now has on offer, smaller run shops and cafes are worried they won't be able to keep up with the competition. 'I didn't sign the renewal of my lease because we can't afford to play against these big boys,' fruit store owner Nick Economidis said. Although his regular local customers have vowed to stay loyal to him and other independent businesses in the area, he doesn't see how he can stay afloat. While there has been growing competition in the area, Mr Economidis said: 'this is the final nail in my coffin'. Mr Economidis is convinced that once the supermarket giant manages to push out all smaller business, they'll then do whatever they please with the prices. Owner of the Milson Point Supermarket is also feeling the squeeze, having to move his florist into the store rather than on the outside to save money. The supermarket giant is slowly building more of the smaller convenience-style stores across the city, but now business owners in Kirribilli are paying the price Manager of Bakery on Burton Raz Shrestha is also worried as he believes Woolworths Metro will affect every business in the small community. Queensland University of Technology retail expert Gary Mortimer said the smaller modern stores are on the rise, and we should expect to see more from supermarket giants. The metro style supermarket works better in city's with a higher-density population but no room for full-size stores. 'Smaller format metro-style stores work really well and people who tend to live in those high-density urbanised areas tend to shop more frequently but buy fewer products,' Mr Mortimer said. Woolworths Metro general manager Justin Nolan said customers were increasingly looking for quality fresh food options at affordable prices in convenient locations. Woolworths Metro Kirribilli is designed to meet these needs, he said. 'Catering for busy city workers, Milson Point train commuters, tourists visiting the area and local residents looking for quick and easy ''grab and go'' shopping options, the new Woolworths Metro offers a curated and contemporary range.' (see related story on agreement to share out 49 migrants who has been at sea for weeks). (ANSA) - Rome, January 10 - Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini hit back on Thursday after the Maltese government expressed "disdain and surprise at the inaccurate allegations" it said were made by him over the management of asylum seekers. "(We take) no lessons from Malta, which for years closed its eyes and let small and big (migrant) boats head towards Italy," League party leader Salvini said via Twitter. "The music has changed, (now) you can only arrive in Italy with a permit. We have received too many (asylum seekers), the others should wake up. #portsclosed". Salvini posted the tweet after the Maltese government said in a statement that he made "unfounded claims" about unfulfilled voluntary reallocation pledges. A woman and her two sons died in a freezing hut in a remote Nepalese village after the mother was exiled during her period. Amba Bohara, 35, and her sons, aged seven and nine, were found by her sister-in-law in the cramped shed next to their home on Wednesday morning. Officials believe they died from smoke inhalation after lighting a fire to keep warm in the frigid mountains. The mother was forced into the hut during her period under the Hindu custom of Chhaupadi which deems women to be 'impure,' for its duration. Menstruating women are exiled to unhygienic huts or cow sheds for the duration of their cycle as they are deemed impure A woman sits on her phone in a Chhaupadi hut (file photo), in winter the women face dangerously low temperatures On Tuesday night Bohara fed their cattle and then gathered firewood before taking her children to the hut as she began her period. The following morning her sister-in-law saw smoke billowing through a gap in the door as she brought Bohara a cup of tea, according to the New York Times She opened the hut to find Bohara and her sons with foam spewing from their mouths and their clothes charred by the fire. Her husband, who works as a manual labourer, said: 'This has broken my heart.' The hut had space that was barely enough for three people. It is not clear why the two children accompanied her there, but the husband may have been working into the night. An investigating team has reached Budhinanda, about 400 kilometers (250 miiles) northwest of the capital, Kathmandu. The Bajura District chief administrator Chetraj Baral said he is consulting with government lawyers on whether to press charges against the family. The bodies were sent to a nearby town hospital for an autopsy. Following the incident, the government is planning to send officials to the area again to educate residents about the practice, he said. The practice was banned by the Supreme Court in 2005 and a new law criminalized it last year, with violators who force women into exile during menstruation facing up to three months in prison or a fine of 3,000 Nepalese rupees (23). Many menstruating women are still forced to leave their homes and take shelter in unhygienic or insecure huts or cow sheds until their cycle ends. During their period women are not allowed to enter the temple, use kitchen utensils or wash in communal areas, SBS reported. The custom continues in many parts of the majority Hindu Himalayan country, especially in the western hills. While exiled in isolation, some women face bitter cold or attacks by wild animals. Unclean conditions can also cause infections. They also face possibility of sexual assaults. An Australian actor who appeared in several popular TV series has spent three months behind bars after bashing his pregnant girlfriend. Michael Gittany brutally beat up his girlfriend of 10 weeks at his Illawong home in Sydney's south after she said she wanted to get an abortion. The 35-year-old former Underbelly and Home And Away actor hit, scratched, pushed and spat his partner on August 6, 2018 after she said she was not going to have his child, Daily Telegraph reported. Michael Gittany brutally beat up his girlfriend of 10 weeks at his Illawong home in Sydney's south after she said she wanted to get an abortion The court heard that the pair were having an argument when the victim told the actor that the relationship was over and she was going to have an abortion. According to police facts tendered to the court, Gittany told his girlfriend that he was going to kill her. 'The accused began to physically attack the victim, saying ... you have no idea how much I want to kill you right now, you moll,' the facts stated. 'If you kill my baby I'm going to kill you.' His girlfriend suffered from bruising and had bloody swollen finger marks on her neck from the assault. Gittany (pictured second from left in Underbelly) appeared at Sutherland Local Court where he was convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm and intimidation causing fear of harm Gittany appeared at Sutherland Local Court where he was convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm and intimidation causing fear of harm, the publication reported. He was sentenced to a conditional release including supervision of two years. His maximum 500 hours of community service were also reduced to 100 hours due to the time he had already spent in jail. Magistrate Jayeann Carney said Gittany should have 'controlled his emotions'. Gittany and his girlfriend are currently still together. She is pregnant again after they lost their first child in a miscarriage. Shocking new images showing mountains of clinical waste stockpiled in a disposal site reveal the true scale of the NHS body parts scandal. Tonnes of fluorescent orange and yellow bags stuffed with infectious waste were pictured spilling out of overflowing bins at Healthcare Environmental Services' (HES) base in Benton, North Tyneside. Fridges still sit full of human heads, torsos, arms and legs from surgical training in the city, according to a whistleblower at the troubled firm - although none of the fridges containing body parts have been pictured. News of the scandal broke in October when HES was found to have hundreds of tonnes of clinical waste, including body parts, stockpiled at its sites. Mountains of clinical waste fill an entire HES warehouse at the firm's disposal site in Benton Yellow bags and tubs filled with infectious waste such as filthy needles spill out of bins at the site The firm was stripped of its contracts with NHS trusts because a watchdog investigation revealed it wasn't disposing of waste quickly enough. The images, sent in by the former employee at the Benton site as part of an investigation by The Chronicle, show bins filled to the brim with infectious waste, dangerous medicines used in cancer treatment and filthy needles. Pallets stand stacked on top of one another with waste collected over previous months ready to be incinerated. HES lost its contracts with NHS Scotland and 17 NHS trusts in England but denied it was responsible for stockpiling body parts. The English and Scottish health boards have now cancelled their contracts, causing the firm's collapse. An overflowing pile of orange bin bags filled with clinical waste nearly touch the ceiling after being stockpiled by HES Pallets stand stacked on top of one another with waste collected over previous months ready to be incinerated The pictures - taken over the course of several months towards the end of 2018 - were provided by a former Newcastle-based employee. The staffer, who said the site has not been cleared since the firm's collapse, claimed The Benton site remains full of clinical, pharmaceutical, and surgical waste and that flies were being attracted to the site by the rotting waste. They also said an estimated 60 bins worth of clinical waste are still 'lying around' in the depot hall. The Benton site was found to contain 165 tonnes of waste, more than three times the permitted limit of 50 tonnes. Waste was also being stored in trailers in the site's yard against regulations. 'Some days the smell got horrendous. Plant operatives sometimes came in saying they couldn't work because of it,' the employee said. Former employees say the site is plagued with flies attracted to the rotting smell of the waste Orange bags stuffed with potentially infectious waste lay in a corridor after spilling out of overflowing bins and 'Flies were gathering on the waste which was starting to rot. The waste was coming in on a regular basis - that wasn't the problem - but it was getting stockpiled because it was not getting disposed of in an incinerator. 'At the end of the day, HES have been paid to dispose the waste and it has not been done.' HES' collapse has led to around 50 staff members at the Benton base being issued with redundancy notices on December 27. HES' site in Benton (pictured), North Tyneside, is now at the centre of a criminal investigation All 400 staff - nationwide - at HES, were given redundancy notices on in December, leading employees to appeal to their former employer to pay for their lost wages. About 350 HES employees asked Garry Pettigrew and his wife Alison to pay their December salaries. Company bosses claim there was no cash to pay wages and workers should claim statutory redundancy from the Redundancy Payment Service. But staff argue they have been given no insolvency reference number which has left them penniless and in limbo. Rows of bins filled to the brim with hospital waste fill the entire warehouse in Benton The former employee claims staff at the Newcastle site have not been paid since November 28, and some colleagues have been left up to 3,000 out of pocket. They added: 'It was like getting smacked in the face. 'It would have been a different kettle of fish had it happened in June or July. Come New Years' Day, you are thinking where is the money going to come from? 'We want to get out there and make sure it's covered across the whole of the UK. They can't go away and hide. We need to get the staff paid one way or the other.' Tubs filled with dirty needles - and some with dangerous medicines used in cancer treatment -are stacked to the ceiling North Tyneside MP Mary Glindon said: 'The suspension of operations at the HES site is deeply concerning and my priorities are safety of the community and the future of the workers, who have lost their jobs. 'It's assuring that the Environment Agency is actively monitoring the site and the clinical waste has been stored safely and securely. How did the human body part wast scandal unfold? Here is a timeline of how the human body waste scandal unfolded: March 2018 The Environment Agency was first alerted to the fact that Healthcare Environment Services Ltd had a backlog of waste - including body parts - building up. March - October: Healthcare Environment Services Ltd was hit with a series of warnings and enforcement notices giving the firm deadlines by which the waste must be incinerated by. July 2018: The Environment Agency alerts Government ministers to the problem. September 2018: New Health Secretary Matt Hancock chairs an emergency COBRA meeting to discuss the scandal. He sets aside 1million to help affected hospitals. October 4 2018: The Environment Agency announced that it has found the firm in breach of its permits at five of its six sites. It also says it is launching a criminal investigation into the debacle. October 12 2018: Healthcare Environmental Services' managing director, Gary Pettigrew, denied the claims there were tonnes of human limbs and tissues building up. He said 'just 1.1 per cent of this clinical waste is anatomical', and that flesh was always prioritised for destruction. Advertisement 'My office, North Tyneside Council and the DWP are all working together to help the former workers, who find themselves in a state of limbo as HES has not folded as a company. 'I have taken up the issue directly with the relevant minister to make sure the state fully discharges its duties to the workers and the community. 'I am also speaking with senior management from HES about their ongoing dispute with the Department of Health and the loss of contracts the company suffered last year, which may have led to the closure of HES sites across the UK, including North Tyneside.' HES could not be reached for comment. The troubled firm now faces a criminal investigation after 'repeatedly breaching permits'. A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: 'Healthcare Environmental Services remains in breach of its environmental permits at six sites including at its clinical waste treatment and transfer station at Chollerton Drive, North Tyneside. Our enforcement action to clear the excess waste continues. 'We have taken a range of action against the company but it has repeatedly breached permits and continued to operate unlawfully. As a result, in addition to our enforcement activity to clear the sites, we are undertaking a criminal investigation. 'Our teams have taken action to attend the company's sites to ensure they are locked and not accessible to the public. Our officers are carrying out regular inspections to monitor the security of each site.'# It came after the Environment Agency issued an enforcement notice for the HES Newcastle site, ordering the firm to clear 'excess waste' at the facility. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has also launched an investigation to establish if criminal offences have been committed at HES sites in Dundee and Shott. Last year, the Health Service Journal revealed that excess waste including human body parts reached 350 tonnes at the firm's facility in Normanton, West Yorkshire, five times more than the company's 70 tonne limit. Ministers said the Environment Agency notified central Government in July about 'an issue concerning clinical waste collection and disposal for hospitals and other public services'. A hammer killer has been sentenced to death for murdering two women he met at a nightclub. Alyaksandr Asipovich struck 27-year-old Alesya Klimava 77 times with a hammer and his fists in Babruysk city, Belarus. Her friend Krystsina Krushkina, 26, died from multiple stab wounds and a court heard how the 36-year-old murderer had made plans to dismember his victims' bodies. Asipovich confessed to the killings, but has been sentenced to death. In Belarus, those sentenced to death are forced to kneel before being shot by a state executioner in the back of the head. Hammer killer Alyaksandr Asipovich (pictured) has been sentenced to death for murdering two women he met at a nightclub Alyaksandr Asipovich struck 27-year-old Alesya Klimava (right) 77 times with a hammer and his fists in Babruysk city, Belarus while Krystsina Krushkina (left) died of stab wounds Asipovich (pictured during sentencing) confessed to the killings, but has been sentenced to death. In Belarus, those sentenced to death are forced to kneel before being shot by a state executioner in the back of the head Shortly before the two women were killed, Krushkina had made a desperate call to Belarus police from the man's apartment to say they were barricaded into a bathroom and he intended to murder them. She gave the name of the street but did not know the number of the apartment block. By the time police tracked down the right address, the women were dead. Krushkina died from 16 stab wounds to her neck and head. Asipovich, 36, had made plans to dismember their bodies, then dispose of the human remains, but police arrived before he could carry them out, the court was told. Shortly before the two women were killed, Krushkina (right and left, in a black top with her sister Irina) had made a desperate call to Belarus police from the man's apartment to say they were barricaded into a bathroom and he intended to murder them The killer confessed to murdering the Alesya Klimava (pictured) and Krystsina Krushkina. He pleaded in court in Belarus not to be sentenced to death so he could pay compensation to the families of the victims The killer confessed to murdering the women. He pleaded in court in Belarus not to be sentenced to death so he could pay compensation to the families of the victims. Belarus is the only country in Europe still to carry out the death penalty, with convicts forced to kneel before being shot by a state executioner in the back of the head. 'I don't know what provoked me to do this,' said Asipovich. 'I am a kind and sentimental person. I regret what I did and ask everyone to forgive me.' He told judge Mikhail Melnikaw: 'I ask the court to give me a chance to stay alive, to work and pay money to families of the dead.' But the judge decreed he should be executed for the brutal murders. Asipovich had been drinking with the women and ordered them pizza and cocktails at a nightclub in Babruysk in July. Asipovich (pictured) had made plans to dismember their bodies, then dispose of the human remains, but police arrived before he could carry them out, the court was told Asipovich (in court) had been drinking with the women and ordered them pizza and cocktails at a nightclub in Babruysk in July Asipovich had previous convictions for theft, robbery, malicious hooliganism and grievous bodily harm causing death, the court was told. Police are pictured at the crime scene Krystsina Krushkina (pictured) called Belarus police from the man's apartment. She gave the name of the street but did not know the number of the apartment block Staff said the three were 'drunk' when they left by taxi for his apartment at 4am. The call to police was at around 7am. Asipovich had previous convictions for theft, robbery, malicious hooliganism and grievous bodily harm causing death, the court was told. More than 400 people have been sentenced to death and executed in Belarus since the end of Soviet rule in 1991. Strongman president Alyaksandr Lukashenka has pardoned only one death row inmate. Four men were executed in 2018, and Asipovich is the first to be sentenced this year. Women cannot be executed under the country's laws. In November, Belarus executed two 'evil' estate agents Igor Gershankov, 37, and Semyon Berezhnov, 32, convicted of conning six vulnerable people into giving up their homes - then killing them, burying several alive. Asipovich has the right to appeal and also to seek clemency from the Belarus president - but in almost all cases death sentence verdicts are upheld. No advance details are given on when executions are carried out. A carpet python found cowering in a swimming pool while covered in paralysis ticks has been described by a snake catcher as the worst he had ever seen. Experienced snake catchers Tony and Brooke Harrison discovered the traumatised snake wrapped around a pipe at the bottom of a semi-filled pool at Coolangatta on the Gold Coast on Thursday. After seeing the reptile covered in dozens of ticks, Mr Harrison explained to the pool's owner the snake had been trying to drown the hundreds of ticks sucking blood from its body. A carpet python (pictured) cowered in a swimming pool covered in paralysis ticks - in a shocking case described by a snake catcher as the worst he had ever seen 'He's got hundreds of ticks on him - he's trying to drown them. They're all over his body,' he explained in hand-held footage. Mr and Mrs Harrison, who have 32 years of snake-catching experience between them, explained the python would die unless he was taken to the vet and the ticks removed. Mr Harrison said: 'Reptiles have a high resilience to ticks. One or two would be fine but this would kill him.' 'We'll take him to the vets and he'll be OK, but there's a couple of hundred of ticks on him.' The snake catcher proceeded to pull the snake out of the pool to show the bemused owner the dozens of ticks lining the snake's head. Commenters on the Gold Coast and Brisbane Snake Catcher Facebook page, where the footage was posted, were full of sympathy for the tick-stricken python. Experienced snake catchers Tony and Brooke Harrison discovered the traumatised snake (pictured) wrapped around a pipe at the bottom of a semi-filled pool at Coolangatta on the Gold Coast on Thursday 'Poor fella! He won't know himself when they are all removed. Great work you guys.' In a follow-up video posted to the Facebook page, Mr Harrison announced he was running a competition for his followers to guess how many ticks were on the python. The snake catchers told Daily Mail Australia there would be more updates on the snakes when the vet had removed all the ticks. Paralysis ticks are often found on house pets like cats and dogs. Particularly large ticks - between 3mm and 10mm in length - can kill if not removed. A wake was held Wednesday for Steven H Pollard (pictured), who fell 52ft to his death on Sunday after slipping through a 3ft-wide gap between lanes of the Mill Basin Bridge in Brooklyn Hundreds of mourners gathered Wednesday night for the wake of FDNY firefighter Steven Pollard who died while responding to an accident when he fell through a gap on the Belt Parkway on Sunday. The tragedy rippled through New York City's fire department, who are now mourning the loss of Pollard. He was just 30-years-old. Wednesday night marked the start of three days of services for Pollard, with another wake schedule for Thursday. His funeral will take place on Friday at Good Shepherd R.C. Church in Brooklyn. 'At a time when people are tempted to get cynical and wonder where our heroes are, where sacrifice and selflessness is, all you've got to do is think about Steven Pollard,' said Cardinal Timothy Dolan. 'We all hope that when our loved ones go off to work each tour they come back safe,' said FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said, according to ABC7. 'But in the back of each family's mind is the knowledge that they may not.' The wake at Marine Park Funeral Home continues Thursday from 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9pm. Hundreds of New York's fireman lined the outside of the Marine Park Funeral Home Wednesday to pay their respects for the fallen Bravest. They had the whole block on lock down with NYPD officers on hand with bomb sniffing dogs and machine gun policeman on watch Highest respects: FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro (left) and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, head of the Archdiocese of New York gave their condolences during Wednesday's wake and expressed the highest of praise for Pollard, who died saving others lives The NYPD was also on hand to give top notch security to firefighters, friends and family who came out in droves to pay their respects to Pollard Pollard was trying to cross from one side of the carriageway to the other Sunday when he fell, though it is unclear if he knew the gap was there because it was added recently Probationary firefighter Pollard fell to his death trying to cross between the two spans (circled) while responding to a car crash on the Belt Parkway Sunday night On Monday, an emotional bunting ceremony was held to honor Pollard. Hundreds of FDNY officers, community members and loved ones gathered in Canarsie to honor 30-year-old probationary officer. Pollard had been walking between the carriageways of the Mill Basin Bridge on Sunday when he tragically tumbled 52 feet through a 3 foot-wide gap that he attempted to climb over. The bridge, which was originally solid the whole way across, was recently rebuilt to include a gap between each side of the road. The ceremony took place outside Ladder Company 170 in Canarsie, where the American flag hung from a ladder truck as 'Amazing Grace' played. Pollard was remembered throughout the community Monday as a hard-working and 'model' firefighter. FDNY members salute Pollard, Ladder 170, during his dignified transfer Monday Fellow firefighters are seen on the line the street as body of firefighter Pollard is taken out of the medical examiners office Captain James Quinn said: 'Steven Pollard came to us in November of 2017, out of probie school. 'He was the model probie. Any job we gave him, he accomplished it. Any task we asked him to do, he did it well. 'He was a good firefighter... he was on the way to being a great firefighter. He was going to become an anchor in the firehouse.' New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio also said Monday: '[Pollard] devoted his life to the people of our city, like his brother, like his dad, he was trying to do such a good and important thing, and it's just really painful to see him as we did in the hospital.' The late Pollard comes from a family of firefighters, including father Ray Pollard, of Ladder 102 in Brooklyn and his brother Ray Pollard Jr., who is an active member of Ladder Company 114. He is also survived by his mother. Brianne Torkel, the girlfriend of fallen New York firefighter Steven Pollard, has posted a touching tribute to him on social media His girlfriend, Brianna Torkel, took to Facebook this week to honor Pollard, in a touching tribute. 'To know you was to love you. My sweet angel I am so proud of you,' she wrote. 'You left this world a hero, something you were born to be.' Torkel credited her boyfriend with lighting 'a spark back in me that I thought was long gone'. 'Thank you for loving me the way you did,' she continued. 'You were my safe place, my protector, my ball buster, my big idiot, and my absolute best friend. You were my home.' Torkel said she was 'so proud' to have known Pollard, who fell while trying to cross a 3ft gap that separated the eastbound and westbound lanes of an overpass bridge. 'Some people never get to experience the love we shared in a lifetime, and I was lucky enough to have it with the absolute greatest man I have ever and will ever know,' she continued. 'I have unfortunately gained the greatest angel I could ever ask for, the love of my life.' 'Please watch over your parents, family, all the fellas down at the fire house and me, puppy. I love you so much. Rest in the sweetest peace.' Firefighters line the streets of New York Monday to honor the late Pollard Officers salute Pollard, Ladder 170, during his dignified transfer Monday The American flag hung from a ladder truck as 'Amazing Grace' played during the Monday evening ceremony FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro called Pollard's death a 'terrible loss for the department'. Nigro said: 'To lose a member just at the beginning of his career like this is devastating to us.' NYPD Police Commissioner James O'Neill tweeted early Monday that the entire department sends its condolences to Pollard's family, friends and colleagues. '#NYC will never forget your sacrifice,' the tweet read. In another statement posted on the department's Facebook page Monday morning FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro and Mayor Bill de Blasio said: 'It's an incredibly sad night for the Pollard family, for the Fire Department family, and for our city. A gap where the firefighter fell through separates the twin spans of the Mill Basin Bridge, Monday in the Brooklyn borough of New York 'He lost his life tonight in the process of helping others.' De Blasio and O'Neill went to the hospital after the accident. 'This is a family who has done so much for New York City and now they're going through this loss and this pain. It's a very, very tough situation,' de Blasio said. Nigro said Ladder Company 170 in Brooklyn was called to the two-car accident with injuries on the Belt Parkway, just east of Flatbush, on Sunday at 10 p.m. As the firefighters were going to help the victims Pollard slipped through a gap in the roadway and fell approximately 52 feet to the ground below. He was pronounced dead at a Kings County Hospital. The man who he was trying to save, Travis Simms, 30, revealed his overwhelming feeling of guilt while speaking to the New York Post Monday from his home. Simms said he was trapped in his wrecked Ford Explorer when he heard someone should out: ''Oh my god, oh my God. Firefighter fell, he fell through, he fell through.'' 'I just immediately felt guilty,' he said. 'Pollard, he's my hero. I send my prayers, my condolences to his family. I could only imagine what they're going through. 'When I got to the hospital, that's when I found out [Pollard died]. Immediately I couldn't control my emotions.' Simms, who was left with a broken rib and seven stitches on his finger, plans to attend his hero's funeral. 'I have to tell to him, 'thank you,' say my final goodbye... because at the end of the day, he made the ultimate sacrifice to make sure that I was alright.' Pollard is the 1,151st member of the FDNY to die in the line of duty. The deadly incident is under investigation. Australia is set to swelter through a blisteringly hot weekend, with heatwaves forecast for five major cities. Most of the country will sweat right through until next Wednesday with temperatures in Adelaide and Melbourne surging past 40C. Canberra and Sydney will also have soaring temperatures sitting in the high 30s, before cooling off in the middle of next week. Australia is set to swelter through a blisteringly hot weekend, with low to severe intensity heatwaves forecast for five major cities Most of the country will sweat right through until next Wednesday with temperatures in Adelaide and Melbourne surging past 40C (pictured: beachgoers enjoying the weather in Melbourne) Weatherzone meteorologist Tom Hough told Daily Mail Australia temperatures are climbing around the entire country Weatherzone meteorologist Tom Hough told Daily Mail Australia temperatures are climbing around the entire country. 'In terms of what's classified as a heatwave, it differs depending on where you are,' Mr Hough said. 'So heatwave is defined as three or more days of higher maximum and minimum temperatures that are unusual for those locations. What might be a heatwave for Sydney might not be the same as elsewhere.' Hundreds of Melburnians flocked to St Kilda (pictured) to try and beat the heat Low intensity heatwave conditions are forecast from Friday right through until Monday for most of the Northern Territory, western and southern Queensland, most of New South Wales, Victoria's far north, most of South Australia and the north eastern half of Western Australia. Parts of Western Australia are also looking at severe heatwave conditions. 'Saturday to Tuesday looks like the hottest period throughout the next week as the severe heatwave conditions spread,' Mr Hough said. Canberra and Sydney will also have soaring temperatures continuously sitting in the high 30s, before cooling off in the middle of next week Most of South Australia, southern NSW and Victoria's far north will endure the severe heatwave for multiple days until Monday Most of South Australia, southern NSW and Victoria's far north will endure the severe heatwave for multiple days until Monday. In Adelaide, temperatures are due to peak at their highest between Monday and Wednesday, with a slight cooling off following. 'The temperatures will still remain in the high 20s to early 30s, but the average this time of year is 29C,' Mr Hough said. Melbourne won't be suffering through as intense of a heating, but temperatures are due to rise to 33C on Friday and remaining warm through the weekend. The highest peak will be on Tuesday with temperatures in the high 30s, before a cooling off from Thursday. Both Sydney and Canberra are looking to peak around Tuesday and Wednesday with temperatures rising to 38C on Tuesday Both Sydney and Canberra are looking to peak around Tuesday and Wednesday with temperatures rising to 38C on Tuesday. Hobart's temperatures will spike from 21C to 29C on Friday, before rising once again to 28C on Monday. Brisbane won't be affected by the heatwave, but may see temperatures sitting at 1-3 degrees warmer than usual at the beginning of next week. Darwin will also experience regular temperatures for this time of year, with the weather sitting at 34C and sunny throughout the weekend. A Liberal politician who bought 89 books and 23 copies of the popular fantasy series Harry Potter billed taxpayers close to $3,000 for the haul. Sarah Henderson the Corangamite MP in Victoria charged taxpayers more than $2800 for the books between July and September last year. The parliamentary expenditure report revealed Ms Henderson purchased several books from different genres. Sarah Henderson the Corangamite MP in Victoria charged taxpayers more than $2800 for the books between July and September last year A total of $4888 was billed by taxpayers during the three month period. Her spending is part of a combined $281,000 taxpayer bill with Corio federal Labor MP Richard Marles, The Geelong Advertiser reported. Ms Henderson defended her purchases saying the books were all purchased within parliamentary expenditure rules. 'I run a very frugal operation in my office and am extremely careful with my expenses as taxpayers rightly expect,' Ms Henderson said. 'Each federal MP receives approximately the same printing and communications budget each year. 'Communicating with and listening to Corangamite residents is a key part of my role. My recent publications include an electorate wide Christmas newsletter.' According to the publication Mr Marles billed taxpayers a total of $148,082 which included overseas travel, car costs and office facilities. Mr Marles also spent $33,000 on employee costs which a spokesman defended stating that his role as Shadow Minister for Defence requires him to travel across the country. A mining company has sparked outrage after it banned its workers from adorning their work helmets with stickers. A 'clean hat' policy was handed down to AusGroup employees at the Greenbushes lithium mine expansion in Western Australia last month, Perth Now reported. Stickers, even health-promotion ones, were suddenly labelled as contraband under the change. A mining company has sparked outrage after it banned its workers from adorning their work helmets with stickers (stock photo) Australian Manufacturing Workers Union State secretary Steve McCartney (pictured) said it was nothing more than a power move Union symbols, slogans and the Eureka flag have made it onto the blacklist. Australian Manufacturing Workers Union State secretary Steve McCartney said it was nothing more than a power move. 'It's a simple thing to make them concede, and once you start them conceding they keep conceding, thats what its about.' In an ironic twist, the company has its own stickers on its work helmets. To further add to the controversy, Mr McCartney said AusGroup told its workers the Australian Building and Construction Commission were behind the push. In an ABCC code, workers with or without a union representative are protected equally from discrimination. An AusGroup spokesperson said employees could be union members at their own volition. The reason for the sticker ban meant the helmets could be inspected maintained for issues like cracks. BHP is believed to enforce a similar policy that protects its workers and equipment. Mental Health Minister Roger Cook said he saw no problem with stickers that promoted mental health. The push comes after a damning report on the mental health of fly-in and fly-out workers (FIFO). The State Government run report showed psychological distress was almost twice the rate for FIFO workers, compared to non-FIFO ones. In an ABCC code, workers with or without a union representative are protected equally from discrimination (pictured, social media post slamming the sticker ban) A Sydney mother has relived the terrifying moment her little girl almost drowned while swimming in a lagoon during a family outing with friends. Nancy Lau was at Avoca Beach on the New South Wales Central Coast with her husband Michael Tam, their two young daughters aged 5 and 7 and a group of friends on Wednesday when the day almost ended in tragedy. Dramatic footage from the scene show a distressed Ms Lau carrying her youngest daughter Chloe to the ambulance after being resuscitated when she was rescued. Nancy Lau (pictured) carrying her youngest daughter Chloe, 5,to the ambulance after she was rescued from a lagoon at Avoca Beach on Wednesday The couple from Sydney's north-west were packing up to head home when a friend's four-year-old boy got in trouble in the the lagoon. A woman rescued the boy from the water before Mr Tam commenced CPR. The couple then looked on in horror as Chloe started to go under the water as friends rushed into the lagoon to save her. Chloe (pictured with her parents) was one of two children rescued from the lagoon 'When she was pulled out her eye colour changed and the white bit turned red,' Ms Lau told The Daily Telegraph. 'Her brown eyes turned to grey, we were talking to her but she wasn't responding. Her body went stiff it was scary.' Surf life savers from the beach and off-duty doctors were involved in treating both children after they were rescued from the water. 'CareFlights medical team praised all the responders for their quick responses and vital contributions to helping the children,' a statement read. An outing to the lagoon at Avoca Beach almost ended in tragedy for the group of friends Chloe was taken to Gosford Hospital in a stable condition while the boy was airlifted to The Children's Hospital in an induced coma. His condition is now listed as serious. It's been a tragic 24 hours in the water in New South Wales. Just two hours after the two children were recused on Avoca Beach, a one-year-old girl drowned after being found unconscious in a backyard pool. A four-year-old boy was airlifted to The Children's Hospital at Westmead in a critical condition The little girl was found unresponsive in a family's pool in Werrington Downs, near Penrith in western Sydney, just after 8pm on Wednesday. She was rushed to Nepean Hospital, where she later died, and police are investigating her death. A report will be prepared for the Coroner. Meanwhile, Nepalese man, 21, still hasn't been found after he went missing while swimming in the Murray River at Albury on the NSW/Victorian border on Wednesday night. Friends saw him in trouble and go underwater and not resurface. (CNN) New Year, new you, new job looking after a lighthouse in California? On an idyllic island in the San Pablo Bay, the East Brother Light Station, a lighthouse-turned-inn, is seeking a pair of new keepers. San Pablo Bay is part of the larger San Francisco Bay. The position offers $130,000, split between two people. For the money they'll be expected to keep this historic tower up and running. Historic beacon East Brother Light Station dates back to 1874, it was established to help sailors navigate the misty waters surrounding San Francisco. Automated in the 1960s, the lighthouse is still operating it's owned by the US Coast Guard and maintained by nonprofit group East Brother Lighthouse Inc. It's been a West Coast bed and breakfast staple since 1979. "I've been working on it for nearly 40 years and initially it was abandoned and we rehabilitated it and then we looked for some way to produce an ongoing revenue to maintain it," local mayor of Richmond, California, Tom Butt tells CNN Travel. Butt's also the head of the nonprofit that runs the lighthouse. "It's in a unique location, it's in San Francisco Bay on an island and it's one of the few maybe the only bed and breakfast inns that operates in a lighthouse on an island," he adds. Unique experience The East Brother website describes visiting the lighthouse as "an adventuresome outdoor experience" accessing the island includes climbing from a boat up a vertical ladder that, depending on the tide, is sometimes 12 feet high. Once you're there, it's a unique experience water's in short supply so showers are only available for guests staying upwards of one night. There are five rooms available, all named after the view from the room's window from the Marin room to San Francisco. East Brother prides itself on serving high quality culinary options, the current house breakfast specialty is a delicious-sounding French Toast Souffle. Funds earned by the inn go towards restoration and maintenance of the historic building. Experience needed Applicants need to have past experience in hospitality and a seafaring nature sadly, it's not enough to just be enamored with the romantic idea of living in a lighthouse. You'll need a US Coast Guard commercial boat operator's license. "Unfortunately a lot of people who respond to this, they say 'Oh, surely I can get a license?' They think it's like getting drivers' license -- and it's not, if you don't have it, you're not going to get it," says Butt. Other job requirements include serving high quality food, housekeeping and ferrying guests from the mainland to the island. The inn's open four days a week and also hosts special events, including weddings. The two keepers don't have to be a couple, but they will share close quarters so buddying up with someone you get on well with is probably advisable. "The other thing is you need to have an outgoing personality. When people stay in a place like that, they want to have somebody who is cheerful and makes them feel at home," says Butt. The outgoing lighthouse keepers are Jillian Meeker and Che Rogers Meeker's a skilled cook, while Rogers is a talented boatman who's sailed all over the world. After two years living and worked at East Brother, the couple are ready for pastures new. The new inn keepers will start in mid-April 2019, following two weeks training. Butt says he's had interest in the job from across the globe. "For some reason this went viral, it's getting inquiries from all over the world Asia, Russia, Ukraine," he says. He also clarifies that to do the job, you need the right to work in the United States. If you fit all the requirements and you'd like to apply, direct your applications towards Butt now. Editor's note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that the lighthouse has a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. This story was first published on CNN.com. "California island offers $130,000 for new lighthouse keepers." Senator Pauline Hanson has been challenged on television to catch a cane toad after she suggested a plan to give people on welfare 10 cents for every toad they captured. 'This is not a stunt... they're an environmental problem and a pest,' Ms Hanson told A Current Affair. 'When I go on my walk I see people rummaging through bins looking for bottles to take in for a 10 cent reward so think 10 cents is for a cane toad, why not?' she said. She then put on gloves as she was challenged to catch one of the amphibians to show how easy it is. Senator Pauline Hanson has been challenged on television to catch a cane toad after she suggested a plan to give people on welfare 10 cents for every toad they captured When asked if she had attempted this before she replied, 'no, but normally I line them up with my car and make sure it goes under the wheel.' She then failed to catch the animal as it hopped away before it was cornered in a bucket by a producer. The radical new plan she has suggested will imitate the successful container deposit and soft drink can schemes that have been implemented across the country. She hopes the incentive - which would run for the three month summer period that the pests are at their worst - would reduce the number of poisonous cane toads in Queensland. Ms Hanson would also like to see the scheme extended beyond her own state and into NSW, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson hopes to introduce a scheme offering people on welfare benefits 10 cents per cane toad they capture She told The Courier Mail that welfare recipients would be dispatched to hunt for the toads and 'do something worthwhile for their communities' under the scheme. She said the initiative would be a perfect way to engage with children and get them off 'their iPads', all the while encouraging them to earn some money while also doing their bit for the environment - by dropping off as many toads as they can at designated collection areas. From there, she expects the toads will be put in a freezer until they are eventually killed. The senator is said to have written to Prime Minister Scott Morrison asking for him to get behind the plan. 'When rabbits plagued our nation, a sizeable reward was posted for the biological control of the species,' Ms Hanson wrote in the letter. Ms Hanson would also like to see the scheme extended beyond her own state and into NSW, Western Australia and the Northern Territory 'Other invasive species such as European carp have been eradicated from waterways using biological measures and I believe it is time our federal parliament takes a swift, bipartisan approach into the eradication of this pest species. 'A 10 cent reward for the collection of each cane toad would encourage most Australians living with the pest to take an active role in reducing their numbers until a biological measure is developed.' Her newest campaign comes after the Liberal Party slammed Labor's proposed policy regarding jobseekers. If Bill Shorten were to be elected as prime minister, he has vowed to scrap the Liberal imposed rule that says welfare recipients must apply for 20 jobs a month to receive their payments. A 49-year-old man accused of sending 38 suspicious packages to embassies and consulates across Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney, forcing closures and evacuations has faced court wearing a Minions T-Shirt. Savas Avan appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with sending dangerous articles to be carried by post. Avan appeared in red shorts and a black Minion T-shirt, from the popular children's film, which was emblazoned with the words 'more than meets the eye'. A 49-year-old man accused of sending 38 suspicious packages to embassies and consulates has faced court wearing a Minions T-Shirt Court documents outline that each contained package 'a quantity of asbestos' and that he was 'reckless as to the danger of serious harm' After forcing closures across the majors cities on Wednesday afternoon, Avan was arrested at his Shepparton home on Wednesday night. 'What's the article?' magistrate Costas Kilias asked. 'Asbestos,' commonwealth prosecutor Matthew Simpson replied. Court documents outline a single charge alleging Avan allowed the 38 packages to be carried by Australia Post on Monday, that each contained 'a quantity of asbestos' and that he was 'reckless as to the danger of serious harm'. His lawyer Sonia Sawant said it was Avan's first time in custody and there were no custody management issues. Prosecutors are seeking a jailhouse order from Mr Kilias that would allow them to further question Avan while he is being held in the court cells. Avan did not apply for bail and is due to return to court for a committal mention on March 4. Starbucks has installed boxes in the bathrooms of a select few locations so the public can safely throw out syringes, it has been reported. The coffee giant is responding to complaints from employees who say that they found used needles in bathrooms at a number of locations. Starbucks employees have complained about being exposed to uncapped needles as well as blood that was found on the floors and walls of the bathrooms, according to Business Insider. The company is now considering other solutions, including disposal boxes, the use of heavy-duty trash bags which would prevent needle pokes, and getting rid of trash cans entirely from certain bathrooms. Starbucks has installed boxes in the bathrooms of a select few locations so the public can safely throw out syringes, it has been reported. The stock photo above shows a Starbucks location in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The location above is unrelated to this story These societal issues affect us all and can sometimes place our partners (employees) in scary situations, which is why we have protocols and resources in place to ensure our partners are out of harm's way, Starbucks spokesperson Reggie Borges told Business Insider. In October, three Starbucks baristas who worked at one of the restaurants in North Seattle reported being poked by hypodermic needles believed to have been used by drug dealers. They were so alarmed by the incident that they rushed to take antiviral medications to protect them from AIDS and hepatitis, according to KIRO-TV. They said it cost nearly $2,000 each to obtain the medicine, which they paid for with loans or on credit. (Needle users) put them in the tampon disposal boxes in the bathrooms, and we have to dig them out, one of the baristas told KIRO-TV. The coffee giant is responding to complaints from employees who say that they found used needles in bathrooms at a number of locations. This needle was found by a Starbucks barista in the bathroom of a location in the Seattle region The barista spoke anonymously because she feared she would lose her job if she complained publicly. I dont want to lose my job for being the only one willing to say, Someone listen to me. Do something about this. My friends are at risk, she said. The three baristas demanded the company install locked needle disposal boxes in all restrooms, particularly in restaurants where drug use is more common. Im pretty sure it looks worse to have your baristas continuously exposed to HIV and hep C and hep B than to have locked boxes for needle disposal in areas open to the public, the barista said. The issue became so dire that a group of Starbucks employees began an online petition on CoWorker.org. Employees risk getting poked, and DO get poked, even when following "protocol" of using gloves and tongs to dispose of used needles left in bathrooms, tampon disposal boxes, and diaper changing stations, the petition reads. After the incident, Starbucks installed sharps boxes in certain locations in and around Seattle. In October, three Starbucks baristas who worked at one of the restaurants in North Seattle reported being poked by hypodermic needles believed to have been used by drug dealers Sharps boxes are containers in which people could safely dispose of discarded needles, syringes, and lancets without the risk of poking employees who handle them. One former Starbucks employee who signed the petition said they worked at a location in Lynnwood, Washington for three years before quitting last year. My coworkers and I had all experienced needles left behind in the bathroom, store, and even in our drive-thru, said the ex-employee. My primary fear when I worked there would be taking out the bathroom garbages. I was terrified that if I went to take the bag out, I would get poked by a needle I didn't know was there. Starbucks says that it does not force employees who feel uncomfortable handling hypodermic needles to do so. I can't emphasize enough that if our partners are ever in a position where they don't feel comfortable completing a task, they are empowered to remove themselves from the situation and alert their manager, Borges said. After the incident, Starbucks installed sharps boxes in certain locations in and around Seattle. Another needle found in a Starbucks is seen above As we always do, we are constantly evaluating our processes and listening to partner feedback of ways we can be better. But some workers say that managers ignore company policy especially in the heat of the high-pressure work environment. Starbucks baristas are seeing what many employees who have worked in the restaurant business have experienced over the years. A Starbucks worker from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area told Business Insider that she has cleaned up bathrooms for more than 13 years. During that time, she and her colleagues have picked up or wiped off drugs, bottles of alcohol, blood on the floors and the walls, condoms and condom wrappers, and capped and uncapped needles. Starbucks employees say that their jobs have been made harder after the company announced last May that it would allow non-paying customers to use its facilities. The policy was announced after social media footage emerged of two black men being arrested at a Philadelphia location. They were arrested when employees called the police in response to their refusal to leave the restaurant after they had used the bathroom. The fierce public backlash to the arrest forced the company to change its policy. But the open bathroom policy is having its effect. A Starbucks worker from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area said she and her colleagues have picked up or wiped off drugs, bottles of alcohol, blood on the floors and the walls, condoms and condom wrappers, and capped and uncapped needles I think the bathroom policy has definitely changed the store's environment, a manager of a Starbucks in Southern California told Business Insider. It's great that Starbucks wants to try and include everyone, but that means that they include absolutely everyone. The manager said that workers have been forced to close down the locations restrooms numerous times after they found drugs, needles, or blood. At least one of the workers was pricked by a stashed needle, the manager said. Others, however, noted that drugs and needles were found in bathrooms well before the new policy was put in place. President Donald Trump is taking the shutdown battle to the U.S.-Mexico border, seeking to bolster his case for the border wall after negotiations with Democrats blew up over his funding demands. Trump stalked out of his meeting with congressional leaders - 'I said bye-bye,' he tweeted soon after as efforts to end the partial government shutdown fell into deeper disarray. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers now face lost paychecks on Friday. During his stop Thursday in McAllen, Texas, Trump will visit a border patrol station for a roundtable on immigration and border security and will get a security briefing on the border. But Trump has expressed his own doubts that his appearance and remarks will change any minds, as he seeks $5.7 billion for the wall that has been his signature promise since his presidential campaign. McAllen is located in the Rio Grande Valley, the busiest part of the border for illegal border crossings. The unraveling talks prompted further speculation about whether Trump would declare a national emergency and try to authorize the wall on his own if Congress won't approve the money he's seeking. 'I think we might work a deal, and if we don't I might go that route,' he said. President Donald Trump is heading to the U.S.-Mexico border for a photo-op he's not convinced will change anyone's mind about the need for a wall Workers replaced sections of the border wall, left, with new sections, right, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019, in Tijuana, Mexico House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (left) insisted Wednesday that the president let his temper get the best of him during a brief West Wing meeting after she refused to promise congressional funding for his border wall expansion project The White House meeting in the Situation Room ended after just 14 minutes. Democrats said they asked Trump to re-open the government but that he told them if he did they wouldn't give him money for the wall. Republicans said Trump posed a direct question to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: If he opened the government, would she fund the wall? She said no. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Trump slammed his hand on the table. However, Republicans said Trump, who handed out candy at the start of the meeting, did not raise his voice and there was no table pounding. One result was certain: The shutdown plunged into new territory with no endgame in sight. The Democrats see the idea of the long, impenetrable wall as ineffective and even immoral. Trump sees it as an absolute necessity to stop what he calls a crisis of illegal immigration, drug-smuggling and human trafficking at the border. Trump headed to Capitol Hill earlier Wednesday, seeking to soothe jittery Republican lawmakers. He left a Republican lunch boasting of 'a very, very unified party,' but GOP senators have been publicly uneasy as the standoff ripples across the lives of Americans and interrupts the economy. Trump gave a lukewarm speech Tuesday night in which he tried to restate his case for a border wall, but it changed the minds of no Democrats in Washington Federal Aviation Administration employee Michael Jessie, who is currently working without pay as an aviation safety inspector, is among government employees affected by a now 20-day-old partial government shutdown During the lunch, Trump discussed the possibility of a sweeping immigration compromise with Democrats to protect some immigrants from deportation but provided no clear strategy or timeline for resolving the standoff, according to senators in the private session. GOP unity was tested further when the House passed a bipartisan spending bill, 240-188, to reopen one shuttered department, Treasury, to ensure that tax refunds and other financial services continue. Eight Republicans joined Democrats in voting, defying the plea to stick with the White House. There was growing concern about the toll the shutdown is taking on everyday Americans, including disruptions in payments to farmers and trouble for home buyers who are seeking government-backed mortgage loans - 'serious stuff,' according to Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Senate Republican. Some Republicans were concerned about the administration's talk of possibly declaring a national emergency at the border, seeing that as an unprecedented claim on the right of Congress to allocate funding except in the most dire circumstances. 'I prefer that we get this resolved the old-fashioned way,' Thune said. Democrats said before the White House meeting that they would ask Trump to accept an earlier bipartisan bill that had money for border security but not the wall. Pelosi warned that the effects of hundreds of thousands of lost paychecks would begin to have an impact across the economy. Vice President Mike Pence spoke to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House after Trump stormed out of a meeting with Pelosi and Schumer on Wednesday 'The president could end the Trump shutdown and re-open the government today, and he should,' Pelosi said. Tuesday night, speaking to the nation from the Oval Office for the first time, Trump argued that the wall was needed to resolve a security and humanitarian 'crisis.' He blamed illegal immigration for what he said was a scourge of drugs and violence in the U.S. and asked: 'How much more American blood must we shed before Congress does its job?' Democrats in response accused Trump appealing to 'fear, not facts' and manufacturing a border crisis for political gain. In an off-the-record lunch with television anchors ahead of his speech, Trump suggested his aides had pushed him to give the address and travel to the border and that he personally did not believe either would make a difference, according to two people familiar with the meeting. But one person said it was unclear whether Trump was serious or joking. The people familiar with the meeting insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the meeting publicly. An Aboriginal boy who was allegedly assaulted and locked in a supermarket store room was found bleeding and in tears, according to his family. The nine-year-old was at a supermarket in Perth's southeast with his cousins last weekend when staff claimed they caught the nine-year-old stealing a bottle of Coke. His family told Perth Now he was 'caged' in the storeroom and was bleeding from where he had cut himself in an attempt to escape from a small window. The boy (pictured), 9, had been at the store in Perths southwest with a couple of other children last weekend when the incident happened According to the publication, the boy was locked inside the storeroom for more than 20 minutes. He was distraught when he was finally freed. The boy's mother told Daily Mail Australia he was dragged around the store and bashed against walls before being locked in the store room out the back. His cousins ran home to alert adults about what had happened. The boy smashed a window in an effort to escape, slicing his arm as he attempted to climb out. The boy was eventually freed after his aunt rushed to the store and demanded he be allowed to leave. He was later taken to hospital where his injury was treated. His mother said the boy has been left traumatised. 'He was crying. He's been wetting the bed, he never, ever wets the bed.' Police spoke to supermarket staff about an alleged incident on Tuesday. A spokeswoman for the supermarket refused to comment, saying it was now a matter for police. Western Australian police spokeswoman said it was a complex investigation and inquiries were continuing. Parents are being asked to pay for basic school items such as whiteboard markers, hand soap and paper towels, it emerged today. Dozens of cash-strapped schools are on a major drive to cut supply costs and are pushing the burden onto parents. Letters to families from several schools reveal teachers are asking children to bring in basic hygiene items such as tissues and stationary to be shared by the whole class. Parents are being asked to pay for basic school items such as whiteboard markers, hand soap and paper towels, it emerged today Turramurra Public School provided this stationary list to families ahead of the new year Poll Is it acceptable for schools to ask children to bring supplies? Yes No Undecided Is it acceptable for schools to ask children to bring supplies? Yes 24 votes No 20 votes Undecided 4 votes Now share your opinion Parents of West Pymble Public School in Sydney were asked to provide a 16-pack of EXPO chisel whiteboard markers while Oakville Public School asked families to buy a $38 pack of pens and pencils. Meanwhile, Cambewarra Public School asked students to bring a box of tissues and pack of white A4 paper, reported the Daily Telegraph. NSW Secondary Principals' Council President Chris Presland said schools are trying to save up for renovation projects. He told the Telegraph: 'Those schools are likely to be diverting money for bigger purchases for laptops or tech upgrades, theyre trying to divert money for bigger projects.' A spokesman for New South Wales Department of Education insisted it was voluntary for parents to provide the supplies. They said: 'Schools may ask for parents to bring in voluntary contributions of supplies, which allows them to reinvest their funding allocations for supplies into other areas of local priority.' President Donald Trump has boxed himself into a situation with no endgame in his government shutdown standoff over a border wall, a new report claims. Citing an unnamed former White House official, Vanity Fair reported on Tuesday that Trump believes he will not be reelected in 2020 if the wall is not built, and has made the issue his 'personal Alamo'. Trump reportedly told aides that he is prepared to make his 'last stand' on the wall issue, staking his entire presidency on constructing the border barrier that he called for forcefully in a Tuesday night address to the nation from the Oval Office. 'The president put himself in a box,' the former official in touch with the White House told the magazine. 'The problem is there's no endgame. Right now the White House is at a seven on the panic scale. If this thing goes on past the State of the Union they're going to be at an 11.' President Donald Trump, joined by Senate Republican leaders, speaks on the government shutdown, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer speak to the media following a meeting with Trump on Wednesday The State of the Union address is scheduled for January 29, at which point the partial federal government shutdown would be 38 days old. The longest continuous government shutdown in U.S. history lasted 21 days in 1995 and 1996. Trump's Alamo mentality is reportedly also making some Congressional Republicans nervous. One Republican close to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Vanity Fair that the White House's handling of the shutdown standoff was 'total f**king chaos'. It comes as Trump prepares to visit the border at McAllen, Texas on Thursday - a move that the President reportedly described as a pointless photo-op in an off-the-record luncheon with television news anchors on Thursday. 'It's not going to change a d**n thing, but I'm still doing it,' Trump said of the planned border visit, one of the people who was in the room told the New York Times. 'But these people behind you say it's worth it,' Trump reportedly added, gesturing at communications aides Bill Shine, Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Kellyanne Conway. Trump blasted the leak in a tweet on Wednesday night, writing: 'Gave an OFF THE RECORD luncheon, somewhat of a White House tradition or custom, to network anchors yesterday - and they quickly leaked the contents of the meeting. Who would believe how bad it has gotten with the mainstream media, which has gone totally bonkers!' McAllen is located in the Rio Grande Valley, the busiest part of the border for illegal border crossings. In McAllen on Thursday, Trump will visit a border patrol station for a roundtable on immigration and border security, and will get a security briefing on the border. The U.S. border is seen in a file photo from the Mexican side near McAllen, Texas, where Trump will spend Thursday at a border security roundtable and briefing session On Wednesday, Trump ratcheted up tension in the shutdown standoff in dramatic fashion by storming out of a meeting with Congressional Democrats. The White House meeting in the Situation Room ended after just 14 minutes. 'Just left a meeting with Chuck and Nancy, a total waste of time,' Trump tweeted soon after the meeting, referring to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. 'I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works!' Vice President Mike Pence told reporters gathered outside the West Wing that Trump had indeed ended the meeting quickly when Pelosi said Democrats were not prepared to make him any guarantees. Schumer accused Trump of a 'temper tantrum' and told reporters outside the White House: 'He sort of slammed the table and when Leader Pelosi said she didn't agree with the wall he just walked out and said: 'We have nothing to discuss.'' 'He said it was a waste of his time,' House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer charged. Pelosi charged that Trump 'seems to be insensitive' to the impact of a partial government shutdown on rank-and-file federal employees who will see their first lapse in payroll on Friday. 'He thinks maybe they can just ask their father for more money. But they can't,' she jabbed. Pelosi added that she had told the president that 'the evidence does not support the situation you describe,' referring to his claims that human trafficking, narcotics smuggling and a criminal epidemic constitute a border crisis. Schumer recounted a scene where Trump 'sort of slammed the table, and when Leader Pelosi said she didn't agree with the wall he just walked out and said, 'We have nothing to discuss'.' 'This was really, really unfortunate and in my judgment somewhat unbecoming of the presidency,' Schumer complained. Pence and House Minority leader Kevin McCarthy played clean-up, painting a picture of a congenial meeting that the Democrats fouled through sheer stubbornness with the President even offering candy to his Democratic rivals. 'The president walked into the room and passed out candy,' Pence said. 'I don't recall him ever raising his voice or slamming his hand. This is a president who feels very strongly about his commitment to see to the security of the American people.' McCarthy charged Democrats with lying about what happened in meeting. A White House official told DailyMail.com that the President offered participants 'little mini candy bars - M&Ms, peanut butter cups, Butterfingers.' Gable Tostee, also known as Eric Thomas, has lashed out at 'alpha fembots' who he claims are fixated on 'victim blaming' after he was accused of being a misogynist. New Zealander Warriena Wright plunged to her death from Mr Thomas' Gold Coast 14-storey apartment block on August 8, 2014 after meeting up with the self-confessed playboy through Tinder. Mr Tostee, 31, was acquitted of murder and manslaughter in 2016 but public interest in the case remains high, sparking a true crime podcast by 60minutes. Gable Tostee, also known as Eric Thomas, has lashed out at 'alpha fembots' who he claims are fixated on 'victim blaming' after labeling him a misogynist 60minutes reportedly paid Mr Tostee up to six-figures for the exclusive tell-all interview but he has now hit back at the organisation for 'milking' the story The show had previously paid up to six-figures for the exclusive tell-all interview with him. However, now Mr Tostee has hit back at the organisation after it posted an advertisement for the podcast on social media. He has also taken aim at social media users in a fiery Facebook rant. '60 Minutes Australia, how much more do you want to milk this?,' he commented on the post. Mr Tostee, 31, was acquitted of the murder and manslaughter in 2016 but public interest in the case remains high, sparking a true crime podcast by 60minutes Tostee (left) stood trial for the death of New Zealand tourist Warriena Wright (right), 26, after she fell 14 storeys from his Gold Coast apartment in 2014 'Are you that devoid of genuine news that you feel the need to repost this 4+ year old story for the second time in a month.' When a woman accused him of being misogynistic he let loose, saying 'victim blaming' was 'hardcoded into the fembot brain'. 'They shout it out voluntarily whenever they detect the slightest suggestion that a female might be responsible for her own actions,' his response said. When a woman accused him of being misogynistic he let loose, saying 'victim blaming' was 'hardcoded into the fembot brain' Tostee drew criticism last year after he posted a derogatory post on Facebook to mark International Women's Day. 'Happy International Women's Day to all ma hoes!!', he wrote 'This signals a challenge to all the other fembots, who then start shouting it louder and louder themselves. Whoever screeches the words loudest becomes the alpha fembot. 'Then, they go back to reading their true crime paperbacks and crying themselves to sleep.' He is no stranger to controversy, having shared several provocative posts to his social media accounts following his highly publicised trial. In a Facebook post last year Mr Tostee wrote, 'The best cure for feminism is a good root,' accompanied by a photo of a raised middle finger. The backlash he received on social media failed to deter him, as he went on to make more controversial posts. Mr Tostee has also referred to his murder acquittal in an online post, saying: 'the only thing I murder is p***y'. His other posts vary greatly, from rambling philosophical questions to pop culture references to support for US President Donald Trump. Scammers are targeting society's most vulnerable by posing as police officers and threatening to arrest them if they don't hand over their bank details. Officers in Camden, 65km south-west of Sydney, have received reports from people who have received phone calls from scammers claiming to be from the New South Wales Police or the Australian Tax Office. The callers claim to be police officers and say the recipient needs to pay an outstanding ATO bill - or else they will be arrested. Scammers are targeting society's most vulnerable by posing as police officers and threatening to arrest them if they don't hand over their bank details (stock image) The scammers have found a way to display the local police station's phone number as the caller identification. NSW Police said they are unsure how the scammers are able to use the real number. Members of the public are being warned to be wary of requests for personal details or payments over the phone. People are also being urged not to give out their personal details or transfer money to others over the phone. The callers claim to be police officers and say the recipient needs to pay an outstanding ATO bill - or else they will be arrested (stock image) The Australian Tax Office said that it will never threaten people with immediate arrest or ask them to pay money in order to receive a refund. The ATO said it will not ask people to pay debt via iTunes vouchers or gift cards. Personal information such as tax file numbers or credit card numbers should not be sent out via email or text message. A reckless motorist has been slammed by police after she was caught driving with ten unrestrained children jumping around inside her moving car. The woman, who remains unidentified, has been slapped with a hefty fine after cops confronted her while she was driving down Bagot Street, in Alice Springs, last week. Officers from the Southern Traffic Operations Unit found ten children, under the age of 16, in the woman's car without seat belts on - with one of the youngsters, who is believed to be under the age of one, seated on the front passenger's lap. (File picture) A reckless motorist was caught driving with ten children jumping around inside her car Thanks to her negligent actions, the woman was forced to pay a $5040 fine and racked up 30 demerit points. Senior Constable First Class Ivan Petrovic told reporters he couldnt comprehend why someone would knowingly drive a vehicle with unrestrained passengers. Seatbelts are designed to save your life and prevent serious injuries in the case of a traffic crash. Having a number of unrestrained children in the vehicle is irresponsible and reckless on the adults behalf, he said. Mr Petrovic also noted that the women's incautious behaviour could've resulted in a fatal incident had the car been in a collision. Had they been involved in any kind of crash, the infant sitting in the front could have been seriously injured, if not killed, he said. (File picture) Senior Constable First Class Ivan Petrovic said the woman's actions were 'irresponsible and reckless' The incident occurred shortly after another female motorist was arrested after she slammed her car into a fence on Dixon Road, in Alice Springs, according to Northern Territory News. The woman reportedly blew a high blood alcohol reading. A total of 50 people died whilst travelling on Northern Territory roads last year, compared to 31 fatalities at the same time the year before. The alarming findings mean Northern Territory is the most dangerous area in Australia for drivers. Donald Trump has again blasted 'fake news' media and accused journalists of leaking the contents of an off the record lunch meeting he hosted at the White House. POTUS launched a tirade against a number of mainstream news outlets in a series of tweets, just hours after he walked out of a meeting with Democrat leaders in a bid to find a resolution to the Government shutdown. 'The Mainstream Media has NEVER been more dishonest than it is now. NBC and MSNBC are going Crazy'he tweeted on Wednesday. Donald Trump has again blasted 'fake news' media and accused journalists of leaking the contents of an off the record lunch meeting he hosted at the White House In several late night tweets, POTUS accused several news outlets of being dishonest 'They report stories, purposely, the exact opposite of the facts. They are truly the Opposition Party working with the Dems. May even be worse than Fake News CNN, if that is possible! During an off-the-record lunch on Tuesday, Trump said that it was not his idea to deliver the speech or visit the southern border. The lunch, in the White House's Roosevelt Room, came hours before Trump delivered his prime-time address to the nation on Tuesday night - but the President made clear that he doubted the speech and border visit would be effective, a New York Times report claimed. He reportedly told television news anchors that advisors had pressured him into an Oval Office speech on border security and a planned visit to the border. The details of the luncheon were widely reported ahead of President Trump's much anticipated televised addressed on Tuesday as he puts pressure on the Democrats to provide him with funding of $5.7 billion for his border wall. He tweeted on Wednesday: 'Gave an OFF THE RECORD luncheon, somewhat of a White House tradition or custom, to network anchors yesterday - and they quickly leaked the contents of the meeting. Trump reportedly blamed communications aides Bill Shine, Sarah Huckabee Sanders (left) and Kellyanne Conway (right) for pressuring him to do the speech and border visit White House Communications Director Bill Shine watches as U.S. President Donald Trump participates in a signing ceremony for Juvenile Justice Reform 'Who would believe how bad it has gotten with the mainstream media, which has gone totally bonkers!' At the lunch, Trump said of the planned border visit It's not going to change a d**n thing, but I'm still doing it'. Trump said the border trip was merely a photo opportunity, the source claimed. 'But these people behind you say it's worth it,' Trump reportedly added, gesturing at communications aides Bill Shine, Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Kellyanne Conway. Top news personalities including CNN's Chris Cuomo, Fox News Channel's Bret Baier and ABC's George Stephanopoulos attended the lunch, which lasted about an hour and 20 minutes. Donald Trump has previously clashed with CNN reporter Jim Acosta (pictured) which led to the White House revoking his press pass only to have it returned after he brought a lawsuit White House counselor Kellyanne Conway says the group had a 'robust exchange' and 'questions were asked and answered.' Baier said on-air that attendees agreed to quote only one line from the president: 'It was wonderful having lunch with you today.' But he said that the White House believes the wall is a winning issue for Trump, whose refusal to sign a budget without billions for the border has forced a partial government shutdown. Hours after the lunch, Trump spoke to the nation from the Oval Office for the first time in his presidency. He claimed the standoff could be resolved in '45 minutes' if Democrats would just negotiate, but previous meetings have led to no agreement. Democrats in response accused Trump appealing to 'fear, not facts' and manufacturing a border crisis for political gain. In November, The White House denied CNN reporter Jim Acosta access to briefings and confiscated his 'hard pass' after a heated press-conference shouting match with Trump. CNN sued on First Amendment grounds and claimed Acosta was denied a Fifth Amendment right to due process. His pass was later restored after the channel filed a federal lawsuit against the administration. A couple who called the FBI with important information regarding the disappearance of Kelsey Berreth are speaking out of how they learned of the 'plot' to kill her. Joe and Patty Rockstahl, owners of Rockstahl Law Offices, told KMVT that last October one of their employees came to them visibly upset and explained their her best friend told her that 'a man had asked her to kill the mother of his child.' The friend of the employee is now known to be Krytsal Lee, the divorced mother-of-two who was having an affair with Berreth's fiance Patrick Frazee. Frazee has been charged in Berreth's murder even though her body has yet to be found. Joe and Patty Rockstahl called the FBI in October with information regarding the disappearance of Kelsey Berreth Authorities said the body of missing woman Kelsey Berreth has still not been found. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation Department of Public Safety was investigating remains discovered near the town of Aguilar on Sunday. Her partner Patrick Frazee remained in jail The Rockstahls said they told their employee to have Krystal come speak to them, but she never did. Divorced mother-of-two Krystal Lee allegedly told her best friend that she had been asked by a man to kill the mother of his children They said at one point, Krystal told her best friend 'to forget the whole thing'. The couple said they felt they didn't have enough information at the time to report anything to the police. It wasn't until Patty saw Kelsey's mother's plea to find her daughter on national television that she began to connect the dots with the information she had learned. 'I think [it was] the mother that had the courage and go on TV when her daughter was missing, saying that someone knew where she was at,' Patty told KMVT. 'At that point in my mind I thought that Patrick, and that was the only name I had heard him called, I didn't know his last name, had done something to her daughter and he knew where she was at,' she added. Within four days of making the call to the FBI, Patrick Frazee was arrested. The Rockstahls said they are telling their story now after their employee faced harassment on social media due to misinformation circling around. They now hope that anyone else with more information on Berreth will come forward. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation Department of Public Safety was investigating remains discovered near the town of Aguilar on Sunday, but have confirmed they are not those of Berreth. Frazee was served notice on Monday that a complaint had been filed by Cheryl and Darrell Berreth claiming he 'enacted physical, mental, and emotional acts of violence upon Kelsey Berreth prior to her death.' The complaint goes on to state that 'when Frazee acted as either the perpetrator or accessory to the murder of Kelsey Berreth, Frazee breached the duty of care with which a reasonable person should conduct himself toward another human being.' The Berreths, who currently have temporary custody of their daughter's 15-month-old child with Frazee, are demanding a jury trial to determine and 'compensatory and general damages, interest from the date of Kelsey Berreths death as provide.', as provided by law.' They have retained Perry Sanders to represent them in the case, the same man who represented Katherine Jackson after the death of her son Michael. Rapist Christopher Empey has been caught and captured hiding in rugged bushland A violent rapist has been caught and captured hiding in rugged bushland, bringing to an end a six-week-long manhunt. Christopher Empey, 46, was spotted at the remote Tin Mine Hut in Kosciuszko National Park before being arrested shortly before 5pm on Wednesday. The registered sex offender is now expected to be extradited to Victoria by the state's police after he at Cooma Local Court on Thursday morning. Empey was convicted of brutally raping and stomping on the head of a then-colleague in the stairwell of a Melbourne apartment building in July 2002. Empey was spotted at the remote Tin Mine Hut in Kosciuszko National Park (pictured) before being arrested shortly before 5pm on Wednesday Following the attack, the 30-year-old woman was left with brain damage, facial fractures, a partially-severed right ear, genital injuries and lost two litres of blood. The victim later had to relearn how to walk and write while Empey served twelve years for the attack. He was released on bail in 2015 after finishing parole and placed on a serious sex offenders order. After failing to show for acourt in November, police found his court-ordered tracking bracelet smashed which initially sparked the manhunt. The next month, Empey sold his yellow Suzuki motorbike at Nowra on New South Wales' south coast. Empey is believed to have fled Victoria sometime in November, a move which was against the conditions of his registration as a sex offender. A second sign has been removed from a busy highway after Melbourne woman Nella Lettieri, 55, was almost killed when a metal sheet crushed her car. Victoria road authorities removed the sign installed on the same gantry as the five by four metre sheet, that fell on the Tullamarine Freeway on Tuesday at about 5.15pm. 'It was like a roller door had come down right in front of me,' Ms Lettieri told 9News. 'I could feel it coming down and something's hit my head and I've gone to put my hand up to stop it but it was so heavy.' Crash survivor Nella Lettieri (pictured), 55, was taken to hospital after an enormous road sign smashed her car Victoria road authorities removed the sign installed on the same gantry as the one that fell on the Tullamarine Freeway (pictured) on Tuesday at about 5.30pm The sign was removed overnight as a precaution to ensure 'there was no chance of other signs coming down' the same gantry. The fallen sign and gantry, which led to the woman being rushed to hospital with head and neck injuries, was installed as part of the CityLink-Tulla Widening project in December 2017. VicRoads admitted a similar sign had all of a sudden plummeted to the ground in 2007. 'At the time we did an urgent audit on similar signs and identified that there were some other issues on other signs which we then fixed,' said Ms Seymour. The project's aim was to improve safety, reduce congestion, cut travel times and make the commute to Melbourne airport easier. Ms Seymour did not expect the brand new signs would cause any problems. A visual inspection of all signs and gantries are carried out every six months, while a 'detailed condition assessment' takes place every 2-4 years. The large chunk of metal, which fell at the front of the car, flipped over and latched itself onto the roof of the vehicle (pictured, crash site) Emergency services (pictured) were subsequently called to the scene near Essendon Airport Traffic and road workers will continue to investigate 17 other gantries installed around the same time on the freeway on Thursday night. Technical experts are undergoing a lengthy process to understanding the causes behind the sudden fall of the sign. VicRoads is wary of the amount of concern around the safety of the network. 'At this stage we are confident we don't need to shut the road and that the road is safe,' said Ms Seymour. Ratings agency Fitch said the ongoing government shutdown could put negative pressure on the US credit rating- specifically in relation to the triple-A sovereign credit rating Fitch warned on Wednesday of a possible cut to the US triple-A sovereign credit rating later this year if the ongoing government shutdown leads to it hitting its debt ceiling and hampering budget setting. 'If this shutdown continues to March 1 and the debt ceiling becomes a problem several months later, we may need to start thinking about the policy framework, the inability to pass a budget... and whether all of that is consistent with triple-A,' Fitch's global head of sovereign ratings James McCormack said on Wednesday in London. 'From a rating point of view it is the debt ceiling that is problematic,' McCormack added. Democrats and the White House (Senator Schumer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, left, Trump, right all on Wednesday) have been at an impasse on Trump's request for $5.6billion to fund his border wall 19 days. Now the credit ratings agency Finch says should the shutdown, which has no end in sight, last until the March 1 deadline when the debt ceiling is addressed it could effect the US's coveted AAA credit rating A shutdown of about a quarter of the US government entered its 19th day on Wednesday, with lawmakers and the White House divided over Republican President Donald Trump's demand for money for a border wall. While shutdowns do not historically give way to a negative impact on the nation's coveted AAA/Stable sovereign rating, the resulting fallout over policy uncertainty and increasing disputes among lawmakers, could. The debt ceiling deadline on March 1 will be a defining factor for the US credit rating, says Fitch, which is one of three major credit ratings agencies, which include the Standard & Poor and Moody's. 'If this shutdown continues to March 1 and the debt ceiling becomes a problem several months later, we may need to start thinking about the policy framework, the inability to pass a budget ... whether all of that is consistent with triple-A,' Fitch's global head of sovereign ratings James McCormack said on Wednesday, as reported by Reuters. The ratings are crucial as they reflect a country or a businesses' creditworthiness and the likelihood it will default. Federal government workers who are not getting paid to to the streets of Philadelphia on Tuesday to fight to get the government reopened The sought after AAA rating is the highest and it indicates that the government or business ha strong ability to meet financial requirements in full, and on time. When the rating dips below the AAA rating it has has a trickle down effect which impacts all economic sectors. Standar & Poor's downgraded the US rating in 2011- which is a very rare case. When the credit of a nation is downgraded, it alludes to a negative outlook for the economy. Because investors use the rating as a sounding board, which helps them inform decisions, such a downgrade could wreak havoc on the markets as it erodes confidence in both stocks and bonds, in an already volatile equity market. It could also decrease expectations for U.S. as well as global growth. The lowered rating, some believe would lead to higher borrowing costs, not only for the government but also for consumers. A Los Angeles has dismissed Ashley Judd's sexual harassment lawsuit against disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein - but said she can move forward with allegations he defamed her and damaged her career. US District Judge Philip Gutierrez said the law covering sexual harassment within a professional relationship did not apply to sexual advances Weinstein, 66, allegedly made toward Judd in 1997 during a meeting about potential film roles. However, he did rule that Judd, 50, can proceed with her defamation claim against the producer, who has been accused of sexual abuse by hundreds of women and is facing criminal charges in New York. A Los Angeles judge dismissed actress Ashley Judd's sexual harassment lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein Wednesday One of the first women to accuse him, Judd claims that in 1998, Weinstein defamed her and damaged her career by telling Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson that she was a 'nightmare' to work with Judge Philip Gutierrez said Judd can still proceed with her defamation claim against Weinstein Gutierrez previously said in September that the law upon which Judd's claim was based 'has never before been applied to an employer's sexual harassment of a prospective employee, and the court is not convinced that the statute was intended to cover such harassment.' Weinstein's lawyers in July insisted Judd had struck a 'deal' with Weinstein allowing him to touch her if she 'won an Academy Award in one of his films.' But Judd alleged that she proposed the pact to elude Weinstein after he invited her to his Beverly Hills hotel room. Jackson confirmed in December 2017 that Weinstein had in the 1990s sought to discredit actresses who later went on to accuse him of sexual misconduct. Meanwhile, Weinstein told the Daily Beast that he is reaching out to new lawyers to revamp his criminal defense team. According to a source close to Weinstein, his representatives have been in contact with high-profile criminal defense lawyers in an attempt to take over for his current attorney Ben Brafman. But in a rare statement, Weinstein tells the Daily Beast: 'The rumor is untrue. We are looking to augment the team, not replace anyone.' A Melbourne man who allegedly raped a new mum after she left a night out with friends five years ago has been denied bail. Zynal Javid Khan, 34, allegedly followed his 22-year-old victim for more than a kilometre before he physically and sexually attacking her, as she left the city's Tramp Nightclub to head home to her seven-week-old baby. Magistrate Johanna Metcalf said on Thursday: 'Even with the recent law-abiding behaviours of the accused, I am not convinced exceptional circumstances has been achieved. I am refusing bail.' (File picture) Zynal Javid Khan, 34, appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court today and is due to reappear in May Victoria Police took to their official Twitter page to share an update on the investigation She added that the offences were 'extremely serious' and Khan would serve substantial jail time, if convicted. Melbourne Magistrates Court heard Khan, from Reservoira, a suburb of Melbourne, followed the woman, before dragging her into a laneway where he physically and sexually assaulted her, leaving her seriously injured on June 30, 2013. He denies the allegations. While the court heard a case summary, a bearded Khan looked to the roof and floor while his family watched on from the back row of seats. The court heard there was a lack of forensic DNA linking the accused to the crime, yet Ms Metcalf said the prosecution's case could not be labelled weak. CCTV footage shows a man police say is Khan leaving the scene. Two women (pictured) were seen leaving the court earlier today after Khan was denied bail The footage has been released twice, with six people identifying Khan, including two police and his parole officer. Charges were only laid last year, partly because Khan's sister and then girlfriend who gave alibis of his whereabouts have both since been charged with perjury. His mother also made a statement on October 27 that he'd been home at the time of the offence, the court heard. The footage also depicts a male wearing clothes similar to ones the accused is reported to have worn but nothing has been seized, the magistrate added. Khan will reappear in court in May. Tina Thanh Truc Phan was arrested with 394 capsules of MDMA concealed inside her body An aspiring nurse has claimed she tried to smuggle 394 ecstasy capsules into a music festival by concealing them in condoms inside her body so she could help her family. Tina Thanh Truc Phan pleaded guilty to supplying a prohibited drug when she faced Burwood Local Court on Thursday. The 18-year-old, from Canley Heights, was arrested at the Knockout Games of Destiny festival at Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday, December 8. The event was billed as the biggest indoor festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and ended in tragedy. Callum Brosnan, 19, from Baulkham Hills, was found having a 'fit' at a western Sydney train station near the festival and taken to hospital about 1.30am on Sunday. He died just hours later. Scroll down for video Phan, from Canley Heights, completed Year 12 last year, shortly before she attempted to smuggle 394 ecstasy capsules into a music festival in western Sydney. She avoided prison Tina Phan, 18, has been accepted into a nursing degree at the University of Technology, Sydney. She is also a keen Oztag player and was a cross country runner in high school Phan attempted to disguise herself when she fled Burwood Local Court on Thursday (pictured) Lawyer Cheryl Khurana said her client had agreed to smuggle the drugs into the festival to financially help out her family. It was an 'extremely immature decision on her part' and her entire family was shocked at her actions. Phan had recently completed her Higher School Certificate and had been accepted into the University of Technology Sydney to study a bachelor of nursing. 'She's very proud of that achievement,' Ms Khurana said. Phan was a keen Oztag player and cross country runner who worked at Subway four nights a week and felt obligated to help her mother who had separated from her father after 21 years of marriage. She had attended the festival with friends and accepted an offer from a mutual acquaintance to take the drugs in the venue for money. 'She's extremely remorseful and ashamed,' Ms Khurana said. When told Phan was just 18, magistrate Louise McManus said 'dear me.' The casual Subway worker said she agreed to smuggle drugs to make money for her family The aspiring nurse (pictured leaving Burwood Court) was arrested at the Knockout Games of Destiny festival at Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday, December 8 She was further perplexed that Phan was an accomplished sportswomen who wanted to study nursing. 'The irony is there for everyone to see,' Ms McManus said. 'Having 394 capsules of MDMA concealed internally is not just immature. 'It is a serious criminal offence and a deliberate act. 'I don't accept she did it because of financial difficulties in the family.' Drug detection dog Ree (pictured) located 394 ecstasy capsules on Tina Phan, 18 Phan festival plan can unstuck at 4.35pm when drug detection dog Ree indicated she was carrying drugs. She admitted the offence straight away. 'Police escorted the accused to a designated searching area and conducted a search to which she complied with,' a statement of facts tendered to court said. 'During the search police asked the accused to remove the unknown item which was concealed internally and she handed it to police. 'Police asked the accused what the item was and she stated that they're capsules.' A package had been concealed by condoms and tissues. 'Police opened the package and revealed one clear resealable bag and within the bag was one smaller clear resealable bag,' the statement of facts said. 'Police counted the capsules with a total of 394 MDMA capsules.' In sentencing Phan to a 12-month community correction order including 80 hours of community service Ms McManus noted the recent festival deaths by overdose. 'I find it very hard to believe that anybody in this day and age doesn't understand the risks of supplying and taking drugs at music festivals,' she said. 'And yet again we've seen people dying.' Phan believed the drugs were MDMA but in reality they 'could be anything'. Callum Brosnan, 19, from Baulkham Hills, was found having a 'fit' at a western Sydney train station (pictured) near the festival and taken to hospital. He died just hours later NSW Police arrested 62 people who were found to be in possession of drugs at the dance rave (pictured) 'What you did was not just immature and a silly mistake. It was a criminal act that put people at risk,' Ms McManus said. 'These capsules were internally concealed which in my view means there was real premeditation.' Ms McMamus said she hoped Phan could continue with nursing. 'What is best is if you give back to the community.' Sixteen revellers had to be taken to hospital and three were placed in induced comas after suffering suspected overdoses at the Knockout Games of Destiny festival. About 130 partygoers sought medical treatment. The event attracted 18,000 'hardstyle' electronic music fans to watch performers including Head Hunterz, Psyko Punkz and Radical Redemption. A spate of recent fatal overdoses at music festivals has led to a debate about whether pill testing should be provided at such events. Knockout Games of Destiny owner Peter Finley had vowed his festival would be safe. 'We have plenty of ambulances and medics and stuff, we go above and beyond any other company in this country in terms of safety,' Mr Finley said on social media. 'We've got you covered, if anything's wrong with you we have the medics there at the very back of the arena.' The Knockout Games of Destiny event attracted 18,000 'hardstyle' electronic music fans to watch performers including Head Hunterz, Psyko Punkz and Radical Redemption NSW Police later said 62 people were found in possession of drugs at the event. Jonathan Carey-Spence, 25, was also allegedy found with 145 capsules of ecstasy at the festival. He was charged with supplying and possessing a prohibited drug. Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Phan or Carey-Spence supplied drugs to Mr Brosnan or anyone else who overdosed at the event. Last month Joshua Tam, 22, died after a suspected overdose after attending the Lost Paradise festival on the New South Wales Central Coast. Joseph Pham, 23, and Diana Nguyen, 21, died after attending Defqon.1 at Penrith in Sydney's west in September. 'Green Book' director Peter Farrelly has apologized after reports emerged that he liked to flash his genitals as a joke while filming. The Cut on Wednesday published excerpts of a 1998 Newsweek story saying Farrelly and his brother and frequent film making partner Bobby Farrelly liked to use ruses to get people to look at his penis. The acclaimed director issued a statement through his publicists saying the stories' descriptions are true. 'Green Book' director Peter Farrelly has apologized after reports emerged that he liked to flash his genitals as a joke while filming 'I was an idiot. I did this decades ago and I thought I was being funny and the truth is I'm embarrassed and it makes me cringe now. I'm deeply sorry'. Those who told Newsweek they'd been tricked included film executive Tom Rothman and actress Cameron Diaz, who was starring in the Farrelly brothers' comedy 'There's Something About Mary' at the time. According to Newsweek, Diaz said of the incident: 'When a director shows you his penis the first time you meet him, you've got to recognize the creative genius. 'Green Book', which stars Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortenson as a black concert pianist and his Italian-American driver who become unlikely friends, won a Golden Globe Award on Sunday for best musical or comedy film. In another 1998 Newsweek story, film executive Tom Rothman, now chairman of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, recounts being 'flashed'. 'It wasn't a pretty sight. In fact, I'm still recovering,' he told the publication's reporter. Farrelly's other credits include 'Dumb and Dumber' and 'Shallow Hal'. Cameron Diaz was one of the actors who claimed Farrelly flashed at her. She said the incident happened while they filmed 'There's something about Mary'. Her character from the hit movie is seen on the left The film won Best Motion Picture (Musical/Comedy), with writers Nick Vallelonga, Bryan Currie and Farrelly winning Best Screenplay. Actor Mahershala Ali winning his first Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture for his role as famed pianist 'Doc' Don Shirley. The movie is based on a true story about the relationship between celebrated pianist Dr. Donald Shirley, who was black, and his driver, who was white. Critics claim that the pair's friendship was exaggerating and other details about the film have been questioned, in particular by some of Shirley's surviving relatives. Actors Mahershala Ali (left) and Viggo Mortensen (right) star in the film Farrelly's latest film won Best Motion Picture (Musical/Comedy), with writers Nick Vallelonga, Bryan Currie and Farrelly winning Best Screenplay Golden Globe winner Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen star in the film. Farrelly was also nominated for Best Director but lost out to Alfonso Curaon who directed Roma. 'I hope that everybody sees this movie, and it's not talking to one side or the other. I've been asked, "What do you think of the guy in the White House?" I'm not going to answer that. 'I'll tell you why, because no matter what I say, I'm going to lose half the audience, and I want everybody to see this. I want everybody to see it, so yes, that would be a good thing.' Frontier Airlines has instituted a tipping method allowing passengers to leave individual contributions for flight attendants. The budget-friendly airline began accepting voluntary contributions on January 1, when a message was first issued via a digital payment tablet that said: 'Gratuities Are Appreciated!' Travel blogger JT Genter shared a photo of the checkout screen showing the option to provide an automatic 15 percent, 20 percent and 25 percent tip, or to customize it. Frontier confirmed it will no longer require flight attendants to pool their contributions and will accept personal tips from customers ordering food and beverages. Denver-based Frontier Airlines is encouraging passengers to leave individual tips for flight attendants. Travel blogger JT Genter shared this photo of the new tipping method Frontier became the first airline to accept gratuity on flights 'We appreciate the great work of our flight attendants and know that our customers do as well, so (the payment tablet) gives passengers the option to tip,' Frontier spokesman Jonathan Freed said in a statement over the weekend. 'It's entirely at the customer's discretion, and many do it.' Association of Flight Attendants International President Sara Nelson said the union is opposed to the tipping method - arguing that attendants are responsible for much more than simply serving passengers a snack and beverage. 'Regardless of the tip issue, Frontier Airlines needs to step up and pay aviations first responders a wage that recognizes their critical safety role onboard,' Nelson told the Los Angeles Times. 'We view tips as additional compensation over and above flight attendants contractual wages.' Association of Flight Attendants International President Sara Nelson (pictured in Washington, DC in May) said the union is opposed to the tipping method. She said: 'Frontier Airlines needs to step up and pay aviations first responders a wage that recognizes their critical safety role onboard' The Association of Flight Attendants, or AFA, represents 50,000 attendants for 20 airlines, according to its website. AFA serves 'as a voice for flight attendants at their workplace, in the industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill. 'Simply put, the goal of flight attendants who become part of AFA-CWA is to negotiate better pay, benefits, working conditions and work rules at their airline, and to improve their safety on the job,' its website said. Frontier became the first airline to accept gratuity on its flights, according to the Los Angeles Times. The airline instituted the option to tip three years ago, but contributions were evenly distributed between in-flight crew up until the New Year. One career requiring no university experience or formal qualifications is offering starting salaries of $120,000 that rise to $200,000 with promotions. Train controllers on Melbourne's rail system earn more than school principals and even chief executives of small companies, even though it only requires four months of training. From an undisclosed central command room, those Metro Trains employees are responsible for monitoring closed-circuit TV cameras across the transport network to check for sick passengers, faulty trains or dangerous situations. One career requiring no university experience or formal qualifications is offering starting salaries of $120,000 that rise to $200,000 with promotions (Metro Trains controller pictured) A train controller salary starts at $120,000 and rises to $200,000 for senior train controllers, a Metro spokesman told Daily Mail Australia. The starting salary alone is already a whopping 46 per cent higher than Australia's average full-time salary of $82,435. The job doesn't require a university degree but to be selected, applicants must pass a 'situational awareness' test. Once they are hired, controllers undergo four months of training, which includes three weeks in the classroom, a fortnight of operational training and 12 weeks with an on-the-job trainer. From A central command room, those Metro Trains employees are responsible for monitoring closed-circuit TV cameras across the transport network to check for danger They then complete exams during the morning or afternoon peak-hour periods. Even the most junior train controllers earn more than school principals, who take home $115,000 a year while senior controllers earn more than the chief executives of small companies, who have average salaries of $158,000, Australian Taxation Office data showed. They also earn even more than airline pilots, who have average salaries of $145,000, and insurance actuaries, who earn $161,215. State government rail employees are among some of Australia's best paid workers. Queensland Rail pays its drivers a median full-time salary of $130,000 a year. Queensland Rail train drivers (pictured) are already well remunerated, earning a median full-time salary of $130,000 a year After generous overtime the top-paid Citytrain network drivers earn between $182,000 and $193,000 a year, which is almost as much as a federal member of parliament. Then there are the generous overtime provisions. Under the Fair Work Commission's Rail Industry Award, train drivers are paid $66.93 an hour - or double-time-and-a-half - on public holidays. Drivers on Melbourne's Metro Trains network receive time-and-a-half with a day in lieu or double-time-and-a-half on request for working New Year's Day and Australia Day. The transport sector is one of the most generous in Australia, outside of medicine, with railway track workers receiving average salaries of $103,000, which is even more than aircraft maintenance engineers, who get $102,000. Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen claimed the Government shutdown is 'absolutely wrong' and 'shouldn't he happening'. Cohen, 52, exclusively told Dailymail.com that the shutdown caused by the impasse over the $5 million funding for Trump's border wall is 'absolutely wrong, and shouldn't be happening right now'. Cohen, who was sentenced last month to three years in jail for a series of crimes, was spotted going for lunch in New York City on Wednesday and appeared relaxed as he spoke to a Dailymail.com reporter. Michael Cohen (left) slammed his former boss Donald Trump (right) and said the Government shutdown is 'wrong and shouldn't be happening' Asked what he thought of his former boss' address to the nation in which he painted a terrifying picture of drugs and violence spilling across the border as illegal immigrants pour in, Cohen retorted wryly: 'Facts matter'. It is thought that Cohen was heading to Barneys for a lunch meeting and appeared in good spirits as he spoke to a friend on his cellphone. Last month a federal judge sentenced longtime Donald Trump lawyer Michael Cohen to three years in jail for a series of crimes to which he pleaded guilty, saying his cooperation with the Russia probe 'does not wipe the slate clean.' As an attorney, Cohen 'should have known better,' said the judge, following dramatic courtroom arguments that featured repeated references to President Trump including his attacks on Cohen as 'weak' and a 'rat'. Cohen shed tears in the courtroom as he sought leniency and reflected on decisions in his life that he now regrets including his own 'blind loyalty' to Trump, a man who helped make him rich and later 'directed' him to engage in one of the crimes he pleaded guilty to committing. Cohen won't have to report to jail until March 6, and could still get a further discount to his time if he cooperates. It is understood that Cohen (pictured) was heading to Barneys for lunch Wednesday as he stepped out in New York City Cohen appeared to be busy as he spoke to an acquaintance on his cellphone while walking Cohen was sentenced last month to three years in jail for a series of crimes including orchestrating hush payments to women in violation of campaign laws before the 2016 election An anguished Cohen pleaded with a Judge William Pauley to be able to stay out of jail, and expressed regret for trying to cover up Trump's 'dirty deeds.' The former right-hand man to the man who became president also will have to hand over to the government nearly $2 million in combined restitution and fines, having dodged taxes while assembling real estate and taxi business holdings as a top hand to the Trump Organization. 'Recently the president tweeted a statement calling me weak and it was correct, but for a much different reason than he was implying,' Cohen told a federal judge in open court. 'It was because time and time again I felt it was my duty to cover up his dirty deeds,' Cohen said. Michael Cohen is not the only one who criticized Trump's televised address to the nation in which he claimed illegal immigrants were bringing drugs and violence into the country US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (right) and Senate Minority Leader Democrat Chuck Schumer (left) accused Trump of having an 'obsession' with the border wall and failing to cooperate in a bid to end the Government shutdown He blasted President Trump for 'calling me a rat,' and criticized his longtime employer for trying to sway a proceeding that could in fact 'implicate' him. 'I will continue to cooperate' with investigators, Cohen pledged. After he was sentenced, Trump said he never directed Cohen to break any law. Cohen pleaded guilty to multiple charges, but the one that is most perilous for Trump is a campaign violation. Prosecutors say a figure identified as 'Individual-1' Trump 'directed' Cohen to make a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels, who claims she had an affair with Trump. Cohen had said in a guilty plea in August that he was directed by Trump to arrange a payment to Playboy model Karen McDougal, and personally pay adult-film star Stormy Daniels. Cohen said in a guilty plea in August that he was directed by Trump to arrange a payment to Playboy model Karen McDougal (right) and personally pay adult-film star Stormy Daniels (left) Trump initially denied any payment, but on Thursday put forward the defense that it was his lawyer's job to know the law. 'I never directed Michael Cohen to break the law,' Trump wrote. 'He was a lawyer and he is supposed to know the law. It is called advice of counsel and a lawyer has great liability if a mistake is made,' Trump wrote. 'That is why they get paid,' he added, before bringing up campaign finance laws in a series of tweets. Then he claimed Cohen lied to a federal judge in order to shave time off his jail term, and appeared to dangle a hint that Cohen's family members will be facing prosecution in the future. Cohen was engaged in the taxi medallion business with his father-in-law. Michael Cohen walks out of a court building in New York after being sentenced to three years in prison Cohen's wife Laura Shusterman (left) along with children Samantha and Jake leave his sentence hearing at the United States Federal Court in New York 'Those charges were just agreed to by him in order to embarrass the president and get a much reduced prison sentence, which he did-including the fact that his family was temporarily let off the hook. 'As a lawyer, Michael has great liability to me!' Trump concluded. Prosecutors in New York confirmed last month in a court filing that they believed the president ordered the payments to protect his campaign. Trump has denied the affairs and argues the payments to the two women were not campaign contributions. If it were, its only civil, and even if its only civil, there was no violation based on what we did, Trump said in an interview on Tuesday. U.S. District Judge William Pauley sentenced Cohen to three years for the payments, and unrelated crimes of tax evasion and misleading banks. He gave Cohen two months for lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Tower project in Russia. Incest clan matriarch: Betty Colt was refused bail at Sydney's Central Local Court on Thursday An 'incest clan' matriarch today lost her bid for freedom after a court heard remarkable details from prosecutors about her behaviour last time she was on bail. Mother-of-thirteen Betty Colt, 51, has been behind bars for nine months facing charges of perjury and perverting the course of justice. Colt is the supposed head of a family found by authorities to be living in squalid conditions in western New South Wales six years ago. She and seven family members were rounded up by police last year on charges ranging from perjury to, in the cases of others, inter-generational incest and sex abuse. Colt, sporting dyed blond hair, bowed her head and closed her eyes with disappointment as she was refused bail on Thursday. In her decision, Magistrate Margaret Quinn reflected on how Colt was granted bail to an abandoned house in 2014. Police investigators have previously told a court they found no furniture inside Colt's supposed house and just $3.85 was spent on water bills. This is the inside of a Boorowa, NSW camp where Betty Colt's family lived back in 2012 'It does appear she was not residing in the place where she allocated,' Magistrate Margaret Quinn said on Thursday. 'There was no furniture, she hadn't been in there,' she said, adding that Colt had failed to abide by court orders in the past. Her lawyer, Alessandro Albanese, admitted there was 'an inference that could be drawn' that she had not lived at her bail address in 2014. 'A strong inference,' Ms Quinn agreed. Mr Albanese argued that Colt needed to be bailed to care for one of her daughters, who has vision and hearing impairments, and prepare for her upcoming trial. He proposed that she report to police twice daily and use only one phone number as part of her bail conditions. He argued Colt was not a risk of skipping court as she had attended hearings leading up to when she was sentenced to full time custody for kidnapping. 'These aren't matters Ms (Colt) is running away from, these are matters which will be fought until her name is cleared,' he said. But Crown prosecutor Mardi Cartwright told the court there was an 'extremely high risk' Colt would interfere with witnesses against the family if granted bail. When Colt was last released on bail, police went to her address and found a home with no furniture and $3 on the water meter Ms Cartwright said prosecutors were concerned she would coerce 'extremely vulnerable' women into supporting her case. Colt had previously avoided police telephone intercepts by using other peoples' phones 'so she can speak to the person she wants to speak to', Ms Cartwright claimed in court. Magistrate Quinn found there was an unacceptable risk of Colt interfering with witnesses and committing an offence. 'She did aggressively maintain contact with all her children in the past,' the magistrate said. 'She hasn't abided by the court's orders in the past.' Colt could face up to 14 years behind bars for perverting the course of justice and 10 years for alleged perjury, if found guilty. Bail conditions for all seven of her relatives facing criminal charges were continued. The cases return to court later this year. A court appointed pseudonyms to all members of the 'Colt' family back in 2012, including to 'Betty'. A little girl has died after being found floating face down in her family's backyard pool on Wednesday evening. Octavia Rothnie was pulled unconscious from the water by her parents Darren and Rachel at their home in Werrington Downs, western Sydney, just before 8pm. Mr and Mrs Rothnie performed CPR while waiting for paramedics with guidance from triple-0 staff, but the one-year-old died while on the way to nearby Nepean Hospital. Octavia Rothnie (centre) was pulled unconscious from the backyard swimming by her parents Darren (left) and Rachel (right) on Wednesday, but died on her way to hospital On a Santa photo on Mrs Rothnie's social media account, the proud mother wrote: 'Such a happy little girl, love her to bits'. NSW Ambulance acting superintendent Jordan Emery said the parents did everything right by calling for help as quickly as they did. 'They received excellent first aid advice from our call centre staff... it's not foolproof, early CPR does not always result in the outcomes that we might hope for. 'These incidents happen in seconds and there in frankly a myth that drownings are noisy dramatic incidents, in fact they're silent.' Police are investigating the circumstances leading up to her death. Months earlier, Mrs Rothnie had commented on a Facebook photo of their daughter posted by her husband: 'My life, my love, my everything'. The tragedy has rocked the quiet suburban street, with neighbours telling how they regularly saw the youngster playing with her parents in the front yard. Octavia, one, was found floating face down in the backyard swimming pool at her family home at Werrington Downs, in Western Sydney, about 8pm on Wednesday Mr and Mrs Rothnie performed CPR on their daughter until paramedics arrived, but she could not be saved. Police are investigating the circumstances leading up to her death Just hours earlier two children were pulled from the water at Avoca Beach, on the New South Wales Central Coast. A four-year-old boy had to be rescued by members of the public who performed CPR until paramedics arrived. A five-year-old girl was also rescued and treated. The young boy was airlifted to The Children's Hospital, Westmead, where he remains in a serious condition. President Trump has made a new argument for his border wall, claiming migrants are crossing the southern border in 'stronger, bigger, faster vehicles than our police'. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office Wednesday, Trump said: 'The fact is if we don't have barriers, walls - call it what you want - but if we don't have very strong barriers where people can not any longer drive right across... they have unbelievable vehicles. They make a lot of money.' As clips of Trump's claims began circulating online, Twitter users suggested the president may be confusing plot points from action films like Fast and Furious and Mad Max with the situation at the US-Mexico border. 'They have the best vehicles you can buy. They have bigger, stronger, and faster vehicles than our police have, than ICE has and than border patrol has,' Trump said. 'They have areas they go to where it's like a highway and if we don't close them up then you're kidding yourself. The wall is a necessity.' Trump said Wednesday from the Oval Office thatmigrants are crossing the southern border in 'stronger, bigger, faster vehicles' than ICE has 'If you don't have the wall then a drone or other technology isn't stopping 1,000 people from running through. Every democrat over the last 15 years have approved what we're asking for. We have to think about the people of our country,' the President said Wednesday. During the same meeting, the president also dropped new hints on that he's prepared to go around lawmakers and build his border wall without a deal for new congressional spending. 'I really believe the Democrats and the Republicans are working together,' Trump said during the afternoon bill-signing event in the Oval Office. But 'otherwise,' he warned, 'we'll go about it in a different manner.' 'I think we might work a deal,' he said. 'And if we don't, we might go that route.' Trump said he has the 'absolute right' to declare an emergency, declaring that the only meaningful 'threshold' for making that decision would be the failure of his team and negotiators in Congress to cut a deal. These claims come the day after Trump gave a nine-minute prime-time address from the Oval Office to make the case for funding his $5.7billion border wall. A Twitter user shared a clip from the movie Mad Max to make sense of what the president was referring to One Twitter user compares Trump's theory of cars coming across the border to a plot from Fast and Furious Twitter users suggested Trump is confusing the southern border with the action film Mad Max Another man questioned why the migrant Caravan was walking thousands of miles instead of hopping in one of these so-called 'unbelievable vehicles He stopped short of declaring that emergency on Tuesday's address while reiterating his demand that congressional Democrats fund a border wall that he has promised for nearly four years. He played the shame card with a vengeance, blaming them for playing politics with innocent American lives and allowing 'a crisis of the heart and a crisis of the soul' to fester. 'How much more American blood must we shed before Congress does its job?' Trump asked. Citing a string of murders committed by illegal immigrants who have been previously deported form the United States, he demanded of lawmakers: 'For those who refuse to compromise in the name of border security, I would ask: Imagine if it was your child, your husband or your wife whose life was so cruelly shattered and totally broken.' 'To every member of Congress: Pass a bill that ends this crisis.' On Wednesday morning the president suggested that border security is a rare bleak spot in America's outlook, tweeting that the nation 'is doing so well in so many ways. Great jobs numbers, with a record setting December. We are rebuilding our military. Vets finally have Choice & Accountability. Economy & GDP are strong. Tax & Reg cuts historic. Trade deals great.' 'But we MUST fix our Southern Border!' North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly reached out to the leader of his only major ally, China, in an effort to coordinate with Beijing ahead of a possible second summit with US President Donald Trump. Kim reportedly said he is committed to setting up a second summit with Trump to 'achieve results' on the nuclear standoff on the Korean Peninsula. The comments, contained in reports Thursday from Chinese and North Korean state media, came after Kim left Beijing on his special armored train for Pyongyang after a two-day visit to the Chinese capital. Kim's trip to China - his fourth in the past 10 months - comes after U.S. and North Korean officials are thought to have met in Vietnam to discuss the site of the summit. Kim met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his trip, Chinese and North Korea state media reported Thursday. It wasn't clear from the reports if Kim was in back in the North, but his train presumably would arrive sometime Thursday. Kim Jong Un (second left) has reportedly told Chinese President Xi Jinping (second right) he is committed to a second summit with President Trump to tackle the nuclear standoff on the Korean Peninsula Xi was quoted as saying that China supports the U.S.-North Korea summits and hopes the two sides 'will meet each other halfway.' The North said in its report that Xi accepted an invitation to visit North Korea, although details of when he might come were not given. Kim reportedly said North Korea 'will continue sticking to the stance of denuclearization and resolving the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue and consultation, and make efforts for the second summit between (North Korean) and U.S. leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community.' Trump and Kim met in Singapore in June for the first-ever leaders' meeting between their nations, but there has been a standoff ever since, with dueling accusations of bad faith. South Korea's Yonhap News Agency said Kim visited a technology development zone in China and spent around 20-30 minutes touring a factory run by famed traditional Chinese medicine maker Tong Ren Tang. Kim has recently visited China four times to coordinate ahead of a possible new summit with Trump North Korean and Chinese state media announced his visit shortly in advance of his arrival in Beijing, in a break with standard protocol dictating such trips are only confirmed after they happen. Yonhap said Kim met with Xi for about an hour on Tuesday and later attended a dinner at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing hosted by Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan. Kim was accompanied by his wife, Ri Sol Ju, the news agency said. Trump says he considers Xi key to enticing Kim into taking concrete steps toward denuclearization At Tuesday's daily Foreign Ministry briefing, spokesman Lu Kang said Beijing remains supportive of efforts to end tensions over U.S. demands for a halt to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. 'We always believe that, as key parties to the Korean Peninsula issue, it's important for the two sides to maintain contact and we always support their dialogue to achieve positive outcomes,' Lu said. Tuesday was Kim's birthday. His visit is also seen as part of an effort to win Chinese support for a reduction of U.N. sanctions imposed over his nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, which have severely impacted his country's already ailing economy. While North Korea hasn't conducted any launches or detonations in more than a year, it's displayed no real intention of abandoning the programs that are seen as guaranteeing the government's survival. President Trump (left) and Kim met in Singapore in June for the first-ever leaders' meeting between their nations Kim's visit also came after he expressed frustration in his annual New Year's address over the lack of progress in negotiations with Washington since the Singapore summit with Trump in June, saying that if things don't improve - meaning that if sanctions relief and security guarantees aren't in the offing - Pyongyang might have to find 'a new way' forward. While Trump says he considers Xi key to enticing Kim into taking concrete steps toward denuclearization, the president's own relationship with his Chinese counterpart has frayed over the U.S.-China trade war. Officially, at least, China says it considers the tariff battle and North Korea's weapons programs to be entirely separate. The number of horrendous illegal brothels raided in an Australian city have been soaring as authorities fear more foreign women are forced into the sex industry. Police have been targeting illegal brothels throughout Canberra, raiding 10 underground operations since July, in a crackdown on sex trafficking and illegal prostitution. Four people have been charged relating to those raids. The number of horrendous illegal brothels raided in an Australian city have been soaring as authorities fear foreign women are forced into the sex industry Police have been targeting illegal brothels throughout Canberra, raiding 10 underground operations since July, in a crackdown to see numbers decline Footage from a search at an apartment complex in Reid showed the grim conditions sex workers were forced to endure. The rooms appeared unhygienic, covered in mould and dirt. Detective Superintendent Scott Moller told ABC there had been an increase in illegal brothels as there was an 'opportunity' to run these types of businesses in suburban Canberra. During the Reid raids in September last year, police discovered one Thai man and three Thai women working in breach of their visa conditions or without a valid visa. 'We are finding that the women are (trafficked) here and they're part of a trend that organised crime is using to exploit vulnerable women,' Moller said. The women were being tricked into the sex industry, being told they are going to Australia to work as a maid or waitress, he said. 'They're here and many don't speak English and they're vulnerable, and in a lot of cases the only option is to engage in prostitution.' Footage from a search at an apartment complex in Reid showed the grim conditions sex workers were forced to endure During the Reid raids in September last year, police discovered one Thai man and three Thai women working in breach of their visa conditions or without a valid visa Women found in illegal brothels tend to be directed to support services, such as Sex Workers Outreach Program. However, some programs require the women to give evidence, which in some cases can be challenging due to the victims' limited English. Cracking down on businesses employing foreign workers is an operational priority for the Australian Border Force, including through compliance activity and its work under Taskforce Cadena. Max Spiers, 39, died aged 39 while on a visit for a conference to Warsaw in July 2016 Polish police who handled the death of a British conspiracy theorist were 'wholly incompetent', a coroner has said. Maxwell Bates-Spiers, widely known as Max Spiers, died in Warsaw at the age of 39 after taking a combination of prescription drugs while suffering from pneumonia, an inquest in Sandwich, Kent, found. But police who attended the scene were criticised by the coroner after it emerged that officers failed to examine his body or launch an investigation. Speaking after the inquest, Mr Bates-Spiers' mother, Vanessa Bates, said the initial police response was 'unbelievable'. Her son died on July 16 2016 at the home of Monika Duval, 50, whom he met at a conference in Warsaw where he had spoken about 'secret military programmes'. Coroner Christopher Sutton-Mattocks said: 'Max was a conspiracy theorist and a well-known one at that. 'If there was anything that was bound to excite the interest of other conspiracy theorists it was the wholly incompetent initial investigation into his death.' The coroner described Mr Bates-Spiers as a 'leading international expert' on conspiracy theories. He said it was only a separate investigation into his death by the Polish Prosecutor's Office which revealed the 'hasty and superficial' police response. Vanessa Bates, the mother of conspiracy theorist Mr Spiers who died mysteriously in Poland Mr Bates-Spiers, from Kent, had spoken at the Earth Project conference in April 2016, when he met publisher Ms Duval, who let him stay at her house. He fell asleep on her sofa after taking about 10 tablets of a Turkish form of the drug Xanax. Mr Bates-Spiers had bought a pharmacy's 'entire stock' of the anxiety drug during a holiday with Ms Duval in Cyprus, where it can be obtained without a prescription. He stopped breathing, then vomited 'gastric fluids' as she attempted resuscitation before he was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination also found deadly levels of oxycodone, an opioid, in his system, the three-day hearing was told. In the weeks before his death, he had sent messages to his mother, asking her to 'investigate' if anything happened to him and saying he feared he would be murdered. Two police officers who were called to Ms Duval's house by paramedics said they made 'no examination or further investigation' because a doctor said the death was due to 'natural causes', the coroner was told. Statements from the paramedics which were handed to the inquest denied they told police it was not suspicious. Mr Sutton-Mattocks said he believed the account of medical staff. Police should have 'preserved and carefully forensically checked' the scene, he said. The inquest heard that Mr Bates-Spiers' body was then left at the house overnight after emergency services left. Mrs Bates said after the inquest: 'What struck me was the Polish police incompetence was unbelievable. 'They took no interest at all from the moment that he died. They did absolutely nothing.' Mr Bates-Spiers had developed a drug addiction after being prescribed opioids following a severe accident when he was about 18, the inquest heard. He was prescribed oxycodone, a strong painkiller, in Poland while staying with Ms Duval, who paid for several doctor's appointments and medication, it was said. Giving a narrative conclusion, Mr Sutton-Mattocks said the cause of death was pneumonia and intoxication by drugs, which caused aspiration of gastric contents. This is the shocking moment a Good Samaritan was stabbed in the stomach by a crazed criminal on a knife rampage. Plumber Hassan Rizk, 24, tried to stop a man armed with a 25cm kitchen knife from stealing a taxi in Bass Hill, Sydney on Friday. He confronted 24-year-old Ayman Fakah in the street and asked him: 'Why are you carrying a knife bro?' He was rushed to hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery, and now faces a long recovery period where he will be unable to work Mr Rizk then asked another bystander to call the police when the assailant turned back and stabbed him in the stomach. Shocking footage first aired by 9News shows Mr Rizk hobbling away while clutching his bleeding midriff. In the carnage on Friday, the the knifeman stole a Woolworths delivery truck, damaged more than four packed vehicles and carjacked a taxi before stabbing himself to death. Mr Rizk (pictured) was stabbed in the stomach on Friday with a 25cm long kitchen knife after he tried to intervene in a carjacking Earlier this week, family and friends shared a photo of Mr Rizk lying in hospital, recovering from the stab wound. Mr Rizk's brother told Daily Mail Australia that surgeries so far have been successful. He has set up a fundraising page which reads: 'While protecting other civilians, Hassan Rizk will now suffer the repercussions of this horrific incident in the long term as he will not be able to return to his job as a plumber until he recovers. 'We as a community thought the least Hassan deserves is this account to support him during this tough time to get him back on his feet, and not be in a financial or emotional pit.' The money will help Mr Rizk with 'monthly expenses, as he will be off work for months to come'. The chaos began in Bass Hill at about 3pm on Friday, when Fakah lead police on a 45 minute pursuit across four Sydney suburbs. When police finally closed in on Fakah, he stabbed himself in the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene HOW THE CRIME SPREE UNFOLDED - Police tried to pull Ayman Fakah over on the Hume Highway in Bass Hill about 3pm on Friday because he wasn't displaying number plates - Fakah rammed a police car and kept driving - He dicthed his silver Range Rover in Chullora and stole a Woolworths delivery truck - He fled in the truck toward Wiley Park, ricocheting off more than four parked vehicles - The assailant continued fleeing officers towards Rockdale - He got out of the truck near Fitness First in Rockdale and attempted to hijack a taxi - Hassan Rizk confronted the attacker and was brutally stabbed - After stabbing Mr Rizk, he fled - He was finally cornered on Forest Road in Arncliffe about 3.30pm - Police armed with tasers approached him at the intersection of Wardel Street and Forest Road - He turned the knife on himself and died at the scene Advertisement Mr Rizk was seen on video dropping to the ground in agony when he was stabbed in the abdomen after confronting Fakah. Bystanders then attempted to stem Mr Rizk's blood flow while they waited for the ambulance. As they did, Fakah forced taxi driver Saadi Alsamer, 54, out of his vehicle and used it as a getaway car. He drove north to Arncliffe where he was confronted by police outside St Francis Xavier's Catholic Primary School. He then stabbed himself in the chest and died at the scene. Fakah was known to police due to extensive mental health issues. NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Mick Fitzgerald said he had a 'mental health background' but not an extensive criminal history. 'It was a man doing everything he could to avoid arrest. His actions, particularly when he stabbed an innocent person, are the actions of someone we believe who had mental health issues,' he said. 'It would appear to us that the offender wasn't trying to intentionally harm people along the way. He could have, if he wished to, harm a great deal of both humans and vehicles.' Mr Rizk was rushed to St George Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery on Friday night. That surgery was followed by another on Saturday to mend a blood vessel tear on his liver. He is now in a stable condition. If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit the website at www.lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000. The Oscars will reportedly have no host this year after the fallout with comedian Kevin Hart who stepped down from the role over resurfaced homophobic tweets. For the first time in three decades, producers will select A-list celebrities to present and introduce segments instead of having one person host the entire night, sources tell Variety. With the 91st Academy Awards just six weeks away, producers are reportedly scrambling to coordinate the celebrity lineup for February 24. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences currently has made no new offers for an alternative host after Hart confirmed Wednesday that he would not be hosting despite a public push from Ellen DeGeneres to do so. Scroll down for video The Oscars will reportedly have no host this year after Kevin Hart confirmed Wednesday he would not be hosting because he did not have enough time to prepare for them The last time the Oscars went without a host was in 1989. Instead, Rob Lower performed what was labeled a 'disastrous' performance with Snow White during the 61st Academy Awards. This year's show is expected to 'play up a high-profile year for music in film, thanks to likely nominees Lady Gaga, Dolly Parton, and Kendrick Lamar,' sources tell Variety. Hart confirmed that he would not host the Oscars during an unapologetic interview on Wednesday morning where he said he was 'over' discussing his homophobic tweet and had 'nothing to prove' to anyone. The comedian appeared on Good Morning America where he repeatedly said he would no longer 'give energy' to the controversy which led to him stepping down as the host of next month's 91st Academy Awards. Stone-faced, he said: 'I am done with it. It gets no more energy. 'For the last time, I am done addressing this. There is no more conversation about it. 'I'm done with it, I am over it.' Asked how he had evolved since his 2009-2010 tweets about 'f*gs' and disowning his son if he ever came out as gay, Hart would not be drawn. 'I have explained how I evolved. I'm not saying how I've changed anymore. I'm not saying what I've done and what the new me is. I'm not giving no more explanation. 'I've done it several times, I've talked about it. I am just done.' Later, he said it was 'your problem' if his apologies, which after he stepped down from the Oscars instead of saying sorry, were not accepted. 'I'm a good person. If you don't see that, it's a problem with you. I shouldn't have to prove who I am, I shouldn't have to prove the levels of love that I am capable of giving. 'If anybody out there wants to think that Kevin Hart is such a monster that he wouldn't love someone because of their choice in life, then all power to 'em,' he said, giving his only promise throughout the interview that he was not homophobic as accused. 'I am not over-delivering it, I am not overproving it because you find yourself in a position where it still won't be received and you go, 'What else do you want? ''You want blood? You want my arms?'' he went on. He would not agree to do the Oscars again, he said, because there was now not enough time left for him to prepare. Unamused: Hart was stern as he repeatedly told host Michael Strahan that he would not apologize again for his remarks or explain how he had changed 'I am not hosting the Oscars this year... right now, from a time perspective, I don't have the time. 'You're talking about two weeks that I would have to prepare,' he said. 'I like to call myself a perfectionist. I would want to make sure the production is a great representation of me and my talent. 'I can't do it this year, it's not going to happen, in the future if it does it does but it's not the conversation of today.' Hart said that the backlash Ellen DeGeneres received for supporting him proved that there was 'no ending'. 'If you keep feeding this energy, then it's going to grow,' he said. Hart was named as the host of the 91st Academy Awards in December. He took proudly to social media afterwards to announce it but his elation was short-lived. Within days, Twitter users had unearthed his old tweets and demanded that he be removed. Among them were posts where he labeled people 'f**gs' and jokes about what he would do if his son came out as gay. Despite the backlash, Hart refused to apologize and instead quit over the controversy, blindsiding the Academy and leaving them without a host. He said the Oscars gave him an ultimatum; apologize or give up the gig. He chose the latter. Harts homophobic tweets from 2009 - 2011 resurfaced last month after he was given the gig. He deleted them years ago Hart later appeared on Ellen where she defended him and called for him to get the job back. Her comments enraged the LGBTQ community In Instagram posts afterwards, he said he had already addressed the tweets in the past and refused to dive back into the discussion, saying instead that it would only seek to 'feed the trolls'. Later, he appeared on Ellen where both he and she called for viewers to embrace growth and change. During their interview, she revealed that she had even called the Academy to ask if Hart could still host the show and said she was told he could. Ellen, who has long been an icon in the LGBTQ community, was lampooned for throwing her support behind the comedian afterwards. Hart later came to her defense, saying: 'When did we get to the point where we forgot that we all learn, then we all have the ability to grow and with that growth comes a wealth of knowledge. 'You can't change without a understanding of what GROWTH means.' On Tuesday, he made a frustrated apology on his radio show where he said: 'Once again, Kevin Hart apologizes for his remarks that hurt members of the LGBTQ community. 'I apologize. I am now moving on from this because I'm just hoping that the apology is accepted.' An 11-year-old girl had a brush with death after she picked up a blue-ringed octopus to show her mother - without realising it is one of the most deadly sea creatures in the world. The young girl had been playing at Salmon Haul beach, in the southern Sydney suburb of Cronulla, with her mother Julie Tattam when she spotted the octopus on a shell. 'Look at this gorgeous octopus, I caught it in this shell,' the excited girl called to her mother as she carried the deadly marine creature across the beach on Wednesday. Scroll down for video A girl, 11, had a brush with death after she picked up a blue-ringed octopus (pictured) to show her mother - without realising it is one of the most deadly sea creatures in the world The mother was shaken by the incident and immediately started googling the dangerous animals The young girl had been playing at Salmon Haul beach, in the southern Sydney suburb of Cronulla with her mother Julie Tattam (pictured) when she spotted the octopus on a shell However, as the 11-year-old was walking towards her mother, the blue-ringed octopus emerged from its shell and began moving towards her hand. The girl reacted by dropping the shell onto the rocks. 'I ran down to look and it was a blue ringed octopus!' Ms Tattam said. The mother was shaken by the incident and immediately started googling the dangerous animals. 'Blue ringed octopi are such deadly creatures - a sting on a child sends them unconscious in minutes and the lungs become paralysed soon after that and death can happen within 20mins,' Ms Tattam said. The terrifying incident compelled Ms Tattam to warn other beach-goers to be careful while swimming or walking around the rocks at Cronulla, particularly Salmon Haul beach (pictured) 'We were a good 15 mins walk from the car and then another 15-20mins drive from the hospital. 'So scary!' Ms Tattam told Daily Mail Australia they placed the shell with the octopus in a rock pool and when they returned later, the animal had been killed. 'I guess someone else was scared of it too,' Ms Tattam said. The panicked mother added she had no idea the octopi were only 5-7cm long and had never thought to warn her child of the animal before. Ms Tattam said parents should be aware that the deadly octopi are not always immediately identifiable, as their electric blue rings are most visible when the animal is agitated and otherwise can appear almost brown in colour. 'That was surprising to me, so I have just told my kids to never touch any shells or sea creatures from now on to be safe,' she told Daily Mail Australia. The terrifying incident compelled Ms Tattam to warn other beach-goers on Facebook: 'Please be careful if you are swimming/walking around the rocks at Cronulla (especially Salmon Haul).' On Christmas Eve, father Aaron Pix was rushed to hospital after coming into contact with a blue-ringed octopus at Quindalup Beach on Western Australia's south-west coast. Sophie Pix, 11, was swimming with her younger brother Will, seven, when she found a pretty shell. Aaron Pix's daughter decided to keep a shell and gave it to her dad , who put it in his pocket, unaware of the two deadly octopuses lurking within (pictured) She decided to keep the shell and gave it to her dad Aaron Pix, 42, who put it in his pocket, unaware of the two deadly octopi lurking within. Mr Pix didn't make the horrifying discovery until he was cleaning out the shell when they returned home from the beach. He became unwell and was rushed to hospital after his leg came in contact with the tentacles. The octopuses are known to be docile unless provoked or handled, but their bites will render victims severely or totally paralysed and unable to signal for help (stock) Mr Pix spent three hours under observation in hospital before he was given the all-clear. Early last month, a young girl unwittingly picked up one of the dangerous animals while collecting shells at Coogee beach, south of Perth in Western Australia. Her aunt discovered the animal back at home while they were cleaning off the shells. Fortunately, there were no injuries. Despite their small size, the blue-ringed octopus is one of the worlds most venomous marine creatures and they carry enough venom to kill twenty-six adults within minutes. They are known to be docile unless provoked or handled, but their venom will render victims severely or totally paralysed and unable to signal for help. A mother has accused her six-year-old son's school of being 'racist and gendered' after they demanded he chop off his dreadlocks. Tiffany Brown slammed Spring Valley Elementary School in Hewitt, Texas, after they ordered Jonathan to cut his hair when he returned to school after the holidays on January 8, because it didn't fit in with their policies. A flier was sent home with the students just before the break outlining what the students should be wearing and how long their hair should be. Scroll for video Jonathan Brown, six, was given a directive by his Texas public school to cut his dreads significantly shorter. His mother is called the school's policy racist The students were sent him with this dress code 'reminder' just before the break. The mother says she never received any such notice about his hair till before the break According to the letter, 'hair must not be lower than the bottom of the ears or collar in the back.' A handwritten note instructs the boy to 'please cut by Jan. 8th,' reported Yahoo News. 'I signed up for a great education, for my children,' Brown tweeted. 'I won't conform to racist policies.' The mother says she is opposed to cutting little Jonathan's hair, citing the significance of dreadlocks within her community and noting that students of color are often targeted by hair regulations. 'Children of color have been targeted for many years, because of what others see as the norms in our society,' she told Yahoo News. 'Because of these norms that are blinding people in our society, some people have stated that dreadlocks are a fashion statement and my child should conform and express himself when he's older. Dreadlocks are part of my African culture, not a fashion statement. 'Dreadlocks have been a symbol of beauty and strength for many years,' Brown continued. 'During slavery, everything was stripped from my people. Now, this is happening. So, basically it's a form of control and bondage. Biblically speaking, when Samson was stripped from his hair he was weakened. Our hair is our glory! Only recently, people of color/African descent have come to accept and love their natural hair. To hear someone say it's not enough or that my hair should blend with others, that's not right. 'My son's hair is a part of him. Hair grows from the scalp; this is a part of his body. How can parents teach kids to love themselves and then a school is telling them differently? The school is saying you're not enough! My son is not enough for them. Now, they're asking him to alter his body, because they don't like it.' Brown added that Jonathan returned to school on Jan. 8 with his hair intact and was called to the school office. 'He was told that they wanted to speak with him about his Christmas break,' she said. 'However, they proceeded to speak with him about his hair!' A distraught mom and author, Tiffany Brown (left) slammed the school, and her son appeared upset and confused telling her about the conversation he had had with the assistant principal earlier in the day In a heart-wrenching video, her adorable son says he wants to cut his hair because 'everything I do makes people upset, while his mother is talking to him about the private meeting the assistant principal had with him over his hair and how he and his mother were on the news about the controversy. Brown said she 'nearly slammed on the car brakes' when the boy told her that the meeting, which allegedly referenced her appearance on local TV to discuss the hair policy, had discouraged him about keeping his dreadlocks. 'My son Jonathan went from loving his hair yesterday to opting to cut his hair today, after this meeting,' she said. 'Yesterday, he loved his hair and didn't want it cut; today he's frustrated and doesn't, after speaking with a school official.' She says 'meeting with an adult speaking about his hair being an issue without my presence will not be tolerated.' 'My plans are to go as far as needed to ensure the rights and liberties of every child are respected and protected,' she added. 'Not only for children of color, but for every child.' The school released a statement to Yahoo: 'Midway ISD has implemented dress and grooming standards for decades. The policy is established to teach grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption and minimize safety hazards. Even when the policy has incrementally evolved through revisions over time, the length of male students' hair has been a subject of periodic debate over several decades. In other words, male students wanting to have long hair is not new. Advertisement Elvis lookalikes and tribute artists have rock and rolled their way towards rural New South Wales on board the Blue Suede Express ahead of a weekend celebration of the King. Hundreds of diehard fans and impersonators took over Sydney's Central station on Thursday morning as revellers in bejewelled jumpsuits packed two trains headed for the 27th annual Parkes Elvis Festival. The 1957 hit All Shook Up and the 50s decade are set to be the focus of this year's event, which kicks off in the regional town, 365km west of Sydney, this weekend. Elvis lookalikes and tribute artists have rock and rolled their way towards rural New South Wales on board the Blue Suede Express ahead of a weekend celebration of the King Elvis impersonators pose for photographs before boarding the Blue Suede Express in Sydney on Thursday morning Parkes Mayor Ken Keith and Elvis tribute artists sing and dance at Central Station before they boarded the 'Elvis Express' Elvis fans wait to board the Blue Suede Express at Central Station in Sydney ahead of the weekend celebration of the King Parkes' population triples in the second week of January each year with more than 26,000 Elvis and Priscilla Presley fans arriving for the festival officially endorsed by the estate of the King of Rock and Roll. The celebration features concerts, a street parade and The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest to decide who represents Australia in a global competition in Memphis, USA, later in 2019. Two trains - dubbed the Blue Suede Express and Elvis Express - departed Central at 9.30am. Elvis lookalikes Damien Barden, 56, and his nephew Luke Barden, 38, were among the group, dressed in hand-crafted matching costumes. Ken Keith, the Mayor of Parkes, where the 27th annual tribute event will be held this weekend, poses for a photograph Hundreds of diehard fans (Steve Fletcher pictured) and impersonators took over the Sydney train station on Thursday morning The 1957 hit All Shook Up and the 50s decade are set to be the focus of this year's event, which kicks off in the regional town, 365km west of Sydney, this weekend The event will be held in the regional town of Parkes, 365km west of Sydney. Detail is seen on and Elvis impersonator's outfit For Damien, a surfer and Bondi native, Elvis will always be King. 'There will always only ever be one Elvis because no one will come close to Elvis,' Mr Barden said. As the train chugged from Sydney towards Parkes during the seven-hour journey, Elvis tribute artist Stuey V crooned that he 'always lived a very quiet life'. One can only assume it was before he owned the shimmering 1950s-style gold lame jacket he sported. In one carriage, Stuey V wowed fans, wannabes and lookalikes with a hit from the '68 Comeback Special, the TV appearance that revived the king of rock n roll's career 50 years ago. Elvis impersonator Kingsley Rock is seen hanging off the Elvis Express before boarding the train bound for Parkes on Thursday Elvis tribute artist Alfred Kaz, also known as 'Bollywood Elvis' poses for a photo at Central Station ahead of the annual event An Elvis tribute artist performs at Central Station as hundreds of fans prepare to board two trains headed for Parkes Elvis impersonator John Collins looks at his reflection before boarding the Elvis Express. Collins did his best to pump up the revellers and the train, but the crowd didn't need much prodding He shook a man's hand before planting a kiss on his wife's cheek, then sat on the lap of another woman. Things got racier as Stuey V jumped onto the train seat, one leg planted in each aisle and a woman reached up to touch his buttocks. 'I want to kiss every lady in this carriage,' the Gold Coast crooner declared. Further down, red jumpsuit-clad impersonator John Collins, from Berry, NSW, welcomed travellers to the first performance in the dining carriage. Revellers in bejewelled jumpsuits packed two trains on Thursday morning headed for the 27th annual Parkes Elvis Festival This file photo shows Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, during a live performance in 1972 As the train chugged from Sydney towards Parkes during the seven-hour journey, Elvis tribute artists performed for the hoards of fans. Pictured: Tribute artist Brody Finlay The Elvis Express and the Blue Suede Express trains have made their way to Parkes for the annual pilgrimage to the Elvis Festival Collins did his best to pump up the revellers, but the crowd didn't need much prodding. 'Where y'all from?' he asked one group of passengers, in a southern drawl. 'It's a singles group, we all met on Tinder,' responded one of the more senior members of the Elvis commute. 'AA,' jokes another. With that, Collins jumped into the song Little Sister and passengers rose to their feet bopping and kicking their legs in the air in quasi-Elvis karate era style. The Parkes Elvis Festival is held annually over five days, timed to coincide with Elvis Presley's birth date in January. Two fans are seen waiting for a train at Central Station The quirky annual event, which coincides with Presley's January 8 birthday, is expected to boost the local economy to the tune of $28million. A reveller is pictured at Sydney's Central Station before he boarded a train to Parkes Elvis fans from Japan are seen posing for photographs before boarding the Elvis Express on Thursday morning But when the music stopped and a recording of the phrase 'Elvis has left the building,' was played, just as it was at the end of the king's concerts to disperse hopeful fans waiting for an encore, the lively mob wasn't happy. 'Bor-ing,' sang one woman. Fresh faced and in his early 20s, Brody Finlay is the youngest impersonator on board getting these commuters all shook up. Tall, handsome and lanky, like the young king himself, he shook like a leaf on a tree as he danced down the train aisle, stealing three kisses as he went. These woman were among hundreds to board two trains - dubbed the Blue Suede Express and Elvis Express - which departed Central at 9.30am The train ride was a taste of what's to come at Parkes, as Elvis tribute artists moved from carriage to carriage In one carriage, impersonators wowed wannabes and lookalikes with a hit from the '68 Comeback Special, the TV appearance that revived the king of rock n roll's career 50 years ago The event is part of the rural town's thriving social calendar, hosting numerous events throughout the year. Elvis fans Annette Pagano and Mary Carrolo (pictured) will be among the revellers 'Cheeky bugger,' a woman laughed to her friend. Clad in a bright candy pink jacket, white open neck shirt and black pants, he twirled around a woman and implored her to lay off his blue suede shoes. The young Sydney crooner then got the crowd jumping to Viva Las Vegas, as he shuffled in white lace-up shoes around the cramped carriage. It was everything and more for hip-swivelling Scotsman Ross Cummins, who liked it so much he returned for the ride in 2019, this time in a custom-made tartan suit. Elvis impersonator Sean Wright of Bowral poses for photographs as he prepares to board a train to Parkes for the annual pilgrimage Dedicated Elvis train services are currently running from Sydney Central train station to Parkes, 365km west of Sydney Mayor of Parkes Ken Keith (pictured centre) poses for a photo with Elvis fans from Japan before boarding the Elvis Express 'Elvis's ancestors are from Scotland like me, so I thought it was best fitting that I do a tartan suit. Scottish Elvis #Scelvis,' he mused. The train ride was a taste of what's to come at Parkes, as Elvis tribute artists moved from carriage to carriage, singing his hits to commuters, who showed nothing but sweet devotion. The quirky annual event, which coincides with Presley's January 8 birthday, is expected to boost the local economy to the tune of $28million. THE 27TH ANNUAL PARKES ELVIS FESTIVAL: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW GETTING THERE: Dedicated Elvis train services run from Sydney Central train station to Parkes, 365km west of Sydney. Regional Express (REX) flies directly to Parkes from Sydney several times daily. The drive from Sydney to Parkes is five hours. STAYING THERE: Accommodation books out quickly. The Astro Dish Motor Inn offers modern decor and facilities and is a close walk to Cooke Park, the hub of the festival, featuring the main stage and markets. The Home Hosting Program is also an option for groups and couples while comfortable tent accommodation is available, with sturdy ready-built tents including stretcher beds and mattresses. Other camping, caravan or motorhome sites are also available. PLAYING THERE: The Parkes Elvis Festival takes place annually on the second weekend in January. For more info, visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au You can also see the rural town's rich agricultural and mining history in its museums, take a hike through Goobang National Park, enjoy the magnificent vista from the top of Parkes Memorial Hill and check out the world famous Parkes Dish, as the CSIRO radio telescope tunes into the universe. The town has a thriving social calendar, hosting events throughout the year. Advertisement The Parkes Elvis Festival takes place annually on the second weekend in January. A revellers jewellery is seen at Central Station Elvis tribute artists are seen arriving at Central Station in Sydney before boarding a train to the Parkes Elvis Festival A toddler who died after a dental procedure was hooked up to an empty or faulty oxygen tank and staff repeatedly muted an alarm used to monitor his pulse, his family allege. Zion Gastelum, 2, died four days after a visit to Kool Smiles dental clinic in Yuma , Arizona on December 16, 2017. His mother Veronica brought him there after it was determined that the boy needed crowns to address severe cavities and was placed under anesthesia by a Phoenix-based anesthesiologist contracted by Kool Smiles. Zion Gastelum's family claim he was hooked up to an empty or fault oxygen tank as a staff member muted an alarm to measure his pulse as he recovered following a dental procedure The dentist told officers the procedure went 'well' and lasted for about 35 minutes, according to a police report obtained by ABC 15. A medical malpractice lawsuit has been filed by attorneys representing Zion's family against Kool Smiles, its staff and others hired for the procedure on Zion. The lawsuit, also obtained by ABC 15, states a Kool Smiles staff member silenced the alarm on the pulse oximeter, which is used to monitor a patient's pulse and oxygen saturation. The lawsuit also alleges Zion was left alone in the recovery room, and an oxygen tank Zion was hooked up to was either empty or not working properly. Veronica Gastelum allegedly entered the room after hearing her sons monitor alarm and observed a staff member mute it multiple times. 'Shortly thereafter, the alarm went off an additional three to four times each time silenced by the Kool Smiles staff member until the staff member finally removed the monitor from Zion and stated that the device does not work on children,' the lawsuit claims. Gastelum said it wasnt until she noticed that her sons chest was not moving and that he had no pulse, that staff began to react to the situation. Zion's heartbroken mother Veronica (above) claims 'everybody is broken' following the family's tragic loss Zion pictured with his father Joseph, who said that even in death the child showed kindness and generosity by donating his organs to other children in need The toddler was rushed to Phoenix Childrens Hospital where he was diagnosed with brain damage caused by lack of oxygen and died four days later on December 20. According to the familys lawsuit, while under general anesthesia Zion had nine of his baby teeth worked on, including root canals and crowns on six of them. The complaint alleges that X-rays or further investigative exams were not conducted to confirm that the nine procedures were necessary. His distraught mother Veronica told ABC 15: 'He would give the most amazing hugs and then he would just squeeze you and if you would squeeze him and he was like done. 'We have his urns on our dresser and we kiss him every day, that's the only way we can and we do so we talk to him and we tell him that we love him. 'Everybody is just broken and no we're not okay'. Kool Smiles said it would not make any comment on the matter pending litigation One of the treatment rooms (pictured) at Kool Smiles dental clinic in Yuma 'I haven't seen more tragic facts than this', attorney Scott Eldredge, one of the attorneys representing Zion's family told ABC 15. According to the lawsuit, Valley-based anesthesiologist Aaron Roberts, contracted by Kool Smiles, carried Zion back to the operating room and placed him at the foot of a dental chair. As he did so a second child remained intubated at the top of the chair. The lawsuit filed on behalf of Zion's family alleges part of their business model is to 'maximize the productivity of each clinic by scheduling the child-patients back-to-back'. This resulted in an 'insufficient amount of time between each child-patient for cleaning of the stations, monitoring of children who are recovering from various forms of anesthesia, and even to allow time for staff members to use the bathroom facilities'. Eldredge added: 'This is a death that could have been prevented and should have been prevented. 'Had proper procedures been followed, Zion would be with us today'. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the cause of Zion's death as 'undetermined'. However, the Arizona Dental Board of Examiners met to discuss the actions of anesthesiologist Aaron Roberts over the summer, ABC 15 reported. Roberts' attorney made the argument to the board that it's unclear what caused Zion's problems. However Roberts and the Board entered into a 'consent agreement' that required Roberts to receive continued education and placed his anesthesia permit on probation. 'Sometimes, in the right case, with the right set of circumstances, actions are taken that would prevent a death like this again in the future. That's what we hope for'. An attorney for Aaron Roberts claimed his heart went out to Zion's family, claiming it was an 'isolated and unfortunate incident'. The statement read: 'There are a number of factors unknown to the press or public, but as a matter of policy, we cannot comment on pending or active litigation. 'We feel that Dr. Roberts will be fully vindicated. 'He will be pleased to speak with the media, but not until the conclusion of the litigation. We have no further comment'. A Kool Smiles/Benevis spokeswoman told Abc 15 that doctors and staff of the Yuma Kool Smiles office continue to extend their sincere, heartfelt sympathy to the Gastelum family. It added: 'Since 2007, the office has safely and compassionately provided needed dental care to thousands of families. Respectfully, we have no further comment as this matter is pending litigation'. A beloved British bulldog named 'Biggie Smalls' has made a miraculous recovery from the brink of death after his owners went to extraordinary lengths to save his life. Kayla Johnson and Phil Street's six-month-old family pet fell suddenly and severely ill on Christmas Day. He began vomiting and choking and was rushed to the Animal Emergency Service on the Gold Coast in Queensland. Biggie was placed on life support, costing Ms Johnson and Mr Street $4000 per day. 'He was at critical . . . at that point we didn't understand how critical. We went through one day where we thought we had lost him and we all just cried, all day,' Ms Johnson told Seven News. Scroll down for video A beloved British bulldog named 'Biggie Smalls' (pictured) has made a miraculous recovery from the brink of death after he suddenly became severely ill Kayla Johnson and Phil Street's six-month-old family pet (pictured) began showing signs of illness on Christmas Day, before he began vomiting and choking Owners Kayla Johnson and Phil Street (pictured) spent $21,000 of their savings on Biggie Smalls's recovery Biggie Smalls was given just a 30 per cent chance of surviving. The dog spent more than two weeks in intensive care, racking up a massive bill of $30,000. The couple spent $21,000 of their own savings and raised the rest of the funds online, generating about $10,000 in three days. 'I couldn't let it come down to money to ending a life when it didn't need to be ended, he just needed more time to heal,' Mr Street said. Biggie was placed on life support, costing Ms Johnson and Mr Street $4000 per day 'That money literally saved his life, and we're so grateful and thankful.' Ms Johnson said Biggie would need to be kept in an air-conditioned environment so he did not overheat, and required special care. 'I'm super excited to have him home . . . it was hard when he wasn't at home, the house felt empty without him,' she told the Gold Coast Bulletin. 'But I'm a little nervous. We've got to care for him a little bit differently. He's got an open hole in his throat that needs to close naturally as he slowly learns to breathe through his mouth again.' Ms Johnson said Biggie would need to be kept in an air-conditioned environment so he did not overheat, and required special care The dog spent more than two weeks in intensive care, racking up a massive bill of $30,000 Animal Emergency Service co-founder Dr Rob Webster said Biggie had a 'fatally low blood oxygen level' when he arrived at the clinic. 'He definitely needed time. Biggie is a baby dog but he is a real fighter,' he said. Biggie is expected to make a full recovery. A kidnap victim's dramatic police rescue moments after she was pushed into a shallow backyard grave by the abductor she met online has been revealed. Darren Saltmarsh sought out the woman on an internet dating site under the username 'wantasianlove' in a bid to find a wife, despite already being married to a Filipino woman. After refusing his brash marriage proposal, the woman arranged to meet with Saltmarsh, before he abducted her at knifepoint and held her for a $20,000 ransom. For three days the international student was held at Saltmarsh's father's home in suburban Melbourne while calls were made to her family and friends demanding money. A kidnap victim's dramatic police rescue moments after she was pushed into a shallow backyard grave by the abductor she met online has been revealed (stock image) Details of the woman's 2011 ordeal and subsequent rescue have been brought to light by The Herald Sun and revealed just how close she came to being killed. However, unemployed Saltmarsh, then 35, claimed his victim was in on the plan, before pleading guilty to kidnapping and attempted murder. 'For a second I thought, "Maybe I'm going to die today and he'll take all the money from my family",' the victim would later tell police. Unfortunately, the woman's fears were well-founded: when her family failed to deposit the ransom, Saltmarsh dug a hole in the house's yard and lay in it to test out the dimensions. But unbeknownst to Saltmarsh, detectives had already cottoned on to his scheme and were watching the situation unfold and recording his every move. On the third day after her abduction, the victim was bound, marched and had her face covered before being pushed into the shallow grave by Saltmarsh. When the woman's family failed to deposit the ransom, Saltmarsh dug a hole in the house's yard and lay in it to test out the dimensions (file image) This triggered armed police to swoop in to rescue the victim and arrest a baffled Saltmarsh who still had the shovel in hand. During the trial, Saltmarsh tried to paint his victim as an accomplice - a claim Justice Betty King found 'laughable'. 'It was only your own incompetence that allowed the police to find you and prevent this crime coming to a dreadful conclusion,' she said. Saltmarsh was eventually sentenced to seven years behind bars, a term which was increased to 12 years, with a nine-year minimum on appeal. Grammar schools are not full of rich children with almost half of pupils coming from homes with below-average incomes, according to a report that explodes Left-wing myths. Former senior civil servant Iain Mansfield compiled data showing how grammar schools benefit disadvantaged children and help them get into top universities. They are especially instrumental in helping ethnic minority children, with Englands 163 grammars sending more of them to Cambridge than all 1,849 non-selective schools combined. The report, published today by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), comes amid a fierce Left-wing campaign to stop grammar schools expanding. Led by the late Tony Benns daughter Melissa, campaigners accuse the schools of being elitist and having no significant positive impact on social mobility. Pupils from the poorest families are twice as likely to get into Oxbridge if they attend a grammar school, a report has found (pictured: Oxford University) However Mr Mansfield, who worked for the Department for Education until recently, said the claims were based on a narrow focus, adding: The claim theyre for the rich simply isnt true. My report shows that, for many disadvantaged children, selective education makes a vital contribution to social mobility. Most grammars have been abolished, and many of those that remain are bunched around the few local authorities which retained the old 11-plus system, such as Kent. Across all grammar schools, the report found 45 per cent of pupils come from households with a below-median income. The report also shows that living in an area that retains the old 11-plus system improves any pupils chances of getting into a top university. It found 39 per cent of pupils in selective school areas progress from state schools to highly-selective universities, compared to just 23 per cent in comprehensive areas. And a state school pupil from the most disadvantaged fifth of the population is more than twice as likely to progress to Oxbridge if they live in a selective area. An ethnic minority state school pupil is more than five times as likely to get into Oxbridge if they live in a selective area. They are especially instrumental in helping ethnic minority children, with Englands 163 grammars sending more of them to Cambridge (pictured) than all 1,849 non-selective schools combined The analysis takes into account both the chances of children from different groups getting into a grammar school and how children who do get in perform. Anti-grammar campaigners have previously latched on to the fact that only 2.5 per cent of grammar school pupils are entitled to free school meals, compared with 13.2 per cent in state-funded secondary schools. But this measure of disadvantage obscures large differences within the remaining 85 per cent of the population. The paper calls on the Government to pledge more money for grammar schools. Mr Mansfield added: Public opinion has long favoured grammar school expansion. The Government should now accelerate its expansion plans, including establishing branch sites in the most disadvantaged areas, where this is supported by the relevant local authority. Nick Hillman, HEPI director, added: The debate on grammar schools has become very one-sided. But the full evidence is more nuanced and shows some pupils benefit a great deal. Last month, 16 grammars were given a share of 50million to build new classrooms for up to 4,000 extra pupils, to meet parent demand. The creation of new selective schools was made illegal by Labour in 1998. John Bercow was accused of anti-Brexit bias last night after helping secure a major Government defeat in the Commons, just weeks after being branded a 'pure and simply bully' by a senior Tory whip. The Speaker has clashed with Conservative colleagues repeatedly in the last month over his conduct in the House. This week, he tore up parliamentary procedures and over-ruled his own officials to permit a vote designed to tie Downing Street's hands. His decision led to a stand-up row behind the scenes with Tory chief whip Julian Smith, who accused him of trying to frustrate Brexit. In extraordinary scenes at Westminster, Conservative MPs confronted Mr Bercow, branding him 'no longer neutral' and 'out of order'. A Cabinet minister accused him of 'degrading' his office. The Government then lost the vote, which means Theresa May will have to present a 'Plan B' to MPs within three days if they reject her agreement with Brussels next week. Senior Tories warned it could open the door for Parliament to extend Article 50 and delay Britain's departure from the European Union. The row came just weeks after Mr Bercow clashed with deputy chief whip Christopher Pincher during another Brexit debate. Mr Pincher called Mr Bercow a 'bully' three times and a 'terrible man' when he lectured Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom for taking too long to answer a question during a December Brexit debate, it has now been revealed. Footage was assessed by lip reader John Cassidy for The Sun, who said while Julian Smith shook his head, the deputy chief whip was saying: 'Bully, bully, pure and simple a bully. Terrible man, he needs to go out.' House of Commons of Speaker John Bercow was accused of tearing up parliamentary procedure - weeks after being accused of being a 'bully' Chief Whip Julian Smith has reportedly had a stand up row with Mr Bercow after the events in Parliament Mr Bercow has denied bullying claims in the past by staff who called him 'intimidating'. The Speaker, who was applauded in the Commons chamber by Labour MPs, insisted he was acting impartially, this week. But he admitted there was no precedent for allowing an amendment on a Government motion which his clerks had told him was 'unamendable'. The Speaker, who has been forced to deny claims of bullying of staff in the past, is said to have 'exploded' at clerk Sir David Natzler when told he could not allow the vote to proceed. It is understood Mr Bercow issued a rare 'Speaker's Direction' over-ruling the clerks and ordering them to carry out his orders. As Tory backbenchers discussed the possibility of a new attempt to oust Mr Bercow: - Labour's Keir Starmer said a delay to Brexit 'may well now be inevitable' as he floated the idea that Article 50 could be extended - Downing Street admitted for the first time that Mrs May is contemplating possible defeat next week - The Archbishop of Canterbury warned a second referendum 'may be required' to break the deadlock - The DUP dismissed new Government measures designed to ease their concerns about the potential impact of the Irish backstop. Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow caused outrage when he moved to allow a Brexit vote The bust-up between Mr Bercow and the Government came after he allowed an amendment by the former attorney general Dominic Grieve, which will force Mrs May to come back to parliament by January 21 with a Plan B if she loses next week. MPs will be able to amend her plans and force votes on related issues, such as ruling out a no-deal Brexit or allowing a second referendum. Seventeen Tory rebels, including Mr Grieve, joined forces with Labour, the SNP and the Liberal Democrats to defeat the Government by 308 votes to 297 Mrs May's second Commons defeat in 24 hours. Mr Grieve said his amendment was an attempt to 'accelerate the process' if the vote was lost so as to avoid the prospects of a no-deal Brexit. 'I realise there are a few of my colleagues who believe that if the Government's deal is rejected we should simply do nothing and leave the EU on March 29 with no deal at all and with all, to my mind, the calamitous consequences that would follow on from it,' he said. 'I disagree with that, and so I think do the vast majority of members of parliament.' 'Out of order' claims have been flung at Mr Bercow who admitted there was no precedent for his decision The decision to allow the vote on the amendment enraged chief whip Mr Smith. A source said he told Mr Bercow he was 'totally out of order', adding: 'You are throwing centuries of precedence in the bin against the advice of your clerk in order to thwart the referendum result.' But the Speaker was later overheard saying: 'I will not be bullied by government whips.' During angry exchanges in the Commons, former Tory minister Sir Crispin Blunt told Mr Bercow, who backed Remain in the referendum, to reflect on his position. Mr Blunt added: 'Many of us will now have an unshakeable conviction that the referee of our affairs ... is no longer neutral.' Eurosceptic MP Peter Bone said he had wanted to table his own amendment, but was told by Commons officials it was impossible. Mr Bercow admitted there was no precedent for his decision, but told MPs that centuries of convention did not 'completely bind' him. He added: 'If we were guided only by precedent, manifestly nothing in our procedures would ever change. Things do change. I have made an honest judgment.' Mr Bercow rounded on Tory MP Adam Holloway after he noted that his car has a sticker with the slogan 'B******s to Brexit' in the window. The Speaker said the car in fact belonged to his wife Sally. And he denied being biased over Brexit, telling MPs: 'I have always been scrupulously fair to Brexiteers and Remainers alike, as I have always been to people of different opinions on a miscellany of other issues. That has been the case, it is the case and it will continue to be the case.' Former chancellor Kenneth Clarke came to Mr Bercow's defence, saying some Tory MPs were getting so agitated 'that perhaps they should don a yellow jacket and go outside' a reference to the far-Right protesters accused of harassing MPs. Mark Espinosa, 29, went missing along with $850,000 on December 5 Am armored truck driver who was reported missing last month is wanted by the FBI for allegedly stealing $850,000. Mark Espinosa, 29, was last seen on December 5 in Louisville, Kentucky, on duty as a truck driver for Garda World with a coworker. Police were called when his partner returned to the armored truck and found Espinosa's gun on the seat. At first, investigators were unsure if Espinosa was a suspect or a victim, but they quickly discovered that both he and a large sum of cash were gone. 'At this time, we believe Mark Espinosa has taken steps to plan out this theft and has taken steps to cover up his planning,' Louisville Metro Police Lieutenant Steve Kaufling said during a press conference Wednesday. He worked for Garda World, as an armored truck driver transferring cash Authorities believe he planned out the theft and his escape and say he should be considered armed and dangerous The FBI says Espinosa should be considered armed and dangerous. It has put out a reward of 10,000 for tips leading to his arrest, while Garda World is offering a $50,000 reward. Espinosa has been charged with theft of an interstate shipment and a federal warrant was issued for his arrest on December 10. He had no previous criminal record and his employer had nothing but good things to say about him. Espinosa's father, who he lives with in Louisville, had concerns that his son was in danger or harmed. Both Garda World and his family are cooperating with police. Espinosa is a white male, with black hair, brown eyes, standing at 5ft 10in and weighing between 230 and 235 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark blue shirt and dark blue pants. Anyone who has seen Espinosa or has information on his wherabouts is urged to call the FBI Louisville Field Office at 502-263-6000. The law firm of Alston & Bird has been identified as being among those taking part in legal battles over a subpoena from Robert Mueller's prosecutors against a mysterious company owned by a foreign government. Just the identity of the firm constitutes a break in information about the case. It was only tied to the special counsel at first through scraps uncovered by reporters following it. The identity of the company has been kept under seal, and an entire floor of a federal courthouse in Washington was closed to reporters during one stage to keep the identities of interested parties under wraps. The firm was outed by CNN as taking part in the case. Alston & Bird is a major national and international law and lobbying firm with offices in Washington and overseas whose most prominent partner is former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole. Dole backed Trump's candidacy and was the only former party presidential nominee to attend the Republican National Convention that nominated Trump. The mystery case is unusual since the unnamed country involved has gone to great lengths to fight Muellers subpoena, leading to speculation that it has something to hide in the ongoing Russia probe. Lawyers at Alston & Bird have been identified as being involved CNN identified two of the firm's attorneys, Ted Kang and Brian Boone, as taking part. But it wasn't even immediately clear whether they represented the company itself or another entity. The firm has had Russian clients over the years, including oligarch Oleg Deripaska. He was a business associate of former Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort. He is believed to have been deeply in debt to Deripaska at the time he was helming Trump's campaign. Deripaska paid the firm hundreds of thousands of dollars to handle visa and other matters. The firm didn't immediately respond to a request for comment or confirmation. Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole is among the most prominent partners at Alston & Bird ON THE CASE! Attorney Fred Kang has been identified as performing work related to a sealed case involving an unidentified company. It has been tied to the Mueller probe Laywer Brian Boone of Alston & Bird also was identified. The firm has represented Russian clients in the past, including oligarch Oleg Deripaska The case has previously been reported to involved special counsel Robert Mueller's probe, and special counsel attorneys have been spotted in court at key times. The case has attracted considerable attention as it popped through the court system, despite the lack of disclosure about who or what it involves. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the company must pay fines of $50,000 per day for as long as it resists the subpoena requiring it to turn over information. The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Tuesday to side with the company as it sought to block a subpoena from Mueller's federal grand jury. The company hasn't been named in any court documents, but it is reportedly owned by a foreign government. CNN says it approached Kang and Boone following an October hearing but they declined to comment. The case is unusual since the unnamed country involved has gone to great lengths to fight Muellers demands,leading to speculation that it has something to hide in his wide-ranging Russia probe. In its arguments before the D.C. Circuit Court, the company unsuccessfully argued that complying with the subpoena would be a violation of its home country's laws. Its challenge to Mueller's authority was the first such motion to reach the Supreme Court. Roberts temporarily blocked the subpoena in December, forcing Mueller's team to explain why the government is investigating a foreign-backed corporate entity whose government has been trying hard to avoid cooperating. The Supreme Court dropped a temporary ruling by Chief Justice John Roberts on Tuesday, clearing the way for Special Counsel Robert Mueller to enforce a subpoena against a government-owned foreign corporation The Supreme Court's order, issued Tuesday, puts an end to the mystery company's temporary shield from Mueller's subpoena power CNN speculated that the company could be anything from a sovereign-owned bank to a state-backed technology or information corporation the kind that Mueller has targeted with requests for information in the past. In order to keep its identity a secret, an entire floor of a Washington courthouse was closed to reporters, and the public was ordered to leave the courtroom when arguments were heard in December. The D.C. appeals court ruled that the company could face fines for every day it refused to obey. Roberts' temporary order paused those fines. Roberts referred the case to the full Supreme Court, which dropped his intervention on Tuesday. Mueller and multiple congressional committees are looking into allegations that there was collusion between Russian operatives and Trump associates during the presidential campaign and transition. CNN reported that prosecutors had confided in the D.C. court that they had 'reasonable probability' the records they demanded would show actions that took place in a foreign country but affected the United States. Mueller has already indicted three Russian companies and 25 Russians for their alleged contributions to a social media propaganda scheme meant to influence American voters, and to computer hacking that targeted the Democratic National Committee. Labour appeared to be ready to push for a delay to Brexit tonight as Jeremy Corbyn demanded a general election and his Brexit spokesman is said to have advised him that a second referendum might be the only way to prevent no-deal. Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer said earlier that he doubted whether the process of leaving could be completed by March 29 if MPs rejected Theresa May's deal next week. Sir Keir has now reportedly warned Corbyn that a second referendum might be the only way to prevent the government steering Britain on a crash course towards no-deal. The Labour leader is expected to demand an election tomorrow, arguing that a government with a fresh mandate would be able to negotiate a better deal with the EU. Labour appeared to be ready to push for a delay to Brexit last night as Jeremy Corbyn (pictured) demanded a general election But if an election is held, it is likely that Article 50 the process that enables a nation to leave the EU would have to be extended to allow campaigning and time for new negotiations with Brussels. Sir Keir admitted for the first time yesterday that extending Article 50 'may well be inevitable'. Mr Corbyn's call comes amid confusion about whether Labour will put forward a motion of no confidence next week after the expected Commons defeat of the Government's deal. Barry Gardiner, Labour's international trade spokesman, suggested that such a motion would be tabled immediately after a defeat on Tuesday. But party sources said they were not saying when they would table it, merely stating it was a question of 'when not if'. Sources also said Labour was not yet pressing for an extension to Article 50. Sir Keir admitted for the first time yesterday that extending Article 50 'may well be inevitable' Sir Keir told MPs: 'I genuinely think leaving with no deal would be catastrophic. We can't do it on 29 March. It's not viable, for so many practical reasons. So we're going to have to look at what are the available options realistically still on the table, and what are the merits of each.' In a speech tomorrow, Mr Corbyn is expected to repeat his threat that Labour will vote down Theresa May's Brexit deal on Tuesday, and challenge the Prime Minister to call a general election. Mr Corbyn will say the real divide is not between Leave and Remain voters, but 'between the many, who do the work, create the wealth and pay taxes, and the few, who set the rules, reap the rewards and so often dodge taxes'. Mr Corbyn's call comes amid confusion about whether Labour will put forward a motion of no confidence next week after the expected Commons defeat of the Government's deal He will add: 'Let there be no doubt Theresa May's deal is a bad deal, and Labour will vote against it next week in parliament. 'If the Government cannot pass its most important legislation, then there must be a general election at the earliest opportunity. 'A government that cannot get its business through the House of Commons is no government at all. So I say to Theresa May, if you are so confident in your deal, call that election and let the people decide. To break the deadlock, an election is not only the most practical option, it is also the most democratic option. 'It would give the winning party a renewed mandate to negotiate a better deal for Britain and secure support for it in Parliament and across the country. 'For both sides, the EU referendum was about so much more than our relationship with our biggest trading partner and its rules. It was about what's happened to our people over decades and how to build a better future.' Mystery surrounds the death of a two-year-old boy who was rushed to hospital by his mother with horrific injuries. Arsalan Fard was unconscious when he arrived at Sydney's Westmead Hospital at about 9pm on August 3 last year. Despite the desperate efforts of doctors, he couldn't be revived. A post mortem examination was conducted, where a pathologist determined he died from blunt force trauma. Police are treating his death as suspicious. Arsalan Fard was unconscious when he arrived at Sydney's Westmead Hospital at about 9pm on August 3 last year. He later died A pathologist ruled the young boy (pictured) had died from blunt force trauma. Police are treating his death as suspicious Police believe the boy most likely suffered the injuries in Cabramatta in the city's south-west before he was driven to an address in Guildford and then to hospital by his mother and 'other persons'. In September, detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Park Road in Cabramatta and seized 'several items', police said. Investigators on Wednesday re-canvassed the area, hoping to speak to anyone with information on the boy's death. 'This address is near a shopping centre and police believe a number of persons may have seen something,' police said in a statement. A photo of a Toyota Corolla, similar to the vehicle used to take Arsalan to hospital, has also been released by investigators. Anyone who sighted this vehicle on the night, or who has any other information that they believe may assist the investigation, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. A photo of a Toyota Corolla, similar to the vehicle used to take Arsalan to hospital, has also been released by investigators A group of young feminists staged a topless protest in Sydney's CBD this morning to demand a Saudi teenage refugee be given asylum in Australia. Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun, 18, flew to Bangkok last week saying she feared her family would kill her after she renounced Islam and 'rebelled' against her father. The Australian government yesterday said it is considering granting her asylum, sparking a group called Secret Sisterhood to stage a naked protest to support her. Demonstration: A group of young feminists staged a topless protest in Sydney's CBD this morning to demand a Saudi teenage refugee be given asylum in Australia They posted on social media a video of their protest in Martin Place in which they stood topless with signs reading 'let her in'. The group also set up a fundraising page for the teenager which had raised more than $3,000 by this morning. The page read: 'Rahaf Alqunun, still a teen at 18 years old, has demonstrated a huge amount of courage fleeing from her country and her family in Saudi Arabia. 'As a global Secret Sisterhood, we will look after her once she arrives safely, but we need help to make sure she has resettlement and protection funds. Because her story has gained worldwide attention these funds are needed for her to set up safely in a new country.' Last night, Ms al-Qunun reacted with joy the news of possible asylum, writing on Twitter: 'Is it true??? Australia wants me to go there??? I'm so happy.' Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun (pictured) has reacted to news Australia is considering granting her asylum, saying, 'Is it true??? Australia wants me to go there??? I'm so happy' Ms al-Qunun, pictured at Bangkok airport, ran away from a family trip to Kuwait last week and flew to Thailand in the hope of reaching Australia on a tourist visa The 18-year-old was detained in Thailand following her arrival in the country. She is pictured having barricaded herself in an airport hotel room in a bid to avoid deportation The 18-year-old's message was accompanied by a series of emojis, including praying hands, a smiley face and a dancing woman. Australia's Department of Home Affairs revealed on Wednesday it will consider Ms al-Qunun referral from the UN, which ruled she was a refugee. 'The UNHCR has referred Ms Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun to Australia for consideration for refugee resettlement,' a statement from the department said. 'The Department of Home Affairs will consider this referral in the usual way, as it does with all UNHCR referrals.' Ms al-Qunun will be subject to Australian checks before she is granted a humanitarian visa, including character and security assessments. But Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said al-Qunun will not be given any 'special treatment'. 'Nobody wants to see a young girl in distress and she has obviously now found a safe haven in Thailand,' Mr Dutton said. Ms al-Qunun (pictured) claims her family would kill her if she were sent home to Saudi Arabia, where she has renounced Islam and 'rebelled' against her father Ms al-Qunun's defiant message after her ordeal in Bangkok airport was to 'fight and get your rights' The Saudi teenager posted the caption 'Hey.. I'm happy', alongside a smiling selfie on her Twitter account after the United Nations ruled she was a refugee Ms al-Qunun remains in Thailand after she ran away from a family trip to Kuwait last week and flew to Bangkok in the hope of reaching Australia on a tourist visa. She barricaded herself in a Bangkok airport hotel room with a table and mattress on Saturday after she was barred from entering Thailand and the Thai government threatened to deport her back to Kuwait. Ms al-Qunun is currently in the care of UN officials and under the protection of Thai police. She has claimed her family would kill her if she were sent home to Saudi Arabia, where she has renounced Islam and 'rebelled' against her father. She took to Twitter to post updates on her detention in an appeal for help from international authorities. Her father and brother arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday, but Ms al-Qunun refused to meet them. Ms al-Qunun's father denied ever physically abusing her, Thai immigration chief General Surachate Hakparn told reporters. Ms al-Qunun will be subject to Australian checks before she is granted a humanitarian visa, including character and security assessments Ms al-Qunun is currently in the care of UN officials and under the protection of Thai police 'He said that he has been taking good care of his daughter, he never forced her or hurt her. He said that in Saudia Arabia there is an agency that enforces the law [against abuse], and he certainly couldn't do anything illegal,' General Surachate said. 'He has 10 children. He said the daughter might feel neglected sometimes. But he didn't go into detail.' When the United Nations ruled Ms al-Qunun is officially a refugee, she posted a selfie on Twitter with the caption, 'Hey... I'm happy', alongside a heart and praying hands emoji. She then added in a separate post: 'Don't let anyone break your wings, you're free. fight and get your RIGHTS!', followed by a post in Arabic which read, 'I made it'. An estimated 26 million Americans were victims of identity theft or fraud costing its victims $17.5 billion in 2016, the most recent year for which government data was available. That amounts to 10 percent of all U.S. residents age 16 or older an increase from the 7 percent who experienced identity theft or fraud in 2014, according to a new report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Among identity-theft and fraud victims, 12 percent had losses of $1 or more, while 88 percent had no or minimal losses and 55 percent said they were able to resolve the problem in one day or less. This chart illustrates how many people experienced different types of identity theft and fraud in 2016. Note: some people were victims of more than one type of crime White people were most likely to be victims (12 percent), compared to 7 percent of African Americans, 6 percent of Hispanics and 8 percent of other races. High earners were also most likely to be victims, with 35 percent of victims making $75,000 or more per year. A majority (85 percent) of identity-theft and fraud victims said the most recent crime against them involved the misuse (or attempted misuse) of just one type of existing account, typically a credit card or bank account. About 10 percent of victims said they experienced severe emotional distress as a result of the crimes particularly those who had to spend weeks or months resolving the theft of their identity. Online security analyst Robert Siciliano told DailyMail.com that the distinction between credit card fraud and identity theft is critical when looking at the national numbers. In the first half of 2018, 945 data breaches led to 4.5 billion data records being compromised worldwide, according to an October 2018 report by digital security firm Gemalto. (file photo) Identity theft is when someone accesses your social security number to open new accounts in your name, while credit or debit card fraud is when someone tries to make purchases using your account data. How to prevent identity theft Online Security Analyst Robert Siciliano shares six tips for avoiding identity theft and fraud. -Credit Freeze: While it's usually a step taken after theft has occurred, Siciliano says, 'A credit freeze is that proactive tool that prevents the bad guy from breaking into your identity.' -Digital Security: Make sure all electronic devices have a full suite of digital security, including antivirus, anti-phishing, antispyware software and a firewall. -VPN: A Virtual Private Network is software that encrypts your connection and allows you to safely use open and public wifi networks. -Tech Updates: When your mobile phone or computer urges you to update your software do it, Siciliano says, adding, 'When you update operating systems that's because there are vulnerabilities and they can be exploited if you don't' update your software.' -Two-Factor Authentication: Whenever possible, set up your accounts to require two sign-ins. Typically, this means in addition to entering a password, you can't access the account without first entering a code you receive by text message or email. 'That way if someone does get your password they can't access your account because they don't have your mobile phone,' Siciliano said. -Password Security: Do not use the same password for multiple accounts this is one of the most common risky activities that people engage in online, Siciliano said. Instead of memorizing dozens of random combinations of letters and numbers, he suggests using a password manager software that tracks and protects your passwords for every account you use. Advertisement Siciliano, head of the online information security firm Hotspot Shield, said the former is the real problem and for many Americans it's just a matter of time until they experience it as a result of the billions of individuals who've been affected by major companies' data breaches in the past three years. That includes the 143 million people affected by the 2017 Equifax data breach and the 500 million people affected by the 2018 Marriott breach. In the first half of 2018, 945 data breaches led to 4.5 billion data records being compromised worldwide, according to an October 2018 report by digital security firm Gemalto. 'Our data is currently in the hands of identity thieves, it's out there being brokered on the market,' he said. 'It's only a matter of time. Don't wait for something bad to happen to do something about it.' He said there are a number of basic steps that anyone can take to make themselves dramatically safer from identity thieves. Siciliano suggests freezing your credit report to prevent anyone else from opening up new accounts in your name. While it's usually a step taken after theft has occurred, Siciliano says, 'A credit freeze is that proactive tool that prevents the bad guy from breaking into your identity.' Another step is to make sure all electronic devices have a full suite of digital security, including antivirus, anti-phishing, antispyware software and a firewall. Even with those measures in place, Siciliano urges people to use VPN (virtual private network) software to connect to the internet whenever using an open or public wifi network. 'A VPN basically encrypts your data,' he said. Ultimately, anyone can become a victim and with the prevalence of data breaches it is incumbent on everyone to take some basic steps to protect themselves in the modern world, Siciliano said. 'Digital literacy is not part of our experience in this culture,' he said. 'We just don't want to think about it. Two officers became heroes when they responded to a call of a seal trapped in fishing net on a beach in Washington, and bravely cut the netting off of the nipping mammal. Sgt. Kyle Watson, who has been with the Ocean Shores Police Department for 14 years, told K5 News that he's responded to all sorts of calls, but this little fella's distressed situation was a new one for him. The Guadalupe Fur Seal, which is rare to the Northwest and commonly found off the coast of Mexico, was completely enmeshed in the plastic fishing netting, which had wrapped around his body from head to toe. As the officers began trying to extricate the seal from the netting the little fella kept trying to snap at the officers The distressed seal would not stay still as the officers tried to disentangle it from the net The brave cops realized the netting around its neck would be the most problematic considering the seal kept trying to bite them They decided to get a noose out to keep the seal still while they cut away the last pieces of net As Sgt. Watson tried cutting the seal free, the panicked and frightened animal kept trying to bite him. Sgt. Watson did not back down, determined to get the seal safely freed from the entanglement which also was tightly wound around its neck. 'He was a mess,' said Sgt. Watson, who has never been trained, or ever has had the experience handling a wild seal. Sgt. Watson decided not to wait for wildlife officials to get to the scene, and jumped to action. 'I figured if the animal went back in the water, it was going to die,' said Sgt. Watson. 'There's no way it's going to keep surviving in the water the way it has been.' He began trying to cut at the tangled knots with a knife as his partner, Officer Chris Elia, stood by and held the loose netting to stop the seal from getting away. Free sealy! The seal, though exhausted from the struggle in the net & with the officers ran towards the water once it was freed One last look before he hopped back into the Pacific Ocean, and much less encumbered animal Once they got to the seal's neck which was dangerously wrapped in the netting, Sgt. Watson got a noose and had Officer Elia hold the seal down so he could get closer without getting bit. Thankfully they were able to safely free the seal, and watched it as it hopped back into the Pacific Ocean. 'We all get caught up in stuff like that,' Sgt. Watson told K5 News. 'I just hope there's somebody there to cut me loose if I need to.' More than $12million worth of liquid ecstasy has been seized by police in a shipment of fertiliser from China. The seizure is one of the largest in Australia of the drug gamma-butyrolactone, also known as GBL, fantasy or coma in a bottle. The drug bust has prevented at least a million deals taking place at NSW dance parties and night clubs. More than $12million worth of liquid ecstasy has been seized by police in a shipment of fertiliser from China The seizure is one of the largest in Australia of the drug gamma-butyrolactone, also known as GBL or fantasy The drug bust has prevented at least a million deals being sold at NSW dance parties and night clubs The drug was being imported from China to a number of companies in Sydney's south west. Investigations into the manufacturing of prohibited drugs in the state of NSW were launched by detectives from the NSW Police Force's State Crime Command in 2018. The detectives alongside assistance from Australia Border Force officers uncovered the liquid ecstasy hidden in a shipment of fertiliser from China on Tuesday, December 18. The drug was being imported from China to a number of companies in Sydney's south west It has been linked to a number of overdoses and deaths, including the high-profile case of Dianne Brimble, 42, (pictured) who died of an overdose of the drug in 2002 The shipment contained 4000 litres of GBL, with an estimated street value of over $12million. Investigations are ongoing. GBL is known as being a date-rape drug and is used within the Australian party scene. It has been linked to a number of overdoses and deaths, including the high-profile case of Dianne Brimble, 42, who died of an overdose of the drug in 2002. Mother-of-three Ms Brimble passed away just 24 hours after boarding a P&O Cruise after she consumed a lethal combination of alcohol and liquid ecstasy. Her body was found on the floor of a cabin belonging to four men who she had met at the cruise ship's disco the previous night. Toxicology reports later revealed the amount of the drug in her system was three times that of a recreational user. The amusing moment a former Australian politician vomited over a dead fish has been captured on camera. Former Greens MP, Jeremy Buckingham, was discussing the million fish killed this week in an alleged man-made crisis, in Menindee, central western New South Wales, when the stomach-churning situation occurred. The 45-year-old was speaking to the camera about the mismanagement of water -which is thought to be to blame for two catastrophic fish kills in the space of a month, when he suddenly appeared to start feeling queasy. In order to visually demonstrate the damage that had been caused, while he was speaking, Mr Buckingham held a rather hefty looking dead Murray cod. Talking into the camera he, said: 'This is what you get when you leave the National Party in charge of water in Australia, dead fish, a massive stink' But before he could finish his sentence, he appeared overcome with nausea, and was heard uttering: 'I'm sorry I've got to stop'. Evidently unwell, Mr Buckingham quickly drops the fish and scarpers off camera. But as the crew continue to film, he can be heard vomiting in the background. The former Greens MP was forced to run off camera to vomit after holding the Murray cod Jeremy Buckingham (pictured) was being filmed for a discussion about the million fish killed in an alleged man-made crisis when he starting feeling unwell While the other commentators attempt to press on in Mr Buckingham's absence the notable sound of him throwing up continues to be heard. Deciding to address the awkward incident, one presenter says: 'I feel sorry for Jeremy I tell you 'Poor b*****d I hope he survives,' he adds. The amusing clip has since been shared on social media, and has already amassed more than 2,000 views. (File picture) The Murray cod (pictured) is one of the species to be affected by the disaster The 45-year-old (pictured) said the disaster occurred because of the mismanagement of water Despite the comical incident, Mr Buckingham paid the lake a visit for a very serious reason. Over the last month, two disasters have caused hundreds of thousands of dead fish to wash up along the banks of the Darling River. Native species, including Bony Bream, Murray Cod and Perch are thought to have been just some of the breeds affected, according to ABC News. The Murray Darling Basin Authority was established to manage the river system under a multi-billion-dollar plan agreed upon by the states the massive river system stretches across. It has come under heavy criticism for allegedly allowing farms upstream to monopolise water resources. Department of Primary Industries Fisheries Manager Iain Ellis told reporters this is the first time he's seen two such sad and shocking fish kills so close together. Fisheries Manager Iain Ellis told reporters this is the first time he's seen two such sad and shocking fish kills so close together Hundreds of thousands of fish (pictured) have been killed along a 40-kilometre stretch of the Darling River 'I've never seen two fish kills of this scale so close together in terms of time, especially in the same stretch of river,' he said 'In both cases it's when the algal bloom has been disrupted.' 'The first time due to a storm, and in this case, by the cold front that went through,' he explained. Local residents have been taking to social media to share the devastating images of the lifeless fish. One man took to his Facebook account to attribute the incident to the lack of water in the lakes. 'Fish still dying in the Darling at Menindee this morning 10's of thousands yesterday there be 100's of thousands if not in the Millions today,' he wrote. 'Menindee lakes were almost full less than two years ago now there's no water left.' However, a spokesman from the Department of the Environment and Energy denied the fish kill was due to the mismanagement of water. 'A fish kill of this nature is always very distressing but the causes are directly related to the current drought and cease-to-flow conditions,' the spokesperson said. A couple has been charged with harboring an accused double murderer who led authorities on a wild manhunt that terrorized several Tennessee counties and transfixed the state. Derek Eugene Summers, 40, and Mindy Elaine Harris, 32, were indicted on Monday by a Stewart County grand jury on a charge of accessory after the fact in the alleged crimes of Kirby Gene Wallace. Wallace, 53, led police on a week-long manhunt in the fall, hiding in the woods after an alleged crime spree that included shooting two people to death, burning a house down, and holding an elderly woman at knife-point to steal her car. Now, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says that Wallace spent time at the Woodlawn home of Summers and Harris after murdering Indian Mound resident Brenda Smith, the crime that initiated the spree on September 23. Derek Eugene Summers, 40, and Mindy Elaine Harris, 32, were indicted on Monday by a Stewart County grand jury on a charge of accessory after the fact Police say the couple aided murder suspect Kirby Gene Wallace (above) during a ten-day police manhunt for the accused double murderer Investigators also say that they recovered stolen property from Smith's home inside the home of Summers and Harris. After using his deep knowledge of the local woods to elude searchers for over a week, Wallace was arrested on October 5. He is charged with first degree murder, felony murder, attempted first degree murder, especially aggravated burglary, two counts of especially aggravated robbery, two counts of especially aggravated kidnapping and aggravated arson. Summers is currently incarcerated in the Cheatham County Jail on an unrelated charge. Harris was arrested following the indictment and is being held in Stewart County. Both are being held pending bail of $20,000. The Manhunt In late September, Tennessee authorities launched a manhunt for the alleged multiple-murderer Wallace that included hundreds of law enforcement officers, helicopters, dogs and ATVs. Wallace's alleged crime spree began September 23 with arson and a deadly home invasion. He then supposedly attacked a woman and stole her car, before killed a man to steal his truck Authorities had established checkpoints and search perimeters in the Tennessee counties, while area schools are on 'soft lockdown' and have cancelled school bus routes Roads were closed, and local businesses began closing for business at sundown, warning customers that they would only resume normal hours once the 'psycho' had been caught Wallace's trail of mayhem spanned two counties and ultimately led police to his lair which contained a gun, crowbar and cash. The massive search operation began as police hunted a suspect who attacked a couple and set their house on fire on September 23. Wallace allegedly stabbed Teddy Smith three times and shot him in the head, grazing his scalp. He then stabbed Brenda Smith once before tying up the couple and setting the house on fire. Teddy miraculously survived while Brenda later died from her injuries. Wallace escaped by stealing the Smiths' car, taking between $5,000 and $20,000 of their cash with him. A few days later in Montgomery County, Wallace allegedly stopped an elderly woman in her car and forced her into her home at knifepoint. Wallace threatened the woman and several others before tying her to her bed and fleeing in her vehicle, police said. Then on October 1 police say that Wallace fatally shot a man in order to steal his truck. The truck was recovered later that day and police believed Wallace was moving through the woods on foot. At least 100 officers, search dogs and helicopters joined the manhunt for Wallace Authorities are seen searching the woods for Wallace in Montgomery County Authorities raised the reward for information leading to Wallace's arrest to $20,000 Witnesses reported that Wallace was dressed in camouflage and armed. Wallace was said to be armed with a magnum revolver, semi-automatic long rifle, 12 gauge shotgun and a hunting rifle. Roads were closed, and local businesses began closing for business at sundown, warning customers that they would only resume normal hours once the 'psycho' had been caught. Area schools were on 'soft lockdown' and cancelled school bus routes to avoid having children exposed to the accused killer. Stewart County Schools authorities said that parents could either drive the children to school themselves or keep them home for the day. Witnesses reported that Wallace was dressed in camouflage and carrying a firearm. Authorities set up a perimeter and combed the woods, which were filled with caves and other hiding spots that were well-known to Wallace, a local with extensive backwoods experience. Wallace was arrested and handcuffed after being found in the woods on October 5 Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew (in green) and Sheriff's Cpl. Stacey Bostwick (right) and K-9 Rowdy caught up to Wallace just hours after the manhunt search location was moved Wallace pictured in a Stewart County Sheriff's patrol car, surrounded by EMS workers Authorities said they found a gun, wad of cash and crowbar where Wallace had been hiding Wallace was considered to be 'dangerous fugitive' and was on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's Top Ten Most Wanted list. The reward for information leading to his capture had been raised to $20,000. For days, the search was fruitless despite multiple sightings of Wallace, until early on October 5 police moved the search from Montgomery County to Stewart County. A police helicopter picked up a 'heat signature,' which was considered a confirmed Wallace sighting. Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew took up a position hidden in a deer blind, with Cpl. Stacey Bostwick concealed in another blind nearby. At about 10.15am on October 5, they saw Wallace walking toward them. The sheriff said at a press conference that he shouted at Wallace and pointed an AR-15 rifle at the fugitive. Wallace (in undated mugshot) was captured after a ten-day manhunt and alleged crime spree Wallace, a multiple-murder suspect who led Tennessee police on an intense manhunt was captured without a struggle in a wooded area about two hours northwest of Nashville Kirby Gene Wallace exits the Stewart County Courthouse for his first court appearance Oct. 9 The sheriff said Wallace reached for a loaded handgun at his waist, but then raised his hands empty and kneeled to the ground. He said Wallace told them he had considered firing, but he surrendered once he realized the officers 'had the drop on him.' Wallace appeared at Stewart County Courthouse on October 9 and sat stony faced and silent while a judge ordered him to remain in jail without bond. Relatives of Brenda Smith called out to Wallace as he was escorted from the room in a bulletproof vest and an orange jumpsuit, shouting 'I'm going to watch you die,' and 'we'll be waiting'. Kirby Gene Wallace enters the courtroom during his first appearance at the Stewart County Courthouse Tuesday, October 9 in Dover, Tennessee Brexiteers condemned the 'stunt' endorsement of Theresa May's Brexit deal by Shinzo Abe tonight after Japan's PM said the 'whole world' was against no deal. Eurosceptic Tories warned the intervention would fall flat just as Barack Obama's backing for Remain ahead of the 2016 referendum did. Mr Abe weighed into the Brexit debate at a Downing Street press conference with Mrs May - warning the 'world is watching' and pleading with MPs to back her deal in a showdown vote on Tuesday night. He said Japan uses Britain as a 'gateway' to the EU and warned of the impact on jobs and firms of a no deal Brexit. In a rare boost for Mrs May, the Japanese PM hailed the progress Britain has made in securing a Brexit deal and gave his 'total support' to her deal. He told a press conference in No10 today that the 'world is watching' as Britain exits from the European Union. He said: 'For Japan, the UK is the gateway to the European market, Japanese businesses have created 1,000 bases in the UK offering more than 150,000 jobs. 'It is the strong will of Japan to further develop this strong partnership with the UK, to invest more into your country and to enjoy further economic growth with the UK. 'That is why we truly hope that a no-deal Brexit will be avoided, and in fact that is the whole wish of the whole world.' Mr Abe - one of the PM's closest political allies - hailed Mrs May's hard work in securing a plan. Japanese PM Shinzo Abe today backed Theresa May's Brexit deal - as he said the 'whole world' wants to avoid a no deal (pictured together today in Downing Street) In a rare boost for Mrs May, the Japanese PM hailed the progress Britain has made in securing a Brexit deal and gave his 'total support' to her deal (pictured together in No10 today) Mr Abe (pictured with Theresa May in Twickeham today) said Japan uses Britain as a 'gateway' to the EU and warned of the impact on jobs and firms of a no deal Brexit. Shinzo Abe (pictured with Theresa May in Twickenham today) is worried about the dire impact a crash exit could have on the 1,000 Japanese companies operating in the UK He said: 'I would like to extend my deepest respect for the strong will and hard work by Theresa for the parliamentary approval of the Withdrawal Agreement. 'Japan and the UK have been building a very strong partnership, not only in the political arena but also the economic area. Britain to lend Japan Van Gogh's Sunflowers painting in Brexit charm offensive Van Gogh's Sunflowers (pictured) , which dates from 1888 and is one of the most famous in the world, currently hangs in the National Gallery in London Britain will lend Japan Van Gogh's Sunflowers as part of a Brexit charm offensive, it emerged today. The painting, which dates from 1888 and is one of the most famous in the world, currently hangs in the National Gallery in London. But Theresa May today announced that it will go on tour to Japan. She made the revelation at a joint press conference with the Japanese PM at No10 today. The gesture came as Mr Abe gave his full backing to the PM's Brexit plan. Mrs May is an art fanatic well known for her love of modern art. She is a big fan of the late Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and often wears a bracelet featuring the artist's self portraits. Advertisement He added: 'Japan is in total support of the draft Withdrawal Agreement worked out between the EU and Prime Minister May which provides for transition to ensure legal stability for businesses that have invested into this country.' Mr Abe is worried about the dire impact a crash exit could have on the 1,000 Japanese companies operating in the UK. Eurosceptic ringleader Jacob Rees-Mogg told MailOnline: 'I think Prime Minister's are generally well advised to concentrate on running their own countries rather than other people's.' MP Simon Clarke said: 'Today's stunt brings back memories of President Obama being wheeled out by David Cameron before the referendum. 'This is about how we implement a decision made by the British people and one which British MPs need to get right for the future of our country. 'That does not involve being stuck as a rule-taking hostage of the EU, no matter how convenient that might be for others.' Michael Fabricant added: 'It is ironic that Shinzo Abe along with Australia, New Zealand and Canada who want the UK to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership ignore former Australian and New Zealand High Commissioners who have said that joining the trade agreement will difficult if not impossible if the UK were to sign up to the withdrawal agreement. Mr Abe's support for Mrs May is a rare boost for the PM, whose Brexit plan has been met with an onslaught of attacks from Remainers and Brexiteers. It comes amid turmoil in No10 after Tory rebels joined with Labour to inflict a humiliating defeat on the PM's Brexit plans last night. They backed an amendment which means the PM will have to come back in just three days with her Plan B if her deal is rejected by MPs in next week's crunch vote. Mrs May is set to suffer a massive defeat on her deal, and the change - put forward by Tory Remainer Dominic Grieve - allows MPs to give her instructions on the talks. Mr Abe is one of the PM's closest allies and she had originally hoped to him as her secret weapon to drum up support for her deal when he visited the UK late last year. But her hopes were scuppered when his trip was postponed and her plans were leaked to the media. A string of major Japanese manufacturers have warned of the dangers of a no deal Brexit to their British operations. Nissan, Toyota and Honda have said it could cost them millions in additional tariffs and disrupt the 'just-in-time' supply chains they rely on. Many of the firms have set up home in Britain as a gateway to the EU market, and there are fears they could shift their operations to the continent if no deal is done After talks with Mrs May at the G20 summit in Argentina last month, Mr Abe urged her to avoid no-deal and ensure 'transparency, predictability (and) legal stability in the Brexit process'. Firms like Panasonic have announced they are moving their European HQs to the Netherlands because of Brexit. His visit comes at a time of crisis for No10 after Mrs May suffered two devastating defeats on Brexit in just 24 hours. Senior Tories 'open talks with Labour' over Brexit in desperate bid to find a way through total deadlock Desperate cross-party talks are under way today as the political crisis over Brexit mounts dramatically. Senior Tories have opened discussions with Labour amid fears that Parliament has descended into a 'Mexican stand-off' - with all sides vowing to block the others' plans. The depth of the deadlock was underlined over the past two days with Theresa May suffering two humiliating defeats in the Commons, stepping up the timetable for her to spell out a 'Plan B' and restricting the Treasury's tax-raising powers if there is no-deal Brexit. Speaker John Bercow also caused fury yesterday when he demonstrated he is willing to tear up the Parliamentary rulebook in order to bring the government to heel. Mrs May has been privately meeting Leave-leaning Labour MPs in an increasingly vain attempt to boost support for her deal ahead of a crunch vote on Tuesday. But the focus of ministers and MPs is already turning to what happens after the package has been defeated. Tory and Labour MPs have been mobilising against no-deal Brexit. More than a dozen Conservatives have indicated they could vote no-confidence in the government to avoid the UK crashing out in March. Sarah Wollaston this morning told the BBC she 'will resign the Conservative whip' if policy becomes to go for no deal. Advertisement Tory rebels joined with Labour last night to force the PM to come up with her Plan B in three days time if she is defeated on her Brexit plan in next Tuesday's crucial vote. The decision by Commons Speaker John Bercow to let the vote on the amendment sparked uproar among furious MPs who said he tore up centuries-old legal rules to let the vote go ahead. It came hot on the heels of a defeat on Tuesday, when MPs voted to curb the PM's tax raising powers if she pursues a no deal Brexit The twin defeats seriously hamper Number Ten's ability to maneuver if Mrs May's deal is voted down. And they lay bare her failure to be able to command a majority in the House of Commons. Japan also used Mr Abe's visit to announce that they are scrapping a 23-year-old ban on UK beef and lamb imports. The ban has been in place since the 'mad cow disease' crisis of 1996. In total trade agreement worth some 200million were struck between British and Japanese businesses in the trip. While toy shop Hamleys has announced it will open 30 new stores in Japan over the next five years. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said: 'The UK and Japan are among the strongest champions of free trade and an even closer relationship as we leave the European Union will help us to rally against the protectionist measures around the world that risk making us all poorer. 'That's why today we have committed to reduce global trade tensions, reform global trading rules and bring a new UK-Japan free trade agreement into force as soon as possible. 'On top of this, we have announced more than 200m worth of export and investment deals that will see Hamleys toy shop, Norton motorcycles and British farmers increasing their presence in Japan and supporting hundreds of jobs in both of our countries.' The talks at Downing Street follow a visit by Mrs May to Tokyo and Kyoto in 2017. For the first time, British and Japanese researchers and industry experts are set to work side-by-side on projects to tackle the major challenges identified by the UK's Industrial Strategy and Japan's Society 5.0 programme. Shinzo Abe held talks with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte (pictured together yesterday) as he embarks on a European tour Labour's shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner said Mrs May could not give Japan clarity on Brexit. He said: 'Theresa May's proposed deal would harm the foundations of our existing relationship with Japan. 'Japanese investors will understandably be seeking clarity on the terms of our future relationship with the EU, but it is a clarity that Theresa May cannot give because the future political framework that Parliament is to vote on next week is no more than a flimsy statement of intent.' U.S. airport security workers and air traffic controllers working without pay have been warning that security and safety could be compromised if the government shutdown continues. Despite warnings by labor groups representing airport screeners, the Trump administration said on Wednesday that staffing is adequate and travelers have not faced unusual delays. Union officials said some TSA officers have already quit because of the shutdown and many are considering quitting. 'The loss of (TSA) officers, while were already shorthanded, will create a massive security risk for American travelers since we dont have enough trainees in the pipeline or the ability to process new hires,' American Federation of Government Employees TSA Council President Hydrick Thomas said. 'If this keeps up there are problems that will arise least of which would be increased wait times for travelers.' Passengers are seen above waiting in a Transportation Security Administration line at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Wednesday Unions will hold a rally on Thursday on Capitol Hill urging an end to the shutdown. 'There has been no degradation in security effectiveness and average wait times are well within TSA standards,' Transportation Security Administration spokesman Michael Bilello said. There are 51,000 airport security officers, and he said the agency has brought on hundreds of new ones. Bilello said there had been no spike in employees quitting and that on Tuesday, 5 percent of officers took unscheduled leave, up just slightly from 3.9 percent the same day last year. U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson, chairman of the House Homeland Security committee, asked the Trump administration how it is ensuring adequate staffing at airports. 'TSA officers are among the lowest paid federal employees, with many living paycheck-to-paycheck,' Thompson wrote. Furloughed federal workers and area elected officials hold a protest rally in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia on Tuesday 'It is only reasonable to expect officer call outs and resignations to increase the longer the shutdown lasts, since no employee can be expected to work indefinitely without pay.' TSA said that on Tuesday it screened 1.73 million passengers and 99.9 percent of passengers waited less than 30 minutes. Bilello said TSA is still hiring officers and working on contingency plans in case the shutdown lasts beyond Friday, when officers would miss their first paycheck since the shutdown began on Dec. 22. TSA has brought on about 500 new officers since the shutdown with 300 more expected to start later this month. 'In order to maintain the right level of staffing, it's critical to have a continuous process of recruiting, training and getting new officers to our nation's airports,' Bilello said. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association noted that the number controllers is now at a 30-year low, with 18 percent of controllers eligible to retire. If a significant number of controllers missed work, the Federal Aviation Administration could be forced to extend separation requirements, amount of time between takeoffs and landings, which could delay travel. Fred Jennings, 67, holds a placard stating 'NO WALL' while gathering with area elected officials and furloughed federal workers at a rally in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia on Tuesday The FAA closed its training academy in Oklahoma City for new air traffic controller hires. The FAA suspended training and limited safety efforts to 'urgent continued operational activity to protect life and property.' NATCA President Paul Rinaldi said controllers often must work overtime and six-day weeks at short-staffed locations. 'If the staffing shortage gets worse, we will see reduced capacity in the National Airspace System, meaning more flight delays,' Rinaldi said. A man was forced to abort his fishing trip when his inflatable boat was circled by four massive sharks. Rohan Lewis was crayfishing at Geordie Bay, off the coast of Rottnest Island in Western Australia, on Wednesday morning when the four-metre killer fish joined him for a swim. 'Pulling the pots in Geordie this morning until it got a little crowded,' he wrote on Facebook. Rohan Lewis was crayfishing at Geordie Bay, off the coast of Rottnest Island in Western Australia, on Wednesday morning when the four-metre friends joined him for a swim 'Three good size tigers circled us for a bit, then a bigger white came up.' Video footage of the clear blue water captured by Mr Lewis shows the sharks lingering around the boat. Mr Lewis, who has been fishing off the island for 30 years, urged those diving for crays to reconsider following the sighting. 'Four sharks that size - when they're two thirds the size of your boat and you're in a blow-up boat - it's time to get out of there,' he told Nine News. But the fisherman's hasty escape was met with further fear as the sharks decided to stalk the boat. 'We threw the boat in gear to move away from them and we put the boat into a tight turn just to see where they were and they were definitely following us,' he said. Mr Lewis, who has been fishing off the island for 30 years, urged those diving for crays to reconsider following the sighting 'I think if you'd been in the water this morning with four sharks around, one is curiousity but four's a pack.' Mr Lewis said he believed the sharks were about four metres in length. The sighting caused a number of beaches along the island to be shut by lifesavers. 'Public report 4 x 4.0m tiger sharks sighted 09:30hrs 09/01, Geordie Bay, Rottnest Island 1500m offshore, 3 x tiger sharks and 1 x white which was larger they circled boat,' Surf Life Saving WA tweeted. Chef Tom Kerridge showed watchers how to use tin foil on his BBC Two show Fresh Start and sent Twitter users into meltdown after explaining that you should put the shiny side face down. In the show, Kerridge guides eight families and helps them completely change the way they eat through a six-step, 12-week plan. However, the most noteworthy part of tonight's episode was when the chef suggested that wrapping food with the shiny side up was wrong. His claim led to stunned viewers taking to Twitter to express their shock. However, the most noteworthy part of the latest episode was when the chef suggested that wrapping food with the shiny side up was wrong - which caused such a furore that Kerridge was forced to clarify what he meant on ITV's This Morning today. When Philip Schofield told the chef he'd sent Twitter into 'meltdown', Kerridge responded 'Apparently!' He then explained his approach to using tin foil, saying: 'It makes perfect sense to me, I've always been taught that it goes shiny side down. It's the most reflective side, surely? It cooks in a more even way, so I've been told. Apparently, science says it makes no difference what side you use.' During the show, one user commented: ' Tom Kerridge on BBC2 just said tin foil always put shiny side down. I always have it shiny side up! Have I been doing it wrong all these years?' A second user wrote: 'I've been using tin foil upside down for 40 years.' Chef Tom Kerridge stunned viewers after explaining how you should keep tin foil shiny side down He made the claim on his BBC Two show Fresh Start, sending viewers to Twitter in shock The chef claimed that the shiny side is more effective for keeping the wrapped up food warm Another responded: 'Me too, 40-odd years of using tinfoil the wrong way.' And another replied: 'I've just said exactly that, out loud, to the cat.' However, some were less trusting of the chef's claim and cast doubt over it. One user commented: 'I can't believe it makes any difference. It's just a way of holding heat in regardless of which way up it is.' Another agreed and said: 'It makes no difference which side faces out for foil.' Some websites also appear to cast doubt on the chef's advice. Reynold's Kitchen, which produces different types of aluminium foil, says on its website: 'With standard and heavy duty foil, its perfectly fine to place your food on either side so you can decide if you prefer to have the shiny or dull side facing out. 'The performance of the foil is the same, whichever side you use.' Meanwhile, food science website culinarylore.com claimed: 'The truth is that the shiny side of aluminum foil is only a little bit shinier than the dull side. 'While some small amount of additional energy will be reflected by the shiny side, the difference is so small that it will make no practical difference in cooking.' Balaclava-wearing thugs have stormed into a home and doused a two-year-old boy and her terrified mother in petrol before threatening to set them alight, police say. The frightening invasion unfolded at a property in Kings Meadows in Launceston's south, Tasmania, at about 7am on Wednesday. Two men smashed their way into the home before threatening to burn it down and to 'do harm' the 23-year-old mother and her young child. 'It is believed that they were looking for a male occupant of the premises who was not present,' police said. Balaclava-wearing thugs have stormed into a home and doused a two-year-old boy and her terrified mother in petrol before threatening to set them alight, police say (stock image) 'In the process of attempting to locate the man, petrol was poured over the female victim and her two-year-old son.' Acting Detective Inspector John Parker described the incident as 'horrific'. 'They've poured petrol over the victim and then they've poured petrol over the back of the two-year-old child and threatened to burn the child in the presence of its mother,' he told the ABC. 'Whether it be the mother or the child the fact that someone has had petrol poured over them and then threatened to be burned alive is a horrific act.' The masked invaders fled after stealing a sum of cash, leaving the child frightened, but unharmed. The mother was taken to hospital suffering 'complications from the petrol', the Acting Detective Inspector said. The frightening invasion unfolded at a property on Kay Street (pictured) in Kings Meadows in Launceston's south at about 7am on Wednesday Police didn't say whether or not the incident was drug-related, but confirmed the offenders were known to the occupants. Detectives are seeking information from anyone who may have CCTV footage or who may have seen two men in the vicinity of Kay Street. Anyone who has any information is urged to call CrimeStoppers. The Saudi teen who fled her allegedly abusive family after renouncing Islam had reportedly spent months plotting her escape. Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun ran away from a family trip to Kuwait on Saturday and flew to Thailand in the hope of reaching Australia on a tourist visa. She had planned her escape route with the help of friends in Australia, Canada and Sweden, who had also left Saudi Arabia behind, The Australian reported. But things went awry after the 18-year-old landed in Bangkok, where she wanted to spend a day or two breathing in fresh air as a free woman - despite friends warning her it was risky. Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun, 18, (pictured) had spent months plotting her escape from her family in Saudi Arabia, according to reports Ms al-Qunun, pictured at Bangkok airport, ran away from a family trip to Kuwait last week and flew to Thailand in the hope of reaching Australia on a tourist visa The 18-year-old (pictured) reacted to news Australia is considering granting her asylum, saying, 'Is it true??? Australia wants me to go there??? I'm so happy' Her friend Shahad, 19, who fled Saudi Arabia for Sweden, said Ms al-Qunun was advised 'no, you cannot stay. It's too dangerous'. 'We say that to every woman who wants to skip Saudi. Rahaf chose Thailand because she believed there was no Saudi embassy there,' Shahad told The Australian. Shahad added Ms al-Qunun 'thought it was not a dangerous place' and said the friends had 'bought her a ticket to Australia from Thailand but she didn't listen to us'. Ms al-Qunun saved money for several months for the trip to Australia, where she was to seek asylum following her arrival. But she was barred from entering Thailand, and the Thai government threatened to deport her back to Kuwait, leading to her barricading herself in a Bangkok airport hotel room with a table and mattress. The 18-year-old claims her family would kill her if she were sent home to Saudi Arabia, where she has renounced Islam and 'rebelled' against her father. Ms al-Qunun was detained in Thailand following her arrival in the country. She is pictured having barricaded herself in an airport hotel room in a bid to avoid deportation Ms al-Qunun (pictured) claims her family would kill her if she were sent home to Saudi Arabia, where she has renounced Islam and 'rebelled' against her father She took to Twitter to post updates on her detention in an appeal for help from international authorities. The United Nations ruled on Wednesday Ms al-Qunun was a refugee and referred her case to Australia, with the government now considering granting her asylum. 'The UNHCR has referred Ms Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun to Australia for consideration for refugee resettlement,' a statement from the Department of Home Affairs said. 'The Department of Home Affairs will consider this referral in the usual way, as it does with all UNHCR referrals.' Ms al-Qunun will be subject to Australian checks before she is granted a humanitarian visa, including character and security assessments. The Saudi teenager posted the caption 'Hey.. I'm happy', alongside a smiling selfie on her Twitter account after the United Nations ruled she was a refugee Ms al-Qunun's defiant message after her ordeal in Bangkok airport was to 'fight and get your rights' But Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said Ms al-Qunun will not be given any 'special treatment'. 'Nobody wants to see a young girl in distress and she has obviously now found a safe haven in Thailand,' Mr Dutton said. Ms al-Qunun is currently in the care of United Nations officials and under the protection of Thai police. Her father and brother arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday but Ms al-Qunun refused to meet them. Ms al-Qunun's father denied ever physically abusing her, Thai immigration chief General Surachate Hakparn told reporters. Ms al-Qunun will be subject to Australian checks before she is granted a humanitarian visa, including character and security assessments She is currently in the care of United Nations officials and under the protection of Thai police 'He said that he has been taking good care of his daughter, he never forced her or hurt her. He said that in Saudia Arabia there is an agency that enforces the law [against abuse], and he certainly couldn't do anything illegal,' General Surachate said. 'He has 10 children. He said the daughter might feel neglected sometimes. But he didn't go into detail.' When the United Nations ruled Ms al-Qunun is officially a refugee, she posted a selfie on Twitter with the caption, 'Hey... I'm happy', alongside a heart and praying hands emoji. She then added in a separate post: 'Don't let anyone break your wings, you're free. fight and get your RIGHTS!', followed by a post in Arabic which read, 'I made it'. In another message, she wrote 'Is it true??? Australia wants me to go there??? I'm so happy'. This is the shocking moment a drunk driver smashed his car into a bollard as he fled police officers - destroying the vehicle completely. The barely believable footage showed the driver, 24, racing down a walkway in the town of Roeselare, Belgium. The Audi smashed into the bollard, flipping into the air in a horrific crash. The man is not believed to have been seriously injured in the crash, and was later found to be under the influence of alcohol. The Audi, driven by a 24-year-old, sped down the road before smashing into the bollard in Belgium The bollard didn't buckle as the Audi flipped into the air and was completely destroyed in the collision Police arrested the driver, who didn't suffer any serious injuries, and discovered that he was under the influence of alcohol As punishment, the man had his driving licence taken away from him - though just four 14 days. Police confirmed that the man is a Polish citizen. They also revealed that they had attempted to pull him over and he had fled, prompting the chase and subsequent crash. Fortunately, no bystanders were hurt in the crash, despite there being a few people at a nearby bar, metres from the scene. The bollard, which is retractable, was slightly damaged in the collision, though the damage was light compared to that suffered by the Audi. As President Donald Trump travels to the border in Texas to make the case for his $5.7 billion wall, landowners are preparing for a legal battle to stop Homeland Security from seizing their land. The federal government has started surveying land along the border in Texas and announced plans to start construction next month. Rather than surrender their land, some property owners are digging in, vowing to reject buyout offers and preparing to fight the administration in court. Eloisa Cavazos told the Associated Press she knows firsthand how the project will play out if the White House gets its way. 'You could give me a trillion dollars and I wouldn't take it,' said Cavazos, whose land sits along the Rio Grande, the river separating the U.S. and Mexico in Texas. 'It's not about money.' Trump is scheduled to visit the border Thursday in McAllen, a city of 143,000 on the river. Congress in March funded 33 miles (53 kilometers) of walls and fencing in Texas. The government has laid out plans that would cut across private land in the Rio Grande Valley. President Trump is scheduled to visit McAllen, Texas on Thursday to bolster his case for his $5.7billion border wall which Democrats continue to block The federal government has started surveying land along the border in Texas and announced plans to start construction next month. Some landowners have hired lawyers to fight the administration should it seize their private land Those in the way include landowners who have lived in the valley for generations, environmental groups and a 19th century chapel. Many have hired lawyers who are preparing to fight the government if, as expected, it moves to seize their land through eminent domain. The opposition will intensify if Democrats accede to the Trump administration's demand to build more than 215 new miles of wall, including 104 miles in the Rio Grande Valley and 55 miles near Laredo. Even a compromise solution to build 'steel slats,' as Trump has suggested, or more fencing of the kind that Democrats have previously supported would likely trigger more court cases and pushback in Texas. Legal experts say Trump likely cannot waive eminent domain - which requires the government to demonstrate a public use for the land and provide landowners with compensation - by declaring a national emergency. While this is Trump's first visit to the border in Texas as president, his administration's immigration crackdown has been felt here for months. Hundreds of the more than 2,400 children separated from their parents last summer were detained in cages at a Border Patrol facility in McAllen. Three 'tender-age' facilities for the youngest children were opened in this region. The president also ordered soldiers to the border in response to a wave of migrant caravans before the November election. Those troops had a heavy presence in the Rio Grande Valley, though they have since quietly left. A spokeswoman for the border security mission said they closed their base camp along the border on December 22. Father Roy Snipes, pastor of the La Lomita Chapel, who is a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and the Catholic Diocese worry that the federal government will seize land on the church grounds to build additional border fence and wall But Trump's border wall will last beyond his administration. Building in the region is a top priority for the Department of Homeland Security because it's the busiest area for illegal border crossings. More than 23,000 parents and children were caught illegally crossing the border in the Rio Grande Valley in November - more than triple the number from a year earlier. Homeland Security officials argue that a wall would stop many crossings and deter Central American families from trying to migrate north. Many of those families are seeking asylum because of violence in their home countries and often turn themselves in to border agents when they arrive here. The number of families has surged. DHS said Wednesday that it detained 27,518 adults and children traveling together on the southern border in December, a new monthly high. With part of the $1.6 billion Congress approved in March, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced it would build 25 miles (40 kilometers) of wall along the flood-control levee in Hidalgo County, which runs well north of the Rio Grande. Congress did not allow construction of any of Trump's wall prototypes. But the administration's plans call for a concrete wall to the height of the existing levee, with 18-foot (5.5 meters) steel posts on top. CBP wants to clear 150 feet (45 meters) in front of any new construction for an 'enforcement zone' of access roads, cameras, and lighting. The government sued the local Roman Catholic diocese late last year to gain access for its surveyors at the site of La Lomita chapel, which opened in 1865 and was an important site for missionaries who traveled the Rio Grande Valley by horseback. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer government shutdown amid President Donald Trump's demands It remains an epicenter of the Rio Grande Valley's Catholic community, hosting weddings and funerals, as well as an annual Palm Sunday procession that draws 2,000 people. The chapel is a short distance from the Rio Grande. It falls directly into the area where CBP wants to build its 'enforcement zone.' The diocese said it opposes a border wall because the barrier violates Catholic teachings and the church's responsibility to protect migrants, as well as the church's First Amendment right of religious freedom. A legal group from Georgetown University has joined the diocese in its lawsuit. Father Roy Snipes leads prayers each Friday for his chapel to be spared. Wearing a cowboy hat with his white robe and metal cross, he's known locally as the 'cowboy priest' and sometimes takes a boat on the Rio Grande to go from his home to the chapel. 'It would poison the water,' Snipes said. 'It would still be a sacred place, but it would be a sacred place that was desecrated.' The Cavazos family's roughly 64 acres (0.25 square kilometers) were first purchased by their grandmother 60 years ago. They rent some of the property to tenants who have built small houses or brought in trailers, charging some as little as $1,000 a year. They live off the earnings from the land and worry that a fence would deter renters and turn their property into a 'no man's land.' On the rest of the property are plywood barns, enclosures for cattle and goats, and a wooden deck that extends into the river, which flows serenely east toward the Gulf of Mexico. Eloisa's brother, Fred, can sit on the deck in his wheelchair and fish with a rod fashioned from a long carrizo reed plucked from the riverbank. Surveyors examined their property in December under federal court order. The family hasn't yet received an offer for their land, but their lawyers at the Texas Civil Rights Project expect a letter with an offer will arrive in the coming weeks. 'Everybody tells us to sell and go to a better place,' Eloisa Cavazos said. 'This is heaven to us.' While it may seem in some parts of the country that it's been a cold and wet 2018, Australia, as a whole, has experienced its third hottest year on record - and the conditions are expected to continue until March. The annual climate statement from the Bureau of Meteorology was released on Wednesday and paints a sobering picture of much of the country struggling with hot, dry conditions, and below average rainfall. Australia's area-averaged mean temperature for 2018 was 1.14 C above the 19611990 average, according to the bureau. While it may seem in some parts of the country it's been a cold and wet 2018, Australia, as a whole, has experienced its third hottest year on record 'That's just beating the previous year, which was the third-warmest year on record in 2017,' BOM head of climate monitoring Karl Braganza told the ABC. Dr Braganza also said the country, as a whole, had experienced the lowest average rainfall for over a decade. 'Across Australia rainfall was about 11 per cent below average and again, it's the lowest since 2005, which again goes back to that millennium drought period,' he said. 'Looking at what our drivers are in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, we're not seeing conditions that are going to favour wetter or cooler conditions. So we will see an extension of the warmth and the dry,' he said. The south eastern quarter of the mainland was particularly hard hit with large parts of rural New South Wales and Victoria seeing the highest average temperatures on record. The annual climate statement from the Bureau of Meteorology was released on Wednesday and paints a sobering picture of much of the country struggling with hot, dry conditions, and below average rainfall 'January to September rainfall was exceptionally low over the southeastern mainland,' BOM senior climatologist Dr Lynette Bettio said. Dr Bettio said this, along with warmer than average temperatures and a windy winter, led to an intense drying of the landscape. The bureau's climate statement says that, overall, temperatures have increased by about one degree over the last century. While this may not seem like much of a change, scientists believe temperature shifts of only a few degrees can dramatically impact natural ecosystems. Studies have found, for example, that animals in the northern hemisphere are uniformly moving their habitats northward in search of cooler climates. An outlook for the first three months of 2019 also released by the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that the heatwave will continue with warmer than average days and nights for almost all of the Australia until March. Eastern mainland Australia, Western Australia, and parts of the Northern Territory will also experience lower than average rainfall during the same period. Australians could retire with an extra $500,000 in their superannuation with one simple change. The Productivity Commission's long-awaited final report into superannuation has recommended under-performing super products be banned. The report, which was given to the government before Christmas, calculated someone entering the job market today would have an extra $533,000 available in retirement if bad default products were scrapped. Australians could retire with an extra $500,000 in their superannuation with one simple change (stock image of a classic Porsche 356) Doing so in 2019 would help a 55-year-old worker gain an extra $79,000 by retirement. 'Australia's super system needs to adapt to better meet the needs of a modern workforce and a growing pool of retirees,' said the Productivity Commission report released on Thursday. 'Structural flaws unintended multiple accounts and entrenched underperformers are harming millions of members, and regressively so.' Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the government broadly supported the spirit of the Productivity Commission report but would release its response after former High Court judge Kenneth Hayne delivered his findings in February into the banking royal commission. The Productivity Commission calculated someone entering the job market today would have an extra $533,000 in retirement if bad super products were scrapped (stock image) 'This is a landmark report that's been produced by the Productivity Commission and they should be congratulated for it,' he told reporters in Melbourne on Thursday, adding this was about Australia's 15 million workers. Consumer group Choice said this change would stop $3.9 billion from 'being leeched out of people's retirement savings every year'. 'Today's report is a clarion call for political parties of all persuasions to fix this outdated system,' the group's chief executive Alan Kirkland said. Employers have been required to make compulsory superannuation contributions to the nest eggs of their staff since 1992, with super savings in Australia now worth $2.8 trillion. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg (pictured) said the government supported the Productivity Commission report but would release its response after the banking royal commission findings The Protecting Your Super Package bill before Parliament aims to weed out dud default funds, which often see workers' savings eroded by fees and poor returns. Mr Kirkland has taken aim at profit-driven retail funds lobbying against loopholes allowing them to deplete super savings. 'Even more worrying is that industry continues to lobby against sensible consumer protections, such as the Protecting Your Super Package currently before parliament, which would address these problems,' he said. 'We need the Federal Government and all political parties to back reform that will leave Australians with more money in retirement.' U.S. Army private second class Matthew Warren Brown was found dead from a gunshot wound in Afghanistan in 2008. The military ruled his death a suicide but his family says he may have been killed and that it was never properly investigated The family of a soldier who died from a single gunshot wound to his head in an Afghanistan watchtower in 2008 say he may not have taken his own life, as the military claims, and told them that he thought he would be killed two weeks before he was found dead. Matthew Warren Brown, 20, was found dead from a single wound to his right temple on the morning of May 11, 2008, at the forward operating base in Asamabad. His death was ruled a suicide by the military but his family say he did not take his own life, as claimed, and predicted he would be killed because he had tried to get out of a drug ring that was being run on-base by a 'thug' sergeant. In an investigation by Vanity Fair published on Wednesday, it is revealed that two weeks before he was found dead, Brown confided in his mother during a visit home that he no longer wanted to be in the ring but was frightened he would be killed to stop him telling anyone about it. His role in it was to smuggle drugs from Pakistan onto the base to be sold to soldiers who used them to cope with the brutalities of the war. He himself was taking Valium and had enough in his body when he was found dead that it would have been impossible for him to shoot himself because he would have been so incoherent. When his body was found, he was still breathing. There was blood coming from his head, brain matter on the ground, and he was sitting slumped over his rifle. The sergeant called for help but Brown died minutes later. He had been seen alive at 6am, by the soldiers who he was taking over from, who thought he seemed doped up. On his way to the post, he encountered another soldier who thought he was drunk because he was so out of sorts. Brown was stationed at the forward operating base in Asamabad (pictured) near the Pakistani border. The tower where he was found with a gunshot wound to his head is seen above Pictures taken at the scene after Brown allegedly shot and killed himself show an empty packet of Valium lying on the desk. His head was resting nearby Despite their concerns, which they reported in statements to the CID after his death, he was allowed to stay in the gun tower alone. Between around 6.10am, when he was seen making his way to the tower and 6.25am, when he was found by a sergeant who had brought him breakfast, is when he died. In the hours afterwards, numerous military personnel entered the gun tower, potentially contaminating what could have been a crime scene, before he was taken away in a body bag. Brown was high on Valium when he died. Two weeks earlier, he told his mother he had been smuggling prescription drugs onto the Afghanistan base from bazaars in nearby Pakistan for a'thug' like sergeant who had threatened him Another red flag for the family was that the military did not perform ballistics tests to determine whether it was possible he could have shot himself in the head as was suggested - with his M4 rifle muzzle up with the strap hanging loosely around his left leg. After his death, a sergeant took his weapon away from the scene, cleaned it offsite and dismantled it. It meant that there were no prints on it by the time it was properly examined. The sergeant, Armando Torres, was aware that Brown had started his shift seemingly incapacitated becuase he had been told by the two soldiers he took over from about his state at around 6am. He was in the dining hall when a different soldier ran in to tell the rest that he had been found dead but then rushed to the gun tower and planted himself there. Two days later, his body arrived back in Delaware in a flag-draped coffin. Only then was it taken to a medical examiner to undergo an autopsy which concluded he died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the head. It took the military more than a month to visit his mother, Sandra Evans, at her home in Northern California. By then, his death had been ruled as a suicide. She told the officers who visited her about his predication that he would be killed and expected them to include it in their investigation into his death. His role in the drug ring was to go to nearby Pakistan to get the drugs and bring them back onto the base for the sergeant to sell. A recreation of the scene where Brown died raises doubts about what happened. The angle of his injury, for example, didn't match his position on the bench (center) and an army lab allegedly found no prints on the gun and didn't test for DNA He told his mother that he had told the sergeant he wanted out but that he refused and threatened him. The CID investigation into Brown's death was closed in February 2009 without anyone ever being charged. Evans, despairing over the decision, has written to politicians including former president Barack Obama seeking further probing but nothing has ever been done. She then enlisted a lawyer to help put pressure on the military to reinvestigate his death after the files from his case started arriving at her home in the mail. They included gaping omissions, contradicting statements and a total failure of the CID to question witnesses about suspicious elements of the case, according to the family's lawyer and Vanity Fair. In 2018, the case was reopened after Vanity Fair contacted the CID pushing for questions. It was reclosed four weeks later with the verdict remaining that Brown, who had absconded twice on cocaine binges previously, killed himself. A six-year-old boy who disappeared five months ago has been found safe and well, hidden in an attic. Braedence Jones was reported missing by his father in August and was discovered in the attic crawl space at the Missouri home of his mother and her boyfriend on Tuesday. U.S. Marshals found the boy with his mother, Aubrey Ferguson, at a home south of Camdenton in rural LaClede County, the Camden County Sheriff's Department said yesterday. Ferguson's boyfriend, Woodrow Ziegler, 41, had nailed the entrance of the crawl space shut, put carpet over it and pushed furniture against it before officers from the U.S. Marshal's service and Laclede County arrived with a search warrant after receiving a tip, said Camden County Sheriff's Lt. Arlyne Page. Braedence Jones was reunited with his father, Ryan Jones (right), on Tuesday after the youngster was reported missing in August last year Mother of Braedence Jones, Aubrey Ferguson, was charged with felony child abduction after her son went missing in Missouri She did not know how the officers found the crawl space. Jones reported Braedence missing on August 3 when his mother took off rather than returning the boy after a week-long visit. Ferguson, 30, was charged with felony child abduction and the boy was reunited with his father, Ryan Jones, of Bourbon, on Tuesday. On Tuesday evening, Jones' girlfriend, Breanne Marie Dominguez, posted a series of Facebook updates showing Braedence reunited with his father, who has custody of the boy. She wrote on Facebook: 'OUR LITTLE BOY IS HOME. GOD IS SOOOO GOOD!!!! Thank you all for the prayers, shared, phone calls and etc. we don't know how to thank everyone enough. Our hearts are so full of joy atm. Just thank you everyone.' Woodrow Ziegler was alleged to have nailed the entrance of the attic crawl space shut with carpet in the home of Aubrey Ferguson Wanted posters were issued for Ferguson when her son was reported missing by his father, who had custody of the boy Page added: 'He seems to be physically OK. But since his abduction, the mother hasn't allowed him to go to school and more than likely has not taken him to a doctor if he needed one. We are hoping to help his father find counseling for him.' A probable cause statement said that when Jones went to a Camdenton home on August 12 to pick up Braedence, no one was there. The house next door where Ferguson's parents live was also empty. The boy pictured with his father Ryan Jones and his girlfriend Breanne Marie Dominguez Jones said Ferguson told him in text messages that the boy was safe but would not say where she was, according to the affidavit. He said Ferguson turned off her phone between texts so she could not receive calls. Since then, law enforcement officials received several tips both in the region and out of state, Page said. Surveillance footage from stores confirmed the boy was with his mother and pings from her phone indicated they were moving around to elude capture, she said. In late November, police said they had two suspects connected to his disappearance. At that time, officers said Ziegler and Ferguson were being sought by police, who were also searching for two vehicles possibly connected to Jones' disappearance. The U.S. Marshal Service's Violent Fugitive Task Force began helping in the search several weeks ago and finally received reliable information on the boy Tuesday, Page said. Ferguson, and her boyfriend, Woodrow Ziegler, were arrested. Charges are being pursued in Laclede and possibly Camden counties, Page added. A prison officer has revealed the reason for a violent inmates cowardly attack that left him with life-threatening injuries. Prison guard Greg, 45, suffered multiple fractures to his eye socket, nose and cheek after he told a prisoner at Woodford Correctional Centre that he would have to share his cell. The officer, who was airlifted to hospital, needed emergency surgery to piece his shattered jaw back together. Overcrowding in Queensland prisons has led to increased assaults by inmates, according to a report by the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC). This is the state of Queensland prison officer Greg after he was bushed to a pulp by an inmate The prison guard (pictured) was airlifted to hospital with horrific facial injuries last month Authorities are pleading for a long-term solution to overcrowding, with scores of prisoners 'doubling up' in cells as some resort to sleeping on a mattress on the floor or on a bunk bed, after many reports of violence. The prisoner accused of punching and kicking the guard is serving a sentence for assault causing grievous bodily harm. 'This is the reality of what these men and women face every day,' Michael Thomas of Together Union, which represents prison staff, told The Courier Mail. 'They're husbands, they're wives, they're mums and dads and they go to work. No one deserves to go to work and go home via the emergency department.' Following the attack, the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QCS) has agreed to put an extra staff member on the floor at Woodford. Prisons within the state, including Woodford, will trial a system under which one officer per unit will have capsicum spray to deal with uncontrollable behaviour. The CCC report warned that overcrowding corrupted prison operations, undermined safety and could lead to further criminalisation. Another report called the Sofronoff Parole Review recommended major solutions to address the issue, including a greater variety of rehabilitation programs. Together Union secretary Alex Scott said the government is aware of the solutions but doesn't have the money to pay for them. 'We are gravely concerned that report after report after report identifies the problems, identifies the solutions, but none of the funding is forthcoming,' Mr Scott told Sunshine Coast Daily. 'The government can't keep on seeking further reviews into the problem rather than actually coming up with decisions to fund the solutions.' The government has already rolled out 1000 new bunk beds and is set to announce another 1000 but officers say that is not the solution as aggressive inmates don't want to share cells. Scores of prisoners are 'doubling up' in cells as some resort to sleeping on a mattress on the floor or on a bunk bed, after many reports of violence Current figures show Queensland prisons are at 125 per cent capacity - all but one of the men's prisons and about half of the women's prisons are running above capacity. Woodford jail holds about 1,400 prisoners, despite being built for around 980. Mr Thomas previously told the ABC the union had serious concerns for the safety of correctional officers. 'Every day they [correctional officers] have to be hyper alert. Every day, it could be the day that that assault is a fatal one,' Mr Thomas said. Greg is a 45-year-old guard from the Woodford Correctional Centre (pictured) on the outskirts of Brisbane The CCC report warned that overcrowding corrupted prison operations, undermined safety and could lead to further criminalisation He said there were fears of potentially deadly consequences if overcrowding was not resolved soon, with officers saying it was just luck no-one had died yet. '[Overcrowding is] extremely alarming. The last few years, we've seen a massive increase in the number of prisoners that are being incarcerated that's led to overcrowding,' Mr Thomas said. Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan said at the time that his 'thoughts and prayers' were with the family, friends and colleagues of the 45-year-old prison officer. 'Attacks on people whose job it is to keep Queenslanders safe are the worst, and a reminder of just how challenging and dangerous their work can be,' he said. Australia's worst child sex offenders have continued to target victims while under government supervision, as a campaign for a national sex offenders' register gains support. New figures have revealed 24 offenders committed crimes or breached court orders while under supervision in 2018, according to The Herald Sun Culprits names must remain concealed under current laws, but growing calls for the register could see offenders exposed and their personal details made known to the public. In the past week the Morrison government along with child protection agencies have banded together in a bid to make the register come to fruition. Australia's worst sex offenders have continued to target victims while under government supervision, as the possibility of a national sex offenders' register nears reality (file image) Supporters of the potential register say publicising offenders' information would protect children from predators and curb their re-offending. Daniel Morcombe's father Bruce, who has been a staunch advocate for children's protection since his son's 2003 murder, told 2GB of his excitement over the government's support on Thursday. 'This is a breath of fresh air, and Denise (Daniel's mother) and I have a big bound in our step this morning,' he said. 'This is a great leap forward, albeit only an announcement at this stage, but a very positive one.' The increasing possibility of a national sex offenders register was revealed on Tuesday at the urging of the Morrison Government. Supporters of the potential register say publicising offenders' information would protect children from predators (file image) It came as Home Affairs minister Peter Dutton called on all states to back the move, which would include a person's name, photograph, date of birth and post code. Derryn Hinch took to Twitter on Thursday in celebration of the government support While the register still needs state and territory support in order to become a reality, long-time child safety advocate Senator Derryn Hinch took to Twitter on Thursday in celebration. 'Now I can die happy. Peter Dutton has announced government support for my national public register of convicted paedophiles,' he wrote. 'It's why I formed the Justice Party. Why I got into politics. We've been working on this in Canberra for two years. Dutton kept his word. Thank you.' In 2014, Mr Hinch was jailed for 50 days for naming convicted child rapists after being found guilty of contempt of court. A mother has demanded a paedophile register after an elderly man took photos of her 14-year-old daughter inside Bunnings. Renee Talbot said her daughter was 'violated and disturbed' after a man with white hair began to take photos of her in the aisle of the Bundaberg store, on Queenland's central coast, on Tuesday. 'We were walking around doing our shopping when my daughter walked up to me and said ''that guy just took photos of me'',' Ms Talbot told News Mail. Ms Talbot then turned her attention to the 'creep', believed to be in his late 50s or early 60s, who was allegedly looking towards the family and holding a digital camera. Renee Talbot said her daughter was 'violated and disturbed' after a man with white hair began to take photos of her at Bundaberg Bunnings (pictured), on Queenland's central coast The mother-of-four, who moved to the area six-weeks ago, said she was angry and didn't know what to do. 'My initial reaction was to go off, but I didn't want to make a scene,' she said. Ms Talbot and her husband alerted the staff at Bunnings and the man was immediately removed from the store. She said the store was 'amazing' and did a good job when responding to their complaint. The store confirmed the incident when contacted by Daily Mail Australia. The safety of customers and team is our highest priority and we will help with the police investigation if required, QLD North Operations Manager Kent Payne said. Ms Talbot said no one should be taking pictures of children but admitted the current climate made it an area of concern. 'Everybody's got a camera in their pocket (now),' she said. Ms Talbot's support for a paedophile register comes amid increased discussion about a national sex offenders' registry. Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton is seeking backing from all the states and territories in Australia to create the registry. 'We were walking around doing our shopping when my daughter walked up to me and said ''that guy just took photos of me'',' Ms Talbot said (stock image) The collated data could allow anybody to look up where registered child sex offenders live after they have been released from prison. Bruce and Denise Morcombe have been advocating the implementation of the registry in Australia for years after their 13-year-old son Daniel was abducted and murdered by convicted sex offender Brett Cowan. The registry would put Australia in step with the United States, which has a system that allows parents parents and citizens to find a photo, name and address of convicted paedophiles. In November 2018, Bundaberg man and former Dymocks employee Kimberley John Jenkinson was jailed for 10 months after pleading guilty to possessing almost half a million images and videos of child exploitation material. Investigations revealed Mr Jenkinson possessed more than 450,000 images and videos of pre-pubescent girls on numerous devices, including a tablet, computer, hard drive, USB and two hard-copy binders. A Pret A Manger customer's attempt at 'Veganuary' came to a disgusting end when she found an insect squirming around in her wrap. The 33-year-old civil servant purchased the meatless Chakalaka Wrap on her lunch break at the chain's branch in Walthamstow, East London, yesterday. After taking a few bites, she noticed a 'weird taste' and looked down to find the wriggling green bug camouflaged in her lunch. The green insect can be seen poking its head out of the woman's vegan spicy Chakalaka Wrap The customer said: 'I'm afraid of seeing greens now. I will never eat from Pret again, I am literally traumatised. 'I took a bite it was fine, took another bite and it tasted funny. There was a weird taste. I looked and I could see something moving. 'I thought I was hallucinating. I just froze in shock. I said to my colleagues, 'look' they started screaming. 'We went over to Pret to show then. We were in shock, looking for a manager. The manager response was apologetic and he said 'I'm so sorry', but that just does not cut it.' The customer was nine days into her Vegaunary challenge - which sees people swerve meat and dairy for January. But she said she now feels like she's failed and doesn't know which food will be safe in the future. The horrified customer, 33, was attempting Veganuary when she discovered the bug (pictured) wriggling around in her lunch She said: 'I was really upset after this happened as I'm taking part in Veganuary, I now feel like my options are restricted.' A Pret spokesperson commented: 'We work very closely with our suppliers to ensure our food is safe and fresh. We have a strict process in place, with our suppliers and in our shop kitchens, to ensure our fresh ingredients are washed and checked. 'Clearly on this occasion the process failed. We have apologised to the customer and are investigating the incident to reduce the risk of this happening again.' The civil servant said the discovery (left) left her 'traumatised'. Right, Pret's customer services team sent her an email apology after she complained In an email to the horrified woman, Pret's customer service team said the sandwich shop takes food safety and quality 'very seriously. It told the customer: 'Let me say again how sorry we are that you've found a live bug in your sandwich.' The email went on to say Pret's safety team would be investigating the issue and that it could take up to ten days. She'd purchased the wrap from the Pret A Manger store in Walthamstow, East London, yesterday On its website, the chain describes the wrap as including spicy African-inspired chakalaka beans with red pepper, roasted butternut squash and baby leaf spinach - finished with a dollop of non-dairy coconut yoghurt. The revolting find comes after a 15-year-old girl died of an allergic reaction to a Pret baguette. Natasha Ednan-Laperouse collapsed on a flight to Nice in 2016 after eating a sandwich bought at Heathrow Airport containing sesame seeds not listed on the label. The tragedy prompted the chain to rethink its packaging and labelling of food to make ingredients lists more clear and accurate. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has agreed to come to the Capitol to brief House members on his department's decision to ease sanctions on companies linked to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. He is certain to get grilled on whether President Donald Trump exerted any form of pressure on the decision. Deripaska worked closely in the past with Trump's former campaign chair Paul Manafort, who was convicted on corruption charges and is currently in jail awaiting sentencing. The classified briefing Thursday for all members of the House was confirmed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office. Seven Democratic chairmen of House committees have demanded answers about the Treasury Department's December announcement about the sanctions and asked Mnuchin for a briefing. The agreement would lift penalties against the aluminum manufacturing giant Rusal and two other companies connected to Deripaska. FILE- In this Oct. 16, 2018, file photo Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin leads a meeting of the Financial Stability Oversight Council at the Treasury Department in Washington. The heads of seven House committees are calling on Mnuchin to explain why the United States is easing sanctions on companies linked to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska The closed briefing will be the first of many efforts by the new Democratic House to hold the Trump administration to account for its decisions on Russia and other issues. Mnuchin says Deripaska would remain blacklisted as part of sanctions targeting Russian business executives, but that the companies had committed to 'significantly diminish Deripaska's ownership and sever his control.' Lawmakers indicated they planned to question Mnuchin over whether President Donald Trump sought to influence the decision, NBC reported. The closed briefing will be the first of many efforts by the new Democratic House to hold the Trump administration to account for its decisions on Russia and other issues. Mnuchin's appearance was confirmed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office Democrats say the deal appears to allow Deripaska to keep 'significant ownership' of one of the companies. The leaders of seven House committees called on Mnuchin to explain why the United States is easing sanctions on companies linked to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. The Democrats wrote to Mnuchin on Tuesday to ask about a December announcement that the U.S. would lift sanctions on the aluminum manufacturing giant Rusal and two other companies connected to Deripaska. Mnuchin said then that Deripaska would remain blacklisted as part of sanctions that targeted tycoons close to the Kremlin, but that the companies had committed to 'significantly diminish Deripaska's ownership and sever his control.' In a letter to Mnuchin, the Democrats say the deal appears to allow Deripaska to keep 'significant ownership' of one of the companies. 'As the chairs of committees with oversight jurisdiction over the U.S. response to Russia's attempts to interfere in our elections and other hostile actions, we have a number of concerns about the agreement that the U.S. has reached with Mr. Deripaska,' the Democrats wrote. In this July 2, 2015 file photo, Russian metals magnate Oleg Deripaska attends Independence Day celebrations at Spaso House, the residence of the American Ambassador, in Moscow, Russia. Secretary Mnuchin will brief lawmakers on sanctions changes Treasury pushed through in December The Mnuchin briefings about sanctions are just the latest time that the Trump administration's moves regarding Russia are under the microscope They asked Mnuchin to delay implementation of the sanctions termination until he has fully briefed members of Congress about 'all aspects of the agreement, the sanctions termination, and the impact that these decisions would have on the U.S. effort to end Russia's malign activities aimed at our country.' The Democrats gave Mnuchin until the end of the day Friday to respond. The Treasury Department said it intends to provide the briefing and will do so as soon as possible. Congress has 30 days to block the move to terminate the sanctions, but the lawmakers said that review was difficult because of the timing. Treasury announced the move just before the December recess and before the start of the government shutdown. In addition to Rusal, Treasury officials said, sanctions against EN+ Group, the holding company that owns nearly 50 percent of Rusal, and Russian power company JSC EuroSibEnergo would also be lifted. The announcement that the sanctions would be lifted followed a lobbying campaign paid for by the chairman of EN+'s board, Gregory Barker, a conservative member of Britain's House of Lords, to convince the Trump administration to lift the sanctions against the companies. Barker, a former British energy minister, hired the U.S. firm Mercury LLC in May to support his efforts to negotiate Deripaska's exit from the EN+ board and 'the reduction of his ownership interest in the company.' The letter to Mnuchin was signed by House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal, D-Mass.; House Financial Services Chairwoman Maxine Waters, D-Calif.; House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, D-N.Y.; House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif.; House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings, D-Md.; House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y.; and House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss. Mohammed Abdul, 21, told door-staff he would come back and 'kill you guys' as he was ejected from Blake's nightclub in Gravesend, Kent. He was convicted of attempted murder A legal assistant who suffered a fractured pelvis and devastating mental scars after she was run over by a clubber seeking revenge for being thrown out of a nightclub has told a court about the traumatic experience that ruined her life. Katie Wells, now 19, was enjoying a night at Blake's nightclub in Gravesend, Kent, when Mohammed Abdul, 21, ploughed onto the dancefloor in his Suzuki Vitara 4x4, shortly before midnight in March last year. She, along with seven others, were injured by Abdul, of Deptford, south east London, who claimed to have smoked five joints and downed ten vodka-mixers on the night of the harrowing attack. A jury at Maidstone Crown Court today took 90 minutes to find Abdul, the son of a London cabby, guilty of two counts of attempted murder. He is expected to be sentenced tomorrow morning. Revellers, who had been waiting for a guest appearance of rap artist Giggs were sent sprawling 'like dominoes' on impact, Maidstone Crown Court was told. Miss Wells, then 18, went under the vehicle and suffered the pelvis fracture and bruising to her left arm and had tyre marks imprinted on her thighs. She later recalled hearing 'a massive bang' before being hit by the front passenger side. In CCTV footage shown in court, security guards can be seen trying to stop the vehicle which accelerates into partygoers at Blake's nightclub in Gravesend, Kent. Abdul, who claimed to have smoked five joints and drunk up to 15 vodka mixers, plus tequila shots, returned within 10 minutes in his Suzuki Vitara, telling bouncers 'I told you I'd be back' Katie Wells, then 18, went under the vehicle and suffered the pelvis fracture and bruising to her left arm and had tyre marks left on her thighs. She later recalled hearing 'a massive bang' before being hit by the front passenger side A jury at Maidstone Crown Court today took 90 minutes to find Abdul, the son of a London cabby, guilty of two counts of attempted murder. He is expected to be sentenced tomorrow morning. Abdul, pictured after he was thrown out walking back to his car before the attack In a victim impact statement read out in court today, Miss Wells said: 'I wish that the person who did this to me could just feel how much pain I am in for one day so he can know what my life has been like since he ran me over. 'Not because I want him to be in pain, just because I want him to know how he has affected my life. Not being able to sleep because of the pain, not being able to walk properly, having to take medication all the time, re-living what happened in my mind. 'All of this when all I was doing on that evening at Blake's was having a fun night out with friends.' Miss Wells returned to work two months after Abdul's murder bid but could not cope and was again signed off sick. She has had treatment for depression and remains on painkillers. By September last year she had still not returned full-time, and her commute by train left her in need of wearing a priority seating badge. Her medication has also caused side-effects and anxiety, derailing her promising career at a London law firm. Cameraman Pierre Jermaine Joseph was at the venue to film the Giggs. The 32-year-old was pinned against the marquee and suffered a fractured shinbone and knee. The court heard Abdul ominously told door-staff he would come back and 'kill you guys' as he was ejected. He returned within 10 minutes in his Vitara, telling bouncers 'I told you I'd be back'. He then manoeuvred the car into a narrow alleyway at the side of the club before smashing through closed metal gates and accelerating into a marquee area at the rear injuring eight people. Mohammed Abdul knocks into revellers with his 4x4 on a packed dancefloor injuring eight people in revenge for being thrown out by door staff. He manoeuvred his car into a narrow alleyway at the side of the club before smashing through closed metal gates Abdul was arrested at the scene after being restrained by clubbers and door-staff. He denied two offences of attempting to murder persons in the vicinity of the nightclub but was convicted today. The two offences related to people in the alleyway and those in the marquee. He had already pleaded guilty to two charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving in relation to Mr Joseph and Miss Wells ahead of his trial. High Court Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb is expected to pass sentence tomorrow morning. Opening the case for the prosecution on Monday January 7, Simon Taylor told the jury of 10 men and two women there was 'an obvious intention' to kill. 'Why else deliberately drive at speed into a group of defenceless people offering no threat at all? The Crown's case here is that in reality the defendant could have had no other intention whatsoever,' he said. 'This course of conduct involved him using his car as a weapon by deliberately driving at a large group of people who were trying to enjoy a night out in Blake's nightclub. Abdul was arrested at the scene after being restrained by clubbers and door-staff. He denied two offences of attempting to murder persons in the vicinity of the nightclub but was convicted today Abdul drove his 4x4 down the side alley next to Blake's nightclub in Gravesend, Kent, and ploughed into crowds in a marquee and dancefloor behind after being ejected for being drunk 'The manner in which the defendant drove was not short in either duration or distance. It was a determined and indiscriminate effort to cause death to those people present. 'Mercifully, and no thanks to the defendant, death was not caused by his driving but serious injury was.' Shocking CCTV footage which captured Abdul's action that night as more than 500 people partied 'spoke volumes', added the prosecutor. The nine-minute long video, a clip of which is featured above, showed his ejection from the club, returning in the Vitara and then the dramatic moment the car ploughed past bollards, hitting doorman Greg Perzanowski who landed on the bonnet and rolled over the windscreen. It then careered through the gates and past a busy smoking area. One doorman later described the car swerving 'all over the place' and deliberately trying to hit as many people as possible. The nine-minute long video, a clip of which is featured above, showed his ejection from the club, returning in the Vitara and then the dramatic moment the car ploughed past bollards, hitting doorman Greg Perzanowski who landed on the bonnet and rolled over the windscreen CCTV footage played in court was also said to 'speak volumes' as to what Abdul intended that night Clubbers screamed and staff shouted warnings. Several had to dive for safety, the court heard, and one young woman who fell to the ground was dragged away by a bouncer within inches of the vehicle hurtling towards her. The 4x4 reached the marquee entrance where the vehicle's headlights could be seen as it stopped for nine seconds before accelerating into the unsuspecting revellers on the busy chequered dancefloor. Witnesses later told police they thought the noise they heard was part of Giggs's arrival. 'Tyre marks were left by the vehicle as it careered into the marquee. It then reversed, the Crown say, to line up another strike at the occupants of the marquee but that was fortunately stopped by the intervention of clubbers and members of staff,' said Mr Taylor. The court was told the incident was not terror-related but motivated by 'revenge and anger' after Abdul was thrown out at about 11.40pm for his 'apparent intoxication' from drink or drugs. Abdul, of Deptford, south east London, was arrested at the club after being restrained by clubbers and door staff - but denies attempted murder Clubbers screamed and staff shouted warnings. Several had to dive for safety, the court heard, and one young woman who fell to the ground was dragged away by a bouncer within inches of the vehicle hurtling towards her (Abdul is removed from the club by bouncers) His eyes were glazed, he smelt of alcohol, and customers had also complained about his 'demeanour and conduct', said the prosecutor. It was his first visit to Blake's and he had gone specifically with a friend to see the rapper perform. Mr Taylor said the 'tight' manoeuvre by the Vitara from the road into the alleyway was 'careful and deliberate', demonstrating a 'considered piece of driving'. On hearing the revving engine, doorman Peter Muro told the court he realised the danger and quickly reacted to pull open the driver's door and grab Abdul by his clothing. However, the car accelerated away from him and towards the tented area. Abdul drove across the dancefloor for up to 10 metres and at considerable speed, striking a number of people who had no time to react, said Mr Taylor. One woman dislocated her knee as people scrambled out of the way and tried to flee, screaming and shouting in panic. Others, including people in the alleyway, were left with bruising and cuts. Miss Wells was in the marquee when she heard the car revving and described it 'launching' towards her. She was hit with force to her left-hand side, her shoes came off and she found herself under the vehicle before being pulled out to safety. Abdul then reversed the 4x4 several metres, pinning Mr Joseph by both legs to the side of the marquee, the court was told. Victim impact statement by Katie Wells, 19, who was trapped beneath Mohammed Abdul's Suzuki Vitara and suffered a shattered pelvis 'I have been in court for the trial and when the CCTV was first played I was literally holding back the tears watching myself being run over. I tried to hold it together as I didn't want Abdul to see me upset. 'I wish that the person who did this to me could just feel how much pain I am in for one day so he can know what my life has been like since he ran me over. 'Not because I want him to be in pain, just because I want him to know how he has affected my life. Not being able to sleep because of the pain, not being able to walk properly, having to take medication all the time, re-living what happened in my mind. 'All of this when all I was doing on that evening at Blake's was having a fun night out with friends.' 'In some respects I think I was one of the unlucky ones as I was one of the more seriously injured, but actually I believe I am lucky to be alive after what happened as it could so easily have been even worse. 'Originally after the incident I had two months off work. I couldn't drive and wasn't able to walk so couldn't really do anything. 'Any occasions I did go out, like to Bluewater for example, I had to be put in a wheelchair which made me feel embarrassed and self-conscious. 'In the weeks after the attack at Blake's I suffered nightmares and was in a lot of pain. 'Even now I feel anxious in certain social situations like when I am at a party in a crowd of people. I will think that a car is going to come driving through the crowd. 'I do things like look around at where I am, checking that there is nowhere that a car could drive through to get to me. In May I was assessed as having anxiety and depression - all of which is a result of this incident - and I am on the list to see a counsellor about it. 'On a day-to-day basis I also I feel like I have been missing out on things. I was 18 when this incident happened and should have been looking forward to the summer. 'All this has not only affected me, but also my family and boyfriend. I had to move to my boyfriend's house for a time after the attack as we only have a bath at home, and he had a walk-in shower, but this put strain on our relationship because we weren't really ready to live together and we split up. 'We recently got back together but I have had to rely on him a lot for basic things and the difficulties I have had with medication and anxiety also make things difficult for him. 'Other family members have also been affected - my mum didn't sleep for about two months after the incident and she worries about me constantly.' Advertisement The vehicle lurched forward again before people surrounded it, smashed windows with cocktail tables and dragged him from the driver's seat by his hair. The court heard he was 'abusive and uncooperative' to both officers and paramedics treating him for his own injuries, some caused by those who had restrained him. He later replied no comment when interviewed and initially refused to give a blood sample. By the time one was taken 14 hours after the incident it was impossible to determine whether he had been intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. But giving evidence on Tuesday January 8, Abdul said he had only gone back to Blake's that night to cause the doormen 'a bit of grief' because he felt 'embarrassed and humiliated' by how they ejected him. He added he then panicked in his intoxicated state when the bouncers became hostile, and was simply looking for a way out when he drove down the alleyway and into the tented area. Giving evidence on Tuesday January 8, Abdul said he had only gone back to Blake's that night to cause the doormen 'a bit of grief' because he felt 'embarrassed and humiliated' by how they ejected him Abdul, who lives with his parents and has six siblings, has no previous convictions but two cautions for criminal damage and possessing cannabis. He came to the UK from Nairobi shortly before his first birthday and left school with eight GCSEs to work various office and warehouse jobs. He told the court he was a regular cannabis user but the night he drove into Blake's was only the fifth time he had had alcohol. His father, a London black cab driver, was in court to support his son. Abdul was originally tried in September last year but the jury on that occasion was discharged after failing to reach verdicts. Libby Clark, from the CPS, said: 'It was the prosecution's case that the defendant made a determined and deliberate attempt to kill people who offered no threat to him by using his car as a weapon. 'Not only did he carefully and deliberately manoeuvre his car into a relatively narrow alleyway, but he stopped and waited nine seconds, before then driving into people at considerable speed. That gave him time to consider what he was about to do. 'It was sheer luck that no one was killed that night, but the impact on those caught up cannot be underestimated. 'Aside from the physical injuries they suffered, they had to experience the nightmare of having a car hurtle towards them with no warning as they were enjoying a night out.' A longtime suspect in the murder of JonBenet Ramsey has finally admitted he killed the then six-year old beauty pageant queen, DailyMailTV can exclusively reveal. Gary Oliva, 54, a convicted pedophile who is currently serving a 10-year sentence in a Colorado prison for child pornography, has admitted in letters obtained by DailyMailTV he killed her by accident. Oliva, who was once jailed for trying to strangle his mother, wrote: 'I never loved anyone like I did JonBenet and yet I let her slip and her head bashed in half and I watched her die. It was an accident. Please believe me. She was not like the other kids.' In another letter, Oliva wrote, 'JonBenet completely changed me and removed all evil from me. Just one look at her beautiful face, her glowing beautiful skin, and her divine God-body, I realized I was wrong to kill other kids. Yet by accident she died and it was my fault.' The letters were sent to music publicist Michael Vail, a former high school classmate of Oliva's. Vail has suspected Oliva's involvement in JonBenet's murder for 22 years but told DailyMailTV he thinks Oliva's written confession is the proof needed to finally get Oliva charged with the crime. The incriminating letters from Oliva have now been presented to Boulder police. Police spokesperson Laurie Ogden told DailyMailTV, 'The Boulder Police Department is aware of and has investigated Mr. Olivas potential involvement in this case. 'We have passed the additional information you provided onto investigators. We will not comment on any actions or the status of this investigation.' Six-year-old beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey's body was found at her home in Boulder, Colorado on December 26, 1996 Convicted pedophile Gary Oliva, 54, has long been a suspect in the murder of JonBenet Ramsey. He is pictured at Limon Correctional Facility in Colorado Gary Oliva said he killed JonBenet Ramsey by accident. He wrote, 'I let her slip and her head bashed in half and I watched her die. It was an accident' Describing JonBenet Ramsey's death, sex offender Gary Oliva wrote: 'I let the one I love die in my arms helplessly watching the life drain from her eyes as all light went out' Nobody has been charged with JonBenet's death since the six-year-old's lifeless body was discovered by her father John Ramsey in the basement of the family home in Boulder, Colorado on December 26, 1996. Detectives believe she was murdered the night before, on Christmas Day, through either a blow to the head or strangulation with a garotte. Oliva does not explain in the letters why he was at the Ramsey home that night but investigations have shown he was using an address just ten blocks away at the time JonBenet was murdered. Sexual predator Oliva wrote the letters to Vail from his cell in Limon Correctional Facility, Colorado after being arrested in 2016 for possessing child pornography on his phone. DailyMailTV has obtained a redacted police report for his 2016 arrest which shows Oliva also had hundreds of photos of JonBenet on his phone when it was seized. He is currently due for parole in October 2020. Gary Oliva made the shocking admission in letters he recently wrote from prison to former high school friend Michael Vail (above). Music publicist Vail, 55, is sending the letters to police In an interview with DailyMailTV, 55-year-old Michael Vail said: "My suspicions began when Gary called me late at night on December 26, 1996. He was sobbing and said, 'I hurt a little girl.' Speaking from his home in Ventura, California, Vail said, 'I had known Gary from my time at high school and we had kept in touch. When he said he had hurt a little girl I tried to get more information out of him. The only other thing he told me was that he was in the Boulder, Colorado area. The 1996 death of beauty pageant queen JonBenet Ramsey shocked the nation and Boulder Police Department received heavy criticism for never bringing her murderer to justice. 'On December 27 I read on the front page of my local newspaper 'Girl, 6, slain in Boulder, Colorado'. I knew I had to alert the police. 'I immediately called the Boulder Police Department and told them what I knew about Gary and what he had told me just days earlier. They didn't get back to me. 'Three months later I called the police again to find out what was going on in its investigation of Gary, but instead I was sent to a police answering machine set up for tips on the JonBenet case. Oliva's previous convictions include trying to strangle his mother, sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl and possessing a stun gun 'I left a message on the recorded line and again I never heard back from investigators.' The death of the beauty queen shocked the nation and Boulder police received heavy criticism for never bringing her murderer to justice. She would now be 28. Vail explained he has continued to stay in touch with Oliva since then in the hope Oliva would admit to being involved in JonBenet's death. He said, 'I've continued this for decades now, even with him being in prison. But he has only just admitted to killing her. He believes he will go to hell if he doesn't admit to it. 'I have now sent these letters to Boulder police in the hope it will get Gary to provide them with firm proof and to name who else may have been involved in JonBenet's death. 'I hope it helps bring justice for JonBenet and peace for her family. ''Now they have this, a written confession, the police need to charge him with her murder. 'The thought that he could be released on probation next year chills me to the bone because he should never be allowed out. He is a danger to society. 'The day he walks free is the day I will be terrified for every child and family." Retired Colorado Springs homicide detective Lou Smit, who had been hired by Boulder District Attorney's Office to help the JonBenet investigation, told CBS program '48 Hours Investigates' in October 2002 that Oliva was a suspect. Gary Oliva will be eligible for parole from Limon Correctional facility, Colorado in October 2020 and his mandatory release date is October 2025 Investigators theorize several men, including Oliva, were involved in breaking into JonBenet's house. A ransom note demanding $118,000 for JonBenet's return was found on the kitchen staircase at the Ramsey home shortly before her body was found. The handwriting does not match Oliva's in his letters to Vail. But it is possible the note was penned by an accomplice. Smit told 48 Hours Oliva was registered as a sex offender with an address near to the Ramsey home and showed up at a candlelight vigil after the pageant queen's gruesome death. Smit pointed out Oliva was arrested on December 12, 2000, on the University of Colorado campus on allegations of criminal trespass, marijuana possession and possession of a weapon by a previous offender. He had a stun gun in his possession at the time of his arrest. The stun gun was significant because several investigators, including Smit, believed one was used on JonBenet. Gary Oliva was registered as a sex offender at an address just ten blocks from the Ramsey family home (above) where JonBenet's body was discovered on December 26, 1996 Oliva also had a photograph of JonBenet and a poem he had written, titled 'Ode to JonBenet' on him when he was arrested. After his 2000 arrest, police took Oliva's DNA and sources claimed there was not a match to that found at the crime scene. However, in 2015 former Boulder police chief Mark Beckner admitted crime scene evidence may have been mishandled. He told reddit, 'Yes the crime scene was not handled properly and this later affected the investigation.' Shockingly, Oliva may have admitted to police his involvement in JonBenet's murder following his 2016 arrest. In a recent letter to Vail, Oliva claimed, 'I pleaded guilty to the murder of JonBenet as well as countless charges of assaults and sexual abuse against many children, there were various agreements made by me and the court which I signed many pages.' Incorrectly stating he is in prison for the rest of his life, Oliva claimed to Vail he told police he may have murdered others. Investigators believe JonBenet Ramsey (pictured with her mother Patsy) died from head trauma or strangulation. JonBenet also bore injuries that possibly showed the use of a stun gun Crime scene photo at the Ramsey family home on December 26, 1996 shows the open basement window which investigators believe JonBenet's killer may have used. Her body was found under a blanket in a neighboring room that had been used as the wine cellar Oliva wrote: 'I'm a serial murderer. I have a disorder that cannot be stopped. I've told the detectives all the murders I can remember. All of them pan out. They just can't prove any of them.' DailyMailTV has learned Boulder police's interest in Oliva may have been rekindled when they discovered 335 photographs related to JonBenet on the phone they seized after arresting him in 2016. Crime scene photo taken on December 26, 1996 shows the white door leading to the wine cellar where JonBenet's body was discovered under a blanket The arrest report redacts any mention of JonBenet or her murder investigation. It states: 'Additionally, there were approximately 335 photos that had something to do with [REDACTED]. Some were regular photographs of her, likely found online. Of those photographs, 19 were images from [REDACTED] autopsy, likely from the photographs that had been leaked to the press in years past. 'There were also many photographs of what appear to be shrines to [REDACTED]. It is unknown where these shrines are located, or if they were created by Oliva or not. 'I observed in the contacts section of Oliva's phone, there were many references to [REDACTED]. In the video section of the phone, I found several videos that were tributes to [REDACTED] as well.' In this Boulder Police 2016 arrest report obtained by DailyMailTV, officers found 335 photos related to JonBenet. References were redacted by police as the murder investigation is open DailyMailTV has uncovered a string of crimes committed by Oliva dating back decades. One crime, like JonBenet's death, involved strangulation. In May 1991, Oliva was on three-year's probation for sexually molesting a seven-year-old girl, when he threatened to kill his mother Anne Freitag at her home in Grants Pass, Oregon, and tried to strangle her. "When the sheriff arrives, they will find you dead': An Oregon Department of Corrections report describes how Oliva tried to strangle his mother with a telephone cord in May 1991 Describing the incident, Oregon Department of Corrections wrote in a report: 'During the course of the assault, Oliva threatened his mother, stating 'I should have killed you a long time ago' and made other threats to kill her. He also stated that 'When the sheriff arrives, they will find you dead.' 'Oliva removed a butcher knife from the drawer and had it in his possession. Oliva also pulled a telephone cord loose from a telephone and wrapped it around his mother's neck and began tightening it.' Oliva fled before police deputies arrived, the report stated. He was jailed for 17 months. Vail told DailyMailTV: 'Gary is a danger to everyone. Since that phone call to me where he said he had hurt a little girl, I've always known he had something to do with JonBenet's death. 'I hope Boulder police will finally charge him. I think they have been placing too much emphasis on DNA matches. We now know the crime scene and evidence in the case was compromised. 'I am begging Gary to do the right thing and reveal everything he knows. He may also be able to name people he was possibly involved with when he broke into JonBenet's home. They need to face justice as well.' You may not know his name, but you'll almost certainly know his bark. Ray Graham is a quiet and unassuming grandfather. He is married to his wife of four decades Kerry and still lives in the same home they bought more than 24 years ago. But in April 2010, Mr Graham became an international sensation, after a TV interview with A Current Affair about the rabid dogs 'terrorising' their local area. That interview has been watched tens of millions of times online and become part of Australia's digital age folklore. The 66-year-old has spoken to Daily Mail Australia about life as the 'barking dog man' and says even this many years on he is regularly stopped for a selfie. Scroll down for video Ray Graham laughs as he watches the video that made him an internet sensation - his interview from 2010 with Australian news program A Current Affair 'I get noticed in the street, not as much now, but it still happens,' he said. 'Just the other week I was out shopping with Kerry and these two guys started after us and we thought they were going to mug us but all they wanted was just a photo! 'They always want to take a photo and sometimes I sort of bark at them - they really love that. 'It's been all positive, there's been no downside, but it has definitely changed my life.' The significance of the interview on Mr Graham's life has stretched far beyond being stopped by strangers when he is out shopping. In the immediate aftermath of his interview there were countless requests for him to appear on more media, all of who wanted him to repeat his barking impersonation. There were trips to dine at parliament with local politician Victor Dominello, visits to a leading radio station and a record six consecutive appearances on A Current Affair. While the attention has died down in recent years, Mr Graham believes social media will ensure it never goes away. 'It's amazing how it took off the way it did, because it was just a spur of the moment thing,' he said. Mr Graham's unique impersonation of dogs running rampant in his western Sydney street was watched millions of times across the world and led to him being known as 'barking dog man' The grandfather told Daily Mail Australia that even eight years on from his interview, he is still asked by strangers for a photo when down the street 'It was a pretty significant thing that happened in my life,' Mr Graham, now 66, admitted 'It was a pretty significant thing that happened in my life. 'As a matter of fact, one night Tracey Grimshaw came on and said we had to cancel the story we had planned to run because we're running the barking dog man again. 'The funniest thing now is when I'm scrolling through Facebook looking for photos of my grandkids and I come across videos with my own face barking back at me!' Mr Graham's video has reemerged in recent years, largely thanks to the prominence of memes. When Daily Mail Australia visited Mr Graham's home recently, he was in a particularly happy mood reminiscing about his time as arguably Australia's most famous man. Within seconds of walking out his front door to say hello, the barking had begun. Mr Graham points to the direction the dogs 'came bounding over' down his quiet Sydney street The internet sensation laughs after jokingly barking at the postman delivering mail in his street And for the next hour as Mr Graham went about his normal day to day duties, putting out the washing and even drying the dishes, very little changed. 'I just love barking,' he said. 'I think seeing people get a kick out of it like they do, that makes me really happy. 'Other than the video I'm a pretty normal guy. Kerry and I are retired now, we spend our time looking after the grandkids and that's about it. 'I'm humbled by all the attention. It's pretty nice having people come up to me in the street... I like it and I enjoy it, and if I had my time over again I'd do it all the same.' The economic forecasters heralded 2019 as the year when recovery in the eurozone would finally be established. It hasn't quite worked out like that. The two locomotive economies, Germany and France, stalled badly in the last months of 2018. The European Central Bank's timing has once again been proved wrong. It has signalled an end to its 2.5 trillion (2.3 trillion) quantitative easing just when the boost may be most needed to stop the region plunging into recession. French President Macron, left, is under siege from 'yellow vest' protests while German Chancellor Angela Merkel faces a recession after the country's industrial production collapsed As recently as last October the International Monetary Fund put Britain into the slow lane as it grappled with Brexit. The euro area looked set to outpace the UK with 2 per cent growth in 2018 and 1.9 per cent this year. Against the odds the UK's third quarter was stronger than anyone predicted. Research consultancy Pantheon Economics suggests that a 'jump in retail sales and a partial recovery in manufacturing output' will drive a pick-up in Britain in the final quarter. Irrespective of how Britain is doing, the worrying data coming out of the eurozone demonstrates why being part of the much-vaunted European market of 500m consumers continues to be useful but is not going to drive future expansion for the UK. It makes it all the more essential for the UK to broaden its horizons. All three of the core nations in the eurozone and the wider European Union Germany, France and Italy are, for assorted reasons, struggling. This is partly a response to deteriorating global conditions. China is slowing, the Trump battle over fairer trade has dented confidence and the tightening of policy by the US Federal Reserve has slowed capital flows from the US to emerging markets. But many of the factors holding up investment, output and jobs in the eurozone are home made. In France a combination of frustration with the zig-zags of President Macron and the very direct impact of the 'yellow vest' protests are looking calamitous. It is no coincidence that the weakened French leader together with Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel have decided this is the right moment to try and prop each other up politically. The latest data from Paris shows French industrial output fell by 1.3 per cent in November driven by a plunge in manufacturing by 1.4 per cent. Over the last quarter manufacturing has fallen by 1 per cent, fuelled by big falls in transport equipment and even food. The driving force of the German economy has long been its engineering skills and particularly the output of its car giants. The reputation of the German motor industry has been stained by the emissions cheating scandal which has cost VW an estimated 23.6billion. The industry's struggles contributed to the 0.2 per cent decline in German gross domestic product (GDP) in the third quarter of 2018, and continued to hurt in the final quarter. German industrial production tumbled 1.9 per cent in November leading to speculation that when the first estimate of GDP for the final months of the year is released shortly it may be in negative territory. If that is the case then Europe's locomotive economy would be heading into 2019 in a technical recession: defined as two consecutive quarters of negative output. Among the reasons for the eurozone's current bout of weakness are its failure to fully recover from the financial crisis of a decade ago and its rotten banking systems. It is often forgotten that the supply of credit by banks to businesses and consumers alike is the lifeblood of any economy and when credit is cut off so is output and jobs. Durable banking systems are more significant in the eurozone than in the Anglo-Saxon nations because it lacks the sophisticated capital markets of London and New York. In spite of being the birthplace of modern banking Italy has the most damaged banking system with up to 200billion (157billion) of bad loans still held by the banks. The survival of many of the Italian banks is dependent on short-term funding from the ECB. The German banks are far from robust. Deutsche Bank, the nation's largest, has been involved in an existential crisis. The regional landesbanken are also struggling with Nord LB in the state of Saxony, one of the largest commercial banks, looking for a bailout. Against a difficult global background, and the halt of easy money from the European Central Bank, the IMF and EU, cheery growth predictions for the eurozone in 2019 look increasingly tenuous. The case for Britain freeing itself from the uncomfortable stays of the European Union and a struggling eurozone looks as robust as ever. Britain's biggest supermarket Tesco enjoyed a bumper festive period, with sales up 2.2 per cent from the same time a year ago. With sales on the up, the supermarket enjoyed its strongest Christmas sales period since 2009. The supermarket's 'Festive 5' vegetable offer proved particularly popular with shoppers, selling 19.7million units over the three weeks to Christmas. Half-price lamb and beef joints helped meat sales grow by 12.2. per over the Christmas period. A deal for a quarter off six bottles of wine also proved popular with shoppers. Festive sales: Britain's biggest supermarket Tesco enjoyed a bumper festive period, with sales up 2.2 per cent from the same time a year ago In one week alone, Tesco delivered 51million items for 776,000 orders, helping the company's online like-for-like sales rise by 2.6 per cent over Christmas. The number of customers using the supermarket's Delivery Saver subscription service increased by 3.8 per cent year-on-year, taking the total to 491,000. Chief executive Dave Lewis said: 'As a team we have achieved a lot in the last 19 weeks. 'In the UK we delivered significant improvements in our competitive offer and this is reflected in a very strong Christmas performance which was ahead of the market.' Busy: In one week alone, Tesco delivered 51million items for 776,000 orders He added: 'We have more to do everywhere, but remain bang on track to deliver our plans for the year - and as we enter our centenary, we are in a strong position.' On the subject of Brexit, Mr Lewis said that 'sensible' contingency planning was underway, with the supermarket working with suppliers to stockpile goods. However, he sounded the alarm bell over fresh food. 'It's hard to contingency for fresh food, where we can't stockpile. 'Like other retailers, we'd be keen that there is no friction at the border given the UK imports half of the fresh food it eats.' Between July and September, Tesco recorded comparable UK sales growth of 0.7 per cent, down from 2.5 per cent in the previous three months, but the 12th consecutive period of positive figures nonetheless. Over the 19 weeks to 5 January, the supermarket saw like-for-like sales grow 1.2 per cent in the UK. Tesco said wholesaler Booker, which it snapped up for 4billion last year, was growing strongly. Like-for-like sales at Booker grew by 11 per cent in the third quarter compared to the comparable period one year earlier. Looking ahead, Tesco said it was 'confident' in the outlook for the full year and remained 'firmly on track to deliver the ambitions that we outlined in October 2016.' FTSE 100 listed Tesco's share price is up 1.98 per cent or 4.15p to 215.95p. While enjoying strong sales growth over Christmas, Tesco described the overall UK trading environment as 'challenging.' The British Retail Consortium said today that last Christmas was the worst in a decade, with overall retail sales flat on last year and even heavy discounting failing to encourage shoppers to spend more. Tesco is also battling against competition from German discounters Aldi and Lidl, which according to market research group Kantar Worldpanel were visited by two-thirds of British households in the 12 weeks to 30 December. Competition: Tesco is battling against competition from German discounters Aldi and Lidl David Madden, an analyst at CMC Markets, said: 'The rise of Aldi and Lidl are hurting the 'big four' and that is why we have seen merger and acquisition activity in the sector. 'Sainsbury's are hoping the competition and markets authority will greenlight their planned takeover of Asda, which would put them in first place, should the deal go ahead. 'Morrisons used its acquisition of McColls to branch into wholesaling, and Tesco did something similar with Booker Group. 'Tesco have undergone an impressive turnaround under the leadership of Dave Lewis. The German supermarkets are on the march, and the British firms will need to keep innovating in order to keep up.' Ed Monk, an associate director at Fidelity Personal Investing, said: 'Tesco has started the year on the front foot with festive sales up 2.6%, helping third quarter sales to rise 1.9%. 'Those numbers are boosted by Bookers - the wholesale division captured last year - but the underlying Tesco supermarket business did grow sales too, by 0.7% 'Lamb and beef joints proved a big hit with shoppers, as did Tesco's 'Festive 5' vegetable offer. 'With the potential merger of rivals Sainsbury's and Asda threatening to dethrone it as the nation's biggest grocer, and German discounters snapping at its heels too, that's good news and further endorsement of the turnaround being enacted by boss Dave Lewis.' Out of the Big four supermarkets, Morrisons reported strong figures on Tuesday, while Sainsbury's, which is attempting to merge with Asda, posted a weaker set of figures on Wednesday. Broadcaster ITV was racing ahead yesterday as City analysts predicted it could soon ink a new deal with Sky, giving it a 120million boost. Ian Whittaker at broker Liberum said a deal between Scottish broadcaster STV and Sky, announced this week, could point to a bigger agreement in the pipeline for ITV. Sky currently has a deal with ITV to broadcast its programmes on the Sky player, but this is due to expire imminently. This weeks STV deal, Whittaker argues, shows Sky is willing to renew deals on relatively uncontentious terms, and quickly. Sky currently has a deal with ITV to broadcast its programmes on the Sky player, but this is due to expire imminently. Analysts predict a new deal could give ITV a 120m boost A new partnership between ITV and satellite giant Sky could rake in an extra 120million for ITV, Liberum calculated, based on higher prices agreed in recent similar deals. The prediction caused ITVs shares to climb 4.2 per cent, or 5.3p, to 131.4p on Tuesday. But they shot up another 4.9 per cent, or 6.45p, to 137.85p as Whittaker explained how he reached the 120million sum. He also claimed the case for ITV buying Scottish competitor STV was looking increasingly strong. Positive sentiment helped the FTSE 100 to climb 0.7 per cent, or 45.03 points, to 6906.63. Stock Watch - Nichols Investors have lapped up a trading update from Vimto-maker Nichols, which said sales jumped 6.9 per cent to 142million last year. The UK branch of the business did particularly well, as sales shot up 12.6 per cent to 114.6million. The UK soft drinks market grew 7.4 per cent in 2018. As well as Vimto, which was 110 years old in 2018, Nichols also owns Feel Good drinks, the Levi Roots brand, Sunkist and a range of frozen slushy products. Shares climbed 8.3 per cent, or 120p, to 1560p. Technology company Softcat, which helps customers ranging from NHS trusts to The National Gallery in London with services from cybersecurity to printing systems, said it was materially ahead of where it expected to be at this stage of the year. Shares shot up 17.8 per cent, or 105p, to 694p. Chief financial officer Graham Charlton will especially be celebrating two days before he bought 25 shares in an incentive plan for 598p each. Their combined value is already 24 higher. FTSE 250-listed TBC Bank, one of the largest financial institutions in Georgia, said it was being investigated by the countrys central bank and public prosecutors, and had been fined 294,000. The National Bank of Georgia is looking into transactions in 2007 and 2008, which it believes were made between TBC and its then-chairman and deputy chairman, and entailed conflicts of interest. TBC said it was challenging the fine in court. Shares slid 5.4 per cent, or 80p, to 1408p. Logistics company Wincanton edged up 1.3 per cent, or 3p, to 235p after it agreed a deal with Weetabix to transport and manage the warehouse storage of its cereals. Payments business Safecharge International, whose customers include World Duty Free and taxi app Gett, shot up 14 per cent, or 33p, to 268p as Miton fund manager Gervais Williams recommended it as his stock tip of the year. However the shock departure of Silence Therapeutics chief financial officer hurt shares. Silence, which is creating medicines to interfere with the bodys genetic processes in the hope of treating rare genetic diseases, fell 1.9 per cent, or 1p, to 52.2p, after telling investors David Ellam would leave. Rob Quinn, the firms head of financial planning and analysis, will fill the role until a replacement is found. Investors were unimpressed by the results from small gas producer Regal Petroleum, even though the average daily rate from its projects in Ukraine was up 48 per cent in the final three months of 2018, compared to a year earlier. Shares slid 7.6 per cent or 4.5p to 54.5p. President Energy, the Argentina-focused oil and gas firm, beat its 2018 target of 3,000 barrels per day, and production rocketed 50 per cent year-on-year. Shares rose 5.4 per cent, or 0.5p, to 9.7p. Investors were also happy with Central Asia Metals. The copper, zinc and lead producer met production guidance across all its metals. Shares were up 5.4 per cent, or 12p, to 233p. Provident Financial, run by Malcolm Le May, has been rapped for festive adverts aimed at vulnerable borrowers Doorstep lender Provident Financial has been rapped for festive adverts aimed at vulnerable borrowers to take a loan at more than 500 per cent interest. The Provvy, run by Malcolm Le May , posted ads showing a child wearing a Christmas hat and people hugging, and encouraged people to take loans with interest of 535.3 per cent. The Advertising Standards Agency ruled it was irresponsible and should not be used again. Rachel Reeves, chairman of the Business Select Committee, has called for a probe. The firm said: Provident provided assurances that such content will not be used in any further marketing materials. Productivity in Britain was just 0.2% higher in the third quarter of 2018 than a year earlier WEAK GROWTH Productivity in Britain was just 0.2 per cent higher in the third quarter of 2018 than it was a year earlier, says the Office for National Statistics. Higher productivity, which measures workers' output per hour, is seen as essential if wages are to rise faster. The ONS said growth figures were very weak. EASY WIN Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of Easyjet, has won a battle with French supermarket Carrefour over use of the 'Easy' brand name. The tycoon, 51, took issue with Carrefour's chain of 'easy market' shops, which had logos with an orange 'easy' in them the signature style of his empire. The supermarket is to rebrand the stores as Carrefour Express. CONGO CASH Oil and gas developer Anglo African has raised 6million through a placing of 60m shares to finish drilling a well in the Republic of Congo. THUNDER STRUCK English rock band Thunder has cancelled gigs because of the collapse of retailer HMV, saying it could not go ahead with performances this month in stores because it was not guaranteed payment. TAX DEADLINE More than 2m people are scrambling to fill out their tax return before the deadline of January 31. Around 25 per cent of returns, or 2.1m, were last year filed in the final four weeks, according to HMRC figures obtained by investment firm Tilney. POLICE CASH Scandal-hit bank TSB has forked out 200,000 to help police in London tackle fraud. It will be used to promote awareness of the crime and is likely to be seen as part of efforts to restore TSB's battered reputation following an IT meltdown last year, which locked 1.9m customers out of their accounts and saw them targeted by crooks. JOINT VENTURE Fund manager Standard Life Aberdeen has bought half of Virgin Money bank's investment business in a 40million deal. SLA and Virgin will now run it as a joint venture, aimed at giving the latter's customers access to more services. SALES RISE Bar and restaurant chain Loungers posted an 11 per cent rise in sales in the five weeks to January 6 compared with a year earlier. FASHION BOOST Sales at high-end fashion firm Paul Smith jumped by 6.7 per cent to 197.3million in the year to June 30. Profits were 1.9million. Q&A session: Bank of England governor Mark Carney Bank of England governor Mark Carney agreed to host a Q&A with the public yesterday on the central bank's website. Sample question: 'With relevance to the upcoming RTGS/NPA renewal programmes and the adoption of ISO 20022 messaging scheme, is there potential for further use cases (other than the ones prescribed in the relevant BoE publications) for leveraging the perceived characteristics of transaction data to inform monetary and financial policy?' Does Carney sometimes regret not high-tailing back to Canada last June when he had the chance? Regarding dome-headed billionaire Jeff Bezos's divorce from wife of 25 years, MacKenzie, speccy Pointless TV presenter Richard Osman jokes: 'I see Amazon boss Jeff Bezos' wife is leaving him. With a neighbour, presumably.' Too soon? Saudi Arabian ruler Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman's crackdown on the kingdom's wealthy elite has resulted in dozens of private aircraft gathering rust at airports in Riyadh and Jeddah. The planes, which include flashy Gulfstream and Bombardier models, have been abandoned by owners who've either been slapped with a travel ban or are worried such displays of ostentatiousness will be seen as taunting the government. MBS, as he's known, has collected 10.5billion in settlements since the crackdown. Japanese Bank Nomura marked David Bowie's birthday yesterday by issuing a guide to Brexit using the late pop star's lyrics. It reads: 'The meaningful vote is expected next Tuesday where there simply aren't enough 'heroes' to get it through. Mrs May is clearly 'under pressure' and her deal may be little more than 'ashes' in a week's time. Those who think the deal will pass on the first vote must have spent their 'life on Mars'. Assuming it fails, the Brexiteers will be 'dancing in the street'.' All very odd but they're a strange bunch, the Japanese. Gordon Brown for the World Bank presidency? Highly unlikely. At 67, age is likely to count against him. As will his previous disdain for President Trump. As British candidates go, sharp-as-a-tack Ofcom boss Sharon White, who enjoyed a successful stint at the World Bank, would be a shrewder choice. He eventually earned 10,000 a week with the help of his agent Miff Ferrie BOOK OF THE WEEK COOPERMAN! THE LIFE OF TOMMY COOPER by Ian Carroll (Fonthill 20, 240 pp) Tommy Cooper was once in Japan. He spoke no Japanese, his taxi driver spoke no English, but Tommy still made him laugh so much he crashed into a wall. This sort of thing happened a lot. Tommy was capable of reducing a room to hysterics without saying a single word. His confused expression would set people off that big, pale, moony face with its look of bafflement and amazed, slightly hurt innocence. Sometimes, Tommy didnt even need to be in the room. Hed fix up a microphone backstage and pretend to be locked in the wardrobe. The audience would be convulsed by the sounds of muttering and door-knob rattling. Ian Carroll celebrates the life of Tommy Cooper (pictured) who continues to top polls as Britain's favourite comedian in a new book As Ian Carroll announces in this generally affectionate celebration of the comics life, even decades after his death Tommy still manages to top polls as Britains favourite comedian. Everyone is familiar with the fez, the Just like that! catchphrase, the fumbled magic tricks (Spoon, jar, jar, spoon), and the silly, harmless humour, where the joke was how bad the jokes were. A sample: He got run over by a brewery wagon. It was the first time the drinks were on him; I went to the doctors the other day. I said, Doctor, I think Im a dog. He said, Take a seat. I said, I cant. Im not allowed on the furniture; I cleaned out the attic with the wife the other day. Damp, filthy, full of cobwebs, but shes good with the kids. There were literally thousands of such groaners, carefully recorded by Cooper in files and boxes, which are now along with the rest of his memorabilia housed for posterity in the Victoria & Albert Museum. Carroll has made good use of the archive, and Cooperman! explores the comedians work and the practicalities of his performances. Make no mistake for all the appearance of chaos, rummaging around on his props tables, dropping his tricks and muffing the visual gags, everything Tommy did was carefully rehearsed and timed beforehand with a stopwatch. Not for nothing was he a Gold Star member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He sought perfection in his craft, if only to then spend more time undoing all his hard work to make something new and comical out of it, Carroll writes. Tommy was born in Caerphilly I thought in 1921, but Carroll says 1919. Whatever the exact date, theres a commemorative statue in the town, unveiled ten years ago by Anthony Hopkins. He was only briefly Welsh, however, as his father, whod been gassed in World War I, found the dusty coal-mining district intolerable. The family moved to the West Country Tommy retained a soft West Country burr in his voice and later set up a haberdashery business near Southampton. As a non-starter academically, Tommy was apprenticed to a boatyard in the city. Here he amused his mates with magic tricks. When he bungled some bits of sleight of hand and everybody laughed, Tommy began to think: There could be something in this . . . Tommy (pictured) auditioned for the Windmill Theatre in Soho five times without success and also struggled to gain work at the BBC He served in the Royal Horse Guards during the war. (I was in the Army. I got the military cross. I got the Navy pretty mad as well.) Sent overseas in 1943, he was wounded in the Western Desert and despatched to Cairo, where he performed for military concert parties. Its in Egypt that he first donned a fez, which added a touch of the exotic. He enjoyed the camaraderie, Carroll assures us, and the fact that he had an in-house audience for his magic tricks and gags. As always throughout his life, though, Tommy had no actual best pals he confided in. He was essentially a solitary figure to the extent that later colleagues, such as Barry Cryer, would recall, It was like he wasnt really there. Youd see him staring into the distance with nothing to say. It was as if hed floated in from another planet. Employment for this alien after demob looked dubious at first. Tommy auditioned for the Windmill Theatre in Soho five times without success. The BBC sent him packing, complaining about his poor diction, an unpleasant manner and an extremely unfortunate appearance. Tommy was craggy, looming, sweaty and 6ft 4in and he wore size 13 shoes. Luckily, an agent called Miff Ferrie could perceive Tommys potential, i.e. that what looked calamitous could paradoxically be triumphant, even graceful. A critic writing in the Magic Circles magazine summed it up: The skill with which Tommy ruined his act was amazing. Before long Tommys choreographed lunacy was being compared favourably with Laurel and Hardy. Tommy (pictured) who at one stage in his career was earning up to 10,000 a week resented having to pay 15 per cent commission Yet it might not have come off. Tommy was no actor (he is very blank in Eric Sykess short film The Plank). Miff saw it was a mistake to allow Tommy to make all those ragged sketches in television shows, where he is a chef or a burglar or a cod-Shakespearean thespian. He needed to stick with the fez, the dinner jacket and the broken wand. Miff was Tommys absolute salvation. Having met him, Tommy Cooper never really looked back, confirms Carroll, who has examined the contracts, memos and business documents preserved at the V&A. From 1947, Miff had sole control, managing Tommys bookings and fees. He built Tommy up, positioning him in cabarets and clubs, and on the theatre circuits. There were pantomimes and summer seasons with Benny Hill and with Morecambe and Wise. Miff also sorted out travel arrangements, as Tommy was quite capable of arriving at the right venue on the wrong day, or the wrong venue on the right day. Tommy was oblivious, forgetful and disorganised, notes Carroll he was genuinely so in real life, unlike on stage, where it was only contrived. By the Fifties, Miff was making Tommy 10,000 a year. A decade later, staggeringly, hed be earning this sum each week. Unfortunately, Tommy resented having to pay his 15 per cent commission, and there was a lot of friction and legal threats. Indeed, Tommy felt hard done by if ever he was asked to part with money. He never paid his gag writers if he could manage it, and never paid for tricks acquired from Londons magic emporiums. Tommy (pictured) married Gwen Henty in 1947 and went on to have a relationship characterised by bad tempers, sentimental reconciliations and drinking too much He never once bought a round of drinks You get the teas, Ill get the chairs, hed say on entering a pub, as if this made it fair. Have a drink on me! he told a taxi driver, giving him a teabag. He never offered people a lift, allowed them to use his phone or shared a packet of cigarettes. He was a ruthless opportunist, said a fellow magician. Tommys meanness certainly does amount to larceny. And this is where biographers always start having a problem with the beloved comedian. Though Tommys daughter said as recently as 2014 that shed prefer her father to be remembered only as a joyous, boisterous person, the private life is pretty horrible. Tommy married Gwen Henty in 1947, and the relationship was characterised by bad temper and sentimental reconciliations. None of their furniture matched because they flung it at each other, breaking chairs and occasional tables. Both drank too much. COOPERMAN! THE LIFE OF TOMMY COOPER by Ian Carroll (Fonthill 20, 240 pp) Tommy drank to eradicate stage fright, and hed be up till five every morning on the scotch. He poured gin on his cornflakes, as full-fat milk was unhealthy. Chronic alcoholism led to sciatica, circulatory problems, varicose veins, bronchial and cardiac disease. He smoked 40 cigars a day. The deterioration showed by 1978 Miff was starting to receive complaints about Tommys slurred delivery, lack of professionalism and obvious boozers sheen. Tommy conducted a 17-year-long affair with Mary Kay, who was his devoted dresser, personal assistant and props manager. Though the relationship was common knowledge in the business, Gwen pretended to know nothing about it. Mary was with Tommy when he died on April 15, 1984, during a live LWT broadcast. He donned a cloak, fell backwards and those size 13 shoes stuck out from beneath the curtains. The audience found it funny and thought it was all part of the act, writes Carroll. The packed lunch of banana sandwiches Gwen had provided remained unopened, and was returned to her by LWT the next day. A cold and alcohol-free January may be cheerless for most people but, for Lizzy Barber, its turning into the most exciting month of her life. Yesterday, her first novel, My Name Is Anna, was published and, in the next couple of weeks shell give birth to her first baby, a boy. When Lizzy, 32, won the Daily Mail First Novel Competition in 2017, she was working as a marketing manager for her brothers restaurant business. She lived the life of a busy and successful young Londoner, socialising with friends along with her husband George, whom she met while they were at Cambridge University. She simply couldnt have imagined that, just over a year later, shed be a published author and about to become a mother and she is clearly thrilled by both roles. Being pregnant has changed my life completely it has given it a lot more purpose. And having my novel published at the same time is so exciting: I now have two new jobs! Lizzy Barber, 32, (pictured) won the Daily Mail First Novel Competition in 2017 for her thriller My Name Is Anna Finishing my novel and going through the editing process with the brilliant people at Century has been fascinating. Ive always enjoyed working with my brother in the restaurant trade, but now I realise I should always have been writing. Its what I enjoy most, so maybe this year will bring about a complete shift. I have to start thinking of myself as an author now. Some people have asked me why Im writing a second novel, as if you stop after the first one. George is also working on a book about modern British food and its lovely to have that creative outlet together. My Name Is Anna is a dark psychological thriller in which Emily, a British toddler on holiday with her family in Florida, is abducted from a theme park by a religious fanatic who raises Emily now named Anna as her own daughter. In a parallel storyline, we see the lasting effect on her grieving birth family back home in London, especially on her younger sister, Rosie. Its a complex and emotional story with no simple resolution. But the ending has a twist. I know its a bit Marmite some people love it and some hate it but I like the fact its a bit controversial, says Lizzy. I read a lot about previous kidnapping cases and how complex the emotions involved are for both the victim and the families. I was also influenced by Emma Donoghues book Room, which shows how hard it is to get back into the life that has been left behind. The narrative is written from the perspectives of the two siblings: Emily/Anna in Florida and Rosie, in Islington, North London. Lizzy spent time researching kidnapping cases while writing My Name Is Anna Initially, Rosie seems to be the character with greater strength but, actually, Anna is the one who progresses through her awful experiences and learns so much about emotions and human behaviour, says Lizzy. Early reviews have been excellent, but now, Lizzy must find time to finish her second book, which is set in Florence. Im finding the second novel harder. The first one you write for yourself, but with the second, you are conscious of writing for the reader. You are better educated about the nature of publishing a book and start second-guessing what the reader wants. I know I have to finish it but, like most writers, I need a strict deadline. With the baby due any minute, the deadline has been delayed, so I have to be careful I dont let it drift. Lizzy is full of optimism, however, that life as a new mother will allow her to spend time on her laptop and immerse herself in her story once again. Im hoping that once hes born and Im not working full- time, Ill have the headspace to finish the book. Well, we wish her all the luck and hope that little baby is a sleeper! THE GLORIOUS LIFE OF THE OAK by John Lewis-Stempel (Doubleday 8.99, 96 pp) Though we Brits like to think of the oak as special to us alone, John Lewis-Stempel says: This will come as news to the United States whose Congress passed legislation in 2004 naming the oak as Americas national tree. Or indeed to the Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, all of whom claim the oak as their patriotic arboreal emblem. Later in his lively little book, the farmer and naturalist points out that the oak was once worshipped by the Ancient Greeks and the Gauls. Even the Nazis used oak imagery in their branding, stylising its lobed leaves on both the golden Hitler Youth badge and the Totenkopf (Deaths Head) ring awarded to SS officers. Yet Lewis-Stempel still devotes his opening chapter to the privileged place the oak occupies in the heart and history of Britain. Sorry, everyone else, he explains. But there is a simple statistical proof of this exceptional relationship: Britain has more ancient oaks than all other European countries combined. Farmer and Naturalist John Lewis-Stempel examines the significance of oak trees throughout history (file image) More than half the worlds ancient (over 400 years old) oaks are in Britain. Its said they take 300 years to grow, 300 more to mature and a final 300 to decline. Taking an erudite stroll through the distant past, Lewis-Stempel reminds us that the majority of ethnic Brits the Angles, Saxons and Norse sailed to these isles across the North Sea, or gannets bath, in longships hewn from Scandinavian oak. For centuries its timber touched every aspect of our lives, from cradle to coffin. Gypsy children were buried with an acorn in each hand. We are reminded of how the oak formed the wooden walls of Nelsons Royal Navy and enjoy tales of the naval officers who travelled the land with pockets full of acorns, dropping them along their travels to ensure future growth and wood for ships. We learn of the druids who believed the tree was semi-sentient, the herbalists who treated all manner of ills with its leaves, flowers, bark and fruit and the monarchs who sought to bolster their right to rule by associating themselves with its sturdy longevity. Edward I is said to have called a parliament in Sherwood Forest in 1290 on his way to hammer the Scots; Henry VI hid in the Cumbrian Kings Oak during the Wars of the Roses and Charles II ducked into the Boscobel Oak after losing the Battle of Worcester in 1651. With the Restoration of 1660, the Kings birthday became Royal Oak Day. The Royal Oak is still the third most popular pub name in Britain. THE GLORIOUS LIFE OF THE OAK by John Lewis-Stempel (Doubleday 8.99, 96 pp) After the history comes the biology. It seems we have two different varieties of oak in the UK: Quercus robur (more common in the South) and Quercus petraea (more prevalent up North). The trees host astonishing ecosystems: no fewer than 100 types of moth have been recorded on oaks. Spiders lurk beneath their craggy bark. Fungi send mysterious messages through the Wood Wide Web beneath their roots. Lewis-Stempel says he once witnessed a grass snake slithering up one to snatch the egg of a wood pigeon. Longstanding fans of the author will expect poetry and recipes and they wont be disappointed. There are lovely lines from Chaucer, Shakespeare, Tennyson and the peasant poet John Clare on hollow trees like pulpits. Im not sure Ill be brewing up the acorn coffee he describes. But gathering young, citrus-green oak leaves for a delicate white wine sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate the end of Dry January. CRIME DRUG WAR: THE SECRET HISTORY by Peter Walsh (Milo Books 20, 672 pp) What is a Colombian necktie? No, it is not, as you might think, a natty piece of apparel from South America, but a particularly grisly method of killing people by slashing the victims throat with a knife and pulling their tongue through the slit to flop down in front. And it is, as I discovered in this book, a speciality of drug overlords in the worlds cocaine capital of Colombia. The punishment was doled out to one group after a consignment of cocaine was intercepted at Heathrow by a random customs inspection, as it turned out. The cartel bosses in Bogota assumed one of five gang members must have been responsible, but didnt care which, and executed them all in this diabolical way. One was a young woman. Investigative journalist Peter Walsh explores the history of the drugs trade in a new book focused on the men from Britains Customs and Excise investigations department (pictured: Bogota in 1988) Unspeakable violence such as this is the underlying currency of the worldwide drugs trade. Todays explosion of so-called county lines, gang warfare and knife crime are just the latest depressing horrors in a deadly history that goes back more than half a century and shows no sign of ending. What began as a Puff The Magic Dragon dreamland for hippies in search of peace and love morphed into a many-headed monster, a hydra that destroys lives for no good reason other than to make gangsters rich. Hydra is an apt analogy. The focus of Peter Walshs hugely impressive Drug War: The Secret History is on the men from Britains Customs and Excise investigations department, whose unenviable job was to try to halt the traffic and smash the trade. As with the mythical serpent, every time they cut off one head, two more appeared a different gang, a different drug, a new source, a new route. Today, the UK has the dishonourable distinction of topping the European league table for the consumption of cocaine. This wave of narcotics began simply enough, with a cultural shift that encouraged the use of stimulants as a cool component of the Swinging Sixties. Hash, weed, pot, dope, marijuana, kif cannabis had myriad names and John Lennon confessed to smoking it for breakfast. The habit radiated out, taking hold among university students and a baby boomer generation with money to burn, supplied by mostly small-time traffickers who hid it in cases of pickles imported from Pakistan or in luggage slipped past customs with the connivance of corrupt baggage handlers. What Walsh calls the UKs sudden hunger for illicit drugs had been unleashed. The result was a business capable of churning out cash like no other. As the Sixties dissolved into the harder-edged Seventies, the real villains the professional criminals moved in and took over. As their crime of choice, drugs beat armed robbery any day. Less risk, greater returns. The chances of the Mr Bigs the real perpetrators being caught were not great. For the mules who did the donkey work, however, the dangers were immense. In 1974, two of the first of the swallowers were arrested at Heathrow after being found in a state of collapse. The men excreted 26 condoms with 1,500g of Moroccan hash inside. Peter has spent his career gathering intelligence on domestic targets and major international criminals, for his book he spent six years conducting interviews (pictured: Hippy style at a festival) Seizures of illegal drugs were doubling every year as expanded teams of customs investigators went to work. But they were up against criminal gangs not only from Britain, but some of the most lawless places in the world, peddling a product in the West for which the appetite was seemingly inexhaustible. As one of them, contemplating the growing size of the task facing him, said mournfully: I felt like the little Dutch boy with his finger in the dyke. The flood of cannabis increased, tons of it pouring in by boat and light aircraft from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Morocco, Lebanon, Thailand and Turkey. Heavily laden yachts crossed the Atlantic to drop shipments on British beaches from Devon to the Western Isles of Scotland. Liverpool, with its docks, was a focal point for smugglers who, back then, supplied large tracts of the country through its network of dealers in the same way as county lines spread out from London today. Worse still, harder and deadlier drugs were arriving in ever-increasing volumes cocaine from South America and heroin from the Far East. Being in powder form, they were scarily easy to hide inside letters, parcels and suitcases. How common is cocaine in Britain? 10% of Britons who have never used cocaine still have traces of it on their hands Advertisement One of the many ingenious methods of smuggling used was for female couriers arriving at Heathrow with heroin in their hand luggage to go to the toilet in the baggage reclaim area. Using a special key, they would hide the drugs in a space at the top of the tampon machine. A few minutes later, a corrupt cleaner would enter and remove the drugs. The method was used for ten years before it was rumbled. Increasingly, their work shifted from searches at ports of entry, known as rummaging, to gathering intelligence on shipments so they could be intercepted. The new focus was on disrupting supply lines upstream, at source. The phones of suspects were tapped. On one occasion, an eager, though inexperienced, listener thought that hed identified a big fish when he heard the name of a Dutch courier mentioned until it was pointed out that Hertz van Rental was not a person. The bravest of customs officers went undercover to identify the villains posing as villains themselves. In one of his many guises, burly Guy Stanton his real name is still top-secret put himself about as a big-time gangster. Sporting a ponytail and stubble beard, he drove a swanky Mercedes and flashed on his wrist a 175,000 diamond-studded Rolex (one that Customs had confiscated from a watch smuggler). DRUG WAR: THE SECRET HISTORY by Peter Walsh (Milo Books 20, 672 pp) He drank Dom Perignon champagne, tipped waiters with 50 notes and presented himself to the criminal underworld as a fixer who could be relied on. Need a lorry or a trawler at short notice? Guy was the man to go to. For a decade, writes Walsh, he infiltrated the highest reaches of the drugs trade, churning out intelligence on domestic targets and major international criminals. To give evidence that would convict one drug baron, he wore a wig and make-up in court. The stress under which men such as Guy lived, knowing that one slip could lead to a bullet in the head, or the horror of that Colombian necktie, was immense. Some had to be pulled out every few months to restore a semblance of normality inside their heads. Walsh has huge admiration for the Customs investigators and the diligence, integrity, dedication and grit they brought to their job. A veteran investigative journalist who has written extensively on criminal gangs, he spent six years interviewing scores for this full account of the drugs war. Its a sobering read, but essential if you want to understand the history of our times. Illegal drugs are a plague crossing all countries, generations and classes, wrecking lives and fuelling criminality on a mind-boggling scale. Walsh charts it all with a heavy heart. Because this is not a story that ends well. The Customs and Excise investigations arm was dogged by rivalries with other agencies and disbanded in 2006. Its role now falls to the National Crime Agency. Today, the worldwide drugs trade is worth $320 billion and, last year, Afghanistans opium production hit a record 9,000 tonnes. Walshs dismal conclusion is that the flow of drugs has not been dammed to any significant degree. Depressingly, after more than 50 years, the war is nowhere near being won and were all the losers as a result. The Food and Drug Administration has suspended most of its US inspections now that the government shutdown has entered its third week. Commissioner Scott Gottlieb assured alarmed consumers that the agency will continue to inspect foreign facilities and high risk ones in the US. There are nearly 79,000 total food facilities registered with the FDA in the US and, according to today's tweets from Commissioner Gottlieb, about one third of those are considered 'high risk'. So that means there are over 26,000 facilities that are still priorities for inspection. The news of the FDA's hamstrung inspections is raising concerns over the safety of US food during the shutdown - but even without furloughed staff, the normal rate of inspections (160 a week) covers just a fraction of the facilities it should cover a year. Now, the FDA will inspect just 53 per week, according to Commissioner Gottlieb's estimates. The FDA said today that it will suspend most US food inspections amid the government shutdown but will continue to investigate 'high risk' facilities It has now been 20 days since the US government shut down. Just about any .gov email address auto-replies with an out of office message and national parks have become ghost towns. But with each passing day, a new way that the federal government freeze disrupts the every day functions and even safety of Americans' lives arises. Among the many roles the agency plays, the FDA is responsible for ensuring that the food Americans eat is made in safe and sanitary ways. It is unclear exactly how many food inspectors there are or how many are furloughed. But in a tweet thread about the shutdown, Commissioner Gottlieb said that there are typically 'about 160 domestic food inspections each week, and about 1/3 of those would be considered high risk.' Interestingly, according to the FDA's data on monthly completed food inspections, the agency had done 125 total food inspections between October 2017 and June 2018. Daily Mail Online could not reach the FDA for clarification on this point, because the government is shutdown and most employees are not allowed to answer their emails. However many there may be, this means that the FDA is keeping on enough inspectors to check suppliers of seafood, fruits and vegetables, certain canned foods, prepared meals, eggs, medical foods, many dairy products and infant formula. To comply with a 2011 law, the FDA is required to inspect all of these high-risk facilities just once every five years. Between October 2017 and June 2018, the FDA did a total of 424 overall inspections (yellow bars) - and just 125 food inspections (blue lines and dots). The most inspections it completed in a month was 30, in December 2017, according to its own website So, scary though it may be that there might not be anyone around to make sure bacteria and contaminants aren't getting into our food supply while the government is shut down, the reality is that there probably isn't someone inspecting them very often any way. However, the decision to continue to inspect high risk facilities is at least a step forward for the FDA. During the 2013 government shutdown, these inspections were suspended too. 'The new news was that were standing up high risk inspections. This is a departure from practices during past shutdowns, and part of our continuing effort at #FDA to focus our resources on areas of highest potential risk to consumers during the shutdown,' the commissioner tweeted. He also highlighted the fact that the outbreak of E. coli in romaine lettuce has officially ended, but the intrepid FDA investigators are still working to find it's source, even amid the shutdown. In addition, the agency has chosen to continue to do drug safety surveillance, but allow pre-market review work to lapse during the shutdown. 'All of our work at the #FDA is critical, so nothing we stand down is unimportant. But the functions that can most directly impact consumer safety will continue, to the best of our abilities, subject to the legal and financial limitations of the current circumstances,' Commissioner Gottlieb said in a Tuesday tweet. A drug that protects against every strain of the Ebola virus has been developed by scientists who say it has the potential to save thousands of lives. No cure currently exists for the pathogen considered one of the most lethal to have ever been discovered. But tests have shown a new antibody cocktail can protect animals from the killer virus as a vaccine and reverse symptoms once they have taken hold. It targets all forms of Ebola known to harm humans, including the deadliest strain behind an ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Researchers hope the experimental drug could control the virus from taking more lives in the African nation, with the death toll standing at least 377. A drug developed by The University of Texas Medical Branch 'protects against every strain of the Ebola virus' has the potential to save thousands of lives. Pictured, a vaccine being prepared in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the outbreak is spreading Dr Thomas Geisbert, the world-renowned Ebola researcher behind trials of the potential medication, said it could continue to protect even if the virus evolves. The DRC outbreak, known to be the second most deadly outbreak in history, is expected to rage on into the middle of this year, experts on the ground have warned. The outbreak has been difficult to control because of armed violence and community protests. Currently, experimental vaccines are only capable of targeting one strain at a time, said Dr Geisbert, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Texas. Of the five ebola viruses known to infect humans, the Zaire, Sudan and Bundibugyo strain are known to have caused the most fatalities. The team of scientists were keen to abandon the 'one bug, one drug' approach. They made a two-antibody cocktail, called MBP134, that would work against the unpredictable nature of Ebola. Dr Geisbert told MailOnline: 'Three of these species are medically important and have been associated with outbreaks in Africa and caused death in humans. 'MP134 targets all three of these species.' This suggests, he said, 'that it will continue to protect people if the Ebola viruses evolve over time'. The vaccine was tested on animals with promising results, which were published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe. Monkeys and ferrets were fully protected against a lethal Ebola virus infection, and sickness was even reversed once they had begun to take hold. 'MP134 was developed primarily to treat people already infected with Ebola,' Dr Geisbert said. 'Our data suggests MBP134 can likely save a lot of people already infected with Ebola.' The monkeys gradually got better and were perfectly healthy at the end of the study a few weeks later. 'We were able to protect the nonhuman primates against all the Ebola species plaguing people at a single low dose ,' said Larry Zeitlin, study author and president of Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc - responsible for the research of ZMapp, a vaccine that was used in the 2014 Ebola outbreak. 'Further studies exploring even lower doses could open the door to treatment via auto-injectors like the kind used for allergic reactions,' he said. The drug offers hope for health workers at the forefront of the epidemic, who have been the victims of ongoing conflict. Mr Zeitlin said: 'The ability to quickly and efficiently provide protection against all Ebola viruses in a single dose would reduce the burden on health care workers in the field during outbreaks, especially in regions that have a less-developed infrastructure.' It is difficult to say when the drug, manufactured by Mapp and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), could become available, but it is hoped to come into effect within the next few years or sooner. The Zaire strain also caused the 2014 West African Ebola epidemic, in which 11,000 people died worldwide. The WHO warns that there is 'no proven treatment' for Ebola - but dozens of drugs and jabs are being tested in case of a similarly devastating outbreak. Currently four experimental drugs are being used to try and combat the disease mAb 114, ZMapp, Remdesivir and REGN-EB3 - in a real-time study to assess how well pioneering drugs are working. Patients will get one of the four, but researchers will not know which they were given until after the study. The World Health Organization is urging a vaccine manufacturer to make more in a bid to try and control the spread, as deaths accelerate in numbers. Artificial intelligence could detect the start of cervical cancer in women better than trained doctors, a new study claims. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Global Good developed a computer algorithm that can identify precancerous changes in a woman's cervix up to 1.3 times better than standard tests. Previous tests involved swabbing the cervix with a vinegar solution, but the solution wasn't able to distinguish between inflammation, infection and precancer. The team says the AI model is faster, cheaper and more accurate than current measures, and could expand to countries that have limited access to advanced screening methods. A new study says a computer algorithm can identify precancerous changes in a woman's cervix up to 1.3 times better than standard tests (file image) Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lowermost part of the uterus. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 13,000 US women will develop cervical cancer in 2019, which will lead to more than 4,200 deaths. It is most often diagnosed between ages 35 and 44, but a recent study from the Mayo Clinic found that less than two-thirds of women ages 30 to 65 were not up date with the cervical cancer screenings. These screenings detect precancerous changes in the cervix before they develop into disease. Such changes include normal glandular cells transforming into squamous cells, which are more sensitive to the effect of the human papillomavirus (HPV), according to the Canadian Cancer Society. Another cancer precursor is called adenocarcinoma in situ, which is when abnormal cells are found in the glandular tissue that lines the uterus and cervix. The current standard for screenings, particularly in areas with few resources, is called visual inspection with acetic acid. 'The cervix is swabbed with a weakened vinegar solution,' Jennifer Loukissas, chief of communications in the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics at NCI, told DailyMail.com. 'The solution turns HPV white and any cellular changes white while pink is normal. But white can be infection, inflammation or precancer. That's why it's so difficult to interpret with the human eye.' A 2003 study found the test was about 80 percent accurate in correctly identifying those with the disease as positive. To train the algorithm, the team recruited more than 9,400 women from Costa Rica between ages 18 and 94 years. More than 60,000 images were taken during cervical cancer screenings between 1993 and 2000 and the woman were monitored over an 18-year period. The team digitized the photographs and then trained the algorithm to recognize which cervical changes needed treatment and which didn't need it for the new method called automated visual evaluation. 'First you get [the algorithm] to recognize the cervix,' senior author Dr Mark Schiffman of NCI's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, told DailyMail.com. 'You take 80 percent of the bad and the good and train it to identify "this" is bad and "this" isn't bad. Then you take an independent 20 percent not related and see if it can tell the difference.' The team used a statistical model to quantify its results called area under the curve. An AUC of 0.5 means it's about the same as guessing and an AUC of 1.0 means perfect accuracy. The AI tool, when identifying precancer, achieved an AUC of 0.91, about 1.3 times better than the review of human experts, which achieved an AUC of 0.69. Pap tests also performed worse, achieving an AUC of 0.71. 'With a human expert, it's open to interpretation and, even though the brain is good at detecting patterns, the neural networks are better,' said Loukissas. 'It would make screening and triage more cost-effective in places where they currently aren't.' For the future, the researchers hope to put the program onto a cellphone so that any woman in any country would be able to take a photo of their cervix and get their results back quickly. 'Cervical cancer has become a health disparity issue,' said Dr Schiffman. 'In Malawi, five percent of women get cervical cancer in their lifetime. In the US, it's one-tenth of that. 'So we have something very simple, very inexpensive that can go anywhere where the HPV vaccine is not reaching people and where good testing isn't reaching people.' The study comes on the heels of a growing body of research that has found that artificial intelligence can improve upon the work of physicians. This week, two separate studies from the Mayo Clinic and Stanford University found that AI was able to identify irregular heart rhythms and the early stages of heart failure. In some cases, the AI model did so up to 15 percent more accurately than EKG results analyzed by board-certified cardiologists. Tens of thousands of women are suing the makers of vaginal mesh implants that left them in chronic pain. Some are incontinent, some with permanent pelvic pain, many say it ruined their marriages, their ability to work, their relationship with their children. Those who've filed lawsuits accuse the device makers of duping doctors into performing and recommending operations that could not be reversed, had clear risks, with the capacity to cause life-long, agonizing side effects. But in an unexpected turn, a group of doctors has hit out at the victims and their lawyers. The union of 63 Washington surgeons signed a letter to state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who is fronting the lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, declaring that all surgeries carry risks, they were not misled, and the risks associated with vaginal mesh are not out of the ordinary for a medical device. Tens of thousands of women claim they are in life-long agony after the implant and say device makers duped doctors to recommend it. 63 doctors are hitting back saying they weren't duped The lawsuit says the companies failed to disclose risks associated with the products. But in their letter, the doctors said they were never deceived and that the case is based on a misconception about how they assess dangers posed by medical procedures. 'We have served on national and regional medical societies in women's health,' wrote Dr. Jeffrey Clemons, a pelvic reconstructive surgeon in Tacoma. 'It is astonishing to us that the AG is proceeding with this lawsuit without first availing themselves of the significant experience and expertise of this group.' Doctors in California are drafting a similar letter to Attorney General Xavier Becerra, and the president of the American Urogynecologic Society, which represents 1,900 medical professionals, has issued a statement expressing some of the same concerns. Clemons and two other doctors who signed the Washington letter have been retained by defense counsel as consultants in the case, but Clemons said he wrote it without payment or assistance from Johnson & Johnson. At issue is 'transvaginal mesh' plastic mesh products that are implanted to correct a variety of pelvic floor disorders. They came on the U.S. market in the late 1990s to treat stress urinary incontinence a condition triggered by physical activity like coughing, sneezing or running that is common and sometimes debilitating in women after childbirth. The treatment involves using a thin mesh strip, called a 'mid-urethral sling,' to support the urethra, the tube that carries urine away from the bladder. The products were so successful one of the most significant advances in women's health in recent decades, the physicians said that companies began developing similar mesh products to treat another condition, called pelvic organ prolapse. In such cases, pelvic organs such as the uterus and bladder drop from their normal position due to muscle weakening. A sheet of mesh can be used to support the pelvic floor. However, treating pelvic organ prolapse with mesh proved problematic after those products were introduced in 2004. They were more likely to bring serious complications, including permanent incontinence, severe discomfort and an inability to have sex. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warnings in 2008 and 2011, and companies pulled most of the transvaginal mesh products for organ prolapse from the market. Tens of thousands of women have filed liability claims against Johnson & Johnson and other companies, with some saying they knew nothing about the potential complications. The doctors say Washington's lawsuit conflates the acceptable risks of using pelvic mesh to treat incontinence with the less tolerable risks of using it for pelvic organ prolapse. They're worried it could force mid-urethral slings off the market, though the attorney general's office says that's not the goal. Washington, California, Kentucky and Mississippi are pursuing lawsuits that claim Johnson & Johnson deceived doctors and patients, and that the surgeries ruined some women's quality of life. They say product marketing brochures and instruction pamphlets should have contained much more detail about the risks. The company updated its instruction pamphlets in 2015 effectively admitting the earlier versions were inadequate, Washington state says. 'The purpose of our lawsuit is to require Johnson & Johnson to disclose to doctors and patients the serious risks associated with surgical mesh,' Ferguson said in an emailed statement. 'Johnson & Johnson knew about these risks for years and misrepresented them for more than a decade, even as it sold thousands of these devices in Washington.' Dr Jeffrey Clemons, a pelvic reconstructive surgeon, poses with the letter to state AG Bob Ferguson that he helped draft and was signed by more than 60 Washington state surgeons. They warn the lawsuit over vaginal mesh implants might scare patients away Washington's lawsuit seeks fines for each alleged violation of the state's Consumer Protection Act, an amount that could easily run into the millions. The attorney general's office also wants to bar Ethicon from representing that its surgical mesh is superior to traditional treatments, such as repair using the patient's tissue, and it says a key question is whether the pamphlets could have deceived the least sophisticated surgeons, not the most sophisticated. In their letter last month, the surgeons insist they were never misled nor could they have been, because they don't rely on a company's marketing materials or instruction pamphlets to divine the risks of medical devices. Instead, the letter said, they rely on their education, journals, conferences, textbooks and other unbiased sources, and they counsel their patients accordingly. In declarations filed in King County Superior Court, some said Ethicon paid for them to undergo training that fully explored the devices' risks, and others said they learned about the uses and risks from those specially trained doctors. Clemons and the other surgeons do not dispute that some women have suffered complications from the use of mesh to treat incontinence, but they say any surgery has risks, and the risks of that procedure are well within accepted norms. Millions of women worldwide have been treated with mid-urethral slings. The letter cited a recent large study of the English National Health Service database that found complications prompted the removal of mesh slings in just 1.4 percent of patients within the first year after surgery, 2.7 percent within five years and 3.3 percent within nine years. In fact, Clemons said, the mid-urethral sling has become the 'gold standard' among surgical options for stress urinary incontinence because it offers better outcomes than other types of surgery, can be performed on heavier patients who otherwise would be ineligible for surgery, and requires less cutting and recovery time. The Washington Attorney General's Office said in a court filing the fact that doctors obtain also risk information elsewhere does not excuse the companies from ensuring their instructional pamphlets are 'truthful and complete.' The office agreed that many women have had positive outcomes with the devices and said it does not seek to restrict access to them. Nevertheless, the state is relying on an expert witness, Dr. Bruce A. Rosenzweig, a gynecologist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, who insisted in a deposition that polypropylene mesh is an 'unsafe material to be placed permanently in the female pelvis.' That position is contrary to the scientific literature, according to the surgeons' letter. Clemons is a retired Army colonel who spent a decade as the chief of urogynecology and pelvic reconstructive surgery at Madigan Army Medical Center. He serves on the board of the American Urogynecologic Society and has performed about 1,250 mid-urethral sling surgeries; he used to cut his own mesh slings before Ethicon's came on the market. After filing the lawsuit, the Washington Attorney General's Office tried to recruit him as an expert witness, he said. Although he is a fan of Ferguson's Democratic politics Clemons donated $550 to his re-election campaign last month he declined. 'I'm not anti-Bob Ferguson at all,' Clemons said. 'I just disagree with him on this.' Journalist Hillary Frank armed herself with a wealth of research and a thorough plan for a natural birth. But when it came time to deliver her daughter, Sasha, almost 10 years ago, things went, rather literally, sideways. Sasha was turned in the womb, which meant the only way that Frank would be able to deliver her without a C-section was to have an episiotomy - a cut made to give the baby more room to come out. Instead of the beautiful experience Frank had planned for, the bonding she had dreamed of, and the radiant return home she'd hoped for, Sasha's first few days were spent in the NICU, and Frank spent the next three years in agony. A shocking number of women in the US - between 50 and 80 percent - are injured during childbirth, spending the coming months or even years with pain from torn skin and muscles. Only five percent of women undergo epistiotomies, but recovery can be a long, difficult and lonely road - it certainly was for Frank. But she turned her experience into a podcast, The Longest Shortest Time, to help herself and other women step out from the long shadow of silence that has left so many taken by surprise when the are injured and left alone to suffer. It took three years for journalist Hillary Frank (left) to recover the severe vaginal tearing and an episiotomy performed on her during the birth of her daughter, Sasha (right) An episiotomy was once, horrifyingly, extremely common. The cut, made from a woman's vagina to her anus, is used when a baby's size or position makes it impossible for a woman to push out during delivery. The vast majority of women - 95 percent of first-time mothers - have some vaginal tearing in childbirth. Doctors once thought that cutting the perineum with a scalpel would speed up the childbirth process and make the tearing less violent and so allow it to heal more easily. But we now know that this is not the case. Research has shown that the procedure only very rarely offers any advantages to mothers or newborns. And in 2006, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released new guidance to doctors, recommending that that they not perform episiotomies routinely. But in extraordinary cases, it is still done, and it was done to Frank. The fetus developing in her womb was turned just under 360 degrees the wrong direction, so Frank spent the end of her pregnancy getting on her hands and knees in the hopes that the baby would turn in to the proper position with its head down before she was due. But it didn't. Frank had planned to have a natural birth and pushed and pushed for half a day, but her baby was not coming out. At last, the cut was made. Recovering in the hospital after, the pain was so bad that Frank couldn't even stand to be touched. Shorty after taking Sasha to their Philadelphia home (they now live in New Jersey), Frank's stitches ripped. She had to go back to the hospital to have the cut resewn. For two months after, she could hardly walk, and stairs were an impossibility. Frank was largely confined to an air mattress. Nursing Sasha required careful maneuvering and changing her diapers were impossible. None of considerable stacks of baby book Frank had read had prepared her and her husband, Jonathan, for this - and certainly not for the pain and horror happening to Frank's own body. 'I was swollen, I was sore. I wept every time I went to the bathroom, during every infrequent shower I took. There were fluids pouring out of me from every orifice, except maybe my ears,' recalls Frank on The Longest Shortest Time. It was all-consuming and overwhelming to Frank, yet no one else was talking about these kinds of injuries, and she didn't feel like she could either. It's a common phenomenon, but one that seems enormously outdated. 'We don't talk about the postpartum period,' Dr Alison Stuebe, an OBGYN at the University of North Carolina and a co-leader of the network of research on the postpartum period called The Fourth Trimester told Daily Mail Online. During her recovery, Frank felt unable to talk to her friends about the trauma of her injury. Instead, she started a podcast to connect other moms and bring the issue to light 'We talk a lot about how the baby is going to come out, who their pediatrician is going to be, but we're pretty dismal at talking about what happens to mom.' Dr Stuebe herself was given an epistiotomy. Before her own first child, 'I couldn't conceptualize anything past the baby coming out,' she says. 'I had stacks of books by dulas, a birth plan, then I got home and I was like "oh my god, now what?"' Like most doctors now, Dr Stuebe says she does not perform an epistiotomy unless it is an absolute last resort. While she does try to prepare expecting mothers about possible vaginal tearing, she does not bring up the possibility of an episiotomy, as it is rare and the best alternative to avoid it is still a poor option. 'Whether we should offer women C-section delivery in order to avoid pelvic floor trauma and how we might have that conversation is an interesting ethical question,' says Dr Stuebe. ACOG recommends vaginal delivery whenever possible as it confers a number of benefits to mother and baby alike. Plus, 'a Cesarean birth recovery is not completely straightforward,' says Dr Stuebe. 'I don't say [to patients], "you're having a baby and there's a chance of injury, would you like to do a C-section?"' though she says she addresses it if a woman comes in with concern over childbirth injuries. 'What I would bring up and urge others to do is to say "this is what recovery looks like: it's going to be scary to have a bowel movement, no matter how the baby comes out. You're going to wear a pad and occassionally pee on yourself a little.' And those are not ways that our society likes to think or talk about women's bodies. They're not things women like to talk about when it comes to their own bodies. But Frank decided to change that, launching her podcast to finally open up about the intense things happening to her body and complicating the early days of parenting for her. 'The things youre going through, even if theyre not in the books, they happen to other people, too,' she writes. She named the podcast for a phrase a friend said to her: 'These first few months are the longest shortest time. Remember that. They go on forever. And then theyre over.' But these kinds of injuries do keep happening to women - especially to women of color. 'Women of color and marginalized populations disproportionately undergo labor and delivery they don't want because they are systematically not empowered,' to have agency over their birth plans, and are less likely to have thorough care and people to talk to in the aftermath says Dr Stuebe. Projects like hers and Frank's podcast aim to change that - for all women. The goal of this work is to 'transform the experience of being postpartum,' says Dr Stuebe. She sometimes thinks of mother and baby as the wrapper and the candy. 'Once the candy is out of the wrapper, people don't care about the wrapper. But we've got two patients here ad mom is really important and damaging her to get to the candy is not winning,' she says. Cases of flu in Britain have doubled in the space of a week, official figures released today have shown. Health bosses warn this winter's influenza outbreak is now beginning to take hold, after weeks of little activity. Cases have increased by 85 per cent within the space of a week in England, while there has been a 55 per cent jump in Wales. While flu has risen by 139 per cent in Scotland and 50 per cent in Northern Ireland over the same time frame, data has revealed. Nearly two million people are now showing signs of the flu, according to estimates as experts warn it could pile more pressure on a stretched NHS. The highest levels of flu are currently in the West Midlands, North West and North East England, and Yorkshire and the Humber GPs are reporting fewer cases in the east and south of England and London Case of flu have increased by 85 per cent within the space of a week in England, figures have shown Health authorities across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales monitor rates of flu in their own country. They track the number of flu symptoms reported in GP consultations in a weekly report, published by Public Health England. Each country sets its own criteria on what is an epidemic, based on how often flu symptoms are reported per 100,000 patients. None of the home nations have yet to reach epidemic levels, however England and Wales have just crossed into the 'low' threshold. 'Low' is the second step on a five-point scale towards 'very high' - which is what officials consider epidemic levels. Levels of influenza in Scotland and Northern Ireland remain at the first threshold of an epidemic - branded baseline. Rates are at their worst since this year's monitoring began in September and 41 people have died of the illness in the past three months. PHE figures today showed the UK had a total of 60 flu diagnoses per 400,000 people last week, with the H1N1 strain (swine flu) being most prevalent. THe number of people being hit by the virus has gone up across Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales HOW BAD IS THE UK BEING HIT BY FLU THIS WINTER AND HOW CLOSE ARE WE TO AN EPIDEMIC? Health authorities across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales monitor rates of flu in their own country. They track the number of flu symptoms reported in GP consultations in a weekly report, published by PHE. Each country sets its own criteria on what is an epidemic, based on how often flu symptoms are reported per 100,000 patients. None of the home nations have yet to reach epidemic levels, however England and Wales have just crossed into the 'low' threshold. The PHE report also delves into excess deaths - how many more people die than expected - to give a rough estimate of flu deaths. None of the countries have crossed this mark yet. The data shows 41 people have died from flu in intensive care units across the UK so far this year. HOW HARD IS FLU HITTING THE UK THIS WINTER? WEEK 44 WEEK 45 WEEK 46 WEEK 47 WEEK 48 WEEK 49 WEEK 50 WEEK 51 WEEK 52 WEEK 1 ENGLAND 3.6 5.3 5.2 6.4 6.2 7.6 8.1 9.4 8.4 14.8 LAST YEAR 5.0 6.4 5.9 7.3 7.6 8.5 11.4 18.9 21.0 37.3 EPIDEMIC 115.6 115.6 115.6 115.6 115.6 115.6 115.6 115.6 115.6 115.6 WALES 6.3 6.4 4.5 4.7 6.5 3.2 4.5 9.0 9.5 14.7 LAST YEAR 5.0 5.4 6.2 6.4 5.9 6.4 8.7 13.2 16.7 36.4 EPIDEMIC 92.9 92.9 92.9 92.9 92.9 92.9 92.9 92.9 92.9 92.9 SCOTLAND 2.9 7.3 4.2 5.2 5.9 4.1 6.8 10.5 7.1 17.0 LAST YEAR 12.4 11.7 10.3 9.1 9.4 18.4 32.5 40.3 44.9 107.2 EPIDEMIC 348.9 348.9 348.9 348.9 348.9 348.9 348.9 348.9 348.9 348.9 NORTHERN IRELAND 3.8 5.0 6.3 4.5 5.6 6.0 8.4 8.9 9.0 13.5 LAST YEAR 4 3.6 4.5 5.3 4.0 8.2 10.1 20.7 22.7 52.6 EPIDEMIC 124.4 124.4 124.4 124.4 124.4 124.4 124.4 124.4 124.4 124.4 Figures are from Public Health England How bad was the UK hit in week 1? In England, 14.8 GP consultations per 100,000 report flu symptoms. An epidemic would be defined as breaching 115.6 per 100,000. In Scotland, 17.0 GP consultations per 100,000 report flu symptoms. An epidemic would be defined as breaching 348.9 per 100,000. In Northern Ireland, 13.5 GP consultations per 100,000 report flu symptoms. An epidemic would be defined as breaching 124.4 per 100,000. In Wales, 14.7 GP consultations per 100,000 report symptoms. An epidemic would be defined as breaching 92.9 per 100,000. Advertisement This was a 76 per cent rise on the previous week the final seven days of 2018 when it was just 34 people per 400,000. PHE said the rising cases means flu is having a 'moderate impact' on hospitals and their intensive care units. A third of this season's flu cases that required treatment in intensive care occurred last week - 205 of a total 666. PHE is now urging eligible people to get vaccinated as figures show more than half of pregnant women and three in 10 over-65s have not had the jab. Flu, although an inconvenience to fit and healthy people, can be serious and even deadly for the elderly, young children, and people with long-term illnesses. 'The best form of protection against flu is to get the vaccine if you are eligible and to practice good respiratory and hand hygiene,' said PHE's Richard Pebody. 'It isnt too late to get the flu vaccine so make sure you take up the offer if youre eligible, to protect yourself and vulnerable people around you.' The latest PHE report estimates nearly three per cent of the population said they were suffering from flu-like illnesses last week. Around 30.6 people per 1,000 reported suffering flu-like symptoms last week - the equivalent of 1.989million people across the UK. The West Midlands, North East and North West England, and Yorkshire and the Humber are the worst affected, with a 'medium intensity' of cases. The East Midlands, East of England, South West, South East and London are all less affected, with levels only at 'low intensity'. Individual regional figures are not available for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Epidemic levels, which vary from country to country, are based on the number of GP-consultations resulting in a flu diagnosis. For England the rate is 115.6 per 100,000, for Scotland it is 348.9, for Northern Ireland 124.4, and 92.9 for Wales. When Jeremy White was 31, doctors told him that he was in end-stage heart failure. It was a shock to the wilderness survival instructor, from Spokane, Washington, who had climbed America's tallest mountains and had swam with sharks - and was still going. In July 2015, he had a rechargeable mechanical heart implanted as he waited for three years on the heart transplant list until a donor heart became available. Last month, two days before Christmas, the now-35-year-old finally got the call that an organ had become available. But, 24 hours after having the operation, Jeremy suffered a stroke that affected the entire right side of his body. While he can now walk, he can't move his right arm much aside from his fingers and is unable to speak more than five words. Jeremy's parents, Reverends Tim and Cindi White, spoke to DailyMail.com about his recovery and how, despite his incredibly difficult journey, he still hopes to inspire others to remain positives while facing their own adversities. Jeremy White, 35 (pictured, January 9), of Spokane, Washington, suffered a stroke just one day after undergoing a heart transplant Jeremy's parents, Reverends Tim and Cindi White, spoke to DailyMail.com about his recovery. Pictured, left to right: Tim, Jeremy and Cindi Jeremy, a wilderness survival instructor, underwent routine knee surgery in June 2015. Three days later, doctors discovered he was in end-stage heart failure. Pictured: White hiking mountains in Seattle before his surgery, left, and his surgical cars and the cord that leads to his heart, right Jeremy was always adventurous but, in June 2015, he had to undergo minor knee surgery to rid him of his arthritis. However, shortly after waking up from the procedure, he began experiencing chest pains and had difficulty breathing. 'The doctors were so perplexed by my symptoms as they couldn't determine why a young, healthy guy was experiencing these problems,' he said. After three days of running tests, doctors determined White was in end-stage heart failure. They theorized that Jeremy's body was so fit from his world travels that it was compensating for his weak heart. With no medication working or donor heart available, Jeremy was implanted with a left ventricle assist device (LVAD) in July 2015. An LVAD is surgically implanted right under the heart. One end is attached to the left ventricle - which pumps oxygenated blood to body tissue - and the other end is attached to the aorta - the body's main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Blood flows from the heart into the pump and, once the pump is full, the blood passes into the aorta. Meanwhile, an external controller, a power pack and a reserve power pack remain outside the body. He waited for years to be told that a donor heart was available until he got the call from the University of Washington Medical Center on December 22. With no medication working or donor heart available, Jeremy was implanted with a left ventricle assist device (LVAD) in July 2015. Pictured: Jeremy in the hospital after his surgery An LVAD is surgically implanted right under the heart. Blood flows from the heart into the pump and, once the pump is full, the blood passes into the aorta. Pictured: An X-ray showing Jeremy's LVAD He was on the heart transplant for more than three years until he got a call in December 2018 that a donor heart was available for him. Pictured: Jeremy in the hospital on January 7 Jeremy underwent an eight-hour surgery on December 23, which went well, but things took a turn for the worse the next morning. 'He had given me the task of videotaping his first words, but he couldn't even move his tongue,' said his father, Tim. 'It became obvious after a few hours that his right side was not going to move. And when a nurse came into check up on him, she called a code stroke alert.' A CT scan show that there was at least one blood clot in the left side of Jeremy's brain and a couple of other smaller pieces had broken off and were in the speech center of his brain. Doctors presented two theories as to how Jeremy got the clot. The first is that with heart surgery, there is always a risk with blood clots traveling. The second is from a previous clot that he had in mid-2017. 'The cells of the clot never go away, and with the mechanics of the LVAD, there could have been residue left within the pump traveled to the aorta,' said his mother, Cindi. EMTs rushed him over to the Stroke Clinic at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Surgeons were able to remove the large blood clot but, when they tried to remove the smaller pieces from the large clot, Jeremy started bleeding. Just four hours after he left the University of Washington Medical Center, he was back and doctors were able to get the bleeding under control. He had the surgery on December 23 but, the next day, he had trouble speaking and moving his right side, which is when doctors discovered he had suffered a stroke. Pictured: Jeremy in the hospital after his stroke A large clot was in his brain and small ones had broken off, affecting the part of his brain that affects speech. On Wednesday, Jeremy was enrolled in inpatient rehabilitation to begin physical and speech therapy. Pictured: Jeremy in the hospital with a friend from college on January 8, and Jeremy on Mount Adams in Washington, December 2013 Since then, Jeremy's right foot has regained all of its strength back, and he's able to walk without the help of a walker. On his right arm, he can't move much besides his fingers and the right side of his face is droopy with half a smile. Tim and Cindi said their son can currently say six words: 'Um', 'Yeah', 'Hi', 'What up', 'Alright' and 'Mom'. Doctors told them Jeremy will need to take 15 medications and supplements - some for the rest of his life, including immunosuppressants so his body does not reject his new heart. 'The good news is that everything has regained some level of progress. As far as his heart, his heart is doing marvelous,' Tim said. 'But he's not able to sometimes process what you just asked him to do.' On Wednesday, the Whites' insurance company approved to move Jeremy in into inpatient rehabilitation, still at the University of Washington Medical Center. He'll be there for between three to four weeks, aggressively doing physical and speech therapy. Tim and Cindi said their son can currently say six words: 'Um', 'Yeah', 'Hi', 'What up', 'Alright' and 'Mom'. Pictured: Jeremy in Moiliili, Hawaii, in May 2014 Despite his medical struggles, Jeremy's parents say he's remained very positive and just wants to inspire others. Pictured: Jeremy in the hospital on January 5 'We're very hopeful and optimistic,' Cindi said. 'The doctors are hopeful he'll make a full recovery but it could take up to a full year. Despite their son's incredibly difficult medical journey, both Tim and Cindi say their son has remained extraordinarily positive throughout it. 'Jeremy showed us three-and-a-half years ago when he had the heart failure that things that shape our lives but what matters is how we respond to it,' said Tim. 'He hasn't blamed God or whined or complained. He's a fighter and he's going to go after this.' Cindi concurs and says her son just wants to inspire others. '[Jeremy is] very transparent in everything he puts on Facebook,' she said. 'He always ends [posts] with 'Never give up', 'You've got too much life to live' and people are always saying what an encouragement his life has been to them.' Thousands of NHS patients were kept waiting in the backs of ambulances for half an hour or more last week, official figures have revealed. Hospitals across England are buckling under the strain of winter, as data shows the the first week of January was the worst so far this season. The number of patients waiting at least 30 minutes to be handed over into A&E from ambulances was 26 per cent higher than in the previous week. Nearly 3,000 patients were forced to wait an hour or more to be taken into busy casualty units, with more than 9,000 waiting between 30 to 60 minutes. Health chiefs have today warned that, although hospitals are so far coping better than last year with the winter rush, the worst is yet to come. NHS figures for last week revealed the first six days of January was the worst so far this winter for A&E departments across England, which are keeping thousands of people waiting for hours Today's NHS figures show ambulance crews across England are getting bogged down as they enter their 'busiest time of the year'. A total of 12,285 people taken to hospital by ambulance had to wait 30 minutes or more before being taken inside between December 30 and January 6. Some 2,986 of those waited for at least an hour 1,156 more people than were in the same situation last week. And once in A&E and seen by a doctor, thousands of seriously ill patients are still facing long waits to make it onto a ward. Monthly data showed 59,803 people waited on trolleys for four hours or more to be admitted into hospital after doctors decided to keep them in in December. CANCER WAITING TIME TARGET MISSED FOR 35 MONTHS The NHS's target of diagnosing and treating 85 per cent of cancer patients within 62 days of their GP referral has not been met for the 35th month in a row. The target was only met for 79 per cent of patients in England in November, meaning one in five had to wait more than two months after being told they may have cancer. The 62-day target has now been breached for 35 months in a row. Since it was first breached in January 2014, more than 125,000 people have waited more than two months to begin potentially life-saving therapy. More than three in five NHS hospital trusts in England (62 per cent) missed the target in November 2018. Dr Fran Woodard, an executive director at Macmillan Cancer Support said: 'Behind these figures are people waiting anxiously for a diagnosis and treatment. 'If the NHS is to deliver on its ambitious aim of earlier diagnosis and person-centred care for everyone living with cancer, we need a fully costed plan for the workforce to build on the measures in NHS Englands long-term plan.' Patricia Marquis, director of the Royal College of Nursing in England added: 'Todays figures show the NHS in England is headed for its worst year in a decade for the number of patients waiting more than two weeks between seeing a GP and their first consultant appointment after an urgent cancer referral. 'The data reveals a 60 per cent increase in patients waiting too long in 2018/19, compared to the same months of the previous year. 'The overall number of patients being referred has increased by 15 per cent year on year, but the sharp increase in breaches of the two-week target is very worrying. 'Tens of thousands of patients and their families are enduring agonising waits, all too aware that a small delay could have a serious impact.' Advertisement Some 280 people waited in corridors for at least 12 hours before being taken to an inpatient bed. This week's statistics reveal the worst week for the NHS so far this winter, and come as 4.15million people are waiting for non-emergency treatment. This includes many cancer patients separate figures from today revealed the health service has breached its cancer waiting time target for the 35th month in a row. Although still affecting thousands of unwell people in England every day, ambulance and A&E waiting times have improved since the same time last year. But flu, norovirus and colder weather could still throw a spanner in the works of crisis management, experts say. Dr Becks Fisher, a GP and spokesperson for the Health Foundation said: 'Todays data shows a busy NHS in England, but one that is coping under pressure so far. 'However, the NHS is not out of the woods yet. It continues to miss a number of key targets including for cancer and routine consultant appointments. 'Were still in the early days of winter, and pressures are likely to increase further if cold weather or viral illnesses hit in earnest. 'If these pressures were to hit, this would make it harder for the service to improve performance and start implementing the Long Term plan from April.' Dr Nick Scriven, president of the Society for Acute Medicine said: 'There is more demand on the NHS but that is something those of us on the frontline have been warning of for some time and it cannot become an acceptable rationale for poor performance. 'My sincere hope is that the so-far mild weather has not lulled our leaders into a false sense of security and that just because things are better than 12 months ago does not make it good, as key targets in preparing for winter were not achieved.' Other figures for last week showed 17 ambulances were turned away from busy A&E departments, and 93.2 per cent of all hospital beds in England were full. This remains higher than the NHS's safe operating target of 85 per cent, which was almost hit during the week over Christmas (87.5 per cent). One hospital Croydon Health Services in south London was 100 per cent full for the entirety of week, while 15 were completely full on at least one night. NHS officials have themselves admitted the service must be prepared for worse to come. Last week the deputy chief executive of the NHS Confederation, Danny Mortimer said: 'The NHS has delivered significant improvements on last years performance and thats welcome news for patients and the public. 'But the NHS is not yet in the clear as the toughest days often come later in the winter when severe cold weather, flu and norovirus can strike.' An NHS spokesperson said today: 'Thanks to the hard work of NHS staff, monthly figures published this morning show the health service performed better for A&E services this December than last December, despite successfully caring for 3.9 per cent more people within the current 4 hour target. 'We are now in what can be the most pressured time of year, flu, other winter bugs and adverse weather conditions can all increase, so the situation is being closely monitored.' HOW HAS THE NHS IN ENGLAND PERFORMED SO FAR THIS WINTER? WEEK A&E DIVERSIONS NATIONAL BED % HOSPITALS 100% FULL ON AT LEAST ONE NIGHT HOSPITALS COMPLETELY FULL ALL WEEK AMBULANCE WAITS 30-60 MINS AMBULANCE WAITS 60+ MINS Dec 3-9 25 94.2 14 2 8,736 1,939 Dec 10-16 30 93.4 9 0 7,866 1,491 Dec 17-23 15 91.2 15 0 7,933 1,744 Dec 24-29 17 87.5 16 0 7,887 1,830 Dec 30-6 17 93.2 15 1 9,299 2,986 Of the 4.13million patients waiting to receive treatment at the end of November, 12.7 per cent of them had been waiting for 18 weeks or more. This falls short of the target to treat 92 per cent of patients within four-and-a-half months and is an increase of 60 per cent on the same month last year. Labour's Shadow Health Secretary, Jonathan Ashworth said: 'More than half a million people waiting longer than 18 weeks for treatment is a shocking indictment of nine years of Tory cuts, failure to recruit staff and a botched NHS reorganisation. 'Patients are waiting longer in pain and distress, with a real risk that their health could deteriorate further. 'These staggeringly bad performance figures show how shamefully irresponsible it is of Theresa May to refuse to restore NHS constitutional standards standards that were met under a Labour government. Patients deserve better.' A transgender teenager who fears hormone therapy will leave him infertile is looking to freeze his eggs. Charlie Scarterfield, 17 - born Rosie - is due to start testosterone treatment later this year but worries how it may affect his chances of being a parent. After going to his GP with his concerns, Charlie, of Bath, was told the NHS only funds egg freezing when there is a 'real medical reason' and he should 'start saving'. The teenager has therefore launched a crowdfunding page to ask strangers to donate 5,000 so he can preserve his eggs before starting testosterone therapy. He made the decision with the support of his girlfriend of three months Olivia, who plans to one day be the surrogate of Charlie's child so it is biologically his. Transgender teenager Charlie Scarterfield (pictured in his hometown of Bath) has launched a fundraising campaign to freeze his eggs in case testosterone treatment leaves him infertile Charlie claims his GP told him to 'start saving', with the NHS not funding fertility treatment for transgender people, only those on 'other medication that stops them being fertile' Speaking of his decision to freeze his eggs, Charlie said: 'I've always wanted my own biological kids. It's just a huge thing to me. 'I'm so desperate to start testosterone. I just know in a couple of years it will be my biggest regret of my life if I don't.' Funding for fertility treatments is decided locally by Clinical Commissioning Groups, but Charlie is not optimistic he will qualify for financial NHS support. 'I went to the doctor's the day after I set up the GoFundMe because I wasn't 100 per cent sure I had to pay,' he said. 'But the doctor said "you better start saving because the NHS can't fund it for transgender people, only people on other medication which will stop them being fertile."' Outraged, Olivia - who declined to disclose her surname - added: 'Basically the answer they told us was that unless there is a real medical reason there's no chance of getting funded. 'But being transgender can affect people just as bad as a physical illness that you can see. Why should he be punished because he wasn't born in the right body?' Charlie is therefore asking strangers to help him raise 5,000 towards the treatment, despite it costing up to 8,000 overall, according to The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. Prices rise when yearly storage fees and paying for the eggs to be implanted when the time comes are factored in. As well as asking for donations, Charlie is working part-time as a kitchen hand at a pub, alongside studying, to help fund the fertility treatment. 'Everything I'm earning at the moment, even some of my Christmas money, is going towards the egg freezing,' he said. 'I do need help from other people, but I want to save as much as possible myself, I don't want to just expect other people to do it.' Should donations exceed what he needs, Charlie plans to spend the extra funds on having his chest reconstructed or the annual cost of keeping his eggs frozen. Charlie - who has endured years of bullying and discrimination over his decision to transition - is asking the public to help him raise 5,000 towards freezing his eggs. He hopes to one day start a family with his girlfriend of three months Olivia, who will be the surrogate Despite being born female, Charlie identifies as a boy and has endured years of bullying and discrimination that left him with serious mental health issues. Writing on his GoFundMe page, Charlie said: 'I was always a "tomboy" and preferred to wear tracksuits and jeans rather than dresses.' But it was not until he started puberty aged 12 that Charlie realised he had been born in the 'wrong body'. 'I developed breasts, had periods and hated the way I looked,' he said. 'I was trapped in the wrong body but kept it to myself.' After finally accepting his gender identity, the teenager said he wanted to freeze his eggs before he started a relationship with Olivia. 'It was a decision Charlie made before we got together but obviously we hope in the future it is something we do together,' Olivia said. 'It's definitely something we talk about a lot and I'm fully supportive of the [crowdfunding] campaign as it's so important to Charlie to be able to have the option.' Charlie added: 'When I met Olivia it gave me hope that I can actually have a family with someone.' A dentist and new mother had to be rush to a hospital by helicopter when her organs began to shut down and she 'turned yellow' after giving birth. Louise Double, from Jersey, had an uneventful pregnancy until the delivery, when she started feeling sudden pain in her chest and had to be taken to intensive care. Tests revealed her liver was failing and doctors told her she needed an immediate transplant or she would die, Mrs Double said. She was separated from her newborn daughter, Amelia, and flown from Jersey to London, where she quickly had the vital organ replaced. Doctors said her illness was believed to have been caused by a rare but serious birth complication called HELLP, which damages blood cells. Now in recovery but weakened and being monitored to make sure her new liver isn't rejected, Mrs Double is urging more people to become organ donors. Louise Double (pictured in bed with her daughter, Amelia, after her liver transplant) was rushed to intensive care after giving birth because she was suffering pain in her ribs and had began to turn yellow it turned out she had a rare birth complication called HELLP Mrs Double, 31, has now recovered from the illness but was severely weakened in her arms, legs and core muscles after spending two weeks in an intensive care bed Mrs Double went into labour in June 2018 and spent two days giving birth to her daughter in an assisted delivery because her baby's heart rate was dropping. After her epidural an injection to numb part of the body she began feeling pain in her ribs, but it was originally dismissed as labour pains. The sensation become worse, however, and doctors rushed Mrs Double to intensive care when they noticed her skin began to turn yellow after the birth. 'The doctors put me on dialysis and were speaking to some hospitals about where to send me for specialist treatment,' the Manchester-born mother said. 'The decision was made to fly me to King's College Hospital two days later, via RAF helicopter. I remember being in a lot of pain in the helicopter, it was very scary. 'Doctors in both hospitals ran constant blood tests which showed my liver enzymes were very high, showing [it was failing]. 'The specialist at King's College Hospital said it would have to be a transplant or most likely death.' Mrs Double was told that because her liver was beginning to fail, it could have also affected the function of her kidneys, which is why she was given dialysis to 'try and save' her kidneys. She was told her condition was most likely caused by a potentially-deadly illness called HELLP syndrome. This is similar to pre-eclampsia and, usually occurring after childbirth, causes the mother's red blood cells to break down, reduces the blood's ability to clot and triggers liver failure. Mrs Double, 31 (pictured with her husband, Dave) said her pregnancy had been uneventful besides some morning sickness and psoriasis, until she became gravely ill after the birth Kept in KCH for the first month of Amelia's life, Mrs Double was critically in need of an organ donor, sending her to the top of the waiting list. Her husband, Dave, flew to London to be with her while newborn Amelia stayed with relatives and friends, and was brought to London two weeks later. 'During the liver failure I was so swollen that I went from a UK size 10 to a size 16,' she said. WHAT IS HELLP SYNDROME? HELLP syndrome is a life-threatening pregnancy complication that causes the breakdown of red blood cells, elevated liver enzymes and a low platelet count. The most common symptoms of HELLP syndrome include severe headaches, nausea, upper right abdominal pain or tenderness, fatigue, swelling and high blood pressure. HELLP syndrome can be difficult to diagnose and its symptoms are sometimes mistaken for gastritis, flu, acute hepatitis or gall bladder disease. HELLP syndrome affects less than 1 per cent of pregnancies and rarely occurs before the third trimester. It may also occur within 48 hours of delivery. Delivery of the baby is the best way to stop this condition from causing any serious complications for mother and baby. Some experts believe HELLP syndrome is related to pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy complication which causes high blood pressure. Advertisement 'It was horrendous because, instead of spending time with my new family, I was on my own in a room on a hospital ward. 'I didn't get to initially bond with my daughter because I was too preoccupied by being sick in hospital. 'Being separated and ill delayed me bonding with her, and not only were we apart but I wasn't able to breastfeed, which upset me.' The condition came out of the blue for Mrs Double, who said her pregnancy was otherwise normal except for some morning sickness and psoriasis. 'I worked full time up until I was 38-weeks pregnant,' she said. 'I had severe psoriasis on my skin while I was pregnant which was very itchy. In hindsight this itching could have been a sign of the liver disease at the beginning. 'At this point there is no way of 100 per cent confirming what went wrong, but most of the post-partum tests indicate that it was most likely HELLP. 'This was the best assumption the doctors came up with, but it wasn't clear if it was entirely that or maybe sepsis at the time of delivery.' Mrs Double has recovered since her transplant but she was severely weakened by the two weeks she spent a hospital bed. And, as an organ transplant recipient, she will need long-term monitoring to check her new liver continues working and isn't rejected by her body. Mrs Double said: 'My legs and arms suffered muscle wastage from two weeks in intensive care, my scar has taken a long time to heal and I've suffered some PTSD. Mrs Double, who spent the first two weeks of her daughter's life in intensive care, said she was upset about missing the chance to bond with Amelia and breastfeed her Mrs Double said she is now on regular medication to make sure her new liver isn't rejected by her body, and she suffered post-traumatic stress disorder because of her ordeal Mrs Double said one of her only side effects of pregnancy was itchy psoriasis, which she now believes could have been an early sign of problems with her liver 'I will need blood tests to continually monitor whether my liver is showing any signs of failure or rejection in the future. 'It's taken a long time to become physically stronger, at least five months. 'I still can't sit up properly as I was told not to do any abdominal exercise and sometimes I'm unable to pick Amelia up so I need someone to come over and help. 'I'm now on strong medication indefinitely to try and prevent rejection and my risk of infection and cancer is much higher now.' Following her ordeal Mrs Double is urging more people to register to be organ donors. 'It's important that donors are from all walks of life to create more chances of finding matches with all blood types, especially rare ones,' Mrs Double said. 'I certainly never expected that I would be in this situation, so if you needed to be saved in a life or death situation, you should consider whether it's morally okay to not be a donor.' NHS spending is out of control at nearly four in 10 hospitals and local bodies, according to Government inspectors. The National Audit Office, which scrutinises public spending, called the findings in its report 'shocking' and accused the NHS of 'not listening' to experts. And the problem is getting worse the number of hospitals being criticised by auditors for failing to balance their books and overspending has risen by a third in two years. The damning figures come after the NHS last week announced a plan for how it would spend a promised 20.5billion budget boost amid warnings the money would sink into covering day-to-day costs and debts. The National Audit Office found 38 per cent of all local NHS organisations are struggling to balance their books and raising serious concerns about value for money (stock image) Both major hospitals and local sections of the health service came under fire in the NAO's report. Some 36 per cent of hospital trusts filed accounts which raised concerns about their finances a rise from 26 per cent two years ago, The Telegraph reported. And 32 per cent of clinical commissioning groups which run local health services had worrying spending levels, more than triple the 10 per cent two years ago. 'This is not good enough,' said Amyas Morse, head of the National Audit Office. He added: 'I am shocked by the persistent high level of qualified audit reports at local public bodies. 'A qualification is a judgement that something is seriously wrong, but despite these continued warnings, the number of bodies receiving qualifications is trending upwards. 'Let us hear no cries of "where were the auditors?" when things go wrong. The answer will be "they did the job, but you werent listening".' HOW WILL THE NHS' 10-YEAR PLAN SAVE LIVES? The NHS and Government say their new 10-year plan will save up to 500,000 extra lives over the next decade. This is how they hope to do it: Using more high-tech treatments and diagnostic testing, including computers with artificial intelligence, to prevent 150,000 heart attacks, strokes and dementia cases Putting 100,000 people with heart complaints through healthy living and exercise programmes every year, with a view to preventing 23,000 premature deaths Improving diagnosis to catch 75 per cent of all cancer cases 'early' while they'll still respond well to treatment the figure is currently 50 per cent DNA testing for around 30,000 people who have dangerously high cholesterol due to genetic causes Investing an extra 4.5bn a year in primary and community care, reducing pressure on hospitals Investing an extra 2.3bn a year in mental health services and giving help to an two million more people suffering from anxiety, depression and other mental health problems Advertisement The NAO's report assessed the accounts of NHS trusts and local councils across the country to see how many had been flagged up by auditors. Councils were far better performing than the NHS, with only eight per cent of them causing concerns about value for money. Overspending in the health service risks wasting taxpayers' money and reducing their confidence in the organisation, the NAO said. It warned some places had 'significant weaknesses in their governance'. Most cases in which NHS bodies were reported involved them not making big enough savings and missing their financial targets. Meg Hillier, an MP for Hackney in London and the chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts, said: 'It is deeply concerning that local auditors are raising increasing numbers of concerns about local bodies arrangements to secure value for money, but these are often not being listened to and there is no consequence for the local bodies themselves. 'With ever stretched public services, citizens deserve to know that there are effective arrangements in place to make sure they are getting value for money.' Last week NHS bosses laid out their plan for how a 20.5billion budget boost would be spent as it is phased in before 2024. Promises of tailored cancer care for children, improving testing and treatment for heart attacks and strokes, and more preventative healthcare were headline-grabbers. But analysts have warned the 20.5bn could just be eaten up by the rising costs of caring for the elderly, hiring more staff and paying for more expensive drugs. Outraged MPs are demanding the Government to appoint a 'minister for hunger' amid soaring numbers of families that can't afford to eat. An influential Parliamentary committee has warned millions of vulnerable people, including children, are 'falling between the cracks' of national policy. The Environmental Audit Committee quoted Unicef figures, which found one in five children under 15 in the UK live with an adult who is food insecure. Food insecurity is defined by the 16-MP strong group as 'limited access to food... due to lack of money or other resources'. The group called for the new post to oversee a cross-Government plan to tackle the scandal. The British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (Bapen) said there are three million 'undernourished' people in the UK The demand for the new minister comes amid Britain's well-known struggle with an obesity crisis, branded by some experts as the biggest health crisis of our time. Figures show nearly a third of children and two in three adults are overweight or obese. Labour's Mary Creagh, who leads the EAC, said 'more children are growing up in homes where parents don't have enough money to put food on the table'. She described it as a 'sad fact' and blamed the 'combination of high living costs and stagnating wages'. Ms Creagh also warned the rollout of Universal Credit and the wider benefits system, explain why levels of hunger in Britain are some of the highest across Europe. 'We found that nearly one in five children under 15 are living in a food insecure home - a scandal which cannot be allowed to continue,' she added. The report quoted Unicef figures which found one in five children under 15 in the UK live with an adult who was moderately or severely food insecure Labour's Mary Creagh, who leads the EAC, said 'more children are growing up in homes where parents don't have enough money to put food on the table' HOW FAT ARE BRITISH CHILDREN? English children are fatter than ever official data revealed last October that one in every 25 10 to 11-year-olds are severely obese, the fattest possible category. And out of around 556,000 children of primary school-leaving age in the UK, 170,000 are overweight to some degree, figures showed in May last year. More than one in five 11-year-olds are obese equivalent to around 111,000 children and being so fat means they are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer or have a stroke. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health say children should be weighed every year at school because 'danger is on the horizon' and the UK is lagging behind the rest of the EU in tackling obesity. Experts have also warned children gain weight 'at a drastic rate' when they're at school. Sugar in food is known to be contributing to the swelling waistlines of children, with huge amounts of popular foods crammed full of sugar. A sugar tax has reduced the effects of some soft drinks, but breakfast cereals can still contain more than 70 per cent of an entire day's sugar in a single bowl. Even a single can of Coca Cola (35g of sugar) or one Mars bar (33g) contain more than the maximum amount of sugar a child should have over a whole day. Advertisement 'Instead of seeing hunger as an issue abroad, the Government's New Year resolution should be one of taking urgent action at home to tackle hunger and malnutrition. 'This can only be addressed by setting clear UK-wide targets and by appointing a minister for hunger to deliver them.' In its report, the committee found the Government's widely publicised obesity strategy made no mention of 'food insecurity'. The EAC said there is a 'doughnut-shaped hole' in the UK's attempts to meet a UN goal of zero hunger and malnutrition by 2030. Also, the only ministry with a formal plan to tackle hunger was International Development, which is responsible for challenges overseas. The report quoted Unicef figures which found one in five children under 15 in the UK live with an adult who was moderately or severely food insecure. The unemployed, poor, the disabled and single parents are among the most likely to be affected. The British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (Bapen) said there are three million 'undernourished' people in the UK. The report said: 'Food insecurity is a significant and growing issue in the UK, with figures from The Food and Agriculture Organisation and The Food Foundation showing that levels are among the worst, if not the worst-in Europe, especially for children. 'The issues of food insecurity, hunger, malnutrition and obesity should be considered in parallel in the UK context as they are often co-located and correlated. 'Government has failed to recognise and respond to these issues within the UK.' It comes after it was revealed last week that more than 41,000 overweight people needed joint replacement operations last year as health chiefs warn of a national crisis of obesity. Patients going for surgery to replace knees or hips has soared six-fold in just eight years, from 6,191 in 2009-2010 to 41,761 in 2017-2018. Seven teenage girls were included in the number and the 575 per cent rise in such procedures is costing the NHS 200million a year. Health officials called the findings of The Sunday Times investigation 'horrifying' and warned of a 'national obesity crisis'. Fertility rates for white women were down in every US state in 2017 - below the rate needed for the population to replace itself, a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals. However, among black and Hispanic women, fertility rates were up in 12 and 29 states, respectively. When researchers looked at fertility rates for women of all age groups and races, they found that the nationwide rate was 16 percent lower than what is considered the level for a population to replace itself. Experts say this is likely due to the fact that the large proportion of native-born women are having fewer children than before, while the much smaller proportion of immigrant-born women are having more children. Additionally, the US white population has been hit hard by the Great Recession of 08-09, and is aging. The overall fertility rate was only above the level in two states: South Dakota (with a boom in jobs for white Americans in the energy industry) and Utah (home to a high concentration of Mormons). Demographers and public policy experts say if the rate continues to decline, there will not be enough healthy, young workers to keep the economy going and replace an aging population. The highest total fertility rate was in South Dakota, 57 percent greater than the lowest rate in Washington, DC. But the nationwide fertility rate was 16 percent lower than what is considered the level for a population to replace itself Researchers looked at the birth certificates from all 50 states, including the District of Columbia and self-reported data on the mother's race from the certificate. The highest total fertility rate was found to be in South Dakota, which was 57 percent greater than the lowest rate in Washington, DC. No state in 2017 had a total fertility rate for white women that was above the population replacement level - what the population needs to exactly replace itself from one generation to the next. Meanwhile, black women had a rate higher than the population replacement level in 12 states and Hispanic women had a rate that was higher in 29 states. However across all age groups and races, the total fertility rate for the US in 2017 was 1,765.5 per 1,000 women - 16 percent below the level of a population to replace itself. There were only two states that had rates above the population level, South Dakota and Utah. For Utah, the answer as to why is easy: its Mormon population. 'It's certainly from Mormonism,' Dr Kenneth Johnson, a professor of sociology at the University of New Hampshire, told DailyMail.com 'The concentration for so many Mormons in a state is why the fertility tends to be higher.' Currently, nearly 63 percent of all Utahans identify as Mormon in comparison with two percent of the US population. According to a 2014 Pew Research Center survey, Mormons were found to have more children than other US religious groups. Mormons between ages 40 and 59 had an average of 3.4 children in their lifetime, compared to the national average of 2.1 among all Americans in that age range. It's also the reason why Utah had the highest total fertility rate for white women in 2017. As for South Dakota, Dr Johnson theorizes it's due to the state's economic growth. Fertility rates for white women were down in every US state in 2017, the report revealed. The highest total fertility rate for white women was in Utah Among black and Hispanic women, fertility rates were up in 12 and 29 states, respectively. Black women had the highest rate in Maine and Alabama had the highest rate for Hispanic women 'My guess is South Dakota has had so much growth in the energy industry, it may the influx of people to the state that affects fertility,' he said. The US Bureau of Economic Analysis has reported strong earning growths for the Mount Rushmore State and, in 2018, South Dakota had the third-highest growth rate in the nation behind Washington and Utah. In a bit of a surprising twist, Maine had the highest total fertility rate for black women in 2017. Historically, Maine has been named the state with the largest white population - which is why many residents have nicknamed it the Wonder Bread State. And, according to the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Maine is expected to have in 2020 more residents aged 65 and older than resident aged 19 and younger. 'My guess is a lot of [the black women who've given birth to babies in Maine] are foreign born,' Dr Jonathan Resiman, an associate professor of economics and public policy at the University of Maine at Machias, told DailyMail.com. 'There's a significant Somali group in southern Maine, along the northern coast there's a lot of Central Americans. Immigrants who are foreign born tend to have higher fertility rates.' Dr Philip Cohen, a professor of population at the Maryland Population Research Center, says the reason might also be that black populations are moving to places with majority white populations for economic prosperity. 'In places with with small black populations like Maine or Oregon, they may have had some positive reason for ending up there and are higher-educated and better off than black populations in inner cities,' he told DailyMail.com. Also surprising, Alabama had the highest total fertility rates for Hispanic women in 2017, which Dr Cohen says might be because of immigration. 'Places like Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina might be new immigration destinations with more recent immigrants and immigrants have higher fertility rates,' he said. One expert told DailyMail.com that the declining nationwide rates are an indicator that fertility rates haven't recovered since the Great Recession Dr Johnson says the declining nationwide rates are an indicator that fertility rates haven't recovered since the Great Recession and wonders if they ever will. 'The question will be whether these numbers are temporarily low. Are these delayed or are they really going to be low forever and never going to return?' he said. But Dr Cohen says he doesn't want people to be alarmed by the report. 'It might make people fear society will stagnate, but we're a couple of generations away from that,' he said. 'And there are pathways out of it. The main way is through immigration. It may be difficult with culture and politics, but not with demography.' Dr Resiman agrees that immigrants are the key to replenishing population levels. 'We're not quite Japan yet,' he said, referencing the Asian's country struggling birth rates. 'But this definitely makes the case for why we need more immigrants.' The first new migraine drug for 20 years is set to be rejected for use on the NHS, in a blow to more than 500,000 people. A monthly injection called erenumab prevents nearly half of migraine attacks for people who have few other treatment options, major trials have shown. The treatment, developed by NHS-funded UK scientists over the last three decades, has been available privately since September at the cost of 386 a month. Patients say it is life-changing - halting the debilitating headaches and nausea which can blight people's lives. But a draft decision issued by drugs watchdog NICE today recommends that it be rejected for use on the NHS. Last July the drug - sold under the brand name Aimovig - was given a European medical licence patients who suffer migraines on at least four days a month and who have previously tried three types of oral treatment Experts said the news was 'devastating' for patients. NICE officials admitted erenumab is a 'promising' treatment which has been shown to be 'clinically effective'. But they said the company behind the drug - pharmaceutical giant Novartis - has not provided evidence that it is any better than Botox, which is commonly used by desperate migraine sufferers. Because of this gap in the evidence officials believe the high price of the drug - nearly 5,000 a year minus a confidential discount offered to the NHS - means it cannot be shown to be cost-effective. Novartis pointed out that Botox - which is designed as a cosmetic procedure but has been shown to help migraine sufferers - requires up to 40 injections into the head and neck by a trained specialist in a clinic. Erenumab, in comparison, is self-administered into the thigh or belly with an injection pen. More than eight million Britons - three quarters of them women - suffer migraine attacks, which involve dizziness, nausea and headaches. Figures estimate 38million are affected in the US. Attacks can last anything from four to 72 hours. More than eight million Britons suffer migraine attacks, which involve dizziness, nausea and headaches. Figures estimate 38million are affected in the US The problem affects more people than diabetes, asthma and epilepsy combined - and is the sixth most common cause of disability in the world. WHAT IS ERENUMAB? Erenumab is the first in a new class of drugs which tackles the protein responsible for the pain and nausea associated with a migraine. The protein - called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) - causes blood vessels intertwined with nerve endings in the head to swell up. Erenumab blocks that process. Described as one of the few true 'holy grails' of medical research, an injection to truly tackle migraines is being pursued by some of the world's biggest drugs firms. Erenumab is the first new migraine treatment since Triptans - drugs which ease the symptoms of migraines but not the cause - were developed in 1997. It was developed over the last 30 years by Professor Peter Goadsby of King's College London, who gave away the intellectual property to the drug when he published his first studies on CGRP in the 1990s. Erenumab is made by a partnership between drugs giant Novartis and Amgen, but hot on their heels are three other firms - Teva, Eli Lilly and Alder - who are developing very similar drugs in a bid get a share of a global market worth an estimated 6.5billion a year. Advertisement Yet until now there has been no treatment specifically designed to prevent the problem, with patients instead given beta blockers, antidepressants and botox in a bid to stave off the crippling attacks. Last July the drug - sold under the brand name Aimovig - was given a European medical licence patients who suffer migraines on at least four days a month and who have previously tried three types of oral treatment. If it is approved by NICE that would mean about 500,000 people in Britain would be expected to benefit, although this could rise if the thresholds are lowered in the future. Wendy Thomas, chief executive of the Migraine Trust, said: 'This is extremely disappointing, and devastating for people whose lives are blighted by migraine. 'It is terrible that people with migraine have had to wait so long for their own treatment, the first medication dedicated to treating migraine. 'Now, after proving effective to many, it is not accessible to those who can't afford to purchase it privately.' Dr David Bloomfield, chief executive of the National Migraine Centre in London: 'We know that many sufferers are waiting anxiously for Aimovig to be made available on the NHS. 'We are therefore disappointed at the outcome of the draft guidance - we hope that NICE and Novartis are able to resolve the current impasse and clinicians are provided with another treatment option.' NICE said it would work with Novartis to 'ensure that they are given every opportunity' to address officials' concerns before a final decision is issued later this year. Meindert Boysen, director of the Centre for Health Technology Evaluation at NICE, said: 'Erenumab is a promising new preventive treatment for migraine that has been shown to be clinically effective compared with best supportive care. 'However, there was not enough evidence to suggest that it is more effective than botulinum toxin type A [botox] for people with chronic migraine, which NICE already recommends.' Haseeb Ahmad, country president of Novartis UK, said: 'If this decision remains unchanged patients will be denied access to the first licensed treatment specifically designed to prevent migraine in adults. 'NICE does not consider the impact of diseases on broader society when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of medicines. 'We believe this fails to capture the true value of medicines like Aimovig. As migraine predominantly affects people of working age, it costs the UK economy 8.8billion per year in lost productivity alone.' Professor Peter Goadsby of Kings College London, the scientist behind erenumab, said: This is very disappointing for patients but I think there is a chink of light because NICE seem to have left themselves room to move. He said NICEs criticism of the evidence was very picky stressing that the trials had been published in world-leading journals such as the Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine. As a clinician I understand that the NHS has a limited budget and there has to be reasonable constraint. But a straight no is not reasonable. Taking HRT pills to cope with the menopause doubles the risk of suffering dangerous blood clots, research suggests. A study involving 80,000 women showed those who took hormone replacement therapy pills were at risk of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis - devastating conditions which can require the amputation of a leg or can even kill. Researchers from the University of Nottingham found the risk was only increased for women using HRT in tablet form - with patches, gels or creams carrying no additional chance of a clot. An estimated one million British women and around 17million in the US take HRT to cope with the menopause, which commonly strikes in the late 40s and early 50s. A study involving 80,000 women showed those who took hormone replacement therapy pills were at risk of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis - devastating conditions which can require the amputation of a leg or can even kill Of those 80 per cent take the tablet form of the drug. HRT tackles symptoms such as depression, hot flushes, and night sweats by providing oestrogen as the body stops producing it. The new findings, published in the British Medical Journal, showed tablets containing equine oestrogen - such as those sold under the Premarin brand name - carried a higher risk than those containing synthetic oestrogen. Researcher Dr Yana Vinogradova, of the Nottingham School of Medicine, said: 'Our study has shown that, for oral treatments, different tablets are associated with different risks of developing blood clots, depending on the active components. 'It has also confirmed that risks of thrombosis for patients using HRT treatments other than tablets - patches or gels - is very low. 'This lower risk has been known for more than ten years and - although patches or gels may not be acceptable in some circumstances - it was surprising to find that only 20 per cent of HRT prescriptions to date have been for non-oral treatments. 'Our findings are particularly important information for women who require HRT treatment and are already at increased risk of developing blood clots.' IS THERE ANY RISK OF USING HRT FOR WOMEN GOING THROUGH THE MENOPAUSE? Menopause, which commonly strikes women in their late 40s and early 50s, can cause depression, hot flushes, headaches and night sweats. Long term, it can also cause bone disease and memory loss. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) tackles these symptoms by replacing the female sex hormones - oestrogen and progestogen - as the body stops producing them. But while it can transform the lives of many women, studies have shown that there may be an increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease from HRT. As a result, many women no longer accept HRT treatment and some doctors will not prescribe it. It was however noted by the Woman's Health Concern (WHC) that one of the American studies used women in their mid-sixties who were often overweight as subjects, and these are unrepresentative of women in the UK. Furthermore, a controlled trial from Denmark reported in 2012 has demonstrated that healthy women taking combined HRT for 10 years immediately after the menopause had a reduced risk of heart disease and of dying from heart disease, contradicting the reports of the earlier studies. The WHC says HRT is safe provided it is taken for the correct reasons, i.e. to alleviate the symptoms of the menopause, and at the minimum effective dose. Source: WHC Advertisement The researchers stressed that although the risk of blood clots double for women who take HRT tablets, the absolute risk remains small. For every 10,000 women who take HRT pills, there are just nine extra cases of clots every year, they found. The number of women taking HRT plummeted after studies published in 2002 and 2003 raised fears of cancer. Usage of the drug in Britain fell from 36 per cent before the studies to around 10 per cent today. But NHS guidelines watchdog NICE issued new guidance in November 2015 advising GPs to start offering the drug to more women. They said that the fears of cancer had been overblown, and women should be shown the tiny scale of the risk. Out of 10,000 women taking HRT for five years, for example, there would only be 60 extra cases of breast cancer and 15 additional cases of ovarian cancer. Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the Royal College of GPs, have urged women not to panic. 'The menopause is a transition stage for every woman and can cause difficulties for many - and for some specific symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats, HRT is the only medical treatment that has good evidence of benefit,' she said. 'While this study is certainly interesting and important, as the authors themselves acknowledge, the findings do not prove that tablets cause more DVTs than patches, just that there is an association. 'As such, it is essential that more research is conducted in this area and taken into account as new clinical guidelines are updated and developed.' She added: 'Prescribing is a core skill for GPs and current best practice is to prescribe the lowest possible dose of HRT for the shortest possible time, and so specific products and formulations of HRT are only initiated after a comprehensive discussion between the GP and their patient, and are tailored to meet the best interests of that individual. 'It's important that patients don't panic or stop taking HRT as a result of reading about this study, but instead discuss their concerns at their next routine GP appointment, or seek advice from a reputable website like NHS Choices.' Dr Channa Jayasena of Imperial College London, added: 'We know that HRT has important benefits to alleviate menopausal symptoms. 'All drugs have side effects. This helpful study allows us to see which types of HRT have the highest and lowest risk of blood clots. 'HRT patches have the lowest risk of blood clots, and should be first-choice for older women - for whom blood clot risk is highest. 'However the study should reassure women that blood clots are an uncommon complication of HRT, regardless of the preparation.' When you think of your childhood, often memories of trips to the corner store and gorging on a variety of delicious treats will come to mind. Most Australians will remember the classic Bubble O'Bill ice cream with its blend of strawberry, chocolate and caramel ice confection, with a mega bubblegum nose, and a bullet hole through his hat. Now Milky Lane, a restaurant in Bondi, Cronulla and Paramatta in Sydney, has turned it into a cocktail. Scroll down for video The classic Bubble O'Bill ice cream with its classic blend of strawberry, chocolate and caramel ice confection with a mega bubble gum nose has been turned into a cocktail 'Our BUBBLE'O BILL COCKTAIL brings back the best childhood and summer memories ever (except now you can get boozy on it),' Milky Lane said on their Instagram. In the glass there is lashings of chocolate syrup with a 'strawberry booze shake', an oozing caramel rim, topped with blue bubblegum foam and ball and a drizzle of chocolate Ice Magic. 'We've wanted to do this one for so long and it couldnt have turned out better,' they added. The announcement of the addition sent the internet into a spin, as many couldn't believe their childhood dreams had come true. 'Our BUBBLE O BILL COCKTAIL brings back the best childhood and summer memories ever (except now you can get boozy on it),' they said on their Instagram In the glass there is lashings of chocolate syrup with a 'strawberry booze shake', an oozing caramel rim, topped with blue bubble gum foam and ball and a drizzle of chocolate Ice Magic 'Omg we need to roll around in these naked,' one eager Instagram follower commented. 'Haha yusss [sic] so much nostalgia! This was my mum's favourite as a kid as well,' said another. The drink was originally offered as a temporary menu item but due to its popularity, as it quickly became Milky Lane's top selling special, it will be coming back as a permanent menu item. If the Bubble O'Bill cocktail doesnt tickle your fancy there are a variety of other elaborate cocktails to choose from, such as the Marvellous Creationscocktail, which the restaurant owners said was the 'most requested MegaShake of the last year'. If the Bubble O'Bill cocktail doesnt tickle your fancy there are a variety of other elaborate cocktails to choose from, such as the Marvellous Creationscocktail The top of this decadent drink is made up of blue jelly bean foam, chocolate sauce and a packet of pop rocks. The rim contains strawberry jelly bean frosting, smashed jelly beans and a Cadbury chocolate and popping candy mix. Inside the glass is a delicious Nutella thick shake blended with chunks of Marvellous Creations chocolate and a strawberry sauce lining. 'Next month we have an incredible Gaytime Cocktail, this month it's a Salted Caramel and Hazelnut Cocktail served with a mini Magnum in the glass,' Christian Avant told FEMAIL. They have also created a popular cocktail inspired by Cherry Ripe chocolates, which have been loved by Australians over the years This New Year, millions of us pledged yet again to go to the gym more, lose weight or finally take up that exciting hobby. But think how much more of a difference we could make if, instead of focusing on ourselves, we resolved to help others. And theres one thing we can all do that requires barely any effort, yet could change someones life for ever: sign up to become an organ donor. Last year, the Commons passed a bill that would introduce an opt-out donation system that means every adult in England will automatically be considered an organ donor unless they have registered their decision not to. But with the so-called Maxs Law, named after ten-year-old campaigner Max Johnson, still working its way through the Lords, it is not likely to come into effect until 2020. So this year, why not choose to opt-in? You could save countless lives including those of very young children. And, heartbreaking as it may seem, children can also be organ donors. For many children, their only hope is to receive an organ from another child who has died and consent rates from parents are historically lower, says a spokesman for the NHS Blood and Transplant service. Losing a child is a terrible tragedy but when a parent does agree to donate, we find they get immense comfortf rom the fact that their loss has helped other children to live. There are currently 165 children on the organ transplant waiting list. Here, JILL FOSTER, speaks to six families whose little ones have benefited from the most extraordinarily selfless gift of all . . . Ella Wiseman, pictured, had a nine-hour heart operation just before her second birthday PARENT'S GAVE THEIR BABY'S HEART SO ELLA COULD LIVE Ella Wiseman, two, lives with her full-time mum Amy, 22, in Douglas on the Isle of Man. Amy says: When Ella became ill with a chest infection at 11 months old, I took her to our GP who prescribed antibiotics. But later she refused to eat, was breathing rapidly and started vomiting. I called an ambulance and at the hospital, X-rays showed she had a problem with her heart. She looked so small and vulnerable. She was transferred her to Alder Hey Childrens Hospital and we were told that the main chamber of her heart was enlarged and weakened. I was terrified After a month of monitoring, we were sent home, but over time she deteriorated. Another hospital visit showed her heart couldnt be repaired and she was reliant on a machine to pump blood around her body and she needed a transplant. Her mother Amy said: 'Ill always be so grateful to the family who made that decision to donate their own babys heart so mine could live' As we were so far from home, the charity The Sick Childrens Trust provided a free room in a Home From Home Scott House, minutes away from the hospital, for which Ill always be grateful. We had no idea wed be there for six months. You cant begin to understand the thoughts that go through your mind. I knew a baby needed to lose its life to save my daughter. Then just before Ellas second birthday we got the call to say there was a heart. We were ecstatic but terrified. The nine-hour operation was a success and she is now a completely different child, chatty, lively and very cheeky. As donors are anonymous, all I know is he was a two-year-old boy. Ive written to his family to say thank you and sent pictures through the organ donation service. Ill always be so grateful to the family who made that decision to donate their own babys heart so mine could live. I FELT SUCH GRIEF FOR THE DONORS FAMILY Luna Lisle, 22 months, lives with her teacher mother Isobel, 39, and father Andrew, 42, a carpenter, in Sevenoaks. Isobel says: When Luna was born she had neo-natal jaundice and a slight temperature but we thought everything was fine. However, after a few days at home, I knew something was wrong. Hospital tests confirmed she had biliary atresia a rare disease of the liver and bile ducts and shed need a seven-hour operation. Seeing her come out of surgery was one of the hardest moments of my life. She was very swollen and covered in tubes. I remember weeping. We were told she would need a liver transplant at some point. A few months later, scans showed her liver had stopped functioning properly. Luna Lisle was given a new liver last year. Her mother, Isobel Hohler, said: 'Although I was thrilled, I felt a gut punch of grief for the family who had lost their loved one' When it finally happened, she was in surgery for around six hours and afterwards you could see the jaundice draining from her skin. Although I was thrilled, I felt a gut punch of grief for the family who had lost their loved one. We think it was a little girl, and Im getting ready to write to the family to thank them for making such an incredible decision when they were consumed by grief. Luna is doing wonderfully well. Shes on anti-rejection medication and possibly always will be. We will teach her to respect her life and the chances she has been given thanks to another familys bravery. Roman Williams, who lives in Fishburn, Co,. Durham, got a new heart in December 2015 KNOWING A CHILD MUST DIE IS SO HARD Roman Williams, three, lives with his mother Zoe, 28, and father Craig, 34, who works in a power station in Fishburn, Co,. Durham. Roman has a twin brother Hunter and baby brother Colt. Zoe says: We found out something was wrong with Roman at my 20-week scan and were offered a termination. But if we had gone ahead, it would have put Hunter at risk, too. So we carried on, praying Roman would be all right. As soon as he was born he was put on life support. He had a blockage from the heart to the lungs and underwent 16 operations. Waiting for the day hed get a new heart became a normal part of life. We saw nine other children undergo heart transplants while we were in the hospital and at one point I thought wed run out of time. His mother, Zoe Pickering, said: 'Following the transplant I wrote to the family and then they wrote back, telling me about the child who had donated. I cant say much about them as they dont want to be identified but it was very emotional for me to hear their story and put a name to the child whose heart is inside Roman' But knowing a child has to die for your child to live is very hard. He had the transplant in December 2015 and when he came out of surgery we were very worried because he wasnt responding to anything. The doctors thought hed suffered brain damage. We were in despair. But when we mentioned Hunters name his twin there were suddenly readings on the monitors. Just hearing his brothers name had got the response the doctors had been waiting for and he hadnt suffered brain damage after all. Following the transplant I wrote to the family and then they wrote back, telling me about the child who had donated. I cant say much about them as they dont want to be identified but it was very emotional for me to hear their story and put a name to the child whose heart is inside Roman. Caleb Williams, from Catterick, had a rare heart condition and needed a transplant. He spent his first 463 days in hospital I FELT SAD THINKING ABOUT THEIR PAIN Caleb Williams, three, lives with mum Claire, 39, and dad Anthony, 38, a Royal Mechanical Engineer in Catterick. Caleb has four siblings. Claire says: When we discovered at 20 weeks that Caleb had a rare heart condition, where the left side of his heart didnt work at all, the doctors asked us to consider termination. But I could already feel him kicking and knew that he would be a fighter. Four days after he was born he had an operation to strengthen his heart but the surgeons soon realised he was too weak to undergo any more. A transplant was our only option. He spent the first 463 days of his life in hospital and Anthony and I made sure he was never there alone. We would take turns and live in the hospital for three or four days each at a time. His mother, Claire, said: 'Someone somewhere was going through the worst pain imaginable and although I felt so sad for them, I also felt happy for Caleb' He was put on the donor list in December 2015 and five months later got the call to say a heart was available. All I knew was that it was from a youngster who was around the same age as my daughter at the time and that really brought it home. Someone somewhere was going through the worst pain imaginable and although I felt so sad for them, I also felt happy for Caleb. He was getting a second chance. On May 10 2016, after nine hours, he came out of transplant surgery and spent a week on intensive care. He almost instantly got colour back in his cheeks and lips. Six months later, in October 2016 he came home and now hes coming on leaps and bounds. We wrote a thank you card to the donors family but never heard anything else, which is fine. I just hope they know that our little boy is alive because of them. Evie Latewood, who lives in Portadown, County Armagh, needed a liver transplant because her bile ducts and gall bladder had not formed properly AT EVERY MILESTONE, WE ARE GRATEFUL Evie Latewood is 18 months old. She lives with parents Nathalie, 25, a full-time mother, father Dyllan, 26, a design engineer, twin sister Katie and older brother Eli, three in Portadown. Nathalie says: Evie was born seemingly healthy but after five days we noticed her stools were the wrong colour. Three weeks later, it was suspected she may have biliary atresia her bile ducts and gall bladder had not formed properly. She baffled consultants because she seemed so healthy. At six weeks old she was given a Kasai procedure to connect her liver to her intestine, which would buy her more time with her natural liver. Its so scary holding your tiny baby as shes given an anaesthetic and goes floppy in your arms. The operation was successful and, for a while, we were able to get on with normal life. But late last year, her tummy started swelling with fluid and we were in and out of hospital again. One night, she started vomiting blood. I was terrified. The blood just kept coming and I thought we were going to lose her. Her mother, Nathalie, said: 'That whole day I prayed for that poor family their pain and sorrow was going to be our joy and the start of Evies new life. Its bittersweet' An air ambulance flew us to Birmingham and she was admitted to the liver ward where they stabilised her and gave her medicines. It was at this point we knew it was likely shed need a transplant. She was put on the transplant list at 4.17pm on February 5 last year. Incredibly, only 14 hours later at 6.17am, we got the call to say a liver was available. The fact someone had to die for Evie to get that liver is the first thing you think about. That whole day I prayed for that poor family their pain and sorrow was going to be our joy and the start of Evies new life. Its bittersweet. We dreaded taking Evie down to theatre but after six hours in surgery, she was out. All we know about Evies donor is that she was a female in her 30s. She could have been someones mum, someones wife, definitely someones daughter. But every time Evie smiles or reaches a milestone, that incredible lady our hero is with us every step of the way. We are so grateful not only to her, but to her family for their precious gift. Weve written to them and sent them photographs so hopefully Evies story gives them some comfort. Ethan Davies, from Bicester, needed a new kidney after it was damaged in the womb by a blockage in his bowel A COMPLETE STRANGER SAVED OUR BOYS LIFE Ethan Davies is two. He lives with mum Nicola, 36, father James, 43, both police officers near Bicester. He has two half-brothers and two sisters. Nicola says: At our 20 week scan with Ethan, it was revealed there was a blockage in his bowel that enlarged his bladder and damaged his kidneys. Doctors thought he wouldnt survive beyond birth. But we found an expert who was able to operate. He put a shunt in Ethans bladder while still in my womb and Ethan managed to keep it in for three weeks. However his kidney was deteriorating and hed picked up an infection after a second operation so the decision was made to deliver him at 28 weeks. He was very poorly and too little to start dialysis. At three months old he was moved to Great Ormond Street Hospital. At four months old he needed to be operated on again but the operation led to infection and his kidneys completely failed. His mother, Nicola, pictured with husband James, revealed 150 people offered to be tested after she turned to Facebook - 90 per cent of who she didn't know With children so young, the parents are the first port of call when it comes to donors. I was a match for a blood type but it turned out my kidneys only function at 70 per cent. Meanwhile my husband suffered from kidney stones so neither of us could donate. We turned to Facebook to see if family and friends could help. People started sharing our plea and, incredibly, 150 people offered to be tested. Ninety per cent were people we didnt know. One of them was a lady called Katrina. She wanted to help and it turned out she was a really good match. Ethan was operated on at the beginning of June. Although hed had other operations, this was the most nerve-racking of all. Time went very slowly over those seven hours and he was ventilated for the first 18 hours afterwards. Now hes doing really well. He didnt have the muscle strength to even attempt to walk before his operation but now hes close to taking his first steps. WHAT KATRINA HAS DONE FOR OUR LITTLE BOY IS SELFLESS Katrina Roberts, 24, from Sussex is a call handler for the ambulance service. She says: My partner is a police officer like James and Nicola and I feel very much a part of the police family, so when I found out they needed help, it felt like the right thing to do. One of my little nephews shares a birthday with Ethan and so his story really connected with me. I was only too happy to help and Im recovering well. Ive got no regrets. The Sick Childrens Trust visit:www.sickchildrenstrust.org Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman is recovering from a broken elbow suffered in a fall on the stairs. The 24-year-old gymnast posted a photo to her Instagram and Twitter pages on Wednesday that showed her lying on a couch wearing a cast. She captioned the post, saying: 'I survived two Olympic Games and 19 years of gymnastics without ever breaking a bone ... the stairs got me ... I fell and broke my elbow.' Recovery: Two-time Olympian Aly Raisman posted a photo to Instagram and Twitter on Wednesday revealing that she had broken her arm after falling down stairs Sympathy: Aly's concerned fans and followers tweeted kind words to the gymnast after she posted the photo that showed her wearing a cast and cuddling her dog The two-time Olympian is no stranger to dangerous stunts and daring acts, however, it seems something less complex managed to land her with a broken elbow. She took to social media, which she enforces in all of her bios that she uses 'to spread kindness', to reveal that she had sustained an injury. She posted a photo to social media on Wednesday that showed her snuggling up to her dog while covered by a blanket. Legend! The 24-year-old gymnast, pictured at the London 2012 Olympic Games, began taking gymnastics classes at the age of two And while first looking at the photo one might think the injury was sport-related, Aly confirmed the injury was a result of falling down the stairs. She wrote: 'I survived two Olympic Games and 19 years of gymnastics without ever breaking a bone ... the stairs got me ... I fell and broke my elbow.' The Massachusetts-born athlete received hundreds of comments from concerned fans when she posted the photo to Twitter. One fellow gymnast, @emilyessigg, wrote: '11 years of gymnastics & 6 years of cheer... didnt break any bones... then i broke my foot walking on a slightly uneven surface.' Another, user @Ally_Leacoma, wrote: 'I got through 15 years of gymnastics and broke my foot walking, at least you fell.' 'I did competitive gymnastics for a decade without breaking anything or having a serious injury.... but in middle school someone in P.E. stepped on and broke my finger. Haha get well soon,' added @mackenzieoaks. Twitter user @Garkes46 commented: 'I hope you recover quickly and you should. You are healthy and young.' Talented! Aly, pictured at the 2012 Olympics (L) and 2016 Olympics (R) was captain for both the gold medal-winning 2012 and 2016 US women's Olympic gymnastics teams Proud! Aly stands beside fellow gold-medalists Simone Biles, Gabrielle Douglas, Lauren Hernandez and Madison Kocian for the national anthem at the 2016 Olympic Games Devastating: Aly was one of many athletes to come forward in 2016 with sex-abuse allegations against former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, who was subsequently sentenced to prison Aly first began taking gymnastics classes when she was just two-years-old. She helped the US team win the 2011 World Champions. Suited up! Aly, pictured before a conference she recently attended, is an outspoken advocate for women who were abused or victimized One year later, the gymnast won two gold medals - one in a team competition and the other medal in an individual floor exercise. Aly was captain for both the gold medal-winning 2012 and 2016 US women's Olympic gymnastics teams. The Olympian has performed some of the most outstanding gymnastics tricks, leaving people shocked as they watch her routines. During the 2016 Olympics, the gymnast performed a series of show-stopping tumbling passes that left the audience and viewers open-mouthed. The gymnast is also a best-selling author. Her book Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything was released in 2017, and tells the story of her journey to becoming an Olympic winner. Aly is also a survivor of sexual abuse, after being involved in the USA gymnastics sexual abuse scandal that saw a number of survivors come forward to share their experiences. She's been an outspoken advocate for women who were abused or victimized, and a harsh critic of USA Gymnastics, the sport's governing body. In July 2017, former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced to prison after he was proven guilty of numerous counts of sexual abuse. Aly was among hundreds of athletes who came forward to share their accounts of being sexually abused by the former doctor. Aly has not yet made it clear if she will return to gymnastics, however, the injury to her elbow could well put the gymnast out of the running for the 2020 Olympic Games, which is due to be held in Tokyo, Japan. She started her television career as a 21-year-old while working in fashion retail. Now, following her Glitterball win on Strictly Come Dancing 2018, Stacey Dooley, 31, is set for even greater success thanks to a series of mega deals that could see her earning an extra 1.2 million and a coveted spot as TV's sweetheart. The glitter's barely settled following her triumph on Strictly but the Luton-born star, who is thought to earn 150,000 a year currently, has already landed herself several major new contracts for 2019. She was today announced as the new host of BBC reality show Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-up Star, cementing her status as the broadcaster's new darling. She's also secured a contributing editor role at Grazia magazine, and there's a signing tour in the offing for the paperback version of her book. That's in addition to her appearance in the Strictly Come Dancing UK Tour that starts its 29-show later this month, with her upcoming projects predicted to net her 1.2M. 'It looks set to be a bumper year for Stacey whose bubbly, girl next door personality has been likened to Holly Willoughby - now one of the highest paid women on TV,' PR agent Claire Shiels tells Femail. 'She's in demand and understandably taking advantage of her popularity which will enable her to command higher fees,' comments Claire. Here, the branding expert unveils just what Stacey would be earning this year... Strictly Come Dancing champion Stacey Dooley, 31, has revealed several major new contracts for 2019 that could net her in excess of 1 million, according to a PR expert. Alongside the show's UK Live Tour, a book deal and a contributing editor role at Grazia, she is hosting BBC Three's Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-up Star (pictured centre with judges Dominic Skinner and Val Garland Reality TV presenting gig: 300,000 She kicked off 2019 hosting BBC's New Year's Eve concert, alongside fellow Strictly finalist Joe Sugg, 27, but it was only a matter of time before BBC's golden girl secured another presenting stint. Her latest gig - Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-up Star that airs on BBC Three this year - sees Stacey head up the search for a superstar make-up artist. How Stacey could make a million New BBC show Strictly tour Book deal & tour Magazine role Fashion collab Appearances TOTAL 300K 20K 100K 20K 500K 250K 1,190,000 Advertisement 'Based on the alleged value of Holly Willoughby's 600,000 salary as co-host of This Morning; Stacey could well earn as much as 300,000 from her new TV role,' according to PR agent Claire Shiels. Stacey will feature alongside judges Val Garland, Global Make-Up Director for L'Oreal Paris, and Dominic Skinner, Global Senior Artist for MAC, in the elimination series. 'With new creative briefs each week, the ten contestants will live and work together as they compete to win a contract assisting some of the world's biggest make-up artists. 'I'm delighted to be involved with Glow Up. The make-up artists are so impressive and talented... and Val and Dominic were a scream to work with. 'Can't wait to show you all it!' Stacey said of her new screen role. Stacey took the Glitterball trophy for Strictly Come Dancing 2018 alongside partner Kevin Clifton. She's now appearing in the show's Live Tour - a job that could land her 20,000, says a PR expert. Pictured: at the show's launch in August 2018 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour: 20,000 The glamorous dance show has previously faced pay rows with some professional dancers even threatening strike action after reportedly being refused rises. But the competition's certainly been lucrative for Stacey who would have bagged herself a whopping 100,000 as the winner of the show. Her payday is set to continue with the Strictly Come Dancing UK Tour kicking off later this month. With 29 shows in the line-up, Claire predicts Stacey could receive around 20,000 for her appearance. Stacey has also released a book that takes a look at some of the people she's met during her time as a documentary-maker - a deal that could score her 100,000 Book deal: 100,000 With a paperback version released next month, Stacey's On The Front Line with the Women Who Fight Back book takes a look at some of the people she's met during her time as a documentary-maker. From sex trafficking in Cambodia to Yazidi women fighting back in Syria and victims of domestic violence in Honduras, it draws on her encounters with 'brave and wonderful women.' Alongside the book, that retails for 8.99, Stacey is appearing in a series of live talks called 'An Evening with Stacey Dooley' where she'll be interviewed on her career by writer, broadcaster and comedian Viv Groskop, and signing copies of her book. Published by BBC Books, it's a deal that's likely to be valued at around 100,000, according to Claire. Stacey's using her background as a journalist and documentary-maker in her new role as Contributing Editor (Investigations) at Grazia magazine - a contract that could be worth 20,000, says a PR expert. Pictured: In her Fashion's Dirty Secrets documentary aired in October 2018 Glossy magazine contributing editor: 20,000 We've grown more used to seeing Stacey in spangly frocks but she looks set to pick up her work boots again having bagged herself a new contract as contributing editor of investigations for Grazia magazine. In a role Claire says could bump her earnings up by another 20,000, Stacey will be penning a series of investigative reports for the glossy weekly publication. 'I'm delighted to work alongside the team this year. Their dedication towards exploring stories, both at home and much further afield really appeals to me. I can't wait to get going,' Stacey said of the new role. Grazia editor Hattie Brett, commented: 'I'm thrilled Stacey is joining team Grazia. Her unquestionable nose for a story, coupled with her warm no-nonsense reporting style will highlight important issues to our readers in a unique way.' Holly Willoughby has a hugely successful deal with Marks & Spencer (left) and PR expert Claire Shiels says Stacey (right on ITV's This Morning in December 2018) could secure something similar worth around 500,000 Fashion brand collaboration: 500,000 Like stars such as Fearne Cotton and Holly Willoughby, Stacey has the potential to front her own clothing range for a high street retailer that could be worth around 500,000 for Stacey. 'Shes known for her striking red hair which could lend itself to a beauty endorsement in the future, too,' adds Claire. Other brand endorsements and public appearances: 250,000 'Stacey will inevitably secure other brand endorsements and public appearances throughout the year which could net her another 250,000,' comments Claire. But Stacey needs to be careful not too become overexposed if she's to continue her success, warns PR expert Nick Ede. 'I think that there is a real scope for Stacey to make more money if she does some clever endorsement deals, and also adverts. Stacey found fame presenting investigative documentaries for BBC Three in a series called Stacey Dooley Investigates 'She needs to be careful not to become too over-exposed, though, choosing what she does carefully. She has the potential to become a national sweetheart but the public can love people and turn off them just as quickly,' explains Nick. Whatever the future holds, Stacey's glittering career in showbiz is a far cry from her humble beginnings when, having left school at 16 and working as a fashion shop assistant three years later, she was selected to take part in the BBC series Blood, Sweat and T-Shirts. The show saw her live and work alongside Indian factory workers making clothes for the UK High Street. After catching the attention of BBC head honchos, she was given her own series of hugely popular investigations called 'Stacey Dooley Investigates.' What kind of weirdo tells the world he is getting divorced from his loyal wife on Twitter? Claiming, 'if we had known we would separate after 25 years, we would do it all over again'. Even by Hollywood standards, this is pretty bizarre. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon (and the richest man in the world - at least before he's reached a settlement) went on to gush that he and wife Mackenzie would remain 'cherished friends' with 'wonderful futures ahead'. If they get on that well, you might ask why split up? Split: Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon worth some $140billion, is divorcing wife MacKenzie Perhaps the fact that the National Inquirer was just hours away from revealing flirtatious pictures of the billionaire with a Californian TV newsreader and their eight month affair might have had something to do with it. How tawdry and predictable. I only hope Mackenzie sorted out her settlement before she signed up to his face-saving Gwyneth-speak. Of course all the sugary comments were probably designed to reassure stockholders that whatever has happened behind closed doors in the Bezos household, it will be business as usual in the warehouses and boardrooms Mr Bezos controls all over the world. The half a million employees need not worry, their ruthlessly monitored shifts in Amazon's fulfillment centres will continue exactly as before. Apart from Amazon, Jeff Bezos owns the Washington Post newspaper, the Blue Origin rocket company and Whole Foods, as well as countless startups, including one growing food on towers using artificial lights. He's always ready to look at new ideas and new ways of getting us to part with our cash. 'Remaining friends: Jeff and MacKenzie are seen arriving at a corporate conference in 2013 Back then: Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos are pictured together in the early 2000s It always amazes me when people whinge about the world domination of Amazon, blaming the company for clogging up our roads with their deliveries, using tons of cardboard and wasteful packaging, and treating their employees at the fulfilment centres like drones with a pulse, checking on their movements, removing their belongings and enforcing strictly timed breaks. Chatting is frowned upon- but surely if you wanted the kind of job where you could discuss the weather and last night's television, you wouldn't be opting to work the night shift in a giant warehouse? The monster success of Amazon is not just down to the genius of Jeff Bezos, but is 100% the result of our laziness. We claim to care about the environment, claim to want to support small businesses, claim to care about our favourite department stores. Then we sit on our fat backsides and click a mouse, ordering from Amazon. Jeff Bezos has brilliantly exploited our other innate weakness - not only are we lazy, when we want something, we want it NOW! Sod carbon emissions, we need our daily fix of an Amazon delivery. I have no insider knowledge of life in the Bezos household, but having been married to a man who set up and ran a successful business, I can imagine what life was like for Mackenzie. New paramour: Bezos is seen with Lauren Sanchez, the woman he is accused of having an affair with, and her husband Patrick Whitesell in 2016. The couple were said to be friends with Bezos and his wife before Bezos began seeing her on the side The National Enquirer will publish photos of Bezos and Sanchez in this edition set to hit the stands on Thursday. Bezos announced his divorce in anticipation of the photos' release Jeff Bezos has gone to inordinate lengths to portray himself as just a normal kind of guy. He gets up early, goes to bed early, needs 8 hours sleep, doesn't rely on an alarm clock. He reads the newspaper every morning, drinks coffee and has breakfast with his kids. His wife drove them to school every day in an unostentatious Honda Accord until 2013. Jeff Bezos says he likes to 'putter' in the mornings', never has meetings before 10am and any serious issues are discussed before lunchtime. He tries never to take serious work calls after 5pm and claims 'doing the washing up every night is the sexiest thing I do'. Chi-ching: Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos did not have a prenuptial agreement and she will therefore be entitled to half of his $140bn fortune - making her the richest woman in the world 'As our family and close friends know, after a long period of loving exploration and trial separation, we have decided to divorce and continue our shared lives as friends,' the statement posted to Jeff's Twitter account on Wednesday read. 'If we had known we would separate after 25 years, we would do it again' If he is this normal, you might ask how he's garnered a fortune of 140 billion dollars! I get up early, I drink coffee and read the newspaper every day, I like a bit of washing up and I refuse to have any meetings before 9am but I don't have half a million employees, or at least five homes, one of which is a former museum in Washington. Jeff Bezos is basically a nerd, through and through. A Star Trek fan, he finally got a walk on part in the last movie. Another obsession is action movies starring Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock - well, both are bald men of a certain age. Bezos, just like my ex-husband, built the original desks in his first office out of doors and cheap timber, and still has one to remind him of his roots. Like my ex-husband, Jeff Bezos claims to be a homebody, but I am sure his wife has found out that whenever he is in the room, he might appear to be talking to you, he might give the impression of someone interested in supper or what you've been doing, but basically he is 100 per cent committed to his business 24/7. He is on another waveband. He will go to sleep thinking about work and get up ready to focus on it all over again. You are on the sidelines, registering as an unavoidable distraction from his single goal- world domination. Every tech billionaire is weird - Mark Zuckerberg with his pompous New Year resolutions (how about one to clean up Facebook properly and cut out the excuses?) and his dreadful taste in tee shirts, Elon Musk with his bizarre twitter rants and grandstanding pomposity. At least Bill Gates and his wife just get on with spending their time fighting malaria and helping the poorest people in the world. Jeff Bezos met his wife when he worked at a hedge fund and she applied for a job. They dated for three months and were married within six. They'd been married for just a year when she agreed to chuck in everything and go to Seattle as he could start Amazon. She's been his tireless supporter, never speaking out of turn. An accomplished novelist, her first book won a major award in 2006, but she's only written one since, bringing up three sons and an adopted daughter. Maybe it's about time Mackenzie put her life first. There's one thing all the money in the world can't buy, and that's an emotionally bankrupt man's attention. But at least with half Jeff's $140billion fortune, she should be able to buy herself pretty much anyone else. The Duchess of Sussex admitted that not everyone approves of her taste during a visit to a clothing charity on Thursday. Pregnant Meghan, 37, today visit to the headquarters of women's charity Smart Works in London shortly after being announced as its patron. The organisation provides high-quality interview clothes and training to unemployed women in need relying on donations from the public, including some from the Duchess herself. However, Meghan admitted that her choice in bags hadn't gone down well with one woman who rejected the purse she had donated. Pregnant Meghan revealed that a woman had rejected a purse that she had donated to a charity that clothes vulnerable women on Thursday While picking out an outfit for a visitor today Meghan said: 'The last time I was here I suggested a purse to someone. 'It was one that I donated and she didn't like and I was like 'oh OK'. I thought it was great.' When it came to her own outfit revisted a tried-and-tested wardrobe formula as she made her first public appearance of 2019 today. She opted for a 2,600 coat by Oscar de la Renta and a simple 179 black dress from maternity label Hatch for the visit to the headquarters of women's charity Smart Works in London this morning. The look is strikingly similar to one sported by Meghan on an outing to South Melbourne Beach during their royal tour of Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji in October last year. While picking out an outfit for a woman at the headquarters of Smart Works in London she said that the bag she had donated hadn't proved popular during her last visit Ready for business: Pregnant Meghan, 37, opted for a 2,600 coat by Oscar de la Renta and a simple black dress from maternity label Hatch for the visit to the headquarters of women's charity Smart Works in London this morning, pictured with Smart Works CEO Kate Stephens Tried-and-tested: The look is strikingly similar to one sported by Meghan on an outing to South Melbourne Beach during their royal tour of Australia in October last year, pictured On that occasion the mother-to-be plumped for a 325 Club Monaco dress, 110 Rothy's pumps and a 1,287 Martin Grant trench coat - a favourite piece from her royal tour wardrobe. Dress like a Duchess! Meghan's outfit in full Coat: Oscar de la Renta oversized midi coat; 2,600 Dress: Eliza dress by Hatch; 170 Shoes: Giovanni Rossi PVC pumps; price unknown but similar styles cost around 530 Bag: Victoria Beckham Vanity Box leather tote; 1,695 Jewellery: Felicity earrings by Kimai; 315 Advertisement Meghan was the picture of elegance this morning as she arrived at Smart Works, based at St Charles Hospital in North Kensington, West London - just hours after being announced as the charity's patron. The 37-year-old opted to dress her baby bump in the 170 Eliza dress by US-based brand Hatch - marking just the second time she has worn a maternity label during her pregnancy. Meghan wore a 38 ASOS Maternity dress on the royal tour of Australia last year. Today the royal wrapped up against the winter chill in the oversized Oscar de la Renta coat, which is part of the Italian fashion house's permanent collection. Meghan accessorised the outfit with a pair of pumps from Gianvito Rossi which she has owned for several years and a fashionable 1,695 black leather handbag by Victoria Beckham. On-trend: Meghan accessorised the outfit with a pair of pumps from Gianvito Rossi featuring on-trend PVC panels along the side and a fashionable mini black leather handbag Sleek style: The Duchess wore her hair swept back in a signature slick low bun, pictured. She finished the ensemble with delicate earrings from ethical jewellery brand Kimani Perfectly polished: Meghan was the picture of elegance this morning as she arrived at Smart Works, based at St Charles Hospital in North Kensington, West London, pictured She clutched a pair of neutral suede gloves in her hands. Staying true to her signature sleek style, the Duchess wore her hair swept back in a slick low bun. Cases reflect her passions Meghans patronages reflect her many interests. The university graduate and former actress succeeds the Queen as patron of both the National Theatre in London and the Association of Commonwealth Universities. Her interests in fashion and female empowerment seem suited to Smart Works, while her love of animals will be an asset to Mayhew a charity based in Kensal Green. As well as rehousing abandoned cats and dogs, it works in the community on projects such as keeping the homeless and their pets together. It also helps train vets in Afghanistan, Georgia, Russia and India. Advertisement She finished the ensemble with delicate earrings from ethical jewellery brand Kimai. The Duchess has privately visited Smart Works several times over the last year and worked with some of the women who have benefited from the charity's support, Kensington Palace revealed. The Duchess smiled and waved at the gathered press before entering the hospital. Women are referred to the charity from organisations such as jobcentres, work programmes, prisons, care homes, homeless shelters and mental health charities. Kensington Palace annouanced today that Meghan has also taken on honorary roles with the National Theatre and Association of Commonwealth Universities - patronages both previously held by the Queen - and Mayhew, an animal charity in North West London. The Queen has been patron of the National Theatre for 45 years and the ACU for 33 years. Meghan's appointment at the National Theatre had been widely expected after she met privately with the theatre's director Rufus Norris, but Kensington Palace had remained tight-lipped until 9am today. Blooming: The 37-year-old opted to dress her baby bump in a simple shift frock by Hatch - marking just the second time she has worn a maternity label during her pregnancy Special relationship: Meghan visited Smart Works just hours after being announced as patron The princess who once served as the Queen's bridesmaid has denied reports she is 'hanging up her tiara' after more than 60 years of royal service. Princess Alexandra of Kent, a first cousin and close confidante of the monarch, celebrated her 82nd birthday in December and was rumoured to be preparing to step down from public life to make way for the younger generation of royals. But a Palace spokesperson this morning denied there is any truth to the reports, saying there were 'no plans' for the princess to step down. The princess, who was one of the Queen's eight bridesmaids in 1947, has suffered a series of health issues in recent yeas which have forced her to cut back on public engagements, down last year to just 67. The palace has dismissed reports that Princess Alexandra of Kent, a first cousin and close confidante of the monarch, is preparing for retirement (pictured with the monarch in 2016) Princess Alexandra (pictured at Wigmore Hall in London, 1961) celebrated her 82nd birthday in December and was rumoured to be preparing to step down from public duties to make way for the younger generation of royals The princess, who was one of the Queen's eight bridesmaids in 1947 (sixth left), has suffered a series of health issues in recent yeas which have forced her to cut back on public duties Once dubbed the 'unsung heroine' of the royal family - and described by a biographer as 'the most efficient working princess in the world - in 2013 she was forced to cancel a series of engagements after developing polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) - and last year suffered a broken arm. Reports surfaced last week that Alexandra was forced to delay her retirement when Prince Philip stepped down from public duties in 2017. As a working member of the royal family she maintains a full schedule of engagements and lives in Richmond Park, London at the marital home she once shared with her late husband Sir Angus Ogilvy in 2004. Today, she is patron of more than 100 different organisations and her closeness to the royal family was demonstrated in 2016 when the Queen held a party to celebrate Alexandras charity work and to mark her 80th birthday. Princess Alexandra with her new husband husband Angus Ogilvy. The pair tied the knot at Westminster Abbey in 1963 and went on to have two children before Angus' death in 2004 Princess Alexandra with the Queen Mother at Royal Ascot, 1963. The princess has denied reports she is 'hanging up her tiara' after more than 60 years of royal service Princess Alexandra at the Epsom Derby in 1969. Insiders say she remains a favourite among the Queen's wider family thanks to her charm and poise in the face of a series of scandals Princess Alexndra in London in 1960. Today, she is patron of more than 100 different organisations and her closeness to the royal family was demonstrated in 2016 when the Queen held a party to celebrate Alexandras charity work and to mark her 80th birthday Alexandra in London in 1961. When she first rose to prominence she was something of a 'royal pin-up' and still exudes 'extraordinary glamour' according to royal expert Christopher Wilson Overseeing organisations ranging from the British Skin Foundation to the Light Infantry Club and the British Goat Society, her workload includes visiting hospices, meeting Alzheimers sufferers and working with the blind. Insiders say Alexandra remains a favourite among the Queen's wider family thanks to her charm and poise in the face of a series of public scandals. When she first rose to prominence she was something of a 'royal pin-up' and still exudes 'extraordinary glamour' according to Christopher Wilson in the Express. A wayward father embroiled in numerous adultery scandals, and a daughter who sold her story to the tabloids, have done little to tarnish her reputation as a stalwart of the royal family. Alexandra, pictured in London in 2018, remains a close friend of the Queen. When the Second World War broke out in September 1939, Princess Alexandra was just three years old and her cousin Princess Elizabeth more than 10 years her senior Alexandra (pictured at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2012) remains a favourite among the Queen's wider family thanks to her charm and poise in the face of a series of public scandals In a rare interview in 2016, Princess Alexandra recalled how a young Queen Elizabeth II - then a princess - gave her hand-me-down outfits when she couldn't buy clothes due to rationing. 'Because of the clothing coupons, it was quite difficult to get hold of clothes,' she explained. 'So they were very kind to me, my cousins I think it was Princess Elizabeth mainly they let me have one or two of their dresses.' When the Second World War broke out in September 1939, Princess Alexandra was just three years old and her cousin Princess Elizabeth more than 10 years her senior. Manila (CNN Philippines Life) This weekend, attend local indie gigs, catch live sets by electronic musicians, brush up on Philippine history at a museum lecture, and visit a community market and fiesta in Poblacion. Attraction! Reaction! Presents: Swiss Army Man This Friday, Jan. 11, watch local indie acts at the 11th anniversary of gig series, Attraction! Reaction! Catch Ian Penn, Mayas Anklet, Rusty Machines, Ciudad, Stomachine, Tide/edit, and Ang Bandang Shirley at 9 p.m. at 123 Block in Mandaluyong. Door chare is 350 with one free beer. 123 Block is located at 123 Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City. For more information, visit the Facebook event page. Reflection: The Single and Music Video Launch Another local indie gig is happening this Friday at Route 196, where alternative/emo rock band Wish Sticks will launch the music video for their single, Reflection. The band will perform a live set, along with other local acts like Shirebound and Busking, Stomachine, The Ridleys, and Sofa Sky. There will also be DJ sets by Some Guy and Karlo Soriano. The event starts at 8 p.m. Route 196 is located at Katipunan Ave., Quezon City. For more information, visit the Facebook event page. Mayaewk, Rhxanders, Sewage Worker Head to Poblacion this weekend for live sets by three electronic acts: African-American/Filipino rapper and producer Rhxanders, electronic musician Sewage Worker, and French-Japanese beatmaker Mayaewk. The event is happening this Friday, 9 p.m., at Limbo, 5374 Gen. Luna St., Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City. For more information, visit the Facebook event page. History Talks: Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade Brush up on colonial history this weekend at the Ayala Museum, where there will be a talk on the Manila Acapulco Galleon Trade by Dr. Carlos Madrid. The event is happening on Saturday, Jan. 12 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lecture rate for tickets is 350, 280 for those with AGC and museum memberships, 250 for seniors, and 175 for undergrads and teachers. Ayala Museum is located at Makati Ave. cor. De La Rosa St., Makati City. For more information, visit the Facebook event page. Community Market & Fiesta Make your way back to Poblacion on Saturday, for a community market and fiesta at Annex House. Guests can expect wares from pop-up stores by Balai-balai, Para Sa Diwa, Colony, The workshop., and more, tattoo sessions by Chico Zapotilla, live art by Jenn Ban, and music by Tarantella and Hey Mr. Dee Jae. Event starts at 6 p.m. Annex House is located at 5856 Alfonso St., Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City. For more information, visit the Facebook event page. A disabled actress has hit out at the decision to cast Bryan Cranston as a quadriplegic in a new film, saying non-disabled actors shouldn't take on such roles. Actress Melissa Johns - who was born without her right forearm - appeared on today's Good Morning Britain to debate whether the acting industry discriminates against disabled actors. But another actress Jeni Barnett argued that the the point of acting is that you can take on any role, arguing: 'Should Paddington be played by a bear?'. Twitter disagreed with Melissa saying that disabled actors need to be good enough to secure roles and shouldn't get them automatically, while others said that Bryan was purely just doing his job, by acting at being disabled. Actress Melissa Johns appeared on this today's Good Morning Britain to debate whether Bryan Cranston, a non disabled actor, should be playing a quadriplegic in new film Upside Bryan Cranston's new film Upside sees him play a quadriplegic millionaire, but many are unhappy that a disabled actor didn't play the role Twitter disagreed with Melissa saying that the disabled actors need to be good enough and Bryan Cranston was purely just doing his job, and acting at being disabled Melissa stated the debate by saying: 'It's letting people know that there are lots of disabled actors out there who can play those roles - we are currently not being offered the non disabled roles either.' 'When we're being being offered these roles, then maybe well pipe down about no-disabled actors playing our roles.' Suzannah Reid went on to question her claiming: 'The character is also a billionaire, isnt that the point of acting - that you take on different roles?' 'Absolutely,' said Melissa, 'That's why my argument is why cant we take on different roles too? If acting is about non disabled people taking disabled roles on, then why cant it be the other way round too?' Actress Jeni Barnett argued on GMB that the the point of acting is that you can take on any role. The two actors appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain debating Bryan Cranston's new film Upside But Jeni Barnett said it's hard for all actors today: 'The nature of the business is that not many people are getting into the casting room at the moment and sometimes its not about gender or race.' She went on to claim: 'Should Paddington of been played by a bear and should Princess Anne have been played by a member of the aristocracy? 'Absolutely not,' Melissa responded, 'but this is the bigger picture it will have a huge knock on effect to society if we start seeing actual disabled actors on screen.' Jeni: 'Should Paddington of been played by a bear and should princess Anne have been played by a member of the aristocracy?' Melissa: 'If acting is about non disabled people taking disabled roles on, then why cant it be the other way round too?' 'I think the media have a huge part to play, having them on screen will have a big knock on effect. Its about giving the next generation a chance to look up to these people.' 'Disabled people make up nearly 20 per cent of the population.' But Twitter users who joined the debate felt that Bryan Cranston was just doing his job. One said 'acting by definition is playing a part - why are people getting sensitive about this?' While a script writer on Twitter, who has written a film about a disabled character, admitted he has struggled to find good disabled actor to fill the role. Twitter users who joined the debate felt that Bryan Cranston was just doing his job and acting Jeni carried on the debate claiming: 'Bryan Cranston has raised this point by playing the part and thats got us talking about it.' 'He has and that is fantastic, but we could have let a disabled actor play it,' said Melissa. Ben Shepard challenged Melissa saying: 'Should gay actors only play gay roles is that the same?' Jeni argued that the casting is to be applauded because it's got everyone talking about disabled actors being cast in films 'The thing is being a disabled actor, its very appearance based,' Melissa admitted, 'which stops us from getting in the audition room, when its to do with sexuality you may still be able to get in the room.' While Jeni asked: 'Have we arrived at a place where people are scared of talking about this, bringing up the sexuality and race issue?' 'I think that is part of the problem,' Melissa admitted 'I would love casting directors to see at least one disabled person for every role. 'Yes I only have one arm but Im also a daughter, a sister a girlfriend I can play all those things, because I am them.' The French author who claimed women over 50 are too old to love has courted further controversy by revealing he 'cannot stand' dating white women. Yann Moix, a TV presenter and prize-winning writer, made headlines this week after he claimed it is 'not possible' to love a woman his own age and that he prefers 'younger women's bodies'. In an interview with The Times, he refused to apologise for his remarks - and instead promised 'an even bigger scandal' by sharing more of his views on women. 'White western women tire me, they wear me out,' he said. 'They make my hair stand on end. I cannot stand them. Under fire: Yann Moix, a TV presenter and prize-winning writer, said it is 'not possible' to love a woman his own age and that he prefers 'younger women's bodies'. He has now courted further outrage by claiming he 'cannot stand' dating white women, branding them 'pretentious' 'I am not criticising their exterior intellectual and professional legitimacy or that of being a mother. 'I am saying that in the intimacy of a relationship they dont bring me anything. I stopped going out with them a long time ago.' Moix was criticised for being ageist, misogynistic and anti-feminist following his original comments, which were published in the French edition of Marie Claire. Standing firm: Moix refused to apologise for his comments around women over 50, which were published in the French edition of Marie Claire. Pictured, Moix with fellow TV presenter Vanessa Burggraf at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2017 'Come on now, lets not exaggerate. That's [over 50] is not possible too, too old,' he told the magazine. 'The body of a 25-year-old woman is extraordinary. The body of a woman of 50 is not extraordinary at all.' The author was quickly criticised on social media, with some branding him 'pathetic', 'tacky' and 'a jerk'. Speaking to The Times, Moix explained he made the comments after being questioned on his inability to find a stable relationship and his lack of desire to start a family. Outrage: The popular author has received widespread criticism over the comments on Twitter He defended his stance by saying he thought of himself as immature and that women over 50 are not attracted to him, either. The writer went onto describe himself as a 'great feminist'. After dismissing relationships with 'pretentious' white women , Moix said he was more attracted to Asian women because they offer an 'extraordinary' link with 'another cosmos'. Moix has won several literary prizes. He has has directed three films and is the host of a popular TV talkshow. Whether you would enjoy a public proposal with fireworks and elaborate dinner plans or a quiet moment at home between the two of you, everyone has visions of their perfect proposal. But those dreams have been toppled by one Australian man's endeavour to out-romance everyone - and it has been documented on Twitter by his future wife. Georgiana, who is British, was the lucky recipient of a complex treasure hunt involving her boyfriend Stephen, some handwritten notes and an artwork in the centre of Paris. The pair will visit Georgiana's family in England to celebrate before making their way back to Brisbane, Queensland, where they live To start with Stephen told his girlfriend he was going out to fetch some coffee. But instead of returning, she found a note telling her to visit a nearby cafe To start with Stephen told his girlfriend he was going out to fetch some coffee. But instead of returning, she found a note telling her to visit a nearby cafe. Once she arrived at the local establishment a man called her name and presented yet another note - along with a delicious continental breakfast spread. 'Breakfast was enormous! Champagne was a great kick for the morning,' she explained to her 2,000 Twitter followers. Once she arrived at the local establishment a man called her name and presented yet another note - along with a delicious continental breakfast spread 'Breakfast was enormous! Champagne was a great kick for the morning,' she explained to her 2,000 Twitter followers After the mid-morning tipple, Georgiana headed to the Shakespeare Company at the note's request, only to find even more words. Turns out it's the 'dream library' the pair would both love to have in their future home, and she used to work there. What followed was a jaunt to the love lock bridge - which had its locks removed some years ago because they were weighing the infrastructure down - where Stephen confessed in another message that he was happy to have unlocked her mind over the years. After the mid-morning tipple, Georgiana headed to the Shakespeare Company at the note's request, only to find even more words Turns out it's the 'dream library' the pair would both love to have in their future home, and she used to work there She was told to hold onto this extra letter and head towards the love lock bridge The final trip was to the 'artist's hang out' in Mont Marte - where Stephen was sitting at a table, mindlessly sketching, and waiting for the love of his life. While some of us might have been nervously doodling on a sheet of paper, he was crafting an expert art piece containing one final question. It was an image of the pair of them standing in front of the Eiffel Tower, Stephen on one knee, and the words 'Will You Marry Me?' scrawled on top. What followed was a jaunt to the love lock bridge - which had its locks removed some years ago because they were weighing the infrastructure down Stephen confessed in another message that he was happy to have unlocked her mind over the years 'With an antique French art nouveau ring, two diamonds clasping a green peridot, of course, it was yes,' Georgiana said, sharing an image of the incredible jewel. 'So this little lady is marrying this handsome man. It's the morning after and we are still checking the other person really meant it!' She contined. 'We do mean it and it's midday so we are luxuriating with brunch in bed. I'm reading from the poetry book I bought him in both the English and my terrible French.' The final trip was to the 'artist's hang out' in Mont Marte (pictured) Stephen (pictured at the table) was sitting at a table, mindlessly sketching, and waiting for the love of his life The pair will visit Georgiana's family in England to celebrate before making their way back to Brisbane, Queensland, where they live. Her tweets received more than 33,000 responses, many claiming her story was the definition of love. 'Oh my god, even my icy heart got a bit warmer at that. Wow. Just wow. And he is getting a beautiful wife,' one said. It was an image of the pair of them standing in front of the Eiffel Tower, Stephen on one knee, and the words 'Will You Marry Me?' scrawled on top 'With an antique French art nouveau ring, two diamonds clasping a green peridot, of course, it was yes,' Georgiana said, sharing an image of the incredible jewel 'Now tell me how the hell I'm supposed to settle for less when men like this exist?' Another said. Others relayed their own less-than-romantic love affairs to the public. 'Our "proposal" was at an all you can eat Pizza Hut buffet. Who asked who, is still up for debate,' a woman joked. This week, the Australian Labor Party called for students with low scores in their final exams to be banned from teaching. And it's caused quite a stir, with professionals in the field having plenty to say. President of the Australian Council of Deans of Education Professor Tania Aspland told the Today show on Wednesday, that the ATAR is a 'blunt instrument.' Professor of Educational Psychology John Sweller told FEMAIL that it can be 'destructive' to have a teacher who is academically poor. Would YOU trust their academic ability? There is a heated debate over whether teachers should need a high final exam score at school, in order to become educators Wednesday's episode of Today featured a segment on the Australian Labor Party's threat to restrict teaching degrees to only 30 per cent of high school graduates. Deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek told reporters this week that there's a 'worrying trend' in allowing those with poor results to study teaching at university. Ms Plibersek is wanting to restrict entry to the top 30 per cent of Year 12 graduating students, with an ATAR of above 80. 'What is troubling me is that a few years ago a third of people who went into teaching had an ATAR of 80 or above. Now it's only a fifth,' Ms Plibersek said. Worries: Deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek (pictured) told reporters there's a 'worrying trend' of allowing those with low high school exam scores to study teaching at university Political stance: This week, the Australian Labor Party called for students with low scores in their final exams to be banned from teaching Poll Should students need to do well in school to become teachers? Yes No Should students need to do well in school to become teachers? Yes 61 votes No 8 votes Now share your opinion 'We're going backwards. We cannot afford to continually dumb down teaching degrees, to enrol people who will never be competent teachers.' President of the Australian Council of Deans of Education Professor Tania Aspland told Today that the ATAR is a 'blunt instrument' and 'we need far more comprehensive processes of selection into teaching.' Ms Aspland suggested interviews, portfolios, recommendations from principals and attribute tests, on top of the ATAR score. Mercedes Fredericks, a retired teacher with 30 years of experience, agreed with Ms Aspland, saying that by any measure she would have been considered a 'poor student.' 'However I went on to excel at university and graduated with distinction. I had a very successful thirty odd year teaching career,' Ms Fredericks said. In opposition: Professor Tania Aspland (left) and retired teacher Mercedes Fredericks (right) say there is more to a great teacher than a high ATAR score. Pictured on the Today show However Emeritus Professor of Educational Psychology John Sweller, told FEMAIL on Thursday that he's in agreement with the Labor party's plans. 'The argument that teachers also need personal qualities that are not measured by an ATAR score is valid but irrelevant,' Mr Sweller said. 'Of course a teacher needs to like interacting with children and have an ability to interact with children, but teachers also should have a high level of academic ability and that is best indicated by an ATAR score.' 'Having a teacher who loves interacting with children but who is academically poor is just as destructive as having an academically brilliant teacher who dislikes children,' Mr Sweller continued. 'Just because a teacher needs characteristics beyond an ATAR score does not mean we can ignore ATAR scores.' We hear all the time about this or that ingredient or product that promises to turn back the years. For the most part, beauty writers greet these claims with a pinch of salt, since only a tiny number have scientific evidence to back them up. However, new research suggests the latest such ingredient could be effective. Its a substance derived from the seeds of an Indian plant and tests indicate it can give comparable results to one of the top anti-ageing ingredients, but with fewer side-effects. Anyone who is serious about skincare will have heard of retinol. A derivative of vitamin A, its scientifically proven to be effective and considered the best anti-ager available. The downside is that it can cause irritation and sensitivity think peeling red skin during use. This can be improved by choosing a different form of it youll see retinol, retinal and retinyl, among others, on the ingredients lists. However, the other drawback is that, as its a form of vitamin A, its not recommended for use by anyone who is pregnant or trying to conceive (large doses of vitamin A in pregnant women are associated with birth defects). Claire Coleman revealed the benefits of using bakuchiol for anti-aging in comparison with retinol (file image) But a paper published in the British Journal of Dermatology could change all that. It involves an ingredient called bakuchiol, found in the seeds of an Indian plant known as the babchi. It has long been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine and has previously been shown to have antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Research some years ago suggested that bakuchiol could be an effective anti-ageing ingredient, but this latest study was in vivo meaning it was tested on real people and was pitted against retinol. In the study, 44 volunteers were asked to apply either bakuchiol 0.5 per cent cream twice daily or retinol 0.5 per cent cream daily to their faces for 12 weeks. The researchers used photos, dermatologist assessment and questionnaires to assess the treatments and found that, after three months, both creams had improved the appearance of wrinkles (the figures showed a 20 per cent reduction in wrinkle texture) and pigmentation, but that those using retinol had reported more scaling and stinging. A greater number of those using bakuchiol had significantly reduced the size and intensity of any areas of pigmentation than those using retinol. So should you dispense with retinol? Not yet. There is a huge body of evidence showing the retinols efficacy, while this is one small study, says consultant dermatologist Anjali Mahto. Most people will be able to find a form of retinol they tolerate. It remains the most effective, well-researched anti-ageing ingredient. Wed need to see these results in larger studies before we can claim conclusively that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol, but, for anyone who doesnt want to use vitamin A for anti-ageing, this is interesting research. Where can you get your fix of bakuchiol? There are a number of products on sale, but many, such as the Ren Bio Retinoid range (from 44, renskincare.com), are used in formulations alongside retinol not ideal if you want to avoid vitamin A. Instead, try Omorovicza Miracle Facial Oil (80, omorovicza.com), which features bakuchiol and, though pricey, gets rave reviews. I generally rail against the idea of skincare miracles, but if this claims to have found an ingredient that blitzes spots, clears up pigmentation and reduces wrinkles, all without dryness or irritation . . .I might become a believer after all. The Chinese fashion mogul at the helm of a $20million empire has offered fans a peek into her jet-set lifestyle on Instagram. At the tender age of 28, Shanghai native Wendy Yu owns shares in labels including Mary Katrantzou and Samantha Cameron's workwear brand Cefinn. Her work and play take her on a seemingly never-ending roster of lavish trips with Fiji, Qatar and Portugal among the most recent. And while she's forged a close relationship with the UK's former first lady, SamCam is far from Yu's only famous friend; indeed the self-styled 'millennial investor' rubs shoulders with the likes of Princess Beatrice, Victoria Beckham and Anna Wintour on her travels. The CEO of Yu Holdings - which she set up with the help of her billionaire business tycoon father Jingyuan Yu - has previously insisted that she does not want to be seen as a pampered heiress and instead planned to model herself on an 'English lady'. Chinese heiress Wendy Yu, pictured in Fiji earlier this week. The CEO of Yu Holdings admits her company was set up with the help of her billionaire business tycoon father Jingyuan Yu Fashion tycoon Wendy Yu is one of Samantha Cameron's top investors (pictured with the UK's former first lady in Shanghai in November). She spoke this week of her plans to bring SamCam's workwear brand Cefinn to the Asian market Speaking on Channel 4 documentary Britain's Billionaire Immigrants in 2016, Yu explained: 'I was very lucky my father was already successful. I only want to present myself in the right way. 'Everybody born in those circumstances could be spoiled and waste their privilege but I am looking to make a more positive social impact and do more meaningful things.' Yu gave an interview this week in The Times, where the heiress spoke of her plans to bring SamCam's Cefinn in Asia and her refusal to wear clothes by Dolce & Gabbana following the Italian label's recent racism storm. After learning all about etiquette at the London Season Academy, in 2015 spent thousands to be presented as a debutante at the prestigious annual Queen Charlotte's Ball. Fashion mogul Wendy Yu (pictured with Princess Beatrice and jewellery designer Sabine Getty). She loves the English way of life and was keen to learn about high society as she wants to present herself 'in the right way' to people in her home country of China Heiress Wendy Yu (pictured at an international debutante ball in New York in December). After learning all about etiquette at the London Season Academy, in 2015 spent thousands to be presented as a debutante at the prestigious annual Queen Charlotte's Ball in the UK Fashion investor Wendy Yu has an enviable contacts book in the style world, including US Vogue editor-in-chief Dame Anna Wintour (pictured in New York in March 2018, left) and Spice Girl turned fashion designer Victoria Beckham (pictured in London, September 2018, right) The Kensington Palace event is renowned as the pinnacle occasion in the London Season, which is rich in history and was formed over two hundred years ago when the custom of returning to London at the end of the hunting season was celebrated with glittering balls and high society parties. King George III introduced the Queen Charlotte's Ball in 1780 to celebrate his wife's birthday and debutantes were traditionally presented to the King or Queen until 1958. For Wendy, the UK has been alluring from a young age and she moved here aged 15 to attend a boarding school in Taunton and then went on to study at the London College of Fashion. One of Wendy's recent far-flung holidays to Fiji. Yu gave an interview this week in The Times , where the heiress spoke of her plans to bring SamCam's Cefinn in Asia and her refusal to wear clothes by Dolce & Gabbana following the Italian label's recent racism storm Fashion mogul Wendy Yu on a recent trip to Portugal. The heiress has previously said: 'I was very lucky my father was already successful. I only want to present myself in the right way' Downtime: Heiress turned investor Wendy Yu on a recent helicopter ride in Fiji. For Wendy, the UK has been alluring from a young age and she moved here aged 15 to attend a boarding school in Taunton and then went on to study at the London College of Fashion Fashion businesswoman Wendy Yu at the New York Met Gala in May 2018. The philanthropist has previously said of her good fortune: 'Everybody born in those circumstances could be spoiled and waste their privilege but I am looking to make a more positive social impact and do more meaningful things' Businesswoman Wendy Yu at a fashion event in in Oxfordshire in November 2018. Rather than rest on her laurels and spend her father's money, Wendy said she is keen to establish herself as a businesswoman in her own right She loves the English way of life and was keen to learn about high society as she wants to present herself 'in the right way' to people in her home country - where her family's wealth has made her a celebrity. Her father made his fortune as a door manufacturer after being born into poverty. Wendy said: 'My father started his company 26 years ago and now we have more than a thousand retailing stores in China and 4,000 employees, we are biggest wooden door manufacturer in Asia.' Rather than rest on her laurels and spend her father's money, Wendy said she is keen to establish herself as a businesswoman in her own right. With 25 years at the company under her belt, Arby's oldest employee will turn 95 in May and has no plans for retirement. 'I'm just going to go as long as they'll let me,' Dorothy Bale, 94, told her local newspaper. Even after being a member of the workforce across seven decades, the great-grandmother from Holladay, Utah works just as hard as the day she started. Working girl: Dorothy Bale, wearing her work uniform, has worked in her local Arby's for 25 years. At 94 years old, she is the restaurant chain's oldest employee Spring chicken: Bale, pictured in her home wearing her Arby's uniform, was 69-years-old when she began working at the restaurant Before taking her job with Arby's, Bale worked alongside husband Dennis in his dental office for 23 years. The couple closed their business and entered retirement together in 1988. Unfortunately, Dennis passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack not too long after and Bale chose to go back to work to find a sense of normalcy. Not a week later, Bale started work at Arby's. She was 69 at the time. Now, 25 years later, she has become a staple in the local establishment. Bale has attracted a local fan base, with devoted customers returning to the Arby's to see her. 'I get a lot of customers who come in when shes not here, and its "Wheres Dorothy? Wheres Dorothy?"' restaurant manager Cici Salvador told the Salt Lake Tribune. 'Even when it takes a little longer to take their order, they wait in line.' 'This place would never be clean without her,' joked Holladay local Sharon Gover. Local legend: Loyal customers come to the Holladay Arby's (not pictured) hoping to see Bale. Store manager Cici Salvador said customers often ask for Bale when she's not on shift Though Bale recently cut back from working five days to three shifts per week, her work ethic hasn't slowed down. Salvador said that Bale works just as hard as her younger coworkers. 'Shes going, going, going. She never stops,' the manager said. 'You never see her just standing there. Shes like a little bunny.' 'Ive been blessed with good health all these years, Bale told Today Food. 'I don't know what I'd do if I retired. I don't like to stay home.' Bale drives her mile commute and parks in the same spot each day. During her quarter-century-and-counting stint at Arby's, she has witnessed two store remodels and worked under 21 different store managers. 'I feel good,' she added. 'That's the most important.' Last week, the restaurant threw a celebration to mark Bale's 25th anniversary working at Arby's. Friends and coworkers gifted her with an imitation of the Arby's logo 10-gallon hat, and local customers stopped by with praise and presents. Busy bee: Despite her age, Bale has the same endurance and work ethic as the day she started. 'You never see her just standing there. Shes like a little bunny,' said Salvador Happy grandma: Though Bale has cut back to three shifts per week, the great-grandmother has no plans to retire. 'I'm going to work as long as they let me,' she said Pattie Owens, 92, gave Bale a newspaper clipping that chronicled her 25-year Arby's career. 'I needed something to do,' Bale said of her choice to continue working through old age. 'Ive always had a job and I live close so it made it very easy.' Bale took her first job at age 15, working at a hamburger restaurant in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Shortly after that, she took a job at Ogden Arsenal in Utah to help the WWII war front, and later a naval hospital back in Colorado. It was at the naval hospital that Bale met her husband Dennis, who had been a U.S. Navy corpsman. When Bale takes a break from cheering Arby's customers, she chooses to spend her time with her daughters, grand children and great-grandchildren. '[Arby's] has kept me busy, and Ive met a lot of wonderful people,' Bale said. 'Im not going to leave. Im going to work as long as they let me.' Jeremy Corbyn dragged himself to Yorkshires Rhubarb Triangle that area around Wakefield where they force-grow barnfuls of the stuff every Spring to explain his position on Brexit. He told us that he was going to respect those who voted Leave and those who voted Remain. That might, or might not, mean a popular vote (ie a second referendum) but he was much keener on a general election. On winning power he would negotiate with the European Commission. We blunt nibs of the travelling circus all duly noted this down. Lord knows why we bothered. Britains problem was not the European Union, declared Mr Corbyn. It was the failed system. He was speaking in the carpeted foyer of a firm called OE Electrics. OE for Old Etonian? Or OE of little faith? His audience was an undemonstrative crowd of perhaps 40 OE workers, Labour activists and journalists. Jeremy Corbyn dragged himself to Yorkshires Rhubarb Triangle that area around Wakefield where they force-grow barnfuls of the stuff every Spring to explain his position on Brexit For a warm-up artiste we had an MP called Laura Pidcock. Not one of lifes easy charmers, Sister Pidcock. She has Sgt Bilkos glasses but little of his merriment. She complained, unmusically, that OE Electrics was quite hard to say in my accent (she comes from Tyneside). It might have been better to have asked Wakefields MP, Mary Creagh, to do the intros, but Ms Creagh is no Corbyn fan. Mr Corbyn took his place at the lectern and started to rattle lifelessly through a stump speech about how he stood for the many, not the few. The content was so routine, he could surely have delivered it extempore, yet he stuck resolutely to his autocue. Familiar phrase followed familiar phrase. Theresa Mays deal is a bad deal for the country...Well keep all options on the table...The Government has led us from chaos to crisis....Food banks...Jobs...Diane Abbott Mornington Crescent! And then, with a lowering of the volume to squeeze some extra wonderment out of the words, he said: Lets not lower our horizons. Lets raise them. Earlier in the week there had been hints that this was to be a significant speech which might give us an idea what Mr Corbyn (possibly a secret Leaver) really thinks about the Brexit his party activists so oppose. In the event, yesterday mornings gathering was a non-event, a morning wasted, an opportunity shelved. He had plainly made the judgment that he needs to say almost nothing and he will become prime minister. Given the damage Dominic Grieve and his Remainer Tories chums are doing to their party, he may be right. Yawning Corbyn: The Labour leader seemed tired as he rattled off his Brexit speech Mr Corbyn took his place at the lectern and started to rattle lifelessly through a stump speech about how he stood for the many, not the few. The content was so routine, he could surely have delivered it extempore, yet he stuck resolutely to his autocue And yet our would-be helmsman looked a bit seedy yesterday. January blues? Or have there been raging rows behind the scenes at Labour high command over Brexit? His right eye kept narrowing in an unusual manner. Perhaps one of the Blairites took a poke at it. Or perhaps it was tiredness. Shades, even, of Chief Inspector Dreyfus in the Clouseau films. It is some time since I heard so unenergetic a speech from a leading politician. Where was the vim, the inspiration? Asked about Brexit disgreements in Labour, Mr Corbyn insisted: There is no split on this. A palpable porkie! As evidence of Labour unity, he pointed out that Sir Keir Starmer, his partys Brexit spokesman, was in the front row. Keir has made it clear, said Mr Corbyn. That could almost be the start of a haiku. Ms Pidcock was entrusted with the task of summoning questions from the media, and promptly made a hash of it. She kept ignoring Channel 4s Leftie poohbah Jon Snow and he did not find this altogether amusing. When Snows turn finally came, he announced, with all the gravity of an Old Bailey Rumpole, that he had been talking to young people and found that they craved a second referendum. Would Mr Corbyn oblige them? Rhubarb rhubarb came the reply. And this man wants to be our prime minister. This week an entrepreneur named Simon Key was forced to compose an announcement that the Big Green Bookshop, an independent store he co-founded a decade ago in North London, is to shut because of absolute monster business rates. As he was contemplating an uncertain future, Amazon whose online might has been a scourge of independent bookstores revealed in a letter to MPs that last year it paid 63million in business rates. That is a paltry sum in relation to its 8.8billion of UK sales. Its corporation tax payments are even more derisory. The most recent tax bill for its warehouse operations, Amazon UK Services Ltd, was a slender 4.7 million. And it didnt even pay it all, deferring some of the charge perfectly legally and only handing over 1.7 million. You may not be surprised to learn that the Big Green Bookshop paid a higher proportion of its profits in tax and rates than the U.S. Goliath. The letter revealing Amazons obscenely small direct contribution to Britains public purse exposes the gaping loopholes in our system, and the advantage to be gained by online firms which rely on massive out-of-town distribution centres with far lower rates than town centre bricks and mortar traders. Amazon whose online might has been a scourge of independent bookstores revealed in a letter to MPs that last year it paid 63million in business rates (file photo) So it is that shameless overseas mega-companies get away with minimal payments, while costs are piled without mercy on high-street business owners. While its easy to identify this injustice, it is harder to work out what should be done. There are no easy or painless answers. But effective solutions must be found, and fast. Otherwise, the high streets will disintegrate as thousands of entrepreneurs who are the backbone of the economy are forced to give up the ghost. Entrepreneurs, that is, like Simon Key, who set up his bookshop because there wasnt one locally. He is continuing his business online, but independent bookstores are about more than just ringing up sales, they are about the soul of the community. When his shop shuts, it will also be an end to the childrens drama workshops and visits by local authors. And what will arrive in their place? Most likely a betting shop or a fast food shack. The trouble is that theres no room for sentiment on the British high street, which has suffered its worst Christmas since the financial meltdown in 2008, with companies like Marks and Spencer, Debenhams and House of Fraser expected to report very patchy trading over the festive period. Yet as once-proud stores struggle with weak sales and rising rates bills, Amazon continues to gorge on the income it makes from British consumers. This week it became the most valuable company in the world, worth just under $800 billion on the U.S. stock market. Founder Jeff Bezos is the richest man on the planet with a fortune of 107billion. His divorce from wife MacKenzie, announced yesterday, will be the most expensive in history but even after that he will be spectacularly wealthy. To put that vast wealth embellished by low tax bills in the UK into perspective, he could, as an individual, buy Marks & Spencer 20 times over and still have billions in change. Like millions of other Amazon customers, I am a fan of its low prices and fast deliveries. The company has invested billions of pounds in the UK and provided thousands of jobs, including high-level research roles, which is to be applauded. Yet these benefits are coming at an unacceptable cost. Amazon is doing nothing illegal. The problem is that the tax system here, and in other developed nations, is grievously outdated. It was devised for an era which no longer exists, when all businesses were bricks and mortar companies. Now the corporate tax and rates rules are unfit for purpose. In particular, too much tax is extracted through business property, giving a massive unfair advantage to those who operate largely online. The letter revealing Amazons obscenely small direct contribution to Britains public purse exposes the gaping loopholes in our system, and the advantage to be gained by online firms (pictured: Amazon's chief executive Jeff Bezos) Amazon argues that it does pay national insurance, PAYE and other taxes. But it pays far too little through the corporate tax and rates system towards the schools that educate its workforce, the hospitals that treat them, and the roads its lorries and vans speed along with our parcels. So what can be done? In his most recent Budget, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced some measures, including plans to cut business rates by a third for almost half a million small high street shops. He also unveiled a digital services tax on online operators, though this is only expected to raise 400million by 2021-22, which is chicken feed compared with their revenues. These are welcome moves, but not enough. The first obvious point is that Amazon and other Silicon Valley operators must be forced to come clean on the business rates and corporate taxes they pay here. At the moment, Amazon operates through a number of different UK subsidiaries and it is virtually impossible to make sense of its full tax situation. City watchdogs should bring in a new rule that all companies above a certain size must disclose their total corporation tax and business rate payments in a simple format so the public can see exactly how much or how little they are handing over. Armed with that information, consumers might decide that if lower prices online come at the expense of reduced tax funding for public services, they would prefer to take their custom elsewhere. Corporation tax needs wholesale reform. It is charged on profits, which can easily be manipulated when offset against apparent losses, rather than sales, which are far harder to fudge. As for business rates, they are a vital source of income for cash-strapped local authorities who need to pay for essential services. So the money needs to come from somewhere. One possibility is to cut, or even abolish, business rates and make up for the lost income by increasing the rate of VAT or introducing a new online sales tax. This would no doubt provoke objections that consumers, rather than businesses, would end up paying more. The truth is that all taxes are, in the end, paid by individuals. The overall tax take would be the same, it would just be redistributed more fairly, with Amazon paying more and traditional retailers less. There is scope for more imaginative measures, too, including a green delivery tax on the vehicles used to deliver goods. There would need to be exemptions for small firms and sole traders to avoid penalising white van man unfairly, but the delivery culture is adding hugely to emissions and road pollution. A tax on the plastic packaging used by Amazon, on the same principle as the plastic bag charge in shops, is another possibility. The fact is there are no magic wands to save the high street in its current form, but allowing Amazon to continue making billions to enrich its founder and its shareholders at the expense of our public purse should not be an option. Miracles do happen but the Prime Minister will need a spectacular one to avoid a crushing defeat next Tuesday on the deal she has negotiated with the EU. Its clear the intransigent Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), on whose support she relies, is not impressed by such titbits as she has been able to toss in its direction. Nor is there any evidence that hard-line Brexiteers are weakening in their opposition. They will surely vote in large numbers against her next week, as will a few Tory Remainers. Stephen Glover says that Prime Minister Theresa May (pictured above) needs a spectacular miracle Meanwhile, her freedom of manoeuvre has been limited by yesterdays ill-conceived Commons vote requiring her to come back within three days of her expected defeat with an alternative plan. Of course, its still possible that, over the coming days, Brussels will produce an undertaking the word used by Mrs May yesterday which will assuage the misgivings of her Tory and DUP opponents. But it seems unlikely anything will be offered that might tempt the naysayers. Resign So lets assume she loses next week, and by a wide margin. Many people, and not just her enemies and habitual critics, will declare she has been humiliated and should resign. Even some who have backed her will join the growing chorus for her to go. They will say no prime minister can survive a defeat of such magnitude on so crucial a piece of legislation. They will demand she stand aside. In normal times, such an argument would carry a lot of conviction. But these are not normal times. We are at a moment of national crisis. Not as severe as wartime, obviously, but as perilous as it can get in peace time. We dont have the luxury of getting rid of Mrs May. I wouldnt say this if there were any prospect of an alternative leader stepping forward capable of uniting the country, or of practicable policies other than the Prime Ministers admittedly flawed deal. Boris Johnson (pictured above), cannot be the one to replace Theresa May, according to Stephen Glover Lets examine possible replacements. Boris Johnson cant be one because he is so divisive. Maybe he could have cut the mustard immediately after the June 2016 referendum, but it wasnt to be. As things stand, he, or indeed any other unbending Brexiteer, would rip the Conservative Party apart. Michael Gove (pictured above) could be the future Prime Minister Then there are the middle-grounders such as Jeremy Hunt, Sajid Javid, Amber Rudd and even Michael Gove. One of them may be a future prime minister, but not now. They are associated with Mays deal, and are not going to come up with a better one commanding widespread support. The third possibility is Jeremy Corbyn, who could find himself in No 10 following a snap general election. Does anyone sane seriously think he would negotiate a better deal? To be blunt, he doesnt have the intellectual acumen to lead our country at such a time. Besides which, he is unloved and distrusted even in his own party, and would leave a trail of wreckage and misery in many aspects of our national life were he ever to become prime minister. No, there is no available alternative leader who would be likely to do a better job than Theresa May. This might not be the case in six months or a year. But it is now. So this, it seems to me, is a good reason for hanging on to her after, as seems probable, she is routed next week. Shes far from perfect, and shes undoubtedly wounded. Its just that theres no one else. Nor just as importantly are there preferable alternative policies. Jeremy Corbyn (pictured above) could find himself inside Number 10 if there is a snap election If Mays compromise irrevocably bites the dust, there are four possible outcomes, all of them undesirable. One is a general election, which might give us a Corbyn government or another Tory administration grappling with the same problems and divisions. The second bad alternative is a second referendum which, apart from being fiendishly complicated to frame in satisfactory terms, would inevitably be an acrimonious and embittering process. The third unattractive possibility is the so-called Norway option, which would keep us yoked to the EU in many ways without having any say in setting its rules. Although Norway is not in the customs union, people generally mean we should be members of it when they talk about the option. However, there is no consensus for this approach in Parliament or the country. The fourth unwanted outcome would be No Deal, with all its untold dangers, for which the Government has made scant preparations. How shaming that at the 11th hour it should have hired a small start-up company without any ships to provide extra capacity at the Channel port of Ramsgate. Mercifully, No Deal is probably the least likely eventuality, since there is a large parliamentary majority against it. Moreover, in her heart, Mrs May abhors the idea. So does most of the Cabinet. Alternative If she is offering Parliament a stark choice between No Deal and her deal, it is because she hopes to bludgeon MPs into joining her cause and, even more importantly, because she wants to frighten the EUs negotiators into offering last-minute concessions. That is why the Commons vote earlier this week aimed at blocking No Deal was unhelpful as it may persuade Brussels that this scary prospect is less likely. Yesterdays vote forcing Mrs May to come up with fresh alternative plans within three days of a defeat will have a similar effect. European commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (above) could be asking himself about the effects of a No Deal on the rest of Europe Only if No Deal remains on the table as a plausible alternative will European leaders contemplate better terms. They should take seriously this weeks warning from the World Bank that a No Deal Brexit would have a damaging global impact. And if they have any sense, they will reflect that Germany, the Eurozones largest economy, is teetering on the edge of a recession into which it might plunge in the event of No Deal. Its a game of poker. I wish it wasnt. I wish Brussels hadnt insisted on imposing unpalatable conditions on Britain because of an abstruse argument about the sanctity of the Northern Irish border. Crisis But there is a decent chance that, if Mrs Mays deal is defeated next week, European leaders will ask themselves whether they really want to precipitate an economic crisis over so meagre an issue. That is why, on top of everything else I have said, the Prime Ministers approach offers the hope that EU governments will, in the end, act rationally and adapt this deal in their own best interests so that it is acceptable to the DUP and hard-line Brexiteers. John Bercow (above) spoke in the House of Commons regarding the selection for a vote of an ammendment to the Brexit withdrawal bill Its a risk, of course. The EU might not behave rationally. But theres less risk involved in sticking with Mrs Mays deal than in any of the other options I have discussed. Let me add one more thing. Yesterday, we saw the mortifying spectacle of the popinjay Commons Speaker twisting established parliamentary convention so as to give the Prime Minister just three days to produce Plan B if she is defeated. In practice, this may turn out to be more of an inconvenience than anything else, but watching the vainglorious John Bercow, supported by his Labour sycophants, I gave thanks that we have a courageous, resolute and morally upright Prime Minister who towers above them all. I doubt she will give up if she loses next week, though, God knows, she must be under unbearable pressure. Her party must not give up on her. There isnt anyone else who can get us out of the terrible mess were in. Telangana Donates Rs 105 Cr To Political Parties:- Telangana emerged as the fourth largest state to donate to the political parties across the country in the form of electoral bonds. The state donated bonds worth Rs 105.7 crores for the financial year 2017-18. The amount was donated by the people of the state to the political parties. Rs 95 crores was encashed by the political parties and Rs 10 crores were sent into the account of the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. The highest purchase has been made from the branches of State Bank of India. A majority of donors from Telangana purchased the highest limit of bond that is worth Rs 1 crore. Maharashtra is leading the list with Rs 382.7 crores worth bonds followed by West Bengal with Rs 231 crores. Delhi is in third with Rs 147.1 crores. Most of the bonds are encashed in Delhi which are worth Rs 820 crores. Rs 95 crores worth bonds are encashed in Hyderabad. Most of the bonds were donated to the national political parties informed a political analyst. @ChescoCourtNews on Twitter Michael P. Rellahan has been a staff reporter and editor at the Daily Local News since 1982. He has covered all kinds of news over the years but is now assigned to report on court and legal news, as well as Chester County government news and politics. Moshe Arens was an Israeli aeronautical engineer, researcher, diplomat and Israeli defense minister and mentor to PM Benjamin Netanyahu who passed away this week at the age of 93. At Arens funeral, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said, He was an ideologue who never bent or submitted to what was popular or convenient. Moshe Arens and Golda Meir had a lot in common. Both of them sounded 100 % American-born, but they were both born in Russia. Arens was born in Kovno, now Kaunas, Lithuania. When he was a year old his family moved to Riga, Latvia, and later to New York City. Escape from the Nazis Only six days after the German invasion of Poland, on September 7, 1939, 13-year-old Arens and his family managed to escape from the Nazis and emigrate to America. They settled in New York City. He was active in Beitar Zionist Youth movement. Founded in Riga in 1923 by Zeev Jabotinsky, Arens was elected national leader of Beitar in the US and served a one-year term before making Aliyah. He moved to Israel against his fathers wishes. Following the Israeli Declaration of Independence in 1948, Arens immigrated to the new State of Israel and joined the Irgun, despite the opposition of his father. He helped organize self-defense groups. Upon his Aliyah, he was sent to North Africa, primarily Morocco and Algeria, to help organize self-defense groups among the Jews and to help organize Jewish communities seeking to immigrate to Israel. Arens was a founding member of the Herut party. The Party had grown out of the Irgun and was the progenitor of todays Likud Party. TALKING POINTS EURO, ITALY INDUSTRIAL DATA, EU GROWTH Euro likely will fall on weak industrial production data Italy economic reports have been weak and concerning Euro set to fall as 2019 headwinds blow across Europe See our free guide to learn how to use economic news in your trading strategy! The Euro may dip as the Italian government prepares to reveal its industrial production data that will likely fall short of forecasts. The current prediction stands at 0.4% with the previous showing 1.0% growth. General economic reports have broadly shown stagnant or disappointing results with the country experiencing a contraction in the third quarter. To no surprise, this stoked fears that a recessionary storm might be brewing on the horizon. This comes amid forecasts of slower European growth and fears that the upcoming EU parliamentary elections will exacerbate regional political fragmentation. This may drive capital flows out of European assets, particularly those that are already viewed as very risky. In this environment, the Euro is likely to suffer. Build your confidence in your Euro trading strategy around these risks with our free guide! This comes on top of the governments recent attempt to pass a controversial 2.4% budget deficit that rattled markets for the latter half of 2018. Why this data is more important now than before has to do with the state of Italys economy. If the numbers indicate a slowdown and Italy does indeed undergo a recession, Brussels would likely demand a revision of the already watered-down budget. The Italian government will not likely back down, and the negotiations will re-start, only with recessionary pressure weighing on the talks. The fear of Italy undergoing a recession has been a concern among investors who have been perceiving Italian investment as a greater risk. The most obvious manifestation of investor confidence dwindling in the Italian government can be seen by the widening spread between Italian and German 10-year bond yields. Between May and time of writing, they have widened over 100%. Spread Between Italian and German 10-Year Bond Yields Daily Chart Looking ahead, the Euro may have some growing pains as markets develop their Euro trend projections for 2019. Eurozone unemployment and Frances consumer confidence are scheduled to be released on Wednesday. The latters data will be particularly interesting, given the yellow vests protests and scandal over how Macrons revised budget deficit may be violating budgetary laws. EUR/USD TRADING RESOURCES --- Written by Dimitri Zabelin, Jr Currency Analyst for DailyFX.com To contact Dimitri, use the comments section below or @ZabelinDimitrion Twitter Police are looking for the vandal or vandals who broke into Desert Foothills United Methodist Church late Jan. 3 or early Jan. 4 and emptied two fire extinguishers throughout the building. The following items are based on information provided by officials in law enforcement and the criminal justice system. KINGSTON, N.Y. A Southern Tier man was sentenced Tuesday to eight years in state prison for raping a 15-year-old town of Rochester girl in 2018. Diane Pineiro-Zucker has been a reporter at the Daily Freeman since April 2013. Pineiro-Zucker worked as a reporter in the Freemans Rhinebeck bureau in the early 1980s, left to become executive editor at Taconic Newspapers in Dutchess County. WOODSTOCK, N.Y. Rock Academy celebrates iconic rocker Stevie Nicks with a special show at the Levon Helm Studios on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 11 and 12. "I love Stevie Nicks," Rock Academy owner Jason Bowman said. - Advertisement - Bowman took over over sole ownership of the Rock Academy last year after his former partner Paul Green moved to Philadelphia. Bowman said this weekend's set list spans Nicks' career from her beginnings, through her years with Lindsey Buckingham and Fleetwood Mac and beyond, to her solo career and famed duos with Tom Petty, Don Henley and Kenny Loggins. The audience will hear hits like "Rhiannon," "Dreams," "The Chain" and "Edge of Seventeen" mixed in with many deeper cuts, Bowman said. Academy students, ranging in ages from eight to 18, will perform in the show and put their own spin on the songs of one of the most successful female recording artists of all time, he added. She worked with great producers and incredible songwriters, according to Bowman. "It's more about taking our spin on it," he said. "Some of our kids are 8 years old, their voices are not as mature. "We teach the kids to sing on their own voice with Stevie in mind." The mystical aspect of Nicks' music presents a special challenge for the students, especially the youngest ones, Bowman said. He also said he loves doing shows at Levon Helm Studios, recalling a tribute show to Helm and The Band, that Rock Academy performed a couple of years back. "The sound there is the best," Bowman said. But every time his students perform there, he urges them to be more careful than at any other gig. "It's kind of a museum," Bowman said. "I tell them to treat it like it's a church." Bowman admitted that many of the youngster in his program did not even know who Stevie Nicks was when they started out. But that changes once things progress from rehearsals to the show. "Nine out of 10 of them end up liking artists they had no idea existed before," he said. A general rule is people end up liking the artists they liked when they were 14, Bowman said. "Music repeats itself every 20 years. This causes generational gaps," Bowman said. "Then when they were in their 30s they're like, 'I heard that it was better back when I was 15.'" Bowman added that he tries his best to keep up with the latest music. "There are songs that come out that I love," he said. Even when the youngsters know the artist, they discover just how deep their catalogs go beyond the hits that get radio play, Bowman added. Bowman said he needs to find a careful balance when casting youngsters for roles, making sure they are challenged, but not too much. "I like to cast kids slightly above their abilities, to challenge them a little bit," he said. He pointed to Rock Academy's next show, a tribute to Radiohead at The Colony on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 18 and 19. "Radiohead is a little more challenge," he said. "They have different sounds, a synthesizer is there and there are three guitars doing three distinct things." Bowman said while none of their youngest students will be in that show, a 9 year old will. He added that his favorite part of his job is watching the youngsters progress through rehearsals to the show. "At the start they have this knee-jerk response, 'I can't do it,'" he said. But, give it 10 weeks, and they're completely ready, he added. Bowman said he ends up making the choices of what shows the youngsters get to play as he seeks to create a theme for each season and design lessons he feels will offer the most benefit for the approximately 100 students at the school. Sometimes, his choices included bands he doesn't even like. "We've had a few that are historically and culturally significant that I didn't like," Bowman said without naming any specific acts. "I tell the kids when, even there's an artist they don't like, they learn more about music. When you play something you're dispassionate about, you can get into the mechanics of the music when you're not listening to your artistic desire." Instead, they listen closely to the harmonies and learn about music that way, he added. "But then we do shows where a kid absolutely loves the band," Bowman said. Bowman also said he wants the Rock Academy to be a safe place for youngsters who may not fit into other areas like sports. Originally from the Midwest, Bowman was a touring musician before he joined the school in 2013. And he's fallen in love with Woodstock. "I love Woodstock," he said. "We have a saying we're making the next generation of Woodstock." The students even tour and they've opened for Courtney Love at Basilica Hudson and for Blondie in Connecticut, Bowman said. He added he wants them to play real local stages like Bearsville Theater, Utopia Soundstage, Woodstock Playhouse and BSP in Kingston. They work with teachers who are all professional musicians themselves, he said. This spring's shows include "Drum Gods" at Utopia Soundstage on Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27, a Michael Jackson tribute show at Woodstock Playhouse on Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4, and a 1990s prom show at The Colony on Friday and Saturday, May 10 and 11. The schedule also includes "Rock Goddesses" on Friday and Saturday, May 17 and 18, at Utopia Soundstage and a Tom Petty tribute show on Friday and Saturday, May 24 and 25 at BSP Kingston. Bowman said many students go onto study music in college including two who were recently accepted into the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Others go right out of high school and into music careers, he added. Porcelain Helmet and The Bobby Lees include Rock Academy alumni, Bowman said. "The Bobby Lees opened for John Spencer, and, now, John Spencer wants to produce them," he said. "It's cool to say, 'I knew these guys before they could play.'" The Rock Academy also offers an adult program that attracts a mix of musicians and other professionals like doctors, lawyers and accountants. It's slightly different, Bowman said, adding that they pick their own stuff and there's no theme to shows. Instead, they run the gamut with a Led Zeppelin song followed up by a Grateful Dead tune, he added. He admitted working with adults isn't easier than dealing with youngsters. "Adults are more stubborn," Bowman said. "Being professionals, they have less time to practice, but we have a lot of fun with the adults." Bowman said he's looking forward to seeing what festivals are planned for this summer for the 50th anniversary of the iconic original 1969 Woodstock Festival, which drew more than 400,000 people to Max Yasgur's farm in Bethel. Today, the site is partially occupied by Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Its promoters included Woodstock resident Michael Lang. "In the summertime, we could possibly do a Summer of Love before Woodstock," Bowman said. The University of Oregon Board of Trustees approved a new contract for President Michael Schill, increasing his annual salary by up to $78,000 and solidifying his position at the university through 2023. In early September, the Board approved a revised contract for President Schill. The contract increases Schills base salary Contributed photo From left, McKenzie Williams and boyfriend Daniel Sweat, holding baby Aslinn Sweat, pose on Christmas Day with Tayln Mack, in wheelchair, Nysia Mack and Omari Mack. Williams and the Mack children, all siblings, were in a car crash on Sept. 26, 2018, that sent them all to the hospital with injuries. A 5K fun run/fundraiser is Saturday at Heritage Point Park with all proceeds going to the Mack family. Laura Marie McDermott Edwards, 52, of Chattanooga passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021 at her home. Laura spent most of her life in Dalton, GA and was of the Christian faith. She was preceded in death by her mother, Beverly Ruth Duncan. Survivors are her daughter, Brittney Rae Edwards (her pa MICHELLE GANASSI michelleg@dailyamerican.com For 20 years state police Trooper Jeff Brock carried a photo of a 10-year-old girl who was kidnapped in 1999 while playing with friends. During a press conference Thursday at the state police barracks in Somerset, Brock struggled to hold back his emotions while talking about how he was finally able to make an arrest. Fifty-year-old Timothy David Nelson Jr., Mullen Street, Cumberland, Maryland, was arraigned Thursday morning on charges of kidnapping, rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful restraint, statutory sexual assault and other related misdemeanors. He is in the Somerset County Jail in lieu of a $750,000 bond. Its not about me, Brock told reporters at the press conference. It is about bringing closure to the girls. They move on, they live their lives. I just had a hard time believing they werent thinking: 'Where did he ever go? Is he still alive?' "By getting to this point, now they do know. On Sept. 19, 1999, the 10-year-old girl was abducted in Cairnbrook. Police said Nelson fled south on Route 160. During the trip he produced a gun and threatened the girl. He stopped along the side of the road and sexually assaulted the girl, according to police. The vehicle eventually stopped again along Route 26 in West Virginia. Nelson allegedly forced the girl into sex acts. He abandoned her along the road, where she was found by a passing motorist. State police in Uniontown returned to the scene and collected paper bags that had been thrown from the vehicle. DNA and fingerprints were collected from the bags. At that time the DNA did not match anyone in law enforcement databases. After years of investigating, police were hitting a stone wall. Information came back in 2004 that the DNA profile actually matched other cases prior to ours, Trooper Steve Limani said. A young girl was kidnapped and subsequently raped. Brock said that he contacted the FBI to see if anything additional could be done. An agent used advanced technology to compare the fingerprints, and Nelson was a match, according to court documents. We are here because of her, Brock said of the FBI agent. She said I am going to check these prints one more time. Brock recalled the agent calling him with the news. She first asked if he was sitting down. She said we got a hit on the prints, he said. Brock said he notified the woman, but he declined to elaborate on the exchange. This is going to be very difficult opening up wounds and it's going to be hard for them, Brock said. In the end, it's the closure. If I helped with that, its all worth it. Nelson's DNA also matched DNA from two unsolved kidnappings from 1988 in Hagerstown, Maryland, according to police. Limani said they are not ruling out that he may be involved in other cases. He said that, in his experience, individuals do not stop committing these types of crimes unless they experience a significant life event. He said Nelson did not have any type of lifestyle change. That is concerning, he said. There are several years of inactivity, and that is one of the things were concerned about. Limani said police have not been able to interview Nelson as he works to obtain an attorney. Nelson's preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. Jan. 23 before District Judge Bill Seger of Windber. Limani said the FBI will likely be taking over the case. He said that law enforcement agencies that have similar unsolved cases should contact their local FBI agent. We've launched a new site for events and entertainment all along the Flight 93 Memorial Highway. Read the latest articles and buzz around town. Keep up to date on upcoming events and submit your own. Visit What's NXT 219 LOVINA EICHER The Daily American A brand-new year lies before us! What does it hold? Last year brought us two more grandchildren who bring us joy. But Joe and I each had a brother pass away unexpectedly which brought much sadness into our lives. We need to remember that God is in control and to fully put our trust in Him. He knows best and makes no mistakes. Our year started out with our whole family coming for the night on New Years Eve. We played games around the kitchen table until midnight. (Sometimes I think Im getting too old for this. Ha, ha!) My bed looks so much more inviting than staying up late in the evening. Abigail was wide awake at the time the New Year came in and had fun going outside to shout Happy New Year to any of the neighbors who were still awake. Of course the other children outdid her little voice. They decided to go out to the pole barn where our phone is and leave voicemails on some friends and families phones saying, Happy New Year! The next morning we had a late breakfast together, or rather brunch. We didnt do much else other than wash dishes and clean up the house. Games were played and we had fun spoiling the little ones. Baby Timothy is so sweet to hold. Abigail and Jennifer on the other hand take up way more energy to entertain. So precious to us! Church services were held at Jacob and Emmas house on Sunday. Joe and I went to assist them with their work the Thursday before. Im sure they are ready to relax now that their daughters wedding and hosting church services are over. We will host the Christmas gathering for our Michigan family. Every year Jacob and Emma, and Joe and I, take turns hosting the gathering of us four sisters here in the community. Since our extended family gets together in the summer months now, it is nice to get together with those in our community. We are now a total of 27. We will get together on Sunday, Jan. 6 for a 10 a.m. brunch and gift exchange. We also play games after dishes are washed; snacks are served in the afternoon before everyone leaves for home. Son Benjamin, 19, will return to work at the RV factory on Jan. 8. Son Kevin, 13, and daughter Lovina, 14, go back to school on Jan. 7. My husband Joe has another week off. Its not often that he has three weeks off for Christmas. Although its nice to get some work done around home its harder to not have a paycheck for three weeks. Joe has been at this factory 14 years. In March it will be 15 years that we moved here from Indiana. Years go by much too fast! Joe and our sons-in-law were disappointed to not go on their ice-fishing trip last week after all, but Im sure it was smarter with the weather being warmer than usual. Our weather has sure been warmer than most winters and no snow over the holidays. Usually, they can go sledding in the fields this time of year. Now that the holidays are over, we think of work, or so it seems. Yesterday sons Benjamin, Joseph, Joe and I cut up the beef we had hanging in the cold part of the pole barn. What a big job but I think we did well even though we were all tired by night time. Of course we couldnt do that without having what we call rare beef for supper. We slice steak real thin and put salt and black pepper on both sides, and then deep fry it in oil. The oil has to be really hot; then take a slice and stir once, flip and stir again and its ready to eat. Usually I make it while they eat it. Its best to eat fresh from the pan. Its a greasy job but a favorite meat around here. Our children like eating Colby cheese with it. Today the hamburger will be ground, steaks sliced, beef chunks canned, and I will also can a little hamburger. The rest will be packaged for the freezer. It looks like another busy day. The girls did the housework, folded laundry, etc., while we worked on the beef. I enjoyed coming back to a clean house after working out in the pole barn all day. But we are so thankful for the meat to put in the freezer for the year ahead. So many are less fortunate! Next week our church members that are able will go help can meat to send to other countries or to those that have no food. God bless everyone! Apple Butter Cake 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon cloves 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 cup soft butter 3/4 cup sugar 2 eggs 1/2 cup buttermilk 1 cup apple butter Sift flour and spices and set aside. Cream butter and sugar together, then add eggs and beat thoroughly. Add flour and spice mix to the butter, sugar, and egg mixture, alternately with buttermilk. Then stir in apple butter and pour into greased 9x5x3-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 F for 55-65 minutes. (Lovinas Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife and mother of eight. Her newest cookbook, The Essential Amish Cookbook, is available from the publisher, Herald Press, 800-245-7894. Readers can write to Eicher at P.O. Box 1689, South Holland, IL 60473 (please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply); or email LovinasAmishKitchen@MennoMedia.org and your message will be passed on to her to read. She does not personally respond to emails.) Owner Wilson Gee plans to keep working to restore the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course despite a Church briefs run every Thursday in the Life section of the Daily Journal. Any briefs received after 5 p.m. Monday will run the following week if the event still is relevant. Briefs should be emailed to life@daily-journal.com. Cybersecurity In Israel Israel has been a world leader in cybersecurity for the past 20 years already, and it keeps its strong positions in this sphere. Israel takes care not only about military cybersecurity, but also promotes safety in cyberspace. Many years ago, the government and different authorities accessed the situation in the country, the fast development of the Internet and made a conclusion that security should be spread to this virtual space of their country as well. They invested considerable money and efforts to develop this industry, and today, Israel is one of the most secure states in terms of cyberspace. It is not only companies and military agencies that take care of their safety online. Average citizens are also informed and aware of the risks they can face in case their private and sensitive information becomes known to the third parties. This happens because people in Israel care not only about general security, but also military security. They are aware that their offline safety partially depends on their caution online. That is why most of them check best VPN (Virtual Private Network) rating and use VPN software in addition to general rules of caution and antiviruses. The military situation in Israel is not easy, and the people are always aware of potential dangers they may face. However, this very situation helped the country to become a leader in cybersecurity long before many other states decided it was time to take care of their online space, and protect their data. At the same time, due to the military conflict in Israel, the citizens do not take lightly any type of security they are offered. When the government made it clear that additional layer of security is necessary for everyones well-being, the people were ready to follow. They researched more info on the protection of privacy in other countries and took steps to make their data secure. This awareness of both the government and the people created a closed circle of awareness and education. The government started protecting the countrys cyberspace and informed people that they also need to take care of their sensitive data individually. The citizens started to research and look for methods of privacy protection and used different software and VPNs. This increased the general awareness about cybersecurity, and more people started to join the sphere, to contribute to the further development of this industry. More companies and businesses connected to cybersecurity were opened. These common efforts together enabled Israel to become a well-known leader in the sphere of cybersecurity before the world became aware of how important cybersecurity was for each and every citizen. VPNs became one of the tools of individual cybersecurity used by the citizens of Israel. The websites similar to Bestvpnrating.com are checked on a regular basis for new software and updates. Because of that, the people of Israel can feel safe in virtual space. It must be admitted that far from every government is so careful about the virtual space available for its citizens, and many citizens of other countries are pretty careless when they surf online. However, it is obvious that every state has to take Israel as an example. I-HLS: You Might Also Read: Revealed: Top Secret Israeli Hackers For Hire: STORY LINK Pound to Euro Exchange Rate LIVE: GBP/EUR Static Despite Worst Christmas Trading Period in Decade Pound Euro (GBP/EUR) Exchange Rate Steadies as Brexit Debates Heat Up GBP/EUR Forecast: Positive UK GDP Figures Could Bolster the Pound Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The Pound Sterling to Euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate is static today and is currently trading within the region of 1.1079.The Pound (GBP) remains steady against the Euro (EUR) despite the release of the UKs BRC like-for-like retail sales figures for December which decreased by -0.7% the worst Christmas trading period in a decade.Paul Martin, the Head of UK Retail at KPMG, commented:Growth in food did provide a glimmer of hope, being among the few categories to notice an uptick. . . However, the continued contrast in performance between the High Street and online remained evident in December albeit 2018 did also see a continued slowdown in online retail sales.Brexit debates will continue today with Prime Minister Theresa May once again rallying to gain Parliaments backing for her UK-EU withdrawal agreement, with the Business Secretary, Greg Clark, commenting:We need to act to avoid a no-deal because I don't think there is anything remotely like a majority in Parliament that will tolerate this.The Euro was also left unmoved against the Pound today after the release of the French industrial output figures for November showed a worse-than-expected decrease by -1.3%, boding a weakening French economy.The Euro has, however, been steadied somewhat by a weakening US Dollar (USD), with the two currencies having an inverse correlation, the Euro has managed to stabilise against the Pound despite a lack of notable data releases today.Euro investors will be looking ahead to todays publication of the Eurozones ECB monetary policy meeting accounts report, with any bullish notes potentially buoying the Euro to Pound exchange rate.The UK opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is due to deliver a speech on Brexit today in which he is expected to tout a general election.Theresa May will be holding a press conference at Downing Street with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is expected to support Mays Brexit deal, with manufacturers Nissan, Toyota and Honda having recently warned the UK over additional costs on tariffs.However, any signs of an increasing division between Parliament and the government today could see the Pound slip against the Euro, as Theresa May comes under increasing pressure since yesterdays string of defeats causing some Sterling investors to remain skittish.Tomorrow will see a slew of data releases, with the publication of the UKs manufacturing production figures for November expected to increase to 0.3% against Octobers -0.9%, this could see Sterling increase against the Euro.These will be followed by the release of the UKs non-EU trade balance figures which are, however, expected to decrease.However, if the publication of the UKs GDP figures tomorrow show any signs of bullishness, this could further bolster the Pound.EUR investors, meanwhile, will be awaiting tomorrows publication of the Eurozones ZEW survey on economic sentiment for January, with any signs of bearishness potentially strengthening the GBP/EUR exchange rate. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Euro Forecasts Pound Euro Forecasts Pound Sterling Forecasts Google publishes what theyd like to think is a one-stop shop for consumer trends, marketing insights and industry research. They call it Think with Google, and in 2018 they published a number of consumer habits that should have a dramatic impact on the banking industry. Heres five key ways these consumer insights should impact your credit union in 2019 Google Consumer Insight #1: People are always shopping According to the most recent insights 84% of Americans are shopping for something at any given time, in up to six different categories. This is a remarkable statistic and one that must inform how credit unions operate. We know that the buying journey for banking products and services is typically greater than three weeks, so what this means is that FIs need to provide useful information along the way for consumers and dont just bank on advertisements to drive quick conversions. Further nearly 9 out of 10 shoppers are not absolutely certain of the brand they want to buy when they begin looking for information online via their smartphones which means they are likely open to considering new options, if found along the way during their research phase. This is exactly what Inbound and Content Marketing provides! Helpful content that nurtures a person as they are moving through the consideration phase of shopping. Google Consumer Insight #2: Theyre searching with natural language When people are searching there are using phrases like do I need within the content they are looking for. For example, how much money do I need to put down when buying a home? could be a search phrase relevant to FIs. Its important that CUs use this insight to inform the content on the institutions company website. Find the keywords that best highlight your product or service areas youd like to target for growth and then create content around those topics that works in natural language search. We also recommend optimizing your locations for local search and including schema for better voice search results when users are searching with Siri, Google Home, Amazon Echo, etc. Google Consumer Insight #3: They want things nearby and now This insight ties in directly to the last point about optimizing your website for local search. One of the main differences between local credit unions and larger national bank chains is the local touch. Regional financial institutions tend to have good local branch penetration in areas of service and deep connections within nearby neighborhoods and communities. Use this to your advantage by including content on your website that is well-position for near me or open now searches, which are increasing by leaps and bounds. With mobile searches that include open + now growing 200% in the last year, theres a ton of space for your local FI to gain traction online. Google Consumer Insight #4: More research = fewer regrets Again, here we are right back at the Inbound Methodology and even Google confirms that conducting research is a new and growing phase of consumer behavior. This is where your credit union can shine! Include helpful content that isnt overly salesy on your website and social media channels. People are ready and willing to learn as much as they can about new products before they make a final purchase decisions. This is especially true for complicated items like financial products and services. So make sure your content is in the mix. Google has also shown through past research that the average banking customer consults 8.9 sources of information before making a new account or product decision. Its essential that your FI is creating content that will serve as one of these sources of information, or you will quickly be losing market share. Google Consumer Insight #5: Voice-activated-speaker owners welcome brands With research done from 1500 people who own Google Home or Amazon Echo, Think with Google has determined that these consumers are open to receiving information that is helpful and relevant to their lifestyle. In fact, one respondent said the ability to purchase things made it feel more like an actual assistant. What this means for financial institutions is that there is space in voice search for educational resources around making sound financial decisions. You can tailor this content to a specific demographic, or perhaps try to target parents and baby boomers, as these are two populations Google is seeing make huge investments in voice-activated assistants. To learn more visit the FI GROW website or blog and lets help your financial institution grow The numbers tell the story. In addition to helping members prepare for the future, investment programs can help credit unions increase non-interest income and build relationships and loyalty. Customers using investment services tend to have deeper, more meaningful relationships with credit unions. According to Kehrer Bielan, average checking account balances are 1.4 times higher for customers who also purchased an investment with credit unions, and savings accounts are 2.4 times higher. These customers are also more likely to use other servicescredit cards, mortgages, home equity lines, and vehicle loans. According to the Federal Reserve Boards Consumer Finance Study 2013, for every dollar a bank or credit union client has on deposit with the institution, they have $4 to $5 invested in retirement accounts, stocks, or mutual funds. However, to be successful, a credit union investment program requires a concerted and coordinated effort by the institution and its broker-dealer. If a program is not growing, it stands to reason that it is not meeting the needs of the credit union, its employees or its membership. If the program were meeting needs, it would be better-utilized. Understanding investment program profitability starts with a thorough analysis of revenue (product mix, AUM, return on assets) and expenses. In assessing top line gross dealer concessions (commissions) and costs in relation to industry benchmarks for revenue as a percentage of expenses, credit unions can help to ensure best practices and program profitability. A recently released feasibility study determined that a public financial institution to serve the California marijuana industry would create unacceptable legal and financial risks for the Golden State. However, the report recommended that California designate a lead agency to improve access to banking for cannabis companies that would, in part, encourage and assist credit unions and banks to serve the states multibillion-dollar marijuana market, the nations largest. The 151-page feasibility study, conducted for the Cannabis Banking Working Group chaired by California State Treasurer John Chiang, was reviewed and discussed during a Dec. 27 public hearing at the California State Capitol in Sacramento. After legalizing the medicinal use of marijuana in 1996, California also legalized the recreational use of pot last year. This left Californias cannabis businesses with a big dilemma: Even though marijuana use is legal in the state, it is illegal under federal law. Nearly three weeks in and with no sign of a solution in sight, the partial federal government shutdown is seriously affecting peoples lives, nationally and in the state of Connecticut. The U.S. Coast Guard, which has 500 active duty officers in New Haven and New London, is unable to inspect all cargo ships headed into state waters for safety violations, or to enforce fishing laws. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which funds federal nutrition programs including school lunches and food stamps, says it can fund these programs through the end of the month, but February could be another story. Even local breweries, who have provided a jolt to an otherwise stagnant state economy in recent years, say they are being held back by the shutdown, with the introduction of new labels on hold until the federal government gets back to work. Its anti-small business, says one brewer, accurately. All this is happening over a crisis that isnt really a crisis and a proposed solution that wouldnt really solve anything. Illegal crossings of the U.S.-Mexican border are down significantly, with about one-fourth as many people apprehended last year compared to 2000. This comes at a time when the border is more secure, and more militarized, than ever before. Most immigrants who are unauthorized to be in this country have overstayed visas; relatively few got in by sneaking across borders. Illegal drugs and legal ones take a terrible toll on American communities, but there is no reason to think closing the southern border would end that crisis. And the idea that terrorists are surreptitiously crossing from Mexico has been thoroughly debunked. But even if none of that were true, a physical wall across 1,500-plus miles of border would be untenable and ineffective. Much of the border is already fenced, and what isnt tends to be in wilderness, on private land or along the Rio Grande. None are legitimate options for building a concrete wall as envisioned by the president, or even the steel-slatted alternative he has offered up in recent weeks. Congress, including most Republicans, voted just weeks ago to keep the government open without funding for a border wall. The president was about to sign it into law when he changed his mind, likely prodded by conservative media personalities. This is no way to run a government. The new Congress, which includes a Democratic majority in the House along with a Senate still run by Republicans, must once again vote to reopen the government with all its agencies fully funded, but without a dime to pay for a border wall. If the president vetoes the measure, Congress should override his veto. This is not just about President Trump, but about Senate Republicans, who have the power to reopen the government without him. There are debates to be had about immigration, about government funding and border security. None of that is possible while the very functioning of the government is held hostage. The shutdown must end now. Last year, 2018, was a banner one for tech IPOs, particularly in the software as a service (SaaS) space. Household names like Dropbox, Spotify and DocuSign all tested the waters of the public markets. Related: 10 SaaS Companies That Shone in 2018 As bellwethers of the tumultuous year for IPOs on the stock market, DocuSign's and Dropbox's stock prices during 2018 ranged well above their initial asking prices. And, as of January 4, 2019, DocuSigns value was 41 percent above its IPO price. In contrast, Dropbox on that same date closed at a mere $0.28 above its initial asking price. And Spotify -- which had gone public through a direct offering (or direct floor listing) -- fared even worse, closing at 29 percent below its initial opening price of $165.90. However, the unpredictable year experienced by 2018s class of IPOs -- and the stock market in general -- appears to have had little dampening effect on the number of tech companies expected to go public in 2019. Nick Giovanni, co-head of Global Technology Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs, told Business Insider just before the new year that, We had a long period of companies staying private longer, and the birth of a generation of unicorns, and that has accelerated this year [2018] when people thought it might be leveling off." Related: The Uber of China Could IPO in 2018 -- Start Up Your Day Roundup Added Giovanni: What it means is we're set for a tech IPO super-cycle, where there are more companies going public and more large IPOs happening than ever before." Though not all the companies listed below have yet filed for an IPO or a direct floor listing in 2019, they have all given clear indications they are considering going public in the not-so-distant future. Here's what you need to know: Uber Despite a turbulent recent history which saw the departure of founder Travis Kalanick and a retreat from several overseas markets, including Southeast Asia and Russia, Uber filed its confidential S-1 form with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) late in 2018, according to the Wall Street Journal. That filing lent further credence to the Journals October 2018 prediction that Uber might go public in the first quarter of 2018. The same article reported that Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley had valued the ride-hailing giant as high as $120 billion in September 2018. At the time, that valuation exceeded the worth of automobile companies General Motors, Ford and Chrysler Fiat combined. Given this estimation, it's little wonder that an Uber IPO is one of the most hotly anticipated of 2019. Slack Dubbed the fastest growing SaaS startup in history, team messaging and collaboration app Slack garnered $427 million in new funding in August 2018 based on a $7.1 billion valuation, according to the New York Times. First Round Review examined Slacks exponential growth in depth since its August 2013 launch, noting that Slack built a user base of over 30,000 teams and achieved a valuation of over $1 billion, all without any big integrated marketing campaigns, or the hiring of a CMO. Thanks largely to a press campaign based on the previous experience of the Slack team, whose founder, Stewart Butterfield, had previously been a founder of Flickr, Slack received 8,000 requests to try its app on its first day. Within two weeks, that number had grown to 15,000. In the latest reported figures, noted by TechCrunch in May 2018, Slack now boasts 8 million active users, 3 million of them subscribing to the paid plan. CNBC reported in late 2018 that Slack had hired Goldman Sachs to underwrite a 2019 IPO and that it is seeking a valuation of over $10 billion. Of additional interest, Recode found that Slack may be considering a direct floor listing (DFL), along the lines of Spotifys 2018 NYSE listing. In a direct offering such as a DFL, there is little focus on raising capital. For well-funded businesses like Spotify and Slack, the desire to go public comes from other benefits such as making it easier for existing stakeholders to sell their ownership shares and granting the average investor easier access to investing in the companys future. Airbnb Another well-known and well-funded company reportedly considering either a DFL or traditional IPO is Airbnb. According to Recode, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky has consulted Daniel Ek, his counterpart at Spotify, about the possibility of Airbnb holding a similar direct offering to the public. Chesky is said to be drawn to any approach that makes his IPO less traditional (perhaps "granting Airbnb hosts stock). A non-traditional direct offering seems very on-brand for a company that has transformed how millions consume hospitality and accommodation. According to CNBC, Airbnb became profitable in 2016, making it somewhat of a rarity in a highly valued tech company seeking to go public. Airbnb received a $31 billion private valuation as part of its last round of funding in spring 2018, per Crunchbase. The company also hired a new CFO late in 2018, according to Global Finance, yet another sign that a move into the public market is imminent. Palantir Chances are good that youve used or at least heard of Uber, Airbnb and Slack. That may not be the case for what is widely expected to be among the most valuable tech IPOs of 2018: Palantir Technologies. The WSJ reported that this data-mining titan, which it dubs one of Silicon Valleys most secretive companies, may go public in 2019, with a valuation as high as $41 billion. Co-founded in 2004 by PayPal alumnus Peter Thiel and CEO Alex Karp, Palantir developed a suite of surveillance technologies that have reportedly been used by the military to hunt down Osama bin Laden, to avoid roadside bombs and by police departments to predict crimes before they happen, Vanity Fair has written. On the consumer side, Palantir is harnessing the power of big data to comb through disparate data sources -- financial documents, airline reservations, cellphone records, social media postings -- and search for connections that human analysts might miss, Bloomberg reported. While much of Palantirs operations remain shrouded in secrecy, in order to go public, Palantir must issue a prospectus documenting its revenue and other internal metrics for potential shareholders, which could shed some light on that eye-popping valuation, Vanity Fair noted. Related: IPO vs. Getting Acquired: What You Can Learn From Snap and Instagram's Divergent Exit Strategies Final thoughts This year, 2019, appears poised to yield another bumper crop of tech companies going public. Aside from the four companies examined here, Pinterest, Lyft, CloudFlare, PostMates, Stripe and Zoom are other companies reported to be weighing either an IPO or DFL this year. Examining how these and other tech giants forged their paths to going public can be a powerful source of knowledge and inspiration for any entrepreneur. Related: Why Softbank Reduced its Investment in WeWork Going Public: 4 Tech IPOs to Look out for in 2019 Friday Flashback: Nikkei Marks its First Annual Decline Since 2011 Copyright 2019 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved An overflow and diverse crowd of more than 200 friends, family, judges, attorneys, legal mentees and supporters of retired Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Lubbie Harper Jr. converged on Braziss Italian Restaurant at Long Wharf in New Haven recently, to celebrate the New Haven Register newspaper selecting Justice Harper its 2018 Person of the Year. I thought I was in Heaven on Earth. Love was flowing in the air, and everywhere. A fun time was had by all. New Haven Mayor Toni Harp; Connecticut Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Robinson, Associate Supreme Court Justice Raheem Mullins, Assistant Attorney General Christine Jean-Louis and former WVIT-TV crime reporter Lew Brown and his son, Judicial Marshal Sergeant Jason Goff Brown, were just a few of the guests on hand for the celebration. Former WFSB-TV reporter and later, NBC Correspondent Odetta Rogers, who had admired Justice Harpers service to the community for years, drove all the way to New Haven from her home in Greenwich to salute Harper. WASHINGTON Congress made no progress Wednesday in ending a partial government shutdown now more than two weeks old that has left some 800,000 federal workers without paychecks and raised concerns over the impact it is having on government programs from small business assistance to air traffic controllers. Its deja vu all over again, said Rep. Tom Cole, an Oklahoma Republican, citing the famous malapropism from former New York Yankee catcher Yogi Berra to describe House Democrats insistence on passing four individual agency appropriations bills on Wednesday that are no different than a continuing resolution passed last week by Democrats that President Trump has threatened to veto and, regardless, wont be taken up in the Republican-controlled Senate. Why go through that exercise rather than reach a true compromise that will end the shutdown and provide border security, he wondered aloud on the House floor. Meanwhile, the standoff between Trump and Democrats in Congress continues. Trump insists on funding for a border wall while Democrats say they wont allow government to be held hostage over the wall dispute. Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut said Wednesday that it makes sense to keep applying pressure on Republicans in Congress to end the shutdown. I think it is incumbent on us to continue to push to open the government and it seems to me passing bills that have already been passed unanimously in the Senate is a pretty good place to start. They can stand with the President on a shutdown if they want but they are going to be pretty exposed if they do that because this shutdown is causing a lot of pain, he said in an interview. Himes noted the shutdown appears to have cost Norwalk a pizza shop. Planet Pizza, he said, was hoping to secure a loan from the Small Business Administration but the government shutdown put that on hold. That is a small business that is disappearing because of this shutdown, he said. News 12 reported that the pizza shop had sought an SBA loan to help defray the cost of a $12,000 air-conditioning system. Dave Kuban, owner of Planet Pizza, told the news station that more and more places are closing. The House was voting Wednesday night largely along party lines for the spending bills that would have reopened many of the agencies impacted by the current partial shutdown. The entire Connecticut delegation supported the effort, but several acknowledged that they dont see a clear path forward to end the gridlock. The first bill was approved, 240-188, early Wednesday evening to fund financial services and general government with eight Republicans in favor. No Democrat opposed it. Rep. Jahana Hayes said she had no update on the shutdown other than that House Democrats were looking to fund individual departments one at a time. I could not be more eager to get this government up and running, she said, noting that her office is hearing concerns from people worried about the impact of a drawn out shutdown. People are worried about what happens next, she said, noting that the IRS could face significant delays in getting out tax refunds and that there is tremendous concern about what may happen with nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC. Many of these people are working Americans who are using these programs as a supplement, she said. And, then you have elderly people who depend on these programs. As a government we have a responsibility to insure they are in place. Im hoping we get movement this week. I do not want to leave Washington without getting something done. Rep. Joe Courtney said he hopes Republicans will listen to their constituents who are suffering because of the shutdown and start working with Democrats on getting the government open. He said he is hearing powerful stories from constituents on what the shutdown means to them. On Tuesday, he read a letter on the House floor from a Waterford man who is serving in Afghanistan with the State Department. In the letter, the man notes that over the last decade he has been shot at in Afghanistan and trapped in a burning embassy in Serbia serving his country. I support our governments policies in difficult environments, and I expect my government to meet their commitment to me and my family, he wrote. Courtney has also spoken with air traffic controllers working at Bradley Airport, who are working 10-hour shifts with no support staff. Air traffic is being worked to the bone, Courtney said. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump met with Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to discuss the impasse. Afterward, he told reporters that Senate Republicans support his efforts at getting funding for the border wall. Republicans are totally unified, he said. We want safety for our country. Trump met later at the White House with Congressional leaders but appeared to make no headway on ending the shutdown. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the meeting was brief. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters outside the White House that the president just walked out of the meeting. We saw a temper tantrum because he couldnt get his way, Schumer said. Sen. Chris Murphy, of Connecticut, who was not at the meeting, spoke on the Senate floor Wednesday urging Trump and the Republicans to reopen the government that has left over 1,000 federal workers in Connecticut without a paycheck. This whole crisis can be over tonight if there is some leadership shown by Senate republicans, Murphy said. Why spend all this time trying to control this body? Why spend millions of dollars trying to run for office to become the majority party in the United States Senate if youre not willing to step up at a moment of crisis and lead the country through it? Catholic Charities helps dozens of federal prisoners return to society through programs the organization runs in Waterbury and Hartford that provide counseling and behavioral health care to former inmates and their families. But, because of the federal government shutdown, the organization is no longer getting paid for its services. Catholic Charities in Hartford is one of scores of Connecticut companies, non-profits and local governments that have contracts with one of the nine federal agencies whose doors were shuttered on Dec. 22. The partial shutdown, now in its 20th day, is the result of a political standoff between congressional Democrats and President Donald Trump over the presidents demand for money to build a wall along the border with Mexico. Unlike federal employees who wont get paid during the shutdown, those who work under contract with the federal government have no chance of ever getting back pay. Some companies have been lucky, having received payment for their goods and/or services before the shutdown. Others are not as fortunate and, like Catholic Charities, have had their funding cut off. Catholic Charities said the shutdown will affect its bottom line, but not its mission. The work continues, but we are not getting paid, said John Noonan, a Catholic Charities spokesman. His organization has had, for several years, a contract with the Federal Bureau of Prisons to work with former inmates. Noonan said Catholic Charities is currently helping 29 clients in Waterbury and 33 clients in Hartford, most of whom live in halfway houses. The Bureau of Prisons if part of the U.S. Justice Department, one of the agencies closed because of the shutdown. Eversource is paid hundreds of thousands of dollars by the Bureau of Prisons to provide natural gas service to the federal correctional institution in Danbury. And the city of Danbury has about $1.5 million in contracts this year with the Bureau of Prisons to provide water and waste treatment services at the prison and ambulance service for its inmates. The Justice Department said it will continue to pay those expenses from carry over funding from previous years. But not all agencies have carry over money. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, for instance, has issued a stop work order to all contractors, telling them they will not be paid. Connecticut businesses also have contracts with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Treasury, the U.S. Transportation Department and other agencies that are worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Some of those contracts could be in jeopardy, especially if the shutdown continues for weeks and even months. If the shutdown had included the Pentagon, it would have had a much greater impact on states like Connecticut with robust defense industries. But even the defense industry is becoming concerned about the impact of the shutdown because many defense companies have contracts with other federal agencies that are closed, including the Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Bloomberg has estimated that federal contractors are potentially losing out on $245 million each day the shutdown continues. The shutdowns impact on businesses prompted the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to send congressional lawmakers and the White House a letter this week urging them to restore the full operation of the federal government. The shutdown is harming the American people, the business community, and the economy, the chamber said. The letter contained a long list of the shutdowns impact on commerce, including the inability of small businesses to get help from the Small Business Administration, the suspension of reviews of mergers and acquisitions, delays in mortgage approvals and for payments on goods and services provided to the federal government. Federal rule makings are halted, and hundreds of thousands of federal employees and contractors go without pay, the chamber said. With each passing day, the situation will only get worse. The unemployment rate of cybersecurity professionals is around zero percent, while ESG reports that half of organizations have a problematic shortage of cybersecurity skills. Because of this its important for companies to keep turnover as low as possible on the security talent they have. Omar Khawaja, CISO at HM Health Solutions (HMHS), found that instilling the kind of company culture the employees wanted and having multiple ways for them to communicate their concerns was key in reducing staff turnover in his team. Often we start with, What does a customer want, or what does the business want? The reality is it should all start with the employees, he says. If you have the right people and culture, they'll ensure you have the right processes, and if you have the right process that they're executing well, then your customers will be happy, and if your customers are happy then your business is going to be successful. Losing security talent at an unsustainable rate HMHS is the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based IT subsidiary of health insurer Highmark Health. Set up in 2014, it provides IT services to healthcare providers and payers both to Highmark and its subsidiaries as well as other organizations. Its 125-person security team is tasked with protecting data on the wider companys 50 million customers as well as various hospitals, insurance companies and physician offices within Highmarks network. Khawaja explains that he sees HMHS as Highmark's burning platform and sees the business as a startup based within the parent company. However, despite him viewing HMHS as the most exciting part of the company to work in, the security team was suffering from a high turnover rate. Our attrition rate was over 30 percent, explains Khawaja, I was trying to build a really strong team to meet the needs of the business, and it just felt like I would spend so much effort trying to attract good talent, and then one out of three people was leaving. This was our burning platform that people were leaving. If we can't even retain talent, then what's the point? Nothing else matters if we cant retain high quality talent that wants to be here and feel like they're doing the best work of their careers, Khawaja adds. Something had to give and change because that was just not a sustainable model. To stem the number of people leaving, Khawaja and HMHS undertook a three-year program to change how the organization interacts with its staff and make the company a place they want to work in. Engaging with employees to create the culture they want One of the first things Khawaja did was to hire an organizational change management expert specifically for the security function that could investigate why people were unhappy. I looked around my organization and I had technology people that understand all of these various technologies, and we really didn't have people experts, says Khawaja. The only experts I could find were in HR, and it felt like that was a pretty big gap. We can't drive change by deploying technology and publishing a beautiful process. We drive change by getting people to be inspired and motivated, and that means having people that actually understand people. The change management expert then performed assessment through a series of surveys and focus groups to identify the main barriers to change within the organization. We identified exactly what the risk factors were for why we wouldn't change, and the number one reason why people didn't think we had a vision, says Khawaja. They said every day we come in it's really disruptive, it's really crazy, there's just another fire drill every day, and we're not quite sure where we're headed, and if we're not sure then we're not really sure we want to be along for this rather bumpy ride. The company then went about building and defining a vision for its security team, which was broken down into four parts: Why the company needed to change What the company was going to change to How to measure success Guiding principles that dictate how to behave along the way to achieve progress All of this was done collaboratively and involve workshops, anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, bring people in and give them lots of sticky notes and sharpies and have lots and lots of discussions, says Khawaja. The idea wasn't to have 'this is what Omar wants,' but to come up with 'this is what is needed and wanted by the organization' and have everyone's fingerprints on it to increase chances of success. The vision the companys security staff wanted consisted of taking a risk-based approach focused around new technologies that put the onus on business outcomes rather than what technologies were implemented. That meant adopting a zero-trust policy and ensuring security is as frictionless as possible to provide the best user experience. Ask the CISO sessions and agony aunts As well as instilling a new vision for the security team, Khawaja has made himself available to his team with regular 'ask the CISO' sessions where he can talk to employees informally about whatever concerns them. I would do town halls and I would realize no one would have a question because people don't necessarily feel very open and comfortable asking a question in front of another 100 folks. Instead, the ask the CISO sessions are more of what he describes as an untown hallno stage, slideshows or agendas, just Khawaja and a small group of less than a dozen people at a time talking about their grievances. The idea is to start with a blank sheet of paper and I ask the team, 'What's on your mind? What are you happy about? What are you unhappy about? What do you like? What do you not like? What rumors are you hearing? What myths do you want demystified? What suggestions do you have? What complaints do you have? what frustrations do you have?' The goal, he says, is to address anything that could impact the level of engagement and excitement of coming into the office. This could include anything from tools and technology to employees and managers to dress code and parking and food in the cafeteria. Before it was just complaining about the present and now they're asking about the future because they're pretty OK with the present. HMHS also introduced what Khawaja calls the change agent network, a group of appointed colleagues that staff can go to anonymously to talk about issues they are unhappy with. We picked them because they were trusted individuals who their colleagues felt like they could confide in, everyone knows who they are so it's not like they're moles or they're spies, says Khawaja. HMHS has around a dozen change agents across the security department who act as employee agony aunts. Staff can go to their peers with issues they dont feel comfortable talking to managers about and can request their complaints are kept anonymous. The agents then report back to the respective managers around what issues there are and suggestions for who to fix them. The program probably took about 18 months to really take off and finally now it's conveying significant value, Khawaja says. Khawaja would like people feel comfortable sharing that information without hiding their names but would rather have the information coming through anonymously than not at all. We don't mind people complaining. We just want you to complain to the right people so something can be done. Reducing attrition and an ongoing commitment to change After a three-year transformation, Khawaja says the companys regrettable attrition of staff is down to less than five percent. There has also been notable uptick in feedback from employee surveys. Our employee net promoter score is up by about 45 points. Our Gallup employee engagement score is up by about 1,200 basis points. People are saying, 'We see the organization listens to us, that we're very much a learning organization, that we strongly believe in continuous improvement. While Khawaja admits that nothing HMHS did was rocket science and could be replicated by other security teams, it does take patience and perseverance. For the first year that we had zero results. It was probably one year before I got even an inkling of some change, and then it was probably about two years where I felt like that now we're headed in the right direction, and a full three years before I felt like the organization actually transformed. It's just having the willingness to keep doing the same thing over and over and over again. My instinct was this really is the right thing. I believed in it, but its really hard to do for an entire year and not expect results. While the program has been successful in Khawajas eyes, the transformation is a continual journey that needs to adapt as employee needs change. It's constantly getting feedback and constantly looking at what can we do better this week and the next week and next week and one small change at a time. It's what we refer to as relentless incrementalism. If we keep making small changes every day that before we know it, we will look very different than we do now. We've got the humility to know that we're not perfect, but we've got the perseverance to say we're going to keep trying, we're going to keep on and improve every single day, he adds. The company uses the same balance scorecard and 26 KPIs from the initial transformation that are still followed to this day, giving Khawaja what he describes as a people risk dashboard. Every month I get a dashboard that says from a people standpoint what are our risks in every single part of my organization. While keeping an organization secure will always be what a CISO will be judged on, Khawaja says keeping his security staff happy isnt something he can ignore or pass the buck on. HR is there to serve us and support us and they've got some expertise. But ultimately the individuals that report in to my organization are my responsibility first and foremost. It's my responsibility to do whatever it takes to make sure they're engaged, that they're excited because that's what's going to create a strong security program and quite frankly that's what's going to keep me excited and coming into work because if my team doesn't want to be there, I'm probably not going to want to be here either. Promises, schomises apparently U.S. wireless carriers didnt clean up their acts after the Securus or LocationSmart scandals and stop selling access to their customers real-time location data. Because Motherboards Joseph Cox was able to pay a bounty hunter $300 to track down a T-Mobile phones location. This time it was Zumigo that sold the location data to Georgia-based credit reporting company Microbilt, which then sold the location data to others. Three hundred bucks later, a massive up-charge from Microbilts $4.95 to search for a single device, the bounty hunters bail bond company contact provided a screenshot of Google Maps with a blue circle showing the phones location in Queens, New York. Its a really good article that is likely to infuriate you if you care about privacy or companies keeping their promises. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) called how wireless carriers sell the locations of Americans a nightmare for national security and the person safety of anyone with a phone. Wyden also pointed out: After I exposed these dangerous practices last year, several carriers, including @tmobiles CEO @JohnLegere told me point blank that his company would stop selling customer location data to shady third parties. https://t.co/JSASCP2PWH Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) January 8, 2019 Indeed, back then, Legere snarkily tweeted: Sounds like word hasnt gotten to you, @ronwyden. Ive personally evaluated this issue & have pledged that @tmobile will not sell customer location data to shady middlemen. Your consumer advocacy is admirable & we remain committed to consumer privacy. https://t.co/UPx3Xjhwog John Legere (@JohnLegere) June 19, 2018 Major carriers pledged to end these practices, but it appears to have been more empty promises to consumers, Wyden tweeted. Its time for Congress to take action by passing my bill to safeguard consumer data and hold companies accountable. Other cybersecurity news The state of web application flaws in 2018 According to Impervas The State of Web Application Vulnerabilities in 2018, injections were the top vulnerability with remote code execution (RCE) being a bigger issue than SQL injection, followed by cross-site scripting (XSS). WordPress vulnerabilities increased by 30 percent in 2018*, with 98 percent of the vulnerabilities being related to plugins. Regarding Drupal, two vulnerabilities resulted in hundreds of thousands of security breaches last year. New phishing tool bypasses 2FA ZDNets Catalin Cimpanu highlighted a new pen-testing tool, dubbed Modlishka by Polish researcher Piotr Duszynski, that can automate phishing attacks with an ease never seen before and can even blow through login operations for accounts protected by two-factor authentication (2FA). Photos can still trick Android smartphones into unlocking Four out of 10 Android smartphones with face recognition security, can still be tricked to unlock by a photo. After testing 110 smartphones, Dutch Consumentenbond concluded that a photo could fool 42 of the devices into unlocking. Patch Tuesday fixes issued by Microsoft and Adobe Microsoft: For the first Patch Tuesday of 2019, the Redmond giant released 49 CVE-related security vulnerabilities seven of which were rated as critical, and 40 were rated as important. Ten of the CVEs had been reported via the ZDI program. Tenable said CVE-2019-0547, a memory corruption RCE vulnerability in Windows DHCP client, was the most severe bug to be patched. CVE-2019-0579, an RCE in Windows Jet Database Engine, was the only publicly disclosed flaw, but Microsoft said it was not yet being exploited. Microsoft also patched two RCE vulnerabilities in Hyper-V. And if you dont want an attacker to bypass your Android lock screen via Skype, then grab the fix for that Skype elevation of privilege flaw (CVE-2019-0622). Hopefully you didnt skip the out-of-band patch for Internet Explorer released in December due to it being exploited. If you did, then make sure you grab it now. Security patches for Microsoft Office can be found here. Additionally, Ivantis Chris Goettl noted, Microsoft has released an updated servicing stack for Windows 10 1703. This is the only servicing stack update this month. Servicing stack updates update the update system. Err if that makes any sense. In other words, if you dont do this update, you may not be able to reliably do future updates amongst other changes to the system. Adobe: Adobe released a patch for Flash Player, but it was related to bug fixes instead of security fixes. However, the patches for Adobe Connect and Adobe Digital Editions were to close security holes. The two critical CVEs had been reported via the ZDI program. Another stupid IoT flaw, this time involving smart hot tubs Its beyond me why anyone would actually want to hook their hot tub to the internet because sure enough, tens of thousands of those smart hot tubs can indeed be hacked. Pen Test Partners delved into the pwnage procedure. Balboa Water Group failed to respond after being notified of the flaw until the BBC got involved in December. LeakLooker can find open databases in seconds If you, too, want to join the drama of dealing with companies after finding proof of their irresponsibility regarding securing databases, then look no further than LeakLooker. Of course, theres no guarantee that only white hats will be interested in the tool. According to the TL;DR on Hacker Noon, With LeakLooker you can find publicly open MongoDB, CouchDB and Elasticsearch database; it also includes Kibana instances. Script parses results from Shodan, excluding empty and compromised databases. Everything is sorted and presented in clickable way. From the 100% creepy department Why settle for total surveillance of adults when you can surveil kids, as well? The Global Times reported that where else but in China schools have opted to have students wear intelligent uniforms to better monitor students attendance and whereabouts. The schools supposedly dont try to check the accurate geolocation of students outside of the school hours, but when the student is missing and skipping classes, the uniforms help locate them. Device to detect skimmers and hidden cameras in restrooms or hotels Sick of the pain in the hiney it causes after your payment card has been skimmed? Then you might be interested in the Descamer device being shown off at CES 2019. The fob, which fits on a keyring, can allegedly detect credit card skimmers at gas stations, hidden Bluetooth cameras in public restrooms or hotels, as well as any other illicit Bluetooth signals anywhere you go. To use it, You simply press the button on dScmr, which initiates the detection process by filtering out known to be good Bluetooth signals while zeroing in on the potential bad guys and alerting the user via a simple green light=good, red light=bad indication. Other security tidbits: The government shutdown has been blamed for severely weakening cybersecurity in the U.S. Meanwhile in Britain, the first CISO for the U.K.s National Health Service lasted a whole three months before resigning; the position came about after the WannaCry ransomware attack. Tired of Kaspersky Lab getting a bad rap by the U.S. government? Then you might enjoy reading how the Russian company helped catch an alleged NSA data thief. If $4 for Microsoft Office 2016 Professional Plus sounds too good to be true, that's because it is. Krebs on Security said such software can be purchased from sellers on eBay because sellers are reselling access to existing Microsoft Office accounts. * Updated Jan. 14, 2019, to correct an error from Impervas annual The State of Web Application Vulnerabilities in 2018 report. Cunard Line has announced that the Steakhouse at The Verandah has become a permanent feature at the alternative dining restaurant onboard the lines three-ship fleet. Cunards team of chefs have curated a menu showcasing prime USDA gran finished New York strip steak, Main lobster and Alaskan king crab, alongside dishes celebrating British provenance such as Scotch grass-fed, dry aged beef and Salt Marsh lamb rack, according to a press release. Offerings from farther afield such as renowned Waygu beef from Australia are also featured on the menu. After the success of the new Steakhouse menu onboard Queen Mary 2 last summer, our team has decided to take the concept across the fleet, said Josh Leibowitz, Senior Vice President, Cunard North America. We welcome guests to join us at the new Steakhouse at The Verandah concept for the very best steakhouse at sea. A new selection of craft cocktails will also be available at The Verandah bar, reflecting contemporary mixology trends from some of the worlds biggest cities. The wine selection has also been specifically chosen to focus on steak heroes and features classis peppery Syrahs alongside more contemporary juicy Malbecs and rich Chardonnays. Steakhouse at The Verandah will be open for lunch and dinner for a $25.00 USD per person cost for lunch and a $39.00 USD per person cost for dinner, with some menu offerings requiring a further supplement. Have a ship in China? The long transit time to shipyards in Singapore may be a thing of the past as COSCOs Zhoushan is aggressively moving into the cruise ship refit and repair world. Having worked on the Ovation of the Seas, Golden Era and Glory Sea, Zhoushan has gotten its feet wet in the cruise industry over the last two years, according to the 2019 Drydocking and Refurbishment Report by Cruise Industry News. The competitive edge the COSCO facility includes its location and a huge gantry crane, according to Jianhua Zhou, managing director, COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Zhoushan). There are only a handful of yards in China that can handle big cruise ships, limiting opportunities for refits. Also helping is COSCO itself, with a network of shipyards in China and lots of experience to fall back on. As China moves into cruise ship building and repair, the entire community is learning to support the industry together. We have 2,000 people moving in and out, 3,000 people working and 200 containers moving in and out of the shipyard at any one time. said Zhou. As the cruise industry is still relatively new in China, handling and streamlining customs clearance and logistics is a new ballgame. From an operator point of view, uncertainty whether parts will be approved or when they will be approved including chemicals, spare parts and more pose a risk. Zhou added that constant communication with the authorities is important to get things done. The long term plan, he said, is to have six to eight cruise ships in his drydock on an annual basis. --- Go inside the world of cruise ship drydocking and refurbishment with the 2019 Cruise Industry News Drydocking and Refurbishment Report, presenting a 100-page overview of the $3 billion annual cruise ship drydock and refit market including a full 2019, 2020, 2021 estimated drydocking scheduled based on available data and research. The report offers interviews with key drydocking executives from cruise lines, suppliers and shipyards, as well as case studies, trend reports and much more. The Center for the American Experiment, a conservative think tank, recently made a stop in Hutchinson to discuss critical race theory and education. Critical race theory is an academic movement that examines social, cultural and legal issues as they relate to race and racism. How do you feel about critical race theory being taught in schools? Tell us in this week's online reader poll. You voted: James "PA" Smith, 85, was born on Oct. 4, 1935, to Otis T. and Dora Mae Tudor Smith in Fentress County, and passed away on June 12, 2021. He was a farmer by trade and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild. He was a m To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Please click here to learn how. Lawyers are known to charge high fees. 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If Theresa May loses the Commons vote on her deal next week, she will make a statement to the House about her response plans. Note the way that last sentence is written. It doesnt say: the Governments plans or the Cabinets plans (which are, in effect, the same). This is because the latter collectively and as far as can be discerned its members individually dont know what these might be. She could announce her resignation. She could throw the Governments weight behind No Deal. Or No Brexit. Or an extension to Article 50, rather than revocation perhaps with a second referendum in mind, perhaps not. Or the Norway or Canada-type deals that she has rejected. Or some other variant that no-one has anticipated. Or say that her deal has clearly failed, and that she is now the servant of the Commons, paving the way for indicative votes. Or, most likely of all, play for time, say that she will re-open her conversations with Brussels to seek movement on the Northern Ireland backstop. The logic of her present position is to do exactly that: the closer to March 29 she gets, the more pressure will come to bear on the EU to make concessions, real or token, and on MPs to back her deal, for fear of the No Deal or No Brexit to which different groups of them are opposed. This is the logic of her game of chicken. Some of those other options are more likely than others, and some can be ruled out altogether. Openly throwing her weight behind No Deal would risk a small number of Remain-orientated Conservative MPs voting with Jeremy Corbyn in a confidence vote. Backing No Brexit would divide the Conservative Party to the point where it might split altogether. This takes us back to where we started the role of the Cabinet. The Prime Minister will not go to the Commons with plans without discussing them with the Cabinet first: that would clearly be a risk too far. But it is striking that, less than a week out from the meaningful vote, its members have no idea what these might be. It is possible that May doesnt know herself. But if she does, she is not the sort of person to take her colleagues into her confidence, especially under current circumstances. One Cabinet Minister wearily told ConservativeHome late last year that the problem with Theresa is that she doesnt trust anyone. Until the last general election, her inner circle consisted of three people: Nick Timothy, Fiona Hill and Philip May. Only one of them survives. The conventional wisdom is: big majority, strong Prime Minister, weak Cabinet; small majority, weak Prime Minister, strong Cabinet. In some senses, it holds true. Consider an example from this morning. On the one hand, Greg Clark is preparing his department for No Deal. On the other, he today urges Parliament to move quickly and act responsibly to establish what will, and will not, command support. Parliament can establish that it wants a no-deal Brexit to be ruled out. In short, he is urging MPs to seek to block No Deal if Mays deal falls thereby urging them to oppose an outcome which he is tasked to prepare for. This is not the Government position. In one sense, Clark should resign. In another, one cant really blame him for not doing so. After all, Cabinet discipline has broken down altogether, with its members openly briefly journalists about what they plan to say in its meetings, and reporting back about what happens afterwards. Why should the Business Secretary quit while others stay? One senior member of the lobby told ConservativeHome yesterday that this is the leakiest Cabinet in his experience not, he added, that journalists should complain about it. Its a political Mogadishu out there, he said, presumably thinking back to Black Hawk Down, with Cabinet members firing off their machine guns from the back of trucks. None the less, there is reason to argue that what we are actually seeing is: small majority, weak Prime Minister, weak Cabinet. The ultimate weapon of an unhappy Cabinet member is resignation or the threat of it. But May has survived the loss of four Cabinet members in scarcely more than six months: David Davis, Boris Johnson, Dominic Raab, Esther McVey. The last discovered the hard way that the Prime Minister controls the agenda and minutes of Cabinet meetings, and that there are no votes. Those Leavers who didnt resign over the deal have been forced to swallow the logic of their decision. The Michael Gove who joked in Cabinet this week about anti-deal Conservative MPs was recently such a person himself, turning down the Brexit Secretary post rather than propound the Prime Ministers position. At Cabinet level, passive acceptance of a view must ultimately morph into active propagandising for it. Short of resignation, there is always the more politicianly option of working with Cabinet colleagues to shift the Prime Ministers position. But this takes us to the heart of the matter. There is no Cabinet consensus about what to do if the deal goes down. Sajid Javid, Jeremy Hunt and the surviving referendum Leavers lean towards No Deal in extremis. Philip Hammond, David Gauke, Clark and others are setting themselves against No Deal completely. Furthermore, May, though scarred by last months confidence ballot, survived it. She cannot be formally challenged as Party leader until the end of this year. In a way, then, she now draws power from her Cabinets divisions and indecision. In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed woman is queen. The European Union complains that the Government doesnt know where it wants to end up. Closely aligned to the EU or more distant? Norway or Canada? It is absolutely right. Cabinet members are united on one point, however. All now hope that Mays deal passes Parliament, if not next week, then later. And, collectively, they will carry on hoping as authority drains away from them to Dominic Grieve, Steve Baker, and the Opposition, among whose numbers we of naturally include the Speaker. This Cabinet is firewood. Sturgeon humiliated as Salmond wins case against her Government Nicola Sturgeon is under mounting pressure to reveal the details of private conversations she had with Alex Salmond about allegations of sexual harassment against him, the i reports. This comes after the First Minister was forced to issue a humiliating apology after her predecessor won a legal challenge to the way the Scottish Government had handled the complaints. The Telegraph reports: The judge Lord Pentland ruled the inquiry was procedurally unfair and tainted with apparent bias after it emerged the investigating officer had prior involvement with the women before they complained. As a result of what Salmond calls the abject surrender of the Scottish Government he has been awarded costs, which apparently run to 500,000. He has also demanded that Leslie Evans, Sturgeons seniormost civil servant, resign. The Scotsman reports that Evans has apologised but has no plans to quit, and that the First Minister has given the mandarin her support. The Timesdedicated an editorial has to calling for Evans scalp, accusing her of an egregious lapse of judgement. Jackson Carlaw, the interim leader of the Scottish Conservatives, has announced that the Tories are going to push for a committee of the Scottish Parliament to investigate why Sturgeon met with Salmond five times, including two at her home in Glasgow, whilst insisting that she had not interfered in the investigation. She has also now admitted to not informing the Permanent Secretary about at least one of these. Welsh and Scottish Labour re-admit anti-Semites Not the biggest stories of the week, but in light of Rachel Rileys attack on Jeremy Corbyn for sharing a bed with holocaust deniers and virulent anti-Semites, two stories this week serve as an unhappy reminder of how far through Labour this problem runs. First, the BBC reports that a Labour member of the Welsh Assembly has been re-admitted to the party after having made offensive remarks about Jews, despite the fact that the party has not yet concluded its investigation into the incident. Jenny Rathbone apparently suggested that the security fears of the congregation of a Cardiff synagogue could be in their own heads. She also said she was uncomfortable with synagogues turning into fortresses, adding that a siege mentality probably played a significant role. Michael Rose, the Chief Rabbi, branded the remarks extremely offensive. Meanwhile in Scotland the Jewish Chronicle reports that Labour have re-admitted a councillor who directly peddled an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. Mary Bain Lockart claimed that a joint front page by the UKs three main Jewish newspapers organised to signal the strength of feeling about antisemitism in the Labour Party was a Mossad plot to discredit Corbyn. An ex-Labour MP who originally complained about the post said the decision to re-admit Lockart illustrated that Labour was not a safe space for the Jewish community. Fianna Fail and SDLP propose merger Northern Irelands smaller, more moderate nationalist party is looking to merge with one of the major parties in the Republic of Ireland in a bid to inject some life into the flagging alternative to Sinn Fein. The Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), which was Ulsters pre-eminent nationalist party during the Troubles until it was eclipsed along with its unionist counterpart, the Ulster Unionists by the rise of the DUP-Sinn Fein duopoly, is reportedly preparing to subsume itself into Fianna Fail, long deemed the Republics natural party of government. According to the Irish Times the proposal would result in one all-island party which will be called Fianna Fail which has prompted Margaret Ritchie, a former SDLP leader and Member of Parliament, to say on the record how much she would regret the disappearance of her partys distinct brand and identity. Lord Empey, who as leader of the Ulster Unionists led his party into their ill-fated alliance with the Conservatives at the 2010 general election, warned Colum Eastwood, the SDLPs current leader, that he might be ushering in the obliteration of his party. Its internal coalition might fracture and only a smaller part of its already waning vote and membership end up inside Fianna Fails tent. In other Irish news, new polling suggests that Irish people believe that the backstop will make a united Ireland more likely which perhaps explains why the DUP continue to believe Theresa Mays deal poses a greater threat to the Union than no deal. Alex Morton: Conservatives must be able to debate the future of their Partys ideas as well as its future leader Alex Morton is Director of Policy at the Centre for Policy Studies, and was a member of David Camerons Downing Street Policy Unit. If there is one thing that can still unite the Conservative Party, it is the belief that Jeremy Corbyn should not must not become Prime Minister. But how to stop that? We are now nine years into Conservative or Conservative-led government. In order to block Corbyns path to power, the next election would be the fourth in a row where the Tories would need to win, or at least be the largest party. This year will be difficult even if Brexit is resolved In meeting this challenge, there are two strategic problems the Tories face one specific and one general. The specific one is that the Tory voter base is currently largely being held together by Brexit. Polls show the party steady at just under 40 per cent no mean feat. But once a particular version of Brexit is decided on, or perhaps just arrives, at least some of those voters, even if a minority, are likely to feel deflated. At that point the Tories risk slumping in the polls either by a little or potentially by a lot. This means that the Party will need to offer some positive reasons to be a Conservative voter and supporter to unite around a future prospectus. Voters are, as all the polling history shows, less likely to support parties they see as divided. Already 69 per cent of people think that the Conservatives are a divided party, according to Opinium. They are now seen as more divided than Labour despite the fact that Jeremy Corbyn has been directly voted against by the overwhelming majority of his MPs. Labour will also find it easier to ride out the storm this year than the Conservatives, due to the simple fact that they are not in government. While there may be a few who will turn against Corbyn if he never backs a second referendum, Labour will continue to be able to largely pretend to be all things to all people. They have been able to hide their divisions, and somehow have got away with continually falling back on the line that nothing should be off the table. Labour may well eventually have to come down on one side or the other, but even if they do, the harm this will do to them will be far less than to the Tories after all, the Tories are in power, and Governments are held responsible for whatever occurs in a way that is simply not true for Oppositions. The centre-right is in severe difficulty across the West There is also a more general problem. Across the West, centre-right parties are under severe pressure (as indeed are centre-left). In many countries we have seen their collapse (eg France and Italy). Even countries that have fairly high levels of economic growth (at least relative to others, if not historically), such as Sweden and Germany, are seeing their traditional centre-right parties struggle. Only a small handful of leaders have managed to be successful, and lead their parties to electoral success, most notably Sebastian Kurz in Austria and Mark Rutte in Holland. Those who have succeeded have largely done so by reinventing their parties for the populist era while remaining within the boundaries of the mainstream. What all this boils down to is that not only will the Tories have to try to revise and revive their policies and platform after a fairly long spell in Government, but do so at a time when the centre-right in general is struggling to win elections and carve out a successful niche. Moreover, this is all happening against a revitalised left rather than the divided left that is seen in many places. Yes, Labour are struggling now over Brexit. But once it is over, things are likely to become easier for Corbyn, since Brexit is the one issue that fundamentally divides him from his base of adoring followers. The Tories need to be able to talk about policy, not personality If the Conservative Party wants to defeat Corbyn, then it needs to renew itself. The Governments time and effort have the NHS aside been largely and increasingly consumed by Brexit. Yet the Prime Ministers acknowledgement to the 1922 Committee in December that she will not fight the next election raises a new problem: that everything becomes seen through the prism of the future leadership, rather than the future of the Party. Obviously it is true that policy and personality are intertwined. But it is hard for example to have a frank discussion about what post-Brexit immigration policy might be, because if you take a position on how far we should prioritise non-EU high skilled immigration, or whether we should scrap or actually enforce the tens of thousands figure, it is seen as being about whether you back Johnson or Javid or Hunt or Raab. The media obviously plays into this. An easy way to write a story is to call up sufficient numbers of key people and goad them into saying something less than wonderful about their colleagues. If you cant get something out of ministers, then their allies will do. There is always someone willing to answer a journalists call. There needs to be space in British politics and within the Conservative Party to have a robust debate about the future of the country without it being seen as just as about positioning between potential prime ministerial candidates. It is true that the political debate is becoming very bad tempered and it is unlikely to become less so over the coming months. Brexit has already weakened the ties that bind the Conservative Party together. But the real crisis will occur if Conservatives, and those in the wider conservative movement, end up going into battle against Corbyns far-left ideas without a compelling policy vision of their own. Chris White was Special Adviser to Patrick McLoughlin, when the latter served as Chief Whip, as well as to Andrew Lansley and William Hague when each served as Leader of the House. He is now Managing Director of Newington Communications. Yesterday, and for the second time in two days, the Government lost a vote. Yet this defeat was was directly attributable to the decision by the Speaker to allow an amendment to be tabled and voted on, contrary to the existing rule book of the Commons. This article looks at what the Speakers decision means for the Commons, what it means for Brexit, and what it means for the Speaker himself. What does it mean for the Commons? The Grieve amendment and the subsequent vote was about process how the next five days of debate will happen, what the rules are for that debate, and what happens if the Government loses the meaningful vote next Tuesday. As the Government had delayed the vote from before Christmas, a new Business Motion was needed. The Government tabled its motion, which was to be taken forthwith, and this is the word which the whole row hinges on. For non-procedural people, this means in Parliamentary terms that a motion must be put for a decision by the Commons without debate or amendment, and its usage is common practice. Erskine May, the authoritative work on parliamentary procedure, states that questions forthwith must be put without any possibility of amendment. Dominic Grieve tabled an amendment seeking to force the Government to return to the Commons inside three sitting days if it lost next weeks vote. Under the Commons rule book, because the Governments new Business Motion was to be taken without amendment or debate, this should have simply been ignored. Instead the Speaker overruled the advice of the Clerk of the Commons and insisted that he would allow the amendment. The Government lost the subsequent vote by 308 votes to 297. This may seem like a niche issue, but as the subsequent hour long session of questions to the Speaker proved, his decision has serious implications. Erskine May is clear that the Speakers ruling was incorrect and he knew it. So now we have a situation where the Speaker meant to be an impartial arbiter of Parliamentary procedure is openly interpreting Standing Orders (the Commons rule book) to suit his own ends. MPs, if they even thought so before, cannot trust that the Speaker is impartial. Grieve was allowed to successfully table his amendment but other MPs were not. Grieve succeeded at the Speakers intervention, yet other MPs, such as Peter Bone and opposition parties, were told by the clerks that amendments were not allowed, and so didnt. Yet the Speaker made no effort to inform MPs of his decision to break with precedent, Standing Orders, and Erskine May. MPs now know that they no longer can rely on any clerks advice. Instead they can simply go to the Speaker and potentially get a ruling overturned. MPs queued up today to understand what this new ruling about the use of forthwith meant. In response to Iain Duncan Smith, the Speaker clearly had no idea, stated that he would reflect on the matter, and blithely queried why MPs should believe that he should have immediate and comprehensive knowledge of all circumstances that might subsequently unfold. Instead he promised to refer it to the Procedure Committee, but unless the Committee does a rapid inquiry, this looks like kicking this into the long grass. The Government risks losing control of its business. With the Speaker in a mood to interpret what he likes, there are concerns that he will allow amendments to be tabled to any Bill that might try to scupper Brexit. That will probably mean that the Government will have to pull legislation, such as the Immigration, Fisheries and Agriculture Bills, meaning these sectors could be unprepared for a No Deal Brexit. What does it mean for Brexit? However much the Speaker may wish to reinterpret the Commons rule book, the fact remains that under current legislation, the UK will exit the EU on 29th March on No Deal WTO terms, unless MPs can agree on a Withdrawal Agreement. This could be Theresa Mays deal, or another deal, but MPs must: Agree on what the alternative to Mays deal is (no easy matter), Get the agreement of the Government, Get the agreement of the European Union, Pass legislation through both the Commons and the Lords to give it legal effect. This must all happen before 29th March, unless the Government seeks to extend Article 50 (essentially moving the leaving date later into 2019). However, extension would require agreement from the European Union. The Government could also unilaterally revoke Article 50 but MPs on their own could not do so. Whatever the Speaker may choose to do, motions or resolutions in the Commons cannot override legislation. What does it mean for the Speaker? The Speaker has always had the full support of the Labour Party, but even opposition parties were taken aback by his ruling today one source said that his ruling was ridiculous and hes spent all of his political capital and more. Hes now living on the political capital equivalent of a Wonga loan. The Speaker has also assiduously courted support amongst independently minded backbenchers such as Bone, Bernard Jenkin and Jacob Rees-Mogg, yet all three were openly critical of his ruling today. On the Conservative benches, he is perhaps only supported by Christopher Chope and one or two others. Yet this is not enough to seriously challenge the Speaker. The Conservatives are in a minority Government, without enough support from MPs on other benches to contemplate removing him. Its clear that the Speaker has spent a long time waiting for this moment, and hes going to enjoy it to the full. He has almost no check on his power, and as one Government source put it to me today, the next few weeks and months are going to be trench warfare. John Bald is a former Ofsted inspector and has written two books on the history of writing and spelling. He is Chairman of the Conservative Education Society. Two of last years most important comments on education came in December. The first, in Amanda Spielmans presentation of her annual report, was on the importance of teaching early reading and fluent decoding through systematic synthetic phonics. Failure to do this, she argued, leads to boredom, higher rates of exclusion, and criminality. Her talk is well worth reading in full. The second was Damian Hinds tweet that every school and college should be one for young people with special educational needs, backed by 350m of additional funding. The links between the two are important, if not always obvious. When I started, in 1973, additional support in schools was focused on reading known as remedial reading and behaviour was a pastoral issue. I didnt hear the term autism, far less Asbergers or Tourettes until the late 1980s. A headteacher informed me that he had been a member of a government committee that had concluded that dyslexia did not exist. This situation has changed. Behaviour, particularly extreme behaviour, takes up huge amounts of time and resources that could otherwise be devoted to learning, while reading or spelling difficulties are invariably labelled dyslexia, usually on the basis of formulaic assessments that ignore any other cause, however obvious. Behind most assessments of behavioural difficulty or disorder is the idea of anxiety. We are all anxious at times, but I have met several cases in which the anxiety is such as to prevent a person from learning at all. Some of it is social, exacerbated by smartphones that give bullies 24 hour access to their victims, but a great deal is caused by a feeling that the pupil cant do their work, usually for the reasons described by the chief inspector. An example is a left-handed pupil, who was deliberately left to her own devices in learning to write, and given an ipad for all of her work. Arriving in secondary school, she could not do her work because she couldnt write. She refused to go to school for almost three years, and has only recently begun to attend hospital school, where she is being given the teaching she needed years earlier, and so has a chance of getting the grades she should always have been able to achieve, It is, incidentally, easy to adjust the teaching of writing to meet the needs of left-handed pupils, and the national curriculum for English requires it. In the early 1990s, before I became a Conservative, I alerted Labours front bench to the cycle described by Spielman, which even then was easy to detect from published research evidence. It was equally easy to see that guessing game approaches to reading, combined with mixed ability teaching, were preventing large numbers of children from developing the literacy skills they needed to approach secondary school with any confidence. My progressive colleagues at the time had tried to solve the problem by basing education on first-hand experience rather than literacy, and by following Plowdens disastrous policy of removing textbooks from primary schools. As a result, children who did not have a rich reading environment at home, did not have one in school either, and so reached secondary school without the range and fluency that they needed in order to make progress. It would have been hard to find a person less qualified to put in charge of education than the late, well-intentioned, Lady Plowden, but there is a long-standing British tradition of taking people who do not know about something and putting them in charge of it. Spielmans analysis should be the starting point of a much larger process of reform, based ultimately on the growing evidence from brain research, summarised in Blakemore and Friths The Learning Brain, and more recently in the early chapters of Mina Conkbayirs Early Childhood and Neuroscience. Learning involves the creation, consolidation, and extension of connections between brain cells, and happens when teaching presents issues in a way that makes this happen. The starting point, provided by the early connection of sounds and letters through phonics, needs to be extended and developed in junior and secondary schools by reversing the policy of Plowden and her acolytes and putting reading and writing at the centre of everything a school does, using discussion and explanation to build understanding and spoken language at the same time. Schools that do this see the 2005 Ofsted report at this link break the cycle of underachievement identified by Ofsted. It is time all the others did too. Remainer rebels open talks with Labour Theresa Mays Brexit strategy was in tatters last night after Tory Remainer rebels opened talks with Labour over an alternative to her deal. The prime minister suffered another Commons defeat yesterday and will now be forced to produce a plan B within three days of Tuesdays meaningful vote, which she is expected to lose. It also emerged last night that Mrs May was holding her own private meetings with Labour MPs to try to secure their backing. John Bercow, the Speaker, outraged ministers by overruling advice from officials in order to help an alliance of rebel Tories and opposition MPs to inflict the defeat, the second for the government in 24 hours. A cabinet source said Mr Bercows actions meant that the relationship between the government and the Speaker was beyond breaking point, it is broken. Boles received death threats after joining rebellion The Sun Starmer insists second vote may be only way out The Times Mrs May had hoped to force MPs to choose between her deal and no deal as the March 29 Brexit deadline approaches. That strategy has been dismantled by MPs who voted on Monday to restrict the Treasurys powers to levy taxes after a no-deal Brexit, and yesterday to reduce the timetable for the prime minister to spell out her next steps. The result is that January 28 is now the latest date by which MPs will be able to start instructing the government on how or even whether to achieve Brexit. The Times More: Davies demolishes Scottish and Welsh MPs using Brexit to demand independence Daily Express Carmakers urge Abe to warn May against no deal FT >Yesterday: as May considers move on workers rights to win support Theresa May is considering backing calls by Labour MPs to safeguard workers rights after Brexit in order to try to get her controversial EU withdrawal deal through the Commons. With time running out for the Prime Minister to shore up support for her controversial exit plan, Government sources said supporting an opposition bid to enshrine EU standards was being considered. The amendment would keep EU rules on pay and conditions, health and safety issues, plus environmental standards. The move came after Mrs May suffered another embarrassing Commons defeat on her EU withdrawal agenda. MPs insisted that if the PMs deal is voted down next Tuesday, she must set out a Plan B to Parliament within three sitting days. The controversial decision by Commons Speaker John Bercow to allow a vote on the move provoked fury among many Tory MPs and led to calls for his resignation. Labour MP John Mann, one of the people behind the amendment on workers rights, said Government backing for the proposal could make the PMs plan more attractive. He said: If we have a guarantee that works on workers rights and conditions, thats significant. The comments came as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is set to say that a general election is the most practical and democratic way to break the deadlock in the Commons over Brexit. Daily Telegraph Government plots major climbdown on EU rules Daily Express Prime Ministers last-ditch moves ahead of key vote FT May loses grip on her deal after fresh humiliation The Guardian Corbyn to table no-confidence motion if Meaningful Vote lost FT Ireland: MPs dismiss offer on backstop as flimsy rubbish The Sun DUP say pledge to consult Stormont is meaningless The Guardian Transport: Eurotunnel claims ferry contract breaches EU rules FT Lorries will run smoothly across Channel even with no deal, says port chief Daily Telegraph Grayling accused of disrespect The Times Brexit certainty unbearable, says Airbus chief FT >Today: ToryDiary: This rotting Cabinet and ministers plot revenge on Bercow Senior government figures plotted revenge on John Bercow while clerks declared the Speaker patently out of order after he rejected their advice on a pivotal Brexit ruling yesterday. Mr Bercow ignored the counsel of Sir David Natzler, the clerk of the House, when he tore up precedent to allow MPs to vote to force the governments hand on the Brexit timetable. Mr Bercow stunned ministers by allowing amendments to a business motion that set out the governments Commons timetable for Brexit. The government believed that decades of convention would ensure that the motion was not amendable, in line with the advice of the clerks. One official said: I would say it is patently out of order but the Speakers word is law. By definition if he says its in order, its in order. The magic words its a decision for the Speaker cover all sins. Tory MPs plot to dock Speakers pay or pension Daily Telegraph Bercow accused of bias after ignoring clerks advice The Times Controversy sparks near riot in Parliament The Sun Tory whip brands Bercow bully Daily Mail Boothroyd brands ruling absolute and utter disgrace Guido Fawkes Another said: It is hard to read the original motion and think that amendments are permissible. Mr Bercow and the clerks were in conflict from Tuesday night when the Speaker stepped in to overrule them to allow the amendment, drawn up by Dominic Grieve, the Remain-backing Tory MP, to appear on the order paper. Conservatives believe that Mr Grieve and the Speaker have been working together, and think this is evidence of Mr Bercows bias, a charge he rejects. Asked about the governments relationship with Mr Bercow, a cabinet source said: Its beyond breaking point, its broken. The Times Comment: The wrong man is in the Speakers chair at this crucial moment Philip Johnston, Daily Telegraph Ministers have lost the political power struggle of our time Martin Kettle, The Guardian Sketch: He sent Brexiteers into meltdown and enjoyed every minute Michael Deacon, Daily Telegraph All he wants is a blaze of notoriety Quentin Letts, Daily Mail Editorial: Bercows prejudices are costing him MPs trust The Sun If Parliament decides to take over Brexit, MPs need to know what they want Daily Telegraph >Today: Chris White in Comment: The day the Speaker set fire to Erskine May >Yesterday: Selmayr denies Hands claims on this site Martin Selmayr, the so-called monster of Brussels, has reacted angrily to claims that he set out to punish Britain over Brexit. Selmayr, controversially elevated last year to become secretary general of the European Commission, was said to have told a meeting in Brussels in November that the power is with us in Brexit trade talks. The claim was repeated in a detailed article by Tory MP Greg Hands, who sets out allegations that Selmayr and Sabine Weyand, another top EU official, crafted the Brexit deal in order to inflict maximum pain on Britain. Needless to say, Selmayr isnt happy. This morning, he shared a link to Hands Conservative Home piece Having been asked to clarify which bit of the article is false, Selmayr has since kept quiet. So who should we believe? And can the monsters denials be trusted? To help readers make up their minds, here is Mr Ss round-up of the times where Selmayr has called out inaccuracies The Spectator He accuses Johnson and Raab of lying too The Times >Yesterday: MPs Etc.: We have never said this. Selmayr tweets a response to Hands ConHome article about him and Weyand. Nick Timothy: May will not willingly take Britain out of the EU without a deal No-dealers believe they are in the driving seat. The law says that Britain is leaving the European Union on March 29. The only thing that can stop Brexit or even prevent a no-deal Brexit is a change in the law. If they can run down the clock, no-dealers believe, and block changes in the law, then no deal is what we will get. But Parliament can change the law. And with a trade Bill in the Lords, and agriculture, fisheries, healthcare and immigration Bills in the Commons, there are opportunities for MPs to pass new laws before Brexit. No problem, no-dealers say: ministers should suspend all Brexit legislation, denying MPs the chance to push through amendments. Mrs May has made a habit of delaying difficult moments and avoiding votes she might lose. But is she likely to defer legislation that prepares Britain for leaving the EU, in order to bring about a no-deal Brexit? No 10 is trying to give the impression that no deal remains possible but, after many years of knowing the Prime Minister, I do not believe that she would willingly take Britain out of the EU without a deal T Were heading for no deal, and fatuous MPs are making it worse Daniel Finkelstein, The Sun Brexit is a certain route to a divided Britain Philip Stephens, FT Nobody but May can save us from this unholy mess Stephen Glover, Daily Mail The backstop would work to Britains advantage James Kirkup, The Times How Remainers should handle remaining in the EU Simon Kuper, FT Magazine Why Cummings used control and sovereignty in the Leave campaign Mark Wallace, The i Hunt scraps repatriation fees for forced marriage victims he question, therefore, is whether the opponents of a no-deal Brexit can forge a consensus among themselves about what to do. If the different factions vote down every proposal in pursuit of their own ideal outcome, they will all lose, and Britain will leave the EU with no deal. As the options narrow, however, they are likely to show more discipline and start to work together. Daily Telegraph Young women sent abroad for forced marriages will no longer be charged by the Foreign Office for the cost of their rescue, following an investigation by The Times. Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, announced yesterday that fees levied on victims for their flights home, food and shelter would be scrapped as an immediate policy change. Instead, parents who send their daughters abroad for forced marriages will face court orders requiring them to pay. If this is not possible, the Foreign Office will cover the costs. Mr Hunt said: Victims of forced marriage are exceptionally vulnerable and face terrible ordeals. Changes in the areas rightly highlighted by The Times are an important part of improving our work. I believe this change is the right and compassionate way forward. This newspaper revealed that the governments Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) helped to repatriate 82 victims in 2016 and 2017. Those who were over 18 and could not cover costs, including their flights home, food and shelter, had to sign emergency loan agreements before take-off and had passports confiscated or blocked until repayment. If they did not clear their debts in six months a 10 per cent surcharge applied. Mr Hunt said that all victims with outstanding loans would have them cancelled and their passports reissued. The Times Ministers must do more Sarah Champion, Times Red Box Docherty presses for troops to be protected from the ECHR Tory MPs yesterday launched a fresh bid to free British troops of hated human rights laws. A draft law introduced by former British Army officer Leo Docherty calls for the British Armed Forces to be exempt from prosecution under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Currently soldiers can be chased years after they finish serving over breaches to the Human Rights Act 1998, which incorporated the convention into UK law. Mr Docherty warned that it paralyses troops on the battlefield as they fear being prosecuted for their actions years later. And he said it also threatened the viability of future UK deployments abroad. Mr Docherty pointed out that 10 countries including France and Spain have in effect opted out of certain aspects of the ECHR and called on the Government to carve out its own exemption for serving soldiers. The draft law was backed by a string of ex-Armed Forces ministers in the Commons yesterday. But it lacks government backing so is unlikely to become law in its current form. Mr Docherty said: No other country has such a perverse situation in which soldiers who have done their duty and done no wrong face this kind of sustained legal pursuit. He added: Our Armed Forces need to know they can deploy and fight on our behalf, while adhering to the Geneva Conventions and the laws of armed conflict. They need to know they can deploy and fight on our behalf and will not then not face spurious legal accusations years and decades after the event. The Sun >Today: Alex Mortons column: Conservatives must be able to debate the future of their Partys ideas as well as its future leader Parliament moves towards special inquiry over MP abuse Parliament is moving towards a special inquiry into the abuse and harassment of MPs after repeated threats and other forms of intimidation in relation to Brexit and other issues. The proposal for a Speakers conference was made by Harriet Harman and Ken Clarke, the longest continuously serving female MP and male MP in parliament. A panel of cross-party MPs will examine evidence and make recommendations for police, prosecutors and others. Harman, a Labour MP since 1982, said the idea was first considered more than a year ago, but had been lent fresh impetus by the barracking and abuse of MPs such as Anna Soubry by pro-Brexit protestors outside parliament in recent weeks. The panel would consider how best to balance the right to protest with helping MPs carry on with their jobs, Harman told reporters. People have got to have freedom of expression, to get into groups. And thats something weve got to be champions of. But weve also got to balance that with the ability of MPs to do their job freely. And once somebody has been voted for, whatever I think of them, theyve got to get on and do their job, however they see fit to do it, she said. The special inquiry would have to be approved and formally established by the Speaker of the Commons, John Bercow. To promote the move, Harman has put together a dossier of dangers faced by MPs in recent years, including the murder of Jo Cox, the plot by a neo-Nazi to kill another Labour MP, Rosie Cooper, and as well as dozens of other incidents covering threats, abuse and other issues. The Guardian Soubry says she now sticks to shoes she can run in The Times Comment: Blame McDonnell for vile abuse of Remainer MPs Rod Liddle, The Sun >Yesterday: Nadine Dorries in Comment: Thuggery. Abuse. Threats. Unacceptable everywhere. But no-one came to Brexiteers defence when we were victims. MPs call for Minister of Hunger (to fight obesity?) Party official found guilty of breaking election law as Mackinlay cleared MPs have called for a Minister for Hunger to be created in order to stem Britains alarming increase in families who struggle to put food on the table. The minister would also oversee the Governments fight against childhood obesity and other food-related health problems, the Commons Environmental Audit committee said. Its recommendations came alongside shocking findings that show one in ten children in England aged 4-5 are malnourished. In Wales this figure rises to one in eight. Separate figures from the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (Bapen) which said that the number of undernourished people in the UK was three million, with 1.3 million of those aged over 65. MPs said a cross-government position in the form of a Minister for Hunger is needed in light of worrying analysis that found the number of families in Britain who have limited access to food due to a lack of money is among the highest levels in Europe. The committee blasted the Government for leaving an item as significant as hunger and food insecurity in the UK has fallen between the cracks. Committee chair Mary Creagh warned that while many are still recovering from Christmas excess, the sad fact is that more children are growing up in homes where parents dont have enough money to put food on the table In its report into Hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity in the UK, the committee found that the Governments widely publicised obesity strategy made no mention of food insecurity. The Sun A Conservative Party official has been found guilty of falsifying expenses during the 2015 election campaign to stop Nigel Farage becoming an MP. Marion Little, 63, who was described by a judge as a friend to prime ministers, authorised spending above legal limits in the South Thanet constituency. The MP for the seat, Craig Mackinlay, was cleared of breaking election law at the same trial. I await a statement from the Electoral Commission, the CPS and Kent police as to how they justify millions of pounds of taxpayers money in pursuing me in a political show trial, he said. Mr Justice Edis said yesterday that Little, of Ware, Hertfordshire, had been carried away by her conviction that defeating Mr Farage was an overwhelmingly important political objective. She was found guilty of two charges of intentionally encouraging or assisting an offence under the Serious Crime Act but cleared of a third charge. The judge called for clarity on electoral law to distinguish between national and local spending limits. The charges came after investigations by Channel 4 into the Conservative Partys election expenses. The jury at Southwark crown court had deliberated for more than 53 hours before reaching its verdicts. Prosecutors said that more than 60,000 in staffing, hotels and advertising had not been declared in the battle for the Kent constituency, and that Little had, in effect, run the Conservative campaign for the seat. The Times Liberal Democrats lead move to force rethink of retrospective tax Sturgeon threatened with inquiry over collapse of Salmond misconduct case The Treasury has taken a step back on a key tax avoidance measure, in the face of political opposition from those who said it would unfairly punish tens of thousands of contractors and agency workers who had used disguised remuneration schemes. Rather than being paid a salary, which would have attracted income tax and national insurance, workers were instead loaned money typically via an offshore trust on terms that meant it was unlikely ever to be repaid. HM Revenue & Customs considers the schemes a form of tax avoidance, and the finance bill was due to finalise plans for a loan charge that would have resulted in large, retrospective charges for workers who had not entered into an agreement to pay the outstanding tax by April 2019. However, more than 30 MPs backed an amendment by the former Liberal Democrat environment secretary Sir Ed Davey calling for a review on the effects of the move to be published before March 30 this year. Sir Ed tweeted: An outrageous attempt at retrospective tax must now be reviewed and gives hope to thousands of innocent people. The review in itself would not change the situation facing those with outstanding tax payments. However, in a sign that the governments position might shift further, prime minister Theresa May told parliament on Wednesday that Philip Hammond, the chancellor, would meet with a cross-party group of MPs to look at how that review is being taken forward. FT Nicola Sturgeon has been threatened with a Holyrood inquiry over the collapse of her governments sexual misconduct investigation into Alex Salmond if she refuses to provide answers about her dealings with him. Jackson Carlaw, the Scottish Tories interim leader, warned the First Minister that his party would push for a Scottish Parliament committee to conduct an inquiry if key questions are not properly answered. In particular, he challenged her to explain why she held five discussions with Mr Salmond, including two meetings at her Glasgow home, when she insisted she had not intervened in the inquiry. Labour also poured scorn on her explanation that she had held the talks as a former friend and party colleague of Mr Salmond, rather than as First Minister, while her government was investigating him. Pauline McNeill, a Labour MSP, wrote to Ms Sturgeon demanding answers about the role she and her key advisors played in the debacle, which culminated in the Scottish Government admitting in court its inquiry was unlawful. Opposition party sources told the Telegraph that some of Mr Salmonds SNP supporters have contacted them encouraging them to keep going in demanding answers about the botched inquiry. With the SNP embroiled in civil war, senior Holyrood insiders said the opposition had been urged to take the fight to Nicola Sturgeon on behalf of their man. One said: Its a quite extraordinary situation. Daily Telegraph First Minister under fire for discussing harassment claims with predecessor The Guardian News in Brief: Go-Jek extends services across Singapore, with promos for first-time riders All consumers in Singapore can now get instant access to Go-Jeks ride-hailing services, as the company moves to enhance its beta phase. In a media release on Thursday, January 10, Go-Jek announced that it is extending its services across the island. After signing up via its iOS or Android app, first-time riders will receive two SGD 5 vouchers. The vouchers have to the used within two weeks of signing up. After the success of the initial phase of our beta launch, we are excited to extend our beta phase to all consumers in Singapore to give everyone the chance to experience Gojek, said Gojek president Andre Soelistyo. Through our gradual rollout of the app, we are ensuring that Gojek meets Singapores needs and will stand the test of time. Go-Jek began its initial beta phase on November 29, 2018. DBS and POSB customers were given priority access to the app. Initially, the ride-hailing service covered limited areas, such as Jurong East, the Central Business District and Changi Airport. All consumers in Singapore will now be able to get access to Go-Jek's ride-hailing services. Photo courtesy: Go-Jek Earlier last week, on January 2, the service area was expanded to cover the whole of Singapore. Go-Jek intends to further fine-tune its app and user experience during the enhanced beta phase. These adjustments were based on feedback received from driver-partners and riders using the service. During the beta phase, Go-Jek has made several modifications to the app , such as enhancing the routing system has been enhanced to enable more accurate and quicker routes. This improves the waiting times for riders. There is also now an in-app Pause function to allow driver-partners to stop new trip requests before they complete their current trip. Go-Jek also introduced a heatmap to show areas of high rider demand. While inventors at MU seem pretty happy with the university's intellectual property rules, they'd like to see more patents turned into products. The university says it's a complex mix of benefits for faculty, students and society. On Dec. 4, Penn State filed a request to trademark the name Happy Valley for certain apparel and not everyone is happy about it. Even though the request is still in review, the decision has faced backlash in the past few days. Bellefonte resident Barbara Coudriet, 57, is one of many people who voiced their opinion on social media. Coudriet called the universitys move bold. [The decision] is obnoxious, Coudriet said. Like, Who do you think you are? Are you serious? The phrase holds significant value to her, and she believes Happy Valley belongs to everyone in the area, not just the university. Ive been here since 1990, I think, and it just has always been Happy Valley. So to me, it wasnt something that they should own, Coudriet said. Matt Jackson, professor and head of Penn States Department of Telecommunications, specializes in copyright law and intellectual property. Jackson, like Coudriet, believes Penn State is mainly driven by money in its attempt to trademark Happy Valley. They say the reason they want to trademark the name is so that they can stop people from associating the name Happy Valley with negative connotations, specifically related to binge drinking, Jackson said. But quite frankly, I think the real reason is that it gives them a way to make more money by selling T-shirts and hats and sweatshirts. Jackson added the decision to monetize the phrase challenges the idea that life is about much more than money and commerce. Every time Penn State does little things like this, it sends me a different message, Jackson said. Despite not personally agreeing with the decision, he said he does understand where the university is coming from. I certainly am sympathetic to, and understand, the universitys perspective that anything we can do to generate revenueis beneficial to subsidizing the mission of the university and helping to reduce tuition costs, Jackson said. While Penn State would own the phrase, Rachel Pell, the universitys associate vice president for strategic communications, said in a press release local businesses would still be free to use the term on their merchandise. However, this could still affect places like Happy Valley Brewing Companywho uses the phrase in its title. Celesta Powell, general manager of Happy Valley Brewing Company, said they had not yet finalized a statement about the trademark. According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the trademark for Happy Valley was last owned by Happy Valley Ventures. The company sold products associated with the legalization of marijuana. The University and local entities have been fortunate that the previous owner did not try to preclude the University and local entities ability to use the term, Pell said in the universitys statement. There is now an opportunity to safeguard the continued future use of the term, and the University believed this was important for furtherance of its town and gown relationship. Most students regard the first days of the semester as either an extended vacation or the opportunity to get off on the right foot. Though students hog most of the spotlight during classes, there would be no show without the people running it behind the scenes the professors, lecturers and graduate students who keep everything running smoothly. They are put in charge of dozens or hundreds of students of all backgrounds, and are expected to form malleable minds with information worthy of graduation. The first step is to get through syllabus week. For Charlotte Eubanks, associate professor of comparative literature & Asian studies, preparation began last semester during Thanksgiving break. Eubanks explained that between spending time with family and attending the Modern Language Association Convention the weekend before the spring semester, she would not have had time to prepare during winter break. Assistant Civil Engineering Professor Ilgin Guler also started preparations before the break, saying that professors have to be ready for the first week. Coming back from break is more about teaching so you have to bring that teaching mentality to work, Guler said. Its still nerve wracking its like show time sensation. As a total nerd in college who kept her syllabuses for the entire semester, Eubanks described creating the syllabuses for her own classes as an art. Im from the small-town South which was still very much a sit-on-your porch-and-tell-stories kind of town, so I think of the first page of my syllabus as the story, Eubanks said. I spent a lot of time thinking about that in the shower, on the bus, running to get that story down. In more literal terms, Eubanks includes various traditional Japanese art pieces on her syllabuses to give students a visual idea of what will be included in the course. For her CMLIT 100H class, the front page includes a drawing of two men in different dress shaking hands. That class is all about stories learning to tell your own stories and learning to listen deeply to others stories so youre not alone, she said. Describing herself as a super, super shy person, Eubanks does get nervous before the first day of class, explaining that her mouth often becomes parched and her ears sometimes turn red. Its like this nuclear power station in my ears, Eubanks said, cupping her ears. I love teaching, but it takes a lot out of me. I try not to think about it too much, or Ill get stage fright or something. Spring 2019 will be French instructor Nancy Andrus second semester teaching at Penn State. Last spring, Andrus taught high school students, including an Advanced Placement French course. While Andrus was very nervous last semester, she was excited to try something new and different. The fact that her previous AP students and college students were roughly the same age helped with the transition. There is a different approach because students here at the university are adults, Andrus said. Theyre responsible for how they approach their day and what they do. Meanwhile, Eubanks has taught at Penn State since 2006. She said the innovations in technology, like the addition of Canvas, have made sharing information with her students through the years much easier. It used to be you had to bring posters and maps rolled up. Theres just all this [stuff] you had to carry with you to class, she said. Then there was the overhead projector which was this tool from the heavens. Additionally, Canvas allows Eubanks and other instructors to learn some information about prospective students before the first day of class, including year-standing, majors and account profile picture. Eubanks said such information makes her more anxious. She added that professors can see how many students looked at the course and dropped it before the first day. I just tell myself that it was bad advising or course choice and not that they looked at my syllabus and were, like, No way, Eubanks said, because my syllabi are awesome. RELATED Professors weigh in on how students can make this semester a success The uncertainty of what a new year will bring can be daunting. But for some, the new beginni Regarding students who take the first week of classes less seriously, Eubanks understands the mentality. She explained that, while most think going home is a happy reunion, some face difficult situations when returning to their families. The holidays can be really hard, she said. I think people really do need a chance when they get back to shake it off and take care of the basics. As students adjust to class schedules, professors also have to reorganize their lives. Both Andrus and Eubanks mentioned that they are mothers. We teachers have lives outside the university, Andrus said. But what students need to realize is that we are always here for them. Thats our job...our goal. For sociology graduate student Claude Fabinyi, no longer being an undergraduate student has added some perspective, as he described syllabus week as less frantic. I know theres an [undergraduate] perspective that Its sylly week, time to get silly, Fabinyi said. As [graduate] students, [syllabus] week isnt really a thing because we have three-hour seminars. You have to be prepared on the first day of class. The expedited syllabus week is common for some undergraduate students, such as civil engineering or biology majors. Guler personally spent 20 minutes on her syllabus before covering introductory topics with her students. I honestly dont know what I would talk about for the whole period on the syllabus, Guler said. I guess thats not what Im used to. Guler expects students to be prepared for the class, but is always open to assisting students who need help with her classes or registration. Fabinyi appreciated when professors dived right into the class, because most of his anxiety came from wondering what the class would be like. By moving straight to the material, he was able to alleviate his nerves sooner. He also highlighted that by spending a whole day on the syllabus, students may feel they are losing some of the value of the tuition they are paying for classes. As syllabus week continues, teachers will continue to educate their students, but Eubanks is also focusing on making her students feel visible. Whether the classes are really big or small, I actually want to create a community, Eubanks said. People arent going to take risks unless they feel seen. To kick off the first general assembly meeting of the spring 2019 semester, the University Park Undergraduate Association discussed Penn State Libraries and swore in two new members on Jan. 9 in the HUB-Robeson Center. UPUA began the meeting by welcoming Hailley Fargo to discuss her work with Penn State Libraries across the university's 20 campuses. Fargo, the student engagement and outreach librarian, explained how the library helps students in both curricular and co-curricular aspects. Some information highlighted by Fargo included the $44,968 raised on Giving Tuesday for the Textbook Endowment Fund, ongoing construction in the library, the creation of a central atrium within the library and an outdoor terrace in West Pattee to be used as an event and study space. All construction and new additions are expected to be finished by 2020. The earliest estimates of completion are predicted for the fall of 2019. As new additions to the library were discussed, the meeting also resulted in two new additions to UPUA. Schreyer Honor College representative Noelle Musolino and S-Book director Thomas Beeby were both sworn in by President Cody Heaton. In addition, Tyler Akers, the student life chair, reminded all in attendance of the upcoming Student Poverty Awareness Week to be held from Jan. 14 to Jan. 18. Also on the agenda was the report by Chief Justice Jonathon Kinney regarding the establishment of community representative seats. Due to Justice Kinneys absence, Justice Rachel Schuchman informed the assembly about the current situation. Schuchman (sophomore-information science and technology) stated that members of the Judicial Board had made one visit to Latino Caucus and Black Caucus. We are well on our way to have [the approval of community seats] done as soon as possible Schuchman said. RELATED UPUA concludes semester with 5 pieces of legislation UPUA passed five pieces of legislation and confirmed Jonathon Kinney as the new Chief Justice. PwCs Skyval Index, based on the Skyval platform used by pension funds, provides an aggregate health check of the UKs c.5,600 corporate DB pension funds. The current Skyval Index figures, based on the 'gilts plus' method widely used by scheme actuaries, are: Assets Liability target Deficit 1,560bn 1,850bn 290bn Steven Dicker, PwCs chief actuary, said: The end of November saw a temporary peak in bond yields, which has since reversed. This reversal, combined with a fall in assets, has increased the deficit over December. Additionally, most schemes pension liabilities will increase following the High Court Judgement in late October that means UK pension schemes are now required to equalise Guaranteed Minimum Pensions (GMP) between men and women. While the impact will vary for different schemes, the ruling could increase liabilities by 0.5% or more. The increase in the Index over the month allows for an estimate of the GMP equalisation liability. SHOWS February 22, 2021 10.00 am Bazaar Corporate Radar Bazaar Corporate Radar is your window into the minds of top CEOs, Boardrooms, global economists, fund managers and sector analysts. If it?s making news, you?ll find it on Bazaar Corporate Radar. An employee walks outside the World Bank headquarters in Washington, United States. Win McNamee | Getty Images The abrupt departure of World Bank President Jim Yong Kim could revive long-standing concerns about the degree of influence the U.S. wields in selecting a new leader for the international financial institution. The world's largest economy has always chosen World Bank leaders and if President Donald Trump appoints one who shares his views, experts say the organization's reputation and climate change program could be at stake. More than three years before his term ends in 2022, Kim, who was appointed by former president Barack Obama, announced his resignation this week, saying he would be joining a private-sector infrastructure investment fund. The move was of his own accord and not because he was pushed out by the Trump administration, people familiar with the situation told Reuters. But others speculate the Korean-American left due to fundamental differences with the Trump administration over environmental policies. "It's hard to imagine that Kim was not hearing messages from the Trump administration," Peter McCawley, former dean of the Asian Development Bank Institute, wrote in a note published by The Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank. World Bank presidents have always maintained close links with senior figures in the U.S. Treasury, he added. If a new president, appointed by Donald Trump, were to try to introduce a strong conservative agenda into the work of the World Bank, the institution would soon lose credibility. Peter McCawley former dean of the Asian Development Bank Institute The World Bank declined to comment on the matter. 'Time for a change' The United States the World Bank's biggest shareholder and European nations have an agreement that allows them to split leadership of the bank and the International Monetary Fund. Critics have long admonished that arrangement. "Since the creation of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank at the end of the second world war, an American has led the Bank and a European the IMF," Mark Sobel, U.S. chairman of The Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum, an independent think tank, wrote in a Monday note. "It is time for a change." Miriam Brett, international development finance project manager at the Bretton Woods Project, a U.K.-based non-governmental organization that advocates drastic reform at the World Bank and IMF, echoed that view. "The 'gentleman's agreement' of the IMF and World Bank leadership selection says that the Bank president should be an American," she said on Twitter. "Surely it's time to replace that archaic agreement with a democratic selection?" Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, former Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Colombian professor Jose Antonio Ocampo and former Indian central bank governor Raghuram Rajan have all been touted as deserving candidates for the job. If the World Bank gets a president who is neither American nor European, that would enhance the bank's global standing and "counter the drift toward regionalism," continued Sobel, who is a former veteran U.S. Treasury official and a former U.S. representative at the IMF. Opaque Chinese lending is challenging multilateral finance and undermining debt sustainability in many countries and it's imperative that the World Bank is viewed as a credible alternative to Beijing in that regard, Sobel said. Credibility at risk Given the U.S. president's contentious views, a Trump-appointed World Bank chief could lead to all kinds of problems. "If a new president, appointed by Donald Trump, were to try to introduce a strong conservative agenda into the work of the World Bank, the institution would soon lose credibility," McCawley said. The World Bank's role in providing countries with funds to develop their economies has already lost stature in recent years as more nations turn to private capital markets instead. Any appointment that upholds Trump's views on climate change would be a disaster for the World Bank. Julien Vincent Market Forces If the White House puts forth a controversial candidate, it could also spark clashes between Washington and the international community. "It would run the risk of rejection and serious discord," according to Sobel, who added that Washington is well aware that other countries are skeptical of U.S. attempts to maintain the World Bank presidency. Impact on China, climate change The World Bank's stance on climate change could also be altered. After the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, Trump made clear that he did not view climate change as a major priority. He once referred to the issue as a "hoax" at a December 2015 campaign rally. "Any appointment that upholds Trump's views on climate change would be a disaster for the World Bank," said Julien Vincent, executive director of Market Forces, an Australian environmental advocacy initiative that focuses on financial institutions. "If President Trump sent a climate-wrecker into the World Bank, it would only serve to restrict investment opportunities for companies and investors looking to take our energy sector into the 21st century, and make the World Bank about as useful as a government agency that's been shut down," Vincent continued. Turkey will go ahead with its planned offensive against Kurdish militias in northeastern Syria whether or not the U.S. withdraws its troops from the country, its foreign minister said Thursday. "If the (withdrawal) is put off with ridiculous excuses like Turks are massacring Kurds, which do not reflect the reality, we will implement this decision," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told local news station NTV, without elaborating on a timeline. The warning comes after American officials attempted to condition a U.S. troop pullout on a guarantee of safety for its Kurdish partners and Turkish non-aggression something Turkish President Recep Erdogan promptly smacked down on Tuesday. Now Ankara, which has amassed thousands of Turkish troops along its border with Syria, says it will act regardless of a U.S. delay. "We are determined on the field and at the table," Cavusoglu said. "We will decide on its timing and we will not receive permission from anyone." White House national security advisor John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have spent the week in the Middle East trying to reassure allies of America's commitment in the wake of President Donald Trump's shock announcement to pull all U.S. troops out of Syria. Security officials and lawmakers have warned this would mean abandoning local partners on the ground and undermining U.S. credibility when it comes to alliances. The White House and State Department did not respond to requests for comment on Cavusoglu's statements at the time of publication. Turkey's government has long threatened to unilaterally attack the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), the U.S.-supported militias controlling large swaths of northern Syria that spearheaded the local fight against the Islamic State. Ankara views the YPG as terrorists and a security threat on its southern border, stressing its ties to a separate Kurdish group that's carried out a decades-long, violent insurgency against the Turkish state. The two NATO allies continue to lock horns over the issue of the Kurds, which has proved a massive thorn in U.S.-Turkey relations since the Pentagon began arming and training the Kurds to battle IS in Syria in 2015. The ongoing trade war between Washington and Beijing is weighing on Chinese toy exporters. Even though their products have yet to take a direct tariff hit, exhibitors at the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair said the tariff battle and heightened tensions are still impacting their business. They cited uncertainty, the impact of tariffs already placed on some electronics that go into increasingly sophisticated toys and supply chain headaches as U.S. and Chinese negotiators work to forge a deal before a mutually-agreed-upon reprieve on new levies ends in March. The two countries are racing to reach an agreement and avert U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to increase the amount of existing tariffs and even expand them to virtually all of China's exports. China dominates global toy manufacturing and some companies are Hong Kong-owned, a remnant of the days in decades past when the city was a thriving toy making center, though now most manufacture is on the mainland. Johnny Sze, director and vice general manager at Hong Kong-based educational toy producer Eastcolight, said that buyers from the United States are increasingly eager to lock in orders ahead of time in case toys end up on the tariff list. "This year we noticed that we actually have a lot more U.S. customers coming here, which is quite unexpected," Sze said Wednesday on CNBC's "Squawk Box," referring to the fair, which was slated to end Thursday. Some at the event, which brought together more than 2,100 exhibitors from 42 countries and regions and is sponsored by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, said the clash between the world's two largest economies has clearly hurt industry sentiment. Special counsel Robert Mueller (2nd L) leaves after a closed meeting with members of the Senate Judiciary Committee June 21, 2017 at the Capitol in Washington, DC. Special counsel Robert Mueller's investigators met last year with a pollster who worked on Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and is a former associate of Trump's ex-campaign chief, Paul Manafort, according to a new report. The report from CNN adds more intrigue to the recent revelation that Manafort himself was accused by Mueller of sharing polling data with Konstantin Kilimnik, whom Mueller has alleged holds "ties to a Russian intelligence service," during the 2016 election. Mueller has been investigating Russia's meddling in that election, as well as possible coordination between the Kremlin and Trump campaign-related figures. Some Democrats and pundits see Manafort's distribution of the polling data as new evidence of possible collusion. Trump has long denied any wrongdoing during the campaign and has labeled Mueller's probe a "phony witch hunt." Asked Thursday about the allegation against Manafort which was intended to be hidden from the public within a court filing from the former campaign chief's lawyers Trump said he "didn't know anything about it." CNN reported that Tony Fabrizio, a partner at Republican public opinion firm Fabrizio, Lee & Associates, was spotted leaving the special counsel's office on Feb. 1, 2018, and has since been confirmed to be meeting with investigators at that time. Fabrizio's firm did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on CNN's report. A spokesman for the special counsel declined to comment. A source familiar with the Russia probe told CNN that Fabrizio was questioned about past polling work for elections Manafort worked on in Ukraine. Manafort pleaded guilty in September to conspiracy charges related to that Ukraine work, and had agreed to cooperate truthfully with Mueller's team. Read CNN's full report on Fabrizio's meeting with Mueller's team. President Donald Trump on Thursday admitted that Mexico would not directly pay for the construction of his proposed wall along the southern border. Instead, he claims the wall will be paid for by revenue gained from a new trade deal pending in Congress. "During the campaign, I said Mexico would pay for it," Trump told reporters outside the White House. "They are paying for it with the incredible deal we made, the USMCA." That deal, short for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, was approved by those three nations following lengthy negotiations over a replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement, which Trump has long slammed as the "single worst deal ever approved." The Trump administration has provided scant detail about how the USMCA would lead Mexico to pay for the wall, or if the increased revenue from the NAFTA replacement would actually reimburse the U.S. taxpayers who would directly fund the wall's construction. The president, whose central campaign promise was that Mexico would pay for a wall stretching across the roughly 2,000-mile border, added: "When I said Mexico would pay for the wall in front of thousands and thousands of people ... obviously I never meant Mexico would write a check." But on the campaign trail, Trump appeared to make that argument. A March 2016 memo to Washington Post reporters explained multiple ways to "compel Mexico" to "make a one-time payment of $5-10 billion" to keep the U.S. from cutting off the spigot of money it already sends to Mexico annually. Sporting a white "Make America Great Again" cap, Trump made the remarks Thursday morning before boarding Air Force One to visit a Texas town near the border his latest move amid fraying negotiations with Democrats over an ongoing partial government shutdown. Once in Texas, Trump insisted again that, "When I say Mexico's going to pay for the wall, that's what I mean." "I didn't mean, 'Please write me a check.' I mean very simply, they're paying for it in the trade deal," he added. A day earlier, Trump walked out of a meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer after the Democrats said they would not approve funding for a border wall even if other parts of the government were opened up. "I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO," Trump explained in a tweet as Pelosi and Schumer described the walk-out to reporters. "I said bye-bye, nothing else works!" Trump added. Schumer described Trump's behavior as a "temper tantrum," which Trump denied in a tweet Thursday morning. Trump tweet cryin chuck Trump is committed to his demand that any spending deal to fund nine federal agencies must include $5.7 billion to go toward a border wall. A letter from Trump's administration to Congress estimated, however, that that amount would only construct about 243 miles of a border barrier. Democratic leaders, on the other hand, are refusing to provide any money toward a wall, and have suggested reopening as much of the government as possible while the deadlocked border security negotiations continue. President Donald Trump, heading to Texas on Day 20 of a partial government shutdown, promised on Thursday to hold firm to his pledge for a border wall. The president showed no signs of relenting on his demand for more than $5 billion to build part of a barrier on the border. In a string of tweets in part responding to a morning television host, Trump said "I won't" cave on the wall demand. Trump tweet The message came a day after talks to reopen nine federal departments crumbled. Trump walked out of a meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer after the top U.S. representative rejected his request for border wall money. The breakdown has massive stakes for the hundreds of thousands of federal workers who will start to miss paychecks Friday if lawmakers fail to fund the government. If the standoff continues Friday, the shutdown will have tied as the longest in U.S. history. Trump flew to McAllen, Texas, on Thursday morning to draw attention to what he claims is a "humanitarian crisis" at the southern border. The president has used horrific tales of murder and drug abuse to make his case for a wall prompting Democrats to accuse him of falsehoods, exaggerations and fear mongering for political purposes. Trump has teased the possibility of declaring a national emergency to build the border barrier without congressional approval. On Thursday, he argued he has an "absolute right" to do so, but the move would likely face a swift challenge in the courts. He could potentially use the journey to McAllen, a busy border area, as part of his justification for the action. "If [a deal with Congress] doesn't work out, probably I will do it. I would almost say definitely," Trump said of declaring a national emergency as he left the White House for Texas. Former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort departs from U.S. District Court in Washington, U.S., February 28, 2018. "Mr. President, did you know that Paul Manafort was sharing polling data from your campaign with the Russians?" a reporter asked Trump at the White House on Thursday. The disclosure that Manafort had given Kilimnik polling data is the strongest piece of public evidence that a high-ranking Trump campaign official may have been coordinating with Russians in an illegal effort to get Trump elected. Such data could have been used by Russia as part of a broad-ranging scheme, which involved bogus social media accounts, to manipulate public opinion in Trump's favor. Trump's comment came two days after Manafort's criminal defense lawyers inadvertently disclosed that special counsel Robert Mueller has accused Manafort of lying about sharing such data with alleged spy Konstantin Kilimnik. President Donald Trump on Thursday said he knew "nothing" about his then-campaign chief Paul Manafort sharing polling data with an alleged Russian spy during the 2016 presidential campaign. Trump replied: "No, I didn't know anything about it." "Nothing about it," the president added. Manafort's defense team also on Tuesday accidentally disclosed that Mueller has accused him of misleading the special counsel's office about discussions that Manafort had with Kilimnik during the campaign about a possible peace plan for Ukraine. Russia, which annexed the Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, was anxious to have a peace deal in order to get out from under U.S. sanctions that were imposed on Russia for its aggression. Mueller has also accused Manafort of being deceptive about a meeting the former Trump campaign boss had with Kilimnik in Madrid, Spain, according to Manafort's lawyers. Manafort pleaded guilty last summer to multiple crimes related to his consulting work and income from a pro-Russia political party in Ukraine. That work predated the longtime Republican operative's five-month tenure with the Trump campaign in 2016. Mueller has charged that Kilimnik, who worked for Manafort for years, tried with Manafort to tamper with potential witnesses against Manafort. Mueller has alleged that Kilimnik who remains at large has ties to "a Russian intelligence service and had such ties in 2016." As part of his plea deal with Mueller, Manafort agreed to cooperate with the special counsel's investigation. Mueller is probing Russian interference in the 2016 election, possible involvement by members of the Trump campaign in such illegal interference and possible obstruction of justice by Trump. Trump has denied any wrongdoing by his campaign and by himself. Mueller last fall accused Manafort of breaking his plea deal by lying to the special counsel's team. The details of those alleged lies were not known until Manafort's lawyers filed a document Tuesday in federal court in Washington. Much of that document was public, but the details of Mueller's claims of lies by Manafort were blacked out. TEGNA, Hearst and EW Scripps are all planning on submitting final offers for Cox Enterprises' 14 broadcast TV stations at the end of January, according to people familiar with the matter. Final bids are due by Jan. 30, said the people, who asked not to be named because the process is private. A deal could fetch more than $2 billion, and possibly close to $3 billion, the people said. Nexstar had also been interested in the stations but has bowed out after announcing a $4.1 billion deal for Tribune in December. Cox, which is privately held, announced its intention to sell the stations in June. Broadcast TV stations have been consolidating for years as owners look for negotiating leverage against pay-TV providers, who pay them retransmission fees for the right to carry their stations. Owning a lot of stations gives owners more negotiating power because they can threaten to black out popular stations, such as NBC, CBS, ABC and Fox, to large swaths of people. TEGNA split from Gannett Co. in 2015 after the media company separated its broadcast TV stations and several websites from its publishing assets. The company, with an enterprise value of $5.6 billion, is one of the largest U.S. broadcast TV owners with 49 stations in 41 states. EW Scripps announced in October it had acquired 15 stations in 10 markets from Cordillera Communications for about $520 million, boosting its total amount of stations from 36 to 51. That deal could make the company less likely to win an auction for Cox, although it shouldn't preclude Scripps from making an offer, one of the people said. Hearst, which is closely held, unlike publicly traded TEGNA and Scripps, owns 32 stations. "It is clear that scale is critical for TV affiliates to be positioned well for the future," Cox Enterprises CEO Alex Taylor said in a statement when the company announced its intention to sell. The stations include Atlanta's ABC affiliate, WSB-TV; Pittsburgh's NBC affiliate, WPXI; Boston's Fox affiliate, WFXT; and stations in cities around the U.S. including Seattle, Orlando and Memphis. Spokespeople for Cox, TEGNA and Hearst declined to comment. A spokesperson for EW Scripps couldn't immediately be reached for comment. WATCH: Lot of demand to fill is great for Viacom, says CEO Bob Bakish President Donald Trump announced on Twitter on Thursday he will not be attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, citing his standoff with Democrats over border wall funding. Tweet Earlier, senior administration officials said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin was likely to lead the U.S. delegation to the forum even if the government remained closed when the three-day conference starts Jan. 22. However, they said Mnuchin will likely lead a smaller-than-expected group to Switzerland if a large chunk of the government remains closed. Trump had told reporters earlier Thursday he planned to go to Davos but would stay home if the shutdown continued. The loose contingency plans emerged as Trump and congressional Republicans battle Democrats over funding for the president's proposed southern border wall. Trump has refused to sign bills to fund about a quarter of the federal government that do not include money to pay for the barrier. "The shutdown determines everything" about who will go to Davos, a senior administration official told CNBC. The official declined to give more details. Media representatives for the White House and Treasury declined to comment. The elite annual conference brings together top-tier business executives and world leaders. This year's theme is "Globalization 4.0: Shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution." As in years past, some business allies of Trump will be at the event, including Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman, according to a company spokesman. Opponents of the president will be attending, as well. A spokesman for liberal billionaire and staunch Trump critic George Soros says he will be at Davos this year. Trump has positioned himself as an opponent of globalism, although he attended the forum last year to make his "America First" pitch on the world stage. White House officials who had been planning to attend the forum but are involved with the ongoing deliberations over the shutdown and the wall include Trump son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen. Before Trump announced his cancellation, a person close to Nielsen told CNBC that if the president did not go to Davos, she also would not attend. "She will follow the president's lead," this person said. A spokesman for Nielsen did not return a request for comment. Trump has asked for over $5 billion in funding for the border wall in exchange for government funding. Democrats, led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have refused to budge. In December, the GOP-controlled Senate unanimously approved a bill to keep the government running through Feb. 8, without money for a border wall. The president, in turn, is threatening to declare a national emergency in order to divert funding for improving border security and building the wall. "If we don't make a deal, I would say it would be very surprising to me that I wouldn't declare a national emergency," Trump told reporters Thursday. Secondary Trading Notice Sydney, Jan 10, 2019 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Collaborate Corporation Limited ( ASX:CL8 ) (Collaborate or the Company) confirms that it has issued the following fully paid ordinary shares under the controlled placement deed (CPD) with Acuity Capital:- 20,000,000 Shares at nil consideration to Acuity Capital (Collateral Shares); and- 2,500,000 Shares in consideration for entering into the CPA (Transaction Fee Shares) together, the Shares.The Collateral Shares and Transaction Fee Shares were issued under the Company's 15% placement capacity under Listing Rule 7.1. An Appendix 3B applying for quotation of the Collateral Shares and Transaction Fee Shares follows this announcement.Secondary Trading Notice Pursuant to Paragraph 708A(5)(e) of the Corporations Act 2001 ("Act")The Act restricts the on-sale of securities issued without disclosure, unless the sale is exempt under section 708 or 708A of the Act. By giving this notice, a sale of the Shares noted above will fall within the exemption in section 708A(5) of the Act.The Company hereby notifies ASX under paragraph 708A(5)(e) of the Act that:(a) the Company issued the Shares without disclosure to investors under Part 6D.2 of the Act;(b) as at the date of this Notice, the Company has complied with the provisions of Chapter 2M of the Act as they apply to the Company, and section 674 of the Act; and(c) as at the date of this Notice, there is no information:(i) that has been excluded from a continuous disclosure notice in accordance with the ASX Listing Rules; and(ii) that investor and their professional advisers would reasonably require for the purpose of making an informed assessment of:a. the assets and liabilities, financial position and performance, profits and losses and prospects of the Company; orb. the rights and liabilities attaching to the relevant Shares.To view the announcement, please visit:About Collaborate Corporation Ltd Collaborate Corporation Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX:CL8). It is Australia's leading listed company focused on 'collaborative consumption', 'peer-to-peer' or 'sharing economy' businesses. Collaborate currently has three core business segments: www.DriveMyCar.com.au Australia's leading peer-to-peer car rental business; www.MyCaravan.com.au Australia's leading peer-to-peer caravan rental business; and www.Mobilise.com an online hire marketplace to unlock the enormous potential of under-utilised assets. Through our proprietary trust and reputation platform, www.peerpass.com.au we create 'trust' between individuals and make it possible for people to safely transact with each other in the sharing economy. A demonstrator dressed as Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (C) with blood on his hands protests outside the Saudi Embassy in Washington, DC, on October 8, 2018, demanding justice for missing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Saudi Arabia raised $7.5 billion in its first dollar bond sale since the killing of Saudi dissident and U.S. resident Jamal Khashoggi incited an international uproar. Khashoggi's killing sparked concerns that international investors would shun the kingdom. Saudi Arabia is prosecuting several agents and officials allegedly involved in the slaying at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. Riyadh denies that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was involved in the murder, but the CIA has reportedly concluded that the king-in-waiting was complicit in the killing. While some business executives have cut ties with the kingdom over the incident, bond buyers do not appear ready to overlook an investment opportunity in Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter. The issuance was nearly four times oversubscribed, with the order book peaking at $27.5 billion, according to the Saudi Ministry of Finance. Saudi Arabia sold $4 billion in 10-year notes that mature in 2029, and $3.5 billion in in 31-year notes that come due in 2050. U.S.-based investors accounted for 40 percent of the 2029 bond purchases and 45 percent of the 2050 debt, according to Reuters. On Wednesday, Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said state-owned oil giant Aramco will issue bonds in the second quarter of this year. The debt will most likely be issued in dollars, he said. WATCH: Turkish foreign minister says Saudis have heard Khashoggi killing audio Awarded Contract to Support US Government Customer Gaithersburg, MD, Jan 10, 2019 AEST (ABN Newswire) - UltiSat, Inc., a Speedcast Company ( ASX:SDA ) ( OTCMKTS:SPPDF ), was awarded a 5-year, US$23M contract in support of a significant defense contractor to provide reliable and secure meshed/managed network services for the U.S. Government. The US$23M contract value is for the core services and does not include pre-priced incremental services with significant upside potential. During the term of the contract, UltiSat will provide fully managed Internet, VoIP, and business application services at Forward Operating Base (FOB) locations across the Middle East and Southwest Asia. In accordance with common US Government procurement practice, the contract is subject to an annual review and approval process."UltiSat is proud to be part of an incredible team providing satellite, microwave and terrestrial fiber communications services to support our military," said Garr Stephenson, Senior Vice President of ISR and Mobility Solutions. "UltiSat's world class network and 24/7 Secure Network Operations Center form the critical components to ensure the success of the program. Our expert and proactive staff alerts our customers of problems with their network often times even before they are aware. Problems are escalated to engineers in real-time and are sorted out and resolved to get connectivity up and restored with the utmost urgency. Our customer is very appreciative of our rapid response to this program's dynamic, emerging and evolving needs."About UltiSat:UltiSat Inc., a Speedcast Company, is a global leader in the provision of mission-critical, managed network solutions and high-touch professional services. Our products and services incorporate Fixed Satellite Service (FSS), Mobile Satellite Service (MSS), wireless and terrestrial technologies. We support a wide array of customer applications including treaty compliance monitoring, broadband connectivity for Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR), logistics management, maritime and tactical converged networks, and Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (AISR). UltiSat solutions are offered to end users in some of the most remote and harsh locations in over 135 countries on 7 continents around the globe. With customer networks that vary from a few sites to hundreds of locations, UltiSat's technical expertise and technology-agnostic approach ensures that our customers get the best-fit/best-value solutions. UltiSat customers include U.S. and foreign government agencies, government contractors, and Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGOs). For more information, please visit http://www.ultisat.com About Speedcast International Ltd Speedcast International Ltd (ASX:SDA) is the world's most trusted communications and IT services provider, delivering critical communications solutions to the Maritime, Energy, Mining, Media, Telecom, Cruise, NGO, Government, and Enterprise sectors. With more satellite capacity than any other provider, Speedcast enables faster, seamless pole-to-pole coverage from a global hybrid satellite, fiber, cellular, microwave, MPLS, and IP transport network with direct access to public cloud platforms. The company also integrates differentiated technology offerings that provide smarter ways to communicate and distribute content, manage network and remote operations, protect and secure investments, and improve the crew and guest experience. With a passionate customer focus and a strong safety culture, Speedcast serves more than 3,200 customers in over 140 countries. Learn more at www.speedcast.com. Beijing's efforts to prop up a slowing Chinese economy, in the middle of an ongoing trade war with Washington, is pushing the government to introduce previously untested policies, according to a senior analyst at Moody's Investors Service. While official data have indicated that China's economy held up for much of last year, cracks have started appearing in recent months as production metrics and export orders fell. After decades of breakneck growth, the world's second-largest economy was already facing domestic headwinds even before the escalation in trade tensions with the U.S. But the tariff war has piled on additional pressure on China's economy. "We see growth in China slowing to 6 percent," Christian Fang, an assistant vice president-analyst at Moody's, told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday. "I think the bigger issue for us is that policy trade-offs have increased in China. On the one hand, there is this broader campaign of de-risking, deleveraging, but policy also seems to be shifting slightly towards growth supporting growth." "Some of the tools in the policy response they have meted out are untested," he added. "Tax cuts, for instance, we don't know what the businesses and the consumers how they would respond to the tax cuts." In last few months, Beijing has announced several measures aimed at propping up its economy. On Wednesday, state media reported that China will be granting more tax breaks to small firms. The measures include substantial cuts in business income tax rates and an increase in the tax threshold, with the aim of saving small and micro firms a total of 200 billion yuan ($30 billion) each year, according to Xinhua. The People's Bank of China said last Friday it will cut the amount of reserves that banks are required to hold by 1 percentage point this month that means banks would have more money to lend to customers. In December, the Chinese central bank introduced a new tool to encourage commercial banks to give out more loans to smaller firms. The measures to spur growth, which theoretically could saddle the economy with more debt, is creating a trade-off with Beijing's efforts to clean up its financial system. Experts have said that the ongoing trade war with the U.S. is forcing China to retreat from its own anti-debt battle while others have suggested the country hasn't done enough to stimulate the economy. "Since mid-2018, China's authorities have eased policy through targeted liquidity measures, taxation changes and infrastructure spending, which will shore up growth," Fang and his colleagues at Moody's wrote in a Jan 10. report. "However, designing and implementing policy that simultaneously buffers the shock of the US trade tariffs and potential further restrictions while continuing deleveraging and derisking without triggering too sharp a slowdown in growth, poses complex trade-offs," they added. The U.S. and China on Wednesday concluded a three-day round of trade talks in Beijing, which analysts said revealed signs of modest progress. Australian police said on Thursday they had arrested a 48-year-old man for sending as many as 38 suspicious packages to diplomatic embassies and consulates across the country. More than a dozen foreign offices received suspicious packages on Wednesday, including the U.S. and British missions in Melbourne. The man was charged with sending dangerous articles through a postal service and the maximum penalty for the offense is 10 years imprisonment, the Australian Federal Police said in a statement. There was no ongoing threat to the general public, the AFP said. Police have so far recovered 29 of the 38 parcels but are yet to determine the exact composition of the material in them. Australian media reported on Wednesday the parcels appeared to contain plastic bags of concrete and asbestos, with "asbestos" written on at least one of the bags. The Age newspaper reported that one firefighter was seen outside the South Korean consulate carrying a large plastic bag with the word "asbestos" written on it. Other missions in Melbourne reported by media to have received suspicious packages included those representing Greece, Italy, Spain, Thailand, India, Japan, Pakistan, Egypt, Denmark and Switzerland. Reuters could not confirm the reports. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said it had sent an email to all diplomatic missions in Canberra earlier this week after three offices in the capital and Sydney received suspicious packages. It subsequently sent similar advice to missions around Australia. "The note advised missions to handle mail in accordance with their own government's protocols and instructions," a DFAT spokesman said. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said during a visit to China his country would try to make a second summit with U.S. President Donald Trump achieve a result that the international community would welcome, China's Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday. Kim also told Chinese President Xi Jinping he hoped relevant sides would take North Korea's "reasonable concerns" seriously and respond to them to promote a comprehensive resolution on the Korean peninsula, China's official news agency said. The visit to China, Kim's fourth in the past year, followed reports of advanced negotiations for a second summit between Washington and Pyongyang aimed at resolving the standoff over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. Kim and Trump pledged to work towards denuclearization at their landmark summit in Singapore in June but the agreement was short on specifics. Negotiations have made little headway since. "The DPRK will continue sticking to the stance of denuclearization and resolving the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue and consultation, and make efforts for the second summit between DPRK and U.S. leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community," Xinhua quoted Kim as saying. DPRK, or the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is North Korea's official name. The Chinese state news agency described the atmosphere in talks between Kim and Xi as "cordial and friendly" and said the two reached important consensus, agreeing to make joint efforts to promote development. It said China supported the North's adherence to "the direction of denuclearization" on the peninsula and the improvement of inter-Korean relations. Beijing also supported U.S.-North Korean summits and the use of dialogue to resolve concerns, it quoted Xi as saying. "China hopes that the DPRK and the United States will meet each other halfway," it said. Energy has soared into 2019 as the best-performing sector so far this year, a stark contrast to last year when it was the worst sector in the market. The gains have been led by the rebound oil prices, which after a precipitous drop from highs have just posted their best win streak since July 2017. The XLE exchange-traded fund, which tracks the energy space has soared nearly 16 percent off the December market lows. However, Bill Baruch, president of Blue Line Futures, warns investors looking to play the broader energy space that it might be too little too late. "Trading it is one thing but if you're going to buy this as an investment right here you can't let FOMO [fear of missing out] kind of take over," he said Wednesday on CNBC's "Trading Nation." Despite the recent surge the XLE is still down 20 percent from its October highs and Baruch said there could be resistance ahead. "Where I'm looking at is a retracement from the highs and the 50-day moving average that come in the mid-63s area. So we've got to get a close above there," he said. Stacey Gilbert, head of derivative strategy at Susquehanna, also offers caution over owning the entire energy space, however she remains optimistic on individual names in the group. "Our analysts have both highlighted [that] you have to focus on the good balance sheets, particularly those with free cash flow growth here," she explained. In particular, Gilbert highlights names in the oil services space like Schlumberger and Halliburton. Both are lagging the broader move in the energy sector, but are up double-digits off those December lows. "Investors continue to basically maintain that upside positioning in both names," she said. Additionally, Gilbert likes oil exploration company Pioneer Natural Resources, with the firm targeting a 30 percent move higher from its current levels. "We certainly think there continues to be attractive options in the energy space and the options market would agree with us," she said. As an airliner prepares to land, a bird takes off at the Gravelly Point park that's just off the end of the runway near Reagan National Airport. Airlines can't get federal officials to sign off on new planes and routes amid the U.S. government shutdown, while keeping federal aviation workers furloughed or unpaid altogether threatens the country's key aviation sector, industry members said Thursday. Some 800,000 government workers have been furloughed or are working without pay since the partial government shutdown began on Dec. 22. About 420,000 of them, including Transportation Security Administration screeners and air traffic controllers, have been deemed essential and are required to work. TSA officers are set to miss their first paycheck on Friday. "As the partial government shutdown continues, the human and economic consequences are increasing and doing greater harm," aviation industry members wrote in a letter to President Donald Trump, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. They said the shutdown is impacting a wide swath of the sector and could hurt federal agencies' ability to hire and retain key aviation employees such as customs and TSA screeners and federal testing of new mechanics. Airlines need federal safety inspectors to debut new aircraft. For example, Delta Air Lines scheduled a launch Jan. 31 of its brand-new Airbus A220, a plane it's using to court business travelers with bigger seats and windows. It needs to fly with FAA safety inspectors before the aircraft can be introduced to the public. Additionally, Southwest Airlines is awaiting government approval to begin service to Hawaii. "This partial shutdown has already inflicted real damage to our nation's aviation system and the impacts will only worsen over time," said the letter, signed by unions representing pilots, flight attendants and mechanics, and a trade group that represents American Airlines, United Airlines and FedEx, among other large carriers. Investors are starting to take note. Jamie Baker, airline analyst at J.P. Morgan Chase, said even if the government reopens soon, it could ding first-quarter airline revenues and said "idled workers are increasingly unlikely to plan lavish summer vacations." Google doesn't need to guarantee the "right to be forgotten" to users outside of the European Union, an advisor to the EU's top court said Thursday. The written opinion by an advocate general in the European Court of Justice is an important step in the question of how much tech companies like Google must apply Europe's strict privacy laws to operations in other parts of the world. The "right to be forgotten" is a part of an EU law established in 2014 that requires search engines to delete personal information about users if it's deemed irrelevant or excessive. For example, an individual can ask Google to remove links including personal contact information. The decision to remove a link is weighed against factors such as the individual's role in public life. Since 2014, Google has received nearly 3 million requests to "delist" web addresses from users across Europe. In a written opinion on Thursday, Advocate General Maciej Szpunar said he is "not in favor of giving the provisions of EU law such a broad interpretation that they would have effects beyond the borders of the 28 Member States." "The opinion contains a clear recommendation that the right to remove search results from Google should not have global effect," said Richard Cumbley, the partner and global head of technology at London-based law firm Linklaters, in an email to CNBC. "There are a number of good reasons for this, including the risk other states would also try and suppress search results on a global basis." Michael Cohen, former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, exits federal court, November 29, 2018 in New York City. Drew Angerer | Getty Images Michael Cohen, the former personal lawyer and fixer for President Donald Trump, has agreed to testify publicly before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in February a month before he will begin to serve a three-year prison sentence for a range of crimes, including those related to Trump. Cohen said his planned Feb. 7 appearance in an open session of the House committee is voluntary. The testimony will give him the opportunity "to give a full and credible account of the events that have transpired," Cohen said. When asked about Cohen's planned testimony, Trump said, "I'm not worried about it at all." The hearing will come 2 months after Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about details of an aborted Trump real estate project in Moscow. Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., the Oversight Committee's chairman, announced Cohen would testify. Later, the House Intelligence Committee Chairman, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said that "it will be necessary, however, for Mr. Cohen to answer questions pertaining to the Russia investigation, and we hope to schedule a closed session before our committee in the near future." The House last week came under the control of the new Democratic majority, which has vowed to use its power to investigate a range of controversies involving Trump and his administration. Cohen's decision to testify before the Oversight Committee is the latest example of his radical transformation from a hardcore Trump loyalist who once said he would be willing to "take a bullet" for the president to a harsh critic of and significant legal threat to Trump. Cohen, 52, had worked as Trump's lawyer for years when the president was a real estate developer in New York and star of "The Apprentice" reality television show. His association with Trump began unraveling last April, when FBI agents raided his office and residences in Manhattan, seizing evidence that led to his guilty pleas to a raft of federal crimes months later. In his full statement released Thursday by his attorney Lanny Davis, Cohen said: "In furtherance of my commitment to cooperate and provide the American people with answers, I have accepted the invitation by Chairman Elijah Cummings to appear publicly on February 7th before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform." "I look forward to having the privilege of being afforded a platform with which to give a full and credible account of the events which have transpired," Cohen said. Cummings said, "I thank Michael Cohen for agreeing to testify before the Oversight Committee voluntarily." Republican Eric Cantor, a former House majority leader, has a message for Democrats: President Donald Trump will not reopen the government until a border security deal is worked out to fund a barrier along parts of the U.S.-Mexico divide. "With my experience down there [on Capitol Hill], it doesn't look like to me that there's a deal in the works," said Cantor, who was a congressman from Virginia from 2001 to 2014, with much of his time there in leadership positions. He left Congress after losing the 2014 Republican primary to David Brat, a tea party-affiliated economics professor. In turn, Brat, an ally of Trump, lost his bid for a third, two-year term in the 2018 November midterms, which flipped the House majority from the GOP to the Democrats. Appearing with Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., on CNBC's "Squawk Box" in New York, Cantor said: "The question is when is the president going to come your way? I don't think that is going to happen." "I don't see this president backing down," said Cantor, now vice chairman and managing director at investment bank Moelis & Co. "At the end of day, the president is not going to reopen without the wall." Gottheimer, a Financial Services Committee member and co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, disagreed, saying there's a deal to be had. "You can have tough borders and reopen the government," he said. Shortly after Cantor and Gottheimer appeared on CNBC, Trump doubled down on his way to Texas, saying if there's no wall deal he would be very surprised if he did not declare a national emergency. Such a move would certainly face legal hurdles but could give Trump the ability to use the military to build the wall instead of getting Congress to approve the funding for it. The standoff over the wall has resulted in a partial government shutdown, now in its 20th day. If the shutdown extends to Friday, it will be tie with the one in 1995-96 as the longest ever. Also Friday, more than 800,000 federal workers will start missing paychecks. "It's not just, by the way, the paychecks which are going to hurt a lot of people and I think you're going to hear about that but it's affecting everyone's lives," Gottheimer said. "Whether it's a line at the airport; it's getting those IRS refund checks back; it's the businesses that we keep hearing from that can't get their small business loans; it's really having an impact on the economy." In the latest high-level attempt to end the funding stalemate, Trump on Wednesday stormed out of a meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, calling it "a total waste of time." Gottheimer said, "The idea of walking away is unacceptable. We've got to get the government back open. People are suffering. It's costing businesses in my district. It's costing businesses across the country. And on top of that, we've got to have tough borders. We need to make sure we keep out terrorists and criminals and gang members and drug dealers. But there's not a reason you can't do both." Trump was scheduled to travel to the border city of McAllen, Texas, on Thursday to call more attention to what he describes as an illegal immigration crisis. To-do list, if you are Elon Musk: Replace petroleum-powered cars with electric Teslas. Build a city on Mars with SpaceX. Construct tunnels under Los Angeles to alleviate traffic congestion with The Boring Company. Connect the human brain to computers via Neuralink. And now there's another to-do: Build flying Roadsters with rocket technology. So says the billionaire tech CEO via Twitter. On Wednesday, Musk tweeted a GIF of a car levitating, with blue light shooting from its wheels. With the animation he wrote, "the new Roadster will actually do something like this." The Roadster is Tesla's highest end supercar, with prices starting at $200,000, according to the Tesla website. The new Roadster will actually do something like this Technology YouTuber Marques Brownlee responded, "The thing is I feel like you're not joking." To which Musk replied, "I'm not. Will use SpaceX cold gas thruster system with ultra high pressure air in a composite over-wrapped pressure vessel in place of the 2 rear seats." I'm not. Will use SpaceX cold gas thruster system with ultra high pressure air in a composite over-wrapped pressure vessel in place of the 2 rear seats. A Tesla with rocket technology would also be able to accelerate very quickly, according to Musk. "You can basically accelerate at the limit of human endurance," he says. Plus, you can basically accelerate at the limit of human endurance Tesla has nothing to add to Musk's tweet, a spokesperson for Tesla tells CNBC Make It. But this is not the first time Musk has talked about flying Teslas. In 2017, Musk teased the possibility. "Not saying the next gen Roadster special upgrade package *will* definitely enable it to fly short hops, but maybe Certainly possible. Just a question of safety. Rocket tech applied to a car opens up revolutionary possibilities," he tweeted that November. Musk is not alone in his pursuit of flying vehicles. Google co-founder Larry Page is also pursuing flying cars with Kitty Hawk, in which he is an investor. In February, Kitty Hawk CEO Sebastian Thrun told CNBC that flying cars could be in the air within five years. A flying car, reviewed: We test the Kitty Hawk Flyerthe kind of electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing vehicle that could soon fill the skies "The reality is if you look at transportation as a whole, most of it stays on the ground. And the ground is very capacity limited when you go in the air, the air is mostly free. And you are now at a point where we can make air-based transportation, like daily transpiration, safer, faster and also more cheaper actually, environmentally friendly, than on the ground," Thrun told CNBC at the World Government Summit in Dubai. What are you up to today? However, Musk's own The Boring Company, which is currently digging tunnels under Los Angeles, communicates skepticism: "To alleviate traffic...[o]ne option is to 'go up' with flying cars. However, flying cars have issues with weather, noise, and generally increase anxiety levels of those below them," the company's website says. See also: Flying cars will be in the air within five years, CEO of Larry Page-backed firm says Elon Musk teases flying cars: 'Rocket tech applied to a car opens up revolutionary possibilities' Larry Page's newest flying car is fit for one and operated by joystick Doreza, Esmeraldo February 28, 1949 - January 7th, 2019Esmeraldo Essy Doreza traveled to his heavenly home on Monday, January 7th, 2019. He was devoted to his family and his strong belief in God supported him and his wife Pat, while battling brain cancer.He was born in Iloilo, Philippines on February 28th, 1949 to Primo andLilia (Guevera) Doreza. He earned his civil engineer degree at St ThomasUniversity. After college he entertained our Vietnam troops for severalyears in Manilla. This brought him great pleasure. After coming to the UShe played with the Vic Dana Band traveling across the whole country entertaining thousands. After settling in Paducah, Kentucky he entertained at Stacey's Supper Club till they closed then at the pub at the Executive Inn till their closure. His musical abilities are astonishing!Essy was blessed with a large loving family all across the states, Canadaand the Philippines. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Pat, a daughter Maranda Doreza, a step son Chad (Christy) Patterson of Orange Beach, Alabama and one granddaughter Carly Lou Patterson also of OrangeBeach, Alabama. Rex (Mae) Doreza his brother from Las Vegas, Nevada and Mar (Bella) Doreza of the Philippines. Numerous Aunts, Uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Primo and Lilia Doreza, his older brother Dr. Edsel Doreza and his sister Rosalinda (Doreza) Dizon.A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Paxton Park Golf Course. You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle online at www.hughesfuneral.com. Hughes Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements. China's President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump attend a state dinner at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, November 9, 2017. The U.S. side had issued its own statement earlier in the day, noting a long list of outstanding issues, but also recognizing that China had pledged to purchase "a substantial amount of agricultural, energy, manufactured goods, and other products and services from the United States." From Jan. 7 to 9, China and the U.S. held discussions in Beijing at a vice-ministerial level over the issue of trade. Both sides enthusiastically implemented the important agreement of the heads of both countries, and held broad, deep and meticulous discussions on shared observations on trade issues and structural problems, laying the foundation for addressing areas of common concern. Both sides agreed to continue to keep in close contact. In a Thursday morning statement, China's Commerce Ministry said the just-concluded round of trade talks with the U.S. were extensive and established a foundation for the resolution of each others' concerns. The talks lasted for three days in Beijing one day longer than had been previously announced, which analysts said indicated the discussions were making some progress. Gao Feng, a spokesman for China's Commerce Ministry, said Thursday afternoon that the length of the meeting indicated that both sides were serious and honest. He added that the structural issues that made progress during the talks included forced tech transfers and the protection of intellectual property rights. Another signal that experts cheered: China's top trade negotiator Liu He reportedly stopped by the negotiating room on Monday, which was unexpected given that the talks were just meant to be held at the vice-ministerial level. During a Chinese foreign ministry briefing on Monday, spokesperson Lu Kang said that "China is sincere about properly resolving trade frictions on the basis of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and reciprocity," according to an official translation. He would not confirm a media report saying Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan will meet with US President Trump during the World Economic Forum's 2019 Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. In early December, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to a temporary ceasefire, giving both sides until March to reach some agreement on trade and issues such as the forced transfer of technology. Trade tensions between the world's two largest economies escalated last year, putting global stock markets on edge. The U.S. announced tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods, while Beijing countered with its own. CNBC's Evelyn Cheng and Reuters contributed to this report. WATCH: The clash between Chinese and American trade objectives Asia markets mostly slipped on Thursday following lower-than-expected Chinese inflation data while investors digested the conclusion of a three-day trade negotiation between the Beijing and Washington. Mainland Chinese markets, watched by investors in relation to the ongoing trade war, experienced a turbulent trading day that saw stocks close in negative territory. The Shanghai composite slipped 0.36 percent to close at 2,535.28 while the Shenzhen composite shed 0.265 percent to 1,303.48. The Shenzhen component also fell 0.259 percent to close at around 7,428.61. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was largely flat in its final hour of trade, with shares of Chinese tech giant Tencent gaining 0.31 percent. The moves came after official Chinese inflation data for December, released at the same time as the market open, came in below expectations. China's December consumer inflation (CPI) a gauge of prices for goods and services rose 1.9 percent on year. That was lower than economists' expectations of a 2.1 percent growth, according to a Reuters' poll. Producer inflation rose 0.9 percent on-year in December, which was lower than the 1.6 percent economists were expecting. The latest inflation figures came on the back of poorer-than-expected Chinese manufacturing data for December. Economic data from the world's second-largest economy has been closely watched by investors for signs of damage inflicted by the trade war between Beijing and Washington. To stimulate a slowing economy, the Chinese government has taken measures such as reducing the reserves required to be held by banks in the country to encourage lending. "There is clearly a big slowdown ... (in) the Chinese economy and the measures so far are not enough to revive (it). At best, they could stabilize the situation probably in the second half, and we're still at the beginning of the first quarter," David Gaud, chief investment officer of Asia at Pictet Wealth Management, told CNBC's "Street Signs" on Thursday. "Whatever they do right now, it's gonna be really tough and the first quarter is going to be challenging," said Gaud. US President Donald Trump (L) looks up as he sits beside China's President Xi Jinping (R) during a tour of the Forbidden City in Beijing on November 8, 2017. In the wake of the latest round of trade talks between officials from Washington and Beijing, outside observers are noting that some progress appears to have been made but there's still a long way to go before a meaningful deal. On Wednesday, the U.S. trade delegation released a statement noting a long list of outstanding issues in the relationship between the world's two largest economies including "forced technology transfer, intellectual property protection, non-tariff barriers, cyber intrusions and cyber theft of trade secrets for commercial purposes, services, and agriculture." Still the official statement also recognized that China had pledged to buy "a substantial amount of agricultural, energy, manufactured goods, and other products and services" from the U.S. Some analysts said that language, in addition to the meeting extending to a previously unannounced third day, indicated some potential thawing in the dispute. "There were several signs of modest progress from these mid-level talks. First, negotiations went a day over the original schedule, indicating enough substantive discussion to at least keep officials at the table. Day three reportedly focused on the more knotty structural issues raised by the US side in detailed demands presented to Beijing in May 2018," a group of experts from political risk consultancy Eurasia Group wrote in a Wednesday note. They added: "Second, (the U.S. Trade Representative's) statement noted that China has pledged to purchase a 'substantial amount' of US exports, including agriculture, energy and manufactured goods. That language suggests that, as we expected, Beijing is carrying out a strategy of aggressively purchasing US goods playing to (U.S. President Donald Trump's) focus on reducing the trade deficit in the hopes that it lessens the pressure on China to undertake difficult structural measures." China, for its part, said in a Thursday morning statement issued by its Commerce Ministry that the just-concluded round of trade talks with the U.S. were extensive and established a platform for future discussions. "Both sides ... held broad, deep and meticulous discussions on shared observations on trade issues and structural problems, laying the foundation for addressing areas of common concern," the statement said, according to a CNBC translation of the original Chinese. Even before the talks were extended into a third day, the analyst community was already seeing a positive sign when China's top trade negotiator, Liu He, reportedly stopped by the negotiating room on Monday. Given the vice-ministerial level of the talks, that was interpreted as a strong signal that Beijing was taking negotiations seriously. In early December, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to a temporary ceasefire, giving both sides until March to reach some agreement on trade and issues such as the forced transfer of technology. Trade tensions between the world's two largest economies escalated last year, putting global markets on edge. The U.S. announced tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods, while Beijing countered with its own battery of levies. Both parties, the Beijing ministry said, agreed to maintain close contact. In response to the U.S. statement on the talks, U.S.-China Business Council President Craig Allen said in a release that his group was "pleased that the two governments had substantive discussions over the past three days." Still, he noted that the business community is concerned about more than just the overall balance of trade between the two economic superpowers a problem that is at least partially addressed by Beijing's pledge to purchase more U.S. goods and services. "We urge both governments to use the time remaining in the 90-day negotiating period to make tangible progress on the important issues at the core of the current dispute: equal treatment of foreign companies in China, as well as China's intellectual property and technology transfer policies," Allen said. Beijing has denied that it forces foreign companies to transfer technology to Chinese parties in exchange for market access, but it has in various ways acknowledged that it could do more to allow overseas players an equal footing within its borders. To what extent such reforms are truly on the Communist Party's agenda remains a matter of debate. Another "elephant in the room" in the trade relations between China and the U.S. is additional tariffs that both countries have imposed on each other's products, said Eric Robertsen, head of global macro strategy at Standard Chartered. "Now, trade is only one part of this, the bigger picture issues around intellectual property, forced sharing of technology et cetera I don't think those get addressed in the short term," Robertsen told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday. "Remember, the thing that we have to solve for is getting to the end of the negotiating period and making sure that enough progress has been made so that tariffs not lifted, we still have that elephant in the room of tariffs," he added. Furloughed federal workers, joined by elected officials, hold up sings to protest the federal government shutdown during a non-partisan rally at Independence Mall, in Philadelphia, PA, on January 8, 2019. As a result, unemployment offices are reporting an uptick in claims from federal workers. Among the applicants: a scientist at the Environmental Protection Agency, a judge for the Department of Housing and Urban Development and a data analyst at the Department of Transportation. Some 800,000 federal workers across the country find themselves in financial uncertainty as the government shutdown drags into its third week. President Donald Trump has said the stalemate could persist for "months or even years ." "It seems like it's going to go on forever," Kohler, 55, said, from his house in Covington, Kentucky. "I need to eat." A few days ago, Will Kohler, a tax examiner for the IRS, filed for unemployment. He's been out of work for three weeks now due to the gridlock in Washington, D.C. More than 4,700 federal employees filed for unemployment in the last week of December, compared with 929 the week prior, according to the Department of Labor. There is no federal data available yet for the first week of January. Unemployment rules vary by state; generally the government provides benefits to eligible workers who have lost a job "through no fault of their own," for a maximum of 26 weeks. In New York, more than 900 furloughed federal workers have applied for the benefit. In the first week of January, 114 federal employees in Alabama filed for unemployment, compared with just 16 the previous week. "It makes a lot of sense with all the uncertainty people are facing," said Michele Evermore, a senior policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project. Tweet Essential workers typically are not eligible for the benefit because they're still showing up to a job, although furloughed workers likely will qualify. Many of the 4 million government contractors who have seen their paychecks come to a halt are eligible, as well. Andrew Leyder, 27, a data analyst on contract at the Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C., applied for unemployment in the second week of the shutdown and has already been approved. "I didn't think it could have come down to this," he said. "Though unemployment insurance won't cover all of my expenses, the weekly payout is better than nothing." Tweet Without unemployment, Leyder said, he would have to move back home with his family in Michigan. "I have co-workers who are maxing out their credit cards in order to survive these past few weeks," he said. He's looking for another job in case the shutdown doesn't end soon, though he's not too optimistic that he'll be able to find one. "Being in D.C. where the majority of us work for the government, it's very hard to find another job when everyone is also trying to find a new job," he said. Some states have a waiting period before workers qualify for unemployment and the application process can take weeks. Government workers might hit another roadblock: no one is at their office to verify their lack of employment. Gabrielle Roesch is currently waiting to receive her first unemployment check. In the meantime, the post-doctorate fellow at the Department of Agriculture has postponed her bills and stopped saving with her husband for retirement. "I'm really concerned about digging into the little savings we do have," Roesch, 37, said. To keep receiving her unemployment benefit in Oregon, she must prove that she's looking for work, including making contact with at least two other organizations each week. "It's very odd because I have a full-time job that's really important to me," she said. Tweet Federal workers will have to pay back any money they receive under the program if Congress passes legislation to compensate them for the period the government was closed. Whitney Brown, a curator at the Smithsonian Institution, applied for unemployment a few days ago. She worries about making her mortgage payment and other bills, without falling deeper into credit card debt. "People say, 'Go get a job, delivering pizza,'" Brown, 35, said. "It's not that simple. I'm accountable to this job in Washington." Tweet More from Personal Finance Auto debt in America mapped Nearly 40,000 mortgages could be caught up in the shutdown How you manage debt will affect those retirement dreams Industry observers expected that the marijuana legalization trend in the U.S. would hurt liquor sales, but a new study from a booze trade association says that hasn't been the case in the three states where weed has been legal the longest. Overall industry trends remained consistent, according to the Distilled Spirits Council, which did the study. Spirits sales went up in the three states Colorado, Oregon and Washington state although wine and beer stayed on their mixed to negative course. "At this point, we've seen no impact on spirit sales from legalized recreational marijuana," said Chris Swonger, the council's CEO. The council analyzed per-capita alcohol sales in the three states for the two years prior to marijuana being legalized and up to four years after using state-level alcohol tax receipts and shipment data. Sales of spirits increased in all three states, from 3.6 percent in Oregon to 7.6 percent in Colorado. However, wine sales were mixed. They were up in Colorado and Oregon, but down in Washington state. Beer sales, which have been losing market share to spirits and wine over the last decade to begin with, were down in all three states. "The trends in alcohol have been fairly consistent regardless of whether or not you have legalized recreational marijuana in a state or not," said David Ozgo, the council's chief economist. The study found that overall sales of spirits, wine and beer were roughly flat. Colorado was up 1.7 percent, while Washington state and Oregon were both down 0.2 percent and 0.5 percent, respectively. Cowen analyst Vivien Azer said low-end beer sales are most at risk as the greatest number of pot smokers continues to be lower-income white men. "Distilled spirits and wine are more insulated than beer," Azer said, pointing to the growing popularity of cocktails and that women tend to prefer wine over beer. Still, analysts expect pot to take up a greater share of consumers' disposable income as marijuana consumption takes new forms and gains social acceptance. "It's a little early for people to say no impact" said Canaccord Genuity managing director Bobby Burleson, "I think these things change very, very quickly with different generations and demographic groups coming into the consumption category." Ten states and Washington, D.C., have legalized recreational marijuana. Several more are considering legalization in 2019. Technology companies that work with the U.S. government could get hit as the shutdown over a border wall continues, some analysts say. It's not the only way the government shutdown, which began on Dec. 22, could affect the technology industry, though. Two technology companies seeking to go public, Lyft and Uber, are awaiting feedback on confidential filings from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, and unprocessed paperwork has been forming a backlog for the agency, an attorney told CNBC this week. Software companies that could get hit the hardest are those whose fiscal quarters end in December, and those that derive a meaningful percentage of revenue from government business, Morgan Stanley analysts led by Keith Weiss wrote in a note distributed to clients on Jan. 3. The analysts assembled a list of software companies with high government exposure and put cybersecurity company ForeScout on top, as they believe it generates 28 percent of its revenues from federal, state and local government agencies. Pivotal was the second on the list, at 19 percent. (Morgan Stanley later corrected its note, lowering Pivotal's exposure to under 10 percent, putting it further down the list.) Many companies don't specify how much money they get from government business. But some do. Red Hat, which was recently acquired by IBM, has gotten one-tenth of a percent of its revenue in its three most recent fiscal years from the government, for example. Oracle and Microsoft don't disclose the scale of their revenue from government customers, but Morgan Stanley estimates that Oracle receives 15 percent of its revenue comes from government agencies, while Microsoft gets 9 percent. But while Oracle's fiscal second quarter ended on Nov. 30, Microsoft's ended on Dec. 31. "If it prolongs, we could see delays in govt, contracts, which could push revenue forward not just for MSFT," Bernstein Research analysts led by Mark Moerdler wrote in a note distributed to clients on Wednesday. Microsoft and Oracle declined to comment on how they could be affected by the shutdown Storage hardware company NetApp picks up around 10 percent to 15 percent of its revenue from the U.S. public sector, Susquehanna Financial Group analysts led by Mehdi Hosseini estimated in a Jan. 4 note. "A shutdown can directly impact a seasonally soft Jan Q (for Federal)," the analysts wrote. NetApp's fiscal third quarter ends on Jan. 27. NetApp didn't respond to a request for comment. WATCH: Here's the true cost of a government shutdown N26 CEO Valentin Stalf speaks on stage during TechCrunch Disrupt Berlin 2018 on November 30, 2018. Noam Galai | Getty Images for TechCrunch There's a new European unicorn in town. German fintech firm N26 said Thursday it has raised $300 million from investors in a round of funding valuing the online lender at $2.7 billion. That not only puts the company among the ranks of Europe's unicorns or private start-ups valued at more than $1 billion. It also makes it one of the most valuable unicorns in the continent. According to data compiled by CB Insights, just six other privately held European firms can claim to top N26's market value: Global Switch, Roivant Sciences, Auto1 Group, Ottobock, The Hut Group and BGL Group. N26's latest funding exercise was led by U.S. private equity firm Insight Venture Partners with additional backing from Singaporean sovereign wealth fund GIC. Its other backers include Chinese tech giant Tencent, German insurer Allianz and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel's venture arm Valar Ventures. Global expansion The company's mobile bank app is currently available in 24 European countries. It recently added the U.K. to the list, and sees itself broadening its international footprint again, with a U.S. expansion due early this year. "Insight Venture Partners has been one of the biggest venture firms globally," N26 Chief Executive Valentin Stalf told CNBC in a phone interview. "I think it's a great addition to our investors, and launching in the U.S. in the first half of 2019, it's a great reconfirmation of doing that." The Berlin-based fintech firm offers users a mobile app and a debit card, but doesn't have a single physical bank branch. It counts itself among a breed of digital banking challengers Revolut, Monzo, Starling and Atom, just to name a few that are aiming to eat away at larger lenders' customer base. With over 2 million users signed up to the app, N26 hopes to reach 10 million customers globally "within the next couple of years," Stalf said. The investment announced Thursday will be used to fund the start-up's international expansion plans. "The next goal is taking N26 global and transforming it from being a European company into a global company," Stalf said. "We would like the business to grow to four to six more markets other than the U.S. and Europe." N26's boss said its focus beyond the U.S. and Europe would be on Latin America, and added that he "would not rule out" a launch in Asia further down the line. IPO 'dream' All eyes are on banks stocks ahead of earnings next week, and the Street is split on whether financial stocks are attractive at current levels. Blue Line Futures President Bill Baruch says caution is warranted, while Susquehanna's Stacey Gilbert says heightened volatility in the options market is a signal to buy. "I'm very cautious right here with the banks. I think there's a lot of overhead resistance around the 25 area," Baruch said Wednesday on CNBC's "Trading Nation." He was referring to this chart of the XLF, an ETF that tracks the biggest banks: Baruch said he wouldn't be buying the XLF because it's "running into the October lows" and "running into the 50-day moving average." JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Goldman Sachs are among the banks set to report next week. Baruch doesn't recommend buying ahead of the reports since there have been "knee jerks higher on solid earnings" but then under-performance after that. "So I would be careful chasing anything," he cautioned. Financial stocks are currently hovering around bear market territory, with the XLF about 19 percent off its 52-week intraday high of $30.33, hit on Jan. 29. But if bank stocks take another leg lower, Baruch will be a buyer, specifically at the $20 level. "I'm looking at a trend line dating back to 2009, and this comes in right above 20 bucks. So I think if you're cautious and it does get down there, that's going to be a great buy for the long term," he said. The XLF closed at $24.43 on Wednesday, so it would need to fall roughly 18 percent to hit the $20 mark. On the flip side, if the options market is any indication, now might be a good time to buy bank stocks, according to Susquehanna's Stacey Gilbert. She noted that while "volatility is elevated," which means traders are "pricing in a lot more movement," the overall sentiment is "certainly bullish." According to Gilbert, traders are playing the bank trade through call spreads. So while they're expecting a move higher, they are also simultaneously protecting against the downside. "When we look specifically to earnings, we are also seeing increased volatility setting up here, so I think investors are looking for more signs of what could possibly be going on. ... We continue to see upside call buyers ... but interestingly they're doing it through call spreads, so they're really saying that these tail upside moves are unlikely." Baruch and Gilbert might disagree on the financial sector as a whole, but both believe Bank of America is a top pick among financials. "If I were to look at a name right now I would like Bank of America. I think that's been very constructive and I think that can outperform," Baruch said. "And there is a nice uptrend line going back to the ... 2010 highs. It's been very constructive, breaking out above there and now holding that." Said Gilbert: "Overall we've definitely seen an increase in upside call spread buyers, particularly in names like Bank of America." On Wednesday UBS upgraded Bank of America to a buy rating. "We think the current share price offers an attractive entry point for a leading franchise with proven risk and expense discipline and above peer profitability," UBS analyst Saul Martinez wrote in a note to clients. Shares of Bank of America are down nearly 15 percent over the last year, and the stock is currently trading in a bear market after falling 22 percent from its 52-week high. Disclosure: Stacey Gilbert owns shares of Bank of America. Autozone Inc.: "Autozone has got the best buyback of any company I've ever seen. They can slowly and methodically pull stock in. I've been recommending the stock since the buyback began. This is a great level to buy, even up here, just 60, 70 points from its high. A lot of stocks are up a lot since the year began. This one's down. I like that." Turtle Beach Corp.: "Stock has come down a lot. I think it's actually OK. Look at Logitech, too that has really gotten hammered." Chevron Corp.: "I don't mind Chevron, but BP which is owned by my charitable trust announced a billion-barrel find. I'm trying to get my executive producer to let us get down there and look at that find, which apparently is not that far from Grand Isle. BP is the one with the 6 percent yield." Centene Corp.: "This stock has fallen from $148 to $118. [CEO] Michael Neidorff's incredible. I think it is a terrific buy. I would buy it right here. This one's not going to bounce off twice from the goalposts." CBS Corp.: "I like CBS, but let me throw you a little curveball here: I think the better buy is Viacom, which has come down a lot and [CEO] Bob Bakish had some good things to say. Viacom [has a] 2.76 percent yield and down at $29, that's the one to buy." Churchill Downs Inc.: "It has been a fabulous stock for multiple years and I don't think that's going to change. It has ups and downs, vicissitudes, but I like it." Boyd Gaming Corp.: "Buy, buy, buy! I like that stock. Now, why? Because I like gaming companies that are not levered to China, and Boyd Gaming certainly isn't." Constellation Brands' share drop after earnings was a "total overreaction" that made the stock "an absolutely fantastic value," CEO Rob Sands told CNBC's Jim Cramer after the company's fiscal third-quarter report. The 12.42 percent plunge, which brought the alcohol distributor's shares to a new 52-week low, made the stock so enticing that Sands and his brother, Richard Sands who serves as Constellation's chairman of the board bought the stock themselves, the CEO said Wednesday on "Mad Money." Calling the stock "way oversold," Sands told Cramer that he and his brother acquired 1.1 million shares of Constellation "in the last week or so." According to SEC filings, they each bought stock at $11.85 a share, exercising an option from 2009 that was set to expire this year. That would bring their total purchase to roughly $13 million. At Wednesday's closing price, 1.1 million shares of Constellation's Class A stock was worth about $166 million. In a joint interview with his successor Bill Newlands, who will take over as CEO in March, Sands also described what he thought was the particular cause of Wall Street's negative reaction. "It's totally a function of the change in our guidance," he said, addressing the company's roughly 25-cent guidance cut. "And the change of our guidance is also totally a function of ... our anticipating a disappointing year on the wine and spirits side." But the weakness in low-end wines was well-known, Sands argued, noting that "that segment of the wine industry is performing very poorly" on the whole and that Constellation is working on fixing that issue in the near term. "It's something that we identified, actually, several months ago, and we said that we were pursuing strategic alternatives for that segment of our business," he said. "In fact, we are, and expect to come to some conclusions relative to that in the near future." Another strategic imperative for the company is cannabis, as evidenced by its $4 billion stake in Canadian marijuana producer Canopy Growth. Constellation, which also presides over popular beer brands Corona and Modelo, now has warrants to make its nearly 40 percent stake in Canopy even larger. Even with that and the wine consumption downtick, the company plans to return $4.5 billion to shareholders in the next three years via dividends and buybacks, incoming CEO Newlands said. "This remains a strong cash-generation business" despite some analysts' criticisms about Constellation's balance sheet risk, he told Cramer. "We're in a great position, we continue to be in a great position, and the strength of our beer business is going to continue to have us in a great position going forward." Sands added that assuming Constellation follows through on its shareholder returns and exercises all of its warrants in Canopy, his company will still get back to its goal debt-to-EBITDA range of 3.5 to 4.0. Debt-to-EBITDA measures a company's capacity to pay off its debt. Cramer also sat down with Canopy Growth founder, Chairman and CEO Bruce Linton on Wednesday. To watch that interview, click here. Clarification: This story has been updated to reflect that Sands and his brother purchased Constellation stock via an option that allowed them to purchase it at $11.85 a share. China is borrowing billions of dollars each year from the World Bank, despite its position as the world's second-largest economy, according to a study released Thursday. The Center for Global Development found that the World Bank's International Bank for Reconstruction and Development loaned China an average of $2 billion a year, totaling more than $7.8 billion, since the country surpassed the bank's income threshold for lending in 2016. The IBRD lends to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries. It uses resources from those loans to help boost poorer countries. But tension has developed as China is lending billions of dollars of its own to developing countries under opaque terms as part of its "Belt and Road" initiative to build infrastructure. The administration of U.S President Donald Trump has been critical of lending to China that squeezes out loans to other countries. But cutting off China from World Bank funding could remove a useful tool to influence policy. "If we want China to be a more responsible lender in the world, then let's use the World Bank to help them along with that," said Scott Morris, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development and lead author of the study. The study looked at the type of loans granted to China and found that $3 billion, or about 38 percent of the total, went to things that provide benefits beyond China's border, such as pollution controls and green infrastructure projects. World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, who announced his resignation on Monday, listed approval of increased funding for the IBRD as one of his accomplishments. As part of the agreement for increased funding, the bank agreed to limit loans to wealthier countries and require them to pay higher interest on their loans. The bank defends its lending as a way to give technical assistance to middle income countries in a way that nations can share knowledge globally to reach common goals. "The World Bank Group supports projects in China that reduce poverty, strengthen institutions and make major contributions to global public goods, such as the environment," said a World Bank spokesperson in a statement. The Trump administration is working to get the World Bank to rein in China's borrowing and to ensure that its own lending is transparent in its terms. "China is absorbing decades of financial know-how into its institutions in a few short years, a similar pattern to its absorption of manufacturing technology," Deputy Treasury Secretary David Malpass said in testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in November. He went on to say that the U.S. is working with allies so it does not appear development lending "is an endorsement of China's political ambitions." Some lawmakers want China reined in. "We must end the World Bank's lending to China, especially at a time when Beijing itself is saddling developing countries with predatory debt on unfair terms. Growing the Chinese economy is not the World Bank's job," said Brad Sherman, D-Calif., a member of the House Financial Services and Foreign Affairs committees. The study showed China enjoys a discount rate of over 1 percent on World Bank loans versus the 10-year Treasury. That leaves room for the bank to charge higher rates. Morris says charging higher rates could keep China from turning away from the World Bank and focusing more on its own institutions, such as the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank. "If they are feeling less and less welcome at the World Bank they will be more motivated to pursue those channels," said Morris. Carnegie Mellon Launches High School Computer Science Curriculum Free, online coursework helps teach programming skills January 10, 2019 Carnegie Mellon University, world-renowned for computer science and artificial intelligence, has launched a free, online curriculum for high school students that helps instructors teach programming skills using engaging graphics and animations. The curriculum fills a gap between introductory computer science educational materials available for grades K-8 and the rigorous Advanced Placement courses that the most advanced students might take later in high school, said David Kosbie, an associate teaching professor and co-director of the School of Computer Science's new Computer Science Academy. Carnegie Mellon has launched a free, online curriculum for high school students that helps instructors teach programming skills using engaging graphics and animations. "This isn't 'drag and drop' programming," Kosbie said. "We're teaching them to use Python, a text-based programming language that is the most widely taught language at the university level." Python also is one of the most popular programming languages in industry, used by such organizations as Google, Amazon and Facebook. The CS Academy was established and its CS1 curriculum developed in response to requests from secondary school teachers and principals, who face growing demands from parents for computer science education but must cope with a lack of educational standards for computer science, a paucity of trained teachers and limited teaching materials. Students from Pittsburgh area high schools piloting the Computer Science Academys new curriculum participated in puzzle-solving challenges at CS1 Day last spring at CMU's Pittsburgh campus. Now being piloted in 40 schools, CS1 will be available for general use this fall, free of charge. It is designed for use by classroom teachers, not as a self-guided online course. One of CS1's distinctive features is graphics and animation exercises for each unit that were developed by dozens of Carnegie Mellon computer science students. "Most of the students involved in the project are just a few years older than the high school students who will be using CS1," said Erin Cawley, program manager for the CS Academy and a former K-12 computer science educator. The idea, she explained, was to make the exercises as engaging and fresh as possible. Focusing the exercises on graphics also pays dividends in the educational process. "The hardest part of programming for many novices is debugging" finding errors in programs and fixing them, Kosbie said. "With graphics, it's easy for students to see what went wrong. 'Oh, the ear shouldn't be on the forehead, it should be over here.'" CS1 includes a number of tools to aid teachers, including an image inspector tool that can show the teacher where in an exercise a student is having trouble. Exercises also are graded automatically, freeing up the teacher's time for instruction. Cawley said the curriculum is useful to teachers regardless of whether they have experience in computer science. Extensive teacher training and online support is available through the CS Academy. Though appropriate for any level of high school, CS1 is the first in a planned four-year sequence of coursework and ultimately is envisioned as a ninth-grade course. CS1 was initially piloted in 14 high schools with 400 students in 2017-2018. The pilot program was expanded by 26 schools and another 1,300 students during the current school year. Most of the schools are in western Pennsylvania, but others are in such states as Texas, New Jersey and Washington. Mark Stehlik, SCS assistant dean for outreach and co-director of the CS Academy, said the curriculum isn't easy, but students in the pilot schools have had notable success, including those who attend under-resourced schools. Mark Stehlik, left, and David Kosbie, co-directors of the School of Computer Sciences Computer Science Academy, address students from 13 Pittsburgh-area high schools who were participating in a pilot study of the academys new computer science curriculum last spring. The CS Academy is supported by SCS and by gifts from Seth Merrin, philanthropist and the CEO of the institutional equities marketplace Liquidnet; and from former Pittsburgh Steeler Franco Harris. Merrin established Rwanda's Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village for students orphaned during or after the Rwandan genocide, which is one of the schools now using CS Academy. DEWITT [mdash] Jean Gravert, 95, formerly of Delmar, Iowa, passed away peacefully in her daughter's home in Iowa City. Per her wishes, there will be no visitation. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 25, 2021, from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. at Grossman Hall in Delmar. Arrangements are Carroll Pulls Open Records Bill to 'Tighten Focus' By West Kentucky Star Staff FRANKFORT - State Senator Danny Carroll says he has decided to pull back a bill he pre-filed last month that could restrict access to some public records, in order to make some adjustments to the proposed legislation.The bill would exempt several state and local agencies from having to release personal information of public safety officers as part of records requests. Sen. Carroll says the bill is designed to protect those officers from possible retaliation, and he does not want to make changes to the Open Records Act that would have a negative impact on transparency.Prior to pulling the bill, Carroll told the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting that he was open to hearing from anyone with concerns about it.Carroll told West Kentucky Star Wednesday that he now wants to clarify the language in the bill, to make sure it sticks to the intent, which he says is to protect public safety officers."Last night I made a decision to go ahead and withdraw the bill today. We're gonna pull it back, take another look at it, and maybe clarify some of the language in the bill to make sure that it sticks strictly to the intent that we had meant for the bill in the beginning, and that's to protect those listed in the bill." Carroll said.Carroll, a retired Paducah Police Officer, added he did not write the bill, but he was given the proposal by a state Homeland Security employee and a Secret Service Agent working in Kentucky. Some personal information for public safety workers is already protected by law.Before Carroll's announcement, several lawyers representing media outlets issued statements opposing the bill's language. Michael Abate, a Louisville attorney who has represented KyCIR and several other media outlets on public records issues, said the bill's current language is a direct attack on transparency in the state.It strikes me as an attempt to take off the table extremely important records that media outlets and the public in general have used to understand what their agencies have done in their name, and on their dime, Abate said. That is the essential purpose of the open records law. No Deal Brexit Mobile Roaming In November, the European Union and the United Kingdom concluded the terms of an agreement for the orderly departure of the UK from the European Union. Gibraltar was part of that agreement. The Withdrawal Agreement includes a transitional phase until the end of 2020, which also covers Gibraltar. This agreement is subject to ratification by the UK Parliament and by the European Parliament. In the meantime, planning continues for the eventuality that the UK and Gibraltar leave the European Union without this agreement. Before 29 March 2019 You can travel in the EU with guaranteed surcharge-free roaming. This means you can use your mobile devices to make calls, send texts and use mobile data services for no more than you would be charged when in Gibraltar. In addition, the EU Roaming regulation requires mobile operators to apply a default financial limit for mobile data usage of 50. Operators are also required to send an alert once your device reaches 80% and then 100% of the agreed data roaming limit. These requirements apply regardless of where you are in the world, not only within the EU. Surcharge-free roaming in the EU, known as Roam Like at Home, is underpinned by the EU Roaming Regulation - (EU) No 531/2012 - and its subsequent amendments - (EU) No 2015/2120 and (EU) No 2017/920. This Regulation also regulates what mobile operators can charge each other for providing roaming services and extends to the wider European Economic Area (EEA), which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. After March 2019 if there is a deal If the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement is approved, then surcharge-free roaming would continue to be guaranteed during the Implementation Period. Following the Implementation Period the arrangements for roaming, including surcharges, would depend on the outcome of the negotiations on the Future Economic Partnership. After March 2019 if there is no deal In the event that we leave the EU without a deal, the costs that EU mobile operators would be able to charge our operators for providing roaming services would no longer be regulated after March 2019. This would mean that surcharge-free roaming when you travel to the EU could no longer be guaranteed. Leaving without a deal would not prevent Gibraltar mobile operators making and honouring commercial arrangements with mobile operators in the EU - and beyond the EU - to deliver the services their customers expect, including roaming arrangements. The availability and pricing of mobile roaming in the EU would be a commercial question for the mobile operators. As a consequence, surcharge-free mobile roaming in the EU may not continue to be standard across every mobile phone package from that point. Roaming may also be offered with different terms and conditions. This might affect the amount of calls that you can make, texts you can send and data you can consume, including applying limits that are less than the amount available in your bundle when you are in Gibraltar. However, we should be clear that surcharge-free roaming for Gibraltar customers may continue across the EU as now, based on operators commercial arrangements. In the event that we leave the EU without a deal, the Gibraltar Government advice to consumers is to: check the roaming policies of your mobile operator before you go abroad consider what your operator is saying about surcharge-free roaming post-EU exit check your operators terms and conditions in detail - particularly if you are a heavy user of mobile services in the EU be aware of your rights to change mobile operator (switching) know how to turn off your mobile data roaming on your mobile device if youre worried about being charged for data usage in the EU ensure you understand the alternatives to using mobile networks when abroad. Wi-Fi is widely available, which would allow you to make calls, send texts and use data for free or with little charge understand which services might be expensive to use and which are likely to be cheap. For example, streaming live television or sending large video clips (MMS) could be expensive as they use large amounts of data More information This notice is meant for guidance only. You should consider whether you need separate professional advice before making specific preparations. It is part of the governments ongoing programme of planning for all possible outcomes. Beachwood, OH (44122) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 54F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 54F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. CLEVELAND, Ohio In the throes of a prolific lame duck legislative season in December, Ohio lawmakers revised an uncontroversial bill one granting health benefits to the families of slain public safety workers and made it controversial, by tacking on pay increases for themselves and local and state elected officials. They also created a new administrative office for which incoming Lt. Gov. Jon Husted will get a major pay raise to run -- a move that went little-noticed at the time. Nestled alongside the pay raises within the law was language creating InnovateOhio, a new office that Republican Gov.-elect Mike DeWine wanted to set up with Husted in mind. It set a legally mandated $176,426 salary for the director, a 60 percent raise over what Husted made in his old job as Secretary of State. This week, DeWine announced Husted will run the new office. Although Husted will be paid the InnovateOhio salary, the new law also increased the lieutenant governors pay from $78,041 to $113,900, equal to the other down-ticket, statewide offices. The lieutenant governors previously lower salary was an acknowledgment that the office is largely ceremonial with no specific legal duties. Now, in the unlikely event that DeWine were to remove Husted from his job, he would still be guaranteed the $113,900 pay. How it happened Republican State Rep. Bill Seitz of Cincinnati, who introduced the amendment including the pay increases and InnovateOhio, said he did so at the direction of then-House Speaker Ryan Smith, who told Seitz the DeWine-Husted transition team had requested it. (Republican House members picked a different speaker earlier this week.) The DeWine team had made it clear during the campaign that one of their priorities was this InnovateOhio concept, Seitz said. So I said, Well, we mean to establish good relations with the incoming governor, so lets do it. So we put it in there. Josh Eck, a spokesman for the DeWine-Husted transition, in an email responding to questions for this story didnt directly address how Husteds salary was determined. I dont believe we initially requested for [Husteds] salary to be in the code, but were fine with the legislatures decision to put it in, Eck said. The idea At least since Nov. 7, Innovate Ohio has appeared on DeWines campaign website, laying out a pledge to modernize the state governments use of data and digital records, increase technology in education and job placement and improve the talent level of Ohios workforce. Those topics coincide with Husteds largest areas of policy interest. But they also overlap several different cabinet-level positions within state government. Thats a problem because traditionally, Ohio governors have appointed their running mates to oversee one department, allowing them to collect a larger paycheck. So, DeWines and Husteds aides came up with creating a new agency, which could potentially oversee multiple state departments, within the governors office that will focus on those topics. They came up with a salary for the job and asked the legislature to pass it into law. We asked that they change the law to allow the Lt. Governor to have the ability to accept a post within the administration that is not a cabinet position so that the LG would have more flexibility in his assignments from the Governor, Eck said. Meanwhile, Seitz had been pitching state leaders on his idea to raise the pay for Ohios elected officials. He said it was needed because they hadnt gotten a raise for 11 years, and higher pay was needed to attract quality people to run for office. Since they both involved pay for elected officials, both Seitzs idea and the InnovateOhio idea needed to be passed as an emergency meaning they take effect immediately if they wanted the bigger paychecks to begin in January. Thats because the Ohio Constitution bars elected officials from raising their pay in the middle of their elected term. So, legislative leaders combined the bills into one written amendment, and decided to attach it to the first-responders bill. The committee vote On Dec. 12, Seitz was appointed to the House Finance Committee, replacing Rep. Anne Gonzales, who was absent. The committee was considering the first-responders bill that had been passed by the Ohio Senate unanimously six months earlier. Seitz introduced his amendment with the pay raises and Husteds new job, but committee debate centered on the overall issue of pay raises. InnovateOhio didnt come up. The committee passed the bill, and the full House and Senate passed it the next day, with the Senates vote coming near midnight. Outgoing Republican Gov. John Kasich vetoed it on Dec. 21, calling it a grubby money bill. Legislators voted to override the veto on Dec. 27. The debate in the legislature, and criticism from Kasich and state editorial boards, revolved around the overall issue of pay increases for elected officials. But the specific provision involving Husted largely was overlooked. The pay The $176,426 number is the second-highest on a pay scale for state government administrative workers. Asked about Husteds specific salary number $176,426 Seitz said he didnt know where it had come from. People at a pay grade different than mine worked out what the final contours of what the amendment would be, and briefed me on it, since I had been carrying the ball on the whole issue, Seitz said. DeWine has not yet released the proposed pay for his cabinet, for which hes filled all but one position. But Husteds new pay is higher than what all but two officials in Kasichs cabinet made in 2018 budget Director Tim Keen ($189,100) and Higher Education Chancellor John Carey ($180,545.) Within Kasichs office, Chief of Staff Beth Hansen made a base salary of $196,689, while Kasich himself made $148,348. Under the terms of the pay-raise bill, DeWine will make $154,593 when he becomes governor next week. State Sen. Frank LaRose, who is replacing Husted as Ohio Secretary of State, will make $113,971, as will Dave Yost, Keith Faber and Robert Sprague, the incoming Republican state attorney general, auditor and state treasurer. Husteds new pay also is greater than the $150,000 that Kasichs lieutenant governor, Mary Taylor, made as the director of the state insurance department. Its also higher than the $142,000 that former Democratic Gov. Ted Stricklands lieutenant governor, Lee Fisher, made to run the Ohio economic development department. CLEVELAND, Ohio A man was found dead late Wednesday in alley in Clevelands Glenville neighborhood, Cleveland police said. Cleveland police spokesman Sgt. Reginald Lanton said police suspect the death was the result of violence, but that the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner will have to determine whether the death is the result of violence, a drug overdose or another cause. The medical examiner has not made a positive identification of the man who appears between 40 and 50 years old. Lanton did not say how initial investigators made their determination. The man was found dead about 9 p.m. Wednesday on Lesbeth Court between East 115th and East 117th Street. Lanton did not say who discovered the body face down on the ground and wearing only a t-shirt and jeans in 26-degree weather. Homicide detectives are investigating the case. To comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments page. CLEVELAND, Ohio A man who worked as part of a drug ring that involved a part-time Linndale police officer and her sister was sentenced Thursday to five years in federal prison. Fabian Mihaj, 38, helped bring large amounts of MDMA and high-quality marijuana from Canada into the United States. Mihaj, who once lived in Parma, worked with Rocky River sisters Jonida and Denisa Alicka and Rinald Turhani, a drug trafficker from near Detroit to bring club drugs to the Cleveland area. Authorities in Canada arrested him in December 2016, and he was brought to the U.S. in April of last year. He pleaded guilty in September to a drug conspiracy charge and entered into an agreement with the U.S. Attorneys Office to serve five years in prison. The U.S. Probation Office recommended that Mihaj serve about double what he agreed to with federal prosecutors. However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa Darden said she agreed to a lower sentence because of several factors. First, Mihaj served 17 months detained in Canada as he awaited extradition to the U.S. He will likely not receive credit for that time when he goes to prison, Darden said. The prosecutor also said Mihaj faces possible punishment in New York for violating his probation in another federal case. Finally, Darden said the government had concerns about being able to prove its case at trial, namely because the Alickas feared for their lives if they took the stand. She said she spoke to both women and that they showed reluctance about testifying. However, Darden said she and Mihajs attorney, Marcus Sidoti, always talked about Mihaj pleading guilty, and a trial was unlikely from the get-go. Chief U.S. District Judge Patricia Gaughan accepted the deal only after hearing Mihaj affirm that he had done everything laid out in the plea agreement. Mihaj previously told a probation officer that he knew about the drug operation but that was the extent of his involvement, and the judge expressed concerns that he was less than forthcoming. However, both Mihaj and his attorney said he accepted responsibility. A citizen of Albania, he is likely to face deportation after he finishes serving his prison sentence. Mihaj once dated Jonida Alicka, who worked as a reserve police officer in Linndale before her 2016 arrest. He was also partners with Turhani, a Michigan trucking company owner whom authorities said was the leader of the organization. Mihaj pleaded guilty to a federal marijuana offense in New York in 2013. He moved to Parma following his release from prison and absconded from federal probation in 2015, according to court records. Jonida and Denisa Alicka While in Ohio, he worked with Turhani to move five to 10 pounds of high-grade marijuana every two weeks between Michigan and Cleveland, court filings show. He crossed into Canada in March 2015, fearing he was under investigation by police and would get deported. Once in Canada, he used contacts in Toronto to continue the groups drug trafficking, helping Turhani smuggle marijuana and molly in to the U.S from Canada, prosecutors say. Mihaj apologized for his conduct on Thursday. Five people were charged as part of an FBI investigation, and all pleaded guilty. Jonida and Denisa Alicka, who were respectively sentenced to 41 and 46 months, were released from federal prison in October. Prosecutors said the Alicka sisters routinely traveled to other states to transport drugs. With the money they made selling drugs, the sisters lived a lavish lifestyle, which included an upscale apartment on Center Ridge Road, plastic surgery, expensive trips to Miami and Los Angeles and luxury sedans. Turhani, 40, is serving a nine-year sentence, while truck driver and co-conspirator Leka Konini is serving 41 months. Rinald Turhani and Leka Konini If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Thursdays crime and courts comments section. Two insurance companies have agreed to provide a total of $10.5 million to help Connecticut homeowners cover the cost of repairing and replacing crumbling foundations, officials said Tuesday. The state has reached separate agreements with The Hartford and Liberty Mutual Insurance to financially assist current and former policyholders who file claims and receive grants through the states new Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Co., announced Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Attorney General George Jepsen, both Democrats. The Hartford has agreed to commit $3.5 million while Liberty Mutual Insurance will provide $7 million. Last month, Malloy and Jepsen announced Hartford-based Travelers Companies Inc. entered a similar memorandum of understanding with the state to provide $5 million to help affected current or past Travelers policyholders. Jepsen said the money committed by the insurers will help homeowners bridge the gap between what they receive from the indemnity company and the cost of replacing their homes foundation. The crumbling foundation crisis is a widespread and complex problem that requires all stakeholders to be part of the solution, said Malloy, who leaves office Wednesday. It will be Jepsens last day, as well. Malloy said the commitments from The Hartford and Liberty Mutual Insurance represent significant progress for the estimated thousands of homeowners in eastern and central Connecticut whose foundations have been deteriorating due to the presence of pyrrhotite in the concrete aggregate. The iron sulfide has reacted naturally over time with oxygen and water. Michelle Loxton, a spokeswoman for The Hartford, said that most homeowners policies dont cover these damages, but that the insurer recognizes the highly unusual nature of this issue and the impact it is having on the families in Connecticut. She said the insurer will continue to advocate for a holistic and comprehensive solution to this crisis that involves both federal and state resources. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Douglas Burns, a fourth-generation journalist, is co-owner of the Daily Times Herald in Carroll, Iowa, a newspaper that has been in his family since 1929. He writes a regular column, Taking Note, for the Times Herald editorial page, and he has covered politics in the Midwest since the late 80s, with a focus on rural issues. Hes a fixture in his community. None of that seemed to matter last October, when Burns arrived at a Trump rally in Council Bluffs, about two hours southwest of Carroll. Burns was there to report on an ethanol-use announcement of particular concern to farmers, and yet he was treated as if he had ulterior motives. Along with other reporters, he was locked in a media pen at the back of the arena and forbidden to speak to members of the crowd, many of whom he knew. Burns couldnt use the bathroom without an invigilator from Trumps team following along to make sure he didnt interact with anyone. It was like visiting hours in a prison, Burns, 49, tells me. ICYMI: Trump and trickle-down press persecution His demoralizing experience was just one of a number of instances during the midterms and beyond in which local reporters with longstanding community ties were shunned, spurned, harassed, and otherwise treated with disdain by elected officials. As President Trumps press bashing continues unabated, such incidents seem to suggest his example is being taken up at the local level. Local journalists seem to be vilified now, Kevin Goldberg, an attorney who serves as legal counsel to the American Society of News Editors, says. Whether its federal officials outside of DC or its actually state or local officials, I feel like people are more emboldened to act against journalists. Iowa, it turns out, has been a particularly inhospitable state for local reporters. In the fall, Governor Kim Reynolds snubbed the Gazette, a daily paper in Cedar Rapids, when it requested a meeting, as did a number of Iowa House incumbents. Likewise, Representative Steve King, along with his fellow Republican incumbents, refused to meet with the editorial board of the Des Moines Register during the midterms. King also barred the Register from his election night event on the grounds that, as Kings son put it, the paper was a leftist propaganda media outlet with no concern for reporting the truth. Sign up for weekly emails from the United States Project These instances, however, have by no means been limited to the Corn Belt. Last June, two Long Island journalists, Pat Biancaniello and David Ambro, were ejected, without apparent cause, from Republican Representative Lee Zeldins kick-off campaign rally. It was the first time in my 40-year career as a journalist that I have ever been thrown out of anything, Ambro, the managing editor of Smithtown News, wrote in a follow-up article after the event. I didnt like it. Everyone should be worried about the tactic of saying, Theres no objective truth and we reject the role of the press. Everyone should be afraid of that filtering down to the local level, and I think youre starting to see signs of it. Around four months later, in Connecticut, the campaign staff of failed Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowski tried to ban a Hearst reporter and a photographer from covering a GOP election-night event. Stefanowskis team relented when the incident went viral, but it was still a chilling experience, according to Matt DeRienzo, the vice president of news and digital content at Hearst Connecticut, which publishes eight daily and 20 weekly newspapers. Everyone should be worried about the tactic of saying Theres no objective truth and we reject the role of the press, says DeRienzo. Everyone should be afraid of that filtering down to the local level, and I think youre starting to see signs of it. Such incidents occurred before Trump, of course. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was well-known for his belligerent attitude toward the press; in 2012, he asked whether a reporter was stupid for going off topic at a press conference. And Paul LePage, the two-term Republican governor of Maine recently succeeded by Democrat Janet Mills, was in many ways a local antecedent to Trump, according to Michael Socolow, a professor of journalism at the University of Maine. In 2013, LePage expressed a desire to blow up the Portland Press Herald building, though he later said he was joking. Still, in the past year, such acts of aggression appear to be both more common and more calculated. California Republican Devin Nunes, a vociferous Trump supporter and the former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, has refused to speak with the Fresno Bee, which sits in his district, since February 2018. In late September, Nunes campaign mailed to constituents a 38-page glossy magazine called The Fresno Bees, attacking the McClatchy-owned newspaper and alleging to have uncovered the dirty little secrets of the Valleys propaganda machine. The magazine failed to deliver on its promise, of course, but it was still jarring to reporters and editors at the Bee, despite the fact that Nunes had every right to publish such a pamphlet. Its just unusual in that the Bee has never been attacked like this by a politician, Joe Kieta, the papers editor in chief, tells me. Its an example of how politicians from both parties feel emboldened to avoid talking to journalists, in part because attacks by Trump and others have continued to undermine public opinion of journalists. Its worth noting that animosity and suspicion toward local journalists hasnt just come from Republicans. Last summer, for example, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the newly elected Democratic wunderkind, banned the media from covering two town hall events in Queens and the Bronx, causing a minor stir among the New York press horde. Beto ORourke, the upstart Democratic congressman, gave the Dallas Observer no interviews while he was campaigning for Ted Cruzs senate seat, according to Observer editor Patrick Williams. In addition, Hillary Borrud, a reporter for the Oregonian who covers state politics and government, said she struggled to get access to Governor Kate Browns campaign, which made it difficult to hold her positions and policies to account. Its an example of how politicians from both parties feel emboldened to avoid talking to journalists, Borrud explains in an email, in part because attacks by Trump and others have continued to undermine public opinion of journalists. Perhaps the most startling instance of Democratic aggression during the midterms came from Daphne Campbell, a former member of the Florida Senate who, in August, called the police on Miami Herald reporter Sarah Blaskey for questioning her at a candidates forum that had taken place in a local restaurant. Can you please send a police for me, please, right now? Campbellwho three months prior had called the cops on another local reporter, Rich Robinson of Rise Newstold the dispatcher. My life is threatened. No arrests were made, but the episode made an impression on Blaskey. Nothing quite like that had ever happened before, she says. Burns worries about his younger colleagues, who, he says, have never experienced the sense of collegiality that once existed, in one way or another, between journalists and elected officials. For a lot of younger people, he says, this is all theyve known. Kieta, of the Bee, says that the papers staff has pushed to elucidate its reporting processes for its readers, to build trust and to counteract any anti-media bias. But while such efforts may convince some readers to have faith in local media, politicians such as Devin Nunes will likely be unswayed. The upshot is, we didnt change, Kieta concludes. Were still doing the kind of journalism that weve always done. ICYMI: The Trump Administrations new method for cracking down on leakers Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Matthew Kassel is a freelance writer whose work has been published by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Slate. Reporting about large-scale finance decisions is difficult for any journalistbut a team of German investigative reporters has crowdsourced a major investigative story revealing flaws in a closely guarded credit scoring algorithm. Most citizens in Germany have a Schufa score, which is something like the FICO score in the US. Various bits of consumer data are put through a proprietary algorithm and out comes a risk assessment score indicating credit worthiness. The scores are used to inform financial decisions in all kinds of contexts: from banking and insurance to real estate rentals and other service contracts. But you dont have to look very hard to find cracks in the accuracy of the scores. Anecdotal reports of discrepant scores, as well as a general lack of transparency and explanation around how the proprietary system operates, raise questions. Late last November, the results of an almost year-long investigation into Schufa were published by Der Spiegel and the Bavarian Public Broadcaster. The investigation is an example of algorithmic accountability reporting: an attempt to uncover the power wielded by algorithmic decision-making systems and shed light on their biases, mistakes, or misuse. Algorithmic accountability entails understanding how and when people exercise power within and through an algorithmic system, and on whose behalf. Some outlets are introducing coverage that amounts to an emerging algorithms beat, oriented around reverse engineering, auditing, and otherwise critiquing algorithms in society. I spoke to data journalist Patrick Stotz at Der Spiegel about his teams process for getting the story. Two nonprofits, the Open Knowledge Foundation and Algorithm Watch, initially partnered to collect data. They crowdsourced thousands of personal credit reports from consumers, which were then passed on to and analyzed en masse by investigative journalists. The journalists found that Schufa scores privilege older and female individuals, as well as individuals who change addresses less frequently. The analysis also revealed that since 1997 (when the Schufa score was first implemented), there have been four versions of the scoring algorithm. Some people inexplicably received lower scores with newer versions. READ: An algorithmic nose for news Sign up for CJR 's daily email Crowdsourcing, data, and unintended consequences Initially, Stotz says, one of the most challenging aspects was just getting all of the crowdsourced reports into a uniform structured format for analysis. Consumers receive their free reports as a paper print-out in the mail, and then have to digitize the documents themselves (typically by taking a photo on their phone) to upload to the database. Once uploaded, data journalists used optical character recognition (OCR) to extract text information from the forms. The whole process is inefficient: of the 30,000 people who requested their free Schufa report (which takes several weeks to arrive by mail) only about 10 percent eventually uploaded the form. The gap between print and digital creates a substantial road block for this type of investigative journalism. (That difficulty should ease as data providers come into belated compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation [GDPR], which requires that information requested by electronic means shall be provided in a commonly used electronic form.) An additional challenge to the digitization process was that no mechanism reminded any of those initial 30,000 people to come back after they had received the report. Out of a concern for data protection and a desire to maintain anonymity, Open Schufa didnt collect emails for participants. In retrospect, Stotz says that it might have been better to make email notifications optional and allow interested participants to opt-in to sharing contact information. That would have also created a channel for additional reporting on the most interesting cases. The reporters also discovered that, rather than broadening consumer access to information, GDPR may have increased friction in crowdsourced data collection. After the law came into effect last May investigators noticed that there was actually a reduction in the information provided to consumers in their free credit reports. The new reports were missing, for instance, multiple scores for different versions of the Schufa algorithmscores that ended up being a vital part of Der Spiegels project. (Whether Schufa is interpreting GDPR appropriately by providing less information on credit reports without providing the reports digitally warrants additional attention.) What now? The ongoing use of different Schufa score versions is one of the more compelling findings exposed via the investigation. Unlike the slow evolution of nature, algorithms can be updated whenever the people controlling them deem it prudent. The capricious nature of updates to algorithms suggests an interesting line of questioning for proponents of algorithmic accountability: When and why do algorithms change versions? Should older versions be assumed inferior and retired? If some stakeholders are still using earlier (inferior) versions, should they be be held accountable for misusing the scores? ICYMI: Spies (do not) like us Journalists should be increasingly attuned to the age of the algorithms they are investigating. When they were created, and how often they are changed, may be pertinent to their ongoing use, especially in light of evolving social contexts and new data availabilityalgorithmic infrastructure built today could reverberate in society for decades. In this example, the Schufa company decided that version 1 of the score should be retired in June 2018, and version 2 should be retired in June 2019. But perhaps some form of regulation around algorithm versioning should be considered to formalize expectations around the retirement of older, presumably obsolete versions. Whether another investigation of Schufa will be necessary the next time it introduces a new score remains to be seen. The initial political response to the investigation from the Minister of of Consumer Protection in Germany has called for more transparency around the variables used in the score and how theyre weighed. If more transparency becomes mandated through new regulations, the path forward might not be additional audits, but rather to focus journalistic attention on monitoring the information provided in transparency reports. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Nicholas Diakopoulos is an assistant professor at the Northwestern University School of Communication, the author of the book Automating the News: How Algorithms Are Rewriting the Media, and a regular contributor to CJR. a Thursday, Jun 10th, 2021 Reading Up on the Race By Savannah Jacobson New Yorkersand the citys press corpsare, by and large, ready to move on from the mayoral reign of Bill de Blasio. The next elections primarythe Democrats are the main event this year, as there are practically no viable Republican candidatesis... On Tuesday, lawyers for former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort filed an official response to a report from Special Counsel Robert Muellers team that said Manafort lied to prosecutors after agreeing to cooperate with them. In their response, Manaforts lawyers argued that their client provided complete and truthful information to the best of his ability. Other than that, there wasnt a whole lot of substance in the document, until Guardian reporter Jon Swaine noticed that Manaforts legal team didnt redact its filing properly. All he had to do was copy and paste some of the redacted textwhich is covered by thick black barsinto a new document, and the redactions magically disappeared. This likely happened because someone either drew over the unwanted text with a black highlighter tool in Microsoft Word, or used Adobe Acrobats redaction tools, but forgot to merge them with the original document. The formerly secret sections include details about meetings Manafort had with Konstantin Kilimnik, a Ukrainian man the FBI believes may be a member of a Russian intelligence agency unit connected with the hacking of the Democratic National Congresss email server. Thanks to whoever failed to understand how redaction works, we now know that Manaforts lawyers admit Trumps former campaign manager may have discussed the possibility of a Ukraine peace plan with Kilimnik on more than one occasion, something he previously denied. And, according to the document, Manafort also acknowledges having met up with Kilimnik after being told the Russian agent happened to be in Madrid at the same time as Manafort. His lawyers say in the unredacted section that these events simply were not at the forefront of Mr. Manaforts mind during the period at issue, which is why he appeared to have lied about them. These occurrences happened during a period when Mr. Manafort was managing a US presidential campaign. It is not surprising at all that Mr. Manafort was unable to recall specific details prior to having his recollection refreshed, his lawyers wrote in the unredacted section, apparently under the impression that people running US presidential campaigns meet with possible Russian intelligence agents all the time. Manaforts team made what amounts to the same argument in reference to Muellers claim that Manafort lied about having shared US polling data with Kilimnik during some of these meetings. The same is true with regard to the governments allegation that Mr. Manafort lied about sharing polling data with Mr. Kilimnik related to the 2016 presidential campaign, they said. In other words, he forgot because he was so busy, not because he was trying to hide anything. Whatever Mueller and his team think of Manaforts defense, the unredacted document reinforces how close Manaforts relationship with Kilimnik was, and thatin particular the sharing of polling datais going to add fuel to the fire for those who see his actions as part of a larger attempt to get Russian assistance to swing the election. Kilimnik worked for Manaforts consulting firm starting in 2005, but he is also believed to be a Russian asset, and has been charged with helping Manafort obstruct the Mueller investigation. The Washington Post has reported that Manafort wrote to Kilimnik during the campaign and told him he hoped his position as campaign manager would help him get out of debt, and he also asked Kilimnik to share information about the campaign with Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, someone to whom Manafort reportedly owes as much as $17 million. The unredacted Manafort document provides plenty of fodder for anyone who believes the Trump campaign was hooked up with the Russians in a variety of ways. But it also reinforces just how difficult it is to keep this kind of information secret in a digital age. In the past, redacting a document involved actual black ink, but the digital kind is a lot more trickyand thats bad for anyone who is trying to keep certain facts classified, but good for journalists who are trying to shed light on the behavior of bad actors both inside the government and elsewhere. Heres more on the dangers of not taking redaction seriously: Facebook Fail : In November, documents submitted in a court case between the social network and a bikini-photo app called Six4Three were defectively redacted, which was first noticed by The Wall Street Journal . Cutting and pasting the blacked-out parts into a new document revealedamong other thingsthat Facebook had at one time considered selling access to user data for as much as $250,000 per company. : In November, documents submitted in a court case between the social network and a bikini-photo app called Six4Three were defectively redacted, which was first noticed by . Cutting and pasting the blacked-out parts into a new document revealedamong other thingsthat Facebook had at one time considered selling access to user data for as much as $250,000 per company. Proud Boys Fail : Also in November, the right-wing white nationalist group known as the Proud Boyswhose founder and former leader, Gavin McInnes, recently stepped down after a violent incident in New York involving the grouppublished a set of bylaws for the organization that included a failed attempt to redact the names of its new leadership. : Also in November, the right-wing white nationalist group known as the Proud Boyswhose founder and former leader, Gavin McInnes, recently stepped down after a violent incident in New York involving the grouppublished a set of bylaws for the organization that included a failed attempt to redact the names of its new leadership. Broward County Fail : In August, a judge in Broward County, Florida released a report about the school boards investigation into how it handled Nikolas Cruz, who later shot and killed 17 students in Parkland. The report was heavily redacted, but a South Florida Sun Sentinel reader soon noticed that if you copied the document into Microsoft Word, the redactions ceased to exist. The paper later published the unredacted information. : In August, a judge in Broward County, Florida released a report about the school boards investigation into how it handled Nikolas Cruz, who later shot and killed 17 students in Parkland. The report was heavily redacted, but a reader soon noticed that if you copied the document into Microsoft Word, the redactions ceased to exist. The paper later published the unredacted information. Postal Service Fail: Also in August, the United States Postal Service responded to a FOIA request for information on a former employee, Abigail Spanberger, who was running for a Democratic congressional seat. The service sent not only public documents about Spanberger, a former CIA officer, but also her unredacted federal security clearance application, including her health information and Social Security number. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Other notable stories: Researchers from New York University and Princeton University have published a study looking at the sharing on Facebook of fake news from a number of high-profile websites that publish such material, and found a majority of the sharing came from older users and those who identified as conservative. Users over 65 shared seven times as many pieces of misinformation as the youngest age group. Jennifer Robison writes for CJR about how, even as the #MeToo movement gained momentum, a culture of sexual harassment prevailed at the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper, which was acquired in 2015 by billionaire Sheldon Adelson. Meanwhile, the editor of The Nevada Independent wrote an editorial saying he wanted to publish Robisons reporting, but couldnt take the risk that Adelson might sue. newspaper, which was acquired in 2015 by billionaire Sheldon Adelson. Meanwhile, the editor of The Nevada Independent wrote an editorial saying he wanted to publish Robisons reporting, but couldnt take the risk that Adelson might sue. The Associated Press admitted that a tweet it sent out about Trumps speech on Tuesday could have done a better job of explaining the background to the government shutdown. The agencys post was widely ridiculed as an example of both sides-ism, since it appeared to blame the Democrats for not acceding to Trumps demands. Washington Post media columnist Margaret Sullivan says Trumps Oval Office address was a pure propaganda opportunity and that broadcast networks shouldnt allow it next time. Fact-checkers countered the speech with more accurate information both before and afterward, she says, but the lies are spread; the damage is done. media columnist Margaret Sullivan says Trumps Oval Office address was a pure propaganda opportunity and that broadcast networks shouldnt allow it next time. Fact-checkers countered the speech with more accurate information both before and afterward, she says, but the lies are spread; the damage is done. Google is fighting attempts by the French government to force the search engine to remove articles under Europes right to be forgotten law, not just from French search results but from all the companys results globally. An adviser to the European Union is expected to give an opinion on the case today. Pelin Unker, a Turkish journalist and member of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, has been sentenced to more than a year in jail for her work on the Paradise Papers, an investigation into the use of offshore bank accounts by wealthy individuals, including a former Turkish prime minister. According to a report from BuzzFeed News, staffers at the Murdoch-owned British newspaper The Sun are concerned that a desire to get the attention of The Drudge Reportwhich drives huge amounts of traffic with its linksis forcing the newspaper to adopt a more right-wing perspective on UK politics. are concerned that a desire to get the attention of The Drudge Reportwhich drives huge amounts of traffic with its linksis forcing the newspaper to adopt a more right-wing perspective on UK politics. Thanks to a donation from Facebook, a group of fact-checking entities have launched a legal resource fund called the Fact-Checkers Legal Support Initiative. The project is backed by the Media Legal Defence Initiative, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, and the International Fact-Checking Network. 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. Recent tragic incidents involving the New York City Police Department (NYPD)including the summer 2014 death of Eric Garner, who was being arrested on Staten Island, and the autumn 2014 death of Akai Gurley, shot accidentally by a young police officer in a housing project in Brooklynhave reinvigorated police critics, especially in the context of a broader national discussion about crime and race prompted by events in Ferguson, Missouri. The horrific murders of NYPD officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos in December, by a man claiming to avenge Garners death, have added a deeply tragic counterpoint to this maelstrom of anti-police sentiment. Even as the department mourns its loss, it remains under fire for its adherence to some of the most fundamental principles of American policing. The NYPDs critics object, in particular, to the departments long-standing practice of maintaining order in public spaces. This practice, widely referred to as Broken Windows or quality-of-life or order-maintenance policing, asserts that, in communities contending with high levels of disruption, maintaining order not only improves the quality of life for residents; it also reduces opportunities for more serious crime. Indeed, the Broken Windows metaphor is one of deterioration: a building where a broken window goes unrepaired will soon be subject to far more extensive vandalismbecause it sends a message that the building owners (and, by extension, the police) cannot or will not control minor crimes, and thus will be unable to deter more serious ones. A neighborhood where minor offenses go unchallenged soon becomes a breeding ground for more serious criminal activity and, ultimately, for violence. We are strongly associated with the Broken Windows approach to policing. Together with the late political scientist James Q. Wilson, George Kelling wrote the seminal 1982 article on Broken Windows, published in the Atlantic, and has served widely as an advisor to police departments, transit authorities, and other urban entities. William Brattonas chief of the New York City Transit Police, commissioner of the Boston Police, commissioner of the NYPD, chief of the LAPD, and now again commissioner in New Yorkhas been a leading practitioner of the Broken Windows approach in the nations largest mass-transit system and its two largest cities. Critics have posed a variety of arguments against Broken Windows. Some assert that it is synonymous with the controversial patrol tactic known as stop, question, and frisk. Others allege that Broken Windows is discriminatory, used as a tool to target minorities. Some academics claim that Broken Windows has no effect on serious crime and that demographic and economic causes better explain the reductions in crime in New York and across the United States. Still other critics suggest that order-maintenance policing leads to over-incarceration or tries to impose a white middle-class morality on urban populations. It is rare to have the opportunity and space to correct all the misconceptions and misrepresentations embedded in such charges. We will counter them here, one by one. One confusion should be cleared up at the outset: the policing tactic known as stop, question, and frisk (SQF) is entirely distinct from Broken Windows. An SQF is based on reasonable suspicion that a crime has occurred, is occurring, or is about to occur. An officer observes someone, say, going from car to car looking into the windows. Exercising discretion, the officer decides whether to stop the person for questioning. If he suspects that the subject is armed and dangerous, he may frisk him by conducting a pat-down of his outer clothing. If the officer detects an object that may be a weapon, he may reach into the subjects pocket. This tactic has its roots in English common law and was shaped in the United States by the Supreme Courts 1968 Terry v. Ohio decision, which established the reasonable suspicion threshold for stopping and questioning, carving out a public-safety and law-enforcement exception to the Fourth Amendments requirement for judicial warrants. It recognized that the police officer on the street, faced with possible criminal activity, would be unable to secure a warrantand therefore be unable to act in time to stop a crime. Terry thus held that officers lacking a warrant may make short-term, forcible stops to intervene in what they reasonably suspect to be criminal activity. If these suspicions prove unfounded, the officers must immediately release the people they have stopped. A Terry stop is generally interpreted to require a well-founded suspicion, not just a hunch. The stop, question, and frisk tactic has caused growing dissension in New York City over the past decade, as stops reached a peak of nearly 700,000 per year in 2011. A large percentage of those stopped were minorities, and critics and plaintiffs in federal court proceedings questioned whether all these stops could have been based on reasonable suspicion, especially when only 6 percent resulted in arrests. Largely because of the SQF controversy, both a federal monitor and an inspector general have been appointed for the NYPD, and the department is now subject to the greatest level of continuous outside scrutiny in its history. As one of the key means to detect and prevent crimes in progress, the Terry stop will remain an important tool in street policing, but its heavy use in recent years made it a flash point in police/community relations. Terry stops are no longer used as an ad hoc measure of productivity in the NYPD, and they are currently running at a dramatically reduced levelabout 45,000 in 2014 (as of November 30)while yielding a higher arrest rate (15 percent). It remains to be seen if the more than 90 percent reduction in the number of Terry stops in the city, combined with heightened oversight and tighter rules about when such stops can be made, will ease public concerns about this type of police intervention on the streets. The huge reduction in police interventions, some observers worry, may have a harmful effect on crime rates. But the NYPD believes that it will be possible, using more targeted stops and other policies, including Broken Windows, to keep the crime rate from rising and even push it lower. And in fact, through the first week of December 2014, crime is down in all but one of the seven major categories, including a 6.9 percent drop in murders and a 14.6 percent decline in robberies. Unlike SQF, Broken Windows policing is not a tactical response based on reasonable suspicion of possible criminality. Rather, it is a more broadly based policy mandating that police will address disorderly illegal behavior, such as public drinking and drug use, fights, public urination, and other acts considered to be minor offenses, with responses ranging from warning and referral to summons and arrest. Most often in these cases, police have witnessed the crime in question and are acting on probable cause, the constitutional grounds for summons and arresta far greater level of police intervention than a Terry stop. Our experience suggests that, whatever the critics might say, the majority of New Yorkers, including minorities, approve of such police order-maintenance activities. After all, most of these activities come in response to residents demands, which are made to patrolling officers directly, to precinct operators by telephone, to precinct commanders at community meetings, and via the 311 and 911 call centers. Contrary to conventional wisdom, citizens almost invariably are more concerned about disorderly behavior than about major crimes, which they experience far less frequently. We have attended countless meetings with citizen groups in high-crime areas, and, almost without exception, disorderly behavior and conditions are the central concerns. As recently mapped by the NYPD, 311 and 911 complaints about quality-of-life conditions and lesser crimes correlated almost exactly with neighborhoods in northern Brooklyn and the central Bronx, where many Broken Windows arrests are made. Conversely, some large minority communities in southern Queens and the eastern Bronx make far fewer complaintsand the police make far fewer arrests for Broken Windows offenses in those areas. In August 2014, in the wake of Eric Garners death after an arrest for a quality-of-life offense on Staten Island, Quinnipiac University conducted a poll gauging the views of New York City residents toward the police and Broken Windows enforcement. The poll found that the overall approval rating of the NYPD had fallen by nine percentage points, to 50 percent, because of concerns about Garners death and police use of force. A full 90 percent of African-American respondents and 71 percent of Hispanic respondents agreed that there was no excuse for how police had acted in the Garner incident. However, even in this highly charged context, support for Broken Windows remained high. African-Americans supported it by 56 to 37 percent, whites by 61 to 33 percent, and Hispanics by the largest margin of all64 to 34 percent. The poll results reflect the underlying public support from all races for this kind of enforcement. The advocates who say otherwise obviously have never been to a police/community meeting in a poorer, mostly minority neighborhood. Sadly, criminal behavior, disorderly behavior, and, most important, victimization are highly correlated with both poverty and race in modern America. African-Americans and Hispanics made up just 53 percent of the population in New York City in 2013 but 83 percent of its murder victims, 74 percent of its rape victims, 61 percent of its robbery victims, and 71 percent of its assault victims. New York is a vastly safer place than it was 20 years ago; but for some minority neighborhoods, the change has not been as decisive or complete. Those residents still live with danger as a daily reality. Complaints about disorderly conditions also come disproportionally from neighborhoods that are predominantly African-American and Hispanic. A small portion of the minority population drives the street crime and disorder in these neighborhoods, victimizing entire communities. In 2013, for example, 92 percent of murder suspects in New York were African-American or Hispanic, as were 97 percent of identified suspects in shooting incidents. One hundred years ago, the perpetrators might have been Irish, Italian, German, and Jewish, but the underlying social conditions and the patterns of crime and disorder would have been similar. With modern, data-driven policingexemplified by Compstat, which uses exhaustive crime data and mapping to identify crime trends and hold precinct commanders accountable for their areasthese patterns, not some determination to target minorities, determine law enforcements response. That is, when the NYPD analyzes and maps crime and disorder in the city, and then develops its crime-prevention plans and allocates resources to specific neighborhoods, the effort will necessarily target high-crime areas, and those tend to have a preponderance of African-Americans and Hispanics and are usually the poorest neighborhoods in the city. In neighborhoods without high levels of victimization, crime, and disorder, residents maintain order through informal mechanisms and support networks and dont need to call 311 or 911 regularly for assistance; in these areas, police presence is far less intrusive. Ample evidence makes clear that Broken Windows policing leads to less crime. The academics who attribute crime drops to economic or demographic factors often work with macro data sets and draw unsubstantiated, far-fetched conclusions about street-level police work, which most have scarcely witnessed. These ivory-tower studies, frequently treated with reverence by the media, dont prove what they purport to prove, and they fail to grasp how crime is managed in dense, urban settings. New York Citys experience has suggestively demonstrated the success of Broken Windows over the last 20 years. In 1993, the citys murder rate was 26.5 per 100,000 people. Starting in 1994, with the election of Rudy Giuliani as mayor and the appointment of Bratton as police commissioner, Broken Windows policing was put into practice citywide (it had been implemented in the subway in 1990)and crime fell further, faster, and for longer than anywhere else in the country. Today, by far the largest and densest city in the United States has a lower murder rate, at four per 100,000, than the nation as a whole, at 4.5 per 100,000. In 1993, New York accounted for about 7.9 percent of the nations homicides; last year, the citys share was just 2.4 percent. While the national murder rate per 100,000 people has been cut in half since 1994, the rate in New York has declined by more than six times. And those striking figures are emblematic of a broader accomplishment in a city that has seen huge, historic declines in every one of the seven major crime categories. Broken Windowsstyle policing was pivotal in achieving these results. Left unchecked, street corners can degenerate into criminogenic environments. The bullies take over. They drink alcohol and take drugs openly, make excessive noise, intimidate and shake down honest citizens, engage in scams and criminal enterprisesand, worst of all, fight with one another, often with firearms. Conditions like these drove up shootings in New York City to 5,269 per year in 1993. To counter the violence, the NYPD undertook a concerted effort, beginning in 1994, to regain control of street corners and commercial strips, using quality-of-life policing as an essential tool. By cracking down on low-level offenders, the police not only made neighborhoods more orderly; they discovered that many misdemeanor offenders were also wanted for serious crimes, from illegal gun possession to murder. In the next four years, annual shootings fell by nearly 3,300 incidentsor about two fewer shootings per day. This helped reduce the numbers of murders, too, with New York experiencing the four largest drops in homicide in the citys history, including spectacular declines of 369 incidents in 1994 and 401 incidents in 1995, cutting murders by more than one a day in each of those years. Current crime levels dont stay down by themselves because of some vaguely defined demographic or economic factor. Crime is actively managed in New York City every day. The Compstat process and the NYPD command-accountability system focus precinct commanders and investigators on crime spikes and direct attention and resources to suppressing shootings, robberies, burglaries, larcenies, and auto thefts as soon as the patterns appear. Just as important, NYPD patrol officers manage street conditions daily, with police presence and quality-of-life enforcement, to keep crime-fostering conditions from taking hold. The police department continually seeks to reduce the opportunities for crime. The shooting doesnt happen, the robbery doesnt happen, the burglary doesnt happen because the police have prevented them. Until recently, Broken Windows critics could dismiss New Yorks success in fighting crime as anecdotal, suggesting correlation without causation. But in recent years, at least three randomized experiments, published in refereed journals, attest to Broken Windows impact on crime. Rutgers criminologist Anthony Braga and his colleagues conducted two field experiments: the first in Jersey City, New Jersey; and the second in Lowell, Massachusetts. In each case, multiple high-crime areas of the city were identified and randomly assigned to experimental and control conditions. Police in the control areas continued routine policing. In the experimental areas, police took a problem-solving approach that, in both cities, involved aggressive order maintenance. Crime declined in the experimental areas at greater rates than in the control areas and was not displaced to adjacent neighborhoods. In the Netherlands, experimenters took a different approach. Their findings support the central social insight of the Broken Windows theory: that disorder breeds crime. University of Groningen social scientist Kees Keizer and his colleagues conducted six field experiments in which they artificially created opportunities for crime in both orderly and disorderly environments. In one case, they placed an envelope containing visible cash so that it was hanging out of a postbox. The baseline condition was a clean postbox; the experimental condition was a postbox covered with graffiti and surrounded by litter. In the baseline condition, 13 percent of those who passed the postbox stole the money. In the experimental condition, 27 percent stole the money. The other five experiments had similar outcomes. Another charge against Broken Windows is that it results in over-incarceration, especially of the poor and minorities. But the opposite has proved true. Because of the crime turnaround in New York, felony arrests in the city are down by about 60,000 per year from 1990 levels. Imprisonment in New York State penitentiaries has declined by 25 percent since 2000, driven by a 69 percent decline in the number of New York City court commitments. Likewise, the Gotham jail population has declined 45 percent since 1992. These trends all stand in distinct contrast to the growth of prison populations in many other areas of the country. Young men may be receiving summonses and desk-appearance tickets for quality-of-life misdemeanors, but early and swift intervention has likely kept some of them from more serious criminal behavior that would result in lengthy incarceration. In any case, far fewer go to jail and prison. In their 2012 Vera Institute study, How New York City Reduced Mass Incarceration, James Austin and Michael Jacobson acknowledge that reducing mass incarceration in New York might be worth more misdemeanor arrests. Apart from the deterrent effect that minor arrests may have on individual offenders, the management of public spaces to reduce disorderly behavior also lessens daily opportunities for crime. Just as disorder encourages crime, order breeds more order. As bullies and shooters get driven off street corners and the risks of being killed or terrorized diminish, the law-abiding community reemerges and starts to exert the kind of informal social control common to more prosperous neighborhoods. In these transformed public spaces, peopleespecially young peopleare subject to more restraint and are less likely to wind up in jail. Its important to note, too, that quality-of-life arrests represent only a portion of the overall total of misdemeanor arrests in the city. About 35 percent of misdemeanor arrests in New York City are for assault and larcenycrimes that most people would not consider minor. Traffic offenses account for 16 percent. Another 12 percent are for theft of service in the subway (fare jumping) and frauds involving MetroCards. Steady increases in these categories have been primary factors behind rising misdemeanor arrests in recent years. Taken together, traffic-related offenses, fare jumping, and crimes against persons, including domestic violence and theft of smartphones and other electronic equipment, account for 63 percent of all misdemeanor arrests in New York City. Broken Windows critics tend to overlook the fact that fewer than 10 percent of misdemeanor arrestees, of any type, are actually sentenced to jail time in New York City, and few of those for Broken Windows offenses. The numbers also dispute the commonplace assertion that Broken Windows arrests lead to abusive use of police force, heightening the risk that minor offenders (like Eric Garner) might be killed. Force is rarely used during New York City arrests. In the 141,836 misdemeanor arrests made in the first half of 2014, police used force 2,481 times, or 1.7 percent of the total. In misdemeanor arrests for violations of minor local laws, force was used just 21 times, or 0.6 percent of the total. In the 321 misdemeanor arrests for untaxed cigarettes in the first half of 2014, force was used zero times. Force was also reported in only 0.3 percent of narcotics and marijuana arrests. These figures highlight how anomalous the use of force was in the Garner case. Some misdemeanor arrests are unnecessary and of limited utility. The NYPD recently drew that conclusion about a specific category of marijuana arrestsfor possession of small amounts of the drug in plain view. The NYPDworking in collaboration with Mayor de Blasios office, the courts, and the citys five district attorneysdetermined that the order-maintenance value of these arrests was low, while the cost in police time and resources and community concern was high. As a result, going forward, police will be summoning offenders for this violation rather than arresting them. Because of earlier policy changes, marijuana arrests were already down 34 percent from 2012 levels; the new policy should drive them down further. Other categories may exist where a summons could prove just as effective a deterrent as an arrest, and in police work, cases always exist where a warning may be just as effective as either. The NYPD continues to explore alternatives to arrest and to search for ways to achieve order-maintenance goals by the least intrusive and punitive means possible. These include Mayor de Blasios initiative to explore the possibility of mail-in fines for certain summonses, comparable with a traffic ticket. Overall, misdemeanor arrests have already fallen more than 9.2 percent from their peak in 2010. We expect the drop to continue as more alternatives to arrest are developed and put into place. Critics use the term zero tolerance in a pejorative sense to suggest that Broken Windows policing is a form of zealotrythe imposition of rigid, moralistic standards of behavior on diverse populations. It is not. Broken Windows is a highly discretionary police activity that requires careful training, guidelines, and supervision, as well as an ongoing dialogue with neighborhoods and communities to ensure that it is properly conducted. Broken Windows has never sought to impose inflexible standards; this is, after all, New York City. But the notion that different racial groups have different standards about what constitutes unacceptable disorder is a gross distortion. Our experience working with community groups corresponds with the research of Northwestern Universitys Wesley Skogan, as reported in his book Disorder and Decline: Crime and the Spiral of Decay in American Neighborhoods. In a survey of 13,000 residents of 40 neighborhoods in six large cities, Skogan found not only a direct link between disorder and serious crime but also a broad consensus in communitiesregardless of race, ethnicity, or classabout what constituted disorderly conditions and behavior. Topping the list were drunken and loitering youth, street harassment and panhandling, street prostitution, abandoned houses, graffiti, and other behaviors and conditions (which can include drug dealing, excessive noise, and reckless driving). Far from being a divisive issue, concern about disorder brings people with different backgrounds together. They know what disorderly behavior and conditions are, and they want something done about them. The belief that disorder produces merely victimless crimes is also largely illusory. While no specific victim may exist in many cases, most quality-of-life crimes hurt communities and neighborhoods as a whole, taking a serious toll on neighborhood life and changing the way people feel about their homes, their safety, and their general well-being. Disorder doesnt take peoples money, but it does rob their peace of mind. As Robert Peel argued more than 150 years ago, it is the job of police to help communities establish and maintain order so that people can live free from intimidation. Even fare evasion, frequently cited as the prototypical victimless crime, is anything but. The New York City subway system is a hugely subsidized enterprise, and it needs every penny in fare revenues that it can raise. In aggregate, the minor crimes of stealing $2.50 at the turnstile add up to a colossal theft. Further, the NYPD does not arrest the casual fare evader who jumps the turnstile once. Three of every four fare evaders are issued summonses. Only recidivists, including chronic fare evaders, wind up arrested. People younger than 30 and those who have come to New York in the last 15 years have no memories of the bad old days here. We suspect that some of the activists, reporters, and academics opposing Broken Windows fit these descriptions. Were reminded of Daniel Patrick Moynihans classic 1993 American Scholar article, Defining Deviancy Down. In the early 1990s, New Yorkers had a much different idea of normal social conditions from what they have today. Normal was removing your car radio and posting a sign in the window reading No Radio to discourage a break-in. Normal was subway patrons clustering together to protect themselves against predators. Normal was getting your windshield spat on and wiped with a dirty rag, or being helped by having your bags grabbed at Penn Station and then being forced to tip. Normal was Bryant Park closed and fenced off. And normal was 2,000 murders, 100,000 robberies, and 130,000 auto thefts, and the ever-present sense of danger. New York City is a much different place today. Crime has been plummeting for two decades. The rate of crime decline has slowed in the past five yearsas it would have to, after years of huge reductionswith some small upticks, but the general trend continues downward. Tourism is booming. Public spaces are safe. Property values have escalated. Its a good place to live and work. Lawlessness no longer characterizes the subway system. These conditions didnt just happen. They resulted from thousands of police interventions on the street, which restored order and civility across the five boroughs. It has become clear over the past 20 years, however, that many of the challenges to public order confronting cities and communities cannot be solved by simple police action. We as a society cannot police or arrest our way out of these problems; police need partners to help solve or manage complex social issues. A vision of collaborative community policing is emerging, in which police work closely with local communities, social-services providers, business-improvement districts, district attorneys offices, and other government entities to control crime and disorder. A current example is the NYPDs worktogether with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the New York City Department of Homeless Services, and the Bowery Residence Committeeto help homeless substance abusers and the emotionally disturbed who sleep in public spaces, especially the subway. Teams of police officers in the NYPD Homeless Outreach Unit patrol together with social workers from the Bowery Residence Committee. They offer services including safe-haven beds, mental health counseling, and medical care. Homeless arrests are already down 16 percent in the subway and 22 percent citywide. All this takes place in the broader context of Mayor de Blasios push to change the way the criminal-justice system deals with people with mental health and substance-abuse problems. The mayor is allocating $130 million to diversion, pretrial, and treatment programs over the next four years, with the goal of reducing the incarceration of people better served by various treatment and out-of-jail management options. Going forward, the police must strengthen their relationships with citizens, civic organizations, and communities. This cannot be just a matter of testimonials or slogans from NYPD leaders. The approach must be embedded in every contact that officers have with the public. The department is placing particular emphasis on field training for recent police academy graduates. Working with veteran officers and with representatives from local neighborhoods, young officers will learn how to engage fully and respectfully with community members. Crime prevention and order maintenance must be balanced by an equally important function: protecting and observing the rights of citizens. In counterpoint to the responsibilities of police are the civic responsibilities of citizens, on whom democracy places heavy demands. Democratic citizens are expected to govern themselves, and they share with police the responsibility to prevent crime and maintain order. They can do this by working through institutions such as schools and places of worship, by cultivating neighborhood awareness, and by reporting crimes. When citizens encounter police officers, they are obliged to respond civilly and with respect, even in situations in which arrest may follow. All this requires trustworthy and respectful police, of course, but the starting point for police/citizen interactions is mutual civility. Working together, we can keep the peace respectfully and lawfully. Top Photo: A prostitute smokes crack in Bushwick, Brooklyn, in the early 1990s. Quality-of-life crimes like these are not victimless; they harm whole neighborhoods. (ANDREW LICHTENSTEIN/CORBIS) You will receive 5-day a week delivery of the Citizen Tribune newspaper to your home or business, plus full, ad-free access to CitizenTribune.com as well as full access to the Electronic Edition of the newspaper. ONLY $13.99 per month for the first 3 months! Only $16.00 per month after promotional period. Or ONLY $169.99 for a full year Only $198.95 per year after promotional period. Enics is Strengthening Operations Appointments in Enics Management Published: 10 January 2019 by Mike Buetow by Mike Buetow PRESS RELEASE, 9th January at 14.15 CET -- Enics wants to deliver the best customer experience and uncompromised reliability in industrial electronics. Strong factory network and One Enics experience are the key in driving the sustainable success of our customers. Therefore, Enics is strengthening the focus in operations and appointed Mr Mikko Lassas (MSc Engineering) Vice President, Operations and member of Enics Management Team starting from 1st January 2019. In his new position Mikko will report to President and CEO of Enics Group. In his new role Mikko is responsible for companys factory network and factories quality, delivery and cost performance leading to excellent customer satisfaction. Mikko has been working in Enics since 2005 in various positions; Global Product and Technology Transfer Manager, Global Project Manager and General Manager in Lohja, Vasteras and Elva Business Units. Prior to this appointment Mikko held a position of General Manager Finland and Estonia and Managing Director of Enics Raahe Oy. Before joining Enics Mikko has been working in Tellabs in various global positions. Following the change in Mikkos position, Mr Keijo Uusimaa (MSc Industrial Engineering and Management) is appointed General Manager Finland and member of Enics Management Conference starting from 1st January 2019. In his new position Keijo will report to Vice President, Operations. Keijo has been working in Enics from year 2012 as Manager, CRM and Engineering Services in Lohja business unit. Prior to Enics Keijo has been working in Tellabs in various global positions. Enics wants to continue building a strong One Enics experience and superior customer satisfaction, and the strong focus on quality, delivery and cost is obviously the key in our type of the business. Mikkos strong experience working in both global and local level in Enics as well as his customer-oriented approach is a good fit for this new key role in our company, says Petri Suikkanen Interim President and CEO of Enics Group. Im also confident Keijo will continue Mikkos good work in our Finnish Business Units in Lohja and Raahe and take them to next level. I want to wish the best of success for both Mikko and Keijo in their new positions, he continues. Job vacancies rose in every Canadian province in 3rd quarter of 2018 Job vacancies rose in every Canadian province in 3rd quarter of 2018 Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia reported the largest year-over-year increases Job vacancies rose in every Canadian province in 3rd quarter of 2018 Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia reported the largest year-over-year increases Job vacancies rose in every Canadian province in 3rd quarter of 2018 Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia reported the largest year-over-year increases CIC News Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A Job vacancies increased in every Canadian province in the third quarter of 2018, according to a new report by Statistics Canada. Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia reported the largest year-over-year increases during the three-month period spanning July 1 to September 30, 2018. Statistics Canada said there were 550,000 job vacancies in Canada during the quarter, which was an increase of 83,000 over the same period in 2017. This was the eighth consecutive quarter with a year-over-year increase in both the number of job vacancies and the job vacancy rate, the agency said of 2018s third quarter. Year-over-year increase in job vacancies across provinces in Q3 2018 Job openings rose by 31,020 in Quebec, an increase of 35.5 per cent over the third quarter of 2017. Close to half of these job openings were in the health care and social assistance, accommodation and food services and manufacturing sectors. Statistics Canada said the job vacancy rate in Quebec rose by 0.7 percentage points to 3.2 per cent during the quarter the second largest provincial increase after Prince Edward Island. After having one of the lowest job vacancy rates among the provinces from 2015 to the first half of 2017, higher demand for labour in Quebec helped push its rate closer to the national average (3.3%), Statistics Canada reported. Of the 10 Canadian economic regions with the highest job vacancy growth rates, seven were in Quebec. The provinces Cote-Nord and Nord-du-Quebec economic region led the top 10 with a year-over-year increase of 64.2 per cent. 10 Canadian Economic Regions with highest job vacancy growth rates Quebecs Immigration Ministry introduced changes last year to its Regular Skilled Worker Program that could help the province identify and prioritize immigration candidates with work experience that is needed in regions like Cote-Nord and Nord-du-Quebec as well as others facing labour shortages. Job vacancies in Ontario increased by 22,465, or 12.2 per cent, compared to the third quarter of 2017. Ontarios health care and social services sector posted the greatest increase in job vacancies during the quarter. British Columbia saw job vacancies increase by 17,950, or 19.4 per cent, compared to the third quarter of 2017, led by its construction sector. Alberta reported 5,100 more job vacancies in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the year before, an increase of 9.5 per cent. The provinces health care and social assistance sector led with an increase of 2,000 job openings over the third quarter of 2017. The Atlantic Canada province of New Brunswick rounded out the top five with a third-quarter increase of 2,140 job vacancies compared to the year before. Provincial Nominee Programs help fill the gaps Helping fill these vacancies is a key function of Canadas Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows participating provinces and territories to nominate skilled foreign workers for permanent residence. Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and New Brunswick are among the nine Canadian provinces and two territories with immigration streams that are linked to Canadas PNP. Quebec does not participate in Canadas PNP, but instead has a separate arrangement with the Government of Canada that allows it to select foreign workers for immigration to the province. Canadas PNP is gaining in stature every year, and these latest statistics are part of the reason why, said David Cohen, senior partner with the Campbell Cohen Canadian immigration law firm in Montreal. Canadian employers need workers, and Canadas PNP streams help them fill those gaps. Find out if you are eligible for Canadian immigration 2019 CICNews All Rights Reserved Canada conducts largest first draw of the year in Express Entry history IRCC starts 2019 with 3,900 invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence Canada conducts largest first draw of the year in Express Entry history IRCC starts 2019 with 3,900 invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence The Government of Canada kicked off the new Express Entry year in impressive style Thursday, issuing 3,900 invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence to candidates with scores as low as 449. This was the highest number of invitations issued in a first draw of the year in Express Entrys five-year history, marking the start of a 12-month cycle that is expected to see Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) break last years Express Entry record of 89,800 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). The Express Entry system manages the pool of candidates for three of Federal High Skilled economic immigration programs the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class and Canadian Experience Class. Candidate profiles are assigned a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points for factors including age, education, work experience and proficiency in English or French. The highest-ranked candidates are then drawn from the pool through regular invitation rounds and issued an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence. Find out if you are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool Todays draw beat the previous high for a first draw of year, set in 2016, by nearly 1,000 ITAs and was 1,150 higher than the first draw of 2018, a year that went on to set the current annual Express Entry invitation record. Under Canadas new multi-year immigration levels plan, the federal government plans to welcome more Federal High Skilled candidates as permanent residents in 2019 than it did last year. Canada has an admissions target of 81,400 through these programs for 2019, compared to 74,900 last year. The vast majority of candidates admitted to Canada through the Federal High Skilled category have their applications for permanent resident status processed through the Express Entry system. In order to meet its higher 2019 and 2020 targets, it is expected that IRCC will have to issue more ITAs over the course of this year than it did in 2018. Last year saw IRCC gradually increase draw sizes, from 2,750 ITAs to 3,900. If a similar pattern continues this year, draws of 3,900 ITAs could grow larger and larger draw sizes could affect the minimum score if they are held on a regular basis. Todays minimum score of 449 was 10 points higher than the previous invitation round on December 19. One cause of this is the time between draws. Longer periods between draws mean more candidates can enter the Express Entry pool or take steps to increase their existing scores. One example of this would be provincial nominee programs. A candidate in the Express Entry pool who receives a provincial nomination obtain an additional 600 points toward their CRS score. In addition to increasing its Express Entry targets for 2018, Canada also increased its PNP target significantly. The December 19 minimum score of 439 reflected the fact only one week passed between that draw and the one before it on December 12, which had a cut-off score of 445. IRCC used its tie-break rule in the January 10 draw. The time stamp used was January 2, 2019, at 11:40:53 UTC. This means that all candidates with a CRS score above 449, as well as those candidates with scores of 449 who entered their profile in the Express Entry pool before the selected date and time, received an ITA in this invitation round. The following are hypothetical examples of candidates who would have obtained an ITA in the January 10 draw: Ahmed is 34 years old. He holds a masters degree and has been working as an engineer for three years. He has never worked or studied in Canada. He took the IELTS exam and obtained an 8 in each category. His CRS of 451 would have been sufficient to obtain an ITA in todays draw. Jamel and Leila are 33 years old. Leila has two bachelors degrees and has been working as a nurse for three years. Jamel has a bachelors degree and has been working for four years. They have never worked or studied in Canada. They both took the IELTS exam and obtained an 8 in each category. Leila applied as the principal applicant and their CRS of 452 would have been sufficient to obtain an ITA in the January 10 draw. Jon and Malika are 29 and 32 years old, respectively. Jon has a bachelors degree and a certificate. He has been working in the finance sector for three years while Malika has been working as an office assistant for five years. Malika holds a Bachelors degree. Jon and Malika have never studied or worked in Canada. Jon took the IELTS, and obtained 7 in reading, writing, speaking and an 8 in listening. Malika also took the IELTS exam, and received a 4 in reading, 5 in writing, 5 in listening and 6 in speaking. Jon applied as the principal applicant and their CRS score of 449 would have been sufficient to obtain an ITA in todays draw. Todays draw bodes well for another record-setting year for invitations through Canadas Express Entry system, said David Cohen, senior partner with the Campbell Cohen Canadian immigration law firm in Montreal. Find out if you are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool 2019 CICNews All Rights Reserved Florida, FL (34429) Today A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Cloudy skies. Low near 75F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Cloudy skies. Low near 75F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Atop a plateau in Bandera and surrounded by hills stands Hilltop Hacienda, a mansion that's almost as interesting as its owner. The Tuscan-style, copper-roofed home is part of a 10-acre property that also includes a pool, a small church, a barn that can function as an event center for up to 250 people, three full cabins and three efficiency apartments. And it's all for sale for less than $1 million. RELATED: Some of Texas' biggest ranches are on the market Prior to taking over the property, its owner, Mary Goodale, ran a successful $300,000-a-year horse and carriage business in an upscale shopping district in Kansas City, Missouri, according to her daughter Cherrie Kimbrell. While there, Goodale's primary competitor, M.J. L'Donna, was charged with hiring a hitman to kill Goodale and two others. L'Donna, who maintains her innocence, was jailed for 10 years, and Goodale eventually moved to the Bandera property. Earlier this year, CBS released a documentary about Goodale and L'Donna, part of which had been filmed at Goodale's Bandera home. But Goodale, who was recently widowed and owns a second house in Missouri, now finds the Bandera home too much to maintain. She's ready to head back to Missouri, and in her haste, is willing to sell the home for a bargain, Kimbrell said. "It's like a brand new house that you could not build for a million dollars," Kimbrell said. "She just wants to move." The home was built in the 1960s by San Antonio businessman Foster Baird Doane. He and two others spent three years laying the foot-thick rock walls, Kimbrell said. In 2014, the home was 80 percent destroyed by a fire, the Bandera Courier reported, but the stone exterior remained unharmed, Kimbrell said. Goodale invested several hundred thousand dollars into renovating the house after the fire, adding rounded corners, completely replacing the wiring, heating, and air systems, putting in marble floors, and more, according to Kimbrell. "It's better than it ever was. (The fire) was a blessing," Kimbrell said. The 7,300-square foot house boasts nine bedrooms, five bathrooms and eight fireplaces, according to its listing. The master suite has a sunken copper tub and a private enclosed courtyard just outside. A different room overlooks the in-ground pool and deck. RELATED: Brand new Hill Country lodge headed to no-reserve online auction The kitchen has a gas stove, an indoor grill and chimney and brand new appliances. If that's not enough space, the barn-turned-event center offers a 1930s commercial gas stove, large enough to cook "tons" of food, Kimbrell said. Nearby, each of the three cabins have complete kitchens, living areas, fireplaces and bedrooms. One of them used to be a wine cellar. The efficiency apartments are inside what used to be a three-car garage. They are smaller than the cabins, but each still has a kitchenette and enough room to sleep two, Kimbrell said. The church sits right next to the main house. It fits about 20 people, and Kimbrell said they used it only occasionally, for Christmas or Easter services primarily. It's small and old-fashioned with a functional bell and steeple and topped with a weather vane. The entire property at 307 Davis Drive is on the market for $950,000. See the listing for more information. Click through the gallery above to see pictures of the property. S. M. Chavey is a breaking news and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, mySA.com and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | sarah.chavey@express-news.net | @smchavey US President Donald Trump may abandon his plans to attend this years World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, if the deadlock with Democrats in Congress over the federal government shutdown continues, US media reported. The White House is now weighing cancelling Trumps trip to Davos this month to attend the annual forum if the government shutdown is not resolved by January 22, Sputnik reported citing The Wall Street Journal. If Congress is not acting by then to approve federal funding, some 800,000 US government workers will have gone 32 days without a paycheck, and most federal agencies will have only limited operations, the Journal said. By Alex Samuels Texas Tribune Shahid Shafi identifies as a Republican because of his firm belief in small government, lower taxes and secure borders. But his commitment to core GOP values hasn't shielded him from ire within his own party. A group of Tarrant County Republicans will vote Thursday evening on whether to remove Shafi as vice-chairman of the county party after a small faction of members put forth a formal motion to oust him because he's Muslim. Those in favor of the motion to recall Shafi, a trauma surgeon and member of the Southlake City Council, have said he doesn't represent all Tarrant County Republicans. They've also said Islamic ideologies run counter to the U.S. Constitution an assertion many Texas GOP officials have called bigoted and Shafi himself has vehemently denied. "This is, unfortunately, not the first time that people or my political opponents have tried to use my religion against me to distract the voters," Shafi, who declined to be interviewed by The Texas Tribune before Thursday's vote, told The Washington Post. "And unfortunately, I don't think it will be the last either." Dorrie O'Brien, one of the precinct chairs leading the charge to recall Shafi, did not respond to The Tribune's request for comment. She's previously said, however, that her support for ousting Shafi stems not from his religion, but whether he supports Islam or is connected "to Islamic terror groups," according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. In a series of lengthy Facebook posts, O'Brien wrote that she "never doubted" her side has "the votes to rescind Shahid Shafi's ratification as vice chair." "We don't think he's suitable as a practicing Muslim to be vice chair because he'd be the representative for ALL Republicans in Tarrant County, and not ALL Republicans in Tarrant County think Islam is safe or acceptable in the U.S., in Tarrant County, and in the TCGOP," O'Brien wrote on Facebook, adding that "there are big questions surrounding exactly where Dr. Shafi's loyalties lie, vis a vis Democrat and Republican policies." But several prominent Texas Republicans have rallied behind Shafi leading up to Thursday's vote a list that includes U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush and former House Speaker Joe Straus. As news of the motion to remove Shafi garnered national attention, the state party's GOP executive committee passed a non-discrimination resolution that affirms and supports "all Americans' right to practice their religion ... and recognizes the contributions of Republicans of every faith who advance conservative policies and ideals." Thursday's motion "is about religious prejudice," said Darl Easton, the Tarrant County GOP Chairman who appointed Shafi to his role in July. "[Shafi's] very active with the party, but most of the people don't even care about what he's done," Easton said. "Most of them already have a prejudice against Muslims, and a lot of that comes from the attack on 9/11 and the Shariah law they claim all Muslims must obey." It's unclear whether Thursday's vote will happen in public, behind closed doors or be delayed indefinitely, Easton said. The Star-Telegram reported that, since the movement to remove Shafi has picked up steam, it has expanded to also target some of his defenders, including Easton and a Republican party official who is married to a Muslim. Shafi, who came to the U.S. in 1990 and became a naturalized citizen in 2009, has repeatedly defended himself against the attacks on his religion. In an open letter, he wrote that he believes "much of the hate against Muslims is driven by a fear of terrorism." "Here are the facts. I have never had any association with the Muslim Brotherhood nor [the Council on American-Islamic Relations] nor any terrorist organization," he wrote. "I believe that the laws of our nation are our Constitution and the laws passed by our elected legislatures I have never promoted any form of Sharia Law. I fully support and believe in American Laws for American Courts. "I am honored to be an American and a Republican," he concluded. Jeremi Suri, a professor of public affairs and history at the University of Texas at Austin, said claims that Shafi's religion impede his ability to work with the Republican party are "completely unfounded." He compared the attacks against the surgeon to rhetoric the Ku Klux Klan used in the early 20th century against Catholics and Jews running for political office. "The Klan argued that if you're a Catholic, you obviously put the pope before the country so how could you be an American leader? That's the same argument this Tarrant County group is making," said Suri. Though the movement to reconsider Shafi's appointment was afoot well ahead of last year's midterm elections, Thursday's vote comes just months after Tarrant County considered the most conservative urban county in the country narrowly flipped in favor of Texas Democrats' star senatorial candidate, Beto O'Rourke. In Tarrant County and the surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth region, several Texas Senate and House seats went to Democrats, including the district previously held by conservative state Sen. Konni Burton of Colleyville. Brendan Steinhauser, an Austin-based GOP strategist, worries that Shafi's ousting would harm the Tarrant County GOP and state party in the 2020 elections. "These are the kinds of headlines the party doesn't need right now," Steinhauser said. "Doubling down on shrinking the tent is a very bad idea. It does make me wonder what's next. Are they going to say no Catholics can be in a leadership positions in the party or no Jews? I mean, what is the religious standard that they want to impose?" Easton, meanwhile, said he felt optimistic the vote to recall Shafi would fail, but feared that the push for his removal already has driven a wedge between members of his party. "As long as someone is a U.S. citizen, has obeyed the laws of the country, paid their taxes and so forth, they have an equal right to be involved in city, county, state or national government," Easton said. "The accusations they've brought against [Shafi] are not sufficient. He has every right to be here." Disclosure: The University of Texas at Austin has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. Read related Tribune coverage In Texas' third largest county, there's a campaign to oust the local GOP's vice-chair because he's Muslim Split Decision: Can one of these Democrats unseat Texas Sen. Konni Burton? Beto O'Rourke draws crowds in some conservative enclaves in bid against Ted Cruz Bob Owen, STAFF-photographer / San Antonio Express-News AUSTIN Speaker Dennis Bonnen dug his heels into his commitment to prioritize school funding in this years legislative session, adding that lawmakers who say they care about kids cant wait and let generations go unprepared. "If there is a school that is failing, why are we not more willing to fix it? Bonnen, R-Angleton, told several hundred attendees at a breakfast in downtown Austin on Thursday hosted by the Texas Public Policy Foundation. As the partial shutdown of the U.S. government nears record length, two Texas members of Congress are backing bills that would stop their own pay during any government shutdown. On Wednesday, Texas Sen. John Cornyn tweeted he will cosponsor a bill that would withhold the pay of all members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for the duration of the government shutdown, though the legislation would expire at the end of 2020. The bill, sponsored by Montana Republican Steve Daines, is known as the No Work, No Pay Act, and is one of a handful of bills and resolutions that would reduce or block Congressional salaries amid government shutdowns. NASA engineer Holly Griffith can hardly stomach the thought of borrowing money as she braces for a missed paycheck Friday courtesy of the government shutdown -- but what's even worse is the thought of borrowing money from her mom, who supports President Donald Trump. "I'm 40 and I've been working since I was 22 or 23 [years old] full time, and so it's just weird because I'm used to always being able to take care of myself," said Griffith, a safety engineer for life support systems on Orion the spacecraft being built to take humans back to the moon. "I really don't want to take a loan from [my mom] but its free money. You do what you've got to do." It's a mantra likely on repeat in the minds of many at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The shutdown, which started Dec. 22 and shows no signs of ending, has put 94 percent of the 3,055 federal employees out of work as Trump holds firm on his demand that Congress fund a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico. And those workers will undoubtedly miss their first paycheck Friday. SEEKING ONLINE HELP: NASA employee starts GoFundMe for hurting federal workers "I just feel like it's so unnecessary, ya know? Why can't we reopen the government and then have this discussion about the wall?" Griffith said. "I'm not saying there's ever a good reason to shut down, but this is probably the stupidest reason to shut down the government." Johnson officials will be hosting an open house Friday to answer questions about the furlough, including what unemployment benefits are available, what loans can be applied for through the JSC Federal Credit Union and what food banks and utility assistance can be accessed. The open will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday in Johnson's Gilruth Center Alamo Ballroom. The Houston center is home to the nation's astronaut corps, where human space flight research and training take place. It also is home to the International Space Station's mission operations and the Orion program. The about 200 federal employees still working at Johnson primarily are there to ensure the astronauts aboard the International Space Station stay alive. Griffith and her husband, an assistant principal at a local high school, think they can avoid -- albeit barely -- borrowing money this time around: the result of a combination of scrimping, staying indoors and dipping into their savings. But if it stretches on much longer, she said they won't have another option. "The mortgage isn't due until the end of the month, so we'll probably be OK missing this one paycheck," Griffith said. "But once the big bills come due, then we might start having to borrow money." Griffith knows she's in a better spot than most. Her husband doesn't work for the government, she said, and they don't have kids. For many of her coworkers, both spouses are out of work with mouths to feed. At HoustonChronicle.com: Federal employees in Houston squeezed as payday comes without paycheck NASA safety engineer Johanna Petrocelli is trying to help people who fall into that category. On Monday, she started a GoFundMe page to raise money for fellow federal workers hurting the most. "I'm a federal employee in Houston, TX and I just want to help my fellow community," Petrocelli wrote. "So I set up this GoFundMe as a means to help anyone (affected) by the furlough pay specifically for medical/child care/animal care bills." She had raised nearly $1,500 as of Thursday afternoon, surpassing her goal of $1,000. Petrocelli was not available for comment Thursday, but her GoFundMe page states she will provide money to federal workers who contact her. "My plan is to withdraw the funds once we reach the goal and transfer it to every federal employee who reaches out to this campaign requesting a need for money (pending confirmation of the federal employee/contractor status)," she wrote. Though 3,055 federal workers are employed at Johnson, a total of about 10,000 people work there when contractors are included in the count. A fair number of contractors still are working, but a recent tweet from one contractor in mission control suggests they'll begin feeling blows as well. "The #GovernmentShutdown is starting to affect me as a contractor," the employee tweeted Wednesday. "No more comp time and forced holidays (MLK) in order to stretch what little funding we have left as long as possible." Byron Williams, Houston area labor representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, said the 150 or so contractors he represents on site will be fine for about another week. At that point, money will start running out, he added, and people will be out of work. "It's sad the government is holding employees and their livelihoods hostage over internal funding," Williams said. While Griffith and her husband prepare to ask their loved ones for help, Susan Anderson gears up for a part-time job hunt starting in February. Anderson is a protocol officer at Johnson, meaning she represents the center director's office for VIP tours. She was on leave when the shutdown began and didn't plan on returning to work until Monday. NEEDS SOME HELP: Main camera on Hubble Space Telescope goes down as shutdown nears 3-week mark That obviously didn't happen. For now, Anderson will change how she pays her bills in the hopes that the shutdown will end soon. She made sure to pay the mortgage and her credit card bills, she said, but if the bill wasn't due until the end of the month, she held off. "I hope we see an end to this so we can get back to work on Monday," she said. "We're getting pretty tired of it." Anderson's husband, Clayton Anderson -- a retired astronaut who now works as a part-time professor at Iowa State University, has written several books and is on the speaker's circuit can pick up the monetary slack while she isn't getting paid. But if she wants to avoid drawing money from her retirement, that will only last until February. "I have another person with an income I can lean on so I have a little more flexibility," she said. "Here in the Houston area, a lot of people, even if it's a two-income family, both people work for the government so it's going to be a strain. I'm lucky I'm married to someone who's not working at NASA." Alex Stuckey writes about NASA and the environment for the Houston Chronicle. You can reach her at alex.stuckey@chron.com or Twitter.com/alexdstuckey. A safety engineer at NASA's Johnson Space Center is raising money online for federal employees struggling to pay their bills ahead of their first missed paycheck Friday. Johanna Petrocelli, who has worked at the Houston center since 2014, started her GoFundMe page Monday. She had raised $1,302 as of Thursday morning, surpassing her goal of $1,000. "I'm a federal employee in Houston, TX and I just want to help my fellow community," Petrocelli wrote. "So I set up this GoFundMe as a means to help anyone (affected) by the furlough pay specifically for medical/child care/animal care bills." ALL THINGS NASA: The science and finance behind the organization covered daily at HoustonChronicle.com. Petrocelli's online fundraising comes as the federal government shutdown approaches the three-week mark. Just 200 of the 3,055 federal employees at Johnson are still working -- primarily to keep the three astronauts aboard the space station alive -- because of the shutdown that started Dec. 22. As President Donald Trump holds firm on his demand that Congress fund a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, about 16,700 space agency personnel or 96 percent of the workforce across the nation are impacted. 'I'M JUST DRAINED': Federal employees in Houston squeezed as payday comes without paycheck Petrocelli was not available for comment Thursday, but her GoFundMe page states that she will provide money to federal workers who contact her for help. "My plan is to withdraw the funds once we reach the goal and transfer it to every federal employee who reaches out to this campaign requesting a need for money (pending confirmation of the federal employee/contractor status)," she wrote. Alex Stuckey writes about NASA and the environment for the Houston Chronicle. You can reach her at alex.stuckey@chron.com or Twitter.com/alexdstuckey. MORNING REPORT: Sign up to get the day's top headlines delivered to you directly in your email. In 1994, Stanley Washington was convicted of indecency with a child in Travis County after authorities said he had sexual contact with a 14-year-old girl. In December, Washington was arrested again in San Antonio after police said he confessed to assaulting a different girl on two separate occasions. An armed man who Seguin police said was planning to fulfill a prophecy at a Texas church tried to act as his own lawyer at a hearing Wednesday, until a judge talked him out of defending himself against a federal gun charge. Tony Dwayne Albert II, 33, of Houston, was charged last Friday with possessing a gun after having been convicted of domestic violence. Several news outlets have reported that Albert is an ex-Marine, but his military service could not be verified Wednesday. A criminal complaint affidavit unsealed Wednesday revealed that the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives charged him on Jan. 3 with possession of a Smith and Wesson MP9, 9mm caliber pistol when he was arrested by Seguin police on Dec. 30. Albert also had a magazine loaded with 17 rounds of 9mm ammunition, according to the affidavit. Albert made national headlines when he was arrested in Seguin after a tipster reported a suspicious person later found to be Albert carrying a pistol and wearing cargo pants, military-style boots and a green T-shirt near the intersection of West Kingsbury and West Court streets. Albert also had on a white surgical mask with a white T-shirt wrapped around his head. Police arrested him on state charges of possessing marijuana and possession of a firearm by a felon. The Seguin Police Department said that Albert later told officers that he was on his way to fulfill a prophecy at a church, but he thought he was 240 miles away in Vidor, on the outskirts of Beaumont. Albert is serving two years of probation after pleading no contest to disarming a police officer in Harris County. Albert was also convicted June 21, 2017, in Harris County of assault on a family member, court records said, which authorities say bar him from having a gun. The federal affidavit said Albert told police he believed he was in Vidor and was looking for the First Baptist Church there. When a Seguin detective asked him about the gun, he said it was for protection because people try to kill Gods people, the affidavit said. What should have been a routine, brief initial hearing for Albert on Wednesday turned into anything but. Albert interrupted, or spoke over, U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Farrer, invoking terminology from the criminal justice system and requested to act as his own lawyer because he mistrusted certain attorneys and felt he could do better. For example, Albert correctly noted that if he is indicted by a grand jury, there will be no need for a hearing to determine if law enforcement had probable cause for his arrest. The judge set the probable cause hearing for Jan. 22, and ordered him held without bail pending a hearing that same day to determine if he can be released on bail. Farrer asked whether Albert had studied law. Albert said he had because he has a bachelors degree in criminal justice, but not a law degree. When the judge asked Albert if he was familiar with the federal rules of criminal procedure and evidence, Albert answered: No. Im familiar with truth, however. I only need the truth to represent myself, your honor. Albert also said he had acted as his own lawyer before: I dont remember what the case was for, but it got dismissed. As the judge tried to explain that he had to go through a certain process and ask certain questions before allowing someone to act as their own lawyer, Albert interjected. Dont interrupt me, Farrer firmly said. If youre going to represent yourself, thats lesson number one. Dont interrupt the judge. Eventually, Albert agreed to let the judge appoint him a lawyer. Can I be guaranteed a Christian lawyer? Albert asked. Can I be guaranteed not to get a military lawyer?...If I dont like the way the person you appoint is representing me, I can remove them, correct? The judge said Albert didnt have an unqualified right to an attorney of your choice and explained that the appointed lawyer would certainly take his viewpoints into consideration. If convicted of the federal charge, Albert faces up to 10 years in prison without parole. Guillermo Contreras covers federal court and immigration news in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | gcontreras@express-news.net | Twitter: @gmaninfedland Deputies in Kaufman County uncovered child porn on a 19-year-old man's phone last week while investigating his mother's possible involvement in her infant foster child's death, according to a press release from the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office. The mother, Nicole Parker, of Forney, was ultimately charged with tampering with a witness, injury to a child and abandoning or endangering a child after turning herself in on Monday. She was booked into the Kaufman County Jail in lieu of a combined $195,000 bond for all three charges. RELATED: Here are all the sex-crime felony arrests made in Fort Bend County last month The 5-month-old infant girl was one of the woman's five foster children. The official cause of death has not been determined, Kaufman County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Jolie Stewart said. The remaining children have been removed form the mother's custody and placed into other homes, WFAA-TV reported. Meanwhile, Parker's 19-year-old biological son, Christian Richmond, was charged with possession of child pornography last week after police allegedly found child porn on his phone during the same investigation, the release said. Police were initially alerted to an unresponsive infant on Dec. 29 at the 2000 block of Chisholm Trail. After police found the child deceased, they learned the infant was one of six children in the home, including the deceased child's brother. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services were notified of the case, and the remaining four foster children were removed from the home, the release said. Richmond has since been released from jail after posting a $15,000 bond. Police don't believe his child pornography charge is related to the infant's death. Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said the United States will withdraw its troops from Syria while continuing the battle against ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), also known as ISIS. Speaking at a joint news conference with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry in Cairo on Thursday, Pompeo said that Washington remained a steadfast partner in the Middle East. "President Trump's decision to withdraw our troops has been made. We will do that," the top diplomat said, Al Jazeera reported. Houston Community College students who were forced to stop taking classes or were otherwise impacted by Hurricane Harvey may be eligible for additional scholarships after the State of Qatar presented the HCC Foundation with a $300,000 check on Wednesday. The check is part of Qatars $30 million Harvey Fund, established in 2017 to help with longer-term recovery efforts in Southeast Texas. That money will flow through the Rebuild Texas fund, which will provide the money to Houston Community College students. Those of us from the State of Qatar in the Arabian Gulf watched from afar how the entire Houston community came together during the storm, said Khaled Al Sulaiti, vice consul of the Consulate General of the State of Qatar. While my country is relatively small compared to a state as big as Texas, our people have very big hearts, and we know Texans do too. Other projects funded by the Qatar Harvey fund include $2.5 million for the City of Houstons Fund to Reduce Homelessness, $2.5 million for the renovation of the Riverside Hospital Center and $241,000 for the Wesley A.M.E Church. While $16.24 million of the fund has been dispersed, the projects to be funded by the remaining $13.76 million likely will be announced in the coming weeks and months. An advisory board including University of Houston system President Renu Khator, former Houston Mayor Bill White and Eileen Lawal with the Houston Freedmens Town Conservatory will decide how the rest of the funds are spent. In other action Wednesday, HCCs board of trustees reelected Carolyn Evans-Shabazz to serve as president for 2019. Evans-Shabazz first was elected to the board in 2015, and served as president during 2018. Trustee John P. Hansen was selected as the boards vice president, and Trustee Zeph Capo was tapped to be secretary. The board also approved selling a plot of land behind its Main Street campus, although Trustee Dave Wilson proposed the board lease that property and sell it at a later date as land values in Houstons core continue to appreciate. The motion passed on a 6-2 vote, with trustees Wilson and Neeta Sane opposing the measure. shelby.webb@chron.com twitter.com/shelbywebb Today might be your last chance to grab seats for a five-week seminar designed to give local entrepreneurs an edge in the growing U.S. cannabis industry. The Houston Academy of Cannabis Science, which is part of Pharmacology University, will start hosting classes every Saturday starting this weekend at 8204 Westglen Drive. Tickets cost $420 per person, and as of Tuesday morning, roughly 15 of 50 seats were still available, organizers said. LOCAL POT POLICY: Harris County DA Ogg issues deadline for marijuana suspects to take class Illustrating the growth of the drug's medical uses in Texas, Dr. Leavery Davidson, the academy's CEO, cited the accessibility of CBD oil, a hemp extract, at smoke shops throughout the state. She also pointed to the recently passed farm bill, which, among other things, legalizes hemp for farmers. "As CBD stores and other things are opening up, people will be able to have more networking opportunities for jobs," she said. "So that's pretty exciting." The first Saturday class will cover the history of cannabis and hemp, as well as federal and state laws that apply to medical practices, starting a business and investing in the industry. Taught by existing industry professionals and attorneys, the following weeks will cover a number of cannabis-related topics, including how to successfully cultivate hemp and medical marijuana, how cannabis affects the central nervous system and the chemical composition of the plant. More than a dozen marijuana-related bills have been filed for the 86th legislative session, which started on Tuesday. According to the Dallas Morning News, Texas marijuana policy groups are prioritizing a bill that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. They're also focused on a second bill that would legalize marijuana for medical use. RELATED: In Harris County, punishment for marijuana depends on where you're caught Locally, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg has already taken steps to effectively decriminalize low-level marijuana possession in the county. In 2017, she launched the Misdemeanor Marijuana Diversion Program, which gives suspects caught with less than four ounces of marijuana up to 90 days to complete a four-hour class in decision-making. She previously said the program saves the county about $27 million per year, though a recent Houston Chronicle analysis shows that implementation has been spotty. Nationwide, the legal cannabis industry is expected to draw an estimated $57 billion in revenue by 2027, according to Forbes. When it comes to the future of cannabis in Texas and across the country, there's no shortage of enthusiasm for Devae Davidson, Leavery's daughter who handles customer relations for the academy. "It's a thriving industry," she said. "I believe its going to save the world." Tickets for the upcoming classes are available on academy's website here. If you can't make to this series, another five-week seminar will be held starting Feb. 23, Leavery Davidson said. Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message The man accused of fatally stabbing his supervisor and critically injuring another worker in Waller County on Wednesday was taken into custody after a 15-minutes standoff today, authorities say. Evan Lyndell Parker, 34, is accused of killing 64-year-old Harry Parnell and critically injuring 36-year-old Jose Rangel. They all worked at a manufacturing business, Orizon Industries, according to the Waller County Sheriff's Office. He was charged with murder and aggravated assault in connection with the stabbings, Waller County Sheriff Glenn Smith said, adding that investigators had just started to interview him on Thursday afternoon. Smith said multiple people witnessed Parker stab both men around 7:50 p.m. Wednesday at the Orizon Industries building on FM 362 and Wilson Road, north of Brookshire. He said Rangel was part of a group of people who tried to intervene in a dispute between Parker and Parnell. Despite having multiple witnesses, he said one element of the crime remains a mystery. "We have not found a proper motive yet," Smith said. "We don't have anyone telling us [the victims] have had problems before." Smith was apprehended at 2:08 p.m. Thursday at his Harris County apartment complex in the 18000 block of South Parkview, according to a news release. He said police called his name over a loudspeaker for 15 minutes before he walked out and surrendered. CHRON CATCH-UP: Sign up to have Houston's top news stories of the day delivered to your email. Parnell, a night shift supervisor, died at the scene of the stabbing, and Rangel was flown to the hospital in critical condition, police said. Parnell had been with the company for 20 years, said Milo Thibeaudeau, chief operating officer at Spitzer Industries. Orizon is a division of Spitzer. Rangel has been with the company for about eight months. Parker is also an employee in the quality control group of Orizon. There was no known conflict between the victims and the suspect, Thibeaudeau said. "It's a family-oriented company that grew up organically," Thibeaudeau said on Wednesday. "For something this tragic to happen is beyond our imagination." Parker's criminal history involves previous charges of aggravated robbery, assault, resisting arrest and aggravated assault against a public servant, deputies said. Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message The Jazmine Barnes killing was one of the last high-profile murder cases in a year that saw another downturn in countywide homicides handled by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, according to data obtained by Chron.com through an open records request. While the county experienced a decrease, the city of Houston saw a slight uptick in homicides from 269 in 2017 to 279 in 2018, according to an unofficial tally previously reported in the Houston Chronicle. The medical examiner data shows deaths ruled a homicide in Harris County between Jan. 1, 2012 to Dec. 16, 2018. It shows that in 2018, the 390 homicides through Dec. 16 is a four-year low. The numbers do not reflect homicides in the last two weeks of the year. Barnes, who was fatally shot on Dec. 30 in northeast Harris County, was not included in the data. CHINATOWN: Chinatown crime continues to worry residents, businesses Death investigators handled 482 homicide cases in 2015, 478 cases in 2016 and 457 cases in 2017, the data shows. Within the city, Houston police compile a more detailed breakdown of homicides in some of its most deadly zip codes. It should be noted that police data slightly differs from medical examiner data because of differences in the definition of a homicide, among other factors. For example, if a child overdosed on an adult's medication, the medical examiner may rule it a homicide based simply on the adult's negligence. Texas law would require police to show at least least criminal negligence, in which a suspect should be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk of the outcome. From 2012 to December 2018, medical examiner data shows 82 homicides in the 77021 zip code, which includes the MacGregor, Riverside Terrace and South Side neighborhoods. Police records show the largest share of those homicides roughly 30 percent were gang related. The next highest cause was family violence, which accounted for at least 18 percent of those homicides. THE NEWS YOU NEED: Chron.com Catch-up. Delivered to your email. Sign up now. Another homicide-prone zip code in the city, 77004, includes the Third Ward, Midtown and Museum Park. Of the 61 homicides investigated by the medical examiner, police records show that at least 21 percent were gang related. Robberies, the next-highest cause, accounted for another 13 percent. Chron.com broke all the homicide numbers down by zip code and compiled a list of the of the 20 with the most homicides dating back to 2012. Scroll down to see whether your neighborhood fell on the list. 77035 Population estimate: 38,324 Homicide total since 2012: 35 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 9.1 77067 Population estimate: 33,489 Homicide total since 2012: 37 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 11 77091 Population estimate: 25,277 Homicide total since 2012: 38 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 15 77022 Population estimate: 27,364 Homicide total since 2012: 39 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 14.3 77026 Population estimate: 22,799 Homicide total since 2012: 39 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 17.1 77051 Population estimate: 16,661 Homicide total since 2012: 41 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 24.6 77092 Population estimate: 38,476 Homicide total since 2012: 43 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 11.2 77074 Population estimate: 39,915 Homicide total since 2012: 44 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 11 77016 Population estimate: 29,597 Homicide total since 2012: 45 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 15.2 77099 Population estimate: 51,905 Homicide total since 2012: 45 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 8.6 77093 Population estimate: 44,428 Homicide total since 2012: 47 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 10.6 77090 Population estimate: 38,361 Homicide total since 2012: 48 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 12.5 77072 Population: 62,162 Homicide total since 2012: 48 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 7.7 77081 Population estimate: 49,059 Homicide total since 2012: 53 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 10.8 77088 Population estimate: 56,716 Homicide total since 2012: 57 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 10.1 77004 Population estimate: 37,642 Homicide total since 2012: 61 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 16.2 77033 Population estimate: 22,692 Homicide total since 2012: 65 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 28.6 77060 Population estimate: 44,549 Homicide total since 2012: 67 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 15 77021 Population estimate: 26,654 Homicide total since 2012: 82 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 30.8 77036 Population estimate: 76,605 Homicide total since 2012: 97 Homicides per 10,000 people since 2012: 12.7 Additional context: The 77036 zip code, which includes Chinatown and Sharpstown, is one of the most densely populated in entire county. The area includes close to 4,000 homes and about 25,000 apartment units. Community leaders, including the Sharpstown Civic Association treasurer Charmaine LeBlanc and Southwest Management District Executive Director Alice Lee, have identified several contributing factors for the high homicide figures, including language barriers between police and the immigrant population, Chinatown business' tendency to work only with cash and the sheer density of older apartments bordering the zip code. Councilman Mike Laster, whose district covers most of the 77036 zip code, added that residents in the district speak 85 different languages. LeBlanc provided additional neighborhood statistics that show most of homicides occur outside the Sharpstown neighborhood at the heart of the district. Methodology In an effort to maintain accuracy, Chron.com compiled the data using the "injury zip code" of each homicide. This means that, instead of pinpointing the zip code of each homicide death, we pinpointed the zip code where people sustained the injury or wound that eventually led to their death. Since people typically die at hospitals, those locations would be the most homicide-prone areas using only death locations. Chron.com also calculated the per capita rates of homicides in each zip code. This number factors in population to show the prevalence of homicides for every 10,000 people in the zip code. Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message Mayor Sylvester Turner on Wednesday invited the Houston firefighters union to sit down with him to discuss any ideas you have about how to implement the pay parity measure passed by voters last November, but left it unclear whether negotiating pay raises through contract talks was an acceptable idea. Union President Marty Lancton declined to say whether he would meet with the mayor, instead issuing a response saying the union would not participate in stage-managed, taxpayer-funded public stakeholder forums. Proposition B is now law, Lancton wrote. The campaign is over, and its past time to implement the proposition. Wednesdays exchange came a week after Turner announced that he would like to meet with the union and others to discuss ways to implement the pay raises mandated under Proposition B, an amendment to the citys charter requiring firefighters be paid the same as police of equal rank and seniority. Turner has said implementing the measure would cost the city $100 million a year and would require the layoffs of as many as 1,000 employees, including firefighters and police, as well as cuts in service. He implemented a hiring freeze before the November vote, and has attempted to block implementation of the charter amendment in court. A state district judge last month tossed out a temporary restraining order and denied further attempts by the city and Houston Police Officers Union to delay the measure. The mayor has resisted calls by the union since the day after the election to return to the bargaining table to hammer out a contract that would phase in the firefighter raises and help the city avoid layoffs and cuts in service. The city, Turner has said, will not sit down to negotiate raises before a judge can decide whether a collective bargaining agreement can supersede the voter-approved amendment. Asked Wednesday if Turners invitation to the fire union meant the mayor now may be open to the idea of contract negotiations, a spokesman would say only that he was open to ideas. In his letter to Lancton, the mayor reiterated that the city had offered the union raises totaling 9.5 percent over three years, which the firefighters rejected. I do not want to lay off any employees; and, I interpret some of the things you have said in public to acknowledge the true state of the citys financial affairs, he wrote. If the sacrifice of city services and city employees and their families in order to finance your pay increase can be avoided, I am open to consideration of your ideas. Please join me for a discussion of your thoughts and ideas on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 2 p.m. at City Hall, the letter continued. Please bring your team. I will be there to hear you out in this public opportunity to find a solution. Lanctons responded forcefully, questioning whether Turner would be willing to address or resolve several issues between the two sides, including the dismissal of pending legal claims against the union and an end to threats of layoffs. Will you provide a specific date when firefighters will receive the compensation authorized by Prop B? he wrote. Will you confirm the city will pay the firefighters back pay from when Prop B was approved by the voters. Will you bring forward you own solutions, and not simply demand that we and others in the community negotiate against each other or ourselves? Lancton ended the letter saying, As you know, the best, most cost-effective way forward is through a collective bargaining contract. Please let us know when you are serious about resolving our differences. Well be ready. Turners response is the meeting is scheduled for next week, spokesman Alan Bernstein said in a text message. robert.downen@chron.com twitter.com/robdownenchron One of the men accused in Jazmine Barnes drive-by shooting death, Eric Black Jr., was previously busted in Louisiana after being caught with a firearm with a destroyed serial number, according to local authorities. Black, 20, has no known arrests in Texas but, in March 2017, while driving back to Houston from New Orleans, he and two passengers were pulled over along Interstate 10, Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes said Wednesday night. An officer smelled marijuana coming from the car and searched Blacks vehicle along the busy Louisiana highway. The drug and two pistols were found, including one with a destroyed serial number. SECOND SUSPECT: Jazmine Barnes accused killer has lengthy criminal history Semmes said Black, who was then 18, was charged with possession of a firearm with an obliterated number. A passenger was charged for possessing the Schedule 1 narcotic. Were not a big agency, but we deal with about 10,000 traffic stops a year on the interstate, Semmes said. At the time, there was nothing that stood out about his arrest. It was one of numerous arrests we make every day." Michael Cassidy, the Jefferson Davis Parish District Attorney whose office received the charges, did not respond to a request for comment. Blacks arrest made the Jennings Daily News police blotter on March 19 of that year. ABBOTT CHIMES IN: 'Too many gangs in Houston' Black landed behind bars again over the weekend during a traffic stop that prompted a capital murder charge for the early morning shooting on Dec. 30 that killed 7-year-old Jazmine and wounded her mother near a Walmart in east Harris County. He confessed to driving the car used in the shooting and that he and his passenger, Larry Woodruffe, mistook a car with Jazmine's family inside for a group the two men argued earlier that night, according to prosecutors. Woodruffe is slated to appear in court Thursday. A constable's deputy shot a burglary suspect Wednesday in northwest Harris County. The Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office deputy was responding to reports of a burglary in the 16200 block of Lobo Lane around 4:45 p.m. when the suspected burglar pulled a pistol, according to the constable's office. The deputy opened fire, striking the suspect at least once, authorities said. The suspect's condition was not immediately known. It is unclear if the deputy was injured during the ordeal. No other information was available. Check back for updates as they come in. Jay R. Jordan covers breaking news in the Houston area. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message The Ku Klux Klan gathered outside, and helicopters buzzed overhead the night Gary Graham was put to death. The crowds in Huntsville were thick and volatile. A cause celebre for activists and reformers, the young black man had to be forcibly strapped to the gurney, where he proclaimed his innocence up to his last breath. That was 18 years ago. When Ron Mock the much-maligned defense attorney best known for his handling of the case died last month, it was a much quieter affair. Years after the death penalty trials that gained him notoriety, Mock died peacefully in Houston on Dec. 30. He was 72. An affable man and a lawyer from the old school, Mock started practicing in Harris County just after the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment in the 1970s, launching his career in an era when he was one of few black lawyers standing in front of the bench. He was a lovable rogue, he was charming he was Fifth Ward-made-good, said high-profile defense attorney Brian Wice. But despite his endearing demeanor, Mock was known for the number of capital cases he took and criticized for the number he lost. Some saw him as a cog in the states most aggressive death penalty machinery, doing little to fight the harshest sentences in a county that consistently sought them. He racked up reprimands from the State Bar of Texas, and once got a rare, 35-month suspension after he took a womans money and never told her he lacked experience in handling sexual harassment cases. I have a permanent parking spot at the grievance committee, he told the New York Times before Grahams execution. Known for his speed in picking a jury and his willingness to take on new cases, the Houston Press found that he was consistently one of the court-appointed lawyers taking home the most money from county coffers in the 1980s and 1990s. He was once jailed for contempt for his mishandling of criminal cases, and his courtroom record was the focus of a Chicago Tribune investigation into problems with the death penalty in Texas. Related: Listen: Former Texas judge raises possibility of death penalty moratorium Longtime friend and fellow attorney Andrew McGee defended Mocks legal prowess, pointing out that Mock took on the toughest clients, the men no one wanted to represent. He did appointed cases of baby killers, husband killers he did all the worst of the worst and he was good at it, McGee said. If they ended up on death row it was probably because they deserved to be there. Between 1986 and 2001, Mock handled 19 capital murders. Sixteen of them ended in a death sentence. At one point, he said that hed likely had more clients sent to death row than any other lawyer in the country. I know I have represented these folks to the best of my ability, he told the Tribune. Im a good lawyer. It aint bragging if you can do it. While some of Mocks clients earned their convictions, Grahams case was never as clear-cut. The Houston man, who was 17 at the time of the murder, was convicted without any physical evidence and on the testimony of a single witness. Mock a third-year attorney at the time didnt put on any witnesses to argue his clients innocence. It was a case that became a political flashpoint and one that still incites ire among anti-death penalty activists and capital defense attorneys. David Dow, a Houston lawyer who handled some of Grahams appeals, called Mock one of the worst attorneys taking on capital trials. And, despite his colorful posthumous image of the man, years earlier Wice dinged his lax preparation and casual handling of a different capital case as so bad it constituted a breakdown of the adversarial process, according to the Washington Post. Defense lawyer Feroz Merchant dismissed the negative comments as a reflection of the sorts of cases his friend took. He was a good-hearted soul and a good human being, he got people charged with the worst offenses and you can only do what you can with what youve been given, he said. I cant make a steak from a piece of cardboard no matter how much you might want to. Outside the courtroom Mock was known as a likable guy, quick with a joke and always easy to find at Busters, a favorite watering hole near the courthouse. Nobody could tell a story like he did, Merchant said. He walked into a courtroom and everybody knew. Mock started his law career in 1978 after earning a degree from Texas Southern University. He paved the way for so many people of color to practice criminal defense and that was a good thing, Wice said. But if you were an indigent defendant charged with capital murder and the state was going to seek the ultimate punishment, you knew that your days were likely numbered. Mock leaves behind a wife and two children, who declined to comment. The defense attorney for Larry Woodruffe, the alleged gunman charged in the drive-by shooting that killed 7-year-old Jazmine Barnes, said Thursday her client couldnt get a fair trial because of intensive publicity surrounding the shocking homicide. Veteran defense attorney Lisa Andrews asked for a change of venue and blasted Houston Police Officers Union president Joe Gamaldi for inflammatory tweets that have appeared in local and national media. Gamaldi questioned the punishment Woodruffe, a documented gang member, received for offenses before the Dec. 30 shooting. Andrews also said Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales has shown bias because he spoke at the funeral for the second-grader. The dhild was shot in the head as she and her sister rode to a shopping center with her mother, who was wounded in a hail of bullets fired in the pre-dawn darkness. My concern is that some of our local leaders are taking steps, posting things on social media, that I believe are unprofessional and inappropriate given their position of investigating the case and prosecuting the case, Andrews said after the arraignment. I believe these actions are prejudicing any eventual jury. In court for Woodruffes arraignment, she told State District Judge Nikita Harmon that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had retweeted Gamaldis assertions her client is a dirtbag. Judge Harmon ordered that Woodruffe be held without bail, the same ruling for co-defendant Eric Black Jr. Later, Gamaldi doubled down on his disdain for Woodruffe, the 24-year-old who was charged this week with capital murder. If I was Larry Woodruffes attorney, Id probably do everything in my power to distract from the fact that my client is a complete dirtbag, he said of Andrews. Gamaldi noted that Woodruffe has a lengthy criminal history that includes a felony family violence conviction for choking his girlfriend. And while he was on parole, he got caught with a loaded firearm with a 30-round magazine that landed him in jail for the nine months prior to Barness death. Gamaldi revisted his criticism of Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, who has championed increased diversion programs for low-level offenders. I hope the trial gets moved to Montgomery County and maybe this guy will finally get the book thrown at him, he said. If his last case had gone to Montgomery County, we wouldnt even be having this discussion because he would have gone to prison and wouldnt be out on the streets shooting people. After the hearing, Woodruffes defense attorney said her 24-year-old client has vehemently maintained his innocence. He denied any involvement to police officers when they picked him up, Andrews said. I am concerned that people believe hes guilty and theres been no evidence. Black, 20, Woodruffes co-defendant, apparently confessed to police and said he was the driver and Woodruffe was the shooter who sprayed shots into the car driven by LaPorsha Washington, who was wounded. To bolster his story, Black gave consent to search his home where police found a gun they believe to be the murder weapon. Andrews contends that Black is incriminating Woodruffe in an effort to help himself and should not be considered credible. The only person that says that (Woodruffe was the shooter) is the person who got charged first. My experience is that some people have a big motive to get themselves out of hot water, she said. It is also my experience, after 20 years of doing criminal law on both sides, that shooters dont give up their gun. That gun he led the cops to was at his house, not my clients. In court, prosecutor Samantha Knecht told the judge that in addition to Blacks statements, cellphone data shows that Woodruffes phone was in the area of the shooting at the time of the slaying. After the arraignment, Tom Berg, the first assistant for the district attorneys office, said it was too early in the case to hear any motion to move the trial because of pretrial publicity. He also said most of the comments and outrage are coming from people who are not connected to the case. I think theres a temptation amongst elected officials to get in front of media, and certainly some did it in this case, be it the governor or the head of the HPD police union, Berg said. Those are people who have nothing to do with this case. So theyre not particularly relevant, they just want to get out there. The shooting of Jazmine Barnes and her mother was investigated by the Harris County Sheriffs Office, while Gamaldi heads the union representing Houston police officers. It is rare for judges in Houston to grant a change of venue because there are millions of people in Harris County, and trials usually happen months or years after initial media firestorms. Some people will remember nothing about it. And some people wont know anything about the case, Berg said. We expect to draw a fair panel, and get a fair jury for a fair trial. Under Texas law, both men face the possibility of life in prison without parole if convicted. They could also face the death penalty, a decision made by the elected district attorney, usually months after an arrest. Andrews was appointed Wednesday and immediately began filing motions to keep law enforcement from questioning Woodruffe. She also filed a motion to prohibit anyone she has not approved from visiting Woodruffe in jail. She has also filed a motion asking that the Harris County District Attorneys Office maintain the standards of ethical responsibility regarding pre-trial publicity. The judge instructed prosecutors to do so. Andrews is not stranger to publicity. In 2012, she made headlines when she presented evidence in court of incompetence and shoddy handling of drug tests at the countys probation department, a revelation that led to the ouster of the head of that agency. After Woodruffes arraignment, Andrews said she would put her request for a change of venue on the back burner and see how the case progresses. Woodruffe, a former janitor and father of three, was identified along with Black by an anonymous tipster. Both were arrested during a traffic stops Saturday for possession of drugs. Black also has a criminal history. He was arrested for possessing a firearm with an obliterated number during a traffic stop along Interstate 10 in March 2017, according to Louisiana authorities. He was 18 at the time. Staff writer Nicole Hensley contributed to this report. brian.rogers@chron.com Turkey is ready to consider US proposal on deliveries of Patriot air defense systems, but refuses to abandon the S-400 deal with Russia as a potential precondition for the Ankara-Washington agreement, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Thursday, Sputnik reports. "Turkey may buy Patriot systems in the future. But it will be impossible if abandoning S-400 will be one of the conditions for the purchase," Cavusoglu told the NTV broadcaster. The Woodlands is known for its lush forest buffers and plethora of trees. In effort to continue the greening of the township, local groups are seeking volunteers for an annual tree-planting day on Feb. 9. According to a press release sent by township officials, the fifth iteration of the Community Tree Planting is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 9, at the Spindle Tree Ponds Park, located inside the Village of Sterling Ridge. John Geiger, manager of environmental services for The Woodlands, said the reforestation event is associated with the annual Arbor Day event hosted by The Woodlands Development Co., and is part of an overall effort to reforest the township, get beneficial plants into the ground and attract pollinators. The township has been getting seedlings from the (Woodlands) Development Co. after its Arbor Day event. We secure the remaining seedlings and plant a few weeks later, Geiger said. We thought it would be a great way to involve the community in reforestation. The event will be focused on the planting of thousands of native trees, wildflowers and milkweed plants, the release stated, with flora varying in size from seedlings to shrubs and small trees in 30-gallon pots. The event is a collaboration between The Woodlands Township, Centerpoint Energy, Trees for Houston and The Howard Hughes Corp. We have large potted trees in 30- and 15-gallon pots which we will be pre-digging holes for and we also plant milkweed and spread wildflower seeds as a part of our Pollinator Support Program. Anyone interested in volunteering is required to pre-register for the event online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/environment or onsite on the day of the event. There is no age restriction, but volunteers should be prepared for some physical labor as well as outdoor conditions. The location of this years planting, Geiger said, will help with both attracting pollinators and reforestation efforts, but also create a beautiful natural collage of colorful flowers and plants. Community Tree Planting When: 8 a.m-noon, Saturday, Feb. 9 Where: Spindle Tree Ponds Park, located inside the Village of Sterling Ridge Parking Details: Volunteers must park along either Springtime Creek Drive or May Valley Drive. For more information: Call 281-210-3800 See More Collapse (Spindle Tree Ponds Park) Is a really long park, we are going to be at the south end of the park by Spring Time Creek, Geiger added. It is going to be a great community event. Tom Simiele became director of Pasadena Public Libraries seven years ago with fresh ideas and hopes to expand the library system in ways that would engage the entire community. As he approaches retirement on Jan. 11, he said he is proud of what the library team has accomplished and looks forward to seeing how it continues to progress in the future. One of the last issues he discussed with staff before announcing his retirement was the need for expanding the Fairmont Branch either by building a new branch or retrofitting a space that is already in existence and a really good teen program. We need more space, he said. The Fairmont branch is too small wed have even more people there if it was larger. And we need to do more for teens. Simiele, who turns 76 on his retirement date, says hes retiring to move back to Cleveland, Ohio, where he once practiced law, to spend time with his first grandson and travel, including a trip to the Caribbean this summer to attend a daughters wedding. Hes also starting a library consulting business. Simiele said the changes he made started on Day 1 when he toured the central library. The books were perfectly in rows, he said. Incredibly organized and not a millimeter off from one another. It was like walking into something from Star Trek there were these long rows of lights that seemed to go on forever and all these neatly arranged shelves, but you couldnt actually see any of the book covers. He saw this as an opportunity for the library to rearrange a bit and shake up the stodgy visual image that many people have of libraries. Publishers spend millions of dollars creating those book covers to look appealing, to make people want to read them, he said. When you go into Barnes & Noble, what do you see? Rows of book spines, or carefully marketed tables and shelves that invite people to look through the selection. Those stores are designed to pique peoples interest, and I thought we needed to do the same thing. He saw that people were using the library as a place to interact, share human contact and similar interests. We set up areas for people to visit with one another, he said, to work out problems and enjoy each others company. His library career followed 30 years of practicing law in Cleveland. He worked as director at the Bristolville Public Library in Bristolville, Ohio, as deputy director at the Euclid Public Library, Euclid, Ohio, and as director of the Indian Trails Public Library in Wheeling, Ill., before coming to Pasadena. Simiele said he learned that by making the library a place for community to gather first, the reading would follow. In Pasadena, he introduced events, programs and elements designed to draw a wide range of people, such as Red Box-style movie rental systems open 24 hours a day where residents can rent new (and not so new) releases with just their library card. Thats been very popular, he said. And whats even better about it is that you can see what movies we have and reserve them with our app. Its a great option for those in our community who might not have streaming service. Simiele also oriented Wi-Fi routers in the library in such a way that the signal would reach the parking lot. This way, he said, people can use Wi-Fi when the library is closed. Movie Night formed a community following, Simiele said. Several times during the year, he said, We pick a movie to show sometimes its a foreign language film, sometimes its foreign director. Weve had a silent film people really loved that. We hand out popcorn, we watch the movie together and then afterwards we all sit around and discuss it. Its collected quite a loyal crowd. He talked about a library in Oslo, Norway that is recognized worldwide for its outstanding teen program. First, its like nothing youve ever seen before, he said of the Biblo Tyen library. It doesnt even feel like a library. You dont even notice the books, but theyre there, theyre just very carefully placed. What theyve done there is made the library a place where teens want to hang out. They socialize, they can watch movies, the staff gets to know them, and thats key. Because once the staff gets to know them they start coming in for things like help with their homework, and asking for book recommendations. We need something like that in Pasadena. Libraries lose people from the age of about 16 or 17 to whenever they start having kids they bring to the library. We need to think about what those teens want so that they have a place to go. A replacement for Simiele has not yet been selected, but the city is reviewing resumes. Saudi Arabia sold $7.5 billion in bonds Wednesday, drawing support from international investors in the kingdoms first debt sale since the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, The Wall Street Journal reported. The bond sale was backed by several high-profile Western banks, suggesting they are willing to work with Saudi Arabia despite the furor over Mr. Khashoggis death in October at the hands of Saudi agents. BNP Paribas, JPMorgan, HSBC, Citi and NCB Capital arranged the bonds, which people close to the transaction said attracted $27 billion in orders. The Saudi bond sale extends a borrowing spree that began in 2016 when, faced with a drop in oil income, the country turned to international debt markets to shore up its finances and bankroll its ambitious diversification efforts. In 2 years, Saudi Arabia has sold close to $60 billion in bonds, becoming one of the biggest issuers of debt among emerging markets. A $4 billion 10-year bond was priced at 175 basis points over U.S. Treasury bond benchmarks and a $3.5 billion 31-year bond priced at 230 basis points. While those prices offer relatively generous yields for investors, they are similar to what Saudis have paid in the past on bonds and show that demand hasnt withered for their debt since Mr. Khashoggis death. A man charged in the stabbing death of a woman last year in her living room was already jailed in Houston for allegedly sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl, according to court records. Estanislado Alvarez-Hernandez, 26, is accused of slaying Maria Gonzalez at her apartment in the 10500 block of Spice Lane in August, police said Wednesday. Alvarez-Hernandez, a Honduran native, was identified as the suspect who a witness saw struggling with Gonzalez and then fleeing her apartment. He was already in the Harris County Jail on two unrelated charges, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and super aggravated sex assault of a child, when he was charged in Gonzalez's death. PRIOR ARREST: Eric Black Jr., Jazmine Barnes' shooting suspect, was arrested for gun possession in Louisiana A Houston police officer arrested Alvarez-Hernandez on the sex assault charge on Dec. 23. In that incident, a 12-year-old girl texted 911, sending messages that she needed to be rescued from a man later identified as Alvarez-Hernandez. Authorities located his apartment based on information in her texts. She told authorities she met Alvarez-Hernandez on Facebook, that he picked her up from her house and that they had sex at his house the first day that they met, a prosecutor said during a probable cause hearing on Christmas Day. She realized her mistake as the weekend went on and wanted to leave him, but was afraid because he threatened to kill her, the prosecutor said. The girl said the man carried a gun with him. When police arrived at Alvarez-Hernandez's apartment, he had a .38-caliber gun, authorities said. Police then found the girl inside, who told them Alvarez-Hernandez raped her. A public defender said Alvarez-Hernandez, a landscaper, has lived in the United States for three years and is renting the Houston apartment with his sister. He was previously indicted on the federal charge of alien in possession of a weapon charge in May 2017 and a warrant for his arrest was issued later that year after he failed to appear in court. The U.S. Marshals and Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a hold on Alvarez-Hernandez after his most recent arrest in Houston. A man was taken to the hospital after a car slammed into a southeast Houston gas station Wednesday. A blue Ford SUV crashed into a Valero gas station along El Dorado Boulevard near Eastscape Drive around 2 p.m. Deputies have identified the suspect and victims in a stabbing that killed one man at a Waller County business Wednesday night. Evan Lyndell Parker, 34, is accused of killing 64-year-old Harry Parnell and critically injuring 36-year-old Jose Rangel. All three were employees at the manufacturing business, Orizon Industries, according to the Waller County Sheriff's Office. Warrants for aggravated assault and murder have been issued for Parker's arrest, deputies said. The two men were stabbed sometime around 7:50 p.m. at the Orizon Industries building on FM 362 and Wilson Road, north of Brookshire. Parnell, a night shift supervisor, died at the scene, and Rangel was flown to the hospital in critical condition. Parnell had been with the company for 20 years, said Milo Thibeaudeau, chief operating officer at Spitzer Industries. Orizon is a division of Spitzer. Rangel has been with the company for about eight months. Parker is also an employee in the quality control group of Orizon. There was no known conflict between the victims and the suspect, Thibeaudeau said. "It's a family-oriented company that grew up organically," Thibeaudeau said. "For something this tragic to happen is beyond our imagination." Its unclear what led to the stabbing, although it is believed to be work-related, deputies said. Parker fled afterward in a gray 2014 Nissan Versa, with the Texas license plate No. GRJ0214. Multiple law enforcement agencies are working on leads to Parker's location. Parker is believed to be armed and dangerous, according to the sheriff's office. Parker's criminal history involves previous charges of aggravated robbery, assault, resisting arrest and aggravated assault against a public servant, deputies said. People who see Parker are urged to call 911. Houston ISD trustees will hold 12 community meetings over the next two weeks to solicit feedback about the districts ongoing superintendent search. Trustees will kick off the listening tour Monday evening at Peck Elementary School on the citys southeast side. A districtwide meeting will be held the following Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center. The final meeting will take place Jan. 24 at Madison High School on the citys south side. The 12 meetings are spread across the district, with all nine trustees hosting at least one session. Representatives from the districts superintendent search firm, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, are expected to attend. All members of the public are invited to attend each session. HISD officials initially said Thursday that they would hold 15 community meetings, but later removed two student-only gatherings and a Jan. 22 meeting on the citys east side from their schedule. It is not immediately clear whether trustees still will meet with students. Houston ISD also has posted an online survey for feedback about the superintendent search, available at www.houstonisd.org. HISD leaders are seeking a permanent replacement for former superintendent Richard Carranza, who left the district in March 2018 to become chancellor of New York City Public Schools. Trustees elevated Grenita Lathan, who previosuly served as chief academic officer, to interim superintendent following Carranzas departure. It is unlikely Lathan will get the job permanently given that five trustees covertly maneuvered to replace her last October, reversing course two days later when her chosen replacement backed out of the job. Trustees have said they want to complete their search before April 30. The search will be closed, meaning the names of applicants and finalists will not be disclosed publicly. Trustees said some interested candidates working in other school districts may not apply if their names are publicly released, fearing reprisal from their current constituents. Texas law requires the public naming of a lone finalist at least 21 days before a contract is signed with a chosen candidate. jacob.carpenter@chron.com twitter.com/chronjacob Montgomery County Animal Control Officer Kat Gibson testified Thursday to the horrific conditions of feces and urine more than 50 dogs were found in, both living and dead, at a New Caney home. Gibson, along with Assistant County Attorney Ronald Chin, Montgomery County Animal Shelter Director Aaron Johnson and MCAC Officer Joe Guidry, appeared before Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Jason Dunn Thursday morning to severe ownership of the dogs and allow the shelter to rehabilitate them and adopt them into new homes. The living conditions were horrendous, she said. Several came back heartworm positive so that shows they werent getting regular vet care. Multiple animals on the property, living and deceased, were very thin which show they were not provided food or water. Generally, just left and forgotten. Dunn granted the motion including a monetary judgment of $11,495.73 for the countys cost in caring for the animals since seizing them Saturday including the cost of necropsies for several of the dogs. DOG DUTY: New trailer eases seizure of 57 dogs by Montgomery County Animal Control According to Gibsons testimony, she responded to a call to the home on Espinosa Lane around noon where she first made contact with the dog owners daughter. The daughter informed Gibson that her mother died Dec. 31 and her mothers common-law husband left the home taking with him a few of the dogs he wanted. Gibson said once she made entry to the property she could see four dogs running loose with other in makeshift kennels with no food or water. She noted there was some food and water left for the dogs outside the kennels but did not know who had left the food there. I opened the gate and there were four dogs running around the property but I could see other dogs in kennels on the property, Gibson said. I walked up to the first kennel and there were four living dogs and two deceased dogs together in that kennel. Chin asked Gibson if she knew how long the dogs had been dead Gibson said she could not give a definitive time but said the animals were in rigor mortis. She added she could hear dogs inside the mobile home as well. Gibson said after looking at the other animals she called Johnson to report the situation and request the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office get involved in order to get a search warrant for the property. Once the warrant was issued, Gibson said other animal control officials arrived and made entry to the home. MASS ANIMAL KILLING: Montgomery County detectives probing questionable euthanizing As soon as we open the door our ammonia reader read 29 I believe, she said. Guidry said acceptable level for ammonia is zero. Gibson also testified there was feces all over the floor of the home and in the living area another dead dog was found, she said she was not aware of any food or water available for the dogs. The dogs were eventually captured and all taken back to the Montgomery County Animal Shelter. Gibson said an additional four more dogs, three puppies and an adult dog, died at the shelter. Chin said the case is being investigated by MCSO but no charges have been filed in the case. cdominguez@hcnonline.com Russian energy companies have increased natural gas production by about 5% over the past year, bringing it to record 725 billion cubic meters, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin today. "Our gas industry have set new gas production record - 725 billion cubic meters of gas, which is about a five percent increase from 2017," he said, noting that last year third phase of the Bovanenkovo oil and gas condensate field was commissioned, RIA Novosti reports. Oil production has also increased last year - compared to 2017, it increased by 10 million tons (1.6%), reaching 556 million tons. "54 fields were put into operation, including several large ones, such as Russkoe, Tagulskoe, Kuyumbinskoe," Novak said. As leading analyst of the National Energy Security Foundation, lecturer at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Igor Yushkov, said in an interview with Vestnik Kavkaza, increase in production over the past year was so significant due to growth in demand in foreign markets. "We have supplied more gas to Europe, so more gas was produced. It's important to understand that the gas industry of Russia does not have any problems with production - we have very large reserves, and we can even increase production at existing fields, so everything depends solely on demand (as opposed to oil, where demand is higher than our capabilities)." "Europe's own production is dropping, which is why Europeans are forced to import more and more gas, and the only one who can fully satisfy this demand is Gazprom. Other suppliers (Norway and Algeria) don't have necessary capabilities, and buying LNG is too costly. That's why last year gas exports rose to 200 billion cubic meters," he noted. Alexei Kokin, senior analyst of UralSib, stressed that growth of gas production in Russia corresponds to growth of demand for Russian gas both domestically and abroad. According to data that was published in December, gas exports to non-CIS countries should have exceeded 200 billion cubic meters. This is a very huge figure. As for demand in Russia, I honestly don't know. I think it's not too important for Gazprom." In addition, he noted that in order to increase consumption of natural gas in Russia, it's necessary to take some additional measures to stimulate demand. courtesy of Montgomery County Sheriff's Office A woman was arrested Tuesday after Montgomery County Sheriffs Office deputies pursued her in a vehicle she allegedly stole from its owner after asking for a cigarette in New Caney. Haley Moody, 27, is being charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and evading arrest or detention in a vehicle. A man living in the 17900 block of U.S. 59 alerted deputies around 4:40 p.m. that Moody requested a cigarette as she had previously done. He told deputies he walked toward a building and saw Moody drive away in his vehicle. When you wish upon a star, the kindness of strangers can be key. Take, for example, the parents of 4-year-old Emma Gonzalez of Deer Park, who is being feted this month with a weeklong trip to Disney World because of her life-threatening condition, Dravet syndrome, a form of epilepsy. Her wish, to meet Princess Elena of the enchanted kingdom of Avalor is being funded by contributions to nonprofit Make-A-Wish Foundation. Make-A-Wish transforms the lives of children, their families, volunteers, supporters, medical professionals and entire communities, said Teresa Andrepont, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana, which is based in Stafford. Emmas mother, Sarah Delgado, and father, Hector Gonzalez, were stunned when their daughter began suffering seizures when she was 5 months old. She was developmentally on track. She was in day care. We didnt suspect anything, Delgado said. Once Emmas seizures started, they grew worse. She got so sick, a prolonged seizure would compromise her airway, and she would be in (a hospital intensive care unit) for two weeks, Delgado said. It was terrifying. To see your infant turn blue; we were a ball of emotion, added Delgado, who quit her job as a health professional to stay at home and care for her daughter. Specialists at Texas Childrens Hospital in Houston diagnosed Emma with Dravet syndrome, which can be treated with cannabis oil in an oral solution called Epidiolex. However, it took about two years for Emma to gain a spot in a research study in October 2017. In June, Epidiolex won approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It has been a lifesaver, Delgado said. Emma has basically been seizure-free since taking the medication, her mother said. She finally caught a break. In addition, Emmas health has improved to the point that she should be able to enjoy a vacation to Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Delgado, 28, who graduated from Pasadena Memorial High School, said a childhood friend advised her that Make-A-Wish fulfills the dreams of children with critical illnesses. Once Make-A-Wish has been contacted, a medical release form is sent to the childs primary physician. Upon medical approval, a volunteer team sets up a time to visit with the child to learn the youngsters one true wish, Andrepont said. The wish team makes necessary arrangements, with the average wish costing about $9,700. Emma is at the age that she loves princesses, Delgado said. So, the decision was made for the family to meet Elena, a Latina princess, at Fairytale Hall within Disneys Magic Kingdom park, said Nikki Eliason, director of development at the Make-A-Wish Stafford office. Said Andrepont,The goal is to provide a joyful and meaningful experience that gives the immediate family time together away from medical treatments and medical bills. Emma is precious, she added. Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana is one of 60 chapters throughout the United States and its territories. Since the chapters inception in 1984, it has granted more than 8,200 wishes, Andrepont said. For further information about Make-A-Wish and how to help the organization, visit www.texgulf.wish.org. More than 5,000 Houston-area students should now be better equipped to tell fact from fiction online, thanks to workshops that were the first of their kind in the nation. Nonprofit MediaWise gave a crash course in fact-checking to both students and teachers Jan. 7-10 at Memorial and Spring Woods High Schools and Spring Forest Middle School as they returned from their winter break. On Tuesday, Jan. 8, about 650 Memorial sophomores and journalism students packed their auditorium to listen. A video of the presentation was later shown to the rest of the schools students. It was the first time MediaWise had taken its curriculum to an entire student body instead of having journalism students come to them. In a deviation from the norm of school, the students were asked to take out their phones and bring up the MediaWise Instagram page. They voted throughout the presentation on whether certain news stories were fake. They use all these teachings on real-world examples, so theyre debunking stuff on the internet but then kind of teaching along the way, said Katy Byron, editor at The Poynter Institute and MediaWise project manager. Examples included hoaxes like President Barack Obama signing a bill banning the Pledge of Allegiance and Simba from The Lion King going vegan. They also discussed photos that were posted out of context last year during the migrant caravan issue. Talyn Burgess-Jimenez, a Memorial junior and journalism student, said she appreciated the course and that she plans to use a technique called reverse Google image search in her future internet use. Its definitely something I will use because you always see those pictures that can be altered, and you never know unless you like search it, Talyn said. More Information Five easy fact-checking pointers Lateral reading: open up other tabs to search the headline and see what other news sources or websites like Snopes or PolitiFact have said about it. Reverse Google image search: right-click on an image and select "Search Google for image" or use the Chrome app on a phone. This will often give you information about where and when a photo was originally used. Study the URL to make sure that it is not from an impostor website. Look for keywords like sponsored or promoted to detect whether the content is trying to sell you something. Watch out for disclaimers that indicate if something is satire, like content from The Onion. Source: MediaWise See More Collapse Byron urged the students to be careful of what they read online because it affects how they see the world and what decisions they make. It could be something small like if you want to check out a restaurant review or if you want to just find the nearest coffee shop, but it also impacts really big decisions too, like where you want to go to college, where is your first job going to be, she said. All that stuff, youre getting a lot of that information from the internet, right? So this stuff really does have a real-world impact. Ava Lahijani is a junior and journalism student at Memorial and agrees with Byron that sniffing out fake news is critical in todays world and political climate. Lots of teens see memes or news on social media about things that are happening in the world, but they dont even realize that fake news is a recurring problem, especially since Trump has been in office, Ava said. Fake news is being spread on social media and it comes from friends or people we trust, so most people dont go and check to see if its true. My generation is going to be the leaders of the future, and if we dont know how to decipher fake news, its going to be become an even bigger problem. MediaWise worked with popular author John Green to launch a 10-part series of YouTube Crash Course videos on Jan. 8. A new video about deciphering online information will be launched each Tuesday for 10 weeks. MediaWise is a part of The Poynter Institute, the Stanford History Education Group, the Local Media Association and the National Association for Media Literacy Education and has a goal of teaching 1 million students about fact-checking by 2020, largely through a curriculum set to launch this fall in schools across the nation. tracy.maness@hcnonline.com 3 1 of 3 Courtesy of Kelsey-Seybold Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Courtesy of Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic broke ground on a new 5.5 acre clinic just north of the intersection of Hwy. 59 and Northpark Drive on Jan. 10. The new facility will replace the hospital systems Kingwood Clinic, which flooded during Huricane Harvey. The three-story Kingwood Clinic will be located at 25553 Hwy. 59 in Porter and will serve the Kingwood, Porter, and New Caney areas. Admirers say Friendswood artist Laurie Whiteheads legacy includes vivid watercolors displayed throughout the United States and in Europe and lives enriched by her willingness to help others. Whitehead, who died in December at age 90, saw the world with a sense of wonder and delight that was reflected in her art, which often paid tribute to historic figures and events, longtime friend Kitten Brizendine said. She could name every blue in the sky, every green in the trees, the browns of the earth, said Brizendine, a former Friendswood City Council member. We were and always will be blessed by the beauty of her works that surround us. Whitehead commemorated Christopher Columbus voyage to America in Quinto Centenario, which was presented to Pope John II. She depicted chapters of American history in One Nation Under God, which she personally delivered to the Houston home of President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush. Other works were tributes to the crews killed in the Columbia and Challenger space shuttle tragedies. One of her paintings hangs in The Texas Ranger Museum in Waco. To Friendswood City Councilwoman Sally Branson, Whiteheads talent to capture history resonated with the community. Just walk through City Hall or our public library. Her art is displayed for the entire community to enjoy, Branson said. My husband and I received her Friendswood 4th of July piece as a wedding gift, Branson said. We have been so pleased to have it hanging in our family room for close to 30 years. Brizendine, who met Whitehead in the 1980s through their mutual involvement with various Friendswood events and projects, said her friend always had her mind on art. Laurie, in most cases, would be working on one of her many paintings, she said. Born in East Texas, Whitehead moved with her then-husband to New Mexico, where she raised their five children and helped operate the ranch they owned. In a Houston Chronicle article from 2001, she said that she was discouraged from painting because the husband wanted her to be an old-fashioned homemaker. I always knew I could draw well, Laurie Whitehead said in the article. I just never really took it seriously. Whitehead came to the Houston area in the 1970s. She began painting full-time in 1978 at age 50 after a fire destroyed the works she had painted up to that point. By the time she moved to Friendswood in 1980, her works were being shown in galleries throughout the nation and in Europe. Whitehead continued with her art despite setbacks that included removal of a brain tumor and permanent injuries suffered when her car was sideswiped. In the late 1980s, she was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, but she continued to work, almost exclusively with watercolor, which impressed Brizendine. We all realize that God gifted her with this amazing talent to paint in one of the hardest mediums, she said. Brizendine said she often witnessed the magic as ideas, themes and inspirations flowed from Whitehead. A trip to Spain stands out, where the two friends traveled to Palos to find inspiration for Whiteheads Columbus work, commissioned by the Mary Queen Catholic Churchs Knights of Columbus Council No. 8494 in 1990. We walked the cobblestone streets that Columbus walked before he launched the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria, as Laurie said, to breathe the air that Columbus breathed, Brinzendine said. Quinto Centenario is a favorite of Brinzendine for its colors of turquoise, purples and bronze. She remembers how Whitehead could visualize the composition before she put it to canvass. The color and composition of a painting would be as vivid to her as if she had already painted it, she said. Whitehead often painted in the lantern room of the State Farm Lighthouse on FM 528, a place that become familiar to school-age children in Friendswood ISD who were invited to watch and learn. I think that was a very inspirational thing for a lot of kids, said Luis Briones, owner of the Friendswood Frame and Gallery, where her work will be celebrated in a February showing. I still have customers who come in and remember her from that. Briones, who credits Whiteheads role in helping him land a job at the gallery when he was in high school, believes that her work resonated with people because of its deep roots in Americana-style art. It was so much of a slice of America, and it was of our community as well, and I think that appealed to people, said Briones, who is seeking original pieces of Whiteheads work for his gallerys upcoming showing. While Whiteheads work represented a strong streak of patriotism, Brizendine also treasured the personal notes she infused into her work. In Warhorse, Whiteheads commemorative painting of the Battleship Texas, a portrait of Brizendines father, who had trained on the ship, was included in the work as a tribute. Most of all, said Brizendine, Whitehead was a friend, mentor and second mom after her own mothers death in 1990. Mornings were often spent sharing readings of devotionals and eating homemade blueberry pancakes. Brizendine last saw Whitehead at her 90th birthday party. What a joy to see her smile, Brizendine said. She always loved a celebration. The Friendswood community will conduct a remembrance for Whitehead at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at First Baptist Church, 111 East Heritage Drive in Friendswood. An exhibition of her art will be held from 4-6 p.m. Feb. 2 at Friendswood Frame and Gallery, 150 S. Friendswood Drive. Anyone wishing to loan any original work of Whiteheads for the showing can contact Luis Briones at 281-482-2202. yorozco@hcnonline.com The Accidental Prime Minister Biopic about Indias 13th prime minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. Unrated. Playing at AMC Studio 30, Houston. A Dogs Way Home Heres a film designed to make you go aww. What happens when a dog finds herself 400 miles from home? She tries to return, of course. Bryce Dallas Howard, Wes Studi, Edward James Olmos and Ashley Judd star. Rated PG. Playing throughout Houston. Dragon Ball Super: Broly Popular Japanese anime characters from the popular Dragon Ball franchise return to fight the evil warrior named Broly. Rated PG. Playing Wednesday, Thursday, Jan. 19 and Jan. 21-24 at Alamo Drafthouse LaCenterra Hale County This Morning, This Evening Director RaMell Ross uses rural Alabama as the canvas on which to paint moving and heartfelt images of everyday life in a mostly African-American county. It has been a hit and big awards winner on the international festival circuit. Unrated. Playing Friday and Saturday at 14 Pews, Houston; Jan. 21 at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles This Philippine action-comedy starring Vic Sotto, Coco Martin and Maine Mendoza revolves around the adventures of a crime-fighting trio. In Tagalog and Filipino. Unrated. Playing at AMC Studio 30, Houston. Replicas Keanu Reeves plays a scientist who tries to bring back his family members who were killed in a traffic accident. Jeffrey Nachmanoff, who has directed a lot of TV (Hostages, Legends), directs. Rated PG-13. Playing throughout Houston. Sgt. Will Gardner Directed by actor Max Martini, this drama focuses on a troubled Iraq War vet who goes on a cross-country trip to reunite with his son. Dermot Monroney, Gary Sinise, Lily Rabe and Omari Hardwick star. Unrated. Playing at AMC Studio 30, Houston. The Upside A few years ago, a French film called Intouchables, about a rich white paraplegic who hires a young black man from public housing to be his caretaker, became an American arthouse hit after box-office success at home. Of course, Hollywood had to remake it with Bryan Cranston as the wealthy man and Kevin Hart as his helper. Presumably lessons will be learned on both sides. Nicole Kidman co-stars. Rated PG-13. Playing throughout Houston. Uri: The Surgical Strike A 2016 terrorist incident in India is the basis for this Hindi-language action-thriller about the Indian Armys counterattack. Unrated. Playing at AMC Studio 30, Houston. Oil extended its winning streak to the longest in almost a decade as the Federal Reserve's wait-and-see approach on interest rate hikes added to a rosier outlook. Futures rose 0.4 percent in New York, continuing a recovery from a drop of about 40 percent at the end of 2018. Prices have rebounded amid signals that production curbs by the OPEC+ coalition would balance the market. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell's comments that the central bank will be patient before adjusting rates again also reassured investors, said Daniel Ghali, a TD Securities commodities strategist. "We've seen quite a few positive events since the market was falling off a cliff," Ghali said by telephone from Toronto. "With OPEC seeming committed, the outlook for crude is a lot less gloomy than some people had expected." PREVIOUSLY: Oil bounces back to bull market fueled by OPEC cuts, trade talks Oil is still down about 30 percent since reaching a four-year high in October. Investors should get used to the swings, according to Ghali. Central banks around the globe are withdrawing stimulus, adding volatility across markets, he said. West Texas Intermediate for February delivery rose 23 cents to $52.59 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. WTI has risen for nine straight days, and has gained 24 percent on the since hitting a low on Christmas Eve. Brent for March settlement rose 24 cents to $61.68 a barrel on the ICE Futures Europe Exchange in London, and traded at an $8.77 premium to WTI for the same month. The global benchmark crude has also jumped more than 20 percent since Dec. 24, meeting the common definition of a bull market. U.S. Stockpiles The rally has persisted this week despite fast-growing fuel stockpiles. While the Energy Information Administration reported that crude inventories shrank by 1.68 million barrels last week, there were substantial increases in refined products such as gasoline. Overall, the petroleum inventory build was a massive 13.3 million barrels, the second week in a row it jumped by more than 10 million. REPORT: API: U.S. must grow oil and gas while reducing emissions The risk of a surplus emerging has stirred Saudi Arabia, OPEC's biggest producer, to try and reassure markets that the cartel and its partners are taking action. Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih said in Riyadh on Wednesday that the 1.2 million-barrel-a-day cut promised by the coalition will be more than sufficient to balance the market. He added that he "would not rule out calling for further action of some kind" if the current strategy proves inadequate. "The pessimism of market participants at the end of the year was excessive, and so we expected prices to rise," said Eugen Weinberg, head of commodities research at Commerzbank AG in Frankfurt. "However, for a further price increase, a decisive action by OPEC is necessary." --With assistance from Tsuyoshi Inajima, Sharon Cho, Austin Weinstein and Grant Smith. 2019 Bloomberg L.P. Economic activity in the Houston region remains strong, but a recent dip in key leading indicators suggests it is likely to slow in coming months. That dip was driven primarily by declines in an index of Houston corporate stocks, crude oil prices, job ads and single-family construction permits, all of which are factors economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas use to help anticipate changes in the economy. "Overall, the outlook for Houston has weakened but remains positive," according to a monthly report on Houston economic indicators just released by the Dallas Fed. The Fed reports that Houston's employment and business-cycle index an aggregate measure of local employment and unemployment rates, wages and retail sales continues to register healthy growth. Fed reports point to slowdown of Texas economy The Houston Business-Cycle Index grew at an annual rate of 6.4 percent over the three months ending in November, driven by healthy initial estimates of employment growth over that period. In contrast, growth in an index of 11 leading indicators for Houston dipped just below zero for the three-month period ending in November. Houston employment and the business-cycle index continue to register healthy growth, and drilling activity has flattened at a high level. Oil prices, however, fell drastically toward the end of 2018, contributing to the Houston index dropping to near neutral. The price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil peaked in October to near $71 per barrel and fell to an average of under $50 in December. A stock index of 150 Houston companies fell 109 points from its high in September to an average value of 474 in December 2018. That cascade of nearly 19 percent was the largest over-the-quarter decline since the end of 2008 when the Great Recession had already taken hold. "The decline in stock prices of Houston companies suggests slower earnings growth in the future, likely leading to less-robust job growth," the report said. Houston has enjoyed a robust economy that has been buoyed by the recovery of the energy industry from the oil price collapse that began in late 2014. The region has increased jobs for 14 consecutive months and exceeded the rate of job growth in both the state and the nation. The region has added more than 114,000 jobs over the past year, an increase of nearly 4 percent that easily outpaced that state's 3 percent employment growth rate and the nation's 1.7 percent. Most economists predict that Houston's economy will remain strong, but that growth this year will slow. The state of Texas economy is beginning to slow as well. A pair of reports released earlier this month by the Dallas Fed showed that growth in the service sector, which accounts for about 70 percent of the state economy, is beginning to stall and that Texas manufacturing production has slipped to its lowest since August 2016. A tony group of well-heeled Texans gathered at Houston Ballet on Thursday morning. There wasn't a ballet slipper or pointe shoe in sight. Even Lauren Anderson, one of the first African-American ballerinas to become a principal for a major dance company, rocked a patent stiletto. Her task, alongside fellow state treasure Lynn Wyatt, was to unveil this year's three remaining Texas Medal of Arts Awards honorees. The Texas Cultural Trust usually divulges its full roster all at once. Most times, the big reveal happens during a semiformal announcement party. But with bold-face recipients including Matthew McConaughey, Mark Seliger, Brandon Maxwell and Trenton Doyle Hancock headlining the 10th biennial list, the Austin-based nonprofit couldn't wait that long or resist a little early name-dropping. Fellow Texans Stephen Harrigan, Elaine Molinar and Craig Dykers have also been tapped, as has Laredo's Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts. On Thursday, Texas Cultural Trust's board members traveled from across the state to hear the final trio - Boz Scaggs, Stephen Harrigan and Jennifer Holliday - receive their due, bringing the total headcount to 11. Why the extended drumroll? "We want to garner as much support and celebrate these legends for as long as possible," said Heidi Marquez Smith, Texas Cultural Trust's executive director who also feted the early press conference. She told onlookers from the blue-screened stage, "For artists and those in creative fields, a Texas Medal of Arts Award is the highest honor in the land." Houston Ballet's executive director Jim Nelson also shared brief remarks. He observed how fitting it was for Anderson, who danced with the company from 1983 to 2006, to return for the occasion. Afterward, the crowd posed for photos with Anderson and Wyatt. The women, both TMAA winners in 2017, got along famously. "Lynn, if I'm in the picture, you're in the picture," Anderson said, coaxing her ally to join her at center stage. It's good practice for the River Oaks cocktail party scheduled in their honor later that evening, and the main event, next month in Austin. Texas Cultural Trust's two-day celebration Feb. 26 - 27 promises quite the show - especially if it's announcement style is any indication. When you hear Lindsay Lohan and reality show in the same sentence, another word that might come to mind is disaster. The troubled actress, known for her many legal entanglements and controversies, attempted a docuseries with Oprah Winfrey in 2014 it did not go well. Shes also infamous for causing problems on sets; one director once likened it to being held hostage. However, we can inform you: Lindsay Lohans Beach Club, which debuted on MTV Tuesday night, is actually not a disaster. Centered on the launch of Lohans new club in Mykonos, Greece, its a fairly standard and unremarkable entry into the underlings work for a celebrity boss genre of reality TV (see: Vanderpump Rules). Still, the show is a deeply sad viewing experience. Just not for the reasons you might expect. The messaging surrounding the series could not be more direct. Lohan, extremely aware of her reputation, wants you to know: Her troubles are behind her. She has reinvented herself as an entrepreneur with a brand to protect, and if youre not as deadly serious as she is about her mission, well, you can see yourself out. Stop rehashing my past for no reason, because everything is different now, Lohan recently snapped at a Variety reporter, in response to a question that wasnt at all about her past. In an interview last month with Paper, her publicist asked the writer to mention that Lohan arrived on time to the interview. Lohans new chapter is the theme of the first episode, which kicked off with the actress triumphantly perched on a boat in the sparkling blue sea: I want to be my own boss, she announced. So she and her business partner, Panos Spentzos, rounded up a group of American VIP hosts to work at Lohan Beach House, her third establishment in Greece. As these VIP hosts caused all sorts of unnecessary drama, the sadness seeped in when viewers learned what motivated Lohan to create the club; and also when it was made clear how damaged she is by her time in Hollywood. In the opening segment, Lohan talked about why she loves Greece: Ive always loved the beauty and serenity I feel when Im here, she says. Mykonos is the place to be its beautiful, its open-minded, and most of all, its safe. If safe didnt quite fit in with those other descriptors, it made sense later in the episode, when Lohan reminded Spentzos that he had known her since I was hit on that beach. Spentzos turned serious as he told the camera about the violent incident in Mykonos that made headlines in 2016: Three years ago, Lindsay was there on that beach with her ex-boyfriend. She got hit by him. I was in a very tumultuous relationship. I was in a different place in my life, Lohan explained. Instead of crying or getting angry, I said, Im gonna own this beach one day. Because I always want everyone to feel safe. She wanted to remember this beach as a very fun place. Not what happened to her, Spentzos added. Lohan started to cry as she described bringing her mother to the beach club for the first time. I made it something that is meaningful to me, she said. Lohan then segued into her disappointment in the clubs new VIP hosts, who got drunk the first night of filming. I dont want these kids to (mess) that up for my family and my future. As the show went on, Lohan took on the role of the strict boss who didnt have time for drunken antics and wouldnt hesitate to fire anyone. (I want to build an empire here, this is not Girls Gone Wild.) Still, cast members repeatedly gushed about how lucky they were to be working for Lohan and that they didnt want to disappoint her. I grew up watching Lindsay, and when I was a little girl, I used to be like, I want to be like her, said May Yassine, a waitress from New York. Now Im working for her. I still think this is a dream. Im so nervous to see how Lindsay is as a boss, said Jonitta Wallace, a VIP host from Los Angeles, noting Lohan worked so hard for this club. The paparazzi, they paint this picture of her as, like, this horrible person. This also came up again and again: Lohan has serious trust issues from years in the spotlight, particularly with people using her for their own gain. She moved to Dubai years ago, and during the episodes after-show, she explained her reasoning: I moved to Dubai because its illegal to take photos of people without their knowledge. Thats really important to me. In one scene, Lohan confronted the staff about their drunken pool party. Gabi Andrews, a bartender from Washington, admitted she was on the show for selfish reasons, and saw it as a stepping stone for her own career. Lohan wasnt impressed. I dont have time for people making their own intentions on working with me, Lohan fumed, adding, Being in the public eye, people all the time take from me. And its hard. Later, she fretted about cast members taking advantage of her. Just like everyone watches me, Im watching them. Cameras flipped now, she said defiantly. Granted, its a reality series, so those soundbites could have easily been scripted but it sounded like pretty real pain from someone who, as a child star, never had a shot at a normal life. As easy as it would be to write off Lindsay Lohans Beach Club as yet another ridiculous show, when you consider everything that led the once-celebrated actress to this place, it actually just feels tragic. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Energy Minister Alexander Novak discussed the domestic energy sector on Thursday, the Kremlin said in a statement, Reuters reported. They discussed the production of oil, gas and electrical power in the country in 2018, the statement said. This article was first published on NerdWallet.com. Millennials would rather swipe right than swipe plastic. They love to pay their brunch tabs with cash. Debt scares them so much they dont care about credit card rewards. The generation born 1981-1996 is accused of many things, but their dislike of credit cards is blown out of proportion. A Google search for why millennials dont like credit cards returns nearly 5 million results. But is it fair to say they dont like something they couldnt get? Some outside factors meant millennials didnt have access to credit the way previous generations did. Heres the reality, along with tips to manage credit well at any age. No income, no co-signer, no credit Millennials had a slower entry to credit than their Generation X counterparts in part because of a 2009 law, says Paul Siegfried, senior vice president at credit bureau TransUnion. The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act limited the proliferation of credit card offers that left many younger borrowers especially college students in debt. Its had an outsize role in access to credit for younger Americans. Under the law, issuers cannot offer credit cards to anyone younger than 21 unless they have a qualified co-signer or proof of income. The law also restricts how issuers can market on college campuses: no more free pizza or T-shirts as enticements to open a credit account. The total number of new college credit card accounts opened fell 17% in the year after the law went into effect, according to Federal Reserve data. Making things more difficult, the financial crisis that began in late 2007 led banks to close their coffers to all but consumers with the best credit. In 2009 and 2010, you had lenders that were reducing credit lines and granting fewer loans, including credit cards, Siegfried says. This intensified the catch-22 situation for young adults: No one will give you credit because your score is too low; and your score is low because no one will give you credit. Eager to establish their financial lives, tech-savvy millennials helped fuel the rise of other products, like online personal loans. Millennials opened more than twice as many personal loans as Generation X did at the same age, according to a 2017 TransUnion study. Fintech companies, which offer online financial products, grew from 2% of the personal loan market in 2009 to 24% in 2016. How millennials use credit cards The financial crisis, along with crushing student loan balances, did leave some millennials wary of debt. But as lenders started loosening up criteria, millennials responded, Siegfried says. The number of new credit card accounts opened by millennials jumped from 5.5 million in the first half of 2013 to 9.3 million in the same period this year, TransUnion says. When they finally get that elusive piece of plastic, millennials in general use it as frequently as previous generations, according to a survey by Aite Group, a financial services industry research company. Forty-six percent of millennials surveyed say they use their card at least once a week, versus 52% of Gen Xers and 48% of baby boomers. The difference is that millennials tend to carry fewer cards and put more research into choosing one, says Kevin Morrison, a senior analyst and author of the report. How to manage your credit at any age Millennial or not, heres how to make the best use of your cards to build your credit: Pay your bill on time. This is the single biggest factor influencing your credit score. Pay the balance in full each month, if possible. Some people believe carrying a balance helps your credit score. It doesnt it just accrues interest. If you cant pay in full, try paying more than the minimum. Keep your balances below 30% of your limit. This applies to the balance on individual cards and the total across all your cards. Not using all of your available credit is good for your score, and the lower the better. Amrita Jayakumar is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: ajayakumar@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @ajbombay. The article No, Millennials Dont Hate Credit Cards originally appeared on NerdWallet. A former top Enron executive who sold nearly $300 million in Enron stock before the company cratered has agreed to pay regulators $31.5 million to settle civil allegations of insider trading. The amount Lou Pai, 60, agreed to pay is the highest Enron-related settlement reached between an individual and the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the agency said it is one of the highest individual settlements in its history. Other SEC fines gained in numerous Enron settlements since 2002 range from $30,000 to almost $2 million for individuals, though some higher amounts were split between the SEC and the Justice Department. But Pai's settlement is a fraction of the $270 million or more that shareholders who sued him and other executives say he gained from stock sales. "I'm just shaking my head. That makes me sick to my stomach," said Diana Peters, one of the thousands of employees left jobless when Enron collapsed in December 2001, months after Pai quit the company. "He'll just move down the road and it won't even be a drop in the bucket for him," she said. "But if you've got that kind of money, I guess you can afford to buy yourself out of anything." Pai's longtime attorney, Roger Zuckerman, noted that the deal came more than seven years after Pai's mid-2001 stock sales that were at the crux of the SEC's allegations. "Mr. Pai is pleased to conclude his negotiations with the SEC in a settlement that involves no admission of wrongdoing," Zuckerman said. Pai, who was chairman and chief executive of Enron's retail energy division, Enron Energy Services, was among the more colorful yet elusive figures at Enron. He was known to frequent strip clubs as part of enjoying the great wealth he gained from the company's generous bonuses and stock options, a former employee told the Chronicle for a story in 2003. Yet he avoided the spotlight while at Enron, and has done so since he resigned from the company in May 2001. The bulk of Pai's stock sales occurred as part of a divorce settlement more than a year before Enron crumbled. Pai has never been charged with crimes, and earlier this year was dropped as a defendant from a massive shareholder lawsuit in Houston. Of the $31.5 million Pai agreed to pay the SEC, $25.5 million will be added to a settlement fund that eventually will be distributed to Enron victims. Without Pai's addition, that fund exceeds $448 million. Skilling's fine higher The only Enron-related agreement with an individual higher than the one with Pai is the $45 million criminal fine former Enron CEO Jeffrey Skilling agreed to pay in 2006 after a jury convicted him on 19 counts of conspiracy, securities fraud, insider trading and lying to auditors. That money, which is earmarked to go into a $7.2 billion pool of civil lawsuit settlements, is sitting untouched until his appeal is complete. It could be reduced if any of his convictions should be overturned. Skilling, who is serving a 24-year sentence at a Minnesota prison, is awaiting word on his appeal from a panel of the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. The stock sales at the heart of the SEC complaint that Pai settled on Tuesday took place from May 18 to June 7, 2001. The SEC said he sold nearly 573,000 shares at $53.78 based on insider information that a division he once ran had financial troubles unknown to investors. Specifically, the SEC complaint said Pai knew that Enron Energy Services faced substantial losses in the first quarter of 2001. The complaint notes that Enron's CEO and senior accounting personnel, along with Enron Energy Services management, "secretly revised" division reporting to avoid disclosing those losses. That revision came about by moving the retail division's trading arm into Enron's larger trading franchise, Enron Wholesale Services. Covering up losses That action received much focus in the 2006 fraud and conspiracy trial of Skilling and Chairman Ken Lay . Skilling testified that the retail trading arm was moved into the larger division to combine like functions for efficiency's sake. But David Delainey, Pai's successor as the head of Enron Energy Services, testified that the move was intended to hide millions of dollars in losses, the disclosure of which could threaten Enron's stock price and credit rating. Richard Causey, then Enron's chief accounting officer, pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud stemming from the decision to move the retail trading function into wholesale. Causey is serving a 5-year prison term at a federal lockup in Bastrop near Austin. Delainey, who pleaded guilty to one count of insider trading in 2003, served nine months of a 2-year term at a U.S. prison before being transferred to a prison in his native Canada. kristen.hays@chron.com 5 minutes with... The Powel-Griffitts family Queen Anne chair The owners of this symphony of elegant curves kept it by the front door and tossed their mail onto it, unaware that George Washington might have once rested on its 250-year-old leather seat. A good thing too, says Deputy Chairman John Hays In the mid-18th century, in big port cities such as Boston, Philadelphia and New York, the merchant elites of colonial America competed to own the finest furniture. Typically, pieces were made by local craftsmen influenced by stylistic innovations in London. From around 1730 to 1760 Queen Anne furniture was all the rage, and a standout example from colonial Philadelphia comes to auction on January 18 as part of the Important American Furniture, Folk Art, Silver and Prints sale in New York. In those times, having the most fashionable furniture on display in your home was a bit like having your Warhol collection on display today, says John Hays, Deputy Chairman of Christies Americas. It showed off your importance. For those who could afford it, bespoke pieces of furniture were ordered from the top cabinet-makers of the day, who ensured you got the full bells and whistles. Made in walnut in 1750, the Queen Anne side chair coming to auction belonged to the eminent Powel family. Philadelphia at that time was the biggest and most populous city in the US, and this piece was most likely made for Samuel Powel (1704-1759), a luxury goods merchant who imported high-end gloves, hats and fans from Europe. His son, also called Samuel Powel, would twice go on to become mayor of Philadelphia in spells either side of the American War of Independence, first in the mid-1770s and then in 1789-1790. This chair was utterly befitting of such a family, says Hays. A number of features make that clear: the veneer applied to the splat [the central, vertical element forming the chairs back]; the inwardly curving slip-seat; the deeply carved S-scrolls or volute at both knees Add all such features up and what you get is the zenith of Queen Anne chairs. Its a symphony of elegant curves. John Hays points out the deeply-carved S-scrolls or volute at both knees of the chair The maker is believed to have been Samuel Harding, possibly with the help of his protege Nicholas Bernard, two of the leading carvers of their day. Harding would go on to produce the architectural ornaments for the interior of Philadelphias Independence Hall. The chair was part of a set, six other examples of which survive to this day. This is the only one to retain its leather seat, however. Unique, too, is a wooden surface unencumbered by attempts at conservation in the intervening centuries there are no traces of varnishing or shellacking. This is the icing on the cake, says Hays, because it means we can get up-close and personal with the carvers original work. How to explain such a surface? Well, colonial furniture largely fell out of fashion in the 19th century and was often moved out of sight to peoples attics and sheds. This particular Queen Anne chair has spent the past 50 years by the entrance of its current owners house, having mail tossed onto it. This is a remarkable discovery, and all the years of inattention or benign neglect, as I like to call it have actually been a huge positive John Hays The owner had no idea of its lofty beginnings and only brought it to our attention, after all these decades, when a friend of his suggested he might have something special in his house that would be worth valuing. How right that friend was! This is a remarkable discovery, and all the years of inattention or benign neglect, as I like to call it have actually been a huge positive. It provides a kind of direct line right back to its makers. The chair has never appeared before at auction: it seems to have been passed, by family descent, from the original owner to the current one. It is thought that mayor Samuel Powel kept it in his famous Philadelphia home, Powel House at 244 South 3rd Street. He and his wife Elizabeth were keen entertainers, their home becoming a social hub where notable guests included George and Martha Washington, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. Is it possible, then, that George Washington sat in this chair? I certainly wouldnt rule it out, says Hays. What we do know for sure is that after a decisive victory over the British, at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, the Washingtons spent the winter in Philadelphia, living in the house next door to the Powels. Sign up today The Online Magazine delivers the best features, videos, and auction news to your inbox every week Subscribe Should we replace human contact with robot 'companions' or is there a better way? I never had a specific imaginary friend growing up, but I spent hours creating worlds and characters. Not much has changed on that score and I still love getting lost in my imagination. Unfortunately imaginations are being curtailed because, thanks to robotics, children can now meet their imaginary friend in real life. 'Woobo' is an interactive toy that resembles the Furby of the 90s but has a screen for a face. It can play charades, tell a child how long to brush their teeth and when to wake up, and even teach mindfulness exercises. If a parent cannot make their child's bedtime, Woobo can. It answers their questions and is a companion that they can play games with. All for the price of 120, but who can put a price on friendship, right? This toy is an extraordinary advancement in robotics, but without wanting to sound like a killjoy, I think it's is another step away from what children really need. Play is important in children's development as it gives them the opportunity to develop new ideas and skills. They also need real, authentic human relationships and interaction with other children and adults to learn about the world around them. Robots are not meant to be mentors or parents. Children need living and breathing role models who can teach, protect, advise, love and support them. However, it's not just children who are being targeted with robotics. Robot pets have been created to help the elderly avoid loneliness. Groove X, a Japanese startup, has created 'LOVOT' (love x robot = lovot), a robot that will 'bridge the gap' between our 'plentiful lifestyles and our emotional engagement and sense of satisfaction'. This robot is designed to make people happy, has sensors to respond to touch and demands love by following its owner around. The technology is incredibly impressive, but when the manufacturer says that it 'heals your heart', that is a pretty bold claim. Similarly there is Kiki, the pet robot that also professes to bring happiness. It picks up on non-verbal communication, recognises faces from up to a distance of two metres away and enjoys a cuddle as it has 16 sensors all over. It is an amazing development in robotics and I applaud those who have been able to create this AI-powered machine. But I draw the line at 'companion'. Authentic human relationships and interaction with others are desperately needed, even in the later stages of life. According to Age UK, 3.6 million older people in the UK live alone, of whom over 2 million are over that age of 75, and 1.9 million older people often feel ignored or invisible. Loneliness does not just affect older people it can be found through all of society and the aim of these robots is to try and fill that void. We can embrace the benefits of robotics, but let's not replace or ignore real interaction with others in the process. We can make a difference in this. One way that loneliness and exclusion has been addressed is through intergenerational care where children visit the elderly in care homes. United For All Ages, a think-and-do social enterprise, are aiming to support the development of 500 shared centres by 2023 where the old and young can spend time together. With shared spaces for activities and experiences, it brings interaction between the generations as children learn and older people experience improved health and reduced loneliness. For those who are socially isolated within their own home, whether younger or older, there is a need for conversation, care and kindness. We need to get back to the basics of getting to know the people in our communities and practically dropping by or picking up the phone to see how they are. The church is well placed to lead the way pastorally. Churches bring together young and old through a variety of activities and groups, they meet practical needs and share the love of God which has the power to heal every human heart unlike the robots mentioned above. There are some fantastic projects that are already under way and plenty more individuals who are living out their faith like this. But let's not rest on our laurels, because there are always more people to reach and more that we can do. We could mobilise others to help, raise awareness of what is available in the local area, start up a group or service to address a specific need, support other churches, meet new people through existing activities running in the community, invite more people over for dinner, befriend others by making regular phone calls, offer to support a family by babysitting and getting to know them, become a mentor for a young person, visit a care home, meet those neighbours at the other end of the street, be intentional in our conversations with everyone we come across, speak to people in the street, support those who are campaigning for change and much more besides. Technology is here to stay and robots may be a part of that change for some people. There are benefits that can bring enjoyment and fun into the lives of both the young and old. However, real companionship and love can neither be experienced nor truly reciprocated by a robotic pet. It is our responsibility to bring the love of Christ into our communities through practical action and genuine care and concern for everyone. That is the better way. Ruth Clemence is a freelance writer and award-winning blogger based in Devon. She can also be found writing at www.ruthclemence.com and on Twitter @ruth_the_writer. Justin Welby: Parliament 'unfit for the job' if it can't agree a Brexit deal The Archbishop of Canterbury has said a second Brexit referendum may be needed if parliament fails to agree a deal with the European Union on the terms of Britain's withdrawal. Speaking yesterday in the House of Lords, Justin Welby said if parliament could not agree it would have shown itself 'unfit for the job'. A no-deal Brexit would be deeply damaging, he said. 'That outcome would be not only a political and practical failure, but a moral one equally as serious as ignoring the result of the referendum entirely. A second referendum is not my preference, but if parliament fails in the task entrusted to it, then regrettably it may be required. This is about more than Brexit, and parliament must not show itself unfit for the job.' Warning of the effects on his own Canterbury diocese, he referred to the risk of cross-Channel delays leading to thousands of lorries being held in miles-long queues. 'This will have a major impact on local towns and villagees, as we saw in Operation Stack three or four years ago.' He called on MPs to show 'leadership', saying: 'Parliamentarians must be able to look back at this time and say honestly to the people of this country that we put them, their choices, their welfare and their communities above the politics and ideology that can seem so all-consuming here in Westminster.' Welby's predecessor as archbishop, Rowan Williams, called yesterday for the Article 50 process which formally commits Britain to leaving the EU on March 29 to be revoked. Interviewed for the BBC's Newsnight programme, he said: ' 'Personally, I would like to see that.' He said: 'That's not to prejudge how the referendum result is activated but I would say we cannot arrive at a reasoned sensible conclusion with the timetable we have got. 'With the clock ticking so audibly at the moment, we are approaching a very dangerous cliff edge. I think we need more time.' Joyce Meyer said her views on prosperity and faith 'got out of balance' Popular televangelist Joyce Meyer has admitted that her beliefs in prosperity and faith were at times "out of balance." When bad things happen to people, such as the death of a child, Meyer said she now understands that it's not because they didn't have enough faith. "I'm glad for what I learned about prosperity, but it got out of balance. I'm glad for what I've learned about faith, but it got out of balance," she said. "Every time somebody had a problem in their life, [I thought] it's because they didn't have enough faith. If you got sick it's because you don't have enough faith. If your child died, it's because you don't have enough faith," she added in a clip posted on Instagram. "Faith is something God gives you that you need to use and release in your life. It's a powerful force but it's not just an automatic, you put your trust in God, you put your faith in Him," Meyer's said. Throughout her ministry of 33-years, Meyer has frequently been accused of being aligned with the "prosperity gospel" and "word of faith" movements. She has denied both claims. The St. Louis, Missouri, native then said a false balance in the areas of faith an prosperity are not in line with scripture. "Well, that's not right! There is nowhere in The Bible where we're promised we will never have any trouble. I don't care how much faith you have, you're never going to avoid having trouble in your life. Jesus said, 'in the world, you will have tribulation but cheer up, I have overcome the world,'" she added. Over a decade ago, the U.S. Senate launched an investigation into Meyer's ministry and those of five other pastors. Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley raised questions about the personal use of church-owned airplanes, luxury homes and credit cards by pastors and their families. As a result, she made changes in how Joyce Meyer Ministries governs their ministries and set compensation. In 2003, the St. Louis-Post Dispatch also reported that Meyer's ministry owned a $10 million corporate jet, a $2 million home and $107,000 silver-gray Mercedes sedan, which her husband drove all of which she reportedly attributed as "blessings from God" at the time. Courtesy of The Christian Post Human rights court to hear case against Belgium over euthanasia of depressed woman A legal challenge brought against Belgium by a man whose depressed mother was euthanised is to be heard by the European Court of Human Rights. The ECHR, based in Strasbourg, has agreed to hear the case lodged by Tim Mortier after his legal case failed in the Belgian courts. His mother, Godelieva De Troyer, was 64 when she was killed by lethal injection in a Brussels hospital at her own request in 2012. Although she was in good physical health, she had a history of mental health problems and doctors agreed that she was suffering from 'untreatable depression'. Her son says he was unaware his mother's life had been ended until the hospital contacted him to retrieve her body. After her death, Mr Mortier tried to bring criminal charges against the doctor who administered the lethal injection, Prof Wim Distelmans. His attempts were unsuccessful in Belgium, where euthanasia is legal not only for the terminally ill but those with psychological conditions. The law states that euthanasia is legal where a person is in a 'medically futile condition of constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated, resulting from a serious and incurable disorder caused by illness or accident'. According to the Alliance Defending Freedom, which is representing Mr Mortier, his mother's treating psychiatrist of more than 20 years claimed that De Troyer did not satisfy the requirements of the Belgian euthanasia law. After failing in his appeals in the Belgian courts, Mr Mortier is challenging Belgian's euthanasia laws in the European courts on the grounds that they go against the 'right to life' protected in the European Convention on Human Rights. Robert Clarke, Director of European Advocacy at the Alliance Defending Freedom, said: 'We welcome this decision of the Court to hear this precedent setting case on the right to life particularly as it relates to the most vulnerable in society. International law has never established a so-called 'right to die.' 'On the contrary, it solidly affirms the right to life particularly for the most vulnerable among us. A look at the sad facts of this case exposes the lie that euthanasia is good for society.' Evangelical Alliance appoints new Wales director The Evangelical Alliance (EA) has appointed a new director of the EA in Wales. Sian Rees will also serve on the UK-wide leadership team. She joins the EA having most recently led a performing arts faculty at a secondary school in North Wales and has worked with churches and Christian organisations across Wales. 'I am passionate about equipping, releasing and championing others to become all that God has created them to be. I'm excited to be taking up this role and believe that the Evangelical Alliance is uniquely placed at this time to envision, unite and mobilise churches and Christians across Wales and the UK in order to extend the kingdom of God.' EA general director Steve Clifford said: 'Sian is a first language Welsh speaker who lives with a passion to see the church in Wales rise to the challenge of making Jesus known to the diverse communities which make up the nation. 'Sian brings wide experience both inside and outside the Christian community, and we are looking forward to benefiting from all she will bring to the Evangelical Alliance, both in Wales and across the UK.' Originally from Aberystwyth, she moved to north Wales to study music at Bangor University and taught in local secondary schools. She also spent a sabbatical studying at Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney, Australia. She has been part of the leadership team at the Welsh-speaking Caersalem Church, Caernarfon, part of New Wine Cymru's worship team, and is a course deliverer for the Caleb Ministries CLDC course. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Last week, the first openly bisexual senator was sworn inand she refused to be sworn in on the Holy Bible, as is customary. She instead opted for a law book with the Arizona Constitution and the U.S. Constitution, because, she says, of her love for the Constitution. Senator Kyrsten Sinema has a first name that ironically means, in Latin, Follower of Christ. In addition to being openly bisexual, she is also listed, according to the Pew Research Center for Religion and Public Life, as the only member of the Senate who does not identify as a member of a religion. Why do we have this system of swearing in public officials in the first place? And swearing in on the Bible? And saying, So help me, God. which, by the way she did (indirectly, at least)? Who cares about such antiquated customs? Do these symbols matter? Well, Senator Sinema has a role in our government, thanks in part to the Bible for the creation of that government. I wrote a whole book about how the Bible played a pivotal role in the founding of America. And the more I study the subject, the more convinced I become of it. Historically, taking oaths is a way to seal ones commitment but to do it with God as a witness. Just as marital vows are oaths before God. George Washington noted in his Farewell Address (1796) that if we undermine religion (in his day, he was speaking to a largely Christian audience), we undermine oaths and fidelity. Said Washington, Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? If there is no God to Whom we shall give an account, we can do whatever we want. When George Washington was sworn in as our first president under the Constitution, he used the Holy Bible. After being sworn in with his hand on the Bible, Washington even bent down and kissed the holy book. Dr. D. James Kennedy once remarked of that action: Why, thats enough to give the ACLU apoplexy! Ive seen documentary footage where President Truman, our 33rd president, also deferentially kissed the Holy Bible as he was being sworn in. But some people today dont even want to be sworn in on the holy book. Meanwhile, some recent Muslim elected officials expressed an interest in swearing in on Thomas Jeffersons copy of the Quran but, as Bill Federer points out, the reason Jefferson got a copy of the Muslim holy book was to try and figure out why Muslims were, without provocation, attacking U.S. ships in the Mediterranean and elsewhere. Early 19th century jihad ultimately led to our Marines being sent to the shores of Tripoli to get Islamic attackers to stop stealing our men on the sea and selling them into slavery. One of the key points about Americas heritage that is often overlooked is that the Biblical concept of covenant gave rise ultimately to our two key founding documents, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. They are written agreements, under God, signed by the participants. More importantly, our founding documents are the culmination of about a hundred or so compacts and frames of government created by the Puritans and other Christians, using a Biblical covenant as the model. I once interviewed Dr. Donald S. Lutz of the University of Houston, who has been studying constitutions for decades. He told our viewers, Without a belief in the Bible, we would not have the Declaration of Independence or the U.S. Constitution as we have it. In his book, The Origins of American Constitutionalism, Lutz notes: The American constitutional tradition derives in much of its form and content from the Judeo-Christian tradition as interpreted by the radical Protestant sects to which belonged so many of the original European settlers in British North America. For example, the first fully developed Constitution on American soil was the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1639), which declares the purpose of the colony is the liberty and purity of the gospel of our Lord Jesus. This Constitution was inspired by a sermon based on Deuteronomy 1:13 and 1:15, where Moses essentially implements the consent of the governed around 1400 B.C. This is just one example of hundreds of how the Scriptures helped pave the way to create the United States. No wonder the U. S. Supreme Court declared in 1892, when it reviewed all the evidence: These and many others which might be noticed, add a volume of unofficial declarations to the mass of organic utterances that this is a Christian nation. Senator Sinema might not like that. But the very authority she has been given comes courtesy of those who sacrificed so much to create this nation in the first place, with the help of God and His holy Word. 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 Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment As a pastor, I sometimes can get lost in the pride of my flesh by trying to persuade people through my own way of speaking to give their life to Jesus. I can also say that it is almost instantaneous that after I begin to well up with such pride that the Holy Spirit convicts me and reminds me that I am not the Grower, but simply the planter and waterer, which is nothing (1 Corinthians 3:7). I, as many other Christians I am sure do, try to encourage people as well in their faith. This means not only believing in what you may not see, but sometimes not believing in what you do see in front of you. Life will throw things at you and the devil is a master at deception. So, when I think of deception, I think of something being falsely portrayed. We can so easily think because our marriage is not what it used to be that we are destined for divorce, an illness that has come on us or a loved one means it is death is inevitable, or even a loss of job means poverty and despair for you and your family. Another kind of faith, call it a 3rd variation of it, is what I see as a resignation faith. This kind of faith, in my opinion, more so encompasses the former 2 kinds and is the kind of faith the Lord calls for his followers to have. It is a faith that is rooted in hope and trust in Him. It is the kind of faith that causes a follower to yell in the midst of heartache and pain, Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him (Job 13:15). Now I could have easily gone the route after listing some hardships one goes through that God will deliver you from all of it and make things right, as He eventually did with His faithful servant Job. But we must ungrip and unhinge from our own perspectives and expectation of what the process of deliverance will look like, or many times we will be disappointed. Never forget to let God simply be God. Job got angry at the Lord and finally began to question Him, but Gods response in Job 38:2 was simple and revealing to who He is in the midst of such pain and who we are with the question, Who is this that darkeneth my counsel by words without knowledge? First off, who are we to question God? Second, He is the one working and teaching. Stay quiet while the Teacher teaches! A huge component of faith is simply giving up. A matter of fact, one cannot truly have faith if they are not willing to give up. Maybe you have yet to find yourself in a situation in life where you have had no other option but to give up and let God do what He does? Maybe you have never looked up as Job did and proclaim to God that even though my butt is getting kicked down here, I know you still have all of this in control and I trust in you. If you are in that place now, or have been there before, consider it pure joy my brother or sister, because God loves refining folks through fire, so keep giving up and trusting in Him, He will never leave you nor forsake you. Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel exchanged views on Syria in a telephone conversation and voiced their readiness to back a political process there in close cooperation with the United Nations, the Kremlin said, TASS reported. "Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel. [They] exchanged views on the situation in Syria, including the formation of a constitutional committee on the basis of the agreements achieved at the four-way summit (Russia, Turkey, Germany and France) in Istanbul on October 27, 2018," the statement said. "[They] voiced their readiness to boost efforts in order to broker a political solution in close cooperation with the United Nations, pursuing a goal of a long-term solution to the Syria crisis," the Kremlin said. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment According to Jesus, Satan is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). It is quite appropriate, then, that actor Christian Bale thanked Satan after winning a Golden Globes award for best actor in his portrayal of former Vice President Dick Cheney in the comedy-drama Vice, since the movies portrayal of Cheney is based more on falsehoods than on truth. Film critic Michael Medved had this to say about the movie in a radio commentary aired January 10th: Vice is an inept, incoherent dud that portrays its subject as a one-dimensional, diabolical monster, ignoring a real-life record of achievement as White House Chief of Staff, five term Congressman, Defense Secretary and two-term Vice President. He continued, The obsession with demonizing conservatives produced this misbegotten mess, smearing a patriotic public servant who retired a decade ago, and going so far as to suggest that he didnt deserve the heart transplant he received in 2011. This, then, begs the question: Why make the movie now? What has Cheney done to deserve this? What on earth would inspire this? Medved writes, By classifying this pitch-dark film as a comedy its producers cheerfully shrug off any sense of historical or artistic responsibility and, as Bale darkly suggests, serve Satan. Ironically, the movie claims to be fact-based. Or, kind-of fact-based. As noted by Kyle Smith on National Review, The initial warning is given before Vice even starts, in an onscreen note: Its a true story, were told. But its hard to be strictly factually accurate, the note adds, because Dick Cheney is such a secretive bastard. So its really Cheneys fault if anything in the movie happens to be wrong. These are just some of the allegations against Cheney that Smith lists: Dick Cheney (into whom Christian Bale disappears) is portrayed as a dirtbag who was kicked out of Yale for boozing and brawling. Cheney is to blame for the launch of ISIS because he publicly mentioned the name of terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, thus making him a superstar . . . Bush started the Iraq War not because he (and Cheney) thought it was the right thing to do but because they needed a PR stunt to make Americans like their team. The father of lies lives! Also at National Review, Ben Shapiro placed Vice in its recent historical context. He noted that the film is dedicated to the apparent evil of former Vice President Dick Cheney, the Lefts all-purpose nefarious bugaboo during the Bush years. The film isnt unique: It follows W, starring Josh Brolin, a box-office failure; Truth, another box-office failure starring Robert Redford about Dan Rathers attempt to take down George W. Bush with a fake letter about his military service; and Youre Welcome, America, starring Will Ferrell, which aired on HBO. None of these films raked in the cash. If these movies, then, are not raking in the cash, why does Hollywood keep putting them out. In Shapiros words, The same Left that despises President Trump despised George W. Bush long before him. It is ideology, more than greed, that is driving these productions. And it is ideology, more than truth, that is guiding them. As expressed by an apparently non-conservative reviewer (who gave the film three stars), the movie draws a direct line between the events of the past and the political status quo in the U.S. today. As to why Cheney becomes George W. Bushs Vice President, the film wants us to believe that Cheney accepted the job in order to be the puppet master who's really in charge of Bush's administration, Dick accepts the offer and goes on to reveal just how powerful (and dangerous) a Vice truly can be. Yes, the facts and nothing but the facts! Over at the New York Times, a reviewer writes that, Revulsion and admiration lie as close together as the red and white stripes on the American flag, and if this is in some respects a real-life monster movie, its one that takes a lively and at times surprisingly sympathetic interest in its chosen demon. Yes, Dick Cheney, with his distinguished political career, serves as the subject of a real-life monster movie. Little wonder, then, that Liz Cheney, the daughter of the former Vice President, lashed out at Bale, famous for his portrayals of Batman. She said that Bale finally had the chance to play a real superhero, and he clearly screwed it up. She also took a swing at Bale once being arrested for assaulting his mother and sister (the case was dropped because of lack of evidence), tweeting, Satan probably inspired him to do this, too, But putting this charge aside, and even acknowledging that Bale did not intend his words to be taken literally, it appears he was right on target when he said, Thank you to Satan for giving me inspiration on how to play this role. That comes closer to the truth than the content of the movie. We truly serve a God of second chances: Tenn. governor grants clemency to Cyntoia Brown Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has officially granted clemency to Cyntoia Brown, an alleged sex trafficking victim serving a life sentence for killing a man when she was a teenager. In an announcement made on Monday, Gov. Haslam commuted Browns sentence, releasing her to parole supervision on Aug. 7. This decision comes after careful consideration of what is a tragic and complex case, said Haslam in a statement. Cyntoia Brown committed, by her own admission, a horrific crime at the age of 16. Yet, imposing a life sentence on a juvenile that would require her to serve at least 51 years before even being eligible for parole consideration is too harsh, especially in light of the extraordinary steps Ms. Brown has taken to rebuild her life. Transformation should be accompanied by hope. In 2006, Brown was sentenced to life for the 2004 killing of 43-year-old Johnny Allen. She said she shot him after she thought he was reaching for a gun while in bed together. She was a minor when the incident took place, reportedly a victim of child sex trafficking at the time. She was tried as an adult. Brown released a statement in response to the Monday announcement, thanking Haslam for the clemency and thanking people for their support, prayers and encouragement. We truly serve a God of second chances and new beginnings. The Lord has held my hand this whole time and I would have never made it without Him, stated Brown, as reported by wkrn.com. Let today be a testament to His saving grace ... With God's help, I am committed to live the rest of my life helping others, especially young people. My hope is to help other young girls avoid ending up where I have been. Russell Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, was among the many who celebrated the news, calling it an important development. I am grateful for the wisdom and compassion of our friend @BillHaslam, tweeted Moore on Monday afternoon. Parole conditions will include that Brown will be subject to a release plan given approval by the state Department of Correction and that she not violate any federal or state laws. The parole supervision is scheduled to end on August 7, 2029. Brown is also expected to complete re-entry programming before her release from custody later this year. APA issues guidelines calling traditional masculinity harmful to men, boys Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The American Psychological Association has issued new guidelines spelling out how "traditional masculinity" is "harmful" to men and boys for the purpose of helping the psychologists who work with them. The guidelines have already drawn considerable criticism. The professional guidelines, which reportedly took 13 years to develop, are the first of their kind that the group has published for clinicians for working with men and boys. The APA relies on 40 years of research "showing that traditional masculinity is psychologically harmful and that socializing boys to suppress their emotions causes damage that echoes both inwardly and outwardly," the January 2019 press release explains. Among the assertions the APA makes are that "the more men conformed to masculine norms, the more likely they were to consider as normal risky health behaviors such as heavy drinking, using tobacco and avoiding vegetables, and to engage in these risky behaviors themselves." What is gender in the 2010s? Ryon McDermott, a psychologist at the University of South Alabama who helped draft the mens guidelines asks in the report. Its no longer just this male-female binary. The role of the clinician, he says, can be to encourage men "to discard the harmful ideologies of traditional masculinity (violence, sexism) and find flexibility in the potentially positive aspects (courage, leadership)." McDermott and his team are working on a "positive-masculinities scale" to capture peoples adherence to the pro-social traits expected from men, something that has not yet been measured systematically. "Traditional" masculinity is never defined precisely in the report. But the authors do say it is "marked by stoicism, competitiveness, dominance and aggression [and] is, on the whole, harmful." Thus far, some reactions, spanning the political and professional spectrum, have dismissed the APA as an untrustworthy and ideological organization. Christian thought leader and author Rod Dreher likened the report to totalitarian social engineering, believing the people behind it to have ill motives. "To be fair, its not all PC codswallop, but given the social justice warrior jargon throughout, I suspect this is mostly about psychologizing the gelding of American males," he commented on his blog Monday, saying he did not trust McDermott, who is quoted prominently, as to what constitutes "healthy" masculinity. "The more I think about it, the more Soviet this seems to me. Dissent from gender ideology (transgender, as well as progressive ideals of masculinity and femininity)? Well, experts say you must be insane," Dreher added in a follow-up comment. Others were quick to point out the political nature of the organization. Conservative writer and radio host Ben Shapiro observed Monday that the APA "has been an openly political body for years. These guidelines are just the latest symptom. " Likewise, commentator Erick Erickson said the new guidelines have "way more to do with the left capturing an institution than in legitimate medical concerns." The Atlantic's Jesse Singal, who is known for his in-depth reporting on gender dysphoria, weighed in that it is not good for an organization like the APA to get far ahead of the evidence just to make a point many progressives desire to be true but remains debatable. Evolutionary psychologist and a University of New Mexico professor Geoffrey Miller was also not impressed. "The APA using its army of clinical psychologists to wage a pseudo-therapeutic war against traditional masculinity, patriarchy, male stoicism, and rigid gender norms," he commented on Twitter. Writing for National Review, David French commented that schools already go too far in suppressing healthy aspects of masculinity in boys. "Male children are falling behind in school not because schools indulge their risk-taking and adventurousness but often because they relentlessly suppress boys and sometimes punish boys essential nature, from the opening bell to the close of the day. Especially in fatherless homes, female-dominated elementary-school experiences often mean that boys are exposed to few if any male role models, and male restlessness is therefore viewed almost entirely as a problem to be solved rather than a potential asset to be shaped," he wrote. The report explains that men commit the overwhelming majority of homicides, are the group most at risk of being victims of violent crime, are 3.5 times more likely to commit suicide, and their life expectancy is almost 5 years shorter than women's. Rigid gender norms and traditional notions of masculinity are in part to blame, the APA appears to conclude, and urges psychologists to steer men them away from them. "Getting that message out to men that theyre adaptable, emotional and capable of engaging fully outside of rigid norms is what the new guidelines are designed to do. And if psychologists can focus on supporting men in breaking free of masculinity rules that dont help them, the effects could spread beyond just mental health for men," the report quotes McDermott as saying. Dreher pointed out that these assertions do not paint the entire picture, noting that it is not just men who are murdering but black men and that it is mostly white men who are taking their lives. "This suggests that there is something particular going on within black male society," he said. "And the suicide rate being so unusually high among working-class, middle-aged white males tells us that something is going on with their own social psychology. That black and Hispanic working-class middle-aged men who suffer from the same hardships as whites are not killing themselves suggests that their social psychology has certain strengths that whites lack." "Its interesting to parse these differences and think about what they mean. The point here is that this APA press release citing the violence of men as a reason to demonize traditional masculinity is playing fast and loose with the statistics." Why are American families breaking down? Scholars, writers debate Tucker Carlson monologue Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A monologue from Fox News Channel's Tucker Carlson has provoked vigorous debate among Christian thought leaders and writers, particularly about populism and the breakdown of the family in America. Carlson's 15-minute segment on Jan. 2 highlighted economic trends and social phenomena currently at work in the United States that have led to widespread discontent and a fracturing society. His comments were said in the context of the public and visible divisions among political conservatives vying for influence in the Republican party, particularly Sen. Mitt Romney's, R-Utah, comments criticizing President Donald Trump's leadership and the direction he's taking the nation in a New Year's Day Washington Post editorial. Carlson posited that while the Republican party is the only party to salvage the nation, liberal and conservative politicians alike are not in tune with what is happening and are thus proposing ineffective solutions. "We are ruled by mercenaries who feel no long-term obligation to the people they rule. Theyre day traders. Substitute teachers. Theyre just passing through. They have no skin in this game, and it shows. They cant solve our problems. They dont even bother to understand our problems," Carlson said of the elitist mentality operating in government. This is not limited to the United States, he said, pointing out that this is occurring across the globe where populist movements of many stripes are rising up. Social conservatives in the U.S., he continued, assert that the main problem plaguing America is the disintegration of family and nothing can be repaired before that is fixed. But those same people support market-based economic policies that crush families. "Both sides (liberals and conservatives) miss the obvious point: Culture and economics are inseparably intertwined. Certain economic systems allow families to thrive. Thriving families make market economies possible. You cant separate the two. It used to be possible to deny this. Not anymore. The evidence is now overwhelming." Writing in the National Review Friday, David French argued that Carlson had misdiagnosed the problem. "American public policies are flawed, yes. The American people are imperfect, yes. But any argument that American elites (a group that includes, by the way, enormous numbers of first-generation college grads and people who worked brutal hours to achieve economic success) represent an uncaring, indifferent, exploitive mass is fundamentally wrong," he opined. "In fact, the better argument is that well-meaning Americans have spent their money poorly (on ineffective charitable programs and destructive welfare policies), not that they dont care." America is not being destroyed but challenged, French said, disagreeing with Carlson. "Carlson and populists on the left have accurately identified a host of American problems. Our declining life expectancy alone should be a blaring wakeup call that despite our prosperity, something is seriously amiss in American life and American culture." "The fundamental building block of any family is still your love, your discipline, and your fidelity," he asserted. Others said that elites and major forces have indeed shaped the factors that have contributed to social breakdown, particularly the collapse of the working class family, and that French had underplayed them. "The dissolution and de-stabilization of working-class family life is not simply a reflection of people making bad choices or being irresponsible. Its also about major changes in American society that have had a disparate impact on the working class and (earlier) the poor," Brad Wilcox, senior fellow of the Institute for Family Studies, tweeted Saturday in response to French. Economic shifts have mostly benefited those with higher incomes and have destabilized work in many working-class communities, he said. "Public policy in the form of means-tested programs like Medicaid and tax policies like the EITC now penalizes marriage especially among the working class." Both secular and religious civic institutions have failed the working class, he stressed, noting that no large-scale religious ministries exist for young adults not on the college track. "Our elites embrace a marriage-oriented culture for themselves and their kids in their *private* lives, but do nothing in their *public* roles as culture makers, educators, business executives, journalists & legislators to strengthen marriage," he added. Such dynamics extend to parenting and technology, he said referencing an October New York Times article about Silicon Valley titans who place strict limits on their own children's smartphone usage. "Its also time for conservatives to realize that appeals to personal responsibility or pull-yourselves-up-by-your-bootstraps rhetoric is necessary but *not* sufficient," he said. Samuel Rodriguez: Trump, Democrats should make grand bargain on border wall, Dreamers Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A prominent United States-based Latino evangelical coalition and its leader, Samuel Rodriguez, are calling for an end to the government shutdown that will see both funding for President Donald Trumps border wall and protection for Dreamers. Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference and pastor of New Season Church in Sacramento, issued a statement Monday night calling on members of Congress to fund the wall and give us DACA [Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals]. DACA was an Obama-era program to give legal status to unauthorized immigrants who were brought to the United States as minors. Rodriguezs statement comes as several federal agencies are in a weeks long partial federal government shutdown that began on Dec. 22. As Trump continues to holdout for additional border wall funding, some speculate that protections for certain immigrants brought into the United States illegally could be a potential political tradeoff that could end the shutdown. As week three of the current government shutdown drags on, we at the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) believe now is the time to come together as a nation, and we must do so quickly, Rodriguezs statement reads. We can and we must seize upon one of the great debates of our time, and chisel from the hard stone of division just the sort of compromise which has built the foundations of our national unity so many times before. Rodriguez is calling on Americans stop oversimplifying the immigration debate and to stop making it an issue of right and wrong and us versus them. We are unified as a nation not when we agree on specific policies, but rather when we hold fast to the same civic rules on how to reach conclusions to our most difficult questions, Rodriguez asserted. He added that people on both sides of the debate think they know what is best for the country. In that spirit, and in joining with millions of Hispanic Americans all across the country, the NHCLC urgently calls upon both Democrats and Republicans to end our current impasse, Rodriguez said. We urge Democrats to fund the presidents calls for increased border security, and we likewise call on Republicans to provide a permanent solution for Dreamers. The Washington Post reports that the Trump White House sent a letter Sunday maintaining its demand for upwards of $5.7 billion for the construction of about 234 miles of barriers on the southern border. Russell T. Vought, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, wrote in the letter that the barriers are central to any strategy. During our meetings with congressional staff this weekend, we made it clear that we have a crisis on our southern border, and we outlined the presidents plan to secure our border, build a wall, and protect the American people, Vice President Mike Pence said in a brief interview with The Washington Post. Its time for the Democrats to start negotiating. On Tuesday, the Trump White House issued a public statement laying out his funding demands in which he claimed the southern border has long been an open wound. The statement argues that the White House has only requested a modest amount to address the problems of illegal immigration, gang violence, crime, drugs, and human trafficking on the Southern Border. On top of the $5.7 billion for barrier construction, Trump is asking for $4.2 billion to support 52,000 detention beds, personnel, alternatives to detention, and transportation to address the recent surge in illegal immigration across the Southern Border. The 4.2 billion is an increase of nearly $800 million from what is already laid out in legislation. Despite Trumps call for a border wall, Associated Press data has found that GOP support among Latino voters is remaining steady as 32 percent of Latinos cast their votes for Republicans in the 2018 midterms. In 2016, exit polls showed that about 28 percent of Latino voters voted for Trump. Other conservative evangelical leaders have also voiced support for border wall funding. Tony Perkins, president of the evangelical conservative lobbying group Family Research Council, praised Trump for standing firm on border wall funding with the threat of a veto. President Trump strongly believes, and I agree, that it's time to take our border security seriously because we care that American greatness can safely be offered to all who come here legally, Perkins stated in a statement. What made America great? American values helped create a strong, stable nation that has been an attraction to the huddled masses yearning to be free. Among these values is the rule of law, which also includes our immigration policy. Perkins warned that failure to preserve the rule of law results in the loss of freedom and safety for Americans. Building a wall to secure our nations borders is a vital step toward keeping our nation safe and prosperous, Perkins concluded. As the Public Religion Research Institute found last year, support for Trumps border wall among white evangelical Christians has increased by nine percentage points since Trump campaigned on the promise of a border wall in 2016. Sixty-seven percent say they favor a border wall and only 31 percent say they oppose a border wall. Some left-leaning white evangelical leaders, such as Sojourners President Jim Wallis, have long voiced their opposition to plans to build the border wall. Trumps wall has nothing to do with fixing a broken immigration system, Wallis wrote in an op-ed. It will waste money and result in cuts to more effective and important programs. Its not about strengthening national security; its about fueling national paranoia. And Christians must ensure that it doesnt move forward. Richard Morales, policy and program director for LA RED, a campaign run by the left-leaning grassroots coalition Faith in Action dedicated to immigrant rights, also condemned Trump's border wall demands as the government shutdown is impacting over 800,000 employees. "Besides billions for an ineffective wall, the administration is asking for billions of dollars more to fund mass detention and deportation," Morales said in a statement shared with The Christian Post. "The border wall harms border communities, devastates the environment and wildlife, and is deadly for migrants. We will continue to fight against border militarization that includes continued funding by both parties for more detention beds, more deportation agents and surveillance technology. The wall is immoral, as is the continued funding of family separation and violence towards immigrants." Foster care agency leader would rather lose government funding than change Christian only foster care policy Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The leader of a Christian-only foster care agency in South Carolina said he is willing to give up state and federal funding if government officials insist they go against their religious convictions in order to access funds. Our existence and identity is tied to our faith in God and belief in Jesus Christ, Reid Lehman of Miracle Hill Ministries says. According to The Washington Post, Miracle Hill received nearly $600,000 in state and federal money in the last fiscal year to support foster-care families, but Lehman said he would rather drop out of those government programs to pursue the policy they have instituted since 1988. Calls to Miracle Hill Ministries for further comment on Lehmans statement were not immediately returned on Tuesday. But in a Facebook post last month, the organization made it clear that they believe there is an alarming trend that is threatening faith-based social service providers across the nation. The agency was threatened with being shut down nearly a year ago for its Christian-only foster care policy after they turned away a Jewish woman, named Beth Lesser, and her husband. I was the only Jewish person there, Lesser told Jewish interest publication the Forward. It was humiliating to be told essentially Christians over here, Jews over there. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has sought to get an exemption for Miracle Hill from state and federal policies that prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion and other factors from the Department of Health and Human Services, but the agency is yet to make a decision. An HHS spokesman told The Washington Post the issue was one of religious freedom, and signaled that the federal agency was open to allowing the funding. The request from the governor of South Carolina on religious freedom and foster care agencies has been received by HHS and is currently under consideration, he said. In other areas such as Philadelphia, the city removed Catholic Social Services from their foster-care program because the agency does not license same-sex couples. That decision is being challenged in court. The American Civil Liberties Union is also suing Michigan over its policy of contracting with child-placement agencies that turn away gay and lesbian couples who wish to become foster or adoptive parents due to religious conviction. States have an obligation to care for children in the public child-welfare system, Leslie Cooper, an ACLU attorney said. When they hire agencies to care for them . . . they should not be using religious criteria to deny children access to families that they desperately need. Lehman, told the publication, however, that by choosing Christian foster parents, the children will see what a life dedicated to proclaiming the love of God is about. Tia and Tamara cling to their Christian faith after grandmother dies Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Tia Mowry Hardrict and Tamera Mowry Housley, who are best known for their teenage roles in the sitcom Sister Sister, say they're leaning on their faith after the loss of their grandmother this week. The twin sisters revealed on social media that the matriarch of their family died of cancer. Besides mourning their loss, they shared how their faith in God is helping them get through the grief. Give God your weakness and He will give you His strength. #missyougranny, Housley wrote on Instagram. Grandma Clo You are the strongest person I know. You are the matriarch of our family. Every good thing trickles down from you, Housley wrote. You amaze me every day with your strength and unconditional love. Your obedience and love toward our Heavenly Father is admirable. Love you so so so much. #cancersucks. Housley, who's a co-host on the hit daytime talk show The Real, then shared that her grandmother's battle was long but she's now resting in Heaven. You are with the Lord now. You fought a long long fight, she wrote. Your wish was to be around your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ariah, Aden, Adam and I miss you so much. I love you. Till we meet again. Her sister, Tia Hardrict, also shared her feelings, revealing that their grandmother even prayed over her and got to meet her new daughter, Cairo. Im so happy you got to see her. You prayed for her in my womb and now you got to touch and see her before you transitioned, she shared on Instagram. It was your wish. We miss you already. I love you Clo. The Indivisible actress then thanked God for the moments she got to spend with her grandmother. You went on to see the Lord this morning and Im so happy I got to see you. I thank God, she wrote in another post. I love you grandma, I love you. My heart is broken. Both sisters have always been open about their faith and how it gets them through difficult times. Housley also recently lost her niece, Alaina Housley, who was killed in a mass shooting at a bar in California in 2018. After pleading with people on social media for prayers, Housley and her husband, former Fox News correspondent Adam Housley, released a statement to USA TODAY confirming that Alaina was one of the people gunned down inside the country music dance bar. Texas pastor: You can't receive grace if you hide your hurts, sins Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Pastor Matt Chandler is urging young people to run to Jesus with their wound, secret sins and addiction because that is the only way He meets people with grace. And Jesus is not deterred by the theological walls people build around themselves in order to shield Him from addressing the root of their problems, he says. Speaking at the Passion conference last week, Chandler, pastor of The Village Church near Dallas, spoke from the stage giving a meditation on John 4 where Jesus famously ministers to the Samaritan woman at the well. He highlighted the portion where Jesus asks about her husband. She replies that she has none and Jesus then declares that indeed she has had five previous husbands and that the man she is currently with is not her husband. "You could call these five verses the wound and the worry," Chandler explained, noting that at first reading it seems as though Jesus is being cruel but it is actually an act of kindness, a demonstration of His love. "The reality is, in a fallen world, wounds abound," he continued. "Not one of you is outside the scope of a broken, fallen world, which means many of us have these deep kind of soul wounds that most of the time we're not even aware of." He recounted that when his son turned 13 that they had a sort of coming of age rite of passage party for him. A friend of his did something similar and took the opportunity to encourage his son about the great call of God on his life. While it was well-intentioned, the son found those words overwhelming and it crushed him so much so that he turned his back on God. Chandler took a different approach with his own son. "I got to look my son in the face and say: You're going to screw up bad. It's going to be embarrassing. You're going to feel deep, nauseous, shame,'" he recalled. "You're going to blow it. Not you might. You're going to. You're going to want to hide. You're not going to want anybody to know. But I want you to know that we already know that it's going to happen. And you need to come and you need to let us know ... because you don't fight the devil in the dark." "Jesus knew what He was buying on the cross; you're not surprising Him," he said, emphasizing the point that just as earthly fathers are not surprised when their children fail, neither is God the Father. And the way to experience God's grace and mercy is through our wounds, hurts and addictions. "It's not through the strength," he stressed. "If there's nothing wrong, you don't need a doctor." The scriptures do not detail the circumstances of the Samaritan woman's previous five husbands but they demonstrably show she is living in shame, he said. "The great tragedy, God help us, is that we're spending a ton of energy trying to hide the very place that grace wants to break through," Chandler said, adding that people spend so much time and energy being self-protective about their wounds that when Jesus is beckoning they cannot handle it. "[Jesus] is not asking for a better version of you," he exhorted the crowd. Chandler recounted how the trajectory of his life was changed at a Passion conference in 1997, the first one to ever occur, where he encountered the Holy Spirit in a powerful way. But most of the transformation one experiences in life is a slow process that happens over the course of many decades, he said. "To be 99 percent known is to be unknown," he asserted. If people spent energy hiding their one percent secret sin, addiction and brokenness, it will be impossible to receive love, grace from anyone, Chandler said. "Because you will convince yourself that if they knew about this one percent they would not love you, that if they knew about this one percent they would not care for you. That if they knew about this one percent they would reject you." Burying that one percent becomes acidic in the soul and robs victory in Christ, he went on to say. When Jesus pointed out what was really going on in the life of the Samaritan woman, she replied that she perceived Jesus was a prophet and asked Him about worshiping in Jerusalem as opposed to worshiping on the mountain in Samaria where her ancestors worshiped. "She's dodging the pursuit of her heart with a doctrinal question. She's using theology to protect herself from Jesus freeing her heart," Chandler explained. While theology is important, he said, "it is not uncommon for people to self-protect with doctrine. You can find very smart, very deep, very angry Christians. And that doesn't make sense unless doctrine is being used to defend." Christians today use theological squabbles to avoid getting at the root of their most pressing issues, he explained. "But Jesus will not be dodged," he said. He admitted that at age 44, he thought he would be freer and farther along in his life, done with certain struggles, but took heart that "grace is for the journey." Young people need a revelation of God's character such that they know they can run to Him when they screw up rather than run from Him, he said. Passion 2019 is the first year the conference was held in four different venues two in Atlanta, Georgia, one in Dallas, Texas, and one in Washington, D.C. simultaneously. The Passion Conference began Jan. 3 and concluded Friday. New York Gov. Cuomo: No budget unless abortion made legal for any reason until birth Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is refusing to sign the states budget unless the legislature passes a bill that makes abortion up until birth for any reason legal in the state. He is also calling on the legislature to enshrine abortion as a right guaranteed in the state constitution. While delivering a pro-abortion speech at Barnard College in Manhattan with former first lady Hillary Clinton at his side, the 61-year-old Democrat vowed not to support the 2019-2020 state budget legislation until the state legislature approves the Reproductive Health Act and the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act. Cuomos vow comes after Democrats retook control of the New York Senate in the 2018 midterm elections. The vow also comes as the Trump administration has worked to advance pro-life policies. Now that conservatives have a majority on the U.S. Supreme Court, some abortion-proponents fear the possibility that a Supreme Court decision could one day overturn Roe v. Wade. The Republican senate said, You dont need a state law codifying Roe v. Wade. No administration would ever roll back Roe v. Wade, Cuomo said, according to The New York Times. So help me God, this was the conversation. According to the language of the Reproductive Health Act: Every individual who becomes pregnant has the fundamental right to choose to carry the pregnancy to term, to give birth to a child or have an abortion. The act would also remove abortion from the states penal code. According to the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, the bill has passed the Democrat-controlled Assembly in the past but has stalled for over a decade in the Republican-led senate. Many conservatives in the senate objected to the fact that it included language that would allow non-doctors to perform late-term abortions. The newspaper reports that the legislature is expected to approve the bill on Jan. 22, which is the 46th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. As many of you know, the Governor is pushing again for abortion through birth and even after with so-called Reproductive Health Act. Now he has an anti-Life Democrat-led Senate to help him get it through, New York State Right to Life campaign warned on Facebook Wednesday. In a policy statement on the Reproductive Health Act, N.Y. State Right to Life explained that the legislation would lead to an increase in abortions and expose mothers to increased dangers by removing protections currently in New York statute. Current law only allows duly licensed physicians to perform an abortion up to the 24th week of the pregnancy. But the Reproductive Health Act would allow any licensed health care practitioner to perform an abortion as long as the practitioner acts in good faith, pro-lifers have warned. Supporters of RHA claim it merely seeks to update New Yorks laws to make them consistent with Roe v. Wade. This claim is false, the New York State Right to Life policy statement reads. The changes this bill would make instead would authorize abortion through all nine months, for any reason, with no restrictions. Another group that is opposing the Reproductive Health Act is Feminists Choosing Life of New York, which has submitted at least six letters to The New York Times opposing the legislation. One point of opposition is the heinous legalization of abortion during the second and third trimester of pregnancy through the inclusion of a broad health exception allowing women to abort viable fetuses for essentially any reason; including economic or familial health, Kelly Brunacini, a member of the groups board of directors, wrote in one of the letters. The vast majority of Americans, including in New York, oppose these late-term abortions. As a New Yorker, Democrat and feminist, I cant help but wonder what history will say about a people who allowed the legalized killing of fully formed human beings for the sake of exerting political dominance. NY State Right to Life also contends that the bill would prevent the prosecution of illegal abortions. This is the opposite of pro-woman, the organizations statement reads. Although the bill would enshrine the right to an abortion in state law, another vote of the state legislature would be required to kick off the amendment approval process. According to the Democrat & Chronicle, another vote of the next state legislature would be required in 2021 before the amendment could go to the voters for final approval. Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts CEO Robin Chappelle praised Cuomos pro-abortion vow. "The threat to our health care is real and requires immediate action," Golston told the Democrat & Chronicle. Former Potters House pastor Chris Hill confirms New Years Eve arrest, opens up about horrible divorce Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Former senior pastor of The Potter's House Church of Denver Chris Hill, who resigned in 2017 over an alleged affair with a married parishioner, confirmed Tuesday that he was arrested on New Years Eve and jailed for just over a week in Atlanta in a harrowing experience he said left him feeling dehumanized. First time Im in this situation and Im like, 'My God, youve got to get me out of this. Youve got to get me out of this.' But no. they took me around the corner. They stuck me with a needle for tuberculosis because Im gonna be around people. And then they took me! Me! Hill, a protege of Bishop T.D. Jakes, said in a Facebook Live broadcast as he described how he was processed at the Clayton County Sheriffs Office. They fitted me for an orange jumpsuit and forced me into a shower and checked me in ways that my God, no man should check another man. ... Im telling you, I felt totally, totally dehumanized. Totally, totally broke down. It wasnt so much that it was physical as it was spiritual and totally, just totally dehumanizing, the 50-year-old preacher said. Ladies and gentlemen, yes, this really happened, Hill added. A lot of people thought it was a hoax because its completely out of character, completely out of the norm. Usually, I dont even put myself out there like that. Hill first highlighted his unexpected arrest at the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in a social media post on Saturday which was quickly deleted. Authorities, he said, had alleged that he was a fugitive of justice but could not provide any further details as to why he was being arrested. The post was not deleted, however, before media personality Larry Reid of the "Larry Reid Live" show was able to get a screenshot and shared it with his audience. I am not a flight risk nor fugitive nor have I ever been. I have my 15-year-old son and my 74-year-old mother who is sick with Alzheimers who I am responsible for. I was just on my way to do my missions work. I am asking for your support, prayers, and that you do anything in your power to contact both the city of Arlington Municipal Court and or the Clayton County sheriffs office in Atlanta, Georgia, to either give me a charge or release me. My friends, colleagues or anyone who cares about justice help me get out of jail. #freechrishill, Hill wrote in the post which came five days after being in jail. A representative from the Clayton County Sheriffs Office confirmed with The Christian Post on Wednesday that Hill was booked on New Years Eve and released approximately one week later on Jan. 8. The representative could not, however, immediately reveal the circumstances behind the pastors arrest. In his broadcast on Tuesday, Hill explained that he was on his way to a four-week, four-country mission trip in Africa when he was singled out by authorities. I [had] flown from Denver to Atlanta, I was changing planes and boarding 1D, had my ticket, Im the second person on the plane, and boom, I turn the corner and there are these four brothers from customs and security that are standing there and they are standing there and asking the person in front of me his name, Hill said. He explained that they later stopped him and asked him for identifying information then proceeded to detain him. They tell me that there is a warrant for me in Texas. And they start walking me back, Hill said. Hill, a father of two boys who divorced his former wife, Joy Turner Hill, approximately two years ago, said he has custody of his teenage son and declared that his arrest was not related to child support. Now you have to understand. I didnt miss a court date. Im not late on my child support. I dont pay child support because I have the child. You have to understand, I am the child support. Im his sole support. His momma dont pay no child support. I take care of that child. He lives with me so, no, all the things, rumors, and crazy? Im not late on anything. It wasnt a charge. There wasnt a charge on me for five days while I was in lockup. Thats why #freechrishill, he said. The Denver pastor explained that when he made the social media post on Saturday he was in a panic. He said when he was first arrested, he wasnt sure who to call at the time and the only thing he could think of was his office and his pastor. He never thought to reach out to most of his friends who are preachers or public speakers because he knew they would be preparing for New Years Eve services. He didnt call his children either because he didn't want them to worry. The day after his arrest, he explained with strong emotion, he was taken to court in handcuffs like a slave. And I have done no crime. I have no charge and no crime and done nothing wrong, done nothing but help people my whole life. And here I am like a slave in stocks hopping into court. "They dont have anything on me. No charge. Then the court case is that fast in a chain gang. I spent my whole life ministering to people in jail, my whole life helping people, feeding people and this is my situation. Ladies and gentlemen, I was praying to God. Court lasted for me about two minutes and then off we go and they are saying to me you have 72 hours, were gonna have to let you go because your bond is so low. After 72 hours, Hill was still in jail because he said authorities told him that Texas officials were not going to spend money to transport him due to the nature of the charge. Georgia officials also could not release him, he said, because Texas has a hold. Now Im in this legal limbo and you asked me why I #freeChrisHill? By the Saturday, I had been there for almost five days. And by the Saturday, I reached out to my staff and I said, 'Say something. Tell people Im here. At least they can be praying. Tell people Im here. At least they can cry out to God,' he said. In a moment of really panic. I dont know if youve ever been in a panic but I was in a panic that day. And Im sorry if I scared you. To illustrate how afraid he was at the time, Hill shared details of his horrible divorce, which he went through almost two years ago and was able to remain quiet about it. The idea of losing his freedom, he said, forced him to speak up. I went through a horrible divorce almost two years ago. I lost everything. I lost my home. I lost my vehicles. I lost the church that I built with my own sweat and blood with the help of the Holy Ghost. I lost it all. I never said a word. I never said a word, he said. I have two sons. They love their mother. Im not trying to drag our business through the streets. Im not that person. Im really not that person. Ive never gone live on Facebook to talk about any of this. But when youve been locked in a cage, and when youve been locked up like an animal, there is something that says when I get out of here, Im gonna finally tell my truth, he continued. He further explained that even though he only divorced two years ago, his marriage was over for at least 10 years but he fought to keep it together for the sake of his children, and alleged that his ex-wife threatened to destroy his ministry if he left her. The reality [is] I divorced 10 years ago, he said. She said if you leave me I will destroy your ministry. I will destroy something that you put 30 of your years in to build ... and so I stayed, he said. He talked about how he rescued his niece from foster care and was raising her as his own but his ex-wife chose to send her back while he was overseas on business. This was not something that just happened. Oh my God! he said of his marriage. I held on for 10 years living with somebody that put my blood back [in foster care] and I couldnt get her out of the system. She aged out of the system because I trusted her with someone who I cared about, he said. Hills marriage and his ministry began unraveling in early 2017 when his then-wife of more than 20 years alleged in a mass text message to church members that she was able to verify that her husband had been carrying on an affair with their young goddaughter, Shirnae McFarlane, who married Arthur McFarlane III on Sept. 26, 2014. Three months later, Hill resigned as senior pastor of The Potter's House Church of Denver that year. Following counseling and a public show of repentance, Bishop T. D. Jakes said he had been restored to ministry with the laying on of hands. "God said that if we confess our sins, that He is faithful and just to cleanse us from ... all unrighteousness. I just believe that this is what the grace of God is for," Jakes said in a clip of Hills restoration. NASA is requesting Russias State Space Corporation Roscosmos to develop the Soyuz spacecraft version for flights to the Moon, Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin said in an interview with Rossiya-24 TV Channel on Thursday, TASS reports. "They are requesting us to develop the Soyuz spacecraft that could fly to the Moon and back to create a backup space transport system," Rogozin said. NASA also insists that Russia should continue delivering US astronauts aboard Soyuz spaceships to the International Space Station, the Roscosmos chief said. First-ever church in modern Turkey to be built starting February Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Construction for the first-ever church to be built in the modern Republic of Turkey will begin in February, a move Syriac Orthodox believers have long been waiting for. Bulent Kerimoglu, the mayor of Istanbuls Bakirkoy municipality, said on Tuesday that the paperwork has been completed for the expected two-year construction project. Anadolu Agency noted that when completed, the church will serve Syriac Orthodox believers, which number close to 17,000, living in Istanbul. Yusuf Cetin, the Syriac Orthodox Churchs metropolitan for Istanbul and the capital Ankara, hailed the move, saying that different religions, ethnic roots everyones hearts beat for our Turkey. Were proud of living under the Turkish flag in this land, he added. Plans for the new church were first revealed in 2015, when Agence France Presse noted that the church would be the first one built since the end of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the modern republic in 1923. While older churches have been restored and reopened to the public, the planned church will be the first new one in the territory in nearly 100 years. Fides News Agency pointed out that the new church will be built in the Yesilkoy district of Bakirkoy and will have space for more than 700 believers. It suggested that the increase of the Syriac Christian minority in Turkey due to the Syrian civil war is one of the main reasons for Turkey agreeing to build a new church. Turkish authorities had previously set up a refugee camp reserved for Syriac Christians hosting up to 4,000 people. Christians have had strong religious freedom concerns during the administration of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, however. Back in 2016, the government seized the last six remaining Christian churches in the war-torn southeastern city of Diyarbakir, declaring them state property. The decision caused outrage among the Armenian, Syriac and Chaldean communities and a number of church foundations, which threatened legal action. The government claimed at the time that there were no religious motives behind the decision, pointing out that it had also expropriated a number of historic mosques in the town. Erdogan has maintained that "Turkey has no problems related to [religious] minorities," pointing to a joint declaration signed by Christian representatives in 2018 stating that they live "freely" in the Muslim majority nation. But some church leaders, such as Anthony J. Limberakis, the National Commander of the Eastern Orthodox Church order, said that the Turkish government placed "pressure" on the churches to sign the document. "One need not be a U.S. evangelist or have a Zionist mentality to see that the statement from representatives of the Greek Orthodox and Armenian churches and other religious minority communities was obtained under duress," he stated. European human rights court to hear landmark case over mom euthanized for depression Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The European Court of Human Rights has agreed to take on the legal case of a man who objects to the fact that his mother was euthanized in 2012 after years of depression. The ECHR, based in Strasbourg, France, will consider the case brought forward by Belgium resident Tom Mortier. According to Mortier, his mother Godelieva De Troyer was 64 years old when she was given a lethal injection by a doctor simply because she couldnt bear her depression. Mortier maintains that doctors and hospital staff didnt provide notice to him or his siblings until a day after their mother had died. Alliance Defending Freedom International, which has filed an application to represent Mortier, explains that Mortiers case is eligible to be heard by the continent's top human rights court because Belgian authorities have refused to pursue his case. According to Mortier, his mother had severe mental health problems and dealt with depression throughout much of her life. As she was treated by psychiatrists, Mortier admits that contact between himself and his mother had been broken until years later when he found out that his mother had been euthanized. International law has never established a so-called right to die. On the contrary, it solidly affirms the right to life particularly for the most vulnerable among us, ADF International Director of European Advocacy Robert Clarke, who is handling Mortiers case, said in a statement. We welcome the decision of the court to hear this precedent-setting case, the sad facts of which expose the lie that euthanasia is good for society. The appeal to the European Court of Human Rights represents the sons only chance to seek justice for the loss of his mother, according to ADF. The plaintiff alleges that when De Troyers doctor of 20 years refused to approve her euthanasia request in September 2011, she sought the help of other physicians. One of those physicians was allegedly Dr. Wim Distelmans, who co-chairs Belgiums euthanasia review commission. According to a court statement, Mortier alleges that his mother donated the equivalent of $2,860 to a foundation that Distelmans co-founded called the Life End Information Forum before her euthanasia request was carried out. The donation gives rise to an apparent conflict of interest, ADF argued. No one contacted Mortier before his mothers death even though, Mortier says, her depression was not only largely the result of a break-up with a man, but also due to her feelings of distance from her family. Psychiatrist Lieve Thienpont was ultimately the one responsible for authorizing De Troyers euthanasia request. Theinpont has been plagued by previous concerns that she is too quick to approve euthanasia for mentally ill patients. Theinpont and two other doctors were investigated last year on claims that they were involved in the euthanization of a woman named Tine Nys, who was diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome, in 2010. Nys family contends, however, that she wasnt on the autistic spectrum but just suffering over a recent breakup with her boyfriend. According to the Associated Press, some experts think Theinpont may have been involved in as many as one-third of Belgian euthanasia cases approved for psychiatric reasons. Religious leaders, such as those with the Roman Catholic Church, have contended that Belgiums euthanasia law is being abused and that patients are being killed without proper legal checks in place. Supporters of Mortiers case believe its impact could span throughout Europe as euthanasia is also legal in countries like the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The slippery slope is on full public display in Belgium, and we see the tragic consequences in this case, ADF International Executive Director Paul Coleman said in a statement. According to the most recent government report, more than six people per day are killed in this way, and that may yet be the tip of the iceberg. The figures expose the truth that, once these laws are passed, the impact of euthanasia cannot be controlled. Coleman stated that Belgium is on a trajectory that implicitly tells its most vulnerable that their lives are not worth living. Another case of a patient being euthanized for mental health reasons is a 41-year-old man in the Netherlands who was euthanized because he was an alcoholic who suffered from depression and anxiety. Reports indicate that over 10,000 people have been euthanized in Belgium in the 15 years since the practice became legal in 2002. Most of those cases involve a physical illness, rather than mental. Only one case was previously referred to prosecutors; that case was later dropped. Congressional Democrat blasts party's 'religious bigotry' over KoC, 'dogma lives loudly' remarks Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Democrat congresswoman considering running for president in 2020 is criticizing members of her own party for their apparent hostility to certain faith convictions, particularly among judicial nominees. In a Tuesday editorial for The Hill, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, argued that some of her colleagues had weaponized religion and are playing a dangerous political game. "Standing up for freedom of religion for all people is as critical now as its ever been hatred and bigotry are casting a dark shadow over our political system and threatening the very fabric of our country," she opined. Gabbard, who is Hindu, highlighted the recent questions that were asked of Brian Buescher, a Catholic nominated to be a judge on the U.S. District Court in Nebraska. While she opposes his nomination, the inquiries made by Senators Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, and Kamala Harris, D-Calif. were "fomenting bigotry," she said, though she did not mention the legislators by name. Harris and Hirono recently challenged Buescher's suitability for a federal judgeship due to his membership in the Catholic fraternal service organization Knights of Columbus. If he is unqualified because of his religion and his affiliation with a faith-based service organization, Gabbard said, "then President John F. Kennedy, and the liberal lion of the Senate Ted Kennedy would have been unqualified for the same reasons." Hirono claimed the Catholic group has taken extreme positions including affirming belief in traditional marriage, asking Buescher in written questions if he intended to end his membership with the organization to avoid any appearance of bias should he be confirmed. "While I absolutely believe in the separation of church and state as a necessity to the health of our nation, no American should be asked to renounce his or her faith or membership in a faith-based, service organization in order to hold public office," Gabbard said. "We must call this out for what it is religious bigotry. This is true not just when such prejudice is anti-Catholic, but also when it is anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim, anti-Hindu, or anti-Protestant, or any other religion." The Hawaii Congresswoman noted that this was not the first time in recent memory where Democrats have displayed hostility to President Trump's judicial nominees on the basis of their faith. During the 2017 confirmation hearing for Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who now sits on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, Sen. Dianne Feinstein expressed concern over Barrett's deep faith. "When you read your speeches, the conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you, and that's of concern when you come to big issues that large numbers of people have fought for, for years in this country," Feinstein said at the time. In her op-ed, Gabbard argued, "No American should be told that his or her public service is unwelcome because the dogma lives loudly within you as Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said to Amy Coney Barrett during her confirmation hearings in 2017 to serve as U.S. Circuit Court judge in the 7th Circuit." "If we can all agree that we do not want prejudice and bigotry to rule our nation, then we must stand united to denounce it whenever it raises its ugly head." Elected officials who bait people with religion "are playing with fire," she added. "They are sacrificing the well-being, peace and harmony of our country to satisfy their own political ambitions for partisan political interests." Her words garnered her praise from across the aisle. "Tulsi Gabbard is right to call out religious bigotry. We dont have to agree on everything in a First Amendment society thats the point," Senator Ben Sasse, R-Neb., commented Wednesday on Twitter. "Three cheers for saying some basic American stuff." Less thrilled was Senator Hirono, who through a spokesperson argued Gabbard had misrepresented the senator's approach to screening potential federal judges. Senator Hirono, asks all judicial nominees particularly those who have expressed very strong personal ideological views in conflict with Supreme Court precedent if they can be fair. She asked Mr. Buescher, who has a clear record of anti-choice activism, whether he could separate his personal beliefs from decisions he would make if confirmed for a lifetime appointment on the federal bench," the spokesperson said, Hawaii News Now reported Tuesday. "Over the past two years, the Senator has been attacked by right wing ideologues for her examination of Donald Trumps ideologically-driven nominees to the courts. It is unfortunate that Congresswoman Gabbard based her misguided opinion on the far-right wing manipulation of these straightforward questions. Canadian Hospital Unveils Assisted Suicide Plans for Kids, Parents Won't Know Until Child Is Dead Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Doctors from a Toronto children's hospital recently published policies on physician-assisted suicide for children, revealing that in some cases, parents won't be notified until after the child has died. "Usually, the family is intimately involved in this (end-of-life) decision-making process. If, however, a capable patient explicitly indicates that they do not want their family members involved in their decision-making, although health care providers may encourage the patient to reconsider and involve their family, ultimately the wishes of capable patients with respect to confidentiality must be respected," said pediatric doctors at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children, administrators and ethicists in a Sept. 21 paper published in the British Medical Journal's J Medical Ethics. "The article appears just three months before the Canadian Council of Academies is due to report to Parliament on the medical consensus about extending voluntary euthanasia in circumstances currently forbidden by law," Crux reported. "The Canadian Council of Academies is specifically looking at extending so-called assisted dying to patients under 18 ..." According to The Catholic Register, the proposed policies listed in the journal "argue that there is no meaningful ethical distinction between a patient choosing to refuse burdensome treatment and accepting an inevitable death versus patients who choose to die by chemical injection before the disease brings on death." The province of Ontario does not require parents to be involved in a "capable" minor's decision to refuse further treatment, and therefore, "there is no legal reason to require parent involvement in an assisted death," the Register added. Presently, assisted suicide and euthanasia are only available in Canada to individuals who are aged 18 and older; it has been legal there since 2016. Bioethicist Bridget Campion said she wasn't surprised by the developments and is concerned about conscience rights for medical providers. "It's a tough thing to know what to do next under the circumstances," she told the Register. "In my opinion, if we are committed to building a culture of life, forget the legislation. That ship has sailed. There are some things that we absolutely must make sure stay in place that there can be Catholic health care, that there can be conscientious objection. But, to me, the biggest thing is, 'OK, how do we build a culture of life? How do we build a culture of care?' If we can do that and make it so that people don't want medical assistance in dying, then we will have achieved something." Campion is a researcher, lecturer and writer with the Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute. But now that the practice is legal, "many practitioners are saying, 'How do we do this?' I'm not surprised at all," she added. The policy contains a flowchart that doesn't include discussion about assisted suicide with parents until a "reflection period" happens after the child is already dead. A 2017 survey of 1,050 Canadian doctors revealed that 33 percent of them believe assisted suicide ought to be illegal for minors, while approximately half think "mature" minors should have the option to request it. "I think that conscientious objection in Canada, unfortunately, hangs by a thread," Deacon Larry Worthen, executive director of the Christian Medical and Dental Society of Canada, told Catholic News Agency at the time. "There are many of us fighting for this right, but the concern is that in a society where killing a patient is seen to be a compassionate and merciful act, then those who refuse to do it are by definition uncompassionate and uncharitable," he continued. Pro-life investigative group Live Action described the Med Ethics journal article "sickening." Earlier this year, Belgium put to death a 9 and an 11 year old. The only other country in the world where the practice is allowed for minors is the Netherlands. Only a handful of U.S. states allow it; Hawaii recently became the sixth state to legalize physician-assisted suicide. Belgium Euthanizing 9, 11-Y-O Children: Report Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Belgium is coming under scrutiny as reports emerge detailing the number of people legally put to death in that nation through euthanasia, including children as young as 9 and 11. Along with its neighbor, The Netherlands, the northeastern European nation is known for its relatively loose policies on euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. At present, Belgium is the only nation that allows doctors to end a child's life, regardless of age, if the child makes a request to die. This came about when the government amended its euthanasia law in 2014; the practice of euthanasia has been legal there since 2002. The Washington Post noted this week that in all of 2016 and 2017, three children younger than 18 were given lethal injections by physicians, according to an official government report released last month. The eldest of the three was a 17-year-old suffering from muscular dystrophy; the other two were 9 and 11. The 9-year-old had a brain tumor and the 11-year-old had cystic fibrosis. These are the two youngest reported cases of doctor-assisted death worldwide. "Anyone who is shocked or surprised that the Belgian euthanasia practices have expanded to include children hasn't been paying attention," said Stephen Drake, research analyst for Not Dead Yet, a secular national disability rights group that opposes legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia based on social justice concerns, in comments emailed to The Christian Post Monday. "Belgium has been sliding down the slippery slope since the law legalizing euthanasia was passed there. In these particular reports, we really have no idea how 'terminal' these children were and I doubt that any limitation to 'terminal' will last as a qualifying criterion. There's no requirement for adults be 'terminal' to request euthanasia." "I have been surprised to read some news accounts that claim these children are the youngest to be euthanized anywhere. The Netherlands has allowed the killing of newborns with disabilities for years," he added, referencing a March 2005 article in the New England Journal of Medicine which described a survey that found that, contrary to Dutch law, some infants with disabilities in that nation had been euthanized. Advocates of euthanasia maintain that "some children, even very young ones, may possess the same decisional capacity as some adults, and it's therefore discriminatory to deny them the freedom to choose euthanasia based on an arbitrary age limit," The Washington Post reported. Luc Proot, a member of the euthanasia commission, defended the government's actions, saying that he "saw mental and physical suffering so overwhelming that I thought we did a good thing." Yet some doctors reject the claim that children are able to and should be allowed to end their lives if they so desire. "There is, in fact, no objective tool today available that really can help you say 'this child has the full competence or capacity to give with full understanding informed consent," Stefaan Van Gool, a child cancer specialist in Belgium, told The Telegraph. Aside from the assisted-suicide of minors, more and more adults are opting to be euthanized. Five times as many cases are being reported now compared to 10 years ago. From 2016 to 2017, there were 4,337 people who requested assisted death, the majority of whom were cancer patients. The rising numbers have alarmed Christian leaders and others, particularly the Catholic Church. Despite the Catholic Church's stated opposition to euthanasia, some groups, like the Brothers of Charity, were reportedly offering the practice at all 15 of its psychiatric hospital centers. When he learned of it in August 2017, Pope Francis ordered an end to the arrangement, The Christian Post reported at the time. Rene Stockman, the charity's superior general, who delivered the letter from Francis, said "this is the very first time a Christian organization states that euthanasia is an ordinary medical practice that falls under the physician's therapeutic freedom." "This is disloyal, outrageous and unacceptable," he said. Yet the view that euthanasia is an ordinary medical practice has become more normalized in Belgian culture. Belgian Paralympian Marieke Vervoort, who won a silver medal in the 400m wheelchair race, told reporters in Rio de Janeiro during the 2016 Paralympic games that she has her "euthanasia papers" but is not ready to die yet. She intends to proceed when she has "more bad days than good days." Ashley Judd reveals incredible moment her dog saved a man from committing suicide (exclusive) Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Hollywood actress Ashley Judd shared the incredible moment her dog saved a man from committing suicide, and why she believes God uses animals to demonstrate unconditional love, comfort and compassion to humans. In an exclusive interview with The Christian Post, Judd revealed that several years ago, her support dog, Shug who accompanied the actress on every movie set during her lifetime traveled with her from the Czech Republic to New York. After landing in LaGuardia airport, Judd removed Shugs vest, and the cocker spaniel-poodle mix instantly sprinted across the crowded terminal, stopping to sit beside a man who was writing in a notebook. I was like, Oh my gosh, what is going on? My dog never behaves this way, Judd recalled. So I went over to retrieve my dog, and he asked what her name was, and he said, Oh, shes cute, etc, etc, and we briefly chatted before I walked away. While in a different part of the airport a short time later, Judd felt a shadow fall over her. She looked up and saw the man standing there. He asked: May I show you what I was writing? I was writing my suicide note, he told her, when your dog came up and just there with me, just being present and reminding me of my value. Despite going their separate ways, Judd and the man miraculously ended up on the flight, and the two ended up talking for hours. The next day, he went to treatment for his suicidality. Today, hes in recovery and still sends me texts, updating me on his health, she shared. Shug was a remarkable dog. Its amazing how God works through dogs. While Shug passed away at the age of 17, Judd said her dog taught her an important lesson: Sometimes, we dont need people to tell us how to feel, act or behave; we simply need someone to be present and love us unconditionally. Dogs practice presence, she said. They love us exactly as we are. Sometimes, that's all we need; just sitting with someone and letting our empathy flow is the greatest helpfulness. Letting go of the need to control others and their emotional arc and offer advice is an act of self-restraint and compassion. Dogs, she added, will rest their chin on your knee and look up at you with undisguised love and adoration. We never outgrow our need for that kind of love. Judd stars in the film "A Dogs Way Home, based on the best-selling novel by W. Bruce Cameron. The film chronicles the heartwarming adventure of Bella, a dog who embarks on an epic 400-mile journey home after she is separated from her beloved human, Lucas, an aspiring med student and VA hospital volunteer. On her quest to return home, Bella touches the lives of everyone she meets, from an orphaned mountain lion cub to a homeless veteran down on his luck. Judd plays Terri, a veteran affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She develops a special bond with Bella, discovering that the dog brings joy and comfort when she needs it most. We all have really deep needs for connection, safety, and belonging, and this film speaks to that in a very personal and universal way, Judd said. I understand Bellas journey; my dogs were the loves of my life completely and utterly devoted to me as I was to them. When we're separated from those we love, whoever that may be, we'll do anything to be reconnected with them. The Tennessee native, who has been open about her own battle with depression, said she hopes the film raises awareness about the prevalence of PTSD and the staggering suicide rates among war veterans. Ive been around and experienced trauma; Im familiar with PTSD and the journey and struggles that so many vets have, she shared. So many veterans are emotionally shattered, and female vets who have higher rates of PTSD than their counterparts. Ive seen imaging, where their brains look like shattered glass, theyre so fractured. Twenty veterans a day are committing suicide, and there are still homeless veterans out there. One dead veteran is one too many. Helping our vets remain gainfully employed and giving them safety networks is something I think is a righteous obligation of us, she continued. Judd also told CP her morning meditation practice which includes reading two devotional books and going through the prayer of St. Francis helps her find healing and comfort amid the busyness and chaos of the world. One of my favorite prayers is, God, please direct my thoughts and actions and speech, she said. Please give me intuitive thought, a nudge so I know how to handle any situation with grace and kindness. So much of it is simply about breathing because when you inhale, you have to exhale, she added. Dogs understand that; theyre not ego-driven, ambitious teachers who have the next accomplishment on their minds. They simply want to love and breathe. A tale of unconditional love and unwavering devotion, "A Dogs Way Home" isnt a soppy sentimental mess, Judd said, but a powerful story grounded in real life. We have our given family I like to say God has a sense of humor but we also have the opportunity to create a chosen family who we love and adore and who create that necessary sense of safety and belonging, Judd said. Animals have a powerful role in our lives and we need to treat them with the dignity and respect that they treat us with. "A Dogs Way Home," in theaters Friday, also stars Jonah Hauer-King, Alexandra Shipp, Wes Studi, Edward James Olmos and the voice of Bryce Dallas Howard. The film is directed by Charles Martin Smith and Bishop T.D. Jakes is an executive producer. It is rated PG for thematic elements, some peril and language. Algerian Christian convert gets death threats, loses wife, kids and business Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment An Algerian man who converted from Islam to Christianity says his unwillingness to recant his faith in Jesus has led to him losing his wife and children and his job. Ahmed Beghal, the 32-year-old convert, told Morning Star News that while he has legal rights to see his 4 and 6-year-old daughters, his wifes family is barring him from seeing them. They took my two daughters to prevent me from seeing them whenever I asked to see my daughters in accordance with the rights granted by the judge, my wifes brothers created impediments and threatened me, Beghal said. This happened to me several times. Beghal converted to Christianity in 2013, and his wife, who wasnt named, committed her life to Christ three months after him. They began attending worship services together in secret, and were baptized in 2015 in the coastal city of Tipaza. After his conversion was made known to their families, Beghal said his family took away all his possessions, including his profitable poultry business. While going to work with others, because I had to support my family, insults and threats fell on me, because the people I was going to work with quickly learned that I was a Christian, a murtad [apostate], he said. It was my family members who first started the news, and it followed me everywhere. Beghal even received death threats. Unable to obtain police protection, he took his family to the city of Chlef. But the problems persisted and in 2017 his wife was summoned to her parents' home and was forced to deny being a Christian. From that moment on she turned against him, Beghal said, and even filed a complaint with his in-laws accusing him of having offended Islam. Several legal proceedings have followed, and while Beghal has not been put in prison over his wifes claims, he's still being prevented from seeing his children. Today I am far from my family, my wife, and my two daughters, without work or home, he said. Such is the lot of a Muslim who converts to Christianity in Algeria today. Algeria is a Muslim majority country, ranked No. 42 on Open Doors USA's World Watch List of countries where Christians face immense persecution. Last year, the government facilitated a number of church closures. While government officials claimed the churches did not "meet the standards required of a place of worship," some observers, such as David Bogosian of Christian Aid Mission, suggested that Algeria is being threatened by the growth of Christianity. "There's one thing that is happening that some believers are thinking might be a cause for the persecution and that is that the second biggest mosque in the Muslim world is about to be launched in Algeria," Bogosian said at the time. "And you know, this has a lot of outside funding and it brings a lot of prestige to the country. So there's definitely an attempt by Algeria to gain prominence in the Islamic world. It's thought that there's a connection between the opening of that mosque and this persecution," he added. Months after being left partially blind in church van crash, Christian man loses wife to brain aneurysm Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Five months after he was left partially blind and seriously injured while on a church trip last summer, a Christian man and his family from Kansas were devastated again when his wife suffered a brain aneurysm and died. The man, Tim Abbott, was one of two chaperones traveling in a van from Faith Chapel Assembly of God with 11 children from the churchs youth group when tragedy struck in Bolivar, Missouri. The van blew a tire while heading southbound on the Missouri 13, swerved off the highway, overturned and struck a tree about 5 miles north of Bolivar. Three teenagers from the youth group were killed and 10 others in the traveling party including Abbott were injured. The three teenagers killed David Martin, 16, of Olathe; Hannah Foy, 14, of Louisburg, and Samara Bayse 17, of Stillwell were all ejected from the van and died on the spot, authorities said. Abbott, according to Fox4KC, suffered traumatic brain injury, broke his neck, ribs and wrist. He also tore his rotator cuff, bicep tendon, rear delt as well as his left retina, which has left him partially blind. He was still recovering on Dec. 30 when his wife of 12 years, Rachel, who had been caring for him and their three children since the accident, died suddenly. Abbott, who is still unable to work or drive, told Fox4KC that Rachel started experiencing what his family thought was sinus pain in 2016. On Dec. 30 she began experiencing similar pain but in just a matter of hours she went into paralysis and died, leaving him grappling with questions. "Why her and not me?" he asked. "I had an accident just five months ago. Why couldn't you spare the teens and take me instead?" He reasoned, however, that perhaps the reason he did not die in August was because God didnt want his children to be orphans. "Maybe that`s why God spared me," Abbott said. "He didn't want to have two kids without their parents. Maybe that's why I'm not paralyzed. Maybe that's why I lived, and why I continue to get stronger, and why it happened at this time." Despite the tragic nature of his accident, Abbott believes the time he was able to spend with his wife as he recovered from his injuries was a blessing. "We got to spend a lot of time together, so it was a blessing in disguise," he said. Mary Rokicki, Rachel's sister, remembered the departed mother was seen as the angel in her family. "I know it's part of God's plan, but I don't know what that is yet," Rokicki said. A Go Fund Me campaign is now seeking to raise $50,000 to help the family until Abbott is recovered enough to provide for his family again. Vietnam Christians beaten, arrested for refusing to worship Buddha and renounce faith in Jesus Christian Post Contributor | 10 January, 2019 by Stoyan Zaimov Several Hmong Christians were beaten and arrested by Vietnamese government officials after they refused to renounce their faith and worship a Buddha statue, a pastor has revealed. Pastor Hoang Van Pa told persecution watchdog group International Christian Concern that government officials threatened 33 Hmong Protestants in Pha Lom village in November if they refused to renounce their Christian faith. Police reportedly gathered personal information about the 33 believers and carried out an open trial before the community. The officers presented an image of the Buddha and tried to force the Christians to abandon their faith and worship the Buddha statue instead. Four of the Christians were arrested and beaten, and government officials continued to harass Protestants in several other raids throughout November and December. As Dzung, the representative of the Interdisciplinary Inspection Team, explained that Vietnam has banned the Protestant Christian faith and seeks to expel those who refuse to renounce their faith in Jesus. In 2018, more than 100 believers were expelled from Yen Bai province and Lao Cai province. "Due to its ethnic background and high percentage of practicing Christians, Vietnam's Hmong community is often targeted and harassed by both the government and neighboring communities," wrote ICC's Regional Manager Gina Goh. "In a Communist country where Christianity is often seen as unpatriotic or a threat to the regime, Hmong Christians constantly face discrimination, harassment, land grabs, torture, and imprisonment." ICC has warned that the persecution of Hmong Christians is expected to continue in 2019. In 2017, police in Vietnam threw stones and beat a group of Roman Catholic priests who were defending a cross erected on church-claimed land in Thua Thien Hue province. Thien An priest Khoa Cao Duc Loi said at the time: "They prevented us from putting it back, and priests held on to the cross while police tore at their shirts and dragged them by their hair." Continue reading about Vietnam Christians on The Christian Post. New York Gov. Cuomo: No budget unless abortion made legal for any reason until birth Christian Post Contributor | 10 January, 2019 by Samuel Smith New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is refusing to sign the state's budget unless the legislature passes a bill that makes abortion up until birth for any reason legal in the state. He is also calling on the legislature to enshrine abortion as a right guaranteed in the state constitution. While delivering a pro-abortion speech at Barnard College in Manhattan with former first lady Hillary Clinton at his side, the 61-year-old Democrat vowed not to support the 2019-2020 state budget legislation until the state legislature approves the Reproductive Health Act and the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act. Cuomo's vow comes after Democrats retook control of the New York Senate in the 2018 midterm elections. The vow also comes as the Trump administration has worked to advance pro-life policies. Now that conservatives have a majority on the U.S. Supreme Court, some abortion-proponents fear the possibility that a Supreme Court decision could one day overturn Roe v. Wade. "The Republican senate said, 'You don't need a state law codifying Roe v. Wade. No administration would ever roll back Roe v. Wade,'" Cuomo said, according to The New York Times. "So help me God, this was the conversation." According to the language of the Reproductive Health Act: "Every individual who becomes pregnant has the fundamental right to choose to carry the pregnancy to term, to give birth to a child or have an abortion." The act would also remove abortion from the state's penal code. According to the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, the bill has passed the Democrat-controlled Assembly in the past but has stalled for over a decade in the Republican-led senate. Many conservatives in the senate objected to the fact that it included language that would allow non-doctors to perform late-term abortions. The newspaper reports that the legislature is expected to approve the bill on Jan. 22, which is the 46th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. "As many of you know, the Governor is pushing again for abortion through birth and even after with so-called 'Reproductive Health Act.' Now he has an anti-Life Democrat-led Senate to help him get it through," New York State Right to Life campaign warned on Facebook Wednesday. In a policy statement on the Reproductive Health Act, N.Y. State Right to Life explained that the legislation would lead to an increase in abortions and "expose mothers to increased dangers by removing protections currently in New York statute." Current law only allows duly licensed physicians to perform an abortion up to the 24th week of the pregnancy. But the Reproductive Health Act would allow any licensed health care practitioner to perform an abortion as long as the practitioner acts in "good faith," pro-lifers have warned. "Supporters of RHA claim it merely seeks to update New York's laws to make them consistent with Roe v. Wade. This claim is false," the New York State Right to Life policy statement reads. "The changes this bill would make instead would authorize abortion through all nine months, for any reason, with no restrictions." Another group that is opposing the Reproductive Health Act is Feminists Choosing Life of New York, which has submitted at least six letters to The New York Times opposing the legislation. "One point of opposition is the heinous legalization of abortion during the second and third trimester of pregnancy through the inclusion of a broad health exception allowing women to abort viable fetuses for essentially any reason; including economic or familial health," Kelly Brunacini, a member of the group's board of directors, wrote in one of the letters. "The vast majority of Americans, including in New York, oppose these late-term abortions. As a New Yorker, Democrat and feminist, I can't help but wonder what history will say about a people who allowed the legalized killing of fully formed human beings for the sake of exerting political dominance." NY State Right to Life also contends that the bill would prevent the prosecution of illegal abortions. "This is the opposite of pro-woman," the organization's statement reads. Continue reading about abortion on The Christian Post. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un hopes to achieve results welcomed by international community after the second summit with the US President Donald Trump, News.am reported citing CNBC. His remarks came during the meeting with the Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to him, North Korea will proceed working on the denuclearization of the peninsula. The DPRK will continue sticking to the stance of denuclearization and resolving the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue and consultation, and make efforts for the second summit between DPRK and US eaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community, Xinhua reported quoting the North Korean leader. Joyce Meyer admits her views on prosperity, faith were 'out of balance' CP Contributor | 10 January, 2019 by Charity Gibson Popular televangelist Joyce Meyer has admitted that her beliefs in prosperity and faith were at times "out of balance." When bad things happen to people, such as the death of a child, Meyer said she now understands that it's not because they didn't have enough faith. "I'm glad for what I learned about prosperity, but it got out of balance. I'm glad for what I've learned about faith, but it got out of balance," she said. "Every time somebody had a problem in their life, [I thought] it's because they didn't have enough faith. If you got sick it's because you don't have enough faith. If your child died, it's because you don't have enough faith," she added in a clip posted on Instagram. "Faith is something God gives you that you need to use and release in your life. It's a powerful force but it's not just an automatic, you put your trust in God, you put your faith in Him," Meyer's said. Throughout her ministry of 33-years, Meyer has frequently been accused of being aligned with the "prosperity gospel" and "word of faith" movements. She has denied both claims. The St. Louis, Missouri, native then said a false balance in the areas of faith an prosperity are not in line with scripture. "Well, that's not right! There is nowhere in The Bible where we're promised we will never have any trouble. I don't care how much faith you have, you're never going to avoid having trouble in your life. Jesus said, 'in the world, you will have tribulation but cheer up, I have overcome the world,'" she added. Continue reading about Joyce Meyer on The Christian Post. Several Hmong Christians were beaten and arrested by Vietnamese government officials after they refused to renounce their faith and worship a Buddha statue, a pastor has revealed. Pastor Hoang Van Pa told persecution watchdog group International Christian Concern that government officials threatened 33 Hmong Protestants in PhA LAm village in November if they refused to renounce their Christian faith. Police reportedly gathered personal information about the 33 believers and carried out an open trial before the community. The officers presented an image of the Buddha and tried to force the Christians to abandon their faith and worship the Buddha statue instead. Four of the Christians were arrested and beaten, and government officials continued to harass Protestants in several other raids throughout November and December. As Dzung, the representative of the Interdisciplinary Inspection Team, explained that Vietnam has banned the Protestant Christian faith and seeks to expel those who refuse to renounce their faith in Jesus. In 2018, more than 100 believers were expelled from Yen Bai province and Lao Cai province. "Due to its ethnic background and high percentage of practicing Christians, Vietnam's Hmong community is often targeted and harassed by both the government and neighboring communities," wrote ICC's Regional Manager Gina Goh. "In a Communist country where Christianity is often seen as unpatriotic or a threat to the regime, Hmong Christians constantly face discrimination, harassment, land grabs, torture, and imprisonment." ICC has warned that the persecution of Hmong Christians is expected to continue in 2019. In 2017, police in Vietnam threw stones and beat a group of Roman Catholic priests who were defending a cross erected on church-claimed land in Thua Thien Hue province. Thien An priest Khoa Cao Duc Loi said at the time: "They prevented us from putting it back, and priests held on to the cross while police tore at their shirts and dragged them by their hair." Loi told Radio Free Asia that the local police chief and his deputy were present during the attack. "I knew them because we had met with them several times before," he said. Others, such as a believer by the name of Bao, who works with persecution watchdog group Open Doors USA, revealed last year that he has been risking his life to distribute more than 100,000 children's Bibles. "When I distribute children's Bibles in the big churches, they honor the book not only as a free gift but as material to teach God's Word. They also use this book for evangelism. And I believe that it's going farther, and that its impact will spread wider," Bao said of Open Doors Children's Bible Project. "God's Word must be easy for people to reach. The children's Bible is one of the easiest ways to let different kinds of people know about Him. I believe this is the job of a sower. We continue to sow, and God continues to make it grow." Courtesy of The Christian Post If you dont know you Jeff Bezos is, lets do a quick recap. Hes the founder and CEO of Amazon, which is one of the largest and most profitable companies in history. Hes No. 1 on the list of rich Americans, which makes him the wealthiest person in the world. If he started his own country, Bezos net worth would put him ahead of Cuba, Lithuania, and several other countries based on GDP. However, his wealth might decline a little bit soon, and thats because he and his wife, MacKenzie Bezos, are getting a divorce after 25 years together. Did Jeff Bezos sign a prenup with MacKenzie Bezos? Will she receive half his fortune once their divorce is final? Lets find out. How did Jeff Bezos meet MacKenzie Bezos? The people in the HR department probably werent happy, but Jeff Bezos met MacKenzie Tuttle during a job interview. He worked at New York hedge fund firm D.E. Shaw, and he interviewed Tuttle for a position in 1992. They married each other only three months later. By 1994, the couple relocated to Seattle, and Jeff Bezos had Amazon off the ground and its way to becoming one of the largest and most profitable companies ever. Did Jeff Bezos sign a prenup before he got married? As we just mentioned, Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos married each other before he moved west to start Amazon. He wasnt living in the poor house before that, but he wasnt the richest person alive, either. So did Jeff Bezos sign a prenup when he got married? We cant say for sure, but we have our guesses. First, there was no reason for Jeff Bezos to sign a prenup, because he didnt have a vast fortune to protect. He didnt really rake in the money until Amazon had its initial public offering in 1997. Plus, MacKenzie Bezos ditched D.E. Shaw and New York when Jeff Bezos started Amazon. She was one of the first employees on the payroll, according to Business Insider. Finally, their joint statement on Twitter announcing their divorce is very civil. In it, they write that they intend to remain friends and would marry each other again even if they knew ahead of time that it wouldnt last forever. At the very least, their divorce appears very amicable. There wasnt any reason to expect discord. Whether or not Jeff Bezos signed a prenup, theres a chance he and MacKenzie Bezos have a postnuptial in place. Its virtually the same as prenup (it divides earnings and assets), but the only difference is it happens after a couple ties the knot. MacKenzie Bezos job is one reason you might know her name Marrying the worlds richest man is one way to gain notoriety, but MacKenzie Bezos job helped her grab a piece of the spotlight in her own right. Shes an award-winning author who published two novels, The Testing of Luther Albright in 2005 and Traps in 2013. Bezos won the American Book Award in 2005, according to Forbes. She wrote her first novel when she was six years old, but a flood destroyed the manuscript, according to Bezos author bio at Amazon. MacKenzie studied under Pulitzer-winning author Toni Morrison at Princeton. Morrison says Bezos is one of the best students Ive ever had in my creative writing classes really one of the best, according to Forbes. Do they have any children? The 25 years Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos spent together were busy for both of them. He launched Amazon, space exploration company Blue Orbit, and purchased The Washington Post. She wrote the two books, and together they started the Day One Fund charity in 2018. The couple managed to start a family in between all those busy days. The Bezos have four children, three sons and one adopted daughter, according to the BBC. Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! To say that Duchess Meghan Markle has a lot on her plate would be the understatement of the year. The former actress has left her life in Hollywood behind to move across the pond, marry into the British royal family, give up her career and be thrust in the spotlight in a major way. While Markle seems to be handling everything gracefully-though shes broken a few royal traditions here and there, the tabloids and rumors about her being difficult to work with, the racist attacks against her, and her own family drama have put the weight of the world on her shoulders. Daily Mail reported, It is said palace staff have never experienced anything remotely like Meghans formidable work ethic, matched only by the incessant stream of ideas about how to shape her role. Though the aides see her enthusiasm as well-meaning, her up and at em West Coast energy is an uncomfortable fit with the more formal ethos of some of the palace staff. Though she seems above it all, does Meghan Markle actually care what people think about her? Does Meghan read tabloids? Back in 2017 when the Suits alum covered Vanity Fair just before her engagement to Prince Harry, she revealed that she stays away from rumors about her and internet gossip. However, back then, she was only on the cusp of the mega-fame that she is experiencing now. She explained to Vanity Fair, I can tell you that at the end of the day I think its really simple. Were two people who are really happy and in love. We were very quietly dating for about six months before it became news, and I was working during that whole time, and the only thing that changed was peoples perception. Nothing about me changed. Im still the same person that I am, and Ive never defined myself by my relationship. I dont read any press. I havent even read press for Suits. The people who are close to me anchor me in knowing who I am. The rest is noise. Meghan is super stressed out about the backlash Though she is the picture of grace in front of the cameras and the press, the Duchess of Sussex is having a difficult time dealing with her pregnancy, the various rumors and the very public backlash against her. A source close to Markle told US Weekly, Meghan has so much on her plate, between being pregnant and dealing with the public backlash, and shes finding the whole situation incredibly stressful. The source explained that Markle is definitely bothered by all the reports and speculation adding that some things are just hard to stay away from, which is we get, especially during pregnancy when your hormones and emotions are on a constant roller coaster ride. We certainly hope all of this drama dies down soon for the sake of Markle and Baby Sussex. Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! The following is an open letter to both the Hamilton County Commission and Hamilton County School Board. I in no way speak for any of the organizations that I have been a part of. As the eve of the budget vote looms, there is one topic that has become yet again a focus of everyones attention, the Sheriffs budget. This year I was surprised by Jim Corbins attempt to grow the ... (click for more) Police have charged Theodore Dewayne Hall and Corey Mickelle Fletcher in the theft of $13,000 worth of tablets and laptops from a business on Gunbarrel Road. Hall, 18, of 3505 Sumter Ave., and Fletcher, 20, of 502 Phoenix Ave., are charged with burglary, theft over $10,000 and vandalism. The burglary occurred Dec. 30 at Chattanooga Imaging. Police were told that two people entered the business using a keypad at the rear door. The code that was used was specifically assigned to Veterans Cleaning that is hired to clean the building. Police were told that Hall and his grandmother were the only two employees from Veterans Cleaning who cleaned the building. The thieves took 11 Windows Surface Pro tablets and two laptop computers. During the burglary, the front entrance sliding glass door was shot out by gunfire. There was also damage to the front receptionist desk. Police found on Facebook where Hall had posted two Windows Surface Pro tablets for sale. After Hall was interviewed by police, he admitted taking part in the burglary and getting Fletcher to help him. Police found that Fletcher had pawned a Windows Surface Pro tablet at Cash America. He posted for sale another similar tablet. Police said Fletcher returned three of the tablets to police headquarters. As I drove into the Courthouse in the early morning hours of Wednesday, my thoughts centered on my good friend Bob McKamey. I know I was driving safely, stopping at traffic lights, maintaining the speed limits, observing what little traffic there was at that early hour, but I must honestly admit I dont recall any of the morning news, the remarks I was to make at our soon to be staff meeting or anything else for that matter. My thoughts were exclusively on my friend Bob McKamey. I had known of Bob McKamey for probably, at least, fifty years. Originally just as an acquaintance , but later, in approximately 1986, as a businessman. Mr. McKamey, as I referred to him at that time, called me one day and asked if I would be interested in doing some dealer transfers for Capital Toyota and for a new line of automobiles to be introduced soon in Chattanooga. We agreed on a price with never a contract but a firm hand shake. The new line of automobile that Bob referred to was, of course, the Lexus. With the new dealership almost completed in 1988 Bob again met with me and informed me that our business would more than likely increase soon. He was absolutely right. Our first transfer was to Jackson, Mississippi with new Lexus automobiles and then it skyrocketed. Our company went from two worn out haulers to a fleet of car carriers with none less than two years old, with new trucks replaced every year. Traveling in 36 states with 11 contracted Lexus dealers to transport their new cars, each truck averaging over 5000 miles per week. None of my success in this part of my business would have ever happened had it not been for Bob McKamey. Bob made it happen for me. It was during this time that our relationship evolved from business to a true friendship. Not only with myself, but my entire family. Bob would always ask, and mind you we talked frequently, How is Patsy? or How are the kids and your grandchildren? Countless times Bob would show his love and gratitude toward the Henrys and I know in my heart he knew we loved him. I know I do not stand alone in this tribute. Those that truly knew Bob understand how caring and devoted he was to his family and extended family who were his friends. God speed Bobby. You are more alive than you have ever been. Larry L. Henry * * * I remember many many years ago I had been t-boned by a DUI driver on Brainerd Road. My new Toyota ended up on its roof. I was in shock and scared. A crowd had gathered and it had become quite a scene. I was very grateful for three men who drove up there. My dad, the police officer who arrested the drunk and a guy who pulled out a wad of cash and paid my wrecker bill. I had to ask who that gentleman was. A lady nearby said it was Bob McKamey. I assume he saw Capital Toyota on the back of my car. Class act. Michael Burns Congressman Scott DesJarlais said he fully supports President Donald Trump's border security policy. He said, Weak border security and bad laws are causing a humanitarian crisis at the southern border and in our local communities. Erecting more effective physical barriers would prevent drug and human smuggling into the U.S. We need more border agents and ICE officers, too, but Democrats oppose a wall, a fence and even ICE itself. But over ninety percent of heroin crosses into the U.S. from Mexico, killing Americans, and cartels and gangs are also smuggling women and children. Illegal immigration is overwhelming our court system. The President presented these clear facts, including his offers to sign legislation Democrats supported until he took office. Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer are now describing the most important issue confronting our country as a diversion and distraction. Tennesseans have been promised border security for years, and Im 100 percent behind President Trumps efforts to finally solve the problem. The Walker County Extension Office is hosting egg candling classes on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at the Walker County Ag. Center in Rock Spring. The Georgia Department of Agriculture will teach the class which is required to obtain an egg candling certificate. Anyone with a backyard flock who plans to sell eggs to individuals or at a farmer's market is required to have this certificate. There is no cost for the class and you may choose your class time - 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m. or 2 p.m. To register, call the Georgia Department of Agriculture at 770 535-5955. Five British soldiers were killed in a rocket strike launched by Islamic State militants in Deir ez-Zor, Syria, state media reports, citing sources on the ground. It comes days after two UK troops were injured in fighting there. Rockets launched by IS (formerly ISIS/ISIL) hit the village of Al-Shaafah, in the Abu Kamal district of Deir ez-Zor province, RT reported citing the Syrian newspaper Al-Watan. The British soldiers were part of an international coalition operating in the area, which is the portion of Euphrates River valley near the Iraqi border where the militants still hold territory. Several more soldiers were injured and airlifted to the coalition hospital in Hasakah, in northeastern Syria, according to Al-Watan. If confirmed, this would be the second IS attack on British troops in Syria in days. On Sunday, two soldiers were reportedly injured and one member of the western-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) was killed in an IS rocket attack. Dear Chuck Fleischmann, Marsha Blackburn and Lamar Alexander: Please, I beseech you all, work toward ending this pointless federal government shutdown. Please put pressure on McConnell and the White House. He, along with Trump, are destroying our financial and operational stability. This needs to end. Not only are our parks, monuments, and treasured locations in disarray and a huge mess, but we, your constituents, are seeing our families and friends suffer who are federal government workers. Also, there are the military families going without pay, all the federal workers on furlough, and eventually, if this keeps up, those of us that rely on the SNAP (Food Stamp) program to make ends meet to feed our children, WIC participants that need their assistance to properly nourish our babies and children. Those of us on housing assistance, and energy assistance; the lists are endless. People are already suffering and many more will start to feel the effects as this crisis exponentially increases if it is allowed to continue to lag on. Those of us that rely on our income tax returns to pay local property taxes will be in danger of fines and tax liens come the end of February. Some of us count on those refunds to pay our city and county taxes. I totally agree that we need immigration reform. But, we need sensible reform. A temper tantrum, basically holding all U.S. citizens hostage, is not the way to get results. A wall, concrete, steel, whatever, by all true, verifiable facts and statistics, is not a necessity and would be a total waste of our $5.7 billion. It will not work. Please, your brothers and sisters in your state, that you represent are hurting. Please, do your jobs. You were elected to represent us. You were not elected to lose your conscience and morals that you campaigned on. Please end this mess for all of us. Richard and Thomas Hendricks Smith Lookout Valley Randal Troy Harris, 65, formerly of 218 Blankenship Road, Resaca, Ga., was sentenced Wednesday by Superior Court Judge William T. Boyett to serve a total of 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole followed by life. He was convicted of numerous offenses related to molestation of two underage girls over a period of several years. Harris received the 25 years plus life probation on two counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of aggravated child molestation. Harris was also sentenced to serve 25 years on one count of incest, 10 years each on four counts of child molestation, 10 years each on two counts of influencing a witness and 12 months each on two counts of misdemeanor sexual battery. District Attorney Bert Poston said Harris will be required to serve the full 25-year sentence, day-for-day, without parole. As conditions of the probated portion of his sentence he will have to register as a sex offender, pay fines, perform community service work and abide by other conditions. Harris was convicted by a Murray County jury on Dec. 7 following a week-long trial and deliberations which lasted less than an hour. The acts of child molestation took place over a period of years before the victims disclosed the abuse through the Murray and Whitfield County School Systems. The case was investigated by Detective Brett Morrison of the Murray County Sheriffs Office with the assistance of personnel from the Department of Family and Children Services and the school systems who also testified at trial. The children were interviewed by Forensic Interviewer Melissa Wells of the GreenHouse child advocacy center. She also testified. In addition to the abuse charges, Harris was convicted on two counts of influencing a witness based on his offer to pay money to the victims to tell investigators that nothing had happened. DA Poston said, "The District Attorneys Office commends the victims for their courage in reporting the abuse and cooperating with the investigation and prosecution." The case was presented by Assistant District Attorney Ben Kenemer, who prosecutes all child victim cases in Murray County while also handling a full standard caseload in Whitfield County. Harris was represented by Calhoun attorney Giles Jones. Judge Boyett presided over the trial as well as sentencing. Criminal Court Judge Tom Greenholtz said he will rule later on whether to order Michael Shavers to prison for using drugs while on probation. The judge said he was more upset by finding that Shavers had lied on a pre-sentence report about prior drug use. Shavers on Thursday admitted he lied because he thought it might cause Judge Greenholtz to reject a generous plea deal he had received. Shavers was given the 10-year probation sentence after testifying against Derek Morse in a triple murder in Lookout Valley. Morse was sentenced to life without parole. Shavers got the sentence in a case in which he fired repeatedly at his former girlfriend, Ashley Harris, and Joshua Maples. Both were hit by bullets, but survived the attack. Prosecutor Cameron Williams said the state had a good chance of convicting Shavers of attempted first-degree murder, which carries 15-25 years at 85 percent. Due to his cooperation, he was allowed to plead to attempted second-degree murder. Any time on that charge is at 30 percent before parole consideration. Shavers went back into custody after testing for marijuana and Xanax use. He said he has been using marijuana since he was 15. He said he took a single Xanax pill. He said the drugs were supplied by his cousin. Shavers said he wants the chance to be able to work and get his own place. Vikki Clark of the Public Defender's Office said if Shavers goes to state prison "he will be killed" because of his testimony. She asked that he be given a chance to work and live on his own. Officials of the Tennessee American Water Company said they are interested in taking over operation of the Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority. The issue of the possible sale of the WWTA came up during discussion of finding a site for a new sewage treatment plant for North Hamilton County. Water Company officials said, "Quality water and its delivery is important for any community. Tennessee American Water has served the greater Chattanooga community for over 130 years. As a private water utility we always are open to helping find solutions that provide an essential service to citizens and are sound business investments. "County officials have stated their interest in exploring various options on the waste water in the northern part of the County, including the possible sale of the WWTA. Tennessee American Water has expressed to officials our interest in bringing our expertise to the table as owner operator of the system." The Tennessee Medical Association has released its 2019 legislative agenda as the 111th Tennessee General Assembly convenes this week. TMA has an intentionally limited list of topics it plans to push in the new-look state legislature. With a third of the men and women in the General Assembly being brand new this session along with a new governor we expect to devote a lot of time building relationships and serving as a resource on important healthcare issues. The General Assembly first created TMA for this purpose. More than 180 years later, we are still the most effective voice representing physicians interests, promoting public policies and stopping or improving laws, rules and regulations that may threaten patient safety or quality of care. That core mission has not changed and will not change, regardless of the specific issues, said Dr. Matthew L. Mancini, a Knoxville surgeon and TMA president for 2018-2019. TMAs 2019 legislative priorities are improving opioid prescribing laws, defending scope of practice and pursuing a reasonable compromise on payment issues. BALANCE BILLING: As lawmakers continue to look for ways to address the issue of patients receiving surprise medical bills, TMA wants to protect physicians rights to get fairly compensated for services they provide out of a health plan network while remaining fair to patients who are caught between their health plan and their physician. TMA has led previous efforts to find a reasonable solution and will continue to defend physicians rights if legislation is filed by other stakeholders this session. OPIOID EPIDEMIC: While TMA was able to make significant improvements to Gov. Haslams TN Together legislation in 2018, some of the unintended consequences doctors initially feared the new law would create are manifesting across the state. New restrictions on prescribing and dispensing are no doubt reducing overall initial supply, but are also unreasonably obstructing some patients from accessing legitimate, effective pain management. TMA will work with the legislature to amend the law to address specific issues raised by doctors and patients. TMA has developed a number of proprietary resources to help educate doctors and other prescribers on Tennessees opioid prescribing laws at tnmed.org/opioids. SCOPE OF PRACTICE: TMA is on alert to continue defending against any proposals that would threaten patient safety and quality of care by removing physician oversight for nurses, physician assistants or any other midlevel providers. TMA for years has led doctors opposition to nurse independent practice in Tennessee and in 2016 reached an agreement with the Tennessee Nurses Association that included a three-year moratorium on all independent practice bills. The moratorium expires at the end of the 2019 session, but doctors expect the debate to resurface in 2019, particularly around expanding access to care in rural areas. TMA will continue promoting physician-led, team-based care as the safest, most efficient and effective healthcare delivery model in Tennessee. tnmed.org/teambasedcare MAT PARITY: TMA will ask the General Assembly to consider a resolution encouraging health insurance companies to include Medication-Assisted Treatment therapies in patients health plans and reimburse specialists who provide MAT services at rates comparable to other treatments. TMA has long advocated for more accessible and well-funded treatment options for patients struggling with substance abuse. Using medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies is a necessary strategy in the ongoing fight against Tennessees opioid abuse epidemic. TMA is a nonprofit advocacy organization, serving more than 9,600 members with legislative, legal/regulatory and insurance advocacy, physician leadership training and other programs. The association also offers a variety of ways for doctors to connect with their elected officials through its grassroots network, including Doctor of the Day on Capitol Hill during the legislative session. TMAs biggest advocacy event of the year, Day on the Hill, is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26. More than 300 physicians descended upon Nashvilles Cordell Hull Building in 2018 for the annual event and TMA expects another large crowd this year as doctors from around the state visit Nashville to meet with lawmakers, attend committee hearings and advocate for their profession and patients. One of the challenges we face in Tennessee moving forward is the need to further develop and align the education-to-career pipeline. Governor-elect Bill Lee probably expressed this better than any candidate on the campaign trail, and his potential as governor in this arena offers great hope for a brighter future for Tennessee. The objective is clear: we must prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce. This will require targeted strategies in our schools to help ensure every child has an opportunity for success. The Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) did a good analysis of Postsecondary and Career Readiness in Tennessee with their study: As they point out a rapidly changing economy requires urgent focus on student postsecondary and career readiness, with greater intensity than ever before. This is where Governor Lee can make his greatest impact in education and future economic growth of the state. He has pledged to establish a seamless path between our school districts, community and technical colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and local industry to empower students with the real-world skills they need to get a great job once they graduate. Lee has stated that Coding, mechatronics, logistics, and computer science will become fundamental skills for the modern workforce and I will ensure every student has access to coursework in these areas by investing in the technology, materials, and instruction to get our students the opportunity they deserve. This means that we must continually reimagine what education looks like for our students. And as Governor, Bill Lee will work to make that a high priority. This is exciting news for educators, who have seen constant change yet understand that we are transforming our schools for the next generation. The state has started trending this way, especially in some communities in the state. Lyle Ailshie, the current acting Commissioner of Education, began his work on high school redesign as a Superintendent in Kingsport. He received national recognition for his effort. In Maury County, Dr. Ryan Jackson, principal of Mount Pleasant High School, is also garnering much national attention for his work with STEAM initiatives, dual enrollment, and dual credit opportunities and is a champion for the schools and the districts Project-Based Learning curriculum. It is likely that many communities in the state will move toward these flexible school models to support new opportunities for career and technical education, work-based learning and apprenticeships, and dual-enrollment courses for students preparing for their career. The future is bright in Tennessee. Lets make our state the envy of the nation. The Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) did a good analysis of Postsecondary and Career Readiness in Tennessee with their study: Educating the Workforce of Tomorrow As they point out a rapidly changing economy requires urgent focus on student postsecondary and career readiness, with greater intensity than ever before. This is where Governor Lee can make his greatest impact in education and future economic growth of the state. He has pledged to establish a seamless path between our school districts, community and technical colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and local industry to empower students with the real-world skills they need to get a great job once they graduate.Lee has stated that Coding, mechatronics, logistics, and computer science will become fundamental skills for the modern workforce and I will ensure every student has access to coursework in these areas by investing in the technology, materials, and instruction to get our students the opportunity they deserve. This means that we must continually reimagine what education looks like for our students. And as Governor, Bill Lee will work to make that a high priority. This is exciting news for educators, who have seen constant change yet understand that we are transforming our schools for the next generation.The state has started trending this way, especially in some communities in the state. Lyle Ailshie, the current acting Commissioner of Education, began his work on high school redesign as a Superintendent in Kingsport. He received national recognition for his effort. In Maury County, Dr. Ryan Jackson, principal of Mount Pleasant High School, is also garnering much national attention for his work with STEAM initiatives, dual enrollment, and dual credit opportunities and is a champion for the schools and the districts Project-Based Learning curriculum.It is likely that many communities in the state will move toward these flexible school models to support new opportunities for career and technical education, work-based learning and apprenticeships, and dual-enrollment courses for students preparing for their career. The future is bright in Tennessee. Lets make our state the envy of the nation. ********* JC Bowman is the executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, a non-partisan teacher association headquartered in Nashville. Iran has dismissed as "lies" US media reports suggesting that an American citizen it recently arrested is being held in suboptimal conditions. "An American citizen named Michael White was arrested in the city of Mashhad a while ago and the US Interests Section in Tehran was informed in the first days" since his arrest, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi told reporters, Press TV reported. The New York Times reported Monday that White, a US Navy veteran, had been arrested in Iran on "unspecified charges." In another report on Tuesday, CBS News claimed the 46-year-old had been in detention since last summer and "was suffering psychologically and was being held in a ward with dangerous criminals." Qassemi said, "We strongly reject such untrue and false reports." The US State Department confirmed that it had been informed of White's arrest but refused to provide more details. We are aware of reports of the detention of a US citizen in Iran. We have no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens abroad. Due to privacy considerations, we have no additional information to provide at this time, a State Department official told the Times via email. In secret, behind locked gates, our Nation's Oldest City dumped a landfill in a lake (Old City Reservoir), while emitting sewage in our rivers and salt marsh. Organized citizens exposed and defeated pollution, racism and cronyism. We elected a new Mayor. We're transforming our City -- advanced citizenship. Ask questions. Make disclosures. Demand answers. Be involved. Expect democracy. Report and expose corruption. Smile! Help enact a St. Augustine National Park and Seashore. We shall overcome! Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans administration this week requested that the United States hand over control of its 16 military bases in Syrian territory controlled by American-allied Kurds after the U.S. withdraws. As Breitbart writes in the article Turkey urges U.S. to hand over Syria military bases, Ankara made the request for the U.S. to relinquish control of its bases in Syria on Tuesday, the same day that President Erdogan revealed that preparations for a new Turkish incursion in northern Syria are underway. We are pleased with [U.S. President Donald] Trumps decision for withdrawal [from Syria], but it needs to be clarified as to what kind of structure will be left behind, what will happen to the heavy weapons that have been deployed, the fate of American military bases and logistics centers. In this meeting we discussed these in detail, Ibrahim Kalin, a spokesperson for the Turkish presidency, said on Tuesday, Hurriyet Daily News reports. Citing Kalin, Hurriyet notes, Turkey also expects the U.S. to collect the arms delivered to the [Syrian Kurds] back. Turkey is intent on eliminating the terror corridor in northern Syria and it makes no distinction between terrorist groups, Erdogan declared, referring to the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) and the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL), Hurriyet reveals in a separate article. Territory in northern Syria along the Iraqi border is home to ISISs last bastion in the region. Turkey has long accused the YPG of being linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) communist terrorist group. Nevertheless, Turkeys NATO ally the United States continues to support the Kurds in their fight against ISIS, arguing that they are the most effective group against the jihadi organization The YPG is the armed wing of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) that controls large swathes of northern Syria where it has declared autonomy. U.S. support for the Syrian Kurds has infuriated Ankara. Very soon, we will act on neutralizing terrorist groups in Syria, and we will take out other terror groups that might try to prevent us from doing this, Erdogan declared on Monday. For Turkey, there is no difference between the PKK, YPG, PYD or [ISIS], the president also said, adding, If they are terrorists, we will do what is necessary no matter where they come from. His comments came soon after U.S. national security adviser John Bolton met with Turkish presidential adviser Ibrahim Kalin in Ankara for about to hours to discuss American President Donald Trumps decision to pull out of Syria. According to some reports, Erdogan and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu reportedly refused to meet Bolton. Erdogan chastised Bolton for making the U.S. withdrawal contingent upon assurances from Turkey that the U.S.-allied Kurds it considers terrorists would be safe. Bolton made a serious mistake in making the U.S. pullout conditional, Erdogan said, adding, It is not possible for us to make compromises on this point. Claims that Turkey targets Kurds in Syria is dishonorable, ugly, vulgar and defamatory, the Turkish leader added, making a distinction between the predominantly Kurdish population in northern Syria and the YPG and PYD groups. Erdogans spokesman also dismissed allegations that Turkey will slaughter Kurds if it enters Syria as PKK propaganda, urging the U.S. to refrain from such comments. The U.S. withdrawal process should not allow new opportunities for terrorist organizations or other elements, including the PYD/YPG, Kalin proclaimed. Erdogans spokesman said the United States has not slowed down its withdrawal as suggested by some U.S. officials, including the American president. Last month, President Trump vowed to bring home the estimated 2,000 American troops in Syria, saying they had succeeded in their mission to defeat ISIS and that Turkey would take over the final stages of the campaign against the jihadi group. In the wake of criticism of Trumps decision, Bolton suggested a residual force would remain in southern Syria to counter growing Iranian activity in the region. Kurds blasted the move, saying it leaves them vulnerable to attacks by Turkey and would lead to an ISIS revival. Turkey has attacked the U.S.-allied Kurdish groups during the anti-ISIS offensive, pushing the YPG out of northern Syrias Afrin region. Actions of the United States and its constantly changing position cause serious concern among main players in Syria. An already complicated situation gets even more complicated, current situation becomes even more unstable, resembling kaleidoscope with constantly changing patterns. In this situation, it's extremely difficult to predict your own actions, much less someone else's. Recent visit of American delegation to Ankara, which was generally unfortunate for Washington, only strengthened suspicions that President Donald Trump's statement about withdrawal of troops from Syria wasn't made at the right time. Or he just came up with some kind of unusual combination that will turn all forces in this country against each other. First version, which in no way contradicts the second one, is supported by the fact that national security advisor John Bolton, while he was in Ankara, didn't hide the fact that he was trying to reach agreement on keeping Kurdish troops supported by the US safe. Bolton even said that American troops wouldn't be withdrawn until necessary guarantees will be obtained. But instead of receiving guarantees, he was criticized by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who called accusations against his state, fighting against Kurds, a slander. Such reaction was also caused by the fact that Washington is not paying attention to Ankara's dissatisfaction with US military bases, located in northeastern Syria. Turkish military repeatedly expressed interest in obtaining these bases. Ankara also wants Americans, which are supposed to leave Syria, to take all weapons that they have provided to Kurdish forces with them. It seems that this wish won't be fulfilled - if Americans are concerned about safety of Kurds, they won't take their weapons away, especially since it may turn out to be a difficult process. American side also doesn't understan another part of the "Turkish scenario", according to which Ankara wants to create "protectorate" over the north-eastern regions of Syria, rich with oil. It seems that they can't accept that someone other than them would control production of hydrocarbons. On the other hand, the Turkish scenario is opposed by Arab countries, headed by Saudi Arabia, which has traditionally been an ally of the United States in controversial multilateral disputes. There's also Damascus itself, which wants to keep its oil and believes that it can regain control over its territories. In this case, so-called internal opponents of Bashar al-Assad have similar position - they believe that natural resources belong to Syria. There's also question about capabilities of Turkey itself - after all, control over oil areas requires mobilization of serious forces and resources. In short, current situation is getting more and more complicated. Second version (that Washington wants to turn all remaining players in Syria against each other) is supported by the fact that American side took specific steps to ensure safety of its allies, including Kurds, by transferring control over Manbij region in Turkish border area to Russian military police units. Unprecedented transfer of large territory certainly leads to conflict of interests - Turkish side also wanted to take over this area. What happened in the end? Experts note that Kurdish defense units were under protection of Russia, which, of course, is good for both Kurds and their American allies. Now Americans have freed themselves from this mission, which initially damaged its relations with Turkey, another member of NATO. Secondly, if there's no conflict between Washington and Ankara regarding Kurdish troops, it may lead to potential conflict between Turkey and Russia, which is now responsible for safety of Kurdish forces. Rapid rapprochement between Moscow and Ankara puzzled the United States. Thirdly, after entering the zone of America's responsibility, it seems that Russia has increased its own significance in the "Syrian scenario." But on the other hand, it seems that it is becoming even more bogged down in the Syrian conflict, which naturally increases costs and resources needed to maintain stability and support the Assad regime. FLSmidth sells bulk material handling business 10 January 2019 FLSmidth has reached an agreement to sell its bulk material handling business to Rainbow Heavy Machineries. The transaction has been structured as a sale of certain assets. As a result of the transaction, FLSmidth will exit the non-mining bulk material handling business. The main part of FLSmidth's non-mining related bulk material handling business is delivered out of Wadgassen GmbH in Germany. The non-mining bulk handling business has been for sale and reported as discontinued activities since 2015. Annual revenue for bulk material handling was DKK880 (US$135.8m) in 2017. FLSmidth's plan to exit bulk material handling will include the transfer of employees, brand and IPR to Rainbow Heavy Machineries. FLSmidth will retain all ongoing projects, but they are to be delivered through an operational agreement with Rainbow Heavy Machineries. The projects are expected to be finalised during 2019-20. The sale transaction is subject to various conditions and is expected to be closed by the end of January 2019. Published under Despite recent warnings from U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Iran is preparing to launch a remote sensing satellite into space, satellite images obtained by CNN on Tuesday showed. The International Business Times reports in their article Iran Prepares Satellite Launch, Ignoring US Warnings, Says It's For Peaceful Purposes that researchers at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, California, stated that the images, which were taken on Jan. 4, 6 and 7, 2019 by Planet Labs, an American private Earth imaging company, showed activity at Irans aerospace company "Imam Khomeini Space Center." The recent activity was similar to steps that were taken before the launch of a previous satellite by Iran in 2017. Despite Pompeo's stance that the launch vehicle contains technology used in ballistic missiles, there is no evidence to prove that the launch is for military purpose. Images show that preparations for the launch of the satellite into orbit are underway. The satellite will be launched with the help of a Simorgh space launch vehicle which is an Iranian expendable small-capacity orbital carrier rocket. Jeffrey Lewis, of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey said, "The Simorgh is a two-stage space launch vehicle that uses a cluster of four Shahab-3 engines in its first stage and smaller steering engines in its upper stage. The photograph captured outside the site's assembly and checkout building on Jan. 4 showed a large white shipping container. Analysts believe the white container was likely used to transport the rocket's first stage before its reassembly on the launch pad. Photographs also showed a large vehicle and a fuel truck parked on the site. "The appearance of this canister is a strong indication that a rocket has been transported to the site and a space launch is likely in the coming weeks," Lewis said. Earlier this month, Pompeo had warned Iran of new sanctions if it went ahead with its planned satellite launches. He also stated that the country had planned to launch three rockets called the Space Launch Vehicles (SLV) within the next few months. He also said, these rockets had technology virtually identical of those used in intercontinental ballistic missiles. "The United States will not stand by and watch the Iranian regime's destructive policies, place international stability and security at risk. We advise the regime to reconsider these provocative launches and cease all activities related to ballistic missiles in order to avoid deeper economic and diplomatic isolation, Pompeo had said in a statement. "Such actions would once again demonstrate Iran's defiance of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2231, which calls upon the Iranian regime not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles, capable of delivering nuclear weapons. This action includes launching SLVs, which incorporate technology that is virtually identical to that used in ballistic missiles, including in intercontinental ballistic-missiles (ICBMs)," he added. Iran had, however, rejected U.S. accusations saying, Irans launch of space vehicles - & missile tests - are NOT in violation of (Resolution) 2231. The U.S. is in material breach of same, & as such, it is in no position to lecture anyone on it, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter after Pompeos warning. Local reports also stated that three Iranian satellites, namely Payam, Dousti and Nahid, have passed pre-launch testing and are set to be launched. Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, Iran's Minister of Information and Communications Technology, said during a press conference at the Iranian Space Research Center (ISRC) Sunday, that these satellites were manufactured for peaceful purposes. We cannot wait for other countries to launch our satellites. It is nonsense that some countries state that Iran should not improve. The ICT Ministry does its best for promotion of peaceful satellite technology, he said, adding that satellites aim at improving the standard of living, food and water resources security, the Tehran Times reported. While speaking to CNN, Lewis said that Pompeos stance about linking Iranian space launches to ballistic missile activity is very similar to the former U.S. President Barack Obama administration's argument which stated that North Korea was developing rockets for military purposes. "The United States, for many years, objected to the North Korean space launches using arguments similar to the ones now being advanced against Iran's program. In 2012, the Obama administration walked away from the so-called Leap Day Deal with North Korea over Pyongyang's plans to conduct a space launch in April. Abandoning that agreement did not stop North Korea's space program nor did it prevent North Korea from developing a series of new ICBMs using a different underlying engine and propellants," he said. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription, or activate your access, to continue reading. Kazakhstan was thrown into confusion a week ago. A trigger for that was a conflict between Kazakhs and Armenians. 23-year old Rakhymzhan Zhanseitov was killed in a fight in Ancient Rome Restaurant. Two men were hospitalized with stabbings. Nine participants of stabbing rampage were arrested, including a citizen of Armenia who flew to Russia, Narek Gururyan. It was reported by Almas Sadubayev, Director of the Foreign Communication Department of the Kazakhstan Interior Ministry. The authorities reacted to the tragic incident too late, after the locals were stirred up and went to the central square of Karaganda with social demands. Experts believe the personal domestic conflict may turn into serious inter-ethnic problems. Zhanat Suleymanov, Deputy Interior Minister, explained the situation to journalists eight days after the incident. According to him, the conflict was personal and domestic, i.e. it wasnt a fight between Kazakhs and Armenians participants of fighting were employees of the restaurant and their clients who called for friends backing. Suleymanov stated that the reason for the conflict was working hours of the restaurant which got closed on 4 a.m. Drunk clients were dissatisfied with the fact. 9 rowdies were arrested, including Narek Gururyan who is a murder suspect. The other day, he posted a video in his social networks, admitting his participation in the fight but he denied blood. Gururyan was arrested by the criminal police of Kazakhstan and Russian law-enforcement agencies because he managed to fly to the Omsk Region of Russia. According to Almas Sadubayev, a decision is pending about extradition of Gururyan to Kazakhstan. The society attentively follows the developments. More than 200 people rallied in Karaganda after local youth nationalistic groups tried to destroy or damage facilities which belonged to Armenians and information on an inter-ethnic ground of the conflict was spread in social networks. Protesters demanded an independent investigation of the case and involvement of social activists in the investigation. Dosym Satpayev, Director of the Risk Assessment Group, told Vestnik Kavkaza that people dont want to let the investigation drop and let wealthy people stay unpunished. They hint on corruption, the expert stressed. He thinks a knot of various protest moods is formed in Karaganda. In Kazakhstan, even small incidents can turn into big problems. A domestic conflict can acquire inter-ethnic and inter-religious elements. The reason for the conflict stirred up popular discontent of Kazakhs was that many of them feel social outsiders in their country. People are infuriated with the governments wrong steps as instead of informing the population, gathering social activists and offsetting aggressive mood, they threatened with criminal and administrative sanctions for participation in rallies. Rumors led to a strong and aggressive reaction in Kazakhstan. Of course it caused new rumors which turned into a disaster in Armenia, Satpayev said. The expert believes the events in Karaganda may happen in other regions of the country. There were a lot of incidents in the modern Kazakhstan history, which turned from local personal disputes into inter-ethnic conflicts. All the time, every situation was settled due to Diasporas wisdom. This time wasnt an exception. We, the Armenian Diaspora of the Karaganda Region, regret profoundly the happened incident and death of the man. Unfortunately, Armenians participated in the incident. We are mourning and sincerely apology for what happened, Artur Navasardyan, the Chairman of the Erebuni Armenian Cultural Center, stated. Dosym Satpayev thinks that if the authorities accuse someone of social conflicts it is a result of failed social and interior policy. If accusations of inter-ethnic conflicts become numerous it is a result of failed state ethnic policy. Many problems in the social sphere, ethnic policy, working with the youth, the media sphere, law-enforcement cases, and so on are not being solved. They are put far off. But new problems fall on the old ones. And they can hide nothing anymore, Satpayev told Vestnik Kavkaza. He says the Karaganda conflict has stepped to the international level. The Armenian Foreign Ministry and Premier Nikol Pashinian have already commented it. However, one can ask Yerevan why had the Armenian authorities made their statements only after prevocational statements of local nationalists on genocide of the Armenians in Kazakhstan? Forty years ago during the height of the Cold War former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Chinese Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping looked beyond their nations many differences and found common ground. On Jan. 1, 1979, the two leaders normalized diplomatic relations between their countries, which had been estranged since the Communist Party established the Peoples Republic of China in 1949 and the United States chose to back the Nationalists, who fled to Taiwan. In the years leading up to 1979, the U.S. imposed trade embargoes and forbade Americans from traveling to China; China, meanwhile, seized nearly $200 million in American assets and properties within its borders. There wasnt much love lost between the nations. But President Carter and Vice Premier Deng believed that rapprochement would make the world safer and benefit both the U.S. and China. After President Carter left office, he continued his efforts to improve relations between the two countries. He has visited China many times over the years and established a China Program within The Carter Center, which at one time helped monitor Chinese village elections and now pursues better relations and seeks opportunities for cooperation through a variety of channels. The Carter Center is commemorating the anniversary with a symposium on Jan. 17-19 that will feature dozens of experts on U.S.-China relations. You can read more about this diplomatic feat on this page, which features a Q&A with President Carter, a timeline of key moments in the China Program, and a President Carter-penned op-ed on the future of U.S.-Sino relations that recently ran in The Washington Post. New laws which require owners of drones that weigh more than 250 grams to register the device will come into effect this year. Previously it was only drones over 1kg that had to be registered. For the first time ever, Europe-wide rules for the registration and certification of drones have been agreed. According to the Irish Aviation Authority, there are 11,197 drones on the register in Ireland, up from 8,502 in December 2017. Drones should be used safely and responsibly, according to Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune, who said people who own and operate drones have a responsibility to ensure they are used in a careful manner. Many people will have gotten drones as Christmas presents this year and will be perhaps looking to purchase them in the January sales," MEP Clune tells Carlow Live. "With an exponential year-on-year growth of drone-related incidents, it is quite clear that drones will be a major safety challenge in the years to come. We should never forget that drones can do harm to people, they are a significant security threat and a risk to aircraft. There were a lot of reports in relation to the misuse of drones last year, with emergency services even been forced to stand down operations. This was particularly evident at Gatwick Airport just before Christmas. Cork Airport was also affected when they were forced to halt flights due to drones in the sky. More people than ever before are using drones in Ireland and the operators need to be aware of their responsibilities when they are operating them. Drones are considered to be unmanned aircraft which are remotely piloted or controlled. Drone registration is mandatory in Ireland. "Drones are a sector of aviation that is fast developing and offers great potential to produce new jobs and growth. The increased use of drones does however bring up a range of legal and commercial issues, including public safety," MEP Clune adds. The State Bank of India (SBI) has invited online applications from eligible candidates for recruiting 31 Specialist Cadre Officers under various positions on contractual and regular basis. Application process towards the same will start from 09 January 2019 and will close on 30 January 2019. 14 February 2019 is the last date for taking print of your application. The recruitment is for various positions comprising Deputy Manager (Statistician), Project Development Manager (Digital Initiatives), Manager (Servicing), Manager (Business Analyst), Manager (Online Fulfillment/Superstore/Integration & Journeys), Manager (Digital Marketing), Head (Legal and Product, Investment & Research), DGM (NCLT), DGM (Law) and Executive (Credit Monitoring). CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Specialist Cadre Officer (31 Posts) Organisation State Bank of India Educational Qualification LLB/LLM/MBA/BE/B.Tech/CA /Graduate in respective disciplines as notified. Experience Desirable Job Responsibilities Differs according to the posts Skills Required Legal/Managerial/Marketing skills Job Location India, Mumbai Salary Scale Rs. 15 Lakh to Rs. 52 Lakh per annum Industry Banking Application Start Date January 9, 2019 Application End Date January 30, 2019 Application Fee Desirous candidates are required to pay a prescribed fee of Rs. 600/- (Gen/OBC) and Rs. 100/- (SC/ST/PWD) through the online (debit/credit/net-banking) mode only on submission of application. Also Read: Manipur Civil Service Recruitment For Multiple Positions - 2019 Vacancy Details And Age Criteria Post Name No. Of Posts Age As On 01/12/2018 Deputy Manager (Statistician) 2 Must be at least 35 years of age and not exceeded 42 years Project Development Manager (Digital Initiatives) 3 Must be at least 25 years of age and not exceeded 35 years Managers (Servicing, Business Analyst, Online Fulfillment, Digital Marketing) 12 Must be at least 25 years of age and not exceeded 35 years Head (Legal) 1 Must be at least 50 years of age and not exceeded 62 years DGM (NCLT and Law) 2 Must be at least 42 years of age and not exceeded 62 years Executive (Credit Monitoring) 10 Must have attained 22 years of age and not exceeded 30 years Head (Product, Investment & Research) 1 Must be at least 35 years of age and not exceeded 50 years Total 31 Educational Credentials Deputy Manager (Statistician) - Candidates applying for this post must possess a PG degree in Statistics, or in Data Analytics with at least 60% marks from a recognised Institute/University approved by the Govt./AICTE. Project Development Manager and Managers - Candidates applying for these positions must possess a B.E or B.Tech in Computer Science/Information Technology (IT) from a recognised University/Institute. Candidates with an MBA or equivalent degree in the above fields are preferred. Head (Legal) DGM (NCLT and Law) - Candidates applying for these positions must possess a Degree (3/5 years) in Law or a Post Graduate Degree in Law from a recognised Institute/University. Executive (Credit Monitoring) - Candidates applying for this vacancy must be Chartered Accountants (CA) by qualification. Head (Product, Investment & Research) - Candidates applying for this post must be a Graduate/Post Graduate from a recognized University/Institution and must have working knowledge and exposure in Market Analytics. Selection And Pay Selection of candidates to various positions will be done based on shortlisting and interview as per the discretion of the Bank. The selected candidates under various positions will be paid an emolument ranging from Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 52 lakh per annum as notified. (Refer notification) Also Read: Bombay High Court Recruitment For Clerical Positions 2019 How To Apply Candidates need to register online @ https://www.sbi.co.in/careers/ongoing-recruitment.html to fill the application on or can click here Candidates must pay the prescribed fee on submitting the application through online payment gateway as directed. For detailed notification and procedure about the SBI Recruitment 2019 click here The Bombay High Court has released a notification inviting applications from eligible Indian nationals for appointment as Law Clerks on a contractual basis at the principal bench of the Bombay Hight Court and its benches at Nagpur and Aurangabad, respectively, the applications towards which must be submitted in a prescribed format before 23 January 2019. CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Law Clerk Organisation Bombay High Court Educational Qualification LL.B./LL.M Job Responsibilities Assisting Judges of the respective benches in their legal/judicial work and administrative affairs Skills Required Knowledge of Case Law Softwares Job Location Bombay, Nagpur, Aurangabad Salary Scale Rs. 20,000/- per month Industry Judiciary Application Start Date January 8, 2019 Application End Date January 23, 2019 Age Criteria The recruitment is for 54 vacancies to the post of Law Clerks for a period of 1 year. Interested candidates seeking application must have attained 21 years of age and not exceeded 30 years as on the date of his/her recommendation by the respective Presidents of the Bar Associations or the Principal of the concerned Law College. Also Read:ONGC Recruitment For 309 Non-executive Positions 2019 Vacancy Details For Law Clerks At Various Benches Name Of The Hight Court/Bench No. Of Vacancies Bombay High Court (Principal Bench) 24 Nagpur High Court 13 Aurangabad High Court 17 Total 54 Educational Credentials And Requirements Candidates seeking application to the post of Law Clerks must possess a Law Degree with at least 55% marks or must hold a Post-graduation degree in Law (Preference will be accorded to the later) and must have a working knowledge of computers and case law software. Selection And Pay The selection of candidates as law clerks will be based on a personal interview at the High Court of Bombay following their recommendation by the respective Presidents of the Bar Associations or the Principals of the concerned Law Colleges as detailed in the notification. Candidates selected as law clerks will be a paid a monthly stipend of Rs. 20,000/-. Also Read: DDA Recruitment For 190 Vacancies: Apply before 05 February 2019 Where To Submit The duly filled applications in a prescribed format along with the self-attested copies of documents must be submitted/sent through Speed Post/Registered Post with Acknowledgement Due (R.P.A.D.)/By Hand or Courier by 23rd January 2019. The envelope containing the application must be superscribed as "Application for Appointment of Law Clerk" and addressed to the Registrar (Personnel), High Court, Appellate Side, Bombay, 5th floor, New Mantralaya Building, G.T. Hospital Compound, L.T. Marg, Mumbai-400001. To download the Application Form click here For detailed notification click here The cooperation between Turkey and the EU for the Civil Society Support Program will continue, representatives of both sides confirmed yesterday at the opening ceremony of the program in Ankara. Daily Sabah reports in its article Turkey, EU aim to strengthen civil society with new projects that Turkey and EU representatives Tuesday stressed that they attach utmost importance to strengthening the former's civil society. They underlined that the efforts to do so will continue with projects, supported by the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU affairs, Faruk Kaymakc, and the head of the EU delegation to Turkey, Christian Berger, attended the opening ceremony of the Civil Society Support Program yesterday. The program is being organized by the Directorate for EU Affairs. Speaking at the ceremony, Kaymakc said, "For more than 15 years, projects aiming to strengthen civil society dialogue and improve the capacities of civil society organizations have been supported." Representatives of various public institutions and civil society organizations also attended the event held in Ankara. Mehmet Selim Uslu, director of the Central Finance and Contracts Unit, in his opening speech, said: "In the first round of IPA in 2007-2013, 75 million euros [$85.76 million] were provided to civil society organizations under various programs." For the 2014-2020 period with IPA II, 190 million euros would be spent on the organizations. Uslu added that the Directorate for EU Affairs will coordinate the Civil Society Support Program and will be responsible for the technical implementation of the program and its sustainability. Turkey became eligible for EU membership in 1997 and accession talks began in 2005. In recent years, Turkey has complained that the EU decision to not open new chapters in its accession negotiations was politically motivated. With an aim to support Turkey's accession process, the EU has provided IPA funds to programs that "aim at aligning Turkish legislation and standards with the EU's, building [the] authorities' capacity for undertaking this harmonization and implementing the reforms throughout the accession process," the EU Delegation of Turkey website says. Stressing that Turkey is very rich regarding civil society organizations, Berger said that there are 100,000 organizations that represent more than 9 million people as active members. "With the end of the state of emergency in Turkey and projects like this we can once again broaden the space for the civil society," Berger said, adding that, "We work together to remove administrative obstacles for the works of civil society." In relation to the aims of the EU and Turkey, Berger said that their objectives are to increase the autonomy, representation and accountability of the organizations. He added that they also want to increase the effectiveness of Turkey's civil society and strengthen the networking and cooperation capacity between the public sector and the organizations. Berger also highlighted that the EU and Turkey agreed on these objectives in a country strategy document. Accordingly, he read from the respective section: "Civil society activities can stimulate and expand the space for dialogue and cooperation methods of the public, including the EU accession process. Active civil society demonstrates effective pluralism, which implies respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, the rule of law and the possibility for social and political change." Despite the EU's announcement of the allocation of funds for recent projects, the bloc has decided to cut Turkey's pre-accession funds by 146.7 million euros in its 2019 budget. Following the opening speeches, Kaymakc conducted a short survey about Turkey's EU accession with the participants of the meeting. According to the mobile survey, 91 percent of the 217 participants said they supported Turkey's EU accession. Commenting on the results, Kaymakc said it clearly indicates that Turkey has not given up on its objective to join the EU. In the survey, the participants chose, respectively, democracy and human rights, higher living standards and visa liberalization as the three major benefits that the EU would provide Turkey. A total of 92 percent of the participants said they do not believe that the EU will accept Turkey's membership bid under current circumstances. According to the survey, participants listed the EU's three major reservations about Turkey's accession - around 24 percent said the fact that the majority of Turkey's population is Muslim, 22 percent said the democratic standards in Turkey and 20 percent said historical prejudices against Turkey. 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. Do you have an athlete in mind that contributes to the team or sport, holds sportsmanship and team spirit, has epic playmaker moments and/or in general makes the the sports fun? If yes, please make your nominations for our edition of Athlete Spotlight. CLICK TO NOMINATE Uprooted Palestinians are at the heart of the conflict in the M.E Palestinians uprooted by force of arms. Yet faced immense difficulties have survived, kept alive their history and culture, passed keys of family homes in occupied Palestine from one generation to the next. * Username This is the name that will be used to identify you within the system. Choose wisely! * First name * Last name Your real name will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more! * Email Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. We won't share it with anyone else. * Password Create a password that only you will remember. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. news, latest-news Canberra recorded its warmest year on record for average maximum temperatures in 2018. Last year was also the third-warmest year on record for average temperatures. The Bureau of Meteorology released its 2018 climate summary for the ACT on Thursday, showing the bush capital was warmer and drier than usual. The bureau has warned the country will need to plan for and adapt to some level of human-induced climate change. Overall, 2018 was Australia's third-warmest year on record, with annual national mean temperature 1.14 degrees above average. The capital also recorded its driest autumn since 2004 and its driest winter since 1994 at Canberra Airport with daytime temperatures above average every month of the year. Canberra only recorded 86 rain days last year, below the average of 105 but not breaking the lowest-record of 65 days in 2006. Unsurprisingly, Canberra recorded its wettest 24 hours between 9am Sunday, February 25 and 9am Monday, February 26. That day saw the capital soaked in more than February's average for rain, with flooding across north Canberra and people making over 200 calls for help from emergency services.' The airport recorded the third-warmest year on record, with a mean temperature of 1.3 degrees above average. The mean maximum was 22 degrees, 1.7 degrees above average and the warmest mean maximum on record. The mean minimum was 6.9 degrees, just 0.4 degrees above average. While February, November and December were wetter than average months, Canberra Airport recorded only 76 per cent of its long term rain average. The heatwave early last year saw Canberra swelter through some of its hottest days in January, with Canberra Airport recording a max of 40.6 degrees on Sunday, January 7. Daytime temperatures were above average every month of the year, 2018 marking the warmest April, second-warmest July, fourth-warmest January and fifth-warmest December. Last year also saw 63 days above 30 degrees or more at Canberra Airport, almost double the long-term average of 33 days. And the capital is beginning to see less cool nights, with 88 nights dropping below 2 degrees, five days less than the average. If Canberrans were looking to cop some of the capital's harshest weather, they needed to head west, up to Mount Ginini in the Brindabella Ranges. There the weather station recorded Canberra's coldest day, dropping to minus 3.2 degrees on Sunday, August 19. The next night, the station also record the capital's coldest night, minus-eight degrees on Monday, August 20. It also copped Canberra's strongest wind gust at 113 km/h on Friday, May 18. The bureau has called 2018 "a year of protracted drought and persistent warmth" and said there was a trend in some regions towards an increasing number of high fire danger days combined with conditions allowing bushfires to generate thunderstorms. These trends, the bureau said, could lead to the fire conditions seen in the 2003 Canberra bushfires. NSW, which is undergoing a drought across most of the state, recorded its warmest year on record in 2018. Only one of Australia's warmest ten years on record occurred before 2005, with nine in the last decade alone warmer than average. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/e26ed84b-f86f-4794-b97a-14319879aca8/r0_108_1952_1211_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg Weve all seen the teddies nailed to trees on the side of the road between Queanbeyan and Bungendore and the ever-growing pile of Pooh Bears at that infamous hairpin bend on Clyde Mountain. However, there are a number of other roadside curiosities on the busy stretch of the Kings Highway between Bungendore and the top of the Clyde. Some are mysterious, some obscure but once you pass each one, you know you are that little bit closer to reaching the coast. Here are my top seven (with distances measured from Bungendore). Kewpie Doll (Village Emporium & Antiques, 32 Malbon St, Bungendore) You know you are definitely coast-bound once you catch a glimpse of Pansy, the six-metre-tall kewpie doll which towers above the Bungendores antique and knick-knack shop. Pansy was one of 12 giant kewpie dolls that twirled their way around Stadium Australia during the closing ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and is the closest object Bungendore has to a big thing. Although for many years Pansy has taken pride of place at the front of the antique store, she has a tendency to occasional retreat from the limelight and sometimes you might have to look in a slightly different direction to find her. That said, a six-metre-high doll is hard to miss. Her owner, one of the vendors at Village Emporium and Antiques, is very attached to Pansy and reveals the kewpie doll absolutely loves living in Bungendore and enjoys chatting to all her visitors. While she isnt for sale, your Akubra-clad columnist is reliably informed that if you showed up with, lets say $50,000, you too could develop a long and rewarding relationship with Pansy. Best carry tie-downs for your roof rack just in case. That giraffe (28 km) The giraffe lurking in scrub on private property first came to the attention of this column earlier this year, and spotting it has become a popular activity for bored passengers heading to the coast this summer. Blink and youll miss it, reports Gillian Mitchell of Kaleen who recently caught a fleeting glimpse of the long-necked landmark after carefully following this columns directions. The out-of-place giraffe is located on the eastern side of the highway just after the Manar Creek Bridge. Oh, and if you do see it and youre left wondering why it seems motionless, thats because its not the real deal rather a (very) life-like sculpture. Warri Rest Area (35km) If you cant wait to arrive at the beach to splash some cold water on your face (or like the aging yowie mobile need some H2O for your boiling radiator!) stop at this rest area and take a stroll down to the Shoalhaven River. This shady river bank is also a popular (and free) campground. We have camped there many times as a destination short of the madness of the South Coast, reports Richard Carne of Evatt, Other family members frequently stay in their palatial caravan and we go to share the fire and wine from our humble lodgings of a tent. Occasionally, vibrant art work adorns the trees which, according to Carne, are attached without obvious or damaging fasteners or ties at heights unlikely to be reached by the callous-minded. When giant insect arbor art appeared in the trees a few years back, Carne recalls he felt the excitement of a child searching for other creatures hidden on the bark and branches, adding it should be a 'must do' rest spot for weekend return traffic with weary children. Note: theres no potable water so bring your own or boil the river water. Birthday Rock (38km) A perennial favourite on the Kings Highway for little (and big!) kids is to discover the latest message emblazoned on this conspicuous roadside rock. Will it be marking someones 50th? Perhaps a wedding anniversary? Or maybe even a heartfelt declaration of love? We were driving back from the coast the other day and musing on how many layers of paint must be on it, reports Fiona May. It has been being painted for at least three decades and probably many more. I wonder who wrote the very first message on the rock, and what it said? Someone must know. Oh, and it appears someone discovered it was my birthday this week. Striking sculpture (49.5 km) Since this giant jaw-like contraption first appeared in the front paddock of Mona Farm a few months ago, its purpose has puzzled many motorists. Any idea what this is? asks Dave Gray who passes it regularly on his weekly commute from Batemans Bay to Queanbeyan. Meanwhile, an anonymous Braidwood resident wonders, Is it some strange shrine to the gods, or some sort of alien probe? Far from being an out-of-this-world stairway to the heavens, its actually Dancing Man, a stone and concrete sculpture crafted by international artist Peter Lundberg. Did You Know? Mona Farm is home to an extensive contemporary sculpture collection, including one of the largest displays of Lundberg sculptures in Australia. Jurassic Ferns (68.5 km to River Forest Road, then 7km to the ferns) Ok, so this landmark isnt right on the highway but the less than 10-minute detour to Penance Grove, a hidden stand of giant tree ferns, is more than worth it. A 250-metre boardwalk (first 50 metres is wheelchair friendly) loops around from the car park and takes you right past some of the Jurassic-like giant tree ferns which Lisa Bray of Scullin reports areabsolutely stunning. If you look closely, you will also notice a significant number of stumps the result of vandalism in 1986 when someone lopped the top off dozens of ferns, loaded them up in a truck and vanished without trace. Terrible. Shutterbugs will also enjoy the other distinctive flora here, including the plumwood trees - some of which are up to four metres wide and are thought to be thousands of years old - as well as the photogenic vibrant red Monga waratahs (Telopea mongaensis) which grow along the Mongarlowe River. Note: Penance Grove is located in Monga National Park and is accessible to 2WD except after heavy rain. Wondrous Waterwheel (68.5 km) Just prior to the turn-off to Monga National Park, if you look to your left in the paddock and up the hill a bit you will notice an old waterwheel, one of the few remnants of an old logging town once located here. In summer, thousands of Canberrans drive past this site, most oblivious to its significance, reports history buff Ray Scarlett. During its logging heyday early last century, about a dozen sawmills operated at this site, processing the large cedar logs dragged out of the surrounding forest. The waterwheel, located on private property, was built in 1907 and was reconstructed using the original gear-wheels and shaft in 1986 and could turn a blade at 600 rpm. On one of her regular walks along Merimbulas Middle Beach, Kerryn Wood spotted this sand shark. Its probably the result of someones left-over campfire, suspects Kerryn, referring to the curious black band on the sharks body. The nickname of her chance find was an obvious choice for Kerryn who confesses to being a massive fan of all B-grade shark and octopus movies like Sharknado and Sharktopus. Theres even one called Sand Sharks which in my opinion is one of the funniest, she reveals. If you can handle the genre, I highly recommend it. You see some strange behaviour on our roads, especially during the silly season, but this photo sent in by Dave Hohnke of Gungahlin will take some beating. While driving with his son Trent along Mirrabei Drive in Gungahlin last week, Hohnke noticed what appeared to be a very large dog crammed into the back of the car in front. However, on closer inspection we both realised it wasnt a dog at all, but a heifer, muses Hohnke. We thought no one would believe what we were witnessing, so Trent started taking photos from the passenger seat, reports Hohnke. Surely a cow squeezed in the back of your car would make a mess, suggests Hohnke who would love to know why it was in a car driven by an elderly lady in her 70s in the first place. Was she delivering her daughters dowry? Or perhaps she was heading off for summer holidays with her pet cow for company? The mind boggles. Contact Tim: Email: timtheyowieman@bigpond.com or Twitter: @TimYowie or write c/- The Canberra Times, 9 Pirie St, Fyshwick. Cryptic Clue: This fisherman wouldnt sue God, would he? Degree of difficulty: Easy Last week Congratulations to Peter Needham of Broulee who just beat Bruce Ware of Tuross Head and Stephen Roxburgh of Weston as the first reader to correctly identify last weeks photo as the century-old brick silo which stands sentinel in the Neil Davis Reserve, on the corner of the Princes Highway and Coila Creek Road at Coila (14km south of Moruya). It may be missed by a lot of people as the display 400 metres back on the Moruya side of Coila Creek Road would attract more attention, reports Peter Tozer of Kaleen, referring to the pink-coloured light aircraft parked on its nose and a mannequin clad in just a bikini, at the Coila service station. Due to their size and unique appearance, silos are iconic parts of our rural landscape. On the South Coast, a pair of silo relics has been turned into a modern home at Bodalla, while near Berry you can enjoy country cuisine at Silos Restaurant which is partially housed in two 80-year-old grain silos. How to enter: Email your guess along with your name and address to timtheyowieman@bigpond.com. The first email sent after 10am, Saturday January 5, 2019 will win a double pass to Dendy - The Home of Quality Cinema. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/dec5836f-a3b7-40be-baed-15f9735097ec/r0_1051_2736_2597_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news Canberra's dockless bike share scheme will continue beyond the trial period's January 31 end date, as the ACT government gives its strongest signal yet that the service will become a permanent fixture in the nation's capital. And dockless electric scooters could be next to hit the city's street, with operator Airbike keen to leverage Canberrans' apparent enthusiasm for new modes of transport. An ACT government spokeswoman said Airbike's service had "been popular and with minimal complaints" since the launch of a six-month trial on July 31. More than 8230 trips have been taken on the distinctive white bikes during the trial, according to latest figures. About 3050 people are considered "active users" of the service by Airbike. The government spokeswoman said the scheme would be allowed to continue while it evaluated the trial, and weighed up whether to allow Airbike to operate permanently. While a decision was not expected until the end of May, the spokeswoman noted the government's new transport strategy included a firm commitment to supporting dockless share bikes in the city. She said the government was actively considering how the "service should be procured on a more permanent basis". Airbike's new chief executive Terry Collins said the company was keen to remain in Canberra, and with an expanded presence. The company had ambitions to triple the size of its 200-bike fleet, but Mr Collins said it would most likely start by offering 400 bikes if a permanent licence was granted. He said the operator would also seek permission to expand the footprint of its service, which has been limited to the city, the Australian National University and parliamentary triangle. Unlike traditional share bikes, dockless vehicles do not have to be returned to a particular location, meaning they are vulnerable to being abandoned or vandalised. Bike share operators have been forced to abandon cities across Australia in the past two years, as the prevalence of stray bikes angered residents and prompted a crackdown from local authorities. Mr Collins said Canberra had avoided the problems which plagued operators interstate, with only six bikes reported to have been seriously damaged during the trial. "Canberrans are sophisticated," he said. "The majority of people are students or public servants and they understand that it is the wrong thing to sabotage property. "In those bigger markets like Sydney and Melbourne, there is a much bigger population of people who don't quite have that same sense of moral obligation." Mr Collins said Airbike was also now keen to trial an electric-scooter service if the ACT government allowed it. The arrival of dockless electric-powered scooters in Queensland has been controversial, with the Gold Coast Council last month removing the vehicles from its footpaths after they were placed there without its permission. Mr Collins said his company was in "early stage development and selection of hardware" for a scooter trial, but could move quickly if "we get a lot of interest from the ACT government". /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/57f3265d-4735-41b0-93a6-e9376ab22c3d/r0_254_5000_3079_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg Welcome Guest! You are here: Home India Quota for Upper Castes challenged in Supreme Court The petition said that the bill violates the basic feature of the Constitution as the reservation on economic grounds cannot be limited to the general categories New Delhi: A petition was filed in the Supreme Court on Thursday challenging the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019 that provides 10% reservation in jobs and education for the economical weaker sections (EWS) of the general category, PTI reported. The petition filed by NGO, Youth for Equality and Kaushal Kant Mishra, sought the quashing of the bill saying that the economic criteria cannot be the sole basis for reservation. The petition further stated that the bill violates the basic feature of the Constitution as the reservation on economic grounds cannot be limited to the general categories. The petition also said the new law would overturn the 50 per cent cap on quota that has been put in place by the Supreme Court. The Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The bill was passed in the upper house of the Indian parliament with the help of some of the opposition parties, including the Congress. The Congress, Lalu Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Left Front and the DMK to send the bill to a select committee for scrutiny was voted out. That the bill would be challenged in the court was expected ever since the union cabinet headed by Narendra Modi passed it on Monday and extended the Parliament session by a day to make sure that it is passed in the ongoing session. Those who are opposing the bill said it was pushed through the Parliament in an unprecedented two days "with little debate", violates at least two "basic features" of the Constitution. Various analysts and constitutional experts had also opined that the bill even if it was passed by the Parliament will fail the test if it is challenged in the court. Some opposition parties had also said that the Bill passed by the government just three months before the 2019 General Elections is just a political gimmick to fool the people. Interestingly, 16% quota for the Maratha community announced by the BJP government in Maharashtra was also challenged in the Bombay High Court on the ground that it exceeds the 50% cap set by the apex court. For all the latest News, Opinions and Views, download ummid.com App . Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Here you'll find our latest collection of Caledonian-Record reports on the coronavirus outbreak and local response, from the beginning of April. Our January, February and March stories are here: https://www.caledonianrecord.com/news/local/our-coronavirus-coverage/collection_5885178c-692e-11e Become A Subscriber A subscription opens up access to all our online content, including: our interactive E-Edition, a full archive of modern stories, exclusive and expanded online offerings, photo galleries from Caledonian-Record journalists, video reports from our media partners, extensive international, national and regional reporting by the Associated Press, and a wide variety of feature content. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home India Justice Lalit rescues from Babri Masjid title suit, hearing deferred till January 29 Justice Lalit rescued himself from the court saying he had been a lawyer in a related case New Delhi: The hearing in the Babri Masjid Title Suit, also known as Ayodhya land dispute case, which was scheduled to start today, deferred till January 29 as Justice Umesh Lalit rescued himself from the case. Justice Lalit rescued himself from the court saying he had been a lawyer in a related case. The Supreme Court had earlier said a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi will start hearing the Babri Masjid title case from today. Besides CJI Gogoi, the SC bench comprised Justice SA Bobde, Justice NV Ramana, Justice Uday Umesh Lalit and Justice DY Chandrachud. However after Justice Lalit rescued himself from the case, the Supreme Court will now take up the temple-mosque case on January 29. The bench led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will then decide on a schedule and the frequency of hearings in the case. The Supreme Court of India had last Friday deferred till January 10 the hearing in the Babri Masjid Title Suit. The Apex Court in a 30-second hearing had said the further orders on the appeals in the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit will be announced by an appropriate bench on January 10. The apex court on Oct. 29, 2018 had fixed the matter in the first week of January before an "appropriate bench", which will decide the schedule of hearing. "We will fix the date of hearing of Ayodhya dispute case before the appropriate bench in January," Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said making it clear that there will not be any urgent hearing in the case. The Lok Sabha elections are likely to be held in April, 2019. A number of political parties, including the ruling BJP, are of the view that the hearing in the case should be held only after the elections. The apex court however turned down all these pleas. Upset by the apex court's refusal RSS and other Hindutva extremist groups have demanded from the union government to bring in a law to construct Ram temple on the Babri Masjid site. The historic mosque believed to be built by Mir Baqi, one of the commanders of Mughal Emperor Babur, was thrown into a controversy as a result of India's communal politics. It was at last demolished in broad daylight on December 06, 1992 by Hindu extremists in the presence of top RSS, BJP, VHP, Bajrang Dal and other right wing groups' top leadership. Following a lenghty judicial battle, the Allahabad High Court had in a verdict pronounced in 2010 equally divided the 2.77 acres of land between Ram Lalla, Sunni Wakf Board and Nirmohi Akhara. Hindus and Muslims however have both challenged the HC verdict in the Supreme Court hearing of which will start from January 10, 2019. For all the latest News, Opinions and Views, download ummid.com App . Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. On Dec. 7, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) issued a joint statement on supervising the auditors of American-listed Chinese companies. According to the statement, as of September, the PCAOB has run into obstacles inspecting the work of the auditors hired by 224 U.S.-listed companies, primarily from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Belgium. The Chinese companies involved include internet giants Baidu Inc. and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., as well as state-owned enterprises such as China Mobile Ltd., which are listed in the U.S. via American depositary receipts. If these companies were delisted because their auditors were deregistered effectively losing their licenses to audit U.S.-listed firms then the impact on the American and Chinese would be akin to a nuclear explosion. Its worth paying close attention to whether this joint statement will add new uncertainties to existing China-U.S. trade tensions or lead to new disputes. What the PCAOB regulates The issue of cross-border audit regulation originated with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, formerly known as the Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act. The act was a response to the collapse of Enron, the energy company involved in a now infamous accounting scandal. Among the casualties of the case was Arthur Andersen, which at time was one of the worlds largest accounting firms. It went bankrupt. In the face of public criticism and market upheaval, the U.S. quickly passed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which was committed to tightening supervision over listed companies accounting information. After the act was enacted, the PCAOB was established. According to the law, the PCAOB primarily supervises the certified public accountant (CPA) industry through measures including registration, regular inspections, the formulation of standards and rules, as well as enforcement actions such as fines, business suspensions and deregistration. The PCAOB became the worlds first CPA regulator independent from the industry, fundamentally changing the audit supervision model in the U.S. In the wake of Sarbanes-Oxley, other countries and regions, including France, Japan, the U.K., Germany and Hong Kong, also established independent regulatory agencies to supervise the CPA industry. As multiple countries set up independent audit regulators, the need for international cooperation emerged. The audit regulations from major capital markets initiated the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR) in Paris, which has since transformed itself into an organization similar to the international banking regulator Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. However, China hasnt set up a separate regulatory institution to supervise the auditors of listed companies. The Ministry of Finance and the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) both supervise auditors, yet are not members of the IFIAR. Much of the impact of the PCAOB on the international market comes from cross-border inspections. A large number of Americas listed companies are registered outside the U.S., and so are their auditors. Under Sarbanes-Oxley, non-U.S. accounting firms must register with the PCAOB and abide by its guidelines if they want to issue audit reports for U.S.-listed firms. The auditors also need to accept regular inspections by the PCAOB. Any auditor who fails to meet such requirements could lose its license, and its U.S.-listed clients would need to hire a new auditor or risk getting booted off the exchange. Consequently, the PCAOBs inspection power transcends borders. It can enter other countries to inspect local auditors. In the end, the PCAOB was able to enter most major capital markets, including those in France, Germany and Japan, with cooperation agreements that allowed it to jointly deploy inspectors with local regulators. In addition to inspections, the PCAOB has the power to carry out enforcement actions on all registered auditors regardless of where theyre from. From 2016 to 2017, the PCAOB revoked the licenses of several Hong Kong accounting firms, including Crowe (HK) CPA Ltd., leaving them unable to audit U.S.-listed companies. The PCAOB, the SEC and China In their statement, the PCAOB and the SEC point out a longstanding problem that has existed for almost a decade. After the rise of the internet economy in the 1990s, a large number of Chinese companies chose to list in the U.S. via a corporate structure known as a variable interest entity. Their operating entities were located in China, and the audit work was carried out by accounting firms on the mainland or their Hong Kong joint ventures. The working documents for the audit were stored in China. After the PCAOB was established, accounting firms in China had to register with it in order to audit U.S.-listed firms. According to its initial inspection schedule, the PCAOB planned to complete onsite inspections of Chinese auditors before the end of 2009. However, in October 2009, the CSRC, the National Administration of State Secrets Protection, and the National Archives Administration issued a notice (link in Chinese) clearly stipulating restrictions for overseas regulators. They said that if an overseas regulator plans to conduct onsite inspections of Chinese companies, it should first report to the CSRC and other related authorities for approval. These restrictions prompted China and the U.S. to begin negotiating a way to carry out auditor inspections in China. Since 2010, Muddy Waters Research and fellow investment firms that specialize in short-selling published a number of investigative reports on financial fraud by U.S.-listed Chinese firms. Thus, it became more urgent for the PCAOB and the SEC to conduct inspections and undertake investigations. China and the U.S. later incorporated these outstanding issues into broader strategic and economic talks to prevent the dispute from rattling markets. In 2011, officials from the two sides decided to each send observers to watch the other sides inspections of accounting firms. Since then, the two countries have been trying to negotiate their way to a solution. There have been several twists and turns. The SEC has issued subpoenas to four major Chinese accounting firms as well as BDO China Shu Lun Pan Certified Public Accountants LLP, requesting them to submit their audit working papers. The PCAOB also said if it could not inspect Chinese auditors, the listed Chinese firms who recruited them would face the risk of a forced delisting. The climax of the cooperation between the two countries came in October 2012. The PCAOB sent a team to observe the spot inspections that the CSRC carried out on four major Chinese accounting firms. In May 2013, the CSRC, the Ministry of Finance and the PCAOB signed a memorandum to carry out cross-border law enforcement between China and the U.S. In January 2014, the Chinese authorities said that they had provided audit reports on four Chinese companies to overseas regulators, including the SEC and the PCAOB. The SECs administrative court fined the four major Chinese accounting firms and BDO $500,000 each. The PCAOB, however, did not revoke the license of any of the auditors. Although the two countries have made progress cooperating on audit supervision, there remains a key problem. The PCAOB still demands entry into China to conduct either joint or independent inspections. The Chinese side, however, insists that PCAOB relies entirely on Chinese officials to handle the inspections. Solutions to the dispute Since U.S. President Donald Trump came to power, China-U.S. relations have changed significantly. The trade frictions may be partially responsible for the U.S. regulators statement, yet it is impossible to solve the audit supervision dispute through trade negotiations. The following are some possible solutions. First, both sides need to figure out a model for regulatory cooperation. Because U.S.-listed Chinese companies are often offshore companies and are audited under the PCAOB-issued and international audit guidelines, Chinese authorities dont have the wherewithal to inspect the audits. Therefore, the interdependence plan proposed by the Chinese side has a blind spot in its regulatory coverage. The PCAOBs requests to conduct onsite inspections in China run counter to the countrys confidentiality policies and its sovereignty. However, in the wake of the ZTE incident, China has gotten to know international rules and the U.S. law enforcement system much better, and may be more accepting of international practices. China can learn from the cooperation models that France, Germany and Japan have each set up with the U.S., and build a joint inspection mechanism led by China to effectively safeguard the interests of investors and the two countries. Second, Chinese authorities can further reform how it supervises auditors. While multiple countries have set up independent regulators to do so, the CSRC, the Ministry of Finance and the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants continue to handle audit supervision in China. This decentralized regulatory system might be responsible for the worrying quality of auditing. In contrast, the PCAOB has built an effective system for registration, inspection, rule-making and enforcement. Since it was established, there has not been another Enron. To truly improve the quality of Chinese audits, it might come in handy to examine the PCAOBs experience to see how to integrate the current decentralized functions of Chinese regulators and advance reform of Chinas audit supervision system. This is a matter that needs to be dealt with in a timely manner. Last, China should build a better-constructed capital market. Currently, many Chinese firms choose to list in the U.S. due to its better financing capacity and resource allocation efficiency. To make Chinas capital market more appealing, its important for authorities to push ahead on reforms and correctly understand and adopt the registration-based initial public offering system. In addition, the law must specify measures to ensure that laws get enforced. The Chinese market relies more on regulatory approval, while the U.S. market relies primarily on law enforcement and civil liability, and helps protect investor rights with the help of the courts. Deng Huanle works in the investment industry, and used to work for the Asset Management Association of China, an industry group. Translated by Timmy Shen (hongmingshen@caixin.com) DCU Brexit Institute and Dublin Airport Central have today announced a partnership deal which will see the airport's new and expanding commercial quarter sponsor the Institute. Dublin Airport Central joins Arthur Cox, AIB and Grant Thornton as an official sponsor of the Institute and the announcement comes ahead of the forthcoming House of Commons vote on Brexit. It is hoped Dublin Airport Central will be ideally situated for firms operating on an international basis, with international and national connectivity linking it to a host of European, North American and Asian destinations. Located less than 100m from Terminal 2, Dublin Airport Central has growth opportunities for blue chip companies within a unique location which blends a mix of business and social amenities. Speaking this week, Head of Dublin Airport Central, Brian Coppinger said, "Dublin Airport Central is delighted to partner with the DCU Brexit Institute. This is a timely and fitting partnership, and we look forward to working closely with the Institute. Dublin Airport Central is an ideal landing space for firms relocating to Ireland from the UK due to Brexit." He added, "We view this partnership a key link helping us to forge relationships and associations with businesses, organisations and other key stakeholders affected by this political change which will have a major impact on the current and future business environment." Source: www.businessworld.ie Global medtech company, Cook Medical, has today called for engineers to develop skills in the analysis of device performance, research and future product development for Ireland to remain among leaders in Medtech. Cook Medical employs more than 850 people at its Limerick base including its state-of-the-art innovation centre and works with physicians to develop, manufacture and distribute technologies, such as stents and catheters, that reduce the need for open surgery. The company encourages educators and students to consider developing skills in subjects like mathematics and science which incorporate data analysis and problem solving to meet growing demands for new talent in the medtech industry in Ireland. According to the Irish Medtech Association, Ireland is one of five global emerging hubs and is home to 450 companies, employing 38,000 people. Medtech generates approximately 10% of overall Irish exports making it a massive contributor to the economy. The sector is worth over 12.6 billion, with great future potential for growth. Furtermore, Cook Medical say in recent years the Mid-West has gained traction as a global medtech hub. The region has welcomed a number of global multinationals and is now home to 43 of Ireland's top medtech companies. Speaking at yesterdays BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition where Cook Medical has a stand at the World of Science and Technology section, Darach McGrath, Director of Global Research & Development at Cook Medical said, "It is a progressive and exciting time for the medtech industry in Ireland. We are predicting continued growth in this space over the next ten years and new skills are needed to meet industry demands. Were seeing an increased need for skills in data analysis, automation and robotics. These skills maximise the quality and efficiency of our manufacturing processes and help us better understand the performance of medical devices." McGrath added, "The future success of the medtech industry in the Mid-West and beyond is dependent on strong, qualified talent. We look for employees with the relevant education coupled with the right mix of critical thinking, design, management skills and people skills to ensure the best outcomes for medical professionals and ultimately patients." Source: www.businessworld.ie French insurer AXA will move staff over to Ireland from France and the United Kingdom, in light of Britain's plans to leave the European Union. Chief Executive Thomas Buberl told reporters on Thursday that AXA's recently-acquired XL division had already initiated the plans to move staff to Ireland, before its eventual takeover by AXA. "Since the former hub is in France, we will have to take some staff from France as Irish regulators will ask functions to be handled there," said Buberl, who did not specify how many staff would be moving over to Ireland. Dublin has been vying with Frankfurt and other major European Union cities to attract financial jobs away from London ahead of Britain's planned departure from the EU in March 2019. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys and Enterprise Ireland, the Government agency responsible for developing Irish business globally has reported the creation of 18,846 new jobs by Enterprise Ireland supported companies in 2018. Figures released yesterday show that 215,207 people are now employed in companies supported by the agency, growing at 4.4% in 2018. This is the highest total employment in the 20-year history of the agency. Almost two thirds (61%) of the new jobs created were outside of Dublin with all regions recording increases in employment. Sixty four percent of total employment by Enterprise Ireland backed companies is now outside of Dublin. Lifesciences (+8%), Construction (+8%), Electronics (+7%), Primary Meats (+5%) and Food (+3%) were the key performing sectors. The jobs growth translates into a net increase of 9,118 total jobs created in 2018. Welcoming the results, Minister for Business, Enterprise & Innovation, Heather Humphreys said, "These record results are a great achievement and a testament to the resilience of Irish companies in the context of Brexit. They are particularly welcome in the context of similarly strong results from IDA-supported companies in 2018. I am especially pleased that 61% of the jobs created were from regionally-based companies and to see that there were increases in every region." CEO of Enterprise Ireland, Julie Sinnamon added, "Todays results suggest that we have yet to see a significant impact of Brexit on Irish companies. However, as the March 29 deadline approaches, and uncertainty continues, we would anticipate that 2019 will be a challenging period for some Irish exporters." Source: www.businessworld.ie Chinese smartphone company Xiaomi has slashed the prices of four of its smartphone models to celebrate its 5th year in India. Today, Xiaomi's Redmi Note 6 received a permanent price cut for both its 3GB RAM and 32GB storage & 4GB RAM and 64GB models. The 3GB RAM variant will now be priced at Rs 9,999, down from its launch price of Rs 11,499, and the 4GB RAM version will cost Rs 11,999 instead of Rs 13,499. Redmi Note 6 Pro featured a 5.84-inch display with a screen resolution of 1080 * 2280 pixels and aspect ratio of 19:9. It was the first Xiaomi phone to come with the wide notched display. On the camera front, the Redmi 6 Pro has two cameras on the back and one selfie camera on the front. The phone is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 624 SoC and comes in black, gold, blue, and red colours. Also Read: Xiaomi to launch Mi TV 4X Pro, Mi TV 4A Pro & Mi Soundbar today, check out details here Earlier in the week, Xiaomi had announced a permanent price drop for the Redmi Y2, MiA2 and Redmi Note 5 Pro phones. This is the second time, in the last two months, that these phones received a price drop. After the price cut, Redmi Y2 is available for a starting price of Rs 8,999 for the 3GB RAM and 32GB storage model. The 4GB RAM and 64GB storage variant of the Redmi Y2 can now be bought for Rs 10,999. Redmi Y2 was launched at a starting price of Rs 9,999 for the base 3GB RAM and 32GB storage version. The top 4GB RAM and 64GB storage model was available for Rs 12,999. Earlier on Monday, Xaiomi reduced the price of Mi A2 in India and on Tuesday the price of the Redmi Note 5 Pro was cut. Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro is now available for Rs 12,999 while the Mi A2 is now available for Rs 13,999. Mi A2 was launched in India for Rs 16,999 for the 4GB RAM model, while the 6GB RAM variant was priced at Rs 19,999. The top-end variant of the Mi A2 with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage is now available for Rs 15,999. Edited By: Udit Verma Also Read: First 'Redmi by Xiaomi' phone with 48MP rear camera to launch today Also Read: OnePlus 7 could be the new speed king with UFS 3.0 storage Here is some good news for people flying in and out of Bengaluru Airport. Kempegowda International Airport is all set to open the second runway on the 1st of October this year.The airport registered a double digit growth of 28.1 per cent in passenger traffic in the second quarter of FY19. During the three-month period, ending September 30, 2018, 8.13 million passengers travelled through BIAL as against 6.35 million passengers during the corresponding period of previous financial year. The quarter also saw an increase of 30.5 per cent domestic and 13.8 per cent in international passengers year on year. Bengaluru International Airport Limited, the company which operates the airport is also set to undertake massive capacity expansion including building of a second terminal at the cost of around 13,000 crores. The revised master plan envisages development of the second terminal in 2 phases. Phase 1 where work has been awarded to Larsen and Toubro, will consist of developing over 2.5 lakh square metre space to handle around 25 million passengers per annum (mppa) and Phase 2 will add an additional capacity serving 20 mppa. Speaking to Business Today on the expansion plans, Hari Marar, MD &CEO, BIAL said, "There are a nearly 100 projects being undertaken under expansion, mainly consisting of a construction of terminal 2, a new runway connected with its taxiways and development of connectivity including metro". The second terminal will also see a slew of technologies embedded in most operational aspects. Biometric recognition, smart security implementation with smart lanes with automated tray retrieval by which the expected security time will be cut to less than five minutes for passengers. The expansion will also include upgradation of various connectivity options to the airport. While the existing main access road will be transformed into 10 lanes, an new 6-lane southern access road is also on the anvil along with a multi-modal transport hub that will come up in T2. Upon the project completion in March of 2021, the airport could overtake Mumbai to become the second biggest airport. "Over a period of time I do see as a single airport entity, we might be the second biggest in India, because in Mumbai the traffic will be split between 2 different airports, so we should get there in about 5-6 years" he added. With the estimated cost of the expansion being around Rs 13,000 crores, the company plans to fund it through a mix of debt and equity. Around Rs 2,700 crores will be pumped through internal accruals, the remaining will come in the form of borrowing from banks which are being finalised. The entire capital commitment is likely to be tied-up by the end of this month. Billionaire Prem Watsa's Fairfax group, the largest share holder (54 per cent) in BIAL has already spent over three and half thousand crores acquiring majority stake, making it Fairfax's biggest investment in India till date . Welcome Guest! You are here: Home World A joint delegation of 12 countries visits Xinjiang Uygur region in China The visit comes at the backdrop of a number of reports accusing China of keeping hundreds of thousands of Muslims in detention camps Beijing: A joint delegation of representatives of diplomatic missions from 12 countries accredited to China visited the cities of Urumqi, Kashgar and Hotan of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) from 28 to 30 December 2018. At the invitation of the Peoples Government of XUAR of China, representatives of diplomatic missions from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Pakistan and Thailand were familiarized by the organizers with the socio-economic development of the region, and also demonstrated cultural attractions, educational institutions, mosques, markets and other objects. Within the framework of visiting vocational education and training centers, representatives of embassies held joint conversations with students of the said institutions and got acquainted with the conditions of their stay. The visit comes at the backdrop of a number of reports accusing China of keeping hundreds of thousands of Muslims in detention camps. More alarming reports came for US media recently that claimed Muslims in detention camps are also pushed into forced labour on no or exteremely low wages. China rejected all these reports. For all the latest News, Opinions and Views, download ummid.com App . Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. The GST Council has further deferred the decision on a new tax rate on under-construction apartments. As the GST Council met for 32nd time today in New Delhi, the issue of lowering the GST rate on under-construction apartments in the affordable category from 12 per cent to 5 per cent has now been referred to a group of ministers (GoM). The council was deliberating on bringing down the rate on under-construction apartments to 5 per cent without the benefit of input tax credit to the builders. T.S. Singh Deo, the newly-appointed finance minister of Chhattisgarh, said that the main problem with the idea of bringing affordable housing under composition scheme (it is composition scheme because it does not offer input credit) is that it does not have an abetment clause. "This means one has to pay 5 per cent tax on the total value of the house, which also comprises price of the land," he said. ALSO READ:GST Council Meet: GST exemption limit increased from Rs 20 lakhs to Rs 40 lakhs At present, there is 33 per cent abatement on the tax (at 12 per cent) levied. This abatement is allowed because the cost of house also includes the cost of land. So effectively, the GST rate on affordable housing is 8 per cent. The composition scheme being deliberated by the GST Council apparently does not have the clause of abatement. On a Rs 30 lakh flat, the total tax as per the existing rate of 8 per cent after abatement would be Rs 2.4 lakh. However, after factoring in the input tax credit, which could be anywhere around 1.5 lakh, the tax that consumer would have to pay would be between Rs 90,000 to Rs 1 lakh. But under the composition scheme, the GST outgo for customers would be 1.5 lakh. ALSO READ:GST Council meet: Kerala allowed to impose 1% cess for two years Anita Rastogi, partner, indirect taxes, PwC says that the abatement benefit has to be there as you cannot levy GST on land. She, however, adds that the GST Council also has to extend the benefit of input tax credit or else it won't have much of an impact on the customers. The next time a traffic cop challans you for your modified car or motorcycle, don't be surprised. The Supreme Court of India, setting aside a division bench ruling of the Kerala High Court, has said any kind of modification in a vehicle, which alters its original specification, is not permissible. The court said that any change in its basic structure, mentioned on its registration certificate, is a violation of the traffic laws as per the amendment in the Motors Vehicles Act. Airing its views on the matter, the Supreme Court said no vehicle can be modified to change original specification made by a manufacturer. However, the Supreme Court in its verdict did not mention what type of modifications fall under the violation of the law. Giving its verdict, as reported in Financial Express, a bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra and Vineet Saran said: "No vehicle can be altered so as to change original specification made by a manufacturer. Such particulars cannot be altered which have been specified by the manufacturer for the purpose of entry in the certificate of registration." Since the apex court verdict did not mention particular violations that can put you in trouble, legal experts believe it's the cops' prerogative to challan offenders as they see fit. Earlier, the Kerala High Court had cited the Kerala Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, to rule that modification like changes in decibel and emission output of a vehicle, colour, tyre size, and body panels can fall outside the purview of the law, the daily added. However, the Supreme Court said the amended Motors Vehicle Act does not at all allow vehicles to be modified for the overall safety of people as well as the environment. Besides, all motor vehicles will come fitted with tamper-proof high-security registration plates (HSRPs) from April 1 to protect against counterfeiting. "The ministry has notified ... mandating that HSRP including the third registration mark, wherever required, shall be supplied by vehicle manufacturers along with the vehicle manufactured on or after April 1, 2019, to their dealers," Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had told in Lok Sabha in December. Edited by Manoj Sharma Also read: Airbag for bikers! IITians develop inflatable helmet that can reduce deep head injuries Also read: Traffic rules in Goa to get stricter; e-challan for violators to be introduced The RBI has now permitted authorised card payment networks--covering credit, debit as well as prepaid cards--to offer tokenisation services to their customers. This is banking regulator's effort to enhance the safety and security of the payment systems in the country. Tokenisation is a process that masks actual card details using a unique alternate code called the "token", which is unique for a combination of card, token requestor-for instance m-commerce apps-and devices like smart phones. Thereafter, in lieu of actual card details, this token is used to perform card transactions in contactless mode at Point Of Sale (POS) terminals, Quick Response (QR) code payments, in-app payments and the like, thereby protecting cardholders from fraud and data-theft. Opting for tokenisation, which masks actual card details, reduces risks related to data theft. In India, there were 1,035.64 million cards outstanding on November 2018, out of which 992.4 million were debit cards and 43.24 million were credit cards and this has grown from a total 778.98 million cards in 2016. This impressive growth in other words represents the augmented use of this cashless mode of payment. The volume of card transactions in fact went up by 1.5 times in this period. In value terms these transactions more than doubled-from Rs 1,82,300 crore in November 2016 to Rs 3,83,904 crore in November 2018. This was driven by debit and credit card transactions, which grew by 113.3 per cent and 94.7 per cent, respectively, in value terms during the period. But this also presents more opportunities cyber criminals. Sample this: As per National Crime Records Bureau, cases registered under cyber frauds doubled between 2014 and 2016. Cases registered under cheating, forgery and criminal breach of trust or fraud for cyber crimes went up from 1,232 in 2014 to 2,466 in 2016. Although over 90 per cent of these cyber crimes are registered under cheating, cases registered under the credit or debit card frauds increased from 10 in 2014 to 26 in 2016. Indian Police has been constantly fighting cyber crime and has taken up multiple initiatives (cyber crime labs, response centers, cyber forensic labs etc.) to counter it. State government and state police are constantly developing new anti-cyber crime measures with the help of central government and private organisations. Other than these initiatives, training and development of police officers in the field of identifying and solving cyber crimes has been made imperative to keep police updated about latest criminal activities and the methods required to tackle it. A recent ASSOCHAM-NEC joint study estimates cyber security market size in India to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 36.2 per cent between 2017 & 2021. *estimated Source: ASSOCHAM-NEC report Also read: RBI's new move to make card payments safer: All you need to know about tokenisation Credit cards, ATM cards without this feature will stop working after December 31 The Supreme Court was supposed to start hearing one of India's oldest and most politically divisive cases, the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri masjid land title dispute, today. A five-member Constitution bench, set up by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi on January 8, was expected to decide the timeline of hearings in the case this morning but the matter has been adjourned yet again. Minutes after the apex court proceedings kicked off at 10.30 am, one of the bench members, Justice Uday U. Lalit, recused himself from the case. This development followed senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for Muslim petitioners in the case, pointed out that Lalit had represented former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh two decades back in a connected contempt case. In light of the above, Gogoi reportedly said that the court had no option but to adjourn the hearing. A newly constituted bench is now scheduled to take up today's matter, i.e. fixing the schedule for hearings, on January 29. By then, the Supreme Court has also asked the court registry to submit a report on when the case will be ready to start hearing arguments. As many as 14 appeals have been filed in the apex court against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgement, delivered in four civil suits, that the disputed 2.77-acre land at the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site be divided equally among the three parties - the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. The case has been languishing at the top court ever since, even as several right wing organisations have stepped up demands an ordinance on early construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site. With PTI inputs Also read: GST Council starts 32nd meeting: Tax relief in purchase of under-construction flats, incentives for MSMEs on agenda Bill on 10% reservation for upper caste poor passes Parliament test: 10 things to know Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, India's richest man Mukesh Ambani and Microsoft founder Bill Gates are among the e-residency holders of Estonia, its Ambassador to India Riho Kruuv said here on Thursday. The e-residency, which enables entrepreneurs of any country to start a trusted location-independent EU company online, was offered as an honorarium to some of the prominent personalities across the globe. After acquiring the e-residency, Ambani's Reliance Jio has set up a subsidiary working in the digital and communications space in the northwestern european country. "Very prominent people are also Estonian e-residents. Present Minister of IT and Law and Justice honourable Ravi Shankar Prasad is an Estonian e-resident. Business tycoon Mukesh Ambani is an e-resident. Pope Francis and Bill Gates also (e-residents). This status has been given to world leaders and they have accepted it," he told reporters here. ALSO READ:Robotics solutions firm Balyo signs 7-year commercial agreement with Amazon E-residency is a government issued digital ID available to anyone in the world. It offers freedom to any world citizen to start and run a global EU company fully online anywhere. E-residents have access to the European Union business environment and can use public e-services through their digital identity. "But if you talk about Mukesh Ambani for example. The status was accorded to him with a broader perspective in mind. He has a subsidiary in Estonia. Reliance jio is developing digital solutions for jio digital platforms particularly for the Indian market. They have hired the number of Estonian software developers to do the job," he added. ALSO READ:GST Council Meet: GST exemption limit increased from Rs 20 lakhs to Rs 40 lakhs On the e-residency programme, the envoy said there were already 2,174 Indian e-residents and they have created 275 companies. "We expect this figure to grow exponentially in the coming years as the economic ties between between Estonia, India and the European Union depend further," he said. Recently, Estonia and the Telangana government had signed an MoU for cooperation on Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), cybersecurity and blockchain technology, between the two. Estonia is looking to enter into an MoU with the state government on mutual cooperation in the filed of higher education, he added. ALSO READ:You should read this before recharging your Tata Sky, Airtel DTH conncections The GST Council relaxed the tax exemption limit to Rs 40 lakh from the earlier cap of Rs 20 lakh during its 32nd meeting on Thursday. The all-powerful panel also decided to extend the composition scheme to traders from informal sector rendering services or mixed supplies with a turnover up to Rs 50 lakh. Briefing the media after the meeting, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that the threshold limit has been doubled to Rs 40 lakh from Rs 20 lakh. The exemption limit for small states has also been increased to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh. "The states will have the discretion to opt up or opt down the exemption limit. They will have to inform the Secretariat within a week if they wish changes in their exemption limit," Jaitley said. The exemption limit is the threshold of annual turnover above which companies have to mandatorily register under the GST regime. Regarding exemption limit, a dual threshold system is maintained, a lower cap for North-eastern and hilly states flagged as special category states and a higher one for the rest of India. The GST Council also decided that service providers and those who render mixed supplies of goods and services with a turnover up to Rs 50 lakh in the informal sector will be entitled to the composition scheme under the GST regime. The composition rate for service providers in the informal sector has been pegged at 6 per cent. "This 6 per cent is lower than the service tax paid by service providers with turnover up to Rs 50 lakh," Jaitley said during the media briefing. In the meeting today, the GST Council also decided to allow Kerala to levy a cess to cope up with the natural calamities it faced last year. The southern state was ravaged by the worst floods it had seen in years, leaving a property worth crores in shambles. Kerala will now be able to impose a cess of 1 per cent on intra-state sale of goods and services for a maximum of two years. There is a provision in the GST Act which allows the Council to permit cess for coping up with natural calamities, Jaitley said. The two items which did not see a decision today were GST on real estate and uniformity of taxation on lottery or other issues arising out of lottery, due to "diverse opinions" on these matters. Two ministerial panels have been formed to take a closer look at these items before they can be taken up again by the GST Council. Currently, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied at 12 per cent on payments made for under-construction property or ready-to-move-in flats where completion certificate has not been issued at the time of sale. However, GST is not levied on buyers of real estate properties for which completion certificate has been issued at the time of sale. "A seven-member GoM has been formed to look into the GST on real estate. Another GoM with representation from lottery developing and selling states will be formed for uniformity of taxation on lottery or other issues arising out of lottery. These ministerial panels will give their recommendations in the next meeting," the Finance Minister said. In its previous meeting, the GST Council had slashed tax rates on seven items previously placed in the highest tax slab. Rationalising the 28 per cent tax slab, the council had pruned the GST rates on six items to 18 per cent slab and one item to five per cent slab. In total, the panel had reduced rates on 23 goods and services. Also read: How unscrupulous businesses are gaming the GST system LIVE Updates 03:10pm: Service providers and those who render mixed supplies of goods and services with a turnover up to Rs 50 lakh in the informal sector will be entitled to the composition scheme under the GST regime. The composition rate for services has been put at 6 per cent, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said. 03:15 pm: This 6 per cent is lower than the service tax paid by service providers with turnover up to Rs 50 lakh, Jaitley added. 03:18 pm: The GST Council has extended the exemption limit under the GST regime to Rs 40 lakh from Rs 20 lakh. For hilly and small states, the exemption limit has been extended to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh. 03:20 pm: If small states wish to increase their exemption limit from the revised 20 lakh to Rs 40 lakh, they have been given the discretion to opt up, Jaitley said. They will have to inform the Secretariat within a week. 03:20 pm: Kerala is now entitled to impose a maximum cess of 1 per cent for two years on intra-state sales, the Finance Minister said. This has been done to help the state cope up with natural disasters, as per the provision of the GST Act. 03:22 pm: There were diverse opinions on items related to real estate and uniformity of taxation on lottery or other issues arising out of lottery, Jaitley said. 03:22 pm: A seven-member GoM has been formed to look into the GST on real estate. Another GoM with representation from lottery developing and selling states will be formed for uniformity of taxation on lottery or other issues arising out of lottery. These ministerial panels will give their recommendations in the next meeting, the Finance Minister said. 03:25 pm: Each one of these decisions today are meant to help the SMEs, Jaitley said. 03:26 pm: The issue of real estate was sent to GoM because it needed deeper examination, Jaitley said. Also read: GST Council meet: Television sets, cinema tickets, religious pilgrimage made cheaper Edited by Manoj Sharma A high-powered select committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which met on Wednesday to decide the fate of CBI Director Alok Verma, could not arrive at any specific conclusion. A Supreme Court bench, while reinstating Alok Verma on January 8, had asked the select committee comprising the PM, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, and Justice AK Sikri, to give its view on Chief Director Alok Verma case. The apex court had set aside the Central Vigilance Commission's October-23 order, divesting him of the CBI chief's powers but also said that Verma can't take major decisions till the committee comes out with its views on the action taken against him. Verma joined the office on Wednesday, 77 days after he was sent on a forced leave by the Centre in a much-criticised late-night order. Now reports suggest that during the panel meeting, Kharge asked the government to provide the Chief Vigilance Commission's report on the case involving bitter feud between Verma and CBI special director and number 2 man, Rakesh Asthana. Kharge also demanded that Verma should be given a chance to convey his side of the version on the CVC report before this high-powered committee. Kharge also raised questions about the period of 77 days during which Verma could not execute his duties as the government divested him of the CBI chief's powers. Verma's two-year fixed tenure as CBI director ends on January 31. Kharge also sought a significant compensation for the CBI chief, and demanded a probe into the events that took place on the intervening night of October 23 and 24. CJI Ranjan Gogoi had reportedly nominated Supreme Court judge Justice AK Sikri to attend the high-powered committee meet. Gogoi was part of the bench that gave the verdict reinstating Verma as the CBI Director. The Supreme Court had also set aside the appointment of Nageswara Rao as the interim CBI chief. Meanwhile, Alok Verma has reversed all transfer orders that were given by interim CBI chief Nageshwar Rao on October 24. The officials, MK Sinha, AK Bassi, and SA Gurm, submitted an application to quash the transfer orders on Wednesday. All of them were probing the Rakesh Asthana case. Rakesh Asthana had also approached the Delhi High Court for quashing of an FIR registered by the CBI, reportedly at the instance of Verma, in an alleged corruption case. A decision in this regard is pending in the high court. Also read: Decision to send CBI's senior officers on leave on CVC recommendation: Arun Jaitley Edited by Manoj Sharma with PTI inputs Nara Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh government was on an MoU-signing spree on Wednesday. One was to announce Ahmedabad-based infrastructure conglomerate Adani group's foray into the digital infrastructure space and the other was about Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) and Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) developing a 5 million tonnes per annum greenfield pulp and paper plant in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. The Adani group, according to a note put out jointly by the state government and Adani group, plans to set up "the world's first 100 per cent renewables powered data center parks'' in and around Visakhapatnam and that the Adani Group is to invest Rs 70,000 crore and "potentially create over 100,000 jobs over 20 years." The note quotes Gautam Adani, Chairman Adani Group as saying: "It is a very proud moment for us to collaborate with GoAP to develop the world's first green data center parks. Data centers are fundamental building blocks for enabling every aspect of the critical technology infrastructure that India needs to further accelerate its growth. In addition, the Adani group's ability to provide 100 per cent renewable power and its experience in energy management is a critical aspect towards lowering the carbon footprint for an industry that is now the world's largest and growing power consuming industry". ALSO READ:Andhra Pradesh FM expresses concern over GST Council not consulting state govts As for the Asia Pulp and Paper project, it is being billed as "India's largest FDI at $3.5 billion". The MoU was signed by J Krishna Kishore, Chief Executive Officer, Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) and Suresh Kilam, Executive Director, Asia Pulp & Paper, in the presence of Andhra chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Naidu also inaugurated the pylon and laid the foundation stone for the plant at Ramayapatnam, Prakasam District. "Through this MoU, APP will set up a greenfield pulp and paper manufacturing unit in Ramayapatnam, Prakasam district, with a total installed capacity of 5 million MT of pulp, paper and board, subject to regulatory approvals and other requirements,'' a note issued by the APEDB says. The project is apparently spread over an area of 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) involving a total investment of around Rs 24,000 crore ($3.5 billion), making it "one of the biggest Foreign-Direct Investments (FDI) in the country till date.'' The project will be implemented in two phases and is estimated to provide direct employment to 4,000 workers and indirect employment to about 12,000 workers. ALSO READ:Kejriwal, Chandrababu Naidu meet in Delhi; discuss grand alliance for Lok Sabha polls Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu expressed serious concern over the GST Council fixing the agenda items without consulting state governments on Thursday. He, however, supported the decisions taken by the Council with regard to raising turnover limit for availing the composition scheme to Rs 1.50 crore from Rs 1 crore, doubling GST exemption limit to Rs 40 lakh annual turnover and filing of one annual return by the businesses availing the GST composition scheme, among others. In an official statement, Ramakrishnudu "expressed serious concern that the Council agenda items are being prepared without consulting the states". States have issues particularly related to exemptions and reductions in taxes, some of which are not discussed despite several letters written to the Council, he said "Henceforth, the agenda items (should) be fixed taking into consideration the requests of the states also," Ramakrishnudu said adding that even Karnataka, Kerala and Delhi governments have supported this point. The minister, who attended the 32nd GST Council meeting here, also demanded early release of the unsettled Integrated Goods and Service Tax (IGST) amount of Rs 7,000 crore to the state governments. "This ad hoc settlement should also be done and released to the states without delay. Andhra Pradesh is expected to get about Rs 100 crore," he added. Also read: GST Council Meet: GST exemption limit increased from Rs 20 lakhs to Rs 40 lakhs Jeff Bezos, 54, has a fortune that has soared as high as $160 billion thanks to his stake in Amazon, which again became Wall Street's most valuable company this week, surpassing Microsoft Corp. Bezos has credited MacKenzie, 48, for her support when he uprooted the young couple to Seattle from New York to launch Amazon, an online bookseller that grew into the world's largest internet retailer. MacKenzie Bezos, a Princeton graduate who is now a novelist, did accounting for Amazon for its first year after it was founded in 1994. The couple decided to divorce after a long period of "loving exploration" and trial separation, and expect to remain partners in ventures and projects, according to the joint statement. Amazon shares ended up 0.2 percent on Wednesday. The divorce should have no material impact on the company and its shares, said Tom Forte, an analyst at DA Davidson & Co. According to Refinitiv Eikon data, MacKenzie does not hold any Amazon shares directly, while Bezos has a 16.1 percent stake worth about $130 billion. Forbes magazine now estimates his overall net worth at $137.1 billion. Liat Sadler, a San Francisco matrimonial lawyer, noted that spouses owe a fiduciary duty to one another. "They have duties not to waste or devalue marital resources, and to keep the value of marital property as high as possible," she said. "I don't think there is an issue of concern for shareholders as to what will happen to Amazon because of the divorce." Sadler said the main options facing the couple regarding Amazon stock were for Jeff Bezos to buy out his wife, or for MacKenzie Bezos to retain shares. "If she trusts that he would manage Amazon well, either he should pay her for her share of the stock, or they could enter a more complicated agreement where she keeps stock and he keeps voting rights," she said. It is unlikely that many details of the divorce will become public, according to New York lawyer Bernard Clair, who represents Judith Giuliani in her divorce from Rudolph Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and current lawyer for U.S. President Donald Trump. "These two have been separated for a not insignificant time, and I would assume ... they would have used the time to reach a private, confidential agreement," Clair said, referring to Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos. Also read: Jeff Bezos adds $5 billion to his kitty in less than a month while Amazon employees demand fair wages Reuters was unable to determine any further financial details of the planned divorce. "Jeff remains focused on and engaged in all aspects of Amazon," said Drew Herdener, vice president of communications for the company. He declined to comment on how the divorce might affect the ownership stake. MacKenzie Bezos met her husband when interviewing for a job at a New York hedge fund, according to a 2013 profile in Vogue. The two were engaged after three months of dating and married three months after that, according to the magazine. They have four children. Speaking at an event in Berlin last April, Jeff Bezos said his wife's support was instrumental when he founded Amazon. "When you have loving and supportive people in your life, like MacKenzie, my parents, my grandfather, my grandmother, you end up being able to take risks," he said. Jeff Bezos in September committed $2 billion through the Bezos Day One Fund to helping homeless families and starting pre-schools for low-income communities. He had solicited ideas on Twitter in 2017 for ways to donate some of his wealth. Last January, the couple donated $33 million to fund college scholarships for U.S. high schoolers with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, an Obama-era program protecting young immigrants brought to the United States illegally by their parents. Also read: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos launches $2 billion philanthropic fund for low-income communities In 2012, they donated $2.5 million to a Washington state campaign to legalize same-sex nuptials there. From modest beginnings, Amazon branched out into almost every product category, taking on established retailers such as Walmart Inc. In November, Amazon picked America's financial and political capitals for massive new offices, branching out from its home base in Seattle with plans to create more than 25,000 jobs in New York City and a Virginia suburb of Washington, D.C. Jeff Bezos also founded space company Blue Origin in 2000, and is funneling more than $1 billion a year of his own fortune into pulling it out of start-up mode and into production. He also owns the Washington Post, which has been a frequent target of criticism from Trump. Also read: Jeff Bezos is richest man ever with $151 billion net worth, but not as philanthropic as Bill Gates, Warren Buffett Agartala, Jan 10 (IANS) The BJP-led Tripura government on Thursday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the police firing on Tuesday injuring six tribal youths, agitating against the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said West Tripura District Magistrate Sandeep Mahatme would inquire into the January 8 incidents and submit a report within the shortest possible time. After getting the report, the government would take appropriate steps and the guilty would not be spared, Deb told the media before leaving for New Delhi to attend the national council meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Deb, who also holds the home portfolio, said the state government would bear the expenditure of the treatment of the injured youths. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Rajiv Singh said: Some tribal youths while demonstrating against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill turned violent at Madhab Bari in western Tripura on Tuesday. The police, Tripura State Rifles and CRPF troopers, after taking all necessary steps were unable to control the mob. The police then opened fire injuring six tribal youths, two of them seriously. Support TwoCircles A security man was also injured following an attack by agitators, who also burnt down at least 20 shops in the area. Opposition Congress, Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT) strongly condemned the police firing and demanded a probe. Ruling BJPs partner Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) has demanded a judicial probe into the incident by a sitting High Court judge. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, accused the CPI-M and other opposition parties of provoking the agitators. Demanding a CBI probe and resignation of Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, Tripura Student Federation (TSF) General Secretary Sunil Debbarma said the police had opened fire without any provocation. The TSF is a constituent of the North-East Students Organization (NESO), who on Tuesday called the 11-hour shutdown in the entire north eastern region, comprising seven states, excluding Sikkim, to oppose the Bill. Various tribal parties in Tripura have strongly opposed the Citizenship Bill. The IPFT is also a member of Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance NEDA (North East Democratic Alliance), convener of which is BJP-led Assam governments powerful minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Amid strong opposition by various political parties, including Congress, Left and Trinamool Congress, the Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Citizenship Amendment Bill, that seeks to grant citizenship to migrants from six non-Muslim minority groups from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. One-party rule officially got underway in Albany on Jan. 9 with Democrats celebrating the ascension of state Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins as majority leader and a fresh sense that holding majorities in both houses of the state Legislature will bring big changes statewide. Democrats have already signalled that they intend to hit the ground running by passing legislation in upcoming weeks to codify Roe v. Wade in state law and enact campaign finance and election reforms. But even at a time when optimism was sweeping across the state Capitol, early signs have emerged that old conflicts could reemerge before too long, whether they are between Republicans and Democrats, downstate and upstate legislators or different parts of Democrats one-party government. For now, though, the biggest question is how well Democrats can maintain party unity nearly a decade after their last experience with one-party rule imploded amid intra-party conflict. Democrats insist they will do better this time, especially since a host of new members have joined their ranks since then, many of them as part of the partys big wins in the 2018 elections. Here are a few takeaways from the opening day of the legislative session. A day of firsts The undisputed star of the day was state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who became the first woman to ever be elected as the temporary president of the Senate. It wasnt that long ago that women werent even allowed to set foot on this Senate floor, she said in remarks given to the chamber. She also noted that her father was a military veteran who was denied benefits from the GI Bill after his service in the Second World War because he was black and that her mother was also unable to pursue a career as a lawyer due to racial discrimination. Although Stewart-Cousins spoke about the historic accomplishment of her election as Senate leader, she also acknowledged that she was not the only senator who was making history in the chamber. There are now 20 women serving in the 63-seat chamber and several new members represent their own type of firsts. State Sen. Robert Jackson is the first Muslim to serve in the Senate. Several Long Island senators also made history in the chamber, including state Sens. Monica Martinez (the first Salvadoran in the state Senate), Kenny Thomas (first Indian American) and Anna Kaplan (first Iranian-American). State Sens. Jessica Ramos and Julia Salazar are the first representatives in the body with Colombian heritage, while Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz became the first Dreamer elected to the Assembly. Hitting the ground running A big question that has followed the Democrats sweeping victories in the 2018 elections is to what extent they will keep promises made on the campaign trail. Both Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie promised quick action on Democratic priorities in their opening addresses, including quick action on bills such as the Reproductive Health Act, Child Victims Act and the DREAM act, as well as issues like election reforms, gun control and the environment. While they made efforts to touch on a wide variety of issues in their speeches, they emphasized separate issues. Heastie, for example, said that some criminal justice reforms such as ensuring speedy trials for defendants and ending the use of solitary confinement will take center stage in the coming legislative session. Stewart-Cousins spoke about issues such as sexual harassment and contraceptive care while also highlighting her support to make a state property tax cap permanent, a response to Republicans accusations that the Democratic Senate will raise taxes. She also promised bold investments in infrastructure. While there was not too much daylight between the two legislative leaders, the differences in the issues they emphasized shows how their priorities can differ. Rule changes were the biggest controversies of the day With their party now in the Senate minority, it remains to be seen what Republicans can do to have an impact on the legislative agenda. As Heastie got ready to open his chamber, more than a dozen Republican senators gathered in the Senate minority leaders office for a press conference to air grievances about new Senate rules proposed by the Democratic majority. One rule would establish that there would be more Democrats than Republicans on the Senate Ethics and Internal Governance Committee. The ethics committee is the last place in government that should be politicized, state Sen. Andrew Lanza, a Staten Island Republican, said at the press conference. And thats what the new majority is doing. Democrats say this is necessary because they intend to reinvigorate the committee by having it take on legislative as well as investigative functions. State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, the incoming committee chair, has said that anything is possible with this committee in its goal of ensuring ethical government, from hearings to investigations to legislation. But by upsetting the old balance between Republicans and Democrats, that opens the door to weaponize that committee, state Sen. Catharine Young said in a floor debate about the rules. She brought with her transcripts from two years earlier, when now-Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris expressed support for having an even number of seats on that committee for both parties. However, Gianaris said on Wednesday that the new rule was necessary so that the committee could take on a more robust legislative function. He added that at least one member of each party would need to sign on to any investigative effort. Republicans also objected to language in the proposed Senate rules that might limit funding for minority party staff. In past years, the minority party had received 30 percent of the available staff funding. In response to questioning by Senate Republicans, Gianaris said that it is not expected that allocations would dip below 30 percent, though that is possible in theory. Despite Republican objections, the rules were adopted by the Senate. The honeymoon might not last for long Lawmakers from both parties spoke in conciliatory terms on Wednesday. The good feelings might not last long, however. Republicans efforts to protest the Senate rule changes show that the minority party is looking for ways to remain relevant, especially by presenting themselves as the upstate vanguards against tax increases and neglect by New York City lawmakers. Their Wednesday press conference and remarks on the Senate floor displayed an effort to own a moral high ground in the Legislature by making sure that Democrats do not contradict past positions they held while they were in the minority. Democrats face their own challenges. They control both houses of the Legislature and the governors mansion but rivalries could test their unity. Heastie made sure to mention in his remarks that the Assembly has in previous years passed legislation atop progressives wish lists, suggesting that the Senate should follow its lead. Senate Democrats now have a majority to protect and Stewart-Cousins reference to taxes show that she is trying to keep her conference from doing anything that might make her members vulnerable in the next round of elections. Both houses of the Legislature also have to contend with Gov. Andrew Cuomo. By unveiling his Justice Agenda last month, the governor signalled that he will continue leaning left in his third term and will use his upcoming budget proposal to pass progressive legislation. With his first budget proposal due this month, Assembly and Senate Democrats have little time to pass big-ticket items like the Reproductive Health Act before they would be folded into budget negotiations where Cuomo would be well-positioned to not only dictate the terms of legislation, but also take the credit for passing them. This term promises to be the most successful one Ive had in government, Cuomo told reporters at the Capitol after the Legislature adjourned for the day. Having that new energy and that new perspective I think is going to be helpful. Get comfy, this years smartphone market is about to get quite yawn-worthy. Over the past decade, weve seen phones get larger, faster, sharper, crisper and curved. They even put cameras on the front! Consumers have been blessed by the array of choices available in the market. But now the pace of innovation is slowing, and that could hurt investors. In China alone, an average of two new models were released each day last year for a total of 764. In 2017, that figure hit 1,054, according to the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology. The ... BERLIN (Reuters) - German carmaker Volkswagen on Thursday said it had sold a record 6.24 million vehicles around the world last year, a 0.2 percent increase compared with 2017."2018 was marked by significant uncertainty in some regions, especially in the second half," VW brand sales chief Juergen Stackmann said in a statement but he added that new products had helped offset that.Volkswagen said sales growth in South America, the United States and Europe had compensated for a decline in sales in China and the negative effects of new WTLP emission standards. (Reporting by Riham Alkousaa; ... By Ritsuko AndoTOKYO (Reuters) - Fast Retailing Co Ltd, the owner of Uniqlo, posted a surprise drop in profit as unseasonably warm weather hit sales of winter clothes, and outlined a tough second quarter as it offloads the inventory at a discount.The bleak results come at a time when Uniqlo - known for its simple and affordable clothes such as lightweight down jackets - is battling saturation in its main home market, Japan. There are also worries it could come under pressure due to a slowdown in China, where it typically logs a major proportion of its growth.Operating profit at Uniqlo's Japan ... By Chris Prentice and Yawen ChenWASHINGTON/BEIJING (Reuters) - U.S. and Chinese officials are working on arrangements for higher-level trade talks after mid-level officials this week discussed U.S. demands on issues that would require structural change in China to address such as intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers and other non-tariff barriers.People familiar with the three days of talks in Beijing said hopes are mounting that the top Chinese negotiator, Vice Premier Liu He, will visit Washington this month to meet with his negotiating counterparts, U.S. Trade ... By Paul SandleLONDON (Reuters) - Tesco, Britain's biggest retailer, defied the industry gloom on Thursday, saying improvements in its own-brand ranges helped deliver its best Christmas in nearly a decade.The supermarket group reported a 2.2 percent rise in same-store sales in its home market in the six weeks to Jan. 5, beating rivals Sainsbury's and Morrisons and helped by deals such as its "Festive Five" vegetable packs, offering staples such as carrots and sprouts for 29 pence.Analysts had forecast a rise of 1.0 to 1.5 percent.The increase contrasted with an industry survey showing UK ... By Karen LemaMANILA (Reuters) - A Philippine court on Thursday held a former bank manager guilty on eight counts of money laundering, the first conviction in one of the world's largest cyber heists, in which $81 million was stolen from Bangladesh's central bank nearly three years ago.The regional court sentenced Maia Deguito, a former branch manager at Manila-based Rizal Commercial Banking Corp (RCBC), to a jail term ranging from 32 to 56 years, with each count carrying four to seven years.She was also ordered to pay a total fine of about $109 million. In February 2016, unknown criminals used ... By Noah BrowningLONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices edged down on Thursday amid a lack of any clear resolution to U.S.-China trade talks and official data that again indicated vast fuel stocks in the United States.U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures were at $51.89 per barrel at 1200 GMT, down 47 cents, or .9 percent, from their last settlement. International Brent crude futures were down .85 percent, or 52 cents, at $60.92 per barrel. Both benchmarks rose by around 5 percent the previous day, capping off a week-long climb that marked oil's longest sustained rise since last ... By Noah BrowningLONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices fell more than 1 percent on Thursday due to the lack of any clear resolution to U.S.-China trade talks and official data that again indicated vast fuel stocks in the United States.U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures were at $51.66 per barrel at 0950 GMT, down 70 cents, or 1.3 percent, from their last settlement. International Brent crude futures were also down 1.3 percent, or 79 cents, at $60.65 per barrel. Both benchmarks rose by around 5 percent the previous day, capping off a week-long climb that marked oil's longest sustained ... By Davide BarbusciaDUBAI (Reuters) - Foreign investors flocked to buy Saudi Arabia's first dollar bonds since Jamal Khashoggi's death, in a clear vote of market confidence after the country's reputation was damaged over the journalist's murder.The finance ministry in Riyadh said on Thursday the order book for the $7.5 billion sale of longer-term debt sale peaked at $27.5 billion, with final pricing only a few basis points above corresponding secondary market yields.Almost all the paper was bought by foreign investors, with U.S.-based buyers in particular snapping up 40 percent of the bond due ... LONDON (Reuters) - Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has made clear they regard Britain as home and are investing in the future, Prime Minister Theresa May's spokesman said on Thursday.JLR, Britain's biggest carmaker, is set to announce "substantial" job cuts in the thousands, a source told Reuters, as the company faces double-digit drops in demand in China and a slump in sales for diesel cars in Europe."JLR have been very clear that they regard the UK as home and are investing in the future to develop the next generation of vehicles. We will continue to work closely with the company to support their ... Auqib Javeed, TwoCircles.net Srinagar: After months of speculation, a top IAS officer from conflict-torn Jammu and Kashmir resigned from his service on Wednesday and indicated of his plans to enter politics in the region. Shah Faesal, who emerged as a youth icon in the state after he topped the UPSC exam in 2010, surprised many, particularly people outside the state of J&K, by announcing that he is quitting from government service to protest against the unabated killings in the state. Support TwoCircles The resignation of IAS topper Shah Faesal baffled some and amused others in his native state. TwoCircles.net spoke to a cross-section of society regarding his decision. Tariq Ahmad, a teacher from North Kashmir, called Shah Faesal an ambitious personality. His decision to join mainstream politics is only going to be beneficial to the major political narrative. For him, his decision is right because he felt a bureaucratic handicap in the system, said Ahmad. Saqib Mugloo, a Srinagar-based Journalist said Faesal had a history of gimmicks and that he had long been implying that he was going to join politics sooner or later. For Kashmiris, it wasnt a surprise given that they know their politics well. Even on social media, people arent expressing any surprise over his joining the politics, he added. Shah Faesal hails from a remote village in frontier district Kupwara of Kashmir. He topped the IAS exam in 2010 and was allotted the home cadre of Jammu and Kashmir where he worked as District Magistrate, Director of School Education and Managing Director of the state-owned Power Development Corporation. According to unconfirmed reports, Faesal will be contesting from the North Kashmir parliamentary constituency which was won by the Peoples Democratic Partys Muzaffar Hussain Baig in the 2014 general elections. At the time of his resignation, Faesal was on leave, pursuing a masters degree as a Mason fellow at Harvard University. He applied for voluntary retirement the day before but the process takes time since it has to be approved by the home ministry, reports said. Mohammad Saleem, a Banker, believes that Faesal could have served the society better by continuing with his job for a few more years. Now he will be like any other disempowered Kashmiri politician. To protest civilian killings, if he had just tweeted about the same it would have made headlines not only in national media but international media as well, he said. In a post on Facebook, Faesal said he has decided to resign from the IAS to protest against the unabated killings in Kashmir, and lack of any sincere reach-out from the Union Government; the marginalization and invisibilization of around 200 million Indian Muslims at the hands of Hindutva forces reducing them to second-class citizens; insidious attacks on the special identity of the J&K State and growing culture of intolerance and hate in the mainland India in the name of hyper-nationalism. Welcoming his decision, People Democratic Parties spokesperson Najmu Saqib said that youngsters joining politics is a welcome move and provides a platform of greater public service. The turbulent times state is undergoing a new generation of leaders need to rise to the occasion. The present status quo of retaliating violence with violence is untenable and calls for a comprehensive dialogue with all stakeholders at the earliest. We hope the decision is taken out of conviction and not convenience, he said. Dr Muneeb Faiq, a highly acclaimed clinical researcher from Kashmir said while a cynical approach to anyones intents is not wise, it is hard to guess why Dr. Shah Faesal decided to cease to relish Indian bureaucracy. If he has got some realization, howbeit, that it should be welcome. But if he is giving up one government post to fight for a bigger one, then this will hardly make much of a difference to Kashmir and Kashmiris. If he thinks that he can do some good which he yearned to (but could not) while being a celebrated pen pusher he has every right to try his hand through an unconventional promotion also. His future actions will reveal the truth behind this roster-synchronized resolution, said Faiq. Last year, Faesal found himself in trouble when the government sent a notice to him for his tweet on rapes in India. You have allegedly failed to maintain absolute honesty and integrity in the discharge of official duty and thus acted in a manner unbecoming of a public servant, read the notice by the J&K General Administration Department, which initiated disciplinary proceedings against Faesal at the request of the central governments Department of Personnel and Training. Faesals tweet read: Population +patriarchy +illiteracy +alcohol +porn +technology +anarchy = rapistan. The post drew the ire of the DoPT. After it issued the notice to Faesal he wrote: Love letter from my boss for my sarcastic tweet against rape-culture in South Asia. The Irony here is that service rules with a colonial spirit are invoked in a democratic India to stifle the freedom of conscience. Mohammad Zafar, a student from the region, said, There are two paradoxes regarding Faesal resignation. One is that while he condemns state violence and cited it as a reason for his decision; he seems to have made up his mind to join the same statist stream of politics. The other paradox, Zaffar explains, is that he (Faesal) acknowledged in his recent article in Indian express that pro-India band of politicians is not the true representative of people of Kashmir. I fail to understand how he is going to adjust himself among those career politicians who carry no moral compass, Zaffar added. Welcoming Faesal to the fold of politicians, former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, The bureaucracys loss is politics gain in a tweet. Actually, I welcomed him to the fold of politicians. His future political plans are his to announce, Omar said in another tweet while responding to reports that Faesal was likely to join National Conference. Faesal said he will reveal his future plans in a press conference on Friday. By Rajendra JadhavMUMBAI (Reuters) - India's sugar exports are likely to be far lower than a 5 million-tonne target set by New Delhi as a strengthening rupee and falling global prices make shipments unattractive despite a government push for overseas sales, industry officials said. Lower shipments from the world's No. 2 sugar producer could support global prices that fell more than 20 percent in 2018, but fewer exports could also increase Indian stockpiles ahead of the next marketing season and force the government to provide more support to an ailing industry. India is likely to export 2.5 ... BOSTON (Reuters) - Investment firm Tiger Global Management, which oversees $23 billion in assets, told investors its hedge fund gained 13.6 percent last year.Tiger Global's hedge fund invests some $8 billion in assets and gained 0.9 percent in December. That compares with the fortunes of many hedge funds that lost money in December and saw their gains for the year wiped out. A Tiger Global spokeswoman declined to comment.2018 was a second straight year of strong returns for Tiger Global after its hedge fund gained 28.2 percent in 2017. The average stocks-oriented hedge fund lost 6.9 percent ... By Edward Taylor and Costas PitasFRANKFURT (Reuters) - Ford and Jaguar Land Rover unveiled sweeping job cuts across Europe on Thursday as carmakers struggle with a slump in demand for diesel vehicles, tougher emissions rules and a global economic slowdown led by China.Tata-owned JLR , based in central England, said it will cut 4,500 out of 42,500 jobs, while Ford said it will slash "thousands" of jobs as part of an overhaul that could result in plant closures and the discontinuation of some models.A trade war between China and the United States combined with Britain's pending exit from the ... FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Ford cannot rule out plant closures as part of its efforts to return its European operations to profitability, Steven Armstrong, group vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, said on Thursday.Upon being asked if the revamp could include plant closures in Europe, Armstrong said, "A review of the manufacturing footprint is part of this process." (Reporting by Edward Taylor; editing by Thomas Seythal)(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Tatiana BautzerSAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazilian telecoms carrier Oi SA has hired Bank of America Merrill Lynch to sell noncore assets such as cellphone towers and data centers, two people with knowledge of the matter said on Thursday.The company aims to raise between 1.5 billion reais and 2 billion reais ($545 million) from the divestitures, the sources added, asking for anonymity because they cannot discuss the plans publicly.Oi and Bank of America did not immediately comment on the matter. Before filing for Latin America's largest ever bankruptcy proceeding, Oi had raised around 3 billion ... FRANKFURT (Reuters) - European Central Bank policymakers gathering in December suggested revisiting the use of cheap, multi-year loans to banks in the months ahead and sparred on the outlook for the euro zone's economy, minutes of the meeting showed on Thursday.The ECB wrapped up its 2.6 trillion euro ($3.00 trillion)bond purchases at the Dec. 12-13 meeting but ECB President Mario Draghi couched his policy message in warnings about growing risks and weaker economic data.Minutes of the discussion suggested some policymakers would have liked Draghi to be even more cautious and at least some ... By Chijioke OhuochaLAGOS (Reuters) - A company led by Adrian Wood, the former chief executive of South African telecoms giant MTN Group's Nigeria business, has pulled out of its 9mobile venture, two people familiar with the matter said on Thursday.Wood's departure, two months after the formal takeover of 9mobile in a $301 million deal, comes after disagreements with Nigerian shareholders, the sources said on condition of anonymity.The consortium comprising Wood and the Nigerian investors was picked in February as preferred bidder for Nigeria's 9mobile - the country's fourth-biggest telecoms ... SAO PAULO (Reuters) - The Brazilian government on Thursday said it would allow a proposed tie-up between planemakers Embraer SA and Boeing Co to go forward, capping weeks of uncertainty in which President Jair Bolsonaro expressed his hesitation.The deal still must be approved by shareholders and regulators, but winning the backing of Brazil's government was its biggest hurdle.Under the proposed deal, Embraer will sell 80 percent of its commercial plane division, its most profitable, for $4.2 billion. The deal is seen as part of a reshaping of the global aviation market for mid-sized planes. ... Etihad Airways plans to cut 50 pilot jobs by end of this month after a significant loss last year, two sources who have seen an internal memo by the airline said on Thursday. The state-owned Gulf carrier has been reviewing its business since 2016 after a strategy of investing billions of dollars in other airlines failed. Etihad has around 160 surplus pilots and will lay off 50 by the end of January, the airline told pilots in the memo, according to the sources, who declined to be named because the memo was intended to be private. . The Abu Dhabi-based carrier employs 2,065 pilots, ... The Madras High Court Thursday warned revenue authorities of Kancheepuram that it would not hesitate to order use of military force to remove an encroachment if its previous order is not complied with by Friday. "It is to be noted that in one instance recently, relating to an encroachment, the High Court of Himachal Pradesh has directed the military force to remove the encroachment. "This court may have to apply the principles laid down thereunder for the present case on hand, taking note of the situation, wherein the petitioner's husband was assaulted in an inhuman fashion," a division bench comprising justices M Venugopal and S Vaidyanathan said. The bench made the observation on a contempt plea by Jansi Rani, a resident of 'Tsunami' Kudiyiruppu at Muttukadu. The court had allowed a plea by the petitioner on January 18 last year and directed the block development officer to take steps to remove the encroachment made by an individual on public property near the petitioners house within four weeks. However, even after the expiry of 11 months, the official failed to comply with the order and remove the encroachment, prompting the petitioner to move a contempt plea on December 10, 2018. When the contempt plea came up for hearing recently, the court granted time to the authorities till January 2 to comply with the order. However, when the plea came up for hearing on Thursday, the petitioner informed the court that the order was yet to be complied with. She also alleged that her husband was assaulted by the encroachers and he has been hospitalised with serious injuries at the Royapettah Government Hospital. Taking serious note of the submission, the bench said, "If the order dated January 18, 2018 passed by this court is not complied with by Friday, then this court will initiate contempt proceedings by issuance of statutory notice to all the respondents, including the secretary of the revenue department. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Honeywell recently awarded scholarships to four chemical engineering students from Cairo University as a part of its ongoing commitment to develop and support young engineering talent in Egypt. Honeywell awarded the students at an event hosted by Cairo University. The recognition we have earned through the Honeywell UOP scholarship and internship program is a testament to the education we provide at Cairo University, said Professor Ehab Abadir, head of Cairo Universitys chemical engineering department. We are very pleased with the Honeywell UOP initiative in the field of engineering with a particular focus on the oil and gas industry, enabling our students to learn about the industry in the Middle East as a whole. We look forward to further enhancing the Honeywell Cairo University relationship in our future endeavours. The annual scholarship program, which commenced in 2016,is part of Honeywells investment in nurturing engineering talent in Egypt. This year the scholarship program was offered to Ahmed Yousry Muhammad, Omar Emad Khallaf, Esraa Ashraf Abdel-Alam and Mohamed Ahmed Khodeir, each who were selected after a rigorous interview process led by Honeywell UOP. In addition to the scholarship, the four students will compete for a seven-week internship placement program in the US at Honeywells Research and Development Center near Chicago. Honeywell is committed to developing young talent in the engineering field in Egypt, and through our ongoing collaboration with Cairo University, we are able to recognize excellent academic potential, said Khaled Hashem, president for Honeywell in Egypt and Libya. With the oil and gas industry advancing rapidly, it is now vital to equip the younger generation with knowledge of the technological disruptions impacting the industry. Initiatives like the Honeywell UOP scholarship program invests in the next generation of the countrys science talent, which will benefit our refining, gas processing and petrochemical industries for years to come. Honeywell has a 50-year track record of working on many of Egypts most significant energy and infrastructure projects. The companys technology portfolio spans across refining and petrochemical technologies, catalysts, process and control systems, renewable fuels and chemicals and specialty materials. TradeArabia News Service With a fresh set of working presidents and a new chief to look after the party's Delhi affairs, the all-enthused Congress in the national capital is looking to give a strong fight to the AAP and the BJP in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Under former chief minister Sheila Dikshit, the Congress hopes it would be able to revive its fortunes in the city, where it could not even open its account in the last two elections after losing power in 2013. The three new working presidents -- Devender Yadav, Haroon Yusuf and Rajesh Lilothia -- asserted that the party was going to strengthen itself and would be able to take on both the BJP and the AAP in Delhi. After taking over as the new chief, Dikshit said, "I have no message for the AAP or the BJP. I just want to say that now Congress will be revived." Yadav, a former MLA from Samaypur Badli and current national secretary in the party taking care of its Rajasthan unit, said that the new team combines experience and youth power. "We are very well prepared. Delhi congress now combines experience and youth power. We will work as a team. Under the leadership of Sheila Dikshit, I hope we will do remarkable things in coming days," he told PTI. Yusuf who served as a minister in Sheila Dikshit's government, said the party organisation will be further strengthened. Lilothia, the national secretary and co-incharge of Bihar Congress, pointed that all the three working presidents have the experience of working with Dikshit in different capacities. "We have coordination and understanding. I hope unitedly we will strengthen party organisation and win the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and Delhi Assembly elections in 2020," he told PTI. Dikshit was the chief minister of Delhi before losing power to Arvind Kejriwal's AAP in 2013. The party drew blank in the last Lok Sabha elections and could not open its account in the 2015 Delhi elections. It also performed poorly in the civic polls of 2017. Ajay Maken who resigned as Delhi Congress president last week citing ill health, claimed on various occasions that the party's vote percentage was up but they were not getting translated into seats. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Wipro Infrastructure Engineering (WIN) Thursday announced that it has commenced shipments of parts supplies to Boeing from its plant at Devanahalli near here. WIN said Boeing has contracted Wipro Aerospace to manufacture strut assemblies for the 737 MAZ and Next-Generation 737 airplane programmes. It said that the two companies have partnered together in the last few years, expanding the level of support the Aerospace division provides to the jet manufacturer. WIN has provided various aerostructures and componentry for the 737, 767 and 787 Dreamliner programs through its facility in Israel, the company said in a statement. "Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Boeing source systems and components from India, and our expertise with aerostructures and actuators provide a viable option for OEMs," Pratik Kumar, CEO, Wipro Infrastructure Engineering, said. Ashwani Bhargava, Director, Supply Chain, Boeing India, said, "Boeing's partnerships with Indian suppliers play an important part in Boeing's global strategy. Boeing's agreement with Wipro Aerospace demonstrates our commitment to developing the aerospace industry in India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel told the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Thursday that his government will address the issues of Naxal menace and imposition of liquor ban by taking people into confidence. Replying to the debate on the motion of thanks on the Governor's address, Baghel said his government was working to bring about a change, and not for exacting revenge. "The state government will work to add colour to the lives of people from every section of society. We are working to bring change, not for revenge. "Our government will work for solving the Naxal problem and (imposing) liquor ban while taking people into confidence," Baghel said. To eliminate the Naxal problem, the Congress government will hold talks with affected people including villagers alongwith intellectuals and journalists, he said. Liquor is a social evil, but to get rid of it, society too has to come forward alongwith the government, Baghel said. "We will not take any step on both anti-Naxal action and liquor ban without taking people into confidence," he added. Within 20-25 days of coming to power, the Congress government has taken several decisions to fulfil its poll promises, he asserted. The government waived loans worth Rs 6,100 crore of 16,50,000 farmers, decided to purchase paddy at Rs 2,500 per quintal and increased the stipend of tendu leaves collectors from Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,000 per sack, he said. It also decided to form a new committee to study prospects for a liquor ban in the state, he added. The working of district mineral funds (DMF) will be reviewed while over 300 cases against chit fund company agents will be withdrawn, the chief minister assured. At the same time, the investors who lost money to chit fund scams will get their hard-earned money back, Baghel stressed. The state government ordered return of 4,400 acres of land, acquired for a Tata Steel Plant project, to 1,700 farmers in Lohandiguda area of Bastar district, he said. Earlier, Leader of Opposition Dharamlal Kaushik said the Congress government won the election by making false promises. Its stand on Naxal menace, which the BJP government had successfully contained, is not clear, Kaushik alleged. After the discussion, the motion was passed with a voice vote. After the completion of the listed business, the House was adjourned till February 8. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nepal on Thursday said when India and China rise together, the rise of Asia is "unstoppable" and hoped for harmonious ties between its two "big neighbours". Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, in his address at the Raisina Dialogue here, also pitched for strengthening of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and the implementation of the agenda of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) sub-regional cooperation. "India and Nepal can work together towards common progress and prosperity, better physical connectivity and greater people-to-people connection," Gyawali said. On the sidelines of the dialogue, the Nepalese foreign minister met her Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj and reviewed recent developments in bilateral ties across diverse sectors, including development projects and connectivity, according to Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. In his address, Gyawali said: "Next door, we have always emphasised the good and harmonious relations between our two big neighbours (China and India). When these two rise together, the rise of Asia becomes unstoppable." "We were encouraged in this context by the positive vibe that last year's Wuhan summit (between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping) created. We are of the view that one country's rise should not be seen as a threat to the other. It could be an opportunity to rise together," he said. Gyawali said amity with all and animosity with none is the basis of Nepal's foreign policy. A country like Nepal has been a firm advocate of a rule-based, predictable international order, he said. "We are a believer of multilateralism where we can get our voices heard, problems and challenges recognised and support be extended. "Rules-based order is essential for our survival. We have always been the supporter of multilateral institutions like the UN. What we have wanted though is its reform to reflect the current reality," he said. Nepal has always supported rules-based trading arrangements under WTO, Gyawali said, adding that Kathmandu want preferential treatment for least developed countries. India and Nepal relations have been comprehensive and the two countries are connected by geography, history, religion and cultures, he said. "While the world is becoming more interdependent, the challenges ahead require to be addressed with more collective efforts, these include challenges posed by the tendencies to weaken multilateralism and collaboration," the Nepalese foreign minister said. There is uncertainty because the existing world order stands challenged and the new world order is yet to be established, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra Thursday urged IT industry body Nasscom to come out with artificial intelligence (AI) based solutions of public interests. He also called for use of AI and machine learning for MSMEs. "Please come out with solutions using AI and machine learning for public interest needs like health, education, and also for small businesses," Mitra said while speaking at the Nasscom's international SME Conclave here. The state was also trying these emerging technologies like blockchain in areas like land records, legal and some areas of public interest. "Applications like sowing timing management, students management, traffic management with AI can also be taken up," Mitra pointed out. He also and highlighted possible ills of AI and machine learning if not deployed judicially. Earlier, Mitra had called for regulating research in AI to prevent misuse and before things goes out of control. The Nasscom's first international SME Conclave saw around 600 SMEs across 40 cities and 18 states of the country in Kolkata for the two day meet. Representatives of SMEs from five other countries also joined the meet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday announced that the state has decided to pull out of the Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme, accusing the Narendra Modi-led NDA government of making "tall claims" under the health coverage programme. A top government official said that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government has written to the Centre to notify about its decision to withdraw from the scheme. The ambitious Ayushman Bharat or the National Health Protection Scheme, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August last year, aims to cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) by providing health cover up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year. The expenses incurred is to be shared between the Centre and the state in 60:40 ratio. The TMC supremo alleged that the prime minister was "politicising" the health scheme by sending letters about its provisions to every household of the state with his picture and a lotus symbol on top. The Centre is "using" post offices to dispatch these letters, she said. "You (Narendra Modi) are sending letters with your photograph on them to every household in the state, making tall claims to take credit for the scheme. Then why should I bear 40 per cent? The NDA government should take the entire responsibility," she observed at a programme here. "I have seen the document with the PM's picture and a logo resembling BJP's party symbol. You (BJP government) have already destroyed the banking system with demonetisation and GST implementation. Now, you are using government money to campaign for the party," Banerjee said. According to reports, the Centre is sending out a two-page customised letter, highlighting the importance of the Ayushman scheme, to every beneficiary. "In West Bengal, people do not need to pay for treatments. At state hospitals, people from Bihar, Jharkhand and even Nepal and Bangladesh receive free medical assistance. Then why is that the prime minister of the country is playing dirty " the CM questioned. She also accused the Union government of making "false claims" about crop insurance benefits to the farmers, even as the state government was bearing 80 per cent of the cost. Last year, the state has spent Rs 625 crore for the purpose, Banerjee claimed. "The Centre is making false claims about bearing crop insurance cost of farmers. In reality, the Union government pays just 20 per cent of the incurred cost," the chief minister said. Banerjee claimed that the Modi government was deducting taxes from people's accounts in the state without doling out adequate benefits to them. "You are deducting money from people's accounts in West Bengal and other states as income tax and customs and using just a percentage of it for their welfare. That is not a favour. Why is Narendra Modi acting as 'dalaal (agent)? I do not favour the of cheating people," the TMC chief said. Questioning the role of the central government, she also alleged that the Modi government was trying to "run a parallel government" in all the states, including West Bengal. "We were elected to power by the people, just like them. Do they (Centre) consult me when they set up any deal in the defence sector. Why is that they are interfering in the state matters? They do not enjoy the rights," she added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister on Thursday announced that the state has pulled out of the Centre's scheme, accusing the Narendra Modi-led NDA government of making tall claims under the health coverage programme. A top government official said the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government has written to the Centre to convey its decision in this regard. The Ayushman Bharat, or the National Health Protection Scheme, launched by Prime Minister in August last year, aims to cover over 100 million poor and vulnerable families (approximately 500 million beneficiaries) by providing health cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year. The expenses incurred is to be shared between the Centre and the state in 60:40 ratio. The TMC supremo alleged that the prime minister was politicising the health scheme by sending letters about its provisions to every household of the state with his picture and a lotus symbol on top. The Centre is using post offices to dispatch these letters, she said. You (Narendra Modi) are sending letters with your photograph on them to every household in the state, making tall claims to take credit for the scheme. Then why should I bear 40 per cent? The NDA government should take the entire responsibility, Banerjee said at an event. I have seen the document with the PM's picture and a logo resembling BJP's party symbol. You (BJP government) have already destroyed the banking system with demonetisation and GST implementation. Now, you are using government money to campaign for the party, Banerjee said. According to reports, the Centre is sending out a two-page customised letter, highlighting the importance of the Ayushman scheme, to every beneficiary. In West Bengal, people do not need to pay for treatments. At state hospitals, people from Bihar, Jharkhand and even Nepal and Bangladesh receive free medical assistance. Then why is that the prime minister of the country is playing dirty politics? the CM asked. She accused the Centre of making false claims about crop insurance benefits to the farmers, even as the state government was bearing 80 per cent of the cost. Last year, the state spent Rs 625 crore for the purpose, Banerjee said. The Centre is making false claims about bearing crop insurance cost of farmers. In reality, the Union government pays just 20 per cent of the incurred cost, the chief minister said. ALSO READ: Modi govt plans to make hospitals into an 'industry' under Ayushman Bharat Banerjee said the was deducting taxes from peoples accounts in the state without doling out adequate benefits to them. Questioning the role of the central government, she also alleged that the was trying to run a parallel government in all states, including We were elected to power by the people, just like them. Do they (Centre) consult me when they set up any deal in the defence sector? Why is that they are interfering in the state matters? They do not enjoy the rights, she added. Alleged middleman Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, moved a Delhi court Thursday seeking permission to make calls to his family members and his lawyers abroad. Michel, lodged in Tihar central jail here, moved an application through his advocate before special judge Arvind Kumar, who directed the jail authorities to file a response to the plea by Monday. The accused told the court that jail authorities rejected his plea seeking the permission. Michel, who was extradited from Dubai, was arrested by the ED on December 22. The court had earlier imposed restrictions on Michel meeting his lawyers while he was in ED custody after the agency had said he was misusing legal access by passing chits to the advocates, asking them how to tackle questions on "Mrs Gandhi". ED's counsels, D P Singh and N K Matta, had also claimed that during questioning, he had spoken about the "son of an Italian lady" and how he was going to become the next prime minister of the country. "We also need to decipher who the 'big man' referred to as 'R' is in the communications between Michel and other people," the ED had told the court. Later, he was sent to judicial custody in the case on January 5. He is also lodged in judicial custody in the CBI case related to the scam. Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he had received 30 million euros (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland. The CBI, in its charge sheet, has alleged an estimated loss of 398.21 million euros (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth 556.262 million euros. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem was due to meet with US officials again Thursday as they worked to resolve trade frictions, which resulted in the exchange of billions in tariffs last year. After the first day of talks Wednesday, Malmstroem told reporters the European Union was steadfast in its refusal to include agriculture in negotiations even though Europe had increased purchases of US commodities. "As demonstrated by recent developments and figures concerning Liquefied Natural Gas and soya beans, we are delivering," a European Commission spokesman said Thursday in an email. Malmstroem said the European Commission is developing negotiating mandates for a possible deal with the United States to eliminate tariffs on industrial goods. European leaders last year were outraged after US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Brussels responded by slapping counter-tariffs on more than USD 3 billion in US exports like bourbon, blue jeans and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. But Trump and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in July called a truce, agreeing that so long as talks continued neither side would impose additional tariffs. Malmstroem said she expects the US to abide by an agreement to exempt the EU from any new tariffs on autos -- a measure Trump is considering. US, EU and Japanese officials also met Wednesday to discuss proposed reforms to World Trade Organization rules that would address unfair trade practices -- a move widely seen as a common front against China, which Washington accuses of massive state-intervention in markets and theft of intellectual property. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad Thursday met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the peace process. Khalilzad is understood to have apprised Swaraj about US plans to withdraw its troops from the war-ravaged country as well as Washington's efforts to give a push to the stalled peace process. "EAM @SushmaSwaraj met Mr. Zalmay Khalilzad, US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation. Both sides shared their perspectives on peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Major powers like the US and Russia have been reaching out to the Taliban as part of efforts to push the stalled Afghan peace process. "The US goal is to promote dialogue among Afghans about how to end the conflict, and to encourage the parties to come together at the negotiating table to reach a political settlement where every Afghan citizen enjoys equal rights and responsibilities under the rule of law," the US State Department said on Tuesday. India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. In a significant move, India had sent two former diplomats in "non official" capacity to a conference on Afghan peace process in Moscow in November which was attended by a high-level Taliban delegation. The conference organised by Russia was attended by representatives of Afghanistan as well as from several other countries including the US, Pakistan and China. India has been maintaining a policy of not engaging with the Taliban and pressing for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace initiative to bring peace and stability in the war-ravaged country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Leading global logistics provider Agility has opened a 28,000-sq-m facility in Bahrain to expand its warehousing, freight, transport and specialty capabilities and serve as a regional logistics and distribution hub. The new facility, located in Hidd, supports contract logistics with ambient, chilled and frozen storage, as well as solutions for high-value cargo. It will offer secure records management and storage and turnkey logistics for Bahrain-based manufacturers in the fast-moving consumer goods industry. Agility is a leading provider of cross-border transportation, owning and operating a fleet of over 200 vehicles. Agility also facilitates customs brokerage for a number of multinational organisations based in Bahrain. Essa Al-Saleh, CEO of Agility Global Integrated Logistics, said: Bahrain is one of our key operational markets in the Middle East, offering high-quality infrastructure and a diverse community of regional business players. With an expanding population in the GCC and an increase in demand for integrated logistics services, our investment in Bahrain will help us better serve customers in the region. The opening of our new facility is a testament to our commitment to this promising market. The new facility, which has storage capacity of 17,000 pallet positions, represents a $10 million investment by Agility. It follows the expansion of the companys overland fleet in Bahrain to support its regional operations. Zayed Alzayani, Bahrains Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, said: Bahrain is undergoing rapid economic transformation and continuing to attract international investment, with the logistics industry playing a major role towards this. The industry benefits not just from Bahrains strategic geographic location, but also its growing infrastructure, established transport links and policies that are conducive to fostering business. The expansion of the regional logistics and distribution hub is a natural step for Agility, who have been steadily developing their operations in Bahrain since 2003. A recent World Bank report estimates that Bahrains economy will grow by 2.6 per cent in 2019, driven by higher oil production and mega projects. In 2017, the total value of foreign direct investment (FDI) reached $733 million, with the share of transport and logistics being 10 per cent. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: Bahrain offers the lowest setup and operating costs for a logistics business with cost savings of 30 to 40 per cent compared to the rest of the GCC. This has encouraged several companies to utilise our ports and free zones in order to set up businesses and access the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Arab world. Agilitys investments in the local logistics industry are testament to the business confidence that Bahrain provides. - TradeArabia News Service The BJP state unit's spokesperson Thursday asked former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav as to why was he afraid of CBI, if he has committed no mining fraud during his term. If he is innocent, why is he afraid of a CBI probe and why is BSP supremo Mayawati extending him moral support? asked state unit's spokesperson Hero Vajpayee, while talking to reporters in Vrindaban. He said it shows the 'mahabhaybandhan' (extreme fear) of corrupt people, who have no interest in solving the problem of the common man and are using their energy for ousting an honest prime minister by hook or crook. Referring to the alliance forged between two parties, Vajpayee said "bua and bhatija" duo has forged the alliance lest they are rendered irrelevant in state Vajpayee accused UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress Rahul Gandhi of having scant regards for parliamentary democracy, saying that's why they are bent upon disturbing the functioning of Parliament. Welcoming the passage of the bill for 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker section of the society in state jobs and educational institutions, Vajpayee termed it as a historical step aimed at achieving "true" social justice. He said it would help children of rural poor and farmers to get state jobs and admission in good institutions, that they have been deprived of till now due to their economic constraints. No serious effort was ever made to uplift this section of the society by the Congress or any other political party, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Unaccounted foreign currencies worth about Rs 39 lakh were recovered from a passenger at the international airport here, CISF officials said Thursday. During the screening of baggages late Wednesday night, the CISF personnel detected currencies of three gulf countries including the UAE dirhams from the passenger, who was scheduled to fly to Dubai, the officials said adding the total value of the currencies was Rs 38.73 lakh. The passenger could not produce any valid documents, the CISF officials said. The man along with the currencies was handed over to Customs officials, they added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Uttarakhand High Court Thursday put a stay on the arrest of senior IAS officer Pankaj Pandey in connection with the Rs 300 crore NH-74 compensation scam. Pandey, who is currently under suspension, approached the high court Thursday seeking anticipatory bail in the case. His bail application had been rejected by the lower court on January 5. Hearing the matter, the single bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari directed the state government to file a counter affidavit in the case and granted a stay on Pandey's arrest till the next date of hearing in the case on February 12, his counsel Vipul Sharma said. The scam is related to the alleged conversion of land use with the connivance of officials to pay selected landowners compensation 20 times more than they deserved. The land acquisition process took place between 2011 and 2016. Pandey and another IAS official Chandresh Yadav had served as district magistrates of Udham Singh Nagar during this period. Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra and Ruchira Gupta from the Supreme Court appeared for Pandey in the matter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Uttarakhand government will rejuvenate Rispana and Bindal rivers of the state on the lines of Gujarat's Sabarmati river, an official statement said Thursday. A MoU in this regard was signed between the Sabarmati River Front Development Corporation Ltd (SRFDCL) and the Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) here on Wednesday. SRFDCL Executive Director R KMehta and MDDA Vice Chairman Ashish Srivastav signed the MoU at Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat's residence, the official release said. The SRFDCL will provide technical support to the Uttarakhand government in developing Rispana and Bindal river fronts, it said. The chief minister said that the beautification of the two rivers, checking encroachments around them and maintaining their flow is part of the multi-dimensional project. With technical support from the SRFDCL, both the rivers will be rejuvenated within two years, he said, adding this will not only beautify Dehradun but also help in conserving the Last year, the Rawat government had conducted a massive plantation drive along the river banks to recharge the water table and control water depletion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two Indian-American lawmakers have criticised US President Donald Trump for his plans to declare a national emergency to build a wall along the Mexican border that has led to a partial government shutdown. Ro Khanna, the California Democrat, in a series of tweets talked about the implications of the shutdown and how it is affecting Americans as the partial government shutdown entered 19th day on Wednesday, making it the second-longest in the US history. "Millions of Americans are feeling the effects of the govt. shutdown. It is unacceptable that 800,000 hard-working federal employees are furloughed. The President needs to negotiate a budget deal with Congress and open the government as soon as possible," Khanna tweeted. The shutdown does not affect the entire federal government but several major agencies, including the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Homeland Security, the Interior, State, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development. "Trump may want to declare a 'national emergency' to sidestep Congress and build a border wall. The real 'national emergency' is that young Americans are drowning in student debt, families are forced into bankruptcy due to health costs & millions of our citizens are left behind," Khanna, who represents California's 17th district, said in the tweet. About 800,000 federal workers have been affected by the shutdown. Some 420,000 workers are being forced to work without pay since they are considered "essential" employees. The other 380,000 workers are furloughed, which means they are barred from work and will not receive pay. "Not only did Trump leave hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay for the holidays due to the shutdown, but he's also frozen their 2019 pay increase. Can someone please tell me how this will grow the economy?... End this shutdown now," he said in another tweet on Wednesday. Indian-American Senator Kamala Harris also criticised Trump and called the shutdown a "crisis of the President's own making". "American people deserve better leadership than they are seeing under this President, stating that the shutdown has thrown lives into chaos," Harris, the daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica, said. Khanna and Harris' remarks comes a day after Trump in a primetime address to the nation appealed to the American people to pressure legislators to fund the border wall he wants and end the government shutdown. In December, Trump said in an Oval Office meeting with top congressional Democratic leaders that he would be "proud" to shutdown part of the government in service of forcing Congress to give him the full USD 5.7 billion he wants for a border wall. The building of wall along the Mexican border was central to Trump's presidential campaign to prevent entry of illegal immigrants. Democrats and some Republicans have rejected Trump's demand for the US-Mexico border. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A local court Thursday remanded to judicial custody two state government employees accused of vandalising a State Bank of India branch here on the second day of the 48 hour-long nation-wide trade union strike. Earlier in the day, police had arrested Ashokan, a senior accountant at the Treasury Directorate and Harilal, an attender at the Technical Education Directorate, after the duo surrendered at a police station. The treasury branch of the SBI was attacked on Wednesday The branch manager Santhosh had said that a group of people came to his cabin at around 10 AM, threatened him and the staff, damaged a glass table top and a computer monitor. Police had examined the CCTV visuals from inside the branch and registered case against 15 persons. Police said more arrests would take place in the coming days. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In an attempt to bring transparency in political advertisements ahead of general election in India, Thursday said it will provide a new dashboard showing such expenditures by political parties on its platform. The US-based company is also engaging with various stakeholders, including of (ECI), to verify candidates as well as train parties and election officials on using and teach them how to report suspicious, abusive, and rule-violating activity to "We are going to implement here in something that we started this past election in the US, which is an advertising dashboard that provides transparency to the public so that users can take a look at spending on the platform during the course of the election," Twitter Global (Public Policy) Colin Crowell said. He added that the tool -- Transparency Centre -- will be made available over the course of next several weeks as the company is working on finer details of the features that will be offered in With elections slated to be held in the coming months, the has taken a tough stance on the issue and warned platforms of strong action if any attempt was made to influence the country's electoral process through undesirable means. It has recently also proposed to amend IT rules, wherein platforms and messaging apps will be required to deploy tools to "identify" and curb unlawful content as well as follow stricter due diligence practices. The IT ministry is seeking feedback from the public on the draft amendments before taking a final decision. Crowell explained that the intent of bringing its Transparency Centre to India to provide information around who the advertiser is, the content that is being promoted, how much is being spent on the ad and whether the ad is running nationwide or in a particular geography. "... because this is informative to users and to the larger conversation around how the election is playing out, (we can) be more transparent with people who use Twitter about what's happening on the platform, what's organic and what's promoted (tweet)," he said. In the US, Twitter had tested election labels on some candidates, where clicking on the label would provide users additional information about the candidate that was furnished by a third-party. Mahima Kaul, Director (Public Policy) for Twitter India, said in the Indian market, the company would get information on candidates from political parties to ensure that the information is coming from a trusted source. "We look forward to continuing discussions with the EC of India as we move towards the 2019 Lok Sabha, and to supporting the EC as they seek to have a more proactive voice in the digital space, including on Twitter," she added. Twitter collaborates with election officials around the world, including the of India, to ensure advertising by political parties on the platform is transparent. Twitter said in addition to its policies, all political advertisers must comply with applicable laws regarding disclosure and content requirements, eligibility restrictions, and blackout dates for the locations where they advertise. For advertising by political parties and candidates in India, Kaul said Twitter will ensure that all parties that want to advertise with Twitter have a certification by the Besides, Twitter is also engaging with various political parties and candidates for verified accounts. "We will be doing training on Twitter rules, preparatory sessions... we're also engaging with some civil society organisations and NGOs (around voter education)," Crowell said. Twitter which counts India among its priority markets already has a large number of politicians in the country on its platform, who engage with residents and extensively use it around elections. Twitter has introduced a new initiative '#ChaupalOnTwitter' to encourage more civic discussion and participation between communities and their leaders through the microblogging platform. Another initiative called '#PowerOf18' aims to encourage Indian youth to contribute to public debate and participate in civic engagement ahead of the upcoming elections. On the proposed amendment in IT rules for intermediaries, Crowell said a "carefully crafted balance" needs to be struck between ensuring safety and security of users and steps that could impact free expression. US President Donald Trump's first prime-time Oval Office address, a nine-minute speech on border security and the government shutdown, drew roughly 40 million television viewers, according to a media report. Trump on Wednesday asked the Democrats to allocate a whopping USD 5.7 billion funding for his controversial US-Mexico border wall plan to halt a "growing humanitarian and security crisis". Trump's remarks during in his maiden prime-time address to the nation from the Oval Office came amid a partial government shutdown that is days away from becoming the longest in US history. The speech itself made little news, and critics questioned why network executives had agreed to grant Trump such a large platform. Executives said they believed that the government shutdown, and its adverse affects on millions of Americans, were inherently newsworthy, The New York Times reported. His speech fell short of his State of the Union address in 2018, which drew about 45.6 million viewers, and past landmark presidential moments, like former president Barack Obama's announcement of the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011, which reached 56.5 million people, the report said. The building of a wall along the Mexican border was central to Trump's presidential campaign to prevent the entry of illegal immigrants. Democrats and some Republicans have rejected Trump's demand for the controversial US-Mexico border wall. The viewers included nearly 16 million across the three big cable channels -- Fox News, CNN and MSNBC -- a major jump in their usual weeknight audience, the report quoted statistics released by Nielsen, a leading global information and measurement company. The rest 24 million watched special bulletins on major broadcast networks. The Nielsen measurement, however, does not include Americans who watched online livestreams of Trump's remarks. It was the President's first formal Oval Office address and he thanked supporters afterward on Twitter "for soooo many nice comments". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Donald Trump headed Thursday to the US-Mexico border to push his demand for a wall, a day after he walked out of negotiations with Democrats in a political crisis paralysing the government. Trump departed the White House en route for Texas, where he was expected to visit the community of McAllen and meet with local border patrol agents. "We want a secure country," Trump told journalists just before departing. The Texas trip gives Trump yet another high-profile stage to push his wall plan, following a national television address Tuesday and his drama-filled abandonment of talks with Democratic opponents on Wednesday. Trump wants $5.7 billion for construction of a wall that he says is needed to stop a violent crime crisis caused by an unsecure border. Democrats say the wall would not solve real US immigration problems and is being promoted as a gimmick to satisfy the president's right-wing base. Trump has tried to pressure Congress by refusing to sign off on a host of unrelated, normally uncontroversial government spending, resulting in a partial government shutdown. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees, including air traffic controllers and members of the Coast Guard, have been without pay for three weeks. The frustrated president again repeated his threat that if the Democrats don't back down, he will declare a national emergency to give himself authority to go around Congress. "If we don't make a deal, I think it would be very surprising to me" not to declare a national emergency, he said. Analysts say the declaration would likely be challenged in court as a case of presidential overreach, in which case the wall still would face being blocked. However, it would still give Trump political cover with his base by showing he'd done what he could. At that point, Trump could end the partial government shutdown. Indicating that the impasse could drag on, Trump said that he will skip an international forum in Davos in just under two weeks "if the shutdown continues." Trump, who revels in telling stories about his negotiating skills as a New York real estate magnate, has not managed to get the Democrats to budge on his demand for the $5.7 billion. On Wednesday, he invited Democratic leaders to the White House and began by asking if they would approve the wall in exchange for him ending the government shutdown. When the Democrats said no, he walked out. "A total waste of time," Trump tweeted. "I said bye-bye, nothing else works!" Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Senate, told journalists Trump "sort of slammed the table," then "got up and walked out." "Again, we saw a temper tantrum because he couldn't get his way," Schumer said. Trump disputed that Thursday, saying "I didn't pound the table. That is a lie." "I don't have temper tantrums," he said. "All of that narrative is a lie." In Texas, aid workers say that people crossing the border do not present the menace that Trump claims. "The truth is that a great number of percentage of people entering our country, asking to come in to the country, are not criminals: they are families, children, mothers, who really are asking for protection," said Sister Norma Pimentel, head of the Catholic Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, Texas. "They're not coming here to hurt us but rather for us to help them." A 23-year-old Honduran who gave his name only as Kevin said he came with his toddler age daughter in search of a better life. "We left because of the crime, because there is a lot of unemployment. The education system is bad and all of us, we parents, want a better future for our children," he told AFP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two Ukrainian oligarchs were the intended recipients of US polling data President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman admitted to sharing with a Russian during the 2016 presidential race, a CNN report said Wednesday, citing a source close to the matter. Pro-Russia Ukrainians Serhiy Lyovochkin and Rinat Akhmetov had paid Paul Manafort millions of dollars over the years for lobbying work. The revenue seemingly dried up in 2015 -- but Manafort wrote to his accountant in August 2016 saying he expected USD 2.4 million for Ukraine-based work, according to court documents. A spokesman for Manafort denied to CNN that the polling data was quid pro quo for the money he expected to receive, adding it was for old debts predating the Trump campaign. But CNN said the development nevertheless demonstrated Manafort had an interest in taking money from a foreign country while he led Trump's campaign. According to the network, Akhmetov is one of Ukraine's richest men and bankrolled the pro-Moscow Party of Regions. Lyovochkin was a senior official under former pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych. Manafort admitted in a court filing Tuesday to sharing the polling data with Russian political consultant Konstantin Kilimnik, who reportedly has intelligence ties. But he denied allegations from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russian collusion investigation that he had lied about these dealings, arguing he merely forgot details during the hectic campaign. The specifics of the Mueller allegations were not previously known publicly, having been blacked out in a heavily redacted December 7 filing by the prosecutor's team. But in Manafort's response, the electronic formatting for the redaction could easily be bypassed, revealing exactly what he was accused of lying about. It showed that Mueller had questioned Manafort on his discussions with Kilimnik in 2016 on a possible peace plan for Ukraine. That could be significant, because Manafort is believed to have played a role in changing the Republican platform position on Ukraine during 2016 to a more Moscow-friendly stance. The 69-year-old has already been convicted in one case brought by Mueller, and pleaded guilty in another, over financial crimes related to his work in Ukraine before the 2016 campaign, and for witness tampering, which also involved Kilimnik. He had a deal to cooperate with Mueller while delaying sentencing, which eventually could mean years in jail. But in December Mueller's team asked the court to schedule sentencing, saying Manafort had violated that deal by lying to investigators. Manafort's lawyers said he had no reason to misrepresent the truth in his 12 interviews with investigators late last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dubai World Trade Centre said it has completed the last phase of the commercial and retail development at its One Central, a mixed-use development coming up in the heart of Dubai's central business district, ahead of schedule with the delivery of The Offices 4 and 5. With this release of 742,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, the commercial and retail component is now complete and brings the total completed commercial and retail space in One Central to 1.72 million sq ft, complete with a four level basement of 4,380 parking spaces. The rapid pace of development of Dubai's newest free zone business district reaffirms DWTC's role as a destination developer and is set to further draw international businesses to set up base in Dubai. One Central offers an interconnected space, seamlessly integrating offices, retail, residences, hotels, and a wide variety of F&B offerings to DWTC's mega-events venue and the wider city through a world-class transportation network, said the statement. One Central's business occupants additionally benefit from DWTC Authority's free zone competitive setup costs, with a reduction in registration fees by 50-70 per cent announced earlier this year, and a 40-50 per cent reduction in immigration fees depending on the scale of business operation, it added. Coupled with the 588-room Ibis One Central Hotel, and The Offices 1, 2 and 3 which were completed in the last three years, One Central is already home to a variety of blue-chip tenants from the fields of oil and gas, finance, insurance, tourism, and management consulting, demonstrating value for the development as a premium destination in the city with its advantageous location. According to DWTC, the next phase of the development is AccorHotels' 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, scheduled to be completed by June 2020. The hotel will be making its regional debut of the German hospitality brand outside of Europe, and will be the largest of the brand in the world with 434 rooms. The smart upscale hotel will feature a mix of modern rooms and suites with an eclectic mix of arabesque design elements, said the company. Once completed, One Central development will be a new urban destination with commercial office, retail, hospitality, residential, car park and open green spaces. Hotel accommodation will range from affordable hospitality, perfect for corporate stays, to premium accommodation for the leisure traveller, it added. Gurjit Singh, tthe senior VP (Real Estate) at DWTC said: "Through place making and place management, we have created a new top-of-mind vibrant urban destination with One Central, one that offers a competitive advantage with excellent locational connectivity." "It is designed to address the evolving needs of the business occupier, multinational corporations and the evolving needs of the business traveller, and is gaining significant interest from global and local companies," noted Singh. "One Central's business-friendly regime, and a carefully master-planned mix of corporate offerings, retail and hospitality, offers unique lifestyle experiences in line with placing Dubai on a global map as an iconic destination to live, work, play and connect," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Alleging that Air India's move to shift exclusively to a single global distribution service (GDS) platform "smacks of mala fides, irrationality and arbitrariness", travel industry bodies TAAI and TAFI have asked the (CVC) to immediately stay the implementation of the airline's decision and investigate the matter. In a letter dated December 27, 2018, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) and Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) have asked T M Bhasin, Vigilance Commissioner, CVC, to "investigate the illegal appointment of TravelPort as the exclusive GDS partner of Air India" because "to award such a contract without...following mandatory procedure destroyed transparency and fairness". The letter has also been marked to Air India's Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) Aditya K Joshi. In October last year, UK-based firm TravelPort bagged the contract for Air India's domestic ticket distribution services replacing Amadeus. After Travelport come into play, the national carrier removed its inventory from the Amadeus network on December 4 last year. While the new agreement has to be fully implemented by the end of 2019, a two-judge bench of the stated in a order dated January 3 that inventory should be made available to Amadeus, as was being done before December 4, 2018. The travel industry bodies' letter stated that the "illegal" appointment of TravelPort should be investigated because one of the largest private budget carriers "has been put in a place of undue advantage" due to this decision. did not respond to PTI's queries. "To award such a contract without public auction/public tenders/following mandatory procedure destroyed transparency and fairness in awarding public contracts," the letter read. "This contract between TravelPort and reeks of mala fides, irrationality and arbitrariness," it added. There are three major GDS systems in India and globally - Amadeus, Sabre and TravelPort. ALSO READ: Now, Air India to serve food from stocked on international return journeys Amadeus and Sabre have between them more than 80 per cent of all global transactions, the letter said. "TravelPort is therefore the smallest of the three, with less than 20 per cent of all global transactions. In this background, the exclusive contract awarded to TravelPort and their capacity/ability to have won such a contract on merits is a cause for concern," the letter added. On October 11, 2018, Air India had announced that TravelPort had "won a competitive market process undertaken by Air India for the sole purpose of distribution of its domestic flight content (seats) in the airline's home market". The Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department with the help of the Indian Coast Guard Thursday seized around 80 banned fishing nets from fishermen here, officials said. The Sri Lankan Navy has been complaining about Indian fishermen allegedly using banned fishing nets, destroying their fish species. It had charged the Indian fishermen with poaching even protected fish species. The state Deputy Director of Fisheries E Kathavarayan said banned fishing nets not only caused severe damage to the fish population in the seas, but also resulted in pollution and contamination in fish food. Despite repeated warnings, the fishermen were allegedly using the "irattai madi" (double fold) nets, killing fish species in the Gulf of Mannar. The fisheries department official told PTI that it seized banned fishing nets from 86 fishing boats with the help of the Indian Coast Guard. Kathavarayan also said the Fisheries Department had been acting time and again and had slapped a fine of Rs 26 lakh in the last few months on fishermen who had used banned nets. However, they were repeatedly indulging in violating the Wildlife Act and using banned nets, he added. The fisheries official said the department did not have sufficient infrastructure to tackle the issue of fishermen violating norms and soon one boat would be procured to monitor the fishermen. He warned that in future the boats would also be seized along with the fishing nets if the fishermen continued to violate the norms. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) / -- The Catholic Syrian Bank, one of India's oldest private banks, has partnered with PeopleStrong, India's fastest growing HR Tech company, to digitize its entire Human Capital Management. With PeopleStrong Alt Worklife, CSB has embraced and digitized HR with the implementation of a comprehensive HCM software suite, moving from an ageing ERP system to Mobile & Cloud-based Agile system. Kerala-based CSB, which is majority owned by Fairfax, is the only Indian bank to be owned by a non-banking foreign entity. CSB-a century old Indian Private Bank has been a pioneer in adopting new culture shifts in Indian Banking, and as early as in mid 1970s, it recognized the need for automation and introduced Data Processing systems using IBM Data processing machines. PeopleStrong Alt Worklife suite will automate and optimize CSB HR team and people management processes aided with conversation collaboration module that integrates with CSB Group's existing Core Banking system and adheres to varied nature of highly complex and stringent compliance-driven employee lifecycle management policies. PeopleStrong Alt Worklife with 24x7 'Anytime Anywhere' Mobile Access & AI enabled 'Jinie' chatbot capabilities for on-the-go replies, ensures maximum productivity with minimum downtime. Recognizing that the most critical factor which is dominating work-life conversations these days and the kind of experience that mobile and AI-based systems can deliver to a vastly distributed workforce, CSB is one of the early adopters amongst the IBA consortium to new-age HCM system and is well aware of the intricacies required to select a partner which can do justice for such big shifts. CSB, Chief Human Resource officer, Mr. Jayashankar T said, "Going digital and moving to PeopleStrong Alt Worklife's future-ready, integrated HCM suite has improved the visibility of our HR operations, with better compliance and reporting capabilities, streamlining our business processes. The team at PeopleStrong has been supportive for every step of our digital journey and we are grateful to have worked with them as we chart a new phase of growth." Commenting on the association, Pankaj Bansal, CEO, PeopleStrong said, "Alt Worklife's disruptive innovations have been witnessing significant momentum in the BFSI sector across India, and now with CSB, we have started #SimplifyingWorklife for compliance dominated & discreetly complex Indian BFSI sector too. We are pleased to work with industry leaders in the region. Our partnership with CSB marks yet another successful track record in strategic digital transformations for making Indian enterprises future-ready as we strive to position ourselves as one of the region's (APAC) foremost cloud enterprise software providers. Almost 30-40 per cent of the users we have added in the past eight to nine months are from this sector. We've seen early adoption by employees as high as 70 per cent and we expect these numbers to grow significantly." About PeopleStrong Alt WorklifePeopleStrong Alt Worklife is trusted by 200+ leading organizations to manage and simplify worklife of over 600,000 employees, across India. On its journey to write the #NewCodeofWork , PeopleStrong delivers its technology and services in one offering, using its on-demand technology product PeopleStrong Alt. Designed to be accessible on Cloud and Mobile, Alt Worklife Software Suite continues to add many first with application of Machine Learning in Recruitment Technology, NLP & AI enabled chatbot 'Jinie' for employee experience and launching India's first HR App Store Alt One. PeopleStrong is the first company in the space to be successfully assessed on SSAE18Source: PeopleStrong HR Services Pvt. Ltd. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Telangana Prisons department has clocked a turnover of more than Rs 495 crore in 2018 through industries and petrol stations run by it, a top official said Thursday. The department, which is marching towards self-sufficiency, achieved Rs 495.85 crore turnover and earned a net profit of Rs 16.72 crore last year. It is eyeing Rs 30 crore net profit in the current year (2019), Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Vinoy Kumar Singh told reporters here. "Our target is to earn Rs 100 crore profits in 2020 which will make the department self-sufficient. We are marching fast on path to self-sufficiency and setting ambitious target to achieve it by 2020 itself," he said. The Telangana Prisons Department operates 17 petrol pumps in Hyderabad and different districts wherein inmates and released prisoners besides former jail authorities man such bunks. The department also established 'My Nation Outlets' and 'Ayurvedic villages,' where prisoners are provided employment. Expressing surprise over the decline in number of prisoner deaths last year, Singh said the number of deaths dropped to eight in 2018 as against 17 in 2017 and 56 reported in 2014. Listing the facilities provided to prisoners, the official said, "The Telangana Prisons has become a pioneer in providing medical facilities to the prisoners including Master Health checkup, nutritious food, physical exercises. "We have provided ambulances to all the prisons," he said. On the department's target for 2019, Singh said, "We have set a target for improving the industries and taking care of the jail department staff. We will prepare proforma for collecting information on education and health of each and every jail staff and their family members." Claiming that the Telangana Prisons department had almost become corruption-free, he said only one allegation of proved corruption against a jail official came to light and the complainant was paid cash reward Rs 10,000 as declared in its policy. According to Singh, 76,443 people were lodged in jails across the state as of 2018 and out of it around 12,000 were serving sentences in connection with drunken driving cases. To a query, he said sexual offenders, rape accused and convicts are lodged in separate barracks in the jails and are also being provided with special counselling in order to reform them. On the 'Anand Ashrams' (special homes) set up for rehabilitation of beggars in the city, Singh said, "So far 7,319 male beggars and 4475 female beggars visited the Ashrams of which 7079 male beggars and 4440 female beggars were released on their personal undertaking not to resort to begging again." Referring to the 'Vidhya Dan' programme of the department, he said, "As many as 1,32,705 unlettered prisoners have been made literates."Soon after assuming charge in July 2014, Singh launched the programme, aimed at making the inmates at least sign instead of giving their thumb impression as was done prior to admission into jail. Advising other departments to follow the administrative model of the Telangana Prisons department, he said, "This model can be adopted by other departments in Telangana to make Telangana state a 'Bangaru State' (Golden State). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 33-year-old Tanzanian man has been apprehended by CISF personnel at the Delhi airport for allegedly trying to smuggle out narcotic drug worth about Rs 35 lakh, officials said Thursday. K Kelvin George was intercepted by the security officials late on Wednesday after he arrived at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport to take a flight to a city in Tanzania via Doha, they said. George (33) was chosen for detailed frisking as he was found suspicious and subsequently 25 kgs of white granular powder, stuffed in five transparent packets labelled 'superfine quality' sugar, was recovered from his travel bag. CISF personnel subsequently called anti-narcotics sleuths who confirmed the granular substance to be pseudoephedrine, a stimulant type of narcotic drugs. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is tasked with guarding the airport. The officials said the estimated value of the seized narcotics is about Rs 35 lakh. George had arrived in India on a business visa and he was handed over to anti-narcotics officials, they added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after supporting talks with Taliban, Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat said the same approach cannot be applied to Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that talks and terror cannot go together and that any engagement with militant groups in the state will be strictly on the basis of conditions set by the government. The Army Chief also said that Pakistan's hostilities towards India along the border in J&K have not come down after Imran Khan came to power, adding the Pakistani leader was only talking about peace and not doing anything to improve the situation on the ground. Gen. Rawat, addressing a press conference ahead of Army Day on January 15, also said over 300 terrorists are waiting along the border in Kashmir to infiltrate, but added his forces are ready foil their attempts. "The government is adopting a hard and soft power approach in dealing with Kashmir...We are only facilitators for peace in J&K," he said. Referring to a number of countries engaging in talks with Taliban, the Army Chief said India should not be out of the bandwagon as it has "interests" in Afghanistan. "Same analogy cannot be applied to J&K. It is a bilateral issue between us and our western neighbour. There is no place for any third party intervention. Here if we have to talk, we have to talk based on our terms and conditions," said Gen. Rawat in his annual press conference. In his address at the Raisina Dialogue on Wednesday, Gen. Rawat backed dialogue with the Taliban in Afghanistan. "It is not one size fix all. You have to see your national interests, where you have different national interests, you take a different line," he added. The Army Chief was asked about his comments on Wednesday backing talks with Taliban and whether he would support engaging Hurriyat Conference and other separatist groups in Kashmir. "We are saying talks and terror cannot happen together. It is not only just applicable to our western neighbour, it is applicable to Jammu and Kashmir also. You cannot keep killing security personnel and say we are ready for talks," said the Army Chief. "Talks can only happen if you give up violence," he added. The Army Chief also said success in Jammu and Kashmir should not be measured by number of terrorists being killed and that people of the state were beginning to understand that violence was not the way forward. He said of local youths joining terrorism in Kashmir was linked to intensity of propaganda and was not related to killing of terrorists by security forces. He said funeral processions of terrorists and conferring martyr status to them by Tanjims had encouraged youths to join the groups, adding the Army has limited the processions which has shown positive results. "We have now started curtailing these (funeral processions). The now of people allowed to join the funeral processions have started gradually coming down. We are trying to control the crowd," he said. The Army Chief said people of Jammu and Kashmir were beginning to realise the futility of violence. "Youths in Kashmir are immensely terrorised by terror groups and Tanjims," he said. On the situation in the state, he said, "I am not saying it's totally under control. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : Hit by controversies, including sexual abuse involving priests, the Kerala-based Syro-Malabar Catholic Church has decided to set up internal committees at the diocesan level to create a "safe environment" for all, including children and vulnerable adults. The decision to implement the "Safe Environment Policy" was taken at the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Archiespicoal Church being held here. This policy is being implemented to ensure safety and security for all, especially children and vulnerable adults, a Church official said. Claiming that the safety and security for all have already been ensured in parishes, diocese, religious congregations and institutions of the Syro-Malabar church, the official said that the implementation of new "Safe Environment Policy" would further strengthen it. According to the policy, representation of the laity should be ensured in the committees being set up in the diocesan level to solve the complaints. The new policy was evolved on the basis of directives issued by the Vatican, Catholic Bishops Conference of India and the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council, the official said. The Catholic Church in India has been hit by various scandals involving priests recently. Bishop Franco Mulakkal, a senior member of the Roman Catholic clergy in India, was arrested in September amid mounting public outrage over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun in Kerala. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cab hailing platform has issued 2.45 lakh shares worth over Rs 520 crore to Steadview Capital Mauritius an alternative asset management firm and an existing investor in the company, according to documents filed with the Corporate Affairs Ministry. "...245,082 fully and compulsorily convertible, cumulative 'Series J' preference shares...is hereby allotted at a subscription price of Rs 21,250 per series 'J' preference share...to Steadview Capital Mauritius Ltd," the documents showed. This translates into an investment of about Rs 520.79 crore by Steadview, an existing investor in The resolution was passed at a board meeting of ANI Technologies' -- the entity that runs -- on January 9, the documents added. Emails sent to the company went unanswered. According to sources, the allotment of these shares to Steadview is part of the ride hailing company's plans of raising about $1 billion in funding. In October last year, the Bengaluru-based company had announced raising $1.1 billion funding from China's Tencent Holdings Ltd and It had also stated that it was in "advanced talks" to close an additional $1 billion to conclude a total mop-up of over $2 billion. Ola is locked in a battle for market leadership with US-based rival in and other markets like Australia, and the UK. The Indian company has been aggressively ramping up its rides business as well as hailing platform and food delivery operations (through Foodpanda). Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday said that the SAARC swap arrangement with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is part of the international assistance to boost the island's flagging reserves. "The Reserve Bank of India has agreed to give our Central Bank USD 400 million under the SAARC currency swap arrangement. They (the Indians) are considering a further large sum," Wickremesinghe told parliament. His remarks came a day after Sri Lanka's Central Bank on Wednesday said that the RBI has agreed to provide USD 400 million under the SAARC swap arrangement to boost the island nation's reserves. It said that a further request to the RBI for another SWAP arrangement of USD 1 billion is "under consideration". Wickremesinghe said that Lanka will make its highest ever debt payment in history USD 2600 million - on January 14. "Within 2019 we have to pay USD 5900 million by way of interest and capital on foreign loans," he said. Wickremesinghe said that the nearly two-month long political crisis had an adverse impact on the country's economy. "During the 51 days, our Rupee fell by 3.8 per cent. When all other currencies were appreciating, the rupee was falling. There were capital outflows from the country," he said. "We are yet to quantify the losses, but it was a death blow to an economy that was struggling to recover," Wickremesinghe told parliament. President Maithripala Sirisena's dramatic move on October 26 to sack Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and install former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place following differences over policy issues, left the country without a functioning government for nearly two months. However, a Supreme court verdict forced Sirisena to reinstate Wickremesinghe. Sri Lanka's reserves dipped from USD 7991 million to USD 6985 million during the crisis, the prime minister said. Due to the political crisis, the big three credit rating agencies -- Fitch Ratings, Standard & Poor's (S&P) and Moody's -- downgraded Sri Lanka's sovereign rating. Wickremesinghe said the government is in the process of raising USD 1.9 billion to boost its reserves. One billion dollars are to be raised in international markets while USD 500 million would be raised from Chinese Panda funds and Japanese Samurai Funds in addition to the USD 400 million from India's RBI under SAARC currency swap arrangement. The government's priority right now is to work for the rupee's stabilisation, Wickremesinghe said. The weaker rupee has caused cost escalation of raw materials and all imports. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South Africa on Thursday invited Indian companies to invest in the country and said people from India have "richly contributed" to the nation's "economic development for generations". South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Regina Mhaule in her address at the Raisina Dialogue here also acknowledged India's pioneering role in gaining international support for the fight against apartheid. "As the people of South Africa sought to overthrow the shackles of oppression brought to bear upon us, India...was one of the most principled supporters of the struggle against apartheid and racial discrimination," she said. "It was India which consistently called on the international community to act on the issue of apartheid in South Africa in international fora," Mhaule added. Asserting that her country is an "attractive investment destination", the African leader invited Indian businesses to "pursue the many opportunities available" in South Africa. She said the arrival of first Indians in South Africa over 150 years ago "richly contributed to the nation's diversity and economic development for generations". Reflecting on the strong historical and cultural links between the two countries, Mhaule said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to be the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations later this month further "cemented the bilateral relationship", which covers a wide array of areas, from political to economic, scientific and multilateral cooperation. The minister also recounted how a visit of late President Nelson Mandela to India led to the formation of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation (now IORA). She said the relations between the two countries have grown from "strength to strength". "We join the Indian people in the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The values that he lived and espoused would continue to shape our sister countries," Mhaule said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The situation along the nearly 4,000-km long border between India and China has improved following the summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wuhan last year, Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat said Thursday. He said certain "directives" were issued to various formations along the border following the Wuhan summit and they are being followed. "We have been able to maintain peace and tranquillity along the Chinese border, particularly after the Wuhan summit. Common directions were issued and they are being followed," he said addressing a press conference ahead of Army Day on January 15. At the same time, he made it clear that same policy is being followed in protecting the border with Pakistan as well as with China, indicating that the Indian Army was not lowering its guard along the Chinese frontier. "It is not that different policies are being followed for Northern and Western border," he said. "I would say that with the northern border, we have been able to maintain the kind of peace and tranquillity that we wished," he added. Gen. Rawat said there have been regular interactions between the Indian Army and the Peoples Liberation Army as part of confidence building measures. In their informal summit in Chinese city of Wuhan in April last year, Modi and Xi decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications so that they can build trust and understanding. The informal summit had taken place seven months after the Doklam standoff. Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day face-off in Doklam from June 16, 2017, after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. The impasse ended on August 28. As concerns mounted over Chinese infrastructure build-up in Tibet Autonomous Region and near Doklam tri-junction, the government is also expediting implementation of pending projects like laying of roads, construction of bridges, strengthening of key military airfields and enhancing surveillance along the nearly 3,600-km Sino-India border. Gen. Rawat said India is also developing required infrastructure along the Sino-India border. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress Thursday likened Prime Minister Narendra Modi to German dictator Adolf Hitler and accused him of trying to "strangulate" the rights of the opposition, a day after its party men were allegedly thrashed by police in Solapur during his visit to the city. Senior party leader and former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde also accused Modi of making an "election speech" during the visit to Solapur and alleged that the prime minister shied from talking about important public issues like drought, Dhangar quota and others. Modi was in the Western Maharashtra city Wednesday to launch a slew of development works, including road projects. Shinde, who hails from Solapur district, said it was the right of the opposition to stage protests in a democracy. "The BJP government, particularly the prime minister, tried to strangulate the rights of the opposition to stage protest in a democracy," he told reporters here. Shinde claimed several young Congress workers were roughed up by police and called for a probe into the matter. "Is it a democracy or dictatorship? Even Hitler would not have been able to act in such a way," the former chief minister of Maharashtra added. The Congress veteran also referred to decisions such as demonetisation and divesting CBI Director Alok Kumar Verma of his powers and sending him on leave last year (he was reinstated recently) to attack the Centre. "We have been demonstrating for years. But this was for the first time police did not allow us to protest...He (Modi) works the way (Russian President Vladimir) Putin does. "Does he (Modi) listen to anyone? This is what is called Hitlerism," he charged. Shinde alleged the prime minister launched and sought credit for projects which were envisaged during the previous Congress government. "This means they have nothing to show or offer," he added. Countering Shinde, Maharashtra BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye charged the Congress leader with taking orders from the Gandhi family and said he had no right to criticise the prime minister. "Shinde, who coined the false catchphrase like saffron terrorism by taking orders from Gandhi family, has no right to criticise the prime minister," Upadhye said. During his tenure as Union Home Minister, Shinde had in January 2013 accused the BJP and the RSS of conducting "terror training" camps to spread "saffron terrorism" in the country. Shinde, however, had later said that his comments were misunderstood and that he had no intention to link terrorism with any religion or political organisations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Speculations over an alliance between the ruling AAP and the Congress for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections intensified on Thursday, with Sheila Dikshit being appointed as new president of the grand old party's Delhi unit. Dikshit, however, refused to comment on the alliance issue. Earlier, she had said she will accept the Congress high command's decision on a tie-up with the AAP. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary and in-charge of Delhi unit, PC Chacko, while announcing the appointment of Dikshit as new president, said there were no talks within the Delhi unit about an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and it was fully prepared to contest the parliamentary election on its own. "I have no opinion just now that I would like to share. Let me get involved and understand the situation from top to downwards and then only I will react to it," Dikshit said reacting to speculations on her party joining hands with the AAP in Delhi. Multiple sources in the two parties, however, claimed that the chances of alliance for the general elections have brightened with the appointment of Dikshit. Chacko had earlier said that the issue of Congress's alliance with other parties will be decided by the AK Antony committee of the party. Dikshit has replaced Ajay Maken, who was opposed to any alliance with the AAP that he bitterly criticised over issues of governance and corruption. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who levelled grave allegations against Sheila Dikshit is so "flustered" with "inaction" of his government and popularity of Narendra Modi that he is ready to tie up with Congress. "He had promised to send Sheila Dikshit to jail for corruption but may be gave up the idea thinking she was not active in Now that she has been appointed as Delhi Congress president, Kejriwal ji would definitely send her behind the bars in a few days," he said. BJP's Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta claimed H S Phoolka resigned from the AAP due to the possibility of its alliance with the Congress and Ajay Maken stepped down as Delhi Congress president for the same reason. The AAP said that Dikshit's appointment as Delhi Congress president showed there was "serious deficit" of leadership in the party. "In 2013, Sheila Dixit was the CM when she lost her own seat to Arvind Kejriwal. Then Congress changed two state presidents and got zero seats in Legislative Assembly and Parliament elections. She was later made CM candidate for UP which also Congress lost. Bringing her back means serious deficit of leadership in Delhi Congress. We wish her good health," AAP chief spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj said. However, the AAP has so far not denied speculations on possibility of alliance with Congress. Senior party leader Gopal Rai earlier said that the decision on alliance will be taken by Political Affairs Committee of the AAP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit was appointed the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president on Thursday, days after Ajay Maken resigned from the post citing ill-health. Making the announcement, All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge of the party's Delhi unit, P C Chacko, said Dikshit would be assisted by three working presidents -- Devender Yadav, Haroon Yusuf and Rajesh Lilotia. Chacko said there were no talks within the Delhi unit about alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and that the party was fully prepared to contest the parliamentary election on its own. Maken congratulated Dikshit, saying that under her leadership the Congress party would play the role of a powerful opposition against the governments in the national capital led by Arvind Kejriwal and at the Centre led by Narendra Modi. "Congratulations and well wishes to Sheila Dikshit on being appointed as president of Delhi Congress. I had the opportunity to work and learn under her as a parliamentary secretary and as a cabinet minister. I believe under her leadership we will play the role of a powerful opposition against Modi+Kejriwal governments," Maken tweeted Eighty-year-old Dikshit has been a three-time chief minister of Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday appointed former chief minister Sheila Dikshit as the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee chief, days after Ajay Maken resigned from the post citing ill health, in a bid to strengthen the party ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Making the announcement at the party headquarters here, All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge of the party's Delhi unit, P C Chacko said Dikshit will be assisted by three working presidents -- Devender Yadav, Haroon Yusuf and Rajesh Lilotia. "Congress President Rahul Gandhi has appointed Sheila Dixit as the president of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee," he said. On talks within the Delhi unit about alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Chacko said Congress was fully prepared to contest the parliamentary election on its own. "The Congress in Delhi is strong enough to fight on its own. We are fully prepared and ready to face the 2019 elections on our own," he said. Talking about the three working presidents of the Delhi unit, he said Devendra Yadav was a two-time MLA and secretary of the AICC, while Rajesh Lilothia was two-time MLA of Delhi and also the secretary of AICC. Chacko said Haroon Yusuf was the Congress Parliamentary Party Leader in the Delhi Assembly. Commenting on her appointment as the Delhi Congress unit chief, 80-year-old Dikshit said she felt honoured for the responsibility given to her. "I will not comment on it and only time will tell," she said when asked about critics pointing fingers at her age. The critics have said her old age would be a challenge to revive the Congress in the national capital. "I have no message for BJP or AAP, I just want to say that now Congress will be revived," Dikshit said. Reacting to speculations over Congress-AAP alliance in the city, the former Delhi CM said, "I have no opinion just now that I would like to share. Let me get involved and understand the situation from top to down, then only I will react". Maken congratulated Dikshit, saying under her leadership, the Congress party would play the role of a powerful opposition against the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi and the Centre-led by Narendra Modi. "Congratulations and well wishes to Sheila Dikshit on being appointed as president of Delhi Congress. I had the opportunity to work and learn under her as a parliamentary secretary and as a cabinet minister. I believe under her leadership we will play the role of a powerful opposition against Modi+Kejriwal governments," he tweeted. Dikshit has been three-time chief minister of Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police busted a sex racket being run from a posh residential locality here Thursday evening and rescued five women, four of them from Bangladesh, an official said. Two women pimps were arrested in connection with the racket, said Ravindra Daundkar, senior inspector of the Thane police's Anti-Human Trafficking Cell (AHTC). The racket came to light after a team of officials from AHTC raided the locality in Manpada area, he said. The team rescued five women, including four Bangladeshi nationals, during the raid, Daundkar said. An offence was registered against the accused under the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA), he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Seva Dal, grassroots front organisation of the Congress, will hold a two-day national meet in Rajasthan and it will be attended by party president Rahul Gandhi. The date and venue for the meeting has not yet been officially decided but is likely to be held later this month or mid-February, said Lalji Desai, who was appointed as chief organiser of the All India Congress Seva Dal. He said the two-day meet will be held in Rajasthan and thereafter, the young brigade of the front will take out a bike rally across the country in February and March. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Separatists leaders Thursday condemned the killing of a Sikh youth by unidentified gunmen in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir last week. They said killing of any human being irrespective of the faith he belongs to deserves highest form of condemnation. In a joint statement issued here, separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik said many attempts were made to trigger a sectarian wedge and the Sikh community was targeted time and again but they always stood shoulder to shoulder with the majority community and the ongoing freedom struggle. They said when the gruesome incident of Chattisingpora massacre of Sikhs took place in 2000, the members of Sikh community "showed wisdom, remained patient and defeated the anti-Kashmir agencies and people". "It is the collective responsibility of the (separatist) leadership and people to protect the minorities be that Sikhs, Hindus, and Buddhists as Islam also lay stress on protecting the members of minority community," the statement said. Simranjeet Singh was shot dead by suspected militants on January 4 in Tral area of Pulwama district. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A South African primary school teacher was suspended on Thursday after a photograph appeared to show black children sitting separately from white children in a classroom, sparking a storm of racism accusations. The pupils were attending their first day at the Schweizer-Reneke school in North West province when the teacher took a photograph to send to anxious parents. It rapidly spread on social media as it showed about 17 white children sitting around a large table, with four black children around a small corner table in the background. "From the information I got from the meeting, it seems that there are a lot of cases here of racism," provincial minister Sello Lehari said after visiting the school. "I will send a team to do an investigation into all schools... to deal with issues of racism in totality." Race relations remain tense in South Africa 25 years after the end of white-minority apartheid rule, with fierce racist controversies erupting regularly on social media and in politics. "We saw the photo and we were also angered by what we saw," Jozeph du Plessis, chairman of the school's governors, told the eNCA television channel. "The kids were quite unsettled -- you must realise they were five years old on their first day at school -- and she grouped them in a way she thought would settle them quickly and comfort them. "There was no intent of racism or segregation from the teacher's side. We are investigating -- perhaps it could be a language issue, perhaps those kids are not speaking Afrikaans, but I can't speculate." Some white parents on Thursday took their children away from the school after protesters gathered outside. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Assam government came in for severe criticism from opposition parties and prominent personalities Thursday after sedition charges were slapped against a Sahitya Akademi awardee litterateur and two other known faces for their remarks on the citizenship bill. The ruling BJP, however, defended the move and accused RTI activist Akhil Gogoi, against whom sedition charges were also slapped, of having links with Maoists and "terrorising" people with a "false issue" by campaigning against the bill. The police on Thursday booked litterateur Hiren Gohain, KMSS chief Gogoi and senior journalist Manjit Mahanta under sedition charges for their comments on the Citizenship Amendment Bill. The Congress, the AIUDF, the AGP along with the KMSS and the AASU termed the police action as ''unfortunate'' and alleged it has been carried out at the behest of the BJP government in Assam. The Congress slammed the Sarbananda Sonowal government which it said believes "Hitler as a hero". Leader of the Opposition in the assembly Debabrata Saikia accused the Sarbananda Sonowal government for harassing people who are speaking against the "anti-Assam" policies and are creating awareness about their undemocratic and autocratic ways. ''Sonowal considers 'Hitler' as his hero and now it is certain that Hitlerian action will be taken on all those opposing his misconduct", the Congress leader said. AGP leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta said it was indeed ''sad and shameful" that a sedition case has been filed against intellectual and social thinker Hiren Gohain and two others'. The government cannot silence the voice of the people and their sentiments too cannot be ignored, he added. AIUDF spokesman Aminul Islam also condemned the move. "We may not agree with them on many issues but it is unfortunate that the government is trying to stop democratic protests and gag the voice of the people," he added. Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) chief Gogoi accused the BJP government at the Centre of trying to create an "Emergency-like situation" in Assam by attempting to suppress protests by people against the bill. "The BJP government has gone mad and is trying to create an emergency like situation to suppress a spontaneous movement by the people of Assam against the bill," he said. "It is unfortunate that a learned 'pandit' like Gohain Sir has been targetted by the government and sedition charges filed against him. "I am used to case upon case being filed on me and going to jail has become a lifestyle for me," the KMSS leader, who is spearheading the agitation against the bill by 70 organisations, said. All Assam Students' Union chief advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya accused the BJP government in the state and Centre of "indulging in anti-national activities by going against the interest of the indigenous people and giving protection to Bangladeshis''. "We condemn the sedition case filed against a learned intellectual like Gohain whom we hold in high esteem and respect," he said. ULFA (Independent) in an email statement warned Chief Minister Sonowal for "harassing intellectuals" and the protestors of the bill and sought immediate withdrawal of charges against them. Describing Gohain as "Assam's great thinker", Nagen Saikia, who is also a Sahitya Akademi award winner said, "I may not agree with him on various issues but what he thinks is right, he says it with courage." "Ignoring the people of Assam against the bill, the central government is trying to stoke thoughts of cessation in the minds of people", said the former president of Asom Sahitya Sabha - the apex literary body in Assam. "Educated youths are going to ULFA. Instead of extinguishing the revolutionary flame in the people, the government is by itself igniting that fire", he claimed. Shortly after the sedition cases were registered, a panel of BJP spokespersons addressed a press conference claiming that Gogoi has Maoist links and is "terrorising" people with a "false issue" by campaigning against the bill. "Akhil Gogoi is related with Maoists and other Left linked persons. He is a professional agitator. He is working to fulfil someone else's political agenda," BJP spokesperson Mominul Awal said. Like an elephant, Gogoi also has two sets of teeth, he said. "He shows people the outside teeth on the Hindu Bangladeshi issue, while he chews with the inner teeth sitting with Muslim Bangladeshis," the BJP leader said, adding that Gogoi was "terrorising people with a false issue". Gohain, an eminent litterateur and retired Gauhati University professor, said that he had spoken thrice at the meeting and on all occasions "'I had highlighted that Citizenship should be on the basis of secular principles and the rightly demand of the Assamese on the Citizenship Amendment Bill must be achieved by democratic means". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Security has been beefed up in Haryana and parts of Punjab in the wake of Special CBI court in Panchkula's likely verdict on Friday in the journalist murder case in which jailed Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is an accused. Elaborate security arrangements have been made in Haryana especially in Panchkula, Sirsa (headquarter of Dera) and Rohtak districts with several companies of the state armed police, anti-riot police and commando force being deployed to deal with any law and order situation. Security has been enhanced in Haryana, said Haryana ADGP (Law and Order) Muhammad Akil. Directions have been issued to police in all the districts not to allow any unnecessary gathering and maintain extra vigil, said police official adding that police nakas have also been laid at several places. Additional police force has also been deployed near the headquarters of Dera Sacha Sauda in Sirsa in Haryana, police said. Violence had erupted in Panchkula and Sirsa in Haryana in August 2017 following the conviction of Dera sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, leaving over 40 persons dead and scores of people injured. The 51-year-old sect head is currently serving a 20-year prison term in Rohtak's Sunaria jail for raping two of his women followers. In Punjab where there are sizeable numbers of Dera followers, elaborate security arrangements have been made in Bathinda and Ferozepur ranges. We have made elaborate security arrangements in Bathinda range, said Punjab Inspector General (Bathinda Range) M F Farooqui told PTI. Around 2,000 security personnel have been deployed in Bathinda range, he further said. In Ferozepur range as well, security has been tightened by Punjab police, police said. Police have been keeping a close watch in sensitive areas like Faridkot, Moga, Baghapurana, Jaitu, Kotkapura, police said. 10 companies of Punjab police have been deployed in Ferozepur range, said Punjab IG M S Chhina. The verdict in 2002 murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhattrapati is likely to come on January 11. On Tuesday, the special CBI court in Panchkula had accepted the state's plea and allowed presence of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh through video conferencing for a January 11 hearing in the murder case of a journalist. Gurmeet Ram Rahim will appear through video conferencing for the hearing in journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati's murder case on Friday, when the court is likely to pronounce its verdict. He has been named as the main conspirator in the case which dates back to 2002. Chhatrapati was shot at in October 2002 after his newspaper, 'Poora Sach', published an anonymous letter narrating how women were being sexually exploited by Gurmeet Ram Rahim at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa. The journalist later succumbed to injuries and a case was registered in 2003. The case was handed over to the CBI in 2006. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The headmaster of a government school here was suspended Thursday for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Chief Minister Kamal Nath. Jabalpur District Collector Chhavi Bharadwaj suspended Mukesh Tiwari, the headmaster of government-run Kanishta Buniyadi Middle School. Tiwari had allegedly made derogatory remarks against Nath at a meeting held in the school two days ago. A video where Tiwari is purportedly seen making the remarks went viral on social media. On examination of the video, the teacher was prima facie found violating the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, the collector's order read. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to accord urgent hearing on a plea challenging the January 7 order of the Delhi High Court which had disposed of a petition seeking to ban the trailer of upcoming movie, 'The Accidental Prime Minister'. The matter was mentioned for urgent listing before a bench headed by Justice A K Sikri which said the matter would come up for hearing in the regular course. The film is scheduled for release on January 11. The movie, which stars Anupam Kher as former prime minister Manmohan Singh, is based on a book of the same name by Singh's then media advisor Sanjaya Baru. The plea in the apex court has sought stay on exhibition of trailer of the film on YouTube and to suspend the release and exhibition of the movie during pendency of the matter. The high court on January 7 had disposed of the writ petition against the trailer but left it open for petitioner to file a public interest litigation (PIL). The appeal against the January 7 order was filed by petitioner Pooja Mahajan in the top court on Wednesday, hours after a division bench of the high court had dismissed the PIL which had sought a ban on both -- the film and its trailer -- alleging it defamed the constitutional post of Prime Minister. The appeal, filed through advocate A Maitri, has claimed that "at present if the film 'The Accidental Prime Minister' is allowed to be released then it will cause unaccountable damage to the name and fame of the office of Prime Minster of India". It has alleged that Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) should not have given certification to the film as actors have performed the "character of public personalities", like Manmohan Singh, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi which constitutes an offence under section 416 (cheating by personation) of the Indian Penal Code. "It is a known fact that film producers have not taken any consent/permission from Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to perform their characters or to perform their political life or to dress up in the same way as they had been doing in their normal life or to copy their voice in any manner," the plea has alleged. It further claimed that it "seems that film makers, producers have made an attempt to make commercial gains and the act of 'impersonation' have been committed deliberately to defame the office of Prime Minister just to hype the excitement amongst the prospective viewers". "The release of film is likely to cause unaccountable damage to high profile public personalities i.e. Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi," it claimed, adding, "it seems that film has been produced in a selected manner and it clearly shows that it's a political propaganda with some other motives". It alleged that promo of the film showed that the movie has been produced "simply to damage the image" of Singh. A division bench of the high court had Wednesday rejected the PIL seeking ban on the movie and its trailer saying the petitioner has no locus standi to file the plea and private interest was involved in it. The petitioner had alleged in the high court that provisions of the Cinematograph Act were being misused and the film producer has released the trailer affecting the image of the office of the prime minister and giving a bad name to it at the national and international level. Advocate Sangram Patnaik, appearing for film producers Sunil Bohra and Dhaval Gada, had told the high court that the plea was not maintainable and how the production house was not made a party in it. The plea has arrayed the Centre, through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Google (India) and YouTube as parties. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South African customs officials said Thursday they had seized 36 rhino horns valued at about USD 1.7 million, bound for Dubai, at the international airport in Johannesburg. Sniffer dogs detected something suspicious the previous day in eight bubble-wrapped boxes labelled as containing "decorative items" in a holding warehouse for outbound cargo. On closer inspection, police found horns weighing 116 kg (256 pounds), individually wrapped. South Africa is battling a scourge of rhino poaching fuelled by insatiable demand for horn in Asia where it is believed to cure cancer and boost virility -- claims for which there is no scientific proof. Rhino horn is composed mainly of keratin, the same substance that makes up human nails, and it is normally sold in powdered form. The demand has placed Africa at the epicentre of a global poaching and trafficking crisis. In the last eight years alone, roughly a quarter of the world population of rhinos has been killed in South Africa, home to 80 percent of the remaining animals. The country lost 1,028 rhino to poaching in 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and Indian Foreign Secretary V K Gokale have held consultations here during which the two sides stressed on furthering cooperation in the international arena, officials said Thursday. During the meeting on Wednesday, "the unprecedented nature of the Russian-Indian Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership was noted, and a high assessment was given to the positive dynamics of bilateral relations in various fields," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. It is with satisfaction that the common approaches of Russia and India to current global and regional problems, including the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) to resolve the situation around the Iranian nuclear programme, were noted, it said. The sides discussed in detail the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and other issues of the current global agenda in the field of arms control and non-proliferation of WMD (weapon of mass destruction), the statement said. The two sides "emphasized their intention to further coordinate cooperation between the two countries in the international arena, including in BRICS and other multilateral formats," the Russian foreign ministry said in the statement. "They reaffirmed the commitment to the form a polycentric world order based on fair and democratic principles and the rule of law," it added. Ryabkov during his visit also took part in the international conference Raisina Dialogue, held here from January 8-10. "On the sidelines of the conference, Ryabkov met with Helga Schmid, Secretary General of European External Action Service (EEAS)," the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Income Tax Department Thursday submitted to the Madras High Court some documents in a sealed cover along with its counter to a PIL seeking a CBI probe into alleged bribery of voters during a byelection to the RK Nagar Assembly constituency in 2017. Counsel for the department requested the bench of justices M Sathyanarayanan and P Rajamanickam to keep the documents and reports as secret materials. The bench received the documents and directed the court registry to keep them in safe custody and adjourned the matter to January 18 for further hearing. Petitioners, including DMK candidate Maruthu Ganesh in the April byelection, which was cancelled following complaints of malpractices including bribing of voters, have moved the court seeking a CBI probe into the allegations. Earlier, counsel for Ganesh objected to the I-T Department's request not to reveal the contents of the documents. He said once the department decided to share its confidential documents and secret reports to the Election Commission, which had cancelled the bypolls relying on them, it cannot now raise the secrecy plea. There should be absolute transparency in the court proceedings in a case of involving public interest and questioning wastage of public money, the counsel said. The matter relates to searches and seizure of documents by the Income Tax Department in various places on April 7, 2017 allegedly related to bribing of voters, which led to the cancellation of the polls then. On a direction by the Election Commission, the returning officer of the constituency had lodged a police complaint on April 27, based on which the FIR was registered. During an earlier hearing, the court found fault with police for not mentioning the names of the accused in the FIR though names of three people were referred in the complaint by the returning officer. The bypoll to the seat, necessitated by the death of sitting member and then chief minister J Jayalalithaa, was originally scheduled for April 12, 2017, but was later held in December last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Income Tax Department Thursday submitted in the Madras High Court some documents relating to raids and seizures made at the residence of Tamil Nadu Health Minister C Vijayabaskar and others in connection with the alleged bribery of voters during a bypoll to the RK Nagar Assembly constituency in 2017. It also filed its counter to a PIL seeking a CBI probe into the matter. The counsel for the department requested the bench of Justices M Sathyanarayanan and P Rajamanickam to keep the documents and reports, filed in a sealed cover, as secret materials. The bench received the documents and directed the court registry to keep them in safe custody and adjourned the matter to January 18 for further hearing. Petitioners, including Maruthu Ganesh -- the DMK candidate in the April by-election, which was cancelled following complaints of malpractices, have moved the court seeking a CBI probe into the allegations. Earlier, the counsel for Ganesh objected to the I-T Department's request not to reveal the contents of the documents. He said once the department decided to share its confidential documents and secret reports to the Election Commission, which had cancelled the bypolls relying on them, it cannot now raise the secrecy plea. There should be absolute transparency in the court proceedings in a case of involving public interest and questioning wastage of public money, the counsel said. The matter pertains to searches and seizure of documents by the Income Tax Department at various places on April 7, 2017 allegedly related to bribing of voters, which had led to the cancellation of the polls then. On a direction by the Election Commission, the returning officer of the constituency had lodged a police complaint on April 27, based on which the FIR was registered. During an earlier hearing, the court found fault with police for not mentioning the names of the accused in the FIR though names of three people were referred in the complaint by the returning officer. The by-election to the seat, necessitated by the death of sitting member and then chief minister J Jayalalithaa, was originally scheduled for April 12, 2017, but was later held in December last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A global rights group has demanded the international prosecution of Sri Lanka's new Army Chief Major General Shavendra Silva over allegations of war crimes during the final military battle with the LTTE militant group in 2009. The Johannesburg-based International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) said Silva was named by a UN investigation for his part in commanding the 58 Division of the army "which was the unit responsible for repeated and deliberate attacks on hospitals, food distribution queues and displacement camps resulting in tens of thousands of civilian deaths" towards the end of the three-decade civil war when the LTTE was finally crushed. "Sri Lanka now has a chief of army staff who risks arrest every time he travels abroad, if any country is foolish enough to give him a visa," an ITJP release said. The ITJP said that in 2011, a war crimes lawsuit was filed against Silva in New York but had failed because he enjoyed diplomatic immunity at the time. Silva was appointed as army chief by President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday. Considered an outstanding military officer, Silva was the youngest in the Sri Lankan Army to become a major general. The UN Human Rights Council resolutions have called for accountability over alleged war crimes in the final 2009 battle blamed on both the LTTE and the military. The military has denied the allegations. The war crimes accusations include bombing of hospitals, blocking humanitarian aid convoys, bombing civilians and murdering those who had surrendered. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The board of directors at French automaker will hold an unexpected meeting Thursday night, two days after its chief executive made his first court appearance in an alleged Japanese fraud case, a union source told AFP. Agenda items have not been disclosed to board members, Fabien Gache, a CGT union official at Renault, told AFP. Ghosn, 64, has been detained for over seven weeks in after his arrest on charges of under-reporting his salary for years as head of Renault's alliance partner Since then he has been charged with a host of allegations of financial impropriety, though he has yet to be formally charged and has denied all the claims. Ghosn, once a towering figure in the auto industry, appeared handcuffed at a court hearing Tuesday seeking to secure his release before trial, a request which was denied by a judge who declared he was a flight risk. One of his lawyers later conceded that Ghosn could spend a further six months behind bars before his case comes to trial. That has raised worries over the viability of keeping him on as Renault's chief executive, a post he has held since 2005. as well as Mitsubishi, the third alliance partner, have removed Ghosn as chairman, but has kept him on while appointing a deputy CEO to ensure day-to-day management. The French automaker has said internal investigations have found no signs of wrongdoing by its chief during his tenure. The French government, which holds a 15 percent stake in Renault, has also stood by Ghosn so far, saying he must benefit from the presumption of innocence. But Minister Elisabeth Borne told French radio this week that "Obviously, if this situation continues we'll have to draw the consequences. The board of French automaker Renault will meet Thursday night ahead of a new court appearance in Japan for CEO Carlos Ghosn, who could be facing fresh fraud charges and more time behind bars. No agenda items have been disclosed to board members, a CGT union official at Renault, Fabien Gache, told AFP. The gathering comes two days after Ghosn, once a towering figure in the auto industry, made his first court appearance over alleged financial impropriety during his years as head of Renault's alliance partner Nissan. The 64-year-old former Nissan chairman has been languishing in a Tokyo detention centre for more than 50 days as he fights multiple allegations of financial misconduct. He has been formally charged with under-declaring his income by tens of millions of dollars in an apparent bid to quash accusations he was overpaid. He also faces questioning in connection with alleged attempts to transfer personal investment losses to Nissan and making unnecessary payments to a Saudi associate from company funds. Ghosn's requests Tuesday to be released before trial were rejected by a judge who declared he was a flight risk. One of his lawyers later conceded that Ghosn could spend a further six months behind bars before his case comes to trial. Japanese media reports have suggested new charges could be levied against him on Friday, which could ensure he remains jailed. He may be accused of understating his salary from 2015 to 2018, three years more than the original charge that he under-reported some five billion yen (USD 44 million) in income over five years from 2010. He could also face charges for breach of trust, reports say. The claims have heightened worries over the viability of keeping him on as Renault's chief executive, a post he has held since 2005. French daily Le Figaro reported Thursday that the board meeting was one of several informal gatherings held regularly since Ghosn's arrest to discuss developments in the case. Nissan said earlier that its board had also met Thursday and that directors had received "an updated report" on its own investigations into Ghosn's alleged misconduct. Press reports say Nissan last weekend put two executives close to Ghosn on leave of absence, suggesting that the internal investigation into the alleged misconduct could be spreading. Jose Munoz, the chief performance officer, and human resources head Arun Bajaj have not been replaced during their absences, the reports said. Nissan as well as Mitsubishi, the third alliance partner, have removed Ghosn as chairman, but Renault has kept him on while appointing a deputy CEO to ensure day-to-day management. The French automaker has said internal investigations have found no signs of wrongdoing by its chief during his tenure. But pressure on Ghosn rose further Thursday after French daily Liberation reported that he had not been paying French income taxes since 2012, after moving his fiscal residency to the Netherlands. Both Renault and the French economy ministry declined to comment, but it was an unwelcome revelation for the head of a company in which the French state owns a 15 percent stake. "The leader of a French company should pay his taxes in France," President Emmanuel Macron said in a speech last month. Japanese media, citing Ghosn's lawyers, said Thursday that he was suffering from a high fever and unable to meet investigators for questioning. At his dramatic court appearance on Tuesday, Ghosn appeared to have lost a lot of weight in detention but otherwise seemed in good health. "I have been wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations," the once-revered car titan told the court. In a career spanning decades, during which he won praise for turning around the struggling Japanese car maker, he said he had "always acted with integrity" and had never before been accused of any wrongdoing. But afterwards Ghosn's lawyer said it would be "very difficult" to win bail and it could be months before his case is heard. The French government has stood by Ghosn so far, saying he must benefit from the presumption of innocence. But Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne told French radio this week that "obviously, if this situation continues we'll have to draw the consequences. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a relief to former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the Punjab and Haryana High Court Thursday quashed the Dhingra Commission report into alleged illegalities in the grant of land-use licences during his term. Among the alleged beneficiaries of the licences given in Gurgaon was Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra. The two-judge bench ruled that though there was no malafide intent in setting up of the commission in 2015 but there were procedural irregularities in serving notice to Hooda by it. While one of the judges quashed the report and directed that no action can be taken against Hooda, the other held it as "non est - not existing from the very beginning due to these lapses. The report cannot be published, the court ruled The judges differed on the next course of action by the one-man commission of Justice (retd) S N Dhingra, which was appointed by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar who heads the BJP government in the state. While one judge said a fresh notice can be issued to Hooda, the second judge ruled that the government will have to set up a new commission if it wanted to investigate the allegation because it has already ceased to exist, according to Haryana Advocate General Baldev Raj Mahajan. The ruling was referred to the chief justice of the high court so that a three-judge bench can be set up to resolve this split verdict. The verdict was delivered by a bench of justices Ajay Kumar Mittal and Anupinder Singh Grewal. While Justice Mittal held the report to be "non est", Justice Grewal held it to be "non-sustainable" and quashed it. The two judges agreed there had been irregularities in the issuance of notice by the Commission to the former chief minister, before starting its proceedings. Justice Mittal said the commission can issue a fresh notice and proceed from that stage to look into the allegations in the grant of land-use licences. But Justice Grewal said as the commission has already ceased to exist, only a new commission can look into the allegations. "It was essential to have issued the notice under Section 8B of the Commission of Inquiry Act which has not been done as the notice which was issued did not fulfil the conditions essentially required thereunder, Justice Mittal said in his order. "Accordingly, the report submitted by the Commission is held to be non est and the same shall not be published," he added. Justice Grewal, in his separate order, however, ruled out issuing of a fresh notice by the commission. "The Commission is no longer in existence and thus, it would not be possible for it to issue a fresh notice under Section 8-B of the Act," he said. As the tenure of the Commission has come to an end and it has submitted the report and ceased to exist only a fresh Commission can be appointed under the Act," Justice Grewal ruled. He gave the state government the freedom to set up a new commission to look into the allegations. "In such circumstances, it would be in the interest of justice if the respondent is granted liberty to appoint a Commission of Inquiry on the same subject matter, he said. Resultantly, I would partly allow the petition, he said referring to plea against the setting up of the Dhingra Commission. The report of the Commission is not sustainable and is hereby quashed," he ruled. Justice Grewal too barred the publication of the quashed report. "It shall not be published as it cannot be read against the petitioner (Hooda) and no action on the basis thereof be taken against the petitioner, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A bomb-laden drone flown by Yemen's Houthi rebels flew into a military parade on Thursday outside of the southern port city of Aden, killing at least six troops from a Saudi-led coalition and their allies in a brazen attack threatening UN-brokered peace efforts to end the years-long war tearing at the Arab world's poorest nation. The attack at the Al-Anad Air Base, where American special forces once led their fight against Yemen's al-Qaida branch, targeted high-ranking military officials in Yemen's internationally recognised government. The attack also raised new questions about Iran's alleged role in arming the Houthis with drone and ballistic missile technology, something long denied by Tehran despite researchers and UN experts linking the weapons to the Islamic Republic. "Once again this proves that the Houthi criminal militias are not ready for peace and that they are exploiting truces in order for deployment and reinforcements," said Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani, who said two senior military officials were wounded in the attack. "This is time for the international community to stand by the legitimate government and force the militias to give up their weapons and pull out of the cities," he added. The Houthis immediately claimed the attack through their al-Masirah satellite channel, saying the attack targeted "invaders and mercenaries" at the base in the southern province of Lahj, leaving "dozens of dead and wounded." Yemeni officials said that among the wounded were Mohammad Saleh Tamah, head of Yemen's Intelligence Service, senior military commander Mohammad Jawas, and Lahj governor Ahmed al-Turki, adding that authorities were still searching for wounded among the rubble. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to reporters. Local reporter Nabil al-Qaiti was attending the ceremony and standing in front of the stage when he saw a drone approach and hover nearby about 25 meters high in the air, minutes after the parade started. Army spokesman Mohammed al-Naqib was delivering a speech from a podium when the drone exploded. "It was a very strong explosion and we could feel the pressure," he said, adding that two of the people standing next to him a soldier and a journalist were wounded. Al-Qaiti saw many wounded but no dead. "The drone was packed with explosives," he added. Some 8,000 soldiers had been taking part in the parade, as well as two governors and a large number of top military commanders including the chief of staff. Initial reports said six troops were killed. Yemen plunged into civil war in 2014 when the rebels captured Sanaa, and the Saudi-led coalition intervened a year later when they pushed further south. The coalition, which is fighting alongside government troops, has since been trying to restore Yemen's internationally recognized government to power. Hopes were raised last month that the country was moving toward peace, after the two sides agreed to a prisoner swap and cease-fire in the port city of Hodeida, where rival forces were to withdraw to allow humanitarian aid flows to return and hopefully relieve a country pushed to the brink of famine by war. Fighting has largely abated in Hodeida but progress on the withdrawal has been slow. The UN humanitarian aid chief Wednesday accused the rebels of blocking humanitarian supplies traveling from areas under their control to government-held areas. Mark Lowcock told the UN Security Council that the rebels also recently informed humanitarian agencies that 72 hours' notice is required ahead of any movements instead of 48 hours. Officials in the Saudi-led coalition have shown journalists a series of drones they said showed a growing sophistication by the Houthis, starting first with plastic foam models that could be built by hobby kit to one captured in April that closely resembled an Iranian-made drone. Those drones have in the past been flown into the radar arrays of Saudi Arabia's Patriot missile batteries, according to the research group Conflict Armament Research, disabling them and allowing the Houthis to fire ballistic missiles into the kingdom unchallenged. Iran has been accused by the US and the UN of supplying ballistic missile technology and arms to the Houthis, something Tehran denies. Arab satellite channels owned by Saudi Arabia immediately began describing the drone used in Thursday's attack as Iranian made, without offering evidence. However, a United Nations panel of experts on Yemen issued a report in 2018 noting that the Houthi's Qasef-1 drone "is virtually identical in design, dimensions and capability to that of the Ababil-T, manufactured by the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries." "At least two components of the system were supplied to the Islamic Republic of Iran after the implementation of the targeted arms embargo" in April 2015, the panel said. The Ababil-T can deliver up to a 45-kilogram warhead up to 150 kilometers away. Such drones also remain difficult to shoot down with either light or heavy weapons fire. Iraqi forces learned while driving out the Islamic State group from northern Iraq, where the extremists would load drones with grenades or simple explosives to target their forces. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, India's richest man Mukesh Ambani and Microsoft founder Bill Gates are among the e-residency holders of Estonia, its Ambassador to India Riho Kruuv said here Thursday. The e-residency, which enables entrepreneurs of any country to start a trusted location-independent EU company online, was offered as an honorarium to some of the prominent personalities across the globe. After acquiring the e-residency, Ambani's Reliance Jio has set up a subsidiary working in the digital and communications space in the northwestern european country. "Very prominent people are also Estonian e-residents. Present Minister of IT and Law and Justice honourable Ravi Shankar Prasad is an Estonian e-resident. Business tycoon Mukesh Ambani is an e-resident. Pope Francis and Bill Gates also (e-residents). This status has been given to world leaders and they have accepted it," he told reporters here. E-residency is a government issued digital ID available to anyone in the world. It offers freedom to any world citizen to start and run a global EU company fully online anywhere. E-residents have access to the European Union business environment and can use public e-services through their digital identity. "But if you talk about Mukesh Ambani for example. The status was accorded to him with a broader perspective in mind. He has a subsidiary in Estonia. Reliance jio is developing digital solutions for jio digital platforms particularly for the Indian market. They have hired the number of Estonian software developers to do the job," he added. On the e-residency programme, the envoy said there were already 2,174 Indian e-residents and they have created 275 companies. "We expect this figure to grow exponentially in the coming years as the economic ties between between Estonia, India and the European Union depend further," he said. Recently, Estonia and the Telangana government had signed an MoU for cooperation on information and communications Technologies (ICT), cybersecurity and blockchain Technology, between the two. Estonia is looking to enter into an MoU with the state government on mutual cooperation in the filed of higher education, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Major Bollywood stars such as Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan landed in the capital city Thursday for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting comes weeks after the PM met Bollywood producers and discussed issues faced by the industry, which led to the reduction in GST on film tickets by the government. "There is a meeting happening with PM today with people from the film industry, including actors," sources close to the development told PTI. The insider, however, did not disclose the agenda of the meeting. The delegation, which is a mix of directors and actors, has been organised by filmmaker Karan Johar, the source added. The line-up from Bollywood also includes director Rohit Shetty, Rajkummar Rao, Vicky Kaushal, Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar and Sidharth Malhotra. After the December 19 meeting with PM drew flak on social media for not having any female representation on the panel, inclusion of names such as Alia and Bhumi is a step up. Actors-producers Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar, Sidharth Roy Kapur, Ritesh Sidhwani and others were censured by internet users for not including any women in the panel. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The much-awaited Rajinikanth starrer 'Petta' hit screens worldwide amid much fanfare Thursday with two fan couples in the state choosing the occasion to tie the knot and another piercing his skin as part of special prayers for the success of the flick. Elated fans danced to drumbeats and poured 'milk' on huge cuts-out of the 69-year-old actor outside theatres across the state. Crackers were burst and cakes cut ahead of the release of the movie at a cinema hall in Salem district as early as 4 AM. In Thanjavur town, bridegroom Jothiraman, an ardent Rajini fan and bride Usha Rani entered into wedlock on the occasion. "I have been a diehard fan of Rajinikanth from childhood.. Getting married on the day when his movie is released is a dream come true for me. I thank him.." said Jothiraman. Similarly, Anbarasu another fan of the actor married his girlfriend, Kamatchi at the famous Woodlands theatre here. Taking the excitement a notch higher, another fan in Nagapattinam district pierced his skin with hooks and spikes to show his devotion for the actor. A fan club of the Tamil 'Superstar' in Mumbai organised special prayers for the movie's success. A five minute video of the members of 'Maharashtra State Head Rajinikanth Welfare Association' offering special prayers has gone viral. Produced by Sun Pictures, it is directed by 'Pizza' fame Karthik Subbaraj and music scored by Anirudh. Besides bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqi and Vijay Sethupathy, the film's star cast includes actresses Simran and Trisha and actor-director Sasikumar. 'Petta', roughly translating into one's local stronghold in Tamil, released along with the Ajith-Nayanthara starrer 'Viswasam' directed by Siva. Meanwhile, Subburaj took to twitter to express his gratitude to the fans following the 'overwhelming' response for the film. "#Petta response is so over-whelming and awesome.. Thank you Thalaivar fans.. Love you Thalaivaaa.. Thank you @sunpictures & whole team!!", he said. He also appealed to the fans not to share video clips from the theatre. "Our sincere request:: PLS DON'T SHARE FILM CLIPS FROM THEATRE.. PLS DONT REVEAL THE STORY.. Let everybody #GetRajinified like you did." A report from Villupuram district said six fans of actor Ajith Kumar suffered minor injuries when a huge cut-out of the 47-year-old actor erected outside a theatre in Thirukovilur collapsed and fell on them. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress MLA in Gujarat and OBC leader Alpesh Thakor, who recently criticised the state leadership of the party, met party president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi Thursday. Speaking to reporters at the city airport after returning here, Thakor claimed that Gandhi trusts him a lot. "I apprised Rahul Gandhi of the current situation in Gujarat and how the Congress can win in the state in Lok Sabha elections. "I also shared my views about the ways to strengthen the party and how we can start preparations for the elections," Thakor said. "Rahul Gandhi said he has immense trust in me. He offered to give me any responsibility of my choice. Such offers are rare to come by in politics," Thakor claimed. The Congress MLA from Radhanpur also said that though he asked Gandhi to relieve him of the responsibility of Bihar, the party president asked him to continue. Thakor is the Congress secretary in-charge of Bihar. "I told him I want to work only in Gujarat. But he asked me to continue with Bihar too. He even indicated that I would be given responsibility of other states, which he will discuss with me after he comes back from Dubai," said Thakor. On his criticism of the Gujarat Congress leadership, Thakor maintained that it was not a "rebellion". "I am an honest man. I will speak if something is not going in the right direction. If we do not speak, how would we correct our mistakes? I only spoke truth. It should not be labelled as a rebellion," he said. The young OBC leader had said recently that his community and supporters were feeling "cheated" and "ignored", which was seen as a criticism of the state leadership. "Weak leaders" were at the helm of party affairs in Gujarat, he had said in an apparent reference to Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Protests over the contentious Citizenship bill continued in Assam Thursday with students, lawyers and doctors raising their voice against the legislation across the state. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha two days ago, seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslims who fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014. With 'gamosas' (Assamese scarf of honour) in hand, people observed 'Sankalpa Divas' in front of the state secretariat here, asserting that the Bill threatened the existence of Assamese people. They warned that the "prime minister and his cabinet colleagues will be stopped from entering the state" if their interests were harmed. Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), which has been leading the agitation along with its 70 partner organisations, had vowed on Wednesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union ministers would not be allowed to enter the north eastern till the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was scrapped. At Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, junior doctors Thursday wore black badges to work, while members of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee's legal department raised slogans against the government. 'Joi Ai Asom' (glory to mother Assam) rented the air as agitators, holding gamosas, took oath that they will "protect the interests of indigenous people". At several educational institutes in Guwahati, students were seen boycotting their classes to take to the streets for a protest march to the state capital Dispur, but their attempt was thwarted by security forces. Similar protests were also observed by students in other parts of the state with some of them regretting that they were forced to come out of their classrooms as the government failed to ensure their protection. The Bill is draconian and communal, KMSS chief Akhil Gogoi told reporters outside the secretariat. "If this bill is accepted then the very secular fabric of India will be destroyed. Assamese people have always opposed illegal immigration. "If the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is passed, at least 190 million people from Bangladesh will find their way to Assam, threatening the existence of its original inhabitants," Gogoi said. Referring to the status of the legislation in Parliament, he said, "Yesterday, it was a victory of sorts as the Upper House did not take up the Bill. We demand that the government revoke the legislation immediately". Talking about the next course of action, the KMSS chief said, "We will undertake economic blockade programme all across Assam, hold demonstrations against the prime minister, Union cabinet ministers and the chief minister. We will wave black flags at all BJP members and ministers". Asked about the validity of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) amid the controversy over the Citizenship Bill, he said, "If the Bill is passed, NRC will become redundant. The NRC has been updated and steps will be taken to oust foreigners from he state". The draft NRC, which was published on July 30 last, had acknowledged 2.9 crore people as Indian citizens out of 3.29 crore applications. Over 40 lakh people did not make it to the list. The KMSS leader clarified that he along with other protesters would also refrain from participating in the upcoming Bihu Festival. "We will visit villages across the state to apprise the people about the Bill that poses a danger to their existence," he added. Over the past two days, agitators across the northeast, including Assam, have blocked thoroughfares and rail tracks, seeking revocation of the Bill. The protesters clashed with the police, gheraoed Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal's house at his native place in Dibrugarh and damaged vehicles. An 11-hour shutdown was called in Assam on Tuesday by the All Assam Students Union (AASU) and North East Students' Organisation (NESO), and supported by over hundred organisations, bringing life to a standstill in Assam. The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), which withdrew support to the BJP-led government in Assam on Monday, also extended its support to the bandh. Three AGP ministers also resigned on Wednesday from the Assam Cabinet, seeking fresh elections in the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Prakash Raj, who recently announced he would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal here Thursday, with the latter saying that his Aam Aadmi Party "fully supports" him. The actor, who has been vocal about his views on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre, met the chief minister at his official residence in the Civil Lines. Last week, Raj had said that he would contest the upcoming general elections from the Bengaluru Central constituency as an independent candidate. "We need people like Prakash Raj to enter Parliament. Prakash ji, it was great meeting u today. AAP fully supports u and we agree wid ur decision to fight as an independent candidate. We need independent and non-partisan voices too in Parliament," Kejriwal tweeted. According to Raj, he discussed ways with the chief minister to address various issues. "Met delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal thanked him and @AamAadmiParty for the support in my political journey. Discussed and requested to share various ways to address issues which his team has commendably done...#bengalurucentral #citizensvoice in parliament #justasking in parliament too (sic)," Raj tweeted after the meeting. Raj has also been one of those seeking justice for his friend and senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot outside her residence in September, 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Commerce minister Suresh Prabhu Thursday expressed hope for early resolution of the Goa mining issue, which is impacting the economy of the state. Goa's economy is dependent on mining and tourism, he said. Tourism is not in a good shape and mining has virtually stopped, so there is a huge unemployment, he told reporters here. "We as an industry ministry is concerned with that because in our industrial growth, mining is a key component. It's upstream and downstream sectors also get affected. "It has a huge impact on economy also. The chief minister of Goa has been raising the issue and we have taken up the issue. Hopefully, there should be some resolution found. But, the resolution is not with me, this has to be by the mining and law ministries," he added. The mining operations, a key source of revenue to the state government, came to a standstill in March last year following a Supreme Court order which quashed 88 mining leases. The BJP-led state government has requested the Centre to amend the existing mining laws during the ongoing session of Parliament so that leases get extended. The Goa Mining People's Front (GMPF), an umbrella group of mining dependents - whose livelihood has been affected - had recently staged three-day protests in New Delhi demanding resumption of mining activities in the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi Wednesday hailed the Madras High Court order directing the Tamil Nadu government to restrict the Pongal cash gift of Rs 1,000 to Below Poverty Line families. Bedi, who has come under attack from Chief Minister V Narayanasamy after she insisted on sticking to a government order which restricted Pongal gift hamper scheme to BPL families in the union territory, said the high court order is "a voice of wisdom, sagacity, financial prudence." The Madras High Court Wednesday directed that the Pongal cash gift be limited to BPL families as against the AIADMK government's decision to provide it to all ration card-holders irrespective of financial status. The court had issued the order on a PIL petition challenging the government decision contending that it had been taken unmindful of the state's financial condition. In a message to the media, Bedi said the order "is a voice of wisdom, sagacity, financial prudence and reasonable restraint protecting society as a whole... also one of accountability and responsibility towards the really needy." The former IPS officer also said the order was a message to the executive and public officials making them sensitive to their responsibility and duty to serve with full awareness. The Pongal gift in Puducherry comprises among others rice, jaggery, cashew nut and raisins required to make sweet pongal, a delicacy offered to the God on the harvest festival day. However, the chief minister has been opposing the Lt Governor's stand and wants the gift to be made available to all including above poverty line families for the festival. The chief minister has returned the file related to the scheme to Bedi recording the government's protest. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a scathing rebuke of the Obama administration's Mideast policies on Thursday as he denounced the former president for "misguided" and "wishful" thinking that diminished America's role in the region, harmed its longtime friends and emboldened its main foe: Iran. In a speech to the American University in Cairo, Pompeo unloaded on President Donald Trump's predecessor for being naive and timid when confronted with challenges posed by the revolts that convulsed the Middle East, including Egypt, beginning in 2011. Pompeo laid the blame notably on a vision outlined by President Barack Obama in a speech he gave in Cairo in 2009 in which he spoke of "a new beginning" for US relations with countries in the Arab and Muslim world. "Remember: It was here, here in this very city, another American stood before you," Pompeo told an invited audience of Egyptian officials, foreign diplomats and students. "He told you that radical Islamist terrorism does not stem from ideology. He told you 9/11 led my country to abandon its ideals, particularly in the Middle East. He told you that the United States and the Muslim world needed 'a new beginning.' The results of these misjudgments have been dire." "In falsely seeing ourselves as a force for what ails the Middle East, we were timid about asserting ourselves when the times and our partners demanded it," Pompeo said, without mentioning the former president by name. Pompeo blamed the previous administration's approach to the Mideast for the ills that consume it now, particularly the rise of the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria and Iran's increasing assertiveness, which he said was a direct result of sanctions relief, since rescinded by the Trump administration, granted to it under the 2015 nuclear deal. He criticised Obama for ignoring the growth of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon to the detriment of Israel's security and not doing enough to push back on Iran-supported rebels in Yemen. Since Trump's election, however, Pompeo said this was all changing. "The good is this: The age of self-inflicted American shame is over, and so are the policies that produced so much needless suffering," he said. "Now comes the real 'new beginning.' In just 24 months, actually less than two years, the United States under President Trump has reasserted its traditional role as a force for good in this region, because we've learned from our mistakes. We have rediscovered our voice. We have rebuilt our relationships. We have rejected false overtures from enemies." In the speech entitled "A Force for Good: America's Reinvigorated Role in the Middle East," Pompeo extolled the Trump administration's actions across the region cementing ties with traditional, albeit authoritarian governments, taking on the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria and imposing tough new sanctions on Iran. "President Trump has reversed our willful blindness to the danger of the regime and withdrew from the failed nuclear deal, with its false promises," Pompeo said. Since withdrawing from the nuclear deal with Iran last year, the administration has steadily ratcheted up pressure on Tehran and routinely accuses the nation of being the most destabilizing influence in the region. It has vowed to increase the pressure until Iran halts what US officials describe as its "malign activities" throughout the Mideast and elsewhere, including support for rebels in Yemen, anti-Israel groups and Syrian President Bashar Assad. "The nations of the Middle East will never enjoy security, achieve economic stability, or advance the dreams of its peoples if Iran's revolutionary regime persists on its current course," Pompeo said. In a rebuttal to the speech, a group of mainly former Obama administration foreign policy officials rejected Pompeo's assertions as petty and weak. "That this administration feels the need, nearly a decade later, to take potshots at an effort to identify common ground between the Arab world and the West speaks not only to the Trump administration's pettiness but also to its lack of a strategic vision for America's role in the region and its abdication of America's values," the National Security Action group said in a statement. Pompeo's speech came on the third leg of a nine-nation Mideast tour aimed at reassuring America's Arab partners that the Trump administration is not walking away from the region amid confusion and concern over plans to withdraw US forces from Syria. Earlier in Cairo, he met with Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry to discuss security and economic cooperation. Trump has boasted of his close relationship with el-Sissi, a former general who has been criticized for his human rights record and democratic shortcomings. The Trump administration has resumed weapons sales to Egypt that had been suspended over human rights concerns, including the jailing of several American citizens on what U.S. officials say are false charges. At a brief conference with Shoukry, Pompeo said he raised human rights with both el-Sissi and Shoukry and reminded them that "open and honest public debates are a hallmark of a thriving society." He said he discussed a "panoply" of rights concerns, including the detention of political prisoners but gave no specifics. Shortly before Pompeo arrived, the State Department noted improvements in Egypt's human rights record. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three men were arrested for illegally transporting cattle in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district Thursday and 35 animals were rescued, police said. The arrests and recoveries were made in three separate incidents, they said. During a routine check, police intercepted two vehicles near Shan Palace and found 20 and nine cattle in them, they said. Six more bovines were rescued after inspection of a vehicle at Chanderkote in Ramban district, police said. Officials said 35 animals were rescued in total and the vehicles used for their transportation have been seized. The three arrested, identified as Anwar Hussain, Mohd Yousuf and Mohd Irfan, revealed during interrogation that they were transporting the animals to Kashmir region, officials said. Separate cases have been registered at Ramban and Chanderkote police station, police said. Investigations are on to ascertain the sources of these animal and identify others involved in smuggling, officials said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday that the BJP is open to alliances and cherished its old friends, in a hint that it was looking to strengthen the NDA in Tamil Nadu ahead the Lok Sabha elections. Slamming Congress for its "arrogance" and slighting regional parties, Modi said that the party was haughty enough to say that they would spring a "surprise" despite having none to rub shoulders with in Uttar Pradesh. In an interaction with party booth-level workers from five districts in Tamil Nadu through video conferencing, he recalled the "successful coalition politics" ushered in by former Prime Minister, the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the 1990s and said the BJP's doors were "always open". "...20 years ago the visionary leader Atal ji brought in a new culture in Indian politics, that of successful coalition He gave utmost importance to regional aspirations... BJP has followed the way Atal ji has shown us," Modi said. The prime minister, in the fourth interaction with party workers in the state, was responding to questions from a worker on whether the BJP would ally with AIADMK, DMK or Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, who is yet to form his political party. The BJP had fought the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu leading a six-party alliance comprising smaller parties, including the DMDK, the PMK and Vaiko-led MDMK, and won two of the 39 seats -- one each by the saffron party and PMK. However, all five parties snapped ties with the BJP later. The prime minister said a strong NDA was "an article of faith for us". "It is not a compulsion. Even when the BJP won a strong majority on its own, we preferred to run the government with our allies. We cherish our old friends and our doors are always open for parties," Modi said. However, Congress had "ill-treated" regional parties, he said, adding "What Atal ji did was in direct contrast to the Congress which has never cared for regional aspirations. "Congress ill-treated regional political parties, aspirations and people because they felt they alone have the right to be in power," Modi said. The Prime Minister alleged that the Congress, in one of their party meetings, had passed a resolution saying that they do not want an alliance. "Such was that party's arrogance." "Even today when Congress does not find a place in the alliance in Uttar Pradesh, their leaders are back to their arrogance and say we will surprise everyone. Well, everyone is aware of the reality in UP," he said without elaborating further. He was apparently referring to the move by Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party to fight the 2019 Lok Sabha elections together, leaving out the Congress from the alliance. On farmers' welfare, he said "our government had the honour of bringing in a historic hike in MSP." Hitting out again at arch rival Congress, he said those who were in power at the Centre for so many years, "who consider power their divine right," were never serious about farmers' welfare. "They never thought about taking such a farmer friendly decision. We want to keep working for the propserity of our farmers and are committed to doubling farmer income by 2022." The prime minister also stressed on the importance of connecting with the people, saying more than all the political issues, the winning alliance was an alliance with the people. "The strongest alliance is one with common citizens.More than alliances we have to focus on remaining connected with the people," he said. BJP workers from Arakkonam, Cuddalore, Krishnagiri, Erode, Cuddalore and Dharmapuri took part in the exercise on Thursday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a stinging counter-attack on the Rafale issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday accused the Congress of stalling defence procurement if there was "no deal" for it. He also said the alleged middleman Christian Michel was close to the Congress first family and the people deserved to know the role played by him in the 10-year delay over the Rafale deal during UPA regime. Interacting with booth level BJP workers of Tamil Nadu through video-conferencing, he said many people think that the biggest failure of Congress was mismanagement of the economy and corruption. "But they did deep damage to our armed forces. Not many know how much damage Congress culture did to our defence sector for decades. They had made the defence sector a den of Bofors and brokers and middlemen. "In their government, procurement would only happen if there was a deal. If there was no deal their approach was to simply stop buying anything for the armed forces," Modi said in response to a question. Recalling Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's statement during the debate in Lok Sabha over the Rafael issue, Modi said when India's neighbours were strengthening their forces with fourth and fifth generation fighters, the then Congress government stalled defence procurement. Recently, between 2004-15, one of India's neighbours added 400 aircraft while another doubled the air force fleet strength with many of these being fourth and fifth generation fighters, he said. "What was the Congress government doing at that time? It stalled Defence procurement for want of its deal while our neighbours increased capacity. Congress actually decreased ours. Such huge damage to the defence forces, all for the sake of a deal," Modi alleged. Referring to negotiations to purchase 126 Rafale fighter jets during the UPA regime, Modi claimed Michel, being probed over the AugustaWestland chopper deal, had access to inside information like the timing of a cabinet meet on security and a government file on a related matter. "Do you know who this middleman is close to? This middleman is close to the current first family of the Congress." The reported revealations by the middleman raise several questions and people had a right to know what role did Michel "play in delaying the procurement of Rafale for 10 long years... in putting national security in danger," he said. "The people of the country deserve to know how did middleman Michel know about the time of a meeting of the Cabinet (committee) on security...," he said. Similarly, people should know how Michel knew about the status of a government file and how he "managed" the leadership of a party to get the deal. The prime minister's offensive comes amid the escalating attack by Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who has been posing a series of questions to Modi over the Rafale deal for purchase of 36 fighter jets from the French manufacturer. Modi said he knew that there would be relentless attacks against him and his reputation as he as he had stopped so many people's "corrupt businesses," asserting that he would happily "take all the mud" thrown at him if he can strengthen the hands of soldiers. He asked if it was not duty of the government to aid the soldiers by providing them weapons and equipment. "...These are extremely powerful people... they have their people everywhere. That is why you see such attacks against us today. But when it comes to national security, I always say India first," Modi said. "I will take all the mud thrown at me happily if I can strengthen the hands of the soldiers. When a government is clean and not waiting for a deal to seal a defence procurement, things will move faster. I hope this answers your question," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Pakistani court on Thursday fixed January 21 as the date for hearing of a petition filed by jailed former premier Nawaz Sharif seeking suspension of his sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case. The Islamabad High Court also set up a two-member bench comprising Justices Amir Farooq and Mohsin Akhtar Kiani to hear the appeal. The bench will also hear Sharif's petition for suspension of his sentence. On December 24, 2018, an accountability court sentenced 69-year-old Sharif to seven years in prison along with a fine of Rs 1.5 billion and USD 25 million in the Al-Azizia corruption case, concluding a series of three court cases against the Sharif family in the high-profile Panama Papers scandal. The three-time former premier is serving his term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail. Sharif filed an appeal against his conviction in the Islamabad High Court and also filed a separate petition seeking suspension of the sentence until adjudication of his appeal. Later, he filed an application for early scheduling of his appeal, which was accepted and set for hearing on January 21. Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were filed against the Sharif family by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 8, 2017 following a judgment by the Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif in the Panama Papers case. In July, 2018 Sharif, his daughter Maryam and his son-in-law Captain (retd) M Safdar were sentenced to 10 years, seven years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices. However, the three were bailed out by the Islamabad High Court in September. Sharif was acquitted in the Flagship case due to insufficient evidence. He has maintained that the cases against him were initiated on the basis of allegations levelled by his political rivals and the report of a joint investigation team in the Panama Papers case was biased. The National Accountability Bureau has also filed two appeals in the Islamabad High Court against Sharif. The first appeal sought an extension in Sharif's sentence from seven to 14 years in the Al-Azizia case, while the second challenged his acquittal in the Flagship Investment case. So far the court has not fixed any date for hearing of NAB appeals. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan Army on Thursday test fire the recently inducted long range air defence weapon system, LY-80. The firing by the air defence weapon system was displayed during the concluding day of the two-week event of Exercise Al Bayza-2019, an army spokesman said. Pakistani Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan witnessed the display by army of its fire power capability at air defence firing ranges near Karachi. "Hallmark of the event was first ever fire by recently inducted Long Range Air Defence Weapon System LY-80. Induction of LY-80 has realized the concept of a comprehensive, layered and integrated air defence capability with enhanced lethality," the spokesman said. Interacting with the officers and troops, Bajwa said LY 80 has greatly enhanced air defence capability of Army Air Defence, while strengthening it at national level along with Pakistan Air Force, the overall custodian of the defence of country's air space. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced a cyberstalker to 24 years in jail for blackmailing 200 lady doctors and nurses through their social media accounts - the maximum punishment awarded to a convict in the offence related to social media crimes in the country's history. Anti-Terrorism Court Lahore Judge Sajjad Ahmad on Wednesday sentenced Abdul Wahab to a total of 24 years in prison along with a fine of Rs 7 lakh. The judge sentenced Wahab to 14-year imprisonment along with Rs 500,000 fine. In addition to this, he was sentenced to seven-year in jail along with Rs 100,000 fine. He was awarded a further three-year jail term and fined Rs 100,000. "All the sentences will run concurrently and benefit of section 382-B of CrPC shall be given to convict," the court ruled. The section 382-B says that the length of any sentence of imprisonment imposed upon an accused shall be treated as reduced by any period during which he/she was detained in custody for such an offence. Wahab, a resident of Punjab's Layyah district, was arrested in 2015 from Naran after the scam surfaced that nearly 200 women, including lady doctors and nurses of some government teaching hospitals of Lahore, had been harassed or blackmailed by him. Subsequently, Lahore Police registered a case against him on the complaint of the Young Doctors Association (YDA). Most of the victims were house officers and postgraduate trainees from King Edward Medical University, Fatima Jinnah Medical University and Children Hospital, Lahore. The convict introduced himself as an official of the "military intelligence (MI)" and extorted money from them by threatening them that he would upload their objectionable pictures on their Facebook accounts. Dr Salman Kazmi, of YDA, said the convict also hacked the Whatsapp accounts of lady doctors and nurses, blackmailing them with objectionable video clips and photos and then extorting money from them. He said the victims were reluctant to testify against the convict because of family reasons but the YDA persuaded them. During the trial, 31 witnesses (lady doctors and nurses) recorded their statements as state counsel Abdul Rauf Wattoo presented arguments from the prosecution side. The defendant's lawyer claimed that "a false case had been registered against his client and pleaded before the court to issue orders for his acquittal. After listening to final arguments from both sides, Judge Ahmad sentenced Wahab to a total of 24 years in prison. The convict will serve his sentence in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over 10 lakh children were given Measles-Rubella vaccines in Meghalaya taking the vaccination coverage in the state to over 92 per cent, a senior Health department official said on Thursday. "Out of 11.56 lakh children, 10.67 lakh were vaccinated during MRVC with the coverage of the vaccination to over 92 per cent," Health secretary Pravin Bakshi said. He was addressing at the state level workshop on the MR vaccination and Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation programme here. "Though the state has achieved 92 per cent, the target is to achieve 95 per cent by intensifying in the days ahead," Bakshi said. The health secretary has also stressed on the need to give special focus in areas where vaccination was refused and also the check the size of the population of such areas. In districts where coverage percentage is low, Bakshi said dedicated cells would be created to make calls to private hospitals, schools and community about the importance of the vaccination. In the last couple of years, about five outbreaks have been investigated in the state in which three cases were confirmed positive for Rubella while the other two cases were confirmed positive for Measles, according to Health department statistics. Measles and rubella are highly infectious viral infections that can cause severe disabilities like blindness, brain fever, deafness, mental retardation and even death due to complications like chest infection and diarrhoea. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court Thursday sought a reply from the state-run JJ Institute of Nursing in the city on a petition filed by a student whose admission was cancelled because he suffered from partial colour blindness. A bench of Chief Justice Naresh Patil and Justice N M Jamdar directed the Maharshtra government and the authorities at JJ Hospital -- to which the college is affiliated -- to "sit together" and make their stand clear in the matter in two weeks. The authorities should consider factors such as safety of patients, Supreme Court's past judgements in similar cases and the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, the court said. Petitioner Ravikant Naik, a fourth-year nursing student, had filed the petition through his lawyer Pooja Thorat. The petition said Naik suffered from a form of colour blindness which causes reduced sensitivity to green light, and he cannot, therefore, recognise the colour "light green". In 2016, when he was in the second year of the five-year course, the college authorities rusticated him on the same ground. Naik then moved the high court. The court granted him interim relief and asked the college to readmit him. However, following another medical test last year, the authorities asked him to quit the course. Naik's petition claimed that his condition was not so severe that he should not be allowed to pursue the course. The government, however, opposed the petition. It produced a medical expert in the court Thursday to argue that while it was "sympathetic" to Naik, his condition could cause potential risk to patients. The judges asked the government and JJ Hospital authorities to give further consideration to the matter and file their reply. It also directed Naik to inform if there existed any technology or a form of medical assistance that could help him pursue the course without putting patients' safety in peril. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A notorious contract killer carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 on his arrest was held in an encounter with police on Ganga Canal road here, police said Thursday. Ajay, who sustained bullet injuries in the encounter, confessed to his crime, Senior Suprintendent of Police Sudhir Kumar told reporters. The arrested criminal was wanted in Noida, Ghaziabad and Meerut in cases of loot and murder, the SSP said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A court in Mumbai Thursday denied temporary bail to Areeb Majeed, arrested in 2014 for allegedly joining the terror outfit ISIS in Syria. Majeed, resident of Kalyan in neighbouring Thane district, had sought bail to attend his brother's wedding next month. However, special judge for National Investigation Agency (NIA) cases S M Bhosale rejected the application. The NIA had opposed bail on the ground that Majeed is facing serious charges. It also said that he might tamper with evidence if released. Majeed and three others, all engineering students, travelled to Baghdad on May 23, 2014 as part of a group of pilgrims visiting religious shrines in Iraq. Upon returning to India, other pilgrims told police that Majeed, Fahad Shaikh, Aman Tandel and Shaheen Tanki had gone to Fallujah to join Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Majeed was arrested on his return to Mumbai on November 28, 2014 from Turkey. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly told the leader of his only major ally, China, that he is committed to setting up a second summit with President Donald Trump to "achieve results" on the nuclear standoff on the Korean Peninsula. The comments, contained in reports Thursday from Chinese and North Korean state media, came after Kim left Beijing on his special armored train for Pyongyang after a two-day visit to the Chinese capital. Kim's trip to China - his fourth in the past 10 months - is believed to be an effort to coordinate with Beijing ahead of a possible second summit with Trump. It comes after US and North Korean officials are thought to have met in Vietnam to discuss the site of the summit. Kim met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his trip, Chinese and North Korea state media reported Thursday. It wasn't clear from the reports if Kim was in back in the North, but his train presumably would arrive sometime Thursday. Xi was quoted as saying that China supports the US-North Korea summits and hopes the two sides "will meet each other halfway." The North said in its report that Xi accepted an invitation to visit North Korea, although details of when he might come were not given. Kim reportedly said North Korea "will continue sticking to the stance of denuclearisation and resolving the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue and consultation, and make efforts for the second summit between (North Korean) and US leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community." Trump and Kim met in Singapore in June for the first-ever leaders' meeting between their nations, but there has been a standoff ever since, with dueling accusations of bad faith. South Korea's Yonhap Agency said Kim visited a technology development zone in China and spent around 20-30 minutes touring a factory run by famed traditional Chinese medicine maker Tong Ren Tang. North Korean and Chinese state media announced his visit shortly in advance of his arrival in Beijing, in a break with standard protocol dictating such trips are only confirmed after they happen. Yonhap said Kim met with Xi for about an hour on Tuesday and later attended a dinner at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing hosted by Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan. Kim was accompanied by his wife, Ri Sol Ju, the agency said. At Tuesday's daily Foreign Ministry briefing, spokesman Lu Kang said Beijing remains supportive of efforts to end tensions over US demands for a halt to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. "We always believe that, as key parties to the Korean Peninsula issue, it's important for the two sides to maintain contact and we always support their dialogue to achieve positive outcomes," Lu said. Tuesday was Kim's birthday. His visit is also seen as part of an effort to win Chinese support for a reduction of UN sanctions imposed over his nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, which have severely impacted his country's already ailing economy. While North Korea hasn't conducted any launches or detonations in more than a year, it's displayed no real intention of abandoning the programs that are seen as guaranteeing the government's survival. Kim's visit also came after he expressed frustration in his annual New Year's address over the lack of progress in negotiations with Washington since the Singapore summit with Trump in June, saying that if things don't improve meaning that if sanctions relief and security guarantees aren't in the offing Pyongyang might have to find "a new way" forward. While Trump says he considers Xi key to enticing Kim into taking concrete steps toward denuclearization, the president's own relationship with his Chinese counterpart has frayed over the U.S.-China trade war. Officially, at least, China says it considers the tariff battle and North Korea's weapons programs to be entirely separate. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rajasthan Assembly's outgoing speaker Kailash Meghwal Thursday accused the state government of ignoring parliamentary rules and traditions in summoning the session for the 15th assembly. The chief minister or the parliamentary affairs minister of the new government did not have any formal discussion with me before making recommendation to the governor for summoning the assembly session. It is a mandatory condition," Meghwal told reporters at a press conference. He added that the rule of issuing notice 21 days prior to summoning the assembly session too was not adhered. The outgoing speaker said he has also apprised Governor Kalyan Singh of his views in a meeting with him Wednesday. Rajasthan assembly election results were announced on December 11 and the 15th assembly was constituted on December 12. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The AAP government Thursday told the Delhi High Court that a new jail manual has been framed and brought into force to bring in basic uniformity in rules and regulations governing the administration of prisons and management of prisoners. A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao were informed by Delhi government standing counsel Rahul Mehra that the new jail manual -- Delhi Prisons Rules, 2018, has been notified and came into effect from January 1, 2019 and it would followed by the authorities. He added that most of the issues raised in various pleas before the high court have been addressed in the manual. The bench asked the advocates, associated with the matter, to go through the new manual and inform it if they have any issue and listed it for further hearing in April. The Delhi government had earlier told the court that the new manual for jails here -- including Tihar, Rohini and Mandoli -- would completely change the existing one, as they were also going to re-visit the parole and furlough guidelines. The court was hearing a batch of PILs highlighting violation of human rights and poor condition of inmates, besides excluding female prisoners from the semi-open and open prisons. The PILs have also claimed poor medical facilities to the prisoners. An order restricting lawyers from meeting their undertrial clients in Tihar to once a week has also been challenged in the high court. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nepal Army chief General Purna Chandra Thapa will travel to India on Friday on a six-day visit during which he will hold talks with top officials, including his Indian counterpart, and receive the title of honorary general of the Indian Army. General Thapa, who took charge of the Nepal Army on August 9, is visiting India at the invitation of his Indian counterpart General Bipin Rawat - his first international tour since assuming office. Similar to the practice followed by Nepali prime ministers, there is a tradition in the Nepal Army that sees its chiefs make New Delhi their first international destination after taking command of the defence force. General Thapa will be handed over the insignia of the honorary chief of the Indian Army by President Ram Nath Kovind at a function to be held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, according to a Nepal Army press release. It is a customary practice between the two neighbouring nations to award the honorary title to each other's army chief. The practice of exchanging the title of honorary chief has been going on since 1950. In July last, General Rawat was in Nepal to receive the similar honour from Nepal's President Bidya Devi Bhandari. During his six-day stay in India, General Thapa will hold talks with his Indian counterpart and also meet Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaraman, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other top officials. General Thapa will lead a seven member delegation of the Nepal Army. He will also visit South-Western Command, Jaipur and Central Command, Lucknow. Such types of high-level visits will help strengthen age old ties between the two armies, the press release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress Thursday termed the NCW notice to Congress chief Rahul Gandhi as "politically motivated" as the party defended its leader and accused the prime minister of "lowering" the political discourse. Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma said the National Commission For Women (NCW) was adopting "double standard" by sending a notice to Gandhi, while remaining silent on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "objectionable references" to Sonia Gandhi during state assembly polls. "There cannot be double standards, this is politically motivated," he said when asked about the NCW notice to Gandhi. "Was the NCW in sleep mode when the prime minister used objectionable language and style against Sonia Gandhi during poll campaign in state assembly polls, while lowering the dignity of his position? He continues to speak in this mode," Sharma said. "It does not behove of the prime minister to use such words, the manner in which he speaks. Is this the prime minister's work, the manner in which he speaks while clapping his hands. It is the country's misfortune that it has a prime minister who works with malice. He has no decency and does not hold the dignity of the post he holds. "Why did the women's commission not give a notice to Narendra Modi then? It should seek a response from him on the words used by him," the senior Congress leader asserted. The National Commission For Women earlier issued the notice to the Congress president for his "extremely misogynistic, offensive and unethical" remarks against Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at a rally in Jaipur. In the notice, the women's panel said it had taken suo motu cognisance of reports which appeared in various print and electronic media dated January 9 "wherein it is reported that you have allegedly made remarks insulting against a woman minister". "What is Rahul Gandhi trying to imply with his misogynistic statement- "... ek mahila say kaha meri raksha kiijiye."? Does he think women are weak? The irony- calling an accomplished defence minister of the largest democracy a weak person," NCW chief Rekha Sharma tweeted. Gandhi at the farmers' rally on Wednesday had said, "The watchman with a 56-inch chest ran away and told a woman, Sitharaman ji, defend me. I won't be able to defend myself, defend me". The NCW in the notice said, "It has been reported that you allegedly said "..... the PM ran away and asked a 'mahila '- a veiled reference to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman - to defend him". The Commission added that the remarks were extremely misogynistic, offensive, unethical and showed an extreme disrespect towards the dignity and honour of women in general. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The National Commission for Women Thursday issued a notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his "extremely misogynistic, offensive and unethical" remarks against Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at a rally in Jaipur. In the notice, the women's panel said it has taken suo motu cognisance of reports which appeared in various print and electronic media dated January 9, "wherein it is reported that you have allegedly made remarks insulting against a woman minister". "What is @rahulgandhi trying to imply with his misogynistic statement- "... ek mahila say kaha meri raksha kiijiye."? Does he think women are weak? The irony- calling an accomplished defence minister of the largest democracy a weak person. @nsitharaman @narendramodi @ncwindia," NCW chief Rekha Sharma tweeted. Gandhi at the farmers' rally on Wednesday had said, "The watchman with a 56-inch chest ran away and told a woman, Sitharaman ji, defend me. I won't be able to defend myself, defend me." The NCW in the notice said, "It has been reported that you allegedly said "..... the PM ran away and asked a 'mahila '- a veiled reference to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman - to defend him". "The remarks are extremely misogynistic, offensive, unethical and shows an extreme disrespect towards the dignity and honour of women in general," the commission said. It also said the NCW "strongly condemns such irresponsible and disparaging views of persons holding responsible positions". Delhi Commission For Women chief Swati Maliwal also condemned Gandhi's remarks. "Rafale scam should be thoroughly investigated but @rahulgandhi statement on it is really regressive and misogynistic. I fail to understand how men forget that women are far stronger than them! Can they even think of carrying a baby in their womb for 9 months & give birth to it?" she posted on the microblogging site. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tore into Gandhi for his remarks. Reacting to the prime minister's scathing criticism, Gandhi, in a tweet, said, "With all due respect Modi Ji, in our culture respect for women begins at home. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Maharashtra NCP chief Jayant Patil dared on Thursday Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to walk out of the BJP-led state government following Amit Shah's warning that the BJP can also thrash former allies in polls. Addressing a rally, Patil also claimed that while the Sena keeps attacking the BJP, Uddhav Thackeray met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at a city hotel two days ago. He sought to know what they discussed. The Sena, though part of the BJP-led NDA, criticises the saffron party almost every day. In a veiled warning, BJP president Amit Shah had said last Sunday that if there was no alliance for the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP will "plonk down" (defeat) its former allies. Referring to Shah's statement, Patil said, "The president of the other party (BJP) talks about plonking you down. If you have (late Shiv Sena founder) Balasaheb Thackeray's blood running in your veins, show the courage to walk out of the state cabinet tomorrow morning." Patil also said there was "no wave" in the country now, suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP's popularity was on the wane. "We have launched this Parivartan Yatra campaign to rid the country and state of the BJP," he said. The NCP rally was also addressed by senior leaders Chhagan Bhujbal, Ajit Pawar, Dhananjay Munde and others. Ajit Pawar hit out at the Centre over the 10 per cent quota to the economically backward section in the general category. "You gave reservation to those who pay income tax, but not to the poor," Pawar said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Swimmer Srihari Natraj clinched his first gold medal of the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games in the 200 meter freestyle Under-21 category here Thursday. The lanky Karnataka swimmer completed the race in a minute and 53.22 seconds, a media release issued here said. The 800-meter freestyle Under-17 girls category saw Prachi Tokas of Delhi take the gold in a little over then 9. 5 minutes. The was dominated by Delhis swimmers who took away 11 medals - four gold, two silver and five bronze medals - while Karnataka were next best with nine -- four gold, three silver and two bronze medals. Maharashtra were third with five medals in all that were burnished by three golds. Other winners on the day included Sanjay Jayakrishnan of Karnataka (200m U-17 boys freestyle, Shivangi Sharma of Delhi (200m U-17 girls freestyle), Bhavika Dugar of Tamil Nadu (200m U-21 girls freestyle), Swadesh Mondal of Delhi (100m boys U-17 breaststroke), Kareena Shankta of Maharashtra (100m U-17 girls breaststroke) and Karnatakas Likith S P (boys U-21 100m breaststroke). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India needs a sandbox approach in order to regulate emerging technological advancements which are disruptive and creating a sea change in today's regulatory environment, the Nasscom said Thursday. The Sandbox approach will allow companies to test products in a closed environment, a particular geography or among a set of users, before they are allowed roll out commercially meeting all regulations. There are lot of challenges to the regulators to protect the citizens from possible fallouts from such disruptive innovations as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, big data analytics and blockchain, Nasscom president Debjani Ghosh said. "Tech regulation is complicated. It's a completely new world and it should be consultative and adoptive. India needs sandbox approach where policy makers, academicians, industry figure out and create a framework," Ghosh said on the sidelines of the first Nasscom International SME Conclave here. Indian capital market regulator, SEBI, also said last month it was contemplating to come out with a sandbox policy for tech companies which will allow companies to test products in a closed environment. Ghosh said there should be focus on discussions at the early stage of apprehensions and problems which are required to be solved in the new tech environment where AI, machine learning, big data analytics, distributed ledger technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are seeping into mainstream lives. "Early stage of discussion needs to be done to fully understand the problem you are trying to solve as there may be many ways to solve that," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New York City Mayor Bill de Blasios 2019 State of the City address was heavy on past successes and future promises, and light on current weaknesses. But overall, he kept the focus local, even as he held up the five boroughs as a progressive city upon a hill, vowing to make New York the fairest big city in America. De Blasio spoke for almost exactly an hour on Thursday at Symphony Space on the Upper West Side, using more than 6,000 words, and revealing his priorities through both the words he used most frequently and the words he largely avoided. Trump: three times De Blasios speech didnt spend much time on national politics, even as he appears to weigh a run for the White House in 2020. While last years State of the City was all about protecting democracy, this year was much more locally focused. De Blasios first two mentions of President Donald Trumps name came during the portion of the speech enumerating City Halls successes, including sending lawyers to the U.S.-Mexico border to fight Trumps inhumane detention of children, and maintaining New York Citys status as a sanctuary city for immigrants, despite the presidents threats to pull federal funding. The mayor did seem to be talking to a national audience when describing his economic worldview, seeming almost to goad critics who decry him as a socialist. You're not living the life you deserve, de Blasio said in front of TV screens with a line graph showing worker productivity rising since the 1980s while hourly compensation stagnated. Theres plenty of money in the world. Theres plenty of money in this city. Its just in the wrong hands! The mayor continued over applause. You deserve a city that gives you the share of the prosperity that you have earned. NYCHA: one time Problems at the New York City Housing Authority have dogged the mayor for years, and the city has been given until the end of January to deliver a report proving the authority can reform itself without a federal takeover. But NYCHA, home to some 400,000 New Yorkers, got only a brief mention, a promise to bring brand new everything to 175,000 of them. From new roofs, to new kitchens and bathrooms. The brevity was compounded by how much time de Blasio spent talking about the citys new plan to fight bad landlords, directing a newly created office to seize buildings from bad landlords and let community-based nonprofit organizations manage them instead. The citys worst landlords will have a new sheriff to fear: the Mayors Office to Protect Tenants, he said. NYCHAs semi-official status as the citys worst landlord didnt go unnoticed by the mayors rivals. There were some contradictory statements, said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who plans to run for mayor in 2021. When you talk about the whole issue of tenants and landlords, you have to lead by example. De Blasio largely avoided some other hot topics. Amazon got just one mention, lumped with Google as proof that the worlds most innovative companies want to be here. Left unsaid were the generous state and city subsidies used to lure the tech giant. BQX didnt get mentioned, leading some to assume de Blasios plans for a Brooklyn-Queens light rail have been killed. L train didnt get a mention either, and the mayor made it clear that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is Albanys problem to fix, despite New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson agitating for a city takeover of subways and busses. We will / were going to: 26 times The speech was full of promises for the mayors next three years, all fit into the framework devised upon de Blasios 2017 re-election: making New York the fairest big city in America. Most of the proposals had been revealed before, like his plan to promote primary health care for New Yorkers without health insurance, his support for a law to mandate 10 annual paid vacation days for private sector workers and expanding free preschool for three-year-olds to the whole city by 2021. The mayor took some responsibility for New York Citys troubled transit system, saying more streets will get dedicated bus lanes and the NYPD would devote a tow truck unit solely to keeping those lanes free of parked cars. De Blasio also announced a further expansion of the NYC Ferry system to make it a true five-borough ferry with a new route from Staten Island to Manhattan by 2020. Albany: eight times The mayor cant do it all on his own, and he presented a separate wish list of promises that will depend on approval from the state Legislature, now under full Democratic control for the first time in a decade. De Blasios been criticized for a lack of coordination with the state lawmakers in the past, and has been dogged by a poor relationship with Gov. Andrew Cuomo. But de Blasio seems determined to turn over a new leaf. His State of the City address was a month earlier than usual this year, presumably to send Albany his priorities with ample time before the April 1 budget deadline a date de Blasio highlighted in his speech. In the next 80 days, the fate of the MTA, the fate of our subways and buses, will be determined once and for all, he said. De Blasio vowed to pound on every door in Albany to get more funding, but showed willingness to work with whats available. While he still thinks a millionaires tax is the best way to fund the MTA, he said, proposals for congestion pricing have definitely improved. The mayors Albany wish list was much longer than just subways. He also mentioned statewide single-payer health care, shifting rent regulations to favor tenants, making it easier to vote in elections and legalizing marijuana while expunging past arrest records for the drug. Hero: 11 times It wasnt all about policy. Like in past years, de Blasio borrowed from the State of the Union address, and highlighted some public servant heroes in attendance, like NYPD Officer Osvaldo Nunez, a rookie cop who saved a baby girls life by performing CPR. Unlike in past years, where the mayor spoke in front of a video screen, he was backed this year by about 60 New Yorkers, diverse in age, race and religion. The audience of hundreds, filled with elected officials, city employees, and a number of lobbyists, gave the mayor an easy time, and filled the room with cheers at choice moments. There werent any protestors outside, and unlike last year, when a member of the correction officers union heckled de Blasio from the audience, outbursts were limited to occasional isolated cheers. De Blasio closed the speech by framing himself as a hero of the working class, somebody who has made the city give back to the working people the prosperity they have earned. With a TMC MP joining the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Congress and the CPI(M) Thursday said the party that started the "unethical political culture" of poaching elected representatives is now getting back the dose of its own medicine. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP from Bishnupur Lok Sabha seat in Bankura district, Saumitra Khan, Wednesday joined BJP in New Delhi. The party expelled him along with its Bolpur Lok Sabha MP Anupam Hazra for anti party activities. "After coming to power in 2011, the TMC had started this culture of poaching elected representatives of the Congress and Left parties. It was an alien culture in Bengal Now the TMC is getting the dose of it medicine," Leader of the opposition and senior Congress leader Abdul Mannan said. Echoing the views of Mannan, the CPI(M) said the "fixed political match" between the TMC and the BJP in Bengal had started taking toll on Mamata Banerjee's party. More than 16 MLAs of the Congress and six of the Left parties had switched over to the TMC in the state between 2011 and 2016. Since the 2016 Assembly poll, 12 Congress MLAs and three of the Left Front joined the ruling party. "We feel that it's a fixed political match where elected representatives of the TMC are at ease by joining the BJP. The fixed political match has started taking its toll on the TMC in the state," CPI(M) central committee leader Sujan Chakraborty said. When Congress and Left MLAs joined the Trinamool, the party had claimed that they are changing side to take part in the developmental process ushered by Mamata Banerjee regime. But the opposition parties maintained that the TMC was abusing its power to force their MLAs to switchover to the ruling party. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mozambique has arrested a respected journalist working in the northern region wracked by a jihadist insurgency, in a second such arrest in weeks, according to global media and rights watchdogs. Amade Abubacar, a community radio journalist for the state-owned Radio e Televisao Comunit?ria Nacedje de Macomia in northern Cabo Delgado province, was seized by police at a bus stop at the weekend while conducting interviews and taking photographs of people fleeing from militant attacks. He was being held at a military prison with no access to lawyers, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Amnesty International. Macomia is one of the areas worst hit by the Islamist insurgency in northern Mozambique. Jihadist fighters have terrorised remote communities in the gas-rich and Muslim-majority Cabo Delgado region for more than a year, staging brazen gun and knife attacks on civilians leaving over 100 dead and thousands fleeing their homes. Angela Quintal, CPJ's Africa programme coordinator on Wednesday urged Mozambique to immediately free the journalist without charge and to "stop censoring coverage of the insurgency by detaining journalists and accusing them of colluding with militants". Amnesty International's Deputy Director for Southern Africa Tigere Chagutah said instead of targeting journalists, Mozambican authorities "should be trying to understand the root causes of the violence and taking action to protect civilians". "This is the latest display of contempt for freedom of expression and media freedom by the Mozambican authorities, who see journalists as a threat and treat them like criminals," said Chagutah. The military last month arrested internationally acclaimed investigative reporter Estacio Valoi in the same province, but released him after two days without charge. In June last year a Zimbabwean correspondent for the South African private broadcaster eNCA, Pindai Dube, was also arrested in Cabo Delgado while covering the militant attacks in the region, according to local Mozambican media. Last month Human Rights Watch accused security forces waging the fight against jihadists in the country's north of "serious abuses" of human rights including summary executions and arbitrary detention of people suspected of participating in the insurgency. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Students of the Gauhati University and several colleges Thursday joined other higher educational institutes across Assam to protest the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill, with one student body threatening to take steps like self immolation if the Bill is not withdrawn. Students of Cotton and Dibrugarh Universities and over 15 colleges decided on Wednesday to boycott their classes indefinitely to protest against the passage of the citizenship bill in the Lok Sabha. Police detained hundreds of students of various colleges and universities who gathered at Dighalipukhuri area here to demonstrate. Several students' unions held a joint press conference at the Cotton University, where the leaders vowed to take the struggle to schools and colleges in interior Assam. A 12-hour strike was observed at Gauhati University by the students, teachers and employees. Burning effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, students at Hawraghat College decided to boycott classes indefinitely and said extreme steps like self immolation will be carried out if the Bill is not withdrawn. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill which was passed by Lok Sabha Tuesday seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Students' unions at Rangia College, Chandranath Science College, Sarupathar College, Pub Majuli College and others joined the protests and boycotted their classes. The Dibrugarh University Post Graduate Students' Union has imposed a ban on entry of any representative of member of the ruling BJP into the campus. Students' bodies at Tezpur University, Jorhat Medical College, Pub Guwahati College, JB College, DCB College and others held protests in their campuses, although no class boycott decision has been taken. Students unions at Pub Kamrup College, Margherita College, Dibru College, Lahowal College, Tengakhat College, Gorgaon College, CKB College, Jorhat College, Dhakuakhana College, Chabua College, Madhabdeb College, Bokakhat College, Moran College, Tinsukia College and MNC College announced boycotting their classes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress Thursday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "Michel mama" barb, claiming "Modi mama" and the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal were "business rivals". Speaking to reporters here, former Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde said Modi had launched "Prime Minister's loot the country and run away" scheme for businessmen like Vijay Mallya. Reacting to Shinde's allegations, Maharashtra BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said it was part of Congress' strategy of making "baseless allegations". British national Christian Michel, alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland deal, was arrested in the UAE last month and extradited to India. Speaking at a rally in Solapur Wednesday, Modi had cited media reports to allege that Michel was lobbying for rivals of the French firm Dassault which manufactures Rafale, and demanded that Congress explain which of its leaders was connected with "Michel mama". Countering the prime minister's barbs, Shinde alleged that Modi was helping his industrialist friends. "Modi, who has launched 'Prime Minister's Mediation Scheme' in Rafale and other matters for his industrialist friends, does not want any competitor in the business and hence this outburst," he said. "Michel mama and Modi mama are business rivals. Hence Modi is making baseless allegations," the senior Congress leader said. Shinde, who hails from Solapur, also said the prime minister made a "poor attempt" to tell the people in the south Maharashtra district that he was doing great work for them by launching several schemes. "He should have also told people about his 'Prime Minister's loot the country and run away scheme' meant for his industrialist friends such as Nirav Modi, Mehul bhai (Mehul Choksi), Mallya and Lalit Modi," Shinde said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Thursday said the Narendra Modi government at the Centre has added a new chapter by providing 10 per cent reservation to economically weaker people in the general category. "The way Rozgar Mahakumb organised Thursday in Jharkhand will see the same in the whole country in the coming times and the reservation based on economic criteria will benefit the poor," said Pradhan, the Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship minister. Addressing the 'Global Skill Summit, 2019' at Khelgaon in the presence of Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and other eminent guests, Pradhan said after 70 years of independence, reservation on the basis of the poor (category) was provided. He appreciated the Jharkhand governments efforts in bringing the industry, the youth and the government on one platform, adding for the first time in the history of independent India that over one lakh youth got letters at one go. Pradhan said that other states will also get support in Jharkhands efforts in skill development. He said textile industry in Vietnam is giving competition to China and the youth here could also learn and challenge the world. Pradhan also informed that there was a need for trained manpower in several countries and there was a need to skill the youth as per the needs. The Jharkhand government Thursday gave appointment letters to 11 youths symbolically as one lakh and six thousand youth got jobs in the private sector. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress MLA Hina Likhiram Kawre was Thursday elected deputy speaker of the Madhya Pradesh assembly amid protest by the opposition BJP before the House was adjourned sine die a day ahead of schedule. The assembly witnessed din and was adjourned multiple times after the BJP raised objection over the process followed by the Chair to elect the 33-year-old woman legislator to the post. The main opposition party fielded its lawmaker Jagdish Devda for the post, but it eventually went to the ruling party member. Earlier, assembly speaker N P Prajapati read out four separat proposals of treasury benches to elect the two-time legislator Kawre as deputy speaker. Leader of Opposition Gopal Bhargava objected to this, saying his partys proposal to elect Devda, too, should be read out along with the four proposals. The Chair agreed to this. Former assembly speaker Sitasharan Sharma tried to raise a point of order (objection to the procedure being adopted to elect deputy speaker) on the issue. Bhargava and former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan backed Sharma and demanded that the former speaker be heard. After Prajapati did not pay heed to the oppositions demand, BJP members said the House was being run "undemocratically and unilaterally" right from day one. The BJP legislators trooped into the Well of the House and shouted slogans seeking that Sharma, one of their senior most members, be given a chance to speak. Amid bedlam, the speaker maintained he had already honoured Bhargava's demand and read out the five proposals, and asked the opposition not to hinder the process to elect deputy speaker. But his words failed to mollify the opposition and the speaker adjourned the House two times for 10 minutes each. After the House reassembled, Kawre was elected deputy speaker by a voice vote amid pandemonium. The BJP lawmakers did not relent and continued to stay put in the Well, leading Prajapati to adjourn the House for a third time for 10 minutes. When the House reassembled, the BJP MLAs shouted slogans against the speaker and accused him of being "unfair". Rejecting the charge, Prajapati said he was impartial and respected all members, and asked the opposition not to nurse any ill feeling against him. The opposition members said the deputy speaker was elected without following established rules and maintained there was no point in Prajapati now giving clarification. Amid noisy scenes, Prajapati took up the listed business for the day, including approving the supplementary budget, and completed it. The assembly also thanked Governor Anandiben Patel for her address after which the speaker adjourned the House sine die a day ahead of schedule. The newly elected 15th assembly of the state was originally slated to have a five-day session. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) People dependent on Goa's mining industry held demonstrations outside the residences of two BJP parliamentarians in the state on Thursday over their demand for resumption of iron ore extraction operations. In a bid mount pressure on the government to resolve their woes, the mining dependents said they would hold protests outside the public functions where the three BJP MPs from Goa would participate. The mining dependents, under the banner of Goa Mining People's Front (GMPF), staged demonstrations outside the private residences of Rajya Sabha member Vinay Tendulkar and Lok Sabha MP Narendra Sawaikar in Ponda town, about 30 km from here. Union AYUSHMinister Shripad Naik is also a Lok Sabha member from Goa. The protesters said the parliamentarians from the state had been unable to convince the Centre to amend the existing mining laws which will help in resuming the industry. "Our demand is clear. We want all the three MPs to resign in support of our cause as they have failed to bring relief to the ailing mining industry," GMPF president Puti Gaonkar told reporters at Ponda. The mining dependents have also planned to block the national highway connecting Goa to Karnataka at Keri in North Goa district on January 21 over their demands. When contacted, Tendulkar said the demonstration outside his house in Goa were unwarranted. "I didn't knew that the mining dependents were coming to meet me. I am in Delhi to attend Parliament session. If they had informed me, I would have deputed one of my representatives to speak to them at my home," he said. Tendulkar, who is also the head of BJP's Goa unit, said he will be seeking an appointment with party president Amit Shah to raise the issue. "We are working on all possible solutions for the resumption of mining industry. We are hopeful that the crisis would be resolved soon," he added. The mining operations, a key source of revenue to the government, came to a standstill in March last year following a Supreme Court order which quashed 88 mining leases. The BJP-led state government has requested the Centre to amend the existing mining laws during the ongoing session of Parliament so that leases get extended. The GMPF, an umbrella group of mining dependents - whose livelihood has been affected - had recently staged three-day protests in New Delhi demanding resumption of mining activities in the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The high-powered committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met for over two hours on Thursday to decide fate of CBI Director Alok Verma, reinstated by a Supreme Court order after he was sent on forced leave by the government. The meeting was also attended by Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and Justice A K Sikri, who was nominated by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi to represent him. It was not immediately clear what transpired in the meeting, called for the second consecutive day. The CBI chief and his deputy Special Director Rakesh Asthana were sent on the forced leave over two months ago to stop the "kilkenny cat fight" between them. They had accused each other of corruption. Verma, who resumed office on Wednesday, had revoked most of the transfers done by M Nageshwar Rao, who was appointed as the interim CBI chief in his absence. Ahead of the meeting, Kharge said he has sought documents, including enquiry report by the Central Vigilance Commission into the matter. "I have asked for certain documents from the government concerning the matter including the CVC's enquiry reports," he told reporters here on Thursday. He said that Verma should also be given an opportunity to appear before the committee and represent his case. Congress President Rahul Gandhi also attacked the government ahead of the crucial meeting and said Modi is in a "tearing hurry" to "sack" CBI chief Alok Verma because of the Rafale deal. "1. Why is the PM in such a tearing hurry to sack the CBI Chief? "2. Why will he not allow the CBI Chief to present his case in front of the selection committee ? Answer: RAFALE," Gandhi said on Twitter. The top court had asked the government to convene the meeting within a week of its order. It had quashed the government's unprecedented "overnight" order issued in October last year, stripping Verma of his powers and sending him on leave after he and his deputy traded corruption charges, sparking a bitter feud. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign covering near 55 lakh children in the age group of nine months and 15 years will be launched in Delhi on January 16. The five-week campaign will cover all preschool children, school children (government and private) and out-of-school children in 11 districts of the national capital. This was announced at a 'National Media Engagement Workshop' on Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign held here by Delhi's Directorate of Family Welfare with support from the UNICEF, the WHO and partners. The objective of the workshop was to sensitise media about the ongoing Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign in India and the state's preparedness for introducing the Measles Rubella Vaccination (MRV) campaign, a statement by the UNICEF said Thursday. India is committed to eliminate measles and control rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) by 2020. The largest ever vaccination campaign worldwide aims to cover approximately 40 crore children in the age group of 9 months to less than 15 years of age. Children will be given a single shot of Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination during the campaign. Since the launch in 2017, the MRV campaign has covered nearly 20 crore children in 30 states and Union Territories, the statement said. Opening the workshop, Dr Pradeep Haldar, Deputy Commissioner, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said, "Immunisation is one of the most effective and cost-effective way to protect children lives. The recently introduced measles-rubella vaccine, which will be provided for free in schools, during the campaign, in health facilities and at outreach session sites, is another such step to achieve our goals." The UNICEF, LIONS Club, Rotary Club, IMA, DMA and IAP have extended their support towards MR campaign in Delhi. India has one of the largest immunisation programmes in the world, in terms of number of beneficiaries, geographical coverage and quantities of vaccine used, with nearly 26 million new born babies targeted for immunisation each year, the statement stated. Rubella, which is commonly referred to as German measles is a mild infection, but can have serious consequences if it occurs in pregnant women. India's newest MR vaccine also protects against measles, a major killer of small children. Highly contagious, it spreads through coughing and out of 1,34,200 measles deaths globally in 2015, around 49,200 occurred in India nearly 36 per cent. Those who survive are more vulnerable to its complications such as diarrhoea and pneumonia, the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 40-year-old man was shot dead and another injured on Thursday in front of the city police station here over a land dispute, police said. Triloki Mali was allegedly shot dead by Sanjay Singh while he was sitting in his shop, Superintendent of Police (SP), Vipin Kumar Mishra said. The victim's shop is located opposite to the city police station. While Triloki died on the spot, another person, Suneel, sitting with him was injured, the SP said. Suneel was taken to a hospital, where his condition was stated to be stable. Officials said they are probing the matter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 61-year-old man was killed and three persons were injured Thursday after an auto-rickshaw was hit allegedly by an MCD truck in north Delhi's Roop Nagar area, police said. The deceased has been identified as Munna. He used to work in Azadpur Mandi, they said. Officials of Roop Nagar Police Station were informed about the accident near Sabji Mandi Ghanta Ghar around 5 am. On reaching the spot, the officials learnt that near the Ghanta Ghar roundabout, an MCD truck carrying garbage hit the auto and injured its driver and passengers, Nupur Prasad, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) said. The victims were rushed to Bara Hindu Rao hospital where one of the passengers, identified as Munna, was declared brought dead. Others who sustained minor injuries were discharged after treatment, the officer said. Investigations revealed that Munna was seated next to the auto driver while the other two passengers were seated in the back when the vehicle enroute Azadpur Mandi was hit by the truck that was coming from wrong side. However, the auto driver escaped with minor injuries, Prasad said. A case has been registered and the accused has been arrested, the officer said. The arrested truck driver has been identified as Sanjib Mondal (27), she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday lambasted the Left parties for their supporters alleged attack on vehicles ferrying school children during the two-day nationwide strike called by central trade unions. She condemned the attack on vehicles ferrying school children during the strike and termed them as "shameful". "In the name of bandhs, the CPI(M) hurled bombs at school students. It is shameful. Despicable. Must be condemned. They destroyed Bengal for 34 years," Banerjee said addressing an administrative meeting here during the foundation stone laying of Kanyashree University. Reports said that two nursery students were injured when a group of alleged strike supporters attacked a car ferrying them to school in Kolkata on Wednesday. In Howrah protesters had allegedly pelted stones at a school bus injuring the driver. Though nobody was arrested in connection with the incidents, the matter evoked lot of protests among the people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Leader of Malaysia's Keadilan Rakyar party Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two discussed matters of mutual interest. Ibrahim, a member of the Malaysian parliament, met the PM with two other fellow parliamentarians -- Kesavan Subramanian and Santhara Kumar Ramanaidu. "The prime minister congratulated Ibrahim on his recent election as President of the PKR Party. He fondly recalled their last meeting in Malaysia in May 2018. The PM also conveyed his warm regards to Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia," an official statement read. The two leaders also discussed bilateral, regional and global matters of mutual interest. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Tripura government Thursday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the violence at Madhabbari in West Tripura district on Tuesday and extended the ban on SMSes and mobile internet services in the state. At least seven people were injured when protesters opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill clashed with police on Tuesday. Police Thursday said situation in Madhabbari and adjacent areas is normal but prohibitory order under section 144 of CrPc would be further extended for another 48-hours. Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb told a press conference here that a magisterial inquiry was ordered to look into how the incident took place and under what circumstances did the police open fire. The state government on Tuesday had banned SMSes and mobile internet services for two-days apprehending law and order problem following the clashes. Deb said the ban would continue. "I am also facing problem. When the suspension is lifted would depend on situation," he said. Deb said, "Police are supposed to open fire below the knee. One Sumit Debbarma, who received gun shot on his shoulder...maybe he was in such a posture that the bullet entered through his shoulder and came out of his waist. Everything would be inquired into, including that how the situation turned violent." Deb said Debbarma was shifted to Kolkata after his condition deteriorated and is now being treated at the R N Tagore hospital there. His condition was reported to be improving, he said. The North East Students Organisation (NESO) had called an 11-hour Northeast bandh on Tuesday to protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. The chief minister, who also holds charge of the Home department, said supporters of Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT), a tribal party in the state, was "involved" in the incidents of road blockade at Madhabbari. "We have received police report that the supporters of INPT were behind blocking the road and involved in the incidents of pelting stones and bottles on police," Deb said. State Revenue Minister N C Debbarma, who is also the president of Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), an ally of ruling BJP, was present in the press conference. When asked, if Twipra Student Federation (TSF), the student wing of IPFT had organised the road blockade to protest the Citizenship Amendment bill, he declined to comment. Deb, who is also the president of the Tripura unit of BJP, said the bill seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims, including Hindu, Sikh and Buddhists, from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. "Those non-Muslim people...they are marginalised there. We think the bill was passed with a positive thinking. Tripura has also a long tradition of giving shelter to the refugees. The last king of Tripura gave shelter to many refugees in Tripura," he added. The chief minister said if any person or organization or political party wants to oppose anything they should do it in a democratic manner, but anybody taking the law into their own hands would not be tolerated. Meanwhile, SP (West Tripura) Ajit Pratap Singh said prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPc in Madhabbari would be extended for another 48-hour from Thursday evening. The prohibitory order was clamped on Tuesday evening immediately after the incident. "The situation in Madhabbari and adjacent areas are normal, but a huge deployment of police and paramilitary contingents is there. We are keeping a close watch on the situation. Section 144 CrPc would be further extended for another 48-hours," Singh said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in Thursday for a controversial second term, posing a challenge to the United States and much of the international community that have branded his mandate illegitimate. Maduro, 56, was sworn in by Supreme Court president Maikel Moreno, amid cheers and applause by a crowd of hundreds attending the inauguration in Caracas. The ceremony was boycotted by the European Union, United States and Venezuela's South American neighbours. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) LOTS Wholesale Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Thailand-based Siam Makro PCL, Thursday opened its third store in the country, in Noida. LOTS Wholesale Solutions, which currently operates two stores in Delhi, also launched its private label own brands - Basic Plus and PlusMo. The first two product categories introduced under these brands are bakery items and home cleaning, it said. The company, which started its operation in India in July last year, has a customer base of around 1,40,000 members at present. The store in Noida is the first step towards the company's commitment of investing Rs 250 crore in Uttar Pradesh, LOTS Wholesale Solutions added. "The expansion plan will witness the opening of more stores in the state in the coming years," it further said. LOTS Wholesale Solutions is aiming to turn profitable in India in next five to seven years. The company had earlier announced that for the next two-three years it would focus and continue to add more stores in north India as a part of its expansion plan. It intends to have a national footprint in 10 years. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A British charity helping whistleblowers around the world on Thursday launched a legal aid fund for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, warning his expulsion from Ecuador's embassy in London "may be imminent". The Courage Foundation said Assange's position in the embassy, where he has been living since seeking refuge there in 2012, was "under increasingly serious threat". Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno last month said that "the way has been cleared for Mr Assange to take the decision to leave in near-liberty". Moreno said Britain had guaranteed that the 47-year-old Australian would not be extradited to any country where his life would be in danger. Ecuador has been seeking a way to terminate Assange's stay for several months, amid souring relations with its embassy guest, who recently sued Quito for restricting his internet access. Assange, who gained international renown by publishing huge caches of hacked State Department and Pentagon files, has repeatedly expressed fear that Britain would extradite him to the United States to face charges there. The 251,000 classified cables from US embassies around the world -- released by WikiLeaks in 2010 and published by leading international newspapers -- embarrassed the Bush administration in Washington and caused ructions in its bilateral relations with other countries. In Britain, he faces prosecution for failing to meet his bail conditions after fleeing to the embassy to escape extradition to Sweden on sexual assault accusations that have since expired. "Prosecuting Assange for publishing constitutes a major attack on press freedoms at large, and his trans-Atlantic legal defence will require contributions from supporters around the world," the foundation said. The group said donations would "go solely to support the campaign to defend WikiLeaks' staff". US prosecutors in November inadvertently revealed the existence of a sealed indictment against Assange, according to WikiLeaks, but it was not known what the actual charges were. The possible indictment suggested that Washington will seek Assange's extradition if he leaves the embassy. There is speculation that the US interest in Assange is connected to the investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 election that brought President Donald Trump to office. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) C Lalramzauva, a senior advocate, has been appointed adviser to Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, according to an official notification. He had unsuccessfully contested against former state chief minister Lal Thanhawla in Serchhip constituency thrice. The notification issued Wednesday by joint secretary for department of personnel and administrative reforms said the new adviser will draw an honorarium of Rs 30,000 per month. He would enjoy the rank of principal secretary to the state government. Lalramzauva would be entitled to an official car with a driver, air travel, daily allowances and a household peon. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court Thursday asked as to why the local court at Pune sat on a Sunday to decide the plea of Maharashtra police seeking extension of 90-day limit for filing the charge sheet against arrested rights activist in the Koregaon-Bhima violence case. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi also reserved its verdict on the Maharashtra government's appeal challenging the refusal of the Bombay High Court to extend the 90-day limit for filing the charge sheet in the case. The bench, which also comprised Justices L Nageswara Rao and S K Kaul, was told that the state police filed an application seeking extension of time by 90 more days for filing the charge sheet on August 30, 2018. The 90 days period was expiring on September 3. But, the trial court took up the case for hearing on September 2, a Sunday, and extended the time for filing the charge sheet by another 90 days which disentitled the arrested accused from getting the statutory bail. "Heavens would not have fallen if the trial court would have heard the case on Monday (September 3)," the bench observed and asked "whether the trial court has recorded any reason for hearing the case on Sunday". Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi and lawyer Nishant Katneshwar, appearing for Maharashtra, said that the trial court has recorded the reasons for according the hearing on Sunday and assailed the Bombay High Court's decision to set aside the extension of time given for filing the charge sheet. "This is a very very serious matter and pertains to armed rebellion across India. This is not the case where the accused can be allowed to get default bail," Rohatgi said. He said the legal requirements have been complied with as the investigating officer (IO) and the public prosecutor both filed two separate applications seeking extension of time and the courts should not be nit-picking and giving reliefs to the accused on procedural and technical grounds. Senior advocates A M Singhvi, Anand Grover and Indira Jaising appeared for the accused and said that the issue pertained to the fundamental right of liberty of the accused and the high court's order should not be interfered with. Jaising said the Public Prosecutor did not apply his mind independently while filing the application seeking extension of time for filing the charge sheet. She said the state police has been indulging in "ever-greening" the cases to ensure that one of the five arrested accused, Surendra Gadling, remains in jail and alleged that he has been summoned in an FIR registered in 2016. Jaising also said that in the case in which Gadling is going to be arrested, no charge sheet has been filed and moreover, all other accused are out on bail. The top court was hearing an appeal of the state government against the Bombay High Court's order refusing to extend the time limit of 90 days by another 90 days for filing the probe report in the violence case. The apex court had stayed the Bombay High Court order. The charge-sheet has already been filed by the state police before a local court in the case. The Pune Police had arrested lawyer Surendra Gadling, Nagpur University professor Shoma Sen, Dalit activist Sudhir Dhawale, activist Mahesh Raut and Kerala native Rona Wilson in June for their alleged links with Maoists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Earlier, the top court had asked the state government to submit the "gist" of allegations and the probe report filed against rights activists arrested in the case. The Maharashtra government had on October 25 moved the apex court challenging the Bombay High Court order by which the extension of time granted to state police to conclude probe in the violence case was set aside. Prior to this, the apex court had refused to interfere with the arrest of five rights activists by the Maharashtra Police in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima violence case and declined to appoint a SIT for probe into their arrest. The arrests had followed raids at their residences and offices in connection with the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31 last year, which, the police claimed, had led to violence at Bhima Koregaon the next day. Under the UAPA, a charge sheet must be filed within 90 days of arrest. However, the prosecutor can file a report before the trial court, explaining the reasons for the delay, and seek more time. If satisfied, the court can extend the time by 90 days. In the present case, the Pune sessions court had granted the police the additional 90 days, following an application from the investigating officer (IO) and written submissions by an assistant commissioner of police (ACP). The petition filed in the top court by the state government said the investigating officer had filed an application in the trial court under his signature giving reasons for extension of time on August 30, 2018. "On the very same day, the public prosecutor submitted her report/application carving out the grounds for extension of time.The public prosecutor, by way of abundant precaution, took signature of the investigating officer. But the HC was carried away by the fact of signature of the investigating officer and arrived at a conclusion that the report/application was not by the public prosecutor," the plea had said. It had also said that the high court should not have been carried away by the fact of mentioning of names of parties in detail. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed "concern" about the deadlock in denuclearisation discussions in his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Pyongyang's state media reported Thursday. Kim "raised concern about the impasse created in the process of improving US-DPRK ties and in denuclearisation talks", the official KCNA agency said. Kim said Pyongyang's "basic position of pursuing a peaceful resolution through dialogue remains unchanged", it added. China is the North's main diplomatic backer and key trade partner, whose forces were instrumental in fighting for it during the 1950-53 Korean War. According to KCNA, Beijing issued a ringing endorsement of the North's position. "Xi Jinping said that the legitimate issues raised by the DPRK are rightful demands and that he fully agrees that the DPRK's reasonable interests should be justly resolved," it said. It added that Xi accepted an invitation by Kim to visit the North "at a convenient time" and "informed him of related plans". It would be Xi's first trip to Pyongyang since he took power in 2012. But it is not the first time Pyongyang has said Xi has accepted such an invitation -- it did so in March last year after Kim went to Beijing for the first time as leader, but Xi has yet to make a return journey. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Kerala High Court Thursday dismissed an anticipatory bail plea filed by Malayalam actor Kollam Thulasi in a case against him for allegedly making provocative anti-women remarks during a Sabarimala protest organised by the BJP-led NDA in the state. Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan directed him to surrender before the investigation officer. Thulasi had moved the high court seeking anticipatory bail after a sessions court in Kollam declined to grant him relief. The actor had made a shocking statement in October last year, saying that women entering Sabarimala temple should be ripped into half. Thulasi made the controversial remark while taking a dig at the central and state governments while threatening women against entering the Sabarimala temple. "One half should be sent to Delhi and the other half should be thrown towards chief minister's (Pinarayi Vijayan) office in Thiruvananthapuram," he had said. The FIR against Thulasi was registered on a complaint by a local leader of the DYFI, the youth wing of the CPI(M). The actor was booked under Sections 295A (outraging religious feelings), 298 (uttering words with intention to wound religious sentiments), 354A (making sexually coloured remarks) of the IPC. He was also booked under Section 119A of the Kerala Police Act, which deals with sexual gestures or acts in public places degrading the dignity of women. The Kerala State Women's Commission had registered a case against Thulasi. On September 28 last year, the Supreme Court allowed women of all ages to enter the temple, saying that "no physiological and biological factor can be given legitimacy if it doesn't pass the test of conditionality". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A catholic nun, who took part in a street protest here against a rape-accused bishop some months ago, continued to draw flak with a pro-church daily slamming her Thursday for violating norms, even as she dubbed it as an "attempt to humiliate" her. This comes days after the Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC) served a notice to Sister Lucy Kalappura accusing her of leading a life, which was against the "principles of religious life". The warning notice was issued after the nun had posted her photo wearing a 'Salwar Kameez' on her Facebook page, bought a car and published a poetry collection, even after she was denied permission by the church authorities. Reacting to the article published in the Malayalam newspaper, the nun said she had no regret over whatever she had done. "I am a person observing all vows and I have no regret in whatever I have done," the nun, belonging to FCC, said. "The article is an attempt to humiliate me through the media. But, I will not give up," she said. The daily predominately, run by Catholic priests and lay persons, carried a lengthy article in its editorial page against the actions of the nun without naming her. The article, penned by a Noble Parakkal, accused the nun of insulting the church through her acts, taking part in the protest against the bishop without seeking permission, posting her photo on social media and grabbing media attention by spreading lies. Sister Lucy had invited the wrath of the Church leadership by participating in a street protest here by five nuns belonging to the Catholic religious order Missionaries of Jesus demanding the arrest of Bishop Franco Mulakkal, who was accused of raping a nun. The nun said the article accused her of violating the law and disciplines of the church at a time when several male priests were continuing to live an "unethical" life, she said. In its notice sent earlier this week, the FCC had accused Sister Lucy Kalapura belonging to FCC's St Mary's province in Mananthavady, of leading a life, which was against the "principles of religious life" and the rule of congregation. The congregation termed as "grave violations" a nun taking license, buying a car, taking a loan for it and publishing a book spending money without permission and knowledge of her superiors. The provincial superior had denied permission to Sister Lucy to publish her collection of poems. She, however, published her book "Snehamazhayil" without seeking permission from her superiors. The congregation had also called as "grave scandal" the Nun participating in discussions in TV channels and writing articles for non-Christian newspapers "making false accusations against Catholic leadership and belittling it. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Thursday briefed Governor P Sathasivam on the incidents of violence in the state following entry of two young women into the Sabarimala temple on January 2. The Governor had on January 3 sought an "urgent report" from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on the disturbances during the 12-hour state-wide shutdown called by Hindu fringe groups and supported by the BJP. Earlier, Sathasivam had apprised Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh of the law and order situation in Kerala. "The Chief Minister described the nature of the agitation and the action taken to curb the violent protests in different parts of the State," a release from Raj Bhavan said Thursday. He has assured the Governor that stringent action would be initiated against those involved in the violent incidents, irrespective of party affiliation, it added. Violence involving BJP-RSS and ruling CPI(M) rocked parts of Kerala, particularly Kannur district, during the January 3 hartal with several houses and shops of rival leaders and workers being attacked over the Sabarimala issue. Two women, Kanakadurga (44) and Bindu (42), entered the shrine and offered prayers on Wednesday, breaking a centuries-old tradition. Following this, the thanthri, Kandaru Rajeevaru, closed the sanctum sanctorum to perform the 'purification' ceremony. According to police, 1,286 cases were registered till January 5 and 3,282 people were arrested in connection with the violent incidents since the January 3 hartal called against the entry of two women into the hill temple. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao will in all likelihood give a miss to the January 19 rally of opposition parties proposed by the TMC in Kolkata as he does not want to share stage with the Congress, party sources said. KCR, as he is popularly known, had recently met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as part of his renewed efforts towards forging a 'non-Congress, non-BJP' federal front of regional parties. While the Telangana chief minister spoke to media after their meeting in Kolkata on December 24 last, Mamata, reportedly not in favour of excluding the Congress in the proposed grand opposition alliance, did not offer any comment. Asked if KCR would attend the Kolkata rally, TRS deputy floor leader in the Lok Sabha, B Vinod Kumar told PTI Thursday, "I do not know whether KCR got the invitation or not. I am not aware of it. He might have got the invitation. I do not think KCR will attend when Rahul Gandhi is attending." For the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS), Congress is the main opposition in Telangana and KCR had last year described its president Rahul Gandhi as the "biggest baffoon" in the country. The TRS returned to power last month, winning 88 seats in the 119-member Telangana Assembly, pushing the Congress to a distant second position with 19 seats. The BJP won in only one segment. KCR had also recently met Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJP) chief Naveen Patnaik seeking to drum up support for the federal front. Patnaik's statement on Wednesday that his party would not align with the Congress and BJP has enthused the TRS. "I do not think because of KCR's visit, he (Patnaik) made such a statement. He took that position long back. He held the same view for a long time," Kumar said. He said both KCR and Patnaik have "same thoughts" as both are against aligning with the two national parties. The TRS leader said Samajwadi Party (SP) chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, who could not meet KCR during the latter's visit to Delhi recently, was expected to visit the southern state "any time" to talk to the Telangana chief minister. On BSP supremo Mayawati's stance on KCR's federal front, he said, "We did not discuss with her". The TRS sources claimed that KCR's federal front idea was gaining traction. "....already that idea is broached. Mayawati and Akhilesh took a stand that they are not going to ally with Congress in Uttar Pradesh. They are also fighting against the Congress and BJP, leaving only two seats for Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi," Kumar said. The TRS MP also cited the political scenario in some states, including West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana, where, he said, regional parties were set to take on both the Congress and BJP in triangular fights in the next Lok Sabha polls. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Thursday decided to constitute a fresh five-judge Constitution bench to hear the politically sensitive Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute on January 29 after a judge, Justice U U Lalit, recused himself. Justice Lalit, who was part of a five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, opted out of the hearing when the counsel for a Muslim party said he had appeared for former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh as a lawyer in 1994. Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, who spoke up soon after the court assembled, said he was not seeking Justice Lalit's recusal. The bench, also comprising Justices S A Bobde, N V Ramana and D Y Chandrachud, noted the submissions made by Dhavan. Dhavan also drew the attention of the bench to the fact that the matter was earlier fixed for hearing before a three-judge bench but the CJI took a decision to list it before a five-judge Constitution Bench. He further submitted that there was need for a judicial order to set up a five-judge Constitution bench. The CJI, however, quoted Supreme Court rules mandating that any bench should comprise two judges and there was nothing wrong in constituting a five-judge Constitution bench. In view of the the facts and circumstances of the matter and the voluminous records pertaining to it, this was a fit case for constituting a five-judge bench, he said. In its order, the bench said the apex court registry will physically examine the records stored in 50 sealed trunks in the room, which has also been kept sealed. The top court said the records pertaining to the matter are voluminous and some of the documents are in Sanskrit, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Persian and Gurmukhi that need to be translated. If required, the apex court registry can take the service of official translators, the bench said. The apex court said in its order that 113 issues are likely to be perused during the hearing. It also noted that 88 witnesses were examined and their statements recorded when the matter was before the Allahabad High Court. It said the deposition of the witnesses runs into 2,886 pages and 257 documents were exhibited. The apex court noted that the high court judgement itself is 4,304 pages; along with additional annexures it runs into 8,000 pages. On September 27 last year, a three-judge bench of the top court by 2:1 majority refused to refer to a five-judge Constitution bench reconsideration of the observations in its 1994 judgement that a mosque was not integral to Islam. The matter arose during the hearing of the Ayodhya land dispute. When the matter was last taken up on January 4, there was no indication that the case would be referred to a Constitution bench as the apex court had simply said further orders in the matter would be passed on January 10 by "the appropriate bench, as may be constituted". Fourteen appeals have been filed in the apex court against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgement, delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.77-acre land be partitioned equally among the three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. The apex court on October 29 last year fixed the matter in the first week of January before the "appropriate bench". Later, an application was moved for according an urgent hearing by advancing the date, but the top court refused the plea, saying it had already passed an order on October 29 relating to the hearing of the matter. The plea for early hearing was moved by the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM), a respondent in the appeal filed by the legal heirs of M Siddiq, one of the original litigants in the case. Various Hindutva organisations have been demanding an ordinance on early construction of Ram temple at the disputed site. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Josh Brolin, who is celebrating five years of sobriety, went on social media to tell the world about it -- in a stream of consciousness single sentence that runs into several hundred words punctuated only by commas and colon. The 50-year-old actor took to Instagram on Wednesday to relive what appears to be one of the wildest hangovers he experienced. "Drunk: when you think you're having a rip roaring time and the next morning you wake up and your brain has broken into a frenzied beehive and your body is shattered shards of sharp glass desperately searching for what fits where and your spirit is being eaten by worms with great white bloodied teeth and your heart has shriveled into a black prune churning your intestines to the point where dysentery feels attractive and you can't remember anything you did so you roll out of bed over last night's urine and you dial your best friend's phone number because you recall him lifting you over his head, your whole self, before you hit and broke through the drywall and, you think, a large aquarium and the phone on the other end rings and he picks it up, that clambering for a phone, the clumsiness of a hardline, and you say: 'What did I do last night?!' and he answers, after a great pause: '... Dude ...'. He completed the post with a hashtag, #5years, referring to the period he spent in abstinence. The "Avengers: Infinity War" star gave up drinking in 2013 following an arrest for public intoxication in Santa Monica, California. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Thursday reported a 4.6 per cent fall in global vehicle sales to 5,92,708 units in 2018 hit by tough market conditions in Sales of Jaguar brand of vehicles during the year stood at 1,80,833 units, a growth of 1.2 per cent over 2017 sales, the company said in a statement. However, Land Rover range sales declined 6.9 per cent in 2018 to 4,11,875 units, it added. "The economic slowdown in along with ongoing trade tensions are continuing to influence consumer confidence. The impact is being felt across several industries globally," Chief Commercial Officer Felix Brautigam said. Despite this, the company continues to work closely with retailers and is taking necessary actions to balance production with demand in order to rejuvenate sales as part of turnaround plan for the business, he added. For December 2018, the total sales for were at 52,160 units, a decline of 6.4 per cent as compared with December 2017, the company added. ALSO READ: Jaguar Land Rover posts 8% fall in retail sales at 48,160 units in November The company, which is the UK's largest automotive manufacturer, said sales during the month were impacted primarily due to ongoing challenging market conditions in " continues to work closely with retailers in China to respond to the present market conditions," it said. / -- - JK Lakshmipat University's (JKLU) new Institute of Design will offer 4-year, full-time Bachelors of Design degree recognized by UGC, Government of India - Created by the well-known Prof. A. Balasubramanian, the course will offer specialisations in product design, interaction design and interdisciplinary design - The new Institute of Design will help bridge and fuse the core JKLU disciplines of Institute of Engineering & Technology and Institute of Management- First Design Entrance Test scheduled on 2nd 2019Strengthening further its portfolio of excellent higher offerings, JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) has launched its Institute of Design, which will offer Bachelors of Design (B.Des) degree, providing a lucrative avenue for the many high school graduates who have a passion for arts and design and dream of shaping their career in the domain. The B.Des at JKLU is a 4-year full-time, graduate degree programme, recognized by UGC, Government of India. The Programme provides an opportunity for students to experience industry in their classroom, making them ready to create experiences for people once they complete the program. To complement its programmes in Engineering, Technology and Business Management, the B.Des degree at the much acclaimed Jaipur-based academic institution will provide specialisations in product design, interaction design and interdisciplinary design. "We are aiming to bring about a fresh, new, approach to design education, which is collaborative in nature and integrative in process. It is both unique and relevant for the neo-designer, somebody who is at-ease working in the studios, experimenting at the labs and in presenting at board rooms. To achieve this, we are re-imagining the curriculum to make way for new skills, new methods of working, and new pedagogy. The programmes are curated such that they can transform the students into designers who are future-ready and adaptive. Creating a new paradigm in design education, JK Lakshmipat University has set to break the conventional design ideology that works on aesthetics to step on towards a contemporary ideology revolving around sustainability and user experience," says Prof. A Balasubramaniam, Dean, Institute of Design, JK Lakshmipat University while throwing light on the design a student will get at the University. The launch of the institute was marked by Dr. R.L. Raina, Vice Chancellor, JK Lakshmipat University where Mr. Jay Dutta, Sr Vice President-User Experience, MakeMyTrip Group, Bangalore, addressed the audience through Skype. The inauguration ceremony has also been followed by the addresses of Mr. Abhimanyu Nohwar, Product Designer; Founder & Principal Designer, Kiba Design, Noidaand Sanjeev Bothra Educator & Researcher, Appropriate Design, Jaipur. On the occasion of launch Mr. Asheesh Gupta, Pro Vice Chancellor, JKLU added that with experiential learning already at the core of its Institute of Engineering & Technology and Institute of Management, the introduction of the Institute of Design comes as an initiative that can bridge and fuse all the three disciplines. The design curriculum at JKLU sits at the cross roads of technology, business, society, culture and people. Designers, therefore, need to be aware, if not proficient in all the sectors. To do that, designers will be building a mind-set that is broad and agile, during the course. Created by one of the most well-known names of the Indian design industry Prof. A. Balasubramanian, the design courses at JKLU ensure an academically-enriched yet industrially-relevant learning for its students joining in the academic year 2019. The Institute promises a holistic development wherein they will be exposed to a collaborative approach of knowledge construction. The design curriculum at JKLU sits at the cross-roads of technology, business, society, culture and people. It is focused at making the students creative, mature, independent, empathetic, sensitive, conscious, resourceful and communicative designers. Not only the students will share their learning journey, but also get an opportunity to be assessed by their peers, along with being evaluated by the industry experts in the end of each semester. While learning design at JKLU, the students will have the liberty to choose their own subjects, thus making them independent and in complete control of their programme. The country today needs a new generation of user-centric and empathetic professionals who can look into the need of the consumers and bring it to reality, and JKLU is ideally placed to do this. JKLU aims to nurture and create sensitive designers, who can envision and accept the future, and not just become job-ready graduates. Hence, it has not only reimagined the design sphere, but has also reinvented it to suit the needs of the changing trends of the industry. The B.Des programme at JKLU has been designed by one of the most known faces of Design in India with a good blend of academics, industry exposure and personal mentoring by industry professionals. First Entrance test for Institute of Design at JK Lakshmipat University is scheduled on 2nd Feb 2019. Interested candidates can apply at http://www.jklu.edu.in/admissions/b-des/. About JKLU Established in 2011, JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU), located in historic city of Jaipur, is part of well-known and widely respected JK group. JKLU's philosophy is grounded in making students ready for not just a job but for their life. It aspires to be India's most innovative higher educational institution focused on a new-age experiential project-based pedagogy. In 2019, the University shall be offering cutting-edge UG programmes in B Tech, B Design, BBA and PG programmes in M Tech, Pinnacle MBA, and PhD. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jannayak Janata Party, formed after the recent split in the INLD, Thursday fielded Digvijay Singh Chautala for the Jind assembly bypoll in Haryana, setting the scene for a prestige battle in the constituency where Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala is also in the fray. The seat will now see a multi-cornered contest between the ruling BJP, the Congress, the main opposition Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and the new party, JJP. The bypoll scheduled to be held on January 28 has become a prestige battle for the political parties, especially for the INLD which looks to win back the seat. Opposition Congress in Haryana has fielded its spokesperson and Kaithal MLA Surejwala, while the INLD is banking on Umed Redhu to retain the seat. The bypoll was necessitated following the death of INLD MLA Hari Chan Middha, whose son Krishna Middha recently joined the BJP and is the saffron party's candidate for the byelection. The Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) has put its weight behind Digvijay Chautala, the younger son of jailed leader Ajay Singh Chautala, who broke away from the INLD and floated the party. The four key contestants filed their nomination papers with a show of strength on Thursday, the last day of filing of papers for the bypoll. The Jind assembly seat is considered to be pocket burrow of the INLD and the party is banking on Umed Redhu to gain support of the majority Redhu community in the area. The Congress in Haryana, often seen as a divided house, Thursday showed unity when Surjewala filed his papers. Key state Congress leaders, including former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, state party chief Ashok Tanwar and CLP leader Kiran Chaudhary, were present when their party candidate filed his nomination papers. Surjewala received a shot in the arm after senior Congress leader and four-time MLA Mange Ram Gupta announced his support to him. For the JJP, launched last month, winning the byelection will be test. The party was formed after a split in the INLD following a power struggle between former chief minister Om Prakash Chautala's sons Ajay Chautala and Abhay Singh Chautala. Digvijay Chautala is younger brother of Hisar MP Dushyant Chautala and president of the Indian National Students Organisation (INSO). This bypoll is not limited to Jind. It will depict the whole (political) picture of the state, said Dushyant Chautala, exuding confidence that his fledgling party would register a win in this bypoll. On BJP fielding son Hari Chand Middha's son, Dushyant said, Digvijay is a youth leader and the party will benefit from it. People will support the youth leader in this bypoll. We have nominated the youngest candidate." On Wednesday, BJP had announced the name of Krishan Middha, whose father's demise in August had necessitated the bypoll. The Election Commission had on December 31 announced that the bypoll to the Jind assembly seat would be held on January 28 and the results will be out on January 31. Winning from Jind in Haryana heartland is going to be crucial for the parties with Lok Sabha polls not far away and the state assembly polls also scheduled for the later part of 2019. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday he hoped Britain would avoid crashing out of the European Union without an agreement, as he threw his support behind the government's contentious Brexit deal days before a vote by MPs. Flanked by British Prime Minister Theresa May during a visit to London, Abe said Japanese businesses "very much welcomed" her draft divorce deal, which a majority of British lawmakers look set to reject in parliament next Tuesday amid fierce opposition. "We truly hope that a no-deal Brexit will be avoided and in fact that is the... wish of the whole world," the Japanese leader told a Downing Street press conference. "This draft agreement for transition and legal stability for Japanese businesses is very much welcomed," he added. The endorsement came as pressure grew on May to rule out a no-deal Brexit if her agreement is rejected by MPs next week. Business minister Greg Clark broke ranks earlier Thursday to warn that leaving the European Union on March 29 with no agreement in place would be a calamity. It would be "a disastrous situation in which we move to the most rudimentary terms of trade with our closest partners," he told BBC radio. However, May reiterated the only way for Britain to avoid leaving without an agreement was to back her plan. "There is a good deal on the table," she said. "I want to see this deal getting through parliament." Brexit-supporting Conservative MPs are opposed to the deal, arguing it leaves the country too closely tied to Europe, and May has already pulled the vote once with defeat looming. Most MPs supported staying in the EU in the 2016 referendum, and many have vowed to do everything within their power to prevent a no-deal scenario. But unless Britain actively decides to delay or revoke the legal process, it will leave the bloc at the end of March regardless. In such a scenario, it would be forced to trade with the EU on World Trade Organization terms, which could mean much higher tariffs for some products such as cars. Japanese firms have invested billions of pounds in Britain, and are especially crucial in the car industry, using the country as a business-friendly home from which to trade across the continent. "Even post-Brexit Japan intends to maintain this very good relationship," Abe said when asked if Britain was jeopardising this. "We truly hope that more investment will be done by Japanese businesses in the United Kingdom." However, the British car sector suffered a triple blow on Thursday when three of its biggest manufacturers, including Japanese firm Honda and US maker Ford, announced job and production cuts. Indian-owned carmaker Jaguar Land Rover announced the largest redundancies, with plans to reduce its 44,000 workforce by 4,500 under plans to make 2.5 billion pounds of cost savings. May and Abe pledged new cooperation on robotics and artificial intelligence, while Japan also announced an end to a 13-year ban on British beef and lamb. May faces daunting odds in getting her deal passed, and was dealt a stinging defeat on Wednesday when MPs voted for an amendment demanding she produce new plans within three days if the agreement is voted down. Aiming to capitalise on her weakness, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Thursday made a Brexit speech in Wakefield, northern England, in which he called for a general election to resolve the deadlock. "If the government cannot pass its most important legislation, then there must be a general election at the earliest opportunity," he said. Corbyn has said he will seek a vote of no confidence in the government if it loses next week's Brexit vote, which could force fresh elections. Many in his party hope that he will call for a second referendum, but the veteran leftist, a long-time critic of the European Union, has so far resisted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono paid a courtesy call on Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Thursday during which he discussed with them the issues of bilateral and mutual interests. During Foreign Minister Kono's meeting with Prime Minister Oli, various aspects of Nepal-Japan bilateral relations, regional and global issues of common concerns were discussed, the foreign ministry said in a statement. "While sharing the recent political achievements and priorities of the Government, Prime Minister Oli appreciated the Government of Japan for its continued support and cooperation in socio-economic development of Nepal," it said. Foreign Minister Kono assured him of Japan's continued assistance to Nepal in realising its development goals, it added. On Wednesday, Kono held talks with his Nepalese counterpart Pradip Gywali. The two sides also signed the Exchange of Notes for revising the Air Service Agreement. "The signing of the Exchange of Notes will pave the way for the operation of direct flight between our two countries," the ministry said. Similarly, a Memorandum of Cooperation was also signed between the two sides on conducting bilateral consultations. The Memorandum of Cooperation will provide a platform to both countries to discuss modalities for extending the cooperation, review all aspects of bilateral relations, explore new areas of cooperation and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual concerns. "We also discussed about bilateral cooperation for the implementation of projects in Nepal related to infrastructure building, connectivity and energy," Gyawali said after the meeting. "We also discussed the Japanese investment in priority sectors of Nepal and active participation of Japanese investors and entrepreneurs in the upcoming Nepal Investment Summit to be held in March 2019," he added. The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on sending Nepalese labour forces to Japanese labour market under new immigration policy introduced by Japan, according to the statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Reinstated CBI chief Alok Verma Thursday appointed SP-ranked IPS officer Mohit Gupta to probe the agency's Special Director Rakesh Asthana but did not make any changes in supervisory officers, soon after Deputy Inspector General M K Sinha requested to recuse himself from taking charge of the case, officials said. Verma, who joined back after having been reinstated by the Supreme Court Wednesday, had issued orders cancelling all the transfers effected by interim chief M Nageswar Rao. A 1979-batch AGMUT cadre IPS officer, Verma issued fresh orders Thursday according to which V Murugesan will continue to hold the post of Joint Director of Anti Corruption Unit-III, which is probing the case against Asthana. After Sinha sought to recuse himself, the CBI chief asked Deputy Inspector General Tarun Gauba to continue supervising the investigations of the unit probing Asthana, who was sent on leave by the government along with Verma on October 23 last year. Both Gauba and Murugesan were appointed by M Nageshwar Rao to supervise the case when he was appointed as interim director by the government. Gupta, a 2006-batch Uttar Pradesh-cadre IPS officer who is heading the Ghaziabad unit of the agency, has been appointed as the investigation officer of the case, officials privy to the development told PTI on condition of anonymity. He will be third investigation officer of the case against Asthana replacing Satish Dagar who was sent to Economic Offences Wing after Wednesday's orders. Dagar was brought in by Rao to replace DSP A K Bassi and Additional SP S S Gurm when he was made interim chief. In a fresh reshuffle ordered by Verma, who resumed duty Wednesday after 77- day-long forced leave, DIG M K Sinha has now been given the charge of Anti-Corruption Unit-I along with banking, securities and frauds cell. Earlier Sinha was to join the AC-III but he sought to recuse himself to prevent any prejudice from creeping in the investigation in the wake of recent feud between Verma and Asthana, the officials said. DIG Sinha is understood to have conveyed to the CBI director that in the interest of the investigation he may not be handed over the probe, they said. Joint Director A K Sharma, who was overall in-charge of the probe against Asthana before Verma was sent on leave in October, will supervise the work of Anti-Corruption Unit-I, which handles sensitive corruption cases related to defence deals among others. Sinha, who had deciphered money trail of bribery allegedly involving Asthana, was transferred to Nagpur a day after Rao took charge on October 23, 2018 after the government sent Verma and Asthana on forced leave through a controversial order. The order was overturned by the Supreme Court Tuesday. A CBI director enjoys a minimum fixed tenure of two years given by the top court through the Vineet Narayan judgement. Verma who resumed duties on the orders of the Supreme Court, which set aside the order sending him on forced leave, withdrew most of the transfer orders, including that of Sinha, taken by Rao in his absence. After being transferred, Sinha had approached the apex court through an explosive affidavit with damning claims about how officials at the very top of the government were allegedly interfering in the CBI probe against Asthana. In his 34-page petition, Sinha, a 2000-batch IPS officer from Andhra Pradesh cadre, had alleged that the CBI director briefed NSA Ajit Doval on October 17 about registration of a case against Asthana. Sinha, while supporting the affidavit of Deputy Superintendent of Police officer A K Bassi, who was also transferred to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, claimed Bassi favoured immediate search of public servants involved in the bribery case (relating to Asthana) but the "director CBI did not give immediate permission and reverted that the NSA has not permitted the same". The CBI had booked Asthana on allegations of receiving bribe from an accused, Manoj Prasad, probed by him in a case linked to meat exporter Moin Qureshi. Sinha had said, during interrogation of Manoj Prasad, who was arrested in the bribery case allegedly involving Asthana, the names of Doval and Samant Kumar Goel, the special director of India's external intelligence agency (R&AW) cropped up. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian Embassy in Nepal on Thursday released two Hindi books, including Nepali translation of 51 poems of late former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to mark the World Hindi Day. Indian Embassy, Kathmandu in association with Central Hindi Department, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu organised a programme attended by prominent poets who also recited their poems in Hindi and Nepali on the occasion. Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Rabindra Adhikari and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri were also present. During the programme, Puri read out the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Two Hindi books were released by Adhikari and Puri which included Hindi translation of Aadikavi Bhanubhakt Acharya's collection of poems and Nepali translation of 51 poems of Vajpayee. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Army Chief Gen. Bipin Thursday said India cannot be left out of the "bandwagon" when a number of major countries reaching out to Taliban, noting that the engagement was necessary to pursue New Delhi's interests in the war-torn country. He said India should not be out of the "high table" where key players are engaging with the Taliban to explore ways to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. "A number of countries are talking to the Taliban. The issue we should address is -- do we have an interest in Afghanistan. If the answer is yes, then you cannot be out of the bandwagon," he said during a press conference. In his address at the Raisina Dialogue on Wednesday, Gen. Rawat backed dialogue with the Taliban in Afghanistan. "Our thinking is that -- yes we have an interests in Afghanistan and if we have interests, and if other people are saying that there should be talks, we should also become its part. May be directly or indirectly. We cannot be left out," he said. Gen. Rawat said there has been a feeling that things have improved in Afghanistan. "In some of the areas development has happened. There is a people's voice emerging to say that we want peace. Therefore, some nations decided that lets start talks with Taliban and see whether they can also be brought in the system of governance," he said. "Unless you are not sitting on the high table you will not know what is happening... I did not say take the lead and talk," he said. The Army Chief's comments Wednesday on engaging with Taliban were first such public remarks by a senior functionary of the government. Major powers like the US and Russia have been reaching out to the Taliban as part of efforts to push the stalled Afghan peace process. India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. In a significant move, India had sent two former diplomats in "non official" capacity to a conference on Afghan peace process in Moscow in November which was attended by a high-level Taliban delegation. The conference organised by Russia was attended by representatives of Afghanistan as well as from several other countries including the US, Pakistan and China. India has been maintaining a policy of not engaging with the Taliban and pressing for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace initiative to bring peace and stability in the war-ravaged country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur will launch a six-month Artificial Intelligence (AI) course at three centres in the country, a top official of the institute said Thursday. IIT-KGP, Director, Partha Pratim Chakrabarti told a press meet here that the certified programme is aimed at strengthening India's talent pool in Machine Learning and AI. Chakrabarti said the courses, which will begin from March this year will be offered at IIT KGP's Kolkata facility, at IIT KGP's Kharagpur campus and at a rented premise at Bengaluru. He said thousands of new jobs were being created in AI sector every year with AI growing at 10-15 per cent on annual rate and there was need to have more skilled people in the AI sector. "AI is the future which will more invade our lives in the coming days," Chakrabarti said. Head, Centre for Artificial Intelligence, IIT KGP, Prof Sudeshna Sarkar said, the course with 300 students will consist of 16 modules - each having 12-hour duration. Around 2 lakh jobs in AI are expected to be created by 2020 in India, Sarkar said. She said the classes will be taken by IIT KGP faculty, reputed academic institutions and industry experts. There will be 60 per cent from the IIT KGP faculty and academics and 40 per cent from industry who will be teaching the students in the 16 modules, Sarkar explained. She said the demand is getting higher in AI in the country than the total number of AI-skilled professionals and there was need to bridge that gap. The course modules have been carefully designed to cover mathematical and algorithmic foundations, AI fundamentals and statistical and machine learning methods. "The courses will have a blend on fundamental theoretical principles as well as hands-on component and industry use cases and students will have the opportunity to work on live projects. "Every course module will be based on assignments and exams and a certificate will be awarded based on successful completion of the modules. It will be rigorous," she said. The students will be selected competitively from working professionals and senior students. Tools and platforms will be introduced to make the students, from working professionals and senior students, technologically competent and ready for jobs. The AI course, application for which commenced on January 2 for screening and shortlisting, will start from March 10, this year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Allahabad High Court Thursday summoned Uttar Pradesh Medical Education Department's principal secretary and Motilal Nehru Medical College principal to explain discrepancies in their affidavits on the functioning of trauma centre in the college. A bench of justices Sudhir Agarwal and Ajit Kumar summoned Principal Secretary Rajneesh Dubey and medical college principal S P Singh after detecting contradictions in their affidavits. While Dubey had stated in his affidavit that the trauma centre was fully functional in the medical college, Singh had said it was not operational, though those referred to the medical college were getting due medical treatment. The bench ordered the duo to appear before it on January 19 to explain the contradictions. The bench had asked the duo earlier to file their affidavits on a lawsuit by state native Sneh Lata Singh, alleging that the government hospitals in the state were in pathetic conditions. The bench Thursday also expressed displeasure over state chief secretary's failure in filing a compliance report on the court's March 2018 order, asking the state government to take various steps to improve the condition of government hospitals. The court had asked the state government to fill up vacancies of medical, para medical and other staffers in the government hospitals and have their functioning and accounts audited by Comptroller and Auditor General of India. The court had asked the chief secretary to file a compliance report on its orders, but it was filed by the Medical and Health Department's secretary instead. The bench ordered the chief secretary to file the requisite compliance report in two weeks, failing which, it said, he will have to appear before it to explain his failure on the next date of hearing. In its March 2018 order, the court had also directed the state's Vigilance director general to constitute special teams to find out who among the state's medical officers were engaged in private practice or running private hospitals or nursing homes and register FIRs against them. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court Thursday directed the Maharashtra government to file an affidavit in response to a petition by AIMIM MLA Imtiyaz Jaleel, challenging the reservation granted to the Maratha community. The petition came up for hearing before a division bench of justices Ranjit More and Bharati Dangre which directed the government to file its affidavit. The court kept the petition for hearing on January 23, when it will hear other pleas challenging the reservation to the Maratha community. On November 30, 2018, the Maharashtra legislature passed a bill proposing 16 per cent reservation in education and government jobs for the Marathas, a declared socially and educationally backward class by the government. Jaleel, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLA from Aurangabad in Maharashtra, in his petition sought that the reservation be revoked. The petition has urged the government to consider reservation for the Muslim community expeditiously. "There is a need for caste-wise survey of Muslims and reservation to be provided to the community as it is also socially and economically backward," the petition said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas said Thursday that Egypt plans to fully reopen its border crossing with the enclave, days after partially closing it amid infighting between Palestinian factions. Forces loyal to Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas withdrew on Sunday from the Rafah border crossing, accusing rivals Hamas of interference. The crossing is the only way for Palestinians to leave Gaza that bypasses Israel. Egypt has prevented Gazans from leaving the enclave since Abbas's Palestinian Authority withdrew its staff. An Egyptian security delegation visited Gaza on Thursday, meeting with senior Hamas officials including its head Ismail Haniya. Khalil al-Hayya, deputy head of Hamas, told journalists the Egyptians "assured us that there will be no changes at the Rafah border and it will stay open". It was not immediately clear when the crossing would fully reopen. Hayya said he expected that all sides would also stick to an informal truce agreement with Israel. Hamas employees retook the post on Monday in what they said was an attempt to maintain border control after the shock PA withdrawal. Separately on Thursday, a senior Hamas official announced Haniya had put on hold a planned trip to Russia. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) To expedite the hearing of appeals in the 2002 Gulberg society massacre case, the Gujarat High Court Thursday directed the court registry to prepare 'paper book' of documents within four weeks. A division bench of Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice A C Rao passed the direction after learning that some of the convicts have served more time in prison than the duration of their sentence. The 'paper book' contains all the orders of lower courts, list of dates, grounds of appeal, annexures, affidavits and various other material needed to start the hearing. In June 2016, a special SIT court here convicted 24 accused and acquitted 36 others in the Gulberg massacre case, one of the 2002 post-Godhra riots cases. Ehsan Jafri, a Congress leader, was among 68 people who were killed at the Gulberg Society here when a mob attacked it on February 28, 2002. The SIT court sentenced 11 accused to life imprisonment. One accused was awarded a 10-year jail term, while the remaining 12 were sentenced to seven years in jail. The convicts have filed appeals in the high court. Some of the surviving victims have filed appeals against the acquittal of some of the accused, and sought enhancement of sentences of some of the convicts. Hearing an interim bail plea of one of the convicts two days ago, the court noticed that this convict and some others, awarded less than 10 years of imprisonment, had spent more time in jail than the duration of their sentence. When the appeals came up for hearing Thursday, the bench directed the registry to finish the task of preparing the paper book and list the matter for hearing within four weeks. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu Thursday expressed serious concern over the GST Council fixing the agenda items without consulting state governments. He, however, supported the decisions taken by the Council with regard to raising turnover limit for availing the composition scheme to Rs 1.50 crore from Rs 1 crore, doubling GST exemption limit to Rs 40 lakh annual turnover and filing of one annual return by the businesses availing the GST composition scheme, among others. In an official statement, Ramakrishnudu "expressed serious concern that the Council agenda items are being prepared without consulting the states". States have issues particularly related to exemptions and reductions in taxes, some of which are not discussed despite several letters written to the Council, he said "Henceforth, the agenda items (should) be fixed taking into consideration the requests of the states also," Ramakrishnudu said adding that even Karnataka, Kerala and Delhi governments have supported this point. The minister, who attended the 32nd GST Council meeting here, also demanded early release of the unsettled Integrated Goods and Service Tax (IGST) amount of Rs 7,000 crore to the state governments. "This ad hoc settlement should also be done and released to the states without delay. Andhra Pradesh is expected to get about Rs 100 crore," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das Thursday said the ground-breaking ceremony of the proposed airport in Dhalbhumgarh in East Singhbhum district will be performed by the end of this month. Das made the announcement after review meeting in Ranchi Thursday with the Union Civil Aviation secretary R N Choubey in connection with work progress of various airports in the state, an official release here said. The proposed airport in Dhalbhumgarh, about 49-km from here, will not only give impetus to the development work in this region but people from adjoining West Bengal and Odisha will also benefit from it, besides people of mineral-rich Kolhan division of the state, the chief minister said. Assuring all assistance from the state government, Das emphasised the need for completion of construction work of the airport within a stipulated time frame. The chief minister said this region remained neglected for last 70 years but due to the joint efforts of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-headed Central government and the Jharkhand government, the project was being implemented. While the proposed airport would help improve the economy, it would also generate employment, he said adding that Modi ji has a dream to see the common man wearing Hawai chapel (slippers) to ride a plane. About the proposed airports in Dumka, Bokaro, Palamau and Deoghar districts, Das said the airport proposed in Deoghar district will be ready by February 2020. The chairman of Airports Authority of India, Guruprasad Mohapatra said the tarmac of the proposed airport was built during the 2nd World War. The proposed airport will be developed in two phases, he said. Mohapatra said small planes will operate in the first phase following the completion of the airport by December 2020. The second phase work would start soon after the completion of first phase, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After Viggo Mortensen, "Green Book" director Peter Farrelly and writer Nick Vallelonga have both landed in separate controversies which could adversely affect the movie's Oscar campaign after its three wins at the Golden Globes. The film, featuring Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortenson as a black concert pianist Don Shirley and his Italian-American driver Tony Vallelonga who become unlikely friends, won a Globe Award on Sunday for best musical or comedy film, besides writing and supporting trophies. Farrelly found himself embroiled in a controversy after an old story resurfaced where he admitted to flashing his privates as a joke. The Cut magazine republished excerpts from the director's 1998 Newsweek profile, where Farrelly admitted to pulling out his penis in front of several people on his film sets. After the revelation, Farrelly issued a statement, obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, corroborating the stories and apologised for his behaviour. "I was an idiot. I did this decades ago and I thought I was being funny and the truth is I'm embarrassed and it makes me cringe now. I'm deeply sorry," the director said. In The Newsweek profile of Farrelly and his brother Bobby, which came before the release of their directorial "There's Something About Mary", features an anecdote from the film's star Cameron Diaz. "When a director shows you his penis the first time you meet him, you've got to recognise the creative genius," she had said. Meanwhile, the film's writer Vallelonga has found himself on shaky ground after his old tweets resurfaced in which he claimed to have witnessed thousands of Muslims in New Jersey celebrate the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center. The tweets were in response to US President Donald Trump's campaign rhetoric where he had said that he saw Muslims celebrating with his own eyes, something that was debunked later. "@realDonaldTrump 100% correct. Muslims in Jersey City cheering when towers went down. I saw it, as you did, possibly on local CBS news," Vallelonga wrote. Soon after the tweet resurfaced, Vallelonga's entire Twitter profile was deleted. The film was earlier criticised by family members of Shirley for its alleged narrative falsehoods. Mortensen had also attracted controversy after he used the N-word during a promotional panel discussion in November last year. The actor later apologised, saying that his "intention was to speak strongly against racism". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police in Greece say nine people have been received medical attention as a precaution after letters containing white powder were sent to five university campuses around the country. Officials added that at least three of the letters appeared to have been sent from India. Authorities say that none of the people examined - four postal workers and five university staff members - displayed any symptoms typically caused by harmful chemicals. All the letters, delivered or intercepted Wednesday and Thursday, have been taken to a state lab for examination. The targeted administrative offices were at campuses on the island of Crete, Lesbos, and Corfu and well as in Athens and the central mainland city of Volos. Police said that all the universities were operating normally Thursday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP government has gone "mad" and is attempting to create an "emergency-like" situation in Assam, noted RTI activist Akhil Gogoi said after police Thursday registered a sedition case against for making comments on the citizenship bill. However, the BJP accused Gogoi of having links with Maoists, being a "professional" agitator and working to fulfil the political agenda of others. Besides Gogoi, sedition cases were also registered against Sahitya Akademi awardee Assamese litterateur Hiren Gohain and senior journalist Manjit Mahanta for their comments on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, a police official said. "The BJP government has gone mad and is trying to create an emergency-like situation to suppress a spontaneous movement by the people of Assam against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill," Gogoi, who is also Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) chief, told reporters here. The KMSS along with its 70 partner organisations is on the forefront of protests against the bill in Assam. "It is unfortunate that a learned person like Gohain sir has been targeted by the government. I am used to case upon case being filed on me and going to jail has become a lifestyle for me," Gogoi said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and state Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma "have failed to protect the interest of the Assamese", the KMSS leader alleged. "I consider it as a matter of honour to be called a deshdrohi for trying to protect the interest of the Assamese," Gogoi said. Shortly after the sedition cases were registered, a panel of BJP spokespersons addressed a press conference claiming that Gogoi has Maoist links and is "terrorising" people with a "false issue" by campaigning against the bill. "Akhil Gogoi is related with Maoists and other Left linked persons. He is a professional agitator. He is working to fulfil someone else's political agenda," BJP spokesperson Mominul Awal said. Like an elephant, Gogoi also has two sets of teeth, he said. "He shows people the outer teeth on the Hindu Bangladeshi issue, while he chews with the inner teeth sitting with Muslim Bangladeshis," the BJP leader said, adding that Gogoi was "terrorising people with a false issue". Gogoi, however, said the BJP is not realising that the protests are now being spearheaded by the people, with all sections coming out disapproving the bill. "People are protesting to protect the identity and language of the Assamese and the attempts by the government to suppress these protests will not succeed," the RTI activist said. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha two days ago, seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslims who fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014. The BJP spokesperson claimed that Clause-6 of the Assam Accord will "safeguard" the state's people."But people like Akhil Gogoi are misleading them with a flimsy logic. It is our fault that we could not alert and expose Gogoi," Awal said. He alleged that the All Assam Minority Students' Union was set up to give security to Bangladeshi Muslims and was a part of the Gogoi-led 70 organisations. On filing of sedition charges, another BJP spokesperson and senior advocate, Bijon Mahajan, said,"If someone breaks a law, a case can be filed. Only a probe will prove their role and whether they are culprits." Mahajan also criticised the organisations for calling bandhs over the bill, claiming such mode of agitation has been declared illegal and unconstitutional by the Supreme Court and Gauhati High Court several times. Gohain, Gogoi and Mahanta were booked by the Assam Police for their remarks against the bill at an event three days ago, even as the state witnesses protest against the legislation. The administration has also imposed prohibitory orders in parts of the city. Gogoi said the government must realise that it cannot suppress a genuine protest by imposing Sections 144 in a parts of Guwahati. The Guwahati police has imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure in areas under Dispur, Bhangagarh, Basishta and Hatigaon police stations, banning gathering of more than five people to ensure no protests are held. "Assam will become quiet only if the bill is not be passed in Rajya Sabha. If passed, the agitation will be intensified," the KMSS chief said. Gogoi said he might be arrested at any moment but "even if I am in jail, the agitation against the bill will continue by the people and will be intensified during Rajya Sabha session from January 31 to February 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An initiative to bring Indian IT companies and Chinese enterprises closer on a single artificial intelligence-enabled platform - SIDCOP - was launched Thursday, the commerce ministry said. The Sino-Indian Digital Collaboration Plaza (SIDCOP) is a partnership between the National Association of Software & Services Companies (Nasscom) and municipal governments of Guiyang and Dalian in China. A joint venture, comprising an Indian and a Chinese company, has been tasked with running the platform, the ministry said in a statement Thursday. It said domestic IT enterprises are renowned for their expertise in business transformation and operational optimisation by using IT tools in complex business environments. "SIDCOP, which is a boundary-less marketplace, offers this opportunity for Chinese enterprises in order to assist them in operational optimisation and adopting industry best practices in business solutions," it said. This platform could be useful to connect with top providers from India and help Chinese enterprises source the right solution providers for their projects, it added. The development assumes significance as Indian IT sector is seeking greater market access in China. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A group of HAL employees Thursday alleged a conspiracy by the NDA government to "bleed and shut down" the state-run aerospace major, and demanded it be given the contract for making the remaining tranche of 90 Rafale aircraft under Transfer of Technology (ToT) route. Addressing a press conference here after meeting Congress President Rahul Gandhi over the issue, the employees accused Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman of "attempting to build a false narrative" that HAL is incapable of building the Rafale fighter jet. Alleging graft in the deal, Gandhi has been accusing the government of overlooking the HAL by giving preference to Reliance Defence. The government has rejected all allegations. "The book order to HAL was Rs 61,000 crore up to March 31, 2018. Approximately, Rs 67,000 crore worth of order has been delivered from 2014-18. Hence, the total amount of order is Rs 1,28,000 crore," Renuka S, ex-general secretary and former chief convenor of the All India Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd Trade Union Coordination Committee, said. He said the NDA government has made no investments in the PSU and has instead "siphoned" money in terms of buyback and dividends from the PSU. "There is a systematic conspiracy to bleed and shut down HAL by the present government. The present government has paid Rs 20,000 crore in advance for buying the Rafale to Dassault Aiavtion without delivery of a single aircraft. On the other hand, HAL has not been paid Rs 14,000 crore for aircraft, helicopters that have already been delivered," he said. Asked about the purpose of meeting Gandhi, Renuka said they approached the Congress chief after their grievances were not heard by the government. In October last year, as the controversy over the fighter jet deal was unravelling, Gandhi had interacted with HAL employees in Bengaluru. On Monday, dismissing the Congress' allegations on the order book of HAL, Sitharaman in Lok Sabha said contracts amounting to more than Rs 26,570.80 crore have been signed between 2014-18 by the HAL and orders worth Rs 73,000 crore are in pipeline. All of them put together amount to Rs 1 lakh crore, she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Pratt & Whitney-engine powered A320neo plane of returned to the city due to "high engine vibrations" after an hour of its take-off for Thursday, a source said. The plane, which had 168 passengers on board, made a safe emergency landing at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International here at 12.15 pm, he said. The is out of operations, he added. When contacted, a spokesperson said its flight G8319 made a turn back to due to a "technical glitch". " flight G8319 departed for from the at 10.17 am. However, mid-air, one of the engines experienced high vibrations, forcing the pilot to seek ATC's permission to return to Mumbai," the source said. The safely landed back at the here under emergency conditions at 12.15 pm, the source added. "Flight G8 319 (Mumbai-Delhi) returned to after the take-off due to a technical glitch. Post-normal landing, all passengers were immediately accommodated on to another aircraft for their journey to Delhi," GoAir said in a statement. There were 168 passengers on board the A320neo plane, the spokesperson said. The crew operated within the established guidelines to provide for safe travel, it said adding the (snag) rectification work is in progress. A query sent to P&W on this issue was awaited. This is the first incident of US-based firm manufactured jet engine experiencing in-flight vibrations after the government giving a clean to these engines on following a stakeholders meeting in New on Tuesday. Significantly, the clearance to the P&W engines came a day after the US firm announced extending sponsorship for an event being hosted jointly by the civil and commerce ministries,industry lobby Ficci and Airports Authority of The global non-ferrous metal prices which witnessed a correction in the last five months due to concern over the trade war between the US and China, are unlikely to correct significantly here onwards, a report said. According to the rating agency Icra, the demand supply fundamentals, would not justify any further major correction, as the global market of these metals are currently in deficit. "In the full calendar year 2018, the aluminium, copper and zinc markets have remained in deficit. Consequently, the risk of a further downside in base metal prices seems low in the near term," Icra president Jayanta Roy said. The agency said the global aluminium market has remained in deficit for the last six quarters because of capacity cut backs in China. However, production in China is estimated to have increased in the last six months and the trend may continue, going forward, with new capacities coming on stream. "Notwithstanding higher production, global aluminium market was in deficit in Q3 CY2018. Moreover, for the current winter months, the decision on the extent of production cuts under the revised pollution control norms in China has been decentralised to the provincial governments," it said. However, the government has brought more provinces under the norms, thus effectively mandating more smelters to abide by the production curtailment norms during the months from November to March. "The effectiveness of the controls on Chinese production and therefore the global demand-supply position would determine the trajectory of aluminium prices over the coming quarters," the report said. The global zinc market is currently in a deficit after remaining in surplus in the first few months of this calendar year. The copper market, which had been in a marginal surplus of 1.2 lakh metric tonne in the first three months, was also in a large deficit in the next six months, impacted by the closure of 4 lakh metric tonne copper plant of Vedanta in Tuticorin. "The deficit is likely to support international copper prices, notwithstanding temporary fluctuations typical of internationally traded commodities. In the domestic market, the sharp depreciation of the rupee against the US dollar has provided an additional support to base metal prices, as realisation in the Indian market is determined on an import parity basis," the agency said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Drug major Pharmaceuticals Thursday said its Suisse subsidiary Specialty S.A. has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with South Korea's Yuhan Corporation for commercialising its nasal spray is indicated for treatment of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) in patients over 12 years of age "Under the terms of the agreement, will be responsible for manufacturing and supply of the product, while Yuhan will be responsible for regulatory filing and commercialisation of in South Korea. Glenmark will receive an upfront payment, regulatory and commercial milestone payments as well as royalties from Yuhan," the company said in a regulatory filing. The agreement with Yuhan is Glenmark's second regional licensing deal for Ryaltris. In July 2018, Glenmark entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Seqirus Pty. Ltd. to commercialise Ryaltris in Australia and New Zealand. ALSO READ: Glenmark gets US FDA approval for tablets used to treat multiple sclerosis "This partnership with Yuhan is in line with our vision to make Ryaltris the first global brand of Glenmark by launching it in several key markets," Chairman and Managing Director Glenn Saldanha said. In May 2018, Glenmark filed a New Drug Application (NDA) for Ryaltris with the (USFDA), which is currently under review with the regulator. Glenmark said it plans to commercialise Ryaltris in various markets globally. "The company will continue to explore commercial partnerships for Ryaltris in markets where it doesn't have direct presence," it added. Shares of Glenmark Pharma were trading 0.84 per cent higher at Rs 662 apiece on BSE. A seat-sharing talks between Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar on Wednesday remained inconclusive as there was no consensus on the eight Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra, a senior NCP leader Thursday said. According to the leader, who is privy to the talks, Congress general secretary Mallikarjun Kharge and senior NCP leader Praful Patel would hold the next round of talks. The eight Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra on which the two parties are yet to reach an agreement include Yavatmal, Washim, Buldhana, Nandurbar, Raver and Ahmednagar, he said. Also, a consensus could not be reached whether to swap/share the RatnagiriSindhudurg and Pune seats. Gandhi met Pawar at the latter's 6 Janpath residence in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss seat-sharing and other issues ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The NCP leader's comments come after sources in the Congress claimed that the grand old party and some of its smaller allies would contest the election on 25 of the total 48 constituencies in Maharashtra. The remaining 23 seats, the Congress sources added, would go to the NCP and some other members of the alliance - being worked out to take on the ruling BJP. According to the NCP leader, Kharge and Patel would discuss seat-sharing and swapping of eight seats by the two parties and their partners. "A proposal would then be put up before Gandhi and Pawar for their approval...The Congress and the NCP have already agreed on sharing 20 seats each in the state," he said. "Nothing has been decided yet. We are yet to reach a consensus on the remaining eight seats. We will be able to spell out the exact number of seats each of the alliance constituents will contest in a week or so," the leader added. "Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil (of the Congress) is keen on fielding his son from Ahmednagar. The NCP, however, isn't relenting on the seat from its quota," he added. Meanwhile, sources in both the parties claimed that a Shiv Sena leader may join their fold to contest the election as the alliance candidate the from Jalna constituency. The claim, however, could not be confirmed by Sena sources. The Jalna Lok Sabha seat is currently represented by Maharashtra BJP chief Raosaheb Danve. The Congress and the NCP had suffered a drubbing at the hands of the Narendra Modi-led resurgent BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha election. In the last elections, the NCP, formed in 1999, registered its worst performance, winning only four seats Baramati, Satara, Kolhapur and Madha. It added one more seat to its cart, after its leader Madhukar Kukde won the Bhandara-Gondia bypoll held in May last year. The Congress, too, had recorded its lowest Lok Sabha seats tally in the state bagging only two constituencies- Nanded and Hingoli. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Negotiations between Donald Trump and the Democrats to end a partial government shutdown have collapsed after the president stormed out of a crucial meeting as the opposition leaders stuck by their refusal to allocate USD 5.7 billion for his controversial US-Mexico border wall. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer accused Trump of slamming his hand on the table before he exited the White House meeting, and they said the furious ignored their pleas to reopen the federal government as they continue to negotiate over his border wall demand. Funding for a border wall to prevent the entry of illegal immigrants has been the main sticking point in negotiations with Democrats to reopen parts of the federal government that have been shut for 19 days. A wall along the US-Mexico border was one of Trump's signature campaign promises. The Democrats are refusing to allocate the money, arguing that a wall would be costly and ineffective. Mexico has rejected Trump's demand to pay for the border wall. The standoff triggered a partial government shutdown on December 22, shuttering nine federal departments and several smaller agencies and forcing some 800,000 workers to go on unpaid leave or work without pay. The shutdown entered its 19th day Wednesday, making it the second-longest in history after the 21-day shutdown in 1995-96. The president's walkout from the meeting with Pelosi and Schumer starts a new phase of political uncertainty in the US. White House officials say that the administration is increasingly frustrated with the refusal of Democrats to make a deal, US media reported. Trump was furious that Pelosi said no when he asked the Democratic leaders if they support the move to fund the border wall within the next 30 days if he ends the partial government shutdown that has crippled many offices. "Just left a meeting with Chuck and Nancy, a total waste of time. I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works (sic)!" a furious Trump tweeted. Trump earlier said imposing a national emergency to build the wall is the last option and threatened to use it if the Democrats do not allocate USD 5.7 billion funding for his plan. He argued that the current situation, wherein people are entering the country illegally and there is a massive smuggling of drugs, poses a national security threat. "I have the absolute right to impose national emergency if I want," Trump said. To a question why he did not declare an emergency during his prime-time address to the nation on Tuesday night from the Oval Office, the president said, "Because I think we might work a deal and, if we don't, I may go that (national emergency) route." Talking to reporters after Trump's walkout from the meeting, Pelosi and Schumer asserted that under no circumstances the Democrats are willing to fund a border wall. Blaming Trump for the partial government shutdown that has badly hit the functioning of the federal government, the two leaders indicated that their party is not going to change its stand over the issue. The Democratic party enjoys a majority in the House of Representatives. Vice President Mike Pence said their doors are still open for the Democratic party leaders to come up with their own proposal. However, Trump has made it clear that there will be no moving forward without funding approval for a wall. In recent days, the president has showed signs of some flexibility by proposing a steel barrier instead of a 30-foot-high concrete wall. The meeting with Pelosi and Schumer took place in the Situation Room of the White House. Trump entered the room and shared candies with the Congressional leadership, but walked out soon after getting 'no' for an answer from the House Speaker. "It's cold out here and the temperature was not much warmer in the Situation Room," Pelosi told reporters outside the White House after the meeting. Schumer alleged that Trump "sort of slammed the table" as the talks fell apart. "He couldn't get his way and he just walked out of the meeting," he said, adding, "We saw a temper tantrum because he couldn't get his way." Alleging that the Democrats are unwilling to change their position over the issue, Vice President Pence said the Democrats want to reopen the government before negotiations can begin. Trump is scheduled to travel to the southern border in Texas on Thursday to have a first-hand assessment of the situation. A new opinion poll suggests just over half of Americans (51 per cent) blame President Trump for the shutdown, but that 77 per cent of Republican voters back his demand for wall funding. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A court trying a French cardinal on charges he covered up the sexual abuse of minors by one of his priests will render its verdict on March 7, the judge in the case said Thursday. The court in Lyon, southeast France, has spent the past four days trying Philippe Barbarin, the city's 68-year-old archbishop, and five of his former aides. Lawyers representing nine adult plaintiffs -- former boy scouts allegedly abused by Bernard Preynat, a 73-year-old priest -- led the charge against the archbishop, since prosecutors declined to press charges because of the statute of limitations. The abuse relates to acts committed before 1991. The trial went ahead only because victims of the abuse bypassed the prosecutor's office and insisted, as they are entitled to, in putting their case before a court. Barbarin and his co-defendants have denied covering up the scandal, with the archbishop saying he found out the full story about the priest only after the scandal went public. Preynat, who was charged with sexual abuse in 2016, is expected to be tried later this year. He was first interviewed by church leaders in 1991, but Barbarin only suspended him and stopped him from working with children in September 2015. Lawyers for the plaintiffs said they insisted on having their day in court to hold to account the Catholic Church, which has been hit by a string of sexual abuse claims worldwide in recent years. "What matters to me it to see Barbarin and his aides here, and for me, that in itself is a victory," Didier Burdet, one of the plaintiffs, told AFP. Clerics have been denounced in countries as far afield as Australia, Brazil, Chile, Ireland and the United States, leading Pope Francis to promise to rid the church of a scourge that has done enormous damage to its standing. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A top official of Syndicate Bank Thursday said the bank's focus would be recovery of Non Performing Assets (NPAs), which have been a major cause for concern for the Public Sector Bank. S Krishnan, Executive Director of Syndicate Bank, said the bank has created a pool of 1,200 officers, who have been deployed across the country to bring down the NPA. "What we expect is that by the end of this year, our Net NPA will be below six per cent. It was 6.98 per cent in the last quarter," Krishnan told reporters here. He said the bank hopes that the gross NPA could be brought down below 12 per cent from 12.98 per cent in the last quarter. Krishnan said banks have NPAs in the corporate sector and agriculture sectors. He said NPA in agriculture was also a "cause of concern" for the bank, particularly in view of farm loan waivers being announced by various state governments. "Recovery of agriculture NPAs becomes a little difficult but we approach all the farmers and explain to them," he said. Asked whether the farm loan waivers announced by various state governments would affect the NPA recovery, he said, "I will not say that it will affect the NPA recovery". Krishnan was in Kochi to attend a "town hall meeting" with its staff members of Ernakulam region. Addressing the meeting, he informed the employees that the bank proposed to raise equity of upto Rs 500 crore by issuing stock to its staff members under the EPS scheme. The bank would issue 300 million shares to employees to raise the capital, he said. "The move of employee share allotment is with the twin objective of retaining talent while raising capital. The government/public shareholding is presently in the ratio of 72:28 and the government may be willing to shed two per cent of its ratio," Krishnan said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fire broke out at a nationalised bank at Pailipada in Ganjam district on Thursday. Preliminary inquiry showed at least three computers, cash counter and some documents at the Bank of India's branch were destroyed in the fire which broke out in the general room, the police said. Bank personnel were not present when the fire erupted. The exact loss could be ascertained after thorough assessment, they said. Local people spotted smoke billowing out of the building and informed the police and fire officials. Fire service personnel from Bhanjanagara rushed to the spot after getting a call from the Inspector In-Charge of Gangapur police station, Ramakanta Mahallick. "It took around three hours to control the flame," said Station Officer of Bhanjanagara Fire Station, Jitendra Mallick. The exact cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained though it is suspected to have been triggered by an electric short circuit, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The grime of campaigning and the dazzle of stardust have combined in election year to make for four films and possibly two more as the silver screen emerges as the new "rally" maidan. With "Uri: The Surgical Strike", "The Accidental Prime Minister", "Thackeray" and The Tashkent Files releasing in quick succession, films have become the newest campaign runners in this season of polarised politics. Besides these four, two biopics on Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been announced, one by BJP MP Paresh Rawal and another starring admirer Vivek Oberoi. These movies are not low budget films with small or unknown faces. Ronnie Screwvala's "Uri: The Surgical Strike", which releases Friday and stars Vicky Kaushal, is on the September 2016 strike against Pakistan when Army troops crossed into the country and smashed four launch pads under the guard of a Pakistani post. "The Accidental Prime Minister", starring Anupam Kher as former prime minister Manmohan Singh and based on a book by his former media advisor, also releases Friday amid accusations that it portrays the Gandhi family in poor light. The BJP called it a "riveting tale" of how a family held a country to ransom for 10 years and tweeted the trailer of the film on its official handle, while the Congress termed the film "propaganda" ahead of the 2019 elections. "Thackeray" is a biopic on Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, produced and penned by senior party leader Sanjay Raut with Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the title role. It releases on January 25, Thackeray's birth anniversary. Fourth in the list of "party" films is "The Tashkent Files", about the mysterious circumstances under which second prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri died. It is directed by vocal BJP supporter Vivek Agnihotri and is slated for release by February or March. The line-up and its timing, ahead of elections expected in May this year, led to searching questions on the use of a medium that draws all sections of society, the rich, the underprivileged, the illiterate and the intellectual. Creative minds are going full throttle, using credible names, known for their acting, to front the pieces accused of being motivated or ideological in nature, said industry insiders. "Overwhelmed by the pre-election line up of propaganda films. Never in my 23 career have I seen cinema used so cunningly to influence votes. And while I think censorship & bans are totally undemocratic, I wish some credible talents hadn't sold their souls to the propaganda mills," wrote "Aligarh" scriptwriter Apurva Asrani on Twitter. Southern superstar Sidharth was equally scathing. "Poetic justice is when a Muslim actor from UP gets to play the part of the revered Marathi bigot in a propaganda film," he said in reference to Siddiqui playing Thackeray. "The conveniently un-subtitled #Marathi trailer of #Thackeray. So much hate sold with such romance and heroism (Music, tiger roars, applause, jingoism). No solidarity shown to millions of South Indians and immigrants who make #Mumbai great. #HappyElections!" he added. There were also those who defended the creative enterprise behind the films. According to Kher, releasing a political film during election time only makes sense. "People release patriotic films during Independence Day or Republic Day. This is a political film and we would like to release it in the election time. What is the problem in that?" he said at the launch of the "The Accidental Prime Minister" last month. Rawal, a BJP MP from Ahmedabad East, was equally dismissive of the criticism of the films. Responding to the notion that "Uri..." is a "propaganda film", Rawal said, "If we have done something good, we should be proud of it and we are showcasing that in a film. How is it a propaganda film? Pakistan came, attacked, killed our soldiers and we have taken revenge and given them a befitting reply. Rawal said he gets furious when people raise doubts over the authenticity of surgical strikes. Some even said Pakistan did not verify it. They are not going to accept that this has happened. Army has taken such a big step so instead of praising their work, one doubts their efforts, Rawal said. In a country where romantic and period dramas like "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" and "Padmaavat" can make national headlines day after day for "hurting sentiments", this spate of political films presents a reversal of sorts with no protests and no calls for a ban, just muted objections on social media. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has objected to certain scenes referring to the Babri Masjid and the South Indian community in "Thackeray" but there's not much more beyond that. it is a true story. Balasaheb's life was an open book. The censor board will understand. Some things take time to be understood. There is no question of ban, this is Thackeray. Nobody can ban Thackeray," Raut had said at the trailer launch of the film. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fifty-one migrants including two infants landed on a beach in southern Italy on Thursday, despite the far-right interior minister's insistence that the country is closed to new arrivals. Locals in the small town of Torre Melissa in Calabria were woken before dawn by the cries of the Kurdish migrants, who had set sail from Turkey, the mayor Gino Murgi told AFP. The interior ministry said they were the first arrivals of the year. Some 23,270 people landed in Italy in 2018, most of whom had set off from crisis-hit Libya in North Africa. Those arriving from Turkey are often packed into sailing boats by Ukrainian or Russian people-smugglers and dropped off on beaches in the south of Italy under cover of darkness. Residents, city workers and migrants themselves helped the migrants -- including a three-month-old girl and an 18-month-old infant -- to shore, taking them to a hotel, the mayor said. "It was a moment of great humanity and great solidarity on the part of the residents and great professionalism on the part of the authorities," Murgi said. After most of the migrants got to shore, "there were still women screaming on the beach," Murgi said, describing the drama he encountered as he arrived on the scene in the dark. "Their children were still in the boat, which lay on its side. It was dark and cold. These moments were terrible," he said. The migrants were expected to be transferred to a reception centre later. Two Russian nationals suspected of being human traffickers were arrested, Murgi said. They had taken a room in a nearby hotel but raised suspicions when they arrived at dawn, soaked and without Italian visas stamped in their passports. Despite Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's assertion that the country's "ports are closed" to would-be asylum seekers, arrivals have continued since he took up his post in June last year, averaging 44 migrants a day, or nearly 10,000. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After the embarrassment over the withdrawal of noted author Nayantara Sahgal's invitation, organisers of a Marathi literary meet have decided to let a farmer's widow open the event, beginning in Yavatmal Friday. Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Mahamandal vice chairperson Vidya Deodhar made the announcement here Thursday. "We have decided to inaugurate the literary meet at the hands of a woman who lost her husband to agricultural distress," she said. The drought-prone Yavatmal district in Maharashtra is the 'epicentre' of farmers suicides, accounting for the maximum number of agrarian crisis-related deaths in the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis won't be attending the meet, the 92nd Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan. "Fadnavis won't be able to attend the literary meet," Yavatmal district guardian minister and meet organiser Madan Yerawar said. "I appeal to authors and poets boycotting the event to rethink and attend the literary meet," the minister said. Mahamandal president Shripad Joshi on Wednesday resigned following the controversy over the withdrawal of Sahgals invitation to the literary meet. Joshi had invited Sahgal as the the chief guest and keynote speaker for the meet. The invitation was revoked on Sunday after some workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) objected to it. Amid flak by opposition leaders and authors over rescinding the invitation to Sahgal, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) had Monday distanced itself from the controversy. Soon after the CMO clarification, Sahgal had said she won't attend the meet now even if a fresh invite were to be sent to her. The CMO said the decision on whom to invite for the meet is taken by the organisers and the state government has no role in it. Many opposition leaders alleged the invitation was cancelled at the behest of the ruling BJP. The CMO said the Mahamandal is an autonomous body and neither the CM nor the state government interfere in its functioning. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP was not impressed by the government's statement and had said the invitation was cancelled "out of fear that Prime Minister Narendra Modi" would not like if Sahgal, niece of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, attended the literary meet. The noted English-language author was at the forefront of the 'award-wapsi' (returning of awards) campaign. In 2015, several writers returned their awards to protest against what they described as "rising intolerance and growing assault on free speech" under the Modi government. Historian Ramachandra Guha had said, "The Maharashtra that fears the words of a ninety one year old woman writer is the Maharashtra of Godse and his mentors, not the Maharashtra of Ambedkar, Phule, Gokhale or Tilak." MNS chief Raj Thackeray had on Monday said he "deeply regretted' the inconvenience caused to supporters of such literary events by the action of a few of his men. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : The official Facebook page of Kerala Police Thursday achieved a rare fete by gaining over one million likes, surpassing the popularity of New York Police Department (NYPD) in social media. Satya Yadav, head of Facebook India (Trust and Safety) handed over the memento in this connection to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at an event held at the police headquarters here. "Kerala Police is a good example of healthy intervention in the social media," Vijayan said and felicitated the officials behind the social media cell of Kerala Police. Senior civil police officers Kamalnath, Bimal V S, Civil Police Officers Santhosh P S and Arun B T were felicitated by the chief minister at the event. The Facebook page of Kerala Police, which has been proactive in the social media, has recently gained more popularity than the pages of New York Police and Queensland Police. As of Thursday, the page has gained 10,13,967 likes and 10,29,623 followers. It is also one among the most popular Facebook pages among the police forces in India. The Kerala Police had earlier sought help of the public through its page to attain one million likes by New Year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti Thursday urged Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik to ensure that the culprits in the rape of a 13-year-old girl in Ramban district of the state are punished. "What can be more blood curdling & disturbing than a case where a 13-year-old minor girl was gangraped in Ramsoo and is now 3 months into her pregnancy. But instead of public outrage, questions will swirl about the caste and religion of this innocent child and her rapists," Mehbooba said in a tweet. In an apparent reference to Kathua rape and murder case, the PDP president said the present atmosphere in the country had emboldened culprits to carry out such acts which are then justified on the basis of religion. "Before we know it will assume communal understones & leaders who enjoy political patronage will be out on a limb to defend the rapists. Current atmosphere in our country has sadly emboldended such acts which are justified on basis of religion & to teach the minority a lesson," she said. "Is this what we have come to as a nation? Urge the @jandkgovernor to ensure culprits are punished," she added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) National Commission for Minorities chairperson Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi said Thursday that no hinderance should be created in the hearing of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute in the Supreme Court, saying the earliest resolution of it will benefit both Hindus and Muslims. Rizvi also thanked the Modi government for the 10-per cent reservation in employment and education to the economically weaker sections, claiming it will be more beneficial for the minorities most of whom are financially poor, he said. "No one should create any hurdle in the hearing of the case. The country as well as Hindus and Muslims will be benefitted with the earliest resolution of the dispute," Rizvi told reporters. The Supreme Court on Thursday decided to constitute a fresh five-judge Constitution bench to hear the politically sensitive Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute on January 29 after a judge, Justice U U Lalit, recused himself. Rizvi termed Parliament's approval to the bill for 10 per cent reservation to general category poor, as a "historic" development. "It is a historic thing as the economically weaker among Muslims will be provided reservation for the first time in the history. We thank the government for the bill which was passed by Rajya Sabha yesterday as it will go a long way in benefitting economically weaker sections of the minorities," he said. Rizvi supported the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, saying exclusions of Muslims from its ambit was not unjustified as they did not migrate to India from countries such as Bangladesh because of persecution. "Minorities like Hindus were persecuted in Bangladesh that's why they came here. Muslims came due to other reasons like seeking jobs," he said. The bill seeking amendment to the Citizenship Act, will provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan based on some conditions, after it is passed by Parliament. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Democratic Republic of Congo early Thursday was set to finally unveil the results of presidential elections whose repeated delays have stoked fears for the giant country's stability. The Independent National Election Commission (CENI) began to give the results from legislative and provincial elections that took place in parallel, a process expected to take several hours, and this would be followed by the outcome of the presidential vote. As the lengthy results were read out on nationwide TV, police were deployed at strategic spots in the capital Kinshasa where, for the second evening running, many residents went home and locked their doors early. Vast, poor and burdened by a history of bloodshed, the DRC is in the grip of a two-year-old crisis over the succession of President Joseph Kabila. Kabila, 47, was due to step down two years ago but clung to office, sparking widespread protests that were repressed at the cost of scores of lives. The elections were held on December 30, but CENI last weekend said provisional results, expected on Sunday, would be held up because of logistical problems. The long delay sparked blunt warnings from inside and outside the DRC, but also coincided with an apparent overture to Kabila from opposition leaders. According to the initial timetable, after provisional results are released, definitive results are due on January 15 with the swearing-in of the new president three days later. After deploying tens of thousands of its own election observers, the powerful Catholic Church last week said it knew the outcome of the ballot and called on the authorities to reveal the result "in keeping with truth and justice". Campaign groups on Wednesday called for the immediate release of the results and told people "to be prepared to go out onto the streets in massive numbers" if the outcome failed to accurately reflect the vote. "Results contrary to the truth of the ballot box will be considered as a constitutional coup," said a joint statement from the groups, which include Lucha (Struggle for Change) and Filimbi. South Africa and Zambia, DRC's neighbour to the south, joined the clamour to publish the results. "The delay in releasing the results of the elections can lead to suspicions and compromise peace and stability of the country," South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Zambian counterpart Edgar Lungu said in a joint statement. The turmoil surrounding the election revived traumatic memories of the DRC's brutal past. The mineral-rich country has never had a peaceful transition of power since it gained independence from Belgium in 1960. Bloody clashes marred elections in 2006 and 2011, and two wars between 1996 and 2003, drawing in armies from around the region, claimed millions of lives. When Kabila announced last year he would step down after 18 years in power, he hand-picked a loyalist, former interior minister Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, as his party's candidate. The choice fuelled accusations that Kabila -- concerned about possible retribution -- would use Shadary to protect his interests after the vote. But on Tuesday, the opposition hinted at a rapprochement. "There's no spirit of revenge," said Felix Tshisekedi, the candidate of the longtime opposition UDPS party. He also told the Belgian newspaper Le Soir that Kabila could be honoured for ushering in a peaceful transition. Kabila and Tshisekedi "have an interest in meeting to prepare a peaceful and civilised transfer of power," said UDPS Secretary General Jean-Marc Kabund. The other main opposition candidate, former oil executive Martin Fayulu -- who was tipped as favourite in the few pre-election opinion polls -- also sounded a conciliatory tone on Tuesday. "Mr Kabila is a Congolese citizen. He has a place here in Congo. He will do what he wants. The constitution is clear -- he (as former president) will be a senator for life. The keyword for us is: There's no revenge." Fayulu is backed by former Katanga governor Moise Katumbi, considered a traitor by Kabila, and ex-warlord and former vice president Jean-Pierre Bemba. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 37-year-old man, who allegedly killed his nephew suspecting him of having an affair with his girlfriend, was arrested by the Delhi Police from Hyderabad after three years of the incident, officials said Thursday. Bijay Kumar Maharana, a resident of Odisha's Ganjam, moved to Delhi in 2012 after his girlfriend shifted to the national capital. In 2015, Bijay's nephew Jai Prakash also moved to Delhi from Hyderabad and they started living together at a flat in Delhi's Dwarka area, officials said. While Bijay used to work in an IT firm in Noida Sector 144, Jai Prakash was an employee of a Gurgaon-based company. Over time, Jai Prakash became close to Bijay's girlfriend, which he didn't like. Upset over this, Bijay planned to kill his nephew, Rajender Singh Sagar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka), said. On the night of February 6, 2016, when Jai Prakash was asleep, he smashed his head with the motor of a ceiling fan, which was lying in his flat for repair, the officer said. He dragged the body to his balcony and buried it in soil, which he had already arranged. He even planted saplings to alleviate any suspicion, the officer said. After a week, he filed a missing complaint with police saying his nephew didn't return after he went out with some friends. He stayed in the flat for about two months and then shifted to Nangloi in western fringes of the city. In 2017, he moved to Hyderabad, the officer said. In October last year, Jai Prakash's skeleton was found when the building was being renovated. The skeleton was wrapped in a blue-colour jacket, a shirt, a bed sheet, a blanket and a mattress. From the owner of the flat, police found about Bijay. The owner, Vikram Singh, also told police that two other tenants also lived in the flat after Bijay vacated it. During investigation, Bijay was found missing and no one in his family or his group of friends knew about his whereabouts. He had changed his mobile number and stopped using his bank accounts after withdrawing all his money, the officer said. With the help of technical surveillance, police located him after weeks of hunt. A team of the Delhi Police first went to Vishakhapatnam on December 26 and later travelled to Hyderabad on January 1 in search of Bijay. Bijay was nabbed on Sunday from Hyderabad and was brought to Delhi, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Minister Satyendar Jain Thursday said the AAP government is willing to provide funds to counter waste management problem in the city if it finds a viable solution, an official statement stated. "Managing waste is not a difficult task as several technologies are available for the same that do not cost much, but even if there is a need for funds the Delhi government will provide the same," the statement quoted Jain as saying at an ASSOCHAM National Conference on 'Managing Urban Waste'. It stated the Urban Development minister also said while there are companies that are willing to provide end-to-end solution for waste management, but the municipal corporations do not let them take action in this regard. "For corporations transporting trash is a business worth Rs 1,000 crore, so they do not let it to be managed locally," the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Army has a range of options to exercise against the continued infiltration from across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir to give a befitting reply to Pakistan, a top Army commander said Thursday. "It (infiltration) has carried on We have a range of options that are available to the Indian Army and depending on the situation and depending on what is the effect that we desire, we decide on whatever option has to be exercised," Army commander, Northern Command, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh told reporters at Gulmarg -- 55 kms from here. Lt Gen Singh was talking to the media after inaugurating the Gulmarg Winter Youth Festival at the famous ski-resort in north Kashmir's Baramulla district. He said ceasefire violations on the LoC was a ploy by the Pakistani army to push the infiltrators into Indian territory. "As far as the ceasefire violations are concerned, they have continued on the LoC, but it is essentially the adversary, the Pakistani army, on the other side of the LoC initiating ceasefire violations with a view to facilitate the infiltrators and give them cover to cross over the Indian side," he said. The Army commander, however, said the Pakistani army is given a befitting response whenever a ceasefire violation takes place. "Our strategy is very clear. Whenever any ceasefire violations are carried out by the Pakistan army, they are given a befitting response and it is to the credit of all the troops deployed on the LoC that we have been able to keep the enemy under tremendous pressure," he said. Lt Gen Singh said the multi-tier and effective counter-infiltration grid on the LoC was the reason the Army has been able to eliminate a number of militants. "Our operations have continued unabated whether it is the counter-infiltration grid on the LoC wherein we have a multi-tier, very effective counter-infiltration grid, and that is the reason why we have been able to trap so many infiltrators on or very close to the LoC. "Similarly, in the hinterland, all operations are intelligence-based, surgical operations. And it is to the credit of the people and the youth of Kashmir that there is a lot of flow of information and because of that we have been able to achieve security success is in the past one year," he said. He termed as huge success the killing of more than 250 militants in 2018 and said over 50 were apprehended and five surrendered. The Army commander said the militant recruitment has come down in the past five months. "In our assessment, the local recruitment has been there in 2018. However, in the last about four to five months, there has been a relative decline in the number of youths joining militancy. "It is because of the result of the sustained efforts of the government, of the security forces that we have been able to prevail upon the teachers, the parents and the elderly to wean away their children from joining the menace of militancy," he said. He, however, said Pakistan was using social media to radicalise the valley's youth and giving them "false promises". "As far as radicalisation is concerned, I think it is our adversary who has been using the social media to a large extent with a view to radicalise our youth, to take them on a wrong path, to give them false promises and to give them a false feeling that possibly be able to get 'azadi' (freedom) in the manner in which our adversary feels. "But, like I said, our youth has got a lot of knowledge, there is a lot of hope, there is huge capability, there is huge potential. We are all working together to ensure that our energies are channelised in the right direction for the good of our state as also our country," he said. To check the radicalisation through social media, Lt Gen Singh said, various measures had been put in place. "Social media is something which has been an issue of concern for the past sometime and I would like to mention that we are putting in various measures right from the government of India's initiatives at New Delhi and similar initiatives at the sate level and by all security forces. "As far as the Army is concerned, we are not behind, we are a step ahead and we have also been able to ensure that our counter narrative also reaches to the concerned people. So, this is an exercise in progress and it will continue," he said. Referring to the forthcoming parliamentary and assembly polls, he said the armed forces were prepared for any contingency. "You would remember that we had the non-initiation of combat operations (unilateral ceasefire in June last year), we had Amarnath Yatra, urban local body elections, the panchayat elections and it is to the credit of the state government, to all the security forces that each of these events went on exceptionally well from the security point of view. "Nobody knew at the beginning of 2018 that all these activities are going to take place. But, as far as the armed forces are concerned, we are always prepared for all the contingencies. We all are aware that there are going to be elections which will take place in 2019, there will be activities of the adversary who will continue to put pressure as for as the infiltration and radicalisation is concerned, but the armed forces are absolutely prepared take on any challenge that could arise anytime," the Army commander said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Spain's Supreme Court asked Thursday for nine Catalan separatist leaders jailed for their role in the 2017 independence bid to be transferred to Madrid so they can be tried in "the last week" of January. The date of the much-anticipated trial, which is likely to revive tensions between Catalonia and Spain's central government, has not yet been set. But according to one lawyers' firm defending the separatists, it could start on January 29 or February 4. In a letter addressed to Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, the Supreme Court asked for their transfer from the northeastern region of Catalonia to guarantee they are "at the disposal" of the court "the last week of the month of January." A total of 12 Catalan leaders -- nine of whom are in pre-trial detention -- will be in the dock. Prosecutors have asked for between seven and 25 years jail for rebellion and/or misuse of public funds. Another six who are accused of disobedience will be tried in Catalonia. In pre-trial detention for over a year, Catalonia's former vice president Oriol Junqueras faces the highest sentence -- 25 years in jail. The region's former president Carles Puigdemont -- who is also accused of rebellion over his role in the separatist drive and is in self-imposed exile in Belgium -- is not among the group because Spain does not allow trials in absentia. Catalonia's parliament declared independence on October 27, 2017 following a banned secession referendum that was marred by violence as national police tried to stop voters from casting their ballots. Puigdemont and fellow separatists have all denied any wrongdoing, saying the October 1, 2017 plebiscite gave them the authority to break away from Spain. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : Congress Thursday staged protests at different venues in the city against the Centres decision to merge Vijaya Bank with Dena Bank and Bank of Baroda. The main protest was held in front of Vijaya bank regional office here, where former minister Ramanath Rai and J R Lobo, MLC, addressed protestors. Lobo said the Centre' move to merge the profit-making Vijaya Bank, established in Dakshina Kannada, with two other banks running under loss, was tantamount to betrayal of the people of the region. Ramanath Rai and district Congress president Harish Kumar also spoke. Protests were also held at Kankanady and before the Congress party office. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Downplaying reported comments of Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy about working under pressure and alleged interference from coalition partner Congress, the party's state campaign committee chief H K Patil Thursday said any issue could be discussed with the party leadership and solved. Reiterating his party's stand that both alliance partners -- the Congress and the JD(S) -- would face Lok Sabha polls together, the senior Congress leader said they would even go in for joint campaigning wherever necessary. "I have seen media reports about Kumaraswamy's comments, but want to say that elected members may be putting pressure on the chief minister about development and constituency-related works. He should not feel that we are putting pressure (on him)," Patil said in response to a question. Speaking to reporters here, he said, "If there are any such minor issues, he can discuss them with our leaders and solve them. Those issues can be solved, it is not a big issue." When it was pointed out that Kumaraswamy had not given any indication about development or constituency-related work pressure from Congress MLAs, Patil said, "There can be no other pressure on the chief minister from our party other than on these matters." He declined to elaborate further, saying that media reports are not direct statements from the chief minister. According to reports, Kumaraswamy told party legislators at a recent meeting that he was working under pressure. He had reportedly told them that he was functioning like a clerk and accused the Congress of interference. Responding to reports that the coalition would face trouble after Makara Sankranti and questions were being raised about its longevity, Patil said, "Since the last seven months you in the media are speculating about differences in the coalition and its longevity. There may be celestial changes,but our MLAs won't change." Stating that the performance of the coalition government would benefit the party in the Lok Sabha polls, he said both parties will contest together. "The campaign during the Lok Sabha polls will include the work and achievements of the Congress party and also the coalition government. Wherever necessary, we will campaign jointly...we have already done this during the bypolls for three Lok Sabha and two assembly seats," he said. Ruling out any difference between the coalition partners on the seat-sharing issue, Patil said that JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda has shown flexibility in his party's demand for 12 out of 28 seats for parliamentary polls. "On seat-sharing we will discuss and take a decision that will be just and satisfactory for both parties," he said. Patil, a ministerial aspirant till recently, was compensated with the campaign committee chief's post by the Congress during the cabinet rejig on December 22. Ruling out any dissatisfaction about not being given the minister post, Patil said, "There are 34 ministerial posts, but there is only one campaign committee chief post. I feel it is more important as one can serve the party. I opted for it. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said the GST Council's decisions relating to small businesses will greatly help MSMEs, traders and the service sector and the government is committed to a simple and people-friendly GST. "Commendable decisions taken by the GST council, which will greatly help MSMEs, traders and the services sector. We remain committed to a simple and people-friendly GST," Modi tweeted. The GST Council, headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and comprising his state counterparts, at its meeting Thursday doubled the exemption threshold for businesses under GST to an annual turnover of Rs 40 lakh. The council also decided that the GST Composition Scheme, under which small traders and businesses pay 1 per cent tax based on turnover, can be availed by businesses with a turnover of Rs 1.5 crore, against the earlier Rs 1 crore, with effect from April 1. Also, service providers and suppliers of both goods and services up to a turnover of Rs 50 lakh would be eligible for the composition scheme under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and pay a tax of 6 per cent. Under the composition scheme, traders and manufacturers can pay taxes at a concessional rate of 1 per cent, while restaurants pay 5 per cent GST. There are over 1.17 crore businesses which have registered under the GST, which was rolled out from July 1, 2017. Of these over 18 lakh have opted for the composition scheme. While a regular GST taxpayer has to pay taxes on a monthly basis, a composition supplier is required to pay taxes quarterly. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The sextoy market is growing quite rapidly in India right now. Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market. In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender. India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex. Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted. But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted? Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner. If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems. I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now. I want more variation in masturbation I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own. If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end. What is sex toys for Indian? Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation. It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms. They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable. Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner. The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner. It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past. In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping. Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order. In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing. Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome. Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own. But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance. More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around. Sextoy situation in India Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years. In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India. Mumbai Kolkata Bangalore Delhi Chennai Hyderabad These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India. In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well. If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too. If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it. What are Sextoys for beginner? Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms. Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy. I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion. I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy. If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma. Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it. Advantages of using sextoy for Indians There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways. Can have stimulating sex Can develop new sexual zones If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern. However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways. You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation. Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever. There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure. This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it. When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems. It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms). For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles [Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou... Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India. Sextoy for beginner men in India So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners. For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men! The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men Masturbator Cock rings Love Doll Sex Lubricants Toys for the prostate Lets check each one in detail. Masturbator The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products. It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands. Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands. They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.) Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much. Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! ! Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa SEXToys India PR (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018 Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood. If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here Really pleasant male masturbation and how to do it Are you in a rut with your daily masturbation routine? I'm going to show you five ways men masturbate that you might ... [For Beginners] How to choose and use a male masturbator without fail Gentlemen.Have you ever used a masturbator? The person who sees this article is probably the one who has not experien... Cock Ring A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis. It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow. It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber. In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection. Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction. It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it. Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time. Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function. Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy. You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect. [Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat... Love Doll Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex. There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women. Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price. The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true. You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste. There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice. You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls. If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here Thorough explanation of the charm of sex dolls! Have you ever heard of sex dolls that are used primarily for pseudo-sex purposes? It is a doll that is quite close to... Sex lubricants Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules. It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution. Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse. There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent. Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent. If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here. What is sex lubricant?Explain the difference and usage of each ingredient The word "sex toy" may seem like a hurdle to overcome, but lotion is actually one of the most familiar sex toys. Many... Toys for the Prostate Another sextoy for men is prostate toys. The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line. Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men. Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men. What is the prostate? The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm. You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus. By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms. Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.) The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation. Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure. sextoy for beinner women in India The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy. The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy. Vibrator. Dildo Electric Masserger Lets check out what each one is in detail. If you want to check out womens toys, click here. [BEST25]Sex Toys for Women in IndiaThat Can Help You Have an Orgasm There are many women who pretend to feel orgasm during sex. But don't worry, you don't have to pretend to feel orgasm... Vibrators A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator. Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy. It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy. Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women. For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators. Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex. Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself. This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual. Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men. When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons. Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most... Dildo A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis. It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass. A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it. They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well. It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device. A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo. Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands. For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis. This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one. To learn more about dildo, please click here. What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th... Electric Masserger A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores. It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low. Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels. Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation. It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure. For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm. It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out. If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager? To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here. What is a massager? Introducing types, selection methods, and usage Originally, the Magic-wand vibrator and the massage machine were sold as a home massage machine used for the back and th... How to choose a sextoy for Indian Now that weve covered the different types of sextoy, heres how to choose one. Especially if you are trying sextoy for the first time, pay attention to the following three points: Does the size fit you (the partner)? Does the size fit you (your partner)? Is the environment able to produce sound without problems? Price range First of all, the choice of size is quite important. Most sextoy are used against or inserted into the genitals, but the genitals are very delicate organs for both men and women. For this reason, using an inappropriate size may cause damage. Secondly, the environment should be able to produce sound without problems. Some sextoys not only wear, but also rotate and vibrate. Its easier to get pleasure from something that moves than something that doesnt, but the fact that it moves means that the internal rotors make some noise. If you live in a house with thin walls or if you have roommates, you may not be able to concentrate because of the noise, so it is best to choose one that is silent or has a low noise level. Especially in India, where many people live with their families, it is very important that you dont have to worry about sound when you use it. Finally, there is the price range. The price range of sextoy ranges widely, from around RS500 at the cheapest to RS10,000 or more at the highest. Its good to consider how much money you can afford and how much you want to buy. Do you want your family to not find out about sextoy? I live with my family and want to use sextoy without them finding out! If you are a man, you should buy a camouflage sextoy that does not look like a sextoy at first glance. For men, there are many masturbators that do not look like a sextoy, and for women, there are vibrators that only look like cosmetics. If you choose such a type, youll be safe in case your family members find out. How to buy sextoys in India The best way to purchase sextoy is through online shopping. For more information on how to purchase sextoy, please see the article below. Sextoy is one of them. Therefore, you can easily get sextoy in India by using online shopping. SexToysINDIA is a long established and stable sextoy store and you can have sextoy delivered to any place in India. They also offer cash on delivery, so those who are worried about shopping with a credit card do not have to worry. Of course, the latest security is in place, so your information will not be taken out when you use your credit card. To begin with, many people may be concerned about whether they are legally allowed to purchase sextoy. ikmAs it turns out, its not illegal. Right now, it is not open to the public because the Indian adult market is still in the development stage, but it will gradually spread from now on. Take advantage of sextoy and open the door to new pleasures and culture. Cautions for Indians using sextoy When using sextoy, keep the following three things in mind Keep sex toys clean Watch out for electrical leakage Beware of the heat generated by the body while using a sex toy As I mentioned earlier, many sextoy products are used for the delicate zone. Therefore, it is most important to keep the sextoy itself clean. It is very important to keep the sextoy itself clean, because if a slight scratch is created by friction, bacteria can enter and breed there. It is safe to wear a condom when using the masturbator, just in case. In addition, many sextoy devices are powered by a power source, so if they are not waterproof, there is a possibility of electric shock or malfunction due to wetness. Some may even develop heat during continuous use. If the fever becomes too much, you may get burned, so be careful. If you get a fever during use, stop driving the sextoy immediately and refrain from using it. You will enjoy sex more if you keep it safe and use it correctly. Summary What did you think? In this article, we have introduced the recommended sextoy for the beginners of sextoy in India. The sextoy market is growing rapidly in India and it will continue to grow steadily in the future. As India is a rather closed-minded country, it can be difficult to be open about ones sexual habits and values. However, being faithful to ones desires by properly dissolving ones sexual desire is very effective for ones physical and mental health. If this is your first time to learn about sextoy, or if you are interested in using sextoy, why not give it a try? Indian Sextoys for ur best! will introduce you to sextoy and other trivia about sextoy, sexuality, and sexuality for men and women. I want to read more! If you think its a great idea, please bookmark it. With the ban on single-use plastics coming into effect from January 1, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami Thursday urged banks to offer loans to plastic manufacturing firms to enable them take up other business opportunities. He said there was a need for use of non-plastic products among consumers as the ban on single use plastic came into force from January 1. The Chief Minister was speaking at a function organised by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development here. "I appeal to banks to offer loans to women's Self Help groups, currently engaged in producing alternative products for plastics. Besides, giving loans to companies engaged in manufacturing plastics will help them take up other business opportunities", he said. The AIADMK government had in June 2018 announced that it would ban the use of plastic items including non-biodegradable carry bags from January 1, 2019 to "gift a plastic-free state to future generations". Referring to the Centre's crop insurance scheme, he said the state was the highest beneficiary under the scheme in 2016-17. "In 2016-17, the amount of claims received from insurance companies was Rs 3,526 crore. In 2017-18, about Rs 8,000 crore of funds have been allocated. In 2018-19, 16.39 lakh farmers registered under the scheme, which is 2.41 lakh more than that registered in the previous year", he said. The Chief Minister said the government recently released a food processing policy following the proposal to set up 10 mega food parks in the State. "Through these initiatives, steps have been taken to ramp up farm production, besides increasing revenue to farmers in Tamil Nadu", he said. Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, while presenting the budget last year, had announced that the government would set up mega food parks that would lead to creation of jobs in rural areas. The Mega Food Parks are proposed to come up in Theni, Virudhunagar, Tuticorin, Erode, Cuddalore, Salem, Dindigul, Tirunelveli, Tiruvannamalai and Krishnagiri. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Thursday expressed disappointment over the adjournment of hearing on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute in the Supreme Court, and said Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, who is heading the bench hearing the case, shall decisively act to prevent the delaying tactics of the opposite party. The Supreme Court on Thursday decided to constitute afresh the five-judge Constitution bench to hear on January 29 the politically-sensitive case after a judge, Justice U U Lalit, recused himself from the hearing. Anguished over the adjournment of hearing, Kumar said an adjournment from January 10 to January 29 is "rather long". "Hindus are known for their patience and forbearance. The judicial system still has the responsibility of deciding the matters without undue delays. The country hopes that the Hon'ble Chief Justice, heading the present bench, shall decisively act to prevent the delaying tactics of the opposite party," he said. Justice Lalit, who was part of the five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Gogoi, "expressed his disinclination to participate in the hearing any further" and opted himself out of the contentious matter. The apex court said since Justice Lalit has opted out of the hearing in the matter, there was no option left but to adjourn the case "to fix a date of hearing and to draw up a time schedule for hearing of the case". "The hearing of Ram Janmabhoomi case has been adjourned yet once again. Our apprehensions that the opposite party shall raise any frivolous issues to secure an adjournment have come true," VHP's internal working chief Alok Kumar said in a statement. Kumar, an advocate, said that the objection of the Muslim party about Justice Lalit being on the bench is painful. Justice Lalit has never appeared in the Ram Janmabhoomi matters; neither at the trial stage nor in the appeal. His being counsel of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh in 1997 in the contempt matter casts no shadow on his hearing the present appeals, he said adding, "the objections were merely ploys to delay further". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sedition cases were registered Thursday against Sahitya Akademi awardee Assamese litterateur Hiren Gohain, RTI activist Akhil Gogoi and a senior journalist for their comments on the citizenship bill, a police official said. They were booked by the Assam Police for their remarks against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill at an event three days ago, even as the state witnesses protest against the legislation.The administration has also imposed prohibitory orders in parts of the city. Police suo motu registered a case against them at the Latasil police station here under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) -- including 124(A) that deals with charges of sedition and 120 (B) dealing with criminal conspiracy, Guwahati Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar told reporters. Gohain, Gogoi and journalist Manjit Mahanta have also been booked under IPC sections 121 and 123 -- relating to waging or trying to wage war against the government, he said. Kumar said the case was registered against the trio for the comments they made against the bill during a meeting. The matter is under investigation, he said. "A case has been registered against them. I am investigating what they spoke during a Nagarik Samaj meeting here on January 7. As of now, this is all that I can tell you," Kumar said. The trio are part of a civil society group -- 'Nagarik Samaj' -- which is protesting against the bill. Gohain, an eminent litterateur and retired Gauhati University professor, said he has come to know that a sedition case has been filed against him, but was not aware on what basis it was registered. ''I don't know the details or on what basis, the case was filed but have heard that allegations have been made against me that I had 'Independent Assam' in my speech at the protest meeting on January 7 by the Forum Against Citizenship Act Amendment Bill (FACAAB)," he said. Gogoi is a prominent RTI activist and head of the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), while Mahanta is a former executive editor of a prominent Assamese daily and a columnist.The KMSS along with its 70 partner organisations is on the forefront of protests against the bill in Assam. ''I had spoken thrice at the meeting and on all occasions, I had highlighted that citizenship should be on the basis of secular principles and the rightly demand of the Assamese on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill must be achieved by democratic means," Gohain said. ''The gist of my speech was that if all democratic struggle by different parties and organisations in the country fail to protect the interest and identity of the Assamese within the framework of the Indian Constitution, then the people will have no choice but to demand an Independent Assam'', the octogenarian left-leaning intellectual said. Gohain asserted that the people of Assam are fighting for their "rightful honour" (uchit maryada) and ''we are also fighting to safeguard the constitutional framework of our secular country''. Advocate Aroop Borbora, who rushed to Gohain's residence after the case was registered, alleged that "police has done this suo moto under the provocation of the government and this is an absolutely fabricated case to douse the fire currently engulfing the entire state following the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha". "I was also present in the January 7 meeting that police has cited in the FIR. There was nothing seditious in their speeches. I have asked for a copy of the FIR, which I expect to receive by this evening and proceed accordingly after going through it," Borbora, who is the lawyer for Gohain, Mahanta and Gogoi, told reporters. If these three persons are "touched, then the current raging fire will be inflamed further," he feared. All Assam Students' Union chief advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya accused the BJP government in the state and Centre of ''indulging in anti-national activities by going against the interest of the indigenous people and giving protection to Bangladeshis''. ''We condemn the sedition case filed against a learned intellectual like Dr Gohain whom we hold in high esteem and respect'', he said. Describing Gohain as "Assam's great thinker", Nagen Saikia, also a Sahitya Akademi awardee, said, "I may not agree with him on various issues but what he thinks is right and he says it with courage". "Ignoring the people of Assam against the bill, the central government is trying to stoke thoughts of cessation in the minds of people", the former president of the Asom Sahitya Sabha, the apex literary body in the state, said. Saikia is also a former professor of the Dibrugarh University and a former Rajya Sabha MP. "Educated youths are going to ULFA. Instead of extinguishing the revolutionary flame in the people, the government is by itself igniting that fire," he claimed. On him being included in the high-level committee set up by the Centre to advise on implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, Saikia said, "I do not wish to be in the committee. Initially, I thought the government will take the member's advice and get the bill changed". If the government really wanted to protect the people of Assam, they could have brought a bill in Parliament. "I would have gone if they called us for our advice before introducing it in the House", he said. The Guwahati police has imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure in areas under Dispur, Bhangagarh, Basishta and Hatigaon police stations, banning gathering of more than five people to ensure no protests are held. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An organisation representing the family members of Assam Movement martyrs Thursday decided to return the state honours bestowed upon their dear departed to protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, a move reminiscent of the 'award wapsi' campaign of 2015. The Sadou Asom Jatiya Swahid Parial Samannayrakhi Parishad (SAJSPSP) took a resolution at an executive meeting to return the honour to protest the government's move to pass the Bill in Parliament. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill that seeks to provide citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan was passed by the Lok Sabha Tuesday. "We have decided to return the citation given to us at an official tribute function of the Assam government on December 10, 2016. It will be done before January 31," said the resolution of the organisation, signed by its president Rajen Deka and secretary Chandrakanta Talukdar. The SAJSPSP's decision is reminiscent of the 'award wapsi' campaign against "growing intolerance in the country" under the Narendra Modi government in 2015. Many eminent personalities from various fields had offered to return the national awards bestowed upon them. Passing of the Bill is tantamount to showing disrespect to the 855 martyrs of the Assam Movement, the organisation said. The Assam Movement was a six-year agitation by the All Assam Students Union (AASU) and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad demanding identification and deportation of illegal immigrants. It culminated with the signing of the Assam Accord by the Rajiv Gandhi government and AASU on August 15, 1985. The SAJSPSP also thanked all the organisations and individuals for their strong protests against the Bill. "The prime minister had promised to deport all illegal foreigners, but instead is now making them Indian citizens," the resolution said and warned the government not to play over the martyrs. Massive protests over the contentious Citizenship Bill are continuing in Assam. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China on Thursday said that the just-concluded round of trade talks with the US were extensive and established a foundation for the resolution of each others' concerns, echoing positive sentiments expressed by American negotiators. Trade tensions between the world's two largest economies escalated last year, putting global stock markets on edge. The US announced tariffs on USD 250 billion worth of Chinese goods, while China countered with its own. A US delegation arrived in Beijing on Monday for the first face-to-face dialogue with Chinese officials since President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to a three-month tariff truce during a meeting held on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Argentina. In early December, Trump and Xi agreed to a temporary ceasefire, giving both sides until March to reach some agreement on trade and issues such as the forced transfer of technology. The latest talks lasted for three days in Beijing one day longer than had been previously announced, which analysts said indicated the discussions were making some progress. The US delegation was supposed to end its visit on Tuesday. However, the vice-ministerial talks were extended till Wednesday which China said reflected the seriousness of the negotiations. "It's been a good one for us," Ted McKinney, US Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, said after the talks concluded. The discussions "went just fine", he said without elaborating. In its first reaction after the talks, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said on Thursday both sides have actively implemented the significant consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and conducted extensive, in-depth and detailed exchanges on trade and structural issues of common concern. "The talk has enhanced mutual understanding and laid a foundation for addressing each other's concerns," it said. Both sides have agreed to continuously keep in close contact it said. The US delegation, led by Deputy Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish, included representatives from the departments of energy, agriculture, treasury and commerce. The Chinese side was led by Commerce Vice Minister Wang Shouwen. The results of the talks were expected be analysed at a separate meeting between US trade representative Robert Lighthizer and Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He after which the two sides were expected to announce a decision. Trump, who has been accusing China of indulging in unfair trade practices contributing to the huge trade deficit with the US amounting to USD 375 billion, on Tuesday said the trade talks with Beijing were going on "very well". He had earlier warned that if a deal is not reached by March 1, the end of the 90-day grace period, the US will increase the tariffs on the USD 200 billions of goods from 10 per cent to 25 per cent. China is facing the daunting task of presenting a credible plan to meet Trump's demands to cut down the trade deficit. In recent weeks, China has showed some signs of flexibility or acceding to the American demands. It softened its stand by offering a mix of concessions by resuming purchases of US soybeans, suspended punitive tariffs on imports of US cars and toned down its 'Made in China 2025' plan, which aimed at breaking the country's reliance on foreign technology and pull its hi-tech industries up to western levels. China also proposed clear bans on forced technology transfer in new draft foreign investment legislation. Last year, the US imposed tariff hikes of up to 25 per cent on USD 250 billion of Chinese goods. The move prompted China to increase tariffs on USD 110 billion of US goods. China is currently America's largest goods trading partner with USD 635.4 billion in total (two way) goods trade during 2017. Goods exports totalled USD 129.9 billion; goods import totalled USD 505.5 billion. The US goods trade deficit with China was USD 375.6 billion in 2017. Trade in services with China (exports and imports) totalled an estimated USD 75.0 billion in 2017. Services exports were USD 57.6 billion; services imports were USD 17.4 billion. The US services trade surplus with China was USD 40.2 billion in 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chinese President Xi Jinping offered North Korean leader Kim Jong Un firm backing in deadlocked nuclear talks with the US, insisting the two sides should meet "halfway", state media said Thursday. Kim visited Beijing by train this week for two days of discussions that reasserted China's role in the process, and were seen as a strategy session ahead of a second summit between the North Korean leader and US President Donald Trump. At their first meeting in Singapore in June, Kim and Trump signed a vaguely worded document with Kim pledging to work towards the "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula". But progress has since stalled with Pyongyang and Washington -- which stations 28,500 troops in South Korea -- disagreeing over what that means. North Korea wants relief from the multiple sets of sanctions imposed on it over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, while the US wants the measures to remain in place until Pyongyang gives up its arms -- something it has made no public promise to do. China also wants the sanctions relaxed and Xi said he "hopes that the DPRK and the United States will meet each other halfway" according to China's state agency Xinhua, using the initials of the North's official name. Xi "spoke highly of the positive measures taken by the DPRK side", it added. North Korea has carried out six nuclear blasts and launched missiles capable of reaching the whole of the United States, but has performed no such tests for more than a year, and blew up the entrances to a nuclear testing ground it said it no longer needed. Pyongyang has rejected demands for what it calls its "unilateral" disarmament as "gangster-like". China is the North's sole major ally and key trade partner but relations had deteriorated over Pyongyang's nuclear activities, before warming up last year, with Kim meeting Xi three times. Kim noted the "difficulties and concern" in talks with the US, according to Pyongyang's official KCNA agency, which said the Chinese leader had issued a ringing endorsement of the North's position. Xi said that "the principled issues suggested by the DPRK side are deserved requirements and its reasonable points of concern should be resolved properly", it said. Each of the previous Kim-Xi meetings have come shortly before or after the North Korean summits with either Trump or South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Trump said Sunday the US and North Korea were negotiating the location of their next summit, a meeting Moon said Thursday was "imminent". Pyongyang needed to take "bold, practical measures for denuclearisation" to ensure sanctions are lifted, he told reporters, but added that "corresponding measures" were also needed from the US, such as agreeing a "peace regime" and formally declaring an end to the 1950-53 Korean War. Moon acknowledged the Singapore agreement was "somewhat vague", and there was "scepticism" over Kim's denuclearisation pledge. But Kim had assured him and other leaders that his view of denuclearisation was "no different in any way from what the international community demands", Moon said, and Pyongyang would not link it to the presence of US forces in the South or nearby. Nonetheless a commentary carried by KCNA last month stressed that when Pyongyang refers to "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula", it includes the North, the South, and "surrounding areas from where the Korean peninsula is targeted". Kim Han-kwon, an analyst at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy warned that preliminary talks between Pyongyang and Washington would be crucial. "If what the North puts on the table after its summit with China fails to meet Washington's expectations, there will be conflict and fresh doubts about whether a second summit should take place," he told AFP. Washington and Beijing have competing strategic interests in northeast Asia, and Xinhua said Xi had re-asserted China's importance in the diplomatic process. Beijing stands ready to "play a positive and constructive role in maintaining peace and stability and realising denuclearisation on the peninsula and lasting peace and stability in the region", it cited him as saying. Xi greeted Kim at Beijing's ornate Great Hall of the People on Tuesday -- believed to be the North Korean leader's birthday -- before hosting a welcome banquet for Kim and his wife Ri Sol Ju. Kim visited a pharmaceutical plant that makes traditional Chinese medicine on Wednesday and met Xi again for lunch before heading home. The visit coincided with trade talks between Chinese and US officials. Analysts say China could use the North Korean issue as a bargaining chip in the negotiations, but Beijing's foreign ministry rejected any link between Kim's trip and the talks. There was a "rare historic opportunity" for a political settlement on the peninsula, Xi said according to Xinhua, and China "supports the DPRK and the United States holding summits and achieving results". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China's ambassador to Canada accused the country Wednesday of "white supremacy" in calling for the release of two Canadians detained in China last month, while describing the detentions as an "act of self-defence." The arrests were in apparent retaliation for the arrest of a top Chinese tech executive in Canada. But Ambassador Lu Shaye's charged in op-ed in the Ottawa-based Hill Times that Western countries are employing a "double standard" in demanding the immediate release of the Canadians. "The reason why some people are used to arrogantly adopting double standards is due to Western egotism and white supremacy," Lu writes. "What they have been doing is not showing respect for the rule of law, but mocking and trampling the rule of law." China detained Canadian ex-diplomat Michael Kovrig and entrepreneur Michael Spavor on December 10 on vague allegations of "engaging in activities that endanger the national security" of China. In the op-ed, Lu seemed to admit detaining the Canadians was in retaliation for the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, something China has previously denied. "I have recently heard a word repeatedly pronounced by some Canadians: bullying. They said that by arresting two Canadian citizens as retaliation for Canada's detention of Meng, China was bullying Canada. To those people, China's self-defence is an offence to Canada," Lu wrote. The arrests came 10 days after Meng was arrested in Canada at the request of the US, which wants her extradited to face charges that she misled banks about the company's business dealings in Iran. A Canadian judge granted Meng bail while she awaits extradition proceedings. Le writes that "elites" in Canada are completely dismissing China's law by demanding the immediate release of the Canadians. "It seems that, to those people, the laws of Canada or other Western countries are laws and must be observed, while China's laws are not and shouldn't be respected," Lu writes. Lu also writes that Meng was arrested without violating any Canadian law, suggesting that Canada should never detain someone for extradition. "It seems that, to some people, only Canadian citizens shall be treated in a humanitarian manner and their freedom deemed valuable, while Chinese people do not deserve that," he writes. Roland Paris, a former foreign policy adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, called Lu's claims "hogwash." "I don't know what the ambassador was trying to accomplish but his article won't help China's cause. The reference to white supremacy was bizarre and unfortunate," Paris said. "There is false equivalency in this article. Canada is a rule of law country. China is a rule by law country and the distinction is important. Meng was not illegally detained as the ambassador claims." Paris noted Canada is following the letter of the extradition law it has with the US and while the Canadians were grabbed in China under suspicious circumstances and China has held them without charge. Julian Ku, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Hofstra Law, called Lu's claims ridiculous and said he is playing the race card in an apparent effort to win sympathy from Chinese Canadians and Americans. "He's making it seem like the two legal proceedings are morally equivalent and they are not," he said. "On one side you have due process, which makes a huge difference, and the other side you don't, but he says it's all the same." Ku noted China has still not revealed any specific information about what Kovrig and Spavor are charged with and have not given them a judicial hearing and thus Canada is not wrong with calling the arrests arbitrary. "I am struck by how brazen they are being by making this appeal," Ku said. "He says "You are being racist by not respecting our law.' That's an easy card to play." A message for the Chinese embassy in Ottawa was not immediately returned. Alex Lawrence, a spokesman for Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, did not address Lu's claims, but reiterated that Canada is "deeply concerned by the arbitrary detention by Chinese authorities of two Canadians last month and reiterate our call for their immediate release." Canada has embarked on a campaign with allies to win the release of the detained Canadians. The US, the UK the EU and Australia have issued statements in support. Trudeau called US President Donald Trump this week about it and the White House called the arrests of the Canadians "unlawful." Trudeau spoke with Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, on Wednesday and thanked him. "Canada remains closely engaged with partners, who have also spoken in support of these detained Canadians and the rule of law, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the EU, the United States, and Australia," Lawrence said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court is scheduled Friday to pronounce verdict on pleas of CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana and others seeking quashing of FIR against them on bribery allegations. Justice Najmi Waziri had reserved the judgement on December 20, 2018 on various petitions after hearing submissions of the counsel for CBI, the Centre, Asthana, Deputy Superintendent Devender Kumar, CBI director Alok Kumar Verma and Joint Director A K Sharma. The court would pronounce its verdict on the petitions of Asthana, Kumar and alleged middleman Manoj Prasad seeking quashing of the FIR. Additional Superintendent of Police S S Gurm has also filed a plea in the court to be impleaded as a party. Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Babu Sana, on whose complaint the FIR was lodged and who had alleged to have paid bribe to get relief in a case, had also filed a similar plea seeking to be heard in the case. However, he did not press for his plea and had said that he would cooperate with the CBI whenever called for the investigation. Kumar Thursday moved the high court seeking direction to the probe agency not to allow Verma and other re-transferred officers to deal with the bribery FIR lodged against him. The application, filed in the main petition, is likely to be heard on Friday. Asthana and Kumar's counsel had argued that the FIR was antedated and it reached the magistrate 52 hours after registration, whereas, as per law it should be placed before the magistrate within 24 hours. They had contended that there was no allegation of demand and acceptance of illegal gratification against Asthana and he cannot be made an accused for the alleged offence under the PC Act. CBI had said there was no merit in the petitions of the two officers and the agency was bound to probe the matter thoroughly. Verma, who was made a respondent in the petitions, had earlier maintained that all mandatory procedures of law were followed while registering an FIR against Asthana on bribery allegations. Sharma, who was one of the respondents, had argued that the FIR was not lodged exclusively under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the provisions of IPC, including, forgery, extortion and criminal conspiracy, which means sanction to prosecute the government official was not of much importance. The Centre's counsel had said that ordinarily it is required to take prior sanction to prosecute a public servant but as this matter was not referred or brought before the government, she cannot say anything. The court had earlier, in an interim order, directed the CBI to maintain status quo regarding proceedings against Asthana. Kumar, who was arrested on October 22, was granted bail on October 31. Prasad was arrested on October 17, 2018 and he was granted bail on December 18 as the CBI could not file the chargesheet against in the case in the stipulated time of 60 days. Verma had said in the affidavit there was sufficient incriminating documents and evidence against all accused -- Asthana, Kumar and middleman Manoj Prasad -- with the CBI and the FIR was lodged after the PE disclosed cognisable offences. He had claimed that Asthana's plea is misconceived, premature and not maintainable as investigation in the matter is at a nascent stage. The Supreme Court on Tuesday had reinstated Verma but directed him not to take any major policy decision till the high-powered committee give its findings. Verma had challenged before the apex court the Centre's decision to divest him of all powers and sending him on leave. Kumar, earlier the investigating officer in a case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, was arrested on the allegations of forgery in recording the statement of Sana who had alleged to have paid bribe to get relief in the case. Sana, on whose complaint the FIR was lodged, had also made allegations of corruption, extortion, high-handedness and serious malpractices against Asthana. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Alok Verma was Thursday removed unceremoniously as the CBI director after a high-powered panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi found that he had not been functioning with integrity expected of him. Verma, whose fixed tenure of two years was to end on January 31, is the first chief in the 55-years of the CBI's history to face such action, officials said. He has been posted as Director General Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards, under the Union Home Ministry. The charge of the CBI has been given to Additional Director M Nageshwar Rao, a government order issued on Thursday evening said. The panel which comprised Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and Justice A K Sikri, appointed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi as his nominee, had met here Thursday evening after which a decision for Verma, a 1979-batch IPS officer, was taken. Kharge has expressed his dissent to the decision which was taken by a majority of 2:1. There were eight counts of charges against Verma in the CVC report presented before the panel which included alleged attempts to induct tainted officers, compromising probe in the case related to controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi, IRCTC scam among others, they said. The Central Vigilance Commission claimed that it had found evidence of influencing of probe in the Moin Qureshi case and there were intercepts of RAW, an external snooping agency, that Rs 2 crore had changed hands. The CVC was of the view that his conduct in the case was suspicious and there was a prima facie case against him, and wanted a criminal investigation to be conducted in the case. In the IRCTC case, the CVC felt that it can be reasonably concluded that Verma deliberately excluded a name from the FIR, for reasons best known to him. The CVC also found instances of wilful non-production of record and fabrication of record. The committee also took note of Verma's attempts to induct officers of doubtful integrity in the CBI. The CVC said that he had been given ample opportunity to present his case before the CVC, in presence of Justice (retd) Patnaik. The officials said the panel, barring Kharge, felt that investigation, including criminal probe, was necessary, in some cases, and his continuation as CBI Director was not desirable, and he should be transferred. The meeting of the committee was convened Wednesday which lasted nearly 30 minutes. It was convened again on Thursday at the residence of Prime Minister Modi at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg at around 4.30 PM. The meeting continued for nearly two hours with Kharge strongly arguing for giving a chance to Verma to present his case before the committee on the allegations levelled by the CVC against him. However, the Prime Minister and Justice Sikri did not agree with his position making clear his ouster from the agency. Reacting to the development, the Congress said, "By removing Alok Verma from his position without giving him the chance to present his case, PM Modi has shown once again that he's too afraid of an investigation, either by an independent CBI director or by Parliament via JPC." A delegation of former ministers Arun Shourie and Yashwant Sinha along with activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan had met Verma on October 4, 2018 with plea of registering an FIR in the Rafale aircraft purchase deal. Verma was sent on forced leave by the government in a late-night controversial order on October 23, 2018 in the wake of a feud between him and his deputy Special Director Rakesh Asthana which had intensified after Asthana was booked on corruption charges by the CBI on October 15, 2018. He had challenged the order in the Supreme Court which had quashed the government order Tuesday and reinstated him with a condition that the high-powered selection committee will decide his fate in a week. Verma had joined the office Wednesday after 77 days of forced leave set aside by the Supreme Court. The apex court had said any further decision against Verma, who was scheduled to retire on January 31, would be taken by the high-powered committee which selects and appoints the CBI director. The Supreme Court in the Vineet Narayan judgment had fixed a minimum tenure of two years for the CBI director to give him immunity from any political interference. Later, through the Lokpal Act, the process of selecting the CBI director was handed over to a selection committee. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Union Cabinet Thursday approved a proposal for a USD 75-billion bilateral swap arrangement between India and Japan, a move aimed at enhancing the RBI's ability to manage exchange rate volatility. In a release, the government said the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for entering into an agreement for the bilateral swap arrangement (BSA) between India and Japan. The arrangement authorises the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to sign the agreement for bilateral swap arrangement between the RBI and the Bank of Japan for a maximum amount of USD 75 billion. "The swap arrangement is an agreement between India and Japan to essentially exchange and re-exchange a maximum amount of USD 75 billion for domestic currency, for the purpose of maintaining an appropriate level of balance of payments for meeting short-term deficiency in foreign exchange," the release said. On benefits of the arrangement, it said the BSA is a good example of mutual cooperation between India and Japan for strategic objective of assisting each other in times of difficulty and for restoring international confidence. This facility will enable the agreed amount of capital being available to India on tap for use. Also, with this arrangement in place, prospects of Indian companies would improve in tapping foreign capital as there would be greater confidence in stability of country's exchange rate. "Availability of such swap line to tide over difficulties arising out of balance of payment (BOP) would deter speculative attacks on the domestic currency and greatly enhance the RBI's ability to manage exchange rate volatility," the release said. The arrangement, it added, is "another milestone" in mutual economic cooperation and special strategic and global partnership between India and Japan. The arrangement was announced during Modi's visit to Japan in October last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Cabinet Thursday approved signing of the terms of reference (ToR) for providing tax assistance by Indian experts to African nation Eswatini. The ToR will formalise the engagement of the designated Indian experts to provide tax assistance to Swaziland (now Eswatini) under the tax inspectors without borders (TIWB) programme between India and Eswatini, an official statement said. An Indian expert has been mutually selected by the Government of India and the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini under the TiWB programme. "The engagement of the Indian expert under the TiWB programme will give impetus to India's support in capacity building in tax matters in developing countries," the statement said. The ToR will formalise the conditions of the engagement of the expert to provide tax assistance. The TIWB programme, which is jointly launched by UNDP and OECD, is intended to support developing countries to strengthen national tax administrations through building audit capacity and to share this knowledge with other countries. It also aims to strengthen tax administrations of developing countries by transferring technical know-how and skills to their tax auditors, and through the sharing of general audit practices and dissemination of knowledge products with them. The programme complements the efforts of the international community to strengthen cooperation on tax matters and contribute to domestic tax mobilisation efforts of developing countries. India has been supportive in capacity building in tax matters in developing countries, the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Union Cabinet Thursday approved a proposal for establishing three new AIIMS -- two in Jammu and Kashmir and one in Gujarat. The AIIMS atVijaynagar in Samba, Jammu, will be set up at a cost of Rs 1,661 crore, the one at Awantipora in Pulwama, Kashmir, at a cost of Rs 1,828 crore and the AIIMS at Rajkot, Gujarat, will be set up at a cost of Rs 1,195 crore, an official statement said. Expressing gratitude, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said the approval follows the prime minister's vision and upholds the spirit of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. "Two new AIIMS, one each for Jammu Region and Kashmir Region in the state of Jammu and Kashmir was announced by the Prime Minister under the Prime Minister's Development Package, and AIIMS in Gujarat was announced by the Finance Minister in his budget speech," Nadda said. He said setting up of new AIIMS would not only transform health education and training but will also address the shortfall of healthcare professionals in the region. "The establishment of new AIIMS will serve the dual purpose of providing super specialty healthcare to the population closer to their homes, while also help create a large pool of doctors and other health workers in this region that can be available for primary and secondary level institutions and facilities being created under the National Health Mission (NHM)," the minister said. Construction of the new AIIMS is fully funded by the central government. The operations and maintenance expenses on new AIIMS are also borne by the Centre, he said. Terming it historic, Nadda further said that setting up of new AIIMS in the states will lead to employment generation for nearly 3,000 people in various faculty and non faculty posts. He said each new AIIMS will add 100 UG (MBBS) seats and 60 BSc (nursing) seats, and the new AIIMS will have 15-20 super specialty departments. "Each new AIIMS will add around 750 hospital beds. As per data of current functional AIIMS, it is expected that each new AIIMS would cater to around 1500 OPD patients per day and around 1000 IPD patients per month," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An absconding Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) local leader, accused of instigating a mob in Bulandshahr last month that turned violent, was arrested Thursday, police said. Shikhar Agarwal alias Shekhar, 25, had been on the run for nearly 40 days and was held at 7.20 am near a flyover in adjoining Hapur district by the Bulandshahr police, a senior official said. "We are interrogating him and gathering information to proceed further in the case. He will be produced in the local court later today," Additional Superintendent of Police (Bulandhshahr city) Atul Kumar Srivastava told PTI. With his arrest, the number of accused held for the December 3 violence which claimed two lives has reached 36, Srivastava said. He added that seven people have been arrested and jailed in connection with the separate cow slaughter case registered on the same day. Around six months ago, Agarwal was appointed the head of the newly-formed Siyana unit of the BJYM, the youth wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a police official said. While he was in hiding, a purported video of Agarwal had surfaced on social media in which he claimed innocence and also accused the slain inspector of "corruption" and "siding with the Muslim community to get our mother (referring to cows) attacked". Agarwal, who claimed to be pursuing a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from Aligarh, said in the video that he had "full faith in the Yogi (Adityanath) government" in the state and he was ready for any probe. He also claimed that the inspector was reluctant to get an FIR filed for cow slaughter and had threatened to shoot him for insisting on taking the carcasses to the police station. In the video from an undisclosed location, he had alleged that the police were "wrongly" saying that Singh was informed about the incident over phone, claiming the entire episode unfolded in his presence at the spot. On December 3, 2018, mob violence had broken out in Siyana tehsil of Bulandshahr after cattle carcasses were found strewn in the fields outside Mahaw village. Police Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, 44, and civilian Sumit Kumar, 20, were shot dead during the violence, after which an FIR was registered at the Siyana Police Station in which around 80 people were accused. Twenty-seven people, including Raj, were named in the FIR, while 50 to 60 unidentified people were booked under Indian Penal Code sections 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc), 307 (attempt to murder), 302 (murder), 124A (sedition), 147, 148, 149 (related to rioting), 332, 33, 353 (related to voluntary assault on public servant to obstruct them from performing their duty), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others). They were also booked for destroying public property among others. On January 3, the police had arrested local Bajrang Dal leader Yogesh Raj, also a key suspect in the case. A separate FIR was lodged by the police for cow slaughter on a complaint by Raj. Among the 36 people arrested for violence are Army jawan Jeetender Malik, Prashant Nat, who allegedly shot the inspector dead, and Kalua who had first attacked him with an axe, the police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana Wednesday said that the new government would prioritise security enhancement at the border areas, an official release said. The land-locked state shares 722-km-long border with Myanmar and Bangladesh. Border security would be one of the top agendas of the Mizo National Front (MNF) government, while necessary efforts would also be made to control crimes in the state, the minister said at a meeting with senior police officers here. "Problems have been arising in the state due to shortage of women personnel in the police department. Steps have to be taken to fill the gap. Also, the vacant posts in the police department has to be filled at the earliest to ensure that law and order is maintained in the state," the release said quoting Lalchamliana The home minister also appealed to the police personnel to develop healthy habits and stay fit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bollywood stars including Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, led by filmmaker Karan Johar, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday to discuss how the industry can contribute towards "nation building". The meeting comes weeks after the prime minister met Bollywood producers and discussed issues faced by the industry, which led to the reduction in GST on film tickets by the government. The delegation also included directors Rohit Shetty and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, producers Ekta Kapoor and Mahaveer Jain, actors Rajkummar Rao, Vicky Kaushal, Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar and Sidharth Malhotra. Johar later took to Instagram to share a group selfie with Modi. "Powerful and timely conversations can bring about change and this was one of what we hope will become a regular conversation. Meeting the Honourable Prime Minister @narendramodi today was an incredible opportunity," he wrote in the caption. Johar said the meeting would ignite positive changes. "As a community, there is a huge interest to contribute to nation building. There is so much that we want to do. And can do and this dialogue was towards how and what ways we can do that. When the youngest country (in demography) joins hands with the largest movie industry in the world, we hope to be a force to reckon with. Together we would love to inspire and ignite positive changes to a transformative India," he added. The director-producer also thanked the prime minister for the GST reduction in movie ticket prices. The producers meeting with Modi in December had drawn flak on social media for lack of female representation on the panel. Thursday's panel had Bhumi, Alia, Ekta and Ashwini. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP's youth wing will kick-start its "Vijay Lakshya 2019" from Saturday with a host of events, aiming to persuade close to 15 crore first-time voters to support the party in Lok Sabha polls so that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is re-elected. Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha chief Poonam Mahajan made the announcement at a press conference where she also lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his barb at Modi that he ran away from the Rafale debate in Parliament and told a woman -- Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman -- to defend him. He has done his in the shadow of his mothers and that is why he made such "abhorrent" remarks, probably due to "embarrassment", Mahajan said. Speaking about BJYM programmes, she said about it will organise 18 programmes, including giving a chance to young voters to interact with senior BJP leaders, including its president Amit Shah, in the run-up to the polls across the country. The exercise will be launched on the last day of the party's two-day national council meeting starting Friday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah. She claimed that Modi represents the aspirations of the young India and his development agenda will again be backed by young voters. The BJYM will reach out to the young people in the age group of 18-35 years by addressing over 10,000 youth volunteers at more than 100 districts via videoconference, seeking to connect with over 50 lakh youths, she said. There will also be a townhall on January 23 in which Modi will speak, she said. Other programmes include townhalls across the country, bike rallies, holding youth parliament and bringing youth icons and social influencers on board to reach out to young voters. The BJYM will also run "Pehla vote Modi ko" (first vote to Modi) campaign. To a question about the fate of woman reservation bill, she quipped that one session in Parliament is still left before the polls. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan on Thursday said since the BJP "failed" to bring development, it raked up the Ram temple issue ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, but people will not get misled by such "poll tactics". Targeting the BJP-led central government over the controversial Rafale jet deal, the senior Congress leader said the issue would not fade and that the "truth will come out". While the Opposition Congress has been alleging corruption in the Rafale fighter jet deal, the government has denied any wrongdoing. Chavan was speaking to reporters in Nagpur district of Maharashtra after the Congress began its fifth leg of the 'Sangharsh Yatra' to highlight "failures" of the central and state governments, ahead of the forthcoming general polls. "The BJP has no issues. It has failed on the development front and hence, has raised the Ram temple issue just six months before the elections. But, the public won't be misled by these poll tactics," Chavan said. Asked if the Ram temple issue and reservation for general category poor were meant to divert the attention from the Rafale jet deal row, Chavan said, "The Rafale issue is in the Supreme Court and the public is also well aware of it." "Whatever the government may do, the issue is not going to fade and truth will ultimately come out," he said. To a query on the impact of 10 per cent reservation to general category poor on elections, he said its affect on polls will be seen later. "The bill has been passed but what impact it will have on Maharashtra, specially on the debate over Maratha reservation, there is no clarity on it. We will able to comment when the Maharashtra government clarifies on the impact of 10 per cent quota in the state," he said. The Parliament had on Wednesday approved amending the Constitution to provide 10 per cent reservation to general category poor in government jobs and education. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : BJP leaders from Telangana Thursday met Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goel and Prakash Javadekar in Delhi and requested sanction of various projects in the state, including setting up an IIM. The delegation, led by state BJP president K Laxman,urged Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar to take steps to establish an IIM and also a tribal university as per the Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act, party sources said. Separate representations were submitted to to the Union Ministers on the issues raised by the state BJP leaders. The delegation requested Gadkari, the Union Minister for Transport and Highways, to allocate funds for highways in Telangana and to take steps for six-laning the National Highway (NH)-44 from Bowenpally to Medchal via Kompally on the outskirts of Hyderabad. They requested Union Railway Minister Goel to clear pending railway projects and speed up the works of ongoing projects in Telangana. They pointed out that the Multi Modal Transport System (MMTS) Phase-II project in Hyderabad was progressing at a snails pace. They sought establishing a workshop at Kazipet with an estimated cost of Rs 270 crore. The state government had to provide 160 acres of land for this purpose. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Thursday said the BJD would fight the upcoming Lok Sabha polls on its own and identified rising fuel prices, growing agrarian distress and unemployment as three major issues which will dominate the elections. Soon after the poll results in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the four-time Odisha chief minister had said that the Bharatiya Janata Party lost for ignoring farmers' plight and not implementing the M S Swaminathan Committee recommendation. While participating in an interactive programme of India Today's Mind Rocks, 2019, Patnaik indicated that the same agrarian distress will play a key role in the upcoming elections in the country. "Rising fuel prices, growing agrarian distress and unemployment are the three major issues to dominate the 2019 general elections," he said. To a question, Patnaik said his regional party would fight the elections on its own. Though the Biju Janata Dal was in alliance with the BJP and shared power with the saffron party in the state from 2000 to 2009, he reiterated the decision to maintain equidistance from both the national parties. Patnaik Wednesday had made it clear that his party would not become a part of the 'mahagathbandhan', a grand alliance at the national level to oppose the BJP and the Modi government in the Lok Sabha polls this year. Keeping in mind the interest of the farmers, who form a sizeable chunk of the electorate, Patnaik, a fortnight ago, had launched the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme to address their problems. The BJD government refused to join the Congress bandwagon and declare farm loan waiver and instead announced Rs 10,183 crore KALIA scheme to provide assistance to farmers. Taking the BJD's demand for hike in the minimum support price (MSP) of paddy to Delhi, Patnaik also led partymen at a sit-in in the national capital. The BJD has been slamming the Narendra Modi government for not keeping its promises made during the 2014 polls. While replying to a question on his attempt to retain chief ministership for the fifth time in a row, Patnaik said: "We have consistently followed up on our development and welfare programmes. We make promises and keep them." The assembly elections in Odisha are also due along with the Lok Sabha polls. To young and first time voters, Patnaik said: "My message will be to look very carefully at all your priorities, then political manifestos and see which ones you believe in the most and then cast your precious vote. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Rajasthan-based businessman was arrested and produced before the Bombay High Court Thursday for failing to comply with its orders restraining him from using the trademarks of celebrity hair stylist Jawed Habib's salon. Justice S J Kathawalla had last week issued a non-bailable warrant against Manoj Kumar Sharma, who is accused of infringing copyright of Habib's salon's registered trademarks -- 'Jawed Habib' and 'JH'. Following the warrant, the Jaipur city police arrested Sharma and produced him Thursday before Justice Kathawalla. The court then cancelled the warrant and directed Sharma to file an affidavit in response to the suit filed by Habib's company -- Jawed Habib Hair and Beauty Ltd -- for alleged infringement of its trademarks. The court would now hear the petition on January 24. The plaintiff company was set up in 2006 and provides hair styling and cutting services. At present, the company has over 600 outlets in cities across the country and has created a good reputation and goodwill among its customers. In April 2017, it learnt that the defendant (Sharma) was using its trademarks 'Jawed Habib' and 'JH' and running a salon at Jaipur in Rajasthan. The plaintiff firm then sent a legal notice to Sharma, asking him to desist from using the trademarks. When there was no reply to the notice, the company approached the court. The high court had in October 2018 granted interim relief to the company and restrained Sharma from using the trademarks. Justice Kathawalla had then noted that Sharma had no right to use the trademarks, which were deceptively similar to the plaintiff company's registered trademarks. "Admittedly, the defendant (Sharma) is not the franchisee of the plaintiff. The adoption of the trademarks by the defendant cannot be a matter of coincidence," the court had said in its October 3, 2018, order. "The adoption and use of the impugned trademarks by the defendant is therefore deliberate and dishonest," the court had said and directed Sharma to remove boards and notices put up by him bearing the trademarks 'Jawed Habib' and 'JH'. In December 2018, the court was informed by the company that Sharma had not complied with its orders. The high court then issued a bailable warrant against Sharma. On January 4, the HC was informed that Sharma had still not complied with the court order following which the court ordered for a non-bailable warrant to be issued against him. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In February, Texans experienced forced rolling and extended blackouts ordered by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas as demand for electricity spiked during a winter storm. On Monday, ERCOT took precaution to avoid blackouts by urging Texans to conserve power through Friday as summer temperatures continue to rise. Approximately 12,000 megawatts of generation were offline Monday, and ERCOT officials said the outages were unexpected. Are you satisfied with ERCOTs oversight of the states electric grid? You voted: A co-passenger has admitted that he was present when former Gujarat BJP MLA Jayanti Bhanushali was shot dead in a first-class coupe of a train, the state CID said Thursday. The investigators also said they were trying to ascertain the whereabouts of BJP leader Chhabil Patel, the main suspect in the case. Bhanushali, 53, was shot dead on a moving train when he was returning to Ahmedabad from Bhuj Tuesday. After intense questioning, Pavan More, who was travelling in the same compartment, admitted that Bhanushali was killed by two men in the first-class AC coupe, an official said. More had told the police earlier that he was in the washroom when Bhanushali was shot dead and he found out about the killing only when he returned to the coupe. "Now he has revealed he was in the coupe when the attack took place. Though he also claimed he was sleeping, may be to avoid hassles (of police probe)," said Director General of Police, CID- Crime and Railways, Ashish Bhatia. The CID is also trying to trace Chhabil Patel. Patel's son Siddharth had told police that he was in the United States for some business-related work. "We cannot believe someone's claim blindly... We are still probing this aspect," said Superintendent of Police Bhavna Patel, who is part of the seven-member special investigation team (SIT) of the CID which is probing the case. The CID has sought a list of persons who flew out of the country from the Ahmedabad airport during the period when Bhanushali was killed, said Deputy Superintendent of Police (CID) J P Raol, who is also part of the SIT. The first information report (FIR) registered at the Gandhidham railway police station in Kutch names Patel, his son Siddharth and four others as "suspects", but not as accused. Bhanushali had stepped down as Gujarat BJP's vice president in July last year after a woman accused him of rape. The High Court quashed the case after she withdrew the complaint. Bhanushali represented Abdasa Assembly constituency in Kutch from 2007 to 2012. Chhabil Patel, then with the Congress, defeated him in the 2012 Assembly election. Within two years, Patel switched sides and joined the BJP but lost the bypoll for the seat in 2014. In 2017, the BJP chose Patel over Bhanushali for Abdasa seat, but he lost to a Congress candidate. Bhanushali's nephew Sunil Bhanushali alleged in the police complaint that Patel held Jayanti responsible for his defeat in 2014 and 2017 and held a grudge against him. He also alleged that Chhabil Patel and others made a CD which showed his uncle in a compromising position with a woman. When Bhanushali refused to retire from political life as demanded by Patel, the latter allegedly hatched the murder conspiracy, the complaint said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The indefinite strike by employees of the city's civic transport undertaking Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) will continue Friday, as talks between union leaders and officials remained inconclusive. Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, whose party controls the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), met the BEST union leaders in the presence of Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta and the BEST commissioner Surendra Kumar Bagde at the Mayor's bungalow Thursday. The negotiations went on for nearly seven hours but failed to break the deadlock. "The officials have refused to relent on our demands to merge the budget of BEST with that of the BMC. Therefore, the strike will continue. They did not agree to even give us a written assurance about our other demands," BEST Workers Union president Shashank Rao told reporters after the meeting. He added that while Thackeray tried to find a middle ground, he did not succeed. The Union has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and demanded a written assurance on its demands, Rao said. "This strike was called by workers. In the absence of definite assurance, what will we tell them?" said Rao. Nearly 32,000 BEST employees are on indefinite strike since Tuesday over various demands, including higher salaries and merger of budgets. While the BMC is the richest municipal body in the country, BEST is a loss-making undertaking. Not a single BEST bus plied on Mumbai roads since morning, an official said. Commuters complained that auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers were charging much more than normal rates. A PIL was filed in the Bombay High Court Thursday seeking a direction to BEST workers to end the strike. The court will be hearing it Friday. The BEST has a fleet of over 3,200 buses, which criss-cross the metropolis and also operate services in the neighbouring Thane district and Navi Mumbai. It is the second-biggest mode of transport in Mumbai after the local trains. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four women held a topless protest in Sydney on Thursday to support runaway Saudi woman Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun, as Australia began considering her bid to settle in the country as a refugee. Alqunun was on Wednesday deemed a refugee by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, after being detained in Bangkok en route to Australia. The 18-year-old publicised her case via social media after barricading herself in her Bangkok hotel room, saying she feared for her safety if sent back to her family in Saudi Arabia. In downtown Sydney on Thursday morning, four women, dressed only in jeans and calling themselves the Secret Sisterhood, protested outside the building housing the Saudi Consulate, calling on Australia to grant Alqunun residency. With "Secret Sisterhood" written on their backs, the women held placards with messages including "Let her in," ''Rahaf Sisterhood Hero" and "All women free + safe." Secret Sisterhood founder Jacquie Love said the protest was held to urge the Australian government to recognise Alqunun's plight, and that of oppressed women everywhere. "We are here to encourage them to let her in," Love said. "She's been recognised by the UN as a refugee so we believe the Australian government needs to step up, recognise her plight and recognise what she's gone through, and she could be an icon for the rest of the world that women shouldn't be oppressed and they should be fleeing countries that they are oppressed in." "We decided to go topless because we believe all women should be able to express themselves freely and safely and we wanted to send a message to Rahaf that we can actually do that in Australia, that women can actually be free and safe," Love said. Secret Sisterhood has also set up a GoFundMe account, which had raised USD 2,290 dollars for Alqunun by Thursday morning. Alqunun's case has highlighted the cause of women's rights in Saudi Arabia. Several female Saudis fleeing abuse by their families have been caught trying to seek asylum abroad in recent years and returned home. Human rights activists say many more similar cases will have gone unreported. After mounting a campaign for assistance on Twitter from her Bangkok airport hotel, Alqunun was allowed to temporarily stay in Thailand under the care of the UN refugee agency, which ruled her claim for asylum valid and referred her case to Australia. Following that decision, Australia's Home Affairs Department said it would "consider this referral in the usual way, as it does with all UNHCR referrals." Alqunun's father arrived in Bangkok on Tuesday, but his daughter refused to meet with him. Thailand's Immigration Police chief Lt. Gen. Surachate Hakparn said the father whose name has not been released denied physically abusing Alqunun or trying to force her into an arranged marriage, which were among the reasons she gave for her flight. Surachate said Alqunun's father wanted his daughter back but respected her decision. Surachate described the father as being a governor in Saudi Arabia. "He has 10 children. He said the daughter might feel neglected sometimes," Surachate said. "But he didn't go into detail." Before the UN agency's decision to refer her case to Australia, the country's Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said there would be no "special treatment" for her. However, Health Minister Greg Hunt, also speaking before the UN's decision, said: "If she is found to be a refugee, then we will give very, very, very serious consideration to a humanitarian visa. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 49-year-old man has been arrested by Australian police for allegedly sending dozens of suspicious packages reportedly containing asbestos powder to diplomatic missions across the country, including the Indian consulate here. Savas Avan was arrested at his home in Shepparton on Wednesday night, hours after over 10 consulates in Melbourne and Sydney and embassies in Canberra were forced into lockdown due to suspicious packages. Authorities are yet to confirm what was in the parcels, but early reports suggested they appeared to contain asbestos. The white powder was mailed through Australia Post and is suspected to have been sourced from Avan's home. Only 29 of the 38 packages have been discovered so far, but police said they have put processes in place to recover the outstanding parcels safely. The Australian Federal Police and Victoria police said the man was charged with sending dangerous articles to be carried by a postal service, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years jail. He was remanded in custody following a Melbourne Magistrates' Court hearing Thursday, media reports said. A prosecutor told court the deliveries contained asbestos, and Avan did not apply for bail. "Police have so far recovered 29 of these packages, with forensic testing to be undertaken on them to determine the exact composition of the material in them," the federal and state police said in a joint statement. "Police have identified all intended recipients and have put processes in place to recover the outstanding packages. There is no ongoing threat to the general public." The Indian and the US consulates on St Kilda Road were among a number of diplomatic missions across Melbourne and Canberra targeted with suspicious packages on Wednesday, sparking an emergency "hazardous material" response and some evacuations. It came two days after Sydney's Argentinian consulate was partially evacuated following reports of a suspicious substance. At least two consulates, including that of Pakistan in Melbourne did not contact authorities about packages until they received an email from the Australian government, media reports said. Police said that Avan sent 38 parcels containing asbestos to consulates and embassies in the three cities on January 7. Avan is expected back in court on March 4. The first suspect packages were found at three consulates and embassies in Sydney and Canberra earlier in the week. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it had sent an e-mail to all Canberra-based diplomatic missions on Wednesday, and then to other consulates across Australia. "After learning of incidents at three offices in Sydney and Canberra, the DFAT sent a note to all diplomatic missions in Canberra on January 8 alerting them to the possibility of suspicious packages being delivered by mail," a spokesman said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday reiterated his government's commitment to improve the sector and said the Centre has sanctioned seven new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) for the state because of continuous efforts of his administration. Speaking at a function at Yingkiong in Upper Siang district, Khandu said the new KVs would come up at Kurung Kumey, Dibang Valley, Namsai, Upper Subansiri, Anjaw, West Siang and Upper Siang districts of the state soon. The chief minister also visited the under construction building of Vivekanada Kenra Vidyalaya at Ramsing village, near Yingkiong, the district headquarters, a CMO release said. Khandu thanked the villagers for donating the land for free for the school, the building of which is being constructed with an estimate cost of Rs 3 crore. The chief minister said the school needs more infrastructure such as principal's quarter, staff quarters, boundary wall, science lab and auditorium for which, he promised to sanction additional fund of Rs 8 crore within the financial year 2019-20. Khandu urged the officials to carry out the work on war footing so that the new school building gets ready within this year that classes can commence from the next academic session in the new building. At present the school is being run from a temporary site, the release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Army will carry out major reforms and organisational restructuring in the next few months and has decided to roll out an Integrated Battle Group (IBG) as part of overall plan to enhance combat capability of the force, Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat said Thursday. He also said more funds are needed to carry out modernisation in the force. He said infantry modernisation and procurement of missiles, attack helicopters and other key platforms will be major priority area for him in the next one year. The decision to set up IBGs comprising various arms of the force including elements of air power, artillery, armoured corps is seen as a major leap forward in boosting the Army's fighting capability. The Army Chief, addressing a press conference ahead of the Army Day on January 15, said IBG would be tested during a war game in May following which it will be rolled out. He said the IBG will have infantry element, mechanised element, artillery corps and armoured formations. Gen. Rawat also said that the Army headquarters was in touch with the Indian Air Force on who should keep the attack helicopters. "We think the Apaches are tank killers and are necessary to be grouped with strike formations," he said. In 2017, the government approved procurement of six Apache helicopters along with weapons systems from Boeing at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore for the Army which will be its first fleet of attack choppers. After the government finalised a deal for 22 Apache helicopters for the Indian Air Force, the Army was pushing for follow on orders of 11 choppers for it, arguing that the ground forces need them considering the changing security scenario in the region. On restructuring of the Army, he said it will be implemented in the course of the year, noting that there cannot 100 per cent consensus on such issues. In September last year, the top brass of the Army gave an in-principle approval to carry out extensive reforms in the second largest standing Army in the world with an aim to enhance its war-fighting capabilities. The reform will include making various formations as well as divisions "leaner and meaner", transforming the procurement process into a seamless exercise, restructuring of various establishments of the force and downsizing of the troops if required. On infantry modernisation, he said new assault rifles will be procured this year. On the issue of disability pension, Gen Rawat said, he was focussing on removing disparities in disability pensions. The cases of truly disabled soldiers cannot be compared with those who suffer from "lifestyle disabilities" like hypertension and diabetes, he said. The government last year decided to continue with an earlier system of disbursing disability pension and not to go ahead with a new regime recommended by the seventh pay commission. "The Army will observe this year for the next of kin of the disabled or killed soldiers. We will identify those who need help," the Army Chief said. He also rejected allegations by certain quarters that the Army was being politicised under his leadership. We are often accused of being politicised if we are tasked to do something that impacts internal security. Any operation done with government sanction, the failure and success will go to both sides, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Anchor Electricals Thursday said it plans to invest Rs 600 crore by 2025 to set up an electrical construction material and appliances manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh. The company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japan's Panasonic Corporation, has signed an MoU with Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) to establish the facility in a new 30-acre factory in Sri City, Anchor Electricals said in a statement. The company plans to make a phased investment of Rs 600 crore by 2025, with an initial investment of Rs 250 crore, to set up the facility, it said. Anchor has 7 manufacturing units in North and West regions of India. The MoU was signed between Anchor Electricals Joint MD Dinesh Aggarwal and APEDB CEO J Krishna Kishore in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Singapore Minister for Communication and Information S Iswaran. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Barely two days after the Supreme Court reinstated him, Alok Verma was Thursday removed as CBI Director by a high-powered committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on charges of corruption and dereliction of duty, in an unprecedented action in the central probe agency's 55-year history. Verma, a 1979-batch IPS officer, had resumed duty Wednesday, a day after the apex court paved his return with some riders and asked the three-member panel that selects the CBI chief to decide on his continuance in a week in the light of charges against him in the report of the Central Vigilance Commission(CVC). Verma's two-year tenure as director of Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) is due to end on January 31. Officials said the decision to move Verma out of the CBI came after the high-powered committee met for the second time in two days here to decide his fate. Verma has been posted as Director General Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards, under the Union Home Ministry. The charge of the CBI has been given to Additional Director M Nageshwar Rao, said a government order issued on Thursday evening. There were eight charges against Verma in the CVC report presented before the Committee that also comprised Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and Justice A K Sikri, appointed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi as his nominee. The decision at the two-hour meeting of the Committee was taken by a 2 to 1 majority with Kharge opposing the move, officials said. It also came a day ahead of the verdict by the Delhi High Court on pleas by Verma's deputy Rakesh Asthana, a CBI Special Director, and others seeking quashing of the FIR against them on bribery allegations. Verma and Asthana had traded corruption charges and were locked in a bitter feud that led the Centre to divest them of their authority and sent them on leave on the night of October 23. Kharge gave a dissent note and told the meeting that Verma, who was sent on forced leave, should be given a chance to present his case before the Committee on the allegations in the CVC report against him. He also said Verma should not be penalised and be given an extension of 77 days for which he was not allowed to attend the office, according to sources. However, the prime minister and Justice Sikri disagreed with Kharge's contention paving the way for Verma's outster, the sources said. During the meeting, Justice Sikri said there are charges against Verma to which Kharge asked "where are the charges", according to the sources. It is for the second time in 11 weeks Rao was given the charge of CBI. He was first given the charge after Verma was divested of his authority and sent on leave but this order was quashed by the apex court on Tuesday. The Congress and noted lawyer Prashant Bhushan reacted strongly to the removal of Verma, saying he was not given a chance to present his case. "By removing #AlokVerma from his position without giving him the chance to present his case, PM Modi has shown once again that he's too afraid of an investigation, either by an independent CBI director or by Parliament via JPC," Congress tweeted from its official Twitter handle. "The committee did not hear Verma. He should have been given a chance," said Bhushan, who had sought a court-monitored SIT probe into the allegations of corruption against various CBI officials, including Asthana in what is known as the CBI vs CBI case. The CVC report spoke about the controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi's case and claimed that the CBI team looking into it wanted to make Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Babu Sana an accused but Verma never gave clearance, officials said. The probe in this case was led by Asthana. The CVC report also contained intercepts from the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), the external snooping agency, in which "money changing hands with number one in the CBI" is talked about, the officials said. Incidentally, Sana is the complainant for a case registered against Asthana in which he has given graphic details about how he had allegedly paid bribe to his middlemen. He has also mentioned the name of Samanta Goel, the second-in-command at the RAW, of being involved in allegedly protecting the middleman, Manoj Prasad. The other case relates to a Preliminary Enquiry registered by the CBI about acquisition of land in Gurgaon. The CVC alleged that Verma's name had figured in the case and at least Rs 36 crore had changed hands. The CVC had recommended a thorough probe into the case. The CVC, which has a supervisory role over the CBI, had also alleged that Verma tried to save an officer in the IRCTC case involving former Union Minister Lalu Prasad. It also alleged that Verma was trying to bring in tainted officials into the CBI and claimed that efforts seeking cooperation from the CBI chief did not yield results as he continued to keep the files away from the vigilance body. The apex court Tuesday reinstated Verma as the CBI director after quashing the Centre's unprecedented "overnight" order on October 23. The court, however, clipped Verma's wings saying he cannot take any major policy decision till the high-powered committee decides on his continuation since the CVC is probing charges of corruption against him. Asking the committee to meet within a week, the court said it was "still open" for the panel to consider the matter involving Verma and decide on divesting his authority. Holding that the statute does not have any provision with regard to interim suspension or removal of the CBI director, the court made it clear that any such decision has to be taken after obtaining the consent of the selection committee. The central issue before the court was whether the CVC and the Centre had the authority to divest Verma of his powers as CBI chief.. Asthana has not challenged the order against him before the apex court but moved the Delhi High Court for quashing of the FIR against him in a corruption case. Congress President Rahul Gandhi attacked the government ahead of Thursday meeting and said Modi is in a "tearing hurry" to "sack" Verma because of the Rafale deal. "Why will he not allow the CBI Chief to present his case in front of the selection committee ? Answer: RAFALE," Gandhi said on Twitter. A delegation of former ministers Arun Shourie and Yashwant Sinha along with activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan had met Verma on October 4, 2018 with a plea for registering an FIR in the Rafale jet fighter deal with France. Hitting out at the Congress over its attack on the Modi government over Verma's removal, the BJP called it a "sore loser" with party spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao saying it has been left to lick its wounds "after failing to subvert the CBI by joining internal personal battles". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) National Black Pro-Life Leader and Former Miss Delaware, Day Gardner, Traces Roots of Black American History from Slavery to Freedom to Termination Contact: Day Gardner, 202-834-0844 OPINION, Jan. 10, 2019 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by Day Gardner, President of National Black Pro-Life Union: In 1865, the Civil War ended and the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution officially abolished slavery. That same year, a group of Democrat ex-Confederate soldiers formed the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). They were domestic terrorists that sought to overthrow the Republican state governments in the South during the Reconstruction Era by using violence and intimidation against freed former slaves and their white supporters. They prevented African-Americans from voting, getting an education, competing for jobs, or owning property. A year later, the Civil Rights Act conferred citizenship and equal rights, guaranteed due process and equal protection under the law for all citizens. From 1870 to 1895, many blacks, as members of the Republican Party, gained elective office throughout the nation, but outbreaks of violence against blacks especially in the South persisted. By 1915, four million blacks had traveled north in what is called the Great Migration. They sought better jobs and wanted to escape escalated racism and violence occurring in the South. America's northern cities overflowed with freed slaves and their extended families. Former farmers and field workers became bell hops, butlers, maids, doormen, cooks, and nannies--they shined shoes and cleaned toilets. By 1920, African American writers, poets and artists emerged in a period of creativity known as the Harlem Renaissance. Black people worked hard--starting businesses, buying homes, securing better education and began to realize the American Dream came not only in white--but in beautiful shades of black as well. Meanwhile, the KKK raged a lynching war on blacks in the south while Margaret Sanger and friends devised an evil plan of their own. Sanger was a staunch believer in eugenics, "race hygiene." Her book, The Pivot of Civilization, {1922} contained her solution to the negro problem. She touted sterilization of "genetically inferior races" which she called "human weeds." Since blacks were known to be blessed with large families, Sanger's plan had to include limiting the growth of the black population by eliminating our children. Sanger associated with known racists who shared her belief that America would be a better place without black people. She emerged a speaker at a KKK rally in Silver Lake, New Jersey, in 1926. In 1939, Sanger initiated the NEGRO PROJECT, a simple plan--get rid of black people through abortion and sterilization. She knew that some blacks would figure out her sinister plot, so she decided to "pay" clergy and charismatic members in the black community to deliver the deceptive message to their congregations and neighborhoods. In a letter to Dr. Clarence Gamble, Sanger wrote: "We should hire three or four colored ministers, preferably with social-service backgrounds and with engaging personalities. The most successful educational approach to the negroes is through religious appeal. We don't want word to go out that we want to exterminate the negro population. The minister is the man who can straighten out that idea if it ever occurs to any of their more rebellious members." Sanger did her homework! She knew we were a culturally religious body of people and she knew that for blacks, at that time, the church was our meeting place --our town hall. The bottom line is that she used black people to destroy black communities in the same way Satan used Judas to deliver JESUS. Today, black ministers, politicians, and community organizers are still "hired" to support Margaret Sanger's form of ethnic cleansing. With full knowledge of how abortion is decimating the black community, they, like Judas, have sold their souls for "30 pieces of silver." Margaret Sanger was the founder of Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in America. It's a billion dollar-a-year abortion business that thrives on blood money for slaughtering children, especially black children. Abortion mills continue to set up camp in minority neighborhoods delivering Margaret Sanger's big lie message. The lie that says if you are a poor, black woman or girl you will have a better life -- a more successful life with fewer children. The lie insinuates that killing an unborn baby is no big deal, especially a black baby which tends to be viewed as a burden on society and therefore less worthy of life. Until Margaret Sanger's death in 1966 she pushed the ideals she started decades earlier. It makes one wonder why almost nothing has changed in urban areas largely populated by poor blacks and other minorities. Our inner cities have poor schools, high crime, high unemployment and broken families yet, their elected officials stay focused on funding abortion on demand. Margaret Sanger's Planned Parenthood still does big business slaughtering black babies in inner city abortion mills. For instance, in New York City, the abortion rate in the black community is at 60%, which means more black babies are aborted than are born. The KKK brutally killed about 3,500 black people since it began in 1865, Sanger's Planned Parenthood is responsible for 19 million black deaths since 1973. The Bible tells us every child is a God-given gift, a reward and a heritage, therefore all are worthy of life. The truth is ALL lives matter! We must remember why the killing began--and then vow in JESUS' name to end it. Share Tweet Keith Lane/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- The revelation Tuesday that federal prosecutors have accused former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort of sharing internal polling data on the 2016 presidential election with a suspected Russian intelligence officer may be another piece to special counsel Robert Muellers puzzle, but experts on the matter say Tuesdays inadvertent disclosure leaves plenty of unknowns in its wake. This revelation really raises more questions than answers, said Robert Mintz, a former prosecutor now in private practice, but it is significant because it provides additional evidence of high-level contacts between the Trump campaign and persons with ties to the Kremlin. News of Manaforts coordination with Konstantin Kilimnik, a suspected former Russian intelligence officer, came to light by mistake on Tuesday when his defense team failed to properly redact portions of a court document meant to defend their client from accusations that he lied to investigators. It was an embarrassing gaffe for Manaforts legal team. But that information amounts to little more than hints at a larger conspiracy, according to Kendall Coffey, a former U.S. Attorney. While sharing polling data with a foreign national is not itself a federal crime, it suggests an interest in promoting the campaign beyond U.S. borders, Coffey said. Polling crosstabs and other deeper details can help create a strategy to impact an election. Any potential impact on the election is exactly what the special counsels office and congressional investigators are keen to uncover. Ultimately, this information suggests that the special counsel is building a bridge that, if completed, could have dramatic consequences for the White House, Coffey said. The question is why, asked Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, in an interview on Tuesday. Why would Russians be interested in polling data on an American campaign? Why would that be of value? How would the Russians make use of that? With Democrats back in the majority in the House, Schiff said he plans to reinvigorate his panels investigation into possible Russian collusion, telling ABC News he hopes to get the answers to all these questions. Coffey and Mintz agreed that while Manaforts disclosure of polling information to Kilimnik may not present any immediate legal exposure for the onetime campaign chairman, it could precipitate a larger narrative of criminal intent. It is not surprising that Manafort was not charged criminally in connection with this conduct, Mintz said. This disclosure, by itself, is not necessarily evidence of criminal conduct but could potentially play a role in a larger conspiracy. The implications of Tuesdays developments, however, are not shared by all. Former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney John Lauro does not see the inadvertent disclosure as particularly significant. Lauro told ABC News that the government often has information from wiretaps and emails and then will test the cooperating defendant to see if he tells the truth. These revelations may simply show that Mueller considers it an example of Manafort not being totally cooperative. Obviously, Mueller caught him in a lie, Lauro said Wednesday. And that presumably doomed the cooperation. Manafort is already facing lengthy prison sentences for charges brought by the special counsels office in two jurisdictions. In Virginia, a jury convicted Manafort on eight counts of tax and bank-fraud in August. In September, he agreed to fully cooperate with prosecutors and plead guilty to two counts of conspiracy in a separate case in Washington, DC. But that plea deal fell apart after prosecutors accused him of lying. Manaforts sentencing in Virginia is scheduled for February 8 and in Washington, DC, on March 5. Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Director Alfonso Cuaron has blasted the distributors of his film "Roma" for offering Iberian Spanish subtitles for the Mexico-set feature. The film, described as his most personal project till date, is currently available on Netflix for streaming and simultaneously, it also received a wide theatrical release in the US and Mexico. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Netflix film, which has now released in Spain, features Iberian Spanish subtitles for cinema goers. It is also an option for viewers watching it on the streaming giant's platform. Iberian Spanish, also referred to as Castilian Spanish, is the version of the language that is most commonly spoken in Spain. Cuaron, however, is not amused with the move. "I think, it's very offensive to the Spanish public that they've given 'Roma' Iberian-Spanish subtitles," he told Spanish agency Efe. The director again spoke on the matter in his interview with El Pais, saying the decision is similar to providing subtitles for a Pedro Almodovar film in Mexico. "It's parochial, ignorant and offensive to Spaniards themselves. One of the things I most enjoy is the colour and texture of other accents. It's as if Almodvar needs to be subtitled," Cuaron said. The film is tipped to win multiple Oscars at the next month's Academy Awards. It won two awards -- Best Director and Best Foreign Language Film -- at the recently concluded Golden Globes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, Congress-led Chhattisgarh too has withdrawn general consent accorded to the CBI to probe cases in the state, officials said Thursday. The move comes on a day when a Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led panel removed Alok Verma as the CBI chief and posted him as Director General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards after an enquiry report by the Central Vigilance Commission accused him of corruption. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel headed state government has written to the Union Home Ministry and the Ministry of Personnel asking them to direct the CBI not to register fresh cases in the state, the officials said citing an official statement. With this, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) would now require permission of the state government to conduct raids and probe in Chhattisgarh, they said. The Chhattisgarh government in 2001 had given general permission to the CBI, the officials said. West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh governments had late last year withdrawn the general consent accorded to the CBI to conduct probe and raids in the states. The withdrawal of general consent will not have any impact on the cases already being probed by the CBI, a Personnel Ministry official in Delhi said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid a bitter row with the US over a new law banning Chinese officials who deny American citizens, government officials and journalists access to Tibet, China has approved a plan to cut the time for issuing travel permits for foreigners visiting the remote Himalayan region from this year. President Donald Trump had signed the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018 into law which was passed by US Congress and the Senate. Last month, China warned of "forceful measures" and "consequences" after Trump went ahead and signed the new bipartisan law banning US visas for Chinese officials who deny American citizens, government officials and journalists access to Tibet, the homeland of exiled spiritual leader Dalai Lama. Currently foreign tourists need a special travel permit to visit Tibet in addition to a Chinese visa. It normally takes at least 15 days for them to receive the permits after submitting all the documents. This extra requirement is based on Tibet's unique ethnic traditions, cultural heritage, reception capacity and ecological protection needs, the China Daily report said. American officials say US citizens, including government officials, reporters and tourists who seek to enter Tibetan areas are routinely rejected, and the few who do get in are forced to stay on strictly controlled official tours, where the true situation of the Tibetan people is hidden from them. While the Chinese foreign ministry warned of consequences after the US law was passed, China's National People's Congress (NPC) had expressed strong indignation and firm opposition to the new law. However, in the latest move, China has approved the Tibet provincial government's plan to approve faster approvals for foreigners. The Tibet region will improve the service for, and management of overseas tourists as part of the measures to develop regional tourism, Qi Zhala, chairman of the regional government, said on Thursday without directly referring to the new American law. He announced the plan while delivering a government work report to the annual session of the regional people's congress, state-run China Daily reported. He also said Tibet will enhance interconnectivity in terms of infrastructure to build "a big route way of openness" towards South Asia. China which is building a railway link with Nepal through Tibet plans to connect to India and other countries in the region. Also he said Tibet plans to attract 40 million visits from tourists this year, up from last year's 33.69 million, and increase the number of overseas pilgrims visiting the region by 50 per cent, he said. The announcement followed as China is grappling with the trade war with the US. Trump is piling pressure on China various fronts. Last year he initiated the trade war slapping additional tariffs on USD 250 billion worth of Chinese exports. The two countries agreed for a March 1 deadline to avert further tariffs and to find a solution. Officials on both sides concluded three-day talks here on Wednesday and decision was expected to be announced after another round of talks between top officials. Meanwhile, the number of tourists to Tibet crossed 30 million last year which is the highest so far. Most of them were Chinese visitors. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid efforts by the US and Russia to reach out to the Taliban for a reconciliation process in Afghanistan, former Afghan president Hamid Karzai said Thursday his country wants India to be on board for all peace efforts and also "do more" on its own, detached from other countries. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue here, Karzai also asserted Pakistan has the "most significant role" to play in bringing peace in Afghanistan. The former president said India and Afghanistan share an "amazing and romantic relationship" which raises expectations to an "unrealistic level". "We want India to do a lot more in Afghanistan, do things entirely on its own, detached from all other countries. We have had one of the best relationships, and for that reason, expectations are high. "So, we want India to be on board all the peace processes that seek to bring stability, institution-building and development in Afghanistan," he said. India has been one of the greatest contributors to Afghanistan and has already built Parliament, power lines, dams and roads and extended thousands of scholarships, he said. Asked about US President Donald Trump's recent remarks mocking New Delhi's role in Afghanistan, Karzai said it was "hyped" by the media and he did not mean what was being reported. "What he was alluding to was seeking India's larger role in Afghanistan and support from India for peace and reconstruction, which is exactly what the Afghans want. Of course, he put it in different words," Karzai said. Trump recently took a jibe at Prime Ministr Narendra Modi for funding a "library" in Afghanistan, saying it is of no use in the war-torn country. Major powers such as the US and Russia have been reaching out to the Taliban as part of efforts to push the stalled Afghan peace process. In a significant move, India had sent two former diplomats in "non-official" capacity to a conference on Afghan peace process in Moscow in November which was attended by a high-level Taliban delegation. The conference organised by Russia was attended by representatives of Afghanistan as well as several other countries including the US, Pakistan and China. The US too had recently started a peace process and appointed special Afghan envoy Zalmay Khalilzad for it. He is currently in India to coordinate efforts to facilitate an intra-Afghan political settlement. Karzai said he had "tremendous hope" for this renewed US efforts for peace in Afghanistan to succeed. But peace process means it has to be totally and fundamentally based on intra-Afghan dialogue, seen clearly by all Afghan people, and one the one that enjoys support of neighbours. "Afghanistan differentiates between peace and a deal between the US and Pakistan on Afghanistan," he said. "Pakistan has the most significant role to play to bring peace in Afghanistan. That role is recognised and we want Pakistan to play that role. We want a peace process in which, we have the US, India, Russia and China and Iran," Karzai added. On the "Afghan-owned and Afghan-led" peace process, he said, he meant a peace process in which the Taliban movement and other Afghans sit together in an intra-Afghan dialogue and "sort out the difficulties within our own country". "And this effort be backed by those who matter, in Afghanistan, in the region and internationally... And, once the settlement is done, Afghanistan gets what it wants -- peace, sovereignty, dignity and friendship with other countries," he said. Asked about the Taliban issue, he said, "Talibans are also Afghans, sons of soil". "I am sure there are great patriotic forces among them who love Afghanistan and don't want to be dictated by Pakistan," he said, adding that a good, well-thought out peace process will bring the Taliban to expression of their free will. On US troops presence in Afghanistan, he said, he believes "the US is not going to withdraw" and stay as part of a bilateral security agreement. He said Russia and India historically have been closer to Afghanistan in shaping things in his country. "I am among the Afghans who very strongly supports Russian role. I hope the US will engage with them and I believe Russians are willing to do that," he said, adding that Russian presence in Afghanistan is what Afghans want and "is good for us". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Afghanistan's national security adviser is visiting Beijing as his beleaguered nation seeks help in ending its 17-year-old war with the Taliban. Hamdullah Mohib met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday night, telling him Afghanistan is seeking to "bring some long-term stability to our region." China and Afghanistan share a narrow border and have cooperated on frontier security. Wang emphasised the "mutual understanding and mutual support" the countries have offered each other and China's backing of efforts to promote peace and political reconciliation in Afghanistan. On Wednesday, the Afghan president's special peace envoy, Mohammad Omer Daudzai, expressed hope that the war that has cost the US about USD 1 trillion will end in 2019. Washington's special peace envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, is also visiting India, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya has claimed the new Congress government in Madhya Pradesh is running at the "mercy" of his party and a mere "sneeze" of the saffron party's central leadership can bring it back to power in the state. His statement came two days after Congress veteran Digvijay Singh claimed the BJP had offered "Rs 100 crore" to a Congress MLA to topple the Kamal Nath-led government. The BJP had asked him to prove his allegation. Vijayvargiya said his party can come back to power in Madhya Pradesh, which it ruled for 15 years before being ousted in the November polls, if its top leadership wishes so. Addressing a programme Wednesday evening, Vijayvargiya said, "What kind of government (headed by Kamal Nath) is this? This government is being run because of our mercy, the day boss will indicate then..." He said because of "delusion" created by the Congress, votes in the recent assembly elections got scattered "but, we need not get disappointed". Vijayvargiya said, "The state has gone away from our hands, no issue, the state can come back to us any time. The day, a sneeze comes to Delhi people (a reference to central leadership), our government will be formed in the state." He said, "We have forgotten to abuse in the last 15 years. Since we were in government, during this period, we used to get our work done by officers only on a phone call. We will not worship officers who don't do our work."The Congress reacted strongly to Vijayvargiya's statements and said the BJP is insulting the mandate given by voters. State Congress spokesman Neelabh Shukla said, "It is clear from Vijayvargiya's statements that the BJP is trying to buy MLAs to topple the Kamal Nath government. The BJP is openly insulting the public mandate." Through his statements, Vijayvargiya was threatening state government officials and creating unnecessary pressure on them to do illegal work of BJP leaders, he alleged. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As many as 429 elephants were poached and killed in the country since 2008 and 642 poachers arrested, revealed a data obtained through an RTI query. In 2008, 53 elephants were killed in the country, but the number came down to only five in 2018 all five in Assam, according to the data provided by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, under the Ministry of and Forests. The maximum killings of 136 elephants have been reported from Kerala, followed by West Bengal (48), Karnataka (46), Tamil Nadu (44) and Odisha (41) during the period, according to the data. Noida-based lawyer Ranjan Tomar had from the bureau through an RTI query sought state-wise data on the number of elephants killed by poachers in the last 10 years and offenders arrested. The bureau is a statutory body formed to combat organised wildlife crime in the country. Notably, there are nine states and Union Territories -- Bihar, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Sikkim, Telangan, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli from where no such killings have been reported since 2008, it said. Tripura recorded only one elephant killing by poachers and that was in 2014, while the Andaman and Nicobar Islands reported six such deaths till 2013 but none since 2014, according to the data. National capital Delhi reported six elephant killings by poachers two in 2008, one each in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014, it said. Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand each reported 21 such killings during the period. As per data available in records of the bureau based on the information from state forest and police departments, 642 poachers have been arrested for killing elephants during last 10 years, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau said in its reply to the RTI. Tomar had also sought to know the elephant census of 2008 and 2018 but the bureau said no such data was maintained by it, neither was information available on the estimated amount of tusks and other elephant body parts recovered from poachers during the period. The data shows the number of elephants killed by poachers has been coming down, particularly during the last four-five years, which is a good indication, the 30-year-old social activist told PTI. It is essential to save wildlife if we want to protect the Animals like elephants and tigers are critical to our survival because they are on the top of their food chains and losing them could endanger our existence, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Delhi court Thursday sent three people, arrested on suspicion of being members of an ISIS-inspired group and for planning terror attacks across the country, to judicial custody. The accused, along with seven others, were arrested for allegedly planning suicide attacks and serial blasts, targeting politicians as also government installations, in Delhi and other parts of north India. Zubair Malik (20), Rashid Zafar Raq alias Zafar (23) and Anas Yunus (24) were sent to judicial custody till February 6, after NIA produced them before the court on expiry of their custodial interrogation. The agency said they were not required for further questioning by the NIA. Special Judge Rakesh Syal had earlier sent five other accused -- Zubair's brother Zaid (22), Saeed alias Sayeed (28), his brother Raees Ahmad, Mohammed Irshad (in late 20s) and Mohammed Azam (35) -- to the judicial custody till February 6 after the NIA did not seek their further remand. The court had extended the NIA custody of Mufti Mohammed Suhail alias Hazrath (29) and Saqib Iftekar (26) which will end on January 12. Advocate Prashant Prakash, appearing for the accused, had opposed the NIA plea for further custodial interrogation, saying there was no fresh ground. Ten accused were arrested on December 26 last year after NIA carried out searches, in coordination with special cell of Delhi Police and Anti-Terrorism Squad of Uttar Pradesh Police, at six places in Jafrabad, Seelampur in Delhi, and 11 places in Uttar Pradesh - six in Amroha, two in Lucknow, two in Hapur and two in Meerut. According to NIA, a locally-made rocket launcher, material for suicide vests, 12 pistols, several rounds of live ammunition and 112 alarm clocks to be used as timers were recovered from the searches. The agency had also said it recovered 25 kg of explosive material -- Potassium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate and Sulphur. The group allegedly had also purchased remote control cars and wireless doorbells to use their circuits in assembling remote controlled improvised explosive devices. Besides, the NIA also recovered steel containers, electric wires, 91 mobile phones, 134 SIM cards, 3 laptops, knife, sword, Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-related literature and Rs 7.5 lakh cash during the searches. The probe agency had initially rounded up 16 persons of the group 'Harkat ul Harb e Islam', which loosely translates into war for the cause of Islam. Of the 16 detained, 10 were later arrested - five from Amroha, in UP and five from Seelampur and Jafrabad localities in north-east Delhi, the agency had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Multi-agencies personnel used high-powered pumps to drain out 28 lakh litres of water from the main shaft, where 15 miners got trapped, but Navy divers Thursday found no change in the water level in the rat-hole mine to resume search operation, officials said. Rescuers using pumps from Coal India Ltd, Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and the Odisha Fire Service have managed to pump out 2.1 crore litres of water from the mines, including the main shaft and the abandoned ones in the nearby which might be interconnected to it, till Thursday, they said. But, still there has been no significant drop in the water level in these mines, leaving rescuers clueless where and how to look for the diggers, they said. Kirloskar Brothers Ltd pumps, which was operational from 7 pm Wednesday evening and continued to run for 11 hours, have pumped out 28 lakh litres from the main shaft, the official said. Operation spokesperson R Susngi said the Navy has conducted searches in at least six mines, including in the main shaft, for the trapped diggers, but there has been no success. According to the Navy, the water level in the entire area was totally raptured and search will continue in the adjacent mines, Susngi said. At least 15 miners are trapped in a 370 foot-deep illegal coal mine at Khloo Ryngksan area of Nongkhlieh elaka under East Jaintia Hills district since December 13 last year. At the vertical shaft of the mine, the water level is about 160 feet deep rendering the rescue divers from the Indian Navy and the National Disaster Response Force unable to perform safe diving as it is beyond their 100 feet diving capacity, Susngi said. At least 200 rescuers from the Navy, NDRF, the Odisha Fire Service, State Disaster Response Fund, states Fire service and others from CIL and KBL are involved in the multi-agency rescue operations. The accident at the mine, about 140 km away from the state capital, has thrown lights on the presence of illegal coal mining using unsafe and unscientific rat-hole methods despite the National Green Tribunal ban since 2014. Another mine accident was reported last week in which two miners were dead when the mine collapsed. The mine disaster had earlier drawn attention of the Supreme Court which had come hard on the state government for not been able to trace the miners. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Twenty-four junior level policemen were Thursday suspended for their alleged links with a betting racket here in Madhya Pradesh, an official said. The betting racket was busted Wednesday and the seizure of a dairy revealed their links with bookies, he said. "Twenty-four cops have been placed under suspension and line attached (taken off ground duty) after prima facie evidence pointed to their links with the betting racket," Superintendent of Police Amit Singh told PTI. A departmental inquiry has been ordered into the incident, he added. Police seized a diary from a member of a gang that accepted bets after busting its illegal operations in the Gohalpur police station area Wednesday, Singh said. The district police chief said the diary had the names of the policemen who have been suspended. Later, the police interrogated bookies who admitted to their links with these policemen, who are of constable and head constable ranks, the SP said. The accused admitted to greasing the palms of the suspended policemen to run their illegal business, police sources said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As many as 24 live cartridges were seized from baggages of two male passengers at the airport in Pune district of Maharashtra on Thursday, a police official said. Both of them have been detained, he said. A total of 22 live cartridges were found in the baggage of a 58-year-old passenger, who was scheduled to fly to Bengaluru in a SpiceJet flight, Vimantal police station's senior inspector Dilip Shinde said. "After the detection, the passenger was handed over to the airport police. Our investigation has revealed that he has a valid license of a .32 caliber pistol," he said. The man told the police that since he was in a hurry, he forgot to remove the cartridges from the bag before heading to the airport, he said, adding that a probe was underway. In another incident, two live cartridges of a .9 mm weapon were seized from the baggage of another 61-year-old passenger, who was slated to travel to New Delhi in an IndiGo flight, he said. The passenger, hailing from Delhi, worked as a locomotive driver with the Railways, Shinde said. "He claimed that he had come to Pune to visit his son, who works as an IT engineer here. He has also said that he does not have any valid gun license," he said. "We are questioning him about how the two cartridges came into his bag. He is also checking with his son and other family members about it," Shinde said. The two cartridges found in the bag of Delhi-bound passenger will be sent for ballistic analysis, and if they are found to be genuine and the passenger fails to produce a valid gun license, a case will be registered against him, the official said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two police and two civilians were killed in the western DR Congo city of Kikwit Thursday when police intervened to end protests over the outcome of presidential elections, security forces said. "In the operation to restore public order today in Kikwit, two policemen and two civilian were killed. We also recorded 10 wounded," city police chief General Dieudonne Mutepeke told AFP. Kikwit is a stronghold of opposition candidate Martin Fayulu, who was declared runner-up in the elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : A two day high-level workshop to be attended by agriculture and other officials would be held here from February 5 to finalise a road map on crop colonies proposed by the Telangana government. The Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) Vice-Chancellor V Praveen Rao held a meeting Thursday on the proposed crop colonies. S K Singh, Director, National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur, and other officials attended the meeting, according to a PJTSAU release. "In this meeting, they decided to conduct a high-level work shop with agriculture and industries officers on crop colonies on February 5 and 6 to finalise a report and road map on crop colonies," the release said. The crop colonies envisage growing crops as per the suitability of soil for particular crops and demand for the produce. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The is scheduled to hear on January 14 the appeal filed by former leader challenging the verdict convicting and sentencing him to life term in a case. 73-year-old Kumar had surrendered before a trial court here on December 31, 2018 to serve the sentence in pursuance of the high court's December 17 judgement awarding him life imprisonment for the "remainder of his natural life". After his conviction in the case, Kumar had resigned from the party. As per the list of business of the apex court for January 14, his appeal against the high court's verdict is scheduled to be heard by a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi. The case in which Kumar was convicted and sentenced relates to the killing of five Sikhs in Delhi Cantonment's Raj Nagar Part-I area of southwest Delhi on November 1-2, 1984 and burning down of a Gurudwara in Raj Nagar Part-II. The anti-sikh riots had broken out after the assassination of then prime minister on October 31, 1984, by her two Sikh bodyguards. The high court had convicted and sentenced Kumar to spend the remainder of his life in jail for the offences of criminal conspiracy and abetment in commission of crimes of murder, promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of communal harmony and defiling and destruction of a Gurdwara. It had also upheld the conviction and varying sentences awarded by a trial court to five others -- former councillor Balwan Khokhar, retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal, Girdhari Lal and former MLAs Mahender Yadav and Kishan Khokhar. In its judgment, the high court had noted that over 2,700 Sikhs were killed in the capital during the 1984 riots which was indeed a "carnage of unbelievable proportions". It had said the riots were a "crime against humanity" perpetrated by those who enjoyed "political patronage" and aided by an "indifferent" law enforcement agency. The high court had set aside the trial court's 2010 verdict which had acquitted Kumar in the case. To quell the unrest in Assams Brahmaputra Valley against the Narendra Modi governments decision to pass the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2016 in the Lok Sabha, top BJP leader from Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, claimed to the Press on January 7, If there is no citizenship bill, at least 17 (assembly) seats will go to the Jinnahs. Aside from hinting at the fact that the Bill could likely create an instant voter bank for the BJP in 17 of the 126 assembly seats of Assam, what Sarma wanted to highlight was the need to create such a voter base. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor It is just as well, for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has many fires to put out in the north-east, where the Bill is seen as an attempt to legitimise the residency of illegal immigrants in these states, posing threats to local identities. The Bill seeks to fast-track citizenship for persecuted minority groups in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and these ... Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have spoken highly of the China-North Korea friendship during their talks in Beijing. Xi pointed out during the talks Kim's visit to China at the beginning of 2019, which marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of China-North Korea diplomatic relationship, fully embodied the great importance Kim attaches to the two countries' traditional friendship, Xinhua reported on Thursday. "I highly appreciate it, and, on behalf of the CPC (Communist Party of China), the Chinese government and the Chinese people, extend sincere festival greetings to the WPK (Workers' Party of Korea) and the government and the people of North Korea," Xi said. Kim is the chairman of WPK. Xi stressed that with concerted efforts of both sides, the China-North Korea relations opened a new historic chapter in 2018. The two sides, with concrete actions, have demonstrated the strong vitality of the China-North Korea friendship and displayed the resolute determination of the two countries to jointly advance the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the China-North Korea relationship and bears great significance to the efforts of building on past successes to further advance bilateral relationship. "I am willing to work with Comrade Chairman (Kim) to make sound efforts to guide the future development of China-North Korea relationship," Xi said. He said the two sides should maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication, deepen friendly exchanges and cooperation, and promote the long-term, healthy and stable development of China-North Korea relations. Kim said he was grateful to Xi for taking time from a busy schedule at the beginning of the year to receive the North Korean delegation. He extended festival greetings to the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people on behalf the WPK, the government and the people of North Korea. The North Korean leader said with this visit, he hoped to take the opportunity of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and push for North Korea-China friendly ties to be consolidated and improved with each passing day. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Wipro Infrastructure Engineering (WIN) commenced supplying aerospace parts to global aircraft maker Boeing from its plant here, said the IT major arm on Thursday. "Boeing has contracted our aerospace division to make strut assemblies for its 737 MAX and next-generation 737 airplane programmes," said the city-based WIN in a statement here. As Boeing sources systems and components from India as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Wipro's expertise with aero-structures and actuators provide an option to aircraft makers. "It is a privilege to partner with Boeing to support their 737 programmes. Our expertise and project execution have helped us achieve this feat," said WIN Chief Executive Pratik Kumar. WIN has supplied aero-structures and components for the Boeing's 737, 767 and 787 Dreamliner fleet through its facility in Israel. "Our partnerships with Indian suppliers like Wipro play a key role in Boeing's global strategy. Our mutual agreement demonstrates our commitment to developing the aerospace industry in India," said Boeing India Director Ashwani Bhargava in the statement. --IANS fb/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi-headed high-powered select committee met to decide the fate of CBI Director Alok Verma, the Congress on Thursday alleged the BJP government, afraid of a probable probe into the "Rafale scam", is in a "hurry" to find a successor to Verma. The committee met following the Supreme Court reinstating Verma as the CBI Director who was divested of all his powers by the Modi government in October. The panel comprising Modi, CJI nominee Justice A.K. Sikri and Leader of the single-largest party in the Lok Sabha, Congress' Mallikarjuna Kharge, are scheduled to meet again later on Thursday. Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who has been attacking Modi over the Rafale deal, fired fresh salvos at the Prime Minister over the meeting. "Why is the Prime Minister in such a tearing hurry to sack the CBI chief? Why will he not allow the CBI chief to present his case in front of the selection committee? Answer: Rafale," tweeted Gandhi, who post the apex court verdict had claimed that "the truth of Rafale will destroy Modi". Subsequently, in a media conference during the day, Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma also questioned Modi's "tearing hurry" to look for Verma's successor and called for a probe into the circumstances leading to Verma's divesting of powers as the CBI Director in October. "Despite the Supreme Court categorically stating that Verma's removal was illegal, the Modi government is trying to brazen it out. An arrogant Prime Minister thinks he is neither accountable to Parliament nor to the law of the land. "Why is there a panic in the government, what is the Prime Minister worried about, what is he doesn't want the CBI to look into? Removal of Verma, raiding of CBI offices, removal of files, all that needs to be investigated. "The government can't and will not probe the events of the night of October 23-24," said Sharma, adding that an independent committee be constituted to probe all that. "The Prime Minister is in a hurry and looking for a successor to Verma and give a message that though the Supreme Court has restored Verma, the Prime Minister will not allow him to function and will name a successor to make the CBI Director lame duck...that is the intent," he claimed. "The Chief Vigilance Commissioner, who ought to have resigned, will now recommend Verma's successor to the high-powered panel. There will be no justice, a handpicked nominee of the Prime Minister will be put in office so that all the wrongdoings of this government are covered and a pliant Director, who will be obliged to the Prime Minister, will officiate," added Sharma. The former Union Minister also demanded restoration of "77 days" of Verma's tenure lost after he was divested of his power. --IANS and/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The rationale behind casting Richa Chadha as a bar dancer for "Cabaret" was that the team wanted an excellent actor over a dancer, the film's director Kaustav Narayan Niyogi and producer Pooja Bhatt have said. As Richa has featured in films like "Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!", "Masaan", "Fukrey Returns" and "Love Sonia", the audience has never seen her flaunt her dancing skills. On what made them choose Richa, Niyogi told IANS here: "Well, there was a tussle between choosing the actor based on the skill. We had to decide whether we are going to take an actor who can dance or a dancer who can act. Initially, I thought of someone who can really dance well... But when I looked at the story, we had to look at a character that starts her journey from the heartland of India and transforms herself into a bar dancer. "For the convincing portrayal of such a complex character, we needed an actor. Richa was the best choice we had." In "Cabaret", Richa plays a bar dancer who comes from a small village in Jharkhand with a dream to start her own dance school and to teach children. But life offers her a different journey altogether. On casting Richa, Pooja said: "We met the beautiful dancer Lauren Gottlieb when we were developing the script. Initially, we thought she would be the right choice of the film. Of course, she is not Indian and in the final script, we set the story in Jharkhand. So then it was important for us to look for someone who can capture the nuances of an Indian girl very convincingly. "When it comes to Richa, she really does not need to speak a lot to convince the audience that she is an Indian. It is all over her," she said. Niyogi added: "Dance is one of the elements of the whole narrative and that is why we emphasised on the wholesome performance of an actor over a dancer." The film also features Gulshan Devaiah and S. Sreesanth streaming on the OTT platform ZEE5. Asked if it was difficult for the makers to make Richa dance, Pooja said: "It is tougher for us to make a non-actor act than an actor to dance." Sharing her earlier experience of working with Sunny Leone in the film "Jism 2", she said: "She was a very disciplined individual who used to learn all her lines in Hindi and put in a lot of hard work. "But let's be honest, Sunny is not a born actor... So whatever performance she delivered on 'Jism 2', was our hard work. When it comes to Richa, she is a born actor... She is a gifted talent." Niyogi said: "When it comes to dance, Richa really worked hard and it shows on-screen... Dance really was a thing out of her syllabus and she learnt it correctly." --IANS aru/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two Kerala government employees were arrested here on Thursday for vandalizing the cabin of a State Bank of India (SBI) manager here on the second day of a 48-hour nationwide trade union strike. Ashokan and Harilal appeared before a court which remanded them in judicial custody till January 24. On Wednesday, a group of 15 people stormed into the cabin of the SBI manager and vandalized it. Santosh Karunakaran, the manager whose cabin was attacked, told the media on Thursday that the police had started their probe. "A computer, two phones and a glass table top were damaged by the protesters. From now on the seniors in our bank will deal with this case," he said. The police are on the lookout for 13 more people, including those attached to Left unions. The SBI branch is located near Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's office. --IANS sg/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump walked out of a meeting with congressional Democrats to end a partial government shutdown, now in its third week, calling the discussions "a total waste of time". "Just left a meeting with Chuck (Schumer, House Minority Leader) and Nancy (Pelosi, House Speaker), a total waste of time. I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works!" Trump tweeted on Wednesday night. Top congressional Democrats blasted Trump after the meeting at the White House on Wednesday afternoon, accusing him of indifference to struggling federal workers and not trying to negotiate as the government shutdown drags on, reports CNN. "Unfortunately, the President just got up and walked out," Schumer said. "He asked Speaker Pelosi, 'Will you agree to my wall?' She said no. And he just got up and said, 'Then we have nothing to discuss', and he just walked out. Again, we saw a temper tantrum because he couldn't get his way, and he just walked out of the meeting." The meeting comes a day after the President in a primetime address to the nation appealed to the American people to pressure legislators to fund the border wall he wants and end the government shutdown. In the meeting, Pelosi informed the President that she was concerned about ports of entry, something which he agreed with. Trump said there was money allotted in the administration's priority list that beefed up the ports of entry. But Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, also present at the meeting, interjected to say that even if the ports of entry eliminated all drug smuggling, smugglers would find another way in, which is why the barrier structure is important, sparking the most heated exchange of the meeting between Pelosi and Trump. After Trump left, Vice President Mike Pence then asked for a counter-offer from Democrats -- asking what they are willing to work on, so the White House would have a better idea to move forward. However, the Democrats didn't offer one, after which Schumer and Pelosi also left. A White House official told CNN that a national emergency declaration was still on the table over the ongoing border crisis. Wednesday's meeting came just hours before the House of Representatives was expected to vote on individual bills to help reopen the government. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP-led Tripura government on Thursday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the police firing on Tuesday injuring six tribal youths, agitating against the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said West Tripura District Magistrate Sandeep Mahatme would inquire into the January 8 incidents and submit a report "within the shortest possible time." "After getting the report, the government would take appropriate steps and the guilty would not be spared," Deb told the media before leaving for New Delhi to attend the national council meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Deb, who also holds the home portfolio, said the state government would bear the expenditure of the treatment of the injured youths. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Rajiv Singh said: "Some tribal youths while demonstrating against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill turned violent at Madhab Bari in western Tripura on Tuesday. The police, Tripura State Rifles and CRPF troopers, after taking all necessary steps were unable to control the mob. The police then opened fire injuring six tribal youths, two of them seriously." A security man was also injured following an attack by agitators, who also burnt down at least 20 shops in the area. Opposition Congress, Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT) strongly condemned the police firing and demanded a probe. Ruling BJP's partner Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) has demanded a judicial probe into the incident by a sitting High Court judge. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, accused the CPI-M and other opposition parties of provoking the agitators. Demanding a CBI probe and resignation of Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, Tripura Student Federation (TSF) General Secretary Sunil Debbarma said the police had opened fire without any provocation. The TSF is a constituent of the North-East Students Organization (NESO), who on Tuesday called the 11-hour shutdown in the entire northeastern region, comprising seven states, excluding Sikkim, to oppose the Bill. Various tribal parties in Tripura have strongly opposed the Citizenship Bill. The IPFT is also a member of Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance NEDA (North East Democratic Alliance), convener of which is BJP-led Assam government's powerful minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Amid strong opposition by various political parties, including Congress, Left and Trinamool Congress, the Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Citizenship Amendment Bill, that seeks to grant citizenship to migrants from six non-Muslim minority groups from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. --IANS sc/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A trekker from Mumbai was found dead on Thursday by the Indian Air Force rescue team in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. "Daval Suresh Shah suffered cardiac arrest near Tibb Cave on Chadar Trek in Leh district," officials here said. The body was airlifted to Leh air force station and after completing the legal formalities it will be sent to Mumbai. --IANS sq/mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Alessandro Nivola, star of the upcoming "Sopranos" prequel "The Many Saints of Newark", said that Tony Soprano, the protagonist in the iconic series, will be a central character in the film. Nivola told variety.com at the 20th anniversary of "The Sopranos" here on Wednesday, where the cast and creator David Chase held a panel discussion. Nivola said Dickie Moltisani, whom he plays will be "the central character", and that the title references the name Moltisani, which means "many saints" in Italian. His character is the father of Christopher Moltisani (Michael Imperioli), who in the series is the protege of Tony Soprano, the Jersey mob boss portrayed by James Gandolfini. In the show, Dickie is only mentioned by the characters and never seen, having died when Christopher was young. Nivola also revealed the setting and major relationships that will be depicted in the forthcoming film. "It's set in 1967 with the backdrop of the race riots that were happening in Newark at that time, and the racial tension between the Italians and the blacks at that moment is a big part of the backdrop of the story," Nivola said. The actor also said Chase, who is writing the upcoming film, told him that Dickie and Tony's relationship "is an important one in the film." "Dickie, as he's mentioned throughout the 'Sopranos' series, was an important figure in Tony's life," Nivola said. "He was a real mentor figure, because Tony's dad was is in prison a lot and Dickie didn't have any children until later in his life until his early 40s, and so he treated Tony like a surrogate son." Nivola said getting this role, made him see that "there's something in the stars." The Italian-American only found out after getting the job that "The Sopranos" used his grandfather's sculptures as the background in an episode from Season 2 that was shot in Naples, Italy. --IANS dc/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over one lakh travellers are estimated to be affected as security workers staged an all-day strike at several German airports on Thursday over a pay dispute, aviation authorities said. Security personnel at the Dusseldorf, Cologne-Bonn and Stuttgart airports were taking part in the strike after salary negotiations between BDLS, a company representing the airports, and the Verdi Trade union fell through, Efe news reported. "This will affect flight and handling operations here at Dusseldorf Airport. Severe delays at the security control are to be expected," Dusseldorf airport informed passengers on its website. "Please check the flight status with your airline or travel operator before travelling to the airport," it added. Verdi's chief negotiator, Benjamin Roscher, warned that there would be further strike action if BDLS did not table a better offer for its roughly 23,000 employees working in the German aviation sector. Verdi is demanding a salary increase which would bring the wages of security, luggage handling and passenger control personnel up to $23 an hour. In recent negotiations, BDLS offered a 40 cent increase in wages. This is the second strike in a week. The first one took place on Monday and affected the Berlin-based Schonefeld and Tegel airports and saw eight per cent of their scheduled flights cancelled. So far, Dusseldorf airport has been forced to cancel 370 of its 580 flights whilst Cologne-Bonn has cancelled 131 of its 200 flights. The next round of negotiations between Verdi and BDLS is set to take place on January 23. --IANS mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Chief Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Vasundhara Raje and Raman Singh were on Thursday appointed BJP's national vice presidents, a day ahead of the party's National Council meet here in Delhi. "BJP President Amit Shah has appointed Chouhan, Raje and Singh as the party's national vice presidents with immediate effect," an official statement issued by the party said. In the recent Assembly polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was routed in Chhattisgarh where the Raman Singh-led party had been in power for 15 years, making him the longest-serving Chief Minister of the saffron party. The BJP was defeated in Madhya Pradesh under Chouhan and Rajasthan under Raje in closely fought contetsts. Like Chhattisgarh, the BJP was also in power in Madhya Pradesh for the last 15 years. The 59-year-old Chouhan first became the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh in November 2005 after the party forced then Chief Minister Babulal Gaur to resign from his post. Gaur had replaced former Chief Minister Uma Bharti, under whose leadership the BJP had dethroned then Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh in 2003. The results in the Hindi heartland states came as a major shock to the BJP, which had won all the major states barring Delhi, Bihar, Punjab and Karnataka in elections held since the sweeping victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. --IANS bns/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Thursday said he was confident that a second summit between his US counterpart Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un would be held soon. Delivering his New Year's address, Moon said that Kim's visit to Beijing earlier this week showed that a second US-North Korean leaders' summit was imminent, reports Efe news. "I believe Chairman Kim's China visit is a sign that the second North Korea-U.S. summit is not far away. China has continued to play a positive role in the process of inter-Korean dialogue, as well as U.S.-North Korea talks", Moon said. In the televised press conference from the Cheong Wa Dae presidential office, he also urged Pyongyang to take more concrete measures towards denuclearizing the regime. "I believe North Korea needs to take practical denuclearization steps more boldly if it wishes to resolve the issue of international sanctions because the issue of international sanctions depends on the speed of North Korea's denuclearization process", Moon said, although he also stressed the need for the international community to show reciprocal steps to hasten the process. Moon's remarks came after Chinese state media reported that Kim during his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday in Beijing, said his country will make efforts for the second summit with the US leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community. During the talks, Kim said North Korea will continue sticking to the stance of denuclearization and resolving the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue and consultation, according to Xinhua news agency. Kim said he hoped that relevant parties will attach importance to and positively respond to North Korea's legitimate concerns, and jointly push for a comprehensive resolution of the Korean Peninsula issue. Kim's visit to China this week was his fourth in the last year and came amid reported preparations for a second meeting between Kim and US president Donald Trump to resume denuclearization talks. The first meeting between Kim and Xi in Beijing took place ahead of North Korea's participation in the Winter Olympics held in South Korea, which kicked off a process of rapprochement between the two Koreas. The other two summits with Xi in May and June occurred soon after Kim's meetings with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, and with Trump in Singapore. During the Singapore summit, the US and North Korea agreed to work towards denuclearization in return for security guarantees from Washington. Talks are currently stalled due to the lack of a clear disarmament road map. --IANS ksk/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rohingya Hindus who sought refuge in Bangladesh want to return to Myanmar but were not being allowed by Bangladesh officials, according to the Los Angeles Times. In a report from the Kutupalong Refugee Camp in Bangladesh, the newspaper said on Wednesday that 105 Hindu families were ready to leave when a deal was made by the UN last May for refugees to return home to Rakhine state in Myanmar. But they are stranded in Bangladesh because their return home was canceled when the UN decided it was not safe for refugees to go back to Myanmar, Hindu refugees were quoted as telling the newspaper. The 400 Hindu refugees in Bangladesh are segregated and housed in a separate facility called Hindu Camp, which is under round-the-clock securit. Hindu and Muslim refugees in Bangladesh live in a state mutual animosity. The Los Angeles Times said that Hindu families have appealed to the Indian government for help, but have so far received only humanitarian aid. "India is a land for all Hindus. Mr. (Narendra) Modi (Prime Minister) is a Hindu. Why is he not helping us?" the newspaper quoted Shishu Sheel, a 32-year-old leader in the refugee camp for Hindus, as saying. The Hindus were victims of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), a Muslim organisation led by the Pakistan-born Ataullah abu Ammar Jununi, and fled to Bangladesh as it was the only escape available to them, the newspaper said. Unlike the more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees, the Hindus have Myanmar citizenship, the newspaper said. The newspaper said that the Bangladesh's Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commission has ruled out repatriating only the Hindus, and not the Muslims, whose return the UN has determined was unsafe. "We treat all refugees the same way and will not be prioritising repatriation of the Hindu refugees over Rohingya Muslims," Shamimul Huq Pavel, the commission official who oversees a separate camp for Hindu, told the Los Angeles Times. The exodus of the Rohingya to Bangladesh began in August 2017 when the ARSA attacked security posts in Myanmar and the security forces and vigilantes retaliated killing hundreds of Muslims and destroying their villages. The UN has condemned the security forces' response to the ARSA attacks as disproportionate and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called it "ethnic cleansing". However, the Hindus were attacked by ARSA unlike the Muslim refugees who were victims of security forces and Myanmarese vigilantes, the newspaper said. Amnesty International, that verified the the ARSA attacks, said in a report last May that 99 Hindu children, women and men had been killed. The rights organisation said that in one incident in August 2017, 53 Hindus from Ah Nauk Kha Maung Seik village were rounded up and killed execution-style by the ARSA and later the remains of 45 victims were found in mass graves. In neighbouring Ye Bauk Kyar village, 46 Hindus disappeared and the community believe that they were killed by ARSA, Amnesty said. Tirana Hassan, Crisis Response Director at Amnesty International, said: "It's hard to ignore the sheer brutality of ARSA's actions, which have left an indelible impression on the survivors we've spoken to. Accountability for these atrocities is every bit as crucial as it is for the crimes against humanity carried out by Myanmar's security forces in Rakhine." The Hindus blame the Muslims for the the August attack and for opposing the repatriation plans, while the Muslims allege that Hindu families that stayed behind in Myanmar took their property and livestock, according to the newspaper. --IANS al/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Astronomers, including some of Indian origin, have detected repeating energy bursts from a single source from deep space for the second time in history -- giving impetus to theories that there could be evidence of advanced alien life. A Canadian-led team of scientists found the second repeating fast radio burst (FRB) from the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) telescope located in the mountains of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley. Of the more than 60 FRBs observed to date, repeating bursts from a single source had been found only once before -- a discovery made by the Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico in 2015, the team said in a paper published in the journal Nature and presented at the American Astronomical Society meeting in Seattle on Wednesday. FRBs are short bursts of radio waves coming from far outside our Milky Way galaxy and scientists believe FRBs emanate from powerful astrophysical phenomena billions of light years away. "Whatever the source of these radio waves is, it's interesting to see how wide a range of frequencies it can produce. There are some models where intrinsically the source can't produce anything below a certain frequency," said team member Arun Naidu of McGill University. The repeating FRB was one of a total of 13 bursts detected over a period of just three weeks during the summer of 2018. It came six times from the same location, 1.5 billion light-years away. Additional bursts from the repeating FRB were detected in following weeks. "Until now, there was only one known repeating FRB. Knowing that there is another suggests that there could be more out there," added Ingrid Stairs, a member of the CHIME team and an astrophysicist at University of British Columbia (UBC). Most of the FRBs previously detected had been found at frequencies near 1400 MHz, well above the Canadian telescope's range of 400 MHz to 800 MHz. The majority of the 13 FRBs detected showed signs of "scattering," a phenomenon that reveals information about the environment surrounding a source of radio waves. "That could mean in some sort of dense clump like a supernova remnant," says team member Cherry Ng, an astronomer at the University of Toronto. "Or near the central black hole in a galaxy. But it has to be in some special place to give us all the scattering that we see". Ever since FRBs were first detected, scientists have been piecing together the signals' observed characteristics to come up with models that might explain the sources of the mysterious bursts. The detection by CHIME of FRBs at lower frequencies means some of these theories will need to be reconsidered. "(We now know) the sources can produce low-frequency radio waves and those low-frequency waves can escape their environment, and are not too scattered to be detected by the time they reach the Earth. "That tells us something about the environments and the sources. We haven't solved the problem, but it's several more pieces in the puzzle," noted Tom Landecker, a CHIME team member from the National Research Council of Canada. In 2017, Professor Avi Loeb from the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics his colleague Manasvi Lingam proposed that FRBs could be leakage from planet-sized alien transmitters, reported The Guardian. ""Fast radio bursts are exceedingly bright given their short duration and origin at great distances, and we haven't identified a possible natural source with any confidence," said Loeb in a statement after the publication of a previous paper in the Astrophysical Journal Letters. "An artificial origin is worth contemplating and checking," he added. --IANS na-ksk/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj, who wears his Rajinikanth fandom on his sleeve, says he is proud to have directed Tamil actioner "Petta" as a die-hard superstar Rajinikanth fanboy. Having made a mark with films such as "Pizza", "Jigarthanda" and "Iraivi", Subbaraj has joined hands with Rajinikanth for the first time in "Petta", which released today in Tamil, with the Hindi version set to release on January 11. The film has been extensively shot in Uttar Pradesh, in places like Varanasi and Lucknow. Every promo of "Petta" so far has clearly indicated that it's a film made by a true-blue Rajinikanth fan, one who wants to pay rich tribute to the superstar of 1990s. "I grew up idolising Rajinikanth and I've always wanted to see him in a certain way. When I knew I was going to write for Rajini sir, I wanted to show him in the most stylish way and bring back his mannerisms and machismo," Subbaraj told IANS. While there's no denying "Petta" will be Subbaraj's love letter to his matinee idol, he points out that it will have a healthy mix of his sensibilities and popular Rajinikanth tropes. "The film has a mix of both our sensibilities. Rajini sir gave me an opportunity to work with him because he liked my work, especially my style of narration and dialogues. Now, I can't go out and make something very different just to please him. He wanted me to make 'Petta' the way I want it and with my sensibilities intact," he said, adding that the film also has everything a Rajinikanth fan wants to see. If the promos are anything to go by, one can be assured that Rajinikanth's fans are in for a treat. Subbaraj says audiences will see a happier, chirpier version of Rajinikanth as Kaali, in the role of a hostel warden. Asked if he tried to consciously break Rajinikanth's recent stint of dark characters, Subbaraj said: "As stories, Rajini sir's recent films such as 'Kabali' and 'Kaala' were dark. Therefore, his characters were also dark. The story decides the nature of a character." "When I thought of writing for Rajini sir, I told myself it will be a really cool character with a very happy-go-lucky attitude. We took such a character and placed him in a strong story and I believe, as a combination, it has worked wonders. Rajini sir thoroughly enjoyed doing comedy and romance," he added. "Petta" stars an ensemble cast of Trisha, Simran Bagga, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vijay Sethupathi, Sasikumar, Bobby Simhaa, Malavika Mohanan and Megha Akash, among others. Subbaraj said the biggest challenge was not assembling the actors but to shoot with them in a very short span of time. "Ever since the project was announced, time was our biggest constraint. When the project was announced in March 2018, it was already decided by the makers that the film will release for Pongal 2019. This meant that we had only 10 months of time and out of which we also had to allocate time for post-production," Subbaraj said. Talking about roping in a huge star cast, he said: "I was very certain that I wanted to work with these actors. The fact that we had just 10 months to shoot did make me wonder if we could pull it off. Thankfully, the Rajinikanth factor attracted all the actors and they didn't want to miss the opportunity to work with him." Subbaraj said all the actors have pivotal parts to play. "The script demanded very strong characters. That's the reason why I approached actors like Vijay Sethupathi and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who can literally play any character convincingly. Even when it comes to the women in the film, you will see them in very strong roles," he said. Recalling the experience of working with Rajinikanth, Subbaraj said he will treasure the time he spent with him on the sets. "Personally, the biggest takeaway for me from the project is the time I spent with Rajini sir. It was fascinating to see him in action. He still works with the kind of passion we see in up-and-coming actors who have to prove themselves. Importantly, Rajini sir doesn't take his fans and audiences for granted." (Haricharan Pudipeddi can be contacted at haricharanpudipeddi@gmail.com) --IANS hp/rb/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said his country has learnt from the mistakes it committed in the Middle East and vowed to continue fighting against terror organisations. Mike Pompeo spoke on Thursday at the American University in Cairo as part of a whirlwind tour of the most populous Arab country. His visit comes after US President Donald Trump announced last month a pullout of US troops from Syria, EFE news reported. "American troops are coming home from Syria, but this is not a change of mission. We remain committed to the complete dismantling of the ISIS (Islamic State) threat and the ongoing fight against radical Islamist terror. We are looking to our partners to do more going forward," Pompeo said during his visit to the Egyptian capital. Cairo and Washington have been maintaining close ties for the last 40 years since Egypt signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1979 following the US-brokered Camp David peace accords of September 1978. The peace between Israel and Egypt ultimately led the US to provide the latter with $1.3 billion in military aid annually. Pompeo praised the efforts of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in guaranteeing the coexistence of Christianity and Islam, days after the al-Sisi administration inaugurated the country's biggest cathedral and mosque in the New Administrative Capital, located about 30 kilometres (19 miles) to the east of Cairo. "I applaud President al-Sisi's efforts to promote religious freedom which stands as an example for all leaders and all peoples of the Middle East," the US' top diplomat said. Pompeo acknowledged that some have criticised the US' role in the Middle East; yet, he asked his audience to "just look around at this university (the American University in Cairo) which has existed now for a century." "It is not a coincidence that many other American universities like this one thrive all across the Middle East... (American universities) are symbols of America's innate goodness, of our hopes for you and of the better future we desire for all nations of the Middle East," he added. On Tuesday, Pompeo began his Middle East tour with a visit to Jordan followed Wednesday by a trip to Iraq to meet with government leaders and Kurdish-Iraqi regional leaders. The US Secretary of State is set to visit Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait in the coming days. --IANS vin (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The personal accident and air accident insurance covers for serving army personnel and veterans have been increased to Rs 30 lakh and Rs 1 crore, respectively, under an MoU signed here on Thursday by state-run Punjab National Bank and the Indian Army, PNB said. A bank statement said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the upgraded Rakshak Plus package incorporating various new features has been signed in continuation of the previous MoU signed in June 2015. "To show solidarity with Indian Army personnel, the Personal Accident insurance (PAI) and Air Accident insurance (AAI) has been increased to Rs 30 lakh and Rs 1 crore, respectively," it said PNB said it has offered concessional rates of interest on home loans, personal loans, educational loans and car loans. "There are features inbuilt for carrying forward the home loan taken from Army Group Insurance Fund post superannuation of the personnel. "Special rates of interest have been offered for educational loan for wards of army personnel and veterans who join specific colleges of the Army Education Welfare Organization," it added. PNB also said it is in the process of creating exclusive the Rakshak portal and mobile app. "Customised Rakshak credit and debit cards will be issued to all savings bank account holders under Rakshak Plus package," the statement said. --IANS bc/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are likely to sign memoranda of understanding (MoU) worth more than $10 billion this month, the media reported on Thursday. The announcement was made at the second meeting on ease of doing business (EoDB) presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday. Speaking to Dawn news after the meeting, Finance Minister Asad Umar said Saudi Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz would visit Pakistan next month and most of the MoUs were expected to be signed during his trip. Board of Investment (BoI) Chairman Haroon Sharif said Saudi Arabia was interested in Pakistan's four sectors - oil refinery, petrochemicals, renewable energy and mining. "According to a survey, 65 per cent of the investments will take place in the country's commercial hub Karachi and 35 per cent in Lahore," he added. The $10 billion investment will be in addition to the $6 billion bailout package given by Riyadh to Islamabad during Khan's visit to Saudi Arabia in October 2018. Similarly, Pakistan will also sign MoUs with China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia over the next two months. Sharif told Dawn that he had recently visited China and signed MoUs on industrial cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CEPC). The BoI chief said the UAE was interested in agriculture, housing and other sectors. He said that four Malaysian firms were also due this month and would invest in four sectors - halal meat, gemstone, information technology and hi-tech education. --IANS ksk/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district arrested a person on Thursday on charges of desecrating a Sufi shrine. Police said the unidentified man was taken into custody for the sacrilege in Pahloo village of Pulwama district. "Locals said some persons damaged the window panes and curtains of the shrine overnight. They caught hold of one of the miscreants who has been arrested," a police officer said. --IANS sq/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nepal does not have any ill-feeling against any country, the Himalayan nation's Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said here on Thursday alluding to Kathmandu's relations with New Delhi and Beijing. In his address at the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship annual geopolitical and geostrategic conference organised jointly by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation think tank, Gyawali said the rise of China as well as India would benefit all the nations in the region as well as the world. Claiming that Nepal has no ill-feeling against any country, Gyawali said his country is following an independent foreign policy. "Our people are peace-loving and we are not part of any military alliance," he stated. Earlier in the day, recent developments in India-Nepal ties across various sectors came up for discussion during a meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Gyawali. "The two ministers reviewed recent developments in bilateral ties across diverse sectors, including progress achieved on the three transformative initiatives launched in 2018 in the areas of agriculture, railways and inland waterways as well as pace of implementation of ongoing bilateral development and connectivity projects," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement. "They expressed satisfaction at the significant progress made in different sectors of cooperation as a result of intensified bilateral exchanges at all levels in recent months," it said. According to the statement, the two leaders reiterated their commitment to maintain the new momentum and to further strengthen the traditionally close and friendly ties between the two countries. India reset its ties with Nepal last year through a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his first after K.P. Sharma Oli became the Prime Minister. During the visit, both sides agreed to boost trade and economic links, connectivity via air, land and water, people-to-people ties, with Modi declaring that India will work like a sherpa in the Himalayan nation's development endeavours. This happened after there was a chill in India-Nepal ties during Oli's earlier stint between October 2015 and August 2016 when a border blockade blamed on New Delhi crippled Nepal's economy. There were also perceptions that Oli was leaning more towards China than India. In his address at the Raisina Dialogue, Gyawali criticised the US's protectionist policies now, saying the once proponent of globalisation has now become its opponent. He also criticized the Trump administration's decision for backing off from the 2015 Paris climate agreement when climate change has become a serious danger to many of the countries. He said Nepal is worried over "the uncertain world" in future as at contest are the economies of nations, with the zero sum game hurting all, especially poor economies like that of his country. "What went wrong? Why didn't the leadership intervene and correct if there were mistakes? Isn't it the responsibility of the leadership to take a long-term view rather short-term stand?" he asked. He said Nepal and India have a reinvigorating bilateral mechanism and hoped the relations would strengthen further. --IANS ab/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China has raised the possibility of opening more military support bases abroad in case there is a need to do so, according to a senior People's Liberation Army (PLA) strategist, the media reported on Thursday. Lt General He Lei, a former Vice President of the Academy of Military Sciences of the PLA, said at a press conference here on Wednesday that China would open new bases under two conditions, Efe news reported. "This matter is primarily determined by whether a new base is needed to help China better fulfil missions given by the UN. Second, it depends on the approval of the nation where a new base should be located," China Daily newspaper quoted He Lei as saying. If these two factors were fulfilled, "it is possible for China to build new overseas support bases", he added. The official said the main function of these sites was to provide logistical support to PLA units abroad and not to set up Chinese military forces in other countries. China has a single military base abroad, located in Djibouti, on the Horn of Africa. --IANS mag/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The measles-rubella vaccination campaign will begin in the national capital from January 15 which will immunize nearly 55 lakh children, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Thursday. The campaign will provide immunization to children in the age group of 9 months to less than 15 year across 11 districts of Delhi. The prime target, according to the ministry will be by sending teams to schools, preschools, school children from both government and private institutes and out of school children. "The benefit of spreading the campaign via schools is that it can cover children whereas through community services, it would take time to locate children from every household," Dr. Pradeep Haldar, Deputy Commissioner, Immunization, Health Ministry told IANS. For the campaign, the Delhi government will be assigning teams including Asha and Anganwadi workers along with a medical counsellor to cover the length and breadth of the state who will continue with vaccination process for four weeks and rework on missed out children for the next week. "We want to complete the MR vaccination in Delhi by February 28. Along with Delhi, the campaign will also start in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. The vaccination process will also start soon in Sikkim, West Bengal and Rajasthan," Haldar added. As per UNICEF, around 49,200 deaths occurred in 2015 in India owing to Measles-Rubella. The MR vaccination campaign was launched in 2017 which has so far covered nearly 20 crore children. --IANS som/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A man, suspected of sending suspicious packages to diplomatic missions in Australia, has been arrested, police said on Thursday. The man, aged 48, was arrested on Wednesday night at his home in Shepparton, Victoria, reports Efe news. He is accused of "sending dangerous articles to be carried by a postal service", which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, a police statement said. The suspect sent 38 parcels to consulates and embassies in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney, with what is believed to be asbestos taken from his home, it said. The police have recovered 29 of the packages and will carry out forensic analysis to determine the exact composition of the material. The statement added that police have taken steps to recover the remaining packages and there was no ongoing threat to the public. The packages were sent on Wednesday to the consulates of India, the US, Greece, France, Italy, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Korea and Switzerland. On Monday, authorities removed a suspicious package from the Argentine consulate in Sydney which was later found to be non-toxic. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Malaysian Member of Parliament and Leader of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Anwar Ibrahim party called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Thursday during the course of which the two leaders discussed ties between the two nations. "The two leaders discussed bilateral, regional and global matters of mutual interest," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement. Ibrahim was accompanied by two other MPs of Malaysia, Kesavan Subramanian and Santhara Kumar Ramanaidu. "Modi also congratulated Ibrahim on his recent election as President of the PKR Party," the PMO statement said. Ibrahim was here to participate in the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship annual geopolitical and geostrategic conference here. --IANS ab/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thirty-one years after their kin died during the Assam movement, they were honoured by the BJP-led government in Assam in 2016. Now, the families of 855 Assam movement 'martyrs' are set to return the 'Maan Patra' (citation) to the government to denounce the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016. As the protests against the Citizenship Bill is continuing across the state, a forum of the families of those killed during the six-year-long Assam movement has decided to return the citations. The BJP-led Assam government in 2016 honoured the families of the 855 by giving each family a citation and Rs 5 lakh. The forum, Sadou Asom Jatiya Swahid Parial Samannayrakhi Parishad, on Thursday decided to return the citation before January 31. "We thank the All Assam Students Union (Aasu) and all other organisations for registering their protest against the Citizenship Bill so boldly," said Forum President Chandrakanta Talukder on Thursday. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to deport all the illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from Assam. But now they are welcoming the illegal foreigners through the Citizenship Bill," he said. --IANS ah/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Jharkhand High Court on Thursday rejected the bail plea of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad in a multi-million fodder scam case. The high court had reserved verdict on the bail plea on January 4. After Justice Apresh Kumar Singh rejected the bail, RJD leaders said they would move the Supreme Court to challenge the court order. Senior apex court lawyer Kapil Sibal had pleaded for Prasad's bail citing the health condition and age of the RJD chief. He also produced a certificate from a Mumbai hospital and listed the diseases Prasad is suffering from, adding that he was granted bail in three other cases in which he was convicted. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) lawyer opposed the bail. Prasad was convicted on December 23, 2017 in a case of fraudulent withdrawal from Deoghar treasury. He was out on provisional bail in May last year for treatment but surrendered in August after the high court asked him to. Prasad has been convicted in four cases and awarded 14-year jail term in the fodder scam case. Currently, he is undergoing treatment in the Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS), Ranchi. --IANS ns/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna has asked President Donald Trump to end the ongoing government shutdown and denounced hiss plans to declare a national emergency to build a border wall. As the partial government shutdown entered 19th day on Wednesday, making it the second-longest in the US history, the California Democrat, in a series of tweets, talked about the implications of the shutdown and how it is affecting Americans, reports The American Bazaar. "Trump may want to declare a 'national emergency' to sidestep Congress and build a border wall. The real 'national emergency' is that young Americans are drowning in student debt, families are forced into bankruptcy due to health costs & millions of our citizens are left behind," Khanna, who represents California's 17th district, said in the tweet. The Congressman, who has been very vocal about his views on building the wall on the US-Mexico border, had described in December that issue was a manufactured crisis and said it was a "15th century concept". "Not only did Trump leave hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay for the holidays due to the shutdown, but he's also frozen their 2019 pay increase. Can someone please tell me how this will grow the economy?... End this shutdown now," he said in another tweet on Wednesday. In a CNN interview also on Wednesday, Indian-American Senator Kamala Harris criticised Trump and called the shutdown a "crisis of the President's own making". She spoke about how her heritage as the daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica has shaped her outlook on the plight of immigrants under the policies of the Trump administration. Khanna and Harris' remarks comes a day after Trump in a primetime address to the nation appealed to the American people to pressure legislators to fund the border wall he wants and end the government shutdown. --IANS ksk/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and the US on Thursday discussed the ongoing peace process in Afghanistan during a meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushm Swaraj and US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad here. "Both sides shared their perspectives on peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted soon after the meeting. Thursday's meeting comes after Trump earlier this month said that India was not doing enough for peace and stability in Afghanistan. India hit back with sources here saying that New Delhi does not send troops abroad except under a specific UN mandate. Pointing out that India plays a significant role as a development partner in Afghanistan, the sources said this partnership was built on the specific needs and requirements worked out with the Afghan government. Khalilzad's visit for an intra-Afghan political settlement reflects New Delhi's stand that it is is for an "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled" peace and reconciliation process. Khalilzad is leading an inter-agency delegation to India, China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan from January 8-21 Earlier in the day, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai said that India's role is needed in the war-ravaged country's peace process. "India and Afghanistan share an amazing relationship, an almost romantic one," Karzai said in response to a question during a session in the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship annual geopolitical and geostrategic conference, here. "Most of the Afghan people view in such good light... We want India to do as much as possible," he said. Stating that India is the "greatest contributor" to Afghanistan, Karzai said that it should play its role in the peace process on its own detached from other countries. He said that an Afghan-owned, Afghan-led peace process is one in which the Taliban, along with other stakeholders, sit down for dialogue. "It means truly the leadership of Afghanistan," the former President said. He said till now there have been three peace processes in Afghanistan - first by China, the US, Pakistan and Afghanistan, then by Russia engaging with the Taliban, and now the latest one with Trump appointing Khalilzad as his Special Envoy for Afghanistan. "We have tremendous hope for the peace process (with Khalilzad's role) to succeed," Karzai said. "Khalilzad himself is an Afghan and understands us, knows what peace means for us." --IANS ab/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Recent developments in India-Nepal ties across various sectors came up for discussion during a meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali on Thursday. "The two ministers reviewed recent developments in bilateral ties across diverse sectors, including progress achieved on the three transformative initiatives launched in 2018 in the areas of agriculture, railways and inland waterways as well as pace of implementation of ongoing bilateral development and connectivity projects,"the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement. "They expressed satisfaction at the significant progress made in different sectors of cooperation as a result of intensified bilateral exchanges at all levels in recent months," it said. According to the statement, the two leaders reiterated their commitment to maintain the new momentum and to further strengthen the traditionally close and friendly ties between the two countries. India reset its ties with Nepal last year through a visit by Prime Minister Modi, his first after K.P. Sharma Oli became the Prime Minister. During the visit, both sides agreed to boost trade and economic links, connectivity via air, land and water, people-to-people ties, with Modi declaring that India will work like a sherpa in the Himalayan nation's development endeavours. This happened after there was a chill in India-Nepal ties during Oli's earlier stint between October 2015 and August 2016 when a border blockade blamed on New Delhi crippled Nepal's economy. There were also perceptions that Oli was leaning more towards China than India. --IANS ab/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Academy Award-winning actor Christian Bale, who is known for undergoing physical transformations for his performances, says he likes chaos. He has delivered on demanding performances -- whether it was his skeletal frame in "The Mechanist" or the Herculean built in "The Dark Knight Rises", the mentally exhausting character of a sadistic psychopath and a deranged serial killer in "American Psycho" or as Dick Cheney in "Vice", where he has managed to bulk up and try prosthetics. Asked if there is anything else he aspires to do, Bale told IANS here during his visit to India: "I have never had a plan or a strategy. I like chaos. So, I wait to see what happens next." Bale was also a part of filmmaker-actor Andy Serkis' "Mowgli: Legend Of The Jungle", in which he essayed Bagheera. He also scored a Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy victory for his performance as former US Vice President Dick Cheney in "Vice". --IANS dc/rb/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Moderate to heavy snowfall may occur across Himachal Pradesh from Thursday to Satureay and the government has advised residents and tourists not to venture to the higher reaches. An advisory has been issued against venturing to the high hills of Shimla, Kullu, Sirmaur, Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts as chances of heavy snowfall and landslides are high till January 12, a government spokesperson told IANS here. He said even the snow-bound areas near the tourist resort of Manali like Solang, Beas Kund, Nehru Kund, Gulaba and Marhi should be avoided. The Kullu administration has advised residents to stay indoors to avoid any untoward incidents. Motorists are warned to be cautious while driving in the interiors as chances of road cave-ins and landslides are high after heavy snow. The bureau in Shimla predicted more snowfall between January 11 and 12. Most of the prominent tourist towns like Shimla, Narkanda, Kufri, Kalpa, Dalhousie and Manali are likely to have light to moderate spells of snowfall, meteorological office director Manmohan Singh told IANS. He said western disturbances -- storm systems originating from Caspian Sea and moving across the Afghanistan-Pakistan region -- are likely to be active in the region from the evening of January 10 and would remain active till January 13. "The impact of the western disturbance will be largely seen in the state on January 12 with possibility of heavy snowfall in high hills of Shimla, Kinnaur, Sirmaur, Kullu, Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti districts," he said. Lower areas of the state like Dharamsala, Palampur, Solan, Nahan, Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur and Mandi towns are likely to see widespread rain that will bring down the temperatures considerably. Shimla on Thursday recorded the minimum temperature at 3.7 degrees Celsius, while it was minus five degree in Kalpa, minus 2.6 degree in Manali, 3.2 degrees in Dalhousie, 1.2 degrees in Kufri and 4.2 degrees in Dharamsala. Keylong recorded a low of minus 10.2 degree Celsius, the state's lowest. Areas near Shimla like Kufri and Narkanda and popular tourist resorts of Manali and Dalhousie are still covered in a thick blanket of snow. --IANS vg/mag/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a relief to former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday restrained the Haryana government from releasing the report of the Justice Dhingra Commission of Inquiry into the alleged land scam in Gurugram. A division bench, which saw the sealed copy of the report, said it could not be implemented "as such". The court, however, said the constitution of the commission by the Haryana government was not mala fide. There was a difference of opinion in the order by two judges, Justice A.K. Mittal and Justice A.S. Grewal, in this matter. The bench referred it to the Chief Justice of the High Court for further orders. Though the bench agreed that due process was followed in setting up the commission, they noted that a notice under Section 8-B to Hooda and others, which was statutory under the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1952, had not been served. Justice Mittal said a fresh notice could be issued by the Commission to Hooda, but Justice Grewal pointed out that since the commission had ceased to exist, the government can form a fresh commission. The bench said the Haryana government could not act on the present report. The one-man Justice S.N. Dhingra (retired) Commission of Inquiry was set up by the BJP government in Haryana led by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in May 2015 to probe the controversial grant of licences for prime commercial properties in Gurugram, including those to Congress President Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra. The commission had submitted its 182-page report to the Khattar government on August 31, 2016. Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda had earlier hit out at the Commission and the state BJP government for carrying out a "witch-hunt". The report has pointed out irregularities in grant of licences and allotment of land to individuals and companies, including Vadra and his companies, in prime areas of Gurgaon city in Haryana, adjoining the national capital during the tenure of the Hooda government (2005-2014). Dhingra is a retired judge of the Delhi High Court. Raising serious doubts on the "conduct" and "neutrality" of Justice Dhingra, the Congress had, in 2017, sought complete rejection of the report. "The report has been used as a political tool for malicious witch hunt by BJP Government," Congress leader Randeep Surjewala had stated earlier. --IANS js/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court will deliver on Friday its verdict on Special CBI Director Rakesh Asthana's plea seeking quashing of the FIR against him. On December 20, 2018, Justice Najmi Waziri reserved the order on Asthana and suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Devender Kumar's pleas seeking quashing of FIRs against them. Asthana has said the cases were registered against them in an illegal manner with mala fide intention. CBI Director Alok Verma's counsel has justified the agency's action against Asthana, saying the registration of FIR was in compliance of all existing laws, regulations and made following due procedure. According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Kumar fabricated the statement of Satish Sana Babu, a witness in the businessman Moin Qureshi case, showing he recorded the statement on September 26, 2018 in Delhi. However, investigation revealed that Sana was not in Delhi on that day. He was in Hyderabad and joined the investigation only on October 1, 2018. The CBI has registered an FIR against Asthana, Kumar and two others, alleging that they took bribes at least five times between December 2017 and October 2018. Asthana, a 1984-batch IPS officer of the Gujarat cadre, is accused of accepting a bribe of Rs 2 crore from a businessman who was being probed in the Qureshi case to "wreck" the investigation. The case was being examined by a special investigation team headed by Asthana. On October 24, Alok Verma was divested of his charge and Joint Director M. Nageshwar Rao was made the interim Director. Asthana was also divested of all his supervisory responsibilities. The government took the decision after Verma and Asthana accused each other of taking bribes. In a partial relief to CBI Director Alok Verma, the Supreme Court on Tuesday restored him as the agency chief by setting aside the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Centre's decision to divest him of his powers to function as its head but with a caveat that he will not take any policy decision till a high-level committee goes into the issue afresh. --IANS akk/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Harsh Vardhan on Thursday launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aiming to reduce toxic particulate matter by 2024, taking 2017 as the base year. With 2019 as its first year, the NCAP is a mid-term, five-year action plan that includes collaborative, multi-scale and cross-sectoral coordination between relevant Central ministries, state governments and local bodies. Secretary to the Ministry C.K. Mishra told media that the programme may be further extended after reviewing mid-term results. "International experience and national studies indicate that significant outcome in terms of air pollution initiatives are visible only in the long-term, and hence the programme may be further extended to a longer time horizon after a mid-term review of the outcomes," he said. Dr Harsh Vardhan said: "The overall objective of the NCAP includes comprehensive mitigation actions for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution besides augmenting the air quality monitoring network across the country and strengthening the awareness and capacity building activities." The Ministry has announced a budget of Rs 300 crore for two years to tackle air pollution across 102 cities, which have been identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for not meeting the pollution standards set by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. City-specific action plans are being formulated for 102 non-attainment cities identified for implementing mitigation actions under NCAP. The Smart Cities program will be used to launch the NCAP in the 43 smart cities falling in the list of the 102 non-attainment cities. "The NCAP is envisaged to be dynamic and will continue to evolve based on the additional scientific and technical information as they emerge," the minister said. The programme, he said, will be institutionalized by respective ministries and will be organized through inter-sectoral groups, which include, Ministry of Road Transport and Highway, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Heavy Industry, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, NITI Aayog, CPCB, experts from the industry, academia, and civil society. NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, who was also present at the launch, said NCAP is a path-breaking initiative as it addresses an alarming challenge of urbanization i.e. air pollution. "Today, cities occupy just 3 per cent of the land, contribute to 82 per cent of GDP but are responsible for 78 per cent of Carbon dioxide emissions. Cities though are engines of growth and equity, have to be sustainable and it is in this context that NCAP holds special relevance, " he said. Vardhan's office in a release said cities have already prepared action plans in consultation with the CPCB. "Institutional framework at Centre and state-level comprising the apex committee at the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change in the Centre and at Chief Secretary Level in states are to be constituted," it said. In addition, the release said, sectoral working groups, national level Project Monitoring Unit, Project Implementation Unit, state level project monitoring unit, city level review committee under the Municipal Commissioner and DM level Committee in the Districts are to be constituted under NCAP for effective implementation and success of the Programme. Other features of NCAP include, increasing number of monitoring stations in the country including rural monitoring stations, technology support, emphasis on awareness and capacity building initiatives, setting up of certification agencies for monitoring equipment, source apportionment studies, emphasis on enforcement, and specific sectoral interventions. Meanwhile, experts from across the country have hailed the Union environment ministry's decision but did not forget to mention that the government needs to be serious in itsA implementation to see results. "It is good to see the final version of NCAP out after a long wait with the vision of reducing air pollution levels across the country. We hoped it would be much stronger in providing sector-wise targets, targets for cities and mentioned strong legal backing to take action against non-implementation," said Sunil Dahiya, Senior Campaigner, Greenpeace India. Ashutosh Dikshit, CEO of the United Residents Joint Action said: "The NCAP comes in a series of several such plans. Welcome as it is, it will remain an intellectual exercise if steps are not taken to implement it. The public needs to see demonstrable intent from the government which is so far missing." Another expert pointed out that the NCAP is not legally binding and that there might not be any serious consequence of not following the programme. --IANS sd/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Google has started rolling out a new feature called activity cards to make it easier for users to pick up the threads to past searches and continue exploring a topic. "Activity cards will roll out today on mobile web and the Google app in English in the US," Andrew Moore, Google's Product Manager for Search wrote in a blog post on Wednesday. So when you revisit a query related to a task you had started in the past, Google will show you a card with relevant pages you had already visited and previous queries you had done on this topic. "As you're looking to build new habits or pick up new tasks in the new year - whether sticking to an exercise regimen, sprucing up your winter wardrobe, or collecting new ideas for your home - we hope this new feature helps you along your way and makes your search history more accessible and useful," Moore said. "If you're logged into your Google account and search for topics and hobbies like cooking, interior design, fashion, skincare and beauty, fitness, photography and more, you may find an activity card at the top of the results page that provides easy ways to continue your exploration," Moore added. Users will also be able to add or delete items to their activity cards. If you want to mark a page to read or reference later, just touch and hold the link to quickly add items on your activity card to a collection. You can access your collections by tapping the menu on the top left of the Search page (on mobile web), or through the bottom bar of the Google app. Users will be able to control what appears in their activity card by pressing to delete an item or turn off cards by tapping the three-dot icon, Google said. Moore did not reveal if the feature would be rolled out globally any time soon. --IANS gb/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Japanese prosecutors on Thursday cancelled a scheduled interrogation of ousted Nissan Motor chairman Carlos Ghosn, who has been under arrest since November 19 for alleged financial misconduct, after he developed a high fever. Ghosn, 64, has been suffering from high fever since Wednesday night and has been advised rest by doctors, his legal team told Efe news. Prosecutors have been interrogating Ghosn since his arrest to try to gather more evidence about the alleged financial irregularities he committed as the head of Nissan. On Wednesday, a court rejected a request by his lawyers to end Ghosn's detention after he appeared before a judge for the first time on Tuesday and pleaded his innocence. Ghosn's defence team had made the bid for his release on the basis that one of the charges against him, an alleged breach of trust of the company, was null and void. He is accused of passing off a series of personal investment losses incurred by him in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis to Nissan's books, but according to his lawyers, those actions were approved by the company's management. Ghosn is also accused of under-reporting his income by tens of millions of dollars in documents to investors based on an understanding that he would receive them as post-retirement compensation. There are three arrest warrants against Ghosn, but only one of them contains formal accusations on the alleged concealment of compensation agreed upon between 2011 and 2015. His detention has been extended until Friday and prosecutors are expected to press new charges to try to prolong it further. --IANS ksk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ford Motor Co said on Thursday that it plans to cut jobs across all functions in a wider restructuring effort to improve profitability of its business in Europe, which could also include a potential alliance with Volkswagen AG on commercial vehicles. The US car maker said it was starting consultations with union partners and stakeholders to create a "sustainably profitable business" in Europe. It aims to achieve the job cuts through voluntary exits in Europe as far as possible, reports Efe news. In the near term, Ford said it plans to reduce structural costs and adjust its product portfolio to improve financial performance. "In parallel, the fundamental redesign will include changes to Ford's vehicle portfolio, expanding offerings and volumes in its most profitable growth vehicle segments, while improving or exiting less profitable vehicle lines and addressing under-performing markets," the company said. --IANS mr/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US astronaut Jerry L. Ross, who jointly holds a record for maximum space flights, will deliver the keynote address at the Purdue University's 150th International Ideas Festival in Mumbai on January 18, an official said here on Thursday. Ross, 70, who flew in seven sace shuttle missions during 1985-2002, will speak on "My Journey as a NASA Astronaut: What if we found evidence of Previous Life on Mars?". During his long innings with NASA, he logged in more than 1,393 hours in space including 58 hours in spacewalks, and his keynote address would highlight the sesquicentennial festival theme -- Space: Earth, Exploration and Economics. The festival, Purdue University's largest global ideas meet and the only that focuses on all the 150 Giant Leaps themes like space, artificial intelligence, health and sustainability, will also showcase the varsity's global milestones in the past one-and-half centuries. The half-day event will feature an India-Purdue Collaborative Lecture Series in honour of its distinguished alumnus, scientist and Bharat Ratna C.N.R. Rao, and would exhort the audience to think about the challenges and opportunities before the world in the next 150 years and beyond. Rao, 84, is an eminent chemist and currently the Head of Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. Other prominent speakers at the festival include Ambarish Kenghe of Google Play who will speak on "What if AI is the New Electricity?", and Vijay Chandru of Yantri Labs Inc. on "What if you could lead a healthy and productive life until you were 164 years old?'. Former Microsoft India Chairman Ravi Venkatesan of the Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship will speak on "What if every young person were a leader?" and Purdue University's Executive Vice-President for Research & Partnerships Suresh Garimella will be the master of ceremonies. The event is being organised jointly by Purdue India Alumni Network, GVK, Wockhardt Ltd, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, SMT and Alok Nanda & Co. This is second time in barely three months that a former spaceman will be visiting Mumbai. On October 25-26, Russian Cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko had attended the Rosatom Festival of Science & Culture, organised by Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai and Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation, Russia. --IANS qn/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The European Union on Thursday condemned an escalation in violence in Myanmar's restive Rakhine state that has led to the displacement of around 4,500 people. The EU delegation to Myanmar in a statement urged a halt in clashes between the Myanmar Army and the Arakan Army, an armed group that seeks more autonomy for western Rakhine state's Buddhist-majority population, and called for dialogue to resolve the conflict, which has escalated since December, reports Efe news. "We call for restraint and urge all sides to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians," the statement said, while condemning attacks by the Buddhist rebels against four police stations on January 4 in which 13 officers were killed and nine others injured. On December 21, the Myanmar Army had declared a ceasefire in the entire country except Rakhine and a fresh offensive was launched in the state on Monday to crack down on the Buddhist rebels. The EU praised the government's unilateral ceasefire and hoped it would be expanded to Rakhine and extended beyond its four-month duration. "This could create the necessary momentum to put an end to decades of conflict, and finally achieve a nation-wide peace agreement," the statement said. The Arakan Army is among one of the many armed groups active in Myanmar. Rakhine is also home to the much-persecuted Rohingyas, a mostly-Muslim minority community, who are not considered citizens by Myanmar. More than 723,000 Rohingyas have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh since August 2017 following a military offensive that has been condemned globally for its human rights abuses. --IANS mr/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said things like adultery and gay sex, both of which have been decriminalised by the Supreme Court, cannot be allowed in the Army. He underlined that though the Army was not above law, it was governed by the Army Act which does not mention these things. "Talking about Article 377 and other issues, let me tell you that we have always treated Army as a family...I think anything that has been said and has been talked of, cannot be allowed to perpetrate in the Army," Rawat said in response to a media query at his customary annual press meet. "A lot of our soldiers who are serving at the borders, leave their families behind in FAFA or field area family accommodation. We have to make sure such families are cared for as your own. Whatever you might say, that Article or this Article The officer or jawan who is sitting on the border cannot be worried if his family is being cared of or what is happening to his family," he added. He said the phrase "stealing the affection of a brother officer's wife" does not exist in any manual of military law but gained popular currency in the 1980s when it was used "to provide media with reasons for action against senior officers". "It connotes the ownership of a woman by the husband where she cannot act out of her free will. It is something hard to argue in these times. Generally, Army is conservative. We have not modernised, neither are we westernised. We are conservative," Rawat said. "In the Army we never thought this (gay sex and adultery) can happen. Anything that was thought of could happen was put in the Army Act. This was something unheard of in the Army when the Army Act was made, therefore it was not put into it. We have never allowed it...We can take action against people, but will never allow this to happen," he said. Last year, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court decriminalised part of the Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalises consensual unnatural sex, saying it violated the rights of equality. The apex court also struck down anti-adultery law, saying it was unconstitutional and treated women as "chattel of husbands". General Rawat said there were certain issues where the armed forces were different from the civilian code of conduct. "We are not above the Supreme Court Court. The apex court has said something, we will have to see how we take a call. I am not saying we are above law. But if the jawan on the border gets worried about his family back home, he cannot give his 100 per cent," he said. --IANS mak/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved a $75 billion currency swap deal between India and Japan to assist each other "in times of difficulty". It also granted setting up of an advanced single window to boost bilateral investments. Approving the proposed agreement for Bilateral Swap Arrangement (BSA) between India and Japan, the Cabinet authorised the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to sign the deal with the Bank of Japan for a maximum amount of $75 billion. "The swap arrangement is an agreement between India and Japan to essentially exchange and re-exchange a maximum amount of $75 billion for domestic currency, for the purpose of maintaining an appropriate level of balance of payments for meeting short-term deficiency in foreign exchange," the Finance Ministry said in a statement. The objective of a currency swap is to hedge exposure to exchange rate risks as at the end of the deal the local currencies are again swapped using the same exchange rate. It also helps in saving the cost of borrowing a foreign currency. "The BSA is a very good example of mutual cooperation between India and Japan for strategic objective of assisting each other in times of difficulty and for restoring international confidence. This facility will enable the agreed amount of capital being available to India on tap for use. " "Also, with this arrangement in place, prospects of Indian companies would improve in tapping foreign capital as there would be greater confidence in the stability of the country's exchange rate. " "Availability of such swap line to tide over difficulties arising out of balance of payment would deter speculative attacks on the domestic currency and greatly enhance the capability to manage exchange rate volatility," the statement said. Further, the Cabinet approved an MoU between the two nations on development of Advanced Model Single Window and its operationalization in Central and state governments in India for taking necessary administrative procedures for business operations. It will aim to develop a structure in which those procedures are completed in an expeditious manner, so as to "accelerate India's effort to promote ease of doing business in India." "The 'Advanced Model Single Window' is based on the best practices in and outside India, with measurable parameters and identify possible obstacles for establishment of the Single Window in India. It will thus, facilitate investments," the Ministry said in another statement. --IANS mgu/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Cabinet on Thursday approved the signing of the terms of reference (TOR) for providing tax assistance to Swaziland through the engagement of a designated Indian expert under the Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) programme between both countries. A Finance Ministry release said that an Indian expert has been mutually selected by India and the African kingdom. "The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of the Terms of Reference (TOR) governing the engagement of the designated Indian expert to provide tax assistance to Swaziland (now known as Eswatini) under the Tax Inspectors Without Borders programme between India and Eswatini," it said. The engagement of the Indian expert under the TIWB programme will give impetus to India's support in capacity building in tax matters in developing countries." The TIWB programme, jointly launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), is intended to support developing countries to strengthen national tax administrations through building audit capacity and to share this knowledge with other countries. --IANS bc/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Cabinet on Thursday approved setting up of three new AIIMS -- two in Jammu and Kashmir and one in Gujarat -- under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) scheme, an official release said. One of the AIIMS in Jammu and Kashmir will be established at Vijaynagar, Jammu, and the other one at Awantipura, Kashmir at an estimated cost of Rs 1,661 crore and Rs 1,828 crore, respectively. In Gujarat, setting up of AIIMS at Rajkot will cost Rs 1,195 crore. "Establishment of new AIIMS involves creation of hospital, teaching block for medical and nursing courses, residential complex and allied facilities/ services, broadly on the pattern of AIIMS, New Delhi and other six new AIIMS taken up under Phase-I of PMSSY," the statement read. Each new AIIMS will add 100 UG (MBBS) seats and 60 B.Sc (Nursing) seats and have 15-20 Super Specialty Departments. All the three institutes will add around 750 hospital beds including emergency/ trauma beds, Ayush beds, private beds and ICU Speciality and Super Speciality beds. "It is expected that each new AIIMS would cater to around 1,500 OPD patients per day and around 1,000 IPD patients per month. There will be a medical college, Ayush Block, Auditorium, Night Shelter, Guest House, Hostels and residential facilities," it added. The announcement of seting up of the two new AIIMS in Jammu and Kashmir was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the year 2015, while the one in Gujarat was announced by the Finance Minister in his Budget speech for the year 2017-18. --IANS som/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Britain and Japan will launch a programme of 30 million pounds ($38.4 million) of initial funding for cutting-edge technology to boost innovation and create high-skilled jobs. This was announced on Wednesday, a day ahead of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to Britain, Xinhua news agency reported. An official statement from the British Prime Minister's office said that researchers from Britain and Japan will explore designing robotic systems for the ageing populations, finding new treatments for chronic conditions like dementia and heart failure and new forms of greener transport and energy storing. British Prime Minister Theresa May said that her country and Japan are facing many of the same challenges and also immense opportunities. Britain will also vow to increase the number of combined exercises between the defense forces of the two countries and "strengthen maritime co-operation", according to the statement. "As the UK prepares to leave the European Union, we raise our horizons towards the rest of the world," May said. During Abe's visit, the two leaders will attend a briefing chaired by British Security Minister Ben Wallace and also discuss Brexit. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Netflix plans to release a documentary about Bob Dylan's legendary, star-studded 'Rolling Thunder Reveu' tour of 1975-1976, with Martin Scorcese set to helm it. Netflix has described Scorsese's look at Dylan and his famous friends in 1975 as part documentary, part concert movie and part "fever dream". The movie will come out later this year, reported variety.com. The project is titled "Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese". It won't be much of a straightforward documentary as Scorsese's previous Dylan film, 2005's "No Direction Home: Bob Dylan", which zeroed in on Dylan's crucial 1965-1966 "going electric" period. "There's a reason the word 'story' appears in the title," a source told variety.com, hinting that the director may be playing with the form more in this particular film. Netflix further gave Variety a thumbnail description of the film. It read: "'Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese' captures the troubled spirit of America in 1975 and the joyous music that Dylan performed during the fall of that year. Part documentary, part concert film, part fever dream, aRolling Thunder' is a one of a kind experience, from master filmmaker Martin Scorsese." Dylan himself was interviewed for the documentary, which doesn't go without saying since the artiste rarely allows himself to be interviewed off-camera, let alone on. --IANS rb/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP is expected to set the agenda of its campaign for the coming Lok Sabha elections at a two-day meeting of its National Council starting here from Friday with the party likely to highlight the welfare measures of the Narendra Modi government aimed at social justice and "development of all". The meeting, to be attended by 12,000 delegates, including leaders from districts and and MPs and MLAs at the Ramlila Maidan here will be inaugurated by BJP president Amit Shah. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the deliberations on both days and deliver the concluding speech. It will be the last such meeting before the coming Lok Sabha elections and will also be the largest meeting of the party's National Council. The BJP is expected to highlight the passage of the bill to provide 10 per cent quota to the economically backward sections among the upper castes amid a feeling in sections of the party that these communities, which were core supporters of the party, had moved away in the three Hindi heartland states where the party lost its governments. The party is also expected to highlight its steps for other communities including Other Backward Classes by referring to the bill to give constitutional status to the OBC Commission and its move to nullify the apex court order which was seen as a dilution of the SC/ST Act. The party has also embarked on an ambitious strategy to expand in states such as West Bengal and Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, where it has been weak, and the council meeting is expected to discuss the party's strategy. The meeting will adopt political and economic resolutions which are expected to talk about the work done by the BJP-led government to fulfil its pre-poll promises. The party is expected to project the Modi government as "bold and decisive" talking about implementation of the Goods and Services Tax, demonetisation, improvement in India's ranking in ease of doing business and the surgical strikes. Leaders from the district level have been invited for the meeting and massive arrangements have been made for smooth conduct of the proceedings. The Prime Minister will function from the makeshift PMO at Ramlila Maidan and the temporary office will have all the required facilities. --IANS bns-aks/ps/vsc/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport will have its second runway ready for take-off by October, a top airport official said on Thursday. "The airport's second runway, which is under construction, will be ready for operations from October 1," the Chief Executive of the airport's operator Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) Hari Marar told reporters here. The airport, which handled about 26 million passengers in fiscal 2017-18, will also have its second terminal (T2) ready for operations by March 2021. "The new terminal will add a capacity of handling 25 million passengers per year, together taking the airport's capacity to about 45 million," Marar said. A total of Rs 13,000-crore is being invested in the expansion of the airport, including the building of the second runway, new terminal and other infrastructure. Of the total investment Rs 13,000-crore, 80 per cent was borrowed and 20 per cent through internal accruals, Marar said. Larsen and Toubro (L&T) in October last year won the order to build the new terminal. With the expansion of the airport, BIAL, which employs 20,000 employees currently, will add another 25,000 staff. As of December last year, the airport has 49 airlines operating from it, including eight domestic, 28 international and 13 cargo airlines, with an average of 300 arrivals and departures each daily. --IANS bha/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Assam Police has filed a case of sedition against scholar Hiren Gohain, rights activist Manjit Mahanta and RTI activist Akhil Gogoi regarding speeches made by them against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016, informed sources said on Thursday. The meeting where they spoke was held in Guwahati on January 7. Although the police refused to name anyone, it is learnt that they are looking at the speeches made by Gohain, Mahanta and Gogoi, the sources said. January 7 was observed as a "black day" by different organisations in Assam to denounce the Bill which seeks to grant Indian citizenship to six minority groups from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The move has triggered a wave of protests in the northeast. Gohain was reported to have said that if the government did not pay heed to the demands of civil society groups against the Bill, it could trigger demands for sovereignty or an independent Assam. Guwahati Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar said a case has been registered against some speakers at the meeting "as there are reports that the speakers had made some statements which needs to be investigated. "A case has been registered under sections 120B/121/123/124A (sedition) of the IPC (Indian Penal Code)." The police chief refused to name anyone against whom the case has been registered and said it had been filed against the speakers. "I came to know that a case of sedition has been registered against me. The speech I delivered did not appear in the media in full. Only some distorted lines of my speech were published in the media," said Gohain. Meanwhile, the police move has drawn widespread flak. "By registering sedition case against Gohain, the government has misused its power. It is sheer misuse of power. One cannot stop the movement against the Bill by slapping a sedition case," said All Assam Students Union (AASU) Adviser Samujjal Bhattacharyya. --IANS ah/mr/gb (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking the first step to kickstart development of economic hub of the upcoming Andhra Pradesh capital, Amaravati Development Partners (ADP), a joint venture between the Andhra Pradesh government and a Singapore consortium, on Thursday commenced the work to build the Welcome Gallery. An exhibition-cum-community centre, it is being developed by Singapore Amaravati Investment Holdings (SAIH) and the Amaravati Development Corporation (ADC). SAIH is a wholly-owned joint venture company of Ascendas-Singbridge Andhra Investment Holdings and Sembcorp Development India. The commemorative plaque was unveiled by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Singaporean Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-Charge of Trade Relations, S. Iswaran. Naidu described it as the beginning of efforts to turn the plans for Seed Area development to reality. He said things were happening to make develop Amaravati as one among the top 5 capital cities in the world with the help of Singapore. He said trunk infrastructure was being developed at a cost of Rs 40,000 crore. The Welcome Gallery is coming up on 2.6 hectares of land, will showcase what is happening in Amaravati, the initiatives being taken by the government, development of infrastructure and the opportunities for the investors, said Iswaran. He said this would be a significant landmark which will bring international attention to the capital city. With a built-up area of 4,080 square metres, the Welcome Gallery can accommodate at least 2,000 visitors daily. Benjamin Yap, CEO, Amaravati Management Services, said the Welcome Gallery would come up in 6 to 7 months with an investment of Rs 50 crore. It will consist of exhibition, community and engagement zones as well as co-working spaces to house start-ups. Besides serving as a one-stop information centre for all visitors, it will also be a focal point for companies to showcase their sustainable urban solutions concepts, as well as function as a business promotion platform, through the hosting of various national and international level events and exhibitions. The Welcome Gallery forms part of the larger Catalytic Development Area and will play an integral role in generating economic activities in the region, which will spread across the entire Start-Up Area over time, said Sreedhar Cherukuri, Commissioner, Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA). The 20-hectare Catalytic Development Area is developed as part of the Phase 1 of the Start-Up Area, and will comprise 75,000 sq m of office, residential and retail spaces. The Start-Up Area has a total development land area of 6.84 sq.km, which will be developed in three phases over the next 20 years. The ADP also announced that 15 companies and institutions from Germany, India, Japan and Singapore have entered into Memoranda of Understanding with it as partners in the areas of smart buildings; smart energy; smart environment; and smart collaborations.The companies include AGC, GioSenz, Anchor, Gush, Mobotix, Toto and Innosparks. "These companies and institutions are leaders in their respective fields, and we believe that they will add significant value to the development of the Welcome Gallery," said ADP Chairperson Nina Yang. --IANS ms/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CBI Director Alok Verma was on Thursday removed from the post after a 2-1 decision by the high-level selection committee, two days after the Supreme Court reinstated him with riders. The decision of the committee came after CJI nominee Justice A.K. Sikri of the Supreme Court sided with the government that he should be shunted out of the post on the basis of the findings of the Central Vigilance Commission, sources said. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Justice Sikri and Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, the other member of the committee, who gave a dissent note and opposed the majority decision. --IANS buro/mr/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after he resumed duties, CBI Director Alok Verma was on Thursday unceremoniously removed from the post after a 2-1 decision by the high-level Selection Committee, a decision that came under attack from the opposition and legal experts. The decision of the committee came after CJI nominee Justice A.K. Sikri of the Supreme Court sided with the government that Verma should be shunted out of the post on the basis of the findings of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), which went into some allegations levelled against him. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Justice Sikri and Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, the other member of the committee, who gave a dissent note and opposed the majority decision. Shortly after the meeting, Verma was appointed Director General, Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guard till January 31 when his tenure would end. The government also brought back M. Nageswara Rao, Additional Director, CBI to look after the duties of the Director, CBI till the appointment of a new Director or until further orders, whichever is earlier, a notification by the Appointment Committee of Cabinet said. Verma, who was removed from the agency's helm on the midnight of October 23 after his fight with Special Director Rakesh Asthana became public, was reinstated on Tuesday by the apex court on the ground that the government cannot transfer or alter the duties of the CBI chief without going to the Selection Committee. The committee's members are the Prime Minister, leader of the largest opposition group and the Chief Justice of India. Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, who heard the case arising out of Verma's challenge against the government decision, nominated Justice Sikri as his nominee to attend the committee meeting. The Supreme Court, while reinstating Verma, had said that the Committee should meet within a week and decide the issue afresh. Modi convened the meeting of the committee on Wednesday but Kharge sought the CVC report on the allegations against Verma and also time to study it. The committee met briefly and decided to meet on Thursday. Sources said the Committee took into account the "extremely serious" nature of observations made by the Central Vigilance Commission against Verma. It was of the view that being the head of a very sensitive organisation, Verma was not functioning with the integrity expected of him, they said. They said the CVC found evidence of influencing of investigation in the Moin Qureshi case. There was also evidence of taking of bribe of Rs. 2 crore. The CVC was of the view that his conduct in the case is suspicious, and there is a prima facie case against him. "The CVC also felt that the entire truth will come out if a criminal investigation is ordered," the sources said citing the Committee's view. In the IRCTC case related to former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, the CVC felt that it can be reasonably concluded that Verma "deliberately" excluded a name from the FIR for reasons best known to him. The CVC found evidence against Verma in several other cases as well. The CVC also found instances of wilful non-production of record, and fabrication of record. The Committee also took note of Verma's attempts to induct officers of doubtful integrity in the CBI. On the criticism that Verma was not given an opportunity of being heard on the charges against him, the sources said Verma was given an opportunity to present his case before the CVC in the presence of retired Justice A. K. Patnaik. The Supreme Court also provided a copy of the CVC report to Verma's advocate. The mandate of the Selection Panel headed by the PM is limited to the appointment of the CBI chief and transfer of the CBI chief, the sources said. The Committee felt that as a detailed investigation, including criminal investigation, was necessary in some cases his continuation as CBI Director was not desirable and he should be transferred. In his dissent note, Kharge demanded that the Committee restore to Verma the full powers he enjoyed by the office of the Director CBI to ensure proper functioning of the organisation and to restore normalcy. He also sought an additional period of 77 days being the number of days lost by him on account of the "patently illegal" orders of the CVC and the personnel department on October 28. Kharge said an independent investigation must be carried out to verify the actual events that took place on the night of October 23-24 with respect to Verma's removal as CBI Director. Referring to the events of the midnight drama in October and the way the government hastened the exit of Verma would "point to the fact that the entire exercise was in furtherance of a pre-meditated decision to remove Verma as CBi Director with reasons and processes being manufactured as an afterthought". He urged the Committee to allow Verma to explain himself before it on the charges against him before any decision is taken in the matter. Kharge also listed the various allegations made against Verma including influencing the investigation by taking bribe and illegal delay in finalising the probe report in a bank fraud case which were not substantiated, Kharge also listed and said in the light of the above it would be grossly unfair not to restore Verma to the post of the CBI chief and compensating for the loss of 77 days by extending his tenure by that period. Meanwhile, the removal of Verma as CBI Director came under severe attack from opposition parties and legal experts saying it was the "desperation" of the government as Modi does not want any probe into the Rafale jet deal. The critics of the decision also asked how the committee could take a decision without hearing Verma. The Congress criticised the committee's decision and said Modi had shown that he was "too afraid" of an investigation into the Rafale deal. "By removing Alok Verma from his position without giving him the chance to present his case, PM Modi has shown once again that he's too afraid of an investigation, either by an independent CBI Director or by Parliament via JPC," the Congress tweeted. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said if it was a majority decision to remove Verma, then it was unfortunate. "I don't know why Verma was not asked to reply to the charges against him. I have very poor opinion of the CVC," he said. Senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan saw a conflict of interest in the role of the Prime Minister, who is part of the three-member committee that also has Leader of the Congress group in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and the CJI nominated representative Justice A.K. Sikri of the Supreme Court. --IANS aks/vsc/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CBI Director Alok Verma was on Thursday removed from the post after a 2-1 decision by the high-level Selection Committee, two days after the Supreme Court reinstated him with riders. The decision of the committee came after CJI nominee Justice A.K. Sikri of the Supreme Court sided with the government that Verma should be shunted out of the post on the basis of the findings of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), informed sources said. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Justice Sikri and Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, the other member of the committee who gave a dissent note and opposed the majority decision. Shortly after the meeting, Verma, whose tenure is to end this month-end, was appointed Director General, Fire Service. Verma, who was unceremoniously removed from the agency's helm on the midnight of October 23 after his fight with Special Director Rakesh Asthana became public, was reinstated on Tuesday by the apex court on the ground that the government cannot transfer or alter the terms of appointment of the CBI chief without going to the Selection Committee. The committee's members are the Prime Minister, leader of the largest opposition group and the Chief Justice of India. Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, who heard the case arising out of Verma's challenge against the government decision, nominated Justice Sikri as his nominee to attend the committee meeting. The Supreme Court, while reinstating Verma, had said that the committee should meet within a week and decide the issue afresh. Modi convened the meeting of the committee on Wednesday but Kharge sought the CVC report on the allegations against Verma and also time to study it. The committee met briefly and decided to meet on Thursday. --IANS aks-rak-ps/vsc/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Attacking the Modi government over the removal of CBI Director Alok Verma, the Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday said the "killing of the CBI" confirms that "there are skeletons in the cupboard" of the Prime Minister. "For the second time in two months, the CBI head is in police custody," AAP leader Manish Sisodia tweeted recalling the harassment faced by the Delhi ministers in the past by the CBI. AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj said there has been corruption charges against Modi over Rafale deal, and "he himself will decide who will probe the charges. Great. What was the PM Modi afraid of that he wanted CBI director Alok Verma removed at all costs? CBI was always a caged parrot but by killing it you have confirmed the fears that there are skeletons in your cupboard," he said. Party leader Pankaj Gupta also criticised the Centre's move. "Why is Modi scared of CBI Director Alok Verma? Why is the CBI Director being removed just 20 days prior to his retirement? Which investigation is Narendra Modi scared of? What scam of Narendra Modi will be revealed?" Gupta tweeted. A day after resuming duties, CBI Director Alok Verma was on Thursday unceremoniously removed from the post after a decision by the high-level selection committee, comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Justice Sikri and leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge. --IANS nks/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Chief Ministers of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan will sign an agreement for the Renukaji Multipurpose Dam Project here on Friday, which is being built to meet the drinking water needs of these states, the government said on Thursday. The agreement will be signed in the presence of Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari. The dam is conceptualised as a three-way project to be constructed along the Yamuna and two of its tributaries, the Tons and Giri. Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are the two states involved. The projects were conceived in 2008. Most of irrigation cost and the drinking water component of these projects will be funded by the central government. The six beneficiary states would chip in with 10 per cent of the expenditure. "The Renukaji Dam project has been conceived as a storage project on Giri River in Sirmour District of Himachal Pradesh. The project envisages construction of 148-metre high rock-filled dam for supplying 23 cubic metres per second water to Delhi and other basin states. "The project will also generate 40 megawatt of power during peak flow," the government said in a statement. "After the construction of the dam, the flow of river Giri will increase by about 110 per cent which will meet the drinking water needs of Delhi and other basin states up to some extent in the lean period," it added. Another agreement will be signed for construction of sewage system for areas in the city of Prayagraj (earlier Allahabad). The agreement will include two projects for sewage management and will be signed under the 'One City One Operator' concept' among U.P. Jal Nigam, National Mission for Clean Ganga and Prayagraj Water Pvt. Ltd. "The trans-Ganga/Yamuna areas in Prayagraj (Naini, Phaphamau & Jhunsi) currently do not have any sewage treatment facility and pollute Ganga and Yamuna. "Prayagraj town already has a comprehensive sewerage and sewage treatment facilities. However, these are with different operators and without long-term sustainable mechanism for Operation and Maintenance (O&M)," said the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. The government has sanctioned Rs 908.16 crore for the two projects, which will include construction of three sewage treatment plants of total capacity 72 million litres per day (MLD) (Naini: 42 MLD, Phaphamau: 14 MLD and Jhunsi: 16 MLD). -- IANS vn/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) on Thursday said it has seized 43 kg of heroin. During the operation, FSB officers detained active members of a cross-border criminal group while they were transferring drugs in a forest here, Xinhua news agency reported. The FSB said that through the operation, it curbed a channel for smuggling drugs from Central Asian countries to Russia. Those arrested belong to several countries. --IANS mag/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 17 journalists were killed and over 100 cases of violence against media workers reported in Afghanistan in 2018, one of the bloodiest years for the press in the war-torn country, a media watchdog said on Thursday. The Afghan Journalists Safety Committee in its annual report released in Kabul said the number of slain journalists was fewer than in 2017 when 20 deaths marked the deadliest year for media persons since the non-profit started tracking these incidents in 2013, reports Efe news. It said 15 journalists were injured last year and 121 cases of physical violence and intimidation were reported, including illegal detention, threats and insults. Of the 121 cases, 41 percent were carried out by the Taliban and the Islamic State militant groups, 27 percent by the people related to the government, 5 percent by owners of media outlets and the rest by unidentified people. At least 11 percent of the victims in such cases were women, the watchdog said. AJSC director Najib Sharifi told Efe that he was extremely concerned by the "deliberate and direct targeting" of journalists and media outlets. He said despite growing threats to journalists, most of the media houses were yet to employ sufficient security measures to protect their employees. "We ask the government to take serious security measures. We also call on owners of the media outlets to pay attention to the security of their journalists," Sharifi said. AJSC researcher Abdul Qadim Wiar said 2018 was more violent as compared to the past because the nature of the violence against journalists "changed completely." Sharifi pointed out that most of the deaths in 2018 occurred on April 30 when a double-suicide attack in Kabul - claimed by the Islamic State - killed nine journalists, including an AFP photojournalist. On the same day, an Afghan journalist working for BBC died in a shooting incident in southeast Afghanistan. Last week, an anti-terrorist trial court awarded death to one of the convicts and six and 30 years one to other two in the BBC journalist's murder. --IANS mr/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) British economist Lord Meghnad Desai on Thursday said the new Bill introduced by the Centre to provide 10 per cent reservation to general category poor in jobs and education is "principally correct" and claimed that the country should have gone for reservations based on economic criteria and not caste 50 years ago. "At last it has happened. We should always have economic criteria for reservations, but we have had caste criteria instead. Thus One's low caste has become one's pride. So they would vehemently resist anyone calling them anything but a low caste," Desai said on the sidelines of the 53rd convocation of Indian Statistical Institute here, where he was the chief guest. "It is too early to say whether the new reservation Bill will be economically sustainable. But the principle of the reservation is correct. The measure of reserving the economically weaker section is the principle that should have been taken 50 years ago," he said. Desai said the Mandal Commission, or the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission (SEBC), that recommended members of Other Backward Classes (OBC) be granted reservations to 27 per cent of jobs under the Central government and public sector undertakings, should not have taken place in the country. The economist claimed that India as a country should have taken steps to abolish caste system long ago, but instead it gave the system more prominence by introducing caste-based reservations. The Bill was on Thursday challenged in the Supreme Court on the grounds it breached the 50 per cent ceiling on quotas, barely a day after the measure secured parliamentary approval. --IANS mgr/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tata Motors-DVR is quoting at Rs 98, up 1.14% on the day as on 12:44 IST on the NSE. The stock is down 61.43% in last one year as compared to a 1.63% spurt in NIFTY and a 24.59% spurt in the Nifty Auto. Tata Motors-DVR is up for a fifth straight session in a row. The stock is quoting at Rs 98, up 1.14% on the day as on 12:44 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is down around 0.28% on the day, quoting at 10825.15. The Sensex is at 36132.62, down 0.22%. Tata Motors-DVR has risen around 14.09% in last one month. Meanwhile, Nifty Auto index of which Tata Motors-DVR is a constituent, has risen around 1.2% in last one month and is currently quoting at 8907.1, up 0.51% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 17.91 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 26.01 lakh shares in last one month. The benchmark January futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 98.6, up 1.13% on the day. Tata Motors-DVR is down 61.43% in last one year as compared to a 1.63% spurt in NIFTY and a 24.59% spurt in the Nifty Auto index. The PE of the stock is 26.35 based on TTM earnings ending September 18. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A meeting of steel users and steel producers especially from automotive sector held on Monday was chaired by Secretary Steel. He emphasized that the Government expects the domestic production of value added steel to rise in view of modernisation and expansion of integrated steel producers, level playing field now available to large MSMEs sector in India and likely investment by foreign steel producers. He said that with the level playing field being made available to the MSMEs, both users and producers will have an expanded value chain for their manufacturing activities. Secretary Steel said that collaboration between users and producers is the bedrock of development of domestic capability of value added steel. Secretary Steel emphasized on the need for setting up a forum with representatives from producers and end users so that future requirements of new product development and domestic potential are addressed and problems in existing products are resolved. He said that such meeting should be held on regularly. Secretary Steel further informed that Steel Research & Technology Mission of India, SRTMI, can support technological upgradation. Ministry of Steel welcomes suggestions for policy intervention in matters relating to production of quality steel which may be taken up with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). In order to cater to growing demand for quality products, Ministry of Steel, Government of India had earlier notified 53 products through quality control orders (QCO) to ensure that standards are maintained. Domestic manufacturers of these items have to obtain BIS certification mark licenses. The objective of QCOs is to help in building domestic capability by providing level playing field to all producers including MSMEs. Foreign suppliers willing to export these items to India are required to obtain BIS registration. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Threshold Limits for exemption from Registration and Payment of GST doubled, Composition Scheme limit increased to Rs 1.5 crore The GST Council in its 32nd Meeting held on 10 January 2019 under the Chairmanship of the Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley in New Delhi have taken the following major decisions to give relief to MSME (including Small Traders) among others: Increase in Turnover Limit for the existing Composition Scheme: The limit of Annual Turnover in the preceding Financial Year for availing Composition Scheme for Goods shall be increased to Rs 1.5 crore. Special category States would decide, within one week, about the Composition Limit in their respective States. Compliance Simplification: The compliance under Composition Scheme shall be simplified as now they would need to file one Annual Return but Payment of Taxes would remain Quarterly (along with a simple declaration). Higher Exemption Threshold Limit for Supplier of Goods: There would be two Threshold Limits for exemption from Registration and Payment of GST for the suppliers of Goods i.e. Rs 40 lakhs and Rs 20 lakhs. States would have an option to decide about one of the limits within a weeks' time. The Threshold for Registration for Service Providers would continue to be Rs 20 lakhs and in case of Special Category States at Rs 10 lakhs. Composition Scheme for Services: A Composition Scheme shall be made available for Suppliers of Services (or Mixed Suppliers) with a Tax Rate of 6% (3% CGST +3% SGST) having an Annual Turnover in the preceding Financial Year up to Rs 50 lakhs. The said Scheme Shall be applicable to both Service Providers as well as Suppliers of Goods and Services, who are not eligible for the presently available Composition Scheme for Goods. They would be liable to file one Annual Return with Quarterly Payment of Taxes (along with a Simple Declaration). Effective date: The decisions at Sl. No. 1 to 3 above shall be made operational from the 1st of April, 2019. Free Accounting and Billing Software shall be provided to Small Taxpayers by GSTN. Matters referred to Group of Ministers: a. A seven Member Group of Ministers shall be constituted to examine the proposal of giving a Composition Scheme to Boost the Residential Segment of the Real Estate Sector. b. A Group of Ministers shall be constituted to examine the GST Rate Structure on Lotteries. Revenue Mobilization for Natural Calamities: GST Council approved Levy of Cess on Intra-State Supply of Goods and Services within the State of Kerala at a rate not exceeding 1% for a period not exceeding 2 years. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley along with the Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh launched the induction of 15 Electric Vehicles in the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance in New Delhi today. Marking the adoption of e-mobility, the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India has signed an agreement with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), an entity under the Ministry of Power for deployment of 15 Electric Vehicles for their officers. Also, 28 charging points (24 Slow charging points charging in 6 hours and 4 Fast Charging Points charging in 90 minutes) have been installed at North Block for charging these vehicles. With the induction of these 15 vehicles being provided on lease basis for a period of 5 years, DEA is expected to save over 36,000 Litres of fuel every year besides leading to reduction of over 440 tonnes of CO2 annually. These vehicles are automatic and fully air-conditioned with zero emission. The Government will also save in maintenance and operating cost which is almost one fourth in comparison to an internal combustion engine. With this development, the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance begins its transition towards a reduced carbon footprint and a more environmentally sustainable future. It also marks its participation in India's e-mobility goal of 30 percent fleet electrification by 2030. Several stakeholders across the nation are already implementing many initiatives to support electric mobility with more expected to join the effort. The Department of Expenditure has also issued an office memorandum for all the Government Offices in Delhi to switch over to electric vehicles. Several stakeholders across the nation are already implementing many initiatives to support electric mobility with more expected to join the effort. Adoption of electric vehicles will reduce dependence on oil imports and promote power capacity addition in India thereby enhancing energy security of the country. It will further reduce GHG emissions from the transport sector and also positively impact the pollution level in the cities. Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley, said that Electric mobility, is an attractive, sustainable and profitable solution to mitigate adverse impact of climate change and the threat to public health caused especially by vehicular emission. He said that EVs have the potential to support India's growth by enhancing manufacturing, job creation, and technical capabilities. We are glad to be a part of India's mission of rapid adoption of e-mobility, he concluded. The Minister of State (I/C) Power, New & Renewable Energy, Shri RK Singh said that the Indian Government is committed to usher in an era of clean, green and future-oriented technologies in the country. Today, we have achieved yet another milestone in that direction. He said that the Government is promoting e-mobility by taking a lead in changing the fleet of cars used for official purposes with electric cars and at the same time creating the Right Policy Framework enabling this ecosystem and to support its adoption. EESL has received an encouraging response from the Central Government Departments and across the States. So far, Agreements and MoUs have been signed with the Central and State Government Departments in Delhi, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. EESL is in advanced negotiations with other State Governments across India. The recent Guidelines on charging infrastructure provide a thrust to Private & Public Charging Stations ensuring access & availability for consumers. Further, the inclusion of CCS & CHAdeMO under charging infra standards is set to encourage automakers to offer higher range EVs. This will remove barriers like range and build confidence for EV consumers. Towards enabling the Indian Government's e-mobility vision, EESL first plans to replace the Government's 5,00,000 conventional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars with electric variants. EESL has also established charging infrastructure across all the States where EVs are being deployed. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, highlighted the declining trend of export credit in recent months and suggested that banks may be asked to encourage flow of credit to the export sector particularly to MSMEs for generating more employment. The Commerce Minister also urged to make Input Tax Credit (ITC) refund online to ensure that the export refund is seamless and also transparent and accountable. Representatives of the export sector highlighted the problems of pre-import under advance authorisation and requested the Commerce Minister to bring the notification deleting the condition with retrospective effect. Suresh Prabhu asked DGFT and Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, to look into it so that genuine exporters are not harassed. Banking issues like caution listing of exporters, third party/ third country exports and list of items to be traded with Iran were also deliberated and Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, agreed to discuss such issues with banks in the meeting scheduled on22ndJanuary 2019. The industry acknowledged the support provided by the Government by extending Interest Equalisation Scheme to merchant exporters which will boost exports of MSME units. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Narendra Singh Tomar on Thursday said that the Parliament's Winter Session 2018 was "a successful session in terms of wide participation of all political parties" and the productivity of Lok Sabha was pegged at 47 per cent while that of the Rajya Sabha at 27 per cent, while five bills were passed. "The special achievement of this session of Parliament was that both the Houses passed the 124th Constitutional Amendment Bill. It has been a historical achievement. This was an aspiration of crores of underprivileged Indian citizens," said Minister Tomar. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel, also presented on the occasion, said: "The passing of the historic 124th Constitutional Amendment Bill is a proof of the fact that the government has been ready to discuss all issues of importance in the Parliament and pass important bills, provided that the government received support from all political parties." "The Parliament's Winter Session-2018 commenced on December 11, and the Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on January 8, which provided 17 sittings spread over a period of 29 days. Whereas, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die on January 9, which provided 18 sittings spread over a period of 30 days. The productivity of Lok Sabha was approximately 47 per cent and that of the Rajya Sabha was approximately 27 per cent," added Minister Tomar. During the session, as many as 17 Bills (12 in the Lok Sabha and five in the Rajya Sabha) were introduced. The Lok Sabha passed 14 bills and while the Rajya Sabha passed four Bills during the session. A total of five bills were passed by both the Houses of Parliament. The Lok Sabha also passed two important Bills, namely, the Aadhar and other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Three Bills replacing the Ordinances, namely, the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance, 2018, the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018, and The Companies (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018, which were promulgated by the President, were considered and passed by the Lok Sabha. The Bills are presently in the Rajya Sabha. The other major highlight of the Session was the passing of the Constitution (124 Amendment Bill, 2019) which will provide reservation in services and educational institutions for economically weaker sections in the general category. "The Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Central Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple (Disabilities) Amendment Bill, 2018; the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill, 2019 were passed by both the Houses of Parliament," said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tomar. In the Lok Sabha, short duration discussion under Rule 193 was held on Rafale deal. Another short duration discussion on natural calamities in various parts of the country, particularly in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Odisha with special reference to cyclones like Gaja, Titli, and so on was initiated in the Lok Sabha and remained inconclusive. Proclamation issued by President Ram Nath Kovind on December 19, 2018, under Article 356 of the Constitution in relation to the state of Jammu and Kashmir was discussed and adopted in the Lok Sabha on December 28 and in the Rajya Sabha on January 2-3 respectively. Four Pending Bills were withdrawn in the Rajya Sabha, namely, the Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill, 2013; the Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2005; the Homeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2005; and the Homeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2015. The Bill, as passed by the Lok Sabha and transmitted to the Rajya Sabha for its recommendation, is not likely to be returned to the Lok Sabha within the period of fourteen days from the date of its receipt in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill will be deemed to have been passed by both the Houses at the expiration of the said period in the form in which it was passed by the Lok Sabha under Clause (5) of Article 109 of the Constitution. BILLS INTRODUCED IN THE LOK SABHA * The Dam Safety Bill, 2018 * The Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2018 * The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2018 * The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 * The National Institute of Design (Amendment) Bill, 2018 * The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2018 * The Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial (Amendment) Bill, 2018 * The Appropriation (No. 6) Bill, 2018 * The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 * The Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill, 2019 * The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019 * The Constitution (One Hundred Twenty Four) Amendment Bill, 2019 BILLS INTRODUCED IN RAJYA SABHA * The Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2018 * The National Commission for Homeopathy Bill, 2019 * The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 * The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2019 * The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019 BILLS PASSED BY THE LOK SABHA * The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2018 * The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2018 * The Consumer Protection Bill, 2018 * The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Central Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple (Disabilities) Amendment Bill, 2018 * The Muslim Women (Protection on Marriage) Bill, 2018 * The Appropriation (No. 6) Bill, 2018 * The Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2018 * The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019 * The Aadhar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 * The New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill, 2019 * The Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 * The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 * The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 * The Constitution (One Hundred Twenty Four) Amendment Bill, 2019 BILLS PASSED BY THE RAJYA SABHA * The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Central Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple (Disabilities) Amendment Bill, 2018 * The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2019 * The National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill 2019 * The Constitution (One Hundred Twenty Four) Amendment Bill, 2019 BILLS PASSED BY BOTH THE HOUSES * The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Central Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple (Disabilities) Amendment Bill, 2018 * The Appropriation (No.6) Bill, 2018 * The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2019 * The National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill, 2019 * The Constitution (One Hundred Twenty Four) Amendment Bill, 2019 WITHDRAWN BILLS * The Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill, 2013 * The Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2005 * The Homeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2005 . (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States President Donald Trump on Thursday said that he would not attend the annual meeting of the Economic Forum (WEF), which is slated to be held in Davos later this month, if the US government continues to remain suspended. Trump, while talking to the press at the White House, informed that his trip to Davos in Switzerland is "still on" for now, but he "won't go" if the government shutdown continues ahead of January 21, according to The Hill. The annual Economic Forum meeting is scheduled to begin from January 22 and will continue till January 25. The US government shutdown reached an impasse after President Trump on Wednesday walked out of the negotiation meeting over wall funding with Congressional leaders, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer. "Just left a meeting with Chuck and Nancy, a total waste of time. I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works!," Trump tweeted. This comes a day after Trump, in his maiden address from the Oval office, reiterated his demand for USD 5.7 billion to fund a wall on the border with Mexico, asserting that the "growing crisis" of illegal immigration is hurting millions of Americans. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The world of internet is inhabited by creative geniuses who work tirelessly to keep the meme game strong and it seems that their recent inspiration is the freshly released trailer of Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt starrer 'Gully Boy.' The trailer of Zoya Akhtar directorial, which released on Tuesday, was praised by many. The Meme generators too appreciated the film's tagline and catchy takeaway lines from the trailer in their own fun way. Starting with the greatest meme-creator of them all, Mumbai Police took to their Twitter account to poke fun at Alia Bhatt's dialogue from the 2.42-minute-long-video. Alia Bhatt can be heard saying "Mar Jayega Tu" (You will die). Captioning the still from the trailer where Alia says the particular dialogue, the Mumbai Police tweeted, "When he argues to ride a motorcycle without wearing a helmet." A memer drew an on-point analogy between the emotions behind the tagline of the film, "Apna Time Aayega" (my time will come), to the feeling engineers get when they end up jobless after completing their education. With the Indian Premier League (IPL) season just around the corner, the dialogue was also used to take a jibe at Royal Challengers Bangalore's performance in League so far, and their dreams of winning the trophy. "Apna time aayega... RCB winning ipl trophy," the tweet read. Taking a dig at the content of Honey Singh's raps, a user Tweeted a still from the trailer where Ranveer Singh says "Ye dekh meri gaadi, mere joote, ye dekh daaru, chokri" (Look at my car, my shoes. Look at all this alcohol and this girl). "Yo Yo Honey Singh's entire career described in one line," the tweet read. Making fun of the striking similarity between Alia Bhatt's outfit in the film and Olenna Tyrell's get up in 'Game of Thrones' series, a memer posted a picture of Alia from the trailer and wrote, "Tell Cersei. I want her to know it was me." Going by all the memes out there, one can easily say that it is never a dull day in the meme world. The film is all set to hit the big screens on Valentine's Day, February 14. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Emerging technologies, their application and ability to disrupt the way things function are highly deliberated subjects today. How these trends will evolve in the coming year and how businesses can best tap this potential is the theme of Convergence India 2019 expo's 27th edition. The event will bring together the latest technology innovations and trends from telecom & mobile communication, internet of things, information technology & security, broadcast & digital media, mobile devices and accessories, as well as emerging technologies and enterprise solutions under one roof. The three-day exhibition and conference, to be held in New Delhi from 29-31 January 2019, will welcome 800+ exhibitors and 200+ speakers from 30+ countries. Over 25,000 trade visitors are expected, including key government officials, overseas representatives, and private players from the telecom and broadcast sectors, cable TV & satellite operators, system integrators, information and network security etc., resulting in tremendous activity, negotiations, intellectual discussions and much more. Co-located with the event will be the Internet of Things India 2019 expo and the Embedded Tech India 2019 expo, which will focus on technologies and developments in the space of cloud & big data, virtual & augmented reality, artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, application development, cloud services, M2M solutions, semiconductor manufacturing, energy & automation technology, smart cities etc. The three events together will provide a robust opportunity for professionals, digital innovators, international gurus, telecom and broadcasting czars, leaders from IT, Internet and IoT industries, to interact and do with each other. Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce & Industry, commented, "I am happy to learn that Exhibitions India Group, along with India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) as co-organiser, is hosting the 27th edition of Convergence India 2019 expo, the 3rd edition of Internet of Things India 2019 expo, and Embedded Tech India 2019 expo in New Delhi. Also, it is a pleasure to know that the expos will focus on the convergence of technologies across telecom, IT, broadcast and digital media sectors, and the fast growing IoT infrastructure in India. This will be a great opportunity for industry leaders and influencers to discuss the latest trends and disruptions impacting various industry verticals. I would like to congratulate the organisers for hosting these events, which continue to provide a remarkable opportunity to various stakeholders to come up with innovative solutions for India's growth in the future." "I am confident the expos will be immensely useful to further extend the impact of Digital India and Make in India campaigns globally and also enhance India's share of exports through trade in goods and services. The expos are bound to provide huge opportunities to exhibitors to promote Brand India, apart from exploring possibilities of entering into joint ventures and business collaborations," said Shri LC Goyal, CMD, ITPO. "Digital and telecommunications technologies are inevitably set to become the new norm across industries and sectors on a global front. From AI and automation, which are transforming the nature of work and delivering unprecedented levels of productivity, to AR and VR emerging as an advanced interface between machines and humans, we are on the cusp of a massive revolution. Adopting these technologies on a wide scale in our country will be the key to promoting Brand India globally and that is just what we aim to do through the Convergence India, Internet of Things India and Embedded Tech expos," said Shri Prem Behl, Chairman, Exhibitions India Group. Prem Behl further added, "As we get ready to host the 27th edition of Convergence India Expo, we also aim to help bolster the collaboration between companies and governments in order to achieve long-term success. The event this year will emphasise on showcasing the innovations that will power the next generation of industry and our economy, along with providing a conducive platform to facilitate an exchange of ideas and technologies for various stakeholders." Amongst the key attractions of the expo will be the Mobile & Accessories Pavilion which will showcase the potential of mobile devices & accessories ecosystem. The SATCOM Pavilion, on the other hand, shall exhibit the latest technologies in satellite and telecommunications, transmission systems & equipment, cabling systems, home systems & broadband, post production & new media, audio & radio displays, telecine & film etc. The Start-up Planet invites IoT start-ups to showcase future technology trends to be integrated into existing technologies that would result in a 'smarter' product or application. This will also be an open platform for entrepreneurs to interact with government representatives, corporate leaders, investors, and quality business visitors. The Embedded Tech India 2019 expo will showcase leading-edge products and solutions that empower smart products, smart home, smart industry and ultimately smart cities. The show will host a product line that uses microcontrollers, sensors, RF, motor-control, secure MCUs, and other solutions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The striking employees of the BEST on Thursday met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray at his residence with their demands. The key demands include provision for payment contract from 2016 and upgrading the salary slab, from Rs 6055 to Rs 7930, for junior grade employees who have been promoted to the master grade. Thackeray assured the striking employees of all the cooperation and asked them to continue their protest. He said he will take appropriate action to press for their demands which would end their woes. They alleged that they haven't got the bonus that they are entitled. They also claimed that the bonus that was given for the period 2016-17 has also been withdrawn with a salary deduction of Rs 500 every month. They further said that the bonus of Rs 5500, which is due for the year 2018, has also not been paid to them. The wives of the BEST employees met Raj Thackeray separately to ask for his support against a notice issued by the BEST management, asking the employees to vacate their government-provided accomodations if they do not call off their strike and return to work. Meanwhile, MNS Kamgaar Sena President, Manoj Chavan said, "If BMC BEST do not fulfil the demands of the striking employees then they will try to get it done in their own style. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday reviewed the progress of the War Memorial (NWM) being constructed at the India Gate, along with Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba and other senior officials. "The Defence Minister with Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee, senior hierarchy of the Defence Ministry and the forces reviewed the project. Progress is being closely monitored ever since the work began," Defence Ministry spokesperson tweeted. The NWM will be the first memorial to honour all the 26,000 martyrs of the defence forces who gave up their lives in different operations since independence. "The work at the site is in full swing and necessary actions are being taken to ensure that all obstacles are overcome and the memorial is ready by January 25 deadline," the officials said. Sitharaman has also formed an oversight committee to ensure that all the memorial related work is completed in time, the official stated. She holds a weekly review meeting to keep a close track on the project with senior officials of the ministry and the armed forces. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Delhi Minister Haroon Yusuf, Devender Yadav and Rajesh Lilothia were appointed as Working Presidents by party Chief Rahul Gandhi. Making the announcements at a press conference here, Congress general secretary in charge of Delhi P C Chako said 80-year-old Dikshit is quite healthy and there were no issues on that front. Addressing media after being appointed as Delhi Congress president, Dikshit said, "I feel honoured for that the party has given me this opportunity." Dikshit served as Delhi Chief Minister for three consecutive terms till 2013 before the Congress lost power. Maken, a 54-year-old former minister in Dikshit's Cabinet who stepped down as Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president on January 4, was among the first to congratulate Dikshit. "Congratulations to Sheila Dikshit ji for being appointed as Delhi Congress chief again. I had the privilege of working under her as her Political Secretary and Minister," he tweeted. He expressed confidence that under Dikshit's leadership, the Congress will act as a "potent opposition to Modi+Kejriwal governments". Maken served as the party unit head for about four years before resigning citing health grounds. The change of guard in Delhi Congress assumes significance as the party is gearing up to brighten its fortunes in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, considering that the BJP had bagged all the seven seats at stake in the capital in the last general elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Thursday fixed January 29 as the next date of hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute matter after Justice UU Lalit recused himself from hearing the case. A new bench will now be constituted. A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, and comprising of Justice SA Bobde, Justice NV Ramana, Justice UU Lalit and Justice DY Chandrachud, at the outset said that there will be no hearing in the case on Thursday adding that only date and schedule will be decided. Justice UU Lalit recused himself from hearing the case after advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for Muslim parties, pointed out that Justice Lalit had appeared for Kalyan Singh in a related case. However, Dhavan said that he was not requesting that Justice Lalit should recuse himself from hearing the case but was only bringing it to the notice of the apex court. "I am bringing it to Your Lordships' notice though we don't have objection to him hearing the matter. It is entirely up to your lordships," said Dhavan. Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for one of the Hindu parties, said that there was no problem if Justice Lalit continued to hear the matter but the latter recused from hearing the case. Dhavan also pointed out there were speculations as to what led to the setting up of a Constitution bench as a three-judge bench had on September 27 declined the same request. Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi clarified his order of setting up of Constitution bench to hear the case, saying the decision was taken at the administrative side. The bench in its order said that there are 120 issues framed by the Allahabad High Court, 88 witnesses, testimonies running into 13,886 pages, 257 other documents, High Court judgment into 4,304 printed pages and 8,533 typed pages, and original records lying in 15 sealed trunks in a locked room. The Supreme Court asked its registry to give a report on by January 29 when all the documents will be translated into English from Persian, Sanskrit, Arabic, Gurmukhi, Urdu and Hindi. "The Muslim side has been trying since the beginning to defer the case. There are more than 8,000 pages to be translated which I feel is not possible to do before January 29. It feels like the case will be deferred to another date in the next hearing," said Barun Sinha, a lawyer for the Akhil Bhartiya Mahasabha. The case has been pending before the apex court for last eight years. Parties in the case and various right-wing organisations have been asking for an early or day-to-day hearing for a long time. Last year, the top court had refused to grant an urgent hearing, saying the court had "other priorities" and posted the matter for hearing in the first week of January this year before the "appropriate bench". On the one hand, the Hindu Mahasabha's lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain said: "Muslim parties want to take up the matter in their own way. Now a new bench will be formed to hear the matter again on January 29". Sunni Waqf Board's advocate Anoop George pointed out, "The court will have to examine whether it is in the position to hear the case or not. The Constitution Bench is going to hear the matter. It has to see whether all the translations are complete". Two days back, Chief Justice Gogoi had set up a Constitution bench to hear the Ayodhya matter. However, former Chief Justice Dipak Misra had refused to refer the matter to the Constitution Bench and had said that the apex court would hear the issue purely as a "land dispute". There are as many as 14 appeals pending in the apex court against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgement, delivered in four civil suits. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court in its September 30, 2010, verdict ordered that the disputed site be divided into three parts -- one for deity (Ramlala Virajmaan), another for Nirmohi Akhara - a Hindu sect and a third one, to the original litigant in the case for the Muslims. Despite pressure from the NDA ally Shiv Sena and various other groups, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his interview to ANI last week had said that the central government is waiting for a legal resolution in the matter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Thursday opined that India is an aligned state based on issues. Speaking at a panel on the last day of the Raisana Dialogue, Gokhale stated, "India has moved on from its non-aligned past. India is today an aligned state - but based on issues." Furthermore, he asserted that India, as a country, is the most diverse in the world. "As the most diverse country on Earth, India will set an example to the world on the aspect of democracy," he added. Emphasising on the importance of humanities, Gokhale stated that a partnership between science and technology is important. "The couple of partnerships I am looking at, include the G20, the Indo-Pacific partnership, and - on a philosophical level - a partnership between science and technology. The humanities must return," added Gokhale. Gokhale also stressed the importance of India to join the bandwagon of rule makers. "It is time India became part of the rulemaking process. In the rules-based order, India would have a stronger position in multilateral institutions," he added. The Raisina Dialogue 2019, which was inaugurated by Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg, included 600 delegates from 92 countries participating in around 50 hours of debates and discussions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and union minister Dharmendra Pradhan gave a total of 1,06,619 offer letters for jobs in private sector to the youth at Global Skill Summit in Ranchi. Governor of Jharkhand Droupadi Murmu was the chief guest at this one day Global Skill Summit, 2019 which was also attended by Dr. Neera Yadav, Minister, Higher, Technical Education, and Skill Development Department, other senior officials of Jharkhand Government, industry leaders, international representatives from 17 countries were also present at the occasion attended by a large number of skilled youth who got job offers. Speaking at the event, Pradhan said, "India, with its pool of talented youth, has the potential to cater to the ever-growing demand for skilled manpower in the world. Jharkhand is a melting pot, with enormous potential in myriad sectors like manufacturing, tourism, services etc. The state is blessed with a demographic dividend and an abundance of natural resources. The Government's initiatives and programs have given wings to people's hard work and dreams. The government of Jharkhand deserves praise for its achievements in skilling the youth of the state and enabling their employment." Meanwhile, Das, stated, "Today, the Government of Jharkhand is empowering the youth by providing appropriate skills, making them future-ready. It will make young talent self-reliant. We thank the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship ably led by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan for providing opportunities to the youth for skill development and making available avenues of jobs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The are reportedly all set to kick start the award show without a host this year. Instead of a solo artist, the team of 2019 Academy Awards is planning to recruit multiple celebrities to present different portions of the show, Variety reports. However, since only six weeks are left until the show takes place, the producers of the prestigious award show are struggling to find A-list celebrities who are willing to host the star-studded night. This comes weeks after American actor-comedian Kevin Hart was announced as the host of the 2019 award ceremony, only to pull out of the show later. The 'Central Intelligence' actor stepped down from hosting after his tweets from 2009-2011 containing derogatory language resurfaced. Hart, in his tweets, had made disparaging comments about sexuality. Shortly after his "Homophobic" tweets went viral, the Academy, offering an ultimatum to the actor, asked him to issue an official statement apologising for his remarks. Hart, however, refused to apologise for his past comments and quit the award show. Indian Army on Wednesday rescued over 150 stranded tourists amidst heavy snowfall in North Sikkim. The army had to intervene after unprecedented snowfall in a span of two hours cut off the popular tourist destinations in Lachung Valley, rendering the tourists helpless The stranded tourists were provided with food, shelter and medical care at the army camp, remarked Col SJ Tiwari. "One lady with fractured hand was given immediate medical care amongst many others who complained of dizziness, breathlessness and other high altitude related symptoms", informed the Army in a press release. On 28 December 2018, Indian Army had evacuated over 3000 stranded tourists from Natula area in a major rescue operation carried out in Sikkim. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In what comes as another case of administrative apathy, a woman in Uttar Pradesh's Gonda district gave birth to her baby on the floor of a Community Health Centre (CHC) due to the non-availability of doctors. The woman delivered the baby near a heap of garbage after a couple of females, present in the vicinity, spread the sheet on the floor of the CHC. Speaking to media, Dr Ratan Kumar, Additional Director of Health, said that strict action would be taken against the employees who are found guilty. "A probe will be conducted into the matter," added Dr Kumar. According to the World Health Organisation, at least five women die of complications related to pregnancy or childbirth every hour in India. Nearly 45,000 women die due to childbirth-related causes every year in India. According to official details, India has one doctor for every 1,668 people. Nearly eight lakh doctors across the country were estimated to be in active service in 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "I'm so grateful for my family," said American actor Nicole Kidman. During an interview with People Magazine, Kidman opened up about her relationship with husband Keith Urban and their children. The duo is devoted to their daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret, and to their quiet life in Nashville far from the Hollywood spotlight. "My roots are deeply embedded in Nashville," said the 'Destroyer' star. Talking about her husband, Kidman also said that she is deeply grateful for her close bond with Urban and finds comfort in knowing they can navigate life's trials as a team. When Urban, who is sober and has spoken publicly about his past addiction issues, entered rehab shortly after their 2006 wedding, Kidman stood by him. Likewise, Urban was also there for Kidman during her darkest times. "Real love happens when human beings come together if they're going to, in a far deeper way. You're then having to work together, and the 'together' is what it's about. Keith and I talk about that because that ultimately is the definition of marriage and union and commitment," Kidman added. After a two year of the relationship, the stars got married in Australia and have since settled in Nashville. Prior to Keith Urban, the 'Big Little Lies' star was married to Tom Cruise and was in relationships with Tom Burlinson and Marcus Graham. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nicolas Maduro was once again sworn in as Venezuela's President for a second term, from 2019 to 2025, here on Thursday. Sputnik reported that the swearing-in ceremony took place inside the Supreme Court of Venezuela under Article 231 of the Venezuelan Constitution, as the National Assembly or the Parliament, which is controlled by the opposition, has been excluded from participating in the country's Last year, many states had dubbed the Venezuelan presidential elections held in May as 'illegitimate'. Earlier in the day, spokeswoman for European Union foreign policy Federica Mogherini asserted that the EU and its member states would not send representatives to the inauguration of Venezuelan President. A press statement released by the US State Department further condemned Maduro's illegitimate usurpation of power on Thursday, following the allegedly unfree and unfair elections he imposed on the Venezuelan people on May 20, 2018. "The United States remains steadfast in its support of the Venezuelan people and will continue to use the full weight of U.S. economic and diplomatic power to press for the restoration of Venezuelan democracy, the statement read. "Today, we reiterate our support for Venezuela's National Assembly, the only legitimate branch of government duly elected by the Venezuelan people. It is time for Venezuela to begin a transitional process that can restore the constitutional, democratic order by holding free and fair elections that respect the will of the Venezuelan people," the statement added. The US also took aggressive action against the Maduro regime and its enablers. On January 8, it imposed sanctions on seven individuals and 23 entities involved in a corruption scheme to exploit Venezuela's currency exchange practices. "We applaud the initiative by the new National Assembly leadership to work with the international community to recover these and other stolen funds and to use them to relieve the suffering of Venezuela's people. The United States will continue to play an active role towards this end," the statement further noted. "We also have implemented and will continue to impose visa revocations and other restrictions for current and former Venezuelan government officials and their family members believed to be responsible for or complicit in human rights abuses, acts of public corruption, and the undermining of democratic governance. We will not allow them to act without consequence or enjoy their ill-gotten gains in the United States - and urge other countries to act likewise," the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday issued a notice to Rahul Gandhi for allegedly making sexist remarks against Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament. NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma told ANI: "In the Congress party where women are the strongest including great leaders like Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, we don't expect such sexist remarks from him. He has to say sorry for his remarks against our Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman." "We have asked for an explanation from Rahul Gandhi for why he said and what he said on Wednesday in two Tweets. The statement was pathetic, sexist and misogynistic. That is why we have sent him a notice," Sharma further added. NCW chairperson said: "Rahul Gandhi has to explain what he means when he is trying to talk low of women," adding that "I do not understand Rahul's statement regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well where the Congress party chief tells PM-'Be a man." Gandhi scion is facing backlash for ridiculing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the latter could not "even come to Parliament for a minute to respond to questions posed on the Rafale deal and asked a lady (Nirmala Sitharaman) to save him (Ek Mahila Say Kaha Meri Raksha Kijiye)." Gandhi had tweeted on Wednesday "With all due respect Modi Ji, in our culture respect for women begins at home. Stop shaking. Be a man and answer my question: Did the Air Force and Defence Ministry object when you bypassed the original Rafale deal? Yes? Or No? #RafaleScam" In the notice, NCW stated: "The remarks made are extremely misogynistic, offensive, and unethical and shows an extreme disrespect towards the dignity and honour of women in general." "Whereas the Commission strongly condemns such irresponsible and discouraging views of persons holding responsible positions. Considering the gravity of the matter, you are hereby required to provide a satisfactory explanation to the Commission on the matter on the receipt of this notice," wrote Barnali Shome, Under Secretary, NCW, in the notice. Soon after NCW chairperson Sharma's tweet, the spokesperson of Congress Priyanka Chaturvedi came forward for Rahul's rescue and slammed NCW chairperson for targeting her leader and not taking action in Unnao and Kathua rape cases. "Madam I wish you figured the duties that come with your JOB-Where were you When Unnao and Kathua happened? Increased violence against women since 2014? Prime Minister's Narendra Modi words like Congress ki vidhwa, supnakha? A misogynistic comment a day that came from BJP leaders? Then, the silence was golden?" she tweeted. On her part, Sharma asked Priyanka to brush her knowledge and wrote on Twitter; "Try harder. You surely need to brush your knowledge about NCW and it is mandated. Unnao and Kathua were NCPCR matters as both involved minors." On this Priyanka wrote: "Your job is to take action not talk and pay lip service to women's issues. Waiting for you to send a notice to the Prime Minister for Supnakha and Congress ki Vidhwa. In case you haven't seen the video or read the news will share! If you don't you will prove that you are merely a political appointee." "I know that's your prerogative...I mean talk and pay lip service on any issue...take care and good buy," Sharma replied in her tweet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress leader Anand Sharma on Thursday said that the notice issued by the Commission for Women (NCW) to Congress president Rahul Gandhi was a politically motivated move and accused that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has himself "dragged the Indian political discourse to a gutter level". "It (NCW notice) is politically motivated. There should have been a number of notices sent for the Prime Minister and (BJP president) Amit Shah. Does Shushma Swaraj have the guts to criticise the Prime Minister for lowering the dignity of his own office repeatedly? It is the Prime Minister who has lowered the political discourse to a gutter level," said Sharma while addressing media here. "It is not true that Rahul Gandhi ji has downgraded the standard of political debates, the reality is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was using Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley as a shield. If he really has the courage and stands for the truth, he should have come to the Parliament himself," added Sharma. While saying that the Prime Minister was himself responsible for lowering the standards of political debate in the country, the former Union Minister of Commerce said, "Ever since he was the Gujarat Chief Minister and even today, the kind of language he has used, he has had no regard for his position, neither has he any decency. During the rallies for the recently concluded elections, what kind of words did he use against Sonia Gandhi ji". Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi also echoed similar comments, saying that the BJP was responsible for lowering the standards of political debates. "If there is a political party that has lowered the standards of the political discourse, it is the BJP, and it started with Narendra Modi ji. He has used words like 'the Congress widow', the 'Rs 50 crore girlfriend', 'Itlaian cow', etc, I think Sushma Swaraj ji should criticise him (PM Modi) for using words like these," Chaturvedi said. She further led a scathing attack on NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma. "I want to ask one thing from the NCW chairperson, the responsibility she has been given is not a political responsibility, it is a responsibility towards the women of the country, so why was she quiet when female journalists were being called prostitutes? Why was she quiet when cases like Kathua and Unnao were coming? This notice shows that she is fulfilling her political responsibility rather than fulfilling constitutional responsibility," Chaturvedi added. Earlier today, the NCW issued a notice against Rahul Gandhi for allegedly making sexist remarks against Sitharaman in Parliament. The Gandhi scion had ridiculed the Prime Minister, saying that he could not "even come to Parliament for a minute to respond to questions posed on the Rafale deal and asked a lady (Nirmala Sitharaman) to save him. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Thursday called for a second meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump, even as talks between the two countries remained at standstill over Pyongyang's "slow" progress of denuclearisation. Moon also spoke of Kim's proposed visit to Seoul, which was supposed to take place in December, but got shelved off due to unknown reasons. He believed that Kim's visit and the second meeting between the North Korean leader and Trump will "firmly solidify peace" in the Korean Peninsula. "The second North Korea-United States summit that will take place soon and a reciprocal visit to Seoul by Chairman Kim Jong-un of North Korea will be other turning points that will firmly solidify peace in the Korean Peninsula," Moon was quoted by CNN as saying. "We will not loosen our guard until the promise to denuclearise the Peninsula is kept, and peace is fully institutionalised," he added. Moon said that the "path toward peace in the Korean Peninsula still continues to expand even at this moment, and it will speed up even more this year." The South Korean President's comments came after Kim paid an unannounced three-day visit to Beijing, where he held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Although, the details of the meeting were not disclosed, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the two nations were making "joint efforts to uphold peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula." Trump and Kim had met for the very first time in Singapore in June last year, where the two leaders agreed to take steps to ensure the communist country's complete dismantling of nuclear weapons programme and achieving denuclearisation. Earlier this week, Trump said the US is mulling over a location to conduct the second meeting with Kim, adding that the latter spoke to him "indirectly." He reaffirmed that relations with North Korea were progressing at a good pace. Even though engagements between Washington and Pyongyang reached new heights in 2018 with the unprecedented first meeting between the US President and Kim, the last few months of the year saw a stalemate in relations. North Korea, on the one hand, has asked for corresponding measures by the US for its efforts towards denuclearisation. The US, on the other hand, has pushed for complete denuclearisation before a relaxation in sanctions. Kim, in his New Year's speech, threatened that his country would have to "seek a new way" if the US "does not make good on its promises" with regard to denuclearisation and continued with its sanctions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Coal India Limited (CIL) till Wednesday has pumped out 2880000 litres of water as part of the ongoing operations to rescue the miners who have been trapped in a mine near East Jaintia Hills since December 13. CIL will insert one more submersible pump in the shaft for pumping out water, which was previously done by Odisha's fire service. The Odisha fire service is helping to deliver the water from the temporary pitch to the stream using 5 pumps. Indian Navy divers have also put down Under Water Remotely Operating Vehicle(UWROV) and work is in progress since January 8. Multiple agencies are involved in the operation which is underway to rescue the miners trapped in a mine at Ksan near Lytein River in East Jaintia Hills. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The West Bengal government has walked out of the Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee saying she won't let tax payers' money to be spent on the programme. Addressing a rally in Nadia district on Thursday, chief minister Mamata Banerjee said the state government would no longer contribute funds for the scheme, which according to her was a political gimmick. The Ayushman Bharat scheme was merged with Bengal's Swasthya Sathi health scheme under which the state government provided 40 per cent of the total cost. "Why should we contribute to the scheme if Prime Minister Narendra Modi's face is on the letterhead with a picture of lotus, instead of the symbol of the Indian government," Banerjee said. She said the state funds needed for the scheme came from the tax payers' money and she wouldn't allow it to be spent for a central scheme. With this move, Bengal became the sixth state to opt out of the scheme claiming it had better healthcare for the people. The others are Telangana, Odisha, Delhi, Kerala and Punjab, all having non-BJP governments. She added her government was taking care of people's health in the state. The Swasthya Saathi scheme, which has been running in Bengal since 2017, provides paperless, cashless and smartcard-based facilities to its citizens. Basic health cover for secondary and tertiary care up to Rs 1.5 lakh a year through insurance is provided under the scheme. The Ayushman Bharat health scheme, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 28 from Ranchi, plans to cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families which approximately comes to 50 crore beneficiaries. Under the scheme, each family will get health coverage of up to 5 lakh rupees for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. The scheme replaced the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana and the Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme. Mamata said the Centre's interference in the state's affairs was an emerging trend. "They finished the CBI, the RBI, the banks and were promoting the loot culture," she added. She had recently announced that the state government would bear the entire 100 per cent of the crop insurance to farmers to prevent the Centre from taking credit for the state's crop insurance scheme by bearing 20 per cent of the cost. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held talks with Egyptian leaders in Cairo on Thursday as he continued a nine-nation Mideast tour aimed at reassuring America's Arab partners that the Trump administration is not walking away from the region and will maintain pressure on Iran. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, left, shakes hands with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry following their meeting, at the ministry of foreign affairs in Cairo, Egypt, Thursday, January 10, 2019. [Photo: AP] Amid confusion and concern over plans to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria, Pompeo met with Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry to discuss security and economic cooperation. He was later to deliver a speech on the administration's broader Mideast objectives focused on combatting threats from Iran. Pompeo said on Twitter that his meeting with el-Sissi had been "productive." He added that "the U.S. stands firmly with Egypt in its commitments to protecting religious freedom and in the fight against terrorism that threatens all of our friends in the Middle East." At a brief news conference with Shoukry, Pompeo said "the United States will remain a steadfast partner in the region for Egypt and others" while also also urging the countries of the region to recognize and fight back against Iranian aggression. He termed Iran "greatest threat of all in the Middle East." President Donald Trump has boasted of his close relationship with el-Sissi, a former general who has been criticized for his human rights record and democratic shortcomings. The Trump administration has resumed weapons sales to Egypt that has been suspended over human rights concerns, including the jailing of several American citizens on what U.S. officials say are false charges. Pompeo said he raised human rights with both el-Sissi and Shoukry and reminded them that "open and honest public debates are a hallmark of a thriving society." He said he discussed a "panoply" of rights concerns, including the detention of political prisoners but gave no specifics. Shortly before Pompeo arrived, the State Department noted improvements in the country's human rights record. In a two-page fact sheet it said Washington welcomed the recent acquittal of employees of American civil society groups who had been "wrongly convicted of improperly operating in Egypt" and said the U.S. supports el-Sissi's pledges "to amend Egyptian law to prevent future miscarriages of justice." On Wednesday, however, an Egyptian court sentenced a leading activist behind the country's 2011 uprising to 15 years in prison after convicting him of taking part in clashes between protesters and security forces later that year. The statement went on to laud Egypt for its "vital role" in regional security and stability and lauded el-Sissi for being "a steadfast partner in the anti-terror fight and a courageous voice in denouncing the radical Islamist ideology that fuels it." In his speech at the American University of Cairo entitled "A Force for Good: America's Reinvigorated Role in the Middle East," Pompeo was to extol the Trump administration's actions in the region, including taking on the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria and imposing tough new sanctions on Iran. "In just 24 months, the United States under President Trump has reasserted its traditional role as a force for good in this region, because we've learned from our mistakes," he was to say, according to excerpts released by the State Department. "We have rediscovered our voice. We have rebuilt our relationships. We have rejected false overtures from enemies." Since withdrawing from the landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran last year, the administration has steadily ratcheted up pressure on Tehran and routinely accuses the nation of being the most destabilizing influence in the region. It has vowed to increase the pressure until Iran halts what U.S. officials describe as its "malign activities" throughout the Mideast and elsewhere, including support for rebels in Yemen, anti-Israel groups and Syrian President Bashar Assad. "The nations of the Middle East will never enjoy security, achieve economic stability, or advance the dreams of its peoples if Iran's revolutionary regime persists on its current course," Pompeo was to say in his speech, according to the excerpts. Pompeo also rejected suggestions that Trump's decision to withdraw from Syria signaled a U.S. retreat from the fight against the Islamic State group and maintained that differences with Turkey over the status of U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces that the Turks deem as terrorists could be overcome. He said the "crushing campaign" against IS would continue even without American forces in Syria and said consultations with Turkey over the Kurds were continuing. He did not elaborate. Pompeo arrived in Egypt after stops in Jordan and Iraq where he sought to assure leaders about the Syria withdrawal. From Egypt, Pompeo will travel to the Gulf Arab states of Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait to press the case. Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Member of the Malaysian Parliament and leader of the Parti Keadilan Rakyar, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Thursday. The two leaders held talks on a number of issues of mutual interest. "I am pleased by the meeting with Prime Minister Modi as we discussed several issues. I expressed my appreciation to PM Modi for giving the (Malaysian) opposition parties a chance to participate in the Raisina Dialogue," he said after the meeting. Ibrahim further said Malaysia is keen to enhance bilateral relations with India in the field of education, investment and culture. He noted that the two countries share the same concerns which call for extending collaboration in the security domain. On the issue of the Indian government's request to extradite controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, Ibrahim asked for providing more documents before he could be handed over to India. "I made it clear to PM Modi that terrorism will not be supported by us. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is looking into the matter. We will look positively at the Indian request and will decide," said Ibrahim who is on a five-day visit to India. Naik is facing probe both in India and Bangladesh after two suspects in the terror attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka in July 2016, which left 22 dead and several others injured, claimed that they were inspired by Naik's radical preaching. The two were also staunch followers of Naik on Facebook and on the Peace Television Channel. The 52-year-old currently holds a permanent residence status in Malaysia, which was confirmed last year by then Malaysian deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Noting the comprehensive relations between India and Nepal, Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali on Thursday expressed hope that Kathmandu would move forward with New Delhi together to take the existing bilateral relations to greater heights. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2019 here, Gyawali said: "India and Nepal relations have been comprehensive. India is our biggest trading partner. We are connected by geography, history, religion, and cultures. Apart from the implementation of all agreements, we hope to move forward together with India, in strength and take our existing bilateral relations to newer heights." He further said that India and Nepal could work together towards common progress and prosperity, better physical connectivity and greater people-to-people connection. Talking about the existing order, Gyawali elaborated, "There is uncertainty because the existing order stands challenged and the new order is yet to be established; because old alignments are fading and new ones are not enough; because there is growing skepticism in terms of tenacity." "We consistently demand the creation of a level playing field for an enabling environment for all to prosper and growing economic disparity to be addressed. We continue to voice that no country should be left behind in the path to prosperity. In today's geopolitics, economy lies at the heart. It is less of an ideological divide and more of who gains from what kind of economic arrangements," he added. The Nepali Foreign Minister underscored that globalisation is one of the attributes challenging the old world order, adding "free flow of people gets hampered as restrictions continue and are reinforced." Claiming that Nepal has no ill-feeling against any country, Gyawali said his country is following an independent foreign policy. "Our people are peace-loving and we are not part of any military alliance," he added. Gyawali criticised the US's protectionist policies now, saying the once proponents of globalization has now become its opponents. He also criticised the Donald Trump Administration's decision to back off from the Paris Agreement when climate change has become a serious danger to many of the countries. He said Nepal is worried at "the uncertain world" in future as at contest are the economies of nations, with the zero some game hurting us all, especially poor economies like that of his country. Gyawali also said that his country would work together with India to strengthen SAARC and BBIN. Over 1,800 participants, including more than 600 delegates and speakers from 92 countries, are taking part in the three-day long Raisina Dialogue conclave, organised jointly by the Ministry of External Affairs and Observer Research Foundation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who was in China for a state visit, reaffirmed his commitment to the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. Citing Xinhua, Yonhap reported that Kim Jong-un during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday vowed to have productive talks during his second summit with United States President Donald Trump. "The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will continue sticking to the stance of denuclearization and resolving the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue and consultation, and make efforts for the second summit between DPRK and U.S. leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community," Xinhua quoted Kim as saying during talks with Xi. The North Korean leader was in China for a four-day state visit, marking his fourth visit to the South-Asian nation in about 10 months. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Noted Bollywood actor-turned-politician Prakash Raj on Thursday said that he was not joining the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), thus putting to rest all speculations about him joining Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's political bandwagon. Raj, who met Chief Minister Kejriwal here on Thursday, said: "Arvind Kejriwal and AAP are unconditionally supporting my candidature as an independent candidate from Bengaluru central Lok Sabha constituency." "It is so nice of AAP for supporting me, without even forcing me to join the party," said Raj. "So I wanted to meet Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal because they have given unconditional support to my candidature as an independent," said Raj while talking to media persons after meeting the Delhi Chief Minister. Appreciating the work done by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister Manish Sisodia in the field of education, he said: "As an urban constituency contestant, I really respect, appreciate and am inspired by the work they have done in schools and health department." The actor defended the Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his alleged misogynist remark against Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. "He is not against women if he can appoint a transgender person on an important position. Why do you want to look at his statement only in that way? Isn't it true that PM Modi has not answered and not been to the Parliament (during debate on Rafale)? We should look at that too," added Raj. Congress president Rahul Gandhi at a rally in Jaipur in Rajasthan on Wednesday had said that PM Modi had a 'Mahila' (Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman) to defend him during the debate over the Rafale deal in the Parliament, following which he faced a lot of criticism. On the issue of 10 per cent reservation to the poor in the general category in government jobs and academic institutions, Raj said: "There are only two castes in the country-one is poor and the other is rich." "But the present Central government's decision of giving reservation at the end of the tenure is a 'jumla' (false promise). They have promised so many things, but they have not delivered. We need to raise the standard of people's life. We welcome the reservation decision of the government but we doubt this party, and the quota decision may just be a political stunt," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Minutes after Kashmiri IAS officer Shah Faesal stepped down from the government service on Wednesday citing "unabated killings" in the valley and lack of sincere reach-out from the Union government, Conference (NC) vice-president and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah welcomed him to the fold of calling it a "loss to bureaucracy and gain to politics". "The bureaucracy's loss is politics' gain. Welcome to the fold," tweeted Omar Abdullah. Following Abdullah's tweet, speculation started doing rounds that Faesal might join the NC. To quench the curiosity, the social media friendly leader Abdullah once again tweeted clarifying, "Actually I welcomed him to the fold of politicians. His future political plans are his to announce". Faesal, who joined the service in 2010, announced his resignation in his Facebook post on Wednesday saying he will share his future plans on Friday. "The Modi govt's hate-ridden has trickled into the bureaucracy and left a sour taste in their mouths. IAS topper Shah Faesal quit his position citing growing hatred, marginalisation of Muslims and unabated killings in Kashmir," Congress said on Twitter while responding to his resignation on Thursday. Meanwhile, Congress leader P Chidambaram also took to Twitter and said: "Though sad, I salute Mr @shahfaesal IAS (now resigned). Every word of his statement is true and is an indictment of the BJP government. The world will take note of his cry of anguish and defiance". The 35-year-old alleged "insidious attacks on the special identity of the Jammu and Kashmir and growing culture of intolerance and hate in the mainland India in the name of hypernationalism." In his post, Faesal said he decided to resign from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) "To protest against the unabated killings in Kashmir, and lack of any sincere reach-out from the Union Government; the marginalization and invisibilization of around 200 million Indian Muslims at the hands of Hindutva forces reducing them to second-class citizens". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israel's new Ambassador to India, Dr Ron Malka on Thursday presented the 'Letter of Credence' to President of India Ram Nath Kovind here on Thursday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. "I am honoured and privileged to be given this opportunity of taking the Growing Partnership between our countries forward. Our true friendship is based on our shared values as prominent ancient civilizations in the past and leading democracies in the present," Ambassador Malka was quoted as saying in an official statement of the President's Secretariat. "This month, January 2019, marks 27 years of diplomatic relations between India and Israel. Our countries are strategic partners working together to achieve prosperity, security, and peace," he further said. On Indo-Israeli cooperation, Ambassador Malka added: "We are all part of the vision to double the farmers' income within a few years. From security to food security, from education to innovation, I will make sure we do more in the areas of agriculture, water, defence, cybersecurity." "I look forward to working closely with the people of India and the Government of India. I am sure that our close existing cooperation in every field will only continue to grow and flourish in the coming years," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Afghanistan's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah has ruled out prospects of a caretaker government in Afghanistan, underlining that such a decision is not in the interests of the country. He said that there would be no interim administration since it is against the interests of the people of Afghanistan, while adding that the current government will complete its full tenure before the presidential elections later this year, TOLOnews reported. Slamming the Taliban for not attending the peace talks despite repeated requests, Abdullah underlined that the group can only participate in the negotiations under the umbrella of the Afghan government. "The Taliban are continuing the war under the pretext of the foreign troops' presence and as an excuse for not attending peace talks with the Afghan government," Abdullah was quoted by TOLOnews as saying. He urged the group to endorse the country's constitution and hold talks within the framework of the Afghan government. "They (Taliban) say that they do not want to talk with the Afghan government, yet they have accepted committing unforgivable crimes," said Abdullah. The comments by Abdullah assumes significance as Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad is on a two-week multi-nation trip to India, China, Afghanistan and Pakistan from January 8 to 21 for facilitating an Afghan peace process. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Outlining that the Chinese Navy added 80 warships in last five years, Indian Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba on Wednesday raised concerns over growing might of China in the sea-warfare, while terming it "a force which is here to stay". Addressing an interactive session at Raisina Dialogue, Admiral Lanba said, "No doubt China is spending a huge sum of money to develop their military capability. In my opinion, no Navy has grown so rapidly in the last 200 years as the Chinese Navy. They have added 80 new ships in the last five years. Chinese Navy is a force and it is a force which is here to stay." He also emphasised over the increased and continuous presence of Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean and added, "Since 2008 there has been a permanent presence of the Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean region in the form of an anti-piracy escort force. At any given time there are 6-8 Chinese Navy ships in the northern part of the Indian Ocean." Talking further about the Chinese overseas facility at Djibouti, Lanba also questioned the role of submarines for anti-piracy operations. "Two years ago, they commissioned their 1st overseas facility in Djibouti and stated that aim of this is to protect their trade flowing through this area. They have deployed submarines for anti-piracy operation which is the most unlikely platform to be used for this role," said the Indian Navy chief. In December last year, Admiral Lanba had informed that necessary steps are being taken to increase security in the Indian Ocean region. He had said that the process of information sharing among the countries concerned has been accorded renewed impetus at the highest level to enhance collective maritime security in the Indian Ocean region (IOR). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Contentious issues between India and Pakistan can be resolved through dialogue and negotiations, Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said here on Thursday. "Problems between India and Pakistan will be solved through dialogues, negotiations, and understanding. We have a common commitment and resolve against any type of terrorist activities across the world. So I believe that the present dilemma will be solved soon," Gyawali told ANI. Speaking on the ban of Indian currency notes in Nepal, the Foreign Minister stated that talks are still going on between the Nepali banks and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). "The notes have not been banned. We have requested India that it should give us an assurance that the new notes of Rs 200, Rs 500 and Rs 2000 will be exchanged later so that nobody can feel any inconvenience in the near future," Gyawali clarified. "We still have a small amount of demonetised currency with us. We have even requested Indian government to reconsider it to exchange the notes and settle that problem," he added. Addressing the press on the second day of the Raisina Dialogue 2019, the Foreign Minister assured attendance at the 20th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) meeting, slated to be held in Sri Lanka this year, after the previous meeting that was scheduled to take place in Pakistan was boycotted by all SAARC members. "Though the SAARC summit has been postponed since 2016, other mechanisms of SAARC are still active. Recently, we celebrated the SAARC Saturday and all the heads of government formed strong commitments to the SAARC process. Therefore, I am confident that the present dilemma of SAARC will be settled soon," the Foreign Minister said while noting that SAARC is an important and a common platform for billions of South Asian people to tackle their problems. "So we are optimistic," the Foreign Minister added. Gyawali also addressed the problem of cattle smuggling on the India-Nepal border and said the Nepal government is trying its best to settle the issue with India. Speaking on the rising infrastructure developments in Nepal, the Foreign Minister said that the Nepal earthquake reconstruction program is moving ahead smoothly. "We lost around 800 thousand households. Out of them, 45 per cent have already been completed, while approximately 33 per cent is about to be completed," Gyawali noted. "By this year, the personal households will be reconstructed and all vacant will go back to their home. Heritage sites are also under construction. We are now focusing in the area of school buildings, hospitals, and health centers. We have planned to complete all our reconstruction process within two years from now," he added. Gyawali addressed the Raisana Dialogue in the capital on Thursday. Moreover, he is scheduled to meet high-level officials of the Indian government before returning to Kathmandu on January 11. Earlier in the day, Gyawali met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue, which bears the theme of -- "A world re-order: new geometrics, fluid partnerships, and uncertain outcomes." A release by the Ministry of External Affairs said that the two ministers reviewed recent developments in bilateral ties across diverse sectors, including progress achieved on the three transformative initiatives launched in 2018 in the areas of agriculture, railways and inland waterways as well as the pace of implementation of ongoing bilateral development and connectivity projects. They expressed satisfaction at the significant progress made in different sectors of cooperation as a result of intensified bilateral exchanges at all levels in recent months. The two leaders also reiterated their commitment to maintain the new momentum and to further strengthen the traditionally close and friendly ties between the two countries. Gyawali even extended an invitation to Swaraj to visit Nepal to co-chair the next meeting of the Joint Commission, which was accepted by the Indian External Affairs Minister. The two ministers decided to hold the next meeting of the Joint Commission at an early date, the statement read. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The central government intends to make CBI Director Alok Verma ineffective in order to hide their wrongdoings and is in a "tearing hurry" to replace him, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said on Thursday. "The government is brazening it out, the Prime Minister is arrogant, he will never apologise for wrong deeds, he thinks he is not accountable either to the Parliament or to the law of the land. But after that, why is there panic in the government? What is the Prime Minister worried about? What is that he does not want the CBI to look into? There is something, the manner of removal, midnight raids, change of security agency from the CISF to the Delhi Police, the CVC personally going there at midnight; that has to be investigated", Sharma said while addressing the media. "It is clear that the Prime Minister is in a tearing hurry pushing the high-level committee that he chairs, to look for a successor, giving the message that although the Supreme Court has restored the CBI Director to his position, he will not be allowed to function, they will appoint his successor to make him ineffective," the former Union Minister of Commerce and Industry added. He further alleged that the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), "who should have resigned" and has "no moral right to stay in office", will be used as a "tool" to fulfil the government's wishes. Sharma said that a "handpicked" nominee of the Prime Minister, "who himself in his last days in office", will be put in office in order to cover the wrongdoings of the current government. On the intervening night of October 23 and 24 last year, the central government had sent Verma, along with Special Director Rakesh Asthana, on forced leave in the wake of their bitter fight. Verma had challenged the government's order in the Supreme Court, which, on Tuesday, directed that he be reinstated as the CBI chief but barred him from taking any major policy decisions. Sharma said that the CBI Director was "abruptly" and "illegally" transferred, based on recommendations made by the CVC, which he claimed has "no authority to transfer or remove the CBI Director under law". He further called for the current Director serving his full tenure, including the 77 days "illegally stolen" from him and for sharing of the CVC report among all members of the high-level committee, particularly Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha. Mounting an assault on the Prime Minister over the alleged wrongdoings in the controversial Rafale deal, Sharma said that the Prime Minister "runs away from the Parliament" when the issue is raised. "Why does he (Prime Minister) run away from the Parliament. He is visible everywhere, but when we raised the issues in the Rajya Sabha they did not allow (for a debate), despite saying that the government is ready for a debate. We would have put him in the corner where he belongs and forced the government to ferret out the information which they are hiding," Sharma said. He also said that neither Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman nor Finance Minister Arun Jaitley can speak on the subject as they were not there when the Prime Minister met with then French President Francois Hollande. "The Prime Minister has not yet contradicted what the then French President said until today, because he knows he cannot. That is why he is avoiding coming to the Parliament," Sharma said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Rahul Gandhi took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, alleging that fear is now "rampaging" through the latter's mind. The remark came after CBI director Alok Verma was removed from the post on account of the "extremely serious nature of observations made by the CVC against him". Taking to Twitter, Gandhi said, "Fear is now rampaging through Mr Modi's mind. He can't sleep. He stole 30,000Cr from the IAF and gave it to Anil Ambani. Sacking the CBI Chief Alok Verma twice in a row, clearly shows that he is now a prisoner of his own lies. Satyamev Jayate." Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot opined that there is something murky going on in the government which needs to be investigated. "There is something murky going on which needs to be investigated, the Congress party has already objected to it. There is something very suspicious about all this," Pilot told ANI. Speaking on the same lines, Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi alleged that the decision to oust Verma has bypassed constitutional norms. "Hurried decision shows desperation level to ensure he (Verma) gets out of the way as he was going to probe Rafale scam. In his dissent note, he (Kharge) has mentioned the loopholes in the manner in which constitutional norms were bypassed by the government," she claimed. The decision to remove Verma was taken by the Selection Committee, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and comprising Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge. Chief Justice of India is also a member of the Committee but at today's meeting, he was represented by Justice A K Sikri, the senior most judge of the Supreme Court. The committee was of the view that being the head of a very sensitive organisation, Verma was "not functioning with the integrity expected of him," according to sources. The 1979-batch IPS officer was posted as DG, Fire Services, Civil Defence, and Home Guards, two days after he was reinstated as the CBI Director by the Supreme Court. His reinstatement had come about two-and-a-half months after being divested of his powers and sent on leave by the government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Army officers have expressed disagreement over the term "unabated killings" used by former Kashmiri IAS officer Shah Faesal while announcing his resignation. Former Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General (retired) DS Hooda said he does not agree with the term 'unabated killings' used by Faesal in his Facebook post on Wednesday. "He may join any political party but I don't agree with his reasoning of unabated killings. I think security forces are working under extreme restraints in that area," Hooda said. As speculations of the former Kashmiri IAS officer joining have started doing rounds, former Army chief general VP Malik voiced hope that Faesal would do something good in politics, if he joins. "He (Shah Faesal) is a talented man and will contribute something good in if he joins it. But he is a Kashmiri too and has his feelings. As long as he follows the Constitution of India, he can fight for anything he considers right," he said. Echoing similar sentiments, former Army chief General (Rtd) Deepak Kapoor said, "When the armed forces face stone pelters and people who try to protect terrorists, can you look for a way as to how do the security forces separate out individuals from terrorists? I don't think the killings are unabated. Efforts have been made at the Centre and state level to bring peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. But if you want to politicise the issue then outsiders like Pakistan army will take advantage of it." Faesal quit government service on Wednesday, saying he was protesting against the "unabated killings" in Kashmir and "lack of any sincere reach-out from the Union government." The 35-year-old alleged "insidious attacks on the special identity of the Jammu and Kashmir and growing culture of intolerance and hate in the mainland India in the name of hypernationalism." In his post, Faesal said he decided to resign from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) to "protest against the unabated killings in Kashmir, and lack of any sincere reach-out from the Union Government; the marginalisation and invisibilization of around 200 million Indian Muslims at the hands of Hindutva forces reducing them to second-class citizens." He went on to add that "voices of reason in this country cannot be muzzled for long and the environment of siege will need to end if we wish to usher in true democracy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A SpiceJet aircraft on Thursday returned to Mumbai airport soon after taking-off for Dubai following technical glitch. The snag was rectified by airline engineers and the plane resumed the journey to Dubai after a delay of four hours. All passengers are said to be safe. On a related note, on January 6, a Dubai bound Air India express flight from Mumbai, carrying as many as 180 passengers on board, landed back under the emergency condition due to a "hydraulic" failure. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Preparations are underway at the Ramlila Maidan in the capital ahead of the two-day BJP council meeting, scheduled to begin on Friday. The meeting, themed 'Abki baar phir Modi Sarkar' is of importance in the view of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. More than 12000 workers of BJP from all across the nation are expected to participate in the council meet which will kick-start with the address of BJP's national president Amit Shah. The meet will end with Prime Minister Modi's address to office bearers on January 12. According to sources, the meeting of national office bearers will not take place this time. The matter of 10 percent reservation to the economically poor general category citizens is expected to take centre stage with the party likely to project it as its achievement connecting it with the government's moto "sabka saath sabka vikas". The national council will discuss and approve "economic" and "political" proposals. The economic proposal will eulogise the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and "demonetisation" as its achievements, while the "political" proposal will deluge over the policies and programmes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government. The farmers' issue would also be taken up and policies and programmes of the government regarding farmers would be highlighted. Delhi traffic police have made elaborate traffic arrangements with adequate traffic restrictions and route diversions in the wake of the BJP's programme. Roads which are likely to be affected are Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Asaf Ali Road, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, Minto Road, Ranjeet Singh Marg and flyover, Desh Bandhu Gupta Road, Shraddhanand Marg, Ajmeri Gate side of New Delhi Railway Station and ITO. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CG Hospitality and Signature Holdings Group's JV signed an agreement with Tata Group's hospitality arm, Indian Hotels Company, to manage its Luxury Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The hotel, which is located in Jumeirah Lake Towers, will be JV's first hotel in Dubai. The hotel is in the friendly and vibrant neighborhood area of Jumeirah Lake Towers and offers premier city views. It extends from the ground floor to the 16th floor of the Jumeirah Lakes Towers and has 200 rooms and suites, as well as recreational facilities and dining venues. The hotel is both modern and classic - combining subtle design features that tie to the rich heritage and culture of the TAJ brand. "We are excited about extending our strong global partnership with the Indian Hotels Company," said Rahul Chaudhary, the executive director of Chaudhary Group and managing director of CG Hotels & Resorts. "Together, we will aim to make the new Dubai property a benchmark in luxury hospitality. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With an aim to expand the outreach of quality health care to the remote corners of the nation, the Union Cabinet gave its nod to the proposal for establishing three new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) including one each for Jammu and Kashmir region and one at Gujarat. The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday gave its approval for establishing AIIMS at Vijaynagar, Samba, Jammu at a cost of Rs 1661 Crore; Awantipura, Pulwama, Kashmir at a cost of Rs 1828 Crore and at Rajkot, Gujarat at a cost of Rs 1195 Crore. Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J P Nadda, said that the approval follows the Prime Minister's vision and upholds the spirit of 'Sabka Saath, SabkaVikas'. "Two new AIIMS, one each for Jammu Region and Kashmir Region in the State of Jammu & Kashmir was announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the Prime Minister's Development Package and AIIMS in Gujarat was announced by the Finance Minister in his Budget Speech," said Nadda. Each new AIIMS will have 100 undergraduate (MBBS) seats and 60 B.Sc (Nursing) seats and will have 15-20 super specialty Departments. "Each new AIIMS will add around 750 hospital beds. As per data of current functional AIIMS, it is expected that each new AIIMS would cater to around 1500 OPD patients per day and around 1000 IPD patients per month," said Nadda. Furthermore, he stated that setting up of new AIIMS would not only transform health education and training but will also address the shortfall of health care professionals in the region. "The establishment of new AIIMS will serve the dual purpose of providing super specialty health care to the population closer to their homes, while also help create a large pool of doctors and other health workers in this region that can be available for primary and secondary level institutions and facilities being created under Health Mission (NHM)," said Nadda. According to the government, the new AIIMS in the states will lead to employment generation for nearly 3000 people in each of the AIIMS. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the creation of the post of vice chancellor for India's first rail and transportation university, Rail & Transport Institute (NRTI). The vice-chancellor shall be the principal executive officer of the institution and shall exercise general supervision and control over the affairs of the institution. He shall be mainly responsible for implementation of the decisions of all the authorities of the Institution deemed to be University. NRTI opened its doors to the first batch of 103 students from 20 states of India, in two fully-residential undergraduate courses - BSc. in Transportation Technology and DBA in Transportation Management. The classes for same started on September 5. The institute seeks to forge collaboration with leading international institutions in the areas of Joint research and faculty and student exchange. Memoranda of Agreement have been signed by NRTI with Cornell University, USA; University of California, Berkeley; MIIT, Moscow and St. Petersburg Transport University, Russia so far. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A two-day 'Bharat Bandh' called by trade unions against the alleged repressive policies for workers adopted by the central government, adversely affected the normal life in Odisha. Trade unions staged protests by stopping trains and traffic, owing to which buses and movement of transport services were impacted. Many business establishments, educational institutions and banks were also closed across the state for two days. In the East Coast Railway Zone of Odisha, total 10 trains were cancelled, 25 trains were on controlled route and four trains were partially cancelled during this strike. The two-day Bharat bandh call -- January 8 and 9 -- has been given by 10 central trade unions to press for the fulfilment of their 12-point charter of demands. Their demands include a minimum monthly salary of up to Rs 18,000 and social security provisions among others. The strike is supported by AITUC, CITU, INTUC, SEWA and labour progressive federation among others and political parties including BJD and Congress had also extended their support to the strike. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As the indefinite strike by Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) employees entered its third day on Thursday, the Central Railway has decided to run extra sub-services to cater to the demands of commuters who struggle to reach their workplace on time. "In view of BEST buses strike Mumbai Division will run extra sub-services. Main line - Thane dep 13.44hrs and CSMT arrival 14.40hrs. CSMT dep 14.49hrs. Kalyan arrival 16.15hrs. Harbour line- Vashi dep 13.44hrs. CSMT arrival 14.32hrs. CSMT dep 14.45hrs and Panvel arrival 16.05," CPRO Central Railways said in a statement on Thursday. At least 32,000 employees of Mumbai's civic transport from a long time have been demanding for merging of BEST budget with 'A' budget of BMC. They are also seeking resolution of the issue of employee service residences and recruitment. When the talks with the authorities failed, the employees resorted to the strike. BEST, the lifeline of Mumbai has a fleet size of as many as 3200 buses. It the second largest transport system in the metropolis after local trains which ferry more than 70 lakh commuters on daily basis. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Richwood, TX (77531) Today Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Low 73F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Low 73F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. The Bangladesh High Commission here on Thursday observed the country's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Homecoming Day by paying rich tribute to him. The homecoming of Rahman, popularly known as 'Bangabandhu', from a Pakistani jail on January 10, 1972, was the culmination of Bangladesh's victory in the nine-month Liberation War. Acting High Commissioner ATM Rokebul Haque presided over a discussion meeting to mark the occassion, read an official statement. The meeting was also attended by Defence Advisor Brigadier General Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, Minister (Press) Farid Hossain and Minister (Consular) Selim Md Jahangir. Head of Chancery AFM Zahid-Ul-Islam conducted the meeting. Messages from President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were read out by First Secretaries Arsuda Khan and Manuar Mukarram. The speakers highlighted the significance of Bangabandhu's return home from Pakistani jail where he lived in a solitary cell for over nine and a half months. They said that the people of Bangladesh tasted the real freedom only after Bangabandhu's historic homecoming nearly a month after the nation's victory on December 16, 1971. The building of 'Sonar Bangla' (Golden Bengal), Bangabandhu's dream, is being fulfilled by his daughter Prime Minister Hasina, the speakers were quoted as saying in the statement. After the speech, a special prayer was offered in memory of Bangabandhu and the liberation war martyrs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A delegation from the Indian Film Industry met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi today. The delegation included a majority of the young guns of the industry, Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Bhumi Pednekar, Sidharth Malhotra, Ayushmann Khurrana, Rajkummar Rao and Vicky Kaushal. Directors Karan Johar, Ekta Kapoor, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and Rohit Shetty were also present during the meeting. Taking to his Instagram, Karan shared a snap of all of the actors and directors posing with PM Narendra Modi during the meet where they could be seen smiling for the camera. He captioned his post, "Powerful and timely conversations can bring about change and this was one of what we hope will become a regular conversation. Meeting the Honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi today was an incredible opportunity. Talking about the positive changes to transform India, he also mentioned that as a community, there is a huge interest of the youth to contribute to build a nation. "There is so much that we want to do. And can do and this dialogue was towards how and what ways we can do that. When the youngest country (in demography) joins hands with the largest movie industry in the world, we hope to be a force to reckon with. Together we would love to inspire and ignite positive changes to a transformative India," the 46-year-old added. He also thanked PM Modi for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reduction in movie ticket prices on behalf of the whole film industry. The meeting comes weeks after PM Modi met Bollywood producers and discussed issues faced by the industry, which led to the reduction in GST on film tickets by the government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Al Qaeda-linked terrorist group Hay'at Tahir al-Sham (HTS) is advancing in the northern province of Idlib, taking control from Turkish-backed groups connected to the National Liberation Front (NLF). According to Fox News, the objective of the group which is also known as the "Organization for the Liberation of the Levant," is dominating as much territory as possible before the talks between Russia and Turkey, aimed at bringing an end to the almost eight-year Syrian civil war. Recently, the HTS captured the strategically important town of Darat Izza that is close to two of Syria's main highways. Fox News quoted Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) stating that the extremist group was initially formed at the beginning of the Syrian conflict in 2011 and has since remained a dangerous opposition force. HTS was also added to the United States Department of State Foreign Terrorist designation as it is associated with al- Qaeda affiliate, Jabhat al-Nusra. The group is considered to be anti-Iran, anti-US, anti-Russia and also anti-Assad regime in Syria. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Delhi, Jan 10 (ANI) Addressing the annual press conference ahead of the Army Day, Gen Rawat said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be brought under better control and "we are adopting hard power and soft power approach". To a question on the possibility of talks with separatists, the Army Chief said, "Our position is very clear -- shun the gun and stop taking support from the western neighbour. Talks can happen only if they shun violence". He went on to add, "But the offer to terrorists to come over ground (and) look for peace is always there because who is being affected by this, people of Kashmir themselves and they are realising it". Gen Rawat emphasised that the Indian Army is very professional and does not target civilians intentionally. "But we do know there are terrorists operating from that (Pakistani) soil who attempt to cross the border. So, it is very difficult to identify between a civilian and a terrorist," he said. "If a terrorist is firing at me, even the UN (United Nations) allows us to use maximum force," the Army Chief said. Rejecting charges of a cover-up of wrongdoings by some Army personnel, he said in over 150 cases of violations of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), action has been taken against the accused. He also spoke about the menace of stone pelting in Kashmir directed at the security forces. "I give a lot of credit to CRPF drivers", whose vehicles are "badly hit" by stones, despite which no one has died under their vehicles, he said. The Army Chief emphasised that despite Imran Khan taking over as Pakistan Prime Minister, there has been no change "practically" in the support provided by the Pakistan Army to the terrorists to infiltrate into India. On talks with the Taliban, he said that some people had already been sent from India to take part in that process and it was an ongoing move as India should not be left out. Countries including the US, Russia, Iran and Pakistan have been talking with the Taliban but India has not shown any interest in it so far. Comparing the two situations, he said, the same analogy cannot be applied in Kashmir as it was India's internal matter. "Since it was a matter between two nations, there is no place for third party intervention. We have to talk on our terms and conditions and our terms are very clear. Before we start talking, you have to shun the gun, give up violence," he said. The chief said the peace moves by the Army and security forces have started working as the number of youth joining terror groups has come down but the youth shunning terrorist groups are living in immense fear due to the threat posed by the Pakistan based terror groups. The number of terrorists killed has also impacted the youth in a way, he said adding that they know that the life of a terrorist is not very long. Asked about the claims by Pakistan Army that small quadcopters have been downed by its forces on the LoC, the chief said the Army is using quadcopters for surveillance of areas for information if somebody is lying there or some warlike material is kept in an area. "Then we try and cautiously approach that area where either there is poor visibility or while taking difficult area," he said saying downing such small machines was no achievement. On the issue of the lack of sniper rifles, the chief said the Army was getting new ones on January 20 under the Northern Army Commander's financial power while the force will centrally also look to buy more to maintain the quota of 5,000 of these weapons. To a query on the fate of the India Gate memorial in view of the new war memorial coming up before Republic Day this year, he said the government will take a call on the ceremonial procedures to be followed in future as the new memorial is for soldiers who attained martyrdom after independence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian Paint Association (IPA), the apex body of the country's paint industry announced that the 29th biennial Indian Paint Conference would be held in Agra, Uttar Pradesh from 11th to 13th January 2019. This would be the largest trade show of the estimated INR 500 billion (50,000 Crore) Indian Paints & Coatings industry. "Paints as we are all aware stands for beauty and protection. Hence, no venue could have been more appropriate for a Conference pertaining to our paints industry than Agra; the city of the alluring Taj Mahal and other historical monuments. The IPA Conference will provide a frontal view of happenings in paints and associated industries and a common platform for industry experts to deliberate on opportunities, challenges, market trends and best practices," said Abhijit Roy, President - IPA. "The theme of the Conference is 'Paints Pe Charcha - Naye Aayaam' signifying in-depth deliberations (Charcha) to discover new dimensions (Naye Aayaam) in these challenging but exciting times for the Indian Paints and Coatings industry," he further informed. The 29th Indian Paint Conference will witness knowledge sharing sessions from leading paint industry stalwarts and subject matter experts from India and abroad. "We have a healthy mix of delegates joining us from different facets of paints and allied industries; be it - paint and resin manufacturers, raw material suppliers, packing material suppliers, pretreatment chemicals and thinner manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, finance companies, testing instruments manufacturers, environment control advisors and other consultants from related fields. This is going to be the largest trade show of the paint industry in India and we are delighted to be organsing it in a colourful city like Agra," said PK Khanna, Convenor - 29th Indian Paint Conference. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Malaysian palm oil futures declined at their sharpest daily rate in two weeks on Thursday, snapping two sessions of gains, on bearish official data on December inventories, production and exports. The benchmark palm oil contract for March delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange fell 0.9 per cent to 2,163 ringgit ($528.21) a tonne at the close of trade, its biggest daily decline since December 26, and coming off a near three-week high it hit in the previous trading session. Earlier, it fell as much as 1.5 per cent to an intraday low of 2,150 ringgit. Trading volumes stood at ... US President Donald Trump said he will skip the annual gathering of global financial elites in the Swiss ski resort town of Davos later this month if the partial government shutdown isnt resolved by then. If the shutdown continues, Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday, I wont go. The US delegation to the World Economic Forums annual meeting from January 22 to 25 in Switzerland is to include Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and US Trade Secretary Robert ... Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor A 48-year-old man has been arrested by Australian Police for allegedly sending dozens of suspicious packages reportedly containing asbestos to diplomatic missions, including the Indian consulate. Savas Avan was arrested at his home in Shepparton on Wednesday night hours after at least 10 consulates in were forced into lockdown due to suspicious packages. Authorities are yet to confirm what was in the parcels, but early reports suggested they appeared to contain asbestos. The Australian federal police and Victoria police said the man was charged with sending dangerous articles to be carried by a postal service, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years jail. He was remanded in custody following a Magistrates' Court hearing Thursday morning, media reports said. A prosecutor told court the deliveries contained asbestos, and Avan did not apply for bail, media reports said. "Police have so far recovered 29 of these packages, with forensic testing to be undertaken on them to determine the exact composition of the material in them," the federal and state police said in a joint statement. "Police have identified all intended recipients and have put processes in place to recover the outstanding packages. There is no ongoing threat to the general public." The Indian and the US consulates on St Kilda Road were among a number across and Canberra targeted with suspicious packages on Wednesday, sparking an emergency "hazardous material" response and some evacuations. It came two days after Sydney's Argentinian consulate was partially evacuated following reports of a suspicious substance. At least two consulates in Melbourne did not contact authorities about packages until they received an email from the Australian government. Police said that Avan sent 38 parcels containing asbestos to consulates and embassies in the three cities on January 7. Police said there was no ongoing threat to the general public. Avan is expected back in court on March 4. The first suspect packages were found at three consulates and embassies in Sydney and Canberra earlier in the week, The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it had sent an email to all Canberra-based diplomatic missions on Wednesday, and then to other consulates across "After learning of incidents at three offices in Sydney and Canberra, the DFAT sent a note to all diplomatic missions in Canberra on January 8 alerting them to the possibility of suspicious packages being delivered by mail," a spokesman said. Europe's Airbus lost out to Boeing in 2018, breaking a five-year winning streak against its US rival for the number of jet orders, slumping to its lowest share of the $150 billion jet market in six years, data showed on Wednesday. Airbus posted 747 net 2018 orders, down 33 percent from the previous year, including 135 for the A220 jetliner which it took over from Canada's Bombardier in July. Boeing beat Airbus for the first time since 2012 with 893 net orders. Airbus delivered 800 jets, up 11 percent, including 20 of the small A220 model, leaving Boeing as the world's ... Organizers said they had many requests to bring back the Ironman, as a way for people to feel "normal" again after more than a year of the unsettling pandemic. In August, 1829 an evening paper in Georgia, USA published a piece with the title A Successful Operation. It described an amputation of the hip joint performed by one, Dr. Liston. The amputation went according to plan. However, post-surgery complications led to the death of the patient. The piece supposedly contains the first usage of a phrase of wry medical humour The operation was successful, but the patient is dead. Its a phrase Alok Verma, the Director of the CBI will understand. Mr. Verma had been divested of his powers by the ... Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal. They do not reflect the view/s of Business Standard. Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjuna Kharge on Thursday gave a dissent note during a meeting of the high-profile panel chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against its decision to shunt out Director Alok Verma, two days after he was reinstated by a Supreme Court verdict. According to sources, Kharge said during the meeting that Verma, who was sent on a forced leave, should not be penalised and be given an extension of 77 days for which he was not allowed to attend the office. This is the second time Kharge has objected to Verma's removal. The three-member panel also included A K Sikri as a nominee of the Supreme Court Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi. Verma has been removed from the high-profile post on charges of corruption and dereliction of duty, making him the first chief in the history of the agency to face such action, officials said. Army Chief General on Thursday said that India would talk with the Taliban if New Delhi feels the dialogue will serve the country's interests in Afghanistan. "If a number of countries are talking to the Taliban, and if India has an interest in Afghanistan, then we should also join the bandwagon. We should not be left out," General Rawat said at the Army's annual press conference here on Thursday. In November last year, India had participated in talks on Afghanistan in Moscow, of which the Taliban were also a part. New Delhi had participated at a non-official level, sending two former diplomats to the meeting. It is to be noted that India has a policy on not engaging with the group. General Rawat further said, "If somebody has started the talks, let us listen to what is being talked. I have only said what has already been said as someone had already been sent there. Unless you are not sitting on a high table and see how it suits you, you won't know what is happening there in Afghanistan." During the meeting in Moscow last year, the Taliban had said that the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan was the only way forward for maintaining peace and security in the region. The is working on several projects based on cutting-edge technology to improve management system in the city and check errant drivers, senior officials said Wednesday. The will soon be the first in the country to have an Intelligence Management System (ITMS). The project, with an estimated cost of around Rs 1,000 crore, will enhance the existing system in the capital and it will be implemented in three phases, the officials said. The has approved the proposal sent by the Police, they said. The is planning to install a 3D radar-based Red Light Violation Detection Camera (RLVD) system at 24 junctions across the city to monitor people jumping the red light. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 20 crore and is likely to be completed by July this year, the officials said. With this project, automatic issuance of notices will be sent to traffic violators through SMS for effective prosecution. This year, the Delhi Police are also going to install gantry-mounted radar-based Over Speed Detection System at 100 locations on major roads, the officials said. The project estimated to be of Rs 27 crore will likely be completed by July 2019, they said. It will help to prevent road accidents due to over-speeding. In 2019, more speed checking cameras and speed guns would be acquired, the officials said. Also, a new e-challan system will be implemented in collaboration with the Informatics Centre to ensure transparent prosecution of violators, they said. The system will help in building database of repeat offenders. It will also ensure online facility for officers to ascertain the previous history of traffic violators. The 19 crore project will be completed by May this year, the officials added. on Thursday moved an application before a special (CBI) court seeking permission to make international calls to his family, friends, and lawyers. The court has sought reply on the application from the authorities till Monday Michel moved the application through his lawyers, claiming that he had approached jail authorities in this regard, but his request was rejected. He also submitted that he will bear all the necessary costs in this regard. On January 5, the role of Michel came out in other deals as well, the (ED) told a which sent the alleged middleman in the case to judicial custody till February 26. The ED counsel also alleged that all the documents submitted in the Italian court were false and that he has evidence to prove it. "His (Christian Michel) role has also come out in other defence deals and money seems to be flowing in that also. We have documents to show they misled the Italian court. Our probe has been fruitful. We have investigated how cash circulated through multiple and Hawala transactions," said ED counsel. On December 29, the court had sent Michel to a seven-day ED remand. The helicopter deal, finalised during the previous government headed by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, got mired in the allegations of kickbacks. According to the ED charge sheet, Michel had received kickbacks to the tune of 30 million Euros from for the deal involving the purchase of 12 VIP helicopters. The deal, signed in 2007, was scrapped in 2013 following bribery allegations. When Larry Stalbaum was in the process of vetting the purchase of Gina Grace N in late 2017, the trainer watched a replay of the Group 3 Sue Kelly Ladyship Stakes at Menangle, where the then-eight-year-old mare Culinary Delight N got up to defeat his prospect by a half-length in 1:51.4. Stalbaum bought Gina Grace N and shipped her to his stable in the U.S. and he thought so highly of her, that he also brought home Culinary Delight N. The only reason I bought her was because she beat Gina Grace, Stalbaum said. I gave a lot more (money) for Gina Grace and I had high hopes for her. I watched her beat Gina Grace one time and I took a shot on her and bought her and I like her. Stalbaums pair of New Zealand-bred mares proved productive in 2018. Gina Grace N raced in the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series early in the year and finished second in a $40,000 series consolation and earned $106,270 from 40 starts. Culinary Delight N did even better, as she won eight of her 34 starts, set a lifetime mark of 1:51.2 at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, and banked $109,141. She never faltered. I had a little sickness go through my barn, so all of my foreign horses got a little sick, including her, so we had to take a little break and get them all over that, but she bounced right back and she did fine, Stalbaum said of Culinary Delight N. I had high hopes for her and if everything holds together, even though she is getting kind of old, she can do a lot of good in these last few years of her career. Culinary Delight N will start her nine-year-old season this Friday night (Jan. 11) at Yonkers Raceway. The Lis Mara mare that is out of Culinary Affair (by Christian Cullen) will look to add her first local $44,000 distaff feature to her resume. Culinary Delight N completed her final race in Australian last March and she qualified for Stalbaum on April 10. The trainer quickly realized his latest acquisition had a preferred style of racing and training. Shes a little over aggressive, so I try to keep her calm, he said. I try not to leave with her because she gets a little over aggressive real easy. I think shes a lot better from behind than she is leaving. Shes very, very big, shes kind of large. She doesnt like a lot of work, but she shows up when I race her. Culinary Delight N began her stateside campaign with two straight wins in local overnights and a runner-up finish in the Filly and Mare Open on May 4. Stalbaum took her upstate over the summer and fall, where she became a regular face in the distaff opens at Tioga Downs and Saratoga Casino Hotel. In her most recent outing at the Spa on December 14, Culinary Delight N tracked the leaders from third, pulled first-over at the half, and wore down the competition to post a 1:54.2 win with Stalbaum in the drivers seat. The race demonstrated one of Culinary Delight Ns best qualities, as her trainer explains. She can take a lot of air. It doesnt matter to her, he said. Every time Ive raced her and left hard, she hasnt been quite as good, so shes a lot better if I dont use her early. I can pull her whenever I want to. I just float off the car and as soon as they line up and slow down, I just pull her, he continued. It didnt matter, she just kept coming. The stretch is so short there, you have to be close. She never gives up. She has a lot of fight in her. I really, really like her. Shes a nice horse. Culinary Delight N will start from Post 4 in Fridays feature and is a 7-1 chance on the morning line with Stalbaum in the sulky. Her competition includes Clear Idea in Post 2, who will surely leave the gate and at 9-2 early odds, and Amateur Hour, who drew the inside and is 7-2 after an off-the-pace victory at Yonkers on December 14. Itty Bitty, Wishy Washy Girl, Dudesalady, Best Of Jenna, and Made Of Jewels AS are set to complete the line up. Culinary Delight Ns mid-pack starting position is ideal, according to her trainer. Slide her over and see how the race works out, Stalbaum said. Shes ready, shell do whatever I ask her to do. Well see how the race unfolds. Stalbaum hopes Culinary Delight N will be competitive at the Hilltop. Although he never sets plans for his horses in stone, he anticipates keeping her at Yonkers for the foreseeable future. Stalbaum is optimistic she can make an impact in the lucrative local feature. Ill probably keep her there a while and see how it goes, Stalbaum said. I bounce my horses around; take them a little bit of everywhere. I dont have a set schedule. Wherever they fit, thats where I take them. I do have high hopes for her, I think maybe we can stay there for a while, do some good, and make some big money. Thats what Im hoping for. First post time Friday at Yonkers will be at 6:50 p.m. (SOA of NY) Justice U U Lalit, who was part of a Constitution bench to hear the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute, recused himself on Thursday, prompting the to reschedule the hearing for January 29 before a new bench. Justice Lalit appeared for former chief minister Kalyan Singh in 1994, senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for a Muslim party, told the bench headed by Chief Justice soon after the court assembled. Though Dhavan said he was not seeking Justice Lalit's recusal, the judge opted out of the hearing in the matter. The bench, also comprising Justices S A Bobde, N V Ramana and D Y Chandrachud, noted the submissions made by Dhavan. Dhavan also drew the attention of the bench to the fact that the matter was earlier fixed for hearing before a three-judge bench but the CJI took a decision to list it before a five-judge Constitution Bench. He further submitted that there was need for a judicial order to set up a five-judge Constitution bench. The CJI, however, quoted rules mandating that any bench should comprise two judges and there was nothing wrong in constituting a five-judge Constitution bench. The CJI said in view of the facts and circumstances of the matter and the voluminous records pertaining to it, this was a fit case for constituting a five-judge bench. In its order, the bench said the apex court registry will physically examine the records stored in 50 sealed trunks in the room, which has also been kept sealed. The top court said the records pertaining to the matter are voluminous and some of the documents are in Sanskrit, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Persian and Gurmukhi that need to be translated. If required, the apex court registry can take the service of official translators, the bench said. On September 27 last year, a three-judge bench of the top court by 2:1 majority refused to refer to a five-judge Constitution bench reconsideration of the observations in its 1994 judgement that a mosque was not integral to Islam. The matter arose during the hearing of the When the matter was last taken up on January 4, there was no indication that the case would be referred to a Constitution bench as the apex court had simply said further orders in the matter would be passed on January 10 by "the appropriate bench, as may be constituted". As many as 14 appeals have been filed in the apex court against the 2010 judgement, delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.77-acre land be partitioned equally among the three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. Amid the ongoing strike by the employees of the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST), activists and experts Thursday blamed the Mumbai civic body for not taking timely steps to address the "crisis" in the transport body. The transport experts also called for fresh investment and upgradation of infrastructure to improve the transport services of the BEST. Nearly 32,000 BEST employees have been on an indefinite strike since Tuesday over various demands, including higher salaries and merger of the budget of the loss-making undertaking with that of the BMC. The strike has inconvenienced lakhs of commuters. Transport activist and former journalist Vidyadhar Date has written a letter to Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta mentioning how the civic body could have avoided the situation and saved the commuters from hardships. He urged Mehta to immediately concede to the "just" demands of the striking workers of the BEST. Date, who has written to Mehta on behalf of Aamchi Mumbai Aamchi BEST (AMAB), a forum of citizens for public transport, said the main demand of the employees- merger of the BEST budget with that of the BMC- was in the interest of the majority of commuters. "Like healthcare, education, water supply, waste disposal and sewerage, public transport must be run not to make profit, but as an essential service. This (merger of budget) is necessary for the economic and physical health of the city," he wrote. He said that the AMAB has come up with a "workable, inexpensive and efficient" approach for the revival of the BEST's bus services, suggesting how the transport body can increase bus ridership, improve the service quality and reliability as well as improve its coverage and access. "The impression gained by the discerning public is clear that the BMC and the government do not want to hear or consider any sensible means to address the problems of the city's affordable public transport service. "They continue to remain dogmatic, autocratic and tight-fisted pushing through their privatisation plans and refusing to subsidise and finance its operations," he said in the letter. "At the same time, the BMC is cutting down routes, increasing bus fares, and denying workers their dues," he said and further alleged that the civic body had done "absolutely nothing" to address why the BEST was reeling under crisis. He also mentioned that over the past five years, nearly 18 per cent of the BEST routes were discontinued, the size of its fleet was reduced by 21 per cent and 7,200 staff positions were scrapped causing non-availability of employees to operate the buses. Another transport analyst Hussain Indorewala said the BMC and the BEST need to invest money to address the core infrastructural issues. "BEST management has been on investment strike since many years. We need to stop this first. This is the reason why the BEST services have not improved. So, fresh investment is the need of the hour to address the core issues," he said. "Besides this, the BEST also needs the same attention that was given to construct the Bandra-Worli Sea Link or the Eastern Freeway. Only car-centric projects should not be our priority," he said. Jitendra Gupta, another expert on transport issues and a member of Citizens' Transport Committee, a city-based forum, questioned the government's ability and intention to end the strike. "This strike has proven that the government agencies be it BEST, BMC or state government are least bothered to address the issues. BEST is financially bleeding because of poor management of the undertaking since so long and it (strike) was bound to happen," he said. "As a long-term solution, the administration should start 10-seater vehicles for public transport. This will break not only the BEST's monopoly, but also that of the autorickshaws and taxis as well," Gupta said. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Where we dined this week... Man Fu Yuan Go big, or go home. Well, Man Fu Yuan definitely took that expression quite literally. Standing out from its fellow Cantonese restaurants with a 60-inch yu sheng creation, the renowned restaurant's oriental salad features more than just your typical yu sheng ingredients. We are talking a homemade apple sauce dressing, along with textural consideration with the addition of crisp pork crackling further driving home the emphasis of the Year of the Pig. The double-boiled chicken consomme was a delight that reminded us fondly of our grandma's homemade soup, packed with flavor drawing from sea cucumber, fish maw and bird's nest. Pamper yourself with Man Fu Yuan's Abundance Treasure Pot overflowing with 18 indulgent ingredients such as fish maw, Hokkaido scallops and pig's trotters. The roasted pork belly roulade with minced seafood reminded us amusingly of a Chinese log cake but with your siu yok rolled up like a swiss roll and filled with seafood instead of fresh cream. Just like the siu yok from your favorite roasted meat stall, the meat was tender with a sinfully good layer of molten fat between the meat and the crispy skin. Wash all the richness down with a cup of their mandarin pu er tea that actually has a small dried Mandarin orange stuffed with pu er tea leaves elevating your usual cup of brew with fruity notes. CC Now available till 19 February 80 Middle Road, Tel: 6825 1008 Opening hours: (Mon-Fri) 12pm-3pm, 6.30pm-10.30pm, (Sat-Sun) 11.30am-3pm, 6.30pm-10.30pm Zander Ng x The Clifford Pier Our homeboy, Singapore's first MasterChef Zander Ng is now hosting an exclusive pop-up at The Clifford Pier. Inspired by his mixed Australian-Singaporean heritage, the menu will showcase reworked Singaporean favorites and locally infused interpretations of western classics. Starters include the scallop carpaccio that saw thin slices of scallop doused in Tom Kha Gai sauce and a combination of local favourites like the Har Cheong Calamari. Deep fried till crispy with hints of har cheong, the squid paired well with the calamansi aioli which gave the dish a refreshing citrus twist. A must-try is the buak keluak risotto a rather brilliant way of fusing together Peranakan and Italian cuisine. The risotto is given a local twist with the distinct black shade from the buah keluak, supported by asian flavours contributed by well-seasoned tiger prawns and fried garlic chips. We can now testify to Ng's sobriquet 'risotto boy' during the competition. Other standout dish? The beef tagliata and Chinkiang vinegar made a surprisingly pleasant combination. Instead of the traditional balsamic vinegar, the rice-based black concoction was opted, which lent a sweeter overall taste to the plate. End the meal with the sticky date pudding that has been given a savoury touch with the pairing of Chinese five-spices, followed with a scoop of classic vanilla ice-cream. CC *Zander Ng's menu will run from 8 January to 26 January at The Clifford Pier 80 Collyer Quay, Tel: 6597 5266 Opening hours: (Mon-Fri) 12pm-2.30pm, 3pm-5.30pm, 6.30pm-10pm, (Sat-Sun) 11am-2pm, 3pm-5pm, 6.30pm-10.30pm Min Jiang If there's one thing that's pretty clear at Min Jiang this year, it's the slew of the pork dishes you'll find. Thankfully none of them are synonymous, we discovered. First up, a prosperity duo of deep-fried pork knuckle and honey butter ribs; the former brined in water with Sichuan peppercorns before being steambaked then steeped in hot oil, while the latter is first braised in a medley of spices, as well as honey butter sauce before its 30-minute baking process. Next, a huge pot of comfort combining braised pork belly, ten-head abalones, sea cucumbers, dried oysters, scallops, the mandatory fa cai (black moss) and Tianjin cabbage. The gravy within sparks a burst of flavour along with the the real star of the dish hand-pounded pork patties. If that's too much pork for your stomach, we encourage whetting your taste buds with their crispy shredded duck dressed with glutinous rice. The duck is first treated with Chinese rice wine before steamed for three hours then fried; just so it's off-the-bone, while the rice is stir-fried with sesame oil, shallots, dried shrimps and other magical condiments. Lastly, don't miss out on the double-boiled whole chicken soup. Within the hearty bowl, you'll find chicken stuffed with bird's nest, foie gras dumplings and a superior chicken broth that's painstakingly achieved over the fire for three hours. Probably the most delicious humble brag we've tasted so far. JS *Offerings will vary between Min Jiang One-North and Min Jiang at Goodwood Park Hotel, available from 18 January to 19 Februrary. 22 Scotts Rd, Goodwood Park Hotel, Tel: 6730 1704 Opening hours: 11.30am-2.30pm, 6.30pm-10.30pm What's new in Singapore... Nasi Lemak at habitat by honestbee Word on the street is that our current favourite grocery store, habitat by honestbee is now serving up a sumptuous nasi lemak menu at one of their gastro pit-stops, MOSS. We're talking delectable options like Australian wagyu beef cheek rendang, chicken bakar grilled with a bincho-tan treatment and a deftly concocted sambal, that's available for takeaway. Here lies a nasi lemak spread, fit for kings. Sure, that $1.50 banana leaf packet might bring back fond childhood memories every now and then but hey, we're all adults here we're always going to crave for more. McDonald's salted egg yolk fries Any mention of salted egg yolk might send you into a lustful frenzy; but we strongly urge you not to act on that complusion. The scathing reviews are real, and if you manage to find one that's sort of redeeming turn your back on it. McDonald's might have pulled off many things so far but their attempt on our country's it flavour proved to be overtly sweet and unneccessary sour. At the end of the day, not everything needs to be layered with salted egg yolk right, Irvin's? Read more food reviews. Actress Lucy Liu might be best known for her butt-kicking roles in Charlie's Angels (2000) and Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003), but this week, she will be the talk of the town with the opening of her first major art exhibition 'Unhomed Belongings' alongside Singaporean artist and writer Shubigi Rao at the National Museum of Singapore. Co-organised by The Ryan Foundation led by prominent lawyer and art collector Ryan Su, the exhibition headlines Singapore Art Week 2019 and will mark the actress's first visit to Singapore. Though they have not met in person before, there are slight artistic parallels between the Hollywood actress and local creative. Rao's decade-long film, publication and visual art project 'Pulp: A Short Biography of the Banished' about the history of book destruction echoes Liu's Lost and Found, which consists of discarded objects that Liu has picked up on her travels, hidden in around 200 handmade books. Visitors are encouraged to pick up the books and open them, and free to replace them anywhere within the installation. "Many people know me as an actress, but visual art has always been an equally important part of my life. My work is personal in nature inspired by my memories and experiences, by shifting notions of security and salvation, and how these experiences and ideas manifest themselves physically in the body. It is exciting to be able to connect with new audiences through all expressions of art, and I am so excited to exhibit my works in Singapore for the first time, presented in conversation with Shubigi Rao, a Singaporean female artist. I would like to thank The Ryan Foundation and the National Museum of Singapore for their incredible efforts in making this possible," said Liu. 'Lucy Liu and Shubigi Rao: Unhomed Belongings' is on view from 12 January to 24 February 2019 at the National Museum of Singapore. Standardbred Canada is pleased to announce the finalists for the Outstanding Groom Award, sponsored for the fourth consecutive year by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. Submissions were received and considered for grooms from all across Canada. Selected as the finalists are Glenda Giles of Kindersley, Sask., and Scott Lecain of Rockwood, Ont., and Trevor Forgie of Gatineau, Que., as an entry. Glenda Giles, has been actively grooming Standardbreds for about 13 years Glenda has worked as Clayton Braybrooks right arm since 2005, helping him to care and race a stable of 8-10 horses each year, since his parents retired from the business. Braybrook describes Giles as efficient and dependable. She drives seven hours to the training farm, helps load and ship to the various tracks to race, then back home every weekend during the racing season. Most recently Giles helped nurse a one-month old foal back to health following serious injury and that horse is now racing and winning in Alberta as a four-year-old. On the morning of December 21 at about 1:30 a.m., a devastating fire broke out in Barn 7 at First Line Training Centre in Moffatt, Ontario. Barn 7 was leased to trainer Mark Steacy where he and his eight staff trained 38 standardbreds. Two of the first people to arrive at the scene were Scott LeCain, of Rockwood, Ont., and Trevor Forgie, of Gatineau, Que., both who work as grooms for Steacy. Their actions were instantaneous and can only be described as heroic. With the fire department in full swing, Scott and Trevor repeatedly entered the barn, quickly haltered a horse, passed it to others at the doorway and returned to save another horse. Its not known how many times Scott and Trevor risked their own lives by entering the burning barn, but as a result of their courageous efforts, 33 of the 38 horses were saved. Lecain has worked in the industry his entire adult life, the past five-and-a-half years for the Steacy Stable. Forgie was born into a harness racing family that primarily raced in Quebec and at Rideau Carleton, and joined the Steacy Stable 18 months ago. He previously worked for Anthony MacDonald and Luc Blais. Glenda, Scott and Trevor, are hard-working grooms who are representative of many of the outstanding grooms who work in the Standardbred industry from coast to coast. Standardbred Canada received many worthy submissions and would like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate an outstanding groom. Latest News REA acquires software provider, adds to broker offering Huge moves in mortgage scene as real estate giant looks to expand AUB announces new self-securitisation New source of funds allows for greater volumes with same turnaround times A new report suggests while the property market will continue to fall this year it will start to see growth again in 2021. KPMG Economics Housing Affordability: Sydney and Melbourne Market Update follows on from a study released in June 2017. The update looked at a range of factors, including controls implemented by APRA which it found had helped contribute to the slowing in residential price growth. However, KPMGs report suggested widespread speculation that house prices are set to go into free fall is overly pessimistic. While there will continue to be price declines in the near term, KPMG expects prices to bottom out in Australias two major cities in 2019. The market will then start to see price growth again in Melbourne during 2020 and Sydney in 2021. The KPMG Economics housing affordability update reiterates KPMGs view that there is a long-run relationship between house prices and variable push and pull factors relating to the stock of dwellings, population and borrowing by residential property investors. It said that despite short-term dislocation, prices tend to revert to the equilibrium suggested by the long-run relationship over time. Brendan Rynne, KPMG chief economist, Our housing update shows that the tougher regulatory actions and taxation measures by both federal and state governments we identified last year have had a significant effect. There has been a falling-away in foreign interest, notably from China, and lending to domestic buyers has got stricter, while housing supply has increased. This is why prices have declined, but we believe that process will reach its peak over the next few months and then go into reverse later this year. Rynne added, In our 2017 paper, KPMG assessed that by the end of FY2016, house prices in Sydney were more overvalued in relation to their fair value compared to Melbourne, and therefore they were expected to fall by a greater extent. That has proved to be the case. Two years on, a relatively high level of increases in the stock of residential dwellings in both Sydney and Melbourne, a decline in financing for housing investors, and the tightening in APRA lending standards have all combined to drag house prices downwards. But what we have also found is that dwelling prices in Sydney are much more sensitive to the demand created by domestic investors than dwelling prices in Melbourne. It is predominately this factor that is causing the difference in expected dwelling price growth between the two markets. You have to hand it to Donald Trump. He has remarkable verbal agility, even if he seems to combine it with functional illiteracy. For several years President Trump has dismissed all criticism as "fake news", a catchy phrase that has undermined the free press in America and has now been adopted by dictators around the world. Last month he riffed on that reference, tweeting about the "Fake News Universe" in which CNN and others dwell. The universe in which Trump himself seems to dwell is not the Fake News Universe, but the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is a mad world of extreme danger, ridiculous plot twists and ludicrous characters. And of all the Marvel characters, The Donald is especially reminiscent of The Hulk. Instead of being restrained by the system, Donald Trump is allowing his inner monster to prevail. Credit: The Hulk is the destructive green alter ego of Bruce Banner, a mild-mannered nuclear scientist. When Bruce Banner gets angry, he transforms into a super-sized raging monster. No one is accusing Trump of being a nuclear scientist. However, before he took office many believed his Hulk-like characteristics could be controlled. A senior Australian official told me after Trumps election that the American system would "wrap its arms around him" and normalise him. Appointees would run the country. It is not working out that way. The Hulk cannot be tamed. Beijing: China's Jade Rabbit 2 is awake and back to work - listening for the earliest sounds of the universe. China's lunar rover leaves wheel marks after leaving the lander that touched down on the surface of the far side of the moon. Credit:AP After a scheduled "noon nap" designed to protect the 139-kg rover from heat on the lunar surface which can reach up to 200 degrees Celsius, China's space agency CNSA has successfully reawakened Jade Rabbit 2. Jade Rabbits Chinese social media account broke the news to the world, sending out the message: At the end of the noon break, get up and move the muscles and bones. A lunch-time nap at the desk was once a Chinese office tradition. Casie Coleman had a pretty good idea there would be a reason for her to attend the 2018 O'Brien Awards in February, but the decorated trainer was still surprised when she received last month's call regarding the finalists. "With the stable getting smaller and smaller, I know the chance for me to be nominated for Trainer of the Year is definitely going to be a thing of the past soon . . . I thought it wasn't possible now!" Coleman told Trot Insider after her success with O'Brien Award finalists McWicked and Stag Party landed her alongside fellow five-time Trainer of the Year Richard Moreau in this year's balloting. "I never would have guessed with such a small stable to still get nominated for this up against a guy with more wins than I have starts!" While Coleman in fact only sent 150 starters to post in 2018, 43 wins among them yielded her a 28.7 per cent strike rate, a .412 UTR, and over $3.1 million in earnings. Her two O'Brien finalists combined for over $2.3 million of those earnings and 18 wins, among them some high-profile stakes scores on both sides of the 49th parallel. McWicked cemented himself as a primal force among older pacers in 2018, winning 12 races, banking over $1.6 million, and completing his season with a five-race win streak including victories in the Breeders Crown and the TVG final. McWicked, an O'Brien Award winner in 2014 as a three-year-old, returns as a finalist in the older pacing category against Nirvana Seelster. "Wicked was just awesome all season," said Coleman. "Not once was I disappointed with his performance; he gave it all he had every time he stepped on the track . . . that was a fun summer with him." Despite wins in the Ben Franklin and the William Haughton Memorial along with a 1:46.2 lifetime mark taken in the Allerage at The Red Mile serving as highlights of the McArdle entire's seven-year-old season, his defeat of the much-hyped Lazarus N in the Canadian Pacing Derby was of special significance to Coleman. "I'd never won that race and wanted it bad," Coleman explained. "He had a rough week with a quarter crack, Lazarus was all the talk all week long, and Wicked just dominated. That was a lot of fun." Her other O'Brien nominee, freshman pacing colt Stag Party is a finalist along with Ontario Sires Stakes rival Bronx Seelster. Stag Party showed immense potential by way of six wins in an abbreviated campaign cut short due to sickness which caused him to miss the Breeders Crown. Still, Coleman is optimistic for sustained success as the son of Bettors Delight enters his sophomore season. "Stag is an extra special nomination: picking him as a baby myself and training him down from the start is just extra special," Coleman continued. "Hes a special animal and hopefully can have a big three-year-old season for us." In just nine starts, Stag Party accounted for $669,489 in earnings and powerful wins in the Nassagaweya and the Metro Pace, both at Woodbine Mohawk Park. "Stag destroying that Metro field opening up by five lengths in [1:]50 was pretty insane." The five-time O'Brien Award-winning Trainer of the Year quickly acknowledges her stable's success is a team effort. "I owe all my success this season to the awesome horses and my partners for giving me the chance and trusting me with such amazing animals, and obviously all my staff behind me," said Coleman. "My team works long, hard hours on all of these animals and I cant do anything without them. The farms Im training at now, Golden Horseshoe Lanes and Sunshine Meadows, are amazing facilities and that helps me to prep them to be at 110 per cent." The gala, presented by Standardbred Canada and held Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale Hotel, is the 30th renewal of the OBrien Awards. "This award ceremony is by far the best I ever been to; they always do a great job and its a fun night," Coleman concluded. "Im not much for dressing up, but to have to do it for this black-tie event is something to look forward to." Coleman will be returning north from Florida for the event, and had just one small request for the Hilton Meadowvale and the Graydon Ballroom: "If they'd just turn the heat up for us, that would be great!" Tickets and program ads are now on sale and can be purchased by contacting the Member & Stakeholder Relations Department at 905-858-3060. Tickets are $200 each (includes HST) and include a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, wine, and complimentary portrait. Queensland needs to build more prisons to address overcrowding, the state's union for correctional officers says. Together union secretary Alex Scott said there needed to be a long-term strategy to build more jails, especially in regional areas. Queensland needs more prisons, according to Together union secretary Alex Scott. Credit:AAP Image/Human Rights Watch, Daniel Soekov "We clearly think that building regional prisons has the advantage of providing a significant investment in terms of regional Queensland," he said. "We think there needs to be a conversation about where they're best placed." The man who nearly rolled controversial federal Liberal MP Craig Kelly has demanded the party intervene to save embattled state member Felicity Wilson from a preselection row he says has become a "farce" and an embarrassment. Bitter preselection contests have infected the party at state and federal levels as contenders jostle for seats ahead of two elections in the first half of this year. North Shore MP Felicity Wilson won preselection by one vote in November. Credit:James Alcock Kent Johns, vice-president of the NSW Liberal Party, wrote to state president Philip Ruddock on Wednesday night demanding party executives use special powers to endorse Ms Wilson over her hard-right rival Tim James, whom she beat in a preselection contest by one vote. Mr James has vowed to take Supreme Court action to overturn the result, claiming it was not valid because an unidentified person bypassed identification checks to enter the preselection event, or because someone in the room voted twice. The LDP's David Leyonhjelm was due to face voters, but needing a quota of 14.29 per cent to remain a senator, he is headed to the NSW election, where he needs to secure 4.55 per cent of the vote. Fraser Anning's days appear to be numbered. Credit:AAP Aside from Hinch, who snared three upper house seats at the Victorian election last month, the chances of Burston, Georgiou and Anning getting back at this election are long. Which paves the way for the major parties to increase their senatorial numbers. In NSW Labor has just one senator up for re-election, suggesting it will nab at least another and perhaps a second at the expense of the NSW Greens. The Coalition also believes it could grab the spots left by Leyonhjelm and Burston. In Queensland the position occupied by Anning was originally won by Malcolm Roberts on behalf of One Nation. Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is fighting for her political career. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen While Hanson has a large popular following, there are questions over whether this will be sufficient to get Roberts (who is again standing for One Nation) back into the Senate. Anning's political career is likely to end. South Australia could shake-up the upper house in a profound way. The Liberal Party is defending three positions, the ALP just one, while high-profile Green Sarah Hanson-Young is fighting for her political career alongside former Xenophon and now independent senator Tim Storer. No one believes the Xenophon/Centre Alliance team is polling as well as it did at the 2016 election, when it secured almost 22 per cent of the vote. Labor, which is defending just one position, is all but guaranteed of picking up an extra Senate spot. The Liberal Party which technically collected two seats but then added the Family First spot claimed by Bob Day before the High Court tossed him out in favour of Lucy Gichuhi is placed to keep its three. Hanson-Young, whose high profile will be an advantage given the end-of-ticket voting, still faces a battle to remain in the Senate. Over in WA, Hanson is defending her one remaining senator, Georgiou. Again, the 14.29 per cent quota might be too big a hurdle for Georgiou, which could allow the Liberal Party to pick up an important spot. Last year's "super Saturday" byelections in Fremantle and Perth also pointed to a softness in the Greens support that has some in the ALP believing the seat occupied by Jordon Steele-John could be vulnerable. Lisa Singh needs another electoral miracle in Tasmania. Credit:Peter Mathew Tasmania, which in 2016 saw Labor's Lisa Singh (successfully) and Liberal Richard Colbeck (unsuccessfully) use their personal standing to win large numbers of votes, will also have a major impact on the shape of the Senate. Singh has, again, been pushed down to a spot thought unwinnable. She grabbed more than 6 per cent of the primary vote last time around, but without a flow of preferences it's going to be tough to pull off another electoral miracle. Colbeck is top of the Liberal ticket and is likely to be joined by Claire Chandler. Also running is Jacqui Lambie, up against former running mate Steven Martin, who switched to the National Party after he found himself in the upper house. Martin's return is unlikely while Lambie will face a battle. The Greens' Nick McKim, who got back to the Senate in 2016 by only 141 votes over One Nation, may find it slightly easier this time. In Victoria, much hinges on whether Hinch who had the prime position on the ballot last election can repeat his 2016 effort. Again, the larger quota at a normal half-Senate election is a major hurdle. Once the dust settles, both the Coalition and the Labor Party could be up to three seats better off. Much hinges on the relative performance of Hinch, Lambie, the Greens, One Nation and the Centre Alliance. Malcolm Turnbull's plan to clear out the noise of the Senate may work, only one election later than expected. Yet that ignores the lessons of Howard's 2004 majority. A third of the nation's 76 senators swept into power at the 2016 election have resigned, retired, been kicked out by the High Court or dumped by their own colleagues, as major parties prepare to pick up as many as six seats from crossbenchers at this year's federal election. An analysis of Senate changes ahead of Parliament's return in February shows voters will confront a Senate ballot paper unrecognisable from the one they faced at the 2016 poll. The Senate poses for a photograph during the final sitting fortnight of 2018. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The number of minor parties and independents reached a record high in the current Senate with the Coalition, Labor and Greens only accounting for 66 of the 76 members. But a string of external factors and a high number of retirements have contributed to an extraordinary Senate churn - the largest since the advent of proportional representation at the 1949 election. The ABC has admitted it underpaid up to 2500 casual staff over the past six years and has commenced an urgent review in conjunction with the Fair Work Ombudsman and unions. The concession comes weeks after the public broadcaster acknowledged it had underpaid a member of its Brisbane-based digital news network by $19,000 over three years. The ABC acknowledged it has underpaid as many as 2500 casual staff over the past six years. Credit:Peter Braig In an email to staff on Thursday, chief people officer Rebekah Donaldson apologised and promised the ABC would remedy any confirmed under-payments as soon as possible. "We recently identified that some casual employees have been underpaid," Ms Donaldson said. Reforms that would give new workers up to an extra $500,000 by retirement are set to face resistance under a Labor government after the party criticised a key recommendation of a landmark three-year review into Australia's $2.8 trillion superannuation system. The Productivity Commission on Thursday proposed replacing Australia's default super system with a top 10 list of best performing providers by 2020, a move forecast to push workers away from dud funds and help lift balances by $3.8 billion a year. But shadow treasurer Chris Bowen, who is facing a lobbying blitz from Labor-aligned unions, Industry Super and retail funds to stop changes that could see some drop out of the top 10 and lose access to billions of dollars, said he was concerned the "best in show" list could limit competition and protect poor performers. Shadow treasurer Chris Bowen. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen "My concern is that a fund that might be well performing at one particular time might not be well performing in the future years, and that all these things need to be considered, including the competition impacts," he said. The ACT government was warned its "unsustainable" monopoly on land sales was driving up the cost of land and making housing more unaffordable almost 20 years ago, newly declassified Cabinet documents show. A 2007 submission obtained by The Canberra Times under the 10-year release rule said the community was concerned about the "erosion of affordable housing" as far back as 2001, shortly after the Stanhope Labor government was elected. Former chief minister Jon Stanhope (right) with Andrew Barr, the current Chief Minister, in 2006. Credit:Graham Tidy The submission confirmed the territory government's long reliance on land sales revenue and a long-term failure to act on the problems it faced in both being the ACT's monopoly provider of land and trying to meet social outcomes for affordability. While the Stanhope government largely acted on the concerns through its affordable housing action plan, the governments of his successors has become ever more reliant on rising land sales revenue. VicRoads deputy chief executive Robyn Seymour said that six similar signs and gantries on the Tullamarine Freeway had been checked and were deemed safe. An independent reviewer has been appointed to oversee the expanded inspections, with similarly sized and constructed gantries and signs on the Monash Freeway, the M80 Ring Road, the Calder Freeway, the Tullamarine Freeway and the West Gate Freeway to be checked. VicRoads has expanded its audit of freeway gantries and signs to cover the entire Melbourne metropolitan network after an enormous Tullamarine Freeway sign suddenly fell and crushed a car travelling underneath it on Tuesday evening. An image from dash cam footage showing the sign after it fell on the Tullamarine freeway. Credit:Nine News There were 11 more on the CityLink section of the Tullamarine Freeway - constructed at the same time as the one that collapsed - to be examined from Thursday evening onwards. Some 43 more would be inspected on the other freeways as part of the widened audit for a total of around 60, a VicRoads spokeswoman said. Ms Seymour said the expanded audit did not mean it was unsafe to drive on those roads. The Melbourne-wide audit is expected to take some days. "If we were at all concerned about community safety we would close the road," Ms Seymour said. "We need to make sure risk doesn't develop in the longer term which is why we need to do the investigation to make sure we understand what is the root cause." The government has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars nourishing beaches at Apollo Bay and Mounts Bay in the last few years. But Mr Rosengren and Mr Miner found that the 2017 erosion was not caused by extreme or unusual conditions. There was no single, large scale event that stood out, Mr Rosengren told The Age. There is something general and widespread in time at Mounts Bay. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video The findings raise the prospect that rising seas due to climate change are now proving a real problem for vulnerable coastal locations. Mr Rosengren said rising sea levels contributed to the erosion at Mounts Bay. Youre witnessing the effects of a complex of processes of which sea level is one, he said. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes (IPCCs) current projection for sea level rise, based on high emissions, business-as-usual scenario, is almost 90 centimetres by the year 2100, relative to an average sea level for the period 1986-2005. That projection will be updated, most likely upwards, in the IPCCs special oceans report due for release this year. Other peer-reviewed studies have forecast a much steeper rise in sea level by 2100. The road to Apollo Bay. Credit:Rebecca Hallas The Rosengren/Miner report says that nourishing beaches with relocated sand is no long-term answer to the risks to the Great Ocean Road at Mounts Bay, where the ocean is just metres away at high tide. They say that engineered structures (sea walls of some form) are necessary if the road is to be protected in its current location. Government will have to look at building a (protective) structure in Mounts Bay, otherwise the Great Ocean Road will be severely compromised, said Mr Rosengren. While possible, realignment of the road would be difficult and expensive at Mounts Bay because the Barham River runs along the landward side of the road, making the area also susceptible to flooding. The report by engineers GHD - commissioned after a June storm washed away part of a coastal walkway and car park at Apollo Bay - recommends the government consider options including building walls out into the sea (groynes), and the costly realignment of the Great Ocean Road in some places. The state government is consulting the local community about options, and decisions are yet to be made. A quandary for all concerned is that sea walls of any form will alter the character of a coastline renowned for its rugged, natural beauty. Sea walls also interfere with the coasts ecology and its ability to naturally replenish itself. Bankrolled by public donations, the 243-kilometre Great Ocean Road was built by World War I veterans between 1919 and 1932 as a memorial to soldiers killed in the war, and to open the south-west coast to tourists and daytrippers. It was built as close to the ocean as possible. Illustration: Matt Golding Credit: Experts say that the iconic road was always going to face challenges from the sea even if only once every 50 or 100 years because it was built on primary dunes. However, climate change and sea level rise increase the likelihood, frequency and ferocity of such challenges. Peter Fillmore is a leader of local community group, the Otway Forum. He describes Apollo Bay, the southernmost township on the mainland, as the Australian front line for climate change, sea level rise and storm surge increase. He has surfed the beaches in the area for 45 years and is a reluctant supporter of construction of groynes as a medium-term option to protect his beloved coast. Erosion at Apollo Bay. Credit:Jackson Hayat Mr Fillmore said more drastic action will soon be necessary but that governments, especially the federal Coalition government, are failing to take the lead on climate change and sea level rise. He pointed to the October announcement by local federal MP Sarah Henderson, of millions of dollars for infrastructure work around Apollo Bay including $5 million for a new two-kilometre coastal walkway to Skenes Creek, an extension of the existing stretch of the Great Ocean Walk out of Apollo Bay. The announcement came after the existing path partly washed away in the June storm. Theyre in denial about climate change and sea level, said Mr Fillmore. The new walkway to Skenes Creek wont be able to connect to the current walkway because the current walkway continues to wash out each winter, said Mr Fillmore. Theyre spending $5 million on a walk to nowhere. The Age has sought comment from Ms Henderson Victorian Climate Change Minister Lily DAmbrosio, said: Sea level rise is already considered in our long-term planning for the coast and weve invested more than $33 million to prepare for its impact. We know that climate change will cause rising sea levels thats why Victoria is on the path to net zero emissions by 2050. The state government has also committed to establishing an authority to oversee planning and management of the land and seascapes along the Great Ocean Road. A Victorian Department of Environment Land Water and Planning spokesperson said accounting for sea level rise was now "embedded" in the Victorian planning system. Detainees at a high-security Melbourne detention centre say they have launched a hunger strike, with up to 200 men protesting what they describe as brutal conditions in the new compound. Their protest comes as distressing footage emerges of two men being forcibly dragged from a mess hall at the centre, one with a security guard's arms locked around his neck. In mobile phone footage taken from inside the centre, the man is dragged away by three guards. Iranian asylum seeker Ali told The Age and Sydney Morning Herald about 200 men were in their third day of a hunger strike on Thursday over the harsh conditions at the Broadmeadows detention centre compound, MITA North, including being put into lockdown overnight."It's not suitable for living," he said. "We're not a harm - we're not criminals." In Toledo district, farmers are earning three times the going rate for their turmeric by supplying a local processing company to produce the worlds first wildcrafted whole root turmeric paste. Over 350 turmeric growers in Belize have registered with an agricultural social enterprise, Naledo Belize Ltd, to supply whole root turmeric for processing into Truly Tumeric paste. The crop is grown wild and under cultivation in forests or amongst other crops, and this biodiverse production model makes it sustainable and supports regenerative agriculture. To optimise production, the farmers receive training from the company on how to re-plant small rhizomes (underground plant stems), reduce contamination by herbicides/pesticides, clean roots efficiently and harvest the main part of the root. Turmeric yields over 4,500 kg per 0.5 ha and has a short growth cycle of 9 months, but was previously only produced in Belize in small amounts for hand-processing into powder for local consumption. Farmers registered with Naledo are now producing over 9,000 kg per month. In 2014, while volunteering in Belize, Umeeda Switlo, CEO of Naledo, discovered that the size of Belize turmeric, Curcuma longa, was larger than other species. After testing it for pathogens and heavy metals, and finding none, she began processing turmeric paste from her kitchen in Canada. Switlo also discovered various nutritional benefits of the Belizean turmeric, for instance, while most turmeric has 2% curcuminoids, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound valued for its health benefits, Switlo discovered that Belize turmeric has 7.6%. The Truly Tumeric paste contains fresh squeezed lime juice, cold pressed coconut oil and sea salt, which makes it a nice addition in smoothies or curries, for instance. There is nothing on the market like this. Wildcrafted is a step above organic, as the turmeric is naturally grown with no added agricultural inputs, says Switlo. Reducing environmental impact is important to Switlo, We produce very little waste as we process the roots whole with the skin on, and the smaller rhizomes are re-planted as seeds. We also work with farmers to ensure that when washing the root, the silt does not go in to the rivers. Young people in Toledo are also accessing new employment opportunities through Naledos agro-processing factory in Punta Gorda, the capital of the district. Here, all value-added activities take place, from bottling to labelling, and the factory employs 10 people between the ages of 18 and 31 years, including several managers, paying at least double the Belize minimum wage. Naledo employees also receive training in business, bookkeeping, food safety and entrepreneurship. The Truly Turmeric product reached the finals of the 2018 SIAL Innovation Awards and is currently available in 24 outlets across Belize. The paste is also exported to 650 stores in Canada, including Whole Foods and Choices Markets. Having found a distributor in the Bahamas, Naledo is keen to expand to the rest of the Caribbean and in 2019, the company will begin exporting to the US and will introduce five new beverage products that use Belizean turmeric. Reports of a shark attack in Queensland have been dramatically downgraded, with the culprit now thought to be something a little less likely to strike terror among swimmers. A toadfish. A toadfish was the likely culprit of an attack a girl and her grandmother in the Whitsundays on Thursday. Credit:NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research via AP Earlier on Thursday, paramedics reported they were called to a Catseye Beach, off Hamilton Island in Queensland's Whitsundays, after a shark bit a girl and her grandmother in shallow water. A nine-year-old girl was being treated for a bite on her right foot, while a 60-year-old woman had leg injuries and would need stitches. A nine-year-old boy has been seriously injured after a four-wheel-drive rolled and smashed through a fence east of Brisbane overnight. Emergency services were called to the crash in the Redlands suburb of Alexandra Hills just after 9pm on Thursday. The wreckage of the Toyota Landcruiser (back) and Subaru Forester (front) in Alexandra Hills. Credit:The Today Show A Toyota Landcruiser and Subaru Forester collided at the intersection of Vienna Road and Wimborne Street, causing the Landcruiser to flip onto its side. From the Landcruiser, a nine-year-old male passenger was taken to the Queensland Children's Hospital in a serious but stable condition with arm, pelvic, leg and head injuries. A NSW magistrate accused of improper judicial conduct has been referred to Parliament after two experienced judges and a former police commissioner found complaints about her conduct were substantiated. The Judicial Commission held public hearings into the conduct of former Port Macquarie magistrate Dominique Burns in November last year after lawyers from Legal Aid made a formal complaint about her behaviour. Magistrate Dominique Burns pictured leaving court in Sydney last year. Credit:AAP Ms Burns was accused of misusing her detention powers, denying procedural fairness, imposing sentences which exceeded the maximum penalty, and encouraging police prosecutors to lay further charges in 17 separate cases between June 2016 and February 2017. In a report of inquiry revealed on Thursday, Justice Anthony Payne from the Court of Appeal, Judge Roger Dive from the Drug Court, and former NSW Police commissioner Ken Moroney upheld 16 of the 17 complaints made against Ms Burns. A man who was shot in the foot in Sydney's west on Monday could have brandished the gun himself because he saw masked men approach him, a court has been told. Ishan El-Hourani, 48, was shot following a struggle at his business on Berry Street in Clyde at about 5pm on January 7. Police allege Ahmed Houda, 22, Mohammed Wais Niazy, 25, and William Nau, 22, had their faces covered and were wearing black rubber gloves as they arrived at the business in a car with stolen number plates. Three men were arrested after another man was shot in the foot at Clyde. Credit:Nine News It is alleged Mr Niazy brought the gun with him and placed the weapon into the waistband of his trousers, then pulled it out and pointed it at Mr El-Hourani's head or throat. "You dont want to be working until 67 or whatever the pension age is": Helen St Flour started thinking properly about superannuation after her 50th birthday. Credit:Christopher Pearce Helen St Flour reckons she latched onto sorting out her superannuation later than she should have but that hasn't stopped her trying to get the most out of her savings. "It means we could retire earlier, I'm not sure about my husband but I dont want to be working up to the maximum age," Helen St Flour says. It is people like St Flour, 53, that the Productivity Commission says could strongly benefit from its proposed overhaul of the superannuation sector. NSW Labor has called for a special commission of inquiry into the "ecological catastrophe" that has killed perhaps a million fish and seen water quality deteriorate in the Darling River in the states far west. The inquiry demand by Labor leader Michael Daley and opposition water spokesman Chris Minns comes a day after Niall Blair, the Fisheries and Water Minister, toured parts of the Menindee Weir Pool that have seen many thousands of bony herring, golden and silver perch and giant Murray cod wash up along its banks. It also came as the government revealed two more cases of fish kill at Lake Keepit on the Namoi and Lake Cathie on the northern NSW coast. Both are much smaller, involving from hundreds up to 1000 fish. Graeme McCrabb, a Menindee resident, sits in his boat amidst some of the thousands of dead fish killed this week in the Menindee Weir Pool. Credit:Nick Moir The mass die-off, the fourth in the Murray-Darling Basin in recent months, has drawn widespread attention to the plight of the country's largest river system. One video posted to Facebook by local grazier Rob McBride and a friend holding dead Murray cod has attracted more than five million views. The second half of last year was a horrible one for commodities, with prices tumbling from mid-year and accelerating in the final months as concerns about trade tensions and the US Federal Reserve Boards monetary policies unnerved all markets. This year, however, has started on a slightly, and surprisingly, more optimistic note. From mid-year Bloombergs commodity index fell about 15 per cent in 2018, with a 12 per cent fall between early October when sharemarkets started plummeting and the end of the year. Since the start of the year, however, the index has gained about four per cent. Iron ore producers have experienced an unexpected surge in prices since the start of the year. Credit:Quentin Jones Whether its oil, iron ore, or the key base metals like copper and nickel, there have been bounces in their prices despite a context that, if anything, looks gloomier than it did last year. The slide in commodities started when the Trump administration followed through on its threat to impose tariffs on Chinese exports to the US and then accelerated, after a brief period of stability, as the trade conflict came to a head towards the end of November and the markets became anxious about the Feds signalling of further US interest rate rises this year. Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder, was forced to announce his divorce ahead of a tell-all story about his eight-month affair with a former television presenter, it has been reported. The National Enquirer said it had tailed the billionaire for four months across five states as he engaged in trysts with Lauren Sanchez. Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos are splitting after 25 years of marriage. Credit:AP The magazine claimed to have obtained an embarrassing exchange of texts between Mr Bezos, 54, and one-time Fox presenter Ms Sanchez, 49, who is married to Patrick Whitesell, a Hollywood talent agent. It claimed to have contacted Mr Bezos informing him of its investigation 48 hours before he publicly announced he was divorcing wife MacKenzie. The pair have been married for 25 years and have four children. Mrs Bezos, who is a novelist, is expected to become the richest woman in the world after their divorce settlement. In a new Caltech-led study, researchers from campus and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have analyzed pulses of radio waves coming from a magnetar -- a rotating, dense, dead star with a strong magnetic field -- that is located near the supermassive black hole at the heart of the Milky Way galaxy. The new research provides clues that magnetars like this one, lying in close proximity to a black hole, could perhaps be linked to the source of "fast radio bursts," or FRBs. FRBs are high-energy blasts that originate beyond our galaxy but whose exact nature is unknown. "Our observations show that a radio magnetar can emit pulses with many of the same characteristics as those seen in some FRBs," says Caltech graduate student Aaron Pearlman, who presented the results today at the 233rd meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Seattle [https://aas.org/meetings/aas233]. "Other astronomers have also proposed that magnetars near black holes could be behind FRBs, but more research is needed to confirm these suspicions." The research team was led by Walid Majid, a visiting associate at Caltech and principal research scientist at JPL, which is managed by Caltech for NASA, and Tom Prince, the Ira S. Bowen Professor of Physics at Caltech. The team looked at the magnetar named PSR J1745-2900, located in the Milky Way's galactic center, using the largest of NASA's Deep Space Network radio dishes in Australia. PSR J1745-2900 was initially spotted by NASA's Swift X-ray telescope, and later determined to be a magnetar by NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), in 2013. "PSR J1745-2900 is an amazing object. It's a fascinating magnetar, but it also has been used as a probe of the conditions near the Milky Way's supermassive black hole," says Fiona Harrison, the Benjamin M. Rosen Professor of Physics at Caltech and the principal investigator of NuSTAR. "It's interesting that there could be a connection between PSR J1745-2900 and the enigmatic FRBs." Magnetars are a rare subtype of a group of objects called pulsars; pulsars, in turn, belong to a class of rotating dead stars known as neutron stars. Magnetars are thought to be young pulsars that spin more slowly than ordinary pulsars and have much stronger magnetic fields, which suggests that perhaps all pulsars go through a magnetar-like phase in their lifetime. The magnetar PSR J1745-2900 is the closest-known pulsar to the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy, separated by a distance of only 0.3 light-year, and it is the only pulsar known to be gravitationally bound to the black hole and the environment around it. In addition to discovering similarities between the galactic-center magnetar and FRBs, the researchers also gleaned new details about the magnetar's radio pulses. Using one of the Deep Space Network's largest radio antennas, the scientists were able to analyze individual pulses emitted by the star every time it rotated, a feat that is very rare in radio studies of pulsars. They found that some pulses were stretched, or broadened, by a larger amount than predicted when compared to previous measurements of the magnetar's average pulse behavior. Moreover, this behavior varied from pulse to pulse. "We are seeing these changes in the individual components of each pulse on a very fast time scale. This behavior is very unusual for a magnetar," says Pearlman. The radio components, he notes, are separated by only 30 milliseconds on average. One theory to explain the signal variability involves clumps of plasma moving at high speeds near the magnetar. Other scientists have proposed that such clumps might exist but, in the new study, the researchers propose that the movement of these clumps may be a possible cause of the observed signal variability. Another theory proposes that the variability is intrinsic to the magnetar itself. "Understanding this signal variability will help in future studies of both magnetars and pulsars at the center of our galaxy," says Pearlman. Pearlman and his colleagues hope to use the Deep Space Network radio dish to solve another outstanding pulsar mystery: Why are there so few pulsars near the galactic center? Their goal is to find a non-magnetar pulsar near the galactic-center black hole. "Finding a stable pulsar in a close, gravitationally bound orbit with the supermassive black hole at the galactic center could prove to be the Holy Grail for testing theories of gravity," says Pearlman. "If we find one, we can do all sorts of new, unprecedented tests of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity." Reference: "Pulse Morphology of the Galactic Center Magnetar PSR J1745-2900," Aaron B. Pearlman et al., 2018 Oct. 20, Astrophysical Journal [http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/aade4d, preprint: https://arxiv.org/abs/1809.02140]. This work was funded by a Research and Technology Development grant through a contract with NASA; JPL and Caltech's President's and Director's Fund; the Department of Defense; and the National Science Foundation. Other authors include Jonathon Kocz of Caltech and Shinji Horiuchi of the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization) Astronomy & Space Science, Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex. Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Want to praise someone or get something off your chest? Darts and Pats is the place to do it. Donald Trump is expected to visit the US-Mexico border later today in Texas as he demands further funding for his wall. Democrats have so far refused to pay the nearly $6bn Trump is asking for. Why will you ask for other glories when you have soft crabs? Oliver Wendell Holmes, chiding Baltimore in an 1860 essay Nowadays, around 350 million to 450 million blue crabs inhabit Chesapeake Bay, according to accurate surveys. That's not harvests, mind you, but all crabssoft and hard, from thumbnail size up. It supports fishing that both watermen and chicken-neckers are fairly happy with.But how happy should we be? Should we expect more in our quest to restore the estuary's health?Consider: In 1883, W. K. Brooks, a Johns Hopkins scientist who studied the Chesapeake closely, found Virginia hard crabbers routinely making up to two dollars a day, selling their catch for a penny a dozen. That translates to around 20 bushelsand they were using sail power or rowing only, running trotlines, working only the Bay's shallow fringes. Crab pots, which would have let them harvest deeper water, hadn't been invented.And they were knocking off work by around 10 a.m.noon at the latest.Hard crabs, Brooks wrote, had so little value that fish netters shook them from their meshes, leaving thousands crushed and dying on the shorelines.As for soft crabs, which had begun to fetch a decent price, the town of Crisfield in high harvest would ship 180,000 of them a day in 1909, with Deal Island adding another 50,000 a week. In 1916, as many as seven railroad cars of fresh softies rolled out of Crisfield some days.These crab stories are told by retired University of Maryland scientist Victor S. Kennedy in his new book, Shifting Baselines in the Chesapeake Bay: An Environmental History (Johns Hopkins Press).Kennedy has examined the Bay's past abundances of seafood, from terrapins and sturgeon to oysters and shad and waterfowl, sifting through anecdotal evidence and early surveys to arrive at a sense of just how full of life the Chesapeake was as Europeans began to settle it.His book also pulls together an accounting of how thoroughly we squandered the "immense protein factory" praised by Baltimore journalist H. L. Mencken.Kennedy says "generational amnesia" relating to historical abundances risks setting the bar too low for restoration goals.Such forgetfulness can happen quickly. In the 1980s, the late Martin O'Berrywho for decades captained research vessels for the University of Marylandhad tears in his eyes when he told me how frustratingly impossible it was during fish surveys to make politicians, environmental managers and young scientists understand just how enormously abundant the Bay had once been.They were thrilled with the marine life that came up in O'Berry's trawls. He'd explain how it paled in comparison to what similar trawls yielded just 25 or 30 years beforebefore the big declines in seagrasses and oxygen hit the Chesapeake. "But they just didn't get it," the old captain said. "You [can't] know what you never saw."So Kennedy's fine and readable effort, released in late November, does a real service as modest upturns in Bay water quality have us daring to think about what a "saved" Chesapeake might look like. It's not just about quantity. The book describes oysters stretching almost continuously for 140 miles along the Eastern Shore from Kent Island to Cape Henry in 1869.But that was grossly unlike the original state of oysters in the Chesapeake, Kennedy writes; rather it represented the efforts of 1,700 dredge boats and 3,000 tongers working at the time in Maryland alonebreaking apart the dense but widely separated reefs in which oysters naturally occurredand scattering the mollusks far and wide.For a time, this scattering must have seemed an improvement, as oysters, freed from their reefs, grew fuller and fatter and easier to harvest. Now we know it also made them more vulnerable to covering by sediment, and it destroyed the massive capacity of the reefs, themselves, to harbor myriad other Bay life.Perhaps though, it explains the belief, deeply held to this day by oystermen, that "working" the bottom is vital to healthy oysters, even as science guides us toward establishing sanctuaries where reefs can once again form.A provocative final chapter examines how the pre-European Chesapeake may have been different ecologically as a consequence of its bounty. Shoals of spawning fish, so vast they created waves coming upriver that were visible at a distance, were bringing into the estuary massive amounts of nutritional energy harvested from the oceans, in their flesh, feces, urine, mucus.Likewise for the sky-darkening flights of waterfowl, whose nightly noise likely kept native humans awake, and whose taking flight could be heard miles away. From across the continent they brought in their bodies and their wastes, significant energies to fuel Bay food webs.Perhaps a lot of the nitrogen that now fuels too much algae in the modern Bay was tied up then in the living tissues of all of those fish and birds."You cannot manage what you do not understand," the author says; and this book moves us toward understanding better the great gift that was Chesapeake Bay. - T. S. Eliot Thoughts After Lambeth "The World is trying the experiment of attempting to form a civilized but non-Christian mentality. The experiment will fail; but we must be very patient in awaiting its collapse; meanwhile redeeming the time: so that the Faith may be preserved alive through the dark ages before us; to renew and rebuild civilization, and save the World from suicide." Three people diagnosed with meningococcal disease have died. The HSE has said that there have been 11 cases reported since week 52 of 2018. Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) is reminding people in Ireland to be alert to the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia after the Health Service Executive (HSE) reported an increase in meningococcal disease in recent weeks. Meningococcal disease is the leading cause of meningitis in Ireland. This compares to five cases for the same time period last year. In 2018, a total of 89 meningococcal cases were reported compared to 76 in 2017. The recent cases are said to have occurred in Dublin and other regions of the country, and affected all age groups, ranging from infants to elderly. The disease and deaths have not been caused by a single strain of meningococcal bacteria, but have been caused by multiple strains. Diane McConnell, Regional Director at MRF said: We are saddened to learn that a number of people have been affected by meningitis and septicaemia in recent weeks. "Our thoughts and condolences go out to these individuals and their family and friends. MRF has been supporting people for the past 29 years and anyone with questions or concerns can call the free MRF helpline on 1800 41 33 44 (Ireland) or 080 8800 3344 (UK) or email helpline@meningitis.org or visit meningitis.org. Were here to help anyone affected. Meningococcal bacteria are transmitted from person to person by close contact with others such as coughing, sneezing, kissing etc, but usually we have to be in very close or regular contact with someone for the bacteria to pass between us. We encourage everyone to take up the offer of all the vaccines that are included in routine immunisation schedule to protect themselves and their families. No single vaccine protects against all strains of meningococcal disease and vaccines against some forms of the disease are not routinely available so it is vital that people are aware of the symptoms. The helpline hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Three members of an organised crime group who attempted to smuggle 3m worth of drugs into Dublin have been jailed in the UK for a total of 27 years and five months. The gang was found with 30kg of cocaine, 45kg of cannabis, 15kg of MDMA and 2kg of ketamine following an investigation by the National Crime Agency and Metropolitan Police's Organised Crime Partnership (OCP). Christopher Rigg, 52, of no fixed address, Wayne Sudbury, 40, from Merseyside, and Artur Jaku-Graham, 32, of no fixed address, were jailed for 10 years and nine months, 10 years and eight months and six years respectively at Liverpool Crown Court. All three had pleaded guilty to drugs offences at an earlier hearing. On June 4 2018, OCP officers watched as Sudbury drove to an industrial estate about 40 minutes outside Liverpool, and met up with Rigg, who was a HGV lorry driver. Sudbury was seen handing two large boxes to Rigg, who then drove to Holyhead Port in Anglesey. As Rigg attempted to catch a ferry to Dublin, he was stopped by Border Force officers. A search of the trailer uncovered the two boxes, which contained 26kg of cocaine, and Rigg was subsequently arrested on suspicion of importing controlled drugs. Meanwhile, Sudbury stayed at the industrial estate, where he met Jaku-Graham and handed him a bag containing a further 4kg of cocaine. After Sudbury drove off, Jaku-Graham was stopped by OCP officers. They searched his vehicle and found packages containing 4kg of cocaine. He was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of controlled drugs. Sudbury drove back to Merseyside and was arrested at his home. A search uncovered 45kg of cannabis, 15kg of MDMA, nearly 2kg of ketamine and 2kg of cutting agent hidden in a loft bedroom. An unused encrypted mobile phone and 3,740 in cash were found in a cupboard beneath the stairs. Sudbury was arrested on suspicion of supplying class A controlled drugs and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. OCP Operations Manager, Matt McMillan, said: The OCP, working with our colleagues from the NCA Armed Operations Unit and UK Border Force, have successfully disrupted an organised crime network involved in the large-scale supply of class A and B drugs. "Those involved in the supply of drugs perpetuate the culture of violence and we will use all the specialist capabilities available to us to combat this threat. "I have no doubt the public are safer now Rigg, Sudbury and Jaku-Graham are behind bars." - Press Association An internationally-respected maritime lawyer, whose father died in the Whiddy Island oil tanker tragedy, has warned the State it could face legal action if the Government doesnt adequately address fundamental justice and safety issues arising out of the disaster. Michael Kingston, whose father, Tim, was one of 50 people who died when the Betelgeuse tanker caught fire and exploded as it was unloading crude oil at the Gulf Oil operation terminal at Whiddy in Bantry Bay early on January 8, 1979, followed through yesterday on his pledge at Tuesdays 40th anniversary commemoration of the tragedy to write to all Oireachtas members about concerns the victims families still have four-decades on. The bodies of 23 of the French victims were never recovered. A Dutch diver lost his life in the salvage operation later. Speaking in St Finbarrs Church in Bantry earlier this week, Mr Kingston, who is vice president of the relatives and friends of the Betelgeuse and who played a key role organising the commemoration, criticised the absence of senior government ministers at the ceremony. Addressing Minister of State, Jim Daly, directly, he said the State must demonstrate clearly that it has learnt from the appalling and senseless tragedy and do more to improve marine safety. But he also called on the Taoiseach to issue a public apology to victims of the tragedy, he said the deaths should be ruled unlawful, and he called for the urgent introduction of an offence of corporate manslaughter. He urged Mr Daly to bring the families concerns directly to Cabinet. In his correspondence to Oireachtas members, he said the time has come for the government to address hugely important issues in relation to fundamental rights, the administration of justice, protection of sea workers, and maritime safety regulations. It is time now for us to take these issues very seriously, he said. As I said in the church, the approach is not good enough. We have to address these issues, and we can do that in an enormously positive way, by embracing the issues, and by taking the strain away from the families who have been through too much, and have had to carry this heavy burden alone. We do not want to have to make the trip to the Four Courts, but as I also said, if we have to go to the well of our being again, we will. He also copied President Michael D Higgins and French Ambassador in Ireland, Stephane Crouzat in on his correspondence. The impact of new technology, political changes and financial reforms will all be discussed at a major summit in Dublin Castle today. The 'Future of Work' event will look at how education providers, businesses and government can help prepare people for the challenges ahead. A new housing-first approach is to be introduced in Cork city in the coming months in a bid to reduce long-term homelessness. It is part of Cork City Council's strategy to reduce the number of people in emergency accommodation in the city. With housing-first, individuals who have experienced homelessness are helped to transition into permanent housing and provided with additional supports on a case-by-case basis for issues which may be identified once they are housed. It aims to break the cycle of long-term homelessness by removing people from emergency accommodation and placing them in permanent housing. It comes amid a continued rise in the numbers accessing emergency accommodation in Cork city. As of the end of November - the most recent figures published by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government - the number of adults in emergency accommodation in Cork had reached 363, a 22% increase in just 12 months. Senior officials at Cork Simon have warned that their shelters are exceeding full capacity and that conditions are worsening for those relying on them. In a bid to ease the pressure on homeless services in the city, Cork City Council is set to move ahead with the housing first initiative, which has been in operation in Dublin since 2014, in the coming months. Cork City Council invited tenders for the provision of the service. This selection process has now been completed and the tender has been awarded to Cork Simon and Focus Ireland who submitted a joint bid. The project will provide for the housing of 40 individuals who are long term residents of emergency accommodation over the next three years with additional supports being provided on a case by case basis by the Cork Region Housing First Team. Cork City Council has committed to providing 20 units of accommodation with a further 20 units being provided by Cork Simon and Focus Ireland. This will result in the freeing up of 40 emergency beds as the majority of these bed nights are used by this client group. In addition to rolling out the housing first approach in Cork, Cork City Council will also take over the operation of the Homeless Persons Unit, currently located on Drinan Street, from the Department of Social Protection before the end of the month. From January 21, the day-to-day management of the service will instead be provided in Cork City Council's civic offices on Anglesea Street. A more suitable city centre premises to accommodate this unit is being sourced and will be fitted out over the next number of weeks, after which time the Homeless Persons Unit will be operated permanently from there. This intervention by the council will result in the provision of an improved, modern facility for persons presenting as homeless in the city, according to Cork City Council. The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Mick Finn said that the new initiatives may make some difference in tackling homelessness. However, he added that building houses is the only solution to the problem. Mr Finn said: While acknowledging that the provision of additional housing - driven by national government as well as local - is the key to solving homelessness, the provision of better services in a better building to address short and medium-term problems faced by people is welcome. Councillors have called for better facilities and Im glad to see the housing department has acted upon those requests. WASHINGTON (January 10, 2019)The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced the following contract awards that pertain to local Navy activities., was awardedfor modification P00007 to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-firm-target contract ( N00019-17-C-0042 ). This modification provides for the procurement of 228 configuration components required for completion of Configuration D Retrofit Component engineering change proposals for the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft for the Navy and the government of Australia. Work will be performed in Forest, Mississippi (53 percent); Andover, Massachusetts (36 percent); and El Segundo, California (11 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2022. Fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy); and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) funds in the amount of $81,224,627 will be obligated at time of award. No funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification combines purchases for the Navy ($80,692,484; 99 percent) and the government of Australia ($532,143; 1 percent) under the FMS program. The, is the contracting activity., is being awardedfor cost-plus- fixed-fee delivery order N0001918F5004 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-17-G-0002) in support of the V-22. This order provides support of ongoing flight test and evaluation of the V-22 test aircraft. Work will be performed at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland (90 percent); and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2018. Fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement (Navy); and fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $23,325,145 will be obligated at time of award; none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity.No applicable data.No applicable data., is awardedfor modification P00006 to a previously awarded, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-18-C-1030) to manufacture, test, deliver, manage, and support the common data link Hawklink AN/SRQ-4 systems for the MH-60R aircraft. Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, Utah (60 percent); Atlanta, Georgia (14 percent); Mountain View, California (6 percent); Exeter, New Hampshire (2 percent); Derby, Kansas (1 percent); El Cajon, California (1 percent); Boise, Idaho (1 percent); Dover, New Hampshire (1 percent); Sunnyvale, California (1 percent); York Haven, Pennsylvania (1 percent); Bohemia, New York (1 percent); Oxnard, California (1 percent); Littleton, Massachusetts (1 percent); Providence, Rhode Island (1 percent); Cedar Park, Texas (1 percent); Minnetonka, Minnesota (1 percent); Phoenix, Arizona (1 percent); Stow, Massachusetts (1 percent); Salinas, California (1 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (1 percent); Skokie, Illinois (1 percent); and Toronto, Canada (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2020. Fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $12,556,242 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity.No applicable data., is awardedfor modification P00001 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-18-C-1036). This modification provides for external fuel tank testing and exercises option year one for the production and delivery of 114 external fuel tanks in support of the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in Santa Ana, California, and is expected to be completed in May 2020. Fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $14,315,721 will be obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity. Update: The former President of the Law Society says that fraudulent insurance claims are the scourge of the legal profession. Fraudulent claims are the scourge of the legal profession. The scourge of genuine claimants, the last thing any lawyer wants is to be involved in a fraudulent claim, they destroy the reputation, they're a waste of time and money and they ruin it for honest claims, Stuart Gilhooly told RTEs Today with Miriam. He also rejected the contention by the insurance industry that lower awards would lead to lower insurance premiums. There is an assumption that lower awards will lead to lower premiums, there are comparisons with UK, but in the UK premiums are higher despite lower awards, from 2010 to 2015 UK premiums were 24% higher than they are in Ireland. However, Kevin Thompson, CEO of Insurance Ireland said that in 2016 the insurance industry paid out 2.1bn in claims. The majority of those claimants are honest, but there is a propensity for fraudulent activity out there, it's not being aided by the level of awards. Until we get to grips with that and decide as a society that we're willing to sustain the cost associated with the level of those awards, well then insurance costs will be as they are now. He said that Insurance Ireland has diagnosed what the problem is, which is the speed of reform. Recommendations from the Motor Industry Insurance Advisory Board in 2000 had seen a natural reduction in premiums. Unfortunately at that time we saw the legal profession adopt 30 legal challenges to the reform that was there. When we see meaningful reforms put in place in the past, can see reductions in cost of insurance." However, Mr Gilhooly said that the fact that premiums were down 22% from the peak shows that claims can't be the issue because damages haven't reduced significantly in that time. I think that damages are not the main driver, they never have been. It's cyclical. Insurance premiums are cyclical, they always have been, there's booms and there's busts. Mr Thompson said that the insurance sector can control only a few things, we have controlled our costs. What we cannot control is the cost of claims. The years leading up to 2016 on motor book alone the industry suffered an 800m loss, that's a vast amount of profit, slowly getting back into profit now," he said. "All we want is to be in game that is viable and sustainable until volatility is taking out of it. Until we get the meaningful reforms around the cost of claims it's not going to happen, it's not for the insurance sector to decide on what the level of awards will be. Nothing will change the majority of claimants are honest, unless you address the cost of claims you will not address the consequences. Peter Boland, Director of the Alliance for Insurance Reform said that the Government's response to the issue is very frustrating. He said there was 17m sitting in the accounts of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board which could be used to fund the proposed Garda Insurance Fraud Unit. It's Government policy to set up this unit, the whole squabble about funding is a side show, it's a distraction. The reality is that there's 17m sitting in the accounts of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board - that money came from policy holders who have had to defend cases, the Exchequer are about to get control of it, that money would fund the Garda Insurance Fraud Unit. There is no need for any debate on this, it could happen tomorrow if the political will was there. Its time for legal profession to put a stop to this, their reputation is at stake at this stage. What we want from the insurance industry we haven't seen from them any sign of reductions we'll see from these reforms. That's absolutely essential if people are to get behind reforms. Its moving at a snails pace, the political will is not there. If the insurance industry would give an idea of what kind of reductions we could see to our premiums then youd see it would be much easier for Government to get behind it. Update - 9.30am: 'No foot-dragging' in reform of insurance sector, Minister says Minister of State Michael DArcy says that funding of a Garda Insurance Fraud Unit by the insurance industry wont be happening. He told RTEs Morning Ireland that he had met with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to discuss the issue and he agreed with the Commissioner who was not prepared to accept the Garda Siochana being funded from outside the Exchequer. Mr DArcy was responding to comments by the CEO of Insurance Ireland, Kevin Thompson, who expressed concern at delays and the the lack of urgency in delivering key reforms in the sector that are aimed at reducing claims costs. Insurance Ireland says promised reform is incomplete and inaction is costing policy-holders. Mr DArcy said that the delay in completing the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Bill and legislation to set-up a Judicial Council was because of filibustering which had taken up months of Oireachtas time. We had hoped that the Bill would have moved through the Oireachtas in 2018, but there has been filibustering thats a consequence other pieces of legislation fall behind. In the meantime, he is hoping to reinstate an interim Judicial Council which would lead to the recalibration of the Book of Quantum (which determines awards). There is no foot-dragging. The Government is fully aware of the impact expensive insurance has on businesses and people. He pointed out that there are 45 pieces of legislation in relation to Brexit that could have to be enacted in the next few weeks which would mean other Bills would not progress through the Oireachtas. Thats why I want to reinstate the Judicial Council. We have been working on this for two years. Earlier: 'Great concern' over lack of urgency for insurance reform The CEO of Insurance Ireland has expressed great concern at the lack of urgency in the delivery of key reforms aimed at reducing claim costs. Kevin Thompson told RTEs Morning Ireland that the absence of a firm timeline for legislation to set-up a Judicial Council and the development of guidelines for the awarding of compensation meant that Ireland had awards 4.4 times that of the UK. The slow passage of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Bill was also a cause for concern, he said. The key reforms are not being addressed. Mr Thompson said progress is too slow and Insurance Ireland has suggested that in the absence of a Judicial Council, a contingency mechanism to allow for the judiciary to complete new compensation guidelines should be put in place to help bring down costs. He also warned that Irelands level of awards were an incentive for people to make fraudulent claims and this needs to be tackled urgently. There needs to be more deterrents in the legal system, he said. The proposed Garda Fraud Unit is one way to tackle this, added Mr Thompson. Insurance Ireland had examined such a system in London which worked well there. The insurance industry in Ireland is happy to support and fund such a unit which would be totally independent and separate in terms of oversight, he said. Update 10.48pm: A fire has been brought under control at a hotel building in Leitrim that had been earmarked for asylum seeker accommodation. The blaze was spotted at around 8 o'clock this evening at the Shannon Key West Hotel in Roosky. No one was injured in the fire. Emergency services are at the scene of a fire at the Shannon Key West in Roosky, Rosscommon. Its not clear how much damage has been caused. The hotel has been earmarked to accommodate 80 asylum seekers pic.twitter.com/MMrO3ZYpR9 Barry Whyte (@BarryWhyte85) January 10, 2019 The government announced in November that the hotel was to become a direct provision centre. But a legal row broke out over its ownership. Just before Christmas an agreement was reached to develop a four-star hotel on the site. Update 10.22pm: Emergency services in Leitrim are dealing with a fire at a building that has been earmarked for asylum seeker accommodation. The blaze was spotted at around 8pm this evening at the Shannon Key West Hotel in Roosky. Roads in the village have been closed and diversions are in place. There are no reports of injuries at this stage. An expert group is to carry out a detailed risk assessment of the threat of drones around our airports after meeting with the Transport Minister. Shane Ross called a meeting of the National Civil Aviation Threat and Risk Group in the wake of drone incidents in the UK which grounded planes at both Heathrow and Gatwick airports. It comes as Fianna Fail called on the Government to prioritise legislation to regulate the use of drones given the recent disruptions at UK airports which have impacted thousands of passengers both before and after Christmas. After meeting with the expert group, which includes representatives of all the relevant Government departments and State authorities, airports and airlines, Mr Ross said he had been reassured that there are already strong regulatory provisions in place in Ireland, which control and restrict the use of drones. According to the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) there are more than 11,000 drones registered in Ireland. Drone users are not allowed fly drones close to airports as there is already a five-kilometre exclusion zone. A spokesman for the Department of Transport said there are also operational protocols in place for dealing with illegal drone activity at the airports, which serve to coordinate the response of the airport authority, air traffic control and An Garda Siochana. However, during yesterday's meeting, the expert group told the Minister that they would be carrying out a fresh, detailed risk assessment in the coming weeks as is established practice and that will inform any further steps that may be needed to avoid any risks. But Fianna Fail spokesperson on science, technology, research and development, James Lawless called on the Government to immediately progress the Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) Bill 2017, which is currently at second stage in Dail Eireann. Mr Lawless said: Minister Ross has acknowledged that what happened recently in the UK could happen here in Ireland. He has convened a meeting of the National Civil Aviation Threat and Risk Group to discuss Irish vigilance on the issue. "Drones present many interesting opportunities for both personal and commercial use. But recently we have seen a more sinister side with widespread travel disruption, huge financial losses and potential risk of life. He said his Bill had been first put forward over two years ago but is still snaking its way through the Oireachtas adding that given the fact that drones are freely available and largely untraceable they need to be fully regulated. "If the Government was serious about protecting Irish airspace from this threat, it would work with the existing legislation available to them," Mr Lawless said. "Its clear that drones can provide many benefits, but in the wrong hands they are quite literally weapons. Legislation and a framework on their use is required. I am calling on the Government to progress my Bill and see it through the legislative process," Mr Lawless said. Fine Gael senator Neale Richmond also said it is vital that the public are assured that we have the capacity to deal with any potential drone disturbances at Irish airports swiftly. "The economic and human costs of these drone attacks have been massive. Understandably, many Irish travellers are concerned the same could happen here," he said. A 1.3m tax bill has forced a local authority to review its fleet operations and replace some vehicles to ensure it can deliver an efficient and cost-effective 24-hour emergency response service. Cork City Council says it has replaced most of its larger vehicles with two-seater vehicles in the wake of Revenues decision on the application of benefit-in-kind (BIK) legislation to its fleet. And arrangements have also been made to ensure that its remaining three-seater vehicles are parked-up at a central location overnight, rather than be taken home by on-call staff after hours. The news emerged after the Irish Examiner revealed how the local authority has had to pay 1.3m to settle additional tax liabilities which arose after a lengthy Revenue audit. After an initial Revenue query to the council in October 2016, Revenue launched a full audit as the council conducted self-reviews for the period 2014 to 2017. Following a series of meetings and negotiations, Revenue rejected the councils interpretation of tax legislation, which eventually prompted the council to make a series of unprompted qualifying disclosures to settle additional tax liabilities totalling 1.3m. Most of the liability was linked to the under-calculation of PRSI on JobBridge employees who went on to secure full-time jobs with the council, and to the application of benefit-in-kind to some 140-vehicles in the council fleet. In a statement, the council said drivers and foremen were allowed to take vehicles home for a "number of operational reasons" to ensure delivery of a 24/7 service in an efficient, cost-effective and flexible manner. Many of these workers were involved in the coordination of responses to severe weather emergencies or urgent housing-related repairs. In delivering services, a high degree of mobility and flexibility is required, for the transportation of both workers and equipment/supplies to various sites, the council said. The council operates and manages a fleet of over 140 vehicles, ranging from light commercial vehicles to small vans. Previously included in the fleet were estate cars. These were chosen as the most operationally efficient and effective mode of transportation. But since the Revenue BIK ruling, the council has had to review its fleet operations. Vehicles with capacity to carry more than two people are now required to be parked up centrally at night. To retain an appropriate out-of-hours response capacity, it has become necessary for the council to replace the majority of larger vehicles with two-seater vehicles. The council said the settlement was funded by payroll savings achieved due to time lags in the recruitment process, and that it has had no impact on the 2019 budget. The council said it has conducted an internal review following the audit and has taken the necessary corrective action to ensure full compliance and that procedures have been put in place to ensure there will be no recurrence of the tax issues. 1.3m breakdown C&C shares surged by nearly 7% on the back of the drinks group saying it had a strong Christmas trading period and that it remains on course to meet full-year targets. In a short trading update, the Bulmers/Magners cider and Tennents lager maker said it still expects to deliver full-year results for the 12 months to the end of February in line with its expectations. Positive trading momentum has continued into the second half, with revenues tracking mid-single digit ahead of last year, the group said. At the end of October, C&C reported a strong set of first-half figures, including 16% growth in operating profit to 58.4m and annualised revenue growth of 186% to almost 834m. The latter figure was heavily boosted by a first contribution from leading independent UK pub sector drinks distributor Matthew Clark and Bibendum (MCB), which C&C bought last year. That business alone is expected to contribute up to 16m to overall group annual earnings in the current financial year. With service levels restored, we now have stable platforms with real growth potential and unparalleled market access to the UK on-trade. In Scotland and Ireland, our combination of leading brands and distribution assets is highly resilient, cash generative and delivering growth. With a strong balance sheet and normalised cash flow conversion of 60%-70% of Ebitda, we are poised to provide enhanced shareholder returns, said CEO Stephen Glancey. C&Cs shares have risen by over 9% in the past 12 months. At the time of those results, C&Cs management said it was confident of seeing a return to full-year profit growth in the current financial year. Last year, the company saw operating profits fall 7% and revenues decline 5%. We have momentum in our core business and good cash generation. Were pretty confident on our full-year numbers, Mr Glancey said at the halfway stage. C&C is planning to invest in a new brewery in Dublin to increase capacity for its Five Lamps craft beer label and is eyeing both outsourced packaging and production business for non-EU drinks companies after Brexit. The most decorated manager in the history of hurling, Brian Cody, said standing still after wins and not looking to improve will be the death-knell of any success, whether in sport or business. Speaking at the second day of the Pendulum Summit at the Convention Centre in Dublin, the 11-time All-Ireland winning manager with Kilkenny said lessons in sport -- such as setting high standards and never putting limits on yourself -- could be applied to both worlds. He said he set out standards when appointed in 1998 that was quickly bought into by the players, such as arriving for training an hour early to be ready to take to the field. You set the tone and the word filters down. It sends out a message, he said. Mr Cody said it was a misnomer to be the best you can be. Someone should never satisfied to be the best they can be, he said, because it put a limit on what you could achieve by looking for more from yourself. To the day you retire, he said, you have got to look as to how you can improve. He said he and the team realised in 1999 after the defeat to Cork in the All-Ireland final that Kilkenny had been beaten by the better team, and there were no excuses or other factors to blame. The team learned that year what needed to be done to raise the bar and win the title the following year, he said. He said there was as much to be learned from winning as there was from losing. What wins for you this year wont win it for you next year. People are queuing up behind you, and you stand still at your peril. A team had a binary choice -- be a team full of superstars or a team with none. Everyone has to be the same and earn that jersey. Its straightforward, he said. There was little to be gained in wondering what other teams and companies were doing, if you did not have the confidence in your own ability and vision. Former British foreign secretary and prominent Brexiteer, Boris Johnson, insists there is "no need for a hard border" even if Britain crashes out of the EU without a deal - adding that he never thought the backstop was a real concept. Following a combative exchange with veteran RTE journalist, Bryan Dobson, at the Pendulum Summit in Dublin, Mr Johnson denied he has performed a so-called flip-flop on supporting the UK and EU agreement last December on a backstop to avoid a hard border in Ireland. Reminded he had offered enthusiastic congratulations to Prime Minister, Theresa May following the December agreement, only to resign months later, Mr Johnson defended his position. Mr Dobson said: "You were a member of the Cabinet. You were not just supportive (of the December deal) but were giddy with excitement. By July, you were out of Government, saying it was a threat to national sovereignty." Mr Johnson responded that he did not truly believe in the backstop when the December agreement was signed: "I believed perhaps naively that I could make a difference within the Cabinet. I believed the backstop was just a form of words, a convenient fiction that had to be endured until such time as we could sort it out. "What then happened, of course, was the Chequers agreement which enshrines the consequences of it," the former Mayor of London said. Mr Johnson was pressed on his knowledge of the economic impact of a Irish border, with which he confessed he was not familiar. At one point, he snatched Mr Dobson's preparatory notes on the trading relationship between the Republic and the North in order to find the answers to the questions the RTE host was asking repeatedly. It is unlikely and unnecessary for the UK to revert to WTO rules of tariffs in the event of Britain crashing out without a deal in March, Mr Johnson said, despite expert opinion to the contrary. Most people want access to the single market, but EU regulations are costing Britain up to 7% of GDP, he insisted. Ms May's deal is "terrible for the UK", Mr Johnson said. Mr Johnson had earlier laid out his vision to the thousands in attendance at the Convention Centre in Dublin, joking that he had deliberately gone overlong in his speech in order to avoid a grilling from Mr Dobson. He called reports of firms and Government departments stockpiling goods "scaremongering", and described the so-called "Project Fear making a nonsense out of leaving the EU". He called for a closer relationship between Britain and Ireland, saying the nations could forge a deal of cooperation on concepts such as trade. "No matter what nonsense the prophets of doom may speak, I know together we can organise it," Mr Johnson said. 264.1 (1) Every one commits an offence who, in any manner, knowingly utters, conveys or causes any person to receive a threat Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/1/2019 (887 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. "264.1 (1) Every one commits an offence who, in any manner, knowingly utters, conveys or causes any person to receive a threat (a) to cause death or bodily harm to any person; (b) to burn, destroy or damage real or personal property; or (c) to kill, poison or injure an animal or bird that is the property of any person." Criminal Code of Canada A very vocal leg of the yellow vest movement has gone beyond the hyperbole of "Trudeau is ruining this country" and devolved into threats against the prime ministers life. Virden Mayor Murray Wright, clearly new to his public position and lacking in the common sense required to maintain said position, contributed to the downward spiral in political discourse during last weekends yellow vest rally in Westman. In front of a crowd of supporters in Virden, he declared, "I know what Id like to do with Mr. Trudeau, but I would be in jail if I did that. Im sure that the first pig that we run through the pipeline when we get it built out west, that hes (Trudeau) duct-taped to the front of it with that pig behind his ass when it goes." In pipeline lingo, pigging is the practice of using devices known as "pigs" to perform maintenance operations within pipelines. Wright did not return a message for comment by press time on Wednesday. The crowd to which Wright was speaking applauded his sentiment. Theyre far from alone in wishing violence against Canadas top politician. The Walrus took note of this trend in an August 2017 article titled "Wanting Justin Trudeau Dead," in which they cite various people who have encouraged violence against the prime minister. Much of it was unsurprisingly spurred by The Rebel a far-right news outlet perhaps best known for its history of employing people who were subsequently, and very publicly, outed for alleged racism. See Faith Goldy, Katie Hopkins and Gavin McInnes (of "10 Things I Hate About Jews" infamy) as examples. In fairness to the mayor of Virden, there is a known psychological phenomenon where people echo those around them. As evidenced by the applause he received for his comments, the crowd that gathered not all of them, but at least a strong contingent of them was of a similar mindset. Yesterday, it was reported that numerous people on the Facebook page "The Yellow Vests Canada" had been posting their violent fantasies about Trudeau. Although Global News reported that the sites moderator, Josue St.-Cyr, wasnt tolerant of this type of dialogue, there were enough people wishing violence upon the prime minister that it drew the attention of RCMP and Facebook, which are both investigating the matter. Combined with the movements anti-immigrant sentiment, the yellow vest movement if better organized under its memberships more extreme wing moves ever closer to becoming a full-fledged terrorist organization. This isnt hyperbole. Theres no lack of people taking residence in this wing, as the Twitter page "Yellow Vests Canada Exposed" has continually pointed out. "The comments about killing Trudeau are concerning because they are advocating murder and demonstrate the extent to which some members of YV Canada hold extremist views," terrorism analyst Jessica Davis told Global News. "The YV movement in Canada is dominated by the extreme right and has the potential to spin off violent subgroups. Overall, the movement is not a threat to national security, but elements within may take violent action on their extremist ideas." Last year, Albertan Orion Rutley was fined $2,500 and sentenced to one year of probation for uttering threats against Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Trudeau. He joins a small handful of others facing similar charges. It looks as though our legal system is going to be busy. TORONTO - Long-term Canadian expats are set to find out on Friday whether a now-repealed 25-year-old law barring them from voting in federal elections was constitutional. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/1/2019 (887 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Gill Frank is seen in this 2015 handout photo taken in New York City. Frank and fellow expat Canadian Jamie Duong challenged laws barring who have lived abroad for more than five years from voting in federal elections. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Matt Kwong TORONTO - Long-term Canadian expats are set to find out on Friday whether a now-repealed 25-year-old law barring them from voting in federal elections was constitutional. The pending decision by the Supreme Court of Canada should settle a legal battle begun in earnest during the former Conservative government of then-prime minister Stephen Harper, and which gained prominence in the election that brought the Liberals under Justin Trudeau to office. Observers said they would be watching to see whether the country's top court might justify limits on a constitutionally guaranteed right that potentially affects more than one-million Canadians who live abroad. "What makes this case so interesting is that the Constitution sets no limits on citizen's voting rights, so does that mean legislatures get to impose one?" Toronto-based lawyer Andrew Bernstein said on Thursday. "Do the reasons why someone has moved make a difference? How strict will the court be when the government seeks to justify an infringement?" While the Constitution guarantees all Canadian citizens the right to vote, Canadians who have lived abroad for five years or more lost that right under provisions of the Canada Elections Act enacted in 1993. However, it was only under Harper that Elections Canada began enforcing the provisions more strictly, prompting the court battle. Two long-time expats living and working in the United States launched the charter challenge after they were denied the right to vote in the 2011 federal election. Essentially, Jamie Duong, of Ithaca, N.Y., and Gill Frank, 40, an academic living in Richmond, Va., argued nothing warranted the abridgment of their constitutional right to vote. They insisted they maintain deep ties to Canada, and taxes and other laws passed by Parliament could still affect them. In 2015, the campaigning Liberals promised a review and the Trudeau government, which faces an election campaign in October, introduced legislation in November 2016 to extend the franchise to all Canadians abroad. While that legislation never proceeded, the government did pass electoral reform legislation last month that did away with the five-year provision. The issue, Frank has said, is that voting rights should not be "subject to the political whims of Parliament." The case, which garnered attention from civil liberties groups, initially went in favour of Duong and Frank when an Ontario Superior Court justice sided with them in 2014. However, the federal government appealed and in a split decision in 2015, the Ontario Court of Appeal overturned the earlier ruling, paving the way for the current Supreme Court tussle. While the Appeal Court agreed the law infringed on the rights of citizens, the majority found the infringement was justified in a democracy because the rules preserve the "social contract" between voters and lawmakers. In arguments before the Supreme Court, the government noted almost all Canadians living abroad were barred from voting before the 1993 law changes. Ottawa also argued the five-year rule was a policy decision that aimed to maintain the fairness of the democratic system given that long-term non-residents have "different and less onerous responsibilities" under Canadian law. The expats responded by calling the five-year threshold an arbitrary marker that did not take into account their ongoing connection to Canada. In the 2015 election, celebrities such as Donald Sutherland, Canadian business groups abroad and other expats rallied against Harper and the expat voting ban. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. An earlier version did not mention that the law was repealed and replaced by the Liberals last month. KAMLOOPS, B.C. - Arrests at a blockade this week show the government needs to properly engage with Indigenous Peoples and build a different relationship than it has had in the past, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/1/2019 (887 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the new Industrial Training and Technology Centre at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, B.C. on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Murray Mitchell KAMLOOPS, B.C. - Arrests at a blockade this week show the government needs to properly engage with Indigenous Peoples and build a different relationship than it has had in the past, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday. Trudeau said he was pleased to see tensions had eased between police and First Nations outside a construction zone for a natural gas pipeline in northern British Columbia. "I know that there will be questions asked and required to answer over the coming weeks about what exactly was done, what could have been done differently," he said at Thompson Rivers University's industrial training and technology centre. It's time to figure out how to make sure there is proper engagement with more respect when projects are built, something governments haven't done in the past, Trudeau said. "I think we can all agree that is the way we need to move forward as a country, in a more respectful, more thoughtful, more engaged way. There are going to be moments when that doesn't work out as well as it should and we'll need to learn from those moments. "But there is no question that the goodwill that is shared by all Canadians who want to see better respect and partnership with Indigenous Peoples, while at the same time we make sure we are continuing to grow the economy." The RCMP and hereditary chiefs of the Wet'suwet'en First Nation met in Smithers, B.C., on Thursday to work on details of an agreement reached a day earlier that would allow access to crews from Coastal Gaslink to work in the area that was behind the blockade. The company says it has signed agreements with all the First Nations along the pipeline route, including the Wet'suwet'en, but non-elected hereditary chiefs in one house of the five Wet'suwet'en clans oppose the pipeline. The pipeline would run through the territory to Kitimat, B.C., where LNG Canada is building a $40-billion export facility. Trudeau said he "deeply respects" the concerns and the issues brought forward by a people on both sides of the debate. "The way we are doing resource development, construction, exporting of our resources is changing in this country," he said. "We know we cannot do it without creating partnerships and engaging with Indigenous Peoples who are the traditional custodians of these lands, without thinking deeply about the environmental consequences and the long-term impacts of the choices we're making." At a town hall meeting in Kamloops on Wednesday night, Trudeau was interrupted and shouted down by some Indigenous people in the crowd who were angry over the arrests of 14 people on Monday. Trudeau said Thursday that Canada is a country where people are encouraged to speak out and share their opinions, but also to listen to one another respectfully. "If someone disagrees with what I'm doing or has questions about where we're going, I want to be able to hear from them," he said. Trudeau also visited a seniors centre Thursday in Kamloops where he sat and chatted with people and posed for pictures. OTTAWA - Scott Brison is quitting a political career he loves to spend more time with a cherished family that politics made possible. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/1/2019 (887 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA - Scott Brison is quitting a political career he loves to spend more time with a cherished family that politics made possible. After 22 years representing the Nova Scotia riding of Kings-Hants initially as a Progressive Conservative MP before jumping to the Liberals in 2003 Brison told The Canadian Press it's time for a change. He's decided not to seek re-election this fall. Treasury Board President and Digital Government Minister Scott Brison arrives at a Senate committee hearing in Ottawa, Wednesday, October 31, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld He's not sure whether he'll remain a Liberal MP until the Oct. 21 vote but he will be resigning shortly from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet, where he serves as president of the Treasury Board. "I've informed the prime minister that I'm not running again but I've also told him that I want to relinquish my cabinet responsibilities in a timely manner and support transition to a new minister," Brison said in an interview. "My personal view is that the prime minister and the government are best served by ministers who will be running in the next election." He said he's announcing his decision now to give Liberals in his riding time for a nomination contest to choose who will carry the party's banner in the coming election. Trudeau said he wishes Brison well. "I want to recognize the extraordinary service that Scott Brison has offered to Canadians for 22 years as a member of Parliament, as a minister in multiple governments, and as someone who has every day dedicated himself to this country, to his community, and to building a better future for all," Trudeau said after the announcement. "As a parent, I know, like so many know, the difficult challenge of balancing a demanding job with time spent with family, so I fully respect his decision but we're going to miss him tremendously." In an era of mounting cynicism about politics, Brison is passionate about its ability to make a difference in people's lives. "I believe now, more than ever before, that government matters, that members of Parliament matter and that politics matters. There's no area of work where you can make more of a difference in people's lives," he said. So why retire from the political fray he so evidently loves? He offered three reasons. "They say that life begins at 50. Well, I'm 51 and I'm ready for new challenges," he said, adding that he'll likely wind up back in business, where he once worked as an investment banker. Beyond that, he said he wants to leave when he's "on top" of his political career, not waiting to be carried off "in a body bag or air-lifted off the field." But above all else, he said the decision is about and was made together with his family, husband Maxime St. Pierre and their four-year-old twin daughters Rose and Claire. "I think Max and Rose and Claire, to me they're miracles." Brison made history as Canada's first openly gay federal cabinet minister and again as the first federal politician to wed his same-sex partner. Yet homosexuality wasn't even legal in Canada until two years after he was born. "I spent the first two years of my life destined for a life of criminality," he quipped. But Brison became emotional as he reflected on the transformation in gay rights since the Charter of Rights and Freedoms was entrenched in Canada's Constitution in 1982 and his own part in subsequent debates that resulted in equality for same-sex couples. "When I realized I was gay, when I totally accepted that I was gay, I thought that my life, I thought that it was going to be very compromised," Brison said, his voice catching as he struggled to hold back tears. "I thought accepting the fact that I was gay was going to mean, among other things, that I would not be able to ever enter public life or successfully accomplish the kinds of things that I wanted to do. I thought it would mean that I would never have a spouse or children. "I just feel very lucky in that I've been able to be part of changing history ... during a time when these decisions have been made that have actually made a difference not just in the lives of Canadians broadly but have made a direct difference in my life." And those decisions, he emphasized, were made by politicians, underscoring his belief that "politics matters, government matters, leadership matters and good people can make a big difference in public life." For his own part, Brison believes he was able to make a difference in each of the seven mandates the people of Kings-Hants gave him, whether it was as an opposition MP in the "nosebleeds" of the House of Commons or on the front bench in the governments of Paul Martin and now Trudeau. He denied that his decision to quit politics is in any way related to the current controversy surrounding his role in the suspension of Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, the military's second-in-command who has been charged with leaking cabinet secrets. Defence lawyers are expected to make Brison a star witness when the case goes to trial in August just weeks before this year's election campaign officially starts. "If that issue had never occurred, I would be making the same decision that I'm making now," he said, refusing to further discuss issues that are now before the court. CONNE RIVER, N.L. - A Newfoundland First Nation is grieving after the suspicious death of an Indigenous woman, saying it shows the national crisis has no boundaries. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/1/2019 (887 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. CONNE RIVER, N.L. - A Newfoundland First Nation is grieving after the suspicious death of an Indigenous woman, saying it shows the national crisis has no boundaries. The Miawpukek Mi'kamawey Mawi'omi First Nation identified the woman as Chantal John and expressed condolences from the chief, council and the community, describing the death as a "horrible act of violence." RCMP said Thursday they responded to a complaint of suspicious death in Conne River, N.L., at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, and police remain on the scene. Miawpukek Chief Mi'Sel Joe said the whole community is grieving for John, who was in her late 20s. "Right now everybody is in a bit of a shock and the whole community is under a dark cloud trying to deal with this tragedy," he said from St. John's. John was a member of Joe's family through adoption, and he described her as a quiet and respectful person. In a Facebook post, the First Nation emphasized the impact of John's loss on the small community and said her death "has hit home that the MMIWG crisis has no boundaries." "Chantals death adds to the growing number of Canadian Indigenous women who are disproportionately affected by all forms of violence," the post read. "Over the coming days and weeks we will do our best to support and comfort each other as this shock reverberates through our families and community." Joe was in St. John's to speak with Indigenous students and other social work students when he heard the news Wednesday night. He said he decided to stay in the city to talk with young people about the tragedy, and about action that needs to be taken to protect the disproportionate number of Indigenous women affected by violence across Canada. Premier Dwight Ball told reporters Thursday he had spoken with the chief and expressed his condolences. "Our thoughts are with the people in Conne River," Ball said. "It's really unfortunate and once again reminds us that sometimes [you're] just a minute away from a tragedy." Ball said he plans to continue working with the community to ensure safety for everyone. He referenced his government's ongoing inquiry into Innu children in care, expressing hope that such work will improve the lives of Indigenous people in the province. The RCMP's Major Crimes Section and Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are investigating the death. - By Holly McKenzie-Sutter in St. John's, N.L. ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Federal officials say crews removed more oil than expected from a decades-old shipwreck off Newfoundland. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/1/2019 (887 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A still image from video footage showing the Manolis L under going a technical assessment is shown in this undated handout. Federal officials say crews removed more oil than expected from a decades-old shipwreck off Newfoundland. The Canadian Coast Guard said Thursday about 208,769 litres of oil were removed from the Manolis L last summer in Notre Dame Bay -- enough to fill 1,313 oil barrels. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Fisheries and Oceans Canada/Government of Canada MANDATORY CREDIT ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Federal officials say crews removed more oil than expected from a decades-old shipwreck off Newfoundland. The Canadian Coast Guard said Thursday about 208,769 litres of oil were removed from the Manolis L last summer in Notre Dame Bay enough to fill 1,313 oil barrels. The paper carrier sank near Change Islands in 1985 in about 70 metres of water and was dormant until April 2013, when fuel oil leaked from cracks in the hull during a powerful storm. Ottawa awarded a $15-million cleanup contract to Ardent Global Marine Services last spring, after years of lobbying by area residents. Federal officials said they had expected to recover substantially less oil between 115,000 and 150,000 litres. Fourteen tanks aboard the sunken ship were pumped and flushed. In addition to the Ardent Global contract, documents from 2015 showed that $1.7 million in federal money had already been spent trying to plug oil leaks in the ship. OTTAWA - Sen. Mike Duffy is asking Ontario's Court of Appeal to overturn a decision blocking him from suing the Senate for millions of dollars over his dramatic and protracted suspension without pay more than five years ago. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/1/2019 (887 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Senator Mike Duffy, left, leaves the Ottawa courthouse with his lawyer, Lawrence Greenspon, on June 27, 2018. Sen. Mike Duffy is asking Ontario's Court of Appeal to overturn a decision blocking him from suing the Senate for millions in dollars over his dramatic and protracted suspension without pay more than five years ago. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Patrick Doyle OTTAWA - Sen. Mike Duffy is asking Ontario's Court of Appeal to overturn a decision blocking him from suing the Senate for millions of dollars over his dramatic and protracted suspension without pay more than five years ago. Last month, Ontario Court Justice Sally Gomery ruled the Senate's decision to suspend Duffy is protected by parliamentary privilege a centuries-old right designed to protect legislators from having to answer to judges for doing their jobs meaning Duffy can't take the Senate to court over its actions. The appeal Duffy's lawyers filed Thursday says the ruling erred in law on a number of fronts by extending the scope of that privilege, essentially equating privilege with immunity. Duffy is asking the appeal court to set aside Gomery's ruling and order the Senate to cover his legal costs. The decision to appeal is part of the P.E.I. senator's efforts to wrestle compensation from the Senate for the two years he was without pay, and also to send a statement to senators that privilege doesn't put them above the law, Duffy's lawyer said. "The damages that were suffered by Sen. Duffy were as a result of the actions, in large part, because of the Senate," Lawrence Greenspon said in an interview. "They basically acted, we say, in such a way that they should be subject to civil action and the immunity that they've claimed under this privilege is far too broad and, we say, needs to be judicially considered." Duffy is seeking $7.8 million in damages from the Senate, RCMP and federal government in the wake of the high-profile investigation of his expense claims, which culminated in his acquittal on 31 criminal charges in 2016. His claim against the Senate alleges "an unprecedented abuse of power" when a majority of senators voted to suspend him without pay in November 2013, before any criminal charges had been filed. Charges arrived in July 2014, when the RCMP filed 31 counts of fraud, breach of trust and bribery against him. In April 2016, Ontario Court Justice Charles Vaillancourt dismissed all the criminal charges in a lengthy and dramatic ruling that said Duffy was forced to take a $90,000 payment from Nigel Wright, Stephen Harper's then chief of staff, to pay off his politically problematic housing expenses, even though Duffy contended he had done nothing wrong. Duffy's appeal argues the ruling shows his Senate suspension was "egregious, politically motivated, and potentially illegal" and shouldn't be protected by parliamentary privilege. "To now turn around and say, whatever we did is covered by privilege, just I think is fundamentally wrong," Greenspon said. "You can't have any individual, or group, or government, or arm of government above the law." The Senate said parliamentary privilege gives it the right to "control its own proceedings," including "disciplinary authority over its members, free from outside interference." Gomery, in her ruling, said allowing a court to review the Senate's decisions on Duffy would damage the upper chamber's ability to function as an independent legislative body. Michel Bedard, the Senate's parliamentary counsel, said in a statement, that Gomery's ruling "properly supports the Senate's position that all of its actions respecting Senator Duffy's suspension were protected by parliamentary privilege." Duffy's lawsuit will be put on hold until the appeal is settled with a hearing likely later this year. With files from Jim Bronskill Health Canada is ramping up efforts to warn young Canadians about the potential risks associated with vaping, the agency said Thursday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/1/2019 (887 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Health Canada is ramping up efforts to warn young Canadians about the potential risks associated with vaping, the agency said Thursday. Spokeswoman Maryse Durette said the government body has launched a multi-phase campaign to tackle what it sees as an increasing problem among youth. "The vaping market is evolving rapidly, with the regular introduction of new products into Canada," Durette said in a statement outlining the planned campaign. "We are aware of both anecdotal information and unpublished research showing increases in the rate at which Canadian youth are trying and using vaping products." Durette said the first phase of the campaign got underway last month and featured paid and social media ads urging parents to start discussing vaping health risks with their kids. The next step, set to launch next month, is aimed squarely at the teens themselves. Durette said the campaign will feature both paid ads and hands-on learning events in high schools and community venues targeting youth between the ages of 13 and 18. Social media influencers will also be involved to help reach parents and teens alike, she added. Health Canada said much of the research around youth vaping is still in its early stages, adding it could not provide firm figures for Canadian vaping rates. But Durette said both unpublished research as well as international data paint an alarming picture. A study released in the U.S. last month prompted a warning from the country's top physician amid reports that e-cigarettes and other vaping devices were undermining decades of declines in tobacco use. A federally funded University of Michigan study that's been tracking teen substance use for more than four decades documented an unprecedented spike in the number of teens using e-cigarettes. The study, released last month, found the number of teens using the devices last year had doubled from the one before the largest single-year increase in the survey's 44-year history, far surpassing a mid-1970s surge in marijuana smoking. Separate U.S. government research found an estimated 3.6 million U.S. teens are now using e-cigarettes, representing one in five high school students and one in 20 middle schoolers. E-cigarettes and other vaping devices have been sold in the U.S. since 2007, growing into a US$6.6-billion business. Most devices heat a flavoured nicotine solution into an inhalable vapour. While research on the effects of vaping is still taking shape, officials in Canada and abroad have long cautioned that nicotine poses an elevated risk to youth. Durette said the Canadian government is prepared to take stronger action if necessary, saying it's working on strengthening regulations around vaping and prepared to lend "scientific and policy support" for provinces or territories thinking of imposing restrictions of their own. "Health Canada has the authority to implement further measures to address the potential harms of vaping," she said. "The department will not hesitate to propose further restrictions, should they prove necessary in light of the emerging data on youth vaping." Several school boards report anecdotal evidence that vaping among students is on the rise, with one Ottawa-area institution recently making headlines for its efforts to address the trend. This week the principal of St. Joseph High School published a post on a school blog informing the community that bathroom doors would be removed in a bid to discourage vaping. Don Murphy also said the school will be issuing fines of up to $305 for those vaping indoors or visibly holding a vaping device. "I am extremely confident that the removal of washroom doors and the issuing of fines will discourage those tempted to vape, or smoke, indoors," he said in the post. A spokeswoman for the Ottawa Catholic School Board said principals are entitled to establish "progressive discipline" to address issues at their schools. "The principal (Murphy) has been very open with his community, and his actions have received wide support from the students, staff, and parents," Mardi de Kemp said of the new washroom door policy. School boards in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver echoed the stance that vaping was barred on school property. OTTAWA - Thursday's inauguration of Nicolas Maduro has solidified him as a dictator, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a scathing denunciation of the Venezuelan president that aligned Canada with major allies. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/1/2019 (887 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores stop to greet flag-waving children upon arrival to the Supreme Court for Maduro's inauguration ceremony in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019. Maduro was sworn in to a second term amid international calls for him to step down and a devastating economic crisis. Behind is Supreme Court President Maikel Moreno. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) OTTAWA - Thursday's inauguration of Nicolas Maduro has solidified him as a dictator, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a scathing denunciation of the Venezuelan president that aligned Canada with major allies. Freeland characterized Maduro's recent election victory as illegitimate as he was sworn in for a second term in Caracas. Canada joined the United States and 17 Latin American governments in rejecting the legitimacy of the new Maduro government. "Having seized power through fraudulent and anti-democratic elections held on May 20, 2018, the Maduro regime is now fully entrenched as a dictatorship," Freeland said in a statement. "The suffering of Venezuelans will only worsen should he continue to illegitimately cling to power." Canada has downgraded diplomatic relations with Venezuela and imposed sanctions on 70 officials in the regime. Venezuela's political and economic crisis has forced three million people to flee their homes in search of food, health care and other basic services since 2015. Canada has provided $2.2 million in humanitarian assistance to Venezuela and is a member of the Lima Group of countries that is trying to bring international pressure to bear on the South American country. "We call on (Maduro) to immediately cede power to the democratically elected National Assembly until new elections are held, which must include the participation of all political actors and follow the release of all political prisoners in Venezuela," said Freeland. Many other countries in Europe and Latin America snubbed Maduro's inauguration ceremony, but the socialist presidents of Cuba and Bolivia, Miguel Diaz-Canel and Evo Morales, showed up to support him. Maduro used his inauguration speech to shoot back at Canada and the U.S. "Venezuela is the centre of a world war led by the North American imperialists and its allies," he said. Maduro vowed to fight his enemies in the spirit of former president Hugo Chavez, and accused the U.S. of stoking the unrest through the sanctions. Maduro was Venezuela's vice-president under Chavez, until Chavez's death in 2013. Freeland and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo gave their full-throated support to Juan Guaido, who assumed the presidency of the country's only democratically elected institution, the National Assembly. "The United States remains steadfast in its support of the Venezuelan people and will continue to use the full weight of U.S. economic and diplomatic power to press for the restoration of Venezuelan democracy," Pompeo said. Rich in oil, Venezuela was once one of the Western Hemisphere's economic success stories, but its crude production has declined by two-thirds amid allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the state-run oil company, PDVSA. A recent report, jointly authored by a Canadian and an American think-tank, urged the U.S. to take the lead in confiscating and repurposing US$3 billion in frozen Venezuelan assets to help the country's neighbours and international agencies provide support to refugees and migrants. The Centre for International Governance Innovation in Waterloo, Ont. and the Washington-based Inter-American Dialogue estimated that the ill-gotten proceeds of Venezuelan corruption total in the tens of billions of dollars, noting that the U.S. Treasury Department estimates that $2 billion has been stolen from PDVSA alone. "While the frozen assets stolen from a country's treasury would under normal circumstances be returned to that country, the kleptocratic nature of the Venezuelan regime makes it impossible to ensure that the funds would go to the benefit of the Venezuelan public," the report says. VANCOUVER - A prisoner who has proclaimed his innocence in the 1994 murder of his common-law wife in British Columbia should be released on bail while the federal government reviews his case as a potential miscarriage of justice, a defence lawyer says. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/1/2019 (887 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. VANCOUVER - A prisoner who has proclaimed his innocence in the 1994 murder of his common-law wife in British Columbia should be released on bail while the federal government reviews his case as a potential miscarriage of justice, a defence lawyer says. Wade Skiffington was convicted of second-degree murder in 2001 and sentenced to life without parole eligibility for 13 years. Philip Campbell told a B.C. Supreme Court judge Thursday that parole was denied to his client primarily because he refused to take prison programs that could be seen as an admission of guilt. "For at least the past four years his claim of innocence has cost him dearly," Campbell said, adding his client is not a danger to the public. "Should this man be held in penitentiary during the review or allowed to live with his family on conditions," said Campbell, who is with the group Innocence Canada, which works to exonerate people believed to have been wrongfully convicted. He noted Crown counsel Hank Reiner said during submissions earlier Thursday that Skiffington's case is not frivolous. "Accordingly, if you find these arguments to be non-frivolous, as the law defines that term, I say you should grant bail to Mr. Skiffington," Campbell told Justice Michael Tammen. Skiffington was found guilty based on his confession to undercover police as part of a so-called Mr. Big operation that began five years after Wanda Martin was shot six times. The federal justice minister is reviewing the conviction after an appeal by defence lawyers with Innocence Canada, which is also challenging the credibility of the undercover sting, saying police extracted a false confession. Tamara Duncan, a lawyer with Innocence Canada, said outside the court that Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould has a number of options if she concludes a miscarriage of justice occurred, including ordering a new trial or sending the case to the B.C. Court of Appeal. The court has heard Martin was shot while she was visiting a friend in Richmond with the couple's 18-month-old son, who was left with his mother's body. Skiffington frequently turned to smile at his son Ian, who sat near the prisoner's box, during the bail hearing. Skiffington's father, who was also in court, has agreed to be a surety by putting up $100,000 in cash and his home, where court heard Skiffington would be living if he is released on bail. Reiner argued against Skiffington's release, saying he knew his common-law wife would be alone for at least 20 minutes while visiting her friend, providing him an opportunity to kill her on Sept. 6, 1994. Reiner said Skiffington's anger motivated him to kill Martin because he'd run into a man he believed was having an affair with her shortly before the murder and he also didn't want her returning to their home province of Newfoundland and Labrador with their son. It's unlikely that a burglar would wander into the third-floor apartment just when Martin was alone without an adult or that the security-conscious woman would have opened the door to a stranger, he said. "How many people in the world at that time knew that she was going to be alone? How many people in the world had a motive to kill? Who was so enraged at Ms. Martin that he or she would shoot her six times, including twice in the head?" Court has heard Skiffington told the boss of a fictitious crime group he shot Martin four, five or six times, emptying the cartridge, and that he changed his clothes in case any gunshot residue ended up on them. "It shows he is no naive dummy," Reiner said, adding Skiffington's behaviour indicates he had some knowledge of forensics. Reiner said Skiffington had time to kill Martin between his appointments as a carpet cleaner but Campbell has said the evidence suggests he was working until he was summoned to the murder scene. Follow @CamilleBains1 on Twitter. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. An earlier version misspelled Skiffington. OTTAWA - Ti-Anna Wang was one passport stamp away from seeing her imprisoned father in a Chinese prison before her dream was shattered yet again. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 9/1/2019 (887 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. From left, Lisa Peng, holding a photo of her father Peng Ming, Grace Ge Geng, holding photo of her father Gao Zhisheng, Ti-Anna Wang, holding photo of her father Wang Bingzhang, Bridgette Chen holding photo of her father Liu Xianbing, and Danielle Wang, holding photo of her father Wang Zhiwen, are introduced prior to testifying before the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing entitled, "Their Daughters Appeal to Beijing: 'Let Our Fathers Go,! on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. Ti-Anna Wang was one passport stamp away from seeing her imprisoned father in a Chinese prison before her dream was shattered yet again. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Susan Walsh OTTAWA - Ti-Anna Wang was one passport stamp away from seeing her imprisoned father in a Chinese prison before her dream was shattered yet again. On Wednesday, the Montreal woman arrived in southern China where her father, Wang Bingzhang considered the father of China's ill-fated international pro-democracy movement has been jailed since Chinese agents snatched him in Vietnam in 2002 and hauled him back to the People's Republic. Her 11-month-old daughter was strapped into her papoose-style body carrier and her husband was by her side. Wang's passport contained a fresh Chinese visa, something she had been denied for 10 years. But it wasn't enough. Her infant daughter and husband were deemed free to enter China. But she was not. So began a six-hour ordeal that would see Wang and her family locked in an airport detention room before they could be sent to a nearby South Korean island on the next available flight. "I can't really articulate the disappointment because it's just so crushing," Wang said Thursday by telephone from the South Korean island of Jeju. Wang said she knew the risks associated with travelling to China following last month's imprisonment of fellow Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, which appeared to be retaliation for Canada's arrest of high-profile Chinese executive Meng Wanzhou. But she was determined to make the journey because she might never get a chance to see her father again, and she thought the sight of his new granddaughter might boost his waning spirits. Wang has for years pushed the Canadian government to work towards releasing her father. There is one hitch: while she is a Canadian citizen, he is not, despite a strong historic connection to Canada. Wang Bingzhang was one of the first generation of Chinese students to come to Canada and he got his doctorate from McGill University. While in Montreal, he planted Canadian roots, which included having children who would become citizens. His exposure to democracy sparked hope of importing it to his birth country. Ti-Anna was born in 1989, the year the Chinese military killed student protesters in the Tiananmen Square massacre, and he named her in honour of the fallen. His abduction and widely derided trial in China in 2002 earned him a spot on a dubious list of 16 political prisoners that Amnesty International urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to advocate for during his most recent trip to China in late 2017. The list included Huseyin Celil, an advocate of China's persecuted Uighur community from southern Ontario, who received a life sentence in 2007. When Wang's father was arrested, she was a teenager. Now 30, she has become a vocal human-rights activist, and has been harassed by Chinese officials during a United Nations presentation. She married, and this past February had her first child, a girl. Wang said she gave up pushing the Canadian government to do more for her father, so she asked Global Affairs Canada to focus on something specific pushing China to grant her a visa, which her activism had barred her from getting since 2009. In August, she received word that the visa would be granted. She doesn't know how or why, but she was grateful for the government's efforts. With a new daughter, and a husband studying at university, they made a plan in November to travel in January. Then the Dec. 1 arrest of Meng occurred and the arrests of Spavor and Kovrig followed. "They (Global Affairs) said that they would not tell us not to go but they would just say that they think that I'm someone who could be vulnerable in this situation," she said. So she and her husband decided to keep the trip to China short just 48 hours and Global Affairs said it would have a diplomat accompany them while in China. Wang and her husband travelled to South Korea in early January to stay with his relatives before making the hop to China. They telephoned China's prisons bureau to say they were coming. They landed in Hangzhou, intending to travel to Guangzhou, where her father has been imprisoned. Then they hit a wall. "I got the sense they were waiting for me because the border agent was communicating with another agent and said something like 'That's her.' " She and her daughter were shuffled off to a small room by police, where they spent the next hour with officers always with them, before her husband was reunited with them. They spent six hours there before her husband was able to buy them tickets on a late-night flight to Jeju. Before leaving, her baby grew restless, crying and wailing and wanting out of mom's carrier. The police told her not to let her crawl on the grimy floor, but Wang had to let her blow off steam. Her daughter's mood improved and she started charming the police. "I feel really bad having subjected her to that. At the same time, I think she kept the mood very light. My daughter's quite social and smiley." Those smiles, however, were meant for Wang's father, who has spent most of his time in solitary confinement, with failing health, including strokes, asthma and inflammation in his legs. Wang said it's distressing to think about what Kovrig and Spavor are enduring, but she has mixed feelings. "Cases like that make me feel a little bit sad because I know that it means that my father's case cannot be a priority," she said. "When the Canadian government is negotiating on these issues with the Chinese, they cannot ask for too much each time." The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless. The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well. By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism. Frustrated to receive a notice from Canada Post asking she clear her walkway, a woman turned to The Brandon Sun to vent earlier this week. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/1/2019 (887 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us A notice Canada Post employees have been leaving in local mailboxes, asking they clear their walk for mail carriers. (Submitted) Frustrated to receive a notice from Canada Post asking she clear her walkway, a woman turned to The Brandon Sun to vent earlier this week. "Given we just got 15 centimetres of snow and the winds now gusting 75 km per hour, I find this ridiculous," said the woman, who spoke to The Sun via email and was unable to be reached for further comment. Last weekends snow storm dumped 13 centimetres of the white stuff in Brandon, 16 centimetres in Neepawa and 13 centimetres in Winnipeg. The woman said she shovelled three times Sunday night and left for work early the next morning. When she arrived home around 4 p.m., there was a notice waiting for her asking her to remove the snow. "I could see if my walkways never shovelled, but come on Canada Post," she said. "Shame on you." Canada Post puts out notices urging customers to clear snow and ice from their walkways, stairs and driveways in a timely manner so that carriers can have safe access to mailboxes, a spokesperson said. "Our employees visit thousands of addresses every day, delivering in all types of weather," the spokesperson said. "It is Canada Posts responsibility to ensure that they can deliver mail and parcels safely." Slips, trips and falls represent half of all safety incidents at Canada Post every year, the spokesperson said. When the mail carriers come across a walkway that has not been shovelled, they automatically provide a notice card advising the customer that their property needs to be cleared. "If snow and ice accumulation poses a health and safety hazard, there may be delays in mail delivery." To make the delivery process easier and safer for carriers, homeowners should clear and salt their stairs, driveway and walkway so those doing the delivery can access the mailbox, the spokesperson said. Businesses should also clear and mailbox areas kept salted along with nearby sidewalks, steps and porches if weather conditions are poor. Upkeep of community mailboxes is up to Canada Post, which is responsible for clearing in front of the mailbox for delivery. If weather conditions are too poor for delivery, Canada Post can issue a service alert to the public. Service alerts are posted on Canada Posts website, as well as on their Twitter and Facebook pages. A red alert means delivery service has been suspended for the day, and a yellow alert means they are going to do their best to deliver but there may be delays. If someone is having an issue with their mail delivery they can contact Canada Post customer service at 1-800-267-1177. mverge@brandonsun.com Twitter: @Melverge5 In less than a week, Brian Nicholls will be carrying his paper bag lunch to a work site in Florida. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 9/1/2019 (888 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us In less than a week, Brian Nicholls will be carrying his paper bag lunch to a work site in Florida. The retired Minnedosa teacher is taking a break from retirement to volunteer his time helping clean up the destruction hurricane Michael left behind. Retired teacher Brian Nicholls is heading to Florida on Sunday with Samaritan's Purse to help clean Mexico Beach after hurricane Michael. (Submitted) "Its just something Ive wanted to do," Nicholls said. "Ive had lots of positive things happen in my life, and when people suffer through a hurricane and their whole life is destroyed its kind of nice to go and lend a hand." Nicholls is linking up with Samaritans Purse, a Christian organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to people who are suffering around the world. Its the second time he has helped a community pick up the pieces following a weather disaster. Last April, Nicholls travelled to Houston, Texas, to assist with the rebuilding stages following hurricane Harvey. During the week he spent in Texas, he was kept busy mudding and painting houses alongside some exterior work. While there, Nicholls said that volunteers would often run into the people whose houses they were fixing up. "The ladys house that we were working on, we got to meet her quite a few times, and they just really appreciate what youre doing for them," he said. "Its a good feeling that way, so you kind of look forward to that." This time around, he said theyll be volunteering at an earlier stage of the rebuilding process, and will be focusing more on initial cleanup. Nicholls will be in Florida from Jan. 13 to Jan. 27. "It could involve lots of things, whether its cutting down trees that are dangerous, whether its cutting out drywall in houses that may have been flooded," he said. "I know a lot of houses were just completely destroyed, so it might just be cleaning up some sites where people used to have houses." Every day will follow a similar routine. Volunteers will be sleeping on cots in the basement of a church in Wewahitchka, Fla. They will be woken for breakfast at approximately 6 a.m., after which they will be transported to the cleanup site in a truck. "You work there basically all day, you take a bagged lunch with you, and then youre usually back at the base camp for supper time," he said. "You relax a little bit in the evening, and youre usually tired enough that you get a good nights sleep and start all over again the next morning." Volunteers will be sleeping on cots in the basement of a church in. "You make pretty good friends with the group that you work with," Nicholls said. "The full week that I was there in Houston, we worked with the same crew every day, so you do establish some pretty good friendships, you visit and talk while youre working." The cost of his trip is $1,000. Although he has yet to reach that number through fundraising efforts, he said its not a worry. "If I dont get enough money donated, thats OK," he said. "Id gladly put up whatever leftover amount is necessary to get there ... (Im) just looking forward to getting down there and helping out. It will be hard work, but it should be very rewarding as well." mverge@brandonsun.com Twitter: @Melverge5 Submit your letter to the editor for publication in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Letters should be no more than 300 words and must include the writer's first and last name (no initials), home address and daytime phone number. Submit Valerie Bustamante is staff writer for the Seguin Gazette. You can e-mail her at valerie.bustamante@seguingazette.com. If you are currently a print subscriber but don't have an online account, select this option. You will need to use your 7 digit subscriber account number (with leading zeros) and your last name (in UPPERCASE). Felicia Frazar is the assistant editor of the Seguin Gazette. You can e-mail her at felicia.frazar@seguingazette.com NEW LONDON, Conn. The Coast Guard Academy announced in a Jan. 10 release that Rear Adm. William G. Kelly to be its 42nd superintendent. Kelly will relieve current Superintendent Rear Adm. James E. Rendon this summer. Kelly currently serves as the assistant commandant for Human Resources since April 2016. He also oversees the Coast Guards human resources field activities, from accession of new military personnel to retirees pay and benefits. His previous flag assignment was as the commander, Personnel Service Center. Kelly is a 1987 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy and he earned his masters degree in Instructional Systems Design from Florida State University and a Certificate in Human Resource Management. He has extensive experience in personnel development as the director of the Coast Guards Leadership Development Center in New London, and also served as the school chief for Officer Candidate School. Ranked among the nations most prestigious institutions of higher learning, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London is proud to educate future leaders of Americas multimission, maritime military force. Each year, approximately 200 graduates are commissioned as Coast Guard officers to help ensure the safety, security and stewardship of our nations waters. WASHINGTON The Department of Navy has awarded Alion Science and Technology, headquartered in McLean, Virginia, an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple-award SeaPort Next Generation contract vehicle, the company said in a Jan. 10 release. This contract has a five-year base period of performance, with an additional five-year ordering period option. Under this vehicle, Alion will compete for individual task orders for engineering and program management support services. Engineering services consist of supporting the research and development of new and existing naval platforms and systems. Innovative warfighting capabilities are introduced through the design and complex integration of hardware and software into ships, submarines and aircraft during new construction, maintenance and modernization availabilities. These efforts include the analysis and evaluation of foreign as well as nondevelopmental systems, equipment and technologies. Program management services consist of the application of acquisition, business, financial, technical and quality-control expertise within large and small Navy programs. These services enable Navy leaders to manage the design, development, production, training, deployment, sustainment and disposal of equipment, systems and platforms. Alion has been a trusted partner of the Navy for many years and as a company we are humbled and thrilled to be able to continue this work so vital to our country. said Vince Stammetti, Alion senior vice president. In concert with our Navy customers, our singular mission is to ensure that fleet assets are on station and our Sailors, Marines and Airmen are equipped to do the nations bidding simple as that. PR Newswire LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2019 LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Bellevue, WA-based Wipliance, LLC, one of the nation's leading custom electronic systems integrators, has received the prestigious TechHome "Integrator of the Year" award at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2019), now through Friday (January 11) at the Las Vegas Convention Center Presented by the Consumer Technology Association's (CTA) TechHome Division and CE Pro, the TechHome "Integrator of the Year" award recognizes the premier electronics system contractor in the industry. It is the most prestigious award in the 2019 Mark of Excellence Awards program, recognizing the best in custom installation. With operations in Bellevue, WA and Scottsdale, AZ, Wipliance provides integrated technology for homes and businesses. The company was founded in 2006 with a focus on providing turnkey solutions for automation, audio video, lighting control, window treatments and security. "We are extremely proud to be recognized by our industry with this major award," said Wipliance founder and owner Lee Travis, who has attended CES for 33 consecutive years, since graduating high school in 1986. "This award is really all about our team; it is a testament to their dedication and hard work." Judging for the coveted "Integrator of the Year" award is conducted by a team of leading systems integrators, manufacturers, members of the trade press and industry consultants. Wipliance has received several awards and was most recently named a 2018 Lutron Excellence Award winner for "Best Voice Control Application." For more information please visit http://www.wipliance.com. About Wipliance, LLC Wipliance, LLC, headquartered in Bellevue, WA, is a privately-held corporation founded in 2006 specializing in providing solutions for your home or business that are simple to use, reliable to own, and deliver best-in-class performance. Wipliance specializes in Audio/Video, Automation, Networking, Lighting Control, Security and Window Treatments. Our mission is to provide competitively-priced products, efficient installation, and after-the-sale service so you can enjoy your systems for years to come. The Wipliance team has more than 30 years of experience in the fields of technology, sales, electronics and design. The company has been recognized in the CEPro Top 100 for the last eight years, as a Lutron Excellence Award winner and in the Control4 Circle of Excellence. Industry memberships include the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA), American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Arizona Residential Architects (ARA), Home Builders Association of Central Arizona (HBACA), Master Builders Association of King & Snohomish Counties (MBA), and the Seattle Executives Association. For more information please visit http://www.wipliance.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wipliance\ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Wipliance/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/wipliance/ SOURCE Wipliance PR Newswire GUANGZHOU, China, Jan. 10, 2019 GUANGZHOU, China, Jan. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese automaker GAC Motor is returning to the 2019 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) from January 14 to 28 in Detroit. The company will host a press conference at 1:40 p.m. on January 14, 2019, at their exhibition space in Hall B of Cobo Center. The theme of GAC Motor's NAIAS exhibition this year is "Vision Unlimited." The Jan. 14 press conference will feature the world premiere of the new concept car ENTRANZE and the first appearance in North America of the brand's latest minivan GM6 and the all-new GS5 SUV. Developed by GAC's Advanced Design Center in Los Angeles, the ENTRANZE Concept, which will debut at the 2019 NAIAS, is defined as a hyper-modern family vehicle and equipped with the latest intelligent system technologies, sustainability features and automated driving. The ENTRANZE Concept explores more possibilities for the modern family vehicle by taking a 7-seater SUV and adding lots of technology and ergonomics to make driving easier and more pleasurable. The GM6 minivan, recently released in China, is making its first appearance outside China at 2019 NAIAS. It is a smart vehicle designed specifically to meet family travelling needs and emphasizes spacious seating. It has a five-star safety package, an AI-enhancedintelligent driving system and features an industry-leading 99 square feet of extra-large cargo space. The technologically-advanced medium- to high-end SUV GS5 will show up in the show too. First unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2018, the all-new GS5 adopts GAC Motor's next-generation 1.5T GDI engine delivering a vibrant and exciting driving experience with enhanced performance. GAC Motor will also display the brand's elite vehicle lineup of SUVs, sedans, minivans and new energy cars including the brand-new GS4 launched in early 2018, luxury SUV GS8, seven-seat minivan GM8, and new energy car GE3. NAIAS is an important stage that bears witness to the internationalization of GAC Motor. Since its first appearance at NAIAS in 2013, the company has kept the global debuts of its start models GS4, GS7, GE3 and GA4 for this stage. GAC Motor has participated in other major international auto shows to promote its presence in oversea markets. In the past year of 2018, besides the NAIAS, the company debuted at Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) and revealed plans of entering the Russian market in 2019, attracting many local distributors to know more about GAC Motor. Without a pause, the company made its first appearance at the Paris Motor Show. GAC Motor unveiled its all-new GS5 SUV and made its first foray into the European market by showcasing the latest premium vehicles, which earn good comments and expectations from local customers GAC Motor has continued to solidify and expand its business in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and countries in the Southeastern Asia in 2018. Now the company operates in 16 countries worldwide and keeps exploring ways of stepping into additional markets. With the sale number of 535,168 cars globally in 2018, GAC Motor manages to win a 5.23% year-on-year growth GAC Motor's commitment to quality strengthens every aspect of vehicle making from design and production to auto parts and services, allowing them to be ranked #1 in J.D. Power Asia Pacific's China Initial Quality Study (IQS) for six consecutive years. Hence, GAC Motor are called as "the Best Chinese Car Brand" by customers in oversea markets. GAC Motor is preparing to open a new R&D center in Farmington Hills, Mich., a suburb of Detroit. With its R&D center in Silicon Valley and advanced design center in Los Angeles now up and running, the three centers will place the foundations of GAC Motor's R&D working in North America and solidify its steps to a global company with world-class brand. About GAC MotorFounded in 2008, Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor CO., LTD (GAC Motor) is a subsidiary of GAC Group which ranks 202nd among Fortune Global 500 companies. The company develops and manufactures premium quality vehicles, engines, components and auto accessories. GAC Motor has now ranked first among all Chinese brands for six consecutive years in J.D. Power Asia Pacific's China Initial Quality StudySM (IQS), demonstrating the company's quality-centric strategy from innovative research and development (R&D), manufacturing to supply chain and sales & services. For more information, please visit:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GACMotor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gac_motor Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/gac_motor View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2019-naias-debut-entranze-to-the-future-mobility-300776151.html SOURCE GAC Motor Reporter Claire Withycombe: cwithycombe@eomediagroup.com or 971-304-4148. Withycombe is a reporter for the East Oregonian working for the Oregon Capital Bureau, a collaboration of EO Media Group, Pamplin Media Group, and Salem Reporter. SIGN UP TO GET BLACKLISTED NEWS DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Enter your email address: Showtime Management and international partner Selladoor Worldwide have postponed the South African tour of the We Will Rock You musical to 2022. South Africa is currently in its third wave of Covid-19 infections and, as such, the government has implemented precautions that only allows for a total audience of 100 people. I am hugely inspired by Peter Diamandis, who has motivated a lot of my work. As a proud member of the South African faculty of Singularity University, I watch a lot of his talks, and attend many of their events. This share is very much a presentation by him, with some additions by me. The way he puts things together, and his vision of the future, is outstanding... This week, South African social media has been in an uproar following allegations that Woolworths had stolen the design of a baby carrier made by a local entrepreneur. On the face of it, this a typical David vs Goliath story (with David having an army of social media backers). While that may be true, the saga contains digital lessons for brands of all sizes. Woolworths accused of copying baby carrier design Woolworths has once again been accused of plagiarising the product design of a smaller business. This time, the item in question is a Woolworths baby carrier, which entrepreneur Shannon McLaughlin claims is a copy... Look beyond marketing Regular digital audits Are you getting the most out of your paid and organic search efforts? Is your website performing as well as it could be? (Google rewards websites that load faster and perform well on mobile) Do you have a social listening strategy in place? Are you analysing the competition and their tactics? Lessons from the Woolies crises There are two sides to the current crisis in which Woolworths finds itself. From a completely impartial point of view, Woolies responded very quickly to the social media tsunami surrounding its use of a hummingbird design. Its response was also plausible. In a widely-read blog , Ubuntu Baba founder Shannon McLaughlin accused Woolworths of copying the exact pattern of her baby carrier. Launched four years ago, the product has become a must-have among a certain set of South African parents. McLaughlins surprise that Woolworths had apparently copied her design was therefore understandable.McLaughlin also alleges that the retail giant went further than simply lifting her design. The entrepreneur also accuses the retailer of buying Google Adwords keywords related to the names of her baby carriers.That means that anytime someone searched for the specific names of the Ubuntu Baba baby carriers, the Woolworths product would have appeared higher in the search results than the original.That this allegation is so central to the story underlines how important digital has become to the success and failure of a brand. With all of the internet at their fingertips, most potential shoppers turn to Google before making a purchase. When they do so, you want your product to be the one they see. If someone elses product comes up ahead of yours, they have the power of visibility and are likely to make more sales.It also shows that brands need to look beyond marketing when it comes to their digital assets. They need to ensure that theyre protecting their products visibility and reputation.Whether youre a startup or a multinational, its vital that you conduct regular digital audits. This will enable you to answer questions such as:By looking at these factors, brands can ensure that theyre always one step ahead of the competition, no matter what size it is.While taking all these steps can seem complex, especially for a small startup simply looking to grow their brand, its often a matter of bringing in the right outside expertise from time to time.Get it right and you wont just stay ahead of the competition, your brand will grow to previously unseen heights. Mozambique's military should immediately release Amade Abubacar, a community radio journalist for the state-owned Radio e Televisao Comunitaria Nacedje de Macomia in northern Cabo Delgado province, the Committee to Protect Journalists said. Internally displaced people offload food, blankets, and other goods after fleeing militant attacks in Naunde, northern Mozambique, on June 13, 2018. A Mozambican journalist was arrested on January 5, 2019, and held in a military prison after photographing families who fled the militant attacks. Credit: CPJ/AFP/Joaquim Nhamirre. Silence a journalists voice Police arrested Abubacar at a bus station in Macomia on January 5 while he was photographing families who have fled militant attacks in the coastal province, according to an emailed newsletter on January 7 by the independent Zitamar News, for which Abucar is also a correspondent Authorities are holding Abubacar in Mueda, 200 km (125 miles) from Macomia, in a military prison for alleged terror suspects, according to a January 6 statement by the Mozambican chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) that was emailed to CPJ."Mozambican authorities should immediately free Amade Abubacar without charge and stop censoring coverage of the insurgency by detaining journalists and accusing them of colluding with militants," said Angela Quintal, CPJ's Africa program coordinator."With Mozambique set for crucial elections in October, Cabo Delgado cannot be a no-go area for the media. Citizens have a right to independent and diverse sources of information about what is happening in their country."Zitamar reported in its newsletter that Amade was able to contact a family member on a borrowed phone on the day of his arrest. He said he was "repeatedly and brutally kicked" and was accused of having links to a now-banned Facebook account promoting and recruiting insurgents, according to a January 6 post by independent Pinnacle News, which publishes on Facebook.Cabo Delgado Governor Julio Parruque told CPJ in a WhatsApp message on January 7 that he would try to get information the following day. He did not respond to follow-up messages. President Filipe Nyusi's spokesman, Arsenio Henriques, did not respond to a request via WhatsApp for comment yesterday.In his weekly press briefing, national police spokesman Inacio Dina was asked about the arrest, according to a report yesterday in Mozambique's O Pais newspaper. "We are coordinating and sharing information. We will share the circumstances of the arrest or detention of your colleague, who is also our colleague," he said, according to O Pais.At the time of publication, Mozambican authorities had yet to make any official comment on Abubacar's case.In a statement to CPJ yesterday, the journalist's brother, Ali Abubacar, said his family did not know why Amade was arrested and had not had any contact with him since the day of his arrest. "As far as we are concerned it is a way to silence a journalist's voice. We condemn this action as a complete threat to freedom of expression."He said his family was very worried and appealed to authorities to help ensure that his brother was freed as soon as possible.Tom Bowker, the editor of Zitamar News , told CPJ that Abubacar was a diligent local journalist serving his community in Macomia, one of the areas worst hit by the Islamist insurgency in northern Mozambique. South Africa's Mail & Guardian newspaper reported last year that the militants are knownby several names, including al-Sunnah wa Jama'ah, Swahili Sunna or alShabab, although there were no formal links with Somali militants of the same name. Little is known about the armed group or its motivations, or what may have prompted the spate of violence that began in October 2017, with no verified public statements or claims of credit for attacks, the Mail & Guardian reported.Abubacar was demoted from head of the radio station to journalist in September 2018 for "supposedly reporting too frequently on the insurgency," Bowker said. The journalist was arrested "simply for doing his job of documenting the news in his local area," Bowker said, adding: "The attitude of the authorities in cracking down on free speech is completely counter-productive and contradicts the supposed rule of law in Mozambique."Amade Chale, who succeeded Abubacar as head of the radio station, did not respond to CPJ's request for comment via WhatsApp.On December 17, the military in Cabo Delgado arrested investigative journalist Estacio Valoi, Amnesty International researcher David Matsinhe, and their driver, Girafe Saide Tufane, and held them for two days before releasing them without charge, according to a statement from the Zimbabwean chapter of MISA. In June 2018, Pinde Dube, the Zimbabwean correspondent for the South African private broadcaster eNCA, was also arrested in Cabo Delgado while covering militant attacks in the area, according to a local news report The number of students who applied for the mandatory eligibility certificate from MCI to study medicine abroad almost doubled in the year 2017-18 from 2016-17 As per a fresh RTI data, the Medical Council of India (MCI) issued 3,386 more eligibility certificates to foreign medical aspirants looking to enroll in an overseas medical university in the year 2018. RTI registration number MEDCI/R/2018/51942 states that during the period 01/01/2018 to 31/12/2018, a total 17, 504 eligibility certificates have been issued by MCI. It is to be noted that there has been a constant increase in the number of students going abroad since 2015. As per the numbers available from RTI no. MCI- 201 (E-RTI)/ 2018- Eligi./, the number of students who applied for the mandatory eligibility certificate from MCI to study medicine abroad almost doubled in the year 2017-18 from 2016-17. Year 2018 saw a further hike in the numbers. As per the recent data, nearly two lakh more candidates are going to take the NEET exam in 2019, a growth of 14.4% from last year. The entrance test for MBBS/ BDS aspirants saw registrations soar to a record 15.19 lakh candidates as against 13.26 lakh. The number of students has increased but the numbers of seats remain the same leading to tougher competition. It is for sure that students who will not secure a Government seat are likely to go to foreign medical colleges owing to lower fees, good quality education and better opportunities, said the President & Founder of MCI recognized, Caribbean based medical college, Texila American University, Saju Bhaskar. As per the information provided in the previous RTI communication, MCI issued a total of 8,737 eligibility certificated in the year 2016-2017 while 14,118 eligibility certificates were issued in 2017-18. The number of eligibility certificates issued also includes pending of the previous years suggested the RTI reply. The mandate of getting an eligibility certificate to study medicine abroad came into force only from January 2014. The notification stated that Indian national/ overseas citizen of India who has taken admission in a medical university/ institution outside the country on or after January 4, 2015. The on demand supply service will be available for any Clinigen client running clinical trials Clinigen Group plc, the global pharmaceutical and services company, announces that its Clinical Trial Service (CTS) business has extended its exclusive European clinical trial supply agreement with Accord Healthcare. Clinigen is also offering pharma companies an on demand service to Accords products, a first for the industry. Clinigen and Accord have been partnered since 2012 to deliver oncology Injectable Products, including carboplatin, cisplatin and paclitaxel, into clinical trials. The extended agreement now covers Accords European Solid Dose Products, including those in the central nervous system, autoimmune, diabetes and anti-viral therapy areas. The CTS team is the sole point of contact for all clinical trial supply enquiries, ensuring an effective and secure supply chain in the distribution of Accords European product portfolio to pharmaceutical manufacturers, contract research organisations (CROs), clinical trial contract packagers and other specialist service providers. The drugs are supplied for use as a comparator, co-therapy, rescue and adjunctive drugs in clinical trials. The on demand supply service will be available for any Clinigen client running clinical trials. They will be offered instant access to key products from Accord's generic oncology Injectable Product portfolio. Products will be held in large batch sizes on consignment ready for instant dispatch to new and existing clinical trials. This is the first type of dedicated service providing instant access to products solely for clinical trials in the industry and directly tackles the constant timeline and flexibility challenges experienced when running clinical trials. Shaun Chilton, Group Chief Executive Officer of Clinigen, said: This extended agreement builds on the strong partnership we have with Accord in providing access to its medicines for use in clinical trials. The launch of our on demand offering demonstrates the ability we have across the Group and the specialisms we have in the supply and distribution of medicines. These capabilities enable us to provide the best possible service to those running clinical trials. Phill Semmens, Senior Vice President Commercial, Accord Healthcare, EMENA, said: We are delighted that the strong collaboration Accord and Clinigen have built over the past six years continues to expand with the agreement to include solid dose oral products. The scope of this partnership is a first for the industry, allowing us to ensure that our products are available as comparators in a variety of vital clinical trials, helping to further medical knowledge and the identification of new treatment options to improve patient care. PEOPLES UNION FOR CIVIL LIBERTIES Maharashtra State Unit Ad Hoc Committee Convenor: Mihir Desai; Members: Sandhya Gokhale, Rajni Bakshi, Sitaram Shelar, Dolphy Dsouza, Alex Dmello, Lara Jesani Email: pucl.maharashtra[at]gmail.com Date: 9.1.2019 PUCL Maharashtra Statement in Solidarity with protesting BEST Workers PUCL Maharashtra expresses shock and dismay at reports that the BMC and BEST administration have chosen to invoke draconian provisions of the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) against striking BEST employees, instead of taking steps to respond to their demands and alleviate their grievances at the earliest. PUCL Maharashtra learns that the BEST administration has issued eviction notices to striking BEST employees and is already trying to remove them and their families from their homes, on the second day of the indefinite strike called by BEST workers unions to press for their demands. Workers and their families cannot be penalised in this inhuman manner for exercising their right to protest and to strike, to press for their legitimate demands. PUCL Maharashtra urges the civic administration to withdraw the notices forthwith. The strike has been called to demand the merger of the BEST budget with the principal budget of the BMC, in addition to pressing for negotiations with the management on wages, resumption of appointments on compassionate grounds and bonus parity with BMS employees. The BEST Kruti Samiti, which is the umbrella body of all the BEST employees unions spearheading the strike, has also expressed fears that the administration is bringing in privatization through the back door and making a vital public transport service unaffordable and unsustainable. PUCL Maharashtra is concerned at the systematic dismantling of public transport in Mumbai and the destruction of the BEST, which was once Mumbais pride. Alongside, several mega projects have been initiated throughout Maharashtra without any regard for the environmental damage, the loss of livelihood of the fishing community of Mumbai and the high cost of the multi-crore projects, which will ultimately be borne by all citizens. The state government has invested heavily in car-oriented infrastructure but has systematically starved BEST and refused to invest in bus-based public transport (modernization of buses, integration between modes, dedicated bus lanes, bus depot, and bus stops improvement, etc.) which has led to the decline of the service and its ridership. By reducing BEST services and scrapping routes the administration is causing harassment to commuters and residents of Mumbai. It is a criminal shame that the demands of the protesting BEST workers have been met with this kind of penalization and repression from the administration on the one hand and indifference from the state government on the other. The BEST management has no right to declare the workers strike illegal when it has done nothing to resolve the situation. The situation today is a combined result of the failure of the BEST management to effectively address the grievances of the workers which relies on their labour and further failure of the state government to push policies to examine ways to strengthen the public transport system for all citizens, instead of adopting multi-crore projects at the cost of addressing the real needs and urgent concerns of the citizens. In light of this, PUCL Maharashtra urges the BEST management to immediately initiate talks with the striking workers to redress their grievances and the state government to strengthen public transport in Mumbai, instead of contributing to its destruction. Mihir Desai, Convenor, Ad-Hoc Committee, Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Maharashtra Peoples Union for Civil Liberties, National Office 270-A, Patpar Ganj, Opposite Anand Lok Apartments, Mayur Vihar I, Delhi 110 091 Phone 2275 0014 PP FAX 4215 1459 Founder: Jayaprakash Narayan; Founding President: V M Tarkunde President: Mr. Ravikiran Jain; General Secretary: Dr. V. Suresh E.mail: puclnat[at]gmail.com &pucl.natgensec[at]gmail.com The participating startups will get an opportunity to showcase their solutions at the International Tradeshow Exhibition. BioAsia, Asias largest Life-sciences and healthcare forum will feature a dedicated platform called the Startups Stage in its 16th Edition of the event to be held at Hyderabad between February 25 27, 2019. This platform, Startups Stage, will enable entrepreneurs working on solutions for the pharma, bio-tech, life sciences, health-tech or med-tech sectors to showcase their innovation to a global audience. BioAsia has the reputation of being a globally sought-after annual forum due to its diverse attendance of healthcare leaders from over 50 countries regularly. The marquee event has witnessed a prestigious participant history including the likes of several Nobel Prize winners including the likes of Drs Kurt Wuthrich, Ada Yonath, Harald zur Hausen, Barry Marshall, Martin J Evans, several Lasker Awardees and eminent industry leaders like Dr. Paul Stoffels (Vice Chairman and CSO, J&J), Dr. Vas Narasimhan (CEO, Novartis), Dr. Patrick Vallance (President R&D, GSK), Dr. Seth Berkley (CEO, GAVI), Dr. Freida Lewis Hall (EVP and CMO, Pfizer), Dr. Mark Caulfield (Chief Scientist, Genomics England), Pankaj Patel (Chairman, Zydus Cadila), Satish Reddy (Chairman, Dr. Reddys Laboratories), Kiran Majumdar Shaw (CMD, Biocon), among others. The participating startups will get an opportunity to showcase their solutions at the International Tradeshow Exhibition, network with global industry delegates, seek mentorship from eminent thought leaders, seek partnership avenues with companies and pitch to leading venture and M&A investors. Notable healthcare investors like Kris Gopalakrishnan (Axilor), Sanjiv Kaul (ChrysCapital), Pranay Adhvaryu (Lighthouse Canton), Mahadevan (Mahad) Narayanamoni (TPG), Jinesh Shah (Omnivore) and representatives from 3one4 Capital, Kae Capital, Kalaari, Patni Family Office, Ivy Cap Ventures and representatives from companies like RoundGlass Partners, Abraaj, Shunwei Capital and Norwest Venture Partners, among many others shall be actively interacting with the participating startups exploring funding opportunities. Dr. Renu Swarup (Secretary, Department of Biotechnology), Government of India who has been instrumental in accelerating the growth of biotech sector in the country will interact with the Start-ups in the Start-up Stage. M&A teams from companies like Zydus Cadila, Dr. Reddys Laboratories, Alkem Laboratories, etc. will also participate in the event. In last 4 years, BioAsia provided an opportunity to around 150 Startups which benefitted by networking with Industry experts along with their feedback and investors community to explore their funding requirements. The startups will also get an unmatched opportunity to request exclusive one-to-one meetings with the participating delegates and be a part of the Disruptors Roundtable. The Disruptors Roundtable will be chaired by industry luminaries for a focused interaction with startups to provide insights and guidance on several emerging healthcare challenges. The likes of Satish Reddy, Chairman of Dr. Reddys Laboratories will be a part of the Disruptors Roundtable for startups. The Startup Stage will also feature several activities and workshops conducted by industry experts on emerging trends healthcare globally. The top 5 startups participating in the Start-up stage will get a chance to pitch their innovation to the global conference audience. Interested Startups can visit BioAsia 2019 website for a free registration (http://2019.bioasia.in/Startups_announcement.html) Commenting on the Startup stage, Jayesh Ranjan IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Government of Telangana said, Start-up Stage @ BioAsia will bring together the most cutting-edge, innovative and technically astute start-ups from the realm of life sciences and healthcare sectors. The platform will provide an unparalleled opportunity to startups to showcase their solutions and connect with a global network of industry stakeholders across the sectors. Most importantly, the event will facilitate conversation between the Start-ups and the Governments, as the Government is becoming the most important customer of the Start-ups. We are glad that Government of India and a number of other State Governments have partnered with us on this initiative In light of BioAsias great potential for emerging entrepreneurs, the conference regularly showcases startups with a potential to address the global healthcare challenges and Indias diverse healthcare needs. It has been our endeavor to showcase start-ups with potential to transform healthcare. 2019 event will have an increased start-up focus. We are delighted with enthusiastic response from the Life Sciences Industry leaders, Venture capital & Angel investor community and the corporate M&A teams of leading pharma & bio-tech companies, said Shakthi Nagappan, CEO, BioAsia. Telangana State Innovation Cell (TSIC) as the innovation partner is working with BioAsia to bring all the stakeholders of life sciences startup ecosystem on a single platform. Phanindra Sama, Chief Innovation Officer, Government of Telangana, said, BioAsia is one of the top Life Sciences conferences in Asia. Startup Stage is a fantastic opportunity for Life Sciences startups to network and showcase innovations in the industry. Some of the biggest and influential organizations in the have come joined together for the start-up stage including Startup India, Department of Biotechnology, BIRAC, Telangana State Innovation Cell, NASSCOM, T-Hub, Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad, Ernst and Young, inc42, Mumbai Angels, IKP, Light House Canton, among others. With such an extraordinary ensemble of investors, Government & Industry stakeholders, M&A teams from Pharma Companies 2019 is just over a week old, but it's already shaping up to be a busy one for Europe, which has a long to-do list to address as it grapples with political turbulence, slowing economic growth and tense relations with the world's superpowers. European leaders will contend with a host of issues, including Germany's unstable political coalition, the staying power of populism, Italy's economic woes, and concerns about China and Russia's looming presence over the European Union. Here are four trends that will shape Europe's political, economic and social agenda this year. Trend 1: Trouble in the EU's Top Four In 2019, the governments of the eurozone's four largest economies will encounter a raft of political troubles that will limit their room to maneuver at home, as well as their ability to offer cohesive leadership in the bloc as a whole. In Germany, Angela Merkel's decision not to run for re-election in 2021 will force the members of her coalition government to prepare for a political environment without her. Even if Merkel manages to complete her term, her authority within the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) will progressively weaken as the party plans for her succession. In the meantime, the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) will seek to distance itself from the CDU, its coalition partner, in a desperate bid to improve its popularity. This could make Germany's government increasingly dysfunctional, reducing Berlin's desire to introduce structural reforms at the EU level. As a result, proposals to establish a common deposit insurance scheme for eurozone banks or create a large eurozone budget to stabilize countries in financial distress (both of which require strong German backing) are unlikely to move forward anytime soon. The French government, for its part, is entertaining a number of ideas to enact domestic and European reforms, yet it also faces significant limitations. At home, the yellow vest protests have served notice to all that French citizens are more than willing to hit the streets to protest any economic policies they oppose. Seeking to avoid new demonstrations, President Emmanuel Macron's government will likely take a more cautious approach to reform this year. This could mean watering down plans to simplify the country's pension system and tighten the eligibility criteria for unemployment insurance. At the EU level, meanwhile, opposition from Northern European countries proved strong enough last year to dilute Paris' proposals for greater risk-sharing and higher spending in the eurozone. In the end, another year marked by domestic constraints will restrict Paris' ability to influence the European Union's policy direction. Italy will be another country to watch in 2019. Late last year, the Italian government acceded to pressure from financial markets to tone down its criticism about the euro and reach an agreement with the European Commission over its budget plans. But the combination of a heavy debt burden, fragile banks and meager growth means the Italian economy is not out of the woods. Moreover, the governing League and Five Star Movement parties find it hard to conceal their ideological differences on a host of issues ranging from immigration to infrastructure projects a trend that will continue in 2019. Unsurprisingly, an early election would only increase uncertainty about Italy's future. Meanwhile, the eurozone's fourth-largest economy, Spain, suffers from too many domestic problems (ranging from a minority government that struggles to get things done to persistent separatist rumblings in Catalonia) to even consider shaping the bloc's future direction. These domestic problems are occurring at a time when the European Union must take decisive action on policy. One of the Continent's most heated debates this year will revolve around the European Union's next seven-year budget, which must enter force in 2021. The discussions, which will focus on the size and distribution of agricultural subsidies and development funds, will lay bare the competing strategic interests within the union. The bloc's members that are net recipients of funds (most of which are in Eastern Europe and, to a lesser extent, Southern Europe) will push to increase or at least preserve the current levels of spending, while the net contributors (most in Northern Europe) will drive for spending cuts. The negotiations to appoint the new members of the European Commission and the new presidents of the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Council will also lead to ideological and strategic disputes among EU governments. These negotiations are worth following closely, because the future of the European Union's economic, foreign and monetary policies will be on the table. Trend 2: Populism Is Here to Stay In recent years, populist and nationalist forces have made serious inroads in many member states. In 2019 and beyond such forces will continue to exert influence on the bloc's politics for a simple reason: The factors that contributed to their rise are still present. Issues such as low economic growth, skepticism about the ostensible benefits of globalization, rising wealth inequality, anxiety about immigration, demographic changes and concerns about the loss of national sovereignty will continue to provide fertile ground for political forces that question the current political and economic order in Europe. Naturally, these forces face significant limitations. Most voters still want their countries to remain in the European Union and the eurozone even if in many cases this desire stems not from any innate love for the Continental project but from the fear of the unforeseeable consequences of leaving it. The same applies to politicians, who often tone down their anti-European rhetoric once they assume power and have to make concrete policy choices. Nevertheless, the rise of populist and nationalist forces is the single greatest threat to the survival of the European Union in its current form. Ultimately, the union cannot count on fear of the unknown or on institutional restrictions to perpetually prevent these parties from winning an election or, if they do, soften their Euroskepticism. Compounding the issue is the fact that the emergence of populist and nationalist forces has made many moderate political parties adopt similar stances in order to compete with the upstarts. 2019 will present a stern test for these political movements. The good news for the European Union is that there aren't that many general elections scheduled on the Continent this year. In late May, however, the entire bloc will hold elections to appoint lawmakers to the European Parliament. This will give voters a low-risk opportunity to punish their national governments and support anti-establishment parties. Pro-EU forces will retain control of the Parliament, but the legislature will become more fragmented, meaning policymaking could become more difficult. The elections will also have domestic repercussions, as political parties (both in government and in the opposition) will convene to map out their political futures after the vote. The Europe-wide polls could precipitate early general elections in places with weak governments (like Spain) or awkward coalitions (like Italy and Germany). One particular vote to watch will be Poland's general election in November, when voters will have to decide whether to re-elect the current government, which is one of the loudest critics of the European Union's federalist efforts. Trend 3: Economic Risk Isn't Going Away The eurozone will also have to deal with at least three sources of economic risk in 2019. The first stems from trade issues with the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is still considering whether to introduce higher tariffs on European automobiles. A report by the U.S. Department of Commerce on whether automobile imports represent a threat to national security in the United States is due by mid-February; once released, the White House will have 90 days to decide on what action to take. As the main producer of vehicles in Europe, Germany stands to lose a lot if that threat materializes, but so do the many of the EU countries that constitute Germany's supply chain. In the end, the European Union will find it difficult to sign a comprehensive free trade agreement that includes agriculture which is what the White House will likely seek in exchange for not introducing higher tariffs on European cars. Moreover, should the White House introduce higher tariffs on EU-produced vehicles, Brussels would retaliate with its own countermeasures, resulting in an overall reduction of bilateral trade between two of the three largest economic players in the world. Brexit poses the second big source of economic risk in Europe. The British government can avoid a disorderly exit from the European Union even if the House of Commons rejects the plan that Prime Minister Theresa May's government negotiated late last year with Brussels because it can request an extension of the negotiation period (which would require unanimous support from the rest of the European Union) or withdraw its request to leave (which London can do unilaterally). But suspending the United Kingdom's exit will have little meaning unless London drafts a strategy to follow that delay. This could take the form of an early election, a new exit agreement or even a second referendum on European Union membership (especially if the Labour Party takes over the government). While any of these options would postpone Brexit, they would also create new sources of uncertainty and anxiety, both in the United Kingdom and abroad. The final source of risk is an old one: Southern Europe's economic fragility, which will manifest itself in many ways in 2019. One cause for concern is a vicious circle, known as a "debt doom loop," between countries with high levels of debt and the banks that hold that debt. Over the past decade, lenders have purchased more and more public debt from eurozone countries, but the banks holding these bonds suffer if debt prices fall. Once more, the main country to watch in 2019 will be Italy. Even if Rome has reached a truce with the European Commission, it has failed to assuage the doubts about the sustainability of its public finances, while some banks still own billions of euros in sovereign Italian debt, as well as large amounts of non-performing loans. But there are additional issues that complicate the economic picture in Southern Europe. Now that the ECB has ended its bond-buying quantitative easing program, there will be one less source of demand for eurozone debt this year, meaning borrowing costs, especially for weak economies in Mediterranean Europe, could go up without the central lender's intervention. At the same time, countries like Italy, Spain and France have announced budget plans for 2019 that will lead to higher deficits. This is a risky move for countries with already high levels of public debt. When the next recession comes and many eurozone economies are already slowing these countries will have little fiscal room to deal with the problem. Trend 4: Ambiguous Ties With China and Russia In addition to the trade disputes with the United States, the European Union will have its hands full with the other two key powers in the international system, China and Russia. At present, the trade war between China and the United States creates an opportunity for the European Union, since Brussels can increase pressure on Beijing to open its market to European investment. Europe wants China to grant European investors an equal footing with its domestic companies and remove subsidies for Chinese businesses. While China is unlikely to significantly alter its economic model, any further downturn in U.S.-Chinese relations could make Beijing more receptive to Brussels' pressure. But the European Union is also worried about China's increasing presence on the Continent. Brussels is especially concerned about Beijing's investment plans in Central and Eastern Europe, arguing that some of the proposals flout EU rules on public procurement and state aid in addition to lacking a sound cost-benefit analysis. The bloc also fears that Beijing's rising economic clout will ultimately translate into political influence something that would only exacerbate the union's political fragmentation. To some extent, these fears are already coming true, as rich EU countries, wary of Chinese investment, have begun to clash with poorer ones, which welcome whatever foreign investment they can get. At the same time, the bloc is wary about Chinese investment in sensitive technologies. Germany, France and others have already introduced mechanisms to screen foreign that is, Chinese investment on critical technology and infrastructure, although the union has failed to introduce a common mechanism at the Continental level. At the same time, the United States is increasing pressure on its European partners to introduce stronger barriers to Chinese investment, which will affect research and trade in areas including artificial intelligence and the development of 5G networks. Likewise, ambiguity will mark Europe's relations with Russia this year. The European Union recently extended its economic sanctions against Moscow until mid-2019, and it will probably do so again before the end of the year given that the prospects for a resolution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine appear dim; if anything, frictions could even escalate as the rivals compete for control around the Sea of Azov. Countries in Central and Eastern Europe will continue their demands to maintain a tough stance on Russia, while regional leaders like Poland will look to strengthen political, military and economic ties with the United States, which they see as the region's ultimate protector against potential Russian aggression. Poland, Romania and others will also seek ways to diversify their sources of energy through measures such as infrastructure projects and purchases of liquified natural gas. But not all European countries perceive a Russian threat at their doorstep. Germany, for one, defends the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which will bypass Ukraine in transporting Russian natural gas to Europe, while several other EU member states have also insisted on pursuing a detente with Moscow so as to foster trade and find common ground on issues ranging from Syria to Iran. A Confluence of Problems The European Union is not facing the same types of immediate threats that it did during the height of the financial crisis earlier this decade, when the economic woes of Greece, Ireland, Portugal and others put the continuity of the eurozone in question. The threats facing the union today are more structural in nature, including shortcomings in the eurozone's setup, the lingering social and political repercussions of the recent financial and migration crises, and the ongoing competition among the global superpowers. This might mean that Europe's problems are not as urgent as they were a few years ago, but that doesn't make them any less dangerous for the Continental bloc. There are some doctrines that we see but we cannot see through them.1 The believer is often called upon to hold biblical truths in tension. We must be content to merely see through the glass dimly until we know even as we are known (1 Cor. 13:12). There are several biblical doctrines in this category. Praying in the Spirit is not one of them. Praying in the Spirit is an indispensable part of the Christian life that has, sometimes, generated more heat than light. Opinions admittedly vary about the exact meaning of praying in the Spirit. There are assorted theological claims about how to achieve prayer in the Spirit as if the admonition is a skill to be acquired. It is not. It is a gift to be received, a life to be lived. The Scriptures are clear: Praying in the Holy Spirit is approaching the throne of grace in humble and devout intercession and supplication entirely on Gods terms, not ours. Or, as one older Christian author, Jacob Gregory, put it so plainly: No human can pray without divine help. Prayer with divine help is praying in the Spirit. What Do the Scriptures Say About Praying in the Spirit? No human can pray without divine help seems to be a saying far too simple. We want more. We want to know what we must do to encourage the experience. Our contributing to the work of the Holy Spirit is as preposterous as presuming that praying in the Holy Spirit is an ecstatic experience to be cultivated. However, this phenomenon of God can do it, but I must help Him along is a wrong-headed but universal impulse of humanity to deal with God as we would with a mortal king. I will do this, and so you will do that. Such an error reveals, not necessarily an evil intent (havent we all thought that way at one time or another?), but rather a sad misunderstanding of Gods grace in Christ. Praying in the Spirit is altogether a divine activity that one appropriates through faith in Jesus Christ and in His finished work on the cross. Simple? Yes, and infinitely glorious. I am reminded of Peggy Nunans line from her book, On Speaking Well: Most of the important things you will ever say or hear in your life are composed of simple, good, sturdy words. I love you. Its over. Its a boy. Were going to win. Hes dead. Praying in the Holy Spirit is a simple, good, sturdy doctrine. But it is simply amazing. There are numerous passages in both the Old Testament and the New addressing prayers made in the power of the Spirit. The great E.M. Bounds (1835-1913), a Methodist Episcopal pastor who majored in the lifelong study of the biblical doctrine of prayer, wrote of one such example concerning Hannah in 1 Samuel 1: Her desires were too intense for articulation. She poured out her soul in prayer before the Lord." Insuperable natural difficulties were in the way, but she "multiplied her praying," as the passage means, till her God-lightened heart and her bright face recorded the answer to her prayers, and Samuel was hers by a conscious faith and a nation was restored by faith. Hannahs tears were like saltwater sacraments that spoke of a deep, unseen desire. This longing was lifted to God with Gods help. She was praying in Gods power, not her own. While there is no specific wording, praying in the Spirit, the narrative (and narrative is the chief literary genre in the Old Covenant text) clearly demonstrates that both Hannah and her son were believers who prayed with divine help. This is praying in the Spirit. The New Testament is characterized, not only by narrative but didactic literature. That is, the New Testament writers, particularly the Lord Jesus and His Apostles, speak or write in order to teach: to communicate Gods revealed truth to humankind. Within this primary genre in the New Testament, we can better isolate and examine exact teaching on the subject of praying in the Holy Spirit. Here are but a few selections that teach prayer with divine help. 5 Bible Verses about Praying with Divine Help But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do (Galatians 5:16,17 ESV). Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18). But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20). Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26-27). What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also (1 Corinthians 14:15). We say again: these are but samples of the doctrine of praying in the Spirit. Each glorious passage is worthy of its own careful consideration. The passages are mysterious only in the sense that all truth about the grace and condescending love of God is incomprehensible to mere mortals, but the teaching therein is plain and accessible. The passages are like the proleptic pods of Red Winter Wheat filled with life but buried beneath so much snow in a Kansas field. One sees a frozen field and says, nothing good can ever grow there! Ah, but wait for spring and you will see that the very field that appeared barren was pulsating with invisible power. The springtime fields in Kansas become a landscape of golden grains swaying in the breeze. So, too, the biblical teaching about praying in the Spirit is a seed hidden within those who trust in Christ Jesus. We see the dear lady in the nursing home, and we might be tempted to think, How powerless the poor soul is! But you could not be more wrong. As the hidden seeds of wheat burst forth in warm sun of the spring, so, too, does the Holy Spirit move within her to inspire her prayers, to perfect her prayers, and bring pain to prayer and prayer to providence and providence to praise! What a golden harvest from such a tiny vessel! These Scriptures about praying in the Spirit burst forth from the pages of the Bible to grow into golden grains of life for those wise farmers of the Word, for those who pray, not in the flesh, but in the Spirit. Whether in narrative (e.g., Acts 4:41) or in didactic (teaching) expression, (e.g., Ephesians 6:18), the Old and New Testament demonstrates that praying in the Spirit happens when we come to Almighty God in the name of Jesus Christ and according to Gods revealed will. How to Pray in the Spirit I risk repetition here, but we must not leave any room for the ever-present human tendency to add or take away from the plain truth of Scripture. To pray in the Spirit, walk in the Spirit, and worship in the Spirit (in Spirit and in truth, John 4:24) is to come before the Lord according to His appointed meansthat is through the One whom the Spirit magnifies, the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:26-27), depending on His revealed Word and pleading as a lesser creature to our glorious Creator. The Holy Spirit also takes our prayers and perfects them before the Almighty (e.g., Romans 8:26). The Holy Spirit prays within us when we cannot utter a word (again, Romans 8:26). To pray in the Holy Spirit is to also build unity in the body of Christ. When you are praying in submission to the Lord God and His Christ, the Holy Spirit within you will testify to Himself in His Word, in your prayers, and even in those other believers praying with you. These things and so much more are ignited by the dynamite of praying in the Spirit. What Praying in the Spirit is Not Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the Welshman who was the Queens surgeon-turned-Kings Ambassador, used a large segment of his teaching at Westminster Chapel, London on praying in the Holy Spirit by demonstrating, from Scripture, what it is not.2,3 I cannot take up as much space as Dr. Lloyd-Jones did (you can listen to the excellent teaching supplied in the footnote), but I affirm from the Word of God (and with the Doctor) that praying in the Spirit is not an act of mere emotion. One cannot be excited into praying in the Spirit. Such a divine arrangement cannot be held captive to mortal sensations. Alternatively, to pray in the Spirit is to undoubtedly pray with ones whole being, head and heart. Emotion, in this case, is an effect of praying in the Spirit rather than the cause. Thus, ecstatic utterance or other physical manifestations are not the seals of authenticity for praying in the Spirit any more than Stoicism is a trusted sign of emotional poise in the Christian life.4 Let me give an example. I know of an elderly Christian man who lives alone. This unassuming and kind man is a retired banker, a quiet and reserved person by nature. An Anglican, this gentleman reads the daily office from the Book of Common Prayer. He reads Old Testament, New Testament, and a Psalm. He prays the Collect of the Day (a special written prayer, mostly by Thomas Cranmer [1489-1556] for the respective seasons of the Church, assembled in the Book of Common Prayer). As he bows before the Lord and prays, using these ancient forms, is this man somehow unable to pray in the Spirit? Of course not. He may or may not be praying in the Holy Spirit (I know him and believe that he most certainly is). So, praying in the Spirit is not demonstrated, necessarily, by visible excitement, but by faith in Gods Word and Gods will, by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Spirit of God magnifies the Son of God and His will for His lambs: you and me. Why Is it Important? Praying in the Spirit is vital to our sanctification (growth in grace and knowledge of Christ and in our ethical response to God in every area of life). Moreover, praying in the Holy Spirit is Gods glorious means of advancing His will on earth as it is in heaven. The late J. Oswald Sanders (1902-1992) of New Zealand pointed to the believers blessing of praying in the Spirit in his classic book, Prayer Power Unlimited: Here is the secret of prevailing prayer, to pray under a direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit, whose petitions for us and through us are always according to the Divine purpose, and hence certain of answer. Praying in the Spirit cultivates a vital relationship with our resurrected and reigning Lord Jesus Christ. When you come to see Christ face-to-face, He will be the One you have grown to love throughout all of the days of your life. To pray in the Spirit is to open your life to the filling of the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ. Prayer in the Spirit changes us from the inside out and makes us ready and willing to do Gods will. Who Can Pray in the Spirit? I want to be very encouraging to all of you who are reading this. Each and every one of you may come to God and pray in the Holy Spirit. There are no tricks, cryptic lingo, and no insider information you have to acquire. Repent of self and all of the sinful consequences of trust in the flesh, and receive Jesus Christ by faith. The Spirit of God will come into you and make His residence in you. You become a veritable temple of the living God. Then, you will have a new God-implanted desire to follow Him: in worship, witness, fellowship, and in prayer. Prayer in the Spirit is the natural next-step in following Jesus as Lord and Savior. There once was a believer who brought his burden to God in prayer. Twice this man had been engaged to be married and twice he had lost his fiancee to an illness. Joseph Scriven (1819-1886) had a promising career in music after graduating from Trinity College in Dublin. The losses that he suffered caused him to go to Canada to take up a life of a teacher and educator. But the grief was overwhelming. Indeed, on top of all of this, his mother in Ireland missed him so very much. Joseph Scriven died August 10, 1866; it remains unclear whether the poor man drowned by accident. However, his family, the Christian community that surrounded him, and all those who loved and cared for him could take comfort in the words that he wrote, words that were a veritable prayer from his heart. You see, even though this poor man suffered in silence and brought his brief to God, he composed a prayer that became a hymn. You may know that hymn very well: What a Friend We Have in Jesus. What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. Carry everything to God in prayer. Do so by His power and according to His will. If you do that, you will be praying in the Spirit. O that the golden grains of revival will move in the gentle breeze of the Spirits presence. Such a refreshing time of renewal is available to you, your local Christian community, and even to a nation of believers as the veiled, prevailing seed of prayer bursts forth to accomplish what we cannot. Michael A. Milton, PhD (University of Wales; MPA, UNC Chapel Hill; MDiv, Knox Seminary), Dr. Milton is a retired seminary chancellor and currently serves as the James Ragsdale Chair of Missions at Erskine Theological Seminary. He is the President of Faith for Living and the D. James Kennedy Institute a long-time Presbyterian minister, and Chaplain (Colonel) USA-R. Dr. Milton is the author of more than thirty books and a musician with five albums released. Mike and his wife, Mae, reside in North Carolina. Notes 1. Hans Urs Von Balthasar (1905-1988), the remarkable Swiss theologian said as much in his parish notes on the phrases of the Apostles Creed, collected into the book, Credo. I am indebted for his insights on the mystical nexus between revelation and mystery. This preeminent Roman Catholic priest and doctor of the Church reminds us of the reality of Deuteronomy 29:29: The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law (English Standard Version of the Holy Bible. 2. See more insight into this seminal figure in twentieth-century evangelicalism, see Christopher Catherwood, Martyn Lloyd-Jones: His Life and Relevance for the 21st Century (Crossway, 2015); and Iain Hamish Murray, The Life of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, 1899-1981 (Banner of Truth Trust, 2013). 3. See, e.g., Praying in The Spirit (Westminster Chapel, London), accessed December 3, 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtpuOuO01Ac#action=share. 4. For a Pentecostal view on Praying in the Spirit, see Dr. Steven J. Land in his fine scholarly article, Praying in the Spirit: A Pentecostal Perspective., Pentecostal Movements as an Ecumenical Challenge, 1996, 8593 Sources Consulted Carson, D. A. Praying with Paul. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic (2014). Miller, Paul E. A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2017. Murray, Andrew. Praying in the Spirit. Alliance Weekly (1940): 597. Sanchez, Leopoldo A. Praying to God the Father in Spirit: Reclaiming the Churchs Participation in the Sons Prayer Life. Concordia Journal 32, no. 3 (2006): 274. Whitney, Donald S. Praying the Bible. Crossway, 2015. How to Pray in the Holy Spirit. Desiring God. Last modified April 30, 2018. Accessed December 3, 2018. https://www.desiringgod. org/articles/how-to-pray-in- the-holy-spirit . Learning to Pray in the Spirit and the Word, Part 1. Desiring God. Last modified December 31, 2000. Accessed January 2, 2019. https://www.desiringgod. org/messages/learning-to-pray- in-the-spirit-and-the-word- part-1 . Photo credit: Thinkstock/TinnakornJorruang Kutztown Kutztown Optimist Club supports #NikiStrong Nolte family presented $300 in gas cards to help with the many expected trips to Philadelphia during Nikis fight with leukemia Moncks Corner, SC (29461) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the evening, with mainly clear skies after midnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms during the evening, with mainly clear skies after midnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. "The central doctrine of Christianity, then, is not that God is a bastard. It is, in the words of the late Dominican theologian Herbert McCabe, that if you dont love youre dead, and if you do, theyll kill you."--Terry Eagleton "...doesn't philosophy amount to the sum of all thinkable and unthinkable errors, ceaselessly repeated?"--Jean-Luc Marion The opposite of poverty is not wealth; the opposite of poverty is justice."--Bryan Stevenson Police officers investigate at the site of an explosion outside a shopping mall in Cotabato City on the southern island of Mindanao on Dec. 31, 2018. Philippine security forces have killed a suspected Islamic militant and foiled a bomb attack in Cotabato, ten days after a deadly mall attack in the southern city and ahead of this months autonomy vote, the military said Thursday. The suspect belonged to the militant Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) group, and was aboard a motorcycle as he tried to pass through a military checkpoint into the city Wednesday evening, officials said. He was killed in a shootout, regional military spokesman Maj. Arvin Encinas told BenarNews. He said that an improvised bomb fashioned from an 81mm mortar projectile was recovered from the compartment of his motorcycle. Had he entered the city and detonated the bomb, it would have likely led to mass casualties. Last week, on New Years Eve, a similar explosive device was set off outside the South Seas Mall, killing two people and wounding about 30 others. The military has identified the two suspects, and have arrested one, who allegedly also belonged to the BIFF, which broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) after the latter gave up its independence fight and settled for expanded autonomy. Last years President Rodrigo Duterte signed a long-delayed Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) aimed at giving the now-civilian MILF group powers to govern on their own. Muslim areas in the south are to go to the polls later this month to ratify the law, and officials have said that militant groups that are to be sidelined by the law, such as the BIFF, were expected to carry out more attacks to disrupt the vote. Some two million people in the Muslim provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur are expected to join the plebiscite on January 21 to ratify the BOL. The BOL aims to give the MILF full control of the autonomous region, where they would be allowed to form an elected parliament and administration in Islamic-majority areas. Regional police commander Chief Supt. Eliseo Rasco said suspects Salipudin Lauban Pasandalan, who was recently arrested, and a certain Saed Nur Kasim, who remains at large, had been charged with two counts of murder and 34 counts of frustrated murder. The blast prompted the United Kingdom and Australia to update travel warning for their citizens, advising against travel to the southern Philippines. On Thursday, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said that British envoy to Manila Daniel Pruce sought him out to clarify that his government had not changed its travel advice to its citizens since January 2017, but had simply issued an update on the Dec. 31 attack. Our current guidance against all travel to Western Mindanao and all but essential travel to Eastern Mindanao and Southern Cebu has not changed since January 2017, Pruce said in a statement posted on the British Embassy Facebook page. We did publish a factual update on 31 December 2018, recording the blast in Cotabato City. Panelo said he was assured by the British official that factual updates and changes in the level of their advisories get mixed together, but are not one and the same. Dennis Jay Santos contributed reporting from Davao City and Richel V. Umel from Iligan City Indonesia's military chief Gatot Nurmantyo, Malaysia's military chief Raja Mohamed Affandi, and Philippines chief of staff of the armed forces Eduardo Ano sign agreements for trilateral maritime patrols as their respective defense ministers Ryamizard Ryacudu, Hishammuddin Hussein and Delfin Lorenzana look on, Tarakan, Indonesia, June 19, 2017. Trilateral sea patrols are not likely to stop kidnapping by the southern Philippine militant group Abu Sayyaf or reduce the risk of terrorism, a conflict resolution think tank said in a new report released Wednesday. The Trilateral Maritime Patrol (TMP), a regional defense initiative launched in June 2017 by the defense ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, has been hailed as a success by officials. The initiative was in response to a spate of kidnappings targeting fishing trawlers and tugboats in Sulu and Sulawesi seas by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) gunmen in 2016. The kidnappings prompted Indonesia to unilaterally suspend the export of coal to the Philippines, valued at an estimated $700 million a year. But abductions by Abu Sayyaf resumed in September 2018 after a 20-month lull, the Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC) said. A Malaysian and four Indonesian fishermen were abducted in two operations in late 2018, while a Malaysian tugboat crew was able to thwart a third attack. The move toward improved security cooperation between Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines is useful to the extent that it can help overcome distrust and improve communication among militaries in the region, the IPAC report said. But policy-makers in the region need to be realistic. None of these measures will stop terrorism or kidnapping in the Sulu-Sulawesi sea, it said. They may marginally improve security for commercial shipping when combined with the national coastal patrols, but they are all trying to provide a military answer to a problem that is not fundamentally military in nature. Non-military measures such as strengthening law enforcement, information sharing among police forces and more effort to capture and debrief suspects rather than kill them could prove to be more effective in tackling the threat posed by Abu Sayyaf, the report said. Analysis of those debriefings is critical to understanding ASG networks and identifying possible policy interventions. In the long term, deterring both kidnapping and terrorism involves addressing deeply entrenched political and economic issues in the Sulu archipelago, IPAC said. The patrols were first envisioned in 2016 but the siege of the Marawi city in the southern Philippines by pro-Islamic State militants in May 2017 provided the final impetus. Maritime patrols were launched the following months and joint air patrols followed in October 2017 the same month the Marawi siege was finally ended. Five months of heavy fighting killed at least 1,200 people, mostly militants, including the acknowledged Philippine IS leader Isnilon Hapilon. The report further argues that trilateral patrols were not effective in preventing foreign militants from entering Mindanao in the southern Philippines to fight alongside local rebels. Even if the TMP contributed to the lull in kidnapping, it does not follow that coordinated patrols have been or would be effective in interdicting foreign fighters coming to join the jihad in Mindanao, it said. At the height of the Marawi siege, many would-be combatants traveled by air to Mindanao or were stopped by vigilant police and immigration authorities before they could make contact with Philippine extremists. The IPAC report attributed the nearly two-year hiatus to the killing of the ASGs leading sub-commanders by Philippine and Malaysian security forces, among other factors. The question is why suddenly kidnapping resumed and the most logical answer is a pressing need for money to help local politicians, provide support to fugitives from Marawi, gain the upper hand in clan or family rivalries or simply as a way to survive, IPAC said. Confused over how to spend those book tokens you got for Christmas? Fear not, help is at hand in the form of a new study of the Ulster Unionist Party, written by a group of academics who previously produced a similar book on the DUP. Well, authors do love a good sequel. The Ulster Unionist Party: Country Before Party? is selling for a hefty 60, so it's safe to say it's intended more for libraries than the general reader, but it does pose some important questions - namely why, despite being on the right side of history by backing the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement, has the UUP gone from being the historically dominant unionist party to looking as if it's in terminal decline, and what, if anything, can be done to stem the tide? The authors began the search for answers by conducting the first ever survey of grassroots members. One thing they found is that UUP members generally agree with the DUP on an Irish Language Act, with just 4% believing that English and Irish should have equal status in Northern Ireland, while only 29% back same-sex marriage. Also worth noting is the "loathing" which many harbour for that same DUP, a hangover from Rev Ian Paisley's time. One of the book's authors, Professor Jon Tonge, said: "Most UUP members we interviewed spent more time criticising the DUP than they did Sinn Fein." He believes there's still a chance for the UUP to claw back some of its old relevance, but in order to do that, it needs to reach out beyond its traditional base and attract support from those who have not traditionally found a political home there, including Catholics. Catholics who either support staying in the UK, or who are unenthusiastic about the uncertainty which a united Ireland might bring, have become something of an endangered species since the Brexit vote forced everyone back into their bunkers, but they do exist and one striking finding from this new book is how few have been attracted to the UUP. There are actually more of them in the overtly Protestant-friendly DUP (0.6% of whose members identify as Catholic) than in the more centrist UUP (0.3%). Could it be that these are conservative Catholics, tactically getting behind the DUP's hardline stance on abortion and same-sex marriage? Whatever the reason, in both parties you can still "count the Catholic members on the fingers of your hand", as Professor Tonge puts it bluntly, and perhaps it's overcomplicating matters to see that hardly surprising fact as needing explanation at all. People generally support parties which they perceive to be on 'their' side. It's intuitive and unconscious, rather than strategic. There aren't many Protestants in Sinn Fein, either. So, should we just accept that politics in Northern Ireland will always be divided on sectarian grounds and stop trying to reinvent the wheel politically? For unionists, inconveniently, that's not really an option. The imminence of a united Ireland may have been giddily exaggerated by nationalists in the past while, but there's no room for complacency. If Northern Ireland's place in the UK is to continue, long-term, it's essential that both unionist parties forge an appeal to Catholics - and they're just not doing that. Partly, that's a result of the stand-off around the dissolution of Stormont, which means that electoral rewards flow to those who exploit divisions, rather than heal them. It could be that unionists just don't believe there's any point trying to appeal to moderate Catholics right now, but that's short-sighted. There surely are Catholics who, despite their instinctive cultural Irishness, might be persuaded to stay in the UK. The short-lived NI21 party sought to open the door to them, with a platform described by former deputy leader John McCallister at the time as "pro-UK, but not in favour of loud, down-your-throat unionism". Tina McKenzie, former NI21 chairwoman, is a Catholic from west Belfast and daughter of a former IRA man. She put it this way: "If people asked 'was I a unionist?', I would say no. But if they asked if I was for Northern Ireland staying in the UK, I would say yes." Many stuck in a facile, binary view of political identity probably still find that distinction bewildering, but it describes a real position on the political spectrum. That she's no longer involved in politics tells its own tale. It's initiatives such as this which Professor Tonge is surely suggesting when he advises the UUP to develop a "more positive agenda" based on "an inclusive, non-sectarian and fresh unionism which is constitutionally robust". Even if the numbers of Catholics who'll ever make the leap to actually voting for such a package will always be small, it's symbolically important to be seen to reach out to them, but it's as if unionists simply can't summon up the extended enthusiasm to do so. DUP leader Arlene Foster has made some significant gestures of reconciliation, not least her attendance at Martin McGuinness's funeral and her trip to last year's GAA Ulster final, where she stood for the Irish national anthem. Unfortunately, without getting back into that whole 'crocodiles' debacle, she has a tendency to then throw away every bit of progress made with a thoughtless outburst of irascibility. That the DUP keeps finding itself facing charges of being anti-Catholic is, in part, testament to Sinn Fein's success at demonising their opponents, but there is a definite subset of unionism - over-represented in the DUP - which has allowed a legitimate hatred of Irish republicanism to warp into antipathy for Irish identity and culture itself. The late Rev Paisley blurred those lines between religion and politics, and the shadow has never been fully lifted. The UUP needn't be so smug about that, either. In this new book, only 39% of UUP members say they "would not mind" if someone in their family had a mixed marriage, with 32% saying they would mind "a little" and 25% saying they'd mind "a lot". That's genuinely depressing. What is Northern Ireland if not a mixed marriage writ large? Walking away from the Republic, or the UK, may be possible, but we can't divorce one another. If anything, it underlines that bigotry here still tends to be expressed in religious terms in unionist circles and in political terms in republican and nationalist circles. Perhaps one is as bad as the other; perhaps, ultimately, they're even the same thing. But until unionist parties really understand the optics of how they address those outside their own community, both are doomed to remain, in Professor Tonge's words, "beyond the Pale to Catholics". The Ulster Unionist Party: Country Before Party? by Thomas Hennessey, Maire Braniff, James W McAuley, Jonathan Tonge and Sophie A Whiting is published by Oxford University Press US President Donald Trump has walked out of a meeting with congressional leaders as talks to end the partial government shutdown remain at an impasse. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Mr Trump asked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at yesterday's White House meeting whether she would agree to fund his wall on the southern border with Mexico. When she said "no", Mr Schumer said, Mr Trump got up and said: "Then we have nothing to discuss." Mr Schumer added: "And he just walked out", the Democrat branding the President's actions "really, really unfortunate". Mr Trump called the meeting "a total waste of time". He tweeted that once Ms Pelosi rejected his border wall, he "said bye-bye, nothing else works!" Vice President Mike Pence said Democrats were "unwilling to even negotiate" an end to the partial government shutdown and the standoff over the wall. Mr Pence spoke outside the West Wing after the contentious meeting, saying: "I think the President made his position very clear today that there will be no deal without a wall." Mr Pence said Mr Trump asked Ms Pelosi whether she would be willing to agree to funding for a wall or a barrier on the southern border if he re-opened the government quickly. Mr Pence said: "When she said 'no', the President said 'goodbye'." Mr Schumer said Mr Trump had a "temper tantrum". Mr Pence said of the President: "I don't recall him ever raising his voice." Earlier, Mr Trump had made a televised plea for border wall funding as he declared there is "a humanitarian crisis, a crisis of the heart and a crisis of the soul". Addressing the nation from the Oval Office for the first time, Mr Trump had argued for funding on security and humanitarian grounds as he sought to put pressure on newly empowered Democrats amid an extended partial US Government shutdown. Mr Trump had called on Democrats to meet with him at the White House, saying it was "immoral" for politicians to do nothing. Speaking in solemn tones from behind the Resolute Desk, he painted a dire picture of killings and drug deaths he argues come from unchecked illegal immigration, and asked: "How much more American blood must we shed before Congress does its job?" Mr Trump used emotional language, referring to Americans who were killed by people in the country illegally, saying: "I've met with dozens of families whose loved ones were stolen by illegal immigration. "I've held the hands of the weeping mothers and embraced the grief-stricken fathers. So sad. So terrible." Democrats are blocking funding for a $5.7 billion (4.5bn) wall, which they say would be immoral and ineffective, and have called on Mr Trump to reopen shuttered portions of the government while border negotiations continue. Democrats said Mr Trump "used the backdrop of the Oval Office to manufacture a crisis, stoke fear and divert attention from the turmoil in his administration". The partial government shutdown reached its 18th day yesterday, making the closure the second-longest in history. Hannah Bladon was stabbed to death in Jerusalem (FCO/PA) A Palestinian man has been jailed for 18 years for stabbing a British student to death in Israel. The Jerusalem district court accepted a plea bargain on Thursday in sentencing Jamil Tamimi, 60, for the attack on Good Friday in April 2017. He killed 20-year-old Birmingham University student Hannah Bladon on a Jerusalem light rail train, stabbing her multiple times before an off-duty policeman pulled the emergency brake and subdued him. Expand Close Palestinian Jamil Tamimi has been jailed for killing the British student (Mahmoud Illean/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Palestinian Jamil Tamimi has been jailed for killing the British student (Mahmoud Illean/AP) Tamimis defence team claimed he suffered from a mental illness and the attack was not ideologically or politically motivated. Ms Bladon was an exchange student at Hebrew University. Maurice Hirsch, her familys representative, said he was disappointed her killer would not be serving a life sentence for his crime but he added no sentence would have been able to return Hannah. Ms Bladon was stabbed multiple times in the back with a 7-inch knife as she was travelling on a train near the Old City. Her family said she had been taking part in an archaeological dig that morning and described her as a talented musician and enthusiastic rugby player. The train was packed at the time of the attack as Christians marked Good Friday and Jews celebrated Passover. The indictment alleged that Tamimi bought the knife that morning and hid it in a bag, before later boarding a train where he stood next to Ms Bladon. Prosecutors say he stabbed the student several times, including in her back, right arm and chest. Paramedics treated Ms Bladon at the scene and rushed her to hospital, but she later died. A pregnant woman and a 50-year-old man were also injured when the train came to a sudden stop in the aftermath of the attack. Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro holds up a small copy of the constitution as he speaks during his swearing-in ceremony at the Supreme Court (Ariana Cubillos/AP) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been sworn in for a second term amid international calls for him to step down and a devastating economic crisis. Seventeen Latin American governments, the United States and Canada rejected the legitimacy of Mr Maduros next term in a measure adopted on Thursday. Most countries from Europe and Latin American did not send representatives to the swearing-in. But Cubas President Miguel Diaz-Canel, Bolivian President Evo Morales and President Anatoli Bibilov of a breakaway province of Georgia were among the few foreign leaders who attended the ceremony at the countrys Supreme Court. Venezuela is the centre of a world war led by the North American imperialists and its alliesNicolas Maduro In a speech after his swearing-in, Mr Maduro claimed 94 countries had sent representatives to his inauguration. He vowed to continue the legacy of the late president Hugo Chavez and accused the United States of trying to ignite unrest through its increasing economic sanctions. Venezuela is the centre of a world war led by the North American imperialists and its allies, said Mr Maduro, a former bus driver. They have tried to convert a normal inauguration into a world war. Expand Close Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro flashes a victory sign to supporters (Ariana Cubillos/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro flashes a victory sign to supporters (Ariana Cubillos/AP) Mr Maduros second term extends Venezuelas socialist revolution amid widespread complaints that he has stripped the country of its last vestiges of democracy. Mr Maduro, 56, denies that he is a dictator and often blames President Donald Trump for leading an economic war against Venezuela that is destroying the country. The Organisation of American States voted not to recognise Mr Maduros legitimacy, adopting a resolution presented by Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, the United States, Paraguay and Peru. The move was denounced by Venezuelas ambassador to the OAS, Samuel Moncada, as a hostile act against the will of our nation. Paraguay went a step further, cutting diplomatic ties. Expand Close Venezuelan citizens protest against the second term of Nicolas Maduro (Martin Mejia/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Venezuelan citizens protest against the second term of Nicolas Maduro (Martin Mejia/AP) President Mario Abdo Benitez said his country in the exercise of its constitutional powers and national sovereignty, adopts the decision to break diplomatic relations with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said in a statement that the United States will keep up pressure in support of the Venezuelan people. It is time for Venezuelan leaders to make a choice, Mr Pompeo said, urging Maduro supporters to be on the right side of history. Now is the time to convince the Maduro dictatorship that the moment has arrived for democracy to return to Venezuela. Nicolas Maduro today is making a mockery of democracyMauricio Macri, President of Argentina Argentinas President Mauricio Macri also denounced Mr Maduro, saying he lacks the authenticity won through honest elections despite Thursdays elaborate inauguration ceremony and any other tricks. Nicolas Maduro today is making a mockery of democracy, Mr Macri said on Twitter. Venezuelans know it, the world knows it. Venezuela lives under a dictatorship. Oil-rich Venezuela was once among Latin Americas wealthiest nations. It produced 3.5 million barrels of crude daily when Mr Chavez took power. Output now has plummeted to less than a third of that. Critics blame years of rampant corruption and mismanagement of the state-run oil firm PDVSA. The train used by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un departs from Beijing yesterday A special train believed to be carrying Kim Jong-un has departed Beijing after a two-day visit by the North Korean leader to China. Mr Kim could not be seen but he was presumed to be on board the long train as it crossed on elevated tracks over a busy Beijing street and headed towards eastern China and the border with North Korea. Mr Kim's trip to China - his fourth in the past 10 months - is believed to be an effort to co-ordinate with his only major ally ahead of a possible second summit with US President Donald Trump. Details of his visit have not been released, but Mr Kim reportedly met Chinese President Xi Jinping. Earlier Mr Kim's motorcade headed out to an unannounced destination for about an hour. It's believed Mr Kim visited a technology development zone and toured a factory. Residents celebrate in Kinshasa after learning that opposition presidential candidate Felix Tshisekedi had been declared the winner of the elections. (Jerome Delay/AP) Supporters of the surprise Democratic Republic of Congo presidential winner have celebrated in the capital as the rival opposition candidate denounced the result as fraudulent. Today I am happy, Felix Tshisekedi told supporters. Happy for the people of Congo. Everyone is celebrating that there is peace. No one could imagine the scenario where an opposition candidate could be victorious. But Martin Fayulu alleged the results had been rigged, saying outgoing President Joseph Kabila made a backroom deal with Mr Tshisekedi. Mr Kabila appears to have negotiated with Mr Tshisekedi to prevent anti-corruption crusader Mr Fayulu from winning, diplomats and observers said. DR Congos Catholic church said the official election results did not tally with the outcome that its 40,000 observers compiled in recording results posted at all polling stations. Its secretary general, Donatien Nshole, refused to say who won the election according to its findings but diplomats briefed on the results said they indicated Mr Fayulu won easily. Mr Nshole urged all Congolese to remain peaceful and said those who challenge the official results should do so within the legal framework and without violence. Expand Close Opposition candidate Martin Fayulu wipes his face before speaking to the press in Kinshasa (Jerome Delay/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Opposition candidate Martin Fayulu wipes his face before speaking to the press in Kinshasa (Jerome Delay/AP) Now Congo and the world face the uncomfortable choice of accepting what could be the countrys first peaceful, democratic transfer of power or raising a protest that could lead to more violence in the nation. Mr Tshisekedi, who received 38% of the vote according to the electoral commissions results, had not been widely considered the leading candidate and is relatively untested. Long in the shadow of his father, the late opposition leader Etienne, Mr Tshisekedi startled DR Congo last year by breaking away from the unified opposition candidate Mr Fayulu to stand on his own. Mr Fayulu quickly called the announced election results rigged, fabricated and invented and said they do not reflect the truth of the ballots. He called on the Congolese people to rise as one man to protect victory. A police spokesman said three people were killed amid demonstrations against the election results. Pierrot Mwanamputu said that a youth in the city of Kikwit caused violence that led to the deaths of two civilians and the wife of a police officer. The spokesman said 17 police officers were wounded and some shops were vandalised but the vast country of some 80 million people was largely calm after the results. Mr Fayulu, a former Exxon manager and Kinshasa lawmaker, received 34% of the vote in the official results. Expand Close Opposition presidential candidate Felix Tshisekedi has been declared the winner (Jerome Delay/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Opposition presidential candidate Felix Tshisekedi has been declared the winner (Jerome Delay/AP) How long are we going to negotiate results? he asked. In 2006, Jean-Pierre Bembas victory was stolen. In 2011, Etienne Tshisekedis victory was stolen. In 2018, victory wont be stolen from Martin Fayulu. Even before the announcement, some observers suggested that Mr Kabilas government made a deal with Mr Tshisekedi as hopes faded for ruling party candidate Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, who received just 23% of the official results. DR Congos constitutional court has 14 days to validate the results. Frances foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian bluntly cast doubt on the official results, saying they did not match the findings of the Catholic Churchs observers. The United Nations secretary-general merely took note of the results and urged stability and peace. The delayed results, nearly two weeks after the December 30 vote, came after international pressure to announce an outcome that reflected the will of the people. The United States threatened sanctions against officials who rigged the vote. The largely peaceful election was marred by the malfunctioning of many voting machines that DR Congo used for the first time. Expand Close Residents celebrate in Kinshasa (Jerome Delay/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Residents celebrate in Kinshasa (Jerome Delay/AP) Dozens of polling centres opened hours late as materials went missing. And in a last-minute decision, some 1 million of the countrys 40 million voters were barred from participating, with the electoral commission blaming a deadly Ebola virus outbreak. Defiantly, tens of thousands of voters in one of the barred communities held their own unofficial ballot on election day, and Mr Fayulu won easily. DR Congos government cut internet services the day after the vote to prevent speculation on social media. As the electoral commission met this week, anti-riot police moved into place outside. Mr Kabila has ruled since 2001 in the troubled nation rich in the minerals key to smartphones around the world and has amassed vast wealth. He is barred from serving three consecutive terms, but during more than two years of election delays many Congolese feared he would find a way to stay in office. Now DR Congo faces a new leader who is little known after spending many years in Belgium and standing behind his outspoken father. The 56-year-old took over as head of DR Congos most prominent opposition party in early 2018, a year after his fathers death. Happy Tshsekedi supporters in Kinshasa, a lively opposition stronghold, said they were delighted by their candidates win and happy to see Mr Kabila step down. This is the coronation of a lifetime, said the deputy secretary-general of Tshisekedis party, Rubens Mikindo. This is the beginning of national reconciliation. Kathmandu, Nepal: Contradicting to the agreement signed between the government and the agitating senior orthopedic doctor Govinda KC, the Education and Health Committee (EHC) of the House of Representatives endorsed the National Medical Education Bill (NMEB) on Thursday. Nepali Congress lawmakers, who represent to the committee Gagan Thapa, Uma Kanta Chaudhary, Namita Chaudhary and Man Bahadur Bishwakarma wrote a note of dissent on the bill. The parliamentary committee signed on the bill just after a day that Dr. KC started fresh hunger strike in Ilam district to protest the parliamentary panels draft bill prepared without incorporating the points of his deal. Billionaire investor and Democratic activist Tom Steyer has said he will not run for the White House in 2020 and will instead focus on calling for President Donald Trumps impeachment. Mr Steyer, who has spent 50 million US dollars on his Need To Impeach campaign and announced plans to spend 40 million dollars more this year, said at an event in Des Moines, Iowa that the impeachment question has reached an inflection point, given that Democrats have taken majority control of the House. I said last year that Im willing to do whatever I can to protect our country from this reckless, lawless and dangerous president, Mr Steyer said. The impeachment question has reached an inflection point. Thatas why I just announced that I will be dedicating 100% of my time and effort in 2019 towards Mr. Trumpas impeachment and removal from office. Tom Steyer (@TomSteyer) January 9, 2019 Therefore, I will be dedicating 100% of my time, effort and resources working for Mr Trumps impeachment and removal from office. I am not running for president at this time. I will do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to remove this president. Not because I disagree with his policies. Not because we hold different ideologies. But because the right time to do the right thing is ALWAYS right now. Tom Steyer (@TomSteyer) January 9, 2019 Mr Steyer said his 40 million dollar commitment for 2019 was designed to pressure the Democratic-controlled House to begin impeachment hearings and to persuade the partys presidential contenders to support impeachment on their platform. The decision not to run comes as a surprise since Mr Steyer had been travelling the country promoting the political platform he released after Novembers midterm elections. .@Need2Impeach is just getting started. Weall be holding town halls nationwide, organizing a summit in DC, launching a public ed initiative on Mr. Trumpas impeachable offenses and the impeachment process, and pressuring lawmakers to take a stand. Join us. https://t.co/NE6lsK1R0e Tom Steyer (@TomSteyer) January 9, 2019 Although Mr Steyer opted against a presidential run, the constellation of political organisations that he has built is likely to have an impact on the presidential race and on key congressional races across the country. Several prominent Democrats have also declined to run in 2020, including former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick and Stormy Daniels lawyer, Michael Avenatti. A rather bold chamois forced Austrian train workers to shut down their track-clearing operations after it became buried by the snow they were clearing. Reports say the goat-antelope appeared to be transfixed by the oncoming train despite persistent honking and was eventually covered by a deluge of snow. However, those on board were soon on hand to help free the creature. The incident took place in the Gesaeuse National Park in Austria, and thankfully the chamois appeared unscathed as it loped away afterwards into the forest. The video received thousands of interactions on Twitter after an Austrian railway company shared the footage, and even attracted the attention of FC Cologne, whose mascot Hennes is a goat. Hennes didn't really understand the concept of a Winter Break.. i https://t.co/WHEUUnlYur 1. FC Cologne (@fckoeln_en) January 9, 2019 A heartwarming ending to a pretty frosty tale. Residents in a neighbourhood in Utah were met with a terrifying sight this week in the form of a multi-limbed, bloody-mouthed snow creature leering from the side of the road. The monstrosity was created by Zack Frost, a 26-year-old freelance artist, and his 19-year-old sister Emilie, who wanted to make something cool and hopefully creep out the neighbours. Expand Close The Lovecraft-ian snow creature built by Zack and Emilie Frost in Utah (Credit: @dyingmars on Twitter/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Lovecraft-ian snow creature built by Zack and Emilie Frost in Utah (Credit: @dyingmars on Twitter/PA) Zack told the Press Association: It was originally going to be some kind of centipede but the more we worked, the more it changed. My sister and I are big fans of Lovecraftian-style horror so that was definitely an inspiration. We were bouncing cool ideas off each other the whole time. It was a lot of fun. Twentieth century author HP Lovecraft is famous for creating a universe filled with horrifying inter-dimensional beings waiting to return to Earth. The Frosts twisting beast has 16 twigs for arms, three rows of needle-like toothpick teeth and a gaping maw covered in blood made from red food colouring, chilli powder and water. Expand Close Zack and Emilie used toothpicks, red food colouring, chilli powder and water to make the monsters grizzly mouth. (Credit: @dyingmars on Twitter/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Zack and Emilie used toothpicks, red food colouring, chilli powder and water to make the monsters grizzly mouth. (Credit: @dyingmars on Twitter/PA) Zach tweeted pictures of the snow-worm after making it on Monday and the post has been shared tens of thousands of times. The best part is that Ive seen a lot of people tagging their friends and saying things like Were doing this. Inspiring people to get together and create cool things and connect with each other through art, its fulfilling. It makes me really happy. Although the Frost siblings dont have any designs for a menagerie of melting monsters on their front lawn, theyre not ruling anything out. We dont have any plans per se but if the snow is right and we have time to kill, who knows, he said. A dramatic first day of debate on Theresa May's Brexit plans saw the Prime Minister go down to her second defeat within 24 hours amid furious debate over the impartiality of Commons Speaker John Bercow. The Prime Minister offered MPs new assurances that Parliament will be able to exercise control over the controversial EU backstop if they back her Brexit deal in a crunch vote next week. Labour's shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer suggested that the continued uncertainty meant an extension of the Article 50 process, which would delay the formal date of EU withdrawal beyond March 29, "may now be inevitable". Amid chaotic scenes in the chamber, MPs backed an amendment requiring Mrs May to come back to the Commons within three working days to set out a plan B if her Withdrawal Agreement is rejected in next week's vote. Brexit-backing Tories accused Mr Bercow of flouting Commons procedures by allowing a vote on the proposal, tabled by former attorney general Dominic Grieve. Downing Street said it was "surprised" by the Speaker's decision, as it had been advised that the motion setting out the timeline for events was unamendable. Previously, the Government had three weeks to bring forward new proposals if it was defeated in the "meaningful vote" on Tuesday, with a further vote to take place a week later. A No 10 source said the Prime Minister had always intended to "respond quickly" if she failed to secure the support of the Commons. Nevertheless the vote will be seen as another blow to Mrs May's authority as she struggles to win support for her Withdrawal Agreement. The Government later accepted proposals which would give the Commons the power to reject both an extension to the Brexit transition period and the introduction of a backstop if no wider trade deal is secured by the end of 2020. The package also places a legally binding commitment on the Government to end the backstop arrangement within 12 months, and to seek assurances from the EU that it will seek to do the same. Expand Expand Previous Next Close Prime Minister Theresa May and members of her front bench during Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons yesterday PA Former attorney general Dominic Grieve arrives in Downing Street for a reception last night PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prime Minister Theresa May and members of her front bench during Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons yesterday It is likely to prompt an angry response in Brussels, which has repeatedly rejected efforts to put a time limit on the backstop, which is intended to avoid a hard border in Ireland if no wider trade deal has been agreed. The Government would remain under an international obligation to keep the border open, and it is understood ministers would be expected to seek alternative arrangements, possibly involving the use of new technology, within the 12-month deadline. Jeffrey Lendrum after he caught with the eggs strapped to his body (CPS/PA) A prolific smuggler has been jailed after he was caught entering the UK with protected bird eggs strapped to his chest. Jeffrey Lendrum, 56, was handed a jail term of three years and one month on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to four offences on the second day of his trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed. Lendrum, of Cliftonville Road in Northampton, had been caught with the eggs strapped to his body by a sling hidden underneath a heavy coat at Heathrow airport on June 26 2018. Bird egg smuggler jailed for three years - CPS London South Jeffrey Lendrum, 56, pleaded guilty to four offences on the second day of his trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court on January 8. He was imprisoned today [January 10]. More: https://t.co/Yv6iilF1U0 pic.twitter.com/Yt6m1PrBPj CPS (@CPSUK) January 10, 2019 Lendrum had flown into the UK from Johannesburg, South Africa, and had hatched a plan to use socks and other padding devices to try and protect the precious cargo. The prosecution was able to prove that Lendrum knowingly smuggled the eggs in to the country for commercial gain by trying to evade customs, the CPS said. Remi Ogunfowora, of the CPS, said: We worked with our partners in the National Crime Agency to ensure this prolific bird egg smuggler faced appropriate charges. We hope the sentence passed deters others from becoming involved in the damaging trade around rare and endangered wildlife. A man killed himself after his allegations of being sexually abused as a child in care were dismissed by police, a former director of Barnardos Scotland has claimed. Hugh Mackintosh told the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry on Thursday he was approached by the former resident during the mid-1980s with claims against an ex-worker. The then-assistant director said he believed the mans account to be absolutely accurate so he went to police with the information, but their investigation was totally, totally unacceptable. Mr Mackintosh, now aged in his early 70s, said: It went absolutely nowhere I followed it up. I wasnt overly impressed by the feedback I got from police. I thought it was totally dismissed. The feedback to me was the boy, young man, was gay himself. I thought it was totally, totally unacceptable. The worker concerned had already been dismissed from the East Lothian Barnardos home before the allegations surfaced. His removal came after a similar residential establishment in London had raised concerns about alleged abuse during his time there. Mr Mackintosh, who was director of Barnardos Scotland from 1991 until 2007 and was assistant director for 10 years before that, said the former resident killed himself once the police probe was over. The inquiry is currently investigating residential childcare establishments run by non-religious and voluntary organisations. There was a culture I didn't find particularly kind or enjoyable.Hugh Mackintosh Mr Mackintosh also spoke of establishments which had a closed culture which could make it easier for abuse to take place. The inquiry heard many of the workers were unqualified and did not have proper training for difficult situations such as restraining a child. Another of Barnardos premises, Thorntoun in Kilmarnock, was said to have an initiation ceremony for new boys which involved pupils putting them into a cold bath. Mr Mackintosh said he faced resistance from the home when he ordered it to stop, as it prevented worse things from happening. He told how he did not feel welcome by the management team when he first took up his assistant director post, but he was not scared to ruffle a few feathers in order to tackle key issues. He said: Barnardos Scotland had this kind of were a very caring division, very caring management team (attitude). I didnt find it very caring. I found it had a rather inappropriate sense of humour. There was a culture I didnt find particularly kind or enjoyable. The former director said during the 1980s, he found management would not challenge workers in the organisations residential units. It was heard there was a lack of openness and teams were reviewing themselves. The inquiry, before Lady Smith in Edinburgh, continues on Tuesday. Theresa May got backing for her Brexit deal from her Japanese counterpart on Thursday, after reaching out to Labour and the unions for support to get it through Parliament. Shinzo Abe said that avoiding a no-deal Brexit was the wish of the whole world as he extolled the relationship between the two nations on a visit to Downing Street. His support came after Business Secretary Greg Clark had urged MPs across Parliament to work together to prevent the disaster of leaving the EU without a deal. Downing Street also confirmed that Mrs May had constructive phone conversations about her Brexit deal with trade union big beast Len McClusky of Unite, a Brexit supporter and close confidant of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, as well as Tim Roache of the GMB. Expand Close Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with Theresa May (Stefan Rousseau/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with Theresa May (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Mr Corbyn had earlier suggested that Brexit could be delayed if Labour won a general election, to allow him more time to go back to Brussels and renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement. Mr Abe told a joint press conference with Mrs May in Downing Street that the world is watching the UK as it exits the European Union. Highlighting the fact that Japanese firms have created 150,000 jobs in the UK, he added: It is the strong will of Japan to further develop this strong partnership with the UK, to invest more into your country and to enjoy further economic growth with the UK. That is why we truly hope that a no-deal Brexit will be avoided, and in fact that is the whole wish of the whole world. Mr Clark had earlier said that after the Government suffered two Commons defeats over its Brexit plans in the space of 24 hours, it was clear that there was no majority for leaving the EU without an agreement. As MPs prepared to embark on the second day of the resumed debate on Mrs Mays Brexit deal, Mr Clark said he would support a series of indicative votes to establish what sort of agreement could command a majority in the House. Number 10 confirmed ministers would consider very seriously moves by Labour MPs to safeguard workers rights after Brexit in an attempt to win support for her deal, if the backbench amendment was selected by the Speaker. The amendment would keep EU rules on pay and conditions, health and safety issues, and environmental standards. Expand Close Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn delivers a speech on Brexit during a visit to OE Electrics in Wakefield (Danny Lawson/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn delivers a speech on Brexit during a visit to OE Electrics in Wakefield (Danny Lawson/PA) But Mr Corbyn said Labour did not endorse or accept the initiative, backing union leaders including the TUCs Frances OGrady, who said the amendment makes no change to a bad deal for working peoples jobs and rights. Speaking on a visit to Wakefield in Yorkshire, the opposition leader said the widely-expected defeat for Mrs Mays deal next Tuesday would signal the failure of her leadership and of the Conservatives as a party of Government. He urged MPs from across to House to back the motion of no confidence in the Government which Labour would table at the moment we judge it to have the best chance of success. Asked if he agreed with shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer that an extension to the two-year Article 50 process may now be inevitable, Mr Corbyn said: An extension would be a possibility because clearly there would have to be time to negotiate. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) However, Environment Secretary Michael Gove gave a pithy response to Mr Corbyns ideas, describing them as bollocks. Referring to reports shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner had described Labours official Brexit position in the same way, Mr Gove said: I know, Mr Speaker, there are some distinguished citizens in this country who have put on their cars a poster or sticker saying bollocks to Brexit. But we now know from Labours own front bench that their official Brexit position is bollocks. Mrs Mays attempts to woo union leaders at the eleventh hour also seemed to have backfired. After speaking to the PM, Mr Roache said he remained in favour of extending Article 50 to allow a second referendum. He added: After nearly three years Im glad the Prime Minister finally picked up the phone. As you would expect, I was very clear about GMBs position the deal on the table isnt good enough and non-binding assurances on workers rights wont cut it. If the deal genuinely did the job for GMB members, our union would support it, but it doesnt. Andra Hilitanu, who was stabbed to death with a pair of scissors by partner Ioan Campeanu A man who stabbed his heavily pregnant girlfriend with a pair of scissors then went to visit the Queen as she lay dying has been jailed for life. Ioan Campeanu, 44, plunged the blade into 28-year-old Andra Hilitanus neck and waited two hours to raise the alarm on June 1 last year. He drove around central London past Buckingham Palace before returning to his flat in north-west London and calling 999, the Old Bailey heard. The court was told Ms Hilitanus 40 stab injuries were all survivable and it was possible it could have taken more than 20 minutes for her to die. Campeanu was found guilty of murdering his seven-month pregnant girlfriend and the destruction of their unborn daughter. He was jailed for life with a minimum term of 26 years with 14 years for the death of the child to run concurrently. Expand Close Ioan Campeanu was found guilty of a prolonged and brutal attack (Metropolitan Police/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ioan Campeanu was found guilty of a prolonged and brutal attack (Metropolitan Police/PA) Sentencing, Mr Justice Jacobs said mother-of-two Ms Hilitanu suffered a horrible death, alone and far from her home country. She suffered 40 stab wounds, including four to the neck, as well as other blunt force injuries during the attack in her Neasden flat, over 25 minutes. The senior judge rejected Campeanus claim that his victim had inflicted wounds on her pelvis herself because she did not want her baby. He told Campeanu: This was a prolonged and brutal attack in which you showed her no mercy. The terror and agony which she must have suffered are awful to contemplate. Earlier in mitigation, Michael Bromley-Martin QC said: I described this as a horror case and a lesson perhaps in the dreadful end of the inevitable spiral caused by addiction to drugs and in particular to cocaine. He said the defendant was in such as state after stabbing his girlfriend that he had it in his mind to visit Buckingham Palace to ask the Queen for medical assistance. Prosecutor Brian ONeill QC said self-induced intoxication was no mitigation and pointed out Campeanu had denied any mental health problems when he was seen by two social workers the day before the killing. The trial had heard the killing came after years of domestic violence at the hands of the defendant, who was brought up in a brutal Romanian orphanage. Ioan Campeanu could have sought help from so many sources and yet chose to do nothing. I will never be able to forget this fact.Ramona Hilitanu, victim's sister He had previous convictions in Romania and England for robbery, theft and criminal damage, using crime to finance his drug addiction. The court was told Miss Hilitanus cousin had previously seen Campeanu kick her in the groin, saying: Ill kill you Andra, Ill eat your flesh. When he finally called 999 to report the fatal stabbing, Campeanu had said: Shes dead, I killed her. Ms Hilitanu was one of four siblings who were brought close together following the death of their parents early in life. Her older sister Ramona Hilitanu said in a victim impact statement that Andras future was taken away in a cruel manner. She said: I do not hate Ioan Campeanu. I am not a hateful person. I am sad at what he has done. I am also frustrated at the way in which he left Andra to die. Ioan Campeanu could have sought help from so many sources and yet chose to do nothing. I will never be able to forget this fact. Detective Inspector Jamie Stevenson, of Scotland Yard, said: This was Campeanus final act of brutality against Andra after months and years of domestic violence. Despite initially admitting his guilt to the attending officers, Campeanu has since refused to take responsibility for his despicable actions. He has unnecessarily put Andras family through even more pain and suffering by forcing them to re-live Andras murder at trial. My heart goes out to Andras friends and family and I hope todays sentencing gives them at least a small measure of comfort and closure. We will never know if reporting the abuse she suffered could have saved Andra, but I would implore anyone who is suffering or knows of someone suffering domestic abuse to call police immediately. Picture taken with permission from the Twitter feed of @Peggyroger showing the scene outside the Croatian Embassy in Melbourne after suspicious packages were sent to a number of foreign embassies and consulates. A 48-year-old man has been charged by police investigating suspicious packages delivered to embassies and consulates throughout Australia. The British consulate in Melbourne was one of 38 to be sent parcels, with officers continuing to test them to determine what substance they contain. Police have recovered 29 of the packages and have said there is no ongoing threat to the public. BREAKING: Police and emergency services have responded to suspicious packages to embassies and consulates in ACT & VIC today (Wednesday, 9 January 2019). The packages are being examined by attending emergency services. The circumstances are being investigated. AFP (@AusFedPolice) January 9, 2019 The man from Shepparton, more than 100 miles north of Melbourne, is due before magistrates in the Victorian capital on Thursday. The Australian Federal Police said: The man was arrested at his home last night and was charged with sending dangerous articles to be carried by a postal service, contrary to section 471 of the Criminal Code Act 1995. Guwahati: Narayana Super-Specialty Hospital, Amingaon (north Guwahati) will conduct a free health camp for the member-journalists of Guwahati Press Club (GPC) along with their families on Saturday (12 January 2019). The daylong camp will be started by 10 am at newly launched Narayana Superspeciality Clinic (Near Ulubari KFC, Kacharibasti, Guwahati, helpline number- 8011242424) and get over by 2 pm. The participants will be offered the facility of free RBS, ECG and Echo (if advised ) test and subsequent doctor consultations at the centre. One consultant relating to medicine will also be present at the camp. DUP leader Arlene Foster has accused the Government of "scaremongering" after reports that the Secretary of State said a border poll was far more likely following a no-deal Brexit. The Politics Home website reported that Karen Bradley issued the warning at a Cabinet meeting yesterday. The website claimed she said a border poll on Irish unity was "far more likely" if the UK crashed out of the EU without a withdrawal agreement. The reported warning came as Sinn Fein said it believed a border poll was nearer than ever. Read More Under the Good Friday Agreement a referendum on Irish unity can only be called by the Secretary of State if there is evidence that a majority in Northern Ireland would support a united Ireland. A Cabinet source told Politics Home: "The view was that a border poll in Northern Ireland was all but inevitable if there is a no-deal Brexit because Sinn Fein would demand it straight away. The Secretary of State would have no choice but to call one." But the DUP leader last night dismissed the speculation about a border poll as a tactic by a Government desperate to secure support for the Prime Minister's Brexit plan. "Resorting to such obvious scaremongering only serves to highlight how threadbare the Government's arguments are," Mrs Foster said. "Instead of the cast-iron guarantees promised when the (Brexit) vote was delayed in December, we are instead given just another round of 'Project Fear'. Read More "As people across Northern Ireland continue to suffer because of a veto placed on devolution by republicans, the Secretary of State's focus should be on making progress rather than fuelling united Ireland fantasies." The DUP leader said her party didn't want to leave the EU without a deal but it wouldn't sign up to any withdrawal agreement that weakened the Union. "The greatest threat to the Union is the backstop within the current withdrawal agreement which Karen Bradley is such an enthusiastic advocate for," she added. Speaking in Brussels yesterday after meeting EU Brexit chief negotiator Michel Barnier, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald said that in the event of a no-deal Brexit, her party would push London for a border poll. "We believe we're in a process now in achieving a referendum on Irish unity," she added. Sinn Fein MLA Emma Sheerin last night said a no-deal Brexit would lead to a hard border and economic catastrophe. "In such a context, a referendum on Irish reunification, as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement, is the sensible, logical and entirely rational response which, if passed, would see the North readmitted to the EU," she said. "A leading international report recently concluded that reunification would provide an economic windfall of 23.5 billion by 2025, whereas a no-deal Brexit which would lead to a slump of over 10 billion." Responding to the Secretary of State's reported border poll warning, the Alliance Party said: "Brexit poses a massive threat to the cohesion of Northern Ireland and the shared society underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement. "While Alliance respects everyone's constitutional aspiration, the priority must be to agree a pragmatic way forward for Northern Ireland to mitigate the risks from Brexit and to achieve the maximum cross-community support for it." The speculation came as a report also claimed Brexit may have brought the prospect of a border poll closer. The fifth Peace Monitoring Report said a future referendum on Irish unity "may be sooner than might otherwise have been anticipated". It stated: "The debate around Brexit has moved the issue of holding a border poll further up the political agenda." It quoted a LucidTalk poll that found if there was a referendum on the border, 45% would vote for Northern Ireland to remain in the UK, while 42% would vote for unity, with 13% of respondents still undecided. Meanwhile, the DUP last night accused the Prime Minister of "still not listening" to the party on the backstop and said she seemed intent on putting a "dead" plan to Parliament. Mrs Foster told the BBC that "nobody wants to throw Ireland under the bus". She opposed extending Article 50 and said Mrs May must go back to Brussels and secure a better deal which removed the backstop. "There is no need for the backstop in the Withdrawal Agreement," Mrs Foster said. "Everyone has stated they don't want there to be a hard border. We have said it, the Republic of Ireland's government has said it, Westminster has said it," Mrs May's Brexit plans received a major setback yesterday after she suffered a second damaging Commons defeat within 24 hours. MPs backed an amendment demanding the Government return within three sitting days with a new plan if it is defeated in next week's crunch vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal. The House voted by 308 to 297 in favour of the amendment tabled by the pro-Remain Tory MP Dominic Grieve with the support of other Conservative rebels. British sign language was used during First Ministers Questions for the first time on Thursday (Scottish Parliament/PA) The Scottish Parliament has introduced sign language interpretation in its coverage of First Ministers Questions for the first time. An option to enable British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation was made available on Thursday to people watching the proceedings online, as well as being provided on monitors in the chambers public gallery. The move forms part of proposals from the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body in its British Sign Language Plan, published in October, to increase accessibility at the Parliament. The BSL interpretation during FMQs will be available for 22 weeks, until the end of June. Join us over on Facebook at 12pm to watch First Minister, @NicolaSturgeon MSP, take questions from party leaders and other MSPs during FMQs. For the first time, British Sign Language interpreting will be available online! https://t.co/2ntAamWaRS pic.twitter.com/xMKbCsqQs6 Scottish Parliament (@ScotParl) January 10, 2019 A spokesman for the Scottish Parliament said: Introducing BSL interpreting at FMQs is one of our commitments under our six-year plan to integrate BSL into the Parliaments work. Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh said: I well remember the rapturous reception in the public galleries in September 2015 when the Parliament passed the British Sign Language (Scotland) Bill. It was a great moment in the history of the Parliament. Through this six-year plan, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body demonstrates its commitment to making the practical improvements in parliamentary services as to how we will support BSL. Through a range of actions, we will seek to integrate BSL into the fabric of the Parliaments work: by involving the BSL community in our planning and interpreting of business, as well as in engagement and outreach events. Drones have caused chaos at the UKs two busiest airports in recent weeks (Joe Giddens/PA) All UK airports must buy anti-drone equipment because the Royal Air Force should not have to step in every time the devices are flown near runways, according to Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson. Technology which can detect and deter the gadgets is a logical thing for airports to invest in, Mr Williamson said. The military has been called in to the UKs two busiest airports in recent weeks after drone sightings caused flights to be grounded. Departures at Heathrow were suspended for an hour on Tuesday night, while the travel plans of 140,000 Gatwick passengers were affected over three days shortly before Christmas. Both airports have said they will invest millions of pounds to tackle the threat from drones. A system which can detect, track and ground the devices has been installed on the roof of Gatwicks South Terminal following last months chaos. Civil Aviation Authority figures show 120 near misses between drones and aircraft were reported in the year to December 4 2018, up 29% on the total of 93 in the whole of 2017. There were just six incidents recorded in 2014. It wouldnt be right to expect the RAF to be the people that are constantly stepping in on thisGavin Williamson Aviation minister Baroness Sugg and security minister Ben Wallace held a meeting with airport bosses on Thursday to discuss plans to crack down on the problem. Around 10 of Britains busiest airports, such as the main London airports, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh, all told the ministers that they have drone detection equipment in place or are planning to install it, the Press Association understands. The Department for Transport (DfT) is setting up a cross-Government drone security action group to ensure close cooperation between officials from the DfT, Home Office, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Justice. Speaking on a visit to RAF Marham, Norfolk, Mr Williamson said: I think that everyone would be expecting all airports to be having this detection, and deterrence effect also, at all commercial airports in the future. It is a logical thing for them to be investing (in). He added: It wouldnt be right to expect the RAF to be the people that are constantly stepping in on this. On Tuesday, the Government announced a package of measures designed to give police extra powers to combat drones. The exclusion zone around airports will be extended to approximately a 5km-radius (3.1 miles). This is expected to come into force by the start of April. From November 30, operators of drones weighing between 250g and 20kg will be required to register and take an online drone pilot competency test. Police will also be able to issue fixed-penalty notices for minor drone offences to ensure immediate and effective enforcement of the new rules. Fines of up to 100 could be given for offences such as failing to comply with a police officer when instructed to land a drone, or not showing their registration to operate a drone. Whoever is advising the Prime Minister on what is likely to win DUP support for her Brexit plan next week is either extremely optimistic or scarily naive. There wasn't a snowball's chance in Hell that the party would view yesterday's proposals from Downing Street, breathe a sigh of relief, and declare that all its backstop fears had been put to bed. Indeed, Theresa May notched up a first in Northern Ireland in recent times. All five main parties were united in rejecting her proposals, although for completely different reasons. Read More Right across the spectrum - unionists, nationalists, Remainers and Brexiteers - they were all dissatisfied. Of course, there was only one party whose verdict really mattered, courtesy of those 10 votes in a House of Commons where Mrs May is struggling daily to survive. Stormont would have a "strong role" if the backstop was ever triggered, the Government pledged. Sinn Fein said this was tantamount to a DUP veto on the backstop. The Taoiseach declared that a veto for the Assembly would be totally unacceptable. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood succinctly highlighted the farce of handing "an empty veto to an empty chamber". The DUP wasn't buying it anyway. Long gone are the days when unionists automatically accepted the assurances of a Prime Minister. A DUP source quipped: "The window dressing doesn't wash." Read More DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds put it much more politely. He noted that any role for the Assembly would be "cosmetic and meaningless" as it wouldn't be able to override the Government's legal obligations regarding a backstop enshrined in an internationally legally binding agreement. This is the Brexit backstop for slow Government learners. What Mrs May just doesn't seem to get is that if there aren't changes to the legal text of the withdrawal agreement, the DUP won't be voting for it. Business leaders clearly take a different view, but with the Ulster Unionists and the TUV sharing the DUP's concerns, the party won't be changing its mind any time soon. "We will continue to work to secure a better deal in the time ahead," concluded Mr Dodds. But with only five days until the big vote, it looks increasingly unlikely that anything radically different will be put on the table. Many ambitions of the UUP evident in the 1998 Belfast Agreement have been realised. The deal received popular endorsement and enshrined the principle of consent. Northern Ireland remains part of the UK for as long as a majority within its confines so choose. Dublin's territorial claim was removed and British sovereignty recognised. North-South institutions presented no prospect of an all-Ireland government. Violence diminished and an imperfect peace took hold. Yet, despite taking political risks, the UUP has failed to prosper. Articulating the case that the UUP won the argument may be therapeutic, but is not a vote-gathering exercise. Read More The DUP ruthlessly exploited fears over prisoner releases, policing changes and Sinn Fein in government, while ultimately acquiescing to most of the Belfast Agreement. The stoutest defenders of their respective ethnic blocs fare best. The UUP's architect of the Belfast Agreement, David Trimble, argues that his desire for a "pluralist parliament for a pluralist people" was only partly created: "In substance, yes, but the DUP are not actually making the best use of it, because they're still in a mode of feeling that they have to fight Sinn Fein and they have to demonstrate to their voters that they're fighting Sinn Fein. This is part of the reason why the administration is not working smoothly ... The DUP feels that they have to be in competitive mode, rather than cooperative mode." Trimble has effectively given up on the capacity of local parties to remove sectarian electoral politics, arguing only the presence of UK-wide electoral politics can fulfil this aim. However, the idea does not find favour within the UUP and might further narrow its electoral ground. Read More The UUP's search continues for a sustained, coherent strategy by which to prise support back from the DUP. A Coleraine focus group member insisted the UUP "need to be streetfighters now. If we're not willing to really take the fight to them (the DUP) now, we'll just slip into obscurity". This may be correct, but the fight needs a clear basis. A UUP elected representative even claimed that "personal ambition and career" now appeared the main reasons for the existence of two separate unionist parties. Read More The markers which historically gave the UUP advantages over the DUP have disappeared. The UUP is no longer the party of the comfortable Protestant middle-class, who now either vote DUP, or abstain. As the DUP stole the UUP's political clothes, the UUP struggled to the point where the DUP's deputy leader, Nigel Dodds, claimed, by 2017, there was "only one meaningful unionist party". While the UUP has many tireless activists, it also contains many inactive ones. Activism needs to include outreach to those Catholics at least acquiescent regarding Northern Ireland's place in the UK, allowing this may be a shrinking pool, post-Brexit. Given its historical links to Free Presbyterianism and anti-Catholicism, the DUP cannot appeal to Catholics. Yet, our data shows that the UUP has even less attraction. The UUP has changed considerably. Its organisation, coherence and discipline has improved, although it still needs refinement, as the mixed messages during election campaigns have indicated. The integrationist tendencies of the UUP, a party once more comfortable at Westminster (a "Conservative border party", as one elected representative described it) - were revised to devolutionary ones. Yet, this is irrelevant if the UUP is not part of a Northern Ireland government, or Westminster parliament. As the DUP's growth reaped huge rewards at the 2017 Westminster election, the loss of parliamentary seats was acutely painful for the UUP. The UUP's primary tasks are to articulate a sense of unionist identity and advance a Union unthreatening to those who are not natural unionists. It cannot be a vision based upon appeals to the past, or the defensive insecurities of demographic advantage. According to the MLA Steve Aiken: "Unionism cannot sell 1950s Britain as the argument for remaining part of the UK ... it appeals to a very small and narrow base ... We have a more outward-looking view (than the DUP). We're not intolerant of others ... We're proud to be unionists. We're proud of the British connection. But, you know, we live on an island with 4.5 million people ... and we need to get on." The UUP sees its Britishness as rational, contractual and non-sectarian. Severance from the Orange Order allowed the UUP to articulate a civic unionism separated from the Protestantism which is still strong (and often sceptical of such things as inter-marriage) among many members. But convincing a sceptical unionist electorate that the UUP is the superior custodian of unionist interests is tough. This has been made more difficult by the DUP's change to the Belfast Agreement to ensure that the First Minister is elected by the largest party, a device designed to ensure most unionists vote DUP to prevent a Sinn Fein First Minister. To combat this, the UUP needs more than hope that the DUP will implode. Even the RHI debacle has, so far, failed to dent the DUP's popularity among unionists. There is no magic wand - no clear difference between the UUP and DUP - which will revive UUP fortunes. The starkest distinction between the two parties since the Belfast Agreement was Brexit, but the UUP retreated from its pro-EU position after the referendum. A struggle remains for the UUP leadership to establish a distinct discourse, which will address the wider electorate, while reassuring unionists fearful the rise of Sinn Fein. Many within the UUP feel that unionism lost out after the Belfast Agreement. Most members do not believe the relative peace is permanent, are sceptical of all-island links and wary of nationalists. The concern for the UUP membership is that, amid the perpetual unionist versus nationalist contest, some would argue there is probably only room for one party on either side of the divide. A rising nationalist population and the loss of unionism's overall majority of seats in the 2017 Assembly election place the issue of unionist unity - and a border poll - on the agenda. Assuming Sinn Fein continues to eclipse the SDLP, can unionism afford to be divided between two parties? Intra-unionist rivalry increases the possibility of a Sinn Fein First Minister, a possibility many unionists might still refuse to countenance. Unionists fear electoral parity between the DUP and UUP could damage both, allowing Sinn Fein to become the largest party. It is easier to vote for the largest unionist party to diminish that risk. A merger with the DUP would be anathema to most UUP members. Only 15% support this and UUP leaders have reassured the base that amalgamation with the DUP is not on the agenda. It would hardly be a fusion of equals in the current circumstances - more an absorption of the older party. There is much enmity and historical baggage. UUP members see their party as selfless and view the DUP as selfish. While there is far more that broadly unites than divides unionists, in defence of the Union, support for Northern Ireland, Protestantism and, to some extent, Orangeism, UUP-DUP relations have often been characterised more by antipathy than empathetic pan-unionism. The future of the UUP rests on its capacity to win back the confidence of its electorate, offering an inclusive, non-sectarian and fresh unionism which is constitutionally robust - a unionism for all. It needs clear and cogent unionist messages, a strong leader, some points of distinction from the DUP, an attractive team of potential elected representatives and an activist base using modern campaigning techniques. It is too soon to write the political obituary of the UUP. It has a deeply loyal membership, prepared to endure lean times, enjoys strong pockets of support and now resembles a proper political party, not the loose conglomeration of feuding groups and autonomous associations it constituted at the beginning of the 21st century. The rapidity of the rise of the DUP indicates that no party is destined to be in the ascendancy in perpetuity and, given the right set of circumstances and dynamic leadership, the UUP might revive. The party suffered from the most acute unionist political fracture ever seen, over the Belfast Agreement. Therein lies the paradox for the UUP. At least partly thanks to the party's efforts and sacrifices, Northern Ireland's future may be more secure; their party rather less so - a case of country before party. Adapted from The Ulster Unionist Party: Country Before Party? by Thomas Hennessey, Maire Braniff, James W McAuley, Jonathan Tonge and Sophie A Whiting, published by Oxford University Press Calls for Westminster to intervene to legislate for same sex marriage in Northern Ireland (PA Archive) Westminster has been urged to legislate to allow same sex marriage in Northern Ireland. The call came on Wednesday as the country marked two years without devolved government. Northern Ireland is currently the only part of the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland which maintains a ban on marriage for same-sex couples. Amnesty International UK, Stonewall, the Trades Union Congress and the NUS have urged the UK Government to intervene and legislate for same-sex marriage in the region. The appeal was made in a joint statement signed by Kate Allen, Director of Amnesty International UK, Ruth Hunt, Chief Executive of Stonewall, Frances OGrady, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress and Shakira Martin, President of the National Union of Students. The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, for England and Wales, was passed by the UK Parliament in 2013. Similar legislation was passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2014. Same-sex marriage in the Republic of Ireland has been legal since 2015, following a referendum which sent tremors of joy around the world, they said. Expand Close Shannon Sickles (right) and Grainne Close, leave Belfast city Hall, Monday December 19, 2005, as the first set of civil partnership ceremonies for gay couples in the UK take place in Northern Ireland. (Paul Faith/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Shannon Sickles (right) and Grainne Close, leave Belfast city Hall, Monday December 19, 2005, as the first set of civil partnership ceremonies for gay couples in the UK take place in Northern Ireland. (Paul Faith/PA) Yet, in 2019, same-sex couples in Northern Ireland are still being denied that simple right. This is despite overwhelming support among the public there, as demonstrated in poll after poll, and the support of at least 55 of the 90 members of the Northern Ireland Assembly. However, the Assembly has not had the power to legislate for the last two years. Regrettably there is currently no talks process, never mind an agreement for a return of devolved government to Northern Ireland. Given these unfortunate circumstances, the only legislature currently able to address this inequality is at Westminster. They went on to urge Westminster to intervene, arguing same sex couples must not be made to pay the price of the Assemblys collapse. Last September, two couples renewed their legal challenge to the ban on them getting married. Grainne Close and her partner Shannon Sickles, along with Chris and Henry Flanagan-Kane made history in 2005 when they became the first couples in the UK to enter civil partnerships when Northern Ireland became the first UK region to introduce the ceremonies for same sex couples. The Court of Appeal is expected to come to a decision this year. If the backstop does come into effect, the Stormont Assembly and Executive would be given a role in its operation, with the legislature being asked to consent to any new or amended EU laws applying to the region If a wider EU/UK trade deal fails to materialise by the end of the Brexit implementation period in 2020, there would be a legally-binding commitment to "consult" with Stormont before deciding to either enter the backstop or ask for an extension of the implementation period. The view of the Assembly would be presented to Parliament before MPs took a final decision on the issue. If the backstop does come into effect, the Stormont Assembly and Executive would be given a role in its operation, with the legislature being asked to consent to any new or amended EU laws applying to the region. Britain will not diverge from the EU rules which would apply in Northern Ireland if the backstop was triggered. The Government said those would only account for a "small fraction" of all single market rules. Read More The paper stated: "By so doing we would ensure everything possible had been done to avoid any additional preventable barriers within the UK internal market." A new domestic law to "underscore" that there would continue to be "unfettered access" for Northern Ireland goods entering the GB market in the backstop scenario. The paper stated: "It is critical that the law is unequivocal in setting out that businesses in Northern Ireland would retain full access to the whole UK internal market, even in a backstop scenario. We will enshrine this protection in primary legislation." Politicians in Northern Ireland will have a role in influencing the Government's approach to a number of joint UK/EU forums which will be established to oversee the withdrawal agreement. This would see a memorandum of understanding agreed between the Government and any future Stormont Executive, setting out the devolved administration's role in respect of the three main bodies - the Joint Committee, the Specialised Committee on the Northern Ireland Protocol, and the Joint Consultative Working Group. A restatement of the Government's commitment to safeguard the Belfast peace agreement, in particular its central tenet, the "principle of consent" - namely that the constitutional status of Northern Ireland can only change if a majority in the region vote for it. A commitment to preserve the existing remit of North-South political structures established by the Good Friday deal, meaning their number and scope could not be altered by the outworking of the Brexit deal. Northern Ireland, like Scotland and Wales, will be handed greater powers post-Brexit, taking on many of the areas of responsibility that will be no longer governed by EU law. If a wider UK/EU trade deal is ultimately struck, the interests of Northern Ireland will be fully reflected in it. In conclusion, the Government paper stated: "We are committed to ensuring that Northern Ireland's voice is heard at all stages both in any decision to bring the backstop into effect, and in its implementation should it be needed. The Belfast Agreement will be protected in full, with no expansion of North-South co-operation without the cross-community consent requirements set out in that agreement. "We will continue to ensure protections for Northern Ireland businesses and will provide for an enhanced role for the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland, when they are restored, in shaping our future relationship with the EU and in ensuring that domestic law continues to reflect the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland." Police have appealed for information Police are investigating an assault after two teenage girls were attacked by a man in Ballymena. The incident took place near Meetinghouse Lane around 10pm on Wednesday, January 2. The girls were assaulted by a man in a grey puffy coat with hood, dark trousers and red soles shoes. Police have asked anyone with information to call 101 quote ref number 1270 2/1/19 Ernie Wilson holding a picture of his late son James at his home in Fermanagh Suicides linked to Northern Ireland's violent past should be included in official records of those killed during the Troubles, a former UDR soldier has said. An IRA bomb exploded on a school bus Ernie Wilson was driving in Lisnaskea in 1988. Read More DUP leader Arlene Foster was one of the school children that was on board the bus. Although no one was killed in the explosion, a year after the bombing, Mr Wilson's 27-year-old son, James, committed suicide. Mr Wilson, who served part-time in the UDR, told the BBC that his son blamed himself for what happened to the bus, as he helped check it every morning before his father left for work. Mr Wilson said: "He just went quiet, out of himself. He wasn't the same James, lively and stuff. "He was always the man for doing the work around the house, cutting the grass and cleaning up but that had all gone. "He just went down." Expand Close The wreckage of the school bus driven by Ernie Wilson after the bomb planted by the IRA exploded / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The wreckage of the school bus driven by Ernie Wilson after the bomb planted by the IRA exploded Mr Wilson said there was no way James could have spotted the device, which had been concealed by IRA terrorists on the bus. Mr Wilson, who's originally from Ballinamallard, was warned by police that he was on an IRA death list before the attack. He was a former B Special during the IRA's border campaign in the 50s and 60s and had survived two bomb attacks. But he has never recovered from the death of his son. He added: "You never forget it, it's always there. (It) never leaves. That's a number of years gone by now, and James is always on your mind. "It's an awful thing to live with, desperate thing to live with. I'll take it to the grave with me." Mr Wilson said he had "no doubt" James took his own life because of the Troubles and that his death should be recognised on the official death toll. "If there was no Troubles and that happened to James, that's a completely different story. "It was the Troubles that done it to James." Expand Close Ernie Wilson with James on the day Ernie received his British Empire Medal Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ernie Wilson with James on the day Ernie received his British Empire Medal Mr Wilson said that similar deaths by suicide, linked to the conflict in Northern Ireland, should also be recorded, but only with the agreement of each family. "That's if their parents, or whoever is left allows it or wants it. I'm not talking for anyone else, only myself. You might have people there who wouldn't want that, but in my opinion, it should be". Mr Wilson, speaking to the Belfast Telegraph last year on the 30th anniversary of the bombing, said he stills finds it hard to believe that a teenage Arlene Foster and 16 other children weren't killed in the IRA bomb attack that ripped apart the school bus he was driving in Fermanagh. "I didn't think a mouse could have got out alive from the wreckage. It was nothing short of a miracle that no one died." he said. The number of people who lost their lives in the Northern Ireland conflict is currently estimated to be around 3,600 people. Russian opposition politician Udaltsov turns to ECHR over rally ban, detention RIA Novosti, Ramil Sitdikov 14:29 10/01/2019 MOSCOW, January 10 (RAPSI) - Russian opposition politician Sergey Udaltsov on Thursday filed an application over a ban on participation in public meetings and his 30-day detention for breaking a procedure of holding rallies with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), his lawyer Dmitry Agranovsky told RAPSI. In his complaint Udaltsov calls a 3-year administrative supervision against him illegal and accuses Russian authorities of violating his rights to a fair trial and free attendance of public events, the attorney said. In September, Moscows Simonovsky District Court put Udaltsov under administrative supervision until 2021. In accordance with the court ruling, the opposition politician must register with the police two times a month, is prohibited from participating in public rallies and demonstrations, forbidden from travelling beyond the Moscow Regions borders. The ruling was upheld by the Moscow City Court in October. Earlier in August, Udaltsov was put in detention for 30 days for violating a procedure of holding rallies in the aftermath of a rally against the countrys pension reform. On July 28, left-wing political organizations held a mass rally against the pension reform in Russia. Allegedly, Udaltsov took part in the public action before appearing at the designated location for the rally. Sinn Fein has been accused of censorship for not supporting a request from an artist to sketch Belfast City Council in session. Artist and political cartoonist Brian John Spencer had previously requested to sketch Monday night's council meeting back last month, however it was voted down in committee following a Sinn Fein proposal. Mr Spencer has previously drawn political cartoons critical of Sinn Fein. At Monday night's meeting, however, an amendment was tabled by Ulster Unionist councillor Jeffrey Dudgeon seeking to reverse the decision. "This is to my mind, and I think most members here would agree, is a needless act of censorship on the part of those members who voted to deny the request," he said. Councillor Dudgeon said there is a long tradition of artists painting parliaments and assemblies in session and if the "ban" was upheld by council it would breach the artist's freedom of expression rights. Sinn Fein's council group leader Ciaran Beattie, however, said, regardless if the council gave the artist future permission to sketch the council chamber, he would not be given permission to draw Sinn Fein representatives. "The artist involved has been involved in some controversial cartoons - namely about our party as well," he said. "We will be opposing it and, whether we are successful or not, the cartoonist will not have permission to draw me or, I'm sure, any of my colleagues." SDLP councillor Donal Lyons said Sinn Fein's stance on the issue was "absolute farce". "I'm quite surprised that we're even having this conversation that, because somebody has painted a cartoon of a political party that they didn't like they are willing to censor him," he said. "And to do so in such a way as 'we're not giving our support so it won't be happening' - I mean, it's absolute farce." Sinn Fein's Arder Carson said that it was his democratic right to choose not to be painted. "I have a right to choose what I want to do as well, so if you want to deny me my right in a democratic chamber and you vote for this, then I definitely won't be here - so you are censoring me." Councillor Dudgeon's amendment to reverse the decision not allow Brian John Spencer to sketch the council was passed, with 34 votes in favour and 19 against. Speaking following Monday's meeting, Councillor Lyons said if it had been a case of unionist parties blocking an artist they were nationalist, or right wing parties blocking a left wing artist, "there would rightly be an outcry". "At best its thin skinned but more worryingly is the message theyre clearly sending to the creative community, that if an artists personal beliefs dont fit, Sinn Fein will use their political positions to try and block them," he added. "The council rightly takes a strong role in enabling and funding the cities artists and creative industries. Many of the arts and cultural events across the city create glimpses of the shared future in the here and now. "But its ironic that at the same meeting where Sinn Fein were pre-empting any application process for the controversial bonfire funding by naming groups set to get the money before any process had even opened, they have also set themselves against the pluralism which is fundamental to equality, integrity and respect." A school in Co Antrim is set to reopen this morning after being forced to close its doors when the building's heating system broke down. Woodlawn Primary School in Carrickfergus had been shut since Monday after pupils and staff returned from their Christmas break to discover an underground water leak, resulting in no heating or hot water throughout the building. Parents were immediately contacted and asked to collect their children from the school. The school has been keeping in regular contact with parents to provide regular updates on when heat and hot water will be restored. The school says staff and maintenance personnel from the Education Authority have been working to fix the issues affecting the building. The school's principal, Ian Mullen, told the Belfast Telegraph: "At 8.40am on Monday I was informed that the school would be unable to open. "All parents and pupils were immediately alerted either in person at the school gates or via the school website, app, Facebook and text message system. "Any children who arrived unaccompanied were brought into the school and their parents/guardians were contacted immediately. Parents have been kept informed of progress via daily updates. "A maintenance team has been working on site to resolve the issue and I have been advised that the school will be able to reopen today. "Whilst it is unfortunate that this situation occurred, the health and safety of students and staff is paramount and every effort has been made to ensure that the school would reopen as quickly as possible." Mr Mullen added: "I very much look forward to welcoming pupils and their parents back to Woodlawn Primary School this morning." John Stewart, East Antrim UUP MLA, added: "I have been in contact with the school and I know that they have been working flat out this week to get back up and running again. "There is very little that the staff could have done in this situation but to close the school for the safety and well-being of pupils. "The parents were very accepting of the situation and realised that the school had very little option but to close." The suspect was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment in the mid-1980s for his role in terrorist offences in Northern Ireland (stock photo) A senior republican is suspected of being the leader of an organised dissident crime gang that has built up a big property portfolio from the proceeds of illegal tobacco and alcohol smuggling. The suspect was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment in the mid-1980s for his role in terrorist offences in Northern Ireland. He initially supported the Provisional ceasefire but then allegedly defected to a dissident group. He was charged in the Special Criminal Court in Dublin of being a member of the Real IRA but the charge was later withdrawn. He and his alleged associates are now prime targets for the Republic's Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB). As part of their investigation, CAB, backed up by heavily armed officers from the Garda Emergency Response Unit, searched eight premises in counties Monaghan and Cavan yesterday morning. Three of the six houses raided are said to be owned by the suspect. Also searched were the offices of a solicitor's firm and an auctioneering company. CAB seized about 10,000 in sterling and euro in cash along with a quantity of Viagra tablets. A sheaf of documents and electronic devices were seized for analysis while gardai said evidence of illicit tobacco and alcohol smuggling was also taken for forensic examination. Gardai said CAB's inquiries centred on an organised crime gang operating in the border area and heavily involved in the importation and distribution of illegal cigarettes and counterfeit goods. Yesterday's searches were part of an information gathering operation and did not include any arrests. A lengthy investigation is now expected into the alleged attempts by the gang to launder the proceeds of the cross-border smuggling in property investments here and in the UK. Some of the property portfolio here is alleged to be based in counties Monaghan and Leitrim while other investments are under investigation in the UK. The suspect has been on the radar of police and customs officers on both sides of the border for his alleged major role in the highly profitable smuggling rackets in illicit tobacco and alcohol importation for several years. A court in Northern Ireland previously made a six-figure confiscation order against him after the seizure of smuggled cigarettes. He has also been convicted of evading customs duty. He was said in the past to be closely involved in the illegal cigarettes racket with another leading republican, who was alleged to have been a member of the Provisional IRA's army council. Four men have been arrested after the PSNI seized 50kg of herbal cannabis worth just under 1m following searches in Belfast on Wednesday. The men, aged 38, 29, 29 and 19 were arrested on suspicion of a number of drug related offences and are currently undergoing questioning at Musgrave Serious Crime Suite. On Wednesday detectives from the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit and colleagues searched two properties in the Shore Road area of north Belfast and the Springfield Road area of west Belfast as part of an investigation into the supply of illegal drugs. Two vehicles were also stopped on the M2 heading North Bound, near the Moneynick junction. Two men were arrested in the property on the Shore Road area on suspicion of the importation and supply of these drugs. A further two men were arrested in a vehicle on the M2 on suspicion of supply of these drugs and a number of immigration offences. Detective Superintendent Bobby Singleton said that the investigation was linked to a South East Asian organised crime gang operating in Northern Ireland. "We believe this organised crime gang is Triad linked," he said. Whilst there will continue to be debate within society on the legalisation of cannabis it remains a controlled drug and is illegal to possess. Organised crime gangs like this group make huge amounts of money from its illegal trade. Some people think that buying and using cannabis is harmless thats simply not the case. "Use of cannabis itself can damage your physical and mental health. Cannabis remains the most used drug by persons in treatment in Northern Ireland for drug addiction. "The money people spend on it promotes and encourages the growth of these gangs who not only use violence and intimidation to maintain their control in our communities but are also involved in other organised crime like human trafficiking." Detective Superintendent Singleton appealed for anyone with information to come forward. We will continue to investigate those who profit from the misery and harm caused by illegal drugs. Drug dealers are parasites who dont care about their communities and profit from the misery and harm caused by illegal drugs," he said. "I would appeal to the public to contact police if they have any concerns or information regarding drugs in their area by calling 101." SDLP councillor Paul McCusker said that the news a substantial amount of drugs was set to be dstirubted among communities in Belfast was "extremely worrying". The plight of drug use and distribution in our community is on the rise; its effects destroying lives and families, with addiction services struggling to cope with the sheer number of those requesting help," he said. I would encourage anyone with additional information to contact the PSNI. Herbal cannabis with an estimated street value of almost 1m has been seized in Belfast (PSNI/PA) Herbal cannabis with an estimated street value of almost 1 million has been seized in Belfast by police targeting a Triad-linked crime gang. PSNI detectives intercepted 110lb (50kg) of the illegal drug during a proactive operation on Wednesday. Four men, aged 38, 29, 29 and 19, were arrested on suspicion of offences related to the supply of the drug. They were taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite in the city centre for questioning. Detective Superintendent Bobby Singleton said officers searched two properties in the Shore Road and Springfield Road areas. Detectives from PSNI's Organised Crime Branch seize a significant quantity of cannabis and make four arrests in Belfast : https://t.co/ijV3o9G1cD Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) January 10, 2019 Two vehicles were stopped on the M2 near the Moneynick junction. Mr Singleton said two men were arrested in the Shore Road property on suspicion of the importation and supply of drugs. A further two were arrested in a vehicle on the motorway on suspicion of supply of these drugs and a number of immigration offences. The senior officer added: This is another significant haul of drugs, which is linked to our previous successes against a South East Asian organised crime gang operating in Northern Ireland. Some people think that buying and using cannabis is harmless - thats simply not the casePSNI Detective Superintendent Bobby Singleton We believe this organised crime gang is Triad-linked. He said gangs like this group make huge amounts of money from the illegal trade. Some people think that buying and using cannabis is harmless thats simply not the case. Use of cannabis itself can damage your physical and mental health. Cannabis remains the most used drug by persons in treatment in Northern Ireland for drug addiction. The money people spend on it promotes and encourages the growth of these gangs who not only use violence and intimidation to maintain their control in our communities but are also involved in other organised crime like human trafficking. SDLP councillor Paul McCusker said that the news a substantial amount of drugs was set to be dstirubted among communities in Belfast was "extremely worrying". The plight of drug use and distribution in our community is on the rise; its effects destroying lives and families, with addiction services struggling to cope with the sheer number of those requesting help," he said. I would encourage anyone with additional information to contact the PSNI. The DUP has rejected the Prime Minister's latest assurances on the backstop as "cosmetic and meaningless". The party remains set to vote against the Withdrawal Agreement in the House of Commons on Tuesday. Sinn Fein also dismissed the proposal to give the Assembly a "strong role" if the backstop is triggered, claiming this would hand "a veto" to the DUP. Read More In a 13-page paper published yesterday, the Government pledged to enact new domestic laws to quell fears that Northern Ireland would be treated differently from the rest of the UK if the backstop came into play. If the backstop is triggered, the Government vowed that the Stormont Assembly and Executive would be given a "strong" oversight role in its operation. But DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds said these commitments had not changed his party's opposition to the Brexit deal, because any amendments to British domestic law would be trumped by the provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement. "We reject the backstop and have previously, and consistently, indicated we will not support an internationally legally binding withdrawal agreement that contains its provisions," he said. "Such an international treaty supersedes and overrides any contrary domestic legal provisions. "The Assembly would not be able to override UK international legal obligations, as the backstop provisions would be in the treaty." Read More Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald said the Withdrawal Agreement and the backstop were "the least worst options in the disaster that is Brexit". She continued: "These cannot, and will not, be rewritten, renegotiated or vetoed by Westminster or the Assembly. "Furthermore, no British government can unilaterally limit the role and function of the North South Ministerial Council or rewrite the Good Friday and other agreements. "We are seeking an urgent meeting with the British Prime Minster on these matters." UUP leader Robin Swann said: "The document published by the UK Government is frankly insulting. "Its only purpose seems to be to state what we already know, rather than going any way towards addressing the very real concerns we have repeatedly outlined to Government ministers and officials." UUP MEP Jim Nicholson also dismissed the paper. "These proposals fall well short of what is necessary, which is change to the legally binding text of the Withdrawal Agreement," he said. "Up against a legally binding international treaty, this so-called veto is merely window dressing and frankly toothless." SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the proposals were "nothing more than an empty veto being handed to an empty chamber - an attempt, no doubt, to appease the DUP and a tactic that has once again failed." SDLP MLA Claire Hanna described the Government's pledge to offer Northern Ireland an opportunity to provide consultative advice on the backstop as "unconstructive ambiguity". She said: "On the two-year anniversary of the collapse of power-sharing, the British Government is proposing to transfer ambiguous decision-making powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly at a time when no decisions can be taken." Alliance deputy leader Stephen Farry dismissed the contents of the Government's paper as "spin". He claimed the Assembly should not have a veto over the introduction of the backstop, which was a matter for London and Brussels. Dr Farry said the Stormont institutions may still be moth-balled and, even if they weren't, there was the "risk of political games being played by the DUP inside the Executive and abuse of the petition of concern on the floor of the Assembly". Green leader Clare Bailey branded the Government's proposals "pie-in-the-sky politics". She said: "Perhaps the Secretary of State, Karen Bradley, can inform her Prime Minister that the Assembly and Executive don't operate at present. "This pie-in-the-sky proposal shows the Tory Party has no real interest in restoring devolution here or protecting us from Brexit." Stanley Currie went to South Africa to visit a woman he had met online A pensioner who vanished after travelling alone to South Africa is due to return to Northern Ireland today after his family raised more than 1,000 to bring him home. Cookstown man Stanley Currie was found lying under a tree on Monday after flying from Dublin to Johannesburg on December 28 to meet a woman he'd befriended online. The 66-year-old's family - who initially believed he had been "mugged of all his belongings, passport and money" - started a crowdfunding campaign and raised 1,249 for his safe return. It is believed that he will travel back to his home town today where he will be reunited with family and friends, who grew concerned for his safety following his sudden departure late last year. After not hearing from him for over a week, his brother Richard posted a plea for help on the South African Community Crime Watch (SACCW) Facebook page, and said Stanley had gone to meet a mystery woman in Johannesburg. "He boarded a flight to Johannesburg on a one-way ticket to meet this person," Richard said. "He hadn't booked any accommodation over there, and was carrying a large amount of cash. "He suffers from depression and has got heart and health problems. "Numerous attempts have been made by myself and his family to contact him, but his phone has been turned off since Sunday night. "We are now getting very concerned about him." The Currie family also issued a plea for "any help at all" on their JustGiving page and thanked those who had contributed to their campaign for Stanley. "We need to put Stanley up in a hotel until his emergency passport can be arranged and we can get him home as soon as possible," they wrote. "He has been walking the streets of South Africa for a week, with no food or water, and is currently receiving medical care." By Monday night Mr Currie had been found lying under a tree in Hurlyvale Avenue, Edenvale, after a woman from a dog parlour recognised him from a missing person alert poster that was circulating. Stephen King, who heads up the SACCW, said it has since been established that Mr Currie was not robbed, but had placed his bag somewhere for safe-keeping and could not find it. "He still had his wallet with him, but had no more money left from paying his accommodation since his arrival in South Africa," Mr King said. His brother later thanked the SACCW for driving the campaign to find his brother. "You are an awesome group, you should be so proud of the work you all do helping complete strangers. Thank you," said Richard. When Mr Currie was found "he was a bit beaten up by the sun" and he was taken for medical observation "as a precautionary measure", according to the police. His son Mark expressed gratitude on social media for the help they had received. "Dad has been found... thanks for all the shares and help... no other info at the minute apart from he's in a medical centre getting fixed up," he wrote. There was no further details of the mystery woman he had travelled out to meet. If Brexiteers have an alternative to the withdrawal agreement, they need to reveal it now, a business leader has told MPs. Aodhan Connolly, director of the NI Retail Consortium, was part of a 12-strong delegation at Westminster yesterday. The group meeting 30 MPs included representatives of Manufacturing NI, Foyle Port, Londonderry Chamber, NI Mineral Products Association, Airporter, NI Retail Consortium and CBI. Mr Connolly told MPs that time is running out and the business community is still in the dark over what lies ahead. "We need a deal, it's as blunt as that," he said. "If it's not going to be this deal then it has to be another one. We're at the stage now where we need those who are going to vote against the current deal to put their cards on the table, show us the deal they want, and do it immediately. "It's now so critical for business in Northern Ireland. It was critical when all this started, but we're now 79 days away from the no deal Brexit we have feared. There is no wriggle room here. "Businesses are at stake, jobs are at stake, people's livelihoods and the ability to support their families are at stake. "That's why it was good to have the opportunity to get that message across to politicians from all parties. Conservative, Labour, Lib Dems and the DUP were all in attendance and that was helpful. But we still don't know what is going to happen. "No deal will bring tariffs, customs and costs that the business community simply can't afford - that message can't be made any clearer. "As things stand, it's the deal on the table now or no deal. That's a real concern. We've said time and again, Northern Ireland business simply can't afford a no deal and we can't be left in the dark any longer." Stephen Kelly, chief executive of Manufacturing NI, described it as "a very useful engagement". "I think there was a certain amount of surprise at the backing business in Northern Ireland is giving to the Prime Minister's draft agreement," he said. "The discussions were open and frank but they needed to be as time is running out and the future of businesses in NI are at stake here. We all know there are only 79 days to sort this and businesses need to start making key decisions on the future." Irelands deputy premier has insisted a crash Brexit is not inevitable. Simon Coveney said those predicting a defeat for Prime Minister Theresa May when MPs vote on the Withdrawal Agreement next week should not take things for granted. Mr Coveney said while Ireland would not interfere in the parliamentary process at Westminster, it did want to offer assurances that the contentious border backstop was not what some Brexiteers were misrepresenting and spinning it as. The Tanaiste held meetings with a number of business and civic groups in Belfast on Thursday before holding talks with the regions politicians at Stormont. One of the things that I can say confidentially is there is not a majority of people in Westminster who want to see a no-deal Brexit, in fact there is a majority who want to prevent that from happeningSimon Coveney Addressing the media between meetings, Mr Coveney was asked whether a no deal looked inevitable, given indications Mrs May will lose the vote on her agreement next week. Absolutely not, he replied. First of all, I dont think we should take anything for granted next week. He added: One of the things that I can say confidentially is there is not a majority of people in Westminster who want to see a no-deal Brexit, in fact there is a majority who want to prevent that from happening. What we havent seen yet is a majority to support a mechanism that can actually achieve that and, in my view, the only person who actually has a deal that is in place and in writing, that can actually achieve that in a way that solves so many of the complex problems linked to Brexit, is the Prime Minister herself. Mr Coveney said EU leaders were happy to offer clarification, reassurance and definition around the backstop to help Mrs May get the deal over the line, but he again made clear the substantive terms of the agreement could not be renegotiated. If people are concerned about that, yes of course we are happy to look at ways in which we can provide clarification and reassurance and definition in terms of what is meant by that backstop, its temporary nature, and the fact it is only a fall-back, insurance mechanism in the first place anyway, that we hope to never use. I mean, are we really suggesting that this whole deal is going to be pulled down because of something that may never be used in the first place and even if it is, will only be used on a temporary basis? Is that what people are actually advocating for? This isn't a threat to anybody, the Irish government certainly doesn't have any ulterior motives here, apart from to try to protect the status quo on this islandSimon Coveney Mr Coveney has been critical of Brexiteers who have claimed the backstop would undermine the constitutional sovereignty of the UK and bring a united Ireland a step closer by creating barriers between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. This isnt a threat to anybody, the Irish government certainly doesnt have any ulterior motives here, apart from to try to protect the status quo on this island, the peace process on this island, the fact that we have a border but its a border thats largely invisible when it comes to trade and movement of goods, he said. Mr Coveney acknowledged that some unionists had genuine concerns about the backstop. But he said he found those concerns usually subsided when the facts around it were laid out. Under the terms of the proposed withdrawal deal, the backstop would only be triggered if a wider trade agreement between the UK and the EU failed to materialise before the end of the Brexit implementation period whether that be at its current expiration date in late 2020 or at a later date if the implementation period is extended. The measure, which is designed to avoid the re-emergence of any border checks, would see the UK as a whole effectively remain in the EU customs union while Northern Ireland would also have to comply with a number of single market regulations. I dont believe there is a sting in the backstop at all, said the Tanaiste. I think that some people have created the impression that there is and somehow some ulterior motive that is going to weaken Northern Ireland as part of the UK in the future, I dont accept that premise in the first place. Thats not whats in the text of the Withdrawal Agreement if people read it. The Irish government has also rejected any suggestion that a future Stormont executive could veto aspects of the backstop. Mr Coveney echoed remarks by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Wednesday when he expressed concern about a UK Government proposal that, if the backstop came into operation, would mean the devolved legislature in Belfast would have to agree to any subsequent changes to EU laws impacting on it. After the meeting with Mr Coveney, which the party described as very frank, DUP leader Arlene Foster urged the Irish government to think again on the backstop. The Withdrawal Agreement is not a fair deal and we cannot support it, she said. It should be no more acceptable to build a new east-west border than it is to build a new north-south border. I trust the Irish government will reflect on our principled objections to the Withdrawal Agreement and recognise that there is a better way which can work for both the Republic of Ireland and the United KingdomArlene Foster, DUP leader The backstop is not needed. No-one is going to build a hard border. We will work with the Government to reach a better deal for the United Kingdom but this will require more pragmatism from the European Union. Exiting the European Union without a deal is not our favoured outcome. To reach a better deal will require a change of heart in Dublin and Brussels. I trust the Irish government will reflect on our principled objections to the Withdrawal Agreement and recognise that there is a better way which can work for both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. But Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill urged the Irish government and other EU member states to hold firm in the face of Brexiteer calls to ditch the backstop. As this unfolds it is crucially important that the Tanaiste and the Irish government continues to stand up for the people here in the north, she said. As we see how this unfolds in the next number of days and weeks, I think its vitally important that the Irish government holds firm, along with the other member statesMichelle ONeill, Sinn Fein vice president I put it to the Tanaiste that the DUP are on the wrong side of this argument, they bizarrely are actually turning their face against the interests of the citizens here. As we see how this unfolds in the next number of days and weeks, I think its vitally important that the Irish government holds firm, along with the other member states, who gave assurances yesterday that they will remain firm, that there is no room for renegotiation or reopening up the negotiation that has already happened and concluded. Ms ONeill said a no-deal crash out would be catastrophic. The ramifications are just unthinkable, she said. At the end of his day of engagements, Mr Coveney said it was clear people in Northern Ireland were concerned about a no deal. He said his meeting with the DUP was open and robust. But it was respectful and I think the DUP wanted to outline their position in relation to their concerns at the current deal that is on offer and I think I outlined in very clear terms why the Irish government supports the deal, Mr Coveney said. The Tanaiste added: I dont think anyone would have expected that the conversation would have resulted in agreement on the backstop between the DUP and the Irish government but certainly I think it was useful to have an open and frank discussion. Bankruptcy process against former Vneshprombank co-owner extended RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 10:50 10/01/2019 MOSCOW, January 10 (RAPSI) The Moscow Commercial Court has extended for six months bankruptcy proceedings against a former co-owner of Vneshprombank Georgy Bedzhamov charged with embezzlement, according to court records. As of today, asset disposal has not been completed, and settlements have not been performed with creditors, the debtors financial manager Lyubov Kireyeva says. Bedzhamov was declared bankrupt on July 2, 2018 on the request of VTB24 bank. The former banker was put on the international wanted list in 2016. Investigators believe that ex-president of Vneshprombank Larisa Markus and her brother Georgy Bedzhamov have created an organized crime group to siphon money from the bank. The group including a former vice-president of the bank Yekaterina Glushakova allegedly granted loans to sub-companies and did not refund money to Vneshprombank. Allegedly, from May 2009 to December 2015, conspirators managed to embezzle about 114 billion rubles ($1.7 billion). Vneshprombank was declared bankrupt in March 2016. In May 2017, Markus received 9 years in prison for embezzlement and later was declared bankrupt on the request of VTB24 bank. In August, her sentence was reduced by 6 months. Glushakova has been sentenced to 4 years in prison. Arlene Foster has claimed "no one is going to build a hard border" in Ireland after Brexit. The DUP leader made the comments following a meeting with Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney at Stormont on Thursday. Read More Mrs Foster said it was important for the Irish government to gain a "better understanding of unionism". "We want to see a sensible exit from the European Union which works for the Republic of Ireland as well as Northern Ireland," she said. "The Withdrawal Agreement is not a fair deal and we can not support it. "It should be no more acceptable to build a new east-west border than it is to build a new north-south border. "The backstop is not needed. No one is going to build a hard border. "We will work with the Government to reach a better deal for the United Kingdom but this will require more pragmatism from the European Union." Expand Close Tanaiste Simon Coveney meets DUP leader Arlene Foster today at Stormont. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tanaiste Simon Coveney meets DUP leader Arlene Foster today at Stormont. The former first minister said the UK leaving the EU without a deal was "not our favoured outcome" but urged the Irish government to have a change of heart on its Brexit stance. "I trust the Irish government will reflect on our principled objections to the Withdrawal Agreement and recognise that there is a better way which can work for both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom," she added. Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O'Neill urged the Irish government to "stand firm" to safeguard Ireland's interests. "A no-deal Brexit would be catastrophic for our economy and society," she said. It would see us crashing out of the EU with no terms of departure, over an economic cliff-edge with supply shortages and many businesses unable to trade, job losses, possible recession, no access to the EU single market and a physical hard border being put in place in Ireland." Ms O'Neill, speaking after meeting Mr Coveney, said the "chaos engulfing Westminster" cannot be allowed to "spill over into Ireland" "The way to do that is to remain firm, along with the EU 27, in defending the backstop as our only insurance policy against a hard border in Ireland," she said. The DUP will continue to pursue their reckless Brexit agenda, bizarrely working against the interests of their own electorate, of wider society and all the people of this island. However, the Withdrawal Agreement and the Backstop cannot, and will not, be rewritten, renegotiated or vetoed. The Courts Service confirmed guilty pleas were entered last week to charges of stealing a 65 bottle of aftershave from Boots and possessing Class C diazepam in September 2018 (stock photo) A 24-year-old man due to stand trial for allegedly inflicting grievous bodily harm has died, Belfast Magistrates' Court heard today. Lawyers said Gary Kirkwood passed away suddenly at the weekend. Mr Kirkwood, from the east of the city but with an address at Mill Street in Lisburn, had been set to contest a charge of causing grievous bodily harm to a man more than three years ago. The case related to an alleged attack on Belfast's Holywood Road in October 2015. District Judge Paul Copeland agreed to dismiss the case in those circumstances. Mr Kirkwood's death occurred just days after he had been convicted of separate theft and drugs offences. The Courts Service confirmed guilty pleas were entered last week to charges of stealing a 65 bottle of aftershave from Boots and possessing Class C diazepam in September 2018. He received a three-month prison term and 150 fine, but had been released on bail pending a planned appeal against sentence. Belfast City Hall is often lit up in support of various causes. A Belfast councillor says Sinn Fein are pushing the Irish language in peoples faces all the time after it was announced city hall is to be lit up to show support for calls for an act. City Hall will be lit up on Saturday at 4.30pm. The Belfast City Council website said red was chosen as it was a "special human rights colour" and the illuminating of the iconic building was to mark the anniversary of the first public protest in support of an Irish Language Act, organised by campaign group An Dream Dearg. A Belfast City Council spokesperson said that the "request was considered and agreed by members" in March 2018 when council passed a motion in support of an Irish Language Act. UUP Alderman Jim Rodgers said that he was concerned by the move and that he felt it was part of a sustained agenda from Sinn Fein. I do have concerns because I think far too much has been made of the Irish language and its caused the Assembly not to be up and running, Alderman Rodgers said. Im a democrat, and if decisions have been taken Ill abide by them, but it seems to be in your face all the time at every opportunity from Sinn Fein. I can see it every week in Belfast City Council and you become a little bit tired of it, but they are not going to push me out I can assure you. Alderman Rodgers expressed concern that the event could alienate one side of the community. I will try and look after the best interests of everybody in this community but if people are going to be in your face on certain matters I have to take a stand and rightly so, he said. I believe in reaching out to both sides of the community, I have no time for sectarianism or bigotry, but some of these issues really do raise concerns and division and dont help good relationships between our communities. The Stormont Assembly collapsed in January 2017 over the RHI scandal, and equality issues including same-sex marriage and Irish language rights. Speaking at the time the late deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said that there would be "no return to the status quo". An Irish Language Act has been a red line issue for Sinn Fein during talks aimed at restoring the power-sharing institutions. An agreement between parties seemed close in February 2017 before talks collapsed over the issue of an Irish Language Act. DUP leader Arlene Foster said the talks failed due to disagreements with Sinn Fein about legislation for the Irish language. Sinn Fein Councillor Orla Nic Biorna called on supporters of Irish to turn out and support the lighting up on Saturday. "The Irish language threatens no one and enriches our society and the Irish language community are entitled to protection with an Irish language act.," she said. "I would call on all Irish language activists and everyone who supports rights and equality to come along on Saturday to demand an Irish language act." The Irish Government has rejected any suggestion that a future Stormont executive could veto aspects of the border backstop. Deputy premier Simon Coveney was reacting to a UK Government proposal that, if the backstop came into operation, the devolved legislature in Belfast would have to agree to any subsequent changes to EU laws impacting on it. Mr Coveney told BBC Radio Ulster: "Let's not forget what we are talking about here is a withdrawal agreement which is an international agreement between the UK as a whole and the EU as a whole, it isn't a bilateral agreement between Ireland and Britain. Read More "And so from that point of view, I don't think a Northern Ireland executive can hold a veto over the implementation of an international treaty between the UK and the EU." Mr Coveney is in Belfast to meet politicians and business leaders to discuss the Brexit impasse. Read More There was confusion over whether his schedule would include a meeting with the DUP after he claimed the party had declined an offer to hold talks. However, DUP leader Arlene Foster swiftly responded, insisting she was willing to meet the Tanaiste. "The party has had useful discussions with the Irish Government in the past," she said. "I'm happy to meet with the Tanaiste later today in Belfast." Irelands deputy premier has denied meddling in UK politics, insisting he has an obligation to challenge those misrepresenting what the Brexit deal contains. Simon Coveney said he does not have an anti-British bone in his body and wants to be a candid friend to Irelands closest neighbour. Mr Coveney has been critical of Brexiteers who have claimed the Irish border backstop would undermine the constitutional integrity of the UK and bring a united Ireland a step closer by creating barriers between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Unfortunately some people are trying to spin it into something that it is not there is no threat, he said. There is no hidden agenda here coming from the Irish Government or from Dublin. What we are trying to do here is protect the status quo. Under the terms of the proposed withdrawal deal, the backstop would only be triggered if a wider trade agreement between the UK and the EU failed to materialise before the close of the Brexit implementation period at the end of 2020. The measure, which is designed to avoid the re-emergence of any border checks, would see the UK as a whole effectively remain in the EU Customs Union while Northern Ireland would also have to comply with a number of Single Market regulations. Unfortunately some people are trying to spin it into something that it is not - there is no threatSimon Coveney In an interview on BBC Radio Ulster ahead of a day of engagements in Belfast involving meetings with business and political leaders, Mr Coveney said: I am not trying to meddle, Im trying to be a candid friend. There isnt an anti-British or English bone in my body, but I believe I have an obligation in the context of the relationships between these two islands and on this island, north and south, to try to find a solution that can allow us all to live together in peace, that allows us to trade together and live normal lives as neighbours together. Some people are choosing, in my view, to misrepresent what that deal is about for the future, particularly for Northern Ireland, and I need to speak up on that I wouldnt be fulfilling my obligations if I didnt. Relations between the Irish Government and the DUP have frayed during the Brexit process, with the Stormont party accusing the Dublin administration of scaremongering over the threat of a hard border. Expand Close DUP MP Sammy Wilson has accused the Irish Government of scaremongering over the Irish border (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp DUP MP Sammy Wilson has accused the Irish Government of scaremongering over the Irish border (Liam McBurney/PA) The partys East Antrim MP, Sammy Wilson, has portrayed the border backstop as a confidence trick played by the Irish Government. Mr Coveney suggested that the views of ardent Brexiteer Mr Wilson were not reflective of broader unionism, highlighting the concerns raised by the farming community in Northern Ireland about the prospect of a no deal. We may not be convincing Sammy Wilson but that is not the same as not convincing unionism, he said. I listen to farmers organisations in Northern Ireland make it very clear today that a no-deal Brexit needs to be avoided, yet I hear Sammy saying that a no-deal Brexit is something that can be managed. We are trying to speak to practical people in Northern Ireland who want to see a way forward that works for everybody. The Irish Government has rejected any suggestion that a future Stormont executive could veto aspects of the border backstop. Expand Close Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has rejected the idea that the Stormont executive could veto aspects of the border backstop (Niall Carson/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has rejected the idea that the Stormont executive could veto aspects of the border backstop (Niall Carson/PA) Mr Coveney echoed remarks by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Wednesday when he expressed concern about a UK Government proposal that, if the backstop came into operation, would mean the devolved legislature in Belfast would have to agree to any subsequent changes to EU laws which affect it. Lets not forget what we are talking about here is a Withdrawal Agreement which is an international agreement between the UK as a whole and the EU as a whole, it isnt a bilateral agreement between Ireland and Britain, said Mr Coveney on Thursday. And so, from that point of view, I dont think a Northern Ireland executive can hold a veto over the implementation of an international treaty between the UK and the EU. The agreement is the agreement, so it cant be vetoed or stopped at a later stage because there might be political reasons at the time why people want to frustrate it or delay it. Mr Coveney said there was no easy contingency plan for the island of Ireland in the event of a no deal. That is what people representing Northern Ireland should reflect upon when they vote in the next week in the House of Commons whether or not to ratify a deal that solves the vast majority of these issues and allows Ireland to move forward, maintaining and supporting the progress that there has been over the last 20 years. There had been some confusion over whether the Tanaistes schedule on Thursday would include a meeting with the DUP after he claimed the party had declined an offer to hold talks. However, DUP leader Arlene Foster swiftly responded, insisting she was willing to meet him. The party has had useful discussions with the Irish Government in the past, she said. Im happy to meet with the Tanaiste later today in Belfast. A missionary who survived being shot by a bandit in the jungle of the Democratic Republic of Congo has said she will make her final visit to the war-torn country without fear after the man who almost killed her died. Maud Kells (79) has spent five decades providing maternity care to Congolese women and working to build a hospital and nursery in the rainforest village of Mulita. Despite being shot and wounded four years ago at the age of 75, just days after she was awarded an OBE by the Queen for her work with WEC International, the former midwife from Cookstown astounded many with her determination as she continued her selfless aid work. Now Maud is preparing one final delivery of medical supplies and baby clothes to the hospital, maternity ward and nursery in the rural Mulita area she spent most of her adult life helping to build. The memory of the incident that almost cost Maud her life is still fresh. Shot in the chest by robbers at her Mulita home on January 4, 2015, the bullet passed through her ribs, narrowly missing a major blood vessel. "I thought the gun was just a bit of wood to frighten me, so I went to grab it and he just pulled the trigger," she said. "I got quite a shock when the shot went out. The bullet went straight through and came out my back. "I could feel the blood trickling down my back, so I put my back to the wall. "I stood against the wall to try to stop the bleeding and I think that saved my life, because I had to wait at least seven minutes for help. "The man who shot me died last year. That's one fear that will not travel with me." Crowned Belfast Telegraph Woman of the Year for 2015 after surviving her ordeal, Maud is almost ready to tell her story in a book. "People have always told me I must have so many stories to tell about my time in Africa," she said. "I'm working on it with a friend and I hope to launch it after I get back on February 19. "Before that I'll do whatever I can to help in Mulita one final time. I'll be praying things are quiet when I get there." Maud is making the trip with another Cookstown woman, Lorna Glasgow, whose daughter lives in Uganda. "It was in the back of my head that I might like to make one final trip," Maud said. "And when Lorna told me she was going to visit her daughter and asked me if I'd like to come along, I prayed hard for a few days. In the end it felt like the right thing to do. "I have so many friends over there and to see them one final time was too good an opportunity to say no to. "I know it won't be easy to say goodbye to so many good people. We booked the flights before I could change my mind!" Maud heads off on January 20, flying from Dublin to Amsterdam, then Nairobi and finally on to Kampala, where she will spend a few days with Lorna and her family before making the lone journey to Mulita. "I tell everyone this will be my final trip and they just smile at me," said Maud. "But the years are catching up with me now." Over the course of 16 years she has spent six months a year working in the village since her first trip in 2002 - and before that had been a frequent traveller to Africa after starting her missionary work in 1968. She explained: "I have heard from friends over there that things are tense as elections have been happening. That's always a time you need to be careful, so I'm not too sure what the atmosphere will be like. "Elections could make it difficult for me to get into the country, and there has been a recent confirmed case of Ebola, which is a worry." An appeal by the families of the victims of the Enniskillen Bombing for a fresh inquest into their deaths has been rejected by Attorney General John Larkin. Twelve people were killed and 63 injured in the Enniskillen bombing which took place on Remembrance Day, November 8, 1987. Read More The IRA planted a bomb near the town's war memorial and it exploded during the service. They later said the bombing had been a mistake and had been intended to target British soldiers. The Impartial Reporter said an application for a fresh inquest took three years to put together and was brought by a small group and lodged under Section 14 of the Coroner's Act. Those who brought the case include Jim Dixon, who was seriously injured in the bombing and relatives of the victims. A solicitor representing the group told the Impartial Reporter that they have "serious concerns" about the Attorney General's decision. Those behind the application said that they are planning to ask Mr Larkin to reconsider his decision and pursue other legal avenues. "The application went in to the Attorney General on behalf of these families. It was constructed to cover a series of fundamental issues that the original inquest would not have considered," the solicitor said. "These were fundamental evidential issues with the police investigation and subsequent rumours and suspicion which have been attached to the circumstances of the Enniskillen Bombing since 1987. "This was a detailed, well-considered and balanced application, but unfortunately the Attorney General's office has communicated to the families that he does not consider the holding of a further inquest is advisable at this time." The Belfast Telegraph contacted the Attorney General's Office, but they said that they do not comment on individual cases. The DUP has refused to give ground on its border backstop opposition during a robust and very frank meeting with Irelands deputy premier. Simon Coveney met party leader Arlene Foster and colleagues at Stormont in a bid to offer reassurances on the withdrawal treatys most contentious provision. The meeting came during a packed schedule of meetings for Mr Coveney in Belfast as he urged politicians and business and community representatives to get behind the EU/UK deal. I dont think anyone would have expected that the conversation would have resulted in agreement on the backstop between the DUP and the Irish government but certainly I think it was useful to have an open and frank discussion, said Mr Coveney afterwards. Mrs Foster told Mr Coveney the Irish government and other EU members needed to drop their insistence on the backstop. I trust the Irish government will reflect on our principled objections to the Withdrawal Agreement and recognise that there is a better way which can work for both the Republic of Ireland and the United KingdomArlene Foster, DUP leader The backstop is not needed, she said. No-one is going to build a hard border. We will work with the (UK) Government to reach a better deal for the United Kingdom but this will require more pragmatism from the European Union. Exiting the European Union without a deal is not our favoured outcome. To reach a better deal will require a change of heart in Dublin and Brussels. I trust the Irish government will reflect on our principled objections to the Withdrawal Agreement and recognise that there is a better way which can work for both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. Under the terms of the proposed withdrawal deal, the backstop would only be triggered if a wider trade agreement between the UK and the EU failed to materialise before the end of the Brexit implementation period whether that be at its current expiration date in late 2020 or at a later date if the implementation period is extended. The measure, which is designed to avoid the re-emergence of any border checks, would see the UK as a whole effectively remain in the EU customs union while Northern Ireland would also have to comply with a number of single market regulations. Mrs Foster, whose party described the exchanges with Mr Coveney as at times very frank, added: The Withdrawal Agreement is not a fair deal and we cannot support it. It should be no more acceptable to build a new east-west border than it is to build a new north-south border. Expand Close Simon Coveney at Stormont (David Young/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Simon Coveney at Stormont (David Young/PA) During Thursday, Mr Coveney met Northern Ireland business leaders, trade unions, farmers representatives, womens groups and other people working in the voluntary and community sector. He claimed there was consensus support for the proposed deal. I have to say that in all the meetings we have had today there is very strong support for what the Prime Minister is advocating for now and I wanted to try to reinforce many of those messages, he said. When asked did he think the DUP was out of step with public opinion in Northern Ireland, he responded: Its not for me to say that. The DUP have a very important constituency, they are the largest party in Northern Ireland, I respect that, but Ive got to listen to the other political parties too and business organisations and community organisations. I think we have a job to do to all work together here to try to navigate a way through what is a very complex and difficult negotiation. Mr Coveney, who said his meeting with the DUP was robust, also held talks with Sinn Fein at Parliament Buildings, with the republican party urging the Irish government and other EU member states to hold firm in the face of Brexiteer calls to ditch the backstop. Expand Close Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill and party colleagues at Stormont (David Young/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill and party colleagues at Stormont (David Young/PA) As this unfolds it is crucially important that the Tanaiste and the Irish government continues to stand up for the people here in the north, said party vice president Michelle ONeill. I put it to the Tanaiste that the DUP are on the wrong side of this argument, they bizarrely are actually turning their face against the interests of the citizens here. As we see how this unfolds in the next number of days and weeks, I think its vitally important that the Irish government holds firm, along with the other member states, who gave assurances yesterday that they will remain firm, that there is no room for renegotiation or reopening up the negotiation that has already happened and concluded. Ms ONeill said a no-deal crash out would be catastrophic. The ramifications are just unthinkable, she said. Our company is looking for 60 tons of high-quality wood pellets, with quality certificate to Klaipeda, Lithuania. Waiting for your oofers with price indication. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney has said that the DUP has declined an invitation to meet him during his visit to Belfast this week. However DUP leader Arlene Foster said that her party had "useful discussions" with the Irish Government in the past and said she was happy to meet with Mr Coveney on Thursday in Belfast. The Tanaiste is meeting with business and political leaders to discuss Brexit. Read More Mr Coveney attended an event at Queen's University on Wednesday to mark two years since the collapse of Stormont. Writing in Thursday's Belfast Telegraph he said that Brexit should not be allowed to thwart the return of power-sharing in Northern Ireland. Mr Coveney said he was open to meeting all political representatives. "We want to speak to all parties, we want to ensure that we are talking to representatives from all sections of communities in Northern Ireland," the Tanasite said. "That is what we have tried to do through this process, that is what the Prime Minister has also tried to do. That is why the Irish Government supports the deal that the Prime Minister has negotiated with the EU." It was later confirmed the two will meet on Thursday afternoon. Councillors in Northern Ireland need to have "thicker skins" and more tolerance than ordinary citizens when it comes to criticism, a watchdog has said. Local Government Commissioner for Standards Marie Anderson made the comments in her annual report, which reveals that complaints against local councillors soared by 30% last year. In 2017-18 some 44 complaints were made against councillors, compared to just 34 in 2016-17. Ms Anderson's remarks came after a complainant alleged that a councillor had referred to him as a "moron" in a Facebook post. The complainant described this as disgusting, totally inappropriate and disrespectful. It was decided the councillor's remarks, even if disrespectful, were protected under the European Convention on Human Rights. The report added: "Given the enhanced level of protection afforded to them in this area, politicians in turn are subject to wider limits of acceptable criticism and are required to have 'thicker skins' and have more tolerance than ordinary citizens." In one of the cases that reached adjudication, the Commissioner concluded that there had been a breach of standards and applied a censure. This was after the chief executive of Causeway Coast and Glens Council complained about councillor Sean McGlinchey in September 2015 after he criticised a council official during a meeting, and spoke with a raised voice and in an aggressive tone. Prior to the meeting, Mr McGlinchey had asked the official for money to fund a community event in Dungiven, but later criticised how the official had dealt with his request. In another case, a complaint was made that Lisburn and Castlereagh City councillor Andrew Girvin breached sections of the Code of Conduct relating to lobbying. Mr Girvin had received a request to attend a meeting with a representative of a potential planning applicant. However, rather than referring the request to a planning officer as required, he attended the meeting alone, failed to report the meeting to the planning officer and made no record of what was discussed. Mr Girvin later accepted that he had failed to comply with the Code of Conduct and was referred for further training on planning matters. In September 2018, there were 1,227 new urgent referrals for suspected breast cancer (stock photo) A quarter of patients with an urgent suspected breast cancer referral were not seen within the 14-day target last September. Yesterday, the Department of Health published details of waiting times for patients accessing cancer services at hospitals here from July to September 2018, leading to fresh calls for a new regional cancer strategy. One target states that all urgent breast cancer referrals should be seen within 14 days. In September 2018, there were 1,227 new urgent referrals for suspected breast cancer. That month, 1,100 patients here were first seen by a breast cancer specialist after an urgent referral. Some 74.5% (819) were seen within 14 days, compared with 79.5% (1,075 out of 1,352 patients) in August 2018 and 92.1% (1,105 out of 1,200 patients) in July. The Belfast, South Eastern and Western Trusts met the 14-day target in July, August and September 2018. The Southern Trust met the target in August and September, and achieved 97.9% in July. But in the Northern Trust, only 59.2% of patients were seen within a fortnight in July 2018, followed by 19.2% in August 2018 and 11.9% in September 2018. Another target - that at least 95% of patients urgently referred with a suspected cancer should begin their first treatment within 62 days - was introduced in 2009 but has never been met. In July 2018, only 62.6% of patients had commenced their first treatment within 62 days, compared with 66.4% (267) in August and 61.8% (228) in September. In addition, the target that at least 98% of patients diagnosed with cancer should receive their first definitive treatment within 31 days of a decision to treat was not reached overall. In September 2018, 91.8% (798) patients started treatment within 31 days. In August 2018, 93.1% of people started treatment within that time, compared with 93.9% in July. Of the 71 patients waiting longer than 31 days in September 2018, over a quarter (28.2%) were diagnosed with breast cancer. The Southern and Western Trusts met the 98% target that month. Heather Monteverde, head of services for Macmillan in Northern Ireland, said "priority needs to be given to the development of a sustainable cancer strategy". Cancer Research UK's public affairs manager for Northern Ireland Margaret Carr said the failure to meet the 62-day target was "particularly worrying". Chief executive of Cancer Focus NI Roisin Foster also called for a new cancer strategy. The Health and Social Care Board said "clinicians continue to prioritise the most urgent patients" but admitted the performance "is a matter of concern". The Northern Trust said it experienced a "high level of demand for breast assessment" last summer, but by the start of November 2018 was "back to seeing 100% of breast red flag patients within 14 days" of a referral. There was no response from the Department of Health. The amount of patients (74.5%) who were seen within 14 days of a cancer referral in September Gavin OHare Connolly, chief operating officer of Dunmurry Manor Care Home, which was the subject of a critical report by the Commissioner for Older People A report highlighting abuse and neglect suffered by residents of a Belfast care home was insensitive, according to the boss of the facility. The chief operating officer of Runwood Homes launched an astonishing attack on the findings of an investigation into conditions at Dunmurry Manor. Gavin O'Hare Connolly said there were "fundamental issues" within the official report by the Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland. Speaking to industry magazine Care Home Professional, Mr O'Hare Connolly was critical of the "insensitive" tone of the report and highlighted the "huge distress" it had caused staff at the home. "I do feel the report is based on a minority of people and I don't feel that the report sets context in terms of how that looks," he said. "Nonetheless, I accept the findings that we must improve, as every care home across the country must improve." His comments attracted anger from relatives of former residents and the author of the damning Home Truths report. Eddie Lynch, the Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland (COPNI), was assisted in his 16-month investigation by three experts in nursing, safeguarding, human rights and regulation and inspection. Interviews were conducted with 119 witnesses. The subsequent report revealed a series of shocking findings, including the fact that in March 2017 health trusts suggested "practices in Dunmurry Manor, such as poor-quality continence pads, constituted institutional abuse". It also revealed that, in October 2016, "a HSC trust official suggest(ed) that Dunmurry Manor be referred to the PSNI for institutional abuse". A timeline in the report from July 2014 to the end of January last year highlighted numerous examples of abuse and neglect, unexplained injuries, sexual incidents, residents not getting medication and concerns raised by staff, relatives and trust officials. Mr O'Hare Connolly, a former nurse, took up the role of chief operating officer at Runwood Homes last year. At the time the COPNI report was published, the company issued a statement apologising for the distress caused to residents and their relatives. It said: "The board of directors acknowledges and takes full responsibility for these failures and the lack of oversight that could have ensured they did not happen. "The managing director, Logan Logeswaran, has in fact resigned his position from Runwood Homes Group UK as of yesterday." However, the firm subsequently denied Mr Logeswaran's resignation was linked to the failings at Dunmurry Manor and said he left in good standing. Reacting to the most recent comments made by Mr O'Hare Connolly, Mr Lynch said: "It is surprising to read the comments made, given that Runwood Homes previously publicly admitted that there were extensive failings of care and treatment of residents in Dunmurry Manor and has taken full responsibility for them. "The suggestion that the findings of the report were based on a minority of people is entirely incorrect. "As stated previously, all the findings within the Home Truths report were based on extensive evidence uncovered during the course of my investigation and this clearly demonstrated many systemic failings that would unfortunately have affected the residents over a significant period of time. "My office is continuing to work with the PSNI with regards to their ongoing criminal investigation into the serious systemic failings of care at Dunmurry Manor. "I intend to discuss this matter directly with Runwood Homes after convening with the report's panel of experts to discuss the detail of the relevant authorities' responses to Home Truths." Julieann McNally, whose late grandmother was a resident at Dunmurry Manor, said she was disgusted but not surprised by the comments made by Mr O'Hare Connolly. "The attitude taken by Runwood Homes throughout this entire ordeal has been dismissive at the very least," she said. Ms McNally also stressed she could not understand how Mr O'Hare Connolly could see the COPNI report as insensitive. "All it did was shine a light on what was going on at Dunmurry Manor for years," she added. "If Mr O'Hare Connolly cannot accept the findings of the report in full, then what faith can the families have that Runwood Homes are addressing the failings highlighted by Mr Lynch and what faith can we have that residents are safe?" A Belfast woman allegedly attacked a police officer after being caught urinating in Primark changing rooms, the High Court heard on Thursday. Prosecutors claimed Karen O'Brien started shouting and swearing when she was discovered at the newly opened city centre store on New Year's Eve. The 51-year-old former bank employee, of Lenadoon Avenue, faces charges of disorderly behaviour, along with assaulting, resisting and obstructing a PSNI constable. O'Brien is further accused of harassment and intimidation over unrelated incidents earlier last month. Opposing her application for bail, Crown lawyer Conor Maguire said she has significant issues with alcohol. He said police were called to Primark on Castle Street amid reports that a woman was urinating in the changing area and "kicking off". Mr Maguire told the court: "Staff claimed the applicant had no clothes on and had urinated in the changing room. "She tried to put on a pair of jeans belonging to Primark and they were noted to be covered in urine." O'Brien then allegedly gave false details before kicking out and striking the leg of a policewoman attempting to arrest her. "Police do believe its necessary for the applicant to be remanded in custody to protect the public, given the incident in Primark, the time of day and given the fact children would have been in the store," Mr Maguire said. However, he stressed that a different view may be taken if there was structured support available. Defence counsel said O'Brien had stayed sober for a number of years, securing a position with a leading bank. But following a family bereavement she lost the job and began drinking again. Mr Justice McAlinden stressed the need for O'Brien to get medical help for her "self-destructive" alcohol problems. "The nature of the alleged offending in the Primark store on New Year's Eve is really sad to hear," he said. "If that's not an indication of having fallen as far as you can fall as a result of drink I don't know what is." Despite denying full bail to the accused at this stage, the judge agreed to allow compassionate, temporary release once an appointment with her GP is confirmed. Fine Gael politician Simon Coveney, who serves as Tanaiste speaks to delegates at Queen's University on the subject of Brexit. Pic by Peter Morrison The Irish border backstop is not a trap to ensnare the United Kingdom or Northern Ireland, the Tanaiste has told an audience in Belfast. Simon Coveney also said the insurance mechanism was not designed to bring about constitutional change. Read More Mr Coveney said: "We don't want the backstop to be some kind of trap in which to ensnare and hold the UK or Northern Ireland. "Nor do we want the backstop as some kind of stepping stone to changing the constitutional status of Northern Ireland." Mr Coveney made the comments during a speech at Queen's University on the second anniversary of the collapse of powersharing in Northern Ireland. The Irish foreign affairs minister said the Dublin government did not want to see the backstop invoked at all. "The backstop is there to ensure that in no circumstances can there be a hard border - something that nobody wants," he said. "We have a collective responsibility to avoid that outcome. Legal clarity is therefore required." If ratified, Mr Coveney said the Withdrawal Agreement would pave the way for "positive" and "ambitious" discussions on the future relationship. He added that the Irish government shared the UK's desire for a deep and comprehensive future relationship agreement that avoids a hard border to be decided by the end of 2020. Addressing the lack of a functioning government in the region for two years, he said: "The ongoing failure, not just to restore the Assembly and Executive to full operation, but even to come together again and restart negotiations, is unacceptable." Mr Coveney said it was very important that the people of Northern Ireland should have a voice through their elected representatives during the Brexit negotiations. "This is exactly one of the reasons we need the Assembly and Executive up and running again - and to be working well," he said. "We shouldn't underestimate the impact that Northern Ireland's leaders speaking with one voice on key concerns could have. And if the backstop were ever to be used, their voices should be heard at that stage too." He added: "We need the parties to come together and talk now about how to restore an Assembly and Executive together, as well as fully functioning North-South institutions. "It's not easy but it's been done before and I think there is a recognition it will need to be done again." Animal shelters across Northern Ireland are dealing with a wave of unwanted pets after the Christmas period. Since the start of 2019, abandoned litters of puppies have been found in Omagh and Dungannon, while many older dogs have been left without a home. In Co Antrim three badly neglected horses were saved from death. At Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary Archer, a nine-month-old boxer/Labrador cross, was handed in on Monday. "He was in a litter of puppies and he was the only one that didn't get a home," said welfare manager Margaret Wade. "He was tied up outside in a barn and was never taught to walk on a lead. He's a beautiful dog who loves affection but would get nervous around too many people. He needs someone who can give him some quality time." Finn, an energetic Labrador of six months, was no longer wanted by his previous owner. "He's already a big, strong and beautiful dog. So an adult home or one with teenagers would be more suitable," Ms Wade said. Around 11 older dogs have been handed in this year, but Ms Wade expects many more puppies in the coming weeks. "Some families find they don't have time with work and school and the children can't be bothered looking after them," she said. "It's an idea they get of 'let's get the children a pup for Christmas', but they haven't thought about it properly." In Dungannon four beagle/pug cross puppies were found on a man's doorstep as he was leaving for work. "I can never answer why people dump puppies," said Keith Kirkpatrick from Drumbonaway Kennels. "The place they were found was only a few miles from us, we would have taken them." Mr Kirkpatrick said the six-week-old puppies appeared healthy and he hoped they would be rehomed by next week. "I've seen it hundreds of times. People keep pups for a smiling face at Christmas and then the novelty wears off. It's like a toy," he said. "Some people don't think about 14 years later. You have to be dedicated that you want a new family member with a long life and bills to pay with it." Richard Robinson, shelter co-ordinator at Grovehill Animal Trust in Omagh, said 20 dogs had been handed in since Christmas. They included six Jack Russell pups abandoned on a roadside. He said: "Unfortunately, it's quite a familiar thing at Christmas. The pups were just eight weeks old, quite underweight and hadn't been looked after well at all. They were found scared, cold and confused." He said two pensioners also handed in dogs that were Christmas presents. "They didn't ask for them and didn't want them. A puppy and a 77-year-old just don't mix sometimes. I wouldn't thank someone for bringing me a pup at Christmas. It's so important to do your research." Neglected horses are an issue at Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary in Co Antrim. "At this stage we still have people looking for kittens and pups, but that will change in the next few weeks with people wanting to get rid of their dogs," said founder Lyn Friel. "After Christmas we get several calls a day about horses that have been neglected in winter. "Most recently we took in two mares and a foal from the council that are just skin and bone." Lesley Sharp has been caring for the animals at her property. "We heard they were going to be put down by the council so we took them in. They were in a shocking condition, very traumatised, and are only just letting me approach them," she said. An organisation representing accountants has warned firms on the island of Ireland not to be complacent that a Brexit deal will be agreed. Chartered Accountants Ireland said there is "no hard evidence" MPs in Westminster will back Theresa May's Brexit deal at the crucial vote next week. In a joint statement, the chairs of the Chartered Accountants Ulster Society and the Chartered Accountants Ireland London Society said they are advising businesses to prepare for a no-deal Brexit and for the reintroduction of tariffs and quotas on imports and exports between the UK and the European Union from the end of March. The bodies said they have concerns about the readiness of the SME sector to deal with these challenges. Niall Harkin, chairman of the Chartered Accountants Ulster Society, said: "Generally, aside from the agribusiness sectors, it is not the amount of customs duties to be reintroduced that will pose problems for businesses in the UK and Northern Ireland in particular. "Rather, it is the disruption which will be caused by customs checking at the borders with the EU and the increased administration that this will bring. "Furthermore, many businesses will encounter a new up-front VAT charge on imported goods which will impact on cash flow." Gerry Nicholas, chairman of Chartered Accountants Ireland London Society, added chartered accountants will be dealing with any new trading obligations. The above editorial was published Jan. 8 by USA Today. Its views are its own. Its length has been edited. Three spine surgeons look ahead to growth opportunities in the coming year. Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. We invite all spine surgeon and specialist responses. Next week's question: How are you addressing higher deductibles at your practice? Please send responses to Anuja Vaidya at avaidya@beckershealthcare.com by Wednesday, Jan. 16, at 5 p.m. CST. Question: What is the best growth opportunity for spine surgeons in 2019? Christian Zimmerman, MD. Spinal Neurosurgeon at Saint Alphonsus Medical Group and SAHS Neuroscience Institute (Boise, Idaho): Depending on one's goals and outlook for an objective success in 2019, the directives for individual outcomes will follow different paths. If boosting case volume is a priority, this may hit the head-winds of insurance decelerations as re-approvals and limited surgical availability tighten the scheduling of caseloads. Outreach to the medical and local communities through better marketing practices and outcome data sharing facilitates enhanced practice understanding for third-party payers, both current and prospective. Relationships are the present and future. The practice of complex spinal disorders flourishes with an aging populace as well as like provider exclusions and transfer of certain higher acuity patients to larger medical centers. Maintaining one's standard of conservative and affable approaches to collegial medicine is obviously paramount. Brian R. Gantwerker, MD. Founder of the Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: I believe endoscopic spine will find a true niche in outpatient surgery. I think all spine surgeons will find opportunities in outpatient spine surgery. There are still tremendously effective ways to help patients without bringing them into the hospital for an extended stay, without exposure to higher risk patients and potential complications. The fate of spine surgery will rest with the legislators to a degree, and I think all spine surgeons should be involved with their respective political action committees to protect our patients and our practices. So we will, in effect, be partly responsible for what happens either way in 2019 and beyond. We should all understand that if we don't like what is happening in spine surgery, the only people who could affect any sort of improvement are us. Issada Thongtrangan, MD. Orthopedic Spine and Neurosurgeon at Minimally Invasive Spine (Phoenix): We plan to grow our practice through continued direct-to-consumer marketing and patients' education. Healthcare is becoming an increasingly consumer-driven industry. Patients have access to healthcare information everywhere, are more educated about their healthcare choices and they have higher expectations and want to be active as long as they possibly can. On the clinical aspect, I see my practice growing to include more outpatient-based surgery using the least invasive techniques such as endoscopic-assisted surgery, non-fusion technologies, navigation-based technologies and advanced surface technologies. DeSoto, Texas-based Dallas Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, placed in "immediate jeopardy" of losing its Medicare funding after inspectors found safety lapses, will continue to get those funds for at least another month, according to The Dallas Morning News. CMS extended the hospital's funding through Feb. 8 as it considers a systems improvement agreement requiring the hospital to hire outside consultants to help correct deficiencies. CMS said it will consider the agreement if officials find there is a "compelling public interest" and Medicare patients would have serious problems accessing care if they pull funding. Additionally, the agency must find that the hospital is committed to making and sustaining improvements. Inspectors throughout last year uncovered problems with the administering of drugs, sex among underage patients and long waits for care. The hospital submitted a corrective plan to CMS after the inspection, but when inspectors returned unannounced in October, they still found serious problems at the hospital. In December, CMS said it intended to cut off the hospital's Medicare funding Jan. 4. Although CMS officials said they are open to giving the hospital another chance, no agreement has been signed. Hospital leaders will be able to comment once they confirm details with government regulators, a hospital spokesperson told the Morning News. Residents of Kalamazoo, Mich., welcomed a new grocery store Jan. 7, built into the downtown campus of Bronson Methodist Hospital, MLive reports. The micro-grocery store is stocked with fresh local produce and open to the public seven days a week. It functions as a outpost for healthy food in an area deemed a food desert by a recent study from W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, according to the report. The grocery store will promote health in Bronson Methodists surrounding communities and provide employees a place for quick healthy snacks. Bronson Methodist began the micro-grocery store project last June. Read the full story here. More articles on population health: 23andMe joins forces with one of CDC's diabetes prevention programs AMA Journal of Ethics tackles health care for undocumented immigrants US cancer deaths dropped 27% over 25 years The closing of a regional medical center in Knoxville, Tenn., has severely prolonged patient ER wait times, exacerbated an ambulance shortage and diverted firefighters from other potential emergencies as they wait on ambulances stalled at area ERs, NBC-affiliate TV station WBIR reports. AMR Medical Transportation, an ambulance provider for the area, typically has about 20 advanced life support ambulances in Knox County at any given time. But since Tennova Physicians Regional Medical Center closed last year, only a handful have been available for patients. "Of those 20, I've had 12, 13, 14 sitting in the ER waiting on beds," an AMR spokesperson told WBIR. "While AMR says the need for more ambulances has been growing for some time, the closure of the hospital only made it worse." The shortage has also affected the rural fire department, whose firefighters must wait with patients while ambulances wait for beds to free up at area emergency rooms. "Once we initiate patient contact, we can't leave. That's called abandonment. We have to stay with the patients no matter what. If there's a fire right down the street, and the closest fire truck is tied up on a medical call, they can't go to the fire until the ambulance arrives on the scene to relieve them," a Rural Metro Fire Spokesman told WBIR. The founder and CEO of Trina Health, a chain of diabetes treatment clinics based in Sacramento, Calif., pleaded guilty Jan. 4 to one count of conspiring to bribe an Alabama legislator, according to the Department of Justice. Four things to know: 1. Trina Health opened three clinics in Alabama in 2014 and 2015. Before the third clinic opened, Blue Cross Blue Shield informed Trina officials it would not cover the artificial pancreas treatments provided at the clinics. 2. G. Ford Gilbert, PhD, the company's founder and CEO, developed a scheme to push a bill through the Alabama Legislature in 2016 that would have forced BCBS to cover the treatments. 3. He paid Micky Ray Hammon, who was the majority leader of the Alabama House of Representatives at that time and formerly part owner of one of the clinics, $2,000 to use his influence to quietly generate support for the bill, according to the Justice Department. The bill did not advance out of committee. 4. Dr. Gilbert's sentencing will be scheduled in the coming months. He faces a maximum of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. More articles on legal and regulatory issues: New Jersey health system demands $20M in suit over failed merger Billing feud between CHS and Quorum ends with arbitration ruling 5 latest healthcare industry lawsuits Former Alabama state Rep. Ed Henry (R) indicated he will change his plea from not guilty to guilty in a Medicare fraud case, according to DecaturDaily.com. The case is related to Mr. Henry's former chronic care management business, MyPractice24, which allegedly provided kickbacks to physicians who referred patients to his office. Mr. Henry has been indicted on over a dozen charges, including money laundering, conspiracy to defraud the United States, violation of the anti-kickback statute, and conspiracy to commit heathcare fraud. Punuru Reddy, MD, and Nicole Scruggs, MD, are co-defendants in the case, and Dr. Scruggs has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks in relation to a federal healthcare program, The Cullman Times reports. Gilberto Sanchez, MD, was also part of the kickback scheme, though he is already serving time in prison for unrelated charges. Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic's $11.5 million lawsuit against the IRS is stalled due to the federal government shutdown, according to the Post Bulletin. Three things to know: 1. Mayo filed the lawsuit in 2016 in an attempt to recover money the hospital says it was wrongly forced to pay the IRS. The case centers on whether Mayo is primarily a medical center or a school, according to the report. 2. A motion hearing scheduled for Jan. 14 has been postponed due to the federal shutdown, and the case is on hold. On Dec. 27, Magistrate Judge Katherine Menendez of the U.S. District Court in Minneapolis approved a request by the IRS to halt the action until "Congress has appropriated funds for the Dept. of Justice." 3. A trial is set for Aug. 28, but the delay could cause the trial date to be pushed back. "We have no idea how long the stay will last, and don't know to what extent, if at all, it will affect the trial schedule," a Mayo Clinic spokesperson told the Post Bulletin. More articles on legal and regulatory issues: Healthcare CEO pleads guilty in bribery case: 4 things to know Viewpoint: 3 HIPAA issues to watch in 2019 New Jersey health system demands $20M in suit over failed merger "The needs of patients don't really fit into an eight-hour day, and the responsibility we have as leaders doesn't either. Leadership is largely about communication, and it doesn't fit neatly into a workday, especially in a patient care environment." However, most leaders succeed despite these challenges. And they each have their own habits, hacks, styles and methods in doing so. Gabrielle Gaspar, MD, joined Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare in June 2018 as CMO of its Northern California Group, which consists of six hospitals spread across 200 miles in Central and Northern California. Prior to joining Tenet, Dr. Gaspar spent eight years at Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health serving in several roles, including vice president of accountable care and vice president of medical affairs. In addition, Dr. Gaspar was CMO at the Washington State Department of Corrections in Olympia, where she helped vulnerable, incarcerated populations. Dr. Gaspar is board certified in family medicine and medical quality. Here, Dr. Gaspar talks with Becker's Hospital Review for our "Living like a leader" series, which examines influential decision-makers' daily routines to offer readers an idea of how they manage their energy, teams and time. Editor's note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity. Question: What's the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? Dr. Gabrielle Gaspar: During the week, I try to set aside time to spend with my family and dogs before heading into work. Starting my morning that way grounds me and allows me to bring my best thinking to the day. We can learn a lot from the animals in our lives. My pups start each morning with a nice long stretch, followed by enthusiasm and playful energy. I try to do the same. And my love, Mark, always makes me a beautiful latte, for which I am grateful. I do regularly meet with physicians early in the morning, so my home routine often gets shortened. Q: Do you get any work done before you get to the office? Do you work from home after work? GG: It's such a privilege to work in healthcare. It's not a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job. The needs of patients don't really fit into an eight-hour day, and the responsibility we have as leaders doesn't either. Often, I am communicating with physicians, staff or other members of the leadership team early in the morning or late in the evening via emails and text. Leadership is largely about communication, and it doesn't fit neatly into a workday, especially in a patient care environment. I enjoy doing these activities from home because there are fewer interruptions, which allows me to be focused and productive. The work I do at home is generally scattered throughout the evenings or mornings based on need, but I also try to respect family time. It is good to take time to unwind and renew. It is about finding that balance. Q: What's the first thing you like to do when you get to work? GG: For me it's about the people. So, the first thing I like to do is check in, say my hellos and see how my executive assistant and others on the team are doing. In high-performing hospitals like ours, everyone has so much on their plate that it is easy and tempting to run into our offices to start chipping away at the pile. I used to fall prey to that. But it's important to remember that it really is all about the people. Taking the time to let people know we care as an organization is essential, but also letting them know that I care is important to me. Q: Is there anything about the office setup or layout that you think is unique? GG: I have a very nice executive office with a desk, meeting table and white board on my wall. I usually keep a small espresso machine in my office to hosts guests, but I do not have it set it up at this time. The white board, though, is something I have found most useful over the years. While I use the board for brainstorming and tracking key initiatives, the most important thing on it are three fundamental questions: What are we trying to do? How do we measure success? What do we need? It's a good reminder for me, but it also there for others to see. When people come and meet with me on projects, they know those questions will always be where we start. Q: How often do you complete rounds? GG: Fortunately, our entire leadership team prioritizes rounding daily immediately following the morning huddle. It is one of my favorite parts of my job. We focus primarily on our patients and how we can provide an exceptional experience for them, but it is also an opportunity to speak with staff and learn about their experience and perception of the organization. I have found that rounding is the best way to learn about the hospital, identify improvement opportunities and be visible as a leader. I gain so much insight simply by walking around, observing and chatting with people at every level of the organization. It also gives me an opportunity to watch workflows and look at the infrastructure from the patient and staff perspective. I also enjoy spending time in the physicians' lounge a few times a week. That is where I build relationships and connect with a very important stakeholder group our doctors! I make a deliberate effort to be present and available to engage our physicians where they practice, in six hospitals spread over 200 miles in Central and Northern California. The geography can be a challenge, but I enjoy being present and connecting, so it's worth the effort. Q: How do you think your routine differs from other healthcare executives? GG: There are so many ways to be an effective healthcare executive, and I know many leaders subscribe to a specific routine. I really don't have a routine, but I do commit time each day to thinking about innovation. As leaders we all have our share of what I call "maintenance versus fire drill" activities. In a large, complex organization, there are enough of these essential functions to keep most of us busy full-time. For example, in a 400-bed acute care facility, there is everything from internet connectivity to housekeeping to laboratory and pharmacy functions that are all important to patient care. To provide excellent service to our patients and their families, we must keep our leadership eyes on all these operational components. Yet, over the years I have come to realize none of those activities in themselves will help us flourish long-term. We must grow and evolve as an organization. So, every day I contemplate how we can do things differently truly differently. How can we better meet patient needs? How can we turn the care and payment models on their heads to get us closer to the Triple Aim? I guess you could say I plan my days to allow time and space to think outside of the box. This allows me to bring fresh ideas to the organization and provides me with a great sense of joy in my work. Q: What do you like to have done before lunch? GG: In the first half of the day, I like to accomplish three things: Connecting with people in the organization, responding to urgent issues and working on innovation. Those are the activities that match with my high energy level. Early in the day is good for questions the primary one being, "Why?" Why do we do it that way? Why couldn't we do it better? Why does that work well? Why does that not work? I leverage the time after lunch for responding to emails, organizing and tying up loose ends. For me, the afternoon is also a great time for reflecting on the events of the morning and re-establishing order for the next day. Q: What is the last thing you do before you leave the office? GG: The last thing I do is look at my white board. As I mentioned before, my white board details three fundamental questions, has ideas from brainstorming sessions and tracks key initiatives. Before leaving, I like to check in with my white board because it reminds me to come back to the question, "What are we trying to do?" It helps me focus and step back to remember the mission of our organization and my role in driving key changes to meet initiatives. Q: What would you say is the hardest part of your day? GG: Just like the most rewarding part is hearing about our positive impact on patients, the most difficult part is when things do not go well for patients. While our facilities are community hospitals, the clinical and surgical expertise of our medical staff is second to none. That said, we serve a population with high medical complexity, and our patients often come to us with advanced illnesses. Patients challenged with poverty and homelessness are issues we face daily, and we strive to help these patients continue their treatment regimens beyond our healthcare walls. However, there is much more that needs to be done at all levels to address issues at the core. Despite an exceptional quality record and a commitment to the highest level of care, patients do not always fare well. It is heartbreaking and discouraging, but it's also a reminder of why we are here and why we need to work across the community to ensure there's a seamless end-to-end wrap around the care we provide. Q: How do you like to unwind when you get home? GG: My favorite way to unwind is a trail run. If I can get out on the dirt and move my body, the stress of the day falls away and solutions to problems tend to emerge. Yoga is another great way to do that. But really any kind of workout reenergizes me and is a good transition to the evening. Q: What is the most rewarding part of your day? GG: For me, the joy of work comes from a commitment to an inspiring vision and worthy mission, and just as importantly, working with an excellent team. I get to do that every day. In our morning huddle, we share patient stories and letters. When I hear of a patient or family member thanking our staff for taking great care of them, it truly inspires me. Intellectually, we know we provide excellent care. Our data tells us that. But when a patient communicates the positive impact our team has had on them, it touches the heart. Q: What is the best advice you have received? GG: When I was just starting out in leadership in a large health system, my boss said to me, "If you care about something, insert yourself into the process." It was excellent advice, which I have passed along to others. Prior to that, when I was out on my own as healthcare consultant, it was natural for me to get in the middle of issues that I cared about. In fact, for that very reason I founded a consulting group of physician leaders focused on engaging other physicians in healthcare reform. Then, when I joined that health system, my boss' advice was a helpful reminder that no matter where you find yourself working, it's important to pay attention and get involved in the process. Air ambulance companies that don't disclose prices before providing services and obtain patient permission should only be allowed to collect average market prices at most, three authors, including two physicians, wrote in an opinion piece published by STAT. The opinion piece by Kevin Schulman, MD, a professor of medicine at Stanford University; Barak Richman, professor of law and business administration at Duke University; and Arnold Milstein, MD, professor of medicine and director of Stanford University's clinical excellence research center addresses how to stop patients from receiving high unexpected medical bills after air ambulance rides. These surprise bills occur when a provider charges from its chargemaster, an overall pricing list for hospitals' services and products, which does not reflect negotiations with insurance companies. Surprise bills often happen when the patient is uninsured, or when the provider is not part of the patient's insurance network. The authors partially attribute the problem to recent interpretations of the Airline Deregulation Act, which deregulated air ambulance companies, allowing them to avoid most state price regulation. As a result, air ambulances may charge chargemaster prices. But authors said if companies can only collect prices they have adequately disclosed per rudimentary contract law that applies to other industries "then normal market mechanisms can create market prices, reward managers for investment decisions that create real value, and protect consumers against naked abuses." Read the entire opinion piece here. More articles on healthcare finance: Charge capture data on health execs' radar, but missing from agendas, survey finds RCM tip of the day: Give patients options Home health, care management boom seen this year Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare has purchased 100 acres of land to build an 80-bed hospital in Estero, Fla., according to the Naples Daily News. The for-profit hospital operator made the $52.5 million purchase last month. Debra McKell, a spokesperson for HCA West Florida, a division of HCA Healthcare, told the Naples Daily News the purchase is for the hospital and to "explore other uses as well down the road." Last year, state regulators reportedly approved HCA Healthcare's plans to build the hospital. The state also reportedly approved Fort Myers, Fla.-based Lee Health's plan to build an 82-bed hospital at its medical campus in Estero. HCA Healthcare and Lee Health are challenging each others hospital plans, according to the Naples Daily News. The 100 acres HCA purchased is within Estero's village center downtown and less than 5 miles north of Lee Health's medical campus, Lee Health-Coconut Point. More articles on healthcare finance: Charge capture data on health execs' radar, but missing from agendas, survey finds RCM tip of the day: Give patients options Home health, care management boom seen this year IBM Research debuted a wearable "fingernail sensor" which it says may one day help clinicians monitor patient health at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The sensor, which is still a prototype, measures how the wearer's fingernail bends and moves throughout the day. The prototype then feeds this data into algorithms that using artificial intelligence extrapolate how the wearer's grip strength has changed over time. Grip strength is a key biomarker for various diseases, making it a potentially useful tool to monitor health and disease progression in various patient populations, according to an IBM Research blog post. For example, grip strength may be a useful metric to measure the effectiveness of medication treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease, a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder characterized by motor disturbances, such as involuntary tremors and impaired movement. Grip strength has also been associated with the degree of cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia and mortality in geriatric patients. "The sensor could one day enable doctors to provide more personalized treatment recommendations for a range of conditions, from Parkinson's Disease to cardiovascular disease," IBM Research said in a statement. IBM Watson Health is still a "very important part" of IBM's business, despite a recent leadership shake up in its health division and criticism of its artificial intelligence-powered cancer treatment tool, CEO Ginni Rometty told STAT in an interview Jan. 8. "Watson for Oncology is doing very well very well," Ms. Rometty told STAT during a photo opportunity at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas where she delivered a keynote address. STAT has requested interviews with Ms. Rometty and other company executives for months with no success. In 2018, STAT reported several controversies involving IBM's health division, including one of its physician customers calling Watson for Oncology a "piece of sh," and numerous employee layoffs. A key complaint about Watson for Oncology, which offers cancer treatment recommendations, is that it's biased toward American treatment methods. However, IBM said it plans to add regional treatment guidelines to Watson for Oncology, as well as real-world data on patient outcomes, to boost user satisfaction. Although Ms. Rometty didn't discuss Watson Health much during her CES keynote, according to STAT, she debuted a fingertip sensor that may help Parkinson's patients and announced a new partnership with the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Ms. Rometty also reportedly emphasized the need for trust and transparency when it comes to AI, regardless of which industry it's applied to. "To be trusted, that means you have to prepare society for whatever set of technologies it is that are coming on, in particular now so that no one is left behind," she said. Cincinnati-based Christ Hospital is appealing a decision that denied it a certificate of need to construct an ASC in Fort Mitchell, Ky., the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Three things you should know: 1. Christ Hospital's sought a CON to build a $23 million ASC in Fort Mitchell. The proposal was denied by a Kentucky judge after Fort Mitchell-based St. Elizabeth Healthcare issued a challenge. 2. Christ filed an appeal. The Fort Mitchell Common Council will meet Jan. 28 to consider the project. 3. If approved, the ASC will anchor the Fort Mitchell Gateway Project, which could include a hotel, restaurants, retail businesses and apartments. The city is interested in pursuing the development with or without the ASC. Kris Kilgore, RN, administrative director of Grand Rapids-based Surgical Center of Michigan, discusses key payer trends in the market and how her center is responding. Question: How is your center dealing with the trend of higher deductibles and increased patient responsibility? Kris Kilgore: We now have assigned one staff member from our accounts receivable department to send a letter two weeks prior to surgery to collect co-pays and deductibles, with a follow-up call three days before surgery if it is not collected after the letter. Q: As payers consolidate, and make acquisitions of healthcare providers, where do you see ASCs having the biggest opportunity to succeed? KK: We are trying to have a mix of payers that include private insurances. We are also looking at our case mix and trying to do some more self-pay procedures. A blaze destroyed a home in Houstons South Side early Thursday, according to the Houston Fire Department. Three residents at the house in the 5600 block of Milart, close to Griggs Road and MLK Boulevard, woke up to the smell of smoke around 3:30 a.m. and called firefighters. The fire started somewhere in the back of the property, District Chief James Watson said, but its unclear whether it started in the detached garage or the rear of the home. The garage burned up, and several cars lit on fire. The home itself was a total loss, Watson said. The residents didnt have smoke detectors. They were very fortunate, the chief said. One firefighter was treated on the scene for minor burns to his hand. Its unknown what started the fire. Arson is investigating. A woman was injured Thursday morning when authorities shot at a dog who lunged at them while they were serving a warrant in southeast Houston, police said. The shooting happened about 8 a.m. in the 7700 block of Greenstone, near the Gulf Freeway. The FBI went to the home to arrest a man wanted on drug charges and assault on a federal agent, for allegedly releasing a dog. Officers assisting FBI arrived, saw a man standing with a dog and asked him to put the dog up, said HPD Executive Assistant Chief Troy Finner. The man put the dog away, possibly inside the house. As they were arresting the man, a 22-year-old woman came outside and the dog charged at the officers. A four-year veteran fired several shots at the dog, and either shrapnel or fragments from the ground hit the woman in the arm, officials said, correcting earlier reports that the woman purposefully released the animal on police. It's unknown at this time whether the woman released the dog. The woman was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, and the original suspect is in custody. Their relationship is unknown. The dog, who was hit by the gunfire, is alive. Animal control was en route. An HPD spokesperson originally described the dog as an aggressive German Shepherd. The Harris County District Attorney's Office and HPD's Special Investigations Unit will investigate the officer-involved shooting. NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here. A person who dreams of air boats and floodwaters. Children who climb into bed with their parents every time a storm comes. Recovering addicts whove suffered a relapse trying to cope with the trauma of Tropical Storm Harvey. All offer anecdotal evidence of the lingering impact of the devastating flooding event nearly 1 years ago. To counselors with the Spindletop Center, they suggest that post-traumatic stress disorder among survivors in Southeast Texas is more widespread than people will acknowledge. The centers Healing Effectively After Loss, or HEAL, program is expanding its outreach to reach more people with free group counseling meetings across the region. The program, started four months ago, is funded by the Mental and Emotional Healing After Hurricane Harvey grant from the American Red Cross. The response has not been as robust as we hoped, said Dexter Phillip, the program lead for the grant. So many people are suffering from PTSD, even a year after Harvey, and they may not even know it. Phillip said the monthly Coffee Talks are a way for certified and licensed professional counselors to identify those who may need more structured help, like one-on-one therapy, and to teach participants how to identify and address the signs of trauma in themselves, their loved ones and others. We had someone who was dreaming of flooding in their house and air boats, Phillip said. It ties right back to the storm. We hear about kids wanting to sleep with their parents during a storm because it reminds them of the time they lost everything, and thats what were wanting to help them with. For many, the stress of Harvey triggered a relapse in drug or alcohol addiction, and Phillip said the program aims to help them as well. The monthly meetings take place in churches around Southeast Texas and the grant allows Phillip and his team to train church staff how to conduct such meetings once the program officially ends. More Information Mental health These monthly Coffee Talks provide group support for Harvey survivors who might be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Lumberton: First Monday of the month, Parkway Life Church, 1865 FM 3513 Vidor: First Tuesday of the month, First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Main Port Arthur: Second Tuesday of the month, Greater True Vine Church, 4004 Memorial Anahuac: Third Thursday of the month, First United Methodist Church, 600 Washington More information: Contact the Spindletop Center, 2750 S. 8th St., Beaumont. (409) 839-1000; spindletopcenter.org See More Collapse The program is scheduled to continue until the end of August, but it might be extended if needed. Its really good for outreach and letting people know these services are out there, Phillip said. As part of the grant requirements, Phillip said the center is required to partner with other recipients of the grant to help victims. We realize some of these people need more than just emotional help, Phillip said. We want to take a holistic approach to healing. Maybe some of their anxiety is because they have repairs they need to do from the storm, so well partner with builders to fix their house. He said the referrals go both ways. When a program funded by a Red Cross grant is working with someone, say repairing their home, and they notice the signs of PTSD, they will refer that person to the Spindletop Center. Phillip attributes the lower-than-expected turnout in part to the stigma associated with seeking treatment for mental health issues. He hopes that changes soon. Theres nothing wrong with needing help, he said. You go to a mechanic when your car is acting up, because youre not a professional mechanic. Getting help with you emotional and mental health shouldnt be any different. For those seeking help with issues not related to Harvey, Spindletop has professional counseling available at prices based on income. In some cases treatment is completely free. haley.bruyn@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/HaleyWrites_BE Google Maps Lumberton ISD has evacuated it's Primary School campus after a bomb threat Thursday morning, according to a statement posted to the districts official Facebook page by superintendent Gerald Chandler. The threat is believed to be a diversion made by suspects who are being pursued by law enforcement near the southern end of the district, Chandler said. Airbnb hosts in Jefferson County made a combined $245,000 last year while welcoming some 1,300 guests, the company said Thursday. Harris County saw the most guests, 285,000, with hosts earning $44 million. This was followed by Galveston County with 163,000 and hosts earning $19.6 million. Montgomery County was third with 22,000 guests and $3 million. Delano, California (93215) Today Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low around 65F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low around 65F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. The OECD Observer online archive takes you on a journey through half a century of public policy and world progress. Since November 1962, the OECDs experts and leading guests offer insights on the questions facing our member countries with concise and authoritative analysis, and provide our audiences with an excellent opportunity to understand policy debates and consider solutions. Each edition of the OECD Observer reports on a core theme of the OECDs on-going work, from economics and society through governance, finance, and the environment, and articles are bolstered by tables and graphs. How many second chances do you give a serial killer? On Wednesday, a man who called himself the "Phantom" 50 years ago when he murdered two little girls told the Arizona Clemency Board he deserves not one second chance, but "two." By Abdul Kerimkhanov The process of assigning stars to hotels is voluntary in Azerbaijan, and at the moment the issue of the mandatory order is not on the agenda, Head of Public Relations department of the State Agency for Tourism Kanan Guluzade said. However, Guluzade noticed, despite the fact that the classification process of hotels is voluntary, the presence of stars will become a requirement of time. He believes that fewer customers will come to hotels with no stars. When booking a hotel room, tourist pays attention to the presence of hotel stars, Guluzade said. The head of the department noted that in Azerbaijan today there are no mechanisms that lead to the assignment of stars to hotels. Therefore, the Association of Hotels of Azerbaijan was created, and this process will be carried out by this structure. He noted that the State Agency for Tourism will not take part in the process of classifying hotels. The state agency will only provide its support. "We want this system to be implemented by a public structure. The Association of Hotels of Azerbaijan will become a member of the European Association of Hotels," Guluzade said. He went on to say that the classification will be conducted by European experts, the process will be completely transparent. Earlier, Executive Director of the newly-established Azerbaijan Hotels Association Gunay Saglam said that a new national star rating system will be applied for hotels in Azerbaijan in September-December 2019, and in December hotels will be assigned stars. A commission on the hotel classification system will be created in May 2019, and training on star classification will be organized for hotels in June-August. After the implementation of new national hotel system in Azerbaijan, classification of hotels will be held every four years. An anonymous guest will visit a hotel two years after stars are assigned to it, after which it will be defined whether the hotel service corresponds to the assigned stars. Hotel owners will be informed in advance about the classification criteria. When creating a new hotel classification system, the European experience was taken as a basis. Currently, there are about 500-600 hotels in Azerbaijan. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov The Armenian authorities continue weakening their positions not only in Russia, but also in the West. The smallest nation in the South Caucasus, holding a membership at the CSTO and the Eurasian Economic Unions, tries to stay on two chairs. After Nikol Pashinyan came to power, many hoped that Armenia would establish cooperation with European structures, with whom relations were cool under the previous authority of Sargsyan. They wanted the best, but it turned out as always. Armenia's deeper EU integration plans remained a dream. Yerevan managed to quarrel with all CSTO members. The presidents of Belarus makes it clear to the new Armenian leadership that relations with Azerbaijan are more preferable. An example of this is the supply by the Belarusian side of multiple launch rocket system "Polonez" to the Azerbaijani army, which, according to military experts, is more effective than Russian Iskander-E, which is in service with the Armenian army. Russia has no sympathy for the new Armenian leadership. It is obvious that the new government in Armenia looks more towards the West and Russia is looking at it with undisguised irritation. It is not surprising that from January 1, 2019, the price of Russian gas for Armenia increased by 50 percent. Former MP, deputy chairman of the Republican Party Armen Ashotyan believes that the capitalization of foreign policy promised after the change of power did not happen and is already unrealistic due to the lack of professionalism of the new government. The media loyal to the new authorities may continue with cheap shows for domestic consumption, but the authorities' fiasco is already a reality. Ashotyan noted that the Armenia-EU agreement signed in November 2017 and entered into force on January 1, 2018, for intermediate use was neither implemented in practice, nor became a guideline for reforms but loses its appeal and shine in a political sense. He said that with its slow and amateur approach, the new government did not have time to approve the road map for the implementation of agreement last year. Referring to his sources, the politician said that the draft roadmap submitted by the government in Brussels was harshly criticized. As a result, it became necessary to refine it, Ashotyan concluded. The Comprehensive and Expanded Partnership Agreement with the EU was signed on November 24, 2017, at the fifth EU Eastern Partnership Program Summit in Brussels. The document will come into force only after all 28 EU member states and Armenia ratify it. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Uzbek Ambassador to Pakistan Furqat Sidikov and head of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Uzbekistan, Senator Hidayat Ullah, have discussed cooperation in agriculture, trade, investment, logistics and culture, Trend reports citing the Uzbek media. In addition, the parties agreed to organize mutual visits of MPs this year. "Also, the Pakistani side expressed interest in sharing experience and publications in lawmaking and reforming the parliamentary system," the press service of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry informed. Ullah said that Pakistan is ready to cooperate in the implementation of regional transport and logistics initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, primarily in the construction of a new railway on the Mazar-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar route. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Tax audits, which are being held in the Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR, are the planned on-site inspections, Trend reports referring to a joint statement made by SOCAR and the Azerbaijani Taxes Ministry on Jan. 10. While commenting on the recent information regarding tax audits in SOCAR, both structures emphasized that such audits are one of the direct responsibilities of the Taxes Ministry. "Carrying out a tax audit in any company, including SOCAR, is one of the main and direct functional duties of the Taxes Ministry, the statement said. Every year, the ministry conducts the planned inspections among big taxpayers, including SOCAR. The tax audit which is being held this year in the company is also another on-site inspection. It is wrong to associate these tax audits with any changes in SOCARs administrative structure, the statement said. "Tax audits are a normal process that does not affect the activity of both structures, and the officials of the company continue to perform their duties." SOCAR is the biggest national company in the region and one of the biggest taxpayers in Azerbaijan, the statement said. At the same time, the company, working in 20 countries, ensures the interests of the country and brings big dividends to the country. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Photo: Gerard Julien/AFP/Getty Images Depending on the calendar they use, different human cultures choose different ways to mark the new year the completion of a single revolution around the sun, for example, or of 12 lunar cycles. Facebook users mark the dawning of the new year with a post from the social networks founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, announcing a new yearly challenge. Every year, Zuckerberg undertakes a personal challenge (what is called in non-Facebook cultures a resolution) visit every U.S. state, run 365 miles, learn Mandarin, eat only meat he kills himself and posts about his progress to his personal Facebook page. Yesterday, he announced his challenge for the coming year: My challenge for 2019 is to host a series of public discussions about the future of technology in society the opportunities, the challenges, the hopes, and the anxieties. Every few weeks Ill talk with leaders, experts, and people in our community from different fields and Ill try different formats to keep it interesting. These will all be public, either on my Facebook or Instagram pages or on other media. In some ways, this is less a personal challenge and more professional damage control. Some of the big questions Zuckerberg suggests the forums will revolve around seem to have less to do with technology in a general sense and more to do with a specific technology company based out of Menlo Park. Do we want technology to keep giving more people a voice, or will traditional gatekeepers control what ideas can be expressed? Well, gosh, when you put it like that! In a world where many physical communities are weakening, what role can the internet play in strengthening our social fabric? Seems like the kind of thing that might be helped by, I dont know, a major technology company built on networks of personal relationships? It all has the air of the CEO of Philip Morris announcing that hell host a series of public discussions about the future of smoking in society the opportunities, the challenges, the hopes, the anxieties. But theres a sense in Zuckerbergs post that the discussion series really is a challenge, or that theres a challenge located within the damage control. Im an engineer, and I used to just build out my ideas and hope theyd mostly speak for themselves. But given the importance of what we do, that doesnt cut it anymore, he writes. So Im going to put myself out there more than Ive been comfortable with and engage more in some of these debates about the future, the tradeoffs we face, and where we want to go. To the extent that Zuckerbergs big idea has been speaking for itself lately, it hasnt been saying anything we want to hear. (It seems to be saying something like Ethnic cleansing, election interference, smear campaigns, advertising monopoly!) So Zuck, despite his obvious discomfort with speaking in public, will speak for it. His real challenge here isnt the banal, PR-friendly engage more in some of these debates about the future, but to defend his lifes work in public. To the extent Zuckerberg is willing to do that, his challenge is worth welcoming. Do we want technology to keep giving more people a voice, or will traditional gatekeepers control what ideas can be expressed? is a very boring question. Has Facebook been worth it to society? is a much more interesting one and one that cuts much closer to the heart of debates about the future than a question about weakening social fabric. Right now, the debate over Facebook is mostly happening without the man who built it. It would be nice if he joined in. By Leman Mammadova The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which envisages transportation of the Azerbaijani gas to Europe, will be put into operation by 2020, Trend reports citing the Proposal for an Integrated National Plan for Energy and Climate (PNIEC) sent by Italian Ministry of Economic Development to the European Commission. TAP, which will allow the import of approximately 8.8 billion cubic meters of gas per year to Italy, with the possibility of expanding to 10 billion cubic meters per year, will be put into operation by 2020, reads the National Plan published on the ministry's website. The work on constructing interconnection between TAP receiving terminal and gas network of Italys Snam company will start from January 12, 2019. In addition, the physical construction of the interconnection will begin in February-March 2019. Italian Snam was reimbursed by TAP for an amount of 519 million euros through a true-up mechanism. According to Snam's investment plan for 2017-2021, Snam will invest 4.7 billion euros in 2017-2021 to further develop the gas network in Italy and the infrastructure system of Europe, and 270 million euros in the TAP project. Being a European leader in the construction and integrated management of natural gas infrastructure, Snam operates and develops Europes largest, most accessible pipeline network (more than 40,000 km), the largest storage infrastructure (19 bcm capacity) and one of the first LNG terminals built in Europe. TAP Interconnection is the gas pipeline (extending for round 55 Km) from TAP PRT (Pipeline Receiving Terminal) in Melendugno (LE) to the existing Snam Rete Gas network in Italy. As of 14 November 2018, TAP signed a Letter of Intent, marking the final stages of negotiation of the Maintenance Agreement talks between TAP and Albgaz Sh.a and Snam S.p.a. a joint venture to act as the maintenance service provider for the Trans Adriatic Pipeline on the territory of Albania. Approximately 82 percent of the TAP project, including engineering, procurement and construction, was implemented. Since November 2018, Albania started preparations for drilling and piping sources for the microtunel on the 105-kilometer seabed of TAP. Construction of this part of the pipeline will be carried out in 2019 according to the TAP schedule. Recently, Albanian government has approved the decision on expropriation and temporary use of immovable property affected by the project for construction of dams that prevent river flooding and ensure protection of the TAP in the Berat, Skrapar and Fier regions of the country. Reportedly, property owners will receive full compensation. The mentioned property will be used for a period of one year, reads the decision. TAP expects to fully complete Greek section in 2019. Recently, TAP AG and DESFA SA which is responsible for the management, operation, maintenance and development of the National Natural Gas System (NNGS) of Greece, have signed an agreement on the maintenance of Greek section (550 km) of the TAP pipeline, extending from Kipoi in Evros close to the Greek-Turkish border, to Ieropigi, Kastoria, on Greeces border with Albania. Estimated at 4.5 billion euros, TAP is a part of Southern Gas Corridor project, that envisages transportation of gas from Azerbaijani Shah Deniz-2 gas field to Greece and southern Italy across the Adriatic Sea through Greece and Albania, and involves designing, construction and operation of the natural gas pipeline. On May 29, Baku hosted the launch ceremony of the first phase of the Southern Gas Corridor project. The Intergovernmental Agreement on the TAP project was signed by Albania, Italy and Greece in February 2013. The 878-kilometer-long TAP pipeline (Greece 550 kilometers, Albania 215 kilometers, Adriatic Sea 105 kilometers, and Italy 8 kilometers) having connected to the TANAP on the Turkish-Greek border, will run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italys south. In November, TAP and TANAP successfully completed their connection on the banks of the Merich River on the Turkish-Greek border. The initial capacity of TAP will be 10 billion cubic meters of gas per year with the possibility of doubling it. TAP shareholders include BP (20 percent), SOCAR (20 percent), Snam S.p.A. (20 percent), Fluxys (19 percent), Enagas (16 percent) and Axpo (5 percent). The TAP project is one of the strategic objectives of the EU in the energy security and diversification of energy sources, chosen as the shortest and direct way to export natural gas from Azerbaijan to the European markets. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Narmina Mammadova Azerbaijan presented data on its daily oil production in December 2018 to the OPEC Joint Technical Committee within the framework of the Vienna Agreement, Trend reports citing the Azerbaijani Energy Ministry. Last month daily oil production in Azerbaijan amounted to 790,000 barrels, of which 721,000 fell to oil, and 69,000 to condensate. Every day 617,000 barrels of oil, 69,000 barrels of condensate and 13,400 barrels of oil products were exported. In January 2018, Azerbaijan produced an average of 814,600 barrels per day, in February 806,000 barrels, in March 794,000 barrels, in April 785,700 barrels, in May 801,000 barrels , in June - 792,000 barrels, in July 773,000 barrels, in August 774,000 barrels, in September 796,000 barrels, in October 783,000 barrels, in November 801,000 barrels. OPEC Joint Technical Committee was created on January 22, 2017 to monitor the implementation of countries' commitment to cut oil production. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a permanent, intergovernmental Organization, created at the Baghdad Conference on September 1014, 1960, by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. It was created by oil-producing states to control production quotas. Currently, the Organization has a total of 15 Member Countries. OPEC includes Algeria, Angola, Venezuela, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Congo, Kuwait, Qatar, Libya, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Equatorial Guinea and Ecuador. Members of the organization control about two thirds of world oil reserves, they account for up to 45 percent of all world production and half of exports. OPEC and non-OPEC producers reached an agreement in December 2016 to curtail oil output jointly and ease a global glut after more than two years of low prices. OPEC agreed to slash the output by 1.2 million barrels per day from January 1, 2019. Non-OPEC oil producers such as Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Sudan, and South Sudan agreed to reduce output by 558,000 barrels per day starting from January 1, 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. The 5th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting was held in Vienna, Austria, on December 7, 2018. The meeting participants decided to adjust the overall production by 1.2 million barrels per day, effective as of January 2019 for an initial period of six months. The contributions from OPEC and the voluntary contributions from non-OPEC participating countries of the Declaration of Cooperation will correspond to 0.8 million barrels per day (2.5 percent), and 0.4 million barrels per day (2 percent), respectively. The next meeting of OPEC and non-OPEC format will be held in Vienna in April 2019 to revise the agreement. Saudi Arabia is currently the world's largest oil exporter. Russia is the second largest crude oil producer in the world after the United States. Its oil production level of 11.4 million barrels per day will be reduced by about 2 percent, to 228,000 barrels. Some countries have been applied a compromise within the framework of the agreement on reduction of oil production. Iran has been compromised as well as Libya and Venezuela, considering U.S. sanctions. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Instead of commenting on Azerbaijani blogger Mehman Huseynovs issue, Paris would better comment on the violence against protestors in France itself, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys spokeswoman Leyla Abdullayeva told Trend Jan. 10. She was commenting on the statement by the French Foreign Ministry on Mehman Huseynovs issue, and a letter sent on this issue by OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Desir to Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov. Abdullayeva noted that commenting on Mehman Huseynovs issue at a time when France itself was engulfed by the yellow vest protests is ridiculous. Water cannons, batons and other means of violence are used against the protesters in this country, and more than 4,500 protestors have been detained, she said. Azerbaijan hopes that the charges against the demonstrators detained in France will be dropped and they will soon be released. She noted that France has long held a pro-Armenian position, and this can be perceived as exerting pressure on Azerbaijan. Harlem Desir, who served as French Foreign Ministrys Secretary of State and oversaw the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, was known in Azerbaijan as a person with a pro-Armenian position, said Abdullayeva. Apparently, Desir, having forgotten the principle of impartiality, preferred to speak representing his countrys stance. We can therefore recommend him to assess the violence faced by protesters in his country. Everyone sees what is happening in the world. All this is manifestation of double standards against Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Leman Mammadova Gobustan Reserve is one of the most visited tourist places in Azerbaijan. Every year thousands of foreign guests are being fascinated by the enigmatic monuments of Gobustan, that are the pearls of our ancient history. Over 123,000 tourists from more than 20 countries visited the Gobustan State Historical and Artistic Reserve in 2018, Trend reports referring to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on January 10. The director of the reserve Vugar Isayev said that last year the number of visitors increased by 40,000 people (about 50 percent) compared to 2017, and foreign citizens made up 58,000 out of 123,000 visitors. Foreign tourists mainly arrived from Turkey, Iran, Russia, Germany, Great Britain, Pakistan, China, U.S., Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Arab countries. Tourists from the island of Fiji and the Dominican Republic also visited the reserve. Over 80,000 tourists visited the reserve in 2017. Gobustan State Historical and Artistic Reserve, the complex of archaeological monuments in the territory of Azerbaijan, is located 56 km from the capital, Baku, in Garadagh district. There is also a museum here. More than 6,000 images and rock paintings have been recorded in the area. Monuments of the Mesolithic (medieval stone) are mainly represented in the reserve. Gobustan State Historical and Artistic Reserve was proclaimed in 1966, envisaging the exceptional importance of the material cultural remains found in Gobustan for history and culture. Human and animal paintings preserved in the Gobustan allow exploring the animals and the way they are hunted by the ancient people based on hunting, fighting and dance scenes depicted on the rocks. The Gobustan Reserve, a world historical monument with an area of over 4,000 hectares, was included in the UNESCO list of cultural heritage in 2007. The monuments of Gobustan are divided into two groups: rock paintings and ancient sites and other objects. The first archaeological excavations on the territory of the reserve began in the 1930s. In 1939-1940, Azerbaijani archaeologist Iskhak Jafarzade discovered here about 3,500 rock paintings, drawings and signs, as well as man-made pits, holes in rocks, etc. Since 1965, a special scientific expedition has been engaged in investigating the monuments of Gobustan. Archaeological research of more than 20 dwellings and shelters, more than 40 burial mounds was carried out. Gobustan is a real open-air museum. Every year this amazing art gallery is visited by thousands of people from all over the world. Since the discovery, being at the center of attention of researchers, Gobustan rock paintings are a very interesting part of Azerbaijani history. More than 4-5,000 animals, human pictures, scenes drawn on rocks by generations coming one after another for thousands of years are the creativity of an ancient art school. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend In accordance with the rotation plan, a group of servicemen of the Azerbaijan Army, which served in Afghanistan within NATO-led "Resolute Support" mission, returned from Afghanistan to Baku, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry on Jan. 10. The peacekeeping contingent of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces has been serving in Afghanistan since November 20, 2002. Presently, 120 servicemen, including two medical officers and six staff officers of Azerbaijani army are participating in the mission in Afghanistan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The fight against cross-border crime and international terrorism was discussed during a meeting of delegations led by Head of the Azerbaijani State Border Service, Colonel-General Elchin Guliyev and Commander of the Iranian Border Troops, Major General Qasem Rezaee in Iranian city Bilasuvar, Trend reports referring to the State Border Service on Jan. 9. The sides reviewed the implementation of the agreement reached on Dec. 11, 2018 during a meeting of the heads of the border services of Azerbaijan and Iran in Baku. Guliyev and Rezaee also exchanged views on border security. The sides discussed organizing a reliable border control over people, vehicles and cargo at checkpoints at the border. Guliyev and Rezaee stressed the need to further develop mutual coordination and cooperation. The sides exchanged views on the fight against cross-border crime and international terrorism. During the meeting, an agreement was reached to continue to hold meetings directly at the border and checkpoints. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Azerbaijan has preserved and played a fundamental role in preserving Islamic Culture, indigenous ethnic heritage and local Architecture, Trend reports citing the article by Peter Tase, US expert on Global Politics and Transatlantic Relations, adviser to Global Engineering Deans Council and other prestigious international institutions. Moreover the Land of Fire and Pomegranates has become a special tourist destination where visitors appreciate unique urban developments, a synergy of western and eastern architecture, natural beauty and outstanding hospitality offered in Azerbaijans oldest cities, spiced up by carpet museums and unforgettable tasting of Kurdamirs locally made wine and the creamy goat cheese of Jalilabad, Tase wrote in his article published by Eurasia Review. The writings of Sabir in Baku and of Jalil Mammadguluzadeh in Nakhchivan, embody the very essence of highly acclaimed patriotic movements and hardships of the Azerbaijani people, describe the countrys historic landmarks as well as its remarkable multiculturalism tradition that goes back many centuries, according to the US expert. The beautiful mountainous landscapes of the Caucasus, impressive cultural heritage sites, and unique Islamic Cultural sites are the highlight on every major city and district of Azerbaijan, some of them are, while impossible to mention all; the Cities of Gazakh and Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic are the focus of today, reads the article. Tase pointed out that the City of Gazakh is a special place where visitors will appreciate listening to traditional Azerbaijani songs. The District of Gazakh is also known for its carpets; they are absolutely beautiful and certainly decorate the royal palaces of Norway and Denmark, he added. The designs and patters of these carpets are included in the paintings of famous Italian renaissance artists, including: Carlo Crivelli and Domenico di Bartolo, Pinturicchio and in the works of Dutch painter Jan van Eyk. The carpets of Gazakh are exhibited at the most prestigious museums in the Americas, Europe and Asia, among them is the Hermitage, the New York Metropolitan Museum, the Berlin Museum of Art, the Budapest Museum of Decorative Arts and many others, reads the article. Whether visiting the astonishing Alinja fortress, Noahs final resting place and mausoleum or the iconic Haca Dag, this autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan (Azerbaijan) did not fail to surprise and astound my colleagues and myself. Indeed, each cultural and natural domain in these territories of Azerbaijan represents unique pictorial languages, cultural peculiarities and architectural masterpieces, according to Tase. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has signed an Order regarding measures to construct Zardab-Garavalli road in Zardab . Under the presidential order, the Azerbaijan Highway State Agency is allocated 3.9 million manats for the construction of the road connecting six residential areas with a total population of 7,000 people. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Leman Mammadova Azerbaijan and Israel, the two strategic partners, maintain close bilateral ties and are keen to further strengthen and expand their cooperation. The relations between Azerbaijan and Israel will develop even more rapidly in 2019, head of the Israel-Azerbaijan International Association AzIz, Lev Spivak, said in an interview with the Regional Public Charitable Foundation of Mountain Jews STMEGI, Trend reported on January 9. He noted that 2018 was a success for both countries. Two of the most important events took place last year. The first meeting of the Azerbaijani-Israeli intergovernmental commission took place in Israel in March. Taxes Minister Mikayil Jabbarov headed the Azerbaijani delegation. I am very pleased that the delegation members found time and met with AzIz members and activists. The second event is the visit of Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman to Azerbaijan, he added. Spivak noted that last year was also a breakthrough year in the field of tourism, and many Israelis visited Azerbaijan, saying that the number of flights between Baku and Tel Aviv has increased dramatically." "I hope that this trend will continue, he added. As for the plans of AzIz for the future, Spivak also said that it is planned to expand the geography of events in 2019. We have scheduled events in Russia and Germany. They will be associated with the anniversaries of 20 January tragedy and the Khojaly tragedy, as well as the Novruz holiday, the independence days of Israel and Azerbaijan, etc. This year we plan to hold the next, third congress of AzIz. High-ranking officials of Azerbaijan and Israel have already confirmed their participation, noted Spivak. In addition, Spivak emphasized that AzIz plans to begin regular work on the organization of events with the participation of academics, historians, political scientists. We will establish links with major universities in the world, he said. According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Israel amounted to $671.6 million in 2017, of which about $32.7 million accounted for the import of Israeli products. Azerbaijan holds 40-45 percent share in energy imports of Israel. Azerbaijan and Israel also have reliable military partnerships. Israel plays role of an important ally in supplying Azerbaijani army with modern weapons. Azerbaijan was among the top three countries in the list of Israeli arms importers in 2017. Azerbaijan has received $ 5 billion worth defense equipment from Israel in 2016. Recently, Azerbaijan has started production of a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) - Pegasus 120. The new UAV is produced jointly with the Israeli company Aeronautics at AZAD Systems Co. production branch of Azerbaijans Ministry of Defense Industry. Tourism is one of the areas where Azerbaijan and Israel successfully develop cooperation. The number of tourists coming to Azerbaijan from Israel is growing, and all tourists visiting Azerbaijan return home with the best impressions. Israir Airlines & Tourism Ltd., an Israeli airline based at Sde Dov Airport (SDV) in Tel Aviv, is carrying out flights to Baku three times a week, as part of tourist packages. The direct flight is of great significance in terms of mutual increase in tourism turnover. Azerbaijan has a huge potential for cooperation with Israel in economic sphere, particularly in such non-oil sectors as agriculture, pharmaceuticals and IT. Agriculture in Israel is a highly developed industry, while the country uis listed among world leaders in advanced agricultural technologies, regardless the fact that the geography of the country is not naturally favorable for agriculture. Israel recognized the independence of Azerbaijan very shortly after the official dissolution of the Soviet Union. Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Israel were established in 1992. Since gaining independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has established a position of one of Israels closest friends in the Muslim world. The strategic relationship included cooperation in trade and security matters, cultural and educational exchanges. The partnership between the two nations is based not only on political, economic and energy cooperation, but also on shared cultural values, due to a fact that a large Jewish community lives in Azerbaijan. Todays friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Israel are built on centuries of Jewish-Azerbaijani coexistence. Estimated 9,000 Jews in the country are "fully part" of Azerbaijani society. Several synagogues are operating in the capital of Azerbaijan, as well as in Guba and Oguz regions. Synagogue, opened in Baku in 2003, is one of the largest in Europe. In September 2003, the first Jewish school was opened in Baku. In 2016, a branch of Baku International Multiculturalism Centre (BIMC) has been opened in Israel aimed at increase of the international community's awareness of Azerbaijan's and Israel's history and culture. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova YARAT Contemporary Art Space will host screenings of short films - participants of the All-Russian action "Day of Short Films - 2018" . The all-Russian action "Day of Short Films - 2018" was held in cinemas and on creative venues in Russia on December 15-25, 2018. The project is timed to the International Day of Short Films. The main goal is to maximize the promotion of Russian short films at various venues and to attract the attention of a wide audience to the short films. On January 15, the thematic program "Family Cinema" will be shown in Baku, Trend Life reported. The program "Stars in a short meter" will be screened on January 29. The screenings start at 19.00. YARAT is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to nurturing an understanding of contemporary art in Azerbaijan and to creating a platform for Azerbaijani art, both nationally and internationally. Based in Baku, YARAT (meaning CREATE in Azerbaijani) was founded by Aida Mahmudova in 2011. The organization realizes its mission through an on-going program of exhibitions, education events and festivals. YARAT facilitates exchange between local and international artistic networks including foundations, galleries and museums. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz John R. Bolton (left) listens as President Trump speaks to members of the U.S. military at Al Asad Airbase in Iraq on December 26, 2018, shortly after announcing the new Syria policy. Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images President Trumps first prime-time Oval Office address was far more choreographed and controlled than his usual oration, but his aides forgot one key piece of staging. If the situation at the southern border is indeed as urgent as Trump claims, why were National Security Adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the Middle East this week? In a functional administration, or a crisis that wasnt manufactured for Fox News, the national security adviser would be coordinating the U.S. response to said crisis, and the secretary of State would be communicating U.S. strategy to neighboring governments and seeking their assistance. But Bolton and Pompeo were too busy cleaning up Trumps last mess at the time. On December 19, the president abruptly announced that U.S. forces had defeated ISIS, thus all troops would be withdrawn from Syria. Theyre all coming back, and theyre coming back now, Trump said in a video message. We won. Now quickly translated from a 30-day departure to a 4-month window to a conditions-based withdrawal, which is code for no definite exit date. In a tweet posted Monday, Trump insisted that his statements on the timetable for withdrawal have been entirely consistent, and that U.S. troops will continue to fight ISIS (despite his prior statement that ISIS had been defeated). The Failing New York Times has knowingly written a very inaccurate story on my intentions on Syria. No different from my original statements, we will be leaving at a proper pace while at the same time continuing to fight ISIS and doing all else that is prudent and necessary!..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2019 At the moment, it appears the U.S. has two entirely contradictory policies on the troop withdrawal and so far, Bolton and Pompeo have only added to the confusion. Bolton arrived in the region first, assuring Israeli leaders on Sunday that there would be no troop withdrawal, and no specific timeline for the exit, until ISIS was fully defeated. This is a cause-and-effect mission, Bolton told reporters traveling with him on Sunday. Timetables or the timing of the withdrawal occurs as a result of the fulfillment of the conditions and the establishment of the circumstances that we want to see. And once thats done, then you talk about a timetable. Israel is very unhappy about the U.S. departure, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus domestic troubles increase the chances that Israel will take dramatic action against what it sees as threats to its security which will make it harder, rather than easier, for Washington to disengage. But the Israeli reaction isnt the only concern. Bolton also said Turkey must pledge not to launch an attack on Kurdish forces who have fought ISIS alongside U.S. troops. Ankara views the Kurdish fighters in northeastern Syria as terrorists and threatened to launch a military offensive against them just before Trumps Syria announcement. State Department veteran and Middle East analyst Aaron David Miller suggested Bolton was doing damage control, not attempting to go rogue. He characterized the conditions Bolton laid out as an attempt to create a measure of leverage on Turkey and perhaps on the Kurds as well to suggest that yes, the president wants to withdraw, but dont think we are running away. If so, the effort seems to have flopped. When Bolton came to Ankara to make his case on Tuesday, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan refused to see him, and criticized the Trump adviser in a speech to his parliament. On Thursday, Turkey threatened to move forward with its offensive against Kurdish fighters in Syria if the U.S. doesnt make a speedy exit. If the [withdrawal] is put off with ridiculous excuses like Turks are massacring Kurds, which do not reflect the reality, we will implement this decision, said Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. It was actually Pompeo who initially angered Ankara by saying last week that the U.S. wants to make sure the Turks dont slaughter the Kurds. However, during a stop in Iraq on Wednesday, Pompeo asserted that everything can be worked out in the upcoming talks between State Department officials, Kurdish fighters, and Turkey. This may seem implausible, but it fits Pompeos pattern for working with Trump: side with the president in public, even when he humiliates State Department staff. Pompeos subordinates saw months of painstaking work smashed to bits with Trumps announcement of the troop withdrawal, and are now in charge of making it all turn out okay. During a speech in Cairo on Thursday, Pompeo remained focused on blaming the media for obvious contradictions in the administrations stance on Syria. This is a story made up by the media. Thats fine, you all write what you like, but the presidents been very clear, and Ambassador Bolton and I have been very clear about this too, that the threat from radical Islamic terrorism is real, Pompeo said. ISIS continues we fight them in many regions around the country. Our commitment to prevent Daeshs growth, ISISs growth, is real. Its important. We will continue at that. Were going to do it in a way in one particular place, Syria, differently, Pompeo continued. The United States decision, President Trumps decision, to withdraw our troops has been made. We will do that. Your humble correspondent thought that Trumps Syria policy shift not so much the decision to remove troops, but the choice to do it abruptly, without consulting partners who have their own troops on the ground, or local forces whove committed to us and have nowhere else to go, and leaving more than 50,000 civilians at the mercy of ISIS and Russian and Syrian forces was the worst of all possible worlds. Innocent civilians would die. ISIS would regain breathing space. Autocrats in Syria, Russia, Iran, and Turkey would be strengthened. Troops we had pledged to protect would be put in danger, and Washington would have very publicly gone back on its word. But I was wrong. We still have all of those consequences on the table. But now, in addition, we have uncertainty and confusion with U.S. forces still on the ground, left in the middle of things as pawns while other players make moves to fill the presumed vacuum. With Trumps advisers conveying mixed messages about when and how U.S. forces will leave Syria, foreign leaders dont know what to believe and their decisions will gravely affect tens of thousands of lives, both foreign and American. Thats how you create a real crisis. By Laman Ismayilova Azerbaijan Union of Artists awarded the best artists of the last year. More than 100 art works were showcased at Vajiha Samadova exhibition hall, Azertag reported. Chairman of Azerbaijan Union of Artists Farhad Khalilov informed event participants about art competition. He stressed that the competition was held in sculpture, painting, drawing, applied art and art history. The presented works once again testify to the high professionalism of those who work in this field. Khalilov shared his thoughts on the results of last year. He underlined that Azerbaijan Union of Artists hosted numerous art events. Various exhibitions took place at Vajiha Samadova exhibition hall. Last year, the regional structures of Azerbaijan Union of Artists Nakhchivan, Ganja and Shaki also contributed to their creative activities. Then the authors of the best art works of 2018 were awarded. Alisafa Askerov was awarded for the best work of painting, Khanlar Akhmedov won the prize for the best sculpture, Rovshan Mammadov was named best for the best graphic work, Mehdi Nagiyev got the prize for the best work of decorative and applied art. In addition, art historians - Honored Art Worker Ziyadkhan Aliyev, Ophelia Mirzazade, Mirza Talibov and Samir Sadigov were awarded with diplomas and prizes. Azerbaijan Union of Artists - is a creative public organization, volunteer union of professional artists and art critics. An organizational arrangement in the sphere of arts had begun in the republic, in 1920, which was ended with creation of Union of the Soviet Artists of Azerbaijan, in 1932. The Union of Artists conducts a great deal of work on organizing republican and international exhibitions, symposia, competitions. The Association of Young Artists and Art Critics which operates at the Union of Artists, helps to identify young talents. A prize named after the artist-miniaturist of the 16th century, Soltan Muhammad was instituted by Azerbaijan Union of Artists and this prize is conferred once every two years to artists and art critics. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Armenias national gas distribution network declined to clarify on Thursday whether it is ready not to raise its domestic tariffs following a 10 percent increase in the price of Russian natural gas purchased by it from its parent company, Gazprom. Gazprom announced on New Years Eve that it has raised its wholesale gas price for Armenia from $150 to $165 per thousand cubic meters. The announcement followed fresh talks held by the Gazprom chairman, Alexei Miller, and Armenias Deputy Prime Minister Grigorian as well as phone conversations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian. Pashinian assured Armenians that they will not pay more for gas despite the price hike. For his part, Grigorian said on January 7 that the government and the Gazprom Armenia network will start discussions on the issue later this week. Gazprom Armenia will not ask Armenian utility regulators to allow it to raise the tariffs until those talks are over, he said. In written comments to RFE/RLs Armenian service, Gazprom Armenia said the talks will focus on the size of its profit margins that have to be approved by Armenian regulators. Gazprom Armenia expects that those negotiations will result in solutions that will ensure the normal functioning of the company and reliable and safe gas supplies to consumers, it added without elaborating. Gazprom Armenias chief executive, Hrant Tadevosian, said in November that his company is operating at a loss for a second consecutive year. He attributed the losses to its decision in late 2016 to cut the gas prices for households and corporate consumers. Grigorian suggested on Monday that Gazprom-Armenias losses can be cut or even nullified because of a significant difference between the costs of gas purchased from Gazprom and sold to Armenian consumers. By selling more of its own products, Amazon is becoming a competitor to the outside manufacturers it hosts on its platform and that's worrying regulators around the world. Why it matters: Governments have rarely tried to rein in Amazon's ambitions, allowing it to avoid most of the recent scrutiny directed at other large tech platforms. But the increased focus on Amazon's house-brand offerings suggests it may now be Amazon's turn. Driving the news: Amazon built a robust business as a participant in its own marketplace when it saw growth stall in stateside e-commerce, which is why holiday shoppers might have seen Amazon-owned brands like Happy Belly for food or Solimo for household goods when they browsed the site last year. It created more private-label products, from its AmazonBasics line to brands for fashion and furniture, that are in-house versions of things others sell on the site. It struck deals with outside manufacturers to sell their products exclusively. Critics say Amazon uses its sales data to find fruitful areas where it can produce generic versions of already-popular products. Then, its critics argue, Amazon favors its own brands when customers search for a certain item. They admit that brick-and-mortar businesses have done the same thing for decades, but argue that Amazon's dominance over online retail makes it more of a problem when the company moves so aggressively into house brands. By the numbers: Amazon currently has 135 private-label brands, and it has deals to sell another 332 brands exclusively around the world, according to a database maintained by TJI Research. The big picture: Regulators in major overseas markets for Amazon have already taken aim at its efforts. E-commerce rules going into effect next month in India appear to forbid a marketplace like Amazon or Walmart-owned Flipkart from selling products it has a stake in and to ban exclusivity deals. Analysts have questioned European competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager launched a preliminary look at Amazon's practice of using its data to build its private-label business last year, although a spokesperson said in an email that the EU has not yet begun a formal probe. Germany's antitrust regulator is probing how Amazon treats third-party merchants who use its marketplace. It says its investigation differs from the EU inquiry, but that the two "proceedings supplement one another." In Washington, Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren who's running for the White House has expressed concerns about Amazons growing role as a seller on its own platform. You got to pick one business or the other, baby, Warren said in September. You want to be a competitor, be a competitor, thats great. You want to be the platform provider, that is a different function. Yes, but: It could be hard for regulators to crack down on Amazons in-house product efforts in the United States, where most anticompetitive practices are ruled illegal only when consumers are hurt often by a price increase. Progressive lawmakers could use legislation to make antitrust law more applicable to major tech platforms, including Amazon. "Would you speak to how the commission determines whether conduct has anti-competitive effects in non-price competition and how you make those determinations?" Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.), the new chair of the House Judiciary Committee's antitrust subcommittee, asked Federal Trade Commission chairman Joe Simons at a recent hearing. The other side: Amazon told Axios that selling private-label products is a standard practice in retail that broadens selection for customers. It said third-party sellers continue to do well on its platform. "Retail is fiercely competitive and its common for companies to offer customers private label products consumers see it every day when they walk into a store," said an Amazon spokesperson in a statement, which noted the company represented only a small percentage of global retail, although its share of online retail is large. Amazons private label products are less than 1% of our total sales. This is far less than other retailers, many of whom have private label products that represent 25% or more of their sales," the spokesperson said in an additional statement after this story was published. The company added that private-label products accounted for a greater percentage of sales at retailers like Costco, Walmart and Kroger, as well as major European brands, than they do at Amazon. (The "less than 1%" figure does not include sales at the Amazon-owned Whole Foods grocery chain.) Whats next? Amazon watchers say the company has accelerated its efforts to sell its own products or products it markets exclusively. SunTrust Robinson Humphrey analysts Youssef Squali and Naved Khan estimated in June that private-label product sales would generate $7.5 billion for Amazon in 2018, a significant increase from their estimate for 2017. The company remains very early in building a sizable private-label business, and as such, we expect growth in this segment to continue to outstrip overall e-commerces growth at Amazon, they said. Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional comment from Amazon. Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Ala.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) have called for the government to be reopened before more work is done on border security. Why it matters: It's getting harder for lawmakers to ignore the real consequences of a shutdown. Democrats in the House have passed a spending bill that would fund a majority of the shuttered government agencies besides the Department of Homeland Security, but President Trump has promised a veto. The Senate can override a veto with 67 votes, but Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said he won't bring any vote that doesn't have Trump's approval. Murkowski: "We don't need to hold up these six other departments at the same time that we are resolving these very important security issues." "We don't need to hold up these six other departments at the same time that we are resolving these very important security issues." Collins: "I'm not saying their whole plan is a valid plan, but I see no reason why the bills that are ready to go and on which we've achieved an agreement should be held hostage to this debate over border security." "I'm not saying their whole plan is a valid plan, but I see no reason why the bills that are ready to go and on which we've achieved an agreement should be held hostage to this debate over border security." Gardner: "I think we should pass a continuing resolution to get the government back open. The Senate has done it last Congress, we should do it again today." Go deeper: A federal judge declared the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional Friday, ruling that the entire law must be struck down because Congress invalidated the tax penalty for not buying health insurance the basis for the Supreme Court's 2012 ruling that declared the law constitutional. Why it matters: The long-awaited ruling by the Texas judge isn't the last word on the issue. A spokeswoman for California Attorney General Xavier Becerra says the state is already planning an appeal, per Bloomberg. But it leaves the entire future of Barack Obama's health care law uncertain and is sure to put President Trump and congressional Republicans on the defensive, as it would mean the end of protections for people with pre-existing conditions. "The Court finds the Individual Mandate is essential to and inseverable from the other provisions of the ACA." U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor "As I predicted all along, Obamacare has been struck down as an UNCONSTITUTIONAL disaster! Now Congress must pass a STRONG law that provides GREAT healthcare and protects pre-existing conditions. Mitch and Nancy, get it done!" President Trump on Twitter Friday night "When House Democrats take the gavel, the House of Representatives will move swiftly to formally intervene in the appeals process to uphold the life-saving protections for people with pre-existing conditions and reject Republicans effort to destroy the Affordable Care Act. Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi The backstory: The ruling was issued in a lawsuit by a coalition of Republican-led states led by Texas. O'Connor had already signaled in a September hearing that he was open to the red states' arguments. The ruling comes one day before the last day of open enrollment for ACA coverage for 2019. In an interview with "Axios on HBO," President Trump said he'd reinstate protections for pre-existing conditions if the lawsuit gutted the ACA. But as Axios' Sam Baker notes, Republicans have never come up with a replacement plan that would offer the same level of protection as the ACA. Timothy Jost, a legal expert and supporter of the ACA, told Axios' Caitlin Owens that the ruling shouldn't have any effect until Jan. 1, since the tax penalty is still in effect until then. Beyond that, he says, it depends on how the Trump administration reacts and whether a higher court stays the ruling. Read the ruling: Go deeper: There's a new lawsuit over the ACA's individual mandate Texas lawsuit throws the ACA's future into uncertainty Exclusive poll: Public fears lawsuit over pre-existing conditions This story has been updated with more details and reactions from President Trump and Nancy Pelosi. The Croatian government announced today it is abandoning a plan to buy U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets from Israel after the Trump administration objected to the $500 million deal. Why it matters: This is one of the most serious rifts between Israel and the U.S. since Trump took office. Pentagon and State Department officials had contended Israel was taking advantage of the U.S. by selling the 12 jets, upgraded with Israeli technology, which were originally supplied to Israel 30 years ago as U.S. military aid. Israel tried to negotiate with the U.S. in order to get approval for the deal but after several meetings and phone calls between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Secretaries Mike Pompeo and James Mattis, the differences remained. The standoff was revealed by Israel's Channel 10 News and Axios two months ago. The U.S. wanted Israel to return the jets to their original condition before transferring them to Croatia, but the Croatian government demanded the "Israeli version." The Croatians gave Israel an ultimatum to solve the differences with the U.S. by January 11th or the deal will be cancelled. Today, the director general of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Udi Adam, arrived in Zagreb and told the Croatian minister of defense Israel would not be able to fulfill out that request. "Unfortunately, the conditions were not ready and we were not able to implement the project due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. Croatia could not influence this outcome and cannot be held responsible for the failure." Udi Adam, speaking to the press The Taliban canceled its scheduled peace talks with U.S. officials this week in Qatar, following an encouraging meeting between senior U.S. and Taliban representatives in the UAE several weeks ago. The Taliban objected to Washingtons desire to include Afghan officials in this round, who were not present at the last meeting. The big picture: The cancellation underscores the daunting challenge of launching peace talks in Afghanistan. The Taliban refuses to talk to Kabul until Washington reaches a deal with the insurgents on the departure of U.S. forces. Washington has expressed a willingness to discuss the troop issue with the Taliban, but it also wants Kabul to talk to the Taliban as soon as possible to ensure that the Afghan government isnt written out of the script of its own reconciliation process. Independently of the peace process, President Trump intends to remove several thousand soldiers from Afghanistan, which risks depriving Washington of leverage in the talks and giving the Taliban flexibility including the freedom to back out of meetings that dont serve its interests. In fact, impending U.S. troop withdrawals leave the Taliban little incentive to engage with the U.S., as it could soon get the troop departures it wants without having to enter talks at all. Washingtons struggles to cooperate with Pakistan and Afghanistan are well known, but Iran is another challenging regional actor. The Talibans cancellation of the talks came soon after a Taliban delegation visited Tehran, suggesting that Iran may have encouraged the insurgents to back out to spite its U.S. rival. The bottom line: U.S. officials wont want the Taliban snub to deter their reconciliation efforts, but its a reality check that cant be ignored. Michael Kugelman is deputy director for the Asia Program and senior associate for South Asia at the Wilson Center. 2018 was quite the ride, wasn't it? From a motoring standpoint, there were a number of highlights that made the year rather interesting. While 2018 sounded like a bit of a struggle in motoring, there were still a couple of good things that came out of it. So here are just some of the highs and lows of the year that was, 2018. All aboard TRAIN We started 2018 with the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. The Act saw car prices go up, particularly in the Php 1 million to Php 2 million bracket. Needless to say, nationwide sales were down for the first time in nine years after nearly a decade of steady growth. To counter that, some brands opted to freeze their 2017 prices, but prices inevitably still went up as stocks from the previous year dried up. The taxman makes adjustments The TRAIN Law did benefit two types of vehicles. These are pickup trucks and hybrid vehicles. With no tax imposed on pickup trucks, sales of these vehicles grew while other segments needed months to find their footing with the new prices. Hybrid prices were also slashed by some automakers, although we're yet to see more consumers taking the gas-electric route. On the flipside however, fuel duty tax went up in 2018. Taxes for unleaded fuel jumped to Php 7 per liter, and diesel gots levied an additional Php 2.50. End of Uber in Southeast Asia In one of the biggest surprises of 2018, Grab took over all of Uber's Southeast Asian operations during the first half of that year. At the time, Uber was reporting heavy losses in the region. Bleeding money, Uber sold the lot to Grab, and packed their bags in the ASEAN region, much to the dismay of local ride share users. While there have been start-ups trying to fill in the void, Grab still has a stronghold in the country. The LTO and the off-road mod saga Off-roaders were just about ready to storm the Land Transportation Office when the agency cracked down on modded rigs. The LTO's Director for Law Enforcement Service, Francis Almora, response to angry off-roaders didn't help matters either, stating that the mods were in violation of Presidential Decree 96. He then added, What is the purpose of these modifications? Off-roading. Therefore, they are not for the highways. You should not drive it in the national roads because that is dangerous. You modified it for a special purpose, off-road. Then why do you bring it to the national road?. Cue the angry mob. Some owners were flagged down due to off-road upgrades they made to their vehicle, while others weren't even allowed to renew their registration unless the parts were removed. However, LTO Executive Director Romeo Vera Cruz said that there is no active operation citing modified 4x4s. Things were eventually resolved following a dialogue with the off-road community. A new Bill on Reckless Imprudence And now, for a bit of good news. It wasn't all gloom and doom in 2018 and one Solon made it a mission to revise the law to amend the law on reckless imprudence. Rep. Neil Abayon filed House Bill 6925, also known as the Philippine Responsible Driving and Accountability Act. Under current laws and procedures, drivers or motorists involved in road safety incidents and traffic violations are presumed at fault even when pedestrians an/or other motorists are at fault or also share fault, said the congressman. Here's to hoping HB 6925 becomes an actual law. License plates, finally It took a while but finally, new license plates have arrived, if you're one of the lucky ones at least. With a new plate supplier, the plate backlog, estimated to be around 11 million pieces, is slowly but surely slimming down. It took a long time but, if it's any consolation, it's better late than never. Granted, there are still some 2016-purchased cars still waiting for their plates. Still, if you buy a car now, you no longer have to wait years before you can put on the registration number and ditch that conduction tag. It's still a long way to go but it's a good, promising start nonetheless. End of an era At the dawn of 2018, we waved goodbye to two stalwarts of the Philippine motoring industry. Last year marked the end of the road for the Mitsubishi Adventure, and Isuzu Crosswind. With Euro IV emissions in place, the Euro II-engined AUVs had to be dropped from their respective lineups. For nearly 20 years (exactly 20 years for the Adventure), the two served as utilitarians, public transport, and family shuttles for the Filipino people. If you didn't own one, you always knew someone who did and if you commuted within the last 20 years, there's a sure chance you've sat in either of these. While the traditional 10-seat AUV is no more, there's a new kind of vehicle taking the market by storm, and needless to say, it's doing wonders for Mitsubishi. As for Isuzu, we'll have to wait a couple more years to come up with a Crosswind substitute for the 2020s and beyond. The dawn of small, seven-seat 'SUVs' It all started with the BR-V but Toyota and Mitsubishi were quick to respond to the small, seven-seat 'SUV' from Honda. Mitsubishi showed their card first with the Xpander, serving as an indirect replacement for the 20 year old Adventure. Meanwhile, Toyota fought back with the Rush. Within months of their respective debuts, orders soon piled in and reservation lines kept getting longer and longer. By the end of 2018, the Xpander and the Rush became common sights on our roads. Not to be outdone, Honda then announced that the BR-V is now being manufactured locally, making it the only small, high-riding seven-seater assembled in the Philippines. Needless to say, it will be an interesting fight among the Honda BR-V, Mitsubishi Xpander, and Toyota Rush this year. Nissan joins the SUV slugfest For the longest time, Nissan was missing out on one of the most important segments in the country today, the hotly contested mid-size SUV class. They finally rectified that when they pulled the covers off Terra and hit the ground running trying to convince people out of their Fortuners, Montero Sports, Mu-Xs, and Everests. It was a long wait but it was definitely worth it with the Terra quickly becoming one of Nissan's fastest sellers. It's justified too as it is a genuinely good SUV on and off-road when we put it through its paces last month. With its competitive pricing and impressive capabilities, the Nissan Terra appears set to carry over its momentum into the new year. Pickups for all Big news for pickups this year as Ford, Isuzu, and Toyota made big headlines with their haulers. On the utilitarian side of things, Isuzu gave the D-Max a new heart. Out goes the old 2.5-liter mill and in its place is a new 1.9-liter engine. While it is smaller than the engine it replaced, it packs more power and, in out testing, better fuel economy. Toyota meanwhile gave the Hilux a new face with the Conquest, giving it a more aggressive look. Expect the rest of the range to have the new, bolder face sometime this year. And then there's Ford ushering in a new kind of pickup. Performance pickup sounds like an oxymoron but Ford did exactly that with the Ranger Raptor. Packing over 200 horsepower, cross-country rally-inspired suspension, and a whole lot of attitude, there's no other pick-up in the country like it. Little Jimny pulls a big crowd (and views) There were a lot of new cars introduced back in the last 12 months but there was one little car that drew in a big crowd. It's the Suzuki Jimny and it became one of the most talked-about vehicles of 2018. With its retro-futuristic design, it charmed the audiences of last year's Philippine International Auto Show. Granted, it isn't in showrooms just yet but it's starting to look like Suzuki has a winner on its hands. After all, who wouldn't fall for its bug-eyed face and 'cute-ute' dimensions? In a world of crossovers and pickup-based SUVs, this modern-day blast from the past was a refreshing sight. Redesigning Toyota's best-seller It's a delicate act redesigning a best-seller. So you can imagine the folks at Toyota piling in overtime preparing the new Vios. All those extra hours did pay off in the end when the first units rolled off the assembly line in Santa Rosa. More stylish than before, the new Vios addressed most of the previous model's shortcomings in an edgier-looking, safer package. Granted, it's a rebody and a bit of a half step, but as we said a couple of months back, it's a half step in the right direction. Made in China 2018 also saw a wave of cars made in China making their way to the Philippines. First up is Volkswagen and, we know what you're thinking; Volkswagen is German. But from mid-2018 onwards, the majority of the product range will be sourced from China, ushering in a new era for Volkswagen in the Philippines. Consisting of the Santana, Santana GTS, Lavida, Lamando, and Tiguan long-wheelbase, these cars are looking for a bigger slice of the local market share. Then there's GAC Motor which landed in the country towards the end of 2018. With a range of five vehicles, they aim to bring upmarket cars at a lower price. The GAC Motor range consists of the GA4 sedan, GA8 luxury sedan, GS4 compact crossover, GS8 mid-size SUV, and GM8 luxury minivan. BAIC and Foton joined the new car onslaught too with a couple of new cars to offer. Over 50 new cars, over 50 new choices You may not have noticed it but there was a lot of new cars that were introduced in the country. Ford showed us the all-new Expedition, updated Mustang, facelifted EcoSport and Ranger, and, of course, the Raptor. While we're on the subject of American cars, Chevrolet also brought in the Malibu... and the Corvette. Hyundai meanwhile introduced the all-new Santa Fe and Veloster, Kona, Starex, Ioniq, facelifted Tucson and, as a year-ender, the all-new Accent. Honda on the other hand launched the updated HR-V and Isuzu rolled out the one of most affordable automatic mid-size SUV in the market today with the Mu-X LS. Mazda updated two models and launched an all-new crossover with the facelifted Mazda6 and MX-5, along with the CX-9. Aside from the Terra, Nissan announced the arrival of more NISMO models for the Philippines. Subaru meanwhile gave their cars better vision with addition of EyeSight in most of their cars, plus the Levorg got a power upgrade. If we were to list down the new cars of 2018 in the Philippines, we'd have to make an entirely new story because there's just so many of them. Luxury brands didn't take 2018 sitting down either, with Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and more launching a slew of all-new and updated models. Looking back, it wasn't all bad in 2018. Yes, sales are down but the public is spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a new car. With that, there's a lot to look forward to in 2019 and, of course, there will be more new cars, pickups, and SUVs to come, and you can count on us to try them all out. Happy New Year, everyone, and cheers to the road ahead. It's been almost a year since it was revealed but it's now in the region. Toyota has unveiled the all-new RAV4 in ASEAN with Singapore being the regional launchpad. With that, the rest of the Southeast Asian markets shouldn't have to wait too long until it arrives in their respective countries. Visually similar to the Japan-spec model, the 2019 RAV4 presents a totally new and revolutionary redesign over the soon to be outgoing model. With its aggressive front end featuring creases, lines, and sharp headlights, it echoes design cues from larger Toyota SUVs, particularly the 4 Runner. Interior is also largely similar to the models for Japan, US, and Europe. That means it gets the same floating touchscreen, complemented by geometric shapes on the dashboard. For the Singapore market at least, it comes with cabin illumination, wireless smartphone charging, seven airbags, Toyota Safety Sense. Toyota Safety Sense includes lane departure warning, radar cruise control, auto high beam headlights, pre-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. As for engines, there's only one but that applies for Singapore. It gets a new, more powerful 2.0-liter engine, along with a new transmission. The engine now makes 170 PS and 203 Nm of torque, which is then paired to a continuously variable transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 16.7 kilometers per liter, according to the company. For now, it is yet to be known when the all-new RAV4 will arrive in the Philippines. But one thing is for certain, Toyota's ASEAN operations will be very busy this year. Andrew Wheeler. Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images Donald Trump formally nominated Andrew Wheeler to be the Environmental Protection Agencys new administrator, the White House announced on Wednesday. Wheeler has been the EPAs acting administrator since last July, when his predecessor and former boss, Scott Pruitt, resigned amid a corruption scandal. The prospect of administrator Wheeler presents its own ethics concerns: Wheeler is a former coal lobbyist, and his ties to K Street create a number of possible conflicts of interest. The Sierra Club, an environmental advocacy group, has filed an open records request for thousands of emails between EPA officials and fossil-fuel industry representatives. The Washington Post reported on Monday that a federal judge has ordered the EPA to release those emails within the next ten months. The agency had initially asked the court to have until 2022 halfway into the next presidential term to complete the requests, the Post wrote. Wheelers nomination also affirms the Trump administrations persistent commitment to the fossil-fuel industry. Though Wheeler is generally regarded as a more competent administrator than Pruitt, his actual policies differ little from those of his predecessor. He is a climate denialist, and as Carolyn Kormann reported for The New Yorker in July 2018, he pushes a deregulatory agenda informed by his free-market economic commitments, not by scientific evidence. Wheeler makes much of his status as the grandson of a coal miner; Rolling Stone reported last November that he mentioned the connection in his first remarks to EPA staffers. My grandfather was a coal miner during the Depression, he said. My grandmother raised her children in the coal camps in West Virginia. In fact, I still have some of the company scrip that she used to buy food in the company store. Maybe Wheeler longs for the good old days. Under Pruitts watch, the EPA relaxed regulatory standards on the storage of coal ash, which can leak into local water sources and poison people, and theres no reason to think Wheeler will change course. As a lobbyist, he represented Murray Energy, the largest coal operator in the country. Trump has been good for Murray. In June 2018, the company managed to avoid insolvency thanks to news that the Trump administration planned a bailout of coal and nuclear plants. Murrays debt holders were encouraged by the development, Bloomberg reported at the time, and agreed to refinance a chunk of the companys bonds and loans. In December, during Wheelers time as acting administrator, the EPA introduced a proposal that would require new power plants to have more advanced technology than in their older counterparts and proposes a higher limit on how much carbon dioxide they can release, ABC News reported. If these new rules go into effect they would make it easier for corporations to create new coal plants, as ABC noted at the time. The Trump administrations conciliatory posture toward the coal industry is expansive, involving other federal agencies and departments. While Wheeler waited in the wings at the EPA, Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta eased federal oversight of West Virginias Affinity Mine, which is operated by Pocahontas Coal Company. As NBC News reported in September, Affinity had become subject to tough enforcement actions because of a pattern of safety violations. Wheeler obviously doesnt make Acostas decisions, but the Affinity case does help illustrate the potential impact of Wheelers continued tenure at the EPA. A proliferation of coal plants plus the deregulation of coal-ash storage and a rollback of worker-safety oversight spells trouble both for the environment and for coal miners themselves. Wheeler might be the proud grandson of a miner, but if the Senate confirms his nomination, hell probably make mining communities even more difficult places to live. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has released dashcam footage of the incident that occurred last weekend in Morrow County, in Mount Gilead. The officers were responding to calls of a nearby crash: witnesses said that a truck drove through closed fenced and crashed, with the driver fleeing the scene.When the cops arrived, they found a woman wandering through a field, a LiveLeak report notes. She was wearing a T-shirt and underwear and claimed shed been raped. She had scratches and blood running down her legs, so the officers took her to one of their cruisers to ask her more questions.Thats when the woman climbed inside through the passenger door, scooted over to the drivers side and drove off. Meanwhile, the officer was still trying to get her to stop, so he was literally hanging on the door of the cruiser. According to the report, he was treated at the scene for minor cuts and bruises, so it looks like he didnt hold on for too long. Good for him.Other police units gave chase to the stolen cruiser. The woman eventually drove it into a ditch, smashed through a few more fences, hit a tree and came to a full stop. She came out of the car and tried to run on foot, but she was apprehended and placed in cuffs.After the arrest, police have determined that the pickup truck the woman was initially driving (which she crashed) had also been reported stolen. Apparently, itd been left with the engine running, so the woman just took it.The police are now investigating the womans rape claims, but she remains in custody. SUV JUST IN: Nine has obtained exclusive vision of the moment a freeway sign came loose in Melbourne, crushing a passing car and injuring the woman behind the wheel. @LanaMurphy #9News pic.twitter.com/fTcbAZu3ss Nine News Australia (@9NewsAUS) January 9, 2019 Footage of the incident was captured by a dashcam in a vehicle traveling behind the Hyundai and made public by Nine News Australia . Authorities are now investigating to determine the causes of the incident, the media outlet notes.The Santa Fe was traveling down the Tullamarine Freeway towards one of the busiest shopping areas around and the Essedon Airport, at 5.30 in the afternoon. Without any warning signs, the large chunk of metal came loose and fell on the freeway, flipping and landing on top of the. Before landing on the roof of the car, it hit the hood, right in front of the driver.The same media outlet notes that the driver is a woman. As you can see in the video at the bottom of the page, there was nothing she could have done to prevent or lessen the force of the impact. You can see she tried to steer out of the way but was unsuccessful.Emergency responders found the woman conscious and complaining of neck pain, when they arrived at the scene. She was rushed to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in stable condition, and received treatment for arm and neck injuries. She is expected to make a full recovery and to be discarded soon.According to the same media outlet, that sign, along with many others, was put up just last year. Right now, authorities are working with the firm that set them up to determine the causes of the incident, while inspecting nearby signs.Safety is of paramount importance to us and we will continue to work in collaboration with VicRoads, Major Road Projects Victoria and CPB Contactors (the installers of the sign) as part of the investigation, a spokesperson for Transurban says. ECU SUV This Raging Bull has been gifted with aftermarket goodies coming from Fi Exhaust. We're talking about a developer that comes with one of the loudest setups on the market.And while the piece of footage at the bottom of the page showcases the voice of the Italian monster, the clip only brings a revving sample, so we can't get the complete haul, which would require an acceleration sample. Even so, we're asking you to turn up the volume before reaching for the "play" button.Returning to the point we made in the intro, we've already shown you multiple examples of the Lamborghini Urus that had been taken down the aftermarket path.And with drag racing being as popular as ever, it didn't take long before the Raging Bull was taken to the strip. In stock form, the Italian high-rider managed to complete the quarter-mile task in 11.2 seconds, which makes for a remarkable time - here an example of such a run.Nevertheless, you should know that the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 of the Lambo can easily be taken past the 650 horsepower factory output. As such, the unit can hit about 800 horsepower using just anremap and perhaps a custom exhaust like the one sitting before us (you can check out an 800-pony Lamborghini Urus here ).And while we have yet to see such a Urus being thrown at the drag strip, we're expecting such lightly touched examples of the beast to become ten-second cars. Of couyrse, this will pace the all-terrain machine in the same league as certain supercars, which just goes to show how far the super-segment has been taken. The second batch of QLFPs Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Jones Day, Linklaters, and Sidley Austin was awarded their licenses in 2013. Their licenses were extended to 2020 last year, when they were due to expire. The QLFP scheme was launched in 2008 as a way for Singapore to grow its legal sector, support the growth its key economic sectors, and increase opportunities for Singaporean lawyers. The ministry said that the foreign firms have contributed strongly to the growth of Singapores legal sector. In the 2017-18 financial year, the QFLPs generated over S$400m million in total revenue, of which about 80% came from offshore work. Of the more than 450 lawyers the firms employ in Singapore, about 35% are Singapore-qualified lawyers. To decide whether to renew a firms QFLP licence, the Ministry will consider the firms quantitative and qualitative performance, such as the value of work that the Singapore office will generate and the extent to which the Singapore office will function as the firms headquarter for the region, during the licence period relative to its earlier commitments, the firms contributions to Singapore, and the firms proposal for the new licence period, the ministry said. In accepting the role, Shebson says he is proud to be leading HFW at a time of challenges for the legal profession. "These are increasingly challenging times for global law firms, but I passionately believe in HFW and that through effective communication, innovation, efficiency and teamwork, we can deliver positive and sustainable growth across our entire business. I would also like to thank Marcus for his hard work and significant contribution to the firm." Meanwhile, senior partner Richard Crump is no stranger to re-election having been returned four times to the role he has now held for more than a decade. The firm has changed beyond all recognition over the past few years and we have ambitious plans to continue the growth and development of our practice across our core sectors, services and international offices, he said. HFW added 24 new partners in 2018, including nine internal promotions and 15 lateral hires across Abu Dhabi, Brussels, Dubai, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Rio de Janeiro and Singapore. Hynes Legal has promoted Madeline Walsh, Amy ODonnell, and Todd Garsden to partner. Walsh will be the firms second partner in the aged care and retirement living team, a sector of focus for the firm. She joins Julie McStay, who she will work with to guide the team during a challenging time for the sector as the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety gets underway, Hynes Legal said. ODonnell and Garsden are part of the firms body corporate and management rights team, where they will continue to work closely with partner Frank Higginson. The FDA is lacking 41 percent of its employees due to the shutdown. Photo: Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images In normal times, the Food and Drug Administration keeps an eye on E. coli in romaine lettuce, listeria in ice cream, and salmonella in peanut butter. But during the during the government shutdown, some of those inspections are falling by the wayside. The agency, which oversees the inspection of 80 percent of the U.S. food supply, is down roughly 7,000 of its 17,000 employees. Thats led it to suspend nearly all of its inspections of domestic food producers. Theres no question of whether its business as usual at FDA, commissioner Scott Gottlieb told NBC News. Its not business as usual, and we are not doing all the things we would do under normal circumstances. There are important things we are not doing. The agency is still performing some of its core duties. Its continuing to inspect foreign food producers, along with domestic food companies involved in outbreaks or recalls. But the reduction in its portfolio has some employees worrying about people becoming sick or even dying due to foodborne illness. With the shutdown, surveillance is not effective. They are doing the bare minimum to get by, Geneve Parks, a furloughed FDA chemist, told CNN. When you dont have enough funding, then it becomes a life-or-death situation. Its scary. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 47.8 million people get sick because of foodborne illness each year. Of those, 128,000 are hospitalized and just over 3,000 die. With the government showing little sign of reopening, Gottlieb is attempting to bring back some furloughed employees to work without pay. Their first order of business would be inspecting high-risk facilities that are under the FDAs purview, such as cheese producers. But Gottlieb acknowledged to NBC News that working without pay is far from ideal, especially for food inspectors, who are not paid very well and sometimes expected to use their own credit cards for travel. Gottlieb is worried about hurting employees who have been furloughed. He has come up with one creative way to limit out-of-pocket expenses. Food inspectors who travel overseas use credit cards that are billed in their own names, and the staff are reimbursed later by the FDA. Foreign travel can rack up thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in charges quickly, so Gottlieb said he was working to change that billing so it goes straight to the agency. But theres another issue for inspectors, many of whom are not paid especially high salaries and who may be living paycheck to paycheck. FDA food inspectors often start at what is known as a GS-5 on the federal government pay scale a job with a base pay of $30,000 to $37,000 a year. Nearly three weeks since the shutdown began, advocacy groups are raising concerns about the FDAs limited capacity. Fewer inspections puts our food supply at risk, Sarah Sorscher, deputy director of regulatory affairs at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, told the Washington Post. Regular inspections, which help stop foodborne illness before people get sick, are vital. Of custody and crypto The normally staid world of custody banking is now having to embrace the wild child of global assets: cryptocurrency. And this is happening just as bitcoin, the poster child of cryptocurrency, seesawed from US$30,000 one week to $40,000 the next, shedding then recovering 30% of its value. Some bitcoin bulls are talking of $100,000 by year-end An avowed white supremacist who caucuses with the Republican Party. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call,Inc. Congressman Steve King is sick and tired of political correctness. First, the liberal snowflakes decided that it was somehow racist to say that white people have contributed more to civilization than any other subgroup. Then, they decided that it was hateful for a lifelong Iowan to keep a miniature Confederate battle flag on the desk of his congressional office; or to tweet that mixing cultures will not lead to a higher quality of life but a lower one; or to endorse a far-right Austrian party that was founded by Nazis, and is currently led by a former neo-Nazi; or to insist that the West cant restore our civilization with somebody elses babies; or to liken immigrants to dirt. But now, the PC police have truly gone too far: Mr. King, in [an interview with the New York Times], said he was not a racist At the same time, he said, he supports immigrants who enter the country legally and fully assimilate because what matters more than race is the culture of America based on values brought to the United States by whites from Europe. White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive? Mr. King said. Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization? Steve Kings complaints notwithstanding, there arent a lot of things that a Republican politician cant say, so long as he or she prefaces her remarks with some version of the magic phrase, Im not a racist, but For example, the president of the United States has said (at various points over the past three years) that Muslims should not be allowed into the United States; federal judges with Mexican heritage cannot impartially preside over legal disputes; America should take in more immigrants from Norway, instead of fromshithole countries like Haiti or those in Africa; Americans who immigrated to this country through the diversity visa lottery are all horrendous; Central American asylum seekers are trying to infest our country; and there are plenty of very fine people who enjoy marching with neo-Nazis, so as to defend the good name of men who committed treason against the United States for the sake preserving their right to buy, sell, rape, and murder dark-skinned human beings with impunity. But the president also says that racism is evil, and that he is the least racist person anybody is going to meet. And thus, when Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said that Trump was a racist in an interview with 60 Minutes, Anderson Cooper responded by asking, incredulously, How can you say that? And yet, Steve Kings latest comments might have just pushed Im not a racist but to its breaking point. The congressman did release a statement Thursday afternoon that condemned white supremacy as an evil ideology but did not explain what he had meant when he asked the Times how white supremacist came to be seen as an offensive term. My statement on the New York Times article. pic.twitter.com/IjBHgZYgRD Steve King (@SteveKingIA) January 10, 2019 Still, saying, you dont have to be a racist to believe Confederate monuments are worth preserving is one thing. Saying, you dont have to be a racist to think that whites are bearers of the supreme culture, and that light-skinned people, across Europes myriad nations, all share the same fundamental values which all other subgroups of humanity lack, and can only develop if they submit to the tutelage of white civilization seems like another. Then again, maybe not: As of this writing, Steve Kings remarks to the Times have not cost him his place in the Republican Partys congressional caucus. Online Access for Print Subscribers. Do you have a print subscription with the Argus-Press? If yes, then click here to enjoy complimentary access to our Online Content! DFS Aviation Services, a subsidiary of the German air navigation service provider DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS), has signed a contract with the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications of Bahrain for the provision of personnel. The company will provide operational and administrative personnel in Bahrain. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohamed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, said: "The DFS Group is considered to be one of the best providers of air navigation services and has extensive experience and expertise. I am confident that with this partnership, our civil aviation air navigation capabilities will be elevated as our team learn from the industry's best." Mohamed Thamir Al Kaabi, said: "This agreement with DFS Aviation Services will enable CAA to carry out its responsibilities at a top standard, allowing our team to gain international experience in the fields of air navigation, aviation safety, regulations and more, and I am pleased that we have been able to build this partnership with a partner as well established as the DFS Group." "We are honoured to win Bahrain as a modern and dynamic partner. The rapid development of the country makes this project particularly exciting for us," said Oliver P. Cristinetti, managing director of DFS Aviation Services. "We look forward to tackling the ATM future together and to supporting the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications of Bahrain in developing the country as a vibrant platform for travel and to reinforcing its international role." Airbus delivered 800 commercial aircraft to 93 customers in 2018, meeting its full year delivery guidance and setting a new company record. Deliveries were 11 percent higher than the previous record of 718 units, set in 2017. For the 16th year in a row now, Airbus has increased the number of commercial aircraft deliveries on an annual basis. In total, the 2018 commercial aircraft deliveries comprise: 20 A220s (since it became part of the Airbus family in July 2018); 626 A320 Family (vs 558 in 2017), of which 386 were A320neo Family (vs 181 NEOs in 2017); 49 A330s (vs 67 in 2017) including the first three A330neo in 2018; 93 A350 XWBs (vs 78 in 2017); 12 A380s (vs 15 in 2017). In terms of sales, Airbus achieved 747 net orders during 2018 compared with 1,109 net orders in 2017. At the end of 2018, the backlog of Airbus commercial aircraft reached a new industry record and stood at 7,577 aircraft, including 480 A220s, compared with 7,265 at the end of 2017. Despite significant operational challenges, Airbus continued its production ramp-up and delivered a record number of aircraft in 2018. I salute our teams around the globe who worked until the end of the year to meet our commitments, said Guillaume Faury, President Airbus Commercial Aircraft. I am equally pleased about the healthy order intake as it shows the underlying strength of the commercial aircraft market and the trust our customers are placing in us. My gratitude goes out to all of them for their ongoing support. He added: As we look to further increase our industrial efficiency, we will continue making the digitalisation of our business a key priority. Over the last 16 years, Airbus has steadily increased its production year-by-year with the final assembly lines in Hamburg, Toulouse, Tianjin and Mobile complemented by the addition of the A220 line in Mirabel, Canada, during 2018. A notable contribution to Airbus delivery increase in 2018 came from the final assembly lines in the US and China. For the top-selling A320 Family in particular, the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Mobile, Alabama, saw its 100th delivery, and is now producing in excess of four units per month. Meanwhile, Airbus FAL Asia in Tianjin, China, achieved its 400th A320 delivery, while in Germany Airbus commenced operations of its new, fourth production line in Hamburg. Overall, the A320 programme is on track to achieve rate 60 per month for the A320 Family by mid-2019. The Airbus teams successfully reached an important industrial milestone for the A350, achieving the targeted rate of 10 aircraft per month. In case anyone was still in doubt, Vox's ultra-nationalist, xenophobic and anti-feminist agenda has been revealed for all the world to see. The list of nineteen demands the far-right party has made of the PP and Cs [Ciudadanos] in exchange for their support in governing Andalusia is frankly outrageous. It is a platform that takes Andalusia, and Spain as a whole, back in time to the pre-constitutional period. Vox aspires to a shameless form of recentralisation which in practice will turn autonomous regions into mere provincial councils, while stripping them of core powers such as education and healthcare. It is applying the policy to Andalusia while clearly having Catalonia in mind. Vox has also shown its obsession with foreigners by calling on the government of Andalusia to expel 52,000 undocumented immigrants. In addition, it has made its fight against feminism explicit by demanding that the law against gender violence be repealed. In other words, it denies the existence of what is actually a major problem. Vox also demonstrates its rancid Spanish nationalism, if not downright Neo-Francoist leanings, when it speaks of celebrating the Reconquista [when Christian kingdoms gradually retook control of the Iberian peninsula from the Moors]. The PP and Ciudadanos reiterated yesterday that Wednesday was a historic day because for the first time in 40 years there is an agreement to remove the PSOE from power in Andalusia. But, in fact, yesterday was a historic day for a much more important reason: after 40 years the far right will once again control a government in Spain and impose its agenda on society. The attempt by the PP, and especially by Albert Riveras party, to get the support of Vox for free came to nothing. In exchange for voting in Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla as president, the ultras negotiated with the PP a 37 point document that includes the core of their ultra-conservative ideology, and forces concessions such as creating a Ministry of the Family, repeals the law of historical memory, and makes it easier for parents to prevent their children from receiving education that does not sit well with their values. Take the money and run? Photo: Sarah Silbiger/CQ-Roll Call Kirsten Gillibrand, Cory Booker, and Kamala Harris have spent the past two years racing to the leftmost edge of respectable opinion. Collectively, they have endorsed a single-payer health-care system, a federal jobs guarantee, a multitrillion-dollar expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit, a universal basic wealth plan, the abolition of Immigration and Customs and Enforcement (ICE), universal child care, labor-law reform, and a Green New Deal, among other social democratic policies. In recent weeks, they have also all reached out to Wall Street executives, in hopes of securing some funding for their prospective presidential campaigns. Or so CNBC reports: Billionaire and Blackstone Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Gray; Robert Wolf, CEO and founder of economic advisory firm 32 Advisors, and Mark Gallogly, a founder of private investment firm Centerbridge Partners, are just a few of the Democratic financiers who have spoken with 2020 hopefuls about a wide range of topics, including the upcoming campaign, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter. Wolf, a former advisor to former President Barack Obama, including as a member of the Presidents Economic Recovery Advisory Board, said he had been in touch with 2020 hopefuls but declined to name the individual lawmakers. However, people familiar with the talks say Wolfs contact list has included Gillibrand, along with New Jerseys Booker and Californias Harris. Wolf has a history of backing the three senators. He wrote a check to Gillibrand for $2,700 in 2018 and donated to Harris campaign in 2016. In 2014, he backed Bookers Senate campaign Booker also recently met with a top New York donor who described the encounter to CNBC on the condition of anonymity. I had tea a while ago with Cory, this person said. The meetings arent officially about running, but of course they are about running in 2020. Booker seemed to be trying to see whether this financier could help raise money for a White House run, according to the person. This CNBC report along with a prior one that exclusively highlighted Gillibrands overtures to Wall Street have reignited an intra-left debate that raged throughout the 2016 primary: Can Democrats accept money from industries whose interests are antithetical to progressive goals, and still call themselves progressive? Or, put differently: Is it rational to simultaneously believe that corporate money corrupts our nations politics (as virtually all Democrats do) and that corporate money does not have any corrupting influence on progressive Democrats who accept such funds? In my view, the answer is yes but. As a socialist will eagerly inform you, this is a billionaires world; we just live in it. In a country where wealth is concentrated at the top and winning presidential campaigns typically cost upward of half a billion dollars progressives will have a hard time taking power without the help of some wealthy class traitors (and/or socially liberal plutocrats who got taken for a ride). In fact, the socialist left would never have secured its current modicum of political influence and cultural capital without the aid of woke millionaires and billionaires. Virtually every major left-wing publication owes its existence to (at least in part) the patronage of superrich individuals. Without billionaire Pierre Omidyar, there is no Intercept. Without a $100,000 gift from a Twitter millionaire, Jacobin would have had a harder time getting off the ground. And while Bernie Sanders does not accept direct contributions from Wall Street firms, the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee does and Bernie Sanders accepts contributions from the DSCC. Further, the socialist senators 2016 campaign accepted money from people who worked in the financial industry, including some Wall Street executives (albeit much less money than other leading presidential contenders raked in). So it is both necessary for progressive presidential candidates to accept money from corporate executives and possible for them to do so without compromising their ideological goals. Still, there is a distinction between accepting such funds, and aggressively soliciting them. And there are also very sound reasons for progressives to adopt a zero-tolerance, better safe than sorry policy toward the appearance of coziness with the financial industry. Barack Obama accepted significant funds from Wall Street banks in 2008, appointed Wall Street veterans to many of his Cabinets top positions and then, when overseeing the governments response to the financial crisis, bailed out Wall Street firms, while doing little to aid the underwater homeowners that those firms had exploited. And the 2008 crisis itself is at least partially attributable to financial deregulation enacted by the previous Democratic president, who had also accepted significant funds from Wall Street banks and appointed Wall Street veterans to top Cabinet posts. Its entirely possible (perhaps, likely) that Kirsten Gillibrands recent conversations with Wall Street executives tell us nothing about how she would govern as president. And the same can be said of Harris and Booker. In general, a lawmakers behavior in Congress is a more reliable indicator of their ideological views than whether they seek financing from rich people who work in one of our countrys largest industries. But putting CNBCs scoop to the side, and looking solely at the 2020 hopefuls conduct in Congress, it would remain the case that Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders have challenged the financial industrys influence over American politics in general and Democratic politics, in particular far more consistently, and vigorously, than any of their progressive rivals. No senator has done more to demonize Wall Street in the public imagination than Sanders; and none has done more to redistribute wealth from predatory lenders to the consumers they fleeced than Warren. All of which is to say: When assessing 2020 candidates independence from Wall Street, the amount of money theyve accepted from financial executives might be less telling than the amount of vitriol theyve attracted from them. And the titans of finance are more unanimous in their hatred for Warren and Sanders than for any other Democrats on offer. Not at all. It just seems like a lot of back-and-forth talk. Yes. I'm growing very worried over what might happen. If it keeps up, I might be a little more concerned. I think there are much larger things to concern us as a country. It's hard to tell; I can't take the leader of either country seriously. Vote View Results Tom Steyer will not pour his vast wealth into a 2020 candidacy after all. Photo: Sean Rayford/Getty Images After months and months in which it appeared that every elected official and billionaire in the country was taking the temperature in Iowa and mulling a 2020 presidential candidacy (to the point where pundits were referring to this as the Why Not Me? cycle), a potentially serious aspirant has bowed out, as CNN reports: Billionaire Tom Steyer will not run for president in 2020, his spokeswoman tells CNN, ending months of speculation that the Democratic donor will escalate his efforts to defeat Trump by attempting to take him on at the ballot box. Steyer, a 61-year-old hedge fund manager, will make the announcement in Des Moines, Iowa on Wednesday. Aleigha Cavalier, Steyers spokeswoman, told CNN on Wednesday that the billionaire will instead focus on his efforts to take on Trump from the outside, namely through Need to Impeach, a group he founded after Trumps win in 2016 that looked to garner public support around impeaching Trump. Steyers bankroll (he spent an estimated $120 million on 2018 political efforts) and his identification with the popular progressive causes of climate change action and impeachment of Trump made him a player for 2020. And his withdrawal is particularly good news for fellow Californians remaining in the field, notably Senator Kamala Harris. Perhaps she wont need to spend a gazillion dollars to win her home state in March of 2020, assuming she does well in the first four states. More broadly, we may finally be reaching the point where the vast Democratic presidential field is shrinking rather than expanding. After the midterm elections, New York governor Andrew Cuomo, always on everyones list of potential candidates for the Big Job, ruled out a run. And in December former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick announced he would not, after all, be running for president. Its also been a while since an entirely new possibility has come onto the scene, unless you take New York mayor Bill de Blasios announced plans to travel all around the country promoting progressive causes as an unlikely proto-candidacy, despite his protestations otherwise. Thats a good thing for Democrats, since the process of winnowing a field of as many as 20 viable candidates between now and the Iowa caucuses just over a year from now must begin sometime. Yes, the caucuses and primaries themselves will quickly dispatch a number of pretenders, but thanks to the Democratic Partys strict adherence to proportional representation in delegate awards and the money multiple candidates may be able to spend or raise, theres a nontrivial chance no one wins a solid majority before the July convention. And that sort of chaos could be exactly what Donald Trump needs. As possible candidates withdraw, of course, theres a chance additional pols or self-funding moguls will see the Next President of the United States in a nearby mirror. Perhaps Democrats should post a no vacancy in 2020 sign at every hotel and motel in Des Moines. A Stop the Shutdown rally in front of the Capitol Thursday. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call,Inc. Furloughed federal workers, hundreds of thousands of whom have been working for weeks without pay, are tired of waiting for lawmakers to find a solution to the partial government shutdown. So theyre taking to the streets, and the courts. On Thursday, the same day they received pay stubs for zero dollars, air traffic controllers staged a protest outside the Capitol. They were joined by unions representing other groups of federal workers, including TSA workers and pilots. They were also joined by several lawmakers, including Democratic senators Mark Warner and Richard Blumenthal. Senator @MarkWarner speaks to @NATCA rally attendees in support of the #aviation safety stakeholders in the crowd. pic.twitter.com/tqIWkXW1Cy ALPA (@WeAreALPA) January 10, 2019 The rally is part of a coordinated push by labor unions representing federal workers to put pressure on lawmakers to end the shutdown, and a sign that workers are growing increasingly frustrated with working for free. Another sign came this week from the National Treasury Employees Union. The union, which represents workers at 33 federal agencies, sued the Trump administration for forcing people to work without pay during the shutdown. The suit names two Customs and Border Protection officers who have been forced to continue working even though they wont receive a paycheck until the government reopens. The NTEU lawsuit is the second of its kind, coming a week after the American Federation of Government Employee, which represents correctional officers and ICE agents, among others, sued the federal government for the same thing. In a statement, AFGE president David Cox said: Our members put their lives on the line to keep our country safe. Requiring them to work without pay is nothing short of inhumane. As air traffic controllers and their allies rallied near the Capitol, the National Federation of Federal Employees gathered members outside the White House Thursday. Protestors marched with signs that read Let me work for the people, We want to work, and Trump: End the shutdown. Hundreds of federal workers, contractors and supporters spilling into the street in front of the AFL-CIO building, just down the road from the White House. Theyre chanting, we want our pay! #ShutdownProtest #DC pic.twitter.com/7v4Qt1NPey Marissa J. Lang (@Marissa_Jae) January 10, 2019 Lila Johnson, a contracted custodian at the U.S. Department of Agriculture for more than two decades, told USA Today that she has relied on her daughter for financial help. Its a struggle. Its time for them to open the government back up so people like me can go back to work, she told the paper. The rallies arent just taking place in Washington, though. With furloughed workers spread around the country, protests against the shutdown have taken place in Atlanta, Covington, Kentucky, Detroit, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia, among other places. And if these workers seem angry now, just wait until tomorrow, which would have been payday. Purchase an online subscription to our website for $7.99 a month with automatic renewal. Each online subscription gives you full access to all of our newspaper websites and mobile applications. To cancel you may contact Customer Service @ 256-235-9253 or email JPAYNE@ANNISTONSTAR.COM For a limited time, for NEW SUBSCRIBERS ONLY a NEW ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION is just $59.99 for the first year. Existing customers do not qualify for the specials! After the first year, well automatically renew your subscription to continue your access at the regular price of $69.99 per year. Please note *Your Subscription will Automatically Renew unless you contact Customer Service To Cancel* Western egoism and white supremacy are behind arrogant adoption of double standards that led to the arrest of Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, Chinas ambassador to Canada Lu Shaye wrote in a highly critical op-ed published by Ottawa-based newspaper The Hill Times this week. The envoy reiterated Beijings official stance on the controversy that already saw the Canadian government being accused of acting as a puppet of the United States, in addition to mocking the very notion that 13 arrests of Canadian nationals that followed in China were somehow retaliation for the original ordeal. Besides accusing Canada of racist policies, Mr. Lu claimed the North American country doesnt respect the judicial autonomy of China, pointing to its reaction to the aforementioned arrests as evidence of that supposed misstep. According to the ambassador, China doesnt use its courts to further political agendas, whereas thats exactly what he alleged Canada and the U.S. are doing. Similar criticism came from the Far East last month after President Donald Trump said hed intervene in Ms. Mengs case if he believed doing so was beneficial to the U.S. and its ongoing trade negotiations with China. Beijing supporters and some of those opposing the current stateside administration interpreted the comments as an admission that the American judicial system isnt independent and is instead just a tool of the federal government, though the President didnt respond to those allegations which some other administration officials later described as frivolous. Mr. Lus latest accusations werent just aimed at Ottawa but also targeted select members of the Canadian media which have been calling for immediate releases of over dozen Canadian nationals arrested in China since Ms. Mengs apprehension. He pointed to a lack of sympathy for Ms. Mengs case in Canada as evidence of double standards, consequently concluding at least parts of the country fell victim to egoism and racism. When theres smoke, theres fire Advertisement The ambassadors argument hinges on the notion that Ms. Mengs December 1 arrest was illegal as Chinas communist government continues to believe, claiming the move was politically motivated and hence in direct violation of international law. The U.S. Department of Justice is presently trying to have the 46-year-old extradited, with the industry veteran defending herself in Vancouver after being released on bail equivalent to $7.5 million on December 10. She remains under limited house arrest and had to hand over her passport as a Canadian court deemed her a flight risk. And while the Chinese view of the situation centers on the act of her arrest, the Western perspective draws attention to the circumstances that led to it; while many details of the case are yet to be officially disclosed, the DOJ is understood to be accusing Ms. Meng of partaking in an illegal banking scheme that defrauded numerous financial institutions and was organized with the intention of violating trade embargoes placed on Iran. Huawei officials repeatedly expressed their disappointment with the development, arguing they never saw any evidence of Ms. Mengs wrongdoing, related to this case or otherwise. And its getting smoky in here As the C-suite executive managed to win a publication ban in the meantime, the medias ability to discover and report on the facts surrounding the case remains crippled. However, it was precisely investigative journalism that contributed to the charges that are now being pressed against Ms. Meng, with recent developments suggesting U.S. regulators pursued numerous previous reports about Huaweis suspicious activities in the Middle East. A combination of new and previously emerged evidence indicates Huaweis CFO was directly connected to two front companies in Syria and Iran, both of which ceased their operations by now. While the DOJ is said to be unsure whether Huawei ultimately managed to circumvent the trade sanctions on Iran, it has little doubt about that being its primary intention when it comes to its ties to Skycom, a Hong Kong firm that used to operate an Iranian affiliate. Ms. Meng is understood to have personally vouched for Skycom and Huawei not being directly affiliated outside of a standard business relationship, but investigators appear to suspect the former was actually a satellite of the latter. Its CFO, who also happens to be one of the three children of its founder Ren Zhengfei, served on Skycoms board of directors around a decade ago, regulatory filings previously revealed. Advertisement A point of no return Ms. Mengs arrest and the currently ongoing legal process threatening her long-term freedom sparked a massive diplomatic incident even before China started detaining Canadian nationals as part of law enforcement activities it officially describes as entirely unrelated to the case of Huaweis senior executive. If extradited, the CFO is facing up to 30 years in federal prison, with her absence already causing a minor leadership crisis at the Shenzen-based technology giant. At the same time, the company recently managed to grow to unprecedented heights, both in terms of smartphone shipments and sales, having reportedly overtaken Apple and became the worlds second-largest handset manufacturer in 2018. The said achievement is still largely being interpreted as a Pyrrhic victory given all of the troubles Huawei is now enduring. Some of the companys senior officials previously even alleged the U.S. has a bone to pick with it due to its growing competitiveness, alleging stateside companies cannot keep up with its technologies from most perspectives. However, the Western intelligence communitys actual stance is that Huaweis close ties to Beijing that go all the way up to Mr. Ren, former Peoples Liberation Army officer, as well as Chinas existing legislative framework make the company a major security risk. Even assuming the conglomerate never spied on foreign customers on behalf of the Far Eastern country in the past, theres essentially nothing stopping the communist government from forcing it to do so in the future, Washington previously argued. The current situation marks a point of no return for all involved parties, regardless of whether Ms. Meng ends up being extradited, convicted, or both. The relationship between Huawei and the West appears to have been damaged beyond reparation and will likely prevent the company from doing any large-scale business in the U.S. moving forward. This morning, some reports out of South Korea hinted that Samsung might be announcing the Galaxy S10 on February 20 in San Francisco. A few hours later, Samsung sent out invites to press for an event in San Francisco, with a big 10 on the invite, hinting at the Galaxy S10. The event is taking place in San Francisco this time around, as opposed to Barcelona at Mobile World Congress (or New York for the later Galaxy Note launch). Which means it will be starting a bit later than usual. The keynote will start at 11AM PDT, and as always, you can keep it locked to AndroidHeadlines for all the latest details. Samsung breaking with tradition, announcing the Galaxy S10 ahead of Mobile World Congress Typically, Samsung announces the Galaxy S smartphone at Mobile World Congress most of the time. There have been a few years where the device was not ready for MWC, and it announced it a few weeks or months later. The Galaxy S8 was a prime example of that also likely due to Samsung doing more tests on the battery before launching the phone, after what happened with the Galaxy Note7 the year before. However, Samsung has never announced the phone ahead of Mobile World Congress. The February 20 date is a bit strange though, as that is just five days before Mobile World Congress kicks off. So its only a few days before a number of other smartphones get announced. Making it a bit weird to see Samsung jumping ahead of everyone, and announcing it here in the US. Advertisement Mobile World Congress is the biggest mobile trade show on the calendar, of course the name pretty much hints at that. This is where most smartphone makers bring out their spring flagship smartphones. LG typically announces its next G-series smartphone there, Huawei will announce its mid-rangers and tablets there (typically the P-series comes at a separate event a bit later), Sony announces its latest flagship as well. And to see Samsung doing it roughly a week ahead of the show, is weird, but its also going to take some attention off of the event. What to expect at Unpacked? Looking at the invitation, the Galaxy S10 is definitely going to be the star of the show. However, it does also look like we might see a foldable phone at this event. The crease in the zero might indicate a foldable phone, but it could also indicate two smartphones. The rumor mill has pointed to Samsung releasing a ton of Galaxy S10 variants this year with a couple of 5G models so it is very possible that this could be indicating that there is more than one Galaxy S10 model to show off this year. Other than the Galaxy S10, we could expect some updates to Bixby, as well as release details for the Galaxy Home that debuted at Unpacked back in August. Samsung still has not offered any details on the Galaxy Home, including specs, pricing or availability. Whatever Samsung has in store for February 20, its going to be interesting. A new report seems to reveal more information about the battery capacities of two upcoming smartphones from Samsung, the 5G variant of the Samsung Galaxy S10 and the bendable Galaxy Fold, suggesting the company will be going kind of crazy with mobile battery tech in 2019. According to the source, the 5G model of the Galaxy S10 will feature a 5,000mAh battery, a notable improvement over the Galaxy Note 9s 4,000mAh cell and a 1,900mAh upgrade compared to the battery capacity included of the rumored Galaxy S10 Lite, now expected to be called the S10 E. The battery capacity of the device is also comparable with the rumored sizes of the cells included in the two upcoming entry-level products from the company, the Galaxy M20 and Galaxy M30. On the other hand, the report also claims the Galaxy Fold features two 3,100mAh batteries, which add up to a total capacity of 6,200mAh. Background: It is necessary for Samsung to include a large battery with the 5G model of the Galaxy S10 given the increased power requirements of the networking components of 5G handsets. Experts agree that the more complex communications supported by 5G devices need greater processing power, which in turn increases smartphone energy demands. In fact, early estimates show that communicating over 5G networks will consume some 2.5 times more power compared to using existing LTE networks. A higher-capacity battery should allow Samsung to compensate for that issue. Meanwhile, a recent patent already showed how Samsung will incorporate two battery packs into the Galaxy Fold using a novel multi-battery management system. Each half of the device houses one battery pack and the smartphone will switch between the two, depending on which power pack has a higher charge. Switching between batteries also occurs during charging, with the handset first topping up the power pack thats more depleted. Earlier leaks already supplied information about the specifications of the two handsets. The 5G model of the Galaxy S10 will sport the Snapdragon 855 chipset and Snapdragon X50 modem. Earlier rumors also claim that the phablet will have up to 12GB of RAM and 1TB of flash storage. The handset will reportedly include a total of six cameras, four on the back and two on the front. The device will also reportedly feature time-of-flight sensors for more accurate depth measuring associated with selfie portraits and face unlocking mechanisms. Meanwhile, less information is available about the internal specifications of the Galaxy Fold, although earlier rumors mention that the handset will feature 512GB of storage space. Advertisement Impact: The introduction of new form factors and communications technologies require Samsung to adjust how it powers its handsets. The inclusion of a higher-capacity battery into the 5G variant of the Galaxy S10 could mean that the handset is bulkier compared to the other variants of the device, especially since smartphone components needed to connect to 5G networks take up to three times more space than conventional chipsets. The more generous battery of the 5G model of the Galaxy S10 could also allow the handset to offer similar battery life compared to the LTE-only variants of the Galaxy S10. Meanwhile, the inclusion of two separate battery packs within its foldable smartphone could allow Samsung to distribute the handsets internal electronics throughout the device more evenly, thus streamlining development. It seems like Samsung had a 5G prototype on display at CES 2019, but almost nobody noticed it. As you can see in pictures provided by the Business Insider, the phone was there, in plain sight, somewhere in the midst of Samsungs gigantic booth at CES 2019 in Las Vegas. Now, to be clear, this is just a prototype device, and is not the phone that the company plans to unveil as its first 5G-enabled device, which is probably why very few people are interested, but still, CES has been going on for days at this point and this is the first time that were hearing about this device. This is the phone that Verizon and Samsung used to show off 5G capabilities back in December, during Qualcomms event. So, as you can see, the displayed unit is actually protected by glass, its basically in its glass cage / box, though this prototype unit seemed to be operational, it had all the buttons on it as well, including the Bixby button on the left. The phones display cycled through a canned demo which showed off some of its functions, though it did not show its 5G capabilities in the process, which is probably why very few people were interested in it. Now, the interesting thing is, this prototype has a notch in the top-right corner, which is something the final unit almost certainly will not have, as it will be a part of the Galaxy S10 lineup, more on that later. Thats actually quite funny, because this prototype device is the companys first smartphone with a display notch, and chances are it will stay that way, as Samsung doesnt seem to be interested in notched phones, its moving straight to display holes. Samsungs 5G-Enabled Phone, The Story Thus Far Samsung is planning to unveil its 5G-enabled phone in the first half of this year, it seems, and that device will be a part of the Galaxy S10 series of devices, at least according to rumors. Samsung will unveil its Galaxy S10 series of smartphones either in February or March, though chances are those phones will arrive in February during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. Now, the 5G-enabled Galaxy S10 will probably be the only variant of the Galaxy S10 that will not launch at that time, as rumors are claiming that Samsung is planning to wait a bit with this launch, so we dont know exactly when will it arrive, but its possible it will come in March or April. The 5G-enabled Galaxy S10 is also referred to as the premium Galaxy S10 unit, a phone that will come with a ceramic back, compared to glass backs on all the other Galaxy S10 variants. The 5G-enabled Galaxy S10 will be fueled by either the Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820, depending on where you live, while it is rumored to ship with a whopping 12GB of RAM, though it remains to be seen how accurate those rumors are. The phone is also said to ship with four cameras on the back, and two cameras on the front, while a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, curved display is also rumored for the device, which will make this smartphone the largest Galaxy S10 unit out there. On top of everything, the phone will also include an in-display fingerprint scanner, and ship with Android 9 Pie out of the box, with Samsungs brand new One UI Android overlay. Advertisement Other Galaxy S10 Models Samsung is rumored to release four Galaxy S10 models in total, the Galaxy S10 Lite (which is rumored to launch with the Galaxy S10E name), S10, S10+, and 5G-enabled Galaxy S10. The Galaxy S10 Lite / S10E is rumored to sport a 5.8-inch display, 4GB / 6GB of RAM, two cameras on the back, and a single camera on the front. This will also be the only Galaxy S10 device to sport a flat display, and is rumored to ship with a side-facing fingerprint scanner. The Galaxy S10 will include a 6.1-inch curved display, at least 6GB of RAM, two cameras on the back, and one camera on the front. The phone will sport an in-display fingerprint scanner, just like the Galaxy S10+. Speaking of which, the Galaxy S10+ is rumored to sport three cameras on the back, and two cameras on the front, while it will be larger than the Galaxy S10, with a 6.4-inch display, quite probably. All the Galaxy S10 unit will sport display camera holes, and all will look the same in terms of the design, though will be different in size. Google is currently rolling out Activity Cards, a new feature of Search that makes it easier for people to return to websites or topics they previously searched for. Google first announced the development of this functionality last September, and the search giant noted last year that the feature will benefit users by making it easier for them to revise their previous online activity. The quality-of-life improvement is presently being rolled out globally. The activity cards will appear directly below the search bar once the user starts searching for a new topic and will show the recent search activity of the user based on the entered keywords. The feature may also show recently accessed websites and search phrases associated with the current topic. Users may also perform additional actions by long-pressing the link of websites displayed on the activity cards. For example, people may mark previously accessed websites for later reading by tapping on the Add to button that appears after long-pressing the sites link. This action adds the website to the users collections, which people may access by tapping the menu button placed at the upper left corner of the mobile Google Search page or at the bottom bar of the Google application. Long-pressing the websites link will also show an option for the user to remove the site from the activity cards, and they may also choose to prevent Google from showing the feature altogether by tapping the 3-dot icon found at the upper right corner of the activity cards. Right now, Google is deploying this feature to the mobile web page and the Google application in English in the United States, although other parts of the world will likely receive this feature soon. Background: Despite its dominance in the segment, Google continues to improve its Search platform by incorporating features beneficial to consumers. For example, it recently introduced a new search design that makes it easier for users to find out where they can stream interesting shows or movies. The tech giant also often changes the way it shows information on the Google Search page. Last August, a new feature introduced by Google made it easier for users to see the various aspects of a search topic by showing panels with subtopics related to the search keyword. However, the panels may also contain other information aside from the subtopics, including links to relevant sources of information about the search topic. Aside from improving the usability of Google Search, Google recently introduced features that made it easier for users to control how the company takes advantage of their personal data. E.g. users may now more easily remove their recent Search activity directly within Google Search, and the tech giant also made it less difficult for users to control what advertisements they see on their Search results through easier access to Googles Ad Settings. Advertisement Impact: The activity cards feature takes advantage of the breadth of information that Google records about its users to facilitate and accelerate future searches. This functionality also allows users to access the needed content immediately. Since it offers many useful features, users may opt to stay with the Google Search platform despite the emergence of similar services from other companies, especially those that are more focused on data privacy, something the tech giant was often criticized for in the past. The newly sworn-in Democratic House of Representatives is unlikely to regulate Facebook, according to ex-White House official Jon Lovett. While co-hosting a recent episode of tech podcast Pivot, President Obamas former speechwriter who also worked for Hillary Clinton during her Senate career claimed that while the worlds largest social media company certainly made many missteps in recent times, the Democratic partys voter base simply doesnt care enough about those issues for the political left in the country to mount an organized push against them. Facebook is a lot of things but healthcare reform isnt one of them Plans meant to curb climate change and revamp the existing healthcare system in the United States are policies that voter base truly cares about enough to go out and vote, which is precisely what the Democratic House is likely to focus on moving forward, Mr. Lovett argued. That isnt to say the incumbent DNC members arent interested in cracking down on the Menlo Park, California-based firm as many would presumably like to see it regulated in private, according to the 36-year-old. However, without a concentrated push for such a move from the Democratic partys voter base which currently seems anything but likely, the House will simply ignore the matter at hand, being unwilling to commit resources to something that doesnt have a massive potential to stay in the voters memories for many years, Mr. Lovett concluded Advertisement A fight for the ages: reining in big tech Facebook is far from the only technology company in the country that has recently been receiving a lot of heat for its actions, whether regarding user privacy, security, censorship, monetization policies, or some combination of those factors. Mr. Lovett and Ms. Swishers recent dialogue also touched upon the subject of Netflix and its decision to pull a Patriot Act episode centered on murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi from Saudi Arabia. While the former White House official acknowledged Netflix already has no shortage of negative PR stemming from that decision, he described that particular incident as not a particularly problematic affair in the grand scheme of things. According to him, a much bigger issue is that companies like Disney are now self-censoring their content such as movies even before theyre submitted for reviews meant to assign them age ratings, picking what does and doesnt go into their creations based on what they expect Chinese censors will think about it so as to maximize their chances of having a smooth launch in the Far Eastern country, one of the largest markets on the planet based on virtually every relevant factor. Were all in this together Advertisement Ultimately, despite being critical of the tech industry and the manner in which it conducted business in recent times, Mr. Lovett doesnt believe any particular American actor in the segment is malicious and some degree of healthy dialogue needs to be established before larger problems are tackled. That sentiment is actually rather similar to what Facebook executives have been saying in recent times, acknowledging most of the companys missteps and agreeing they need to do better moving forward. The issue is what doing better actually means in this context, especially in terms of user privacy, seeing how the general public and even the industry itself is currently often confusing cybersecurity with privacy, not to mention the fact that data leaks enabled by software bugs and human error are something thats virtually unavoidable when it comes to platforms as massive as Facebook. Last years Cambridge Analytica scandal dealt a massive blow to the companys public image, something it heavily relies on in order to successfully execute its business strategy based on technically free services and highly targeted advertising. Capitol Hill recently demonstrated some level of ambition to rein in big tech from the standpoint of data privacy, particularly in the sense that it enacts legislation resembling the General Data Protection Regulation that went into effect in the European Union in mid-2018. Even the tech industry is largely supportive of the effort because the alternative is leaving states to come up with their own regulatory frameworks and create a chaotic environment for running an Internet business in the country. That trend already appears to be starting seeing how California enacted a strict privacy law last year and more states signaled theyre eager to follow suit. A preliminary opinion issued by the European Court of Justice sided with Google on the subject of a polarizing privacy laws scope. A stance elaborated by the courts Advocate General Maciej Szpunar as part of a Thursday publication saw the legal body argue the so-called right to be forgotten cannot be enforced globally as its a concept based on legal definitions and interpretations within the European Union. Google has been fighting the notion that its required to honor information deletion requests on a worldwide level for many years now. The right itself allows EU nationals to demand certain links generated in response to searches for their names are removed if theyre deemed outdated or irrelevant. Opponents of the concept claimed it promotes censorship, hence threatening free speech, and constitutes regulatory overreach. Should Google be forced to comply with link deletion requests globally, such a development would likely facilitate censorship on the part of some of the worlds most oppressive regimes such as China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, privacy advocacy groups previously claimed. While todays opinion is not legally binding, preliminary opinions from Advocates General are traditionally a strong indication of ultimate ECJ rulings as the court rarely disagrees with its top officials. A legal rollercoaster The newly published opinion was given as part of a legal clash between Alphabets subsidiary and the National Commission for Information Technology and Civil Liberties, an independent French regulatory body tackling a broad range of issues, including digital privacy. The ordeal started after the agency issued a 100,000 fine to Google for refusing to comply with a certain data removal request on a global level, arguing the geographical filters used by the company as an alternative to that move are insufficient when it comes to honoring ones right to not be encumbered by outdated and irrelevant information about their person. In response, the Mountain View, California-based digital juggernaut appealed with the ECJ, asking for the fine to be dismissed. The publication of todays opinion signals the case is in its final stages, at least as far as a first-instance verdict is concerned. Advertisement The EU legal system officially describes such information deletion as de-referencing and considers it among some of the fundamental digital rights of the political blocs nationals. The legal concept itself was established in a 2014 verdict in a case that saw a Spanish citizen sue Google for refusing to remove certain Search results links generated in response to a query containing nothing but their name. Since that development, Google received millions of data de-listing requests and continues to be overwhelmed by them to this date, according to recent statements from company officials. Besides outdated and irrelevant content, the right also encompasses results that can be found excessive and unbecoming, though the actual interpretation of such subjective criteria was often a point of contention in debates centered on the thereof, even among supporters of the general principle. While todays opinion marks a major legal win for Google, the company took a long while to reach it, having faced many setbacks so far. Times are changing Attorney General Szpunar framed his latest communication as solely pertaining to the said case, so coupled with the fact that precedent law is rarely practiced on the Old Continent, any ECJ ruling on the matter is unlikely to completely prevent future disputes associated with the right to be forgotten in other parts of the political bloc, though it should at the very least make them less probable. The veteran attorney also argued the legal concept in question shouldnt be enforced at all costs; instead, relevant information deletion requests should be considered on a case-by-case basis and in the context of how they work with existing rights to privacy, digital data protection, and public interest. A one-size-fits-all approach to enforcement would cripple the EUs ability to protect those other fundamental rights related to digital technologies and the Internet in particular, the opinion reads. Should Google manage to have its fine overturned, its likely to use that development as additional leverage in any future data de-listing requests on the Old Continent, despite being unable to rely on real precedents. At the same time, the companys issues in Europe seem to only be beginning as its presently fighting two historic antitrust fines from the European Commission pertaining to its alleged abuses of Android and Searchs market dominance which in overall make the firm appear to be much less invulnerable than several years back. Photo: YouTube Michael and Heather Martin, the parents behind YouTube channel DaddyOFive which chronicled the lives of their family of wait for it five, had their probation sentence reduced this week by a judge in Maryland. (Two of the kids are Martins children from a previous marriage, and the other three are Heathers sons.) The couple was originally sentenced to five years of supervised probation in 2017 for child neglect, a sentence based on video content in which Michael would prank his youngest son, Cody, often until the boy became distraught. In one video, Michael smashed his sons Xbox with a hammer in front of him. (It wasnt his real Xbox, but the child did not know this.) In another, Cody was reprimanded for spilling ink which Michael himself had spilled for the video. In a different video the family convinced Cody, then 9, that he was being adopted out of the family. The evaluations that were conducted of Heather and Mike, obviously their judgement was somewhat warped in participating in these videos. But there wasnt any intent malicious intent to damage the children, prosecutor Lindell Angel, the chief of the family violence and sexual assault unit at the states attorneys office in Frederick County, Maryland, said at the time of the sentencing. This week, WUSA 9 reports, that sentence was reduced to unsupervised probation and the couple will be able to seek to have their convictions expunged in three years. Uncomfortably, the sentence reduction comes amidst allegations that the couple has continued to post videos of their children to YouTube, WUSA 9 also reports. Cody and Emma, Michaels other biological child, have been in the custody of their biological mother since authorities stepped in to investigate the Martins in 2017. She claims, in a statement sent to the judge who reduced the sentence, that her childrens father continues to make videos and has a paid web page making money off of children, the Daily Dot reports. The Martins are still banned, as per their probation, from making and posting videos of their children. Andover, MA (01810) Today Clear to partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 57F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 57F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Have any questions? Please give us a call at 907-561-7737 The "El Chapo" trial took an interesting turn this week. It appears that an I.T. guy is a principal in making the case against the cartel leader. In February 2010, Cristian Rodriguez showed up at a Manhattan hotel expecting to attend a business meeting of sorts. An information technology expert living in Colombia, he had previously set up an encrypted communications system for Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, making it impossible for law enforcement to eavesdrop on phone calls placed by the alleged leader of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel. Joining him in New York was a potential client who needed a similar system for his own shadowy crime syndicate or so Rodriguez thought. In fact, the man who posed as a Russian mobster, according to the New York Times was actually an undercover agent. Testifying in federal court on Tuesday, FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen Marston said the agency had become aware that cartel members were using an encrypted voice-over-Internet system to make phone calls but had been unable to crack the code. After the clandestine meeting, however, federal agents persuaded Rodriguez to cooperate, allowing the U.S. government to listen in on hundreds of incriminating phone calls, including conversations in which Guzman allegedly plotted drug deals and ensured that Mexican officials were being paid off to look the other way. That evidence may prove to be crucial in Guzman's ongoing trial, which began nearly two months ago in federal district court in Brooklyn. This is huge and will send most cartel leaders into shock. Don't be surprised if they throw away all of their phones and tablets in the garbage and go back to messengers or even pigeons. A few years ago, I remember stories of how the cartels were run by sophisticated MBAs and I.T. people. In other words, the cartels ran their business through "front companies" that laundered money and processed communications, not at all different from any other multinational doing business in Mexico. At the top of the sophisticated organization sat a cartel leader who checked the accounts and messages before sitting down for breakfast. The "boss" was further protected by a network of guards also speaking to each other by phone. A few weeks ago, I watched a documentary titled Getting to El Chapo through His Inner Circle. In the end, El Chapo and his wife were discovered in a hotel room, tracked there by means of a guard's phone. The I.T. guy's testimony is huge and may bring down quite a few cartels. It won't end the criminal enterprises, but the days of hiding behind encrypted phones are over. The cartels are smart, and they will adapt. They will go back to messengers or even pigeons. PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter. Venezuela's defense minister would like socialist dictator Maduro to resign In Venezuela, the main thing we hope and watch for is the whole disaster ending. The people are starving. The aid is not getting through. The oil is gone. The cocaine is out of control. The terrorists are running wild. The torture has started. The oil infrastructure is collapsing. The currency is rotten, with inflation in seven digits. The corruption tops Mobutu's. The country is selling itself out like a raddled street whore to hostile powers in exchange for military weapons and foreign troops to base there, and getting itself into deep-dive debt. Millions are fleeing. The neighbors are angry. Disasters always do end at some point. But as in the case of Cuba, which incidentally runs Venezuela, that could be a very long time. So the natural thing is to watch for the cracks forming, to watch the opposition for a critical legislative maneuver or, more likely, a Venezuelan Spring to watch the neighbors, to watch the military, to watch anyone out there who can force some kind of change in the hellhole. As the showdown over the border wall and the government shutdown bores through, American Spectator writer Jeffrey Lord has recognized something interesting about President Trump's unwavering stance: That should set a few lefties' hair on fire. After all, isn't Mohandas Gandhi, whose nonviolent resistance won India its independence, the left's favorite peacenik? Didn't Hollywood's lefties hand the Gandhi movie an Academy Award? They'll go nuts at this New Gandhi paradigm, but Lord's argument is good for understanding Trump and why he's likely to win his border wall battle, even with a leftist House to work with. The secret, Lord says, is that Trump has Gandhi's intense and singular focus in an against-all-odds environment. He writes: Trump, like Gandhi, knows exactly what he is after: the wall and border security. And the Trump version of Gandhi's "non-cooperation" isshutting down the government. Like Gandhi, he refuses to budge. And as with the British Viceroy and other Brits involved in running India, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer simply don't get it. There is nothing more amusing at this point then [sic] watching Nancy and Chuck fume and stammer in self-righteous indignation as they defend a system that is killing all manner of American kids with drugs, not to mention, as with the murder of California's police officer Ronil Singh, producing illegals and gang members bent on murdering Americans. Lord goes on to compare that steadfastness to President Ronald Reagan's unwavering stance on the U.S. air traffic controllers and their illegal strike, something that caught the Kremlin's eye and forced the old gray men on the top of Lenin's tomb to adjust their expectations accordingly. But he need not have gone that far back to prove the merits of his argument. Trump himself has shown the steel mettle not to back down in at least two noteworthy instances two years into his presidency: in the spectacular tax cut won in Congress that set the stage for the current economic takeoff, and his absolute and utter refusal to back down on the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh, which had been subject to the Democrats' foulest and dirtiest tricks. One might argue that that same resolve and focus were there in President Obama, with his 2010 passage of the always unpopular Obamacare, which passage, coincidence of coincidences, was engineered by Nancy Pelosi. She's got lots of focus and resolve, too. But she has a lot less power than Trump does. I'm not just talking about her diluted office of House speaker in comparison to the president's. She's less spry than she used to be, she burbles mistakes, and she's got an extremely fractious Democratic base to work with at this point, with many newly elected centrist Democrats expressing doubts about her bid to enforce intransigence on the wall in the wake of the government shutdown, while the crazy wing of her party, led by people such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, continues to undercut her. She's also under more pressure than Trump is to get the government re-opened, given that virtually all of the workers who won't be getting paychecks Friday are Democrats who already hated Trump before the shutdown. Pelosi owes them far more than Trump owes them, and if anything, the shutdown demonstrates for him how useless they are given that most of the government is still operating rather smoothly. That leaves Pelosi to take the heat as she works to get these sinecures paid. Gandhi, indeed. It sounds as though Trump is going to win, and that's some impressive nonviolent resistance he's using to the most horrid swamp any new president has ever encountered. In truth, the tiger has not changed its stripes. The New York Post is reporting that the Dutch government believes that Iranian intelligence was behind the assassinations of two Iranian dissidents, while the Norwegian government said in October of 2017 that it had thwarted another assassination plot against a prominent critic of Tehran. The Iranian nuclear deal was supposed to have encouraged Tehran to act like a normal, civilized country. The Europeans are so enamored of the deal that they still believe in that fiction and want to preserve the agreement at all costs. This week, the Dutch government confirmed that Iran's intelligence ministry was behind two assassinations in the Netherlands of Ahmad Mola Nissi in The Hague in November 2017 and Ali Motamed in Amsterdam two years earlier. In this case, the mullahs allegedly hired Dutch gangland types to carry out the murders. As the US government has repeatedly emphasized, Hezbollah, Iran's Shiite terror proxy in Lebanon, has close connections with organized crime worldwide. The Dutch bombshell followed October's announcement by the Danish government that it had thwarted an Iranian plan to assassinate a leader of the separatist Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz. Swedish authorities arrested a Norwegian citizen of Iranian extraction for his alleged role in the plot; he has been extradited to Denmark. Tehran was also behind a foiled bombing in France last summer. That attack was supposed to target a gathering of the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, the Marxist-Islamist cult that helped bring the mullahs to power in 1979 but has since turned against them. Had the Paris plot succeeded, it could have shattered hundreds of innocent lives in the French capital's urban core. Among the attendees at the MEK gathering: former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. The French government concluded "without any doubt" that Iran's intelligence ministry was behind the attempted attack, which had been operationally led by a Vienna-based Iranian spook posing as an intelligence official, on orders from Saeid Hashemi Moghadam, the Islamic Republic's director-general of intelligence, who answers directly to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Both France and Germany have recently carried out major raids against Iranian spy-terror networks. The Germans found that Iran was gathering information so it could draw up a list of targets for assassination, should the regime choose to carry them out. The list included many Jews and other supporters of Israel, including a former member of the Bundestag, Reinhold Robbe, head of the German-Israel Society. Since the Islamic revolution in 1979, the U.S. State Department has identified Iran as the world's number-one terror state. And for good reason: Other notable entries in Iran's black book of terror include the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, the deadliest single attack on US Marines since World War II; the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people, and the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia that killed 20, most of them Americans. The targeting of dissidents abroad is also par for the course for the regime. Such operations began with Shahriar Shafiq, the Shah's nephew and a high-ranking officer in the former regime's navy, struck down by Iranian agents in Paris in December 1979. Foreign assassinations continued unabated throughout much of the 1980s and '90s. Operations targeting domestic dissidents inside the country were carried out in tandem but with even greater efficiency and impunity. This is the nation an American president considered worthy to treat with. The murder arm of the Iranian government is the Quds Force a select organization of operatives who work exclusively overseas. They answer directly to the supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. Lest anyone believe that the terror attacks by Iran are executed by rogue elements in their intelligence services, it would be wise to examine the relationship of the Revolutionary Guards with the supreme leader. The Rev. Guards are the sharp end of the stick of both foreign and domestic policy in Iran. They don't move without his say-so. Despite all this evidence, the E.U. continues to look for ways to revive the nuclear deal and circumvent sanctions. The Europeans believe that the alternative war is too horrible to contemplate. But there are several ways to destabilize an already unstable regime that don't involve armed conflict. Under Trump, those options are being pursued. The Europeans should get their heads out of the sand and support us. Mitt Romney is discovering that his WaPo op-ed attack on Trump wasn't such a good idea, after all Mitt Romney knows he is a smart guy and is used to thinking of himself as the smartest guy in the room. But I don't think he thought through the now infamous Washington Post op-ed attacking President Trump's character that he published on New Year's Day, just a few days prior to assuming his new job as U.S. senator from Utah. Virtue-signaling feels great, like a sugar high, but the aftermath often brings predictable consequences that somehow escaped the notice of the person anxious to demonstrate righteousness. Photo credit: Gage Skidmore. Mitt failed to understand that he is joining what is often called "the world's most exclusive club." The Senate, with only 100 members and immense powers, is not at all like the raucous House of Representatives. And though Senators face re-election only after six long years, they are very, very concerned with their ability to keep their membership card. Politico reporters Burgess Everett and James Arkin took the temperature among Mitt's Republican colleagues in the Senate and found evidence of a chillier reception than he probably expected: When Romney heads into his first Republican Conference meeting later this week, he might face an awkward reception from many of his fellow Republican senators. Some are scratching their heads about why Romney ripped Trump in a Washington Post op-ed; others are angry about reopening an intraparty divide. And it could color how Senate Republicans view Romney over the long term, raising questions about his effectiveness in the GOP conference. "Focusing on our political opponents that are trying to annihilate us and embarrass the president is probably a more productive focus, rather than just criticize what the president is, how he does things," said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), the former whip who is running for reelection as a Trump ally. Sen. Cornyn is not the only GOP senator whose electoral fate is linked to Trump's popularity: [E]verything Romney says that's critical of Trump could affect his 52 GOP colleagues, a number of whom are running for reelection alongside Trump in 2020. Not just the Republican senators facing the electorate in 2020 are at risk; so is the entire Senate caucus. If voters hand the majority to Democrats in 2020, life is going to be a lot less pleasant for the remaining Republicans. No more committee chairmanships, no more ability to determine the fate of presidential appointments. How would you like to be under the thumb of Chuck Schumer? Self-interest in getting re-elected and maintaining majority status is the dominant consideration, but there are other factors at work, too. The Senate likes to settle differences behind closed doors. Its organizational culture stresses collegiality, offering public respect ("my distinguished colleague across the aisle") to one's opponents. In addition to the personal gratification from being treated this way, the culture also reinforces the superiority of the Senate over the House, a vital concern for all senators. Mitt has now threatened this. He may have to eat some humble pie, which is a huge challenge for someone who has been a corporate CEO and then a governor, an Olympics Committee CEO, and a presidential candidate. He will be a junior senator, which means a lot in the Senate. The key word is "deference," a quality not common among CEOs and presidential candidates. For reasons that escape me, he was awarded a plum spot on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. But in the clubby atmosphere of the Senate, there will be many other opportunities to extract a price from him for offending and even endangering the careers of his political faction in that body. Joe Biden has been a fixture in Washington for going on half a century now. Photo: CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images Former vice-president and senator Joe Biden has not yet decided whether to make a third bid for the presidency in 2020. But his relatively high standing in polls of Democrats, and his own conviction that he may be the only member of his party who can beat Donald Trump, are likely pulling him in that direction. The basic rationale for a Biden 20 candidacy is that he can appeal to precisely those formerly Democratic voters Hillary Clinton lost to Trump in 2016, either because of his exceptional appeal to white working-class men, or simply because he is, unlike Clinton, a man. Wherever they stand on the question of Americas readiness for a woman as president, self-consciously progressive Democrats have issues with Biden over his longtime identification with the centrist wing of their party. There are a couple of flash points in his background that you hear often from those who think he exemplifies a party tradition that needs to be firmly repudiated: his clumsy and insensitive handling of the Anita HillClarence Thomas hearings in 1991, a memory rekindled this year by the similar confrontation between Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh; and his proud sponsorship of a 1994 crime bill that is now remembered as a key moment in the mass incarceration of nonviolent drug offenders and African-Americans generally. Both these grievances will be abundantly aired if Biden does move toward a candidacy. But as Matt Yglesias argues today, these two especially sore points about Bidens record are just the tip of the iceberg. And ideological issues aside, Bidens record makes him the Hillary Clinton of 2020, not the candidate who can succeed precisely where HRC failed. What brought Clinton down was public exposure not to her personality which was sparkling enough to make her the most admired woman in America for 17 years straight before losing the claim to Michelle Obama in 2018 but extended public scrutiny of every detail of a decades-long career in public life. This, in turn, is the exact same problem Biden will inevitably face as a presidential candidate. Americans like outsiders and fresh faces, not veteran insiders who bear the scars of every political controversy of the past two generations. Yglesias notes a number of such controversies that may haunt Biden in 2020, beyond the two everyone talks about. Theres the Iraq War (which no other viable 2020 candidate supported), the 2005 bankruptcy bill (which brought a Harvard professor named Elizabeth Warren into the national spotlight on the opposite side of the legislation), the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (now looked back upon as shameful by most Democrats), and even his handsy behavior around women. Add it all up and you get a negative portrait of Joe Biden the buckraker who failed to protect a sexual harassment victim and spent the aughts boosting the Iraq War and bank deregulation after fueling mass incarceration and anti-gay discrimination in the 1980s and 90s. But a deeper look suggests that Yglesias, too, is just skimming the surface of blasts from Bidens past that could arise in a long, vicious campaign. Before he wrote the 1994 crime bill, he was heavily involved in three previous bills (in 1984, 1986, and 1988) that together constituted the bulk of the Reagan-era War on Drugs. And as Jamelle Bouie noted in 2015, Biden stuck with the tough-on-crime tradition even after it was obvious the collateral damage in ruined lives far outweighed the public benefit: Biden would keep this approach, even as violent crime declined through the 1990s and into the 2000s. He would continue to vote for strong anti-drug efforts, going as far as to push for a federal crackdown on raves, citing ecstasy distribution. While Biden has shifted on some drug issues, he remains a staunch defender of his record on crime, even as Bill and Hillary Clinton have expressed their regret for the consequences of the 1994 crime bill and other anti-drug policies. Joe Biden, in other words, is the Democratic face of the drug war. Thats the sort of thing Biden must cope with as critics from both parties and the media conduct a more thorough exploration of his pre-1990s record. For one thing, hell again have to defend the infamous incident of speech plagiarism that destroyed his first presidential candidacy, in 1988. And that will in turn draw attention to a plagiarism incident from his law school days. Going back even further, progressives can be expected to note Bidens very visible involvement in the anti-busing furor of the 1970s, which threatened Democrats bonds with the civil-rights movement. Now all of these questionable aspects of his record can be rationalized, particularly those that reflected evolving cultural attitudes and the very different Democratic political norms of past decades. But thats a problem, too: Like Hillary Clinton, Biden is very vulnerable to becoming a caricature of the weaselly, endlessly prevaricating pol who bends with every passing breeze. Theres no telling, moreover, what industrious oppo researchers might yet find in the mans past. Its hard to wrap ones mind around Bidens longevity in Washington. When he first came to the Senate in 1972, Spiro Agnew was the presiding officer of that chamber, and a small scandal dubbed Watergate was just getting serious attention. Bill and Hillary Clinton were still is law school, and had spent the previous summer campaigning in Texas for George McGovern. The Vietnam War was still raging, and journalism was still dominated by profitable newspapers and three television networks. It wasnt just a different era it was three or four eras ago. The fellow late-septuagenarian Bernie Sanders has the same problem, which may have been obscured by the fact that the 2016 Clinton campaign chose to handle Bernie and his supporters with a relatively light touch (or as Bernie people might put it, with wire-pulling behind the scenes). Neither of them has dealt with the kind of vast Democratic field of rivals that is forming for 2020 or with the kind of totally unprincipled and uninhibited attacks a Donald Trump reelection campaign can and will deploy (as Trump showed in 2016 with his treatment of Clinton, he is entirely capable of using intraparty critiques of Democratic candidates to undermine their campaigns). But between the two of them, its reasonably clear that Sanders and his history is more in accord with the prevailing winds in their party than is Biden. The plumbing-to-come of Joe Bidens distant and more recent past will, of course, turn up some moments that cast him in a much more positive or at least sympathetic light. No one can understand Biden without looking at the terrible tragedy (the sudden accidental death of a wife and daughter) that occurred before he took the oath of office as senator, and the ever-faithful father he became, a characteristic that he showed again during the recent illness and death of his son Beau. And he probably has a storehouse of testaments to his likable personality and his toughness under fire that could fill volumes. But thats the rub: Every examination of Bidens life and record, positive or negative, will reinforce the publics realization that hes been in the highest levels of government for nearly a half-century. Aside from his advanced age and the risks that involves for his party, its not an enviable background in a country that doesnt much trust career politicians. That could be the item of baggage among so many others than really drags down Joe Biden if he chooses to run for president. Tlaib, the Democratic Socialist from Detroit, became almost as world-famous as House speaker Nancy Pelosi on just her first day in Congress, thanks to a video of her cussing like a gangbanger. The left found it precious, while lots of Republicans echoed Trump's comment that her behavior was disgraceful. Someone with Trump's vocabulary probably should have just let it go by, and of course, someone's already dug up a video of Trump using that word toward China in 2011, although his audience, presumably, comprised grownups. Nor did he talk that way on Inauguration Day. This is one area where Tlaib and Trump don't exactly match. It's widely reported that the freshman congresswoman's vulgar "promise" to impeach Trump was made to a crowd of MoveOn supporters. In fact, she was only repeating for that crowd boasting about what she had said to one of her own sons, both of whom are still children: "And when your son looks at you and says, 'Mama, look, you won. Bullies don't win.' And I say, 'Baby, they don't. Because we're gonna go in there and we're gonna impeach the m.'" (The Huffington Post chose to close the single quotation marks after "Baby, they don't," perhaps to make it appear that Tlaib used the MF-word only with the crowd and not with her son. It's clear from the video that Tlaib, who describes herself on her Twitter page as a "mama working for justice," was talking to her son.) She justified it later by saying her deceased grandmother would have said it the same way. That, and talking that way is all part of being born and raised in the "incredibly beautiful, urban community" of Detroit, where "[w]e say colorful things in interesting ways." Her uncouth outburst was neither colorful nor interesting, especially since the left's been using cuss words to shock and disgust opponents since at least the early sixties. I also was born and raised in Detroit (it was a city then, not an "urban community"), as were both my parents. Believe me: I'm no stranger to the MF word, but I never heard it from my parents or grandparents, and they certainly didn't talk to me that way. Tlaib should leave Detroit out of it. Like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, her sister in democratic socialism, Tlaib is a publicity-hungry grandstander, minus Ocasio-Cortez's video appeal. Tlaib, to publicize herself as a champion of the "movement," does things like getting herself arrested at minimum wage demonstrations and getting herself dragged out of the Detroit Economic Club after disrupting a Trump speech. Last week, she had a column in the Detroit Free Press calling for Trump's immediate impeachment, a subject on which she appears to know almost nothing. For one thing, she's repeatedly said her run for Congress was mainly "about electing the jury that will impeach [Trump]," emphasizing that she "would be a heck of a juror!" If she'd been elected to the U.S. Senate, the chamber that sits as jury in impeachment proceedings, rather than the House, she might actually be eligible. And aren't the best jurors those who don't prejudge a case? No doubt, Trump's downside is that he can be an egotistical, ill-mannered loudmouth, which is why Republicans shouldn't be tsk-tsking over Tlaib's gutter talk. But being a loudmouth isn't what got Trump elected, and it's not what keeps him popular with his base: that would be promising the right things and then keeping those promises. On the flip-side, the left's current love affair with Rashida Tlaib her upside has nothing to do with her being a woman or one of the first two Muslims elected to Congress, but with her being an egotistical, ill mannered loudmouth who can get attention with a shocking attack on Trump using her kids as props. No one cares, if hardly anyone knows, that Tlaib got where she is now with a great deal of support from Muslim Brotherhood fronts like CAIR, the Islamic Society of North America, and the Muslim Public Affairs Council. It's not so well known that, as Marina Medvin at Townhall describes it, Tlaib "stated that she supports a one-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that would eradicate Israel and replace it with an Islamic totalitarian state for the Palestinians." In short, as David Harsanyi writes, "[s]he's unhappy that the Jewish state exists." On Monday she attacked senators for introducing a pro-Israel bill aimed at the BDS movement, a movement Tlaib supports, tweeting that "[t]hey forgot what country they represent." She must have forgotten how she "cloaked herself in a Palestinian flag to celebrate her U.S. election night victory." With Republican Senator Mitt Romney publicly attacking his party leader's character, a calculating Nancy Pelosi passing out holy cards with her own portrait on them, and an anti-Semitic Hamas-sympathizer showing off her crack house dialect and all of them sworn to undo the 2016 presidential election the 116th Congress is off to an inspiring start T.R. Clancy looks at the world from Dearborn, Michigan. You can email him at trclancy@yahoo.com. For Trump, Pelosi-Schumer clown show is the gift that keeps on giving Congressional Democrats have a serious problem. It is not the fact that many of them appear to dislike President Trump, which they are free to do. Rather, it is the fact that their arguments have become predictable and stale, mere talking points and sound bites, always placing the blame on someone else. The Democratic response to the president's border speech demonstrated this to perfection. As a result, Democrats have little chance to sway public opinion and are likely helping Republicans and the president on the issue of border security. Tuesday night, President Trump delivered a powerful speech from the Oval Office regarding the need for strong border security. During the speech, Trump laid out specific facts explaining why the country needs to secure the border and how his plan would accomplish this. According to Fox News, at one point during the speech, Trump directly addressed his colleagues, stating, "Wealthy politicians ... don't build walls because they hate the people on the outside, but because they love the people on the inside." The speech was effective and convincing. Prior to the speech, Democrats demanded an opportunity to issue a rebuttal. (It is difficult to understand how to rebut a speech you have not yet heard unless you are going to make canned remarks.) Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer addressed the American public and, predictably, implied that the president is a liar. Specifically, according to Fox News, Pelosi stated: "Much of what we have heard from President Trump throughout this senseless shutdown has been full of misinformation and even malice." Ironically, according to NJTVNews, Senator Bob Menendez made the identical argument before the president even delivered his speech, stating, "And that warning is, 'The comments you are about to hear are not based on fact, and are likely to include misinformation, blatant lies and fear mongering.'" In other words, Pelosi and Schumer utilized the national stage Tuesday night to repeat the same talking points they and their Democratic colleagues have made on many prior occasions. They offered no facts or substantive information in their rebuttal. Rather, they provided predictable and stale soundbites and blamed the president and Republicans for the situation on the border and the government shutdown. Democrats have done this before. For example, during Justice Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings, many Senate Democrats questioned his credibility and honesty despite the fact that the allegations against him were uncorroborated, unsubstantiated, and discredited. Additional instances where Democrats have tried to deflect the blame from themselves can be found here. It does not appear that this tactic will work on this occasion. According to Dan Bongino, public support for the border wall has reached an all-time high. As Bongino pointed out in a recent article, a new Quinnipiac poll of 1,147 voters found that 43% now support a border wall, and 54% oppose it. In August, support was at 38%, thereby reflecting a five-point jump in a relatively short period of time. More importantly for the president, 86% of Republicans and 47% of independents support building the wall, while 90% of Democrats oppose it. President Trump spoke directly to the American people Tuesday night and explained why the country needs strong border security and how he intends to accomplish this. He referenced specific facts to support his vision and plan. On the other hand, the Democratic response was abysmal. Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi predictably attacked the president's character, blamed him for the shutdown, and referenced the all too familiar "fear-mongering" sound bite, none of which directly addressed the president's points. In a Bloomberg opinion piece, Jonathan Bernstein summed up their rebuttal perfectly, stating: "House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer gave a predictably bad response to President Donald Trump's immigration speech on Tuesday night. Well, maybe even worse than most people would've predicted." Bernstein is entirely correct. It was flat, predictable, and unconvincing. Republicans and President Trump should thank them for their help. Mr. Hakim is a political writer, commentator, and attorney. His articles have been published in The Washington Examiner, The Daily Caller, The Federalist, The Western Journal, American Thinker and other online publications. https://thoughtfullyconservative.wordpress.com Twitter: @ThoughtfulGOP Conservative critics of Fox News need to get a grip To those who comment consistently and negatively about the Fox News channel whenever it is mentioned in print, may I ask, What planet are you on? I began covering the cable news wars, Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, and other topics for American Thinker and other publications 20 months ago. That was barely four months into President Trump's first term. Already at that point, most of the mainstream media, of which Fox News is an outlying part, was ratcheting up its negative coverage of the new president. Two years later now, that coverage has become pretty much intolerable, with CNN and MSNBC in particular almost totally unwatchable due to their constant negative bias against everything Trump. While its 24-7 programming schedule is not above criticism, Fox News has emerged as the sole exception in all of MSM broadcast and cable news. Its signature nightly news program, Special Report, anchored M-F by Bret Baier, which recently added weekend editions at the same hour, is head and shoulders above the competition on the two other major cable news channels, the broadcast networks, and PBS. Two additional hours of live news, at 7 and 11 P.M. E.T., hosted by veteran broadcasters Martha MacCallum and Shannon Bream, are also refreshingly fair and objective. Meanwhile, the core of Fox News's prime-time schedule 8-11 P.M. E.T., with each hour-long show during that time period repeated starting at 12 midnight E.T. features the most credible, newsmaking, and consistently conservative opinion-dominated shows that Fox News has ever presented. The prime-time schedule of the "good old days" of the Roger Ailes era of Fox News that some people say they miss, for example five years ago, consisted of Bill O'Reilly at 8 P.M., Megyn Kelly at 9, and Sean Hannity at 10. Hannity was the only reliable conservative of the three. Today, and for the past year-plus, Tucker Carlson Tonight at 8, Hannity at 9, and The Ingraham Angle at 10 are arguably among the best programs Fox News has ever presented. Since its premiere on November 14, 2016, Tucker Carlson Tonight has quickly evolved into must-see viewing. Carlson's credentials include a twenty-year-long history as a news program host on all three major cable news channels as well as a background as a prolific writer and editor he co-founded the leading conservative site The Daily Caller in 2010. Carlson's nightly opening monologues and his well informed challenges to a variety of left-wing guests frequently go viral and are as good as anything in print or online. During the past two years, Hannity, one of President Trump's closest friends, has assembled a regular cast of guests and contributors who have uncovered the web of corruption involving the Obama administration; the Department of Justice; the FBI; and other elements of the Deep State, which has conspired to take down the Trump administration since 2016. Mark Levin's Sunday night show, Life, Liberty & Levin, is the only long-form one-on-one interview program on all of cable news television. His guests are often conservative thought leaders who immediately command a viewer's attention but who otherwise seldom have an opportunity to present their ideas at length on commercial television. Early in the mornings, seven days a week, Fox & Friends, one of the closest things to lighter infotainment on the channel's schedule, also stands alone in terms of quality and openness to conservative guests and ideas compared with all of the other morning programs on both cable and broadcast television. The program's hosts are clearly right of center, and it's reportedly one of the president's favorite shows. Fox & Friends' respect for American history and traditions including the military, police officers, and people in flyover states where a host will often broadcast from remotely is refreshing. Finally, two recent long-form investigative series, part of the ongoing Scandalous franchise, were among the best television documentaries in recent times. They shed extensive new light on two scandals involving the Clintons and the late Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) that finally got the detailed review and treatments they deserved. Nothing is perfect, and one can find fault with some of the other programs on the FNC schedule. A mid-afternoon news show hosted by Sheppard Smith, who seems as though he'd be more at home on CNN, and Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace are two examples. There is also the overabundance of irritating Fox News "contributors" like Jessica Tarlov, Marie Harf, Cathy Areu, and Juan Williams. But they and the other in-house left-wingers never appear without being challenged by an equal or greater number of conservatives. Tonight, January 10 at 9 P.M. E.T., Hannity will present an exclusive interview with President Donald Trump from McAllen, Texas, where the president is scheduled to visit the border. In the midst of the partial government shutdown over the issue of border security, it promises to be another newsmaking interview. Also on the show will be interviews with Border Patrol and ICE agents. In the past year, President Trump has limited his TV interviews to the Fox News channel. A complement to Fox News on cable and satellite is Fox News dot com online a news and opinion site that is one of the most popular news websites in the U.S., second only to CNN's. For those who insist that they never watch Fox News because it's just another part of the biased and failing MSM, be careful what you wish for. If it drastically changes its current course or somehow disappears from cable TV, I can guarantee that it will be missed. Peter Barry Chowka writes about politics, media, popular culture, and health care for American Thinker and other publications. Follow him on Twitter at @pchowka. Romney exhibited one of the most emblematic and unforgiving characteristics of the Old Guard of the party: playing the role of useful idiots for the Democratic Party and its wholly owned subsidiary, the mainstream media. Mitt Romney started the new year with a bang, by writing a highly critical op-ed in The Washington Post, harshly rebuking the president of his own party. Romney may have thought he was calling attention to Trump's character defects, but all he accomplished, even if unwittingly, was to raise the ire of conservatives and remind them of the rank and manifest stupidity of former leaders of the party Establishment. Romney's attack also provided Republican voters an occasion for self-congratulation on the decision to banish witless Republicans like Romney to the hinterlands during the last election. Romney's rebuke of Trump, penned in the paper that serves as the official communications organ of the Democratic Party, clearly indicates he has been afflicted with a terminal case of "McCain Syndrome," a disease that has plagued the Old Guard of the Republican Party for the past thirty years. One of the symptoms of the disease is the failure to recognize the obvious: for political journalists, who overwhelmingly lean left, Republicans are the enemy and will always remain the enemy. The fact that the media have become an extension of the Democratic Party seems to have escaped notice by those, including Romney, to whom it should be self-evident. Currying favor, or in Romney's case, doing the bidding of the media, is, in the end, always a self-defeating act that never works out well for Republicans. None perfected the role of media useful idiot better than the late Senator John McCain, who had an interminable habit of poking a stick in the eye of conservatives much to the delight of his cable TV interlocutors. McCain's natural constituency wasn't the voters of Arizona, but rather the mainstream media, whom he courted assiduously. McCain relished the adulation he received by playing his role as "Maverick" a bulwark against the crazies of the conservative movement. During the 2007-2008 primary race, McCain particularly basked in his role as the conscience of the party, flattering himself as a man of "principle." Yet, as soon as McCain became Obama's political adversary, he was assaulted by the very same pundits and commentators in the media who had earlier praised him for his willingness to break from conservative orthodoxy. Many loyal Republican voters who viewed this spectacle of self-immolation from afar wondered out loud, how many Democrats criticize members of their own party? Democrats have always displayed enviable message discipline and party loyalty. There is no better example of this than those blue dog Democrats who went down to defeat for their support of Obamacare. Would a Susan Collins ever walk the plank for a Republican president? Romney and other members of the Establishment continue to demonstrate an appalling ignorance of the nature of the modern-day Democratic Party as well as the political media. Romney, like his sanctimonious predecessor McCain, is too oblivious and full of self-regard to realize that the Democratic Party and the media are now one and the same; they have merged or fused into a new organization that can be accurately characterized as the Mainstream Media-Democratic Party Complex. In his commentary, Romney blamed president Trump for the current political polarization in the country and stigmatized him and, by implication, his followers, as racists, nationalists, and misogynists. In short, he adopted all the unflattering buzzwords recited ad nauseam by the mainstream media and leaders of the opposing political party. The substance of Romney's reprimand was not at all different in kind from any of the anti-Trump rants made daily by hard-left MSNBC or CNN commentators. Romney's hit piece placed him and other Republicans in the position of being foils for the Democratic Party. Romney seems determined to carry the torch passed by McCain and act dutifully in the role of a media lackey. Does Romney not understand that his pious criticism of the president makes him a water-carrier or willing dupe for the virulently anti-GOP media, who will use his infelicitous comments about the president as cannon fodder against every prominent member of the party? Romney's attack on Trump has made him a media icon. Why he thinks he will now be able to help the GOP from his exalted perch as a media favorite remains a mystery. Some conservatives might find Romney's vituperation of the president more palatable were he to condemn the incendiary and spiteful rhetoric spoken frequently by members of the Democratic Party. Mitt calls Trump "divisive" and accuses him of racism, yet, inexplicably, the man so high-minded and enamored of good "character" spoke nary a word in protest during the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings when his fellow colleagues were stigmatized as white nationalists and white supremacists. What irks Republicans about Romney's infelicitous attacks is that his invective is directed exclusively at Trump and never at the multitude of Democrats whose inflammatory rhetoric has led to increased political polarization in the country. Could Romney not find one instance of despicable behavior by Democrats that he could denounce with the same vigor and intensity as the vitriol he levels at the president of his own party? Democratic politicians routinely make despicable comparisons between president Trump and a man who exterminated millions of Jews. From Mitt, nary a word in protest. Where was the noble and high-minded Romney when Maxine Waters openly exhorted Democrats to harass individual members of the Trump administration? Did Waters's dangerous," divisive," and incendiary rhetoric incur Romney's disapprobation? Romney constantly criticizes Trump's comments as beyond the pale, sufficient to render him unfit to serve as president. Is the spiteful language Waters used not similarly contemptuous? Could Mitt not muster even the most benign reproach to members of a party who openly called for mob harassment of their political adversaries? For conservatives, Romney's silence on these matters is not only deafening; it is maddening, and his selective antipathy against the president is reprehensible. What does Romney hope to gain for the party by his long-term see-no-evil stance when it comes to criticizing members of the opposition? Whether he intended it or not, by his silence, Romney continues to ratify the deplorable and unprecedented antics by members of the Democratic Party. Someone needs to remind Romney that Trump slew Bush Republicanism forever. What NeverTrumps like Romney fail to understand, is that Trump's numerous character flaws will never serve as a catalyst for reinstating the ancien regime. The die has been cast, and there will be no going back to business as usual. When an unmindful Romney nonetheless talks about restoring the GOP back to its former Establishment glory, one can't help but remember Talleyrand's comments about the unwavering and retrograde mindset of the Bourbon dynasty upon their restoration in France following their post-revolutionary exile: "They had learned nothing and forgotten nothing." John Kinsellagh is a freelance writer and attorney. He is the author of Election 2016 and The Mainstream Media-Democratic Party-Complex, both available on Amazon. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr. A notable defection on this rule vote was Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the freshman representative from New York. She and other far-left progressives don't want their socialist agenda held back by anything as boring as whether or not there's money to pay for it. On January 3, the new Congress was sworn in. The House of Representatives is now under Democratic control, and Nancy Pelosi is once again speaker. One of the first things the new House did was to pass rules changes that include PAYGO, the rule that new spending must be offset with budget cuts or revenue increases so that the deficit doesn't get any worse. If PAYGO was the reason for Ocasio-Cortez's defection, she might as well have voted with the majority. That's because PAYGO is fraudulent; it can easily be waived and gotten around. Pelosi ran on PAYGO in 2006, but after grabbing the gavel in 2007, she ran the largest deficits in history. On January 3, Vox, Ezra Klein's left-wing website, ran "The PAYGO fight roiling House Democrats, explained" by Tara Golshan. The article's first sentence is "After Republicans ran up the federal deficit by $1 trillion, House Democrats want to establish themselves as the party of fiscal responsibility." That's so dishonest. Republicans under Trump never "ran" a deficit of $1T. What the young lady is referring to are projections for the deficit; she's writing about a possible future deficit, not actual deficits that have been run. Conservatives and progressives use different assumptions when making their budget projections. Conservatives use dynamic scoring, which takes into account changed behavior due to tax cuts, while progressives use static scoring. While trillion-dollar deficits run by Republicans are projections that may never happen, trillion-dollar deficits run by Democrats are fact; they've happened and have been recorded in the annals of history. Nancy Pelosi was speaker when Congress ran its first trillion-dollar deficits. Back in January 2011, when Pelosi passed the gavel to Speaker John Boehner, she and the Democrats were running a deficit well above $1T. When Vox says Republicans "ran up" the deficit by $1T, what's the starting point? In fiscal 2007, which began when Republicans were still in control of Congress, the deficit was $160B. In 2009, under Pelosi and the Democrats, the deficit was $1,412B. That's an actual run-up in the federal deficit of $1.25 trillion in just two years. Thanks, Nancy! When alleging trillion-dollar run-ups in the deficit, one must take into account the starting point. The starting point for the Republicans of the last Congress would be the $438B deficit in 2015, the lowest deficit since 2007. Since the deficit for 2018 was $779B, Vox should have written that Republicans ran up the deficit by $341B, not $1T. When it comes to money, the Democrats are children. Ocasio-Cortez and the other socialist freshmen think they shouldn't have to make a nod to fiscal sanity and alter their plans for more Big Government because Republicans backslid on the deficit with their 2017 tax cuts. In any event, the article at Vox is a window into the progressive mind on the budget; conservatives might find it interesting, if not for its economics, then from the standpoint of anthropology. PAYGO is like trying to fit progressive talking points into a Paul Ryan-esque worldview[.] ... As Democrats gear up for a presidential election against Donald Trump, some Democrats are left wondering why the party is letting Republicans write the script on the economy. "The message [Democratic leaders] are sending is that we as a party, Democrats, stand for fiscal discipline," Stephanie Kelton, a progressive economist with Stony Brook University, said. "What I hear is that Democrats are willing to prioritize budget outcomes over human ones." [Kelton is an advocate of printing money.] ... This is the core of progressives' complaint. They want to know why they have to rein in their boldest policies when Republicans have been able to pass tax cuts unfettered by budget rules. One reason we're having this partial government shutdown is because not all of the appropriations have been passed for fiscal 2019. Democrats are therefore partially responsible for the 2019 budget now that they control the House. That means that the Dems share responsibility for the current deficit. But even if all the various budgets and appropriations had already been passed, Democrats would still, as of January 3, be partially responsible for federal spending and deficits. That's because no Congress can bind a future Congress. So if Democrats object to the legislation of the last Congress, they can work to undo it. If the Dems are truly serious about fiscal responsibility, the House can pass rescission bills to cut spending and pass tax hikes to raise revenue. All that's necessary is that they make a persuasive case to Senate Republicans. If Democrats are really concerned about the deficit, let them (for once) propose some spending cuts. Since they've always been averse to spending cuts, let me offer some help: only the federal employees who are working during the shutdown without pay should receive back pay. Furloughed federal employees who have not worked during the shutdown should not be paid when the shutdown ends. Yes, that would be so "mean." Even so, isn't it rich that essential workers must work during the shutdown if they are to be paid, while nonessential workers get to take a holiday for which they expect to be paid? (Lesson: When seeking employment with the feds, apply for the nonessential jobs.) If the Democrats can't bring themselves to vote no on this scam of paying people not to work, then what spending are they willing to cut? Jon N. Hall of ULTRACON OPINION is a programmer from Kansas City. Apart from the issue of border security, congressional Democrats continue to obsess over the possibility of impeaching the president and the extent of the president's pardoning power. Most notably, Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) recently promised to impeach President Trump in a profanity-laced tirade, while Representative Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) moved to prohibit Trump and any future president from issuing pardons to "themselves, their families, their administration or campaign staff." Given what we currently know, both issues are moot and reflect mere partisan rants. The Constitution (Article 2, Section 4) specifies two specific crimes treason and bribery that merit impeachment and removal from office. As set forth in Vox, the Constitution references a broader category of "other high Crimes and Misdemeanors" that could also justify impeachment. To initiate articles of impeachment, a simple majority would be needed in the House. A trial would then be held in the Senate with the chief justice of the Supreme Court presiding. Given that Republicans gained additional seats in the Senate, conviction is highly unlikely. Practically speaking, to impeach a president, there must be an impeachable offense. To date, there has been no evidence of any offense by President Trump. There has been a great deal of debate regarding the legality of the hush money payments and campaign finance laws and Trump's alleged real estate deals in Russia. However, to date, there has been no credible evidence implicating the president. Finally, Tlaib's recent and tasteless allegation against Trump is not an impeachable offense (even if some Democrats find it true). Although many congressional Democrats continue to obsess over the opportunity to impeach President Trump, they would be well advised to consider the words of some of their predecessors. During the impeachment process involving former president Clinton, some prominent Democrats warned against impeachment. As stated in the Washington Post: Wilentz, along with a group of other prominent Democrats Samuel Beer, a retired Harvard government professor, Bruce Ackerman of the Yale Law School and former attorney general Nicholas deB. Katzenbach argued that even if Clinton did commit perjury as the Republicans charge, he should not be impeached, because impeaching a president is such a grave and momentous decision that it must be reserved for extreme cases of "political crimes against the state," as Katzenbach put it. Essentially, they were putting the committee on notice: Use the impeachment process to score a political point at your peril future generations will not forgive you. Based on the information that has been publicly disclosed to date, talk of impeachment is moot and appears to stem solely from partisan politics. Moreover, according to the Washington Times, a new CNN poll found that 50% of Americans do not feel that President Trump should be impeached and removed from office. Pardon Power Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution specifies that the president: ... shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment. Interestingly, there is nothing specifying that a president cannot pardon himself. Therefore, some argue that the absence of any prohibitive language means that the president is well within his authority to do so. Conversely, some opponents argue that there is nothing in the Constitution permitting a president to do so, and that such power would allow a sitting president to pardon himself at will and grant him unfettered power. Both positions have merit, and nobody really knows whether the president's pardoning power allows him to pardon himself. However, what is clear is that the question of the president's right to "self-pardon" is moot and irrelevant until, and if, an offense against the United States has been committed. President Trump has not been accused of any crime to date, let alone a crime against the United States. Moreover, Cohen's proposal to limit the president's power to pardon others could well run afoul of the president's constitutional rights. Finally, and tangentially, the Supreme Court's eventual ruling in Gamble v. United States could also impact the extent of the president's pardoning power as it relates to federal and state crimes. For example, if the Supreme Court rules that a person may not be charged for the same crime in state and federal court (it is unlikely that the court will rule in this manner), the president could pardon someone for a federal crime without worrying about a parallel state crime for which the pardoning power does not apply. Maybe it's time for Cohen and other congressional Democrats to focus their energy on other, more pressing issues that can help the American people and less on their personal, partisan, and deep-rooted desire to remove the president. Mr. Hakim is a writer, commentator, and an attorney. His articles have been published in The Washington Examiner, The Daily Caller, The Federalist, The Western Journal, American Thinker, and other online publications. https://thoughtfullyconservative.wordpress.com Twitter: @ThoughtfulGOP Lake Charles, Louisiana (70615) Today Thunderstorms this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Low 73F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Low 73F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Before Italys election we ask if the countrys fragile economic recovery could be at risk of melting away. An electoral coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo? Felix Tshisekedi is announced the winner of the DRCs presidential election amid concerns over the elections validity. Australias African Gangs 101 East gets to the truth of the so-called African gang crime-wave in Australias southern city of Melbourne. I am not a sheep, I have my own mind I have had enough of being told what and how to think Whilst we are still allowed the remnants of free speech, I will speak out. I also reserve the right to discuss less controversial matters should I feel the urge. Describing the US as a force for good in the Middle East, top US diplomat rallies allies against Iran, ISIL threats. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has launched a scathing broadside against Iran, laying out the Trump administrations vision for the Middle East in a keynote speech at the American University in Cairo. Pompeo on Thursday called for an end to Middle East rivalries to roll back Tehrans influence and vowed to expel every last Iranian boot from Syria. Its time for old rivalries to end, for the sake of the greater good of the region, Pompeo said. He is on a Middle East tour to reassure allies about US plans to withdraw troops from Syria. The United States will use diplomacy and work with our partners to expel every last Iranian boot from Syria and will bolster efforts to bring peace and stability to the long-suffering Syrian people, he said. Pompeo rebuked the administration of former US President Barack Obama for their misguided and wishful thinking that diminished the USs role in the region and emboldened its main foe: Iran. The top US diplomat also criticised Obama for being naive and timid when confronted with challenges posed by the revolts that convulsed the Middle East, including Egypt, beginning in 2011. He blamed the previous administration for the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) and Irans increasing assertiveness, which he said was a direct result of sanctions relief, granted to it under the 2015 nuclear deal. Describing the US as a force for good in the Middle East, Pompeo sought to reassure allies that it remained committed to the complete dismantling of the threat posed by the ISIL group despite Trumps decision to withdraw troops from Syria. Al Jazeeras senior political analyst Marwan Bishara said that Pompeos speech failed to resonate with Arab audiences. His speech, which began with America is a force of good in the Middle East, is a marked departure from Obamas humble speech which started with an apology, Bishara said. I think thats an arrogant approach to the Middle East, telling its people who suffered millions of casualties since Americas wars in 1980, Bishara said. That does not strike people in the Middle East as a humble and engaging approach. Danger of the regime In the speech entitled A Force for Good: Americas Reinvigorated Role in the Middle East, Pompeo extolled the Trump administrations actions across the region cementing ties with traditional, albeit authoritarian governments, taking on ISIL and imposing tough new sanctions on Iran. President Trump has reversed our willful blindness to the danger of the regime and withdrew from the failed nuclear deal, with its false promises, Pompeo said. Irans foreign minister was quick to mock the US Secretary of States speech in which he said when America retreats, chaos follows, by asserting the opposite was true. Whenever/wherever US interferes, chaos, repression and resentment follow, Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter. Since withdrawing from the nuclear deal with Iran last May, the Trump administration has steadily ratcheted up pressure on Tehran and routinely accuses the nation of being the most destabilising influence in the region. It has vowed to increase the pressure until Iran halts what US officials describe as its malign activities throughout the Middle East and elsewhere, including support for rebels in Yemen, anti-Israel groups and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. While the Obama administration made the landmark nuclear deal with Iran a priority, the Trump administration is taking the opposite approach, Al Jazeeras Bishara said. The Trump administration is making Iran a priority not for engagement but for conflict sacrificing a lot of things in the region in order to make sure that they have the Middle East strategic alliance against Iran. Scant mention of Yemen According to Bishara, Pompeos approach set a low bar, with scant mention of Yemen just half a line despite the war in Yemen being a key issue in the Middle East. The occupied Palestinian territories werent mentioned at all, Bishara noted. With the UN and human rights organisations repeatedly condemning the tragedy in Yemen, the US should be looking at wrapping up the war, Bishara said. The Al Jazeera analyst added that Pompeo is pushing Arab leaders to normalise relations with Israel while it is and continues to be an occupying power. In a rebuttal to the speech, a group of mainly former Obama administration foreign policy officials rejected Pompeos assertions as petty and weak. Pompeos speech came on the third leg of a nine-nation Middle East tour aimed at reassuring US allies against threats from Iran and ISIL. UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention says three relatives of UK-based activist were detained without warrant in 2017. A United Nations human rights watchdog has called on Bahrain to release three relatives of a prominent exiled activist, describing their detention as an unlawful act of reprisal over their family connection. The UNs Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in a report on Monday said three people were being held because of their kinship to Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, a human rights activist and government critic who now lives in the United Kingdom. The group found that Bahrain arbitrarily detained his brother-in-law Sayed Nazar Alwadaei, cousin Mahmood Marzooq Mansoor and mother-in-law Hajar Mansoor Hassan without warrants and didnt give them the right to a fair trial. The three were sentenced in October 2017 to three years in prison on the charge of planting a fake bomb. The UN group said they were deprived of their liberty, interrogated and prosecuted for their family ties with Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei and that these were acts of reprisals. The panel, composed of five independent experts, also voiced concern at allegations of torture and mistreatment in custody. The Working Group considers that, taking into account all the circumstances of the case, the appropriate remedy would be to release Sayed Nazar Alwadaei, Mr Mansoor and Ms Hassan immediately and accord them an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law, it said. The group said Bahrain denied the allegations, but offered no evidence to support its claims. Crackdown on dissent Alwadaei, director of the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, fled the country during the Arab Spring uprising in 2011, seeking sanctuary in the UK. This is the second time in less than a week that the UN has censured the kingdom after calling last Friday for the release of another prominent activist, Nabeel Rajab. He has been sentenced to five years in jail for tweeting criticism of Saudi Arabias air attacks in Yemen and accusing Bahrains prison authorities of torture. Reacting to the UN report, Alwadaei said in a statement: Its difficult for me to live freely when I know that others are imprisoned because of my actions. I just hope that this important decision influences the Bahraini authorities to end the torment of my family and grant their release. He called for Bahrains powerful allies in the West, including the United States, to apply the full weight of their authority behind the UN decision and cease their support. Bahrain, where a Sunni-Muslim royal family rules over a Shia-majority population, has kept a tight lid on dissent since the Shia opposition staged a failed pro-democracy uprising in 2011. Turkey and US remain at loggerheads over the future of Syrian Kurdish forces after Trumps decision to pull out troops. Turkey will go ahead with an offensive against Syrian Kurdish fighters in Syria if the United States delays the withdrawal of its troops from the war-torn country, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said. If the [withdrawal] is put off with ridiculous excuses like Turks are massacring Kurds, which do not reflect the reality, we will implement this decision, he told NTV channel on Thursday. Cavusoglu said a military operation against the US-allied Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG), which it has pledged to carry out in northeastern Syria, is not dependent on the pullout of US troops. 190108094851818 We are determined on the field and at the table We will decide on its timing and we will not receive permission from anyone. Turkey has long condemned the US for its military relationship with the Kurdish fighters. Ankara considers the YPG and its political wing the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) to be terrorist groups with ties to the banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in Turkey. Last month, US President Donald Trump said he is withdrawing some 2,000 US troops from Syria in a statement that shocked many politicians in Washington as well as Western and Kurdish allies fighting alongside the US in the war-torn country. Trumps decision to withdraw troops was initially expected to be carried out swiftly, but the timetable became vague in the weeks following his announcement. France, Britain and local armed groups have also warned that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) had not been totally defeated yet. On Sunday, US National Security Adviser John Bolton had set pre-conditions for the US pullout from Syria that included Turkey guaranteeing the safety of the YPG. 190108203410642 Ankara has rejected US demands for assurances that it will not attack its Kurdish allies in Syria before the US troops withdraw from the war-torn region. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan denounced the call for the protection of Kurdish fighters as seriously mistaken. On Wednesday, Cavusoglu said the US is facing difficulties in parting ways with the Kurdish fighters it allied with to fight the ISIL. It is hard to break up with a terrorist organisation after being involved with it at this level, Cavusoglu said. Mehdi Nemmouche faces a life sentence if convicted of killing four people in the Belgian capital in May 2014. The trial of a man accused of shooting dead four people at a Jewish museum in Belgium in 2014 has started in Brussels amid high security. Mehdi Nemmouche, 33, who was in court, faces a life sentence if convicted of the killings in the Belgian capital following his return from Syria where he allegedly fought alongside the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) fighters. Nemmouches suspected accomplice in the May 24, 2014 attack, Nacer Bendrer, a fellow Frenchman aged 30, was also present in the Brussels courtroom on Thursday. Both have previously denied charges of terrorist murder, the first of several attacks on European soil attributed to the ISIL. The shooting caused the death of four people: an Israeli couple, a Belgian man who worked at the museum and a French woman who volunteered there. Six days after the attack Nemmouche born to a family of Algerian origin in the northern French town of Roubaix was arrested in the southern French port city of Marseille, where he arrived on a bus from Brussels. Investigators said he was carrying a handgun and an assault rifle used in the shooting. They said he fought with an armed group in Syria from 2013 to 2014, where he met Najim Laachraoui, a member of the gang which went on to carry out suicide bombings in Brussels that killed 32 people in March 2016. The same Brussels cell is also alleged to have carried out the Paris gun attacks and bombings on November 13, 2015, in which 130 people were killed and hundreds more wounded. Both attacks were claimed by the ISIL group. Nemmouche and Bendrer, investigators say, met nearly a decade ago while in prison in southern France, where they were both described as radicalised inmates who tried to win others over. Bendrer was arrested in Marseille seven months after the Jewish museum attack and charged as Nemmouches accomplice. Although he was jailed for five years in September by a French court for attempted extortion, he was transferred to Belgium for the trial. Nemmouche is expected to face a separate trial in France for holding French journalists hostage in Syria. In talks with North Korean leader, Chinese president says Beijing backs second meeting between Pyongyang and Washington. Chinese President Xi Jinping has told Kim Jong-un that Beijing supports a second summit between the North Korean leader and US President Donald Trump, adding that he hopes they meet each other halfway, according to state media. The report by Xinhua news agency on Thursday came a day after Kim concluded an unannounced two-day trip to China, North Koreas major diplomatic ally and primary source of aid and trade. Political settlement of the (Korean) Peninsula issue faces a rare historic opportunity, Xi said during Kims visit to the Chinese capital, according to Xinhua. For his part, Kim said North Korea will make efforts to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community at the next summit with the United States, Chinas official news agency added. Kim said he hoped relevant sides would take North Koreas reasonable concerns seriously and actively respond to them to promote a comprehensive resolution to the Korean Peninsula issue. In a report also on Thursday, North Koreas state media KCNA said that Kim and Xi had in-depth discussions on how to jointly study and steer the situation on the Korean Peninsula and denuclearisation talks. The two leaders, joined by their wives, attend a meeting in Beijing [Huang Jingwen/Xinhua via AP] The trip to China came a week after Kim, in his annual New Years address to the nation, renewed his commitment to denuclearisation but warned that Pyongyang may change its approach to nuclear talks if Washington persists with sanctions. At a landmark summit in Singapore last year, Kim and Trump signed a vaguely-worded pledge on denuclearisation. But progress has since stalled with Pyongyang and Washington which stations 28,500 troops in South Korea disagreeing over what that means. The US insists that United Nations sanctions must remain in place until North Korea gives up its weapons, while Pyongyang wants them eased immediately. China also wants the sanctions relaxed and Xi said he hopes that the DPRK and the United States will meet each other halfway according to Xinhua, using the initials of North Koreas official name. Xi spoke highly of the positive measures taken by the DPRK side, it added. Imminent summit? North Korea has carried out six nuclear blasts and launched missiles capable of reaching the whole of the US, but has carried out no such tests for more than a year, and blew up the entrances to a nuclear testing ground it said it no longer needed. Pyongyang has rejected demands for what it calls its unilateral disarmament as gangster-like. Each of the previous Kim-Xi meetings have come shortly before or after the North Koreans summits with either Trump or South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Trump said on Sunday that the US and North Korea are negotiating the location for their next summit, a meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday was imminent. Kims visit to China coincided with negotiations between US and Chinese officials in Beijing to resolve a bruising trade dispute between the worlds two largest economies that has roiled financial markets. Afghan and Pakistani officials talk about peace as Taliban offensives continue in Afghanistan. A series of Taliban attacks in western and northern Afghanistan has killed 21 members of the countrys security forces, Afghan officials say. Jamshed Shahabi, spokesperson for the governor in western Badghis province, said the fighters overran outposts there, killing six policemen on Wednesday. Council member Shamsul Haq Baeakzai in northern Baghlan province said seven members of the local police force were killed there on the same day. In northern Takhar province, council member Ruhollah Raufi said eight policemen were shot. The Taliban also attacked security checkpoints in Kunduz province, killing soldiers and police. The attacks wounded dozens of other members of the security forces. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for these attacks. The Taliban fighters have carried out near-daily attacks on Afghan troops, inflicting heavy losses. In response, the government in Kabul no longer releases official casualty figures. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said in November that 28,589 Afghan security personnel, both police and army, had been killed in fighting since 2015. Meanwhile, Pakistani and Afghan officials are meeting in Islamabad to discuss Taliban peace negotiations. The US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, has also been trying to restart a peace process with the Taliban. He is on his fourth trip to the region since being appointed in September. He will visit India, China, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Russia and Iran have all been involved in engaging with the Taliban in recent months either with the US or in parallel processes. Several senior Taliban leaders are in Doha, Qatar. There were reports on Wednesday that talks in Doha between the Taliban and the US were cancelled over agenda differences. Reports of US-Taliban talks Wednesday inaccurate. Taliban should talk to fellow Afghans as much as they talk to media. Charge dAffaires Ross Wilson (@USAmbKabul) January 8, 2019 However, the US Ambassador to Afghanistan, John Bass, tweeted: Reports of US-Taliban talks Wednesday inaccurate. Taliban should talk to fellow Afghans as much as they talk to media. The Taliban has repeatedly refused to meet the Afghan government. In December the Taliban held meetings with Iranian officials and in November attended a meeting in Moscow where a non-governmental Afghan delegation was present. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on a visit to India that Iran has had intelligence contacts with the Taliban because it needed to secure border areas controlled by the Taliban on the Afghan side. I think it would be impossible to have a future Afghanistan without any role for the Taliban, Zarif, who is in New Delhi for talks with Indian leaders, told NDTV in an interview. But we also believe that the Taliban should not have a dominant role in Afghanistan. According to the UN, 40,000 childrens lives are at risk, as Lebanon faces harsh winter storms. Geneva, Switzerland The lives of 70,000 Syrian refugees in makeshift camps across Lebanon are at risk as the country faces extreme weather conditions and flooding, the United Nations refugee protection agency has said. A heavy storm with colder temperatures and high winds, dubbed Norma by Lebanese meteorologists, has affected some 11,301 refugees at 361 different sites across Lebanon since Sunday. These exceptional weather conditions are making the living situation of Syrian refugees even more precarious, said Philippe Lazzarini, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Lebanon, on Thursday. According to the UN, 40,000 of those at risk are children. They live across 850 sites that may also be hit by storms in the next few days. UN agencies have been trying to provide emergency aid to the worst affected areas. In Beirut and the Mount Lebanon region, some refugee camps have collapsed under the heavy snow, while others suffered from flooding or heavy water leakages. In these regions, UN agencies in coordination with local authorities and other NGOs are distributing core relief items, such as winter clothing, mattresses and blankets. In the North and Akkar regions, heavy rainfalls and flash floods have affected some 1,750 refugees. Relief agencies are providing clean water and hygiene kits along with other emergency items, including food parcel distribution, to the families in need. The situation is particularly difficult in the Bekaa and Baalbek regions, which have been hit by torrential rains and heavy snowfalls. A total of 315 sites are at risk, including 117 which are being prioritised, with people in need of shelter and water. 181211134022694 In Arsal, refugees are running out of food and some settlements at high altitudes are particularly difficult to reach, said the UN. Refugees there are asking for fuel for heating, good quality plastic sheeting and insulation kits. Syrian refugees About 1.5 million refugees are estimated to be living in Lebanon, where one in every four inhabitants is a refugee, said the UN coordinator. The figure includes some 31,502 Palestinian refugees from Syria, 35,000 Lebanese returnees and a pre-existing population of more than 277,985 Palestinian refugees. Lazzarini, whose office works closely with Damascus over voluntary repatriations, said the eight-year conflict in Syria and stalemate over its political resolution meant it was difficult for most Syrian refugees to consider returning home. The conditions havent been met yet for most of the refugees to consider it safe to go back to Syria, he said. In 2018, between 16,000 and 17,000 refugees returned home voluntarily, a slight increase compared with 2017 when 13,000 returned. With these figures, we are far from any mass returns. If the refugees prefer to face dire living conditions rather than returning home, it means we dont have the right conditions for them to go back, Lazzarini said. Syrians who are willing to return have to contact the Syrian Internal Security, which vets their requests. Once their return has been approved, the UN agency assists the refugees on their journey back, said the UN coordinator. However, many refugees still fear being arrested or persecuted upon their return home. For its part, the Lebanese government has said that refugees will not be forcibly repatriated. While the integration of refugees is not an option, Lebanon has agreed to a non-refoulment policy, Lazzarini confirmed. 181019180340924 Nevertheless, fearing that refugees may settle down permanently, Lebanese authorities have banned the construction of proper camps with permanent structures and services, and have imposed restrictions on the materials to be used. The refugees have ended up in precarious makeshift sites which can hardly withstand extreme weather conditions. Economy The high number of refugees has taken its toll on the countrys economy as well as on its social fabric, with tensions rising between local communities and the refugees. Lazzarini said competition between the two groups over low-income jobs and the discriminatory measures adopted by some municipalities are exacerbating friction between the host community and the Syrian refugees. The prolonged political deadlock over the formation of a new government in Lebanon is also worsening an already bleak economic outlook. The international community has responded to the Lebanese refugee crisis with average annual funding of $1.2bn since the crisis began in 2014. The funds have been used mainly for emergency aid and for the education of refugee children. But 75 percent of all refugees still live under the poverty line and half of these in extreme poverty. Trump says he told top Democrats bye-bye after they said they would not fund a border wall if he ended the shutdown. US President Donald Trump walked out of the meeting with top Democrats on Wednesday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, after they vowed to not approve funding for a wall on the US-Mexico border. He asked (House) Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi, Will you agree to my wall? She said no, Schumer told reporters outside the White House. And he just got up and said, Then we have nothing to discuss, and he just walked out. Again, we saw a temper tantrum because he couldnt get his way. On Twitter, Trump described the meeting as a total waste of time, underscoring his demands for a wall on the southern border. I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works! Trump wrote on Twitter. Earlier on Wednesday, US Vice President Mike Pence said that the Trump administration was determined to stand firm in its push to secure more than $5bn in funding for a wall along the border with Mexico to end what he called a humanitarian crisis. President Trump and I, and our entire team, are determined to stand firm until the Democrats in Congress come to the table and work with us to secure the border, build a wall, end this humanitarian crisis and do whats right for the American people, Pence said in an interview with syndicated radio show host Rush Limbaugh. The comments came on the 19th day of a partial government shutdown, which is centred on Trumps demand for $5.7bn in funding for the wall. More than 800,000 federal workers have been furloughed or required to work without pay and services have been also disrupted for many other Americans. On Tuesday, Trump gave a televised address in which he made the case for a border wall, saying the situation is a humanitarian crisis a crisis of the heart and a crisis of the soul. Pelosi and Schumer responded, accusing Trump of appealing to fear, not facts. Democrats oppose the border wall, calling it ineffective, expensive and immoral. After taking control of the House of Representatives last week, they passed a two-bill spending package that included more than $1.3bn for border security measures that do not include a wall. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, has so far this year refused to bring any legislation Trump wont sign to a vote. McConnell faces increasing pressure from within his party, especially from vulnerable Republicans up for re-election in 2020, as several conservative senators urged action to reopen the government. Keep Republicans in line To shore up his partys support, Trump and Pence also met congressional Republicans on Wednesday for talks about the shutdown. 190107150120233 Trump told reporters as he was leaving the Capitol that party is totally unified in its demands for border security. A couple [Republicans] talked about strategy but theyre with us all the way, he said. But some Republicans, including Senator John Thun, have indicated in recent days that there is growing concern about the toll the shutdown is taking on everyday Americans, including disruptions in payments to farmers and trouble for home buyers who are seeking government-backed mortgage loans serious stuff. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski recently urged colleagues to approve spending bills that would reopen various agencies, so that whether its the Department of the Interior or it is the IRS, those folks can get back to work. Id like to see that. After the presidents meeting with Republicans on Wednesday, John Cornyn, the No 2 Republican in the Senate, said Trump urged senators to hang together in the face of what they expect to be rising political pressure on the president and legislators of both parties as the shutdown begins to hurt federal workers paychecks. This really isnt about the substance any more. This is about who is going to win and who is going to lose a political argument so that unfortunately we are not even talking about the substance any more, Cornyn told Al Jazeera. This is a completely contrived and phoney crisis as far as I am concerned because we solve problems like this every day, working out and negotiating outcomes. But having said that, I think there is going to be significant political pressure on everybody when federal workers and contractors start missing their paychecks, or cant pay the rent or the mortgage, or put food on the table. Cornyn added that there are discussions behind the scenes about a compromise. Before his Capitol Hill visit, Trump said he thought were getting closer to a deal, but presented no details on what that may be. Instead, he renewed his notice that he might declare a national emergency and try to authorise the wall on his own if Congress wouldnt approve the $5.7bn hes asking for. I think we might work a deal, and if we dont we might go that route, he said. If he moves forward with this threat, it will likely face challenges in the courts. Growing proportion of Americans blame Trump: poll As the shutdown stretched to the second-longest on record, a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday found that a growing proportion of Americans blame Trump for the shutdown, though Republicans mostly support his refusal to approve a budget without taxpayer dollars for a wall on the US-Mexico border. 190108211603353 The national opinion poll, which ran from January 1 to January 7, found that 51 percent of adults believe Trump deserves most of the blame for the shutdown. That is up four percentage points from a similar poll that ran from December 21 to 25. Another 32 percent blame congressional Democrats for the shutdown and seven percent blame congressional Republicans, according to the poll. Those percentages are mostly unchanged from the previous poll. With additional reporting from William Roberts in Washington, DC. Saudis fear taking off in private jets as the government aims to collect over $100bn from wealthy citizens. A crackdown on corruption in Saudi Arabia has severely dented the kingdoms private jet industry in a sign of the effect the campaign has had on private enterprise and the wealthy elite. Dozens of planes, owned by individuals and charter companies, worth hundreds of millions of dollars, are stranded at airports across the kingdom including Riyadh and Jeddah, four people familiar with the matter told the Reuters news agency. Some were handed over to the state in settlements reached after the crackdown was launched in late 2017, when dozens of princes, businessmen and government officials were arrested, they said. Others belong to Saudis who either face travel bans or are reluctant to fly the planes because they are wary of displays of wealth that might be seen as taunting the government over the anti-corruption campaign, two of the sources said. The government media office did not respond to Reuters requests for comment. The General Authority of Civil Aviation said questions on the effect of the anti-corruption drive on the private jet industry were outside its mandate, adding that its relationship with private aviation covers operations, safety and regulations. The crackdowns effect on the business community and private enterprise, which are already reeling from low oil prices and weakened consumer confidence, has shattered investor confidence and contributed to a sense of uncertainty around the policies of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, commonly known as MBS. MBS was originally welcomed as a reformer by Western voices, though his reputation was severely tarnished following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi [File: Bandar Algaloud/ Saudi Royal Court Handout/Reuters] The idle aircraft, which one of the sources estimated at up to about 70, include Bombardier and Gulfstream jets, the sources said. There are also larger Airbus and Boeing aircraft that are more commonly associated with commercial airlines but are often used in the Middle East as private jets. A Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo can cost up to $130m, though the final cost depends on how the jet is fitted out with technology and amenities. These amenities can include private bedrooms, meeting rooms, and even gym equipment. The number of registered private jets in Saudi Arabia stood at 129 as of December 2018 compared with 136 a year earlier, according to FlightAscend Consultancy data. Private jets offer users flexibility as, unlike commercial airliners, they are not constrained by arrival and departure time slots. They also enable users to travel more discreetly. Under the radar Saudi Arabias finance minister, Mohammed al-Jadaan, said last month the state had collected more than 50 billion riyals ($13.33bn) from settlements reached under the crackdown. Most of the detainees held at Riyadhs Ritz-Carlton Hotel in November 2017 were released after being exonerated or reaching financial settlements with the government, which said it aims to seize more than $100bn in total in either cash or assets. It is unclear how the government would transfer ownership of the jets grounded across Saudi Arabia as many are owned through offshore firms or are mortgaged, two of the sources familiar with the matter said. Three of the sources said it was likely that the jets were still registered in the kingdom. Two of the sources said the government could absorb the aircraft into existing fleets used by ministries and state-owned corporations. A third source said the government had been looking to set up its own private jet company made up entirely of seized aircraft. The anti-corruption campaign launched by MBS has won widespread approval among ordinary Saudis, partly because the government has said it will use some of the funds to finance social benefits. Critics have said the purge was a power play by the prince as he moved to consolidate power in his hands. There have been few private jet flights in Saudi Arabia over the past year, largely because there are fewer planes readily available, including for charter, three of the sources familiar with the matter said. VistaJet Chief Commercial Officer Ian Moore compared it with the situation in China where an anti-corruption crackdown has also weakened the private jet market. Its not really politically great to be seen flying privately at the moment, particularly owning your own aircraft, he told Reuters. Some wealthy Saudi elites are taking commercial airlines to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and other destinations and then chartering private jets to avoid government scrutiny, two of the sources said. Plane manufacturers said the appetite for business jet sales in Saudi Arabia has dropped since the anti-corruption crackdown was launched in November 2017. Political instability does not help consumer confidence in any way, shape or form, Embraer Executive Jets Chief Commercial Officer Stephen Friedrich told Reuters. Speaker of the Irish Parliament Sean O Fearghail has seized the opportunity of his working visit to Morocco (Jan.7-11) to discuss latest developments of the Sahara issue. Mr. O Fearghail, who met in Rabat several senior Moroccan officials including Head of Govt Saad Eddine El Othmani and Speaker of the House of Representatives Habib El Malki, was received on Wednesday by chairman of the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs (CORCAS), Khalihenna Ould Errachid. During the meeting, Mr. Ould Errachid briefed the Irish leader on the Sahara issue and on the efforts made by Morocco to resolve this regional conflict. He also stressed the pertinence of the autonomy plan offered by Morocco for the Sahara, affirming that this plan, which lays out a solution currently on the UN negotiating table, has been worked out by the Sahrawis themselves, who are the primarily concerned inhabitants. Backed by the international community and described by the UN as serious, realistic and credible, the Moroccan autonomy plan enables the local inhabitants to exercise their right to run their affairs themselves, and to achieve integrated development in a free and stable environment. Besides the Sahara issue, Speaker of the lower house of the Irish Parliament also reviewed with Moroccan officials cooperation prospects in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, trade, business, investments, justice, Human rights and the fight against climate change and illegal migration. Posted by North Africa Post North Africa Post's news desk is composed of journalists and editors, who are constantly working to provide new and accurate stories to NAP readers. An image of a classroom with black and white children separated sparks controversy in post-apartheid South Africa. A South African primary school teacher was suspended on Thursday after a photograph appeared to show black children sitting separately from white children in a classroom, sparking a storm of racism accusations. The pupils were attending their first day at the Schweizer-Reneke school in North West province, and the teacher had taken a photograph to send to anxious parents. It rapidly spread on social media as it showed about 17 white children sitting around a large table, with four black children around a small corner table in the background. From the information I got from the meeting, it seems that there are a lot of cases here of racism, provincial Education Minister Sello Lehari said after visiting the school. I will send a team to do an investigation into all schools to deal with issues of racism in totality, Lehari said. Student activist Mcebo Dlamini wrote on social media the most provoking aspect of the image is not that black kids are ostracized from white kids, that is common in our supposedly post-apartheid Africa, South African news website TimesLIVE reported. Rather what becomes painful is that there are black people who still insist that racism has ended and who think that blacks and whites can have peaceful relations that do not have undertones of racism. Race relations remain tense in South Africa 25 years after the end of white-minority apartheid rule, with fierce racism-related controversies erupting regularly on social media and in politics. We saw the photo and we were also angered by what we saw, Jozeph du Plessis, chairman of the schools governing body, told the eNCA television channel. The kids were quite unsettled you must realise they were five years old on their first day at school and she grouped them in a way she thought would settle them quickly and comfort them. There was no intent of racism or segregation from the teachers side. We are investigating perhaps it could be a language issue, perhaps those kids are not speaking Afrikaans, but I cant speculate. Some white parents on Thursday took their children from the school after protesters gathered outside. Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz on Wednesday called for the west African country to root out hate speech as he headed a rally aimed at dampening ethnic tensions. The people who are behind this speech are a minority, but we have to put an end to their toxic behaviour for the sake of the future, the president said at the march in the capital, Nouakchott. It is the first rally led by President Aziz since he came to power in a coup in 2008. He added during the march that he would use a law adopted last year to crack down on hateful, racist or violent speech. On January 1, government Spokesperson Sidi Mohamed Ould Mouhamed cited what he described as a recent escalation of hate speech and attempts to sow hatred among the Mauritanian people. Aziz called for the gathering in response to ongoing combative disputes on social media, including Whatsapp, between the countrys Arab-Berber community and the Haratines, former slaves and their descendants. Marchers carried banners promoting ethnic cohesion and chanted no to hate, no to extremism and inciting violence. According to organisers, the march was attended by hundreds of thousands of Mauritanians who were given the day off with pay to attend the rally. Mauritania, a desert country with a population of around 4.4 million, was the last nation to abolish slavery in 1981 and it introduced the first law to punish slave-owning in 2007. However, according to activists the practice still remains entrenched in the country. Human rights groups, particularly the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement (IRA-Mauritania), denounce the persistence of slavery and the condition of dire poverty of former slaves and their descendants. The president stated that he recognised the country had social and economic disparities, like everywhere in the world where there are rich and poor, but the remedy for this lies in education. The opposition declined an invitation to the rally, saying this march cannot be a solution to the problems justifying it and calling for a national dialogue to find sustainable solutions. President urges Tokyo not to politicise issue of South Koreans forced to work by Japanese firms during World War II. South Koreas President Moon Jae-in has said Japan should take a more humble attitude towards the past, warning Tokyo not to undermine bilateral ties by politicising the issue of South Koreans forced to work by Japanese companies during World War II. Relations between the two countries have long been strained by disputes over history and territory, with the issues largely stemming from Japans brutal 1910-45 colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula. I think the Japanese government should take a more humble attitude but the Japanese politicians are politicising the issue, Moon said in a press conference on Thursday. Current arguments largely centre on the so-called comfort women pressed into sexual slavery for Japanese troops during World War II and labourers made to work for Japanese firms, with a territorial dispute also rumbling over islands controlled by Seoul. In October, South Koreas top court ruled that Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp should compensate four former labourers. Japan subsequently claimed that a South Korean warship had locked its radar on a Japanese patrol plane. 180813125008321 On Wednesday, Tokyo demanded diplomatic consultations with Seoul after a South Korean court approved the seizure of part of Nippons domestic assets, calling the move extremely regrettable. According to official Seoul data, as well as the comfort women, around 780,000 Koreans were conscripted into forced labour by Japan during its 35-year occupation. Japan maintains that all historical compensation issues between the two nations were settled under the 1965 treaty that re-established diplomatic relations between them. Under the treaty, a package of about $800m in grants and cheap loans was provided to the former colony in compensation. Tokyo argues the court decisions are a breach of the treaty and the international laws. Moon said many South Koreans felt the 1965 treaty did not solve all issues for the victims, adding such views were not created by the government but by unfortunate history and telling reporters: We should respect the court ruling. North Korea ties Separately, Moon told reporters that a visit by Kim Jong-un to Seoul, as well as a second summit between the North Korean leader and US President Donald Trump, were imminent. At their first meeting in Singapore in June last year, Kim and Trump had signed a vaguely worded document with the North Korean leader pledging to work towards the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. But progress has since been stalled, with both sides arguing over their agreements interpretation. Moon acknowledged the Singapore agreement was somewhat vague, and there was scepticism over Kims denuclearisation pledge. But Kim had assured him and other leaders that his view of denuclearisation was no different in any way from what the international community demands, Moon said, and Pyongyang would not link it to the presence of US forces in the South or nearby. Pyongyang needed to take bold, practical measures for denuclearisation to ensure sanctions are lifted, Moon said, but added that corresponding measures were also needed from Washington, such as agreeing a peace regime and formally declaring an end to the 1950-1953 Korean War. Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomes North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at a ceremony in Beijing [Huang Jingwen/Xinhua via Reuters] Kim on Wednesday concluded a trip to China, North Koreas key diplomatic ally, during which Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his support over the possible summit with Trump. I think Chairman Kim Jong-uns visit to China will have a very positive effect on the success of the second US-North Korea summit, Moon said in the news conference in Seoul. Kim and Moon met three times last year and have made a series of goodwill gestures as well as vowing to resume economic cooperation when possible. The two countries have also taken steps to reduce their conventional military threat, such as removing mines and firearms from the border village of Panmunjom, destroying some front-line guard posts and creating buffer zones along their land and sea boundaries and a no-fly zone above the border. In a letter to Moon late last month, Kim had expressed a strong willingness to visit Seoul in 2019, according to the South Korean presidents office. A panel led by PM Modi sacks Alok Verma a step critics say will undermine the autonomy of investigating agency. New Delhi, India Indias federal investigation police chief has been removed from his post by a committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi just 48 hours after he was reinstated by the countrys top court. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) chief, Alok Verma, was first suspended in October along with his deputy Rakesh Asthana after they accused each other of corruption and interference in investigations. The high-powered committee, which also included Supreme Court Judge AK Sikri and the leader of the opposition in the lower house of parliament, Mallikarjun Kharge, met on Thursday to examine the corruption charges against Verma. This is completely malafide on the part of the government and the prime minister to remove him within a day of his reinstatement without even hearing him Prashant Bhushan, Supreme Court lawyer The decision to remove him was backed by Prime Minister Modi and Justice Sikri but opposed by Kharge. Critics accuse the government of undermining the autonomy of the countrys premier investigating agency ahead of the general elections slated to be held by May this year. Timeline of events September 20, 2018: Top anti-corruption watchdog, the Central Vigilance Commission, initiated a probe against CBI Director Alok Verma based on a complaint filed by his deputy Rakesh Asthana. October 4, 2018: Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan and former Minister Arun Shourie meet Verma, demanding a probe into alleged corruption in the Rafale aircraft deal. October 21, 2018: A bribery case is filed against Asthana. October 22: Prime Minister Modi summons Verma and Asthana. October 24: The government puts Verma and Asthana on forced leave. Verma challenges the decision in the Supreme Court. January 8: The Supreme Court rules in favour of deposed CBI director. The court orders the government to reinstate him as CBI director. January 10: A committee led by the prime minister removes Verma for a second time. Opposition members, including the president of the Congress party Rahul Gandhi, have alleged that government action against Verma is aimed at preventing an investigation into a multibillion-dollar defence deal to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from Frances Dassault Aviation. The government has denied any wrongdoing. The CBI is armed with a mandate to investigate corruption and all major crimes in the country and fulfils a similar role to the FBI in the US. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court had ruled Verma should be reinstated but that he should refrain from taking any major policy decisions until the probe is concluded. Completely malafide This is completely malafide on the part of the government and the prime minister to remove him days after his reinstatement without even hearing him. This is against the principles of natural justice, Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan told Al Jazeera. This shows Modi and his government are completely desperate. They wanted to stop a probe into the Rafale deal at any cost, he added. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson, however, defended the government move saying a person with questionable integrity can not be allowed to continue as head of the top investigative body. Now the government will ensure that the selection committee gets to appoint someone with impeccable integrity that is required for the top job, Zafar Islam, spokesperson of the BJP, told Al Jazeera. Vermas deputy, Asthana, who is allegedly close to Prime Minister Modi, was promoted to the agencys second-highest post last year. The removed chief had, in his petition to the Supreme Court in October, said the governments decision was patently illegal and unconstitutional. Critics say the Modi government is destroying the independence and credibility of the countrys major institutions including the CBI, the Election Commission and even the judiciary. The haste also shows disrespect for the SC, that had only just pronounced its verdict, for the bureaucracy, and the CBI itself. https://t.co/zPfQT6Yu1h Suhasini Haidar (@suhasinih) January 10, 2019 However, the crisis around the integrity of the premier federal body is not new. The previous Congress-led government was also castigated by the top court in 2013 for allegedly interfering in a corruption case investigation. A former Supreme Court judge had earlier denounced the CBI as a caged parrot and its masters voice, referring to its misuse by successive governments. Anti-corruption campaigners have long argued that political interference in the CBI reinforces the importance of an independent anti-corruption body. Modi, who won on an anti-corruption platform in 2014, has yet to appoint a Lokpal or anti-corruption ombudsman. Sanaa, Yemen A Houthi drone attack has killed at least five Yemeni soldiers and wounded several senior officers from the Yemeni army, including the countrys chief of staff, a government official and Houthi spokesperson told Al Jazeera. Thursdays attack on a military parade at the al-Anad military base wounded at least 20 military personnel, the official said, including Mohammad Saleh Tamah, the head of Yemens Intelligence Service, Mohammad Jawas, a senior military commander and Ahmed al-Turki, the governor of Lahij province. Abdul Guddoos al-Shahari, a spokesperson for the Houthis, told Al Jazeera that the Yemeni armys chief of staff, Abdullah Al-Nakhee, was also wounded in the attack. Our intelligence intercepted communications between the enemy commanders in which they mentioned that the chief of staff was wounded, al-Shahari said. He added that drone carried between 70 and 100 kilogrammes of explosives, and was detonated while flying over the main stage of the military parade after an accurate surveillance of the enemy commanders movements. Abdul Malik Al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthi movement, had announced a strategy of using drones and ballistic missiles in 2017. The group is at war with a Saudi-UAE-led coalition which began its military campaign in Yemen in March 2015, after the Houthis overran the capital, Sanaa, in 2014. Since 2017, the rebels have launched several ballistic and drone attacks on neighbouring Saudi Arabia and forces in the country loyal to the Yemeni government. The Houthi aligned al-Masirah TV network also confirmed the assault, adding it was targeting invaders and mercenaries. However, a senior official from the Yemeni army tried to play down the injuries, saying the drone exploded a far distance [away] and did not hurt anybody We are all safe, our situations is good and our health is good, General Thabit Jawas said in a widely circulated video. However, videos circulating on social media appeared to show that the explosives detonated just metres above where Yemeni officials were seated, and in one video, an Yemeni officer appeared to be bleeding profusely from his torso. Les images de l'explosion d'un drone pendant une parade militaire dans une base loyaliste du sud du #Yemen. Six militaires ont ete tues et 12 autres personnes, dont des officiers et des responsables locaux, blessees, selon un hopital local #AFP pic.twitter.com/qn4kEcVYrD Agence France-Presse (@afpfr) January 10, 2019 The attack comes just a day after the UN Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, told the Security Council that a peace agreement in Sweden last month had brought a considerable de-escalation to the conflict. Under the agreement, the first significant breakthrough in peace efforts since the war erupted in 2014, the Houthis were expected to withdraw from the strategic port city of Hodeidah and ease the siege on the southwestern city of Taiz. The rebels said they would halt all drone and missile attacks, but tensions have risen recently over how to implement the UN-sponsored peace deal. Both sides have accused each other of violating the agreement, and shortly after Thursdays attack, fighter jets began hovering over the skies of the rebel-held capital, Sanaa. Soldiers inspected the scene of the Houthi drone attack on the al-Anad air base [Reuters] France and Belgium are challenging the outcome of the Democratic Republic of the Congos presidential election, with Frances foreign minister saying the declared victory of opposition chief Felix Tshisekedi was not consistent with the results and that his rival Martin Fayulu appeared to have won. In remarks made just hours after the provisional results were announced on Thursday, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Tshisekedis opposition rival Fayulu, who was declared the runner up, should have been declared the winner. It really seems that the declared results are not consistent with the true results, he told Frances CNews channel. On the face of it, Mr Fayulu was the leader coming out of these elections. He said DR Congos powerful Catholic Church, which deployed more than 40,000 observers to monitor the elections, knew who had really won the vote with their observations suggesting a win for Fayulu. CENCO (National Episcopal Conference of the Congo) carried out an inspection and declared a result which was totally different, he said, referring to the body representing the countrys Catholic bishops. In a statement released on Thursday, the church said that the results of the presidential election published by (the electoral commission) do not match those collected by our observer mission. The African Union called for any dispute over the Democratic Republic of Congos election result to be resolved in a peaceful manner, through dialogue. It is important that any disagreement over the proclaimed results, notably that they did not reflect voters wishes, be resolved peacefully, by turning to the relevant laws and through political dialogue between the parties involved, read a statement from the office of AU head Moussa Faki Mahamat. Belgium to raise results in UNSC 190110020354170 Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders also cast doubt on the election result, saying his country would use its temporary seat on the UN Security Council to seek clarification about Tshisekedi surprise victory. We have some doubts that we need to check and which will be debated in the coming days in the Security Council, Reynders, whose country was Congos former colonial power, told Belgian public broadcaster RTBF. TheDRCs electoral commission on Thursday declared opposition leader Tshisekedi the winner of last months chaotic presidential election, but the runner-up dismissed the outcome as an electoral coup. Last week, CENCO said it knew the outcome of the contested December 30 vote and urged the electoral commission to publish the results in keeping with truth and justice. Although it did not name the winner, its announcement drew a sharp rebuke from the ruling coalition. The provisional results were announced earlier on Thursday, putting Tshisekedi on course to take over as president, replacing President Joseph Kabila who ruled the nation for nearly 18 years. In a country which has never known a peaceful handover of power since gaining independence from Belgium in 1960, Le Drian called for calm. It is crucial to keep calm, to avoid confrontations and to ensure there is clarity about the results which are the opposite of what we expected, of what was projected, he added. 190104202058648 Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, the hand-picked candidate of long-time President Joseph Kabila, was third with about 4.4 million votes. Barnabe Kikaya Bin Karubi, one of Kabilas top advisers, accepted the loss of the ruling partys preferred candidate. Of course we are not happy as our candidate lost, but the Congolese people have chosen and democracy has triumphed, Kikaya told Reuters news agency shortly after Tshisekedi was declared the winner. The announcement of Tshisekedis victory came hours after the riot police were deployed at the commissions headquarters in Kinshasa amid fears of violence due to the disputed result. Election observers reported a number of irregularities during the vote and the opposition alleged it was marred by fraud. The result could lead to the vast countrys first democratic transfer of power since independence from Belgium in 1960, with Kabila due to leave office this month after 18 years in power and two years after the official end of his mandate. Fighting Brazils gangs: Bolsonaro sends troops to Ceara state Police say the rise of violent crime in Ceara is retaliation against the presidents crackdown on gangs. Official results dismissed as electoral coup by rival Martin Fayulu, who led in polling ahead of long-delayed vote. Felix Tshisekedi has vowed to be the president of all Congolese after the Democratic Republic of Congos (DRC) electoral commission declared him the winner of the countrys long-delayed elections. The result, which was announced in the early hours of Thursday, was rejected by rival Martin Fayulu, who was backed by opposition heavyweights and had led in polling prior to the December 30 vote. Tshisekedi had won with 38.57 percent of more than 18 million ballots cast, Corneille Nangaa, head of the election commission said at about 3am (02:00 GMT) in a news conference that appeared timed to avoid any immediate reaction on the streets. Tshisekedi received more than seven million votes compared with about 6.4 million for Fayulu, who had warned against manipulation. Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, the hand-picked candidate of long-time President Joseph Kabila was third with about 4.4 million votes. Barnabe Kikaya Bin Karubi, one of Kabilas top advisors, accepted the loss of the ruling partys preferred candidate. Of course we are not happy as our candidate lost, but the Congolese people have chosen and democracy has triumphed, Kikaya told Reuters news agency shortly after Tshisekedi was declared the winner. The announcement came hours after the riot police were deployed at the commissions headquarters in Kinshasa amid fears of violence due to a disputed result. Election observers reported a number of irregularities during the vote and the opposition alleged it was marred by fraud. The result could lead to the vast countrys first democratic transfer of power since independence from Belgium in 1960, with Kabila due to leave office this month after 18 years in power and two years after the official end of his mandate. Corneille Nangaa, president of CENI, announces the results of the DRCs presidential election [Jackson Njehia/Reuters] The Catholic Church said on Thursday the poll results announced by the electoral commission did not match its vote tally. The African Union called for any dispute over the election to be resolved through dialogue. It is important that any disagreement over the proclaimed results, notably that they did not reflect voters wishes, be resolved peacefully, by turning to the relevant laws and through political dialogue between the parties involved, Moussa Faki Mahamat, head of the AU, said in a statement. Losing candidates can contest the results before the countrys constitutional court in the coming days. The swearing-in of the new president is planned for January 18. Some observers have suggested that Kabilas government sought to make a deal as hopes of a win for Shadary faded. The result is expected to cause further suspicion that Tshisekedi struck a power-sharing pact with Kabila. Tshisekedis camp has acknowledged contacts since the vote with Kabilas representatives but denies there has been any kind of deal. Speaking to thousands of cheering supporters in Kinshasa, Tshisekedi paid his respects to Kabila, whom he described as an important political partner. He said he is willing to be a president for all the people of Congo and thanked Fayulu and Shadary, saying he is willing to work with them to build a better Congo, Al Jazeeras Haru Mutasa, reporting from Kinshasa, said. But Fayulu dismissed the results announced by the electoral commission as a true electoral coup. The results have nothing to do with the truth of the ballot box, he said in an interview with Radio France Internationale, calling on observers to publish the real results. Tshisekedi, 55, is the son of the late Etienne Tshisekedi, the face of the DRCs opposition for decades. He has promised a return to the rule of law, to fight the gangrene of corruption and to bring peace to the conflict-wracked east of the resource-rich country. More than one million people were kept from voting on election day because of an Ebola outbreak and militia violence in opposition strongholds, mainly in DRCs east. Observers said many polling stations opened late and closed early and in some places voting machines malfunctioned. If losing candidates concede defeat, it will be the DRCs first peaceful transfer of power since independence. The son of the Democratic Republic of the Congos (DRC) veteran opposition leader has won the position that eluded his late father, Etienne, for decades the African nations presidency. On Thursday, 55-year-old Felix Tshisekedi was named by election officials as the provisional winner of an historic election held in December, a verdict now being doubted by the opposition and Western powers. Tshisekedi took 38.57 percent of the vote, while his closest challenger, Martin Fayulu, garnered 34.8 percent, according to the electoral board. Fayulu has already rejected the results. 190108161657761 If the losing candidates concede defeat, it would pave the way for the first peaceful transfer of power in the DRC since the country gained independence from Belgium in 1960. The DRCs constitutional court has until January 15 to announce the final results. The swearing-in of the new president is expected on January 18. Relative newcomer A relative newcomer to the Congolese political scene, Tshisekedi was elected to parliament in 2011 as a representative for Mbuji-Mayi, the countrys third largest city. But Tshisekedi never accepted his seat as he did not recognise his fathers 2011 election defeat to President Joseph Kabila, who ruled the DRC since 2001. Nicknamed Fatshi short for three of his names Felix Antoine Tshilombo Tshisekedi heads the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), founded by his father in 1982. The UDPS is the vast countrys oldest and largest opposition party. Opponents have accused Tshisekedi, who holds a diploma in marketing and communication from Belgium, of being inexperienced and riding on the popularity of his late father. I have more political experience than some of my opponents. I joined politics 25 years ago and started from the bottom, he had told Al Jazeera a day before the polls. I am my fathers son but I am also my own man. Opposition fallout For a while, it looked like the portly father of five might not even be on the ballot. In November, Tshisekedi and six other opposition leaders backed Martin Fayulu to take on Kabilas handpicked successor, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary. 190101193103079 But the agreement between the opposition leaders fell apart with Tshisekedi claiming his supporters wanted his name on the ballot. Vital Kamerhe, another opposition leader, also abandoned the agreement and joined forces with Tshisekedi. The UDPS leader has said he would pick Kamerhe as his prime minister if he won the vote. Tshisekedi, who was born in capital Kinshasa, ran on a pledge to fight corruption and poverty. The DRC is home to more than 60 percent of the worlds cobalt and is the continents second-biggest producer of copper but most of its citizens live in poverty. Central American migrants watch Trumps televised speech The main reaction was indignation, as he doubled down on his depiction of them as prospective criminals. Savas Avan, 49, is accused of sending as many as 38 parcels containing asbestos to foreign missions across Australia. Police in Australia have charged a 49-year-old man for sending as many as 38 packages containing a hazardous material to diplomatic embassies and consulates across the country. More than a dozen foreign missions received suspicious packages on Wednesday, including the consulates of the United States and the United Kingdom in Melbourne, Australias second-biggest city. The man, named as Savas Avan, was charged with sending dangerous articles through a postal service, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said in a statement on Thursday. The maximum penalty for the offence the man has been charged with is 10 years imprisonment, the statement added. The packages contained asbestos, once a popular building material that can cause cancer and scarring of the lungs. Police, who have recovered 29 of the parcels, said they would intercept the rest. They gave no additional details of how the asbestos was packaged or what the motive might have been. Australian media on Wednesday said the parcels appeared to contain plastic bags of concrete and asbestos, with asbestos written on at least one of the bags. There is no ongoing threat to the general public, police said. Man arrested for sending packages to embassies and consulates. More here: https://t.co/PH2ojgcP9s AFP (@AusFedPolice) January 9, 2019 The other missions in Melbourne that reportedly received suspicious packages included those of Denmark, Egypt, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Pakistan, Spain, Switzerland and Thailand. The reports could not be independently verified. Avan will next appear in court in March. Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said it had sent an email to all diplomatic missions in Canberra this week, after three offices in the capital and Sydney received suspicious packages. It subsequently sent similar advice to missions elsewhere. The note advised missions to handle mail in accordance with their own governments protocols and instructions, a DFAT spokesperson said. Rights group marks 100 days since Khashoggis murder with demonstration at consulate, renews call for credible probe. Human rights watchdog Amnesty International has reiterated its call for an international probe into the killing of Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. The rights monitor made the call outside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday as it marked the 100th day since Khashoggi was killed there. It is important for the Turkish authorities to keep up their calls for an independent UN investigation, but really the whole international community needs to commit to this so that justice is done, Amnestys Andrew Gardner told Al Jazeera. Activists held up a symbolic street sign bearing the name of Khashoggi, a journalist and critic of the Saudi governments reform programme under the stewardship of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known by his initials MBS. The murder of Khashoggi, which happened before the eyes of the whole world, should be the subject of an international investigation, Goksu Ozahishali, the organisations campaign manager in Turkey, told reporters. With this symbolic activity, we are reiterating our demand of justice for Khashoggi, she added. Several questions remain unanswered including the whereabouts of Khashoggis remains more than three months after the murder on October 2. Khashoggi had entered the consulate to obtain divorce papers, in order to marry his Turkish fiancee, Hatice Cengiz. Saudi authorities initially denied involvement in Khashoggis murder, insisting he had left the building after completing paperwork, but later admitted that a team of Saudi agents had killed him. After continually lying about what happened to the journalist, Saudi authorities eventually talked about Khashoggis fate, Al Jazeera correspondent Jamal Elshayyal said. However, so far nobody has been punished for the crime. Turkish investigators identified 19 suspects who entered the country as part of a hit squad, he added. Turkish and Western intelligence officials have either hinted at or directly blamed MBS for the murder but Saudi monarch King Salman left MBSs portfolios unchanged in the latest reshuffle. The trial of those accused of murdering Khashoggi opened last week in Saudi Arabia. The prosecutor has demanded the death penalty against five of the accused whose identities have not been revealed. We dont believe that the Saudi authorities, who initiated a show investigation into the murder, will conduct a fair and reliable process, Amnestys Ozahishali said. The United Nations human rights office last week said it was unable to assess the fairness of the trial taking place, regretting that the information it had was not sufficient and adding that it was against the imposition of the death penalty on the five suspects. Silva took part in a massive assault in 2009, during which the Sri Lankan army committed gross abuses against civilians. Sri Lankas President Maithripala Sirisena has appointed a general accused by the United Nations of war crimes to the countrys second-highest army ranking, evoking an outcry from rights groups. Major General Shavendra Silva was accused of committing war crimes during the civil war in Sri Lanka, which ended after 37 years in 2009. Silva took part in a massive assault on Tamil Tiger separatists in the war, during which the Sri Lankan army committed gross abuses against civilians. Silva formally assumed the duties of his new position on Thursday, the army said in a statement. 2014517113320921227 Human rights organisation International Truth & Justice Project (ITJP), which has focused its work on atrocities committed during the Sri Lankan civil war, called the appointment a shocking new low for Sri Lanka. Major General Shavendra Silva was named by a United Nations investigation for his part in commanding the 58 Division, which was the unit responsible for repeated and deliberate attacks on hospitals, food distribution queues and displacement camps in 2009, resulting in tens of thousands of civilian deaths in a matter of months, a statement by the organisation said. Our press release on Shavendra Silva's appointment as #lka COAS. #SriLanka now has a chief of army staff who risks arrest every time he travels abroad, if any country is foolish enough to give him a visa, says Yasmin Sooka. ITJP soon 2 release substantial dossier on Silva. pic.twitter.com/DUDCwAddru ITJP (@itjpsl) January 10, 2019 According to Yasmin Sooka, the executive director of ITJP, Silva could and should be arrested if he ever travels abroad in his current role. Sri Lanka now has a chief of army staff who risks arrest every time he travels abroad, if any country is foolish enough to give him a visa, said Sooka. The statement added that there is more than enough evidence to charge him for international crimes should the opportunity arise. This is arguably the most wanted man in Sri Lanka. A decade on, tragically, he is being promoted instead of standing trial. A number of Sri Lankan army generals have been denied visas to travel to Western nations over their alleged role in attacks against civilians. 181220055842122 President Sirisena said Silvas experience and leadership will bring strength and courage to Sri Lankas armed forces. According to rights groups, at least 40,000 ethnic Tamils were killed by government forces during their final push to defeat the separatist rebels. Sri Lankas successive governments have resisted calls for an independent investigation into the conduct of troops during the final months of the conflict. President Sirisena came to power in January 2015, promising justice for war victims but his administration has been accused of dithering ever since. Sirisena, unlike his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa, agreed to investigate war crimes but no generals have stood trial or been brought to justice. Al Jazeera blocked from areas where rallies are held as clashes between protesters and police see more people killed. Libreville, Gabon Tensions are simmering in Gabon after two days of violence over the disputed presidential election, with fears growing over more deaths and detentions. Since results were announced on Wednesday, confirming President Ali Bongo would continue to lead the Central African country, at least five people were killed in clashes and the parliament building was set on fire. More than 1,000 people have been arrested in the same period. AFP news agency said at least two of those killed died in clashes with police late on Thursday. READ MORE: Ali Bongo wins re-election as president President Bongo has accused the opposition of coordinating attacks. In footage captured by Al Jazeera, burned out cars and bonfires pepper the city. Protests over the election results started around the headquarters of opposition leader, Jean Ping, and quickly spread to other areas. Bongo: Democracy not destruction Amid the unrest, a large mall was looted. They started to break in by that door and entered, then they tried to start a fire, Moustafa Zalzi, the mall owner, told Al Jazeera. Pelagui Lendoni runs a shop in the complex, which was almost entirely destroyed. My sister [who owns the business] is in France, but Ive asked my other sister to come and help me with whats remaining because these people might come back, she told Al Jazeera. For his part, President Bongo has warned against the violence. Democracy is not destruction. Destroying parliament and the national television is not democracy. Democracy is difficult, but we should work on it, he said in an address earlier this week. Supporters of Ping, who lost the election by fewer than 6,000 votes, believe the vote was rigged and, along with the opposition leader, have demanded a recount. Everybody inside and outside the country knows, perfectly, I am the winner for sure. There is no doubt about it, Ping told Al Jazeera by phone, following the results. The president and his ministers say that only the constitutional court can order a recount, and a petition must be filed. Many continue to take to the streets but they are quickly dispersed. Police blocked Al Jazeera from entering certain areas where protests take place. In various parts of the city, there is a heavy military and police presence. The United Nations said it was concerned over reports that the internet had been blocked since the result came out, while the European Union and the United States have called for transparency. Follow Catherine Soi on Twitter: @c_soi Guatemala is about to witness a major standoff between the presidency and the courts, which could hurt its democracy. On Monday, the Guatemalan government announced its withdrawal from a treaty with the United Nations which created an International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG). Although CICIGs mandate in the country is set to expire in nine months, Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales gave its international staff 24 hours to leave the country. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the decision, saying he expected the government of Guatemala to entirely fulfil its legal obligations under the agreement. The expulsion of CICIG is being decidedly decried as illegal, both nationally and internationally. In a place where the rule of law is an aspiration and the rule of incompetence a reality, CICIG emerged as a beacon of hope. After 10 years of work, the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights (IACHR) recognised the bodys crucial role in the fight against corruption in Guatemala, through the disbanding of criminal networks and organised crime structures together with local prosecutors. The IACHR also highlighted the support CICIG provides by training local officials and pushing for legal reforms to improve the efficiency of the justice system. Furthermore, it is estimated that its work has contributed to a net reduction of 4,500 homicides between 2007 and 2017. So why would a government seek to shut down such a mechanism if it has clearly helped improve the capacity of the Guatemalan state to deal with crime? Before being elected, President Morales, who was a comedian before entering politics, presented himself as a staunch supporter of CICIG. However, his supportive attitude drastically changed when criminal investigations started closing on him, his family and his political partys inner circle. In 2017, two days after being criminally indicted for illegal campaign financing, Morales announced his decision to declare Ivan Velasquez, the CICIGs chief, persona non grata. Tensions escalated when this decision was overruled by the Constitutional Court. Subsequently, the government took several steps to dismantle and cripple CICIGs operational capabilities. For example, the government removed police support for the commission, and more recently revoked visas for international investigators. However, the Constitutional Court has repeatedly overturned the presidents actions. As these smaller attacks did not suffice to stop CICIGs work, Morales announced his decision not to renew its mandate in August 2018. He did so at a press conference surrounded by military officials, which was a chilling statement in itself for a country that has suffered vastly from a string of military coups in the second half of the 20th century. President Jimmy Morales giving a statement at the National Palace in Guatemala City on January 7, 2019; Guatemala announced that it is going to withdraw from UN-sponsored anti-corruption commission [AP/Moises Castillo] While in theory, he was in his legal right to execute this decision, it was decried by members of the international community and local civil society. Local observers also saw it as a form of intimidation against members of the Constitutional Court as President Morales asserted he would not comply with illegal orders. The rising tensions between the president and the CICIG reached a culmination on Monday, when the government announced its intention to expel the anti-corruption panel. Within 24 hours, members of the prosecutors office had to arrest migration officials who were in breach of the Constitutional Court ruling that allowed a CICIG investigator to enter the country. The real reasons behind the governments haste to expel CICIG might be related to the upcoming general elections in June as well as the appointment of new judges to the Supreme Court and appellate courts. Last time when these processes happened, it was under CICIGs watch and, as a result, candidates were under heavy scrutiny. The anti-corruption panel uncovered intricate collusion schemes to appoint judges and ensure kickbacks. At the same time, the largest scandals CICIG has uncovered relate to illegal campaign financing that has spattered prominent business leaders. This might explain why some members of the private sector were quick to support Moraless challenge to the rule of law. On Tuesday night, the Constitutional Court suspended the presidents decision. A standoff between the court and the executive branch now seems inevitable. Its outcome could be disastrous for the young democracy as it could undo the current constitutional regime. If the Guatemalan government is unwilling to comply with international law, it cannot be considered a trustworthy member of the international community, trade partner or destination for foreign direct investment. There are also broader issues at stake for the UN. A corrupt, weakened government from a small Central American nation must not be allowed to disregard international agreements and defeat the UN. This would set a dangerous precedent and it must be avoided so as to preserve the legitimacy of the international legal system. Central America is at the gates of a widespread democratic backsliding. Both Honduras and Nicaragua are ominous examples of the dire consequences of a collapse of the rule of law. In Guatemala, if Morales and his allies succeed in maintaining the corrupt status quo, the world can be absolutely certain that Guatemalans will continue to flee from their country. The support of the international community to independent and brave judges, prosecutors, human rights defenders and transparency activists is needed now more than ever, as they are the ones who have kept Guatemala from slipping into the abyss. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Iran and Israel have been bitter enemies since 1979, when Iranian revolutionaries toppled the Pahlavi regime and established the Islamic Republic in its stead. The hostility has since spilled over into regions beyond the Middle East its hot spot and affected the national security and foreign policies of nations across the world. South America with its revolutionary history and traditionally leftist politics is one such region where Tehran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah have sought, with relative success, to undermine Israeli interests. The July 1994 bombing of the Jewish centre, Asociacion Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA), which killed 85 and wounded over 300 people, was a watershed moment in the escalating spillover of animosity between Iran and Israel. More than two decades later in January 2015, Alberto Nisman, the Argentinian prosecutor leading the investigation into the bombing, was found dead in his apartment, a few days after accusing then-President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner of covering up the Iranian connection with the South American nations deadliest terror attack. While Tehran continues to hold sway in parts of South America, the rise of a new staunch Israel supporter in the region might significantly curb its influence in the coming years. Far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly expressed his sympathies for Israel, was recently inaugurated as the president of Brazil the regions most powerful and populous nation. His presidency will certainly pursue a different approach towards relations with Israel, steering away from the confrontational policies of previous leftist governments, which went as far as recognising the Palestinian state and recalling the Brazilian ambassador to protest Israels 2014 assault on Gaza. Even before he officially took his post, Bolsonaro started making promises to move Brazils embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The promises were re-emphasised when in late December Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid an official visit to Brazil, a first for an Israeli head of state. More than partners, we will be brothers, the far-right Brazilian president said in response to Netanyahus emphasis on the importance of mutual cooperation to create enormous benefits for our two peoples. This beneficial cooperation will likely include shared efforts to curb Iranian influence and crack down on Hezbollahs suspicious financial activities in Latin America, which have also become a major target in the Trump administrations campaign against narcotics trade and terrorism. In September 2018, Brazilian police arrested Assad Ahmad Barakat, a Lebanese national accused by the United States and Argentina of laundering money on behalf of Hezbollah and serving as one of its chief financial operators in the region. In 2006, the US Treasury Department labelled Barakat a global terrorist and put his name on the blacklist of Hezbollah financiers in the Triple Frontier, a tri-border area connecting Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. Brazils new Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo, an anti-left admirer of US President Donald Trump and his America First nationalist foreign policy, has already described the Iranian regime as part of the horrible Islamic fundamentalism that has come to contaminate the Middle East. He has also attacked the Venezuelan government, a key Iran ally in South America, and urged the international community to liberate Venezuela from the tyranny of its leftist government led by President Nicolas Maduro. All of the worlds countries must stop supporting him and come together to liberate Venezuela, Araujo tweeted. In the wake of Israels Operation Cast Lead against the Gaza Strip in December 2008 which left around 1,400 Palestinians including 400 children dead and thousands more wounded the Venezuelan government under former President Hugo Chavez expelled the Israeli ambassador to Caracas before severing all diplomatic relations. Chavezs bromance with then-Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the close bilateral ties their administrations enjoyed played a key role in the decision. A few months later, in April 2009, Venezuela initiated formal diplomatic relations with the Palestinian Authority and announced the opening of a Palestinian embassy in Caracas. With Brazil about to turn into a bastion of pro-Israeli politics under Bolsonaro, Irans main ally in the region, Venezuela, will likely experience increased political and economic pressure from its southern neighbour. The new Brazilian government is also likely to pursue regime change policies similar to the US. Eduardo Bolsonaro, President Bolsonaros son and a legislator in the Chamber of Deputies, has also echoed a foreign policy vision similar to Brazilian Foreign Minister Araujos, with respect to relations with Venezuela and Iran. In an October interview with Bloomberg, he made his stance on Iran very clear: Pro-Iranian position? Itll change, he said, adding that our side is being against Hamas, Hezbollah, the Islamic State [of Iraq and the Levant]. The Bolsonaro governments decision to move the Brazilian embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem has angered the 22-member Arab League, but it doesnt seem to work as a check on Brasilias pro-Israel foreign policy, particularly when it comes to countering the Islamic Republic. Some of the more powerful players in the Arab world, not least Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, have been warming up to Israel since the start of Trumps presidency and sought, with American mediation, to foster an unlikely alliance against their shared nemesis, Iran. Perhaps what could limit the aggressiveness of Brazils emerging anti-Iran stance would be the sizable volume of bilateral trade, which rose considerably after the 2015 nuclear deal and made the South American nation one of Irans main trade partners in 2017. Still, as Bolsonaro starts throwing his weight in South America, Iran will certainly feel increasing hostility in the region and will likely lose some political battles in its diplomatic war with Israel. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Fishermen worry that without terms of exit, European boats will test UKs resolve to take back its territorial waters. Newlyn, Cornwall James Hellewell, a picture-book image of a bearded fisherman, contemplates what could happen in the high seas off the English peninsula Cornwall on the first day after a hard Brexit. Someones going to die, Hellewell warns. If a trawler has got its beams out and a Frenchman goes and hits it under the beam, he can turn that boat turtle. Hellewell, like many others in the fishing community of Newlyn in southwest Cornwall, fears European boats will test Britains resolve to take back control of its territorial waters if the United Kingdom leaves the European Union without an exit agreement on March 29. The waters are currently shared by European fishermen under the EUs Common Fisheries Policy, but once outside the EU, Britain will regain full control of fishing stocks unless its government reaches a deal with Brussels over the terms of its withdrawal. Although many fishermen in Cornwall support Brexit, they want conditions put in place that will protect their livelihood and interests. Fears of Cod Wars Hellewell and other fishermans fears evoke memories of the Cod Wars between fishing boats from Britain and Iceland during the 1970s after the Icelandic capital Reykjavik imposed limits on fishing in its territorial waters. James Hellewell drinks tea in the galley of the Crystal Sea trawler in Newlyn harbour [Gavin OToole/Al Jazeera] Newlyn Harbourmaster Rob Parsons also points to the behaviour of French fishermen in August when they clashed with British boats over shellfish stocks in the Bay of Seine. Boats collided and stones were thrown when about 40 French boats tried to stop five British boats from fishing 12 nautical miles off the coast of Normandy, accusing them of depleting shellfish stocks. Its not a safe place to work at the best of times, and when youve got people colliding with you simply because they are upset about fishing rights, people are going to die, he says. Political deadlock in Britain over the terms of its departure from the EU is fuelling such fears. As the Brexit deadline looms, Prime Minister Theresa May and her cabinet have spent nearly $2.5bn to make emergency preparations for a no deal including $511m to ensure that trade in fish, food and chemicals can continue. Leaving the EU without a deal could cause a headache over the sale of British products in European markets and vice versa, which has been taken for granted for years. Paul Trebilcock, chief executive of the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, says, This is a bit like Iceland the other way round: when they declared a 200-mile limit, the UK fleet didnt say Thats fair enough, they went up there and tried to test it. That was the Cod Wars. He says there are already tensions between European and British boats competing for catches in the area, indicating it would take little for these to spill over. 190109154253342 Our real beef isnt with the French fishing fleet, its with the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). But there are tensions right now, where French trawlers damage the gear of our local inshore boats worth tens of thousands of pounds. Trebilcock argues that under a no-deal Brexit, UK fishing patrol vessels would have to act robustly against European boats on day one in order to send a message. And as the blustery harbour about 14km from Lands End the most westerly point of the UK, jabbing into the Celtic Sea finds itself on the front line of the battle over the meaning of Brexit, fishermen believe the outcome for their industry will be the symbolic test of the Conservative governments commitment or lack of it to defending UK interests. Betrayal and sell out Cornwalls fishermen exemplify the 92 percent of the British fishing industry who voted to leave the EU in June 2016. 181213141237594 The sea here is so rich it has attracted fishing boats from along the continental seaboard since 1973 when UK politicians opened its waters to secure membership of the European community. Fishermen insist they have been the biggest losers in the quotas set by Brussels ever since, leaving them at a huge competitive disadvantage. Nearly 60 percent of the fish caught in UK waters last year was by EU boats. Brexit offers us a chance to change things to get out from under the CFP which has held us back, to get that fair share of the fish and shellfish in our waters and to actually have control over who fishes, where, and what for, Trebilcock says. There is widespread support for this position in Newlyn. Fisherman David Hichens, 58, says the CFP has been a shipwreck for the area as he prepares gear on The Cornishman, a beam trawler or beamer. The foreign boats are holding more cards than we are. Its been happening for years, because we havent got the quota. We are chucking live fish back into the water, its ridiculous, Hitchens says. Freshly landed fish outside Newlyns fish market [Gavin OToole/Al Jazeera] At 68, David Stevens remembers how things were before Britain joined the European community as he sits in the galley of the Crystal Sea. When they took us into Europe, the French fiddled the figures thats why there is such a disparity between our quotas and theirs and our government has been too soft, he says. Stevens insists the French overestimated the size of their fishing industry in 1973 in order to gain an unfair advantage when it came to the setting of quotas and that British politicians did not challenge this. Golden opportunity The demand repeated insistently by Newlyns fishing community is simple: fairness. Trebilcock says his measure of what would be a good deal for Britain includes a 19.3km fishing zone exclusively for UK boats and a 19.3-322km zone governed by a licensing system that benefits Britain. He has a vision of a revival in which the UK becomes a leading fish-exporting nation like Norway: At least one shellfish supplier in Newlyn now exports by air to China, for example. Nonetheless, there is recognition that a no-deal Brexit would not be plain sailing. Eighty percent of the Cornish catch is sold in Europe, the main market for Newlyns fishermen. As he prepares the beamer Trevessa IV to leave harbour, skipper Robert McCreath says, If it was a hard Brexit and they gave us what they promised, it would be wonderful, but then what happens if the European Union turns round and say No access to our markets? So there will have to be a compromise. Robert McCreath, skipper of the Trevessa IV says there must be a compromise [Gavin OToole/Al Jazeera] Alongside trading rules, there is uncertainty about whether the UK government will reimburse lost EU funds that support crucial infrastructure Newlyns noisy fish market, for example, is 75-percent funded by European maritime fisheries funds. Legal barriers aside, there are also fears that disgruntled French producers may simply obstruct British boats trying to land their catches. And there are nagging questions over what happens to the Europeans that make up a sizeable proportion of the crews operating out of Newlyn whose status remains unclear. Crab fisherman Armands Selis, the Latvian skipper of the Delta Dawn, has been fishing in Cornwall seven years and his crew of three are all from overseas. In Newlyn Harbour, there are now 10 boats that are just European they make up 30 to 40 percent of boats. English crews just dont want to work on the crab boats, he says. High stakes A lot is now at stake as Mays government battles to push her unpopular soft Brexit deal with the EU through parliament. 181116094603576 This kicks thorny issues down the road until Britain establishes its longer-term trading relationship with Europe, delaying UK control of its waters until 2020. The deeper fear in Newlyn is that fishing will again be used by politicians as a bargaining chip to benefit the larger farming and manufacturing sectors. The government will do whats best for the government, they will never do whats best for anybody else fishing industry or otherwise, says Sonia Andrews, a buyer at Newlyns fish market. Peter Elsworth, skipper of the James RH Stevenson, adds that fishing is still considered in this country as a romantic industry, but in the whole scheme of things, as far as the government is concerned, its disposable. Nonetheless, whatever happens, there is now a crucial difference to the 1970s. Although sea fishing accounts for just 0.5 percent of the UKs gross domestic product (GDP), its symbolic importance to Brexiteers has given it political muscle. Economically, fishing is small, but look at the position it is occupying on the political agenda, Trebilcock says. There will be consequences, politically, if they let the fishing industry down this time it will be political suicide for Theresa May and the Conservative government. The U.S. Navy has once again selected Mobile for a Navy Week outreach during upcoming Mardi Gras celebrations. While it's customary to have a Navy ship dock in Mobile during the city's parading season, the Navy Week program is something on a completely different level. It's described as "the Navy's signature outreach effort into areas of the country which do not have a significant Navy presence. Navy Weeks are conducted in about 15 cities every year. In a typical Navy Week, the service stages about 75 separate events with "corporate, civic, government, education, media, veterans, community service and diversity organizations" in the host city, according to an announcement released Thursday. Events typically featured include appearances by visits by Navy leadership, appearances by sailors assigned to the USS Constitution, demonstrations by Navy divers and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams, and performances by a Navy band. Navy personnel will visit schools, participate in parades, visit local veterans and take part in community service projects. Mobile was last selected for Navy Week during the 2017 Mardi Gras season. The ship that docked in Mobile on that occasion was the USS Mitscher, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer. The Navy's initial announcement doesn't specify what ship will visit this year. Fleet Week activities will take place Feb. 27 through March 5; March 5 is Fat Tuesday. A schedule of Fleet Week activities will be released in February. Human remains found on a Northern California beach belong to one of the six adopted children killed along with their parents when their mother intentionally drove their SUV off a cliff, authorities said Wednesday. The Mendocino County sheriffs department had trouble identifying the human remains found shortly after the March 26 crash until the biological mother of Hannah Hart, 16, called the department from Mobile in October. She was responding to a request from investigators for family members to come forward and help with the identification process. The woman's DNA sample matched the teen's remains, the sheriff's department said. Only the remains of 15-year-old Devonte Hart have not been found. Nonetheless, the sheriff's department says it believes all six children died in the crash. Devonte, who was black, drew national attention after he was photographed in tears while hugging a white police officer at a 2014 protest. The sheriff's department said Jennifer Hart, 38, was drunk when she intentionally drove her vehicle off California's scenic Highway 1 and over a cliff into the ocean about 155 miles (250 kilometers) north of San Francisco. Investigators are still trying to determine a motive. Toxicology results showed that Hart's wife Sarah Hart, 38, and several of the children ages 12 through 19 had large amounts of a drug that can cause drowsiness in their systems. The crash happened just days after authorities in Washington state, where the family moved in 2017 from Oregon, opened an investigation following allegations the children were being neglected. A neighbor of the Harts in Woodland, Washington, had filed a complaint with the state, saying the children were apparently being deprived of food as punishment. No one answered when social workers checking on the report went to the family's home near Portland, Oregon, on March 23. Three days later, their SUV was found partially submerged on the ocean, below a rugged cliff. Sarah Hart pleaded guilty in 2011 to a domestic assault charge in Minnesota over what she said was a spanking given to one of her children. Oregon child welfare officials also investigated the couple in 2013, but closed the case without taking any action. Updated at 6:34 p.m. to clarify the headline. Mobile leaders hope that by committing city money to a new aerospace education facility, they can help create a pathway for city students to find work in the areas growing aerospace industry. A measure that made its first appearance on the Mobile City Council agenda this week involves a commitment of $150,000 this year to Flight Works Alabama, an educational and workforce development institution being developed by Airbus and the state. The possibility of renewing the arrangement for up to four more years brings the potential total to $750,000. Meanwhile the Mobile County Commission has already approved a $500,000 Flight Works sponsorship earmarked for educational programming. The agreements funding Flight Works are distinct from the economic incentives the city and county are likely to approve for Airbus' new jetliner assembly line. On that project, the city and county are each likely to approve a commitment to put up $4 million in reimbursement for project costs, in addition to tax abatements and fee waivers. The two measures before the city council are separate, but it's no coincidence the two allocations are up for approval at the same time. Britton Bonner, an attorney representing the city in economic development matters, told the council on Tuesday that the Project Agreement governing the assembly line incentives includes a link to Flight Works in that it describes an Airbus commitment to develop new apprenticeship programs. "We also have in here, one of the big pieces that ties into Flight Works, that is their new apprenticeship program they're implementing here in the U.S.," Bonner said. "It is not what has come before, it's modeled after the apprenticeship programs that they've used in Europe, and you can see the provisions we have in this agreement reference back to the Flight Works agreement, and that's why we had to vote on them at the same time. "What we're hoping this becomes, and we'll be working with Airbus on this, is a seamless flow of students who get excited about the aviation industry, excited about the operations here in the city, that want to work in aerospace and aviation, to get them excited at the middle school and high school level," Bonner said. "To get them out there to see the plant, and set up programs and apprenticeship lines so that if they don't want to go to college they have access into the work force straight out of high school." The economic development agreement specified that Airbus "in partnership with AIDT and Flight Works Alabama, agrees to use its good faith best efforts to develop one or more apprenticeship and training programs to introduce current and newly-graduated students and/or adults with little or no formal skills or training to the manufacturing experience." It further says this will include a "fast track" training program "which will specifically target members of the local community in providing recruiting and training efforts to help insure the employment profile at the A220 Project site is indicative of the local community." The Flight Works agreement says that in return for the city contribution it will "invite 7th graders from schools in the City to the Education Center to experience the Discovery Space and tour the Airbus Final Assembly Line; invite fifty (50) 10th grade STEM students from each high school in the City to participate in a full day of learning experience applying curriculum with hand-on, real world application, including a tour of the Discovery Space and Airbus Final Assembly Line; and invite up to 100 STEM middle and high school teachers from Mobile County to participate in two (2) professional development days. Flight Works will perform the undertakings set forth herein for every school/academic year for which funding is provided by the city." This relationship appears to be unique. George Talbot, Senior Director of Communications for Mayor Stimpson, said he wasn't aware of any other arrangement in which the city provides funding to a third-party institution to pay for field trips for city students. He said the city did not do so for any of its museums, for example. But it also appears that Flight Works Alabama will have a uniquely multifaceted role as tourist attraction, museum, education center and workforce training center. State and Airbus officials said as much when they held a groundbreaking amid great fanfare in September. Gov. Kay Ivey, who committed $5 million in state money, the lion's share of the $6.5 million budget to create Flight Works, said it would be "a first step in lighting that spark in students from all across Alabama." "Flight Works Alabama is going to give us a multi-dimensional way to talk about the history of this area in flight, how we currently build and assemble airplanes and the various technologies that are involved in that, and then the future opportunity of the aerospace industry," said Airbus Americas Chairman Emeritus Allan McArtor. "It is our obligation to inform, inspire, motivate and capture the youth of Alabama in our industry." Since then, those high-flying hopes have encountered a bit of real-world turbulence that might affect plans for it to open before the end of 2019. Michelle Hurdle, director of economic and community development for Airbus Americas, told the council that high demand in the construction industry had become an issue. "We had the first bids come in, they were extremely higher than what we anticipated," Hurdle said at the organizational session before Tuesday's council meeting. She attributed that to demand caused by efforts to rebuild in areas hit by Hurricane Michael and said Flight Works planned to solicit a fresh round of bids at the end of the month. A rendering of the planned Flight Works Alabama aerospace education center. Several council members spoke in favor of the program, particularly District 3 Councilman C.J. Small, who said Airbus already has been a great partner with public schools along the Dauphin Island Parkway corridor. "Gilliard love them B.C. Rain, Pillans, they actually love Airbus because they're a great partner," he said. "They're just not a partner just once a month, they're a partner all throughout the year with the schools, and I really do appreciate it." District 7 Councilwoman Gina Gregory said she too was excited by the possibilities. "I had received an email from a woman in my district and she had a lot of concerns, but one of them was schools, her basic premise was, why isn't the city doing something for the schools to make them better, that sort of thing," Gregory said. "We don't have a city school system so of course we at the city don't have control or authority over the schools. But I think this shows that the city is involved in doing something good for the schools and making progress and helping students get a better education, especially in the STEM area. So I think this does show the community that the city is involved, to the degree we can be." Hurdle said Flight Works leadership had been in communication with the office of Mobile County School Superintendent Chresal Threadgill to discuss coordination, and those discussions had been productive. Rena Philips, director of communication for MCPSS, said Flight Works "sounds like a wonderful opportunity for our students and teachers to learn about aviation and potential career paths." The system plans to put Flight Works on an approved list of field trips and to "encourage our schools to send students." As written, the city agreement would appear to benefit students from all schools in the city, not just those in the public school system. In late August the Mobile County Commission approved a $500,000 sponsorship agreement with Flight Works. Kathy Eddy, director of public affairs and community services for the commission, said the terms of that agreement are still in the works. But she said it was a lump-sum amount earmarked for support of educational programming. When asked by Councilwoman Bess Rich if Flight Works had a similar deal with Baldwin County schools, Hurdle said that Flight Works had sent that system some information but hadn't heard back yet. "We will take their money," she said, "but they have not yet signed up." Tuesday's discussion made clear that some on the council are keenly interested in the future apprenticeship program and the promise of a fast track to employment for local students -- not just because they might help Airbus hiring more reflective of the city's racial makeup, but because it will help the city recoup its investment in incentives. "It doesn't matter how much an airplane costs, because we can't tax them," said District 1 Councilman Fred Richardson. "We'll never get a dime off none of that. They can make a million planes, we're not going to get a dime." If Airbus doesn't hire people who live in the city, he said, "we can't get our money back." Richardson, describing a chronic challenge for the city that's not limited to Airbus, went on: "We put all our money in there, and people walk up in there, from what I've seen in the past, from other parts of the county, from other parts of the state, from other states, and take these jobs, and the money we put in here we're not going to get any residual benefits. All we're trying to say now is we want benefits for what we put in. And if other communities want in, put the money up." District 2 councilman Levon Manzie likewise said he expected Airbus' expansion to draw heavy interest from communities throughout the region. "I'm not against any of them getting good jobs," he said, "But we're investing. The county is investing, we're investing, in order to make this work. And I would hope that investment would merit some preference being put on those living right here." Hurdle said the Flight Works agreements will specifically benefit Mobile city and county students, giving them a foot in the door. Bonner said that the economic development agreement with Airbus also has provisions that support local hiring. Im really interested in this apprenticeship program thats going to lead to actual employment, said Manzie. I would hope that as we really put meat on those bones, theres some special emphasis placed on residents right here in Mobile. An animal rights group from California has included the Birmingham Zoo on its annual list of the 10 worst zoos for elephants in North America this week. The group, In Defense of Animals, listed the Birmingham Zoo at No. 6 on its list, citing the zoos separations of its herd of four bull elephants to send them to other zoos for breeding, saying that separating a group that had bonded was cruel and that the zoo valued profits over the animals' welfare. Beginning in 2013, the Birmingham Zoo hosted a bachelor herd of four male African elephants in its Trails of Africa exhibit. However, the zoo later separated those animals, sending one to Kansas City for breeding in 2015 and another to a zoo in Kansas in 2018. Birmingham Zoo created a brotherhood of elephants, and then obliterated it, Fleur Dawes of In Defense of Animals said in a news release. We call bull on Birmingham Zoo which treats elephants as commodities to pimp, trade, exploit, and profit off of in every way possible. Samil Baker, public relations manager for the Birmingham Zoo, said in an emailed statement that the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which has some of the highest standards for animal care and welfare in the world," including programs to promote elephant conservation in the wild. The Birmingham Zoo has accomplished what no other American zoo has: to establish and maintain an all-male herd of African elephants, Baker said. This is critically important to male elephant development because, in the wild, young male elephants leave their family herd as they mature. They can be found alone or with other males at different times and as they mature they will associate with female herds for breeding purposes. Baker said that zoos are often the only way that the public can connect with wildlife firsthand, and that such interactions can help inspire people to care about conserving elephants. Wild elephants are being lost at the rate of 96 a day in Africa, Baker said. "AZA-accredited zoos continue to answer the call to action by providing support to elephant conservation all around the world so that these magnificent animals will survive into the future. The Birmingham Zoo takes pride in providing the best welfare and care that we can for the elephants and all animals we have the privilege of working with. The group meanwhile argues that research has shown bull elephants can form close relationships with other males that last for years and that breaking those bonds is cruel. Though the Birmingham Zoo proclaims that male elephant social relationships are important, it treats elephants like unfeeling commodities, the group said. The males are valued solely for their sperm, which is used for perverse and cruel artificial inseminations, and their breeding value. As long as zoos regard elephants as money-making property, socially-bonded bulls will continue to be separated and traded to zoos around the country, breaking important bonds. The group has called for supporters to boycott zoos with elephant exhibits. Elephants are not thriving in constricted zoo exhibits, no matter how fresh the paint or the addition of an acre or two, said In Defense of Animals President, Marilyn Kroplick. So-called modern zoos continue to use and abuse elephants as property in their relentless pursuit of profits - and the animals always pay the price. Please dont visit zoos that hold elephants captive. Wherever the box was, Larry Langfords thoughts were galaxies outside of it. Langford, who died Tuesday at age 72 after being granted compassionate release while serving a 15-year federal prison sentence for bribery and public corruption stemming from his tenure on the Jefferson County Commission and the commissions sewer debt scandal, had grand plans for Birmingham and the county. Larry had more vision than Prince had hair, is how Birmingham activist Frank Matthews put it when Langford supporters cheered his release from prison two weeks ago. But those bold ideas hardly ever got off the ground (critics of Langford called him Mayor La La because they thought he was living in La La Land, according to Associated Press accounts of Langfords tenure.) When they did, they failed. Domed stadium Then-Jefferson County Commission President Langford wanted to recreate the Birmingham skyline, and part of his plan was a 50,000-seat, multi-purpose downtown domed stadium. In 2004, Langford asked Wachovia Bank to gift Birmingham $5 million a year over 30 years for the stadium in hopes that other corporate donors would follow suit. "We need to get over our 'can't do' attitude and develop a 'can do' attitude," Langford said at the time. "A $150 million commitment would eliminate the need for state funding. That could get other private sector people to participate with money." Langford initially balked at the BJCCs suggestion to tie the new stadium into the existing convention center and downtown hotels. "If you're going to spend that amount of money, then try to change the skyline of the city," he said. "I say tear down the old Sears building and Cabana Hotel and get rid of the blight that's around them." Ultimately, the dome project never came to fruition. Late last year, the Birmingham City Council and the BJCC agreed to a more modest, open-air stadium as part of an economic development package. Bringing the Olympics to Birmingham Beijing. London. Los Angeles. Sydney. Birmingham. Langford believed the Magic City was on par with world-class locales. As Birmingham mayor, Langford set his sights on having the city host the 2020 Olympic Games. The domed stadium was tied in to his plan. ''The Olympic spirit is about hard work and perseverance and overcoming obstacles,'' he said in June 2008. ''Tell me another community in the world that has overcome as many obstacles as Birmingham, Alabama. This will not just affect Birmingham, this will be a positive plus for everybody and the entire state of Alabama.'' Langford said he would commit $500,000 for Birmingham to submit an official bid, but its unclear whether it was ever made. ''This is not a game or a joke,'' he said at the time. ''You don't spend half a million if you don't believe in the product you're trying to sell. There's nothing cheap about this.'' VisionLand Fairfield Mayor Larry Langford announces that a large firm is taking over the management of VisionLand Feb. 10, 2000. (Birmingham News/ Mark Almond) Langford was the brains behind the first municipally-owned amusement park. In 1998, the $60 million VisionLand amusement park opened in Bessemer. It was owned by the West Jefferson Amusement and Public Park Authority, an entity composed of 11 cities in the county, including Fairfield. But the park wasnt the economic boon that Langford envisioned. VisionLand filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection in 2002, citing $100 million in debt. It was purchased by a private company in 2003 for $5 million. Trolley cars Langfords plan to improve Birminghams public transportation system involved a part of the citys past: the old trolley system. But the city council, citing costs, nixed the plan. Estimates pegged the streetcar plan at $31 to $35 million, with Langford proposing to fund the project at $ 6 million a year; the council only provided $1 million for trolleys. Burlap sacks Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford is seen with his wife Melva praying during a prayer rally where 2,000 burlap sacks were handed out and ashes administered to people attending in Birmingham, Ala., Friday, April 25, 2008. Struggling to confront a worsening homicide rate, the mayor asked pastors and citizens to don burlap sacks and ashes in an Old Testament-style sign of biblical repentance. (Birmingham News/ Bernard Troncale) Langford was not shy in displaying his faith. And the Birmingham mayor said the city had to repent for its high homicide rate in 2008, when Langford donned a burlap sack for a day of prayer in sackcloth and ashes campaign event inspired by the Book of Jonah. ''Any nation that puts God first, he blesses it,'' Langford said at the time. ''Any nation that turns on God, we pay for it.'' The mayor spent $800 in campaign funds on burlap sacks for the event. A dramatic entrance Mayor Larry Langford enters a meeting with his ``top secret'' plan for city finances accompanied by two police officers carrying submachine guns Wednesday, July 23, 2008. Opponents criticize what they see as Langford's scatter-shot method of governing, but others credit him with trying to move the city forward. (Birmingham News/ Jerry Ayres) Langford had a flair for the dramatic. In July 2008, he kept his budget plans top secret and wheeled a container of documents to City Hall flanked by two police officers carrying submachine guns. ''Shhh, its top secret. Dont tell anybody,'' Langford said, smiling, while being asked by a Birmingham News reporter about his funding proposal. ''This is a top secret deal. It will go in under lock and key.'' County tax increase to build new schools This was one of the few successful proposals out of Langfords large-scale ideas. As Jefferson County Commission President in 2005, Langford lobbied for and got approval for a 1 percent sales tax to fund new school construction. The tax hike paid for 30 new schools and generated $1 billion in revenue. If Atlanta can have beluga whales, we can have one, too. VisionLand wasnt the end of Langfords vision for western Jefferson County. Langford wanted to transform the area into an entertainment district, including a $50 million aquarium. If Atlanta can have beluga whales, we can have one, too, he said as county commissioner in February 1998. But a Birmingham-area aquarium was dead in the water and Langford scrapped the idea after costs escalated to $90 million. Instead of an aquarium, the site was used to expand a water treatment plant. Transforming Sloss Furnance During Langfords campaign for Birmingham mayor in 1979, he proposed redeveloping Sloss Furnance into an industrial park. Langford was against plans to preserve Sloss as an industrial museum, claiming the proposal would not help Birmingham economically. At the rate things are going, we are going to be the most culturally enlightened group of unemployed people you ever laid eyes on, he said. Langford did not win the race and his idea never came to fruition. Laptops for children Heres another Langford idea that was a success. As Birmingham mayor, Langford came to an agreement with a foundation that provides computers to children from developing countries, with the company expanding its reach to Birmingham City Schools. Some 17,000 elementary and middle school students received laptops in 2008. Former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford died Jan. 8, and its hard to look back over his contributions while in public service without seeing the impact he had on schools in Jefferson County. Perhaps nothing Langford championed will last longer than his successful push in 2004 for a 1-cent countywide sales tax to fund more than $1 billion in school construction across Jefferson Countys 12 school systems. The proceeds of that tax led to the building of more than 30 new schools and the renovation of dozens more. Those proceeds came at a much-needed time, according to Phil Hammonds, who was Jefferson County's school superintendent during the years after the passage of the tax. The one-cent sales tax was a game-changer for the school systems throughout Jefferson County, Hammonds wrote in a statement to AL.com. Some facilities were at least 50 to 60 years old and pretty much worn out. Hammonds oversaw the more than $370 million Jefferson County's school system received from the tax which ultimately built or renovated 20 schools in the district. "Without proceeds from the tax," Hammonds wrote, "it would have been impossible to have implemented such a wide range of construction projects that will well serve students for many years into the future." In 2004, Langford, then President of the Jefferson County Commission, presided over the 5-member commission's 3-to-2 approval of the tax, which led to a bond issue to be repaid with the tax revenues. Proceeds from the tax could only be spent on capital improvements, technology, or the retiring of debt. Countywide, superintendents from the 12 school systems submitted plans to the Jefferson County Commission. In 2006, the Alabama Supreme Court ended a two-year court battle over the legality of the tax, and money was distributed to each school district in the county in 2007, based on each district's 2004 student population count at roughly $10,000 per student. By that time, accumulating interest had pushed the total amount closer to $1.1 billion. Current Jefferson County Superintendent Craig Pouncey was the Alabama's chief education finance officer in 2004. "At the time Larry Langford and the Commission passed the one cent sales tax for school facilities," Pouncey said, "the state had just come out of proration and there were very limited capital dollars available to build schools." Those proceeds allowed schools to continue building and expanding even through the Great Recession, which began the year following the distribution of the tax proceeds. One of the final schools to open in Jefferson County that was built with the original bond proceeds was in Concord a community devastated by the April 27, 2011, tornadoes where an elementary school replaced one built in the early 1900s. Current Commission President Jimmie Stephens did not serve with Langford but agreed the proceeds breathed new life into the county's aging schools. "The influx of capital gave our school systems the necessary brick and mortar foundation to offer our next generation and those generations to come a quality education," Stephens said. By the time most all of the proceeds were spent, Birmingham City, with its $334 million share, had built more than a dozen new schools and renovated dozens more. Jefferson County built more than 10 and they, too, renovated and expanded many schools across the district with their $374 million share. Hoover City Schools took their $86 million, and paid down long-term debt they accumulated while building schools as the district expanded prior to 2004. Homewood City Schools spent the $32 million it received paying outstanding debts and making renovations and additions to its schools, while Bessemer opened a new high school with part of their $43 million share. Vestavia Hills City Schools used the $55.1 million they received to renovate and expand their existing schools. Trussville received $30 million in bond money and sold an additional $40 million in bonds to build the $70 million Hewitt-Trussville High School. Fairfield City Schools expanded their high school campus, adding a fine arts building, and renovated elementary schools in the district with their $23.8 million proceeds. Leeds City Schools used their $13.6 million share to pay back debt for their then-recently built schools. Tarrant, which received $14.2 million, built a new school, while Midfield, which received $12.4 million, renovated middle and high schools in their district. Mountain Brook City Schools used $27 million of the $44.2 million it received to pay down about 40 percent of its long-term debt and also renovated existing schools and upgraded technology. But the impact on schools didnt stop there. In 2015, with $400 million of the debt repaid, the Jefferson County Commission received lawmakers' approval to refinance the remaining $600 million in debt, but with a plan to distribute the proceeds to more than just schools. By the time the refinancing cleared a legal challenge in 2017, more than $69 million was left over and was distributed to schools. Once again, schools received big-dollar checks, with Jefferson County schools receiving $24 million. Distributions to other school systems included: Birmingham City Schools, $16 million; Bessemer, $2.5 million; Fairfield, $1.2 million; Homewood, $2.8 million; Hoover, $9.1 million; Leeds, $1.2 million; Midfield, $738,995; Mountain Brook, $2.9 million; Tarrant, $774,546; Trussville, $2.9 million; and Vestavia Hills, $4.7 million. Each year, for the life of the tax, the proceeds will be distributed to the countys 12 school systems, demonstrating the long-lasting impact of Langfords efforts. Though the original proceeds have now been spent, the tax will now help fund Jefferson County schools' latest $230 million multi-year capital plan. Not only did [the tax] infuse a billion dollars in school construction, Pouncey said, it will continue to provide 18 million dollars a year for the next 24 years. Federal employees off the job due to the ongoing government shutdown can apply for unemployment compensation benefits, according to the Alabama Department of Labor. ADOL said furloughed employees must meet state eligibility requirements for unemployment, with weekly benefit amounts ranging from $45 to $265. Unemployment is available for up to 26 weeks. There are thousands of federal employees in Alabama who are expected to be impacted by this shutdown, said Fitzgerald Washington, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Labor. Should these workers need assistance during this time, I would encourage them to apply for unemployment compensation benefits. ADOL statistics show there are 53,200 federal workers in Alabama, though only about 5,500 of them are at agencies without funding and subject to the shutdown. Since the shutdown began, ADOL has received approximately 242 unemployment compensation benefit applications from federal workers, including those affected by the closures and those who were laid off for other reasons. The departments of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, State, Interior, Agriculture, Treasury, Commerce, Homeland Security and Justice, as well as several independent agencies, have been shut down since Dec. 22 after Congress failed to reach a funding agreement. President Donald Trump and Congress remain divided over funding for a wall at the U.S./Mexico border and no end to the shutdown is in sight. Critical federal employees remain on the job but wont be paid until the shutdown ends; the remainder are furloughed with no pay guarantees, though Congress has typically included back pay in resolutions reopening the government. If affected employees receive back pay, any unemployment benefits they received must be repaid to ADOL. Payment plans can be arranged by contacting the agency. To apply for unemployment benefits, federal employees must provide verification of their wages, such as a pay stub or W-2, as ADOL will likely not be able to confirm wages with affected federal agencies. Employees who are not working due to the shutdown should apply online at www.labor.alabama.gov or by calling 1-866-234-5382. Becky Gerritson, the high-profile leader of Wetumpkas Tea Party, has been named the executive director of the Eagle Forum of Alabama. Gerritsons appointment was made by Eagle Forum of Alabama President Eunie Smith and Foundation President Jim Cooper. "Becky is an effective conservative leader with a long history of championing the values that Eagle Forum exists to preserve, Smith said. I have every confidence in Becky's leadership abilities, and I believe that as Eagle Forum of Alabama Executive Director she will continue to be a bold and respected voice of conviction, principle, and informed policy in Alabama." Gerritson first drew national attention for her testimony before Congress about IRS investigations into the Wetumpka Tea Party and other conservative groups. Gerritson was a Republican candidate for Congress in Alabamas District 2 in 2016. In a statement, Gerritson said she is looking forward to working with the Eagle Forum, which she described as an influential powerhouse of principled conservative thought and grassroots activism for decades. "I am thrilled to be on the leadership team of this incredible organization. As Alabama moves into 2019 and beyond, it is crucial that our principled conservative voice be stronger and more compelling than ever. I look forward to continuing the fight for our future and our republic with Eagle Forum of Alabama, Gerritson said. While at the Alabama Board of Education meeting in Montgomery on Jan. 10, Gerritson spoke with AL.com about goals for the organization. We immediately have two goals right off to bat, and the first is to build grassroots throughout the state again," she said. "Just to continue to help people be engaged in the issues that affect the family, that affect education. But also, she said, as the legislature readies for the next session, We want to be monitoring and help pass legislation that going to be good for families, thats going to keep America safe and strong and freedom and liberty a priority. A conservative interest group, the national Eagle Forum organization was founded in 1972 by Phyllis Schlafly. A coalition of local activists and citizens is bringing Angela Davis to Birmingham next month for a grassroots event that will be open to the public. It will take place on Saturday, February 16, at a site yet to be determined. It will be a conversation with Dr. Davis, not a ticketed event, said DeJuana Thompson, founder of Woke Vote, It will center around her lifes work and the current work shes doing to address in injustice around the world. Full coverage of BCRI decision and Angela Davis. Davis was to be honored on that date by the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute with the Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award. But the Institutes board of directors, bowing to pressure primarily from the citys Jewish community, voted last Friday to rescind the invitation and cancel its annual fund-raising gala. In a statement, BCRI said, Upon closer examination of Ms. Davis statements and public record, we concluded that she, unfortunately, does not meet all of the criteria on which the award is based. Davis was stunned by the decision, she said, adding BCRI refused my requests to reveal the substantive reasons for this action. She later learned, however, that my long-term support of justice for Palestine was at issue. This seemed particularly unfortunate, she said, given that my own freedom was secured and indeed my life was saved by a vast international movement." The coalition, a revival of the Birmingham Committee for Truth and Reconciliation, includes people representing a diverse, inter-generational cross-section of city leaders. Among them: former Birmingham mayor Richard Arrington, former Circuit Court Judge Houston Brown (a childhood friend of Davis), community activist and scholar T. Marie King, Thompson, retired Federal Judge U.W. Clemon, Birmingham Times founder Dr. Jesse Lewis, representatives of groups such as Black Lives Matter, Birmingham Southern Colege, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Bethel Baptist Church of Pratt Cityl Blk Pearl (a Birmingham-based organization providing safe environments for Southern LGBTQ women of color living at or below the poverty line) and others, including members of the Jewish community. Thompson, speaking at a press conference Wednesday, read from an open letter to Davis: "We want you to know that Birmingham stands with you. Dr. Davis, we will not allow any denial of your life, legacy, and impact around global human rights to persist because we love you, honor you, and will fight for you. "Leaders such as Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, whose house was bombed by racists and who sustained extensive injuries from white supremacists while attempting to enroll his children in segregated schools, would be proud of your life and legacy, Dr. Davis. "You embody the spirit, values, and selfless sacrifice of your ancestors and elders. Your work in prison abolition, cis and trans womens rights, labor rights, Black liberation, the anti-war movement, LGBTQ+ rights, and fighting global injustices are all emblematic of comprehensive, clear, and nuanced agendas to end suffering, marginalization, and oppression around the world. Only intersectional organizing can accomplish these goals. Dr. Davis DeJuana Thompson and retired Circuit Court Judge Houston Brown announce revival of the Committee for Truth and Justice, which will host "A conversation with Angela Davis" in Birmingham on Saturday, February 16. [The coalition], said Judge Brown, who also spoke at the press event, "believes there can be no healing or reconciliation of our deep divisions without truth and honest dialogue Thompson spoke with Davis earlier this week. She had been so excited to return to her hometown and her people, Thompson said. She remains committed to that. Davis was then not fully aware of the repercussions ignited by the BCRIs decision. The details moved her, Thompson said. As we began to share with her the outpouring of concern at the BCRI decision, but also the love and affirmation coming from so many parts of community she became somewhat emotional and knew this was bigger than just this moment, Thompson said. It reaffirmed her commitment to bringing something to the City of Birmingham that she could share with everyonevery grassroots, very local, which speaks to what she has always been about as an activist and humanitarian. More than 25,000 federal workers have been waiting for more than five years for back pay a court ruled they deserved from the 2013 government shutdown. In 2017, a U.S. Court of Federal Claims Judge ruled the employees who signed onto a collective action lawsuit against the government were eligible for compensation. The class action suit, which originated with a small group of Bureau of Prison employees, claimed work and delayed paychecks during the 16-day shutdown in 2013 constituted a violation of the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act. The act requires the government to pay workers at least minimum wage, as well as any overtime pay, on their scheduled pay date. By delaying pay during the shutdown, the workers technically received pay below minimum wage, the suit contended. The judge agreed and ordered that plaintiffs receive about $7.25 times the number of hours worked between Oct. 1 and Oct. 5, 2013 generally about $290 per employee for back compensation and damages. Those payments were close to being distributed, GovExec reported, but are now delayed, as the Justice Department attorneys and other working on processing the money are now furloughed. Two new lawsuits claiming similar violations are now before a federal court in response to the current shutdown. As many as 800,000 federal workers, including 400,000 from the Department of Defense, were furloughed at the start of the government shutdown on Oct. 1, 2013. The shutdown lasted 16 days. Currently, about 340,000 government employees have been furloughed since Dec. 22 without the guarantee of back pay; an additional 500,000 are working but wont be paid until the shutdown ends. A lack of funding appropriations has shut down most of the operations of the departments of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, State, Interior, Agriculture, Treasury, Commerce, Homeland Security and Justice, as well as several independent agencies. The historian who wrote a definitive biography of the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth said the legendary firebrand preacher from Birmingham would have loved the idea of controversial activist Angela Davis, another Birmingham native, receiving the human rights award named in his honor. I cant even imagine Fred Shuttlesworth hesitating for a moment to honor Angela Davis this way, said Andrew Manis, author of A Fire You Cant Put Out and professor of history at Middle Georgia State University in Macon. Fred was willing to work with anybody regardless of their politics, Manis said. If they were on the side of freedom as soon as possible and equality as soon as possible, he was on board with them. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute voted Jan. 4 to rescind an award to Davis, after Birmingham Jewish leaders objected to her being named recipient of the Fred Shuttlesward Award. The Feb. 16 gala at which she would have received it was canceled. An alternative event will be organized on the same day, and Davis issued a statement saying she plans to attend. Davis, an author and retired professor, was known for a life of activism that included memberships in the Black Panther Party and the Communist Party USA. Her activism on behalf of Palestinians, including calling for divestment and boycotts against Israel, was cited by members of Birminghams Jewish community as a reason to question the award and the invitation to speak in the city where she grew up. Manis, who traveled with and researched Shuttlesworth for 12 years, said hes not aware of Davis and Shuttlesworth speaking together or being on the same program. I never saw a letter or saw anything that indicated a close relationship, Manis said. Im certain she was aware of him and he was no doubt aware of her. Davis was born in Birmingham in 1944 and raised in a neighborhood in Smithfield that was bombed so often it was nicknamed Dynamite Hill. Shuttlesworth was born in Birmingham in 1922 and from 1953-61 was pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Collegeville, which served as a headquarters for Birminghams civil rights activism as Shuttlesworth led the fight against legal segregation in the citys schools, buses and public accommodations. Shuttlesworths church and home were bombed by the Ku Klux Klan. In 1963, although Shuttlesworth was then pastor of a church in Cincinnati, he returned to help lead civil rights marches in Birmingham with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. He was much more willing to relate and work with people who were politically radical, much more than King was, up until the last couple years of his (Kings) life, Manis said. The rough-edged Shuttlesworth, who died in 2011 at 89, would likely be riled up about the decision to withdraw the Shuttlesworth Award from Davis, Manis said. I think Fred would be cussing, Manis said. He often bragged about being a cussing preacher. I think hed be cussing about this. During his time as a pastor in Birmingham, Shuttlesworth was brutally beaten by a mob, sprayed with city fire hoses, and arrested by police 35 times. The defining moment for Shuttlesworth came during the 1956 Christmas night bombing that shattered the Bethel Baptist Church and crumbled the parsonage next door. He walked out of the rubble almost unscathed, yet he recalled that the mattress he was sleeping on was blown to bits. The day after the bombing, he and his supporters were back in the front seats of city buses, defying segregation laws. He was arrested for again riding in whites-only seats in 1958. Even his children were arrested in 1960 for violating bus segregation laws. Its been 10 years since Alabama freed the hops, and the states brewers are, as you might suppose, celebrating. The Alabama Brewers Guild is offering its annual collaboration beer, Bitter Constituent, this Saturday at Montgomerys Common Bond Brewers on Bibb Street. The release party begins at 3 p.m. and will include the opportunity to meet craft brewers from around the state and to win brewery gear in a door prize raffle. The event is free and open to the public, with the Guild collaboration beer available for sale on draft in the taproom and in on-demand, to go packaging. Bitter Constituent is the fifth release in the Guilds Capital Series of annual collaborations designed, in cooperation with the Alabama Bicentennial Commission, to celebrate each one of Alabamas five historic capitals, culminating with Montgomery in 2019, the 200th anniversary of Alabamas statehood. But the collaboration also honors 10 years of work by Alabamas craft beer fans and volunteer groups lobbying for legislation which created and sustained the states craft beer industry. Back in 2009, Gov. Bob Riley signed the first Free the Hops" bill, which allowed retailers, including package, grocery and convenience stores and restaurants to sell beer with higher alcohol content. Subsequent bills went on to legalize craft beer, tasting rooms, large format bottles and home brewing. Over the last decade, groups like Free the Hops and Right to Brew have pushed for legal changes to make the craft beer industry possible and viable in Alabama," Dan Roberts, Alabama Brewers Guild executive director said. "We have the best fans in the world. Not only are they loyal customers and evangelists for craft beer, they are also dedicated advocates. We owe them everything. If you dont come back home now, youll never be able to see your homeland again. Memet Atawulla received the threatening message last May on WeChat, Chinas main messaging app. Though written in the Uighur language, he immediately knew it had come from the Chinese secret services. They wanted me to go back, explains Atawulla, 31, as he sips a soda in one of Ankaras glitzy cafes. Originally from the oasis town of Hotan in Xinjiang, northwest China, he moved to Turkey in 2016 to pursue a masters degree on a scholarship program. When I told the agents I was staying here, they said they would leave me alone if I cooperated. As with many Uighurs living abroad, the Chinese secret services asked Atawulla to become an informant for them. He refused, and is now certain traveling back home would result in his arrest. Atawulla's two younger brothers have already been placed in what China calls re-education camps. In March 2018, his mother was taken into custody. Thats what they do to Uighurs who have family members in other countries, he says, referring to the Chinese authorities. His relatives are among the estimated 1 million Muslims mostly Uighurs but also Kazakhs who have been sent to internment camps since China tightened its grip on minorities in 2016. While Beijing insists the camps were set up to combat Islamic extremism, human rights organizations have decried them as indoctrination centers whose true objective is to subvert the identities of the countrys Turkic-speaking Muslim minorities and undermine their devotion to Islam. Atawulla came to Turkey thinking its stance on the Uighur question was clear: enduring brotherhood. Cultural and linguistic similarities have long united Turks and Uighurs, who view each other as distant if familiar cousins. Turkish nationalists regard Uighurs, along with the other Turkic peoples, as Turkeys ethnic brethren. Because of such ties, Ankara had always been the prime defender of the Uighur cause on the world stage. So when the news came out about the mass detentions in China, Atawulla was stunned to see the Turkish government remain silent. Until now, Turkey was not only one of the only nations speaking out for the Uighurs plight, but it had also maintained an open-door policy toward them. Following Mao Zedongs invasion of the region referred to by Uighurs as East Turkestan in 1949, Turkey took in its first wave of Uighur refugees. In 1952, about 1,850 of them were re-settled in designated areas in the cities of Istanbul and Kayseri. In 1961, Turkey accepted another 2,000 Uighur families who had first fled to Afghanistan after being driven out of China by a decree stating that those with a foreign-born parent must leave. Neighborhoods such as Istanbuls Zeytinburnu came to be known as Uighur areas, rife with restaurants serving the communitys customary laghman and pilaf. Among these emigres was Isa Alptekin, the de facto leader of the Uighur nationalist movement in exile for most of the 20th century. The Turkish government sheltered Alptekin until his death in 1995. Since the times of Ataturk, it had been a lot easier for us to move here and obtain citizenship compared to other immigrants, contends Erkin Emet, a professor of the Uighur language at the University of Ankara and secretary of the World Uighur Congress, a Munich-based organization founded in 2006. In 2009, after violent riots broke out between Han Chinese and Uighurs in Urumqi, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, then prime minister, likened the ill treatment of the Uighurs to genocide. In January 2015, Turkey intervened in Thailand to rescue 500 Uighurs who had escaped from China and were spotted by Thai police in a human smuggling camp. At that time, China accused Turkish consular services of helping Uighurs escape from Thailand and Malaysia by providing them with fake passports. More recently, though, Ankara seems to have given up on the Turks' Uighur brothers. For a few years, Turkey has stopped distributing passports or residency permits to Uighurs, Emet says. Now, were subject to the same rules as any other immigrants. The president has also ceased to fulminate against the Chinese "oppressors" and pro-government media outlets now blatantly ignore Uighur-related news. This drastic change in policy goes hand in hand with a rapprochement between Turkey and China. As the Turkish government deepens economic ties with its Chinese counterpart through the Belt and Road Initiative and by welcoming direct investment, it appears to be yielding to pressure from Beijing. After the economic crisis here, the Chinese government granted Turkey a loan of $3.6 billion, remarks Emet. Thats why no one reacted to the atrocities in the camps. Like many Uighurs, Abduweli Ayup feels betrayed by their traditional patron. The Chinese persecute us because we eat Turkish food, wear Turkish clothes and sing Turkish songs, he says in a cafe in Fatih, a stones throw from Istanbuls historic quarter. Erdogan always says he defends the Muslims who are oppressed in the world. So why isnt he doing anything for us? he adds vociferously, attracting stares from Arab tourists a few tables away. A linguist, Ayup had worked to set up a network of Uighur-language schools until his arrest in August 2013. He was jailed on charges of taking part in separatist activities before being released in November 2014. Still, his schools were shut down and Chinese officials closely watched each move he made. Ayup moved to Turkey in 2015 hoping to find some respite, but to no avail. During his last interview with a journalist, he realized two Chinese spies were sitting behind him. And as Ayup was followed and threatened, his cries for help to Turkish officials fell on deaf ears. They bother me all the time asking me to go back to China. The Chinese Embassy canceled my passport so the spies blackmail me, saying theyll renew it if I cooperate. I cant ask the police here for protection; its an open fact that calling them is useless. Now effectively stateless, Ayup is stuck in Turkey, though he does not feel safe there. He fears the Turkish authorities will collaborate more actively with Chinese intelligence and would immediately leave for Germany if he could. Two months ago, he found out his two sisters and one of his brothers had been thrown into camps. The topic brings him to tears. When asked why he thinks Turkey has let his people down, Ayup pauses and sighs. Money is evil, he said. ISTANBUL Turkey could still enter Syria to quash Kurdish militants even if the United States delays its withdrawal from the area, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday, accusing US officials of coming up with excuses to stay in the war-torn countrys northeast and stymie President Donald Trumps plans to pull US troops out. A rare show of unity between the United States and Turkey on Syria curdled this week over the fate of the Peoples Protection Unions (YPG), the Kurdish militia that has fought the Islamic State alongside the United States but that Turkey views as a terrorist organization for its ties to a militant group that has waged a three-decade insurgency inside Turkey. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton have pledged that the US departure from Syria would not leave the Kurds vulnerable to attack by Turkey after Trump faced a backlash at home over his surprise decision last month to leave Syria. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delayed an offensive against the YPG after a Dec. 14 phone call with Trump when the US president told him he would withdraw some 2,200 US special forces and invited Turkey to take over the fight against the Islamic State. Bolton traveled to Ankara this week to hammer out a plan to coordinate the pullout, but Erdogan, angry over Boltons comments that the withdrawal had conditions that safeguard the Kurds, refused to meet him and instead took potshots at Trumps adviser during a speech to his party. Our operation against the YPG is not dependent on the US withdrawal, Mevlut Cavusoglu, Erdogans foreign minister, told NTV. Whether or not it withdraws, we will do whatever is necessary against a terrorist organization that threatens our national security." Turkey wants to give US forces time to leave and coordinate the pullout, which is now expected to take 60 to 120 days, but if it sees Washington is procrastinating, it will go ahead with its plans for an operation, he said. On a trip to Cairo, Pompeo insisted Trumps decision is final and Boltons remarks did not contradict it. A day before, the top diplomat said Erdogan had made commitments to protect the United States Kurdish allies. For his part, Erdogan said this week Turkey would do whats necessary to fight terrorism and warned a Turkish offensive could come at any moment. Trump has now told our president twice that they will withdraw, Cavusoglu said. You make the decision to withdraw, then you try to find excuses not to by blaming Turkey. Ankara still expects Trump to stick to his word, he said, but acknowledged, There are those in the field who are working to prevent the withdrawal, counting Bolton among those opposed to it. US security units are trying to dissuade their president, he added. His words echo a refrain that has emerged in the Turkish media that US administration officials are blocking their own president from following through on policy decisions. Bolton went rogue and a soft coup against Trump is underway in the United States, an editorial in Turkeys pro-government Daily Sabah claimed this week, citing attempts by US officials to force Trump to retreat on the withdrawal. Erdogan has said he and Trump are on the same page and complains others in the US administration have undermined US-Turkish ties. He remains reluctant to alienate Trump, said Nihat Ali Ozcan, a security policy analyst at the Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey. Turkey does not want to put Trump in a difficult position. Trump took a big domestic risk in ceding to Erdogans demands, and Erdogan is aware of this, he told Al-Monitor. The Turkish lira, which went into free-fall in August over tensions with the United States, is down 2% this week amid worries that the rapprochement with Washington will be short lived. In the interview, Cavusoglu also rejected a US condition on the sale of its Patriot missiles that Turkey abandon plans to buy the Russian-made S-400 air-defense system. The United States is worried sensitive NATO technology could pass to Moscow if Turkey uses both systems. Such a condition would make a deal with the United States impossible, he told NTV. Meanwhile, Russia, which has backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the seven-year war, may seek to exploit the confusion created by the bickering between Turkey and the United States. A state-run Russian television station reported that Russian military police were patrolling the outskirts of the town of Manbij, where US soldiers remain, in a buffer zone separating Syrian forces and militants outside of the town. It was not clear if it was referring to Turkish-backed rebels fighting Assad or the Syrian Democratic Forces, the US-aligned militia dominated by the YPG. WASHINGTON Secretary of State Mike Pompeos stridently partisan speech in Cairo today chiding the former Barack Obama administration for its Iran nuclear diplomacy and attempts to engage the people of the Middle East received a withering response from former US diplomats and regional experts, who called it unstatesmanlike and tone-deaf. In falsely seeing ourselves as a force for what ails the Middle East, we were timid in asserting ourselves when the times and our partners demanded it, Pompeo said in the speech, titled "A Force for Good: America Reinvigorated in the Middle East," at the American University in Cairo. Our desire for peace at any cost led us to strike a deal with Iran, our common enemy, Pompeo said in another swipe at the Obama administration. The good news is this: The age of self-inflicted American shame is over, and so are the policies that produced so much needless suffering. Current and former diplomats were, in a word, not impressed. Pompeos speech was a regurgitation of what they have been saying for two years. There was nothing new, and it was offensive, former career US diplomat and ambassador to Yemen Gerald Feierstein told Al-Monitor. That they think that anyone still wants to hear about Barack Obamas 2009 Cairo speech get over it. You own the issue now, you own the policy, Feierstein continued. People want to know what you are going to do, not what you think Barack Obama did wrong. And on that score, there was nothing there, Just a lot of empty rhetoric of all things they are going to do and how wonderful the United States is and it never occupied anybody. So what. Pompeos speech is unlikely to reassure American allies and partners frustrated by constantly shifting Donald Trump administration positions on the region that they are not properly consulted about, said former FBI and Treasury Department official Matthew Levitt. I do not think they [the Trump administration] fully appreciate the level of anxiety among our allies and potential allies in the region and beyond in Europe in terms of how reliable we are as a partner, Levitt, now with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told Al-Monitor. It is not just the decision to withdraw US forces in Syria, Levitt continued. Much more than that, it is the way the decision was arrived at and announced. [US Syria envoy Jim] Jeffrey said one thing one day, Trump says the opposite the next day. People cant keep up with the pace of the back and forth, ping pong. The lack of clarity, the lack of procedure in the policy making process the allies see that. While it is great to go to the region in a time of anxiety to reassure people you mean to have a reinvigorated role in the Middle East, it is not enough to say it, Levitt said. The extensive swipes in the speech at the previous administration were also discomfiting, Levitt said. Whether it is done by Republicans or Democrats, I always felt uncomfortable when Americans travel abroad and hang out dirty laundry, he said. Embarrassing and shameful speech by the small, hyper-partisan Trump suck-up Pompeo, Ellen Tauscher, a former undersecretary of state for arms control in the Obama administration and a former member of Congress, wrote on Twitter. Theres not a non-partisan statesman pore in his body. Seriously. A joke. They really are struggling along with the C team only two years in, a former US diplomat, speaking not for attribution, told Al-Monitor of Pompeos speech. Honestly, it'll be forgotten in about five minutes." Feierstein was among several observers who noted that Pompeo also got a big fact wrong in the speech, when he said who would have ever thought that an Israeli prime minister would visit Oman. In fact, two other Israeli prime ministers had visited Oman before Benjamin Netanyahus trip to Oman last fall. Look, when I was in government, whether in Republican or Democratic administrations, they would never have allowed a speech to go forward like that without fact-checking the hell out of it, said Feierstein, now with the Middle East Institute. That they let obvious wrong statements creep in is a reflection of how this administration does business and a reflection of the fact that they dont have professionals writing this stuff. This will be in the dustbin of history before tonight, Feierstein added. Because its absolutely empty. The audience at the American University in Cairo did not show much enthusiasm for the address. There was no applause during the speech, and at the end, it seemed to me, the response was pretty tepid, Feierstein said. I dont think there was any real enthusiasm in the hall for what he said to say. Pompeo also seemed unaware that the Egyptian audience is not particularly interested in being part of an alliance against Iran. Finally, Pompeos speech showed minimal desire to engage with the people of the Middle East versus their autocratic leaders, Feierstein said. Whether you agree or disagree with Obama, and there were lots of things I disagreed with at least they [the Obama administration] were trying to think through the issue of how to engage the broader population and not just speak to the Sisis and Erdogans and Mohammed bin Salmans. And this speech is totally lacking, completely tone-deaf to the general population. It completely denies agency to the people of the region. Our eagerness to address only Muslims and not nations ignored the rich diversity of the Middle East and frayed old bonds, Pompeo said in apparent reference to working with the Gulf Arab autocrats determined to suppress any political dissent at home. It undermined the concept of the nation-state, the building block of international stability. Double down on supporting a host of despotic regimes, blame all regional ills on Iran, turn back on democratic aspirations of people across the region, said Sina Toosi, a research associate at the National Iranian American Council, in providing his summary of Pompeo's speech on Twitter. What's clear is that was not a speech for Egyptians, or those in the Middle East, but for a home audience, Josie Ensor, the UK Telegraphs Beirut-based Middle East correspondent, said on Twitter. His boss would have been happy. The foreign minister of Iran the main target of the speechs ire predictably ridiculed its main theme that American interventions in the Middle East are a force for good. Whenever/wherever US interferes, chaos, repression & resentment follow, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter. The day Iran mimics US clients to become a normal country is the day hell freezes over. Best for the US to just get over loss of Iran, Zarif added. GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was recently blaming Iran's influence on Palestinians for the lack of progress in peace talks, Iran seemed more than happy to accept responsibility. In an interview with Globo TV during his Jan. 1 visit to Brazil, Netanyahu said, Half of them [Palestinians] are already under the gun of Iran and of radical Islam. His comments coincided with statements made the same day by Iran's police chief, Hossein Ashtari, that his forces are ready to train members of the Palestinian factions' armed wings. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been unofficially providing this training since 2005, but this was the first time the police force made such an offer publicly. Ashtari made the statement during a meeting with Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) Secretary-General Ziyad al-Nakhalah in Tehran. Nakhalah was accompanied on his trip by all the members of the PIJ political bureau. The delegation met senior leaders of the Iranian regime, most notably Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "[Khamenei] always supports the resistance against the Zionist entity," Ashtari said during his meeting with Nakhalah. "We follow his footsteps and continue to support the oppressed Palestinian people. We are ready to provide any possible assistance. The relationship of the Hamas and PIJ factions with Tehran had been strained when the two movements stood idly by during the conflicts in Syria and Yemen. Hamas withdrew from Syria in 2012, and announced its support for the Saudi-backed government in Yemen in 2015. Iran, a bitter rival of Saudi Arabia, restricted its financial and military support, including IRGC training, to the factions. Following the election of a new Hamas leadership in May 2017, and new PIJ leadership in September 2017, the relationship with Iran started improving. The factions intensified their visits to Tehran and repeatedly expressed appreciation for any support Iran offered. Hussein Sheikh al-Islam, adviser to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, affirmed Iran will not hesitate to provide any financial or military support requested by the Palestinian factions. He told Al-Monitor that Ashtaris offer proves Iran is putting all of its capabilities at the factions' disposal to help them upgrade their military competence. Iran's relationship with the Palestinian factions specifically Hamas and [the PIJ] is strong and developing over time, Islam said. Iran sees the Palestinian resistance movements as part of the resistance front in the Arab region, which stands united against Israel and the United States. Khoder Habib, a PIJ leader, told Al-Monitor that Iran is a key supporter of his movement and other Palestinian resistance factions. He said the PIJ delegation's recent visit to Tehran yielded positive results. Ashtaris offer attests to the solid relationship between the Palestinian resistance forces and Tehran, Habib said. The offer came in tandem with Israeli reports that Khamenei has proposed that the PIJ form a joint operations room in the Gaza Strip with Lebanon's Hezbollah and some Iraqi militias. Israel believes this would provide a second military front against Israel if it wages a war on Gaza. US Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt and Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot had revealed early in 2018 that Iran was providing hundreds of millions of dollars a year to Palestinian armed factions in the Gaza Strip. Further consolidation of relations between Iran and the Palestinian factions is possible, as Hamas and the PIJ recognize that Iran is their main supplier of arms and money. If that happens, it is likely these factions would enter a military battle in a unified front with Iran, Hezbollah and Syria against Israel. Former Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman had warned of that possibility in October 2017. Al-Monitor spoke to a senior military commander in the Palestinian Popular Resistance Committees, an alliance of armed factions that opposes reconciliation with Israel. He, too, pointed out that Iran has spared no effort to provide Palestinian factions with military expertise that has significantly improved their capabilities. He noted on condition of anonymity that during the recent military escalation with Israel, the Palestinian factions demonstrated these advanced military capabilities. Israel's withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 and the Hamas takeover there in 2007 allowed Palestinian fighters to train at camps in Iran, Syria and Lebanon, until Egypt tightened its grip on the Gaza border in 2013. Military expert Youssef al-Sharqawi, who retired as a general from the Palestinian Authority security forces in 2006, noted that Israel's ongoing siege on Gaza, Egypt's restrictions on the Rafah border crossing and Cairo's determination to destroy the factions' tunnels into Egypt have made it more difficult for fighters to travel to Iran to receive training. But he told Al-Monitor he expects the factions' leadership and Iran to constantly search for alternatives to overcome such obstacles. He attributes the improvement of the Gaza factions' military skills largely to Iran, but also to several other unspecified countries and parties. It seems that Irans public offer of training aims to send messages to Israel, which continues to target Iranian and Syrian forces and their allies in Syria. The IRGC's Quds Force unit commander, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, had used that method to send a message to the United States. In December 2017, he offered comprehensive military support to the Palestinian factions after US President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Relations between Washington and Ankara temporarily thawed last year following the release of US pastor Andrew Brunson. But Congress is still putting Ankara on notice. House Democrats voted mostly along party lines last week to pass a spending bill that hits Turkey with arms sales bans and sanctions. The bipartisan provisions originated in the Republican-held Senate last year but did not clear the House at the time. For now, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is refusing to take up spending legislation that doesnt fund President Donald Trumps proposed border wall with Mexico. Still, lawmakers in both chambers are eyeing Ankaras next moves as they weigh whether to move forward with the Turkey provisions again this year. At issue is Turkeys pending acquisition of Russias S-400 missile defense system and its continued detention of US citizens and locally employed consular staff. It depends on what happens with Turkeys acquisition of the S-400 missile system, that will have some impact, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., told Al-Monitor. Were still discussing it. As members of the foreign aid panel, Shaheen and Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., worked across the aisle last year to include the arms sales restrictions and sanctions on Turkey in spending legislation. The Shaheen-Lankford provisions include a ban on the transfer of F-35 aircraft to Turkey unless the Trump administration certifies that Ankara is not moving forward with the S-400 purchase from Russia. Turkey participates in a F-35 co-production program with the United States and several other countries. The Pentagon reported to Congress last year that kicking Turkey out of the co-production program could delay the delivery of between 50 and 75 F-35s by up to two years. Moving ahead with the S-400 sale could also subject Turkey to US sanctions under the 2017 Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. That bill requires the Trump administration to sanction countries doing business with designated Russian defense contractors, including Almaz-Antey, which produces the S-400s. Shaheen and Lankford have also pushed for narrower sanctions in the spending bill, which would place visa bans on senior Turkish officials involved in the detention of US citizens. That was before Turkey released Andrew Brunson, a US pastor whose incarceration galvanized Republicans evangelical base. Turkey, however, continues to detain another US citizen, NASA contractor Serkan Golge. While Trumps lack of focus on Golge stands in stark contrast to his vocal calls to release Brunson, Shaheen told Al-Monitor that Ankaras detention of the scientist and other locally employed US consular staff continues to be a concern. Finally, the spending bill would ban US weapons sales to President Recep Tayyip Erdogans personal bodyguards unless members of his security detail involved in beating protesters during his 2017 visit to Washington return to stand trial in US courts. Four of them still have cases pending in US courts after the Trump administration dropped charges on 11 others. Congress aside, the Trump administration itself continues to struggle to navigate a dicey alliance. Relations appeared set to improve after Erdogan reportedly convinced Trump to withdraw US troops from Syria last month, paving the way for a Turkish offensive against the US-backed Kurdish Peoples Protection Units, which Ankara deems a terrorist group. However, the administration has since walked back an initial 30-day timeline for withdrawal and demanded assurances that Ankara refrain from attacking the Syrian Kurds. An irate Erdogan responded by canceling a meeting with national security adviser John Bolton and instead publicly lambasted him before parliament. Members of the Joint List initially dismissed Knesset member Ahmad Tibis Jan. 8 request to break away from the alliance of four Israeli political parties. Eventually, however, they realized it was no idle threat and that he was serious about running as an independent with the backing of many local Arab council heads and mayors. This support is of vital importance in the Arab community, where large extended families often vote as one. Such strong backing means better chances of getting sufficient votes to cross the electoral threshold the obstacle that forced the four disparate parties to unite on the eve of the 2015 elections. The Joint List was composed of four essentially Arab parties: Hadash, Raam, Balad and Taal. The union, however, was in name only. Plots, frictions and power struggles repeatedly undermined it in the absence of ideological glue to bind its components. Tibis decision followed failed attempts to obtain fitting representation for his Taal party within the Joint List in open primaries or a survey of Arab party voters. Tibi is convinced that he and his party enjoy far wider support than is reflected in its representation within the joint bloc, as determined by the balance of power upon the union's hasty formation in 2015. At the time, the head of the largest of the four parties Hadash was designated to lead the Joint List and promised at least five slots on the Knesset candidates list. Second place and at least three reserved slots went to the representative of the Islamic movement Raam, Masud Ganaim. Balad chair Jamal Zahalka was put in third place with at least three reserved slots, while Tibi was placed fourth with at least two. Yet after those understandings were reached, questions about the makeup of the proposed Knesset list lingered and a reconciliation committee failed to resolve them. With elections drawing near and the deadline to present the final list looming, negotiators reached a mid-term rotation compromise. Five Joint List Knesset members did cede their places under the rotation agreement, but the arrangement turned out to be a landmine that threatened to fracture the alliance. It barely kept the Joint List together throughout the Knesset mandate. With the 20th Knesset disbanded and elections set for April 9, all bets are off. Will Hadash run with Balad despite their deep ideological differences? Supporters and activists of Hadash are mostly Communists and include some Jews. These members did not feel they had anything in common with Balad, the party once headed by Knesset member Azmi Bishara, who escaped from Israel in 2007 under suspicion of spying for Hezbollah in the Second Lebanon War. Balad champions turning Israel into a state of all its citizens. Still, contrary to Hadash, which wants to integrate into Israeli society, its Knesset members often make militant and provocative statements that make Hadash activists uncomfortable, In between Hadash and Balad there is Raam, an Islamic-religious movement composed of people who for the most part quit the outlawed Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement after the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993. Raam seeks the recognition of Israeli Arabs as a minority, advocating to anchor their rights constitutionally. It is mostly supported by the Bedouin population in the south of Israel. Hadash and Balad, both secular platforms, found it hard to join forces with religious Raam, but went along anyway for the sake of political survival. Meanwhile, Balad is undergoing major leadership changes. Its chairman, Zahalka, has decided to quit and will not run for the next Knesset. His colleague, controversial Knesset member Hanin Zoabi, also decided to sit out the coming elections in light of her dim re-election prospects. Yet another member of the original Balad list, former Knesset member Basel Ghattas, is serving a two-year jail term for smuggling cell phones to Palestinians in Israeli prisons. If and when the three remaining parties decide to stay together, they are in for vicious infighting. Hadash is twice as strong as each of the two other parties in terms of electoral support, but each of the three alone will have a hard time crossing the electoral threshold of 3.25% of the vote. The task ahead of Hadash chair Ayman Odeh, who also heads the Joint List, is to keep the three together and at the same time make the other two understand that they need him and his party more than he needs them to survive politically. Tibi is taking a big gamble. The coming elections are expected to be the most contentious and divisive in Israels history, and the Jewish turnout is predicted to be very high, meaning that meeting the electoral threshold will be almost impossible for the Arab parties. Asad Ghanem, a senior political science lecturer at Haifa University and a longtime scholar of Israeli Arab society, believes Tibi stands a good chance of winning enough votes. Ghanem told Al-Monitor that Tibi has a broad base of support that includes the heads of 20 local councils. If Tibi does run as an independent, Ghanem says, he will strip away at least half of the Joint Lists current support, which was equal to 13 seats in the past Knesset. The only component in the List able to run alone and garner additional votes is Ahmad Tibi, Ghanem said. None of the others, not even Hadash, can run alone. Balad is not a significant factor from an organizational standpoint, he estimates. Hadash and the Islamic movement, on the other hand, are strong in terms of logistics, with many active supporters and strong branches, although support for them has declined. Tibi enjoys public support from the people, Ghanem said. His challenge is to get this support organized and bring it to the ballot boxes. This is a complex task. Tibi worked hard in the last Knesset. He toured Arab communities throughout Israel and mobilized support among young people on issues of paramount importance to them. Tibi, who was for years perceived as being exclusively focused on issues pertaining to the Palestinian Authority and who even identified himself as an adviser to late PLO chair Yasser Arafat, has worked diligently to change this image. He may have realized what the people want for him to represent them and resolve their problems more than to represent Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinians living in the West Bank. This is probably why Taal is changing and adapting its agenda. From a platform focused on the diplomatic process, resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as capital, its turning into a social-democratic movement focused on socio-economic matters that dominate the Israeli-Arab priority list. This focus fits the general feelings of despair over the stalemated diplomatic process; all the Palestinians, including Tibi, feel that a resolution to the conflict is drifting further and further away. Proud to be from a party that knows how to place ideology ahead of personal interests, Odeh tweeted when he realized that Tibi was determined to walk away from the Joint List. The one who wants more than anything to see the Joint List dismantled is (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu, he tweeted. Those who want to divide and rule the Arabs are the radical right. Tibi is unmoved by the accusation that he has put his personal interests first. He has already started putting together his Knesset list, which is expected to draw votes away from all his former partners. Those likely to join his run are Nazareth Mayor Ali Salem as well as former Sakhnin Mayor Mazen Ghnaim, who also led the council of heads of local Arab authorities. And what is to become of the Joint List? Ghanem said those who remain will have to sort themselves out. Each of its Knesset members was strong in his or her own right, he says, but as a collective their influence was negligible. The shock of Tibis departure could help them wake up, he concluded. Iraq expects to play an official role in the Syrian transition, especially once things stabilize and more countries reopen their embassies in Damascus, as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain did recently. On Dec. 30, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said a group of Iraqi officials had met the day before with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The delegation included national security adviser Faleh al-Fayad, who also heads Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units. Iraq's experience in combating terrorism and extremist organizations will come in handy for Syria. Iraq also can help secure the border between the two countries and carry out airstrikes inside Syria against the Islamic State (IS). Iraq has had no official military presence in Syria. There were armed factions affiliated with some Iraqi political parties that have ties to Iran, but as former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi had pointed out, those didn't represent the Iraqi state. Today, there are indications Iraq's military could play a major role in Syria. In his remarks, Abdul Mahdi hinted at a potential new role for the Iraqi government regarding Syria, especially as Iraq confirmed it is ready to enter Syria and fill the void left by US forces should they begin withdrawing soon though that issue is up in the air. "If the United States withdraws from Syria, Iraq is fully prepared to cooperate with other security forces associated with the Syrian issue," he said Dec. 30. Iraqi President Barham Salih, during his Jan. 3 visit to Turkey, discussed with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan the Syrian dossier and securing borders. Meanwhile, Iraq's National Security Council (the country's highest security body) has been examining potential implications of a US withdrawal from Syria. Iraqi officials have been extremely vocal about providing support to a Syrian transition. On Jan. 2, Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed Ali al-Hakim announced Iraq's backing for Syria to return to the Arab League. A few days earlier, the Iraqi president's spokesman, Luqman al-Faily, confirmed Iraqi support for ending the Syrian crisis peacefully. Assad has authorized Iraqi aircraft to bomb IS sites in Syria without prior permission from Damascus officials. Sources in Abdul Mahdi's office told Al-Monitor, "The coming days may also witness Iraqi forces participating on the ground in the Syrian territories." Abdul Mahdi said Jan. 8 he wouldn't rule out that option. Yasen al-Bakri, a political science professor at Nahrain University in Baghdad, told Al-Monitor Iraq is concerned about "the extension of IS or any other terrorist groups." He added, "The Iraqi role will mainly depend on the air forces, while land forces will carry out hit-and-run operations inside Syria, only to retreat to the Iraqi border." Bakri believes the United States also fears it could leave a vacuum to be filled by some of the Iraqi factions associated with Iran. Iraqi president Barham Salih hinted at his country's new role in Syria when the envoy of the Russian president, Mikhail Bogdanov, visited in November. Salih called on Russia to work toward a common understanding with others on the Syrian issue and confirmed that Iraq's policy regarding Syria will be based on coordination and integration. Hisham al-Hashimi, a researcher at the Al-Nahrain Centre for Strategic Studies, told Al-Monitor, "The role of Iraq in Syria remains limited because of the financial situation gripping Iraq. Moreover, Baghdad needs to structure its forces, which fought fierce and strong battles against IS over the past three years. Hashimi expects Iraqi's role will be limited to airstrikes, despite the heavy costs each air sortie entails. So the question really isn't whether Iraq will play a part in Syria, but rather how extensive its role will be. A video aired on Iranian state television has compared accusations that Russia sought to influence the 2016 US presidential elections with biased and fake news to the efforts of the UK-funded BBC to influence Iranian domestic policy and topple its government in the process airing footage of the arrest of a jailed dual British-Iranian citizen and her alleged links to outlawed Iranian websites. The video taking the shape of a documentary began with clips of US officials criticizing then-candidate Donald Trump, highlighting comments by Sen. Lindsay Graham calling Trump a jackass and former Gov. Mitt Romney calling Trump a phony. It also showed clips of then-Sen. Al Franken during a hearing asking how Facebook did not catch why electoral advertisements were being paid in rubles. The video then transitioned to the BBC, saying it pursues British foreign policy and the creation of the BBC radio service during World War II for an Iranian audience prepared society for an invasion during the rule of Shah Reza Pahlavi. In 1941, the British and Soviets invaded Iran and forced the shah to abdicate, exiling him and eventually bringing his young son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to the throne. The latter was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The video also recounted how the BBC advocated for the toppling of the government of Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh in the early 1950s, receiving praise from the British foreign secretary. The video then showed clips of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a dual British-Iranian citizen who was arrested in April 2016 and sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. The video claimed that she became involved with a project called ZigZag, which is referred to as one of the most important soft war projects by the UK against the Islamic Republic. The video said that ZigZag would educate anti-revolutionary forces, referring to staff for the then-nascent BBC Persian television channel. In this vein, the program referred to London-based Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Mahmoud Enayat as two of the main Iranian individuals behind the organization. Of note, ZigZag was a journalism development program run by the BBC World Service Trust from 2006 to 2010. The BBC Persian television station was launched in 2009. The video further made reference to events in 2014, when several employees of a technology website called Narenji (Orange), based in the southern Iranian city of Kerman, were handed heavy sentences for alleged links with the BBC. At least one of the detainees was reportedly a trainee of ZigZag, according to The Guardian. Kerman local prosecutor Yadollah Movahed, who announced the sentencing of the Narenji employees in 2014, separately claimed in 2016 that Zaghari-Ratcliffe was a member of one of the groups that during the Sedition [2009 unrest] conducted activities against the security of the country by designing websites and carrying out campaigns in the media. ZigZags apparent link to Narenji may explain why Zaghari-Ratcliffe was subsequent to her initial detention promptly transferred to Kerman and held there for months, after which she was transferred back to the capital. Enayat is the director of Small Media, which is a London-based nonprofit that works to increase the flow of information in closed societies. The video referred to Small Media as the headquarters of anti-revolutionary forces and sites that were commanded by Enayat. According to the video, certain projects in Iran connected to Small Media were also funded by USAID, which is a US-government funded agency. It was also alleged that some of the sites that covered the unrest in the aftermath of the disputed 2009 presidential elections were funded by Small Media, including Norouz, Negahban and Linkadeh. The video then transitioned back to Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her work with The Training Station, which the video claimed was funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The video alleged that The Training Station was more interested in spying and taught individuals how to be discrete, hide their activities and even respond during an interrogation. The video further claimed that Zaghari-Ratcliffe received $11,000 a month for her work at The Training Station. The video subsequently showed a video clip of the arrest of Zaghari-Ratcliffe at Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport as she was due to return to London after a family visit. The video also aired a speech by then-Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson who said that Zaghari-Ratcliffe was simply teaching people journalism, which he later was forced to walk back from. The arrest of Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been raised by Johnson and also current UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt with Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Many online users have reacted to the video and particularly the clip of Zaghari-Ratcliffes arrest with many believing that it is designed by hard-liners in the judiciary and security services to dissuade dual nationals from returning to Iran. The full video, however which consists of nine parts and targets a number of other jailed Iranian dual nationals as well as other supposedly subversive elements seems to be part of a larger campaign by the Iranian authorities to justify the arrests of a number of bloggers and journalists over alleged links to agencies funded by foreign governments. By now, it has escaped few that rather than a new beginning between Iran and the West, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action has become another chapter in a long saga of broken promises. But beyond empty pledges on the part of Europe, and more so the United States which withdrew from the landmark accord last May the Iranians have also broken their promises to themselves. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis pledges with reference to the JCPOA are a case in point. Take his notable remarks from June 2016, only five months after the formal implementation date of the deal and amid Donald Trumps political ascendancy in which he famously asserted, Of course, individuals who have run for the US presidency are constantly threatening that they will tear it up. Well, if they tear it up, we will set it on fire! He defiantly added, We do not wish to violate it. However, if they violate it, we will violate it as well. Fast forward two and a half years, and the United States has left the accord while pressuring anyone who adheres to it, even if only in name. Yet the Islamic Republic remains committed to the JCPOA. In his June 2016 speech, Khamenei referred to the countrys nuclear program as a strategic industry, explicitly warning that Iran ought not adopt policies that will make its counterparts believe that our hands are tied albeit underscoring that no rash measure should be adopted. Mindful of these considerations, the logic behind Irans continued compliance with its obligations under the JCPOA has been based on two pillars: that strategic patience will pit Europe against the United States and that waiting out Trump is thus the best option. But this logic is becoming increasingly challenged. Europe has shown itself to cower in the face of US pressure. Most major European companies have left Iran over the past six months while little was done to shield the Belgium-based SWIFT financial communication network from US pressure to disconnect Iranian financial entities. Meanwhile, over seven months after the US exit from the JCPOA, the promised special purpose vehicle (SPV) to facilitate trade with Iran remains a theoretical concept. In parallel, there appears to be a growing realization that the United States is not likely to simply re-enter the accord whether Trump secures a second term or a democratic challenger wins in 2020 particularly since the status quo gives the United States the full leverage provided by its reimposed sanctions without having to offer any of the concessions to Iran agreed under the nuclear deal. One important iteration of a possible shift resulting from changed assumptions emerged on Jan. 7, when the secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, told an international conference in Tehran, The Europeans opportunity to execute their commitments to our country under the JCPOA, and particularly [with reference to] the special financial channel, has ended. Asked to clarify whether he was referring to the European Unions long-stalled SPV, he responded, I mean their commitments under the JCPOA, which also include the SPV. Shamkhanis remarks are highly important for three reasons. First and foremost, while Khamenei promised in 2016 to exit the JCPOA if the United States leaves it, no senior Iranian official has since stated that the time given to Europe to uphold its obligations has ended. Rather, officials ranging from President Hassan Rouhani to Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif have time and again variously warned that this time is running out, that Iran is not waiting for Europe or that Iran may leave the deal as one of its options. Second, Shamkhanis position on the JCPOA matters because of the context of his relationship with Rouhani, and due to his position within Iranian decision-making. Effectively serving as national security adviser, Shamkhani was appointed to his position on the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) by Rouhani shortly after the latters election as president in 2013. A previous defense minister throughout the two-term presidency of Reformist Mohammad Khatami, Shamkhani brought moderation to the top decision-making body as he succeeded hard-liner Saeed Jalili. In this equation, Rouhani gained significant influence over the SNSC. Heading the council as president, Rouhani also appointed four other allies as permanent members: the foreign, defense and intelligence ministers as well as the head of the Management and Planning Organization. These appointments gave Rouhani half of the dozen SNSC positions. Of note, the SNSC votes on national security-related matters, with Khamenei holding a veto power that is only rarely executed. Given Parliament Speaker Ali Larijanis presence on the SNSC and his close alignment with Rouhani during the negotiations leading up to the JCPOA, and also in his defense of engagement with Europe to save the accord, the moderate president has maintained a majority on the council. A possible shift on the part of Shamkhani may alter the power balance within the SNSC, with potentially disastrous consequences for the nuclear deal including its remaining signatories. Third, Shamkhanis apparent shift comes against the backdrop of a long anticipated and widely predicted growing conservative backlash against the Rouhani administration in general and Irans continued compliance with the nuclear deal in particular. On Jan. 9, the hard-line Vatan-e Emrooz lashed out at the European Unions decision to sanction the Islamic Republic over a series of alleged assassination plots on European soil, noting that almost eight months have passed without any sign of the blocs long-promised SPV. The day before, the conservative Raja News attacked the SPV as a Trojan horse meant to lure Iran into voluntarily signing up to an effective oil-for-food program, mindful that food and medicine imports are non-sanctionable regardless of Iranian compliance with the JCPOA. This is all taking place against the wider backdrop of shadowy forces, including the powerful Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, expanding detentions to demographers in addition to environmentalists, while also apparently producing documentary films that smear jailed dual nationals, including Iranian-Americans. For now, it is still unclear whether a genuine shift is emerging in Iran. One senior official in Tehran who was asked about Shamkhanis remarks told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that there is no policy shift on the JCPOA. Taking such assertions and Shamkhanis statements with equal grains of salt, it appears that while the new EU sanctions may not be a game-changer, continued European stalling on the SPV and perhaps more importantly, the unveiling of an alternative payment mechanism that will not and cannot be used very well could. Of course, some critics posit that Irans departure from the JCPOA is unlikely simply on the basis that its other options are worse than continued compliance with the accord. Here, Khameneis remarks from 2016 offer potential insight into what could unfold in case the nuclear deal collapses, including the dynamics pertaining to possible future diplomatic engagement: If it had not been for our capability to achieve 20% enrichment and to build advanced centrifuges, we would definitely have failed to force [the United States] into accepting these several thousand centrifuges so much so that they would not criticize it anymore. If this power is gone, the other sides pressures will increase. And the more this power increases, the more our power to pressure the other side will increase. So we should preserve this power. In what seemed to be fresh diplomatic pressure on Iran, the European Union announced Jan. 8 that it was freezing assets belonging to a unit of Iran's Intelligence Ministry and two of its officials. But that's not where it came to an end. The Netherlands also leveled accusations against Iran, saying Tehran had plotted two murders on its soil. In doing so, Dutch officials joined French and Danish counterparts in implicating Iran in alleged attacks on European soil. The EU sanctions are the first European punitive measure against Iran since Tehran inked the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with major powers in 2015. Under the deal, the EU had committed to nullifying a series of sanctions it had imposed on Tehran over its nuclear program. The European announcement, pushed by the Danish government, was made as Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is on a hectic three-day diplomatic visit to New Delhi to negotiate expanded trade with India in an effort to mitigate the impacts of US sanctions reimposed following Washington's withdrawal from the JCPOA in May 2018. Europeans, [including] Denmark, Holland & France, harbor [Mujahedeen-e-Khalq] who killed 12,000 Iranians & abetted Saddam's crimes against Iraqi Kurds as well as other terrorists staging murder of innocent Iranians from Europe," Zarif wrote on his Twitter account to hit back at the Europeans, who he said "won't absolve responsibility for harboring terrorists. The move came as Iran has been awaiting an EU mechanism known as the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) meant to keep business with Iran afloat amid US sanctions. But signs of frustration are already appearing not just from the country's hard-liners. On the sidelines of his meetings with Indian officials, Zarif noted that while working with the Europeans, Iran wont wait for them to enforce the SPV and will instead turn to what he called "traditional partners" namely India, China and Russia. Kayhan, a hard-line daily affiliated with the office of the supreme leader, found the EU announcement to be a validation of its previous predictions that, unlike what the Iranian government assumes, Europe will tighten the noose around Tehran's neck rather than help it enjoy the dividends promised by the JCPOA. For months, the conservative camp in Iran has incessantly rejected any trust in the EU, warning the Rouhani administration that the Europeans will never sacrifice business interests with the United States over engagement with Iran. "Under the government's silence and inaction, Europe continues to intensify its hostile actions against the Iranian nation," Kayhan wrote. "Certain European countries have turned into bases and shelters for [anti-Iran] terrorist and separatist groups." The paper also criticized Iran's diplomatic apparatus for its "passive and humiliating" reaction in this regard. According to Kayhan, while admitting that Europe is "killing time," the Iranian government is still pinning its hopes on empty European promises and has sent the wrong signal that it will continue to stick to the JCPOA at any cost. In a critical piece, moderate daily Khorasan also slammed Europeans for pushing Iran into a corner instead of accelerating the implementation of the stalled SPV. Javan, a conservative paper close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, likened Europe to a cow that has given Iran "the kick rather than the milk." Over the past year, the Trump administration has urged Europe to adopt a tougher position on Iran, referring to Iranian terrorism on European soil. The European sanctions on the basis of terror allegations have also coincided with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's Middle East tour, which appears designed to further rally the United States' regional allies against Tehran. Iran has reacted to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeos speech in Cairo with both ridicule and disdain, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warning against taking seriously anything coming out of the Donald Trump administration whether threats or promises. Why it matters: In explaining his perception of the Middle East, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo portrayed Iran as the root of all evil, promising intensified punishment for the Islamic Republic until it abandons its nuclear and missile programs as well as its present foreign policy priorities. Pompeo stated, "America's economic sanctions against the Iranian regime are the strongest in history and will keep getting tougher. Until Iran starts behaving like a normal country, the 12 demands that we stated in May will remain in force because the threat to the region endures." Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif promptly took to Twitter to denounce Pompeos speech, writing shortly afterward that the day Iran mimics US clients & @SecPompeos human rights models be it the shah or current butchers to become a normal country is the day hell freezes over. He added, Best for the US to just get over loss of Iran, referring to the fall of the US-backed shah in 1979. Zarifs reaction was preceded by comments by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday. Some US officials are like clowns. Such peoples threats, promises, and signatures are not reliable; you should mistrust them. Whats next: Pompeo told reporters during his visit to Jordan on Tuesday that the United States will in the coming days and weeks double down not only our diplomatic but our commercial efforts to put real pressure on Iran to achieve what it is we set out for them back in May" referring to the 12 demands of Iran he outlined shortly after President Trump exited the 2015 nuclear deal. These comments indicate that the United States is likely planning more sanctions on Iran and also upping its pressure on Europe not to offer the Islamic Republic any breathing space. Of note, the European Union has for months been stalling the unveiling of its promised Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), which is meant to facilitate legitimate trade with Iran. But these continued delays are causing irritation in Tehran, which is stuck between not giving in to Washingtons provocations to ditch the accord while on the other hand not giving the Europeans the impression that it will stick with the nuclear deal no matter what. Against this backdrop, Iranian national security adviser Ali Shamkhani on Monday notably became the first senior official in Tehran to publicly state that Europes opportunity to live up to its commitments under the nuclear deal has ended. Know more: Be sure to read Al-Monitor Iran Pulse Editor Mohammad Ali Shabanis analytical coverage of Shamkhanis comments and what is likely to come next. For more on Iranian reactions to Europes unveiling of new sanctions over Irans alleged assassination plots amid further delays on the SPV, see our media review from Wednesday. And with more US sanctions likely ahead, make sure to check out our coverage of the latest anti-Iran hawk to join the Trump administration. -Mohammad Shabani Although not over, the Syrian crisis is beginning a new chapter. Regional governments are slowly accepting the inevitable and beginning to re-engage with Damascus. Given realities on the ground, Arab regimes have concluded that because Syrias Baathist order is not on the verge of falling, it is most pragmatic to restore relations with President Bashar al-Assads government. A watershed in Syrias reintegration into the diplomatic fold of the Arab League came late last year when the embattled Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir paid a visit to Damascus. Bashir became the first Arab head of state to meet with Assad since the Syrian crisis started nearly eight years ago. That meeting followed developments in Jordanian-Syrian relations signaling Ammans interest in a rapprochement with Damascus, and it came shortly before the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain announced the reopening of their diplomatic missions in the Syrian capital. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, which mostly opposed Assads regime early in the Syrian civil war and supported (albeit to various extents and in different ways) the Sunni-dominant anti-Assad rebellion, have now begun to see their challenge as bringing Syria back to Sunni Arab states orbits of influence and further away from non-Arab Iran and Turkey. For Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the main problem with Syrias regime is not the regime per se, but rather its closeness to the Islamic Republic, Riyadhs archenemy. Thus, working with Assad would not in itself be a negative issue for Saudi Arabia or Abu Dhabi so long as Damascus pivots away from Tehran, even if that appears unrealistic given how much Assads regime owes the Iranians. Odds are good, however, that the GCC states that are reopening their diplomatic missions in the Syrian capital will be keen to work with Russia on numerous security and economic files in the war-torn country, which badly needs rebuilding assistance. Given that Moscow and Tehran, while closely aligned on Syria, do have competing and conflicting interests in the Levant, as both seek to be the Damascus regimes top ally in the post-conflict period, the Saudis, Emiratis and Bahrainis would much prefer Russia coming out on top of Iran in this regard. From these GCC states perspectives, despite having certain disagreements with key aspects of Moscows foreign policy in the Arab world, they have come to view Russia as somewhat of a stabilizing force, unlike Iran, which is seen as a destabilizing player. In 2019, Saudi Arabia and some of its Sunni Arab allies will likely seek to use their leverage, particularly in the form of financial support for Syrias reconstruction, in an effort to pressure Russia into pushing Irans hand out of Syria, even if Moscows means to eject Iranian influence from the country are highly limited at best. The UAEs role in GCC-Syria reconciliation It appears logical that apart from Oman, which never cut its ties with Assads government, the UAE is the GCC member most supportive of the greater Arab world re-accepting Damascus into its diplomatic ranks and re-engaging the regime. In contrast to Saudi Arabia, the UAE was never a major supporter of the anti-Assad rebellion due to its strong and overriding Islamist identity that led Abu Dhabi to fear that the secular Syrian leaders ouster could pave the way for a Muslim Brotherhood government to ascend to power in Damascus, much like in Cairo in 2012. Long before the Arab states that initially severed ties with Damascus began considering a re-acceptance of Assads regime, the Emirati leadership indicated its keenness to work with both Russia and the US-led coalition in the struggle against the Islamic State and other extremists in Syria. Abu Dhabi also expressed its openness to accepting Assads rule in Syria, which again contrasted greatly with Riyadhs Assad must go line. Some reports in the Turkish press alleged that the UAE began working with Damascus and Moscow to target certain Islamist elements of the Syrian rebellion, highlighting how low of a priority regime change in Damascus was for the Emirati leadership, if it ever was a priority at all. For all of Damascus and Abu Dhabis differences, a common hatred for the Muslim Brotherhood puts the Syrian and Emirati regimes in the same boat. Moreover, the UAE has been opposed to the Arab Spring uprisings, fearing the long-term damage to the "authoritarian stability" model that had potential to come from popular, grass-roots and bottom-up movements aimed at shaking autocratic regimes. The closeness between the crown princes of Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Zayed and Mohammed bin Salman, will be key to observe when it comes to GCC-Syria relations. Analysts expect bin Zayed to use his influence over bin Salman to facilitate a Saudi-Syrian rapprochement with Abu Dhabi, serving as a diplomatic bridge between Riyadh and Damascus. Unquestionably, King Salman and President Assad shaking hands at this years Arab League meeting would be extremely significant, at least symbolically, for Damascus reintegration into the greater Arab worlds diplomatic arena. The Qatari question The GCC state that might prove to be the biggest outlier with respect to political and diplomatic re-engagement of Syria is Qatar. Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have blockaded Qatar since mid-2017 on charges that Doha supports terrorism a narrative also pushed by Assads regime since early on in the Syrian crisis. Qatar, which aligns closely with Ankara vis-a-vis Syria, has championed democratic Islamists against secular dictatorships in the region since Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thanis ascendancy in 1995. Thus, the nature of Assads rule, rather than his regimes relationship with Iran, is more of a problem from Dohas perspective. Despite Qatars past role as a major foreign state sponsor of the Syrian rebellion, officials in Doha, like all Arab capitals, recognize that Assads regime has won the civil war. Thus, the pragmatic reasons for any GCC state to engage Damascus also apply to Qatar. As the Qataris move toward engaging Syria diplomatically and politically, Dohas view of both Turkish and Iranian activity in post-conflict Syria will differ from Riyadh and Abu Dhabis with the Qatari leadership far more accepting of Ankara and Tehrans determination to heavily influence the war-torn countrys trajectory. Whereas the UAE has supported the dominant Syrian Kurdish militia the Peoples Protection Units (YPG) in northern Syria to push back against Turkeys actions in the war-torn country, Qatar has expressed its full support for Ankaras anti-YPG/anti-Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) operations in both Syria and Iraq. Similarly, in a sign that Qatar has truly escaped the Saudi shadow, earlier this month Dohas ambassador to Moscow spoke about Irans legitimate interests in Syria. Grappling with the future Despite probably preferring not to deal with Assads regime, the GCC states accept that doing so is the only way for the oil-rich Gulf monarchies to exercise influence in post-conflict Syria. Although many GCC citizens, particularly Sunni Islamists, may wish that their governments would continue treating Syria like a pariah state, officials in the Gulf have realized that such a strategy would further undermine the ability of Sunni Arab states to decrease Tehrans control in Syria and influence throughout the Levant. The UAE and most of its fellow GCC states have recognized the need to reopen ties with Syria and abandon hope for a military solution to the Syrian crisis that entails Assads fall. Located some 100 miles from the city of Aswan in southern Egypt, Samaha village is billed as a place where divorced and widowed women can begin a new life with some help from the government. Everything was available, electricity, water, anything that we asked for: transportation, health care, said Mohamed El-Badry, a teacher who moved to Samaha with his mother while in college. He added, Gradually, things started to fade away, one thing following another." When some 300 women initially moved to the village beginning in the late 1990s, the government provided each with a home and a plot of land to farm. While Samaha means tolerance in Arabic, residents express another sentiment: resilience in the face of government negligence. What began as a joint project between Egypts Ministry of Agriculture and the UN World Food Program to bolster Egypt's agricultural industry has only created greater challenges for residents. They complain about a lack of desperately needed services, including education, transportation and health care. Agricultural lands have become arid because of water scarcity, said Zahira Hassan, a longtime resident. No water reaches us." Gameel Ahmed stands in his red, shiny food cart and hands noodles, fried chicken or sweet-and-sour soup to his customers. The 30-year-old left his sales job a year ago to pursue a new career in Asian street food. Ahmeds food cart is one of the many that offer different types of food, drinks and ice cream on Street 306, the new street food venue in Heliopolis, eastern Cairo. The project is co-funded by the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), the Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisis brainchild, Tahya Misr (Long Live Egypt) Fund. Tahya Misr Holding Company for Investment and Development established the Aswaq Misr Express for Development and Management to manage and operate the Sreet 306 flagship project, which is to become "the largest youth food complex in the Middle East." Entrepreneurs who own a cart can rent a space on Street 306 for a fee that ranges between 40,000 Egyptian pounds and 70,000 pounds ($2,200-$3,900). The project has so far provided loans worth 50 million pounds (roughly $2.8 million) to young entrepreneurs who want to start a micro business or develop their already existing startup. If they do not own a food cart, they can apply for a loan to buy one, get a license and a place to rent. The startups, such as Ahmet's Asian Street Grill, are given a license and a spot on Street 306 so they can launch or expand their business in food, beverages, books or handmade products. Ahmed said he submitted his application in order to get a spot on Street 306 as soon as he heard of the project a year ago. We have different kinds of Asian food and a great Filipino chef, Ahmed told Al-Monitor. On Dec. 21, ministers and civil society representatives attended the official opening of Street 306. Nevine Game, CEO of SMEDA, which provides technical and financial support for the startups, told the local press that the project aims at providing venues for urban food carts. Game said that Street 306, which presently has 30 food carts, is expected to become the largest venue for food and beverage providers in Egypt and the Middle East. Street 306 also provides a space for carts selling books and handmade items. Mohamed Aboelsouds Books Bike, which has been roaming the streets of Cairo since 2016, also got a spot on Street 306. The goal of our project is to break the barrier between people and books, Aboelsoud, the cofounder of the Books Bike project, told Al-Monitor. Books Bike provide the public with a large selection of books, including youth and adult literature, history books and art books. Ahmed el-Shami, an economist and professor of feasibility studies at Ain Shams University, told Al-Monitor that the initiative launched by the government would not only create more jobs for young people, but it would also boost the national economy through the integration of the informal economy, by providing licenses to the small businesses that are part of the country's shadow economy. The informal economy is worth billions of Egyptian pounds and by integrating it into the national economy the country will hugely benefit financially, he said. In 2017, then-Prime Minister Sherif Ismail said that the informal economy was worth 1.8 trillion Egyptian pounds ($100 billion), or 40% of the gross domestic product. In recent years, the Egyptian government has been supporting entrepreneurs and startups by providing training programs and financial support. In November 2018, Egypt also opened the first regional center for supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in the Middle East and North Africa. Ron Prestage admits he is a bit nervous about the opening of his companys hog processing plant, scheduled for March 4. We had originally planned to start next week, but things got delayed for a variety of reasons, he said. The technology in this plant is incredible, so there are still some things we need to do before we can get rolling. The Prestage Foods plant, located near Eagle Grove, Iowa, will add an additional 10,000 pigs per day in capacity for Midwestern producers, or roughly 50,000 per week. Prestage said with a faster line speed, that capacity could grow to 12,000 hogs processed per day. We have told our contractors that we will start taking hogs the first week of March, he said. We are doing that even though it means taking our own hogs to other markets. The contracted pigs are our priority. The north central Iowa plant will eventually employ between 400 and 450 people, Prestage said. He said 50 to 60 have already been hired and will oversee production. Im scared to death when it comes to labor, Prestage said. We are trying to hire a secure and stable labor force, and Im confident we can get that labor to start the plant. We just need to be able to keep it. The opening of the Prestage Foods plant adds to a hog packing capacity that has seen growth over the past couple of years, including new plants in Sioux City, Iowa, and Coldwater, Mich. The timing has been perfect as record numbers are being marketed, said Steve Meyer, economist with Kerns & Associates in Ames, Iowa. BAYFIELD COUNTY, Wis. Many forget their ancestors. Some folks live as though history began with their own births. But in other cultures ance This is why we have a "dreams" category! Below is a story from California that made me grin from ear to ear. How many of us were told to institutionalize our children when they were diagnosed as toddlers? I'm guessing a lot. Warrior Autism Moms (and Dads) never give up and below is a story of how one Mom shunned the dire future described for her son, who just passed the California Bar Exam on his first attempt. Is this story "commonplace?" Not by a long shot. So many of us are exhausted and damn near broke from trying to recover, cure, call it what you will - IMPROVE our kids' lot in life by removing the barriers set in place due to autism. I would say most of us haven't caught the brass ring. But I sure celebrate ANY family who has the kind of success in this story. Even better? Erik wants to work in special education law. What on earth could be more formidable than an attorney who has sat in a SPED classroom himself? And he's already making a difference in group home conditions. Congratulations to this young man. We look forward to watching his career. And to his Mom... we're happy for you. ### From NBC San Diego, California. When I found out, I really did pass my keyboard got wet with tears of joy, Erik said. The road to becoming a lawyer wasnt an easy one. Erik was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. When he was 5, doctors told his parents his autism was so severe, hed have to be institutionalized the rest of his life. Sandi Weber, Eriks mother, refused to put her son in a home. You have to grieve the loss of the perfect child. What you thought you were going to have, is not going to be the same, she said. When Erik was first diagnosed there wasnt a lot of information about autism, so Sandi had to improvise. She started videotaping her sons behavior and playing it back for him as a teaching tool because Erik responded better to visual learning. To help Erik understand facial recognition, she and Erik campaigned door to door for Councilwoman Marti Emerald. Sandi said having Erik see peoples reaction to cold visits helped him understand first impressions. Suddenly with his non-verbal face and big eyes, he realized I got him, she said. She also enrolled Erik in Special Olympics. The organization gave him confidence, friends and strength as he attended college at Point Loma Nazarene University and got into the Cal Western School of Law. Now Erik plans to practice special education law. I got into it because I wanted to help other people with special needs, other people like me, said Erik. Hes already written a paper about group homes that house special needs people. Two thirds of them in Southern California are below standards on how they treat the residents in group homes," he said. "The oversight is not there. His paper has been shown to two assembly members and one state senator. Hes hoping his paper will encourage a change in the system. Read more and view video here. Facebook has appointed Siddharth Banerjee as Director - Global Sales Organisation at Facebook India. He will be responsible for partnering businesses to help them to achieve strong business outcomes by leading the verticals, agency relationships and solutioning teams for Facebook India. Banerjee was previously the EVP Marketing at Vodafone India and had put down his papers in December 2018. Banerjee has more than 18 years of experience in two of the most competitive industries Telecom and FMCG / CPG. Before joining Vodafone, he spent 13 years in Unilever, where he worked across Country P&L roles and Global / Regional Brand Marketing roles, with rich exposure across Developing & Emerging Markets. His last role in Unilever was as the Country Marketing Director/CMO and a member of the Management Committee at Unilever Sri Lanka. He has lived & worked across India, Singapore, the UK and Sri Lanka. Banerjee is an alumnus of La Martiniere College, Lucknow & holds B.A. Economics (Honours) and M.B.A degrees from the University of Delhi. Currently operates over 40 homes in Dubai To expand to 200 homes in Dubai in next 6 months Over 3,000 homes in India across 25 cities This is the first full-service model taking care of end-to-end maintenance, operations, marketing and housekeeping of residential accommodation New-age travellers can hereby access a differentiated stay experience across their favourite holiday destinations in India OYO Hotels & Homes, South Asias biggest and the worlds fastest-growing chain of leased and franchised hotels, homes & living spaces has announced the launch of OYO Home in Dubai. Starting with 40 beautiful homes in the city, the hospitality chain plans to ramp up the footprint to 200 homes in the next six months. It also plans to introduce the category to other emirates in the UAE. OYO Home is a Home Management service that utilizes the chains existing on-ground operations, hospitality technology, housekeeping skills, revenue management algorithms and distribution prowess to deliver a hassle-free solution to second home-owners. It intends to focus on locked and unused homes across top holiday destinations in the country. The expansion comes after OYO Home has established itself as the most-preferred accommodation choice among discerning travellers in India looking for unique experiences. OYO currently operates over 3,000 fully-managed residential accommodation in India dotted across 25 cities, including Goa, Shimla, Pondicherry, Coorg, Manali, Dehradun, Wayanad, Coorg, Udaipur and Jaipur among others. Commenting on the launch, Kavikrut, Chief Growth Officer, OYO Hotels & Homes, said, At OYO, we are focused on solving the problem of lack of quality and supply-demand imbalance in the hospitality sector. Since launching OYO Home in India, weve seen exponential growth and currently operate 3,000+ homes in the country. Weve introduced unique accommodation experiences to travellers ranging from historic villas dating back to 1900s to theme-based apartments and are now ready to extend OYO Home to Dubai. UAEs top holiday destinations have a sizeable number of homes that are locked and unutilized. Homeowners are unable to put these assets to personal or commercial use due to lack of time and-or expertise in homestay-management. We saw this as an untapped opportunity where our business has existing synergies - we have people resources all across the UAE, strong capabilities when it comes to property onboarding, transformation & upgradations, including redesign to suit the needs of young global travellers, hospitality-operations, revenue management, and distribution network - both online and offline, through both OYOs own and partner channels. Travellers trust our brand and we are already known for pioneering effective solutions tailored to the travellers needs, and OYO Home is designed to do exactly that. Elaborating on the concept, Kavikrut said, What we are attempting with OYO Home guarantees unique experience for our guests and higher yields for homeowners. There is significant market opportunity especially as people have invested in second homes in top holiday destinations across the UAE. GCC and international travellers today are open to choosing the comforts of a fully managed holiday home, for short stays. Home owners in Dubai have enthusiastically welcomed OYOs new foray and opened up their homes to this opportunity, and we are already seeing a lot of interest amidst our patrons too. Sakshi Jain, a homeowner from Dubai, shared her thoughts "My 1-BHK apartment in Dubai Marina was given to OYO Hotels and Homes for managing and they have done very well as far as maintaining the property goes and the revenues, have seen better yields than a normal yearly rental till now and I am so happy with OYO" Last year, OYO Hotels & Homes, South Asias biggest, one of Chinas top three, and the worlds fastest-growing chain of leased and franchised hotels, homes & living spaces, welcomed over 100,000 guests from 75 countries across 16 properties in UAE, since its launch in October 2018. With this lease and full inventory control model, OYO currently manages 1300 rooms within these properties in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaimah and Fujairah and is set to touch 12,000 rooms by 2020. With OYO Home, OYO Hotels & Homes is all set to drive the next wave of growth in the UAE. A pair of creative leaders from India has been selected to serve as judges for the global ADC 98th Annual Awards, one of the worlds longest-running and most prestigious global competitions celebrating excellence in craft and innovation in all forms of design and advertising. More than 150 highly qualified creatives representing 25 countries will judge work from around the world. The judges from India, both based in Mumbai, are and Kainaz Karmakar, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy India (West), for Advertising Jury, and Darshan Gandhi, Head of Design, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), for the Brand/ Communication Design Jury. For nearly a century, the ADC Cube has been awarded for work based on excellence in craft, design and innovation, said Michael ORourke, Executive Director, ADC. This strong tradition is alive and well in the hands of this years jury members, who are recognised creative leaders in their fields. The ADC 98th Annual Awards are part of The One Club for Creativity, the worlds foremost non-profit organisation celebrating creative excellence in advertising and design. Entries can be submitted via http://www.adcawards.org, final deadline is January 31, 2019. Tiered pricing structure This years competition marks continuation of a tiered pricing structure, designed to make it easier for smaller studios, agencies and freelancers to participate in the ADC Annual Awards. The fee structure varies, depending on whether the submitting firm is a design studio or ad agency. Design studios with between 2 and 20 employees get a discount (amount varies by discipline), while ad agencies with between 2 and 50 employees qualify for the tiered pricing discount. Freelance creatives and one-person shops in either design or advertising are eligible for an even greater reduction in their entry fee. The ADC Annual Awards honours the best creative work in terms of craft, design and innovation across all disciplines. Creative Week takes place in New York City every May and is the preeminent festival celebrating the intersection of advertising and the arts. WATConsult, the social and digital media agency founded by Rajiv Dingra in the year 2007, is completing 12 years in January 2019. The agency became a part of Dentsu Aegis Network in 2015. 2018 was an outstanding year for WATConsult, during which the agency won nearly 50 awards for their work done, out of which nearly 30 awards are global. In 2018, the agency also launched #LetsPawtect, wherein the employees tied Rakhis to their pets. They also launched #PitchPlotPanic, a card game which gives employees a chance to run an agency. These initiatives are aimed at reinforcing leadership and building bond amongst peers, thus bringing a lighter note to an otherwise stressful atmosphere. Currently, WATConsult is a strong team of 400 people, spread across 3 offices across India. More than 30 per cent of the employees have been with the company for nearly 3 years. To build better teams and ensuring they are updated with latest programs; the agency has partnered with ISB, XLRI and Lynda.com to provide certified training program to key employees. In an interaction with Adgully, Rajiv Dingra, Founder and CEO, WATConsult, speaks at length about the agencys performance in its 12-year journey, the digital advertising landscape in India and more. Looking back at the 12 years of WATConsult, what do you consider to be the high points in its journey? I believe the year gone by 2018 was the biggest high point of the entire journey. We got shortlisted at Cannes Lions, which was a huge achievement, and we won metals across prestigious award shows like Prague International Advertising Festival, London International Awards, Spikes Asia, Epica Awards and Lisbon International Awards. Clearly, 2018 put WATConsult on the global stage when it comes to competing with the best of the best in the field of advertising. It also made us one of the most globally awarded Indian digital agencies for 2018. What have been the most challenging times for WATConsult during these years? The downturn of 2008 hit us hard as we were just a year into founding the company and business pretty much came to a standstill for a few months during those days. Except for that phase, things have only been growing at a rapid pace. Our core challenge has been to manage the growth in a healthy way and stay ahead of the curve, which we have done successfully so far. Are you satisfied with the way WATConsult has shaped up? What are the areas that you feel the agency lags behind? I believe we were at the right place at the right time in hindsight. We started as a social media specialist agency in 2007, which were very early days and persevered through the downturn of 2008 to thrive through 2009-10 and beyond. Come 2012, we started pivoting into a full-service agency and that helped us not only expand our client base, but also scale up to become a much larger agency. In 2015, we became a part of Dentsu Aegis Network, which gave us a bigger platform to scale up. We also ensured we further expanded and strengthened offering to include Video, Tech, ORM and Media planning and buying over the last 3-4 years. Today, we have over 375 people providing end-to-end digital media solutions for over 100 clients across 15 different industry verticals. Overall, I am satisfied with our offerings as I believe it is the most complete and well-rounded offering for digital currently available in the market. In 2018, we created a benchmark when it came to creative excellence for digital agencies, but I feel we can do so much more when it comes to creative excellence and doing path breaking campaigns, and that is an area where we will continue to improve and become better each day. Could you share some year-on-year growth statistics of the agency in terms of revenues, growth markets, clients, new business and verticals? Over the last 3 years, we have seen consistent Y-O-Y growth of 40-50 per cent across top line and bottom-line growth. A lot of the growth has been driven by Delhi and Bangalore markets, which have shown immense potential. Over the last 3 years, we have scaled up our media planning and buying practice and today, we buy over large media for very large brands. In 2018, we added brands like Dominos, Riso, Tata Motors to our kitty. Over the last 3 years, media planning and buying, Video, Tech, E-commerce and ORM have seen the maximum growth in terms of revenues, from new services beyond social media services, that was our core offering. We have seen long-term client and creative agency relationships. What contributes to the longevity of a client-digital agency association? Clients in digital need a responsive agency that is quick to response. Our responsiveness has been one of the core reasons we have retained over 20 brands for over 5 years with us. Brands like Godrej, Bestseller Group, Bajaj Allianz, SAP, Mother Dairy and many others form those clients that have been with us for more than 5 years. Nearly 33 per cent of the clients have been associated with the agency for more than 5 years. Given todays business landscape, what are factors that give a digital agency the competitive advantage? In todays world, a digital agency can only succeed if it is providing innovative creative solutions along with highly effective media planning and buying. At WATConsult, we are equal parts creative and media driven, and we give equal importance to the message as well as the distribution of the message. On the creative front, we are focussed on driving excellence through path breaking campaigns that get global recognition, and on the media front, we are committed to driving efficiencies and effectiveness for our clients. While we do both of these from an attitude standpoint, we bring highly responsive and proactive approach to the table, which makes us more agile than any other digital agency out these. These are definitely the things that we believe give us our competitive edge in the market. What according to you were the biggest developments in the digital world in 2018? And how do you see them changing the business dynamics in the year ahead? The merger of large creative agency groups like JWT into smaller digital agencies like Wunderman and Y&R into VML signals a huge shift in global way of thinking about the future of advertising. Clearly, the future of advertising is digital, and this move only shows that WPP was ready to destroy a 100-year-old brand in JWT to move ahead with Wunderman Thompson, an agency that would spell digital first and creative second. These changes only signal that the world over the pecking order is changing and if you are not digital enough, then you may just be old enough to be forgotten, just like JWT was. What are your key expectations for 2019? I believe 2019 will be an inflection point for digital media industry as digital video scales up. Most marketers understand the video format as they have been creating brand films since 40 years for TV, and with video inventory across digital scaling up and offering reach which is now comparable to TV, I expect shift in budgets towards the same. How has the spate of data breaches impacted consumer confidence and trust? How do you view the Governments proposal to regulate/ have greater monitoring of social media & the Internet? Data breaches do impact consumer trust and platforms need to ensure data safety at all costs. But public memory is also short, and one may not stop using a service due to data breaches as consumers see the longer-term value of these platforms. As far as monitoring of internet and social media is concerned, I am of the opinion that internet and social media need not be monitored as its a self-regulation platform and its only a reflection of the society at large. The cybercrime laws are enough to manage the pitfalls of the media. If governments start monitoring consumers actions, it is deemed as a breach of privacy from a consumer standpoint and I dont think the internet users are going to be in favour of that. WATConsult won nearly 50 awards in 2018. How has the client reaction been to the wins? How is it helping the agency gain new businesses? The reactions have been overwhelming. We have received recognition not just from Indian clients, but global clients as well, who have tweeted their appreciation for our campaigns. On the new business front, we have seen a flurry of new briefs coming our way and clients now expect us to pitch creative ideas that are path breaking. Tell us about the work culture at WATConsult as well as the efforts to train new employees and sustain the talent pool? WATConsult is a like a large family and WATizens are what makes the agency so successful. We have a culture wherein people are encouraged to ask questions, to be participative rather than territorial, to get things done and take ownership as well as to have fun and enjoy their work. The culture at WATConsult has been one of our most valued assets and we guard it and nurture it with passion. Our HR team works day and night to ensure that the culture of WATConsult transcends across all new employees and with every HR activity we look to involve and engage our staff. On the training front, over the last 3 years we have invested in creative trainings via a well renowned international trainer who also conducts workshops in Cannes. To provide more learning & development opportunities, we officially introduced the access to Lynda.com a global learning and development platform. Through this platform, every employee has access to over 4,000 courses, tutorials and training videos, covering topics from Digital Marketing, Social Media Marketing, User Experience, Coding, Software Development, SEO, Project Management and many more. On the media front, Facebook blueprint and Google training is an ongoing process for all employees. For our senior staff, we have leadership training via executive courses in MICA, XLRI and ISB. Portion of I-5 Closes After Big Rig Crash All lanes of Southbound I-5 were closed at the Fawndale Exit in Redding this morning after Caltrans says a big rig driver crashed, blocking the highway. Caltrans says that one lane is now open to traffic, but the two other lanes remain blocked by the big rig. Judge Proposed PG&E Re-inspect Electric Grid A judge is proposing that PG&E re-inspect it's entire electric grid and cut power during windy weather. The goal is to prevent wildfires. The same San Francisco judge is overseeing the criminal sentence against the utility for a deadly 2010 gas explosion. Camp Fire Debris Removal Meeting Local agencies will be holding a Camp Fire Debris Removal Meeting in Durham. That will be at Durham Memorial Hall on the Midway from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Thursday. Butte County Hands Out Free Straw Wattles Butte County is handing out free straw wattles to help control erosion in the Camp Fire burn areas. You can pick those up at Paradise Alliance Church on Clark Road and the Yankee Hill Hardware store. President Trump Threatens to Stop FEMA Funding for Wildfire Assistance We are working to learn what a pull to FEMA funding will mean to wildfire-damaged areas. The president made the announcement Wednesday, saying the money will stop unless the state changes its forestry practices. Action News Now reached out to FEMA representatives, who say they are waiting to hear back from their national headquarters. Gov. Newsom to Unveil Proposed Budget Plan Governor Gavin Newsom will unveil his proposed budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. He is expected to ask for more than $300 million for wildfire relief. He is also expected to make changes to the DMV, and pledge money for childhood education and health care. Anderson Police Searching for Wanted Felon Anderson police are searching for Robert Goucher Thursday morning. He has three felony warrants for his arrest for drug and theft charges. Anyone with information is asked to call Anderson police. President Trump to Visit Southern Border President Trump heads for the southern border in Texas as the partial government shutdown over the border wall reaches day 20. An estimated 800,000 federal employees on furlough, or are working without pay. BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - We know that impacts from the partial government shutdown are hitting federal workers. but some farmers in the North State say they expect some challenges because of the shutdown as well. Action News Now reached out to Andrew Sohnrey, from Sohnrey Family Foods in Oroville, who said that his crop insurance is subsidized including almonds and walnuts. He said if crop insurance needs to be renewed, it can create some challenges. "As a family and a farm we are not impacted per say, but it could definitely happen if it continues to go on for a long period of time or if we need to sign up for crop insurance," Sohnrey said. "It could very well affect us." Sohnrey said the Farm Service Agency is closed, meaning local paperwork farmers may need cannot be filed at this time. CHICO, Calif. - A Chico Cal Fire Captain charged with sexual assault has been held for trial. Following a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 9, the judge ruled there is enough evidence for the case against Kevin Fleming to proceed. Fleming is accused of assaulting a woman who was passed out at a party. A trial date has been set for Jan. 30. Movie Hammer plays a tourist who makes desperate attempt to protect his family, while Patel stars as a waiter who risks his life to save the guests during the terrorist attack at Taj Hotel. Jan 10, 2019 AceShowbiz - Almost ten years since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, a movie specifically focusing on the attack targeting the Taj Hotel is coming to theaters. Titled "Hotel Mumbai", the movie highlights the heroic efforts of the trapped employees and guests at the hotel to survive. "Slumdog Millionaire" star Dev Patel plays a waiter who joins forces with other kitchen staff at the hotel to help the guests stay out of sight of the terrorists. While a news reporter is heard saying that local police are not trained to deal with an attack on such a big scale, the employees are seen leading the guests through the safest way they know. In one scene, Patel's Arjun bumps into Armie Hammer's David, who comes to the hotel as a guest with his wife and baby son. David is also seen traversing the hotel alone, almost running into one of the terrorists in the elevator. Described as "a gripping true story of humanity and heroism," "Hotel Mumbai" vividly recounts the 2008 siege of the famed Taj Hotel by a group of terrorists in Mumbai, India. Refusing to leave their guests, the renowned chef Hemant Oberoi (Anupam Kher) and a waiter (Academy Award nominee Dev Patel) choose to risk their lives to keep everyone safe. As the world watches on, a desperate couple (Armie Hammer and Nazanin Boniadi) is forced to make unthinkable sacrifices to protect their newborn child. The movie is based on the 2009 documentary "Surviving Mumbai", with the script written by Anthony Maras and John Collee. Maras also directs the movie, which enlists Jason Isaacs, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Suhail Nayyar and Natasha Liu Bordizzo in the cast. The Weinstein Company originally held the North American and U.K. rights to the film. The movie was among assets to be sold at auction during TWC bankruptcy court, but the film's backers asked the judge to remove the independent film. Producers and the new owner of the company reached a deal in June 2018, with Bleecker Street and ShivHans Pictures co-acquiring domestic rights to the film ahead of its world premiere at Toronto last year. The film will head into theaters nationwide on March 22. 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. Instagram Celebrity Taking to her Instagram account, the 47-year-old new mom shares a pic of her best self. Jan 10, 2019 AceShowbiz - Kenya Moore's life starts changing after she welcomed her baby girl Brooklyn Doris Daly in November. The former "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" star shares now that she has been embarking on new life as a new mom, she is barely able to take care of herself. However, it's not entirely a bad thing for her. Taking to her Instagram account, the 47-year-old reality TV star shares a pic of her best self. Kenya shared a photo of her pouting at the camera while sporting her natural hair. "When you're a new mom and don't have time to do your hair!" she captioned the pic, before taking an opportunity to do some ads for her hair care brand. Fans were flooding the comment section with praises. "GORGEOUS AS ALWAYS!! MUCH LOVE!!" one comment read. Another fan agreed, writing, "Messy mom is the new sexy! Lol you look great." One other also tried to assure her that the busy period will soon be over. "All mothers completely understand. However, it does get better. Just hang on in there," the fan said. Her post also hit fans really close to home as one commented, "I know exactly how you feel lol." Kenya and husband Marc Daly welcomed their first child earlier than expected due to the pregnancy complication preeclampsia. It's a complication that caused her to gain "17 lbs. in ONE week due to severe swelling and water retention, high blood pressure, and excess protein in urine." The 47-year-old entrepreneur gave birth to her daughter early via an emergency Caesarean section on Sunday, November 4. Explaining the reason behind their child's name, the new mom tells PEOPLE, "Brooklyn because that's where we met and fell in love, and Doris after my grandmother who passed away last year and who raised me." Kenya and Marc got married in Saint Lucia in June 2017. The former Miss USA announced her pregnancy in April 2018. WENN/Chloe Bell/Ivan Nikolov Celebrity The hotel heiress and Jordan Barrett attend a charity event, where they appear to be getting cozy while posing for a photo together. Jan 10, 2019 AceShowbiz - Paris Hilton has apparently found a new love after calling off her engagement to Chris Zylka two months ago. The hotel heiress has reignited dating rumors between her and 22-year-old model Jordan Barrett after the two appeared to be getting cozy while attending a charity event in Florence, Italy on Wednesday night, January 9. One picture from the event showed Paris leaning her back towards the hunky model who wrapped his arm around her shoulder. While posing to the camera, the socialite-turned-DJ affectionately placed one of her hands on his arm. For the event, Paris opted for a red semi-sheer gown which featured a halterneck design with a tapered satin sash cascading down her frame. Adding glam to her look that night, Paris styled her hair in a buoyant wavy do and teamed her dress with several diamonds. Meanwhile, Jordan looked hot in an all-black ensemble, including a barely-button shirt which revealed a glimpse of his. He completed the look with a gold necklace. Romance rumors between Paris and Jordan first sparked in 2015, when he was still 18 years old. They were spotted a Milan nightclub together and posted multiple photos of them getting cozy. However, he denied all the dating rumors and insisted that they were only good friends. "Paris has always been a friend of mine, for at least a year now, but it has been the same friendship the whole time," the Australian model stated at the time. "She is the same with me that she is with a lot of different people, different models and actors, but there is nothing more to it. She is a nice chick, but there is nothing more to it." Besides Paris, Jordan apparently has sparked dating rumors with other models such as Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid, although the latter publicly shut down the speculation. WENN/Patricia Schlein Celebrity The Golden Globe-winning filmmaker confesses to making this crude joke on the set decades ago, but now he's 'embarrassed' and 'deeply' sorry for it. Jan 10, 2019 AceShowbiz - Amidst the attention he's got for directing awards-winning movie "Green Book", Peter Farrelly's not-so-graceful past is unearthed. On Wednesday, January 9, The Cut revealed an excerpt from a Newsweek story back in 1998 which revealed the filmmaker's penchant for displaying his penis as a joke. One of his victims was Cameron Diaz, who still spoke highly of the director despite his shocking prank, "When a director shows you his penis the first time you meet him, you've got to recognize the creative genius." Fox executive Tom Rothman also once got into his ploy, admitting, "I have been flashed. It wasn't a pretty sight. In fact, I'm still recovering." In a 1998 Observer article, Peter, who used to team up with his brother Bobby Farrelly to prank their victims, shared the details of how their tricks worked. "It's a joke," Peter said of his act. "It's not like I make a habit of just whipping it out and saying, 'Hey! Look! My cock!' We do a joke where, it's like, Bob says, 'Pete's been really crazy, he went out and spent $ 500 on a belt buckle.' I go, 'Bob, it's an investment, it's not a big deal.' He says, 'You're stupid! $ 500 on a belt buckle!' I say it's not stupid ... Finally she says, 'Let me see it.' And I lift my shirt and have it...hanging over." Now that his past crude jokes are brought up on the heels of sexual misconduct allegations in Hollywood, Peter expresses his regret. "True. I was an idiot," he says in a statement via his representative. "I did this decades ago and I thought I was being funny and the truth is I'm embarrassed and it makes me cringe now. I'm deeply sorry." Cameron, who starred in the Farrelly brothers' 1998 comedy "There's Something About Mary", has not commented on the resurfacing story. Peter won best screenplay award at the 2019 Golden Globes, sharing it with Brian Hayes Currie and Nick Vallelonga. He was also nominated for best director and the movie was nominated for best drama picture at the show. Instagram TV Of him uttering the c-word on air, Jeremy Kappell explains that he tripped over his words which resulted to him accidentally combining 'king' and 'junior.' Jan 10, 2019 AceShowbiz - Rochester meteorologist Jeremy Kappell lost his job after using a racial slur on air. However, not all people are against him apparently, as fellow weatherman Al Roker shows his support for Kappell. The chief meteorologist at NBC affiliate WHEC in Rochester, New York, was fired after he uttered the c-word, which has been used as a racial slur against black people, to refer to a park named after the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Kappell said in an interview with "Today" on Tuesday, January 8, that he tripped over his words which resulted to him accidentally combining "king" and "junior." He went on explaining, "Two words mashed together incorrectly. What I said wasn't even a word, it was a sound -- people, I believe, read into that." Roker then took to his Twitter account to weigh in on the matter, expressing his support to Kappell. In his tweet, the "Today" co-host said that what Kappell did was "an unfortunate flub," adding that he "should be given the chance to apologize on @news10nbnc." His tweet continued, "Anyone who has done live tv and screwed up (google any number of ones I've done) understands." I think @JeremyKappell made an unfortunate flub and should be given the chance to apologize on @news10nbc Anyone who has done live tv and screwed up (google any number of ones Ive done) understands. Al Roker (@alroker) January 9, 2019 It arrived after Kappell apologized in a Facebook video. His wife Lisa also came to his defense, saying, "For him to be called a racist, it just makes me very sad. I was sickened. We teach our children the message of loving others." Kappell was terminated on late Sunday night, writing in a statement, "Since our decision to terminate his employment, this station has been caught in the middle of a vitriolic political debate. We believe we have done what is right for our station and our community, and will continue to take a strong stand for our personal and professional values." However, Rochester Mayor Lovely Warrent, who is black, still thinks that WHEC waited too long. "It took the station nearly two days to apologize, and only after the station was shamed into doing so by a backlash on social media," she said in a statement. WENN/Adriana M. Barraza Celebrity The 'Underworld' actress leaves a rather cheeky remark when a fan urges her on Instagram to not date the 'Saturday Night Live' star. Jan 10, 2019 AceShowbiz - Kate Beckinsale doesn't take too long to respond to respond to those rumors about her and Pete Davidson. Just days after the two were reportedly getting flirty at Golden Globes after-parties, the British actress got sassy when a fan commented on their rumored hook-up. It all started after the "Underworld" actress paid tribute to her mother, actress Judy Loe, on Instagram on Wednesday, January 9. Alongside a black-and-white picture of the "Inspector Morse" star, Kate wrote, "It was great that my mother covered wearing hot pants really well and rocking a fashion owl so that I could chill for my awkward teenage years and just enjoy having the teeth of an adult horse. Waiting only a couple of decades for my head to grow to accommodate them." Blatantly ignoring the content of the post, one fan took to the comment section to leave a message which read, "Dear heavens, Kate. Not Pete Davidson," referring to her alleged flirtationship with the "Saturday Night Live" star. Getting cheeky, she replied to the said fan by reminding her what her post was about. "No that's my mother. Easy mistake," the brunette beauty humorously answered. Kate and Pete reportedly got cozy when attending Netflix's Golden Globes after-party at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles over the weekend. According to a source, the pair got cozy outside on the back smoking patio for nearly an hour while their friends were hanging out. "They were being very flirty together, they were sitting very close on the outside patio seating," the source explained at the time. "Kate had her hand on his knee, and she kept laughing at all his jokes." A second source shared that the "Big Time Adolescence" actor clearly wanted to impress the 45-year-old at the time. "It was kind of romantic because as they were sipping champagne, it started to rain a little bit and you could tell Pete was putting his best foot fast forward as a gentleman," the insider explained. "They were kind of flirty and Kate was really into whatever it was Pete was saying to her. She was pretty loose and carefree." In contrary to previous reports, the pair did not leave the bash together. Instagram Celebrity The 'Arrow' star releases his bank records and other money-related documents after being served with a preliminary declaration of disclosure by estranged husband Jeff Leatham. Jan 10, 2019 AceShowbiz - Actor Colton Haynes is keeping his divorce proceedings moving along by handing over his financial records to his estranged husband Jeff Leatham. The "Arrow" star and celebrity florist Leatham tried to give their short-lived union another go last summer (18), weeks after calling it quits six months into married life. However, the reconciliation failed and last month (December 2018), Jeff filed court papers to resume legal proceedings for divorce. Leatham served Haynes with a preliminary declaration of disclosure, a notice about his intention to hand over financial information to his ex as part of the case, and on Tuesday, January 08, the actor responded by revealing he had fulfilled his obligation to pass along his bank records and other money-related documents, reports The Blast. The move indicates Colton is ready to finalise the marriage split and regain his legal single status. The 30-year-old had initially been the one to pull the plug on the relationship, filing for divorce in May (18), with Leatham following suit with identical paperwork days later. They both cited irreconcilable differences for the split and asked the judge overseeing the case to block each party from requesting spousal support. They also made it clear they would cover their own legal bills. Colton and Jeff, 47, were introduced by mutual friend Serena Williams and they went public with the romance in early 2017, with Leatham proposing within weeks. They exchanged vows in front of A-list guests at a ceremony in Palm Springs, California, officiated by Jeff's longtime friend, Kris Jenner, that October (17), and despite their relationship ups and downs, they both recently marked their first anniversary with tributes to one another on Instagram. "Can't believe it's already been 1 yr. (year) since we got married," Colton captioned since-deleted images of the couple from its big day. "Happy Anniversary my beautiful husband." Leatham responded with an equally sweet note, writing, "I can't remember what it was like before you, and I don't even know how we got here but maybe that's exactly what I needed. Someone who could make me forget where I came from and someone who could make me love without knowing how to fall." Instagram Celebrity One month prior to the sanctioning, Elsie Hewitt alleged that the former husband of Reese Witherspoon still refused to turn over his text with the 'Big Little Lies' actress about her abuse. Jan 10, 2019 AceShowbiz - Ryan Phillippe has been sanctioned for a second time in his legal spat with a former girlfriend. Model Elsie Hewitt filed a civil suit against the actor in 2017, claiming he threw her down a flight of stairs twice, while yelling, "Get the f**k out of my house...", when she tried to retrieve her items following their split. In June (18), Hewitt filed a motion to compel, claiming Phillippe had refused to hand over documents and photos she had requested, in an attempt to locate any communication the 44-year-old had had with his Oscar-winning ex-wife Reese Witherspoon about the alleged abuse. In October (18), the judge overseeing the case ordered Phillippe to turn over any texts with Witherspoon about Hewitt, and sanctioned him $1,580 (1,240) for the delay. The following month, November 2018, Hewitt claimed that despite the "Cruel Intentions" star agreeing to produce all his texts, he insisted he never communicated with the "Big Little Lies" actress following the alleged assault, and had no texts in his possession. According to The Blast, he was hit with $790 (620) in sanctions again last month for his alleged non-compliance. He has also been ordered to hand over all communication he had with any third-party about the incident and turn in any relevant social media posts. Hewitt previously claimed her ex was abusing steroids, cocaine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms, and demanded he make the text messages she allegedly sent him about his drinking and drug use available. The model is seeking more than $1 million (783,200) in damages. Phillippe has denied the allegations against him, accusing Hewitt of extortion. Columbia Pictures/ Movie Nearly three years after plans for the project was confirmed by Sony Pictures, producer Walter Parkes comes out with the news that the film has been scrapped. Jan 10, 2019 AceShowbiz - A planned "Men in Black" and "Jump Street" crossover movie has been scrapped. Executives at Sony Pictures confirmed plans for the project in March (16), with rumours swirling that "The Muppets" director James Bobin was in talks to helm. Tentatively titled "MIB 23", it was believed that "21 Jump Street" actors Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum would reprise their roles as Schmidt and Jenko, though original "Men in Black" stars Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones would be replaced. However, in an interview with Empire magazine, "Men in Black" producer Walter Parkes confirmed that the film is no longer being developed. "We gave it a shot. It turned out to be an impossible match-up," he said. Jonah dreamed up the idea for the crossover between the alien movies and comedy cop franchise, with the possibility of the film first mooted in emails leaked after Sony Pictures, which owns the rights to both film series, was hacked in 2014. But later in 2016, the "Mid90s" filmmaker explained in a chat with Postmedia Network that he doubted that the flick would get made. "It's too complicated. They're trying to make all the deals, but it's kind of impossible with all the 'Men in Black' stuff. The 'Jump Street' films were so fun to make and the whole joke of them was they were making fun of remakes and sequels and reboots and then now it's become a giant sequel, reboot," he said. "It's almost become what we were making fun of and it's hard to maintain that joke when it's so high stakes." Even though the "Men in Black" and "Jump Street" crossover has officially been abandoned, Sony bosses have proceeded with other films in the respective franchises. New spin-off film "Men in Black International", starring Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth, is set to be released in June, while Tiffany Haddish is reportedly in talks to appear in a female-focused "21 Jump Street" reboot. Instagram Celebrity Sharing the happy news on Instagram and the family's blog, the brunette reality TV star speculates that they are having a baby boy. Jan 10, 2019 AceShowbiz - Jessa Duggar and husband Ben Seewald are set to welcome a new addition to their growing family. The "Counting On" star took to Instagram on Wednesday, January 9 to share the happy news, along with a picture of her family posing in the woods. "Happy news from the Seewald family! Baby #3 is on the way!" she wrote on the photo-sharing platform. Jessa later shared details regarding the unborn baby on her family's blog, revealing that she is due in late spring. While the couple didn't confirm the sex of the baby, both of them thought they are expecting a baby boy right now. "From the day we found out we were expecting, we both guessed boy, and if our predictions are right then we already have a ton the clothing and accessories ready to pass down!" the brunette reality TV star said on the site, admitting that they also don't have a problem if the baby turns out to be a girl. However, "we've joked that we'd be starting from square one and might have to learn a few things." Ben added that their children their eldest son already knew that he would be a big brother once again, while their second son Henry "doesn't have a clue what's coming." He elaborated, "Seeing our boys meet their new sibling for the first time is something we are really looking forward to! We realize that, in going from two to three kids, we're about to switch from man-to-man to zone coverage, so we've definitely been taking advice from friends who already in this stage!" The 23-year-old Arkansas native concluded his message by saying, "We love being parents and are really looking forward to this new arrival!" The announcement arrives a year after Jessa was speculated to be pregnant. A spokesperson for the Duggar family later stated in March 2017 that the rumors were not true. Jessa and Ben tied the knot in November 2014 after being engaged for two months. They share two sons together, Spurgeon Elliot, 3, and Henry Wilberforce, 23 months. WENN Celebrity Sharing a red carpet photo of her from a CNN article on her social media account, the 'Halloween' star calls out the sponsor of the awards show for its 'blatant promotions'. Jan 10, 2019 AceShowbiz - Jamie Lee Curtis has slammed brand Fiji Water for picturing her next to their product against her will. The actress took to Instagram on Tuesday, January 08 night to blast the company, one of the sponsors of the Golden Globe Awards, for its "blatant promotion" at Sunday's ceremony, after being photobombed on the red carpet by one of their models Kelleth Cuthbert - whose photos with the stars went viral. The 60-year-old actress' husband Christopher Guest came across the photo on CNN in an article about the viral news story. And Jamie, who explained she "specifically moved away from the blatant promotions by Fiji... where young women with their trays filled with their wares stood near a designated camera", hit out at the company for not seeking permission from guests. "I knew why there was a photographer poised there and I moved away as I said out loud that I didn't want to be doing advertising for either," she explained in her post. However, despite attempting to move out of the way and voicing her objection to being pictured next to the product, the 60-year-old was still photographed with the model, dubbed the 'Fiji Water Girl'. "Clearly this angle shows that I moved from her being behind me and yet from the side it still happens," raged the star. "The sponsors of events need to get permission from people when they get them to take their picture next to products." In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Kelleth herself suggested her positioning was less than accidental. "It's all strategic," the model, who managed to insert herself into pictures with stars including Richard Madden, Amy Adams and Jim Carrey explained. "You've got to angle." Fiji Water has yet to respond to Jamie's post. According to current guidance from the National Science Foundation, they will continue to accept proposals following their published deadlines. With this guidance, Emorys Office of Research Administration recommends faculty applying for NSF grants should continue with submissions through their proposal submission system, and with an expectation that posted deadlines should be met. Faculty with questions may contact their RAS pre-award staff member or OSP representative. Find all OSP Grants Representatives for each department here. RAS pre-award administrators can be found through the RAS online tool. Emory University is monitoring the partial government shutdown. The Office of Government and Community Affairs (OGCA) is in close contact with the Georgia congressional delegation, explaining the local impact and urging a resolution. An estimated 145 Emory faculty are affected, in some way, by the current funding impasse. President Trump continues to advocate for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. He has stated that he will not sign any more fiscal year (FY) 2019 spending bills that do not include funding for it. Negotiations with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, to end the partial government shutdown impacting nine federal agencies, have stalled. This week, House Democrats are advancing individual FY2019 spending bills that were passed by the Senate during the last Congress. For example, the Democratic-led House approved a bill Jan. 9 to reopen the Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service and Small Business Administration. Despite several Republican Senators calling for an end to the shutdown, it is unlikely that the Senate Republican leadership will take up the House-passed spending bills, given the lack of funding for the border wall. If an agreement cannot be reached with Democrats to reopen the government, the president has floated the option of declaring a national emergency to build the border wall, a move that would set up a potential clash with Republicans on Capitol Hill. Research impacted Emory receives numerous research grants from the federal government in support of medical and scientific advancement and scientific training. In 2018, Emory received $440.8 million in federal research grants. The majority of Emorys federal research grants comes from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), but grants also are awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other agencies. Funding from the NIH and CDC, which are supported by the Department of Health and Human Services, is not impacted by the partial government shutdown, as those agencies have already received their annual appropriation. Student financial aid is also not affected, as Department of Education funding has already passed for FY2019. Other agencies, however, including the NSF, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Department of Agriculture have not yet been funded for the remainder of FY2019. Current data indicates Emory has 106 active grants impacted by the shutdown, notes Deborah W. Bruner, senior vice president for research. Factoring in all of the agencies impacted by the shutdown, the average cost is $1.1 million per month. While faculty researchers with current awards can continue to work on their funded projects, the following cannot move forward during the shutdown: new proposal submissions to these agencies, withdrawal of grant funds, meetings to review research proposals, or awarding new grants. The National Science Foundation has posted further information: Information about the Government Shutdown for NSF Proposers and Grantees. Scientific work is imperiled when the flow of federal funding is halted. Every day that data cannot be collected and analyzed, researchers are not able to make advances that improve lives in our communities. There is a toll, not only on the work itself, but the morale of those impacted and the recruitment of future scientists, notes Cameron Taylor, Emorys vice president of government and community affairs. Taylor says that the OGCA team will continue to monitor the situation, remain in close contact with the Georgia congressional delegation, and keep the university community updated accordingly. Columbia Pictures/Merrick Morton Celebrity During a chat on 'Armchair Expert' podcast, the 'Zathura' actor admits to Dax Shepard that he wished to get a kiss from his then15-year-old co-star at his 12th birthday party. Jan 8, 2019 AceShowbiz - Actor Josh Hutcherson was left disappointed on his 12th birthday after becoming convinced he was going to land a kiss from his "big time crush" Kristen Stewart. "The Hunger Games" star was a pre-teen when he first met Kristen on the set of 2005 fantasy film "Zathura: A Space Adventure", in which they played brother and sister, and Josh became fixated on the then-15-year-old actress. Josh recalled his childhood crush during a chat with fellow co-star Dax Shepard on his "Armchair Expert" podcast, during which he was asked if he was "in love" with Kristen while making the movie. "A hundred per cent," the 26 year old replied. "She was the coolest person that I'd ever met. She was just so cool... She was playing guitar in her trailer, I was just like, 'Oh my God.' I was like, 'I'm a man, you could date me. I'm 12 years old...'." "I feel like I played it pretty cool. I don't remember being too like, anxious, but I definitely was like, 'She's beautiful, she's cool as s**t, she's talented.' It was a big time crush at the time." Josh turned 12 during the Los Angeles-based shoot, and invited the cast and crew to a party at a local bowling alley, where he was sure Kristen was going to make his dreams come true and plant a kiss on his lips as a special birthday gift. "Kristen kinda walks up to me, and she has her hands behind her back," he remembered. "I'm like, 'Am I gonna get kissed...?' I'm sure I was just freaking out." However, his hopes were dashed when Kristen instead presented him with a new pet: "She was like, 'So it's your birthday, I wanted to give you a present...'," Josh continued. "She brings her hands out and she's got a turtle - a living, little turtle! A Chilean-something turtle. I'm like, 'Thanks...' She's like, 'They live to be 85, he's less than one (at the moment)!'." Josh took his new friend, named Bob, back home to Kentucky after filming wrapped, but the actor, who admits he has a "bad record" with small pets, reveals the turtle didn't live to see old age. "It's been dead for a while," he confessed. "We went out of town in Kentucky and our neighbour was supposed to take care of the turtle. It was winter time, they didn't put the heating pad underneath (his enclosure). Turtle froze to death." .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... SANTA FE Just over a week after being sworn into office, state Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard has taken aim at coyote-killing contests on 9 million acres of New Mexico state trust land. In an executive order that could prove difficult to enforce, the recently elected land commissioner described the organized killing contests as being inconsistent with sound land management and damaging to the natural order between predators and prey. These are not hunting contests they are animal cruelty contests, said Garcia Richard, who was joined by more than a dozen environmental and wildlife advocates at a Thursday news conference at the State Land Office. Garcia Richard, a Democrat, showed pictures of dumped coyote carcasses during the news conference and described the killing contests as a barbaric blood sport. She also said the executive order was not aimed at New Mexico hunters or at ranchers who lease state trust land and kill predators that threaten their livestock. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Thats not what today is about, she said. However, ranchers and other critics have spoken against similar proposals in the past, calling the derbies a legitimate tool to control coyote populations. We are disappointed that a tool for protecting wildlife and livestock has been removed from 9 million acres in New Mexico, said Caren Cowan, executive director of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association. Proposals to ban coyote-killing contests in New Mexico have been debated at the state Capitol in recent years but have failed to clear both chambers of the Legislature. A new attempt has been pre-filed for the coming 60-day session by Sens. Mark Moores, R-Albuquerque, and Jeff Steinborn, D-Las Cruces. Wildlife advocates say 20 to 30 coyote-killing derbies are typically organized across New Mexico every year. Such contests often award prize money for the most coyotes killed or the biggest coyote killed. Participants use calling devices to lure coyotes into range. Garcia Richard, whose office does not have authority over federal land in New Mexico, indicated Thursday that a fee system will likely be implemented to penalize those found to have violated the ban, which could also apply to other animal species that are not regulated by the state Department of Game and Fish. Jessica Johnson of Animal Protection Voters, a group that has advocated for banning coyote-killing contests statewide, called Garcia Richards order monumental and the fulfillment of a campaign pledge. Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter Wildlife Chair Mary Katherine Ray of Winston also issued a statement, saying the organized killing contests can actually lead to more young coyotes trying to prey on livestock. These organized wildlife massacres do not meet any modern principle of scientific wildlife management, Ray said. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... LAS CRUCES A December pipeline break that led to hundreds of thousands of gallons of gasoline being spilled in a rural area southwest of Berino continues to cause a stir in Dona Ana County. Local elected officials are posing questions to the pipelines owner, Kinder Morgan, and three families who live close to the burst pipeline evacuated Tuesday for the second time in a matter of weeks as site remediation work continues. This time, the evacuation was voluntary. Company officials report the cleanup process is continuing at the site off Three Saints Road, located about 1.5 miles southwest of Berino and two miles northwest of Anthony, New Mexico. Groundwater contamination is likely, state officials say. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Tuesday, state environment department personnel and the county fire chief presented an overview to the Dona Ana County Board of County Commissioners regarding the Dec. 13 gasoline spill and whats happened since. Tuesday was the commissions first meeting of the year and the first session since the pipeline burst. Looking back County Fire Chief Nick Hempel said a resident just before midnight Dec. 13 called authorities to report hearing an explosion and smelling gas. The Chamberino fire department responded. Firefighters smelled gas but couldnt find the source, likely because of the darkness and because of a lot of brush covering the irrigation drain where the 12-inch pipeline broke. The ditch was fairly choked with brush, tumbleweeds, etcetera, so determining there was a leak out there was a little problematic; it was a little dark out there that time of night, he said. About 2 or 3 a.m., Kinder Morgan detected the leak in its pipeline. State police, who have authority in hazardous materials spills, evacuated five families from a mile around the spill site. Nearly 300,000 gallons spilled Roughly 7,000 barrels of gasoline about 294,000 gallons spilled into the ditch, known as the Anthony Drain, according to state officials. Some 5,700 barrels 239,400 gallons were recovered soon after from the ditch. That means gasoline soaked into the ground. The ditch is considered to be about 10 feet below ground level, and the water table is 11 or 12 feet below ground level, said Justin D. Ball, acting program manager for the remediation oversight section of the state environment departments groundwater quality bureau. Preliminary water testing so far hasnt shown contamination. But Ball said thats likely to change. We expect confirmation that groundwater has been impacted, he told county commissioners. Any confirmation of groundwater contamination means another set of state regulations will become applicable, Ball said. The company has collected water samples from five home wells and four Elephant Butte Irrigation District wells. But more testing is expected to be done. The excavation phase of Kinder Morgans response will determine the scope of additional testing that will be conducted, said Katherine Hill, spokesperson for the company, in an email. Groundwater monitoring equipment will be installed as part of this process to collect data for analysis by a third party lab to measure any impacts to groundwater. The company will retest residents water upon request. The pipeline carries gasoline without additives from El Paso to Tucson. A persistent odor Kinder Morgan has applied a type of foam sealant Rusmar AC-900 Series to a segment of ditch where the spill occurred. According to the company, thats a vapor suppressant to keep fumes from the ground from entering the air. That layer of sealant was visible during a Sun-News visit to the site Monday. Indeed the smell of gasoline was still a concern to some residents Monday, even with the foam in place. A few homes are immediately adjacent to the ditch, and when standing close to the spill site, gasoline odor is prominent. Farther away from the ditch, the odor seems faint but winds can carry it in any direction. Laura Gallegos, who lives in a home just yards from the ditch where the spill occurred, said shes concerned about contamination. Shes pregnant and has three children, ages 4 to 10, and the first evacuation was an inconvenience. She noted, for instance, it was hard to do laundry away from home. But she said her family hasnt noticed any negative health effects because of the spill. Mostly, said Gallegos, who speaks Spanish, she just wants the site cleaned up. Another neighbor, Rosa Fierro, said her family spent about nine days away from home during the first evacuation. The odor of gasoline was reduced by the time they returned. Still, she said her husband has experienced headaches. Theyre wondering if thats tied to the gasoline spill. She also wants to know when the site will be cleaned up. A voluntary evacuation Tuesday, three nearby households were voluntarily evacuated for the second time in a matter of weeks, as the company moves in equipment to continue dirt work as part of the remediation. Hill said Kinder Morgan is working closely with residents to address any of their concerns. Continued Hill: Each of the families were given the option to evacuate prior to the process of removing impacted soil close to their homes, which is expected to begin on Monday. Upon their request, the families in the three homes next to the area were evacuated yesterday and the one across the street has chosen to stay until Sunday. Each family was given their choice of local hotels, including extended-stay hotels, and are being paid a per diem to cover expenses. Another resident in the vicinity, Jesus De La Cruz, said he wasnt overly concerned about the spill, but he does want to see a number of large storage containers at the site taken away. County Commissioner Ramon Gonzalez has been visiting the site periodically and talking with residents. He said hes upset at some of the responses by Kinder Morgan to the spill for instance, he believes residents were returned to their homes after the first evacuation much too soon and has posed a list of about 20 questions to the company. Gonzalez said he was glad to hear residents were being allowed to evacuate again. They dont need to be here, he said. Corrosion a possible factor The U.S. Department of Transportations Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regulates the transportation of hazardous materials, including via pipelines. Following an inspection of the burst pipeline, the agency issued a notice of proposed safety order on Dec. 28. While a more in-depth report is in the works, preliminary findings showed that a protective coating had separated from the pipe, which may have allowed corrosion. The pipeline, which crosses the Anthony Drain, was exposed to air and water. A split measuring 22 to 24 inches occurred lengthwise in the pipe, according to the agencys proposed order. The split appeared to be concurrent with an area of general corrosion and the failure edges exhibited areas of pipe-wall thinning, the report states. The proposed safety order requires Kinder Morgan to carry out an in-depth review of what led to the failure and to undertake other steps, such as examining the entire pipeline for other places in which the protective coating may have come loose. State environment department officials deferred questions about the cause of the gas spill to federal officials. Company to address county Kinder Morgan didnt attend the county commission meeting Tuesday. But county management said the company is slated to present to commissioners during their regular meeting in two weeks. Some commissioners said they want to know about the risk of future pipeline breaks throughout the county. On Tuesday, Hempel provided a map to commissioners showing a network of pipelines throughout the county. Hill said Kinder Morgan carries out several precautionary steps, such as 24-7 monitoring of pipeline pressures via personnel in control centers and regular visual and internal inspection of its pipelines. Visual inspections of its right-of-ways are completed by aerial and ground patrols of the pipeline route, she said. Above ground markers are also displayed along the right-of-way to alert the public and contractors of the existence of the pipeline. Internal inspections are performed periodically by passing sophisticated computerized equipment called smart pigs through the pipelines to detect anomalies or defects that could compromise the integrity of the line. The last internal inspection of the pipeline that broke recently occurred in 2015, according to Kinder Morgan. A U.S. Department of Transportation PHMSA audit in February 2018 found the pipeline was in compliance, Hill said. Diana Alba Soular may be reached at 575-541-5443, dalba@lcsun-news.com or @AlbaSoular on Twitter. 2019 the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.) Visit the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.) at www.lcsun-news.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Gabriel Eppley, 44, was sentenced Tuesday to serve the next 10 years in prison after he was found guilty of aggravated burglary at the end of a two-day trial in November. The sentence was handed down by 12th Judicial District Judge Danial Bryant, according to a release from District Attorney John Sugg. On May 3, 2018, the Ruidoso Police Department received a 911 call from a woman reporting a home invasion at her residence on the 100-block of Convair Drive. The victim told dispatchers that a man with a Halloween mask had just broke into her home around 1:30 p.m., the release stated While the victim initially thought it was a joke, she quickly realized she was in danger when the man would not speak to her and would not remove the mask. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ According to the victims testimony, the man pursued her into the bedroom and a struggle ensued resulting in the victim landing on her bed. The man got on top of her and reached for his zipper when the victim began striking him repeatedly. One of the blows knocked some of the attackers false teeth out of his mouth and onto her bed. DNA testing revealed the teeth recovered on the victims bed belonged to Eppley, the release stated. In arguing for the maximum sentence, Sugg noted the impact the attack had on the victim, and the need to send a strong message to the community and would-be offenders that home invasions will be met with severe consequences. Eppley, who had a prior federal drug conviction, also was sentenced as a habitual offender. The 10-year prison sentence was the maximum term Judge Bryant could impose under New Mexico law. Because the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict on an additional charge of attempted criminal sexual penetration, Bryant declared a mistrial and the district attorneys office notified the court that it intends to retry that count. A trial date has not been set for the retrial. The case was prosecuted by Sugg and investigated by the patrol division of the Ruidoso Police Department, with assistance from the New Mexico State Police and the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office. 2019 the Ruidoso News (Ruidoso, N.M.) Visit the Ruidoso News (Ruidoso, N.M.) at www.ruidosonews.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALAMOGORDO A 35-year-old Chaparral man was sentenced in 12th Judicial District Court to 51 years in prison Monday for molesting his step-daughter in 2016, according to a District Attorneys Office press release. An Otero County jury found Carlos Pacheco guilty of first-degree felony criminal sexual penetration of a minor (child under 13) and second-degree felony criminal sexual contact of a minor following a two-day trial in November 2018. In the release, 12th Judical District Attorney John P. Sugg stated Pacheco will be required to serve a minimum of 85 percent of the 51-year sentence because each offense is considered a serious violent offense under New Mexico law. If Pacheco lives long enough to become eligible for parole, Pacheco will be required to serve an indeterminate parole term of a minimum of 5 years up to the rest of Pachecos life. Pacheco will also be required to register as a sex offender for life, Sugg wrote in the release. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ In January 2016, Otero County Sheriffs Office deputies were investigating a criminal damage to property case in Chaparral when a woman reported to the deputies that her daughter may have been molested her husband, Pacheco, the childs stepfather, Sugg wrote in the release. OCSO deputy Ken Funk arranged for the child, who was 8 years old at the time, to undergo safe house interviews in both Las Cruces and Alamogordo. In the release, Sugg stated the child was also taken for a medical exam that revealed evidence of sexual trauma. The child reported that the abuse started when the family lived in Odessa, Texas, then continued when the family lived Juarez, Mexico. The abuse continued in January 2016 after the family moved to Chaparral, but the child did not initially report the abuse because she was afraid her stepfather, Pacheco, would hurt her, Sugg wrote in the release. At trial, the state represented by Chief Deputy District Attorney Scot Key, called Dr. Jana Williams, of Las Cruces, to testify as an expert witness. Dr. Williams provided crucial testimony debunking the myths regarding delayed reporting in sexual abuse cases, Sugg wrote in the release. 2019 the Alamogordo Daily News (Alamogordo, N.M.) Visit the Alamogordo Daily News (Alamogordo, N.M.) at www.alamogordonews.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2019 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE A proposal headed to the Legislature this year is aimed at giving New Mexico consumers more control over the personal information thats collected and sold by businesses. Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Albuquerque, said he hopes the 31-page bill starts a conversation on how to protect peoples privacy in the age of online shopping and social media. But he said its important to avoid going too far with burdensome regulations. I dont wan to stifle innovation or creativity from a lot of these organizations, Padilla told the Journal. We have to find a balance. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ His proposal, Senate Bill 176, would establish that consumers have a right to request from a business the kind of information on them that it has collected or sold. Businesses would also have to notify consumers about the information theyre collecting and allow people to opt out of the sale of their data. And if a hacker stole consumer information from a business, the person would have the right file a lawsuit and recover damages, in some circumstances. The proposed law would be called the Consumer Information Privacy Act. Padilla said he is open to amendments and he hopes consumers, technology companies and others will weigh in. I tried to throw as much spaghetti on the wall as possible, he said. I want this to work for the consumer, I want it to work for the companies in this industry, and I want to make sure it can be regulated and managed. Several businesses and business groups contacted by the Journal said they either hadnt seen the legislation or werent ready to comment. Similar proposals have popped up in other states, Padilla said. California recently passed a consumer privacy act, though Padilla said he believes that law went too far. A 60-day session of the New Mexico Legislature begins Tuesday. Democrats hold majorities in both chambers. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2019 Albuquerque Journal A teenage boy who is behind bars in the death and possible sexual assault of his 9-year-old cousin will be tried as an adult. District Attorneys Office spokesman Michael Patrick said Wednesday that prosecutors will seek to detain 15-year-old Jeramiah Morfin until his trial during a hearing in District Court set for Friday morning. Morfin is currently being held at the Juvenile Detention Center on an open count of murder and tampering with evidence in the girls slaying. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ As our investigation continues, other charges could come up, Patrick said. Police say Morfin led detectives to the girls unclothed body in an arroyo on Albuquerques West Side early Saturday. The girls 11-year-old brother has since told them the girl had gone into Morfins room sometime that night and he later heard pounding on the wall. The brother and sister were spending the night with Morfins family. Investigators say the body showed signs of blunt force trauma and possible sexual assault. Authorities believe Morfin carried the body to the ditch. Police executed a search warrant this week, taking DNA swabs from Morfin, along with articles of bedding, clothing and other items from the home. Morfins mother, Selina Morfin, declined to comment for this story. The Albuquerque Police Department has refused to identify the girl. Police say Morfins mother called 911 around 3:30 a.m. Saturday after she noticed her niece was missing during the sleepover at her home in the 2200 block of Dry Gulch SW, near Unser and Blake. The mother told police she noticed the girl was gone and the back door was open after she found Morfin, clad only in boxer shorts, cleaning his bedspread. Police say the mothers boyfriend asked Morfin if he knew where the girl was and he wrote a note saying he had killed her. Detectives collected the note as evidence, and Morfin took them to the girls body before refusing to answer any further questions. According to a search warrant filed in District Court, detectives spoke with the girls brother, who was sleeping in the next room. The boy told detectives the girl went into Morfins room and, around 1 a.m., he heard movement on Morfins bed and pounding on the wall. Police say they believe Morfin took the girls body to the arroyo on foot, as he did not have access to a vehicle. The principal of Edward Gonzalez Elementary School, a school close to the Morfins neighborhood, sent a statement to parents about the 9-year-old girls death. It is with deep regret that we inform you about the recent loss of one of our students, the principal wrote. This tragic loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school, especially our students. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... FIFTH IN A FIVE-PART SERIES Copyright 2019 Albuquerque Journal The Legislature will get a look at what comprehensive marijuana legalization might look like for New Mexico. Whether lawmakers decide to pass it is the big question. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Javier Martinez and Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino, both Albuquerque Democrats, would create a major industry that would need to be licensed, taxed and regulated. Supporters say it would create tax revenue for the state, thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in sales. The state also would spend millions trying to mitigate any damage legalized pot causes to education, law enforcement and rehabilitation programs. About 60 percent of likely voters in New Mexico support legalizing recreational cannabis, and the number nationwide is higher. Supporters here are seeking to have the Legislature legalize recreational cannabis unlike most other states, which used statewide referendums. I hope legislators see the benefits of legalization, Ortiz y Pino said. It isnt just about the amount of money the state or local government get from it. It is about jobs and social justice. Martinez traveled around the state last year talking with people in more conservative areas trying to find out what their concerns were and how they could be addressed. I think the level of opposition was softer than I expected, Martinez said. People were asking about funding treatment and education on the issue. He said he expects a lively but sophisticated debate on legalization. Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle, R-Portales, said, Theres been some discussion about it. It is a very complicated subject, but we would have to see what the bill looks like. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says she supports legalized recreational marijuana with important caveats. She said on the campaign trail and in a statement to the Journal that any legislation reaching her desk would have to protect medical cannabis patients, improve public safety, deal with prevention of underage use and workplace impairment, boost state revenues, and allow for New Mexico businesses to grow into this new market during an effective transition period. The protection of the medical cannabis program is of personal interest to Lujan Grisham. She was secretary of the Department of Health under then-Gov. Bill Richardson when she was charged with overseeing the rollout of the program after it was approved by the Legislature in 2007. Since then, 32 states and the District of Columbia have approved medical marijuana programs. Lujan Grisham touted the success of the program during her gubernatorial campaign. Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, said in an interview, My sense is that it isnt if it will happen, it is when legalization is going to happen. War on drugs In 2016, six Democratic senators voted against putting a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would have legalized recreational marijuana and charged the Legislature with developing laws to govern the industry. Those six veteran senators Mary Kay Papen and Joseph Cervantes of Las Cruces, John Arthur Smith of Deming, George Munoz and John Pinto of Gallup, and Clemente Sanchez of Grants will be returning to Santa Fe. If they remain no votes, they would be able to block any bill legalizing recreational marijuana assuming Republicans are uniformly opposed. The six veteran Democrats all hold key positions. Papen is president pro tem and serves on the Corporations and Transportation Committee, which Sanchez chairs. Both are on the Senate Rules Committee. Papen also chairs the Senate Committee on Committees, on which Smith, Munoz and Sanchez sit. Smith chairs the powerful Senate Finance Committee, of which Munoz is a member. Smith is also vice chairman of the powerful Legislative Finance Committee. Cervantes is chairman of the Senate Conservation Committee and sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, while Pinto is chair of the Senate Indian and Cultural Affairs Committee. The legislative math is pretty simple: If all 16 Republican senators voted against legalization and were joined by the six Democrats, any marijuana legalization bill would be defeated 22-20. One defection would lead to a tie, which would enable Lt. Gov. Howie Morales to cast a deciding vote. He presumably would support the governors position. Ingle said he couldnt speak for the Republican caucus at this point. There were Republican votes for a bill to decriminalize marijuana a few years ago that would have made possession a civil fine, he said. Republican senators were opposed to putting legalization into a constitutional amendment because they didnt believe it belonged in the Constitution, Ingle said. Papen said in a recent interview, My position hasnt changed. I have some very strong feelings about it. I am deeply concerned about young people getting involved with it. Smith, Cervantes, Munoz and Sanchez all told the Journal they still oppose legalizing recreational marijuana. Pinto couldnt be reached for comment. Cervantes, Munoz and Sanchez all said that legalizing marijuana would only add to the states ongoing problems with drunken driving and drug addiction. Munoz and Sanchez both told the Journal that tribal leaders in their districts are concerned about drug addiction and alcohol abuse, and are opposed to legalizing recreational marijuana. In general, opponents are supported by law enforcement, even though marijuana use and possession are low-level priorities compared with other drugs, and prosecutions for possession of small amounts of marijuana are rare. Law enforcement officials argue that legalization would increase the number of drugged drivers, increase drug use by teens and mask the underground market for marijuana, making it easier for criminal groups to operate. Proponents say that those arguments are overstated and that the problems could be alleviated by proper regulation and education programs. I am hopeful that we can persuade some people that the war on drugs has been a failure, sponsor Javier Martinez said. Legalization is a better way to undo the damage caused by the underground market. Complicated bill The closest analogy to a legalized recreational marijuana industry is that New Mexico would be creating a new liquor industry from scratch, with social, criminal and legal costs that would have to be weighed and dealt with at the outset. New Mexicans are familiar with the damage booze has done here. It took decades of work at all levels of government to get New Mexico out of the top five states for deaths attributed to drunken driving accidents. Over the years, legislators have increased drunken driving penalties, gotten rid of drive-up liquor store windows and made it a felony to sell alcohol to minors. Proponents argue that cannabis is less lethal than alcohol and that the state has learned from its past problems regulating the liquor industry. Democratic House members Javier Martinez, Bill McCamley, Antonio Moe Maestas, Deborah A. Armstrong and Angelica Rubio sponsored the Cannabis Taxation and Regulation Act HB 312 last session but withdrew the bill because it wasnt on Gov. Susanna Martinezs call for the short session. Martinez said the bill being drawn up for this session varies only slightly from HB-312. It is very complicated and technical, McCamley said. McCamley, who didnt run for his House seat, said that the Democrats majority of 44 seats to 26 for Republicans ensures easy passage in the House. Two key Democratic members who opposed it are no longer in the House and were replaced by more progressive Democrats, McCamley said. The House isnt the problem. It is the Senate. I think this is more of a generational issue than a partisan issue, he said. The Texas Republican Party in December announced support for decriminalization for possession of small amounts of marijuana and support for the federal government to reschedule marijuana, which is now considered the same as heroin and LSD, as Schedule I narcotics. The bill Martinez and McCamley cosponsored is still being used as a template for how legalizing recreational marijuana would work. It outlines in some detail how the industry would be taxed and regulated. It also addressed some of Lujan Grishams concerns about establishing the industry. Under that bill, medical cannabis patients would not pay gross receipts tax on medical marijuana and providers under the medical licenses would have to maintain one-third of their inventory for medical patients if they applied for a recreational sales license. Some of the controversial provisions in the bill would allow people convicted of state marijuana offenses to have their records expunged, and it would provide workplace protections for employees who use marijuana while on the job. Emily Kaltenbach, state director of the Drug Policy Alliance, a group that has worked for legalization of marijuana throughout the country, has been working on marijuana legalization and decriminalization for years. She and other proponents said the experience of other states gives New Mexico an advantage in drawing up legislation to legalize recreational cannabis. In some states, the legalizing of recreational marijuana threatened to kill medical cannabis programs. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2019 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE Overhauling New Mexicos tax code has proved to be a tall task in recent legislative sessions. But top-ranking lawmakers say theres an appetite to enact sweeping changes to the states broken tax system during the 60-day session that starts next week, partly because unprecedented state revenue could provide a buffer if estimates of the financial impact of tax revisions prove to be off the mark. We have a bipartisan desire to tackle tax reform, and we have a little cushion to do so, said Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Several proposals are being drafted that would lower the states base 5.25 percent gross receipts tax rate, which functions similarly to a sales tax, and eliminate existing tax exemptions and loopholes. A personal income tax increase for top wage-earners could also be part of the package, along with a tax on internet sales. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat who was sworn into office this month, has indicated she would consider supporting tax overhaul legislation but would closely scrutinize the impact of any such bill on New Mexico families and local governments. Shes open to having a robust discussion on the subject of GRT reform, her spokesman, Tripp Stelnicki, said Wednesday. Although some previous tax overhaul proposals have been engineered to be revenue-neutral, two of the tax bills in the works for this years session would be aimed at increasing recurring revenue levels. Rep. Jim Trujillo, D-Santa Fe, chairman of the House Taxation and Revenue Committee, said his legislation, not yet filed, could help pay for increased teacher salaries in future years, as most of the states current revenue uptick is due to a recent boom in the historically volatile oil industry. We better have the recurring revenue coming in (to pay for that), or else were going to be in trouble, Trujillo told the Journal. He said his bill would lower the gross receipts tax base rate by nearly 1 percentage point, repeal roughly 20 existing tax breaks, add a new personal income tax bracket for high-income New Mexicans and allow the state along with cities and counties to collect taxes on internet sales. Because the bill has not been introduced, its unclear how much annual revenue it might generate. But reducing the states gross receipts tax rate by just 0.6 percentage point could mean a loss of $430 million in revenue in the coming budget year, according to recent Legislative Finance Committee estimates. House Minority Whip Rod Montoya, R-Farmington, accused Democrats of using the tax reform label as political cover to raise taxes. In reality, he said Wednesday, its just a comprehensive tax increase. The focus, Montoya said, should be on crafting a broad package of tax changes that would simplify New Mexicos tax system and make it more business-friendly, but without raising revenue overall. To that end, he said, Republicans and Democrats might be able to reach consensus on some ideas, such as taxing online sales and not-for-profit hospitals as part of broader changes. Food tax One sticking point in the tax overhaul debate will be whether to reinstate the gross receipts tax on food. There has been fierce opposition to previous proposals to reinstate the food tax after such a tax was repealed in 2004 but a tax overhaul bill expected to be filed by Sen. Carlos Cisneros, a Questa Democrat, would do just that, likely starting in 2021. The bill would be similar in other ways to the legislation thats expected to be introduced by Trujillo, which would not include a food tax provision. Although Cisneros acknowledged that bringing back the food tax is not a politically popular idea, he said doing so would allow for a larger reduction in the base gross receipts tax rate. Meanwhile, Wirth said he has asked senators not to draw a line in the sand before studying the various tax proposals. It just gets hard to govern when you take things off the table, he told the Journal. The New Mexico Municipal League, which represents cities and towns statewide, has advocated for at least a partial reinstatement of the tax on groceries, but other organizations have staunchly opposed such a proposal. A 2010 plan to impose city and county gross receipts taxes on most food items approved by the Democratic-controlled Legislature in the midst of a state budget crunch was dubbed a tortilla tax by opponents and ultimately vetoed by then-Gov. Bill Richardson. Proposed tax breaks Even as lawmakers discuss eliminating existing tax exemptions, new tax breaks are being proposed at the Roundhouse. Pre-filed bills include measures to give property tax exemptions to certain seniors and disabled New Mexicans, as well as a proposal to bring back an income tax credit for those who install solar energy panels at their homes or businesses. Senate GOP Whip Bill Payne of Albuquerque said most gross receipts tax exemptions are well-intended, but he said their net impact has caused overall tax rates to surpass 8 percent in some New Mexico cities, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe and Farmington. I suspect there will have to be some kind of tax reform, because the gross receipts tax is getting out of whack, Payne said. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Wirth said there could be more wiggle room in this years tax debate because Lujan Grisham has not pledged to veto any tax increases, as former Gov. Susana Martinez did. I think tax reform is an important issue that cant wait, Wirth said. Weve carved out so many exemptions and loopholes that weve created big winners and big losers. He and other legislators say its high time to get to work on fixing that. This is probably our best shot at any reform if were going to do it, Cisneros said. Journal Capitol Bureau reporter Dan McKay contributed to this report. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... It comes as no surprise that one of Michelle Lujan Grishams first acts as governor was to opt New Mexico out of the PARCC exam. Shes fulfilling a promise she made on the campaign trail. The executive order on her third day on the job was praised by the usual suspects National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers Association union officials, and others who supported her campaign. They claim PARCC isnt working. The data on student achievement gains dispute that. Since PARCC (and the Common Core curriculum it tests, along with the teacher evaluations, and school and district grades that draw from it) has been implemented: More than 13,000 additional students can now read at grade level and more than 11,000 additional students can now do math at grade level. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ More teachers are rated highly effective and exemplary 1,500 more. More students are graduating high school the rate is at an all-time high of 73 percent. Fewer high school grads require remedial coursework in college what was 50 percent is now 33 percent. Native American student achievement is up more than any other student group. The PARCC is aligned with other important benchmark tests NAEP, SAT and ACT. PARCC, the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, was implemented in grades three to 11 back in 2015. There were serious issues during its initial implementation some of which were addressed, and some of which were eased by teachers and students adapting to the new tests and computer format. PARCC tests how well kids are meeting Common Core standards, which New Mexico began moving to under then-Gov. Bill Richardson. Lujan Grisham says a new state-specific assessment that will meet federal standards will be created and in place by August. She was among the majority of Democrats in Congress who voted for those standards in the Every Student Succeeds Act. The standards require not only a test, but also that teacher evaluations include student achievement. Not complying puts a lot of federal funding at risk. Lujan Grisham says parts of the PARCC exam may still be used this spring to ensure the state complies with ESSA. But with the testing window just 11 weeks away, a plan needs to be put in place quickly. During her campaign, Lujan Grisham heard plenty of complaints about PARCC from parents, teachers and teachers unions. Many of them continued to bash PARCC even after major changes were made to curb the testing time and lower the impact its results had on teacher evaluations. She listened and obviously agreed. But she apparently disagreed with the many teachers in Educators Elevating New Mexico, which represents all areas of the state, and NewMexicoKidsCan both support the PARCC and improvements to it. Replacing PARCC will not be easy. Changing tests will cost millions more, and with PARCC, the state has been able to build up five years of essential longitudinal data on student performance. That is crucial, considering the Legislative Finance Committee emphasizes that the recent Yazzie/Martinez lawsuit decision makes maintaining longitudinal data on student performance that can be compared to recent data collected on PARCC paramount to funding reforms. Lujan Grisham says feedback from teachers, school administrators and parents will be used to create the new assessment. We hope all sides are included. Because if PARCC is dead, then its crucial it not be replaced with a feel-good exercise whose main goal is to improve teacher morale. It should be a data-based tool that accurately assesses student and teacher performance. Our children deserve no less. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. A woman in Kitui is alleged to have committed suicide at her home after failing to raise school fees for her daughter who is to join Form One. The body of the 37-year-old woman was discovered dangling from a tree in Kavisuni location, Katulani Sub-County in Kitui Central on Wednesday morning. Confirming the incident, area AP Commandant Aliphonce Anaswa said neighbours alerted authorities after discovering the body. The administrator noted that the deceased may have taken her own life after failing to raise fees for her daughter who scored 396 in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams. He added that the womans daughter had threatened to kill herself if the mother failed to pay fees. The womans body was taken to Kitui Level 4 Hospital morgue for a postmortem. Police have launched investigations into the incident. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... SANTA FE The search for Forrest Fenns treasure, already a national phenomenon, is getting even more of a boost as the national media focuses anew on the infamous Lorena Bobbitt/John Wayne Bobbitt case from the 1990s. Whats the connection? It turns out that John Wayne Bobbitt has become a serious hunter for the chest that Fenn, a Santa Fe author and antiquities dealer, says hes hidden somewhere in the Rocky Mountain region with gold coins and other valuables inside. Bobbitt thinks the treasure is in Colorado. In 1993, the Bobbitts, living then in Virginia, became national figures and set off a debate over domestic violence and marital rape when Lorena used a kitchen knife to cut off her husbands penis, then drove away from their home and threw it out of the car. The appendage was found and re-attached. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ John Wayne Bobbitt was subsequently acquitted of rape. Lorena Bobbitt was charged with malicious wounding but was found not guilty by reason of temporary insanity. ABCs news series 20/20 revisited the case last week with a show called Love Hurts. In February, Amazon Prime Video will premiere a new documentary series about the case called Lorena produced by Jordan Peele, the comedian turned film director who made the hit movie Get Out. At the end of the 20/20 show, John Wayne Bobbitt is described as becoming so dedicated to finding Fenns loot that he considers himself a professional treasure hunter. Fenn announced in a 2010 memoir The Thrill of the Chase that he had hidden the treasure and included a poem said to include clues as to its whereabouts. In the ABC segment, Bobbitt shows off a Thrill of the Chase map. He says he might know where the treasure is and that he has a lot of good clues, really. The show also makes reference to Bobbitts hope that finding the treasure will earn him a trip to the White House, reported in August in a Vanity Fair magazine article. And though he still makes the occasional paid appearance, the magazine reported, the majority of his time is devoted to searching for the treasure chest that eccentric millionaire Forrest Fenn is rumored to have buried in the Rockies. He hopes to be invited to the White House if he unearths it so he can express his support of President Trump. Word of Bobbitts passion for Fenns treasure hunt is also spreading via smaller media outlets. Also in August, Bobbitt appeared on an Albuquerque-based web blog called A Gypsys Kiss that focuses on the Fenn treasure. He told interviewer Toby Younis that the channel inspired him to join the hunt. Bobbitt displayed cell phone video of a waterfall near where he believed he would find the treasure in Ouray County, Colo., and said hes made 10 ground searches for the chest. Bobbitt said hes met Fenn once. Younis suggests it was at an event at Santa Fes Collected Works bookstore, which publishes Fenns books. Bobbitt complained that the interviews he gives about his notorious 1990s case are edited, so its hard for him to get out the truth. Younis then offered to come to Las Vegas, Nev., where Bobbitt now lives, for an extended, unedited interview. None of it will end up on the cutting room floor, says Younis, seemingly unaware that hes come up with a pretty good punchline. Bobbitt starts laughing and tells someone off camera, He just made a joke. Oh, sorry, said Younis. The weekly Durango (Colo.) Telegraph reported that a man identifying himself as Bobbitt came into a local shop looking for a grappling hook and said he was looking for Fenns treasure. Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly named the newspaper that reported Bobbitt was seen in Durango. It has been corrected above. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Eleven teachers from the Philippines who were expected to start with Albuquerque Public Schools before the winter holidays, have been delayed in their arrival leaving nearly a dozen of classrooms without those educators. APS spokeswoman Monica Armenta said the teachers didnt arrive due to offices in Manila closing for the holidays. There are 11 teachers that did not get here before Christmas, but we were told by the recruitment agency that the offices in Manila were closed between Dec. 20 and 27 for holiday and because of that there was a delay in getting exit interviews in Manila at the U.S. Embassy, Armenta wrote in an email on Monday. Peter Perkins, who is in charge of logistics and placement at recruitment agency Teach Quest, confirmed that consular services, including interviews required from these teachers coming from the Philippines, were affected recently. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ From what I know, there was some interruption of that, he told the Journal on the phone Monday. Neither Perkins nor Armenta could say whether the federal government shutdown contributed to the delay. Calls from the Journal to the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines were not returned. APS was aiming to have the 11 Filipino teachers in the classroom before Christmas for training purposes. Now, after the delay, the teachers are expected to come to the district by sometime next week. In July, APS had hired 58 teachers from the Philippines to help with a teacher shortage, which is occurring across the state and nationwide. As of the new year, APS had offered jobs to 90 teachers from the Philippines with plans to hire more in the future. Theres been pushback on the recruitment process of the Filipino teachers as many give up to 10 percent of their salaries to recruitment agencies. When coming to APS, the teachers also have to pay for their license, transportation to the states and visa costs, according to the district. At a recent APS Board of Education meeting, member Lorenzo Garcia called the Filipino teacher recruitment initiative exploitative and compared it to indentured servitude. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. A woman stole a mail truck and led police on a chase in northern New Mexico that ended with spike strips and officers crashing into her, according to State Police. NMSP spokesman Dusty Francisco said 34-year-old Chanel Eskleson was arrested without further incident. She was booked into the Colfax County Detention Center on numerous charges, including unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, aggravated fleeing, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery of a peace officer. Francisco said the incident unfolded when State Police were told a U.S. Postal Service vehicle had been stolen around 8 a.m. in Maxwell, a village along Interstate 25 between Springer and Raton. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Francisco didnt know how Eskleson stole the truck, which officers spotted traveling on I-25, prompting the pursuit. He said stop sticks were used on the truck before a State Police officer used a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT), maneuver, crashing into the truck and ending the chase in Raton. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Before leaving the position, then-Public Education Department Secretary-designate Christopher Ruszkowski put into motion plans to create a new school district in New Mexico. After a request from the Pueblo of Santa Ana, Ruszkowski recommended merging Rio Rancho Public Schools with the Santa Ana Pueblo to essentially form its own district, resulting in students attending Rio Rancho Public Schools instead of Bernalillo Public Schools, where kids currently go. I am recommending the formation of a new school district consisting of the current Rio Rancho School District and including, geographically and otherwise, the Santa Ana Pueblo. If adopted, students from the Santa Ana Pueblo shall become officially registered to this new district, Ruszkowski wrote in a formal letter, dated Dec. 31, that was obtained by the Journal. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The governor of the Pueblo of Santa Ana could not be reached for comment. The reasoning outlined in Ruszkowskis letter is that Rio Rancho Public Schools currently serves more Native American students and has a history of better results for Native students compared with Bernalillo Public Schools. In 2018, 31.2 percent of Native American students in Rio Rancho Public Schools were reading at grade level and 24 percent were on par in math. However, PED data show that 14.9 percent of Native American students in Bernalillo Public Schools were reading at grade level and 7.4 percent were on grade level in math. Bernalillo Public Schools Superintendent Keith Cowan told the Journal that he just found out about the pueblos request and was not expecting it. The Journal also obtained the Pueblo of Santa Anas proposal on the matter, which indicates the pueblo has been working on the request for at least several months. A three-page proposal, dated Oct. 4, says the pueblo is aiming to transfer students from the Santa Ana Pueblo to Rio Rancho Public Schools with more ease than the formal transfer process allows. Pueblo bus routes would be adjusted to support families who send their kids to Rio Rancho Public Schools, and the pueblo would buy a school bus and build roads specifically for this purpose, according to the proposal. The document also suggests the transfer would be optional for families, although Ruszkowskis letter does not include voluntary language. According to the proposal, over 100 Santa Ana students attend Bernalillo Public Schools. Rio Rancho Public Schools spokeswoman Beth Pendergrass said in a statement that the proposal is on the districts radar. We are aware of the proposal by the Pueblo of Santa Ana, which we understand is being reviewed by the Public Education Department. In any case, we are committed to providing a quality education for every student who attends Rio Rancho Public Schools, her statement said. Ruszkowski said in his letter that a public hearing has to be held within 90 days of his recommendation. Because Ruszkowski is no longer at the department since Michelle Lujan Grisham became governor on Jan. 1, the next education secretary will ultimately decide whether the change will occur. In an email, Tripp Stelnicki, a spokesman for Lujan Grisham, said Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, whos taking over PED secretary duties on an interim basis, will be taking a look at this as a means of getting up to speed on the issue. Nick Lowrey Pierre Capital Journal PIERRE New regulations designed to combat the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in South Dakota are tentatively scheduled to be finalized in May. That, at least, is the plan said Chad Switzer, wildlife program administrator for the states Game, Fish and Parks Department. Switzer is heading up the departments efforts to combat the disease that studies have shown to cause deer populations to shrink. Some preliminary work, he said, includes contacting the state taxidermy association, working with the states Animal Industry Board to update a memorandum of understanding on how to deal with CWD and assembling a stakeholder group which met to discuss the issue for the first time in late November. The group will meet again in March after the public has had a chance to comment on a draft of the departments new plan for how to deal with CWD. The plan will posted on the GFP website and opened up to public comments Feb. 1. The comment period will close Feb. 22. During and after the plans public comment period, Switzer said, GFP staff will be hosting public meetings on the issue throughout the state. GFP staff will spend the last week of February updating their plan to include comments and ideas from the public. That process actually will continue until the first week of April when the GFP Commission will meet at the Outdoor Campus-West in Rapid City. The CWD plan will then be formally presented to the commission for approval. The April meeting will also see the introduction of any new rules or rule changes department staff think are worth pursuing in order to slow the spread of CWD. Those rules, if the commission accepts them, would then go out for a 30-day public comment period before getting a public hearing and final vote at the GFP Commissions meeting in May at the Creekside Lodge in Custer State Park. Chronic Wasting Disease has been in South Dakota for at least 20 years. But it wasnt until recently that the breadth, scope and danger the disease presents became apparent, Switzer said. In 2016 around 260 elk were killed in the park as an effort to reduce the size of the parks herd. Each of those animals was tested for CWD and nearly 14 percent of them were found to be infected. That level of prevalence helped open the departments eyes to the CWD problem, Switzer said. Also there have been several research papers published over the last three years that have shown that CWD is more prevalent than scientists thought and that the disease is causing infected deer herds to shrink. One study, Endemic chronic wasting disease causes mule deer population decline in Wyoming, published in October 2017, found that the mule deer herd in Converse County, Wyo., was shrinking at about 21 percent a year, largely due to CWD. Converse County is one county west of the South Dakota state line. If Im a South Dakota elk hunter and I have 20 preference points, I would be concerned about CWD, Switzer said. The disease is challenging to fight because its not caused by a virus, bacteria or parasite. Instead, its caused by a mutated protein called a prion. Proteins are one of the most basic building blocks of organic life and thus are incredibly difficult to destroy. The prions that cause CWD, for example, cant be destroyed by cooking and can remain in the dirt for years without needing a host. Unlike diseases such as epizootic hemorrhagic disease which kills deer within days or weeks of infection, CWD doesnt leave an easy to see trail of bodies on the landscape. Thats because CWD is slow acting, it can take years to kill a deer or elk outright. Also, because CWD affects brain functions, infected deer or elk become more susceptible to natural predation. Chronic wasting disease has not been found to infect people, but officials say its not a good idea to eat an obviously sick deer or one that tested positive for CWD. There are so many organizations throughout the Electric City who go above and beyond for the students in the Great Falls Public School System. For over 10 years, one in particular comprised of educators has made the commitment to continue helping students long after they've retired. Marilyn Hamer, "we know from teaching school supplies become scarce at times and there are students that don't have the supplies." The members all are apart of the North Central Montana Retired Educators Association. They gather once a year, usually after the holiday, to help those less fortunate students. Patty Myers, who was a 2nd grade teacher at Lewis and Clark, said, "we're hoping to fill that need for a few of those students that need a little help." Years ago they originally started with just giving out school supplies but saw a new need arise once current teachers said students were not coming to school because of their hygiene and something had to be done. Myers said, "I said imagine going home and not having a roll of toilet paper and imagine going home and not having a toothbrush when you got a date. and so if you look around the number of hygiene items increase 10 fold from where we use to be." This year they received more than enough items to help a few more schools on the list. Thanks to members of the organization donating their own money and over $700 dollars in grant money, hundreds of students will be impacted by the generous gesture. GFPS Superintendent, Tammy Lacey, has already made the commitment to join the group once she retires in June and told KFBB that its just a blessing to have folks in the community who care so much about helping our youth. Lacey said, "you know once a teacher always a teacher they care so much for our communities children.so to see them rally around our students and our schools is very uplifting and very exciting for out community." Nairobi County might just get a new Deputy Governor by the end of this week. Governor Mike Sonko has announced that he will name his new Deputy on Friday to finally fill the seat that has been vacant since Polycarp Igathes resignation in January last year. Sonko made the revelation on Wednesday while speaking to Citizen TV in Mombasa. He further said he will also be announcing his cabinet in full tomorrow, January 11. Tukirudi Nairobi, nakuja na full cabinet na nakuja na Deputy Governor pia (When we get back to Nairobi, I will come with the full cabinet and a deputy governor.) Sonko was quoted. The announcement comes in the wake of a purported crisis in the county following the suspensions and resignation of County Executive Committee (CEC) members. Several CECs have either been suspended or sent packing, among them Veska Kangogo, Danvas Makori, and Emma Mukuhi. Devolution CEC Larry Wambuas fate remains uncertain leaving only three CECs Allan Igambi (Finance), Charles Kerich (Lands) and Mohammed Dagane (Transport) in office. Stockman Bank is offering furloughed federal employees assistance on loan payments as day 19 of the partial government shutdown continues. Montana based Stockman bank is taking customer service to a new level. "It's really an offering to our customers that are impacted by the government shutdown," Stockman Missoula branch president Bob Burns said. "It's really important for us to react and do things that we can do to help our customers during this difficult time." Burns adds Stockman bank operates at 34 branch locations across the state, and if you're a federal worker, Stockman's is here to help. "If we have loans with these customers, we're willing to offer some deferred payment plans, some restructuring of loans, anything that we can do within our power to get them through this time," Burns said. The special offering isn't just during the shutdown, Burns says their customers can even get help after the battle over the border wall ends. "We'll reassess, I think a lot will depend on the length of the shutdown, and each customer is going to have a unique situation as to how they're impacted," Burns said. "We're willing to assist them through the end of this, and even afterwards to make sure the financial impact is a minimal as we can make it." Stockman Bank also offered assistance to federal workers back in 2013, during the Barack Obama Administration shutdown. Burns said to visit any of their branch locations and ask for a consumer lender to see options available. He said helping customers has always been their number one priority. "I think it's important for Montanans to know that Stockman Bank is committed to the communities and its customers to get them through difficult times such as this," Burns said. Missoula Federal Credit Union announced Wednesday afternoon they will also help furloughed federal employees affected by the government shutdown. Click here for more information. Resumes continue to be an invaluable tool. Because they can be printed out, they offer employers a quick summary of your career in a couple of pages they can take notes on or keep on their desks as theyre considering candidates. But gone are the days when you could use the same resume for every job that you apply for. To help get your resume noticed, you should revise it to make sure it highlights how your skills match the abilities described in the job posting, even using some of the same keywords when possible. Its not one-size-fits-all, says Jacobs. A tailored resume can work well for applications because it is mostly a private document. Each company only gets the version you submit for their opening. Job-focused social networking websites essentially work the opposite way. Your profile on the site is public, enabling recruiters to find candidates who have the skills and experience that fit their job openings. LinkedIn is the most prominent of these sites, with more than 150 million members. According to a recent report from Jobvite, a company that helps businesses find talent, 77 percent of recruiters use LinkedIn to find candidates. But other job-focused sites such as Indeed and Monster also give you the opportunity to let employers know what you can do. In addition to making it easier for recruiters to find you, these sites also enable you to show who you are in different ways, says Megan Golden, the group manager for global content marketing for LinkedIn. You can post videos that describe how youve solved problems on the job or share presentations you have given at conferences or other events. And because LinkedIn lets co-workers endorse your skills, employers can get a more complete picture of what you can do and how youre regarded by peers and others in your field. The link to your profile on these networking sites is often easy to share in your email signature or other places, which can help you build your network (which can lead to more job opportunities). One other thing to keep in mind about your resume and your online profiles: Inconsistencies matter. When you make major updates or revisions to either one, make sure that you also change the other document so it matches. Big differences in the basic descriptions of your work history job titles, in particular can cause employers to question which biography they should believe, raising doubts that can cost you a job interview. Diagnosis If you have a constellation of these symptoms, see a doctor for an eye exam. Experts recommend that people over age 65 get checkups every year or two; those younger should have their eyes checked at least once every two years more if they have certain health issues. If youre on corticosteroids, you should have regular eye exams, says Dugan. You might not even be aware that it is starting to affect their vision. Cataracts are usually identified by a thorough exam that includes a visual acuity test, where you read letters of varying sizes off an eye chart. This measures the sharpness and clarity of your vision, and how well you can see at various distances. Youll also be given a dilated eye exam, in which drops are used to dilate and widen the pupils, offering the physician a clearer view of the back of your eye. Your doctor will then use a slit-lamp microscope to look for signs of cataracts, as well as examine the retina and optic nerve for signs of eye damage and other problems such as glaucoma. Treatment When cataracts are in their early stages, patients can find some relief with new eyeglass prescriptions, brighter lighting, antiglare sunglasses or magnifying lenses. But once the cataract progresses and symptoms are interfering with the activities of daily living reading, driving, watching TV then surgery to remove the cataract is the only alternative. Dont get fooled by scams, says UCLAs Bartlett. Im constantly seeing ads for eye drops that purport to get rid of cataracts. The only treatment to remove cataracts is surgical. Before surgery, your surgeon may have you see your family doctor to have a thorough medical exam to make sure youre stable enough for surgery, says Ravi Goel, a New Jersey eye surgeon and clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Certain heart and lung conditions, as well as dementia, may make patients poor candidates for surgery. Rating: PG-13 Run time: 2 hours 9 minutes Stars: Bryan Cranston, Kevin Hart, Nicole Kidman, Julianna Margulies Director: Neil Burger Bryan Cranston, 62, stars as Phillip, a broody Manhattan art dealer who suffers in his flashy Manhattan penthouse, sleeping beneath a Calder mobile. Following a crippling paragliding accident, the widowed quadriplegic with a death wish hires smart-mouthed, unemployed ex-con Dell (Kevin Hart, 39) as his live-in caretaker without getting a single reference. A remake by director Neil Burger that's based on the 2011 French feel-good hit Les Intouchables, the dramedy struggles toward its inevitable catharsis by throwing together the cranky, pessimistic, privileged white opera lover with the street-smart but self-defeating man from the projects who has a soft spot for Aretha. For Cranston, currently starring in Network on Broadway, the appeal to play a physically constrained captain of industry makes sense. This is an acting challenge, and he digs in with his molars. The Breaking Bad star creates the character without being able to employ his body, remaining compelling and charismatic and he avoids the bathos to which the character could have been vulnerable. Hart, still mired in the Oscar-hosting controversy, doesnt get a career boost here. (He was scheduled to emcee the Academy Awards, but the revelation of old anti-gay tweets led to his stepping down in December. Last week, he made an emotional appearance on the Ellen show to try to resuscitate his reputation.) Hes woefully miscast. Some actors the camera loves, but in this case it has an antipathy toward Hart, particularly in his serious scenes. Theres no complex onion to peel, no getting behind the guarded, toothy smile or scowling mug to reveal a juicy depth intended to match Cranstons scene for scene. The central appeal of the original film was the discovery of French actor Omar Sy. He infused the caretakers role with a love for life underscored by the dancing beats of that most elemental band, Earth, Wind & Fire. The star-making performance won Sy a 2012 Cesar Award (the French Oscar) and ultimately landed him lucrative gigs in X-Men: Days of Future Past and Jurassic World. In order to recreate this delicate counterbalance between an effete, privileged white man and an earthy caregiver of color, the Hart role needed to be reconceived to foreground the American comics physical humor and comic delivery. However, saddled by Jon Hartmeres screenplay featuring flat sex-organ jokes that seem even more awkward in light of recent controversies and slapstick set pieces (Dell gets painfully drenched by a hi-tech shower with controls in a foreign language), Hart seems to be desperately underwater for most of the movie. The inclusion of two prominent actresses, Nicole Kidman, 51, as Phillips prickly lovesick assistant, and Julianna Margulies, 52, as his amorous pen pal, furthers neither womans career. Although, at least, the love objects are age appropriate, professionally accomplished and smartly costumed by Kasia Walicka-Maimone. The upside: Cranston compels even when only acting from the neck up and using his ears as erogenous zones. The holidays are over and the winter doldrums have set in. Who's ready for a vacation? Mexico is lovely this time of yearand most times of year, really, so long as you can manage to avoid hurricane season at the country's coastal destinations. Here are 10 itineraries to get you inspired and planning for your next trip. Isla Holbox: The New Tulum? The dock at Punto Coco is a popular spot for taking in the sunsetor watching the storm roll inon Isla Holbox. (Chloe Hennen) How many times have you heard it? You have to go to Tulum. The off-grid bohemian enclave on the Mayan Riviera sits about a two-hour drive from the tourist trap that is Cancun, making it a perfect semi-secret escape for fashionable wanderers, yogis, and wellness devotees looking for untouched swaths of beach and hippie-chic jungle stays where they can chill out without the crowd. But word got out, as word has a way of doing, and tourism has blown up in Tulum in recent years, shrinking the distance between it and Cancun, at least in terms of the vibe. Since when was Tulum's pockmarked beach roadonce suited only to flip-flopped daytime strolls and devil-may-care rickety bike rides back to your room after late nights by the grill at Hartwoodlit up by police car lights patrolling the once-quaint ice cream hut that now attracts stiletto-clad night moves with thumping hip-hop and the mezcal-fueled chant of I Scream Bar! (Shudder.) If you got to Tulum way back whenor even just a few years agoa trip today will likely leave you longing for the quieter times (even if all those green juices and organic cotton maxi dresses did feel a bit contrived). But if you ask around, where's the next Tulum, there's a word being whispered from well-traveled lips: Holbox. Pronounced ole-bosh, Holboxactually Isla Holboxis often likened to an off-grid-ier version of off-grid Tulum. Much quieter. Less hip. More authentic. It's like Tulum was before, they say. But it is it The New Tulum? Read more. The Spa Life at Los Cabos' Grand Velas Resort The hydrotherapy experience at Se Spa begins at the heavenly subterranean pool. (Courtesy of Grand Velas Los Cabos) As the elevator doors open to the subterranean spa at Grand Velas Los Cabos resort, a quiet wow might slip from the lips of even the most seasoned traveler in search of first-class relaxation. Like the tomb of some ancient Mayan warrior or demigod gone to the afterlife to partake of the mystical waters, its stone walls rise high, cut by slivers of windows that let in just enough sunshine to keep the soul light; and the serene pool appears so sure of its own healing powers that, for a moment, you might consider drinking from it. It is here that we begin the spa's signature seven-step hydrotherapy journeyone so transportive and affordable that only a fool wouldn't book it again for the very next day. But pause here, because it's worth the interjection to restate that we are, indeed, in Los Cabos, that infamous Baja Peninsula home to tequila-soaked Cabo Wabo nights. But as many a regular to this part of Mexico already knows, Cabo has made great strides in recent years to distance itself from its Sammy Hagar heyday, now offering more sophisticated adult luxuries. And at Grand Velas, the AAA Five Diamond resort that opened in late 2016, life is a buffet of elevated indulgences. Read more. Ensenada: Baja Californias Grown-up Destination for Cheap Eats and Outdoor Fun Local ingredients meet globally inspired flavors at Ensenada restaurant Manzanilla. (Courtesy of Manzanilla) Most Californians' first encounter with Mexico comes in college, courtesy of the alcohol-drenched border towns of Baja Californiawhether it's tequila shots in Tijuana or partying at Papas & Beer in Rosarito. But continue south to Ensenada, and northern Baja's coast-hugging town surprises with inspired (but supremely affordable) eats, a growing craft beer scene, and outdoor adventure that extends beyond bacchanalian excess on the beach. Plus, it serves as an excellent launching pad for explorations of nearby Valle de Guadalupe's burgeoning wine country. Follow this guide for what to do in Ensenadain between all of the eating and drinking, of courseplus where to stay in Baja's seaside city. Read more. The New Cabo: Craft fare and fashionable stays feel miles from Margaritaville You'll feel like a fisha very glamorous fishin the infinity pool at Hotel El Ganzo. (Courtesy of Hotel El Ganzo) Like a magical mix of Joshua Tree and the Hawaiian islands, Los Cabos is where a sunny, cactus- and palm tree-filled paradise meets the turquoise Sea of Cortez. If the town's party image has given you pause, you'll be pleased to know that the overly tanned spring breakers are fading into the background. Replacing the neon-colored drinks and generic mega resorts are fashionable boutique hotels, inventive craft cocktails, and a modern Baja cuisine that's forcing travelers to sit up and take notice. Just a three-hour flight from SFO, Los Cabos refers to the two southernmost capes and adjoining towns of the Baja California peninsula, the most recognized being Cabo San Lucas. Yet, much of the recent actionspurred by reconstruction following the devastating Hurricane Odile in 2014is happening outside the famed party zone. Read more. Heritage, Crafts + Artisanal Mezcal in Oaxaca (Courtesy of cnpoaxaca.org) Oaxaca is on the tip of every wanderluster's tongue these days. Far from the beaten paths of Cabo and a departure from beloved Tulum, Oaxaca promises something of Mexico many of us haven't quite tasted yet. Authenticity feels like the word. You don't need to remember the seven regions of Oaxaca or speak one of its 57 indigenous languages; you can easily appreciate its 1,500-year history in the Zapotec pyramids, the agave-studded desert, the otherworldly mineral springs and the gilded cathedrals that provide the backdrop for its vibrant culture. Here you'll find artisan villages packed with maker families going back generations as well as modern art galleries; you'll taste heirloom masa and sample the menus of master chefs. National Geographic has designated the colonial city in southwestern Mexico as one of the top places to travel in 2018 and, as soon as you walk down its cobblestone streets, you'll understand why. Read more. Valle de Guadalupe: Ridiculously Good Vino, Fresh Eats + Stylish Stays Get the best of all worldsterra firma and the galaxy beyondby booking a bubble at Campera Hotel Burbuja. (Courtesy of Campera) Mexico is known for its flavorssimmering chipotle-tinged meats, Mission-style burritos dipped in six kinds of salsas, shaken agave margaritas and cerveza that tastes like a summer vacation. But in recent years, the country is tempting the palate in a new way, putting it on the map alongside the world's most famous wine regions in Italy, France, Argentina, Napa and Sonoma. Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California's emerging wine region, has quickly become a buzzy destination getaway for its Instagram-worthy wineries, delicious pours, and blossoming gastronomic scene, all at a price that won't break the bank. Best of all, it's easily accessiblewe recommend a quick flight down to San Diego, where you can rent a car and drive just a couple hours the rest of the way. There's more than one way to taste the valley, whether you're looking for a quick weekend escape or an extended vacation (if time permits, the charming coastal city of Ensenada is less than an hour south). If you're the kind who likes to take advantage of the established relationships with winemakers and comfy transportation that comes with a tried-and-true tour group, Baja-based Club Tengo Hambre, a food tour collective, does it right, offering pick-up in San Diego, with onboard mezcal service en route to the wineries and delicious, authentic meals. If you're more into the roads less traveled, DIY it and take the time to explore the valley's endless hidden treasures and taco stands. Most wineries and restaurants are open year-round, but spring and autumn sojourns are advised for avoiding summertime crowds (not to mention temps in the mid-90s), and off-season travel also means better rates at the cool hotels and easier reservations at the trendiest eateries. We'd be remiss not to mention that the U.S. State Department's recent travel advisory warned deeply against travel to five Mexican states, citing those age-old fears of alcohol-related incidents, theft and cartel violence. But low warning levels for both Baja California and Baja California Sur mean you can travel here as you always should no matter where you goby simply being aware and cautious. With more than a half-million wine-thirsty visitors venturing into the valley each year, and the hotel and restaurant industries booming, the region has an interest in keeping visitors safe. Pack your sunnies and browse our guide for where to eat, sleep and, of course, drink. Read more. Tulum: Super Food, Dreamy Beach & Blissfully Boho Vibes Sweat out all your demons in a traditional Mayan temezcal. (Courtesy of Yaan Wellness) Tulum is a not-so-hidden gem on the Yucatan Peninsulaa popular retreat among Bay Area regulars as well as the international gypset. But the quintessential bohemian beach townan hour drive from Cancun Airport in the Mexican state of Quintana Rooretains a low-key vibe thanks to its off-the-grid status (there's no flushing the toilet paper and cell service is scarce), commitments to sustainability and wellness, laid-back locals, and the casually cool philosophy that less is always more. Here you'll find none of the selfie-taking, tequila-swilling spring breakers that make nearby Cancun a destination; Tulum is all about yoga, eating right, and master the art of unplugging. All of this is to say nothing of the fine white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean coastline, the awe-inspiring ancient Mayan ruins, obsession-worthy eats, seriously stylish stays, spas, and plenty of water sports. It's the kind of quiet paradise that will draw you back again and again. Read more. Chef Gabriela Camara's Guide to Mexico City El Centro, Mexico City. (Courtesy of bridgesandballons.com) Mexico City has evolved as a bucket list destinationbut San Franciscans know this alreadyit seems everyone is talking about CDMX (formerly known as DF). If you are among the last of your friends to visit the new North American capital of cool, cut through the tourist hoopla with this itinerary from native celebrity chef Gabriela Camara, who was the culinary darling of CDMX, home to her much beloved restaurant, Contramar, well before Hayes Valley foodies began lining up for stylish, authentic Mexican fare at Cala. Read more. Chiapas: Where modern amenities meet ancient ruins and splendid nature Church of San Juan Chamula in Chiapas. (Guy la Page, via Flickr) Home to dense jungles, towering waterfalls, 16th century colonial cities with modern amenities, Mayan ruins, and intact native cultures, Chiapas is on the verge of becoming Mexico's hottest travel destination. Situated just north of Guatemala, Chiapas is Mexico's southernmost state. Its tropical climate, deep culture, and recent improvements to its infrastructure make it a destination to put at the top of your listespecially if you've been-there-done-that in Oaxaca and Tulum. So if you're tired of friends telling you that you should have seen Sayulita, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, or Cabo before they all got popular, you'll want to head to Chiapas sooner rather than later to avoid the inevitable coming of the hordes of tourists, chain restaurants, and timeshare salespeople. Whether you're into adventure travel or modern luxury, here's why you should move Chiapas to the top of your bucket list. Read more. A suspected pedophile has been charged in court for allegedly defiling an 8-year-old girl in Nairobi. Ledama Sultan, who is a pilot at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, was on Wednesday charged at the Milimani Law Courts. The Court heard that he sodomised the minor on September 30, 2018, in South C estate in Langata. Appearing before Senior Principal Magistrate Kennedy Cheruiyot, the accused denied the charges. The prosecution asked the court to deny the suspect bail arguing that he could interfere with investigations as well as intimidate witnesses. In opposing the suspects release, the prosecution team noted that the accused left the child traumatized to the extent of attempting suicide. The court heard that the minor jumped off a four-storey building to escape him and was taken to a Nairobi Hospital. She [the minor] is very scared of him. The violent nature of the accused person is intimidating to the child victim and will cause her to refuse to testify against him. His influence over her is real and it will cause fear in the child not to testify against him, Inspector Evelyn Mboya of the DCIs Child Protection Unit said. The victim was severely traumatised by the painful ordeal to the extent of attempting to commit suicide by jumping through the window of their house on the fourth floor. As a result, the victim got fractured and was admitted to Nairobi Hospital Mboya added in an affidavit filed by state counsel Caroline Karimi. In her affidavit, Ms Karimi noted that Ledama was a relative to the victim. Mboya also noted that despite doctors informing the minors mother about the defilement, she refused to accept and has continued to deny that her child has been defiled. During examinations, doctors discovered that she had anal injuries. After examining the child, doctors found she had been defiled. They gave the information to the mother, who maintained that the child had not been attacked. It has taken three months of counselling for the girl to reveal the perpetrator because he is a relative, Karimi said. The prosecution said the minors mother is the defence of the suspect. The minor is in custody of the state and has been placed at a childrens home in Nairobi. The Court was further told that the accused person is a flight risk and might abscond court owing to the nature of his job and the fact that he also holds US citizenship. State counsel Caroline Karimi pleaded with the court not to grant Ledama any bond terms until the minor testifies. She will be seeking orders for the State to retain the custody of the minor during the trial. She said the minors mother is a US citizen therefore the minor is also a flight risk. Senior Principal Magistrate Kennedy Cheruiyot agreed with the prosecution and denied the accused bail. The case will be mentioned on January 16, 2019. Sources: Star.co.ke/Citizentv Thomas B. Edsall in the New York Times: Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the idealistic class of 64 Democratic House freshmen are armed with a reform agenda. This includes H.R. 1, a 571-page bill that addresses voting rights, corruption, gerrymandering and campaign finance reform as well as the creation of a Select Committee on the Climate Crisis a first step toward a Green New Deal. Proponents of this ambitious project face a determined adversary, however the top ranks of the interest group establishment, skilled in co-opting liberal members of Congress and converting initiatives to square with the interests of corporate America. The upper stratum of the Washington lobbying community often exercises de facto veto power over the legislative process, dominating congressional policymaking, funneling campaign money to both parties and offering lucrative employment to retiring and defeated members of the House and Senate. Lobbyists exercise this power across the course of a members career. Whoever is elected is immediately met with a growing lobbying onslaught by the same big players, write Lee Drutman, a senior fellow at New America, Matt Grossmann, a political scientist at Michigan State and Tim LaPira, a political scientist at James Madison University, who have contributed a chapter to Can America Govern Itself? a book edited by Francis Lee and Nolan McCarty that is coming out in June. More here. Robert F. Service in Science: For patients with aggressive kidney and skin cancers, an immune-boosting protein called interleukin-2 (IL-2) can be a lifesaver. But the dose at which it fights cancer can also produce life-threatening side effects. Now, scientists have used computer modeling to design a new protein from scratch that mimics IL-2s immune-enhancing abilities, while avoiding its dangerous side effects. The protein has so far been tested only in animals, but it may soon enter human trials. IL-2 plays a key role in directing the bodys immune response to outside invaders. The protein, a signaling molecule called a cytokine, ramps up the activity of white blood cells known as T lymphocytes by binding simultaneously to their IL-2 and IL-2 receptors. In cells where a third type of receptor, IL-2, is present, IL-2 binds collectively to all three. In other white blood cells, this dampens the bodys immune response. But it can also occur in cells in blood vessels, causing those vessels to leak, a potentially deadly condition. People have tried for 30 years to alter IL-2 to make it safer and more effective, says Daniel Adriano Silva Manzano, a biochemist at the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle and first author of the new study. But IL-2 is unstable and stops working when it loses its normal 3D shape, and many mutations destabilize the structure further, Silva Manzano says. To do better, Silva Manzano teamed up with lab director David Baker, a protein designer at UW, and colleagues in the United States, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom, to remake IL-2 from scratch. They started by studying atomic maps of IL-2 interacting with the desirable and receptors, as well as the undesirable receptor. IL-2 is a single long chain of amino acids. When it folds up into its active 3D shape, it forms four segments that twist into spirals called alpha helixes that are held together by a series of loops that tie them together in a bundle. At the bottom of this bundle of helixes are two sites that bind to the and receptors. Meanwhile, portions of one of the helixes and two loops at the top of the protein bind to receptors. Baker, Silva, and their colleagues programmed protein-design software Baker had developed, called Rosetta, to maintain the needed interactions with the and receptors but eliminate the portion that binds to receptors. Rosetta produced 40 options. After analyzing them, the team synthesized and tested 22, tweaking the best to improve the designer proteins stability and its effectiveness at binding the desired receptors. Finally, the researchers settled on a version they dubbed Neo-2/15, which shares only 14% of its amino acid sequence with IL-2. Lab studies revealed it bound tightly to and receptors, but not to receptors. In mouse models of colon cancer and melanoma, the compound reduced side effects associated with receptors, strongly inhibited tumor growth, and even eliminated tumors in a handful of animals. Regular IL-2 given to other mice didnt do the latter, they report today in Nature . More here. Keynote speech by Claudio Borio at the website of the Bank for International Settlements: Few issues in economics have generated such heated debates as the nature of money and its role in the economy. What is money? How is it related to debt? How does it influence economic activity? The recent mainstream economic literature is an unfortunate exception. Bar a few who have sailed into these waters, money has been allowed to sink by the macroeconomics profession. And with little or no regrets. Today, I would like to raise it from the seabed. To do so, I will look to an older intellectual tradition in which I grew up. I would thus like to revisit the basics of monetary economics and draw lessons that concern the relationship between money, debt, trust and central banking. I approach the topic with some trepidation. So much has been written by scholars much better equipped than me, including a number in the audience. Still, I hope to shed some new light on some old questions. A number of the points I will be making are well known and generally accepted; others more speculative and controversial. My focus will be the on the monetary system, defined technically as money plus the transfer mechanisms to execute payments.2 Logically, it makes little sense to talk about one without the other. But payments have too often been taken for granted in the academic literature, old and new. In the process, we have lost some valuable insights. Let me highlight three takeaways. More here. Alison Smith in Granta: In 1987, my first year in college, I happened upon a notice outside of the English department for a winter session opportunity: escorting a visiting artist during a week-long interdisciplinary conference held at my school, the University of Rochester. I ran my finger down the list of artists names until it stopped on one: Ursula K. Le Guin. At eighteen, I had never met a published author (unless you count the time I stood in line for an hour to have Kurt Vonnegut sign my copy of Slaughterhouse-Five), and this was not any published author, this was Le Guin. I scanned the notice for application information. Applicants were required to write an essay on why they would be a good student guide and to list their preferred artists. The deadline was that day. I sat down in the hallway and scribbled out a plea on the back of the notice. I dont remember what I wrote, but I am sure I mentioned my worn copy of The Left Hand of Darkness and the first line, which I had memorized. A line that contained a thrilling twist on the nature of reality: Ill make my report as if I told a story, for I was taught as a child on my homeworld that Truth is a matter of the imagination. I slipped the paper under the door the office had already closed. A week later I received a call from the department secretary. I had been assigned an artist. Who? I asked, gripping the receiver. There was a pause. I heard papers shuffling, and then: Ursula K. Le Guin. More here. Employees at the federal prison in Milan, MI, are feeling the pinch. They have not gotten paychecks since before Christmas. Effects of the partial government shutdown are spilling over the prison walls, and into stores such as Milan City Market, which relies on customers who work at the prison. One shopper empathizes with the plight of those workers who are waiting for back pay and upcoming payroll. "I think everybody should take a wage freeze. If they're going to freeze the regular employees, and they're the ones really suffering," said Reuben Torres, who lives in California. Dorothy Hall considers the situation strictly political, adding, "If the Democrats have did what they were supposed to do, he wouldn't have had to shut down the wall. (The president) wouldn't need to shut down the government." In a statement, the Federal Bureau of Prisons explains: "During a shutdown, funds are not available through an appropriations law or continuing resolution to allow agencies to operate. Only employees who perform "excepted" functions (i.e., whose duties involve the safety of human life or the protection of property) or whose salaries are paid from other than FY19 annual appropriations are permitted to work. In the BOP's case, institution personnel are excepted employees, including those at Milan. Excepted employees will be paid for work performed after Congress passes and the President signs a new appropriation or continuing resolution. Of the total number of BOP staff on board (36,361), 35,287 - or approximately 97% are excepted. At BOP institutions, ordinary operations are continuing during the lapse, including mental health services and counseling, inmate programming, medical treatment, releases, etc." Many employees inside the Federal Correction Institution in Milan may still be waiting for paychecks, but one aspect that has not changed is the danger of the job itself. Last week, the accused ring leader in a child pornography case, Christian Maire, 40, of New York, was beaten and stabbed to death by other inmates here. The Associated Press reports two staff members were also hurt. That violence underscores a sometimes intense work environment where employees are now anxiously awaiting their pay. C.F. Mller Architects and BRUT have won a competition to design a new residential district, accommodating 500 homes to show how densification on a human scale can improve the quality of life of the residents, the immediate surroundings and the city. The 54,000-square-metre complex will contain 500 homes in total, with 1- & 2-bedroom units, common spaces, collective amenities, commercial spaces. The team's new masterplan is redefining the high-rise typology throughout the plan. Situated in the quarter De Nieuwe Stad in Ostend, Belgium, the existing development was built in 1972 by two social housing associations. "The existing buildings are outdated, and the neighbourhood is struggling with the typical problems of post-war social high-rise neighbourhoods," said the architects. The competition brief called to replace the buildings and redevelop the entire site. 54 architectural firms wanted to participate in the competition, four were chosen by the clients De Oostendse Haard and De Gelukkige Haard and team C.F. Mller Architects and BRUT has been announced as the winners. "This project project offers a unique opportunity to restore the image of high-rise typologies within the context of social housing, especially since the current residents declare they like living in the neighbourhood," said Gunther Slagmeulder, architect and partner at BRUT. "After all, high-rise is nowadays very topical in the discussion about densification and is gaining ground in other segments of the housing market." The design scheme combines the ambitions of the clients and the city of Ostend with the wishes of current and future tenants within an innovative, inclusive and sustainable housing project. At different scales, new qualities are introduced throughout the masterplan. On the scale of the city, a new bicycle and walking connection between the city centre and the green belt around the city, following the course of a former creek, ensures that the neighbourhood is taken out of its isolation. On a district scale, The Creek Park, a spacious landscape park increases the quality of life and the opportunities for social interaction and recreation. The Creek Park becomes a new green centrality for the neighbourhood and the surrounding residential areas with space for the reopened creek, sustainable water management, recreation, nature and a pleasant path structure. At neighbourhood scale, the sense of community is enhanced by collecting compact 'houses' around 3 distinct forecourts that act as a bridge between the existing and new buildings. Here, the entrances of the houses are situated, along with playgrounds, neighbourhood functions on the ground floor and a compact car access and parking system. On the scale of the buildings, a sense of domesticity is stimulated by supplementing comfortably furnished homes with spacious terraces, generous views and shared spaces. The robust and refined architecture combines a strong new identity with quality of living, sustainability, flexibility and feasibility. The architects aim to achieve innovative form of living. A family of 10 'block houses' and 4 tall houses' add a new chapter to the residential landscape of Ostend and maximises the advantages of the position between the city centre and the green belt. The compact 'houses' and the neighbouring apartment blocks are gathered around three forecourts, each with its own character. "Inspiration for the architecture was found in the qualities of the existing modernist buildings, which, besides the beautiful view, are also appreciated for the large glazed areas and the wide terraces that offer a feeling of light and space. But also the surrounding residential areas and the historic villas at the Belgian coast were a source of inspiration," explained the architects. C.F. Mller Architects and BRUT are collaborating on another project in Belgium that is being build right now. It is a residential tower in Antwerp. Project facts Clients: Social housing companies De Oostendse Haard and De Gelukkige Haard Address: De Nieuwe Stad, Ostend, Belgium Design team: C.F. Mller Architects with BRUT architecture and urban design Collaborators: ABT Belgium (stability, special techniques, energy, acoustics) Prizes: 1st prize in international competition, Open Call of the Team Vlaams Bouwmeester, 2018 Size: Project site: 4,8 ha Program: approx. 54,000 m, 500 1- & 2-bedroom units, common spaces, collective amenities, commercial spaces Creek Park: 3,4ha Budget: approx. 70M euros excl. VAT All images courtesy of C.F. Mller Architects > via C.F. Mller Architects David Owino, a tour guide at Lake Baringo who performed stunts with scorpions, is dead. The daring stuntman died in mysterious circumstances at the Kampi ya Samaki Administration Police camp in Baringo North Sub-county. His death has raised questions, with a human rights lobby group asking the Director of Public Prosecutions to order investigations. The Nakuru County Human Rights Network, in a letter, asked the DPP to establish an independent team to investigate the death. David Kuria, an official, claimed that police officers in the area could not be trusted to investigate the matter as they had already drawn conclusions about the case. Mr Kuria took up the matter after members of Mr Owinos family visited his office to seek help. Owinos wife, Alice Akiru, and three other family members alleged a cover-up by the police. Akiru said the police had declined to issue the family with a copy of an autopsy report conducted on the body of her husband on December 18. The deceased was allegedly beaten and arrested after a woman reported that he was a nuisance. He was reportedly picked up by an Administration Police officer, area assistant Chief Moses Chebii and a Nyumba Kumi member on December 5. Baringo AP Commander Robinson Ndiwa said David Owino was locked in the cells for being drunk and disorderly but was later found dead. The deceased was renowned for his frightening stunts with scorpions on the shores of Lake Baringo. 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(1) May 11 (1) Jul 11 (1) For many travelers, Egypt is near the top of their travel bucket list. The cradle of civilization lures visitors with major attractions like the Great Sphinx of Giza and the Great Pyramid of Giza, as well as the colorful city of Cairo, home to more than 20 million people. While Egypt was a popular tourist destination for decades, the country's revolution in 2011 ground tourism to a halt. (More than 14 million tourists visited Egypt in 2010, compared to just 4.8 million in 2016, the year after a chartered Russian plane crashed in the Sinai Peninsula.) Now, the country's political situation has stabilized and Egypt is once again drawing travelers. 1. WASTE TIME IN TRAFFIC Cairo, in particular, has some of the most impressive and frustrating traffic in the world. Traveling the six-mile route from central Cairo to the pyramids at Giza can sometimes take more than an hour, turning the excursion into a full-on day trip. Beat the tangled mess of traffic by staying in Giza for at least a night. The Mena House Hotel is one of the region's most historic properties and within walking distance of the pyramids. If you're interested in gazing at the ancient structures while having breakfast on your terrace, a night here is worth it. 2. FOLLOW THE 'WELL-MEANING' STRANGER Frequently televised show trials are notable for the absence of defense attorneys 15 were arrested for supposed ISIS affiliations just for representing defendants. Hundreds of Sunnis have been hanged. Were deleting thousands of families from Iraqi society. This is not just revenge on ISIS. This is revenge on Sunnis, the officer said, adding, We rarely abide by the law. Many Sunni families are living in dire conditions in concentration camps. The camps are a time bomb, said Sukaina Mohammad Ali Younnis, an Iraqi government official in Mosul. The fathers are in prison or dead. The mothers are being raped. They will raise the kids accordingly, and their sons will seek revenge. This wont just affect Mosul, or Nineveh, or Iraq. This will affect the whole world. In Afghanistan, Trump is intent on ending U.S. involvement in a 17-year war that has cost $1 trillion. In July 2017 he warily agreed with military advisers to add 3,900 troops while U.S.-backed Afghan forces were losing ground to the Taliban and ISIS. Now he wants the U.S. troop strength of 14,000 cut in half, leaving much of the fighting to CIA-trained Afghan forces, which a recent New York Times investigation found have been a bulwark against terrorists. Its just the start of a long vetting process that could bring several dozen Democratic presidential hopefuls to town. So here are some early lessons from her visit that candidates ought to take to heart. The assumption from polls and political handlers may be that theres some template to follow to win, whether its to be young and into identity politics or seasoned and self-confident. But how would that explain all the Sanders supporters who turned to Trump in the last election, going from a socialist who critiqued the billionaire class to rich, ego-driven capitalist hustler who demeaned the most marginalized groups? And how to square that with midterm election results, which ushered in a wave of insurgents, women and people speaking up for the underrepresented? DES MOINES Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has ordered flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff in remembrance of Eric Hosette, the firefighter who was killed Saturday in an explosion at a grain processing facility in Clinton. In a statement Wednesday, Reynolds called Hosette a courageous firefighter who served with valor and distinction. We will always remember his sacrifice and the outstanding example of service he left to all Iowans, she added. My prayers go out to his family, friends, and community during this extremely difficult time. Authorities say Hosette, a 33-year-old lieutenant and 12-year veteran with the department, was killed several hours after firefighters had arrived at Clintons Archer Daniels Mitchell facility in response to a fire. Fire officials were still investigating the explosions cause. Hosette is survived by his wife and daughter. Another firefighter, Adam Cain, also was injured in the explosion. He was still recovering from his injuries at an Iowa City hospital as of Monday. The governors order is from Friday to sunset Saturday. It applies to flags around the Capitol Complex in Des Moines along with all public buildings in the state. Others are encouraged to do the same as a sign of respect, according to the governors office. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 Ambassador of Belarus S.Aleinik visits Vatican 10-01-2019 On January 7-10, 2019 the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the United Kingdom and the Holy See non-resident, Sergei Aleinik, visited the Vatican. The Ambassador of Belarus attended the New Year's audience with Pope Francis for the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See and had a brief conversation with the Pontiff. During the visit, S.Aleinik met with the State Secretary of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary for Relations with States of the Secretariat of State of the Vatican, Archbishop Paul Gallagher. Ambassador of Belarus S.Aleinik meets the State Secretary of the Vatican, Cardinal P.Parolin The parties discussed further development of bilateral cooperation, interaction within international organizations, as well as the situation in the region. During the meeting with the Prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Library, Cesare Pasini, issues of cooperation in the field of culture were discussed. print version WATERLOO The city is claiming an out-of-state investor has allowed the former St. Marys nunnery to decay beyond repair. Waterloo City Attorney David Zellhoefer was in Black Hawk County District Court Thursday asking Judge Linda Fangman to declare the building at 123 E. Parker St. as abandoned and grant ownership to the city. Owner Henry Anderson of Downey, Calif., did not appear for the hearing but filed an affidavit contending the city caused him to lose his grandchildrens $600,000 college fund by failing to apply for federal funds to help him renovate the building. Anderson filed a longer affidavit Wednesday claiming city officials were guilty of 37 counts of felony, high crimes and misdemeanors, including domestic mixed war, slavery, treason, fraud, extortion, robbery and racketeering, for which he was owed more than $11 million in damages. Zellhoefer said those claims have no merit. The bottom line is that Dr. Anderson purchased the property in 2006 and has done nothing to improve it, he said. In reality, he has abandoned it. He has not paid the property taxes. He has failed to maintain the building. Water, black mold, animal feces and damage from vandalism are present. Eashaan Vajpeyi, an attorney who represents College Hill developer Brian Sires, spoke against out against the code, along with Sires and Jerry Geisler. We need to not go with (one stall per) bedroom, we need to go one-plus parking stalls per bedroom, Geisler said. He advised 1.75 parking stalls were needed per bedroom. Geisler, a landlord on College Hill, noted every student has a car, and often one bedroom apartments are occupied by more than one individual. When youve got two people in a one-bedroom apartment, those people are occupying space for a long period of time, Sires said. Commissioner LeaAnn Saul didnt want to pass the amendment before a parking study was done on the district. What happens if we find that we do need more than 1.75 parking stalls per unit once the study is done and now we dont have it? Saul asked. Kamyar Enshayan, president of the College Hill Partnership, spoke in favor of the amendment. I want to emphasize our goal is vitality on the Hill and walk-ability, he said. ADEL (AP) An Iowa woman has pleaded guilty to three kidnapping charges related to the 2017 starvation death of her 16-year-old adopted daughter. The Des Moines Register reports that 41-year-old Misty Jo Bousman Ray pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of first-degree kidnapping and two counts of third-degree kidnapping involving two other adopted children in her care illegally confined to her Perry home. First-degree kidnapping carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison. In exchange for her plea, prosecutors dropped first-degree murder and other charges. The charges stem from the May 2017 death of Sabrina Ray, who weighed only 56 pounds when she died. Her husband, 43-year-old Marc Ray, pleaded guilty last month to child endangerment causing death and three counts of third-degree kidnapping. The couple will be jointly sentenced on Jan. 18 in Dallas County. Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 1 Sad 1 Angry 1 Of the index crimes, aggravated assault showed the largest increase, up 26 percent from 188 in 2017 to 237 in 2018. It was still down compared the recent high in 2013 when 473 incidents were reported. Murder remained steady, with six homicide cases being reported in both 2017 and 2018. Seven people lost their lives to crime in 2018, although two died in a single incident, so the city numbers show six homicide cases for the year. The body of Lakisha Owens, 40, was found in a cemetery Jan. 26 a few days after she disappeared. Records indicate she died of asphyxiation. No arrests have been made in her death. Ashley Smith, 32, and her 9-year-old son, Jaykwon Sallis, died in a fire at their home April 22. Denise OBrien, who had a dispute with others in the house, was arrested for first-degree murder for allegedly setting fire to the house. Greg Walker Jr., 33, was shot and killed in a friends home May 19. His slaying remains unsolved. Shavondes Martin, 22, who had been acquitted in a 2016 slaying, was found shot to death in an alley May 31. His cousin, Danaesha Martin, has been arrested for murder and is awaiting trial. Shavondes Martins mother, 48-year-old Diane Martin, was killed when someone shot up her home Sept. 10. No arrests have been made in her death. On June 13, 72-year-old Johannes Rodenburgh was beaten at the apartment complex where he worked, and he died days later. Police arrested Martavis Tayshon Wise for second-degree murder. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 3 Angry 3 DAVENPORT --- The 12-year-old boy accused of trying to kill his social studies teacher in front of his North Scott Junior High School classmates used an illegally-owned pistol that he got from his fathers unlocked gun cabinet, according to local authorities and court records. Scott County Sheriff Tim Lane said the father of the boy, Joseph Andrews, had six guns in the house, including the one his son allegedly brought into a classroom five months ago. But Andrews, 50, of Davenport, wasnt supposed to keep any guns under an Iowa law that bars felons from doing so, authorities say. Andrews now faces one felony charge that carries a 5-year maximum sentence. His attorney could not immediately be reached for comment. The weapons charge against Andrews marks the latest development following a harrowing incident that officials have painted as a would-be school shooting thwarted by his sons unfamiliarity with guns. The Quad-City Times has so far chosen not to name the boy because of his age. On Aug. 31, police say the boy walked into his classroom with a loaded .22 caliber Smith & Wesson pistol and ordered everyone to the floor. They say he then pointed the gun at his teachers face and pulled the trigger, but the guns safety device kept it from firing. WATERLOO Community members are putting together a farewell event for Kevin Dill, in appreciation of his years of service. Dill, executive director of the Black Hawk Veterans Affairs office, is resigning due to a recent medical diagnosis. Hes held the post for three years and has been diagnosed with Lewy Body disease, a terminal condition with no cure. The disease has similar symptoms to Parkinsons and Alzheimers disease. Several special guests, who have worked closely with Dill in the past, will speak at the event, including Rick Reuter, a Vietnam veteran; Joe Nolte, a Marine veteran; Justin Jensen from Sen. Joni Ernsts office; and Dan Hansen with the Veterans Administration. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. Jan. 25 at the Diamond Event Center at 5307 Caraway Lane, Cedar Falls. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 WASHBURN The Moose Lodge, at 6636 La Porte Road, has several events planned this week. Chicken will be served tonight, and there will be an all-you-can-eat fish and salad bar from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. Breakfast will be served from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday. Lions Club meets at noon Monday CEDAR FALLS The Cedar Falls Lions Club will meet at noon Monday at the Windridge Building on the Western Home Communities south campus. Walt Erst and Mike Tully will talk about their aerial services business. Guests are always welcome. Call Lions Secretary Rich Congdon, (319) 240-1154, for details. Church to host blood drive WATERLOO Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1555 W. Ridgeway Ave., will host a Waterloo community blood drive from 2 to 6 p.m. today. For an appointment, go to lifeservebloodcenter.org or call (800) 287-4903. MS support group to meet WATERLOO The Rev. Frantz Whitfield, pastor of Mount Carmel Baptist Church and president of the Iowa chapter of the National Action Network, is doing for others. He is organizing the chapters annual Martin Luther King. Jr. celebration. The citywide service will take place at 6 p.m. Sunday at Union Baptist Church, 209 Jackson St. The public may attend the free event. This year, were actually having a few different pastors from churches in the community do a 10-minute inspirational speech about unity, Whitfield says. The event has rotated around various local churches over the past few years. Its a big worship service and celebration, where everyone can come together, he explains. The Rev. Marvin Jenkins, pastor of Union Baptist Church is one of the guest speakers. Hell be joined by the Rev. Thomas Flint, pastor of Payne AME Church; the Rev. Helen Seenster of Koinonia Ministries Full Gospel Baptist Church and the Rev. Jeff McCourt of Cedar Heights Baptist Church. After nearly two decades of scraping out a living as an editor and earning little income from his poetry and fiction, Poe finally achieved a breakthrough with The Raven, which became an international sensation after its publication in 1845. But when given the opportunity to give a reading in Boston and capitalize on this newfound fame, Poe didnt read a new poem, as requested. Instead, he reprised a poem from his youth: the long-winded, esoteric and dreadfully boring Al Aaraaf, renamed The Messenger Star. As one newspaper reported, it was not appreciated by the audience, evidenced by their uneasiness and continual exits in numbers at a time. Poes literary career stalled for the remaining four years of his short life. Freuds death drive While perverseness wrecked Poes life and career, it nonetheless inspired his literature. If you find your marriage lacking the ring-ting-tingle that once was, Cook offers a few thinking points before deciding to sign or serve those papers. Dont rush. Divorce is certainly a serious decision that shouldnt be taken lightly. If you havent tried marriage or couples counseling (and assuming youre not in a domestic violence situation) consider meeting with somebody. There are no guarantees it will work, but when you settle on filing for divorce, it needs to be a decision youve thought through. Explore the process. It doesnt hurt to meet with a lawyer, ask questions and know your options. Get a feel for your legal rights before throwing down the gauntlet. Do your homework and research, especially when kids are involved. People are better off taking a step back and understanding how the process works, Cook said. And laws can change, so get informed about how the current rules will impact your specific situation. Keep the kids in mind. Dont suffer through an unhappy relationship for the sake of the kids they pick up on things and model certain behaviors, but theyre also resilient. Parents will often stay in relationships for 15 or 20 years for the kids and later theyll tell you, I would have been OK, Cook said. Finish this article for as low as $1 when you purchase a day pass. Just click the sign up button to purchase. If you are already a subscriber, just click log in to continue reading. 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A WNEP report that was shared by the West Wyoming Borough Police Department on Facebook cited police as saying the woman, named as Ashley Keister of Nanticoke, had been harassing a police officer for several months through social media. Credit: West Wyoming Police Department via Storyful "I will reveal all" - an angry Benalla speaks out about his Chad trip President Macron's former security aide Alexandre Benalla is in the limelight again after having personally led a business delegation to meet Chad's President Idriss Deby. Alexandre Benalla, former security aide to President Macron, is in the limelight yet again. A recent visit to Chad by Emannuel Macron has fanned the flames of 'Benallagate' yet again. Read RFI's article "The embarrassing business trips of Alexandre Benalla" A private plane and generous credit card French daily Le Monde revealed that a few days before Emmanuel Macron's trip to visit French troops in Chad, Alexandre Benalla visited the country with a group of 12 businessmen. The delegation arrived in a private plane and paid expenses with a credit card. On Wednesday, the French presidency told French TV channel LCI that Benalla "never informed them of his trips, except on December 20 (for Chad), when he realised everyone would end up knowing about it. Benalla not official intermediary, says French government This came as a further embarrassment for the Elysee Palace amid a time of political turmoil. The president's former security aide already faces two criminal charges after a video emerged this summer showing him manhandling demonstrators in Paris wearing a police helmet and armband. During his trip to Chad on 22 December, Emmanuel Macron reminded President Idriss Deby that Benalla was in no way an unofficial or official intermediary" of the French government "Only the Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, and the President's special counsel Philippe Etienne and Franck Paris represent the head of state on this trip", the Elysee Palace clarified. However, Benalla said he had always informed the French presidency before or after any of his trips. In the case of Chad, I informed them afterwards, he confirmed. He told LCI he was "shocked" and "scandalised" by statements from the French presidency. Story continues "I will reveal all", an angry Benalla told the press on Wednesday. Benalla to create jobs in Chad? Benallas inner circle also informed French news channel LCI that Benalla made dozens of trips to Africa over the last weeks, and had several African presidents, including Chadian president Idriss Deby. According to them, Benalla was travelling with investors from the Middle-East that he met in 2012, before working with Macron. The former bodyguard told LCI he is trying to rebuild his professional life. I am a consultant for companies in Chad, aiming to create 3.000 jobs in NDjamena he said. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been sworn in for a second term amid international calls for him to step down and a devastating economic crisis. Seventeen Latin American governments, the United States and Canada rejected the legitimacy of Mr Maduros next term in a measure adopted on Thursday. Most countries from Europe and Latin American did not send representatives to the swearing-in. But Cubas President Miguel Diaz-Canel, Bolivian President Evo Morales and President Anatoli Bibilov of a breakaway province of Georgia were among the few foreign leaders who attended the ceremony at the countrys Supreme Court. In a speech after his swearing-in, Mr Maduro claimed 94 countries had sent representatives to his inauguration. He vowed to continue the legacy of the late president Hugo Chavez and accused the United States of trying to ignite unrest through its increasing economic sanctions. Venezuela is the centre of a world war led by the North American imperialists and its allies, said Mr Maduro, a former bus driver. They have tried to convert a normal inauguration into a world war. Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro flashes a victory sign to supporters (Ariana Cubillos/AP) Mr Maduros second term extends Venezuelas socialist revolution amid widespread complaints that he has stripped the country of its last vestiges of democracy. Mr Maduro, 56, denies that he is a dictator and often blames President Donald Trump for leading an economic war against Venezuela that is destroying the country. The Organisation of American States voted not to recognise Mr Maduros legitimacy, adopting a resolution presented by Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, the United States, Paraguay and Peru. The move was denounced by Venezuelas ambassador to the OAS, Samuel Moncada, as a hostile act against the will of our nation. Paraguay went a step further, cutting diplomatic ties. Venezuelan citizens protest against the second term of Nicolas Maduro (Martin Mejia/AP) President Mario Abdo Benitez said his country in the exercise of its constitutional powers and national sovereignty, adopts the decision to break diplomatic relations with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Story continues US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said in a statement that the United States will keep up pressure in support of the Venezuelan people. It is time for Venezuelan leaders to make a choice, Mr Pompeo said, urging Maduro supporters to be on the right side of history. Now is the time to convince the Maduro dictatorship that the moment has arrived for democracy to return to Venezuela. Argentinas President Mauricio Macri also denounced Mr Maduro, saying he lacks the authenticity won through honest elections despite Thursdays elaborate inauguration ceremony and any other tricks. Nicolas Maduro today is making a mockery of democracy, Mr Macri said on Twitter. Venezuelans know it, the world knows it. Venezuela lives under a dictatorship. Oil-rich Venezuela was once among Latin Americas wealthiest nations. It produced 3.5 million barrels of crude daily when Mr Chavez took power. Output now has plummeted to less than a third of that. Critics blame years of rampant corruption and mismanagement of the state-run oil firm PDVSA. The Maltese government has given permission for two boats stranded since December with 49 migrants aboard to dock in Valletta. Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced the move after agreeing a deal with the European Union, which also covers some 250 migrants already in the country. The German humanitarian vessel Sea-Watch 3 rescued 32 people near Libya on 22 December and its sister ship, Sea-Eye, collected 17 more on 29 December. They have spent several days off the coast of Malta. "An ad hoc agreement has been reached," said Muscat. "Of the 249 migrants in Malta and 49 on the boats, 220 will go to other EU states or back to their country of origin." The migrants will go to eight countries including France, Germany, Portugal and the Netherlands. Around a dozen countries had said they were prepared to take the 49 people off the boats but Malta insisted on a deal for all 298. "Malta has never closed its doors and will always remain a haven," said Muscat. "We simply want everyone to go along with the international laws. "We want to send out a strong signal that this issue must be shared because it is a Europe-wide problem." Evangelical calls for unity The call has been shared by Italy's protestant community, with evangelicals offering to take in some of the migrants. The head of the Federation of Evangelical Churches in Italy (FCEI), Luca Maria Negro, said in a press release, shortly after Malta's announcement: "[FCEI] has told the Interior Minister we are available to welcome some of the refugees from Sea-Watch who are arriving in our country. From our experience, we know that these events could be the basis for lovely stories of integration. "As protestant Italians, we have supported the rescues on the open sea with Sea-Watch and Open Arms. It is important to underline that this is the responsibility of European countries. This is the best way to deal with this migratory phenomenon." The Maltese government has given permission for two boats stranded since December with 49 migrants aboard to dock in Valletta. Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced the move after agreeing a deal with the European Union, which also covers some 250 migrants already in the country. The German humanitarian vessel Sea-Watch 3 rescued 32 people near Libya on 22 December and its sister ship, Sea-Eye, collected 17 more on 29 December. They have spent several days off the coast of Malta. "An ad hoc agreement has been reached," said Muscat. "Of the 249 migrants in Malta and 49 on the boats, 220 will go to other EU states or back to their country of origin." The migrants will go to eight countries including France, Germany, Portugal and the Netherlands. Around a dozen countries had said they were prepared to take the 49 people off the boats but Malta insisted on a deal for all 298. "Malta has never closed its doors and will always remain a haven," said Muscat. "We simply want everyone to go along with the international laws. "We want to send out a strong signal that this issue must be shared because it is a Europe-wide problem." Evangelical calls for unity The call has been shared by Italy's protestant community, with evangelicals offering to take in some of the migrants. The head of the Federation of Evangelical Churches in Italy (FCEI), Luca Maria Negro, said in a press release, shortly after Malta's announcement: "[FCEI] has told the Interior Minister we are available to welcome some of the refugees from Sea-Watch who are arriving in our country. From our experience, we know that these events could be the basis for lovely stories of integration. "As protestant Italians, we have supported the rescues on the open sea with Sea-Watch and Open Arms. It is important to underline that this is the responsibility of European countries. This is the best way to deal with this migratory phenomenon." Flooding caused by heavy rainfall in January displaced thousands of refugees living in Beqaa, Lebanon. A storm, dubbed Norma, affected Lebanon between January 6 and 7, bringing floods and snow to several areas in the country, the Daily Star reported. Syrian refugees and activists in Lebanon appealed to the international community and the United Nations for help, Orient News reported. Last month, flooding in north Syria destroyed tents in 11 refugee camps and displaced 25,000 refugees, according to a report by Anadolu Agency. Footage released by Save the Children shows flooding in Beqaa, Lebanon. Credit: Save the Children via Storyful The DUP has refused to give ground on its border backstop opposition during a robust and very frank meeting with Irelands deputy premier. Simon Coveney met party leader Arlene Foster and colleagues at Stormont in a bid to offer reassurances on the withdrawal treatys most contentious provision. The meeting came during a packed schedule of meetings for Mr Coveney in Belfast as he urged politicians and business and community representatives to get behind the EU/UK deal. I dont think anyone would have expected that the conversation would have resulted in agreement on the backstop between the DUP and the Irish government but certainly I think it was useful to have an open and frank discussion, said Mr Coveney afterwards. Mrs Foster told Mr Coveney the Irish government and other EU members needed to drop their insistence on the backstop. The backstop is not needed, she said. No-one is going to build a hard border. We will work with the (UK) Government to reach a better deal for the United Kingdom but this will require more pragmatism from the European Union. Exiting the European Union without a deal is not our favoured outcome. To reach a better deal will require a change of heart in Dublin and Brussels. I trust the Irish government will reflect on our principled objections to the Withdrawal Agreement and recognise that there is a better way which can work for both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. Under the terms of the proposed withdrawal deal, the backstop would only be triggered if a wider trade agreement between the UK and the EU failed to materialise before the end of the Brexit implementation period whether that be at its current expiration date in late 2020 or at a later date if the implementation period is extended. The measure, which is designed to avoid the re-emergence of any border checks, would see the UK as a whole effectively remain in the EU customs union while Northern Ireland would also have to comply with a number of single market regulations. Story continues Mrs Foster, whose party described the exchanges with Mr Coveney as at times very frank, added: The Withdrawal Agreement is not a fair deal and we cannot support it. It should be no more acceptable to build a new east-west border than it is to build a new north-south border. Simon Coveney at Stormont (David Young/PA) During Thursday, Mr Coveney met Northern Ireland business leaders, trade unions, farmers representatives, womens groups and other people working in the voluntary and community sector. He claimed there was consensus support for the proposed deal. I have to say that in all the meetings we have had today there is very strong support for what the Prime Minister is advocating for now and I wanted to try to reinforce many of those messages, he said. When asked did he think the DUP was out of step with public opinion in Northern Ireland, he responded: Its not for me to say that. The DUP have a very important constituency, they are the largest party in Northern Ireland, I respect that, but Ive got to listen to the other political parties too and business organisations and community organisations. I think we have a job to do to all work together here to try to navigate a way through what is a very complex and difficult negotiation. Mr Coveney, who said his meeting with the DUP was robust, also held talks with Sinn Fein at Parliament Buildings, with the republican party urging the Irish government and other EU member states to hold firm in the face of Brexiteer calls to ditch the backstop. Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill and party colleagues at Stormont (David Young/PA) As this unfolds it is crucially important that the Tanaiste and the Irish government continues to stand up for the people here in the north, said party vice president Michelle ONeill. I put it to the Tanaiste that the DUP are on the wrong side of this argument, they bizarrely are actually turning their face against the interests of the citizens here. As we see how this unfolds in the next number of days and weeks, I think its vitally important that the Irish government holds firm, along with the other member states, who gave assurances yesterday that they will remain firm, that there is no room for renegotiation or reopening up the negotiation that has already happened and concluded. Ms ONeill said a no-deal crash out would be catastrophic. The ramifications are just unthinkable, she said. The charity wants to see a bailiff regulator and an independent complaints process. People are being put off complaining about bailiffs because the system is complicated and frustrating, Citizens Advice claims. There has been a 24% rise in people coming to Citizens Advice with bailiff problems since 2014. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of people who experience a bailiff breaking the rules do not complain at all, its report, which covers England and Wales, said. In the past year, Citizens Advice said it has helped 41,000 people with 90,000 bailiff issues, and the bailiff pages on its website were visited more than 140,000 times. Interviews with advisers and people who have sought help from Citizens Advice found people do not complain because it is unclear how to do so, the pressure of bailiff enforcement action puts people off complaining and there is a lack of faith in the process. Citizens Advice said that a reliance on self-regulation and court-based enforcement makes it hard for people to complain. Figures obtained by Citizens Advice from the Ministry of Justice showed just 56 complaints were made through a court-based process introduced as part of bailiff reforms in 2014. It is calling for the introduction of a bailiff regulator. Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: The complaints process is complicated and frustrating. She said that alongside the introduction of a bailiff regulator there should be an independent complaints process. She said: Its important complaints are reviewed independently of the bailiff industry and outside the court system. Cookies op Tweakers Tweakers is onderdeel van DPG Media en maakt gebruik van cookies, JavaScript en vergelijkbare technologie om je onder andere een optimale gebruikerservaring te bieden. Ook kan Tweakers hierdoor het gedrag van bezoekers vastleggen en analyseren. Door gebruik te maken van deze website, of door op 'Cookies accepteren' te klikken, geef je toestemming voor het gebruik van cookies. Wil je meer informatie over cookies en hoe ze worden gebruikt? Bekijk dan ons cookiebeleid. Former Today show executive producer Mark Calvert has been appointed to the newly created role of Head of Programming and Special Events at SKY News. Calvert, who departed Nine last month, will work closely with Executive Editor of News, Chris Willis, and will be responsible for developing national affairs commentary programs and managing special event broadcasts. He will report to SKY News Chief Executive, Paul Whittaker, and will be based in Sydney. Paul Whittaker, SKY News Chief Executive said: Were delighted to welcome Mark to the SKY News team in this senior role, as we prepare for a bumper election year. We believe we have brought together a highly qualified editorial and programming team to lead our news and national affairs coverage in 2019. Calvert said: Theres great energy and ambition at SKY News under Pauls leadership, and I cant wait to join him and the team. Its going to be a huge year for news, and SKY News will be in the thick of it. Acting program director Greg Byrnes has been appointed to the new role of Executive Producer Talk and will report to Calvert who begins on January 14th. Related Season 4 of US political doco series The Circus begins on Stan later this month as Democrats take control of the House of Representatives. Hosted by John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon, and Alex Wagner, The Circus will venture behind the scenes in Washington and beyond, exploring the shifting power dynamics on Capitol Hill as Democrats take control of the House of Representatives, along with covering the escalating drama around President Donald Trumps White House as it grapples with mounting legal entanglements and continued scrutiny from Special Counsel Robert Mueller. With the 2020 presidential race already taking shape, the series will also follow the burgeoning field of Trump challengers as they make their initial forays on the campaign trail. After covering the historic midterm elections and the convulsive Brett Kavanaugh confirmation to the Supreme Court, The Circus completed its third season with an hour-long finale in November. John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon, Alex Wagner, Banks Tarver, Ken Druckerman, Ted Bourne, and Tom Johnson serve as executive producers. January 28 with new episodes weekly, same day as the U.S. Related The ABC has admitted underpaying casual employees after concerns were raised by the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) in December. Awkwardly it comes after ABC shows such as Four Corners have targeted underpayments and staff conditions by companies such as 7-Eleven. In a statement ABC said, A detailed review is underway to confirm how penalties, allowances and loadings should have been calculated and applied over the past six years to about 2500 flat-rate casual staff. Current and former casual employees who might be affected are being notified and the ABC is reviewing its processes to address the issue for the future. The Fair Work Ombudsman has been notified and the ABC is liaising with them in relation to this situation. The Corporation is having discussions with the CPSU, which brought the matter to the attention of management, and intends to work with affected staff, the CPSU and the MEAA to address their concerns. This error should not have occurred, and the ABC apologises to any casual employee who has been underpaid. The ABC is actively working to remedy this for affected employees as soon as possible. The unions ABC section secretary Sinddy Ealy told Guardian Australia the total unpaid wage amount would be substantial at a time when the ABC can ill afford it. The scale of this mistake over so many years would be unacceptable in any workplace, let alone at our national broadcaster, she said. Weve had concerns about the ABCs over-reliance on and payment of casual workers for years. As recently as 2016 the CPSU was assured by the ABC that it was paying casual employers in accordance with the terms and conditions of the ABC staff agreement clearly that is not the case. The people responsible for a mistake of this scale must be held accountable, particularly given their previous denials of any problem. All workers affected by this disgraceful situation should be provided with backpay, and many of these workers should also be given permanent jobs. Last year ABC management came under fire after ACTU secretary Sally McManus was initially declined access to speak to ABC members of the CPSU, but the matter was resolved and proceeded. Related Doctors at a hospital in north-central Vietnam took an unorthodox approach to treating a patient suffering from alcohol poisoning feeding him 15 cans of beer in a bid to save his life. Nguyen Van Nhat, 48, was hospitalized on December 25 with symptoms of severe methanol poisoning after consuming a massive amount of alcohol at a party earlier that day. Nhat was unconscious and in a life-threatening condition by the time he made it to Quang Tri General Hospital in Quang Tri Province in north-central Vietnam, according to Le Van Lam, head of the hospitals intensive care unit. Doctors took blood samples from Nhat and found that the level of methanol in his blood was 1,119 times higher than the legal limit. Three cans of beer were immediately administered to the patient to slow down his livers processing of methanol, Lam said. It took 15 cans of beer administered at a rate of one can per hour before Nhat had finally recovered to the point that doctors could discharge him from the hospital. According to Dr. Lam, using beer to save alcohol-poisoned patients is not unheard of in the medical world. In essence, there are two variants of alcohol - ethanol and methanol. The human liver prioritizes breaking down ethanol over methanol, Lam said. When methanol is broken down, it releases formaldehyde, a highly toxic chemical compound that can be deadly when consumed in high levels. Meanwhile, ethanol does not lead to serious poisoning when it is broken down by the liver. As beer contains ethanol, administering beer into a methanol-poisoned patient actually helps stop the liver from breaking down methanol, giving doctors enough time to perform dialysis and remove alcohol from the patients system, Dr. Lam explained. In addition, excess methanol that is not broken down by the liver can be naturally discharged from the body through urination, he said. Tran Van Thanh, director of Quang Tris health department, said the department will look into this treatment method to see if it fits any standard medical practices. Even if it does not conform to any medical standard, this method should be scientifically studied if it has been proven effective in practice, Thanh said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnams anti-corruption department has retrieved more than US$1 billion from corruption and economic cases in 2018, the official Vietnam News Agency reported on Thursday. The Investigation Police Department on Economic, Corruption-related Crimes and Smuggling, under the Ministry of Public Security, has recovered nearly VND27 trillion ($1.16 billion) from graft and economic violations last year. The figure represents nearly 50 percent of the total estimated damage caused by the violations and an 18 percentage point increase from the funds retrieved in 2017, the Vietnam News Agency said, citing statistics released by the department at a recent meeting. Of the figure, nearly VND2.9 trillion ($126 million) was recovered from corruption cases. Minister of Public Security To Lam commended the departments staff for their efforts and spoke highly of their making progress in discovering economic and corruption crimes and in retrieving assets from these cases. Still, shortcomings remained and the department should review them and use their findings to improve the fight against corruption and smuggling, the minister underlined. Minister Lam said the year 2019 is set to be a key period in the fight against corruption and economic crimes, given Vietnam has integrated deeper into the global economy. The anti-corruption department is therefore required to have an active, long-term vision for combating economic, corruption and smuggling crimes. The department should also focus on measures to speed up the investigation of key economic and corruption cases and the recovery of assets, the Vietnam News Agency quoted the minister as saying. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police in Ho Chi Minh City said on Wednesday they are looking for two suspects accused of using a stun baton to forcibly steal a womans motorbike three days ago. The victim, T.T.T.L. was riding her motorcycle at around 4:00 am on Monday in Binh Chanh District when two other motorcyclists pulled up next to her, law enforcement said. One of them gave the 26-year-old victim an electric shock from a stun baton, causing her to fall from her motorbike. The attackers immediately fled with her vehicle. Local police received the report of the theft on the same day and launched an urgent investigation. This is not the first time Binh Chanh District has had such a violent incident. In late December last year, residents complained of a pack of 13 motorcyclists who used knives and crash helmets to attack motorbike riders before robbing them of their possessions in the early morning. The group has successfully carried out three other thefts, the police said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A middle-aged man in Vietnams Central Highlands died on Thursday after being abducted by debt collectors a day earlier, police said. The man, Le Dinh Huu P. in Gia Lai Province, agreed to settle the VND100 million ($4,300) debt on behalf of two of his relatives, who had lost a bet in illegal cock fighting, according to the 55-year-old victims family. He made the decision because he thought they were unable to pay off the money, the family said. As of last December, the creditor to Ps relatives visited his house on multiple occasions to put pressure on him to clear the debt. He also took Ps pick-up away for the purpose. On Wednesday afternoon the creditor came to P.s home again but this time he arrived in a car and was accompanied by five people, the family members said. The group fired multiple shots in the air and hit P. before forcing him into the vehicle and fled the scene. Ps family later suddenly learned that he was being treated at a hospital for a number of wounds. He died on Thursday from what doctors said were liver and brain injuries. Local police opened an investigation and have arrested two suspects in the case. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Toi Dong Hanh, or I accompany, a fundraising campaign jointly held by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper and Eco Pharma has made it their mission to deliver Lunar New Year gifts to needy Vietnamese children diagnosed with cancer. Four-hundred gifts were delivered to young cancer patients at the Vietnam National Childrens Hospital, National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, and K Hospital in the hope of bringing joy to these sick youngsters ahead of the upcoming Tet holiday season. Chicken soup for the soul For the two whole days, from January 5 to 6, the pain of tolling cancer treatment sessions seemed to disappear from the young cancer patients at the three hospitals. These were the two days these young children were able to take a break from the pain of daily life and experience a bit normalcy. Tang Thi Thao, a long-time resident in the hospital, wept with happiness when she received a cake on her third birthday on January 1. Similarly, five-year-old Minh Anh, was overwhelmed with happiness when she got the present on her wish list: a cooking utensil toy set. I love cooking very much! Now that my wish has come true, I am so grateful! Anh said. For a once jubilant schoolgirl who has been so gloomy since her hospital admission the gift does has done wonders. My friends also wished me quick recovery. I miss my school, and my classmates so much, she shared. Nguyen Thi Hoa, 8, was exhausted before the gifting session as she had just finished her treatment. But the fatigue seemed to fade the moment she was presented with the pair of shoes she had yearned for. Now I have what I need to enjoy Lunar New Year to the fullest! Hoa cheerily commented. Stake for a brighter future Tran Thanh Luan, deputy head of Hope and Belief club, who has for years shared his life accompanying young cancer patients, revealed a permanent blanket of sadness seems cast over the hospital. Though their wishes amount to little, their parents have invested everything for them so small gifts are hard to come by, Luan starkly admitted. Many fathers and mothers could not hold back their tears, as their children simply wished for a better health. But save for the children, anyone can comprehend that their path ahead is arduous and perilous to no end. Thats why catering to them, bringing back lost smiles on their hopeful faces, is the happiness of all us contributors, Luan affirmed. Realizing the dream for 400+ young cancer patients Nguyen Xuan Cuong, representative of Eco Pharma, affirmed Toi Dong Hanh 2018 could not claim such success without endearing support from the countrys internet community. The campaign held late last year encouraged people to draw sunflowers and posted on social media to support the fundraising call. Though only 6,833 among the 300,000 submitted sunflower drawings were eligible, in light of the meaningful charity program, Eco Pharma decided to sponsor all doodling contributions, raking up VND5.5 billion (US$237,259) for the activities. Today, at the Vietnam National Childrens Hospital, National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, and K Hospital, some 400 young cancer patients have been gifted presents according to their new years wishes, said Cuong. Those gifts are the testimony of affection netizens have brought forth for our dear children. In the future, I do hope many more shall put in an effort to alleviate the pain and suffering such young and bright patients have to endure, he further commented. For four years straight, Toi Dong Hanh has strived nonstop for the welfare of Vietnamese young cancer patients. Standing firm to the conviction that no children deserves such a tragic start in life, the campaign has since attracted nationwide support as a collective effort for the suffering younglings. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Ma Phu Cuong has spent years searching for a way to keep the thousands of dragon fruit buds his family discards from their farm each year from going to waste. My family grows dragon fruit for a living. When the dragon fruit has buds, we keep the strong and the big ones because they can grow into flowers. We have to throw out the small ones, Cuong said. Cuong was born and raised in the south-central province of Binh Thuan, the countrys dragon fruit hub where his family has operated a dragon fruit farm since long before he was born. I always hope to make the most of the buds instead of wasting them. Cuong, a student at the University of Technology (HuTech) in Ho Chi Minh City, was explaining the problem to classmates Tran Le My Quynh and Truong Hoang Phuc when the idea to use the buds for making tea struck him. The trio teamed up and began spending all their free time in the universitys laboratory, tinkering with the formula for the dragon fruit bud tea and making sure each layer of taste was perfect. Cuong knew he had finally hit gold when he finally had a chemical analysis done on the tea. Dragon fruit buds contain numerous nutrients such as anthocyanin, tannin, and flavonoid which have high antioxidant effects, stabilize cholesterol, prevent cardiovascular disease, and improve the immune systems function, he said, citing the test results of his sample product. (Left to right) Cuong, Quynh and Phuc present about their product at a local talent contest. Photo: Tuoi Tre After another six months, Cuong and his team invited a group of friends and professors from their university to taste the tea and give their opinions on its taste. We managed to adjust the flavour and packaging based on peoples comments to make it tastier and easier to use, said Cuong. The group chose the brand name Duc Thuan for their tea, taking the Vietnamese word Duc for ethic and adding Thuan to represent Cuongs hometown of Binh Thuan. This represents our commitment to promote ethics in business and to bring the best products to customers, he explained. At the end of October 2018, Cuong, Phuc, and Quynh present Duc Thuan tea at a local talent contest where they won the funding they need from investors to launch the product. According to Cuong, the project isnt about tea. Its about creating value from waste. I have a dream that I can find ways to make more dragon fruit products. There will be no more wasting, said Cuong. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A group of more than 100 education advocacy groups are urging Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker to ensure that their departments are upholding civil rights laws and are working to protect all students from discrimination. In a Thursday letter to DeVos, Whitaker, and their deputies for civil rights, groups including the American Federation of Teachers, Childrens Defense Fund, and the NAACP registered their strong opposition to DeVos decision last month to rescind the Obama administrations school discipline guidance that was intended to protect students of color from the disparate impacts of discipline policies. They said the administration should vigorously recommit to respond meaningfully to racial discrimination in school discipline. We reject any effort to undermine the protections and supports these laws provide, through the rescission of guidance used to inform all parties of their rights and obligations under the law, the letter says. We also oppose any effort to limit resources and practical tools available to help recipients of federal funding proactively comply with the law. DeVos and some educators have argued that the guidance placed an undue burden on schools and forced some educators to choose between their own judgments and fears that they would be accused of discrimination. A Trump administration school safety panelwhich DeVos served on along with other cabinet secretariesrecommended that the Education and Justice Departments rescind the guidance in a report released Dec. 18, and the Trump administration did so three days later. At least one critic of the guidance, Thomas B. Fordham Institute President Mike Petrilli, stressed that repealing the guidance does nothing to stop those who believe they suffered from discimrination from filing a federal civil rights complaint. But supporters of the guidance argued that it addressed widespread disparities in how students of color and their peers were treated after committing the same disciplinary infractions. The guidance did not have the force of law, but the Obama administration warned districts they could run afoul of federal civil rights laws if their disciplinary policies created a disparate impact on different groups of students. Although Congress has provided small increases for the Education Departments office for civil rights, critics also say that DeVos decision to move that offices focus away from investigations of systemic bias has taken much of the muscle out of civil rights enforcement. Rescinding the guidance does not affect the statutes and regulations that the guidance clarifies. Schools are still prohibited from discriminating against students and ED is still obligated to enforce civil rights law, the letter states. Read the coalitions letter below: Photo: Max Schacter, father of Parkland victim Alex Schacter, right, speaks with President Donald Trump during a roundtable discussion on the Federal Commission on School Safety report, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Dec. 18, 2018, in Washington. From left, Trump, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Sheriff Kevin Byars, Marshall County, Ky., and Schacter. (Evan Vucci/AP) Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . Police in Vietnam have arrested a former senior executive of BIDV, a bank that has come under scrutiny from an anti-graft campaign in the Southeast Asian country, the Ministry of Public Security said on Thursday. Doan Anh Sang, former deputy chief executive officer of the bank, formally known as Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam, was accused of violations of regulations on banking operations, the ministry said on its website. He is the latest in a series of former officials from the bank to have been arrested. In a statement on Thursday, BIDV, one of Vietnams largest listed banks, said Doans arrest would not impact its normal operations. BIDV always abides by the laws and is cooperating with the authorities in carrying out necessary legal proceedings, the bank said in the statement. The banks former chairman, Tran Bac Ha was arrested in November. A police source told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper four other BIDV officials have also been arrested. Sang was removed from his position at the bank in August amid a larger investigation into wrongdoings at the bank, the report said. OPINION: "I am disheartened by our current administrations pattern of blanket giveaways, as opposed to judiciously allocating the funds to where they are most needed," writes Tucsonan John Newport. We hope you have enjoyed your complimentary access for the month. To continue viewing content on tucson.com, please sign in with your existing account or subscribe. Prosecutors say a shirtless Ricci directed a racial slur at Wellmaker and yelled, "'What are you doing with a white girl?'" He also told Wellmaker he was going to get "'something for him,'" prosecutors have said. They said Ricci left to get a shotgun from his home, falsely told people there that he saw a black man hitting a white woman and returned to the area in a sedan driven by an associate. Jaeger and Wellmaker were near a pay phone when the sedan pulled up. Ricci fired two shells, hitting Jaeger in the stomach from about 10 feet away, prosecutors have said. Ricci's attorneys have noted Wellmaker was unable to identify Ricci in a photo lineup after the shooting. While working with a police artist after the shooting, Wellmaker described a unique tattoo across the attacker's stomach, a judge wrote earlier in the case. Ricci has a large tattoo across his belly. Defense lawyers have noted that nearly two years after the attack, Wellmaker was jailed in an unrelated case and played chess with Ricci behind bars without recognizing him. Wellmaker has also acknowledged smoking marijuana earlier on the morning of the shooting. Cultural or religious garb may soon have a place at graduation ceremonies across Tucsons largest school district. The TUSD governing board unanimously voted on Dec. 11 to temporarily allow students to don culturally significant clothing at their December 2018 graduations. They tabled permanently modifying the policy until early 2019. The proposed update to the policy would give blanket approval to certain types of cultural regalia, so that every student wouldnt be required to ask for special approval. It would also put the responsibility of approving any requests not addressed in the new policy on the Tucson Unified School District. The board action was a direct response to requests from Native American students, who felt it was unjust and problematic that they couldnt wear clothing sacred to their respective tribes at graduation. The students, led by Pueblo High School senior Lourdes Pereira and Pueblo alumna Madeleine Jeans, asked the TUSD board to consider revising its existing graduation dress code policy, which only permits students to wear a cap and gown and, in some cases, sashes and honor cords. Wearing sacred tribal clothing is a extremely personal, profound experience, Jeans told the TUSD board at the Dec. 11 meeting. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. That was more generous than other state utilities, including Tucson Electric, Southwest Gas, Salt River Project and Cox Communications, which each kicked in $5,000 enough to get their names on the program. Other $15,000 donors include Well Care Health Plans, Honeywell Aerospace, Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits, Freeport McMoRan and United Health Group, though gubernatorial press aide Patrick Ptak said the cash from the last three is so far just pledged and not yet received. All totaled, the cash received and pledged totals $272,500. Some other companies got their names on the program with in-kind contributions. For example, the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance, the lobbying arm of the grocery store industry, put on a lunch for volunteers, separate from the VIP event. Mission Linen Supply provided linens for that more formal event for the major donors. And AFR Furniture Rental provided the cushioned chairs on the stage for those being sworn in and their spouses. Ptak said the idea was to fund the event with private dollars, saying there was no state cash involved. But the governors office has yet to produce a formal list of where and how the money was spent. Not all went to the production itself: Volunteers from the governors office who worked on the inaugural on their own time, doing everything from setting up to parking lot duty to ushering, received new sweatshirts emblazoned with the event name, the state seal and Duceys name. A new grant awarded to the Tucson Police Department will go towards increasing enforcement on city streets through September. The $20,000 Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Enforcement Grant will fund overtime enforcement to catch people who violate laws known to contribute to dangerous collisions. Officers will look out for: speeding motorists, red-light runners, vehicles failing to stop at crosswalks, school zone violations, jaywalking and bicyclists riding the wrong direction and on sidewalks, a police news release said. Approximately 30 officer deployments are being planned through September. Areas of enforcement were highlighted by the Tucson Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee, the City of Tucson Pedestrian Advisory Committee and Tucson police statistical data. The grant was awarded by the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety. Contact Star reporter Shaq Davis at 573-4218 or sdavis@tucson.com On Twitter: @ShaqDavis1 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. After a contentious and lengthy debate, the TUSD Governing Board voted Mark Stegeman in as its 2019 president and selected Rachael Sedgwick to serve as clerk. Stegeman and Sedgwick took their respective seats on a 3-2 vote. Board newcomer Leila Counts voted yes, as did the new president and clerk, while board members Adelita Grijalva and Kristel Ann Foster voted no. The votes followed a roughly 45-minute debate over whether one board member should serve as president for the whole year or if two different members should serve six-month terms. I think this is the longest weve ever gone back and forth on this item, Grijalva said, mid-debate. The board attempted to pass five presidential nominations, some including two six-month terms and some including full-year terms, before they voted for Stegeman, who will serve as president for the whole year in a non-binding agreement that will allow the board to revisit the position in June. A yearlong term is standard, per the Arizona School Boards Association policy, but the TUSD board voted to split it into two six-month terms for the first time last year. The state of Arizona has awarded $275,000 to Gridley Middle School so that it can replace a fire-alarm system that hasnt worked for weeks. The Arizona School Facilities Board approved the building renewal grant Wednesday to replace the system that went out in mid-November. Since then, a fire monitor has been patrolling the east-side Tucson Unified School District campus for signs of fire a human fire alarm system, of sorts. The State Fire Marshals Office requires a monitor to be present during occupied hours when a schools alarm system is down. In the case of a fire, he or she would alert school officials via a hand-held radio and call 911. There has been one fire scare since the monitor was put in place, according to KOLD, but Tucson Fire determined the smoke resulted from an HVAC system failure not a fire. TUSD will begin the system replacement process now that the funding has been approved, according to district spokeswoman Leslie Lenhart. She was not able to specify how long that process might take. Flora, Fauna and Fotography Walk Sabino Canyon. Join Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists on an informative walk in the canyon. Feel free to bring binoculars and camera. 8:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Jan. 23. 749-8700. Restoration Tour Historic Canoa Ranch. Take a behind-the-scenes tour with Architectural Preservationist Simon Herbert to examine the processes and materials used in the restoration of the structures at the ranch. Online registration required. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 23. Donations accepted. 724-5220. A Walk into the Cretaceous Tucson Mountain Park, Yetman West Trailhead (pull out G3) west of Gates Pass overlook. Join UA geologist to explore the geology of the park, during a 1.5- 2 mile hike. The hike is mostly along sandy washes, but includes some stepping up and climbing over bedrock benches up to 3 feet high. Ages 12 and up. Online registration required. 8:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 25. $5. 724-5375. Calabazas and Guevavi Mission Tours Tumacacori National Historical Park. These ruins, normally closed to the public, can be visited via special guided van and walking tours. Tours begin from the Tumacacori visitor center. Participants must be able to climb into and out of a passenger van and walk up hills on unimproved trails. Reservations required at recreation.gov. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 25. $25. 377-5060. Shot in the Dark Cafe was operating on a month-to-month lease when its California-based landlord evicted it early this month. Pam Keiser, who runs the family trust that owns the building at 121 E. Broadway, said the group of employees that owns and operates the restaurant has never really had a lease. One of the owners on Monday said the restaurant had a yearly lease that didnt end until September. Phineas Ravenwood, one of Shot in the Darks 10 employee owners, clarified on Tuesday that the restaurant had been operating on a month-to-month lease. The restaurant will close Jan. 25 after Keiser on Jan. 1 evicted the restaurant. The decision came following a visit last fall, soon after the cafe failed a Pima County health inspection. Keiser said the restaurant also failed to keep up the maintenance on the building and let it fall into disrepair. Ravenwood admitted the restaurant failed the health inspection in August after its electricity was cut off for non-payment. The health department required the restaurant to make a number of repairs, which he said were completed in December. The federal government has been in the grips of a partial shutdown for 20 days after Congress and the president failed to agree on a spending bill, and it seems there is no end in sight. Meanwhile, thousands of federal employees those deemed nonessential have been placed on unpaid leave, furloughed until further notice. At the crux of the debate is whether or not to fund a wall at the Mexican-American border. And though many Americans, and their elected officials, feel strongly on this issue one way or the other, the shutdown is making the lives of federal workers and people who depend on federal services more difficult. While Congress and President Donald Trump allow this gridlock to continue, those nonessential employees are going weeks without something very essential to them their paychecks. Many middle-class working Americans, including federal employees and some Homeland Security personnel, dont have enough money saved to afford months without work. They may be young, live paycheck to paycheck, or have just enough emergency funds for small, unexpected expenses, like car repairs or minor medical bills. Imagine you are deployed in the Coast Guard, for example, and your family is back home. The luxury of going without pay until further notice may not be one you can afford. But there is no choice. American officials traveled to China this week in an effort to end the bitter trade war between the two countries. The main obstacle to a settlement is natural rivalry: the United States is trying to protect its position as the most important superpower and China is serving notice that it covets that status for itself. What further complicates matters is a clash of economic systems. China practices state capitalism; the government owns many large firms and decides which industries will receive subsidies, protected markets and favorable loans. In the United States, private markets and firms mostly determine which companies grow or shrink. The result is a stalemate. Many Chinese policies and practices (rules that coerce the transfer of new technologies or business plans to Chinese businesses, or that discriminate against foreign companies) make perfect sense in the context of state capitalism. But to Americans and other private investors, they violate the norms of open competition and fairness. This makes negotiations exceedingly difficult. For China to abandon its policies would mean, in effect, scrapping its whole economic model. Politically, this would be hard to swallow. Similarly, for the United States to condone Chinas state capitalism would legitimize a system that puts U.S., foreign and private investors at a permanent disadvantage. Would it dilute the quality of Hathaway? Though the bill passed out of the Senate Education committee by a 4-1 vote, not everyone was fully sold on it as written, particularly on creating a new elective pathway to qualify for the scholarship. Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie, questioned why separate standards should be established under Hathaway for CTE students and instead suggested the creation of a separate program for them. Though the committee struck language that would have replaced the Hathaways ACT exam requirement for CTE students with an equivalent, technical proficiency exam, other peculiarities of the bill designated for CTE students inspired some concern. For example, some in the Department of Education had concerns that small districts wouldnt be able to offer consecutive technical education courses the way they could for foreign languages a central pillar of Hathaway Scholarship eligibility. Rothfuss was concerned that swapping language requirements for technical courses could result in less rigorous standards for students. Committee Chairman Hank Coe, R-Cody, said he had some similar concerns, but he agreed with other members of the committee that the workforce had changed and that it was worth working the bill on the floor to try to come up with a solution. A man who in December broke out of a lock-down facility in Casper did so with the assistance of a staff member, court documents allege. Staff at Casper Re-Entry Center discovered Dec. 28 that Richard T. Fountaine II had gone missing from a secure unit of the facility. Fountaine was serving a sentence in the facility after being convicted of burglary. Certain inmates at the facility are allowed out for parts of the day to go to work. Those inmates will sometimes fail to return to the facility when they are expected back. Fountaine, however, did not simply fail to return. According to a search warrant request filed by law enforcement Dec. 29 in Natrona County Circuit Court, Fountaine climbed a wall and chain-link fence before getting into an SUV and leaving the area. Law enforcement believe Kimberly Belcher, who worked at the facility, helped Fountaine escape. The search warrant request states that Belcher gave Fountaine a cellphone while he was in the facility. The warrant request did not include any explanation for Belchers actions. Carrie Reece is worried for her co-workers at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper. The federal museums employees havent been permitted to work since Dec. 21 due to the partial government shutdown, she said. I cant imagine how stressful it is for them, she said. Theyre all trying to stay positive. As the executive director for the facilitys foundation, Reece said she isnt a federal employee and can therefore continue working. Her job largely involves grant writing, which she explained can be done from home. But she said the museums six full-time federal employees dont have that option. I am watching (news about the shutdown) closely and certainly hoping it will come to an end soon, Reece said. Reece said her co-workers who are federal workers would not be able to comment. The center is one of Caspers most popular visitor attractions, and winter is usually an especially busy time for the center, Reece said. Visitors in town for the holidays often stop by the museum, and schools throughout the state organize field trips to the facility. The question around the Balkan states and their ascension to the European Union is one that has been discussed a lot recently. Should Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, or Albania become members of the EU? The Luxembourgish MEP Charles Goerens (Democratic Party)'s response is clear: no. The European Union is currently in negotiations concerning joining the EU. This procedure includes applying countries providing proof that they are ready to join the EU, but also receive funds from the EU before becoming a member-state. Serbia is the Balkan state which receives the most from the EU at 200 million per year. The legislative period over the last five years has seen the European Commission repeatedly stress the need for progress before accepting new Balkan member states. The countries already belonging to the EU from this part of Europe are Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece. Goerens believes that the process needs to continue slowly, as these countries are not yet ready in terms of the rule of law. Economic plans for countries like Macedonia, Albania, and Serbia are also not yet solid. Goerens explained that the issue is that countries will respect the EU's laws at the moment of joining the European Union, but the EU lacks a sanction mechanism to prevent these countries from going astray. As a result, the DP politician is categorical that now is not the time for accepting new members. He called for the Luxembourgish government to find a coalition that would block new memberships in the European Council. In hindsight, accepting Romania and Bulgaria had not been smooth processes. When do we want it? YESTERDAY! Recent announcements by the coalition government (read part. 1 and part. 2) have led to some mixed, often reductive grumblings. Comments on or below articles RTL Today have posted on these issues ranged from: 'It is just nation branding' free transport 'pure populism' legalization of marijuana 'Pro party propaganda' additional holidays ...to... 'They should deal with real issues, not pander to the masses' all of the above 'What about tax? ' holidays again Whilst it is generally a given that those who pitch up in the GD are quite happy with what they find, not everyone of course but those living, working, living AND working in Luxembourg have very little to bump their gums about. Yet here we are, unable to agree on who can and cant vote and then arguing till (top to bottom, please) red, white and blue in the face. What is it about being in the country that turns the denizens into entitled drones? Yes, there are those who find it a little too insular, that theres little to do, that its pricey, that being single can be tough in a teensy tiny locale but, for the most part, were well off. With a population that consists of 602,000 inhabitants (1 October 2018), of whom 47,9% are foreigners and represent more than 170 nationalities, theres an awful lot to see in the positive side of a Venn diagram reflecting happy/sad Luxembourg Life. Employees enjoy decent to high salaries compared to global averages. Health care is one of the best in the world. Luxembourg is considered one of the safest places in the world, even if recent reports suggest an increase in violent crime. In comparison to major European capitals, Luxembourg IS tame. That is not to say that people need not be worried but certainly a clamor for the police force to double in size is a little extreme. Proportionally the number of incidents is well below EU averages. The Grand Duchy also represents the highest density of 3 star restaurants per inhabitant throughout the world. The Michelin Guide rewarded Luxembourgs best restaurants with 11 stars and 14 Bib Gourmands. Culturally theres almost too much to do, despite arguments to the contrary. The Luxembourg passport is one of the most sought after in the world. With a land mass of 2,586 square kilometres, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg extends from north to south over a maximum distance of 82km and 57km from east to west and yet most of the action takes place in the city centre. Meaning thats there plenty of unspoiled land to conquer/visit/make yourself aware of (delete as applicable). Pixabay If you can step back for a second, put aside your angry buttons and juxtapose. Only a touch. Heres an imagined conversation between Joe/Josephine Public and The Government. Its in an office. Ornate and dimly lit. Warm but foreboding. It smells of rich mahogany. *due to the anomaly that Fake News is being confused with real news, please apply a liberal salt dosage. Gov. (definitely not the PM): Good evening Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Non-gender specific representative of The Public, how are we at the moment? A look out of this Fairtrade sourced but distinctly ivory tower says that business is booming. Are you happy? Pub. (unlikely to be you but perhaps someone you know): We want less city centre congestion! Gov. Well [rummaging through drawers], heres the tram plan, how does that fit? It will be costly and though it will take a while, there may be a little extra congestion, but it will sort itself out. See, weve also added the funicular and there are more trains too. Pub. (shrugs) - We want FREE transport. Gov. Ok, weve had a look and we think we can accommodate this too, well obviously have to claw back the costs from somewhere. You know, there are more bike lanes than ever AND we have increased eBike access. Pub. Growing angry. We want to continue to use our company vehicles as status symbols. Gov. Were going to have to find the money from somewhere. We dont just print it willy nilly. Pub. Dont you even think about raising taxes. JUST DONT. Gov. Well, please be reasonable, what about if we raise a few cents on fuel these have been relatively low for eons? Four people (in hi-vis vests, shout through a megaphone): Did you not see what happened in France? Leave that alone. Gov. (frantic): Ok, ok, what if, we, ermhow about we legalize marijuana, we could tax the hell of that..." The phone rings, its the Church: Please dont use Hell as a comparison, sure, most of those that smoke weed are going there anyway but we dont want to upset the chief, do we? Gov. Quite, quite, what about a healthcare system where we only charge for the part you owe instead of asking you to pay all of it and then claiming it back. Pub. (folding arms and looking away): No! Free healthcare. Its the only way. We work really hard for our money. Gov. (desperate): Well, what about two extra holidays per year? Pub. (smiling): Will there be free parties and fireworks? Gov. (exhaling loudly): A party, sure, fireworksmaybe not. Pub. Not. Good. Enough. Gov. (pacing, desperate): More working from home. An increase to minimum wagehousing taxations revisited, corporate tax to be modified, share of profits instead of stock options, erm erm, more support for education, increased funds for arts and culture, well support start-ups, well, well, jeez let me think, well invest in technologies, well modernize, everyone will want to come here. More business, more jobs, more people. Pub. We dont want everyone here. We only want those of us that live here to enjoy it. Sod the cross border folk, coming in taking our fuel and coffee, spending with cheqquies. Gov. Did you vote? Pub. Some of us did! Gov. Do you speak the lingo? Pub. Some of us can. I cant, Julie, can you? Barneyyou can do the basics, yes? Well, thats irrelevant, we want dual nationality. Gov. Give a little, take a lot. Pub. Dont you dare raise taxes! Therell be consequences Gov. Well, we are going to need to despite your arguments. Were going to invest in renewable energy. Well revamp our plansanyway, what consequences? Pub. We dont know yet, do we. Just know that we wont be happy. And we will say so on Social Media and then you wont get voted in next time. Gov. Well, we didnt strictly get voted this or indeed the last time either but do go on Pub. We are important, the public, if you dont keep us happy, we will revolt and demand more, more, more things. Things that we see elsewhere and that we want here. Things we have ignored in our homelands when choosing to be here and, well, to be frank, we want the moon on the stick but I bet you Schneider got there first. Gov. Thats probably correctbut anyway about Fuel and Coffee While this facetious and fictional account is to draw as many sighs as it is smirks the point remains that populist or elitist, any government cannot totally represent each facet of its population. Pexels By appealing to the masses they lose the trust of the 2%, by kowtowing to the elite they run the risk of the 'peasants' revolting. Even as recently as this week (Wednesday 9 January, 2019) steps have been taken to assuage the anxious and embarrassed about having to actually rock up at ADEM and declare yourself as being out of work. I've done it, twice...it is not a day out by the seaside, no, but it is far from the slog that folk tub thump about. Yes, Luxembourg does hang on to its love of needless bureaucracy and its curious little habit of moving offices from one end of town to the other without properly informing the public. But information is readily available online these days. The 'people' that 'we' are can and should inform them/ourselves properly. This is of and in itself an issue, many people prefer to bend their wills and minds to suit their argument as opposed to seeing the wood for the trees, and therein lies a further issue; instead of looking for the wood, some folk (such as the chap in Rodange) just want to wield their axe and get swinging. Nothing is good enough anymore. The public make demands. The governments duck and weave. Compromises are formed and sour tastes are left in mouths. Pixabay When everyone is satisfied no one is. Theres having your cake. Theres eating said cake. And then theres also wanting it for free. Preferably made by a start-up, with produce locally sourced and thereby not coming from a chain. It better not be full of GM chemicals, be low in VAT, and had better come in the colour that I am thinking in my head right now*. If youre happy and you know itask for more. *It was mauve. Stephen Lowe is a freelance journalist, editor with RTL Today, a freelance DJ on Eldoradio and a short film director/producer. Our Brexit, Our Future's jokey take on festive communications Voicemails have surfaced painting a picture of a desperate UK Prime Minister as she tries to convince Jean-Claude Juncker to meet her. During the audio, hosted via the Twitter account Our Brexit, Our Future, May is heard asking Juncker to come over for a little party with 'the other 27 EU leaders'. There's talk of having some mulled wine and 'a chat on the backstop'. An increasingly unhinged May then leaves several more messages escalating her need for a meet, giving poor excuse for a BFF, Boris Johnson short thrift and admitting that the Euro lot are a nicer bunch. The end of the clip reveals that May has popped over the channel and is outside Juncker's gaff. It is very funny, if a bit snide. Have a listen. 30 pages of the government programme are dedicated to the environment and energy, yet the opposition still believes it is lacking. The Minister of the Environment Carole Dieschbourg met with MPs on Wednesday to highlight the government's larger aims to reduce the impact of climate change. The opposition criticised that the minister spoke only of large goals. MPs were able to query individual points that make up the 30 pages of the government programme. Again, the CSV expressed its disappointment. The opposition party deplored the lack of response to whether diesel excises will rise by 1, 2, or 3 cents this year. Dieschbourg did not provide a response, only confirming that the excise rise would be introduced with the budget this year. As per the direction of Brussels, it is a necessity for citizens to take up responsibility. This point has been reiterated by the United Nations, the World Climate Council, and the opposition party in Luxembourg. The impetus is to try and avoid mistakes made in other countries. Alongside raising the prices of fuels, Luxembourg will introduce free public transport. Dieschbourg said a diesel ban as seen in Stuttgart and other German cities is not yet on the agenda, highlighting the need to explore other measures first. At the sixth annual New Year's reception on Wednesday morning, journalists came together with the president of the press council, Ines Kurschat and the Minister for Communications and Media, Xavier Bettel. 2018 was a difficult year for journalists worldwide: murder, imprisonment, physical assault, and censorship were amongst the many attacks against members of the press. Comparatively, the situation of Luxembourg's journalists is a good one, but according to the president of the press council, Ines Kurschat, both the freedom of the press and the freedom of opinion are also under pressure in the Grand Duchy. Generally speaking, journalists welcome the progressive move of a transparency law, but criticised the government's tendency to attempt to influence journalists. In terms of the freedom of the press, the year's largest shock was was the so-called Chamberleaks affair. Radio station 100,7 brought the affair concerning the lack of security of the Chamber of Deputies' website to the forefront of Luxembourg's news. As the messenger of the bad news, the station then found itself investigated by the police, judicial authorities, and by politicians. Kurschat highlighted the attempt to exercise influence on the press, such as by having politicians sit on the executive committee of a daily paper or the Ministry of State's trusted men intervening at a public radio station. Despite these setbacks, journalists admitted there had been progress, citing the new law on transparency for citizens and journalists, which came into effect this year. How effective the law will be remains to be seen. Bettel, in his speech as Minister for Communications and Media, acknowledged the concerns of the press, but highlighted the need to find a balance between the complaints of journalists and those of citizens and businesses. He confirmed that he would continue working on diversifying the media scene in Luxembourg and acknowledged that the law on transparency could be readjusted in case of any pitfalls. SUMMER SPECIAL!!! - Sign up at 20% OFF for Full Access to all of the online content and E-Editions on the www.thewordlink.com website here! (The charge will appear as "Country Media Inc." on your credit card statement) LAKESIDE A group of Lakeside officials met with Coos County Commissioners at a work session meeting Tuesday to discuss the possibility of allowing ATVs, all-terrain vehicles, on its roadways. If approved, ATV operators will be permitted to travel on their vehicles from Airport Way to South Eighth Street toward downtown Lakeside. The new routes would allow for operators to easily travel from nearby trails into the citys center. Restore Lakeside A driver turns off U.S. Highway 101 headed toward Lakeside on Saturday. City Manager Andrew Carlstrom presented Thursday a plan called Operat With mixed reactions on the matter, Lakeside city officials and commissioners talked over the pros and cons of granting access on city and county roads to ATVs. Coos County Commissioner Bob Main pointed out the economic benefits associated with allowing ATV access into Lakeside's downtown area. He listed a possible storage garage and gas station for ATVs as ways businesses can take advantage of the new clientele. While most in attendance at Tuesday's meeting agreed that Lakeside's economy would receive a boost, concerns were also raised regarding road damage, noise level issues, traffic congestion and riders not adhering to traffic laws. Youre going to have a lot of enforcement work to be done, said Coos County Commissioner John Sweet at the meeting. With a few exceptions, such as those carrying Ocean Shore permits, which allows for qualified disabled individuals to operate an ATV on certain roadways, paved and two-lane gravel roads have historically been closed to ATVs. Last year, the Oregon Legislature passed an ordinance, SB 344, allowing for ATVs and snowmobiles to travel lawfully on state highways through specific routes designated by an advisory committee under the Oregon State Parks Department (OPRD). Under the new state ordinance, ATVs are now allowed to cross highways at an intersection or at a place that is more than 100 feet from a highway intersection. Operators must yield the right of way to other vehicles on the highway and its crossing must be made at an angle of 90 degrees to the direction of the highway. In August, OPRD's ATV Highway Access Committee approved an application for an ATV highway access route from Spinreel Dunes Access to a Highway 101 overpass about 12 miles north of North Bend. While the new law only pertains to state highways, if the city of Lakeside and the county allow access to its roadways then the two routes would be able to connect. Im all for what we can do for our economy, said Lakeside Mayor James Edwards at the meeting. But, I agree with a lot of you that there would be some problems. Im willing to put it on the table if people want to talk about it. A public hearing will be scheduled sometime in February to discuss the matter further and allow for public comment. CAMDEN-- Tom Mullikin is THAT guy -- you know, the one who finishes Christmas dinner, then takes off to scale Mount Everest, conducting business by satellite phone to check progress on his plan to build an ocean reef upon his return. Yes, a reef. But first, Everest. If Mullikin succeeds in reaching the summit, he'll have met his "modest" goal of becoming the world's only human both to dive the planet's five oceans and scale its seven highest peaks. Why not? Mullikin himself is remarkably modest given the breadth of his interests and goals -- the aforementioned reef not the least of them. The idea, he explained to me over a recent lunch, is to create a coastline buffer that would help diminish the effects of flooding during severe weather. Anyone familiar with South Carolina's seashore and hurricane history knows that something ought to be done. But what? "I can tell you it is about time for this thing to be heard in court," Dunn said. "That's well overdue. But who knows anymore how long it could go on after that? It could be months." Vote on severance package a key issue On Nov. 18, 2008, the Anderson County Council revised its meeting agenda and voted 5-2 to approve a severance package for Preston that included cash, $355,849 in state retirement credits and a GMC Yukon that he drove on the job. Several new council members took office in January 2009, and soon thereafter, the county sued Preston to try to have the severance rescinded. A decade later, that case is bound for the state Supreme Court. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Judge Roger Couch, who presided over a civil trial of the case in the fall of 2012, said then that the 2008 vote on the pay package was a key issue in the case. Couch ruled in May 2013 that four of seven council members who voted on Preston's pay package including the two who opposed it should not have voted because they had various conflicts of interest. Throwing out those four votes, Preston's severance pay would be approved on a 3-0 vote, Couch said. The county appealed Couch's decision that favored Preston. Dowling called for the appointment of an independent advisory council of experts to provide recommendations on improving Denmark's water. Although the town of Denmark has discontinued the use of HaloSan, more investigation and action is needed. Although DHEC and town officials say the water supply is safe, sufficient scientific data has not been shared to support this claim, she wrote, also calling for a health study and environmental impact study to be done. We oppose the use of unregulated disinfectant products like HaloSan in drinking water; our coalition demands solutions that are approved by the EPA and do not continue to threaten public health and harm our community, Dowling wrote in the letter to McMaster. She said Denmark residents "should have a seat at the table" when officials are considering adding chemicals to their drinking water, and she called for more timely communications from officials to the community regarding water issues. In a telephone interview, Tommy Crosby, state DHEC media relations director, said efforts are being made to condense scientific information from the agency's website to make it more understandable for citizens, with plans to create a one-page information sheet for residents. We will look to answer any questions that community members have, along with any questions that elected officials have, and will do our best to answer them to the best of our ability on any topic that falls within DHECs regulatory authority," Crosby said. He said any citizen from Denmark can request to have the water in their home tested by DHEC. Denmark Cares will continue to meet and work with local and state officials on long-term solutions to the city's water quality issues and aging water system, Dowling said. COLUMBIA State Rep. Jerry N. Govan Jr., D-Orangeburg, has started his tenure as chairman of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus. Govan will lead the historic organization during the course of the 123rd S.C. General Assembly regular session, which runs 2019 through 2020. This will be the second stint for Govan as head of the SCLBC. He previously served as chairman during the 115th S.C. General Assembly session, 2002-2004. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} I am honored to once again lead this great organization. We have important work to do over the next two years. My goal will be to work with organizations and individuals committed to improving the lives of minority communities in South Carolina with the focus of passing meaningful legislation. Cooperatively working together, I truly believe we can make lasting improvements in our state, Govan said. My priorities as chair will center on public education, health care, criminal justice reform, job creation and working to improve conditions in our rural communities, he said. The 2019-20 South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus consists of 44 members of the S.C. General Assembly, which includes 13 senators and 31 state representatives. The SCLBC was formally organized in 1975 as a non-partisan, non-profit organization focused on improving, empowering and inspiring minority communities across South Carolina. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A Bamberg County man has been charged with murder after a mans body was located in Cope the day after Christmas, according to Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell. This is the result of a solid, thorough investigation by my investigators, Ravenell said Wednesday. They got on the case and developed a suspect early and didnt let go of the trail. Stanley Lee Dixon, 55, of Denmark, was taken into custody on Wednesday on a charge of murder. A court appearance for the Carolina Highway man is tentatively scheduled for Thursday afternoon. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Concerned citizens called 911 on Dec. 26, saying there appeared to be a body off Highway 301 near Cope. Investigators later identified the victim as 40-year-old Louis Dmitri Patrone Wise from Denmark. An autopsy revealed the man had been shot. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Denmark Police Department assisted in the case. Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office Lt. Lakesha Gillard is leading the ongoing investigation. Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 2 Sad 10 Angry 4 Gun rights absolutists rather predictably reacted by noting that the man who tried to kill Giffords had passed a background check. And they're correct: No single solution will end all gun violence. But, as with other complex problems, it makes sense to take steps that can help strengthen protections and save lives. Think, for example, how universal background checks might have helped the Wisconsin woman shot and killed in January 2018 by her husband, who bought a firearm from a seller he met online, despite his felony conviction. Or the woman, her husband and her six children who police say were killed in 2015 in Texas by the woman's former partner with a gun bought online from a stranger despite his criminal history. During testimony about his credentials during a trial in Springfield, where he was presented as a defense expert, U.S. District Court Judge Sue Myerscough concluded Hauter was misleading in his initial testimony by not specifying that his certifications had expired. As a result, a complaint was filed with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Hauter said. Hauter practiced medicine in Lincoln for 10 years, then worked for BroMenn Occupational Health Services in Bloomington-Normal from 2001 to 2007. Lynn Hutley, public affairs coordinator for what is now Advocate Aurora Health, said Hauter is no longer affiliated with Advocate. Hauter went to work for Peoria-based IWIRC (Illinois Work Injury Resource Center) as medical director of occupational health in 2007, according to the IWIRC website. Hauter and a representative of the company said that Hauter is no longer practicing clinically but remains an IWIN owner. A 20-year-old from West Frankfort was flown to a regional hospital for treatment of major injuries after a Wednesday morning crash on Interstate 57 in Williamson County. According to a news release from Illinois State Police, Dylan R. Fuene was driving a Toyota SUV northbound on I-57 near the Johnston City exit, when he hit a semitrailer that had slowed down because of stopped traffic due to a lane reduction for construction. Fuene's car came to a rest blocking both northbound lanes, and Fuene was trapped inside. First responders extricated him from the vehicle, according to the release, and he was flown by helicopter to a regional hospital. The driver of the semi, Juan Andres Machado, 53, of Naples, Florida, was not injured. I-57 was closed for an hour and a half while crews investigated the crash and cleared wreckage. The Southern Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 ELIZABETHTOWN The Illinois Department of Corrections now has the authority to sell the shuttered Hardin County Work Camp to the county for $1, a move that enables officials to move forward with a plan to reopen the facility as a multi-county jail. Outgoing Gov. Bruce Rauner on Thursday signed a bill to allow the sale. Efforts began last year to repurpose the former work camp as a multi-county correctional facility. Hardin County Sheriff Jerry Fricker said in September it could be a big help not just to his county, which has a six-bed jail facility, but also to surrounding counties that don't have their own jails. Proposal made to reopen shuttered Hardin County Work Camp as multi-county jail CAVE-IN-ROCK The old Hardin County Work Camp could see new life if efforts by the countys sheriff are successful. If we were able to come up with a bigger facility, it wouldnt only help us, but neither Pope nor Gallatin County has a jail at this time, he said, adding that they would have the option to use the new Hardin County facility as it has been proposed. Fricker said the renovated facility would house between 75 and 100 beds, which could also be a revenue generator for the county. The standard has been for counties to pay about $35 a day to house an inmate at the state level, Fricker said last year. He added that the county also has considered signing on to house federal inmates, which in other counties is almost double the state rate. A Marion man will serve five years in federal prison for forcibly robbing the Marion Valero Gas Station this past spring, then fleeing from police in a car and on foot. Travis J. Taylor, 38, had previously pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of interfering with interstate commerce by robbery. The sentence came down Monday, according to a Wednesday news release from U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Weinhoeft. Taylor was formally sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, plus three years of mandatory supervised release. Taylor also was ordered to pay $1,118 in restitution. According to the release, evidence presented at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on April 25, 2018, Taylor forcibly ordered the clerk at Valero to remove money from the cash registers. Taylor was wearing a mask and told the clerk he had a gun. Marion Police officers and a Marion K-9 found and arrested Taylor after a vehicle and foot pursuit. The judge imposed the 60-month sentence, which is above the advised sentencing guideline, based on Taylor's criminal history, and because Taylor had previously violated terms of a supervised release on a prior federal conviction. The Southern Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 MURPHYSBORO Prosecutors in the Gaege Bethune murder case hit the pause button Wednesday before proceeding with a motion hearing, saying they had received last-minute information. Bethune was charged and convicted of first-degree murder in the 2014 death of Southern Illinois University student Pravin Varughese, who was found dead in the woods on the east side of Carbondale near Illinois 13. In a dramatic turn last year, just before Bethune was set to be sentenced, a judge overturned Bethune's conviction after his defense claimed there were problems with the indictment that could have led to juror confusion. Judge Mark Clarkes reason for hitting reset on the trial was what he deemed possibly confusing wording in the indictment. He said in his official ruling that while he had no reason to believe the jury was confused by the charges, he also could not rule it out. A request that the Illinois Supreme Court review the Clarkes decision was denied. CBD's War On Big Tobacco (Ad) This new invention has the $930 billion tobacco industry shaking in its boots. Don't miss this coming trend. Get The Full Story Before Wall Street American Consumer News, LLC dba MarketBeat 2010-2021. All rights reserved. 326 E 8th St #105, Sioux Falls, SD 57103 | U.S. Based Support Team at [email protected] | (844) 978-6257 MarketBeat does not provide personalized financial advice and does not issue recommendations or offers to buy stock or sell any security. Our Accessibility Statement | Terms of Service | Do Not Sell My Information 2021 Market data provided is at least 10-minutes delayed and hosted by Barchart Solutions. Information is provided 'as-is' and solely for informational purposes, not for trading purposes or advice, and is delayed. To see all exchange delays and terms of use please see disclaimer. Fundamental company data provided by Zacks Investment Research. As a bonus to opt-ing into our email newsletters, you will also get a free subscription to the Liberty Through Wealth e-newsletter. You can opt out at any time. Emergency services are currently switching from CenturyLink to a new 911 provider, Robert Ezelle, director of the state Emergency Management Division, previously told The Times. The transition should be complete by December. After the 2014 CenturyLink outage, Ferguson called for the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to impose the maximum penalty of $11.5 million against the company, according to the Attorney Generals Office. He was deeply disappointed with the commissions ultimate fine of nearly $2.9 million in 2016. A spokeswoman for the attorney general did not provide further information about what action he may be considering against the company. Its not known how many calls failed during the recent outage, but it severely impacted 46 emergency call centers in 33 counties in the state, Ezelle said. Other call centers were affected by calls to long-distance and 800 numbers not going through, he said. The outage caused difficulty for some Seattle residents. For the first time since 2004, the Lewis County Prosecutors Office in 2018 filed more than 1,000 felony cases, a trend that is stressing the justice system, county officials say. The Lewis County Prosecutors office filed 1,046 cases in the last year, 34 more than in 2004. Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer credited the rise to more fully staffed local law enforcement agencies, recidivism and continued use and trafficking of illicit drugs. In addition to being offenses themselves, narcotics are tied to other offenses, such as property, sex and violent crime. The final count of 2018 felony cases didnt come as a surprise, with Meyer noting that halfway through the year, it had already been noted the county that was on pace to cross the dubious mile marker. The prosecutors office has picked up three new deputy prosecutors in past months. One was hired to replace someone moved to another position in the office, another to replace one that left and the final was an approved hire from the board of commissioners. And while one deputy prosecutor can handle as many as 80 felony drug possession cases at a time, Meyer said, not all felonies are created equal. A homicide or complicated financial crime, like embezzlement, can consume all of a deputys duties for weeks at a time. LHeureux was convicted in 1990 of Attempted Indecency with a Child by Exposure in Travis County, Texas, a misdemeanor. He was 19 at the time of the offense, according to court documents. LHeureux said in a phone interview Wednesday the charge stemmed from his relationship with his 15-year-old girlfriend who he said he met when he was 17. He said he was taken off of the Texas registered sex offender list in 2007 but was only taken off the Washington list last January. He said he should have been taken off the Washington list years earlier but court mismanagement incorrectly identified him as an offender. He said hes ecstatic about the outcome of the Cowlitz County case. I am ecstatic that the judge sees ... how (Hart) was the aggressor. I did make a mistake, and I owned up to my mistake. ... (But) Im happy it all happened. I probably wouldnt be alive today. Kelso PD talked to me, opened my eyes, (and) basically saved my butt. LHeureux is a member of the Cowlitz Foot Patrol community watch group. During sentencing, he apologized about last years incident but told Cruser that his bad actions had taken him to a good place and has not used drugs in the six months since his arrest. Thursday, January 10, 2019 Los Angeles Times, One Year of Legal Pot Sales and California Doesnt Have the Bustling Industry It Expected. Heres Why: When Californians voted in 2016 to allow the sale of recreational marijuana, advocates of the move envisioned thousands of pot shops and cannabis farms obtaining state licenses, making the drug easily available to all adults within a short drive. But as the first year of licensed sales comes to a close, Californias legal market hasnt performed as state officials and the cannabis industry had hoped. Retailers and growers say theyve been stunted by complex regulations, high taxes and decisions by most cities to ban cannabis shops. At the same time, many residents are going to city halls and courts to fight pot businesses they see as nuisances, and police chiefs are raising concerns about crime triggered by the marijuana trade. Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, who played a large role in the legalization of cannabis, will inherit the numerous challenges when he takes office in January as legislators hope to send him a raft of bills next year to provide banking for the pot industry, ease the tax burden on retailers and crack down on sales to minors. The cannabis industry is being choked by Californias penchant for over-regulation, said Dale Gieringer, director of California NORML, a pro-legalization group. Its impossible to solve all of the problems without a drastic rewrite of the law, which is not in the cards for the foreseeable future. After voters legalized marijuana two years ago under Proposition 64, state officials estimated in there would be as many as 6,000 cannabis shops licensed in the first few years. But the state Bureau of Cannabis Control has issued just 547 temporary and annual licenses to marijuana retail stores and dispensaries. Some 1,790 stores and dispensaries were paying taxes on medicinal pot sales before licenses were required starting Jan. 1. State officials also predicted that legal cannabis would eventually bring in up to $1 billion in revenue a year. But with many cities banning pot sales, tax revenue is falling far short of estimates. Based on taxes collected since Jan. 1, the state is expected to bring in $471 million in revenue this fiscal year much less than the $630 million projected in Gov. Jerry Browns budget. https://taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blog/2019/01/tax-revenues-from-legalization-of-california-pot-sales-are-34-below-projections.html The group made a deal with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham after days of fighting between the two sides reports Alsouria Net. On Wednesday, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham forced the Ahrar al-Sham movement to dissolve itself and to hand over its heavy arms in the al-Ghab Plain and Jabel Shahsheo areas in the Hama countryside, a day after fighting and mobilizations by the two sides. This comes as part of an agreement reached after Tahrir al-Sham waged an attack against Ahrar al-Sham and Saquor al-Sham on Tuesday, during which it was able to take control of a number of villages and towns in the Idleb and Hama countrysides. However, northern Syria witnessed a cautious calm after the deal. Alsouria Net obtained a copy of the deal, which included seven points: Ahrar al-Sham dissolves itself in the al-Ghab Plain and Jabel Shahsheo areas. The area is under the authority of the Salvation Government administratively and in terms of services. Military operations and mobilization in the area are overseen by Tahrir al-Sham. Ahrar al-Shams heavy and medium weapons are handed over, with individual arms remaining. Those who wish to remain in the area can remain, while those who want to leave to the Olive Branch areas will leave with coordination by Tahrir al-Sham. All bases (al-Shimali and al-Shaer) remain with those responsible for garrisoning. Tahrir al-Sham guarantees it will not pursue any people participating in the fighting which occurred in the Jabel Shahsheo and al-Ghab Plain area. Idleb province and the Hama countryside today witnessed a tense calm after the agreement was reached, unlike yesterday when confrontations broke out between Tahrir al-Sham and the National Liberation Front groups, which were scattered across the southern Idleb countryside and the al-Ghab Plain area in the Hama countryside and Jabel Shahsheo. Tahrir al-Sham was able to take control over the villages and towns of Kawkba, Rasha, al-Zinkar, Tarmala, Sfuhen, al-Naqir, and Areenbeh in the Idleb countryside, as well as villages and towns of al-Daqmaq, al-Zaqoum, Qalidein, al-Qahireh, al-Ankawi, and al-Amqiyeh on the al-Ghab Plain. These areas were considered under the influence of Ahrar al-Sham with deployments by Saqour al-Sham and other groups such as Jaish al-Nasr. Nothing remains under the control of Ahrar al-Sham and Saqour al-Sham, which Tahrir al-Sham is trying to put an end to, except the two main cities, which are Maarat al-Nouman and Ariha in the Idleb countryside, as well as some towns over which it shares control with other groups. Sights are now turned to these two cities after reports circulated of Tahrir al-Sham intending to take control of them and to complete the imposition of its influence over strategic roads and areas in Idleb province. However, statements and movements by Ahrar al-Sham and Saqour al-Sham in their environs suggest they would reject handing these over to Tahrir al-Sham. Tahrir al-Sham, by taking control of areas that had been under the control of the Nureddin al-Zinki group in the western Aleppo countryside which it took control of yesterday and were included in the agreement today is trying to impose its military and administrative influence, as it announced that the areas were under the administrative control of the groups Salvation Government. The last few days in the western Aleppo countryside have seen a number of meetings between the Salvation Government and local councils and others with local dignitaries during which the Salvation Government gave promises to improve the service situation of these areas after they went under their administrative control. The Salvation Government also announced it was opening a bureau for complaints and was transferring cases to its courts in the Idleb countryside, pending the preparation of courts in the western Aleppo countryside. Tahrir al-Sham demanded from Ahrar al-Sham and Saqour al-Sham according to what has been reported over the last few days the dissolution of the two factions and their withdrawal, as well as them accepting their military authority and the administration of the Salvation Government over various service and security sectors. Tahrir al-Sham announced it had imposed its full control over the western Aleppo countryside and expelled fighters from the Zinki movement after days-long clashes, amid anticipation over what will occur in the coming days in the Idleb countryside. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. The Pharmacists Syndicate in Syria has dismissed the claims of a crisis and blamed the shortage on the US embargo of Iran writes Business2Business Syria. Despite the lack of baby milk in Damascuss markets for about two months now, the relevant authorities have failed to acknowledge the existence of a problem threatening the lives of an entire generation or hurry to solve itinstead it has resorted to its usual behavior, of responding to all accusations by saying, There is no crisis. Local sources in Damascus told Business2Business Syria that the baby milk shortage had reached an unprecedented stage, with the chances of finding a packet of milk in the pharmacies almost like searching for a needle in a haystack. The head of Pharmacists Syndicate in Syria, Mahmoud al-Hassan, denied there was any crisis in the market regarding baby milk 15 days ago, saying that there were alternatives to the types that were missing from the local market Hassan said that types of milk imported from Iran were missing due to the American embargo on Iran which had impacted the arrival of milk to Syria, which had caused a deficiency and caused increased demand. Hassan promised that baby milk would be provided to the markets within days, saying that a shipment was coming from Iran and that it would arrive soon. Other sources in the Phamacists Syndicate guessed that Syrian import agents had stopped bringing in the item, which could be a prelude to raising the price. The sources told Business2Business Syria that Syrian families had resorted to a variety of means to secure alternatives to the missing milk, such as buying milk from Lebanon at a price of 8,000 lira a packetwhich is usually not enough to feed one child for more than four days. Others have resorted to buying milk from smuggler markets in the Madaya and Baqin areas at prices between 3,000 to 5,000 lira, depending on the type. Limited income people are resorting to adding water to cow milk after boiling it and refrigerating it, which could cause health problems for the child, or to feeding the child other food stuffs such as yogurt and light fluids. Sources told Business2Business Syria that the alternatives in the pharmacies had caused childrens diseases, but that parents had been forced to use them, with children getting colic, diarrhoea and poisoning. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has said that 50,000 people remain at risk of being affected by flooding reports Zaman Al Wasl. Fatma, an eight year old Syrian refugee girl was found dead Wednesday morning after a torrent of floodwaters swept her from a road in the northern Minyeh-Dinnieh district on Tuesday, where she was playing with her sister, according to Zaman al-Wasls reporter. Minyeh municipality workers found the body of Fatma, who fled Aleppo province with her family to Lebanon, after intensive efforts by the emergency teams which were led by the Lebanese Armys Intelligence Branch and the ISF. The flooding, heavy winds and severe drops in temperature in Lebanon affected the spontaneous camps of Syrian refugees in the majority of the countrys areas, with over 50,000 people remaining in at-risk zones, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said. UNHCR and partners estimate that approximately 850 informal settlements, hosting 50,000 refugees, are at risk of flooding. The response is coordinated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and UNHCR, in close cooperation with affected municipalities, the report read. Following repeated landslides and rockfall, Mount Lebanon Governor Mohammad al-Makkawi announced Tuesday evening the closure of the Dahr al-Baidar, Zahle-Tarshish and Mount Lebanon-Bekaa highways, while North Lebanon Governor Ramzi Nahra said the Chekka highway would close, the state-run National News Agency reported. In live broadcasts on local TV, drivers were seen marooned on the Dbayeh highway. Civil Defense personnel launched rafts into the waters to rescue people from their vehicles. Images broadcast on TV also showed people in the neighborhood of Hay al-Sellom in Beiruts southern suburbs attempting to cross the street, knee-deep in muddy waters. However, the Internal Security Forces later issued a statement saying that there was no public safety threat and that the water was leaking from a section of the bridge that was under maintenance. The Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) reported that it had dispatched 581 emergency teams across the country to respond to weather-related incidents, including the injury of 49 people in traffic accidents. The LRC said it has saved 703 refugees from five settlements in northern Lebanon that have flooded since the storm began. The United Nations refugee agency released a statement saying that at least 66 informal Syrian refugee settlements have been heavily impacted by the flooding, 15 of which were completely flooded or collapsed. The statement added that heavy snow has blanketed camps in the Bekaa Valley and that around 300 refugees have been relocated to the Bekaa area and in the north. Caretaker Minister of State for Refugee Affairs, Mouin Merehbi, directed caretaker Social Affairs Minister Pierre Bou Assi to temporarily transfer refugees affected by the storm to other settlements and asked mayors to begin operations to remove floodwaters from the camps. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Ambassador Hussam Eddin Ala praised the Pope for speaking out against foreign interference in Syria reports SANA. Syrias Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Hussam Eddin Ala called for the lifting of unilateral coercive measures imposed on the Syrian people. Ala, meeting Foreign Minister of the Vatican, Msgr. Paul Richard Gallagher, appealed to the international community to adhere to principles of international law in providing support for development efforts exerted by the Syrian government and to refrain from exploiting the humanitarian issues for the political agendas of hostile countries. The Syrian Ambassador to the Vatican briefed Msgr .Gallagher on Syrias victories in the field of combating terrorism and the challenges which have been facing the rehabilitation process. He affirmed Syrias determination to complete the liberation of its entire territory from terrorism and from any illegal foreign presence there. Ala welcomed the statement of Pope Francis during his annual meeting with ambassadors accredited in Vatican when he criticized foreign interference and talked about the return of displaced Syrians to their homeland and contributions to the reconstruction process. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Storms have been battering Syria, with high amounts of rainfall, powerful winds and heavy snow, which has led to the deaths of seven people writes Damas Post. Seven people died and others were wounded, in addition to material damage inflicted, by traffic accidents that occurred during the storm that struck Syria over the last two days. General Abdel Rizaq Hajj Abdel Wahab from the Traffic Directorate told SANA that the deaths were recorded in the Damascus countryside province. Two cars collided in the town of Babila, which led to the death of a woman and her son, while a motorcycle crash in the town led to the death of the driver and another person. A tourist car crashed on the Damascus-Homs highway near the town of Deir Atiyah, killing the driver and his brother. General Abdel Wahab said that a car accident in Homs led to the death of one person, while other traffic accidents wounded a number of residents and a car crash in the city of al-Nabak wounded the driver. Another car crash wounded a person in the town of Daraya, as well as a third traffic accident in the town of Qudisiyeh lead to one person being wounded. In Aleppo, General Abdel Wahab said that two accidents were recorded which wounded two people, while another accident only inflicted material damage. In Lattakia, a person was wounded as the result of an accident, while in Tartous five traffic accidents were recorded, wounding one person with the others only inflicting material damage. In Hama, according to General Abdel Wahab, one traffic accident was recorded, and in Suweida two accidents occurred, only inflicting material damage. He said that in Damascus, seven accidents occurred, one wounding a person and the rest only inflicted material damage to a number of cars. Over the last few days, a storm brought heavy rain across the provinces and heavy snow in the mountains, accompanied by high-speed winds, which reached in some cases up to 85km/h. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Assad continues to use internationally banned weapons and indiscriminate bombings to secure his grip on the country even further The Syrian Network for Human Rights. The Assad regimes airforce dropped no fewer than 3,601 barrel bombs on opposition-held areas in 2018, the majority of which hit eastern Ghouta in rural Damascus in February. The Syrian Coalition said that these figures once again demonstrated the massive scale of the horrible crimes being committed by the Assad regime during its military campaigns against rebel-held areas. In its new annual report issued on Monday, the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) said that the Assad regimes airforce has dropped well over 70,000 barrel bombs on residential areas since the start of the revolution. It noted that the first time the Assad regime deployed this weapon was on Jul. 18, 2012, in the town of Dael in northern rural Daraa. The attack killed five civilians and injured eight others. The monitoring group pointed out that the Assad regime has dropped at least 2,577 barrel bombs on the opposition-held areas since the start of the Russian military intervention on Sep. 30, 2015, at a rate of 23 barrel bombs per day over the past three years. Barrel bombs are internationally prohibited weapons. The Network said the use of this indiscriminate weapon violated UN Security Council Resolution 2139 issued on Feb. 22, 2014, which condemned the Assad regimes extensive use of barrel bombs. The Syrian Coalition said that these figures make it imperative that the international community shoulder its responsibilities to hold the Assad regime accountable for the widespread crimes it is committing against civilians in opposition-held areas. The Coalition pointed out that the indiscriminate bombardment is added to the Assad regimes endless litany of crimes against the Syrian people, such as starvation, besiegement, and mass forced displacement aimed at bringing about demographic change in Syria, especially in Damascus, Homs, and Daraa provinces. Donald Trump's haphazard foreign policy decisions show a lack of knowledge of regional dynamics and bring no benefit to the United States, writes Emile Nakhleh. President Donald Trumps recent decision to withdraw US troops from Syria was not based on prior consultations with his senior foreign and military policy experts. The former Secretary of Defence James Mattis, who has since resigned in protest, and several senior State Department Middle East experts objected to the withdrawal and decried the regional vacuum that it would create. The presidents action showed a lack of knowledge of regional dynamics, the traditional American role in regional alliances, the domestic situation in Syria, and the fact that malevolent actors often fill the vacuum created by American disengagement. This is not an argument about whether American troops should have been sent to Syria in the first place or whether withdrawing two thousand plus soldiers would tip the regional balance of power one way or the other. Or even whether Syria poses an existential threat to American regional or global security. The two factors that underpinned the troop deployment three years ago constraining the Syrian dictators brutality against his people and training and supporting Syrian Kurdish fighters opposed to the Assad regime are as valid today as they were then. Contrary to the presidents claim, the Islamic State group [IS] has not been defeated and continues to pose a threat to American security. Withdrawing from Syria undercuts the diplomatic efforts by Ambassador James Jeffrey to help chart a future for Syria without Assad. Ambassador Jeffrey, who also resigned in protest, said previously that the United States would stay in Syria for years to come because the American presence provided leverage against adversarial actors. Second, this unfortunate decision means that the future of Syria will be decided by Russia, Turkey, Iran, Hizballah and Syrias tyrant without any significant input from Washington the best Christmas gift that Moscow could have hoped for. Why is it such a gift and why should Americans care about whats happening in the Middle East? The decision totally ignores the resurgence of new al-Qaeda affiliated groups in Syria, including Hayat Tahrir al Sham or HTS. So, while the president touts the defeat of IS, he dismisses the rise of these re-branded but equally menacing groups. Despite the Turkish presidents public commitment to fight IS, Turkeys primary objective is to strike at the Kurdish forces in Syria, not to fight IS or al-Qaeda. Third, Trumps action also dismisses the precarious situation in Jordan and Lebanon, two key American allies. The decision has inadvertently empowered Hizballah, Lebanons most important political party and an ally of Iran. The unintended consequences of the troop withdrawal are creating much uncertainty in Jordan and a growing threat from nefarious groups. Jordan has worked closely with the United States to train some of the pro-American forces Arabs and Kurds fighting against the Assad regime, which now feel abandoned by Washington. Finally, American disengagement from Syria is empowering regional autocrats in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and elsewhere to terrorise their people as they see fit and to spread mischief across the region without accountability. Nor will the Taliban in Afghanistan feel a need to negotiate with the regime in Kabul. They will wait out America knowing full well that, as in Syria, American troops will ultimately leave Afghanistan. The decision to withdraw has diminished Americas ability to use its leverage to influence future events in the region. One hypothetical area of leverage might be for Washington to reach an agreement with Tehran about eliminating the sanctions re-imposed on Iran following Trumps scuttling of the nuclear deal. While one cannot imagine the American Secretary of State Mike Pompeo or the National Security Adviser John Bolton acquiesce in a deal with Iran over the sanctions, such an agreement might encourage Iran to distance itself from Russia and make it receptive to a deal with Washington on the future of Syria without Assad. Turkeys Erdogan could be another friendly player. However, he has demanded that Washington extradite his perceived arch nemesis Fethullah Gulen, the Turkish cleric living in Pennsylvania. This should be a non-starter for any deal with Turkey. Whether in Syria or in Afghanistan, the presidents haphazard foreign policy decisions bring no benefit to the United States, only risks. Reflecting on the realities of the region, its difficult to find a silver lining in Trumps short-sighted decision. One can only hope that no long-term damage ensues. Emile Nakhleh is a former senior US intelligence officer, director of the Global and National Policy Institute at the University of New Mexico, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and author of A Necessary Engagement: Reinventing Americas Relations with the Muslim World. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. California Baptist University Riverside's California Baptist University offers a full-time Master of Science (MS) in Speech-Language Pathology for state licensure and national certification. The program can be completed in 6 semesters (2 years), including summers, and follows a cohort model. Students are required to complete at least 400 clinical hours in a variety of settings, including schools, medical institutions and community organizations. The program requires a comprehensive exam and includes a capstone course and a Praxis exam (national certification) review course. San Diego State University San Diego State University in San Diego has a full-time Master of Arts (MA) in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences with a concentration in speech-language pathology and an interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Language and Communicative Disorders. The MA program can be completed in 5 semesters, requires a practicum experience in a public school and offers a thesis or comprehensive exam option. Students in the MA may also choose a specialization in bilingualism to work with bilingual clients, but interested students must pass a second-language proficiency test. The PhD program focuses on the neuroscience and cognitive science behind language disorders and provides students with a variety of research and teaching opportunities. California State University-Long Beach California State University-Long Beach provides an MA in Speech-Language Pathology. Students in the program complete at least 400 hours of clinical experience, including 2 externship experiences with one in a medical setting and another in a school setting. Some of these clinical hours are accomplished at the school's on-campus Speech and Language Clinic where students receive experience in areas such as neurogenic and developmental speech and language disorders. Graduates meet the requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). University of Redlands The University of Redlands in Redlands has an MS in Speech-Language Pathology that totals a minimum of 60 credits. The program requires a final oral presentation and does not have a thesis option, but students interested in research can participate in projects with faculty members for experience. Students also complete 25 hours of observation, a range of clinical experiences and an externship in a health setting and one in a public school setting. Clinical experiences provide students with practice in areas like autism, adult neurogenic disorders, fluency disorders, school-age language disorders and more. Loma Linda University Loma Linda University in Loma Linda offers an MS in Speech-Language Pathology that is full-time and follows a cohort model. Students can complete the program in 2 years and must take a practicum each quarter, as well as 2 full-time internships in a medical and school setting, after completing a clinic orientation. Students in the program can also compete for graduate assistantships, but cannot work as speech-language pathologists while in the program. The program prepares students to take the Praxis during or after the program. President Duterte promised to crack down on corruption, something other new presidents also do but tend to forget about once sworn in. Duterte acted and dismissed over 30 senior officials suspected of corruption. Few were prosecuted because making a legal case is difficult. Some of those Duterte fired were later rehired after they were able to demonstrate the suspicions about them were unfounded. Duterte also discovered that a lot of the corruption, especially when it comes to import taxes (customs fees), would be much less of a problem if the methods for handling imports were changed so corruption was not so easy to carry out and get away with. Nevertheless, a lot of lower-ranking officials (from customs, as well as the security services) have been caught and prosecuted. In some cases, entire local police forces were fired or transferred. Duterte realized that its the senior offenders who have the most impact on removing the culture of impunity that has made corruption so pervasive. One bright spot has been the economy. Even without the promised Chinese investments (from deals China signed but has been slow to implement) GDP growth in 2018 was 6.6 percent and continuing to increase. If enough investments are made in areas like agriculture and oil exploration growth could his 8 percent in a few years. The anti-corruption and anti-drug program also has a positive impact as does the reduction in terrorist and separatist violence. Reductions in these areas mean the military can turn to the growing threat from China in the South China Sea. The defense budget has already been spending more on weapons and equipment for defending Filipino portions of the South China Sea that China is claiming ownership of. Armed disputes inside the Philippines are on the decline. The Islamic terror and leftist rebel groups suffered major losses in the last two years and show no signs of recovering. ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) organizing efforts were largely destroyed. The drug gangs, which had become very powerful simply because of the amount of cash they handled and the number of gunmen (and corrupt officials) on their payroll also took heavy losses for the first time when a newly installed president (Duterte) went after the drug gangs in 2016 and is still at it. The drug gangs, leftist rebels and Islamic terror groups were all major components in the criminal underground provided all manner of essential illegal services (weapons, false documents, smuggling, money laundering, information) that are now much less available and more expensive to use. This sort of thing does not make headlines but the police and military intel analysts can measure the impact and its an important factor in the continued decline of all three sources of criminal activity. January 7, 2019: In the south (Sultan Kudarat province), twenty NPA men took over a rural construction site before dawn and set fire to eight large construction vehicles. The leftist rebels were retaliating against a road building company that would not meet the NPA extortion (for protection) demands. This puts a lot of locals out of work but the NPA needs cash to keep operating. December 31, 2018: In the south (Cotabato city), ISIL was believed responsible for setting off a bomb outside a mall, killing two and wounding 30. ISIL manpower is much reduced since 2017 and the major ISIL activity (aside from avoiding detection and arrest) is continuing to carry out high profile attacks like this. There are fewer and fewer of these attacks. More common are money raising activities like kidnapping, piracy, extortion and smuggling. All these are more difficult to get away with which is not the kind of trend criminal organizations thrive, or even survive on. December 26, 2018: The CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) observed its fiftieth year of existence with three more ceasefire violations by its armed wing; the NPA. There was also an incident were 19 NPA members surrendered, which is an increasingly common event but rarely noted in CPP press releases. There are a lot of other things the CPP does not like to dwell on. Cold War era political rebels like the NPA were found to have more links with the other outlaw groups than expected, given the fact that NPA was always anti-religious and Moslem political and religious groups were militantly anti-communist. By documenting NPA connections to Islamic terror groups NPA loses more of what little political credibility it still has. This is being seen in Europe where several senior NPA leaders have obtained political asylum and openly continue working for the NPA. Some of these leaders are already facing efforts to cancel their asylum. NPA has suffered heavy losses since 2016 and that led to internal disagreements over strategy. Because of that NPA has split into several factions. There is no one who can accurately represent all of NPA and resume negotiations and continue to work out a peace deal. The government has responded by ordering the security forces to concentrate on NPA and shut them down. One result of the NPA problems is that more NPA members surrendering or deserting the organization. Since mid-2017 many NPA members who surrendered provided information indicating that losses from desertion were more than twice what the government was reporting. In addition, there were medical losses (because so many camps had been destroyed) as well as fewer new recruits. Those losses increased since late 2017 and judging from the reduced presence of NPA in areas they have long terrorized it is having quite an impact. There are still a few factions willing to fight on but they are facing more armed resistance (especially from local defense groups) and much less popular support. In 2017 nearly a thousand NPA rebels surrendered, were captured, killed or known to have deserted (and are sometimes being sought to major crimes). Less than a third of these losses were from combat. Most were surrenders or deserters. Also important is the capture or surrender of nearly 700 firearms and much stockpiled ammo and bomb-making materials. In many areas where the NPA has long operated the locals have come to view the NPA as bandits and turned against them. Those loss rates continued into 2018 and the military expects that those NPA losses to increase in 2019 and if the trend continues the NPA will end up as scattered groups of commie gangsters. December 23, 2018: In the south (Maguindanao province), two rival MILF factions opened fire on each other during a land dispute. Each faction lost two dead (and several wounded) before soldiers arrived and intervened. December 22, 2018: Two clashes between the army and the NPA left two soldiers dead and four wounded. The NPA suffered some wounded. The clashes took place in the north (Kalinga province) and in the south (Northern Samar province). December 20, 2018: In the north (Manila), police arrested a key Abu Sayyaf member who was on the national most wanted list. Many notorious Islamic terrorists will hide in plain sight between major operations. The works better in large cities like Manila. December 19, 2018: In the south (Agusan del Sur), NPA gunmen kidnapped twelve local defense volunteers and two soldiers, an incident that led the army to halt peace negotiations with the NPA leadership. December 18, 2018: In the south (Sulu province), the army activated the new 11th Infantry division. This does not add any troops to the counter-terror operations in Sulu but does gather over a dozen battalions already there, usually on temporary duty from the permanent bases elsewhere in the country. Having the eight infantry and six support (Intel, civil affairs, training, recon, communications and logistics) battalions under one command makes it easier to support and command all these units whose main job is finding and eliminating Abu Sayyaf personnel in the province. December 13, 2018: In the south (Sulu province), marines clashed with a large (about fifty) group of Abu Sayyaf on Minis island. The Islamic terrorists lost seven dead, ten surrendered and the others fled, taking many wounded with them. One marine was killed and three wounded. Since the clash took place on one of the smaller (two square kilometers) islands (Minis) in Sulu province helicopters and patrol boats were called in to prevent the Islamic terrorists from escaping, or receiving reinforcements from other islands. If the surviving Abu Sayyaf can be confined to the island, especially through the night (when smugglers and Abu Sayyaf like to move around by boat) they will be easier to hunt down and capture, even though most Abu Sayyaf members have no problems blending in with local civilians. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Barbecue joints, honky-tonks, and line dancing often come to mind when thinking of Nashville, but thats changing. The past five years have seen unprecedented growth. What was once a sleepy town with an electric center is becoming a bustling cityscape, complete with a rising downtown skyline and standstill freeways. Bachelorette parties may now be rivaling country music for our main draw, but the cultural shift has also brought a formidable coffee scene to Music City. Coffee shops have quickly become popular places to escape shrieking car horns and brake dust. With discerning palates rising in the greater population, Nashville cafes see an increased willingness by the customer to give their barista time to complete a pour-over or assemble an intricate seasonal drink. This has allowed shops to devote attention to drink quality and overall atmosphere. The following is a list of some of Nashville's most noteworthy coffee shops, places which provide a menu and an experience unique and carefully tailored to their space. These shops span the length of the city, bringing solid coffee options to a variety of neighborhoods. No matter where you find yourself, a good cup is nearby. Stay Golden Restaurant & Roastery Stay Golden Restaurant & Roastery may have opened as recently as August, but its roots in the Nashville coffee scene run deep. Co-founders Jamie Cunningham, Sean Stewart, and Nathanael Mehrens also helped bring another Nashville staple, Steadfast Coffee, to life. The marble coffee counter greets you as you walk in the door. It leads around the corner to eight stools along the bar with hi-top tables and booths behind. A balcony looms above with more seating. The robin's-egg-blue accents on the white walls match a La Marzocco Linea PB espresso machine, which sits next to two Nuova Simonelli Mythos One grinders. Their own Chin Up Blend is a nice mix of Peruvian and Guatemalan beans, which comes through both mellow and sweet in a cappuccino. However, the specialty drinks alone are worth a visit. The team behind Matchless Coffee Soda brings its creativity to a host of augmented drinks. These include the Calypso, which is a mix of flash-chilled coffee, falernum, aromatic cream, and pineapple dust, and is downright delicious. The Coffee Mint Julep is a coffee cocktail made with frozen coffee crushed to order with a hammer, brandy, demerara sugar, and is garnished with mint. Each drink is thoughtfully prepped, constructed, and presentedmaking Stay Golden worth the fanfare. Sump Coffee Sump Coffee became a destination for serious coffee drinkers as soon as it opened the doors to its Nashville location in late 2017. The companys St. Louis location and roastery had already drawn nationwide praise for its attention to detail and flavor profiling. Sump Nashville is spacious. High ceilings and tall windows blur the lines between the concrete floor of the space and the green field just beyond the patio seating. A couch and coffee table made of reclaimed wood anchors the center of the inside seating area, rounded out with small tables and a few stools along the bar. Their roasts lean toward the lighter side of the spectrum, to the point of occasionally being referred to as sushi coffee. This allows for the skill of the barista and the quality of the coffee bean to show through. We recently sat down with owner Scott Carey to discuss Sump's first year here, and the lessons Nashville has taught him. Crema Coffee Roasters Crema Coffee Roasters sits just beyond screaming distance of downtown Nashvilles famed Broadway Street. The wooden patio out front affords a beautiful view of the Korean Veterans Bridge spanning the Cumberland River. Inside, youll find the counter to your right, a plethora of seating to your left, and the roasting room just beyond. The decor is subtle, with one wall covered in portraits and the opposite housing retail items. The customers attention is mostly drawn to gaze out at the beautiful view beyond the patio, through large windows which span an entire wall. A La Marzocco Linea PB sits atop the counter. The Yachi Kachise espresso from Ethiopia is as smooth as it is sweet. The serving tray is perfectly cut to fit the saucer, demitasse spoon, and glass for sparkling water. The presentation is as deliberate and precise as the coffee. Crema is the oldest shop on our list and is often credited as the first shop in town to bring a higher level of intentionality to coffee service here in Nashville. A visit, if for no other reason than to show respect, is necessary. Barista Parlor The original Barista Parlor (there are now five locations) opened in 2012 in the heart of East Nashville. The repurposed transmission shop is marked with a giant anchor over the garage doors where large, illuminated letters spell the cafes name. Inside, youll find giant slabs of reclaimed wood acting as tabletops, and hi-top tables mounted along the walls. Swinging Edison bulbs provide light even when the weather allows the garage doors to be raised. Barista Parlor's coffee is roasted at their Golden Sound location, which leaves room here for motorcycles to line the front and a full kitchen hidden behind a half-wall toward the back. Dual wooden countertops in the center of the cafe allow the customer to watch every move as the baristas navigate their stations. A Slayer Espresso V3 sits on one side with two Mazzer Luigi grinders. The opposite counter houses the pour-over station, a FETCO urn, and five Yama cold brew towers. A high standard for drink quality has gained nationwide attention and necessitates a visit when in town. Disclosure: my workplace, Drug Store Coffee, is affiliated with Barista Parlor. Retrograde Coffee Retrograde Coffee is tucked away in the back of the Cleveland Park neighborhood. The empty lot across the street and adjacent auto shops are shadowed by a future condo building, which perfectly symbolizes the direction of the neighborhood. The shop itself stands out with a vibrant mural facing south. Inside, white walls are accented with dark green to match the cafe's La Marzocco GB5. A FETCO XTS batch brewer sits beneath shelves of retail and bags of coffee. A white marble countertop separates the baristas from the ample sitting space, where music plays softly over two large, white speakers. Retrograde is the only multi-roaster on the list, employing Onyx Coffee from Fayetteville, Arkansas for espresso. Quills Coffee from Louisville and Brash Coffee from Atlanta currently hold down the pour-over offerings. The Kenya Gachata OT-8 espresso from Onyx is smooth and served with crushed dark chocolate and sparkling water on a wooden tray. The Equinox is an espresso-based drink with honey and sweet potato marshmallow and is delightfully balanced. Josh Rank is a freelance contributor based in Nashville. Read more Josh Rank for Sprudge. Carlos Jose Sanchez Jaramillo, the actor most famously known for playing Juan Valdez, has passed away at age 83. The New York Times reports that the Colombian actor and painter died on December 29th in Medellin. Confirmed in an email from the Colombia's National Federation of Coffee Growers, Sanchez's death comes some 12 years after his retirement from the role of Juan Valdez, a character he donned for almost 40 years. As the NYT notes, the Valdez characterand by extention Sanchezwas an indefatigable farmer with a warm expression, a lush mustache and a mule named Conchita that became an avatar for the farmers who harvested Colombias coffee beans and a positive depiction of a country that was often equated with terrorism and drug trafficking. I presented the image of the Colombian coffee grower, an honest man, hard-working, traditional, Mr. Sanchez told The New York Times in 2001. Juan Valdez would get up early, pick coffee, and what happened in time is the character became mythologized. The character took home multiple advertising awards and was the mascot for multiple cafes in America named after him, according to the article. It was a role that Sanchez defined, and after 36 years playing him, Valdez became part of Sanchez as well. He described the idea of losing the rolewhich became a very real possibility when coffee prices dropped in the late 90sas akin to losing a limb. I feel like a flag, he said at a news conference. I feel like Ive represented the country. Carlos Sanchez is survived by his wife and two children. Though his spirit lives on through actor Carlos Castaneda, who assumed the icon role back in 2006, there will never truly be another Juan Valdez. Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge. Top image via the New York Times Diplomat Jan Kubis named a Lebanon envoy Only a few days ago, Kubis admitted his ambition of running for president. Font size: A - | A + UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has appointed Slovak diplomat Jan Kubis, former foreign affairs minister and ex-head of the UN missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, to be the new UN special coordinator in Lebanon. Kubis will take over from Pernille Dahler Kardel of Denmark, who had been acting coordinator since November 2017, the AFP news agency reported. The appointment comes amid tensions between Israel and Lebanon, where the United Nations has deployed a peacekeeping force to monitor the border. A potential presidential candidate? Kubis served as UN envoy to Iraq from 2015 to December 2018 and led the UN mission to Afghanistan from 2011 to 2015. Most recently, he also revealed his ambitions of becoming Slovakias president. I will think about it in the following days, but I would like to receive broad support, Kubis said in an interview with the Pravda daily, adding that he wants to be a civic candidate supported by political parties. The first round of the presidential elections in Slovakia will take place on March 16, and those interested in running for the post have time until January 31 to submit their candidacies. 10. Jan 2019 at 13:00 | Compiled by Spectator staff Robert Gilpin, R.I.P. - The Washington Post : His greatest book was written in 1981, but the main theory in it is perhaps more trenchant now... In October, a University of Washington student who goes by the pseudonym Hella Chen joined the megaviral Facebook group Subtle Asian Traits. The group, which has garnered more than 1 million members and received a flurry of mainstream media coverage, is essentially an image board for memes that illustrate the subtle tics that come with living as an Asian in a Western society. Hella decided that she wanted to form a group focused on dating after seeing that the topic was generating a lot of comments on Subtle Asian Traits, to the point of overpowering other conversations. She also thought that, unlike Subtle Asian Traits, this dating page could be a way for people to actually meet in real life. Advertisement Hella recruited some friends and formed an unofficial offshoot called Subtle Asian Dating, or SAD, in November. It began as a 10-person group but started attracting thousands of followers within the first few weeks, mostly due to the newfound demand for groups that have Subtle Asian in the title. When a meme promoting the group gained traction in Subtle Asian Traits, users flocked to it in droves. By Wednesday, it had more than 310,000 members, primarily from the U.S., Canada, and Australia, according to an informal public poll. SAD is now one of the largest offshoots of Subtle Asian Traits, elucidating the absurdities and anxieties that come with dating as an Asian in a Western society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SAD is a hub where people can auction off their single friends by posting dating profiles. Most posts consist of basic physical and education stats, a list of pros and cons, and a reel of candid photos. Ill call it the resume format: they have to go to a prestigious school, have a nice job, etc. But then we also added our own modern spice to it, says Jonny Kounnavong, a student at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro who has a profile in the group. He notes that many of the selling points on profiles seem geared toward what our parents would want in a significant other. Advertisement A number of people on the page have likened Subtle Asian Dating to marriage markets, which are matchmaking events popular on weekends in Beijing and Shanghai. Parents of singles in China convene in public parks with the hopes of arranging dates for their children by displaying placards that list information like height, salary, education, and requirements for suitors. While less commitment-focused and decidedly raunchier, SAD is perhaps best described as a virtual marriage market for millennials of the Asian diaspora. Advertisement But despite the apparent purpose of SAD to facilitate IRL courtship, the page more often seems to serve as an outlet for people to lightly roast their single friends. Much like Subtle Asian Traits, the tenor of SAD is tongue-in-cheek, with a satirical self-awareness of Asian stereotypes. Inside jokes, harvested from the collective experience of growing up Asian in a white society, abound. Dating profiles boast about GPAs, elite colleges, challenging STEM degrees, dual citizenship, mastery of instruments, endorsements from tiger parents, and fluency in Asian languages. Common cons include Asian glow (the phenomenon in which some Asians turn red while drinking due to an enzyme mutation), lactose intolerance (common among Asians), preoccupation with school or work, and failure to qualify for math olympiads. Advertisement Advertisement No one really takes the pros and cons seriously. Theyre meant as an inside joke, says Austin Jia, a Duke student who has a profile on the page. Its funny to laugh at how [things like banking and pre-med] are valued by society more so than by individuals, and to acknowledge the stereotypes without making them toxic. Advertisement Subtle Asian Dating largely does away with the subtlety that is at the core of Subtle Asian Traits. Users are fond of all caps and hyperbole, and posts brim with emoji. Particularly popular are the eggplant and droplet emoji, usually for punctuation just in case you dont catch the innuendo of a phrase like Is a Master of the Harp and Piano, those fingers can get you going. The attributes of prospective partners are often described in terms of boba (aka bubble tea): This wealthy bae can afford boba for you and your friends; this down to earth bae is content with a chill boba date; this bae works at a boba shop and can hook you up with freebies. Advertisement Advertisement Theres also a certain lingo that comes with the territory. Much of this stems from the fact that a sizeable contingent of the users also seems to be a part of the booming Asian EDM festival scene, with numerous posts advertising ravebaes. Singles are also identified as ABGs (an amorphous term, most succinctly put as Asian women who exude a Kardashian-esque presence) or wholesome (a term attesting to an individuals quaintness and moral repute). Users often warn of cuffing seasonthe time of year between October and March when people look to be cuffed in a relationship to ward off the chilly isolation that winter begets. The users who spoke to Slate about their interactions with the page overwhelmingly described it as a positive experience. I feel like everyone should be their friends hypeman and persuade them to get auctioned, said Kounnavong, whose post received nearly 2,000 reactions. He said that 52 people sent him direct messages but that hes not actually trying to date, just doing it for fun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paula Hsu, a pastry chef in Taiwan, woke up on Thursday to find dozens of direct messages on Facebook and Instagram from suitors shed never met. Initially bewildered, she soon found out that her best friend, Christina Lo, had secretly created a post advertising her on SAD. I was actually a little bit pissed at her because some of the pictures she posted I wasnt super keen on, Hsu said. Advertisement Yet, the post was fairly popular, and she received more than 80 DMs. She says that shes been casually chatting with four or five people as a result. One of her suitors is even coming to Taiwan next week, and they might meet up if our schedules work out. She now plans to return the favor, though shes waiting to catch Lo off guard. Advertisement Alan Chen, an MIT student who also has a profile on the page, says SAD appeals to him as a space to date and discuss relationships unencumbered by the expectations set upon Asians in Western countries. A significant number of posts on Subtle Asian Traits were aimed at the difficulties that Asian people face when trying to date in Western societies and I think that Subtle Asian Dating is a direct response to that frustration, he said. Chen observed that Asian women have often spoken out about fetishization, while Asian men complain about being seen as undesirable. Advertisement Advertisement Hella Chen says she is now, ironically, unable to pursue a relationship because shes been so busy moderating Subtle Asian Dating. She was spending 50 to 60 hours per week on the page when it started to take off. I was getting around two hours of sleep, and then I would go to class the next day, she said. But even in class, I was still reviewing the group. Admins have begun running ads on the page to cover the cost of spending their time moderating and to subsidize meetups in cities like Tel Aviv, Honolulu, and Antwerp. Hella has noticed some troubling trends as the group continues to grow. For example, a vast majority of the dating profiles feature uber-accomplished young Asian professionals and students with centerfold physiques. She worries that the high concentration of conventional beauty and professional success in the dating profiles might scare off potatoes, a term for normal people. Similar to a potato, we kind of just exist, said Hella, who says she identifies with the term. While weve been sleeping and eating, someone else has been getting into Harvard, MIT, all these fancy schools and getting that six-figure salary. Shes also seen that a lot of Instagram models try to use SAD to increase their exposure, which is permitted but does tend to promote unrealistic expectations of beauty. Hella admitted that, at one point, even she would have been uncomfortable interacting with the group were she not an admin. Its unfortunately how normal people feel amongst these gods and goddesses. Advertisement Even more perturbing is the harassment and ad hominem attacks that bubble up at times in comment sections. Hella is concerned that this toxicity has contributed to the lack of representation among South Asian, Southeast Asian, and LGBTQ people. Users who dont normally get a lot of visibility on SAD have branched off to form groups like Subtle Curry Dating and Subtle Queer Asian Dating. You cant get someone who hasnt been posting to post if the group is toxic, if they dont feel like they belong, she said. These issues, though, are less severe than they used to be. The admins have instituted strict guidelines around harassment and hate speech, and they now approve every post before it goes up. Theyve also been trying to promote more potato positivity with pride days for people who dont fit the general aesthetic of the page. Ive seen a lot more people who are like me, and they arent getting torn apart in the comments, Hella said. Its been great to see that positive culture take hold. The Department of Homeland Security found in 2017 that the steel slat border wall prototype can be cut through with a saw, NBC News reported Thursday. President Trump has been championing the steel slat design as a cost-effective alternative to a concrete wall in an attempt to demonstrate his willingness to negotiate with Democrats during the government shutdown. A design of our Steel Slat Barrier which is totally effective while at the same time beautiful! pic.twitter.com/sGltXh0cu9 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 21, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement V.P. Mike Pence and group had a productive meeting with the Schumer/Pelosi representatives today. Many details of Border Security were discussed. We are now planning a Steel Barrier rather than concrete. It is both stronger & less obtrusive. Good solution, and made in the U.S.A. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2019 In October 2017, six contractors commissioned by the Trump administration built eight different border wall prototypes in San Diego near the U.S.-Mexico border. Customs and Border Protection, an agency run under the Department of Homeland Security, then conducted tests on the prototypes to check for vulnerabilities. The agency produced an internal report in February indicating that inspectors were able to breach the steel slat prototype with a saw. NBC obtained a picture of the resulting hole: Advertisement Advertisement The next month, in March, President Donald Trump visited San Diego to inspect the prototypes. During his visit, he noted his preference for see-through barriers such as the steel slat design. Hed previously argued that this feature allowed people to avoid getting hit by large sacks of drugs that may be catapulted from the other side. Advertisement Trump is currently refusing to sign any spending bills that do not include a $5.7 billion allotment for a barrier along the border, which has led to a weekslong partial shutdown of the government. He has repeatedly made the false claim that Democrats are requesting a steel slat barrier. While the design currently being constructed was informed by what we learned in the prototypes, it does not replicate those designs, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Katie Waldman told NBC when asked about the steel slat vulnerability. The steel bollard design is internally reinforced with materials that require time and multiple industrial tools to breach, thereby providing U.S. Border Patrol agents additional response time to affect a successful law enforcement resolution. In the event that one of the steel bollards becomes damaged, it is quick and cost-effective to repair. Advertisement Building Trumps barrier would be a complex challenge given the varying terrain along the U.S.-Mexico border and would be disruptive to private property owners and wildlife. The hypothetical barrier would likely require technological enhancements such as tunnel detectors and motion-sensing cameras. Arrests for unauthorized border crossings are also at a historic low and the bulk of illegal drug imports enter the U.S. through official ports. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson Ralph DeSio told San Diego outlet KPBS that the prototypes were not and cannot be designed to be indestructible. During the 2016 presidential race, Trump promised that the wall would be impenetrable, physical, tall, powerful, beautiful. In February 1974, the Symbionese Liberation Army, a left-wing radical group, kidnapped the 19-year-old daughter of media mogul William Randolph Hearst. The SLA claimed to represent all oppressed people, self-determination, and human and constitutional rights. It requested that Hearst show good faith by providing hundreds of millions of dollars in food aid to the poor. The people are awaiting your gesture, an SLA leader told Hearst. We will accept a sincere effort on your part. The Hearst case, like other abductions, was violent and far removed from the genteel halls of Congress. But if you want to understand the behavior of Republicans in the current government shutdown, you have to understand kidnapping. The tactics of President Donald Trump and his congressional alliestaking hostages, using them as messengers, and blaming their suffering on the people who could ransom themecho the tactics of criminal captors like the SLA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the shutdown, the hostages are public employees, veterans, and everyone else who depends on federal payments. The ransom is $5 billion. Like other ideologues, the Republicans claim to have a good cause: a wall on the Mexican border. But morally, the bottom line is the same: You cant hold people hostage, even if you think your cause is worthy. The question at stake isnt border security. Its whether the government will shut down and stay closed every time extremists demand money for a pet cause. Trump forced this debacle. On Dec. 11, he said, If we dont get what we want I will shut down the government. On Jan. 2, two weeks into the shutdown, he thanked Vice President Mike Pence for congratulating him on taking a strong stand to shut down the government until we secure the funding to build a wall. But now Trump is trying to hold congressional Democrats, from whom he has demanded ransom, responsible for dragging their feet. Look, this shutdown could end tomorrow, [or] it could also go on for a long time, Trump told reporters on Saturday. Its really dependent on the Democrats. On Sunday, Trumps acting chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, disputed suggestions that the president was responsible. On the contrary, Mulvaney proposed, Its the Democrats refusal to give the necessary money for border security that is the cause of the shutdown. Advertisement The question at stake isnt border security. Its whether the government will shut down every time extremists demand money for a pet cause. Republicans are trying to recast their extortion as ordinary negotiation. Were asking for $5.6 billion. Theyre offering us zero, Mulvaney told CNN. He complained that in a meeting with Trump on Friday, Democrats said they were not interested in having any further discussions until the government was open. Trump and Mulvaney dismiss that position as absurd. The least Democrats can do, according to the White House, is come to the middle. Some abductors try to use their hostages as messengers. Thats what the White House is doing to federal employees caught in the shutdown. On Monday, a reporter asked Mercedes Schlapp, the White House director of strategic communications, Whats the White House message to the federal workers who are on track to miss their first paycheck? Schlapp urged these furloughed workers to call the Democrats and basically tell the Democrats, Stop the delay tactics, lets negotiate. Advertisement When ransom isnt paid, kidnappers escalate their threats, making it look as though the people withholding the money are at fault. The fate of the hostage, they insinuate, is up to her family. Thats how Kevin McCarthy, the House Republican leader, talks about Trumps hostages. Democrats should cut a deal with the president before we get to the point where federal employees do not get paid, McCarthy warned his colleagues on Tuesday. Advertisement On Tuesday night, Trump read a prepared statement on prime-time TV. Officially, it was a presidential address. In reality, it was a message from the kidnappers. The federal government remains shut down for one reason and one reason only: because Democrats will not fund border security, said Trump. The only solution is for Democrats to pass a spending bill that defends our borders and reopens the government. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell repeated Trumps demand on Wednesday morning. By refusing to pay for the wall, said McConnell, Democrats were prolonging the shutdown. He urged them to negotiate a fair solution with the president to secure our nation and reopen all of the federal government. Advertisement This is a charade. Democrats have already passed bills to reopen the government. The reason those bills havent become law is that McConnell refuses to let the Senate vote on them, and Trump refuses to sign them. When Republicans are asked why theyre sitting on these bills, they say its impossible to reopen the government before resolving the wall debate. On Tuesday, White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway said opening the government first wasnt practical. Steve Scalise, the House Republican whip, said of the reopening and the wall, You cant have one without the other. Neither Conway nor Scalise could explain the connection, because there isnt one. The Republicans just dont want to give up their hostages. Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday afternoon, Democrats went to the White House to discuss reopening the government. Trump walked out of the meeting. Pence, McCarthy, and Scalise blamed the meltdown on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The president called the question in the meeting, Pence told reporters afterward. He asked Speaker Pelosi if he reopened the government quickly, would she agree to funding for a wall or a barrier on the southern border? And when she said no, the president said, Goodbye. Theres a case to be made for a border wall, just as theres a case to be made for feeding the poor. Congress is free to debate these issues anytime. But thats not the question before us. The question before us is whether its acceptableand whether it will become normalto shut down the government as a bargaining tactic. If you pay ransom for hostages, youll get more hostage-takers. Thats true of kidnappings. Its true of shutdowns, too. Iowa Rep. Steve King, who has openly supported white nationalist policies, appears to feel satisfied by President Donald Trumps attempt to bring fringe anti-immigrant talking points long espoused by King into the mainstream in his campaign for a border wall, as the New York Times reported Thursday. White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilizationhow did that language become offensive? King asked the Times in an interview. Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization? Advertisement The report comes one day after Iowa state Sen. Randy Feenstra announced that he planned to challenge King in the Republican primary in 2020, in part because the current representatives caustic nature has left us without a seat at the table. King, who was first elected to Congress in the deep-red district in Iowa in 2002, narrowly beat a Democratic challenger last year. Advertisement Advertisement While the question King posed to the Times is itself shocking, Kings support for white supremacy has long been documented. A list of some things he has said and done, in no particular order: In 2016, King said on MSNBC that white people (or Western civilizationan only slightly improved reading of his statementif youre feeling generous) are the subgroup of people who have contributed the most to the world. He tweeted last year that We cant restore our civilization with somebody elses babies, a key belief of white nationalism. That tweet was in support of the far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders, who has said he hates Islam and wants to ban the Quran. King also hosted Wilders at a breakfast. King retweeted a neo-Nazi who believes pornography is part of a Jewish plot to destroy Christian families and morality. He complained the U.S. was becoming a third world country because of immigrants, whom he also blamed for the threats of ISIS and Ebola. He has displayed a Confederate flag in his office, despite being from the decidedly not-Southern state of Iowa. After the Charleston, South Carolina, church shooting, he continued to defend displaying the flag in public buildings. He once tweeted out a cartoon of Obama wearing a turban while vowing revenge for the Crusades. King dismissed concerns about the racial profiling of Ferguson, Missouri, protesters because they were all of a single origin, I should say, a continental origin. He complained this August about the Great Replacement conspiracy theory that contends mass migration is destroying white civilization. In that interview, he also said: If we dont defend Western civilization, then we will become subjugated by the people who are the enemies of faith, the enemies of justice and blamed abortion for killing millions of white babies. In August, he also met with a far-right Austrian party with historical ties to Nazis. In 2013, he said that for every child of undocumented immigrants whos a valedictorian, theres another 100 out there who weigh 130 pounds and theyve got calves the size of cantaloupes because theyre hauling 75 pounds of marijuana across the desert. Advertisement Advertisement While a few people in his party have loudly condemned the congressmans openly racist behavior, Trump, who once called King a smart person with, really, the right views on almost everything, has not joined them in doing so. Trump has boasted about raising money for Kings campaigns, as the Times noted. The presidents current language about the crisis at the border reflects only loyalty to Kings rhetorical legacy. Update, Jan. 10, 2019, at 2:43 p.m.: In a statement Thursday afternoon, King responded to the Times article by rejecting the idea that his advocacy for Western Civilizations values makes him a white nationalist: As we enter the 20th day of federal workers being unable to go to their jobs, contractors being unable to get paid, and those reliant on federal services being unable to access them, all because the president is unyielding in his demand that a physical barrier be constructed on the southern border, it is worth considering: Isnt there a better way? Of course there is. Various options exist for eliminating government shutdowns permanently, some of which have been kicked around for years. But there are reasons why our government has not adopted a more hostage-proof protocol for itself. Advertisement This government shutdown marks the third, and by far the lengthiest, funding gap of the past year. The shortest occurred in February, when Sen. Rand Paul had a conniption fit on the Senate floor during a funding deadline, albeit one that was over by the time most federal workers woke up. Lets forget that one. The weekend shutdown that preceded came when Democrats refused to support a funding bill without a path forward to protect Dreamers from deportation. The previous gap before that came in 2013, when a hard-right faction in Congress sought to eliminate funding for the Affordable Care Act. Advertisement Advertisement In the cases of the current shutdown, the weekend shutdown, and the 2013 shutdown, the pattern has been the same: An actor or bloc of actors has made a promise to its base that it cannot obtain. As a show of theatrics, it resists funding the government in order to show the base that it is willing to fight. And throughout all of these shutdowns, the group left feeling the pain is the millions of people employed by, on contract with, or reliant on the federal government. Shutdowns are disruptive to the economy, and the very mechanics of shutting down and reopening the government can run into the billions of dollars. Advertisement If you look at the events that led to the current shutdown, its quite clear whos at fault. When the White House and congressional leaders couldnt reach a full spending agreement before the deadline, congressional leaders did what they were supposed to do: puntthrough a short-term continuing resolution that would fund the government at existing levels and give them six weeks or so to reach an agreement. The Senate passed the continuing resolution, and the House was prepared to as well, until Trump changed his mind and said he wouldnt sign it. He broke off in order to show he would fight. Advertisement One remedy for ending government shutdowns, then, would be to effectively remove the hostage-taking power from any one party. This would happen through whats called an automatic continuing resolution. Advertisement Such proposals, numerous versions of which have been introduced and debated over the years, essentially say that if Congress doesnt pass a spending bill by deadline, the government automatically enters into a continuing resolution. Under a system like this, it wouldnt have mattered that the House Freedom Caucus, Rush Limbaugh, and Ann Coulter convinced the president overnight to oppose the stopgap bill and fight for the wall. The federal government would have automatically kept running at previously agreed-upon levels until negotiators came up with something better. The fear about entering a state of automatic funding, though, is that Congress might never get out of it. If members know that theres an easier path than voting on difficult, deeply compromised budget agreements, they will take the easier path. And operating under CRs in the long term is a terrible form of governance, as spending bills written one year wouldnt meet the spending needs of the next yearor the next year, or the next year. Advertisement Advertisement Even worse would be a scenario where the automatic CR legislation is written in a way that gives one party in particular a reason to prefer it over passing a budget. This is why recent automatic CR proposals, mostly introduced by Republicans, have turned off Democrats. In 2013, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman and thenOklahoma Rep. James Lankford introduced automatic CR legislation that would enact cuts the longer the automatic CR was in place. This would have incentivized some Republicans to never lift a finger and watch as government spending whittled down. More than five years later, Lankford, now a senator, is still pushing for some version of an automatic CR. He conceded in a brief interview on Tuesday that his past proposals have made the issue more complicated than it needs to be and that he understood Democratic objections to versions involving cuts. His most recent proposal, then, which he introduced as a member of the Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform, wouldnt include the cuts. It would be neutral. And in order to ensure that it wouldnt replace budgeting forever, it would state that Congress members cannot travel, Cabinet members cannot travel, while theres a continuing resolution. No one can travel until this is resolved. Advertisement Advertisement When I spoke with Democratic members, they emphasized that the goal of the committee was to move away from CRs altogether and toward completing full budgets and appropriations bills on time. The automatic CR proposals, House Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth told me, seemed like the easy way out. They dropped the idea. The feeling was that we should try to develop procedures that prevented a CR, that a CR was an outcome to be avoided rather than to be sought, Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse told me. Of course, now that ones in a shutdown, one has a different perspective about a CR. The Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform threw its hands up and disbanded in late November, unable to agree on any reforms. Advertisement Another way to eliminate shutdowns, though, would be to look directly at the specific law that requires them. The era of shutdowns didnt begin until the early 1980s. There had been funding gaps before, with many during the late 1970s, but the government still stayed up and running. People went to work. That a funding deadline had passed, for example, wasnt Congress expressing its opinion that the whole government should cease operations. Advertisement Advertisement The inventor of the shutdown was President Jimmy Carters attorney general, Benjamin Civiletti. He issued an opinion in 1980 strictly applying the Antideficiency Acta series of laws dating back to 1870 that generally forbids federal officials from spending money that hasnt been appropriatedto funding gaps. In a funding gap, Civilettis memo stated, agencies and departments would need to suspend all operations except those where there is some reasonable and articulable connection between the function to be performed and the safety of human life or the protection of property. Advertisement Civilettis opinion was shocking in its rigidity. The opinion of the attorney general, at the time, was quite surprising, Charles Tiefer, a professor at the University of Baltimore Law School and former House deputy general counsel, told me. No one thought that agencies had to close down just because there was a short gap between appropriations. Civiletti himself had to eat some of his words because he had gone so far in disrupting agency operations. Indeed, Civiletti issued another opinion in 1981 that offered some additional flexibility and exception categories for essential personnel. Although the Antideficiency Act and Civilettis opinion have been tweaked over the years, that 1981 opinionthat nonessential personnel must be furloughed and nonessential operations shut downis still the basis of government shutdowns. Advertisement Advertisement Tiefer, though, believes that Civilettis own effort to eat his words, and allow for more exceptions to the Antideficiency Act, shows that theres plenty of space for either Congress or the Justice Department to amend it further. I think that the shutdown was largely born from the attorney general opinion, and that it could either be amended or there could be a different opinion by a current attorney general, Tiefer said. His backing off is an example, or an illustration, of what we could do now. So why isnt it done now? Why does Congress, when it has multiple available options to eliminate the threat of a shutdown, not do so? Because Congress, in its Congress-y way, likes the threat of a shutdown, and likes the way things have worked since the Civiletti opinions. Advertisement The threat of the ever-looming shutdown raises the stakes of inaction and serves as a forcing mechanism for parties to come to agreement. Individual members can defend votes on vast, sometimes ugly spending legislation as necessary to prevent a shutdown. It creates must-pass vehicles for legislation that leaders and members can lard up with extraneous bills that couldnt pass on their own. This threat, typically, works, and funding gaps were much less frequent and shorter in duration in the years after the Civiletti memo. When a group did try to weaponize a shutdown, as Speaker Newt Gingrich did in the mid-1990s, the experience was so painful that there wasnt another one for 17 years. Advertisement But with frequent shutdowns returning, and leaders seemingly more willing to bear the consequences of a shutdown than they used to be, could we soon be nearing the time for shutdown reform? I think this shutdown is a powerful call for reform, Tiefer said. On the other hand, that depends on what conclusion the public draws. If the presidents supporters end up still agreeing that it was right to shut down the government, then you could see big shutdowns again in the not-too-distant future. Its possible that there might be more appetite for doing something to make it harder for the government to shut down, Molly Reynolds, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, told me. But at the same time, when you think about a kind of coalition that would be needed to pass such a reform, in the current political environment, Im not sure I see how Democrats and Republicans would come together to do that. If the current shutdown continues much longer, the crisis could be useful, at least, to determine how long a shutdown needs to last before members decide its time to eliminate them. Last month, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that the states controversial stand your ground statute applies to police officers, just as it does to civilians. The ruling radically expanded the boundaries of justifiable homicide to grant police immunity from arrest, criminal prosecution, and a jury trial when they claimeven in spite of overwhelming contradicting evidenceto have killed in self-defense. This modification represents the latest in a steadily creeping distortion of justice that intensifies the shoot first, ask questions later logic of weaponized self-defense. Advertisement The case in question concerns the July 2013 shooting death of 33-year-old Jermaine McBean by Broward County Sheriffs Deputy Peter Peraza and a subsequent police cover-up to make the victim appear retroactively to have been an urgent threat. McBean, a black computer engineer with no criminal record, had purchased an unloaded air rifle at a pawn shop four blocks from his home in Oakland Park and was carrying it home while listening to music through his earbuds. When McBean did not immediately respond after three deputies approached from behind and commanded him to stop, Peraza shot and killed him, later claiming to have acted in self-defense. Advertisement Advertisement Stand your ground makes it very difficult to dispute even the most outrageous claims of self-defense. Drafted by a consortium of conservative lawmakers and gun lobbyists, Floridas statute became the first of its kind in 2005, stipulating that a law-abiding person has no duty to retreat from a perceived threat wherever they may legally be. As Slates Dahlia Lithwick explained, stand your ground laws stretch the traditional Castle Doctrine beyond the boundaries of the home, allowing you to bring your castle wherever you go. On the surface at least, the laws appear to grant all law-abiding persons permission to use lethal force, without first trying to retreat, in order to protect themselves from a threat. When civilians claim to have killed someone because they were in fear for their lives, a judge at a pretrial hearing may rule that their fear was reasonable, in which case they escape arrest and prosecution. Advertisement But time and an accumulating archive of evidence shows that, in spite of their apparent race and gender neutrality, stand your ground laws intensify existing injustices while making already criminalized populations more vulnerable. As Jamelle Bouie put it, the law redistributes police power to ordinary citizens, making civilians more likely to use force in confrontations that could have been resolved through less violent means. Recent social science, public health, and legal research demonstrates that the laws increase homicide rates while amplifying the gender and race biases of our criminal justice system. Stand your ground laws exacerbate racial imbalances in the adjudication of homicide cases, and women who try to defend themselves from violent male partners are often denied legal immunity because their perceptions of threat are not judged to be reasonable. Furthermore, the ostensibly universal concept of law-abidingness rests in the eye of the beholder, and many beholders in this nationcivilians and law enforcement alikeperceive black and brown men, no matter how law-abiding, as threatening. Advertisement Advertisement The case that resulted in Floridas recent expansion of legal immunity demonstrates the broader dangers of these laws. After killing McBean, Peraza was indicted for manslaughter by a grand jury, amid significant protest from the police union. Such indictments are extremely rare in Broward County: Over a 35-year period in which police killed 167 civilians, Peraza was the only one indicted. In spite of the grand jurys decision and plentiful evidence of perjury and doctored evidence, Judge Michael Usan, recently re-elected thanks to heavy support from the police union, dismissed the charges. He claimed that, as persons, police officers have a right to invoke stand your ground at pretrial hearings, even though they already enjoy significant legal immunity in cases where they use excessive force against civilians. The Florida Supreme Court affirmed Usans ruling, allowing Peraza to avoid the rigorous scrutiny of a jury trial. Advertisement Granting stand your ground immunity to police is all the more troubling given Floridas 2017 amendment shifting the burden of proof from the defense to the prosecution. Thanks to this change, defendants who claim to have killed out of fear for their lives neednt provide supporting evidence that their perceptions of threat were reasonable. Rather, it is up to the prosecution to prove that a defendant was not reasonably in fear for his or her life. If the prosecution cant meet this burden to a judges satisfaction, the defendant walks free. Advertisement This extra layer of immunity now applies to law enforcement, guaranteeing that a police officer who kills a civilianeven under outrageously unreasonable circumstancesmay claim self-defense and avoid a jury trial entirely. All the defendant must do is convince the judge at the pretrial evidentiary hearing that they killed in self-defense. The law allows a single judge to grant a defendant unilateral immunity, thus preventing a jury from ever hearing the case or assessing the evidence. Advertisement The Florida Supreme Courts decision doesnt just exonerate a police officer who acted impulsively and irresponsibly; it also expands stand your ground laws lethal logic of selective impunity so that those already empowered to use deadly forceincluding police officersare placed comfortably beyond the reach of criminal prosecution, and even celebrated as heroes, when they take an innocent life. In Jermaine McBeans senseless death, we witnessyet againhow the aggression-promoting ethos of stand your ground vindicates the perpetrators of violence while criminalizing their victims. In a culture of increasingly legalized armed hostility, we are all less safe. Listen to Slates The Gist: Get More of The Gist Slate Plus members get extended, ad-free versions of our podcastsand much more. Sign up today. Join Slate Plus Subscribe to The Gist Copy this link and add it in your podcast app. copy link copied! For detailed instructions, see our Slate Plus podcasts page. Listen to The Gist via Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play. On The Gist, the days are getting longer, the brand names shorter. In the interview, millennial whisperer (or, you know, just plain millennial) Anne Helen Petersen recently diagnosed the burnout generation in a viral feature for BuzzFeed. Student debt, the 2008 financial crisis, relatively low levels of family wealthall have contributed to their dire straits. But could their biggest burden be a mental one? In the Spiel, President Trumps unsurprisingly empty Oval Office address. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at Slate.com/gistplus. Join the discussion of this episode on Facebook. Email: thegist@slate.com Twitter: @slategist Podcast production by Pierre Bienaime and Daniel Schroeder. So this was odd: The foreign minister for Brazils controversial new president, Jair Bolsonaro, just laid out his foreign policy vision to Americans in an op-ed that was largely a critique of Ludwig Wittgenstein. Ernesto Araujos piece, when it wasnt a close reading of the early-20th-century Austro-English philosophers views on subjectivity, suggested that the Bolsonaro administration would transform Brazilian foreign policy primarily by talking about freedom and democracy, and by taking those concepts seriously, and by taking actions to promote freedom of thought and freedom of expression around the world. The op-ed was published via Bloomberg shortly after U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Araujo in Brasilia. Pompeo then told reporters that the two countries have an opportunity to work alongside each other against authoritarian regimes, singling out Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talk of freedom and democracy has always sounded odd from Trump administration officials, given the presidents fondness for authoritarian rulers. It may be even stranger from a Bolsonaro government official, not only because of the new presidents attacks on the media and minority groups, but also because of his praise for his own countrys authoritarian past. Bolsonaro has described the military dictatorship that ruled Brazil from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s as a very good period that stopped Brazil [from] falling under the sway of the Soviet Union. He told supporters during his campaign, We want a Brazil that is similar to the one we had 40, 50 years ago and has praised one of the old regimes main torture chiefs. Advertisement In previous writings on his blog, Araujo has stated that his goal is to help Brazil and the world liberate themselves from globalist ideology. This ideology, as he sees it, manifests itself in everything from feminism to gay rights and from vegetarianism to climate science, which he has denounced as a plot by cultural Marxists to weaken the West and help China. This is the supposedly Wittgensteinian globalist totalitarian ideology he vowed to take on in his Bloomberg essay. His targets are not only authoritarian leftist governments but also societies in the West where thought is indirectly and insidiously controlled by the media and academia. Advertisement Araujo is, unsurprisingly, a big fan of Trump. In a widely publicized article last year, which likely led Bolsonaro to promote him from a midlevel diplomat, he praised the U.S. president for, as Reuters summarized, saving western Christian civilization from radical Islam and globalist cultural Marxism by standing up for national identity, family values and the Christian faith. Advertisement Likewise, Trump officials are probably big fans of Araujo and his boss. While Trumps foreign policy is often thought of as amoral and purely transactional, its far more ideological when it comes to Latin America. Trump was fairly ambivalent about the region during his campaignand even mildly supported Barack Obamas opening to Cubabut his administration has taken a hard line on Cuba and Venezuela and let ideologues like Sen. Marco Rubio take the lead on setting policy. (Trumps main guidance to his national security council regarding Latin America was, reportedly, make Rubio happy.) The Trump administration has been mostly unengaged on Latin America, and his anti-immigrant rhetoric and threats to invade Venezuela have alienated regional governments even further. But in Bolsonaro and Araujo, the administration and congressional cold warriors will have enthusiastic allies in an ideological struggle against the regions leftist governments. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has, at times, been willing to employ the language of democracy promotion elsewhere, as well. Pompeo, for instance, has justified U.S. sanctions against Iran in the name of freeing Iranians from the hard grip of repression. Araujo cheers on Trump loyalists attacks on globalism as a Cold Warlike struggle necessitating sacrifice and compromiseincluding, at times, partnering with very undemocratic but pro-American governments. (I say Trump loyalists because its unclear how much the president himself actually cares about any of this stuff.) While you wont hear a Trump administration official refer to avant-la-lettre postmodern deconstruction of the human subject, Araujos rhetoric could provide an ideological framework for a U.S. foreign policy vision that otherwise seems purely transactional. Listen to the Waves by clicking the arrow on the audio player below: Get More Waves Slate Plus members get extended, ad-free versions of our podcastsand much more. Sign up today. Join Slate Plus Subscribe to the Waves Copy this link and add it in your podcast app. copy link copied! For detailed instructions, see our Slate Plus podcasts page. Listen to the Waves via Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play. On this weeks episode of the Waves, Hanna, June, and Noreen discuss the double-edged swordand double standardof likability, a quality thats long been considered mandatory for women in politics. As pundits obsess over Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, censure Rashida Tlaib, and evaluate Elizabeth Warrens fitness for a 2020 run against the ghost of Hillary, are there any circumstances under which its a useful measure? And why are we still having this conversation if not? Then, mommy bloggers and Instagram influencers are being forced to reckon with the consequences of their work as their kids get old enough to make their own choices around privacy. When it comes to framing family anecdotes for public consumption, wheres the line between empowering and irresponsible? Finally, the hosts take on Derry Girls, discussing how the sitcom places a raucous group of teenage girls front and centerand manages to make comedy out of a fraught moment in Northern Irish history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Slate Plus: Is decluttering sexist? Other items discussed on the show: AOC Responds to Conservative Trolls With a New Dancing Video by Amanda Arnold in the Cut Democrats Weigh Merits of Calling Trump a Motherfucker Who Should Be Impeached ASAP by Ben Mathis-Lilley in Slate Ill Say It: Elizabeth Warren Isnt Likeable by Matt Lewis in the Daily Beast Warren Battles the Ghosts of Hillary by Natasha Korecki in Politico Likability Is Overblown. Lets Talk About Charisma by Mike Pesca in Slate My Daughter Asked Me to Stop Writing About Motherhood. Heres Why I Cant Do That by Christie Tate in the Washington Post Its Time to Quit Mommy Blogging, for the Sake of My Children by Darlena Cunha in the Washington Post Is This Tantrum on the Record? by Emily Bazelon in Slate That Outrageous Mommy Blogger Who Refuses to Stop Writing About Her Kid Highlights a Key Parent-Child Generational Gap by Ruth Graham in Slate Derry Girls Derry Girls Lisa McGee: A Lot of Stuff About Northern Ireland Is Very Male by Seamas OReilly in the Irish Times Recommendations: Noreen: The Friend by Sigrid Nunez Hanna: The Answers by Catherine Lacey June: Atomic Marriage by Curtis Sittenfeld This podcast was produced by Danielle Hewitt. Our production assistant is Alex Barasch. Please remember to like our Facebook page. Send your comments or recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com. While a presidential address is usually reserved for moments of great change or announcements of war, President Trumps first prime time address and the subsequent response by Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer turned out to be nothing more than an extension of the partisan debates that Republicans and Democrats have been havingand that have been heavily reported in the news for months. However, the length of the government shutdown and Trumps suggestion on Jan. 4 that he may declare a national emergency to build the wall has led many, including Daily Show host Trevor Noah, to break down what a state of emergency would mean for America. Advertisement Trump has claimed that as president, he can declare illegal immigration as a national emergency, and then he wouldnt need congressional approval to build the wall. He could just do it himself. Advertisement Advertisement Noah also noted that national emergencies are fairly common, reminding viewers that President Carter declared a national emergency during the Iranian hostage crisis in order to put sanctions on Iran. President Obama declared a state of emergency during swine flu to help hospitals respond more effectively. President Bush declared an emergency when Friends went off the air. (Note: one of these is not true.) Presidents declare national emergencies all the time. What they dont do is declare an emergency just to win a policy fight with Congress. So the question we need to answer is, is Trump even allowed to do this? Advertisement Yes, he can, and the declaration itself would give the President the level of power seemingly reserved for authoritarian regimes. A clip Noah included from PBS NewsHour, explained that under a state of emergency, Trump has the power to freeze the bank accounts of American citizens, shut down communications facilities, and deploy the military domestically. Its one thing to freeze our bank accounts or send troops to our houses, but shutting down communications? That means Trump could turn off the internet? Like Instagram? How am I supposed to get sponsorships now? Noahs solution? Give Trump a wall before he figures out the extent of his power. If Im the Democrats, Id give Trump the wall before he finds out what he can really do. While Noah admitted that sounds crazy, the Daily Show continued, Right now, hes like the baby from The Incredibles, he only knows he can float. We do not want him finding out he can shoot lasers from his eyes. Well, this is awkward. The Daily Show dug up footage of Donald Trump, during a 2004 address at Wagner College on Staten Islandthey gave him an honorary doctorate in humane lettersgiving graduates the following advice: Never, ever give up. Dont give up. Dont allow it to happen. If theres a concrete wall in front of you, go through it. Go over it. Go around it. But get to the other side of that wall. Thats very inspirational advice, and its probably served the people who were there that day very well. One of them even became President of the United States! But its hard to square with Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsens comments on the same topic: Advertisement From Congress I would ask for wall. We need wall. Advertisement Advertisement Trevor Noah looked for answers for this discrepancy in Trumps Oval Office address, but what he found was just a whole lot of sniffing: Advertisement Itll be fun watching Sarah Sanders try to explain the difference between Trumps metaphorical wall from 2004 and his equally metaphorical wall from 2018. But any negative effect this embarrassing clip has on Trumps popularity will have to be tempered with the positive effect from the other Trump clip in the same segment. Noah took Trumps Oval Office address and edited out everything but the drugs and violence, and the effect is sort of a Readers Digest condensed version of Trumps message: Our southern border is a pipeline for vast quantities of illegal drugs. Meth, heroin, cocaine More Americans will die from drugs this year sex crimes violent killings murdered raped beaten beheading dismembering blood blood. Whatever else you can say about Trump, he definitely promises his supporters exactly what they want. John Lasseter has found a new gig after stepping down from Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios over allegations of inappropriate touching and similar behavior. Skydance Media announced Wednesday that Lasseter will be the new head of Skydance Animation. Lasseter revealed that he would take a six-month leave of absence from Disney and Pixar in November 2017 after anonymous sources relayed allegations of grabbing, kissing, [and] making comments about physical attributes to the Hollywood Reporter. An anonymous staffer told Variety that his behavior around young women has been known within the company since the 1990s. The accusations hinted at a larger culture of discrimination at the company: Rashida Jones denied reports that she had withdrawn from writing Toy Story 4 because of an alleged unwanted advance from Lasseter, but she did say in a statement that her departure from the project was the result of women and people of color [not having] an equal creative voice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lasseter acknowledged at the time of the Hollywood Reporter story that he had made missteps, writing that I especially want to apologize to anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of an unwanted hug or any other gesture they felt crossed the line in any way, shape, or form. No matter how benign my intent, everyone has the right to set their own boundaries and have them respected. When he returned to Disney from his leave of absence, his position was limited to a consulting role, which lasted through the end of 2018. Lasseter will now help run Skydance Animation, a relatively new division of Skydance Media formed in 2017 as a partnership with Spains Ilion Animation Studios. Since its formation, the studio has announced three major upcoming projects from directors who have worked on the likes of Shrek, Kung Fu Panda 3, and Tangled. (Lasseter was an executive producer on Tangled, a Disney film.) Advertisement John has acknowledged and apologized for his mistakes and, during the past year away from the workplace, has endeavored to address and reform them, Skydance Media CEO David Ellison said in a press release in which he also hailed Lasseter as a singular creative and executive talent whose impact on the animation industry cannot be overstated. Advertisement In a memo to Skydance staff obtained by Deadline, Ellison took a similar tack, writing that John has been forthright in taking ownership of his behavior, apologized for his actions and has spent the past year on sabbatical analyzing and improving his workplace behavior. He added that the company hired outside counsel to investigate allegations against Lasseter, which we considered serious and have warranted our full attention as we made this important decision. The senior leadership team and I have all carefully evaluated the findings of this extensive investigation. The company is hosting town hall meetings to discuss the decision with employees. Advertisement Im grateful to David and the Skydance team and know that I have been entrusted with an enormous responsibility, Lasseter said. It is a distinct privilege that I will relish. I have spent the last year away from the industry in deep reflection, learning how my actions unintentionally made colleagues uncomfortable, which I deeply regret and apologize for. It has been humbling, but I believe it will make me a better leader. He adds: With what I have learned and how I have grown in the past year, I am resolute in my commitment to build an animation studio upon a foundation of quality, safety, trust and mutual respect. Advertisement Times Up released a statement in response to Lasseters new position: Advertisement Skydance Medias decision to hire John Lasseter as head of animation endorses and perpetuates a broken system that allows powerful men to act without consequence. At a moment when we should be uplifting the many talented voices who are consistently underrepresented, Skydance Media is providing another position of power, prominence and privilege to a man who has repeatedly been accused of sexual harassment in the workplace. People often ask when a man who has abused his power gets to come back. There is no simple answer. But here are a few first steps: 1) Demonstrate true remorse. 2) Work deeply to reform your behavior. 3) Deliver restitution to those you harmed. Thats the bare minimum. Hiring decisions have consequences. And offering a high-profile position to an abuser who has yet to do any of those things is condoning abuse. Green Book screenwriter Nick Vallelonga, who based his film on his fathers experiences chauffeuring concert pianist Don Shirley around the segregated south, was already embroiled in controversy after Shirleys family accused him of writing a symphony of lies. Now the screenwriter, who has vociferously defended his scripts honesty, is facing new accusations of misrepresenting the past: Back in 2015, Vallelonga claimed on Twitter to have seen Muslims in Jersey City cheering when the towers went down in a tweet sent to Donald Trump, who was then seeking the Republican presidential nomination: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vallelonga has since deleted his Twitter account; we have reached out for comment. His tweet to Trump followed a week in which Trump had said that he would consider closing down American mosques and bring back waterboarding, and egged on the supporters who assaulted a protestor at one of his rallies. It was also a week in which Trump repeated the vile lie that Muslims in Jersey City, New Jersey cheered as the World Trade Center collapsed. In a slow-motion version of later presidential tweetstorms, Trump spent the week demanding apologies, yelling about the media, and retweeting anyone who said anything nice about him. (This was before Trump was forced to become more circumspect about retweets after repeatedly retweeting white supremacists.) Heres a representative example of the types of sources Trump was having to rely on to back up his story: Alex Jones Infowars: Advertisement I LIVE IN NEW JERSEY & @realDonaldTrump IS RIGHT: MUSLIMS DID CELEBRATE ON 9/11 HERE! WE SAW IT! https://t.co/1SksZU9qlj Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 26, 2015 Vallelonga, who just won a Golden Globe for writing a movie about race relations in America, appears to have lost a contest Alex Jones won, in which the prize was Donald Trumps attention. Well, every biopic needs a low point. Post: #1 Trump Campaign Had More Than 100 Contacts With Russia-Linked Operatives: Advertisement Wow , after so many lies Mueller and other investigators have uncovered over 100 contacts between Trump's campaign operatives and Russian linked operatives, many of them linked directly to Russian intelligence. Here is Trump and his spokes people and family and staff saying there were NO contacts or meetings with Russians, in other words so many direct lies, exactly when Trump was seeking a deal with top Kremlin government officials for a Trump Tower Moscow deal that Trump has also repeatedly lied about. Trump Campaign Had More Than 100 Contacts With Russia-Linked Operatives: Report These contacts included at least 28 meetings, both in person and over Skype, and involved several prominent members of Trumps inner circle. "Members of President Donald Trumps campaign and transition team had more than 100 contacts with Russia-linked operatives between September 2015 and January 2017, according to an updated report by the Center for American Progress Moscow Project. These contacts reportedly included at least 28 meetings, both in person and over Skype, and involved several prominent members of Trumps inner circle including the presidents children, Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr.; his former attorney Michael Cohen; and his former Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The Center for American Progress, a left-leaning think tank based in D.C., said Wednesday that it had raised the number of contacts between the Trump campaign and Russia-linked operatives to 101 following reports this week that Trumps former campaign chairman Paul Manafort shared polling data on the 2016 election with a Russian consultant who had links to Moscows intelligence agencies. This wasnt just one email or call, or one this or that, Talia Dessel, a research analyst for CAP, told USA Today of the organizations findings. Over 100 contacts is really significant because you dont just have 100 contacts with a foreign power if theres nothing going on there. The 101 figure, Dessel added, was a conservative number. Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump The single greatest Witch Hunt in American history continues. There was no collusion, everybody including the Dems knows there was no collusion, & yet on and on it goes. Russia & the world is laughing at the stupidity they are witnessing. Republicans should finally take control! Trump and members of his campaign have repeatedly made efforts to publicly distance themselves from any links to Russia. There was no communication between the campaign and any foreign entity during the campaign, Hope Hicks, then a top Trump aide, said in November 2016. Of course not, Vice President Mike Pence said two months later when asked if any advisor or anybody in the Trump campaign [had] any contact with the Russians who were trying to meddle in the election. President Trump has repeatedly insisted there was no collusion between his campaign and Russia, and that special counsel Robert Muellers ongoing probe into Russian election meddling is a witch hunt." https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/tru...69d76af276 Making LOP Great again since 06-07-2013! "They pelted us with rocks and garbage!" , after so many lies Mueller and other investigators have uncovered over 100 contacts between Trump's campaign operatives and Russian linked operatives, many of them linked directly to Russian intelligence.Here is Trump and his spokes people and family and staff saying there were NO contacts or meetings with Russians, in other words so many direct lies, exactly when Trump was seeking a deal with top Kremlin government officials for a Trump Tower Moscow deal that Trump has also repeatedly lied about.These contacts included at least 28 meetings, both in person and over Skype, and involved several prominent members of Trumps inner circle."Members of President Donald Trumps campaign and transition team had more than 100 contacts with Russia-linked operatives between September 2015 and January 2017, according to an updated report by the Center for American Progress Moscow Project.Donald J. Trump@realDonaldTrumpThe single greatest Witch Hunt in American history continues. There was no collusion, everybody including the Dems knows there was no collusion, & yet on and on it goes. Russia & the world is laughing at the stupidity they are witnessing. Republicans should finally take control!Trump and members of his campaign have repeatedly made efforts to publicly distance themselves from any links to Russia.There was no communication between the campaign and any foreign entity during the campaign, Hope Hicks, then a top Trump aide, said in November 2016.Of course not, Vice President Mike Pence said two months later when asked if any advisor or anybody in the Trump campaign [had] any contact with the Russians who were trying to meddle in the election.President Trump has repeatedly insisted there was no collusion between his campaign and Russia, and that special counsel Robert Muellers ongoing probe into Russian election meddling is a witch hunt."Making LOP Great again since 06-07-2013!"They pelted us with rocks and garbage!" Buy land, the old adage goes: Theyre not making it anymore. Its never been true (Boston and New Orleans were built on water), and its never been less true than right now. Fast-growing cities in the Gulf and Southeast Asia are turning water into real estate at a spectacular pace and scale. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam is backing a plan to throw $64 billion into the construction of four artificial islands. A few thousand miles away, in Copenhagen, the Danish government has announced plans to build two massive new groups of islands with room for thousands of new jobs and residents. Advertisement That such projects are viable reflects a few truths about the world today: Energy and labor are cheap, land is expensive, and location matters more than ever. Oh, and hardly anyone gives a damn about the environmentespecially not the precarious, all-but-invisible marine ecosystems that once flourished near big cities. Advertisement Advertisement Natalie Lung at Bloomberg has a great piece about the Lantau Tomorrow Vision, the latest in Hong Kongs efforts to enhance its archipelago. Backed by Beijing, Lam is calling for more than 4,000 acres (about five Central Parks) of artificial land. In one of the worlds densest cities, that land is projected to make room for 1.1 million new residents. Hong Kong has a history of pulling real estate out of the muck. Nearly all of its current waterfront was once tidal land, and Hong Kong International Airport was built on open ocean. As far back as the 19th century, the British government was encouraging big land-reclamation projects, giving private owners the incentive to develop muddy waterfront. Some 25 square miles of Hong Kong were once water. Advertisement Both Denmark and China have quite a bit of empty landjust not where they want it to be. The scale of reclamation has picked up rapidly since the 1970s, when Rotterdam caught the worlds attention by building Europes largest port on reclaimed land. According to research conducted in 2010, China converted more than 50,000 square miles of water to land in the late 20th century, for agriculture, aquaculture, industrial development, and urban growth. In the process, it changed the shape of the national map, destroyed half the countrys coastal wetlands, and generally decimated habitats where reclamation had occurred. Advertisement In Hong Kong, Lung writes, local activists and residents see the plan as part of Beijings efforts to tighten its control over the former British concession. Government officials view the reclamation as one more feature, along with a $19-billion, 19-mile bridge-and-tunnel crossing that will better knit Hong Kong into mainland China. Advertisement In Denmark, the government announced on Monday a new business district called Holmene, an expansion of an area that was reclaimed from the Baltic Sea in the 1960s, about six miles southwest of Copenhagen. At the north end of the harbor strait, the city is planning a new residential district on reclaimed land, with room for 35,000 inhabitants. Whats different from Hong Kong is that the Danish government is touting these projects as works of ecological maintenance, green spaces that will restore habitats and protect inland residents from storm surge. The southern project, Holmene, will add more than 10 new miles of coastline, in addition to generating 12,000 new jobs, the government says. Both Denmark and China have quite a bit of empty landjust not where they want it to be. (In places like Singapore with no free space, the pressure to build on water is considerably greater.) As big cities economically eclipse their smaller counterparts, urban land values in the worlds premier metropolises have climbed to unforeseen heights. Traditionally, governments and tycoons could open up new areas for development with distance-quashing transportation technologieslike in early 20th-century Los Angeles, where a giant grid of streetcars once stretched hundreds of miles. Advertisement Advertisement These days, most places, its much, much cheaper to terraform the ocean. Rene Kolman, the secretary general of the International Association of Dredging Companies, argues that even after paying for shore protection, soil treatment, and site work, few reclamation projects cost more than $100 per square foot. In January 2018, a residential site in Hong Kongs Kowloon area sold for $3,639 per square foot. Hong Kongs new islands, at $64 billion for 4,200 acres, would come out to $350 per square foot of new land. In other cities, the contrast is a little less extreme. Still, it raises the question: Why not just fill in vast tracts of open water, as futurist engineers once proposed for New York Citys East River and the entire North Sea? Advertisement The uncounted value here is the environmental damage that this marine work wrecks on natural environments, from Marco Island, Florida, to Hong Kong. That $19-billion bridgethe worlds longest ocean crossingmakes it easy to get from Hong Kong Island to Macau, but its also thought to have sent the Chinese white dolphin population plummeting by 80 percent in the last decade. The Lantau project is something of an exception. Beijing is rethinking the wisdom of reclaimed land, prompted by decades of environmental blight. Research conducted in part by the Chinese State Oceanic Administration has arrived at an ecologically motivated reclamation maximum for Tongan Bay in Xiamen5.6 square kilometers, slightly over 5 percent of the surface area of the bay, which is less than half of what the local government has planned to take. Earlier this year, the Chinese government stepped in to ban land-reclamation projects that hadnt come directly from the capital. Elsewhere, however, reclamation proceeds apace. Around Penang in Malaysia, one of the worlds blockbuster reclamation projects, fisheries are disappearing or moving out to sea. A project at Batam, in Indonesia, devastated local mangroves, coral, and fish. The coral doesnt vote; the mangroves dont march in the streets. Those who depend on themmostly poor, uneducated fishermenfind new professions. The real estate, however, is very much in demand. This is particularly important when it comes to intellectual property. The United States invests an incredible amount of time, talent and taxpayer dollars in research and development. Across all demographics and industries, American innovation is changing the way we farm, manufacture and provide goods and services. We cant continue letting foreign nations steal our intellectual property and use it against us in the marketplace. Securing and enforcing international trade agreements with meaningful and effective protections for intellectual property must be a central priority if we are to truly level the playing field. Trade is an ever-moving target and theres always opportunity to improve agreements to the benefit of American farmers, manufacturers and service industry workers. One thing that must remain consistent is that the United States must negotiate with good faith and from a position of strength. America was built on ingenuity, determination and grit. The only way we can maintain our position as the worlds strongest economy is to push forward with these principles and fight for trade deals that honor the hard work and resources we put into our products, services and technology. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Ill work with my colleagues in the Senate and the Trump administration to ensure American interests are protected and that the vast opportunities that international trade offers are attainable to all Iowans and Americans. On more than one occasion in the past, we have used this space to criticize U.S. Rep. Steve King for a lack of public town hall meetings with constituents. Today, we commend him for a change of heart on the subject. In a Jan. 4 news release, King said he will hold at least one public town hall meeting in each of the 39 counties in Iowa's 4th District between Jan. 24 and Dec. 14 this year. We don't profess to know why he changed his mind on town halls, but we welcome the new approach - and voters in the 4th should, too. Public meetings - in which officeholders demonstrate accountability by meeting with Americans (including those who disagree with them) face to face, explaining their positions on issues and votes, listening to what they have to say and answering their questions - help form the foundation of our representative government. Any member of Congress who shuns them fails to meet a crucial responsibility. Those who attend town halls hosted by elected leaders also have an obligation. In a 2017 interview with The Journal's Bret Hayworth, King shared a concern about disruption of town halls by protesters. According to the ruling, the defendants asserted the law protects the states interests of private property and agriculture biosecurity. They provided statements from lawmakers and Branstad in support of the public purposes. But the record makes clear these were not the only reasons driving the law, the judge noted. Some lawmakers also wanted to stop subversive acts by groups that go out and gin up campaigns to give the agricultural industry a bad name. Gritzner said the defendants didnt produce any evidence to show that prohibiting rights is necessary to protecting perceived harms to property and biosecurity. Theres nothing in the record to show how biosecurity is threatened by a person making a false statement to get access to, or employment in, an ag production facility. Regarding private property concerns, Gritzner said, there already is a law to prevent individuals from entering a property without consent of an owner. In the years leading up to the enactment of the law, there were at least 10 undercover investigations of factory farms in Iowa, according to the ACLU. Since the law passed, there have been no investigations. CEDAR RAPIDS Making his case for building a border wall in a national television address is something President Donald Trump absolutely had to do, Sen. Charles Grassley said, but I havent had enough conversations with people to know whether it changed the dial at all. In an Oval Office address to the nation Tuesday night, Trump described a growing humanitarian and security crisis at the United States-Mexico border. Grassley said he cant say how much the presidents address helped his cause, but it cant do any harm, Grassley said Wednesday. The national address was necessary because I think he has a responsibility to get beyond his base to get the money he wants for the wall, he said. Finding agreement on the border wall should not be hard as it has become, Grassley said. He pointed to times when Senate Democrats, including current Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and former Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton voting for 700 miles of border fencing. Both Republican and Democrats have also supported proposals that called for $25 billion in border security, Grassley said. DES MOINES In a state where national candidates come to say they are running for president, Tom Steyer stands apart. Steyer, the billionaire businessman from California who had been mulling a run in the 2020 Democratic primary, announced Wednesday he would not seek the presidency in 2020. He made the announcement in West Des Moines. Steyer will instead focus on mobilizing support for the impeachment of Republican President Donald Trump. Most people come to Iowa around this time to announce their campaign for the presidency. But Im proud to be here to announce that I will do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to remove a president, Steyer said. The field of Democratic presidents is expected to be large possibly as many as two dozen or more. The press conference was one of three events Steyer held or attended Wednesday in central Iowa. He also attended a lunch with the Iowa Latino and Asian Coalition at the Capitol in Des Moines, and an education town hall at a community college campus in the Des Moines suburb of Ankeny. Todays top picks from our online calendar. Find more events at siouxcityjournal.com/calendar. Family Fun Night Take a walk in a winter wonderland at LaunchPAD! Children will match snowmen, go on a snowy scavenger hunt, and even try ice fishing. 5:30 p.m. LaunchPAD Children's Museum, 623 Pearl St., Sioux City. Beginner Country Dance Class You will learn the 2-step, waltz, triple 2-step, stationary cha, Teton, and more. We will start with the basics and then learn some turns. 7 p.m. $5 per class, South Sioux City Eagles, 801 W. 13th St, South Sioux City. Sioux City Camera Club Meeting The Sioux City Camera Club holds two meetings monthly, 7-9 p.m. on the second and last Thursdays of the month during the school year. First Presbyterian Church, Sixth and Nebraska streets. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 St. Marys, Iowa, formerly Elk Point, S.D. Timothy Chicoine, 61, of St. Marys, formerly of Elk Point, died unexpectedly in a kayaking accident on Jan. 5, 2019. An avid sportsman and experienced kayaker, he died doing what he loved surrounded by some of his finest friends. Services, with his son presiding, will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Indianola, Iowa. Internment will be in St. Marys Parochial Cemetery to follow. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Immaculate Conception Church in St. Marys. Tim was born on Dec. 31, 1957, to the late Roland and Evelyn Chicoine. He was the fifth of eight children. Growing up on the family farm in Elk Point, taught Tim the values of hard work, integrity, family life, and faith. After high school, he attended South Dakota State University and Montana State University. At MSU, he met the future love of his life, Shannon, with whom he would spend 30 happy years and was blessed with three children. He crisscrossed the globe during his nearly 30 years of service to DuPont as an agronomist, ensuring more people could benefit from healthy, abundant food sources. WAKEFIELD, Neb. -- A Wakefield husband and wife have been accused of locking two of their children in a bedroom and allowing them to leave only to use the bathroom. Court documents also say that Patrick and Angel Henderson fed the children only one meal a day and made them sleep in pajamas that had the arms sewed to the side and the legs sewn together. The children were made to sleep with stocking hats pulled down over faces, affidavits filed in Dixon County Court said. Patrick Henderson, 54, and Angel Henderson, 42, were arrested Wednesday morning. Each faces two counts of felony child abuse. No court hearings have been scheduled. Each charge is punishable by a maximum of three years in prison. According to court documents, Angel Henderson called the Dixon County Sheriff's Office at 5:47 a.m. Jan. 19 to report her 14-year-old son missing. The boy was found in the back of a vehicle near their home wearing a one-piece pajama suit that had the arms closed and sewn to the back. The legs were sewn together from the ankles to the crotch. HARTINGTON, Neb. -- A Wayne, Nebraska, woman has pleaded not guilty to stealing more than $14,000 from the bank account of a male adult for whom she was caring. Kayla Hansen, 28, waived her right to personally appear for her arraignment and entered a written plea Wednesday in Cedar County District Court to charges of exploitation of a vulnerable adult, unauthorized use of a financial transaction device and theft by deception. According to court documents, Hansen had access to the man's credit card, bank account information and routing number while she cared for the man from the fall of 2016 to this past August, cleaned his house and drove him to medical appointments. Hansen, formerly of Coleridge, Nebraska, used that information to make at least 54 transactions totaling $14,319 from the man's account to pay her own personal bills and bills for family members, court documents said. Copyright 2018 The Sioux City Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 2 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Username: Password: or Register Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread Thread Rating: 3 Vote(s) - 1 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Republicans try to take away free speech with israel bds boycott , dems fight back! jfk democrats lop guest User ID: 482672 01-10-2019 03:51 AM Post: #1 Republicans try to take away free speech with israel bds boycott , dems fight back! Advertisement https://www.yahoo.com/news/senate-gops-1...itics.html WASHINGTON (AP) Senate Republicans' first bill of the new Congress was intended to insert the legislative branch into President Donald Trump's Middle East policy but also to drive a wedge between centrist and liberal Democrats over attitudes toward Israel. The bipartisan package backed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., had initially drawn widespread support ahead of Tuesday's vote. It included measures supporting Israel and Jordan and slapping sanctions on Syrians involved in war crimes at a time of growing unease in Congress over the Trump administration's shifts in the region. But Democrats are split over the addition of Republican Sen. Marco Rubio's "Combatting BDS Act," which seeks to counter the global Boycott, Divest and Sanctions movement against Israel over its treatment of Palestinians and the settlements. For now, the package has stalled on a vote of 56-44, not enough to clear the 60-vote hurdle needed to advance. Democrats said they will block the bill. "This is the U.S. where boycotting is a right & part of our historical fight for freedom & equality," Tlaib said in a weekend tweet. "Maybe a refresher on our U.S. Constitution is in order, then get back to opening up our government instead of taking our rights away." Israel sees a growing threat from the BDS movement, which has led to increased boycotts of the Jewish state in support of the Palestinians. A Woodstock-style concert was canceled and some companies stopped offering services in the West Bank settlements. That has led to a "boycott of the boycotts" as Israel pushes back against those aligned with BDS. In support of Israel, Rubio's bills would affirm the legal authority of state and local governments to restrict contracts and take other actions against those "engaged in BDS conduct." Several states are facing lawsuits after taking action against workers supporting BDS boycotts of Israel. since jfk the Democratic party has been the only ones to stand up to israelWASHINGTON (AP) Senate Republicans' first bill of the new Congress was intended to insert the legislative branch into President Donald Trump's Middle East policy but also to drive a wedge between centrist and liberal Democrats over attitudes toward Israel.The bipartisan package backed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., had initially drawn widespread support ahead of Tuesday's vote. It included measures supporting Israel and Jordan and slapping sanctions on Syrians involved in war crimes at a time of growing unease in Congress over the Trump administration's shifts in the region. But Democrats are split over the addition of Republican Sen. Marco Rubio's "Combatting BDS Act," which seeks to counter the global Boycott, Divest and Sanctions movement against Israel over its treatment of Palestinians and the settlements.For now, the package has stalled on a vote of 56-44, not enough to clear the 60-vote hurdle needed to advance.Democrats said they will block the bill."This is the U.S. where boycotting is a right & part of our historical fight for freedom & equality," Tlaib said in a weekend tweet. "Maybe a refresher on our U.S. Constitution is in order, then get back to opening up our government instead of taking our rights away."Israel sees a growing threat from the BDS movement, which has led to increased boycotts of the Jewish state in support of the Palestinians. A Woodstock-style concert was canceled and some companies stopped offering services in the West Bank settlements. That has led to a "boycott of the boycotts" as Israel pushes back against those aligned with BDS.In support of Israel, Rubio's bills would affirm the legal authority of state and local governments to restrict contracts and take other actions against those "engaged in BDS conduct." Several states are facing lawsuits after taking action against workers supporting BDS boycotts of Israel. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 474960 01-10-2019 06:50 AM Post: #2 RE: Republicans try to take away free speech with israel bds boycott , dems fight back! You are not allowed to criticize those do not speak of. They own visa, amazon and the internet so they have enforced censorship. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 445976 01-10-2019 06:53 AM Post: #3 RE: Republicans try to take away free speech with israel bds boycott , dems fight back! It's not what you can do for your country....But, what will the country give free to you! LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 472419 01-10-2019 09:54 AM Post: #4 RE: Republicans try to take away free speech with israel bds boycott , dems fight back! What happened to this country? This: "The Israelis control the policy in the Congress and the Senate." -- Senator Fullbright, Chair of Senate Foreign Relations Committee: 10/07/1973 on CBS' "Face the Nation". "I am aware how almost impossible it is in this country to carry out a foreign policy [in the Middle East] not approved by the Jews..... terrific control the Jews have over the news media and the barrage the Jews have built up on congressmen .... I am very much concerned over the fact that the Jewish influence here is completely dominating the scene and making it almost impossible to get congress to do anything they don't approve of. The Israeli embassy is practically dictating to the congress through influential Jewish people in the country." --Sec. of State John Foster Dulles quoted on p.99 of Fallen Pillars by Donald Neff "Banking was conceived in iniquity and was born in sin. The Bankers own the earth. Take it away from them, but leave them the power to create deposits, and with the flick of the pen they will create enough deposits to buy it back again." -Sir Josiah Stamp [1880-1941] former Director, Bank of England Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread Chinese President Xi Jinping offered North Korean leader Kim Jong Un firm backing in deadlocked nuclear talks with the United States, insisting the two sides should meet "halfway", state media said Thursday. Kim visited Beijing by train this week for two days of discussions that reasserted China's role in the process, and were seen as a strategy session ahead of a second summit between the North Korean leader and US President Donald Trump. At their first meeting in Singapore in June, Kim and Trump signed a vaguely worded document with Kim pledging to work towards the "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula". But progress has since stalled with Pyongyang and Washington -- which stations 28,500 troops in South Korea -- disagreeing over what that means. North Korea wants relief from the multiple sets of sanctions imposed on it over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, while the US wants the measures to remain in place until Pyongyang gives up its arms -- something it has made no public promise to do. China also wants the sanctions relaxed and Xi said he "hopes that the DPRK and the United States will meet each other halfway" according to China's state news agency Xinhua, using the initials of the North's official name. Xi "spoke highly of the positive measures taken by the DPRK side", it added. North Korea has carried out six nuclear blasts and launched missiles capable of reaching the whole of the United States, but has performed no such tests for more than a year, and blew up the entrances to a nuclear testing ground it said it no longer needed. Pyongyang has rejected demands for what it calls its "unilateral" disarmament as "gangster-like". China is the North's sole major ally and key trade partner but relations had deteriorated over Pyongyang's nuclear activities, before warming up last year, with Kim meeting Xi three times. Kim noted the "difficulties and concern" in talks with the US, according to Pyongyang's official KCNA news agency, which said the Chinese leader had issued a ringing endorsement of the North's position. Xi said that "the principled issues suggested by the DPRK side are deserved requirements and its reasonable points of concern should be resolved properly", it said. - Summit 'imminent' - Each of the previous Kim-Xi meetings have come shortly before or after the North Korean summits with either Trump or South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Trump said Sunday the US and North Korea were negotiating the location of their next summit, a meeting Moon said Thursday was "imminent". Pyongyang needed to take "bold, practical measures for denuclearisation" to ensure sanctions are lifted, he told reporters, but added that "corresponding measures" were also needed from the US, such as agreeing a "peace regime" and formally declaring an end to the 1950-53 Korean War. Moon acknowledged the Singapore agreement was "somewhat vague", and there was "scepticism" over Kim's denuclearisation pledge. But Kim had assured him and other leaders that his view of denuclearisation was "no different in any way from what the international community demands", Moon said, and Pyongyang would not link it to the presence of US forces in the South or nearby. Nonetheless a commentary carried by KCNA last month stressed that when Pyongyang refers to "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula", it includes the North, the South, and "surrounding areas from where the Korean peninsula is targeted". Kim Han-kwon, an analyst at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy warned that preliminary talks between Pyongyang and Washington would be crucial. "If what the North puts on the table after its summit with China fails to meet Washington's expectations, there will be conflict and fresh doubts about whether a second summit should take place," he told AFP. - Birthday banquet - Washington and Beijing have competing strategic interests in northeast Asia, and Xinhua said Xi had re-asserted China's importance in the diplomatic process. Beijing stands ready to "play a positive and constructive role in maintaining peace and stability and realising denuclearisation on the peninsula and lasting peace and stability in the region", it cited him as saying. Xi greeted Kim at Beijing's ornate Great Hall of the People on Tuesday -- believed to be the North Korean leader's birthday -- before hosting a welcome banquet for Kim and his wife Ri Sol Ju. Kim visited a pharmaceutical plant that makes traditional Chinese medicine on Wednesday and met Xi again for lunch before heading home. The visit coincided with trade talks between Chinese and US officials. Analysts say China could use the North Korean issue as a bargaining chip in the negotiations, but Beijing's foreign ministry rejected any link between Kim's trip and the talks. There was a "rare historic opportunity" for a political settlement on the peninsula, Xi said according to Xinhua, and China "supports the DPRK and the United States holding summits and achieving results". Russia's media watchdog accused the BBC Thursday of spreading the ideologies of "terrorist groups" via online publications of its Russian service, the latest in a tit-for-tat row over media impartiality. Roskomnadzor, the state communications and media watchdog, said it would investigate whether the BBC was breaking the law. This was the latest volley in a wave of rhetoric against the BBC, after Britain's broadcasting regulator Ofcom last year said the Moscow-funded RT channel had broken broadcasting standards. "Currently we have discovered materials which transmit the ideologies of international terrorist groups (quotes of terrorist al-Baghdadi)" on the BBC's Russian language website, Roskomnadzor said in a statement. Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi is the leader of the Islamic state jihadist group, also known as ISIS. Russian law does not forbid quoting individuals considered "terrorists", however any mention of such outlawed groups has to come with the disclaimer that the group is banned in Russia. The watchdog said it would probe whether material broadcast by the BBC "corresponds with Russian anti-extremism legislation". The BBC said in a statement sent to AFP that it "fully complies with the legislation and regulations of every country" in which it operates. The Russian statement did not cite any specific articles or dates. Roskomnadzor also said it had requested documents from the BBC's Russian services to investigate whether it was breaking a new law limiting foreign ownership of Russian media. BBC's Russian service is limited to the internet, but it has expanded in recent years and has many top reporters on the team dealing with often sensitive political subjects. Britain's Ofcom said in December it had found violations of impartiality rules in seven of RT's shows broadcast after the Salisbury nerve agent attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. The statement was not followed by any sanctions. Moscow said at the time that any proceedings against the BBC were a "mirror measure" for Britain's "constant propaganda against RT", a state-owned channel. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed Thursday the United States and its allies would work diplomatically to expel all Iranian troops from Syria, urging Middle East nations to forge a common stand against Tehran. "It's time for old rivalries to end, for the sake of the greater good of the region," said Pompeo at a keynote address in Cairo. America "will use diplomacy and work with our partners to expel every last Iranian boot" from Syria and bolster efforts "to bring peace and stability to the long-suffering Syrian people," he added. The top US diplomat was in Egypt on the latest leg of a whistle-stop regional tour aimed at shoring up Washington's Middle East policy following President Donald Trump's shock decision to withdraw 2,000 US troops from Syria. In his speech at the American University in Cairo, Pompeo said the US is creating an anti-Iran front -- the Middle East Strategic Alliance -- bringing together Gulf countries as well as Egypt and Jordan. Pompeo said the US would ensure Israel has the military capacity to "defend itself against the Iranian regime's aggressive adventurism." He stressed the troop pullout from Syria would go ahead, despite comments in recent weeks appearing to walk back Trump's decision, but said that the US would remain engaged. The "decision to withdraw our troops has been made. We will do that. We will withdraw our forces, our uniformed forces, from Syria and continue America's crushing campaign," Pompeo told reporters at a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shukry. He also met earlier with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, after arriving in Cairo late Wednesday on his longest trip since taking office last year which has already taken him to Jordan, Baghdad and the Iraqi Kurdish regional capital Arbil. - 'New beginning' - In his address entitled "A Force for Good: America Reinvigorated in the Middle East" at the American University in Cairo, Pompeo also took aim at former president Barack Obama without naming him. Trump's predecessor had "grossly underestimated the tenacity and viciousness of radical Islamism," Pompeo said. And parroting Obama's words in his landmark 2009 speech in Cairo, Pompeo vowed that now was really "a new beginning" in ties between the US and the Middle East. Pompeo's tour is aimed at urging regional allies to continue to confront the "significant threats" posed by Iran and Islamic State group (IS) jihadists. Even though IS -- also known as ISIS -- has been largely eradicated from Iraq, after capturing a vast swathe of territory in 2014, it still controls a few pockets in war-torn Syria. Washington-based Human Rights First slammed Pompeo's speech, saying it "doubled-down on blanket US support for the authoritarian regimes that have driven decades of instability in the Middle East." Brian Dooley, the group's senior advisor, said Pompeo failed to mention that Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen "repeatedly violated international law" and brushed aside the Egyptian government's "targeting of human rights activists, or of how torture in jails is driving prisoners into the arms of ISIS." Obama's longtime aide Ben Rhodes also lambasted Pompeo for giving a speech he said "no one will remember next week" unlike Obama's address. As Pompeo arrived in Egypt, the State Department described the country as a "steadfast partner in the anti-terror fight, and a courageous voice in denouncing the radical Islamist ideology that fuels it". He will also visit Gulf countries including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia. The tour comes amid rising concerns that US policy is getting bogged down. A long-promised Trump plan for a peace deal between Israelis and Palestinians has so far failed to materialise. And many of the Trump administration's decisions have stoked confusion and angered many regional allies. - 'Middle East even messier' - "By most accounts, Trump's Middle East policy has made a messy Middle East even messier," Aaron David Miller, a former US diplomat and now an analyst at the Wilson Center, said on Twitter. "A risk averse president who makes new policy by tweet or phone call surrounded by risk-ready advisers who run cleanup, don't respect deliberation and have objectives that aren't clear or attainable equals US policy (or lack of it) in Syria." Turkey and the United States are now at loggerheads over the future of Syrian Kurdish forces, considered by Ankara as "terrorists", after the troop pullout. Turkish officials had a tense meeting this week with Trump's national security adviser John Bolton in Ankara aimed at coordinating the pullout process after Bolton set conditions that appeared to postpone it indefinitely. The terms included total defeat of IS -- still active in some Syrian regions -- and ensuring that Kurdish fighters who fought alongside the Americans against the jihadists will be protected. On Thursday, Turkey renewed its threat to launch an offensive against Kurds. "If the (pullout) is put off with ridiculous excuses like Turks are massacring Kurds, which do not reflect the reality, we will implement this decision," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told NTV television. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed Thursday the United States and its allies would work diplomatically to expel all Iranian troops from Syria, urging Middle East nations to forge a common stand against Tehran. "It's time for old rivalries to end, for the sake of the greater good of the region," said Pompeo at a keynote address in Cairo. America "will use diplomacy and work with our partners to expel every last Iranian boot" from Syria and bolster efforts "to bring peace and stability to the long-suffering Syrian people," he added. Washington's top diplomat was in Egypt on the latest leg of a whistle-stop regional tour aimed at reassuring US allies after President Donald Trump's shock decision to withdraw 2,000 US troops from Syria. In his speech at the American University in Cairo, Pompeo said the US was creating an anti-Iran front -- the Middle East Strategic Alliance -- bringing together Gulf countries as well as Egypt and Jordan. Pompeo said the US would ensure Israel has the military capacity to "defend itself against the Iranian regime's aggressive adventurism." He stressed the troop pullout from Syria would go ahead, despite recent comments appearing to walk back on Trump's decision, but said Washington would remain engaged. "We will withdraw our forces, our uniformed forces, from Syria and continue America's crushing campaign," Pompeo said at a press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shukry. He also met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi after arriving in Cairo late Wednesday on his longest trip since taking office last year. He has also visited Jordan, Baghdad and the Iraqi Kurdish regional capital Arbil. - 'Parallel universe' - In his speech at the American University in Cairo, Pompeo vowed a real "new beginning" in ties between the US and the Middle East, echoing former president Barack Obama's landmark 2009 address to the Muslim world, also delivered from Cairo. Pompeo's tour aims to urge US allies to continue to confront the "significant threats" posed by Iran and Islamic State group (IS) jihadists. Multiple operations including American-backed assaults have ousted IS from most of the swathes of Syria and Iraq it captured in 2014. Pompeo said Obama had "grossly underestimated the tenacity and viciousness of radical Islamism". But International Crisis Group chief Robert Malley, a Obama advisor on the Middle East, said hearing Pompeo's speech was like "listening to someone from a parallel universe." It was as if the "war in Iraq..., US indifference to its allies' human rights violations, or Washington's own complicity in the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen never occurred," he said. "Back on planet earth," Arabs will see Pompeo's speech for what it is, Malley said: "a self-congratulatory, delusional depiction of the Trump administration's Middle East policy." Washington-based Human Rights First slammed the speech, saying it "doubled-down on blanket US support for the authoritarian regimes that have driven decades of instability in the Middle East." Brian Dooley, the group's senior advisor, said Pompeo failed to mention that Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen "repeatedly violated international law" and brushed aside "how torture in jails is driving prisoners into the arms of ISIS." As Pompeo arrived in Egypt, the State Department described the country as a "steadfast partner in the anti-terror fight, and a courageous voice in denouncing the radical Islamist ideology that fuels it". Pompeo will also visit Gulf countries including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia. The tour comes amid rising concerns that US policy in the region has stagnated. A long-promised Trump plan for a peace deal between Israelis and Palestinians has so far failed to materialise. Many of the Trump administration's decisions have stoked confusion and angered regional allies. - 'Even messier' - "By most accounts, Trump's Middle East policy has made a messy Middle East even messier," Aaron David Miller, a former US diplomat and now an analyst at the Wilson Center, said on Twitter. He said Trump "makes new policy by tweet or phone call" and is "surrounded by risk-ready advisers who run cleanup, don't respect deliberation and have objectives that aren't clear or attainable". One thorny issue is Washington's dispute with its longtime ally and Syria's neighbour, Turkey. The two are at loggerheads over the post-withdrawal fate of Syrian Kurdish forces, considered by Ankara as "terrorists". Turkish officials had a tense meeting this week with Trump's national security adviser John Bolton in Ankara aimed at coordinating the pullout process after Bolton set conditions that appeared to postpone it indefinitely. The terms included total defeat of IS -- still active in some parts of Syria -- and ensuring that Kurdish fighters who fought alongside the Americans against the jihadists would be protected. On Thursday, Turkey renewed its threat to launch an offensive against Kurdish forces. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told NTV television: "if the (pullout) is put off with ridiculous excuses like Turks are massacring Kurds, which do not reflect the reality, we will implement this decision." German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives in Greece amid tight security on Thursday, as she looks to turn the page on the biting austerity measures that sparked major protests during her last official visit to Athens in 2014. Nearly 2,000 police have been deployed to supervise Merkel's visit and authorities have banned demonstrations around the home of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, where the two leaders are set to meet. Relations between Greece and Germany have calmed since her previous visits in 2012 and 2014, which were overshadowed by angry anti-austerity rallies. But small protests by leftist parties and neo-Nazi groups were expected outside the no-go zone, while a police source said the authorities had opened an inquiry into five envelopes containing "a powder of unknown origin", which were sent to regional universities this week. Merkel's visit is seen as a chance to leave behind a fraught period caused by tough German demands for Greek austerity accompanying EU bailouts for the country during the eurozone sovereign debt crisis. Greece, which left eight years of bailout programmes behind last year, has also been deeply affected by the European migrant crisis in recent years. Ahead of the trip, Merkel's spokeswoman Martina Fietz said she and far-left leader Tsipras would discuss "European and international" issues. - 'Underline European solidarity - Greek daily Kathimerini quoted Merkel as saying Greece had Germany's full support, saluting the "close ties" between the two EU states and NATO partners. "I know that the past few years have been very difficult for many people in Greece. Europe showed its solidarity through three rescue programmes and supported Greece in its course of reforms towards fiscal and economic stability," Kathimerini quoted her as saying, hailing the "great progress" made since. Thanos Veremis, professor of political history at the University of Athens, told AFP that just months ahead of European Parliament elections "Angela Merkel's visit will underline European solidarity with Greece, a success for Europe". Merkel is also due to hold talks with President Prokopis Pavlopoulos on Friday and then with New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis, whose party is an EU Parliament ally of her Christian Democratic Union. The leaders are likely to discuss the still thorny issue of an impending name change for Greece's neighbour Macedonia. The former constituent part of Yugoslavia shares the name of a northern Greek province. Tsipras and Macedonian counterpart Zoran Zaev have agreed in principle for Skopje to switch to "the Republic of North Macedonia". But Skopje lawmakers have still to vote through a move which entails four constitutional amendments and requires two thirds support in parliament. The European Union backs a switch, which would open the door to membership in the bloc and also in NATO. Merkel visited Skopje before last year's referendum on the change to show support. Yet the issue remains divisive in Greece where one party in Tsipras's coalition opposes it, threatening his parliamentary majority. New Democracy, the main opposition party, is also against the name change and is pushing for new elections, which are officially not due before October. Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh talks to journalists at the beginning of an OPEC meeting in Vienna, Austria, June 22, 2018. REUTERS/Heinz-Peter Bader/Files BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said on Thursday U.S. sanctions against his country were "fully illegal" and Tehran would not comply with them. "We believe that we should not comply with the illegal sanctions against Iran," Zanganeh told a joint news conference in Baghdad with his Iraqi counterpart, Thamer al-Ghadhban. Zanganeh also said Iran would not discuss the volume or destination of its oil exports while it remained under U.S. sanctions. "We have discussed today how to improve cooperation with Iraq on different aspects, especially on oil issues," Zanganeh said. Ghadhban, who also said the discussions had touched on energy issues, added that Iraq had not yet reached an agreement with Iran to develop joint oilfields. He said a decline in global oil prices had stopped and that he expected them to rise gradually. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, of which Iran and Iraq are members, and its Russia-led allies agreed on Dec. 7 to cut output by more than expected, despite pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to reduce oil prices. The OPEC deal had hung in the balance on concerns that Iran, whose crude exports have been depleted by U.S. sanctions, would receive no exemption and block the agreement. Ghadhban said any decision relating to future OPEC cuts would depend on monitoring price developments. (Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed; Writing by Raya Jalabi; Editing by Dale Hudson and Gareth Jones) Carlos Ghosn's prolonged detention under what critics see as Japan's opaque and draconian legal system has alarmed foreign executives and sparked questions over the country's ability to attract overseas talent. Some in the expat business community believe the French-Brazilian-Lebanese tycoon, the once-revered chairman of Nissan, has been the victim of unfair harshness because he is a foreigner. "The way Mr. Ghosn is treated seems completely out of proportion compared to the way Japanese executives are treated," said one Tokyo-based French businessperson, who asked not to be named. This businessperson pointed to a series of massive accounting scandals at Toshiba during which Japanese executives avoided criminal charges. In contrast, Ghosn has languished in a Tokyo detention centre for more than 50 days as he fights a string of allegations of financial misconduct. The court has banned his family from visiting, allowing only contact with his lawyers and diplomats. "It gives the impression of double standards, as if (Ghosn) was being treated this way because he is a foreigner. I do not see how they are going to attract qualified foreigners," the person told AFP. "Ghosn was an icon, a symbol of French success and this has poured cold water on quite a few ambitions from young trainees -- at least those training for careers in business and management." The detained executive was initially kept in a tiny room with Japanese-style tatami for sleeping -- sparking outrage from abroad. He has now been moved to a larger room and has a Western-style bed, according to his lawyer Motonari Otsuru. But even Otsuru has dampened expectations his client could be released any time soon, suggesting it could be six months until a trial and stressing that bail is unlikely in such cases. - 'People are worried' - Many in Japan have voiced surprise that foreigners have criticised their legal system and prosecutors have reacted angrily, saying they are playing by the rules in place. "This is a specific case," said Seiji Nakata, head of Daiwa Securities. "I am in contact with foreign bosses and they have not voiced any pessimism on the subject". But Ghosn dominates talk in expat business circles and while foreign investors are not yet rushing to leave Tokyo, the case has worried executives who fear they may unknowingly face legal troubles even if they think they are operating legally. "Mr. Ghosn's case has shone a strong spotlight on the opaqueness of Japan's prosecution system," said Martin Schulz, economist at the Fujitsu Research Institute in Tokyo. "This certainly has a negative effect on the ability of companies to attract top talent to Japan," Schulz told AFP. As the Ghosn case has laid bare, Japan's legal system gives enormous power to prosecutors, who nearly always secure guilty verdicts. Courts routinely allow suspects to be held for questioning for lengthy periods, and many major media outlets are largely supportive of the authorities. "People are worried. It creates a legal uncertainty on the business conditions in Japan," said another Tokyo-based source with close ties to foreign firms. "Seeing how the system works, and how it is orchestrated in the media, creates anxiety among business leaders, an uneasy feeling," the person said. Ghosn's case has also highlighted how the Japanese system differs from western business norms, said corporate compliance lawyer Nobuo Gohara, also a former Tokyo prosecutor. Gohara noted that Nissan's sitting Chief Executive Officer Hiroto Saikawa did not give Ghosn the opportunity to defend himself internally to the company's board. Instead, the Nissan management conducted an internal probe, sided with prosecutors and swiftly sacked Ghosn after his arrest. "People see what kind of case this is, and what kind of treatment Mr. Ghosn has received so far," Gohara told AFP. "If you were a manager with a very high salary in Japan -- and because of your compensation, you might find yourself in a situation like that -- I would imagine people with normal, common sense would not want to work in Japan," he said. "You would be too scared." Four Thai civil defence volunteers were gunned down Thursday at a school in the kingdom's south with students just metres away, as bloodshed greets the 15th year of an insurgency in the Malay-Muslim border zone. The culturally distinct region that borders Malaysia has seen rebels fight against the rule of Buddhist-majority Thailand, which annexed the area over a hundred years ago. Since 2004, armed insurgents have clashed with Thailand's powerful military, killing nearly 7,000 people -- mostly civilians -- both Muslims and Buddhists. The death toll dropped to a record low last year as Thailand's junta tightened its security web in the south. But recent weeks have seen an uptick in violence, as rebels show they remain able to carry out operations after 15 years of conflict. The men killed on Thursday were all Muslim and were guarding a school in Yarang district of Pattani province when the gunmen struck. An AFP photographer at the scene saw uniformed bodies on a blood-splattered floor in the school compound. "They were shot dead at the scene,"Lieutenant Wicha Nupannoi, of Yarang police station told AFP, adding the killers were suspected insurgents. "The assailants seized their four rifles," he said, adding there were no eyewitnesses to the attack, which took place before lunch. Civil defence "volunteers" are poorly paid local civilians -- both Muslim and Buddhist -- who are lightly-trained, armed and paid by the Thai state to supplement security forces who have blanketed the southernmost provinces throughout the rebellion. The 15-year insurgency has seen scores of teachers killed, slain for their perceived collaboration with the Thai state, and led to the deployment of armed guards at schools. In a rare public statement dated January 4 the main rebel group -- the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) -- which has command and control over most of the rebel foot soldiers, swore to "keep fighting". "Siam (Thailand) can't hold out," the BRN wrote, signing off with a warning: "Do not help and support Siam." Prolonged peace talks between the Thai government and an umbrella group which claims to represent the rebels have failed to yield peace. But Thai authorities as well as the Malaysian facilitator of the talks have recently expressed confidence they will reach a detente soon. Ovidio Lopez Tum sold tortillas in his hometown of Chicaman in Guatemala to support his wife and eight children. But after being wounded in machete and grenade attacks by extortionists, the 53-year-old Lopez said he decided to flee to the United States. To bolster his request for asylum, he brought along documentation of his injuries -- cuts to his head and fingers from the 2014 machete attack and shrapnel wounds from the 2017 grenade blast. He also brought along his 12-year-old daughter, Ingrid Maribel, hoping to provide her with an education she could not receive at home. Lopez and his daughter are among the thousands of migrants from Central America turning up at the US southern border with Mexico. President Donald Trump has described the situation there as a humanitarian and security crisis and is engaged in a standoff with Congress over his demand for $5 billion to build a border wall. AFP spoke with a few families who have arrived in the United States -- where they await an uncertain future. Lopez and his daughter said they left Chicaman, where they lived in a crude home with dirt floors, on December 20. They arrived at the US border 10 days later, after walking and taking buses through Mexico. They were released after two nights in detention during which they said they were well treated by the US immigration authorities. Upon their release, they were housed in the Basilica of San Albino, a church in the New Mexico town of Mesilla, before leaving by bus the next day for Alabama, where Lopez has family. Lopez said he hopes to eventually bring his wife and other children to the United States -- or at least to provide them with enough money to move to somewhere safer in Guatemala. - Phone number to call help - Ricardo Chub-Bo, a 40-year-old corn farmer, also made the perilous voyage from Guatemala to the United States with his 14-year-old daughter, Rosa Maria. He said he decided to come to the United States because he could no longer support his wife and three children growing corn. They were released into the care of the Basilica of San Albino after eight days in detention and will head to Philadelphia by Greyhound bus. Since neither one speaks English, the church provided them with written instructions to help them on their three-day bus trip along with a phone number to call if they need help. Most of the refugees arriving at the US-Mexico border are from three violence- and poverty-wracked nations in Central America -- El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. - 'You will get robbed' - Gerbin Asmar Hernandez, 26, is from Santa Barbara, a town in Honduras near the border with Guatemala. Fed up with high crime back home, Hernandez made the journey to the United States through Mexico with his 10-year-old daughter, Annarut, leaving his wife and a son behind. Hernandez said that a few years ago, about a week before Christmas, he was robbed of the $300 he had made while working for a month on a coffee plantation. "I was just one hour away from my town and I got robbed," he said. "You can't carry around money because you will get robbed." Hernandez and his daughter flew to Washington state, where they will await a court date -- and for a judge to decide whether they can remain in the United States. In the meantime, he is wearing an ankle bracelet to track his movements. - Sleeping in the street - Also from Honduras is Fanny Mencia, 26, who made the voyage from her hometown of Siguatepeque to the border with her son Anderson Rodriguez, age seven. "We suffered along the way, sleeping in the street," Mencia said of the trip through Mexico. Mencia, who is six months pregnant, said she left behind the father of her unborn child, whose meager wages did not cover the food bill for everyone. She and her son are heading for Tennessee, where her sister lives. BERLIN (AP) Deadly winter weather blasted Europe for yet another day Tuesday, trapping hundreds of people in Alpine regions, whipping up high winds that caused flight cancellations and increasing the risks of more deadly avalanches. At least 13 people have been killed in weather-related accidents in Europe over the last week, most of them from avalanches. In Norway, attempts to find the bodies of four skiers were again put on hold due to poor visibility and heavy snowfall. A 29-year Swedish woman and three Finns, aged 29, 32 and 36, were presumed dead after a 300-meter (990-foot) wide avalanche hit a valley near the northern city of Tromsoe last week. Romanian police on Tuesday found the frozen body of a 67-year-old man in a parking lot in the southern city of Slatina after his wife reported he hadn't returned from work. Temperatures in Romania plunged to a low of minus 24 Celsius (minus 11.2 Fahrenheit). In Austria, hundreds of residents were stuck in their homes due to blocked roads and some regions experienced power outages after snow-laden trees took down power lines. Schools in some Austrian regions remained closed for a second day and homeowners were advised to remove snow from their roofs after several buildings collapsed. One 78-year-old man was severely injured when he fell off his roof in Turrach while shoveling snow, Austrian public broadcaster ORF reported. On Monday night, 11 German hikers had to be rescued by mountaineers from a cabin near Salzburg, after having been snowed in without electricity and little food since Friday. Other people have also been killed by avalanches in Switzerland, Austria and Germany, and authorities warned that continuing snowfall is increasing the risk of more avalanches. In the northern coastal German city of Hamburg, residents were preparing for a storm flood caused by a winter gale, the German news agency dpa reported. In the Netherlands, Amsterdam's busy Schiphol Airport saw nearly 25 percent of its flights cancelled Tuesday. Dutch carrier KLM canceled 159 flights to and from European destinations. Flight cancellations were also reported in Slovakia. Story continues Low-lying Dutch coastal regions were being hit by strong winds and wild seas, and local water authorities were checking dikes holding back all that water to make sure they were not damaged. The Noorderzijlvest water authority said it was monitoring dikes because of debris floating in the sea after 281 shipping containers tumbled off a cargo ship in a storm last week. Many of the containers are still at sea and some have broken open. "A fridge or container that is rammed against a dike can cause damage," the authority said. Heavy snowfall and strong winds were reported Tuesday over central Scandinavia, hampering efforts to restore electricity that had gone out after another storm swept through on Jan. 2. In Greece, schools in Athens and many surrounding areas remained closed after snow blanketed the capital. Some rural mountain roads were also closed. Dozens of refugees housed in tents at a migrant camp in northern Greece protested their harsh living conditions as temperatures in some areas sunk to minus 20 degrees Celsius (minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit). Snow was even reported on many of Greece's islands. ___ Mike Corder contributed reporting from The Hague, Netherlands; Jan M. Olsen reported from Copenhagen, Denmark; Karel Janicek from Prague, Czech Republic; Elena Becatoros from Athens, Greece; and Alison Mutler from Bucharest, Romania. Fourth Circuit affirms officer Michael Slager "conviction" (by a judge at sentencing) of murdering Walter Scott | Main | "The Accuracy, Equity, and Jurisprudence of Criminal Risk Assessment" January 9, 2019 Spotlighting problems with immediate application of expanded good time credit in the FIRST STEP Act This new Reuters article, headlined "Error in U.S. prisons law means well-behaved inmates wait longer for release," reports on what appears to be a significant drafting hiccup in the expansion of good time credits through the FIRST STEP Act. Here are the details: U.S. prisoners who were expecting earlier release for good behavior, thanks to a new criminal justice law enacted last month, must keep waiting due to an error in the bill, said activists working with the White House to fix the mistake. Potentially thousands of inmates could be affected by the error in the First Step Act, signed into law on Dec. 21 by Republican President Donald Trump in a rare example of bipartisanship in Washington, with both Democrats and Republicans backing it. The law required the Justice Departments Bureau of Prisons (BOP), among other measures, to retroactively recalculate good behavior credits, a step that had been expected to reduce some inmates sentences by as many as 54 days per year. Previously, inmates could only earn up to 47 days per year toward early release for good behavior. Advocates of the law expected the bills enactment into law meant that several thousand inmates would get their freedom right away, in time for the 2018 holiday season. But a drafting error in the language of the law has prevented the Justice Department from immediately applying the new method of calculating good-behavior credits, they said. You have thousands of families who thought the day this bill passed, their loved ones sentence was going to be recalculated and they were going to walk out of their halfway house, their home confinement ... or leave prison, said Kevin Ring, president of Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM). Its a frustrating mistake, Ring said. Wyn Hornbuckle, a Justice Department spokesman, said the department is analyzing changes for the law and plans to carry out all necessary steps. Reuters has seen a letter sent to inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution Coleman, a federal prison in Florida, in which officials acknowledged the new good-behavior credits would not take effect yet. The law will allow BOP in the future to apply 54 days of credit for every year a sentence was imposed, which is a change to the prior law, the letter says. While this change may result in additional credit for inmates in the future, it is not effective immediately nor is it applicable to all inmates, it says.... Activists said the law, as drafted, confused good-behavior credits, which reduce a sentence, with earned-time credits, which do not. Earned-time credits allow certain inmates to qualify for early transfer to halfway houses. The law also mistakenly said that new rules on good-behavior credits could not kick in until BOP finishes a risk-assessment process for deciding which inmates can get earned-time credits. Whether the error can be promptly fixed was unclear. A federal judge in Chicago on Jan. 3 denied a prisoners request to be released earlier for good behavior, citing the letter of the law. This court is not unsympathetic to the apparent inequity of petitioners situation, wrote U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman. This court, however, is obligated to apply the law as it is written. Several activists for prisoners told Reuters their groups are working with the White House on whether the Justice Department can find a work-around or if a legislative fix needs to be tucked into a broader spending bill for action by Congress. Ring said his group is also in talks with lawmakers. The error comes at a difficult time, with the federal government in a partial shutdown. The Justice Department is one of several agencies partially closed because its funding ran out on Dec. 22 and has not been renewed by Congress. As I understand this problem, it flows from the fact that the enacted version of the FIRST STEP Act has the expanded good time credits provision tucked within sections of the Act which is said to be effective only when the Attorney General has created "a risk and needs assessment system" that the AG has 210 days to develop. This placement leads to the view that the expanded good time credits cannot be applied until the risk and needs assessment system gets developed later in 2019. I am not sure that is the only plausible reading of these provisions of the FIRST STEP Act, but it sounds as though this is the reading now being adopted by the Bureau of Prisons (and maybe some courts). Such a reading would seem to mean prisoners will not get the benefit of expanded good time credits until at least July 2019. The expanded good time credits provided by the FIRST STEP Act only amount to an additional week off a sentence for every year served. So even for those prisoners clearly impacted by this problem, this temporary snafu may only mean a few more week or months in custody before release. But for prisoners and their families hoping to see freedom a few weeks or months earlier in 2019, this really stinks. January 9, 2019 at 06:13 PM | Permalink Comments Fucking idiots. Pardon my french. Or, possibly more likely, this is a very cynical attempt to increase good time as originally intended while not doing so it all. Despite the Senate being the "upper" house, I frequently find it to be a much stupider body than the house. Posted by: Fat Bastard | Jan 10, 2019 8:58:04 PM The BOP has resisted this since the beginning. The only fix that was needed was re-consideration of their administrative rule interpreting the good time statute. They know and have known what Congress intended with the good time statute. They just don't care. Posted by: defendergirl | Jan 11, 2019 10:37:19 AM I don't really get why BOP acts like they have a vested interest in keeping people incarcerated. It isn't like they going to run out of convicts anytime soon and they are currently overcrowded and understaffed to a point that is probably close to a Constitutional dimension. Posted by: Fat Bastard | Jan 11, 2019 2:38:50 PM I am a defense attorney and recently learned that not all federal judges are applying the enlarged Safety Valve provisions under the First Step Act until the new Sentencing Guidelines are published, Nov. 1, 2019. Has anyone else encountered this in federal court? Posted by: Mary Ann Leichty | May 19, 2019 8:43:05 PM Post a comment "The Accuracy, Equity, and Jurisprudence of Criminal Risk Assessment" | Main | "Reducing Barriers to Reintegration: Fair chance and expungement reforms in 2018" This effective new Reuters article, headlined "Tough-on-crime record trails U.S. attorney general nominee into Senate hearings," reports on how the new AG-nominee's record on criminal justice issues and recent developments could intersect at next week's confirmation hearings. Here are the details: President Donald Trumps nominee for U.S. attorney general is expected to tell a Senate panel next week that he supports a new law easing prison sentences for some criminals, even though he advocated for decades for just the opposite. William Barr for much of his career championed a get-tough approach to crime that has recently lost favor, culminating last month in Trump signing into law the biggest overhaul of the criminal justice system in a generation. The First Step Act, enacted with strong bipartisan support in Congress, reduces mandatory minimum sentences for some nonviolent, low-level offenders and makes it easier for prisoners to qualify for early release to halfway houses or home confinement. Trump signed it into law just weeks after he nominated Barr, who issued a report during an earlier stint as attorney general in the 1990s called The Case for More Incarceration. Barr is expected to say that he will support the new law when he appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee for confirmation hearings next week, according to two sources familiar with his preparations. We believe that Barrs position will be somewhat moderated when he testifies if for no other reason than that his boss (Trump) fully subscribes to the First Step approach, said Fraternal Order of Police executive director Jim Pasco, who said he had been in touch with people helping Barr prepare for the Senate hearings. The Senate, controlled by Trumps fellow Republicans, is expected to confirm Barrs nomination to again head the Justice Department. Concerns about Barrs record on criminal justice have so far taken a back seat to questions about how he would handle Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation into possible collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign in the 2016 election. Trump has denied any collusion with Moscow and Russia has said it did not meddle in the election. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, the incoming chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said he did not discuss the First Step Act when Barr visited him at his office on Wednesday. That would have been a good question to ask him, Graham said after the meeting. But criminal justice advocates said they were working with lawmakers on the committee to make sure Barr will be questioned in detail about specific elements of the new law to ensure that he will support it. It certainly appears he holds an old-school view of our criminal justice system, but there is an overwhelming majority of members of the House and Senate on both sides of the aisle who do not feel that way, said Holly Harris, executive director of Justice Action Network, a coalition of criminal-justice groups across the political spectrum.... Democratic Senator Cory Booker, a member of the Judiciary Committee, is among those concerned by Barrs record. Barr took an extremely troubling approach to mass incarceration in the nineties at the DOJ and it doesnt look like his views have changed much, said a Booker aide, speaking on condition of anonymity. As attorney general, Barr would be in a position to influence how prisoners would be released into halfway houses or home confinement. Its frustrating to think we might have found one of the few people who are still stuck in the 1980s and 1990s on these issues, said Kevin Ring, head of Families Against Mandatory Minimums, which has worked to reduce minimum prison terms. Barr was attorney general in 1991-1993, a time when U.S. crime rates reached an all-time high of 758 incidents per 100,00 people. They have since fallen by nearly half, to a rate of 394 incidents per 100,000 people in 2017, according to the FBI. At that time, Barr advocated long prison sentences to keep violent criminals off the streets. First, prisons work. Second, we need more of them, Barrs Justice Department wrote in a 1992 report. Barr maintained his get-tough stance after leaving office. Along with other former law enforcement officials, he lobbied against earlier versions of the First Step Act in 2014 and 2015. When Trump fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions in November, Barr and two other former attorneys general penned a Washington Post opinion piece that praised Sessions for directing prosecutors to pursue the severest penalties possible. Barrs advocacy came as others were concluding that mandatory minimum sentences and other tough policies had taken too harsh a toll, especially on African-Americans and Latinos, and were costing taxpayers too much money. " " Off the coast of Central America's Belize, a section of the world's second-largest coral reef has been removed from Unesco's endangered list. Andrew Hounslea/Getty Images If you read or watch the news these days, it sometimes feels like the Earth is one big dumpster fire. There's certainly cause for concern and even outright alarm. One study suggests we're in the middle of the sixth mass extinction of animals, a "biological annihilation at the hands of humans;" multiple studies suggest climate change is spiraling out of control; the U.S., led by President Donald Trump, still plans to withdraw in 2020 from the Paris Agreement to stem greenhouse gases; and Sudan, the last male Northern white rhino on the planet, died. If all of that's not enough to make your head spin, a study published in the June 2018, issue of Astrobiology argued that if we do manage to kill ourselves off, we won't even be original: Alien civilizations likely died that way, too. However, it's not all dreadful news. We actually dug up some good environmental stories from 2018 that just might dare we say it give us a little hope for the future of Earth and everything on it. Here are our top five "good news" stories about the environment from 2018. Advertisement 5. The Ozone Is Healing It wasn't too long ago the mid-1980s, to be exact that scientists made a deeply troubling discovery: The ozone layer of Earth, which shields us from the sun's dangerous ultraviolet rays, each spring opened a massive hole over Antarctica. Even worse, the ozone layer all around the world was also being steadily thinned. This supported assertions of ozone depletion going back to the 1970s. The chief culprit was chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), chemicals that were used at the time in common items like hairspray and refrigerants. Skin cancer, cataracts, severe harm to plants and animals studies that followed the discovery painted a dire picture of future human existence, if we didn't do something quick to stop it. That something was the 1987 Montreal Protocol, which banned the production of CFCs and other ozone-depleting chemicals. And while the news turned slowly better for the ozone (and us) over the past two decades, the latest check-up from 2018 is an undeniable win: A United Nations report says the ozone, including the gaping hole over Antarctica, will be fully healed by the 2060s. Advertisement 4. Second Largest Coral Reef No Longer Endangered Along with news of polar bears starving to death or drowning, coral reefs (and the marine ecosystem that is symbiotic to them) have become a poster child for the disturbing effects of climate change. The Great Barrier Reef the world's largest is experiencing a "widespread die-off," according to a 2018 report. But off the coast of Central America's Belize, a section of the world's second-largest coral reef has been removed from UNESCO's endangered list. The 200-mile-long (321-kilometer) Belize Barrier Reef System, which measures about a third of the MesoAmerican Reef System, was placed on the list in 2009 due to threats like coastal development and oil drilling. The U.N. agency cited a "transitional shift" by the Belize government as part of the rationale for the removal from the list. However, "the primary threats are all still there," one researcher cautions. Advertisement 3. Bans on Plastic Plastic is a problem that is not going away; just look at the ever-growing garbage vortex in the Pacific. And despite the obvious need for sensible alternatives to plastic, the banning of it including straws by cities, countries and international corporations has transformed, as it often does these days, into a goofy meme. But seriously, Starbucks banned plastic straws from its 28,000 stores around the globe, becoming "the largest food and beverage retailer to make such a global commitment." That's just the tip of the anti-plastic iceberg even Queen Elizabeth II forbid plastic at royal estates and associated premises. Meantime, reports from Kenya, which instituted the world's toughest moratorium on plastic bags in 2017, suggest the ban is having positive effects: The decrease in so-called "flying toilets" is just one anecdotal piece of evidence. Several other East African nations are considering plastic bans, too. Despite some criticism faced by the movement's activists, more bans are likely. Advertisement 2. Swiss Businessman Donates $1 Billion to Protect the Planet It's reminiscent of media mogul Ted Turner's donation of $1 billion to the United Nations in 1997. In October of 2018, businessman, philanthropist and conservationist Hansjorg Wyss announced that he would donate $1 billion of his fortune over the next decade to "help accelerate land and ocean conservation efforts around the world, with the goal of protecting 30 percent of the planet's surface by 2030." He plans for his money to support local conservation efforts around the world, push for land and ocean protection, raise public awareness about the importance of conservation and to fund scientific studies to identify the best strategies to reach his target. In an op-ed he penned in The New York Times, Wyss said he was inspired to donate the money by the National Parks Service in the U.S., which has helped preserve 15 percent of the Earth's lands and 7 percent of its oceans since Yellowstone was named the world's first national park. Advertisement 1. China Is Winning War on Pollution It wasn't long ago that China, the most populous country in the world, was making news for apocalyptic pollution days that browned out the sun. Now, just four years after Chinese premier Li Keqiang declared war on pollution, the country has seen astounding success. Recent studies show China's cities and rural areas "have cut concentrations of fine particulates in the air by 32 percent on average." That beats the reduction in U.S. air pollution following 1970's Clean Air Act, which cut pollution by 20 percent on average. China's quick and effective work is leading to projections of longer lifespans, not to mention the corollary: improved health for citizens. By the way, even though the U.S. "officially" has removed itself from the Paris Agreement on climate change, a coalition in the U.S., led by mayors, governors and business leaders, vow to keep alive U.S. commitments in the Paris accord. Now That's Great And more one to grow on: Animal activists were heartened in late 2018 about reports of the first right whale calf in two years being spotted off the Florida coast. Post: #1 Trump adviser had significantly changed his story on GOP's dramatic shift on Ukraine Advertisement Gordons remarks represent a dramatic shift from previous comments. In January, Gordon told Business Insider that he never left his assigned side table nor spoke publicly at the GOP national security subcommittee meeting, where the amendment which originally called for providing lethal defence weapons to the Ukrainian army to fend off Russian-backed separatists was read aloud, debated, and ultimately watered down to providing appropriate assistance to Ukraine. According to CNNs Jim Acosta, however, Gordon said that at the RNC, he and others advocated for the GOP platform to include language against arming Ukrainians against pro-Russian rebels because this was in line with Trumps views, expressed at a March national security meeting at the unfinished Trump hotel in Washington, DC. Gordon says Trump said at the meeting that he didnt want to go to World War Three over Ukraine, Acosta said. Trumps apparent involvement in the discussions are also at odds with what Gordon told Business Insider in January, when he said neither Mr. Trump nor Mr. Manafort were involved in those sort of details, as they have made clear. Paul Manafort was Trumps campaign manager from April through August of 2016. He served as a top adviser to a pro-Russian political party in Ukraine from 2004 to 2012 and helped the Russia-friendly strongman Viktor Yanukovych win the Ukrainian presidency in 2010. An unsubstantiated dossier presented to Trump in January by top US intelligence officials alleges that Trump agreed to sideline the issue of Russian intervention in Ukraine during his campaign after Russia promised to feed the emails it stole from prominent Democrats inboxes to WikiLeaks. The dossier also claims Manafort was receiving kickback payments from Yanukovychs associates in Ukraine, where Manafort had been commercially active right up to the time (in March 2016) when he joined campaign team. https://www.businessinsider.com.au/jd-go...rnc-2017-3 Trump foreign policy advisor JD Gordon says Trump ordered the abrupt change in language to the RNC policy platform regarding Russian invasion of Ukraine, annexation of the Crimean peninsula, and support for the pro-Moscow rebels in Donetsk & Luhansk. The Trump campaigns national-security policy representative for the Republican National Convention, J.D. Gordon, told CNN on Thursday that he pushed to alter an amendment to the GOPs draft policy on Ukraine at the Republican National Convention last year to further align it with President Donald Trumps views.Gordons remarks represent a dramatic shift from previous comments. In January, Gordon told Business Insider that he never left his assigned side table nor spoke publicly at the GOP national security subcommittee meeting, where the amendment which originally called for providing lethal defence weapons to the Ukrainian army to fend off Russian-backed separatists was read aloud, debated, and ultimately watered down to providing appropriate assistance to Ukraine.According to CNNs Jim Acosta, however, Gordon said that at the RNC, he and others advocated for the GOP platform to include language against arming Ukrainians against pro-Russian rebels because this was in line with Trumps views, expressed at a March national security meeting at the unfinished Trump hotel in Washington, DC.Gordon says Trump said at the meeting that he didnt want to go to World War Three over Ukraine, Acosta said.Trumps apparent involvement in the discussions are also at odds with what Gordon told Business Insider in January, when he said neither Mr. Trump nor Mr. Manafort were involved in those sort of details, as they have made clear.Paul Manafort was Trumps campaign manager from April through August of 2016. He served as a top adviser to a pro-Russian political party in Ukraine from 2004 to 2012 and helped the Russia-friendly strongman Viktor Yanukovych win the Ukrainian presidency in 2010.An unsubstantiated dossier presented to Trump in January by top US intelligence officials alleges that Trump agreed to sideline the issue of Russian intervention in Ukraine during his campaign after Russia promised to feed the emails it stole from prominent Democrats inboxes to WikiLeaks. The dossier also claims Manafort was receiving kickback payments from Yanukovychs associates in Ukraine, where Manafort had been commercially active right up to the time (in March 2016) when he joined campaign team.Trump foreign policy advisor JD Gordon says Trump ordered the abrupt change in language to the RNC policy platform regarding Russian invasion of Ukraine, annexation of the Crimean peninsula, and support for the pro-Moscow rebels in Donetsk & Luhansk. Political Incorrectness Paradoxes, and Anything else out of left field. The emphasis she placed on expanding rural broadband was surprising. Half of South Dakota counties have rural areas where one in four people lacks broadband access, Noem said, announcing intentions to close this high-speed internet gap. Rural broadband has been a perennial focus. The South Dakota Dashboard recently released a report that concluded rural connectivity in this state significantly exceeds national averages. This was despite the fact that, with fewer than five residents per square mile, deploying fiber costs on average $3,571 per resident in rural regions compared with about $26 per resident in densely populated Sioux Falls. To improve pheasant habitat, meanwhile, Noem proposed voluntary funding solutions, such as premium hunting tags and conservation themed license plates. Yet she also praised and promoted ethanol expansion, which has been a primary driver in the conversion of pheasant habitat to cropland. Its hard to fight market trends, but maybe voluntary funding measures can somewhat slow habitat conversion. Noem said the search was on for the Next Big Thing, hoping to repeat Gov. Bill Janklows credit card coup of the early 1980s. There arent a lot of winning lottery tickets lying on the ground, but maybe South Dakota will get lucky again. Finally, were also concerned about what the number of large campaign donors in her announced cabinet and staff including her choice to lead the Governors Office of Economic Development (GOED) says about her governing priorities. Does she intend to govern on behalf of those large campaign donors or average South Dakotans? Gov. Noem has a responsibility to recognize she wasnt elected with a big mandate and needs to reach out to the half of South Dakota that didnt vote for her. If she does, there are many things we can do together to make life better for the working people of our state, such as investing in early childhood education, ending the sales tax on food, granting paid sick and family leave to employees of large corporations, and expanding Medicaid which would be good for the health of our people, our state budget, and our state economy. Though we had many policy differences with Gov. Dennis Daugaard, Democrats were pleased to work with him on several important issues that made life better for average South Dakotans such as working to expand Medicaid in our state, increasing education funding, improving tribal relations, reforming our criminal justice system, improving our states infrastructure, and investing in real, grassroots economic development. PIERRE | The South Dakota Supreme Court's chief justice urged officials in a legislative address Wednesday to seriously consider creating a mental health court in the Sioux Falls region. Chief Justice David Gilbertson said in his State of the Judiciary message that the need for such a court is "great" in Minnehaha County. He said that from February through June 2018, 13.5 percent of prisoners screened at Minnehaha County jail intake had a mental illness. "We all agree that people who commit crimes need to be held accountable," Gilbertson said. "On the other hand, we also know that jail is not always the best place for many people with serious mental illness." Gilbertson said a mental health court in Rapid City met a goal to become fully operational by Jan. 1. The program is led by a specially trained judge and includes a team of mental health personnel to provide treatment plans and services, he said. If a person with mental illness can be put into a mental health court where they are monitored and get back on their medication, then they can become productive citizens again, Gilbertson said after the speech. After a 75-year family legacy of broadcasting in the Black Hills, Bill Duhamel called the sale of his company and five radio stations to a Yankton company "bittersweet." "Basically, I was getting tired, and I was getting too old," the 80-year-old said of the decision to sell Duhamel Broadcasting. The move comes five years after the company sold its KOTA TV station. "We set the standard" and kick-started the careers of people who went on to create or work at other radio and TV stations in western Dakota," Duhamel said. "A lot of people trained here," including Tom Brokaw, the former longtime anchor of the NBC Nightly News who interned at KOTA TV when he was a student at the University of South Dakota. On Jan. 1, Riverfront Broadcasting acquired Duhamel Broadcasting's five radio stations: its flagship KOTA station in Rapid City, KQRQ and KZLK in Rapid City, KDDX in Spearfish and KZZI in Belle Fourche, Duhamel said. He expects the $3.6 million sale, which must be approved by the Federal Communications Commission, to close in May. Duhamel said five or six national corporations were interested, but he preferred to sell to a family-owned company. Shawn said he and Kelsie spent nearly seven years looking for a location for a larger shop, considering both existing structures and building new from the ground up. Nothing was the right fit, or offered the visibility they sought. They found a vacant lot not far from Quik Signs, began construction in August of 2017 and opened, quietly, in the new building last April. Were so glad we didnt try to convert someone elses building. Were glad we built a facility that supports exactly what we do, he said. They are doing business as Recreation Station, but signage for the new building reflects the name of their website, RecStation.net. Darling wanted instant name recognition for that vital aspect, internet sales. "The sign is easily seen from the interstate and people can be on the website in five seconds, he said. Our website is three salespeople in one, he said. RecStation.net offers new and pre-owned boats, working with five manufacturers of new craft, and also offers pre-owned motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs and UTVs on the motorsports side of the business. CEDAR RAPIDS Making his case for building a border wall in a national television address is something President Donald Trump absolutely had to do, Sen. Chuck Grassley said, but I havent had enough conversations with people to know whether it changed the dial at all. In an Oval Office address to the nation Tuesday night, Trump alleged a growing humanitarian and security crisis at the United States-Mexico border. Grassley said he cant say how much the presidents address helped his cause, but it cant do any harm, Grassley said Wednesday. I think he has a responsibility to get beyond his base to get the money he wants for the wall, he said. Finding agreement on the border wall should not be hard as it has become, Grassley said. He pointed to times when Senate Democrats, including current Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and former Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton voted for 700 miles of border fencing. Both Republican and Democrats have also supported proposals that called for $25 billion in border security, Grassley said. So if Democrats supported the fence in the past and it wasnt immoral, why is it immoral now? he said during his weekly conference call with Iowa reporters. The Iowa Freedom of Information Council wants a judge to reconsider a gag order in the case of a North Scott Junior High School student charged with attempting to murder his teacher. The order, issued Dec. 26 by Scott County Judge Patrick McElyea, blocks the media from identifying the 12-year-old suspect and any minors who may testify at trial. The boy is being tried as an adult. The council and its director, Randy Evans, filed the motion Wednesday in Scott County District Court. Evans says the gag order is unconstitutional and violates the First Amendment. According to court documents filed by the council, the judge took the extraordinary and unconstitutional step of imposing a prior restraint by enjoining all news organizations from publishing the names of the criminal defendant in this felony case that is proceeding in adult court and any witness under age 18 who testifies in open court. At the hearing in December, lawyers for the Quad-City Times sought to keep the proceedings open to the public without restrictions. Illinois State Police Trooper David Jacobs said he heard six or seven shots after arriving on the scene, but could not identify the related weapon or the origin of the shots. He said he initially retrieved his rifle from the rear of his car and entered a cornfield, but later backtracked out because he did not know where the shooter was. At about 5 a.m. Oct. 16, Taylor turned himself in when he saw Illinois State Police Sgt. Michael Kasprak bent over and picking up equipment that had fallen. Kasprak said Taylor initially wouldn't give his name but later said, "I'm the guy you're looking for." Illinois State Police Sgt. Corey Peck testified he briefly met Taylor Oct. 16 at the VanOpdorp trucking facility south of Atkinson that police were using as a command post. Peck also said he interviewed Taylor at the Geneseo Police Department and Taylor said he had gone into a survival mode south of Atkinson before realizing he should drop his weapon and turn himself in. Peck said Taylor remembered holding a rifle but did not remember pulling the trigger. When questioned by Henry County State's Attorney Matt Schutte, Peck said Taylor did not appear to be shooting the rifle only to disable the squad car. Peck also said Taylor didn't tell officers he was not trying to hit troopers. A Davenport man is facing drunken driving, hit-and-run and other traffic charges after he struck three other vehicles while driving between Jersey Ridge Road and Kimberly Road and 65th and Brady streets Wednesday evening, police said. Roger Dean Powell, 57, of 4001 N. Brady St., is charged with operating while intoxicated-second offense, three traffic counts each of leaving the scene of an accident and no insurance, as well as one count each of failure to maintain control, driving the wrong way, lane violation and assured distance. Davenport police began receiving calls about a pickup driving erratically northbound on Jersey Ridge Road at 5:17 p.m. The vehicle was described as a GMC Sierra. Officers responded to Jersey Ridge and Kimberly roads to investigate a hit and run, according to arrest affidavits filed by Davenport Police Officer Mason Roth. Between that location and 65th and Brady streets, two other vehicles were struck by a pickup that fled. The pickup came to a halt due to damage at 65th and Brady streets and officers found Powell behind the wheel, with two empty vodka bottles on the driver's side floorboard, and one partly-filled vodka bottle. Lunaticoutpost.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program , anaffiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.Amazon, the Amazon logo, MYHABIT, and the MYHABIT logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.Don't be a pest to the forum.No profanity in thread-titles or usernamesNo excessive profanity in postsNo Racism, Antisemitism + HateNo calls for violence against anyone..This website exists for fun and discussion only. The reader is responsible for discerning the validity, factuality or implications of information posted here, be it fictional or based on real events. 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An autopsy was conducted Wednesday but results were not available Wednesday evening, according to a release from the Muscatine County Sheriff's Department. Early Tuesday morning, Muscatine County deputies responded to a call of a woman laying by the side of the road on Iowa 38, just north of the intersection of County Road F70 (155th St.). She was found to be deceased. The investigation continues, according to the release. Police ask anyone with information to call 563-264-0188, Ext. 115. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 15 Angry 4 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. It's impossible to nail down a number, but it's a good bet that many who made a point of seeing the French Moderns during its final two weeks did so because admission was free. Close to one-third of the total visitors, 13,434, took in the show during the free period. But it wasn't free for everyone. It was underwritten by Quad-City businessman Hunt Harris and his wife, Diane, through their family foundation. Why? "When Diane and I travel we often visit art museums and particularly enjoy the Impressionists," Harris said. "Neither of us has an art background ... we know what we like and are trying to learn more about art as we get more exposure. "Many folks dont have the opportunity to travel as we do, nor the desire to visit art museums when they do. When we learned of the chance to bring some of these great paintings to the Quad-Cities, we were really excited to be part of exposing people in our area to these works." There was another reason. I became a judge in December 1974. A few days later, all the newly minted judges throughout the state were summoned to attend a new judges seminar run by the Hon. Roy O. Gulley. We were there to learn how to be judges. Gulley had been elected as a circuit judge in 1957, and appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in 1968 as the courts administrative director. Gulley told us in no uncertain terms that a judge had administrative as well as judicial duties. He cited Illinois appellate and Supreme Court cases which told us being a judge meant more than sitting on the bench and looking like a wise old owl. We were not to sit in our black robes looking like alabaster busts of our grandsires. A judge was not a mere referee, he was the governor of the trial. In unequivocal words, he told us that we had an non-delegable duty to see that cases moved in a timely fashion to completion. Cases should be continued only for reasons unforeseeable at the time they were set. Justice delayed, is justice denied. Judge Gulleys remarks made sense, I had no doubts that what he told us was right. My earlier experiences in the states attorneys office confirmed that he was. MOLINE Bob Vogelbaugh better known as Mr. Thanksgiving extended a thank you as big as the Quad-Cities on Thursday, after receiving a check for more than $13,000. The free community Thanksgiving dinner began 48 years ago, with around a dozen people joining together to eat turkey. Nearly five decades later, around 2,500 guests attend the dinner each year. And as the event has grown, so have costs. Struggling to raise money and host the dinner, Vogelbaugh said Hy-Vee became a major contributor in 2011. On Thursday, Hy-Vee presented Vogelbaugh with a check for $13,495, to help pay off this past Thanksgiving dinner. Since 2011, Hy-Vee has raised $116,617 for Mr. Thanksgiving. Without Hy-Vee, we wouldnt be going into year 49, Vogelbaugh said. They are absolutely superb. Besides raising money, I use Hy-Vee to cook everything. And theyre out there on Thanksgiving Day with all of the turkey and portable ovens, all day long, making sure everything stays warm. Its just fantastic. Bettendorf Store Director Sharm Wenndt said in 2011, Hy-Vee decided to help the cause and raise money at one location on the Avenue of the Cities. The company set the goal of raising around $1,000, but ended up donating $4,000. "As more and more Quad-Citians' ancestral heritage is outlined on the giant map in the grand lobby, we'll easily see that we come from everywhere and are connected here," Kim Findlay, Putnam president/CEO, said Wednesday. Researching ancestry has "had a surge of interest, and I think it's going to be pretty fascinating to create this map of our community, where we all come from," she said, likening it to the black-and-white community photos in the museum's lobby. "The photo project was very eye-opening about how much we do enjoy as a community getting together and learning about each other," Findlay said. She expects the map will be 24 feet wide and 12 feet wide, and will visually connect each family's country of origin to the Quad-Cities. "This is a very important exhibit, very enlightening exhibit. It's about all of us," she said. "It's fun to participate in that, look at your ancestry. People of all ages are into it." Personal ancestry results will go home with the participants. The museum will not keep participants' results; they will only be used to create the lines on the map that represent various ancestries. DAVENPORT Melissa Pepper is having an extra happy new year, returning to work Jan. 2 after a 10-week maternity leave and being promoted to president of the company she joined just last May. The 2009 Augustana College alum, who gave birth to her second son, Brooks, on Oct. 14, was named head of Davenport-based Total Solutions by owner Aaron Tennant, an area trucking executive who formed the firm in 2015. Tennant who owns Simplex Leasing, Tennant Yard Management and B&B Truck and Trailer Repair will focus his leadership efforts on Simplex Leasing as president of that company, according to a press release from Total Solutions. Im starting the year with a bang, Pepper said Tuesday. I am fortunate to have his guidance as I learn the role. It is a dream come true for me. She will lead a growing team of 17 at Total Solutions, which handles information technology, accounting, payroll, marketing and human-resources functions for small to mid-sized businesses throughout the Quad-Cities. Pepper joined the company in the new position of business development partner. She concentrated on increasing total revenue from new and current clients in her first six months. Total Solutions does not reveal the total number of customers it has. GENESEO Megan Dwyer knows a lot about farming, as her 6-year-old son, Nathan, will tell you. She and her husband, Todd, are in for New Orleans this weekend where the rural Geneseo farmer will compete at the national level of Farm Bureau Young Leaders Discussion Meet. When her son told her he was proud of her achievement, Megan Dwyer thanked him but cautioned him that she might not win at the national event. But you know everything about farming, Nathan Dwyer said. Her national title quest began in August at the district contest facing Farm Bureau Young Leaders from Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, Stark and Whiteside counties. Our district had a very strong showing, she said. They sent three to state and all three made it to the Sweet 16, with two of us making it to the finals. The competition judges contestants ability to manage a small group discussion, Megan Dwyer said. Participants exchange facts and insights on a predetermined topic. Judges award points on how well participants work with one another, express themselves and share their knowledge. MOLINE -- A driver injured Wednesday afternoon after striking the Williams, White & Company building at 600 River Drive was taken by ambulance to UnityPoint HealthTrinity Rock Island with unknown injuries. The same driver had earlier struck a construction trailer at an IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union location in Rock Island, according to a witness. Police were notified of the accident at 12:38 p.m. Wednesday, according to Moline Sgt. Kevin Cox. The suspect was identified by Cox as an older man who lost control of his car and hit the northwest corner of the Williams, White building. The man's condition was unknown, Cox said. Employees working in the building declined to comment. Witness Ben Nicholas, of DeWitt, Iowa, told Cox he was working on an ATM at the Rock Island credit union parking lot when the same driver crashed into a construction trailer there. The driver left that scene before workers could learn his identity or health status. After learning from a co-worker about the accident in Moline, Nicholas drove to the Moline scene to report what occurred in Rock Island. "The mats work great as a shield between the body and the cold or wet surface of the ground," she said. "They can also be used as a blanket for warmth as they keep the heat close to the body. I know there are people out there who have no place to lay their tired bodies, McCreery said. Many need food, clean warm clothes, coats, hats, gloves, shoes, boots, a safe place to take a shower and to sleep with warmth and comfort. But instead, many lie on the cold damp ground, in a cardboard box, on a bench or on a highway overpass. McCreery is a former administrative assistant who retired to care for her mother who has since died. She said that, after knee replacement surgery last year, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 terminal breast cancer. "I have received 11 doses/weeks of chemo treatment and I am receiving hormonal infusion treatment every three weeks. And I will continue this for the rest of my life," she said. "God bless the people who discovered this formula and the doctor with his staff for administering it for lengthening my life span. For without that formula, I had an end date for my life." With her body so compromised, McCreery said she enjoys spending quiet time crocheting. Three witches tell the Scottish general Macbeth that he will be King of Scotland. Encouraged by his wife, Macbeth kills the king, becomes the new king and kills more people out of paranoia, according to a synopsis at shakespeare.org. Civil war erupts to overthrow Macbeth, resulting in more death. A microbiologist and lab technician at Metropolitan Medical Laboratory, Sullivan last directed his wife, Jill Sullivan-Bennin, in the 2005 Prenzie production, who then played Duncan (traditionally King of Scotland) as the queen. This time, Duncan is played by Tracy Skaggs; Lady Macbeth will be Maggie Woolley, and Macduff is Jeremy Mahr. As is common with Prenzie, there are actors playing multiple roles. It keeps everyone doing something during the production no one is left backstage twiddling their thumbs, Sullivan said. There are costume changes, it keeps everybody active everybody engaged. This is the sixth production of the Scottish play with which hes been involved. He also directed it at Sherrard High School and has served as fight captain or fight choreographer for a production at St. Ambrose, and twice for Genesius Guild. We listen to local police and fire departments scanner traffic, but sometimes miss crimes, wrecks, fires or other incidents, especially if they happen overnight. If you know of something were not covering yet, please let Managing Editor Jeff Pownall know by emailing him at jpownall@lufkindailynews.com, or submit a news tip online by visiting lufkindailynews.com/tips. 10 hours ago | June 15th | 2021 7:40 AM Does Wendys (NASDAQ: WEN) Have What It Takes To Be A Winner In 2021? Though Wendys (NASDAQ: WEN) stock was cut in half during the dark days of February and March of last year, Wall Street quickly realized that convenient fast food would probably be towards the bottom of the list of things to be cut by hard-hit consumers who were tightening the proverbial belts. So back the stock roared and since this time last Editor: It is baffling the kinds of issues on which Donald Trump fixates. Of peculiar mystery are the threads of pro-Russian party line sprinkling his random remarks regarding eastern European politics. In the White House, we have a man who gets bored by international briefings, refuses to read cogent analyses and CIA white papers and comes to the job knowing scant geography, international politics and virtually no history. I taught history through the 70s-90s. Well before U.S. involvement on the ground, students were interested in the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan. It may have seemed a bizarre thing given Soviet economic struggles at the time, yet such a move to grab resources has always been Russias thrust. Calculated to put them closer to oil-rich regions, the Soviets found the Afghans in the way and figured it would be an easy takeover no one would notice. Afghanistans localized crazy-quilt warlord politics have since become the international crises the world struggles with today. Being a military veteran, I tend to look through the eyes of patriotism and view all Americans as my equal, and I dont like putting detrimental labels on people. However, when it comes to the Trump supporters, most seem proud to be called "The Deplorables." Ive even seen some wearing T-shirts saying: "Deplorable and Proud of it." Therefore, I want to explain to the deplorables exactly why most Americans think they are deplorable. First and foremost, you are deplorable because even though you heard your president brag about sexually assaulting women, you voted for him anyway. It is deplorable that you support your president even though he announced to the world that he is a "nationalist." Since he is Caucasian, that makes him a white nationalist, and we all know what that means. Supporting him makes you either a racist or tolerant of racism. It is deplorable that you believe everything your president tells you, even though he is a compulsive serial liar that racked up over 7,000 documented lies since in office. Supporting someone who trashes our allies, insults Gold Star families, pays off porn stars and playboy bunnies to shut them up, is not only deplorable but un-American and unpatriotic in my eyes. You are deplorable because you dont fact check anything your president or Fox News tells you, and you all call good news outlets that report facts and truth fake news. Finally, you are deplorable because if President Obama did only one of these things, you would all want to impeach him. A Malta man was arrested on Thursday after police said he stole over $200,000 while he was the CFO for Hillman Companies in Moreau. A woman who worked at Key Bank branches in Warren and Saratoga counties pleaded guilty to a felony Wednesday for stealing $483,784 from the bank while working as a teller, court records show. Caitlin Kenney, 33, pleaded guilty to theft by a bank employee for allegedly stealing cash between September 2013 and February 2017 while working at the banks branches in Queensbury and Malta, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Albany. Court records show she removed cash and falsified records to conceal the thefts while working as head teller at the bank branches. She worked in the Queensbury branch on Quaker Road until October 2016, stealing $408,784 during that time period. She was transferred to the Malta branch, where she stole an additional $75,000 before the bank discovered the theft there through an audit. Records show she stole cash by taking it from a vault and indicating it had been placed in the banks cash box when it had not, then falsifying computer records to indicate the transfers had occurred per bank policy. It was unclear whether any customers were affected by the theft. A call to Key Banks corporate office was not immediately returned Thursday. President Moon Jae-in speaks to reporters during his New Year press conference at Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday. Yonhap By Kim Yoo-chul Economic cooperation with North Korea will provide a boost to the South Korean economy, President Moon Jae-in said Thursday. "If we restart economic cooperation with North Korea, this will bring vitality to our economy," Moon said during a New Year's press conference at Cheong Wa Dae. "Inter-Korean economic projects are a blessing, which have already been prepared for us. One misunderstanding is South Korea is spending too much on economic projects with North Korea. But South Korean companies have benefitted more from operations at the Gaeseong Industrial Complex as it offered a chance for local companies to supply and sell their projects, there." Moon said South Korea will cooperate with the international community including the United States and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to quickly resolve the issue of economic sanctions on the North. "In order to resolve the issue of economic sanctions, North Korea should introduce concrete measures for the dismantlement of its nuclear program boldly and quickly. The lifting of economic sanctions is in sync with the level of the denuclearization process," Moon said. "When North Korea opens up its economy and a process to build relevant infrastructure starts, that will lead to intense competition among foreign capital to gain first-mover advantage. The resumption of inter-Korean economic projects, if it happens in a timely fashion, will put South Korea in a better position than others," the President said, adding Seoul welcomes Pyongyang's intention to resume their operation without conditions or compensation. Moon stressed that the dramatic improvement in inter-Korean relations was achieved by his administration. In a bill presented the National Assembly in September last year, the government proposed spending $419 million on North Korea-related ventures which included family reunions, a joint liaison office and sporting exchanges. The figure refers only to this year's expenditure. The Assembly has yet to ratify the bill. The two symbolic economic projects at North Korea's Mount Geumgang resort and the Gaeseong complex, just north of the Koreas' border, were suspended in the past decade along with other similar economic projects amid the standoff over Pyongyang's nuclear program. The two projects were considered as key resources for badly needed foreign currency for the North. The remarks, however, underscore the difference in South Korea's position from the United States and Japan, which say they will keep economic sanctions in place unless North Korea takes more concrete steps toward denuclearization. President Moon Jae-in's senior secretaries are seated during his New Year press conference at Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday. From left is presidential chief of staff Noh Young-min, National Security Office chief Chung Eui-yong, presidential chief of policy Kim Soo-hyun and presidential chief of political affairs Kang Gi-jung. Yonhap As much as wed like to think the world will be a better place once oppressive hierarchies are toppled, until we face own part in the malady of the world, the condition will continue. To heal the world, heal the self. To change the world, change the self. To love the world, love the self. This cosmic message comes courtesy of the Pisces moon. TODAYS BIRTHDAY (Jan. 10). Youre usually too busy serving others to worry about what might bring you delight. Their smiles are often enough. But new experiences, relationships and interests that arise in the months to come will teach you what you need in order to thrive as the most fantastic version of yourself. Libra and Scorpio adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 14, 39, 15 and 22. ARIES (March 21-April 19). People like to pretend that they make decisions out of logic, judiciousness and authority, when it is more often the case that they make decisions out of emotion and the justify those decisions by standards of reason. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). While you believe that people are inherently equal, we all have different strengths. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, Every man I meet is in some way my superior. Youll humble yourself and pick up a new skill. Smith will be held at the Norfolk City Jail, he wrote. He is charged with two counts of attempted homicide in Suffolk and with possession of a controlled substance in Norfolk. He also faces a drug charge in Chesapeake. But according to court documents, Caragan had almost no insight into the company's operations for its first seven years. He had little control over whom the company hired and even less over its primary bank account. He didn't even control his own salary. During a site visit by representatives of the Small Business Administration in 2005, Edna Naim borrowed another person's office in SEK's Virginia Beach headquarters to make it appear she was in charge, court documents said. She had never used that office before and would never use it again. I think the urgency and the historical importance of being the state to put us across the top really sort of changes the political and emotional dynamic of the issue, he said. I think it also validates the fact that we have to get this done, and it makes it real. Gregory Aime, a former New York-based franchisee, won the judgement against the company from a federal judge in Norfolk. He had sued after he said the company didn't follow through on a verbal agreement to sell him back his franchises after he had received an electronic filing number with the IRS. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Active users of social media like WhatsApp don't write more poorly at school, although there's a small relation between passively using WhatsApp and poorer writing. This was shown in a study done among young people by linguist Lieke Verheijen, who will receive her Ph.D. on this subject from Radboud University on 25 January. 'Heeey J sup!?! RU OK? ily 4ever xo <3'. Many people are worried that such strange ways of writing on social medial will lead to language deterioration. Verheijen: "What they mean by language deterioration is that young people will be less inclined to follow the rules for Dutch spelling and grammar and that the influence of English will continue to grow." Verheijen studied how young Dutch people used language in chats, text messages, tweets and WhatsApp messages and how this influences the way they write at school. Digi-language Verheijen's study confirmed that, when communicating online, today's youth uses language that is more informal, more expressive, more concise and more playful. But does this cause young people to actually write more poorly? Verheijen found that an active use of WhatsApp had a direct, positive influence on spelling in written school work: teenagers in particular made fewer spelling mistakes. In fact, young people who use social media in an active and linguistically creative way actually write higher quality school texts. Passive reading However, passively receiving messages from others is related to poorer written work at school, particularly among young people with a lower level of education. In addition, young people on social media who rely on word predictors and auto-correction make more spelling mistakes at school. So the way in which young people use social media determines whether or not WhatsApp language can damage or stimulate their written school work. Another conclusion is that teenagers deviate more frequently from Standard Dutch than do young adults. Verheijen: "And the number of deviations differs with the medium. The chats contain more deviations than do text messages and tweets. This is probably the case because tweets are more public and we thus tend to us Standard Dutch. Texts, tweets, WhatsApp messages and MSN chats Verheijen studied a large corpus of texts from diverse social media: texts, tweets, WhatsApp messages and MSN chats written by young people. She also asked hundreds of young people to complete a questionnaire about their use of social media and she tested their writing skills. She found more positive than negative connections between the use of social media and how well someone wrote at school. There were even more of these connections among people with a lower level of education than among those with a higher level of education. In conclusion, Verheijen did a large-scale experiment in which she compared two groups of young people: a group that had to send WhatsApp messages for fifteen minutes and a group that had to colour so-called mandalas as a diversion. The result? Simply that fifteen minutes of typing messages led to the WhatsApp group making fewer spelling mistakes in the subsequent written work for school. That effect was even stronger among secondary school students than among university students. Verheijen: "In my study, I was able to point out that the active use of language on WhatsApp can benefit language development." Linguistic changes Verheijen: "You could also consider digi-language as a form of linguistic change; we certainly don't talk and write the same now as we did centuries ago. It's just more visible now because we are sending a lot more informally typed texts. So new media themselves aren't the cause, but rather they make linguistic change more visible." Verheijen thinks that, if used well, social media stimulate rather than damage young people's language skills. Verheijen: "Make sure that you type a lot yourself and be creative with language. And don't forget to turn off the auto-correction and word predictor functions on your telephone!" Explore further WhatsApp out to make money from business messages Credit: CC0 Public Domain Private sponsorship programs for Syrian refugees should require settlement services, such as support finding employment and access to language classes, rather than leaving resources entirely up to private sponsors, according to a University of Alberta study. "This will even out the disparity of settlement experiences among privately sponsored refugees," said U of A urban planner Sandeep Agrawal, who said his research revealed the experiences of refugees resettling in Alberta in privately sponsored programs varied widely. "Those sponsored by well-resourced groupssuch as church groupsreceived extensive support in every aspect of their settlement, to the point that the care often far exceeded what the government-sponsored refugees received." And while others received the support that met the minimum legal requirements laid out by the government, some privately sponsored refugees were abandoned by their sponsors altogether. "They did not have the means or the time to adequately support their matched refugees," added Agrawal, who is also director of the U of A's School of Urban and Regional Planning. Agrawal interviewed refugees, private sponsors, volunteers and agency representatives about the refugees' experiences during their first year of resettlement in the province. While the three Canadian sponsorship programsgovernment, private and blendedwere successful in bringing in Syrian refugees, he found that, contrary to some previous studies, refugees resettling into the country through the private sponsorship program faced similar challenges in finding jobs and learning a new language as those in the other two programs. He said adding the requirement of settlement services is important because almost half of Syrian refugees have come through private sponsorship and the numbers through private programs will most likely increase. Agrawal also suggested that religious institutions be engaged to offer more culturally and religiously appropriate services, to ensure more consistent experiences for refugees across programs. "We should also consider the blended program as possibly a better way forwardwith both government and private sponsors helping refugees, each for a given period of time," said Agrawal. "This composite approach could offset the deficits inherent in each single approach." The study, "Canadian Refugee Sponsorship Programs: Experience of Syrian Refugees in Alberta, Canada," was published in the Journal of International Migration and Integration. Explore further High unmet need for dental care among Syrian refugees, research shows More information: Sandeep Kumar Agrawal. Canadian Refugee Sponsorship Programs: Experience of Syrian Refugees in Alberta, Canada, Journal of International Migration and Integration (2018). Sandeep Kumar Agrawal. Canadian Refugee Sponsorship Programs: Experience of Syrian Refugees in Alberta, Canada,(2018). DOI: 10.1007/s12134-018-0640-7 Technology from Emergent Solar Energy, based in the Purdue Research Park, is helping to reduce energy costs on a northern Indiana hog farm. Credit: Purdue University A Purdue University alumnus is using clean, solar energy to drastically reduce the electric bill for his northern Indiana hog farm with the help of a company based in the Purdue Research Park. Kraig Resler, an alumnus of Purdue's College of Agriculture, partnered with Emergent Solar Energy to find ways to reduce energy costs, protect the environment, gain energy independence and invest in the long-term benefits of on-farm solar. "We are always discussing how to make our 7,000-pig operation more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly," Resler said. "We are excited that our completed solar array will have a positive impact on the environment and save us money on electricity for years to come." The project is one of the state's largest confined animal feeding operation solar arrays. The solar array is rated at 155 kilowatts DC and will produce more than 200,000 kilowatt-hours of energy per year. This will cover approximately 75 percent of the farm's energy demand and reduce energy costs by the same amount. This equates to a reduction of 3,500 tons of carbon emissions over 25 years. "This was a challenging site," said Chris Rohaly, engineering and operations manager of Green Alternatives Inc., a contractor involved with this project. "Space was limited for the desired system size, and the tie-in to the utility feed required a long trench. But we iterated design until we reached the optimum between the farm's goals and site constraints. This system will produce strong results." A Purdue University alumnus is using clean, solar energy to drastically reduce the electric bill for his northern Indiana hog farm. Credit: Purdue University This project was awarded a Rural Energy for America Program grant by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which helped reimburse some of the farm's initial investment. The USDA grant and federal tax incentives, along with net-metering, will produce savings that will defray the costs of the project by more than 65 percent overall. "This is our largest farm solar project to date, and I couldn't be more pleased with the result," said Jeremy Lipinski, managing partner of Emergent. "The project economics and production numbers are quite remarkable, and this will be a great investment for our farm client." The Reslers are a Boilermaker family. Kraig's son, Tyler, is also an alumnus of Purdue's College of Agriculture and works on the family farm, which is in Mishawaka, Indiana, just east of South Bend. Kraig's two daughters are undergraduate students at Purdue. Resler worked with Emergent Solar Energy, headquartered at Purdue Research Foundation's Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette. Explore further Physics model acts as an 'EKG' for solar panel health Credit: CC0 Public Domain A team of University of Alberta students are hoping to market a probiotic they created to help honeybees ward off a fungal infection that has wiped out entire hives. APIS, short for "antifungal porphyrin-based intervention system," uses genetically engineered E. coli bacteria to produce molecules called porphyrins that damage the spores of Nosema ceranae, the most widespread fungus infecting honeybees around the world. Beekeepers can feed the product to their hives to help eliminate the fungus in the bees' digestive systems. The students created the product as a project for the 2018 International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition that took place in Boston last October, where they won first prize and a gold medal in the food and nutrition category. A month after the competition, the team presented their research at the annual conference of the Alberta Beekeeping Commission. "It allowed us to expose our work to commercial beekeepers and to bee researchers who might be able to pursue further development," said science student and team member Julia Heaton. "We've had interest in our project from some of these beekeepers, as well as from beekeepers who saw our research in the media. "We have commercial beekeepers who are willing to conduct the necessary field trials to allow commercialization of our project. We've also looked into patenting our system with the help of TEC Edmonton." Honeybees in cold climates are even more vulnerable to the fungus that infects their digestive systemsa problem of particular concern in Alberta, which produced more than 40 per cent of Canada's honey in 2016, worth more than $60 million. The only existing treatment for Nosema ceranae is a fungicide called fumagillin, but it has been discontinued, making the problem even more critical. "Bees have been a really hot topic lately, but although a lot of people know that bees are in trouble, not a lot of people understand why," said Heaton. "We also wanted to raise awareness of a problem that deeply affects our province and our communities, but not many people know about," added Anna Kim, a team member studying biology and psychology. Under the supervision of mentors, more than 300 university teams are tasked with using genetic components to create biological solutions to real-world problems. "Very often in science, we first find 'solutions' and then we go looking for a problem," said U of A chemistry professor Robert Campbell, who mentored the student team for the competition in which more than 300 university teams are tasked with using genetic components to create biological solutions to real-world problems. "It is so important to identify a problem first and then find the best solution, no matter where that leads you. This team identified the problem of Nosema infections in honeybees and was inspired to conceive of an original, feasible and practical solution." Explore further Honeybees at risk from Zika pesticides A screenshot of an online map created by Allen and Farber that shows access to jobs by transit in Toronto. Credit: Jeff Allen If you can't afford a car or Uber, and there's no major public transit route in your neighbourhood, finding a job and keeping it can be an uphill battle. It's an all-too-familiar challenge for up to one million urban Canadians, according to an estimate by U of T geographers Jeff Allen and Steven Farber, who published their findings in Transport Policy last month. The authors used household demographic and employment data from the 2016 census, among other information, to do a national accounting of so-called "transport poverty" across the country for the first time. "We know how many poor children there are in this country, we know how many recent immigrants there are, but no one has ever known how many people are transport-poor," says Farber, who is an assistant professor in the department of human geography at U of T Scarborough. He and Allen say they hope their research will help inform government policy on transportation. "In Canada, governments are currently investing billions of dollars in public transport with very little guidance on whether and how this infrastructure can be used to achieve a higher degree of transport justice in Canadian cities," they write. What does it mean to be transport-poor? Farber says it's a mix of disadvantages: socioeconomic status (low income, ill health, being a recent immigrant or elderly) and a lack of access to transportation (being unable to afford a car, or reach destinations easily by transit, for example). These circumstances can create a vicious cycle, he adds. "It can have long-run implications on your quality of life and well being," he explains. "Your ability to access goods and services, your ability to access the political process, your ability to find work and keep a job that all feeds back into your socioeconomic status." Allen, who grew up in Toronto, says it's a topic that's long been on his mind as he noticed the range in transit services available across the region. Now a Ph.D. student in physical geography, he and his supervisor Farber looked at the problem in Canada's most populous urban areas: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton, Quebec City and Winnipeg. "We find that within Canada's eight largest cities, 5 per cent of the total population are living in low income households which are also situated in areas with low transit accessibility," they write. "This totals nearly one million people who are at risk of transport poverty nation-wide." In an online map, they plotted some of their data to show access to employment opportunities across these cities. Zooming in on Toronto, one sees that people who live downtown have a wealth of opportunities, but they become more scarce farther out from the city centre. When it comes to transport poverty specifically, the researchers pointed to two types of at-risk neighbourhoods. The first are the inner suburbs: low-income, high-density communities living in apartment towers. Neighbourhoods like Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park in Toronto are relatively close to downtown, but they aren't situated on high-order transit routes. They're also home to many low income and recent immigrant households who can't afford a car. The other typically transport-poor neighbourhoods were outlying low-income suburbs like Scarborough, pockets of Markham, Etobicoke, Oshawa and Brampton. As more and more people find themselves priced out of downtown a trend known as the suburbanization of poverty more households could find themselves living at a transport disadvantage, Farber said. Their paper references and builds on the work of the Neighbourhood Change Research Partnership led by U of T Professor David Hulchanski, that has documented the growing gap between rich and poor in Canadian cities. Farber says there hasn't been much weight given to transport poverty in decisions about where to put new transport infrastructure or add transit routes. "They'll give a project bonus points if it goes through a low-income neighbourhood," he says, "but they haven't really been up to speed with what's been going on in academia and other jurisdictions where there's been more of a concerted effort." By putting the problem on the map, the researchers hope to change the conversation and raise the issue to the national level. "The bigger the problem, the more important it is that we solve it," Farber says. Explore further Urban planners urged not to ignore city pedestrians Six ALMA-imaged galaxies out of a collection of the 74. The images were taken as part of the PHANGS-ALMA survey to study the properties of star-forming clouds in disk galaxies. Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO); NRAO/AUI/NSF, B. Saxton Galaxies come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the most significant differences among galaxies, however, relate to where and how they form new stars. Compelling research to explain these differences has been elusive, but that is about to change. A vast, new research project with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), known as PHANGS-ALMA (Physics at High Angular Resolution in Nearby GalaxieS), delves into this question with far greater power and precision than ever before by measuring the demographics and characteristics of a staggering 100,000 individual stellar nurseries spread throughout 74 galaxies. PHANGS-ALMA, an unprecedented and ongoing research campaign, has already amassed a total of 750 hours of observations and given astronomers a much clearer understanding of how the cycle of star formation changes, depending on the size, age, and internal dynamics of each individual galaxy. This campaign is ten- to one-hundred-times more powerful (depending on your parameters) than any prior survey of its kind. "Some galaxies are furiously bursting with new stars while others have long ago used up most of their fuel for star formation. The origin of this diversity may very likely lie in the properties of the stellar nurseries themselves," said Erik Rosolowsky, an astronomer at the University of Alberta in Canada and a co-Principal Investigator of the PHANGS-ALMA research team. ALMA image of galaxy NGC 4321, also known as Messier 100, an intermediate spiral galaxy located about 55 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Coma Berenices. It is imaged as part of the PHANGS-ALMA survey to study the properties of star-forming clouds in disk galaxies. Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO); NRAO/AUI/NSF, B. Saxton He presented initial findings of this research at the 233rd meeting of the American Astronomical Society being held this week in Seattle, Washington. Several papers based on this campaign have also been published in the Astrophysical Journal and the Astrophysical Journal Letters. "Previous observations with earlier generations of radio telescopes provide some crucial insights about the nature of cold, dense stellar nurseries," Rosolowsky said. "These observations, however, lacked the sensitivity, fine-scale resolution, and power to study the entire breadth of stellar nurseries across the full population of local galaxies. This severely limited our ability to connect the behavior or properties of individual stellar nurseries to the properties of the galaxies that they live in." For decades, astronomers have speculated that there are fundamental differences in the way disk galaxies of various sizes convert hydrogen into new stars. Some astronomers theorize that larger, and generally older galaxies, are not as efficient at stellar production as their smaller cousins. The most logical explanation would be that these big galaxies have less efficient stellar nurseries. But testing this idea with observations has been difficult. For the first time, ALMA is allowing astronomers to conduct the necessary wide-ranging census to determine how the large-scale properties (size, motion, etc.) of a galaxy influence the cycle of star formation on the scale of individual molecular clouds. These clouds are only about a few tens to a few hundreds of light-years across, which is phenomenally small on the scale of an entire galaxy, especially when seen from millions of light-years away. ALMA image of NGC 628, also known as Messier 74, a spiral galaxy in the constellation Pisces, located approximately 32 million light-years from Earth. It is imaged as part of the PHANGS-ALMA survey to study the properties of star-forming clouds in disk galaxies. Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO); NRAO/AUI/NSF, B. Saxton "Stars form more efficiently in some galaxies than others, but the dearth of high-resolution, cloud-scale observations meant our theories were weakly tested, which is why these ALMA observations are so critical," said Adam Leroy, an astronomer at The Ohio State University and co-Principal Investigator on the PHANGS-ALMA team. Part of the mystery of star formation, the astronomers note, has to do with the interstellar medium all the matter and energy that fills the space between the stars. Astronomers understand that there is an ongoing feedback loop in and around the stellar nurseries. Within these clouds, pockets of dense gas collapse and form stars, which disrupts the interstellar medium. ALMA is revealing new insights into the relationship between star-forming clouds and their host galaxies. Credit: NRAO/AUI/NSF, B. Saxton; ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO "Indeed, comparing early PHANGS observations with the locations of newly formed stars shows that the newly formed stars quickly destroy their birth clouds," said Rosolowsky. "The PHANGS team is studying how this disruption plays out in different types of galaxies, which may be a key factor in star-forming efficiency." For this research, ALMA is observing molecules of carbon monoxide (CO) from all relatively massive, generally face-on spiral galaxies visible from the Southern Hemisphere. Molecules of CO naturally emit the millimeter-wavelength light that ALMA can detect. They are particularly effective at highlighting the location of star-forming clouds. "ALMA is a stunningly efficient machine to map carbon monoxide over large areas in nearby galaxies," said Leroy. "It was able to perform this survey because of the combined power of the 12-meter dishes, which study fine-scale features, and the smaller, 7-meter dishes at the center of the array, which are sensitive to large-scale features, essentially filling in the gaps." A companion survey, PHANGS-MUSE, is using the Very Large Telescope to obtain optical imaging of the first 19 galaxies observed by ALMA. MUSE stands for the Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer. Another survey, PHANGS-HST uses the Hubble Space Telescope to survey 38 of these galaxies to find their youngest stellar clusters. Together, these three surveys give a startlingly complete picture of how well galaxies form stars by probing cold molecular gas, its motion, the location of ionized gas (regions where stars are already forming), and the galaxies' complete stellar populations. Composite ALMA (orange) and Hubble (blue) image of NGC 628, also known as Messier 74, a spiral galaxy in the constellation Pisces, located approximately 32 million light-years from Earth. It is imaged as part of the PHANGS-ALMA survey to study the properties of star-forming clouds in disk galaxies. Credit: NRAO/AUI/NSF, B. Saxton: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO); NASA/Hubble "In astronomy, we have no ability to watch the cosmos change over time; the timescales simply dwarf human existence," noted Rosolowsky. "We can't watch one object forever, but we can observe hundreds of thousands of star-forming clouds in galaxies of different sizes and ages to infer how galactic evolution works. That is the real value of the PHANGS-ALMA campaign." "We also look at thousands to tens of thousands of star-forming regions within each galaxy, catching them across their life cycle. This lets us build a picture of the birth and death of stellar nurseries across galaxies, something almost impossible before ALMA," added Leroy. So far, PHANGS-ALMA has studied about 100,000 Orion Nebula-like objects in the nearby universe. It is expected that the campaign will eventually observe around 300,000 star-forming regions. Explore further Image: Hubble finds smiling face in a hunt for newborn stars More information: Jiayi Sun et al. Cloud-scale Molecular Gas Properties in 15 Nearby Galaxies, The Astrophysical Journal (2018). Jiayi Sun et al. Cloud-scale Molecular Gas Properties in 15 Nearby Galaxies,(2018). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/aac326 K. Kreckel et al. A 50 pc Scale View of Star Formation Efficiency across NGC 628, The Astrophysical Journal (2018). DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/aad77d Dyas Utomo et al. Star Formation Efficiency per Free-fall Time in nearby Galaxies, The Astrophysical Journal (2018). DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/aacf8f Journal information: Astrophysical Journal , Astrophysical Journal Letters Provided by National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) Board members weren't told whether the meeting is about Ghosn The board of French automaker Renault on Thursday said an ongoing audit into executive pay had found no sign of fraud in the last two years, as CEO Carlos Ghosn could face fresh charges in Japan. Directors gave no hint in their statement of any deliberations into Ghosn's future at Renault, as Japanese prosecutors reportedly prepare to press new formal charges likely to keep the once-towering auto boss behind bars. The Renault meeting comes two days after Ghosn made his first court appearance over alleged financial impropriety during his years as head of the carmaker's alliance partner Nissan. Renault's board said an independent review had looked into the compensation of the group's executive committee during the financial years 2017 and 2018 "and has concluded that it is both in compliance with applicable laws and free from any fraud". But the board statement added that the audit would continue, with previous years scrutinised as it progresses. Ghosn, who has been Renault CEO since 2005, has been languishing in a Tokyo detention centre for more than 50 days as he fights multiple allegations of financial misconduct. The 64-year-old has been formally charged with under-declaring his income by tens of millions of dollars in an apparent bid to quash accusations he was overpaid. He also faces questioning in connection with alleged attempts to transfer personal investment losses to Nissan and making unnecessary payments to a Saudi associate from company funds. Ghosn was told in a Japanese court that he was a flight risk Ghosn's requests Tuesday to be released before trial were rejected by a judge who declared he was a flight risk. One of his lawyers later conceded that Ghosn could spend a further six months behind bars before his case comes to trial. Japanese media reports have suggested new charges could be levied against him on Friday, which could ensure he remains jailed. He may be accused of understating his salary from 2015 to 2018, three years more than the original charge that he under-reported some five billion yen ($44 million) in income over five years from 2010. He could also face charges for breach of trust, reports say. The claims have heightened worries over the viability of keeping him on as Renault's chief executive. New revelations French daily Le Figaro reported Thursday that the board meeting was one of several informal gatherings held regularly since Ghosn's arrest to discuss developments in the case. The internal Nissan probe may be widening, reports say Nissan said earlier that its board had also met Thursday, when directors had received "an updated report" on its own investigations into Ghosn's alleged misconduct. Nissan last weekend put two executives close to Ghosn on leave of absence, suggesting that the internal investigation into the alleged misconduct could be spreading. Jose Munoz, the chief performance officer, and human resources head Arun Bajaj have not been replaced during their absences. Nissan as well as Mitsubishi, the third alliance partner, have removed Ghosn as chairman, but Renault has kept him on while appointing a deputy CEO to ensure day-to-day management. The French automaker has said internal investigations have found no signs of wrongdoing by its chief during his tenure. But pressure on Ghosn rose further Thursday after French daily Liberation reported that he had not been paying French income taxes since 2012, after moving his fiscal residency to the Netherlands. Both Renault and the French economy ministry declined to comment, but it was an unwelcome revelation for the head of a company in which the French state owns a 15-percent stake. "The leader of a French company should pay his taxes in France," President Emmanuel Macron said in a speech last month. Renault and the French government are standing by Ghosn, for now Chance of bail? Japanese media, citing Ghosn's lawyers, said Thursday that he was suffering from a high fever and unable to meet investigators for questioning. At his dramatic court appearance on Tuesday, Ghosn appeared to have lost a lot of weight in detention but otherwise seemed in good health. "I have been wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations," the once-revered car titan told the court. In a career spanning decades, during which he won praise for turning around a struggling Nissan, he said he had "always acted with integrity" and had never before been accused of any wrongdoing. But afterwards Ghosn's lawyer said it would be "very difficult" to win bail and it could be months before his case is heard. The French government has stood by Ghosn so far, saying he must benefit from the presumption of innocence. But Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne told French radio this week that "obviously, if this situation continues we'll have to draw the consequences." Explore further Renault board maintains Ghosn as CEO, says pay was legal 2019 AFP Brazilian researchers used biogeographic analysis to study trilobites, arthropods that became extinct over 252 million years ago. The study was published in Scientific Reports . Credit: complete specimen of Devonian trilobite Metacryphaeus caffer, fossilized/ Dlloyd, Wikipedia The first appearance of trilobites in the fossil record dates to 521 million years ago in the oceans of the Cambrian Period, when the continents were still inhospitable to most life forms. Few groups of animals adapted as successfully as trilobites, which were arthropods that lived on the seabed for 270 million years until the mass extinction at the end of the Permian approximately 252 million years ago. The longer ago organisms lived, the more rare are their fossils and the harder it is to understand their way of life. Paleontologists face a daunting task in establishing evolutionary relationships in time and space. Surmounting the difficulties inherent in the investigation of a group of animals that lived such a long time ago, Brazilian scientists affiliated with the Biology Department of Sao Paulo State University's Bauru School of Sciences (FC-UNESP) and the Paleontology Laboratory of the University of Sao Paulo's Ribeirao Preto School of Philosophy, Science and Letters (FFCLRP-USP) have succeeded for the first time in inferring paleobiogeographic patterns among trilobites. Paleobiogeography is a branch of paleontology that focuses on the distribution of extinct plants and animals and their relations with ancient geographic features. The study was conducted by Fabio Augusto Carbonaro, a postdoctoral researcher at UNESP's Bauru Macroinvertebrate Paleontology Laboratory (LAPALMA) headed by Professor Renato Pirani Ghilardi. Other participants included Max Cardoso Langer, a professor at FFCLRP-USP, and Silvio Shigueo Nihei, a professor at the same university's Bioscience Institute (IB-USP). The researchers analyzed the morphological differences and similarities of the 11 species of trilobites described so far in the genus Metacryphaeus; these trilobites lived during the Devonian between 416 million and 359 million years ago (mya) in the cold waters of the sea that covered what is now Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, the Malvinas (Falklands) and South Africa. The Devonian Period is subdivided into seven stages. Metacryphaeus lived during the Lochkovian (419.2-410.8 mya) and Pragian (410.8- 407.6 mya) stages, which are the earliest Devonian stages. The results of the research were published in Scientific Reports and are part of the project "Paleobiogeography and migratory routes of paleoinvertebrates of the Devonian in Brazil", which is supported by Sao Paulo Research Foundation -FAPESP and Brazil's National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). Ghilardi is the project's principal investigator. "When they became extinct in the Permian, 252 million years ago, the trilobites left no descendants. Their closest living relatives are shrimps, and, more remotely, spiders, scorpions, sea spiders and mites," Ghilardi said. Trilobite fossils are found abundantly all over the world, he explainedso abundantly that they are sometimes referred to as the cockroaches of the sea. The comparison is not unwarranted, because anatomically, the trilobites resemble cockroaches. The difference is that they were not insects and had three longitudinal body segments or lobes (hence the name). In the northern hemisphere, the trilobite fossil record is very rich. Paleontologists have so far described 10 orders comprising over 17,000 species. The smallest were 1.5 millimeters long, while the largest were approximately 70 cm long and 40 cm wide. Perfectly preserved trilobites can be found in some regions, such as Morocco. These can be beautiful when used to create cameos or intaglio jewelry. Trilobite fossils from Brazil, Peru and Bolivia, in contrast, are often poorly preserved, consisting merely of the impressions left in benthic mud by their exoskeletons. "Although their state of preservation is far from ideal, there are thousands of trilobite fossils in the sediments that form the Parana basin in the South region of Brazil, and the Parnaiba basin along the North-Northeast divide," said Ghilardi, who also chairs the Brazilian Paleontology Society. According to Ghilardi, their poor state of preservation could be due to the geological conditions and climate prevailing in these regions during the Paleozoic Era, when the portions of dry land that would one day form South America were at the South Pole and entirely covered by ice for prolonged periods. During the Devonian, South America and Africa were connected as part of the supercontinent Gondwana. South Africa was joined with Uruguay and Argentina in the River Plate region, and Brazil's southern states were continuous with Namibia and Angola. Parsimonious analysis The research began with an analysis of 48 characteristics (size, shape and structure of organs and anatomical parts) found in some 50 fossil specimens of the 11 species of Metacryphaeus. "In principle, these characteristics serve to establish their phylogenythe evolutionary history of all species in the universe, analyzed in terms of lines of descent and relationships among broader groups," Ghilardi said. Known as a parsimonious analysis, this method is widely used to establish relationships among organisms in a given ecosystem, and in recent years, it has also begun to be used in the study of fossils. According to Ghilardi, parsimony, in general, is the principle that the simplest explanation of the data is the preferred explanation. In the analysis of phylogeny, it means that the hypothesis regarding relationships that requires the smallest number of characteristic changes between the species analyzed (in this case, trilobites of the genus Metacryphaeus) is the one that is most likely to be correct. The biogeographic contribution to the study was made by Professor Nihei, who works at IB-USP as a taxonomist and insect systematist. The field of systematics is concerned with evolutionary changes between ancestries, while taxonomy focuses on classifying and naming organisms. "Biogeographic analysis typically involves living groups the ages of which are estimated by molecular phylogeny, or the so-called molecular clock, which estimates when two species probably diverged on the basis of the number of molecular differences in their DNA. In this study of trilobites, we used age in a similar manner, but it was obtained from the fossil record," Nihei said. "The main point of the study was to use fossils in a method that normally involves molecular biogeography. Very few studies of this type have previously involved fossils. I believe our study paves the way for a new approach based on biogeographic methods requiring a chronogram [a molecularly dated cladogram] because this chronogram can also be obtained from fossil taxa such as those studied by paleontologists, rather than molecular cladograms for living animals." As a vertebrate paleontologist who specializes in dinosaurs, Langer acknowledged that he knows little about trilobites but a great deal about the modern computational techniques used in parsimonious analysis, on which his participation in the study was based. "I believe the key aspect of this study, and the reason it was accepted for publication in as important a journal as Scientific Reports, is that it's the first ever use of parsimony to understand the phylogeny of a trilobite genus in the southern hemisphere," he said. Gondwanan dispersal The results of the paleobiogeographical analyses reinforce the pre-existing theory that Bolivia and Peru formed the ancestral home of Metacryphaeus. "The models estimate a 100 percent probability that Bolivia and Peru formed the ancestral area of the Metacryphaeus clade and most of its internal clades," Ghilardi said. Confirmation of the theory shows that parsimonious models have the power to suggest the presence of clades at a specific moment in the past even when there are no known physical records of that presence. In the case of Metacryphaeus, the oldest records in Bolivia and Peru date from the early Pragian stage (410.8-407.6 mya), but the genus is believed to have evolved in the region during the Lochkovian stage (419.2-410.8 mya). Parsimony, therefore, suggests Metacryphaeus originated in Bolivia and Peru some time before 410.8 mya but not earlier than 419.2 mya. In any event, it is believed to be far older than any known fossils. According to Ghilardi, the results can be interpreted as showing that the adaptive radiation of Metacryphaeus to other areas of western Gondwana occurred during episodes of marine transgression in the Lochkovian-Pragian, when the sea flooded parts of Gondwana. "The dispersal of Metacryphaeus trilobites during the Lochkovian occurred from Bolivia and Peru to Brazilto the Parana basin, now in the South region, and the Parnaiba basin, on the North-Northeast divideand on toward the Malvinas/Falklands, while the Pragian dispersal occurred toward South Africa," he said. Fossil trilobites have been found continuously in the Parana basin in recent decades. Trilobites collected in the late nineteenth century in the Parnaiba basin were held by Brazil's National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, which was destroyed by fire in September 2018. "These fossils haven't yet been found under the rubble and it's likely that nothing is left of them. They were mere shell impressions left in the ancient seabed. Even in petrified form, they must have dissolved in the blaze," Ghilardi said. Explore further Early trilobites had stomachs, new fossil study finds More information: Fabio Augusto Carbonaro et al, Inferring ancestral range reconstruction based on trilobite records: a study-case on Metacryphaeus (Phacopida, Calmoniidae), Scientific Reports (2018). Journal information: Scientific Reports Fabio Augusto Carbonaro et al, Inferring ancestral range reconstruction based on trilobite records: a study-case on Metacryphaeus (Phacopida, Calmoniidae),(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33517-5 A West Virginia University physics student has created a new machine-learning model that has the potential to make searching for energy and environmental materials more efficient. Gihan Panapitiya, a doctoral student from Sri Lanka, published a study in the Journal of the American Chemical Society using the model to predict the adsorption energies, or adhesive capabilities, in gold nanoparticles. "Machine learning recently came into the spotlight, and we wanted to do something linking machine learning with gold nanoparticles as catalysts. When I was thinking about a research area, I found that predicting adsorption energies of this particle property is very hard, and the knowledge on adsorption energies is important for catalytic applications in energy, environmental and even biomedical applications," Panapitiya said. "I thought if I could use machine learning to predict these adsorption energies without much difficulty, that would enable researchers to easily find nanoparticles with desired properties for a given application." Featured on the cover of the December 19, 2018 issue of Journal of the American Chemical Society, Panapitiya and his co-authors used the geometric properties of gold, including the number of bonds and atoms, to test the model. They obtained an 80 percent accuracy prediction rate, the highest rate possible for machine-learning models calculating adsorption energies nanoparticles based only on geometric properties. "We give the machine-learning algorithm completely unseen data so that if it is trained, it can recognize and find the adsorption energy only based on the features it has not seen," Panapitiya said. "By using just geometric properties, you don't have to do any calculations. That makes the prediction process very fast and easy to replicate." They also tested the algorithm with different nanoparticle types and sizes to demonstrate that the model has the same prediction accuracy for any nanoparticle of any size and any shape. "Gihan's significant research efforts have paid off in terms of truly amazing results, and deservedly so," said Professor of Physics James P. Lewis , Panapitiya's research adviser. "Gold-based bimetallic nanocatalysts provide greater tunability in nanostructures and chemical compositions that enable improvements in their reactivity, selectivity and stability to achieve the desired catalytic efficiencies. Correctly predicting their properties will drive technological advances." Gold nanoparticles are commonly used as catalysts for energy and environmental applications and in biomedical applications like bioimaging and biolabeling. "For example, gold nanoparticles can be used as fluorescent labels for biological imaging applications. Bioimaging is essential to understand the nature and the spread of a disease like cancer. When the human cancer cells are allowed to interact with gold nanoparticles, the nanoparticles get attached to cancer cells, which is called biolabeling," Panapitiya said. "After some time of attachment, the cancer cells emit luminescence, which can be collected to image these cancer cells." Explore further Understanding how small organic ions stabilize gold nanoparticles may allow for better control More information: Gihan Panapitiya et al. Machine-Learning Prediction of CO Adsorption in Thiolated, Ag-Alloyed Au Nanoclusters, Journal of the American Chemical Society (2018). Journal information: Journal of the American Chemical Society Gihan Panapitiya et al. Machine-Learning Prediction of CO Adsorption in Thiolated, Ag-Alloyed Au Nanoclusters,(2018). DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b08800 The following illustration shows how the microwave signal jumps from about 10 GHz to 14 GHz and then to 20 GHz when the current is increased. Credit: Johan Akerman/The University of Gothenburg For the first time, researchers have succeeded in producing what are known as spin wave overtones. The technology paves the way for increasing the data transmission rate of wireless communication. Spintronic oscillators are nano-components in which spin waves are used to generate microwave signals in the gigahertz range. Spin wave overtones can be compared to the overtones (flageolets) that are used in music. "For example, an experienced violinist knows exactly where to carefully place the finger on the string to dampen the fundamental frequency and instead allow the string to oscillate at one of its many overtones. This makes it possible to play tones that are much higher in frequency than the string's fundamental tone," says Johan Akerman, a professor at the University of Gothenburg. Along with colleagues in Gothenburg and Portugal, he has now demonstrated how to play and strengthen such overtones at the nano level. The researchers have produced spintronic oscillators that strengthen spin wave signals in several steps. Surprising results To the researchers' surprise, their new oscillators proved to be a completely unexpected and new phenomenon. When the researchers increased the drive current, the signal showed a sharp jump in frequency: first, from the fundamental frequency of 9 GHz to 14 GHz and then a second jump to 20 GHz. Portrait of Johan Akerman. Credit: Johan Wingborg. "The results are consistent with John Slonczewski's forgotten theoretical predictions of spin wave overtones," says Akerman. In a 1999 article, physicist Slonczewski described the basis of spin waves generated in spin electronic oscillators. He mentioned that his model also supports the generation of much higher frequencies using overtones. "While John Slonczewski's article inspired a rapidly growing research field within spintronic oscillators, there have been no further discussions of overtones at all, nor have they been tested experimentally until now. Our experiment shows that it is possible to create several different overtones in spintronic oscillators, which permits extremely large and fast frequency jumps to increase the data transmission rate of wireless communication." The discovery also makes it possible for researchers to generate very high microwave frequencies with short wavelengths for use in spintronics and magnonics. "While the wavelength of the fundamental tone is about 500 nanometres, the wavelength of the demonstrated third overtone is as short as 74 nanometres. Future studies on smaller oscillators should be able to generate spin waves down to 15 nanometres with frequencies up to 300 GHz. That is why the potential for extremely high-frequency spintronics and magnonics is enormous," says Akerman. Higher frequency leads to faster data communication in wireless transmission, but it can also provide better automotive radar for self-driving cars The article was recently published in Nature Communications. Explore further Researchers create focused spin wave beams More information: A. Houshang et al, Spin transfer torque driven higher-order propagating spin waves in nano-contact magnetic tunnel junctions, Nature Communications (2018). Journal information: Nature Communications A. Houshang et al, Spin transfer torque driven higher-order propagating spin waves in nano-contact magnetic tunnel junctions,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06589-0 Credit: China National Space Administration/EPA The first ever images taken from the surface of the far side of the moon have been released following the Chinese National Space Administration's (CNSA) successful landing there. The lander Chang'e 4 and rover Yutu 2 follow from Chang'e 3 and the original Yutu rover that were deployed on the moon's near side in 2013. But if you've been looking closely at the pictures, you could be forgiven for thinking that the far side of the moon is red. That's how it looks on the unprocessed pictures and it's different from other pictures of the moon, in which it appears grey. So what is going on? Cameras on spacecraft often don't see colours in the same way as the human eye. For example, the red, green and blue components are usually recorded separately. This was the case with the latest images, and no colour correction has been applied to take account of the different sensitivities of each set of the camera's colour detectors. The first picture below is an example of one such "raw" image, and I've accompanied it with histograms of the red, green and blue channels to show how brightness is distributed in each. In the raw version, the lunar surface looks red because the detectors used were more sensitive to red than they were to blue or green. So although in truth the surface is almost equally bright in all three colours, the green and blue detectors have been set up so as to be less sensitive to light than the red detectors. This is why the green and blue histograms do not extend to the bright end of the range of their scale. Raw Change'4 image, showing the Yutu 2 rover. Histograms of the red, green and blue channels are shown on the right. Credit: CNSA/HANDOUT/EPA It is a simple matter to adjust the image to make it look more reasonable. In the next picture I have merely stretched the green and blue channels to make the bright ends of each histogram coincide more closely. I could have gone further, and given the surface an even bluer cast. In fact, there has been a busy discussion on Twitter about the best approach. There are certainly technically more adept approaches than mine, but all are agreed that the unadjusted colour is misleading. A more realistic view. The same image as before after stretching the green and blue channels. Credit: CNSA/EPA Calibrating colours So how can we be sure of the colour on the moon? When the Apollo astronauts took their colour photographs (and in those days it was photography, using colour film, rather than digital imaging like today), they placed a colour calibration target containing patches of known colour in the field of view. This made it possible to get the colour balance right during developing and printing. When Jack Schmitt of Apollo 17 found some "orange soil" on the otherwise grey surface, its genuine orange nature could be confirmed by comparison with the colours on the calibration strip. It is a pity that CNSA did not add a colour calibration strip onto the ramps of the Chang'e 4 lander, in the foreground of the pictures above. The British Beagle2 lander on Mars, which landed successfully in 2003 but failed to communicate, famously carried a colour calibration target in the form of a Damien Hirst artwork. NASA's Mars Curiosity rover carries colour calibration targets too. Orange soil photographed by an Apollo 17 astronaut. This is as colourful as the moon gets. Note the colour calibration target. Credit: NASA However, the images from the Chang'e 4 lander and the Yutu 2 rover are primarily for navigation purposes, for which getting the colour right scarcely matters. There is some useful science in measuring how well the rocks and minerals on an extraterrestrial surface reflect light of different colours, and the Yutu 2 rover carries a "visible and near infrared spectrometer" designed to do just this so we can learn more about the surface composition. It is already known that the moon's average surface is a slightly reddish version of dark grey, though less red than the planet Mercury and much less red than Mars, whose surface is genuinely red as a result of oxidation of iron minerals (essentially rust). Colour perception Knowing how the moon's surface reflects light of different colours is only one aspect of presenting an image of a lunar landscape so that it looks right. Maybe you recall the dress colour illusion that went viral in 2015. This was an image of a dress which some people believed was black and blue while others were confident it was white and gold. It demonstrates that colour perception is subjective, and also depends on context. How you see colours in the images in this article for example will also depend on the characteristics of the device on which you are reading it. However, measurements show that there is very little colour variation on the moon, and astronauts who have been there will all tell you that the moon is essentially drab grey (partly explaining the excitement when a layer of orange soil was spotted). When the first Chinese astronaut walks on the moon probably sometime in the 2020s they will most likely experience the same thing. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Illustration of a magnetara rotating neutron star with incredibly powerful magnetic fields. Credit: NASA/CXC/M.Weiss In a new Caltech-led study, researchers from campus and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have analyzed pulses of radio waves coming from a magnetara rotating, dense, dead star with a strong magnetic fieldthat is located near the supermassive black hole at the heart of the Milky Way galaxy. The new research provides clues that magnetars like this one, lying in close proximity to a black hole, could perhaps be linked to the source of "fast radio bursts," or FRBs. FRBs are high-energy blasts that originate beyond our galaxy but whose exact nature is unknown. "Our observations show that a radio magnetar can emit pulses with many of the same characteristics as those seen in some FRBs," says Caltech graduate student Aaron Pearlman, who presented the results today at the 233rd meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Seattle. "Other astronomers have also proposed that magnetars near black holes could be behind FRBs, but more research is needed to confirm these suspicions." The research team was led by Walid Majid, a visiting associate at Caltech and principal research scientist at JPL, which is managed by Caltech for NASA, and Tom Prince, the Ira S. Bowen Professor of Physics at Caltech. The team looked at the magnetar named PSR J1745-2900, located in the Milky Way's galactic center, using the largest of NASA's Deep Space Network radio dishes in Australia. PSR J1745-2900 was initially spotted by NASA's Swift X-ray telescope, and later determined to be a magnetar by NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), in 2013. "PSR J1745-2900 is an amazing object. It's a fascinating magnetar, but it also has been used as a probe of the conditions near the Milky Way's supermassive black hole," says Fiona Harrison, the Benjamin M. Rosen Professor of Physics at Caltech and the principal investigator of NuSTAR. "It's interesting that there could be a connection between PSR J1745-2900 and the enigmatic FRBs." Magnetars are a rare subtype of a group of objects called pulsars; pulsars, in turn, belong to a class of rotating dead stars known as neutron stars. Magnetars are thought to be young pulsars that spin more slowly than ordinary pulsars and have much stronger magnetic fields, which suggests that perhaps all pulsars go through a magnetar-like phase in their lifetime. The magnetar PSR J1745-2900 is the closest-known pulsar to the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy, separated by a distance of only 0.3 light-years, and it is the only pulsar known to be gravitationally bound to the black hole and the environment around it. In addition to discovering similarities between the galactic-center magnetar and FRBs, the researchers also gleaned new details about the magnetar's radio pulses. Using one of the Deep Space Network's largest radio antennas, the scientists were able to analyze individual pulses emitted by the star every time it rotated, a feat that is very rare in radio studies of pulsars. They found that some pulses were stretched, or broadened, by a larger amount than predicted when compared to previous measurements of the magnetar's average pulse behavior. Moreover, this behavior varied from pulse to pulse. "We are seeing these changes in the individual components of each pulse on a very fast time scale. This behavior is very unusual for a magnetar," says Pearlman. The radio components, he notes, are separated by only 30 milliseconds on average. One theory to explain the signal variability involves clumps of plasma moving at high speeds near the magnetar. Other scientists have proposed that such clumps might exist but, in the new study, the researchers propose that the movement of these clumps may be a possible cause of the observed signal variability. Another theory proposes that the variability is intrinsic to the magnetar itself. "Understanding this signal variability will help in future studies of both magnetars and pulsars at the center of our galaxy," says Pearlman. In the future, Pearlman and his colleagues hope to use the Deep Space Network radio dish to solve another outstanding pulsar mystery: Why are there so few pulsars near the galactic center? Their goal is to find a non-magnetar pulsar near the galactic-center black hole. "Finding a stable pulsar in a close, gravitationally bound orbit with the supermassive black hole at the galactic center could prove to be the Holy Grail for testing theories of gravity," says Pearlman. "If we find one, we can do all sorts of new, unprecedented tests of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity." The new study, titled "Pulse Morphology of the Galactic Center Magnetar PSR J1745-2900," appeared in the October 20, 2018, issue of The Astrophysical Journal. Explore further Two sides of the same star More information: Aaron B. Pearlman et al. Pulse Morphology of the Galactic Center Magnetar PSR J17452900, The Astrophysical Journal (2018). Journal information: Astrophysical Journal Aaron B. Pearlman et al. Pulse Morphology of the Galactic Center Magnetar PSR J17452900,(2018). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/aade4d Many trees in the Sierra have died in the past few years because of drought. Credit: UC Merced UC Merced researchers have evidence that California's forests are especially vulnerable to multi-year droughts because their health depends on water stored several feet below ground. "Each year our forests, grasslands and shrublands depend on water stored underground to survive the dry summers, but during multi-year dry periods there is not enough precipitation in the wet winter season to replenish that supply," said Joseph Rungee, UC Merced graduate student and lead author on a new paper published in the journal Hydrological Processes. Trees typically need about the same amount of water every yearmore in hotter years. During a drought, that subsurface store of water is gradually depleted, causing stress to trees and other vegetation. If the drought is long enough and especially hot, as was the case from fall 2011 through 2015, large numbers of trees run out of water and die. By analyzing data from the National Science Foundation's network of Critical Zone Observatories, Rungee worked with UC Merced professor Roger Bales, with the School of Engineering and the Sierra Nevada Research Institute, to get a better understanding of where and to what extent the below-ground weathered bedrock provides multi-year drought resilience. The researchers delved into data from sites across the semi-arid West to determine the amount of water storage available in the root zones of different areas. Bales, Rungee and their colleagues wanted to know how dependent different areas in the West are on that subsurface water storage and how many dry years the plants can survive. Some areas will be able to tolerate one or two years, while others can weather five or six. However, when the weather is hotter, the plants need more water to live, and the climate is getting warmer. Bales explained that areas with Mediterranean climate, such as California, are especially vulnerable because of their climate variability, even though they have considerable subsurface storage. Areas with year-round precipitation, such as Colorado, are vulnerable, too, because they have less subsurface storage, even though their year-to-year precipitation is less variable than California's. "Usually the year-round precipitation would see those areas through drought years, but longer, hotter droughts are going to pose more problems," Bales said. "In some ways we're more vulnerable than areas with year-round precipitation because we depend on the storage so much," he said. "In California, more than half of the water use by forests, grasslands and shrublands comes during the dry season, and it comes from water stored in the root zone after rainfall and snowmelt end in spring." In contrast, less than one-third of water used by vegetation at sites they studied in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona was drawn from subsurface storage during dry periods. "Our wet seasons are getting shorter, which means that the dry seasons are getting longer and drierwe're getting less snow than rainand the wet seasons are warmer, meaning the stored water gets used earlier in the year, leaving less for the hottest parts of the year," Bales said. At one southern Sierra forested site, Rungee determined that the amount of water that trees drew from below ground during the 2011-15 drought is equivalent to that stored down to a depth of at least 25 feet below ground. One next step is to extend the calculations done by Rungee at research sites across the West, where the water balance can be accurately measured using satellite data, calibrated with detailed ground data. "This will provide a projection of relative drought vulnerability, which is especially of interest to land managers who need to prioritize where to thin overstocked forests before they suffer further widespread tree mortality during the next multi-year drought," Rungee explained. The key to forests surviving the next drought is to strike a balance between water use by the forest and the amount of over-year subsurface water storage that is available to make up for low precipitation during drought years. "In some areas, this means thinning overstocked forests to prevent further tree mortality," Bales said. Explore further Trees change inside as drought persists More information: Joseph Rungee et al. Evapotranspiration response to multiyear dry periods in the semiarid western United States, Hydrological Processes (2018). Joseph Rungee et al. Evapotranspiration response to multiyear dry periods in the semiarid western United States,(2018). DOI: 10.1002/hyp.13322 Credit: CC0 Public Domain The overabundance of fast fashionreadily available, inexpensively made clothinghas created an environmental and social justice crisis, claims a new paper from an expert on environmental health at Washington University in St. Louis. "From the growth of water-intensive cotton, to the release of untreated dyes into local water sources, to worker's low wages and poor working conditions, the environmental and social costs involved in textile manufacturing are widespread," said Christine Ekenga, assistant professor at the Brown School and co-author of the paper "The Global Environmental Injustice of Fast Fashion," published in the journal Environmental Health. "This is a massive problem," Ekenga said. "The disproportionate environmental and social impacts of fast fashion warrant its classification as an issue of global environmental injustice." In the paper, Ekenga and her co-authorsRachel Bick, MPH '18, and Erika Halsey, MPH '18assert that negative consequences at each step of the fast-fashion supply chain have created a global environmental justice dilemma. "While fast fashion offers consumers an opportunity to buy more clothes for less, those who work in or live near textile manufacturing facilities bear a disproportionate burden of environmental health hazards," the authors wrote. "Furthermore, increased consumption patterns have created millions of tons of textile waste in landfills and unregulated settings. This is particularly applicable to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as much of this waste ends up in second-hand clothing markets. These LMICs often lack the supports and resources necessary to develop and enforce environmental and occupational safeguards to protect human health." In the paper, the researchers discuss the environmental and occupational hazards during textile production, particularly for those in LMICs, and the issue of textile waste. They also address a number of potential solutions, including sustainable fibers, corporate sustainability, trade policy and the role of the consumer. Globally, 80 billion pieces of new clothing are purchased each year, translating to $1.2 trillion annually for the global fashion industry. The majority of these products are assembled in China and Bangladesh, while the United States consumes more clothing and textiles than any other nation in the world. Approximately 85 percent of the clothing Americans consume, nearly 3.8 billion pounds annually, is sent to landfills as solid waste, amounting to nearly 80 pounds per American per year. Explore further Clothing rental could be the key to a stylishly sustainable fashion industry More information: Rachel Bick et al. The global environmental injustice of fast fashion, Environmental Health (2018). Journal information: Environmental Health Rachel Bick et al. The global environmental injustice of fast fashion,(2018). DOI: 10.1186/s12940-018-0433-7 Sandia National Laboratories chemist Chung-Yan Koh, left, and former Sandia bioengineer Chris Phaneuf, right, hold the newly updated SpinDx diagnostic device. Credit: Jules Bernstein You're sweating and feverish and have no idea why. Fortunately, Sandia National Laboratories scientists have a device that can pinpoint what's wrong in less than an hour. Unlike most medical diagnostic devices which can perform only one type of testeither protein or nucleic acid testsSandia's SpinDx can now perform both. This allows it to identify nearly any cause of illness, including viruses, bacteria, toxins or immune system markers of chemical agent exposure. The new addition of a heating element allows SpinDx to do nucleic acid tests, which search for genetic codes found in any kind of virus, parasite or bacteria. The technology can also detect toxin proteins at the same time, and determine whether they are active or nota critical distinction for correctly tailoring the level of medical response. The device's portability, affordability, rapidity and reliability are critical for addressing infectious disease outbreaks in places most affected by them and least able to afford a laboratory with traditional instruments. In developing nations, diarrhea is the second leading cause of death in children under age 5, according to World Health Organization reports. These deaths are largely preventable when the causes are detected and treatment is administered early. Helping save these lives is why Sandia's scientists decided to test the new SpinDx capabilities on potential causes of diarrheal disease. Sandia's research shows SpinDx successfully detects both diarrhea-causing toxins and bacteria in stool samples. Results of these tests were recently published in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics. Spinning toward solutions SpinDx looks a bit like a DVD player inside a weather-resistant plastic case. It features a disposable disc that distributes drops of raw, unprocessed biological samples into different channels that function, according to Sandia chemist Chung-Yan Koh, like "dozens of tiny test tubes." This automatic distribution step is a great time saver. Chris Phaneuf, a former Sandia bioengineer explains, "instead of having to drop processed samples one by one into dozens of tiny chambers, you can load one raw sample into a single, central port that evenly distributes your sample into every channel." Phaneuf is now senior fluidics engineer at Illumina in San Diego, where he develops technologies for genetic research. When the disc spins, the samples interact with test reagents inside the channels, and, as Phaneuf puts it, "if there's a match, they'll attach." In other words, if there is a chemical interaction between the sample and reagent, a red laser causes the tip of the channel to glow, signaling an infectious agent to a software interface that displays the result. Previously SpinDx performed only protein tests, which look for both pathogen-specific proteins and antibodies. Antibodies are proteins manufactured by immune systems in response to infections. When viruses later disappear from the blood, the antibodies that flushed them are still detectable. Protein tests also can identify lethal toxins like botulinum neurotoxin, a teaspoon of which has the potential to kill around 100 million people, according to Phaneuf. Shining a LAMP on symptoms Thanks to its new heating element and ability to do a new assay, SpinDx can conduct nucleic acid tests able to identify the virus or bacteria responsible for causing symptoms like diarrhea. "It's much quicker to detect the causative pathogen in a sample than to wait for a body to produce antibodies to an infection," Phaneuf said. "Being able to do both kinds of tests paints the most complete picture of what's in a person's system." Conventional viral testing (via polymerase chain reaction or PCR) requires heating and cooling a biological sample many times to multiply any viral DNA or RNA to detectable levels. Phaneuf and Koh implemented a new Sandia-developed assay and detection scheme in the SpinDx update, which uses chemistry that requires the sample be heated only once. In other systems, the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method of heating a sample takes place atop a small heating block that creates a single, uniform temperature inside a device. SpinDx uses a tiny infrared heat emitter that hovers at the top of the device, targeting the part of the spinning disc performing the test and nowhere else. Being able to control the heat flow allows for different temperature zones inside SpinDx, enabling the simultaneous nucleic acid and protein tests. Nucleic acid tests require a temperature that would ordinarily destroy a sample's proteins. A diagnostic revolution SpinDx has been licensed by industry partners (see page 34) for uses as diverse as male fertility testing and water supply safety monitoring. With its new capabilities, the technology has the potential to improve diagnostic problems in settings around the world, and not just for humans. Phaneuf described a highly contagious virus ravaging goats and sheep in parts of the world where those animals are central to peoples' livelihoods. These communities often don't have access to a laboratory, but this tool could quickly diagnose their animals and allow for proper treatment. Sandia is also currently using the technology for research into applications as diverse as bioenergy and chemical warfare detection. In the former case, scientists are using SpinDx to search for predators that could cause the crash of algae being cultivated for biofuels and renewable chemicals. In the latter case, Koh is testing soldiers for exposure to chemical warfare agents. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency-funded project will use SpinDx to search for biomarkers of exposure. Temperature control in this research is essential, because it makes the test more precise, Koh said. In addition, there is a very short window for treatment should a soldier be exposed to a chemical agent. The speed with which SpinDx can deliver results could help ensure the treatment is administered in time for it to be effective. The ability to accurately conduct all these tests at the same time in one portable device and read the results in an hour or less sets SpinDx apart from other available systems. Traditionally, these results have required a well-equipped laboratory staffed with experienced technicians. Koh and Phaneuf say they'd like to see batteries and solar panels added to SpinDx, making it deployable almost anywhere. It could even one day help a doctor quickly determine whether your sickness symptoms are from flu, your food, or something else entirely. More information: Christopher R. Phaneuf et al. Integrated LAMP and immunoassay platform for diarrheal disease detection, Biosensors and Bioelectronics (2018). Journal information: Biosensors and Bioelectronics Christopher R. Phaneuf et al. Integrated LAMP and immunoassay platform for diarrheal disease detection,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2018.08.005 X-ray and optical composite. A ricocheting jet blasting from a giant black hole has been captured by Chandra. These images of Cygnus A show X-rays from Chandra and an optical view from Hubble of the galaxies and stars in the same field of view. Chandra's data reveal the presence of a powerful jet of particles and electromagnetic energy that has shot out from the black hole and slammed into a wall of hot gas, then ricocheted to punch a hole in a cloud of energetic particles, before it collides with another part of the gas wall. Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/Columbia Univ./A. Johnson et al.; Optical: NASA/STScI A ricocheting jet blasting from a giant black hole has been captured by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, as reported in our latest press release. In this composite image of Cygnus A, X-rays from Chandra (red, green, and blue that represent low, medium and high energy X-rays) are combined with an optical view from the Hubble Space Telescope of the galaxies and stars in the same field of view. Chandra's data reveal the presence of powerful jets of particles and electromagnetic energy that have shot out from the black hole. The jet on the left has slammed into a wall of hot gas, then ricocheted to punch a hole in a cloud of energetic particles, before it collides with another part of the gas wall. A labeled version outlines the key features described above. The main figure shows the location of the supermassive black hole, the jets, the point that the jet on the left ricocheted off a wall of intergalactic gas ("hotspot E"), and the point where the jet then struck the intergalactic gas a second time ("hotspot D"). The inset contains a close-up view of the hotspots on the left and the hole punched by the rebounding jet, which surrounds hotspot E. The image in the inset combines X-rays from all three energy ranges to give the greatest sensitivity to show fine structures such as the hole. The hole is visible because the path of the rebounding jet between hotspots E and D is almost directly along the line of sight to Earth, as shown by the schematic figure depicting the view of Cygnus A from above. A similar rebounding of the jet likely occurred between hotspots A and B but the hole is not visible because the path is not along the Earth's line of sight. Cygnus A is a large galaxy that sits in the middle of a cluster of galaxies about 760 million light years from Earth. A supermassive black hole at the center of Cygnus A is rapidly growing as it pulls material swirling around it into its gravitational grasp. During this process, some of this material is redirected away from the black hole in the form of narrow beams, or jets. Such jets can significantly affect how the galaxy and its surroundings evolve. View from above. The hole is visible because the path of the rebounding jet between hotspots E and D is almost directly along the line of sight to Earth, as shown by the schematic figure depicting the view of Cygnus A from above. A similar rebounding of the jet likely occurred between hotspots A and B but the hole is not visible because the path is not along the Earth's line of sight. Credit: NASA/CXC/M.Weiss In a deep observation that lasted 23 days, scientists used Chandra to create a highly detailed map of both the jets and the intergalactic gas, which they used to track the path of the jets from the black hole. The jet on the left expanded after ricocheting and created a hole in the surrounding cloud of particles that is between 50,000 and 100,000 light years deep and only 26,000 light years wide. For context, the Earth is located about 26,000 light years away from the center of the Milky Way galaxy. The scientists are working to determine what forms of energykinetic energy, heat or radiationthe jet carries. The composition of the jet and the types of energy determine how the jet behaves when it ricochets, such as the size of the hole it creates. Theoretical models of the jet and its interactions with surrounding gas are needed to make conclusions about the jet's properties. Our view. The hole is visible because the path of the rebounding jet between hotspots E and D is almost directly along the line of sight to Earth, as shown by the schematic figure depicting the view of Cygnus A from above. A similar rebounding of the jet likely occurred between hotspots A and B but the hole is not visible because the path is not along the Earth's line of sight. Credit: NASA/CXC/M.Weiss Energy produced by jets from black holes can heat intergalactic gas in galaxy clusters and prevent it from cooling and forming large numbers of stars in a central galaxy like Cygnus A. Thus, studying Cygnus A can tell scientists more about how jets from black holes interact with their surroundings. These results were presented at the 233rd meeting of the American Astronomical Society meeting in Seattle, WA, in a study led by Amalya Johnson of Columbia University in New York. NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the Chandra program for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts, controls Chandra's science and flight operations. Optical image. A ricocheting jet blasting from a giant black hole has been captured by Chandra. These images of Cygnus A show X-rays from Chandra and an optical view from Hubble of the galaxies and stars in the same field of view. Chandra's data reveal the presence of a powerful jet of particles and electromagnetic energy that has shot out from the black hole and slammed into a wall of hot gas, then ricocheted to punch a hole in a cloud of energetic particles, before it collides with another part of the gas wall. Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/Columbia Univ./A. Johnson et al.; Optical: NASA/STScI Explore further Image: Black hole bounty captured in the center of the Milky Way Credit: Leiden Institute of Physics Scientists often need to make sense of complex systems without knowing the important parameters or even without access to all the information. A collaboration of network theorists has reported a common frame for addressing these problems using only one tool. Economists attempt to predict financial crises and physicists want to understand systems containing many particles. However, both problems are notoriously challenging. Oftentimes, researchers need to make sense of a system without full information. And even if they have all the information, complex systems are still difficult to grasp because of the many links between components. A wide range of scientific disciplines encounters these issues. Scientists in the research area of network theory are working on tools for problems such as network reconstruction and pattern detection. However, most of those tools work on only one problem. Now, a collaboration of network theorists from the IMT School for Advanced Study in Lucca (Italy), Leiden University and the Italian Research Council (CNR) has published a review article in the inaugural issue of the new journal Nature Reviews Physics that gives a common frame for addressing multiple problems with one tool. Network reconstruction Together with his co-authors, Diego Garlaschelli (IMT Lucca/Leiden) developed methods to reconstruct networks without access to all the information. This is relevant, for example, in the financial world, where banks are only obliged to disclose their total debit and credit. They don't give information on who they lend to and borrow from. This lack of knowledge often implies a "hidden riskiness." If bank A has lent money to bank B, which in turn has lent money to an unstable bank C, then bank A becomes unstable, as well. When central banks tested several tools on reconstructing a banking system, the one proposed by Garlaschelli and co-authors turned out to be the most successful one. Other independent tests provided the same result. Pattern detection The team also works on pattern detection. In that case, researchers do have full information about a complex system and try to find structure. They face two major problems: It is unknown what the important properties are, and there are many parameters. The first problem is solved by creating a randomized system that retains some real-world feature and comparing it to real life. Garlaschelli says, "We create, for example, a financial system with randomized links between banks under the condition that each bank retains the same number of links it has in the real world, and compare it to the Dutch banking system. From this comparison, we identify the system's important properties and even find early warning signals for the 2008 crisis." The second problem is solved by analytically deducing equations for the probabilities of pairs of nodes being connected. This takes away the need to numerically process a large amount of parameters. Common frame The review article in Nature Reviews Physics provides a common frame in which one tool can be applied to both network reconstruction and pattern detection, and even to fundamental aspects of statistical physics. Garlaschelli says, "We have, for instance, found that in some cases, networks behave as an intermediate between Fermi-Dirac systems, where particles cannot be in the same state, and Bose-Einstein systems, where no such restriction is in place. More recently, we have identified a new mechanism responsible for the breaking of a century-old assumption in statistical physicsnamely, the equivalence of canonical and microcanonical ensembles, which are traditionally used to describe systems under respectively soft and hard constraints." Explore further Leiden econophysics model tested best by central banks More information: G Cimini, T Squartini, F Saracco, D Garlaschelli, A Gabrielli, G Caldarelli (2019), The statistical physics of real-world networks, Nature Reviews Physics, 1, 58-71 G Cimini, T Squartini, F Saracco, D Garlaschelli, A Gabrielli, G Caldarelli (2019), The statistical physics of real-world networks,, 1, 58-71 www.nature.com/articles/s42254-018-0002-6 Notes: [1] T Squartini, G Caldarelli, G Cimini, A Gabrielli, D Garlaschelli (2018) Reconstruction methods for networks: the case of economic and financial systems. Physics Reports 757: 1-47. [2] K Anand et al (2018) The missing links: A global study on uncovering financial network structures from partial data. Journal of Financial Stability 35, 107-119. [3] P Mazzarisi, F Lillo (2017) Methods for reconstructing interbank networks from limited information: a comparison. In Econophysics and Sociophysics: Recent Progress and Future Directions (pp. 201-215). Springer, Cham. [4] A Ramadiah, F Caccioli, D Fricke (2018) Reconstructing and Stress Testing Credit Networks. Available at SSRN: ssrn.com/abstract=3084543 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3084543 [5] T Squartini, D Garlaschelli (2017) Maximum-Entropy Networks: pattern detection, network reconstruction, and graph combinatorics. Springer International Publishing, isbn:978-3-319-69436-8. An artist's impression of the research team's innovative system of detectors along quantum circuits to monitor light particles. Credit: Kai Wang, ANU An international team of researchers led by ANU is helping to build a safe data superhighway for the highly anticipated quantum internet, which promises a new era of artificial intelligence and ultra-secure communication. Associate Professor Andrey Sukhorukov said the data being shared on this future internet would be stored in light particles, which can store vast amounts of information. "The light particles move really fast so, for quality-control purposes, we've developed a way to monitor and measure them along quantum circuits, which are like superhighways for the light particles to travel along," said Associate Professor Sukhorukov, who led the research with a team of scientists at the Nonlinear Physics Centre of the ANU Research School of Physics and Engineering. Kai Wang, a Ph.D. scholar at the Nonlinear Physics Centre who worked on all aspects of the project, said measuring light particles can interfere with the operation of the quantum circuit so the team needed to find a solution to this challenge. The team designed an innovative system of detectors along the quantum circuits to monitor light particles without losing the information that they are storing, by preserving the quantum state being transmitted. "We guided light particles to two parallel paths, like two lanes on a highway: one lane has a faster speed limit than the other one, and light particles can freely change their lanes," Mr Wang said. "Along both lanes there are several detectors to simultaneously check exactly how many light particles were passing these detectors at the same time." Through repeated detections, the researchers gained a comprehensive picture of these light particles as they entered and then subsequently left the detection zones. "We lost just a tiny fraction of the light particles through this process, without affecting the quantum state of the transmitted light particles," Mr Wang said. "Our detection system can be built into a large, integrated network of quantum circuits, to help monitor light particles in real time." The collaborating research group led by Professor Alexander Szameit at the University of Rostock in Germany tested the feasibility of this new approach in experiments with custom-designed fabricated optical circuits. The research is published in Optica. Explore further Tiny camera lens may help link quantum computers to network More information: Kai Wang et al. Inline detection and reconstruction of multiphoton quantum states, Optica (2019). Journal information: Optica Kai Wang et al. Inline detection and reconstruction of multiphoton quantum states,(2019). DOI: 10.1364/OPTICA.6.000041 The Smartbeat video baby monitor and breathing monitor are on display at the Smartbeat booth at CES International, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) Every year, the CES gadget show brings more devices promising to make life a little bit easier for harried parents. Sure, the kids might love them too: who wouldn't want a computerized Harry Potter wand that also teaches coding? The Las Vegas show's growing "family tech" sector encompasses products that range from artificially intelligent toys and baby monitors to internet-connected breast pumps. Their common thread is an appeal to parental anxiety about raising smart kids, occupying their time, tracking their whereabouts and making sure they're healthy and safe. Some also come with subtle trade-offs. "Technology makes us forget what we know about life," said psychologist Sherry Turkle, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who studies people's relationships with machines. She's particularly concerned about robots that seek to befriend or babysit young children. NOT-SO-IMAGINARY FRIENDS Take the cute, furry Woobo, meant to be a real-life version of a child's imaginary friend that can help set tooth-brushing routines, answer complex questions and play educational games. It's part of a new cottage industry of sociable toys, which includes robots like Cozmo and Sony's dog-like Aibo. A Woobo talking robot is on display at the Woobo booth at CES International, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) A gentle pull at the ears switches the screen-faced Woobo into listening mode. The $149 toy talks in a child-like voice and makes a game out of boring chores that might otherwise require a parent's nagging. Its makers say Woobo doesn't glue kids to its screen because it invites them to go find things in the home, help parents cook dinner or play family games like charades. "Our focus on the content side is not to replace parents," said Shen Guo, who co-founded Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Woobo after graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design. "It's to enhance family time." But its appeal for a child's emotional attachment and nurturing sets off alarm bells for Turkle, who has been warning against what she calls "artificial intimacy" since the Tamagotchi digital pet craze of the 1990s. Research has shown the benefits of children playing out their inner feelings and worries by projecting them onto inert dolls. But Turkle says that doesn't work when the toys seem real enough to have their own feelings. Mary Mendiola wears the Owlet Band pregnancy monitor at the Owlet booth at CES International, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Las Vegas. The device can track fetal heart rate, kicks and contractions. (AP Photo/John Locher) "Pretend empathy is not a good thing," Turkle said. "Everything we know about children's development is that if you read to a child, what's going on is the relationship, the talking, the connection, the mentoring, the safety, the sense that people love learning. Why do we think this is a good idea to give this to some robot?" IS YOUR BABY BREATHING? Talk to makers of the next generation of baby monitors unveiled at CES and you'd be surprised that generations of children survived infancy without artificial intelligence systems analyzing their every breath. "Babies want to breathe. Babies want to live," says Colt Seman, co-founder of Los Angeles-based startup Miku, which promises to monitor breathing and heart rate without letting parents get overly worked up about it. The Miku baby sleep and breathing monitor is on display at the Miku booth at CES International, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) Regulators haven't approved any baby monitors for medical use and instead recommend parents focus on providing a safe sleeping environment. Some doctors worry that such devices create additional stress for parents. Unlike most past offerings, the latest crop of baby monitors that measure vital signs are "contactless"meaning they don't work by attaching some electronics to a baby's sock or chest. Raybaby's device resembles a one-eyed robot that detects breathing patterns using radar technology. The non-ionizing radiation it emits is at low levels, but might still turn off some parents already concerned about keeping their babies too close to smartphones. Most of the other devices rely on computer vision. A camera by Nanit watches a baby from above and measures sleeping patterns by tracking the slight movements of a specially-designed swaddle. It also uses the data it collects to recommend more consistent sleep times. Nanit's Aaron Pollack acknowledges that some parents might still check Nanit's phone app to check breathing data five times a night "out of sheer anxiety." "We're not trying to prevent that," he said. "We're just trying to give you some piece of mind." An attendee tests the Miku baby sleep and breathing monitor at the Miku booth at CES International, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) Two others, Miku and Utah-based Smartbeat, each boast of a level of precision and analytical rigor that could eventually help predict when the baby is going to get sick. Both have phone alert systems to report worrisome breathing irregularities. Smartbeat's analysis is purely image-based, while Miku also uses radar. Miku's sleeker hardware comes at a cost: It's $399, well above the $250 Smartbeat. TECH IN THE WOMB Of course, parental anxiety begins even before a child is bornhence Owlet's new $299 pregnancy band that wraps around a woman's abdomen to track fetal heartbeats by taking an electrocardiogram. The idea is to put on the stretchy band before going to sleep starting about three to four months before the due date. It sends a morning wellness report to a user's smartphone app, with details including an expectant mother's contractions and sleep positionsand warnings if fetal heartbeat or movements fall outside acceptable ranges. The Chronolife connected vest is on display at the Chronolife booth at CES International, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) An owl-faced medallion above the mother's belly gives the band the look of a superhero emblemand why not? Pregnancy is tough. "It's really just having that extra piece of mind, between doctor's visits, that everything is OK," said Owlet spokeswoman Misty Bond. A man holds a Woobo talking robot at the Woobo booth at CES International, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) Raybaby baby sleep and breathing monitors are on display at the Raybaby booth at CES International, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) A Nanit Plus baby breathing monitor is mounted over a crib at the Nanit booth at CES International, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) People look at the Owlet Band pregnancy monitor at the Owlet booth at CES International, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Las Vegas. The device can track fetal heart rate, kicks and contractions. (AP Photo/John Locher) A model wears the Owlet Band pregnancy monitor at the Owlet booth at CES International, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Las Vegas. The device can track fetal heart rate, kicks and contractions. (AP Photo/John Locher) A smart home mockup is on display at the Tuya booth at CES International, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) A smart home mockup is on display at the Tuya booth at CES International, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) Explore further Preventing infant deaths: The ABCs of safe baby sleep 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. A look at The Cow (approximately 80 days after explosion) from the W.M. Keck Observatory in Maunakea, Hawaii. The Cow is nestled in the CGCG 137-068 galaxy, 200 million light years from Earth. Credit: Raffaella Margutti/Northwestern University A Northwestern University-led international team is getting closer to understanding the mysteriously bright object that burst in the northern sky this summer. On June 17, the ATLAS survey's twin telescopes in Hawaii found a spectacularly bright anomaly 200 million light years away in the Hercules constellation. Dubbed AT2018cow or "The Cow," the object quickly flared up, then vanished almost as quickly. After combining several imaging sources, including hard X-rays and radiowaves, the multi-institutional team now speculates that the telescopes captured the exact moment a star collapsed to form a compact object, such as a black hole or neutron star. The stellar debris, approaching and swirling around the object's event horizon, caused the remarkably bright glow. This rare event will help astronomers better understand the physics at play within the first moments of the creation of a black hole or neutron star. "We think that 'The Cow' is the formation of an accreting black hole or neutron star," said Northwestern's Raffaella Margutti, who led the research. "We know from theory that black holes and neutron stars form when a star dies, but we've never seen them right after they are born. Never." Margutti will present her findings at the 233rd meeting of the American Astronomical Society on Jan. 10 in Seattle. The research will then be published in the Astrophysical Journal. Margutti is an assistant professor of physics and astronomy in Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and a member of CIERA (Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics), an endowed research center at Northwestern focused on advancing astrophysics studies with an emphasis on interdisciplinary connections. The curious Cow After it was first spotted, The Cow captured immediate international interest and left astronomers scratching their heads. "We thought it must be a supernova," Margutti said. "But what we observed challenged our current notions of stellar death." For one, the anomaly was unnaturally bright10 to 100 times brighter than a typical supernova. It also flared up and disappeared much faster than other known star explosions, with particles flying at 30,000 kilometers per second (or 10 percent of the speed of light). Within just 16 days, the object had already emitted most of its power. In a universe where some phenomena last for millions and billions of years, two weeks amounts to the blink of an eye. "We knew right away that this source went from inactive to peak luminosity within just a few days," Margutti said. "That was enough to get everybody excited because it was so unusual and, by astronomical standards, it was very close by." Using Northwestern's access to observational facilities at the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii and the MMT Observatory in Arizona, as well as remote access to the SoAR telescope in Chile, Margutti took a closer look at the object's makeup. Margutti and her team examined The Cow's chemical composition, finding clear evidence of hydrogen and helium, which excluded models of compact objects merginglike those that produce gravitational waves. Comprehensive strategy Astronomers have traditionally studied stellar deaths in the optical wavelength, which uses telescopes to capture visible light. Margutti's team, on the other hand, uses a more comprehensive approach. Her team viewed the object with X-rays, hard X-rays (which are 10 times more powerful than normal X-rays), radio waves and gamma rays. This enabled them to continue studying the anomaly long after its initial visible brightness faded. After ATLAS spotted the object, Margutti's team quickly obtained follow-up observations of The Cow with NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) and INTEGRAL hard X-ray laboratories, soft X-rays at XMM-Newton and radio antennae at the Very Large Array toward The Cow. Margutti attributes The Cow's relative nakedness to potentially unraveling this intergalactic mystery. Although stars might collapse into black holes all the time, the large amount of material around newly born black holes blocks astronomers' vision. Fortunately, about 10 times less ejecta swirled around The Cow as compared to a typical stellar explosion. The lack of material allowed astronomers to peer straight through to the object's "central engine," which revealed itself as a probable black hole or neutron star. "A 'lightbulb' was sitting deep inside the ejecta of the explosion," Margutti said. "It would have been hard to see this in a normal stellar explosion. But The Cow had very little ejecta mass, which allowed us to view the central engine's radiation directly." Galactic neighbor Margutti's team also benefited from the star's relative closeness to Earth. Even though it was nestled in the distant dwarf galaxy called CGCG 137-068, astronomers consider that to be "right around the corner." "Two hundred million light years is close for us, by the way," Margutti said. "This is the closest transient object of this kind that we have ever found." Margutti's team at Northwestern includes graduate student Aprajita Hajela, postdoctoral fellows Giacomo Terreran, Deanne Coppejans and Kate Alexander (who is a Hubble Fellow), and first-year undergraduate student Daniel Brethauer. "Being given the opportunity to contribute to something as cutting edge and international as understanding AT2018cow as an undergrad is a surreal experience," Brethauer said. "To have helped the world's experts figure out what AT2018cow is even in the smallest way was beyond my wildest expectations at the beginning of the summer and something that I will remember for the rest of my life." Explore further Neutron star jets shoot down theory In this Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017 file photo, a Ford emblem is seen on a car at a store in London. Ford Motor Co. says it is cutting jobs in Europe in a wide-ranging restructuring as it focuses on its most profitable models and shifts production towards electric cars. In a statement, the company said Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019 that "structural cost improvements will be supported by a reduction of surplus labor," both hourly and salaried. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File) The headwinds buffeting the global auto industry made themselves felt in Europe on Thursday as mass-market carmaker Ford and luxury-focused Jaguar Land Rover announced sweeping restructurings that will cost thousands of jobs. Ford Motor Co. said it will drop an unspecified number of jobs in Europe as it seeks to make its business there more consistently profitable. Ford is refocusing on commercial trucks and SUVs and dumping less lucrative models while shifting production to electric cars over the longer term. The Dearborn, Michigan-based company said reductions would be achieved as far as possible through voluntary departures negotiated with unions and employee representatives. Ford of Europe, based in Cologne, Germany, has 53,000 people working for it directly and 68,000 when joint ventures such as those in Russia and Turkey are included. The company's new plans follow moves to close an automatic transmission plant in Bordeaux, combine administrative headquarters in Britain and end production of its C-Max models in Saarlouis, Germany. "In the last couple of decades, Ford of Europe has never really been sustainably profitable," Steven Armstrong, company vice president and head of its operations in Europe, Middle East and Africa, said in a conference call with reporters. Ford Motor Co., Executive Chairman Bill Ford addresses guests before the unveiling of the new 2020 Ford Explorer, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Detroit. Ford's aging Explorer big SUV is getting a major revamp as it faces growing competition in the market for family haulers with three rows of seats. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) "We can only allocate capital to areas where we can get a return on that capital." Global automakers face multiple challenges. They must adjust to sweeping change expected from a move toward battery-powered and autonomous vehicles, and toward providing transportation as a service through ride-hailing and car-sharing smartphone apps. Carmakers are also facing a shift in consumer preference away from sedans and hatchbacks to sport-utility vehicles. Ford Motor Co., Executive Vice President of Product Development, Hau Thai-Tang stands near the redesigned 2020 Ford Explorer during its unveiling, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Detroit. Ford's aging Explorer big SUV is getting a major revamp as it faces growing competition in the market for family haulers with three rows of seats. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) Meanwhile government regulation in the European Union and China are pushing them to develop more electric cars. On top of that, consumer and business confidence have been hit by worries about Britain's possible departure from the European Union without a negotiated trade deal, and by the U.S.-China trade disputes. One key headwindslowing auto sales in Chinawas the big issue for Jaguar Land Rover. The company says it will cut 4,500 jobs as it deals with the China downturn and growing uncertainty about the terms of Brexit. The luxury carmaker, owned by India's Tata, says the cuts will be in addition to the 1,500 people who left the business in 2018. The company employs about 44,000 people in the U.K. Christian Stadler, professor of strategic management at Warwick Business School, said Jaguar was facing a "perfect storm of challenges," with the drop in Chinese sales being the most immediate problem. The 2020 Ford Explorer is unveiled, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Detroit. Detroit. Ford's aging Explorer big SUV is getting a major revamp as it faces growing competition in the market for family haulers with three rows of seats. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) "That is JLR's biggest market, but car buyers there are reluctant to make expensive purchases as the economy is growing at its slowest rate for a decade and the country is locked in a trade war with the U.S.," Stadler said. The cuts will not just be bad news for the Jaguar staff, Stadler said. Thousands more workers in the U.K. are part of Jaguar supply chainjobs that will now also be at risk. "Brexit is another factor, with businesses increasingly concerned about the prospect of a 'no deal' Brexit, which would mean tighter border controls," he said. "That would cause massive disruption as the U.K. car manufacturing industry is so closely integrated with Europe." The Europe announcements follow General Motors' disclosure in November that it would lay off 14,000 factory and white-collar workers in North America and put five plants up for possible closure as it restructures to cut costs and focus more on autonomous and electric technology. Volkswagen has said it will see an unspecified number of job reductions as it changes three plants in Germany to production of electric vehicles, but assures there will be no involuntary departures before 2028. Explore further Ford to cut jobs in European revamp 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Austria's postal service said Thursday it would delete data about their customers' assumed political allegiances after privacy campaigners likened the practice to the Facebook data-sharing scandal. Austrian Post head Georg Poelzl told the APA news agency that a database of the likely political affinities of around 2.2 million customers would be deleted "as soon as is legally possible." The company's board "made a decision yesterday that the entire database will be established along new lines," Poelzl said, arguing that the product in its current form "has become outdated, anyway." Austrian Post is publicly listed but still majority-owned by the government. It has compiled the names, addresses, age and gender of around three million Austriansor around one third of the populationand regularly sells that information to advertisers as part of its direct mailings business. The division generates annual revenues of around 200 million euros ($230 million) for the company. Privacy campaigners were up in arms when it emerged that Austrian Post also made educated guesses about the political affinities of its customers and sold that information to political parties. The privacy campaign group, Epicenter Works, argued that this breaches EU data protection rules. Consumer protection group VKI also raised questions about the legality of the practice. Austrian Post argued that the assumptions were based on opinion polls and voting statistics in specific geographical areas, in the same way that exit polls are calculated after elections. It said the data cannot be extrapolated to reveal the voting behaviour of specific individuals. Campaigners nevertheless drew comparisons to the series of scandals concerning data protection and privacy that have engulfed Facebook, the world's largest social network, in a number of countries after user data were hijacked in the 2016 US election campaign. The Austrian Data Protection Authority also said it would look into the affair. Poelzl told APA on Thursday that his group would work closely with the authority in the destruction of the data. "We don't want to be accused of trying to hide anything," he said. But the Austrian Post would continue to collect and hold address data, Poelzl insisted. "Our advertising customers and the entire population expect the Post Office to have the correct addresses," he said. Explore further Austria's Post Office under fire over data sharing 2019 AFP An X-ray/infrared composite image of G299, a Type Ia supernova remnant in the Milky Way Galaxy approximately 16,000 light years away. Credit: NASA/Chandra X-ray Observatory/University of Texas/2MASS/University of Massachusetts/Caltech/NSF Many stars explode as luminous supernovae when, swollen with age, they run out of fuel for nuclear fusion. But some stars can go supernova simply because they have a close and pesky companion star that, one day, perturbs its partner so much that it explodes. These latter events can happen in binary star systems, where two stars attempt to share dominion. While the exploding star gives off lots of evidence about its identity, astronomers must engage in detective work to learn about the errant companion that triggered the explosion. On Jan. 10 at the 2019 American Astronomical Society meeting in Seattle, an international team of astronomers announced that they have identified the type of companion star that made its partner in a binary system, a carbon-oxygen white dwarf star, explode. Through repeated observations of SN 2015cp, a supernova 545 million light years away, the team detected hydrogen-rich debris that the companion star had shed prior to the explosion. "The presence of debris means that the companion was either a red giant star or similar star that, prior to making its companion go supernova, had shed large amounts of material," said University of Washington astronomer Melissa Graham, who presented the discovery and is lead author on the accompanying paper accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal. The supernova material smacked into this stellar litter at 10 percent the speed of light, causing it to glow with ultraviolet light that was detected by the Hubble Space Telescope and other observatories nearly two years after the initial explosion. By looking for evidence of debris impacts months or years after a supernova in a binary star system, the team believes that astronomers could determine whether the companion had been a messy red giant or a relatively neat and tidy star. The team made this discovery as part of a wider study of a particular type of supernova known as a Type Ia supernova. These occur when a carbon-oxygen white dwarf star explodes suddenly due to activity of a binary companion. Carbon-oxygen white dwarfs are small, dense andfor starsquite stable. They form from the collapsed cores of larger stars and, if left undisturbed, can persist for billions of years. An image of SN 1994D (lower left), a Type Ia supernova detected in 1994 at the edge of galaxy NGC 4526 (center). Credit: NASA/ESA/The Hubble Key Project Team/The High-Z Supernova Search Team Type Ia supernovae have been used for cosmological studies because their consistent luminosity makes them ideal "cosmic lighthouses," according to Graham. They've been used to estimate the expansion rate of the universe and served as indirect evidence for the existence of dark energy. Yet scientists are not certain what kinds of companion stars could trigger a Type Ia event. Plenty of evidence indicates that, for most Type Ia supernovae, the companion was likely another carbon-oxygen white dwarf, which would leave no hydrogen-rich debris in the aftermath. Yet theoretical models have shown that stars like red giants could also trigger a Type Ia supernova, which could leave hydrogen-rich debris that would be hit by the explosion. Out of the thousands of Type Ia supernovae studied to date, only a small fraction were later observed impacting hydrogen-rich material shed by a companion star. Prior observations of at least two Type Ia supernovae detected glowing debris months after the explosion. But scientists weren't sure if those events were isolated occurrences, or signs that Type Ia supernovae could have many different kinds of companion stars. "All of the science to date that has been done using Type Ia supernovae, including research on dark energy and the expansion of the universe, rests on the assumption that we know reasonably well what these 'cosmic lighthouses' are and how they work," said Graham. "It is very important to understand how these events are triggered, and whether only a subset of Type Ia events should be used for certain cosmology studies." The team used Hubble Space Telescope observations to look for ultraviolet emissions from 70 Type Ia supernovae approximately one to three years following the initial explosion. "By looking years after the initial event, we were searching for signs of shocked material that contained hydrogen, which would indicate that the companion was something other than another carbon-oxygen white dwarf," said Graham. In the case of SN 2015cp, a supernova first detected in 2015, the scientists found what they were searching for. In 2017, 686 days after the supernova exploded, Hubble picked up an ultraviolet glow of debris. This debris was far from the supernova sourceat least 100 billion kilometers, or 62 billion miles, away. For reference, Pluto's orbit takes it a maximum of 7.4 billion kilometers from our sun. In 2017, 686 days after the initial explosion, the Hubble Space Telescope recorded an ultraviolet emission (blue circle) from SN 2015cp, which was caused by supernova material impacting hydrogen-rich material previously shed by a companion star. Yellow circles indicate cosmic ray strikes, which are unrelated to the supernova. Credit: NASA/Hubble Space Telescope/Graham et al. 2019 By comparing SN 2015cp to the other Type Ia supernovae in their survey, the researchers estimate that no more than 6 percent of Type Ia supernovae have such a litterbug companion. Repeated, detailed observations of other Type Ia events would help cement these estimates, Graham said. The Hubble Space Telescope was essential for detecting the ultraviolet signature of the companion star's debris for SN 2015cp. In the fall of 2017, the researchers arranged for additional observations of SN 2015cp by the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii, the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array in New Mexico, the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope and NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, among others. These data proved crucial in confirming the presence of hydrogen and are presented in a companion paper lead by Chelsea Harris, a research associate at Michigan State University. "The discovery and follow-up of SN 2015cp's emission really demonstrates how it takes many astronomers, and a wide variety of types of telescopes, working together to understand transient cosmic phenomena," said Graham. "It is also a perfect example of the role of serendipity in astronomical studies: If Hubble had looked at SN 2015cp just a month or two later, we wouldn't have seen anything." Graham is also a senior fellow with the UW's DIRAC Institute and a science analyst with the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, or LSST. "In the future, as a part of its regularly scheduled observations, the LSST will automatically detect optical emissions similar to SN 2015cpfrom hydrogen impacted by material from Type Ia supernovae," said Graham said. "It's going to make my job so much easier!" Explore further First evidence of gigantic remains from star explosions More information: "Delayed Circumstellar Interaction for Type Ia SN 2015cp Revealed by an HST Ultraviolet Imaging Survey," M. L. Graham et al., 2019, Astrophysical Journal , arxiv.org/abs/1812.02757 Journal information: Astrophysical Journal "Delayed Circumstellar Interaction for Type Ia SN 2015cp Revealed by an HST Ultraviolet Imaging Survey," M. L. Graham et al., 2019, In response to concerns that the use of forensic evidence such as shoe prints, fingerprints, bite marks, fibers or hairs has contributed to wrongful convictions, the American Statistical Association (ASA) has released a document with guidelines for discussing forensic evidence. "Past errors provide us with opportunities to work with the forensic science community to improve the process and strengthen the use of forensic evidence," said ASA president Karen Kafadar. "This statement is just one step in that direction, but we hope it will be an important step." In particular, the ASA wants experts to base their testimonies on databases and quantitative analyses, rather than subjective personal experiences. "The forensic practitioners are dedicated and well-meaningthey see agreement between a crime scene sample and one provided by a suspect and they're trying to assess the relevance or value of that evidence for prosecuting the crime," said Hal Stern, vice-chair of the ASA Advisory Committee on Forensic Science. "One point of the ASA statement is that if you're overstating or understating the value of the evidence, there are several harms that can occur. If you overstate the evidence, you might put the wrong person in jail, but just as importantly, the guilty party would go free." As one example of the relevance of the ASA statement, consider a case in which a crime scene shoe print is found. Forensic practitioners analyzing the print will identify features of the print (e.g., size, model, tread pattern, wear pattern) and determine if they match the corresponding features of the suspect's shoe. The ASA statement makes clear that practitioners should use data to assess the probative value of these matching features. "How many shoes would have this tread pattern; how many shoes would have wear of this type?" Stern asked. "Answers to such questions would allow a forensic practitioner to opine about the strength of this particular evidence." In this example, to align with ASA recommendations, an expert might identify the corresponding features, and then testify based on data about the likelihood of matching size, model, tread pattern and wear pattern if the suspect did not commit the crime (i.e., the likelihood that another person from the population would have matching features). New technologies changed how the justice system viewed forensic evidence, said Matt Redle, former prosecuting attorney of Sheridan County, Wyoming, who served on the National Commission on Forensic Science (NCFS). The commission, jointly run by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of Justice, existed from 2013 to 2017 and made recommendations to the Department of Justice to enhance the practice and improve the reliability of forensic science. "We really didn't know a lot about this, and we assumed the forensic evidence we were working with was true and correct," Redle said. "Frankly, what was the eye-opener for prosecutors and the system writ large was the information we received from DNA and the education we got about what good evidence looks like." Better practices with forensic evidence will ultimately benefit the criminal justice system, Redle said, even if the new principles for practice make it more difficult to admit certain types of evidence in the short run. "Credibility in the system is the greatest asset prosecutors have," Redle said. "There's damage we do to the system and credibility in our rule of law if we're hiding the ball from our juries about what the limitations [of forensic evidence] are. It's far better to be open and upfront and recognize the limitations." The ASA statement extends a document drafted but not passed by the NCFS. The ASA Advisory Committee on Forensic Science, under the leadership of Kafadar and Stern, updated that document with the latest statistical research. "Ultimately, we hope this statement will be useful in explaining to stakeholdersforensic scientists, law enforcement officers and courtroom personnelthe data necessary for making assessments about sources of evidence," Kafadar said. "We also hope the document will guide forensic scientists toward the type of research needed to strengthen and quantify the value of evidence being presented in criminal cases and thereby increase our confidence in the judicial system." The ASA statement encourages practitioners to follow "reliable and valid" scientific processes, audited by an independent science organization such as NIST, as the NCFS recommended. "The ASA statement being adopted by the entire organization is extremely important because the ASA has an extraordinary reputation and a very large membership," said Peter Neufeld, co-founder of the Innocence Project, the nonprofit legal organization that exonerates the wrongly convicted through DNA testing and reforms the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice. "We have plenty of first-hand encounters where forensic examiners relied on their subjective impressions and personal experience instead of statistical data to explain the value of the evidence." Neufeld continued, "As a consequence, there were serious miscarriages of justice, where factually innocent people lost decades of their lives and some of them were sentenced to death. Hopefully policymakers, judges and people who really care about the strength of evidence used to make decisions about life and liberty will take notice and do everything they can to apply rigorous scientific and statistical principles in the future." Explore further NIST details plans for reviewing the scientific foundations of forensic methods A rare hybrid solar eclipse is seen through clouds from the Canary Island of Tenerife on November 3, 2013 Despite rain and overcast skies residents of southern Gabon got a glimpse Sunday of a total eclipse of the sun, a rare phenomenon also visible in eastern Africa. "I saw a black disc progressively cover the sun. It's magnificent," said Clarence Diledou, who lives of the port town of Port-Gentil. "But unfortunately the bad weather spoiled the party a bit." The west African nation got peak viewing of the total eclipse as it swept over a path nearly 60 kilometres (37 miles) wide. At its peak over land in central Gabon, the sun was blocked out for about a minute. Weather permitting, partial phases of the eclipse were also visible in southern Europe and in the eastern United States. In Port-Gentil, families gathered together for the occasion along the sea front, facing the sun. Like many in the town, Diledou used special glasses distributed by authorities to watch the rare event. Those who did not have any came up with imaginative solutions, among them Pauline Koumba, who put a bowl of water in her courtyard and watched the reflected eclipse. "I saw the brief passage of the eclipse in my bowl. But it was over quickly and the black clouds spoiled the effect," she said. Gabonese people look at a rare solar eclipse through special glasses, on November 3, 2013 in Libreville Families also gathered in the capital Libreville, where the eclipse was less spectacular, but where the skies darkened noticeably for about half an hour from 1330 GMT. It then continued across Africa, passing through northern Uganda and northern Kenya, although overcast skies marred the effect. A partial Solar eclipse is seen just after sunrise over the Queens borough of New York across the East River on November 3, 2013 in New York Experts say a safe way to view an eclipse is by making a pinhole camerapiercing a tiny hole in a piece of paper then turning your back to the sun and using the pierced page to project the image of the sun on another sheet of paper. 2013 AFP Only a few days left until the party of the year! For the first time ever in Southeast Asia, we are proud to announce that the iconic Ibiza brand Circoloco will have their debut at Baba Beach Club Phuket on the 19th of January 2019. Perfectly recreating a legendary Monday at DC10, Circoloco will bring the infamous sound of Ibizas underground music scene to Thailand for a one-day event with an international world renowned line up. Seth Troxler Peggy Gou Richy Ahmed wAFF Nic Fanciulli Serge Devant Lauren Lane Bas Ibellini Mendy Indigo Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Circoloco, the one-day festival aims to creating a space where the international and local music scenes come together. Focusing on sustainability, music and supporting local communities, highlighting the natural surroundings and using only eco friendly and biodegradable materials throughout the event. Secure your own ticket to the party of the year now! Tickets: https://www.bababeachclub.com/phuket/event/circoloco For VIP bookings, Call: +66 76 429388 Email: circoloco@bababeachclub.com Chinese President Xi Jinping accepted an offer to visit Pyongyang after meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Beijing this week, according to state media in the hermit nation. Beijing, however, has yet to confirm the trip, which some analysts said was possibly because it did not want to increase tensions with the United States. Xi accepted the offer [to visit Pyongyang] with pleasure and informed Kim of the plan, the Korean Central News Agency reported on Thursday, without providing further details. At a press briefing, Chinas foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang neither confirmed nor denied the KCNA report but said Beijing would announce [Xis visit to Pyongyang] immediately if there is news. North Korea has made repeated invitations for Xi to visit, including in September as relations between the two countries were warming to attend its national day celebrations. South Koreas President Moon Jae-in said in October that Xi was expected to visit Pyongyang soon. While Kims visit to Beijing was his fourth since taking over as leader in 2011 his previous three came in the space of three months last year Xi, who was elected president in 2013, has yet to reciprocate. Chinas state news agency Xinhua made no mention of Kims invitation but said Beijing supported Pyongyangs efforts towards denuclearisation and advocated concessions from both North Korea and the United States so that an agreement could be reached at a planned second summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump. China supports the DPRKs continued adherence to the direction of denuclearisation on the peninsula, supports the continuous improvement of inter-Korean relations, Xi was quoted as saying, using the short form of North Koreas official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. [China also] supports the DPRK and the United States holding summits and achieving results, and supports relevant parties resolving their respective legitimate concerns through dialogue. China hopes that the DPRK and the United States will meet each other halfway. Story continues Washington favours complete, verifiable and immediate denuclearisation, whereas Pyongyang wants a more gradual approach known as phased and synchronised measures. Kim acknowledged Chinas role in developments on the Korean peninsula, according to the Xinhua report. The Korean peninsula situation has been easing since last year, and Chinas important role in this process is obvious to all the DPRK side highly and sincerely appreciates the Chinese efforts, he was quoted as saying. [North Korea will] make efforts for the second summit between DPRK and US leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community. Kims visit to Beijing coincided with the latest round of trade talks between officials from the US and China, prompting suggestions he might be seeking to use his links with the worlds second-largest economy as a bargaining chip in his next meeting with Trump. In contrast, observers said that the fact Beijing had not mentioned the possibility of Xi visiting Pyongyang was because it did not want to appear to be taking a more hawkish stance towards Washington. Since July, China and the US have been locked in a trade war and Beijing has in recent months been working hard to offset the impact of the conflict on its economy. The [Chinese state] medias silence is obviously a result of a government decision, said Zhang Baohui, a professor of political science and director of the Centre for Asian Pacific Studies at Lingnan University in Hong Kong. China doesnt want Washington to read too much into it [Kims visit]. As you may remember, after the previous meetings between Kim and Xi, Trump complained that China was trying to sabotage US negotiations with North Korea, he said. If Xi does visit North Korea, it would symbolise the full restoration of bilateral relations since North Korea became a nuclear power. But North Korea would retain its strategic independence and Beijing would not be in control of Kims foreign and security decisions. Zhao Tong, a fellow at the Carnegie-Tsinghua Centre for Global Policy in Beijing, said that if Xi did visit Pyongyang he was likely to make clear Chinas support for the denuclearisation process to prevent any unwanted backlash from Washington. [Xis] visit wont necessarily be seen by Washington as provocation as long as China reaffirms the message that it wants to help create the conditions for North Korea to take a more flexible attitude towards achieving denuclearisation, he said. A visit by the Chinese leader would reassure Kim about Chinas commitment to their relationship and represent the start of a new era in bilateral ties. This article Xi Jinping accepts offer to visit Pyongyang, North Korea state media says first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019. BEIJING (Reuters) - U.S. naval operations in the South China Sea could spark conflict and the United States would be to blame if a clash occurred, a Chinese military researcher said on Wednesday. The warning came as Chinese and U.S. trade teams ended talks in Beijing that have raised hopes an all-out trade war could be avoided, but fears remain that strategic tension between two countries are growing. "Both countries warships definitely have to come into close proximity and it's easy for there to be a misunderstanding or an error of judgment, even a collision," Zhang Junshe, a researcher at China's PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, told reporters. "If there is a collision, the root cause is the United States." On Monday a U.S. guided-missile destroyer sailed near disputed islands the South China Sea in what China called a "provocation", just as the trade talks began. Zhang said whenever U.S. warships entered waters that China claimed, China had no option but to send warships to deal with them. Since Trump took office, there have been 14 incidents of U.S. Navy vessel entering waters that China claims to carry out what the U.S. military calls freedom of navigation operations, Zhang said. China claims almost all of the South China Sea and denounces the United States and its allies over naval operations near Chinese-occupied islands. Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan have competing claims in the region. He Lei, former vice president of China's Academy of Military Sciences, said "foreign forces" that attempted to prevent the unification of China and Taiwan could compel Beijing to use force to bring the self-ruled island under its control. "Foreign forces that pose as world police to interfere in China's affairs, to obstruct and damage China's unification, are the main culprits that could force the mainland to use force to resolve the Taiwan issue," he told reporters. U.S. President Donald Trump last week signed into law the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act, which reaffirms the U.S. commitment to Taiwan, including arms sales. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Jan. 2 said nobody could change the fact Taiwan was part of China. (Reporting by Christian Shepherd; Editing by Robert Birsel) Australian authorities are weighing a young Saudi woman's asylum claim at unusual speed, several lawyers and legal experts have told AFP, contrasting her high-profile plight with a normally excruciatingly slow system. Canberra has insisted it will treat the case of 18-year-old Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun "in the usual way, as it does with all" refugee cases referred by the United Nations. But just days after fleeing a powerful and allegedly abusive family in Saudi Arabia, Qunun has already been judged a legitimate refugee by the UN and been in contact with Australian officials in Bangkok about resettlement. Hers is not the plight of refugees who languish for years in sprawling city camps like Dadaab, Kenya or Zaatari, Jordan. "Usually it's really very slow," said Mary Anne Kenny, a veteran legal practitioner and expert in Australian migration at Perth's Murdoch University. But Qunun's savvy use of Twitter throughout her ordeal at Bangkok airport, including tweeting videos of her barricading herself in a hotel room, galvanised a global campaign and calls for her to be granted asylum. Two days -- and some 80,000 followers -- later she was cheered out of the airport by a legion of online followers. - Media focus - Experts agree the media focus on Qunun's case has put pressure on officials in Thailand -- which usually have little sympathy for asylum seekers -- to act quickly. But it may also have increased the risk to Qunun's safety -- making her resettlement more urgent and strengthening her case for asylum. If she had made it to Australia, she would have been just one of the thousands of would-be refugees who turn up at Australian ports, airports and borders who face lengthy waits, albeit in relative safety. Sarah Dale, principal solicitor for the Sydney-based Refugee Advice and Casework Service, which in the last year helped 3,300 refugees, said many of her clients have waited months and years while the wheels of justice ground slowly. Because Qunun turned up in Thailand -- which is not a signatory to the UN convention on refugees -- settlement there was not an option, prompting the UN and other countries to step in. Her possession of an Australian tourist visa and very public expression of interest in going to Australia, put pressure on Canberra to take the lead. Australia is one of the few countries in the world that will resettle refugees who are already outside their home country, but this is extremely rare. Of 20 million people the UN was concerned with in 2017, less than one percent were resettled that year. That, says Mary Anne Kenny, is why talk of Qunun "jumping the queue" are misplaced. With no queue to speak of, it is more like she will have won the lottery if resettled. Still Tamara Wood, a lecturer in forced migration at the University of New South Wales, said the speed with which her case is being treated appears quick, but "not unprecedented" The process is not "ad-hoc" she added, citing provisions for emergency and urgent refugee visas. While Australia took around 63 weeks to process refugee visas in 2014-15, in some rare cases it is done virtually overnight. "I spend a lot of time critiquing the refugee process," she said "but this is one case where it seems to be working." - Not done yet - The process could yet slow as Australia conducts medical, security and background checks. Acceptance is not automatic. The authorities will first have to decide whether Qunun's life, liberty, safety, health or other human rights are at risk in Thailand. The Thai authorities' earlier willingness to return Qunun to Kuwait or Saudi Arabia could help her meet that standard. As a Saudi woman who has publicly scorned her family and renounced Islam, experts says she ticks many boxes. Depending on the specifics of her case, she could be eligible for a standard refugee visa, emergency rescue, or perhaps most likely a "Woman at Risk" visa, which normally requires a UN referral. If accepted she would have a gateway to Australian citizenship. But the government could still say no. According to Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director for Human Rights Watch, which has lobbied for Qunun to be resettled, that outcome is unlikely. "It would be a pretty stunning reversal if they didn't take her," he said. "They are so far out on a limb politically." "If for any reason it doesn't work out with Australia, then UNHCR would say okay we will take the file back and refer it to another country." MANILA, Jan 10 (Reuters) - The Philippines posted a narrower trade deficit in November as imports rose at their slowest pace in eight months led by consumer goods, while exports contracted albeit marginally, the statistics agency said on Thursday. Imports in November climbed 6.8 percent from a year earlier to $9.47 billion, the first single-digit rise after seven consecutive double-digit monthly increases, the Philippine Statistics Authority said. Exports contracted 0.3 percent from a year earlier to $5.57 billion, the first decline in six months. The trade gap was narrower in November at $3.9 billion, compared with the revised record-high $4.08 billion in October. The Southeast Asian country's trade deficit in January-November widened to $37.7 billion, compared with a $23.4 billion gap in the same period in 2017, government data showed. Nicholas Mapa, senior economist at ING Bank in Manila, said the November imports data reflected the "base effects" following a 20 percent gain in imports in November 2017. In particular, he said the contraction in consumer goods imports was mainly because of the 28.1 percent drop in cars and motorcycles, following a "buying spree" in the last quarter of 2017. "This is one other reason why 4Q GDP will likely take a hit," Mapa said. The country has been posting large trade deficits since 2017, a trend that is likely to continue due to increased imports of infrastructure-related goods for its massive "Build, Build, Build" programme, and has kept the peso under pressure. The Philippine peso opened at 52.20 per U.S. dollar after the release of trade data, compared with its 52.345 close on Wednesday. It hit 13-year lows last year and is up 0.6 percent this year so far. "The PHP has been enjoying the EM rally in the first few weeks of the year with the Fed seen to be more dovish than last year," Mapa said. "But with the country expected to post current account deficits for the foreseeable future, we expect further pressure on the PHP to return in the coming months," he said. (Reporting by Karen Lema and Enrico dela Cruz; Editing by Sunil Nair) Moon Jae-in urges North Korea to take bold measures to denuclearise but insists US must take reciprocal steps of its own South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Thursday urged North Korea to take bold, practical measures for denuclearisation but also called for the US to take reciprocal steps of its own. Corresponding measures must be devised in order to facilitate North Koreas continued denuclearisation efforts, Moon said during his New Year address, urging the US to agree a peace regime and a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean war. Moon said the recent visit to Beijing by the Norths leader Kim Jong-un indicated a second summit with US President Donald Trump was imminent. He also praised China for its very positive role in the rapprochement between Pyongyang and Washington. In order for the sanctions to be eased, the North needs to take substantive denuclearisation measures, Moon said. On the other hand, it is also necessary for the United States to take reciprocal steps in order to encourage the North to move forward. Moon acknowledged the agreement between Kim and Trump at their first summit in Singapore last year was somewhat vague. He said there was scepticism that Kims concept of denuclearisation is the same as that demanded by the US. In order for the sanctions to be eased, the North needs to take substantive denuclearisation measures Moon Jae-in The US has insisted upon North Koreas complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation, whereas Pyongyang pursues a phased and synchronised and quid pro quo approach, calling for sanctions relief and an end-of-war declaration before moving toward the establishment of diplomatic ties. But Kim has assured many foreign leaders, including myself, Trump, Xi Jinping and Putin, that his concept is no different in any way from what the international community demands, Moon told reporters at the Blue House in Seoul. Kim also stated that denuclearisation and the issue of ending the war has nothing to do with the status of US troops in South Korea. Kim Jong-un understands that the issue is entirely up to the decision of South Korea and the United States. Story continues During his visit to Beijing this week, Kim told Xi the relevant sides should take North Koreas reasonable concerns seriously. Following a year of confrontation permeated by the Norths missile tests and the detonation of its most powerful nuclear device to date in September and Trumps fire and fury rhetoric, Kim extended Moon an olive branch in the form of the Norths participation in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. This gesture ushered in intense diplomacy marked by three inter-Korean summits and the first US summit with the head of the pariah state in June in Singapore. I hope the two sides may reach a deal at the second summit that would lay out steps to be taken by the two sides more concretely, Moon said. Kim and Trump reached a vaguely worded agreement at their first summit that they will work toward complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. The ambiguity of the agreement has resulted in an impasse at follow-up negotiations. It is also necessary for the United States to take reciprocal steps in order to encourage the North Moon Jae-in In his own New Year address, Kim said North Korea had declared it would neither make and test nuclear weapons any longer nor use them, and had taken various practical measures. If the US responds to our proactive, prior efforts with trustworthy measures and corresponding practical actions, bilateral relations will develop wonderfully at a fast pace through the process of taking more definite and epochal measures, Kim said. But if the United States does not keep the promise it made in the eyes of the world, and out of miscalculation of our peoples patience, it attempts to unilaterally enforce something upon us and persists in imposing sanctions and pressure against our Republic, we may be compelled to find a new way for defending the sovereignty of the country. During his summit with Xi, Kim also acknowledged Chinas roles in diplomatic efforts to secure peace on the Korean peninsula. The Korean peninsula situation has been easing since last year, and Chinas important role in this process is obvious to all the DPRK [North Korea] side highly and sincerely appreciates the Chinese efforts, Kim said. [North Korea would] make efforts for the second summit between DPRK and US leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community. On Thursday, Moon also said he welcomed Kims offer to reopen a joint industrial estate and tours to the Norths scenic Mount Kumgang. In 2016, South Koreas conservative president Park Geun-hye closed the Kaesong industrial estate in response to the Norths nuclear and missile tests, provoking protests from both North and South Korean businessmen operating plants there. Tours to Mount Kumgang by South Koreans were suspended indefinitely in 2008, after a 53-year-old South Korean tourist was shot dead after she strayed into an area deemed off-limits for military purposes. We welcome North Koreas intention to resume their operation without conditions or compensations, Moon said. My administration will cooperate with the international community including the United States to resolve the remaining issues such as international sanctions as soon as possible. Conditions for reopening the Kaesong complex, where Southern companies used to employ North Korean workers, and resuming tourism to Mount Kumgang in the North have essentially been met already, Moon said. But many analysts say that restarting the schemes would at present violate sanctions imposed on the North over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. This article Moon Jae-in urges North Korea to take bold measures to denuclearise but insists US must take reciprocal steps of its own first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019. More from South China Morning Post: Russia has slapped down Japanese assertions that a deal was in the offing to resolve a decades-old dispute over a chain of islands, accusing Tokyo of distorting agreements struck with Moscow to break the deadlock. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is making a push towards a treaty with Russia over the disputed Kuril islands known in Japan as the Northern Territories and is set to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin later this month. In November, an agreement over the islands future appeared imminent. Indeed, Tokyos confidence was reflected in its declaration that residents of the islands, off the northern coast of Japan, should be prepared for a transfer of sovereignty. That confidence has now been severely shaken by Russias foreign ministry, which has accused Japan of distorting the essence of agreements between the two countries leaders. Toyohisa Kozuki, the Japanese ambassador to Moscow, was summoned to the foreign ministry on Wednesday for a meeting with Igor Morgulov, Russias deputy foreign minister. Kozuki was told Russia deemed Tokyos recent statements an attempt to artificially aggravate the atmosphere surrounding the question of a peace treaty and the return of the islands that were seized by Soviet forces in the final days of the second world war. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The cause of Moscows anger: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abes claim that a breakthrough in treaty discussions to formally end hostilities between the two nations after more than seven decades would be made in 2019. Russia also claimed Japan acted prematurely by declaring that residents should prepare for the islands return to Japanese control. Those statements are grossly distorting the essence of agreements between the leaders of Russia and Japan meant to accelerate the negotiating process, the foreign ministry said, adding that they were misleading the two countries general public over the contents of negotiations. The ministry also accused Japan of trying to artificially increase pressure and impose its own scenario of how the peace treaty might be signed in the coming months. It added that Russias position remains unchanged: Japan must unconditionally accept its defeat in the war and Moscows sovereignty over the islands. Story continues Moscow fired its broadside just before Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono is set to begin talks in the Russian capital on Monday, a precursor to a planned visit by Abe on January 21. This is a very strong statement in which they are accusing Japan of distorting the agreement that was reached between Abe and Putin in Singapore in November, said James Brown, an associate professor at the Japan campus of Temple University and an expert on Russia-Japan ties. They have not mentioned Abe by name but talked about the Japanese leadership making these comments but then they cite some of the statements that were made by Abe. This really pours a bucket of icy water on Abes hopes of a turning point and the possibility of a breakthrough on the return of the islands. The disputed islands are Iturup, or Etorofu in Japanese (population 7,500); Kunashir/Kunashiri (7,000); Shikotan (2,100); and Habomai (a mere 117). Russia is expanding it military presence on the archipelago with the construction of a new barracks for additional units and the deployment of anti-shipping missiles. The government Tokyo has long claimed the islands are Japanese territory and should be returned, although Abe appears to have taken a more pragmatic line by seeking the return of Shikotan and Habomai only and settling for increased access to the other islands. It is not known what was discussed in Singapore last year, but its likely that Putin and Abe reached some sort of agreement to be sensitive to Russian public opinion and not to announce any deal had been struck, according to Brown. Media coverage of developments surrounding the islands appear to have caught the Russian public by surprise, creating a backlash that Moscow must now address. Abe is likely to portray Russias anger as another bump in the road to getting the islands back, Brown said, and will play down the inevitable demands from right-wing politicians in Japan that he call off his trip to Moscow. A spokeswoman for Japans foreign ministry declined to comment on Russias reaction but said Japans position remains very firm. The Japanese governments basic principle is that we would like to solve the territorial issue and then conclude a peace treaty with Moscow, she said. We are continuing to work towards achieving that. Brown said any expectation that Putin would sign a deal during a planned trip to Japan in June now seemed even more remote than it had previously. I have never been convinced that the two governments could reach a deal and I see Moscow as being in no rush to resolve this issue because they can use it as leverage over Japan, he said. I fear Abes optimism has been misplaced. Additional reporting by Reuters This article Japan thought a deal for the Kuril islands was on its way. Russia just delivered a reality check first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019. More from South China Morning Post: PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, January 9, expressed his intent to place Masbate, which remains a rebel-infested area in the Bicol region, under land reform.Duterte bared his plan in a speech delivered PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, January 9, expressed his intent to place Masbate, which remains a rebel-infested area in the Bicol region, under land reform. Duterte bared his plan in a speech delivered in Dimasalang town in Masbate, as he lamented that communist guerillas continue to grab lands as part of their revolt against the government. In an attempt to reduce presence of communists' armed wing New People's Army (NPA) in Bicol, the President directed Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones to study the possibility of placing land reform in Masbate. Duterte said land reform in Masbate was achievable even without the participation of the communists, which bat for a genuine land reform program that will be included in the possible peace deal with the government. "Makakuha tayo ng lupa. Bakit? Sila lang ba ang marunong... Hoy, kayong mga NPA mag-hanap kayo. Babalik ako dito at sabihin ko sa secretary ng DAR (Department of Agrarian Reform), Castriciones, pag-aralan mo kasi ibigay natin lahat. Pagkatapos niyang termino ko, yang lahat ng lupa ng gobyerno naibigay na," he said. (We can get the land. Why? Are they the only one capable of doing that? To the NPA, get your own. I will return here and will tell DAR Secretary, Castriciones, to study the possible distribution of lands. After my term, all have already been distributed.) "Nandito ba si Secretary Castriciones? Is he here? Sabihin mo sa kanya next week magpunta siya dito. Tingnan niya ang Masbate. I-land reform niya lahat (Is Secretary Castriciones here? Is he here? Tell him to go here next week, inspect Masbate, and place it under land reform)," he added. Free distribution of agricultural land was among the issues discussed by the Duterte government and the communist leaders before the peace negotiations were terminated in November 2017. There were efforts to revive negotiations last year, but Duterte ordered to postpone the resumption of talks with the communists to pave way for a review of all existing peace agreements with the rebels. Story continues While lashing out at the communist guerilla, Duterte still gave hope that they would eventually surrender. The President vowed to give communist insurgents a better life, if they decide to surrender. "Tingnan mo mga NPA. Anong gusto ninyo? (To the NPA, what do you want?) Another 52 years of fighting? Manalo kayo? (You will win?) Not in a million years," he said. "Sumurrender kayo... Handa akong mag-pabahay dito. Gawan ko kayo ng bahay. Tapos huwag ninyong galawin yang gobyerno, mga tao kasi nagtatrabaho lang yan. Papasok dito ang Tesda (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development), and I will order them to hurry up," he added. (Just surrender... I'm ready to give you home. Just don't hurt any government personnel because they're just doing their job. And jf you surrender, I will order Tesda, DTI, and DSWD to hurry up in giving assistance to you.) (SunStar Philippines) Reuters Videos The S&P 500 briefly hit a record intraday high Wednesday before shedding its gains. Data showing stronger inflation and weaker retail sales hurt investor sentiment one day before the Federal Reserve concludes its highly anticipated policy meeting. Wholesale prices accelerated in May as retail spending dropped more than expected. Some analysts think the Fed may signal that it has become more vigilant regarding inflation. Vespula Capital CEO Jeff Tomasulo says traders should not make any moves until they get the results of the Feds meeting. I think tomorrow is going to be very key and critical. Its a moment for the market to see how the market reacts. So I wont do anything until we get the information and data out of the Fed tomorrow.The Dow retreated a quarter percent Tuesday while the S&P shed a half percent. The Nasdaq fell seven-tenths percent. Energy stocks were the days best performers as oil prices shot up to multi-year highs. ExxonMobil gained over 3%. Chevron rose 2%. Shares of Boeing got a modest lift after the U.S. and EU raised the white flag. The two trading partners agreed to suspend their 17-year conflict over aircraft subsidies involving Boeing and its rival, Airbus. Shares of Lordstown Motors rebounded 11% from its 19% drop on Monday. The startups president said the company has what he termed firm and binding orders for the first two years of production of its electric pickup truck. Lordstown had earlier said it had no binding orders or commitments. Three people have been arrested in Malaysia for allegedly insulting the former king on social media after his shock abdication, sparking anger Thursday from activists at the use of "draconian" laws. Sultan Muhammad V stepped aside at the weekend after just two years on the throne. No official reason was given, but it came after he reportedly married a Russian ex-beauty queen while on medical leave. It was the first time a Malaysian monarch had given up the throne before the end of his term. Under a unique arrangement, the throne changes hands every five years between the rulers of the nine states headed by Islamic royalty. National police chief Mohamad Fuzi Harun said two men aged 46 and 27, and a 26-year-old woman, were arrested under tough sedition laws Tuesday for allegedly posting insulting remarks about the abdication on Facebook and Twitter. The trio face up to three years in jail if found guilty. While their role is ceremonial, Muslim-majority Malaysia's royalty command great respect, and criticising them is seen as deeply offensive. People are regularly arrested under the colonial-era sedition act for insulting royals. But Latheefa Koya, executive director of rights group Lawyers for Liberty, criticised the arrests, telling AFP: "The police should not give in to mob rule amid the push by some people for the authorities to act." A statement from the group, which pushes for legal reforms, added that the sedition act was a "draconian piece of legislation" and it was shocking Malaysia's new administration was using it. The government, which came to power last year after ousting an authoritarian regime, had pledged in its election manifesto to abolish the act and several other laws seen as repressive, but is yet to do so. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad also suggested authorities should not overzealously target people accused of posting insults. "With regards to freedom of speech, if someone speaks factually, you cannot criminalise the person," he said. "If we shut everyone's mouth ... even when a crime has happened, then there will be injustice in the country." A federal judge has struck down an Iowa law which prohibits undercover photography or filming on factory farms, meatpacking plants and other agricultural operations, declaring it a violation of the First Amendment. Judge James Gritzner of the U.S. Southern District of Iowa made the ruling in a lawsuit brought against the state by lawyers representing several nonprofit organizations concerned with animal protection and workers rights. So-called ag gag laws in Iowa and other agricultural states have been passed to prevent animal rights groups from documenting inhumane farm practices and to shield agribusinesses from negative publicity. The Iowa law, passed in 2012, imposed a one-year jail sentence on journalists or advocacy groups who use undercover means to document or report on activities in the agricultural animal facilities. The Des Moines Register reports that the ACLU of Iowa, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Center for Food Safety and other legal groups had brought the suit, arguing that it violates the Constitutions First Amendment protections of freedom of speech and of the press. Lawyers for the state of Iowa had argued that the law protected private property and biosecurity. Judge Gritzner said in his ruling that when it regulates speech, the state bears the heavy burden of showing that the prohibition satisfies constitutional scrutiny. He said the state had not met that burden. In a statement after the ruling, Rita Bettis Austen, ACLU of Iowa legal director said, An especially grievous harm to our democracy occurs when the government uses the power of the criminal laws to target unpopular speech to protect those with powerwhich is exactly what this law was always about. A similar law in Utah was ruled unconstitutional in 2017. In North Carolina, the states ag gag law is currently the subject of a lawsuit by several animal rights groups. Related Articles Agribusinesses Press States to Criminalize Photographs of Farms Hearing Set for the Arrest of Aerial Photographer George Steinmetz The U.S.-China trade dispute and the soaring U.S. oil production are the key concerns for the oil market this year, according to Suhail Al Mazrouei, the Energy Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who served as OPECs rotating president in 2018, when oil prices had a volatile run that led to another production cut intervention by the cartel. A heated U.S.-China trade war could be one of the strongest headwinds to global economy this year, Al Mazrouei told CNBC in an interview on Wednesday, but noted that he was cautiously optimistic that the worlds two largest economies would come to an agreement on trade. And I tend to be... more optimistic that we are not going to see a war. It's negotiation tactics, they will end on a resolution, whatever it takes, this year or next year, Al Mazrouei told CNBC. Referring to the latest production policies of OPEC and its Russia-led non-OPEC allies, the UAEs energy minister stressed again that OPEC is not chasing a specific oil price. What we learn is the fact that if you make the market at balance, you will get a price that is good for the consumer and a price that is good for the investors. And that price, whatever it is, is going to be the price that we have to accept, Al Mazrouei said. While OPEC hears what the U.S. and President Donald Trump have to say about oil prices, the cartel is not playing with President Trump or any other president, the UAEs energy minister said. I think what we do is we hear them (the U.S.). They are major consumers versus the major producing nations, we hear what they say but we will always do the right thing from our perspective which is always trying to maintain the balance. Asked about how relevant the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has become in todays oil market, Al Mazrouei told CNBC: I think OPEC will always be there. I dont think we can afford not to have OPEC. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Trump administration is pursuing its plans of opening up more federal lands in Alaska to oil and gas drilling. Reuters reports the Alaska Bureau of Land Management had not canceled a scheduled public meeting on the topic on Wednesday despite the shutdown, which has affected the Department of Interior, along with another eight federal agencies, albeit partially. Plans to open up more land to drilling in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska have already been discussed at several public meetings, which the Bureau of Land Management is obligated to hold, but some have questioned the legality of the meetings scheduled and held during the shutdown. There were a lot of people concerned about how theyre conducting business during the shutdown, said Martha Itta, an administrator for the tribal government of an Alaskan village of 450, told Reuters. There was even a question to them if the meeting was illegal, she said. A spokesman for the Bureau of Land Management, however, said public hearings about drilling permits for the National Petroleum Reserve were exempt from the government shutdown. The Bureau continues to process permit applications as they are an exempted activity during a lapse in appropriations, the spokesman said. Yet, Reuters notes, the Alaskan unit of the BLM earlier this week said it will postpone the public hearings on another drilling expansion plan for the Arctic: opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The deadline for submitting public comments on the topic has been extended to February 11. Congress voted to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for drilling in December 2017, after forty years of often heated discussions of the issue. In 2018, the Department of the Interior said it had allocated US$4 million for construction work ahead of the start of oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads from Oilprice.com: South Korea will start buying Iranian crude this month or next, the parent company of the countrys largest refinery, SK Innovation, told Reuters. As South Korea received a waiver and has been in talks with Iran about the first import volume, it seems (Iran oil) could be brought in late in January or early February at the earliest, the chief executive of the company, Kim Jun said. South Korea stopped buying Iranian oil completely ahead of the November 4 sanctions imposed on Iran by Washington. South Korea is the worlds fifth-largest crude oil importer, and as such an important client for Irans oil alongside China and India. Yet South Korea is a close ally of the United States, and it is no surprise the country opted for full compliance with Washingtons insistence on importers to cut their intake of Iranian crude to zero. Thanks to this strategy, South Korea was among eight Iranian oil importers that were granted six-month sanction waivers in November, alongside India, China, Japan, and Italy. In the same month, after the announcement of the waivers, S&P Global Platts reported, citing unnamed sources, that South Korea would resume Iranian crude oil imports at a rate of about 4 million barrels a month. According to the new Reuters report, South Korea could import up to 200,000 bpd of Iranian crude, most of its the superlight grade called condensate: the country was Irans biggest condensate buyer before the sanctions and its third-largest importer of oil. Buying Iranian oil will likely be cautious, however: even with the waivers, Washington has made it clear it expected its allies to eventually reduce their intake of Iranian crude to zero, replacing it with crude from other sources, including from the United States. While some would probably do their best to comply, others, such as India, perhaps wont be able to afford such a move: New Delhi recently launched a supposedly sanction-proof payments system for Iranian crude. By Irina Slav for Oilprcie.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Saudi Aramco is getting ready to issue a bond in the second quarter of 2019 to help it finance the acquisition of a majority stake in petrochemical giant Sabic, and this debt issue would force Saudi Arabias state oil firm to disclose its financials and oil reserves for the first time in decades, Bloomberg reports. Aramcos bond sale will probably be in U.S. dollars, Bloomberg quoted Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih as saying at a presentation of the plan in Riyadh. We will work with our advisers and find the right time to go to market and part of that would be a prospectus that would have appropriate financial statements and disclosures, al-Falih said, commenting on the plans for the bond sale. Saudi Aramcowhose initial public offering (IPO) touted for 2018 is now all but scrappedplans to buy 70 percent in Sabic currently in the hands of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia in a deal expected to be worth US$70 billion. Aramcos acquisition of a majority stake in Sabic would be key to the oil giants strategy to expand in the downstream segment and curb emissions, Aramcos chief executive Amin Nasser told the Financial Times in September. Reports of how Aramco plans to finance the acquisition of the majority stake in Sabic started to circulate in October last year, with some reports saying that Aramco may borrow US$50 billion from international banks to finance that deal. The most recent market rumors have had it that Aramco could fund the entire US$70-billion price tag for buying 70 percent in Sabic with the upcoming bond issue. Al-Falih, however, dismissed that chatter saying that Its not going to be anywhere near the number thats been rumored. The Saudi energy minister also confirmed the date that the Kingdom has been giving lately for Aramcos IPO to finally take place2021. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads from Oilprice.com: Poland is continuing to make a pivot away from its decades-long natural gas supplier - Russia. In a statement on Wednesday, Polish state-controlled oil and gas company PGNIG said that its share of gas imports from Russia fell to 66.8 percent in 2018 from 70.4 percent the previous year, while it imported around 9.04 bcm for the end of 2018, a drop of 6.4 percent year-on-year. The company imported around 13.53 bcm worth of gas to Poland, while domestic production totaled some 3.8 bcm. Polands liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports also increased in 2018 from the previous year, the company said. LNG imports from Qatar, Norway and the U.S. in 2018 increased by nearly 1 bcm (58.2 percent) and reached over 2.71 bcm (after regasification), compared to 2017, when around 1.72 bcm of LNG was imported after regasification. Polands LNG imports last year represented 20 percent of the countrys total gas imports compared to just 8.4 percent in 2016. Frenzied push away from Russian gas There are a number of takeaways from PGNIGs disclosure from yesterday. The biggest story behind the numbers is Polands frenzied push to wean itself off of geopolitically charged Russian gas that its been buying since 1944. Russian state-run gas giant Gazprom provides about two-thirds of Polands natural gas annually. However, in 2016 Poland completed its first LNG terminal, while last year it inked several deals to bring in more U.S.-sourced LNG, much to the delight of the Trump Administration that has been promulgating U.S. gas as a way for EU members to offset both Russian gas monopoly as well as provide more long-term off-take agreements for American energy companies. PGNIG signed a deal in June with U.S.-based Venture Global LNG to provide up to 2 million tons of LNG per year, the equivalent of 2.7 bcm of natural gas, a PGNIG statement said. A value for the deal was not provided. The contract will come into full force in 2022 when Poland's current agreement with Gazprom for an annual 10 bcm of gas expires. Poland signed the new deal with Venture Global LNG just one day after PGNIG filed a complaint with the EUs top court against a deal by the European Commission to settle an antitrust case against Gazprom. The deal allowed Gazprom to avoid billions of dollars in fines after Poland claimed the company had abused its dominant position as a gas provider in their region. Related: Darkening Outlook For Global Economy Threatens Crude PGNIG also signed a long-term deal with U.S. LNG heavyweight Cheniere Energy in November. Per terms of the deal, PGNIG will receive a total of 0.52 million tonnes of LNG from 2019-2022 and 29 million tonnes from 2023-2042, to be delivered to an LNG terminal in the Baltic Sea. PGNIG Chief Executive Piotr Wozniak told a press conference at the time the price is much lower than the one we have in the contract with Gazprom. He reiterated that the price Poland will pay for U.S. gas is 20-30 percent lower than for Russian supply. Poland is also planning to build a natural gas pipeline to Norway via the Baltic Sea and Denmark to allow it to receive up to 10 bcm of gas annually from deposits under the North Sea. Other EU members waffle Though Poland is trying to diversify away from Russian gas, other EU members have been slow to follow, which at times has set President Trump on edge, particularly last year when he chastised Germany for pushing through with the controversial Nordstream 2 gas pipeline. The $11 billion gas pipeline will stretch some 759 miles (1,222 km), running on the bed of the Baltic Sea from Russian gas fields to Germany, bypassing existing land routes over Ukraine, Poland and Belarus. It would double the existing Nord Stream pipelines current annual capacity of 55 bcm and is expected to become operational by the end of next year. The U.S, for its part, dating back to the administration of George W. Bush as well as the Obama Administration, maintains that the pipeline is a threat to European security. Trump ratcheted that criticism up a notch by stating that not only does the pipeline threaten European security, but that the U.S. is largely supporting that security both in terms of troops and funding. Related: U.S. Oil Shipments To Asia Set To Rise Soon In a televised meeting with reporters and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg before a NATO summit in Brussels last year, Trump said it was very inappropriate that the U.S. was paying for European defense against Russia while Germany, the biggest European economy, was supporting gas deals with Moscow. Since then, Germany has indicated that it wanted to buy more LNG from the U.S., with plans to build three LNG receiving terminals. Germany also remains firm in its support for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Polish resistance remains firm Poland has also been adamant in its resistance to the Nordstream 2 pipeline. In October, Polish President Andrzej Duda said at a joint press conference with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin that Nordstream 2 He added that the pipeline hinders the energy security of central and eastern European countries. "We are surprised that the EU Commission has not clearly expressed itself in a negative fashion," he said. By Tim Daiss for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Iraq increased in December both its oil production and exports, just ahead of the start of the new round of OPEC cuts, but OPECs second-largest producer says that it will be sticking to its pledge to reduce output as agreed. According to data from Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO), as carried by S&P Global Platts, the total Iraqi oil exports in Decemberincluding those from the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistanrose by 33,000 bpd from November to December, and stood at 4.14 million bpd last month, compared to a total of 3.81 million bpd exports from Iraq and Kurdistan in November. Production from Iraq and Kurdistan inched up by 10,000 bpd from November to average 4.465 million bpd in December, data from SOMO showed. According to Iraqs oil ministry data from last week, Iraqs federal oil exports jumped to 3.726 million bpd in December from 3.372 million bpd in November, as exports from the southern ports at Basra hit a record high and exports from the northern Kirkuk fields increased after a slow tentative resumption in November following a year-long hiatus. But as January began, Iraq vowed last week to stick to the production cuts agreed to by OPEC and its allies. OPECs second-biggest producer will hold its production at 4.513 million barrels per day for the next six months, according to the Iraqi Oil Ministry, as cited by S&P Global Platts. If achieved, Iraq would produce 140,000 fewer barrels per day for the next six months than it did in October 2018the date from which the cuts were calculated. The news comes after Kpler and Refinitive Eikon data showed earlier last week that Iraq increased its oil exports to the United States in December by 140,000 barrels per day. Iraqs commitment to the latest deal is critical to the cartels success, and not just because it is OPECs second largest producer. In the first round of production cuts, Iraq was the largest overproducer and least compliant member of the group. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: "With members' smiles, getting along with everyone, I want to reach for our dreams. We will do our best, so management, please do so too. Our fans' love is our biggest support." https://t.co/4kLEHX8e7G sakupiyo #PreciousChaeyeonDay (@39_saku_chan) January 10, 2019 My translation of Yukirin's comment. You can sense how censored she has been and how frustrated she is. She should be. This whole thing is a farce. pic.twitter.com/kbdVthEI3d '19 @ (@estreasays) January 10, 2019 Follow up to yesterday's post about Yamaguchi Maho of Japanese idol group NGT48, who was assaulted a month ago by two men who broke into her apartment, and spoke up a few days ago about the assault on twitter. Yesterday evening, during a concert with the group, she came out on stage and apologised to the fans for speaking out about the assault and "causing trouble".The way that she's apologising, by bowing at a full 90 degree angle, is reserved in Japan for apologising for severe misdeeds and injustices. Keep in mind, she was the one who was assaulted.AKS, the company that NGT48 is under, has finally released an official statement. This statement contradicts their previous statement where they implied that there were no other members involved with the incident and basically called Maho a liar.Members and former members of the group have also tweeted about the incident.Strong statement in support of Maho from Kitahara Rie, Former NGT48 captainYokoyama Yui, AKB48 member and "general director"Kashiwagi Yuki, NGT48 membersome international media is picking up on the story, daily mail and billboard are reporting it charlie and lola :D Reply Parent Thread Link Worst Chris by far. Reply Thread Link he singlehandedly makes the rest of the Chrises unlikable just from association, he's like Chad 2.0 Reply Parent Thread Link Chris Brown is the worst Chris. But Pratt is the worst white Chris. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link disgusting hell is waiting Reply Thread Link i'm so sick of this guy Reply Thread Link And he's supposed to what? Hate the police when his brother is one? This site gets more and more ridiculous by the day. Reply Thread Link We love this promo! Reply Parent Thread Link LMAO Come on, promo!! Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Lmfaooooooo Reply Parent Thread Link Lmao Reply Parent Thread Link Hes not supposed to hate police, but in the climate were in right now, posting this kind of shit supporting police while ignoring police brutality sends a clear message about the way he leans. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link It'd be akin to putting up a post praising fire for protecting forests, which is technically true in some instances. In the case of the police, they keep some communities safe (some of the time), and are used both by others, and of their own accord to terrorize and destroy other communities. It's not just willful ignorance to deny this, but willful racism at this point. Reply Parent Thread Link The same way women are literally terrified of men all day, every day, for centuries, and with good reason, despite that we know there are good men out there. For the rest of us black and brown folks, there's that kind of fear, double that of you're a black or brown woman, especially because you're almost likely to be forgotten. So yes, plenty of us know that there are good officers. Plenty of us have family who are officers. Doesn't make us any less scared of or angry at them. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link what he's saying isn't necessarily wrong but the toxic group he's supporting by reposting this kind of propaganda very much is. it just deepens the divide instead of actually discussing the issues at hand. it's more his use of the #bluelivesmatter -esque imagery which was just made to quiet the voices of those highlighting police brutality against the black community.what he's saying isn't necessarily wrong but the toxic group he's supporting by reposting this kind of propaganda very much is. it just deepens the divide instead of actually discussing the issues at hand. Reply Parent Thread Link yes, and especially because he's a straight, white man. Reply Parent Thread Link bye then Reply Parent Thread Link This white comment. Reply Parent Thread Link This is such a white person thing to say. Reply Parent Thread Link Your dad is a cop, isn't he? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Damn, Trump really did bring out the worst in people. Reply Parent Thread Link I mean, if you hate it there, you can leave. I'm sure you still can catch up with your klan meeting. Reply Parent Thread Link Yes, next question Reply Parent Thread Link How do those boots taste bb? Reply Parent Thread Link Maybe go back to facebook with this sentiment, you'll be more well received. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah its nuts here - wild part is that if someone had their house robbed or their kid kidnapped, theyd call the same police that they hate - convienent to dislike/hate when you dont need them. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link yes Reply Parent Thread Link You can love a person and still have a serious problem with what they do for a living. I have a police officer in the family (whom I love and am very close to) and I'm still not tone deaf enough to slavishly thank 'police officers,' particularly in such a cringe worthy way on such a cringe worthy day. I've never been one to take offense at people who genuinely hate the police either. My familial relationship with a police officer not negate the fact that the institution he willing participated in for decades often hurts minorities and terrorizes communities while helping to preserve an inequitable status quo. I could go on about all his positive qualities as an individual, but none of that really matters (and why should it?) to those who witness the damage police officers do in their neighborhoods. Reply Parent Thread Link half my family are in the police force and you know what? i have zero respect or love for them :) Reply Parent Thread Link He really is a crisp rat. Reply Thread Link lol Reply Parent Thread Link I love it Reply Parent Thread Link lmao wat Reply Parent Thread Link his name is chris pratt...crisp rat Reply Parent Thread Link lmao Reply Parent Thread Link I'm sure these are wonderful people, and there are lots and lots of great police officers on duty, doing one of the hardest jobs out there. ... But this is blatantly some "all lives/blue lives matter" rhetoric. And his right-wing fanbase is prolly adorning the comments section with praise. Reply Thread Link Exactly. Nothing wrong with supporting police officers. Im thankful for them too. But its the posting on social about it and ignoring the issues surrounding them that is NAGL. Reply Parent Thread Link According to holy taters up there, you cant do both and we're "ridiculous". Reply Parent Thread Link ia Reply Parent Thread Link MTE Reply Parent Thread Link mte Edited at 2019-01-10 05:50 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link 10% of families in the general population endure domestic violence, while 40% of police officer families endure domestic violence http://womenandpolicing.com/violenceFS.asp#notes But we should all just be grateful these fine upstanding people are looking out for the general public lol Not coming for you specifically, but whenever folks start with that "i'm sure most cops are wonderful people etc" I'm just reminded that statistically they're not.10% of families in the general population endure domestic violence, while 40% of police officer families endure domestic violenceBut we should all just be grateful these fine upstanding people are looking out for the general public lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Yes, this is where I stand on this, too. Keeping his entire track record in mind, it does not sit right with me. Reply Parent Thread Link imagine the family dynamic between chris and his brother. chris puts up the wooden crosses, and his brother lights them on fire. true caucasian team work Reply Thread Link I CACKLED Reply Parent Thread Link Wait, who's his brother?? EDIT: lol I can't read, I thought you meant he was someone famous and I was like ???? did I miss a post??? Edited at 2019-01-10 04:22 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link OMFG Reply Parent Thread Link Team work makes the white power dream work Reply Parent Thread Link LMAO Reply Parent Thread Link I assume youre joking but its really not okay to call out a private person as part of the kkk based on nothing Reply Parent Thread Expand Link is this for real? is this post real right now? where are you people coming from Reply Parent Thread Expand Link So is it okay to call out a public person???? Looks like someone fell asleep in those history courses Reply Parent Thread Link It's really not okay to be part of an organization that targets minorities and promotes macho culture/ride or die for your brother in arms even if he's a murderous pos BUT here we are. Reply Parent Thread Link nearly passed out from laughing so hard omfg Reply Parent Thread Link fuuuuuuuck Reply Parent Thread Link I'm bookmarking this shit Reply Parent Thread Link 9 days in and we already have the comment of the year Reply Parent Thread Link nooooooo, omg lmao Reply Parent Thread Link I knew I came into this post for a reason. Reply Parent Thread Link lmaoooo Reply Parent Thread Link Aaaand comment of the year has been crowned...best of luck to everyone in 2020 Reply Parent Thread Link nnnnn Reply Parent Thread Link omg Reply Parent Thread Link Holy shit lmaaaoooo Reply Parent Thread Link lmfaoooo Reply Parent Thread Link lmao Reply Parent Thread Link omg Reply Parent Thread Link This is iconic Reply Parent Thread Link HA Reply Parent Thread Link I love you, I just want you to know. Reply Parent Thread Link If this doesn't win Comment of the Year for 2019... Reply Parent Thread Link omg lmao Reply Parent Thread Link omg lol Reply Parent Thread Link stop lol Reply Parent Thread Link Lmao Reply Parent Thread Link comment of the year 9 days in. Reply Parent Thread Link this is best omg Reply Parent Thread Link BAHAHA Reply Parent Thread Link LMAO Reply Parent Thread Link not surprised by the defensive comments in here a l r e a d y. he sucks, get over it. Reply Thread Link From the usual suspects, no less. Reply Parent Thread Link if nothing else, they're reliable Reply Parent Thread Link I don't even recognize most of these people besides devils advoquate. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Couldnt even get to page 2 before it started. Reply Parent Thread Link that train is never late Reply Parent Thread Link people never wanna let go of hot white men Reply Parent Thread Link This really shouldn't be news to anybody who actually pays attention to America, but a new report reaffirms what we all know: the police is used to terrorize black/brown communities and drive them away from their homes. Reply Thread Link Oh this is the Chris Pratt that erected the cross randomly and is dating that schwagaggerwhocares daughter linked to a cult like Christian church. Hes still a weirdo Reply Thread Link Hillsong isn't cult-like, it is a cult. Reply Parent Thread Link She's a Catholic Nut-job, not an Evangelical. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link hillsong is cult-like still, it hasn't hit the criteria for a full blown cult just yet. but it's getting there and i wouldn't be surprised if it escalates to that point, it's hella toxic Reply Parent Thread Link I would hope that being a Kennedy would make her not a piece of shit politically. Even her republican father is not totally out there so fingers crossed she can reel Chris in cuz hes clearly lost the plot. Reply Parent Thread Link honestly I wouldn't have thought much of it if he'd posted this message with like, a picture of him and his brother together or his brother in uniform or something like that. but that straight outta your FOX-watching aunt's FB page image he chose Reply Thread Link Staff Writer Brad Hundt came to the Observer-Reporter in 1998 after stints at newspapers in Georgia and Michigan. He serves as editorial page editor, and has covered the arts and entertainment and worked as a municipal beat reporter. (Bloomberg) -- Sign up for China Rising, a new weekly dispatch on where China stands now and where it's going next. As the Trump administration and China attempt to end their trade war, the U.S. is pushing forward on a key front of the conflict: a criminal prosecution of alleged trade-secret theft that has helped to hobble Chinas aspirations of mass producing memory chips. State-owned Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co. and its Taiwan-based partner United Microelectronics Corp. pleaded not guilty Wednesday in San Francisco federal court. The companies indictment was the first under the Justice Departments China Initiative, announced in November to prioritize trade-theft cases and litigate them as quickly as possible. Prosecutors are deploying novel tactics in this latest fight, adding some experimental methods to layered enforcement actions to make sure theres no mistake about the message: If China steals technology, it wont go unpunished. We want to use all available tools to make the consequences of this behavior economically untenable, Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers said in an interview in November after the initiative was announced. The Chipmaker Caught in U.S. Assault on Chinas Tech Ambitions Specifically, the Justice Department is testing a new rule that makes it easier to serve criminal indictments to foreign companies without a U.S. presence. Previously, similar cases languished or stalled completely. In some cases defendants, with the help of their U.S.-based lawyers and the Chinese government, simply feigned ignorance, acting as if the indictments didnt exist. Not this time: Jinhua, through its lawyer, agreed to show up at Wednesdays arraignment. UMC will also be there, according to its lawyer. Prosecutors are also testing for the first time a provision of the Economic Espionage Act dating back to 1996 to bring a civil suit alleging trade-secret theft on top of the criminal indictment. Through the civil case, the government is aiming to block Jinhuas exports of dynamic random access memory, or DRAM, that the U.S. says relies on technology stolen from Boise, Idaho-based Micron Technology Inc. Story continues One of the things about using a tool like this is, you put that tool on everybodys radar screen, Demers said in an interview last month. So the next set of Assistant U.S. Attorneys and FBI agents who are investigating similar conduct, they think about this. Its a multi-pronged strategy: on Oct. 30, a few days before the China Initiative was announced, the Commerce Department blocked sales of U.S. chip-making gear to Jinhua, grinding to a halt the companys plans to produce semiconductors. China, by far the largest market for DRAM, has made its production a national priority so it can end its reliance on $200 billion of annual imports. How Made in China 2025 Frames Trumps Trade Gripes: QuickTake Both Fujian and UMC have denied the U.S. allegations. Three Taiwanese nationals were charged alongside the companies with conspiring to steal trade secrets. They are scheduled to be arraigned next month. Chad Kolton, an outside spokesman in the U.S. for Jinjiang, China-based Jinhua, didnt respond to a request for comment. UMC has accepted service of both the summons in the criminal case and the governments civil complaint, and will appear in court to address both cases, UMCs lawyer, Leslie Caldwell, said in an email. She declined to comment further. From the criminal case, prosecutors stand to win an order requiring Jinhua and UMC to forfeit chips and income derived from the allegedly stolen technology, as well as a ban from using Microns secrets for up to five years. But that only happens after a conviction or as part of a plea, said Ashok Ramani, an intellectual property lawyer at Davis Polk in Menlo Park, California. That can take a long time. Tailored Order The civil suit allows prosecutors to move quickly with a tailored order blocking the companies, potentially forever, from exporting chips before the criminal case gets under way, when the harm is ongoing, or could get worse, Ramani said. Prosecutors are trying to cover all their bases, Christopher Seaman, a professor at Washington and Lee law school, said of the dual filings. The criminal indictment is out there in part to show the U.S. means business on this. If theyre going to get any remedy thats meaningful in the real world, its the civil case, Seaman said. Properly Served The rule change on serving indictments is key. For years, prosecutors tried and failed to serve Chinas Pangang Group, a Chengdu-based chemical company, charging the company with stealing trade secrets from DuPont Co. A U.S. judge ruled prosecutors failed to comply with the letter of U.S. law and China refused to help, according to court filings. After a 2016 rule change from the U.S. Supreme Court, an appeals court agreed in 2017 that Pangang Group was properly served an indictment through its longtime lawyers in the U.S. -- five years after the case was filed. Legal experts agree the change helped the U.S. get its criminal case against Jinhua started. Meanwhile, experts say prosecutors got a boost in the civil suit against Jinhua from a related Nov. 20 civil ruling by U.S. District Judge Maxine M. Chesney, whos also handling the Jinhua case in San Francisco. Micron spent almost a year trying to serve a civil trade-secrets complaint against Jinhua. A copy sent to the Chinese Ministry of Justice was returned stating, without further elaboration, that the Chinese translation is not complete. Chesney concluded Micron can simply email the complaint to Jinhuas U.S. lawyers. The ruling amounts to Chesney saying: Listen, were not going to let a foreign entity avoid liability by playing games, Ramani said. The criminal case is U.S v. United Microelectronics Corp., 18-cr-00465; The civil case is U.S v. United Microelectronics Corp., 18-cv-06643, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (San Francisco). (Updates with pleas in second paragraph. An earlier version corrected last 2 paragraphs to clarify that the challenge was in serving Jinhua.) --With assistance from Ian King. To contact the reporter on this story: Joel Rosenblatt in San Francisco at jrosenblatt@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Elizabeth Wollman at ewollman@bloomberg.net, Peter Blumberg For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2019 Bloomberg L.P. For Immediate Release Chicago, IL January 10, 2019 Zacks Market Edge is a podcast hosted weekly by cks Stock Strategist Tracey Ryniec. Every week, Tracey will be joined by guests to discuss the hottest investing topics in stocks, bonds and ETFs and how it impacts your life. To listen to the podcast, click here: Pot Stocks in 2019: A Year of Transition Welcome to Episode #161 of the Zacks Market Edge Podcast. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Every week, host and Zacks stock strategist, Tracey Ryniec, will be joined by guests to discuss the hottest investing topics in stocks, bonds and ETFs and how it impacts your life. In this episode, Tracey is joined by Zacks Stock Strategist, and the editor of Zacks new upcoming newsletter the Marijuana Innovators, David Borun to discuss the events of 2018 that took the marijuana industry in a new direction and what it will mean for investors getting into the pot stocks in 2019. 2018: The Year of Hope 2018 was filled with great expectations for pot stock investors. Canada was set to legalize the recreational use of marijuana on October 17. In anticipation, the publicly traded pot stocks like Tilray TLRY, Aurora Cannabis and others saw big gains. But October 17 came and went and the hope trade turned into the reality trade as now companies had to execute in an environment that was still fraught with different regulations and expectations. The hot pot stocks also saw big declines in the market correction at the end of the year. Is this a buying opportunity in some of the names? 2019: The Year of Reality There seem to be more opportunities than ever before in the cannabis industry. The American Farm Bill , which was signed by President Trump into law on Dec 20, 2018, could also have a big impact on the agriculture and consumer product industries. The bill classified hemp as an agriculture commodity and removed it from the DEAs list of controlled substances. This will free up farmers to grow hemp, at least in the states where it is currently legal to do so, which must have less than 0.3% of THC. Story continues Hemp can be used in a variety of ways including in clothing, can be put in food and drink, as a supplement and in make-up and beauty products. But its wrong to think that companies will just jump into the hemp market. The FDA has already warned that food and drink products with CBD must get FDA approval. In 2019, while growth opportunities are there, the stakes are getting much higher. Thats why investors might want to go with some of the established names already in the industry. 3 Stocks Already in the Cannabis Industry 1. Constellation Brands STZ was one of the first in when it took a big stake in Canadas Canopy Growth with the purpose of making new beverages. 2. Altria Group MO, the tobacco giant, just made waves by announcing a 45% stake in Canadas Cronos Corporation. Thats a $1.8 billion bet on the cannabis industry. 3. GW Pharmaceuticals GWPH is a British drug company that is the first to get a cannabis drug approved. Its cannabis drug, Epidiolex, is used by epilepsy patients. 2019 should also be a big year with new companies jumping into the cannabis fray. What else should you know about the pot stocks in 2019? Tune into this weeks podcast to find out. Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +21.9% in 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +115.0%, +109.3%, +104.9%, +98.6%, and +67.1%. And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 19X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation. See Them Free>> Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/zacksresearch Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates. Media Contact Zacks Investment Research 800-767-3771 ext. 9339 support@zacks.com https://www.zacks.com/performance Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Constellation Brands Inc (STZ) : Free Stock Analysis Report GW Pharmaceuticals PLC (GWPH) : Free Stock Analysis Report Altria Group, Inc. (MO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Tilray, Inc. (TLRY) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. For Immediate Release Chicago, IL January 10, 2019 Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: CF Industries Holdings, Inc. CF, Nutrien Ltd. NTR and The Mosaic Company MOS. Here are highlights from Wednesdays Analyst Blog: Fertilizer Industry on Solid Footing: 3 Stocks to Buy The fertilizer industry has gained strength, courtesy of improving pricing and demand dynamics for major crop nutrients. Moreover, prices of primary crop nutrients are likely to gain momentum on the back of strong global demand and tightened supply. We believe that the time is right for the investors to add some fertilizer stocks that offer significant growth prospects. Favorable Zacks Industry Rank The Zacks Fertilizers industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #49, which places it in the top 20% of more than 250 Zacks industries. The favorable rank reflects the industrys strength. Our back testing shows that the top 50% of the Zacks ranked industries outperforms the bottom half by a factor of more than two to one. Healthy Pricing & Demand Fundamentals Global nitrogen demand and supply balance is likely to continue to tighten, thereby providing a boost to nitrogen prices. CF Industries Holdings, Inc. expects global nitrogen supply to be lower-than-expected, while demand is likely to stay strong in the short- to midterm. Per the company, farmers are expected to plant 93 million acres of corn in the United States in 2019, around four million more acres than 2018 levels. This along with the expected increase in wheat plantings is likely to drive nitrogen demand in North America. According to CF Industries, China's role in globally traded urea continues to shrink. Enforcement of environmental regulations along with higher feedstock costs are limiting export volumes from China. Expected demand for urea in Brazil and India is also expected to support a tighter global nitrogen demand and supply balance into 2019. Story continues Another major fertilizer maker, Nutrien Ltd., also expects a favorable demand environment along with limited new supply and relatively stable Chinese urea exports to support nitrogen prices. Also, global phosphate and potash market fundamentals are improving as well as demand growth is strong. The Mosaic Company sees continued growth in global demand for phosphates and expects record shipments in 2019. The company expects global phosphate demand growth to outpace supply additions in 2019, providing support to prices. Lower Chinese exports and slower-than-expected ramp up of new facilities have contributed to tighter phosphates supply. Tighter market conditions have also boosted potash prices. A Few Concerns Weak agricultural commodity prices are a roadblock in the near future. Prices of major crops (such as corn and soybeans) are at multi-year lows due to a supply glut. Trade tussle between the United States and China has weighed on crop prices in North America. Depressed U.S. farm income is likely to have a negative impact on farmers nutrient-purchasing decisions. 3 Fertilizer Stocks to Consider Despite a few persisting headwinds, the overall fundamentals of the fertilizer industry are improving on the back of healthy demand and pricing for major crop nutrients. Moreover, the constant need of farmers to nourish their crops, replenish nutrients in the soil following a harvest and boost yields to feed a growing world support the bullish case for fertilizers. Below we highlight three fertilizer stocks, all carrying a favorable Zacks Rank, that are preferable investment options in the prevailing environment. CF Industries Based in Deerfield, IL, CF Industries is a solid choice for investors. The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. The company has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 6%. It also has an expected earnings growth of 70.5% for 2019. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2019 earnings moved up around 4.8% in the past 60 days to $2.64. Nutrien The Saskatoon, Canada-based company carries a Zacks Rank #2 and has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 10.5%. It also has an expected earnings growth of 27.2% for 2019. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2019 earnings inched up around 1.5% in the past 60 days $3.39. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Based in Marysville, OH, Scotts Miracle-Gro also carries a Zacks Rank #2 and has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 9.1%. It also has an expected earnings growth of 12.7% for fiscal 2019. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2019 earnings moved up around 0.2% in the past 60 days to $4.18. Wall Streets Next Amazon Zacks EVP Kevin Matras believes this familiar stock has only just begun its climb to become one of the greatest investments of all time. Its a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in pure genius. Click for details >> Media Contact Zacks Investment Research 800-767-3771 ext. 9339 support@zacks.com https://www.zacks.com Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The Mosaic Company (MOS) : Free Stock Analysis Report CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF) : Free Stock Analysis Report Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (NTR) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research For Immediate Release Chicago, IL January 10, 2019 Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Amgen AMGN, Broadcom AVGO, Starbucks SBUX, Citigroup C and Carnival CCL. Here are highlights from Wednesdays Analyst Blog: Top Stock Reports for Amgen, Broadcom & Starbucks The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Amgen, Broadcom and Starbucks. These research reports have been hand-picked from the roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today. You can see all of todays research reports here >>> Amgens shares have gained +9.7% in the past year versus the Zacks Biomedical and Genetics industry's decline of -20.7%. Amgens newer drugs Prolia, Xgeva, Blincyto, Kyprolis are performing well. Amgen is also progressing with its pipeline and the approval of migraine candidate Aimovig was a huge boost. The Zacks analyst thinks its strong biosimilars pipeline could be an important long-term growth driver. Amgens restructuring plan is making more cost efficient. Lower taxes and share buybacks should provide some bottom-line support. However, Amgen faces challenges related to its more mature products such as launch of competing biosimilar versions of Neulasta and Epogen, further sales erosion of Neupogen and Aranesp and increasing competitive pressures on Enbrel. Meanwhile, uptake of key new drug, Repatha has been slow due to payer restrictions. Nonetheless, estimates have gone up ahead of the Q4 earnings release. Amgen has a positive record of earnings surprises in recent quarters. Shares of Broadcom have underperformed the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry over the past year, losing -10.2% vs. a -9.7% decline. Broadcom is a premier designer, developer and global supplier of a broad range of semiconductor devices. Story continues The Zacks analyst thinks the company is benefiting from strong demand of its wireless solutions and expanding product portfolio, which makes it well-positioned to address the needs of rapidly growing technologies like IoT and 5G. Strong ties with leading OEMs across multiple target markets will help the company to gain key insights into the requirements of customers. Further, Broadcom is a leading player in the semiconductor market based on its multiple target markets, accretive acquisitions and strong cash flow. Nonetheless, the company faces intensifying competition and integration risks due to frequent acquisitions. The companys leveraged balance sheet and customer concentration continue to be headwinds. Starbuckss shares are up +13.6% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Food & Restaurants industry, which is up +5.4% over the same period. The Zacks analyst thinks robust Americas and U.S. comparable store sales bode well for the company. Starbucks largest market the United States, reported comps growth of 4%, which marks the strongest gain in the past five quarters. Also, the companys operating fundamentals such as solid global footprint, successful innovations, best-in-class loyalty program and digital offerings are encouraging. Again, digital initiatives like mobile order/pay, delivery services and third-party loyalty partnerships can further stimulate robust sales trends in the Americas. Additionally, Starbucks has teamed up with Nestle SA to revitalize their respective coffee domains. However, operating margin contraction over the past few quarters has been a major concern. Being a retail restaurant, Starbucks is dependent on consumer discretionary spending environment. Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Citigroup and Carnival. Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +21.9% in 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +115.0%, +109.3%, +104.9%, +98.6%, and +67.1%. And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 19X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation. See Them Free >> Media Contact Zacks Investment Research 800-767-3771 ext. 9339 support@zacks.com https://www.zacks.com Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Citigroup Inc. (C) : Free Stock Analysis Report Broadcom Inc. (AVGO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Carnival Corporation (CCL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Amgen Inc. (AMGN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Beijing (AFP) - Chinese President Xi Jinping told Kim Jong Un that Beijing backs the North Korean leader's possible second summit with US President Donald Trump and hopes they "meet each other halfway", state media said Thursday. The two allies held two days of meetings in Beijing this week, seen as a strategy session as Kim prepares for his second summit with Trump to kick-start stalled denuclearisation talks. "Political settlement of the (Korean) Peninsula issue faces a rare historic opportunity," Xi said during Kim's trip to Beijing, according to the official Xinhua news agency. China "supports the DPRK and the United States holding summits and achieving results, and supports relevant parties resolving their respective legitimate concerns through dialogue", Xi said, using the initials of North Korea's official name. Discussions between the US and North Korea over Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal have stalled since Kim and Trump's high-profile first summit in Singapore in June where they issued a vaguely worded declaration about denuclearisation. The US insists that UN sanctions must remain in place until North Korea gives up its weapons, while Pyongyang wants them immediately eased. China also wants the sanctions to be relaxed. "China hopes that the DPRK and the United States will meet each other halfway," Xi said. He added that China stands ready to play a "positive and constructive role" to maintain peace and stability and achieve denuclearisation on the peninsula. For his part, Kim said North Korea "will continue sticking to the stance of denuclearisation and resolving the Korean peninsula issue through dialogue and consultation", Xinhua reported. The North, Kim said, will "make efforts for the second summit between DPRK and US leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community". Trump said Sunday that the United States and North Korea are negotiating the location of their next summit. Seoul (AFP) - Chinese President Xi Jinping offered North Korean leader Kim Jong Un firm backing in deadlocked nuclear talks with the United States, insisting the two sides should meet "halfway", state media said Thursday. Kim visited Beijing by train this week for two days of discussions that reasserted China's role in the process, and were seen as a strategy session ahead of a second summit between the North Korean leader and US President Donald Trump. At their first meeting in Singapore in June, Kim and Trump signed a vaguely worded document with Kim pledging to work towards the "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula". But progress has since stalled with Pyongyang and Washington -- which stations 28,500 troops in South Korea -- disagreeing over what that means. North Korea wants relief from the multiple sets of sanctions imposed on it over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, while the US wants the measures to remain in place until Pyongyang gives up its arms -- something it has made no public promise to do. China also wants the sanctions relaxed and Xi said he "hopes that the DPRK and the United States will meet each other halfway" according to China's state news agency Xinhua, using the initials of the North's official name. Xi "spoke highly of the positive measures taken by the DPRK side", it added. North Korea has carried out six nuclear blasts and launched missiles capable of reaching the whole of the United States, but has performed no such tests for more than a year, and blew up the entrances to a nuclear testing ground it said it no longer needed. Pyongyang has rejected demands for what it calls its "unilateral" disarmament as "gangster-like". China is the North's sole major ally and key trade partner but relations had deteriorated over Pyongyang's nuclear activities, before warming up last year, with Kim meeting Xi three times. Story continues Kim noted the "difficulties and concern" in talks with the US, according to Pyongyang's official KCNA news agency, which said the Chinese leader had issued a ringing endorsement of the North's position. Xi said that "the principled issues suggested by the DPRK side are deserved requirements and its reasonable points of concern should be resolved properly", it said. - Summit 'imminent' - Each of the previous Kim-Xi meetings have come shortly before or after the North Korean summits with either Trump or South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Trump said Sunday the US and North Korea were negotiating the location of their next summit, a meeting Moon said Thursday was "imminent". Pyongyang needed to take "bold, practical measures for denuclearisation" to ensure sanctions are lifted, he told reporters, but added that "corresponding measures" were also needed from the US, such as agreeing a "peace regime" and formally declaring an end to the 1950-53 Korean War. Moon acknowledged the Singapore agreement was "somewhat vague", and there was "scepticism" over Kim's denuclearisation pledge. But Kim had assured him and other leaders that his view of denuclearisation was "no different in any way from what the international community demands", Moon said, and Pyongyang would not link it to the presence of US forces in the South or nearby. Nonetheless a commentary carried by KCNA last month stressed that when Pyongyang refers to "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula", it includes the North, the South, and "surrounding areas from where the Korean peninsula is targeted". Kim Han-kwon, an analyst at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy warned that preliminary talks between Pyongyang and Washington would be crucial. "If what the North puts on the table after its summit with China fails to meet Washington's expectations, there will be conflict and fresh doubts about whether a second summit should take place," he told AFP. - Birthday banquet - Washington and Beijing have competing strategic interests in northeast Asia, and Xinhua said Xi had re-asserted China's importance in the diplomatic process. Beijing stands ready to "play a positive and constructive role in maintaining peace and stability and realising denuclearisation on the peninsula and lasting peace and stability in the region", it cited him as saying. Xi greeted Kim at Beijing's ornate Great Hall of the People on Tuesday -- believed to be the North Korean leader's birthday -- before hosting a welcome banquet for Kim and his wife Ri Sol Ju. Kim visited a pharmaceutical plant that makes traditional Chinese medicine on Wednesday and met Xi again for lunch before heading home. The visit coincided with trade talks between Chinese and US officials. Analysts say China could use the North Korean issue as a bargaining chip in the negotiations, but Beijing's foreign ministry rejected any link between Kim's trip and the talks. There was a "rare historic opportunity" for a political settlement on the peninsula, Xi said according to Xinhua, and China "supports the DPRK and the United States holding summits and achieving results". For Immediate Release Chicago, IL January 10, 2019 Zacks Equity Research Wynn Resorts WYNN as the Bull of the Day, Sprouts Farmers Market SFM asthe Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Micron MU. Here is a synopsis of all three stocks: Bull of the Day: People often talk about stocks as if they are a gamble. To a certain extent, depending on your definition of the word gamble I suppose they are right. But what if you could take your hard-earned money and invest it in the casino? As they say in Vegas, The house always wins. Todays Bull of the Day is a gaming stock that could be primed for a jackpot. Im talking about Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) Wynn Resorts. Wynn Resorts, Limited owns and operates Wynn Las Vegas and Encore in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as Wynn Macau and the Wynn Palace located in the Special Administrative Region of Macau in the People's Republic of China. The Company holds more Forbes Travel Guide Five Stars than any other independent hotel company in the world and is led by Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Stephen A. Wynn, who possesses more than 45 years of development experience of casino resorts. The reason for the favorable Zacks Rank lies in the recent earnings estimate revisions to the upside. Over the last week, two analysts have increased their earnings estimates for both the current year and next year. The upwards revision has pushed up our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the Current Year from $6.65 to $676 while next years number has jumped from $5.99 to $6.26. The gaming industry currently ranks in the Top 40% of our Zacks Industry Rank. After having a very rough period from a May high over $200 to a December low near $90, WYNN shares have bounced back along with the broad market. Shares have leapfrogged the 50-day moving average down at $105 to close yesterday at $114.37. The December high of $122 lingers as topside resistance. A move past that would put the 200-day into focus. That moving average is all the way up at $155. Story continues Bear of the Day: There is no question that the market has been rallying sharply off the lows. That doesnt mean that you can jump out in this market and buy anything that moves. You really should make sure that the price movement can be sustained over the long run. What I mean by that is you should check the underlying earnings trend of the stock you are looking at. Stocks with strong earnings trends to the upside tend to outperform over time. Buying into stocks with weak trends just because theyre on the move can be a recipe for disaster. Todays Bear of the Day is a stock with an earnings trend that has been a bit negative. Im talking about Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) Sprouts Farmers Market. Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc., a healthy grocery store, provides fresh, natural, and organic food products in the United States. Its stores offer fresh produce, meat and seafood, deli and baked goods, packaged groceries, vitamins and supplements, bulk foods, dairy and dairy alternatives, frozen foods, beer and wine, and natural body care and household items. As of October 25, 2018, it operated 315 stores in 19 states. The reason for the unfavorable Zacks Rank lies in the recent negative revisions to earnings estimates. Over the last ninety days, nine analysts have cut their earnings estimates for next year. The bearish moves have cut the Zacks Consensus Estimates from $1.41 to $1.32 for next year. The Food Natural Foods Products industry currently ranks in the Bottom 16% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Additional content: Why Was Micron (MU) Surging Wednesday? Shares of Micron were up more than 6% through early afternoon trading Wednesday, as investors reacted to an analyst note that foresaw bullishness for the beaten-down memory chip market. Micron has now rebounded roughly 23.5% over the past two weeks. The positive report was delivered by Bernsteins Mark Newman, who raised his rating for MU to Outperform and predicted that a turnaround in chip prices is on the horizon. After the sharp correction of memory stocks, and even with significantly lowered numbers, we now see more attractive risk/reward for 2019, Newman wrote in a note. Sharper downturn is leading to faster supply response and earlier recovery in late 2019. The speed of this downturn is happening faster than usual, which should be a good thing. Newman is describing a positive view of the ongoing cyclical rollover in the memory market. In his eyes, the peak-to-trough process will happen much quicker than in the past, and thats a positive for investors. The analyst now thinks that industry earnings will bottom in the second quarter of 2019. This will lead to stabilization in the second half of the year and earnings growth in 2020, according to todays note. Given the forward-looking nature of stock prices, Newman thinks the risk/reward for Micron is now too attractive to ignore. Newmans optimism comes just one day after Samsung , the largest manufacturer of memory chips in the world, announced that its Q4 operating profit will decline by nearly 30%. This put pressure on Micron shares during Tuesday trading, although the stock managed to recoup nearly all of its morning losses. Micron has now returned to levels it has not seen since before last months disappointing earnings report and guidance. The chip manufacturer in December said it expects Q2 earnings to fall in the range of $1.65 to $1.85 per share, which was well below where estimates were prior to the announcement. Nevertheless, Micron still has a long way to go if it plans on returning to the high-flying peaks of early 2018. The stock remains more than 45% lower than its 52-week high. Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +21.9% in 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +115.0%, +109.3%, +104.9%, +98.6%, and +67.1%. And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 19X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation. See Them Free>> Media Contact Zacks Investment Research 800-767-3771 ext. 9339 support@zacks.com https://www.zacks.com Zacks.com provides investment resources and informs you of these resources, which you may choose to use in making your own investment decisions. Zacks is providing information on this resource to you subject to the Zacks "Terms and Conditions of Service" disclaimer. www.zacks.com/disclaimer. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss.This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Wynn Resorts, Limited (WYNN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Micron Technology, Inc. (MU) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Washington (AFP) - The World Bank Board said Thursday it would start accepting nominations for a new leader early next month and name a replacement for outgoing-President Jim Yong Kim by mid-April. Kim announced Monday he would step down next month, less than halfway through his second five-year term. The board of the Washington-based global development lender met Wednesday and agreed on the selection process and the plan to name a new president prior to the Spring meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, set for April 12-14 in Washington. A short list of three candidates is due to be released after the close of the nominating period. Through an unwritten post-war agreement with Europe, the institution has always been led by an American while a European has always been at the helm of the IMF. However, that is likely to face a serious challenge both because President Donald Trump has shown little interest in, if not antagonism to the bank, and has upended the traditional alliances that make the agreement possible. Developing nations also have been increasing the pressure on the institutions to name a leader from an emerging market country. The board will accept nominations from February 7 through March 14. Any of the 189 member countries can nominate a candidate from any country but the bank's board also specified that the candidates must support the vision for financing sustainable development. Kim, who became World Bank president in 2012, said he will step down February 1 to join a private firm focusing on investments in developing countries. World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva will serve as interim president. A woman whose car was crushed by a falling freeway sign in Australia on Tuesday has survived the accident. In terrifying footage captured by the dashcam of the driver directly behind the car involved in the incident, a massive road sign suspended over Melbournes Tullamarine Freeway can be seen caving in the roof of the vehicle of 53-year-old Nella Lettieri, according to 9NEWS. Lettieri was reportedly taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with neck injuries and is in stable condition. Transportation officials are currently investigating the cause of the accident and inspecting similar signs for issues. Major Road Projects Authority delivery director Graeme Chambers told Melbourne radio station 3AW that the wind was not a factor and that the problem appeared to be with the signs connection to the overhead gantry support structure. It [will be] all subject to detailed and thorough investigation, Chambers said, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. It is an extremely rare event. We last night mobilised our engineers as soon as we learnt of the incident. Watch the video below. Robert Hill was discovered on the side of the road after being discharged from Detroit Receiving Hospital. (Photo: Fox 2) A woman in Detroit was expecting her mentally ill father to be driven from the hospital to their shared home on Friday, but instead her dad went missing after being discharged. To her horror, she later discovered him sleeping on the sidewalk as if he didnt have a home. Rosalee Smith had admitted her dad, Robert Hill, to Detroit Receiving Hospital on Dec. 14 for assessment and medication management because he has bipolar schizophrenia and had been refusing treatment, according to Fox 2 Detroit. Smith, who is her dads legal guardian, was at work when he was due to be discharged, so she entrusted hospital workers with sending him home in a Detroit City Cab just as she had done in the past. Smith told Fox 2 that the hospital even gave her the taxi number 606 and assured her theyd help Hill inside her house. But by 2:30, he still hadnt arrived and Smith was shocked to receive a phone call from the hospital asking whether her father had made it home safe because he hadnt. She called Detroit City Cab company and says they told her that her dad was a no-show. She added: He was never placed in cab 606 through the Detroit City Cabs. Rosalee Smith, bottom, is the legal guardian of her father, who has been diagnosed with bipolar schizophrenia. (Photo: Fox 2) So she filed a missing persons report and went out to search spots her dad was likely to be when he was well. While driving, she spotted a man on the side of the road, sleeping under a blanket. It was her father. He didnt know who I was, Smith told Fox 2. He barely spoke his name. An unknown person had apparently even taken his shoes and stripped him naked. Someone did place a blanket and food out there, she said, but hes not homeless. Disoriented and suffering from hypothermia, Hill was brought directly back to the hospital in critical condition. The police department then launched an investigation into how this could possibly happen. The police report revealed that Hill was never actually placed in a Detroit City Cab, as the hospital had confirmed. Officers discovered via video surveillance that a staffer had placed him in a gray Chrysler Pacifica owned by a different taxi service. Whoever brought him down they waited for the cab, Smith said the police told her. The cab I guess never showed up in their time frame, and they flagged another service down that had no knowledge of his home. Story continues Police officers could not figure out, however, how Hill ended up on the side of the road. Yahoo Lifestyle has reached out to Detroit Receiving Hospital and will update this story should they reply. In the meantime, a spokesperson for the facility told Fox 2 that Hill had been given a safe discharge. I just want to know what happened, Smith told Fox 2. Horrible. Disgusting. Is that what they do to mentally ill people or old people that have no say so in the matter? Though Smith hadnt heard from hospital officials as of Thursday afternoon, she said she wants to make sure they never do this to another individual. Hill continues to recover, and Smith told Fox 2 his condition has been upgraded from serious to stable. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. If you find yourself battling the common cold this winter, ditching your contact lenses might be your best bet if you want to recover much faster, experts say. Wearing contact lenses while you're ill can do more harm than good, and limiting your use of them when you have a cold or other upper respiratory infection can protect you and others from feeling worse, according to Dr. Howard R. Krauss, a surgical neuro-ophthalmologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. "Most upper respiratory infections are viral and are spread by our own fingers to our own face or eyes or to tissues, napkins, towels or moist surfaces, which may then be touched by others," Krauss told AccuWeather. "Even in the absence of symptoms, your eyes' mucus membranes or tears may already contain live virus ready to inoculate others when carried by your contact lens materials and their handling by you," he said. Woman inserting a contact lens - Getty Images They can spread infection One reason to avoid contacts while sick is that these foreign bodies on your eyes can further aggravate and potentially spread infection to eyes already irritated by typical cold symptoms. "To a small degree, any contact lens may be a source of eye irritation and often also reduces the oxygenation of the cornea, especially during a nap or sleep," Krauss said. "In the presence of an infection, the continued handling and use of contact lenses may spread infection to the eye, and in the presence of contact lenses, the infection poses greater risk to the health of the eye," he said. If your cold has already resulted in an eye infection, leaving you with tearing and secretions from your eyes, these tears and secretions likely contain viruses and bacteria that can contaminate other people or can extend deeper into your eyes when they are irritated by your lenses, according to Krauss. Contact lens wear while sick with a cold can lead to conjunctivitis, or pink eye, which is usually caused by the same virus that causes the common cold, said Dr. Lisa Park, ophthalmologist at Columbia Doctors and associate professor of ophthalmology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. Story continues "We know that there is bacteria that is held into place; it's considered a biofilm," Park said. "If you have any infectious processes going on, it's just not a good idea to have that on the surface of the eyes, where that can't be washed away by your natural immune system and the tears." "That's why we tell people not to wear contact lenses; we can consider them infectious when you have something that's going on in the surface of the eyes," Park added. They can cause discomfort in dry eyes In cold weather, people commonly suffer from dry eyes when there is less humidity in the air. An eye infection, paired with dryness, can cause your eyes to itch, making it more likely that you'll end up rubbing your eyes and raising the risk of damaging your eyes or spreading the infection. When you're sick and taking medications like antihistamines or decongestants to treat the illness, those remedies can further exacerbate your dryness, said Park. "The medicines themselves can make you feel uncomfortable, and usually, if people try to wear contact lenses in the setting of dry eyes, it's just uncomfortable," she said. How to limit your chance of eye infection As you recover from your cold, medical experts recommend avoiding contact lens wear until you're feeling better. "For people waking up in the morning with crusting on their eyes, as long as you have that, you should not be putting contact lenses in," Park advised. She also recommends avoiding eye makeup like eyeliner or mascara, as these items could potentially be infected, also. "Usually I tell people, start with a clean slate," Park said. "Throw everything away, or at least understand that those things can be contaminated, and for the duration of that infection, don't have anything touching your eyes." If there is any discharge present in your eyes, Park recommended waiting until one week after the discharge goes away before resuming contact lens wear. Other ways to limit risk of eye infection include frequent hand washing and avoiding shared towels, foods, drinks or utensils. "Limit direct contact with those who may tell you they are ill or who display symptoms," Krauss said. "When you are sick, protect yourself and others; work actively to limit the spread of infection and limit contact lens use." How can you stay healthy this winter season? Tune in to find out! Join host Regina Miller and her guest Dr. Anthony Ng, Senior Physician Executive at Northern Light Acadia Hospital and Chief of Psychiatry at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center as they discuss Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons. Also, Staff Education Coordinator for Centre LifeLink EMS, Frank Cianfrani discusses cardiac and respiratory care as it relates to winter activities and provides suggestions on how to stay safe this winter. For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready. Looking for a stock that has been consistently beating earnings estimates and might be well positioned to keep the streak alive in its next quarterly report? Hawaiian Holdings (HA), which belongs to the Zacks Transportation - Airline industry, could be a great candidate to consider. This parent company of Hawaiian Airlines has seen a nice streak of beating earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The average surprise for the last two quarters was 12.35%. For the last reported quarter, Hawaiian Holdings came out with earnings of $1.91 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.73 per share, representing a surprise of 10.40%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $1.26 per share and it actually produced earnings of $1.44 per share, delivering a surprise of 14.29%. Price and EPS Surprise For Hawaiian Holdings, estimates have been trending higher, thanks in part to this earnings surprise history. And when you look at the stock's positive Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction), it's a great indicator of a future earnings beat, especially when combined with its solid Zacks Rank. Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven. The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier. Hawaiian Holdings currently has an Earnings ESP of +4.16%, which suggests that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This positive Earnings ESP when combined with the stock's Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) indicates that another beat is possibly around the corner. We expect the company's next earnings report to be released on February 4, 2019. Story continues When the Earnings ESP comes up negative, investors should note that this will reduce the predictive power of the metric. But, a negative value is not indicative of a stock's earnings miss. Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, though this is not the only reason why their shares gain. Additionally, some stocks may remain stable even if they end up missing the consensus estimate. Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (HA) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The Daily Beast Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily BeastIts good that 47-year-old Marjorie Taylor Greene learned this week that the Holocaust was bad.Its something most of us have known for our entire lives, but MTG hasnt had a lot of time for learning, busy as shes been with CrossFit and stalking AOC for clicks and spreading antisemitic theories. Like all people who learn something new, MTG announced her revelations with a press conference about the badness of the Holocaust she opened with the mo A Pennsylvania wedding DJ admitted Tuesday to raping and strangling to death an elementary school teacher whose 26-year cold case was solved with help from DNA submitted to a genealogy database by his half-sister. In court Tuesday, Raymond Rowe, 50, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of 25-year-old Christy Mirack, online court records show. Rowe went by the stage name DJ Freez and claimed on his now-defunct website he worked as a DJ for celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Brooke Hogan, as well as at events featuring Sting, The Eagles and Kenny Kravitz. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Beloved sixth-grade teacher Christy Mirack, 25, was murdered just before delivering Christmas gifts to her students, say authorities. Its a result that is long overdue, Lancaster District Attorney Craig Stedman said, local TV station WHTM reports. A beloved sixth-grade teacher at Rohrerstown Elementary School, Mirack was found dead in her home on Dec. 21, 1992. RELATED: Wedding DJ Arrested for the Brutal 1992 Rape and Murder of School Teacher Christy Mirack She was strangled to death with her own sweater, authorities say, after being beaten beyond recognition and sexually assaulted. Police found DNA from her assailant at the crime scene but for decades could not find a match. 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. That changed when investigators tapped into a database on the genealogy website GEDmatch the same publicly accessible site that helped capture the suspect in the Golden State Killer case involving a man suspected of dozens of killings and rapes in California in the 1970s and 80s. Rowes half-sister had at one time uploaded her DNA to the site, which linked her to the DNA sample found at the scene, which led them to focus on Rowe, say authorities. In May 2018, undercover investigators collected used chewing gum and a water bottle Rowe used while working as a DJ at an event at a school, Stedman said at the time. Police concluded the DNA found in the gum and bottle matched the DNA taken from the scene, he said. Story continues Rowe was arrested on June 25, 2018, at his home in Lancaster County. Authorities still do not know why Rowe targeted Mirack or if they even knew each other, the DA said. Rowe apologized to the family in court, the Associated Press reports. During the hearing, Miracks brother spoke directly to Rowe, saying, If not for the grace of modern technology and divine intervention, you probably would have stayed in Lancaster and basked in your fame, The New York Times reports. The murder stole so much from his family, he said. But most of all you took our Christy. A Missouri police officer patrolled a local highway at the purr-fect time. Jason Smith was conducting his usual patrol when he spotted a kitten standing on top of a barrier wall in busy traffic, reports local station Fox4 in Kansas City. After calling for help to control traffic on Interstate 29, Smith got out of his car to retrieve the kitten, reports KMBC. The kitten initially appeared apprehensive about getting in the car, bodycam video of the officer rescuing the feline showed. Luckily, it warmed up quickly. KMBC reports police don't know how the kitten ended up on top of the wall. After receiving medical treatment, the cat was adopted by Smith's family, who named her Bella, the TV station said. Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch: Missouri police officer rescues kitten found on busy highway HAMBURG/DETROIT Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Co will unveil a deeper alliance next week that goes beyond cooperating in commercial vehicles in a move meant to save the automakers billions of dollars as they develop new technologies, two people familiar with the plan said on Wednesday. Ford and VW have been exploring closer cooperation as trade frictions force carmakers to rethink where they build vehicles for Europe, the United States and China, and as software companies prepare to launch their own self-driving cars. "A global alliance is expected to be announced," one person said, adding that the pact will be unveiled next Tuesday during the Detroit Auto Show. The companies have previously said any alliance would not involve a merger or equity stakes. The expanding alliance highlights the growing pressure on all global automakers to manage the costs of developing electric and self-driving vehicles, as well as technology required to meet tougher emissions standards for millions of internal combustion vehicles they will sell in the years to come. Slowdowns in the world's largest auto markets China and the United States have ratcheted up the pressure to cut costs. The scope of the alliance is still being determined, the people said, as talks about cooperation in the area of electric and autonomous cars continue. The sources asked not to be identified because the negotiations are ongoing. "Talks are going well," the second person said. The framework of the alliance would include the pooling of resources in autonomous technology and VW investing in that Ford business, and Ford licensing Volkswagen's MEB electric vehicles platform, the person added. When the commercial vehicle alliance is announced next week, the companies will also say they are close on deals covering the autonomous and electric vehicle businesses, the person said. VW officials have talked about gaining access to Ford's Transit commercial van and the Ranger midsized pickup truck, as well as building their vehicles in Ford plants. Story continues Ford reiterated on Wednesday it has been talking with VW about potential collaborations in a number of areas. "It is premature to share additional details at this time," Ford said in a statement. "We look forward to sharing an update soon." VW had no immediate comment. Ford shares were up 3.9 percent at $8.70 on Wednesday afternoon. VW shares gained 2.4 percent to close at 146.48 euros. Seeking a mass market for EVs In June, Ford and VW unveiled a pact in commercial vehicles including vans, adding that they were investigating "several joint projects." In December, VW Chief Executive Herbert Diess said, "We are in quite advanced negotiations and dialog with Ford Corporation to really build up a global automotive alliance, which also would strengthen the American automotive industry." At the time, Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr told reporters that talks with Volkswagen about an alliance were going "very well." Diess has talked openly about the savings and greater efficiencies that Europe's largest automaker hoped to achieve through the potential alliance. VW officials also have repeatedly emphasized the only way to make electric cars a mass-market product is through economies of scale to make them as affordable as diesel vehicles. The alliance with Volkswagen serves as a big bet for Ford CEO Jim Hackett since he took over in May 2017 from the ousted Mark Fields with the mandate to speed up decision-making and cut costs. Some analysts and investors have been frustrated by Ford's laggard stock price and a perceived lack of details from Hackett about the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker's $11 billion restructuring. Building on a 'quick win' Ford officials had called the commercial vehicle program a "quick win" and discussed how a broader tie-up would allow the No. 2 U.S. automaker to reduce the number of different vehicles it builds and shrink manufacturing, engineering and purchasing costs. An alliance would help Ford achieve its goal of doubling global pretax profit margins to 8 percent by 2020, up from 4.4 percent in the third quarter of 2018. In July 2018, Ford created a separate unit to house its self-driving vehicle operations and was seeking outside investors in a move similar to one made by General Motors Co with its Cruise Automation self-driving unit. Ford said then it would invest $4 billion through 2023 in its newly formed Ford Autonomous Vehicles LLC, including the $1 billion it previously had earmarked for Argo AI, the Pittsburgh-based self-driving startup it acquired in 2017. Ford expects to launch self-driving vehicles for sale by 2021, when a new vehicle architecture designed specifically for autonomous vehicles is expected to be ready. The Detroit Auto Show runs Jan. 14-27. Reporting by Jan Schwartz in Hamburg and Ben Klayman in Detroit BEIRUT (AP) A top Syrian Kurdish official said Tuesday his fighters are prepared to confront Turkish forces if they enter northeastern Syria, adding that it's clear from Ankara's latest statements that Turkey has a plan to invade the region. Shahoz Hasan is co-chair of the largest Kurdish group in Syria, the Democratic Union Party, or PYD. He spoke to The Associated Press by telephone from Syria shortly after White House national security adviser John Bolton who is trying to negotiate the safety of Kurdish allies in northeastern Syria was apparently rebuffed by Turkey's president. "We are getting ready to confront Turkish threats through resistance," he said. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said there would be "no concession" in Ankara's push against what he described as "terror groups" in the war-torn country and said Ankara's preparations for a new military offensive against terror groups in Syria are "to a large extent" complete. Hasan said he hoped the results of Bolton's visit to Turkey will become clearer in the next few days. He said that Syria's Kurds are in contact with the Russians and the Syrian government and could strike a deal such as the one reached last month when Syrian government troops entered an area close to the northern town of Manbij that Turkey had threatened to attack. "Until now there has been no (Turkish) military intervention but if it happens I believe we will be ready to face it, in addition to political and diplomatic work with all sides," Hasan said. Turkey considers the main Syrian Kurdish militia, the Peoples Protection Units, or YPG, a terrorist group linked to the insurgency in Turkey. The PYD is the political wing of the YPG. Meanwhile, deadly fighting for the last area under Islamic State group control in eastern Syria continued as the militants took advantage of bad weather to launch counterattacks. Story continues U.S.-led coalition warplanes and artillery pounded Shaafa village in Deir el-Zour province near the Iraqi border Tuesday, activists and a war monitor said, as the U.S.-allied Kurdish-led force tried to advance on the ground. Nearly two dozen U.S.-backed fighters have been reportedly killed in fighting Monday. The fighting in eastern Syria demonstrates the threat still posed by IS despite claims by President Donald Trump the group has been defeated. The claims were challenged by his national security advisers and led to the resignation of Defense Secretary James Mattis and the top U.S. official in the coalition against IS. Over the weekend, Bolton announced the U.S. pullout would not be as immediate as Trump had initially declared. A statement released Monday by the office of French President Emmanuel Macron said that regarding the announced withdrawal of U.S. troops, Macron underlined during a telephone call with Trump the importance of tight coordination among members of the international coalition, "to ensure the security of all our partners." Washington (AFP) - The US Air Force said Thursday it is ready to receive its first KC-46A Pegasus tankers, a new type of aerial refueler that still needs to undergo costly technical fixes. Based on the airframe of the 767 jet liner, Boeing's tanker will eventually replace many of the Air Force's aging line of KC-135 tankers, which were manufactured during the Cold War. The KC-46 has suffered technical setbacks, delays and cost overruns, largely stemming from a problem with the "remote vision" system. Unlike older tankers, boom operators in the KC-46 do not have a direct line of sight to the plane that is being refueled. Instead, they must rely on an elaborate system of cameras and monitors. In some cases, boom operators have struggled with image quality and accidentally scraped the outside of the plane being refueled. In a statement, the Air Force said Boeing has agreed to fix problems with the remote vision system at its own expense -- not the taxpayer's. "The Air Force has mechanisms in place to ensure Boeing meets its contractual obligations while we continue with initial operational testing and evaluation," Air Force spokeswoman Captain Hope Cronin said. An Air Force official said it could take three or four years to design and retrofit an improved remote vision system. The Air Force plans to hold a formal delivery ceremony for four new planes at a base in Kansas as soon as this month. "This is a major milestone for our next generation tanker and will allow our airmen to begin operational testing and flight training," Cronin said. Boeing in 2011 beat its European rival Airbus to replace the KC-135 with the newer KC-46. The Air Force plans to buy 179 KC-46s over the course of the program. The first deliveries had been expected in 2017. Leanne Caret, president and CEO of Boeing's defense operations, said in a statement that the "KC-46A is a proven, safe, multi-mission aircraft that will transform aerial refueling and mobility operations for decades to come." Boeing has had to pay about $3.5 billion in pre-tax cost overruns in the program, according to Defense News. During the first week of her new job as a representative from New York, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez proposed a top statutory tax rate of 70 percent. Her stated goal is to raise revenue to fund what she calls the Green New Deal, an effort to transition the U.S. economy to fully renewable energy in ten years. Ocasio-Cortez has yet to release the specifics of her new plan. However, her comments imply that she wants to add an eighth tax bracket of 70 percent on incomes over $10 million. What this means is that if you are a very high earner, such as a successful actor, musician, or business owner, you would need to pay 70 cents for every dollar you report in taxable income over $10 million. Its not clear yet whether it would apply only to earned income, or if it would apply to all income, including capital gains, dividends, and business income. However, given her stated goal, it is likely the latter. For sure, there is a lot of money earned by the roughly 16,000 tax filers with incomes over $10 million. IRS data show that this group reported more than $482 billion in adjusted gross income in 2016. The Washington Post recently estimated that on a purely static basis (not accounting for any behavioral changes), the federal government could raise more than $700 billion in additional revenue over the next ten years if the federal government enacted a top tax rate of 70 percent. Unfortunately for the congresswoman, estimates that show a significant increase in revenue from a 70 percent tax rate on incomes over $10 million are unrealistic. This is because individuals and their accountants would react to the new 70 percent rate by finding ways to report less income. They would save 70 cents for every dollar not reported above that threshold. According to the IRS, about 46 percent of all income reported by those earning more than $10 million is made up of capital gains, meaning income from the sale of assets such as stocks. Under current law, capital gains are taxed only when they are realized that is, when the assets are sold, not every time they gain value. This means that individuals can effectively choose when to pay the tax. And individuals who hold on to assets until death can have their gains completely erased through what is called step-up in basis. Story continues Researchers at the Joint Committee on Taxation found that there is a strong negative relationship between the tax rate on capital gains and realizations. They found that over the long run, a 10 percent increase in the tax rate on capital gains reduces realizations by around 7 percent. This implies that the revenue-maximizing capital gains rate is around 29 percent; a rate approaching 70 percent would likely reduce federal revenue from changes in capital-gains behavior. Overall, it is unlikely that Ocasio-Cortezs plan would see anywhere near the $700 billion the Washington Post estimated. Leaving aside whether this policy would ultimately help the congresswoman fund her priorities, proponents have defended this new top rate with two arguments. First, they argue this is an increase in the top marginal rate, so it wont increase the tax burden that significantly. Even for a very rich individual, only the sliver of income over the $10 million threshold would be taxed at 70 percent. Second, they argue that high marginal rates like this were commonplace before the 1980s. Shortly after World War II and until 1964, the United States levied a top marginal tax rate over 90 percent. And from the early 60s to 1982, the top rate was 70 percent. If the United States was able to fund priorities and prosper during this time, why wouldnt it be able to do it again? Fortunately, knowledge of tax policy has evolved and improved over the past 50 years. Research by economists and tax analysts has convinced lawmakers throughout the world that high marginal tax rates are a poor way to raise revenue. High marginal tax rates discourage individuals from working additional hours and discourage businesses from making productivity-enhancing investments. As a result, tax reform across the globe has moved tax systems away from high marginal tax rates with narrow bases to lower marginal rates and broad bases. The U.S. is not the only country that greatly reduced marginal tax rates over the past 50 years. According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the simple average top statutory tax rate has declined from 57.1 percent to 35.8 percent among the groups member nations. At the same time, revenue collections remained stable or rose as these same countries enacted broad-based taxes such as value-added taxes, payroll taxes, and broader individual income taxes. Overall, lawmakers such as Ocasio-Cortez, who want to see the government raise a much larger share of revenue as a percent of GDP to fund their priorities, need to get more serious about tax policy. Yes, it is possible to raise additional revenue by raising taxes on high earners through eliminating tax expenditures, reforming capital taxation, and raising rates. But there is a limit. Any proposal that raises a significant amount of revenue will have to do so through broad-based taxes on all Americans, not just the highest earners. If we look across the Atlantic at countries with significant revenue collections as a percent of GDP, taxes are generally high for everyone. Denmark, Sweden, and Finland all raise more than 40 percent of GDP in tax revenue. These countries have broad-based value-added taxes over 20 percent and high payroll taxes. Their income taxes have high marginal tax rates, but they apply to much more personal income than what Ocasio-Cortez is proposing. For example, in 2015, Denmarks top marginal tax rate of 60 percent started applying at 1.2 times the average income. If that were enacted here, all taxable income over $56,500 would face a 60 percent tax rate. Broad-based taxes would be a better way to raise significant revenue for the federal government. However, the need to raise revenue from everyone, not just the highest earners, increases the burden of proof on proponents of new government programs. If they are to get voters behind a middle-class tax increase, they need to convince the public that their new policies are worth it. Simply claiming that someone else will pay for it is not enough. The design of a tax matters for how it affects incentives and how much revenue it raises. A sharply higher top marginal tax rate would ultimately fail to accomplish the congresswomans goal. More from National Review LONDON (Reuters) - Two Brexit-supporting former British defense chiefs have said that Prime Minister Theresa May's European Union withdrawal agreement will threaten national security if it is passed by lawmakers next week, Sky News reported on Thursday. May's spokeswoman said the comments by former Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service Richard Dearlove and the former Chief of Defence Staff Charles Guthrie were "completely wrong". In a letter to chairmen of May's Conservative Party local associations, Dearlove and Guthrie warned that her Brexit agreement would "threaten the national security of the country in fundamental ways". "Buried in the agreement is the offer of a 'new, deep and special relationship' with the EU in defense, security and intelligence which cuts across the three fundamentals of our national security policy," said the letter, which Sky News published on its website. Both Dearlove and Guthrie supported Brexit ahead of the 2016 referendum in which Britain voted to leave, arguing that quitting the EU would be better for Britain's defense and security. "Please ensure that your MP (Member of Parliament) votes against this bad agreement and supports a sovereign Brexit on WTO rules," their letter said. Asked about the letter's claim, May's spokeswoman said: "Nothing in the Withdrawal Agreement or Political Declaration cuts across NATO, our defense and intelligence relationship with the USA or the five-eyes alliance (with Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States). In fact our deal delivers the broadest security agreement the EU has with any of its partners." In November, Britain's Security Minister Ben Wallace said leaving the EU without a deal would jeopardize cooperation with the bloc and affect the ability to keep the public safe. "If we reject the current deal and go back to square one, this will open the door to far greater uncertainty, increased risk and the prospect of downgrading our ability to protect the public," he said. (Reporting by Alistair Smout and Michael Holden; editing by Stephen Addison) Istanbul (AFP) - Turkey will launch an offensive against Syrian Kurdish forces if the United States delays the withdrawal of its troops from the war-torn country, the foreign minister said Thursday. "If the (pullout) is put off with ridiculous excuses like Turks are massacring Kurds, which do not reflect the reality, we will implement this decision," Mevlut Cavusoglu told NTV television. Turkey and the United States are at loggerheads over the future of Syrian Kurdish forces after US President Donald Trump made a surprise announcement last month to pull out 2,000 troops from Syria. Ahead of Trump's move, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened to launch another operation in Syria targeting the US-backed Syrian Kurdish militia, which Turkey regards as a terrorist group. Turkish officials had a tense meeting this week with Trump's national security adviser John Bolton in Ankara aimed at coordinating the pullout process. Erdogan -- who has welcomed the pullout plan -- accused Bolton of a "grave mistake" by demanding that Ankara provide assurances on the safety of the Kurdish fighters before Washington withdraws its troops. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is on a regional tour, also said Wednesday that Turkey had committed to protecting Washington's Kurdish allies fighting the Islamic State in Syria. American forces have worked closely with the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia, seen by Ankara as a "terrorist offshoot" of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984. Cavusoglu said Turkey would go ahead with its incursion plan. "We are determined on the field and at the table... We will decide on its timing and we will not receive permission from anyone." He also said some officials in the US administration had sought to deter Trump from the pullout plan and create "excuses" like Turkey is massacring Kurds, in reference to Pompeo's comments. Cavusoglu said Ankara would fight the YPG whether or not the US withdraws from Syria. He also said he was planning to have a phone call with Pompeo on Thursday. Moments after leaving a meeting with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, President Trump declared on Wednesday that the meeting, which aimed to find a way through the impasse that has kept the government partially closed for more than three weeks, was a total waste of time. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Vice President Mike Pence, who attended the Wednesday afternoon meeting with Democratic leadership, reiterated Trumps characterization of the conversation during a press conference held afterward. [Trump] asked Speaker Pelosi, if he reopened the government quickly, would she be willing to agree to funding for a wall or a barrier on the southern border, and when she said no the president said goodbye,' Pence said. Schumer, addressing reporters on Capitol Hill after the meeting, said the president threw a temper tantrum before slamming the table and storming out of the meeting. With negotiations to end the 19-day shutdown seemingly stalled, Trump has resumed his threat to fund the border wall, his signature campaign promise, tby declaring a national emergency. I have the absolute right to do national emergency if I want, Trump told reporters during a White House pool spray Wednesday morning. My threshold will be if I cant make a deal with people that are unreasonable. While Trump and Pence have repeatedly signaled their resolve to extend the shutdown until they secure $5.7 billion for the construction of a barrier on the southern border, four moderate Senate Republicans Susan Collins of Maine, Cory Gardner of Colorado, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia have expressed support for the passage of a short-term spending bill that lacks wall funding. More from National Review Kokomo, IN (46901) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 53F. N winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 53F. N winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph. President Trump, Doug Jones and Roy Moore (Yahoo News photo illustration; photos: AP, Getty Images) Earlier this week, before the president once again commandeered the conversation with his Put up this wall! speech, the New York Times reported on another shady operation in the 2017 Senate campaign in Alabama. It turns out that a Democratic consulting outfit, emulating the Russians who worked on behalf of Donald Trump in 2016, set up phony accounts on Facebook and Twitter to make it look like a bunch of Baptist prohibitionists were backing the Republican, Roy Moore. The idea behind Dry Alabama, as it was called, was to make some moderate Republicans think twice before electing a kook who might outlaw their martinis. (For the record, Moore lost to his Democratic opponent, Doug Jones, by some 22,000 votes, whereas moderate Republicans in Alabama number about 50.) The thing that struck me about this story, though, was the reaction from Matt Osborne, a consultant who helped devise the scheme. Outed by Times reporters Scott Shane and Alan Blinder for peddling outright lies, and facing a possible federal investigation, Osborne didnt even fake regret. If you dont do it, youre fighting with one hand tied behind your back, he said. You have a moral imperative to do this to do whatever it takes. Which seems to me a pretty good distillation of what were seeing everywhere lately, in Washington and on social media and even in our daily interactions. In Trumps America, taking personal responsibility for anything you say or do is suddenly out of vogue, no matter which side youre on or how petty the issue. Were living now in the shameless society, where accountability and apology are just white flags for the weak. Maybe some of this is a backlash against the last administration, when critics mocked President Obama for apologizing constantly to the world on Americas behalf. Maybe were all just tired of saying sorry for things and getting jeered anyway. Or maybe it has its roots in the financial calamity of 2008 and the ensuing years of sluggish recovery, when the bankers who exploded the American economy didnt even bother asking our forgiveness, and seemed to suffer no consequences. Maybe the message there was that reflecting on your own misbehavior was for suckers. Story continues But theres no doubt that a lot of the cultural shift has to do with the Trump Effect. The president lies with such reflexive regularity that his doctors must consider it a vital sign, and yet I cant recall a single instance of his admitting a misstatement. He taunts like a child, but never and I mean never does he demonstrate anything resembling shame. All this we know about Trump its his defining characteristic in public life, and one that actually keeps him afloat with his own constituency. If he woke up tomorrow only able to tell the truth, like Jim Carrey in that old flick Liar Liar, all of us in the media would stop jumping up and down screaming like an asteroid was headed for the planet, and Trumps presidency would become vastly less gratifying for his raging supporters. He derives his strength from our inexhaustible moral indignation, and he knows it. Whats more surprising, really, is how little time it took for Trumps shamelessness to become the standard for everyone else. It started, I guess, with his own Cabinet secretaries (a quarter of them acting now, which seems like an appropriate word), who gather for meetings in which they extol the virtues and selflessness of their Dear Leader as if they had no sense of pride or self-worth. It doesnt seem to trouble officials like Kirstjen Nielsen, the homeland security secretary, or Sarah Sanders, the press secretary, when theyre caught using specious statistics about terrorists crossing the border. Look all you want you wont detect a flicker of regret. And so Democrats have decided that shame is a luxury they cant afford, either. Its totally fine for a new congresswoman to publicly call the president a motherf***er and declare herself unapologetic (even as she literally runs from reporters). And its perfectly legitimate for another freshman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to peddle false facts in pursuit of policy, because, you know, shes right on the big stuff. Is it really so noble to be crass or misleading in the things you say and never think twice, as long as youre standing up to someone who does worse? I can tell you that it didnt used to be. Its funny to think that Joe Biden, whos considering a final run for president in 2020, bowed out of his first presidential bid, back in 1987, because he lifted a riff from a British politician without properly attributing it. These days, a political celebrity with a tenth of Bidens gravitas would just drop a few F-bombs, attack the press for bias and move along. And as with everything else in politics, that absence of accountability filters down to the rest of us. Last week, a guy in a shopping plaza parking lot swerved around me to steal a space, and we exchanged a few words. Waiting in line at the dry cleaner, he then let loose a string of insults, calling me short (true) and ugly (arguable). All while his son, who looked to be about 13, stood by, smiling uncomfortably. Dig in. Lash out. Never apologize. Because getting the best of the argument is all that counts. This is what were teaching our kids now. As a politician friend of mine (yes, I have a few) reminded me this week, Trump couldnt have created this ethos all by himself. We created the moment, and he merely filled the void. Maybe its our own growing coarseness and limitless self-regard our propensity to shield every worldview in its own like-minded cocoon, whether its based in truth or outright lie that the president so deftly channels, and not the other way around. But it has to ebb somewhere, and politics is a place to start. Democrats should make clear that a guy like this Matt Osborne has no place in a respectable party. (Jones, the senator whose campaign was supposed to benefit from this chicanery, has done just that, saying he will file a complaint of his own with federal election officials. Good for him.) And maybe challengers for the presidency next year in both parties, should it come to that can find a way to put personal accountability above the roaring approval of the online mob. Because youre not getting it right if you cant admit when youve gotten it wrong. And you cant boast of morality if youve no sense of shame. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: See our 2018 year-end features >>> WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States was having tremendous success in its trade negotiations with China, a day after U.S. and Chinese officials concluded three days of talks in Beijing. The meetings in China were the first face-to-face talks since Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Buenos Aires in December and agreed a 90-day truce in a trade war that has disrupted the flow of hundreds of billions of dollars of goods. Trump, a Republican, has accused China of cheating the United States on trade and stealing U.S. intellectual property, though he often has said he has a good personal rapport with Xi. "We're negotiating and having tremendous success with China," Trump told reporters as he left the White House on a trip to the U.S. border with Mexico on the 20th day of a partial shutdown of the U.S. government. He did not elaborate. He added that he found China to be in many ways "far more honorable" than congressional Democratic leaders Senator Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Trump is locked in a stalemate with congressional Democrats over his demand for $5.7 billion in partial funding to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. The dispute triggered a shutdown of about one-quarter of the federal government, and Trump has said he will not sign any bill to reopen the government that does not include funding for the wall. "I think that China is actually much easier to deal with than the opposition party," he said. Washington has presented Beijing with a long list of demands that would rewrite the terms of trade between the worlds two largest economies. They include changes to Chinas policies on intellectual property protection, technology transfers, industrial subsidies and other non-tariff barriers to trade. Some 40 days into the 90-day truce, there were few concrete details on progress made so far. The meetings in Beijing this week were not at a ministerial level, so were not expected to produce a deal to end the trade war. (Reporting by Steve Holland and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Paul Simao) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump walked out of talks with Democratic congressional leaders on Wednesday over funding for a border wall with Mexico, and said on Twitter the White House meeting to end a government shutdown was "a total waste of time." On the 19th day of a partial government shutdown caused by the disagreement over the wall, a short meeting between Trump, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other leaders ended in acrimony with no sign of a resolution. "I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier?" Trump wrote on Twitter. "Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works!" This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Exasperated Democrats called Trump's behavior a "temper tantrum" and said the meeting broke down when they refused to commit to funding his proposed southern border wall. Schumer told reporters outside the White House that Trump asked Pelosi if she would fund his wall. "She said no. And he just got up and said: 'Then we have nothing to discuss,' and he just walked out." "Again, we saw a temper tantrum because he couldn't get his way," Schumer added. Trump said earlier on Wednesday that he had a right to declare a national emergency to build a wall on the southern border if no deal with Congress can be reached on his request for $5.7 billion for the project. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Democrats plan to test Republicans' resolve on the issue by advancing a bill to immediately reopen the Treasury Department, the Securities and Exchange Commission and several other agencies that have been partially shut down since Dec. 22. Democrats are eager to force Republicans to choose between funding the Treasury's Internal Revenue Service - at a time when it should be gearing up to issue tax refunds to millions of Americans - and voting to keep it partially shuttered. (Reporting by Richard Cowan; Additional reporting by Amanda Becker, Roberta Rampton, David Morgan and Susan Heavey; Writing by John Whitesides; Editing by Alistair Bell and Peter Cooney) Curt Mills Immigration, United States The president sought to assuage his base on his political signature issue Tuesday night. Trump Rallies Right With Nationwide Immigration Address Amid a government shutdown and risking defection from the hardline right on his hallmark political issue, President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the Resolute Desk Tuesday night. He made clear hes willing to extend this present showdown still further. Day after day, precious lives are cut short by those who have violated our borders, Trump said. How much more American blood must we shed before Congress does its job? Trump appeared to clearly signal that he, indeed, remains committed to keeping the government shut down for months or even years, and, under pressure from the Right, that he will reject most political trades being discussed in Washingtonmost notably, a so-called wall for DACA deal. For those who refuse to compromise in the name of in the name of border security, I would ask, imagine if it was your child, your husband or your wife whose life was so cruelly shattered and totally broken, Trump said. The president was lauded by longtime supporters who have criticized him in recent weeks over his failure to implement of a border wall, almost two years into his administration. Ann Coulter, who has pressured the White House away from immigration compromise before, said: Beautiful speech. Call Congress and ask your representatives to fund the wall. But if Republican senators, including West Virginias Shelley Moore Capito and Alaskas Lisa Murkowski, defect from his line, as they appear to be doing, it will become extremely difficult for him to hold to it. A Trump 2020 campaign official said: Net win. A source close to Trumps orbit argued that the presidents frequent use of illegal alien, a term the previous administration was loath to employ, bore the fingerprints of Trump consigliere Stephen Miller, who oversees speechwriting in the West Wing. Story continues The presidents choice of a primetime national address had been much maligned by many in the political establishment. A similar address given by then-President Barack Obama in 2014 was not carried by most major networks, as Trumps was. Trump often issues video messages from the White House, but has been more gun-shy than other presidents to use the bully pulpit of the primetime address to whip support on a political issue. A fine speech that vastly exceeded the ridiculously low expectations created by the media, said Rich Lowry, editor of conservative mainstay National Review, which has been oft-critical of the president. Of course, the content of Trumps addressa clear, immigrationist restrictionist messageremained deeply divisive on an increasingly crucible issue in American life. The Democratic Party wants the government reopenednow. Separate the shutdown from the arguments over border security," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, appearing in a joint response with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. "There is bipartisan legislationsupported by Democrats and Republicansto reopen government while allowing debate over border security to continue. The leadership duo rejected the presidents assessment that the situation on the U.S. Southern border is a crisis. President Trump must stop holding the American people hostage, must stop manufacturing a crisis and must reopen the government, said Pelosi. Piling on were many potential 2020 contenders, as well as stars of the new Congress. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez questioned the need for the main federal immigration enforcement agency, ICE, at all. The Abolish ICE movement has gained currency in many of the New York social circles she now represents in the House and on social media. The president should be really defending why we are funding [ICE] at all, Ocasio-Cortez told liberal heavyweight Rachel Maddow. Right now, what we are seeing, is death. There's no crisis at the border, said Sen. Bernie Sanders, also rejecting the presidents characterization. Sanders, a political independent who caucuses with the Democrats, delivered an individual response of his own, separate from Schumer and Pelosi, as he has before on similar occasions, such as the State of the Union. President Trump, you want to talk about crises? said Sanders. 30 million Americans have no health insurance Climate change threatens our planet 40 million are dealing with outrageous student debt. Curt Mills is the foreign-affairs reporter at the National Interest, where he covers the State Department, National Security Council and the Trump Presidency. Image: Reuters. Read full article Footage of President Trump discussing concrete walls during a 2004 commencement ceremony is currently making the rounds online. The clip, unearthed by the Daily Show with Trevor Noah, shows Trump delivering a set of inspirational remarks to graduates of Wagner College in Staten Island, New York. Trump, who had just received an honorary doctorate from the school, tells the class that they should "never, ever give up" on their aspirations even if "a concrete wall" stands in their path. "Don't give up. Don't allow it to happen," Trump remarked 15 years ago. "If theres a concrete wall in front of you, go through it. Go over it. Go around it. But get to the other side of that wall." Although Trump's words were likely metaphorical, Daily Show host Trevor Noah took the opportunity to point out the irony of the president's sentiments, considering his demands for $5.7 billion in border wall funding have led to a partial government shutdown. "Oh man, once Trump gets his wall he better hope no one shows Mexico this old video we found," the comedian joked. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. A Wednesday meeting between Trump and Democratic leaders ended in frustration for both parties when the president stood up and abruptly left the negotiation. Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters that Trump's departure was the result of a "temper tantrum," a claim which the president later refuted on Twitter. Cryin Chuck told his favorite lie when he used his standard sound bite that I slammed the table & walked out of the room. He had a temper tantrum, Trump tweeted on Thursday. Because I knew he would say that, and after Nancy said no to proper Border Security, I politely said bye-bye and left, no slamming!" This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The ongoing shutdown, which is now in its 20th day, has left many government workers without a paycheck, struggling to figure out creative ways to make ends meet. SEE: Impact of the partial government shutdown: Hunter DeRensis U.S. Politics, United States Will Republicans remain unified behind Trump? Trumps Battle Over the Wall is Intensifying My administration has presented Congress with a detailed proposal to secure the border, and stop the criminal gangs, drug smugglers, and human traffickers. Its a tremendous problem, said President Donald Trump as he spoke to the nation last night, his first address from the Oval Office. After meeting with Republican legislators on Capitol Hill today, Trump said the GOP is totally unified. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stated, Were all behind the president. This afternoon a meeting between Trump and congressional leaders collapsed after Democrats continued to rebuff his demands for funds for a wall. Trump tweeted, I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works! The current shutdown of the federal government has lasted eighteen full days and is likely to become the longest shutdown in U.S. history (surpassing the twenty-one-day shutdown of 1995-1996). The shutdown has occurred due to an inability of the administration and Congress to agree on funding for President Trumps border wall. A fixture of his presidential campaign and in rallies since then, Trumps promise of a big beautiful wall on the southern border to combat illegal alien crossings has drawn distinct lines through the capital. Hardline Republicans see the wall as non-negotiable, while the wall has become the bete noire of Democratic politicians. On the advice of Republican congressional leaders, President Trump demurred on wall funding for his first two years in favor of more traditional Republican planks such as tax reform. But after the November midterms and the Democratic capture of the House, the administration has double-downed on a last-ditch effort to receive allocations for some kind of physical barrier before it becomes a dead-letter in front of a Democratic majority. Story continues I think I can speak for Republicans in the House and Republicans in the Senate, they feel very strongly about having a safe country, having a border that makes sense, Trump said during a press conference on January 4. However, he may not be able to speak for them for much longer. As the shutdown continues on, there are increasing cracks in the Senate GOP dam. In a statement to TNI, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said the government shutdown should end, even without funding for a border wall: I continue to stress that there is no good reason for a shutdown. The reality is thousands of furloughed federal employees and contractors have no paycheck in sight, small businesses and local economies that rely on them are suffering, and there is no reason they should be held hostage to a political dispute. Its important that we continue the debate on how we address border security and address the Presidents top priorities, but its possible to provide for security and to address the humanitarian crisis on our border, while still doing our jobs to keep the government fully functional. We as appropriators have done good work on the funding bills not yet enacted, and so I will be actively working with the Majority Leader to finding a solution to fund the government and end this partial government shutdown. Murkowski is not the only Republican dissenter. In an interview with Meet the Press on January 6, Senator Susan Collins of Maine enunciated the same position. Ive never thought that shutdowns are an appropriate means of trying to achieve any kind of solution, she said. The senator continued, Well I've always thought that the debate over what the physical barriers should be constructed of was rather bizarre. We do need to strengthen our border securitywe need to look at more than just the physical barrier. We need to look at more border patrol agents, technology, and other means as well. While Senators Murkowski and Collins believe that debates over border security and what physical form itll take can be deferred, its unlikely to take place during this next term in a divided Congress. In an op-ed for The Hill, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina has continued to seek a compromise on immigration. His plan as envisioned would see increased funding for border security and amnesty for DACA recipients. But he makes it clear that hes not prepared to stand for a wall as promised by the president: When it comes to securing our borders, its important to note that the real solution is not going to be a big, literal physical wall, but rather an all-the-above, all-hands-on deck approach: more funding for personnel, more funding for technology and more funding for infrastructure, including physical barriers and steel fences. Sens. Joni Ernst, Cory Gardner and Shelley Moore Capito are also starting to air grievances about the duration of the shutdown. All are all up for re-election in 2020. Wherever they stand on the wall or on the shutdown, the most pressing question is whether they would be willing to vote with the Democratic Senate minority and against President Trump. For now, the battle over the wall isnt going away but intensifying. Hunter DeRensis is a reporter at The National Interest. Image: Reuters. Read full article WASHINGTON Members of President Donald Trump's campaign and transition team had more than 100 contacts with Russian-linked officials, according to a new report. The milestone illustrates the deep ties between members of Trump's circle and the Kremlin. The findings, tracked by the Center for American Progress and its Moscow Project, come amid reports that special counsel Robert Mueller is nearing the conclusion of the two-year investigation into Russian collusion in the 2016 election and possible obstruction of justice by the president. "This wasn't just one email or call, or one this or that," said Talia Dessel, a research analyst for the left-leaning organization. "Over 100 contacts is really significant because you don't just have 100 contacts with a foreign power if there's nothing going on there." The number of contacts was raised to 101 this week after it was reported that Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and Rick Gates, a former campaign aide, shared polling data with Manafort's former Russian business partner Konstantin Kilimnik. Dessel noted the group's list of contacts is on the "conservative" end and the "very minimum amount of contacts" between Russian-linked officials and those within the Trump campaign and transition. Those within Trump's team who had contacts with Russian-linked officials include Trump's former attorney Michael Cohen, former Trump adviser Roger Stone, the president's son, Donald Trump Jr., former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page, Trump's former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, and Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump. Trump has consistently denied all allegations of colluding with Russia and has repeatedly called the Mueller investigation a "witch hunt". Dessel said the group omitted many contacts that were seen as "intermediaries" between the members of Trump's team and Russian-linked officials, which would include the messages between Roger Stone and WikiLeaks, which is noted as being described by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as a "hostile intelligence service often abetted by state actors like Russia." Story continues Russia's role in the 2016 election and ties between the president and the Kremlin are all but certain to remain constant themes of 2019 with a new Democratic-led House that now has subpoena and investigative powers. Morgan Finkelstein, a spokeswoman for the Center for American Progress and the Moscow Project, said the organization has hosted discussions with lawmakers about the Russia investigation and what areas they can focus on in the next two years. "The fact is there is so much low-hanging fruit that Republicans simply ignored or didn't flesh out when they had power," Finkelstein said, noting a major area that could provide new insights is the money and financial aspect between Russia and Trump's team. "There's so much to explore but we've identified a pretty clear roadmap." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's team had over 100 contacts with Russian-linked officials, report shows President Trump on Wednesday resumed his threat to bypass Congress and fund the construction of a border wall by declaring a national emergency if Democrats maintain their opposition to his funding demands. I have the absolute right to do national emergency if I want, Trump told reporters during a White House pool spray. My threshold will be if I cant make a deal with people that are unreasonable. Trump also pushed back on recent reports indicating support for his negotiating position is waning among moderate Senate Republicans, some of whom have begun to express concern that the ongoing partial government shutdown, which is now well into its third week, will begin to cost them politically. We have tremendous support in the Senate, we have tremendous support in the House. Trump said. They say, Oh is it true that a congressman broke away? Let me tell you, every once in a while youre going to have that. But you know who else has that? The Democrats. Because they have people breaking away too, because they know you need border security. But you dont report that. Moderate Republican senators Susan Collins of Maine and Cory Gardner of Colorado called on Trump last week to abandon his demand for $5.7 billion in border-wall funding and sign spending legislation that would end the shutdown. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia joined Collins and Gardner in expressing support on Tuesday for the passage of stop-gap spending legislation that would not include funding for a border wall. We can walk and chew gum at the same time here, Murkowski told reporters. There is a greater sense of urgency about where we are, and so you heard me express my concerns Murkowski added. Im going to share my concerns with the president and the conference. . . . I think they know where Im coming from. During his Tuesday night Oval Office address, Trump described the record number of migrant families arriving at the southern border as a humanitarian crisis, but avoided discussion of a national emergency, prompting speculation that he had abandoned the idea to avoid sparking an intra-Republican rift over its legality. More from National Review Brussels will become the location of TransferWises tenth office. Source: Isopix/REX/Shutterstock International money transfer service TransferWise is applying for a new licence in Brussels that will ensure continuity of service for its customers in the event of a no deal Brexit. The company, which is one of the UKs few fintech unicorns valued at over $1bn, said its global headquarters will remain in London and it will continue to hire from the capital, but the Payment Institutions Licence will enable it to stay regulated across Europe. TransferWise currently has four million customers. TransferWise also holds regional headquarters in New York and Singapore, as well as offices in Tallin, Budapest, Cherkasy, Tokyo, Sydney, and Tampa. It will establish an additional office in the Belgian capital before May, in time for Britains exit from the EU. READ MORE: UK banking sector sees significant threat from fintech Kristo Kaarmann, CEO and co-founder of TransferWise, said: Brussels is the heart of all EU affairs, so establishing an office in the city makes great sense for us. The National Bank of Belgium impressed us with its understanding of the payments sector and openness to innovation, while at the same time being a strong and trusted regulator. Were keen to build a similarly productive relationship with the NBB to the one we already have with the UKs [Financial Conduct Authority]. A Belgian licence ensures we can continue to provide a great service globally to our customers, whatever happens with the Brexit deal. The company said it plans to hire a small team as the first employees of its Belgian entity, and expand its global HQ of over 200 people in London. It currently employs over 1,400 people worldwide. READ MORE: PaySend launches option to pay people with just their mobile number TransferWise became popular with customers for allowing them to transfer money abroad at a low cost. Earlier this year, it became the first fintech app to gain direct access to the Bank of Englands interbank payment systems CEO Taavet Hirikus, who co-founded the company with fellow Estonian Kaarman in London in 2011, has been a vocal critic of Brexit. Hirikus told Reuters last year that despite the UK being its biggest market, he would not choose to set TransferWise up in Britain if he had to do it again today. By Damali Mukhaye. The ministry of education has Okay-ed the payment of salary enhancement arrears for both the teaching and the non-teaching staff in all public universities following the nationwide demonstration over the same. This followed the ministry of finance, planning and economic development asking for clarification of payment from the ministry of education. According to the statement dated 9th January from the permanent secretary of education ministry Alex Kakooza, the finance ministry can go ahead to pay the salary enhancement of 29.5 billion for teaching and 4.3 billion for non-teaching staff. He however says that the finance ministry had paid on 190 staff from Lira University, instead of 214 staff, asking them to rectify this. All staff from the public varsities had laid down tools over the same money, leaving students stranded. New York (AFP) - Toyota on Wednesday announced a recall of 1.7 million vehicles in North America as part of a general effort to replace defective Takata airbags tied to some 20 deaths worldwide. The Japanese auto manufacturer did not say whether it had been notified of injuries or serious incidents related to the latest recall. The sprawling recall concerned 4Runner SUVs from model years 2010 to 2016, Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks from 2010 to 2013 and Sienna minivans from 2011 to 2014. The recall also involves Luxury Lexus models: ES 350 sedans (2010-2012), GX 460 SUVs (2010-2017), IS 250C and IS 350C convertibles (2010-2015), IS 250 and IS 350 sedans (2010-2013) and Lexus IS-F sedans (2010-2014). Scion XB compacts from the 2010 to 2015 model years are also involved. Dealerships will replace either the airbag inflators or entire airbag systems. Last week, US automaker Ford recalled 953,000 vehicles to address Takata airbag problems. This is Toyota's third large-scale Takata-related recall in five months. In November, the firm recalled 1.6 million vehicles worldwide. US authorities in 2014 exposed the Takata airbag defect, which has since resulted in a series of massive recalls concerning at least 100 million units worldwide from multiple manufacturers. About 20 people have died in accidents linked to the defect while the number of wounded is near 300. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the Takata matter concerns 34 million vehicles and 46 million airbags in the United States but this could rise to 70 million by the end of 2019. Founded in 1933, Takata went of business in June 2017 because of the crisis. The company was finally acquired last April for $1.6 billion by the equipment maker Key Safety Systems, with the resulting entity renamed Joyson Safety Systems. Tapping stocks that come up with solid earnings is a common practice. But instead of picking them post earnings, investing in those that are like to beat market expectations may increase your gains manifolds. Why Is Positive Earnings Surprise So Important? Historically, stocks of companies with solid quarterly earnings (on a nominal basis) fall if they miss or just meet market expectations. After all, a 20% earnings rise (though it looks good apparently) doesnt tell you if earnings growth has been exhibiting a decelerating trend. If that is the case, the companys fundamentals are in question. There is also the factor of seasonal fluctuation. If a companys Q1 is seasonally weak and Q4 is strong, it is likely to report a sequential earnings decline. In such cases, growth rates are ambiguous while judging the companys true health. Meanwhile, Wall Street analysts study companies financials and initiatives to forecast earnings. They in fact club their insights and the companys guidance to arrive at an earnings estimate. So, outperforming that estimate is almost equivalent to beating the companys own expectation as well as market perception. And if the company manages to surpass earnings by a wide margin, it typically drives the stock higher right after the release. How to Find Those Gems? Since it is hard to predict if a company will beat or miss in the upcoming earnings season, investors can check its earnings surprise history. A notable track record generally acts as a tailwind. It revs up chances of beating estimates in the next release too as investors expect the company to use the same old trick to surpass expectations, or is smart enough to pull off a beat in the next release. The Winning Strategy In order to shortlist stocks that are likely to come up with an earnings surprise, we chose the following as our primary screening parameters. Last EPS Surprise greater than or equal to 10%: Stocks delivering positive surprise in the last quarter tend to surprise again. Story continues Average EPS Surprise in the last four quarters greater than 20%: We lifted the bar for outperformance slight higher by setting the average earnings surprise for the last four quarters at 20%. Average EPS Surprise in the last two quarters greater than 20%: This points to a more consistent surprise history and makes the case for another surprise even stronger. In addition, we place a few other criteria that push up the chance of a positive surprise. Zacks Rank less than or equal to 2: Only companies with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) rating can get through. Earnings ESP greater than zero: A stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of #1, 2 or 3 for an earnings beat to happen, as per our proven model. In order to zero in on those that have long-term growth potential and high trading liquidity we have added the following parameters too: Next 35 Years Estimated EPS Growth (Per Year) greater than 10%: Solid expected earnings growth exhibits the stocks long-term growth prospects. Average 20-day Volume greater than 100,000: High trading volume implies that the stocks have adequate liquidity. A handful of criteria have narrowed down the universe from over 7,700 stocks to around eight. Here are five of the eight stocks that passed the screen: BJ's Restaurants Inc. (BJRI): The company owns and operates restaurants, located in the United States. The stock belongs to a top-ranked Zacks sector (top 31%). It has a Zacks Rank #1. Restoration Hardware Holdings Inc. (RH): The company is a luxury brand in the home furnishings marketplace. The stock comes from a top-ranked Zacks sector (top 31%) and carries a Zacks Rank #1. Yelp Inc. (YELP): This is a website engaged in providing information through online community offering social networking. The stock has a Zacks Rank #1 and belongs to a top-ranked Zacks industry (top 42%). ArcBest Corporation (ARCB): This Zacks Rank #1 company provides freight transportation services and solutions. The stock has a Zacks Rank #1. It comes from a top-ranked Zacks industry (top 36%). Under Armour Inc. (UAA): The Zacks Rank #2 company is the originator of performance footwear, apparel and equipment, and belongs to a top-ranked Zacks industry (top 29%). You can get the rest of the stocks on this list by signing up now for your 2-week free trial to the Research Wizard and start using this screen in your own trading. Further, you can also create your own strategies and test them first before taking the investment plunge. The Research Wizard is a great place to begin. It's easy to use. Everything is in plain language. And it's very intuitive. Start your Research Wizard trial today. And the next time you read an economic report, open up the Research Wizard, plug your finds in, and see what gems come out. Click here to sign up for a free trial to the Research Wizard today. Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. Disclosure: Performance information for Zacks portfolios and strategies are available at: https://www.zacks.com/performance. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report ArcBest Corporation (ARCB) : Free Stock Analysis Report Yelp Inc. (YELP) : Free Stock Analysis Report BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (BJRI) : Free Stock Analysis Report Restoration Hardware Holdings Inc. (RH) : Free Stock Analysis Report Under Armour, Inc. (UAA) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research PC Partner Group Limited (HKG:1263), which is in the tech business, and is based in Hong Kong, saw significant share price movement during recent months on the SEHK, rising to highs of HK$3.84 and falling to the lows of HK$1.61. Some share price movements can give investors a better opportunity to enter into the stock, and potentially buy at a lower price. A question to answer is whether PC Partner Groups current trading price of HK$1.7 reflective of the actual value of the small-cap? Or is it currently undervalued, providing us with the opportunity to buy? Lets take a look at PC Partner Groups outlook and value based on the most recent financial data to see if there are any catalysts for a price change. Check out our latest analysis for PC Partner Group What is PC Partner Group worth? Good news, investors! PC Partner Group is still a bargain right now. In this instance, Ive used the price-to-earnings (PE) ratio given that there is not enough information to reliably forecast the stocks cash flows. I find that PC Partner Groups ratio of 1.2x is below its peer average of 8.8x, which suggests the stock is undervalued compared to the Tech industry. Whats more interesting is that, PC Partner Groups share price is quite stable, which could mean two things: firstly, it may take the share price a while to move to its intrinsic value, and secondly, there may be less chances to buy low in the future once it reaches that value. This is because the stock is less volatile than the wider market given its low beta. Can we expect growth from PC Partner Group? SEHK:1263 Future Profit January 9th 19 Investors looking for growth in their portfolio may want to consider the prospects of a company before buying its shares. Buying a great company with a robust outlook at a cheap price is always a good investment, so lets also take a look at the companys future expectations. However, with an extremely negative double-digit change in profit expected over the next couple of years, near-term growth is certainly not a driver of a buy decision. It seems like high uncertainty is on the cards for PC Partner Group, at least in the near future. Story continues What this means for you: Are you a shareholder? Although 1263 is currently undervalued, the negative outlook does bring on some uncertainty, which equates to higher risk. I recommend you think about whether you want to increase your portfolio exposure to 1263, or whether diversifying into another stock may be a better move for your total risk and return. Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping tabs on 1263 for some time, but hesitant on making the leap, I recommend you dig deeper into the stock. Given its current undervaluation, now is a great time to make a decision. But keep in mind the risks that come with negative growth prospects in the future. Price is just the tip of the iceberg. Dig deeper into what truly matters the fundamentals before you make a decision on PC Partner Group. You can find everything you need to know about PC Partner Group in the latest infographic research report. If you are no longer interested in PC Partner Group, you can use our free platform to see my list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential. To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. Tesco (TSCO.L), Britains largest supermarket chain, has begun stockpiling food in preparation for a possible disruptive no-deal Brexit. CEO Dave Lewis said on Thursday that sensible Brexit contingency planning is under way and Tesco is working with suppliers to stockpile goods. But Lewis warned that fresh food such as fruit and vegetables could not be stockpiled due to its shorter shelf life. Its hard to contingency for fresh food, where we cant stockpile, Lewis said. Like other retailers, wed be keen that there is no friction at the border given the UK imports half of the fresh food it eats. Britain is due to officially leave the EU on 29 March but has yet to approve a deal with the EU on future trading arrangements. It means the chances of a disorderly no-deal Brexit are rising. Under such a scenario, trade between Britain and the EU would revert to World Trade Organisation rules. This would involve more stringent customs checks and would likely slow trade flows by increasing the time taken to cross borders. Earlier this week, the government rehearsed a traffic jam of lorries in order to see what no-deal Brexit trade may look like. With delays likely, the government last month told UK supermarkets to begin stockpiling goods in preparation for a no deal Brexit. Storage warehouses warned in November that the UK was already running out of space to stockpile food as retailers rush to guard against unwanted disruption. Lewis comments came as Tesco announced a 2.2% rise in UK like-for-like sales over Christmas. For the third quarter as a whole, Tesco recorded comparable UK sales growth of 0.7%. Tesco shares were 0.8% higher. READ MORE: What a second Brexit referendum might look like With files from Press Association. Reportedly, Tencent Holdings TCEHY is planning to launch voice activated digital assistant service within its messaging platform, WeChat. Per Bloomberg, the service called Xiaowei will have features similar to Apples AAPL Siri. Notably, Tencent launched Xiaowei intelligent service in May 2017. Apart from voice, facial and image recognition, the service also offers a software development kit (SDK) for hardware developers. WeChat Voice Assistant to Provide Competitive Edge Tencents latest move is expected to provide it a competitive edge over the likes of Baidu BIDU, Alibaba BABA, Huawei and several other smaller companies offering voice assistants in China. The companys extensive ecosystem, driven by its stake in ride-hailing, food delivery, education, and search engine companies, is the key catalyst in this regard. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) powered voice assistant within WeChat is likely to drive the social platforms user base that currently exceeds more than 1 billion. Xiaowei will not only help WeChat users listen to music from Tencents own QQ Music service, but also order food or call cab for a ride due to links with third-party apps like Meituan Dianping and Didi Chuxing. Tencent Holding Ltd. Price and Consensus Tencent Holding Ltd. Price and Consensus | Tencent Holding Ltd. Quote The voice assistant will improve the companys position in the smart home market in China. Per Tencent, Xiaowei can also interact with various smart devices to control the adjustment of lighting, air conditioning and TV. Hence, WeChat users will now be able to control connected devices at home by using the voice assistant. Competition for Smart Home Dominance Heats Up In China Competition for dominating the smart home market is heating up in China. Notably, companies like JD.com JD, Baidu, Alibaba and Huawei are well ahead of Tencent in releasing solutions catering to this market. Other notable companies offering their smart home products include Lenovo, Mobvoi and Xiaomi in China. JD.com launched its DingDong device way back in 2015. Apart from offering usual services, the device lets users order goods from the ecommerce giants platform and track delivery status. Alibabas Tmall Genie, launched in July 2017, also help users buy products on its ecommerce platform through their voice and pay using Alipay. Reportedly, this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company has sold more than 1 million units since release. Per Bloomberg, Alibaba is also integrating its digital assistant into Mercedes-Benzes, Audis and Volvos in China. Baidu offers Xiaoyu powered by DuerOS, the companys voice-recognition software. Per Quartz, the device developed in partnership with Ainemo is equipped with a screen and camera that allows visual interface and video chat. The company also has a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Moreover, Huawei offers Xiaoyi that supports its AI Cube smart speaker and can also be found in its smartphones. Notably, Xiaoyi is only available in China. Despite its sprawling ecosystem, we believe Tencent will find it difficult to gain market share due to its late entrance. However, the companys efforts to diversify business will definitely lower exposure to core gaming that has been negatively impacted by stringent regulation in China. Tencent currently has a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). Story continues Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research In the past five trading days, telecom stocks witnessed an uptrend on cautious optimism as both the United States and China continued trade negotiations despite the undercurrents related to Huawei CFO, Meng Wanzhou. China also took certain decisive steps to ease some bottlenecks in the bilateral trade relations, as U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Chinese Vice Premier Liu are slated to conduct higher-level talks later this month. At the beginning of the year, a comprehensive e-commerce law went into effect in China. Further, the National Peoples Congress Standing Committee of China had started reviewing a draft foreign investment law. Both these laws are aimed to thwart intellectual property infringements and the forced transfer of foreign technology to Chinese companies through strict rules and regulations. The Communist nation has also lowered tariffs on U.S. cars from 40% to 15% for three months starting from the first week of January. In addition, China has stepped up the imports of soybean and has reportedly ordered more than 5 million tons of U.S. soybeans since December, while approving five genetically-modified crops for import. Meanwhile, incriminating documents related to the suspected ties of Huawei with two obscure companies, using which Meng allegedly deceived international banks into clearing transactions (worth millions of dollars) with Iran despite economic sanctions, had put the spotlight back on the extradition case. Although Huawei has maintained that equipment seller Skycom and shell company Canicula Holdings are independent entities, documents reveal that Huawei controlled both of them. While a high-level Huawei executive was reportedly Skycom's Iran manager, at least three Chinese-named individuals had signing rights for both Huawei and Skycom bank accounts in Iran. Furthermore, the documents reveal that Huawei conducted operations in Syria through Canicula. It remains to be seen how the trial pans out with these revelations and whether it derails the negotiation process. Regarding company-specific news, acquisitions, deployment of 5G services, technology collaborations and strategic corporate actions took the center stage over the past five trading days. Recap of the Weeks Most Important Stories 1. Motorola Solutions, Inc. MSI has acquired VaaS International Holdings, Inc., a data and image analytics firm, for $445 million in a combination of cash and equity. The transaction will expand Motorolas footprint in the command center software portfolio with the largest shareable database of vehicle location information. The acquired firm, with projected revenues of approximately $100 million in 2019, will form an integral part of Motorolas Services and Software segment. Over the years, Motorola has expanded its services installed base and is building an end-to-end public safety command center platform. Management expects this segment to grow at a faster rate than the other and drive meaningful operating margin expansion in 2019 and beyond. (Read more: Motorola Buys VaaS, Boosts Command Center Software Portfolio) 2. It appears that there is no respite for QUALCOMM Incorporated QCOM from legal battles related to its businesses. After a prolonged courtroom saga with Apple Inc. for patent infringement issues, Qualcomm is now bracing itself for the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's antitrust case for monopolistic trade practices. The California courtroom trial is likely to have a cascading effect on the smartphone industry across the globe and has attracted massive interest from all stakeholders, including Apple. In its appeal before the U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh, the government pleaded that Qualcomm used anti-competitive policies to drive sales of its smartphone chips. It alleged that Qualcomm followed no license, no chips trade policy, under which chips were only sold to those manufacturers that agreed to inflated patent licensing terms. The government agency further accused Qualcomm of using unfair trade practices and allegedly offering financial rebates to the iPhone maker for buying chips only from it, undermining competitive offers from rival Intel Corporation. (Read more: Qualcomm Braces for Legal Battle with US Antitrust Regulator) 3. Joining the 5G bandwagon, Sprint Corporation S has announced plans to launch commercial 5G smartphones in the market in first-half 2019 in collaboration with electronics firm Samsung. This is reportedly the third device unveiled by Sprint for its 5G network. The latest 5G Samsung smartphone to be launched by Sprint will offer dual-mode connectivity to both its LTE and 5G network supporting 2.5 GHz spectrum. For roaming facilities, the handset will support Sprint's 1.9 GHz spectrum (band 25), 800 MHz spectrum (band 26) and other LTE spectrum bands. (Read more: Sprint Joins 5G Smartphone Bandwagon With Samsung Mobile) 4. Backed by out-of-the-box thinking, AT&T Inc. T has evolved over the years from a telecom firm to a leading player in the U.S. communications sector with significant media assets. The company now aims to leverage the inherent potential of its advertising unit Xandr and WarnerMedias Turner business to offer enriching advertising content and data analysis to customers in 2019. The two business entities have now collaborated to improve the relevancy of advertising by pooling a unique set of assets valuable consumer data and insights, advanced advertising capabilities and engaged passionate fanbases. (Read more: AT&T to Offer Enriching Ads With Xandr-Turner Collaboration) 5. ARRIS International plc ARRS recently unveiled its SURFboard mAX Pro Mesh Wi-Fi System to enable consumers to better experience Gigabit Wi-Fi in every connected device throughout their homes. Notably, the system entails Gigabit service along with strong coverage by combining networking technologies such as Tri-band, Wi-Fi 6, 4x4 and Mesh to provide seamless connectivity. With this state-of-the art product, ARRIS aims to meet the growing demand for Gigabit and multi-Gigabit connectivity as consumers now seek high-speed Internet for all rooms in the house. The early availability of Wi-Fi 6 and mesh systems also offers a competitive edge to ARRIS in its continued efforts to reach a high-end market segment. (Read more: ARRIS Offers Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System for Better Home Connectivity) Price Performance The following table shows the price movement of some of the major telecom stocks over the past week and during the past six months. Story continues In the past five trading days, Juniper Networks, Inc. JNPR was the biggest gainer with its share price increasing 4.5%, while Qualcomm was the only decliner with its stock losing 1.4%. Over the past six months, Sprint has been the best performer with its stock appreciating 12.1%, while Harris Corporation HRS declined the most with its shares falling 8.6%. Over the past six months, the Zacks Telecommunications Services industry has inched up 0.6% while the S&P 500 fell 6.9%. Whats Next in the Telecom Space? In addition to continued product launches and deployment of 5G technologies, all eyes will remain glued to how the United States and China continue their negotiations for a long-term solution to the trade war. Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Juniper Networks, Inc. (JNPR) : Free Stock Analysis Report ARRIS International plc (ARRS) : Free Stock Analysis Report QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Harris Corporation (HRS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Motorola Solutions, Inc. (MSI) : Free Stock Analysis Report AT&T Inc. (T) : Free Stock Analysis Report Sprint Corporation (S) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research (Getty Images) The union representing about 15,000 semi-truck drivers is slamming an Ontario Trucking Association proposal to participate in a program that would allow freight carriers to bring in international workers to help fill a driver shortage. The OTA has asked the province to consider launching a pilot project through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (ONIP), which aims to fill labour shortages with skilled international workers. A similar program was launched by the previous Liberal government in 2017 focusing on attracting workers to specific jobs in the construction and agriculture sectors. The North American trucking industry has been grappling with a severe shortage of drivers over the last several years. According to a 2016 study conducted by the Trucking Alliance of Canada, the industry will be short 34,000 drivers by 2024. Teamsters Canada, the countrys largest transportation union, said in a news release that it was horrified by the OTAs proposal regarding the OINP, urging the organization to instead focus on hiking wages and improving working conditions to attract more workers to the industry. The union says non-union driver wages in Ontario have remained stagnant for close to 35 years. Trucking companies cant move overseas, so theyre trying to bring cheap labour to Canada, Francois Laporte, the president of Teamsters Canada, said in a news release. Instead of trying to suppress wage growth, the Ontario Trucking Association should be looking at ways to give truckers a big raise. Representatives from the OTA met with Premier Doug Ford, Transportation Minister Jeff Yurek and Economic Development Minister Todd Smith in December to discuss the driver shortage, as well as other issues facing the industry. While the pilot project through the OINP would not totally solve the industrys labour shortage, OTA president Stephen Laskowski said it is one of many potential solutions that could narrow the labour gap before it reaches a crisis. Story continues A spokesperson for Ontarios Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade said in an emailed statement earlier this week that the province is considering how the OINP can help alleviate the driver shortages. The union also called on the province to reduce the cost of obtaining truck driver licenses, saying most companies no longer cover the expense which can run upwards of $10,000. It also said the provincial government should make trucking a skilled trade, which would give prospective truckers access to grants and other subsidies. We are more than willing to sit down with the Ontario government to find solutions to these issues, said John McCann, the national director for the unions freight division, in a statement. Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. Beirut (AFP) - Syria's Kurds on Wednesday said they had captured eight alleged foreign jihadists including an American teenager in fighting against the Islamic State group. The eight, detained on Sunday and Monday, include a 16-year-old American as well as a German and a Russian, the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) said in a statement. Two are from Uzbekistan. The others are from Tajikistan, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. The YPG has spearheaded the battle against IS in eastern Syria, where they are close to flushing out the jihadists from their last pocket near the Iraqi border. They are the largest component in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who are backed by the US-led coalition against IS. The YPG published mugshots of the eight alleged foreign jihadist fighters, and gave the following names: - Adil Rahimov, 58, Uzbekistan - Farhad Qaderov, 28, Uzbekistan - Mohammad Dawlat, 22, Tajikistan - Askar Zarmanbetov, 27, Ukraine - Sattibek Oshibaev, 30, Kazakhstan - Bimuraev Begjan, 30, Russia - Lucas Glass, 31, Germany The name of the American teenager was withheld by AFP as he is a minor. The announcement comes after the SDF on Monday said they had captured two Americans among five alleged foreign jihadists on December 30. The Kurds in northeastern Syria say they hold around 1,000 foreign jihadist fighters, as well as 550 foreign women and 1,200 children who lived with them. They are from dozens of different nationalities and include a significant contingent from France, the main US partner in the coalition assisting Kurdish forces. The numbers of US jihadists held by the Kurds are believed to be small. The SDF, backed by coalition air strikes, in September launched an offensive to oust IS from the last rump of the once-sprawling "caliphate" it proclaimed in 2014. The Kurdish-led forces have since advanced slowly, but jihadists are clinging to a handful of villages on the eastern banks of the Euphrates River. The infection is spread by unprotected sex (Getty) Super gonorrhoea hit the headlines after a British tourist contracted a case described as the worlds worst in Thailand last year but the infection has now reached Britain. Two women have contracted the infection, with one believed to have been infected in the UK, according to Public Health England. Both women have since been cured after the infections were resistant to traditional treatments, and Public Health England is now investigating if the cases are linked. The infection is usually treated with the antibiotics ceftriaxone and azithromycin but the bacterium in these two cases was resistant to the drugs. MORE: Jayden Moodie murder: Police find the car used to knock down 14-year-old before stabbing MORE: Fund to find Madeleine McCann receives cash boost after parents company profits soar The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) warns that cases of extensively drug resistant gonorrhoea are on the rise. Experts have warned that theres a danger that the antibiotic-resistant strains could become untreatable (at least with our current arsenal of drugs), IFLScience warned. Dr Nick Phin, deputy director of the National Infection Service at Public Health England, said: Although these two cases of extensively resistant gonorrhoea have been successfully treated, contact tracing is under way to ensure there is no onward spread. Dr Elizabeth Kershaw-Yates, GP and one of the medical team at The STI Clinic, says, Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease, and like all sexually transmitted diseases it is on the rise in the UK for a number of factors, but the main one peoples reluctance to use barrier contraception ( condoms). This super resistant gonorrhoea was previously only thought to be outside the UK, in countries where people failed to get treated properly ( often through economic reasons rather than choice) but these cases in the UK are concerning. Both have had to have alternative treatments to the standard antibiotics. Story continues Due to the resistance in these bugs HPC UK now recommend all gonorrhoea is treated at Sexual Health Clinics, this allows not only proper treatment but ensures follow up of the patient to ensure cure. They are also well placed to carry out contact tracing to halt the spread of disease. The most important factors in the halt of these super bugs is to use protection when having sex and to have regular sexual health check ups as these bugs can be asymptomatic and then if you have antibiotics for another reason the bugs can mutate and start to become resistant to usual treatments. We would recommend a sexual health screen after every new partner ( whether barrier contraception is used or not) or at least every three months. Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae and spread by unprotected sex. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK In the end, our sun will look like this (Warwick University) Our sun is going to turn into a crystal sphere although we wont be around to see it, as itll happen in ten billion years. Long before that, the sun will have expanded into a red giant, consuming our planet in fire. As it cools, itll form a crystal white dwarf, with a crystal cores of metallic oxygen and carbon and there are millions of similar crystals out there. The first direct evidence of white dwarf stars solidifying into crystals has been discovered by astronomers at the University of Warwick, and our skies are filled with them. Crystallisation delays cooling processes, meaning that some stars could be billions of years older than previously thought The oldest white dwarfs, nearly the age of the Milky Way, are likely to be almost fully crystal Discovery published in Nature exactly fifty years after it was predicted. MORE: New supersonic airliner will fly people round the globe at 1,688mph for the same price as Business Class MORE: Fund to find Madeleine McCann receives cash boost after parents company profits soar They are the remaining cores of red giants after these huge stars have died and shed their outer layers and are constantly cooling as they release their stored up heat over the course of billions of years. Dr Pier-Emmanuel Tremblay from the University of Warwicks Department of Physics said, This is the first direct evidence that white dwarfs crystallise, or transition from liquid to solid. It was predicted fifty years ago that we should observe a pile-up in the number of white dwarfs at certain luminosities and colours due to crystallisation and only now this has been observed. All white dwarfs will crystallise at some point in their evolution, although more massive white dwarfs go through the process sooner. This means that billions of white dwarfs in our galaxy have already completed the process and are essentially crystal spheres in the sky. The Sun itself will become a crystal white dwarf in about 10 billion years. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK By Moses Kyeyune. Parliament of Uganda is once again set to host members of the public for a week long activities, to mark the parliament week for the year 2019. The deputy speaker of parliament, Jacob Oulanyah has this afternoon asked MPs to implore their voters take part in the activities. The activities which start on Monday next week, will be kick started with a charity walk championed by the speaker, aimed at fundraising for the Construction of an Albino Center, for persons with albinism. This years Parliament week, the third in the 10th Parliament will run under the theme, Championing Accountability to Improve Service Delivery. During the Week parliament will also hold a Corporate Social Responsibility drive to raise funds to buy trees towards mitigating the devastating effects of climate change. The hopper could jump between asteroids and moons in an ongoing exploration of the Solar System without needing to refuel - Getty Images Fee A steam-powered spacecraft which can hop between asteroids and moons indefinitely by mining water from beneath their surface, is being funded by Nasa. The space rock hopper has been designed to never run out of fuel because it uses steam as a propellant which it can harvest from wherever it lands. Dubbed the World is Not Enough spacecraft, or Wine, the machine has been developed by the University of Central Florida and the private space company Honeybee Robotics. To test the hopper, researchers simulated the surface of an asteroid to see if it could successfully extract water and create steam. Planetary research scientist Phil Metzger from the University of Central Florida said: Wine successfully mined the soil, made rocket propellant, and launched itself on a jet of steam extracted from the simulant. We could potentially use this technology to hop on the Moon, Ceres, Europa, Titan, Pluto, the poles of Mercury, asteroids - anywhere there is water and sufficiently low gravity. The spacecraft lifted off for about a meter inside a vacuum chamber at Honeybee's Pasadena facility. The Wine space hopper It is designed to fly on and around bodies that have less gravity on Earth, so it could bounce to several miles on a moon like Europa, or it could leave an asteroid and blast off to its next target. Currently space missions are limited by fuel, but the spacecraft uses deployable solar panels to get enough energy for mining and making steam so it can refuel wherever it goes, allowing for continued exploration . Wine was designed to never run out of propellant so exploration will be less expensive, added Dr Metzger. It also allows us to explore in a shorter amount of time since we don't have to wait for years as a new spacecraft travels from Earth each time. The project is a result of the Nasa Small Business Technology Transfer programme, which encourages universities to partner with tech companies. The project has been a collaborative effort between NASA, academia, and industry; and it has been a tremendous success," said Kris Zacny, vice president of Honeybee Robotics. These spacecrafts have the potential to change how we explore the universe. Las Vegas (AFP) - Once confined to the realms of science fiction, near real-time translation devices that whisper discreetly into your ear during a conversation are finally coming of age thanks to leaps in artificial intelligence and cloud computing. An array of companies at the Consumer Electronics Show are promoting increasingly sophisticated devices that allow people speaking different languages to converse with the help of hand-held devices or wireless earpieces. Waverly Lab's "Pilot" headphones translate 15 languages and are priced from $180 and $250. If each person in a conversation is wearing a Pilot, they can speak directly to one another using their own language. During a brief demonstration in Las Vegas, an AFP journalist speaking French was ably translated into the ears of English-speaking Andrew Ochoa, boss of Waverly Labs. The company was founded in 2014 in New York. Translation work was routed to the cloud by Ochoa's smartphone, where an application can also create a written transcription of a conversation. Computer power in online data centers interpret what is said, and send the appropriate translations to listeners taking part in conversations, Ochoa explained. As a result, there could be lag of a few seconds to allow for interpretations. - Machine learning - Universal translators have long been a fixture of science fiction, from shows like "Star Trek" to the babel fish that sits inside the ear canal and feeds off brain wave energy in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." But they have only recently become viable in the real world thanks to the increasing power and speed of mobile devices, machine learning, and wireless connections. "We apply some features of AI, such as machine learning and neural network, to translation models," Ochoa said. "Those technologies have matured enough to make this possible." Software neural networks can be trained to understand phrases even if words are new to them, eliminating the need to feed entire dictionaries into systems. Story continues Some 35,000 pairs of Pilot headphones have sold in less than a year, with customers including businesses such as hotels with keen need to engage customers speaking various languages, according to Ochoa. China-based TimeKettle was at CES with WT2 earbuds that worked in a way similar to Pilot. A Pocketalk device being shown off here by Japanese firm Sourcenext took smartphones out of the translation equation and hoped to be a hit during the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. "We realized that, thinking about the 2020 Olympics, many Japanese only speak Japanese," said Sourcenext spokesman Richard Gallagher. Pocketalk, which appeared reminiscent of an early-generation mobile phone, could translate 74 languages and was priced at $299, according to Gallagher. "Thanks to machine learning, it progressively understands you better; your pronunciation," he said. "It can adapt to the user." Gallagher noted strong sales, with particularly heavy in retail, taxi, hotel or restaurant operations. Chinese company iFlytex, a heavyweight in AI and voice recognition in Asia, presented a Translator 2.0 at the show capable of translating between Chinese and 30 other languages. The latest Translator model was priced about $400. Netherlands-based Travis laid claim to the first pocket-sized translation device infused with AI, and boasted having already sold 120,000 devices. Internet giant Google meanwhile offers free translation software that ties up with its Pixel earbuds launched two years ago. This week at CES, Google announced it was building translation capabilities into an array of new products through its virtual assistant software. Steve Coogans latest film, Stan & Ollie, works on several levels as an entertaining movie about the lives of Laurel & Hardy, as a loving tribute to two iconic comedy legends, and as a deconstruction of comedy itself. This week, when Coogan introduced a special screening of the film for some of the most iconic British funny folk of the past 30 years including Frank Skinner, Richard Herring, and Iain Lee he made the point that comedy unites us all, so maybe we should laugh at Brexit. With This Time With Alan Partridge set to have a Me Too episode, does Coogan think that theres anything comedians shouldnt joke about or laugh about? No I dont, actually, Coogan told Yahoo Movies UK. You can do comedy about any subject, its not about what you can or cant do, its about the underlying attitude of your comedy. As a rule, comedy can be powerful and used to shine a light on things, but you should punch up and not down, and you should attack those who are empowered and not those who are disempowered. Stan & Ollie director Jon S. Baird says Martin Scorsese acted as a mentor on Laurel & Hardy biopic (exclusive) If you take the lesson of Laurel and Hardy, their work never traded in contemporary references or the current issues of the day, Reilly said. They dealt in things that were eternal. How do we get this box up these stairs? Something that someone in Cairo, or Buenos Aires, or Tokyo could relate to. These are not things that are related to national identity or religion, or contemporary culture, these are timeless things and thats the comedy that lasts. Their comedy will be remembered in 100 years time, Coogan agreed. If you do contemporary comedy youre always going to be rooted in the time you do it in. Stan & Ollie were around in the time of fascism in Europe, the Great Depression in America, you have to remind yourself of that when you watch it, whats going on while theyre doing these funny films. The reason they last is because they exist in their own bubble, but that bubble is redolent of the perennial human condition that never changes. Story continues Stan & Ollie is in UK cinemas tomorrow. Watch a trailer below. Read more Martin Scorseses favourite moment in Stan & Ollie (exclusive) Steve Coogan defends unfairly treated train passengers John C. Reilly spent hours in make-up to transform into Oliver Hardy MBABANE/GABORONE/HARARE (Reuters) - Botswana and the Kingdom of eSwatini, formerly Swaziland, have suspended meat imports from South Africa while Zimbabwe is in the process of setting up a ban due to the outbreak of the highly contagious foot and mouth disease. The disease, which causes lesions and lameness in cattle and sheep, was detected in a northern district of Limpopo province, South Africa's agriculture department announced this week. eSwatini, which is heavily reliant on South Africa for food, and Botswana on Wednesday announced that they would ban products from cloven hoofed animals, joining Namibia which had suspended imports with immediate effect. "We have strengthened our surveillance in collaboration with security agents and customs officials in all border posts," Xolani Dlamini, director of veterinary services at the agriculture ministry, told Reuters late on Wednesday. Botswana's Agricultural Ministry said it would also halt the movement of cloven hoofed animals and their products from South Africa as well as transiting those products through Botswana. Botswana is one of the largest beef exporters to the EU but has often suspended sales in the past due to foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks. Zimbabwe's Agriculture Minister Perrance Shiri told Reuters that they were also in the process of banning affected meat and livestock imports from South Africa but would give more detail in a statement later on Thursday. "We are in the process of doing that. It's going to be effective from today," said Shiri. Foot and mouth disease does not affect humans but poses a threat to cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, goats and sheep. (Reporting by Lunga Masuku, MacDonald Dzirutwe; writing by Tanisha Heiberg and Jason Neely) The partial shutdown of the United States government affects far more than the 800,000 federal workers who are either furloughed or working without pay. The impact of the shutdown is radiating throughout the economy, and some areas of government that remain open will soon run out of funds. There's no clear end in sight for the shutdown, with President Donald Trump insisting he won't sign any spending bill that does not include funding for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Democrat-controlled House, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has been equally resolute, saying it won't pass funding bills that include money for a border wall. For the American people, the cost of this impasse is enormous -- and growing by the day. The ongoing shutdown could cost as much as $13 billion a month, or $430 million a day, according to new analysis by The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. That figure includes unpaid wages for government workers and federal income assistance programs that may soon run dry. "I was definitely surprised by how large the figure was," said The Ascent research analyst Kamran Rosen in a statement. "Our estimates are looking at just two sources of economic activity, not even including lots of smaller agencies and offices that are fully or partially shut down." dome of the US capitol building and American flag in black and white The impact of the partial government shutdown will grow if it continues. Image source: Getty Images. Here comes the pain? If you're not a federal worker, the impact of the shutdown may not be obvious to you. That will change if the shutdown continues. The next major hit will come in February when the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) runs out of money. SNAP, which falls under the Department of Agriculture, provides food assistance for low- and no-income Americans (mostly families with children). If it can't meet its obligations in February, many of the 40 million people it serves will go hungry. "For SNAP benefits alone we're looking at a loss of over $5 billion a month nationwide," Rosen said. Story continues In addition to the nation's poor, small-business owners are likely to be hit hard by a prolonged shutdown. If Americans who count on federal aid don't receive it, consumption will decrease nationwide. The housing market could also feel the pain: Unpaid federal workers may miss mortgage payments, and the processing of new loans through the Federal Housing Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs will likely slow down. "I think while many Americans understand on a conceptual basis the government shutdown will affect them, the size of the economic impact has gone largely undiscussed," Rosen said. What can you do? Whether you are directly or indirectly affected by the shutdown, there's very little you can do. If you're experiencing a loss in income because of the shutdown, you should certainly communicate with anyone you have a financial relationship with. Mortgage and credit card companies prefer proactive customers. You can generally make a better deal or stave off negative consequences if you communicate instead of ignoring the problem. If you are unaffected by the shutdown, it's important to be sympathetic toward those that are. Having $13 billion taken out of the economy in this fashion will tax non-profits trying to help, and many were struggling before this latest blow. Consider how you might help your neighbors. That could mean shopping in an area that normally caters to now-furloughed workers or donating to area charities. It could be as simple as having someone over for dinner to show your support during what will be a tough time for far more Americans than the 800,000 federal workers directly impacted. It's also important -- even if it feels futile -- to let your representatives in Congress know how you feel and how you're being affected. You can find the contact information of the lawmakers who represent you on websites such as NationalPriorities.org. While one person may not change anything, the voices of hundreds of thousands of voters will be heard. More From The Motley Fool The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Scientists want to spice up the tomato. A recently published study in Trends in Plant Science says tomatoes are an excellent vehicle to produce capsaicinoids, the element that adds heat to peppers. And theyre planning to give it a try. The lowly tomato, it turns out, has the full suite of genes necessary to pave the way for hot tomatoes, though scientists note that it could be a difficult process. Spicy foods are popular throughout the world. And food manufacturers have been quick to capitalize on that, putting out everything from a spicy Snickers bar to Tabasco whisky to hot chicken wing Oreos. Assuming these experiments come to fruition, the spicy tomato could open up new culinary possibilities. It could allow the development of new functional foods appealing to a wide range of consumers, the authors of the study wrote. Beyond any foodie perks, theres a practical reason behind the research. Capsaicinoids are inconsistent in peppers, often fluctuating due to conditions like cultivation methods, environmental factors and viruses. Using tomatoes as a vessel could create an easier way to produce large quantities of capsaicinoids, making them more readily available and perhaps less expensive, ultimately. Riyadh (AFP) - OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia will slash its oil exports in January by 10 percent compared to November, its energy minister said Wednesday as producers move to shore up tumbling prices. Khalid al-Falih said the kingdom, the world's top crude supplier, would cut its exports to 7.2 million barrels per day in January, down from 8.0 million bpd in November. He also announced a further 100,000 bpd cut in February. OPEC and its allies decided last month to cut their overall output by 1.2 million bpd starting in January, to boost prices hit by a supply glut and fears demand could plummet. Falih said Saudi production had fallen to 10.2 million bpd, down from the roughly 11 million bpd it was pumping when oil producers decided to end a production cut deal in May. "We are serious about restoring balance to the market," Falih told a press conference in Riyadh held to announce that the kingdom's vast oil reserves are even bigger than previously thought. "We are concerned about volatility in the oil market," he said. "We have seen peaks and drops in prices (that are) completely unjustified by the fundamentals." After Brent crude hit $85 a barrel in early October, prices dived more than 40 percent over the following two months due to oversupply and fears of a trade war between the United States and China that could slash energy demand. But prices have partially rebounded in the past few days after a new deal, in which OPEC and non-OPEC oil producers agreed to trim output by 1.2 million bpd, came into effect in January. That figure is "more than sufficient to bring balance to the market," said Falih, adding that the production cut would trim excess supply from the market. Saratoga Investment (SAR) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.65 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.55 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.54 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items. This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 18.18%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this business development company would post earnings of $0.54 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.69, delivering a surprise of 27.78%. Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times. Saratoga Investment, which belongs to the Zacks Financial - SBIC & Commercial Industry industry, posted revenues of $12.83 million for the quarter ended November 2018, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8.20%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $9.53 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates four times over the last four quarters. The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call. Saratoga Investment shares have added about 9.6% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 2.7%. What's Next for Saratoga Investment? While Saratoga Investment has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock? There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately. Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions. Story continues Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Saratoga Investment was favorable. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to outperform the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $0.57 on $12.25 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $2.46 on $46 million in revenues for the current fiscal year. Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Financial - SBIC & Commercial Industry is currently in the bottom 35% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Saratoga Investment Corp (SAR) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Sarah Paulson and Samuel L Jackson demonstrated their sartorial prowess at last nights premiere of Glass in London [Photo: Getty] While the nation caved in to another night with nothing but Netflix on the agenda, some of the film industrys biggest names pulled out all the fashion stops on the red carpet. With awards season well underway, it was the starry cast of 2019 superhero flick Glasss turn to prove their sartorial prowess at the films London premiere. First up, actress Sarah Paulson who plays Dr Ellie Staple in the movie reminded us why she was one of the biggest style muses of 2018 in a flame-dipped hot pink dress by go-to label Prada. Sarah Paulson braved the capitals wintry evening with a cropped jacket draped over her shoulders [Photo: Getty] Not one to hide behind the sartorial safety zone, the 44-year-old accessorised the ensemble with an aqua-hued Edie Parker clutch, jewelled Irene Neuwirth earrings and an Insta-worthy assortment of co-ordinating rings. Known for her love of Prada, the actress stole the spotlight in yet another one of the fashion houses designs [Photo: Getty[ But it was her hair that really stole the spotlight, as the actress wore her cropped blonde locks in multiple neon bobbles a sure-fire sign that 90s accessorises are here to stay for SS19. The actress wore her cropped locks in multiple neon bobbles a sure-fire sign that hair accessories are major news this season [Photo: Getty] In a final bid for fashion points, she braved the capitals wintry weather with a chic cropped jacket thrown over her shoulders in true blogger-inspired finesse. Meanwhile, Samuel L. Jackson, 70, proved men can tackle the red carpet with just as much flair in a statement-making corduroy suit a far cry from the traditional tux. Is purple the new millennial pink? Samuel L. Jackson opted for a corduroy co-ord on the red carpet last night [Photo: Getty] A matching beanie, polo neck and box-fresh trainers finished the look and were suddenly beginning to consider ditching millennial pink in favour of the lavender hue Split star James McAvoy also graced the red carpet in a failsafe Prada suit while co-star Anya Taylor-Joy made a name for herself in the fashion circuit wearing Saint Laurent plucked from the SS19 collection. Anya Taylor-Joy sought inspiration from the Saint Laurent runway for the premiere of Glass [Photo: Getty] Seeking inspiration fresh from the runway, she finished the look with a slick satin headpiece. But with A-listers gearing up for the SAG Awards, BAFTAs and Oscars in the coming months, theres sure to be a hefty dose of celebrity style inspiration heading your way Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for non-stop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyleUK. Story continues Read more from Yahoo Style UK: From Taylor Swift to Claire Foy, the best Golden Globe after party outfits Golden Globes 2019: All the celebrity red carpet fashion Best dressed Brits: January 2019s top celebrity fashion By Benjamin Jumbe. The electoral commission is yet to conclude verification of documents and signatures submitted by Maj Gen Muntu New formation Gen Muntu towards end of last year embarked on the process of registering his own political party with the Electoral Commission (EC) by submitting the required documents and signatures. Now speaking to Kfm the commissions spokesperson Jotham Taremwa says they continue receiving reports from the various districts with verification of signatures undergoing. He is hopeful that the process will soon be concluded and the public will be informed accordingly On September 27, while unveiling the New Formation, a consultative forum that is set to transition into a political party, Gen Muntu had expressed confidence that his new party would be launched not later than Christmas time Related Stories.. Muntu forms new party after quitting FDC Not only will Samsung be showing off the Galaxy S10 in three flavors next month, but the company will also be unveiling a "fully functional" version of its folding smartphone, according to The Wall Street Journal. After months of anticipation, rumors, and unofficially leaked "prototypes," Samsung has finally announced an official release date for the collection, and it's earlier than expected. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Instead of debuting the lineup at the Mobile World Congress at the end of February like speculators have been predicting, the company actually scheduled a unique event for the launch called "Unpacked," which will take place on Wednesday, February 20 in San Francisco. The suspected variants are expected to differ in size and price, though no official specs have surfaced. A fourth 5G-supported S10 model will likely be unveiled in the springtime, though likewise, we're waiting for confirmation. The star of the event will certainly be the Galaxy F which unfolds into a small tablet. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that the size of the display when unfolded would be seven inches diagonally. In any case, most -- if not all -- of these questions and speculations will be answered in just over a month's time. The Radio 2 presenter said a man shouted homophobic abuse at him in the street. (PA Images) Rylan Clark-Neal shared a harrowing encounter on Thursday via Twitter. The upcoming Radio 2 host and former Big Brothers Bit on the Side host revealed that a man had shouted a homophobic slur at him in the street. Clark-Neal wrote that a stranger shouted F*** Off You F****t at me, on Great Portland Street, London. And in the same tweet he called the unknown person a pr*** and included a hilarious Friends GIF along with: When I shouted you what at you and you run away. you run like phoebe in friends The GIF shows the quirky Friends character Phoebe Buffay, played by Lisa Kudrow, erratically running through a park. The television personality, who currently has over 1.5 million Twitter followers, has been widely praised by his followers for his tweet. One user wrote: I dont care how famous you are or are not, NO ONE deserves to have this shouted at them I am utterly appalled while another replied with: This still goes on a lot in the LBTG community. Im sick of it. Clark-Neal posted the above tweet on Thursday. (Twitter) This is not the first time Clark-Neal has spoken about encountering homophobia. He recalled on This Morning last year that he had an interview cut during his 2018 Eurovision hosting duties because the country he was interviewing deemed him too gay. I did Eurovision a few weeks back and to be fair, you cant get a gayer show than Eurovision. But I did one interview out there with a country, I wont say which country it was, and the BBC had a phone call from that channel that the interview was for, saying Were not going to use that interview because we thought it was too provocative, or something like that, he explained. I thought, How could I have been provocative? So what they did, the BBC looked at it back, we had a representative there looking back at it as well, and all I will say is there is an issue which happened in that country in EurovisionWe believe, I believe, and I have to say its my words only, but it was because of my sexuality; because they knew I was gay, he added. Story continues Rylan Clark-Neal is set to replace Zoe Ball on her Saturday afternoon slot on Radio 2 later this month. Read more Matt Willis reveals substance abuse began aged 7 Holly Willoughby shares exploding sloths theory Sophie Turner calls Piers Morgan a t**t MOSCOW (Reuters) - The head of Russian space agency Roscosmos said on Thursday he wanted NASA to explain why it had abruptly canceled his planned visit to the United States, blaming the move on political infighting in Washington. Dmitry Rogozin, who is under U.S. sanctions, was scheduled to visit next month at NASA's invitation. But NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine told The Washington Post last week that the invitation had been rescinded at the request of U.S. senators. "It's a disgrace, this is illegal, and complete international lawlessness," Rogozin told the Rossiya-24 state TV channel. Several U.S. senators were reported to be deeply unhappy about the prospect of Rogozin being allowed to visit the United States despite his being on a sanctions list over his support for his country's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region. Rogozin said NASA appeared to have fallen victim to a conflict between Congress and President Donald Trump. Pro-Kremlin politicians often say that they believe Trump is seeking to improve relations with Moscow, but is being held back by anti-Russian lawmakers. "I think that America is now consumed by what is essentially its second civil war," Rogozin said, commenting on why his visit had been canceled. "(What happened) ... is a piece of the battle between Congress and Trump, and NASA in this particular case is a victim of this battle. "We are waiting for our colleagues to calm down. We are waiting for an explanation." Despite the snub, Rogozin said he remained open to cooperation with the United States in the sphere of space and invited NASA's Bridenstine to come to Russia for talks on how the two agencies could work together in future, something he said both countries needed. (Reporting by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Andrew Osborn) Moscow (AFP) - Russian military police have begun patrolling around the Syrian city of Manbij, a spokesman said Tuesday, moving into an area once held by US-backed Kurdish forces. Russian forces are acting in support of Syrian government troops who recently deployed around Manbij, in Aleppo province near the border with Turkey. Kurdish fighters, fearing a Turkish military assault, invited regime forces to Manbij late last month after US President Donald Trump's shock announcement of a full American withdrawal from Syria. Speaking in a report on Rossiya 24 television, Russian military police spokesman Yusup Mamatov said MPs had started patrolling "the security zone around Manbij". "The task is to ensure security in the area of responsibility (and) to monitor the situation and movements of armed formations," Mamatov said. The report said Russian military police would be deployed in the area "on a regular basis". It showed a group of around a dozen khaki-clad armed military police driving through villages in jeeps and lorries flying the Russian flag. A separate report on Channel One television said military police were patrolling just a few kilometres from Manbij. It said the police would "establish dialogue with local residents" who could report if they found caches of weapons or unexploded munitions. Critics have warned Trump that an abrupt US withdrawal from Syria would allow allies of President Bashar al-Assad's regime -- including Russia and Iran -- to increase their influence in the country. About 2,000 US troops, mainly special forces, are deployed in Syria to work with local fighters in the battle against the Islamic State group. Kurdish fighters formed the backbone of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which seized Manbij from IS in 2016. They withdrew from the town earlier this month after Trump's announcement. Trump has in recent days sought to calm fears of an abrupt US pullout, saying any withdrawal would be done in a "prudent" manner. It was not clear how close the Russian patrols may have been to areas where US forces are deployed. Syria's Kurdish minority has largely stayed out of the seven-year civil war, but controls large parts of the north and northeast, much of it seized in the US-supported campaign against IS. Jerusalem (AFP) - A newly-opened highway into Jerusalem divides Israeli and Palestinian drivers into separate lanes with a wall, leading Palestinians to label it an "apartheid road". Route 4370, which winds for several kilometres (miles) northeast of Jerusalem, consists of two separate two-way roads divided by a wall topped with fencing. Israeli public security minister Gilad Erdan, who attended the road's inauguration on Wednesday, called it "an example of the ability to create shared life between Israelis and Palestinians, while meeting the existing security challenges." He was referring to Palestinian attacks against Israelis, which in recent years have included sometimes deadly car-rammings and stabbings. Israeli officials say the road will ease heavy traffic in the Jerusalem area for residents of settlements in the West Bank, occupied by Israel for more than 50 years. The long-term goal is to provide settlers with another route to allow them to access Jerusalem more directly, said Aviv Tatarsky of Israeli NGO Ir Amim, which opposes settlement expansion. Many residents of nearby settlements work in Jerusalem. But Palestinians travelling between the north and south of the West Bank would have to change course and some Palestinian villages would find themselves further isolated from Jerusalem, said Tatarsky. Mohammed Abu Zaid, administrative director of the local council for Al-Zaim, a Palestinian village on the other side of the wall, fears that the journey from his village to the city will be lengthened by some eight kilometres (five miles) if the project is completed. - 'Apartheid road'? - Palestinians and Israelis often share roads in the West Bank, although some are reserved exclusively for Israelis. But a Palestine Liberation Organisation official joined others who have called it "the first apartheid road" and voiced fears it could create a precedent. For Tatarsky, the road is also part of a push to incorporate Israeli settlements near Jerusalem more closely into the city, he said. Story continues Maale Adumim, a settlement with more than 40,000 residents on the eastern outskirts of Jerusalem, could become a suburb like any other, he said. Israeli settlements are seen as illegal under international law and major obstacles to peace as they are built on land the Palestinians want as part of a future state. Some 450,000 settlers live in the West Bank alongside more than 2.5 million Palestinians. Jerusalem is already cut off from the West Bank by Israel's separation barrier, built during the bloody second Palestinian intifada. Israel says the barrier is necessary for security, but for Palestinians it has become a symbol of the occupation. Ahmed Mohammed al-Qaysi, a Palestinian driver for the Al-Zaim local council, does not have permission from Israel to cross the separation barrier and enter Jerusalem, like many Palestinians in the West Bank. Still, he sees an advantage with the new road. Infrastructure is a problem in the West Bank, where Palestinians say they have been unable to build adequate infrastructure due to Israeli restrictions. Qaysi says the road has cut his journey to the neighbouring village of Anata to a few minutes instead of half an hour or more. A Republican senator has said US government workers are being held hostage to a political dispute, in the most outspoken criticism yet from within Donald Trumps party of the federal shutdown. Lisa Murkowski said there was no good reason for a deadlock that has left hundreds of thousands of public workers suffering without pay for three weeks as the president continues to demanding funding for a border wall. Her comments came as eight House Republicans broke ranks to vote with Democrats to pass a spending bill that would reopen shuttered government departments without financing the wall. Ms Murkowski has previously indicated she would back the bill, although it remains unlikely it will pass the Senate. The Alaska senator said: I continue to stress that there is no good reason for a shutdown. The reality is thousands of federal employees and contractors have no pay cheque in sight, small businesses that rely on them are suffering and theres no reason they should be held hostage to a political dispute. Its important that we continue the debate on how we address border security and address the presidents top priorities, but its possible to provide for security and to address the humanitarian crisis on our border, while still doing our jobs to keep the government fully functional. Ms Murkowski is one of three Republican senators who have publicly declared support for ending the shutdown without funding a $5.7bn (4.5bn) wall on the southern US border. But Mitch McConnell, majority leader in the Republican-controlled Senate, has refused to bring any bill to the floor unless Mr Trump is willing to sign it off. On Wednesday the president walked out of talks at the White House after Democrats reiterated that they would not release funding for the wall, which was one of Mr Trumps key 2016 election promises. Before the meeting, Mr Trump suggested the government shutdown that has left 800,000 federal employees unpaid was a blessing in disguise for focussing attention on immigration. Story continues White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told Fox News on Wednesday that Mr Trump was still considering a declaration of a national emergency to circumvent congress and redirect government funds towards the wall. He has previously said he would be willing to prolong partial closure of six federal government departments for months or even years. Support free-thinking journalism and subscribe to Independent Minds But there are signs that Republicans in congress are growing increasingly concerned about the effects of the shutdown. On Wednesday eight House Republicans sided with Democrats to back a bill that would reopen agencies including the Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service, and Small Business Administration. The three senators who have signalling their willingness to break ranks all face battles to re-elected next year. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein will reportedly leave the Trump administration as soon as attorney general nominee William Barr is confirmed. According to multiple reports, Rosenstein has informed President Trump of his upcoming departure after a tumultuous tenure at the Justice Department. Barrs confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee will kick off next week on January 15. A confirmation vote would likely come in mid-February. Rosenstein has had an anything but easy relationship with the president since May, 2017, when he appointed Special Counsel Robert Mueller to conduct the investigation into the Trump campaigns ties to Russia. The New York Times reported last year that the deputy attorney general had floated secretly taping the president and ousting him through the 25th Amendment, sparking speculation on whether Trump would fire him. Trump forced out former Attorney General Jeff Sessions in November after frequently griping about his recusal from the Russia probe, leaving it in the hands of Rosenstein. Acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker, a critic of the investigation, is currently overseeing the special counsel. The president has often complained about the investigation and claimed the Justice Department and FBI exhibited bias against his campaign and administration. More from National Review By Ritah Kemigisa The ministry of health has confirmed the outbreak of Cholera in kaboowa, Rubaga division with the number of patients with the disease increasing from two to seven. The revelation has been made by the minister for Primary Health Care Dr Moriku Kaducu while addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Center. Kaducu however says 16 suspected cholera patients, four of whom are children are currently admitted at the isolation center at Naguru hopsital. She adds that eight suspected patients have since been discharged while others are still being under surveillance at the hospital. Kaducu meanwhile says one person has so far died from the disease outbreak while another succumbed to Diarrhea. ABC/Randy HolmesChance the Rapper is standing in solidarity with victims of sexual assault, by calling out his friends and frequent collaborators for their alleged misconduct. On Wednesday, the Chicago lyricist hopped on Twitter to address the allegations recently levied against his known associates over the course of the past several weeks. "In the past 2 days I've heard too many stories of domestic abuse, sexual violence and rape perpetrated by [people] I called friends," the Coloring Book rapper tweeted. "I am ashamed of y'all." He continued, "These stories will be amplified and your victims will receive the justice they deserve." Although Chance did not specifically name any of the "friends" in his tweet, it can be assumed that he was referring to "Juke Jam" collaborator Towkio, who is currently facing rape allegations. On Monday, a woman took to Twitter to share graphic details about an alleged incident in which the WWW. artist attempted to coerce her into having sex with him during a 2011 encounter. The same woman claimed that she also was sexually assaulted by Chance's drummer, Stix, during a separate interaction. Chance's recent statement arrives on the heels of him addressing the Surviving R. Kelly documentary and the numerous allegations brought against the R&B crooner. As previously reported, Chano stated that he now feels that working with R. Kelly was a "mistake." Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. WASHINGTON (AP) Law enforcement forces in Venezuela have detained and tortured military personnel accused of plotting against the government of President Nicolas Maduro, according to two prominent human rights organizations. Human Rights Watch and the Venezuelan non-governmental group Foro Penal said in a joint report released Wednesday that authorities in the South American country have also detained and tortured family members of some suspects in an effort to locate them. The Associated Press asked the Ministry of Interior for a comment but did not get one immediately. The Venezuelan government has denied previous reports of tortures and said it properly protects human rights. The report was released as international pressure is building on Maduro, who is preparing to be sworn in Thursday for a second, six-year term considered illegitimate by the U.S. and more than a dozen regional governments. The report analyzed 12 cases from 2017 and 2018 that involve 32 people, including military officers of different ranks and civilians accused of plotting against the government, as well as family members of some suspects. "The Venezuelan government has brutally cracked down on members of the military accused of plotting against it," said Jose Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch. "In some cases they are also going after their families or other civilians when they can't find the suspects." The report said members of the military intelligence or the political police carried out most of the arrests. Detainees reported abuses such as brutal beatings, asphyxiation, cutting the soles of their feet with a razor blade, electric shocks, food deprivation, forbidding them to go to the bathroom and death threats. Vivanco said the information in the report was gathered directly from detainees or their relatives. Researchers either asked questions over the phone to persons living in Venezuela or interviewed military officers and their families that had already left the country. Story continues Also, lawyers from Foro Penal counseled some detainees in their court proceedings. Both groups said the alleged abuses fit a pattern shown by the Venezuelan security agencies during the crackdown of street demonstrations in 2014 and 2017. Since 2014, Human Rights Watch said it has documented more than 380 cases of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment against government opponents or perceived opponents, including at least 31 cases of torture in Venezuela. More than 12,800 people have been arrested since 2014 in connection with anti-government protests including more than 800 civilians prosecuted by military courts since 2017 according to Foro Penal. But the groups said no high-ranking official has been held accountable. "Impunity for human rights crimes in Venezuela is deliberate," said Gonzalo Himiob Santome Foro Penal director. The Prague-based CASLA Institute, headed by Venezuelan lawyer Tamara Suju, said last month she has brought before the U.N.'s International Criminal Court reports of 536 victims of torture in Venezuela since 2014, including 106 from 2018. Six nations last year made the unprecedented move of asking the ICC to investigate Venezuela for possible crimes against humanity. Venezuela is among nine preliminary probes opened by the ICC prosecutors. ----- AP correspondents in Caracas Jorge Rueda and Fabiola Sanchez collaborated with this story. ___ Luis Alonso Lugo on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/luisalonsolugo Rep. Steve King, who has long courted controversy, has now courted a new opponent: a prominent Republican challenger will vie against him in 2020. Iowa state Sen. Randy Feenstra, who helped lead an effort last year to approve massive tax cuts in Iowa, said Wednesday that he'll seek the GOP nomination for King's 4th Congressional District. King won re-election two months ago, after an unusually close race for the longtime House member. Feenstra did not mention King by name in his emailed announcement, but tacitly acknowledged the staunch conservative member of Congress, who's made offensive remarks on immigration, multiculturalism and other issues. King has previously dismissed the criticism. Today, Iowas 4th District doesnt have a voice in Washington, because our current representatives caustic nature has left us without a seat at the table, Feenstra said in a statement. We dont need any more sideshows or distractions, we need to start winning for Iowas families. King says Feenstra is 'easily swayed by the left' King has not indicated publicly whether he'll seek re-election in 2020, but he didn't hold back his feelings about Feenstra's run. An emailed statement sent by Jeff King, the congressman's son and employee, began by claiming that Feenstra told Jeff King in late December that he "would never" run against the elder King. Steve King's statement added: "Today, misguided political opportunism, fueled by establishment puppeteers, has revealed that Mr. Feenstra is easily swayed by the lies of the left." King has faced other primary challengers since getting elected to the northwest district in 2002. King noted that history in his statement, calling Feenstra's bid an "attempt by the establishment in as many primary cycles to take the 4th District out of the hands of grassroots Republicans." King's statement, which highlights that President Donald Trump has called the congressman "the worlds most conservative human being," concludes that Feenstra "offers Republican voters nothing but warmed over talking points from liberal blogs and failed Democratic candidates. Story continues Republican officials don't promise to support King But Feenstra's announcement could be the beginning of a serious political fight for King. Feenstra has hired consultant Matt Leopold to help run his campaign. Leopold served as political director on Gov. Kim Reynolds' recent gubernatorial campaign during the primary. Reynolds who named King as a campaign co-chair during her election would not endorse King during an interview Wednesday with a local television station. She said she wouldn't weigh in on a primary. "The last election was a wake-up call for it to be that close," she told WHO-TV. "That indicates that it does open the door for other individuals to take a look at that." Reynolds was referencing the fact that while the congressman was able to fend off an election challenge from Democrat J.D. Scholten, it was his closest race since his first election. Nov. 6 appears to have put King on defense. He announced earlier this month that he will hold town halls in every county in his northwest district, a change from recent years. Sen. Chuck Grassley was noncommittal on Wednesday about his thoughts on Feenstra or any other primary challenger. "Its very rare for me to get involved in a primary, so any Iowan in office today where I say, 'Im not getting involved in a primary,' they shouldnt take it personal," the Republican senator said. Jeff Kaufmann, chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa, offered a similar response in a statement: As we are in all legitimate primary contests, the Republican Party of Iowa will remain neutral in this race. The good people of the fourth district will have the ultimate say. Democrats don't like King or Feenstra Iowa Democrats don't like King or Feenstra. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Troy Price said in a statement: "The 4th District deserves a public servant who will put the peoples interests ahead of political ambitions, but, unfortunately, thats not Sen. Feenstra." In Feenstra's announcement, he expressed wanting to provide Trump "with a strong voice who can help protect and advance a conservative agenda for America." Feenstra was critical of Democrats with their new majority in the House. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been in the midst of negotiations with legislative leaders and Trump to end a partial government shutdown over immigration that's stretched into more than two weeks. Trump wants $5.7 billion for a wall along the U.S. southern border with Mexico. Democrats do not support that funding, in part by noting that Trump had promised Mexico would pay for such a structure. What weve seen this past week from the new Democratic majority in Congress is appalling. ... The President needs effective conservative leaders in Congress who will not only support his agenda, but actually get things done," Feenstra said. Feenstra was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2008. He is currently the head of the powerful tax-writing Senate Ways and Means Committee. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Rep. Steve King gets a GOP challenger, Iowa state Sen. Randy Feenstra Donald Trump WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Thursday he is canceling this month's trip to a high-profile economic conference in Davos, Switzerland, because of the ongoing partial government shutdown. "My warmest regards and apologies" to the World Economic Forum, Trump tweeted just hours after he had told reporters the trip was still on but that he would not go if the government was still shut down. Trump's announcement about the Davos trip comes as the shutdown enters its 20th day, making it the 2nd longest in U.S. history. If the shutdown goes through Saturday, it will become the longest ever. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Trump's tweet is a sign the shutdown could last at least another 11 days he was scheduled to leave on Jan. 21 for the Davos conference that starts the next day. He tweeted out the announcement while en route to a border inspection tour in southern Texas, part of his ongoing effort to pressure congressional Democrats into signing off on a $5.7 billion plan for a border wall the key issue in the budget impasse that led to the shutdown. In his tweet, Trump blamed the Democrats for both the shutdown and the Davos cancellation, and said he would stay in the United States on Jan. 21 and 22 because of "the great importance of Safety for our Nation." Democrats argue Trump's proposed wall is expensive and would be ineffective, yet Trump is using it to force a shutdown that has some 800,000 federal workers and reduced a number of government services. Many Americans have become "pawns in his political gambit to extract $5 billion from American taxpayers to fund a border wall that he promised Mexico would pay for," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. This would have been Trump's second straight appearance at Davos, a wonky-yet-glitzy event that draws many opponents of the president. From the singer Bono to former presidents like Bill Clinton, Davos has tended to attract delegates who promote free trade and encourage international alliances, ideas often at odds with Trump and his "America First" agenda. Trump, however, played down those disputes in last year's speech at Davos, telling delegates: "Let us resolve to use our power, our resources, and our voices, not just for ourselves, but for our people." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: President Trump cancels Davos trip because of government shutdown WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Thursday he knew nothing about his former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, sharing poll data with a Russian before the 2016 election. No, I didn't know anything about it, Trump said at the White House, before departing for Texas to talk about border security. Nothing about it. Manaforts lawyers inadvertently revealed the accusation from Justice Department special prosecutor Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election, that Manafort had lied about sharing polling data during the campaign with his Russian business partner, Konstantin Kliminik. Mueller voided Manafort's plea agreement Nov. 26 by arguing that he lied repeatedly to investigators. Manaforts lawyers said Mueller alleged he lied about sharing polling data with Mr. Kilimnik related to the 2016 presidential campaign, according to a 10-page filing Tuesday that was unsuccessfully redacted. But Manafort's lawyers argued Tuesday that he didn't intentionally lie and neglected to mention sharing polling data with Kilimnik because he was busy with the campaign. "Such a failure is unsurprising here, where these occurrences happened during a period when Mr. Manafort was managing a U.S. presidential campaign and had countless meetings, email communications, and other interactions with many different individuals, and traveled frequently," his lawyers said in the filing. The government is scheduled to file its response Monday and U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson scheduled a hearing Jan. 25 to discuss the dispute. Manafort was convicted by a federal jury in Virginia of banking and tax charges stemming from representing a pro-Russia faction in Ukraine. Manafort pleaded guilty in Washington to obstructing justice by attempting with Kilimnik to contact two witnesses in the case. Manafort met with prosecutors and FBI agents on 12 occasions, including three before entering the plea agreement, according to the filing. He also testified before a grand jury on Oct. 26 and Nov. 2. Prosecutors informed Manafort's lawyers Nov. 8 that they "believed that Manafort had lied in multiple ways and on multiple occasions." Story continues Manafort is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 8 after a Virginia jury convicted Manafort of eight bank and tax fraud charges in August related to what prosecutors described as a multiyear scheme carried out while working as a consultant to a pro-Russia faction in Ukraine. The plea dispute in D.C. stemmed from an agreement in September, when he pleaded guilty to conspiracy and obstruction of justice. Sentencing in that case is scheduled March 5. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: President Donald Trump denies knowing about Paul Manafort sharing polling data with Russian CAIRO (AP) U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a scathing rebuke of the Obama administration's Mideast policies on Thursday, accusing the former president of "misguided" thinking that diminished America's role in the region while harming its longtime friends and emboldening Iran. In a speech to the American University in Cairo, Pompeo unloaded on President Donald Trump's predecessor, saying he was naive and timid when confronted with challenges posed by the revolts that convulsed the Middle East, including Egypt, beginning in 2011. Pompeo denounced the vision outlined by President Barack Obama in a speech he gave in Cairo in 2009 in which he spoke of "a new beginning" for U.S. relations with countries in the Arab and Muslim world. "Remember: It was here, here in this very city, another American stood before you," Pompeo told an invited audience of Egyptian officials, foreign diplomats and students. "He told you that radical Islamist terrorism does not stem from ideology. He told you 9/11 led my country to abandon its ideals, particularly in the Middle East. He told you that the United States and the Muslim world needed 'a new beginning.' The results of these misjudgments have been dire." Pompeo said that the U.S. was "timid" about "asserting ourselves when the times and our partners demanded it." The secretary did not mention Obama by name but the remarks still struck listeners in the U.S. as unusually partisan. "It's a speech shocking for its use of domestic politics, for kind of attacking a prior president in an international setting and for going to a long-time ally and questioning some of the foundations of the relationship with the ally," said Heather Hurlburt, an analyst with the New America, a nonpartisan think tank. "Those are all things that secretaries of state don't normally do but seem to becoming standard practice with Pompeo." Story continues Pompeo's speech came on the third leg of a nine-nation Mideast tour aimed at reassuring America's Arab partners that the Trump administration is not walking away from the region amid confusion and concern over plans to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria. Former Obama administration officials rejected Pompeo's assertions as petty, political and weak. They said the speech pandered to authoritarian leaders and ignored rights violations that Obama had called out. "That this administration feels the need, nearly a decade later, to take potshots at an effort to identify common ground between the Arab world and the West speaks not only to the Trump administration's pettiness but also to its lack of a strategic vision for America's role in the region and its abdication of America's values," National Security Action group, a group of former officials, said in a statement. Rob Malley, who was Obama's national security council director for the Middle East and is now at the International Crisis Group, said hearing Pompeo's speech was like "like listening to someone from a parallel universe" in which the region's shortcomings were ignored. "In that parallel universe, the Arab public probably will receive it enthusiastically," he said. "Back on planet earth, they will see it for what it is: a self-congratulatory, delusional depiction of the Trump administration's Middle East policy." Pompeo blamed the previous administration's approach to the Mideast for the ills that consume it now, particularly the rise of the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria and Iran's increasing assertiveness, which he said was a direct result of sanctions relief, since rescinded by the Trump administration, granted to it under the 2015 nuclear deal. He said Obama ignored the growth of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon to the detriment of Israel's security and not doing enough to push back on Iran-supported rebels in Yemen. Since Trump's election, however, Pompeo claimed this was all changing. "The good news is this: The age of self-inflicted American shame is over, and so are the policies that produced so much needless suffering," he said. "Now comes the real 'new beginning.' In just 24 months, actually less than two years, the United States under President Trump has reasserted its traditional role as a force for good in this region, because we've learned from our mistakes." In the speech entitled "A Force for Good: America's Reinvigorated Role in the Middle East," Pompeo extolled the Trump administration's actions across the region cementing ties with traditional, albeit authoritarian, friendly governments, taking on the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria and imposing tough new sanctions on Iran. "President Trump has reversed our willful blindness to the danger of the regime and withdrew from the failed nuclear deal, with its false promises," Pompeo said. Since withdrawing from the nuclear deal last year, the administration has steadily ratcheted up pressure on Tehran and routinely accuses the nation of being the most destabilizing influence in the region. It has vowed to increase the pressure until Iran halts what U.S. officials describe as its "malign activities" throughout the Mideast and elsewhere, including support for rebels in Yemen, anti-Israel groups, and Syrian President Bashar Assad. "The nations of the Middle East will never enjoy security, achieve economic stability, or advance the dreams of its peoples if Iran's revolutionary regime persists on its current course," Pompeo said. Warsaw (AFP) - Ukraine's newly-created independent Orthodox Church, which has broken with Moscow, could sow "chaos" in neighbouring Poland, the head of the Orthodox Church in Warsaw warned Monday. Poland hosts about a million Ukrainian workers, and the leader of the Ukrainian Church, Metropolitan Yepifaniy, "could organise his own parishes in Poland for groups of faithful" among them, said Poland's Metropolitan Sawa. The Orthodox Church of Poland has some 600,000 followers, and like the new Ukrainian church, is independent of the Russian Orthodox Church. Orthodox believers are a tiny minority in Poland, a predominantly Catholic EU country of 38 million people. In Ukraine, orthodoxy is the predominant religion. "I recently heard that Pravyi Sektor (a Ukrainian paramilitary nationalist group) is already preparing the ground for Yepifaniy to visit Poland, chaos lies ahead," Sawa told Poland's Polityka weekly. The nationalist organisation had backed the creation of an independent Ukrainian Church. "Ukrainian authorities should first unify the country, put an end to the war and only then deal with issues like the Church," Sawa added, referring to the armed conflict with Moscow-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. The Istanbul-based Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew, the highest Orthodox authority, on Sunday presented a formal decree confirming the creation of an independent Ukrainian church to its leader, Yepifaniy, finalising a historic break with the Russian Orthodox Church. Moscow, in response, cut ties with the patriarchate in Istanbul. The decree opened the way for Ukraine's Orthodox Church to be recognised by other branches of orthodoxy and other churches. Sawa on Monday also questioned Yepifaniy's legitimacy, calling the 39-year-old a "layman" who was elected "illegally". Yepifaniy was ordained by the Kiev Patriarch Filaret, excommunicated by Moscow for creating a dissident church in Ukraine in 1992 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Story continues Filaret was later recognised by the Istanbul-based Orthodox patriarch. Ukraine's newly created independent Orthodox Church held its first Christmas service in Kiev Monday. Orthodox believers celebrate Christmas according to the Julian Calendar. For more than 300 years, the Ukrainian Church was split into three, with one branch overseen by the Patriarch of Moscow. The Kiev government considered this unacceptable given Ukraine's ongoing war with Moscow-backed rebels in the country's east, which has already killed more than 10,000 people. Union workers demonstrate against the government shutdown on Jan. 10, 2019 in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images) Hundreds of furloughed federal employees chanting we want to work gathered for a union-led march to the White House on Thursday, the 20th day of a partial government shutdown over President Trumps demand for border wall funding. Hey, hey, ho, ho, shutdowns got to go protesters shouted as they assembled in the bitter cold outside of the AFL-CIO union headquarters, hoisting signs reading Trump: End the Shutdown, Reopen Govt and Let Me Do My Job. Some 800,000 federal government employees have been ordered to stay home or work without pay during the shutdown brought on by a standoff between Trump and Democrats in Congress over Trumps demand for $5.7 billion to build a wall on the southern U.S. border. Trump, in a 2016 presidential campaign promise, repeatedly vowed that Mexico would pay for the wall. But he has said he will not sign any bill to reopen the government that does not provide wall funding. Federal government workers and other demonstrators march during a Rally to End the Shutdown in Washington, D.C., Jan.10, 2019. (Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Protesters, many wearing neon green vests reading, I am a worker. I demand a voice, on Thursday demanded that the government be reopened, separate from any debate over wall funding. We want our pay! We want our pay! We want our pay! shouted government employees and contractors bundled against the cold in knitted hats and scarves as they gathered for the march. In its third week, the shutdown of about a quarter of the federal government is the second longest since the mid-1970s. Trump has said it could continue for months or even years. (Reuters) _____ Heres a look at protests in Washington and other cities around the nation: Internal Revenue Service worker Dawn Malan, looks on during a federal workers protest rally a the Federal Building Thursday, Jan., 10, 2019, in Ogden, Utah. Malan has worked for the IRS for the last 32 years. (Photo: Rick Bowmer/AP) Union workers demonstrate against the government shutdown on Jan. 10, 2019 in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images) Union members and Internal Revenue Service workers rally outside an IRS Service Center to call for an end to the partial government shutdown, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, in Covington, Ky. (Photo: John Minchillo/AP) Union workers demonstrate against the government shutdown on Jan. 10, 2019, in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images) A daughter of an Internal Revenue Services employee holds signs in front of the Federal building at a rally against the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown, in Ogden, Utah, Jan. 10, 2019. (Photo: George Frey/Reuters) Government workers rally against the partial government shutdown at Federal Plaza, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, in Chicago. The partial government shutdown continues to drag on with hundreds of thousands of federal workers off the job or working without pay as the border wall fight persists. (Photo: Kiichiro Sato/AP) Federal government employees, contract workers and other demonstrators march during a Rally to End the Shutdown in Washington, D.C., Jan. 10, 2019. (Photo: Carlos Barria/Reuters) Union members and Internal Revenue Service workers rally outside an IRS Service Center to call for an end to the partial government shutdown, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, in Covington, Ky. (Photo: John Minchillo/AP) A demonstrator holds a sign, signifying hundreds of thousands of federal employees who wont be receiving their paychecks as a result of the partial government shutdown, during a Rally to End the Shutdown in Washington, D.C., Jan. 10, 2019. (Photo: Carlos Barria/Reuters) Union members and other federal employees rally to call for an end to the partial government shutdown, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, at AFL-CIO Headquarters in Washington. (Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP) Union members and other federal employees rally to call for an end to the partial government shutdown, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, at AFL-CIO Headquarters in Washington. (Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP) Government workers rally against the partial government shutdown at Federal Plaza, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, in Chicago. (Photo: Kiichiro Sato/AP) Union members and Internal Revenue Service workers rally outside an IRS Service Center to call for an end to the partial government shutdown, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, in Covington, Ky. (Photo: John Minchillo/AP) Code Pink co-founder Medea Benjamin joins U.S. federal government workers and other demonstrators during a Rally to End the Shutdown outside the White House in Washington, D.C., Jan.10, 2019. (Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Government workers rally against the partial government shutdown at Federal Plaza, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, in Chicago. (Photo: Kiichiro Sato/AP) Union members and other federal employees rally to call for an end to the partial government shutdown, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, at AFL-CIO Headquarters in Washington. (Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP) Cheryl Monroe, right, a Food and Drug Administration employee, and Bertrice Sanders, a Social Security Administration employee, rally to call for an end to the partial government shutdown in Detroit, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019. (Photo: Paul Sancya/AP) Furloughed federal workers, joined by elected officials, protest the federal government shutdown during a nonpartisan rally at Independence Mall, in Philadelphia, Pa., on Jan. 8, 2019. (Photo: Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Jenn Hallam demonstrated against the partial government shutdown on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, Jan. 8, 2019. (Photo: Matt Rourke/AP) Do You Have to Pay Your Student Loans During the Government Shutdown? Despite the partial government shutdown, student loan borrowers are still on the hook when it comes to paying off their debts. Cumulatively, Americans owe more than $1.4 trillion in student loan debt, and despite the shutdown's adverse impact on other government functions, there's no respite from their payment schedules. Why you still have to pay your student loans Heres why people still have to make their student loan payments: although other branches of the federal government have been hit hard by the shutdown, funding for the Department of Education remains intact, so DoED contractors are still collecting student loan payments. Borrowers may experience problems for tasks that require information from the IRS because nearly 90% of the IRS's workforce has been sent home without pay due to the partial shutdown, according to the agencys since-expired December contingency plan. People who have income-driven repayment plans depend on the IRS to provide income data via its data retrieval tool. The tool electronically transfers borrowers tax information into income-driven repayment plan applications. If the data retrieval tool malfunctions, borrowers download an IRS transcript and file a paper application. Due to the shutdown, the tax transcript service is down and customer service is limited at the IRS, which means borrowers may struggle completing necessary IDR forms. What if you have trouble with your student loan repayment If youre having problems paying back your student loan, the Department of Education advises you to not ignore your student loan payments or you will risk going into default. The first thing you should do is to contact your loan service provider to explore repayment options, such as income-driven repayment plans. IDR plans reduce your monthly payment amount, which will make your student loan debt more manageable. Consider applying for a deferment or forbearance that allows you to temporarily stop making federal student loan payments or reduces the amount of your payments. A deferment or forbearance may also help you avoid default. Currently the guidelines set down by the Department of Education state that individuals diagnosed with cancer are eligible to have their federal student loans placed in deferment while they receive cancer treatment. If youre overwhelmed with student loan debt and the various repayment, deferment and forbearance options mentioned above wont help, consider filing for bankruptcy. If you go this route, you will be required to prove that making student loan payments would impose an undue hardship on you and your dependents. Proving undue hardship can be difficult, so you may need the help of a bankruptcy lawyer. Felix Tshisekedi, leader of Congolese main opposition party, the UDPS - REUTERS A rank outsider was declared the winner of Congos presidential election on Thursday, prompting opposition claims of a plot by the ruling party to prolong its hold on power. Raising fears of violence in one of Africas most volatile states, the electoral commission defied the findings of local observers by naming Felix Tshisekedi the next president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But the first peaceful transition of power since independence from Belgium in 1960 will be overshadowed by a result that was widely questioned both inside and outside the country. Although Mr Tshisekedi is a member of the opposition - and as such as secured a stunning victory over the ruling party of Joseph Kabila, the outgoing president - he was not the opposition candidate many expected to win. Congos Catholic Church, which stationed 40,000 observers at polling stations across the country, had previously told Western diplomats that it believed Martin Fayulu, Mr Tshisekedi's rival within the opposition, was the elections real victor. Supporters of Felix Tshisekedi took to the streets of Kinshasa Credit: BAZ RATNER/ REUTERS Mr Fayulu was swift to denounce the result, calling it rigged, fabricated and invented." Amid claims that Mr Kabila and Mr Tshisekedi had reached a secret deal to share power, he claimed that he had been denied power by an "electoral coup." The results have nothing to do with the truth of the ballot box, Mr Fayulu told Radio France Internationale. Suggesting a potential showdown between the Joseph Kabila, the outgoing president, and the West, the French government was quick to cast doubt on the credibility of the count. We must have clarity on these results, which are the opposite to what we expected, Frances foreign minister, Jean-Yves le Drian, said. The Catholic Church of Congo did its tally and announced completely different results. In a pre-dawn announcement, the electoral commission declared that Mr Tshisekedi had won 38 per cent of the vote, securing 600,000 more ballots than Mr Fayulu, who came second. Story continues Opposition candidate, and expected winner, Martin Fayulu denounced the results Credit: JOHN WESSELS/AFP On the face of it, Mr Tshisekedis victory is a remarkable one. In a country with a history of government kleptocracy and brutal civil war, none of Congos four previous presidents assumed power at the ballot box. For many Congolese, the idea that an opponent of the ruling party could win a presidential election would also have seemed unimaginable. But Mr Tshisekedi now finds himself battling suspicions as to whether he was really a member of the opposition or a last-minute recruit to President Kabilas ruling Peoples Party for Reconstruction and Democracy. Mr Kabila, who came to power after his fathers assassination in 2001, has been accused of using every conceivable method to stay in power. He failed to change the constitution, which required him to stand down in 2016, but repeated delays in holding a new presidential election allowed him to cling on for two more years. Under heavy Western pressure, he finally allowed the election to go ahead. Although he was barred from standing, he anointed his former interior minister, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, as the ruling partys candidate. Joseph Kabila greets some electoral observers after casting his vote, December 30 Credit: LUIS TATO /AFP Dropping hints that Mr Shadary would merely be a cipher, the president also suggested he would run again in 2023, a strategy his critics called Plan Putin. Yet the plan misfired. The regime was accused of doing everything it could to ensure Mr Shadary's victory. Voting was banned in three pro-opposition provinces, officially because of an Ebola outbreak. Electronic balloting machines in opposition-leaning areas where voting did take place often failed to work. Some voters said they were told by armed soldiers to vote for Mr Shadary or face the consequences. But after voting closed, it was soon whispered that Mr Shadary had fallen well short; in the end he finished an ignominious third. But diplomats and local observers, apparently convinced that Mr Fayulu had won, grew increasingly anxious after the electoral commission missed last Sundays deadline to announce the result of the vote, which took place on Dec 30. Rumours began to circulate that the ruling party, realising it faced international condemnation and domestic uproar if Mr Shadary was declared the winner, had instead approached Mr Tshisekedi, also said to have been well beaten, with a deal. The speculation only increased after it emerged that Mr Tshisekedi and the ruling party had been having meetings, although aides on Thursday said that the talks had purely been about the logistics of transferring power. Whatever the truth, many Congo watchers will be surprised by the verdict. Mr Fayulu was widely considered the stronger opposition candidate because he had been backed by two prominent and widely popular rivals of the president who had been barred from standing. Other members of the opposition including Mr Tshisekedi until he changed his mind had also agreed to withdraw their candidacies and endorse Mr Fayulu, who now has ten working days to submit a legal challenge to the vote. Although no violence has been reported since the result was announced, Mr Fayulu has yet to address his supporters. It is unclear if he will call for protests. Mr Tshisekedi, meanwhile, used his first speech as president-elect to promise to serve all Congolese. He also raised eyebrows by calling President Kabila an important political partner. It is possible that he could unite the country. Some opposition voters have told reporters they would accept a victory by any candidate who was not from the ruling party. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attacked fact-checkers on Monday, saying that they were guilty of false equivalency and bias in correcting her mistakes. In a series of tweets, Ocasio-Cortez attacked both the Washington Post and PolitiFact. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. In case you missed it, The Post had run a piece titled Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs $21 trillion mistake on December 4, and Politifact ran a similar piece. Both pointed out that she had misunderstood or misrepresented data when she claimed that Medicare for All could have been funded already by the Pentagon in a tweet. Everyone makes mistakes I know that I have but dealing with it by attacking the fact-checkers who pointed them out is absolutely ludicrous. Its even more ludicrous to attack them on grounds of bias, as if President Trump has never been fact-checked. In fact, as Washington Post columnist Sal Rizzo (the author of the column that Ocasio-Cortez attacked) pointed out in a tweet, theres a big difference between the colossal amount of time we spend fact-checking Trump (7,645 false/misleading claims and counting) and TWO fact-checks of @AOC. Its true: The Post fact-checks Trump often. So often that its completely bizarre to see Ocasio-Cortez actually accuse the publication of somehow being biased in favor of him. Truly, I have no idea how she was able to write that tweet and press send without thinking about how totally ridiculous she sounded, and I cant believe that more people arent talking about it. Factual errors matter especially when theyre coming from politicians who are discussing policies and proposals that are going to actually affect Americans. Its wrong when Trump does it, and its wrong when Ocasio-Cortez does it, too. Telling lies about the way that some of her pie-in-the-sky programs could be funded could easily lead to people supporting them without realizing that their support lies apart from reality. It could wind up leading to her proposals getting more popularity than they deserve based on the facts, which is particularly scary when you consider the socialist direction her proposals would take our country. She shouldnt get a pass on spreading false information just because she is a Democrat or because she sees herself as morally superior to Trump. Facts are facts, and when you get them wrong, you deserve to be called out. All that she or any other person can do is be more careful with the information that she spreads because false information can have real consequences. More from National Review ZURICH (Reuters) - Britain's drug price watchdog on Thursday rejected Novartis's migraine drug Aimovig for now, concluding in a draft decision that the medicine was not a cost-effective use of National Health Service resources. Novartis, with exclusive rights to the drug in Europe while cooperating with Amgen in the United States, said it was "disappointed" in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's (NICE) conclusion. It marks the second time within months the UK agency has rejected reimbursement for a key medicine from the Swiss drugmaker. Novartis, whose U.K. price for Aimovig is about 5,000 pounds ($6,374) annually but which was offering discounts, is counting on the medicine to be a foundation of its neuroscience business and a key part of boosting revenue as older medicines lose patent protection. Some analysts see 2022 sales nearing $1 billion, according to Refinitiv. While NICE said the medicine demonstrated clinical effectiveness, the agency concluded there was not enough evidence to suggest it is more effective than botulinum toxin type A, which is marketed by Allergan as Botox. NICE also raised questions about long-term effectiveness. "We will work with the company to ensure that they are given every opportunity to address the issues highlighted in these provisional recommendations," NICE said. Novartis, which pledged to work with NICE to address outstanding questions, said patients would lack new treatment options if the decision remains unchanged. "The UK already lags significantly behind other European countries in the ability for patients to access new medicines," Novartis said. In September, NICE also issued draft guidance concluding Novartis's cancer cell therapy Kymriah, offered with an undisclosed discount to its list price of 282,000 pounds, was too expensive to recommend to treat adults with lymphoma. Novartis is also seeking to reverse that decision. (Reporting by John Miller; Editing by Michael Shields) President Trump is disputing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumers assertion that he had a temper tantrum before walking out of a meeting on border security with Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the White House Wednesday afternoon. Cryin Chuck told his favorite lie when he used his standard sound bite that I slammed the table & walked out of the room. He had a temper tantrum, Trump tweeted on Thursday morning. Because I knew he would say that, and after Nancy said no to proper Border Security, I politely said bye-bye and left, no slamming! I dont have temper tantrums, Trump later told reporters on the South Lawn before departing for Texas, where he will tour the U.S. southern border. I did not rant, I did not rave I didnt pound the table. That is a lie. Trump also said he finds China a U.S. adversary far more honorable than Cryin Chuck and Nancy. I think that China is actually much easier to deal with than the opposition party, he said. President Trump speaks to the media as he leaves the White House on Thursday. (Photo: Jacquelyn Martin/AP) After their White House meeting, Schumer said that the president threw a temper tantrum because he couldnt get his way. He sort of slammed the table, and when Leader Pelosi said she didnt agree with the wall, he just walked out and said, We have nothing to discuss, Schumer said. He said it was a waste of his time. Schumer added: This was really unfortunate and in my judgment somewhat unbecoming of a presidency. Not only was the president unpresidential yesterday surprise, surprise in his behavior, I think the meeting was a setup so that he could walk out, Pelosi said during her weekly press briefing Thursday. Trump is demanding Congress allocate $5.7 billion for the construction of a physical barrier on the U.S. border with Mexico in exchange for reopening the government. Democrats are refusing to do so, and want the government reopened while border negotiations continue. About 800,000 federal employees, approximately half of whom are working without pay, have been affected by the ongoing shutdown, now in its 20th day. Story continues Moments after the White House meeting imploded, the president took to Twitter to vent his frustration. Just left a meeting with Chuck and Nancy, a total waste of time, Trump tweeted. I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works! The president is heading to McAllen, Texas, on Thursday to showcase what he claims is a humanitarian crisis on the border. Departing the White House, Trump told reporters that he will maybe definitely declare a national emergency in order to pay for his border wall. Ill probably will do it, maybe definitely, the president said. Trump also said his signature campaign promise that Mexico would pay for the wall was not meant to be taken literally. When I said Mexico would pay for the wall in front of thousands and thousands of people, obviously I never said and never meant theyre going to write out a check, he said. Mexico will pay for the wall indirectly. The president said the renegotiated U.S. trade deal with Mexico, which Congress has yet to approve, will effectively pay for the wall. But in 2016, the Trump campaign published a since-deleted plan on its website saying his administration would force Mexico to make a one-time payment of $5-10 billion for the border wall. Hours before their abruptly adjourned sit-down, Schumer and Pelosi appeared alongside nearly two dozen furloughed government employees at a press conference. The federal workers were asked by a reporter to raise their hand if they supported the presidents position on the wall, as Trump has repeatedly claimed. None of them did. This is an example of the president being almost delusionary, Pelosi said. He says to us, Workers are calling me saying, Ill stay out without a paycheck, as long as it takes. And its like, well, who? Give us names. Speaking to reporters inside the Oval Office, Trump suggested the support is being expressed to him via social media. The beautiful thing is, with social media, the world can write to you, the president said. You take a look at social media, so many of those people are saying, Its very hard for me, its very hard for my family, but, Mr. President, youre doing the right thing. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: President Trump says he is considering declaring an emergency at the border to unlock military funds to build a fence (a.k.a. wall). Its not clear how serious he is, although anonymous White House aides have been quoted saying they believe this will be his ultimate way out of the shutdown fight. Its a terrible idea. Even if its legal which is unclear, at best it would represent another unwelcome step in Americas long march toward unilateral government by the executive. The problem isnt declaring an emergency. There is ample authority to do that and we live under a couple of dozen little-noticed declarations of emergency that have accumulated over the decades. The issue is redirecting military funds to the border fence. That would require a strained interpretation that treats the border fence as a military matter, among other legal gymnastics. Even if there are troops at the border currently, no one has seriously thought of it in military terms since the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century. The border is beset not by an invading army but largely by Central American migrants who surrender to authorities at the first opportunity because they know we will usually allow them to stay in the country under our perverse immigration rules. The proximate cause of the attempt to redirect funds under emergency powers wouldnt be radically new circumstances at the border. There has been a simmering crisis there for a long time. It would be a failure to get Congress to appropriate the funds the president wants during a political fight and negotiations. Legalities aside, this would be a very bad practice. Its an offense against the spirit of our system for a president to fail to get he wants from Congress in a dispute involving a core congressional power, spending and then turn around and exploit a tenuous reading of the law to try to get it anyway. We know this seems increasingly quaint, especially after President Obamas pen-and-phone governance in his second term, but we believe presidents have an obligation to honor the role of the respective branches of government, even when its not in their political interest, even when there seems to be a clever workaround. Story continues An attempt to spend unilaterally on the fence would almost certainly get tied up in the courts immediately. In the most favorable scenario for the administration, it eventually prevails in a Supreme Court loath to second-guess even dubious military-related determinations by the commander-in-chief. In the meantime, the administration will have built nothing new on the border and created another precedent for unilateral government sure to be exploited the next time a Democrat occupies the White House. More from National Review Kathmandu (AFP) - A Nepali mother and her two children have died of suspected smoke inhalation after a night in a windowless hut where women are banished during their period, police said Wednesday. Many communities in Nepal consider menstruating women as impure and force mothers and daughters to stay in sheds away from the family home once a month, despite the practice being outlawed. Police said Amba Bohara, 35, fell asleep in a hut in western Bajura district on Tuesday evening with her two sons aged 12 and nine. The trio had huddled around a fire to stay warm in Nepal's freezing winter conditions. Local police chief Uddhab Singh Bhat told AFP the woman's mother-in-law opened the hut the next day to find all three dead. "We are waiting for the results of a postmortem to confirm the cause of death, but believe they died of suffocation," Bhat told AFP. "We are investigating." Parts of the blankets sheltering the trio were burned, and Bohara had suffered burns to her legs. The ancient shunning practice known as "chhaupadi" was outlawed in 2005 but is still enforced in parts of Nepal, particularly its remote and conservative western regions. Last year, Kathmandu introduced three-months jail and a 3,000 rupee ($30) fine for anyone caught imposing chhaupadi. The practice is linked to Hinduism and considers women untouchable during menstruation and after childbirth. Under Chhaupadi, women are barred from touching food, religious icons, cattle and men during their period and must sleep away from others. The death of Bohara and her children are not the first linked to the practice. Last year, a 21-year-old woman succumbed to smoke inhalation while banished to a hut, and other women have died from snake bites in the past. The country's National Human Rights Commission said police needed to do more to enforce the law. "Women will continue to die unless there are consequences for enforcing this tradition," said the commission's Mohna Ansari. By Gabriella Borter NEW YORK (Reuters) - About 1,000 furloughed federal workers have turned to online fundraising to help cover their expenses as a partial shutdown of the U.S. government drags on for nearly three weeks, a spokeswoman for GoFundMe.com said on Wednesday. Some 800,000 federal employees have been ordered to stay home or work without pay because of the standoff between U.S. President Donald Trump and Congress over Trump's demand for $5.7 billion to build a wall on the southern U.S. border - a promise he made in his 2016 campaign that he said at the time would be paid for by Mexico. The online fundraising pleas have raised over $100,000 in the last three weeks, according to GoFundMe spokeswoman Katherine Cichy. Alphonzo Breland, an Internal Revenue Service employee in Oakley, California, told Reuters he has been losing sleep and trying to get a night job at a warehouse to cover his family's expenses. On Tuesday, he started a GoFundMe page with a goal of raising more than $2,500. "My heart is always fluttering, my head is racing," Breland, 41, said in a phone interview. "My mortgage is due now, I have until the 15th and then I get a late fee. I had to cancel the tuition deduction for my daughter's school." Cichy said the company has a special team dedicated to reviewing all campaigns related to the government shutdown for potential fraud. Most of the pages, created by people who say they are furloughed federal employees or their families, aimed to raise a few thousand dollars to cover expenses of military personnel and employees of shuttered agencies including the IRS and Transportation Security Agency. "I was struggling financially even before the shutdown occurred, essentially living paycheck to paycheck, so having it happen at Christmastime was the worst possible scenario," James Gass, who described himself as a single father of a 15-year-old who works for the Department of Agriculture in Massachusetts, wrote on his GoFundMe page. Robert and Tristan, 14 and 12, wrote that they started a GoFundMe to help their mother, a federal employee in Seattle. "My mom can't get a second job because we are her second job," they wrote. (Reporting by Gabriella Borter; Editing by Scott Malone and Phil Berlowitz) By Joyce Lee SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday Japan's political leaders should not undermine bilateral ties by "politicizing" the issue of South Koreans forced to work by Japanese companies during World War Two. Relations between the two East Asian neighbors have been frosty since South Korea's top court ruled in October that Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp should compensate four former laborers. Japan subsequently claimed that a South Korean warship had locked its radar on a Japanese patrol plane. On Wednesday, Tokyo demanded diplomatic consultations with Seoul after a South Korean court approved the seizure of part of the domestic assets of the Japanese steelmaker, calling the move "extremely regrettable". Moon called for the Japanese government to foster a "more humble attitude" towards wartime issues and to respect judicial decisions, in which he said his administration could not exert any influence. "We've been saying we should continue diplomatic discussions on the issue and should not hurt our forward-looking relationship with Japan," Moon told a news conference. "I don't think it is wise for Japanese politicians and leader to continue to politicize it, making sources of controversy and spreading them," he said. South Korea and Japan share a bitter history that includes Japan's 1910-45 colonization of the Korean peninsula, the forced mobilization of labor at Japanese companies and the use of comfort women, Japan's euphemism for girls and women, many of them Korean, forced to work in its wartime brothels. Those issues have not been resolved by a 1965 treaty that normalized relations, Moon said, and the two countries should try to find ways to heal the wounds of victims. (Reporting by Joyce Lee and Hyonhee Shin; Additional reporting by Jeongmin Kim; Editing by Paul Tait) (Reuters) - Moody's on Thursday joined S&P in lowering PG&E Corp's credit rating deeper into junk territory, citing a challenging environment for the California power provider as it faces billions of dollars in liabilities related to wildfires. Moody's, which cut PG&E's rating to B2 from Baa3, said access to capital has become more uncertain for the company. The downgrade followed a Reuters report on Friday, citing sources, that the utility company was exploring filing for bankruptcy protection. Moody's also downgraded its ratings of PG&E unit Pacific Gas & Electric Co to Ba3 from Baa2. "The company (PG&E) is increasingly reliant on extraordinary intervention by legislators and regulators, which may not occur soon enough or be of sufficient magnitude to address these adverse developments," Jeff Cassella, Moody's vice president-senior credit officer, said in a statement. S&P cut the rating on PG&E and its Pacific Power & Gas Co unit on Monday to "B" from "BBB-," the lowest tier of so-called investment-grade ratings. The wildfire, which killed at least 86 people, broke out on the morning of Nov. 8 near the mountain community of Paradise. It is said to be one of the most destructive wildfires in California's history. Moody's said it would continue to look for signs of legislative and regulatory support for PG&E, as the company works through various investigative, legal and regulatory processes. (Reporting by Arundhati Sarkar in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel) Shock, surprise, nerves and excitement spread across the faces of nine co-workers who picked up a $60 million cheque after winning the Lotto Max jackpot last year. After only a $5 investment each, life has drastically changed for these line workers at an auto parts manufacturer in Guelph, Ont. I almost didnt hand over my $5 when it was time to buy our ticket, group member Mercedes Granadino said. But I had this sixth sense, like some spirit sitting on my shoulder telling me to play! Lotto Max $60 million winners Fernando Meneses was the first to find out about their big win, after Granadino heard on the radio that the winning ticket was sold in Guelph. One by one, the rest of the winning team was notified, culminating in a group meeting at a park where they all celebrated the win. For Steven Rush from Guelph, he found out at about 11:00 p.m., after he had turned off his phone for the day. When he turned it on in the evening and it blew up with messages from Meneses. Rush called him back right away and was told the group would meet the next day. We were all excited, we didnt know what to do, Rush said. I was overwhelmed, it just blew my mind, all the possibilities of the future were just there. I still cant fathom the whole thing right now. The group has only played together for the last two months, but they have very specific criteria for playing the lottery. We only play if its $50 million plus, we want the big one!Ala Hirmiz from Kitchenener, Ont. told reporters. The entire group has resigned from their jobs but they all have a lot of different dreams to spend the money, including new houses, travel and cars, to just taking it easy and relaxing. Just play and then pray, Granadino said. Ive been in Canada for less than a year and so far Ive only known work Im excited to explore the country, Bassam Abdi from Kitchener said. I plan on buying a coconut plantation in Sri Lanka, Sampath Pathiraja Mudiyansel from Guelph said in a a statement. Story continues Its going to help my family, maybe bring [my brother and sister] here, Granadino, originally from the Philippines, told Yahoo Canada News. I just want to stay homein the 15 years Ive been working Ive never gotten vacation, never late, never missed any overtime, Hirmiz added. Both Granadino and Himiriz plan to stay in Guelph and Kitchener respectively. Granadino has been in Canada for about 11 years and Himiriz has been in Canada for 21 years, the last of his family to come to the country. The group has 17 kids between them and eight members are immigrants from the Middle East, South East Asia and Africa. The youngest member of the group, Ella Nicole Cabrera, is just 21 years old and only started working at the auto parts manufacturer about six months ago.. She was sleeping when Meneses initially called her, so she found out about the win when the group met at a park in Guelph. Cabrera says shes still going to continue with her previous plan to go to school and study accounting, in addition to buying a house for herself and her parents. [My parents] couldnt believe it, they were crying, Cabrera said. But for anyone whos now contemplating testing their luck in the lottery, this group of winner says to take the chance. In fact, they even say theyll still continue playing themselves. Just play and then pray, Grandino said. How I look at the situation, this is the only chance we have to get money. Hirmiz said. This is the only way, if you are lucky, youre going to get the chance to relax. The full list of Lotto Max winners are: Ala Hirmiz of Kitchener Fernando Meneses of Guelph Bassam Abdi of Kitchener Ella Nicole Cabrera of Guelph Mercedes Granadino of Guelph Mussie Kelete of Guelph Sampath Pathiraja Mudiyansel of Guelph Steven Rush of Guelph Tariku Birru of Guelph WASHINGTON (AP) The Latest on President Donald Trump and the partial government shutdown (all times local): 7:15 p.m. The former head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency says what's happening on the U.S. southern border is no emergency. W. Craig Fugate, who ran the national disaster agency for nearly eight years under President Barack Obama and was head of Florida's disaster agency under a Republican governor, says the push of refugees seeking asylum on the border with Mexico is not a national emergency. President Donald Trump has called it a crisis and is weighing declaring it a national emergency to bypass a reluctant Congress and fund his long-promised border wall. Fugate says Trump "is posturing, blustering." __ 6:40 p.m. The Senate has approved a bill to ensure that all federal employees will be paid retroactively after the partial government shutdown ends. The bill requires that all employees including those who have been furloughed be paid as soon as possible once the government reopens. The Senate approved the bill unanimously Thursday. It now goes to the House. Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland says the bill gives federal employees affected by the shutdown "much-needed certainty," but adds they shouldn't be forced to go without a paycheck at all. More than 800,000 workers more than half of them still on the job are set to miss their first paycheck Friday under the stoppage that began Dec. 22. __ 6:25 p.m. The White House has directed the Army Corps of Engineers to look at using emergency funds that Congress approved for disaster relief to build a border wall with Mexico. That's according to a congressional aide familiar with the matter who was not authorized to speak publicly. The aide said the $13.9 billion has been allocated but not yet obligated through contracts for a variety of projects in California, Florida, Texas, other states and Puerto Rico, which have experienced hurricanes, wildfires or other natural disasters. Story continues The money funds a variety of projects, mostly flood control to prevent future disasters. President Donald Trump is considering invoking emergency powers to build the wall. His demand for the wall funding led to the partial government shutdown. Lisa Mascaro __ 5:45 p.m. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham says it's time for President Donald Trump to invoke emergency powers to build the border wall with Mexico. The South Carolina senator said Thursday his efforts to broker an immigration compromise that could help end the partial government shutdown are "stuck." Graham says House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's refusal to negotiate the wall "virtually ends" Congress' ability to pass a bill to fund it. Now, he says, "it is time for President Trump to use emergency powers to fund the construction" of a border wall or barrier. Trump said Thursday he might declare the border situation a national emergency, which could free up funding from military projects. The border wall with Mexico was his signature campaign issue. He said Mexico would pay for the wall, but Mexico has refused. __ 5:35 p.m. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick told President Donald Trump the state will build a wall along parts of the U.S.-Mexico border if the federal government pays Texas back. Trump revealed the conversation Thursday on his visit to McAllen, Texas, as he pushed for funding for a border wall. A Patrick spokesman confirmed that Patrick made the offer. Patrick was with Trump in McAllen. Texas has 1,200 miles of border with Mexico and has the largest sections of border without barriers. Patrick's office said Texas could build a wall "wherever it is needed," but provided no details such as location or cost. Trump says Patrick's offer is "not the worst idea I have ever heard," adding, "I still think I could do it cheaper than you." The idea was immediately criticized by some Texas Democrats. __ 4:50 p.m. The Democratic-controlled House has passed two more bills to fund government agencies as a part of a strategy to end the partial government shutdown. One bill would fund the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development departments, while the other would provide money for the Agriculture Department. The transportation-housing bill was approved, 244-180. Twelve Republicans voted with Democrats to approve the bill. The agriculture bill was approved 243-183, with 10 Republicans in support. The House voted Wednesday on bills to reopen the Treasury Department and IRS. Democrats say the bills approved Thursday would ensure that families will lose not food stamp benefits and that those living in federally supported housing are not evicted. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said he won't bring up the Democratic bills in the Republican-controlled Senate. __ 4:15 p.m. Standing along the Rio Grande, President Donald Trump says "a lot of the crime in our country is caused by what's coming through here." Trump is touring a section of the U.S.-Mexico border as he seeks to bolster his case for spending billions of dollars on a border wall. A law enforcement officer told Trump during his tour that a greater percentage of apprehensions in recent weeks have involved people from places other than Mexico and Central America. He cited people from Pakistan, China and India as specific examples. Trump tells reporters, "So they apprehended people from the Middle East and they do it all the time." Trump says: "Whether it's steel or concrete, you don't care. We need a barrier." __ 2:22 p.m. Vice President Mike Pence says President Donald Trump has "made no decision" about declaring a national emergency to build a border wall with Mexico. But he adds, "The president's going to get this done one way or another." Pence called on Democrats to negotiate an end to the shutdown, which is now in its 20th day. He told reporters it's time for Congress to "do its job." Pence also indicated Trump has little interest in a broader immigration deal to end the shutdown. He said Trump is waiting to see how the courts rule on the legality of an Obama-era program that shields some young immigrants from deportation. Democrats say Trump is holding the country hostage for his wall funding and have called on Republicans to re-open the government. __ 1:40 p.m. President Donald Trump arrived at a Texas border town to make the case for his long-promised border wall after negotiations with Democrats blew up over his funding demands. Trump traveled to McAllen, Texas Thursday on the 20th day of a partial government shutdown. He is seeking to use the trip to bolster his argument that a wall is needed on security and humanitarian grounds. Trump is to visit a border patrol station and receive a briefing on border security. The president and congressional Democrats remain at an impasse over his demand for $5.7 billion for a wall along the southern border. Critics say Trump overstates the security risks and that the administration is at least partly to blame for the humanitarian situation. __ 1:25 p.m. President Donald Trump says he is canceling his trip to Davos, Switzerland because of the partial government shutdown, now in its 20th day. He was scheduled to leave Jan. 21 to attend the World Economic Forum. Trump says he's canceling his trip because of Democrats' "intransigence" on border security. Trump and Democrats are at an impasse over funding for Trump's proposed wall at the southern border. In a tweet Friday, Trump offered his "warmest regards and apologies" to the economic forum. Earlier in the day, he told reporters that he wanted to go, but that he might not if the shutdown over funding for a U.S.-Mexico border wall continues. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin (mih-NOO'-shin) and other Cabinet members are still scheduled to attend the annual Davos event, which attracts business and political elite. __ 1:05 p.m. Federal workers are denouncing President Donald Trump for a weeks-long partial government shutdown. At a rally Thursday with Democratic members of Congress, they are demanding that Trump reopen the government so that hundreds of thousands of workers can get back to work and receive their paychecks. Trump has indicated the government will remain shut until he gets money for a border wall. Workers are directing their sharpest criticism at Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has declined to take up spending bills passed by the House to reopen government without paying for a wall. J. David Cox, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, says McConnell should do his "damn job and let there be a vote." Workers chanted "get us paid." __ 12:50 p.m. Several hundred protesters are chanting and waving signs opposing a border wall next to the South Texas airport where President Donald Trump is scheduled to arrive for his trip to the border. Across the street, a smaller group of protesters is shouting back and chanting, "Build that wall!" Trump's arrival in McAllen Thursday will take place as he pushes Congress to fund $5.7 billion for a border wall as a condition of ending a partial government shutdown. Debra Tietz, a resident of nearby Mission, stood with anti-Trump protesters. The 64-year-old Tietz called Trump's trip "a publicity stunt" and said she opposes the damage a border wall would do to the environment. On the other side of the street, Eva Arechiga wore a red "Make America Great Again" and held a sign that says "Finish the Wall." A 54-year-old resident of McAllen, Arechiga said she wanted to welcome Trump and thank him. She says, "I've been waiting for the border wall to be finished," because she believes it will send a message to other countries to respect American borders. __ 11:45 a.m. The association that represents thousands of FBI agents says the partial federal government shutdown is affecting the bureau's operations. The FBI Agents Association sent a petition Thursday to the White House and congressional leaders encouraging them to fund the FBI immediately. The association's president, Tom O'Connor, told reporters in a conference call that Friday will be the first day that FBI personnel will not receive a paycheck. He said the problems caused by the shutdown could make it harder to recruit and retain agents, cause delays at the FBI lab and in getting or renewing security clearances. O'Connor said the FBI's petition is not about politics, but that financial security for agents is important for national security. __ 11:05 a.m. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is blocking an attempt by Democrats to force a vote on legislation to reopen the federal government. Democrats went to the Senate floor Thursday and asked for consent to vote on a series of bills that would end the partial government shutdown, which was in its 20th day. Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland said the bills were uncontroversial and were broadly supported by Republicans in the past. Cardin says the country is being "held hostage" by President Donald Trump as he seeks funding for a U.S.-Mexico border wall. McConnell objected to the Democratic request, saying he won't agree to "pointless show votes" on bills Trump won't sign. McConnell noted that Democrats agreed in December to not vote on a funding package until a deal was reached by Trump and leaders from both parties. The border wall was a signature campaign promise for Trump. Democrats have called a wall costly, ineffective and immoral. ___ 10:55 a.m. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says Democrats need help with "their brand new partisan allergy" to a barrier at the U.S.-Mexico border. The Kentucky Republican on Thursday used visual aids on the Senate floor to suggest that Democrats supported such a barrier under President Barack Obama but opposed one under President Donald Trump. He recommended that Democrats "seek some treatment for their brand new party allergy to border security." Democrats are refusing Trump's demand for $5.7 billion for part of a wall across the southern border. In 2013, some Democrats supported a $46 billion bill for a number of border security measures, including new fencing. But that legislation would have created a pathway to citizenship for millions of people in the U.S. illegally. It failed. The U.S. Postal Service will leave 50-cent forever stamps behind on Jan. 27, increasing their price by five cents. While 2019 post office price changes vary by mailing service, the fees rolling out the last Sunday of the month will increase prices by 2.5 percent. The most notable changes: First-class mail letter (1 oz.) will go up to 55 cents : The nickel increase is the largest percentage rise since 1991, when forever stamps increased from 25 to 29 cents. Additional letter ounce costs will decrease : Each additional ounce will drop from 21 cents to 15 cents. Mailing a 2-ounce letter, a wedding invitation's typical weight, will cost 70 cents instead of 71 cents. Postcard card rates will remain the same : Mailing a postcard will run travelers 35 cents. Priority Mail prices will jump by 5.9 percent on average: A small box that previously cost $7.20 will rise to $7.90, while a medium box will jump from $13.65. to $14.35. Priority Mail Express fees will increase 3.9 percent: Those looking to ship an envelope ASAP can expect to pay $25.50 instead of $24.70. The Postal Service lost $3.9 billion in 2018, attributing the losses to drops in mail volume and the costs of pensions and health care. It marked the 12th year in a row the agency reported a loss despite growth in package shipping. Taxes do not fund the agency. The USPS runs on the sale of its products and services. "We will take all appropriate actions within our control to ensure that we can continue to fulfill our primary mission to provide prompt, reliable and efficient service to American businesses and consumers in all communities in our country," Postmaster General and CEO Megan J. Brennan said in a prepared statement. In December 2017, President Donald Trump criticized the USPS via Twitter, suggesting that shipping costs were too low. "Why is the United States Post Office, which is losing many billions of dollars a year, while charging Amazon and others so little to deliver their packages, making Amazon richer and the Post Office dumber and poorer?" Trump tweeted. "Should be charging MUCH MORE!" Story continues For more information about the postal price changes, go online to USPS.com. Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What you need to know about US Postal Service's 2019 price changes Reuters Tim Shorrock Security, Asia Kim is hoping to ignite an important shift in the political dynamics on the Korean Peninsula. Kim Jong Un's New Year's Day Speech: Understanding Sovereignty Is the Key By the second week of 2019, analysts were still trying to decide whether Kim Jong-uns New Years speech was a ringing endorsement for peace talks leading to North-South Korean reconciliation, or a veiled threat to restart the countrys nuclear weapons program if the United States didnt meet Kims demand of ending the sanctions imposed on his beleaguered juche economy. It seems that both perspectives miss an important ingredient in Kims proposals: a new iteration of nationalism aimed at protecting the entire Korean nationnot just Kims domain in the Northfrom foreign interference. Thats how I read the section towards the end of his much-discussed address, when Kim introduced the term sovereignty of the country. By using these words, I think Kim is hoping to ignite an important shift in the political dynamics on the Korean Peninsula. My conclusions have been reinforced by two factors: Kim's surprise visit to China this week, his fourth over the past year, and subsequent comments and analyses by North Korean state media in the wake of his New Years Day speech. Kim, who has gone further than both his father and grandfather in reducing military tensions with South Korea, seemed to be sending a signal that he and South Korean president Moon Jae-in have embarked on a path for national salvation that cant be stopped by any outside power. If this is correct, then we could be seeing the start of a new phase of Korean unity, with important implications for the futureespecially for the United States. Kims proposals dont necessarily mean hostility to those foreign powers, however. In his speech, he was careful to emphasize that the two Koreas need the support of both the United States and China to move forward. Both Pyongyang and Seoul, he declared, should actively promote multiparty negotiations for replacing the current ceasefire on the Korean peninsula with a peace mechanism in close contact with the signatories to the armistice agreement so as to lay a lasting and substantial peace-keeping foundation. Story continues This will almost certainly be discussed when Kim meets Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing this week. After all, Kim's reference to China in the context of the armistice reflects his resolve to begin the process for establishing a peace regime via multilateral negotiations involving China, said the progressive Hankyoreh newspaper. It seems Kim has concluded that he can put himself in a more advantageous position for negotiations with the US by securing regime security assurances and a bigger safety net through North Koreas ties with China, Hankyoreh added. But what about his new nationalism? According to Rodong Sinmuns official translation of the New Year's Day speech, Kim made his reference to sovereignty just after declaring that the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, or DPRK, would neither make and test nuclear weapons any longer, and that he was ready to meet President Donald Trump again anytime to continue the dialogue they began last June in Singapore. If the U.S. responds to our proactive, prior efforts with trustworthy measures and corresponding practical actions, he added, bilateral relations will develop wonderfully at a fast pace through the process of taking more definite and epochal measures. Kims offers not to proliferate in return for continued negotiations were seen by some commentators as hopeful and historic. For instance, Robert Carlin, the veteran U.S. intelligence analyst who helped the Clinton administration negotiate the 1994 Agreed Framework, told the Wall Street Journal that Kims declaration was the first of its kind from Pyongyang in a quarter-century. Kim has deliberately left himself and President Trump maximum space for conducting negotiations leading up to a second summit, Carlin added in his own wrap-up for 38 North (perhaps Kim outlined some of these ideas in the great letter President Trump says he received from Kim over the holidays). But other aspects of his speech led to some pessimistic conclusions, including a widely quoted observation on Twitter from Bruce Klingner, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation and a former member of the CIA. Klingner assessed that Kim had indeed extended an olive branch but with very sharp thorns. Heres what he was referring to: if the United States attempts to unilaterally enforce something upon us and persists in imposing sanctions and pressure against our Republic, said Kim, we may be compelled to find a new way for defending the sovereignty of the country and the supreme interests of the state and for achieving peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. Notice how he parsed these words. The United States, Kim declared, is using sanctions as pressure against our Republic, meaning the DPRK. In his mind, this compels North and South to find a new way for defending the sovereignty of the country, which I interpret as meaning all of Korea, North and South. This is the new formulation that I am speaking of. He continued: All the fellow countrymen should unite as one, being conscious that the master of peace on the peninsula is our nation, in order to wage a powerful struggle to check and frustrate all the moves that wreck peace and incite military tension on this land. Later, he added that we should never tolerate the interference and intervention of outside forces who stand in the way of national reconciliation, unity and reunification with the design to subordinate inter-Korean relations to their tastes and interests. And he demanded that the United States and South Korea terminate their joint military exercises completely. Some saw these passages, especially Kims reference to a new way of defending North Korea, as an overt threat to restart building nuclear weapons unless Trump agrees to end sanctions or takes steps to sign a peace treaty to replace the 1953 armistice. That was Kims essential message, David Sanger wrote in the New York Times in a story headlined Back at Square 1. It quoted former U.S. diplomat Evans J. R. Revere saying that not much has changed over the last year. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies also seized on what he called Kims nationalist note about outside forces blocking reconciliation. These have been themes of North Korean propaganda throughout the yearpraising Moon while criticizing his opponents as lackeys of the Americans and the Japanese, he wrote in the National Interest. These analyses, I contend, fail to recognize how much has actually changed in the two Koreas this year. They also miss the fact that much of the narrow, conservative opposition to Moons outreach to the DPRK comes from individuals and political parties that actually do prefer a South Korea closely aligned with Japan and the United States rather than moving towards reconciliation and unification with North Korea. Its only in the context of these changes and political realities that Kims sovereignty pitch makes sense. Hes not trying to divide South Korea from the United States, in my view, but to unite all of Koreans in their desire for reconciliation and peace. Kim reinforced that nationalist offer with proposals, still being considered by the Moon government, to resume the Kaesong Industrial Park and Mt Kumgang tourism without any precondition and in return for nothing, in consideration of the hard conditions of businesspersons of the south side who had advanced into the Kaesong Industrial Park and the desire of southern compatriots who are eager to visit the nations celebrated mountain. When north and south join hands firmly and rely on the united strength of the fellow countrymen, no external sanctions and pressure, challenges and trials will be able to hinder us in our efforts to open a broad avenue to national prosperity, he added. Here, Kim seemed to be looking back at the extraordinary events of 2018. After President Moon invited Kims senior advisers to revive the inter-Korean dialogue during the Pyeongchang Olympics last January, South and North Korea embarked on a series of high-level negotiations that lowered military tensions on the peninsula to an unimaginable degree. In one highly symbolic act at the end of 2018, guard posts were dismantled along strategic sections of the border. Days later, in scenes never before seen, soldiers from the two sides were mingling and shaking hands as the border seemed to disappear. In his speech, Kim expressed great hopes in this process, calling the North-South military agreements signed in September a virtual nonaggression declaration in which north and south have committed themselves to terminating fratricidal war based on force of arms. He urged both sides to make greater strides this year to reunify the country on the basis of the priceless achievements we made in 2018. Kim knows very well that these achievements came about only after Moon and the South Korean government managed to overcome U.S. resistance to both the military accords and other moves towards reconciliation, including the joint inter-Korean project to link their rail and transport systems. Their differences focused largely on the sanctions, which the Trump administration refused at first to lift when it came to cross-border economic projects and even the opening of the new North-South liaison office in Gaesong (after Kims speech, Rodong Sinmun continued to criticize U.S. interference, calling it a grave infringement of one nations autonomy, according to NK News.) These differences have brought the issue of South Korean independence to the fore in ways not seen since the popular revolution that toppled Syngman Rhee in 1960. After the Pentagon, through the UN Command, blocked North-South inspection plans for the railroads at one point, the Hankyoreh newspaper, which has adamantly supported Moons diplomacy, noted that Korean critics have been vocal in proclaiming that Washingtons interference in inter-Korean cooperation efforts have reached the point of infringing on sovereignty. That remains a serious concern for many South Koreans, and will continue to be as the peace process moves forward. By proposing that North and South join ranks on this issue to pursue reconciliation, I believe Kim Jong-un is trying to create a new sense of purpose for the entire Korean nation. Rodong Sinmun focused on this point in a signed editorial on January 8, declaring that all Koreans, wherever they live, should positively conduct various activities to disclose and denounce the moves of outsiders for aggression and demand lasting peace on the Korean peninsula. To be sure, the pan-national alliance Kim is suggesting is a long shot. Most South Koreans, including those on the left who support Moons policies, have deep reservations about the lack of democratic rights in the DPRK and the excessive power of Kims military and security forcesboth of which are grim reminders of South Koreas own past. Also, many Koreans are quite comfortable with their close alliance with the United States. Still, it could have a marked influence on public opinion in the South, particularly if Kim visits Seoul, as he hopes, and makes the pitch for greater independence then. Bottom line: If the United States sticks to its line that no sanctions can be lifted until full denuclearization and continues to pressure Moon to limit his reconciliation efforts with Kim until a final deal on denuclearization, the renewed focus in both Koreas on the sovereignty of the country could emerge as the key factor in the Korean peace process. That seems to be the most significant aspect of Kims speech, which touched on many other topics that have been well-covered elsewhere. Im anxious to see, and report on, what unfolds. Tim Shorrock grew up in Tokyo and Seoul and has been writing about U.S. relations with North and South Korea since the 1970s for The Nation and many other publications. Image: Reuters Read full article Joshua Tree National Park narrowly avoided a temporary closure due to begin on Thursday as a result of damage and sanitation issues caused by the partial government shutdown, park officials said Wednesday. The National Park Service used revenue from recreation fees to hire maintenance crews to clean up overflowing toilets and trash, officials said in a statement. The park reopened campgrounds and a number of hiking areas that were closed at the end of December as a result of the government shutdown. With the U.S. government now in the third week of a partial shutdown which has left 380,000 federal workers furloughed and another 420,000 working without pay Joshua Tree has found itself sorely understaffed and vulnerable to irresponsible visitors. Spokesman George Land said in a statement on Tuesday that the park had witnessed incidents of new roads being created by motorists and the destruction of Joshua trees in recent days. There have been just about eight rangers on hand to oversee Joshua Trees sprawling 790,636 acres during the shutdown. (Photo: Mario Tama via Getty Images) A temporary closure was set to begin at 8 a.m. local time on Thursday to allow park staff to address sanitation, safety, and resource protection issues in the park that have arisen during the lapse in appropriations, Land said. National parks typically close during government shutdowns, but the Trump administration kept them open during this partial shutdown without funding. Just eight rangers were on hand as of Tuesday to oversee Joshua Trees sprawling 790,636 acres, Land told the Los Angeles Times. But on Wednesday, officials said they would be able to use Federal Land and Recreation Enhancement funds to bring on additional staff to ensure the protection of park resources and mitigate some of the damage that has occurred during the lapse of appropriations. Officials also thanked volunteers who have helped with cleaning and maintenance during the shutdown. Their efforts have contributed significantly to the reopening of campgrounds and restoring access to other closed areas of Joshua Tree National Park, officials said. Story continues Even with the park largely reopened to the public, some experts warn against visiting Joshua Tree anytime soon to avoid straining the delicate desert ecosystem. Casey Schreiner, a journalist who works to educate people on how to responsibly enjoy the West Coasts natural beauty, said deserts can appear more robust than they are to an untrained eye. If youre not a desert person, you dont understand how fragile these environments are, Schreiner said in an interview for The New York Times California Today newsletter. Deserts are home to delicate flora dependent on a fine layer of cryptobiotic soil that, as Schreiner told the Times, can take literally thousands of years to form and can be crushed with a single footprint. Related Coverage Trump Threatens National Emergency If He Doesn't Get His Border Wall Government Shutdown Leads Aviation Workers To Miss First Paycheck The Government Shutdown Is About To Get Really Bad For Unpaid TSA Workers Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Donald Trump's first presidential address from the Oval Office was more of the same rhetoric about building the wall, which is the focal point of the now 18-day government shutdown. One of many to talk about it was Jimmy Kimmel, who thought the president could've done a much better job of hamming up the so-called border crisis, which is already pretty hammy already. "If you really want to come up with a fake border crisis, make it a scary border crisis," Kimmel said. "Don't say there are illegal immigrants. Say there is an army of chupacabras crawling in through Tijuana. Tell everyone they've got red eyes, sharp claws, and if we stop them they're going to eat our children and our Instagram. That's how you get people fired up." Kimmel also had fun with Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi's consequent address, which was a stern one, to say the least. "They stuck 'em out in the hall. It's either a hall or the White House morgue, I don't know," Kimmel joked. Jeremy Corbyn has urged Tory rebels to help him bring down the Government. He called on rebels to support a no-confidence vote and force a General Election if Theresa May loses the vote on her Brexit deal, as he admitted Labour cannot do it alone. Speaking in Wakefield, an area that supported Leave in the EU Referendum, the Labour leader confirmed the party would vote against Mrs Mays deal in the Commons next week. He said if Labour were to take power in an election, he would try and delay Brexit in order to negotiate a new Brexit deal. Labour would campaign on a platform of trying to secure a Brexit deal involving a customs union, a single market relationship and a guarantee to keep pace with EU rights and standards, said Mr Corbyn, conceding that this would take time and would likely involve pushing back the Article 50 deadline. The UK cannot delay Brexit without the agreement of the EU27. Jeremy Corbyn has urged Tory rebels to help Labour bring down the Government (PA) This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Mr Corbyn stopped short of vowing to table a motion of no confidence straight away, instead saying he would do it when it has the best chance of success. He said: Let there be no doubt. Theresa Mays deal is a bad deal for our country and Labour will vote against it next week in Parliament. I say to Theresa May: if you are so confident in your deal, then call that election and let the people decide. If not, Labour will table a motion of no confidence in the Government at the moment we judge it to have the best chance of success. Sending a message to Tory rebels, Mr Corbyn added: Clearly, Labour does not have enough MPs in parliament to win a confidence vote on its own. So, members across the House should vote with us to break the deadlock. This paralysis cannot continue. Uncertainty is putting peoples jobs and livelihoods at risk. MORE: Why is John Bercows Brexit ruling so controversial? MORE: Fund to find Madeleine McCann receives cash boost after parents company profits soar Despite calls from many in his own party for a second referendum, Mr Corbyn has been hesitant to back it outright. Story continues Instead he said that the option of campaigning for a public vote would be on the table. The opposition leader insisted there was no split between himself and shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer on extending the two-year process of negotiating withdrawal under Article 50 of the EU treaties. Theresa May is reportedly under pressure from Brexiteers to call an election in April (Getty) Conservative Party chairman Brandon Lewis said Labour was trying to frustrate the decision of the British people and rerun the referendum. He added: While they play politics, we will act in the national interest delivering on the referendum decision with the right Brexit deal and building a country that works for everyone. After nearly two years of long and complex negotiations, Labour would take us back to square one. Labour frontbenchers watch as Mr Corbyn made his speech in Wakefield (PA) Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesman Tom Brake said: If Corbyn really wants to know what the public thinks of Theresa Mays Brexit deal, he should support a Peoples Vote. It is shameful that Corbyn continues to sit on the fence on the biggest issue this country has faced since the Second World War. He is failing to provide proper opposition to this shambolic Conservative Government. Police believe they have found the car that was used to knock down teenager Jayden Moodie before he was repeatedly stabbed. The 14-year-old was murdered on Tuesday in an area of east London notorious for drug dealing and blighted by so-called county lines gangs that are known to exploit children. Police said they believe the attack was targeted and intent on lethal force from the outset. Chief Superintendent Richard Tucker told reporters he could not sleep for thinking about what had happened to such a young boy. Police have found what they believe was the car that knocked down Jayden Moodie before he was stabbed (PA) He said of the boys age: I think that will strike a chord with so many people and so many parents across the UK. The teenager, who lived in the area with his mother, was knocked off the moped by a black Mercedes B Class at around 6.30pm on Tuesday in Bickley Road, Leyton, and then stabbed several times by three attackers as he lay unconscious in the road. The car was found on Wednesday in nearby Carlisle Road area of Leyton, a few hundred metres away, and remains there for forensic examination. MORE: New survey finds 70% of MPs think Theresa May has done a poor job of negotiating Brexit MORE: Couriers and takeaway drivers form vigilante groups in fightback against moped muggers Detective Chief Inspector Chris Soole from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: We are treating the recovery of the car as a significant development in our enquiries, which are still very much in their early stages. Jaydens family are being fully supported and kept updated by our team. This is a truly heartbreaking time for them and we are doing everything we can to find out who was responsible for Jaydens death. Mr Tucker said it was too early to ascertain a motive or say whether an incident a few streets away from the crime scene on Wednesday when a man was slashed across the face was linked. The 14-year-old was knocked off the moped by a black Mercedes B Class (PA) He said: The overriding factor is hes 14 years old. A lot of people are saying young man hes not. Hes a boy. Hes 14. Story continues Its shocking, its an appalling event and this will have affected huge numbers of our young people and weve got additional officers in the area, and at schools, to actually reassure people that they are safe in east London. Whatever the reasons for his death, he was 14 years old and I would urge anyone who has any information to come forward and assist us to catch the people who did this horrific, horrific offence. Police said they believe the attack was targeted and intent on lethal force from the outset (PA) A section 60 order was put in place to allow officers to search anyone in the vicinity of the scene for weapons. Jaydens godmother Zoe Grant, who lives in Nottingham, paid tribute to the 14-year-old by saying: He was full of life, fun loving and a ray of sunshine. He was a beautiful boy, so intelligent, had everything to live for. He went to London and then this happens its just so unfair. He was very dearly loved by everybody. Jayden was a good kid. 14 is no life its not fair. Jayden was knocked down on Tuesday in Bickley Road, Leyton, and then stabbed several times by three attackers as he lay unconscious in the road (PA) A family friend, who gave his name as Solomon, said the schoolboy, a talented boxer, was a wonderful and loving child. Describing himself as Jaydens acting grandfather, he said the system was really letting down the youth. They dont come on the streets because they want to they dont have a choice, he said. They need to be given a chance to breathe like everyone else in the world. Flowers have been left at the scene of the stabbing (PA) In 2018, around a fifth (17%) of homicide victims in London were teenagers, most of whom were stabbed. The youngest were aged 15. The borough where Jayden died, Waltham Forest, has has been blighted by gang crime, with the local authority ploughing 3 million over the next four years into a prevention programme. Police patrols were stepped up in the wake of the murder. The Fiji Water Girl stole the show at the 2019 Golden Globes. Kelleth Cuthbert showed up in the background of nearly every stars photo offering bottles of Fiji Water and making good face as she became one of the most notorious moments of the awards show. Jamie Lee Curtis, though, did not appreciate being photobombed by products for what she calls blatant promotions. The actor made her feelings known about being associated with brands in the photo. In a post on Instagram, Curtis wrote that her husband was watching CNN when he saw a photo of his wife with a caption that read that Curtis was in danger of being upstaged by Cuthbert. Curtis wanted to explain a few things about what happened when the photograph was taken. I specifically moved away from the blatant promotions by Fiji and Moet where young women with their trays filled with their wares stood near a designated camera, she wrote. I knew why there was a photographer poised there and I moved away as I said out loud that I didnt want to be doing advertising for either. Clearly this angle shows that I moved from her being behind me and yet from the side it still happens. The Halloween star ended her post by saying that the award shows sponsors should simply ask the stars before making them props in their ad campaigns, noting: The sponsors of events need to get permission from people when they get them to take their picture next to products. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Not every star took issue with the photos, though. Riverdale star Lili Reinhart dubbed Fijis Golden Globes event the best publicity stunt ever pulled. Its a bleak day in the auto industry. The UKs biggest car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover announced on Thursday it is cutting 4,500 jobs, or about 10% of its workforce, in a bid to save money. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which is owned by Indias Tata Motors (TTM), employs 42,500 people in the UK and 1,500 workers in other countries. The automaker said it would start off by offering voluntary redundancies to UK workers. This comes after the company shed 1,500 jobs in 2018. Meanwhile, Honda (HMC) the UKs fourth largest automaker said it would shut its British operations for six days in April to help it cope with any potential Brexit disruptions. And earlier in the day, Ford (F) announced plans to overhaul its business and cut thousands of jobs in Europe. The latest announcements indicate that the industry continues to struggle with challenges including a huge slump in European diesel car sales, a slowdown in Chinese purchases and the threat of a messy Brexit. RELATED: Job losses point to bleak 2019 for auto industry JLR said its new plans would help it cut about 2.5bn ($3.2bn) in costs over the next 18 months and prepare the company for a brave new world of electric and autonomous vehicles. We are taking decisive action to help deliver long-term growth, in the face of multiple geopolitical and regulatory disruptions as well as technology challenges facing the automotive industry, said CEO Ralf Speth in a written statement. This will safeguard our future and enable vital ongoing investment into autonomous, connected, electric and shared technologies. The British company also announced new investment in electric technology at its Wolverhampton engine manufacturing centre and the launch of a new battery assembly centre at Hams Hall, North Warwickshire. Ford signalled there would be significant cuts among its 50,000-strong European workforce under plans to make it more competitive and make its business more sustainable. Details of job cuts are not expected until later in the year, although staff based at Warley in the West Midlands will move to Dunton in Essex. Story continues Steven Armstrong, Fords European group vice-president, said the company was taking decisive action to transform its European business. It is also working to ramp up its electric car production. Honda said it had been assessing how to cope with any disruption caused by logistics and border issues following Brexit on 29 March. To ensure Honda is well placed to adjust to all possible outcomes, we are planning six non-production days in April 2019, a spokesman said. Germanys BMW (BMW.DE), which manufactures Minis in the UK, is also planning a similar shutdown in April to avoid any potential Brexit trade complications. Jaguar Land Rover: A long list of problems JLR has suffered more than its peers in the face of lower demand in China and a slump in sales of diesel cars in Europe, said Benny Daniel, a mobility expert and vice-president at the market research firm Frost & Sullivan. JLR sales in China dropped 22% in 2018 compared to the previous year, according to new annual data. This forced JLR to offer heavy discounts in China, which is hurting profitability, Daniel said. About 90% of all JLRs European sales have been diesel-powered cars, according to Justin Cox, a director at LMC Automotive. But drivers have been shunning diesel purchases ever since the Volkswagen diesel scandal, and have stayed away as European governments threaten to ban diesel cars from city centres. The threat of Brexit has also intensified as the UK is set to leave the European Union in less than three months. In September, Jaguar Land Rover boss Speth warned that the wrong Brexit deal could cost tens of thousands of car jobs and risks production at the firm. This has undoubtedly influenced the companys decision to move some production to a manufacturing plant in Slovakia and invest in specialist engineering hubs in Ireland and Hungary. Jaguar Land Rover announced it is cutting thousands of jobs. Photo: Leon Neal/Getty Images Other UK-based automakers have also been vocal about their Brexit concerns, including Toyota (TM) and Nissan (7201.T), which produce a combined 640,000 cars in the UK each year. They have warned that any delay at the border could force swift factory shutdowns. With a no-deal [Brexit], we would have stop-start production for weeks, possibly months. It would be very very difficult for us to cope, warned Toyota Motor Europes deputy managing director, Tony Walker, at a parliamentary committee hearing last year. With files from Reuters and PA ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) Israel has failed to overcome U.S. objections to its plan to sell 12 used fighter jets to Croatia and the $500 million deal will likely be canceled, Croatia's defense minister said Thursday. Israel reached a tentative deal with Croatia in March for the sale of the upgraded F-16 Barak fighters, pending U.S. approval that would allow the American-made technology to be purchased by a third party. Croatian Defense Minister Damir Krsticevic said after meeting with Israeli defense officials in Zagreb on Thursday that "despite accepted obligations," Israel failed to obtain the needed consent and his ministry "will propose to the government to make appropriate decisions." He said Croatia will not suffer financial consequences because of the failed deal, which was to be its largest single military purchase since it split from the Yugoslav federation in a bloody war in the 1990s. The deal ran into trouble after Washington said that Israel needed to strip off the upgrades that were added after Israel took delivery of the aircraft from the United States some 30 years ago. The sophisticated electronics and radar systems were crucial in Croatia's decision to buy the F-16s from Israel instead of from the U.S. or Greece, which also bid for the contract. Relations between the Trump administration and Israel have been very close, particularly on defense issues. But the sale of the jets to Croatia appears to be an exception. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met earlier this month but didn't agree on a way to end the impasse. The director-general of the Israeli Defense Ministry, Udi Adam, traveled to Croatia on Thursday in an apparent attempt to save the deal. He said at a joint media conference with the Croatian defense minister that "sadly, the conditions were not right (for finalizing the deal) because of the circumstances that were beyond our control." Story continues Israel is trying to get rid of its aging F-16s that will be replaced with more modern F-35 fighters. Last week, Croatian Defense Minister Krsticevic said Israel provided "pre-guarantees" during the bidding process that U.S. officials would green-light the sale. The problems in carrying out the deal have brought calls for Krsticevic's resignation. NATO member Croatia faces a mini arms race with Russian ally Serbia, which recently received six used Russian MiG-29 fighter jets. ___ AP writer Dusan Stojanovic contributed. Designed to provide broad exposure to the Style Box - All Cap Blend category of the market, the iShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF (EUSA) is a smart beta exchange traded fund launched on 05/05/2010. What Are Smart Beta ETFs? Products that are based on market cap weighted indexes, which are strategies designed to reflect a specific market segment or the market as a whole, have traditionally dominated the ETF industry. Market cap weighted indexes work great for investors who believe in market efficiency. They provide a low-cost, convenient and transparent way of replicating market returns. There are some investors, though, who think it's possible to beat the market with great stock selection; this group likely invests in another class of funds known as smart beta, which track non-cap weighted strategies. By attempting to pick stocks that have a better chance of risk-return performance, non-cap weighted indexes are based on certain fundamental characteristics, or a combination of such. This area offers many different investment choices, such as simplest equal-weighting, fundamental weighting and volatility/momentum based weighting methodologies; however, not all of these strategies can deliver superior results. Fund Sponsor & Index EUSA is managed by Blackrock, and this fund has amassed over $206.46 M, which makes it one of the average sized ETFs in the Style Box - All Cap Blend. Before fees and expenses, EUSA seeks to match the performance of the MSCI USA Equal Weighted Index. The MSCI USA Equal Weighted Index represents the MSCI USA Index, measures the performance of equity securities in the top 85% by market capitalization of equity securities listed on stock exchanges in the United States. Cost & Other Expenses Expense ratios are an important factor in the return of an ETF and in the long-term, cheaper funds can significantly outperform their more expensive cousins, other things remaining the same. Annual operating expenses for this ETF are 0.15%, making it one of the cheaper products in the space. Story continues EUSA's 12-month trailing dividend yield is 1.92%. Sector Exposure and Top Holdings ETFs offer diversified exposure and thus minimize single stock risk, but it is still important to delve into a fund's holdings before investing. Most ETFs are very transparent products and many disclose their holdings on a daily basis. Representing 15.10% of the portfolio, the fund has heaviest allocation to the Information Technology sector; Financials and Industrials round out the top three. When you look at individual holdings, Cigna Corp (CI) accounts for about 0.24% of the fund's total assets, followed by Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW) and Workday Inc Class A (WDAY). EUSA's top 10 holdings account for about 1.97% of its total assets under management. Performance and Risk The ETF return is roughly 4.88% and is down about -6.47% so far this year and in the past one year (as of 01/10/2019), respectively. EUSA has traded between $47.02 and $59.92 during this last 52-week period. EUSA has a beta of 1.03 and standard deviation of 12.95% for the trailing three-year period, which makes the fund a medium risk choice in the space. With about 624 holdings, it effectively diversifies company-specific risk. Alternatives IShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF is a reasonable option for investors seeking to outperform the Style Box - All Cap Blend segment of the market. However, there are other ETFs in the space which investors could consider. IShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF (ITOT) tracks S&P Total Market Index and the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) tracks CRSP US Total Market Index. IShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF has $15.67 B in assets, Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF has $97.91 B. ITOT has an expense ratio of 0.03% and VTI charges 0.04%. Investors looking for cheaper and lower-risk options should consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs that aim to match the returns of the Style Box - All Cap Blend. Bottom Line To learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report ISHARS-MS USA (EUSA): ETF Research Reports Workday, Inc. (WDAY) : Free Stock Analysis Report Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW) : Free Stock Analysis Report VIPERS-TOT STK (VTI): ETF Research Reports ISHARS-1500 IDX (ITOT): ETF Research Reports Cigna Corporation (CI) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Tehran (AFP) - Iran protesters have attacked a religious school in Karaj province near Tehran, the conservative Fars news agency reported on Saturday. "At 9 pm (1530 GMT on Friday) they attacked the school and tried to break the doors down and burn things," Fars quoted the head of the school in the town of Ishtehad, Hojatoleslam Hindiani, as saying. It gave only his clerical rank -- Hojatoleslam -- not his given name. "They were about 500 people and they chanted against the system but they were dispersed by the riot police and some have been arrested," Hindiani said. Iranian authorities have barely mentioned days of protests in the cities of Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad and Tehran, driven by concerns over the economy as well as wider anger at the political system. During past unrest, conservative outlets have focused on attacks against sensitive symbols such as religious buildings as a way of tarnishing the protests. Videos on social media in recent days have shown people chanting "Death to the dictator", but these have been impossible to verify and the authorities have charged that they are promoted by emigre opposition groups funded by the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Describing the attack on Friday evening, Hindiani said: "These people came with rocks and broke the sign and all the windows of the prayer house and they were chanting against the system." Foreign media are barred from observing or filming "unauthorised" protests. The videos on social media suggest protests in recent days are far from the scale of the unrest seen in December and January, when at least 25 people were killed in demonstrations that spread to dozens of towns and cities. Xingda International Holdings Limited (HKG:1899), which is in the auto components business, and is based in China, saw a double-digit share price rise of over 10% in the past couple of months on the SEHK. As a small cap stock, hardly covered by any analysts, there is generally more of an opportunity for mispricing as there is less activity to push the stock closer to fair value. Is there still an opportunity here to buy? Lets examine Xingda International Holdingss valuation and outlook in more detail to determine if theres still a bargain opportunity. View our latest analysis for Xingda International Holdings Is Xingda International Holdings still cheap? Xingda International Holdings appears to be overvalued by 38.64% at the moment, based on my discounted cash flow valuation. The stock is currently priced at HK$2.29 on the market compared to my intrinsic value of HK$1.65. Not the best news for investors looking to buy! If you like the stock, you may want to keep an eye out for a potential price decline in the future. Given that Xingda International Holdingss share is fairly volatile (i.e. its price movements are magnified relative to the rest of the market) this could mean the price can sink lower, giving us another chance to buy in the future. This is based on its high beta, which is a good indicator for share price volatility. What does the future of Xingda International Holdings look like? SEHK:1899 Future Profit January 10th 19 Future outlook is an important aspect when youre looking at buying a stock, especially if you are an investor looking for growth in your portfolio. Buying a great company with a robust outlook at a cheap price is always a good investment, so lets also take a look at the companys future expectations. With profit expected to grow by 29% over the next couple of years, the future seems bright for Xingda International Holdings. It looks like higher cash flow is on the cards for the stock, which should feed into a higher share valuation. Story continues What this means for you: Are you a shareholder? 1899s optimistic future growth appears to have been factored into the current share price, with shares trading above its fair value. However, this brings up another question is now the right time to sell? If you believe 1899 should trade below its current price, selling high and buying it back up again when its price falls towards its real value can be profitable. But before you make this decision, take a look at whether its fundamentals have changed. Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping an eye on 1899 for a while, now may not be the best time to enter into the stock. The price has surpassed its true value, which means theres no upside from mispricing. However, the optimistic prospect is encouraging for 1899, which means its worth diving deeper into other factors in order to take advantage of the next price drop. Price is just the tip of the iceberg. Dig deeper into what truly matters the fundamentals before you make a decision on Xingda International Holdings. You can find everything you need to know about Xingda International Holdings in the latest infographic research report. If you are no longer interested in Xingda International Holdings, you can use our free platform to see my list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential. To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. Montecito mudslides: 1 year later AP Photo/Garret Fischer First, at vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui voluptatum. 1/12 Marcio Jose Sanchez In this Jan. 13, 2018, file photo, crews work on clearing Highway 101 in the aftermath of a mudslide in Montecito, Calif. Officials say the possibility of future catastrophic floods will be in mind as Montecito rebuilds following deadly mudslides that devastated the wealthy coastal hideaway. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File) Daniel Dreifuss/AP Cars drive on U.S. Highway 101 for the first time in weeks after heavy rain brought flash flooding and mudslides that covered the highway in Montecito, Calif., Monday, Jan. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Daniel Dreifuss) (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) A Cal Fire search and rescue crew looks over a home damaged by debris flows in Montecito, California, Friday, Jan. 12, 2018. (AP Photo/Daniel Dreifuss) This combination of photos shows debris and mud covering the street in front of local area shops, top, after heavy rain brought flash flooding in Montecito, Calif., on Jan. 9, 2018, and a similar view after clean up on Monday, Jan. 22, bottom. (AP Photo/Daniel Dreifuss) Debris and mud cover the entrance of the Montecito Inn after heavy rain brought flash flooding and mudslides to the area in Montecito, Calif. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, Daniel Dreifuss) This combination of photos shows a mud-covered sign, top, near the closed U.S. Highway 101 after heavy rain brought flash flooding in Montecito, Calif., on Jan. 13, 2018, and clean up of the area from a similar view on Monday, Jan. 22, bottom. (Photo/Matt Udkow/Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP) This Jan. 10, 2018, file aerial photo provided by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department shows mudflow and damage to homes in Montecito, California. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP) Story continues This photo provided by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department shows a home that has been buried in flood debris in Montecito, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP) In this Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018 photo provided by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, shows a semi-tractor trailer stuck in mud on U.S. Highway 101, in Montecito, Calif. (Photo/Mike Eliason Santa Barbara County Fire Public Information Officer) A damaged vehicle was pushed onto U.S. Highway 101 by the mudflow in the Montecito area. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, Daniel Dreifuss) This combination of photos shows a bulldozer moving debris, top, as a vehicle sits stranded in flooded water on U.S. Highway 101 after heavy rain brought flash flooding in Montecito, Calif., on Jan. 10, 2018, and cars driving on the highway after clean up from a similar view on Monday, Jan. 22, bottom. (Photo/Blake Herman/Santa Barbara County Fire) Firefighters look under a bridge at creek in Montecito that was jammed solid with debris from the deadly rains and mudflow January 9. On Jan. 9, 2018, the Southern California town of Montecito became overwhelmed with destructive mudslides after a potent storm prowled through the area. Heavy rain that had fallen on burn scar areas from the devastating Thomas Fire, which had raged only several weeks prior, triggered waves of flowing mud, rock and debris, which came crashing down onto homes and roadways. Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed. The debris flow claimed 21 lives with two people still missing, according to Santa Barbara County Fire Public Information Officer Mike Eliason. Eliason shared before and after imagery of Montecito on Twitter to mark the one-year anniversary of the mudslides. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Montecito is planning a remembrance event on the evening of Jan. 9 for those in the community to remember the victims and share their experiences. "This event is for everyone in the community," organizers said. "By providing the space in which to honor our collective experiences, it is the hope of the hosting committee that our community will share a night of healing, hope and light with one another." The charity organization Direct Relief , which is based in Santa Barbara, said local relief efforts have exceeded $5.5 million in assistance over the past year and remain ongoing. BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Thursday no compromise was possible with Germany over migration despite what he called "constant pressure" from Berlin on his government to take in immigrants. "German politics does not respect Hungarians' decision not to become an immigrant nation," Orban told a news conference. "I sense especially from the German media, sometimes in a very gross way, that they exert pressure on us to follow them on their path (of admitting immigrants), and we do not wish to." "I don't see any compromise possible here." (Reporting by Budapest newsroom; Editing by Gareth Jones) By Sarah N. Lynch WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives are locked in a dispute with Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker over scheduling a date for him to testify to lawmakers amid concerns about his appointment by President Donald Trump. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said after Democrats won the House majority in November's elections that Whitaker would be his first witness. Some Democrats are concerned that Whitaker's appointment to replace ousted Attorney General Jeff Sessions violated the U.S. Constitution and represented an effort to undermine Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election and possible coordination with Trump campaign members. Trump denies campaign collusion with Moscow. According to Nadler, Whitaker agreed in November that he would appear for a hearing in January. But Nadler said on Wednesday that the Department of Justice was now trying to cite the partial government shutdown as a reason to delay Whitaker's testimony until Feb. 12 or Feb. 13, telling the committee he would need "at least two weeks removed from a partial government shutdown" before he could appear. "I cannot accept your proposal," Nadler wrote in a letter to Whitaker. "We are willing to work with you to identify a mutually identifiable date for your testimony, but we will not allow that date to slip past January 29, 2019 - the day of the Presidents scheduled address to Congress, when we know you will be in Washington." A Justice Department spokeswoman did not immediately reply to a request for comment on Nadler's letter. For the House Judiciary Committee, time could be of the essence. It is possible that by mid-February, Trump's nominee for Attorney General, William Barr, could be a confirmed by the U.S. Senate, making Whitaker's testimony less pressing. Barr's confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled for Jan. 15 and 16. Whitaker's appointment on Nov. 7 as acting attorney general is now the subject of multiple lawsuits. He is also under scrutiny for his decision not to recuse himself from overseeing Mueller's probe into Russian meddling, disregarding advice from ethics officials who found his participation could arguably create the appearance of a conflict. Whitaker has expressed skepticism about the Mueller investigation, which is overseen by another official, Rod Rosenstein, who is preparing to leave his job soon after a new attorney general takes office. "The public is entitled to know why you chose to disregard the advice of career ethics officials at the Department with respect to your oversight of the Special Counsel," Nadler's letter said. (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; editing by Grant McCool) By David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives are considering holding hearings on the impact of the partial government shutdown on the Internal Revenue Service, with a focus on its ability to get refunds to taxpayers on time, a top lawmaker said on Wednesday. Representative Richard Neal, chairman of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, told reporters he wanted to be sure that the IRS begins to accept tax returns on Jan. 29, as scheduled, and that refunds go out in a timely manner. "We're talking about (hearings) right now. The leadership and I have discussed it in the last couple of days," the Massachusetts Democrat said. This year's deadline for tax filings is April 15, as usual. Each year, the IRS's 80,000 employees process about 150 million tax returns and issue about 108 million refunds, despite having experienced repeated budget cuts in recent years. But the partial shutdown, triggered by President Donald Trump's demand for $5.7 billion for a U.S.-Mexico border wall, has furloughed nearly 70,000 IRS employees. The White House said this week the tax agency would somehow process returns and distribute tax refunds. Details of how that would be done were not provided. Russell Vought, acting director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, told reporters: "Tax refunds will go out." Any delays in refunds - eagerly anticipated by millions of Americans - could be a political problem for Trump. Already, a growing proportion of Americans blame the Republican president for the partial shutdown, which has affected about a quarter of the federal government. The National Treasury Employees Union, which represents IRS and other federal workers, sued the government on Wednesday, saying employees should not be forced to work without pay during the shutdown. The suit said it was "substantially likely" the government would order IRS employees back to work to process tax refunds. House Democrats on Wednesday were engulfed in legislative efforts to end the 19-day-old shutdown and were not expected to fully empanel oversight committees, including Neal's, until late next week, meaning any hearings may have to wait for now. Neal first raised concerns about the shutdown's impact on the IRS last week, in a letter to IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. He later spoke to the two officials by phone. "It was pretty clear that when the conversation took place with the IRS commissioner and the secretary of the Treasury, that we want these refunds to go out on time," Neal said on Wednesday. "I'm told that the tax filing season opens still on Jan. 29. So we're going to be raising questions about that during the course of the next few days, to make sure that's adhered to." Neal said the average tax refund last year was $2,800, money that many families rely on to help pay for rent, food and child care. He has also expressed concern that mortgage lenders will be unable to obtain tax transcripts to verify income for loans. (Reporting by David Morgan; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and Peter Cooney) Kinshasa (AFP) - Hopes rose on Wednesday that the Democratic Republic of Congo's election saga may have turned a corner after opposition leaders reached out to President Joseph Kabila. The country is in flux over a thrice-delayed presidential vote, with the announcement of official results now postponed, stoking suspicions of rigging. But on Tuesday, the head of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) said the panel hoped to complete the count within 48 hours. "It is a huge task that we can't finish in just a few hours," CENI President Corneille Nangaa told AFP, referring to logistical problems in the vast central African country. "The CENI plans to devote 24 to 48 hours to this task, after which time the CENI will schedule the announcement of the provisional results," he said. According to the initial timetable, after provisional results are released, definitive results are due on January 15 with the swearing-in of the new president three days later. Further pressure on CENI to reveal the election outcome came on Wednesday from South Africa and Zambia, DRC's neighbour to the south. "The delay in releasing the results of the elections can lead to suspicions and compromise peace and stability of the country," said a joint statement by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Zambian counterpart Edgar Lungu. After deploying tens of thousands of its own election observers, the powerful Catholic Church last week said it knew the outcome of the ballot and called on the authorities to reveal the result "in keeping with truth and justice". - Bloody past - Kabila, 47, was due to step down two years ago but clung on to office, sparking widespread protests that were repressed at the cost of scores of lives. The bloodshed revived traumatic memories of the DRC's brutal past. The mineral-rich country has never had a peaceful transition of power since it gained independence from Belgium in 1960. Story continues Bloody clashes marred elections in 2006 and 2011, and two wars between 1996 and 2003, drawing in armies from around the region, claimed millions of lives. Kabila last year announced he would step down after 18 years in power and then hand-picked a loyalist, former interior minister Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, to be his party's candidate in the December 30 poll. The choice fuelled accusations that Kabila -- concerned about possible retribution -- would use Shadary to protect his interests after the vote. - Overtures - On Tuesday, though, the opposition hinted at a rapprochement. "There's no spirit of revenge," said Felix Tshisekedi, the candidate of the longtime opposition UDPS party. He also told the Belgian newspaper Le Soir that Kabila could be honoured for ushering in a peaceful transition. "One day we will even have to think of paying tribute to him (Kabila) for agreeing to withdraw," Tshisekedi said in an interview. Kabila and Tshisekedi "have an interest in meeting to prepare a peaceful and civilised transfer of power," said UDPS Secretary General Jean-Marc Kabund. A source close to Tshisekedi said the comments were aimed at "Kabila and the army". They seek to reassure the outgoing president that he could retain his assets after a reconciliation commission has done its work, the source said. The other main opposition candidate, former oil executive Martin Fayulu -- who was tipped as favourite in the few pre-election opinion polls -- also sounded a conciliatory tone on Tuesday. "Mr. Kabila is a Congolese citizen. He has a place here in Congo. He will do what he wants. The constitution is clear -- he (as former president) will be a senator for life. The keyword for us is: There's no revenge." Fayulu is backed by former Katanga governor Moise Katumbi, considered a traitor by Kabila, and ex-warlord and former vice president Jean-Pierre Bemba. 1. Yes. Its important to address the problem before it gets worse. A bond is needed. 2. Yes. Its fine, as long as the bond isnt too large. The city doesnt need more debt. 3. No. A bond issue would just put the problem back on the taxpayers. Not acceptable. 4. No. Certificates of obligation, targeting the worst roads, would be a better choice. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing the details of what a bond would entail. Vote View Results Holly Willoughby left her co-host Phillip Schofield in hysterics by making a very unusual claim about sloths. Willoughby revealed that she had been told that sloths would explode if turned the right way up. A hysterical Schofield said Oh, youre actually going to say it? and then said he had tried Googling her claim but hadnt come up with a firm answer. Willoughby, who returned to This Morning this week after weeks away filming Im a CelebrityGet Me Out of Here! denied Schofields joking that shed been told that in Australia with: No. Ive definitely heard that somewhere, but I dont know if its true. Now Im hearing it out loud, Im questioning it even more. Ive got a feeling theres some truth to it somewhere. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Apparently they dont fart either. The producers are telling me in my ear. That would make you explode, she added. Determined to get to the bottom of the hysterical situation, Schofield called in the help of Marcel McKinley, Senior Zookeeper at London Zoo. The presenting duos were in fits of laughter over Willoughbys exploding sloths claims. (REX/Shutterstock) Im really sorry Holly they dont [explode]. Once a week they go down to the grounds to go to the toilet, and they crawl around a bit, so if it happens they dont explode, McKinley said. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. However, according to Vox, another zoological expert has claimed that the furry creatures can indeed burst. Daniella Rabaiotti, a zoologist from the Zoological Society of London told the website: They eat a lot of plants; they avoid releasing gas through the quirk of their slow digestion. They only poo about every three weeks. If gases accumulated in sloths intestines over that long a time, they might get sick and even burst. So would-be sloth farts are simply reabsorbed through the intestines into the bloodstream. The gases are then respired out of the lungs, Rabaiotti said. This Morning also made headlines yesterday when Willoughby and Schofield announced the daytime show would be moving to six days a week. The new Sunday slot will be hosted by Eammon Holmes and Ruth Langsford. Read more Piers Morgan in Twitter spat with GOT star Vicky Pattison criticised for this Instagram photo Katie Price unable to pay 1100 court fine Government Shutdown Stops Routine Food Safety Inspections The fallout from the government shutdown has expanded beyond the bank accounts of federal employees and to your kitchen, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspending routine inspections meant to ensure the safety of what the country eats and drinks due to lack of funds. In a series of tweets on Wednesday, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb attempted to reassure the public that his agency was "taking steps to expand the scope of food safety surveillance inspections were doing during the shutdown to make sure we continue inspecting high risk food facilities," but the news is likely to cause some squeamish decisions in the grocery aisle on the part of shoppers. What foods are being inspected during the government shutdown? One of the most important functions of the FDA is to send qualified inspectors to food production centers to ensure the food in your fridge and cupboards is free from contamination from insects, rodents and bacteria that could sicken you. Because Congress did not appropriate funds to the FDA prior to the shutdown, about 41% of its workers have been furloughed, causing the delay or suspension of the 160 routine inspections the FDA supervises each week. If Gottlieb can somehow bring back enough furloughed inspectors to resume inspections, they will be focused on what the FDA deems as "high-risk" foods. These include (but aren't limited to): Seafood Custard-filled bakery products Dairy products, including cheese and cheese products Sandwiches Pre-prepared salads Fresh fruits and vegetables Infant formula The current lack of inspection of these food products means an outbreak of E.coli (such as the one which recently contaminated romaine lettuce) or some other hazardous contaminant might not be caught before spreading to the public. What you can do to minimize the risk While the FDA has suspended routine inspections of domestic food production centers, it continues its work of guaranteeing the safety of imported food. If you shudder at the thought that the eggs you planned on cooking for breakfast tomorrow may have made it to your fridge without the proper inspection, you could always try and find a local grocery that imports all of its food from abroad. These tend to be more expensive than the local Piggly Wiggly, so make sure to bring with you a credit card that maximizes your rewards. You should also note that the Department of Agriculture continues to inspect meat and poultry, so now you have an excuse to indulge your inner carnivore and have steak tonight. The day after President Trump's televised address about why he wants $5.7 billion to build a security wall along the U.S.'s southern border, the federal government shutdown continues. It is affecting everything from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and airport security to the National Weather Service and business owners who want Small Business Administration loans. While some of those things you can temporarily do without think trips to national parks food is vital to life. On day 19 of the partial shutdown, here's a look at how what's going on in Washington, D.C., could impact your dinner. More: McDonald's goes bacon crazy: Cheesy Bacon Fries, Big Mac Bacon and Quarter Pounder Bacon More: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and wife MacKenzie to divorce after 25 years of marriage More: Ready for 10G? As wireless carriers push 5G, cable industry makes a case to keep broadband Food safety The potential for unsafe food and a resulting public health problem depends on what kind of food it is and which part of the federal government is responsible for inspecting and monitoring it. In its contingency staffing plan for operations, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the Food and Drug Administration, said it'd be "unable to support some routine regulatory and compliance activities," which includes "most food-related activities." The FDA's website says work it deems "mission critical, public health activities" like watching out for and responding to foodborne illness outbreaks, supporting high-risk food recalls and screening food imports continue. Five recalls have been posted there since the shutdown began on Dec. 22. "Less inspections mean people who are being unsafe may not have anyone who notices," said Brian Kellerman, a Columbus, Ohio-based food-safety consultant. "That means more unsafe food makes it to the food supply." At the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees meat, poultry and processed egg products, inspections are still going on during the shutdown because they're considered essential. Story continues USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service personnel who handle these are critical "to the functioning of food safety operations in the nations food supply, who would continue to perform services essential to public health." Kellerman said meat, poultry, and processed egg inspections could slow down as a result, though. And the USDA might have to rely more on the states' agriculture departments for help. Food prices The ripples from the government shutdown won't be coming to your supermarket aisles anytime soon, but they could later. Some farmers use the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service data to make planting decisions. Wrong choices could hurt the offending planters and if it's a big enough problem, lead to higher prices. No new stats are coming their way now: "Due to a lapse in federal funding, this USDA website will not be actively updated. Once funding has been reestablished, online operations will continue." "The data is uniformly shut off from all different agencies during shutdowns; it's nonessential," said Scott Baker, an associate professor of finance at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management who studied the 2013 federal government shutdown. "Data is one of the things thats more impacted. It's not visual to the average household. If you rely on government data for the research or operation of your business, youll be feeling that pretty quickly." Beer The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau is out during the shutdown. That means the federal government will not approve beer labels or process permits, which translates into no new beers. "During the shutdown period, but submissions will not be reviewed or approved until appropriations are enacted," the bureau's website said. A start-up brewery needs a permit to manufacture beer in the U.S., according to the Brewers Association, the Boulder, Colorado-based trade association, which estimates the government handles as many 400 new permits a quarter, so every month means 100-plus breweries are in a holding pattern. Plus, when the government is funded again, brewers could face a backlog to get their new products out. SNAP However, people on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program abbreviated to SNAP and known colloquially as food stamps will continue to get their benefits, at least through February. When the USDA's funding expired on Dec. 21, SNAP benefits for January were fully funded, so that month was safe, according to the department, which is working with states to issue February benefits early. "Our motto here at USDA has been to Do Right and Feed Everyone," USDA secretary Sonny Perdue said in a statement on Tuesday. "With this solution, weve got the Feed Everyone part handled. And I believe that the plan weve constructed takes care of the Do Right part as well. Child nutrition programs, like school meals and after-school programs, have funding available to last through March, the USDA said. Follow USA TODAY reporter Zlati Meyer on Twitter: @ZlatiMeyer This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Government shutdown: How it impacts what you eat from food safety to beer Twitter Facebook Google is making it a lot easier to refer back to links youve clicked in previous searches. The search engine announced on Wednesday that its rolling out a new activity card feature that provides users with links theyve already visited when referring back to a search query. An example of how Google's new activity cards in search work. Image: Google Users logged into their Google accounts will be presented with a "Your related activity" prompt at the top of the search results page when they look up previously-searched queries. Clicking on that opens up an activity card with a list of links. Google is promoting the feature as an opportunity to pick up where you left off in search. Read more... More about Google, Search Engine, Tech, and Big Tech Companies Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - Almost 640 flights were cancelled in Germany Thursday as security staff went on strike at three airports, meaning disruption for around 100,000 passengers. The number of flights blocked was more than half the 1,050 scheduled for Duesseldorf, Cologne-Bonn and Stuttgart. Duesseldorf -- the country's third-largest airport -- said in a statement that 370 of Thursday's 580 planned departures had to be cancelled. News agency DPA reported that the walkout, slated to last from 3:00 am (0200 GMT) to midnight (1100 GMT), was expected to affect around 100,000 travellers. At Cologne-Bonn, where 131 of almost 200 flights were cancelled, union Verdi told DPA the security strike was also slowing freight handling. The knock-on effects of the walkout also triggered flight cancellations at Munich airport, which is already grappling with disruptions caused by inclement weather. Representing 23,000 airport security staff across Germany, Verdi is demanding a pay increase to 20 euros ($23.08) per hour. Wages currently vary nationwide, with workers in some airports in eastern Germany earning around 14 euros hourly, compared with just over 17 euros for their peers in the capital and western parts of the country. Employers' association BDLS meanwhile is offering increases of between two and 6.4 percent. Passengers' first taste of the pay dispute came Monday, when Berlin's two airports Tegel and Schoenefeld suffered "warning strikes" with around 50 departures cancelled. The next round of Verdi and BDLS negotiations will take place on January 23. Madeleine McCanns parents have seen a boost in profits to aid the search for their daughter (Getty) The search to find Madeleine McCann has received a boost of nearly 100,000 in royalties from a book about the toddlers disappearance. Find Madeleine Leaving No Stone Unturned, the company set up by Kate and Gerry McCann to fund the search for their daughter, now has more than 800,000 in assets, according to the Mirror. Donations have gone down in recent years but Kate has donated 84,096 in royalties from her bestselling book, Madeleine. Find Madeleine Leaving No Stone Unturned made nearly 100,000 in the past year (Getty) The book, that was written in 2011, continues to sell well and the royalties have now boosted the McCanns company to 823,332 in assets. Some 11.75 million has so far been spent on the search for Maddie, who vanished from an apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2007. Kate and Gerry thanked supporters in a Christmas message at the end of 2018. MORE: Lorry driver arrested after 27 suspected migrants found in the back of vehicle on M6 MORE: Jayden Moodie murder: Police find the car used to knock down 14-year-old before stabbing Saying that the dearly miss their daughter, they added: May 2019 be a peaceful and positive one for us all. In October, a detective who worked on Maddies disappearance said she may be alive and still in Portugal, more than 11 years after she vanished. Kate McCann wrote Madeleine in 2011 to raise funds for the search (Grab) David Edgar, who was personally hired by Kate and Gerry to work on the case, worked on finding the youngster for three years. Mr Edgar believes that Maddie, who would now be a teenager, could be living with her captor away from the tourist areas where she disappeared. By Sudip Kar-Gupta PARIS (Reuters) - French companies have this week revealed some 60 million euros ($69 million) of lost business from anti-government protests rocking the country, which could augur badly for the likes of supermarket chains Casino and Carrefour. Shares in retailer FNAC Darty fell on Thursday after the electronics goods retailer estimated a revenue hit of some 45 million euros from the closure of stores during the protests and fewer shoppers. With no sign of the protests ending, Air France KLM said the unrest had reduced sales by 15 million euros -- a relatively small figure for the Franco-Dutch airline but enough to push its shares down too. The "yellow vests" ('gilets jaunes') movement - named after the fluorescent jackets all French motorists carry in their vehicles - started in the middle of November as a protest against a fuel tax but has since grown into a broader backlash against the government. The demonstrations have been marred by violence that has led to shopping districts and tourist hotspots having to close down on some weekends. "The impact will be felt first and foremost with those companies with a physical presence on the high street, such as FNAC Darty. But others will also be impacted, such as hotels group Accor since the 'gilets jaunes' has been negative for tourism in Paris," said Meriem Mokdad, fund manager at Roche Brune Asset Management. Data on Wednesday showed consumer confidence last month fell to its lowest level in four years as consumer fretted about their purchasing power and ability to make large purchases - and figures later in January from Casino and Carrefour could reflect that. Confidence was also down in France's construction industry as a result of the protests, said HSBC, which said it was revisiting its valuation of Bouygues' construction related business to better reflect the global environment. "STANDSTILL" Catering and food services group Sodexo warned it had concerns for later this year. Sodexo owns Paris cabaret Le Lido, the Yachts de Paris luxury river cruising business and has the catering contract for a restaurant in the Eiffel Tower. "We are more worried about the impact of the protests on the spring-summer tourism season," said CEO Denis Machuel. The FCD French retail association, which speaks for both supermarket retailers and upmarket department stores, estimated that there had been a revenue loss of around 2 billion euros over the course of November and December. "Needless to say, you will have similar warnings from other big Paris shops. In essence the Champs Elysees has been closed every weekend for the last two months, so outlets such as LVMH and Le Bon Marche will get hit," said Ion-Marc Valahu, fund manager at Geneva-based investment firm Clairinvest. "The companies in Paris' CAC-40 index will get impacted to a certain extent because the 'gilets jaunes' have brought the French economy to a standstill," added Valahu. The signs of bruising to French companies comes after a study in financial daily Les Echos this week showed that the country's top companies had paid out dividends worth 57 billion euros last year, as President Emmanuel Macron pursued his reform drive. Jerome Schupp, fund manager at Swiss investment firm Prime Partners, said that given the risks from the protests he would favor international companies over those exposed to the domestic French economy, such as Casino and Carrefour. (GRAPHIC: Paris riots roil French equities - https://tmsnrt.rs/2QgkZSn) (GRAPHIC: Protests slow French GDP - https://tmsnrt.rs/2zQhrf0) (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Additional reporting by Dominique Vidalon; Editing by Keith Weir) WASHINGTON Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer and longtime fixer, will testify publicly before the House Oversight Committee in February, an appearance that is likely to air potentially embarrassing details and set up a very public spectacle about his now-fraught relationship with the president. Cohen, who was sentenced to three years in prison for a series of crimes, including campaign finance violations and tax evasion, is scheduled to testify Feb. 7 about his dealings with Trump that resulted in his conviction. For years, Cohen worked as Trump's most strident defender in legal, business and political matters yet turned on him as federal prosecutors honed in on his business and legal dealings. In furtherance of my commitment to cooperate and provide the American people with answers, I have accepted the invitation by Chairman Elijah Cummings to appear publicly... before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform," Cohen told USA TODAY in a text message "I look forward to having the privilege of being afforded a platform with which to give a full and credible account of the events which have transpired. It was Cohen who acknowledged arranging hush-money payments before the 2016 election to two women, porn star Stormy Daniel and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who claimed affairs with Trump. Cohen has implicated the president in the payments, saying he made them at the direction of the Trump. The payments led in August to Cohen pleading guilty to a series of crimes, including campaign finance violations and tax evasion in the Southern District of New York. The president, while visiting the southern U.S. border, said of Cohen's testimony: "Im not worried about it at all." Last month, Cohen admitted that he lied to Congress in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. He has cooperated heavily with Mueller's team and sat down with investigators on seven different occasions, offering details that were "core" to the Russian investigation, according to a court filing by Mueller ahead of Cohen's sentencing last month. Story continues "My own weakness was blind loyalty to the man that caused me to choose the path of darkness," Cohen said during his sentencing hearing in New York. "Time and time again, I felt it was my duty to cover up his dirty deeds." Cohen said during the hearing that he took "full responsibility" for the nine felonies to which he pleaded guilty "the personal ones to me and those involving the president of the United States of America." Cummings announced Cohen's planned appearance on Thursday. Before Democrats took over leadership of the House, Cummings had repeatedly expressed his interest in obtaining Cohen's testimony. I thank Michael Cohen for agreeing to testify before the Oversight Committee voluntarily," Cummings said. "I want to make clear that we have no interest in inappropriately interfering with any ongoing criminal investigations, and to that end, we are in the process of consulting with Special Counsel Muellers office. The Committee will announce additional information in the coming weeks." Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said he hopes to also have Cohen testify in a closed-door session before the House Intelligence Committee, which he now leads, about the Russia investigation. "Mr. Cohen has expressed an interest in telling his personal story in open session, and we welcome his testimony before the Committee on Oversight and Reform," Schiff said in a statement. "It will be necessary, however, for Mr. Cohen to answer questions pertaining to the Russia investigation, and we hope to schedule a closed session before our committee in the near future." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen to testify before Congress in February before heading to prison Ford said early Thursday it will cut hourly and salaried jobs in Europe as part of a "comprehensive transformation strategy to strengthen its brand and create a sustainably profitable business in Europe." It did not say how many jobs it would cut, noting that talks with unions are just starting. The automaker has lost nearly a billion dollars in Europe in the last five years, and the long-expected cuts are part of a global "fitness" plan. Im not going to get into specific numbers today, Steve Armstrong, group vice president and president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, said in a call with reporters. Youll see reductions across the workforce. Its a European-wide review, not a country-specific process. He noted that Ford employs 50,000 people across Europe. Cuts will be a significant number of positions. He did not discount thousands when asked during the conference call. Ford of Europe has never really been sustainably profitable, he said, noting that the unit will show another loss for 2018. As we look to the future of the business globally, (CEO) Jim Hackett and (CFO) Bob Shanks have been very clear: We can only afford to allocate capital to places where we can get a return on that invested capital. More: Ford just revealed 2020 Explorer ahead of Detroit auto show: What's different? More: 2019 North American International Auto Show: What you need to know More: Great moments from the Detroit auto show: Hot cars, stars The company outlined plans for new all-electric vehicles and hybrids, and said it would leverage relationships, "including a potential alliance with Volkswagen AG, to support commercial vehicle growth." "We are taking decisive action to transform the Ford business in Europe," Armstrong said in a statement. "Ford is starting consultations with its union partners and other key stakeholders," the release said. "Ford is accelerating key fitness actions and reducing structural costs. In parallel, the fundamental redesign will include changes to Fords vehicle portfolio, expanding offerings and volumes in its most profitable growth vehicle segments, while improving or exiting less profitable vehicle lines and markets." Story continues Jim Farley Ford President, Global Markets and Ford Motor Company President and CEO Jim Hackett speak during an unveiling of the all new 2020 Ford Explorer during a Ford event at Ford Field in Detroit on Wednesday, January 9, 2019. Industry observers have long called for action by Ford in Europe, while also noting it is more difficult there than in the United States to negotiate job cuts. Ford Europe has been in desperate need of restructuring for at least a decade. It lost a billion dollars over the last five years, and after losing considerable market share between 2008 and 2013 it has been unable to gain any of it back since then," Jon Gabrielsen, a market economist who pulls data from SEC filings, said Thursday. "The announcement today may not even be enough to turn it around independently, but may instead be preparing the way for partnerships with Volkswagen that we hope to learn more about next Tuesday. Talks with Volkswagen The latest developments tie into why Ford is having wide-ranging talks with Volkswagen. Executives from each have indicated a collaboration could save the companies billions in research and development costs and aid each in the development of driverless and electric vehicles. VW and Ford are already working with BMW and Daimler to develop a rapid electric vehicle charging network across Europe. Emissions standards continue to increase worldwide, with the major markets of China and California driving significant growth. 'Reduction of surplus labor' Ford said its cuts will include job cuts as "reduction of surplus labor across all functions salaried and hourly. An improvement in management structure, announced in December, already is underway through Fords redesign of its global salaried workforce, that will improve the agility of the organization." The company said it will seek "voluntary separations from employees" as it works toward its goal of 6 percent earnings before interest and taxes for Ford of Europe. Ford noted it is Europes No. 1 commercial vehicle brand in terms of sales volume, and more than one in four Ford vehicles sold today in Europe is a commercial vehicle. Additional actions to increase efficiency already underway include: Production at the Ford Aquitaine Industries plant in Bordeaux, France, which manufactures small automatic transmissions, will end in August 2019. Formal discussions have begun between Ford and its Works Council to end production of the C-MAX and Grand C-MAX at the Saarlouis Body and Assembly Plant in Germany. Ford is undertaking a strategic review of Ford Sollers, its joint venture in Russia. Several significant restructuring options for Ford Sollers are being considered by Ford and its partner, Sollers PJSC. A decision is expected in the second quarter. Ford plans to consolidate its UK headquarters and Ford Credit Europes headquarters at the Ford Dunton Technical Center in South East Essex. The action is subject to union consultation and local approvals. Struggles in Europe Ford rival General Motors has already pulled out of Europe. Bob Shanks, Ford chief financial officer, has been reporting big losses in Europe, Asia and South America. He told financial analysts after quarterly meetings in 2018, Clearly our European business requires a major redesign." But industry analysts have been asking why change has taken so long. For months, economist Gabrielsen has called Europe unsalvageable." In October 2018, Shanks and Hackett told investors Ford must be fundamentally redesigned. They promised to announce details as things unfold. While the company is highly profitable in North America, it generally loses money everywhere else in the world. Through the first nine months of 2018, it had shown only a small profit in the Middle East outside of North America. Gabrielsen said, In Europe, Ford has lost $973 million in the last five years indicating that, no matter what they have tried, they failed to turn it around despite being at the peak of the cycle. Things will get far worse in the next downturn." This week, investors looked favorably at Ford's decision to make big change. "Ford has to take action as losses in Europe continue to mount," said David Kudla, CEO and chief investment strategist with Mainstay Capital Management, a Grand Blanc, Michigan, investment adviser who manages $2.5 billion in assets for clients that include a lot of Ford employees. He said job cuts in Europe may be the result of Ford's discussions with Volkswagen, which have been going on for months. "Both sides have made it clear the partnerships goal is to streamline operations and cut costs, though a collaboration on electric commercial vehicles in the region makes sense too," Kudla said. "VW has region and electric expertise and Ford has had great success with its small commercial van." Ford Europe was expected to take the brunt of the companys $11 billion three- to five-year global restructuring announcement in July, he said. "Details of this may finally be rolling out from a company that has been criticized for being closed door for some time." Changes for Ford in Europe aren't without challenge, Gabrielsen said. Follow Detroit Free Press reporter Phoebe Wall Howard on Twitter @phoebesaid. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ford plans 'significant' job cuts in Europe, expects Volkswagen ties Photo credit: Bill Pugliano - Getty Images From Car and Driver Fiat Chrysler will pay $800 million in civil penalties and compliance costs to settle allegations that it installed "defeat device software" allowing its Jeep and Ram diesel vehicles to emit higher levels of nitrogen oxides while driving, the automaker said in a statement on Thursday. The settlement resolves allegations since January 2017 that the turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V-6 in the 20142016 Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee had software that let the vehicles "operate in a way that produces increased NOx emissions off cycle," according to a complaint filed separately by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Roughly 100,000 vehicles are affected; of those, more than 13,000 are in California. FCA is one several manufacturers to use similar Bosch software that Volkswagen admitted in 2015 that it co-developed to cheat federal emissions tests. However, FCA has not been charged with any crime and maintains that it never intentionally deceived regulators. "The settlements do not change the company's position that it did not engage in any deliberate scheme to install defeat devices to cheat emissions tests," the automaker said. "Further, the consent decree and settlement agreements contain no finding or admission with regard to any alleged violations of vehicle emissions rules." Settlement Includes Payments to Vehicle Owners FCA has agreed to pay nearly $400 million in civil penalties, including $305 million to the EPA, the Department of Justice, and CARB; $6 million to Customs and Border Protection; and $72.5 million to various state attorneys general. California will receive $78.4 million, including a $19 million payment to upgrade an unspecified set of 200,000 vehicles with new catalytic converters. The remaining $400 million covers a software update and payments to current and former vehicle owners in amounts that average $2800 per person. FCA said the software update, which should be available to owners later this year, will not affect fuel economy or performance. In July 2017, the EPA and CARB approved 2017 model diesel Ram and Jeep vehicles after the company agreed to release this software update. Story continues At issue is what CARB calls "auxiliary emission-control devices" (in other words, software code) that can allow excess pollution at specific times, such as during a cold start or for dumping fuel to clean the particulate filter, that must be disclosed. CARB said FCA either did not disclose each of the eight devices on board or did not disclose them "fully or accurately." Unlike the VW case, CARB and the EPA did not present evidence in their complaints of the exact amounts of nitrogen oxides that these vehicles emitted. Regardless, the nondisclosure of these devices makes the vehicles noncompliant with emissions laws. Since the VW scandal, CARB and the EPA have gone after other automakers and delayed their diesel-vehicle certifications. Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and General Motors are facing federal investigations and class-action suits for the same allegations. However, these automakers, including FCA, have not been found guilty of any crime. VW was found to have colluded with Bosch to pass U.S. emissions only while its vehicles sensed they were being tested by federal agencies, while otherwise they operated in a completely different driving mode that polluted up to 40 times above the legal limit. ('You Might Also Like',) New York (AFP) - Fiat Chrysler agreed to a $515 million US settlement on charges it installed "defeat devices" on cars to evade emissions tests, the US Justice Department announced Thursday. The auto giant will recall and repair more than 100,000 diesel vehicles sold in the United States at a cost of about $185 million. The remaining funds will go to civil fines and mitigation payments to the US and the state of California. US officials said FCA's EcoDiesel Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee for model years 2014-2016 were built with software designed to operate differently during emissions tests compared with real-world conditions. As a result the cars spewed nitrogen oxide and other pollutants at "much higher" levels than allowed in the US or California, DOJ said. "Fiat Chrysler broke those laws and this case demonstrates that steep penalties await corporations that engage in such egregious violations," Principal US Deputy Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio said in a statement. California will receive $78.4 million as part of the settlement for violations of the state's clear emissions standards. California Attorney Xavier Becerra said the automaker "tried to evade these standards by installing software to cheat emissions testing." "The company not only violated the law and our trust, but did so at the expense of our environment. With this settlement, we are holding Fiat Chrysler accountable and securing important funds for environmental protection efforts." The settlements come on the heels of the Volkswagen scandal over defeat devices that has spawned billions of dollars in fines and criminal prosecutions of former executives with the German giant. DOJ said the FCA agreement "does not resolve any potential criminal liability" or consumer claims. By Tatiana Bautzer SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazilian telecoms carrier Oi SA has hired Bank of America Merrill Lynch to sell noncore assets such as cellphone towers and data centers, two people with knowledge of the matter said on Thursday. The company aims to raise between 1.5 billion reais and 2 billion reais ($404 million-$545 million) from the divestitures, the sources added, asking for anonymity because they cannot discuss the plans publicly. Oi and Bank of America had no immediate comment on the matter. Preferred shares in Oi, flat before the Reuters report, rose 1.4 percent to 1.46 reais. The benchmark Bovespa index was down 0.25 percent. Oi filed for bankruptcy 2-1/2 years ago to restructure 65 billion reais in debt. Before filing for what was Latin America's largest ever bankruptcy proceeding, Oi had raised around 3 billion reais by selling more than 3,600 cellular towers to the Brazilian unit of SBA Communications Corp in transactions closed in 2013 and 2014. The company plans to make investments aimed at improving its mobile and broadband operations and boosting its market share at the same time as it pursues the asset sales. The distressed asset managers that are Oi's top shareholders plan to focus on improving the company's mobile and broadband operations rather than a near-term sale of their stakes, Reuters reported last year. Investment firms Solus Alternative Asset Management LP, GoldenTree Asset Management LP and York Capital Management Global Advisors LLC last year became Oi's largest shareholders after converting their debt in the company into equity stakes as part of its restructuring. Oi has forecast capital expenditures of 7 billion reais a year over the next three years. ($1 = 3.7113 reais) (Reporting by Tatiana Bautzer; editing by Christian Plumb, Jonathan Oatis and Rosalba O'Brien) Brussels (AFP) - The EU on Thursday launched an in-depth probe into Nike's tax affairs in the Netherlands, following revelations in the "Paradise Papers" scandal that exposed low tax deals for multinationals. The investigation of one of the world's most iconic brands, with its "Just Do It" moniker, follows a series of other tax probes targeting the Netherlands, including into Starbucks and Ikea. A similar investigation of Apple's tax affairs in Ireland resulted in a order by Brussels that the iPhone maker repay Dublin an extraordinary 14.3 billion euros in back taxes. The commission, the EU's powerful anti-trust enforcer, "will investigate carefully the tax treatment of Nike in the Netherlands, to assess whether it is in line with EU state aid rules," Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement. The investigation will try to determine whether a series of tax agreements over almost a decade gave Nike an "unfair advantage over competitors" in the Netherlands, she added. The investigation will focus on two Dutch-based units of Nike that the EU suspects paid tax "that may not reflect economic reality", a statement said. The units -- Nike European Operations Netherlands BV and Converse Netherlands BV -- employ more than 1,000 workers and are involved in sales and marketing throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia, the EU said. But as a result of five tax deals made with Dutch authorities, these companies largely skirted paying royalties in The Netherlands, significantly reducing Nike's taxable income since 2006. Nike firmly rejected the allegations, saying that the US-based company "is subject to and rigorously ensures that it complies with all the same tax laws as other companies operating in the Netherlands." "We believe the European Commissions investigation is without merit," a Nike spokesman added. Dutch Deputy Finance Minister Menno Snel said his government would fully support the work of the commission, adding that tax rulings "should not lead to preferential treatment". Story continues "We will collaborate with the Commission in their investigation," he added in a statement. Revelations in 2017 against Nike were among the 13.4 million leaked documents known as the "Paradise Papers" which sparked an outcry about tax avoidance by multinationals and the world's super rich. The Netherlands has since tried to fight its reputation as a low tax hub for corporations, pledging in November to tighten rules on tax breaks for foreign firms after facing criticism from the EU for offering complicated schemes for multinationals. Last year a top European Union official described several European countries including the Netherlands as being "black holes" for tax and promised to pressure them to change their ways. Pierre Moscovici lumped the Dutch in with Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta and Cyprus as countries offering complex sweetheart tax deals to help them shift profits and avoid big bills. Blockchain When the Dx.Exchange platform launched earlier this week, it was met with much fanfare and exposure across the financial news arena. However, major problems are already afoot. An online trader checking out the platforms security hygiene came across a number of security issues and said that the exchange could be criminalized super-easy. The exchange had a soft launch on Jan 7 and has been marketed as bridging the gap between cryptocurrencies and real-world stocks. You can obtain not only digitized versions of Apple, Facebook and Apple stocks, but also some of the most popular cryptocurrencies. Although the exchange had received some favorable reviews from major news outlets, the exposure has now taken a turn for the worst as reports are surfacing that Dx.Exchange has some major security issues. Site Assessment Unearths Security Issues An online trader whose identity remains a secret for legal reasons ran some checks on the newly launched Dx.Exchnage platform and found that the site was leaking some sensitive legal and financial data. The anonymous trader who gave this information to Ars Technica created a dummy account to test the robustness of the platform and its security. Soon after turning on the developer tool in the Google Chrome browser to explore further, he found out some shocking details. The trader found that the request he had sent from his browser to Dx.Exchange included information about the authenticated token and the users details to access the account. Allegedly, the anonymous trader said that the information on the browser contained password-reset links from other users tokens as well. The tokens are formatted using an open standard called JSON Web Tokens, which leaves it open to those who have enough skill that could easily obtain email addresses and the full names of the tokens owners. I have about 100 collected tokens over 30 minutes. If you wanted to criminalize this, it would be super easy. The trader could basically gain access to any affected account if the users hadnt already logged out from the point when the token info was leaked. After further exploration, the anonymous trader could also keep the access to the accounts even after they had logged out. Story continues Even More Issues with Dx.Exchange Although this discovery was already bad enough, the anonymous trader unearthed even more security issues with the Dx.Exchange platform. The leak endangered the entire system as token data belonging to employees of the company was also accessible. Can you imagine the potential carnage if hackers had managed to get into the admin accounts of employees? The anonymous trader went onto say: You can see from the accounts email address its @coins.exchange. I have pretty good confidence I could do this for a day and get an administrative token and have everything. An Ars Technica staff member went on to confirm that the exchange was responding with lots of authentication tokens. He contacted several users from the obtained list and asked them if they had joined Dx.Exchange. One of the users confirmed that they did sign-up for the exchange just an hour before. Then trader allegedly informed Dx.Exchange about the issues, who within 24-hours acted by scheduling a maintenance update to perform several bug fixes and updates. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Although the security issues with the Dx.Exchange could just be teething problems during their soft launch, it is important that the exchanges users exercise precaution. The initial exposure in the financial media seemed like a great thing for the exchange, but could now become a liability as they need to exercise some damage limitations. Featured image from Shutterstock. The post Dx.Exchange Has Serious Security Weaknesses that Could be Easily Criminalized appeared first on CCN. Without stipend for eight months, TUTH resident doctors go on indefinite strike Resident doctors of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) on Thursday halted all medical services as part of their indefinite protest, saying that the hospital has not provided them salary for the past eight months. Donald Trump has walked out of a meeting of talks to end the partial government shutdown when congressional leaders refused to fund his wall with Mexico. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Mr Trump just walked out of a meeting with him and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a temper tantrum. Mr Schumer said Mr Trump asked Ms Pelosi at Wednesdays White House meeting whether she would agree to fund his wall on the southern border with Mexico. When she said no, Mr Schumer said, the President got up and said: Then we have nothing to discuss, adding: And he just walked out. Waste of time Donald Trump reportedly walked out of the meeting with congressional leaders (Picture: Getty) In a tweet, Mr Trump branded the meeting a total waste of time and said he had said: bye-bye, nothing else works. He said: Just left a meeting with Chuck and Nancy, a total waste of time. MORE: New survey finds 70% of MPs think Theresa May has done a poor job of negotiating Brexit MORE: Police hunt hooded gang who beat far-right politician unconscious then fled He went on: I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works! This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Vice President Mike Pence denied suggestions that Mr Trump had had a temper tantrum, saying: I dont recall him ever raising his voice. He said Democrats were unwilling to even negotiate an end to the partial government shutdown. I think the president made his position very clear today that there will be no deal without a wall, he said after the meeting. Donald Trump reportedly walked out of the meeting with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (pictured above) when they said they would not fund his controversial wall (Picture: REUTERS/Joshua Roberts) He said Mr Trump asked Ms Pelosi whether she would be willing to agree to funding for a wall or a barrier on the southern border if he re-opened the government quickly. Mr Pence said: When she said no, the president said goodbye. WASHINGTON A day after budget negotiations blew up in acrimony, President Donald Trump will visit Texas on Thursday in an effort to promote his long-promised wall and convince Americans that they should spend billions more on border security. The trip to McAllen, Texas, takes place a day after Trump stormed out of a meeting with Democratic leaders who were negotiating an end to a partial government shutdown now in its 20th day that has left some 800,000 federal workers without pay. White House officials hope the trip will draw attention to what Trump has described as a "crisis" on the southwest border that he says can be fixed by spending an additional $5.7 billion to build 234 miles of "new physical barrier" along the border. Trump is expected to take part in a roundtable and receive a briefing from border officials. The president has also granted an interview to Fox News, which the network said will air Thursday night. Democrats flatly reject the need for a wall and say Trump is overstating the situation on the border. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of storming out of a meeting at the White House on Wednesday while administration officials blamed Democrats for negotiating in bad faith. Hanging over Trump's visit to the border are questions about whether he will declare a national emergency, a move that would allow him to redirect defense money for a wall but that would almost certainly trigger court challenges. An emergency declaration could give Trump an off ramp to reopen the government but continue to fight for the wall. Even as polls suggest a slim majority of Americans blame Trump more than Democrats for the shutdown, now the second-longest in U.S. history, the president has stuck to his demand for a wall, which was the focus of his first formal Oval Office address Tuesday. Those same polls show that a majority of Republicans back Trump on the wall. Story continues Trump acknowledged he left the negotiating table Wednesday after Democrats refused to consider his plan for a border wall in exchange for reopening shuttered agencies. "I said bye-bye, nothing else works!" the president tweeted. But the effects of the shutdown will only grow with time, even as the White House scrambles to limit the impact. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported a slowdown in food safety inspections, airports cited longer lines at security checkpoints and national parks have been operating for weeks with limited services. Perhaps a more pressing problem for Trump: Some Republicans have noted the impact on federal employees and a handful of Senate Republicans including Susan Collins of Maine, Cory Gardner of Colorado and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have said they would at least consider a plan to reopen some agencies. Trump downplayed GOP divisions after meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill and he is expected to do so again as he tours the border on Thursday. "There was no discussion about anything other than solidarity, Trump said. The Republicans are totally unified." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: President Trump to visit border to push for wall as government shutdown talks crumble Many investors are still learning about the various metrics that can be useful when analysing a stock. This article is for those who would like to learn about Return On Equity (ROE). By way of learning-by-doing, well look at ROE to gain a better understanding of Shenzhen Expressway Company Limited (HKG:548). Shenzhen Expressway has a ROE of 12%, based on the last twelve months. Another way to think of that is that for every HK$1 worth of equity in the company, it was able to earn HK$0.12. See our latest analysis for Shenzhen Expressway How Do You Calculate ROE? The formula for return on equity is: Return on Equity = Net Profit Shareholders Equity Or for Shenzhen Expressway: 12% = 1781.209196 CN17b (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2018.) Most readers would understand what net profit is, but its worth explaining the concept of shareholders equity. It is the capital paid in by shareholders, plus any retained earnings. You can calculate shareholders equity by subtracting the companys total liabilities from its total assets. What Does Return On Equity Mean? ROE measures a companys profitability against the profit it retains, and any outside investments. The return is the profit over the last twelve months. That means that the higher the ROE, the more profitable the company is. So, as a general rule, a high ROE is a good thing. That means ROE can be used to compare two businesses. Does Shenzhen Expressway Have A Good Return On Equity? One simple way to determine if a company has a good return on equity is to compare it to the average for its industry. Importantly, this is far from a perfect measure, because companies differ significantly within the same industry classification. You can see in the graphic below that Shenzhen Expressway has an ROE that is fairly close to the average for the Infrastructure industry (10%). SEHK:548 Last Perf January 10th 19 That isnt amazing, but it is respectable. ROE can give us a view about company quality, but many investors also look to other factors, such as whether there are insiders buying shares. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Story continues How Does Debt Impact ROE? Virtually all companies need money to invest in the business, to grow profits. That cash can come from issuing shares, retained earnings, or debt. In the first and second cases, the ROE will reflect this use of cash for investment in the business. In the latter case, the debt used for growth will improve returns, but wont affect the total equity. Thus the use of debt can improve ROE, albeit along with extra risk in the case of stormy weather, metaphorically speaking. Shenzhen Expressways Debt And Its 12% ROE Shenzhen Expressway has a debt to equity ratio of 0.96, which is far from excessive. Its very respectable ROE, combined with only modest debt, suggests the business is in good shape. Judicious use of debt to improve returns can certainly be a good thing, although it does elevate risk slightly and reduce future optionality. The Bottom Line On ROE Return on equity is useful for comparing the quality of different businesses. A company that can achieve a high return on equity without debt could be considered a high quality business. All else being equal, a higher ROE is better. Having said that, while ROE is a useful indicator of business quality, youll have to look at a whole range of factors to determine the right price to buy a stock. Profit growth rates, versus the expectations reflected in the price of the stock, are a particularly important to consider. So you might want to check this FREE visualization of analyst forecasts for the company. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies. To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. Deutsche Bank DB in trouble again as the German regulator BaFin has demanded the bank to monitor details of about 20,000 risky customers from the corporate and investment banking unit within June-end. The news was first reported by Handelsblatt. As part of this process, all important customer-related information and documents are required to be readily available by June. Also, the risky clients must be re-evaluated based on the new money laundering directive. The newspaper also reported that review of medium-risk clients can be completed by June 2020, while lower risk customers re-evaluation can be done by 2021. Deutsche Bank has been charged for weaknesses in its money laundering monitoring process by BaFin in the past as well. In September 2018, it was instructed to improve such processes. The bank was asked to undertake appropriate internal control measures and comply with general due diligence obligations. At the time, Deutsche Bank had said that it agrees with BaFin over need to improve processes to properly control wrongdoings. Also, the regulator appointed KPMG with to report and assess the progress of the ordered measures. On failing to meet its requirements, BaFin can impose financial penalties on the bank, or even dismiss some board members. Last year did not prove to be a good one for Deutsche Bank, as global headwinds and its involvement in a number of legal probes dragged the stock price to all-time lows. In December 2018, antitrust regulators at the European Union accused Deutsche Bank and Credit Agricole and Credit Suisse CS of rigging prices of U.S. dollar-denominated government bonds for a period of about seven years (2009-2015). Further, suspicions of the German lenders involvement in processing nearly $150 billion in potential payments at Danske Bank, which is at the heart of Europes one of the biggest money laundering scandals, affected its performance. In six months time, the stock has lost 23.3% on the NYSE compared with 4.2% decline recorded by the industry. Story continues Deutsche Bank currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). A couple of better-ranked stocks in the same space are HDFC Bank Limited HDB and HSBC Holdings plc HSBC. Both these stocks carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HDFC Bank has remained stable for the current year, in the past 30 days. The companys share price has gained 60.9% in the past two years. HSBCs earnings estimates for 2018 have been revised 5.3% upward, in the past 30 days. Its share price has risen slightly in the past two years. Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Credit Suisse Group (CS) : Free Stock Analysis Report HDFC Bank Limited (HDB) : Free Stock Analysis Report Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (DB) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. (WASHINGTON) Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed special counsel Robert Mueller and remains his most visible Justice Department protector, is expected to leave his position soon after William Barr is confirmed as attorney general, a person familiar with the plans said Wednesday. Barr, who served in the position in the early 1990s and is President Donald Trumps pick to do the job again, has a confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee next week and could be in place at the Justice Department as soon as February. Rosenstein plans to leave at some point after that, though no date has been set and there is no formal plan for the departure, according to the person, who was not authorized to discuss internal conversations publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. Mueller is investigating Russias meddling in the 2016 election and contacts with the Trump campaign. Rosenstein and his chief deputy have continued to maintain day-to-day oversight over the probe, a senior Justice Department official told reporters last month. Barr would take over control of the investigation, assuming the same final say over major investigative steps that acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker has had since former Attorney General Jeff Sessions was ousted earlier this year. Barr has made critical comments of the Mueller investigation in the past, including an unsolicited memo he sent the Justice Department last year critiquing Muellers investigation into whether the president had sought to obstruct justice by firing former FBI director James Comey. At a news conference in December, Rosenstein said that Muellers investigation would be handled appropriately no matter who is overseeing it. He said Barr would be an excellent attorney general when he is confirmed. Barr is expected to face questioning from Democrats about his views of the Mueller investigation at next weeks hearing. The departure is not unexpected. It is common for attorneys general and other cabinet secretaries to have their own deputies. Barr has told some people close to him that he wanted his own No. 2. While some investors are already well versed in financial metrics (hat tip), this article is for those who would like to learn about Return On Equity (ROE) and why it is important. Well use ROE to examine Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE:LAD), by way of a worked example. Our data shows Lithia Motors has a return on equity of 24% for the last year. Another way to think of that is that for every $1 worth of equity in the company, it was able to earn $0.24. View our latest analysis for Lithia Motors How Do I Calculate Return On Equity? The formula for return on equity is: Return on Equity = Net Profit Shareholders Equity Or for Lithia Motors: 24% = 295.232 US$1.2b (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2018.) Most know that net profit is the total earnings after all expenses, but the concept of shareholders equity is a little more complicated. It is all the money paid into the company from shareholders, plus any earnings retained. Shareholders equity can be calculated by subtracting the total liabilities of the company from the total assets of the company. What Does ROE Signify? ROE measures a companys profitability against the profit it retains, and any outside investments. The return is the yearly profit. The higher the ROE, the more profit the company is making. So, all else equal, investors should like a high ROE. That means it can be interesting to compare the ROE of different companies. Does Lithia Motors Have A Good ROE? One simple way to determine if a company has a good return on equity is to compare it to the average for its industry. Importantly, this is far from a perfect measure, because companies differ significantly within the same industry classification. As you can see in the graphic below, Lithia Motors has a higher ROE than the average (15%) in the Specialty Retail industry. NYSE:LAD Last Perf January 10th 19 Thats clearly a positive. I usually take a closer look when a company has a better ROE than industry peers. For example you might check if insiders are buying shares. Story continues How Does Debt Impact Return On Equity? Companies usually need to invest money to grow their profits. That cash can come from issuing shares, retained earnings, or debt. In the first two cases, the ROE will capture this use of capital to grow. In the latter case, the debt used for growth will improve returns, but wont affect the total equity. In this manner the use of debt will boost ROE, even though the core economics of the business stay the same. Lithia Motorss Debt And Its 24% ROE Lithia Motors clearly uses a significant amount debt to boost returns, as it has a debt to equity ratio of 2.72. I think the ROE is impressive, but it would have been assisted by the use of debt. Debt increases risk and reduces options for the company in the future, so you generally want to see some good returns from using it. The Bottom Line On ROE Return on equity is a useful indicator of the ability of a business to generate profits and return them to shareholders. Companies that can achieve high returns on equity without too much debt are generally of good quality. If two companies have around the same level of debt to equity, and one has a higher ROE, Id generally prefer the one with higher ROE. But when a business is high quality, the market often bids it up to a price that reflects this. Profit growth rates, versus the expectations reflected in the price of the stock, are a particularly important to consider. So I think it may be worth checking this free report on analyst forecasts for the company. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies. To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) - Militiamen killed two police officers Thursday in the Central African Republic town of Bambari ahead of a scheduled visit by the country's president, the government said. The attack came a day after President Faustin-Archange Touadera announced a date for African Union-brokered peace talks with armed groups who control most of the CAR. Members of the UPC militia and their allies carried out "various attacks" in the town early Thursday, an official statement said. "Two policemen were killed and another was wounded," Communications Minister Ange-Maxime Kazagui told AFP. Local papers said 10 people had been killed. It was not possible to confirm this toll. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said it had treated 30 people for bullet wounds. MINUSCA, the UN force in the country, sent peacekeepers to the site of the clashes, spokesman Vladimir Monteiro told AFP. Its troops there had come under fire a day earlier, he added. According to an internal UN report seen by AFP, a combattant called "General Bello," in charge of UPC fighters in Bambari, had been wounded. Touadera had been scheduled to visit Bambari, located in the centre of the country, on Thursday and Friday to attend ceremonies for World Food Day. The ceremonies, initially set for last October 16, had already been postponed twice because of unrest and were suspended once more after the latest clashes. "The seriousness of these attacks is all the more unacceptable" given that on Wednesday the authorities agreed to open talks with the rebels, the government statement said. Touadera on Wednesday had announced long-awaited AU-backed talks with rebels for January 24 in the Sudanese capital Khartoum. The AU initiative, launched in 2017, has been heavily criticised for its slow pace but nevertheless has the backing of the United Nations. Further east, the town of Bakouma remains in the hands of another rebel group allied to the UPC, the Popular Front for the Rebirth of CAR (FPRC). The FPRC seized control of the town in late December. Both groups are offshoots of the Seleka rebel alliance that overthrew the regime of Francois Bozize in March 2013, holding power until 2014. Touadera's government controls only a slim part of the country, and rival rebel forces regularly clash over diamonds, gold and livestock. By Mark Hosenball and Nathan Layne (Reuters) - Senior Democratic lawmakers called on Wednesday for further investigation into a revelation that in 2016 Donald Trump's then-presidential election campaign chairman gave polling data to a man U.S. prosecutors have linked to Russian intelligence. On Tuesday, portions of a court filing by lawyers for convicted former Trump campaign head Paul Manafort were inadvertently made public. They showed he shared the data with a business partner and Russian-Ukrainian political operative Konstantin Kilimnik. Patrick Boland, a spokesman for Representative Adam Schiff, the House Intelligence Committee's new Democratic chairman, noted that Schiff had described the revelation as "stunning" to the Washington Post and told Reuters that Schiff planned to dig into questions the court filing had raised. The office of Special Counsel Robert Mueller has charged Manafort and Kilimnik in its investigation of Russian interference in the election and whether Trump campaign members coordinated with Moscow officials. President Trump denies any campaign collusion with Russia. Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, which has been conducting a bi-partisan investigation into Russian election meddling, also called for further probing of the matter. "If accurate, this is damning evidence of a senior Trump campaign official providing information to individuals tied to Russian intelligence at the height of the Kremlin's effort to undermine our election," Warner said. There is no evidence that Trump was aware that Manafort was sharing the data with Kilimnik, who was described by Mueller in court documents last year as having "ties to a Russian intelligence service." Jackie Speier, a Democratic member of the House Intelligence Committee, said the revelations raised new questions about possible "collusion" between Trump's election team and Russia. "It's a significant revelation that further makes the case for cooperation between the President's team and Russia on steering the outcome of the 2016 election," Speier told Reuters. Tuesday's court filing was submitted by Manafort's lawyers in response to allegations that their client had lied repeatedly to Mueller, breaching a plea deal under which Manafort agreed to assist Mueller's probe. Due to a formatting error the redacted portions of the filing as initially submitted could be electronically reversed, and an uncensored version was circulated by journalists and others on the Internet. It was later replaced with a properly redacted version. In addition to the polling data revelation, the filing also showed that Mueller believes Manafort lied to prosecutors about his discussions with Kilimnik about a "Ukrainian peace plan" and a previously undisclosed meeting between Manafort and Kilimnik in Madrid. Manafort's lawyers said any incorrect statements by him were unintentional. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a former Trump campaign aide told Reuters that he was unaware Manafort had shared data with Kilimnik and found the news "disturbing" and especially problematic because the data was provided to a foreign national. Rudy Giuliani, a lawyer for Trump who has repeatedly criticized the Mueller probe as a fruitless "witch hunt", dismissed the sharing of data with Kilimnik as inconsequential. "It's not a crime to talk to a Russian," Giuliani said. "They are searching for what doesn't exist. The president did not conspire with the Russians." Giuliani also said on Wednesday that Trump's legal team told Mueller that the president will not answer any more questions in the investigation. (Reporting by Mark Hosenball in Washington and Nathan Layne and Karen Freifeld in New York; editing by Grant McCool) By Mark Hosenball and Nathan Layne (Reuters) - Senior Democratic lawmakers called on Wednesday for further investigation into a revelation that in 2016 Donald Trump's then-presidential election campaign chairman gave polling data to a man U.S. prosecutors have linked to Russian intelligence. On Tuesday, portions of a court filing by lawyers for convicted former Trump campaign head Paul Manafort were inadvertently made public. They showed he shared the data with a business partner and Russian-Ukrainian political operative Konstantin Kilimnik. Patrick Boland, a spokesman for Representative Adam Schiff, the House Intelligence Committee's new Democratic chairman, noted that Schiff had described the revelation as "stunning" to the Washington Post. He referred Reuters to Schiff's statement that lawmakers on the committee "need to find out" about Manafort's interaction with Kilimnik on polling data. The office of Special Counsel Robert Mueller has charged Manafort and Kilimnik in its investigation of Russian interference in the election and whether Trump campaign members coordinated with Moscow officials. President Trump denies any campaign collusion with Russia. Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, which has been conducting a bi-partisan investigation into Russian election meddling, also called for further probing of the matter. "If accurate, this is damning evidence of a senior Trump campaign official providing information to individuals tied to Russian intelligence at the height of the Kremlin's effort to undermine our election," Warner said. There is no evidence that Trump was aware that Manafort was sharing the data with Kilimnik, who was described by Mueller in court documents last year as having "ties to a Russian intelligence service." Jackie Speier, a Democratic member of the House Intelligence Committee, said the revelations raised new questions about possible "collusion" between Trump's election team and Russia. "It's a significant revelation that further makes the case for cooperation between the President's team and Russia on steering the outcome of the 2016 election," Speier told Reuters. Tuesday's court filing was submitted by Manafort's lawyers in response to allegations that their client had lied repeatedly to Mueller, breaching a plea deal under which Manafort agreed to assist Mueller's probe. Due to a formatting error the redacted portions of the filing as initially submitted could be electronically reversed, and an uncensored version was circulated by journalists and others on the Internet. It was later replaced with a properly redacted version. In addition to the polling data revelation, the filing also showed that Mueller believes Manafort lied to prosecutors about his discussions with Kilimnik about a "Ukrainian peace plan" and a previously undisclosed meeting between Manafort and Kilimnik in Madrid. Manafort's lawyers said any incorrect statements by him were unintentional. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a former Trump campaign aide told Reuters that he was unaware Manafort had shared data with Kilimnik and found the news "disturbing" and especially problematic because the data was provided to a foreign national. Rudy Giuliani, a lawyer for Trump who has repeatedly criticized the Mueller probe as a fruitless "witch hunt", dismissed the sharing of data with Kilimnik as inconsequential. "It's not a crime to talk to a Russian," Giuliani said. "They are searching for what doesn't exist. The president did not conspire with the Russians." Giuliani also said on Wednesday that Trump's legal team told Mueller that the president will not answer any more questions in the investigation. (The story corrects attribution to Representative Schiff in paragraph three.) (Reporting by Mark Hosenball in Washington and Nathan Layne and Karen Freifeld in New York; editing by Grant McCool) By Giulia Paravicini and Stanis Bujakera KINSHASA (Reuters) - The Catholic Church rejected the official result of Congo's presidential election on Thursday and the loser denounced a "coup", dashing hopes that the country could stage the first uncontested transfer of power in its 59 years of independence. Electoral officials proclaimed opposition figure Felix Tshisekedi the victor of the election to replace Joseph Kabila who has ruled Democratic Republic of Congo for 18 years. Pre-election polls had predicted a landslide win for another opposition leader, Martin Fayulu, who is backed by powerful exiled politicians and former militia leaders with influence in the violent east. (Graphic: Provisional election results - https://tmsnrt.rs/2SNYy3S) Fayulu's supporters say the authorities rigged the result on behalf of Tshisekedi as part of a deal to protect figures from the outgoing administration. At least four people were reported killed in demonstrations in one eastern city, although much of the rest of the country appeared calm. Tshisekedi's supporters celebrated his victory. But Thursday's intervention by the Catholic Church could make it harder for him to win broad acceptance as the first leader to come to power through the ballot box since Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba was overthrown in a coup less than three months after independence in 1960. Congolese fear that a dispute over the poll could restart a cycle of violence in a country where civil wars causing hunger and disease have killed millions of people since the 1990s. The Catholic Church is widely venerated across the country of 80 million and is believed to have accurate election data gathered by a 40,000-strong team of election observers who tallied results displayed at individual polling stations. While bishops stopped short of publishing their own results or saying who they believed was the true winner, they made clear it wasn't Tshisekedi, as declared by election commission CENI. "The results from the presidential election as published by CENI do not correspond to the data collected by our observation mission from polling stations and vote counts," the National Episcopal Conference of Congo observers said in a statement. Three diplomats briefed on the Church mission's tally said it showed Fayulu had won. "OPPOSITE TO WHAT WE EXPECTED" France and former colonial power Belgium also expressed doubt. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian demanded clarity on results "which are the opposite to what we expected." Britain's foreign secretary tweeted that he was "very concerned about discrepancies" in the results and that the U.N. Security Council would discuss it. Washington said in a U.S. State Department statement it "takes note" of the results, but added it awaits "clarification of questions which have been raised regarding the electoral count." Fayulu, who has led anti-government demonstrations and is seen as far more hostile to the outgoing administration than opposition rival Tshisekedi, said Kabila had engineered an "electoral coup" to deny him the presidency. In the city of Kikwit, 500 km (310 miles) from the capital Kinshasa, crowds of Fayulu supporters attacked symbols of government and clashed with security forces. Four people were killed, Kikwit's mayor Leonard Mutangu told Reuters. There were celebrations in parts of Kinshasa and the south of the country where Tshisekedi has broad support. Towns in Katanga, the southeastern mining heartland, were calm. Protests were reported in the eastern city of Kisangani, and Fayulu supporters vented their frustrations. "We will never accept this nomination. It's not a victory for Felix. CENI has appointed him," said Georges Bingi, a member of Fayulu's party in the eastern city of Goma. "GUN TO HIS HEAD" Fayulu may appeal to Congo's constitutional court. Fayulu supporters say Kabila made a deal with Tshisekedi after Kabila's own hand-picked candidate, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, failed to gain enough support to be a credible winner. Shadary conceded following the announcement of the results. Kabila has ruled since the 2001 assassination of his father Laurent Kabila, whose victory in a 1996-1997 civil war ended more than three decades of rule by dictator Mobutu Sese Seko. Kabila says he wants to stay in politics and may run again in 2023, when he will no longer be barred by term limits. Tshisekedi inherited the leadership of his UDPS party when his father Etienne Tshisekedi died in 2017. But he lacks the experience, political clout and firebrand reputation his father earned as a leading opposition figure since the Mobutu era. An official from the from U.N. Department of Peacekeeping Operations said Tshisekedi's win might buy some temporary calm but that "the exiled and cheated will rebel," referring to ex-militia and political leaders who are backing Fayulu. "Tshisekedi has no capacity to rule, no way of controlling the army or ministerial appointments. He will do as told, gun to his head," the official said. In the run-up to the results, Tshisekedi said Kabila had nothing to fear should he come to power. Fayulu, by contrast, is backed by ex-rebel Jean-Pierre Bemba and former governor Moise Katumbi, two of Kabila's fiercest rivals. Any escalation from the Fayulu camp risks igniting Congo's cycle of unrest, particularly in the eastern borderlands where he enjoys strong support and dozens of militia groups operate. It is unclear whether voting will ever be held in parts of Congo where the election was delayed - disenfranchising more than 1.2 million people - due to concerns about Ebola and violence. Tshisekedi's margin over Fayulu was less than 700,000 votes, according to the official results. Members of Tshisekedi's UDPS party called the election a historic triumph in a struggle for democracy. The inauguration had been scheduled for Jan. 18. "Today marks the liberation of the people," said Simphora Biduaya, a candidate for provincial assembly in the east. (Additional reporting by Fiston Mahamba and Sabiti Djaffar in Kinshasa and Makini Brice in Washington; Writing by David Lewis and Aaron Ross; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne, Peter Graff and James Dalgleish) Three children die in fire Three children were charred to death when an animal shed belonging to Yam Bahadur Khatri caught fire at Tarakhola Rural Municipality-4 in Baglung on Tuesday. Police identified the deceased as Ranish Roka, 6, Ritu Gharti, 6, and her sister Aayusma Gharti, 4. Vatican City (AFP) - The conditions for a possible visit to Iraq by Pope Francis have not yet been met, the Vatican number two said on Wednesday, citing concerns about the possibility of a terrorist attack targeting the pontiff. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, told the Catholic TV channel TV2000 that "the problem of terrorism has not been resolved". Parolin spoke about the security situation after visiting the troubled country, saying a papal trip to Iraq imposed a "minimum of conditions" that "are not currently met". Discussing terrorism, he said the Iraqi authorities confirmed that "the roots of this phenomenon are still present". Iraq has been a battleground for competing forces, including the jihadist Islamic State group, since the US-led ouster of President Saddam Hussein in 2003. Francis, 81, has made boosting ties between Christianity and Islam a cornerstone of his papacy. He will visit Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates in February and Morocco in March. Parolin told Vatican News on Friday that the pontiff wants to visit Iraq: "It would certainly be a great encouragement to Iraqis in the difficulties they still have to face." The pope has already visited several Muslim countries, including Turkey in 2014, Azerbaijan in 2016 and Egypt in 2017. Pope Francis moved quickly after his election in 2013 to make overtures to Jews and Muslims, inviting two old friends from Buenos Aires -- a rabbi and a Muslim professor -- on a trip to the Middle East where he condemned religious hatred. Reuters GENEVA/MOSCOW (Reuters) -Don't expect a major breakthrough at a summit on Wednesday between U.S. President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, a U.S. official said on Tuesday, given relations between Washington and Moscow are their most strained in years. The two leaders are expected to talk for four of five hours, the U.S. official said. Both leaders say they hope the Geneva meeting, their first in-person encounter since Biden became president in January, can lead to stable and predictable relations, even though they remain at odds over everything from Syria to Ukraine. Leaving: A map of Europe. Photo: GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images Belgiums economy is the most exposed to Brexit within the EU, while Irelands exports could take the biggest hit of any European country. Figures compiled by Japanese investment bank Nomura show that Belgiums economy is the most reliant on trade with the UK, with around 8% of Belgian GDP dependant on trade with Britain. Thats the highest level within the EU27. Belgium exports over 30bn of goods to the UK, which is Belgiums fourth largest export market. It sells things like textiles, vehicles, chemicals, and food and beverages to the UK. Belgiums finance minister has previously called for a quick trade deal with the UK post-Brexit to protect thousands of jobs in the country. When trade is looked at purely in terms of exports, Ireland is the most exposed. Around 13% of all Irish exports end up in Britain. The Netherlands also has a large reliance on the UK for exports and GDP. In a major research note sent to clients on Tuesday, titled Brexit Guide 2019, Nomura looked at how Brexit might effect the EU. As part of this, the bank mapped out which countries within the EU are most reliant on trade with the UK. Heres Nomuras chart: Degrees of exposure: The EU economies most at risk from Brexit. Photo: Nomura Brexit would likely have a negative economic effect on these trading relationships, Nomura said, to the detriment of both the UK and EU member states. In the event of a hard Brexit the UK would almost certainly apply a tariff schedule to imports from the EU that looks similar to the EUs external tariffs, Nomuras chief UK economist George Buckley and team wrote. Together with a lower sterling that would adversely affect EU export growth to the UK particularly for important trading partners like Germany (think autos), France, the Netherlands and Ireland. Even if the EU and UK agreed zero tariffs, should the UK leave the EUs customs union free movement would be severely curtailed. Nomura said the impact of any trading slowdown between Britain and the EU would likely be felt more keenly in Britain as the Brexit effect will be more dissipated among the remaining EU27 and more concentrated in the UK. In the last 4 hours, $9 billion were wiped out of the crypto market as Ethereum and Bitcoin Cash recorded a 14 percent drop respectively against the U.S. dollar. The Bitcoin price dropped to $3,750, back to last weeks levels following a promising corrective rally on January 6 when BTC increased from $3,753 to $4,090. Ethereum and Bitcoin Cash Remain as Worst Performers on the Day Throughout the past two weeks, the Ethereum price nearly doubled from $85 to $160 in anticipation of the scheduled Constantinople hard fork that is set to be executed between January 14 to 18. The volume of Ethereum spiked as the trading activity of the second most valuable cryptocurrency in the global market surged on ever major digital asset exchange. However, large short-term gains leave assets vulnerable to large short-term corrections and in the last several hours, the price of ETH dropped by 14.9 percent from $154 to $131 in one of its biggest single-day drops in the past 12 months. As sell pressure on the cryptocurrency market intensified and bears initiated a sell-off of digital assets, cryptocurrencies that demonstrated decent gains throughout December and January in the likes of Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin portrayed the largest losses on the day. As early as January 7, traders including The Crypto Dog suggested that the technical indicators of ETH suggest a short-term downward movement. The trader said on Monday: Maybe Im just seeing what I want to see, but this chart is screaming to me last chance to short ETH. It makes sense to see some bounce here, given this level on the ratio, so I hesitate to say this is a great entry. and of course, Im just thinking out loud, not trying to urge anyone to FOMO into a trade. I shorted ETH at $156 and sitting relatively comfy here. Although both major crypto assets and small market cap tokens showed signs of short-term recovery in the last two months, several analysts suggested that without a breakout above key resistance levels, it is difficult to declare the establishment of a proper bottom in the cryptocurrency market. Story continues In late December, Mark Dow, a trader who shorted Bitcoin (BTC) from its all-time high at $19,500 all the way down to $3,500, said that if Bitcoin fails to recover beyond $6,000 in the short-term, the market is in trouble. Still a beautiful chart. If bitcoin cant bounce to at least $5k $6k soon, its a really bad sign for the cyberbulls. And if it breaks down thru the yellow line at any point, even the HODLers need to GTFO, Dow said at the time. Trend Hasnt Changed Essentially, Dow suggested that the trend in the cryptocurrency market has not changed and crypto winter is still in full effect. If cryptocurrencies continue to demonstrate a high level of volatility in a low price range, at least in the foreseeable future, a major trend reversal is highly unlikely. Click here for a real-time bitcoin price chart or here to review our latest crypto market coverage. Featured Image from Shutterstock. Charts from TradingView. The post What Caused Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash to Plunge 15% in Less Than 4 Hours? appeared first on CCN. The Aritzia store where Meghan Markle shopped according to local media is pictured in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, May 11, 2018. (REUTERS/Carlo Allegri) Aritzia Inc. said it plans on opening at least six new stores in the United States next year, as its popularity continues to rapidly grow in the American market. Revenue from U.S. sales grew by 40 per cent in the third quarter alone, the company reported after the markets closed on Wednesday, thanks to the popularity of its more than two dozen existing American stores, as well as investments in e-commerce and marketing campaigns. Our business in the United States is so good right that we feel we can open up in any premier shopping destinations in the United States and so extremely well, Aritzia chief executive Brian Hill told analysts on a conference call on Wednesday. The way things are going, everything were opening is profitable now, so were continuing to explore where we can and pick the ones we think will be the most profitable. While Hill would not disclose the exact locations of the six new stores (the company is still in the midst of finalizing some of its lease agreements), he said two will be in the existing market in-and-around Manhattan. The four remaining boutiques will open in markets where Artizia has yet to open stores, in extremely high AAA centres with extremely good locations and large footprints. There are no definitive store openings planned for Los Angeles, but Hill said that may happen the following year. If you actually draw the map and figure out where our next stores would be, were just slowly working our way down the eastern seaboard and continuing down the west and mid-west, Hill said. The Meghan Markle effect CIBC analyst Mark Petrie wrote in a note that Aritzias strength in the U.S. market is in part a reflection of its revamped marketing capability and increased focus on social media. We believe this has been an important driver of accelerating growth in the U.S., and expect to see the company continue to leverage this capability and market opportunity, Petrie wrote. More broadly, Artizia has clearly built e-commerce into a strength and an important driver of brand awareness and customer engagement, and in turn, sales and earnings. Story continues It certainly helps when you seem to have celebrities lining up to wear your product without even getting paid to. During the conference call on Wednesday, Hill pointed to a list of celebrities who have worn Aritzia product voluntarily, including Hailey Baldwin Bieber, Gigi and Bella Hadid, Kaia Berger, and perhaps most importantly Meghan Markle. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Markle wore the companys Wilfred Cocoon coat at a public appearance, which promptly sent it flying off the shelves. The company also launched what it called a extraordinary successful marketing campaign with Kendall Jenner, who has 100 million Instagram followers. At the same time, Aritzia launched its first outlet-style boutique at the Toronto Premium Outlets two months ago, and said it has already been successful enough to pay back original capital investors. But despite its immediate success, Hill warned that customers and shareholders shouldnt expect the company to become more outlet focused. To be clear, this is not the start of an outlet rollout, Hill said. That being said, selectively leveraging outlets to move discontinued merchandise is something well continue to explore going forward. Aritzias net revenues in the third quarter climbed by 18.8 per cent from $204.4 million last year to $242.9 million. The companys same store sales grew 12.9 per cent, ahead of the 10 per cent initially forecast by CIBC, marking the 17th consecutive quarter of positive growth. Aritzias stock was down nearly 2 per cent as of 2:12 p.m. ET on Thursday. Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. By Sharon Bernstein and Susan Heavey SACRAMENTO/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out once more at California on Wednesday for a series of devastating wildfires he blames on poor forest management, threatening to withhold federal disaster aid in a Twitter blast that drew rebukes from lawmakers in his own party. But Trump's tweet, the latest of several in recent months accusing California of bringing wildfires on itself, appeared to be a largely empty ultimatum, presuming presidential authority he lacks under federal statutes. One such law expressly bars the president from acting to "delay or impede" disaster relief once a federal emergency or disaster declaration has been made. Trump's threat to withhold Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance to California came two days after newly elected Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, used the occasion of his swearing-in to critique the "corruption and incompetence" of the Republican president. Beyond Newsom, who has vowed to position California as a counterweight to Trump, the deeply blue state is home to some of the president's most outspoken political foes, including U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The San Francisco Democrat is leading the fight in the U.S. Congress against Trump's demands for $5.7 billion in funding to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, pitting congressional Democrats against Trump in a standoff leading to a prolonged partial closure of the federal government. Pivoting from weeks of headlines dominated by the shutdown, Trump returned to his commentary that California's supposed mishandling of its forests and water resources were chiefly to blame for a fire season that ranks as the most destructive on record. "Billions of dollars are sent to the State of California for Forest fires that, with proper Forest Management, would never happen," Trump wrote on Twitter, a day after Western governors asked for greater federal investment in wildfire prevention. "Unless they get their act together, which is unlikely, I have ordered FEMA to send no more money. It is a disgraceful situation in lives & money!" the president said, referring to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Research shows the growing frequency and intensity of wildfires in California and other Western states are largely attributable to prolonged drought, symptomatic of climate change. The Trump administration has rejected or downplayed the role of climate change in the worsening wildfire picture. Trump's latest tweet drew a sharp reaction from the state Assembly's top Republican and two Republican legislators representing the area around the northern California town of Paradise, which was mostly incinerated in a wildfire that killed 86 people and destroyed nearly 14,000 homes in November. Trump toured the Camp Fire zone in November, promising "to take care of the people who have been so badly hurt." 'WHOLLY UNACCEPTABLE' State Senator Jim Nielsen and Assemblyman James Gallagher said in a joint statement Trump's threat to withhold FEMA funds from California "is wholly unacceptable.""He made a commitment to the people who have lost everything in these fires, and we expect the federal government to follow through with his promise." Fellow Republican Marie Waldron, the Assembly's minority leader, said separately that anything less than total government support for the fire victims "is inappropriate and unhelpful." FEMA said it could not respond to queries about Trump's order due to the partial government shutdown. Gallagher said FEMA centers around Paradise remained open on Wednesday. U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa, a Republican whose congressional district encompasses Paradise, also chided Trump, saying "threats to FEMA funding are not helpful and will not solve the longer-term forest management regulatory problems." Experts agree much of California's forests have become enormous tinder boxes filled with drought-desiccated timber - a situation worsened by overgrowth from decades of suppressing natural fire cycles necessary to maintain a healthy woodland balance. To that end, the state enacted a sweeping plan last year to double the amount of land open to the thinning of fire-prone brush and dead and dying trees, while streamlining permits needed for landowners to clear such vegetation. More than half of the 33 million acres (13.3 million hectares) of forest lands in California are managed by federal agencies, according to the University of California's Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. State and local agencies control only 3 percent, and the rest is privately owned. On Tuesday, the governors of California, Oregon and Washington asked federal agencies to "double" their investment in forest management in a letter to the White House. California plans to spend $1 billion on forest management over the next five years, the letter said, and has spent $111.3 million since 2017. (Reporting by Susan Heavey in Washington, Jonathan Allen in New York and Sharon Bernstein in Sacramento; Writing by Nick Zieminski and Steve Gorman; Editing by Bill Tarrant and Sandra Maler) Moscow (AFP) - The defence minister of the Central African Republic said in an interview published Thursday that the chief-of-staff of the conflict-riven nation's army had been in Russia for training. Russia's influence in CAR has been growing since 2017, when the UN-backed government there called for help to fight militias rampaging through the country. Moscow has already supplied weapons, military officers, at least 170 military "trainers" and a security adviser to work with President Faustin-Archange Touadera. "As of this month, 1,300 of our army's soldiers have been instructed and trained" at a Russian facility in CAR, minister Marie Noelle Koyara told Russia's RIA Novosti news agency. "Our head of the general staff has himself been for training in Russia," she added, without providing further details. Since Russia-trained soldiers have been deployed in the country, "the situation has not only stabilised, but visibly improved," she said. The defence minister said that at the Russian centre at the former presidential palace in Berengo west of Bangui which opened last year, soldiers were instructed in how "to become a real military force". "If necessary, this centre in Berengo can be expanded because it has already proven its effectiveness as a training platform," she said in remarks translated into Russian. The African nation is historically linked to France and already has EU and UN aid, but Koyara insisted Moscow and Paris were acting as partners rather than rivals in the region. Rival militias have been battling each other since the 2013 overthrow of longtime leader Francois Bozize, a Christian, by majority-Muslim militias in a coalition called the Seleka. A UN arms embargo imposed that year was in 2017 lifted exclusively for Moscow. Most of the country's territory remains in the hands of armed groups despite Touadera's election in 2016. Violence has claimed thousands of lives, and hundreds of thousands of people have been internally displaced or fled abroad. The military trainers sent by Russia are mercenaries with close ties to Russian mining companies and the numbers deployed could be significantly higher than officially reported, according to reports in Russian and Western media. Last year three Russian journalists who were investigating the shadowy Russian "Wagner" mercenary group were ambushed and murdered in CAR. Dividends can be underrated but they form a large part of investment returns, playing an important role in compounding returns in the long run. Historically, China Communications Services Corporation Limited (HKG:552) has been paying a dividend to shareholders. Today it yields 2.4%. Does China Communications Services tick all the boxes of a great dividend stock? Below, Ill take you through my analysis. Check out our latest analysis for China Communications Services 5 checks you should use to assess a dividend stock If you are a dividend investor, you should always assess these five key metrics: Is its annual yield among the top 25% of dividend-paying companies? Has it consistently paid a stable dividend without missing a payment or drastically cutting payout? Has dividend per share risen in the past couple of years? Can it afford to pay the current rate of dividends from its earnings? Will the company be able to keep paying dividend based on the future earnings growth? SEHK:552 Historical Dividend Yield January 10th 19 How does China Communications Services fare? China Communications Services has a trailing twelve-month payout ratio of 29%, which means that the dividend is covered by earnings. In the near future, analysts are predicting lower payout ratio of 19% which, assuming the share price stays the same, leads to a dividend yield of 2.8%. However, EPS should increase to CN0.46, meaning that the lower payout ratio does not necessarily implicate a lower dividend payment. When considering the sustainability of dividends, it is also worth checking the cash flow of a company. Cash flow is important because companies with strong cash flow can usually sustain higher payout ratios. Reliablity is an important factor for dividend stocks, particularly for income investors who want a strong track record of payment and a positive outlook for future payout. Whilst its per-share payments have increased during the past 10 years, there has been some hiccups. Shareholders would have seen a few years of reduced payments in this time. Story continues Compared to its peers, China Communications Services has a yield of 2.4%, which is high for Telecom stocks but still below the markets top dividend payers. Next Steps: Keeping in mind the dividend characteristics above, China Communications Services is definitely worth considering for investors looking to build a dedicated income portfolio. Given that this is purely a dividend analysis, I recommend taking sufficient time to understand its core business and determine whether the company and its investment properties suit your overall goals. Ive put together three relevant aspects you should further research: Future Outlook: What are well-informed industry analysts predicting for 552s future growth? Take a look at our free research report of analyst consensus for 552s outlook. Valuation: What is 552 worth today? Even if the stock is a cash cow, its not worth an infinite price. The intrinsic value infographic in our free research report helps visualize whether 552 is currently mispriced by the market. Other Dividend Rockstars: Are there better dividend payers with stronger fundamentals out there? Check out our free list of these great stocks here. To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. Tata Motors launches all new NRG in Nepal Tata Motors has launched the latest addition to its passenger vehicle family with the introduction of the Tata NRG. The Tata NRG gets SUV inspired styling and is positioned as Nepals youngest compact utility vehicle. By Marcelo Rochabrun and Maria Carolina Marcello SAO PAULO/BRASILIA (Reuters) - The Brazilian government on Thursday said it would allow a proposed tie-up between planemakers Embraer SA and Boeing Co to go forward, capping weeks of uncertainty in which President Jair Bolsonaro expressed hesitation. The approval maintains the terms of the deal as previously proposed, with Embraer selling 80 percent of its commercial plane division, its most profitable, for $4.2 billion to Boeing, which will have total control of the new venture. But one thing was new: the government said in a press release that the two planemakers would "maintain the current jobs in Brazil," a move that might appease union workers and politicians who had raised concerns that, if the deal went through, Boeing would then try to slash jobs. The companies had previously been noncommittal on the issue. The tie-up between Embraer and Boeing is seen as part of a reshaping of the global aviation market for mid-sized planes. It follows a similar deal by Boeing's rival Airbus which bought Bombardier Inc's commercial plane division that competed with Embraer. The deal still must now be voted on by Embraer's private shareholders within the next 30 days, but winning the backing of Brazil's government was its biggest hurdle. If approved by shareholders, the companies will then have to seek regulatory approval in several countries. The deal also faces legal challenges in Brazil. Workers and left-wing politicians obtained court orders blocking the deal in December, but the injunctions were quickly reversed. The tie-up could face future injunctions as the cases remain pending. Minority shareholders have also filed legal complaints that have yet to be resolved. Embraer and Boeing said in a statement they expect the deal to obtain final approvals before the end of 2019. Boeing shares closed up 2.6 percent on Thursday and were flat in after-hours trade following the deal approval. Embraer shares on the New York Stock Exchange were up 0.4 percent after the close. Story continues Shortly after assuming the presidency on Jan. 1, Bolsonaro, a former army captain, had expressed concern that Boeing might end up owning all of Embraer if the deal was approved under the terms proposed. But on Thursday, a statement from his office said his government had analyzed the proposal and found that it "preserves (Brazil's) sovereignty and the national interests." (Reporting by Marcelo Rochabrun in Sao Paulo and Maria Carolina Marcello in Brasilia; Editing by Brad Brooks and Lisa Shumaker) President Donald Trump left Congressional leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi at what was supposed to be the negotiating table Wednesday after a meeting over border security quickly headed south. Simply, the president said the talks, specifically with Democrat House Speaker Pelosi, over funding a border wall were a waste of time because she flat out refused to budge over taking up the issue while the government is partially shut down. While the deeply divided partisan sides managed to get together for the meeting, it is becoming clearer that neither is prepared to stray from their positions. The president, Pelosi, and Schumer continue to blame the other side for the stalemate. The partial shutdown enters its 20th day Thursday, and Friday marks the first payday in which many federal workers wont be paid because of it. Also, the impasse and shutdown have raised the ire of a rating agency. Trying to Understand the Impasse At issue is the presidents call for $5.7 billion to be appropriated to fund a border wall along certain portions of the U.S.-Mexico border. House Democrats have refused to commit to the funding. The partisan fight is not about there not being enough money for the wall. The amount being requested is less than 1% of the federal governments $4.4 trillion budget. Instead, for the Democrats, its about the immorality of the wall. Their olive branch to the president is to hold discussions over the wall funding only if he signs a package re-opening shuttered federal agencies. Thats not good enough for Trump. He took to Twitter to admit hed walked out of the meeting. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. After the meeting, Schumer said: [The president] asked Speaker Pelosi, will you agree to my wall? She said no. And he just got up, and said, Well weve got nothing to discuss. Domino Effects Over Shutdown Becomes Clearer Each Day The politicians may be frustrated over border security, but their concerns likely pale in comparison to federal workers who face going without pay. Story continues If no resolution to reopen the government is in place by Friday, these workers will not be paid, marking a first under this shutdown. Today marks the 20th day of the partial shutdown making it the longest in U.S. history. Affected are about 420,000 essential employees, according to the Wall Street Journal. It added that another 380,000 have been placed on unpaid leave or furlough. The U.S.s triple-A bond rating could also be affected. At least one rating agency analyst has spoken on the matter. Fitchs global head of sovereign ratings, James McCormack, told CNBC Wednesday that an ongoing government shutdown could soon start to impact the governments ability to pass a budget. On the networks Squawk Box Europe, he said: I think people are looking at the CBO (Congressional Budget Office) numbers. If people take the time to look at that you can see debt levels moving higher, you can see the interest burden in the U.S. government moving decidedly higher over the next decade. The other major rating agencies, Moodys Investors Service and Standard & Poors, have not weighed in on the shutdown. At the time of writing, following Wednesdays failed meeting, Dow Futures pointed to a Thursday opening 78 points in the red. Featured image from Shutterstock. The post Border Security Talks Breakdown as Trump Tweets Why He Walked Out appeared first on CCN. By Amanda Becker (Reuters) - Billionaire donor and liberal activist Tom Steyer, who has led an effort to impeach President Donald Trump, announced on Wednesday he will not seek the Democratic presidential nomination and instead will continue his effort to oust the president. Steyer, 61, made his announcement in Iowa, the traditional starting point for the presidential nominating contests that will kick off early next year, after months of openly exploring his own presidential campaign, his staff confirmed. "The impeachment question has reached an inflection point," Steyer wrote on Twitter. "That's why I just announced that I will be dedicating 100% of my time and effort in 2019 toward Mr. Trump's impeachment and removal from office." Steyer's decision not to enter the race also leaves the deep-pocketed donor available to support one of as many as two dozen Democrats who are weighing 2020 presidential bids. Steyer plans to spend $40 million this year to pressure the U.S. House of Representatives, which Democrats won control of in the November 2018 elections, to begin impeachment proceedings, and to encourage Democrats vying for the White House to support Trump's impeachment. Steyer has been a force in Democratic fundraising over the past decade. NextGen America, a political nonprofit he formed in 2013, has poured millions into elections, focusing on climate change, immigration and access to affordable healthcare, among other issues. Steyer said he spent $120 million on the 2018 elections, investing heavily in youth turnout, which he called an untapped source of Democratic support. He also spent more than $90 million during the 2016 elections, when he backed Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Some of his money has gone to his Need to Impeach campaign against Trump. Steyer has accused the Republican president of colluding with Russia to win the White House in 2016 and obstructing investigations into their efforts, allegations that Trump has denied. "I will do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to remove this president," Steyer wrote Wednesday on Twitter. In a tweet in October, Trump dismissed Steyer as a "crazed & stumbling lunatic who should be running out of money pretty soon." Steyer amassed a fortune estimated by Forbes at $1.6 billion by founding the investment firm Farallon Capital in the mid-1980s and serving as a partner at the San Francisco private equity firm Hellman & Friedman. Early opinion polls showed the environmentalist and philanthropist, who is based in San Francisco, trailing other Democrats in name recognition and support. (Reporting by Amanda Becker; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Jonathan Oatis) Representative Beto ORourke (D., Texas) called the southern border one of the safest places in the United States late Tuesday night, hours after President Trump delivered an Oval Office address on the need for a border wall. By any measure the border is as safe as its ever been, ORourke said in a video of the border he took and posted on Twitter. And the presidents using fear and anecdote to try to instill anxiety and paranoia to build the political will to construct this wall that would cost $30 billion and take private property and cause death and suffering as more asylum seekers are pushed to ever-more hostile stretches of the U.S.-Mexico border. That was what we heard from the Oval Office, ORourke said. And we need to meet that fear with the truth, with our ambition, with the best traditions of this country, a country of immigrants. The president on Tuesday evening delivered his first Oval Office address, calling on Democrats to relent and approve his demand for over $5 billion in funding for the construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump made his remarks amid an ongoing partial government shutdown, which reached its nineteenth day on Wednesday. Negotiations broke down shortly before Christmas, with Democrats refusing to budge from their offer of $1.6 billion for non-wall border security and Republicans sticking to Trumps demand for over $5 billion to fund construction of a wall. In November, ORourke lost his Senate bid to incumbent Ted Cruz in a race that was alarmingly competitive for the Texas GOP. Despite his defeat, ORourke became a rising Democratic star and is rumored to be considering a 2020 presidential bid. More from National Review Baidu, Inc. BIDU is leaving no stone unturned to bolster its presence in the autonomous driving space. The ever-growing Chinese internet companys latest product launches and solutions at CES 2019 are testament to its efforts to boost footprint in space. These recent introductions are aimed at speeding up the deployment of connected and autonomous vehicle technology for automotive OEMs and suppliers across the world. Notably, Baidu has outperformed the industry it belongs to on a 12-month basis. The companys shares have gained 33.1% compared with its industrys growth of 25.4% in the said period. Details of New Products & Solutions The new introductions include Apollo Enterprise, which is a suite of customizable autonomous driving solutions for vehicle fleets. Under this platform, carmakers can choose the products and customize them based on their specific needs. The new solutions support vehicle and information safety. Additionally, it can be upgraded via Over-the-Air Programing (OTA). Further, the company unveiled Apollo 3.5, the latest version of Apollo open source driverless car platform. The Apollo program was launched as an open-source platform for other automakers to develop their self-driving systems and help accelerate the development self-driving technologies. This platform can now perform in complex urban and suburban driving scenarios. Its updates include new driving capabilities such as the ability to manage unprotected turns, speed bumps, clear zones, side passes, narrow lanes and autonomous parking. It is also compatible with sensors such as Velodyne VLS-128 LiDAR. Apollo has already attracted more than 130 global partners worldwide. In addition, the company plans to launch a self-driving taxi service in Changsha, China later this year. These developments are likely to aid the company in rapidly penetrating the self-driving market, wherein safety and the prevention of accidents are most important. Story continues Wrapping Up Baidu has been making continuous efforts to accelerate the development of autonomous driving since the launch of its Apollo platform. This platform was launched to help it create a massive, overarching, safe and dependable group dedicated to effectively bring self-driving vehicle technology to the world. As of now, Apollo is already used by Intel INTC, Nvidia NVDA, NXP, along with 12,000 other developers and partners worldwide. Undoubtedly, the autonomous driving space will witness more innovation over the next few years, both by technology companies and automakers, including smaller startups. According to Research & Markets data, the global software market for autonomous cars is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 76.1% between 2017 and 2021. Its not surprising that Baidu wants to make a bigger splash in the self-driving space and turn Apollo into a global initiative. The latest developments will surely speed up its efforts in this space. Baidu, Inc. Price and Consensus Baidu, Inc. Price and Consensus | Baidu, Inc. Quote Zacks Rank and A Key Pick Baidu currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked stock in the broader technology sector is TripAdvisor, Inc. TRIP, which carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Long-term earnings growth rate for TripAdvisor is currently pegged at 14.05%. Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research John Lasseter (Credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic) A backlash is brewing following news that former Pixar head John Lasseter has been given a new job, heading indie studio Skydances animation arm. Lasseter, who directed Toy Story, Toy Story 2 and produced movies like Frozen and Finding Dory, took an extended sabbatical from Pixar last year, following multiple accusations of sexually improper behaviour over his long tenure at the award-winning animation house. Lasseter officially left Disney on 31 December, 2018 after serving briefly in a reduced role as consultant. In extensive reporting from the likes of The Hollywood Reporter, a pattern of alleged behaviour towards women on his staff emerged, including grabbing, kissing, and making comments about physical attributes. Others said that Pixar was never a welcoming environment for women, and that Lasseter would often drink heavily at company events and movie premieres. Lasseter stepped away from the company, of which he was among the founders, and which is owned by Disney, last summer. In a memo to staff, which was later leaked to The New York Times, he admitted to missteps. I especially want to apologise to anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of an unwanted hug or any other gesture they felt crossed the line in any way, shape or form, he said. No matter how benign my intent, everyone has the right to set their own boundaries and have them respected. David Ellison (Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW) In a letter to employees, Skydance CEO David Ellison, who has been behind movies from World War Z to Mission: Impossible Fallout, said that the decision to appoint Lasseter had not been entered into lightly. I know many of you are aware of Johns admitted mistakes in his prior role helming those studios, he said. John has been forthright in taking ownership of his behaviour, apologised for his actions and has spent the past year on sabbatical analysing and improving his workplace behaviour. We employed outside counsel to thoroughly investigate the allegations, which we considered serious and have warranted our full attention as we made this important decision. The senior leadership team and I have all carefully evaluated the findings of this extensive investigation. Story continues While we would never minimise anyones subjective views on behaviour, we are confident after many substantive conversations with John, and as the investigation has affirmed, that his mistakes have been recognised. We are certain that John has learned valuable lessons and is ready to prove his capabilities as a leader and a colleague. And he has given his assurance that he will comport himself in a wholly professional manner that is the expectation of every Skydance colleague and partner. The decision has received swift and harsh criticism. A statement from the Times Up campaign said: Skydance Medias decision to hire John Lasseter as head of animation endorses and perpetuates a broken system that allows powerful men to act without consequence. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Melissa Silverstein, the founder of advocacy group Women and Hollywood, added: This is a horrible message to the women at Pixar who stood up and told their truths about their experiences. This is also a message to all that the bro culture is alive and well and thriving in Hollywood. David Ellison should be ashamed of himself. When the news of the allegations against Lasseter emerged last Spring, one former employee told THR: If John goes back [to Pixar], it will kill women in animation. The message will be so clear: Shut up and take it. Read more Bryan Cranston on lack of disability actor opportunities Idris Elba and Daniel Craig troll Bond fans Lady Gaga fans unhappy with Best Actress snub Kim Jong-un and President Trump met for the first time in Singapore last June - AP The United States and North Korea are forging ahead with "back-channel" talks to arrange a second summit between Donald Trump, the US president, and Kim Jong-un, South Koreas ambassador to Washington said on Tuesday. "It appears to me that back-channel communication for a North Korea-US summit is ongoing," Ambassador Cho Yoon-je briefed reporters, according to newswire Yonhap. He did not elaborate on the details but added: President Trump and Chairman Kim have a firm will, so Im hopeful that a preparatory meeting (for the summit) will be held in the near future. Kims unannounced visit to Beijing this week for talks with Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, has prompted speculation that his next meeting with Mr Trump could be imminent. The leader's train was spotted departing Beijing on Wednesday afternoon for the day-long journey back to the northeast border. His visit had been shrouded in secrecy, although Yonhap reported that he met Mr Xi for a hour on Tuesday, his 35th birthday, before the two leaders dined together with their wives at the city's Great Hall of the People. Kim is also believed to have visited a pharmaceuticals factory. The North Korean leader consulted closely with Mr Xi before and after the historic Singapore summit and this week's trip has been viewed as a strategy session. Roads in Beijing have been cleared for Kim Jong-un's motorcade Credit: AFP South Korea on Tuesday said it hoped that his latest trip to Beijing this week would act as a stepping stone for face-to-face talks with the US president, with the aim of overcoming an ongoing stalemate over nuclear disarmament. Kim and Mr Trump agreed in Singapore to move towards the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, but the two sides have since hit an impasse over what the vague declaration means in practice. However, the South Korean ambassadors comments suggest that important back-channel work has not been halted by the lack of visible progress in handling Kims nuclear weapons programme. Story continues Earlier this week South Koreas Munhwa Ilbo reported that US officials met with their North Korean counterparts in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, for summit scheduling discussions. Vietnam is a long-standing ally of Pyongyang that also enjoys good ties with Washington. Speculation about locating the next summit there grew after Ri Yong Ho, the North Korean foreign minister, visited at the end of November to early December. North Korean fans at a friendly football game against Vietnam in December Credit: Nhac Nguyen/AFP Bloomberg pointed to reports that Mark Lambert, a senior US state department official handling North Korean issues, also travelled to Vietnam in December, although it is unclear if the two visits overlapped. Meanwhile, Canada has also revealed that it has been involved in US-approved backroom talks in recent months. According to a report by CBC News, Canada quietly hosted a five-person delegation of high level North Korean officials in September, as part of international efforts to convince the hermit kingdom to abandon its nuclear arsenal and respect human rights. A senior government official told the channel that Canada used a two day window to push for denuclearisation and present very real human rights concerns directly, face-to-face, with North Korean interlocutors. However, the meetings were a one-off and a Canadian foreign ministry spokesman confirmed that they did not signal an overall effort to regularise diplomatic relations with Pyongyang. Athenex, Inc. (ATNX announced that it has completed target enrollment of 360 patients in the Oraxol phase III study in metastatic breast cancer on schedule. Athenex also reaffirmed that top-line data from the study is expected to be available in mid-2019. Oraxol is an innovative oral formulation of paclitaxel, a very effective and commonly used anti-cancer chemotherapy combined with HM30181A (a novel gastrointestinal tract specific P-glycoprotein pump inhibitor). The Oraxol phase III study is an open label study, which will evaluate the safety, tolerability and tumor response of Oraxol compared with IV paclitaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Secondary endpoints will measure progression-free survival and overall survival. In October 2018, the company reported encouraging efficacy and safety data of Oraxol in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer patients obtained from a phase II study conducted in Taiwan. Results from twenty-four patients with metastatic breast cancer were reported. Eleven patients (45.8%) achieved partial remission (PR), 10 patients (41.7%) had stable disease (SD) and 3 patients had progressive disease (PD). Drug-related serious adverse events consisting of Grade 4 neutropenia were observed in 3 patients and all recovered completely. There was no dose limiting neuropathy observed. Oraxol is one of the lead candidates in the companys pipeline and a potential approval will boost the companys top line. Shares of Athenex decreased 21.6% in the past year, compared with the industrys decline of 19.5%. Athenex is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapies for the treatment of cancer through its Orascovery and Src Kinase Inhibition research platforms. The breast cancer market is crowded and a lot of companies are developing drugs to combat this disease. In December 2018, Roche RHHBY announced that its breast cancer drug, Kadcyla significantly reduced the risk of disease recurrence by 50% as an adjuvant (after surgery) therapy in phase III KATHERINE study compared to its other breast cancer drug, Herceptin. Story continues The late-stage KATHERINE study compared Kadcyla with Herceptin for risk of disease recurrence or death in HER2-positive early breast cancer patients with residual disease following a neoadjuvant (before surgery) therapy. Back in October, Roche announced that the study had met its primary endpoint of reduction in disease recurrence. Kadcyla, an antibody-drug conjugate, is approved as monotherapy in second-line setting for treating metastatic breast cancer in patients who have received treatment with Herceptin or/and taxane since 2013. In December 2018, Puma Biotechnology, Inc. PBYI announced positive top-line results from the phase III NALA study, evaluating its only marketed drug, Nerlynx (neratinib) for the treatment of third-line hormone receptor-positive (HER2-positive) metastatic breast cancer. Pfizer PFE also has Xtandi in its portfolio, which is in mid-stage development for advanced breast cancer. Zacks Rank Athenex currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside? Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana. Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research WASHINGTON You might assume a government shutdown that is about to set an unwelcome record, and is being battled over funding for a border wall most Americans oppose, just might leave President Donald Trump itching to make a deal. You would be wrong. In a combative exchange with reporters Thursday as he left the White House for a day trip to Texas, wearing a campaign "Make America Great Again" hat, Trump denounced as dishonorable the Democratic leaders who would have to negotiate any agreement. He accused his opponents of not caring about violent crime and national security. And while he said the word "compromise," he gave no indication that he was actually willing to give an inch on his demand for funding the wall. President Donald Trump gestures as he speaks to the media while leaving the White House, Jan. 10, 2019, in Washington. Trump attributes his spectacular rise in politics to the shrewdness of his gut, the power of his bluster, and his command of a devoted core of supporters. Even though those are the instincts that have led him into an impasse with no clear exit, they are still the priorities he extols. He bragged not about progress toward resolving the standoff but about the unity of Republicans behind him in standing firm, although a few GOP senators have expressed concern about the extended shutdown. It is poised to become the longest in history on Saturday. "They all want to see something happen, but there are extremely united, and I don't think I have ever seen unity like this in the Republican Party," he declared. "It's really a beautiful thing to see." That said, the costs and complications of the partial government shutdown continue to increase, with security lines getting longer at some airports, trash piling up at national parks and 800,000 federal workers about to miss a paycheck Friday. A Politico/Morning Consult poll released this week showed Trump bearing the brunt of the blame: About half of the Americans held the president responsible; a third blamed congressional Democrats. Story continues Among Republicans surveyed, though, the blame went to Democrats by almost 5-1. Trump's rating within his party actually ticked up a few percentage points higher than before the shutdown, with 84 percent expressing approval of the job he's doing as president. Since his inauguration, Trump has made more efforts to hold the support of those who voted for him than he has to expand his appeal to those who didn't. That helps explains his unyielding stance now in a standoff that would have prompted most of his predecessors to seek a settlement and move on. "By all objective standards, it's all downside for him except for one," Mo Elleithee, a veteran Democratic strategist and executive director of Georgetown University's Institute of Politics and Public Service, said in an interview. "That's his base. His base is loving it. They're eating it up, and it's increasingly clear that's all he cares about. Anything else is irrelevant." On Capitol Hill Thursday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweaked congressional Republicans for that unity, for refusing to break with Trump on this or just about anything else. "Did you take an oath to the Constitution or to Donald Trump?" she pointedly asked. Then she warned Trump that he could put his partisan solidarity at risk if he delivers on his threat to declare a state of emergency as a way of bypassing Congress for wall funds. "I think the president will have problems on his own side of the aisle for exploiting the situation in a way that enhances his power," she said, a reference to concerns expressed by Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and other Republicans that future Democratic presidents would also feel empowered by use emergency declarations to pursue policy goals. "I think he's going to have to answer to his own party on usurping that much power." Trump gave no sign of being deterred. "I have the absolute right to declare a national emergency," he said, an assertion some legal analysts have disputed. "If this doesn't work out, probably I will do it. I would almost say 'definitely.'" On Day 20, the end of the shutdown didn't seem to be getting closer. It seemed to be getting further away. For her part, Pelosi didn't signal any willingness to relent in the Democrats' refusal to approve funding for a wall. In a tweet, Trump blamed "Democrats intransigence" as he announced he was canceling a planned trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, because of the shutdown, a sign he thinks it may well not be settled by then. His departure was slated for Jan. 21 when the shutdown would hit Day 31. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The art of not-cutting-a-deal: Trump trusts his gut and tends his base Could this really cut down Facebook use? (Getty) When you fail to fasten your seat belt, your car will beep and buzz repeatedly until its sensors know youve done it. Researchers believe this sort of machine annoyance could be the key to getting people to stop using Facebook. Cornell researchers designed an app which makes phones buzz repeatedly if people exceed a set limit of time on Facebook. The researchers say that volunteers reduced their Facebook use by 20% and now hope to make a commercially available video. Because smartphones already have a vibration feature, the method doesnt require any additional hardware, making it not only simple but cost-effective, the researchers said. MORE: New supersonic airliner will fly people round the globe at 1,688mph for the same price as Business Class MORE: Fund to find Madeleine McCann receives cash boost after parents company profits soar Cornell Tech graduate student Fabian Okeke said, You have cases where a few minutes becomes an hour, because these programs have been designed to keep pulling people back in. So we started thinking about ways we could design different kinds of interventions that could help people focus back on work. The fact that something as simple as a repeated vibration could help people reduce their usage was pretty powerful. Were looking for ways to actually help people achieve whatever goals they set for themselves, Okeke said. Were not looking to say, completely stop using Facebook; we want to give people control to exercise how much they consume digital content. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK Nayak Paudel is a crime reporter for The Kathmandu Post. Since joining the Post in 2018, he has also written on health issues. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Lu Yi, former President of Dongfeng Infiniti Motor Co., Ltd, and Managing Director of Infiniti China, has been named as Executive Vice President of Audi China, directly reporting to Thomas Owsianski, President of Audi China. The appointment goes into effect from January 10. Mr. Lu has rich industrial experience related to marketing and sales and he will bring more vitality for Audi China, said Thomas Owsianski, we believe that his participation will lay a crucial foundation for Audi brand's future development in China. Under the Audi China 2.0 Strategy, Audi's marketing and sales businesses in this country should be operated by Audi China. The company plans to build a new team for brand communication, which will be managed by Lu Yi. According to public records, the latest position for Lu Yi before joining Audi China is President of Dongfeng Infiniti and Managing Director of Infiniti China. From 2014 to 2015, He assumed the responsibility as President of Jaguar Land Rover China and Chery Jaguar Land Rover's joint marketing and after-sales service unit. Ever earlier, he served as BMW's deputy president for China sales. His two-decade expertise in premium automotive business management and knowledge of the Chinese market are expected to further boost the implementation of Audi's China strategy. President Donald Trump walked out of a meeting with top Democratic lawmakers over the partial government shutdown Wednesday, saying that it was a total waste of time. One day after saying the shutdown could be resolved with a 45-minute meeting, Trump sat down with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in the White House Situation Room. But after a half hour, he walked out, tweeting that he said bye-bye after Pelosi said she would not approve a border security measure if it includes a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Speaking shortly after the meeting, Pelosi and Schumer criticized Trumps behavior at the meeting. Unfortunately, the President just got up and walked out, Schumer told reporters. He asked Speaker Pelosi if she would fund his wall and she said no and he said, Well then, we have nothing to talk about. And got up and walked out. Vice President Mike Pence said Trump called the question during the meeting, using the legislative term for putting an issue up for a vote. When she said no, the President said goodbye, he said. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the House Minority Leader, disputed Schumer and Pelosis version of events, saying that Trump offered everyone candy and turned the floor over to the two Democrats, whom he said offered nothing. The President then turned to the Speaker and politely asked her, OK, Nancy if we open the government up in 30 days, could we have border security. She raised her hand and said, No, not at all,' he said. McCarthy said the Democratic lawmakers behavior is embarrassing to me, and argued that their version of events was disturbing. He called on them to get back into the room to negotiate. Federal workers furloughed or working without pay under the partial government shutdown are feeling the sting of going nearly two weeks without receiving any new money as bills start to pile up. Its stressful, says Nicole Rhoads, a resource assistant at Wayne National Forest in Nelsonville, Ohio. She was last paid on Dec. 28 and does not know when the next payday is arriving. As the shutdown goes on, its unclear how she will keep up with her bills. Rent doesnt get furloughed, she says. Workers trying to make rent, student loan, car, credit card and other payments that make up monthly bills are under severe strain as portions of the federal government remain shut down for a third week, becoming, so far, the second-longest shutdown in U.S. history. The last paycheck most federal employees received came around Dec. 28. This Friday will mark the first payday where nothing will come. The government aimed to offer a way to ease the stress over money in the form of a notice on Dec. 27 from the Office of Personnel Management, which oversees federal workers. In its guidance, OPM advised those who will not be paid during the shutdown to reach out to landlords, creditors or mortgage lenders to request reduced payments. The office provided sample letters people could use to negotiate payment. One letter, which has since been removed from the guidance, originally suggested employees ask their landlords to barter maintenance service for partial rent payments advice that invited staunch criticism on social media and worker representatives. Tony Reardon, the president of the National Treasury Employees Union, said the suggestion was laughable in an interview with CNN. I think its disgusting, candidly, he said. Its wrong to treat human beings this way. An OPM spokesperson apologized on Dec. 29, saying the inadvertently released documents were out of date. The governments suggestions have not exactly panned out for workers. Story continues Andrew Van Singel, a furloughed federal employee who lives in Chicago, says he reached out to his landlord and asked to have his rent deferred until the shutdown is over to no avail. Like many federal workers, he will not receive a paycheck this Friday, when he would normally be paid. Id heard that there was a statement made that landlords would work with us, Van Singel says. They said no, theyre still enforcing the terms of the contract. To help in the short term, Van Singel is considering putting his rent and other expenses on a credit card. But other bills dont always accept payment on credit. The 36-year-old, who is also an attorney, says he may seek out a temporary legal work, though he feels the open question about when the shutdown will end makes it hard for employers to take a gamble on hiring him. Rhoads, 23, echoed a similar concern. While she was able to rely on her family to help her through the holidays, shes now considering seeking a part-time job where she lives in Athens, Ohio to earn money during her furlough but worries about abandoning a new job upon the government reopening. I dont want to leave an employer behind, she says. But if it goes beyond more than a month, I cant go without a paycheck. I cant. I hate saying that this shutdown has left me in the dust, but it really has. Rhoads said she could not consider asking her landlord for a payment delay and that she would not want to get in the way of maintenance workers already hired to do the work that OPM suggested she barter for, such as painting or carpentry. Isnt that problematic? They dont need my help, she says. Thats a cycle I wont want to be a part of. She adds: But Im very lucky. Its just me and my roommate. If you have a family or kids, I can understand if you need to do something like that. For one Internal Revenue Service employee in Philadelphia, the suggestion from the government to reach out to lenders and landlords only compounded the stress of the shutdown. The government asking employees to barter to pay rent or creditors was extremely distressing to me, says the employee, who declined to share her name. We dont even know our landlord. When we moved, we had to sign a paper that states if we were a few days late with rent they could start eviction proceedings. The employee, who was recalled back to work on Jan. 7 after being furloughed when the shutdown first started on Dec. 22, says working without pay just makes it harder to complete tasks. Its extremely inhumane of the government to expect federal employees to work without a paycheck, she says. It hinders my ability to concentrate on processing my work and serve taxpayers to the best of my abilities. Morale is not high. When the shutdown started, workers felt somewhat hopeful that things would wrap up soon. Now, they are desperate for any change. Right now it feels like indentured servitude, the employee says. We just want the shutdown to end, for employees to be paid retroactively and for some provisions to be put into place where federal employees will not have to work without a paycheck. Van Singel, who has been passing his time off during the furlough doing puzzles and volunteering, says the third week marks the first time hes felt real fear over his future. I thought it would be over in a week or two. I didnt think it was that serious, he says. Im good financially until the beginning of next month, but then the bills come in. All these things, a week ago I wasnt concerned about, but now its a real concern. Federal workers and their supporters will rally for their jobs Thursday outside the White House as the partial government shutdown rolls through its third week with no end in sight. Almost half of the 800,000 civilian federal employees are not working, and even those that are won't be paid until the stalemate is settled. For most, the furlough becomes real Friday when they miss their first payday. Leisyka Lee, a single mom who has worked for the Bureau of Land Management for 17 years, says her fragile finances require a deal soon. "I live paycheck to paycheck," she said. "I earn a living wage when I work. I love my job and I just want to get back to work." PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 08: David Fitzpatrick, 64, a Park Ranger, holds an American flag and a placard stating "You're fired" with "Smokey the Bear," after a protest rally with furloughed federal workers and area elected officials in front of Independence Hall on January 8, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The government shutdown, now lasting 18 days, marks the second longest United States in history, affecting about 800,000 federal employees. (Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775278689 ORIG FILE ID: 1079379668 In Madison, Wisconsin, Carl Houtman has spent the last 21 years working for the Forest Service. The chemical engineer said he is the primary wage earner for his family of four including two in college. "Guess what happens this time of year tuition bills," he said. Property tax. Christmas credit cards. This is absolutely the worst time of year to miss a paycheck." President Donald Trump has said he would be willing to keep the shutdown going for a year or more if Democrats don't yield to his demands for $5.7 billion toward funding a border wall. Talks broke down Wednesday, and it was unclear when or if they would restart. Trump has suggested that liberals should feel compelled to go along, claiming that "most of the people not getting paid are Democrats." He also has said federal workers support his plans for the wall and his decision to force the shutdown. "The president has a cavalier attitude because he has no idea what it's like to rely on a regular paycheck," said Steve Lenkart, spokesman for the National Federation of Federal Workers. More: Coast Guard says garage sales can help survive government shutdown More: Trump threatens emergency declaration for border if shutdown talks stall More: Analysis: President Donald Trump hits a wall the Democratic House Story continues Houtman said Trump's dismissive attitude to federal workers dampens their hopes for a quick settlement. "The whole drum beat in the conservative media about how federal employees don't really do anything, that we are not important, it adds to the stress," Houtman said. The federation, which represents more than 100,000 federal workers, is co-sponsoring the rally. Lenkart said the rally Thursday will include congressional leaders and workers who will explain how the shutdown affects them, their families, their agencies and Americans across the country. On Tuesday, more than 200 furloughed workers rallied at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. Rep. Brendan Boyle, R-Pa., among those in attendance, said more than 11,000 federal workers are affected by the shutdown. President Trump has been loud and clear he doesnt care that hundreds of thousands of public servants arent getting their paychecks because of his manufactured funding crisis," Boyle said. "But his words have consequences. Federal workers ... are struggling to keep their families in their homes, keep the lights on, and put food on the table." Some workers even started GoFundMe campaigns, but the Office of Government Ethics warned that standard ethics apply. Such donations would likely be considered gifts, and rules for accepting gifts are stringent. The U.S. Coast Guard thought it was being helpful when it posted a tip sheet with a list of suggestions such as holding garage sales, babysitting or tutoring to make ends meet. One last option - declaring bankruptcy. The tip sheet was later removed from the agency's website. The work the employees do is also affected. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said his agency has cut back significantly on safety inspections of domestic food. Lee, a former firefighter who now does education outreach for BLM, said vegetation fuel reduction work normally performed this time of year in the west is on hold, which could loom large when fire season rolls around in the spring. Houtman said he has research reports sitting idle on his desk, and he has a graduate student hamstrung in her efforts to complete experiments required for her thesis. But he admits the financial issues remain front and center. A kind neighbor brought frozen food from their freezer to help his family out, he said. "We are not that desperate yet," he said. "But we took the food." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'I live paycheck to paycheck': Federal workers to rally for their jobs at White House The reconstructed skeleton of the Eocene whale B. isis (top) alongside the skeleton of D. atrox, a smaller whale that B. isis likely ate for lunch. Voss et al., 2019 An ancient whale twice the length of today's orcas once chowed down on other whales in the Eocene epoch's seas. A fossil discovered in Egypt appears to preserve the whale, an extinct species called Basilosaurus isis, with the bones of a smaller whale species in its stomach. Researchers suspect that the toothy B. isis hunted nurslings of the species Dorudon atrox, delivering killing bites to the smaller whales' skulls before consuming the prey. "B. isis itself had a long snout and was armed with pointed incisors and sharp cheek teeth," study author Manja Voss, a marine mammal researcher at the Berlin Museum fur Naturkunde, told Live Science in an email. These fearsome features suggest that the whale was an apex predator of its time. [Image Gallery: Ancient Monsters of the Sea] Marine monster Basilosaurus isis lived between 34 million and 38 million years ago and grew to between 50 and 60 feet (15 and 18 meters) in length. Close relatives of this toothy whale have previously been found fossilized with the remains of fish and sharks in their abdominal areas, suggesting that the whales hunted or scavenged. But a 2010 discovery of a B. isis fossil in Egypt's Wadi Al-Hitan (Valley of Whales) is the first-ever specimen of the species found preserved with its last meal inside it. The valley, about 87 miles (140 kilometers) southwest of Cairo, is a hotspot for whale fossils, with hundreds of skeletons found preserved there. Here, another fossilized skeleton of a B. isis whale from Egpyt's Wadi Al Hitan (Valley of Whales). KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images Fossils at Wadi Al-Hitan are often found on the surface, Voss said, their white bones gleaming in the sun. That's how researchers discovered the new B. isis, which was already exposed by wind and erosion. Scientists removed the fossilized stomach contents for analysis, but they left the rest of the whale covered in sediment after they'd taken photos and measurements, so the fossil would be protected. Among the jumble of bones found mixed with the whale's skeleton were teeth, skull fragments, vertebrae and ribs of D. atrox, an ancient species of whale that grew to about 16 feet (5 m) long. Some of the skull fragments had bite marks that appeared to match B. isis's teeth. Story continues Whales eating whales B. isis could have scavenged these fellow whales, but Voss and her colleagues said they suspect that B. isis hunted its fellow cetaceans. Bite marks on the skull suggest a killing attack, the researchers reported today (Jan. 9) in the journal PLOS ONE, not a scavenging nibble, which would be more likely to target the fatty abdominal area. What's more, several juvenile D. atrox skeletons have been found in the Valley of the Whales, the researchers wrote. "Something killed them," Voss said. The large and toothy B. isis is a perfect suspect, she said. Its anatomy suggests it was a killer, and it could have easily hunted juvenile D. atrox. Modern whales of D. atrox's size nurse alongside their mothers for up to two years, the researchers wrote, making these young whales vulnerable targets for large hunters. A modern equivalent would be orcas, which are about half the size of Basilosaurus at up to 23 to 32 feet (7 to 9.7 m) long. Orcas hunt a variety of other marine animals, including whales; in one 2017 incident off the coast of California, a particularly deadly pod of orcas killed four gray whales, including one calf, in a week. The fossils suggest that the "whales-eating-whales" behavior started very early in whale evolution, Voss said. The fossilized stomach contents of the large whale also included teeth from the 3.2-foot-long (1 m) ancient fish Pycnodus mokattamensis, suggesting that B. isis hunted large fish, too. Researchers also found a single tooth from a shark called Carcharocles sokolovi, a creature that would have been about 16 feet (5 m) long. B. isis may have hunted large sharks, the researchers wrote orcas occasionally try to take down great whites in the modern day but it's more likely that the shark lost its tooth while scavenging the B. isis carcass. Originally published on Live Science. TOKYO (AP) While President Donald Trump waits in the wings, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for his fourth summit with China's Xi Jinping yet another nod to the leader Kim most needs to court as he tries to undermine support for international sanctions while giving up little, if any, ground on denuclearization. Kim's four-day visit comes after he expressed frustration in his annual New Year's address over the lack of progress in negotiations with Washington since his unprecedented summit with Trump in Singapore seven months ago. If things don't improve meaning that if sanctions relief and security guarantees aren't in the offing Kim warned that Pyongyang might have to find "a new way" forward. The meeting with Xi could have a big impact on Trump's efforts to get Kim to abandon his hard-won nuclear arsenal. He has said he expects to meet Kim again soon. But his own relationship with Xi is deteriorating amid an escalating tariff battle and his attentions are scattered over a wide array of domestic issues, including a big shift of power in Congress. A look at what Kim might be looking to get out of this trip: ___ THE POWER CALCULUS Kim's arrival in Beijing, on his birthday no less, underscores just how important China is, and always has been, in the North Korean leader's eyes. That's a well-known fact. But it's often been lost in the glare of post-Singapore showboating. Until news of Kim's departure for Beijing broke late Monday, attention outside of North Korea had been focused almost exclusively on when, or whether, he would be making his first and much-anticipated trip to Seoul. Then there was talk, fueled in large part by Trump himself, that another U.S.-North Korea summit was near and that officials were negotiating where it would take place. Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, was reportedly on the short list. Kim's first foray outside of North Korea as leader was for a summit with Xi last March. The two met again in May and June, just ahead of and just after Kim's June 12 summit with Trump in Singapore. Story continues Going back even further, Kim reportedly traveled with his father, Kim Jong Il, to China in 2010. He assumed power after the death of his father the following year. ___ WHAT HE WANTS Kim wants to get out from under sanctions, and Xi holds the key. China is far and away the North's biggest and most important trade partner, supplying the country with everything from fuel to shrimp chips. Flights by the North's national airline to China and the cross-border railway are among the North's only regularly used links to the outside world and are absolutely crucial to its economic survival. Kim knows how vulnerable this makes him. But the growing trade frictions between Washington and Beijing also provide Kim with an opening. China has never been as supportive of sanctions as Washington. So it makes sense for Kim to try to persuade Xi to break with Trump's policy of maintaining "maximum pressure" on the North until it denuclearizes. Ever since the Singapore summit, Pyongyang has hinted at a familiar fallback plan if talks with the U.S. fail. The North has claimed that while it has done all it could reasonably be expected to do, Washington has remained hostile and unbending. If Kim's diplomatic outreach breaks down, Pyongyang will claim Washington is to blame and its sanctions are unjust. Laying the groundwork for that argument and getting Xi's advice prior to a Trump summit could be one of the main objectives for his current visit. ___ THE BALANCING ACT Kim's statement about how he might have to choose a "new way" to guarantee the North's sovereignty and secure a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula caught the eye of many foreign analysts. Ruediger Frank, a professor of East Asian economy and society at the University of Vienna, suggested in a commentary for the respected 38 North website that it was the most important passage in the entire speech, reflecting an "almost exuberant" confidence in the growing and reliable support of China. "I thus interpret Kim's threat of 'finding a new way' not as a hint at more nuclear tests," he wrote, "but rather as a message to Donald Trump: You are not our only option for security and economic development. If you refuse to be cooperative, we will ignore you and turn to China. Oh, and we will take South Korea along." North Korea has throughout its history been a master at playing the big powers off each other. But Kim and his predecessors have also always been wary of allowing China to get too much influence over their affairs. Because it is a more real possibility, the only nightmare scenario that frightens the North's ruling regime more than the image invoked by Trump after the Singapore summit of American capitalist entrepreneurs descending on their country to rebuild its economy is the thought of a similar invasion by Chinese businessmen and investors. Confident or not, in dealing with Xi or Trump, Kim is still walking a fine line. ___ EDITOR'S NOTE Eric Talmadge has been the AP's Pyongyang bureau chief since 2013. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram: @EricTalmadge An AP News Analysis An American teen was among eight Islamic State militants captured in Syria by U.S.-backed Kurds during a military operation this week, the Kurdish People's Defense Units (YPG) said. Soulay Noah Su, also known as Abu Souleiman al-Amriki, was nabbed by a special operations team near Hajin, a city of about 40,000 where the militia has been driving out ISIS cells. The U.S. State Department said it was aware of the reports but had no comment. "We know that the terrorists are planning attacks to slow down the progress of our forces by attacking civilians as a last resort," YPG said in a statement. The other seven ISIS fighters were from Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and two from Uzbekistan. YPG forces are now holding three Americans among hundreds of ISIS fighters the militia has captured in sweeps through eastern Syria. ISIS forces have been battered in recent months, and President Donald Trump stirred controversy when he announced the United States would pull out of the region. More: Turkey appears to snub US; no assurances on Syrian Kurds More: Is ISIS defeated? If not, are U.S. troops in Syria the answer? The timeline, however, has grown ever more murky as GOP congressional leaders and national security officials urging a longer-term commitment to Kurdish fighters in the area. Turkey has pledged to press military operations against the Kurds, who the Turks view as terrorists. The Kurds, however, have proven solid U.S. partners in the fight against ISIS. "We will be leaving at a proper pace while at the same time continuing to fight ISIS and doing all else that is prudent and necessary," Trump tweeted Monday. On Thursday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu Cavusoglu stressed Turkeys determination to carry out a military operations against the YPG, saying his nation's anti-terror commitment is not dependent on U.S. decisions. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: American teen accused of fighting for ISIS in Syria Michael Peck Security, The U.S. Air Force has an idea: send out robot boats to detect sea-skimming missiles and give manned warships time to defend themselves. The Air Force Has a Plan to Save Navy Warships from Missile Attacks The solicitation is sparse on details, such as the desired range of the detection system. Nor are there indications of what the robot boat would look like, except that it is 10 feet long and 2 feet wide, suggesting that the air force (or the navy) has a boat already in mind. Sea-skimming missiles have been the nemesis of surface warships since the 1970s. Weapons such as Frances legendary Exocet, Americas Harpoon or Russias Zircon threaten even the most powerful warships with destruction. (This first appeared last month.) Sea-skimmers fly low to avoid radar detection. If warships cant spot these missiles in time, they cant shoot them down with point-defense cannons or employ countermeasures such as jamming or decoys. So, the U.S. Air Force has an idea: send out robot boats to detect sea-skimming missiles and give manned warships time to defend themselves. The goal is to identify and demonstrate technologies that can detect and track low radar cross section, high-speed, low-altitude weapons over a large area of water, according to the Air Force research solicitation. Tracking on water ranges is limited by the inability of conventional radars to track over-the-horizon. These unmanned surface vehicles would be about the size of a rowboat, and the missile-detection sensors would be correspondingly small. The system would need to be optimized for an unmanned surface vehicle that is approximately 10 feet long and 2 feet wide, the air force said. The system must weigh less than 100 pounds and fit within a 6 inch by 12 inch by 12 inch payload box. The solicitation doesnt specify radar as the sensor, though it does mention antenna size, suggesting this will be some kind of active rather than passive detection system. The first phase of the project will be to determine hardware requirements for the tracking system as well as tracking algorithm, antenna type, and stabilization methods. The second phase will be to create a prototype. Story continues The solicitation is sparse on details, such as the desired range of the detection system. Nor are there indications of what the robot boat would look like, except that it is 10 feet long and 2 feet wide, suggesting that the air force (or the navy) has a boat already in mind. Whats interesting here is that the solution to detect low-flying missiles isnt a high-flying aerial platform or even a warship, its radar antennas sitting tall in the water. Its a small boat sitting low in the water. And the fact that its small and unmannedand therefore much cheaper than a destroyerraises the possibility of dispatching swarms of radar boats as pickets. Using robots as sentinels solves another problem. Manned warships have to be careful about emitting radar signals for fear of giving away their position. If a robotic sentinel discloses its position and is sunk, then so what? Another can take its place. This doesnt make sea-skimming missiles any less dangerous. Take Norways Naval Strike Missile, which has been adopted by the United States. Raytheon, the U.S. co-developer, describes the missile as flying at low altitudes and close to the ocean surface, emitting signals that are difficult to detect by enemy radars, and performing evasive maneuvers designed to counter the most sophisticated defense systems in the world. And there is Russias Zircon, streaking in at Mach 5, so fast that shipboard anti-missile defenses may not be capable of stopping it. But radar robot boats would give their targets a little more time to prepare. Michael Peck is a contributing writer for the National Interest. He can be found on Twitter and Facebook. Read full article Those of us in the medical profession are faced with a dilemma when educating the public about diseases: We need to inform -- without creating hysteria. That's tough to do today; sometimes it's the less reputable voices that become the loudest, and we begin hearing from patients who "read somewhere" that XYZ condition is caused by "doing something completely normal that basically everyone does." Misinformation is the last thing we need because it clouds the truth. And sometimes, changing the way information is delivered can go a long way toward creating understanding and equipping people with the facts to make the best, most informed health decisions. Prostate cancer is one of those conditions surrounded by some reasonably widespread misinformation, and this is an excellent place to help clear it up. Most people know that prostate cancer is a disease that affects only men, since the prostate gland is one part of the male genital/urinary system. But did you also know that it's the second leading cause of cancer death in men, just behind lung cancer? Shocking statistics aside, prostate cancer is not a death sentence for many of the men who develop it. In fact, most men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer don't die from the disease. And in even better news, the trend in death rates among men diagnosed with prostate cancer has been steadily declining since the mid-1990s, according to the American Cancer Society. We can thank better education, diagnosis and treatment options for that. [See: What Only Your Partner Knows About Your Health.] Prostate cancer isn't a disease that just affects "old guys." With humans living longer on this earth than ever before, does 66 seem "old" to you? Your answer to that question is likely relative to how close you are to that age. But, the average age of prostate cancer diagnosis for men is in the mid-60's range, and I can say from experience that the men in this age range (and younger) who I've delivered a diagnosis to didn't feel "old enough" to receive it. Story continues Speaking of diagnosis, one valuable tool that helps uncover prostate cancer is something called a PSA test. PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. This is the protein produced by the prostate gland that can be a prostate cancer indicator depending on the levels or velocity of the protein in the bloodstream. However, a PSA test really isn't a "cancer test." There are some issues besides cancer that can result in an elevated PSA level in a man, from inflammation to infection, and this test alone isn't a definitive prostate cancer detector. Instead, it can be a first step in further evaluating a potential problem. If a physician is concerned with a man's PSA levels and suspects prostate cancer, he or she would then move to more definitive diagnostic measures, including a biopsy of the prostate. [See: 10 Things Younger Men Should Know About Prostate Cancer.] Regarding what causes prostate cancer, research has currently not revealed a direct cause, and a vast array of misinformation remains out there. For example, it was once suspected that having a vasectomy increased a man's risk for developing prostate cancer. This topic has been researched heavily, and there is currently no reputable clinical evidence to prove it. Frequent ejaculation was also previously believed to cause prostate cancer, but this has been debunked by science, especially now that some research is revealing that more frequent ejaculation is associated with a lower prostate cancer risk. What is known is that there are vital factors that can increase prostate cancer risk. Beyond the age factor, these include: -- Genetics/family history (having a first-generation relative who has been diagnosed with the disease). -- Race and ethnicity (African-American men and men of African ancestry are at a higher risk than other races). -- Geographic location (prostate cancer is most common in North America). When it comes to the treatment of prostate cancer, we again see varying schools of expert thought, and all have merit. Some medical experts believe that treating a cancer that won't likely result in death isn't the best course of action. However, we can't always know when a prostate cancer that starts out as "slow growing" may turn aggressive. And from a personal decision standpoint, there are plenty of men who don't sit well with knowing they have cancer, but have been told not to do anything about it -- yet. These factors and plenty of others make the treatment decision a very personal one and require the thoughtful consult with loved ones and a trusted physician who can help make the treatment decision that's right for you or the man you love. There really is no one-size-fits-all option here. [See: 10 Lessons From Empowered Patients.] So the next time you read a headline about prostate cancer (or any other medical condition, for that matter) that has you shocked and are wondering whether or not it's true, consider the source. Has it been distributed by a reputable news outlet? Was it written by a medical expert who has authority, credentials and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of the condition being discussed? Is the article attempting to persuade you or a loved one into buying a product or service intended to "cure" the disease? Figuring out the answers to these questions can go a long way toward helping you figure out what's true and what isn't. And when in doubt, call your doctor. S. Adam Ramin, M.D., is a board-certified urologist and founder and medical director of Urology Cancer Specialists in Los Angeles. He is a medical staff member at prestigious medical centers such as City of Hope National Medical Center, in Duarte, California, where he has served as Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Department of Urologic Oncology, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where he performs robotic laparoscopic prostatectomy. Dr. Ramin received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1990 from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a double-major in biochemistry and philosophy. He went on to complete postgraduate training with an internship and residencies in general surgery and urology at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California. He performed his fellowship training in urological oncology at the City of Hope Medical Center in Duarte, California. Upon completing his extensive medical education and training, Dr. Ramin established his private medical practice in the Los Angeles area. He became a contributor to U.S. News in 2017, covering a range of prostate cancer, urologic cancer and urological health-related topics. As an expert in prostate cancer and robotic laparoscopic prostatectomy, Dr. Ramin has published numerous textbook chapters, peer-reviewed articles, abstracts and presentations on prostate cancer and urological health subjects. He is certified by the American Board of Urology in Robotic Assisted Urologic Surgery and Urologic and Oncology and Laparoscopic Surgery, and he has trained numerous urologists in techniques of minimally invasive laparoscopy and robotic surgery. Dr. Ramin is a past president of the Los Angeles Urological Society and is a member of numerous professional medical societies including The American Urological Association, American Medical Association and American Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons. Dr. Ramin is a frequent medical expert contributor to mainstream media publications and news outlets, including local ABC and Fox television affiliates, as well as national online publications such as MSN, Yahoo, Women's Health, Men's Health, Huffington Post and Reuters Health. Visit his website or connect with Dr. Ramin on Facebook or Twitter. Police arrest two from Bomjans Sindhuli ashram in connection to disappearance case Police on Thursday detained two persons from Sindhuli-based ashram of Ram Bahadur Bomjan in connection with the disappearance of Bomjans followers. U.S. equities may have fared well in the past four trading sessions but the broader economic headwinds that induced stock market volatility over the past few months havent disappeared completely. Fears of macroeconomic uncertainties and an impending economic slowdown worldwide have not subsided. Therefore, it would be ideal to invest in no load mutual funds that could offer similar returns to that of a load fund without extra charges. Global Economic Slowdown Likely in 2019 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects 3.7% global growth in 2019, same as its predictions for the last two years. However, this is lower than the funds projected global growth eight months ago, which was 3.9%. The International Monetary Fund also expects U.S. growth to slow down from 2.9% in 2018 to 2.5% in 2019. Reports by the Federal Reserve and UBS echoed IMFs projections. The Fed expects U.S. economic growth to slow down to 2.3% this year against last years second and third-quarter U.S. economic expansion of 4.2% and 3.4%, respectively. UBS noted that stricter monetary policy, alterations in the political scenarios of major economies and weaker projected earnings growth might be the reasons of a global economic slowdown in 2019. Deteriorating U.S.-China relationships on the trade front had a role to play in the economic slowdown projections as well. Trade war effects were evident in Apple and Samsungs declining product sales in China in the last quarter of 2018. Both companies blamed Chinas economic slowdown for weakening demand of their products. According to a Bloomberg report, this is what Song Myung-sup, a Hi Investment & Securities Co. analyst, said about the South Korean companys first drop in quarterly operating profit in two years, Its not just Apple, but also smartphone, server and PC manufacturers that are not buying. While the U.S.-China trade war hangs over them, these customers just wont accept current prices, and Samsung faces pressure to cut chip prices. Story continues Why Invest in No Load Funds Now? No load funds are a smart way to avoid some exorbitant fees that Wall Street charges investors. No load funds could be prudent to add to your portfolio in present times as these funds help you get as much returns as possible on your investments, by virtue of no transaction costs that are a characteristic of these funds. The projections of upcoming adverse stock market conditions justifies investing in no load mutual funds as it helps you avoid entry loads, thus allowing you to pocket the total returns on your investments. 4 No Load Mutual Funds to Buy Given the macro uncertainties inducing volatility in the equity markets and projections of an economic slowdown in 2019, it might be prudent to invest in a couple of no load funds that we have chosen for your portfolio. We have selected funds that carry a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Moreover, these funds have encouraging three and five-year returns. Additionally, the minimum initial investment is within $5,000. We expect these funds to outperform peers in the future. Remember, the goal of the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank is to guide investors to identify potential winners and losers. Unlike most of the fund-rating systems, the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank is not just focused on past performance but also on the likely future success of the fund. The question here is: why should investors consider mutual funds? Reduced transaction costs and diversification of portfolio without several commission charges that are associated with stock purchases are primarily why one should be parking money in mutual funds (read more: Mutual Funds: Advantages, Disadvantages, and How They Make Investors Money). Lord Abbett Alpha Strategy R2 ALFQX seeks long-term capital growth by investing in affiliated mutual funds that are managed by Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC. ALFQX uses a blend strategy that consists of value and growth stocks or a combination of both. The fund carries a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1. This Zacks sector Small Cap Blend product has a history of positive total returns for more than 10 years. To see how this fund performed compared in its category, and other 1 and 2 Ranked Mutual Funds, please click here. ALFQX has an annual expense ratio of 0.77%, which is below the category average of 1.23%. The fund has three and five-year returns of 5.67% and 3.58%, respectively. American Century High-Yield Municipal Fund Investor Class ABHYX seeks high income that is exempt from federal income tax. The fund prioritizes high-yield securities by investing in municipal and debt securities. The fund carries a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1. This Zacks sector Muni Bonds product has a history of positive total returns for more than 10 years. To see how this fund performed compared in its category, and other 1 and 2 Ranked Mutual Funds, please click here. ABHYX has an annual expense ratio of 0.60%, which is below the category average of 0.94%. The fund has three and five-year returns of 3.65% and 5.63%, respectively. Dreyfus Select Managers Small Cap Value Fund Class I DMVIX seeks capital growth by investing 80% of its net assets in securities of small-cap companies. The fund carries a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1. This Zacks sector Small Cap Value product has a history of positive total returns for more than 10 years. To see how this fund performed compared in its category, and other 1 and 2 Ranked Mutual Funds, please click here. DMVIX has an annual expense ratio of 0.98%, which is below the category average of 1.16%. The fund has three and five-year returns of 5.35% and 2.24%, respectively. Fidelity Balanced Fund FBALX seeks capital growth by investing 80% of its net assets in securities of small-cap companies. The fund carries a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1. This Zacks sector Allocation Balanced product has a history of positive total returns for more than 10 years. To see how this fund performed compared in its category, and other 1 and 2 Ranked Mutual Funds, please click here. FBALX has an annual expense ratio of 0.98%, which is below the category average of 1.16%. The fund has three and five-year returns of 5.35% and 2.24%, respectively. Want key mutual fund info delivered straight to your inbox? Zacks free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing mutual funds, each week. Get it free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Get Your Free (ALFQX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (FBALX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (DMVIX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (ABHYX): Fund Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today: 1. TRUMP LINKS DRUGS, CRIME TO LACK OF BORDER WALL In a televised plea from the Oval Office, the president urges congressional Democrats to fund his border wall, but Democrats accused the Republican of appealing to "fear, not facts." 2. AUSTRALIA WILL ASSESS RUNAWAY SAUDI WOMAN FOR SETTLEMENT The move comes as 18-year-old Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun was deemed a refugee by the United Nations. 3. KIM JONG UN HEADS HOME FROM BEIJING The North Korean leader's trip to China his fourth in the past 10 months was believed to be an effort to coordinate with his only major ally ahead of a possible second summit with Trump. 4. WHERE A STRIKE SEEMS INEVITABLE Teachers in Los Angeles, the nation's second-largest school district, are ready to walk out over a contract dispute. 5. WHAT TRUMP SAID WENT 'VERY WELL' Financial markets rally as U.S. and Chinese envoys wrap up three days of talks designed to end a protracted tariff war. 6. CHINA ALLOWING ETHNIC KAZAKHS TO LEAVE XINJIANG The move is a sign that Beijing may be starting to feel a backlash against its sweeping crackdown on Muslims in the far west region. 7. AUSTRALIA POLICE EXAMINING PACKAGES LEFT AT CONSULATES Several foreign missions are evacuated in Melbourne and Canberra after they received suspicious packages. 8. KURDS' AMBITIONS CAUGHT IN POWER GAMES The ethnic group has gotten close to setting up their own state or autonomous regions on several occasions only to have their dreams shattered by world powers, and now Turkey is bearing down on them in northern Syria where the U.S. allies helped rout the Islamic State group. 9. SEATTLE BRACES FOR HISTORIC TRAFFIC SQUEEZE A major thoroughfare for commuters along the downtown waterfront is shutting down for good, ushering in a painful traffic period for the booming Pacific Northwest city. 10. NETWORKS FACT-CHECK TRUMP SPEECH TV pundits move swiftly to correct or challenge Trump following his Oval Office speech on the proposed border wall. WarIsBoring Security, What might have been... 10 Deadly Warplanes That Never Got a Chance to Fly The Yak-43, work on which began in 1983, would have been faster and more versatile than the Anglo-American Harrier. Its possible the Yak-43 would have matched the performance of the MiG-29. The tumultuous, post-Soviet transitional period that made the collaboration with Lockheed possible also killed the Yak-43, but its DNA lives on in Lockheeds F-35B jump jet. For every military aircraft that makes it into service, a thousand projects survive only in tattered blueprints in filing cabinets or as lonely prototypes in museums. Here, courtesy of War Is Borings David Axe and Hush-Kits Joe Coles, are 10 warplanes that might have been. Northrop Fang: Ed Schmued designed the North American P-51 Mustang fighter that helped the Allies win World War II. A decade later in 1952, now working for Northrop, Schmued outlined a simple, single-engine jet fighter. The N-102 Fang. (This first appeared several years ago.) Forty-one feet long, powered by a single J79 turbojet and sporting a simple delta wing, the Fang bucked the trend toward bigger, heavier and more complex fighters. Northrop built a mock-up and pitched the N-102 to the Air Force in 1953 and the Navy in 1954. Ultimately, both branches opted for bigger fighters such as the F-4, which was roughly twice the Fangs size and boasted two J79s. But Northrop didnt entirely give up on the idea of a small, simple fighter. The companys F-5 family of fighters, including the F-5A, the much-improved F-5E and variants and even the prototype F-20 all owe their design philosophy to Schmueds N-102. F-5s remain in service all over the world. Sud-Est SE.5000: Aeroplane designers hate wheels. Wheels are for cars. The weight and complexity of a retractable undercarriage is a huge nuisance. Why not do away with them altogether? The wartime Germans were very keen on this idea and built a series of airplanes that took off from trolleys. The aircraft would simply uncouple itself from the trolley as it took-off, the trolley remaining behind on the runway. The plane would land on simple skids. Story continues A trolley takeoff frees an airplane from the need for vast, vulnerable runways. In a war, airbases would be priority targets and how ever good a fighter was, it be would utterly impotent if it had no runway to take off from. Mindful of this problem, and fearing the technological hurdles of vertical take-off and landing, French firm Sud-Est turned back to the trolley dolly concept to create the Sud-Est SE.5000. The aircraft took its first flight on Aug. 1, 1953. It was superb trolley take-offs proved effortless and skid landings a delight even in crosswinds. It could be rapidly re-armed and re-fueled and would have made an excellent tactical fighter. If required, the trolley could even have been rocket-assisted! But the jet dirtbike never made it into service as a new generation of concrete-loving warplanes left it far behind. Convair YB-60: In the early 1950s, the U.S. Air Force wanted a turbojet-powered heavy strategic bomber to lug atomic bombs across oceans. Convair had built the piston-engine B-36 for the Air Force and decided that simply swapping out the B-36s prop motors for jets among other modest changes would suffice to produce a winning new bomber. The result was the YB-60, a 171-foot-long monster of a warplane sporting eight J57 turbojets. The first of two prototypes took off on its inaugural flight in April 1952. The YB-60 could fly 2,900 miles at a cruising speed of 467 miles per hour while lugging a 36 tons of bombs. Impressive, sure but not as impressive as the performance of the YB-60s most direct competitor, Boeings B-52. The eight-engine B-52 cruises at 525 miles per hour over a distance of 4,500 miles while carrying 35 tons of bombs. The Air Force cancelled the YB-60s test program in January 1953. B-52s remain in the U.S. inventory. Bell XF-109: In 1955, the U.S. Navy and Air Force approached Bell Aircraft Corporation with a far-out idea design a Mach-two fighter capable of launching and landing vertically. Bell dutifully drew up a design for what it unofficially called the XF-109. Fifty-nine feet long, the XF-109 featured a startling eight J85 jet engines four afterburning motors arranged two apiece in rotating wingtip nacelles, plus another two afterburners in the rear fuselage and a pair of non-afterburning J85s pointing downward behind the cockpit. With distinct rearward- and downward-blasting powerplants, the XF-109s basic form is not dissimilar to that of the F-35B supersonic jump jet that Lockheed Martin designed for the U.S. Marine Corps 40 years later. But the XF-109 was clearly ahead of its time. The Navy and Air Force both lost interest and the military cancelled the Bell jump jet in 1961 before the company could build any actual prototypes. The Harrier, the worlds first operational vertical-takeoff-and-landing fighter, flew for the first time in 1967. The Harrier is subsonic. Lockheed RB-12: In January 1961, Lockheeds legendary airplane-designer Kelly Johnson delivered an unsolicited proposal to the U.S. Air Force. His idea was to take the Mach-3 A-12 spy plane the predecessor of the iconic SR-71 Blackbird that Kelly had designed for the CIA and modify it into a very fast strategic bomber. More or less in parallel, Johnson was working on a missile-armed F-12 fighter version of the A-12. A YF-12 prototype is picture above. The Air Force liked the RB-12 Mach-3 bomber idea but counter-proposed with a slightly altered design it called the RS-12. Take the A-12s sled-like titanium airframe with its powerful J58 turbojets. Add a sophisticated, long-range radar and a nuclear-tipped air-to-ground missile based on the AIM-47 air-to-air missile that also armed the F-12. The plan was for the RS-12 to penetrate Soviet air space at Mach 3.2 and 80,000 feet and fire a single missile from 50 miles away, striking within 50 feet of its aimpoint within a Soviet city. The Defense Department ultimately canceled the F-12 on cost grounds and opted not to proceed with the RS-12, as ballistic missiles were beginning to supplant manned bombers. The Air Force did ultimately acquire the SR-71 reconnaissance version of the A-12 and operated it into the 1990s. Convair Model 49: In the 1960s the U.S. Army was growing sick of its long dependence on inappropriate U.S. Air Force planes for close-support missions. Aircraft such as the Republic F-105 were simply too fast and too vulnerable to support troops on the ground effectively. Instead, the Army wanted the versatility and forward-basing possibilities of a vertical-takeoff platform that could also hover. To excel in the tough close-support role, the type would need to be heavily armed and armored. This need led to the Advanced Aerial Fire Support System program. Convair, a company famed for its adventurous designs, responded to the Armys AAFSS requirement with typical ambition. Drawing on its experience with the tail-sitting XFY-1, the company proposed a two-man ring- or annular-wing ducted-fan design quite unlike anything else in service, though somewhat similar to French firm SNECMAs experimental C.540. The concept was bizarre in appearance, but Convair believed it was the perfect configuration for an aircraft combining a helicopters unusual abilities with some of the offensive features of a military ground vehicle. One of the greatest challenges was creating a cockpit that tilted so the pilot was not facing the sky in the take-off and landing and ground-based modes. This necessitated a complex, hinged forward fuselage, giving the type its distinctly Transformer-like looks. Lockheed CL-1200: In the late 1960s, Lockheed saw an opportunity. Anticipating worldwide demand for 7,500 advanced but in the companys own words reasonably-priced jet fighters over the next decade, in 1971 it began circulating a proposal for an improved, safer CL-1200 Lancer version of the speedy but notoriously hard-to-fly F-104. Lockheeds Skunk Works division, with famed designer Kelly Johnson still in charge, enlarged the F-104s wing and fin, shifted the tailplane lower on the fuselage, tweaked the engine inlet, added internal fuel capacity and replaced the F-104s J79 engine with a TF33. The resulting CL-1200 was, in theory, more maneuverable and controllable than the F-104 and cost around $2 million per copy, assuming a large production run. At the time, a new F-4E cost at least $2.4 million. Lockheed entered the CL-1200 into the U.S. militarys International Fighter Aircraft competition, which aimed to select an export warplane for Americas allies. But Northrops F-5E won the contest, and Lockheed scrapped the CL-1200 concept, having only ever produced a mock-up of the plane. Dassault Mirage 4000: Frances Mirage 2000 has been described by many fighter pilots as the perfect flying machine. Its ferociously high performance and almost telekinetic responsiveness have left pilots of all nationalities giddy with love and respect for the Electric Cake Slice. So imagine a Mirage 2000 with twice the power and you have a pretty spectacular airplane the Mirage 4000, which first flew in 1979 and was in the same heavyweight class as the F-15 and Su-27. The Mirage 4000 was one of the first aircraft to incorporate carbon-fiber composites to keep down weight and was probably the first to feature a fin made of this advanced material. Thanks to its light structure and powerful engines, it had a thrust-to-weight ratio that exceeded 1:1 in an air-to-air load-out. On its sixth test flight, the French warplane reached 50,000 feet and Mach 2 in three minutes and 50 seconds. The Mirage 4000 would have been agile, long-ranged and able to haul an impressive arsenal. Its capacious nose could have held an advanced long-range radar. But the French air force didnt want it. Iran another potential customer suffered a revolution and Saudi Arabia, also on the look-out for a heavy fighter, opted for the F-15. Despite its obvious potential, the Mirage 4000 failed to find a customer, which was an enormous blow for Dassault, as the company had privately funded the types development. Kamov V-100: Kamovs long flirtation with twin, wingtip-mounted rotors led to some truly startling ideas. One was a vast, C-130-size transport. At the other end of the size spectrum was the V-100, an extremely fast battlefield helicopter that Kamov tinkered with in the 1980s. As well as the unusual rotor configuration, the V-100 was to have a single pusher propeller that the designers expected would give the aircraft a top speed of around 250 miles per hour a whole 70 miles per hour faster than the U.S. Armys AH-64, itself no slouch. Armament that Kamov considered for the V-100 included two 23-millimeter cannons or a single 30-millimeter weapon and even the huge Kh-25 air-to-ground missile. In the end, Soviet authorities considered the design too risky. It never flew. Yakovlev Yak-43: Russia, and the Soviet Union before it, often stands accused of stealing U.S. aircraft concepts and technologies. In reality, theres a give and take as well as similar design solutions resulting from parallel teams working to solve similar problems. That American firm Lockheed Martin bought data from Russias Yakovlev regarding the short-takeoff, vertical-landing propulsion system of the Yak-41 fighter is pretty notable. The Yak-41, impressive though it was, was merely a stepping stone to the formidable Yak-43. The Yak-43, work on which began in 1983, would have been faster and more versatile than the Anglo-American Harrier. Its possible the Yak-43 would have matched the performance of the MiG-29. The tumultuous, post-Soviet transitional period that made the collaboration with Lockheed possible also killed the Yak-43, but its DNA lives on in Lockheeds F-35B jump jet. BAe P.125: The United Kingdoms deep expertise in stealth technology is not widely known. Britain pioneered radar-absorbent material for aircraft, worked on reduced radar-observability for nuclear warheads in the early 1960s and was able to create a world-class stealth testbed in the form of the Replica stealth-fighter demonstrator. Prior to Replica in the 1980s, British Aerospace developed an aircraft concept so advanced that it remained classified until 2006. The BAe P.125 study was for a stealthy supersonic attack aircraft to replace the Tornado. It was to be available in both a short-take-off and vertical-landing variant and a conventional version. The conventional variant would have featured a central vectored nozzle, The STOVL version would have had three vectoring nozzles. In some ways, the P.125 was more ambitious than Lockheed Martins later F-35 is. The aircraft was to have no pilot transparencies, with the reclined pilot instead viewing the world through synthetic displays. It is likely that this formidable interdictor would have been even less visible on radar than the F-35 is, although the absence of planform-alignment is noteworthy. Despite its 1980s vintage, many of the P.125's low-observable features are reminiscent of todays latest fighters. Others, such as its unorthodox wing design, are unique. BAe quietly dropped the project when Britain joined the F-35 program in the 1990s. This piece first appeared in WarIsBoring here . Read full article 10:42 Reggie Singh, the brother of Indian-origin policeman Ronil "Ron" Singh killed in California and described a national hero by Donald Trump, has said he supported the United States president's efforts on border security so that others do not experience what his family has been going through since the incident. Corporal Ronil Singh, 33, of the Newman Police Department was shot and killed during a traffic stop on December 26 allegedly by an illegal immigrant. During a visit to the southern border state Texas on Thursday to push for his controversial US-Mexico border wall plan, Trump attended a border patrol roundtable at McAllen, where Reggie Singh was seated next to the president. There the US president said, "I watched a family right around Christmas time... suffer and I'd like to ask Reggie, maybe you could say a few words about your incredible brother, the job he was doing. He was so beloved by the people of the department and beyond the department." To this, Reggie Singh told the president, "The way he (Ronil Singh) was killed, what my family is going through right now, I do not want any other family, law enforcement person to go through that." "Whatever it takes to minimize... put a stop to it, my family fully supports it," Reggie Singh said. In the last few days, Trump has made it a point to mention the killing of Ronil Singh by an illegal immigrant to build a strong case in favour of a stronger border security to prevent entry of illegal immigrants. "We are deeply moved to have with us Reggie Singh, whose brother, Ronil Singh, incredible guy. I mean, I watched, and I've rarely felt worse and watching news of our nation than watching your family and the love that you have for your brother," Trump said. During the roundtable meeting, Reggie Singh said he and his brother are originally from Fiji. "He (Ronil) always wanted to be in law enforcement. So legally we migrated to America to fulfil his dream of joining the law enforcement, he said. "English is our second language. He worked on that, got his education, applied for law enforcement agency and he was asked to get his citizenship. He worked towards that and he became a cop, K-9, Corporal K-9," Reggie Singh said. "At 33, Ronil Singh was cremated and I had to pick up his remains. It breaks my heart and no one should ever go through that. Seeing a five-month-old baby looking for his dad, no one should ever go through that on Christmas Day," he told Trump. The president replied, "We are with you. You know that, right." "That was a tough one, too. That was a tough one for a lot of people, not only the family, for a lot of people in this country. That was a tough thing to watch," Trump said. "I can see that, the way it came through. It came through loud and clear. And there are so many other people who have the same -- nobody covers them..., nobody talks about how unfair it is to the victims of these brutal killings," he said. -- PTI Nirmalas mother demands DNA authenticity verification Durga Devi, the mother of murdered teenager Nirmala Pant, filed an application at Kanchanpur District Police Office on Wednesday, demanding authenticity verification of the DNA sample collected from her daughter. Deputies of the 7th convocation National Assembly (NA) of Armenia received their parliamentary mandates during a solemn ceremony on Thursday. First session of the newly elected NA will be convened on January 14. The new legislature of Armenia will have 132 MPs comprising 88 lawmakersincluding four representatives from the national minoritiesfrom My Step alliance, 26 deputies from the Prosperous Armenia Party, and 18 MPs from the Bright Armenia Party. Armenias acting PM Nikol Pashinyan touched upon the Diaspora ministry during the Cabinet meeting on January 10. I believe there is a wrong impression that we want to cross out the Ministry of Diaspora, he said. In this regard, we have a certain model and proposal which assumes that the level of relations with the diaspora will not be reduced, but will be increased. We will have discussions in the near future with our compatriots in the diaspora regarding that model, and I hope that will reach an agreement and consensus on this matter. Pashinyan said the objective of reducing the number of ministries is not to save money, but to increase the effectiveness of public administration bodies. Armenias GDP growth will stand at 4.3% in 2019 and will increase to 4.6%, the World Bank experts said in Global Economic Prospects: Darkening Skies report. According to the report, the slowdown or reversal of ongoing structural reforms remains a risk in many countries in the region, especially in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Ukraine, and Turkey. Longtime friend of Armenia and Artsakh, Congressman Eliot Engel has been elected as the incoming Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The American Armenians welcomed Engels election and said they look forward to working with him on a broad array of policy priorities. An Armenian man who has been suspected of a murder in Kazakhstans Karaganda was detained. Armenian national Narek Gururyan, 21, who has been wanted along the lines of a murder, was detained in Omsk region of Russia. He is likely to be extradited to Kazakhstan. A group of Syrian and Russian soldiers, among them Russian citizen and ethnic Armenian Andranik Arustamyan, died on November 2, 2018 in Syria, the BBC Russian Service reported. The Russian Ministry of Defense and the Russian contingent command, however, was not commenting on these reports. For some reason, they had decided not to publicize the death of Junior Sergeant Arustamyan. The mans body was transferred from Syria to Moscow on November 3, and on the next dayto Totskoye where his family lives. Nepal seeks Japans help in a dozen projects Nepal has requested Japan to fund at least a dozen projects during the ongoing visit of Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kano who arrived here on Wednesday on a two-day official visit. NCP lawmakers bulldoze Medical Education Bill through House panel When Dr Govinda KC and the government reached a nine-point deal on July 26, after which the orthopaedic surgeon called off his 27-day-long 15th hunger strike, it was largely expected that the Medical Education Bill would get through Parliament as per the agreement. Republican Party of Armenia: We Armenians must be concerned about Turkey appearing on Karabakh's borders Armenia ex-Ambassador to Vatican: Nikol Pashinyan rejected Putin's offer to stop war on October 10, 2020 Robert Kocharyan: Armenia is seeing US on brink of radical review of position on the region Britain, Australia announce free trade deal Armenia 1st President: The whole world considers Karabakh a part of Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President says he doesn't see himself as a member of the opposition Armenia 1st President: There will be post-election developments, even clashes during elections Switzerland President assesses Russia's role in establishment of ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh Turkey's Erdogan expresses support to "Zangezur corridor" project Armenias Pashinyan makes threat in Kapan Armenia 3rd President on Nikol Pashinyan: The capitulator no longer has majority of votes Mayor of Armenia's Kajaran says acting PM's campaign meeting in Syunik Province was a cheap show His Holiness Karekin II hosts Bishop of Coventry Armenia Parliament Deputy Speaker interferes in work of Tert.am's reporter, urges her to leave premises Armenia 2nd President suggests that Pashinyan visit a psychiatric clinic to get document on mental health Catholicos of All Armenians receives representatives of Catholic Near East Welfare Association "I Have the Honor" bloc campaigns in Armenia's Ararat Province, led by Serzh Sargsyan Decision on abolishing registration of Mihran Poghosyan as Armenia Member of Parliament annulled US Ambassador visits Armenia MOD National Defense Research University Putin and Biden to discuss Karabakh, Azerbaijani troops seen near Syunik roads, Jun. 15 digest Karabakh MFA: Erdogan's visit to Shushi is clear manifestation of xenophobia, genocidal and terrorist policy Armenia MFA issues statement regarding Turkish and Azerbaijani Presidents' visit to occupied territories of Artsakh Erdogan challenges Russia in Shushi Robert Kocharyan on return of Armenian POWs ahead of snap parliamentary elections Armenia acting PM holds march in Agarak village, surrounded by children There are serious doubts about acting PM's deal with Azerbaijan, says Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan St. Petersburg court to review verdict against Armenian ex-deputy regional governor One dollar drops below AMD 516 in Armenia 2021 developments point to faster-than-expected economic growth recovery in Armenia, says Central Bank Karabakh Parliament: Erdogan's visit to Shushi poses a new challenge to Armenia, Artsakh, Russia and Iran Deputy mayor of Armenia's Meghri: Police troops are being brought in buses Central Bank: 12-month inflation falls to 5.9% in Armenia Armenia former President Kocharyan: Personal relations are important component of interstate relations Armenia 2nd President doesn't rule out return of ex-PM Karen Karapetyan Armenia opposition bloc: Mine maps are of strategic significance for Azerbaijan Ex-President Kocharyan: Economic integration is beneficial for Armenia, Russia "Armenia" bloc member: If Pashinyan stays in power, Armenian flag will be replaced with Turkish or Azeri flag Bright Armenia Party: We have high chances of winning during elections Aliyev, Erdogan arrive in seized Armenian city of Shushi Armenia ex-deputy regional governor appointed mayor of Spitak Armenia former President Kocharyan on applying to CSTO: Why give air to each other in vain? Armenia 2nd President: Authorities included in their electoral list the director of company suspected of corruption Armenia ex-President Kocharyan on Artsakh war: Was necessary to fight, keep front, not to retreat, hand over everything 2nd President Kocharyan, ex-PM Karapetyan meet at Armenia bloc headquarters (PHOTOS) Armenia MP candidate: "I Have the Honor" bloc promises to work actively for determination of Karabakh's status Armenia former President Kocharyan: Our goal is to win the elections, form independent government Armenia 2nd President: It would have been better if mandate of Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh was termless Armenia acting PM's supporters attack reporters Armenia first deputy justice minister pays working visit to Washington Armenia ex-President Kocharyan, former deputy PM Gevorgyan case court session again rescheduled Sniper spotted on rooftop during Armenia acting premiers visit to Goris town Armenia acting premier: Russia peacekeepers shall be deployed along border points Deputy mayor: Armenia acting PM is using administrative resources in Goris (PHOTOS) Ushakov: Putin, Biden will pay special attention to Karabakh Acting PM at Sisian: We will break, cut off every hand that tries to oppose Syunik Province to rest of Armenia Refinancing rate raised by 0.5 percentage point in Armenia Prosperous Armenia parliament faction secretary: We call on authorities to show restraint Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: We must be ready to resist civil war 82 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Large number of men awaiting Armenia acting PM Pashinyan at "gates" of Syunik Armenia parliament session not convened Newspaper: Armenia acting official, Etchmiadzin mayors controversial phone talk "dissemination" is deliberately made Large number of Armenia Police forces heading to Syunik Province Turkeys Erdogan arrives in Azerbaijan Biden delegation reporters slam White House for organizing meeting with Erdogan Newspaper: It will be heated at Armenias Syunik today "Armenia" bloc on 1,400 policemen-accompanied motorcade: Classic example of administrative resource abuse Armenia ombudsman: Swearing has become vicious phenomenon in this election campaign Biden calls Putin "worthy adversary" Biden: I'm confident we'll make real progress with Turkey and the United States Erdogan says he didn't discuss Biden's recognition of Armenian genocide during their meeting Macron on talks with Erdogan First Biden-Erdogan meeting lasts 45 minutes France welcomes release of 15 Armenian POWs "I Have the Honor" bloc ends campaign meetings in Armenia's Lori Province with meeting in Spitak (PHOTOS) Anonymous group approaching citizens and asking about their votes on behalf of Armenia Ombudsman Armenia acting PM's son campaigns in Yerevan Israel FM intends to repair ties with US Democratic Party Democratic Party of Armenia candidate for PM Tigran Arzakantsyan to continue election campaign "Armenia" bloc: Acting PM instructed to launch criminal prosecution against Avshar village head after campaign meeting Past.am: Why are administrative resources of Armenia Police being misused in such a way? Policemen dressed in civilian clothes brought to march held by Armenia acting PM Nikol Pashinyan's supporters and representatives of Prosperous Armenia Party headquarters get into brawl Armenia acting PM: First case of detention for electoral fraud attempt recorded in Yerevan's Malatia-Sebastia district Artsakh 2nd President: Armenian side dodged negotiations over Nagorno-Karabakh, but didn't explain why Karabakh ex-President: Baku and Ankara aren't hiding the fact that they plan to continue their land-grabbing policy Robert Kocharyan: "Armenia" bloc needs to free the country of apartheids "Armenia" bloc representative: Pashinyan's supporters don't want to share his responsibility and fate Iran FM describes end of rule of Netanyahu as the fall of an oppressor Putin on his successor Robert Kocharyan: We're coming to shape the future "Armenia" bloc representative: If we win the elections, 5 reservoirs will be built in Armavir Province Armenia 2nd President: You shouldn't expect victory when a deserter becomes Commander-in-Chief "Armenia" bloc holding campaign meeting in Yerevan Azerbaijan MOD releases list of 2,904 soldiers killed during aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh Biden says Queen Elizabeth II reminded him of his mother Azerbaijan swaps 15 Armenian POWs for maps, another captive gets 20-year in prison, Jun 14 digest Armenia acting PM: Preliminary investigation into case of events of October 27, 1999 has been reopened Azeri MPs to get tested for COVID-19 ahead of Erdogan's visit to Milli Majlis "I Have the Honor" bloc's campaign meeting in Armenia's Vanadzor ends with march In addition to changing the lives of the families we serve, NVVs support impacts society at large. Child abuse is a core underlying factor to many of the ongoing struggles in our community such as high school dropout rates, homelessness, incarceration and chronic health issues resulting in a financial impact that costs our community millions of dollars per year in healthcare, criminal justice, child welfare, education and lifetime productivity costs. In fact, the cumulative financial impact to the Napa community for the 314 verified child victims in 2017 is $94.2 million. As an organization of the regions wine trade leaders, NVV is also well-acquainted with the need for family stability, since it has a direct bearing on the stability of their employees. The unfortunate reality is that the high cost of living and the extra burdens posed by recent natural disasters, in addition to the personal challenges specific to every family, can make Napa a tough place to raise kids. Unfortunately, too many good employees move away, in search of a situation that seems more manageable. Cope helps address the problems that create the workforce crisis by helping families connect with resources and support to help them achieve stability in the home so they can live in the community they work in. Gavin Newsom will be the first Democrat in more than a century to succeed another Democrat as governor, and the succession also marks a big generational transition in California politics. A long-dominant geriatric quartet from the Bay Area Gov. Jerry Brown, Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been slowly ceding power to younger political strivers. Moreover, Newsom is succeeding someone who could be considered his quasi-uncle, since his inauguration continues the decades-long saga of four San Francisco families intertwined by blood, by marriage, by money, by culture and, of course, by politics the Browns, the Newsoms, the Pelosis and the Gettys. The connections date back at least 80 years, to when Jerry Browns father, Pat Brown, ran for San Francisco district attorney, losing in 1939 but winning in 1943, with the help of his close friend and Gavin Newsoms grandfather, businessman William Newsom. Fast-forward two decades. Gov. Pat Browns administration developed Squaw Valley for the 1960s winter Olympics and afterward awarded a concession to operate it to William Newsom and his partner, John Pelosi. One of the Pelosis sons, Paul, married Nancy DAlesandro, who went into politics and has now reclaimed speakership of the House of Representatives. Another Pelosi son married William Newsoms daughter, Barbara. Until they divorced, that made Nancy Pelosi something like an aunt by marriage to Gavin Newson (Nancy Pelosis brother-in-law was Gavin Newsoms uncle). The Squaw Valley concession was controversial at the time and created something of a rupture between the two old friends. William Newsom wanted to make significant improvements to the ski complex, including a convention center, but Browns Department of Parks and Recreation balked. Newsom and his son, an attorney also named William, held a series of contentious meetings with officials over the issue. An eight-page memo about those 1966 meetings from the departments director, Fred Jones, buried in the Pat Brown archives, describes the Newsoms as being embittered and the senior Newsom threatening to hurt the governor politically as Brown ran for a third term that year against Ronald Reagan. Pat Browns bid for a third term failed, and the Reagan administration later bought out the Newsom concession. But the Brown-Newsom connection continued as Browns son, Jerry, reclaimed the governorship in 1974. He appointed the younger William Newsom, a personal friend and Gavins father, to a Placer County judgeship in 1975 and three years later to the state Court of Appeal. Justice Newsom, who died a few weeks ago, had been an attorney for oil magnate J. Paul Getty, most famously delivering $3 million to Italian kidnapers of Gettys grandson in 1973. While serving on the appellate bench in the 1980s, he helped Gettys son, Gordon, secure a change in state trust law that allowed him to claim his share of a multi-heir trust. After Newsom retired from the bench in 1995, he became administrator of Gordon Gettys own trust, telling one interviewer, I make my living working for Gordon Getty. The trust provided seed money for the PlumpJack chain of restaurants and wine shops that Newsons son, Gavin, and Gordon Gettys son, Billy, developed, the first being in a Squaw Valley hotel. Gavin Newsom had been informally adopted by the Gettys after his parents divorced, returning a similar favor that the Newsom family had done for a young Gordon Getty many years earlier. Newsoms PlumpJack business (named for an opera that Gordon Getty wrote) led to a career in San Francisco politics, a stint as mayor, the lieutenant governorship and now to the governorship, succeeding his fathers old friend. Hes keeping it all in the extended family. CALmatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how Californias state Capitol works and why it matters. For more stories by Dan Walters, go to calmatters.org/commentary. When Marc Porat and his wife, Claire Tomkins, first saw the Thomas Earl House in downtown Napa, they were quite taken by the exterior of the historic home. We liked the urbanness of it and its proximity to downtown, he said. They liked the fact that the lot, at 1221 Seminary St., was almost a third of an acre in size. And they liked the challenge of preserving the historic home while adding modern sustainable features and technology. However, once he saw the inside, Porat admitted he had second thoughts. Napas 6.0-magnitude earthquake in 2014 broke the houses back, he said. The homes 21-inch thick walls made of an early form of concrete had crumbled into a pile of rubble, he said. The house was falling apart the walls divided and detached from each other. It was yellow-tagged by the city. The project seemed economically irrational to continue, he said. Yet after much consideration, in March 2017 Porat and Tomkins bought the property from a longtime owner for $700,000 and began refining plans to rescue it. Minister Banskota inspects Nepal Telecommunications Authority Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gokul Prasad Banskota inspected Nepal Telecommunications Authority office Kamaladai, Kathmandu on Thursday. Of 417 licensed dispensaries in California, 49 sell only medicinal cannabis, the state Bureau of Cannabis Control reported in September. Far from chafing at local regulations, Bender described Napas medical-only retailing ordinance a smooth fit for Harvest, which operates medicinal outlets in eight other states. If the city eventually allows marijuana sales without a doctors recommendation, he added, Harvests business model of matching products and dosages to visitors needs would remain the same. We are a patient-focused company and that will never change, he said during a showroom tour. Were all about finding the right product for each persons body. Hospitality and education are the two things we believe will keep us at the top of the (local) market. At least seven groups have applied for clearances to sell medicinal cannabis within the city of Napa, according to city records. Of those, Korova Cannabis has been certified to do business at 917 Enterprise Way and has applied for a building permit, according to Jose Cortez of the city Planning Division. Partners with The Higher Path also announced a pending certificate to open a dispensary at 1963 Iroquois St., but no building permit was reported for that site as of Wednesday. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Grace Episcopal Church on Spring Street in St. Helena will host a Meditation Workshop from 2 to 3:45 p.m.on Sunday, Jan. 13. Led by Judith Caldwell of Yountville and Fred Luskin from Stanford University, this contemplative gathering is free to all participants, and everyone is welcome. They will focus on the benefits of contemplative meditation, and offer a few ways to quiet the mind and settle emotions to live with calmness and joy. "Contemplative, meditative, silent prayer can be a powerful tool in deepening our spiritual development and connection to God," Caldwell said. "In taking the time to meditate, we stop 'doing,' and move into 'being,' which makes room for a deep peace that passes all understanding. Sign up in advance by calling the Grace Church office at 707-963-4157, or emailing office@grace-episcopal.org. Caldwell will also lead a session "Connecting Meditation to Happiness," at the Yountville Community Center through its Golden Ticket Program for people 50 and older. Sessions will be on Wednesdays from 9-10 a.m. from Jan. 16-April 24. As she learned more about the Yazidis, she said, I wanted to bring something here. The question is how to translate empathy into action, Willis said. What Ive discovered is that there are people like me who want to do something, but it feels insurmountable. Im not rich. How can you make a difference in the world? Willis discovered that a community of Yazidi refugees were living in Houston, Texas. She called the University of Houston and found herself talking to Haider Elias, who had been studying biology at the university when ISIS attacked Sinjar. His brother was among the murdered men. In the aftermath of the Yazidi genocide, Elias became one of the co-founders of Yazda, a multi-national organization helping to provide medical, humanitarian and psychological support for the Yazidi. She invited him to come to St. Helena. For all he has been through, he is really funny, Willis said. He has a sense of joy and optimism. Willis also discovered that the University of Houston had a print-making facility. She applied for and received a Community Fund Grant from the Arts Council of Napa Valley, and as a result was able to travel to Houston where she worked with Yazidis to create a series of monotypes about their daily lives. The Jarvis Conservatory will show "Becoming Astrid," as part of its Foreign Film Series at 4 and 7 p.m. on Saturday Jan. 12. Tickets are $10. Directed by Pernille Fischer Christensen, it stars Alba August as the young woman who would become the author of the Pippi Longstocking stories, beloved around the world for the irrepressible, high-spirited heroine, the self-proclaimed "strongest girl in the world," who lives with her monkey and horse after her father, a sea-faring captain, is washed overboard. "Becoming Astrid" tells the story of teen-aged Astrid, who grows up on her family's farm in Sweden, and restless, intelligent and rebellious, takes a job as an intern for the local newspaper. Seduced by her employer, the married editor Bloomberg, she becomes pregnant, and leaves home to have her baby in Copenhagen, to protect boss from charges of adultery. He he tells her that could land him in prison. She leaves her newborn son, Lasse, in foster care in Copenhagen, and after rejecting Bloomberg's offer of marriage, she struggles to support herself and earn enough money to visit Lasse by working as a typist in Stockholm. Damage from the Camp Fire was the costliest disaster in the world last year, topping out at $12.5 billion in insured losses, according to a new report by global reinsurance firm Munich RE. The Germany-based company said it had expected losses to be lower this year after a record-breaking 2017, in which insurers paid out about $230 billion worldwide. But a number of hurricanes, typhoons and wildfires ruined the outlook. Last year was the fourth-costliest for insurance companies since 1980, the firm said. Three large wildfires -- Carr, Camp and Woolsey -- burned regions of California last year and were a major factor in the overall losses incurred by insurers. The three events collectively accounted for some $24 billion in losses. That was only a fraction of the $160 billion in losses amassed globally. The Camp Fire, however, was also the deadliest blaze in state history, claiming 86 lives in and around the town of Paradise. Wildfires have been altering the insurance market for some consumers in California. As blazes become more potent and common, some insurance companies are pulling out of risky areas. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. AMD plans to launch new Ryzen processors in the middle of 2019, the company has stated at CES 2019. The Ryzen 3 processors will use a 7nm process and produce high-performance results, said the company. As part of the unveiling of the Ryzen 3 processors, tests using Cinebench were conducted and the results compared against an Intel Core i9-9900K. As reported by AnandTech, the Ryzen 3 produced the same results as the Intel CPU, but drew less power. The unveiling of the new CPUs comes after AMDs previous-generation Ryzen CPUs were launched to praise from gamers and system builders. No model line-up, pricing, or exact launch date for the new CPUs were shared by AMD. Now read: ASUS unveils ultimate motherboards for AMD and Intel Supersonic launched its first products in September 2018, following the unveiling of the brand by MTN. Supersonic is a rebrand of Smart Village and is 100% owned by MTN, but the company is independently managed. It is both a fibre-only ISP and a fibre network infrastructure provider. Following its launch late last year, Supersonic has quickly climbed in the customer satisfaction rankings which was confirmed when it took top spot in MyBroadbands latest customer satisfaction results. Supersonic was ranked as the number one ISP for fixed-broadband, receiving an average rating of 4.75 out of 5 from users during Q4 2018. New ISP on the block Heading up Supersonic is managing director Calvin Collett, who said at the launch of the company he wants to provide a service that is not complex, does not experience network instability, and provides excellent after-sales service. Speaking to MyBroadband this week, Collett said this back to basics approach was a contributing factor to them receiving such high customer ratings. We have a world-class network on the back of MTN and, where it was required, we rebuilt some of the older infrastructure, said Collett. However, our primary focus has been on customer centricity and service. We are 100% committed to a very high service ethic and we have successfully instilled this throughout the company. Collett stated that customers can talk directly to staff, sign up processes are simple, and they respond quickly to any issues posted online by users. We welcome customer interaction whether it is via social media, telephone calls, or email and we maintain communication with customers throughout the installation process, he said. Easy-to-use fibre This customer-centric approach works in tandem with Supersonics goal of providing easy-to-use and stable fibre solutions. Internet access, in my view, is a utility. So when on-boarding we make the customer journey simple by sizing customer requirements and then suggesting two or three packages based on simple web-based questions. This is instead of offering a plethora of different packages and making the customer decide. Customers can then upgrade or downgrade at will, said Collett. Proper Wi-Fi coverage in a users home, which distributes the fibre connection to devices, is another important aspect where Supersonic looks to help customers, he added. One of the key frustrations and often misunderstood elements of Internet access is proper Wi-Fi coverage. To rectify this, we prequalify Wi-Fi coverage requirements with a few simple questions around the size of the house and the number of users. A technician is then sent out to conduct an installation to ensure the Internet connection just works. During the installation, our technicians do a Wi-Fi sweep and ask customers where they want to receive Wi-Fi coverage. Then we install smart Wi-Fi devices which ensure proper coverage and correct speeds throughout the customers home. Number 1 in SA In terms of their top spot in the MyBroadband customer rankings, Collett said they are proud of their achievement and have worked hard to get to this point. This, however, does not mean we have achieved our goal. We need to consistently and relentlessly live up to this position and make sure that we stay the number one ISP from a technology and customer-centricity perspective, he said. We are only at the beginning of some very exciting initiatives which will continue to increase awareness around Supersonic with the many South Africans still looking for simple and effective home connectivity. In combination with a strong technology and customer-centricity focus, Collett said a strong culture at the company where staff really care will serve them well. Companies are built around people and my team and I are committed to building the right culture and developing our people to create a truly successful organisation. Xiaomi Corp.s bad week got worse on Thursday as more investors rushed to sell as soon as they could. The stock fell 4.1 percent as of the midday break in Hong Kong, taking its three-day decline to 17 percent, or $6.3 billion in market value. Analysts at Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and China International Capital Corp. were the latest to cut their price targets on the Chinese smartphone maker, joining at least five others who have tempered their estimates just this week. Billions of Xiaomi shares have been unlocked for sale after the six-month lockup period that followed the companys debut expired. Thats enabled many shareholders, who could only watch as the stock shed $14 billion in market value, to finally join the selling. A flurry of off-exchange block trades showed that some have taken the opportunity to offload the stock, even though Xiaomi is nowhere near its HK$17 listing price. That may be because shareholders who have owned a piece of Xiaomi since the companys earlier funding rounds can actually pocket in a significant profit by selling their unlocked stock. Some 3.9 billion shares bought in a 2010 Series A round of funding cost about two Hong Kong cents each, while another 2.2 billion bought in the same year cost about 9 Hong Kong cents apiece, according to data compiled by Sinolink Securities Co. Analysts have been trimming their profit and sales forecasts for Xiaomi, blaming Chinas slowing smartphone market and intensifying competition from rivals like Huawei Technologies Co. Xiaomi was one of the most hyped initial public offerings of 2018, with bankers initially touting a valuation of as much as $100 billion. The companys market capitalization has dropped to about $30 billion. Irdeto, on behalf of MultiChoice, has issued takedown requests to shut down Kodi add-ons for Showmax and DStv Now. The add-ons were created by Matt Huisman, a developer in New Zealand. TorrentFreak reported that the add-ons did not rip content from MultiChoices video services and were aimed at legitimate subscribers who had to log in with their credentials to use the apps. Despite Huisman complying and indicating that he had no intention to contest Irdetos demands, the company lodged a complaint with PayPal which terminated Huismans account. Huisman did not charge for the add-ons and they were available as free downloads. He used PayPal as a way to solicit donations on his website from people who find value in his work. His DStv and Showmax add-ons were two of many he had developed for the Kodi platform. Kodi is an open source media player operated by the XBMC Foundation. It is a popular tool among the tech-savvy to keep their home media libraries organised. Add-ons expand the functionality of the Kodi software, including allowing users to connect to online services. Naspers owns MultiChoice and Irdeto, which acquired anti-piracy firm Denuvo in 2018. Denuvos clients include game publishers such as Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and Warner Bros. On request Huisman told MyBroadband that he developed the Kodi add-ons for DStv Now and Showmax at the request of MultiChoices customers who provided him with the login details he needed to test the add-ons. While his surname might lead you to assume otherwise, Huisman said he is not South African. I simply made them due to requests, for the fun of it, and to drive traffic to my blog, he said. Huisman said he is still unsure what the actual issue was, as the add-ons provided legal subscribers a way use the services on their preferred platform. I had no correspondence from Irdeto except for the takedown notices. According to the letters Irdeto sent, Huisman was violating the copyright of the DStv Now and Showmax applications. The identified content provides an interface for these applications to be used via the Kodi application, which is not authorised by MultiChoice Africa Limited, Irdeto said. Additionally, these applications circumvent security protocols set in place by DStv and Showmax. It should be noted that both of Huismans add-ons required a version of Kodi with support for Googles Widevine digital rights management software. Content streamed from DStv Now and Showmax should therefore have been encrypted. PayPal ban Irdeto went on to file a report with PayPal claiming that Huisman infringed upon MultiChoices intellectual property. As a result, PayPal suspended Huismans account and invited him to complete an Objection to Infringement form. However, his attempts to get his PayPal account restored were unsuccessful. PayPal gave me no option to restore [my account], Huisman said. It seems similar to YouTube copyright claims all the power is in the claimants hands. Huisman said he managed to get his money out before his account was terminated, and has since opened a new account at PayPal. We dont get involved with enforcement Speaking to MyBroadband, MultiChoice said that unauthorised apps are a challenge whether or not they use legitimate login details. Were still held accountable for the quality of the service and in some instances are expected by customers to troubleshoot and provide technical support, which were obviously not in a position to do, a spokesperson said. Unauthorised apps can also be used to harvest users login information and execute other malicious code which is something we try to protect our customers from. Regarding the termination of Huismans PayPal account, MultiChoice said it doesnt get involved in enforcement activities, so its difficult to comment on the case. But in general, actions will be taken against sites which use the intellectual property of another company and accept payment or donations for this activity. MultiChoice said it doesnt have specific plans with respect to Kodi add-ons for either Showmax or DStv Now in the near future. In the 2013 case, the court upheld that former Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar improperly used state resources for political purposes by including his PSC email address and PSC phone number on a fundraising letter and using his PSC email address on his campaign website, as well as using his PSC email for other campaign business. "It is improper for an elected official to send a campaign email from a state account " the state Supreme Court opinion reads. "Secretary of State Corey Stapleton's conduct constitutes a serious breach of public trust and is clearly prohibited by law," Lindeen wrote in a letter attached to the complaint. The commissioner's office said Wednesday it had received the complaint and is asking Stapleton for additional information before making a determination to accept the complaint. HELENA A magistrate judge has denied Montana Secretary of State Corey Stapleton's request to throw out a ballot-access lawsuit by the Montana Green Party and its supporters. U.S. Magistrate Judge John Johnston rejected Stapleton's motion to dismiss and ordered a December bench trial in the case after a court hearing on Tuesday. The Green Party alleges that Montana's qualification requirements for minor political parties are unconstitutionally burdensome. The lawsuit was filed after a state judge last year removed the Green Party from the 2018 election ballot. More than double the required 5,000 voters signed a petition to put the party on the ballot, but the party fell short of gathering valid signatures from at least 38 state House Districts. Green Party officials are seeking to strike down Montana's minor party qualification requirements and place them on the ballot. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 I wholeheartedly support the DOJ DUI bill, Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito told The Gazette recently. While Montana has made significant improvement in all areas of DUIs for years, DOJs efforts are admirable. From simplification of the DUI code, elimination of conviction lookback, and more significant possible penalties for repeat felony DUI offenders, it is a comprehensive approach for what is still a significant problem. Twito has been especially concerned that a 2017 law actually reduced the possible penalties that had been imposed for fifth and subsequent DUI offenses by narrowing the definition of how the Persistent Felony Offender statute can be used. The new law excluded DUI, so the worst repeat DUI offenders could not be sentenced to more than 2 years. Reversing the effect of that 2017 law is a top priority in 2019 for the Montana County Attorneys Association. The 74-page SB65 would make numerous other changes, including: When sentencing on second and third DUI offenses, judges would be required to order offender participation in monitoring programs (such as 24/7 Sobriety) and installation of an ignition interlock device on the offenders vehicles. Caferro said Wednesday now that the Legislature has hit the time intended to review the program, she thinks an examination will show it should continue as it functions now. There is nothing but positive to report in the over three years weve had Medicaid expansion," Caffero said. "With the sunset (in 2015) I thought, Sure, lets take a look at it. We need to take a look at it. And now we have the data. Its successful. Its firing on all cylinders. Great Falls Republican Ed Buttrey, who moved to the House this year after several terms in the Senate and carried the original expansion bill in 2015, is expected to bring a bill to extend Medicaid, but has been drafting it on his own, not through legislative services yet. Caferro said she hasn't been able to see what's in it. They have to bring it out of the shadows or I cant comment on it, Caferro said. I have no idea what is exactly in their bill because they kept it in the dark. None of our staff has seen it. I have not seen it. Hes not being transparent for it. Caferro said her legislation is an alternative that can go through a debate in open meetings where people can make amendments to add or subtract from the program, and the public can testify in support or opposition. It is supported by Bullock. Woman allegedly strangled, detained A woman was allegedly assaulted and held against her will at a residence in the 600 block of North Alaska Street, police said. On Tuesday morning, police reportedly met with the female victim at a different residence. She told officers a man had allegedly strangled her and would not allow her to leave the North Alaska residence, though he did not restrain her, police said. Officers reportedly observed bruising and marks on the womans arms. Police were still investigating the assault and had not made any arrests as of Wednesday morning. Two vehicles reported stolen A 1993 Jeep was reported stolen from a residence in the 1900 block of Howard Street in Butte on Wednesday morning. Police said the complainant said the Jeep was stolen sometime between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 5 a.m. Wednesday. The complainant also reportedly believes the vehicle was unlocked and the keys were left inside. There are no suspects at this time, police said. A 1986 Nissan business truck was also reported stolen Tuesday morning from Silver Bow Property Management on East Park Street. Robbery at Silver Bow Pizza Butte police responded around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday to report that a male had grabbed some $200 from a cash register at the Gold Mine Casino inside Silver Bow Pizza. According to employees, the suspect reached over a counter and took the money while the casino clerk on duty was busy. Employees told police the suspect pushed a casino attendant on his way out the door then fled north on Harrison Avenue. The suspect, Ted Merritt, 28, reportedly ran across the parking lot of the former Kmart and briefly hid in an Arby's bathroom before being apprehended in the parking lot of Pizza Hut. When officers arrested Merritt, he allegedly gave them a phony name. Once he was identified, police discovered he was wanted on a pair of felony warrants out of Washington. Merritt was booked on those warrants and on two new charges: robbery, a felony, and obstructing a peace officer, a misdemeanor. Woman allegedly strangled by partner Police responded to the 2200 block of Silver Bow Boulevard Wednesday afternoon to a report of a disturbance. In accusations that led to the initial charges, women patients said McGree felt and groped their private parts and penetrated two with his hands during exams that had nothing to do with those body parts. They also allege he rubbed them with his privates and exposed himself to one's face. The women, ages 37, 47, and 52, all had received prescriptions from McGree for pain medication. One said that McGree groped her and was saying things like Oh, so you need your prescription, you need your other refill, prosecutors said. They said McGree told investigators he had become attracted to his patients and had felt breasts on six to eight occasions. "The defendant said he did not know how it happened, it just happened," the charging document states. He also admitted to brushing against them while aroused, saying that first occurred five or six years ago and last happened about six months ago. But he denied any other sexual activity with his patients. According to the new charges: - One woman said McGree was prescribing Tylenol 4 with codeine and would refill her prescriptions as long as she came in every two months. During one visit, she said, he exposed himself to her and on another, put his fingers inside her. New Montana District Court Judge Robert Whelan served his first day on the bench in open court in Butte Wednesday, holding hearings on numerous adult criminal cases and some juvenile matters. His first adult case involved Ethan Christopher Boroni, who pleaded not guilty to felony assault with a weapon for allegedly slashing his father in the hand with a knife during an argument over a sweatshirt. Whelan accepted the plea and Boroni, 20, remains jailed pending bail set at $25,000. He is awaiting sentencing in another case before Judge Kurt Krueger after pleading guilty to criminal endangerment in a proposed deal with prosecutors. In the most recent case, he is accused of cutting his fathers finger with a fixed-blade hunting knife on Nov. 3. The father said his son came into his room, began going through his drawers and got mad when told he could not wear the fathers clothes. He said his son pushed him around, slammed his head against a door, swiped him in the hand with the knife and repeatedly threatened to kill him. Boroni told police he and his father had argued over a sweatshirt and when things got heated, he left. He said he lost the knife he usually carries the day before while working on his car. WASHINGTON (AP) In his prime-time speech to the nation, President Donald Trump wrongly accused Democrats of refusing to pay for border security and ignored the reality of how illicit drugs come into the country as he pitched his wall as a solution to trafficking. A look at his Oval Office remarks Tuesday night: TRUMP: "Our southern border is a pipeline for vast quantities of illegal drugs, including meth, heroin, cocaine and fentanyl. Every week, 300 of our citizens are killed by heroin alone, 90 percent of which floods across from our southern border." THE FACTS: A wall can't do much about that when drug trafficking is concentrated at land ports of entry, not remote stretches of the border. The Drug Enforcement Administration says "only a small percentage" of heroin seized by U.S. authorities comes across on territory between ports of entry. The same is true of drugs generally. In a 2018 report, the agency said the most common trafficking technique by transnational criminal organizations is to hide drugs in passenger vehicles or tractor-trailers as they drive into the U.S. though entry ports, where they are stopped and subject to inspection. They also employ buses, cargo trains and tunnels, the report says, citing other smuggling methods that also would not be choked off by a border wall. Trump recently denied that traffickers use entry ports at the southern border, contradicting the evidence and assertions of his drug enforcement personnel. Trump stretched credulity even more by comparing the wall money he wants from Congress to the cost of the entire drug problem in the U.S.: "The border wall would very quickly pay for itself. The cost of illegal drugs exceeds $500 billion a year, vastly more than the $5.7 billion we have requested from Congress." ___ TRUMP: "Democrats will not fund border security." THE FACTS: That's not true. They just won't fund it the way he wants. They have refused his demand for $5.7 billion to build part of a steel wall across the U.S.-Mexico border Democrats passed legislation the day they took control of the House that offered $1.3 billion for border security, including physical barriers and technology along the U.S. southern border. Senate Democrats have approved similar funding year after year. Democrats have also supported broader fence-building as part of deals that also had a path to legal status for millions of immigrants living in the country illegally. In 2013, Senate Democrats voted for a failed immigration bill that provided roughly $46 billion for a number of border security measures including new fencing but that legislation would have created a pathway to citizenship for some of the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. The 2013 Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act had money to double the number of miles of fencing, to 700 miles (1,126 km), as well as for more border patrol agents. It also had a mandatory employment verification system to ensure all U.S. employees are authorized to work in the country. In exchange, however, the bill allowed immigrants living in the country illegally to apply for a provisional legal status if they paid a $500 fine and had no felony convictions. As well many Democrats voted for the Secure Fence Act of 2006, which has resulted in the construction of about 650 miles (1,050 kilometers) of border barrier. But that legislation didn't authorize the kind of wall Trump has long been advocating since he launched his campaign. ___ HOUSE SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI: "The fact is: President Trump has chosen to hold hostage critical services for the health, safety and well-being of the American people and withhold the paychecks of 800,000 innocent workers across the nation - many of them veterans." response to Trump's remarks. SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER, Senate Democratic leader: "The president of the United States - having failed to get Mexico to pay for his ineffective, unnecessary border wall, and unable to convince the Congress or the American people to foot the bill - has shut down the government." response to Trump. THE FACTS: That's one way to look at it. But it takes two sides to shut down the government. Trump's demand for $5.7 billion for his border wall is one reason for the budget impasse. The refusal of Democrats to approve the money is another. ___ TRUMP: "Over the years thousands of Americans have been brutally killed by those who illegally entered our country and thousands more lives will be lost if we don't act right now." THE FACTS: His statement that people in the country illegally are a special menace to public safety is at odds with plentiful research. Multiple studies from social scientists and the libertarian think tank Cato Institute have found that people here illegally are less likely to commit crime than U.S. citizens, and legal immigrants are even less likely to do so. A March study by the journal Criminology found "undocumented immigration does not increase violence." The study, which looked at the years 1990 through 2014, said states with bigger shares of such people have lower crime rates. As well, a study in 2017 by Robert Adelman, a sociology professor at University of Buffalo, analyzed 40 years of crime data in 200 metropolitan areas and found that immigrants helped lower crime. New York City, for example, has the nation's largest population of immigrants living in the country illegally about 500,000 and last year had only 289 murders among a total population of 8.5 million people, according to preliminary data. Those numbers mean a person's odds of becoming a victim of homicide in tightly packed, diverse New York City were about the same as they were in Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota. Those numbers mean a person's odds of becoming a victim of homicide in tightly packed, diverse New York City were about the same as they were last year in Montana. And Ruben Rumbaut, a University of California, Irvine sociology professor, co-authored a recent study that noted crime rates fell sharply from 1990 to 2015 at a time when illegal immigration spiked. ___ TRUMP: "The wall will also be paid for indirectly by the great new trade deal we have made with Mexico." THE FACTS: Mexico is not paying for the wall despite what Trump promised during the 2016 campaign, and nothing in the trade agreement would cover or refund the construction cost. Trump is assuming a wide variety of economic benefits will come from the agreement, but they can't be quantified or counted on. For example, he has said the deal will dissuade some U.S. companies from moving operations to Mexico and he credits that possibility as a payment by Mexico for his wall. The deal updates the North American Free Trade Agreement, in the main preserving NAFTA's liberalized environment of low or no tariffs among the U.S., Mexico and Canada, while making certain improvements for each country. Trump stated inaccurately that it's "brand new. It's totally different." Moreover, it's not in effect. The deal has yet to be ratified in any member country and its chances of winning legislative approval are not assured. ___ Associated Press writers Jill Colvin and Hope Yen in Washington, Amanda Seitz in Chicago, Barbara Whitaker in New York and Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Government wont take action against those embroiled in wide-body jet deal immediately Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gokul Prasad Banskota the government would not take action against minister and other staffers accused of carrying out irregularities while procuring the two wide-body aircraft immediately. Business workshop set for Jan. 29 Headwaters RC&D and the Butte Job Service have partnered together to present Spark: Ignite Your Business workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, at the Emma Park Community Center. This one-day workshop will cover topics such as financing your business, business ownership and entrepreneurship, understanding markets and your competitive space, the economics of a small business start-up, picking the correct legal entity for your business, business planning and how to create a business cash-flow. There will be a keynote talk from entrepreneur Casey Kelly from Kinetic Fitness in Butte. The cost is $25 per person and attendees must register beforehand at bit.ly/hwspark. Butte CPR annual meeting Tuesday Butte Citizens for Preservation & Revitalization will hold its annual meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, at the Butte Archives. General business will be conducted and elections will be held for officers to serve during 2019. Members and people interested in learning more about CPR are invited to attend. Butte High to celebrate the arts DEER LODGE A former Montana State Prison correctional officer and an inmate were sentenced in Deer Lodge District Court on a felony charge of transferring illegal articles a cell phone. A separate charge for illegal transfer of tobacco was dismissed. Nichole Cheyenne Dyer, 24, of Drummond was a correctional officer at MSP on June 17, 2016 when fellow officers found a cell phone in the cell of inmate Alfred Joseph Smith, 36, in High Side Unit 2. The inmate worked in the laundry with other inmates, and according to court records numerous reports were made by staff members prior to the incident that Dyer spent an inordinate amount of time with the man and other laundry workers. After initially pleading not guilty to the charge, Dyer changed her plea to guilty and admitting giving Smith the cell phone. Dyer was sentenced to 13 months commitment to Dept. of Corrections with seven months suspended. Following testimony by her parents and letters of support, prison staff and probation officers, Judge Ray Dayton stated there are two Nichole Dyers one who really cares about her family and is an upstanding member of society, and the one who continues to reach out to inmates. He specified that a mental health evaluation and treatment be part of her sentence. Disclaimer : The views expressed in the forum are the views of the user writing the post, and not that of moneycontrol.com. 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Because of their potency, prescription opiates can be a powerful and effective medical tool when used under the close supervision of a physician. That potency, however, makes opiates addictive and deadly when abused. My bill would require prescribers to use Montanas prescription drug registry before prescribing certain substances, to prevent the doctor shopping that can lead to overdoses and trafficking. Because research shows limiting first-time opiate prescriptions to five days significantly reduces rates of addiction, my bill would also enact such limitations in certain circumstances. Tightening up identification and verification requirements to prevent forged prescriptions and moving Montana toward electronic prescribing will also help prevent abuse while protecting legitimate use. While illegal drugs are a significant part of Montanas substance abuse crisis, alcohol addiction remains a major cause of fatalities and a drain on public resources. The battle against driving under the influence (DUI) in Montana is not simply a fight against the problem itself, but also against misconceptions and a culture that often sees DUI as harmless or even a right. The research is clear: by the time a person has been cited for a second or third DUI, s/he has most likely been driving under the influence repeatedly. Montanas congressional delegates have renewed their efforts to gain federal recognition for the Little Shell Band of Chippewa Cree Indians. Sens. Steve Daines, a Republican, and Jon Tester, a Democrat, reintroduced a bill this week to grant the Little Shell recognition necessary for securing the services and benefits provided to other Native Americans. Rep. Greg Gianforte, a Republican, introduced the same legislation Wednesday in the U.S. House of Representatives. Acquiring recognition for the Little Shell is a decadeslong fight to for tribal sovereignty and the basic support offered only to federally recognized tribes. The latest proposal would provide the Little Shell 200 acres of land for a reservation and make the Little Shell eligible for health care benefits, education support and federal economic development programs. The tribe has several thousand members. This Congress should provide the Little Shell tribe with the federal recognition it deserves, particularly after eight decades of dedicated efforts, Gianforte said on the House floor Wednesday. The Montana man accused in a 1987 child rape told the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday that its earlier rulings prevent him from being tried in the case. Ronald Dwight Tipton, 58, was previously charged with raping an 8-year-old in her home more than 30 years ago, but the charges were ordered dismissed by the Montana Supreme Court. Attorney General Tim Fox has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene by revisiting an earlier ruling it says prevents the state from bringing sex offenders to justice in cold cases. But in a response filed Wednesday, Tiptons attorney said the law is in his favor. Montana Senate President Scott Sales plans to introduce a bill that would have the state of Montana direct $8 million in funding to a wall along the U.S. southern border. While northern Montana is contiguous with Canada, the Bozeman Republican said Wednesday he has asked for a bill draft to help build a wall between the U.S. and Mexico, something long called for by Republican President Donald Trump. The request for legislation was first reported by the Montana Television Network. Funding for the wall triggered a federal government shutdown that entered its 17th day Wednesday. Trump wants $5.7 billion for about 200 miles of wall, something Democrats will not support. Sales said Wednesday night the state of Montana, which went through large budget cuts in 2017 but saw some of the reductions restored over the last year, can afford to pitch in $8 million. "It's just providing for the ability for us to approve around $8 million in funding for the border wall," Sales said. "We have, just within the current rate of revenue that's coming in, we can afford to pay for the $8 million." Missoula County Public Schools trustees took the next steps to approve the sale of two parcels of land near Sentinel High School for $850,000 at a Tuesday board meeting. The parcels of land, known as the Homevale property, are currently used for equipment storage and were deemed unusable for the district. The process to make this decision was to say Its a piece of land, were never going to put a school on it, we dont intend to continue to use it for storage, it has no appropriate purpose for the school district so it would be a good reason to sell it, said MCPS spokeswoman Hatton Littman. The money from the sale will go to the districts building fund, which pays for projects that are not funded by bonds. Littman said a significant amount of revenue from the Homevale sale will go to renovate an existing building, which is know by the community as the old Missoula College site on South Avenue. Once renovated, it will house the staff who currently work in the MCPS Administration Building and the MCPS Business Building in one location. Littman said the process the district used to sell the Homevale parcel wouldnt apply the same way to other parcels with school buildings on them. Ganga Maya Adhikari seeks global attention Ganga Maya Adhikari, who has been struggling for years demanding justice for her slain son Krishna Prasad, met with UN Resident Coordinator Valerie Juliand on Wednesday, as a beginning of her initiative to appeal the international community for justice. Were excited, said Steve Temple of the Mineral County Lions Club, which worked with the county to get the grant. Its a great opportunity. The facility itself really suffers from a lack of rehabilitation. We patch it every year but this is a chance to replace the seating and the walkways and the ramp areas. It will be a big improvement. Temple, the Superior Volunteer Fire Department chief, said the money will also be used to market to out-of-state tourists in places like northern Idaho and Spokane, Washington. We want to expand Montanas profile, he said. Part of our goal in writing the grant is to increase the number of seats and do out-of-state advertising to bring more people from out of the area. Idaho and Washington are pretty logical markets. Spokane is less than two hours of a drive from here, so it makes sense. According to Jenny Pelej, interim division administrator for the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development, out-of-state visitors added $3.4 billion to Montanas economy in 2017 and these grants are meant to boost that number. DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What causes tinnitus, and is there anything that can be done to get rid of it? ANSWER: Tinnitus -- the sensation of hearing a sound when no external sound is present -- often is described as a ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking, humming, pulsing, or hissing sound, or any combination of these sounds. You may hear it in one or both ears. The sound may be present all the time or off and on. If you have tinnitus that doesn't go away, a hearing evaluation is recommended. In most cases, tinnitus can be managed fully. But, for some, it's a chronic condition that can affect sleep and everyday function. Fortunately, there are options to reduce its effects. The cause of tinnitus is unknown. One idea is that tinnitus results from damage to the cells of the inner ear. This stems from the fact that about 90 percent of people with tinnitus have some hearing loss caused by noise. The tiny, delicate hairs in your inner ear move in relation to the pressure of sound waves. This movement triggers the release of an electrical signal through your auditory nerve to your brain. Your brain normally interprets these signals as sound. If the hairs inside your inner ear are damaged, bent or broken, they may release random electrical impulses to your brain, resulting in tinnitus. w/ @Mahoneysthename and @SContorno Former governor and now U.S. Sen. Rick Scott appeared fleetingly in Tallahassee on Tuesday, sitting next to Gov. Ron DeSantis and first lady Casey DeSantis for just under an hour before he left to take his private plane to Washington. Scott ended up missing DeSantis speech, where he was praised for bringing a laser-like focus on job creation during his eight years governing Florida. DeSantis tweaked his pre-written remarks to tell the crowd that Scott had to leave early for his own 4 p.m. swearing-in ceremony but wished him well. It was a small moment, but not the first time Scott disrupted his successors plans to take the reins. At 6 p.m. Friday, Scott announced the appointments of more than 70 people to various boards and committees. Then, on Monday, mere hours before DeSantis technically became governor, Scott issued several more appointments, bringing the grand total to 84. DeSantis told reporters Monday that he will definitely rescind some of the lame duck appointments, and that hes going to look at all of them. Behind the scenes, Scotts handiwork received a cooler reception. U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Panhandle Republican who served as a co-chair on DeSantis transition team, said the team was frequently frustrated with Scott. Gaetz said he was personally put off by Scotts flurry of last-minute appointments. When he stood up [to leave during DeSantis inaugural ceremony] I was wondering if he was running back to the office to make nine or 10 more appointments, Gaetz said. Read the rest here. (HealthDay)The phenomenon of private equity acquisition of physician practices is discussed in an Ideas and Opinions piece published online Jan. 8 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Lawrence P. Casalino, M.D., Ph.D., from Weill Cornell Medicine and the New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, and colleagues write about the acquisition of physician practices by private equity firms based on a review of the literature and interviews with 21 knowledgeable individuals. The authors note that private equity firms typically take 60 to 80 percent ownership of medical practices. Physician owners typically receive market rate salaries after the acquisition but cede all or most additional revenue. Firms do not seek 100 percent ownership as they want physician owners to share growth objectives for the practice. The aim is to sell practices within three to seven years. Private equity firms focus on specialties with high potential for additional income, including dermatology, ophthalmology, urology, and gastroenterology. The rapidly changing health care environment has made physicians more interested in selling their practices. In addition, independent practices are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit physicians; these purchases can offer safety in a rapidly changing environment. According to critics, private equity firms have an incentive to increase profitability, possibly at the expense of patient care. Private equity firms claim to provide practices with more autonomy than if they were acquired by a hospital or insurer. "The current environment is accelerating the disappearance of independent practices and the corporatization of medicine," the authors write. Explore further Recommendations developed on gender equity in medicine Copyright 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Incorporating pharmacists with an expanded scope into the community or hospital emergency departments (ED) could significantly reduce ED crowdedness, according to a new study. Researchers from the University of Waterloo found that almost one-third of non-urgent ED visits in Ontario were for conditions that could potentially be managed by pharmacists with an expanded scope of practiceavailable in other jurisdictions in Canada. "Overcrowding in EDs is a concern most Canadians can relate to, and we know that it can lead to increased mortality and a higher rate of patients who leave without receiving treatment," said Wasem Alsabbagh, a professor at the Waterloo School of Pharmacy. "Our findings support that we need to see more pharmacists working with expanded scope in community practice or based in the ED. This may reduce crowdedness and free more resources in EDs to care for more acute patients." As about one in five patients who seek emergency care have non-urgent health concerns, the study examined what proportion of non-urgent or unnecessary visits could be potentially managed by a pharmacist. The researchers analyzed data from 2010 to 2017, examining all Ontario hospital ED cases. They qualified cases based on standard scales that measure the severity of patient concerns and used statistics to assess which ones could be managed by pharmacists working with an expanded scope. The services pharmacists can provide have been expanding in Canada over the last decade, though there is significant varietyboth in the rate and scopebetween provinces. In Alberta, for example, pharmacists were granted the ability since 2007 to prescribe both independently and for minor ailments, renew prescriptions, administer injections, and more. Ontario has expanded scope more slowly with the addition of services like prescriptions renewal and influenza vaccination in 2012. More vaccines were added later in 2016. "Our study included all expanded scope services in use across Canada when assessing which ED cases pharmacists could manage," said Alsabbagh. "Over the seven years of the study period, we found that pharmacists with an expanded scope could potentially have managed nearly 1.5 million cases in Ontario." The most frequent ED cases that could be managed by a pharmacist included skin related concerns like dermatitis and other conditions like a cough or inflammation of the ear canal, nasal passages, and throat. The study by Waterloo professors Wasem Alsabbagh and Sherilyn Houle is called The proportion, conditions, and predictors of emergency department visits that can be potentially managed by pharmacists with an expanded scope of practice and was recently published in the journal Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy. Explore further Expansion of pharmacists' practice will benefit patients Credit: Dan Mitchell Medicine is at a turning point, on the cusp of major change as disruptive technologies such as gene, RNA, and cell therapies enable scientists to approach diseases in new ways. The swiftness of this change is being driven by innovations such as CRISPR gene editing, which makes it possible to correct errors in DNA with relative ease. Progress in this field has been so rapid that the dialogue around potential ethical, societal, and safety issues is scrambling to catch up. This disconnect was brought into stark relief at the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing, held in Hong Kong in November, when exciting updates about emerging therapies were eclipsed by a disturbing announcement. He Jiankui, a Chinese researcher, claimed that he had edited the genes of two human embryos, and that they had been brought to term. There was immediate outcry from scientists across the world, and He was subjected to intense social pressure, including the removal of his affiliations, for having allegedly disregarded ethical norms and his patients' safety. Yet as I. Glenn Cohen, faculty director of the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Harvard Law School, has said, gene editing comes in many varieties, with many consequences. Any deep ethical discussion needs to take into account those distinctions. Human genome editing: somatic vs. germline The germline editing He claimed to have carried out is quite different from the somatic gene therapies that are currently changing the frontiers of medicine. While somatic gene editing affects only the patient being treated (and only some of his or her cells), germline editing affects all cells in an organism, including eggs and sperm, and so is passed on to future generations. The possible consequences of that are difficult to predict. Somatic gene therapies involve modifying a patient's DNA to treat or cure a disease caused by a genetic mutation. In one clinical trial, for example, scientists take blood stem cells from a patient, use CRISPR techniques to correct the genetic mutation causing them to produce defective blood cells, then infuse the "corrected" cells back into the patient, where they produce healthy hemoglobin. The treatment changes the patient's blood cells, but not his or her sperm or eggs. Germline human genome editing, on the other hand, alters the genome of a human embryo at its earliest stages. This may affect every cell, which means it has an impact not only on the person who may result, but possibly on his or her descendants. There are, therefore, substantial restrictions on its use. Germline editing in a dish can help researchers figure out what the health benefits could be, and how to reduce risks. Those include targeting the wrong gene; off-target impacts, in which editing a gene might fix one problem but cause another; and mosaicism, in which only some copies of the gene are altered. For these and other reasons, the scientific community approaches germline editing with caution, and the U.S. and many other countries have substantial policy and regulatory restrictions on using germline human genome editing in people. But many scientific leaders are asking: When the benefits are believed to outweigh the risks, and dangers can be avoided, should science consider moving forward with germline genome editing to improve human health? If the answer is yes, how can researchers do so responsibly? CRISPR pioneer Feng Zhang of the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT responded immediately to He's November announcement by calling for a moratorium on implanting edited embryos in humans. Later, at a public event on "Altering the Human Genome" at the Belfer Center at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), he explained why he felt it was important to wait: "The moratorium is a pause. Society needs to figure out if we all want to do this, if this is good for society, and that takes time. If we do, we need to have guidelines first so that the people who do this work can proceed in a responsible way, with the right oversight and quality controls." Professors at the University's schools of medicine, law, business, and government saw He's announcement as a turning point in the discussion about heritable gene therapies and shared their perspectives on the future of this technology with the Gazette. Here are their thoughts, issue by issue: Bioethics Aside from the safety risks, human genome editing poses some hefty ethical questions. For families who have watched their children suffer from devastating genetic diseases, the technology offers the hope of editing cruel mutations out of the gene pool. For those living in poverty, it is yet another way for the privileged to vault ahead. One open question is where to draw the line between disease treatment and enhancement, and how to enforce it, considering differing attitudes toward conditions such as deafness. Robert Truog, director of the Center for Bioethics at Harvard Medical School (HMS), provided context: "This question is not as new as it seems. Evolution progresses by random mutations in the genome, which dwarf what can be done artificially with CRISPR. These random mutations often cause serious problems, and people are born with serious defects. In addition, we have been manipulating our environment in so many ways and exposing ourselves to a lot of chemicals that cause unknown changes to our genome. If we are concerned about making precise interventions to cure disease, we should also be interested in that. "To me, the conversation around Dr. He is not about the fundamental merits of germline gene editing, which in the long run will almost certainly be highly beneficial. Instead, it's about the oversight of science. The concern is that with technologies that are relatively easy to use, like CRISPR, how does the scientific community regulate itself? If there's a silver lining to this cloud, I think it is that the scientific community did pull together to be critical of this work, and took the responsibility seriously to use the tools available to them to regulate themselves." Business When asked what the implications of He's announcement are for the emerging field of precision medicine, Richard Hamermesh, faculty co-chair of the Harvard Business School/Kraft Precision Medicine Accelerator, said: "Before we start working on embryos, we have a long way to go, and civilization has to think long and hard about it. There's no question that gene editing technologies are potentially transformative and are the ultimate precision medicine. If you could precisely correct or delete genes that are causing problemsmutating or aberrant genesthat is the ultimate in precision. It would be so transformative for people with diseases caused by a single gene mutation, like sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. Developing safe, effective ways to use gene editing to treat people with serious diseases with no known cures has so much potential to relieve suffering that it is hard to see how anyone could be against it. "There is also commercial potential and that will drive it forward. A lot of companies are getting venture funding for interesting gene therapies, but they're all going after tough medical conditions where there is an unmet need[where] nothing is workingand they're trying to find gene therapies to cure those diseases. Why should we stop trying to find cures? "But anything where you're going to be changing human embryos, it's going to take a long time for us to figure out what is appropriate and what isn't. That has to be done with great care in terms of ethics." Medicine George Q. Daley is dean of HMS, the Caroline Shields Walker Professor of Medicine, and a leader in stem cell science and cancer biology. As a spokesperson for the organizing committee of the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing, he responded swiftly to He's announcement in Hong Kong. Echoing those remarks, he said: "It's time to formulate what a clinical path to translation might look like so that we can talk about it. That does not mean that we're ready to go into the clinicwe are not. We need to specify what the hurdles would be if one were to move forward responsibly and ethically. If you can't surmount those hurdles, you don't move forward. Credit: Judy Blomquist/Harvard Staff "There are stark distinctions between editing genes in an embryo to prevent a baby from being born with sickle cell anemia and editing genes to alter the appearance or intelligence of future generations. There is a whole spectrum of considerations to be debated. The prospect includes an ultimate decision that we not go forward, that we decide that the benefits do not outweigh the costs." Asked how to prevent experiments like He's while preserving academic freedom, Daley replied: "For the past 15 years, I have been involved in efforts to establish international standards of professional conduct for stem cell research and its clinical translation, knowing full well that there could beand has beena growing number of independent practitioners directly marketing unproven interventions to vulnerable patients through the internet. We advocated so strongly for professional standards in an attempt to ward off the risks of an unregulated industry. Though imperfect, our efforts to encourage a common set of professional practices have been influential. "You can't control rogue scientists in any field. But with strongly defined guidelines for responsible professional conduct in place, such ethical violations like those of Dr. He should remain a backwater, because most practitioners will adhere to generally accepted norms. Scientists have a responsibility to come together to articulate professional standards and live by them. One has to raise the bar very high to define what the standards of safety and efficacy are, and what kind of oversight and independent judgment would be required for any approval. "We have called for an ongoing international forum on human genome editing, and that could take many shapes. We've suggested that the national academies of more countries come togetherthe National Academy of Sciences in the U.S. and the Royal Society in the U.K. are very active herebecause these are the groups most likely to have the expertise to convene these kinds of discussions and keep them going." Law Cohen, speaking to the legal consequences of germline human genome editing, said: "I think we should slow down in our reaction to this case. It is not clear that the U.S. needs to react to Dr. He's announcement with regulation. The FDA [Food and Drug Administration] already has a strong policy on germline gene editing in place. A rider in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016since renewedwould have blocked the very same clinical application of human germline editing He announced, had it been attempted in the U.S. "The scientific community has responded in the way I'd have liked it to. There is a difference between 'governance' and 'self-governance.' Where government uses law, the scientific community uses peer review, public censure, promotions, university affiliations, and funding to regulate themselves. In China, in Dr. He's case, you have someone who's (allegedly) broken national law and scientific conventions. That doesn't mean you should halt research being done by everyone who's law-abiding. "Public policy or ethical discussion that's divorced from how science is progressing is problematic. You need to bring everyone together to have robust discussions. I'm optimistic that this is happening, and has happened. It's very hard to deal with a transnational problem with national legislation, but it would be great to reach international consensus on this subject. These efforts might not succeed, but ultimately they are worth pursuing." Science Professor Kevin Eggan of Harvard's Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology said, "The question we should focus on is: Will this be safe and help the health of a child? Can we demonstrate that we can fix a mutation that will cause a terrible health problem, accurately and without the risk of harming their potential child? If the answer is yes, then I believe germline human genome editing is likely to gain acceptance in time. "There could be situations where it could help a couple, but the risks of something going wrong are real. But at this point, it would be impossible to make a risk-benefit calculation in a responsible manner for that couple. Before we could ever move toward the clinic, the scientific community must come to a consensus on how to measure success, and how to measure off-target effects in animal models. "Even as recently as this past spring and fall, the results of animal studies using CRISPRthe same techniques Dr. He claimed to have usedgenerated a lot of confusion. There is disagreement about both the quality of the data and how to interpret it. Until we can come to agreement about what the results of animal experiments mean, how could we possibly move forward with people? "As happened in England with mitochondrial replacement therapy, we should be able to come to both a scientific and a societal consensus of when and how this approach should be used. That's missing." According to Catherine Racowsky, professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, constraints on the use of embryos in federally funded research pose barriers to studying the risks and benefits of germline editing in humans. She added: "Until the work is done, carefully and with tight oversight, to understand any off-target effects of replacing or removing a particular gene, it is inappropriate to apply the technology in the clinical field. My understanding of Dr. He's case is that there wasn't a known condition in these embryos, and by editing the genes involved with HIV infection, he could also have increased the risks of susceptibility to influenza and West Nile viruses. "We need a sound oversight framework, and it needs to be established globally. This is a technology that holds enormous promise, and it is likely to be applied to the embryo, but it should only be applied for clinical purposes after the right work has been done. That means we must have consensus on what applications are acceptable, that we have appropriate regulatory oversight, and, perhaps most importantly, that it is safe. The only way we're going to be able to determine that these standards are met is to proceed cautiously, with reassessments of the societal and health benefits and the risks." Asked about public dialogue around germline human genome editing, George Church, Robert Winthrop Professor of Genetics at HMS, said: "With in vitro fertilization (IVF), 'test tube babies' was an intentionally scary term. But after Louise Brown, the first IVF baby, was born healthy 40 years ago, attitudes changed radically. Ethics flipped 180 degrees, from it being a horrifying idea to being unacceptable to prevent parents from having children by this new method. If these edited twins are proven healthy, very different discussions will arise. For example, is a rate of 900,000 deaths from HIV infection per year a greater risk than West Nile virus, or influenza? How effective is each vaccine?" Science, technology and society Sheila Jasanoff, founding director of the Science, Technology, and Society program at HKS, has been calling for a "global observatory" on gene editing, an international network of scholars and organizations dedicated to promoting exchange across disciplinary and cultural divides. She said: "The notion that the only thing we should care about is the risk to individuals is very American. So far, the debate has been fixated on potential physical harm to individuals, and not anything else. This is not a formulation shared with other countries in the world, including practically all of Europe. Considerations of risk have equally to do with societal risk. That includes the notion of the family, and what it means to have a 'designer baby.' "These were not diseased babies Dr. He was trying to cure. The motivation for the intervention was that they live in a country with a high stigma attached to HIV/AIDS, and the father had it and agreed to the intervention because he wanted to keep his children from contracting AIDS. AIDS shaming is a fact of life in China, and now it won't be applied to these children. So, are we going to decide that it's OK to edit as-yet-to-be children to cater to this particular idea of a society? "It's been said that 'the genie is out of the bottle' with germline human genome editing. I just don't think that's true. After all, we have succeeded in keeping 'nuclear' inside the bottle. Humanity doesn't lack the will, intelligence, or creativity to come up with ways for using technology for good and not ill. "We don't require students to learn the moral dimensions of science and technology, and that has to change. I think we face similar challenges in robotics, artificial intelligence, and all kinds of frontier fields that have the potential to change not just individuals but the entirety of what it means to be a human being. "Science has this huge advantage over most professional thought in that it has a universal language. Scientists can hop from lab to lab internationally in a way that lawyers cannot because laws are written in many languages and don't translate easily. It takes a very long time for people to understand each other across these boundaries. A foundational concept for human dignity? It would not be the same thing between cultures. "I would like to see a 'global observatory' that goes beyond gene editing and addresses emerging technologies more broadly." Explore further Scientists think public opinion important before human gene editing More information: Technology and Public Purpose project, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Technology and Public Purpose project, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, www.belfercenter.org/tapp/person Concluding statement from the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing. www8.nationalacademies.org/onp x?RecordID=11282018b A global observatory for gene editing: Sheila Jasanoff and J. Benjamin Hurlbut call for an international network of scholars and organizations to support a new kind of conversation. www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-03270-w Building Capacity for a Global Genome Editing Observatory: Institutional Design. europepmc.org/abstract/MED/29891181 Glenn Cohen's blog: How Scott Gottlieb is Wrong on the Gene Edited Baby Debacle. blog.petrieflom.law.harvard.ed edited-baby-debacle/ Gene-Editing: Interpretation of Current Law and Legal Policy. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5651701/ Forum: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health event on the promises and challenges of gene editing, May 2017: theforum.sph.harvard.edu/events/gene-editing/ Petrie-Flom Center Annual Conference: Consuming Genetics: Ethical and Legal Considerations of New Technologies: petrieflom.law.harvard.edu/eve er-annual-conference This story is published courtesy of the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University's official newspaper. For additional university news, visit Harvard.edu. M. leprae, one of the causative agents of leprosy. Credit: Public Domain Dangerous infectious diseases such as AIDS/HIV, Zika, Ebola and influenza frequently make headlines, and it seems as if there is no end of media attention and research interest focused on them. Conversely, diseases like leishmaniasis, Chagas and rabies seem to receive relatively little attention and research activity in relation to their perceived disease burden, and have hence been considered by many to be "neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)." But is this perception accurate? In a fascinating analysis of 52 infectious diseases published recently in PNAS, Japanese researcher Yuki Furuse sought to answer this question and to rank these diseases with regard to their actual disease burden in relation to published research findings. Infectious diseases were responsible for 20% of deaths worldwide in 2016, as well as significant disability in the case of non-fatal diseasesblindness resulting from trachoma, for example. For this reason Furuse chose disease-adjusted life years (DALYs) as a measure of disease burden to represents both mortality and significant disability incurred by infectious disease. For an indicator of research intensity in a given region, the five countries with the highest number of medical research publications were considered representative of that region, and the first author of each study was used as a surrogate for determining nationality. Publications released between 2010 and 2017 from 45 countries in 10 regions were reviewed. By applying linear and logistic regression techniques to these data, Furuse was able to thus establish a burden-adjusted research intensity (BARI) index to more accurately assess disease burden in relation to research intensity at national, regional, and global levels. His analysis tracked BARIs from the 1990s through the present decade and highlighted diseases with extreme burden at either the high or low end of the research intensity scale. About these findings the author noted that "No clear universal feature determined the BARI for a disease. The reason for high or low BARI may be specific to each disease." Nevertheless, six general patterns emerged from an evaluation of the data: 1) BARI is high in most countries, e.g. AIDS/HIV; 2) BARI is moderate in most countries, e.g. chlamydia; 3) BARI is low in most countries, e.g. tetanus; 4) BARI varies depending on regional economic level, e.g. Campylobacter enteritis research intensity is high in high-income countries but not in low-income countries; 5) BARI is high in affected countries with considerable research also from non-affected countries, e.g. malaria; 6) BARI is low or middle with regard to affected countries with considerable research from non-affected countries, e.g. the NTD ascariasis. Interestingly, the study revealed that several so-called NTDsChagas, leishmaniasis, and leprosyactually had a high BARI. On the other hand, Furuse's research revealed that paratyphoid fever, a non-NTD with a low BARI, received scant attention from researchers. While HIV/AIDS research has actually decreased in intensity in recent years, it still scored exceptionally high even in relation to its already high disease burden. Tuberculosis also rated a high BARI. Influenza was identified as an infectious disease with a justifiably high global BARI for several reasons. Because the virus is rapidly evolving and new vaccines must be formulated every year, flu research is a perennial worldwide infectious disease priority. Recent pandemic outbreaks such as avian flu and swine flu, which are particularly concerning with regard to their pathogenicity, are also drivers for the continuous high level of research intensity for this disease state. Other headline-grabbing diseases such as Ebola and Zika have not yet caused significant DALYs, and thus were not included in the studyhowever, their virulence and pandemic potential already merit significant research interest. In discussing some of the weaknesses of his study, Furuse notes that, for diseases with an already high burden, his data don't specify how much compensatory research activity they should receive if they are lacking. Using DALYs as a statistical measure also has a downside in that it may misrepresent or underestimate the disease burden from some types of disease. For example, renal disease deaths brought on by schistosomiasis may be mistakenly misclassified as simply renal disease deaths. Furuse also acknowledged the potential for confusion inherent in using the first author's institutional affiliation as a surrogate for country of nationality. All things considered however, this study provides valuable insight into the relationship between a quantified burden for a number of infectious diseases and its corresponding research intensityor lack thereof. In closing, the author concludes "Despite its limitations, our study identified infectious diseases that have received research attention or have been neglected by researchers from one viewpoint. We hope these findings provide a basis for further discussions about the more appropriate allocation of research resources to infectious diseases." More information: Yuki Furuse. Analysis of research intensity on infectious disease by disease burden reveals which infectious diseases are neglected by researchers. PNAS. January 8, 2019 116 (2) 478-483; published ahead of print December 31, 2018 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Yuki Furuse. Analysis of research intensity on infectious disease by disease burden reveals which infectious diseases are neglected by researchers.. January 8, 2019 116 (2) 478-483; published ahead of print December 31, 2018 doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1814484116 2019 Science X Network '[A]. Mock-infected Vero E6 cells, 23 days post-seed. [B]. Vero E6 cells inoculated with plasma sample 1-1901. Infected cells develop dark, granulated cytoplasms with inclusion bodies, the cells enlarge, and dead cells detach from the growing surface.' Credit: Morris, et al. (2019) Madariaga virus (MADV), or South American eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), hasuntil now been found primarily in animals of South and Central America, with the first human outbreak occurring in Panama in 2010. Now, scientists writing in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases report the identification of MADV in eight children in Haiti in 2015 and 2016. Madariaga is a mosquito-borne disease transmitted to humans from animals including horses, mice, rats and bats. Little is known about its epidemiology or life cycle. While MADV can cause serious encephalitis, surveys in Panama after the 2010 outbreak found that between 2 to 5 percent of the population in the areas affected by MADV had evidence of prior infection, suggesting that mild or asymptomatic infections are common. Glenn Morris of the University of Florida and colleagues maintain a surveillance program at a school clinic in Haiti and, since 2014, have collected blood samples of children presenting to the clinic with acute febrile illness. In April 2015, one such samplecollected from an 8-year-old girl in the Gressier/Leogane region of Haititested positive for MADV. The virus was then cultured from an additional seven patients from the same cohort throughout 2016. Symptoms from the patients most closely resembled those seen in dengue fever infection, and no patients had encephalitis. All the strains isolated were very similar, and using available information on the genetic sequence of the MADV cultured from the patients, the team was able to hypothesize that the virus was introduced to Haiti from Panama sometime between October 2012 and January 2015. "Our data indicate that this virus, which has the potential for causing serious illness, has recently been introduced into Haiti, and raises the possibility that it might move into other parts of the Caribbean or North America," the researchers say. More information: Lednicky JA, White SK, Mavian CN, El Badry MA, Telisma T, et al. (2019) Emergence of Madariaga virus as a cause of acute febrile illness in children, Haiti, 2015-2016. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 13(1): e0006972. Journal information: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Lednicky JA, White SK, Mavian CN, El Badry MA, Telisma T, et al. (2019) Emergence of Madariaga virus as a cause of acute febrile illness in children, Haiti, 2015-2016.13(1): e0006972. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006972 (HealthDay)The rate at which middle-aged American women die from overdoses involving opioids and other drugs nearly quadrupled between 1999 and 2017, new government data shows. In 1999, about seven out of every 100,000 deaths among U.S. women aged 30 to 64 was caused by a drug overdose, but by 2017 that rate had risen to about 24 women per 100,000a 260 percent increase, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. At the same time, rates of fatal ODs from opioids, specifically, rose nearly sixfold for middle-aged women. The steepest increase was actually seen among older womenthose aged 55 to 64noted a team led by Karin Mack, of the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. In fact, the average age of death from overdose crept up by about three years over the course of the study period. In 1999, the average age of a fatal OD in middle-aged women was 43.5 years, but by 2017 it had risen to 46.3 years, Mack's team reported. The bottom line, the researchers said, is that "efforts are needed to reduce the number of deaths in this evolving epidemic among middle-aged women." One physician on the frontlines of the overdose crisis said multiple factors are contributing to these tragedies. "We know that prescription opioids are still the main driver of the current opioid epidemic, but it's important to understand the sharp rise of fentanyl-laced heroin responsible for increased numbers of deaths," said Dr. Robert Glatter. He's an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Fentanyl is an opioid that's thought to be 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. "Cheap, illicitly manufactured fentanyl from China and Southeast Asia is making its way onto the streets in the U.S.," Glatter explained. He said that while men tend to have higher rates of drug abuse than women, women can be especially vulnerable. "Women's substance use tends to progress more rapidly from first-time use until addiction develops," Glatter said. "Withdrawal can also be more intense for women, and they may also respond differently than men to specific medical treatments." The new CDC study relied on 1999-2017 data from the National Vital Statistics System. The data revealed that for women aged 30 to 64, deaths linked to "synthetic opioids"a class that includes fentanylrose about 17-fold during the study period. Steep increases were also seen for deaths involving heroin (a 10-fold rise), as well as those involving Valium, Xanax or other benzodiazepine drugs (a ninefold rise). Often, overdoses involved multiple drugs. Why are women in middle age being hit especially hard by the opioid abuse crisis? Addiction specialist Dr. Harshal Kirane had some theories. "Middle-aged women are often prevented from accessing care due to family responsibilities, child care considerations and financial disparities," said Kirane, who directs addiction services at Staten Island University Hospital in New York City. "Moreover, certain mental health issuessuch as anxiety and depressiontend to occur at higher rates in women, which create profound obstacles to engagement in care," he said. Glatter agreed. "People with untreated or undertreated depression or anxiety are at higher risk for substance abuse, with middle-aged women in this demographic at higher risk for opiate as well as benzodiazepine abuse," Glatter said. "Women who are victims of domestic violence are also at higher risk of substance abuse." All of this means that more outreach must be done to help women who are vulnerable to addiction. Kirane suggested that "we must expand the entire infrastructure for addiction care in our country, and address the comprehensive needs for women struggling with opioid-related issues." Crucial to these efforts are boosting women's access to education about overdose, allowing them easy access to the overdose antidote naloxone, and widening the availability of medication-assisted treatments aimed at weaning people off addictive drugs, Kirane said. The new report was published Jan. 11 in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Explore further More than two-thirds of drug OD deaths in 2017 involved opioids More information: Robert Glatter, M.D., emergency physician, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City; Harshal Kirane, M.D., director, addiction services, Staten Island University Hospital, New York City; Jan. 11, 2019, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Robert Glatter, M.D., emergency physician, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City; Harshal Kirane, M.D., director, addiction services, Staten Island University Hospital, New York City; Jan. 11, 2019, The American Academy of Family Physicians has more on opioid addiction. Journal information: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Copyright 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Foreign Minister Gyawali meets his Indian counterpart Swaraj in Delhi Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal Pradeep Gyawali held a meeting with his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj at the latters office in New Delhi on Thursday. Five years ago, Idaho launched its dual credit program for high school students, and it has been a resounding success. The idea behind the program is to give students a jump-start on their college education by enabling them to take college-level courses while still in high school, meaning they can earn college credit before they step on a college campus. Nearly half of the 2017 graduating class earned dual credits compared to just under a third of the 2014 graduating class. In fact, 121 graduates in the 2017 class earned enough credits to collect an associates degree along with their high school diploma. To understand the rapid growth of the dual credits earned, it helps to look at how the program has changed over the years and how it is benefiting students throughout our state. The first iteration was available only to high school students; however, it was up to students and their parents to pay the initial credit costs and receive reimbursement from the state after the course was completed. The phrases Happy Dance and State of the State dont often appear in the same sentence for Democratic legislators who are dedicated to empowering all Idahoans, bringing security to our families and cultivating a state where opportunity and good-paying jobs are the norm. Brad Little may have changed all of that if he can walk the walk. Throughout Governor Littles 30-minute State of the State address this week, we found ourselves sitting in a quasi-echo chamber. He talked about issues like full-day kindergarten, enhancing Idahos outdoor economy and bringing down healthcare costs. For the first time in a generation, we have an Idaho governor who is espousing Democratic values. The question is whether this is merely talk, or a real turning point in Idahos trajectory. For more years than we can remember, Idaho Democrats have championed measures that will raise wages in this state, attract new business and bring real prosperity to all Idahoans, regardless of what zip code they live in. For starters, we are Idahos Education Party. We know that if youre weak on education, youre weak on jobs, which means youre weak on opportunity and prosperity. We are hopeful that Governor Little, who used the word prosperity in his address, means it for everyone. We had it sold one other time and the economy kind of fell on us, Johnston said. I understand that there are several dairymen going into this. Dairyman Willie Bokma said the dairy industry is in dire need of more processing. Mikesell has previously declined requests from the Times-News for more information, saying more would be released after the zoning is approved. He did, however, assure homeowners that Gem State Dairy Products will work with the city to mitigate noise and odors from the factory. It would also work to make sure irrigation water can get to nearby farms. We do want to be good neighbors, Mikesell said. A couple of adjacent residential properties are under contract, he said. According to the Idaho Secretary of States Office, Hiram Finney is listed on the filing papers for Gem State Dairy Products LLC. He was previously registered with the company Rockin 31 Cattle LLC, which appears to be inactive. Planning and Zoning Director Jonathan Spendlove told commissioners that the manufacturer may not need to come back before the commission. However, the boards recommendation will go to the City Council for a final decision. Commissioner Ed Musser was not present at the meeting. GOODING Gooding-based North Canyon Medical Center plans to open a primary care and orthopedics clinic in northeast Twin Falls this spring. It will be North Canyons first offering in Twin Falls. Hospital officials are looking to move into an existing building which hasnt been finished out yet on Eastland Drive near The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple. The clinic will likely be up and running in April. In Twin Falls the regions population and health care hub St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center is the only hospital in town. North Canyon wants to provide residents with more health care options and is also eyeing future expansion in the Magic Valley. In conversations with Twin Falls residents, theyve expressed a desire for more health care options, said Tim Powers, chief executive officer for North Canyon Medical Center. It became pretty obvious to us that not only should we open a clinic in the Twin Falls market, but complement that with orthopedics as well. Its the first step of a broader initiative. North Canyon officials have meetings scheduled next week in Jerome about the possibility of opening a clinic there, too, Powers said. Plus, we will be evaluating other areas in the greater Twin Falls market. In 1811, Hunt and his group were the first known Euro-Americans to travel through what would become southern Idaho. Astors ownership of Ft. Astoria was short-lived. During the War of 1812, Astor sold the fort to the British-owned North West Co., and Ft. Astoria then became Ft. George. Donald Mackenzie, one of the explorers in the Hunt party, returned to Idaho in 1818 with a group of fur trappers that included three natives from Hawaii or Owyhee, the early phonetic spelling of Hawaii. The three Hawaiians left Mackenzies group during the winter of 1819-20 and disappeared into the mountains, never to be seen again. The fate of the men is not known, but many historians assume they were killed by Indians. The area where the Hawaiians disappeared became known as Owyhee. Mychel Matthews reports on rural issues for the Times-News. The Hidden History feature runs every Thursday in the Times-News and at Magicvalley.com. If you have a question about something that may have historical significance, email Matthews at mmatthews@magicvalley.com or call her at 208-735-3233. The new guidelines more clearly establish reporting procedures for pages, interns and other employees something the previous guidelines were lacking, said Rep. Sally Toone, a Democrat from Gooding who served on the Respectful Workplace committee. There was no set protocol on how to handle that, and in todays world it needs to be there, Toone told the Times-News. If the #MeToo movement caused that oversight to be rectified, so be it. It was something that just needed to catch up with the 21st century. Sen. Michelle Stennett of Ketchum, the Senate Democratic leader, was one of 14 female legislators who signed a letter requesting mandatory sexual harassment training in 2017. It seems like a chunk out of our time, but overall I think it is a small investment on how we have our relationships down the road, Stennett told the Times-News following the Respectful Workplace training session. I would love to think that wed wave a wand and everybody knows how to behave in the building. For the most part, we do a pretty spectacular job of it. But theres always going to be pitfalls. Stennett said that since the first training last year, she has been more aware of her own behavior, particularly when interacting with subordinate staffers. Idaho Gov. Brad Little looks at his wife Teresa in the balcony as he delivers his State of the State address inside the house chambers at the Eighteen-year-old Angie Dodge was raped and killed in her Idaho home a quarter-century ago and an innocent man wrongly served 20 years in prison for the crime. On Tuesday, the man authorities have said is the real killer was sentenced to life in prison. BOISE Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced Wednesday that the Idaho Department of Correction has appealed a U.S. District Court order requiring the state to provide gender reassignment surgery to an inmate. U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill on Dec. 13 gave IDOC six months to provide the surgery for Adree Edmo, 31, an inmate who was born male but identifies as a woman. The hard working taxpayers of Idaho should not be forced to pay for a prisoners gender reassignment surgery when individual insurance plans wont even cover it, Little said in a news release. We cannot divert critical public dollars away from our focus on keeping the public safe and rehabilitating offenders. If the procedure is performed, it would be the first time an inmate has undergone gender reassignment surgery while in the states custody. Edmo is incarcerated at Idaho State Correctional Center, a 2,166-bed mens prison south of Boise. Edmo is serving a sentence of three to 10 years for sexual abuse of a child under 16 in Bannock County. The sentence ends July 3, 2021. I just dont think that I could improve on what Ive already done, he said. Kramer has taken the election loss the best of any official Grant Loebs has known, the county prosecutor told a roomful of people on Wednesday. Being an elected official is a little bit weird, Loebs said. You always feel like youve got one foot on a sheet of ice. But Kramer stuck through to the very end, and even reached out to Reinke and invited him to meetings. The two of them sat there like they were best friends, Loebs said. Despite the emotional toll the loss took on Kramer, he chose to move on. Whenever the public says its time for you to retire, we need to do that with honor and dignity, Kramer said, and we need to transfer that enthusiasm to the other person. As each person spoke a few words, Kramer, in turn, spoke highly of him or her. Still, he agreed that hes leaving the county better than he found it. Career highlights Conservationists begin research on musk deer Conservationists have started their research on the endangered musk deervalued for its scent glands for medicinal purposeat Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) in northern Gorkha. In addition to the new lawsuit, liberal group One Wisconsin Institute is asking a federal judge to strike down provisions passed in the session that curtail the timeline for early voting. And Rep. Jimmy Anderson, D-Fitchburg, said he plans to formally ask Ozanne to argue that Assembly Republicans broke the state open meetings law by the manner in which they held the session. Anderson, who is paralyzed from the chest down and uses a wheelchair, contends he was illegally excluded from voting on the lame-duck bills because Assembly Republican leaders did not tell him in advance when the votes would be held. Anderson said he needs advance notice as an accommodation because of health and logistical issues related to his disability. He says the uncertainty about the timing of the votes forced him to leave the state Capitol before they were held, keeping him from participating. Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke, R-Kaukauna, said Thursday that while Anderson sent him one text message the night before the vote, he did not fully explain what accommodations he needed in order to vote. Steineke said if Anderson had done so, Assembly leaders would have found a way to ensure he participated. If we were made aware of this particular situation, we could have helped, Steineke said. Continuing an upward climb, the number of bald eagle nests in Wisconsin for 2018 set a record at 1,695 nests occupied by breeding adults, the state Department of Natural Resources said Tuesday. The number for last year beats out the previous high of 1,590 nests recorded for 2017. Thats a 6.6 percent increase in nests, the DNR said. For the first time in at least half a century, a nest was found in Walworth County, according to the DNR, making Milwaukee County the only one of the states 72 counties without a documented nest. The state first started keeping detailed records of bald eagle nests in 1974, when only 108 were documented, the DNR said. In 1997, the bald eagle was removed from Wisconsins endangered species list, and it was taken off the federal list in 2007. The most nests in 2018 were recorded in Vilas County, where 172 were found. Oneida County had the second most, with 154. Laura Jaskiewicz, a research scientist for the DNR, said there were 14 recorded nests in Dane County for 2018. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A robber who apparently knew what he was after stole a bag full of money from a South Side resident at her home Thursday morning. The masked gunman went to the residence on Waunona Woods Court at about 7:40 a.m., Madison police said. "The gunman told the woman 'You know what I am looking for,'" said police spokesman Joel DeSpain. The 33-year-old woman retrieved a bag of money and gave it to the robber, who fled the scene. "Detectives believe this was a targeted robbery," DeSpain said. The suspect is black, thin, hair in dreadlocks, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Shahzad also pleaded guilty to possession of contraband smokeless tobacco, untaxed chewing tobacco that Shahzad bought from distributors who were not licensed to distribute products in Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio Trillo said in court Thursday that he told Shahzad during plea negotiations that he would ask for a three-year prison sentence. A written plea agreement states that Shahzad agreed to waive his right to appeal his sentence if it is no longer than three years. Shahzad will be sentenced by Peterson on March 20. Under the plea agreement, the government and Shahzad will also ask at sentencing for a $1 million fine, just short of the $1.25 million maximum fine that Peterson could impose. Shahzad has also agreed to pay $650,000 to avoid the forfeiture of his store at 3505 E. Washington Ave. According to the governments factual basis: Two gas station clerks, unnamed in the document, would have testified that they sold synthetic cannabinoids at Capitol Petro, 3505 E. Washington Ave., from 2012 until Madison police executed search warrants at two Capitol Petro stores in 2015. Baraboo teachers Kari Nelson and Barry Flesch started by tacking posters to their classroom doors to show students they took their safety seriously and respected their diversity. The message was simple: No room for hate. This classroom. This school. This community. This state. This country. This world. After the posters spread at Baraboo High School, Nelson wanted the message to reach farther, bring in more people and make a financial impact for good. It starts here with us, Nelson said. We do what we can do to support all students in our room, and then we move that out into our hallways and our greater building and into our communities and so forth. Nelson, president of the Baraboo Education Association, and other members of the teachers union decided to sell T-shirts featuring the same message to raise money for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Poland as a response to the photo of BHS students that went viral in November. The image of about 50 boys, most with arms raised in an apparent Nazi salute, elicited blowback from across the world. One of the earliest criticisms came from the Auschwitz museum. Portage police cited a man for a first offense of operating a motor vehicle while drugged and failure to keep a vehicle under control Monday after the pickup truck he was driving hit two parked cars on the 1100 block of West Wisconsin Street. Dennis L. Hasenfuss, 75, of Portage, sustained minor injuries and was transported by EMS to Divine Savior, police said. The two vehicles parked outside the Cameron Heights apartments were unoccupied. No one else was hurt. In a police report, Officer Brian Loewenhagen said Hasenfuss showed signs of intoxication and was issued a citation for operating a motor vehicle while impaired first offense and did submit to an evidentiary blood test at Divine Savior Hospital. Hasenfuss told police he was given medication at a Madison hospital earlier in the day Monday before driving back to Portage that afternoon. Portage Police Chief Ken Manthey said Hasenfuss was released to a responsible person after he was discharged from the hospital. Because it was a first offense, the case is not filed as a criminal charge, Manthey said. The two citations will be handled by Portage City Attorney Jesse Spankowski in Municipal Court. Bangladesh lifts ban on Nepali yarn import via land port Bangladesh has decided to lift the ban on import of yarn from Nepal via the Banglabandha land port after nearly 17 years, following repeated requests from the land locked country. Wildlife killing contests exist because organizers reveal them only on a need-to-know basis. And with good reason. If the public were informed, there would be an outcry, says Treves. Its a violation of the public trust doctrine and probably leads to other illegal activities, like poaching wolves. Multiple studies also have linked violence toward animals with violence toward women and children. Wildlife-killing contests can be banned by the state Legislature, and Wisconsin residents opposed to the gratuitous killing should pressure Gov. Evers and their representatives in the Assembly and Senate to take that action, post haste. Notably, some hunting groups also oppose wildlife killing contests, fearful that the pointless bloodlust the competitions reveal will soil them as well. Its easy to see why. When the competitions conclude, when the carcasses have been counted and weighed, when the prizes have been awarded and celebratory inebriants consumed, you see the victims dragged across muddy fields and tossed to the ground, their twisted bodies oozing a deep red against a fresh-fallen snow. In time, the physical stain will wash away. But for a civilized society that values decency and compassion, the moral stain will remain for as long as recreational killing is allowed to continue. They called it the cheesehead revolution. In 2012, the future of conservatism seemed to be Wisconsin. Fresh from beating back a recall, Scott Walker was the toast of the Republican Party. Paul Ryan was the vice presidential candidate turning GOP ideas into budgets. Reince Priebus chaired the Republican National Committee. What Texas was to the Republican Party in the 1990s is what Wisconsin is becoming now, gushed a GOP spokesman. Six years on, the cheesehead revolution is well and truly over. Ryan announced plans to exit his position as speaker well before his party lost control of the House. Walker ran, but was capsized by the blue wave. Together, they have joined Priebus in private life. It is all too tempting to diagnose the end of the cheesehead revolution as a victim of Trumpism. It is also wrong. The reality is more interesting. Priebus, Walker and Ryan saw Trump for who he was, but embraced him regardless. They continue to do so. At the end of the day, there was perhaps more overlap between their views and Trump than any would care to admit. When it comes to where women won big in 2018, Michigan came out on top percentagewise women make up 36 percent of its newly elected state legislators. Not far behind is Illinois, at 32 percent. Iowa follows with 27 percent, while Minnesota and Wisconsin come in last at 24 and 23 percent, respectively. In Wisconsin, counting five state senators not up election in 2018, the total percentage of women serving in its Legislature in the 2019-2020 session is 27 percent. The national average of women in state legislatures is 28.6 percent, according to a count by the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers. To determine these numbers, WisContext collected data from the state agencies responsible for elections in all five states and tallied the women candidates. For this analysis, WisContext looked at women candidates running as Democrats or Republicans in state legislative races in 2018. This is not to say women didn't run as third party candidates many did. However, a closer look at Democratic and Republican candidates highlights the emerging partisan dynamics of women running for office. A partisan divergence Soglin, who has been mayor for 22 years, pointed to improvements in disparities since he was elected in 2011. On his campaign website, he refers to income disparity gaps closing and a reduction in juvenile arrests. The data that we now have that came out from the latest reports for 2017 show significant changes that unfortunately are not appreciated, Soglin said. That in turn undermines the progress that weve made, and it fails to recognize good solid programs and how effective they are. While appreciating the academic accuracy of the mayor, Shukla illustrated the lived experiences of community members. I look at this as a person of color. I look at is as a father of a child with a disability The urgency with which my daughter feels the threat of being ignored, the threat of being marginalized, the threat of actual abuse: It is real time. It is oppressive, Shukla said. Hart assured the audience he is serious about the race and advocated for changes to Madisons policing model. He also said the city needs to "admit it is racist" and be progressive instead of pretending it is. A Democratic lawmaker who is paralyzed from the chest down is alleging that Republican lawmakers broke the state's open meetings law last month by not letting him know when a vote would occur on a controversial set of bills passed in an extraordinary session. Rep. Jimmy Anderson, D-Fitchburg, said Wednesday that he will file a complaint with Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne requesting that Ozanne sue Assembly Republican leaders and seek to have the lame-duck laws voided. State law dictates that "no duly elected or appointed member of a governmental body may be excluded from any meeting of such body." Anderson and his family were hit in 2010 by a drunk driver in California. The crash left Anderson paralyzed from the chest down and killed his parents and younger brother. He uses a wheelchair, but said he is medically advised against spending too much time in it. In addition to the limit on how much time he can be away from home in his wheelchair, Anderson said, he has to coordinate his arrival and departure from the Capitol with home health aides who require advance notice of his schedule. "It's great to hear that Assembly Republicans have had a change of heart and now support so many of Governor Evers' good ideas that will protect healthcare for Wisconsinites, promote healthier communities, fully fund our schools, address our transportation crisis, and empower working families," said Evers spokeswoman Melissa Baldauff. "However, actions speak louder than words. We hope Speaker Vos and his caucus will work with the governor to make progress on these important priorities." Vos said Evers has agreed to meet with Assembly and Senate Republicans in a joint caucus meeting on Jan. 15. Although he said he doesn't want to draw lines in the sand heading into any policy discussions, Vos also made clear that there are some proposals the Republican Assembly majority will not approve, including any efforts to raise income taxes or accept the federal Medicaid expansion. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, has said he expects the Legislature will go it alone on crafting a state budget rather than working from what Evers proposes this spring. But Vos said his goal is to work with Evers on the spending plan. "Its not my first goal. My first goal would be lets do what weve done in the past which is to find areas of consensus and work together," Vos said. Facebook was defending itself yesterday against allegations that it allows illegal content in violation of Vietnams new cybersecurity law. The social media giant said it has restricted illegal content and is in discussions with the government. We have a clear process for governments to report illegal content to us, and we review all those requests against our terms of service and local law, the company said in a statement. We are transparent about the content restrictions we make in accordance with local law in our Transparency Report, it said. The comments were in response to Vietnamese state media reports that the Ministry of Information and Communication had complained Facebook was allowing users to upload slanderous content and anti-government comments, among other alleged violations of a cybersecurity law that took effect Jan. 1. The law requires service providers such as Google and Facebook operating in Communist-ruled Vietnam to store user data locally, open local offices and remove offending content within 24 hours if requested by the authorities. Facebook has found itself caught between such local requirements in countries like China and Vietnam that restrict political dissent and its identity as a U.S. company that says it strives to give free expression maximum possible range. The companys Transparency Report shows the number of items of restricted illegal content skyrocketed in the second half of last year over the previous six months. It said that included items related to illegal sales of wildlife and other products, cases of impersonation of a user to spread false information and alleged defamation of some products and people. AP King Hussein of Jordan has made his first public visit to Israels largest city, Tel Aviv, in the latest indication of the new warmth between the two countries. The King, an experienced pilot, flew a Jordanian army helicopter to the Sde Dov air base near Tel Aviv, where he was met by Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres. At a ceremony to honour the chief negotiators who brokered the 1994 Israeli-Jordanian peace talks, Mr Peres said: We still face all kinds of challenges: the greatest of them is not to let the galloping prospect of peace pass us by. I would like to say how happy we are to have the opportunity to be with our friends, our partners in building and laying the foundations for a comprehensive peace in this region, replied the King. Israel and Jordan ended 46 years of war with a peace treaty in 1994 backed by US President Bill Clinton. The deal drew condemnation from Jordanian Palestinians, who make up 60% of the population. PLO officials were critical of todays visit by the King, saying he should first have visited lands under Palestinian rule. There was extremely tight security as King Husseins motorcade made its way through Tel Aviv. A quarter of Israeli police 6,000 officers were deployed to protect him, and central Tel Aviv was paralysed as police closed off roads and diverted traffic. Thousands of Israelis turned out to watch him go by, giving him an enthusiastic welcome with Jordanian flags and banners greeting the King in Arabic. King Hussein did hold talks with Mr Peres, but diplomats stressed the main purpose of the visit was symbolic rather than political. Later, he flew to Beit Gavriel on the shore of the Sea of Galilee for talks with Mr Peres and US Secretary of State Warren Christopher, whose shuttle diplomacy in the region continues tomorrow with a visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus. Jordan has been largely diplomatically isolated since taking a neutral stand in the Gulf War of 1991. However, the peace agreement with Israel and King Husseins increasing opposition to the Iraqi leader, Saddam Hussein, have brought the country back into the international fold. Courtesy BBC News In context Shimon Peres lost the 1996 Israeli elections to Binyamin Netanyahu, who campaigned against the Rabin-Peres peace programme. The Israel-Jordan peace treaty of 1994 continues to hold fast, however, despite its continuing unpopularity with many in the region. In September 2002, Jordan and Israel agreed on a plan to pipe water from the Red Sea to the shrinking Dead Sea that straddles the two countries. The project, costing $800m, was the two nations biggest joint venture to date. And 18 months later, in March 2004, the two nations agreed a joint project to build a desert science centre on their shared border. King Hussein of Jordan died of cancer in 1999. Taiwans military yesterday announced a series of newly designed large-scale military drills for this year aimed at countering Chinas renewed threat to use force to gain control over the island. While Taiwans armed forces regularly hold such exercises, this years drills are being drafted based on newly adopted tactics for defending against a possible Chinese invasion, the official Central News Agency quoted Defense Ministry planning chief Maj. Gen. Yeh Kuo-hui as saying. China claims sovereignty over the self-governing island democracy, which split from the mainland amid civil war in 1949. Chinese President Xi Jinping renewed the threat of force in his Jan. 2 message to the island, saying China reserved that right if necessary to counter interference by external forces and what he called an extremely small number of Taiwanese separatists. Although Xi didnt mention the U.S. by name, Washington is a key supplier of weaponry to the island and is legally bound to respond to threats against Taiwan. With its 3 million-member armed forces and the worlds second largest defense budget of $173 billion, China has the overwhelming military edge over Taiwan. Xi has been ratcheting up the military threat to put pressure on independence-leaning Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. Tsai responded to Xis speech by rejecting demands for unification between the sides, saying, China must face the fact of the existence of Taiwan. Taiwan wields a much smaller by technologically sophisticated force that would be relied on to hold off a Chinese assault until outside help arrives. In recent years, Taiwans strategy has evolved from defeating a Chinese landing force to repelling an invasion on sea and in the air. AP A South Korean court said yesterday it has ordered the seizure of local assets of a Japanese company after it refused to compensate several wartime forced laborers, in an escalation of a diplomatic brawl between the Asian neighbors. Japan called the decision extremely regrettable and said it will push for talks with Seoul on the issue. In a landmark ruling in October, South Koreas Supreme Court ordered Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. to pay 100 million won (USD88,000) each to four plaintiffs forced to work for the company when Japan colonized the Korean Peninsula in 1910-45. But the company refused to follow that ruling, siding with Japans long-held positon that all colonial-era compensation issues were settled by a 1965 treaty that restored diplomatic relations between the two governments. Japanese officials said they could take the issue to the International Court of Justice. Yesterday, the Daegu District Courts branch office in the southeastern city of Pohang said it issued the seizure order for some Korean assets of the Japanese company in early January after lawyers for the plaintiffs filed a request to do so. The Japanese company holds 2.34 million shares, or around $9.7 million, in a joint venture in Pohang with South Korean steelmaker POSCO. The asset freeze became officially effective later yesterday after a court document was delivered to the joint venture, said Kim Se Eun, one of the lawyers for the plaintiffs. She said an additional legal step is required to sell 81,075 of the 2.34 million shares that the district court ordered to be frozen. She declined to say when that step might be taken. Only one of the four plaintiffs, a 94-year-old man, is still alive and bereaved family members represent the other three. The 81,075 shares were frozen for two of the four plaintiffs, including the sole survivor. Lawyers plan to request the district court to order the freeze of a similar number of shares for the two other plaintiffs, Kim said. In Tokyo, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Japan has grave concern over the development. Suga was expected to hold a meeting of top officials to discuss how to respond. Seouls Foreign Ministry said it has no immediate comment on Sugas statement. The asset freeze is likely to further chill diplomatic ties between South Korea and Japan, which are both key U.S. allies in the region. The October ruling was the first of its kind, and in November South Koreas Supreme Court ordered a second Japanese company, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, to compensate 10 former Korean workers, drawing strong criticism from Japan. When South Korea and Japan signed the 1965 treaty, South Korea received more than $800 million in economic aid and loans from Japan and used the money to rebuild its infrastructure and economy devastated by the 1950-53 Korean War. In its October and November verdicts, the South Korean Supreme Court said the 1965 treaty cannot prevent individuals from seeking compensation for forced labor because Japanese companies use of such laborers was an illegal act against humanity that was linked to Tokyos colonial rule and its war of aggression. Many South Koreans still harbor strong resentment of Japanese colonial rule, when hundreds of thousands of Koreans were mobilized as forced laborers for Japanese companies or sex slaves at Tokyos wartime brothels. Hyung-Jin Kim, Seoul, AP Prithvi Man Shrestha is a political reporter for The Kathmandu Post, covering the governance-related issues including corruption and irregularities in the government machinery. Before joining The Kathmandu Post in 2009, he worked at nepalnews.com and Rising Nepal primarily covering the issues of political and economic affairs for three years. The Transportation Infrastructure Office (GIT) issued a statement on Tuesday announcing that the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) will open in the second half of 2019. The GIT also clarified that the government has not yet made a final decision regarding the LRT fare, as it is currently conducting studies. Moreover, the GIT announced that the LRT Barra section and its affiliated transportation hub is expected to be completed in 2024, and thus the Taipa and Barra sections will be connected. In the first quarter of 2019, the government expects to launch a public tender for the LRT Seac Pai Van line, as reported by the GIT. On Tuesday, GIT representatives had a meeting with the island advisory council. During the meeting, according to the council members, a GIT representative revealed that LRT operation hours are planned to be between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m. In total, there will be 11 stations and 55 cars, with each car able to transport a maximum of 100 people. Furthermore, as reported by the council members, the company responsible for the operations, run by Hong Kongs MTR corporation, has more than 300 employees, more than 200 of whom are Macau locals. Yesterday, the third Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly (AL) met with government representatives, including the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raimundo do Rosario, to discuss the LRT system law. On the sidelines of the meeting, Raimundo do Rosario clarified that the government has not yet decided upon the LRT Taipa sections operation hours and fares. Raimundo further noted that the citys law clearly states that public transportation fares should be decided upon by the government. In addition to the abovementioned matters, the government is also open to granting LRT supervisors a certain amount of power while they execute their duties. The government will disclose more information about this matter to the lawmakers during their next meeting. The government will also conduct research on the electronic payment of LRT tickets. JZ A special train believed to be carrying Kim Jong Un departed Beijing yesterday after a two-day visit by the North Korean leader to the Chinese capital. Kim could not be seen, but he was presumed to be on board the long train as it crossed on elevated tracks over a busy Beijing street and headed toward eastern China and the border with North Korea. Kims trip to China his fourth in the past 10 months is believed to be an effort to coordinate with his only major ally ahead of a possible second summit with President Donald Trump. It comes after U.S. and North Korean officials are thought to have met in Vietnam to discuss the site of the summit. Details of his visit have not been released, but Kim reportedly met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Earlier yesterday, Kims motorcade headed out to an unannounced destination and returned about an hour later. South Koreas Yonhap News Agency said Kim visited a technology development zone and spent around 20-30 minutes touring a factory run by famed traditional Chinese medicine maker Tong Ren Tang. North Korean and Chinese state media announced his visit shortly in advance of his arrival in Beijing, in a break with standard protocol dictating such trips are only confirmed after they happen. However, neither side has provided details of what he has done since arriving aboard his personal armored train on Tuesday morning. Yonhap said Kim met with Xi for about an hour on Tuesday and later attended a dinner at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing hosted by Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan. Kim was accompanied by his wife, Ri Sol Ju, the news agency said. At Tuesdays daily Foreign Ministry briefing, spokesman Lu Kang said details of Kims visit would be released in due course. He said Beijing remains supportive of efforts to end tensions over U.S. demands for a halt to North Koreas nuclear and missile programs. We always believe that, as key parties to the Korean Peninsula issue, its important for the two sides to maintain contact and we always support their dialogue to achieve positive outcomes, Lu said. Tuesday was Kims birthday. His visit is also seen as part of an effort to win Chinese support for a reduction of U.N. sanctions imposed over his nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, which have severely impacted his countrys already ailing economy. While North Korea hasnt conducted any launches or detonations in more than a year, its displayed no real intention of abandoning the programs that are seen as guaranteeing the hard-line communist regimes survival. Kims visit also came after he expressed frustration in his annual New Years address over the lack of progress in negotiations with Washington since the Singapore summit with Trump in June, saying that if things dont improve meaning that if sanctions relief and security guarantees arent in the offing Pyongyang might have to find a new way forward. While Trump says he considers Xi key to enticing Kim into taking concrete steps toward denuclearization, the presidents own relationship with his Chinese counterpart has frayed over the U.S.-China trade war. Officially, at least, China says it considers the tariff battle and North Koreas weapons programs to be entirely separate. AP The appeal by the lawyers of Carlos Ghosn, Nissans former chairman, against his prolonged detention since his arrest Nov. 19 was rejected yesterday by the Tokyo District Court. Ghosns lawyers filed the appeal a day earlier. Ghosns detention on suspicion of breach of trust had been approved through Friday. It is unclear what the prosecutors might do next. They can tag on additional allegations and rearrest a suspect or might decide to file formal charges on the breach of trust allegations. The lawyers and Ghosn argued in court Tuesday against the detention. In his first public appearance since his arrest, Ghosn vigorously asserted his innocence and defended himself against each allegation. The judge rejected the arguments, reiterating concerns Ghosn might flee Japan or tamper with evidence. Denial of bail for months is common in Japans criminal system and is often criticized as hostage justice. Legal experts say that, once suspects are charged, they can be held until their trials start so that evidence and witnesses can be decided upon and registered with a court, while they are still detained. Ghosn, who led Nissan Moror Co. for two decades, is charged with falsifying financial reports in underreporting his income by about 5 billion yen ($44 million) over five years through 2015. No trial date has been set. Trial preparation can take months. The breach of trust allegations center around having Nissan shoulder Ghosns personal investment losses in foreign exchange transactions, and payments of money from Nissan to a Saudi businessman. Ghosn and his lawyers say there was a prior agreement Nissan would not suffer any losses on the collateral deal, and legitimate payments went to the businessman for his services to help with Nissans dealer problems and investments in the Gulf. Ghosn has been held at the Tokyo Detention Center, although he has been transferred to a bigger room with a bed. Until his sudden downfall, Ghosn was a respected figure in the global auto industry. He was credited with rescuing Nissan from near-bankruptcy, reviving the Japanese automaker, allied with Renault SA of France, into one of the worlds most successful auto groups. AP Irans supreme leader yesterday called U.S. officials first-class idiots, mocking American leaders as U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo toured the Mideast to promote the White Houses tough stance on Iran. Ayatollah Ali Khameneis comments were unusually harsh, reflecting the broader tension between Iran and the United States after President Donald Trump withdrew America from Tehrans nuclear deal with world powers. Khamenei, speaking to a group from Irans religious capital of Qom, made the remark while recounting a story about a U.S. official once predicting hed celebrate Christmas in Iran. Some U.S. officials pretend that they are mad, Khamenei said. Of course I dont agree with that, but they are first-class idiots. The supreme leader did not name the official. However, U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton told a meeting of the Iranian exile group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq last March that before 2019, we here [] will celebrate in Iran. Trumps personal lawyer, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, has made similar comments before the MEK over the years. Irans supreme leader, viewed by Shiite hard- liners as second only to God, typically doesnt make such forceful remarks. However, Trumps decision last year to withdraw from the nuclear deal has seen the 79-year- old cleric grow increasingly critical. In 2017, Khamenei dismissed remarks by Trump calling Iran a terrorist nation as idiotic. Last May, after Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal which saw Iran limit its uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions, Khamenei told Trump in a speech: You cannot do a damn thing! The body of this man, Trump, will turn to ashes and become the food of the worms and ants, while the Islamic Republic continues to stand, Khamenei said at the time. Khameneis comments yesterday came as Pompeo visited Iraq. On Tuesday, the U.S. top diplomat threatened that America would double down on commercial and diplomatic efforts in the coming weeks to put real pressure on Iran. Khameneis remarks to Qom residents were meant to mark the anniversary of religious riots in 1978 that challenged Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. They would spiral into the nationwide demonstration that saw the shah leave Iran and give rise to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iranians will commemorate the revolutions 40th anniversary in February. Nasser Karimi, Tehran, AP The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) believes that more non-local companies will seek to film in Macau in 2019. On the sidelines of yesterdays Greater Bay Area Film Industry Forum, IC director Mok Ian Ian said she believes that due to the 20th anniversary of the Macau handover this year, there will be more television and film products about Macau, and in view of this, Mok believes that there will be more non-local film industry groups applying to shoot in the city in 2019. Macau mascot hoped to be as influential as Japanese The Macau tourism authority is considering inviting local designers to explore products based on the Macau mascot, the black-faced spoonbill Mak Mak. Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director, Helena de Senna Fernandes, said she hopes local designers and recreational companies can develop a series of souvenirs based on Mak Mak. She also hopes that these products can reach an eventual outcome similar to that of Japanese mascot Kumamon. 50m mainland border crossings made by local residents In 2018, a total of 50.31 million visitor arrivals in mainland China were the result of Macau residents, according to the latest statistics released by the National Immigration Administration. A total of 650 million crossings were recorded across all of mainland Chinas borders, representing an increase of 9.9 percent year-on-year. Nearly 140 million people crossed the Zhuhai Gongbei border checkpoint. There were 3.3 million crossings recorded across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Zhuhai checkpoint. Entrepreneurship competition open for applications The Bank of China Trophy One Million Dollar Macao Regional Entrepreneurship Competition, hosted by the University of Macau, is now open for applications. All students currently studying at higher education institutions in Macau and residents studying at overseas tertiary institutions are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is Feb. 13. The cash prize for the Macau regional competition is MOP120,000. The top three winners of the regional competition will advance to the grand final stage to compete for a cash prize of RMB1 million and an opportunity to win funding in excess of RMB50 million. Hong Kong, Japan set to enhance arbitration cooperation The Hong Kong Department of Justice and the Ministry of Justice of Japan yesterday signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen Hong Kong-Japan collaboration on international arbitration and mediation. The agreement was signed by Hong Kongs Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng and Japanese Minister of Justice Takashi Yamashita. It provides a framework for the two sides to strengthen communication, collaboration and cooperation on issues relating to international arbitration and mediation and to facilitate the development of services for international arbitration and mediation in the two places, the HKSAR governments Department of Justice said. China is allowing more than 2,000 ethnic Kazakhs to abandon their Chinese citizenship and leave the country, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry said, in a sign that Beijing may be starting to feel a mounting backlash against its sweeping crackdown on Muslims in the far west region of Xinjiang. The detention of Uighur, Kazakh and other ethnic minorities in internment camps has been a touchy issue in neighboring Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country of 18 million people. China is a major trading partner, and Kazakhstans state-restricted media had generally avoided reporting on it. But activists say pressure for action has slowly built, following an Associated Press story on the camps in May and other international media coverage. The Foreign Ministry press office, in an email response, confirmed Kazakh media reports in December that China has agreed to let 2,000-plus ethnic Kazakhs leave. It did not say who could leave or why. They will be allowed to apply for Kazakh citizenship or permanent residency after their arrival in Kazakhstan, the email said. The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Chinese authorities in Xinjiang have launched a massive surveillance and detention campaign that has swept hundreds of thousands and possibly more than a million people into internment camps. Former detainees have said they were forced to renounce their culture and faith and subjected to political indoctrination. The detentions have sent a chill over a tight-knit community of Chinese-born Kazakhs living in Kazakhstan. Many had left China to pursue business opportunities in trade or educate their children in Kazakh schools as restrictions tightened in Xinjiang. Hundreds lost contact with relatives in Xinjiang, and many began writing letters and attending press conferences, hoping that greater publicity would help bring their loved ones home. Serikzhan Bilash, head of the advocacy group Atajurt, senses a subtle shift in the Kazakh governments position. He said he was warned by officials to halt his activities four times this summer but the warnings have stopped. Last month, he was invited onto a popular Kazakh talk show for an hour, indicating growing tolerance of his work publicizing the plight of detained Kazakhs. I said that Chinese officials are dangerous for Central Asia, for Kazakhstan, Bilash said. Theyre starting to accept my opinion now. Though theyve avoided criticizing China, Kazakh diplomats have worked to secure the release of their own citizens in Xinjiang. Foreign Ministry officials said in November that China had detained 29 Kazakh citizens, and 15 had since been released and allowed to return to Kazakhstan. Gene Bunin, an activist who has collected about 2,000 testimonies from relatives of detainees in Xinjiang, estimates that about 20 people, possibly more, were allowed to return to Kazakhstan last year. Bunin has tracked another 70 or so who have been released from camps but confined to their home villages and prevented from leaving the country. Theyve been getting released since September, said Bunin, who lived in Xinjiang until last year. I suspect its sort of an appeasement thing going on, where theyre trying to satisfy the relatives, to defuse tensions. Those allowed to return so far have been largely Kazakh citizens or those with spouses or children born in Kazakhstan. One 23-year-old Kazakh citizen, who asked to be identified by her nickname Guli to protect her family from retribution, was able to return from Xinjiang in July after being separated from her husband and two children for more than two years. She said she broke down in tears after a Kazakh official called to say she might be able to return. I thought Id never be able to go back to Kazakhstan again, that I wouldnt able to see my kids again, she said. I had lost all hope. In recent months, Chinese-born Kazakhs in Kazakhstan have started to hear that their relatives in Xinjiang were being released from the camps. Their joy has turned to anxiety as most of the relatives remain in Xinjiang under unclear circumstances, unable to leave for Kazakhstan. I want to find a way to bring my entire family over to Kazakhstan, said Adilgazy Yergazy, who heard one of his younger brothers had been released on Dec. 24 but hasnt been able to leave China. Theyre all very scared. Dake Kang, Almaty, AP Several foreign diplomatic missions were evacuated in the Australian cities of Melbourne and Canberra yesterday after they received packages containing suspicious substances. Police, fire crews and ambulances were seen at a number of foreign consulates in Melbourne, including those of India, Germany, Italy, Spain and South Korea. Officials at the U.S. and Swiss missions in the city said they had also received packages. The Vic Emergency website, the collective body of emergency agencies in Victoria state, of which Melbourne is the capital, noted at least 10 hazardous material incidents in the city, though by yesterday night none of those incidents was listed as ongoing. There were no reports of anyone being injured at the targeted missions in both cities. Victoria Police said they believed the incidents were targeted and did not impact the general community. Australian Federal Police said in a statement that the circumstances surrounding these incidents are being investigated. The Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported that a worker from the New Zealand consulate in Melbourne had said the packages in question were envelopes labelled asbestos. Inside were plastic sandwich bags containing a fibrous material. The ABC reported suspicious packages were also found at the Melbourne diplomatic offices of Pakistan and possibly those of Greece, France and Hong Kong. It said the Israeli Embassy in Canberra also received a suspicious package. It was not immediately clear which other countries diplomatic missions in the national capital were affected, if any. Two firetrucks, a hazardous materials vehicle and police cars were seen at Indias consulate in Melbourne, where staff members had been evacuated, some wearing protective masks. Staff were later allowed to re-enter the building, which was deemed safe by Vic Emergency. The incidents come after Sydneys Argentinian consulate was partially evacuated on Monday after reports of a suspicious substance. The powder, contained in clear plastic bags within an envelope, was subsequently deemed not dangerous. AP EDWARDSVILLE The former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Illinois has been arrested and charged with his second DUI in less than two years. Edwardsville police stopped Stephen Wigginton, 55, at about 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve in the 1000 block of Plummer Drive on suspicion of driving under the influence and improper lane usage, and cited him on those two charges, according to Chief Jay Keeven. Keeven would not release any additional details. Madison County Prosecutor Tom Gibbons will refer the case to a special prosecutor because Wigginton worked in that office part-time before becoming a U.S. attorney, according to a spokesperson for the office. He served as U.S. attorney from 2010 to 2015. In May 2017, Wigginton crashed his Cadillac in Troy, Ill., and was charged with DUI, leaving the scene of a crash, failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash and improper lighting. Florida Georgia Line is set for Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre with a show on Aug. 8. The country act is hitting the road as part of its Cant Say I Aint Country tour, and broke the news on billboard.com. The Cant Say I Aint Country album will be released Feb. 15. The tour begins June 13 in Arkansas and includes Dan + Shay and Morgan Wallen. The duos Brian Kelley said in statement: Were ready to party even bigger in 2019. Lots of pyro, energy, and good vibes, with a few surprises up our sleeves. And were so glad to be bringing our buddies along for the ride. Ticket information for the show is not yet available. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Virginia "Sue" Robinson of Cullman Alabama passed away June 10, 2021 at the age of 82. She was born January 14, 1939 in Cullman to E.R. and Gracie Nix Neal. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Elwin Ray Robinson, daughter Sharron Fuller, sisters Evelyn Hardin and Norma Bradford Andritz to install penstock pipes at Upper Tamakoshi Texamo Railway Engineering, the Indian contractor for the hydro-mechanical portion of the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project, has subcontracted a crucial part of its job to Austrian firm Andritz Hydro so that the much delayed project can be completed within the revised deadline of November 2019. 150 Nepali workers jobless, unpaid for seven months in Abu Dhabi One-hundred and fifty Nepali migrant workers in United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi are left in lurch after they were laid off seven months ago. The company that goes by the name Al Wasita Emirates for Services & Catering said it was unable to allot job and pay the due salary to the workers citing that it failed to get new contracts for work. The company employed some 1,000 workers from Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Lewiston, ID (83501) Today Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 73F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a campaign to better protect trade secrets from foreign hackers. The Washington-based National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) works with the U.S. government on intelligence issues. It helped launch the campaign. The NCSC is concerned about cyberattacks on U.S. government agencies and private companies carried out by China, Russia, North Korea and Iran. William Evanina is director of the NCSC. He said business leaders should know about the intent of our adversaries and what they are trying to do economically to gain the upper hand. The new campaign uses videos, printed materials and online information to describe the threat of cyber spying and methods used by foreign intelligence services. One of the printed materials describes methods that hackers use to break into computer networks. It details how they create false social media accounts to trick people into giving out information about themselves and their work. It says that researching software and using anti-virus software can help protect personal information. The first part of the campaign is called Know the Risk, Raise Your Shield. It is aimed at federal workers. The U.S. government has brought nine cases against individuals and companies since July 2018. In December, the government brought charges against two suspected hackers for stealing sensitive government and business information. The two people reportedly belonged to a group of hackers known as APT 10. Evanina said the campaign centers on what he called Russias aggressive, persistent attacks. These attacks, he said, target computer networks of American power systems, communications, transportation and financial systems. Russia and China have both repeatedly denied they have been carrying out such cyberattacks. Evanina said the most serious threats, however, are malicious software put in computer parts. He also said companies must take greater care to investigate job candidates to ensure they are not acting for foreign powers. Im Mario Ritter Jr. Mario Ritter Jr. adapted this Reuters story for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson 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 hacker n. a person who secretly gets access to a computer system to get information or cause damage cyberattacks n. an attempt to illegally enter a computer system with the purpose of causing damage or harm intent n. an aim or purpose adversaries n. an enemy or opponent brochure n. a small, printed booklet with information and pictures persistent adj. continuing to do or try to do something malicious adj. showing the desire to cause harm Rising rates of depression among American teenagers and young adults have led to a major question: Could the same devices being blamed for causing depression be used to find it? Studies have linked heavy smartphone use with worsening teen mental health. But as teens spend time on sites like Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube, they also leave digital paths that may offer signs about their mental wellbeing. Experts say possible warning signs include changes in writing speed, voice quality, word choice and how often a child stays home from school. There are more than 1,000 smartphone biomarkers, said Dr. Thomas Insel. He is former head of the National Institute of Mental Health. He has become a leader in the smartphone psychiatry movement. Researchers are testing smartphone apps that use artificial intelligence, or AI, to predict depression and possible self-harm. But there are still issues to address, including privacy issues and making sure children give permission to be closely followed. Still, app developers say that effective, widely available depression-detecting apps may arrive soon. Using smartphones as mental health detectors would require permission from users to download an app. They could take back their permission at any time. Nick Allen is a psychologist at the University of Oregon. He is one of the creators of an app being tested on young people who have attempted suicide. Allen says the biggest barrier right now is learning what the mental health crisis signals are among all of the information available on peoples phones. Suicide rates have risen in recent years in the United States. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 34. By 2015, rates among teen girls rose to 5 suicides in every 100,000 people. And, for boys, it is 14 in every 100,000. A recent study suggested a rise in smartphone use has probably worsened the crisis. People with mental illness, Insel said, usually get treatment when theyre in crisis and very late... We want to have a method to identify the earliest signs. If smartphones can become effective predictors, app developers say the goal might be to offer automated text messages and links to assistance, or digital messages to parents, doctors and first responders. Facebook is already doing what it calls proactive detection. Last year, after a suicide was broadcast on Facebook Live, the company trained its AI systems to look for words in online posts that could predict possible self-harm. Friends comments expressing concern about the users wellbeing are part of that detection system. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced in November that the site has helped first responders quickly reach around 3,500 people in the past year. But the company did not offer details on what has happened to those people since the incidents. Ongoing research on the issue includes a Stanford University study of about 200 teens. Many of the teens are at risk for depression because of bullying, family issues or other problems. Teens who have been studied since grade school get an experimental phone app that asks them questions about their mood three times a day for two weeks. Laurel Foster, who is 15, is one of the teens from the study. She admits she feels stress over school and teen friendship pressures. She says depression is common at her San Francisco high school. She said using the smartphone app felt a little like being spied on. But, she added that so many websites are already following users behaviors. At the University of California, Los Angeles, researchers are offering online counseling and an experimental phone app to students who show signs of at least minor depression on a test. It is part of a larger effort launched in 2017 by the university to battle depression in its students. About 250 UCLA students agreed to use the app during their first year. Alyssa Lizarraga, who is 19, is among those being studied. She has had depression since high school. Lizarraga has worried about her heavy use of smartphones and social media. She said comparing herself with others online sometimes causes her sadness. But she believes using smartphones to identify mental health problems might help push people to seek early treatment. At the University of Illinois Chicago campus, researchers are using crowdsourcing to test their experimental phone app. Anyone can download the free app, and nearly 2,000 have so far. All agreed to let the researchers follow things such as their typing behaviors. Dr. Alex Leow, a professor of psychiatry and bioengineering at the university, helped develop the app. The study is for people 18 and up, but Leow said it could also be used for children if successful. Along with studies at universities, technology companies such as Mindstrong and Verily -- the tech health division of Google -- are testing their own experimental apps. Im Bryan Lynn. And Im Alice Bryant. Lindsey Tanner reported this story for the Associated Press. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Quiz - Phone Apps May Soon Predict Teen Depression Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story teenager n. someone who is between 13 and 19 years old app n. a smartphone program that performs a special function artificial intelligence n. the power of a machine to copy intelligent human behavior automated adj. operated by machines or computers instead of people bullying n. the act of frightening, hurting or threatening a smaller or weaker person mood n. a persons emotional state stress n. a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work or something else crowdsourcing n. the practice of getting input into a task or project by enlisting the help of many people, usually via the Internet typing n. to write with a computer keyboard or typewriter Parts of the south in the United States are known for a kind of country music called bluegrass. And there is one instrument that is an important part of the bluegrass sound. The banjo is a truly American instrument. It was brought to the United States by African slaves and then was adopted by people of the south to create their country music. "Really, the banjo is the American instrument and it was made by both black and white cultures [that] came together to produce this instrument." That is Christian Stanfield. He and his teacher, Tom George, have made the complex art of banjo making their lifetime project. It began decades ago when Stanfield moved from Washington, D.C. to Memphis, Tennessee. He went to a dance party that featured folk music and the banjo. He says as soon as he heard the banjo, he fell in love. He borrowed one from a banjo player and got some good advice on where to buy one. "I fell in love with the banjo, I really wanted to learn that new instrument. So I borrowed a banjo from him for two or three months and when I was ready to get a banjo of my own, he recommended Tommy to me. He said, you know, don't buy a banjo on the Internet or in the store. There's a guy in Fayette County, [Tennessee] who builds them!" That man was Tom George -- one of the best-known banjo makers in the U.S. "I just like to make things -- woodwork and banjos, furniture whatever!" Tom George knows a true banjo-lover when he sees one. So, when Stanfield asked to become his student, George quickly agreed. He taught Stanfield his banjo-making secrets after dinner, of course! "I would come over and his wife would cook dinner. And we would eat dinner and then we would go out in the shop and work for a couple of hours. And in three months I had a banjo that I had made myself." Tom George, however, did not have a teacher. He taught himself how to build banjos. "I wanted a banjo when I was a teenager, so I mowed yards around my neighborhood to raise money and I bought a banjo. The one that I bought, which wasn't very good, and I said maybe I can improve it, so I started trying to improve that one " Today, George and Stanfield have a banjo-making workshop, an hour's drive from Memphis, Tennessee. Visitors can tour their shop and see the hundreds of small parts that all come together to make the finished banjo. The two men make everything by hand. So, it is not surprising that it takes around 4 to 6 months to make one banjo. The banjo has two distinct parts: the round part and the straight part. "There are two distinct parts. There's the round part and you have the straight part. And they're made separately." The round part -- the body of the banjo -- is made of wood bent around a form to give the instrument its round shape. Stanfield explains that part of the process. "I will re-saw it into smaller pieces like this. And I'll put it in a steam box and the steam will make it very soft. And then I will put it in this form and it will actually be able to bend without breaking, it'll bend around this After the banjo is finished, Tom George carefully wipes it clean. It is ready to be played. And then the team can do the other thing they love to do -- play the banjo. Im Anna Matteo. Lesia Bakalets reported this story in Memphis, Tennessee for VOA News. Anna Matteo adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story instrument n. a device used to produce music folk adj. originating or traditional with the common people of a country or region and typically reflecting their lifestyle recommend v. to say that (someone or something) is good and deserves to be chosen shop (workshop) n. a commercial establishment for the making or repair of goods or machinery mow v. to cut the standing plant cover from layer n. a covering piece of material or a part that lies over or under another : v. to form or arrange parts or pieces of something on top of each other : to form or arrange (something) in layers steam n. water vapor kept under pressure so as to supply energy for heating, cooking, or mechanical work : v. to apply steam to distinct adj. noticeably different bend v. to use force to cause (something, such as a wire or pipe) to become curved form n. the shape and structure of something as distinguished from its material What Air Travelers Should know about the Government Shutdown DALLAS (AP) The partial government shutdown is starting to affect air travel. Over the weekend, some airports had long lines at checkpoints, apparently caused by a rising number of security officers calling in sick as they face the prospect of missing their first paycheck this week. ADVERTISEMENT Safety inspectors arent even on the job. A Federal Aviation Administration spokesman said Monday that inspectors are being called back to work on a case-by-case basis, with a priority put on inspecting airline fleets. So far, the most visible signs of the shutdown in its 18th day Tuesday include the closure of some government buildings and national parks and trash overflowing bins on the National Mall in front of the Capitol. By increasingly affecting air travel, however, the pain will be felt more widely. Here are some common questions about the shutdowns impact on airports and travel, along with the answers: ___ WHO IS SUPPOSED TO KEEP WORKING? ADVERTISEMENT About 10,000 air traffic controllers who work for the Federal Aviation Administration, about 51,000 Transportation Security Administration officers, and an undisclosed number of federal air marshals have been told to keep reporting to work because they are deemed essential. Government employees have always been paid after past shutdowns ended, and that is the widespread expectation this time too. ___ ARE THEY SHOWING UP? TSA acknowledges that more screeners are calling in sick at some airports, including Dallas-Fort Worth International. It gave few numbers but issued a statement Friday saying that more have been missing work since the Christmas and New Years holidays. The TSA said the effect was minimal. Then over the weekend, travelers reported longer checkpoint lines at some airports, including LaGuardia in New York. On Monday, TSA tweeted that agents screened 2.22 million passengers nationwide on Sunday, which it called a historically busy day due to holiday travel. TSA said only about 220,000 travelers waited at least 15 minutes at checkpoints, while 0.2 percent fewer than 5,000 waited at least 30 minutes. ___ HOW WILL TSA RESPOND TO NO-SHOWS? Airport screeners start around $24,000 and most earn between $26,000 and $35,000 a year, according to TSA. That is far less than many other government employees, making them more vulnerable if they dont get paid. TSA spokesman Jim Gregory said officials are managing. If we dont have appropriations by midweek or so, (officers) will miss their first paycheck. Thats obviously where it becomes more difficult, he said. Gregory said the agency has a team of officers who can go to airports facing a shortage, a tactic developed in case natural disasters prevented screeners from getting to work. ___ WHAT ABOUT TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS? About 1,900 air traffic controllers nearly one in every five are eligible to retire right now. I dont know how long theyre going to stay on the job if they are not getting a paycheck, said Paul Rinaldi, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. There is an even larger group of recently hired trainees and apprentices, and Rinaldi said a long shutdown could cause some of them to take other jobs. ___ WILL THE SHUTDOWN LEAD TO FLIGHT DELAYS? Rinaldi said safety is not being compromised but that capacity to manage traffic could be reduced if the shutdown worsens an existing shortage of controllers. That could lead to flight delays, he said. Others are not so sure. It would have to get pretty bad before the government said (to airlines), Hey, start scaling back your plans for service, said Richard Aboulafia, an aviation analyst. You could see that in a worst-case scenario. An early test of the air traffic system could come around the Feb. 3 Super Bowl in Atlanta, when an influx of corporate jets and private planes will further crowd the sky above the nations busiest airport. Planning for handling that traffic has been put on hold, Rinaldi said. ___ WHAT ABOUT SAFETY? The largest pilots union wrote to President Donald Trump last week urging a quick end to the shutdown, which it said was threatening the safety of the nations airspace. On Tuesday, the new Democratic chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, said the Trump administration hasnt answered questions about how the shutdown is affecting the Department of Homeland Securitys ability to screen passengers heading to the U.S. and to assess security at foreign airports. Patrick OCarroll, executive director of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, said there has been no deterioration of safety, no reductions in coverage, and no reports of air marshals armed, undercover officers on flights calling in sick. WHO IS INSPECTING PLANES? Federal aviation safety inspectors are not deemed essential government employees; they have been furloughed. FAA spokesman Gregory Martin said the agency is recalling inspectors for certain jobs including assignments at the airlines, as in previous shutdowns. Were going to continue to prioritize with the resources that we have, Martin said. Our focus is on the commercial air carriers and volumes of people they carry. Martin did not say how many inspectors are working or how the number of inspections being done compared with pre-shutdown levels. Chuck Banks, one of those furloughed inspectors, said colleagues are being called in when an airline needs something, like a plane certified for flight. The routine, normal oversight of operations at airlines and repair shops is not being done, leaving companies to regulate themselves, he said. Do you like the fox watching the hen house? he said. Every day the government stays shut down, it gets less safe to fly. ___ WHAT OTHER GOVERNMENT SERVICES ARE AFFECTED? The National Transportation Safety Board is delaying accident investigations and hearings. While there have not been any fatal airline crashes, the board has delayed other investigations, including an examination of a Florida highway accident that killed five children on their way to Walt Disney World. NTSB representatives did not answer phone calls or reply to emails Monday. A recorded message for the public affairs office said nobody would respond until the shutdown ends. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has closed many centers where people apply for Global Entry, a program that lets travelers get expedited clearance into the U.S. It is not clear if any applications are being processed; spokespeople at the agency did not respond for comment. WeHo Death Investigation Renews Call for Arrest of Democratic Donor, Ed Buck A man was found dead early today at the West Hollywood apartment of prominent Democratic donor Ed Buck, where another man was found dead of what authorities deemed a drug overdose in 2017. Deputies from the sheriffs West Hollywood Station responded about 1:05 a.m. to the 1200 block of Laurel Avenue regarding a person not breathing. The caller performed CPR and called 911, and Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel pronounced the man dead at the scene, according to Deputy Charles Moore of the Sheriffs Information Bureau. Homicide detectives were sent to the scene. The mans name was not immediately released and his cause of death was under investigation by the county coroners office, Moore said. ADVERTISEMENT Buck made headlines when the body of 26-year-old Gemmel Moore was found at the same apartment on July 27, 2017. The coroners office ruled Moores death an accidental methamphetamine overdose, to the dismay of his family. Buck was present at the location when both deaths occurred, according to the sheriffs department. A group of activists held a rally and vigil outside Bucks apartment tonight, calling for Buck to be arrested and prosecuted. Community activist Jasmyne Cannick, who worked closely with Moores family, announced the rally, saying in a statement that the person found dead Monday morning was also a young black man who died of an apparent overdose inside Bucks Laurel Avenue apartment. The Los Angeles LGBT Center issued a statement calling on the sheriffs department to fully investigate this tragedy and aggressively seek justice wherever the investigation might lead. The reports we have heard provide more questions than answers, according to the statement. The fact is two black men have died at Mr. Bucks home in less than two years. While much is still to be learned, it appears this tragedy is linked to substance use. ADVERTISEMENT The statement went on to note that LGBT people and other marginalized groups are at elevated risk for impacts that result from the current epidemic uses of opioids, methamphetamine, and other dangerous drugs. The center, which offers free or low-cost addiction recovery services as well as free fentanyl testing strips to those who request them, urged anyone in need to email [email protected] or call (323) 993-7448. The sheriffs department said the District Attorneys Office will be closely involved in reviewing the latest case, as it was in the Moore case, which will also be the subject of a secondary review by sheriffs homicide detectives. Bucks attorney, Seymour Amster, has denied that Buck had any involvement in either death. Los Angeles County prosecutors last July 26 declined to pursue criminal charges against Buck stemming from Moores death. According to a charge-evaluation worksheet prepared by the District Attorneys Office, the evidence was insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that (Buck) is responsible for the death of Gemmel Moore. Likewise, the admissible evidence is insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that suspect Buck furnished drugs to Gemmel Moore or that suspect Buck possessed drugs. In ruling Moores death an accident, the coroners office noted that there was drug paraphernalia found in the home, along with sex toys and clear plastic bags containing what was suspected to be methamphetamine, according to a coroners report obtained by the Los Angeles Times. According to the newspaper, the report also noted that somebody at the scene is suspected to be known to exchange drugs for sex, but the name was redacted. The report said Moore was found naked on a living room mattress with a male pornography movie playing on the television, according to The Times. With the death ruled accidental, however, no arrests were made and no charges were filed. Amster has said Buck and Moore were good friends, and told The Times that Buck did not witness Moore injecting drugs the night he died. Moores mother, LaTisha Nixon, continued to push the sheriffs department to investigate her sons death. She noted that her son had been living with her in Texas, but Buck bought him a plane ticket to return to Los Angeles, which he did the day he died. According to The Times, Moore, who was black, had previously been homeless and worked as an escort. Buck, who is white, is a longtime political activist and noted Democratic political donor, along with being active in LGBTQ political circles. He also once ran for a seat on the West Hollywood City Council. Tuskegee Airman John Lyle Dead at 98 World War II fighter pilot John Lyle, a Tuskegee Airman, has died at the age of 98. Lyle died Saturday at his home on Chicagos South Side, his wife, Eunice, said Monday. She added that Lyle had been battling prostate cancer. The members of the nations first Black fighter squadron won acclaim for their aerial prowess and bravery, despite a military that imposed segregation on its African American recruits while respecting the rights of German prisoners. ADVERTISEMENT Lyle, who named his plane Natalie after his first wife, was credited with shooting down a German Messerschmitt. We flew 500 feet above the bombers to keep enemy fighters from hitting our guys, he recalled in a 2012 interview with Jet magazine. I loved flying, being up in the clouds, the scenery. I flew 26 combat missions, from southern Italy to Austria and southern Germany, over the Austrian Alps. Lyle told Jet he was fired upon several times. I watched bombers being torn apart, but they were performing the mission they signed up to do, Lyle said. And when I had to shoot the guy who was shooting at the planes I was protecting, I did not feel bad because that was my assignment. He had no fear, Eunice Lyle told the Chicago Sun-Times. None at all. In 2007, President George W. Bush and Congress bestowed the Congressional Gold Medal on Lyle and other members of the squadron. ADVERTISEMENT After the war, Lyle served as a police officer with the Chicago Park District and founded a tree-trimming company. He later took up sailing. He was an amazing sailor, said Janet Hansen of the Jackson Park Yacht Club. He could sail his boat in any weather. In addition to his wife, Lyle is survived by three step-children. Pranaya SJB Rana is Features Editor for The Kathmandu Post. He was formerly Op-Ed Editor at the Post from 2012-2015. Rana is the author of a collection of short stories, City of Dreams: Stories, from Rupa Publications India. The Transatlantic Slave Trade: 500 Years Later the Diaspora Still Suffers The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has launched a global news feature series on the history, contemporary realities and implications of the transatlantic slave trade. This is Part 9 in the series. (Read the entire series: Slavery Part 1, Slavery Part 2, Slavery Part 3, Slavery Part 4, Slavery Part 5, Slavery Part 6, Slavery Part 7, Part 8) Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world theyve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. Its an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. Its a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing. Muhammad Ali We need to exert ourselves that much more, and break out of the vicious cycle of dependence imposed on us by the financially powerful: those in command of immense market power and those who dare to fashion the world in their own image. Nelson Mandela The most enduring consequences of the migration for the migrants themselves and for the receiving communities, were the development of racism and the corresponding emergence and sustenance of an African-American community, with particular cultural manifestations, attitudes, and expressions. ADVERTISEMENT The legacy is reflected in music and art, with a significant influence on religion, cuisine, and language, according to Paul E. Lovejoy, a distinguished research professor and Canada Research Chair in African Diaspora History at York University in Toronto. The cultural and religious impact of this African immigration shows that migrations involve more than people; they also involve the culture of those people, Lovejoy said in a recent post about the creation of the African diaspora. American culture is not European or African but its own form, created in a political and economic context of inequality and oppression in which diverse ethnic and cultural influences both European and African and in some contexts, Native American can be discerned, Lovejoy said. Undoubtedly, the transatlantic slave trade was the defining migration that shaped the African Diaspora. It did so through the people it forced to migrate, and especially the women who were to give birth to the children who formed the new African-American population, he said. These women included many who can be identified as Igbo or Ibibio but almost none who were Yoruba, Fon, or Hausa. Bantu women, from matrilineal societies, also constituted a considerable portion of the African immigrants, and it appears that females from Sierra Leone and other parts of the Upper Guinea Coast were also well represented, Lovejoy said. ADVERTISEMENT These were the women who gave birth to African-American culture and society, he said. After many rang in 2019 with celebratory parties and gatherings, there were still others who solemnly recalled the beginning of the transatlantic slave trade that started 400 years ago 500 years, depending upon the region. For Africans throughout the diaspora, their struggle not only traces back 400 or 500 years, but it continued and was underscored as recently as 135 years ago when the infamous Berlin Conference was held. The conference led to the so-called Scramble for Africa by European powers who successfully split the continent into 53 countries, assuring a division that remains today. There isnt a single thing that was more damaging to Africa than the Berlin Conference, said African Union Ambassador Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao. Africans werent even invited to the conference, she said. At the conference, which took place over three months in Brazil beginning in February 1884 and attended by 13 European nations and the United Sates, ground rules were established to split Africa. Africans still are suffering the consequences, the ambassador said. Said John W. Ashe, the president of the United Nations General Assembly: The Transatlantic slave trade for 400 years deprived Africa of its lifeblood for centuries and transformed the world forever. Theres no question that legacies of the slave trade persist today in most of the countries Africans were taken to, said Ayo Sopitan, founder of Pendulum Technologies in Houston, Texas. I have been thinking about how Africans and the diaspora need to get together through proxies in the persons of recognized leaders and have a conversation about the past, the role that African collaborators played and how we can unite as a people. Then, and only then will we be able to excel as a people, Sopitan said. I have sat at lectures by Henry Gates and learned about blacks in the Americas. The conclusion is that wherever we are, blacks are usually at the bottom of the totem pole. This does not have to continue, he said. The transatlantic slave trade was an oceanic trade in African men, women, and children which lasted from the mid-sixteenth century until the 1860s. European traders loaded African captives at dozens of points on the African coast, from Senegambia to Angola and round the Cape to Mozambique. The great majority of captives were collected from West and Central Africa and from Angola, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization UNESCO. The trade was initiated by the Portuguese and Spanish especially after the settlement of sugar plantations in the Americas, UNESCO officials noted in a 2018 web presentation titled, Slavery and Remembrance. European planters spread sugar, cultivated by enslaved Africans on plantations in Brazil, and later Barbados, throughout the Caribbean. In time, planters sought to grow other profitable crops, such as tobacco, rice, coffee, cocoa, and cotton, with European indentured laborers as well as African and Indian slave laborers. Nearly 70 percent of all African laborers in the Americas worked on plantations that grew sugar cane and produced sugar, rum, molasses, and other byproducts for export to Europe, North America, and elsewhere in the Atlantic world, according to UNESCO. Before the first Africans arrived in British North America in 1619, more than half a million African captives had already been transported and enslaved in Brazil. By the end of the nineteenth century, that number had risen to more than 4 million. Northern European powers soon followed Portugal and Spain into the transatlantic slave trade. The majority of African captives were carried by the Portuguese, Brazilians, the British, French, and Dutch. British slave traders alone transported 3.5 million Africans to the Americas, UNESCO reported. The transatlantic slave trade was complex and varied considerably over time and place, but it had far-reaching and lasting consequences for much of Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia. The profits gained by Americans and Europeans from the slave trade and slavery made possible the development of economic and political growth in major regions of the Americas and Europe. Europeans used various methods to organize the Atlantic trade. Spain licensed (by Asiento agreements) other nations to supply its Spanish American and Caribbean colonies with African captives. France, the Netherlands, and England initially used monopoly companies. In time, the demand for African laborers in the Americas was met by more open trade which allowed other merchants to engage in the trade with Africans. Thus, formidable private trading companies emerged, such as Britains Royal African Company (16601752) and the Dutch West India Company of the Netherlands (16021792), according to UNESCO. The profits generated from the Atlantic trade economically and politically transformed Liverpool and Bristol in England, Nantes and Bordeaux in France, Lisbon in Portugal, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador de Bahia in Brazil, and Newport, Rhode Island, in the United States. Each port developed links to a wide hinterland for local and international goods in Asia and capital to sustain the trade in African captives. European merchants and ship captains followed later by those from Brazil and North America packed their sailing vessels with local goods and commodities from Asia to trade on the African coast. Enslaved Africans, their often-violent capture and enslavement out of sight of the European general public, were exchanged for iron bars and textiles, luxury goods, cowrie shells, liquor, firearms, and other products that varied region by region over time. Much of the wealth generated by the transatlantic slave trade supported the creation of industries and institutions in modern North America and Europe. To an equal degree, profits from slave trading and slave-generated products funded the creation of fine art, decorative arts, and architecture that continues to inform aesthetics today, UNESCO officials said. European countries Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish are most complicit in the transatlantic slave trade. This pernicious form of slavery was driven by European capitalistic countries seeking to expand their nation-states and empires, said Dr. Jonathan Chism, assistant professor of history and a fellow with the Center for Critical Race Studies at the University of Houston Downtown. The hurt continues today. The fact that slavery was underway for a century in South America before introduction in North America is not widely taught nor commonly understood, said Felicia Davis of the HBCU Green Fund. It is a powerful historical fact missing from our understanding of slavery, its magnitude and global impact. Knowledge that slavery was underway for a century [before it began in North America] provides deep insight into how enslaved Africans adapted, Davis said. She continued: Far beyond the horrific seasoning description, clearly generations had been born into slavery long before introduction in North America. It deepens the understanding of how vast majorities could be oppressed in such an extreme manner for such a long period of time, Davis said. It is also a testament to the strength and drive among people of African descent to live free. The James Irvine Foundation to Award a $500,000 Grant to Brotherhood Crusade to Support Career Training, Job Placement, and Supportive Services Programs for Young Adults The James Irvine Foundation announced a $500,000 grant to Brotherhood Crusade to support the organizations career training, job placement, and supportive services programs for young adults with multiple barriers to employment. The grant will be administered over the next 2 years. The goals of the grant are to refine, enhance, and expand the Brotherhood Crusade Proud to be Me Young Adult Middle-Wage Workforce Development and Career Placement Initiative model by demonstrating proof of concept and the programs effectiveness through rigorous evaluation and documentation of the Proud to be Meprogram curriculum. Additionally, the grant will assist Brotherhood Crusade to train and prepare 18-24 year old, low-income South Los Angeles young adults with multiple barriers to employment to enter into and thrive in high-demand middle-wage careers with large current or projected employment opportunities that lead to economic self-sufficiency and/or offer significant long-term benefits (i.e., government jobs that offer comprehensive medical benefits and retirement packages), and ultimately place and help young adults advance in these careers. ADVERTISEMENT Finally, the grant will support Brotherhood Crusade in its goal to build and grow a diversified pool of talented 18-24 year old South Los Angeles young adult workers who are well-prepared to enter into and thrive in middle-wage, high-demand, and beneficially significant careers. Kelley D. Gulley, Senior Program Officer, The James Irvine Foundation said, The James Irvine Foundation is proud to be supporting the transformational work of the LA Brotherhood Crusade through our Better Careers initiative. At Irvine, we are in the business of creating a California where all low-income workers have the power to advance economically. The Brotherhood Crusades work to prepare young adults in South LA to enter and thrive in stable, middle-wage careers is truly changing lives, making them an important partner in our efforts. Charisse Bremond Weaver said, This level of support for our Brotherhood Crusade students and young adults is monumental. We are working to cultivate and nurture talent in underserved communities that may otherwise not have access to important career building opportunities. James Irvine Foundation helps to level the playing field for bright students who aspire to maximize their potential, but just need a step in the right direction. Celebrating 50 years of service, the Brotherhood Crusade was founded in 1968 by civil rights activist Walter Walt Bremond. For 35 years, businessman, publisher and civil rights activist Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. led the organization. Today, Brotherhood Crusade President and CEO Charisse Bremond Weaver continues the legacy of her late father Walter Bremond and mentor, Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., as she maintains partnerships and forges new alliances to build on the organizations historic impact. An organization with a rich legacy for making an impact in the Los Angeles community, Brotherhood Crusades principal mission is to champion equality and equity by removing and/or helping individuals overcome the barriers that deter their pursuit of success in life and facilitate opportunities for a better quality of life via health & wellness, providing and enhancing educational opportunities, cultivating economic growth and building community agencies and institutions. ADVERTISEMENT To learn more about Brotherhood Crusade visit https://brotherhoodcrusade.org or call 323-846-1649. Study Points to Need for Support of Justice Involved Youth The Childrens Defense Fund-California recently released Unhidden Figures: Examining the Characteristics of Justice Involved Youth in Los Angeles County, and the Sentinel caught up with author Betty Fang to discuss its significance. This was an attempt to centralize data, said Fang during an interview with the Sentinel last month. The outcome we would like to see is that [the study] sparks more dialog about students learning needs in the community. ADVERTISEMENT Some of the most significant findings of the report suggest that learning environments for youth who are often involved in the justice, need learning environments that affirm their identities. Their identities, said the author, range from being foster youth, in special education, part of the LGBTQ community to simply coming from low-income households and having lived through adverse childhood experiences. It is necessary to do this, she said, because then resources can begin to be coordinated and are responsive to students needs. Justice-involved students often encounter punitive school discipline before becoming system-involved, and most have endured high levels of instability and interruptions to instructional time, Fang expressed in the studys results. Despite this, justice-involved students remain committed to their education and aspirations, though they are oftentimes denied the supports they deserve to fully thrive Even more significant is the fact that among JI youth, Blacks are the highest represented group. Also according to the study: Black youth are the most disproportionately enrolled racial subgroup in LA County schools that serve students in juvenile halls and probation camps, but research on racial disparities along every juncture in the school-to-prison pipeline reveals underlying patterns of systemic racism. For example, Black students have been documented as being less likely to misbehave at school when compared to White students, but almost two times as likely to receive school-based discipline. Also, Black female youth are the most overrepresented racial and gender. ADVERTISEMENT When I was an intern for CDF Freedom School that was where, through the curriculum and relationships with students, I learned about their lives, what their passionate about, what they care about, Fang told the Sentinel. They may not get that [kind of attention] with a teacher who has 60 students Sometimes a student can become invisible. Especially if the student is not participating, or if they are notdisruptive they can get overlooked. A lot of times schools are really under resourced. Students dont always get opportunities for counseling, Fang said. Educators have to make sure kids are caught up in class but not necessarily to make sure they are mentally well. We [at CDF-CA] are vigilant about protecting students, making sure that students can stay in their schools, Fang said. We wanted this study to bring people together to talk about this situation and come up with solutions in making students a priority. This is a conversation that should involve everyone. Click here to access the report. Second Suspect Charged in Shooting Death of Jazmine Barnes Authorities announced Tuesday that a second black man has been charged in the fatal drive-by shooting of a 7-year-old Houston black girl, whose death her family had initially believed was racially motivated. The Harris County Sherriffs Office said 24-year-old Larry D. Woodruffe has been charged with capital murder in the Dec. 30 slaying of Jazmine Barnes. Authorities previously said that they believe Woodruffe was the person in an SUV who fired upon Jazmine and her family as they drove to a grocery store. The driver of the SUV, 20-year-old Eric Black Jr. has also been charged with capital murder. ADVERTISEMENT Authorities say Woodruffe and Black mistakenly thought they were attacking people theyd previously fought at a club, hours earlier when they shot at Jazmine and her family. The family had described the shooter as a White man driving a red pickup truck, prompting concerns by them and activists that her death was a hate crime. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said he believes the familys initial description was sincere and the man in the red truck was likely a bystander who left the scene of the shooting. Woodruffe was charged as Jazmines funeral took place Tuesday afternoon, attended by hundreds of people at a Houston church. Woodruffe and Black were both taken into custody on Saturday. The sheriffs office said they identified Woodruffe and Black as suspects based on a tip from social activist and writer Shaun King that was corroborated by their investigation. While Black was charged on Sunday with capital murder, Woodruffe was being held in the county jail on a drug charge while authorities prepared a capital murder charge against him. Court records did not list an attorney for Woodruffe. Rereading King in Critical Times: Mapping and Making Our Way Forward In these critical times which unavoidably raise the pressing questions of mapping and making our way forward regardless, a thoughtful rereading of Dr. Martin Luther Kings historical speech, Where Do We Go From Here? offers us an excellent point of departure. Given in 1967 at the height of the Black Power period of the Black Freedom Movement, it reflects the tenor and tension of the times, a righteous rebellion of youth, a year we of Us designated as the Year of the Simba Wachanga, the Year of the Young Lions of Us, and others similarly engaged in radical and revolutionary resistance to the established order. It is his last address as SCLC president and some argue his most radical. For he not only defends the integrity, dignity and ultimate worth of Black people, but also questions the very structure and functioning of U.S. society and calls for a radical critique and transformation of its capitalist, racist and militaristic character. He also wrote a book of the same title. Dr. King tells us in his address that if we, today, are to know where we should go from here in the troubled times, ice-cold climate, and cruel and mean-spirited spaces in which we live and struggle, We must first honestly recognize where we are now, i.e., at a persistent, deep disadvantage of wealth, power and conditions of life in relationship to Whites, those who dominate. He asserts that Of the good things in life (the Black person) has one half of those of Whites. King then cites a list of what we now call disparities in housing, income, employment, infant mortality, education, support for education, college enrollment, and other areas which disadvantage, disable and often dispirit us. And he concludes, When we view the negative experiences of life, the (Black person) has a double share. This is where we are, he states, in this system that still oppresses us in varied ways. And only by righteous and relentless struggle can we end what Malcolm called our nightmare and reconceive and achieve what King called our longed-for dream. ADVERTISEMENT So, the question becomes where do we go from here, what is to be done, how do we map out and make a way forward in our struggle for liberation, justice and other goods in this country and the world? The first step forward, King tells us, is a reaffirmation of our identity, dignity and worth as a people. Thus, Dr. King says, First we must stand up amidst a system that still oppresses us and develop an unassailable and majestic sense of values. We must no longer be ashamed of being Black, but embrace it in all its historical, ethical, spiritual, cultural and aesthetic meaning. King speaks of the language and treatment to inferiorize Black people, deny their contribution and strip them of their personhood and peoplehood. It is a process and practice, he says, of cultural homicide, a cultural killing of Black persons and people which is as old as the earliest history books and as contemporary as the mornings paper and must be resisted. In the ugly and inferiorizing face of this deculturalization and dehumanization, Black people must resist and achieve a psychological freedom, standing up, declaring ourselves as we area people of dignity and honor with a rich and noble history, second to none and certainly no less sacred. Thus, King says, Yes, we must stand up and say, Im Black and Im beautiful and this self-affirmation is Black (peoples) need, made compelling by the White mans crimes against (them). And he warns that this cultural grounding and self-affirmation is indispensable and that any movement for (Black) freedom that overlooks this necessity is only waiting to be buried. Secondly, Dr. King tells us that Another basic challenge is to discover how to organize our strength in terms of economic and political power. For Indeed one of the great problems that the (Black person) confronts is his (her) lack of power. Careful to define power in positive and compelling ways in the period of Black Power, King assures the timid and threatened that power properly understood is nothing but the ability to achieve purpose, and in the context of the Black Freedom Movement is an ethical goal and capacity. It is the strength needed to bring about social, political and economic changes directed toward freedom, justice and other good in the world. Here King is speaking of the need to join and build organizations and institutions, structures that house our aspirations and advance our interests as a people and then unite these structures into an overarching Movement for freedom, justice, equity and power over our destiny and daily lives. Dr. King knows that if we are to claim respect for the humanity and dignity of a person, we must be concerned that they live lives of decency which honor this dignity. Thus, he also stresses the need to struggle for our economic security, a context in which the dignity of the individual will flourish and people will be able to improve and push their lives forward in positive and productive ways. In this regard, he argues for a guaranteed annual income and full employment for economic security and as a protection against dislocations in the market, the prevalence of discrimination, and constant or frequent unemployment against our will. He also advocates new forms of work that enhance the social good. Dr. King does not discuss political power here, but in his book Where Do We Go From Here: Community or Chaos, develops his ideas about this. He rejects funded programs as power and calls for our diligent work to organize our strength into a compelling power so that government cannot elude our demands. This, he reminds us, requires not only our own organization and Movement, but also coalitions and alliances with other oppressed, progressive and struggling people. Finally, King having urged us to avoid hate and violence, tells us that in all our strivings and struggle, ultimately, we must honestly face the fact that the Movement must address itself to the question of restructuring the whole of American society. We must question the existence of millions in poverty in the midst of such riches, the inequitable distribution of wealth, the monopoly on resources, and the cold calculus of a capitalism that puts profit above human life and the well-being of the world. Furthermore, it is not only capitalism we must confront, but also two other interrelated evils, racism and militarism. For, he says, When I say question the whole society, it means ultimately coming to see that the problem of racism, the problem of economic exploitation and the problem of war are all tied together. ADVERTISEMENT He concludes calling us to battle, motivated by a commitment to freedom, love of justice, and the nurturing of a divine dissatisfaction until victory is won. It will be a divine dissatisfaction with and well-won victory over unfreedom, injustice, uncaring, hypocrisy in high and low places, poverty, economic insecurity, political non-participation and powerlessness, warmongering, police violence and racism in its raw and disguised forms. He confesses that the road ahead will not always be smooth. There will be rocks, twists and turns, frustration and fatigue, setbacks, shattered dreams and heartache. But no matter how difficult and painful the struggle is, we must continue to push and move forward with an audacious faith in the future, respecting the sacrifices of those before us and the demands of our history, as reflected in the Black National Anthem and realizing that the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice. Dr. Maulana Karenga, Professor and Chair of Africana Studies, California State University-Long Beach; Executive Director, African American Cultural Center (Us); Creator of Kwanzaa; and author of Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture, The Message and Meaning of Kwanzaa: Bringing Good Into the World and Essays on Struggle: Position and Analysis, www.AfricanAmericanCulturalCenter-LA.org; www.OfficialKwanzaaWebsite.org; www.MaulanaKarenga.org. Rep. Barragan, Democratic Members Investigate Tragic Death of Felipe Gomez-Alonzo in Alamogordo Second-Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Nanette Diaz Barragan (CA-44) joined Rep. Xochitl Torres-Small (NM-02), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and other Democratic Members of Congress in Alamogordo, New Mexico to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Felipe Gomez-Alonzo, an 8-year old Guatemalan migrant boy, while in U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody on Christmas Eve. Additionally, the Members investigated operational issues related to the new medical practices that Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen put in place following Felipes death. Rep. Barragan delivered the following remarks in Alamogordo, New Mexico: I came down here because I wanted to be able to get answers to questions about Felipes death. What we heard today instead, were generalities of changes that are being made since his death, said Rep. Barragan. Its unfortunate and really unacceptable that it took two deaths for Homeland Security and the Secretary to step up to put into place new procedures on the medical front. One of the most surprising things I heard today, given what is happening at our ports of entry, was to hear border patrol say that the medical review process is better if you go through a port of entry, Rep. Barragan continued. So, here you have border patrol saying medical review is going to be better if you come in through a port of entry. Yet, you have the President and this administration effectively turning people away at the ports of entry. ADVERTISEMENT Full Press Conference Here After visiting the Alamogordo Border Patrol Facility, Rep. Barragan, Rep. Carbajal and Rep. Torres-Small visited the Highway 70 Checkpoint, where Felipe Gomez-Alonso spent his final hours. During the visit, Rep. Barragan saw first-hand the very tiny cell in which Felipe was held in a bubble room, as Border Patrol personnel call it because of its small size. Rep. Barragan also described the lack of medical personnel at the checkpoint and mentioned in a Twitter Live Video the following remarks: There really isnt any medical personnel. Theyve got an EMT who is on four days a week between two different places, said Rep. Barragan. They basically have a first-aid kit, they have a little EMT bag, not really medical training personnel, unless theres an EMT here. Twitter Live Video Updates From Trip Here Political Strategist and Journalist Jasmyne Cannick Announces Run for Delegate to California Democratic Party Political strategist and journalist, Jasmyne Cannick is starting off 2019 by announcing her candidacy for delegate in the 53rd Assembly District to the California Democratic Party. The 53rd Assembly District includes the communities of Adams-Normandie, Arts District, Boyle Heights, Downtown Los Angeles, East Hollywood, Hancock Park, Huntington Park, Koreatown, Larchmont Village, Little Tokyo, Pico-Union, Rampart Village, Skid Row, Vernon and Westlake. I am running for delegate in a district in California that is less than 6 percent Black and the reason why is simple, said Jasmyne Cannick. Black people do not only live in one or two Assembly Districts. Thanks to gentrification and the high cost of living, we live all over California and we should be represented in every district. Darren Parker, Chair ofthe California Democratic Partys African American Caucus has endorsed Cannick. ADVERTISEMENT Jasmyne is a leader and a voice of change who is a walking example of what it means to be your brothers keeper, said Parker in a statement. I proudly and humbly endorse her commitment and her unwavering integrity, as she embraces her role in demonstrating that to truly make a change in our community requires fixing our families, building the pathway to success and destroying the pipeline to prison that is a plague in our community. Cannick, who has spent the last 10 years working for elected officials and political campaigns, says she was inspired to take the plunge into her partys politics after the overdose death of Gemmel Moore in Democratic donor Ed Bucks home. Moores death was immediately classified as an accidental methamphetamine overdose by the coroner, but after his personal journal was published and other young men stepped forward recounting similar stories about Ed Buck, a man who they say has a Tuskegee Experiment like fetish which includes shooting drugs into young Black men that he picks up off the street or via dating hookup websites, the L.A. County Sheriffs Departments opened a homicide investigation. I believe that Californias Democratic Party is in the middle of a morals and values crisis, said Jasmyne Cannick. Our Party no longer reflects the interests of the people it serves and many of its members are disillusioned. She continued, Thats not the kind of political party I want to belong to. One that sees the lives of Black people as being expendable. As Black Democrats, that is not the type of return we expect on our years of investing in the Democratic Party with our votes. If Gemmel Moore had been a white male or female I seriously doubt the Party leadership would have been able to sweep it under the rug the way they so carelessly and deliberately did. ADVERTISEMENT In an op-ed announcing her run for office, Cannick pointed to her own lack of involvement in party politics. For too long, as a Black woman living in Southern California, Ive had one foot in the Democratic Party and one foot out. I never really had the feeling that my states party cared about women like me or the issues important us but was always more than willing to take advantage of our votes. Cannick says that she hopes her run will inspire other Black women to get involved and run for political office at every level. The California Democratic Party is the largest Democratic Party organization outside of Washington, D.C. With 43.5% of the states registered voters, the Democratic Party has the highest number of registrants of any political party in California. 77 percent of African American likely voters vote for Democratic candidates and issues statewide. In California, every two years Democrats elect members to represent the Assembly District they are registered in. These people are called AD Delegates. AD Delegates are elected by voters in their Assembly District and vote on behalf of the community they represent at California Democratic Party Regional Meetings, the California Democratic Party Convention, and those who are also elected to serve as an Executive Board member are responsible for voting and representing their community at the semi-annual E-Board meetings. AD Delegates are directly responsible for helping to shape the Partys platform and be the voice of voters in their community at the Party level. On her platform, Cannick says that, As a delegate, I will continue to be a consistent advocate for candidates, issues, and initiatives that speak to the needs of communities of colorrepresentation, restorative justice, criminal justice reform, income equality, living wage jobs, affordable housing, healthcare for all. The election for 53rd Assembly Delegates will take place on Sat., Jan. 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of Estrada Courts in Boyle Heights (3232 Estrada St.). For more information on Jasmyne Cannicks candidacy, please visit voteforjasmyne.com. Ohio Man Gets 4-Year Sentence in Charlottesville Beating An Ohio man was sentenced Monday to just under four years in prison for his role in the beating of a Black man the day of a White nationalist rally in Virginia. Daniel Borden was sentenced to 20 years, but most of that sentence was suspended. His active sentence amounts to three years and 10 months. Borden, of Huber Heights, Ohio, was one of four men charged in the Aug. 12, 2017, beating of DeAndre Harris in Charlottesville. ADVERTISEMENT Last year, Borden entered an Alford plea to malicious wounding. The plea means Borden did not admit guilt, but acknowledged prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him. WVIR-TV in Charlottesville reports that during his sentencing hearing Monday, Borden told the judge he is not a bigot and is remorseful. He also apologized to Harris, who was not in the courtroom. As with all prosecutions surrounding the August 12, 2017 attack of DeAndre Harris, this office is hopeful that todays outcome brings some measure of solace and closure to him and the community at large, Commonwealths Attorney Joseph Platania said after Borden was sentenced. The Unite the Right rally had been organized by White nationalists in part to protest the planned removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. The day was marked by violence. One woman was killed and dozens were injured when a car driven by James Alex Fields Jr., of Maumee, Ohio, plowed into a crowd of people who gathered to protest the white nationalists. Fields, 21, was convicted of first-degree murder and other charges last month. The jury recommended a sentence of life, plus 419 years. Sentencing is scheduled for March 29. Newsom Shares Vision for California in Inauguration Speech Former Mayor of San Francisco and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom was sworn in as Californias 40th governor on Monday to the backdrop of serene gospel music provided by Compton-based choir Voice of Destiny. Newsoms first speech as governor touched on his vision for California and his plans to keep the Golden State in the national spotlight. This is a place where anything is possible, said Newsom who was joined on stage by his wife and four children. During the speech, Newsom said that while California had many successes, such as Silicon Valley and Hollywood, there was also startling signs of wealth inequality. We face a homeless epidemic that should keep each and every one of us up at night, he said. ADVERTISEMENT Newsom thanked his predecessor, outgoing Gov. Jerry Brown, for eliminating the states deficit and leaving a surplus. Back then, we were $27 billion in debt. Unemployment above 12 percent. The worst credit rating of any state in our nation. Today, our economy is larger than all but four nations in the world. Weve created nearly 3 million jobs and put away billions for a rainy day, he said. According to Newsom, he wanted his policies to bring the state together. We will not have one house for the rich and one for the poor, or one for the native-born and one for the rest. We will build one house for one California, said Newsom. Newsom also touched on some of the areas that he planned to focus on such as supporting organized labor. Working people deserve fair pay, the right to join a union, and the chance at a middle-class life for themselves and their families, he said. Newsom also compared the success of California with the political chaos in Washington, D.C. ADVERTISEMENT At a time when so much of America is divided, we are united. Our people are big-hearted and fair-minded, when those qualities are more vital than ever. Ive seen that again in just the past few weeks, said Newsom. (He recently visited Paradise, a community that was devastated by wildfires.) Mark Ridley-Thomas, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, said he was impressed by Newsoms inclusive message. Ridley-Thomas also liked some of the topics Newsom touched on such as affordable housing, reducing child poverty and jobs. Newsom also quoted an African proverb that says, If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. He talked about things that were relevant to African Americans statewide, said Ridley-Thomas. African Americans want to know whats going to enhance their lives. Ridley-Thomas also gave a pointed message to Democrats who want to win the African American vote. Newsoms message was more than just being anti-Trump, he said. Another African American political insider also liked the speech. Gavin Newsom is going to be a great governor. Today he showed his commitment to inclusion and highlighted the diversity of California through his inaugural ceremony. His speech was all-encompassing and set the tone that we are moving towards being one California, said Taisha Brown, vice president of the African American Caucus, California Democratic Party. Like Ridley-Thomas, Rev. Shane Harris, president and founder of the newly-formed national group, the Peoples Alliance for Justice, a civil and human rights organization, was optimistic about Newsoms speech. He said the issues Newsom discussed, free community college, child welfare and the private prison industry, are all issues that resonate with African Americans. Many of the things he discussed affect the African American community and will be big in the African American community, said Harris. He also hoped Newsom continued to discuss prison reform and commute more sentences. Harris noted Newsom had already named several African Americans to high-level positions, such as Malia Cohen, who now serves on the State Equalization Board. During his address, Newsom made a few other jabs at the Trump administration, especially its treatment of migrants on the border. We will offer an alternative to the corruption and incompetence of the White House, said Newsom. He was also critical of other areas such as drug companies price gouging, the gun lobby, polluters and the payday loan industry. Here in California we have the power to stand up to them and we will, said Newsom. He also said Washington had failed on climate change and praised Brown for his work on the issue. Newsom has many big projects he plans to implement such as spending almost $2 billion on early childhood education. He also plans to make community college free. Newsom added that he looked forward to working with his Democratic colleagues in the legislature on his agenda. Democrats control both houses. Nations Largest Long-Term Care Union Welcome April Verrett As Its New President The members of SEIU (Service Employees International Union) Local 2015, the nations largest long-term care union representing over 385,000 home care and nursing home workers throughout California, are celebrating the new year with the start of April Verrett as their President. Verrett succeeds Laphonza Butler as President of SEIU Local 2015 after having served as an Executive Vice President of the Local over the last two years. Prior to joining SEIU Local 2015, Verrett was Executive Vice President of SEIU Healthcare Illinois and Indiana (HCII). Verrett has been key in the successful unification of healthcare unions in both Illinois and California to build greater worker power for its members. Such success was evident with the creation of SEIU HCII in Illinois and SEIU Local 2015 in California. Being a fighter and advocate for working people is my passion, said April Verrett. And there is no greater group of workers to fight for than caregivers. As those living in our country and our state are growing older and living longer, we must continue to support and strengthen the infrastructure that allows our loved ones to age with dignity and receive the care they deserve. In California alone, the population of older adults is expected to double between 2015 and 2030 and about half of older adults are in need of assistance for their daily activities. We must be ready to meet the growing demand of caregiving by investing in the workforce and programs that allow our loved ones and their care providers to be treated with respect. Over the last several months we have fought against multiple attacks on the care, livelihood, and dignity of seniors, people with disabilities, and their caregivers and now more than ever we must continue to stand together to protect what we fought hard to create, such as the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medi-Cal. ADVERTISEMENT We have a lot of work ahead of us and I am very much looking forward to starting my new position as President alongside our new Governor, Gavin Newsom. Mumia Abu-Jamal Case Could Return to Spotlight A court ruling this week puts the police murder case of former Black Panther Mumia Abu-Jamal back in the spotlight years after it drew the attention of Amnesty International, Hollywood celebrities and death penalty opponents worldwide. Abu-Jamal, a one-time taxi driver and radio reporter, emerged over four decades in prison as a vocal critic of the American justice system, especially the racial bias he saw at the heart of his 1982 trial. His writings and commentaries from prison, including the 1996 book Live from Death Row, have earned him acclaim from progressive scholars and activists _ along with the disdain of police unions, conservative politicians and the widow of Daniel Faulkner, the young patrolman slain in downtown Philadelphia on Dec. 9, 1981. ADVERTISEMENT Thirty-eight years! Maureen Faulkner cried out in court this fall during the latest post-trial arguments, leading city Judge Leon Tucker to have her escorted out. This is wrong! Tuckers ruling Thursday may prolong her agony, but follows a 2016 U.S. Supreme Court finding that former Pennsylvania Chief Justice Ronald Castille had been wrong to hear a death-penalty appeal that had come through his office when he was Philadelphias district attorney from 1986-1991. Castille had done the same in Abu-Jamals case. They shouldnt have been able to raise the issue about me, because they never asked me to recuse myself, Castille, now retired, told The Associated Press on Friday. The court knew Id signed off on the appeal, but I had nothing to do with the trial. Tucker, in a 37-page opinion, said the appearance of bias was clear and that Abu-Jamals appeal should be reargued by the current state Supreme Court based on the briefs his lawyers filed at the time. The slightest appearance of bias or lack of impartiality undermines the entire judiciary, Tucker wrote. District Attorney Larry Krasner, a civil rights lawyer intent on criminal justice reform who took office this year, has not decided whether to challenge the ruling. ADVERTISEMENT The jury convicted Abu-Jamal of killing Faulkner, 25, after he pulled over Abu-Jamals brother in an overnight traffic stop. Prosecutors called the evidence against him overwhelming, and said he was shot by Faulkner during the exchange of gunfire. He spent nearly three decades on death row before a U.S. appeals court threw out the death sentence over flawed jury instructions in 2008, after a hearing that attracted hundreds of chanting supporters. Prosecutors dropped their bid to restore the death sentence, leaving Abu-Jamal to serve a sentence of life without parole. The buzz around his case largely died down, and his appeals hit a dead end in 2012. But his closest supporters remained energized. We had hope that something would come along, and lo and behold it was the Williams case, said Pam Africa, 73, a leading organizer for Abu-Jamal supporters, referring to the 2016 Supreme Court case involving Castille. Officials with the citys Fraternal Order of Police did not immediately return a message seeking comment Friday, but they have been steadfast in their support of Maureen Faulkner and the verdict over the years. Civil rights lawyer David Rudovsky, who worked on an early Abu-Jamal appeal, said the case has raised many of the fairness questions that still plague the nations courts, including the racial makeup of juries and the racial breakdown of people on death row. The race bias, the judicial bias, the questions of identification and prosecutorial commentary or misconduct, were still struggling with them, said Rudovsky, a University of Pennsylvania law professor. And, of course, with the killing of an officer, and a Black activist (charged), it was a recipe for all of the conflicts that we see, then and now. Man Remains Jailed in Torrance Bowling Alley Triple-Killing A parolee arrested in connection with the shooting deaths of three men during a fight at a bowling alley in Torrance remained jailed on a parole hold. No charges have been filed yet against Reginald Wallace, 47, according to Ricardo Santiago of the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office. Wallace who had been on parole since 2017 after spending 17 years incarcerated for assault with a deadly weapon involving a firearm was arrested early Sunday by detectives and SWAT officers in the area of Fourth Street and Western Avenue in Los Angeles, Torrance Police Department Chief Eve Irvine announced Monday at police headquarters. ADVERTISEMENT Wallace was being held without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, authorities said. Officers responded to a shots-fired call just before midnight Friday at Gable House Bowl, 22501 Hawthorne Blvd. Three men were pronounced dead at the scene and two others were taken to a hospital for treatment of their injuries. Two other men sought medical attention on their own. A fight involving a few people grew into a brawl involving as many as 15, according to the police chief. At some point, Wallace allegedly pulled a handgun from his pocket and fired into a crowd, according to the police chief, who said he was believed to have been the only shooter. The police chief described a scene of complete chaos leading up to and following the shooting. Killed were Michael Radford, 20, and Robert Tank Meekins and Astin Edwards, both 28 and best friends. Meekins is survived by a 5-year-old son, whose godfather was Edwards. ADVERTISEMENT Relatives of all three victims told reporters they believed the men were killed while trying to break up the fight. No employees of the bowling alley, a community fixture for about five decades, were injured, police said. This is a tragic event of major proportions. Weve never had an incident like this in the city of Torrance, the police chief said. Its tragic. Three people lost their lives. Four other people were shot. This is life-changing for so many people. The bowling alley was equipped with surveillance cameras and had security personnel on hand the night of the shooting, Irvine said. Video and other investigative tools led investigators to identify Wallace as the suspected shooter, she said. The assault for which Wallace was incarcerated did not occur in Torrance, Irvine said. The bowling alley was the scene of another fatal shooting on March 28, 2015. In that case, 27-year-old Mytatiyana Conner was gunned down in the parking lot and died at a hospital. Its unclear if anyone was arrested or convicted in connection with her death. Dana Scott, who was at the bowling alley on Friday night, previously told reporters that a group of women got into a fight inside the building, then some men got involved. About a minute later, gunshots erupted, Scott said. LAUSD Superintendent Beutner Meets with Local Black Press to Push for Education Amid Talks of Teacher Strike Winter break is over and school is back in session but this time without teachers? On December 19, 2018, United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) announced that they would be going on strike on during the start of the 2019 school year if the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) superintendent Austin Beutner failed to adhere to the following demands: use the $1.9 billion in unrestricted reserves for smaller class sizes; for more nurses, counselors, and librarians; and to fully fund our schools; commit to more support for special education, early education, bilingual education, and adult education; end the toxic over testing of our students; empower parent and educator voices at the school site with stronger Local School Leadership Councils; and address the charter industry drain that siphons more than $600 million from our schools every year. The potential strike was scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 10 with more than 34,000 educators including substitute teachers and special education teachers on the picket lines. However, it could be moved to Monday, January 14 due to LAUSDs recent legal action. On the third of January, Beutner filed a strike injunction to prevent special education teachers from participating, but the claim was denied by the federal court. Recently, LAUSD filed another injunction stating UTLA failed to give the district notice of their intent to strike. There has been one force at the bargaining table pushing to improve the educational experience for the 600,000 students in the district, and that has been UTLA and the parents and community standing with us, said UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl in a statement. By dragging us through bad faith bargaining for 20 months and refusing to invest in our schools, the district has disrespected our students and disrespected us. We have exhausted our options. ADVERTISEMENT In response to UTLAs list of demands, LAUSD stated that if those demands were met, the district would go bankrupt. Instead, Beutner made a counter offer in an attempt to reach an agreement with UTLA, however, the districts proposal was denied. We all stand [with teachers]. Once you get pass that, [you have] to say where is this going, said Beutner. We understand that we made a reasonable offer [to UTLA] and that the state told us that we made a reasonable offer. Only UTLA can call a strike so its on them and its incumbent on them to tell those families why they dont think school should be open. The district has determined that the strike could affect children, their parents, and the community at large which will force them to hire temporary employees to teach students. It is outrageously irresponsible for Supt. Austin Beutner to force this strike when the district holds $1.9 billion in reserves and it is even more irresponsible to think that 400 substitutes can educate more than 600,000 students. We believe that it is illegal for the district to hire people outside our bargaining unit to teach in LAUSD classrooms, said UTLA in a statement. In an effort to address the teacher strike and tell his side of the story Beutner met with the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper, Our Weekly, Pace New, the Los Angeles Standard, and KJLH at the Sentinel headquarters for a Black press roundtable led by former assemlymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas. Beutner was joined by LAUSD local district west superintendent Cheryl Hildreth. During the meeting Beutner discussed the importance of community engagement and the role that plays in students thriving in school. Beutner also highlighted the importance of school safety and other K-12 education related topics. In regards to the strike, Beutner says that he is still open to reaching an agreement. Now we shouldnt put families or students in the middle of this in the first place, said Beutner. ADVERTISEMENT My reach to UTLA has been, this is bold issue and we should solve it as adults. We can close the door or open the door, we can do it at night [or] we can do it transparently. I reached out to the mayor and other elected officials to say, help us. We want to solve this, we dont want a strike. This isnt helping anybody. We shouldnt drag families in the middle of this and we sure shouldnt drag students in the middle of this. Weve [Hildreth and I] talked many times about the stress, trauma, and the challenges of some of our students going to school every day and now we need to load a strike on top? That makes no sense to me. So we want to avoid a strike and we want to do what we can to support our families. UTLA was scheduled to meet with the LAUSD officials on Wednesday, January 9 to discuss a proposal that reflected the demands local educators were asking for. As of press time, the results of this meeting were not yet released. UTLA will engage in whatever talks are possible to avoid a strike, but the district must be willing to spend a substantial portion of its record-breaking $1.9 billion reserve to serve our students and must engage our full package of proposals rather than dismiss them, Caputo-Pearl said. If the strike occurs, UTLA as well as three Los Angeles charter schools, operated in accordance with The Accelerated Schools (TAS), will walk-off their jobs at more than 900 school sites across the district. According to UTLA, a strike at TAS would be only the second charter school strike in the country following the walkout of 500 charter educators in Chicago last month. Should the strike take place, all LAUSD schools are still open. Things will of course look different in terms of how we are doing instruction and what that looks like because this would not be a normal environment if the strike is to move forward, but we want to make sure that we are still the hub for our families knowing that this is the best place for our students to be [which is] our schools, said Hildreth. If the strike comes to fruition there is going to be an ending and what we want to see after that strike is a focus on the education of our students. [We dont want] their needs to die with this conversation. We want our families to become engaged in whats happening with the schools. We want to engage our community and make sure that we vitalize education and that we give the focus especially to our students of color. In terms of moving forward, I hope this becomes a community conversation. Here is what some of the local educators and LAUSD representatives had to say: Everything and anything we can do to prevent the strike should be done. The teacher strike is to be avoided at all costs. To have a strike would be disastrous for teachers, parents, and certainly for students. We owe it to everyone to do everything we can to avoid a strike, said vice president of the LAUSD Board of education Dr. George Mckenna III, who represents District 1. My students come to my class to get a better job and a better life. Adult education teachers currently have fewer rights, less pay, and fewer job protections [compared to] other LAUSD teachers, yet Superintendent Beutner is refusing to bargain or even discuss these issues. He needs to be willing to roll up his sleeves and listen and learn. It seems to me that Superintendent Beutner expects to offer the teachers a raise and shut the door on everything else. I think that this unwillingness of the district to dialogue is very familiar to many parents and students, said adult education teacher at Maxine Waters Employment Prep., Robert Torrence Sr. Los Angeles Unified has a large and recurring budget deficit and recommends the district and UTLA work together with the state legislature and the governor to secure additional funding, said neutral chair of the State Appointed Fact Finder, David A. Weinberg. I feel Mr. Beutner has not dealt with the teachers union in good faith instead, [he] has taken to the media to misinform. He would like to give the perception that this strike is about a salary increase, when in fact the raise is only a small part of our dispute. UTLAs demands are reasonable (LAUSD currently has almost $2 billion in reserve) and we will continue to fight for the quality of Public Education our community deserves for generations to come. United we stand, editorial cartoonist, career technical education instructor and UTLA Chapter Chair for the Los Angeles School of Global Studies, David G. Brown. Its very clear youre living off the reserves. Thats not wise, thats not prudence, thats not fiscal solvency (Los Angeles Unified) is not a district that is too big to fail, said the chief financial officer of the Los Angeles County office of education, Candi Clark. For students with special needs, the impact is even more significant. These students will not only miss traditional reading and math courses, but critical services such as speech, behavior and occupational therapies will be interrupted. Thus, parents will be forced to take off work, and for some, depending on the length of the strike, even quit their jobs. This could have a negative effect on the local economy beyond what the district than teachers may be anticipating. This reality alone should cause both sides to look for a compromise that averts a strike and ensures that our kids continue to make progress, said author, attorney, and commentator, Areva Martin. Jan. 1, 2019. READ MORE Success On The Way Ask Dr. Jeanette: Ohh.. You Mean God?! The Pizza Delivery Guy, Right?! Thats about as far as some peoples minds go with understanding and comprehending God. We can never comprehend The Almighty God. However, seek Him. Gradually understand Him more and more to love Him, love His way and listen for His voice of divine wisdom. Someone said to me as I was talking about God, the response was: Oh, hes like magic, right?! There is tremendous research on how workers of magical arts, prognosticators, those relying on star watching for guidance in their lives; making charms, women luring in men making pillows as a piece in their ways to deceive weak minded men into their traps with false consultations. I could go on and on. Accessing Gods accessories [so to speak] is not like placing a pizza order. God, I want anchovies, pepperoni sausage, tomatoes. Or, I want a new car with special tires, air conditioning, navigation, automatic convertible top [and whatever]. No. Gods blessings are accessed according to His planned universal laws; like sowing and reaping; law of faith; giving: what you sow is what you reap. Sowing lemons? You wont get apples. If youre stingy, youre going to reap stingy. Now, what are you sowing? Hopefully, you are not sowing bad seeds into your life. Keep a watch over your life; what you are doing and with whom you are doing it. Are you too trustingnot watching who you are trusting? Are you diligent? Some people see the success of others and fail to understand the labor that has gone into the project or the background of that person. Do you have vision? Can you see your project in your minds eye? Can you visualize your dream before it comes into reality? You need to do that. ADVERTISEMENT Whats your idea, your concept in your minds eye? Are you planning and working on your dreams timeline? Are you praying to God Almighty, listening for His guidance, allowing time to see your dream come into the physical realm? Have you started? Get started somewhere! Do something! If you do nothing, expect nothing! Dont you know there are forces working against you and the proclamation and reality of your dream? There may be obstacles. You may run into some rocks in the road. Dont stop. Tough going is a component in successful completion of your dream. This is not uncommon. Dealing with governmental agencies and people in general has an inherent component of pick yourself up and dust yourself off. Rest. Prepare for the next round. You totally and absolutely must be persistent. You cannot give up. You must not give up. Your life depends on it! Your success and that of your family depends on it! Remember your great, tenacious mental capacity. Its like a rubber band. It stretches, but doesnt break. Jeanette Grattan Parker, Ph.D. Founder/Superintendent Todays Fresh Start Charter School: author Will You Marry Me? Inquiring Minds Want To Know all rights reserved. [email protected] Freeny, Khan Lead Black Participation in 2019 Rose Parade The 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade presented by Honda included a considerable number of African Americans in the world-renowned production. Tournament of Roses president, Gerald Freeny, headed the distinguished list of Blacks in his role as the top executive of the 130th parade and the fabled Rose Bowl. Following behind him was 10-time Grammy Award-winner, Chaka Khan, who served both as the grand marshal and featured performer. According to Freeny, Khans musical legacy highlighted by hits such as I Feel For You and This is My Night emphasized the parades theme, The Melody of Life, which underscores the universal appeal of music. ADVERTISEMENT Music has a unique power to transcend borders and boundaries, to travel across countries and continents, said Freeny. It speaks to old and young. It represents, enriches and sustains our human existence. It quite simply touches every single life on Earth. This years theme The Melody of Life fits perfectly into my philosophy that Music is the melody of life, noted Khan. Demonstrating the transcendence of music, Khan kicked-off the parade with a medley of her songs in the Opening Spectacular segment. Joining her were her nephew, Tyler McCrary; grandsons, Jett and Josh Khan-Corley; Dancing with the Stars champion Jordan Fisher and hundreds of dancers. Also, the Grammy-winning band, Kool & the Gang, performed on the Taste the Magic float sponsored by Stella Rosa Wines. Pasadena resident, Ashley Symone Hackett participated as a member of the 2019 Rose Court. A senior at John Muir High School, she was selected from among 44 finalists to serve as a Tournament of Roses ambassador. For me, The Melody of Life means that everyone has highs and lows in life, but just like in music both high notes and low notes add value to the piece, just as it would in life. Without the low times that I have experienced, I would not be able to appreciate the high moments of life that I have been blessed with, said Hackett. The parades 40 floral-covered floats, 18 equestrian groups and 20 marching bands from around the world included African Americans reflecting The Melody of Life theme. Among the performers were the LAUSD All District High School Honor Band, Alabama State University Mighty Marching Hornets (which included Pasadena native Robert Esaias Jones, Jr. as one of the drum majors), and the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Incomparable Marching 100. Music and The Melody of Life theme struck a positive chord with organizers, participants, attendees and TV viewers, said Freeny, who is the first African American president of the Tournament of Roses. ADVERTISEMENT On a personal scale, it (music) gets us through our day, it accompanies us through good times and bad times, he said. It is quite literally the soundtrack of our lives. But on a grand scale, it has the ability to heal, to unite, to promote change, to bring joy and harmony and rhythm and happiness. City News Service contributed to this article. Ex-University Student in Poisoning Case is Ordered to Jail A former Lehigh University student accused of poisoning his roommate was ordered held without bail Friday over allegations he sought to flee to his native China by orchestrating his own deportation to avoid prosecution. Yukai Yang must remain in Northampton County Jail until his criminal charges are resolved, a judge ruled at a hearing, the Allentown Morning Call reported . Yang, a 23-year-old chemistry major and Chinese national, was charged last month with the attempted murder of his roommate, allegedly slipping the colorless, odorless chemical thallium into his food and drink. ADVERTISEMENT Prosecutors are probing whether Yang also tried to poison a second Lehigh student. Last week, prosecutors said they foiled an attempt by Yang to leave the country by making bail and cooperating with immigration agents. Mr. Yang thought that because he is a foreign national, now here illegally in that his student visa has been revoked, that he could post bail, waive his right to a deportation hearing and abscond, Morganelli said in a statement. That will not happen. On Friday, Yangs defense team argued that he is not a flight risk and is entitled to bail, even if he is under an immigration detainer that could see him removed from the United States. Outside of court, defense attorney Janet Jackson declined to comment on the case, beyond a brief statement. My client intends to fight these charges, completely intends to fight these charges, she said. And Im not as interested in trying this case in the press as the commonwealth seems to be. Yang was being held under $200,000 bail. But a day after his arraignment, Yangs family posted the money, leading Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to take Yang into custody to deport him. ADVERTISEMENT Prosecutors allege Yang intended to waive challenges to his removal, allowing him to immediately be sent to China. That had prosecutors seeking to have Yang held without bail. Judge Stephen Baratta said in agreeing to the request that it was the only way to make sure he isnt deported, otherwise its a done deal. Hes out of here if I dont do anything. Yang was initially charged this spring with vandalism and ethnic intimidation after the roommate, who is Black, found racist graffiti in the room. The roommate has since graduated, but continues to suffer effects of the poisoning, authorities said. The two had lived together for several years without incident, authorities said, adding Yangs motives remain unclear. Assistant District Attorney Abraham Kassis told the Morning Call that authorities continue to probe whether there is a second victim, and couldnt comment further. District Attorney Jackie Lacey Announces Changes to Executive Management Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey recently unveiled her new executive management team, which will work alongside her to attain the goals of her administration and help maintain the offices standing as a national leader among prosecutorial agencies. In assembling her new team, District Attorney Lacey focused on the leadership and expertise demonstrated by each person and the diversity within her office. My newest executives will continue to provide strong leadership to safeguard the publics trust as we prosecute violent crime and manage the nations largest local prosecutorial office, District Attorney Lacey said. ADVERTISEMENT Besides their dedication to public safety and high ethical standards, these individuals also represent the rich diversity of the people who we serve, she added. District Attorney Lacey promoted Joseph P. Esposito to chief deputy district attorney, the second-highest ranking position in the office. In his new capacity, Esposito will manage day-to-day operations, including supervision of the offices nearly 1,000 attorneys, 300 peace officers and 800 support staff members. Also promoted were Sergio Gonzalez and Victoria Adams. As the newly appointed assistant district attorney of Line Operations, Gonzalez will manage 700 prosecutors who staff the downtown criminal courts and 12 branch and eight area offices throughout the county. Adams, the new assistant district attorney of Special Operations, will manage 300 deputy district attorneys who prosecute some of the countys most complex and notorious crimes involving fraud, corruption, gang violence, child abuse and human trafficking. The promotions, which became effective Jan. 2, follow the retirements of two prominent members of the District Attorneys executive management team: Chief Deputy District Attorney John Spillane and Assistant District Attorney William Hodgman. The executive management team also includes Assistant District Attorney Pamela K. Booth, who oversees Administration, and Chief John J. Neu, who leads the Bureau of Investigation. ADVERTISEMENT District Attorney Lacey additionally promoted Maria Ramirez the first Latina to serve as a director to run the Bureau of Specialized Prosecutions, and Carol Burke to serve as director of the Bureau of Branch and Area Operations, Region I. The legal management team also includes Scott Goodwin, director of the Bureau of Fraud and Corruption Prosecutions; Kellyjean Chun, director of the Bureau of Prosecution Support Operations; James Garrison, director of the Bureau of Central Operations; and Gina Satriano, director of the Bureau of Branch & Area Operations, Region II. Congresswoman Waters Becomes First Woman and African American to Chair Financial Services Committee Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) has made history becoming the first woman and the first African American to Chair the House Financial Services Committee. Waters caught up with the Sentinel for an exclusive interview regarding the historic selection. Los Angeles Sentinel (LAS): Congratulations! . What does the selection mean to you personally and what are your plans for the job? ADVERTISEMENT Maxine Waters (MW): Thank you very much. I am indeed honored to have this opportunity to lead the congress of the United States on financial services matters. I have worked hard, I have served on this committee over 20 years. I am well prepared, to deal with the very complicated issues of financial services. I intend to represent not only the women and people of color, who have not often times had an opportunity to provide leadership on financial services issues. I look forward to the challenge and Im going to use every opportunity to protect our consumers, to protect investors and to make sure that we dont have another financial crisis that would cause us to have a recession, such as the one that happened in 2008. LAS: Being that you have been a part of this committee for so many years, can you speak on the changes of the committee, how it has grown, how you have grown in that position and how you see that the it has changed in todays era? (MW): Ok, let me just say when I was first elected to office, I was placed on the financial services committee without my choosing to do so. At that time, the financial services committee was known as the banking committee and it was a difficult time in the history of the committee because there was an S&L (Savings and Loans) scandal, and no one wanted to serve on that committee and many of the members were fed up with the committee because of the scandal that had taken place with the savings and loans banks of this country had decided to change its mission and they stopped being focus on home mortgages and they got involved in investing in shopping centers and commercial activities that they had no experience in. And so, from that time up until 2008, the financial services committee was focused on trying to deal with home mortgages and trying to deal with red-lining and trying to deal with the problems that had been faced with the members by the S&L debacle. And as it turned out, in 2008 it all came to a head when we went into a recession in this country because of the way that Wall Street and the major banks in this country had in fact been involved in predatory lending. and we witnessed the largest foreclosures of homes in the history of the country. And from that point on, I was involved with the Dodd-Frank reform to straighten all of this out and to create consumer protection. And so, I have served on the committee not only helping to create the reforms that were necessary to be able to get justice for homeowners who had been basically defrauded by the Wall Street firms. And to try and get the reforms that were needed to prevent this from ever happening again. And so, since the Republicans have been in charge, they have been undermining all of the work of the Dodd-Frank reform that we did and the consumer protections that we created with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and we have been fighting to try and hold on. Now that we are in the majority, I intend to provide the leadership to undue all of the harm that has been caused by the Republicans and been caused by Mr. (Mick) Mulvaney who was appointed by the president to be in charge of that Consumer Financial Protections Bureau. I served the directors who had once been there appointed by President Obama, left. And so Mr. Mulvaney has undermined it and has tried to destroy it and I intend to correct all of that, and I intend to hold the major banks and financial institutions accountable for all of the products that they [provide] and the mortgages that they put out so that we never ever again have the kind of meltdown that we had in the system that caused so many foreclosures and the loss of homes in this country and the destruction in our community. LAS: Final question chairwoman, can you speak on taking on President Donald Trump in the rightful position that you have? What can you share with us with what you plan to do or not do? MW: The most important thing people have to understand is all of the subject matter, thats in the financial services committee and all the work that we have had to do, whether we are talking about national flood insurance, whether we are talking about EXIM bank that helps provide opportunities for our exporters to be able to create jobs and do business with foreign countries or whether we are talking about fraud and the oversight that we must do to protect fair housing or whether we talk about what we must do to reform the GSEs (government-sponsored enterprises) better known as Fannie (Mae) and Freddie (Mac). This is significant work that cannot be ignored. We are not going to spend all of our time working with the processes of the president but we are going to follow up on work that we started looking at money laundering and the relationship of this president to the Deutsche Bank, that is known as a money laundering bank. And the relationship of this bank to the finances of the president and his family. So, we will be taking a look at that and following up on the letters we have sent to the Deutsche Bank in the past, letters that we have sent to the treasury who has the responsibility for the oversight of money laundering and we will be looking at whether or not the treasury department is carrying on its responsibility with overseeing the sanctions that have been performed on the Russian government. Congresswoman Maxine Waters has served as a Member of Congress and the Financial Services Committee since 1991. Throughout her decades of public service, she has gained a reputation as a fearless and outspoken advocate for women, children, people of color and the poor. In her various leadership roles on the House Financial Services Committee, she has fought for the protection of consumers, investors, small businesses and vulnerable populations. ADVERTISEMENT Preventing Another Financial Crisis In 2010, Congresswoman Waters and her Democratic colleagues worked tirelessly to pass the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, landmark legislation to prevent another financial crisis, which created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency dedicated to protecting Americas consumers from financial abuses. Congresswoman Waters was one of 10 Committee Members to be selected to serve as a conferee on the Dodd-Frank Act. A central driver of the crisis was predatory mortgage lending, which intentionally targeted minority communities with toxic products and resulted in devastating foreclosures across the country and an immense loss of generational wealth. Democrats specifically designed Dodd-Frank and the Consumer Bureau to prevent the harmful practices that caused the financial crisis. The Consumer Bureau protects consumers from predatory and abusive financial practices in areas such as mortgage loans, private education loans, and payday loans. Despite Republican efforts to destroy the Consumer Bureau, Waters has fought to make sure it is not impeded from its important work cracking down on industries that have a history of harming consumers, including debt collectors, payday lenders and consumer reporting agencies. Auntie Maxine During the 115th Congress, Waters activities as the senior Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee generated unprecedented public attention as she consistently and vocally pushed back against a harmful Republican agenda. While she has always been outspoken in her efforts to protect hardworking Americans and ensure fairness in this country, the era of social media has allowed for her longstanding efforts to be shared with millennials who have dubbed her as Auntie Maxine. During a June 2017 exchange at a hearing with Trump Administration Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Waters repeatedly reclaimed her time after the Secretary failed to answer questions regarding her request for information about President Trumps shady financial dealings and pressed him for answers. During another notable exchange, she yielded not one second to a Republican Congressman during a May 2018 House floor debate on a harmful Congressional Review Act resolution to repeal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau guidance on indirect auto lending intended to combat discriminatory practices. Historic Committee Chairwoman As Chairwoman or Ranking Member of every Subcommittee under the Committees jurisdiction since 1995, Chairwoman Waters has always worked to create opportunities, ensure fairness, and protect the economic wellbeing of all Americans. She has spearheaded efforts on important issues such as housing in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the 2008 financial crisis, the subprime mortgage meltdown, public housing reinvestment, and affordable flood insurance. Some of her most notable work includes her efforts to mitigate foreclosures to keep American families in their homes during the housing and economic crisis and the creation of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which provides grants to states, local governments and nonprofits to fight foreclosures, home abandonment and blight and to restore neighborhoods. Through two infusions of funds, the Congresswoman was able to secure $6 billion for the program. With a Republican Majority in Congress, she also used creative methods in Committee to push a Democratic message. During the 115th Congress, she twice utilized a rarely used parliamentary maneuver to force historic Democratic hearings on Chairman Jeb Hensarlings harmful Financial Choice Act, which she called the Wrong Choice Act, and the Equifax data breach. Chairwoman Waters has long advocated for consumers, investors, small businesses and vulnerable populations as illustrated by her extensive legislative history. In the 115th Congress, she introduced the following financial services bills to improve our financial system and the state of housing in this country. H.R. 3937, the Megabank Accountability and Consequences Act, which would require regulators to fully exercise their authorities and shut down megabanks that repeatedly harm consumers; H.R. 2076, the Ending Homelessness Act, which would help to ensure that every American has a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home; H.R. 3160, the Public Housing Tenant Protection and Reinvestment Act, which would ensure safe, decent, and affordable housing for the 1.1 million families who rely on public housing; H.R. 3755, the Comprehensive Credit Reporting Reform Act, which would overhaul our broken system of credit reporting and hold the credit reporting bureaus accountable; H.R. 3936, the National Flood Insurance Program Debt Forgiveness Act, which would forgive the debt of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); H.R. 3519, the Bad Actor Disqualification Act, which would protect investors by preventing the SEC from automatically waiving disqualification for bad actors; H.R. 3357, the Military Consumer Protection Act, which enhances protections for military servicemembers from abusive Wall Street practices by giving the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau authority to enforce the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA); H.R. 6220, the Restoring Fair Housing Protections Eliminated by HUD Act of 2018, which restores several fair housing protections that HUD Secretary Ben Carson has eliminated; H.R. 5555, The FHA Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2018, which would enhance oversight of and compliance with FHAs loss mitigation requirements in order to help borrowers avoid foreclosures; H.R. 4160, Preventing Foreclosures on Seniors Act of 2017, which would make reforms to the Home Equity Conversion Mortgages for Seniors (HECM) program to help seniors remain in their homes; H.R. 4159, Making FHA More Affordable Act of 2018, which would repeal the requirement that the FHA charge insurance premiums for the life of the loan, and reinstate the FHAs previous policy of terminating premiums when the outstanding principal balance reaches 78 percent of the original home value; H.R. 6102, the Homeowner Mortgage Servicing Fairness Act of 2018, which would protect homeowners against foreclosure and increase the Federal Housing Finance Agencys (FHFA) oversight of mortgage servicers that conduct business with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; H.R. 5833: Expanding Housing Opportunities for Foster Youth Act of 2018, which would permanently authorize $200 million annually in appropriations for family unification program (FUP) vouchers, which is estimated to provide a FUP voucher for every foster youth in need of one; H.R. 6972, the Consumers First Act, a bill to block the Trump Administrations anti-consumer agenda and reverse efforts, led by Mick Mulvaney to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. H.R. 6320, Promoting Transparent Standards for Corporate Insiders Act, which requires the SEC to consider certain types of amendments to Rule 10b5-1 to ensure that corporate insiders are not able to indirectly engage in illegal insider trading through changes to their trading plans; H.Res.895, Recognizing the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and the contributions of Lawrence Parks and Timothy Simons; H.Res.886, a resolution that affirms the Brooke Rule, which ensures that families receiving federal housing assistance do not pay more than 30 percent of their adjusted income on rent, and remains a widely recognized standard for affordability of rental housing; and H.Res.442, Of inquiry directing the Secretary of the Treasury to provide certain documents in the Secretarys possession to the House of Representatives relating to President Trumps financial connections to Russia, certain illegal financial schemes, and related information. She also co-led several bipartisan measures during the 115th Congress, including H.R. 6139, a bill to require the Securities and Exchange Commission to carry out a study to evaluate the issues affecting the provision of and reliance upon investment research into small issuers; S. 488, the JOBS and Investor Confidence Act of 2018 (JOBS Act 3.0), a package of strong capital-formation legislation to help Americas small businesses and entrepreneurs and to protect investors; and H.R. 3110, the Financial Stability Oversight Council Insurance Member Continuity Act, a bill to extend the term of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) independent member with insurance expertise, which became law. Additionally, in previous Congresses, the Congresswoman has played a key role in major bipartisan legislation that eventually became law, including the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act, the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank, the Community Lender Regulatory Relief Act and the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act. Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) released the following statement on becoming the first woman and the first African American to Chair the House Financial Services Committee: I am honored to have been selected by my colleagues to be the first Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee in the 116th Congress. Since 1995, I have served as Ranking Member or Chairwoman of every Subcommittee under the Committees jurisdiction, taking on important issues on behalf of consumers, investors, and vulnerable populations. As Chairwoman, I will continue to prioritize protecting consumers and investors from abusive financial practices, making sure there are strong safeguards in place to prevent another financial crisis, expanding and supporting affordable housing opportunities, tackling the homelessness crisis, encouraging responsible innovation in financial technology, promoting diversity and inclusion in the financial services sector, conducting appropriate oversight and ensuring that hardworking Americans and small businesses have fair access to the financial system and opportunities to thrive. I consider it a privilege to hold the Chairwomans gavel and look forward to working with my fellow Democrats, Ranking Member McHenry and my colleagues across the aisle on commonsense solutions that benefit hardworking Americans and strengthen our economy. CBN LA Wants to Encourage and Support African American Aspiring and Practicing Nurses Members of the Council of Black Nurses Los Angeles said they want to emphasize the importance of an organization like theirs, they said, thats why they are reaching out to fellow and prospective nurses to join their ranks. In recent times, they have reached out to nurses, nursing students and even elementary school kids here, touting the benefits of joining their ranks. Together, they said, Black nurses in Los Angeles and beyond, can better address health disparities that most often occur among the low income population. We started in 1968 with Dr. Betty Smith Williams, recalled CBN LA President Chad Ricks. She was the first Black nurse to teach at UCLA and one of our original founders. What sparked their first meeting was the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. ADVERTISEMENT People were so angry and [the 10 founders] wanted to do something, Ricks explained. They started to bring Black nurses together to represent the underrepresented, he said. They did that by starting immunizations in the community for instance and holding health fairs. They became committed to improving the quality of healthcare that low income, most significantly African Americans in Los Angeles had access to. As they began to grow, they realized they needed to do more, like lobbying for clinical trials to include Blacks The Council of Black Nurses, Los Angeles (CBN-LA) is the oldest chapter in the National Black Nurses Association, representing the interests of more than 2,500 African American nurses. There are approximately 3.2 million nurses in the US. African American nurses are less than 10 percent of the entire population. NBNA represents approximately 2,800 nurses nationally, members explained. For his part, Ricks said he has been involved with the Council for five years. ADVERTISEMENT We give scholarships to aspiring African American Nurses, Ricks said, explaining some of the activities of the organization. We raise money to get them to the conference. That is important said Ricks because prospective nurses as well as established nurses have the chance to meet and network with some very powerful members of the industry. They also reach out to kids. Ive been to some elementary schools [for instance] where some of the kids had never seen an African American nurse. CBN-LA is comprised of African American nurses committed to addressing health disparities, and improving the health status of African Americans within the state of California. As a part of our goal to address and improve the health status of African Americans, CBN-LA provides a platform for black nurses to further educate, advocate, empower, and mentor one another, members said. The council installed their new officers on January 4 and will be recognizing heart health as part of heart health month in February. Alabama Civil Rights Institute Rescinds Angela Davis Honor The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in Alabama has rescinded its decision to honor political activist and scholar Angela Davis following unspecified complaints. Davis is a Birmingham native who has spent decades fighting for civil rights. She was an active member of the Black Panther Party, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and Communist Party USA. The institute announced Saturday that an examination of Davis statements and public record concluded that she didnt meet all of the criteria for the Fred Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award. The statement didnt indicate what criteria it found Davis didnt meet or the origin of the complaints. ADVERTISEMENT But while expressing dismay at the decision, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin cited protests from the local Jewish community and some of its allies. Davis has criticized Israels treatment of Palestinians. 1908 Race Riot Site Could Become National Historic Monument A central Illinois congressman has introduced a measure to designate the site of 1908 race riots in Springfield as a National Historic Monument. U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis says the site is an important part of the history of Springfield and the nation. He says the designation will ensure the sites history is nationally recognized and preserved. A White mob destroyed Black-owned businesses and homes in Springfield during the riots. Two Black men were lynched. The events prompted civil rights activists in New York to hold meetings, leading to the formation of the NAACP. ADVERTISEMENT The remains of some of the destroyed homes were found during a 2014 construction project. The National Park Service has agreed to conduct a preliminary assessment of the site, which is typically required for a designation. This editorial appears in the January 11, 2019 issue of Executive Intelligence Review. [Print version of this editorial] EDITORIAL New Years Message from Helga Zepp-LaRouche This is an edited transcript of a Jan. 1 video message from Helga Zepp-LaRouche, the founder and President of the Schiller Institute. I wish you all a very good New Year! Some of you may remember that exactly one year ago I defined the overcoming of geopolitics as the most important goal for 2018, and many of you probably thought, Geopolitics, what is that? Is that really the most pressing issue? Geopolitics was the source of two world wars, and that is why I stated so strongly that we could not continue with such a confrontational policy in the age of thermonuclear weapons. Now, see what has happened in the year that has just ended. We saw an enormous number of political breakthroughs globally. Many regions of the world are in the process of overcoming geopolitics. Just to name a few: The historic summit between President Trump and President Kim Jong-un in Singapore is leading to a process of rapprochement between the two Koreas. Japan began, suddenly, to work with China on the Belt and Road Initiative. After the very important summit in Wuhan between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, China and India began to work together on projects. After the election of a new prime minister in Pakistan, there is reason for careful optimism for the relationship between Pakistan and India. Then, let us look at Africa. In the Horn of Africa, several nations not having any relations, or only negative onesSomalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopiahave established diplomatic relations and are now working together on infrastructure. The entire African continent is filled with a spirit of optimism because of what China has been doing there, which is now also attracting investments from many other countries from around the world. White House/Shealah Craighead But maybe the most interesting of all these developments is the announcement by President Trump that the United States is going to pull its troops out of Syria. This has created a quite ironical situation. Many of the Europeans and others who were screaming, Ami [Americans] go home! just a few years ago, are now saying the United States must stay, or it will lead to chaos, to rewarding Russian President Putin, and Irans Rouhani, and so forth. Now, think about it: Isnt it better that Trump is making good on his election promise to end the permanent wars of his predecessors? He has promised the same for Afghanistan. After futile efforts to solve the situation in Afghanistan militarily, there is now an intention to solve it through negotiation, to involve all of Afghanistans large neighbors. Isnt it better to go in this direction, trying to seek solutions through diplomacy and negotiation? Some forces, certainly the British government among others, are resolutely sticking to the old geopolitical paradigm. Look at the recent report by the House of Lords, U.K. Foreign Policy in a Shifting World Order. That report is a masterpiece of geopolitics of the worst kind. The EU and, unfortunately, also the Berlin government, are both continuing to insist that the so-called rules-based order must be maintained. All these objections are not very convincing. I urge you to examine this yourself. Which way is better? Read the New Years message of President Xi Jinping of China, which is a very proud listing of all the incredibly many accomplishments China has made this past yearall the industrial parks, the beautiful bridge between Macao, Zhuhai, and Hong Kong, and many other projects. China has lifted 10 million people out of poverty in this past year alone and is confident that it will lift all its remaining poor out of poverty by the year 2020. This is a message of somebody who cares about his country and his people. Please read Xis message yourself, especially because of all the anti-China hysteria going on. Now, compare that New Years message with the one of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who finds it important to stress as the most important occurrence of 2018 the announcement of her own resignation. She otherwise presents just more of the same failed policies without any vision whatsoever. The world will face dramatic changes in this coming year, 2019. It is not yet clear what these changes will be. It is clear, however, that the old order is disintegrating, and a new order is emerging. But what exactly the parameters of this new order, what the principles will be, is not yet decided. Let us look at the concepts of previous great thinkers of humanity, who had a clear view of our one humanity, who had a vision of the harmonious development of all nations. Let us look at these thinkers whom we can ask for advicethe great Chinese thinker Confucius, Nicholas of Cusa, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, and, Americas John Quincy Adams, just to name a few. So, I think humanity is at an historic branching point. We can shape a new era of civilization in which we overcome geopolitics for good. I ask all you to work with the Schiller Institute, so that we can win over the remaining nations that are still sticking to the old waysespecially the European nations, and get more of the peoples and nations of the world to join the New Paradigm. We can make a fantastic future if we work together. Posted Thursday, January 10, 2019 9:48 am Lovemaking should linger; catastrophes ought to be quick. Thats how conductor Cristian Macelearu sees Ravels hypnotic, horrific masterpiece, Bolero. A seductive dance begins as a thought, turns into reality and leads to complete destruction, he said. It maintains a dreamlike state all the way to the end, and then becomes a nightmare. Youll never hear a rote performance from Macelaru, 38, and the youthful National Symphony Orchestra of Romania, due to arrive at the Wharton Center Sunday. Its the first time any Romanian orchestra has toured the United States, part of a year-long celebration of the countrys 1918 unification. The musicians most of whom are younger than the maestro perform with a folk-inflected, heady spice that steamed up from a small Central European country in the 20th century, slipped under the lid of Communist rule and exerted a disproportionate influence on music around the world. You expect that spice to explode from Georges Enescus Romanian Rhapsody, leading off the bill Sunday, but it also works wonders for Richard Strauss, Tchaikovsky and Ravel. In Bolero, you can play whats on the page, but thats a 2-D representation, Macelaru said. The melodies have a sensual element between the notes. Theres a pulse and a groove that creates this inevitability of going someplace you dont want to go! Macelaru likened the orchestra to a rock band that plays for fun between meat-and-potatoes gigs. The group started 10 years ago as a youth ensemble, along the lines of Venezuelas famous Simon Bolivar Orchestra. By now, the earliest cohorts are in their early 30s, but they had such a great time getting together that they still come together once a month or so to do a tour, a festival, a CD or some other project. Being together with your friends, when you know its only for a week or 10 days its a huge difference in how the music is made when you really want to be there, Macelaru said. The tour also gives Macelaru a rare chance to be the oldest person in the room. Usually, hes herding the greatest orchestras in the world, like the New York Philharmonic or the Chicago Symphony, where he got a big break substituting for an ailing Pierre Boulez in 2012. Its just boundless energy, this feeling of excitement thats infectious, he said. Its also like a high school reunion, nostalgic and warm. Macelaru has enjoyed a stunningly fast ride to the worlds top orchestral podiums, from Berlin and Rotterdam to Los Angeles, London and Philadelphia, where he now lives, and it all began with a 1997 scholarship to Interlochen in northern Michigan. Not only did the scholarship get Macelaru out of Romania, where international opportunities were limited, but it also turned his life upside down. Macelaru came to Interlochen as a violinist, but a remarkable conducting teacher, John Ross, had other notions. Conducting was the furthest thing from my mind, Macelaru said. I discovered conducting as a great art form and a way I could express myself. Macelarus mission on the American tour is to explore the cross-currents linking Romanian music, represented by beloved native son Georges Enescu, with the music of Romanias heavyweight neighbors, France, Germany and Russia. Criss-crossing armies trampled back and forth across central Europe in the 20th century, with tragic consequences, but Romanias central location also turned it into a musical melting pot with influence out of proportion to its size. Add rich folk traditions to the mix and its no wonder Romanian musicians have been welcomed around the world. In every orchestra I go to, from the Berlin Philharmonic to smaller orchestras, I always meet Romanian musicians, Macelaru said. It astonishes me because its not a terribly big country. So many of them have managed to make lives and careers outside of Romania and I wanted to show some of that. The orchestra took the cultural crossroads theme to extremes Friday by joining forces with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in New York to play a major opus by Macelarus friend and frequent collaborator, Wynton Marsalis. Marsalis Symphony No. 4, The Jungle, is a huge, densely layered portrait of New York City, blending jazz and classical music. The massive first movement, cut from the symphonys premiere in 2016 for length, got its world premiere Friday. It added a layer of complexity to the tour, but Macelaru couldnt resist the opportunity. Its a way for us to understand jazz, American folklore, and open the way to a collaboration with arguably the greatest artist alive, in both the jazz and classical fields, Macelaru said. The thought of our two groups being together on the same stage, performing music written by Wynton who would have thought of that a few years ago? But crazy things happen like that. National Symphony Orchestra of Romania 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 Wharton Center Cobb Great Hall $29 and up (517) 432-2000 U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker has joined the list of members of Congress asking for their taxpayer-funded paychecks to be withheld during the ongoing partial government shutdown. Smucker, who began his second term representing Lancaster County last week, made the request Tuesday, the 18th day of the shutdown, according to a letter later provided by a spokeswoman that he sent to the U.S. Houses chief administrative officer. By the Numbers Base salary for members of Congress : $174,000 : $174,000 Median income in Pennsylvania : $56,951 household income in in 2017, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Per capita income of $31,476 is more than five times less than members of Congress. : $56,951 household income in in 2017, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Per capita income of $31,476 is more than five times less than members of Congress. Additional perks : Every member has an office allowance of about $1.2 million for office and work expenses. Health care costs are also mostly covered. : Every member has an office allowance of about $1.2 million for office and work expenses. Health care costs are also mostly covered. Outside income : Smucker received $86,800 in additional income in 2017, according to his most recent financial disclosure. That included $67,300 in a state pension from his two terms in the state Senate, and $19,500 in salary from H2O To Go, a business in which he is a part-owner. : Smucker received $86,800 in additional income in 2017, according to his most recent financial disclosure. That included $67,300 in a state pension from his two terms in the state Senate, and $19,500 in salary from H2O To Go, a business in which he is a part-owner. Net worth: More than 200 members of Congress have a net worth of more than $1 million, according to the D.C.-based Roll Call news organization. Smucker is holding about $1.2 million in minimum assets and, considering liabilities, has a net worth around $400,000, according to Roll Call. His financial disclosure notes he has a 40 percent interest in the H2O To Go business and reported between $100,000 and $1 million in income from it in 2017 (exact figures arent required). The West Lampeter Township Republican did not provide a reason for his request in the letter but spokeswoman Allison Nielsen said it was "because it's the right thing to do." She said she expects he will receive back pay once the budget is agreed-to and in effect like other federal employees. In 2017, Smucker co-sponsored a No Budget, No Pay bill that would stop paychecks to all members of Congress, and prohibit retroactive pay later, if they do not pass all the necessary appropriations bills before the beginning of the regular fiscal year on Oct. 1. The bill did not receive a committee vote in the last session. Dozens of House and Senate members, both Republicans and Democrats, have said they are declining or donating their paychecks to charity during the shutdown. As many as 13 senators and 51 representatives have done so, according to a report from CNN on Wednesday. But that number may not paint a full picture because it was developed by gathering social media posts and official statements. Smucker had not publicly announced his decision but offered the letter to LNP when asked Wednesday. A spokeswoman for U.S. Sen. Bob Casey said the Pennsylvania Democrat is being paid and is ready to vote on a bill to re-open the government as soon as the majority leader brings it to the floor. A spokesman for Republican Sen. Pat Toomey did not return a request for comment. Other members of Pennsylvanias 18-member House delegation who have publicly said theyre forgoing paychecks include Republican Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Scott Perry and Democratic Reps. Dwight Evans, Chrissy Houlahan and Mary Gay Scanlon, according to their offices and other news reports. Some, like Fitzpatrick, took the step immediately when the government shut down Dec. 22. I am not delaying my pay; I am sending it back to the United States Treasury, Fitzpatrick said in a statement at the time. And I am not only encouraging, but I am urging, all my colleagues, both Republican and Democrat, to do the same. Lets send a message to the extreme partisans on both sides: Do your job or dont get paid. For 26 years, Harry Goodman wondered who killed Christy Mirack, a young teacher at Rohrerstown Elementary School. Goodman, the schools principal at the time, found Mirack, 25, dead in her East Lampeter Township townhouse after she didnt show up to work Dec. 21, 1992. With accused killer Raymond Rowes admission of guilt in court Tuesday, Goodman now knows. We needed this. Its been a long 26 years, the retired administrator, who lives in Lancaster County, said in a phone call with LNP Wednesday. But a question will always linger in his mind, Goodman said: Why? Hes been communicating with former colleagues and students since Rowe, charged with the brutal sexual assault and strangling of Mirack, pleaded guilty. Rowe was sentenced to life in prison. Why would he do this to such a wonderful person? Goodman wonders. Were all very disappointed that that wasnt addressed. In his brief comments in court, Rowe apologized to the Mirack family, but offered no reason for his crime. Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman said investigators built a circumstantial theory as to how Rowe likely knew Mirack but do not know why he killed her. They connected him to the crime scene through DNA. Despite the sense of closure, the pain of losing Mirack will not go away, Goodman said. She was a young educator with unlimited potential. Youd walk into her classroom, and the kids were captivated. She taught with her heart, he said. Question of motive Lauren Atwater Bender, who was in Miracks sixth-grade class when she was killed, said Wednesday there was a sense of relief in Rowes plea with the lingering question of motive. It unnerves me ... not to have any more answers is upsetting, she said. Bender said she never doubted the science of the DNA match that led investigators to arrest Rowe last summer. She was hoping motive would come out in the court process. The why hasnt been answered and will never be, she said. Bender, who lives in East Hempfield Township, has young children at Roherstown Elementary. Its so surreal, she said, to see sixth-graders today and realize she was that young when her teacher died. Community deserves more Emily Noble, who told LNP she dated Rowe in the early 1990s, said Wednesday she wishes there was a way he could be forced to address the Lancaster community. The community although I respect the familys wishes of no messy, horrible trial deserves more from him, she said. We deserve to see him, hear him and be certain that he has accepted his responsibility for murdering a young woman. Another former student of Mirack, 34-year-old Maryam Fischer, told LNP shes relieved she no longer has to worry about the monster that was haunting my dreams. Well never know the why. We dont really need to know that. Justice has been served, Fischer said. Now we can focus on closing that door and who Miss Mirack was. Fischer lives in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, but was a student in the first-grade class where Mirack was a long-term sub before teaching sixth grade. Fischer, a high school teacher, was inspired by Mirack. Christy Miracks brother Vince did not return a call Wednesday. In an emotional address in court Tuesday, he thanked law enforcement for seeing it through. Why? Why are we sitting here together? he said to Rowe. Later in his remarks, he added, We must struggle to find peace in our hearts. A woman fatally shot her 11-year-old son then herself at a Manheim Township hotel Wednesday, according to Lancaster County Coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni. The mother and son were found in a room at America's Best Value Inn Lancaster, 1320 Harrisburg Pike, on Wednesday afternoon. Diamantoni said he believes the boy was shot between 6 and 8 a.m. that morning. Diamantoni identified the woman as 33-year-old Nicole Welton. Her manner of death was suicide, he said after an external examination Thursday. Welton lived in Milton, Northumberland County, according to the Milton police chief in a report from The Daily Item Newspaper in Sunbury. The boy died from a gunshot wound to the head, and his manner of death was homicide, Diamantoni said. The boy's death is the first homicide in Lancaster County this year. Diamantoni said he was not releasing the boy's name. He said the boy was living with his father not his mother. Manheim Township police have not responded to requests for comment.In a daily crime release, police said they're investigating the deaths of two people found in a hotel room. The Lancaster County District Attorney's office is involved in the investigation, said spokesman Brett Hambright. Editor's Note: This article was originally published Jan. 10, 2019. The drawing was called amateurish and cartoonish at first. And then everyone really piled on. Looks like a 3rd grader drew this, remarked one online commenter. Wrote another: Worst ID sketch ever. The esteemed Washington Post weighed in, calling it terrible. Mocked the New York Daily News: Put an APB out for Linus. Jocelyn Park was hurt, but remained quiet, anonymous. And then she got the last laugh. The work of this Lancaster resident a graphic designer who, by the way, holds a pair of art degrees helped police eventually catch the subject of her simple drawing: a thief who struck at Central Market. Park told the story about the simple sketch that went viral for the first time Wednesday night at a gathering of the group Lancaster Transplant, which she founded to help people who relocate to the area meet others and get connected. Until then, the artists identity was a mystery. Its true, Park, 33, said at a special Transplant event called Confessions, which encourages members to share stories they havent revealed to anyone else. Most were anonymous, but Parks wasnt. I did it, she said, to cheers and applause. And this is the story of her most famous work to date. A quick sketch on a sticky note Morning visits to Central Market became routine for Park after she moved to Lancaster about six years ago. On Jan. 30, she stopped to buy a dozen eggs from her favorite stand. There was an unfamiliar man behind the stand. And he was clutching cash. Park confronted him and tried, unsuccessfully, to stop him from fleeing. She called 911 and talked to police. The image of the man was seared in her memory. I thought, if they call me back and ask me to identify him, then I better write down details, Park recalled in an interview with LNP this week. I'll do one better, and I'll sketch out what he looks like." She drew one quick sketch, then a second. Lancaster police Officer Ben Rothermel followed up with a call and asked her to explain what happened. She sent him a photo of the second sketch, drawn on a sticky note. Lancaster police Lt. Bill Hickey saw the sketch in police files and included it in a daily summary of incidents distributed to the media. LancasterOnline posted a brief story with the sketch and request for information. Thats when the story blew up. National and international news outlets picked it up. The BBC. The Daily Mail in the United Kingdom. Drudge Report. The Washington Post. Everyone from social media users to website commenters was having a field day over the sketchs cartoon-like quality. The next day, Rothermel called her and said, I don't know if you know this, but this sketch has just gone out of control. I know, she said. I already know. And the word that kept popping up in headlines was amateurish. If only. The anonymous artist At first, staying anonymous was a no-brainer, Park said. The criticism of the sketchs quality was pretty harsh. I got a little bit upset, but I thought, Just wait til they find him, and they put the sketch up next to his face, Park said. Its all going to be vindicated. Sure enough, about a week later, an off-duty cop said the description and the sketch reminded him of 44-year-old Hung Phouc Nguyen. Park said she was shown a photo array and picked Nguyen out of the lineup. Police issued a warrant for his arrest. Then she said the tune of online commentary changed. People said, It does look like him. It captures his essence, Park said . Nguyen pleaded guilty in June and was ordered to spend a maximum of 23 months in jail and be on probation for two years. He was also banned from Central Market, according to court records. Sketchy The sketch has brought Park more opportunity than she thought it would. Park has copyrighted the image and had pins made showing the drawing. She was wearing one during her interview with LNP. Hes a persona now. Aside from whoever he was representing, he has his own thing, Park said. For fun, shes started doing quick sketches of friends and famous figures. Shes also been commissioned to do some work. Park said she wants to keep sketching people. Shell accept photos at worldsworstsketch@gmail.com. All she needs is five minutes, a black ink pen, and a front and side shot of a person. In revealing her identify as the artist, Park also answered a lingering question: Why does the sketch only have one ear? You dont need to draw both, she said. You know people have two. When Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai visited Lancaster in April 2017, she came to honor the areas commitment to welcoming and resettling refugees. Turns out, she was inspired in turn. A chance meeting that day with Marie Claire Kaberamanzi, a young woman who had arrived in Lancaster barely a year before, has led to Kaberamanzis story forming a chapter in Yousafzais most recent book, released this week. We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories From Refugee Girls Around the World features the experiences of 10 girls including Kaberamanzis journey fleeing civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to a refugee camp in Zambia, to Lancaster. And, in the only chapter not focusing on a young refugee, Church World Service volunteer Jennifer Shumway of Lancaster shares her experience welcoming the extended Kaberamanzi family to America. IN MALALA'S WORDS I met Marie Claire in a nondescript room in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I had been invited to join an annual program there honoring the refugees and their host community. Lancaster is often referred to as the refugee capital of America, I learned, and though I had received the invitation a couple of years earlier, this was the first time I could make it. My visit was a surprise to everyone there, and I gave a speech. That is just how it goes sometimes. I walk in, a surprise, and then I speak to a roomful of amazing people. But always at events like this, Im more interested in listening than talking. That day, I sat in that room with six refugee girls and boys, each telling his or her story. I remember Marie Claire not only for the story she told but also for the story she didnt. She was full of strength, but I could hear the pain in her heart and see the tears in her eyes. When she spoke, I felt her trauma as well as her triumph. The picture of this moment, as she revealed her past, is still in my head. Excerpt from We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories From Refugee Girls Around the World Im excited, but not surprised, that there are Lancaster connections in Malalas new book, Matt Johnson says. A message from Johnson, Lancaster city Mayor Danene Soraces former chief of staff, to Yousafzais website was part of the spark that inspired her Lancaster visit. I said it during her visit, and I believe it now: Her appearance here wasnt just about what she could bring to Lancaster. It was a chance for her to take something away from our community that could be meaningful to her global work. The conversations Yousafzai had with young refugees here, Johnson added, clearly had a deep impact on her and her father, Ziauddin, who accompanied Yousafzai on her visit. Marie Claire is a perfect ambassador for that message. Change in my life There was no doubt of her answer, Marie Claire Kaberamanzi says, when Malala Fund representatives asked her to take part in the book project. Now studying nursing at Washington Adventist University in Maryland, Kaberamanzi says the decision was simple. I knew I had school. I knew I was busy. And I knew I had to do it anyway. First of all, she says, I always wanted to write a book on my own. For me, it was just a dream come true, and I could (now) see writing my own book. Shumway, too, was certain of her decision. Not a lot of people are at the heart of this book, Shumway says. So that they thought of (Kaberamanzi) for this I would never miss the opportunity to support Malala and Marie Claire. We Are Displaced is not the first collaboration between Kaberamanzi and Yousafzai, the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Price laureate. Since their meeting in Lancaster nearly two years ago, Kaberamanzi has worked both with Yousafzai and with her nonprofit Malala Fund, which advocates for education for girls affected by war, poverty and discrimination. Sales of We Are Displaced benefit this fund. Kaberamanzis story is not an easy one for her to share. Forced to flee a civil war that began the year before she was born, her family ended up in Zambia, harassed for being refugees and struggling to make a living. When she was 12, vigilantes killed her mother and gravely injured her father. School, Kaberamanzi says, become her connection to her late mother, Furaha, who strongly pushed her daughter to pursue education. Years after her mother applied for refugee visas through the United Nations, the Kaberamanzis were granted permission for resettlement in America, and were assigned to Lancaster. Here, Kaberamanzi talked herself into classes at McCaskey High School, though she was already 19, and graduated six months later the first in her family to earn a diploma. And then, the Malala Fund came calling. Would she join Yousafzai in an address to leaders at the United Nations? I knew about the U.N., but I didnt know the real significance, Kaberamanzi says in a telephone interview from her Maryland campus. I didnt really think Id be standing in front of leaders, talking about my life and what I thought they should do about women and girls. Shumway, who accompanied Kaberamanzi on her trip to New York City, says she wasnt really surprised at the impact Kaberamanzis words had on her audience. Marie Claire is such a dynamo, says Shumway, whose family has become extremely close with the Kaberamanzis since their arrival in America. She was, literally, a stones throw from the president of France and other world leaders. While she was in New York for that United Nations address, Kaberamanzi says, she was invited to be interviewed for the project which became We Are Displaced. I knew from then something was going to change in my life, Kaberamanzi says. I knew my story wouldnt just stay in Lancaster or my school; it was going to go out to everybody. Sitting with very, very important people in life made me believe I can get there as well, she adds. So Im doing all I can to get there. That includes sharing her story, she says, as a way of helping the Malala Fund advocate on behalf of other women and girls. (Malala) thought that maybe people didnt know there are other girls out there with similar and incredible stories, Kaberamanzi says. She wanted to show that there are more girls advocating toward educating and other things we should have as women. Shumway, who shares in the book why she became involved with refugee resettlement, says the project creates a small ripple in the political climate that we all have right now. Its an important message, and very timely. And she also shares the impact that involvement had on her whole family once she felt compelled to become involved. She and her husband, Andrew OBrien, share a blended family of sons Alec, Ethan, Andrew and Daniel, and daughter Lauren. It just washes over you how small our lives truly are in the scheme of things, Shumway says. This girl just a short time ago came from a refugee camp in Africa, and shes now setting the world ablaze. She just needed the opportunity. Firefighters were fighting a barn fire in Earl Township Wednesday night. Arriving firefighters found a 40-by-80-foot barn about one-third engulfed in flames on Peters Road near North New Holland Road. The fire was called in at 9:26 p.m. Firefighters from New Holland and Intercourse were working to keep the fire from spreading to a larger barn. One of the hottest and quirkiest competitions at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg might be the annual sheep to shawl contest. The concept of sheep-to-shawl is simple: teams have 2 1/2 hours to shear a sheep, spin the fleece and weave it into a shawl. The fastest team wins. Watch live here: For more Farm Show coverage: The Diocese of Harrisburg is holding nine listening sessions in January and February with Bishop Ronald W. Gainer for people to discuss the Pennsylvania grand jury report that listed 300 priests accused of sexual abuse as well as the Dioceses response to the abuse and its path forward. Each session will include opening remarks from Bishop Gainer and retired Pennsylvania State Police Capt. Janet McNeal, who was recently hired to oversee the youth protection efforts of the Diocese. The initial meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at St. Catherine Laboure Parish, 4000 Derry St., Harrisburg. The sole session scheduled for Lancaster County will be held Tuesday, Feb, 12, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Leo The Great Parish, 2427 Marietta Pike, Lancaster. Other sessions include: - Wednesday, Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Parish, 5055 Grandview Road, Hanover. - Monday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Parish, 410 E. Simpson St., Mechanicsburg. - Thursday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. at St. Cecilia Parish Hall, 750 State Drive, Lebanon. - Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 6:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Parish, 1730 Fowler Ave., Berwick. - Thursday, Feb. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish, 599 W. Center St. Elysburg. - Monday, Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m. at Corpus Christi Parish, 320 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg. - Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. at Saint Rose of Lima Parish, 950 W. Market St., York. After Worley & Obetzs abrupt collapse in June, allegedly the victim of a lengthy $2 billion fraud led by its CEO, its suddenly idled employees and the general public had the same question: How could a scheme of that magnitude go undetected for so long? Apparently, a court-appointed trustee whos handling the bankruptcy case of the defunct, Manheim-based energy company is wondering the same thing. Trustee Christine Shubert on Tuesday asked the judge overseeing the case for permission to hire an accounting malpractice expert to help her investigate the work of Worley & Obetzs accountant, Trout, Ebersole & Groff. Shuberts seven-page filing does not allege any shortcomings in the Lancaster-based accountants work. Asked to comment on Shuberts filing, Trout, Ebersole & Groff said in a statement: For nearly 90 years, Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP has earned a reputation that reflects the high standards we demand of ourselves. However, IRS regulations and professional standards of conduct preclude us from commenting specifically about confidential matters regarding former clients. Shuberts filing indicates the experts work is underway already, as the trustee asked Chief Judge Richard E. Fehling of U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Reading to make the approval retroactive to Dec. 5. Shuberts filing does not provide a timetable or budget for the work. The expert is Friedman LLP, a Philadelphia-based firm that Shubert wants to hire because of its expertise and experience in cases relating to the determination of accountants/auditors level of compliance with professional standards. Friedman, Shubert says, has been involved in some of the largest cases involving financial frauds and auditor failures over the past 20 years, including WorldCom, Tyco and the Bernie Madoff scam. Friedman also has been hired by bankruptcy trustees to help determine whether to take action against accounting firms which had clients that went into bankruptcy. Shubert lists six Friedman professionals who will work on the investigation, with hourly payrates ranging from $200 to $665. The top rate is for Harris Devor, a Friedman partner. Worley & Obetz announced in May that it had been hit by a massive fraud, allegedly led by fired CEO Jeffrey Lyons, and began layoffs with hopes of reorganizing as a smaller firm. However, Worley & Obetzs lenders balked at the plan, prompting the firm to suddenly close June 4. All 250 employees lost their jobs. Worley & Obetz filed for bankruptcy June 6. Worley & Obetzs attorney, the companys lead lender (Fulton Bank) and Shubert all have pointed the finger at Lyons. Local law enforcement authorities and Worley & Obetz's attorney have said that hes under investigation by the FBI. (Though Lyons has not been charged with the financial fraud, he has been charged with allegedly using his company credit cards to pay $1 million of personal expenses.) In October, Shubert fleshed out what had been publicly disclosed about the alleged fraud. According to Shubert, the alleged fraud was conducted not only by Lyons, but also the companys controller and the controllers successor. Lasting at least five years, the alleged fraud involved putting $2 billion in fake revenue on the companys books and misstating other key numbers including cost of goods sold, borrowing capacity, accounts receivable and net profits, she alleged. With those padded figures misrepresenting the companys size and health, Worley & Obetz was able to get larger bank loans, which Lyons tapped to help finance several expensive real estate ventures, alleged Shubert. LAist only exists with reader support. If you're in a position to give, your donation powers our reporters and keeps us independent. Our reporting is free for everyone, but its not free to make. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe L.A. Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner refers to display boards outlining the school district's latest contract offer to United Teachers Los Angeles on Mon., Jan. 7, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Stokes/LAist) Regulators who oversee the Los Angeles Unified School District have sent their clearest message to date that they're worried about the district's finances -- and that too much spending on a new contract with LAUSD's teachers union could make the situation worse. The L.A. County Office of Education on Wednesday appointed a "fiscal expert" to monitor the district's budget. The appointment "means [county officials] are deeply concerned about ... our rate of spending versus the resources that we have," LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner told reporters. WHAT THIS MEANS The expert's immediate task is to help LAUSD write a cost-cutting plan by mid-March -- but the appointment could be a prelude to even more drastic interventions. If LAUSD cannot address the fiscal expert's concerns, state law allows county officials to appoint an even-more-powerful "fiscal advisor," who can re-write budgets, overturn school board decisions, and even veto an agreement on a labor contract. In a statement, county officials said they have "no position on ongoing negotiations with United Teachers Los Angeles." However, in a letter sent Wednesday to LAUSD announcing the fiscal expert's appointment, county schools superintendent Debra Duardo laid out concerns that "any salary and benefit increase, if paid from reserves or other one-time resources, could adversely affect the financial condition of the district." A CRAZY DAY The county's announcement was only one of several curveballs thrown at the high-stakes contract negotiations Wednesday between LAUSD and its 30,000-member teachers union, UTLA. First, UTLA postponed its possible strike to Monday, Jan. 14 amid legal confusion about its strike date. Then, word spread that district lawyers had filed court papers arguing a judge should delay the strike even further. During negotiations, apparently, the two sides tried and failed to reconcile their starkly contrasted conceptions of the district's finances. Finally -- minutes after UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl wrapped up a post-negotiation news conference -- county officials and then the LAUSD issued press releases about the fiscal expert's appointment in quick succession. On Thursday morning, a judge finally provided some clarity: the teachers can strike on Monday. THE TIMING To teachers union officials, the timing of the appointment seemed suspect. In a statement, a UTLA spokeswoman said her organization "has serious questions about [the county's] independence and motivations with this latest announcement." Back in September, L.A. County Office of Education CFO Candi Clark told school board members that LAUSD "is not a district that is too big to fail." (UTLA officials later questioned Clark's neutrality after unearthing emails showing the speech was edited on an LAUSD-owned laptop.) LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner told reporters he was informed the county was appointing a fiscal of advisor as he shuttled back and forth to Sacramento Wednesday to meet with state lawmakers. KPCC/LAist asked Beutner directly whether the timing of the announcement was connected to any effort by the county to give LAUSD officials cover in negotiations with UTLA. Beutner responded by pointing out that L.A. County's elected members of the Board of Supervisors "appoint together a county superintendent of education." Beutner's implication, as confirmed later by a district official: if UTLA wishes to question the credibility of LAUSD's county officials, the union is also questioning the credibility of the County Supervisors -- a labor-friendly group. WHAT THE COUNTY (OR THE STATE) CAN DO As LAist reported in September: California law requires school districts to update their budgets annually. But districts are also required to submit a spending plan that covers the next three years -- and a forecast of whether they'll have money left over at the end. If a district projects a deficit in any of the next three years, state law requires county-level education officials step in. Sometimes, the extent of the county's intervention is to suggest a few edits to the budget. But in severe cases, the county can appoint a fiscal advisor with the power to "stay and rescind" board actions he or she deems fiscally irresponsible. (L.A. County took that step [in 2017] in Montebello Unified.) In the most dire emergencies, the state will take over the district -- as it did with Compton Unified in 1993 or Inglewood Unified in 2012. In districts that fall into "receivership," the state strips the school board and superintendent of all authority and appoints an overseer with broad powers to restructure the district's finances. On Wednesday, Beutner told reporters he did not see the fiscal expert's appointment as an immediate precursor to more serious interventions. That said, LAUSD board president Monica Garcia on Wednesday acknowledged the "struggle" of maintaining a balanced budget. "I want to maintain my authority to do my job," said Garcia, "and every year that I've been here, it has been a struggle to provide a three-year budget." 'EARLY WARNING SYSTEM' The county's stepped-up oversight comes in response to the district's own budget projections. Keep in mind, those are the same projections UTLA leaders have cast doubt on for months. LAUSD currently has nearly $2 billion in the bank. District officials say they'll need to spend almost all of that money in order to ensure their books are balanced three years from now. UTLA officials contend the $2 billion reserve is reason to question the district's forecasts of fiscal calamity in the not-so-distant future. Michael Fine runs the state's Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, which assists financially-troubled school districts. In September, Fine rejected the notion that the county's warnings to LAUSD were hyperbolic. "Do I think in any way it's meant to be a scare tactic? No," Fine told KPCC/LAist of the county's 'not too big to fail' warning. "The system [of school budget oversight] is built around this concept of an early warning system," he added, and the fiscal expert is one of the first responses meant to ensure school districts' problems don't worsen. "I don't think [LAUSD] is too big to fail," Fine said. "There's no question about it." UPDATES: 12 p.m.: This article was updated with the latest ruling from a judge about the date of the teachers strike. This article was originally published at 12 a.m. Hey, thanks. You read the entire story. And we love you for that. Here at LAist, our goal is to cover the stories that matter to you, not advertisers. We don't have paywalls, but we do have payments (aka bills). So if you love independent, local journalism, join us. Let's make the world a better place, together. Donate now. LAist only exists with reader support. If you're in a position to give, your donation powers our reporters and keeps us independent. Our reporting is free for everyone, but its not free to make. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe A teachers strike against the Los Angeles Unified School District can go forward on Monday, Jan. 14, a judge ruled Thursday. More than 30,000 members of United Teachers Los Angeles had already postponed their planned work stoppage for a few days amid legal confusion over whether their original strike date would hold up in court. But L.A. Superior Court Judge Mary Strobel appears to have ended the confusion. In court filings, attorneys for the school district had asked the judge for an even further delay in the strike date. They argued UTLA leaders had botched the order in which they rolled out their strike plans, which violated the original contract and entitled the district to even more time to prepare for the work stoppage. But Strobel rejected the argument, saying a Jan. 3 email was enough to serve the district notice that the union intended to walk away from the contract. "The district request comes quite late in the sequence of events," Judge Strobel said from the bench. The district is considering asking an appellate court to review the decision, according to LAUSD deputy general counsel Alexander Molina, who also noted the judge didn't rule whether UTLA violated the contract. UTLA and LAUSD negotiators met Wednesday, making little progress. The bargaining teams are set to meet again on Friday morning; it's possible negotiations could continue over the weekend. MORE ABOUT THE POSSIBLE STRIKE LAist only exists with reader support. If you're in a position to give, your donation powers our reporters and keeps us independent. Our reporting is free for everyone, but its not free to make. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe What happens to the district's approximately 484,000 students if LAUSD teachers go on strike? Schools will remain open for their normal hours but with a skeleton staff of principals, cafeteria workers, custodians, front office employees, police officers and parent volunteers. For parents who decide not to send their kids to school, they face the challenge of finding alternate childcare and, in some cases, making sure their children have enough food. In the Pico-Union neighborhood, approximately 95% of the students attending public elementary schools access free or reduced-price lunches. At Thomas Starr King Middle School in Los Feliz, that figure is nearly 75%. So Joel Laguna, a sixth grade history teacher at King Middle School, and some of his fellow teachers decided to start a free food program for students during the strike. "We know that food insecurity is going to be a huge issue during the strike, or it might be. And as teachers, obviously, we want to make sure that the health and nutrition of our students is first and foremost during this time," Laguna says. The GoFundMe campaign they launched on January 4 has so far raised almost $2,000, surpassing its $1,500 goal. "We have a group of teachers who are going to be making food every single day, bag lunches that kids and families can pick up," Laguna says. The lunches will contain an uncrusted peanut butter and jelly sandwich, fruit, a nutrition bar and a bottle of water. They can be picked up curbside, in front of the school, every day of the potential strike. Making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. (bark/Flickr Creative Commons) If the strike doesn't happen, or if it ends and there's money left from the fundraising campaign, Laguna says it will go to a nearby Ronald McDonald House. "The program has been so successful that we are actually going to expand the program out to all the local elementary schools," he says. But why bother if schools are going to stay open and continue serving meals? Teachers think many parents won't send their kids to school, whether for practical or ideological reasons. LAUSD has hired 400 non-union substitute teachers to fill in at schools. The district already made it easier and less costly for parents to volunteer and this week, they tried to add more flexibility to those guidelines. "Last strike that we had 30 years ago, about half of the students did not come to school," Laguna says. A lot of parents are not going to send their kids to school because we have overwhelming parent support. And they don't want to have their kids break our strike lines." January 11, 1989: "Teachers gather at LAUSD headquarters in preparation for a demonstration march. Several school teachers bearing placards demonstrate for pay raises outside the headquarters. Union leaders threatened an "alley fight" and strongly hinted of a strike unless agreement is reached by February 3." (Herald Examiner Collection/Los Angeles Public Library Collection) Another campaign, Tacos for Teachers, launched January 3 by Strike Support Committee, has raised more than $8,000 to feed teachers by bringing taco trucks to the picket lines. Any remaining funds not used on tacos goes directly to Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools. We've also heard reports of other fundraising campaigns, on various online platforms and on Amazon, related to the Los Angeles teachers strike. As always, be aware that in addition to legitimate campaigns, these platforms are ripe for scammers. If you want to know how many students are receiving free or reduced-price lunches at your local school, you can click here and select the applicable county, school district and school. LAist only exists with reader support. If you're in a position to give, your donation powers our reporters and keeps us independent. The Big One: Your Survival Guide At LAist, we've thought a lot about how to motivate people to prep for the massive earthquake that's inevitable here in Southern California. We even dedicated an entire podcast to it. Now we're teaming up with our friends at the L.A. Times to push Southern Californians to get ready. Join us for a virtual event covering the basics of quake survival on June 24. We've also gathered the best of our coverage in a no-nonsense guide to getting ready. No more excuses. Let's do this. If you rent in L.A. and thats most of us its time for a heart-to-heart with your landlord. We get it, we do. Finding (and keeping) a place here is hard enough without adding disaster planning to your checklist. But the reality is that you are living in a region prone to earthquakes. And a "Big One" a quake thats more than 7.2 magnitude could happen any second now. If you dont know the condition of your apartment or house, you wont know your risks if youre home when another big quake hits. Were here to help. Ask these key questions. 1. When Was This Building Built? Changes made to earthquake code are not retroactive, so its really important to know when your building went up its the starting point in your quest. At the most basic level, knowing how long the building has been standing tells you how many earthquakes it has survived. Of course, quakes throughout the years have been of varying strengths and different eras required different building codes. Buildings that went up after the 1994 Northridge quake, for example, had much more stringent requirements. That said, many older buildings have been retrofitted. That leads us to our next question. 2. Has It Been Retrofitted? Some Southern California cities, including Santa Monica, have passed mandatory retrofitting ordinances. If you live there, you can use this tool to see if your building is a soft-story building or a concrete frame one and if it requires a retrofit. If it has undergone a retrofit, ask your landlord what the retrofit entailed and if you can see the documentation. If the building has not been retrofitted and was built before 1994 (the year of the Northridge quake), ask the landlord when they plan to do so. 3. Are There Foundation Issues? Some of SoCals structures are built on hills or slopes. And oh what a view! But sometimes those buildings come with foundational issues. A structural engineer can verify whether thats the case. Some property owners forgo this part of the inspection when buying the building because it saves money. Ask the person in charge of your building if an inspection was conducted and what the results were. If there were foundation issues, what where they and what did they do to fix them? If you dont get a suitable answer you can sometimes find that information yourself in the sales record for the building on websites like Zillow, Redfin, or Trulia. The National Guard in front of the Northridge Meadows apartments, on January 24, 1994, where 16 people died during the earthquake in the night of January 17, 1994. Residents were allowed to enter the condemned building for 15 minutes at a time to collect personel effects. (HAL GARB/AFP/Getty Images / AFP) 4. What Kind Of Soil Is Beneath The Building? Ever hear the term liquefaction? It is basically when the ground turns to quicksand after an earthquake. We created a tool for you that shows whether your building is in a liquefaction zone. Find out here. 5. Are We On A Fault Line? Fault lines in L.A. are more common than celebrities and traffic jams. You just cant see them. You probably live on top of one or near one. Not all of them are capable of producing a large earthquake, but its good to know where you stand so to speak. Learn more about individual faults here. 6. Has This Building Been Affected In A Previous Disaster? If your building suffered damage in a fire, earthquake or another disaster, it may be more vulnerable when the big one hits. Find out if the owners made necessary repairs after the last big disaster. 7. What If My Place Becomes Uninhabitable After The Quake? Your building must certain requirements at all times in order to be considered habitable. Heres a comprehensive list from Cal Tenant Law. Make sure the following things work: Electrical Hot and cold running water Plumbing and a functioning toilet Heating and air conditioning Windows Doors Appliances like stove and refrigerator Undamaged flooring, ceilings and walls No infestations One of the basic tenets of being a landlord is that your unit has to be habitable, said Yazmin Guzman of the Housing Rights Center. So, if the unit is not considered habitable for living then they are not able to collect rent. Before you decide to withhold rent, document the damage. 8. Who You Gonna Call? If theres property damage after a disaster you need to report it. Get ready now. Make sure that you have a direct contact for your landlord and building owner and ask who would serve as a backup contact if you arent able to get a hold of them. Keep copies of all the communications you have with your landlord and building owner. 9. Is This Building Insured For Earthquake Damage? Blanket homeowners insurance is NOT the same as earthquake insurance or fire insurance. Knowing about your landlords insurance policy will give you a sense of your situation after a big earthquake. If your landlord has the coverage, you might have a building to go back to at some point. If they dont...*shrug.* Also ask them if they plan to provide alternate housing for you if the building is severely damaged. But, it isnt just on them. Even as a renter you can buy earthquake insurance. 10. Where Is The Gas Shut Off? You need to know how to shut off the gas because theres a huge danger of fires after the earthquake. Some units have automatic shut off valves that will do the work for you after an earthquake but you won't know until you ask. Ask if the gas has an automatic shut off valve or if it is manual and then ask where the valve. If they dont know this is what you are looking for. This story was originally published in January 2019 with the launch of the podcast. It has been lightly updated. LAist only exists with reader support. If you're in a position to give, your donation powers our reporters and keeps us independent. Our reporting is free for everyone, but its not free to make. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe It may not have been a coincidence that just a month after Sheriff Alex Villanueva took office, L.A. County Supervisors appeared Tuesday to abandon their longtime plans to build a new women's jail in Lancaster. On the campaign trail, Villanueva said it made no sense to house female inmates at the Mira Loma detention facility deep in the Antelope Valley, instead of at the Lynwood jail in South Los Angeles. Mira Loma, which is currently closed, is a nearly two-hour drive from downtown L.A. "I think that's a horrifically bad idea," he told LAist last week. "There are issues with minor children, infants, and when you start stretching them out that far away, we're creating bigger problems." Female inmates "have to stay in the L.A. basin," said Villanueva, who once was a watch commander at the women's jail. The Lynwood facility houses about 2,100 inmates. The argument voiced by Villanueva has been around ever since the board gave the preliminary go-ahead for the project more than four years ago. Activists lobbied intensely against it, only to see the supervisors vote to move forward with the $215 million plan, including approving the final environmental impact report last year. Before Tuesday, many had considered the new jail to be a done deal. County staff had prepared a motion for the board to approve a contract to design and build it. But now the jail's fate is in serious doubt. "There is a new sheriff in town," board Chair Janice Hahn said. "He should be able to weigh in on this project." Supervisors Sheila Kuehl and Hilda Solis previously had expressed concerns about Mira Loma but had not yet moved to halt it. They could have, since the project requires the support of four of the five supervisors to be built. "Mira Loma is too far away from the home communities of the women who would be housed there, and too far away from family members who would need to visit," Kuehl said. Noting that 80 percent of incarcerated women nationally are mothers, she said the trip from South L.A. is three hours each way on public transportation. It's easier for incarcerated women to leave a life of crime when they get regular visits from their children and other relatives, according to various studies. The Mira Loma plan originated under former Sheriff Lee Baca, and Jim McDonnell, his successor, backed it. No supervisor said they changed their mind about the jail as a result of Villanueva's stunning upset victory over McDonnell. But activists who have been trying to persuade the board to change course said the new sheriff no doubt had an impact. Villanueva's election "changed the landscape," said Mark Anthony Clayton-Johnson, a leader of Justice L.A. "The sheriff pumping the brakes on the plan gave supervisors some political space." There is broad agreement that the current women's jail in Lynwood is in desperate need of repair and that a new facility is needed. Later this month, Villanueva is scheduled to present to the supervisors his plan on how to proceed. "I think [the supervisors] remain curious about Villanueva and the role he will play," said Lex Steppling, director of campaigns and policy for Dignity and Power Now. Changing attitudes about public safety also played a role in the supervisors' apparent backing away from the women's jail plan. Indeed, the entire state has begun to rethink criminal justice policies over the past decade or so, with the passage of various laws and propositions that lowered prison sentences and provided more funding for rehabilitation. Community activists want police and prosecutors to divert people from jails and the county to provide more money for rehabilitation programs. With the new women's jail in Lancaster apparently all but dead, it's unclear what the supervisors will do next. They plan to revisit the topic in two weeks, with some suggesting they need to find a new jail site. The board was additionally set Tuesday to approve a contract to tear down the aging 5,000-inmate Men's Central Jail and replace it with a $2.2 billion facility focused on providing care to the growing mentally ill inmate population. That decision was also postponed until later this month. Villanueva has expressed concerns about the plan, saying mentally ill inmates should be placed in a hospital setting. The jail does need to be torn down, said Villanueva. "The question is, what will be built in its place?" Whatever the board decides, it needs to think long-term, said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. "This is going to be generations down the road that are going be impacted," she said. Hey, thanks. You read the entire story. And we love you for that. Here at LAist, our goal is to cover the stories that matter to you, not advertisers. We don't have paywalls, but we do have payments (aka bills). So if you love independent, local journalism, join us. Let's make the world a better place, together. Donate now. LAist only exists with reader support. If you're in a position to give, your donation powers our reporters and keeps us independent. Our reporting is free for everyone, but its not free to make. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe Our new governor Gavin Newsom announced a group of executive orders and proposals this week. His office described the package as an effort "to move California closer to the goal of health care for all." If approved by the state legislature, this could push the state closer to universal coverage, but his larger goal of developing a single-payer system is still far from reality -- especially while Donald Trump occupies the White House. "Universal coverage" basically means everyone has health insurance. "Single payer" is a type of universal coverage in which the government pays most health care costs and private health insurance plays no role, or a very small one. Anthony Wright, executive director of the advocacy group Health Access and a big advocate of moving to a single-payer system, applauded the governor's actions. "He has both embraced the vision of getting to universal coverage and taking tangible concrete steps to do so in year one," said Wright. LET'S BREAK DOWN NEWSOM'S PLAN Expand Medi-Cal The number of Californians without health insurance has fallen under the Affordable Care Act from 17 percent of the population in 2013 to 7 percent in 2017. The largest group of uninsured are people in the country illegally. Newsom wants to expand Medi-Cal eligibility to young adults who qualify up to age 26, regardless of their immigration status. California already does this up to age 19. Newsom will ask the legislature to approve $260 million a year to do this. Critics say the state shouldn't provide free or subsidized health insurance to people in the U.S. illegally, but with Democrats holding a supermajority in both houses of the state legislature and a governor actively pushing the idea, this proposal would seem to stand a good chance of becoming reality. Newsom considers this Medi-Cal expansion a first step. On the campaign trail, he supported covering all Californians who qualify for Medi-Cal regardless of their age or immigration status. If that happens, it could cost $3 billion a year. Creating an individual mandate for California Newsom wants to require everyone in the state to have health insurance, and to be subject to a fine if they don't. If the legislature buys into the idea, it would reinstate the defunct Obamacare mandate, but only for California. Congress killed the fines associated with that requirement when it passed the federal tax overhaul in 2017. There are about 3 million Californians who don't have health insurance. Analysts have estimated the loss of the federal mandate could make that number grow to 4 million. New help paying the monthly premium Any money the state collects in fines from Californians who don't have health insurance would go to help more people pay for their monthly premiums. Right now, nine in 10 people who buy insurance on Covered California receive federal subsidies. Newsom says he'll propose the state budget include funding to cover subsidies for middle-class people who make too much to qualify for that help from the feds. Federal subsidies help individuals who make up to $48,000 a year or families of four who make up to $98,000 a year. If the legislature approves the governor's proposal, the state will raise those ceilings to $73,000 for individuals and $150,000 for a family of four. This plan could cost the state about $500 million a year. Dr. Geoffrey Joyce is a health economist and the director of Health Policy at the USC Schaeffer Center. He says this move could go far to help consumers in the state. Still, he warns about spending. "[Newsom's] basically inheriting a nice budget surplus from Jerry Brown, but we all know how quickly California's budget surpluses and deficits can change," said Joyce. "He should not be overly ambitious and basically spend so [much] that once the next recession hits we're in big, big trouble." A plan to address drug prices While the proposals we've talked about so far will need legislative approval, Newsom is also making some moves on his own. He signed an executive order that takes aim at drug prices. The state Department of Health Care Services will now negotiate drug prices for all 13 million people on Medi-Cal. Until now, much of that has been done by multiple insurers working independently of each other. Newsom also ordered CalPERS, state prisons and the department of veterans affairs to band together to negotiate drug prices as a group. Newsom wants to find ways to get local governments and private businesses to join with them in negotiating prices. The governor says leveraging a larger group to negotiate drug prices will help bring drug costs down for more Californians. He's probably right, but by how much? "I think there's some leverage to maybe create some savings, but it wouldn't be dramatic," said Joyce. Large-scale negotiations over drug pricing are already underway, he points out. And while drug costs get most of the attention, other parts of the health care industry, like hospital stays, are more costly, said Joyce. Asking Trump to help California move to single payer Newsom sent a letter to President Trump and Congressional leaders asking them to create a new type of waiver from federal law that would let California "begin transformative reforms that provide the path to a single-payer health care system" without losing federal funding. The governor's request seems to be an effort to signal his political support of single payer more than anything else. A push in 2017 and 2018 to move to single payer in California died in part because legislators reasoned the state would never get the federal waivers it would need to use Medicaid dollars for such a system. Seema Verma, Trump's administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, has said she will never approve a waiver to help a state create single-payer health care. So for California to start any serious push towards single payer, there will have to be a president who backs the idea. Newsom also signed an executive order to create an office of Surgeon General for the state. This person will address the root causes of serious health conditions and help address health inequity as early as possible in people's lives. It's still unclear how this will differ from roles that already exist, like the director of the state's department of public health. Hey, thanks. You read the entire story. And we love you for that. Here at LAist, our goal is to cover the stories that matter to you, not advertisers. We don't have paywalls, but we do have payments (aka bills). So if you love independent, local journalism, join us. Let's make the world a better place, together. Donate now. President Donald Trump is adamant about building a border wall on the southern border, despite data showing a steady decline in the number of illegal crossings over the last 20 years. As President Donald Trump and Congress fail to reach a compromise on border security, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, is expressing support for building a border wall while funding essential functions of the federal government. As the government shutdown approached the three-week mark, already the third-longest in U.S. history, Trump on Tuesday used a nationally televised address to blame Democrats for the government shutdown because they would not accede to his demand for $5.7 billion to extend a U.S. southern border fence to stem what he described as a humanitarian and security crisis. Johnson, R-Oshkosh, in an interview Wednesday with conservative radio host Jay Weber, said he supports the presidents request for a wall, and called Democrats hypocritical for opposing it while minimizing the issue of border security. If there was one thing that President Trump ran on, it was securing our border, keeping this nation safe, building a wall, Johnson said. We have no idea whos coming across our porous southern border. * "Most Popular Intellectual Property Law Blawg" of all time according to Justia rankings , May 2021. * "Most Popular Copyright Blawg" of all time according to Justia rankings , May 2021. * PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the World Intellectual Property Review's "Influential Women in IP" of 2020. * PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2018. * IPKat founder and Blogmeister Emeritus Jeremy Phillips listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2005, 2011, 2013, and 2014. * Recommended by the European Patent Office as reading material for candidates for the European Qualifying Examinations, 2013. * Listed as "Top Legal Blog" in The Times Online, March 2011. 2010 ABA Journal 100. * One of the only two non-US blogs listed in the Blawg100. * Court Reporter Top Copyright Blog award winner, November 2010. * Number 1 in the 2010 Top Copyright Blog list compiled by the Copyright Litigation Blog, July 2010. * Selected by the United States Library of Congress for inclusion in its historic collections of Internet materials related to Legal Blawgs as of 2010. * Top Patent Blog poll 2009: 3rd out of 50 in the "Favourite Patent Blog" poll and 2nd out of 50 in the "Most-read" poll. Blog of the Year, 20 August 2008. * ComputerWeekly IT Law and Governance, 20 August 2008. Were looking at ways rather than just city tax levy to help pay for that debt service and room tax would be one of them, Kabat said. He intends to have a financing plan by this summer and thinks the room tax should be a part of that. Kabat stressed that the proposal wasnt formalized yet and he intends to have conversations with a variety of stakeholders, including meeting with the CVB board next week, before introducing any legislation. Im asking folks to think about the potential of room tax as being part of that financing plan, Kabat said. Specifically, hes looking at applying the full increase, which would amount to about $1.3 million to the debt service payments, which are estimated at an average of $2.7 million annually. Currently, the 8 percent room tax is divided about equally between the city, the CVB and the La Crosse Center. Including room tax funds would be a regional sharing of the costs, Kabat said, and recognize that the entire region, as well as visitors and tourists, benefit from the investment in the convention center. WEST SALEM A La Farge man was injured early Thursday in a crash after authorities say he was driving the wrong way on Interstate 90 in La Crosse County. The La Crosse County Sheriffs Office received a call at 2:43 a.m. of a wrong-way driver near Exit 15 at Bangor. The caller said the vehicle was heading west in the eastbound lanes. As officers attempted to locate the vehicle, the Wisconsin State Patrol was dispatched to a crash on I-90 near mile marker 13, near West Salem. A 2016 Subaru Crosstrek driven by John Robert Kelter, 22, collided with a semi driven by Glenn Allen Criqui, 52, from Baxter, Iowa, pulling a load of grain, according to the state patrol. Kelter had to be extracted from his vehicle and was flown to Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, where he was being treat for life-threatening injuries. Criqui reported no significant injuries. Authorities say alcohol impairment appeared to be a factor in the crash. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Charlie was born Dec. 25, 1987. He was an artist and veteran. He served the National Guard, as an engineer, and deployed to Iraq for 12 months in 2010. Charlie was soft spoken but his smile always lit up the room. He touched many lives and will continue to live in the hearts of many. Wisconsin Public Television was recently awarded a Ready to Learn Grant of $175,000 in order to collaborate with community partners in Westby and Cashton to improve science and literacy. The Ready to Learn Initiative is through the U.S. Department of Educations Office of Innovation and Improvement. The plan is to have books and kits that would involve games and DVDs all to improve literacy for kids and their families, Michelle Tryggestad, director at Bekkum Memorial Library, said. WPT will be working with both Cashton and Westby elementary schools, as well as Bekkum Memorial Library in Westby. These are the people that have engaged in early learning programs before, Katy Kraemer, Early Learning Specialist for WPT, said. That interaction with public schools and libraries, its awesome, Tryggestad said. Parents and kids will definitely benefit. Families have already been invited to take part in educational events that are set to begin this month at Westby Elementary School. The grant allows us to run some family nights, Bruce Peterson, Westby Elementary principal said. Four Thursdays in a row in January. Mike Koppa asked Splinter if he would be the conduit between the City Council and the man, and Splinter said yes. A lot of ideas have been expressed already, Splinter said. This process is about the culmination of ideas and putting them in 3-D images It would help the discussion as a way to put ideas together and see what it looks like. Sondra Naxi said it would be helpful to see the ideas and move things around and have visualization. Mayor Karen Mischel asked about the 30 hours needed to put together the existing conditions. Splinter said it meant that the 12-13 buildings for Rock Avenue to Terhune Street would be drawn up and it wouldnt be a refined drawing. The second 30 hours, he said, is a culmination of ideas. Here we can have good ideas, bad ideas, Splinter said. Its a creative process for everyone. We can start with our imaginations it may or may not (be a) go, (but) its OK. City Administrator John Severson said images are good and its a lot of help. Its a practical place to go. Terry Noble said going with the 3-D drafting services is a good way to move forward. The beginning of the New Year and a new Congress bring new opportunities. This chapter of our representative democracy will require cooperation and focus from both Democrats and Republicans. Progress will only be possible in a divided government if we put our differences aside and work together. In 2018, I traveled across Wisconsins Third Congressional District, hosting listening sessions and roundtables to hear directly from you about the issues that matter most to you and your family. Wisconsins farmers, workers and families joined me and helped me bring the voice of Wisconsin back to Washington. In 2019 and beyond, I look forward to bringing your voice with me as I fight to move Wisconsin forward. Together, were going to work to lower healthcare costs, resolve the farm crisis facing Wisconsins small and family farmers, invest in better infrastructure here in our state and make higher education more affordable and accessible. And, were going to do it all while practicing fiscal responsibility so we dont leave the next generation saddled with more debt. A 36-year-old Wilton man was referred to the Monroe County District Attorney for fifth-offense drunk driving after police responded to a car in a ditch Dec. 14. According to the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, police located a 1994 Chrysler Concord registered to Jeremy Francis Cunitz in a ditch along Mead Avenue shortly after 5:30 a.m. The report says a towing service received a call from Cunitz around 3 a.m. asking that the vehicle be towed. Police went to Cunitzs village of Wilton residence at 7:30 a.m. and asked him what time the vehicle went into the ditch. He reportedly responded midnight and said he wasnt driving. When asked who was driving, Cunitz originally declined to name the driver but later gave the name of a driver who he said was sober. Cunitz admitted he was drunk, and the report says police could detect the odor of intoxicants during the interview. Cunitz submitted to a preliminary breath test, which recorded a blood-alcohol level of .168. Police went to the Ontario residence of the person Cunitz identified as the driver. The person told police he was a passenger in the vehicle and that Cunitz was driving too fast for conditions. Construction of the first Christian (Syrian-Orthodox) place of worship of the Republican era should start at the end of February in Yesilkoy, an Istanbul neighbourhood not far from the international airport. It will serve as a point of reference for the citys 17,000 Assyrians. Istanbul (AsiaNews) The construction of a Christian church will start in late February in Istanbul, the first since the founding of the modern Turkish republic, said a city official during a meeting with a Syriac Orthodox Church prelate. Freedom of worship is guaranteed in Turkey, but freedom of religion has been violated on various occasions in the recent past. The Turkish government has interfered in the selection of Church leaders. Some clerics have been killed, namely Fr Andrea Santoro in 2006 and Mgr Luigi Padovese in 2010. Some churches and Church-owned buildings have been confiscated. A US clergyman, Rev Andrew Brunson, was detained and later released. Yesterday, Bulent Kerimoglu, the mayor of Istanbul's Bakirkoy municipality, met with Yusuf Cetin, the Syriac Orthodox Metropolitan for Istanbul and the capital Ankara. He told reporters that all the paperwork for the new church is done and a permit issued. Construction is expected to take about two years. Once completed, the church will a point of reference point for 17,000 Assyrians living in the city. Despite "different religions, ethnic roots ... everyone's hearts beat for our Turkey, Cetin said. "We're proud of living under the Turkish flag in this land. The new church is planned for the Yesilkoy neighbourhood in Bakirkoy, an area close to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, with a capacity for some 700 worshippers, a parking lot and a cafe. The only Assyrian church available now is the Virgin Mary Syriac (Assyrian) Orthodox Church, also known as Surp Asdvadzadzin, which located in Istanbul's Beyoglu district, too far for many churchgoers. Around 25,000 Assyrians still live in Turkey, the majority in Istanbul, with others found in the eastern provinces of Mardin, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, and Elazig. Christopher D. Cole, 27, no permanent address, was referred to the district attorney for disorderly conduct after a Nov. 26 incident in the Monroe County Jail. He is accused of causing a disturbance while resisting a lockdown order. Danny L. Martin, 26, Chicago, was referred to the district attorney for battery by a prisoner after a Nov. 28 incident in the Monroe County Jail. He is accused of pushing and hitting his cellmate twice, which caused a laceration to his cellmates face. Melissa D. Winn, 43, Warrens, was referred to the district attorney for theft. She is accused of borrowing a vehicle and failing to return it. The owner of the vehicle said he was later contacted by Winn and told she needed money to fix a hole in the radiator. The owner told police he believes Winn drove the car to Kentucky and has no intention of returning it. The vehicle is valued between $2,500-3,000. Kevin F. Goodenough, 61, and Elizabeth J. Goodenough, 38, both of Warrens, were referred to the district attorney for keeping a tavern open after closing hours. - Dungaw happens during the procession of the Black Nazarene - Fr. Rommel Rubia explained the history behind the practice of dungaw - He said that the tradition came from the Spaniards PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Every January 9, the Catholic church celebrates the feast of the Black Nazarene. It became a tradition of thousands of devotees to participate during the procession of the Black Nazarene or the Traslacion just to get close, touch, or kiss the miraculous image of the Black Nazarene. Every now and then, the Traslacion starts from the Quirino Grandstand then the image is returned to Quiapo church which usually lasts for 20 hours. During Traslacion, it has also became a tradition to do the dungaw, when the Black Nazarene passes by Plaza del Carmen and gazes at the image of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel de San Sebastian. KAMI learned that dungaw is a tradition that Philippines got from the Spaniards. "This is the practice na kung may procession na dadaan at mayroon kang processional image na hindi kasama sa procession, idinudungaw mo sa bintana," said Fr. Rommel Rubia as reported by ABS-CBN News. "That is the only time na walang nagtatapon ng bimpo, walang nagtatapon ng puting handkerchief, that's the only time na walang umaakyat doon sa Poong Nazareno," he added. PAY ATTENTION: Using free basics app to access internet for free? Now you can read KAMI news there too. Use the search option to find us. Read KAMI news while saving your data! During the dungaw, devotees have a moment of silence to solemnly pray. After few minutes, the procession going to Quiapo church will continue. According to the devotees, nothing can compare to the peace and happiness they felt during the dungaw. As previously reported by KAMI, more than a million devotees flocked during the procession. However, hundreds needed medical assistance. Many experienced difficulty of breathing, laceration, dizziness, and fainting. Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone! Are you ready for the first 2019 edition of Tricky Questions? Let's get it started! on KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel! Source: Kami.com.ph - Kris Aquino and Nicko Falcis' rift is becoming more intense as both parties have been disclosing private information against each other - Both of them have been very vocal on social media - Nicko revealed that Kris has allegedly threatened him and detailedly shared how it happened PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Nicko Falcis revealed that he was frightened by Kris Aquino when he went to Thailand. As reported by PEP.ph, the 35-year-old brand-marketing expert firmly said that he never sneak, he also added that everyone was aware about his flight going to Thailand last September 26, 2018. His purpose of leaving the Philippines was to fix their businesses that he didn't want to get involved in their conflict. However, on September 27, according to Nicko, he received a long-distance call from the Queen of all media when the alleged intimidating remarks from her were thrown at him. "Dare to set foot in this country and you will be dead," these were the words that Kris shouted during a phone call according to Falcis. Moreover, he also revealed that there were some screenshots that were sent to him by a 'powerful friend' of the former Kapamilya star. The said photos were containing the details of his travel itineraries and according to him, those were used to warn him that Kris has all the power to trace his whereabouts. PAY ATTENTION: Using free basics app to access internet for free? Now you can read KAMI news there too. Use the search option to find us. Read KAMI news while saving your data! In a previous report by KAMI, Nicko has once again spoken up and firmly said that Kris' accusations were all false and baseless. Kris Aquino is known as the Queen of All Media due to her success as a movie star, TV actress, talk show host, brand endorser, and social media celebrity. Her son Bimby is her child with ex-husband James Yap. Her older son, Josh, is Kris child with former partner Philip Salvador. POPULAR: Read more news about Kris Aquino! Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! KAMI street challenge: We went to the streets of Manila to see whether Filipinos are willing to slap their friends for P200! The result of the experiment is extremely hilarious! How about you? Would you slap a friend to get money? You can also check out our other videos on KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel! Source: Kami.com.ph Claire M. Germain Abstract The participation of lay jurors in criminal courts has known much ebb and flow both in France and in Belgium. These two countries belong to the civil law tradition, where juries are the exception rather than the rule in criminal trials, and they only exist in criminal cases, not civil cases. In spite of some similarities, there are substantial differences between the two countries, and their systems will be examined in turn. In France, the Cour dassises itself was inherited from the French Revolution. Since a law of 1941, it is a mixed jury system, meaning that lay citizens sit together with professional judges, The Cour adjudicates severe crimes only, mostly rapes and murders. A pilot program extended lay participation to criminal courts beyond the Cour dassises, but was stopped and resulted in the reduction of the number of lay citizens on the Cour dassises. In Belgium, the institution of the criminal jury in the Cour dassises is enshrined in the Belgian Constitution. Up until 2016, it functioned as a true jury, in the sense that only lay citizens sat on the jury, without the participation of professional judges. A 2016 reform allowed for the reclassification of crimes into lesser offenses within the competence of the criminal courts, with very few exceptions. Additionally, from February 2016 on, judges deliberate with lay citizens on the guilt of the accused. The paper will explain the reasons for these changes and evolution of the participation of lay citizens in the criminal jury in France and Belgium, and include a few remarks about the future for lay participation in these two countries, since there are several current proposals on the table, both in France and in Belgium. RACINE The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) has announced a $500,000 matching gift challenge to help complete fundraising efforts for the organizations new animal shelter planned for Racine County. With support from the community, WHS has secured $4.9 million toward the project goal of $5.9 million. This includes public funds raised of $2.9 million and a commitment by the WHS board of directors that allows up to $2 million of WHS invested funds to be used toward the project. With $1 million remaining to raise, an anonymous donor has committed to matching all monetary donations and pledges dollar-for-dollar, up to $500,000, made through Oct. 31. The matching gift challenge will ultimately help WHS build a new animal shelter at the northeast corner of 16th and 90th streets in Mount Pleasant, where they purchased land in 2016. The building will feature expanded animal housing, community space for training, youth programs and community events, and a modern veterinary clinic for shelter animals, all ensuring that the organization will be able to meet the needs of animals and the people who love them now and in the future. RACINE The majority of the documents in Alderman Sandy Weidners open-records case are to become public with redactions. At Wednesday mornings closed hearing on the case with Racine County Circuit Court Judge Eugene Gasiorkiewicz, representatives from the City Attorneys Office and Godfrey and Kahn, the law firm representing the news media, reviewed the cases documents to determine which would be released to the public, and under what conditions. A spokesperson for Godfrey and Kahn said the majority of the documents would be made available, with redactions. Among those documents will be the invoices from Meissner, Tierney, Fischer & Nichols, the law firm which has represented the city in Weidners contempt of court case. The Journal Times submitted a records request in November for those invoices but was denied; the City Attorneys Office cited Gasiorkiewiczs seal order as the reason why they could not be released. The court set a deadline for the city and Weidners attorneys to resubmit their documents with the required redactions by Jan. 17. One of Gasiorkiewiczs clerks told The Journal Times that the judge will review them before making them publicly available. There is no set date for when that will happen. Background I believe the evidence will show that Officer Nabors did not follow procedures; he did not avail himself of all the options he had available to him; he could have done ... something else besides striking or punching a 14-year-old in the face with a closed fist, Kraus said. And that not following proper tactics and procedures contributed to this atmosphere or to this situation that Mr. Nabors found himself in. Nabors attorney, Patrick Cafferty, started by apologizing to the jury for the ugly language he said he would have to use because of the language he said Cottingham had used during the incident. Cafferty then walked through the incident again, stating that Cottingham was threatening and abusive toward Nabors. He said that Nabors performed a reactive strike to control Cottingham, and Cafferty said Cottingham refused to provide a statement to police about the incident. Cafferty then pointed to Cottinghams medical record, which contained language that Cottingham allegedly said to hospital staff that indicated he was resisting arrest. The medical record was later changed after Cottingham and his family filed a civil lawsuit against the city. The lawsuit was ultimately settled with the city for $400,000 in the summer of 2017. Cagle reportedly was left in a ditch next to the road for 41 minutes, until a Racine County sheriffs deputy was called to the scene at 10:46 p.m. for a report of an unconscious male in a ditch. Cagle died as a result of head and internal injuries on Tuesday at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa. Flight for Life had been called to the scene, but was unable to fly on account of weather, meaning that a road ambulance had to transfer the 18-year-old to the hospital. The investigation Law enforcement found several pieces of debris around the scene of the crash. A partial number on one of the pieces allowed officers to identify Taylor as the owner of the vehicle. Taylors address is listed on the 6800 block of Sheridan Road in Kenosha. He reportedly also runs a locksmith business out of the same address. When interviewing Taylor at his home/business, one detective reported seeing replacement parts for a headlight, consistent with the damage found on Taylors truck. Another detective said that part of the truck, a side marker, had already been replaced. Detectives observed that on the Dodge Ram there was a circular impact damage to the windshield the approximate size of a human head. Must See Movie, 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17. Reservations are required. Preschool Workshop, 10-10:45 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18. These interactive, hands-on sessions for ages 5 and younger focus on science, music and movement, and the arts. Pre-kindergarten skills such as following directions, interacting with peers, motor skills, reasoning and cognitive processes, science exploration, math concepts, and creative arts is taught. Winter Book Bingo. Pick up a bingo card and fill it in with titles of items checked out and read. Completed bingo sheets must be turned in by 8 p.m. Feb. 28. Prize winners will be notified March 4. Recipe Exchange. Throughout the month people may submit a printed or handwritten recipe at the library with their phone number or email address written on the back. At the end of the month, participants will receive a compiled collection of all recipes shared. For more information, call 262-878-2910 or go to www.uniongrove.lib.wi.us. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 KENOSHA Gateway Technical College has named four individuals as this years Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. humanitarians for their contributions to society, their school, business or profession, as well as their dedication to volunteerism or philanthropic work. The Rev. Jonathan Barker and Karen Kempinen of Kenosha, and Betty Brenneman and the Rev. Leon Brown of Racine, will be honored at the 25th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at noon Monday, Jan. 21, in Madrigrano Auditorium of the Conference Center at Gateways Kenosha campus, 3520 30th Ave. This years theme is One Voice, Many Stories. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. The program will run from noon to 1:30 p.m. Barker and Kempinen started Empower Uptown in Kenosha as a way to encourage the guests at the Grace Lutheran Welcome Center and other low-income residents in the inner city to see the value of voting, registering and casting their ballot; many for the first time. They helped remove those barriers that kept the homeless and poor from having a voice in their government and elections. Barker has also been an energizing presence on the CUSH Homeless Task Force. Kempinen also works with the homeless and other groups. Border wall remains nonsensical With illegal immigration at its lowest level in a decade, it's nothing short of stunning that the federal government is shut down over funding for a border wall. The reality is that immigration from Mexico has been decreasing since 2007, and the number of unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. is at its lowest level since 2004, according to the Pew Research Center. Further, the majority of illegal immigration to the United States from Mexico occurs in and around heavily secured ports of entry like San Diego, El Paso and Brownsville, Texas, where 654 miles of wall, fencing and other barriers already exist. Spending billions to build a structure along vast, rural stretches of the border doesn't help with security at the sections of the border that most need help. No one is arguing for unsecure borders. The newly installed Democratic Congress voted Thursday to approve a stopgap funding bill that would reopen the federal government and provide $1.3 billion for border security in the form of manpower and equipment but not a wall. Trump has said he won't sign it, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refuses to let a bill come to the Senate floor that the president won't sign. OMAHA An Omaha real estate company has proposed a plan to turn a vacant former college dormitory into apartments for homeless veterans, as another local veterans housing facility has reached capacity. Burlington Capital Real Estate is seeking $347,000 in tax-increment financing to help fund the $8.2 million Victory Apartments II project. The City Planning Board on Wednesday unanimously voted to recommend that the City Council approve the request. The project would occupy a building formerly used for storage and office space by Grace University, which closed in May. Burlington Capital plans to gut the building to create 60 studio and one-bedroom apartments. The new apartment complex would be located near 10th and Martha streets, next to Victory Apartments 1, which has 90 apartments for veterans. Veterans also receive services such as addiction counseling, medical care and job training. More apartments are needed because the first building is full and has a waitlist of 140 people, said George Achola, vice president of Burlington Capital. Burlington also has a veterans housing project in Lincoln. Residents come from places like homeless shelters and transitional housing, Achola said. To qualify, veterans must have low incomes and can't be registered sex offenders. What stood out about Campbell McConnell wasn't his immense knowledge of economics, his colleague, Jim Schmidt, said this week. It was the kindness that "Mac" expressed to everyone he met. "He was just a gracious person and didn't hesitate to lend a helping hand," said Schmidt, a UNL professor. "If you were having a little bit of a down stretch, he'd be first in line to give you words of encouragement." McConnell, who taught economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for nearly four decades, died Saturday at the age of 90. His work, however, stretched well beyond the large auditorium in the former College of Business Administration where he taught so many of his courses after joining UNL in 1953. His textbook, "Economics: Principles, Problems, and Policies," has seen over 20 editions since its initial publication by McGraw-Hill in 1960. As the best-selling book in its field, McConnell's work has reached millions of students, spanning generations. Bill Walstad, another colleague of McConnell's, has authored study guides for "Economics" since its 11th edition in the mid-1980s. He said the book's popularity came in part because of its easy accessibility for the average student. Edgar Union Jr. was fatally shot following a disturbance between feuding gangs in College View in the daylight hours of March 26, police say. The other three homicides were investigated in the Belmont neighborhood. Jessica Brandon was shot in her home July 31 during an attempted drug robbery. Stacy Talbot was shot in a car and dumped in the street Oct. 18. And Dijah Ybarra was stabbed to death Dec. 31. Suspects were charged in each of the killings, and those prosecutions are pending. In 2018, police also announced that two investigations from 2017 were believed to have been murders. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Investigators announced their conclusion that Jeanne Jasa was killed by her husband, Jimmy Jasa, in a murder-suicide resulting from a home explosion in August 2017. That high-profile case is in contrast to the killing of Phillip Madlock, a Lincoln man who was reported missing in July 2017 but whose body has not been found. Two men suspected of beating him to death over a drug debt have entered pleas to assault and weapons charges. One has been sentenced to prison and the other is awaiting sentencing. Cumulatively, Lincoln's serious crime rate amounted to 3,284 crimes per 100,000 people, a drop from 3,547 the year before and less than half the rate of 7,700 serious crimes per 100,000 people in 1991. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} A petition for an extreme risk protection order must allege the person poses a significant risk of causing injury and has a firearm. It must be accompanied by an affidavit made under oath with statements, actions or facts that give rise to a reasonable fear of future dangerous acts by the person. It also must identify firearms the person is believed to have and what other protection orders have been issued, if known. Lincoln student Isabel Bousson said in a statement that school shootings have been around her whole life. " This legislation could make an immediate impact in our community, which would mean generations to come wouldn't have to worry about the threat of mass shootings, first and foremost in their schools, but also in their communities," Bousson said. Lincoln High School student Bouthaina Ebrihim said the law could "dim the culture of school shootings and ignorance to gun violence in America." In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for the National Rifle Association said the NRA supports risk protection orders that respect due process of rights and provide care for those found mentally ill, but most passed last year do not. Not only do they fail to provide any sort of mental health treatment but they allow the state to deny law-abiding gun owners their due process of rights. If the state can deny due process to these law-abiding residents then whats to stop them from denying any right to any group of people?" said Catherine Mortensen with the NRA. Reach the writer at 402-473-7228 or jyoung@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSLegislature. Love 13 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 2 Angry 21 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The high-res satellite images, captured between January 4 and January 7 by Planet Labs, appear to show activity at the Imam Khomeini Space Center that is consistent with that taken before a 2017 launch, according to researchers at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. This is backed up by reports from several Iranian media outlets about an imminent launch. Jeffrey Lewis from the Middlebury Institute said that it also indicates that the satellites will be launched by a Simorgh space launch vehicle, which he described as a two-stage space launch vehicle that uses a cluster of four Shahab-3 engines in its first stage and smaller steering engines in its upper stage. Analysts have said that the large white shipping container seen outside the sites assembly and checkout building was likely used to transport the rockets first stage; something that would be reassembled on the launch pad. Lewis said that a similar canister appeared there prior to the 2017 space launch and called it a strong indication that a rocket has been transported to the site and that a space launch is likely in the coming weeks. Other indicators are unusual levels of traffic at the building, including a large vehicle parked at the mobile launch gantry and a fuel truck located on site. Last week, Pompeo called on Iran to scrap its planned satellite launches, arguing that they would violate the UN Security Council resolution that enshrines the 2015 nuclear deal and suggested that this could well lead to new sanctions if Iran went ahead. He said: The United States will not stand by and watch the Iranian regimes destructive policies place international stability and security at risk. We advise the regime to reconsider these provocative launches and cease all activities related to ballistic missiles in order to avoid deeper economic and diplomatic isolation. He continued: Such actions would once again demonstrate Irans defiance of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2231, which calls upon the Iranian regime not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. This action includes launching SLVs, which incorporate technology that is virtually identical to that used in ballistic missiles, including in intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Iran, however, claimed that these satellites are for telecommunications, which is ironic considering the Regimes constant attempts to stop its people from communicating with the outside world during last years protests, even going so far as to ban certain websites and slow down the internet speed. On Sunday, Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, Irans Minister of Information and Communications Technology, said: We cannot wait for other countries to launch our satellites. It is nonsense that some countries state that Iran should not improve. The ICT Ministry does its best for the promotion of peaceful satellite technology. On Tuesday, Pompeo said that the US would redouble its diplomatic and commercial efforts to put real pressure on Iran to behave like a normal nation, a reference to the 12 conditions that the US gave Iran in May 2018. Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi told the Iranian parliament this week that the countrys regional meddling, including prolonging the Syrian civil war and providing weapons to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, have earned them the ire of the international community and the Iranian people. This anger has resulted in sanctions from the US in 2018 and mass protests across Iran for over a year. Jahanabadi said: Our influence in the region is important, but one point should not be forgotten, and that is, sometimes it is possible that unnecessary expenses can cripple us on Tehrans streets. He continued: When the Soviet Union collapsed, it had 13,000 nuclear warheads and had influence in more than 20 countries and a space station, but it was torn apart on the streets of Moscow, losing its security and territorial integrity. Today, people have difficulties making a living and feeding their children. If we fail to resolve the problem of unnecessary domestic and foreign expenditures, we will bear heavy costs. The sheer amount of Iranian money squandered on foreign wars and support of terrorism led Iranians worried about the economy, including those already unemployed or living in poverty, to take to the streets last year. These protests soon became political, with Iranians realising that the source of their problems was the mullahs. Then, the economy was further rocked by US sanctions in August and November, imposed in part due to Irans meddling and the US anger that the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), did not cover issues like that. Donald Trump said that the deal actually provided money to Iran so that the nation could expand its regional influence, which poses a threat to US allies Saudi Arabia and Israel. Thus, he pulled out of the nuclear deal in May and reimposed existing sanctions on Iran, as well as adding in some of his own. This led the International Monetary Fund to predict a 3.5% fall in Irans GDP in 2019, as opposed to the 4% growth that was initially expected. Jahanabadi said: We should take care of our domestic needs. We need to find friends, reduce tensions and increase cooperation in the region and focus on the economy as our top priority. The Regime confesses An advisor to the labour minister admits in an internal report that 1,350 companies were facing problems and 171 companies were in a critical state as of September 2018. Most of these companies are in the automobile parts industry. One unidentified official said: Because of government pricing policies, the parts-building sector is no longer profitable, and many of the factories and companies are being pushed toward shutting down or firing many of their employees. Even state-run media is reporting that Iranian Regime officials are admitting that the countrys industrial sector is in a sorry state, with the head of Irans Association of Parts Builders saying that between March and October, 100,000 parts workers lost their jobs; a figure that could rise to 400,000 if fundamental changes arent made. But this is not the full extent of the crisis, as the Iranian Regimes media is even warning that 450,000 parts workers may soon be made unemployed, which signifies a major problem in what is one of Irans largest industries. That figure is just over half of the 800,000 people currently employed in the industry, meaning that production would halve and many orders may not be able to be met. What are the companies saying? Beshel Company is one of Irans main manufacturers of automobile parts since 2016. It used to produce 1,300 engine cylinders and cylinder heads every month, but production reduced to 350 cylinders per month in 2018. An executive from Beshel advised that their customers also used to pay within 90 days, but due to the dire economic situation, the payments agreement shifted to 120 days. However, for some, even that is too much and Beshel is waiting more than 300 days for payment. The executive said. The automobile manufacturers dont pay us, and we cant pay our workers. As a result, were faced with serious problems in producing parts and tools. Automobile manufacturers dont have money and they introduce parts builders to banks and they dont pay the dividends in time. In such circumstances, the only option for employers is to shut down their companies. The Beshel executive reported that more than 200,000 parts workers have been made unemployed in Khorasah, Mazandaran, Tehran, Tabriz and Qazvin and that the automobile industry is working at half its previous capacity The executive said: If we dont find a solution and cant solve the problems of the automobile manufacturers and workers, the situation of this sector will further deteriorate. Itanagar, Jan 10: A man suspected to be a spy of Pakistan intelligence agencies has been arrested in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district, near India-China border, army sources said. The accused has been identified as Nirmal Rai, a resident of Sadiya in Assam's Tinsukia district, they said. State Director General of Police (DGP) SBK Singh, when contacted, said Rai had been working as an army porter at Kibithu and Dichu two border posts along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). He was arrested to January 6 by army personnel and handed over to Arunachal Pradesh Police a day after, the DGP said. Also Read | ISI-Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh hatched plot in UK to strike India ahead of LS polls "Rai belongs to a Nepali community. He worked at a burger shop in Dubai between 2016 and 2018 before moving to Kibithu," he said, adding that more details in the case will be available after interrogation. PTI while quoting Army sources said that Rai was under watch for over a month due to his suspicious behaviour. The suspected spy was probably trained and recruited by Dubai-based handler of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), an army personnel said. "He was involved in passing on sensitive information on location and deployment of army units, weapon profiles and artillery guns at Kibithu, as well as infrastructure development along the LAC," he said on condition of anonymity. A smart phone has been seized from the possession of Rai, the personnel said, adding that the arrest was made under provisions of Official Secrets Act, section 120B of the IPC for criminal conspiracy and section 72 of the IT Act for breach of privacy. Also Read: Take action against erring recruitment agents: Swaraj to Punjab CM Serial extortionist arrested in Delhi Nepal wants RBI to declare banned new Indian currency notes legal BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Thursday said he considers French President Emmanuel Macron the leader of Europe's "pro-immigration forces", and therefore he had a duty to oppose him. "There is no denying that Emmanuel Macron is an important figure, moreover, the leader of the pro-immigration forces," Orban told a press conference. "It is nothing personal, but a matter of our countries' future. If what he wants with regards to migration materialises in Europe, that would be bad for Hungary, therefore I must fight him." (Reporting by Budapest newsroom; Editing by Toby Chopra) FILE - In this Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012 file photo, a man speaks on his mobile phone, as firemen extinguish a fire that erupted in a factory in Karachi, Pakistan. A German court wont take up a civil case against a discount textile company whose clothes were produced in a factory in Pakistan that burned to the ground in 2012, killing more than 250 people. The Dortmund regional court ruled Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019 that the statute of limitations had expired on the suit brought by four Pakistani plaintiffs _ a survivor and three relatives. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan, File) BERLIN (AP) A German court won't take up a civil case against a discount textile company whose clothes were produced in a factory in Pakistan that burned to the ground in 2012, killing more than 250 people. The Dortmund regional court ruled Thursday that the statute of limitations had expired on the suit brought by four Pakistani plaintiffs a survivor and three relatives. The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, which supported the plaintiffs, said it is considering appealing the decision. The plaintiffs had sought 30,000 euros ($34,000) each in damages from the KiK clothing company, arguing that as one of its main buyers the German firm was partially responsible for conditions at the Karachi factory. KiK has rejected the accusations. OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian diplomats in China on Thursday held their second meeting with one of two citizens who were detained last month after the arrest of a senior Chinese executive in Vancouver, the Canadian foreign ministry said. "Today, Canadian consular officials in China visited with Michael Kovrig," the ministry said in a statement that provided no further details. Officials met Michael Spavor, the other man, on Tuesday. Canadian authorities arrested Huawei Technologies Co Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou on Dec. 1 on a U.S. extradition warrant. Beijing denounced the move and threatened reprisals unless the case against Meng was dropped. In a newspaper editorial published on Wednesday, Lu Shaye, China's ambassador to Ottawa, accused Canada of "double standards" which he said were caused by "western egotism and white supremacy." Although Canada says China has made no specific link between the detentions and Meng's arrest, experts and former diplomats say they have no doubt Beijing is using the cases of the two men to pressure Ottawa. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; editing by Jonathan Oatis) Shikhar Agarwal is being questioned by a Special Investigation Team and will be produced in court on Thursday, as per sources. Lucknow: Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha member Shikhar Agarwal, one of the main accused in the Bulandshahr violence that led to the killing of a police inspector as well as a civilian, was arrested in Uttar Pradesh Hapur district. The arrest took place early on Thursday following a joint operation by the Special Task Force and UP Police and came days after the other accused in the case, Bajrang Dals Yogesh Raj, was taken into custody. The tally of those arrested has now gone up to 36. Agarwal, who is the local head of BJYM in Syana, was named in the FIR lodged following the murder of inspector Subodh Singh on December 3 last year. According to sources, Agarwal is being questioned by a Special Investigation Team and will be produced in court on Thursday. Kumar had gone into hiding soon after the incident and had even released a video blaming the deceased inspector for the violence. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh police chief OP Singh had said there was a possibility of a conspiracy behind the incident. On December 3, a mob had stormed the Bulandshahr police station after cattle carcasses were found around Mahaw village, where lakhs of people had gathered for a 'Tabligi Ijtema'. As per the FIR report, Subodh Singh was shot and killed by a protester while he was trying to contain the mob. Springfield visitors who take the South Grand Avenue exit off Interstate 72 may think theyve ended up in Detroit instead of Illinois capital. If those same visitors make a right on to 16th Street, theyll find themselves in the heart of the east side, where a residential street resembles a mouth with few teeth. With decaying houses found in between overgrown bushes and piles of rubbish, its easy to see why people from out of town may think theyve made a wrong turn. Plans to spur economic development on the east side of Springfield continue, and discussions about the citys proposal to redraw the borders of the Far East Side tax increment financing (TIF) district were held during a Nov. 28 Joint Review Board Meeting. The Far East Side TIF balance is $2.6 million, with $300,000 of the money equally divided and earmarked for a homeowners rehabilitation fund, a down payment assistance fund for first responders to purchase homes and improvements to Boyds New Generation, 1831 South Grand Ave. E., according to the annual report from the last fiscal year. The other $2.3 million has been allocated to Public Works uses. The Far East Side TIF, established in 1995, has generated just over $7.8 million so far and was recently extended until 2030. Springfield officials have been studying the TIFs current borders and believe extending the coverage area could better serve residents. City TIF Administrator Abby Powell said the plan to expand the TIFs boundaries is still in its infancy; homeowners as well as business owners in the area are being asked to come to the table with any ideas they have. Right now, were in a preplanning phase, Powell said. We hope to begin acting on this in early 2019. The current boundaries resemble a rectangle on a map, running from South Grand Avenue to Cook Street and from 14th Street to Shackleford Drive. Under the proposed plan, the TIF district would begin on East Pine Street and expand to Madison Street, touching the Central Area and Madison TIF borders. TIF districts have been used throughout the city for a variety of reasons, but the main focus of using TIF funding is to attract development into an area that has been defined as blighted, according to state statute. Most importantly, the city must receive a yes vote from the Illinois General Assembly to impose the redrawn border. Gail Simpson, former Ward 2 Alderman, said extending the TIF is ideal and should have been done a long time ago. Simpson is currently running to regain her seat on the council. Its the first impression visitors get when they come into the city, Simpson said. We need to do better. Mike Pittman, chair of the citys economic development commission, said the city needs to incentivize businesses in the Far East TIF expansion area to build it up economically. However, he said it also needs to come from the residents who reside in the immediate area. They need to take more ownership, Pittman said. I think its imperative they start creating a community; a block at a time, a business at a time, or 10 houses at a time. The Far East Side and Enos Park TIFs are different from the other seven primarily commercial TIF districts around the city, offering homeowners in the East Side and Enos Park districts a 50/50 matching grant for exterior rehabilitation to homes. While the Far East and Enos Park TIF districts have struggled with numerous dilapidated rental properties, Powell said 80 percent of those living in the proposed expansion area are homeowners. Some of the homes in the expansion area have been maintained, but there are many homes that are either vacant or give the impression that the owners abandoned these properties years ago. The proposed boundaries extension also includes vacant lots the city has acquired. Powell said the city hopes to use the land to encourage new construction in the area, but one of the challenges is that the construction itself would cost more than the house would appraise for once complete. Ward 2 Alderman Herman Senor said the boundary extension is a good idea in theory, but he is apprehensive about the city reaching its goal through the proposed boundaries. He said his biggest concern is the fund wont make a difference because people wont be aware that the assistance exists, or they simply wont be eligible for the funds. Its got to be marketed, its got to be accepted and its got to be used, Senor said. Lindsey Salvatelli is an editorial intern with Illinois Times as part of the Public Affairs Reporting masters degree program at University of Illinois Springfield. Contact her at intern@illinoistimes.com. Photo By brian Mackey, NPR Illinois Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, a legalization leader. With growing support among politicians and the public, Illinois could likely legalize recreational marijuana as soon as next year. But, passing legislation may hinge on where the revenue will go. There may be several reasons to make pot legal in Illinois, but the one that catches the most attention involves dollar signs, and rightfully so. The cash-strapped state has more than $7 billion in unpaid bills and long-term pension debt of at least $130 billion. New revenue is always welcome and some believe commercializing marijuana for adult use could be a windfall. Estimates have varied when it comes to how much the state could earn from $350 million all the way up to one billion dollars per year. That sounds promising and might signal that passage is a slam dunk. But, the devils in the details said state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, who has been leading the charge toward legalization. She said a new bill will be filed in early 2019 despite several of those key details still uncertain, including how much to tax the drug. That hasnt been worked out fully yet, said Cassidy. We are anticipating the results of a demand study that will help us determine the size of the market, what the market will bear, what we should be looking at. That compared with other states will help us put the pin exactly where it belongs. Last year Cassidy amended a bill introducing a recreational marijuana program in Illinois. The legislation never moved out of the rules committee, but it did offer tax details. On all cannabis flowers, or the portion of the plant that contains the highest levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a $50 excise tax per 28 grams would be imposed. State Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, is another lawmaker spearheading discussions. She echoed Cassidy, stating that the tax details for the new bill were still in the works. Until were ready to file it, were still working on those details and I wouldnt want to get the cart in front of the horse, she said. Ten other states and the District of Columbia have already legalized the recreational use of cannabis. Michigan is the first in the Midwest to go for it, but it will take about a year before their program is up and running. With states like Illinois seeing the trend and in need of cash, many are coming around to the idea that legalization is inevitable. State Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, is among them. He said he wants a seat at the negotiating table because hes a fiscal conservative. The reality is we spend lots of money on prohibiting the use of marijuana, he said. Its not working. We need to rethink that policy. The tax details will be worked out before the bill is introduced, but then comes the question, Where will that money be going? Because a lot of people and programs will want a share. After a two-year budget stalemate, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner made millions of dollars in cuts to the budget approved by lawmakers for FY 2018. Human services programs took the biggest hit, with $89 million in cuts. The Department of Transportation, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Department of Agriculture all had tens of millions of dollars in cuts. Despite some rate increases included in the FY 2019 budget, many departments would benefit from increased revenue. Steans said those details are also still being worked out, but she had some ideas. Clearly, first and foremost, revenue needs to go to implement the program, she said. And then theres going to be aspects that I think we need to be covering. Things like public education around why teenagers should not use cannabis.... We also need to have some money go towards substance abuse treatment and mental health, behavioral health, which are very underfunded right now. And law enforcement always has concerns. Maybe theres something we can do to support law enforcement efforts. Ed Wojcicki, the executive director for the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, said law enforcement has serious concerns and they will want part of the revenue it brings in. He said they will need money to go toward crime labs, to have more ways to test more people who are illegally using while driving, as well as proper training for officers. Somebody someday is going to make a machine that will allow easier testing of an individual to test their level of impairment; kind of like the breathalyzer, said Wojcicki. Whats that machine going to cost and whos going to pay for it? Are you going to tell the city of Athens or Sherman that they have to buy a machine that could cost tens of thousands of dollars? Cassidys 2017 amendment also included language laying out how the tax revenue would be distributed. Thirty percent went to the State Board of Education, 20 percent went to the Department of Public Health to be used for substance abuse treatment and education campaigns, and 50 percent went to the General Revenue Fund. As negotiations continue for the new bill, there has been no shortage of speculation on how to spend the money. Ideas have ranged from education, to resources for the heroin epidemic, to infrastructure. But what about the states fiscal problems? Steans said shes open to a portion of the revenue going to the states main checking account, where it could be used to pay down the bill backlog. Charlie Wheeler, a longtime Statehouse journalist and now director of the Public Affairs Reporting program at the University of Illinois-Springfield, said it could be problematic to tie the revenue to specific programs. Wheeler has written about the cannabis debate and the states financial troubles. You want greater flexibility, he said. You want the ability to be able to use the money wherever the judgment of the majority of the General Assembly and the governor say its most needed. With Democratic super-majorities in both chambers and a Democratic governor, that might be a tough sell for Republicans. When a landmark vote takes place, lawmakers need to be able to tell constituents who disagree, why they voted in favor and explain the benefit to their respective districts. There are limitations. There is concern that taxing too much could keep buyers on the black market if they can buy marijuana cheaper there. Its not all settled yet, the nuts and bolts of how it will be I think we kind of know how it will be taxed, said Barickman. It will be similar to a sales tax, but we dont know exactly at what amounts. Answers may come soon. Supporters say if the plan passes in the spring, they can have the program up and running within six months. That means its possible that by this time next year, residents could legally make purchases and the state could begin taking in money. Jaclyn Driscoll is a staff reporter for NPR Illinois and Illinois Issues, where this article was originally published. It is reprinted with permission. Photos by David Blanchette Teacher Nikki Stoll holds an end-of-school-day classroom circle with her students. Harvard Park Elementary is among the lowest-performing five percent of schools in the state. If you spend any time with these kids, your heart will melt. You look at these kids, some as poor as church mice, and theyre learning, theyre excited. Those are the words of Harvard Park Elementary School building principal James Hayes, who is proud of what the teachers, volunteers and administration of the nearly 500-student Springfield school have accomplished in a building where 90 percent of the students qualify for free or reduced fee lunches. Hayes cited above-and-beyond staff dedication, innovative programs and the desire of the students to learn as key reasons why Harvard Park is transforming young lives. Photos by David Blanchette Teacher Heather Norton works with students Kaylynn Craig and Londyn Joy. Photos by David Blanchette Third grade teacher Courtney King distributes "King Cash" to her students for good behavior. They can spend it in Miss King's Health Store. Photos by David Blanchette "Real Talk" volunteer James Johnson holds a session with a group of students. Photos by David Blanchette Teacher Darrin Greenfield assists student Deonte Long with a lesson in the Harvard Park school hallway. Photos by David Blanchette Harvard Park building principal James Hayes. So why does the Illinois State Board of Education rate Harvard Park among the lowest-performing five percent of schools in the state?Probably 50 percent of my time here is spent on other duties that you wouldnt think relate directly to public education, said Hayes, referring to the holistic approach his team must take to address the social and emotional baggage that many of the students carry with them to class each day. Before these students can learn they have to be made ready to learn, which means everyone at Harvard Park must perform many roles, Hayes said.When we interview prospective teachers we ask, Are you ready for it? Are you built for this? Here we know for certain you will have to step up and do more, Hayes said.Harvard Park School social worker Cara Niemeyer said a lot of time and effort is spent on things many other schools may take for granted.Its that social-emotional learning that kids used to get at home, but we have to teach those things first before kids can be good learners, Niemeyer said. You definitely need to learn how to add and read, but if you cant work with someone that you dont get along well with, how are you ever going to have a job?Springfield School District 186 Superintendent Jennifer Gill said the lowest performing label doesnt tell the full story of Harvard Park.I hate to see any of our schools reach that, but when you look at the demographics and some of the challenges at Harvard Park I think its very unfair to deem them lowest performing, Gill said.Beginning in 2018, each Illinois school began receiving an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Summative Designation, a measure of student academic performance and success. These designations are based on mathematics and language arts proficiency as measured by the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) Test, and also take into account things such as class size, absenteeism and racial demographics. The results are posted in a report card for each school on the ISBE website.Schools can be rated as exemplary, performing in the top 10 percent of schools statewide, or commendable, underperforming or lowest performing. The pre-K through fifth grade Harvard Park joins Springfields Graham Elementary, Jefferson Middle, Springfield Learning Academy, Wanless Elementary, and Washington Middle School in the lowest performing category, the bottom five percent of all Illinois schools.According to Harvard Parks ISBE Report Card, 44 percent of its students did not meet math and language arts proficiency on the 2018 PARCC Test, compared to 24 percent for all students in Springfield School District 186 and 16 percent statewide. Only seven percent of Harvard Park students met or exceeded proficiency, versus 27 percent for the district and 37 percent in the state.The average class size at Harvard Park in 2018 was 22, compared to 19 for both the district and state. The Harvard Park chronic absenteeism rate was 39.2 percent; for District 186 as a whole it was 33.4 percent, and 16.8 percent for Illinois. The student mobility rate, which measures the number of students who change schools for any reason, was more than one-fifth of all Harvard Park students last year, much higher than either the district or state.The ISBE Report Card measured the Harvard Park student population as 54 percent black, 28 percent white and three percent Hispanic. The schools five percent homeless student population is more than double the district rate, and the 92 percent students from low-income families is much greater than the 68 percent district average.The purpose of the system is to identify the schools in the greatest need of additional support, said ISBE spokesperson Jackie Matthews. The support process is designed so that each school takes the lead in creating and implementing their local school improvement plan to authentically address students needs.Matthews said these supports are part of the IL-EMPOWER school improvement process, and for Harvard Park that will mean approximately $100,000 per year for three years to hire outside providers who will help the school work on solutions.This year we have had three outside consultants at my disposal that I didnt always have and probably wouldnt have if the state wasnt looking at our test scores and seeing the need, said Hayes, the principal, who noted that 2018 was the first year of the new ISBE rating system. He added that the true measure of the schools progress would come during the next two years.Meanwhile, Hayes wishes that the ISBE report card took note of other data that shows Harvard Park is making progress in their unique and challenging situation. Comparing the same time periods in 2017 and 2018, Hayes said the total number of student suspensions dropped from 23 to four, office disciplinary referrals went down from 280 to 207, the number of students receiving at least one disciplinary referral was reduced from 171 to 131, student truancies dipped from 361 to 345 and the number of students with no disciplinary referrals rose from 74.13 percent to 76.30 percent.Preparing Harvard Park students to learn begins the moment they enter the school building on South 11th Street. The building is designated as silent passage, which means students do not talk as they enter. They are calmly greeted by several adults, and then they are to walk, not run, to class. Its a transition from often chaotic home environments to a learning environment, and principal Hayes said silent passage has dramatically reduced disciplinary referrals for morning behavior.Then teachers like Courtney King take over. She has transformed her third-grade classroom storage space into a meditation room complete with curtains, pillows and a white board where students can be invited to go if they are experiencing issues.If they are feeling upset or frustrated, I can invite them to use the room and write their feelings on the white board, tell me whats going on, maybe draw a picture, because these kids need an outlet since there is so much going on in their lives, said King, a 25-year-old first-time teacher. They need that space thats not outside of my classroom, so they can still hear me teaching, but it just gives them that outlet and a space to be by themselves.King serves as mediator in a conversation corner of her classroom where kids talk through their disputes with each other. She teaches the Word of the Week, where students learn and practice such concepts as empathy, gratitude, patience, grit, compassion or integrity. And the teacher has established Miss Kings Health Store for her pupils.It has healthy food like fruit and I have King Cash, which I give out during the day for good behavior, King said. At the end of the day they fill out a bank account log and they have the choice to either spend the money at the health store or they can save their money.They dont have a lot of things in their lives that are good outside of school, so I try to make school cozy and comfortable and loving, a place that feels like a home, King said. Sometimes we underestimate these kids and you cant do that, because once you dismiss them you are doing them a disservice.Harvard Park performs daily classroom circles, something they began before District 186 implemented the procedure in other schools, to talk about student accomplishments and concerns at the end of each school day. A clinician from Memorial Health Systems MOSAIC childrens mental health services program is embedded in the school to provide needed on-site services.Teachers can send students to a safe seat, a buddy room or a recovery room to head off or deal with behavior issues, where students have to accept responsibility and apologize for what theyve done wrong. If a student has an issue with a particular teacher, that student may be immediately sent to another same-grade classroom in the building so they will not miss any instruction.We have to be innovative to stay ahead of that curve and to meet those needs almost before they become problems, said Niemeyer, the school social worker now in her seventh year at Harvard Park. Some of the staff members joke about if we had some extra bedrooms wed be trying to fill them up with these kids. But the reality is that we are only with these kids eight hours a day so we give everything we can in that amount of time. I see this building sort of wrapping around our student population.Special education resource teacher Kara Clark has been an educator for 28 years, 23 of them at Harvard Park. The students call her Grandma Harvard Park.We provide food for families on the weekends sometimes, we have big things at Christmas and Thanksgiving where we have family outings, Clark said. We get to know their business whether we want to or not because they share it with us, they trust us, we have their kids as much as they do sometimes.Some days you feel great and other days you feel sad because of the environments they are in, Clark said. But you have a satisfaction because you know that everybody in our building has done their best, one hundred percent of their day, to make the students day the best that it can be.The 40-year-old Hayes has been the Harvard Park principal for six years. He was assistant principal there for a year before that and has held administrative positions at several other District 186 schools.Its not policy, procedures or programs, its the people and the talents, emotions and gifts they bring to those policies and programs, Hayes said. Finding those people, those superstars, who can do those things and just letting them run with it is the key.That kid, no matter what his problems are, can go to a teacher and that teacher can then become a champion for that kids life, Hayes said. Once we started tapping into the people we saw dramatic results.Superintendent Gill shares Hayes feelings about what is happening at the school.When you visit Harvard Park you see amazing things going on. Im impressed with the power of the classroom teacher and all of the team that surrounds the students every day, Gill said. They really are a set of teachers that care deeply about their school and want to see it go to the next level.Yes sir! responded the group of approximately 20 Harvard Park students who were seated on the gymnasium floor listening intently to a school volunteer speak plainly about life and the future.What is education? the volunteer asked three times.The key! the students replied each time in unison.James Johnson is known throughout Harvard Park School as Real Talk. Staff and teachers identify students who may have unique challenges or need extra assistance with a social or emotional issue, and Johnson reaches out to them to have a real talk. Group real talk sessions have recently been added, and they sometimes feature guest speakers.We started having issues with kids at a young age and I was finding it more difficult to reach the older kids, Johnson said. So if I reach them while theyre young where you can still mold them, maybe I can stop some of that behavior before it gets out of control.When I grew up the community raised us. And thats the sad thing, we have gotten away from a village raising kids, Johnson said. Everybody is afraid to say something to kids now. I come here and this is my village and Im going to teach these kids the right things, the right way, and pray that one day they will make the right decisions and become somebody.Johnson asked to volunteer at Harvard Park five years ago and looks forward to every school visit.Its great when I peek my head in a classroom and these teachers say that these young men are doing great, Johnson said. Its like day and night from the moment I had a talk with them to the moment when I come back and check. Thats the best feeling in the world because youre reaching them.Parents and guardians wait on the west side playground each weekday afternoon to pick up their children when Harvard Park dismisses. Some knew about the ISBE lowest performing rating for the school and others did not, but the responses one recent day on that playground were similar.I dont agree with the assessment, said Melissa Liechty, whose son is in the second grade. Hes doing excellent in this school. Hes been to a couple of schools since he started and this one has been the best.His teacher is a lot more understanding. Hes kind of a special needs child, and shes giving him the support that he needs, Liechty said.Dela Montany has a daughter in kindergarten and two nephews and two nieces who attend Harvard Park.It surprises me to hear that. They (ISBE) should come check it out and do what they can to help them out if they think theyre lower performing, Montany said. The school is close by, theyre nice, there are always activities, if you need something you can just call and they will do their best to help you out.Britney Taylors son is in the second grade. It is his first year at Harvard Park.I just dont think they give certain schools the credit that they need, Taylor said. I have another son that went here a few years ago, and I like the school so far. They interact with the kids a lot. They tend to all of his needs, and he has quite a few.Jastine Delgado attended Harvard Park as a child and now has a daughter in fourth grade and a son in first grade there.My son has an IEP (individualized education program, for children with special needs) and they have done a lot to help him get through the past year and a half, Delgado said. My daughter, she does good. But I think it kind of varies with children and their home lives, especially if theyre not really getting any help from home.Superintendent Gill said Harvard Park is an example of a school that has adapted to meet the needs of its students and families, and thats not something the ISBE report card measures.The scores do not take into account families who are living under stress or are having an adverse experience going on in their lives, Gill said. These things can take a toll on students in school, and we have really become a place where social-emotional learning is almost equal in importance to academic learning.The very best thing you can do is empower teachers to give those great ideas and structures to help change their schools and then to support them along the way, Gill said. They know the students the best and they are the ones who have the relationship with the students. IceViking strongly condemns physical attacks and harassment directed towards them. They are also often victims of the Islamic idea. This is true when it comes to the cruel and tragic treatment of Muslim women and children when it is in accord with the Koran, the example of Mohammed and Islamic law, Sharia, which may be applied regardless of where a Muslim male may find himself in the world, whether in a Muslim or non-Muslim country. However, in no way, shape or form should one judge all Muslim men because of what is in Islamic scripture and what constitutes the Islamic law, Sharia. "Race", ethnicity or basically anything that you are "merely" born with should never be a basis for bigotry and discrimination. Apostates from Islam have been executed for 1400 years in accord with the Koran and the words and actions of the Islamic prophet Mohammed and Islamic law, Sharia. They should be lovingly helped. Furthermore, approximately as many as 11,000,000 Muslims may have been killed by other Muslims since 1948. To quote the website The Religion of Peace (TROP), edited by Glen Roberts: While it may be safe to say that a true Muslim would not intentionally kill another true Muslim ( 4:92-93 ), the Quran places no such value on the life of a Muslim who is not true. Consider verse 9:73 : Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be harsh against them, their abode is Hell. The Arabic for strive hard uses the same root as Jihad - and the context in this sura is holy war (see v. 86 and 91). Thus, there are two distinct classes of people that a true Muslim is to target with harshness: disbelievers and hypocrites. A disbeliever obviously refers to a non-Muslim, so a "hypocrite" must be a Muslim of some sort. In fact, hypocrites are those who say they believe, but do not act as they should. In other words, they are "Muslims", but not true Muslims. They will go to hell just as unbelievers do, and so, according to the verse, their lives matter for naught. The same sura says that a hypocrite can be recognized not just by lack of piety (reluctance to follow Sharia), but by fear of death ( 9:56 ), reluctance to fight ( 9:44-45 ) and even friendliness toward non-believers ( 9:67 ). A true Muslim would thus be a pious person who relishes martyrdom, is eager to fight, and shuns non-believers. Even the Quranic passage that warns against killing "believers" ( 4:88-94 ) is more complicated than it first appears. It never says that a true Muslim is incapable of killing another Muslim, just that it should not be done. In fact, it makes exceptions for the unintentional killing of "believers" in war and mandates the killing of "hypocrites." Verse 17:33 says, "Do not kill anyone which Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause" . The greatest cause of all is that Islam be superior ( 9:33 ), which is exactly what Islamic terrorists say is their goal. Thus believing Muslims are allowed to be collateral damage in the war on unbelievers. There is sadly a phenomena that I`ve noticed in Sweden and elsewhere of people using true facts about Islamic doctrine and history as a cover for all sorts of irrational targeting of Muslims, ranging from xenophobia and racism to verbal abuse and physical attacks. This is strongly condemned by this website and does not in any way serve serious criticism of orthodox Islam and other important work. It`s also important that one tries to express oneself in a civilized way. Words matter. In this bloggers humble opinion the root cause of the problem is the ancient doctrine of orthodox Islam. In simple terms a non-Muslim is a Kafir. " The Koran defines the kafir and kafir is not a neutral word. A kafir is not merely someone who does not agree with Islam, but a kafir is evil, disgusting, the lowest form of life." An exact quote, as stated in the writings of Dr. Bill Warner in the article "Kafir" at http://www.politicalislam.com/kafir . In the perfect Koran (Allah`s direct and literal word as revealed to Mohammed through the angel Jibril), Muslims are told 89 times to emulate Mohammed in all ways (see Koran 33:21 for instance). Mohammed`s example, the Sunna, is found in the Hadith (stories of what Mohammed said and did) and the Sira (biographies of Mohammed). Islamic law, Sharia , is directly derived from these unchanging scriptures. It is based on the Koran`s numerous commands to obey Allah and obey the Messenger, that is Mohammed (see Koran 4:59 for instance). Islam is Sharia. Sharia is Islam. It is a capital crime for Muslims to deny Sharia in any way. A Muslim is someone who submits to Islam and submitting to Islam means obeying the Sharia of Allah. Sharia law includes pronouncements for both Muslims and non-Muslims (Kafirs). Islam is a "complete way of life", a "complete code of life", a "complete system of life". Islam is not just a religion but also a comprehensive ideology. Islam is a supremacist ideology. Islam is a totalitarian and imperialistic ideology akin to Communism and Nazism. Islam is a civilization. Islamic law, Sharia, is a manual for a civilization. Islamic law, Sharia, governs every aspect of life. It has a say about every conceivable human act . Non-Muslims are morally and legally inferior in Islam. Women are morally and legally inferior in Islam. The History of Jihad: From Muhammad to ISIS by Robert Spencer is the first one-volume history of jihad in the English language and a great book on the topic. Allah guarantees Paradise to those who "kill and are killed" for him (Koran 9:111). A hadith depicts a Muslim asking Muhammad: "Instruct me as to such a deed as equals Jihad (in reward)." Muhammad replied, "I do not find such a deed." (Bukhari 4.52.44) Muhammad himself said: I have been commanded to fight against people so long as they do not declare that there is no god but Allah, and he who professed it was guaranteed the protection of his property and life on my behalf except for the right affairs rest with Allah. (Sahih Muslim 30) Freedom of speech, human rights, democracy, science and human lives are all at stake in the fight against the Islamic Jihad. No, cops shouldnt round up workers DNA in search for a rape suspect The circumstances are horrific, and tailor-made for headlines. A 29-year-old woman in a persistent vegetative state became pregnant while living in a healthcare facility, and in late December she gave birth. Clearly, the patient had been abused raped while unconscious. Someone did it, and it stands to reason that the perpetrator was a caretaker or other male employee at the Hacienda HealthCare center in Phoenix. Any rape is evil; rape of an especially vulnerable person whose family has entrusted her to medical professionals with a duty to care for her is so evil as to be mind-boggling. So, should the police get a warrant to gather DNA samples from every male worker at the facility? News reports say thats exactly what they did, but should they have done so? Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Certainly not. The crime is serious and it must be solved, but not by sending police on an extraordinarily intrusive fishing expedition that grabs innocent peoples most personal and private information without probable cause to believe that they committed the crime. Its for good reason that the 4th Amendment curbs the governments power to search people and seize their belongings, whether it is their papers, their smartphones or their saliva. Without that protection, criminal investigators would be likely to see everyone as a suspect for anything all the time. That leads to a permanent surveillance state, devoid of privacy and personal dignity. Certainly police should question employees about what they know, what they heard and where they were nine months earlier. But working at the facility is not sufficient cause to believe a particular person committed a crime or has evidence of it. Presumably, the police in the Hacienda HealthCare case want the DNA in order to match the newborn to a father, and once they get their man they could discard samples collected from innocent people and not enter them into a permanent database of suspects of future crimes. But even if they do, that doesnt make broad DNA gathering OK without probable cause. There are ways to establish the case, consistent with the 4th Amendment. Police could establish probable cause based on interviews or other evidence, and then seek DNA in order to nail down their case. Or they could ask employees to give up samples voluntarily, or gather them from discarded items in the facilitys garbage cans. Gathering every male employees DNA first certainly makes their jobs easier but it puts the right of the people to be secure from unreasonable government intrusion further out of reach. -- Los Angeles Times Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 SPRINGFIELD Illinois senators wrapped up their 100th edition Wednesday by narrowly approving a bill to give incoming agency directors a pay raise. The Senate voted 33-21 to approve the bill, which will be sent to Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker after he assumes office next week. Pritzker had asked lawmakers to approve 15 percent raises for 49 agency directors and deputy directors as a way to help him lure talented administrators to state positions. Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, said salaries for agency heads haven't increased since 2009. Moreover, state law limited salaries for those officials to be no more than 85 percent of what the governor earns. That meant the top cabinet official could make no more than $150,000. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Sen. William Haine, D-Alton, said Pritzker was "overwhelmingly elected, therefore he has a mandate." "We should give him deference," Haine said. "These are people who should be paid a commensurate wage for their responsibilities." Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady of Bloomington and Sen. Dave Syverson of Rockford were the only Republicans to vote for the bill. Among Springfield-area senators, Sam McCann, R-Plainview, voted against the raises, while Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, voted for them. Senators also approved a bill requested by Pritzker to dissolve the current toll highway board which will allow him to appoint new members. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 ARGENTA It's not every day when Argenta-Oreana school Superintendent Damian Jones rides the bus with his students. In fact, he said it's been over 30 years since he'd ridden a full bus route. But on Wednesday afternoon, Jones sat up front on a bus packed with Argenta-Oreana Elementary School students to help oversee a joint effort between the school district and Illinois State Police to reduce the number of area drivers that illegally pass stopped school buses. "We take (student safety) very seriously," Jones said. "The scariest thing that could ever happen is that a student gets hurt. Unfortunately, we have people that blow through (school bus stop arms)." Three state troopers followed three buses as they drove along their respective routes after school Wednesday. Whenever a motorist ignored a bus' stop arm, which is a violation of state law, he or she would be pulled over and given a citation. Illinois law states that anyone who is convicted of passing a stopped school bus will have their license suspended for three months on a first offense and will pay a $150 fine. Jones said the enforcement measures were taken during the morning bus routes and in the afternoon routes. The Macon County Sheriff's Office also participated in the morning shift, he said, and no drivers were caught in violation of the law. However, Jones said three drivers were pulled over in the afternoon. One of the violations occurred outside the bus that the superintendent rode. "There is nothing so important that you need to rush through a stop arm and potentially risk a child's health," Jones said. The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services said that while school buses are the safest way to bring students to and from school, drivers who ignore activated bus stop arms remains a troubling issue. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} In 2018, the organization released the findings of a 38-state survey that asked bus drivers to report motorists who illegally passed stopped school buses. The survey said 106,306 of participating drivers reported 83,944 vehicles ignored stop arms on a single day during the 2017-2018 school year. However, the NASDPT said, the number of total violations was likely much higher since not every state participated in the voluntary survey. Jones said curbing the issue of stop arm violations has been a priority for the school district, especially in the aftermath of an October 2018 incident in which three Indiana children were killed after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street to board a bus. A fourth child was critically injured in that crash. "Obviously, we're a small community," said Master Sgt. Todd Armstrong, a state police trooper and president of Argenta-Oreana's school board. "I hear from the bus drivers, their friends and Mr. (Mark) Daley as well of their concerns of vehicles who are ignoring their stop arm." Armstrong said he, Jones and Daley, the school district's transportation manager, spent time working to coordinate a date for when they could schedule the enforcement activities. Before that, Jones said Daley had also approached him about the possibility of installing new equipment to assist in safety efforts. As a result, some of the district's newer buses were outfitted with additional rear stop arms and cameras that can record the license plates of drivers who ignore stop arms. "The (bus) driver fills out (a form) where the violation occurred," he said, and the form along with the video are turned in to the police department." Those cameras were installed at the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year. Daley said that at the end of the first semester, 38 stop arm violations were recorded within the school district. Looking to the future, Jones said the district's goal is to implement an awareness campaign to better protect its base of over 900 students. The students who take the bus are in a "vulnerable situation," he said, and it would be ideal if the district never had to report a stop arm violation again. Daley agrees. "Use extra caution when you're around a school bus, and certainly stop if the stop arms are deployed," he said. "It's all about keeping kids safe." Contact Jaylyn Cook at (217) 421-7980. Follow him on Twitter: @jaylyn_HR Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. DECATUR Street crews are preparing for a winter storm that could drop up to 7 inches of snow across Central Illinois this weekend. Daniel Mendenall, the city's municipal services manager, said the department's approach to clearing city streets during the winter storm will ultimately depend on how much snow the area could get. He said a decision on whether crews will attack the snow by spreading salt or plowing will likely be made sometime this Friday afternoon. Mendenall said the municipal services department has the ability to send out 18 trucks on the roads during winter storms. Once trucks are deployed, he said, they'll work to clear the main roads first and then make their way to residential areas. Crews had already been spreading salt brine on the streets since early Thursday morning, Mendenall said. "If we do get enough snow, (the salt brine) doesn't allow the snow to bond to the pavement," he said. A winter storm watch will go into effect Friday evening and continue through late Saturday night, said forecasters with the National Weather Service in Lincoln. Decatur is expected to receive about 6 inches of snow, while the Taylorville area could see 7 inches. Travel will be rough over most of Central Illinois, said Ed Shimon, a meteorologist with the weather service. Basically, thats all of the way from Interstate 80 south to Interstate 64 near St. Louis. Mendenall said that in order for the road crews to clear the streets as quickly and efficiently as possible, people are encouraged to avoid driving if they dont have anywhere to be. "More vehicles on the road slows us down," he said. "If people can stay home, we can get it done as fast as we can. The roads will be a lot safer and there will be a lot less chances for accidents." Macon County Engineer Bruce Bird said the county highway department anticipates having crews working to clear roads from early Saturday to the end of Sunday evening. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} One thing that Bird says the department is keeping an eye on is how much wind the storm is supposed to bring, as it makes clearing the roads tougher especially out on the countryside. Regardless, he said, the department will have the manpower and the equipment to get the job done. "No matter how much snow we get, we'll take care of it," Bird said. Thursdays high temperature will be around 28 degrees and clouds will move in today Friday with a high near 35. The snow is expected to arrive late tonight (Friday night). Saturdays high will be around 32 degrees. Winds will be out of the east on Saturday and Sunday, with some gusts as high as 15 mph. The sky will clear as next week begins, and temperatures will warm up slightly, hitting 37 degrees by Wednesday. Decatur Airport Director Tim Wright said crews are also prepared to clear the facility's runways of snow once the storm hits. He said they'll likely have eight people working different equipment working during the snowfall, and will be closely monitoring forecasts and other weather data throughout the storm. "We're well prepared for snow events since we do live in the snow belt area," Wright said. Wright suggests anyone scheduled to fly on Cape Air during the snowfall should reach out to the airline about cancellations. Ticketholders can check the status of their flights either by calling Cape Air at 1-800-227-3247 (CAPE AIR) or visiting www.capeair.com. Reporter Kevin Barlow contributed to this story. Past winters in Decatur Contact Jaylyn Cook at (217) 421-7980. Follow him on Twitter: @jaylyn_HR Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. DECATUR The Decatur City Council's choice for the next city manager says he can be a "change agent" for the community and provide outside-the-box thinking to help find solutions for the city, once he takes the helm in the coming months. "If you're looking for someone who can just mind the store and make sure the bills get paid, then hire somebody else," said Scot Wrighton, who Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe introduced Wednesday as the next city manager for Decatur pending council approval next week. "Because helping the governing body make some fundamentally different directional changes, policy changes is what I can hopefully help them to do and bring together different elements in the community." The pick comes almost seven months after former City Manager Tim Gleason announced he would be leaving the position to take up the same role for the city of Bloomington. A special meeting for the council to approve the hire is scheduled for Monday, and Wrighton's proposed contract will be made public on Thursday, the mayor said. Officials have not yet determined Wrighton's starting date, though it will likely be somewhere near late March, Wrighton said. Over the summer, the city council hired the Northbrook-based consulting firm GovHR USA to conduct a national search to fill the position, in a contract not to exceed $18,500. Early in the process, officials provided a public comments portal on the municipal website for residents to give their input. In meetings closed to the public, the council conducted candidate interviews at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel in December after meeting with the recruiting consultant from GovHR USA, former Bloomington City Manager Mark Peterson, to narrow their search the month before. Wrighton's salary will become public Thursday when city officials release his contract ahead of next week's vote. Wrighton, who said he was born in 1957 in Chicago but would not give his exact age, graduated from Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins, Colorado, before moving onto Sterling College in Kansas. He later earned a master's degree in public administration from the University of Kansas. He became village administrator of Mount Zion when he was 26. "It was a long time ago, but it was a good learning experience," Wrighton said. Wrighton said he's been described as a change agent in the past and hopes to be the same in his position. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} "We can't wait for him to actually get here and start," Moore Wolfe said. "We really want someone to move this community forward and we think Wrighton is the right kind of leader to make that happen." Wrighton said Wednesday he was excited to help with finding new solutions to challenges facing Decatur. "Cities all across America are struggling with the fact that they can't be what they might've been at the zenith of their economic success in the 20th century," he said. "Successful cities have to remake themselves sometimes in very structural and fundamentally different ways in the 2st century so I look forward to working with this governing body and a very talented staff that's here in Decatur to figure out what some of those things might be going forward." Wrighton has been city manager in Streator for more than four years and also was city manager there from 1987-1994. Wrighton also was as the city manager of Kirksville, Missouri for nine years; on the faculty of the University of Georgias Carl Vinson Institute of Government for six years; and as the city manager of a private new urbanism development project in India for five years. The news also comes on the heels of the announcement Monday that Interim City Manager Bill Tyus will be leaving for the the deputy city manager in Bloomington, beginning Feb. 7. He will be in the same position under his former boss, Gleason. Streator, a city of about 13,000 people in LaSalle County, has been working through similar challenges as Decatur, something Wrighton said he thinks will help him in his new role here. The Decatur position "seemed like the right alignment of skills and backgrounds, and it was an opportunity for me to do some of those things on a larger canvass than the community that I currently serve," he said. Streator Mayor Jimmy Lansford said Wrighton will be an asset for Decatur. "I hate to see him go, but I also know professionally when these opportunities come around you have to make those decisions," he said. Wrighton said it would take time to learn the community and come up with a strategic plan on what policies the city council will pursue this year. "It's not my agenda, it's the city council's agenda, and there's going to be some learning curve that I have to get over before we can articulate that to a larger community," he said. One priority of the city council that he said he was aware of was its neighborhood revitalization project, first launched in the fall 2017 with a wide-ranging effort to gather community feedback. Tyus in June presented a number of proposals to the council related to improving not just the appearance and value of properties, but also quality-of-life and the area's economic health. Progress has slowed in recent months as Tyus has filled the interim manager position and the council searched for Gleason's replacement. "I can certainly confirm neighborhood redevelopment is a priority," Wrighton said. "How those objectives are achieved given the limited financial resources of the city is part of the interim process we'll work together on." Contact Tom Lisi at (217) 421-6949. Follow him on Twitter: @tommylisi Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. DECATUR Scot Wrighton is leaving a small LaSalle County city nearly transformed from when he arrived for his second stint as city manager there, business leaders and local officials say. "What's happened here in the last four or five years is remarkable," said Steve Broadus, owner of fuel supplying business in Streator, where Wrighton has served as city manager since 2014. "A lot of it had to do with just an attitude change and getting people involved and Scot was able to do that. I think that was very important." In 1987, Wrighton was hired as Streator's first city manager, after voters decided to change its form of government by referendum. He left in 1994, serving for nine years as city manager in Kirksville, Missouri, and later joined the faculty of the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Insitute of Government. Before coming back to Illinois, he spent five years as a city manager for a privately planned city in India called Lavasa. Streator is about 80 miles southwest of Chicago and has a population of about 13,000. Area leaders pointed to a revitalization of a shopping center, new national chains in the area like Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin Robbins and grants that refurbished downtown storefronts as recent successes under Wrighton's stewardship. "We're seeing things we haven't seen here for years," Broadus said. Wrighton also helped Streator shore up its finances by finding new revenue sources and moving municipal work done by full-time employees to private contractors and part-time employees who are not eligible for public pensions benefits. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} "You can't keep hiring new employees to do things you'd like to do because of pensions essentially," said Streator City Councilman Ed Brozak. He also worked to draw in a flurry of solar and wind farms in the area as a way to generate new tax revenues. "Streator's probably got more wind farms around and solar farms around than anywhere in Illinois, and that's all Scot's doing," Broadus said The success has not come without hard decisions and criticism. Wrighton met strong resistance from Streator's local police and fire unions when the city tried to negotiate new contracts that would allow, among other changes to worker benefits, part-time officers to work hours if no full-time employee of the force was available. An arbitrator through the Illinois Labor Relations Board ruled against the city's proposal and in favor the police union's proposal. "At the end of the day, on multiple occasions we just had to move onto these next processes of these disagreements," said Kurt Snow, president of the Streator Firefighters Union Local 56, which has now moved into further legal proceedings to settle similar disputes, including the use of part-time workers. "He's a very smart guy he's kept us on our toes, I can tell you that much." Others in Streator noted Wrighton's intelligence and drive for results. "I think Scot's a bulldog," said Jack Dzuris, executive director of the Streator Area Chamber of Commerce. "When he gets something in mind to get done, he sees it through." One reason the new city manager in waiting won over the Decatur council was his eclectic resume in academia and other parts of the world. "I think that the different experiences that the city council saw in my background are ones that enable me to bring a wider range of options" to accomplish the council's agenda, Scot Wrighton said at press conference in the City Council Chambers inside the Decatur Civic Center Wednesday. "Some of which are creative and outside the box, but all within the context of the direction the city council sets." Contact Tom Lisi at (217) 421-6949. Follow him on Twitter: @tommylisi Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. DECATUR Traveon L. Hood appeared in Macon County Circuit Court on Wednesday, pleading not guilty to a charge of vehicular invasion involving a Decatur school bus. Hood, 25, also pleaded not guilty to two charges of aggravated battery and a charge of criminal trespass to a vehicle when he appeared before Judge Phoebe Bowers while represented by Chief Public Defender David Ellison. Hood told the judge he was waiving his right to a preliminary hearing, and Bowers scheduled the case for a pretrial hearing Feb. 5 with Judge Thomas Griffith. A sworn Decatur police affidavit filed with the case said Hood forced his way onto the No. 14 Alltown Bus Service bus twice about 7:15 a.m. Nov. 12. The incident happened as the bus, loaded with children ages 6 to 8, was stopped at Olive and Lowber streets on its way to Durfee Magnet School. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Officer J. Briar Weddle said Hood made threats to hit the kid that hit his daughter and had shoved the drivers arm out of the way as he tried to stop him. (The driver) stated he did not want the man to confront the students and believed their safety was in jeopardy, Weddle said. After Hood confronted several students and got off, Weddle said he tried to get on a third time, but on this occasion the driver was able to close the door and keep him out. Police said Hood is not the parent of the child he was claiming to want to protect, but the boyfriend of the girls mother. He is also not listed as a parent/legal guardian with the Decatur School District, the affidavit said. Hood, who was arrested Dec. 19, remained in the Macon County Jail on Wednesday night in lieu of $20,000 bail. 2018 mug shots from the Herald & Review Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. As much as we'd like to think the world will be a better place once oppressive hierarchies are toppled, until we face own part in the malady of the world, the condition will continue. To heal the world, heal the self. To change the world, change the self. To love the world, love the self. This cosmic message comes courtesy of the Pisces moon. TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 10). You're usually too busy serving others to worry about what might bring you delight. Their smiles are often enough. But new experiences, relationships and interests that arise in the months to come will teach you what you need in order to thrive as the most fantastic version of yourself. Libra and Scorpio adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 14, 39, 15 and 22. ARIES (March 21-April 19). People like to pretend that they make decisions out of logic, judiciousness and authority, when it is more often the case that they make decisions out of emotion and the justify those decisions by standards of reason. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). While you believe that people are inherently equal, we all have different strengths. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Every man I meet is in some way my superior." You'll humble yourself and pick up a new skill. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Negotiation is featured. The other person is not really your opponent. Where your terms align, accept it quickly, without wondering if you should go for more ground. This is a case of picking your battles. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Calm, rational people are very stabilizing to the emotional environment, but you need a few unpredictable personalities spouting mad notions and acting as a general wild cards, too. Otherwise, things get too boring. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When you get tired you can either give in to drowsiness and go to sleep, or you can perk up by moving around, changing environments and invigorating yourself. The principle applies to any stagnant situation. You have choices. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The clearer you are in your purpose, the easier life gets. You know who you are, how to behave, what to do. People feel like they know straight away and as if by osmosis they get how they're supposed to treat you. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). External validation can be like an addictive drug. Our brains love the rush and will train us to seek more acceptance from the same sources. Love and validate yourself, so circumstantial validation won't be the only form you get. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There is no such thing as easy money. There are opportunities available though, and they all take an investment of work, money or something else. Consider your options carefully. If it sounds like a scam, it is. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Today you'll find that more people are self-involved than not. So when you meet someone who is paying attention to others, observing out of sheer curiosity and genuine interest, befriend that person. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You've a beautiful sense of poise going for you and you're able to execute your day with the sort of approach that makes others admire and deeply respect you. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It's a red flag when a person is attempting to eliminate the competition through negative press. This is a tactic for the insecure. Stick with positive people who strive to uplift others around them. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). If you're totally in the know, it might be something to keep for yourself until you get the lay of the land. As the Greek tragedian Aeschylus said, "It is a profitable thing, if one is wise, to seem foolish." CELEBRITY PROFILES: At the age of 3, actress Amanda Peet made her stage debut when she broke from her seat in the audience and got on stage during a play. The star of the television series "The Romanoffs," about people who believe they are descendants of Russian royalty, was born Capricorn, the sign power families, and has three planets in Sagittarius, the sign of worldly adventure. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis@gmail.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Today's Highlight in History: On Jan. 10, 1863, the London Underground had its beginnings as the Metropolitan, the world's first underground passenger railway, opened to the public with service between Paddington and Farringdon Street. On Jan. 10: In 1776, Thomas Paine anonymously published his influential pamphlet, "Common Sense," which argued for American independence from British rule. In 1860, the Pemberton Mill in Lawrence, Mass., collapsed and caught fire, killing up to 145 people, mostly female workers from Scotland and Ireland. In 1861, Florida became the third state to secede from the Union. In 1870, John D. Rockefeller incorporated Standard Oil. In 1920, the League of Nations was established as the Treaty of Versailles went into effect. In 1946, the first General Assembly of the United Nations convened in London. The first manmade contact with the moon was made as radar signals transmitted by the U.S. Army Signal Corps were bounced off the lunar surface. In 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson, in his State of the Union address, asked Congress to impose a surcharge on both corporate and individual income taxes to help pay for his "Great Society" programs as well as the war in Vietnam. That same day, Massachusetts Republican Edward W. Brooke, the first black person elected to the U.S. Senate by popular vote, took his seat. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. In 1984, the United States and the Vatican established full diplomatic relations for the first time in more than a century. In 1994, President Bill Clinton, attending a NATO summit meeting in Brussels, Belgium, announced completion of an agreement to remove all long-range nuclear missiles from the former Soviet republic of Ukraine. In 2000, America Online announced it was buying Time Warner for $162 billion (the merger, which proved disastrous, ended in December 2009). In 2002, Marines began flying hundreds of al-Qaida prisoners in Afghanistan to a U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In 2006, Iran resumed nuclear research two years after halting the work to avoid possible U.N. economic sanctions. In 2009, Vice President-elect Joe Biden arrived in Afghanistan, where he pledged long-term American support. Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in cities across Europe and in Lebanon against the Israeli offensive in Gaza. The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush was commissioned with its namesake, the 41st president, and other members of the Bush family on hand for the ceremonies at Naval Station Norfolk. In 2014, the Labor Department reported that U.S. employers added just 74,000 jobs in December 2013. Larry Speakes, who'd spent six years as acting press secretary for President Ronald Reagan, died in Cleveland, Mississippi, at age 74. In 2018, immigration agents descended on dozens of 7-Eleven stores nationwide before dawn to check on the immigration status of employees in what officials described as the largest operation so far against an employer under Donald Trump's presidency. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra said Charles Dutoit had stepped down as artistic director and principal conductor after multiple allegations of sexual assault. After nine terms in the House, California Republican Rep. Darrell Issa announced that he would not seek re-election. Thought for Today: "You got to look on the bright side, even if there ain't one." Dashiell Hammett, American author (born 1894, died this date in 1961) Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 DECATUR The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent a warning letter on Friday to Akorn Inc. after an inspection of the drugmaker's Decatur plant in April and May 2018, the company said Wednesday. The letter said a regulator found contaminants on sterile gloves and didn't have proper procedures for stopping contamination of drugs, Reuters reported. Akorn operates a plant at 1222 W. Grand Ave. and a packaging facility on Wyckles Road. The Lake Forest-based company has 15 working days to respond. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. "Akorn is committed to the highest standards of quality and compliance, and will continue to work collaboratively with the FDA to resolve all issues addressed in the warning letter," the company said in a statement. The drugmaker in recent years was the subject of an acquisition plan by Germany's Fresenius SE & Co KGaA, but the deal broke off amid questions about Akorn's regulatory compliance and a downturn in its business. A Delaware judge in October allowed Fresenius to abandon the plan. CEO Raj Rai stepped down in December. Decatur-area business openings and closings Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Information Technology: The IT sector is fertile ground for apprenticeship opportunities, and area employers are working with Helena College and the Montana Department of Labor and Industry to expand apprenticeship opportunities locally. Successful IT apprenticeships have been developed in Missoula, and some of the firms involved also have a presence in Helena. Expanding apprenticeships allows businesses to have a structured process for worker training and education, and apprentices earn as they develop competencies and expertise in their field. Morrison Maierle Systems and the State of Montana are both interested in leveraging apprenticeship models to grow the pool of qualified workers in the information technology sector. Health Care: Meeting the workforce needs in the health care sector is important to everyone in our community quite literally, our health depends on it. Apprenticeships in the health care sector are booming, growing from 100 apprentices in 2017, to over 253 apprentices in 2018. Likewise, employer sponsors have grown from 39 in 2017 to 53 in 2018, according to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, which cites 21 apprenticeable occupations in health care. From the business perspective, one of the challenges to recruit health care workers is the sometimes narrow view of organizations that employ health care workers. Certainly, there are excellent opportunities at St. Peters Health, an obvious choice for someone interested in health care careers; however, there are also opportunities in retail establishments, schools, insurance companies, and more. The health care sector is interested in having a career fair - with a twist to help students interested in health occupations experience the variety of businesses who employ workers in health care, and expand knowledge of training opportunities, like apprenticeships, to help workers enter the sector. Reuben Littlebird, 15, was found unconscious on school grounds in September and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. He died of a medical condition, the Rosebud County coroner said. Henny's body was found on the night of Dec. 28. Then Friday, Kobi Highwater, 17, died after the vehicle he was in crashed during a BIA pursuit east of Crow Agency. Henny was one of Wolfes students, and one of only a few who traveled with her to the Archie Bray Foundation for Ceramic Arts in October to learn from resident artists. One of Hennys pottery pieces inspired by that trip was in the kiln at the school, just waiting to be fired, Wolfe said. The piece is a dish with images of a tree and a cloud. Its very, very peaceful, Wolfe said. Now, the class of fewer than 10 students is thinking of ways to incorporate Hennys artwork into an end-of-year exhibit. Some of the marchers traveled a distance to show their support. Angie Losoya, a Billings resident, said Wednesday was her first time on a reservation. "We all need to get involved for change," she said. Staff members for both Daines and Tester said the bill could pass out of the Senate within the next few weeks. This lands package does right by Montanas outdoor economy because it permanently protects the front porch of Yellowstone, and it reauthorizes the popular Land and Water Conservation Fund, Tester said in email. Taking no chances, Tester and Daines introduced a separate bill to advance the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act, should the lands package fail again. That bill is not on the same fast track as the public lands package. The long list of conservation projects in the public lands package issued this week includes everything from climate change studies in Washington state to a community water project in Colorado. The Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act, which had strong bipartisan support from Montana lawmakers, protects 30,000 acres in the Custer Gallatin National Forest in the Paradise Valley just north of Yellowstone National Park. The area, which has a history of gold mining, was drawing new mine interest. The Yellowstone Gateway proposal made federal mineral rights off limits for leasing and prevented existing mines from expanding onto federal property. The Land and Water Conservation Fund uses federal offshore drilling royalties to pay for conservation easements, public parks and land purchases. Congress has frequently allowed LWCF funding to expire by the end of federal fiscal years. The public lands package would make LWCF funding permanent. In Montana, the bill pays for at least 160 public fishing sites, wildlife conservation areas and public swimming pools. Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 1 Last spring, Trump said Tester would have a big price to pay in Montana after Jackson withdrew his nomination. It was clear from the beginning this was going to be a close election, Saldin said. Trumps Montana visits may have galvanized Democrats to show up at the voting booth in opposition, according to Saldin. The out (of the White House) party is always mobilized in a midterm, Saldin said. This time, with this particular president who was so polarizing and controversial, the out party was even more mobilized. The confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh may have helped mobilize Republicans, as well, Saldin said. So just at a national level, you have everyone mobilized at a higher level than you typically see during a midterm, he said. A close House race between Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte and Democrat Kathleen Williams upped the ante. Two high-profile ballot measures one to increase the tobacco tax to help fund Medicaid expansion, and one that would restrict new hard-rock mining permits may also have driven nonpartisan turnout. As of Thursday morning, the county jail held 103 inmates (89 for felonies and 14 for misdemeanors). In total, the county has 127 inmates at various detention facilities. 106 clients are serviced by the 24/7 sobriety program. Of these, 45 are on Personal Breath Test, 41 are on Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor bracelet, 14 are on GPS, and six are on house arrest. Pretrial Services is currently working with 280 clients. Lewis and Clark County's Motor Vehicle Department in Helena temporarily closed Thursday after receiving an envelope containing white powder. The office reopened Thursday afternoon, after officials determined the substance was not hazardous. The envelope arrived late Wednesday afternoon. A Helena Fire Department HazMat team was called to handle the package, which was sent to the Montana State Health Lab for testing. "While the results don't definitively tell us what the substance is, they do confirm that it is not hazardous," county spokeswoman Jeni Garcin said in a Thursday press release. Helena Police Department Capt. Curt Stinson said the package came from another government office, and "they were expecting to get it." He said the package was in the office "a little while," but employees were surprised to find the white powder inside, prompting a call to police. "There were no injuries, no symptoms" of sickness, Stinson said. Love 5 Funny 9 Wow 9 Sad 5 Angry 12 GEORGE , Delores A. "Dee," age 73, of Helena, passed away on Dec. 24, 2018. A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 11, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., with a reception to follow in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Delores are suggested to Hospice of St. Peters Health, c/o St. Peters Health, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Delores. PATTON, Dee M., age 94, of Helena, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019. A memorial service celebrating Dees life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 14, at 1st Presbyterian Church, 535 N. Ewing St. in Helena, with a reception to follow in the social hall of the church. Following the reception a graveside service, with military honors, will be held at Montana State Veterans Cemetery in the Committal Shelter. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Dee are suggested to Shriners Hospital for Children, c/o Algeria Shrine Temple, PO Box 4879, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Dee. There are not a lot of national benchmarks in education, so it can be hard to understand how we are performing nationally and internationally, said Tyler Ream, district superintendent. This designation provides important insight in that regard and should be a significant point of pride for our students, educators and community. Capital High School Principal Brett Zanto said the designation reflects the hard work of both students and staff. The district offers a variety of options to students between its AP courses and dual-credit opportunities. These opportunities allow students to get a head start on earning college credits while in high school. We have strategically and continually enhanced our AP offerings, and Im thankful for staff who are not only willing to teach AP courses, but also for the support and encouragement they provide our students who are taking on the more rigorous opportunities, Zanto said. Helena High School Principal Steve Thennis said his schools passing rates exceed the state, national and international levels across the board. Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger), representing the 14th State Senate District, was assigned as Chair of the Human Services Committee for the 2019 2020 Legislative session. Arianne Wing is the co-author of Noodles Through Escargots, and co-owner of the L.T. Sue Co. Tea Room and Emporium, benefiting the restoration and preservation of China Alley. She may be reached at ariannewing@gmail.com New York, NY, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BankMobile, a division of Customers Bank, and Americas largest and fastest-growing mobile-first bank, named Bob Ramsey as Chief Financial Officer. Ramsey joined Customers Bancorp in 2017 serving as Director of Strategic Planning and Investor Relations. In his new role, Ramsey will be responsible for BankMobiles financial planning and also manage financial risks and financial reporting. "We are thrilled to promote Bob to Chief Financial Officer at BankMobile, stated Luvleen Sidhu, President, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at BankMobile. Bob joined Customers Bancorp last year and quickly became a valuable part of the team. His leadership and industry expertise will be instrumental in the next phase of BankMobiles development. I am excited to be joining the BankMobile team to help oversee its financial strategy, stated Ramsey. Its success over the last few years has been remarkable and I look forward to helping the team manage its continued growth. Prior to joining Customers Bancorp, Ramsey served as senior equity research analyst at FBR Capital Markets, where he covered community banks, regional banks, super-regional banks, consumer finance and fintech companies during his 13-year tenure. He previously worked at Wachovia Securities. Ramsey is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Managerial economics from Hampden-Sydney College and a Master of Business Administration degree from the College of William and Mary. With 1.8 million customers, BankMobile is in the Top 15 banks in the U.S. in terms of number of consumer checking accounts serviced. BankMobile Disbursements serves more than five million students on nearly 800 campuses nationwide. Additionally, BankMobile has saved college and university students over $114 million* in banking fees since July 2016 versus had they deposited their funds into traditional checking accounts. The bank also provides refund management services to one in every three college students in the country. # # # About BankMobile Established in 2015, BankMobile is a division of Customers Bank and Americas largest and fastest growing mobile-first bank offering checking and savings accounts and personal loans. BankMobile provides an alternative banking experience to the traditional model and is focused on technology, innovation, easy-to-use products and education with the mission of being customer-obsessed and creating customers for life. The disruptive, multi-partner distribution model, known as Bank-as-a-Service, created by the executive team enables BankMobile to acquire customers at higher volumes and substantially lower expense than traditional banks. Its low-cost operating model enables it to provide low-cost banking services to low/middle-income Americans who have been left behind by the high-fee model of traditional banks. Today, BankMobile provides its Bank-as-a-Service platform to colleges and universities and currently serves nearly two million account-holders at nearly 800 campuses (covering one out of every three students in the U.S.). BankMobile is operating as the digital banking division of Customers Bank, which is a Federal Reserve regulated and FDIC-insured commercial bank. For more information, please visit: www.bankmobile.com. About Customers Bank Customers Bank is a super-community bank with $10.6 billion in assets as of September 30, 2018, offering commercial and consumer banking services along the I-95 corridor from Washington, DC to Boston; and in Chicago. Commercial products include cash management; commercial and industrial loans; small business loans; SBA government-guaranteed loans; commercial and multi-family real estate loans; and financing for leasing businesses and residential developers. Customers Bank provides consumer banking services including savings, checking, and money market accounts; certificates of deposit; residential mortgages; and consumer loans. Additional consumer products are marketed by BankMobile, BankMobile Vibe, and Ascent. Customers Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System with deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Customers Bank is an equal opportunity lender. Customers Bank takes pride in delivering extremely high levels of customer service while charging comparatively very low fees; service that makes our clients say, ''Wow.'' Commercial clients enjoy Single Point of Contact service with one team to handle all banking needs. Some retail bank clients are afforded Concierge Banking Services that brings banking to them, when and where they need it. Customers Bank is a subsidiary of Customers Bancorp, Inc., a bank holding company with its headquarters located in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. The voting common shares of Customers Bancorp, Inc. are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CUBI. *According to the CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau), the average annual cost of a traditional checking account is more than $118 per year. The average annual cost of owning a BankMobile Vibe account is less than $34 per year, for an average annual savings of more than $84 per student per year! Attachment Mequon, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With Chinas historic moon landing last week and the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 approaching this summer, 2019 is shaping up to be an exciting year for space exploration. A Concordia University Wisconsin professor is also adding to the space race this year from the comforts of Concordias Mequon campus. Dr. Paul Strycker, associate professor of science at CUW, is a co-investigator on a grant from NASA totaling more than $270,000 since 2015. Hes one of several CUW professors who are furthering their fields of study through research and educational outreach with the support of grant funding. Here are some of the projects currently underway at Concordia. 1. Found: missing plume on the moon CUW project lead: Dr. Paul Strycker, associate professor of science Stryckers efforts focus on uncovering the faint light from the 2009 Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) mission in recordings to determine the properties of this man-made lunar explosion. Four CUW undergraduate students have worked with Strycker on the grant since its start, traveling with him to collaborate and present results at multiple out-of-state conferences. 2. A new dementia treatment CUW project lead: Dr. Daniel Sem, Batterman School of Business dean/professor of business and pharmaceutical sciences Sem is the recipient of three National Institutes of Health1 grants. His most recent one is a three-year grant awarded in fall 2015 and renewed last fall for another three years. He and his collaborators developed a stripped-down estrogen molecule that has proven effective in a model system for treating dementia in women. In July, after publishing their work and securing patent protection for their drug lead molecule, the three formed a startup, Estrigenix, which will allow them to continue their research. 3. Bringing science (and zebrafish) to Wisconsin high schools CUW project lead: Dr. Michael Pickart, associate professor of pharmaceutical science Pickart has joined the UWMilwaukee (UWM) WInSTEP project, which helps pre-service, middle, and high school science teachers engage more students in classroom-based STEM research with an environmental health focus. The project is made possible by a five-year $1.25 million grant2 awarded in 2016 to UWM. Since joining CUW in 2012, Pickart has engaged hundreds of students each yearthrough WInSTEP and beyondvia Concordias zebrafish lab and in his role as education RIG director for the Zebrafish Disease Models Society. 4. Health care for the homebound CUW project leads: Dr. Sharon Chappy, dean of nursing; Dr. Lois Harrison, associate professor of physical therapy; Dr. Stacey Kukor, clinical instructor of occupational therapy; Dr. Michael Oldani, director of interprofessional education (IPE); Dr. Travis Suss, assistant professor of pharmacy practice In spring 2018, Concordia faculty from the Schools of Nursing, Health Professions, and Pharmacy began a partnership with Fresh Meals on Wheels of Sheboygan County to offer free in-home health assessments to homebound individuals. Last semester, they began to involve CUW students in the effort. The work is supported by a $10,533 award from The Council of Independent Colleges Intergenerational Connections: Students Serving Older Adults program, which is supported by the AARP Foundation. 5. Great Migration art and education CUW project lead: Paul Calhoun, assistant professor of art In March 2017, Calhoun received a $9,250 grant from Bader Philanthropies, Inc. to engage students from the Milwaukee High School of the Arts (MHSA) in learning about the historical period known as the Great Migration. The movement, which took place from 1916 to 1970, forever changed the culture of numerous northern cities, including Milwaukee, and created new forms of artistic expression. Under Calhouns lead, 15 Concordia students partnered with about 45 MHSA students to create two 12-by-12 murals and one large painting that pay it tribute. 6. Anxiety-relieving coffee creamers and hot chocolate CUW project leads: Dr. Kwadwo Owusu-Ofori, pharmacy fellow; Dr. Michael Pickart, associate professor of pharmaceutical science; Dr. Christopher Cunningham, associate professor of pharmaceutical science Owusu-Ofori started The Satori Food Project in 2012 to build medical foods that improve mental health and well-being. Instead of taking hard-to-swallow pills that can cause fogginess, weight gain, and other unpleasant side effects, patients can try Satori Coffee Creamers and Satori Hot Chocolate mix to help them manage their anxiety and concentration disorders. Owusu-Ofori joined the CUW community in January 2018, where he continues his research into the relationship between proper nutrition and anxiety disorders under the mentorship of Pickart and Cunningham. 7. STEAM camps and college-readiness CUW project lead: Dr. Michael Uden, vice provost of student enrollment and engagement Uden currently has two grants from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, which he secured on behalf of CUWs School of Education. The first onea two-year $1,000 grant awarded in spring 2017provides scholarships for students in grades 6-8 to attend science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) camps put on by CUW faculty each summer. The second grant, also awarded in 2017 and totaling $34,200, supports the College FAIR program, which empowers first-generation high school seniors or students from underrepresented populations to become college-ready while living on campus during an abridged three-week summer term. 8. Tobacco-free through IPE CUW project leads: Cathy Cero-Jaeger, assistant professor of nursing; Dr. Michael Oldani, director of interprofessional education (IPE) In 2017, Concordia received a $15,000 grant from the American Cancer Societys Tobacco-Free Generation Campus Initiative Grant Program, supported by CVS Health Foundation, to help CUW become a campus that promotes a tobacco-free environment. Cero-Jaeger and Oldani are the faculty mentors for the student-led Tobacco-Free Through IPE Task Force, an interprofessional team of students who are leading advocacy efforts on campus. The grant also supported cessation counseling training through the American Lung Association for faculty and students in the pharmacy, nursing, and nurse practitioner programs. 9. Antibiotics in the waterways CUW project lead: Dr. Sarah Lovern, associate professor of physiology In 2014, Lovern began to receive funding from the Mick A. Naulin Foundation to research the impact of pharmaceuticals in the waterways. Lovern has involved CUW undergraduates in the effort, and together, they work with Daphnia magna, a tiny freshwater crustacean conducive to research because of its short lifespan. Lovern again received a renewal this year bringing the total award amount to $36,125. Attachments CHICAGO and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Green Thumb Industries Inc. (GTI) (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), a national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and owner-operator of the high growth national retail chain RISE, has been awarded an Ohio processing license, one of up to 40 the Ohio Department of Commerce is authorized to award. The GTI processing facility will be located in Toledo. We look forward to serving the people of Ohio who deserve the very best products available as they seek relief with medical marijuana and we are also honored to be able to create jobs in the state, said GTI Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ben Kovler. Expansion in Ohio supports our strategic goal of increasing our footprint and distributing brands at scale. This license win allows GTI to produce and distribute its quality brands in Ohio. In June 2018, the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy also awarded the company licenses to open five dispensaries, the maximum number permitted under current regulations. There were 375 applications for the 56 awarded licenses. GTI is slated to open the five RISE stores in the following locations: Cleveland, Toledo, Lorain and two in Lakewood. RISE Toledo will be the first GTI-owned store in Ohio -- and the 15th nationwide -- with an expected opening in the coming weeks. The Ohio processing license win comes within weeks of two other important license awards: a cultivation, processing and retail license in New Jersey and retail licenses for 12 additional stores in Pennsylvania. Patients with one of 21 qualifying conditions, including chronic or severe pain, PTSD and cancer, will be able to buy medical marijuana after registering with doctors certified to recommend medical marijuana in Ohio. More information for potential patients can be found at the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Programs website at www.medicalmarijuana.ohio.gov. This license award is provisional pending final regulatory approval. About Green Thumb Industries: Green Thumb Industries (GTI), a national cannabis cultivator, processor and dispensary operator, is dedicated to providing dignified access to safe and effective cannabis nationwide while giving back to the communities in which it serves. As a vertically integrated company, GTI manufactures and sells a well-rounded suite of branded cannabis products including flower, concentrates, edibles, and topicals. The company also owns and operates a rapidly growing national chain of retail cannabis stores called RISE. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, GTI has 10 manufacturing facilities and licenses for 72 retail locations across nine highly regulated U.S. markets. Established in 2014, GTI employs about 500 people and serves thousands of patients and customers each year. GTI was named a Best Workplace 2018 by Crains Chicago Business. More information is available at GTIgrows.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains statements which constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of GTI with respect to future business activities. Forward-looking information includes (i) the timing of the opening of the retail store in Toledo. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect GTI managements expectations, estimates or projections concerning the business of GTI future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although GTI believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the combined company. In connection with the forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release, GTI has made certain assumptions, including assumptions related to: the ability to build out the location and the ability to obtain local zoning variances and approvals. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws; and compliance with extensive government regulation; together with the risk factors outlined by the company in its annual information form dated July 10, 2018 along with the risk factors outlined in the most recently filed MD&A of the company filed on SEDAR from time to time. This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of GTI and market conditions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although GTI has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. GTI does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law. Investor Contact: Media Contact: Jennifer Dooley Linda Marsicano Chief Strategy Officer VP, Corporate Communications InvestorRelations@gtigrows.com lmarsicano@gtigrows.com 310-622-8257 773-354-2004 Source: Green Thumb Industries NEW YORK, Jan. 09, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP announces that class action lawsuits have commenced on behalf of shareholders of the following publicly-traded companies. Shareholders interested in serving as lead plaintiff have until the deadlines listed to petition the court and further details about the cases can be found at the links provided. There is no cost or obligation to you. Altice USA, Inc. (NYSE: ATUS) Class Period: Pursuant and/or traceable to the June 2017 Initial Public Offering Lead Plaintiff Deadline: January 18, 2019 Join the action: https://www.zlk.com/pslra-1/altice-usa-inc-loss-form?wire=3 The complaint alleges that the Offering Documents issued pursuant to the IPO failed to disclose and/or misstated material information, including that: (1) The Altice Way proprietary growth model previously developed in Europe and described in the Offering Documents as a means to achieve superior margin performance was falsely touting Altices capacity to face already existing highly competitive environments and ever-changing consumer behaviors; (2) Altice was suffering from aggressively growing competition both in Europe and the United States, directly causing negative and decelerating revenue and EBITDA growth and impacting Altices market share; (3) specifically, Altice was suffering from mismanaged rate events, regulatory compliance and poorly managed network and customer care both in its France and Portugal segments, thereby impacting its customer base and churn rate; (4) Altice USA could not simply replicate the The Altice Way in the U.S.; and (5) as a result, Altice USAs Offering Documents were materially misleading at all relevant times. To learn more about the Altice USA, Inc. class action contact jlevi@levikorsinsky.com . Ternium S.A. (NYSE: TX) Class Period: May 1, 2014 - November 27, 2018 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: January 28, 2019 Join the action: https://www.zlk.com/pslra-1/ternium-s-a-loss-form?wire=3 The lawsuit alleges: Ternium S.A. made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Defendant Paolo Rocca, Terniums Chairman, knew that one of his companys executives paid cash to government officials from 2009 to 2012 to expedite compensation payments for the sale of Terniums Sidor unit; (2) this conduct would lead Rocca to be charged in a graft scheme and subject Ternium, its affiliates, and/or its executives to heightened governmental scrutiny; and (3) as a result, Terniums public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times. On November 27, 2018, Bloomberg reported that Rocca was indicted for his role in a graft scheme. According to the article, The judge charged Rocca after the Argentine billionaire testified that one of his companys executives paid an undisclosed amount of cash to government officials in monthly installments from 2009 to 2012. The officials were allegedly working for then-President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchners administration to speed up a compensation payment from Venezuelas Hugo Chavez for the nationalization of Sidor, a unit that had been seized by Venezuela. Roccas group was compensated with $1.95 billion for the unit. To learn more about the Ternium S.A. class action contact jlevi@levikorsinsky.com . MASON CITY - A Mason City woman was arrested for stealing jewelry from a residence she cleaned, documents said. Kelly Louise Frein, 59, was charged with felony first degree theft from a residence near 12th Street Northeast and North Illinois Avenue in Mason City. Between July 1 and Aug. 15, Frein was hired to clean the home. According to court documents, Frein stole multiple jewelry items including gold, silver and diamonds during that time period. Mason City Police found Frein in possession of multiple jewelry items belonging to the occupants of the home that she admitted to taking during a police interview, court documents said. The criminal complaint was filed Jan. 2 and Frein was arrested. She was released on her own recognizance following her initial court appearance Jan. 3. Frein is scheduled to appear Jan. 18 in Cerro Gordo County District Court. MASON CITY - A Mason City woman was arrested for hitting a man with a screwdriver Tuesday morning. Danielle Renee Ness, 33, was charged with misdemeanor assault with intent to inflict a serious injury. The incident occurred at an apartment on the 200 block of 3rd Street Northeast. At about 6:39 a.m. Tuesday, Ness allegedly hit a man in the head with a screwdriver after an argument that lasted throughout the night, court documents said. According to Mason City Police, the man had a bleeding cut on his head. Ness was arrested and booked in Cerro Gordo County Jail where she is held on a $500 bond. Ness is scheduled to appear Jan. 18 in Cerro Gordo County District Court. North Iowa's mugshots of 2018 Contact Courtney at 641-421-0534 or on Twitter @CourtneyFiorini. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Constitutional law attorney Kristi Burton Brown, who co-sponsored Colorados first personhood amendment when she was a teenager, is launching a run for vice chair of the Colorado Republican Party, she told Colorado Politics. In my view, what the Republican Party needs right now is a reset, Burton Brown said in an interview. Our foundational values are right theyre unchanging. What we need to reset is our messaging, how we reach the people of Colorado. State GOP leadership has to be bold enough to do what it takes to win, to shake up the system and do something new, she said. The message is showing unaffiliated voters how our policies help them. Thats where Republicans get into trouble. We talk about our 10-point plans instead of saying, Here is how we are one of you, and heres how we can imagine a better future together. Colorado Republicans are set to elect officers March 30 at a meeting of the state GOPs central committee, which includes elected officials and county party officers, following county party reorganizations that start in early February. Burton Brown, 31, maintains that the GOPs thumping losses in the November election will eventually amount to a momentary blip on the screen if the party turns itself around ahead of the 2020 election. The Republican Partys not dead by a long shot in Colorado. But we really need to rebrand ourselves and reimagine how things are done, she said. For too long, weve done the same old thing the same old ways. We need to make it more fun to be a Republican, we need to engage people. We need to tell stories. She drew national attention a decade ago as the face of Amendment 48, a state ballot initiative also known as the personhood amendment, which would have changed the definition of a person under the state constitution to any human being from the moment of fertilization. Opponents said the measure would have given legal rights to embryos and banned most methods of contraception. State voters rejected the 2008 measure by a 3-to-1 margin similar, subsequent initiatives failed in 2010 and 2014, though by smaller margins but Burton Brown claimed a victory, saying the campaign drew attention to the pro-life message. I was 19 years old, in law school, when I started that campaign, she said. And what that has taught me is the value of changing strategy. Im not sponsoring another personhood ballot initiative. After that, I went on to work for an organization thats working on changing the culture. Burton Brown is an associate scholar and policy analyst at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, an arm of the anti-abortion Susan B Anthony List, where she writes articles and provides testimony at state legislatures on constitutional matters. Shes also worked on Colorado campaigns including former Republican state Rep. Justin Everetts run for state treasurer last year and helped Colorado lawmakers draft bills and develop communications strategies. What that demonstrates is that my commitment and heart from day one is to fight for people, she said. That is a message the Republican Party needs to get across if you are a human being, you are valuable, you are worth fighting for. If I was willing to do that at 19 for our smallest, our most vulnerable human beings, the fact I did that when I was a teenager shows I am bold, I will fight for you. She added: The Republican Party right now is in need of a strategy change. I know how to be equally committed to foundational values and fight for them in a different way. The incumbent vice chair, Sherrie Gibson, is considering a run for state chair but hasnt announced her intentions. Jefferson County GOP chairman Joe Webb and Denver Republican chairman Jake Viano have said theyre running for state vice chair. Gov. Jared Polis announced additional members of his cabinet Wednesday, his first full day in office. Two of the four are county commissioners, and a member of outgoing Gov. John Hickenlooper's administration will continue in his position. This cabinet is one of the most talented groups of people Ive had the pleasure of working with, Polis said in a statement. I cant wait to tackle some of Colorados most pressing issues with this team. The Democrat, a former five-term member of Congress, was sworn into office Tuesday. He named a dozen incoming cabinet members in late December. His new picks: Air Force Major General Michael Loh, Colorado's adjutant general and the executive director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, will remain in the position he has held since March 2017, Polis's office said. Responsible for overseeing the the 6,700 soldiers, airmen, state employees and volunteers in the Colorado National Guard, the Division of Veterans Affairs, and the Colorado Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, Loh is a command pilot with more than 3,200 flight hours, including 2,900 hours and 128 combat flight hours in the F-16A/B/C/D. Summit County Commissioner Dan Gibbs, a former Democratic state representative and state senator, will head the Department of Natural Resources. Eagle County Commissioner Jill Hunsaker Ryan has been named the executive director for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Ryan is president of Colorado Communities for Climate Action and a former vice president of the Colorado Board of Health. She managed Eagle County's public health agency before being elected commissioner and is a former director of the Office of Health Disparities at the agency she has been been tapped to lead. Theresa Szczurek, a co-founder and former CEO of Radish Systems LLC, a Boulder-based software company, has been named executive director of the Governors Office of Information Technology and the state's chief information officer. Described as a serial technology entrepreneur, Szczurek is the author of "Pursuit of Passionate Purpose," a best-selling business book, volunteers as a Girl Scout leader and has been named an Outstanding Woman in Business by the Denver Business Journal, the YWCA and Business and Professional Women. Polis's choices to head the departments of revenue, personnel and administration and human services have yet to be released. The Republican Party is the party of civil rights. It cannot tolerate racist remarks among its ranks. Ken Summers is a former member of the Attorney Generals Drug Trend and Response Task Force and the former chair of the Health Committee in the Colorado House of Representatives. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Partly cloudy. Low around 65F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low around 65F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Firefighters battled their their second apartment complex fire Wednesday near Palmer Park and North Powers boulevards. The blaze sparked on the balcony of one of the middle units 12 p.m. at a two-story fourplex at 5514 Bonita Village Road. The fire charred one unit, and displaced the family of three living there. Everyone in the building was able to get out, the Fire Department tweeted. Four people three of whom lived in the ravaged unit were assessed by medics for smoke inhalation. Earlier Wednesday, seven people were displaced by a fire at an eightplex early Wednesday in east Colorado Springs. The fire was reported about 6 a.m. at the corner of Monument and Yuma streets just west of Circle Drive. Flames were emanating from the roof as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. Two people were injured and treated by medics. The cause of the fire has not been determined. Afghanistan has rebuked neighboring Iran over statements by senior officials that acknowledged Tehrans contacts with the Taliban and emphasized a role for the hard-line Islamist Afghan movement in the countrys future government. Afghanistans Foreign Affairs Ministry reiterates that any kind of relations with the Taliban outside the bilateral relations [between Iran and Afghanistan] will weaken our relations, Deputy Afghan Foreign Minister Idrees Zaman wrote on Twitter on January 10. The comments follow an interview by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. In an interview broadcast on January 9, he told Indias private NDTV that Tehran had talked to the Taliban and his countrys secret service maintains contacts with the Afghan insurgents. "I think it would be impossible to have a future Afghanistan without any role for the Taliban, Zarif told NDTV. But we also believe that the Taliban do not have, should not have, a dominant role in Afghanistan. Zarif acknowledged that Tehran has had unofficial intelligence contacts with the Taliban. We need to secure our border, and they [the Taliban] occupy parts of our border areas on the Afghanistan side, he said. So, for the security of our citizens, we needed to have minimum contact with them. But the statement touched some raw nerves in Kabul. Shahussain Murtazawi, a deputy Afghan presidential spokesman, said that the Iranian officials were working as spokespeople for the Taliban. In a Facebook post, he questioned why Tehran was not pondering over negotiations with domestic opposition groups despite suffering political instability for years. If Iran believes in talks, it should pay attention to its domestic problems, he wrote on January 10 in a post that was later deleted. Why are they not talking to Mujahedin-e Khalq? Human rights watchdogs say that members of the leftist Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO or MEK) have faced persecution in Iran for decades. The Taliban and Tehran have found some common ground in recent years. Their relations are remarkable because Irans Shiite clerical regime mobilized for war against the hard-line Sunni Islamist Taliban regime in the late 1990s. In recent weeks, Tehran has even approached Kabul to facilitate peace between the Afghan government and the Taliban. But its diplomatic flurry has also showcased its deep connections to the Taliban. During the past two decades, Western and Afghan officials have repeatedly accused Tehran of supporting the Taliban against the U.S.-led international military forces in Afghanistan. The public is invited to a event planned in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the explosion of the six-story Hotel Pathfinder in Fremont. Nearly 400 Nebraskans will share in more than $665,000 in debt relief as part of a nationwide settlement with Career Education Corp. The for-profit education company has agreed to reform its recruiting and enrollment practices and forgo collecting approximately $493.7 million in debts owed by 179,529 students nationally. Career Education Corp., based in Schaumburg, Illinois, offers primarily online courses through American InterContinental University and Colorado Technical University. It previously offered courses at schools under several different names. An investigation by 49 of the 50 state attorneys general alleged the company engaged in unfair and deceptive practices, which in some cases led to students not being able to obtain professional licensure after graduation. The company denied the allegations but agreed to resolve them in a settlement. Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson said in a news release that 370 Nebraskans will share in approximately $665,400 in debt relief. The company also has agreed to pay $75,000 to the state. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 By Sisipho Skweyiya JOHANNESBURG, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Before male beauty parlours began popping up in South Africa a few years ago, image-conscious men like Gerhard Joubert felt awkward being pampered and preened in salons filled with women. "It's a male environment. They give you a whisky if you want a whisky. In the old days we had to go to female hair salons," said Joubert, reclining in a luxury leather chair for a pedicure in Sorbet Man, a men-only parlour in Johannesburg. "I think we need to look better after ourselves. I think it's often been ignored, particular in South Africa." Two decades ago, well-groomed celebrities such as David Beckham began to change traditional attitudes towards masculinity, encouraging swathes of men to take greater care of their appearance and embrace the use of beauty products. South Africa has been slow to catch the "metrosexual" wave, but a growing middle class and the spread of fashion trends on social media has seen global companies such as Unilever, Procter & Gamble and L'Oreal target more products at African men. Salon chains are opening men-only parlours to sell these products and to meet the demand for everything from manicures to eyebrow threading. Sorbet Man was launched as a spinoff from a women's salon brand three years ago and now has 20 franchise stores. It expects turnover to rise 50 percent this year. Rival male beauty shops are springing up. "I think over the years the stigma about male grooming has really limited men from basically expressing themselves," said Dexter Pillay, co-owner of Bespoke Man, a salon in Johannesburg's business district. "It's changed now so drastically where men are more metrosexual." The global male grooming product market is expected to reach $76 billion by 2023 from $58 billion in 2017, according to industry research. Africa offers companies the chance to target millions of new consumers. "Africas youthful population is seen as a market opportunity as manufacturers look to target the young modern male who is becoming increasingly conscious about appearance," said Nicola Cooper, a trend analyst. (Writing by Joe Brock; Editing by Alison Williams) FILE PHOTO: Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, reacts during a news conference in Paris, France, September 15, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer PARIS (Reuters) - Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of French carmaker Renault and ex Nissan chairman, has not had his tax domicile France since 2012, opting instead for the more fiscally favourable Netherlands, French newspaper Liberation reported on Wednesday. The Tokyo District Court has rejected a request by Ghosn's lawyers to end his detention following his Nov. 19 arrest on accusations of financial misconduct, Jiji Press reported on Wednesday. Without citing its sources, Liberation reported that Ghosn had had his tax domicile in France until 2012 and was subject to the country's wealth tax. Ghosn then moved his tax domicile to the Netherlands, where the holding company for the Renault-Nissan alliance is incorporated and which does not have a wealth tax, the daily said. Liberation said French fiscal authorities declined to comment on Ghosn's case as it was a "tax secret", as is their policy on individuals' tax situations. In his first public appearance since his arrest, Ghosn told a Tokyo court on Tuesday that he had been wrongly accused of financial conduct. Ghosn has been formally charged with under-reporting his income. (Reporting by Elizabeth Pineau and Leigh Thomas; Editing by Jan Harvey) (Adds additional Pompeo quotes, analyst comment) By Lesley Wroughton and Lena Masri CAIRO, Jan 10 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Barack Obama on Thursday of sowing chaos in the Middle East by failing to adequately confront Islamist militants in a blistering critique of the policies of President Donald Trump's predecessor. Speaking in Cairo, where Obama gave a major speech in 2009 in the first year of his presidency, Republican Trump's chief diplomat took on Obama by arguing that the Democratic former president had in effect misread and abandoned the Middle East. The comments raised eyebrows in the United States and abroad not the least because Trump himself is being criticized for his ambiguous plan announced last month to pull U.S. troops out of Syria. While that decision's timing is unclear, it is widely seen as abandoning the region and benefiting U.S. rivals Russia and Iran. "We learned that when America retreats, chaos often follows. When we neglect our friends, resentment builds. And when we partner with our enemies, they advance," Pompeo said in a speech at the American University in Cairo in which he did not mention Obama by name but called him "another American" who gave a speech in the capital of the Arab world's most populous nation. Pompeo is touring the region to try to explain U.S. strategy after Trump's surprise announcement of an abrupt withdrawal of all 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria, which rattled allies and shocked top U.S. officials, prompting U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to resign. It is highly unusual for an American secretary of state to deliver a speech in a foreign capital attacking a former U.S. president. But Trump has frequently sought to belittle his predecessor and has reversed Obama policies on international issues such as the Iran nuclear deal, trade agreements and the Paris climate change accord as well as domestic policies. Describing the United States as a "force for good" in the Middle East, Pompeo sought to reassure allies that Washington remained committed to the "complete dismantling" of the threat posed by the Islamic State militant group despite Trump's decision to withdraw troops from Syria. Story continues Pompeo also faulted what he called Obama's "desire for peace at any cost" that led him to strike the 2015 nuclear deal under which Iran agreed to curtail its nuclear weapons program in exchange for easing of international economic sanctions. Trump this year abandoned that deal, pursuing instead what his administration has called a policy of "maximum pressure" on Iran to try to force it to limit its nuclear program, curtail its ballistic missile activities and cease supporting proxy forces in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon. 'SELF-INFLICTED AMERICAN SHAME' "The good news is this: The age of self-inflicted American shame is over. And so are the policies that produced so much needless suffering. Now comes the real new beginning," Pompeo added. In his June 2009 speech at Cairo University, Obama called for better mutual understanding between the Islamic world and the West and said both should do more to confront violent extremism. As a result, Republicans have long accused Obama of apologizing to the world for U.S. actions abroad, a point that Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney emphasized during his 2012 attempt to unseat Obama. Pompeo's speech drew immediate criticism from Middle East experts as well as officials who served under Obama who accused the secretary of state of violating the American tradition that "politics stops at the water's edge." "It feels a little bit as if the approach is to 'talk loudly and carry a small stick,'" said Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East program at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank. "There is a lot of ambitious language, but very little actual commitment of U.S. resources. You could read this as obscuring a continued U.S. retrenchment from Middle Eastern commitments," Alterman added. On Twitter, Martin Indyk, who served in the Obama administration, called the speech "shameful Obama-bashing." Pompeo directly repudiated Obama's 2009 Cairo speech, which was an overture by the then-new president to the Islamic world. "Remember, it was here in this city that another American stood before you. He told you that radical Islamist terrorism does not stem from an ideology. He told you that 9/11 (the Sept. 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States) led my country to abandon its ideals, particularly in the Middle East," Pompeo said. "He told you that the United States and the Muslim world needed, quote, a new beginning, end of quote. The results of these misjudgments have been dire," Pompeo added. "In falsely seeing ourselves as a force for what ails the Middle East, we were timid in asserting ourselves when the time and our partners demanded it." (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton and Lena Masri; Additional reporting by Amina Ismail in Cairo and David Brunstrom and Steve Holland in Washington; Writing by Arshad Mohammed and Sami Aboudi; Editing by Will Dunham) NEW YORK, Jan. 09, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against, Tenaris S.A. (Tenaris or the Company) (TS) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, and indexed under 19-cv-00174, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities, other than Defendants and their affiliates, who purchased or otherwise, acquired Tenaris securities between May 1, 2014 through November 27, 2018, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials. If you are a shareholder who purchased Tenaris securities between May 1, 2014, and November 27, 2018, both dates inclusive, you have until February 11, 2019, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here to join this class action] Tenaris, a holding of Techint Holdings S.a r.l., was founded in 2001. Tenaris is headquartered in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, and produces and sells seamless and welded steel tubular products and related services for the oil and gas industry, as well as for other industrial applications. Paolo Rocca (Rocca) is Tenaris Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of the Board (Chairman). Rocca has also been the Chairman of Ternium S.A. (Ternium) since 2005. Ternium is also based in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, and was formed in 2005 through the consolidation of Siderar of Argentina, Sidor of Venezuela, and Hylsa of Mexico. Ternium, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and processes various steel products in the United States and throughout Latin America. Ternium is Latin Americas leading flat steel producer with an annual crude steel production capacity of 12.4 million tons. Story continues Rocca and Tenaris have a significant investment in Ternium, holding 11.46% of Terniums share capital (including treasury shares) as of December 31, 2017. Siderurgica de Orinoco C.A. (Sidor), of which Ternium held a 59.7% stake, was nationalized by the Venezuelan government in 2008 when Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez signed a decree ordering the renationalization of Sidor. The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding Tenaris business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Tenaris CEO and Chairman, Rocca, knew one of his companys executives was involved in a graft scheme whereby government officials were bribed for Defendants personal gain, specifically, to expedite compensation payments due from the sale of Ternium Sidor unit; (ii) the foregoing conduct foreseeably placed Tenaris, its affiliates, and executives in greater risk of heightened regulatory and criminal scrutiny and investigation, thus depreciating Tenaris stock value; and (iii) as a result, the Companys public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On November 27, 2018, in an article titled Tenaris Plunges in Italy as Billionaire Chairman Indicted, Bloomberg reported that Rocca was indicted for his role in a graft scheme. According to a Reuters from the same date, [t]he sprawling notebooks corruption case, centered on bribes allegedly paid by businesses to secure contracts from the administration of former President Cristina Fernandez, has already ensnared dozens of business owners and politicians. The article also noted that Rocca was charged with illicit association and payment of bribes. Bloomberg published an article on November 27, 2018, reporting that Rocca wanted to speed up the approximate $1.65bn compensation payments due from the Argentine government when it seized Sidor in exchange for Terniums 59.7% stake in Sidor. Tenaris was implicated because it has a significant investment in Ternium, and Rocca is Tenaris CEO and Chairman of both Tenaris and Ternium. On this news, Tenaris stock fell $2.64 per share, or nearly 10%, to close at $24.36 per share on November 27, 2018, damaging investors. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP rswilloughby@pomlaw.com 888-476-6529 ext. 9980 According to a 2016 study, the Canadian trucking industry will be short 34,000 drivers by 2024. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is calling on the provincial government to launch a pilot program that would allow freight carriers to bring in immigrant workers to fill a critical driver shortage. The North American trucking industry has been grappling with a severe shortage of drivers over the last several years, an issue that became increasingly dire through 2018, president of the Ontario Trucking Association Stephen Laskowski said in an interview with Yahoo Finance Canada. The driver shortage became more acute in 2018 due to the fact that we have a large percentage of individuals over the age of 55 driving were facing older demographics, more retirements and, at the same time, more demand, said Laskowski, who is also the president of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA). Its only expected it to get worse in 2019. This is an issue from a supply-chain perspective and we need to find a solution to it. According to a 2016 study conducted by the Trucking Alliance of Canada, the industry will be short 34,000 drivers by 2024. One company in Northern Ontario had 20 trucks sitting idle in 2018 because of a lack of drivers, Laskowski said. While there are several options that could help potentially narrow the labour gap, Laskowski is appealing to the province to look at how immigration policy can help the industry gain more access to qualified workers overseas. Both the CTA and OTA would like to see the province launch a pilot project to attract truck drivers through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which aims to fill labour shortages with skilled international workers. Laskowski points to a 2017 initiative which saw the previous provincial Liberal government launch an In-Demand Skills Stream to the OINP, focusing on attracting workers to specific jobs in construction and agriculture sectors. Were asking Ontario Premier Doug Ford to consider opening up that program to include the trucking industry, Laskowski said. Because of the shortage of labour across the supply chain, we need to look at immigration in perhaps a different way than we did in the recent past. Story continues Representatives from the OTA and CTA met with Ford, Transportation Minister Jeff Yurek and Economic Development Minister Todd Smith in late December to discuss the driver shortage, as well other issues facing the industry. Kwok Wong, a spokesperson for Ontarios Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, said in a emailed statement on Tuesday that the province is working with the federal government on initiatives to help address chronic labour shortages across a range of sectors, including with the trucking industry. We are currently exploring how our programs can maximize our annual Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program nomination allocation to help alleviate these shortages and provide support through economic immigration, Wong said. Wong said OINP allocations are reviewed by ministry staff on an ongoing basis, which includes managing intake to fill labour shortages in specific occupations such as the trucking industry. David Carruth, president and chief executive of One for Freight and chairman of the OTA, says his company is one of many struggling to find drivers to fill a shortage at a time with solid economic growth and increasing demand. With unemployment in Ontario so low, and more and more drivers retiring, he said it has been difficult to recruit young drivers to join the industry. Were getting innovative, in terms of what we offer to employees, how we pay them, how we provide down-time, Carruth said. But its still not enough to close the driver shortage gap. A pilot program would allow us to have a heck of a lot more access to overseas labour and make sure that that labour ends up with the carriers that are investing in their companies, Laskowski said. That what we want to see, and thats how we want to grow. Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. FILE PHOTO: The word oil is pictured on an oil bank at a recycling yard in London March 2, 2011. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth/File Photo By Nerijus Adomaitis and Shadia Nasralla OSLO/LONDON (Reuters) - Norwegian oil company DNO has secured control of Faroe Petroleum, a day after raising its hostile bid for the British company to 641.7 million pounds ($819 million). The move effectively ends a bitter battle that started around nine months ago when DNO bought a stake in the British firm, only for Faroe to resist its requests for board seats. DNO said on Wednesday it owned or had acceptances for its bid representing 52.44 percent of Faroe's share capital, up from 43.8 percent five days ago. It raised the offer to 160 pence a share in cash on Tuesday from a 152 pence bid made in November that failed to convince enough Faroe investors to give it a majority. Faroe rejected DNO's initial bid, which was accompanied by public criticism of the British firm's management and performance, as inadequate and opportunistic. But Faroe said on Wednesday it would recommend DNO's improved offer to its shareholders. British broker Peel Hunt said DNO's "acrimonious" approach would "leave a very poor taste in investors minds, and they won't be applauded for their cheap takeover of a quality business." DNO intends to delist North Sea operator Faroe from London's AIM stock exchange once it controls 75 percent of voting rights linked to Faroe shares. DNO returned to the North Sea in 2017 after years of expansion in the Middle East focusing on Iraqi Kurdistan, with the aim of growing via acquisitions and other investments. Faroe, which operates in the Norwegian North Sea, expects to produce between 12,000 and 14,000 barrels per day in 2018, while DNO's output in the third quarter was around 81,500 barrels of oil equivalent on a company working interest basis. RBC Markets analysts said DNO's improved offer represented "reasonable value in today's market" and offered shareholders an opportunity to exit Faroe and buy alternative London or Oslo-listed stocks at decent valuations. "Having embarked on a hostile deal, DNO commenced a negative campaign which ... might have undermined its own investment case, and raised questions about its 'need' for asset diversification. Assuming completion of this deal, we believe that DNO needs to get on the front foot and talk up its business case," RBC said. Story continues At 1028 GMT, Faroe shares were up 4.3 percent at 160.2 pence, while Oslo-listed DNO's stock was up 4.4 percent at 15 Norwegian crowns. ($1 = 0.7837 pounds) (Reporting by Nerijus Adomaitis in Oslo and Shadia Nasralla in London, Editing by Terje Solsvik and Mark Potter) Stretching your nest egg as far as possible is something thats most likely front of mind for most retirees who arent very wealthy. With no new sources of income aside from Social Security or possibly a pension, its important to find a place to retire that wont drain your savings. However, getting a clear sense of exactly how long your retirement savings will last requires understanding how much it costs to live in the state youre calling home. As anyone trying to get by in somewhere with a high cost of living can attest, even basic necessities can quickly start to winnow down your retirement account. And it only gets more complicated if you decide you dont want to spend your entire retirement in the same place, as your costs wont be consistent throughout your retirement. Thats why GOBankingRates performed a study to compare the cost of living in every state and determine how long you can survive off of $100,000. Granted, $100,000 wont buy you a lot of time in any state. But, these results will give you a sense of just how much you need to save. 50. Hawaii Annual Expenditure: $85,243 $100,000 Will Last: 1 year, 2 months, 3 days To say that Hawaii is the most expensive state to live in is something of an understatement: Hawaiians pay over $20,000 more per year than the second-most expensive state, California. Youll need over $2 million to survive retirement in this state, the most in the country. 49. California Annual Expenditure: $64,516 $100,000 Will Last: 1 year, 6 months, 18 days Californias not an easy place to stretch your retirement dollar, with the cost of housing coming in at more than double the average for the country. 48. New York Annual Expenditure: $61,267 $100,000 Will Last: 1 year, 7 months, 17 days Some might gripe that the only thing imperial about the Empire State is how much it costs to live there, with the average New Yorker needing more than $60,000 a year to cover expenses. And thats for the state as a whole, New York City can be even worse, ranking as the worst city to stretch $1 million in retirement. Story continues 47. Alaska Annual Expenditure: $59,895 $100,000 Will Last: 1 year, 8 months Costs in Alaska are generally high particularly for healthcare and utilities but theres one area where the state wont eat so far into your nest egg: Alaska is the most tax-friendly state for retirees. 46. Maryland Annual Expenditure: $59,666 $100,000 Will Last: 1 years, 8 months, 2 days Maryland is one of the more expensive states for retirees to live in, but a lot of the states older residents can afford it: Its one of the states with the richest retirees. 45. Oregon Annual Expenditure: $59,483 $100,000 Will Last: 1 years, 8 months Oregon has a cost of living thats 30 percent higher than the country as a whole. However, if youre dead set on enjoying the beautiful coastlines of the Pacific Northwest in your Golden Years, consider making your home in Brandon. Its the best city in the state to buy a home. 44. Massachusetts Annual Expenditure: $58,385 $100,000 Will Last: 1 year, 8 months, 16 days Massachusetts is not a state thats kind to your retirement savings with sky-high housing costs playing the biggest part in making things difficult. Its also the state where a comfortable retirement costs the most at about $65,000 a year. 43. Connecticut Annual Expenditure: $58,156 $100,000 Will Last: 1 year, 8 months, 18 days Not only is Connecticut one of the pricier states in the country to live in, but for many retirees, the source of their income might not be as stable as they would hope. Connecticut is the worst state for pensions in the U.S. 42. Rhode Island Annual Expenditure: $55,914 $100,000 Will Last: 1 year, 9 months, 13 days If youve compiled an impressive nest egg over the course of your career, Rhode Island isnt a great place to keep it protected. Aside from nearby Vermont, its the worst state to retire rich. 41. New Jersey Annual Expenditure: $54,175 $100,000 Will Last: 1 year, 10 months, 3 days Like many of the most expensive states in the country, the main culprit for New Jerseys high cost of living is housing, with New Jersey residents paying almost 50 percent more than the average American for a place to live. 40. Vermont Annual Expenditure: $53,718 $100,000 Will Last: 1 year, 10 months, 9 days Not only is Vermont a tough place to maintain your nest egg, its also a pretty rough spot for building it up as well. The Green Mountain State is the state where its hardest to save $1 million for retirement, found another GOBankingRates study. 39. Maine Annual Expenditure: $53,214 $100,000 Will Last: 1 year, 10 months, 15 days Its possible that the high cost of living in Maine has some residents thinking big in terms of what it means to be wealthy. In a GOBankingRates survey, the most common answer for what it meant to be rich was an income of $10 million a year or more, the highest answer for any state. 38. New Hampshire Annual Expenditure: $51,247 $100,000 Will Last: $1 year, 11 months, 12 days If youre dead set on living in New Hampshire in retirement but youre looking to avoid some of those high costs, steer well clear of the 03854 zip code home to New Castle Island. Its the most expensive zip code in the state. 37. Nevada Annual Expenditure: $50,469 $100,000 Will Last: $1 year, 11 months, 23 days If you want to spend your golden years in the Silver State, prepare to spend a little more. Costs are at least 10 percent higher than the national average across every category except for utilities, where theyre actually 20 percent under what the rest of America pays. 36. Washington Annual Expenditure: $49,554 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 5 days If youre surprised to see Washington so far down this list, keep in mind that its home to Seattle, one of the most expensive cities in the country. In terms of which city you need the most to live comfortably in, Seattles nearly $90,000 a year outpaces everywhere but the usual suspects in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York and Washington, D.C. 35. Delaware Annual Expenditure: $48,227 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 25 days Although Delaware might be on the higher side for costs, it can also offer some great ways to protect your nest egg: Its one of the best states to retire rich in the country. 34. Colorado Annual Expenditure: $47,540 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 1 month, 5 days The cost to live comfortably in Denver is over $77,000 a year, making it one of the most expensive cities in the country. However, if you want to stay in the Rocky Mountain State but dont like the mile high costs in Denver, consider Colorado Springs where its over $10,000 a year cheaper. 33. Montana Annual Expenditure: $47,540 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 1 month, 5 days If you were hoping to keep your nest egg healthy after retiring to Montana by investing well, you might find it harder there than elsewhere. Montana is one of the worst states to grow your money, according to a separate GOBankingRates study. 32. Virginia Annual Expenditure: $46,717 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 1 month, 19 days Youll pay less for groceries, utilities and transportation than the average American if you opt to retire to Virginia, but theres clearly more to the story. That would be the cost of housing, which is over 10 percent higher than the national average. 31. Pennsylvania Annual Expenditure: $46,305 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 1 month, 26 days Pennsylvania is the first state on this list where housing costs are actually below average when compared to the country as a whole. However, if youre looking to stretch your retirement savings as far as possible, you can still do better, especially when Pennsylvanians pay more than average for groceries, utilities and transportation. 30. South Dakota Annual Expenditure: $46,305 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 1 month, 26 days Theres one thing you dont have to worry about in South Dakota: state income tax. Thats because its one of the seven states without any, which could make a significant difference in how long you can stretch that nest egg. 29. Minnesota Annual Expenditure: $45,848 $100,000 Will Last: $2 years, 2 months, 6 days No state is closer to the average cost of living than Minnesota, where costs are just 0.2 percent higher than the country as a whole. Thats not true statewide, though, as Minneapolis is among the more expensive major cities in the country. The cost to live comfortably there is $77,512 a year. 28. North Dakota Annual Expenditure: $45,298 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 2 months, 15 days One place you probably wont overspend in North Dakota is on housing. Even if the states most expensive ZIP code the 58503 ZIP north of Bismarck has a median home price of $339,600, thats still less than half of what it is for Hawaii. 27. Florida Annual Expenditure: $45,253 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 2 months, 16 days Florida might only be middle-of-the-pack for stretching a six-figure retirement fund, but its still a popular destination for many retirees. And you have plenty of options to choose from in terms of which Florida city stacks up the best for you. 26. South Carolina Annual Expenditure: $44,978 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 2 months, 21 days The question of how long $100,000 lasts in retirement might be especially apt for South Carolina. A GOBankingRates survey found that the most common answer to how much do you have saved for retirement in the Palmetto State was $50,000-$100,000. 25. West Virginia Annual Expenditure: $44,292 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 3 months, 3 days West Virginians are paying less for housing and utilities than most Americans, but thats counter-balanced by higher-than-average costs on groceries and miscellaneous expenses. 24. Illinois Annual Expenditure: $44,246 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 3 months, 3 days Illinois is the first state on the better half of this survey, with the average retiree being able to squeeze a full three months out of the third year on that initial $100,000. And if you decide you want to make the Windy City your home, youll have plenty of options in selecting from the many different suburbs around the city. 23. Utah Annual Expenditure: $44,200 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 3 months, 4 days Regardless of how long it lasts, Utah is doing plenty to help you build that retirement account. Its the state where its easiest to save $1 million for retirement. 22. Wisconsin Annual Expenditure: $44,063 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 3 months, 7 days You can make $100,000 last over two years in retirement if youre living in the Badger State. However, if youre thinking youll just need to earn $100,000 in that last year before you hang it up, you should know that you only take home $67,124 from a $100,000 salary after taxes in Wisconsin. 21. Arizona Annual Expenditure: $43,285 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 3 months, 22 days Arizonas costs are lower than the national average in every category except utilities, helping retirees stretch their savings. 20. North Carolina Annual Expenditure: $42,965 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 3 months, 28 days If youre looking for a place to live in retirement where youre not in the hustle and bustle of the city but also still close enough to take advantage of city living on occasion, North Carolina might be the place to look. Three of the best suburbs for retirement are in the Tarheel State: Bermuda Run, Fairfield Harbour and Sunset Beach. 19. Louisiana Annual Expenditure: $42,736 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 4 months, 3 days Not only is Louisiana among the better states for stretching your savings in retirement, its also the best state to grow your money, found a separate GOBankingRates study. 18. Nebraska Annual Expenditure: $42,736 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 4 months, 3 days Nebraskas cost of living scores are either at or below the national average in every category except for transportation. However, at least some of the money you can save on things like groceries and housing will end up with the state government: Nebraska is the least tax-friendly state for retirees. 17. New Mexico Annual Expenditure: $42,507 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 4 months, 7 days If you enjoy life in the big city but cant handle the high cost of living that usually comes with it, New Mexico might offer you the best compromise. You only need to make $53,384 a year to live comfortably in Albuquerque, one of the lowest figures among the 50 largest U.S. cities. 16. Ohio Annual Expenditure: $42,416 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 4 months, 9 days Housing is especially affordable in Ohio, coming in at almost 25 percent less than what the average American is paying. Add that to costs that are either below average or less than 2 percent over it, and its not hard to see why Ohio cracked the top 20 in this study. 15. Idaho Annual Expenditure: $42,416 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 4 months, 9 days Idahos scenic landscape could be considered incentive enough to retire there, but the states low costs are an additional perk, allowing you to last into the fifth month of your third year on $100,000. 14. Kentucky Annual Expenditure: $42,370 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 4 months, 10 days Kentuckys biggest cost advantage over other states is in its housing, where youll pay almost 20 percent less than the national average. With a median home price of just $136,600, the cost of a home in this state is one many Americans can actually afford. 13. Iowa Annual Expenditure: $42,050 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 4 months, 17 days Like many states in the Midwest, Iowa boasts low housing costs that help push the overall cost of living down significantly. However, while its housing leading the charge, Iowas costs are below what the average American pays across the board. 12. Indiana Annual Expenditure: $41,867 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 4 months, 20 days That Indiana offers retirees the chance to stretch their savings much further than most of the country is important to the Hoosier State as Indiana is the state with the poorest retirees in the country. 11. Wyoming Annual Expenditure: $41,821 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 4 months, 21 days The cost of living in Wyoming is lower than it is for the country as a whole, but the high cost of healthcare for seniors could quickly erase much of that benefit. Employing either homemaker services or a home health aide will run you about $5,000 a year. 10. Texas Annual Expenditure: $41,775 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 4 months, 22 days Texas offers a range of advantages to its elderly residents when it comes to stretching retirement dollars. In fact, eight of the 30 best cities to retire on a budget of $1,000 a month or less are in the Lone Star State. 9. Georgia Annual Expenditure: $41,546 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 4 months, 27 days Low costs in Georgia mean a retiree can make $100,000 last them for almost two years and five months. Even if youre living well by saving on basic costs, though, not everyone is in the same situation: Atlanta is among the places in the U.S. with the most income inequality. 8. Kansas Annual Expenditure: $40,952 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 5 months, 9 days Kansas is a great state to retire to if you want to stretch your nest egg as far as possible, and its even better if youre living off of a pension funded by the state: Kansas is one of the best states for pensions. 7. Tennessee Annual Expenditure: $40,906 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 5 months, 10 days Whether its the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville or Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee is a great state for American music. Of course, if youre retired and living there, its the low costs that might be music to your ears. 6. Missouri Annual Expenditure: $40,677 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 5 months, 15 days Although most costs are lower in Missouri, the Show Me State is especially affordable when it comes to housing. A year of a roof over your head costs an average of just $11,597, making it one of just five states where you can expect to pay under $12,000 per annum. 5. Alabama Annual Expenditure: $40,631 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 5 months, 16 days You can expect to stretch your retirement savings by retiring almost anywhere in the Yellow Hammer State, but thats especially true if you decide to call the city of Birmingham home: Its one of the cheapest places to retire in the entire country. 4. Arkansas Annual Expenditure: $40,631 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 5 months, 16 days The cost of a comfortable retirement in Arkansas is very low, coming in below any other state in the country save for Mississippi and its incredibly low cost of living. 3. Michigan Annual Expenditure: $40,586 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 5 months, 17 days The Great Lake State is as welcoming as it is scenic, and the low costs mean you can enjoy more of it with your nest egg. 2. Oklahoma Annual Expenditure: $40,403 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 5 months, 21 days Oklahoma has low costs state-wide that will help you stretch $100,000 to almost a full two and a half years. And unlike many states, that extends to the states largest city as well: $1 million will last you 24 and a half years in retirement in Oklahoma City, making it one of the most affordable U.S. cities for retirees. 1. Mississippi Annual Expenditure: $38,435 $100,000 Will Last: 2 years, 7 months, 6 days No state has a lower cost for a comfortable retirement than Mississippi, where you can expect to pay almost a third less for housing than the country as a whole. All told, the cumulative cost of living in Mississippi is 16 percent lower than the national average. How Long $100K in Retirement Will Last in Every State States on either coast might offer a lot in terms of great weather and loads of culture, but they certainly ask a lot in terms of your pocketbook. The 15 states where $100,000 stretches the least in retirement include all five states on the Pacific Ocean (Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska). On the East Coast, the worst states for your retirement nest egg are New York, Maryland, New Jersey and all six of the states that make up New England. On the other end of the list, its hard to miss that states from the South and the Midwest have the lowest costs by far. Of the 15 states where your $100,000 in retirement savings goes the furthest, all but two (Idaho and Wyoming) are in one of those two regions. Click through to see how much itll cost to retire in Americas warmest cities. More on Retirement We make money easy. Get weekly email updates, including expert advice to help you Live Richer. Methodology: In order to determine how long $100,000 will last the average retiree in each state, GOBankingRates found the average total expenditures for people 65 and older, which includes groceries, housing, utilities, transportation and healthcare. Then, we multiplied that by the cost of living index in each state to find the average annual expenditure cost for each state. Once the annual cost was found, it was divided by $100,000 and then converted into years, months and days in order to show how much average annual expenditures for people 65 and older would last in every state. This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How Long $100K in Retirement Will Last in Every State Sheikh Saad Askar shouted warnings to Christians after two Al-Azhar students noticed the possible attacker. The imam calls on Christians and Muslims to stand by each others side and take care of each other. Those who target places of worship have no religion and are neither Muslim nor Christian. Cairo (AsiaNews) A bomb attack against a church in east Cairo was averted thanks to the prompt action of a Muslim cleric, Imam Saad Askar (pictured) who called the police. When the bomb squad tried to dismantle the devices, one exploded killing a bomb disposal expert. Visiting the church afterwards, Imam Askar said: We have to stand by each others side and take care of each other. Those who target places of worship have no religion and are neither Muslim nor Christian. The incident took place last Saturday at the end of the celebrations for Coptic Orthodox Christmas at the Church of the Virgin Mary and Abu Seifin in Ezbat al-Haganah, Nasr City, an eastern suburb of the Egyptian capital. Two al-Azhar students told the imam about a stranger with a suitcase. Together with mosque worker Gouda Shaaban Khalifa, 63, Askar ran after him, but he fled the scene leaving behind a trolley case. The police found three explosive devices inside. Major Mostafa Ebeid al-Azhari, from the bomb squad at the Cairo Security Directorate, defused two bombs before the third one exploded, killing him. According to local sources, Coptic Christians who were celebrating their Christmas, were the target. Sheikh Saad Askar, the imam of the mosque opposite the church, was thus able to warn people at the church, urging them to leave. A video posted on social media shows the sheikh warning people in the church to quickly get away. When police arrived, they set up an exclusion zone. After dismantling the bombs, they fanned out looking for other explosive devices. Christians (mostly Orthodox Copts) are substantial minority (10 per cent) in Egypt, a Muslim majority country of almost 95 million people. In 2016 and 2017, several violent attacks were carried out against the Christian community. For this reason, this years Christmas celebrations were held under tight security, especially around churches and Christian-owned buildings. For experts, such places are a weak link and easily accessible to extremists who target them because of their high international visibility. WARSAW, Poland (AP) Italy's hard-line interior minister vowed Wednesday to work with Poland to create a "new European spring" as he sought to build an alliance with Poland's ruling populists ahead of the European Parliament elections in May. After a meeting with Poland's powerful ruling party leader, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini expressed satisfaction and said they agreed "90 percent" about what should be done to reform the European Union. Salvini said he wants to reduce the grip of Socialists and other left-wing leaders at the EU, saying "they have already caused enough damage." He described the EU that he wants to see as one rooted in the continent's Christian heritage with strong borders that keep out migrants. His aim, Salvini said, is to build "a common alliance of who wants to save Europe." "This is a historic chance," he told reporters at a news conference at the Italian Embassy in Warsaw. The European Parliament elections, being held across the EU from May 23-26, are shaping up into a battle between liberal pro-EU forces backed by leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, and populist euroskeptics represented by Salvini and far-right leaders including France's Marine Le Pen. Kaczynski did not comment after the meeting. However, his party's spokeswoman Beata Mazurek posted a photo of the two men with their delegations and said the talks were "positive" and "full of common understanding." However, she also said some issues were raised in which the two sides differ. Salvini's League, one of two parties in Italy's ruling coalition, and Kaczynski's governing Law and Justice party in Poland are both staunchly anti-migrant and often criticize how the EU functions now. However, Polish skepticism about Salvini's friendly approach to Russian President Vladimir Putin could be an impediment to their collaboration. So could Salvini's friendliness with Le Pen, who is also viewed as beholden to Moscow, due to loans her party took from a Russian bank. Story continues Earlier in the day Salvini also met with his Polish counterpart Joachim Brudzinski, arriving at the Interior Ministry in Warsaw wearing a jacket with the word "Polizia" (police) on the back. "In Europe, one has always spoken about a French-German axis," Salvini said in a news conference there. "We are preparing for a new equilibrium and a new energy in Europe. And Poland and Italy will be the protagonists of this new European spring, of this rebirth of true European values." Salvini also slammed a new EU-brokered deal to distribute rescued migrants among several EU countries. He said the deal would only encourage human traffickers to launch more unseaworthy boats across the Mediterranean, reiterating his longstanding opposition to accepting any more new arrivals. Brudzinski said he rejected accusations that the Polish and Italian governments were seeking to leave the EU, saying their aim is "to have influence on what our common, European home is going to look like." Both populist governments have been embroiled in conflicts with Brussels over topics of national sovereignty. Poland's clash has involved changes to its judicial system that some see as anti-democratic, while Italy's battles with the EU have centered on its budget spending. Poland's ruling party faced sharp comments from domestic critics for its apparent openness to Salvini. Poland's main opposition leader, Grzegorz Schetyna, called the meeting between Salvini and Kaczynski "absurd and shocking." He referred to Salvini's League as a "nationalist, radical and pro-Russian party." (Bloomberg) -- Alphabet Inc.s directors were sued by shareholders for approving a $90 million exit payment to Andy Rubin, the creator of the Android mobile software, while helping cover up his alleged misconduct and similar misbehavior by other executives. The investors claimed the board failed in its duties by allowing harassment to occur, approving big payouts and keeping the details private. The complaint targeted the companys top executives and committee members, including co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, venture capitalist John Doerr, investor Ram Shriram and Alphabet Chief Legal Officer David Drummond, among others. Rubin was allowed to quietly resign by defendants Larry Page and Sergey Brin after an internal investigation found the allegations of sexual harassment by Rubin to be credible, according to one complaint filed Thursday in California state court. While at Google, Rubin is also alleged to have engaged in human sex trafficking -- paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to women to be, in Rubins own words, owned by him. Another suit, filed on behalf of the Northern California Pipe Trades Pension Plan and Teamsters Local 272 Labor Management Pension Fund, made similar claims. Rubin created Android, now the worlds most popular operating system, and ran the powerful mobile division at Google for years before leaving the company in 2014. In October, The New York Times reported that Google executives approved a four-year, $90 million pay package for Rubin after an employee accused the executive of sexual harassment. The findings about Rubin reverberated inside the technology giant. In November, thousands of Google employees staged a work walkout to protest the companys approach to workplace sexual misconduct, prompting management to change some of its policies. The shareholder suits are the first critiques aimed directly at the Alphabet board. The New York Times reported that members of Googles board approved Rubins stock grant in 2014 after an inquiry into the allegations against him began. Story continues A group of Google employees behind the walkout released a statement on Thursday saying they support the shareholder lawsuits. "We have all the evidence we need that Googles leadership does not have our best interests at heart," they said. Google was also accused of handling the resignation of executive Amit Singhal in a similar fashion, allowing him to quietly resign in 2016 amid sexual harassment claims. Google never disclosed the reason for his departure, though he was also paid millions in severance, according to the complaint filed on behalf of Alphabet shareholder James Martin. Singhal was fired from Uber Technologies Inc. in 2017 for failing to disclose the allegations he faced at the Mountain View, California-based company, where he was the longtime head of the powerful search division. The boards audit and compensation committees, comprising nine members, along with Page, Brin and Schmidt, reviewed the findings of an investigation into allegations against Rubin in 2014. All nine directors were informed that "the allegations were credible," according to the complaint. The conduct of Rubin and other executives was disgusting, illegal, immoral, degrading to women, and contrary to every principle that Google claims it abides by," the shareholder said in the complaint. Singhal didnt respond to a request for comment. "This lawsuit, like much of the recent media coverage, mischaracterizes Andys departure from Google and sensationalizes claims made about Andy by his ex-wife," Ellen Winick Stross, a lawyer for Rubin, said in a statement. "Andy left Google voluntarily. Andy denies any misconduct, and we look forward to telling his story in court." Google told staff in October that it dismissed 48 people for sexual harassment in the past two years without exit packages. Representatives of Google and John Doerr declined to comment. John Hennessy, the board chairman, and board members Ann Mather, Roger Ferguson and Diane Greene didnt respond to requests for comment. The Martin lawsuit was filed Louise Renne, a one-time San Francisco City Attorney and former member of the city and countys Board of Supervisors whos now in private practice. Her co-counsel, Ann Ravel, was a commissioner for the Federal Election Commission under the Obama administration. The complaint is a derivative case filed on behalf of the company against its board of directors, which means any damages recovered by the plaintiff would go back to Google. The goal of the suit is to improve corporate governance, according to Renne. The case is Martin v. Page, 19-cv-00164, California Superior Court, San Mateo County (Redwood City). (Updates comment from Rubins lawyer in 14th paragraph.) --With assistance from Ellen Huet and Gregory Jarrett. To contact the reporters on this story: Mark Bergen in San Francisco at mbergen10@bloomberg.net;Joel Rosenblatt in San Francisco at jrosenblatt@bloomberg.net;Kartikay Mehrotra in San Francisco at kmehrotra2@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Elizabeth Wollman at ewollman@bloomberg.net, ;Jillian Ward at jward56@bloomberg.net, Alistair Barr For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2019 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Googles new global policy chief is considering a shake-up of the companys Washington lobbying apparatus, according to people familiar with the matter, as the internet giant faces a host of new policy threats, including a change of power on Capitol Hill. Karan Bhatia, who joined in June, is reassessing the roles of existing staff, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private matters. Hes also mulling new leadership for the team, one of the people said. This may hasten the departure of Googles longtime Washington director, former Representative Susan Molinari, according to one of the people. Molinari, a Republican who joined Alphabet Inc.s Google in 2012, was slated to transition to an advisory role this month, opening up her position as head of policy for the Americas. As part of his reassessment, Bhatia circulated an empty organizational chart with his name at the top and blank boxes representing all open positions reporting to him, prompting staffers to fear for their jobs, some of the people said. A Google spokeswoman declined to comment. Molinari said she resigned from her prior role effective Dec. 31, but the company asked her to stay on in an advisory role. I will help in whatever way the company needs as Bhatia works to find a replacement, she added. Bhatia, a former deputy U.S. trade representative under President George W. Bush, joined Google after overseeing global affairs for General Electric Co. Googles new policy challenges include responding to possible U.S. antitrust scrutiny, new privacy rules in Europe and California and attempts to regulate tech companies responsibility for content on their services. Thats a partial shift from issues Google grappled with in the recent past, such as net neutrality, international law enforcement access to data, copyright concerns and an anti-sex trafficking law that increased legal liability for tech companies. In the U.S., criticism is mounting from both political parties, with conservatives accusing Google, without proof, of suppressing their views in search results. Progressive activists say Google has grown too big and needs to be broken up. Story continues Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai testified before a committee of the House of Representatives in December, after angering lawmakers by missing an earlier Senate hearing. To contact the reporters on this story: Naomi Nix in Washington at nnix1@bloomberg.net;Ben Brody in Washington at btenerellabr@bloomberg.net;Mark Bergen in San Francisco at mbergen10@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Sara Forden at sforden@bloomberg.net, Alistair Barr For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2019 Bloomberg L.P. FILE PHOTO: A gas flare on an oil production platform in the Soroush oil fields is seen alongside an Iranian flag in the Persian Gulf, Iran, July 25, 2005. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi/File Photo By Nidhi Verma NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India has begun paying Iran for oil in rupees, a senior bank official said on Tuesday, the first such payments since the United States imposed new sanctions against Tehran in November. Washington gave a six-month waiver to eight countries, including India, allowing them to import some Iranian oil. India, the world's third biggest oil importer, wants to continue buying oil from Iran as it offers free shipping and an extended credit period, while Iran will use the rupee funds to mostly pay for imports from India. "Today we received a good amount from some oil companies," Charan Singh, executive director at state-owned UCO Bank told Reuters. He did not disclose the names of refiners or how much had been deposited. New Delhi recently issued a notification exempting payments to the National Iranian Oil Co (NIOC) for crude oil imports from steep withholding taxes, enabling refiners to clear an estimated $1.5 billion in dues. An industry source said India's top refiner Indian Oil Corp and Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals have made payments for Iranian oil imports. Neither was immediately available for comment. Iran is devising payment mechanisms including barter with trading partners like India, China and Russia following a delay in the setting up of a European Union-led special purpose vehicle to facilitate trade with Tehran, its foreign minister Javad Zarif said earlier on Tuesday. In the previous round of U.S. sanctions, India settled 45 percent of oil payments in rupees and the remainder in euros but this time it has signed deal with Iran to make all payments in rupees as New Delhi wants to fix its trade balance with Tehran. Indian imports from Iran totalled about $11 billion between April and November, with oil accounting for about 90 percent. Singh said Indian refiners had previously made payments to 15 banks, but they will now be making deposits into the accounts of only 9 Iranian lenders as one had since closed and the U.S has imposed secondary sanctions on five others. The nine banks are Saman Bank Corp., Bank Pasargad, Bank Eghtesad Novin, Karafarin Bank, Bank Samayeh, Middle East Bank, City Bank, Bank Hekmat Iranian, and Tourism Bank. (Reporting by Nidhi Verma; Editing by Euan Rocha and Alexander Smith) KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - A Malaysian court on Monday refused bail to former Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng, pending his extradition to the United States where he faces charges related to suspected money laundering of funds siphoned off from state fund 1MDB. Ng has been detained in Kuala Lumpur since Nov. 1, shortly after the U.S. Department of Justice announced charges against him, another Goldman Sachs official Tim Leissner, and Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho over the alleged theft of billions of dollars from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Leissner, a former partner for Goldman Sachs in Asia, pleaded guilty to conspiring to launder money and violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, while Low has denied wrongdoing and remains at large. Malaysian prosecutors have filed separate criminal charges against the three, as well as an application to extradite Ng to the United States. Goldman Sachs has consistently denied wrongdoing. Defense lawyer Tan Hock Chuan last week requested that Ng be released on bail on medical grounds, pending the outcome of the extradition proceeding. Judge Edwin Paramjothy Michael Muniandy, however, dismissed the request on Monday saying there was insufficient evidence that Ng was not fit enough to remain in custody. The judge said the court also considered Ng a serious flight risk, given the gravity and high-profile nature of the cases against him in Malaysia and the United States. "With the likelihood that the respondent will abscond, I'm of the considered view that the respondent's presence (in court) cannot be secured by the setting of bail or the setting of any condition to the granting of bail," he said. Tan said he would appeal the judges ruling and that a reply against Ng's extradition would be filed by Feb. 15. According to prosecutors, Goldman Sachs generated about $600 million in fees for its work with 1MDB, which included three bond offerings in 2012 and 2013 that raised $6.5 billion. Leissner, Ng and others received large bonuses in connection with that revenue. Goldman Sachs has denied wrongdoing saying certain members of the former Malaysian government and 1MDB lied to the bank about the proceeds of bond sales. The Malaysian government has said it is seeking up to $7.5 billion in reparations from Goldman Sachs over its dealings with 1MDB. The U.S. Justice Department has estimated that a total of $4.5 billion was misappropriated by high-level 1MDB fund officials and their associates between 2009 and 2014, including some of the funds that Goldman Sachs helped raise. The 1MDB scandal erupted in 2015, and led to last year's electoral defeat of Najib Razak, ending his near decade long stint as prime minister. The new government led by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad reopened investigations into 1MDB and charged Najib, who is now facing four trials involving a total of 39 criminal charges related to the fund's losses. He has plead not guilty to all charges. In a separate court on Monday, a judge fixed July 8 for the opening of one of those trials. Najib, along with his former treasury chief Mohamad Irwan Serigar Abdullah, were each charged with six counts of criminal breach of trust in the case, which involves the alleged misappropriation of about $1.5 billion in government funds. Prosecutors have prepared a list of 138 witnesses for the trial, which is scheduled to run until Aug. 22, government lawyer Jamil Aripin told the court. (Reporting by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore, Robert Birsel) EU doesn't want to 'trap the UK into anything' and will give more guarantees, Irish leader says The U.K. Parliament is due to vote next week on the Withdrawal Agreement. However, the plans have proved controversial for many and will likely be rejected by lawmakers. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said the EU could further explain what its intentions with this backstop are. The EU could give further written guarantees to the U.K. in order to help ease the pressure leader Theresa May is experiencing ahead of a crucial vote next week, the Irish prime minister said. The U.K. Parliament is due to vote next week on the Withdrawal Agreement the 585-page document that the EU agreed with May's government and outlines how the U.K. should leave the European Union in March. However, the plans have proved controversial for many and will likely be rejected by lawmakers. The vote had been originally scheduled for December 11, but May decided to postpone it given the opposition to the deal. The biggest concern for many lawmakers is the Irish backstop a last-resort insurance policy that aims to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the event that there's no future trade agreement agreed. Brexiteers and other U.K. lawmakers believe this policy would force Northern Ireland to follow EU rules. However, both Westminster and Brussels have said this is not the aim and if it were to happen, it would only apply until they implement new trade arrangements. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said the EU could further explain what its intentions with this backstop are. "The (European) Council conclusions at our last meeting in December provided written assurances but certainly what's happening at the moment is there is close contact between the U.K. and EU institutions on whether a further set of written guarantees, explanations and assurances could make a difference. And bear in mind a lot of the opposition to the Withdrawal Agreement and the backstop might be based on suppositions and misunderstandings about our intent as a European Union," Varadkar said during a trip to Mali, according to the Irish Times . Story continues May held conversations with Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, and French President Emmanuel Macron last week. "We don't want to trap the U.K. into anything we want to get on to the talks about the future relationship right away. I think it's those kind of assurances we are happy to give," Varadkar added. The 27 European leaders made their latest written statement on Brexit in December. They said then that "the backstop is intended as an insurance policy " and that it "is the Union's firm determination to work speedily on a subsequent agreement that establishes by 31 December 2020 alternative arrangements, so that the backstop will not need to be triggered." Varadkar's comments suggest that the EU could repeat and clarify its position that the backstop is not meant to be used. The Withdrawal Agreement needs to be approved by the U.K. Parliament to ensure that the departure from the EU in 80 days will be smooth. Without any deal, the U.K. will leave the bloc on March 29 without any sort of guarantees about its relationship with the EU, bringing huge uncertainty to businesses and citizens. More From CNBC FILE PHOTO: Danske Bank sign is seen at the bank's Estonian branch in Tallinn, Estonia August 3, 2018. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins/File Photo By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) - Danske Bank A/S (DANSKE.CO) and four former top executives were sued on Wednesday by a U.S. shareholder that accused Denmark's largest bank of defrauding investors and inflating its share price by hiding and failing to stop widespread money laundering at its Estonian branch. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan by a New York pension fund that is seeking class-action status and damages for investors in Danske's American depositary shares from Jan. 9, 2014 to Oct. 23, 2018. Danske was accused of being "intentionally less than forthcoming" to Danish regulators even after a whistleblower alerted the Copenhagen-based bank to suspected money laundering, while overstating its legitimate profitability and ability to thwart misconduct. The bank did not immediately respond to requests for comment after market hours in Europe on behalf of the defendants, who include former Chief Executive Thomas Borgen, former Chairman Ole Andersen, and two former chief financial officers. Borgen resigned last Sept. 19, when Danske said an internal probe had uncovered about 200 billion euros (US$231 billion) of payments made from 2007 to 2015 through its small Estonian branch, and that many payments appeared suspicious. Andersen was replaced in December. Authorities in Denmark, Estonia, Great Britain and the United States are investigating the payments, including in a criminal probe by the U.S. Department of Justice. Danske has said it has been cooperating with authorities. The Sept. 19 report came one year after Danske expanded its probe into the Estonian branch, following what it called "a root cause analysis concluding that several major deficiencies led to the branch not being sufficiently effective in preventing it from potentially being used for money laundering." According to the complaint, the market value of Danske's ADRs fell by more than $2.54 billion as investors learned of the full scope of the scandal. Story continues It is common for shareholders to sue companies in the United States after what they consider unexpected share price declines. The lawsuit is led by the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 773 Pension Fund of Glens Falls, New York. Its law firm Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd specializes in securities fraud. The case is Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 773 Pension Fund vs Danske Bank A/S et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 19-00235. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Tom Brown) (Bloomberg) -- Chinas ambassador to Canada has accused the country of adopting Western egotism and white supremacy in its reaction to the detention of two Canadians following the arrest of a Huawei Technologies Co. executive in Canada last month. The envoy said Canada is employing a double standard in demanding the release of two men who were detained in China nine days after the arrest of Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou at the request of U.S. authorities. He also took aim at "elites" and "some in the Canadian news media" for saying that Chinas judicial system is less independent than Canadas. It seems that, to some people, only Canadian citizens shall be treated in a humanitarian manner and their freedom deemed valuable, while Chinese people do not deserve that, Lu Shaye wrote in an op-ed published in the Ottawa-based Hill Times newspaper on Wednesday. The reason why some people are used to arrogantly adopting double standards is due to Western egotism and white supremacy. In such a context, he added, the rule of law is nothing but a tool for their political ends and a fig leaf for their practicing hegemony in the international arena. What they have been doing is not showing respect for the rule of law, but mocking and trampling the rule of law. Canada has been rallying other countries -- including the U.S., U.K., Germany and France, while Japan took a more subdued tone -- to criticize Chinas seizure of the two Canadians. Lu criticized that as "a few individual countries" and questioned if they really represent the whole international community? Former Canadian envoys have drawn a clear link in the cases, saying the two Canadians were detained in response to Mengs arrest. Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor remain in custody and have had scant access to Canadian authorities. China has said they were detained on national security grounds. Meng was released on bail four weeks ago and is living under restrictions in her million-dollar Vancouver home. The U.S. has also called for the release of Spavor, an entrepreneur, and Kovrig, a former diplomat. Story continues Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has urged China to immediately release the two Canadians, saying they were arbitrarily detained. Trudeau has said Canada had no choice but to arrest Meng during a stopover in Vancouver last month due to an extradition treaty with the U.S. To contact the reporter on this story: Josh Wingrove in Ottawa at jwingrove4@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: David Scanlan at dscanlan@bloomberg.net, Jacqueline Thorpe For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2019 Bloomberg L.P. While some investors are already well versed in financial metrics (hat tip), this article is for those who would like to learn about Return On Equity (ROE) and why it is important. By way of learning-by-doing, well look at ROE to gain a better understanding of California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT). Over the last twelve months California Water Service Group has recorded a ROE of 8.2%. Another way to think of that is that for every $1 worth of equity in the company, it was able to earn $0.082. View our latest analysis for California Water Service Group How Do I Calculate Return On Equity? The formula for ROE is: Return on Equity = Net Profit Shareholders Equity Or for California Water Service Group: 8.2% = 58.538 US$712m (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2018.) Its easy to understand the net profit part of that equation, but shareholders equity requires further explanation. It is all the money paid into the company from shareholders, plus any earnings retained. The easiest way to calculate shareholders equity is to subtract the companys total liabilities from the total assets. What Does ROE Signify? Return on Equity measures a companys profitability against the profit it has kept for the business (plus any capital injections). The return is the amount earned after tax over the last twelve months. A higher profit will lead to a higher ROE. So, all else equal, investors should like a high ROE. That means ROE can be used to compare two businesses. Does California Water Service Group Have A Good ROE? Arguably the easiest way to assess companys ROE is to compare it with the average in its industry. However, this method is only useful as a rough check, because companies do differ quite a bit within the same industry classification. You can see in the graphic below that California Water Service Group has an ROE that is fairly close to the average for the Water Utilities industry (9.2%). Story continues NYSE:CWT Last Perf January 10th 19 Thats not overly surprising. ROE can give us a view about company quality, but many investors also look to other factors, such as whether there are insiders buying shares. If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them). The Importance Of Debt To Return On Equity Virtually all companies need money to invest in the business, to grow profits. The cash for investment can come from prior year profits (retained earnings), issuing new shares, or borrowing. In the case of the first and second options, the ROE will reflect this use of cash, for growth. In the latter case, the debt required for growth will boost returns, but will not impact the shareholders equity. Thus the use of debt can improve ROE, albeit along with extra risk in the case of stormy weather, metaphorically speaking. Combining California Water Service Groups Debt And Its 8.2% Return On Equity Its worth noting the significant use of debt by California Water Service Group, leading to its debt to equity ratio of 1.26. While the ROE isnt too bad, it would probably be a lot lower if the company was forced to reduce debt. Debt increases risk and reduces options for the company in the future, so you generally want to see some good returns from using it. In Summary Return on equity is useful for comparing the quality of different businesses. A company that can achieve a high return on equity without debt could be considered a high quality business. If two companies have around the same level of debt to equity, and one has a higher ROE, Id generally prefer the one with higher ROE. Having said that, while ROE is a useful indicator of business quality, youll have to look at a whole range of factors to determine the right price to buy a stock. The rate at which profits are likely to grow, relative to the expectations of profit growth reflected in the current price, must be considered, too. So I think it may be worth checking this free report on analyst forecasts for the company. But note: California Water Service Group may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt. To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. Description On Golden Pond Opens January 10 for Three-Week Run in Quogue On Golden Pond by Ernest Thompson will be the second play of the Hampton Theatre Company s 2018-2019 season, opening on January 10 at the Quogue Community Hall and running through January 27. The play focuses on the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are spending their 48th summer together at a summer cottage on a lake in Maine. Norman, now 80, is fighting back against heart palpitations and a failing memory, using mordant wit and a gruff exterior as armor to cover his fears. Although she is clear about what lies ahead, Ethel, 10 years his junior, offers her support by celebrating all the small things that continue to enrich their long life together. Along with the lakes longtime mailman, Charlie Martin, they are visited by their divorced, middle-age daughterlong disappointed in her relationship with her fatherand her dentist boyfriend, who then go off to Europe, leaving his teenage son behind in their care. As the summer wanes and family dynamics begin to shift, Norman and Ethel come to understand the power of love in facing down the relentless advance of time. First produced Off Off Broadway in 1978, the play went on to a successful run on Broadway in 1979, and an even more successful revival the following season, running for a total of 400 performances. A New York Daily News review called the play a work of rare simplicity and beauty, noting that in Thompson our theatre has found a fresh new voice. While many reviews have noted the laugh out loud humor of the play, a critic for Variety wrote that On Golden Pond was a rare and memorable theatrical experience. Writing about a subsequent production, a reviewer for The New Yorker wrote: What courage it must have taken for Mr. Thompson in the 1970s to write a play with so much affection in it! Playwright Ernest Thompson wrote On Golden Pond when he was 28. He adapted the play for the 1981 hit film of the same title starring Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn and Jane Fonda, winning the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. The most recent Broadway revival was in 2005, with an African American cast led by James Earl Jones and Leslie Uggams. Tom Bosley and Michael Learned starred in a 2006-07 US national tour produced by Finn. Jack Klugman headlined a 2008 tour. Mr. Thompson is also known for a second play, The West Side Waltz, which opened on Broadway in 1981 and starred Katharine Hepburn. The cast of On Golden Pond features four actors who have appeared in previous HTC productions and two newcomers to the Quogue stage. HTC veterans include: Diana Marbury in the role of Ethel Thayer; George Loizides as Norman; Jane Cortney (last seen in Hay Fever) as their daughter Chelsea; and Paul Bolger (last seen in the HTC revival of Bedroom Farce) as the mailman Charlie Martin. Making their debuts on the Quogue stage are Wally Marzano-Lesnevich as Chelseas boyfriend Bill Ray and Hampton Bays High School student Ian Hubbard as his son, Billy. Hampton Theatre Company President Andrew Botsford directs. Set design is by Sean Marbury; lighting design by Sebastian Paczynski; and costumes by Teresa Lebrun. On Golden Pond" runs at the Quogue Community Hall from January 10 to January 27, with shows on Thursdays and Fridays at 7, Saturdays at 8 and Sundays at 2:30. An additional matinee performance will be offered during the final weekend of the production, on Saturday, January 26, prior to the regular 8 p.m. performance that evening. The Hampton Theatre Company will again be offering special dinner and theater packages in collaboration with the Westhampton, Southampton, Hampton Bays and Quogue libraries. Offered in association with the Quogue Club at the Hallock House, a special lunch and theater package is available for the Saturday matinee on January 26. For information about all packages and available discounts, visit www.hamptontheatre.org or email info@hamptontheatre.org . Additional information about library dinner and theater packages is also available through the libraries. Meerut (UP): The police on Thursday arrested an absconding Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) local leader accused of instigating a mob in Bulandshahr that turned violent resulting in a police inspector and a civilian being killed last month. Shikhar Agarwal alias Shekhar, 25, had been on the run for nearly 40 days and was held at 7.20am near a flyover in adjoining Hapur district by the Bulandshahr police, a senior police officer said. "We are interrogating him and gathering information to proceed further in the case. He will be produced in the local court later today," Additional Superintendent of Police (Bulandhshahr city) Atul Kumar Srivastava told PTI. With his arrest, the number of accused held for the December 3 violence has reached 36, Srivastava said. He added that seven people have been arrested and jailed in connection with the separate cow slaughter case registered on the same day. Around six months ago, Agarwal was appointed the head of the newly-formed Siyana unit of the BJYM, the youth wing of the BJP, a police official said. While he was in hiding, a purported video of Agarwal had surfaced on social media in which he claimed innocence and also accused the slain inspector of 'corruption' and 'siding with the Muslim community to get our mother (referring to cows) attacked'. Shikhar Aggarwal, accused in murder case of Inspector Subodh Singh in #BulandshahrViolence, arrested by Bulandshahr police from Hapur today pic.twitter.com/UTePsqiHV8 ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 10, 2019 Agarwal, who claimed to be pursuing a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from Aligarh, said in the video that he had 'full faith in the Yogi (Adityanath) government' in the state and he was ready for any probe. He also claimed that the inspector was reluctant to get an FIR filed for cow slaughter and had threatened to shoot him for insisting on taking the carcasses to the police station. In the video from an undisclosed location, he had alleged that the police were 'wrongly' saying that Singh was informed about the incident over phone, claiming the entire episode unfolded in his presence at the spot. On December 3, 2018, mob violence had broken out in Siyana tehsil of Bulandshahr after cattle carcasses were found strewn in the fields outside Mahaw village. Police inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, 44, and civilian Sumit Kumar, 20, were shot dead during the violence, after which an FIR was registered at the Siyana Police Station in which around 80 people were accused. Twenty-seven people, including Raj, were named in the FIR, while 50 to 60 unidentified people were booked under Indian Penal Code sections 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc), 307 (attempt to murder), 302 (murder), 124A (sedition), 147, 148, 149 (related to rioting), 332, 33, 353 (related to voluntary assault on public servant to obstruct them from performing their duty), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others). They were also booked for destroying public property among others. On January 3, the police had arrested local Bajrang Dal leader Yogesh Raj, also a key suspect in the case. A separate FIR was lodged by the police for cow slaughter on a complaint by Raj. Among the 36 people arrested for violence are Army jawan Jeetender Malik, Prashant Nat, who allegedly shot the inspector dead, and Kalua who had first attacked him with an axe, the police said. Read more: Latest India news Bringing an end to the months-long and unprecedented feud in the premier investigation in the country, a high-powered panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday removed Alok Verma as the CBI director. The panel found that he had not been functioning with integrity expected of him. Verma, whose fixed tenure of two years was to end on January 31, is the first chief in the 55-years of the CBI's history to face such action, officials said. Here is the complete timeline of the unprecedented feud in the countrys premier investigation agency: January 2017: On January 19, 2017 the government appoints Alok Verma (then Delhi Police Commissioner) as director of CBI after a three-member selection panel headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and comprising Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar and Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge as members clears his name. September 20, 2018: The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) launches a fact-finding probe against Verma based on a complaint filed by Rakesh Asthana. Asthana alleges that Verma has sought to impede his functioning, interfere in investigations and malign his reputation on the basis of unverified facts. Asthana claims that Verma asked him to call off the planned raids against RJD supremo Lalu Prasad in Patna last year at the eleventh hour when raiding teams were already in place. September 21, 2018: CBI says Rakesh Asthana's complaint to the CVC against its chief Alok Verma is "malicious" and "frivolous". September 24: Alok Verma, senior CBI official met Central Vigilance Commissioner K V Chowdary and submitted some documents in the matter. October 4, 2018: Lawyer Prashant Bhushan and former Union minister Arun Shourie meet Verma, demanding a probe into alleged corruption in the Rafale aircraft deal and offset contract. October 9, 2018: Reports claim that the government was 'unhappy' with Verma meeting Arun Shourie, Prashant Bhushan. October 16, 2018: The CBI arrests Manoj Prasad, believed to be a middleman, when he returned from Dubai. October 21, 2018: CBI books Asthana on the allegations of receiving bribe from an accused probed by him in a case linked to meat exporter Moin Qureshi. October 22, 2018: CBI arrests deputy SP Devender Kumar in bribery case involving Asthana. The CBI says Kumar fabricated the statement of Sathish Sana, a witness in the Quershi case, showing he recorded the statement on Septemebr 26, 2018 in Delhi. However, investigation has revealed that Sana was was not in Delhi, he was in Hyderabad on that day and joined the investigation only on October 1, 2018. October 22: PM Modi summons Alok Verma and Asthana. Reports say the two officials have been told to make amends as the image of the organisation has taken a beating in the public eye. October 23: Rakesh Asthana moves Delhi HC on FIR against him in bribery case. October 23: CBI DSP Devender Kumar is sent to 7-day police custody. October 23: CBI claims in court that an 'extortion' racket was being run from the HQ, pretending to be investigation. October 23: Asthana gets interim protection from arrest till October 29. October 24: Verma and Asthana are sent on leave. M Nageshwar Rao appointed interim CBI director with immediate effect. October 24: CBI reshuffles team probing case against Asthana. October 24: Alok Verma moves Supreme Court against government order. October 24: Opposition slams government for sending Alok Verma on leave. October 25: Four men belonging to the Intelligence Bureau are caught outside the official residence of Verma. October 25: NGO Common Cause moves SC challenging Verma's removal. October 26: Asthana moves SC against forced leave. October 26: SC hears Alok Verma's plea against Centre's move. The apex court sets a deadline of two weeks for CVC to complete the inquiry against Verma. The court bars Nageswara Rao from taking any policy decision or any major decision. October 29: HC slams CBI, Centre for not filing reply on Asthana plea. November 8: Alok Verma meets CVC, denies corruption charges against him. November 9: Alok Verma appears before CVC, rejects corruption charges. November 12: SC adjourns the court proceedings. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice S K Kaul takes the CVC report on record and fixes the next hearing on November 16. November 16: SC hears Verma's plea challenging Centre's order divesting him of his duties. January 8, 2019: The Supreme Court quashes government order and reinstates Verma with a condition that the high-powered selection committee will decide his fate in a week. January 10: The high-powered panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi removes CBI director as the CBI director after finding that he had not been functioning with integrity expected of him. He is appointed Director General Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards, under the Union Home Ministry. Malappuram: Parts of a 500-year-old mosque -- Misri Palli at Ponnani near here -- was demolished on Wednesday for renovation, but the works were stopped midway after the intervention of Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan. Municipality chairman C P Muhammed Kunji said directions were already given to the custodians of Misri Palli that the mosque was included in the heritage protection list and should not be demolished. He said the mosque authorities defied the direction and went ahead with the demolition job. Earlier also many old mosques and ancestral houses with historic importance were demolished for renovation, challenging the objections from the municipality, he said. Ponnani Valiyapalli (mosque) and 'Makhdoom Valiyalom' were demolished in a similar way and the protests gathered momentum when more historical monuments were demolished. The Misri Palli was built after the visit of traders from Egypt. They are believed to have reached the shore after a shipwreck and promised to built a mosque as a thanksgiving gesture. Another version is that the mosque was built for the traders, who also helped the Zamorin's army from Ponnani. This is also mentioned in the historical work Tuhafat Ul Mujahideen by Zainuddin Makhdoom. Misri Palli has an architecture rich in Arabic calligraphy, and historians had suggested that it should be preserved as a legacy. The mosque was included in the Muziris project initiated by the Speaker, who is also the MLA of Ponnani. Within half-an-hour, the news of the demolition spread and the Speaker intervened to stop the demolition. Muhammed Kunji said the municipality would hold talks with the custodians of the mosque. He added that a notice would be served to the mosque officials regarding the demolition of the mosque. Mosque committee president Hamza Haji said they custodians were not informed that the mosque was included in the 'heritage list'. We are poor fishermen and for the past five years we have been seeking funds to renovate the mosque, which is in a dilapidated condition. When the demolition works were half way through, Speaker called and municipality officials came. They informed that a meeting would be called by the Speaker in two days regarding the work. We fear that if the works are delayed, whatever monetary support we have now would also be lost, he said. Thiruvananthapuram: Two NGO Union leaders Asokan and Harilal have been arrested for an attack on the SBI main treasury branch here during the trade union strike on Wednesday. Nine out of the 13 other suspects have been identified. NGO Union district president Harikumar is the prime suspect. The branch was open for business on Tuesday, the first day of the strike, too. The strike supporters had threatened the bank officials against functioning during the second day on Wednesday. However, when they refused to be cowed down, the miscreants vandalised the office. Around 10:15am on Wednesday, the miscreants also ransacked the branch managers cabin. They smashed his table, a computer and a phone. The security guards at the branch had to intervene to rescue the manager. NGO Union is affiliated to the ruling CPI(M). The attack was reportedly led by state committee member Suresh Babu and district committee member S Suresh Kumar, both of whom are GST inspectors. The two-day Bharat Bandh was called by 10 central trade unions (CTUs), protesting the government's snub of their 12-point charter of demands seeking minimum wage of Rs 18,000, social security for all workers and issue related to price rise. The strike had virtually turned into a hartal in Kerala with public transport keeping off the roads, office and business establishments remaining shut. Read more: Latest Kerala news Kochi: The Kerala High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Malayalam actor Kollam Thulasi in a case related to making derogatory remarks on the entry of women into the Sabarimala temple. The court directed him to appear before the investigating officials. The actor, while addressing a gathering in Kollam, suggested that women entering the Sabarimala temple should be ripped into two. "One half should be sent to Delhi and the other half should be thrown towards Chief Minister's (Pinarayi Vijayan) office in Thiruvananthapuram," he added. A member of the BJP, Thulasi had fought 2016 assembly elections from Kundra in Kollam. On September 28, the Supreme Court allowed women of all age groups to enter the Sabarimala temple. Several right-wing outfits had objected the Kerala government's decision to implement the SC verdict. However, two Kerala women of child-bearing age entered the temple on January 2, triggering widespread protests in the state. Read more: Latest Kerala news Kozhikode: Forty two temporary employees at the Government Medical College Hospital here, who displayed exemplary courage during the onslaught of the Nipah virus, have been asked to leave. The temporary employees were specially recruited in the absence of regular staff. Though health minister K K Shylaja had promised to check whether these employees could be made permanent staff, nothing turned out in their favour. Medical college superintendent Dr Sajeeth Kumar said that the contract was for 89 days starting from May. Considering their service during the Nipah period at the hospital, it was extended for another 89 days. The superintendent informed that the contract period was again extended to another 60 days. The employees have submitted a petition to district collector S Sambasiva Rao to reconsider the decision. On Thursday, medical students from the college also took out a procession in solidarity with the contract workers, who are protesting in front of the college gate. We applied after reading a newspaper advertisement seeking staff for fever ward. There were only 12 of us in the beginning, though 36 candidates were selected, when the permanent staff went on a mass leave fearing Nipah. This included four nurses, five nursing assistants and three cleaning staff. More workers were recruited, without even checking the documents, because the hospital was in crisis due to staff shortage, said Mini T, convener of the temporary staff action committee. There were also attempts to recruit more staff after the Nipah, but keeping all of us away. When we came to know that outside candidates will get into the list, we protested and that move was thwarted. However, this is grave injustice, ignoring our service during a crucial time. The world called us heroes, but even our jobs were not saved, added Mini. The superintendent said he did not have the power to make permanent appointments in the hospital, but made an offer to allocate 20 per cent of the vacancies to them when the next list of contract staff was notified. He said only one contract staff approached him when the list for Jan-March was already published and she was promised to be included in the next list. Kochi: A city-based model has accused leading movie producer Vysakh Rajan of luring her into his apartment with an offer to act in his movie and sexually harassing her. The 25-year-old aspiring actor has filed a police complaint against the producer, who has been granted anticipatory bail. The incident happened in last March, the woman told Onmanorama. When I met him in February on the set of Chanks, he offered me a role in his movie and asked for my phone number. He used to call me up often. He even gave me a SIM card saying that he had a tough time getting me online. He offered me a good role n Johny Johny Yes Papa and asked me to go to his flat at Kadavanthra to meet the directors. I could not find any director in the flat. Then he said that the director would do what he told him and I had to adjust a bit. He said that he wanted to sleep with me and tried to grab me. When I tried to run, he forced me into his bedroom and molested me. So what took the woman so long to come out in the open? He threatened to ruin my career if I reported him. He tried to pacify me by repeating the offer of a role in the movie. I kept quiet because of fear in the producer and worries about my future. But he kept talking dirty over phone and asking me to go to his flat to have sex with him. He often video called me on WhatsApp with no clothes on. He kept evading my questions on his movie plans. He said that he could not offer me a role in Johny Johny Yes Papa because of some technical reasons and offered me a role in his next movie which had Nivin Pauly in the lead. But that was just a ruse for him to call me. He used to message me on WhatsApp with invitations to go to his flat. I met him at a hotel at Kadavanthra on December 26, when he told me that I had to sleep with him again if I wanted a role in the movie. He even said that it was quite normal in the movie business and he had projected many actresses like that. He warned me of finishing my career if I dared to fight him legally. If this was the norm in cinema, I wanted to ensure that no other girl had to undergo the same experience. That is why I complained before the police on December 29. I opened up to a friend first. She encouraged me to go to the police. Police inaction? The actress said that she did not have an easy time with the police either. The police initially refused to accept my complaint and nudged me to settle the matter with him. Even after accepting the complaint, they just sat on it. They told me I should not go to the media because that would alert the accused to petition the court for an anticipatory bail. The officer tried to convince me that he was acting in my best interest but he was not willing to part with a copy of the FIR or accept more evidence from me. One day he called me to the police station and asked me to find my name on the visitors register of the (producers) flat. They said that they could not find my name anywhere on the list. After spending hours in the police station, I realised that the page with my name had been torn off. I told them that I did not go to the police station to vet the register but to offer more evidence but they insisted that the register was the main evidence. They asked me for more information only on the eve of the day when the producers bail application was to come up before the court. I was given a copy of the FIR only that night. This was an obvious attempt to save the accused. The officer tried to discourage me by saying that the accused had ties with influential persons including the chief minister and there was no point filing a case against him. I was molested against my will. I kept silent so far out of fear. I have decided to pursue the case no matter what. No girl should suffer like I did. That is why I have opened up, the woman said. The producer has not responded publicly to the accusations yet. Bail granted Meanwhile, the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court granted anticipatory bail to Vysakh Rajan in the case. Rajan sought anticipatory bail in the case registered at Ernakulam North police station. The court approved the accused's claim that he was not at the alleged crime spot on the day mentioned in the complaint. The accused's counsel argued that the complainant tried to blackmail the producer. Thodupuzha: The reason for the murder of a butcher at Amayapra, near Thodupuzha in Kerala's Idukki district, in August 2017 was an altercation over a love affair with a class XII girl. Vishnu (26) was brutally stabbed to death on the night of August 10, 2017, at his residence and there was no eyewitness to the incident. The police cracked the case recently after the arrest of two class XII students, who were the girl's schoolmates, and three DYFI members. The two students, one of them the prime accused, were also Students Federation of India (SFI) members. The students were juveniles when the incident occurred and they will be tried under the juvenile Act. All of them were under the influence of drugs when they committed the crime, police said. The arrested persons included Vishnu (21), Ananthu (20), Mahesh (21) and the juveniles, said Idukki Police Superintendent KB Venugopal. Two of the suspects are siblings. The arrests were made by a team led by District Crime Branch DYSP TA Antony. According to police, victim Vishnu was employed at a slaughterhouse in Udumbannoor town near Thodupuzha. The cops said that a private bus employee, who was a friend of victim Vishnu, had an affair with a class XII student of the same school where the two SFI members were studying. The bus employee and the two SFI members had an altercation over this and Vishnu thrashed one of the two students in front of a crowd at Udumbannoor town. The two students then roped in the three DYFI members and plotted a revenge attack, police said. One of the minors stole a knife from the slaughterhouse and they entered Vishnus house at night while he was asleep and the prime suspect stabbed him on the chest. According to police, the knife had pierced the body and the cot. Vishnu was found dead the next morning by the owner of the slaughterhouse. The murder weapon is yet to be recovered. Read more: Latest Idukki news Kuttanad: Charred body of a 27-year-old woman found under mysterious circumstances at her house at Veliyanad in Kerala's Alappuzha district cast suspicion on her husband's role in the death. Body of Jyothi, wife of Lalji of Ambalamkunnu house, and mother of a three-year-old girl, was found inside her husband's home Tuesday. Jyothi's family claimed that she was a bold woman and would not have taken her life under any circumstances. Her family and neighbours alleged that the burnt body was found inside the house and this points to the role of her husband's family in the death. Neither Lalji nor any of his family members attended the cremation, triggering suspicion. A large number of villagers attended the funeral held at her native village Venattukad. Villagers have formed an action council, demanding a probe into the death. Jyothi is the daughter of Kunjumon and Thankamma of Palakalchira, Venattukad, Chennankari. Her body was found on Tuesday. The police have registered a case of unnatural death, based on a complaint filed by her father. The police said the cause of death could be ascertained only after receiving the post-mortem report and the result of forensic examinations. Lalji is a temporary worker at the water transport department. Theirs was a love marriage. Read more: Latest district news U.S. President Donald Trump said he left a meeting on border wall funding with Democratic congressional leaders on Wednesday because it was a total waste of time, while Democrats said he walked out in a temper tantrum. Trump met at the White House with congressional leaders including two top Democrats - House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer - on the 19th day of a government shutdown sparked by Trumps demand for $5.7 billion for a border wall. I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works! Trump wrote on Twitter. Schumer told reporters that Trump walked out after Pelosi declined his demand for wall funding. Again, we saw a temper tantrum because he couldnt get his way, Schumer said. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 Trend: A US delegation will discuss in Turkey the issue of selling the Patriot surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) on Jan. 15-16, Trend reports with reference to CNN Turk. The US representatives intend to meet with officials of the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM) of Turkey. In addition, it is noted that a Turkish delegation plans to visit Washington in late January. Earlier, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Turkey may buy the Patriot SAMs provided that the US wont insist on the rejection of buying the S-400 air defense systems from Russia. It was earlier reported that the US administration decided to sell Patriot SAMs to Turkey for a total of $3.5 billion. Permission was obtained for the sale of 80 Patriot MIM-104E anti-aircraft guided missiles and 60 PAC-3 missiles, as well as related equipment. First reports on the negotiations of the Russian Federation and Turkey on the supply of S-400 appeared in November 2016. The conclusion of a contract was confirmed by the Russian side on Sept. 12, 2017. Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said the deployment of S-400 will begin in October 2019. The head of Russia's state corporation Rostec, Sergey Chemezov, said in December 2017 that the cost of S-400 will be $2.5 billion for Turkey. Turkey is the first NATO state to receive such an air defense system from Russia. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: Turkey may buy the Patriot surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said, Trend reports via Turkish media. Cavusoglu stressed that the purchase of Patriot SAMs does not mean abandoning the Russian S-400. He underlined that Turkey needs airspace protection. It was earlier reported that the US administration decided to sell Patriot SAMs to Turkey for a total of $3.5 billion. Permission was obtained for the sale of 80 Patriot MIM-104E anti-aircraft guided missiles and 60 PAC-3 missiles, as well as related equipment. Turkey also requested to purchase four AN/MPQ-65 radar and control stations, 10 AMG antennas, 20 autonomous M903 launchers and four intercept control stations. At the end of November 2018, Ibrahim Kalin, a representative of the Turkish President, announced that the country is ready to purchase Patriot systems in the event of a good offer from Washington. Kalin said that Turkey "is buying these systems for self-defense and is not going to attack anyone." The US is actively trying not to allow Turkey to purchase the S-400 air defense systems from Russia. The US warned that if Turkey acquires these systems, it may refuse to sell F-35 fifth-generation fighter-bombers to Turkey. First reports on the negotiations of the Russian Federation and Turkey on the supply of S-400 appeared in November 2016. The conclusion of a contract was confirmed by the Russian side on Sept. 12, 2017. Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said the deployment of S-400 will begin in October 2019. The head of Russia's state corporation Rostec, Sergey Chemezov, said in December 2017 that the cost of S-400 will be $2.5 billion for Turkey. Turkey is the first NATO state to receive such an air defense system from Russia. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Rosatom plans to produce and supply nuclear fuel for the construction of the Chinese CFR-600 fast-neutron reactor, the press service Rosatom fuel company Tvel reported on Thursday, Trend reports referring to TASS. "TVEL JSC and Chinese company CNLY (a part of CNNC corporation) have signed the contract for supply of nuclear fuel for CFR-600 fast-neutron reactor which is currently under construction. The contract covers the initial loading of nuclear fuel, as well as supplies for refueling during the first seven years of the reactor operation," the report said. According to the report, new manufacturing line for the CFR-600 fuel assemblies is planned at the Machine-building Plant (MSZ JSC, the production facility of TVEL Fuel Company in Elektrostal, Moscow region). The Chinese side addressed Rosatom State Corporation with a request for production of the CFR-600 fuel assemblies, considering its almost 40 years long experience of nuclear fuel manufacturing for the Russian fast-neutron reactors. "TVEL Fuel Company, as one of the core units of Rosatom State Corporation, is committed to all-encompassing cooperation with the Chinese partners in the field of fast-neutron reactors and closing of nuclear fuel cycle. In addition to our long-time experience with uranium-based fuel manufacturing for commercial fast-neutron reactors, in 2018, Rosatom has launched batch production of uranium-and-plutonium MOX fuel for the BN-800 reactor. Our Chinese portfolio also includes the contract for supply of uranium-based fuel for the China Experimental Fast Reactor CEFR, with fuel deliveries already taking place," President of Tvel Natalia Nikipelova commented on the signing. Rosatom Overseas JSC coordinates negotiating the whole package of agreements on cooperation in the nuclear industry between the Russian Federation and the Peoples Republic of China, the report said. "Given that this project is a demonstration type, Russian engineers will come up with, in fact, a new kind of nuclear fuel based on the Chinese design. In this regard, our team had to draw up the whole contract from the scratch taking into account all the peculiarities of the project. The negotiations with the Chinese partners have been ongoing since June 2018. Thanks to the high professionalism of Rosatoms united team and positive approach of the Chinese partners, the contract has been agreed upon in a record-breaking time," President of Rusatom Overseas Evgeny Pakermanov noted. The CFR-600 fuel contract has been signed as a part of the agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China on the joint construction and operation of the demonstration fast reactor in China. It is a part of a large-scale program of bilateral cooperation in nuclear industry for the decades ahead. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Flights to Moscow and Kuwait City will be launched form the new airport of Istanbul on Jan. 11, Trend reports with reference to the Turkish media. New flights to Tbilisi and Ashgabat are also expected to be launched form the new airport. Earlier, the Transport and Infrastructure Ministry of Turkey told Trend that the new airport in Istanbul served 95,300 passengers until the end of December 2018. The figure includes 65,100 passengers in domestic flights and 30,200 passengers in international flights. The ministry reported that 718 flights, including 487 domestic flights and 231 international flights took place in the period. In the period, 610 tons of cargoes were transported via the new airport, including 308 tons and 302 tons transported on domestic and international flights, respectively, the ministry reported. The new airport of Istanbul was opened on Oct. 29. The third airport was built near the Lake Terkos in northern Istanbul. The first airport in Turkey was built in 1912 and was used for military purposes. In 1953, the Istanbul airport was opened for international flights for the first time, and in 1985 it was renamed in honor of the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. (1 USD = 5.5072 TRY on Jan. 10) --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu The Japanese government will continue negotiations on the peace treaty with Russia "in calm atmosphere," Japan's Foreign Ministry told TASS on Thursday in response to a request to comment on the results of Wednesday's meeting between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov and Japan's Ambassador to Russia Toyohisa Kozuki, Trend reports referring to TASS. "We will continue negotiations with Russia on the peace treaty in calm atmosphere, so we would rather not comment on this issue," the Japanese Foreign Ministry said when asked to comment on the Russian Foreign Ministry's statement that recent remarks on the peace treaty with Russia made by some Japanese officials distort the essence of agreements reached by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The Japanese Foreign Ministry also noted that Ambassador Toyohisa Kozuki explained Japan's position on the issue to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov but declined to elaborate on the details of the talks. "The Japanese government will continue the negotiations process [with Russia] in the framework of its main position - to resolve the territorial dispute and then sign a peace treaty," the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. Israel has reportedly urged Egypt to fully reopen the Rafah crossing with the Gaza Strip out of fears the shuttered border will lead to a fresh round of violence in and around the Palestinian territory, Trend reports referring to The Times of Israel. Senior Egyptian officials were quoted in a report Thursday in the Qatari al-Araby al-Jadid newspaper as saying that the Israeli defense establishment is concerned that squeezing the Gaza Strip will turn the attention of the Palestinian factions toward Israel. According to the report, Hamas has opened extensive lines of communication with Cairo in recent days as senior members of the Gaza-ruling terror group seek to have the key crossing reopened in both directions. It is the only point of entry and exit from the Gaza Strip that does not go through Israel. On Wednesday, senior Hamas member Bassem Naim told the Chinese news agency Xinhua that Egypt has promised to reopen Rafah in both directions as soon as possible. The Palestinian Authority on Sunday announced its staff would no longer man the Rafah crossing handed over by Hamas in 2017 as part of a Palestinian reconciliation deal. The Ramallah-based government accused its Hamas rivals of summoning, arresting and abusing our employees in the Gaza Strip, according to official PA news agency Wafa. Hamas on Monday retook the post, in what it said was an attempt to maintain border control after the shock PA withdrawal. After Hamas resumed control, Egypt announced it was closing Rafah to departures from the Palestinian enclave. Gazas Hamas-run interior ministry said in a statement late Monday that Egyptian authorities had informed it that the crossing will be limited to only the arrival of individuals and the entry of goods into the Strip. It did not say for how long it was expected to be closed to those leaving Gaza, and there was no immediate comment from Egypt. Hamas, an Islamist terror group that seeks to destroy Israel, ousted the Fatah-dominated PA from Gaza in 2007. But the PA took back control of the Rafah crossing in November 2017, as part of a deal for Egypt to reopen the border, which had been entirely shut since August of that year and largely sealed for years before that. The PAs takeover of Rafah was seen as a first step toward implementing a reconciliation agreement between it and Hamas. However, the Egyptian-brokered deal has subsequently broken down and the PA has taken a series of measures against Hamas, including by reducing the salaries of civil servants in Gaza. Palestinian officials aligned with PA President Mahmoud Abbass Fatah movement have threatened further action against Hamas over its refusal to hand over power in the Gaza Strip, even as Israel has sought to preserve calm in and around the territory. After weeks of relative calm, rocket fire was launched at Israel from Gaza this week, and the Israel Defense Forces struck Hamas targets in Gaza in response. The IDF said it targeted a terrorist training camp in the northern Gaza Strip early Monday. It followed an overnight rocket attack toward the city of Ashkelon. The rocket was intercepted by the Iron Dome defense system, causing no injuries. The exchange marked a brief flareup two months after a massive wave of rocket attacks led to fierce Israeli retaliation and nearly brought the region to another war. The violence in Gaza has largely subsided in recent weeks after an Egyptian-brokered deal in which Israel allowed Qatar to provide millions of dollars in aid for fuel and Hamas salaries in the enclave. However, the rise in tensions between Hamas and the PA has raised concerns of a possible backlash against Israel from Gaza. Some 62 percent of Israelis fear that elections could be tampered with, but most are confidant that the country is equipped to handle a major cyberattack, according to a study by the Pew Research Center released Wednesday, Trend reports referring to The Times of Israel. Nearly three-quarters of Israelis, 73 percent, reported that Israel is well prepared to handle a major cyberattack, the highest percentage of any of the 26 countries surveyed. At the same time, 62 percent of respondents in Israel said it was likely that future elections would be tampered with, slightly higher than the international average. A majority of Israelis also thought it likely that hackers would damage public infrastructure and access national security information. Russia was the second-most confident country surveyed, with 67 percent of respondents saying the country was well prepared for attacks. In the United States, just over half of those surveyed felt the country was secure. The survey was released a day after a report that Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman had warned a foreign state intends to intervene through cyberattacks in Israels elections set for April, but the Pew Centers interviews took place months ago, between May and August 2018. Overall, respondents worldwide were evenly split on whether or not their country was prepared for threats, with 47 percent of interviewees in the 26 countries surveyed saying their country was secure, and an equal proportion saying it was not. Brazilians and Argentinians were the least confident of all respondents. People who supported their countrys governing party were generally more confident about cybersecurity, with a far higher percentage of Republicans saying that the US was secure than Democrats. The report was released amid widespread international concern over cyberattacks on elections, particularly following allegations that Russia interfered in the 2016 US presidential elections. On Wednesday, Israels Central Elections Committee said it was devising a detailed plan of action to prevent attempts by foreign countries to meddle in the April 9 Knesset elections, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is prepared to thwart a cyber intervention, were prepared for any scenario and theres no country more prepared than we are. The Kremlin on Wednesday said it had no intention of interfering in Israeli or any other countrys elections, distancing itself from suspicions raised by Tuesdays report. In Israel, the Pew survey was conducted in 1,000 face to face interviews between June and July 2018 and has a margin of error of 4.4%. Relations with Russia remain crucial for the Europes eastern policy for it is impossible to resolve conflicts without Russia, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said at a New Years reception hosted by the German Eastern Business Association. He added that he would visit Russia in the near future, Trend reported citing TASS. "I will make another trip to Russia in the near future," Maas said. "Particularly to call for economic reforms in Russia, which are necessary," he added, emphasizing the importance of direct dialogue with Moscow. "Relations with Russia are crucial for Europes eastern policy," the German top diplomat pointed out. "It is impossible to resolve issues without it [Russia]." "We seek close and trust-based cooperation with Russia, this is what Europes eastern policy should be aimed at," Maas said. "However, we need honest dialogue and clear principles," he noted. The Dutch government said on Thursday it will cooperate with an investigation by the EU Commission into Nike Inc.s (NKE.N) tax arrangements in the Netherlands, Trend reports referring to Reuters. To be clear: this does not mean that the commission has already reached a verdict, but merely that they have doubts whether or not there was state aid, the Finance Ministry said in a statement. Of course, we fully support the work of the commission... We will collaborate with the Commission in their investigation, it said. Houthi drones on Thursday attacked a Yemeni government military parade in Lahaj province, killing several people, Saudi and Houthi media reported, Trend reports referring to Reuters. The Houthis said in November they were halting drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and their Yemeni allies, but tensions have risen recently over how to implement a U.N.-sponsored peace deal. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday announced the appointment of Jan Kubis of Slovakia as his special coordinator for Lebanon, Xinhua reports according to the UN press office. Kubis succeeds Acting Special Coordinator Pernille Dahler Kardel of Denmark, to whom Guterres is grateful for her dedication and leadership of the office, the statement said. Kubis, who served as special representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) from 2015 to 2018, brings with him many years of experience in diplomacy, foreign security policy, and international economic relations, both internationally and in his own country. He served as special representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) from 2011 to 2015, the executive secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe from 2009 to 2011, as minister for foreign affairs of Slovakia from 2006 to 2009, as chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from 2007 to 2008, and as secretary-general of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) from 1999 to 2005. Kubis is a graduate in international economic relations of the Moscow State Institute of International Affairs and speaks Slovak, Czech, English, Russian and basic French. Born in 1952, he is married and has one daughter. Irans foreign minister mocked U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeos speech on Thursday in which he said when America retreats, chaos follows, by asserting the opposite was true, Trend reported citing Reuters. Whenever/wherever US interferes, chaos, repression and resentment follow, Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on Twitter. The day Iran mimics US clients & @SecPompeos human rights models be it the Shah or current butchers to become a normal country is the day hell freezes over. Best for the US to just get over loss of Iran. Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Zangeneh and Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abd al-Mahdi held talks on Thursday, Trend reports referring to IRNA. The two sides discussed bilateral relations, particularly relations in the energy sector. Heading a delegation, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zangeneh arrived in Baghdad on Thursday morning, and was received by his Iraqi counterpart Thamir Ghadhban. The two ministers said the OPEC-related coordination issues will be discussed during the visit. Beside talks with the prime minister, meeting with Iraqi Minister of Electricity Luay al-Khatteeb, and the country's President Barham Salih are on the itinerary of the Iranian oil minister in his visit to Baghdad. Iran is currently exporting electricity to Iraq. Moreover, the Iranian gas export to Iraq stands at 15 million cubic meters a day that will be increased to some 40 million cubic meters a day when all export plans are implemented. New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Isolated thunderstorms during the evening. Mainly clear skies after midnight. Low 72F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Isolated thunderstorms during the evening. Mainly clear skies after midnight. Low 72F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Tehran, Iran, Jan.10 Trend: Iranian minister of cooperatives, labor and social welfare announced the payment of $1.217 million to families of the Sanchi victims. "This amount has been paid to families of the Sanchi victims," Minister Mohammad Shariatmadari said on Thursday at the first anniversary of the Sanchi incident, Trend reports citing IRNA. The tanker Sanchi, carrying 136,000 tons of highly flammable condensate, collided with the Chinese cargo vessel CF Crystal on Jan. 6, 2018 in the East China Sea, causing an oil spill and a blaze that raged for four days. None of Sanchi's 32 crew members survived. In addition to blood money, $340,000 was also paid to children of the Sanchi victims as a compensation, the minister said. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: Iran has banned rice imports after August 22, 2019, said Masoud Basiri, head of the Main Directorate for Market and Strategic Reserves Management of the Iranian Ministry of Agriculture Jihad, Trend reports via ILNA. He said that the ministry bans rice imports every year from August 22 to December 21 in order to support domestic producers. In order to eliminate the shortage of rice in the consumer market, the amount of currency allocated for rice imports increased by 11.2 percent compared to last Iranian year (started March 21, 2017), he noted. About 2-2.2 million tons of rice are produced in Iran, he said. The necessary volume of imported rice is estimated at 800-1.1 million tons, given consumption of 37.7 kilograms of rice per capita, he noted. Despite the sanctions, fortunately, strategic reserves of all necessary products, including rice, are at a very good levels, thanks to the programs implemented earlier, he added. From the beginning of this Iranian year (started March 21, 2018), 1.117 million tons of rice were imported, he said. This is while about 1 million 113 million tons of rice were imported in the same period last year. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 By Rashid Shirinov Trend: Uzbek Ambassador to Pakistan Furqat Sidikov and head of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Uzbekistan, Senator Hidayat Ullah, have discussed cooperation in agriculture, trade, investment, logistics and culture, Trend reports citing the Uzbek media. In addition, the parties agreed to organize mutual visits of MPs this year. "Also, the Pakistani side expressed interest in sharing experience and publications in lawmaking and reforming the parliamentary system," the press service of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry informed. Ullah said that Pakistan is ready to cooperate in the implementation of regional transport and logistics initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, primarily in the construction of a new railway on the Mazar-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar route. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @ShirinovRashid Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Jan. 10 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $4.5 million cluster regional technical assistance grant to support an increase in regional power trade in Central Asia Power System (CAPS) and explore potential re-connection of Turkmenistan to CAPS and its further expansion to Afghanistan, Trend reports referring to the bank. With increased regional power trade, countries will be able to meet local demand for power and supply surpluses to their neighbors, said Director of Energy Division at ADBs Central and West Asia Department Ashok Bhargava. He further added that this will improve regional energy security and reduce carbon footprints of meeting the regional power demand. Turkmenistan exports electricity to Iran, Afghanistan. Turkmenistan plans to produce up to 27.4 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity by 2020 and up to 35.5 billion kilowatt-hours by 2030. Turkmen Energy Ministry earlier stated that there are great opportunities for the supply of Turkmen electricity to Tajikistan, Pakistan and India through Afghanistan. Over the past two years, Kyrgyzstan has improved its position in the rating of the authoritative Forbes magazine in its attractiveness for business, having moved from the 123rd place to the 108th, Trend reports referring to kabar.kg. In the Doing Business ranking, the republic moved from the 77th place to 70th within a year. In addition, as previously reported by the Minister of Economy of the Kyrgyz Republic Oleg Pankratov, according to the World Bank report, Kyrgyzstan managed to improve its positions in regard to certain indicators such as Resolving Insolvency 82nd place (+37), International Trade 70th place (+14), Protecting Minority Investors 38th place (+13) and Enforcing Contracts 131th place (+8). All this together allowed to achieve a positive trend in the assessment of the country by international experts. Improvement of Kyrgyzstans position in the aforementioned ratings attracted the attention of Ritm Eurasia (Russian: ) information and analytical website. Based on the data of the National Statistics Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic, the experts made the following forecasts. For the period from January to October 2018, the flow of investments into the country has sharply decreased by 31%. Unfortunately, this state institution does not provide an analysis of the reasons for such a sharp drop in interest in the economy of the republic among foreign investors. The Forbes magazine placed Kyrgyzstan in its ranking at the 108th place in business attractiveness. According to the Forbes, the country has sought to attract foreign investment to expand the export base, including the construction of hydroelectric power plants. But the difficult investment climate and the ongoing legal struggle with a Canadian firm (Centerra Gold is engaged in developing a large gold deposit editors note) for the joint ownership structure of the country's largest gold mine restrain potential investors. It is also mentioned that in December in Bishkek, the US Department of State delegation met with representatives of the government of the republic. A few days later, President Sooronbay Jeenbekov announced that a new bilateral agreement with the United States on cooperation would be signed. Officials of various ranks talked about American investment. Should we expect major investments in the economy of Kyrgyzstan from the American business? For the answer to this question, the author turned to economic expert Kubat Rakhimov, who questioned the possibility of a large flow of American investment in Kyrgyzstan. We are a too small country for the large American business to come to us. It can be expected that there will be investments in such industries as education. But big business, especially industrial, is unlikely to show interest, he explained. Political analyst Igor Shestakov shared the opinion that in order to improve the investment climate, it is necessary for the Government of Kyrgyzstan to develop a special package of documents for investors. But there is still no such package. In theory, it would be well to make a presentation of such a package, to organize a forum at the highest level inviting potential investors. But so far the government has not announced such an initiative or a similar one, the political analyst added. But in July 2018, the Investment Promotion and Protection Agency of Kyrgyzstan announced that special investment lots would be prepared to assist foreign businessmen, which would be formed with the participation of the heads of local governments, according to their own development projects for their region, and would include permits, ranging from land status transformation to utilities. In addition, the governments working group will also create an investment map that will help businessmen determine which business is best done in each of the country's regions. A large-scale presentation of the abovementioned projects has not been done yet, and they are still at the finalization stage. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 By Ilhama Isabalayeva - Trend: In 2018, the Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve was visited by more than 123,000 tourists from more than 20 countries, Trend reports referring to the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan Jan. 10. Vugar Isayev, the director of the reserve, said that compared to 2017, the number of visitors to the reserve increased by 40,000 people (about 50 percent) in 2018. Out of 123,000 visitors, 58,000 were from foreign countries, Isayev said, adding that the foreign visitors came from Turkey, Iran, Russia, Germany, the UK, Pakistan, China, the US, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Arab countries. The reserve was also visited by tourists from the island nation of Fiji and the Dominican Republic, he added. Over 80,000 tourists visited the reserve in 2017. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 By Huseyn Valiyev Trend: Azerbaijani postal operator Azerpoct LLC has started installing the first parcel vending machine, which will be located at the post office of the companys first branch, the company told Trend. The operators future plans for this year include expanding their number throughout Baku. A parcel vending machine is a self-service device that provides delivery of mailings 24/7, and this will allow customers to receive their parcels any time in convenient locations. This device allows automating the reception and sending of parcels. Using the device is quite simple. The client can choose to what machine the parcel should be delivered. The device is equipped with weights and a slot for receiving payments. An additional advantage of the machine is that the client can order a plastic Azerpoct card via this device. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan.10 By Leman Zeynalova - Trend: Albanian government has approved the decision on expropriation and temporary use of immovable property affected by the project for construction of dams that prevent river flooding and ensure protection of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) in the Berat, Skrapar and Fier regions of the country, Trend reports citing Albanian media. Reportedly, immovable property owners will receive full compensation. The mentioned immovable property will be used for a period of one year, reads the decision. TAP project, worth 4.5 billion euros, is one of the priority energy projects for the European Union (EU). The project envisages transportation of gas from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz Stage 2 to the EU countries. Connecting with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) at the Greek-Turkish border, TAP will cross Northern Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea before coming ashore in Southern Italy to connect to the Italian natural gas network. The project is currently in its construction phase, which started in 2016. Once built, TAP will offer a direct and cost-effective transportation route opening up the vital Southern Gas Corridor, a 3,500-kilometer long gas value chain stretching from the Caspian Sea to Europe. TAP shareholders include BP (20 percent), SOCAR (20 percent), Snam S.p.A. (20 percent), Fluxys (19 percent), Enagas (16 percent) and Axpo (5 percent). --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 By Sara Israfilbayova - Trend: The opening of the Trade House of Azerbaijan in Dubai (UAE), which was planned for Jan. 10, has been postponed for an indefinite period, Trade Representative of Azerbaijan in Dubai Elnur Aliyev told Trend on Jan. 10. He noted that the opening of the Trade House was postponed due to technical reasons. UAE is one of the four countries which host Azerbaijani trade missions. Elnur Aliyev earlier told Trend that a special information office will operate in the Trade House of Azerbaijan, where anyone can get detailed and interesting information on Azerbaijan, in particular on tourism. The opening of the Trade House will contribute to increasing exports of non-oil products to the UAE, promoting Azerbaijani goods and expanding bilateral trade between the two countries, Aliyev said. The State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan reported that in January-November 2018, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and UAE amounted to $48.84 million, which is 50.8 percent more compared to the previous year. Azerbaijan's exports to UAE amounted to $19.16 million (an increase of 31 percent), while imports reached $29.68 million (an increase of 67.1 percent). --- Follow the author on Twitter: @IsrafilbekovaS Details added (first version posted on 15:42) Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Tax audits, which are being held in the Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR, are the planned on-site inspections, Trend reports referring to a joint statement made by SOCAR and the Azerbaijani Taxes Ministry on Jan. 10. While commenting on the recent information regarding tax audits in SOCAR, both structures emphasized that such audits are one of the direct responsibilities of the Taxes Ministry. "Carrying out a tax audit in any company, including SOCAR, is one of the main and direct functional duties of the Taxes Ministry, the statement said. Every year, the ministry conducts the planned inspections among big taxpayers, including SOCAR. The tax audit which is being held this year in the company is also another on-site inspection. It is wrong to associate these tax audits with any changes in SOCARs administrative structure, the statement said. "Tax audits are a normal process that does not affect the activity of both structures, and the officials of the company continue to perform their duties." SOCAR is the biggest national company in the region and one of the biggest taxpayers in Azerbaijan, the statement said. At the same time, the company, working in 20 countries, ensures the interests of the country and brings big dividends to the country. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @AzadHasanli Tehran, Iran, Jan. 10 Trend: Irans deputy minister of industry, mining and trade announced that the country can meet about 70 percent of its demand for tire, and support national production, especially rubber industry, with an aim of job creation and economic development. Eleven manufacturers of tire and tubing in the country are operating at a nominal capacity of 426,000 tons, Farshad Moghimi said Wednesday at the 14th National Iranian Rubber Exhibition, Trend reports citing official website of the Ministry of Industry, Mining and Trade. He said the annual nominal capacity of production of all types of tire is 164,500 tons. Moghimi also said the national headquarters for facilitating production, which was formed to support domesticization and assistance to the countrys industry, addresses the concerns in banking, customs, taxation, etc. on a weekly basis. He invited producers to address their concerns to the headquarters. The 14th National Iranian Rubber Exhibition will be held today and tomorrow at the Olympic Hotel in Tehran. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 By Rashid Shirinov Trend: It is planned to allocate 1.5 trillion tenge for the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Compact Construction in Astana for 2019-2023, Trend reports citing the Kazakh media. "This will positively affect the development of the economy of the city and the country as a whole. In five years, the citys budget will receive 7 trillion tenge, and it is planned to attract 6 trillion tenge from private investments, which will create 300,000 new jobs and attract 3 million tourists," Astana Mayor Bakhyt Sultanov said at an extended staff meeting. Also, 150 kilometers of water supply networks and 81 kilometers of sewage networks will be built in the city to provide the population with quality housing and utility services. Reconstruction of the combined heat and power plant CHP-2 will provide additional 2-2.5 million square meters of residential and commercial space with centralized heat supply. In addition, this year work will continue to ensure the smooth removal of surface runoff in Astana. "The total catchment area will grow from 13,000 to 23,000 hectares in five years," Sultanov noted. (374.82 KZT = 1 USD on Jan. 10) --- Follow the author on Twitter: @ShirinovRashid Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 By Huseyn Veliyev - Trend: The Saudi Travel and Tourism Association is developing a roadmap to facilitate attracting Arab tourists to Azerbaijan, Executive Director of the Association for Azerbaijan-Arab Countries' Cooperation (AACC) Yalchin Aliyev told Trend Jan. 10. He said the roadmap is designed for five years. Speaking about plans to expand cooperation with Arab countries, he noted that visits of Azerbaijani delegations to Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan are planned this year. "Last year, delegations from Jordan, Iraq, the UAE and Qatar visited Azerbaijan," he said. "Similar visits will be held this year as well. I believe the exact dates of the visits will be determined before the end of January. In addition, it is planned to hold a large-scale event in Baku the first Azerbaijani-Arab investment and business forum. This will be discussed soon in Beirut with the Union of Arab Chambers." To date, Saudi state and private companies have invested about $370 million in the economy of Azerbaijan. Trade turnover between the two countries, according to the State Statistics Committee of Azerbaijan, in January-November 2018 amounted to $17.7 million. The State Statistics Committee stated that in January-November 2018, 2.63 million foreigners and stateless persons from 195 countries arrived in Azerbaijan, and Saudi citizens accounted for about 2.7 percent of those arriving in the country. During 11 months of 2018, the greatest increase among those who arrived in Azerbaijan was observed among the citizens of the Gulf countries (except the UAE and Iran). Compared to January-November 2017, the number of Saudi citizens who arrived in Azerbaijan increased 2.2 times, Bahraini citizens - 2.1 times, Kuwaiti citizens - 1.9 times, Qataris - 1.6 times, Iraqis - 10.4 percent and Omani citizens - 8.5 percent. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @h_veliyev Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 Trend: Khayala Naghiyeva, PASHA Bank's Member of the Executive Board and Chief Risk Officer, met with the first-year students of the Finance, World Economy and Business Management faculties of the Azerbaijan State Economic University (UNEC). Twenty female students attended the event, held in the main office of PASHA Bank. The key subjects of meeting with Mrs. Naghiyeva included the discussion of career opportunities for women in the labor market, the role of education in modern world, the importance of acquiring additional professional skills, etc. According to Mrs. Naghiyeva, self-confidence and striving to be competitive is one of main components of success in the career of the modern woman. In this context, any progress is, first and foremost, the result of the womans professional self-improvement. For example, the financial sector is traditionally considered to be the male sphere, but the efforts made by the Bank and the successes we have achieved in ensuring gender balance shows the opposite trend. Thus, about 50% of the management positions at PASHA Bank are held by women, which makes us a unique financial institution in the local market, Mrs. Naghiyeva said. It should be noted that the meeting of Mrs. Naghiyeva with UNEC students was another event held by PASHA Bank as part of the initiative for women empowerment and adherence to gender balance in the local labor market (Women Empowerment). Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan.10 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: Azerbaijan has preserved and played a fundamental role in preserving Islamic Culture, indigenous ethnic heritage and local Architecture, Trend reports citing the article by Peter Tase, US expert on Global Politics and Transatlantic Relations, adviser to Global Engineering Deans Council and other prestigious international institutions. Moreover the Land of Fire and Pomegranates has become a special tourist destination where visitors appreciate unique urban developments, a synergy of western and eastern architecture, natural beauty and outstanding hospitality offered in Azerbaijans oldest cities, spiced up by carpet museums and unforgettable tasting of Kurdamirs locally made wine and the creamy goat cheese of Jalilabad, Tase wrote in his article published by Eurasia Review. The writings of Sabir in Baku and of Jalil Mammadguluzadeh in Nakhchivan, embody the very essence of highly acclaimed patriotic movements and hardships of the Azerbaijani people, describe the countrys historic landmarks as well as its remarkable multiculturalism tradition that goes back many centuries, according to the US expert. The beautiful mountainous landscapes of the Caucasus, impressive cultural heritage sites, and unique Islamic Cultural sites are the highlight on every major city and district of Azerbaijan, some of them are, while impossible to mention all; the Cities of Gazakh and Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic are the focus of today, reads the article. Tase pointed out that the City of Gazakh is a special place where visitors will appreciate listening to traditional Azerbaijani songs. The District of Gazakh is also known for its carpets; they are absolutely beautiful and certainly decorate the royal palaces of Norway and Denmark, he added. The designs and patters of these carpets are included in the paintings of famous Italian renaissance artists, including: Carlo Crivelli and Domenico di Bartolo, Pinturicchio and in the works of Dutch painter Jan van Eyk. The carpets of Gazakh are exhibited at the most prestigious museums in the Americas, Europe and Asia, among them is the Hermitage, the New York Metropolitan Museum, the Berlin Museum of Art, the Budapest Museum of Decorative Arts and many others, reads the article. Whether visiting the astonishing Alinja fortress, Noahs final resting place and mausoleum or the iconic Haca Dag, this autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan (Azerbaijan) did not fail to surprise and astound my colleagues and myself. Indeed, each cultural and natural domain in these territories of Azerbaijan represents unique pictorial languages, cultural peculiarities and architectural masterpieces, according to Tase. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Details added (first version posted on 15:30) Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: Instead of commenting on Azerbaijani blogger Mehman Huseynovs issue, Paris would better comment on the violence against protestors in France itself, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys spokeswoman Leyla Abdullayeva told Trend Jan. 10. She was commenting on the statement by the French Foreign Ministry on Mehman Huseynovs issue, and a letter sent on this issue by OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Desir to Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov. Abdullayeva noted that commenting on Mehman Huseynovs issue at a time when France itself was engulfed by the yellow vest protests is ridiculous. Water cannons, batons and other means of violence are used against the protesters in this country, and more than 4,500 protestors have been detained, she said. Azerbaijan hopes that the charges against the demonstrators detained in France will be dropped and they will soon be released. She noted that France has long held a pro-Armenian position, and this can be perceived as exerting pressure on Azerbaijan. Harlem Desir, who served as French Foreign Ministrys Secretary of State and oversaw the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, was known in Azerbaijan as a person with a pro-Armenian position, said Abdullayeva. Apparently, Desir, having forgotten the principle of impartiality, preferred to speak representing his countrys stance. We can therefore recommend him to assess the violence faced by protesters in his country. Everyone sees what is happening in the world. All this is manifestation of double standards against Azerbaijan. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 Trend: In accordance with the rotation plan, a group of servicemen of the Azerbaijan Army, which served in Afghanistan within NATO-led "Resolute Support" mission, returned from Afghanistan to Baku, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry on Jan. 10. The peacekeeping contingent of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces has been serving in Afghanistan since November 20, 2002. Presently, 120 servicemen, including two medical officers and six staff officers of Azerbaijani army are participating in the mission in Afghanistan. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan.10 By Leman Zeynalova - Trend: BP Plc and its partners just spent $28 billion bringing a giant natural gas project in Azerbaijan online, and that may only be the start, Trend reports citing Gary Jones, BPs regional president for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. The British oil major intends to drill six new exploration wells in the country by 2020, Jones told Bloomberg. If his expectations are met, the company could find a new gas play thats about the same size as Shah Deniz, according to the report. Alongside Brazil, Azerbaijan stands out in terms of the areas of focus for the next few years, Jones said in a phone interview. Its a very significant exploration program for us, which demonstrates the confidence and the role that we see in the Caspian. BP is targeting the Shafag-Asiman area, which could be a similar size to Shah Deniz 2, with drilling scheduled later this year, as well as a prospect below the existing Shah Deniz development, where it will drill in 2020, Jones said. Jones said capital spending decisions havent yet been affected by a decline in oil prices late in the year, though it renewed BPs focus on finding out whether there are more big fields in Azerbaijan. Upon completion, the Shah Deniz 2 project will add a further 16 bcm of natural gas per annum to 10.9 bcma (maximum production capacity) already produced under Shah Deniz 1 project. President Hasan Rouhani's remarks at commemorations in Tehran on January 9 and 10 to mark the second anniversary of former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjanis death has revealed rifts at the top level of Iran's political system. This comes while Rafsanjani's death still remains shrouded in mystery and conspiracy theories fanned by hardliners in Tehran and Qom and occasional comments by the former president's family. Rouhani pointed out two matters among other things that could well annoy Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. One was about who will replace Khamenei after his death, and the other was about how Khamenei rose to power assisted by Rafsanjani. Rouhani has reportedly said during his remarks that We staged a revolution so that no son would succeed his father. This remark goes into the heart of rumors about Khamenei laying the foundations for his son Mojtaba to succeed him. Rouhanis remark will be seen by many in Iran as simply a snub to Khamenei. Moreover, there are also rumors about Rouhani's intention to continue his political career beyond his presidency as a contestant for the role of Supreme Leader after Khamenei's death. A video that surfaced in 2018 shows Khamenei's election as Supreme Leader, where he says he is not qualified. Abdolreza Davari, who was President Ahmainejad's adviser during his presidency, observed in a tweet: "Hassan Rouhani is determined to take over a higher position. He said last night, 'we staged a revolution so that no son would succeed his father [as leader of the country]'. And today he said, 'Without Rafsanjani, the Assembly of Expert meeting [to name the next leader] would have remained inconclusive." The other Rouhani remark that would be upsetting for Khamenei is how he came to be Supreme Leader. Rouhani clearly reminded his audience and Khamenei that it was Rafsanjani who made him the Supreme Leader in 1989. Rouhani praised Rafsanjani for his role in resolving Iran's various crises at different points during his career, particularly in sorting out the power vacuum that could have endangered the regime following Khomeini's death in 1989. The episode ended with Rafsanjani grooming Khamenei as the next leader and convincing the Assembly to name him the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Based on a video that surfaced on YouTube in 2018, Rafsanjani at the time convinced Assembly members to accept Khamenei as "a temporary leader" and said that later there would be a referendum on whether to have a person as Supreme Leader or to have a council of clerics to lead the Islamic Republic. The referendum never took place. In the video, Assembly members question Khamenei's credentials as a high-ranking cleric (Mojtahed), but Rafsanjani is seen quickly derailing the challenge by presenting anecdotal evidence to prove that Khomeini had in fact presumably named Khamenei as his successor. As Khamenei entrenched himself in the Supreme Leaders seat, he gradually built his own power base among the clergy and the military, paying less attention to the wishes of Rafsanjani. The final blow to their once close relationship came in 2009, when Khamenei backed the re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. In an apparent reference to the alienation of Rafsanjani by Khamenei after the 2009 disputed presidential election, Rouhani again indirectly snubbed Khamenei, saying, "lashing out at Rafsanjani's prestige and dignity did not make him bow." Elsewhere in the speech Rouhani praised Rafsanjani for "prudently" ending the 8-year-long war against Iraq by convincing Khomeyni that it was in Iran's interest to accept a cease-fire. Rouhani also added that Rafsanjani was instrumental in saving Iran from a deep crisis left after a 1981 explosion that killed over seventy of the country's middle ranking and top managers at the time. He also said: "No one can deny Rafsanjani's role in the 1997 presidential election [that brought reformist President Mohammad Khatami to power] and the 2013 election [that led to Rouhani's own victory against staunch hardliner rivals]." It was known for a long time that Rouhani was a protege of Rafsanjani but it still comes as a surprise that he would publicly make remarks, potentially so annoying to the Supreme Leader. A heated debate is taking place over the torture of a prominent labor activist in Iran. Esmail Bakhshi was arrested on November 20, 2018, along with journalist and civil rights activist Sepideh Qolian during demonstrations by workers demanding unpaid wages. Bakhshi was released on December 12 after 80 international labor organizations signed a letter addressed to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calling for all protesting workers and teachers who had been arrested in Iran for peacefully demanding their rights to be released. On January 4, in a letter posted on his Instagram account, Bakhshi disclosed that he had been tortured and severely battered while in custody. In the same letter, Bakhsi who is a labor leader at Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane complex workers in Shush, in the oil-rich province of Khuzestan, southwest Iran, challenged the intelligence minister calling him to a TV debate on agents' behavior. "I was beaten up and tortured to death for no reason," Bakhshi said. "I was so badly battered that I could not move for 72 hours in my solitary confinement cell. The pain was so unbearable that it made sleeping impossible, Bakhshi wrote on his Instagram account. "Weeks after my release, I still feel intolerable pain in my broken ribs, left ear, and testicles," he added. The labor activist also said he and Qolian were bombarded with abusive sexual language. "The torturers, who presented themselves as the unknown soldiers of [the Shi'ite] Hidden Imam (the title exclusively used for the agents and moles hired by the Intelligence Ministry), used to shower us with vituperative sexual terms while beating us up." Qolian has tweeted to confirm Bakhsis torture story. Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, said the Justice Department would look into Bakhshi's allegations if he files a complaint. But since then there has been no progress in the investigation and it seems officials are backtracking. At the beginning of the week, when Bakhshi's allegations were reflected worldwide, the head of the judiciary also stepped in. Addressing the judiciary's top officials on January 7, Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani said a delegation would be sent to the city of Shush to thoroughly investigate recent developments. Furthermore, Bakhshi's lawyer, Farzaneh Zilabi, disclosed that her client has faced heavy pressure to retract his statement. Meanwhile, President Hassan Rouhani preferred to stay away from the controversial allegations. But, his adviser, Hossamuddin Ashena, reported on his Telegram Channel that Rouhani has issued an "explicit order" for an investigation into Bakhshi's claims. Nonetheless, Ashena did not say who or which department had been assigned to carry the order. Alavi, who has not yet responded to Bakhshi's call for a live TV debate, was forced to attend a session in camera, hosted by the parliaments influential Commission for National Security and Foreign Policy, to respond to the allegations. Although no details of the session have been published so far, the chairman of the commission, Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, cited the officials of the Intelligence Ministry as saying, "There had been a 'series of clashes' between Bakhshi and his detainers 'on the way' to the prison. Nevertheless, he has not been tortured while in custody." Falahatpisheh also disclosed that Bakhshi's videotaped confession was shown at the commission's closed-doors session. "In part of his confession, Bakhshi admitted he was connected to Worker-Communist Party of Iran, and the policy of the party is spreading protest rallies," Falahatpisheh maintained. Falahatpisheh's comments were later dismissed as baseless by the head of the executive committee of the party, Asghar Karimi, in an interview with Radio Farda. It seems the initial tide in favor of conducting a fair investigation has been reversed by the establishment. While the debate continues, President Hassan Rouhani's chief of staff, Mahmoud Vaezi, has implicitly threatened vociferous labor rights activists with punishment, saying, "The Intelligence Ministry has the right to file a lawsuit against Bakhshi for his unfounded allegations. Satellite imagery broadcast on CNN on Tuesday January 7, showed Iran apparently preparing to launch a remote-sensing satellite into the space. Researchers at Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey told CNN that "The high-resolution satellite images, captured by Planet Labs on January 4, 6 and 7, show activity at the Imam Khomeini Space Center consistent with steps that were taken prior to a previous launch in 2017." News of the preparation for missile launch was disseminated by various Iranian media outlets last week, however, the imagery came as a surprise as U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said that using ballistic missile technology needed to send the satellite into orbit could lead to more U.S. sanctions against Iran. Under the U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231, which enshrined the nuclear deal in 2015, Iran is "called upon" to refrain from work on ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons for up to eight years. The researchers who provided the satellite imagery to CNN believed the missile which is to carry the Iranian satellite is a Simorgh class missile, "a two-stage space launch vehicle that uses a cluster of four Shahab-3 engines in its first stage and smaller steering engines in its upper stage." Recent statements by Iranian officials indicate that they could be adamant to continue their defiant behavior. "Iran will continue with its aerospace program despite U.S. warnings," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Wednesday, adding there was "no international law prohibiting such a program." Zarif, who is visiting New Delhi, also told Reuters that leaving a 2015 nuclear deal agreed with world powers is an option available with Tehran but is not the only option on the table. He made the statement while until recently Iranian officials were keen to persuade the EU to take an initiative to facilitate Iran's foreign trade in a bid to keep Iran in the deal in spite of U.S. sanctions. Meanwhile, in a speech on January 8, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei showed more signs of defiance. Speaking on U.S. sanctions, Khamenei said, just as sanctions during the war with Iraq in the 1980s "resulted in the flourishing of our domestic potentials in a way that today we are leading in our region in terms of defensive capabilities, by the Grace of God, we will surmount this stage, too. Just as [former Iraqi leader] Saddam was sent to hell, our enemies will also be sent to hell." Elsewhere in the speech Khamenei's ridiculed U.S. officials insight, and dubbed some of them "first-class idiots" as he mocked them for predicting the collapse of the Islamic Republic. "Some U.S. officials pretend that they are mad. Of course I don't agree with that, but they are first-class idiots," he said in a speech in Tehran, quoted on his official Twitter feed. Taking on some U.S. officials including National Security Adviser John Bolton who had predicted there would be a regime change in Iran before the end of 2018, Khamenei said, "A while ago, a US politician had said, among a gathering of terrorists and thugs that he hopes to celebrate this Christmas in Tehran," Khamenei said, according to his Twitter feed. "Christmas was a few days ago. This is how US calculations work," he said. Nevertheless, prior signs in the past two weeks showed that Khamenei was worried about the overall dire situation Iran faces and warned state officials in December about the United States' plans for a possible regime change in 2019. U.S. officials have said repeatedly that what they want is "a change in Tehran's behavior" rather than a regime change. But the fact remains that according to Iran's parliament, the country faces a deep recession with 3.5-5 percent negative growth. It is hard to say why Iran suddenly appears more confident this week. Two possible explanations can be offered. First, the Islamic Republic might have been heartened by the confusion surrounding U.S. policy in Syria and possible troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. There also seems to be a rift with Erdogan over U.S. Kurdish allies in Syria. The other possibility is that they know they are in a weak position economically and the people are becoming increasingly restless and they want to show self-confidence and strength to deter any internal breakdown. There is little doubt that even within the regime there are more signs of discord among top officials. Some statements even by senior ayatollahs show there is soul searching going on, as many are asking what has gone wrong. Ukraine's Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak has said NATO representatives have changed their positions on Ukraines accession to the North Atlantic Alliance, and noted comprehensive assistance received by Ukraine from the bloc. "For more than four years, I have been observing the mood at NATO headquarters with regard to Ukraine. At first, we were not taken too seriously. Subsequently, we did not understand how accession to the bloc could be achieved. But during the last meeting in Brussels everyone talked about the need for our accelerated accession to NATO. We receive help from them in all directions. This was especially noticeable recently - after an act of open aggression by Russia," he said in an interview with the state-owned Uryadovy Courier. Poltorak said he has met Britain's Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson five times over the last six months. He said the number of tasks Ukraine must achieve before becoming a NATO member is large. "In the coming year, we need to complete the reform of the Ministry of Defense and the military authorities. This is one of the most difficult reforms - we must be very careful here so as not to disrupt the command and control. And the changes are gradually being implemented. Recently, we spoke about the need to directly purchase the weapons and equipment we needed abroad. Everything we buy in the interests of Ukraine's Armed Forces meets the standards of NATO," he said. Poltorak said there are problems, of which resource provision is the biggest, but said Ukraine is making progress. The scroll of Tomos on the Autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine has returned to Ukraine from Constantinople where it stayed for the duration of the day on January 9 to be signed by members of the Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine has said. "This morning the Tomos returned to Ukraine. By the decision of our primate, by His Holiness's blessing, it is here, in Rivne," Poroshenko said in his address at the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin in Rivne on January 10. After the words of the head of state, the scroll of Tomos was brought into the temple by clerics and demonstrated to those present in the temple. "The Tomos, which is equal to the Act of Independence of Ukraine, is today in Rivne. This is a historical event that will be written down in the history of this temple forever," Poroshenko said. As reported earlier, head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv and All of Ukraine, received the tomos of autocephaly from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul on January 6. Patriarch Bartholomew signed the Tomos on January 5. On January 7, Metropolitan Epiphanius and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko brought the scroll with the Tomos to St. Sophia's Cathedral in Kyiv for the Christmas liturgy. After that, the Tomos was returned to Istanbul to be signed by all members of the Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which traditionally meets on the 9th day of each month. It was also reported that the Tomos of autocephaly of the Ukrainian church would be briefly returned to Istanbul so that members of the Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople could sign it. A spokesman for the OCU, priest Ivan Sydor, said that the Tomos on the autocephaly would be returned to Ukraine immediately after it is signed by the participants of the synod, after which it would always stay in Kyiv. At the same time, he noted that the document is valid after the signature of the Ecumenical Patriarch, "but according to the procedure, there must also be the signatures of those bishops who are members of the Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate." Detectives of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) have announced notices of suspicion of committing crimes against 152 persons in December 2018 during investigation of 635 criminal proceedings. According to a posting on the official website of the NABU, 302 persons were accused, as the investigations into crimes committed by them were completed. "During the last month of 2018, the NABU detectives, under the procedural guidance of the prosecutors of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), filed notices of suspicion: to the freelance adviser to the director general of the State Space Agency of Ukraine and to the authorized person, who the investigators consider to be involved in causing the loss of $8.245 million to Ukrkosmos; the judge of one of the district courts of Mariupol and his assistant, exposed in obtaining unlawful benefits for making an administrative offense decision," the NABU said. Among the criminal proceedings, the investigation of which the detectives completed in December, is the case of the receipt of $15,000 in illegal benefits by the prosecutor of the Department for Supervision of Compliance with Laws in Criminal Procedure and Coordination of Law Enforcement Activities of the Prosecutor General's Office; the case where the head of the Child and Family Service of the Kyiv Regional Administration is suspected of embezzling funds allocated for internally displaced persons; the case where the former head of the State Ecological Inspectorate of Ukraine is suspected of declaring false information. "The suspects and their defenders have open materials for review," the NABU reported. In addition, the number of investigated criminal proceedings in which the indictment was drawn up and sent to court increased to 176. In particular, this is the investigation against an SBU official exposed on receiving $47,500 of unlawful benefit from those who illegally obtained the citizenship of Ukraine (Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) and the ex-president of PJSC Sea Trident and the ex-director of the ship owning company, accused of causing more than UAH 219 million of losses to the Ukrainian merchant marine fleet (Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). Ukraine is ready for a constructive dialogue at trilateral talks in Brussels (the EU, Ukraine, Russia) on the long-term transit of gas to Europe through Ukraine, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said. "We are ready to participate in a constructive dialogue, but it must be based on very clear conditions. And one of the most important conditions is the spread of European norms in order to have a clear, transparent and effective basis for future transit. Thus, on January 21, when we talk in Brussels, our position will be based on this simple but very important moment," he said at a press conference in Vilnius. Klimkin also noted that the non-proliferation of EU norms on the Nord Stream 2 project contradicts the energy security of Europe. "Our position on future transit as well as on the European energy security is absolutely clear: we are ready to accept all relevant EU regulations for our gas transportation system. We are confident that future transit should be based on transparent and efficient EU regulations. This will mean, for example, that gas will be purchased on the eastern border of Ukraine, the transit tariff will be calculated on the basis of the European methodology, management will be based on European standards," the diplomat concluded. Eight Ukrainians startups are representing Ukraine at one of the world's largest consumer electronics exhibition Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2019, which is taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada, the press service of the Ukrainian embassy in the United States has said. "Ukraine is represented by its own technology stage Ukraine Tech Pavilion at one of the world's largest consumer electronics exhibition Consumer Electronics Show 2019, which is taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from January 8 to 11," the embassy said in a statement. The statement says the startups are presenting various ideas and developments from modular lighting of photo studios to a food 3D printer. "The participation of the Ukrainian companies in such a large-scale event as CES 2019 demonstrates the importance of developing the innovative vector in Ukraines cooperation with the United States and the interest of potential investors in Ukrainian ideas," the embassy said. With Ucom's level up tariff plans subscribers have unlimited access to Tiktok, Spotify and Coursera PACE rapporteur welcomes Azerbaijans release of Armenian captives and Armenias handing over of mine-maps to Azerbaijan Armenia/Azerbaijan: Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell on the latest developments Pashinyan to publicly apology to Khachatryans During EURO 2020 Ucom subscribers to take part in the uMeter voting and draw USA to continue to press for the return of Armenian prisoners of war and detainees: Philip Reeker Post-war Prospects for Nagorno-Karabakh: Crisis Groups new report Ucom-1 team was recognised the winner of the 2021 futsal tournament of the Galaxy Group of Companies: The award ceremony took place COVID 19: 11 deaths Statement of the Foreign Ministry of Armenia regarding the criminal prosecution against the Armenian prisoners of war by Azerbaijan The Coronavirus-Related Situation in Armenia UCOM introduced new level up packages of voice service President Michel has discussions with President Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Acting Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia COVID19:108 new cases Ucom launches "Hello, summer" offer and presents "U!hoo" kids magazine 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex Google Ad Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group What our Homeland, Armenia and Artsakh will be like depends on us. President Armen Sarkissians message on the Republic Day Ucom Digital lab students keep on getting high-quality technical education Aharon Sahakyan is appointed governor of Kotayk Marz of Armenia 3503 tests were done yesterday Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Covid 19: 323 recoveries and 11 deaths Efforts by prosecutors and law enforcement to address hate crime in Armenia: ODIHR seminar We urge Turkey to respect these calls: Head of the Mission of the Republic of Armenia to the European Union Prisoners of war in the aftermath of the most recent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan COVID 19: 7 deaths. The release of all Armenian detainees is essential for building confidence and trust Helena Dalli Andrea Wiktorin about about the full ratification of CEPA With Ucom's level up tariff plans subscribers have unlimited access to Tiktok, Spotify and Coursera PACE rapporteur welcomes Azerbaijans release of Armenian captives and Armenias handing over of mine-maps to Azerbaijan Armenia/Azerbaijan: Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell on the latest developments Pashinyan to publicly apology to Khachatryans Google Ad During EURO 2020 Ucom subscribers to take part in the uMeter voting and draw USA to continue to press for the return of Armenian prisoners of war and detainees: Philip Reeker Post-war Prospects for Nagorno-Karabakh: Crisis Groups new report Ucom-1 team was recognised the winner of the 2021 futsal tournament of the Galaxy Group of Companies: The award ceremony took place COVID 19: 11 deaths Statement of the Foreign Ministry of Armenia regarding the criminal prosecution against the Armenian prisoners of war by Azerbaijan The Coronavirus-Related Situation in Armenia UCOM introduced new level up packages of voice service President Michel has discussions with President Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Acting Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia COVID19:108 new cases Ucom launches "Hello, summer" offer and presents "U!hoo" kids magazine 182 hearing aids and 2 buses by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan for students of Special Educational Complex Google Ad Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group What our Homeland, Armenia and Artsakh will be like depends on us. President Armen Sarkissians message on the Republic Day Ucom Digital lab students keep on getting high-quality technical education Aharon Sahakyan is appointed governor of Kotayk Marz of Armenia 3503 tests were done yesterday Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Covid 19: 323 recoveries and 11 deaths Efforts by prosecutors and law enforcement to address hate crime in Armenia: ODIHR seminar We urge Turkey to respect these calls: Head of the Mission of the Republic of Armenia to the European Union Prisoners of war in the aftermath of the most recent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan COVID 19: 7 deaths. The release of all Armenian detainees is essential for building confidence and trust Helena Dalli Andrea Wiktorin about about the full ratification of CEPA A patient at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center was diagnosed with an extremely rare antibiotic-resistant infection, according to the state Department of Health, the first time the infection has been confirmed in Wyoming. The patient, whose identity was not released by the Health Department, is a Cheyenne resident who was ill with an enterobacteriaceae-related infection, a type of bacteria that includes E. coli and salmonella. The infectious bacteria also contained a rare antibiotic-resistant gene known as MCR-1, which is resistant to the class of drugs that are considered last-resort antibiotics but is not completely immune to treatment. Hospital officials discovered it in a urine test of the patient, said Tracy Garcia, the chief nursing officer. This particular gene was only recently discovered globally, in China in 2015. It was first discovered in the U.S. in 2016, in Pennsylvania. It has since appeared in several American states, a group that now includes Wyoming. Testing by the state and by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the gene was present in the patients infection. When bacteria become antibiotic-resistant, then certain categories of antibiotic medicines will not work to kill the bacteria to treat an infection, Dr. Alexia Harrist, the states health officer and epidemiologist, said in a press release. ELKO More snow is headed for northeastern Nevada. A cold front will develop and move through the area Wednesday night, according to a hazardous weather outlook posted by the National Weather Service. Snow showers will develop across central Nevada this evening, then move east overnight. Up to 2 inches of snow is expected in the valleys east of Carlin, however a mix of rain and snow is expected west of Carlin. Emigrant Pass should be all snow but around an inch is expected that far west so impacts will be minimal. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Road temperatures will generally dip to freezing around 9 p.m. this evening. The front should pass through Elko between midnight and 2 a.m. On Thursday another inch or so of snow is expected east of Elko. Road temperatures will be above freezing by 9 a.m. The forecast high for Elko is 42 on Thursday and 40 on Friday. Temperatures will drop to the mid to lower 30s Saturday and Sunday under clear skies. The next round of precipitation will strike Sunday night through Tuesday as another weather system is winding up in the Pacific. Although the track and timing is uncertain that far out, the potential exists for several inches of snowfall to areas south of highway 50 in central Nevada, with lighter amounts for northern Nevada. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 ELKO Small Mine Development LLC has resumed mining at Jerritt Canyon Golds Lee Smith underground mine north of Elko after operations were halted following a fatality on Oct. 25. U.S Mine Safety and Health Administration ordered the halt after Jason Holman, 42, of Goshen, Utah, died in a fall of ground. The agency partially lifted the order in two segments in December. We hope the order will be fully lifted soon, but we are waiting to hear back from the agency, Keith Jones of SMD said Jan. 8. We hope to have all employees back to work once the full 103(K) order is lifted. Miners at Lee Smith were furloughed during the full shutdown, but a portion of them were allowed back Dec. 3 to do rehabilitation bolting and shotcreting, and MSHA allowed mining and backfilling beginning Dec. 17. As the order was modified to allow mining to resume, additional employees have been brought back, Jones said. Full-scale operation is roughly 80 employees. We are at approximately 50 employees as of last week. Idaho-based SMD is a mining contractor operating Lee Smith Mine roughly 50 miles from Elko for Jerritt Canyon Gold, a Toronto-based private company. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Smith said Wednesday he and others are awaiting word on whether the U.S. Fish and Wildlifes directive on carryover money means a hunt can happen next week. If applicants who won the roughly 300 permits granted this year dont get to hunt by the end of January, they may have to wait until next winter. Weve had to have patience. Wait and see is always hard, Smith said. Then, just logistically it makes it difficult. And it will make it more difficult next year when were carrying people over. Other refuges identified in Eversons letter are Midway Atoll and Kilauea Point in Hawaii, Tualatin River in Oregon, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually in Washington state, the Sacramento, Kern, Sutter and five others in California, the Lower Rio Grande Valley refuge and four others in Texas, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal refuge in Colorado, Utahs Bear River refuge, and the Bosque del Apache and Valle de Oro refuges in New Mexico. Others in the Midwest and South are the Minnesota Valley and Fergus Falls refuges in Minnesota, the DeSoto in Iowa, the Mingo refuge and two others in Missouri, the Crystal River refuge and three others in Florida and the Wheeler refuge in Alabama. In the Northeast, the refuges singled out for more staff in the shutdown are Pennsylvanias John Heinz, the Wertheim of New York, Bombay Hook of Delaware, Parker River of Massachusetts, and the Umbagog of New Hampshire. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, announced today (12/26/18) the installation of the first of 13 turbines at the 50 megawatt (MW) Dhofar Wind Farm. Located in the southern Omani governorate of Dhofar, the project is fully financed by Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the leading national entity for international development aid. The project follows an agreement signed in 2014 between Masdar and the Rural Areas Electricity Company of Oman (TANWEER). A Masdar-led consortium including GE and Spain's TSK is developing the Gulf region's first large-scale commercial wind farm. GE is providing the project's 3.8 MW wind turbines, while TSK is responsible for the rest of the wind farm's infrastructure, which includes medium- and high-voltage substations and 13-kilometres of overhead transmission lines. Masdar is the project developer and implementation lead. Eng Saleh Bin Nasser Al Rumhi, Chief Executive Officer of TANWEER, said: "We are looking forward to the implementation of this initiative, which will be the first large-scale renewables project in Oman. Our team has worked closely with all the participants to bring this technology to the Sultanate and to ensure knowledge transfer in the country. TANWEER's mandate is to supply electricity to large areas of Oman, and this project fits well with our expertise and ambition. The company is licensed to generate, transmit, distribute, and supply electricity in the concession areas. Our customers include cities, villages, and local communities scattered across almost 75 per cent of the land area of the Sultanate. We are also looking to implement other renewable technologies, including solar PV, to augment our existing generation plants across 11 site locations." The Dhofar Wind Farm is expected to become operational by the third quarter of 2019. It will supply seven per cent of the Dhofar governorate's electricity demand, or enough clean energy to power an estimated 16,000 homes, while offsetting an estimated 110,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Once complete, the wind farm will be handed over to TANWEER, which will then operate the plant and supply the generated electricity to the local Dhofar power grid through an overhead power line managed by the Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC). The Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) will offtake the generated electricity from TANWEER in line with a power purchase agreement (PPA) signed on September 12, 2017. His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: "We are steadfast in our commitment to funding renewable energy projects that benefit socio-economic sectors and reduce harmful emissions. ADFD is proud to work alongside its national and international partners and bring the Gulf's largest wind farm to Oman." He added: "Not only will the electricity generated by the Dhofar project help in supporting Oman's growing energy demand and economic growth, it is also expected to help reduce domestic reliance on gas for electricity generation. This supply can soon be redirected towards more valuable industrial uses and to preserve natural gas resources." Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: "As a global leader in wind energy technology, we are proud to support the Sultanate of Oman in the realisation of its renewable energy ambitions, and deeply committed to our partnership with Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and the world-class consortium delivering this milestone wind energy project on schedule and to the highest operational standard." All 13 turbines are scheduled to be installed by March. Dr Manar Al Moneef, General Manager, GE Renewable Energy for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey, said: "The wind farm features our 3.8-130 wind turbine customised to the desert conditions specific to the Gulf region. The country has immense untapped potential in renewable energy, particularly wind energy. With this project, we are demonstrating our strong commitment to supporting the diversification of the energy mix in Oman and the wider region." Joaquin Garcia Rico, CEO of TSK, said: "We are very proud to have been awarded this important project in the Sultanate of Oman, a country where we have found great people and impressive opportunities to work together with local companies and share our knowledge and technology with them. We are also delighted to have a client like Masdar, a company that is contributing to improving the energy infrastructure and living standards in different countries. On this project, we are working together with our long-term partner GE and remain confident that we will achieve a very successful project as we have done together in other countries." Masdar renewable energy projects will be on display at its dedicated stand throughout the 2019 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, today one of the world's largest sustainability gatherings, taking place next from January 12-19. Read the full story. Mexico's Ministry of Energy, SENER has published the Electricity Outlook 2018, where the Danish Energy Agency has contributed with a power sector analysis. SENER is annually producing an electricity sector outlook, which includes a 15 year plan of the electricity sector, aiming to provide information of the current situation of the energy system along with a vision of possible scenarios. The objective of the outlook is to serve as a point of support in the strategic decisions required by Mexico. In this year's Electricity Outlook 2018-2032, an analysis has been done with the assistance of the Danish Energy Agency about the least costs options for Mexico to achieve and surpass the clean energy goals in a scenario with large shares of wind and solar power and a scenario with nuclear energy. The simulations demonstrates large socio-economic benefits of having large shares of renewable energy in the Mexican electricity system and that more ambitious targets for clean energy and greenhouse gas emissions should considered by the country. The outlook also shows that installing large amounts of nuclear capacity is not a cost-efficient way of reducing CO2 emissions. Ambitious goals in Mexico Mexico has ambitious goals in terms of expansion of clean energy within the electricity sector and the reduction of national CO2 emissions. This includes goals for the share of clean energy in the electricity sector (e.g. 30% in 2021, 35% in 2024 and 50% in 2050). The Danish Energy Agency has been cooperating with SENER since 2014. The overall objective has been to efficiently integrate additional renewable energy in the power sector in line with the clean energy goals of the Energy Transition Law. The Mexican power sector optimisation model has been developed with assistance from the Danish Energy Agency in 2016 and since then it has been used to provide inputs in SENER's Renewable Energy Outlook 2016-2030 andElectricity Sector Outlook 2017-2031. Read the Electricity Outlook 2018. About the govenment to government cooperation with Mexico The Danish Energy Agency is cooperating with both Mexico's Ministry of Energy, SENER and the Ministry of Environment on the following issues: Modelling and long term energy scenarios Energy Efficiency in industry and buildings Bioenergy National climate strategy, NDC-plan and technology catalogue Wind atlas Read more about the government cooperation with Mexico. Contact Special Advisor Niels Bisgaard Pedersen, Danish Energy Agency, nbp@ens.dk Advisor Marievi Vestarchi, Danish Energy Agency, mev@ens.dk This item is available in full to subscribers. Attention subscribers We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription. If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site. If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here. Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing. Naftogaz names condition for dropping suit against Gazprom The company filed a new lawsuit with the Stockholm Arbitration back in the summer of 2018. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Where a 50-cent meal is good enough reason to go to school In Ha Giang in Vietnams northern mountains, poverty forces many kids to drop out, but the prospects of hot meals also entice some. Its 11:20 a.m. Lunch time starts at the Chien Pho Secondary Boarding School in Hoang Su Phi District in Vietnams northern province of Ha Giang, a land of mountains, passes and rocks on the China border. The children do not waste any time. They quickly sit down, seek permission from their teachers, part of Vietnamese etiquette to show respect to elders, and begin to eat as fast as their little hands and mouths allow. Their food trays contain peanut roasted with salt, dried fish, fried eggs, and pumpkin soup besides as much rice as they want. In 15 minutes all are done with the meal. Most of the trays are clean with just a few having some remnants of fish or peanuts. Only for the last two days has Vang Thi Nga, an eighth grader, had the chance to sit with her boarder classmates and eat. Her close friend Ket, a boarder, had to take a few days off due to some family issue and Nga has taken her place. Ngas father does not allow her to join as a boarder since the 14-year-old is needed at home to do farm work. So, on regular days, when most of her friends sit down for a hot lunch, Nga slinks away to a corner with her plastic bag with by-now cold rice and roasted peanuts, trying to hide her embarrassment and desire. Vang Thi Nga has a chance to have hot lunch at school by taking her friend's place for a few days. Her home is 10 km (6 miles) from school, and she and her brother Vang Van Hiep, also an eighth grader, walk to school every day. But for the last few weeks Hiep has also had it good. He made it to the school team to take part in the districts good students exam in late January, and his teachers said he needs to be at school for more for training. He also does not have to get up early to walk to school and back home. Driven by poverty, people in Ha Giang Province, mostly ethnic minorities, do not consider it important to send their kids to school. In the community where the two children live, it is common for high school students to drop out to get married, illegally go to China to work, or just work on the farm. In recent years, with tourists flocking to admire Ha Giangs stunning landscapes, some kids have begun to beg tourists for money or food. Thus, meals with fish, meat and unlimited hot rice are something that kids there dream of. While many take lunch to school in plastic bags, boarding students at Chien Pho school eat from shiny steel trays. A three-day test Food trays that are served to city citizens during the test. "Nice menu. Vegetables, fish and meat. What if I can eat this for the whole week?" Duy Anh, 23, a freelance photographer, said. He was one of six volunteers VnExpress chose to test how urban people feel about the food served at Chien Pho school. They had to eat the food for three days. The other five were two women aged 20-25, a middle-aged woman and two secondary school students. They were to be served lunch and dinner cooked exactly the way it is at the school. During the three days they were not allowed to have any snacks or drinks, just like the school boarders. The government provides the school with a sum equivalent to 40 percent of the countrys minimum wage of VND1.3 million ($56) plus 15 kilograms of rice every month per student for teachers at Chien Pho to cook. This translates into around VND18,000 per day. A typical meal eaten by kids in Ha Giang is not something unknown to outsiders, thanks to the Internet. Most of the time it consists of just rice, salt, sesame, peanuts, and boiled vegetables. That explained why most of the volunteers in the challenge believed the food at Chien Pho school was "delicious" at first sight. "Looks tasty just like bento," Phuong, 25, an office worker, commented about the Chien Pho food tray, comparing it with the Japanese single-portion takeout or home-packed meal. The first day: Duy Anh went to bed quite hungry. Bento or not, Phuong did not go through her day in comfort. By evening, before dinner time, her hands were shaking from hunger. For Hai Anh, a reporter, concentrating had become a hard task: "All I can think about is my hungry tummy." At 7 p.m. when she finished her yoga class, she felt lightheaded and had to eat her dinner immediately. The second day: Phuong sent a message to the VnExpress team at 11:15 a.m. asking when she could eat her lunch. "Im so hungry," it read and had a crying emoji. Duy Anh started to daydream about five-course meals cooked by his mother, drinks and cakes. Hai Anh had to try hard to finish her lunch so that she could have energy to work. She even thought about cheating by having some snacks. "All I can think of is food." Phuong said if the test had been for a week she would have thrown in the towel. But even when she was famished and could not type as fast as usual on the computer, she could not finish her dinner and left some boiled cabbage and dried fish on her plate. That night Duy Anh decided to go to bed early to forget about good food and hunger. "How do the kids in the uplands grow up?" Duy Anh asked himself. Vang Thi Nga said about the cold rice with sesame and salt in the plastic bag: "Its hard to eat, but I have to finish it all or else I will be hungry and cannot study." That is how children in the mountains grow up. Thus, the food they are able to get at school is a dream come true for them. Students at Chien Pho secondary boarding school in Ha Giang get their lunches ready. "Much better" "The meals at school cant be as good as the food in Hanoi, but much better than what I usually have at home," Trieu Mui Khe, a student at Ho Thau Secondary Boarding School in Hoang Su Phi, said. Lu Thi Sen, her schoolmate, said: "The rice is hot, not like the cold rice I used to bring in plastic bags." Their principal, Duong Van Thuong, said the school would like to give students better food but it is difficult with just VND9,500 available per meal. The two meals provide 1,500 - 1,700 kcal, or two thirds the number of calories recommended by the Nutrition Institute for middle school students at around the age of puberty. Their breakfast is usually instant noodles and occasionally leftovers from the previous day. A meal costing less than VND10,000 ($0.43) has become a reason for many children to stay at school. After the talented students contest ends this month Hiep will no longer stay at school and have to get back to eating cold rice. Ket will not be busy at home forever and will soon return to school, and Nga too will return to eating lunch out of her plastic bag. Two students at Ho Thau secondary boarding school cook rice at school. By Hoang Phuong, Thanh Lam Photos by Dinh Tung Vietnamese teen sentenced to two years in UK for growing cannabis A Vietnamese in the U.K. has been sentenced to two years in a young offenders institution for growing $281,000 worth of cannabis. The Hartlepool Mail reported Tuesday that Thanmanh Nguyen, 18, fled from a house on St Pauls Road in Hartlepool town when police carried out a raid last July. Officers found more than 260 cannabis plants, an iPhone and 40 ($51) in cash inside, a Teesside Crown Court heard. "[The plants were] spread over two floors and four rooms," prosecutor Chris Wood said. While Nguyen admitted to having produced "a class B drug" on July 26, 2018, he claimed he had been trafficked from Vietnam two years ago and forced to water the plants. Nguyens defending lawyer, Andrew Turton, said the cannabis farm was already in operation when Nguyen got there and somebody else was in charge of it. "[Nguyen] watched as that person was beaten for apparently refusing to carry on looking after the plants. "[Nguyen] never left the house because he was fearful of the consequences of doing so." Nguyen was sentenced by Judge Stephen Ashurst, who said it was a large and sophisticated cannabis grow and there was nothing to support Nguyens claim he was coerced into looking after the plants. The plants and growing equipment were ordered to be confiscated and destroyed. Nguyen will be deported after serving his sentence. Last month 16 Vietnamese nationals had been jailed in the U.K. for between eight months and 7.35 years for running illegal cannabis farms worth $1.2 million in Lancashire. Britain was home to at least 136,000 modern slaves, according to last years Global Slavery Index by rights group Walk Free Foundation, a figure 10 times higher than a government estimate in 2013. Experts say children are being trafficked from Vietnam and other countries to work in illegal cannabis farms, and that the scale of the problem has been vastly underestimated, Reuters reported. Jakub Sobik, a spokesman for Anti-Slavery International, said, "Potentially thousands of children and young people are being trafficked from Vietnam and exploited by ruthless criminal gangs." Vietnam says respects freedom of navigation as US warship sails near Paracels The U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell breaks away from a formation with ships following a photo exercise in the Philippine Sea September 23, 2016. Photo by U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Dionne/Handout via Reuters Vietnam has said it respects freedom of navigation after a U.S. naval vessel came within 12 nautical miles of the Paracel Islands. "As a party to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and a nation bordering the East Sea, Vietnam always respects the rights to freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea in accordance with the regulations of international law, specifically UNCLOS," foreign ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said Wednesday, using the Vietnamese name for the South China Sea. Her statement followed the destroyer USS McCampbells "freedom of navigation" operation Monday to challenge "excessive maritime claims" by sailing within 12 nautical miles of the islands which belong to Vietnam but are currently illegally occupied by China. She stressed that maritime claims and related actions of nations bordering the sea must comply with international law and UNCLOS, and Vietnam has full legal basis and historical evidence to assert its sovereignty over the Paracel (Hoang Sa) and Spratly (Truong Sa) Islands in accordance with international law. "Vietnam requests that nations contribute positively and practically to the maintenance of peace and stability, respect and carry out their international legal obligations, respect the rule of law in seas and oceans." The operation Monday was the first of its kind since acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan's appointment to the post. Shanahan, who took over from Jim Mattis last week following the latter's resignation, has urged leaders of the U.S. military to focus on China. China seized the Paracel Islands from South Vietnam by force in 1974, and has since been illegally occupying them. In 2012 it established the so-called Sansha City with the archipelago's Woody Island as its seat. The "city" also covers a number of reefs in the Spratly Islands that China seized by force in 1988 and the Scarborough Shoal, which is claimed by the Philippines. Vietnams Party chief and President Nguyen Phu Trong speaks at a meeting with the Ministry of National Defense on January 7. Photo by Vietnam News Agency Party chief and President Nguyen Phu Trong has taken the fight against corruption to the military. He wants the militarys bosses to root out corrupt practices in managing and using its assets. Trong, speaking at a meeting this week with the Ministry of National Defense and the Central Military Commission (CMC), the highest Party organ on military policy, said: "We should not be afraid the army will lose its prestige by dealing with such violations. If we do it well, we can even enhance that prestige. "The army has to coordinate well with the police, maintain internal political security and fight against corruption and squander." Trong, who is also chairman of the Central Steering Committee on Anti-Corruption, spelled out the tasks ahead of the CMC and the ministry, including strictly handling and doing their best to prevent violations with respect to managing and using the militarys assets. In the past three years Vietnam's sweeping corruption crackdown spearheaded by Trong has ensnared scores of high-profile officials, especially in the energy and banking sectors. Last year a large number of officials, including in the military, and businesspeople faced criminal charges including for mismanagement of military land, faced disciplinary action or were arrested for corruption. In April, Colonel Dinh Ngoc He became the first senior military official to be imprisoned. He was sentenced to 12 years for "abusing power in the performance of official duties" and "using fake documents." In July two senior Air Force officers and the Party units they were affiliated received official warnings for mismanagement of military land. Late last year a hotline was set up for the public to complain about corruption by the police. After the ninth plenum of the Party Central Committee last December, it was announced that since the national Party congress in 2016 over 60 officials reporting to the Central Committee were disciplined, including five members of the Central Committee itself, three of whom were expelled. Observing the crackdown since the beginning, Carl Thayer, an Australia-based Vietnam analyst, told VnExpress International that in 2019 the anti-corruption campaign would impact networks of corruption and punish officials who are guilty of acts of commission engaging in corrupt practices and acts of omission failing to exercise responsibility to expose and end corruption. Members of the Politburo and Central Committee are now preparing for the nomination of the next generation of leaders at the 13th national Party congress to be held in 2021. The anti-corruption campaign is the signature initiative of Trong, and he would not let up on his efforts to clean the Party of corrupt and degenerate members and weed out corrupt members in government ministries, departments and state firms, Thayer predicted. Doan Anh Sang, former deputy CEO of BIDV, speaks at a conference. Photo by Tin Tuc Newspaper/File Police arrested a former executive of BIDV, a bank that has come under scrutiny amid national anti-graft campaign, in HCMC Tuesday. Doan Anh Sang, former deputy chief executive officer of the bank, formally known as Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam, was accused of "violations of regulations on banking operations." Police also arrested four executives of the bank for similar allegations and a businessman accused of property appropriation. Sang, 57, was accused of violating banking regulations when approving loans for Binh Ha farming company, based in the central province of Ha Tinh. The violations caused BIDV losses of VND890 billion ($38.3 million), local media reports said. The banks former chairman, Tran Bac Ha, and two other executives were arrested in November, also for allegedly violating banking regulations. Sang was removed from his position at the bank in late August amid investigation into its wrongdoings. A crowd of people wait inside Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City, during the Tet season on February 6, 2018. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran Vietnams largest airport is bracing for an influx of passengers during Tet, the Lunar New Year, early next month. Tan Son Nhat International Airport said it expects to handle 134,200 passengers a day between January 20 and February 19, some 17,500 more than the last Tet season early this year. The two busiest days, February 2 and 10, will see respectively 900 and 890 planes flying into and out of the airport. February 2 would in fact see the highest number of flights ever in its history, according to the airport, which serves around 650 flights on a normal day. Domestic airlines are set to increase the number of flights during the festival to meet the surging demand. Vietnam Airlines and budget carriers Vietjet and Jetstar Pacific plan to fly 2,000, 1,000 and 1,000 additional flights from and to the airport during the period. To cope with the rush, more check-in booths will be added, shops in terminals will be closed to make room for passengers and extra personnel will be deployed inside and around the airport. Projects for parking pay expansion, worth VND1.77 trillion ($76.3 million), will help the airport handle the increased number of flights during Tet. The airport has added eight more parking slots and is expected to add another 29 by Tet. Tet peaks on February 5 this year and the government has declared a nine-day holiday from February 2 to 10. Tan Son Nhat currently handles 36 million passengers a year, way above its designed capacity of 25 million, which has prompted the government to make expansion plans. The Ministry of Transport has hired French consulting firm ADPi and some Vietnamese companies for the expansion, which will include building more runways, parking bays and terminals to increase the capacity to 43-45 million passengers in the next decade. The government is also planning to build Long Thanh Airport in the neighboring province of Dong Nai to handle the 60-70 million passengers a year HCMC is expected to receive in 2025. The countrys aviation industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years. There were a record 106 million air passengers last year, a 12.9 percent increase from 2017. The Hoa Binh-Moc Chau highway will connect with the existing Hoa Lac-Hoa Binh expressway. Photo by VnExpress/Ba Do. A pre-feasibility study is set to be done for the VND20 trillion ($861.82 million) Hoa Binh - Moc Chau expressway. The 85-kilometer expressway will run from Hoa Binh town in the province of the same name to Moc Chau District in Son La Province in the northern mountains. It will link up with an existing highway between Hanoi and Hoa Binh, thus helping reduce the travel time between Hanoi and Moc Chau to just two hours from the current 4-5 hours. The expressway, to be built by a public-private partnership, will have four lanes and require 870 hectares of land. To determine if the expressway is needed, the government has asked the Ministry of Transport for a report on the current state of transport infrastructure in the northwestern region compared to the rest of the country. It has also ordered the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to research the impacts of using agricultural and protected forest land for the expressway, including the risks of flash floods and landslides. A note of a loan-sharking ring near an industrial park in Hanoi that offer loans for workers. Photo by VnExpress/Pham Du Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has said banks need to lend more, especially to poor people, to overcome the loan-sharking crisis. He admitted at a conference Wednesday that though loan-sharking is prohibited, the problem persists in many rural areas, causing serious financial harm to people. One reason for its prevalence is the difficulty in getting bank loans. The PM concurred with the World Bank's warning that the ratio of the Vietnamese population without access to credit is high. "Banks are partly responsible for this issue since they have not been able to extend their services to remote and rural areas." The banking sector needs to more proactively coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security to better handle the loan-sharking crisis and make credit more accessible to people, especially the poor, he said. Incomplete statistics from the ministry reveal that more than 7,600 loan-related crimes have been recorded in Vietnam in the last four years, with both lenders and borrowers affected. They include 56 murders besides intentionally inflicting injuries, robberies, seizing assets using force, frauds, and scams. Loan-sharking often involves debt collection by rogue enforcers and thugs. The criminal police department is currently monitoring 124 gangs with 831 individuals engaged in crimes related to loan-sharking. A woman goes shopping for organic fruits in a supermarket in Hanoi. Photo by Shutterstock The Seaf Womens Opportunity Fund has acquired a 30 percent stake in Organica, promising the Vietnam all-round support. While not mentioning the specific investment value, Jennifer Buckley, SEAFs senior managing director, said the fund will support Organica in operations, distribution, and network expansion. In addition to being a strategic shareholder, the fund will also give Organica a 5-year loan so that it has sufficient resources to finance expansion plans in the future. "This is the first organic food company in Vietnam we have decided to invest in, even though the market [for organic products] is still small," said Jennifer Buckley. She added that if the company performed well, the fund may acquire it in full in the future. Pham Phuong Thao, CEO of Organica, said that the current investment will be enough for the company to implement a 2-3 year plan. In particular, it plans to open more retail stores, improve online sales systems, IT systems and human resources, Thao said. Organica is an organic groceries chain established in 2013 with the first store in Ho Chi Minh City. It now has 5 stores in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang. Currently, the company has 10 farms in the South and the Central Highlands, totalling a combined area of 300 ha. SEAF (Small Enterprise Assistance Funds) is an international investment management group that provides growth capital and business assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging and transition markets. It currently operates in 30 countries and has investments in over 300 small businesses. Idahos governor was on hand Wednesday to help break ground for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories 140,000-square-foot printed circuit board factory in Moscow, welcoming one of the few new plants of its kind to be built in the United States in the last decade. A Sweet Home man who hit his girlfriend in the face with an ax, reportedly because of a dispute over blankets, has been sentenced to more than three years in the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections. Michael Ralph Marshall Jr., 35, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault on Tuesday in Linn County Circuit Court. He will be eligible to earn time off his sentence for good behavior and for alternative incarceration programs, and will remain on post-prison supervision for 36 months. The crime allegedly occurred on Dec. 9 in Sweet Home. Marshall and the woman were sleeping in an illegal encampment on private property west of Zelkova Street in Sweet Home, according to a probable cause affidavit in the case. The victim told authorities that she and Marshall got into an altercation about him taking the blankets off her during the night, and he struck her with a double-edged ax. She did believe she was hit with the blade. Kyle Odegard MARY POPPINS RETURNS 3 stars (Musical, PG, 130 minutes, playing at the Regal 7 in Albany and the AMC Corvallis 12) While it would be all but impossible to match one of the most beloved and acclaimed musicals of all time, "Mary Poppins Returns" is a sequel worthy of the name. Emily Blunt is sensational, along with a stellar supporting cast including Lin-Manuel Miranda, in this wall-to-wall smile of a movie: big of heart and large in scale, brimming with show-stopping musical numbers. (Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times) GREEN BOOK 3 stars (Comedy-drama, PG-13, 130 minutes, playing at the Pix in Albany and the Darkside in Corvallis) Viggo Mortensen plays a thick-headed lunk from the Bronx and Mahershala Ali is the musician he's driving through the South in 1962, and both are nothing but believable. This is a friendship story, and one of the best times I've had at the movies this year. (Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times) SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE 4 stars A 16-year-old American boy fighting on behalf of the Islamic State was captured on the battlefield in Syria, an American-backed force fighting the militants said Wednesday. If the teenager is proved to be a United States citizen, he would be the first American minor to be caught fighting on behalf of the terrorist group overseas. His arrest follows the capture of Warren Christopher Clark, 34, a former substitute teacher from Texas whose seizure in the same area was announced on Sunday. They are among the handful of American citizens just five so far who have been taken alive on the front line in the battle against the Islamic State, according to a database maintained by the Program on Extremism at George Washington University. The militia that announced the boys capture, the Syrian Democratic Forces, said he was among eight foreign fighters who were apprehended this week in the last sliver of Islamic State-held territory in northeastern Syria. The others included citizens of Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. United States officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and over the weekend the same militia announced the capture of what they said was another American citizen. There were indications, however, that that person might be from Trinidad, according to Simon Cottee, a senior lecturer in criminology at the University of Kent. Mr. Cottee also said that he had a name very similar to that of the teenager said to be American in a database kept to track Islamic State fighters from Trinidad. The captures were announced three weeks after President Trump declared We have won against ISIS, another name for the Islamic State, and ordered the withdrawal of 2,000 American troops from Syria. While United States officials have estimated that 295 Americans either have joined or tried to join militant groups in Iraq and Syria, they have not said how many of those recruits successfully made it to the battle zone, nor which group they joined. The database maintained by the Program on Extremism has identified just 55 American nationals who joined the Islamic State. That is a small fraction of the number from countries like France, from where at least 1,400 people are believed to have joined, according to the Paris-based Center for the Analysis of Terrorism. While the 16-year-old would be the only American minor caught on the battlefield, other American teenagers have been found in Islamic State-controlled territory. A 15-year-old girl from Kansas was repatriated from Syria, after being forced to travel to the war zone by her father. She was forcibly married to an ISIS fighter and was pregnant at the time of her capture. And several other American teenagers have been arrested for trying to carry out attacks on behalf of the militants in the United States. Prosecuting them has proved difficult because of their age, said Seamus Hughes, the deputy director of the George Washington University Program on Extremism. In South Carolina, for instance, Zakaryia Abdin was accused of plotting an attack against soldiers on behalf of the Islamic State at age 16. He initially pleaded guilty to a firearms offense and was sentenced to one year in a juvenile facility. Only when he tried to travel to Syria following his parole, then age 18, did the Justice Department charge him with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization. In New Jersey, Santos Colon, 17, pleaded guilty in 2017 to participating in a plot to kill Pope Francis during a Mass in Philadelphia two years earlier. He was released to a halfway house pending sentencing; he faces up to 15 years in prison. Heres the concern with this case, Mr. Hughes said, referring to the teenager apprehended in Syria. How long has this young man been in Syria? Did he go early on with family? Or is it a more recent case of traveling? And he is purported to have been fighting for ISIS. Its one thing to say it and another to prove it in a court of law, and authorities may well decide not to prosecute him given his age. | 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 Myanmar: Almost every brand of tuna on supermarket shelves shows why modern slavery laws are needed by Kate Nicholl, Miriam Wilhelm and Vikram Bhakoo January 10,2019 | Source: The Conservation What is the chance the last tin of tuna you ate was made using slave labour? If it came from Thailand, the odds may be a lot higher than you imagine. We have tracked the journey of tuna from the seas around Thailand to Australian supermarket shelves. This included interviewing more than 50 people, including people entrapped into forced labour. In doing so, we have been able to assess whether brands can say their supply chains are slave-free. We believe just one brand of tinned tuna can confidently claim slavery is not involved in its supply. Though we cannot name that brand, due to ethical guidelines to ensure our research remains independent of commercial considerations, our results further validate the need for the new Modern Slavery Act, passed by the Australian parliament late last year, to drive companies to address the problem of slavery in international supply chains. Exploiting migrant workers Thailand is the worlds top exporter of tuna, and one of the biggest exporters of all fish. Its marine fishing industry is particularly prone to modern slavery due to its size, lack of regulation, extent of illegal operations, and exploitation of migrant workers. There are more than 50,000 fishing vessels and about 500,000 workers in the industry. Investigations by groups including Greenpeace and the International Labour Organisation suggest the majority of those working on boats meet the definition of modern slavery any situation where a person is forced to work under threat; is owned or controlled by their employer; dehumanised or treated as a commodity; and is not free to leave. Any person tricked or trafficked to work in locations far from home who then has their freedom of movement denied either physically or financially is a modern slave. Statistics collected by Thailand Department of Fisheries on 42,512 fishing vessels in 2014 showed 82% of 172,430 fishermen employed on them were migrant workers. The majority of those also working in processing plants are also migrants. Mainly from Cambodia and Myanmar, they are often enticed by traffickers with promises of well-paid jobs, but find it is a different story once they arrive. Migrant workers are not entitled to the same protections as Thai workers, and are generally paid about 25% less than the Thai minimum wage. They are unable to join unions as Thai workers are. So being foreign, usually without education and language skills, makes them particularly vulnerable to exploitation in an industry where rogue fleets already operate outside the law through illegal fishing operations, and where safety and labour standards are poorly enforced. Lack of transparency Practices in Thailands fishing industry (and elsewhere in Southeast Asia) were brought to the attention of the rest of the world in 2015 by the investigative work of Associated Press journalists (for which they won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 2016). Responses by governments and companies since then have proved the inadequacy of existing legal and managerial frameworks to effectively tackle the problem. Transparency is the key issue. Illegal practices are by their very nature deliberately hidden. Methods that retailers might use to manage other aspects of their supply chains such as sending out a survey to their suppliers and suppliers suppliers dont work. What complicates transparency in fisheries is that it is not sufficient to just know the supplier or the wholesaler or even the geographic origin of the fish. Retailers also need to know the specifics of each fishing trip and the labour involved. Even then, there could be trans-shipment where fish are transferred from one vessel to another out at sea. This a problem even with sustainable fishing certification schemes like that run by the Marine Stewardship Council (which does not certify labour conditions anyway). There needs to be greater coordination and better mechanisms to trace risk exposure from fishing boat to factory to supermarket. More to be done, but its a start Therein lies the need for modern slavery laws. Australias Modern Slavery Act will require companies with turnovers of more than A$100 million to report what they are doing to keep their products slave-free. From 2020 they will have to produce modern slavery statements that detail where they source their products, and the actions they have taken to ensure slavery does not exist within their extended supply chains. There is more to be done. The law does not include penalties for non-compliance. There is no statutory body to provide guidance and oversight, as similar British legislation enacted in 2015 provides. But it is a start. It at least puts pressure on all brands to be more transparent about their supply chains and their efforts to ensure decent working conditions. Up to now scrutiny has been patchy, with some brands investing in cleaning up their supply chains due to being named and shamed while other brands have flown under the radar. Hopefully now consumers will be more aware of the modern slavery risks, and in time be able to research the publicly shared information of their favourite brands. Myanmar: Raises efforts to export fishery products January 10,2019 | Source: Myanmar Times Two fish processing plants TT Cold Store Factory and A&N Foods (Myanmar) Co. Ltd have been granted permits to export fish caught in the wild to the European Union, according to a report by state media. The Fisheries Department, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation, is working with the fish processors and exporters to ensure Myanmar fishery products meet the rules and regulations of importing countries, including the EU, the report said. 21 local fish factories have been given permission to export their products to the EU so far. TT Cold Store and A&N Foods were permitted to place their products in the EU market after meeting the requirements. However, Myanmar currently does not meet the standards required to export farmed fish, as local fish farms are not prepared to guarantee their products are free from biochemical residues. Residue tests have to be conducted at each stage of production, which includes hatching, farming, feeding and processing. To meet EU import standards, fishery products must be produced by only those hatcheries that are compliant with the Good Aquaculture Practices. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has agreed to send a delegate from its Food and Drug Authority to check on cold storage facilities and fish farms in Myanmar. Saudi Arabia, which imports about 20,000 tonnes of marine products from Myanmar annually, had stopped buying farmed rohu fish since April last year after bacteria was found on the same fish species imported from Vietnam. As Myanmar is currently also exporting its marine products to European markets, it shouldnt be difficult for us to meet Saudi Arabia requirements, said U Tun Lwin, deputy permanent secretary of the Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Ministry. Myanmar companies certainly meet standards because their products are being exported to the EU. The Saudi product quality standards are not as strict as those for the EU. So, there wont be any difficulty. They would be able to be resume exporting rohu after the inspection is done, he told The Myanmar Times earlier this month. Before the ban, Saudi Arabia was among the top importers of Myanmar fish and marine products. The main export markets of Myanmar marine products are Asian countries such as China, South Korea and Japan. The EU is a big export market as well. In 2017-18, Myanmar exported just over 570,000 tonnes of fisheries worth US$712 million, the highest amount in history. Yet, despite enjoying long coastlines, Myanmars fisheries sector still lags behind its neighbours in terms of scale and competitiveness, said Dr Zaw Oo, executive director at the Centre for Economic and Social Development. Last February, dialogues commenced on the drafting of a National Aquaculture Development Plan (NADP), which will set out long term national objectives to foster the future development of the fisheries sector. State and regional consultations for the NADP were held in Yangon last December. India: Norway ink MoU to boost blue economy by Geeta Mohan Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held talks with his Norwegian counterpart Erna Solberg on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues, and on the ways and means to further strengthen the growing bilateral partnership. Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, who is on a three-day visit to India, delivered the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. "The two sides expressed the desire to maintain high-level exchanges and enhancing cooperation through the existing mechanisms of bilateral interaction", said the India-Norway joint statement. Addressing the press after the meeting Prime Minister Modi said, "India and Norway have close and strong cooperation in the global stage. Both work closely and coordinate on key issues such as UNSC reforms, Multilateral Export Control Regime and terrorism." The two sides signed a MoU on India-Norway Ocean Dialogue and the establishment of the Joint Task Force on 'Blue Economy' under aegis of the MoU, in order to promote multi-sectoral cooperation in various aspects of Blue Economy. Emphasising on Blue Economy, the Norwegian PM during her address at the Raisina Dialogue said, "Prime Minister Modi has presented a vision of sustainability and growth for all people in the region. One of the goals of my government's ocean strategy is to promote sustainable value creation and employment in the ocean-based industries." Talking about rules-based order and the increased maritime aggression by some countries, alluding to China, Solberg said, "We commend India for respecting the rulings of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea on the question of disputed maritime areas. When large countries respect international law, smaller countries take note. The principle 'might is right' cannot be used as a basis for governing our oceans, or anything else, for that matter." The two leaders also recognised that all countries benefit from open and predictable trade rules. "We cannot afford to let protectionism, discrimination and economic rivalries define our future. Norway and India both benefit fit from rules-based international trade. Free trade creates winners. Protectionism does not", said the Norwegian PM. The two sides also discussed cooperation in the areas of security, counter-terrorism, higher education, research and innovation, energy, ICT, climate and environment, maritime sector, fisheries and aquaculture. India expressed its appreciation for Norway's support towards India's accession to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) and the Australia Group (AG). "Norway supported India's application for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group and reaffirmed its commitment to work constructively within the Group with the aim of reaching a positive outcome regarding Indian membership at the earliest opportunity," said the joint statement. The Norwegian PM also quoted Mahatma Gandhi while speaking of sustainable development in these changing times. "To paraphrase the great Mahatma Gandhi: there is still enough for everyone's need, but still not enough for everyone's greed," she said. West Bengal: 52 held for netting fish without permission inside Sundarbans January 10,2019 | Source: UNB Members of Coast Guard detained 52 fishermen for catching fish in the waters of the Sundarbans without taking authoritys prior permission from Bangabandhurchar under Dacope Upazila on Tuesday. On information, a Coast Guard team from Dubla BCG outpost detained them from the place on Monday night and arrested them and seized 8 lakhs Faisa fish fries, five boats and few nets, said Lt Abdullah Al Mahmud, Coast Guard detective of Sundarbans West Zone. The detainees were handed over to Sundarbans Nilkamal Stations, he added. Tamil Nadu: Gaja: HC suggests consolidated FIR with damaged boats January 10,2019 | Source: The Times of India The Madurai bench of Madras high court has asked district collectors in the Gaja-affected districts to consider whether a comprehensive list of damaged fishing boats can be given to police stations so that a consolidated FIR including of damaged boats in each police jurisdiction can be submitted for claiming insurance to ease the process. A division bench of Justice K K Sasidharan and Justice P D Audikesavalu made the suggestion while hearing a batch of petitions which pointed out that the affected fishermen were being made to run from pillar to post to register a first information report (FIR) on their missing or damaged boats to seek insurance. The counsel pointed out that the fishermen whose livelihood had already been affected were made to undergo further misery by the authorities in asking them to file individual petitions to avail of FIRs. The bench suggested that a separate expert committee be formed to evaluate the extent of damage done to agricultural crops and trees. In an earlier interim order, the division bench had observed that the central government should consider revising the SDRF norms for damage done to fishing boats and enhance compensation amount from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for partially damaged mechanized boats and also consider enhancing the amount of compensation for damaged engines and fishing nets as the normal life of fisherfolk had been severely affected. Bihar: Government to decide on fish ban in two days by Sheezan Nezami January 10,2019 | Source: The Times of India A day after laboratory tests in Kolkata confirmed very high level of formalin in fish samples, health department principal secretary Sanjay Kumar said the final call on ban would be taken in a couple of days. It is really a serious issue and the department will take some serious decision, said Kumar. State health minister Mangal Pandey could not be contacted as he was out of station. On Tuesday, Kumar said the tests confirmed high level of formalin in seven out of ten fish samples sent to Kolkata lab. The samples were collected from the wholesale fish market in Patna. Alarmingly, all the ten samples had high level of heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which adversely impact human health. Formalin is a carcinogenic chemical and its use in food product is very dangerous. The same chemical is applied on a dead body to preserve it for longer duration. State animal and fisheries resources department had earlier written to the health department to take necessary action to prevent formalin-laced fish from entering the state market. They had conducted a test on 85 samples in Patna and Kolkata labs. After finding high level of formalin in 25 samples, animal and fisheries resources minister Pashupati Kumar Paras had asked the health department to ban the fish being procured from coastal region, especially from Andhra Pradesh. On Wednesday, Paras said the decision on banning fish from outside will be taken by health department as it was not under his jurisdiction. Former head of paediatrics department at Patna Medical College and Hospital, Dr Nigam Prakash Narayan, advised the parents not to feed preserved fish to their kids. Be it children or elderly people, formalin severely impact human health, he said. He said formalin has both short and long-term effects on health. This is a cancer-causing agent and leads to nausea, loss of appetite, skin irritation, respiratory problem, cough and breathlessness, he said. However, he said, there was no harm in eating fresh local fish. Going to restaurants, bars and concerts is normal for a young woman her age. However, if you prefer not to subsidize the vacations because you feel they are excessive, discuss your feelings with her before deciding what to do. DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have lived like nomads for the last few years. We have bought, sold and moved many times for all sorts of silly reasons. Our 5-year-old daughter finally started school, yet we don't feel at home here. We now realize buying and selling may not be for us, so we are renting, but we still aren't happy. We moved here to be close to my oldest and dearest friend, whose kids are now grown, and to my sister, who hardly talks to us or sees us. My husband's sister and her husband's family love us and treat us well. They have suggested we should move by them. They have kids our daughter's age. The only issue is possibly not finding a good home or school. Private school could be an option. Would another move be bad? Should we make a final move before our daughter gets vested in school and friends? It would put us within walking distance to several families we spend a lot of time with and who love us very much. We are afraid of judgment from everyone. Please help us sort it out. -- HOPEFUL NOMADS IN ILLINOIS The Park Hills City Council meeting on Tuesday got off to a rocky start. After calling the meeting to order at 6 p.m., Mayor Daniel Naucke immediately called for a motion to adjourn and reconvene in a closed executive session. Councilman David Easter was the only one to object, and the council adjourned and reconvened in a closed session in the police station. City Administrator Mark McFarland and City Clerk Terri Richardson returned to the Council chambers at 7:03 p.m. The rest of the council rejoined in the chambers at 7:38 p.m. When asked if any decisions were made or motions were passed in the closed executive session, Mayor Naucke redirected the question to the McFarland, who said no comment could be made for 72 hours. More information will be provided when it becomes available. During council discussions, Councilman Tom Reed brought up the issue of local landlords failing to keep their properties up to code. He said there are ways that some of the landlords in the area are subverting laws and not getting their properties inspected. Reed said that many people in the area, himself included, were tired of seeing rental properties falling apart because their landlords are not being held accountable for keeping up with their properties. Richee says that "although many are afraid to go to countries such as Pakistan, it is pure ecstasy for me to be there." Previously, Richee has taken the gospel all over Europe and in Romania, she preached the first Ladies' Full Gospel Meeting. Richee also preached in Tokyo, Japan at their Assembly of God Church. Michelle has been interviewed on TV and radio numerous times including TBN and The 700 Club. She had her own radio broadcast in St. Louis "in the early days" on KXEN 1010 and has written several publications. Prior to moving to Farmington, she had a weekly newspaper column called Faith Food and a monthly publication Look What God Is Doing! in Carlinville, Illinois. Richee attends church locally at Abundant Life Family Church in Farmington when she is home and 2018 marked 30 years of international ministry for Michelle. When asked what her plans are when she gets back to Farmington, she responded, "Spend time with my children, Brandon and Kris." Depending on internet availability, Richee will be making periodic updates on her website and Facebook page. In addition, she hopes to have some live meetings. Richee can be reached by email at mrm@outlook.com. Richee is in need of additional donations to help fund her mission, particularly for her return trip to the United States. The easiest way to donate is at MichelleRichee.org or mail a check to MRM World Tour, PO Box 1424, Farmington, MO. 63640. Matt McFarland is a reporter for the Daily Journal. He can be reached at 573-518-3616, or at mmcfarland@dailyjournalonline.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The Missouri Retired Teachers Foundation (MRTF) has announced its classroom grant winners in St. Francois County for the year. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} MRTF provides seven $500 classroom grants in each of its 14 regions around the state, according to the organizations vice president, Jack Poston. Every school district in the state of Missouri is provided information on how to apply, he said. Region 11 is made up of Perry, Ste. Genevieve, St. Francois, Washington, Iron, Madison, Wayne, Reynolds counties, along with Bollinger County which was recently added. Every school district in the state of Missouri is provided information on how to apply. Recognized in the Farmington School District was Tonya Cook, a fourth-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School. The main goal of her project was to incorporate real-world experiences into the curriculum. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. A homeless veteran charged with engaging in a GoFundMe scheme has been taken into custody in Philadelphia after he failed to make a scheduled court appearance. Johnny Bobbitt was due in a New Jersey court Tuesday to face charges he violated court-ordered conditions that allowed for his release from jail while awaiting trial. Bobbitts lawyer John Keesler says he expected Bobbitt to appear in court. Philadelphia police say he was apprehended in the city just after 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. Prosecutors say Bobbitt, 35, conspired with Katelyn McClure and her then-boyfriend Mark DAmico to concoct a story about Bobbitt giving McClure his last $20 for gas. Bobbitt and the couple raised $400,000, which authorities say was spent on luxury items and casino trips. GoFundMe says it has refunded everyone who contributed to the campaign. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 South Middleton School Board president Michael Berk paid tribute Monday to Robert P. Miller, a former superintendent of the South Middleton School District. An Enola-area resident, Miller died on Dec. 19 at age 75. Miller was the chief executive when Berk was first elected to the local school board. He was the person who brought us technology, Berk said of Miller. We made that first initial purchase of laptops for the teachers and a server for the district. Berk said Miller was also instrumental in initiating the process that led to the construction of Yellow Breeches Middle School. Formal request The school districts news release issued Tuesday morning said the ILC was misleading people with its claim against the district. The ILC press release is misleading, the district said in its news release. The student group never submitted a formal request for distribution of Bibles, and the ILC never contacted the building administration to discuss the issue. Instead of submitting a request and working with the high school administration in a collaborative manner, the ILCs approach has evoked negative emotions that divide our school and community. In response to what the ILC called the districts misleading letter, ILC issued a news release stating, The students went through the process of formally requesting permission and Principal (David) Harris wrote a response to that request. The law center included an excerpt from an email allegedly written by Harris to the schools Bible Club adviser in which Harris reportedly said a student is not permitted to hand out any literature during the school day but may submit a formal request to distribute it outside of the school day. The students asked for permission to sit at a table in lunch, have a poster for students to sign and write something theyre thankful for and to offer Bibles to those approaching the table. The school gave permission to sit at the table and to have their poster, but denied permission to hand out Bibles not just during lunch but at any time during the school day, according to an email response from Dan Bartkowiak, director of communications for Pennsylvania Family Institute, who also serves as spokesman for the ILC. Love 2 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 1 Angry 0 Author: Chris Formant Where the author lives: Baltimore, Maryland, and Sedona, Arizona Title of the book: Saving Washington: The Forgotten Story of The Maryland 400 And the Battle of Brooklyn Description: The lost story of Americas 400 Spartans an army of unexpected heroes who changed the course of history. On a marshy Brooklyn battlefield on Aug. 27, 1776, 400 men from Baltimore, Maryland, assembled to do battle against a vastly superior British army. Seemingly overnight, these young soldiers had matured from naive teenagers to perhaps the most important, yet most forgotten, citizen soldiers in all of American history. Saving Washington follows young Joshua Bolton and his childhood friend Ben, a freed black man, as they witness British tyranny firsthand, become enraptured by the cause, and ultimately enlist to defend their new nation in a battle that galvanized the American nation on the eve of its birth. Source: iStock/hocus-focus Ethereum Classic (ETC), the hard fork of the Ethereum blockchain, has not ultimately solved the problem of the recent 51% attack on the network, according to a blog post by its developer team member Donald McIntyre. They currently dont know why this happened, but it is not due to an internal error, but to the fact that the network is very small and thus more susceptible to 51% attacks. McIntyre published a blog post detailing the post mortem meeting of the ETC team that went over the main points about the attacks, analyzed the communitys reaction, and diagnosed possible solutions and next steps. Although the post openly states that the team has not solved the problem at all, they still applaud the community for the way this has been handled: under the What went well? header, the post states, The ETC community didnt try to minimize/downplay the situation [...] This post-mortem, our commitment to improvement. However, they also recognize their failings in this matter. No alert system exchanges, miners, wallet operators and other stakeholders had no contact points to initiate alerts or receive feedback from the developers or community, is highlighted as one of the biggest issues in the event, along with Echoing non facts and giving energy to conspiracy theories. They intend to fix this by creating a monitoring system that will alert the ecosystem sooner in the case of any new attacks, but also by significantly raising the confirmation time depending on the type of transaction. "We suggest 2,500 to 5,000 blocks to achieve the same guarantees as 1 to 2 Bitcoin blocks; and more if dealing with large transactions. Essentially waiting until the cost to mine blocks to reorg is greater than the cost of what youve received," according to the blog post. The community is not happy about the possible longer confirmation time: This makes ETC unusable... Imagine having to wait 10+ hours to interact with a dapp or trade tokens. Why would anyone choose to use this blockchain over the many competitors if this one requires 10+ hour wait times? tweeted Tushar Jain, managing partner at analysis firm Multicoin Capital. Meanwhile, China-based blockchain ecosystem security firm SlowMist claims it can identify attackers with the help from exchanges such as Binance, Gate.io, and Bitrue. The attack began January 5th at 19:58:15 UTC, but the ETC team did not notice it. According to the developers, the two attacks on January 5/6 and January 6/7 lasted 19 hours in total. They report that the attacker duped several cryptocurrency exchanges in the process including Bitrue, and Gate.io. Gate.io claims that the attacker transferred 54,200 ETC in total, and that the exchange will be covering the 40,000 ETC loss for all of the users. Meanwhile, Bitrue writes that, The attacker tried to withdraw 13,000 ETC from our platform but got halted by our system. We're quite upset about @eth_classic 's vulnerability and are seriously concerned about the capability of the ETC team for sustaining the existing POW model! We will keep updating the status here! Bitrue (@BitrueOfficial) January 8, 2019 As reported, according to Coinbase, the observed deep chain reorganization included a double spend of ETC 219,500 (USD 1 million) in total. The price of the ETC token has fallen 13.13% in the past week, mostly due to the 9% drop in the past 24 hours, as the whole market dropped suddenly. ETC price chart: Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has halted ETC funding until the networks health has stabilized, but trading resumes as usual. Coinbase did the same, writing that Due to unstable network conditions on the Ethereum Classic network, we have temporarily disabled all sends and receives for ETC. Buy and sell is not impacted. OKEx seems to have done even less: All ETC trading, depositing, and withdrawal remain open and continue normal operations. The number of confirmations required is increased to 100 for depositing and to 400 for withdrawal. Although exchanges continue to list ETC for now, this may prove to be a short-lived victory. The lasting damage for ETC will come from the exchanges that will deem the coin insecure and delist it," Emin Gun Sirer, co-director of Initiative for Cryptocurrencies and Smart Contracts at Cornell University, told Bloomberg earlier this week. According to him, this might trigger selling when the exchanges re-enable trades. "Just how much is anyones guess its a fascinating experiment overall, and we will see just how much of the market value is based on fundamentals and technical strength, which evidently and incontrovertibly went out the window," he stressed. Bitcoin maximalist Saifedean Ammous, professor of economics at the Lebanese American University, is part of the group which believes in ETCs inferiority. Two important lessons from this shitcoin's demise: 1- The price has barely budged, which shows that demand for these shitcoins has nothing to do with their function, security, or safety and is entirely driven by speculation on exchanges. 2- It took more than a day for ETC fans & promoters on Twitter to even realize this attack was happening after @pierre_rochard told them about it, because they couldn't find anyone who runs a node! he tweeted. He has also previously called Ethereum a worthless scam, when attacking the Proof of Stake consensus mechanism. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram New York, January 9, 2019Mozambiques military should immediately release Amade Abubacar, a community radio journalist for the state-owned Radio e Televisao Comunitaria Nacedje de Macomia in northern Cabo Delgado province, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Police arrested Abubacar at a bus station in Macomia on January 5 while he was photographing families who have fled militant attacks in the coastal province, according to an emailed newsletter on January 7 by the independent Zitamar News, for which Abucar is also a correspondent. Authorities are holding Abubacar in Mueda, 200 km (125 miles) from Macomia, in a military prison for alleged terror suspects, according to a January 6 statement by the Mozambican chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) that was emailed to CPJ. Mozambican authorities should immediately free Amade Abubacar without charge and stop censoring coverage of the insurgency by detaining journalists and accusing them of colluding with militants, said Angela Quintal, CPJs Africa program coordinator. With Mozambique set for crucial elections in October, Cabo Delgado cannot be a no-go area for the media. Citizens have a right to independent and diverse sources of information about what is happening in their country. Zitamar reported in its newsletter that Amade was able to contact a family member on a borrowed phone on the day of his arrest. He said he was repeatedly and brutally kicked and was accused of having links to a now-banned Facebook account promoting and recruiting insurgents, according to a January 6 post by independent Pinnacle News, which publishes on Facebook. Cabo Delgado Governor Julio Parruque told CPJ in a WhatsApp message on January 7 that he would try to get information the following day. He did not respond to follow-up messages. President Filipe Nyusis spokesman, Arsenio Henriques, did not respond to a request via WhatsApp for comment yesterday. In his weekly press briefing, national police spokesman Inacio Dina was asked about the arrest, according to a report yesterday in Mozambiques O Pais newspaper. We are coordinating and sharing information. We will share the circumstances of the arrest or detention of your colleague, who is also our colleague, he said, according to O Pais. At the time of publication, Mozambican authorities had yet to make any official comment on Abubacars case. In a statement to CPJ yesterday, the journalists brother, Ali Abubacar, said his family did not know why Amade was arrested and had not had any contact with him since the day of his arrest. As far as we are concerned it is a way to silence a journalists voice. We condemn this action as a complete threat to freedom of expression. He said his family was very worried and appealed to authorities to help ensure that his brother was freed as soon as possible. Tom Bowker, the editor of Zitamar News, told CPJ that Abubacar was a diligent local journalist serving his community in Macomia, one of the areas worst hit by the Islamist insurgency in northern Mozambique. South Africas Mail & Guardian newspaper reported last year that the militants are known by several names, including al-Sunnah wa Jamaah, Swahili Sunna or alShabab, although there were no formal links with Somali militants of the same name. Little is known about the armed group or its motivations, or what may have prompted the spate of violence that began in October 2017, with no verified public statements or claims of credit for attacks, the Mail & Guardian reported. Abubacar was demoted from head of the radio station to journalist in September 2018 for supposedly reporting too frequently on the insurgency, Bowker said. The journalist was arrested simply for doing his job of documenting the news in his local area, Bowker said, adding: The attitude of the authorities in cracking down on free speech is completely counter-productive and contradicts the supposed rule of law in Mozambique. Amade Chale, who succeeded Abubacar as head of the radio station, did not respond to CPJs request for comment via WhatsApp. On December 17, the military in Cabo Delgado arrested investigative journalist Estacio Valoi, Amnesty International researcher David Matsinhe, and their driver, Girafe Saide Tufane, and held them for two days before releasing them without charge, according to a statement from the Zimbabwean chapter of MISA. In June 2018, Pinde Dube, the Zimbabwean correspondent for the South African private broadcaster eNCA, was also arrested in Cabo Delgado while covering militant attacks in the area, according to a local news report. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram New York, January 10, 2019Nigerian authorities should rigorously investigate violence at a political rally in Lagos on January 8, during which at least three journalists were injured by gunfire, and ensure the safety of reporters covering political events, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Emmanuel Oladesu, an editor of The Nation Newspaper, Temitope Ogunbanke, a correspondent with the New Telegraph, and Abiodun Yusuf, a cameraman with Ibile Television, were injured by stray bullets when fighting broke out and shots were fired during a rally held by Nigerias ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party, Ogunbanke and Nurudeen Oyewole, a senior reporter at the Daily Trust who was also at the rally, told CPJ. Nigeria is scheduled to hold a national election on February 16. The security of journalists should be a priority for all political figures, especially in the period around Februarys election, said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Angela Quintal. Without safety guarantees, journalists will be unable to conduct their work without fear and keep the public informed. Oyewole told CPJ that the journalists were injured when a gunfight broke out between rival factions of the National Union of Roads Transport Workers, who are APC members. Oyewole said he saw police arrive and then fire their guns into the air in an effort to intervene. He added that it was unclear whose bullets caused the injuries. Video: Violence at campaign rally Ogunbanke said he was hit in the face and that Oladesu was hit with two bullets. Both journalists were treated in a hospital, according to Ogunbanke and a report by the local press advocacy group, International Press Centre. Ibile Television, the station for which Yusuf works, did not immediately reply to CPJs email requesting information about the journalists injuries. Chike Oti, spokesperson for Lagos police, told CPJ today that the violence was a result of an intra-union affair and was not a premeditated attack on journalists. Oti said that 15 people were arrested in connection with the incident and that the investigation was ongoing. CPJs calls to presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu and information minister Lai Mohammed went unanswered. Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, Lagos chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, called on members to shun violence and said those who broke the law would be expelled, according to reports. CPJs calls to Agbede today went unanswered. Investigators in Fillmore and Lancaster counties on Wednesday seized nearly 2,000 pounds of marijuana valued at more than $5 million and arrested two people in separate Interstate 80 traffic stops, officials said Thursday. Sen. Steve Lathrop of Omaha, who came back to the Legislature after serving two terms and sitting out for four years due to term limits, was elected unopposed to chair the Judiciary Committee, which almost always deals with the most bills. Lathrop has practiced law in the areas of criminal, probate, real estate and now civil trial law. "I think that's important because Judiciary Committee is going to deal with an awful lot of issues that face this unicameral in the area of crime and punishment and various areas that lawyers deal with in their practices," he said. And there is much work to be done yet with prison reform, bringing down prison crowding and dealing with a pending lawsuit against the state by ACLU of Nebraska that involves disabled prisoners and civil rights claims. "The role of the chairman is to provide a fair hearing (and) also to apply expertise to the subject matter. And I think I can do that," he said. "I have the background both in the practice of law and investigation of the Department of Corrections, which are going to be significant issues before the Judiciary Committee." Lathrop chaired prison oversight special committees in his first two terms. When the governor was escorted down the aisle a short time later, he greeted senators with outbursts of his familiar explosive laugh as they exchanged words during handshakes. When Ricketts later left the chamber following his speech, Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue gave him a high-five. Joe Ricketts, the governor's father and the billionaire founder of Ameritrade, stood in the front row watching as the ceremonies began to unfold before greeting his son and sitting down to listen to his brief address. Nebraskans "work hard, work together and roll up our sleeves," the governor said. "And we will continue to grow Nebraska." Afterward, during a brief interview as Joe Ricketts walked down a corridor on his way through the Capitol's Great Hall to the Governor's Office, the governor's father said: "I think it's great. He's done a good job; he works hard and I couldn't be more proud." Asked about his view of President Donald Trump as the president enters the second half of his first term, Joe Ricketts said: "I'm very happy with the president; he is doing things that need to be done. Nebraska senators introduced 138 measures Thursday on the first day of bill and resolution introductions, including tax bills, legalization of medical cannabis, and a bill to require public schools to post "In God We Trust" in prominent locations. Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard proposed a vote of the people on a constitutional amendment (LR3CA) that would provide for a refundable state income tax credit for 35 percent of local property taxes paid. That proposal would appear to result in well over $500 million in annual property tax relief. By comparison, an earlier citizens initiative drive that was subsequently withdrawn proposed a 50 percent credit that would have resulted in an estimated $1 billion of property tax relief. The new proposal would require the votes of at least 30 senators to be submitted to a vote of the people in 2020. Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha proposed income tax reform (LB50) that would adjust some tax brackets while increasing income tax rates for high-income Nebraskans. The show is a nice blend of comedy and drama, Lippert said. Its got a good ending, it wraps everything up. I do think it will surprise people a bit. Its a little different than a lot of shows." Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Lippert has been performing with the playhouse for almost 30 years. The retired school teacher said the groups membership has decreased over the years, something she hopes can reverse. The biggest change Ive noticed is that there are fewer active members, Lippert said. More active people would be nice. Although the Manak sisters' appearance in the play is brief, the two said they have greatly enjoyed the experience. Gabi and Bri got involved in the playhouse because of encouragement from their grandmother, Rita Perkins, of Platte Center. I love acting. Ive always loved acting, said Gabi Manak, who is a senior in high school. Bri Manak is in the eighth grade and said she thinks the show is hilarious. I like the plot. Its two old ladies bickering, so its really funny, she said. Ferguson has directed about 20 or so productions in the 30 years hes been with the playhouse. He said the show is sure to be enjoyable for attendees. Several county officials joined Dion in being sworn in. Butler County Attorney Julie Reiter was re-elected to office but was unable to attend the ceremony as she said she was home sick with the stomach flu that day. However, she noted she was able to take the oath of office and was sworn in on that Friday. She added she is excited to get to work with the newly elected county officials. I felt that the board members seemed interested in everything going on, and Im excited to work with all the new people, Reiter said. Anthony Whitmore and Scot Bauer were present for the ceremony and sworn into office. The two will be joining the Butler County Board of Supervisors, representing District 7 and District 3, respectively. In a previous interview with The Banner-Press, Whitmore said his main priorities were improving county roads and overreach from the board. Bauer shares Whitmores priority of improving and maintaining county roads. In a previous interview, he said addressing high property taxes and managing the county budget were of great concern to him. After being sworn in, Bauer said he was ready to get to work. Its exciting. Im looking forward to a new adventure, Bauer said. Im proud that the county voted me in with such strong percentages. Sambamurthy will inherit a school with a $70 million budget, about 80 faculty members and 260 staff members. The school enrolled about 3,100 undergraduate students and 600 graduate students in fall 2018, according to an enrollment report. Sambamurthy has previously worked at business schools at the University of Maryland and Florida State University. He has experience in faculty recruitment, retention and development, strategic planning and alumni engagement, according to UW-Madison. Sambamurthy received his doctorate from the University of Minnesota, an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management in Calcutta, India, and a bachelors degree in engineering from the National Institute of Technology in Tiruchirappalli, India, UW-Madison said. The Wisconsin State Journal requested a copy of Sambamurthys personnel file in December when UW-Madison announced he was a finalist in the national search. Michigan State officials estimated the search, review and redaction would take upwards of 15 hours and cost an estimated $480, which the newspaper declined to pay. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Evers, a Democrat, said he plans to seek to uphold his campaign pledge to withdraw Wisconsin from a multi-state lawsuit to overturn the federal Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Wisconsins governor previously had authority to order the state attorney general to do that, but GOP lawmakers and former Republican Gov. Scott Walker stripped Evers of that authority in a law passed in a lame-duck session last month. We feel its important that we meet the promises we made in this campaign and we will be doing that, Evers said. Evers was inaugurated Monday as Wisconsins 46th governor. Also on Monday, he issued two orders directing state agencies to craft nondiscrimination policies and to evaluate turnover and staff morale in the state workforce. Republican lawmakers last session mulled a bill to extend certain legal protections to people with pre-existing conditions, though not to the extent provided under Obamacare. The bill passed the state Assembly but faltered in the state Senate when all Democrats and two Republicans voted against it. State Supreme Court candidate Lisa Neubauer outraised rival Brian Hagedorn in the last half of 2018, giving her a slight fundraising edge in a competitive race that will help determine control of the court in coming years. The money the candidates raised between July and December topped the levels set during the same period in last years race, highlighting the significant role money will play in determining the courts direction. Neubauer, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals chief judge who is backed by Democrats, took in $325,000 over the sixth-month reporting period and spent $115,000 to end with $573,000 in the bank, according to the campaign, which also took out a $250,000 loan. Meanwhile, Hagedorn, an appellate judge who is supported by Republicans, raised about $311,000 and spent $30,000 to end the period with about $281,000 in cash on hand. The two candidates will vie to replace retiring liberal-backed Justice Shirley Abrahamson for a 10-year term. Candidates for the seven-member court are officially nonpartisan, but political parties and outside groups typically spend money to support their preferred candidate. HSHS St. Josephs Hospital recently named Andrea Blaeser as director of the HSHS St. Josephs Foundation. She began her new role earlier this week. Blaeser will lead the fundraising efforts at HSHS St. Josephs Hospital. Blaeser comes to the hospital from the Boy Scouts of America Chippewa Valley Council, where she served as development director since 2010. Prior to that, she served with Catholic Charities in Eau Claire. Andrea brings to St. Josephs Hospital a wealth of experience in fundraising and a record of success within our region, said Andy Bagnall, president and CEO, HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital and HSHS Western Wisconsin Division. She is highly regarded throughout the Chippewa Valley and were happy to have her in our HSHS family. Blaeser has a bachelors degree and a masters degree from UW-Eau Claire, as well as a certificate in nonprofit development leadership. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Ideally, he would have had a less restrictive option where he could have continued to receive the support he needed to work through the emotions he was dealing with, while also accessing the support with his medication change. He could have remained working without fear of losing his job. For those with a mental health diagnosis, consistency is crucial. When my husband and I adopted my younger sibling, we were well aware of the mental health challenges he was already dealing with. Throughout all the struggles I am incredibly thankful for the support we were able to find. Its not an exaggeration to say the child psychiatrist we were referred to changed our life. We went from watching the seven-year-old pick up a heavy oak chair and throw it across the room, with the force of a full-grown man, to a child who asked questions and expressed his feelings when he disagreed with our request to brush his teeth. We lived near Milwaukee at the time and were very lucky to have had several psychiatrists and counselors to choose from. Even with support, there were a couple of times when we found ourselves considering an out-of-home placement. Medication changes were horrific. When we changed one medication, it often caused a reaction to another. Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh. blogspot.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. . ..Israel Hayom..10 January '19..The Temporary International Presence in Hebron is Israel's perpetual own-goal. The special task force oversees Jewish areas of Hebron and beyond its members' diplomatic passports is similar in its activities to left-wing rights groups such as the B'Tselem and Breaking the Silence. At the end of the month, Israel will have an opportunity to send TIPH home.Israel has more observers than any other country, from the U.N. presence in Jerusalem's Armon Hanatziv neighborhood to the U.N. Disengagement Observer Force on the Golan Heights. But the TIPH is an entirely different animal. It isn't operated by the U.N. yet it is still an international force in Hebron. And unlike other such forces, which only the U.N. can abolish, it maintains an ongoing presence in Hebron because Israel says it can.Israel was pressured to accept TIPH's presence after Baruch Goldstein massacred 29 Palestinians at the Cave of the Patriarchs in 1994. The organization received its current mandate as part of a 1997 agreement stipulating that its validity must be renewed every three months hence its "temporary" status. For 20 years now Israel has renewed the hostile organization's mandate to operate in Hebron. Otherwise, its presence would have ended long ago. It is now one of the oldest observer forces in the world, and it contributes to Israel's image as an outlaw state that demands special observation.The anti-Israel bias of TIPH is built into its mandate, which tasked organization members with the one-sided mission of "promoting by their presence a feeling of security" for Palestinians in Hebron. Protecting Jews from constant terrorist attacks is not part of their job description. Members of the organization even "succeeded" in veering from this narrow definition by attacking Jews in Hebron in the last year. The attackers were later pulled out of the country by the TIPH leadership without ever having to stand trial. TIPH has cooperated with radical groups like Breaking the Silence and leaked confidential reports to the press. The organization's reports are full of anti-Israel claims that have no connection to its stated task. According to media reports, TIPH asserts that Jews have no right to any presence anywhere in Hebron.Unlike comparable U.N. forces, TIPH is not a separate international organization but an operational framework for security officials from five countries Norway, Sweden, Turkey, Italy and Switzerland. These countries are themselves problematic in that they are often hostile to Israel. Turkey, the most blatant example, treats Israel as an enemy state. Ankara supports Hamas and has dispatched anti-Israel flotillas to Gaza , promotes anti-Semitic defamation and works to undermine Israel's sovereignty in Jerusalem . Despite all this, Israel grants official immunity to Turkish representatives who photograph and video record Israeli soldiers and citizens. When TIPH was first created, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was mayor of Istanbul. Ever since taking control of the government, he has turned his country into an anti-Israel state.In 2014, Sweden became the first European country to recognize the "State of Palestine" in violation of the 1993 Oslo Accords. Israel sufficed with castigating the Swedes for the move and allowed their "observers" to remain in Hebron. Norway, the most powerful country in the organization, is one of the biggest supporters of the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. Italy helped build the Bedouin shanty town of Khan al-Ahmar and is involved in the violation of Israeli sovereignty in Area C in the West Bank. It is important to maintain diplomatic ties with these countries, but it is absurd to give them special policing privileges.The continuation of TIPH's mandate sends these countries the message that no matter how much they harm Israel we will turn the other cheek. TIPH symbolizes the failure of Israeli foreign policy. Faced with a series of constant and ongoing campaigns against us such as recognition of a Palestinian state, the banning of Israeli products and payments to Palestinians who relocate to the area Israel always reacts out of diplomatic anxiety. It doesn't take concrete action and as a result, the status quo continues unabated at our expense. Israel would be fully within its rights to act against TIPH.But Israel doesn't have to do a thing. It just has to abstain from signing the next round of agreements on Jan. 31. The decision is entirely up to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We have never been required to do so little to advance Israel's interests. Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh. blogspot.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. . ..09 January '19..Batya Ungar Sargon, the editor of the, tweeted a statement at Mondoweiss by Angela Davis about how the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Board of Directors reversed their decision to award her the Fred Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award.Her comment was "R Avraham Yehoshua Heschel is turning over in his grave. We Jews need to stop being the face of tearing down black people, or anyone person of color who supports Palestinians. This was NOT DONE IN MY NAME."The photo accompanying the Mondoweiss article, and posted by Ungar-Sargon, shows Angela Davis smiling next to convicted terrorist Rasmea Odeh.Apparently, according to the current "woke" thinking, it is racist for a Jew to be outraged at a black person who fights tooth and nail to destroy the Jewish state and who embraces a murderer of Jews. It is not so bad if the person is white, though. Youre finally ready to build a smart home and purchase a Ring security camera. But maybe slow your roll, because according to a new report, at least in the past, it may not have been that smart or secure. So reports The Intercept, which notes that in 2016 Ring allowed a Ukrainian team of engineers "virtually unfettered access" to all Ring customers' unencrypted video streams. And yes, that means the streams both outside, and inside, their homes. SEE ALSO: The secret workforce that does the tedious work of the online economy This access was reportedly granted because the AI needed help distinguishing between things like cars and people. And so, to help train the AI, The Intercept reports that Ring Labs hired "Data Operators" to watch and tag objects in customer video feeds. A similar job posting, below, is still live as of the time of this writing. "We are looking for a Data Operator who will be responsible for labeling the objects on the videos," reads the listing. "You must be able to recognize and tag all moving objects in the video correctly with high accuracy." Fancy some work? Image: screenshot / ring We reached out to Ring with a host of questions regarding claims that the Ukraine team practically had unlimited access to all Ring customer videos in an unencrypted format, and that some customers' videos are still being shown to workers for purposes of AI training, but received no response as of press time. This wouldn't, however, be the first time a company used human workers to accomplish what a customer might reasonably assume to be an automated task. In late 2017, it was revealed that expense management software company Expensify had been employing so-called mechanical turks to label and tag some submitted customer receipts. For example, say you submitted a ride-share receipt to your job for reimbursement via Expensify and selected the "SmartScan" option. This feature would input all the receipt details for you, but unbeknownst to you, what often happened was your receipt and if it was an Uber of Lyft receipt, this likely included your name as well as your pickup and drop-off location was shown to a person on the Mechanical Turk jobs platform. In other words, a real human paid minute amounts of money saw that receipt. Story continues The Mechanical Turk platform is owned by Amazon. Amazon purchased Ring in 2018. And what does Ring have to say about all of this? While we didn't hear back from the company, a Ring spokesperson told The Intercept that the videos currently being reviewed by humans are "sourced exclusively from publicly shared Ring videos from the Neighbors app (in accordance with our terms of service), and from a small fraction of Ring users who have provided their explicit written consent to allow us to access and utilize their videos for such purposes." So, if you already own a Ring, maybe it's time you go on a deep dive into your settings to determine exactly what you've allowed the company to see. By Hyonhee Shin and John Ruwitch SEOUL/SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China and South Korea called for concessions from the United States as well as North Korea, ahead of a possible second summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting a U.S. pressure campaign aimed at the North's denuclearization may be slipping. South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday that he would cooperate with the international community to at least partially ease sanctions to allow for some inter-Korean business and tourism ventures, while later noting that Pyongyang needed to take "bold steps" towards denuclearization to win concessions from Washington. "I think North Korea knows that they clearly have to denuclearize for the easing of international sanctions, and the U.S. also understands that there needs to be corresponding action to expedite the North's denuclearization," Moon told reporters at the presidential Blue House. Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Kim in Beijing this week and said he hoped the United States and North Korea would "meet each other halfway," Chinese state media reported. China, the North's lone major ally, and U.S-backed South Korea have been key players in two years of "maximum pressure" led by the United States, but both countries are signaling an increased willingness to ease sanctions and improve ties with North Korea. Pyongyang and Washington have been struggling to find a breakthrough despite a pledge by Kim at a landmark summit with Trump in Singapore in June to work towards denuclearization "of the Korean peninsula". North Korea, which has been developing nuclear and missile programs in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions, has demanded Washington lift sanctions and declare an official end to the 1950-53 Korean War. Those demands were in response to Pyongyang's initial, unilateral steps toward denuclearization that included dismantling its only known nuclear testing site and a key missile engine facility. North Korea has rejected calls for unilateral disarmament, and has said it is now up to the United States and the international community to make concessions like easing sanctions. For its part, the United States has instead increased sanctions and said it will not lift the measures until North Korea takes more steps toward giving up its arsenal of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles. In prepared remarks for his annual New year speech, Moon made no mention of any steps North Korea needs to take, instead focusing on the economic benefits of making peace with North Korea. But when pressed by journalists at a briefing afterward, Moon said North Korea should take more steps, such as abandoning its missiles and dismantling weapons production lines and other nuclear complexes, to secure U.S. concessions such as sanctions relief. He said reducing U.S. military commitments, such as a withdrawal of troops or strategic assets from the region, would be an unlikely option for Washington. North Korea used the reference to denuclearization "of the Korean peninsula" in the past to include the removal of the U.S. nuclear umbrella in the region. "The second summit would be a venue where they settle on terms of what specific measures North Korea will take and how those moves will be reciprocated by the United States," Moon said. "But U.S. forces in South Korea or strategic assets in places like Guam and Japan are not linked with North Korea alone, as they exist for the stability and peace of the entire Northeast Asia." SECOND SUMMIT SOON? Kim renewed his resolve to meet Trump again during his meeting with Xi in Beijing this week. Moon said Kim's latest trip to Beijing signaled that a second Trump summit was imminent. Another U.S.-North Korea summit would also expedite an unprecedented visit by Kim to Seoul, planned for last year but delayed amid the nuclear standoff, Moon said. "I expect we'll hear about high-level talks between North Korea and the United States before long for their second summit," Moon said. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made several trips to Pyongyang last year. However, a meeting between Pompeo and senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol has yet to be rescheduled after an abrupt cancellation in November. North Korean state news agency KCNA said on Thursday Kim and Xi held "in-depth, frank discussions" on the Korean peninsula and nuclear issues during Kim's stay in Beijing, his fourth since March 2018. Kim told Xi about the difficulties and concerns in improving North Korea-U.S. relations and denuclearization negotiations, KCNA said. Xi agreed that North Korea's reasonable concerns must be addressed properly, it said. KCNA reported that Xi once again accepted Kim's invitation to visit Pyongyang, but Chinese officials would not provide further details. China's official Xinhua news agency also said Pyongyang's "legitimate concerns" must be taken seriously in order to achieve a comprehensive resolution. Xinhua quoted Xi as saying he hoped that North Korea and the United States could meet each other half way and that the international community expected peaceful negotiations. "The political settlement of the peninsula issue faces a rare historic opportunity," said Xi, who "spoke highly of the positive measures taken by the (North Korea) side to maintain peace and stability and promote the realization of denuclearization on the peninsula." Kim reiterated a pledge from his New Year's speech that the North would try to make a second summit achieve a result that the international community would welcome, Xinhua said. Wang Yiwei, a senior research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, said he believed North Korea was becoming impatient and beginning to lose hope with the United States for asking it to make changes without in turn removing sanctions. "The crux is how to let North Korea denuclearize and to give it security guarantees. On this, the United States and North Korea don't have trust, so China has to act as a bridge," Wang said. (Reporting by Hyonhee Shin in SEOUL and John Ruwitch in SHANGHAI; Additional reporting by Josh Smith, Joyce Lee, Soyoung Kim, and Jeongmin Kim in SEOUL, Josh Horwitz in SHANGHAI, and Christian Shepherd in BEIJING; Editing by Paul Tait and Nick Macfie) By Paul Sandle LONDON (Reuters) - Japan's Shinzo Abe said on Thursday that the world did not want to see a disorderly Brexit and that he fully supported British Prime Minister Theresa May's withdrawal deal from the European Union now facing defeat in parliament. Some of Japan's leading companies in Britain have warned that a no-deal Brexit could be a disaster. After meeting May in London, Abe said it was scenario no one wanted to see. "It is the strong will of Japan to further develop this strong partnership with the UK, to invest more into the country and to enjoy further economic growth with the UK," Abe said through a translator at a news conference alongside May. "That is why we truly hope that a no-deal Brexit will be avoided and, in fact, that is the wish of the whole world." Japanese firms have spent more than 46 billion pounds ($59 billion) in Britain, encouraged by successive British governments since Margaret Thatcher promising them a business-friendly base from which to trade across Europe. The future of Brexit remains deeply uncertain - with options ranging from a disorderly exit from the EU to another membership referendum - because British lawmakers are expected on Jan. 15 to vote down the deal May struck with the EU in November. Abe has been one of the strongest international supporters of May's Brexit deal since it was struck in November. When the two met at a G20 meeting in Buenos Aires in December, he asked for May's support to avoid a "no deal" and to ensure transparency, predictability and legal stability in the process. "Japan is in total support of the draft withdrawal agreement worked out between the EU and Prime Minister May which provides for transition to ensure legal stability for businesses that have invested into this country," he said. However, investors fear that if her deal is defeated as is expected then the world's fifth-largest economy could be plunged into a chaotic no-deal exit from the world's biggest trading bloc that would severely disrupt supply chains. Britain's business minister Greg Clark also said a no-deal Brexit would be a disaster and partners such as Japan need assurance that it will be avoided. May told reporters that the only way to avoid such a scenario was for lawmakers to support her deal. HONDA'S BREXIT CONCERN Japanese carmakers Nissan, Toyota and Honda build roughly half of Britain's nearly 1.7 million cars and have warned about the loss of any free and unfettered trade with the European Union after Brexit. Carmakers have warned that their factories, which rely on the constant delivery of parts to enter production cycles, would be severely damaged if Britain leaves the EU without a trade deal, forcing the need for customs checks at borders. In a sign of the concern, Honda said on Thursday it would shut its British operations for six days in April to help it counter any disruption. "This is to facilitate production recovery activity following any delays at borders on parts," Honda said in a statement. "These contingency provisions have been put in place to best mitigate the risk of disruption to production operations at the Swindon factory." Japan's ambassador to Britain, Koji Tsuruoka, issued a blunt warning about Brexit last February when he said Japanese companies would have to leave Britain if trade barriers made them unprofitable. Abe and May said they had discussed strengthening post-Brexit economic opportunities for both nations, with the Japanese leader welcoming Britain's interest in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership trade bloc. (Reporting by Paul Sandle and Andy Bruce; writing by Michael Holden; editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Hugh Lawson) Kitimat is one of the British Columbian cities at the heart of the Coastal GasLink project, which led to protests and arrests this week. Fourteen people were detained on Monday after members of the Wet'suwet'en First Nation opposed the pipeline which runs through its territory in Northern B.C. and blocked access for pipeline workers. Rallies in support of the Wet'suwet'en anti-pipeline movement were held in cities across Canada.' But those in favour of the project, like Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth, remain adamant the benefits outweigh the costs. The project aims to take natural gas from Dawson Creek to an LNG export facility near Kitimat. He spoke with CBC Early Edition host Stephen Quinn. Rafferty Baker/CBC The Coastal GasLink pipeline is a key part of the LNG export project near Kitimat. What does this LNG project mean to your community? It's a game changer for Kitimat and not just for Kitimat either it's also for our region up here in Northern B.C. and, of course, for the economy of B.C. and Canada. It means a lot jobs-wise as well as the tax base. LNG Canada and Coastal GasLink have done an outstanding job of their engagement and consultation over these past five or six years. Rafferty Baker/CBC If they've done such an outstanding job, why do we have hereditary chiefs blocking access to the pipeline construction site? I can't say exactly why, but Coastal GasLink and LNG Canada have been working with those hereditary chiefs for over five years now. Every single elected community along the pipeline route and every single elected First Nations along that pipeline route are in support of the project, [according to Coastal GasLink. CBC The key to what you're saying is the word "elected." But if hereditary leaders who say they're responsible for affairs off-reserve and for the stewardship of the larger territory if they're not on board, what does that do to a project? That's the million dollar question in Canada. Story continues I can't speak on First Nations governance and structure but there's no doubt it's a big question. Chantelle Bellrichard/CBC Since we saw the arrests of 14 people on Monday, we've seen a swell of support across the country. How concerned are you that this could change the way people look at projects like this LNG project? There's no doubt that there's some concern there. But when you look at the job that LNG Canada did on this project, it was outstanding when it came to community consultation and engagement. If something like this can't go through, that would be a huge disappointment for Canada. This interview aired on CBC Radio One's The Early Edition on Jan. 9 and has been edited for length and clarity. To hear the full interview, click on the audio segment below. TEL AVIV (Reuters) - Israel-based healthcare fund aMoon II has received commitments of $600 million from investors and aims to raise up to $750 million by its close in February, according to an investor document obtained by Reuters. This is up from an original $500 million target set by the fund, which is investing in mid- to late-stage companies in digital health, medical devices and biopharma in Israel, the United States and Europe. Launched in 2018, aMoon II said in May it had secured a $250 million investment commitment from Credit Suisse's asset management and private banking divisions. The fund intends to invest $10 million to $40 million in 15 to 20 companies over the next five years. aMoon was founded in 2016 by Marius Nacht, co-founder and chairman of Check Point Software Technologies, and Yair Schindel. Their first fund, the $200 million aMoon I, invested in 20 startups. A third fund, aMoon Velocity, which will focus on early-stage startups, is open only to investors in aMoon II and has a fundraising target of $120 million. Nacht is investing $360 million of his own money in the three funds, according to the document. Company officials on Wednesday declined to comment. Israel has about 1,500 life science companies, a number expected to reach 2,500 in the next five years as the government provides tax breaks and other financial incentives. Israel also has two of the largest healthcare databases in the world and multinationals such as Novartis, Johnson & Johnson and Merck Serono operate research centers there. aMoon II has invested in four companies, including $10.6 million in cancer therapy firm Ayala Pharmaceuticals, in which Bristol-Myers Squibb co-invested. aMoon's investment was worth $145 million according to Ayala's last fundraising round. (Reporting by Tova Cohen; Editing by Steven Scheer and Alexandra Hudson) Australian model and actress Annalise Braakensiek has died. On Sunday, police visited Braakensieks home in Sydney for a welfare check after those close to the star became concerned about her whereabouts as she had not been heard from, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. Inside the home, police found the body of a 46-year-old woman, who they have yet to formally identify as Braakensiek, The Herald reported. At this time, her cause of death remains unknown and is not thought to be suspicious, The Guardian reported. Less than a month before she was found dead, Braakensiek shared an Instagram post about feeling that life was twisted and upside down on Dec. 14. Everything seems to feel twisted and upside down at the moment am I right?! Lifes challenges have been deep, dark, difficult, demanding and down right scary lately, Braakensiek captioned a black and white photograph of herself naked standing on her head. For me and so many others I know. But today is a new day! and Ive also had some of the best jobs, travels and experiences of my life this year for which Im THAT grateful. So, heres to happiness and light, endless possibilities and new beginnings, Braakensiek continued. Annalise Braakensiek The model then went on to thank her fans and friends who have helped her through a turbulent year. Braakensiek also opened up about her battle with depression in a separate Instagram post on Dec. 4. Hanging in there by the hair on my chiny chin chin, Braakensiek wrote. Sheesh its been a challenging year for so many of us, am I right?!?!?! Braakensiek was an advocate for mental health. In November, she revealed she was an ambassador for R U OK? a suicide prevention charity in Australia. Im a proud ambassador for this fantastic suicide prevention charity mental health has so so many misconceptions, criticism, misunderstandings and false judgements still!! We have to break the silence on mental health because it happens to the best of us, Braakensiek explained. Story continues Annalise Braakensiek Shortly after the news of her death broke, the charity expressed their condolences on Twitter. The R U OK? team are devastated to hear of the loss of much loved and respected R U OK? Ambassador Annalise Braakensiek. Our heartfelt condolences are with her friends, family and those whose lives she touched. Braakensiek made her TV debut in 1997 as Stephanie in Heartbreak High. She then went on to star in Home and Away (1998), Pizza (2000) and Play Your Cards Right (2002-03). She also starred in the 2000 film Mr. Accident, Fat Pizza (2003) and Sleuth 101 (2010). RELATED: Australian Instagram Model, 20, Found Dead Aboard Yacht in Greece In 2002, Braakensiek married stockbroker Danny Goldberg and the two split in 2018, 9 News reported. A representative for Braakensiek did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. If you or someone you know is considering suicide or struggling with mental health issues, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). * Washington offered sanctions waivers to Turkey, others * Waiver lets Turkey import 60,000 bpd of Iranian oil * Turkey imported about 54,000 bpd in December from Iran LONDON, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Turkey has resumed imports of Iranian crude oil after a one-month hiatus in November when U.S. sanctions on Iran were reimposed, trading and shipping sources said. The United States granted Turkey and other countries import waivers in early November. Turkey said it was permitted to take 3 million tonnes a year, equivalent to about 60,000 barrels per day (bpd), under the waiver. Turkey used to import about 200,000 bpd of Iranian crude before Washington announced last year that it would pull out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and reimpose sanctions. Turkey had reduced its imports from Iran in the months prior to sanctions coming into force in early November. Its imports fell to zero in November. But in December Turkey took delivery of two tankers carrying Iranian crude, equivalent to about 54,000 bpd during December, according to a shipping and trading source familiar with the matter. The Solan tanker delivered into the port of Aliaga, while the Sea Topaz I discharged at Tutunciftlik. So far in January, Turkey is set to receive a cargo from the Iranian-owned tanker Sinopa, the sources and Refinitiv Eikon ship tracking showed. Turkish officials and Tupras were not immediately available to comment. (Reporting by Julia Payne Additional reporting by Orhan Coskun in Ankara Editing by Edmund Blair) More From CNBC On January 8, Cowen analyst Vivien Azer released a report estimating the U.S. marijuana market to be worth between $40 billion and $50 billion. By 2030, its expected to reach $80 billion thats up from her previous estimate of $75 billion. In 2017, five million Canadians purchased just shy of $6 billion of cannabis. While the Canadian market is significantly smaller than the U.S., the numbers still imply a whopping $1,200 annual spend per customer. Ultimately, however, the market is expected to top out at roughly $9 billion in Canada. If Canadian pot producers want to realize their full potential, theyll need to capitalize on foreign markets like the U.S. But not all producers have the same exposure to growing international sales. If youre looking to benefit from burgeoning marijuana markets around the world, Aurora Cannabis (TSX:ACB)(NYSE:ACB) is your best bet. Five continents, 22 countries Aurora is the largest legal cannabis producer by scale and sales in the world. It has sales exposure in 22 countries across five continents and holds leading medical marijuana market shares in both Europe and Latin America. The company has 11 production facilities in multiple countries, three of which hold E.U. certifications. Current run-rate production stands at just 70,000 kilograms per year, but new production facilities will push volumes to 150,000 kilograms by early 2019. By mid-2020, Aurora expects to achieve output of 500,000 kilograms, most of which will be produced in Canada and Denmark. While a global reach allows it to tap nascent international demand, it also gives the company critical scale in an industry where low-cost production is crucial for success. Aurora should be able to produce cannabis for under $1 per gram over time, giving it impressive margins considering wholesale prices are around $7 per gram. Scale also allows Aurora to invest in differentiated products and research. Currently, it has more than 40 clinical studies in progress or completed, most of which used its 70,000 medical patient customer base. Story continues North American troubles outline need for international exposure Aurora has a proven ability to tap markets outside Canada and the U.S. Given current supply gluts, this should give the company an edge in the years to come. For example, Aurora was the first company to receive a cannabis import permit from the Polish Ministry of Health. It was also the first company allowed to ship medical cannabis to Malta. It was the first to ship medical cannabis to Denmark and the first to export cannabis from Canada to Italy in mid-2018. Thats a lot of firsts. On January 7, news headlines wrote that Oregon was drowning in one million pounds of excess weed. According to Adam Smith, founder and director of the Oregon small business association Craft Cannabis Alliance, the state is looking at hundreds of millions of dollars of local capital that is at imminent risk. The inability for Oregon producers to export their product has put the entire statewide industry in chaos. Dont put your eggs in one basket As the cannabis market opens and matures around the world, its important not to make a singular bet on any one country, particularly because regulations, supply, and competition can change in a heartbeat. Aurora has a proven ability to tap international markets. On many occasions, it was the first company in the world to do so. If youre making a bet on growing global demand for cannabis, Aurora remains your best bet. More reading Fool contributor Ryan Vanzo has no position in any stocks mentioned. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu Exiled former ZANU PF minister Professor Jonathan Moyo has told Strive Masiyiwa and his lawyer Tawanda Nyambirai to go to hell as he is not afraid of them. Moyo said he is willing to face Masiyiwa and his team pound for pound if there continued to vilify him. Moyo was responding to reports that Masiyiwa had instructed lawyers to serve him for defamation. On Thursday Moyo continued to expose Masiyiwa's role in ZANU PF behind the scenes and identify him as one of the key players in keeping ZANU PF in power. We publish the full statement below: It's trite that the process to renew a mobile phone operator's license must be as prescribed by law. It can't be an open process subject to negotiation between the operator the regulator as happened with Econet and ZanuPF when the latter needed 2013 election funds for ZEC! Before detailing how and why the renewal of Econet's license in 2013 was unorthodox and illegal, as it was specifically tied to the mobilisation of funds to run the 2013 elections, I need to first tell Strive Masiyiwa and his running dogs such as Tawanda Nyambirai to go to hell! Strive Masiyiwa initiated this debate when he made false and defamatory allegations on his Facebook page that I "organised farm invasions, theft of elections and violence against the opposition". I responded by disclosing his role through Econet in rigged polls in 2008 and 2013! As advised by my lawyers, I could have responded by suing Masiyiwa in Britain, a right I have reserved, but in the interest of truth-telling I used my Twitter TL to disclose what I know about his dirty deals with ZanuPF as he faked to be 100% with the MDC in 2008 and 2013! Strive Masiyiwa's use of ZanuPF's Varakashi to peddle litigation threats after he initiated the debate with false and defamatory allegations against me on his FACEBOOK page confirms he's working with ZanuPF and is a coward and a cyber bully who starts debates he cannot finish! Only a bondnote billionaire like Masiyiwa has time to start cyber brawls to defame users of his company products. Imagine billionaires like Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg doing that. If Masiyiwa and his running dogs want a rumble in the dungeon, they'll get it pound for pound! Now to Masiyiwa's ZanuPF dirty deal to fund the organisation and conduct of the 2013 elections by ZEC. In February 2013 as I was researching and drafting the ZanuPF 2013 election manifesto, Patrick Chinamasa engaged me on a need for a select group to solve election problems! Chinamasa told me that there had been a core group in 2008 to deal with the runoff; which included Mnangagwa, Chiwenga, Chihuri, Bonyongwe, Charamba, Gono, himselfand others he did not name. He said this group formalised dollarisationand introduced multicurrency in Jan 2009! Chinamasa said he had sought and obtained approval from President Mugabe to revive the 2008 group to prepare for the 2013 poll. He asked for new names to add to the 2013 group, besides mine. I suggested Rtd Brig General Tapfumaneyi from ZanuPF HQ and Kizito Gweshe from the CIO. The full 2013 poll group had: Emmerson Mnangagwa (who chaired it), Dr Sydney Sekeramayi, Patrick Chinamasa (deputy chair), Nicholas Goche, Gen Constantino Chiwenga, Augustine Chihuri, Happyton Bonyongwe, Walter Tapfumaneyi, Kizito Gweshe, George Charamba and Jonathan Moyo! The group's overarching agenda was to: 1. Contain Sadc mediation, so it does not derail 2013 elections. 2. Ensure that Parliament is dissolved by 29 June 2013 and elections are held soon thereafter. 3. Get Econet and diamond companies to fund elections to avoid UN funding! Besides the three-pronged agenda, there were other daily issues that cropped up. One was a report that lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa had blocked a police raid on Prime Minister Tsvangirai's Bath Rd offices in Belgravia. The group decided to have Mtetwa deported but this failed! A double-edged strategy was adopted to end Sadc mediation and ensure the election is held soon after the dissolution of Parliament on 29 June 2013: take the disputed election date to the Supreme Court and out of the hands of Sadc who wanted GPA parties to negotiate the date! By the time Sadc held its Maputo Summit on 15 June 2013, the Supreme Court had ordered President Mugabe to issue a proclamation to hold elections by 31 July 2013 in the famous Mawarire judgment. A poll date had been set. Sadc could not interfere with a court decision! Bouyed by its Supreme Court strategy to end Sadc mediation and to set a date for the 2013 election outside GPA negotiations, the group got Prof Lovemore Madhuku to fly with President Mugabe to Maputo for the 15 June 2013 Sadc Summit to explain the Supreme Court decision! Linked to the Supreme Court strategy to end Sadc mediation and to set 31 July 2013 as the election date, was the need to mobilise funds for ZEC to organize and conduct the election. Since Treasury had said there was no money for elections, the UN had stepped in with an offer! The group had problems with the UN offer to fund ZEC for the 2013 elections. The UN offer came with a litany of conditions: insisting on an advance team to assess the situation on the ground; on the management of the elections; and on election observers. Tough conditions! The group rejected the UN offer because of its politically tough conditions. This drove the group to find alternative sources of funding. Two were identified: negotiating with diamond companies in Chiadzwa and negotiating with Econet, whose license was expiring July 2013! The negotiations with Mbada, Anjin and Marange Diamonds were straightforward but by then the murmurs were that alluvials had run out. Also, these diamond companies and the Army were busy importing ZanuPF election regalia. It's the negotiations with Econet which got tough! There have been comparisons between Econet in 2013 and ANZ, publishers of Masiyiwa's Nyarota edited DailyNews in 2003. The two are very different. In 2003 ANZ refused to register and approached the Supreme Court for condonation but failed. In 2013 Econet NEGOTIATED a DEAL! The illegality and rot over the Econet situation in 2013 starts with the fact that it's license renewal did not follow a transparent process as prescribed by law. Instead, it followed an open-ended "scratch-my-back-and-I-scatch-your-back" process between ZanuPF and Masiyiwa! ZanuPF knew that Econet's 15 year licence issued in July 1998 was due to expire in July 2013. ZanuPF WANTED A DEAL for Econet to pay $180m for a renewed license for a new 15 year period; which previously was $100m. The extra $80m would then underwrite the 2013 election! Masiyiwa knew ZanuPF was vulnerable and desperate to fund the 2013 poll and avoid the UN. Econet played tough: reduce $180m fee to $137,5m for 20 and not 15 years; deduct $60m interconnection fees owed to Econet by NetOne and TelOne; Econet to pay $77,5m over six months! ZanuPF got the money to stop UN funds for ZEC to run the 2013 poll with no UN conditions and no UN observers. Masiyiwa got Econet's license renewed for a song. Taxpayers paid $60m of the Econet license by assuming NetOne and TelOne debts to Econet. It was a MEGA DEAL! News / National by Mandla Ndlovu God told me that we should pray against xenophobic attacks in South Africa in 2019. If they are allowed to happened they will be more vicious than what we saw in the past. We must pray for the spirit of tolerance because as the economic situation tightens in the country, a lot of Zimbabweans will go to South Africa to seek economic refugee there. This may spark xenophobic hatred and xenophobic attacks. I saw a cloud moving especially on major cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria and Durban. I saw cars being burnt, I saw people being attacked in their homes. And the Spirit of the Lord said these young people that you are seeing running around with a few older people are pushed by a spirit of xenophobia. We must not wait for these things to take but must begin praying now. Because if we allow them to take place you might hear your relatives saying we are not able to go to work because we do not know whether we will come back from work. In the realms of the spirit I saw the South Africans who are behind this thing and fueling it. Let us pray for the spirit of tolerance. Pray for South African leaders and community leaders to be understanding towards foreigners. The way I saw it, it was very serious. As we are fasting let us dispel this cloud of xenophobia over South Africa. Bulawayo based pastor of Divine Kingdom Ministries Ian Ndlovu has prophesied that Zimbabweans based in South Africa will be victims of deadly xenophobic attacks in 2019 if they do not pray.Ndlovu was speaking during a prophecy about Prophet Shepherd Bushiri recently.We publish the full prophecy below:Ndlovu has carved his name as a prophet whom most of his words come to pass.Watch the full Prophecy below: News / National by Staff reporter A man who impregnated his 18-year-old niece before his wife took her to a traditional healer to terminate the pregnancy has been jailed for four years.James Chihuri, 51, of Seke, was initially charged with rape when he appeared before Harare Regional magistrate Thembe Kuwanda.He was, however, convicted of incest after he admitted to sleeping with the complainant saying it was consensual.Chihuri will serve an effective three years in jail after Kuwanda suspended 12 months for five years on condition of good behaviour.During mitigation, Chihuri pleaded for a non-custodial sentence to enable him to financially provide for the three-week-old child who is a product of the incest."You cannot even say you want a fine. If the law allowed, I shouldn't have incarcerated you. I should have sent you to the jungle with the animals because you are not a human being," Kuwanda said.It was the State's case that sometime in March last year, the complainant was sleeping in the dining room with her 10-year-old sister.She woke up feeling cold and realised that the blankets had been removed.The court heard that Chihuri threatened to kill her if she screamed for help before raping her once.In the morning, the girl told Chihuri's wife Anna Magwenya and she did nothing about it.Chihuri sneaked into the girl's bedroom on two more occasions and had sexual intercourse with her.During the same month, the complainant informed Chihuri that she had missed her period and he gave her half cup of boiled Tanganda tea leaves in an effort to terminate the pregnancy but failed.Following the foiled abortion, the court heard that Chihuri informed his wife Magwenya that he was responsible for the girl's pregnancy.Instead of reporting the matter to the police, Magwenya took the girl to a traditional healer identified as Simbisai Magora to terminate the pregnancy.Magora reportedly gave the complainant some powdered herbs to mix with porridge but he failed to terminate the pregnancy.Magwenya then advised the girl's parents about the pregnancy through a phone call.In June of the same year, the girl went to her home in Zvishavane where she informed her mother, leading to Chihuri's arrest. News / National by Staff reporter Hundreds of students across the country have been turned away from school for non-payment of fees despite government's directive not to send learners away.This comes after Primary and Secondary Education minister Paul Mavima discouraged schools from sending children away for non-payment of fees suggesting they should not be punished on behalf of their parents."We have said it over and over again that no child should be sent away for non-payment of fees. That is government policy. We don't expect it to be happening. The matter of fees is between the school and the parent, not the child and under our Constitution every child has a right to go to school."We want to provide quality education that is accessible; therefore, no child should be left behind," Mavima said.As schools opened earlier this week, Nyamuzihwa High School in Mutoko and Baring Primary School in Mutare chased away school children for failure to produce receipts as proof of payment upon entry at the schools.Justice for Children (JCT) expressed exasperation that a number of schools were chasing away students despite stated government policy."JCT urges schools to treat children under their care humanely. JCT has just received disturbing reports of a school locking out children leaving them with their school stuff in the rain," the charity said in a statement.JCT said the legal position is that if schools are owed, the one to go after is the parent and not the innocent and hapless child.The organisation's programmes manager John Mhlanga told the Daily News that as education is a right, government must make efforts to ensure that it is affordable to everyone."If we are to maintain our literacy level I am sure primary education should be catered for by government. In terms of the constitution, children have the right to basic education. To make it affordable it has to be free to ensure that it becomes compulsory. Every child whatever the level of income the family may have must be able to fulfil the right to education through attending school," Mhlanga said.Some of the children were allegedly sent home for debts as little as $7 on opening day.Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) pointed out that the majority of those who fall victim to this practice are children from disadvantaged families and acquiring education can be the only way out of a life of poverty."Turning away children from the classroom undermines the principle of the best interest of a child, a standard prescribed and emphasised in the constitution of Zimbabwe, and in human rights instruments that Zimbabwe has voluntarily ratified," ZLHR said.Government last year resolved to start offering free basic education this year saying authorities will amend the Education Act when Parliament resumes sitting to align laws with section 27 of the Constitution.Free basic education was stopped during the early 1990's at the height of government's Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (Esap) that witnessed massive reduction of social services. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe Raymond Majongwe has reported that 101 fuel tankers have arrived in the country. Majongwe said he counted the tankers on his way to Harare."On my way back to Harare I counted up to about 53 heading for Mutare hope they will bring fuel tomorrow." Majongwe said. "Good thing is I counted up to 48 tankers heading for Harare so I hope the fuel situation should improve soon."When Majongwe was asked whether he was certain the tankers were going to offload fuel in Harare he said, "I said they were driving towards Harare chete the offloading part is something else."Zimbabwe has been struck with a fuel shortage crisis since last year. The garages where fuel is available are either selling on foreign currency or to their preferred members.On Wednesday journalist Kholwani Nyathi reported that members of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces arrived at a Puma garage in Bulawayo and demanded to be served ahead of everyone who had queued for more than five hours."I have been in a fuel queue at a Puma service station in Bulawayo for over five hours now and it is not moving an inch because soldiers in uniform want to be served first. Chances of leaving empty handed are high. The more things change, the more they remain the same." Nyathi said.Ambulances in Bulawayo and Harare were reported to be stuck in fuel garages for the past 48 hours. News / National by MailOnline.com A wife was strangled to death by her husband who then hanged himself in their home in what police are treating as a murder-suicide.Simbiso Aretha Moula, 39, and her husband Garikayi Moula, 51, - both originally from Zimbabwe - were both found dead in their home at their home in Lower Mardyke Avenue, Rainham in east London last Friday.Officers were called to at the couple's home at 7.50am and found the cause of Simbiso's death as compression of the neck while Garikayi's death was suspension.Police are treating her death as murder while his death is not being treated as suspicious.In the aftermath of the tragic incident, a post-mortem examination took place at Queen's Hospital Mortuary in Romford two days later.Scotland Yard said they are not looking for anybody else in relation to the deaths.A Met Police spokesperson said: "Police continue to investigate the deaths of two people at a residential address in Rainham."Although formal identification is yet to take police, officers are satisfied that the deceased are Simbiso Aretha Moula, 39, and her husband Garikayi Moula, 51, of Rainham."Provisional cause of deaths were confirmed as: Simbiso Aretha Moula compression of the neck; Garikayi Moula suspension."Officers were called to the couple's home in Lower Mardyke Avenue, Rainham by London Ambulance Service at 7.50am on Friday after Mr and Mrs Moula were found deceased."Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers. Nobody else is sought in connection with their deaths."Detectives from the Met's Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating.Detective Chief Inspector Paul Considine said: "I would like to thank those members of the public with whom we have spoken as part of our inquiry thus far."We are ensuring that next of kin are being fully supported at this most difficult of times."If you heard or saw anything at the address that seemed out of place or of concern between the hours of 10.30pm on Thursday, 3 January, and 8.00am the following day, please don't hesitate to contact us." News / National by Mandla Ndlovu The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association have announced that the industrial action that had been running for the past 40 days has come to an end.In a statement released on Thursday ZHDA said, "ZHDA is pleased to inform its membership, members of the press and public that the industrial action by doctors in Government hospitals has come to an end."Sadly with no salary review, and frozen December salaries in this rough and ravaging economic environment, it remains a dilemma how our members will report to work daily. Indeed poor remuneration and the current fuel shortage remain a threat that may spontaneously hinder our members from reporting to work daily and discharging quality health service to patients. That being said, our members have begrudgingly resumed work with effect from today as dialogue continues."Doctors had been asking for salary review or to be paid in US Dollars. The government has refused to budge to their demands. Vice President Constantino Guvheya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga wa deployed to deal with the negations but failed prompting First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa to take over the process. News / National by newzimbabwe.com CIVIL servants representative groups announced Tuesday they were all going on strike within the next 14 days if government failed to meet their wage demands.This follows a crisis meeting they held with government on Monday, with nothing concrete emerging out of the indaba.In a notice signed by Apex chairperson, Cecilia Gambe, Zimbabwe's restless workforce said the collective job action has been necessitated by its employer's continued failure to address its plight in areas such as salaries, housing and other allowances."The Apex Council representing the entire civil service hereby serve notice of collective job action within 14 days from the date of this letter," said Gambe."The reason for this step is premised on the incapacitation of our members and the failure by government to address the same."The incapacitation comes in the wake of the erosion of our static salaries due to the sky-rocketing cost of living."Despite numerous meetings being held between the government and staff associations, there has not been any tangible results to date."Most civil servants take home a monthly average of $350 and are finding it hard to make ends meet.Just this week as schools opened, commuter omnibus operators increased fares from $1.50 to $3 depending on the distance travelled.The operators argue that they were failing to get fuel at service stations and were now resorting to sourcing for the scarce resource from the black market where 5 litres of petrol was going for between $25 and $30.Last year, just before the 30 July elections, President Emmerson Mnangagwa administration awarded soldiers a 22.5 % pay rise, while police saw their pay go up by 20 % with teachers and other civil servants receiving 17.5 % salary increase.However, the wage increases have been wiped out by a recent surge in prices of goods and services.While government workers have continued to present a divided front on how to handle their salary dispute with their employer, they have been unanimous in their demands for US dollar wages.Doctors recently embarked on a five-week long job action that crippled service at the country's public hospitals.They want US dollar wages, improvement in the supply of drugs and medicines and to be allowed to import their cars duty free.Civil servants also had a bleak festive season after Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube calculated their 2018 bonuses based on their basic salaries at the exclusion of housing and transport allowances.Briefing journalists on Monday, acting Public Service Minister July Moyo said the cash-strapped government was going to reveal its offers based on the list of demands placed before it by civil servants."The statutory body, Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) will fix the final negotiated agreements on the public service sector once the government has given them an offer," Moyo told journalists Monday.However, government was yet to respond on their notice to go on an all-out strike. News / National by Staff reporter The government has held a consultative meeting with representatives of the Apex Council and other government workers associations.In a statement, the Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman, Dr Vincent Hungwe said the government will announce an integrated cost of living adjustment (COLA).Dr Hungwe also said the National Joint Negotiating Council will meet not later than Thursday this week to outline principles that will underpin the allocation of the adjustments.He said the cost of living adjustment will be distributed across all grades of workers as a basic salary, housing and transport allowances.Dr Hungwe also said there is need to agree on a road map to roll out the establishment of a Public Service Pension Scheme based on a funded and defined benefit modality that is guaranteed by government to protect contributors. News / National by newzimbabwe Mandi Chimene, former Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister failed to attend the burial of Ellen Zimondi, her daughter, who passed on after suffering from an undisclosed ailment.Chimene is believed to be holed in Mozambique ever since President Emmerson Mnangagwa, with the help of the military, November 2017 staged a coup against former President Robert Mugabe.The outspoken war veteran is reported to have snubbed the burial of her daughter fearing persecution from the new Mnangagwa administration.According to sources, Zimondi was buried at Yeovil cemetery in Westlea in the absence of her mother. News / National by newzimbabwe.com The Nelson Chamisa led MDC Alliance is finalising the integration of structures and assets from in the Alliance's seven political parties, ahead of the main opposition's elective congress set for not later than October this year.The Alliance, which comprises mostly party splinter groups from the original MDC of 1999, was formed 2017 as a united front to challenge President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF in last year's general elections.MDC Alliance co-Vice President, Welshman Ncube told NewZimbabwe.com Tuesday that they were confident the merger will be completed in time for congress.Ncube also said they expected leaders from other political parties within the alliance to also be integrated within national structures. He also said the alliance was also in the process of integrating members at district, ward as well as branch levels. News / National by Staff reporter Former First Lady Grace Mugabe's sister, Shuvai Junior Gumbochuma, who is accused of fraudulently acquiring vast tracts of government land worth more than $2 million, is negotiating a deal to turn into a State witness in a case in which former Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere is accused of parcelling out the land to her.Prosecutor Zivanai Macharaga yesterday asked magistrate Elisha Singano to postpone the case to January 22 to allow him to finalise talks with Gumbochuma's defence team, led by Lovemore Madhuku."We are now in possession of the docket, and we need to finalise the discussions we are having with the defence, with a possibility to come up with a trial date," Macharaga said.But Singano asked Macharaga to explain to the court the nature of the discussions.Madhuku came to Macharaga's defence, telling the magistrate that the State had dangled an offer to his client to be a State witness and those discussions have to be completed before a trial date could be provided."Your Worship, we are discussing a matter where our client is regarded as a witness and the State gave us an offer and we haven't clarified our position regarding the offer and that is the discussion we are engaging in," Madhuku told court.Allegations are that sometime in August 2014, stand number 139 and 140 Gillingham Estate in Dzivarasekwa, Harare, was made available for sale to developers who could develop high-density urban residential stands.It is alleged Gumbochuma, in a bid to acquire the land, misrepresented that she had the capacity to develop it.The State alleges that on March 27, 2015, Gumbochuma was offered stand number 140 Gillingham, as evidenced by the offer letter that originated from the ministry.She was then required to pay an intrinsic land value of $424 426 to the Local Government ministry.It is further alleged that Gumbochuma, who neither had the capacity to pay the intrinsic land value nor to develop the land, then created and registered a company Scanlen (Pvt) Ltd as a vehicle to further her fraudulent transaction.Gumbochuma allegedly sold the said land for $2 060 000, without paying for the land.N-Frasys then paid the intrinsic land value to the Local Government ministry and paid the balance to Gumbochuma.It is alleged that Gumbochuma's conduct was prejudicial to the good administration of the ministry, as she profiteered from State land, thereby distorting the market value of the State land from a mere $424 426 to an inflated value of $2 060 000.In February 2016, Gumbochuma, a former director of Rodonior and Bojunior Investments, is also accused of misrepresenting facts that Rodonior was a registered company, capable of contracting as a legal persona.It is also alleged the ministry allocated 150 hectares of land in Goodhope to Rodonior Investments.Investigations were made with the Registrar of Deeds of Companies and confirmed that Rodonior was not registered.The State alleges that due to Gumbochuma's actions, the ministry suffered prejudice to its good administration.Sometime in August 2016, she was again allocated 20 hectares in Chishawasha, although the offer letter was withdrawn on September 15 last year. News / National by Staff reporter GOVERNMENT business could grind to a complete halt next week if government fails to meet the demands made by civil service as the wheels of governance continue to come off on President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration.Representatives of the workers through the Apex Council and government are set to meet again this week to deliberate on the demands.The meeting came as government has already indicated that the fiscal space and environment obtaining in the country did not permit it to increase the civil servants' salaries without further hurting the economy.In an interview yesterday, Apex Council secretary David Dzatsunga said a full blown strike could be the only avenue by which to force government to review its position.Dzatsunga said workers were not worried that government had indicated its inability to meet their demands, but said it was government's duty to find resources to meet their demands."We have no option, but to embark on a full-scale strike in the event that the talks that we have been asked to sit in this week fail to yield the desired results," he said.Dzatsunga added that the strike was inevitable as they would not accept any offers that would insult their membership. The workers are demanding a $1 700 salary for the lowest paid civil servant and $3 000 for the highest paid worker.Government on Monday indicated that it would unveil its salary offer to the representatives of the workers at the next meeting likely to be held today."As workers, we are yet to be told that which government says is a package for our members. They have not even told us as the representatives of the workers. All that has been kept under wraps.Public Service Commission chairperson, Vincent Hungwe said the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting will address issues to enhance the capacity of government workers to effectively discharge their duties.In a statement, Hungwe said government will announce an integrated cost of living adjustment and the NJNC will meet not later than tomorrow to discuss the issue.He said the meeting will adopt a common position on the need to integrate a programmatic approach in determining monetary and non-monetary benefits of civil servants in future."(Meeting) will agree on a roadmap to roll-out the establishment of a Public Service Pension Scheme based on a funded and defined benefit modality that is guaranteed by government to protect contributors," Hungwe said. News / National by Staff reporter A SERVING member of the Zimbabwe National Army and his unemployed colleague appeared at the Harare Magistrates' Court yesterday on allegations of stealing water tapes and electrical cables from former President Robert Mugabe's Blue Roof residence.Ngonidzashe Kapasura (26) stationed at the Presidential Guard unit, State House and his accomplice Raymond Chahwanda (23) were both remanded in custody to today for trial when they appeared before magistrate Victoria Mashamba charged with unlawful entry.The complainant is Gushungo Holdings Security represented by Fredson Peter.It is the State's case that on January 6 this year, Peter was carrying out perimeter wall checks when he met Kapasura and Chahwanda, who had unlawfully entered the property.Peter then searched the pair and recovered two water tapes, 15 metres of electric cables and a wall switch stolen from one of the rooms.The State alleges the stolen property valued at $150 was later handed over to the police and will be submitted in court as exhibits.Lancelot Mutsokoti appeared for the State. News / National by Staff reporter ZIMBABAWE'S public sector monthly wage bill has increased 10-fold to $300 million over the past decade, official data has shown.The actual size of the southern African country's labour force remains a mystery, with the last official estimates putting it in the range of 600 000.A 2015 audit of the civil service revealed that millions of dollars were being spent on salaries to ghost and idle workers.Resizing the public sector has been a topical issue over the past decade for the government, which struggles to fund its operations, but political pressures have stalled any such plans.Employment costs still account for a large chunk of government expenditure, leaving measly amounts for capital projects.In the ongoing negotiations between government and civil servants' representatives, government has indicated a willingness to increase wages, a development which would see the wage bill grow further.Finance minister Mthuli Ncube has reignited plans of trimming the civil service, proposing biometric registration of all public sector workers so as to flush out ghost workers.He said the registration process would be rigorous and would involve capturing data on letter of appointment, academic and professional qualifications, national identification documents, employment code numbers and biometric data.Last Friday, the Public Service Commission said that it had begun the process of laying off just over 3 000 workers from its youth ministry, as it tries to make good on its promise to cut the bloated civil service and sort out the country's finances.However, the anticipated savings will most likely be offset by government's plans to hire an additional 3 000 primary and secondary school teachers.Previous attempts to get rid of the youth officers by former Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa were blocked by ex-President Robert Mugabe. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu Dreaded ZANU PF activist Fidelis Fengu has called upon ZANU PF to create its own bank if it is to advance the growth and development agenda.Said Fengu, "ZANU PF must create, operate and manage its own bank.The party cannot entrust the private sector with the growth and development agenda without leading from the front."Fengu said the party has enough assets and resources to start such an initiative."The party has enough assets, resources and leverage to create and run a bank that is able to influence the pace of development in this country."The youth league and women's league should not rely on government funded entities. Agribank is also not capable of funding farmers alone."The party must set up it's own bank that will be pro people, pro poor and have facilities that benefit the unbanked, micro Enterprises and the informal economy at large."Fengu further said party members should contribute towards the formation of the bank especially using their skills."Party members can contribute towards the formation of this bank. We have brilliant minds such as Terence Mukupe and many other skilled financial minds who can actually make a ZANU PF bank work and influence the pace of development.I say it might sound silly but- if banks won't recognize offer letters then who will?- banks won't fund ZANU PF youths and women groups then who will?- If banks won't reach out to the unbanked then who will?-If banks won't reach out to people in the most remote parts of the country then who will?ZANU PF needs to lead the economic revolution from the front and I say let's explore a party owned bank." News / National by Staff reporter THE Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) has petitioned the High Court challenging the Labour Court's recent decision ordering the reinstatement of its suspended director of news and current affairs, Tazzen Mandizvidza.ZBC is seeking an order to reverse the judgment issued by the Labour Court in December last year.Hardly two weeks after the Labour Court ordered Mandizvidza's reinstatement, the national broadcaster again suspended him arguing that he was still facing disciplinary action over alleged misappropriation of over a million dollars.On Monday this week, ZBC filed a court application arguing that when the Labour Court made a determination to have Mandizvidza reinstated and reimbursed his past proven costs contemplated in clause (9)1 of the national broadcaster's code of conduct, ZBC had not been given a chance to present its position."This is an application for rescission of judgment obtained by the respondent (Mandizvidza) in casu in the absence of the applicant (ZBC)," the national broadscater's chief executive officer Patrick Mavhura said in his founding affidavit.Mavhura said on December 19 2018, ZBC was served with a court order that had been obtained by Mandizvidza through an urgent chamber application."The applicant and its legal practitioners were not served with the urgent chamber application and notice of set down that resulted in the order against it being granted in its absence," he said."On discovering that an order against it had been granted, the applicant requested for the file at the Labour Court. On perusing the file, the applicant confirmed that service and notice of set down were indeed not served on them or their legal practitioners."Mavhura further said the Labour Court file did not also have any directives that were issued to dispense with the service provided for in the rules of the Labour Court of 2017, adding the order was granted void of conforming to the rules of the court."If the order that was granted was to stand, the applicant would suffer irreparable prejudice as it interferes with the disciplinary hearing that commenced on December 11, 2018.The applicant would also suffer irreparable prejudice in that they are being ordered to make payments that might be impossible to recover if consideration is taken that the respondent is facing serious allegations that run into over a million dollars," he said.The matter is yet to be set down for hearing. News / National by Staff reporter A 34-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man, who was on the Interpol red flag for allegedly defrauding Sable Chemicals of 300 tonnes of fertiliser worth $174 000 four years ago, was last week apprehended outside the United States embassy in Harare where he had gone to process his travelling documents.Manase Manjova of Pumula South, yesterday pleaded not guilty to a fraud charge before Kwekwe magistrate Vimbai Mutukwa who granted him $3 000 bail and remanded him to January 21.The State alleges on June 17, 2013, Manjova approached Paul Mwanza, who is employed by Sable Chemicals as a sales and debtors officer, at a fast food outlet in Kwekwe.Manjova claimed to be an employee of Friends Without Boarders, a non-governmental organisation which allegedly wanted to purchase ammonium nitrate fertiliser from Sable Chemicals.Accused was told to make a formal request through electronic mail which he allegedly did. He requested for an offshore account to make a quicker transfer of the funds and was supplied with a profoma invoice with the banking details of Sasol, a South African company which supplies Sable Chemicals with ammonia so that he could transfer the $174 000.He was told that the order will be released after payment has been confirmed.On July 5, 2013, Manjova forged a Sasol email address and sent correspondence to Sable Chemicals confirming payment to ABSA Bank while pretending to be the South African company's finance manager, Eldine Holmes.Sable then released 300 tonnes of fertiliser the following day which Manjova sold. The company later received an alert from Sasol that the email which was being used was not theirs.The company made a report to the police, but Manjova fled and was then put on red notice by Interpol NCB Harare. Manjova was arrested on January 2 outside the US embassy after detectives got wind of his intensions to fly out of Zimbabwe.In granting bail, the magistrate ordered him to surrender his travelling documents, report once a week at Criminal Division (Crime) Bulawayo and continue residing at his given address and not to interfere with State witnesses.Freddy Ndoro represented the State. News / National by Staff reporter GOVERNMENT is considering setting up a fund to be accessed by higher and tertiary students struggling to provide collateral demanded by financial institutions providing educational loans.Tertiary students have previously raised concern that they were failing to access student loans as they could not provide the collateral demanded by financial institutions. In the 2019 national budget presentation, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube allocated $8 million to Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Ministry that will be disbursed by financial institutions without demanding collateral.In an interview yesterday, Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira said Government wants students to access loans."We are considering insurance or a risk fund for our students. That's why at some point we were saying we are negotiating with banks so we believe that we are going to use several mechanisms to make sure that we raise guarantees of one sort or another. That's part of our strategy," said Prof Murwira."The other strategy is for those students who might not be able to provide enough guarantees, we will then advance certain amounts as a guarantee to the bank so that they don't discard some of our students' proposals." He said Government will finalise the arrangement once the budget is approved."It's not yet finished, it's really part of a cocktail of strategies that we are trying to use. We await the operationalising of the budget because the budget is not yet operational. As soon as things are operational we would give details on how we are going to take the issue forward," he said.Due to the prevailing economic situation in the country, most students are struggling to pay fees, resulting in some of them deferring their studies. News / National by Staff reporter FOUR families in Lubangwe in Hwange district cheated death when a villager allegedly went berserk and torched their huts in separate incidents in one night.Police arrested Hloniphani Moyo (24) of Isla Farm in Lubangwe on Monday morning. He had allegedly committed the crimes on Sunday night.At one of the homesteads in Isla Village 1, seven minor siblings were sleeping when Moyo allegedly threw a burning log through the window and it burnt a bed and blankets.Moments earlier Moyo had allegedly set alight a hut in which a couple, Mr Bhekimpilo Ndlovu, his wife Nkosinothando Mpala and their six-month old baby were sleeping in Isla Village 3.The couple and the baby escaped unhurt. Moyo had earlier in the night burnt down a hut at Ms Sithembiso Dube's homestead in neighbouring Isla Village 1 destroying property. Ms Dube is Mr Ndlovu's mother."We just heard noise around midnight and when we checked we saw that one of the huts was on fire. The fire burnt a bed, clothes and some important documents," she said.Villagers apprehended Moyo at his homestead in the morning and handed him to the police.They had identified him through some clothes which he left at an elderly woman's homestead where he had sneaked into a bedroom and fled half dressed after hearing voices of people approaching the homestead.Villagers suspect he wanted to rape the woman. Matabeleland North province police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese confirmed Moyo's arrest. She said two reports had been filed while police yesterday expected to record two more as four homesteads were targeted.In all cases no-one was injured while the motive for the burning spree is not known, said Chief Insp Makonese. News / National by Staff reporter President Mnangagwa yesterday paid tribute to civil servants unions for displaying "maturity" during a consultative meeting on salaries and conditions of service the workers held with Government representatives on Monday.Acting Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Mr George Charamba said the Head of State and Government was aware of the difficulties civil servants were going through and the need to adjust their salaries.This comes as Civil Service Commission (CSC) chairperson Dr Vincent Hungwe yesterday said the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC)which brings to the table Government and civil servants negotiatorsshould meet by tomorrow.Dr Hungwe said during the meeting Government would announce the cost of living adjustment it is offering its workers and how it will be distributed across grades. Mr Charamba said President Mnangagwa hinted that any salary adjustments would be made within the limits of the budget."This morning I had a telephonic contact with the President who is still on leave and in his communication with me, he paid tribute to Government workers for a very fruitful and mature preliminary interaction they had with a team of ministers and officials representing Government," he said."He wanted it known that he is fully aware of the cost of living pressures which the civil servants are going through and the need for Government to try its level best within the limits of the budget to ameliorate these difficulties," Mr Charamba said.During the Monday meeting, Government told its workers that it had a salary offer that would be tabled at the NJNC. Mr Charamba said the President was also thankful to junior doctors who had resumed work after a month-long strike."The President has also been thankful to the junior doctors across the country who have heeded the call to return to their work stations in the interest of their patients," he said."He was hopeful that the few who remain will soon appreciate the gravity of their responsibilities so they are in sync with their professional commitments."Dr Hungwe said the NJNC would meet not later than tomorrow."(It will meet) to outline the principles that will underpin the allocation of the integrated cost of living adjustment (COLA) announced by Government focusing on the following; the distribution of the COLA across all grades of workers, the proportion of the COLA to be allocated as basic salary and housing and transport allowances and the distribution of the COLA to rural versus urban workers," he said.He said the meeting would also adopt a common position on the need to integrate a programmatic approach in determining monetary and non-monetary benefits of civil servants in the future."It will identify the range of non-monetary benefits including the provision of land for housing in major towns, cities and growth points, the provisions of residential mortgage schemes and vehicle loans and promoting sustainable access to medical care," Dr Hungwe said."It will also agree on a roadmap to roll out establishment of a public service pension scheme based on a funded and defined benefit modality that is guaranteed by Government to protect contributors and generate input to align the current legislation that guides labour relations in the public sector to the constitution," Dr Hungwe said. News / National by Staff reporter A SCHOOLBOY from Nkulumane suburb in Bulawayo who was certified by a post-mortem last month to have died due to excessive alcohol consumption was actually killed, a second post-mortem has revealed.The latest report also states that Prichard Ndlovu (16) who was a Form Three pupil at Founders High School, had no alcohol in his system at the time of his death.Prichard allegedly died last month following teenage gang violence in Nketa 6 suburb and police opened murder investigations after his decomposing body was found dumped in a bushy area inside Nketa High School, not outside the school as was earlier reported.Police closed the murder case and released four suspects after the initial post mortem said he had died due to severe alcohol intoxication.The first post-mortem report which concluded that the boy had died from alcohol abuse was compiled at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH).The latest post-mortem was conducted at Mpilo Central Hospital. Prichard's family rejected the first post-mortem results as they suspected foul play and demanded a second one. His friends had told the family that the boy had last been seen escaping from a teenage gang which was attacking him and his friends.Prior to Prichard's burial in December his family with the help of Nkulumane MP Advocate Kucaca Phulu sought a second opinion on the cause of his death at Mpilo Central Hospital.The second post-mortem compiled by a pathologist at Mpilo Central Hospital revealed that Prichard's death was not due to excessive alcohol abuse but extensive muscle injury and assault. The Chronicle is in possession of the post mortem report.The report states that there were marks inflicted through violence which could have led to the boy's death. The post-mortem said shoddy work was done in the initial UBH post mortem.According to the second report, doctors at Mpilo Central Hospital discovered that Prichard's brain was missing and cotton wool was stashed in his empty skull."This is not a natural death. It was most likely a result of the trauma to the body i.e limbs, pelvis, back, face and neck. All visceral organs of the chest and abdomen were intact and were not opened or dissected during the initial post-mortem done on 12 December 2018 i.e they were not opened and examined internally. However, we did not see the brain," reads the report.According to the report, procedurally the brain should have been there, stored on the chest or abdominal cavities. The report states that police should institute investigations on the boy's murder."The now deceased's body was traumatised before death. On 24 December 2018 I saw the pictures taken by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at the scene where the body was found. Picture images DSC 0519, 0520, 0522 and 0523 match with some of the bruises and underlying soft tissue and muscle injuries found on the day of repost-mortem," the report reads."This was not a natural death. I did not see the UBH post-mortem report No 1191/1190/2018 (UBH) before, during and after the "repost-morteming."Dr Jekenya's report found "scanty brownish liquid substance in his stomach and no beer sediments or food". The Chronicle yesterday could not obtain a comment from the family, but Adv Phulu said the new findings entail that police revisit the matter."I'm happy that the family can now find closure in learning the truth about what happened to their child. We are looking forward that there would be proper investigations on the boy's death. It's a case where the system responded to the family's concerns and inquiries."As the MP, I'm also happy I spoke to the boy's mother; she is happy it's unfortunate you haven't been able to reach her. We now know that the child did not die due to alcohol abuse. The law has to take its course," said Adv Phulu.The lawyer said that the missing brain issue does not amount to anything as it is normally removed and replaced with cotton wool during post mortem. No comment could be obtained immediately from the police. News / National by Staff reporter FOUR people were killed, while 11 others were injured when a Masvingo-bound commuter omnibus collided head-on with a Honda Fit along the Harare-Masvingo highway.The accident occurred at the 44km peg near Beatrice on Sunday afternoon when a commuter omnibus tried to overtake at a blind curve, resulting in a fatal accident. Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba confirmed the accident in a statement."ZRP confirms the death of four people in a fatal road traffic accident that occurred on the 44km peg along the Harare-Masvingo Road near Beatrice," she said."Circumstances are that a Honda Fit with three passengers on board was traveling towards Harare while a Toyota Hiace with 10 passengers on board was traveling towards Masvingo."On approaching a curve at the 44km peg along the said road, the driver of the Toyota Hiace tried to overtake in front of the oncoming Honda Fit resulting in a head-on collision." She said three people died on the spot and one is admitted to Chitungwiza Central Hospital."Three people died on spot and the fourth died on admission to Chitungwiza General Hospital."All the bodies of the deceased are at Chitungwiza General Hospital Mortuary awaiting post-mortem," she said.She appealed to road users to ensure that the road is clear ahead of them before attempting to overtake."This is yet another fatal road accident as a result of human error, we urge motorists to observe road rules and regulations and ensure that road is clear before attempting to overtake," she said. News / National by Staff reporter A Harare man yesterday appeared in court for allegedly stabbing his wife four times with a knife after accusing her of having an extra marital affair with a man she sat besides in a commuter omnibus.Wilson Munyapwa appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Obedience Matare facing two counts of domestic violence. Mr Matare remanded Munyapwa in custody and postponed the matter to today.Prosecutor Mr Hatizivo Chatikobo told the court that on the first count, which took place in October last year, Munyapwa had an argument with his wife Memory Zvoushe after she refused to give him money.Munyapwa then assaulted Zvoushe with a stick on her waistline, resulting it getting swollen.The court heard that on the second count Munyapwa and Zvoushe boarded a commuter omnibus from Tafara suburb to the Gazebo. It is the State's case that soon after disembarking from the commuter omnibus, Munyapwa started accusing Zvoushe of having an extra marital affair with the man she had been sitting next to.The court heard that Munyapwa stabbed Zvoushe with a knife four times on the left palm, left back rib, left shoulder and the leg. The matter was reported to the police leading to Munyapwa's arrest. News / National by Staff reporter Gutu villagers yesterday castigated MDC-Alliance leader Mr Nelson Chamisa for failing to practise what he preaches. They accuse Mr Chamisa of speaking development in the media when his own village resembled an abandoned temple.Mr Chamisa, who harbours Presidential ambitions, comes from Chiwara communal lands in Gutu South.Villagers want Mr Chamisa to prove his worth at village level first before eyeing national positions. Village head Mr Shadreck Chidyarukuni told The Herald that Mr Chamisa was living large in a village where everyone was struggling to make ends meet and is not bothered by the gulf."I do not harbour any ambition of being President myself, but I am Chamisa's village head and have not yet witnessed any notable development that he has done in the village," said Mr Chidyarukuni.He said nothing on the ground suggested Mr Chamisa comes from Chiwara."You can see for yourself that there is nothing on the ground to show for his position as an aspiring presidential candidate. He is not leading by example. What we only know is that at his homestead there are 26 dogs and that it is electrified,'' said Mr Chidyarukuni.He said villagers were walking long distances to access basic amenities.Chief Chiwara, real name Mr Reuben Marinda, said Mr Chamisa was not "ripe" for the throne dismissing him as a pretender."Chamisa is still young in terms of his approach. He has made many empty promises in this area and next to his father's homestead there is a someone who cannot fend for himself but he continues to cast a blind eye ton his situation," said Chief Chiwara.He said Mr Chamisa had electrified his homestead yet other villagers were living in the dark."He needs time to mature before entertaining any idea of being the President of the country. He cannot compete with the person of the calibre of our President Emmerson Mnangagwa who is a tried and tested leader," said Chief Chiwara. News / National by Staff reporter NMB Bank administrator Mr Lazarus Chidoori has been slapped with a $6 380 lawsuit by a security guard he allegedly beat up while manning his flat.Mr Chidoori, who stays at Number 4 Glenside Road in Strathaven, Harare, is said to have assaulted Mr Temba Mirisi, a security guard employed by Vandrift Security Services.The security guard sustained injuries and lost a shirt in the scuffle. He now wants $3 000 for the pain and suffering he endured at the hands of Mr Chidoori.Mr Mirisi is claiming another $3 000 for contumelia, emotional and psychological trauma, $350 for medical expenses and $30 for the replacement of his torn shirt. He is also seeking an order for costs plus interest.G.S Kashangura Law Chambers are representing Mr Mirisi in the civil matter.The parties yesterday appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Gladys Moyo for a pre-trial conference, but the case was postponed to January 15. The incident, according to the summons, occurred on August 27 last year and Mr Chidoori allegedly kicked the security guard who was on duty all over his body after an undisclosed altercation.Mr Chidoori also assaulted Mr Mirisi using his hands. The incident was witnessed by other guards employed by Vandrift Security. According to the plaintiff's declaration, Mr Chidoori turned violent when he had not been provoked."The assault on the plaintiff was contumelious, unprovoked, barbaric and was perpetrated in full glare of various other people."Consequently, the assault infringed on plaintiff's right to personal integrity and security," reads the declaration.Mr Chidoori denied ever assaulting the security guard although in his defence, he partly admits to "fighting"."This is denied. The defendant did not assault the plaintiff as alleged but in fact, there was a misunderstanding and altercation after the defendant entered the premises and took keys, in the absence of plaintiff who was not at the designated place of guard duties, which led to a physical confrontation and fight," read the defendant's plea.Mr Chidoori counter-argued that the security guard also assaulted him. He stated in his papers that he paid an admission of guilty fine at the police station and on that basis, he claims the case should have ended there."A police report was made three days after the incident and resolved by admission to involvement in a brawl with no reference to injuries sustained by plaintiff," read the plaintiff's declaration.Mr Chidoori disputed the amount being claimed, saying the injuries had been exaggerated. News / National by Staff reporter First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa has no apologies to make to anyone for meeting the leadership of striking junior doctors last week and the few people attacking her personality belong to a tribe of heartless political activists who do not care about people's lives, Presidential spokesperson Mr George Charamba said yesterday.Mr Charamba said the First Lady, who is the ambassador for maternal and child health, has been involved in humanitarian work for a long time and no amount of name-calling will change her unique character.The First Lady last Friday met the leadership of junior doctors who were on strike and urged them to return to work. The move saw her receiving attacks from misguided opposition forces who accused her of politicking."The First Lady from the word go committed herself to doing humanitarian work, which is why she let go of her constituency in order to apply herself on a full time basis to humanitarian work," Mr Charamba said."Well, before the latest industrial action in the health sector, the First Lady was already engaged and involved in humanitarian work as it relates to health delivery. On many occasions, Zimbabweans saw her at work at different health facilities across the country in the service of the sick and those recuperating."He added: "It is in this character that when the striking junior doctors approached her for her involvement in the ongoing industrial action, she readily obliged obliged as a mother and as part of the team of humanitarian care givers who would be concerned at the breakdown of relations in the health sector."Mr Charamba said it would have been surprising had the First Lady refused to meet the doctors."So what would have been unusual and untoward would have been for her to remain indifferent to this very sad development in the health sector which negatively impinges on her humanitarian work," he said."I am confident that both the junior doctors who approached her in the first place and, more importantly, the thousands of the sick and distressed in our hospitals are only too happy to have her involved. "The few who have been bad-mouthing her belong to a tribe of heartless political activists who think that there is something to be gained politically from the continued industrial action even at the expense of lives."He said it was revealing that the charge being levelled against the First Lady was that of engaging in politics. "By reverse logic, this charge is an admission that indeed there is a political hand at play in the ongoing industrial action and who to better know that than those aiding and abetting the few ringleaders of the junior doctors?"Mr Charamba said. "I want to make it clear that the First Lady has no apologies to make to anyone in helping find a solution to the strike and what is more, wherever possible, in saving one life more that could have been lost. It is preposterous for those hot-lipped persons to invent a personality mould for the First Lady."She is a unique individual with a unique compassion for the weak and suffering and no amount of name-calling or aspersions will change that." News / National by Staff reporter More doctors yesterday heeded Government's call to return to work and joined their colleagues who reported for duty on Monday.In a statement yesterday, Government said all doctors who had been on strike at Marondera, Bindura, Gweru, Gwanda and Mutare provincial hospitals had returned to work.This is in addition to the 340 doctors who have returned to work in Harare, Bulawayo, Chitungwiza and Masvingo.Of 340 doctors, 105 were from United Bulawayo Hospitals, Mpilo Central Hospital (77), Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (98), Chitungwiza Central Hospital (27), Harare Central Hospital (29) and Masvingo provincial hospital four. None of the striking doctors at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital have reported for work.The numbers of doctors returning to works flies in the face of claims by the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) through its Twitter handle that Government's decision to pursue disciplinary hearings against doctors who violated the law had discouraged them from ending the strike."The employer's position of holding hearings and victimising members who had opted to return to work has backfired. Doctors who had resumed work at Mpilo Hospital have rejoined the industrial action," claimed the ZHDA.However, Mpilo clinical director Dr Solwayo Ngwenya said six more doctors reported for work yesterday. He said from the doctors who came on Monday, only three did not return yesterday."The situation seems to be normalising. We are able to attend to emergencies. Although three doctors who had initially reported for work on Monday did not come today, six more showed up," said Dr Ngwenya Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals operations director Mr Edson Mundenda said more doctors also reported for work yesterday.As of midday, Mr Mundenda said 11 junior registrars, eight senior registrars, four senior houseman officers (SHOs) and three junior resident medical officers (JRMOs) had reported for work. However, the number of senior resident medical officers (SRMOs) who reported for work remained at 12.Chitungwiza Central Hospital operations director Mr Washington Machiridza said more SRMOs reported for work yesterday. These latest developments follow a ZHDA voting process to continue the strike on Monday, which some doctors voted against.Sources close to the process said about 15 percent of striking doctors from Parirenyatwa and Harare Central Hospital voted against continuing the strike. They further said while UBH voted for the strike, Mpilo Hospital voted against."At the end of the voting process, about three quarters of ZHDA members did not want to continue with the strike," added the source.Commenting on how events were folding, public health analyst Mr Itai Rusike said doctors were also individuals with different financial responsibilities and considering that those taking part in the strike had their salaries withdrawn, some could no longer sustain living without a salary."Some need rentals, food and now schools have just opened, they need fees for their children and seeing that this strike is not taking them anywhere, others might give up slowly," said Mr Rusike.He, however, said in the interest of suffering patients, it was high time Government and the striking doctors found each other. He said the doctors must consider other concessions which Government had put on the table given the limited fiscal space after the budget announcement."The doctors must appreciate the economic situation. It is not all about monetary issues; they should consider other non-monetary incentives which Government can offer," said Mr Rusike.He, however, said Government itself must also be clear on what it was offering and what it cannot offer at the moment to gain employees' trust. Today, marks 38 days after the ZHDA called for an industrial action demanding a review of remuneration and better working conditions.The strike was, however, ruled illegal by the Labour Court. On the other hand, Government has made several concessions which some of the doctors have turned down, insisting that they be paid in US dollars. - Trevor has been hard at work since he was a teenager - Trevor Noah hosted the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 concert in Johannesburg recently - Trevor now enjoys the fruits of his labour, attending star-studded events with Hollywood legends PAY ATTENTION: Click See First under the Following tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed! Trevor Noahs rise to success was no easy job, as the South African township boy grew up to become a rising Hollywood star and a much loved worldwide celebrity. He was born to a black mother of Xhosa descent and a white father of Swiss-German ancestry on 20 February 1984. His mixed-race background was one that was shunned during the Apartheid years. The star is known to often turn his childhood tales into comedy gold. He often speaks about his parents' forbidden love and what it was like growing up in a racially diverse family in many of his shows. The world came to know Trevors story, not only through his stand-up material, but also through his autobiography, Born a Crime. PAY ATTENTION: Save mobile data with FreeBasics: Briefly is now available on the app Trevor spoke to Forbes Magazine in 2016 about his struggles as a child, saying that that although he grew up poor money never concerned him because everybody around me was poor, too. He said it was only later on in his life when he met people who had a lot more than he did, that he realised the gravity of his situation as a child. READ ALSO: The devil made him do it: Cheating pastor buys wife apologetic Lambo The South African star is famous for being a comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor and television host. Briefly.co.za: reported a few days ago, that Trevor Noah, one of South Africa's most popular comedians has reached great heights. His show on American TV, The Daily Show, does very well and he's always travelling around doing comedy shows. Naturally with his success came lots of moola, and it shows. His home, or what we believe to be his home, in flashy Los Angeles looks stunning. Social media users recently got a peek at Trevor's home and they were left impressed with its value and beauty. Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news! Source: Briefly.co.za It's a fresh and shiny New Year filled with hope and possibilities, but the same ol' exaggerations, fantasy and fact-challenged nonsense as ever proliferates in this week's tawdry tabloids. And as ever, they dig deep into the past for "news" we've seen many times before. "This Man Killed Diana in Paris Tunnel!" screams the National Enquirer cover story about the death of a Princess, naming Parisian limo driver-bodybuilder Le Van Thanh. But Thanh was identified as the driver of a Fiat Uno that possibly clipped Diana's limousine at least as far back as 2007, has been photographed numerous times, and to this day being at the scene of the 1997 accident. So much for its "World Exclusive." "Burt Reynolds Murdered This Man and got away with it!" proclaims the Globe cover, accusing the late Smokey and the Bandit star of battering to death business manager David Whiting in 1973. The coroner ruled the death a drug overdose, but tabloids speculated at the time that Reynolds may have killed Whiting in a love battle over British actress Sarah Miles. What's new 45 years later? Only that Reynolds is now dead and can't sue. So much for its "World Exclusive." You want up-to-the-minute news? "Julia Roberts has abandoned long-suffering hubby Danny Moder" and has "run straight into the arms of old friend George Clooney," claims the Enquirer. For the TV-viewing millions who watched Julia Roberts cuddling, laughing and kissing with Danny Moder at Sunday's Golden Globes Awards, we can only assume that it was actually George Clooney in disguise. Or could the Enquirer be wrong? Tom Cruise and daughter Suri, last seen publicly together in 2013, have enjoyed a "surprise reunion" claims the Enquirer. Evidently the Mission Impossible star went to Disney World with eldest children Bella and Connor, and the trio were spotted with "a little girl" who "is believed to have been Suri!" Or who in reality could have been any little girl, because the Enquirer "sources" apparently recognize Bella and Connor but haven't the faintest idea what Suri looks like? Britain's Prince Philip, aged 97, is being "Kept Alive By Speed Cocktail!" the Globe claims, yet again relying on its reliable "royal courtier" source who in the past has revealed that the Queen has abdicated, changed her mind, abdicated again, changed her mind again, and committed Prince Charles' wife Camilla to a mental ward so we know that this story can be trusted. Queen Elizabeth II's "dementia-ravaged hubby" allegedly "would be dead already if it weren't for a powerful drug cocktail" with "massive speedball injections amphetamines and sedatives," claims the Globe. Yet another story inexplicably missed by the voracious Fleet Street Royal press pack. Philip is reportedly "demanding his doctors help him live long enough to see Prince Harry's first child with Meghan Markle in the spring." This is the same Prince whose racist and xenophobic comments have repeatedly landed him in hot water through the years, now holding on to see the Royal Family's first biracial child born? Right. Us magazine promises to finally give Prince Harry's pregnant bride Meghan Markle a voice by giving us "Her Side of the Story" in its cover "exclusive." Alas, Us repeats the litany of accusations and complaints about the "greedy, shallow, social climber" Markle is viewed as by critics, without a single word in her defense from Markle or her friends. Her side of the story? "She's feeling great" a "Meghan source" tells Us. "She's still working out and doing yoga, and is trying to eat as healthy as she can." Well, that really puts her critics in their place. People magazine reverts to its default mode as Hollywood PR machine, with a rainbows-and-butterflies puff piece in its cover story on Nicole Kidman: "Keith, Kids & Finding Happiness." The actress reveals: "Love is the greatest journey," a claim that might be disputed by Antarctic explorer Apsley Cherry-Garrard. People tells us that Olivia Newton-John, under siege by social media reports that she had lost her battle with stage 4 cancer, plagiarizes to say: "Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated." But the magazine puts her fight against terminal disease into its proper perspective by revealing the true horror of supermodel Kendall Jenner's "struggle with acne," which naturally merits double the space allowed to Newton-John. I'm sure Olivia would sympathize with Kendall's plight. Fortunately we have the crack investigative team at Us to tell us that Margot Robbie wore it best (then again, she could wear a black plastic trash bag and still look great); that Gina Rodriguez's "friends call me "Vag. Like va-gee-na" (so we can only imagine what her enemies call her); that model and "skincare maven" Miranda Kerr keeps sunglasses, hand sanitizer and a sticker that supposedly reduces electromagnetic radiation from her phone in her Louis Vuitton bag; and that the stars are just like us: they ride bikes, push luggage, and shop for groceries. And to prove how stars are just like us, they attend the Golden Globe Awards and are paid a fortune by designers to wear glittering gowns and jewelry, spend New Year's on a luxury yacht in Miami (Katie Holmes and Jamie Foxx), bathe in the surf in Barbados (Mark Wahlberg), and ski in Switzerland (Priyanka Chopra, Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner). For those who think that the famous "Martin & Lewis" $5 milkshake at Jack Rabbit Slim's in Pulp Fiction was overpriced, the National Examiner brings us its report of a $100 milk shake from New York that allegedly "has set the Guinness World Record for Most Expensive Milkshake." The confection includes milk from Channel Islands cows, Tahitian vanilla ice cream, and edible gold, served in a custom bejeweled glass. Would Vincent call that "a pretty fking good milk shake" or just a shake-down? Onwards and downwards . . . Kevin McMahon of Longmont, Colorado received a year's probation for harassing and threatening a Hispanic family swimming in a pool in their apartment complex, where McMahon also resided. McMahon called the family wetbacks and told them, "When Trump builds the wall, they are gonna need to know how to swim back home." Police say McMahon also told the family he was going back to his apartment to get a gun, and he returned with something wrapped in a towel that looked like a gun. In an affidavit, McMahon insisted he never said "gun." From New York Post: Donnie Romero, founder of the Stedfast Baptist Church in Fort Worth and fan of the gunman who killed dozens at the Pulse nightclub in Florida, is stepping down. Gambling, drugs, prostitution, the lot. His self-obsessed apology is embedded above. Mr. Romero and Mr. Anderson were among a small group of extreme Christian conservatives who were widely criticized in 2016 for praising Omar Mateen, the gunman who killed 49 people that year at Pulse nightclub, a center of gay night life in Orlando. Mr. Mateen said at the time that he was acting in the name of the Islamic State. More than 50 additional people were injured in the attack. In a sermon shortly after the shooting, Mr. Romero said he hoped they would die, too. Baptism: mass-murdering gays is fine, but the best Fort Worth has to offer is absolutely out of the question. Donald Trump's border wall vs. the historic La Lomita church in Texas, which dates back to 1852. Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the border Thursday in McAllen, a city of 143,000 on the river. People who own land along the border between the U.S. and Mexico are readying legal challenges to the Trump administration's expected plan to use eminent domain to seize private property on which to build Trump's fabled Wall. "You could give me a trillion dollars and I wouldn't take it," landowner Eloisa Cavazos, who owns property along the Rio Grande river, told the Associated Press. "It's not about money." The Associated Press reports tonight the Trump administration will face legal challenges from multiple landowners in Texas, and those problems aren't going to disappear if Trump follows through on his threats to declare a national emergency. One of the biggest challenges Trump's gonna run into? A Roman Catholic chapel built in the 19th century. La Lomita, which means "Little Hill" in Spanish, is the name given to a low rise in the otherwise flat Rio Grande Valley of Texas and to the ranch surrounding it. The historic La Lomita chapel is situated there, and Catholic religious activity at the site dates back to 1852. Excerpt: The government sued the local Roman Catholic diocese late last year to gain access for its surveyors at the site of La Lomita chapel, which opened in 1865 and was an important site for missionaries who traveled the Rio Grande Valley by horseback. It remains an epicenter of the Rio Grande Valley's Catholic community, hosting weddings and funerals, as well as an annual Palm Sunday procession that draws 2,000 people. The chapel is a short distance from the Rio Grande. It falls directly into the area where CBP wants to build its "enforcement zone." The diocese said it opposes a border wall because the barrier violates Catholic teachings and the church's responsibility to protect migrants, as well as the church's First Amendment right of religious freedom. A legal group from Georgetown University has joined the diocese in its lawsuit. Father Roy Snipes leads prayers each Friday for his chapel to be spared. Wearing a cowboy hat with his white robe and metal cross, he's known locally as the "cowboy priest" and sometimes takes a boat on the Rio Grande to go from his home to the chapel. "It would poison the water," Snipes said. "It would still be a sacred place, but it would be a sacred place that was desecrated." Right on, Father Snipes. Source for the photo of La Lomita in the 19th century at top: ost.edu. Uber and Lyft are still waiting for feedback from the U.S. securities regulator on their confidential submissions for IPOs, Bloomberg reports tonight, citing people familiar with the matter who aren't disclosing their identities. Donald Trump's government shutdown over his demand for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border has effectively halted all but basic operations at the Securities and Exchange Commission. No SEC means no IPOs. From Bloomberg, on how this impacts the Uber and Lyft IPO plans: Did you know all those hundreds of thousands of U.S. government workers who aren't getting paid during Trump's 18-days-and-counting shutdown still have to show up for work, even if they are not getting paid? Hard to believe, right? But true. U.S. law says public employees are not allowed to go on strike. Federal workers are forced into what one union leader called "involuntary servitude" during the ongoing government shutdown. Here's an excerpt from an Atlantic explainer on the law behind this: Eric Young is the president of the union that represents the approximately 30,000 employees of the Federal Bureau of Prisons who are working during the government shutdown. Young's members, scattered at 122 facilities located in largely rural areas across the country, aren't being paid and don't know when their next paycheck will come. Like the leaders of virtually every federal-employee union during the past three weeks, he has condemned the shutdown and its toll on innocent workers as "unconscionable." "My personal opinion," Young told me over the phone from his office in Arkansas, "is that it constitutes involuntary servitude." Neither Young nor any of his partners in union leadership, however, will urge their members to do the one thing that would seem most natural for employees facing the same treatment in the private sector: If they don't pay you, stay home. "We can't call or advocate for a strike," Young said. Since the enactment of the Taft-Hartley Act in 1947, federal employees have been legally prohibited from striking. That law was intended to prevent public-sector workers from leveraging a work stoppage that could cripple the U.S. government or major industries in negotiations for better pay, working conditions, and benefits. But it likely did not envision a scenario where the government would require its employees to work without paying them, as is the case now. Why Federal Workers Still Have to Show Up Even If They're Not Being Paid [The Atlantic] Yahoo! JAPAN Yahoo! JAPAN Since 2006, our Stop Puppy Mills Campaign has received complaints about more than 1,300 sick puppies purchased at Petland. Above, an older puppy at the Kennesaw, Georgia, Petland looks bored and lonely. Photo by the HSUS 18.3K shares On December 11, we released the results of our shocking undercover investigation at two Petland locations, one in Las Vegas and another in Kennesaw, Georgia, where our investigators found several sick puppies and a dead puppy in a freezer. When we started the investigation, we were familiar with the issues at Petland: since 2006, our Stop Puppy Mills Campaign has received complaints about more than 1,300 sick puppies purchased there. Even so, the response we have seen from former Petland employees, Petland shoppers and customers of the store since we released the investigation has been mindboggling: within a week and a half of its release, we have witnessed more than 100 new complaints against the store pour in. The complaints are linked not only to the two stores we investigated, but to scores of other Petland stores across the country. Here are just a few examples: A buyer from Floridas Orlando East Petland said that as soon as she brought her puppy home, she noticed a horrible cough. She took the dog to the veterinarian right away and was told the dog had pneumonia, and would have died within the next 36 hours, had she not brought the animal in for treatment. A buyer from the Wichita, Kansas, Petland said that a puppy was vomiting when the family brought her home from the store. Petland had claimed that its veterinarian had given her a clean bill of health, but when the buyer took the dog to her own veterinarian, she was diagnosed with giardia, an intestinal infection, and subsequently with other infections. The buyer reported that the dog also has very weak, brittle bones and had fractured her leg recently, requiring surgery. A buyer from the Dunwoody, Georgia, Petland said that it became necessary to take a new puppy to the veterinarian for an emergency checkup three days after bringing her home because she was barely breathing and was coughing. The veterinarian said that the dog was so sick, she might not survive the night. A buyer from the Overland Park, Kansas, Petland said that their 12-week-old husky was first diagnosed with giardia, then went blind. The buyer was told by an eye specialist that the dog needs a $4,000 surgery and will never be able to see again and will be on medications for the rest of her life. The dog is now only five months old. A buyer from the Fairfield, Ohio, Petland said that their puppy had a seizure on the second night in her new home, and the emergency veterinarian said that she would have passed away had the family waited for even another hour before bringing the dog in. When the buyer called Petland, she was asked to bring the puppy back and get a new puppy. I was upset and told him Id never take a puppy to him so he can just let it die, she told us. [Read full investigation report: Petland, Inc.: Sick puppies, heartbroken families] In addition to dozens of puppy buyer complaints, weve heard from many ex-employees of Petland stores, who have verified that it was not unusual for puppies in the store to suffer from breathing problems, seizures and diarrhea, and sometimes die. Pet store puppies are often sick because most of them come from puppy mills, or large-scale brokers (resellers) linked to puppy mills. Puppies from multiple breeding operations are often bunched together on broker trucks, where they can spend several days in cramped cages on their way to pet stores across the country. Once they arrive at the stores, they sometimes spend weeks or even months in yet another small cage. These unhealthy and crowded conditions can result in one sick puppy infecting many others. Our investigations, as well as interviews with former employees of many different pet stores, have also found that at many puppy stores, sick puppies are not immediately taken to a vet, but instead are medicated by kennel staff based solely on their symptoms, without any diagnostic testing. This can lead to dogs being incorrectly diagnosed and medicated improperly. Complaints about sick pet store puppies are so common that many cities and towns have responded by passing bans or restrictions on the sale of puppies in pet stores more than 290 localities to date have such bans. But Petland is actively fighting these bans by backing legislation in several states that would prevent localities from enacting these laws. The pet store chain has been going state to state, trying to convince lawmakers to pass bills that would strip local governments of the right to regulate pet stores, and also to preempt any laws already on the books. While Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee and a few others have rejected these un-American attacks, the legislatures in Arizona and Ohio have voted to protect pet stores that sell puppy mill dogs. On Dec. 28, the outgoing Michigan governor vetoed a Petland-backed bill that would have prohibited localities from banning puppy mill dogs in pet stores. If you purchased a sick puppy from Petland or any other seller, we want to hear from you. Please contact us by filling this online form. "The point is higher education needs to know where and how we can help," Opp told the press conference. U-Mary will use the report to develop education and training programs. Theres no doubt about the necessity to recruit talent. Burgum noted at one meeting that if all the available jobs in the state were filled there would be enough people for a city the size of Jamestown. Thats a good way to highlight the problem. Chris Curia, executive vice president of human resources for Energy Transfer Partners, expressed the companys faith in U-Mary on Tuesday, saying, "We feel that the University of Mary is the right institution to lead this effort, and we're very confident that our funds are going to be spent wisely." The University of Mary program is another step toward solving the workforce problem. Its going to take multiple efforts across the state to draw the necessary workers. Some will come through our schools and others from out of state. Hopefully we can lure former North Dakotans back home. The university and Energy Transfer Partners should be applauded for their efforts. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 MINOT -- A bill has been introduced in the North Dakota Legislature that would provide $2 million, or as much as is needed, to the Ward County Historical Society to relocate its Pioneer Village museum off the North Dakota State Fairgrounds. Ward County Historical Society President David Leite said in an email that historical society members plan to attend a hearing on Senate Bill 2146 at 9:45 a.m. Thursday at the Capitol in Bismarck. Leite said the bill was introduced by Sen. Oley Larsen, R-Minot, and Sen. Merrill Piepkorn, D-Fargo, and Rep. Lisa Meier, R-Bismarck, and Rep. Karen Rohr, R-Mandan. It is attached to the appropriation for the State Historical Society budget, but is separate. The local historical society plans to move the museum to the south side of Burlington on the U.S. 2 and 52 Bypass. Burlington, located eight miles west of Minot, is the former county seat. However, money is needed for the move. ALEXANDER - A 39-year-old man was arrested Monday after an hours-long standoff with police south of Alexander in western North Dakota. Edwin Hatlen, of Alexander, was accused of firing a gun into the air and pointing the weapon at someone at the city's industrial park around 1 p.m., according to a news release from the McKenzie County Sheriffs Office. He was charged with terrorizing, a class C felony, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, a class A misdemeanor. Hatlen showed up drunk to Dorman Farms, where he worked, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in Northwest District Court. Another employee told police that Hatlen starting shooting his pistol and that she was afraid he would kill her and other workers. Alexander is about 25 miles south of Williston. After the shooting, Hatlen took a pickup truck from the business and drove to his home, court records indicate. Another co-worker told police that Hatlen had sent a message saying he wasnt willing to go back to jail, and that he would kill himself. After the incident, police found Hatlen at Hillview Estates south of Alexander. FARGO - A science museum in the Fargo-Moorhead area is now one step closer to becoming a reality. A number of community members and the Moorhead Business Association met to discuss the possibilities. The museum is still in the early stages of planning, but the Fargo-Moorhead Science Museum Project Committee hopes to create one that's similar to other world-class museums. As of right now, the nearest museum is 200 miles away. North Dakota State University geology lecturer Jessie Rock said that a museum in the F-M area would also do good for the area's economy. "Many people travel 200 miles or more to visit a science museum," Rock said. "They are staying in hotels, they are paying for gas and eating out. And all of these things - that's a lot of money walking out of our community." The committee sent out a survey and got 2,400 responses. Of those responses, 97 percent of people supported the establishment of a permanent museum. "Parents here today and in the survey indicate that we need more places to go indoors in the winter," said Rock. "And we need access to a natural science outlet that is bricks and mortar - open during cold weather. " The committee is currently looking for grants and asking for donations. They also plan to create a fundraising campaign this spring. Love 1 Funny 2 Wow 2 Sad 1 Angry 0 The governor also said the library's intended location "drives the interest" from federal agencies and national organizations, such as the National Park Foundation. "The timing for this is particularly unique, and that's why I feel a great sense of urgency that, if North Dakota puts its stake down with this matching grant, we're going to see an acceleration of partners stepping forward," Burgum said. Bismarck Republican Rep. Mike Nathe asked the governor about support and securing private commitments to the project, which Burgum said would be enabled with early assurance on his proposal. "If we wait 'til the last day of the session to pass this bill, I can't guarantee we're going to see donations," Burgum said. "If we said, 'Hey, we're going to do a set-aside for this thing' in the next week, I think before the end of February we'd be coming back to even saying, 'Yeah, we've got commitments showing up.'" Burgum said the $150 million project would provide for $100 million for facilities and a $50 million endowment. Speaking to reporters after his testimony, the governor said he may testify a few more times this session. Burgum took office in December 2016. Schauer said the two children had usually gotten along and had never been told of any physical fights previously by Steedsman. The two still attend day care together at another facility. Steedsman has since dissolved her daycare. David Mathison, a physician for Mid Dakota Clinic who examined the boy the evening of the incident, testified to the scratches and bruising inside the boys ears and upper ear lobe. When asked if those injuries could be caused by being put in a headlock while wrestling, Mathison said it was possible if the assailant squeezed hard enough. He said it was unlikely a 2-year-old would be able to do so. Schauer and others testified the bruising lasted about a week. Suhr made several other arguments in his client's defense. He questioned why a raised bruise the doctor noted on the child's forehead was not considered further. He said it could corroborate Steedman's story that the boy was hurt while roughhousing. Suhr also pointed out that the boy did not talk about the event during an interview with the Dakota Children's Advocacy Center a couple weeks later. With Father's Day closing in, we wondered which TV dad most closely resembles your own. Take our quiz, and think about how your dad reacts, or would have reacted, to such situations. North Dakota ANS Plan updated The North Dakota Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan, an update of the original version prepared in 2005, has been signed by Gov. Doug Burgum and is available for viewing on the state Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. Completed and revised by the North Dakota Aquatic Invasive Species Committee, the goal of the 25-page plan is to prevent the introduction and spread of ANS into and within North Dakota while mitigating ecological, economic and social impacts of existing populations where feasible. NDAISC is comprised of state, tribal, local and private stakeholders to guide ANS efforts across the state. Winter anglers reminded to clean ice The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds winter anglers to clean up the ice after fishing. This not only applies to trash, but fish as well. It is not only unsightly, but it is illegal to leave fish, including minnows used for bait, on the ice. According to state fishing regulations, when a fish is caught, anglers must immediately release the fish back into the water unharmed or reduce them to their daily possession. When Chuck Tanner posted blurbs on Facebook asking for volunteers to help clean up the 56-mile northern route through Yellowstone National Park, more than 50 people showed up in Gardiner. Some drove from as far away as Billings and Bozeman. This is our park, its everybodys park and it reflects on our community, said Tanner, owner of the KBar in Gardiner. So on Saturday, Mike Skelton led about 15 volunteers most of the way to Cooke City. They collected trash and cleaned pit toilets west to Roosevelt Junction. On Sunday, Tanner split nearly 40 volunteers into two groups that started cleaning at Mammoth Village and at Roosevelt Junction, meeting midway. Saturday volunteers found nasty messes on toilet floors, according to The Bozeman Chronicle. They needed determination and strong stomachs to get the work done. Tanner, who has lived in Gardiner for about 15 years, said the trash overflow and toilet conditions werent as bad as he had feared. The tourists he observed Sunday appeared to be following park rules. We were keeping an eye out and nobody was doing anything bad. They were all very respectful. The Montana Democratic Party has named Monica Lindeen as its new executive director, replacing the outgoing Nancy Keenan, who is retiring. Lindeen, 56, was most recently executive director of YWCA Helena, following eight years as the state Commissioner of Securities and Insurance. She was previously vice chair of the party and served eight years in the state House, representing the Billings area. She also won the Democratic primary for Montanas U.S. House seat in 2006, losing the general election to Republican Denny Rehberg. Keenan, 66, led the party since 2015. She is an Anaconda native who spent four terms in the state Legislature and then 12 years as the state Superintendent for Public Instruction. She also ran for Montana's U.S. House seat in 2000, winning the primary but losing the general election to Rehberg. She then worked for People for the American Way before becoming president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, a position she held for nine years. In a statement sent from the Montana Democratic Party, party chairwoman Mary Sexton welcomed Lindeen. Bullock, who said $8 million would go a long way to fund health care or infrastructure work in Montana, declined to say whether he'd veto the bill if it landed on his desk. Trump traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border Thursday to make his case for the funding as a government shutdown was in its 20th day. The president said he's willing to consider declaring a national emergency, which he says would allow him to direct the military to begin building the wall. "Congress is basically dragging their heels over $5 billion, which is really trivial compared to what we spend on an annual basis," Sales said Wednesday in explaining his funding proposal. Sales said he calculated Montana's "share" of the cost of the wall by dividing the state's gross domestic product by the national GDP and multiplying it by $5.7 billion. Montana's $8 million wouldn't go very far, with Trump's $5.7B request expected to build 234 miles (377 kilometers). Around the country, citizens who have worked to pass ballot initiatives are finding themselves frustrated by lawmakers who delay, water down or brush off what they've passed. In South Dakota, citizens are trying again to pass a government ethics measure _ and make it impossible for lawmakers to defy their will. POWELL, Wyo. A Wyoming prosecutor says he won't seek the death penalty for a 76-year-old man accused of killing his wife. The Powell Tribune reports that Park County Prosecuting Attorney Bryan Skoric announced the decision in a court filing in the first-degree murder case against Dennis Klingbeil of Wapiti. Klingbeil is charged in the August shooting death of 75-year-old Donna Klingbeil. He has pleaded not guilty. A trial is scheduled for Feb. 25 Death penalty cases are rare in Wyoming. The state hasn't executed an inmate since 1992. Charging documents allege that Klingbeil told his stepson that he was "going to put an end to this tonight" after the couple had been arguing over dividing their assets. Klingbeil's attorney, Donna Domonkos, says prosecutors can't rule out that the shooting was an accident or justifiable homicide. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Montana Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian urged presenters to be succinct as they make their case for public higher education to the Montana Legislature. In doing so, Christian relayed a joke a lawmaker made: "The length of your presentation is inversely related to the amount of money you receive." Montana Gov. Steve Bullock's budget proposes an additional $24.3 million for campuses of the Montana University System in the coming biennium, or another 6 percent. Christian said the amount represents a tuition freeze and opportunity to support students into the future. "We will be arguing our case as to why that is a meaningful investment for students for generations to come," Christian said. The Montana Board of Regents heard the legislative update in a conference call this week, and Christian said he's grateful the governor's budget makes public higher education a priority. In general, he said the Montana University System has been appropriately funded given families' ability to afford college. "We are a fairly low-cost provider, but we're also a fairly low-income state," Christian said. After the meeting, other higher education leaders identified additional legislative priorities. The challenge of the renovation was to keep the ICU open as work progressed, which accounted for the four phases, Amundsen said. Construction was done on four to six rooms at a time, and temporary rooms on the third floor allowed the staff to care for up to 20 patients. In addition to the patient rooms, the project also included a remodeled waiting room, an updated staff locker room and additional office space. The St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation contributed $2.5 million to the project, in part due to the 2016 SAINTS Ball. Steve Loveless, president and CEO of St. Vincent Healthcare, who took part in the ribbon-cutting, said that as health care grows more complex, the new unit will be able to handle the technology and everything needed to care for patients. Finally we have a facility that is commensurate with the care that has been provided all along, he said. Loveless said a close family friend spent significant time in one of the updated ICU rooms. His wife told Loveless that the expanded space made it easier for her to spend that time with her husband. It would have been very, very difficult in the previous ICU, he said. They were in the new area and the size was able to accommodate not only her but all of his complex needs. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Please register or log in to keep reading Stay logged in to skip the surveys. No one was injured when a child brought a gun to Washington Elementary School on Tuesday. "There wasn't a tragedy this time, but there absolutely could have been," said Dr. Nathan Allen, the head of the Billings Clinic emergency department. Early reports indicated that the child obtained the gun while being watched by a babysitter. Allen emphasized the importance of secure firearm storage around children, especially in a state that loves guns. A 2016 survey of health factors in Yellowstone County found that about 56 percent of homes had a firearm. Among homes with children, 51 percent had a firearm. Both of those statistics were more than 20 percent higher than the national average. For homes that did have a firearm, 16 percent left weapons unlocked and loaded about four percent lower than the national average. The survey did not ask the question about homes with children, but Allen said he's reviewed research that shows about 1 in 8 homes with children and firearms don't secure those weapons. Every year, an energetic bunch of Billings residents renew their resolution to have fun. The Yellowstone Square Dance Council says there is more than enough fun to go around, and the community is invited to share it during a beginner square dance program at MetraParks Cedar Hall from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17. In a press release, the group said they are people who enjoy not only their shared activity, but also each other. Theres always a lot of laughter at events and attendees may even fulfill a couple other resolutions. The skills practiced while square dancing are some of the same skills recommended for people to stay balanced physically, mentally and emotionally. Once dancers get moving, its not unusual for them to dance two miles in an evening. Anyone resolving to travel more can also take advantage of square dance festivals, conventions and cruises all over the country and world. Dance calls are always in English, making it easier to square dance anywhere. Upcoming events include the 2020 European Square and Round Dance Convention in Sigtuna, Sweden. At the beginners dance, no experience or special attire is required. Square dancers should dress in comfortable clothes and shoes. Ages 12 and older are welcome. Cost is $7 per person. For more information, call 406-373-6959 or go to squaredancemontana.com. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 President Trump is moving toward his 2024 candidacy as per all indications from his enlightening address to the NC GOP on June 5, 2021. Considering this political vector as a distinct possibility: What is your electoral pleasure as an integral cog in this Representative Republic? No Vote: Mr. Trump will never be president again as we boldly march toward a Socialist society. Yes Vote: Mr. Trump was the best president since Ronald Reagan, and we need a real leader, who is fully cognitive of that responsibility in these tumultuous times.. Remains found near Blue Springs were determined to not be from a human. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Just before 7 p.m. Monday, the Gage County Sheriffs Office was dispatched to the Blue Springs area for a suspicious item found on the bank of the Big Blue River. According to a press release from the department, a local resident found what appeared to be a jaw bone with some teeth. Deputies responding to the call notified a Gage County Sheriffs Office investigator, who requested they send photographs of the jaw bone to him. The investigator forwarded the photographs to the Nebraska State Archeologist, who through his education, training, and experience as an anthropologist was able to identify the jaw bone as belonging to a type of pig. Since the remains were not human, no further investigation was needed. Love 2 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Greggs chief executive Roger Whiteside has said he is delighted and honoured after receiving an OBE in recognition of his services to women and equality. Whiteside was awarded the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in the 2019 New Years Honours List. The order rewards contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service. In 2016, Whiteside joined the Womens Business Council, which was set up in 2012 by Theresa May to help tackle barriers to womens progression. Three women hold non-exec posts on Greggs eight-strong main board: Allison Kirkby: President and CEO of European telecoms company Tele 2, Kirkby has held roles at businesses including Procter and Gamble, Virgin Media and Shine. President and CEO of European telecoms company Tele 2, Kirkby has held roles at businesses including Procter and Gamble, Virgin Media and Shine. Helena Ganczakowski: Worked for Unilever for 23 years and held senior positions in brand management and marketing. Has a PhD in Engineering from the University of Cambridge. Worked for Unilever for 23 years and held senior positions in brand management and marketing. Has a PhD in Engineering from the University of Cambridge. Sandra Turner: Was commercial director for Tesco Ireland, and has worked in sales and marketing roles for Unilever and Wilkinson Sword. Greggs said Whiteside believed gender equality should be a priority for all businesses to ensure they maximised and nurtured in-house talent. The company operates a Female Career Development Programme to encourage women to pursue a progressive career. I am proud to play my part, alongside a great team of people both at Greggs and through the Womens Business Council, to promote equality of opportunity and progression for women in the workplace, said Whiteside. It is not just the right thing to do, but makes good business sense and contributes to our economic growth and development. Our board continues to believe it is in the best interests of the company to bring women through to the very top of the organisation. We are proud of the fact that almost half of our management population are female, with growing representation at our highest executive levels. Greggs this week raised its profit expectations from 86m to 88m. For the fourth year in a row, Arizona voters have ranked education the top issue facing the state of Arizona, according to an annual survey conducted by Expect More Arizona, a statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan education advocacy group. Among other state issues, such as immigration and border issues, taxes and healthcare, education earned the top ranking of the 600 statewide voters surveyed. This year, a separate report of rural voter preferences incorporated data from an additional 600 voters of six counties: Coconino, Cochise, Mohave, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma. Although rural voters ranked immigration and border issues above education as the top state issue, they did so by a margin of less than 2 percent and still reported similar sentiments about funding priorities. When asked to consider the top issue facing education in Arizona, 25 percent of voters said teacher pay/support, followed closely by general lack of funding at 24 percent. They also said, when given the choice among other educational priorities, they would be most willing to pay more in taxes in order to increase pay for Arizona teachers. In both rural and urban areas throughout the state, voters also agreed that location of residence, financial situation, race or ethnicity should not determine the quality of education that a child receives. Award-winning local author Annette McGivney will read from her newest book, Pure Land, on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 5 p.m. at Bookmans. The short reading will be followed by a Q&A and book signing. Copies of Pure Land will be available for purchase before the event and guests can enjoy a 10 percent discount on coffee and tea in the cafe. According to McGivneys website, "Pure Land is the story of the most brutal murder in the history of the Grand Canyon and how McGivney's quest to investigate the victim's life and death wound up guiding the author through her own life-threatening crisis. On this journey stretching from the southern tip of Japan to the bottom of Grand Canyon, and into the ugliest aspects of human behavior, Pure Land offers proof of the healing power of nature and of the resiliency of the human spirit." Pure Land was published through Aquarius Press in October 2017, after McGivney spent 10 years researching the Grand Canyon murder. McGivney holds a journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a master of Liberal Studies degree from Northern Arizona University. She has been a member of the journalism faculty at NAU since 2002, focusing on creative non-fiction, environmental journalism and magazine editing. Moving forward Although the reality of human trafficking is often difficult to discuss, Wyatt said communication is essential. Dont be afraid to talk about it, she said. It can seem like a really hard topic to discuss, and a lot of people dont want to talk about it because its scary, but the more people who talk about it and the more people who are aware, the better we can work to stop it. Members of FIAT are including questions concerning trafficking on their routine intake surveys because, though they may not know it, many agencies are already serving a population of trafficking victims, Wyatt said. A gap assessment will be used to determine which additional service providers may be needed to help prevent local trafficking and provide for victims. We just want to continue to deter people from purchasing sex with other humans and help our community members to know what to look out for and to help keep Flagstaff safe for everyone, Wyatt said. Businesses are encouraged to put up the organizations posters and stickers in public areas like bathrooms, while individuals interested in volunteering or being trained can contact FIAT. Most importantly, though, anyone can strive to be more aware of their surroundings to report suspicious behavior and help prevent the ongoing crime of human trafficking. Kaitlin Olson can be reached at the office at kolson@azdailysun.com or by phone at (928) 556-2253. Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 2 Sad 1 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Seven months after her arrest, and following years of hiding in New Zealand to evade South Korean authorities, as AVN.com reported in June, the woman who founded the Korean porn mega-site Soranet was sentenced to a four-year prison term on Wednesday. Pornography is illegal in the Republic of Korea, and the womanidentified publicly only by her family name of Songwas convicted of aiding and abetting the distribution of obscene material, according to a report by the BBC. Song, 46, was also slapped with a massive fine of 1.6 billion Korean won, which is the equivalent of about $1.25 million in U.S. currency, as a penalty for operating the site, even though its servers were located outside of Korea, and so was she after fleeing to New Zealand. Song started and operated the site with three partners, including her husband, but the other three Soranet operators remain overseas, according to a Straits Times reportin Australia, where they are believed to be legal residents. In addition to mainstream porn, Soranet was notorious for hosting thousands of upskirt and spy cam videos, filmed without the knowledge of the women who appear in the videos, many of them uploaded to the site as revenge porn. Surreptitiously filmed videos of women have become a epidemic, in Korea, according to a BBC report. More than 6,000 cases of so-called spy cam porn are reported to the police each year, and 80 percent of the victims are women, according to the BBC, which also reported that in September, police in the South Korean capital of Seoul said they would no longer carry out regular inspections of public restrooms, combing for the hidden cameras used to film women in states of partial dress, and using the facilities. The spy cam epidemic has sparked protests, with thousands of women nationwide calling for the government to crack down on the secretly filmed videos, and saying that they live in constant fear of being photographed or filmed without their knowledge, according to the BBC. "Beyond the basic concept of pornography, the website severely violated and distorted the values and dignity of children and youths as well as all human beings," a judge said, in passing sentence on Song. It is difficult to measure how much harm the existence of the website caused our society visibly and invisibly." But Song protested that she had nothing to do with operating the site, saying that her husband and their two partners, reportedly another couple, managed the Soranet day-to-day operations. The site was online from 1999 to 2016. Photo: Oregon Department of Transportation/Wikimedia Commons Just two months after New York Citys Metropolitan Transportation Authority gave a thumbs-up to Dame Products, a Brooklyn-based maker of upscale sex toys, to place ads in the citys subway stations, the MTA flip-flopped and rejected the ads anyway, stating that Dame is a "sexually oriented business," and therefore barred from advertising in the New York public transit system, according to a report by AdWeek. The Dame ads, two of which are reproduced above on this page, portrayed several of the company's products, including (as seen above, right) the Pom, a palm-sized vibrator that the company describes as flexible, versatile, and strong, with four new vibration patterns, and our most powerful motor yet. The MTA had approved the companys ads in October, but on December 3, Dame received a letter from the MTA rescinding its approval, citing a newly published policy that prohibits any advertisement that promotes a 'sexually oriented business,' and advertisements for sex toys or devices for any gender fall within this category. Dame CEO Alexandra Fine, who says her company's mission is to "make tools that help humanity evolve its relationship with sexuality," told the local news site Patch that the Dame ads fell victim to a sexist double standard, because ads promoting erectile dysfunction medications, including those from the widely advertised online pharmacies Roman Health and Hims, are frequently seen in the citys subways. "The MTA's policyprobably not intentionally, but unintentionallyis saying that it's important for you as a human being to be able to functionally have sex and want to have sex," Fine told the Patch site. "You could be taking drugs to make you hornier. But using a vibrator ... is not an acceptable way to enjoy that sex or want to have that sex." The double standard disproportionately affects women, she said, because the sex toy industry is heavily oriented toward products used by women. Photo By DameProducts.com Three months after Houston, Texas, scrambled to prevent the city from becoming home to the United States first brothel in which the sex workers are not humans but artificial-intelligence powered robots, as AVN.com reported, another Texas city has taken a similar measure to stop the spread of the sex robot brothelswhich so far remain non-existent in the United States. After entrepreneur Yuval Gavriel, owner of the Sex Doll spa in Toronto, Canada, announced plans to expand into the U.S, specifically Houston, the city hastily rewrote local ordinances to bar sex between humans and anthropomorphic machinesat least within 1,500 feet of a public park. Now Bryan, Texas, a city of about 84,000 located 100 miles west of Houston, has taken a similar step, according to a report by KBTX TV News. Bryan already regulates what the city refers to as sexual encounter centers, which it defines as any place or business that for a fee offers certain physical contact or specified sexual activities when one or more person is in a state of nudity or simulated nudity, according to The Bryan-College Station Eagle newspaper. The city has now expanded that definition to include erotic touching or sexual activities between humans and robots or other anthropomorphic devices; that is, machines or other implements designed to look like human beings, The Eagle reported. Just three weeks after Houston passed its new ordinance to effectively ban sex robot brothels, Harris Countywhich includes Houston and is the third-most populous county in the United Statespassed a county-wide ordinance that followed Houstons lead to redefine brothel to include sex robot establishments, as well, according to The Patch. But the new ordinance in Bryan is not intended to restrict or deny access by adults to sexually oriented materials, which are protected by the First Amendment, according to KXXV TV. Photo by German Federal Archives/Wikimedia Commons State Sen. Pam Helming has secured $75,000 in grant funding for upgrades and repairs to the auditorium's audio-visual systems at Auburn Junior High School, Helming's office announced Wednesday. The upgrades include replacing microphones, a projector and mixing consoles, according to a news release. The grant is meant to help the Auburn Enlarged City School District support activities such as concerts, music rehearsals, speaking engagements and theatrical performances. Investing in education doesnt just mean increasing foundation aid. It means furthering our childrens educational experiences and enhancing the opportunities for our young people, our families, and our community. With this funding, the Auburn Enlarged City School District will be able to make much-needed upgrades to the Auburn Junior High School auditorium. This will provide students and the community with an up-to-date venue able to accommodate a variety of different community events," Helming said in the release. District Superintendent Jeff Pirozzolo praised Helming in the release. I would like to personally thank Senator Helming for being such a great supporter of the Auburn Enlarged City School District," he said. "The $75,000 that Senator Helming secured for our school district will allow us to put a brand new speaker system in the auditorium at Auburn Junior High School. The system is very outdated and can barely be heard by anyone. Again, Thank you so much to Senator Helming for all that she does for the children and community here in Auburn. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 Chinese President Xi Jinping offered North Korean leader Kim Jong Un firm backing in deadlocked nuclear talks with the United States, insisting the two sides should meet "halfway", state media said Thursday. Kim visited Beijing by train this week for two days of discussions that reasserted China's role in the process, and were seen as a strategy session ahead of a second summit between the North Korean leader and US President Donald Trump. At their first meeting in Singapore in June, Kim and Trump signed a vaguely worded document with Kim pledging to work towards the "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula". But progress has since stalled with Pyongyang and Washington -- which stations 28,500 troops in South Korea -- disagreeing over what that means. North Korea wants relief from the multiple sets of sanctions imposed on it over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, while the US wants the measures to remain in place until Pyongyang gives up its arms -- something it has made no public promise to do. China also wants the sanctions relaxed and Xi said he "hopes that the DPRK and the United States will meet each other halfway" according to China's state news agency Xinhua, using the initials of the North's official name. Xi "spoke highly of the positive measures taken by the DPRK side", it added. North Korea has carried out six nuclear blasts and launched missiles capable of reaching the whole of the United States, but has performed no such tests for more than a year, and blew up the entrances to a nuclear testing ground it said it no longer needed. Pyongyang has rejected demands for what it calls its "unilateral" disarmament as "gangster-like". China is the North's sole major ally and key trade partner but relations had deteriorated over Pyongyang's nuclear activities, before warming up last year, with Kim meeting Xi three times. Kim noted the "difficulties and concern" in talks with the US, according to Pyongyang's official KCNA news agency, which said the Chinese leader had issued a ringing endorsement of the North's position. Xi said that "the principled issues suggested by the DPRK side are deserved requirements and its reasonable points of concern should be resolved properly", it said. - Summit 'imminent' - Each of the previous Kim-Xi meetings have come shortly before or after the North Korean summits with either Trump or South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Trump said Sunday the US and North Korea were negotiating the location of their next summit, a meeting Moon said Thursday was "imminent". Pyongyang needed to take "bold, practical measures for denuclearisation" to ensure sanctions are lifted, he told reporters, but added that "corresponding measures" were also needed from the US, such as agreeing a "peace regime" and formally declaring an end to the 1950-53 Korean War. Moon acknowledged the Singapore agreement was "somewhat vague", and there was "scepticism" over Kim's denuclearisation pledge. But Kim had assured him and other leaders that his view of denuclearisation was "no different in any way from what the international community demands", Moon said, and Pyongyang would not link it to the presence of US forces in the South or nearby. Nonetheless a commentary carried by KCNA last month stressed that when Pyongyang refers to "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula", it includes the North, the South, and "surrounding areas from where the Korean peninsula is targeted". Kim Han-kwon, an analyst at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy warned that preliminary talks between Pyongyang and Washington would be crucial. "If what the North puts on the table after its summit with China fails to meet Washington's expectations, there will be conflict and fresh doubts about whether a second summit should take place," he told AFP. - Birthday banquet - Washington and Beijing have competing strategic interests in northeast Asia, and Xinhua said Xi had re-asserted China's importance in the diplomatic process. Beijing stands ready to "play a positive and constructive role in maintaining peace and stability and realising denuclearisation on the peninsula and lasting peace and stability in the region", it cited him as saying. Xi greeted Kim at Beijing's ornate Great Hall of the People on Tuesday -- believed to be the North Korean leader's birthday -- before hosting a welcome banquet for Kim and his wife Ri Sol Ju. Kim visited a pharmaceutical plant that makes traditional Chinese medicine on Wednesday and met Xi again for lunch before heading home. The visit coincided with trade talks between Chinese and US officials. Analysts say China could use the North Korean issue as a bargaining chip in the negotiations, but Beijing's foreign ministry rejected any link between Kim's trip and the talks. There was a "rare historic opportunity" for a political settlement on the peninsula, Xi said according to Xinhua, and China "supports the DPRK and the United States holding summits and achieving results". North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un stands beside China's President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Kim's fourth visit to China in the past year shows that Beijing -- the North's sole major ally -- retains a vital role in the diplomatic shuffle despite past tensions between the Cold War-era allies Relations between China and North Korea had deteriorated in recent years over Pyongyang's nuclear activities, but ties appear to have warmed North Korea has carried out six nuclear blasts and launched missiles capable of reaching the whole of the United States South Korean President Moon Jae-in has pushed for engagement with his northern neighbour A woman and two children have died in Nepal after a centuries-old tradition banishing menstruating women from the family home left them exposed to the winter elements. In Nepal, menstruating women often leave their homes to stay inside small huts made of rock or mud because periods are considered impure by local villagers. Earlier this week, Nepalese woman Amba Bohara barricaded herself inside a tiny hut with her two young children during an icy winter night, SBS reported. All three were found dead on Wednesday morning. In Nepal, menstruating women often leave their homes to stay inside small huts made of rock or mud. Source: File/AAP It seems they died from suffocation, Uddhab Signh Bhat, the deputy superintendent of police in the area, told SBS. The hut was so small. It was difficult to breathe. Ms Bohara was observing an ancient Nepalese tradition by removing herself from the family home and local village activities during her period. The practice was criminalised last year, but many rural villages continue to observe the tradition. Menstruating girls and women sit separately during a festival in Nepal, September 2017. Source: File/AAP In Nepal, the practice is called chhaupadi. In places where chhaupadi is observed, menstruating women are not allowed to visit temples, use other villagers utensils, or bathe in communal water sources. Each year, several deaths are recorded, usually due to exposure, animal bites or smoke inhalation from fires built in tiny huts without adequate ventilation. Sexual assaults are also common, as men prey on women sequestered alone in the huts. In some parts of Nepal, up to 50 per cent of all women observe chhaupadi, SBS reports. A woman allegedly smashed her way into a closed police station looking for an officer she had been sexually harassing ever since he arrested her. Police say 27-year-old Ashley Keister, of Nanticoke in the US state of Pennsylvania, used a large cigarette butt holder to smash glass doors into the West Wyoming police building around 12.45 am Monday (local time). Ashley Keister allegedly called 911 to speak to the officer. Source: AP Once inside, she started rummaging through filing cabinets. West Wyoming Police Chief Curtis Nocera says Keister had been under investigation for harassing an officer who arrested her last year. He says she sent sexually harassing messages on social media and would call 911 just to talk to him. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday he hoped Britain would avoid crashing out of the European Union without an agreement, as he threw his support behind the government's contentious Brexit deal days before a vote by MPs. Flanked by British Prime Minister Theresa May during a visit to London, Abe said Japanese businesses "very much welcomed" her draft divorce deal, which a majority of British lawmakers look set to reject in parliament next Tuesday amid fierce opposition. "We truly hope that a no-deal Brexit will be avoided and in fact that is the... wish of the whole world," the Japanese leader told a Downing Street press conference. "This draft agreement for transition and legal stability for Japanese businesses is very much welcomed," he added. The endorsement came as pressure grew on May to rule out a no-deal Brexit if her agreement is rejected by MPs next week. Business minister Greg Clark broke ranks earlier Thursday to warn that leaving the European Union on March 29 with no agreement in place would be a calamity. It would be "a disastrous situation in which we move to the most rudimentary terms of trade with our closest partners," he told BBC radio. However, May reiterated the only way for Britain to avoid leaving without an agreement was to back her plan. "There is a good deal on the table," she said. "I want to see this deal getting through parliament." - Triple blow - Brexit-supporting Conservative MPs are opposed to the deal, arguing it leaves the country too closely tied to Europe, and May has already pulled the vote once with defeat looming. Most MPs supported staying in the EU in the 2016 referendum, and many have vowed to do everything within their power to prevent a no-deal scenario. But unless Britain actively decides to delay or revoke the legal process, it will leave the bloc at the end of March regardless. In such a scenario, it would be forced to trade with the EU on World Trade Organization terms, which could mean much higher tariffs for some products such as cars. Japanese firms have invested billions of pounds in Britain, and are especially crucial in the car industry, using the country as a business-friendly home from which to trade across the continent. "Even post-Brexit Japan intends to maintain this very good relationship," Abe said when asked if Britain was jeopardising this. "We truly hope that more investment will be done by Japanese businesses in the United Kingdom." However the British car sector suffered a triple blow on Thursday when three of its biggest manufacturers, including Japanese firm Honda and US maker Ford, announced job and production cuts. Indian-owned carmaker Jaguar Land Rover announced the largest redundancies, with plans to reduce its 44,000 workforce by 4,500 under plans to make 2.5 billion of cost savings. May and Abe pledged new cooperation on robotics and artificial intelligence, while Japan also announced an end to a 13-year ban on British beef and lamb. - General election threat - May faces daunting odds in getting her deal passed, and was dealt a stinging defeat on Wednesday when MPs voted for an amendment demanding she produce new plans within three days if the agreement is voted down. Aiming to capitalise on her weakness, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Thursday made a Brexit speech in Wakefield, northern England, in which he called for a general election to resolve the deadlock. "If the government cannot pass its most important legislation, then there must be a general election at the earliest opportunity," he said. Corbyn has said he will seek a vote of no confidence in the government if it loses next week's Brexit vote, which could force fresh elections. Many in his party hope that he will call for a second referendum, but the veteran leftist, a long-time critic of the European Union, has so far resisted. Abe said Japanese businesses 'very much welcomed' May's draft divorce deal Britain's Business Secretary Greg Clark has contradicted official government policy of not ruling out a no-deal Brexit Britain's opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn called for a general election to resolve the deadlock A teenager accused of making a threatening comment on an international flight bound for Sydney has been charged following the incident. The 19-year-old, who had boarded the Air New Zealand plane travelling from Auckland is accused of breaching the Civil Aviation Act on Wednesday night, according to Auckland Police. An Australian passenger on the plane said they were told that the plane was being held on the runway in response to a security incident. According to the New Zealand Herald, passengers were then told by the captain that the passenger said that he had a bomb on board. The flight from Auckland to Sydney was cancelled following the comments, police say. Image: Getty (File image) Staff on the aircraft were notified of the comment by another passenger and police were called at 8.45pm, a spokesperson for Auckland Police told Yahoo7 News. Staff on the aircraft notified police and the person who made the comment was removed from the plane. The Sydney-bound flight was cancelled as a result of the incident. The aircrafts next scheduled flight due to depart Sydney for Queenstown on Thursday morning was also cancelled. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed Thursday the United States and its allies would work diplomatically to expel all Iranian troops from Syria, urging Middle East nations to forge a common stand against Tehran. "It's time for old rivalries to end, for the sake of the greater good of the region," said Pompeo at a keynote address in Cairo. America "will use diplomacy and work with our partners to expel every last Iranian boot" from Syria and bolster efforts "to bring peace and stability to the long-suffering Syrian people," he added. Washington's top diplomat was in Egypt on the latest leg of a whistle-stop regional tour aimed at reassuring US allies after President Donald Trump's shock decision to withdraw 2,000 US troops from Syria. In his speech at the American University in Cairo, Pompeo said the US was creating an anti-Iran front -- the Middle East Strategic Alliance -- bringing together Gulf countries as well as Egypt and Jordan. Pompeo said the US would ensure Israel has the military capacity to "defend itself against the Iranian regime's aggressive adventurism." He stressed the troop pullout from Syria would go ahead, despite recent comments appearing to walk back on Trump's decision, but said Washington would remain engaged. "We will withdraw our forces, our uniformed forces, from Syria and continue America's crushing campaign," Pompeo said at a press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shukry. He also met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi after arriving in Cairo late Wednesday on his longest trip since taking office last year. He has also visited Jordan, Baghdad and the Iraqi Kurdish regional capital Arbil. - 'Parallel universe' - In his speech at the American University in Cairo, Pompeo vowed a real "new beginning" in ties between the US and the Middle East, echoing former president Barack Obama's landmark 2009 address to the Muslim world, also delivered from Cairo. Pompeo's tour aims to urge US allies to continue to confront the "significant threats" posed by Iran and Islamic State group (IS) jihadists. Multiple operations including American-backed assaults have ousted IS from most of the swathes of Syria and Iraq it captured in 2014. Pompeo said Obama had "grossly underestimated the tenacity and viciousness of radical Islamism". But International Crisis Group chief Robert Malley, a Obama advisor on the Middle East, said hearing Pompeo's speech was like "listening to someone from a parallel universe." It was as if the "war in Iraq..., US indifference to its allies' human rights violations, or Washington's own complicity in the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen never occurred," he said. "Back on planet earth," Arabs will see Pompeo's speech for what it is, Malley said: "a self-congratulatory, delusional depiction of the Trump administration's Middle East policy." Washington-based Human Rights First slammed the speech, saying it "doubled-down on blanket US support for the authoritarian regimes that have driven decades of instability in the Middle East." Brian Dooley, the group's senior advisor, said Pompeo failed to mention that Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen "repeatedly violated international law" and brushed aside "how torture in jails is driving prisoners into the arms of ISIS." As Pompeo arrived in Egypt, the State Department described the country as a "steadfast partner in the anti-terror fight, and a courageous voice in denouncing the radical Islamist ideology that fuels it". Pompeo will also visit Gulf countries including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia. The tour comes amid rising concerns that US policy in the region has stagnated. A long-promised Trump plan for a peace deal between Israelis and Palestinians has so far failed to materialise. Many of the Trump administration's decisions have stoked confusion and angered regional allies. - 'Even messier' - "By most accounts, Trump's Middle East policy has made a messy Middle East even messier," Aaron David Miller, a former US diplomat and now an analyst at the Wilson Center, said on Twitter. He said Trump "makes new policy by tweet or phone call" and is "surrounded by risk-ready advisers who run cleanup, don't respect deliberation and have objectives that aren't clear or attainable". One thorny issue is Washington's dispute with its longtime ally and Syria's neighbour, Turkey. The two are at loggerheads over the post-withdrawal fate of Syrian Kurdish forces, considered by Ankara as "terrorists". Turkish officials had a tense meeting this week with Trump's national security adviser John Bolton in Ankara aimed at coordinating the pullout process after Bolton set conditions that appeared to postpone it indefinitely. The terms included total defeat of IS -- still active in some parts of Syria -- and ensuring that Kurdish fighters who fought alongside the Americans against the jihadists would be protected. On Thursday, Turkey renewed its threat to launch an offensive against Kurdish forces. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told NTV television: "if the (pullout) is put off with ridiculous excuses like Turks are massacring Kurds, which do not reflect the reality, we will implement this decision." US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo holds a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart following their meeting at the ministry of foreign affairs in Cairo Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is pictured during his meeting with the US secretary of state in Cairo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meets with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry at the ministry of foreign affairs in Cairo German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives in Greece amid tight security on Thursday, as she looks to turn the page on the biting austerity measures that sparked major protests during her last official visit to Athens in 2014. Nearly 2,000 police have been deployed to supervise Merkel's visit and authorities have banned demonstrations around the home of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, where the two leaders are set to meet. Relations between Greece and Germany have calmed since her previous visits in 2012 and 2014, which were overshadowed by angry anti-austerity rallies. But small protests by leftist parties and neo-Nazi groups were expected outside the no-go zone, while a police source said the authorities had opened an inquiry into five envelopes containing "a powder of unknown origin", which were sent to regional universities this week. Merkel's visit is seen as a chance to leave behind a fraught period caused by tough German demands for Greek austerity accompanying EU bailouts for the country during the eurozone sovereign debt crisis. Greece, which left eight years of bailout programmes behind last year, has also been deeply affected by the European migrant crisis in recent years. Ahead of the trip, Merkel's spokeswoman Martina Fietz said she and far-left leader Tsipras would discuss "European and international" issues. - 'Underline European solidarity - Greek daily Kathimerini quoted Merkel as saying Greece had Germany's full support, saluting the "close ties" between the two EU states and NATO partners. "I know that the past few years have been very difficult for many people in Greece. Europe showed its solidarity through three rescue programmes and supported Greece in its course of reforms towards fiscal and economic stability," Kathimerini quoted her as saying, hailing the "great progress" made since. Thanos Veremis, professor of political history at the University of Athens, told AFP that just months ahead of European Parliament elections "Angela Merkel's visit will underline European solidarity with Greece, a success for Europe". Merkel is also due to hold talks with President Prokopis Pavlopoulos on Friday and then with New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis, whose party is an EU Parliament ally of her Christian Democratic Union. The leaders are likely to discuss the still thorny issue of an impending name change for Greece's neighbour Macedonia. The former constituent part of Yugoslavia shares the name of a northern Greek province. Tsipras and Macedonian counterpart Zoran Zaev have agreed in principle for Skopje to switch to "the Republic of North Macedonia". But Skopje lawmakers have still to vote through a move which entails four constitutional amendments and requires two thirds support in parliament. The European Union backs a switch, which would open the door to membership in the bloc and also in NATO. Merkel visited Skopje before last year's referendum on the change to show support. Yet the issue remains divisive in Greece where one party in Tsipras's coalition opposes it, threatening his parliamentary majority. New Democracy, the main opposition party, is also against the name change and is pushing for new elections, which are officially not due before October. Merkel, seen welcoming Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to Berlin in 2015, will be making her first visit to Greece since 2014 -- when she faced angry anti-austerity protests A German court Thursday threw out a lawsuit by Pakistani plaintiffs against clothing retailer KiK over a deadly 2012 fire at a Karachi garment factory, saying the statute of limitations had expired. The blaze at the Ali Enterprises factory, which was started deliberately, killed 258 people in one of Pakistan's worst industrial disasters. A survivor and three relatives of victims had sought damages for pain and suffering from KiK of 30,000 euros ($34,600) each. They argued that, although KiK did not cause the fire, it shared blame for a lack of safety measures at the factory. But a spokesman for the regional court in Dortmund said judges agreed with a court-appointed expert's finding that the civil suit was not filed within the applicable two-year period. The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), a Berlin-based rights group supporting the plaintiffs, said it was considering appealing the ruling. "KiK was the factory's main customer and therefore bears some of the responsibility for the inadequate fire safety measures," lawyer Remo Klinger, who represented the plaintiffs, said in a statement. KiK, which has paid over $6.0 million in compensation to survivors and victims' families, has rejected liability for the fatal fire. "KiK evades the legal responsibility for the death of 258 people, but at least a German court was willing to look into the case in the first place," said claimant Saeeda Khatoon, whose son died in the inferno. A lack of emergency exits, fire extinguishers and clearly marked escape routes contributed to the fire's heavy toll, according to experts cited by the ECCHR. Several men are currently on trial in Pakistan for allegedly starting the blaze. They are suspected of being part of a criminal gang that was extorting the factory' owners. The fire, along with other fatal incidents at garment factories in low-wage Asian countries in recent years, has fuelled debate about the true cost of cheap, so-called fast fashion. KiK, a household name in Germany, boasts on its website that it can dress its customers from head to toe "for less than 30 euros". A 2012 fire at the Ali Enterprises garment factory in Karachi, which was started deliberately, killed 258 people in one of Pakistan's worst industrial disasters France on Thursday challenged the outcome of DR Congo's presidential election, saying the declared victory of opposition chief Felix Tshisekedi was "not consistent" with the results and that his rival Martin Fayulu appeared to have won. In remarks made just hours after the provisional results were announced, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Tshisekedi's opposition rival Fayulu, who was declared the runner up, should have been declared the winner. "It really seems that the declared results ... are not consistent with the true results," he told France's CNews channel. "On the face of it, Mr Fayulu was the leader coming out of these elections. " He said DR Congo's powerful Catholic Church, which deployed more than 40,000 observers to monitor the elections, knew who had really won the vote with their observations suggesting a win for Fayulu. "CENCO carried out an inspection and declared a result which was totally different," he said, referring to the body representing the country's Catholic bishops. Last week, CENCO said it knew the outcome of the contested December 30 vote and urged the electoral commission to publish the results "in keeping with truth and justice". Although it did not name the winner, its announcement drew a sharp rebuke from the ruling coalition. The provisional results were announced earlier on Thursday, putting Tshisekedi on course to take over as president, replacing Joseph Kabila who ruled the nation for nearly 18 years. In a country which has never known a peaceful handover of power since gaining independence from Belgium in 1960, Le Drian called for calm. "It is crucial to keep calm, to avoid confrontations and to ensure there is clarity about the results which are the opposite of what we expected, of what what projected," he added. France has questioned the outcome of DR Congo's election which was provisionally won by traditional opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi News VIDEO: Imran invites Islamabad traffic warden to PM House, praises him for performing duty despite being injured The prime minister said that the entire image of police is lifted by the effort of just one man because of such an incident. "I called you especially here to appreciate your effort and we will reward you for it as well." The mother of a two-year-old boy who died while undergoing a root canal is suing the dentist over what the family described as gross medical negligence. Zion Gastelum had been seen by the dentists only twice before they said the toddler needed multiple pulpotomies, which are baby root canals. The procedure, meant only for cases in which the nerve has been damaged, requires general anaesthesia. Although it seemed drastic, Zions parents trusted that privately held US dental company Kool Smiles had his best interests in mind and the Arizona boys mother Veronica Gastelum took him to get the procedure done on December 20, 2017. Zion Gastelumin, 2, died after getting what was allegedly a medically unnecessary dental procedure. Now his parents are suing. Source: GoFundMe. According to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Zions parents, Ms Gastelum was the first to notice something amiss. The complaint details how she arrived at the procedure room and found Zion hooked up to a heart rate monitor that was showing no pulse which the staff reportedly shrugged off as a faulty machine. After noticing his chest was not rising, Ms Gastelum suggested he was not breathing. It was not until then, she said, that nurses sprang into action and called emergency services. Zion was rushed to an emergency room where he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. His official cause of death was severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or a lack of oxygen to the brain. The Gastelums claim their sons death was the result of gross medical negligence. Knowingly submitted false claims But although on the surface it may seem like a singular tragedy, earlier legal documents suggest trouble beforehand. In January 2018, Kool Smiles, which specifically caters to low-income families, agreed to pay nearly $24 million to settle a false claims lawsuit brought by the US Justice Department. Exploiting needy children for financial gain is inexcusable. In the complaint, the Justice Department alleges Kool Smiles knowingly submitted false claims to Medicaid for medically unnecessary pulpotomies, among other procedures. Story continues It goes on to claim that the company bribed doctors not only to perform many of these procedures, but also to do so quickly. The Gastelums lawsuit quotes US Attorney John H. Durham for the District of Connecticut, who touched on the cruelty of Kool Smiless alleged tactics in the Justice Department complaint. The allegations in these cases are particularly egregious because they involved medically unnecessary dental services performed on children, Mr Durham said. Exploiting needy children for financial gain is inexcusable. Eager to fight In the lawsuit, the Gastelums attorneys write there were far less expensive and safer methods to treat Zions cavities including $25 silver diamine fluoride. But because they chose to put Zion at risk, his family is now fighting to make sure it did not happen again to someone else. In response to Yahoo Lifestyles request for comment on Zions case, Kool Smiles said the doctors and staff of the Yuma Kool Smiles office continue to extend their sincere, heartfelt sympathy to the Gastelum family. Since 2007, the office has safely and compassionately provided needed dental care to thousands of families. Respectfully, we have no further comment as this matter is pending litigation, the statement continued. Speaking with Yahoo Lifestyle, an attorney for the Gastelum family said although they are still in mourning, they are eager to fight for change. We look forward to having the complaint and these issues resolved in court, Scott Eldredge said. European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker on Thursday told Romania there could be "no compromise" in the fight against corruption in a blunt warning at the official launch of its EU presidency. Romania has begun its six-month stint at the helm of the bloc's rotating presidency with its increasingly populist government at loggerheads with Brussels over the rule of law and the fight against corruption. The commission, the EU's powerful executive arm, wants the left-leaning Romanian government to scrap controversial judicial reforms, saying they undermine the battle against graft. At a grand ceremony to launch Romania's first EU presidency, both Juncker and EU Council President Donald Tusk urged the country to stick with its commitments to European values. "The European Union is made from compromise, but when it comes to human rights, when it comes to the rule of law, when it comes to respect for the rule of law, when it comes to the struggle against corruption, no compromise is possible," Juncker said. Romania's presidency is set to see the EU lose a member for the first time, with Britain scheduled to quit on March 29, as well as familiar budget wrangles and European Parliament elections where eurosceptic parties are hoping for a breakthrough. The government has recently begun to adopt the sort of nationalist rhetoric seen in fellow former communist states Hungary and Poland. Tusk -- who delivered his 10-minute speech entirely in Romanian, to the delight of the audience -- said the country could become "a good example or a dire warning" and he cautioned against the siren lure of populist politics. "To those in the European Union who might think that playing outside the agreed rules and cutting corners means strength, I say: you are wrong. It means weakness," Tusk said. "To those working hard to defend European values, our freedoms and rights, I say: keep fighting." In a sign of the febrile atmosphere in Romanian politics, outside the grand Athenaeum concert hall where the ceremony took place, hundreds of demonstrators protested against the government. Conspicuous by his absence from the gala was Liviu Dragnea, head of the ruling Social Democrats (PSD) and widely seen as Romania's most powerful man, who has slammed the EU as "unfair", claiming Brussels is seeking to deny Bucharest the "right to hold its own opinions". Hundreds demonstrated against the Romanian government outside the concert hall where the ceremony was held The average price of cannabis in Canada went up 17.4 percent after its legalization, according to data released by the government statistical agency. Since legalization of recreational use last October, prices have jumped to Can$8.02 (US$6.06) per gram from Can$6.83, Statistics Canada said in a news release late Wednesday. The 384 price quotes it obtained were almost equally split between illicit deals and legal purchases from licensed stores. The agency noted, however, that the average quantities of weed bought per user from the black market were more than double the amount purchased through licensed retail outlets or government online stores. One of the government's stated reasons for legalization was to get cannabis out of the hands of drug traffickers and teenage tokers. Canada has one of the world's highest rates of cannabis use by persons under 18 years old. But the data suggested a price drop will be needed to meet those objectives, as legal suppliers charged higher prices (Can$9.70 including taxes) than those of illegal suppliers (Can$6.51), from October 17 to December 31. The legal market has also suffered severe supply shortages since October, which may in part be driving consumers to underground sellers. Obtaining data from illegal users is a challenge but government statisticians obtained their price quotes using an app for online data collection. A handful of tokers told AFP they were continuing to buy from the illicit market -- at costs roughly reflected in the government survey -- because of the high prices for legal pot. A mere 23 survey respondents said it was the first time they'd ever bought marijuana, and they did so because it was legalized. Of those first-time buyers, 14 bought from legal sources. Statistics Canada last year forecast 5.4 million Canadians would buy cannabis from official dispensaries. Around 4.9 million or 13 percent of the population already smoked pot prior to legalization on October 17, 2018. One of the Canadian government's stated reasons for legalization of cannabis was to get the drug out of the hands of traffickers and teenage tokers A six-year-old boy missing for five months has been found safe after he was hidden in an attic crawl space at the home of his mother and her boyfriend. Authorities said Braedence Jones was found Tuesday in the crawl space with his mother, Aubrey Ferguson, at a home in rural LaClede County, in southwest Missouri. Fergusons boyfriend, Woodrow Ziegler, had nailed the entrance of the crawl space shut, put carpet over it and pushed furniture against it before officers from the US Marshalls service and Laclede County arrived with a search warrant after receiving a tip. The boy was reunited with his father, Ryan Jones, who reported Braedence missing on August 3 when his mother took off rather than returning the boy after a week-long visit. He seems to be physically OK, Camden County Sheriffs Lieutenant Arlyne Page said. Braedence Jones was found Tuesday in the crawl space of his mothers Missouri home five months after he was reported missing. Image: Camden County Sheriffs Department But since his abduction, the mother hasnt allowed him to go to school and more than likely has not taken him to a doctor if he needed one. We are hoping to help his father find counselling for him. A probable cause statement said that when the father went to the home on August 12 to pick up Braedence, no one was there. The house next door where Fergusons parents live also was empty. Mr Jones said Ferguson told him in text messages the boy was safe but would not say where he was, according to the affidavit. He said Ferguson turned off her phone between texts so she could not receive calls. Aubrey Ferguson and her boyfriend Woodrow Ziegler were both arrested following the discovery. Images:Camden County Sheriffs Department Since then, law enforcement officials received several tips both in the region and out of state. Surveillance footage from stores confirmed the boy was with his mother and pings from her phone indicated they were moving around to elude capture, she said. The US Marshal Services Violent Fugitive Task Force began assisting in the search several weeks ago and finally received reliable information on the boy on Tuesday, Lieutenant Page said. Ferguson and her boyfriend were both arrested and charges are now being pursued. HANOI, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Vietnam's start-up Bamboo Airways has secured a licence from the local authorities, the company said, opening the way for its maiden flight in January after a string of delays. Bamboo, owned by hotel and leisure firm FLC Group will operate 37 routes connecting major cities and tourist destinations in Vietnam to "reduce pressure on aviation infrastructure", the airline said in a statement. "In 2019, Bamboo Airways will also launch international air flights to Asian countries, starting with Japan, Korea and Singapore," it said, adding that it also intended to operate flights to Europe, without elaborating. Vietnam's fifth airline signed a provisional deal in July to buy 20 Boeing 787-9 wide-body jets worth $5.6 billion at list prices, and a memorandum of understanding in March with Airbus for up to 24 A320neo narrow-bodied aircraft. Vietnam, one of Asia's fastest growing economies, has recorded double-digit expansion in domestic and inbound passenger numbers. The government aims to spur on tourism with visa exemptions and by promoting investment in the industry. The granting of an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam marks the end of a series of stalled launches for Bamboo. Bamboo Chairman Trinh Van Quyet, also head of FLC, told Reuters in November he aimed to launch the first domestic flight in December after a delay from October. But that date was pushed back due a further delay in the issuing an AOC. The airline said in December it planned its first flight in mid-January. Tuesday's statement did not mention a more specific date. (Reporting by James Pearson and Khanh Vu Editing by Edmund Blair) Image: Getty Sydney residential rents have dropped for the first time in 12 years, meaning the harbourside city is no longer Australias most expensive city. That title now goes to Canberra, where the median house rent is $560 per week to Sydneys $540 per week, according to the latest Domain Rental Report. And Sydneys relative affordability isnt likely to abate soon. Domain senior research analyst Nicola Powell said the pipeline of apartment projects set to enter the Sydney market should keep rents in control for a bit longer. Tenants will find greater bargaining power as rising supply keeps pressure on rents, providing strong grounds to negotiate lease terms. Landlords will be keen to retain good tenants as leases expire, with incentives and rental discounts a realistic prospect, she said. Break it down This is the median weekly house rate in capital cities across the country, as of the December 2018 quarter: Image: Domain Perth has seen the biggest growth in rental rates, suggesting the western capital could be heading for a turnaround. Fewer rental listings, slowing construction of new apartments and population growth in 2018 are largely to thank for this. Melbourne renters have been hit with a record rate, with the median asking rate now $440. Those living in the inner south of Melbourne are fronting up an average $650 a week for rent. And while the pace of growth has slowed since last year, no regions saw an overall drop in weekly prices. Canberra has its high-earning population to thank for its skyrocketing rents, Domain said. The current rates are propped up by the Mr Fluffy asbestos removal scheme which has forced residents into rental properties while they build new homes. And Australians are also flocking to the city thanks to job prospects and higher salaries. Up in Queensland, Brisbane has seen an increase in rental rates for the first time in nearly three years, up from $400 to $410. The Brisbane market is slowly turning to favour landlords as underlying demand begins to absorb advertised rental supply, Powell said. Story continues Hobart also saw a sizeable increase 2.40 per cent in median rents. Renters in the tourism hub are now paying a median $420 a week in rent. This city also has the unenviable title of being the worst city for low-income households to rent in. The latest Rental Affordability Index, released by National Shelter, Community Sector Banking, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and consulting group, SGS Economics & Planning, in November last year found an average income household in Tasmania is now paying 30 per cent of income on rent. But Hobart isnt alone in this. The rental landscape may be shifting, but rental stress is a problem in all major Australian cities. Looking beneath the headline figures, rental stress is affecting the majority of very low-income households in Australia. Pensioners and single parents are hit particularly hard, the CEO of Community Sector Banking, Andrew Cairns said. The situation facing the nations renters remains poor with little or no improvement for low and moderate income renters. Make your money work with Yahoo Finances daily newsletter. Sign up here and stay on top of the latest money, news and tech news. Now read: Revealed: The top 10 Aussie suburbs where homes sold the fastest in 2018 Now read: Hailstorm repair bill hits $674 million Now read: This is how much Aussie housing markets will fall in 2019 TOKYO (Reuters) - The following are prepared remarks by Carlos Ghosn, ex-chairman of Nissan Motor Co, for his court appearance in Tokyo on Tuesday regarding allegations against him of aggravated breach of trust. The statement was released by Ghosn's lawyers in the United States. Statement of Carlos Ghosn Your Honor, I am grateful to finally have the opportunity to speak publicly. I look forward to beginning the process of defending myself against the accusations that have been made against me. First, let me say that I have a genuine love and appreciation for Nissan. I believe strongly that in all of my efforts on behalf of the company, I have acted honorably, legally, and with the knowledge and approval of the appropriate executives inside the company with the sole purpose of supporting and strengthening Nissan, and helping to restore its place as one of Japan's finest and most respected companies. Now I would like to address the allegations. 1. The FX Forward contracts When I first joined Nissan and moved to Japan almost 20 years ago, I wanted to be paid in U.S. dollars, but was told that that was not possible and was given an employment contract that required me to be paid in Japanese yen. I have long been concerned about the volatility of the yen relative to the U.S. dollar. I am a U.S. dollar-based individual - my children live in the U.S. and I have strong ties to Lebanon, whose currency has a fixed exchange rate against the U.S. dollar. I wanted predictability in my income in order to help me take care of my family. To deal with this issue, I entered into foreign exchange contracts throughout my tenure at Nissan, beginning in 2002. Two such contracts are at issue in this proceeding. One was signed in 2006, when the Nissan stock price was around 1,500 yen and the yen/dollar rate was around 118. The other was signed in 2007, when the Nissan stock price was around 1,400 yen and the yen/dollar exchange rate was around 114. Story continues The 20082009 financial crisis caused Nissan's shares to plummet to 400 yen in October 2008 and to 250 yen in February 2009 (down more than 80% from its peak) and the yen/dollar exchange rate dropped below 80. It was a perfect storm that no one predicted. The entire banking system was frozen, and the bank asked for an immediate increase in my collateral on the contracts, which I could not satisfy on my own. I was faced with two stark choices: 1. Resign from Nissan, so that I could receive my retirement allowance, which I could then use to provide the necessary collateral. But my moral commitment to Nissan would not allow me to step down during that crucial time; a captain doesn't jump ship in the middle of a storm. 2. Ask Nissan to temporarily take on the collateral, so long as it came to no cost to the company, while I gathered collateral from my other sources. I chose option 2. The FX contracts were then transferred back to me without Nissan incurring any loss. 2. Khaled Juffali Khaled Juffali has been a long-time supporter and partner of Nissan. During a very difficult period, Khaled Juffali Company helped Nissan solicit financing and helped Nissan solve a complicated problem involving a local distributor - indeed, Juffali helped Nissan restructure struggling distributors throughout the Gulf region, enabling Nissan to better compete with rivals like Toyota, which was outperforming Nissan. Juffali also assisted Nissan in negotiating the development of a manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia, organizing high-level meetings with Saudi officials. Khaled Juffali Company was appropriately compensated - an amount disclosed to and approved by the appropriate officers at Nissan - in exchange for these critical services that substantially benefited Nissan. 3. The FIEL Allegations Four major companies sought to recruit me while I was CEO of Nissan, including Ford (by Bill Ford) and General Motors (by Steve Rattner, the then-Car Czar under President Barack Obama). Even though their proposals were very attractive, I could not in good conscience abandon Nissan while we were in the midst of our turnaround. Nissan is an iconic Japanese company that I care about deeply. Although I chose not to pursue the other opportunities, I did keep a record of the market compensation for my role, which those companies offered me if I had taken these jobs. This was an internal benchmark that I kept for my own future reference - it had no legal effect; it was never shared with the directors; and it never represented any kind of binding commitment. In fact, the various proposals for non-compete and advisory services post-retirement made by some members of the board did not reflect or reference my internal calculations, underscoring their hypothetical, non-binding nature. Contrary to the accusations made by the prosecutors, I never received any compensation from Nissan that was not disclosed, nor did I ever enter into any binding contract with Nissan to be paid a fixed amount that was not disclosed. Moreover, I understood that any draft proposals for post-retirement compensation were reviewed by internal and external lawyers, showing I had no intent to violate the law. For me, the test is the "death test": if I died today, could my heirs require Nissan to pay anything other than my retirement allowance? The answer is an unequivocal "No." 4. Contribution to Nissan I have dedicated two decades of my life to reviving Nissan and building the Alliance. I worked toward these goals day and night, on the earth and in the air, standing shoulder to shoulder with hardworking Nissan employees around the globe, to create value. The fruits of our labors have been extraordinary. We transformed Nissan, moving it from a position of a debt of 2 trillion yen in 1999 to cash of 1.8 trillion yen at the end of 2006, from 2.5 million cars sold in 1999 at a significant loss to 5.8 million cars sold profitably in 2016. Nissan's asset base tripled during the period. We saw the revival of icons like the Fairlady Z and Nissan G-TR; Nissans industrial entry into Wuhon, China, St. Petersburg, Russia, Chennai, India, and Resende, Brazil; the pioneering of a mass market for electric cars with the Leaf; the jumpstarting of autonomous cars; the introduction of Mitsubishi Motors to the Alliance; and the Alliance becoming the number one auto group in the world in 2017, producing more than 10 million cars annually. We created, directly and indirectly, countless jobs in Japan and re-established Nissan as a pillar of the Japanese economy. These accomplishments - secured alongside the peerless team of Nissan employees worldwide - are the greatest joy of my life, next to my family. 5. Conclusion Your Honor, I am innocent of the accusations made against me. I have always acted with integrity and have never been accused of any wrongdoing in my several-decade professional career. I have been wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations. Thank you, your Honor, for listening to me. (Reporting by William Mallard) PARIS, Jan 8 (Reuters) - French foie gras makers have accused the U.S. Supreme Court of bowing to false claims by vegetarian lobbyists with its refusal to hear an appeal against a California ban on the delicacy produced from force-fed ducks and geese. The U.S. court on Monday declined to hear an appeal by producers that also included a Canadian non-profit organisation that represents duck and goose farmers, clearing the ban on a product that French lawmakers recognised in 2006 as part the European country's "cultural and gastronomic heritage". France is by far the world's largest foie gras producer with a market share of about 70 percent. "It is unacceptable that such a decision, taken under the influence of the lobbying of some activists orchestrating regular misinformation on our products to advocate dogmatic vegetarianism, could endanger the image of an emblematic dish of the French art of living," Michel Fruchet, head of French foie gras producers group Cifog, said in a statement on Tuesday. French foie gras producers mainly export to Japan, Spain, the Netherlands and the Middle East, but none have been cleared to export to the United States. Foie gras is made from the livers of geese or ducks that have been fattened with grain by force-feeding. Sold whole or as a pate, it is considered a gourmet food in Western and Asian cuisine, but production through force-feeding has often been criticised as cruel by animal rights activists. (Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide Editing by David Goodman) While the new Mario Cuomo Bridge is being hailed by at least one anonymous angry man as an example of Governor Andrew Cuomo's innovation in infrastructure leadership, there's still one thing marring the brand new structurethe remains of the old Tappan Zee Bridge. That will be corrected this weekend, when the Tappan Zee Bridge will be blown to smithereens in a "controlled explosion." You're next, MTA! [Update: Mother Nature is getting involvedSaturday's explosion is now cancelled because of the high winds. More details below!] According to NJ.com, the explosion will take place on Saturday morning (unless the weather forces it to Sunday): Specifically, a carefully timed concussion is supposed to send the east bridge anchor toppling away from the new Mario Cuomo bridges and into steel nets below to keep it out of the Hudson River, according to the New York State Thruway Authority. The west anchor will be dismantled by contractors, said Jennifer Givens, a thruway spokeswoman... Drivers who dont want to get stuck traffic should stay away from the New York Thruway early Saturday morning. Thruway traffic will be held for about 45 minutes between Exit 11 for Nyack and Exit 9 for Tarrytown, starting at 9 a.m., officials said. The new Thruway bridge will be reopened once it is inspected. Still, when things blow up, it's an event, so a number of restaurants are offering deals and views of the destruction. Pier 701 in Piermont says on Facebook, "Join us 1/12/19 and witness history as they will be using explosives to demolish the Tappan Zee Bridge! We will be serving an all you can eat Breakfast Buffet from 8-11am for $22.95 per person!" Lohud.com notes that another restaurant, TWK Community Market, "will offer its regular breakfast menu, and will stream the event but is also offering a special picnic basket featuring a choice of four sandwiches The Next Exit, The TZer, The Super Mario, Ova Here Now so spectators can take their meal to go and grab a prime position on the pier." Other restaurants along the Hudson are promoting things like a "Big Bang Brunch" (the Half Moon in Dobbs Ferry) and "Dim-Sum-struction of the Tappan Zee Bridge" (already sold out at Sambal Thai & Malay in Irvington), but since the pier in Piermont is a mile long, the authorities are bracing themselves. Police Chief Michael OShea told NJ.com, "The issue we face in Piermont is we have thousands of visitors expected because the Piermont pier goes out into the river and has a perfect view... We expect a flood of cars. We have plenty of parking in municipal lots." Other parts of the Tappan Zee Bridge have been using for artificial reefing around New Yorklook at this calming video of a crane dumping pieces of the bridge into the Atlantic: Lohud will be streaming the demolition on its Facebook page. Update: Lohud reports that Tappan Zee Constructors, which built the Mario Cuomo Bridge, released a statement saying a Saturday explosion is a no go: "The sustained winds caused delays to the preparatory work of the planned demolition operation. We appreciate the patience of the local community, and once we have rescheduled the operation we will provide an update." Chief O'Shea said, "The high winds were a concern. With controlled demo, there's a concern that stuff could blow into the channel of the shipping lane." It's believed a new date will be released on Friday. Maybe Cuomo can get involved and fix this so we can see things get blown up! * Intelligence unit and two staff face asset freeze from Wednesday * Sanctions sensitive for EU as seeks to uphold Iran nuclear deal * Dutch accuse Iran of assassinations in Europe (Adds Zarif tweet) By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen, Robin Emmott and Anthony Deutsch COPENHAGEN/BRUSSELS/AMSTERDAM, Jan 8 (Reuters) - The European Union on Tuesday froze the assets of an Iranian intelligence unit and two of its staff, as the Netherlands accused Iran of two killings on its soil and joined France and Denmark in alleging Tehran plotted other attacks in Europe. The move, although in part symbolic since one of the men is in prison in Belgium, marks the first time the EU has enacted sanctions on Iran since lifting a host of curbs on it three years ago following its 2015 nuclear pact with world powers. The decision, which includes designating the unit and the two Iranians as terrorists, follows last year's disclosure by Denmark and France that they suspected an Iranian government intelligence service of pursuing assassination plots on their soil. Copenhagen sought an EU-wide response. "EU just agreed to enact sanctions against an Iranian Intelligence Service for its assassination plots on European soil. Strong signal from the EU that we will not accept such behaviour in Europe," Denmark's Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen said on Twitter. France, which has already hit the two men and the ministry unit with sanctions, has said there was no doubt the Iranian intelligence ministry was behind a failed attack near Paris. On Tuesday, the Dutch government publicly accused Iran of the plots, as well as two killings in 2015 and 2017, sending a letter to parliament to warn of further economic sanctions if Tehran did not cooperate with European investigations. The letter signed by the Dutch foreign and interior ministers said Britain, France, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium met Iranian officials to convey "their serious concerns regarding Iran's probable involvement in these hostile acts on EU territory." Story continues "Iran was informed that involvement in such matters is entirely unacceptable and must be stopped immediately ... further sanctions cannot be ruled out," the letter said. Iran has denied any involvement in the alleged plots, saying the accusations were intended to damage EU-Iran relations. "Accusing Iran won't absolve Europe of responsibility for harboring terrorists," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Tuesday in a tweet. "Europeans, incl(uding) Denmark, Holland and France, harbor MEK," he added, referring to an exiled Iranian opposition group Mujaheedin-e Khalq. Paris accused Iran of a plot to carry out a bomb attack at a rally near Paris organised by the MEK. Denmark says it foiled a Iranian intelligence plan to assassinate an Iranian Arab opposition figure on its soil. On Tuesday, the Netherlands said it had "strong indications" that Iran was behind the assassinations of two Dutch nationals of Iranian origin, in 2015 and in 2017. The latter was dissident Iranian Arab activist Ahmad Mola Nissi who was gunned down by an unidentified assailant in front of his home in The Hague. Iran denies any involvement in the killings. SANCTIONS SENSITIVE The decision to impose the curbs was taken without debate at an unrelated meeting of Europe ministers in Brussels and the asset freeze comes into effect on Wednesday, EU officials said. The Danish Foreign Ministry named the two employees as the deputy minister and director general of intelligence, Saeid Hashemi Moghadam, and a Vienna-based diplomat, Assadollah Asadi. Their names are to appear in the EU's Official Journal on Wednesday. Sanctions on the intelligence ministry, which is under the control of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, are unlikely to change what the European Union says are Iran's destabilising activities in Europe and the Middle East. The deputy minister and director general of intelligence is in Iran, while the Iranian diplomat was charged and is being held by Belgian authorities. Neither appear to have assets in France, which first imposed the asset freeze late last year. But imposing economic sanctions on Iran, once the EU's top oil supplier, remains highly sensitive for the bloc. The EU has been straining to uphold the 2015 nuclear accord between Iran and world powers that U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out of in May. It has been less willing to consider sanctions, instead seeking talks with Tehran. Iran has warned it could ditch the nuclear deal if EU powers do not protect its trade and financial benefits. (Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen, Emil Gjerding Nielson in Copenhagen, John Irish in Paris, Robin Emmott in Brussels, Anthony Deutsch in Amsterdam, Stephanie van den Berg in The Hague, Bozorgmehr Sharafedin in London; Editing by Catherine Evans, William Maclean, Andrew Cawthorne) By Marta Nogueira RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Miner Anglo American Plc is betting on South America as its main growth area for base metals in the coming years, a top executive told Reuters. Ruben Fernandes, who heads Anglo's operations in Brazil and is slated to become its global head of base metals next March, said he wants to prepare the company for an expected boom in demand related to electric cars that is likely to fuel appetite for nickel as well as copper. Anglo already has significant copper assets in Chile and expects to begin production in its Quellaveco mine in Peru in 2022, projecting 300,000 equivalent tonnes of production a year. Quellaveco is expected to produce for 30 years and along with other potential expansion would put Anglo American on its way to producing more than 1 million tonnes of copper a year in the medium term, according to the company. "Anglo is already strong in South Africa and Australia, so South America is an important geographical diversification," Fernandes said in an interview this week. Along with Chile and Peru, Fernandes also expects to produce copper in Brazil. Anglo American has obtained hundreds of permits to explore in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Para, on the edge of the Amazon region, Reuters reported last year. Fernandes said the company will perform studies to certify commercial viability this year. Elsewhere in Brazil, Fernandes has resolved a major problem for Anglo American - an interruption after leaks of the Minas-Rio pipeline that channels iron ore slurry more than 500 km (310 miles) from Minas Gerais state to a Rio de Janeiro port. The operational problems were not expected by the company, but are already solved, Fernandes added. The pipeline resumed operations in December, and Anglo received permits to increase the mine's capacity to 26.5 million tonnes by 2020. Fernandes expects the Minas-Rio system to produce between 18 million tonnes and 20 million tonnes of iron ore this year. Fernandes will be replaced by Wilfred Bruijn as the miner's new Brazil head. (Writing by Tatiana Bautzer; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe) The truth is that workers have been the biggest taxpayers in PNG and big companies have been riding on their coat tails. So I disseminated the infographic at right showing how much various sectors of the economy contribute to government coffers. As a sometime government critic, I found myself in the awkward position of almost defending and supporting Treasurer Charles Abel. PORT MORESBY Papua New Guinean intellectuals and politicians have erupted on Facebook to fake news emanating from EMTV that there were income tax hikes in the governments 2019 Budget. Companies call this group tax, which is mostly comprised of taxes on wages and salaries. Corporate income tax on the other hand refers to tax paid by the company. In PNG a company is able to pay huge group tax (drawn from employees incomes) and almost zero corporate income tax. So I was baffled when people who I thought were knowledgeable about such matters began to scream on Facebook about hiked income tax. It wasnt a hike it was what theyd been paying all along. I had personal experience of this. In 2013, I did some consultancy work for a company and noticed that 42% of my pay was deducted in income tax. Since that painful observation six years ago, Ive pursued tax minimisation strategies with my employers. After all, its a painful experience giving half your pay to a corrupt government. So for me, anyone complaining about 42% tax on Facebook as something new was ignorant of what they had been paying all along. The Facebook uproar solicited responses from Treasurer Abel and the unions which emphasised how ill-informed people are of the facts. Theres no doubt that Papua New Guinea needs an overhaul of how it collects taxes not just from the private sector but also its citizens. The good news is that Sir Nagora Bogans tax review committee has already provided recommendations for tax rationalisation. The bad and baffling news is that a tax review paid for by the ONeill government hasnt had its recommendations implemented. In the meantime, its wise to remain wary of what the PNG media tells you. YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Armenia's representative to the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), Ambassador Christian Ter-Stepanyan and the General Secretary of the organization Louise Mushikiwabo met at the OIF Office. Christian Ter-Stepanyan congratulated Louise Mushikiwabo on the occasion of assuming the post of the Secretary General of the organization. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of MFA Armenia, Louise Mushikiwabo expressed satisfaction for the meeting, noting that its her 1st official meeting, which is also symbolic. The OIF Secretary General expressed her admiration with Armenia and the Armenian people, noting that thank to the exclusive contribution of the Armenian authorities and the Armenian people and the personal devotion of the representative of Armenia the Yerevan summit of the OIF was a great success. Louise Mushikiwabo asked Ter-Stepanyan to convey her congratulations over the success to the Armenian Foreign Minister and the leadership of the country. The representative of Armenia to the OIF spoke about the cooperation between Armenia and the organization, particularly, about the decisions made during the summit and the implementation of the initiatives assumes by Armenia as the chairing country of the summit. Louise Mushikiwabo announced about her decision to closely cooperate with Armenia aimed at the implementation of the mentioned decisions, as well as jointly organizing the events dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the OIF. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The Special Investigation Service (SIS) of Armenia gives no comments on the information of pressing charges against former Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan over March 1 case, SIS spokesperson Marina Ohanjanyan told ARMENPRESS. We give no comments on such information, she said. Information has been spread that former Defense Minister of Armenia Seyran Ohanyan is charged under Article 300 (1) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia (overthrow of the constitutional order). Ohanyan was the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Armenia back in 2008. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Ambassador to Poland Samvel Mkrtchyan on January 9 presented his credentials to President Andrzej Duda, the Armenian foreign ministry told Armenpress. During the meeting the two officials touched upon the centuries-old ties and friendship of the Armenian and Polish peoples, the contribution of the Armenian community to Polands public and political life. They both highlighted the need to continue the political dialogue at the highest level by mutual visits. During the talk the Armenian Ambassador and the Polish President also touched upon the EUs Eastern Partnership format, Polands leading role on the sidelines of this and the complete implementation of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. Ambassador Mkrtchyan introduced the Polish President on the recent domestic political developments in Armenia, the process of revolutionary reforms and etc. Within the frames of the ceremony Ambassador Samvel Mkrtchyan laid a wreath at the memorial of Unknown Soldier. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, 10 JANUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 10 January, USD exchange rate up by 0.73 drams to 485.52 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 3.65 drams to 559.32 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate stood at 7.24 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 1.41 drams to 619.47 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price up by 63.76 drams to 20114.83 drams. Silver price up by 0.06 drams to 243.83 drams. Platinum price up by 34.86 drams to 12815.67 drams. YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The bilateral talks on the gas price supplied from Russia to Armenia are not in closed format, Acting First Deputy Prime Minister Ararat Mirzoyan told reporters, reports Armenpress. The talks are underway. I can only state that there can be interesting developments, in any case the issue is not closed. There are versions, various topics and issues to discuss. Currently our government is actively working on this direction and keeps contacts with the Russian partners, he said. He guaranteed that all officials involved in the process of talks do the maximum to create more favorable conditions for the Armenian citizens. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker First Deputy Prime Minister Ararat Mirzoyan argues that the National Security Service must remain under the Prime Ministers authority, while the issue of the police can be discussed. When we talk about this, we talk not only about being under jurisdiction, but also being accountable to the parliament and transparency. The issue has several components, Mirzoyan told reporters. He said this issue is being discussed together with the governmental optimization plan and they dont have a final picture yet. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The tax innovations of 2018 summer whereby the limit of imports by natural persons was increased up to 50kg has contributed to tomato smuggling from Turkey for commercial purposes, State Revenue Committee president Davit Ananyan told reporters. He said that a rather high volumes of tomato has been imported in this method. We dont have information about this simply because they didnt get documented at the customs, he said. Ananyan says in many instances cargo trucks carrying up to 20 tons of products have unloaded it at the neutral zone between Georgia and Armenia and people have imported the products by 50kg luggage each. And in many cases we were unable to carry out any control function. He says the issue has been discussed and the government will carry out a harsh struggle against the abuse. We had the goal of assisting the population so they can import greater volumes of luggage for their own household purposes, he said. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan Green Book won a pair of Golden Globe awards last weekend (including one for Best Motion PictureMusical or Comedy), and hopefully everyone involved with the film got to enjoy that triumphant moment for the racial dramedy. Because this week has been filled with nothing but controversies old and new for the movie, with its Oscar chances taking a big hit. There have been accusations of white washing the story, apologies over sexual harassment jokes, and today, screenwriter Nick Vallelonga deleted his entire Twitter account after it emerged that he had tweeted in 2015 that he saw "Muslims in Jersey City cheering" when the World Trade Center towers collapsed on 9/11. The now-deleted Tweet (screenshot) Vallelonga, who wrote the movie about his father Tony Lip's friendship with musician Don Shirley during a tour through the civil rights-era South in the '60s, posted the tweet on November 25th, 2015. It was directed to Donald Trump's Twitter account, and references Trump's false claims that he had seen "thousands and thousands" of Muslims in Jersey City cheering the towers coming down. His 9/11 NJ "cheering" narrative was debunked and refuted multiple times. (Vallelonga's representative confirmed the tweet was real, and told IndieWire, "The Twitter account has been deleted not sure if any comment is actually needed here.") Nick Vallelonga wrote Green Book. My industry just gave him a Golden Globe for writing. This remains on his timeline. Mahershala Ali is a Muslim, and a beautiful, generous and kind man. This is all just too disgusting. pic.twitter.com/LYVbpFZFUL Jordan Horowitz (@jehorowitz) January 10, 2019 evidently Nick Vallelonga deleted his whole-ass twitter account but before he did so I couldn't help but notice he followed every single right-wing harebrain imaginable, from Ann Coulter to the entire Trump Cabinet priscilla page (@BBW_BFF) January 10, 2019 It's especially notable considering that star Mahershala Ali is Muslim, and considering the sensitive racial narrative of the film, which had already been criticized for being a "white savior movie." IndieWire's Tambay Obenson wrote that the film was "rooted in a white screenwriter's ignorance of any genuine African-American experience" and "exists almost entirely to help transform his white companion on a quest toward salvation." In response to the "white savior" critique, Vallelonga told Hollywood Reporter this week, "I never thought that he [Lip] was 'saving' anything the only savior I know is Jesus. I think it's kind of insulting to Mahershala Ali because he's on top of that character, how he's portrayed and how he comes across, and he would not have let anything go by." It's wild to me that the Nick Vallelonga tweet was found not by a rival studio trying to take down Green Book but by bored awards obsessives noticing how many Trumpites he followed, then searching to see if he'd ever tweeted at the president. Todd VanDerWerff (@tvoti) January 10, 2019 It's also not like he said, "Oh, I'm a fan of Donald Trump!" or something relatively benign. He signal-boosted one of Trump's racist lies and tried to lend it veracity. What's more, he did so in a way that dovetails with issues some have with the film's racial politics. Todd VanDerWerff (@tvoti) January 10, 2019 Don Shirley's family has also come out strongly against his portrayal in the film (both Shirley and Lip died in 2013). Shirley's nephew Edwin Shirley III told Shadow and Act there were tons of inaccuracies in the movie about him, Shirley's last surviving brother called the film "a symphony of lies," and his great-niece Yvonne Shirley told THR: "For my family, this is not nor has it ever been a debate. It's just about the truth. We know the truth of our loved one... They decided to create a story of a white man's redemption and self-realization using an extraordinary black life and a history of black oppression in this country as their backdrop. Many viewers are simply tired of that devaluing narrative." Ali ended up apologizing to the family directly after hearing about their frustrations. "I got a call from Mahershala Ali, a very, very respectful phone call, from him personally. He called me and my Uncle Maurice in which he apologized profusely if there had been any offense," Edwin said. "What he said was, 'If I have offended you, I am so, so terribly sorry. I did the best I could with the material I had. I was not aware that there were close relatives with whom I could have consulted to add some nuance to the character.'" Vallelonga isn't the only person involved with the film to have some skeletons pulled out of his closet this week: The Cut reported that director Peter Farrelly "used to really like whipping his dick out on set" as a practical joke, a practice which was documented in multiple pieces on him from the late '90s. Farrelly apologized to THR, saying, "I was an idiot. I did this decades ago, and I thought I was being funny, and the truth is I'm embarrassed, and it makes me cringe now. I'm deeply sorry." At least one really good thing came out of all these controversies though: it turns out Vallelonga wrote and performed his own Christmas song, "New York City Christmas," which is, I swear to God, just a list of places and things around NYC. It includes these immortal lines: Saint Patrick's Cathedral, horse and buggy's too, Central Park, there so much to do Rockefeller Center, an ice skater's delight It's Christmas Tree, brightens up the night The Hustle and Bustle, along Fifth Avenue Holiday shoppersm buying presents all new Update: Participant Media, which produced and co-financed the film, commented on Vallelonga's 9/11 tweet: "We find Mr. Vallelongas Twitter post offensive, dangerous, and antithetical to Participant Medias values. We reject it in no uncertain terms." Vallelonga has now apologized for the tweet as well. Read his statement below: YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker healthcare minister Arsen Torosyan has made unannounced visits to a public school, a kindergarten and a polyclinic today in Yerevan. At the Leo Tolstoy School, the minister toured the facility with the principal and talked with the children. He also checked the temperature in the classrooms. The principal said that children who have flu-like symptoms are being sent back home. The nurse checks the children one by one in the morning, Principal Anahit Uzunyan said, adding that the classes resume normally. At the #30 kindergarten, Principal Anna Sisoyan told the minister that parents dont bring sick children to the care centers. From 106 children, today 63 attended, she said. 20 of them are sick, the others are afraid to bring their children, she said, adding that they check the children for fever in the mornings. Director of the Karlen Yesayan Polyclinic told Torosyan that few people sought treatment during the holidays. Torosyan inquired about the flu immunization situation, and medical personnel said that people mainly get vaccinated during this season. Both healthy people and at-risk individuals get vaccinated against the influenza. However, pregnant women are horrified from being vaccinated, an expert told the minister. Earlier the healthcare ministry said that the H1N1 virus is circulating in Armenia in the usual seasonal pattern and there is no alarming situation. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Judge Nelly Baghdasaryan, the judge who presided over the court proceedings in former President Robert Kocharyans bail hearings, has recused herself following a peremptory challenge filed by the prosecutors. The grounds are unknown. Tonight the decisions will be provided to the sides after what we will be able to make assessments, Kocharyans lawyer Aram Orbelyan told reporters. The peremptory challenge of judge was filed by the prosecutor on January 9. The prosecutor said the reason for filing the motion is that this same judge had earlier recused herself from an unrelated case concerning the March 1 events, citing conflicts of interest. 2nd President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan, who ruled the country from 1998 to 2008, spent two weeks in jail in summer 2018, but was eventually freed. But on December 7, a higher court overruled the release and ordered him to be remanded into custody pending trial again. At the time the court announced the verdict, Kocharyan turned himself in to authorities by going to a Yerevan jail. Kocharyan is charged for overthrowing constitutional order during the 2008 post-election unrest, when clashes between security forces and protesters left 10 people dead during his final days as president. He vehemently denies wrongdoing. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today expressed hope that the incumbent Cabinet members who were elected to parliament in the recent general election will contribute to raising the effectiveness of the legislature. During todays Cabinet meeting, Pashinyan noted that today the ceremonial swearing-in ceremony of the lawmakers will take place. Three of our colleagues today will receive parliamentary mandates, I am talking about Deputy Prime Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Diaspora Minister Mkhitar Hayrapetyan and Culture Minister Lilit Makunts, Pashinyan said. I would like to thank our colleagues for the joint work in the government and express hope that they will contribute to the productivity of the governments work to the same extent in parliament, he added. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan commented on the rumors and concerns around the planned dissolution of the Diaspora Ministry during todays Cabinet meeting. I would like to specially touch upon the case of the Diaspora Ministry, because I think there is a misunderstanding as if we want to [write-off] the Diaspora Ministry. On the opposite, in this case too the task is very clearly formulated: to make the relations and partnership of the government with the Diaspora more effective and in this context we have a certain model and proposal, that implies that the level of relations with the Diaspora will essentially be elevated, not reduced, Pashinyan said, adding that soon the government will also hold discussions with Diaspora-Armenians over the model. Pashinyan expressed hope that they will achieve an agreement and consensus over this matter. I say again, here our task is to increase the level of productivity of relations in order to be mutually satisfied with both the process and recorded results. We, of course will proceed with coherent, firm and measured steps, I am sure that the recorded solutions must prove their vitality and of course must satisfy all those who are concerned with the issues of the state administration efficiency in Armenia and find it to be an issue of their solution, Pashinyan said. According to a preliminary bill on changing the governments structure, the number of ministries will be reduced from 17 to 12, with several ministries merging into one another. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, sent a letter to acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan where he highly values the great works carried out by the Diaspora ministry and expresses hope that the Diaspora will be a priority in the future activities of the new government, reports Armenpress. I think, given the strategic meaning of the existence of the Diaspora ministry, at the same time its symbolic meaning because sometimes the symbolic meaning is much more vital than the strategic or political ones, its important for the Diaspora to have a Diaspora ministry, Catholicos Aram I said in an interview to Yerkirn Aysor program of Yerkir Media TV. His Holiness Aram I said the dissolution of the Diaspora ministry can have a negative reaction among the Diaspora-Armenians. Our approach to the Diaspora should differ because if we have nearly 3 million Armenians in Armenia, the remaining 8 million Armenians live in the Diaspora. During the past years the Diaspora ministry has carried out huge works, and we first of all should express our appreciation, he said. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Ambassador to Kazakhstan Gagik Ghalachyan has held meetings with the countrys foreign minister Beybut Atamkulov and interior minister Kalmukhanbet Kasimov on January 6 and January 9 respectively, according to a press release of the Armenian foreign ministry. In addition to a number of issues of the bilateral cooperation agenda, the sides discussed the incident that took place in Karaganda, the subsequent developments, by unequivocally noting that it [incident] had a household nature, and attempts on [making it appear] of ethnic [nature] are condemnable and unacceptable. Citing the January 3 statement of the Armenian embassy in Kazakhstan, and the statements of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia that followed it, the discussions between the foreign ministers of the two countries as well as heads of [security] structures - the sides attached importance to maintaining continuity of direct contact between the Armenian embassy in Kazakhstan and Kazakh authorities, the Armenian foreign ministry said in a press release. The meetings proceeded in a warm, collegial atmosphere of mutual understanding, it added. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Five British soldiers from the U.S.-led international coalition in eastern Syria have been killed in combat during a clash with ISIS terrorists, Al-Watan newspaper reports. According to the newspaper, the ISIS fighters took advantage of a sandstorm to counter-attack the positions of the Democratic Syrian Forces Arab-Kurdish groups, that in turn are assisted by the British troops. The battle took place near the Esh Shafaa settlement. Several other British soldiers were wounded and hospitalized in Haseka, according to the report. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The meeting of President of Syria Bashar al-Assad and the Syrian-Armenians, Armenian businessmen was held in quite a constructive and warm atmosphere. The group from Armenia was led by George Barseghyan, chairman of the Syrian-Armenian community in Armenia. He presented details from the aforementioned meeting during an interview to ARMENPRESS. George Barseghyan said the activeness began after the appointment of new Syrian ambassador in Armenia. The new staff of the Embassy started actively working with the Syrian-Armenian community in Armenia. That time a Board of the Syrian-Armenian community in Armenia was elected led by George Barseghyan. There was a task that this Board must boost Syria-Armenia ties. The first step was asking for a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. And this request was approved very soon. A meeting was scheduled not only with the Syrian President, but also other high-ranking officials of Syria. The Board has formed a delegation consisting of Syrian-Armenians, Armenian businessmen, he said. He noted that Assads government managed to overcome the current situation. The US thinks of withdrawing its troops from Syria and is already taking practical steps. A number of Arab countries are thinking of opening their embassies in Syria. All these actions suppose restoration of Syria, and for this purpose quite major economic programs are expected to be implemented. The Syrian government plans to give priority in these programs to those countries which stood together with it during those years. Armenia is among those countries which didnt close its embassy during the war, always kept the state ties and sent an aid to Syria. And during the upcoming progress, business programs and restoration works the priority will be given to Armenians, George Barseghyan said, adding that the Syrian government highly values the role of the Armenian community. He said its not a coincidence that the Syrian President promised to restore the Armenian Church in Deir ez-Zor with his own resources. During the visit in Syria the Armenian delegation also met with the prime minister, the parliament speaker, as well as business companies. They have outlined a number of directions for future cooperation. Our visit pursued several goals. Firstly to strengthen and intensify the Armenia-Syria ties. In addition, we also wanted to express our support to the Syrian President and government. Armenia is one of those unique countries most of the population of which supports the current Syrian government, because we have managed to reach significant success during that leaderships government. It was a proper occasion to show our support. Eventually, we have an Armenian community in Syria, in Aleppo, Damascus and etc. The local Armenians have very good relations with the authorities, and we also must think about this, he said. The meeting with Assad was also marked by handing over a symbolic gift. A mock of a monument in Armenia has been handed over to the Syrian leader which symbolizes Armenians gratitude to the Syrian people for the support shown during the Armenian Genocide. The monument is located on the way to the Zvartnots airport and has been constructed by the funds of Diaspora-Armenians. The monument depicts the map of Syria, the Armenian eagle, the pillar of eternity. Non-official inauguration ceremony of the monument was held in 2013. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad hosted the Syrian-Armenian delegation led by George Barseghian in late December. The meeting participants discussed the situation in Syria and the countrys restoration process. The businessmen expressed wish to participate in the reconstruction activities. The Syrian President stated that Armenias principled position and support provided during the whole period of terror war unleashed against Syria enable it to be one of the leading countries which have a fair right to participate in Syrias restoration works. Interview by Anna Gziryan Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan 10:55 | Lima, Jan. 10. They alleged lack of results in reforms within the party and the latest confrontation events at Congress as the reasons for their departure. As is known, party leader Fujimori currently serves a 36-month preventive detention over alleged money laundering charges linked to Brazilian corruption-tainted Odebrecht. Before the resignations, Fuerza Popular had 61 lawmakers including Ursula Letona, who has not yet formally resigned, that is to say, she remains a member of this group. Fuerza Popular party had 73 members, in the beginning, the largest number of legislators over the past periods. The opposition party had more than half of the total number (130) of Congress members elected. However, the party experienced a decrease in membership. From July 2016 when the country's opposition-controlled congress was sworn in to date, the parliamentary group has lost 17 legislators. Yeni Vilcatoma and Patricia Donayre were the first to resign, although Vilcatoma returned to the party in July 2018 and is on the Congress' board of directors now. More resignations came from 11 lawmakers, led by Kenji Fujimori. However, Fuerza Popular recovered three seats after Kenji Fujimori, Bienvenido Ramirez, and Guillermo Bocangel were suspended due to alleged vote-buying before a scheduled impeachment vote against ex-President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski , who resigned amid a political scandal last March. Two days after Christmas, Harlem resident John Tran found himself taking time off from work not to relax but instead to navigate the excruciatingly slow and red tape-burdened workings of New York City bureaucracy. On December 26th, he had been issued a civil summons for jumping the turnstile at the A,B,C,D subway station at 125th Street, not far from his apartment. The incident was at first a case of he said-she saidTran vigorously argued he had in fact swiped his monthly MetroCard, but police insisted they saw him leap over the turnstile. The ultimate arbiter proved to be modern technology: four hours after he started his appeal at the Transit Adjudication Bureau in downtown Brooklyn, the MTAs computer system showed that on the day in question he had swiped his card at precisely 11:36 a.m., roughly two minutes before police officers said they saw him do otherwise. The summons and the NYC Transit mediator's decision (Courtesy of John Tran) The mediator dismissed the case and the $100 penalty along with it. By then, Tran, a 32-year-old who works on sustainability and diversity issues for Pernod Ricard, a French wine and spirits company, had grown incensed. While sitting in the bureaus cavernous waiting room, he couldnt help but notice that nearly all of the roughly 20 or so people he saw were minorities. This was a disproportionate representation of New York City in general, he said. On Tuesday, less than two weeks after his summons was thrown out, Tran filed a lawsuit against the city, the New York Police Department and the three police officers who falsely accused him of breaking the law. The complaint alleges that, through its efforts to crack down on fare beating, the city and the NYPD employed a quota-driven and race-based policing practice that violated his civil rights. In an interview with Gothamist, Tran, who is Asian, said he also believes the way he was dressed that morningwearing a beanie, puffy coat, along with sweatpants and sneakersplayed a role in how he was treated by police. Tran videotaped the police officers handing him the summons. In the video he is heard asking the officer, "Is this a quota system?" "No," the police officer responds. As of late Wednesday, the citys law department did not comment on the lawsuit except to say, We will review the complaint. The NYPD did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The legal battle comes at a time when the city and the NYPD are facing renewed pressure from the MTA to stop fare beaters. In December, the MTA said that a spike in the number of people who do not pay to ride the subway and buses cost them $215 million last year. The amount is an increase of $110 million over 2015. While the MTA has an operating budget of $16.6 billion, it has projected a budget deficit of nearly $1 billion by 2020 and has blamed some of its financial struggles on fare beaters. Both Mayor Bill de Blasio and transit officials have placed part of the blame on the decision by Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance last year to no longer have his office prosecute most people arrested for fare evasion. In February 2018, De Blasio warned that Vance's decision would open up the gates of the subway for free. Detail from the summons and the NYC Transit mediator's decision (Courtesy of John Tran) But on Thursday's Brian Lehrer Show, New York City Transit President Andy Byford said that while he viewed it as part of his job to collect revenue for the MTA, he recently had an "excellent meeting" with Vance. "[W]e both agreed that criminalizing people is not the answer," he said, praising the city's nascent Fair Fare programs, which offers discounted MetroCards to low-income New Yorkers. Data on turnstile arrests supports the contention by criminal reform advocates that such broken windows policing policies disproportionately punishes minorities by a large margin. 89 percent of those arrested in NYC in 2018 for turnstile jumping were black or Hispanic, virtually the same proportion since 2014 and despite the fact that turnstile arrests have dropped significantly, according to data from New York Division of Criminal Justice Services. Moreover, the city neighborhoods that had the most turnstile arrests per MetroCard swipe tended to be predominantly black or Hispanic, according to an analysis by the Marshall Project. In December 2017, the City Council passed a legislation sponsored by Councilman Rory Lancman mandating the NYPD to release detailed breakdowns of both fare evasion summonses and arrests by race, age and gender for every subway station in the city. But according to Trans lawsuit, the information released to date by the NYPD is incomplete. Currently, the available data makes it difficult to determine patterns of racial profiling at every transit location. In September 2018, Lancman and the Community Service Society sued the NYPD for failure to comply with the fare evasion law, calling its limited release "a sham" that "makes a mockery of the law." They put up some some data to say, heres the data, said Kathleen Linnane, Trans attorney, who said she tried unsuccessfully to determine the number of turnstile summonses arrests at the 125th Street station in Harlem. It doesnt allow anybody to draw a public conclusion. In addition to compensatory damages, Tran is asking the NYPD to comply with the law by providing full statistics related to fare evasion. He also wants the NYPD to say that its policing of fare beaters is unconstitutional. Linnane believes Tran's case could potentially have a huge impact on minority communities given how the cost of fighting such summonses is unfairly borne by them. Think about people who cannot pay $100 or who cant afford to take a day off from work, she said. Tran said one of the reasons he decided to hire a lawyer and file a lawsuit was that he realized that unlike him, most people who are unfairly stopped or arrested for fare evasion dont have the resources to do so. Tran's other goal is to start a broader conversation, and he has been sharing his story with elected officials as well as on Facebook and LinkedIn. He said the experience has been eye-openinghe said he now notices police interactions that he had in past he had overlooked. "Ive seen people arguing with them. Im starting to connect dots," he said. It was a July night in East Harlem last year. K.N., 17, was riding in a car with a 22-year-old man near the Wilson Houses, a public housing complex overlooking the East River. The sound of sirens pierced the air. Two NYPD officers were signaling them to pull over, allegedly for illegal window tints. K.N. and the man he was with burst open the cars doors and ran. The two cops gave chase and eventually got ahold of them. According to police, when they got back to the car, the officers began a search. In the back seat, they found a loaded 9-millimeter Smith & Wesson with a large-capacity magazine. They drove to the 23rd Precinct, where officers found K.N. had no criminal record. Police made contact with his mother, who came to the station but was prevented from seeing her son, according to a court filing by his defense. Instead, the filing continued, police pushed the teenager to sign a form allowing them to collect his DNA sample. Then, without consulting his mother waiting outside, police inserted a swab into his mouth and extracted his forensic sample. (Manhattan prosecutors declined to answer questions from The Appeal regarding the DNA collection, but havent challenged K.N.s account of the seizure.) The collection of K.N.s DNA is at the heart of a recent ruling that questions how the police seize DNA from juveniles. In a strongly worded decision drawing on Supreme Court precedent, Judge Sandra Roper of Manhattan criminal court ruled that since adolescents brains are still developing, they cannot legally consent to the search and a parent or guardian must sign off. The court also held that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), New York Citys forensics laboratory, is not permitted under state law to permanently store DNA taken from people who have never even been convicted of crimes. (The OCME did not respond to repeated requests for comment about the case.) The Manhattan ruling is a watershed decision protecting the genetic privacy of young people, said Terri Rosenblatt, a staff attorney for the Legal Aid Society, the public defenders organization that defended K.N. Although the decision is not binding on other New York courts, Rosenblatt hopes it will encourage other judges to carefully consider controversial DNA practices that have become commonplace in New York City. Additionally, defense attorneys throughout New York can now point this decision to support their challenges of questionable DNA searches and retention practices. In an email to The Appeal, the NYPD disputed the judges constitutional argument, and contended that K.N. was legally capable of providing valid consent for a DNA sample because 17-year-olds are considered adults under New York State law. (Starting in October, 17-year-olds will no longer be prosecuted as adults.) Ropers ruling could lead to changes in how the police department operates, said Joe Giacalone, a retired NYPD detective sergeant and an adjunct professor at City University of New Yorks John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He believes it could prompt the department to bar detectives from collecting juvenile DNA without parental consent. Once the department has been stung like this, the Legal Bureau will come up with an interim order to change how they do things, he said. Nobody wants to end up on a state docket deciding this issue, so they should come up with a procedure to fix this. Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill at a press conference earlier this month (Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office) A vast database Over the last two years, New York Citys large-scale collection and permanent storage of DNA profiles, including those from people found not guilty or who had their cases dismissed, have come under fire. Unlike in most major cities nationwide, New York City permanently stores suspects DNA profiles in a local database, even if they are later found not guilty. This vast collection effort means that, unless a defendant proactively seeks and wins a protective court order, their captured DNA profiles can be tested against any forensic evidence, gathered in the past or the future, at any time. While the OCME did not provide numbers on how often DNA profiles were expunged, the additional legal hurdle is a disadvantage for low-income defendants, argues Rosenblatt, because they are less likely to know about and have access to such legal options. For defense attorneys, New Yorks long-term collection of suspects DNA is even more disturbing when it comes to juveniles consenting on their own, Rosenblatt said. In every other context imaginable, parental consent is required before a childs personal information is taken, shared, or permanently stored, she said. For law enforcement, however, such age restrictions can feel like unfair impediments to their investigations. Those 17, 18-year-olds are part of the cohort that commit a lot of the crimes, so this will definitely hinder investigations into street robberies, gang activity, said Giacalone. He said minors shouldnt be exempted from routine DNA collection based on their age alone. After a while, what is the age gonna be? 125? But even if minors do consent to offering a DNA sample, as in K.N.s case, they might not understand the implications of their actions. When K.N. agreed to the sample, his defense later argued in court filings, he was not informed that it would be held perpetually after the resolution of his case, regardless of its outcome. The police led him to believe the DNA would only be used for a one-off comparison, his attorneys argued, inducing him to consent to the swab. Citing the lack of parental consent and his misunderstanding of the citys DNA retention practices, K.N.s lawyers moved in September 2018 to have authorities destroy and expunge any DNA sample or profile obtained from him, along with any comparisons of his sample or profile to crime scene evidence in the gun case. In a blistering ruling in November, Judge Roper assented to the expungement request, arguing that DNA searches of children without parental consent are inherently nonconsensual. Ropers ruling pointed to a 2005 Supreme Court decision, which highlighted juveniles limited cognitive development, and New Yorks 2017 Raise the Age law, which increased the age of criminal responsibility. Adults, let alone terrified minors, are barely able to comprehend the grave consequences of surrendering their DNA to law enforcement, she wrote in her ruling. We as a society need to do more to treat juveniles at risk for societal banishment towards better penological outcomes through treating juveniles as children and giving them a better chance for rehabilitation for all of our sakes. The judge also ruled that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner should stop permanently storing peoples DNA after a case if they arent convicted. Since New York state law does not explicitly authorize the permanent storage of nonconvicted suspects DNA for the state DNA database, she noted, the law must be read to ban New York Citys practice until the legislature acts to explicitly state otherwise. She also argued that for people whose cases were dismissed, who were found not guilty, or who were later exonerated, such collection, which enables perpetual forensic examination, violates a previous state ruling barring DNA collection without probable cause. Collection tactics Civil liberties advocates have also criticized other NYPD methods of collecting DNA for the citys permanent suspect database. In pristine interrogation rooms, officers will sometimes offer arrestees bottles of water and cigarettes, not as a gesture of sympathy, but as a surreptitious method of acquiring the DNA suspects subsequently abandon in precinct trash cans or ashtrays. Their DNA samples can then be processed into profiles and entered into the permanent database without the persons knowledge, making proactive court requests for database expungement highly unlikely. An NYPD interrogation room video obtained by The Appeal shows such covert techniques in action (the footage has been edited to obscure faces, and shortened for publication purposes). At the beginning of the footage, a white-shirted NYPD investigator can be seen vigorously scrubbing the interrogation room table. A colleague in a red shirt walks in and places an ashtray on the cleaned table. Thirty seconds later, they bring in the defendant, read him his Miranda rights, and tell him he has been arrested for allegedly discarding a firearm while running from police. He declines to answer questions and subsequently declines the white-shirted investigators offer of a cigarette. The two leave him in the room alone, where for about five minutes he leans over the table, plays with his hands, and shifts in his chair. Finally, he knocks on the door, and accepts the offer of the cigarette. The red-shirted officer goes to get it and comes back in chuckling, even lighting it for him. The defendant smokes for about six minutes, then ashes it. After several more minutes, the police come back, ask him if hes finished and whether he wants to talk. He declines, they leave, and his arresting officers come to escort him out. Just over a minute after he leaves, the officer who gave him the cigarette comes back into frame. Wearing gloves, he dumps the cigarette butt into an evidence envelope and exits the room. Rosenblatt says New Yorkers would probably be horrified, if they knew such surreptitiously collected samples are stored in a city DNA databank forever, even if the person is ultimately not convicted of any crime, or simply released without further questioning. From a police perspective, Giacalone argued that surreptitious collection is a superior technique to voluntary swabs because they are harder for defense attorneys to challenge. The consent always opens up a can of worms, he noted. It becomes a he-said, she-said. Pushing for change Public scrutiny of New York Citys DNA practices grew after The Trace and WNYC reported on the rapid and quiet growth of New York Citys DNA database, fueled by authorities push to collect DNA in every case in which a gun is recovered, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiners decision to permanently store profiles of nonconvicted suspects. In a contentious New York City Council hearing on this issue in December 2017, OCME officials acknowledged they could choose to remove samples of nonconvicted individuals from their database if they want to, but argued such inclusion benefited authorities because it enabled more matches in cases beyond those individuals are first suspected in. At the time, Florence Hutner, OCMEs general counsel, told lawmakers, There is nothing prohibiting the storage of the profiles of unconvicted individuals. New York Citys broad DNA collection practices are not unprecedented nationwide. Police in other states, such as California, Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Connecticut, also collect and retain the DNA of those arrested but not convicted of certain charges. Last year, Californias Supreme Court upheld the practice of collecting and storing felony arrestees DNA, despite civil liberties advocates complaints that such broad collection methods disproportionately affect Black residents, who are more likely to be arrested and exonerated after such arrests. In December 2018, a group of civil society organizations, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, sued the state, pointing out that though over 750,000 people have been arrested on felonies and ultimately released between 2009 and 2017 in California, fewer than 2,000 had their DNA subsequently expunged from police databases. Rosenblatt hopes that Ropers ruling could help change the citys practice of permanently storing minors DNA, which she calls especially disturbing. Young people who are charged with crimes should have a chance to move on and have a productive and law-abiding life, she said. Storing their genetic code forever keeps them under a microscope. This story was co-published with The Appeal, a nonprofit criminal justice news outlet. George Joseph is a staff writer at The Appeal. "Are you spending enough time with your kids? When was the last time you and your partner could go out on a date? Do you see your life getting better this year? Or are you just holding on?" Those questions were at the heart of Mayor Bill de Blasio's State of the City speech on Thursday. In his sixth annual address, de Blasio made the case that the city should be instituting policies that lift residents upoffering them a better quality of life at work and at home. Even though the mayor led with his accomplishments (140,000 fewer arrests than when he took office, fewer than 8,000 people in jail, fewest traffic fatalities since 1910, highest high school graduation rate), he said the lesson of these accomplishments is that there is still more to do. The other lesson evident in the speech: the mayors shift in rhetoric. The mayor was tacking left, adopting a message of empathy that echoed the likes of progressive superstars like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the one-time bartender who connected with working class voters by noting that she was one of them. De Blasio talked about the struggles his family endured when he and his wife Chirlane McCrays mothers both fell ill at the same time, and used that frame of a struggling family to lay out proposals that were intended for an audience that extended beyond New York. Listen to WNYCs Brigid Berlin discuss the State of the City on All Things Considered: Upright Citizens Brigade will shutter its East Village outpost, UCB East, on February 9th, due to the "extreme costs" of operating in the space, according to Vulture. Members of the improv theater reportedly learned about the closure at an all-hands meeting on Wednesday night. During the meeting, UCB co-founder Matt Besser is said to have explained the decision to merge with SubCulture, a venue on Bleecker Street, where they will keep running a more limited UCB selection. According to the NY Times, this means three nights of programs, rather than the previous seven, beginning February 15th. "Due to the long-term cost of rent, property taxes, and other expenses associated with operating a second venue in NYC, UCB has created this new experience at SubCulture to reduce the financial impact," UCB4which is to say, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, Matt Walsh, and Besser, who founded the theatersaid in a statement. "This move allows us to continue to offer a second venue to our performers and audience. We are forever grateful to the incredible staff, performers and countless dedicated UCB-ers who have committed so much time and effort into making it possible for us to perform and view alternative comedy in NYC." UCB East originally opened in 2011, immediately kicking up controversy in the neighborhood with a sign reading "Hot Chicks Room" which hung over the entrance to its bar, and also with its curtain selection. (Red, velvet, apparently very enraging. Here's what Amy Poehler had to say when we asked her about the "controversy.") Although UCB has become a popular institution for aspiring comics, it has attracted criticism for its business model, which is built on unpaid performers. It's also faced other financial difficulties recently: in December, the theater laid off a number of staffers, a move the UCB4 characterized as "a matter of life and death for the company," according to journalist Seth Simons. At the time, management said they had no plans to close UCB East, while also acknowledging that the theater's path forward was not particularly clear. UCB will continue to operate its other New York City venue, located in Hell's Kitchen, and its two Los Angeles locations. In an email to the company, UCB's New York artistic director Michael Hartney wrote that, "It is sad to lose a venue, especially when it affects employees we care about." And indeed, the company's 15-year technical director, Pat Baer, tweeted Wednesday that he's looking for a job. After Feb 9th, I will no longer be a UCB employee. April would have been 15 years. Im heartbroken and a bit numb. I will accept condolences, high fives, and job offers. Pat Baer 2019 (@patbaer) January 9, 2019 Here's Craig Wedren performing at UCB East for our Gothamist House series. NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prometheum , Inc., which proposes the only comprehensive route to a fully regulatory compliant U.S. security token, announced today that it has raised $12mm from HashKey Digital Asset Group Limited, the holding company of a leading Hong Kong fintech group. Hashkey is focused on the development of the blockchain and digital asset industry, with a commitment to building a global ecosystem in this field. The investment, in the form of cash and services, will enable Prometheum to accelerate the launch of its network. Prometheum also announced that it has signed a Strategic Partnership and Joint Development Agreement with Shanghai Wanxiang Blockchain Inc., an early backer of Ethereum. Wanxiang and HashKey are partners and allies who often collaborate to invest in and accelerate blockchain startups. Shanghai Wanxiang Blockchain Inc., known as Wanxiang Blockchain, was established by Chinas biggest blockchain backer -- China Wanxiang Holding Co., Ltd. -- part of the giant Wanxiang Group Corp., one of Chinas most internationally respected companies. Wanxiangs domestic innovation initiatives include a $30 billion, blockchain-driven, smart-city development in Hangzhou, China. Its Chicago-based arm, Wanxiang America, is a $4 billion company with interests in auto parts, real estate and renewable energy. Per the terms of the partnership agreement, Wanxiang Blockchain will provide Prometheum with blockchain technology resources and help develop the Prometheum network. In addition, Dr. Feng Xiao - Chairman of HashKey, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of China Wanxiang Holding Co., Ltd., and Chairman and CEO of Wanxiang Blockchain Inc. - will join Prometheums board. Dr. Xiao was the earliest evangelist and promoter of blockchain technology in China. An early sponsor of Ethereum, he has incubated and invested in more than 50 leading blockchain projects around the world. Prometheum, founded by a group of seasoned Wall Street securities attorneys, has developed a platform that will enable SEC-qualified, freely trading smart security tokens (SSTs) to be bought and sold by any investor. The company has already marked a first in the industry by filing a Reg A+ Offering Statement for the first legal warrants for SSTs in the U.S. Prometheums smart security warrants/Ember tokens and smart contract-enabled blockchain form the underpinning for a comprehensive route to a soup-to-nuts securities ecosystem, from issuance to trading through clearing and settling. The company recently issued a new white paper with details on its approach. Ben El-Baz, Chief Strategy Officer at HashKey Digital Asset Group, said, Prometheums legal and financial experts have cracked the code on how to hold a legal security token offering in the U.S. - something the financial world is eagerly anticipating. Wanxiangs blockchain development prowess will help ensure the underpinnings of a new kind of system. We are very excited to invest in and work alongside Prometheum on this project. We firmly believe that blockchain technology can bring more transparency to financial systems, and Prometheums approach to smart security token offerings operating within the existing U.S. Federal Securities Laws is well thought out with strong promise, said Yu Du, General Manager at Wanxiang Blockchain Inc. We think Prometheum will have a disruptive effect on the U.S. financial industry, and we are excited to work closely with the team to launch a robust and compliant ecosystem into the U.S. capital markets. In May 2018, Prometheum filed a Reg A+ Offering Statement for its own SST, in which it seeks to raise $50mm by selling warrants for its Ember tokens. In June 2018, Prometheum struck a strategic partnership with broker-dealer Manorhaven Capital LLC and filed with the SEC for registration as an Alternative Trading System (ATS). Prometheum anticipates being the first U.S. issuer to sell smart security warrants/tokens under Reg A+, qualified for public trading, fully compliant with the Federal Securities Laws. That means, unlike all other tokens issued to date, Prometheum warrants for Ember tokens will, when qualified by the SEC, be available to all investors (both accredited and non-accredited) and will be legally tradable in the secondary securities market in the United States. All of the pieces are falling into place, ahead of schedule, said Aaron Kaplan, Co-CEO of Prometheum. We anticipate hosting our first offerings for issuers in 2019. We are thrilled to be working with HashKey and Wanxiang Blockchain as we continue to move Prometheum forward. Access Prometheums offering documents at the SEC web site at https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?company=Prometheum&owner=exclude&action=getcompany . Learn more about Prometheum at https://www.prometheum.com/ . About HashKey HashKey Digital Asset Group Limited (HashKey) is a leading holding company focused on investment in the fintech and blockchain industries. Founded by veterans in the field, HashKey aims to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, technological advancement and adoption with its forward-looking vision, professional insight and global synergistic network. By empowering industries with fintech, HashKey hopes to liberate productivity and to promote inclusion for the world we live in. About Shanghai Wanxiang Blockchain Inc. Beginning in 2015, China Wanxiang Holding Co., Ltd. started a strategic layout in the blockchain industry, and was deeply engaged in this field ever since. Wanxiang Blockchain has already built an ecosystem that is consisted of Wanxiang Blockchain Labs, Wanxiang Blockchain Business Consulting Service, Wanxiang Chainbase Accelerator, and Wancloud. In early 2017, Shanghai Wanxiang Blockchain Inc. was formally established. On the basis of further integrating resources and constructing -platforms, Shanghai Wanxiang Blockchain Inc. established a cutting-edge product and technical team to develop industrial solution with blockchain, providing technology, capital and resources to further advance industrial development and business adoption in the blockchain field. About Prometheum Prometheum , Inc. proposes the only comprehensive route to smart security warrant/token offerings. Founded by a group of seasoned Wall Street securities attorneys, Prometheum is the first company to propose an SEC-qualified freely trading ecosystem of securitized tokens to all investors. Its proposed warrants/Ember tokens and smart contract-enabled blockchain form the underpinning for a comprehensive route to a soup-to-nuts securities ecosystem, from issuance to trading through clearing and settling. Prometheum anticipates hosting its first smart security warrant/token offerings for issuers in 2019. Learn more at www.prometheum.com . Prometheum, Inc. Disclaimer No money or consideration is being solicited by the information in this press release or any other communication and, if sent, money will not be accepted and will be promptly returned. No offer by a potential investor to buy our securities can be accepted and, if made, any such offer can be withdrawn before qualification of this offering by the SEC. A potential investors indication of interest does not create a commitment to purchase the securities we are offering. Any such indication of interest may be withdrawn or revoked, without obligation or commitment of any kind, at any time before notice of its acceptance is given and all other requirements to accept an investment from a potential investor are met after the offering qualification date. The offering, after qualification by the SEC, will be made only by means of the Offering Circular. Any information in this press release or any other communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to qualification for sale as provided in Regulation A+ in any such state or jurisdiction. You may obtain a copy of the Preliminary Offering Circular and the offering statement in which such Preliminary Offering Circular was filed with the SEC by visiting: https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?company=Prometheum&owner=exclude&action=getcompany . Media contact: Michelle Faulkner Big Swing Communications +1 617-510-6998 michelle@big-swing.com TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tanzanian Royalty Exploration Corporation's (TSX:TNX)(NYSE MKT:TRX) (the "Company') Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Stamico, and Coreworthy to complete Phase One of our planned Three-Phase Drill Program. Total meters to be drilled in all Phases is expected to amount to approximately 30,000. The Three-Phase Drill Program is being planned and directed by Ulrich Rath, Chair of our Technical Committee. 1) Phase One will be approximately 4,500m of infill drilling designed to upgrade existing inferred ounces within the proposed open pit and to begin testing of the deep contact below the open pit. 2) Phase Two will continue to delineate and test the continuity and extent of the deep contact; and 3) Phase Three work will be based upon information received from Phases One and Two. This Three-Phased drilling program has been designed to add significant overall value, as well as to improve the already robust economics of the Buckreef Project. We already know Buckreef is a great mine and it will be prosperous. The drilling of the deep contact will reveal if we have a world class mine along the lines of Bulyanhulu. We are excited, said James E. Sinclair, Executive Chairman. Funding requirements for the drill program are budgeted per Phase. The Company is raising capital for Phases Two and Three. Use of funds will be strictly limited to authorized, approved and necessary expenses. The company does not require large financing. The results will drive future development, demonstrate value added improvements in project economics and gain critical insight into the potential underground resource which makes this program extremely accretive in nature. The Company has complied with the bidder pre-qualification process as required by the 2018 Tanzanian local content regulations, and has tendered Requests for Proposal (RFPs) to qualified drilling contractors. With this selection of the contractors by the Board of Directors, Parts B and C of the 2018 local content regulations can be completed and submitted. After approval by the Mining Commission, Phase One of the program can proceed. Planned mobilization by both contractors to the site will be on or before January 25, 2019. The proposed work is to take approximately 45 days to complete. Delays to the start of this timeline, if any, would be attributable to additional requirements by the Mining Commission. Additional information on the Buckreef Project can be found in the June 26, 2018 report. Tanzanian Royalty Exploration (TRX), the Operator of Buckreef Gold Company (BGC), released a Canadian NI 43-101 Pre-Feasibility report by Virimai Projects (Virimai) on the Buckreef Project. Copies of this report can be found on the company website www.tanzanianroyalty.com , as well as on SEDAR. This report is an independent mine design and costing Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) of the Buckreef Gold Mine Project located in the Lake Victoria Goldfields, Geita District, in North Central Tanzania. In the Canadian NI 43-101 report Virimai recommended an infill drilling program. This critical first Phase itself has two purposes. Within the currently conceived open pit, this program will upgrade the mineable ounces, moving as much as possible of the current inferred resources to the measured and indicated categories and move some indicated resources to measured resources. Most importantly, high priority will be given to conduct drilling to confirm the previously known strong intersections and grades from deep holes and begin to test the deposit at depth and for potential as an underground mine. These next few months will be an exciting time for the company. Our team has done an outstanding job planning this program. We are drilling into a known asset and are able to specifically target the holes on the infill drilling, allowing an easy upgrade of the mineable ounces. While that work will be extremely accretive to the Buckreef Project, the Company is especially interested to see the results from the deep contact. Mr. Sinclair was the founder of the Bulyanhulu mine. He has done this before. By all appearances he is doing it again, said Jeffrey Duval, Acting CEO. A perspective and cross section of the work follows this narrative. Respectfully Submitted, "James E. Sinclair" James E. Sinclair Executive Chairman For further information, please contact Michael Martin, Investor Relations, m.martin@tanzaninaroyalty.com , 860-248-0999, or visit the Company website at www.tanzanianroyalty.com. Our proposed first Phase of the Drill Program will consist of 29 reverse circulation (RC) holes with a total of 4463 meters of drilling. Shown below is a perspective view of the planned In-fill holes face SSE. Diagram 1: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9366413c-6469-49e1-abb2-a8058c6f91fa Shown below, for illustrative purposes, is a cross-section of the open pit facing NE that shows the various 43-101 compliant categories of in-pit resources, as well as existing holes (black) and proposed new holes (red). The deep contact drilling will extend below the bottom of the open pit. Diagram 2: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/516ce349-f38c-455b-ad65-4496f46c9e39 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements Certain of the statements made herein may contain forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified using words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information herein include, but are not limited to, the Positive Feasibility Study on Buckreef, the timing and the results of the proposed drilling program. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information by their nature are based on assumptions and 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 future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. We have made certain assumptions about the forward-looking statements and information, and even though our management believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statement or information will prove to be accurate. Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, the following: gold price volatility; discrepancies between actual and estimated production, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries; mining operational and development risk; litigation risks; regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions and liability; risks of sovereign investment; currency fluctuations; speculative nature of gold exploration; global economic climate; dilution; share price volatility; competition; loss of key employees; additional funding requirements; and defective title to mineral claims or property, as well as those factors discussed in the sections entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 20-F Annual Report dated November 29, 2018. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements or information contained herein. Except as required by law, we do not expect to update forward-looking statements and information continually as conditions change and you are referred to the full discussion of the Company's business contained in the Company's reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and the U.S. Cautionary Note Regarding Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources The terms "Mineral Reserve", "Proven Mineral Reserve" and "Probable Mineral Reserve" used in this release are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects under the guidelines set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM") Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council on August 20, 2000 as may be amended from time to time by the CIM. These definitions differ from the definitions in the United States Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC") Guide 7. In the United States, a mineral reserve is defined as a part of a mineral deposit which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time the mineral reserve determination is made. The terms "Mineral Resource", "Measured Mineral Resource", "Indicated Mineral Resource", "Inferred Mineral Resource" used in this release are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with National Instruction 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects under the guidelines set out in the CIM Standards. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. For a detailed discussion of Buckreef resource and reserve estimates and related matters see the Company's reports, including the Form 20-F Annual Report dated November 29, 2018 and technical reports filed under the Company's name at our website at: www.TanzanianRoyaltyExploration.com. Cautionary Note to US Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources Note to U.S. Investors. While the terms "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource," "indicated mineral resource", and "inferred mineral resource" are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, they are not defined terms under standards in the United States and normally are not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. As such, information contained in this report concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources under Canadian standards may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S companies in SEC filings. With respect to "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" there is a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and a great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an "indicated mineral resource" or "inferred mineral resource" will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. CONNECTICUT OFFICE: PO Box 577 Sherman, CT U.S.A. 06784 Fax: (860) 799-0350 investors@TanzanianRoyalty.com TORONTO OFFICE: 82 Richmond Street East Suite 208 Toronto, Ontario M5C 1P1 Toll Free (844) 364-1830 www.TanzanianRoyaltyExploration.com English French MONTREAL, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Velan Inc. (TSX: VLN) (the Company), a world-leading manufacturer of industrial valves, announced today its financial results for its third quarter ended November 30, 2018. Highlights Sales of US$92.3 million for the quarter Net loss 1 of US$0.2 million for the quarter EBITDA 2 of US$3.4 million for the quarter Net new orders (Bookings) of US$100.8 million for the quarter Order backlog of US$471.5 million at the end of the quarter, of which US$172.9 million is scheduled for delivery beyond the next 12 months Net cash of US$50.0 million at the end of the quarter (millions of U.S. dollars, excluding per share amounts) Three-month periods ended November 30 Nine-month periods ended November 30 2018 2017 2018 2017 Sales $92.3 $87.7 $261.5 $235.4 Gross Profit3 22.6 23.2 59.7 52.8 Gross profit3 % 24.5% 26.5% 22.8% 22.4% EBITDA2 3.4 3.4 3.3 (3.3) EBITDA2 per share basic and diluted 0.16 0.16 0.15 (0.15) Net earnings (loss)1 (0.2) 0.3 (6.4) (9.6) Net earnings (loss)1 per share basic and diluted (0.01) 0.02 (0.30) (0.44) Third Quarter Fiscal 2019 (unless otherwise noted, all amounts are in U.S. dollars and all comparisons are to the third quarter of fiscal 2018): Sales amounted to $92.3 million, an increase of $4.6 million or 5.2% from the prior year. Sales were positively impacted by an increase in shipments of large project orders and in improved MRO business for the Companys North American operations. This increase was partially offset by decreased shipments in the Companys French and Italian operations who had shipped large project orders in the prior fiscal year. The decrease in sales for both subsidiaries is primarily attributable to the timing of the shipments of these large project orders. Net loss 1 amounted to $0.2 million or $0.01 per share compared to net earnings 1 of $0.3 million or $0.02 per share last year. The slight decrease is primarily due to a lower profitability of the Companys French and Italian operations. The gross profit percentage decreased despite the overall higher volume of shipments that occurred in the quarter compared to last year. Nonetheless, the Company was almost able to reach a break even profitability despite the fierce competition that continues to apply pressure on the Companys overall results. The Company is still pursuing its global cost reduction and transformation initiatives. amounted to $0.2 million or $0.01 per share compared to net earnings of $0.3 million or $0.02 per share last year. The slight decrease is primarily due to a lower profitability of the Companys French and Italian operations. The gross profit percentage decreased despite the overall higher volume of shipments that occurred in the quarter compared to last year. Nonetheless, the Company was almost able to reach a break even profitability despite the fierce competition that continues to apply pressure on the Companys overall results. The Company is still pursuing its global cost reduction and transformation initiatives. EBITDA 2 amounted to $3.4 million or $0.16 per share compared to $3.4 million or $0.16 per share last year. The current quarter EBITDA 2 , which is identical to the EBITDA 2 obtained during the prior fiscal year, was obtained primarily due to a higher sales volume and stable administration costs despite a lower gross profit percentage. amounted to $3.4 million or $0.16 per share compared to $3.4 million or $0.16 per share last year. The current quarter EBITDA , which is identical to the EBITDA obtained during the prior fiscal year, was obtained primarily due to a higher sales volume and stable administration costs despite a lower gross profit percentage. Gross profit percentage decreased by 200 basis points from 26.5% to 24.5%. The decrease in gross profit percentage is mainly attributable to the lower sales volume of the Companys Italian and French operations in relation to their current production overheads. In addition, the French operations of the Company also shipped a product mix with a greater proportion of lower margin product sales during the current quarter. This decrease was partially offset by improved margins by 660 basis points in the Companys North American operations attributable to a significantly higher sales volume. Administration costs amounted to $22.5 million, a decrease of $0.6 million or 2.6% compared to last year. The Company was able to decrease its administration costs in the quarter despite an increase in sales commissions and freight costs for certain overseas project customers due to the increased sales volume in the Companys North American operations as well as the need to incur air freight costs on a large delayed export order. The Company has also invested $0.5 million in its current transformation initiative, Velocity 2020. The costs recognized related to the Companys ongoing asbestos litigation has also increased by 10% in the current quarter. The fluctuation in asbestos costs for the period is due more to the timing of settlements in these two periods rather than to changes in long-term trends. Net new orders received (bookings) amounted to $100.8 million, an increase of $17.5 million or 21.0% compared to last year. This increase is due primarily to new orders booked by the Companys Italian operations, which continued to record significant project orders relating to the upstream oil and gas industry during the quarter. The Company ended the quarter with net cash of $50.0 million, a decrease of $1.3 million or 2.5% since the beginning of the quarter. The decrease in net cash is due primarily to cash used in operating activities, investments in property, plant and equipment, long-term debt repayments, as well as distributions to shareholders via dividends, partially offset by an increase in long-term debt. First Nine Months Fiscal 2019 (unless otherwise noted, all amounts are in U.S. dollars and all comparisons are to the first nine months of fiscal 2018): Sales amounted to $261.5 million, an increase of $26.1 million or 11.1% from the prior year. Sales were positively impacted by an increase in shipments from the Companys North American operations, which were partially offset by decreased shipments from the Companys Italian and German operations. Sales were positively impacted by an increase in shipments of large project orders and in improved MRO business for the Companys North American operations, although they were negatively impacted by delays in the shipments of certain large project orders in both the Italian and German operations of the Company due to various customer-related and timing issues. Net loss 1 amounted to $6.4 million or $0.30 per share compared to $9.6 million or $0.44 per share last year. The $3.2 million improvement is primarily attributable to a higher gross profit percentage, partially offset by an increase of administration costs. At the current sales level, the Company was not able to generate a gross margin sufficient to cover its current administration and other costs. amounted to $6.4 million or $0.30 per share compared to $9.6 million or $0.44 per share last year. The $3.2 million improvement is primarily attributable to a higher gross profit percentage, partially offset by an increase of administration costs. At the current sales level, the Company was not able to generate a gross margin sufficient to cover its current administration and other costs. Gross profit percentage increased by 40 basis points from 22.4% to 22.8%. This slight steady improvement for the fiscal year is mainly due to a significantly higher sales volume in the Companys North American operations, which was partially offset by a lower gross profit percentage due to a lower sales volume in the Companys Italian operations. The Companys North American Operations was able to maintain the stronger margins from its MRO business while continuing to search for margin improvements in the more challenging project business. EBITDA 2 amounted to $3.3 million or $0.15 per share compared to a negative $3.3 million or $0.15 per share last year. The $6.6 million improvement in EBITDA 2 is primarily attributable to a higher sales volume with slightly improved margins, partially offset by an increase in administration costs. amounted to $3.3 million or $0.15 per share compared to a negative $3.3 million or $0.15 per share last year. The $6.6 million improvement in EBITDA is primarily attributable to a higher sales volume with slightly improved margins, partially offset by an increase in administration costs. Bookings amounted to $290.4 million, an increase of $42.4 million or 17.1% compared to last year. This increase is due primarily to higher orders booked by the Companys Italian and North American subsidiaries, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Furthermore, the Company noted a significant increase of its non-project valve order bookings in its North American operations for the current year. Even with the positive bookings figure, the Company is continuing its global cost reduction and efficiency transformation initiative with the goal of reducing supply chain, production and overhead costs. As a result of bookings outpacing sales in the period, the Company ended the period with a backlog of $471.5 million, an increase of $7.0 million or 1.5% since the beginning of the current fiscal year. The positive book-to-bill ratio was in part negatively impacted by the weakening of the euro spot rate against the U.S. dollar at quarter end. Administration costs amounted to $66.2 million, an increase of $1.9 million or 3.0% compared to last year. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in sales commissions and freight costs for certain overseas project customers due to the increased sales volume in the Companys North American operations as well as the need to incur air freight costs on a large delayed export order. The Company has also invested $1.0 million in its current transformation initiative, Velocity 2020. This increase in administration costs was partially offset by the reduction of the costs recognized related to the Companys ongoing asbestos litigation. The fluctuation in asbestos costs for the period is due more to the timing of settlements in these two periods rather than to changes in long-term trends. The Company ended the period with net cash of $50.0 million, a decrease of $14.5 million or 22.5% since the beginning of the year. This decrease, most of which occurred in the first quarter as cash remained almost flat ever since, is primarily attributable to cash used in operating activities, investments in property, plant and equipment, long-term debt repayments, as well as distributions to shareholders via dividends, partially offset by an increase in long-term debt. Net cash was also negatively impacted by the weakening of the euro spot rate against the U.S. dollar over the course of the current year. The increase in bookings and the improved sales performance was achieved thanks to the recovery observed in the oil and gas markets benefitting mainly MRO and upstream valve bookings, and also in part by the realignment in the prior year of the global sales force along vertical market lines rather than geographic lines. Meanwhile in markets other than oil and gas, like power, the pricing pressure on margins remains extremely challenging. Foreign currency impacts: Despite the drop of the euro spot rate at quarter end, the average exchange rates of the euro strengthened 3.4% against the U.S. dollar when compared to the same period last year. This strengthening resulted in the Companys net profits and bookings from its European subsidiaries being reported as higher U.S. dollar amounts in the current period. Based on average exchange rates, the Canadian dollar weakened 0.3% against the U.S. dollar when compared to the same period last year. This weakening resulted in the Companys Canadian dollar expenses being reported as lower U.S. dollar amounts in the current period. The net impact of the above currency swings was generally favourable on the Companys results. Although our third quarter was essentially break-even, we noted that the trend of higher order bookings and sales continued. Our SG&A costs decreased for the quarter both in absolute terms and as a percentage of sales, in spite of some heavy freight charges for a large export order as well as continued investment in our transformation initiative, said John Ball, CFO of Velan Inc. Our balance sheet remains solid, and we reduced our investment in receivables and inventory even with an increase in sales and backlog. The backlog increase was achieved despite being negatively impacted by the weakening of the euro spot rate against the U.S. dollar since the beginning of the year. Our quarter end net book value per share was US$14.25 per share, which includes cash of US$2.31 per share. Yves Leduc, President and CEO of Velan Inc., said, Once again, we noted improvements on several fronts this quarter. Our sales and bookings were significantly higher than last year, and our backlog has also improved since the beginning of the fiscal year. We recently reorganized into strategic business units to better serve our customers. We are also undertaking several transformative initiatives to return to profitability, including the very important decision to consolidate the Companys valve manufacturing facilities in Quebec (Canada) from three plants into two as disclosed in a separate press release issued today Dividend The Board declared an eligible quarterly dividend of CDN$0.03 per share, payable on March 29, 2019, to all shareholders of record as at March 15, 2019. Conference call Financial analysts, shareholders, and other interested individuals are invited to attend the third quarter conference call to be held on Friday, January 12, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. (EDT). The toll free call-in number is 18007856380, access code 21913385. A recording of this conference call will be available for seven days at 14166264100 or 18005585253, access code 21913385. About Velan Founded in Montreal in 1950, Velan Inc. ( www.velan.com ) is one of the worlds leading manufacturers of industrial valves, with sales of US$338 million in its last reported fiscal year. The Company employs over 1,800 people and has manufacturing plants in 9 countries. Velan Inc. is a public company with its shares listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol VLN. Safe harbour statement This news release may include forward-looking statements, which generally contain words like should, believe, anticipate, plan, may, will, expect, intend, continue or estimate or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar expressions, all of which are subject to risks and uncertainties, which are disclosed in the Companys filings with the appropriate securities commissions. While these statements are based on managements assumptions regarding historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that it believes are reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may differ materially from those expressed herein. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by the applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Non-IFRS measures In this press release, the Company presented measures of performance and financial condition that are not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards (non-IFRS measures) and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. These measures are used by management in assessing the operating results and financial condition of the Company. In addition, they provide readers of the Companys consolidated financial statements with enhanced understanding of its results and financial condition, and increase transparency and clarity into the operating results of its core business. The term EBITDA is defined as net income or loss attributable to Subordinate and Multiple Voting Shares plus depreciation of property, plant & equipment, plus amortization of intangible assets, plus net finance costs plus income tax provision. Refer to the Reconciliations of Non-IFRS Measures section in the Companys Management Discussion and Analysis included in its Interim Report for the quarter ended November 30, 2018 for a detailed calculation of this measure. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. ________________________________ 1 Net earnings or loss refers to net income or loss attributable to Subordinate and Multiple Voting Shares. 2 Non-IFRS measures see explanation above. 3 In accordance with the current fiscal year's presentation, the comparative figures were adjusted to reflect a more accurate allocation of cost of sales and administration costs. Velan Inc. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) (in thousands of U.S. dollars) As At November 30, February 28, 2018 2018 $ $ Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 68,450 85,391 Short-term investments 147 647 Accounts receivable 125,611 137,382 Income taxes recoverable 15,876 8,012 Inventories 170,262 170,790 Deposits and prepaid expenses 3,284 4,222 Derivative assets 110 604 383,740 407,048 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 86,062 89,864 Intangible assets and goodwill 17,602 20,210 Deferred income taxes 18,708 22,034 Other assets 398 1,037 122,770 133,145 Total assets 506,510 540,193 Liabilities Current liabilities Bank indebtedness 18,494 20,848 Short-term bank loans 2,485 1,074 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 69,871 63,441 Income taxes payable 475 2,186 Dividend payable 497 1,678 Customer deposits 38,208 48,963 Provisions 8,768 10,798 Accrual for performance guarantees 23,124 32,655 Derivative liabilities 869 1,615 Current portion of long-term debt 7,696 8,151 170,487 191,409 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt 14,858 13,978 Income taxes payable 2,033 2,078 Deferred income taxes 2,433 2,889 Other liabilities 8,535 8,222 27,859 27,167 Total liabilities 198,346 218,576 Equity Equity attributable to the Subordinate and Multiple Voting shareholders Share capital 73,090 73,090 Contributed surplus 6,070 6,057 Retained earnings 253,575 256,668 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (28,971 ) (19,790 ) 303,764 316,025 Non-controlling interest 4,400 5,592 Total equity 308,164 321,617 Total liabilities and equity 506,510 540,193 Velan Inc. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (in thousands of U.S. dollars, excluding number of shares and per share amounts) Three-month periods ended November 30 Nine-month periods ended November 30 2018 2017 2018 2017 $ $ $ $ Sales 92,271 87,738 261,520 235,356 Cost of sales 69,622 64,530 201,791 182,508 Gross profit 22,649 23,208 59,729 52,848 Administration costs 22,467 23,121 66,151 64,347 Other expense (income) (63 ) 28 (87 ) 1,547 Operating profit (loss) 245 59 (6,335 ) (13,046 ) Finance income 131 193 493 561 Finance costs 221 328 1,165 694 Finance costs net (90 ) (135 ) (672 ) (133 ) Income (Loss) before income taxes 155 (76 ) (7,007 ) (13,179 ) Provision for (Recovery of) income taxes 497 (248 ) (436 ) (3,324 ) Net income (loss) for the period (342 ) 172 (6,571 ) (9,855 ) Net income (loss) attributable to: Subordinate Voting Shares and Multiple Voting Shares (236 ) 305 (6,401 ) (9,590 ) Non-controlling interest (106 ) (133 ) (170 ) (265 ) (342 ) 172 (6,571 ) (9,855 ) Net income (loss) per Subordinate and Multiple Voting Share Basic (0.01 ) 0.02 (0.30 ) (0.44 ) Diluted (0.01 ) 0.02 (0.30 ) (0.44 ) Dividends declared per Subordinate and Multiple 0.02 0.08 0.07 0.23 Voting Share (CA$0.03) (CA$0.10) (CA$0.09) (CA$0.30) Total weighted average number of Subordinate and Multiple Voting Shares Basic 21,621,935 21,626,678 21,621,935 21,640,632 Diluted 21,621,935 21,632,731 21,621,935 21,640,632 Velan Inc. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (in thousands of U.S. dollars) Three-month periods ended November 30 Nine-month periods ended November 30 2018 2017 2018 2017 $ $ $ $ Comprehensive income (loss) Net income (loss) for the period (342 ) 172 (6,571 ) (9,855 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) Foreign currency translation adjustment on foreign operations whose functional currency is other than the reporting currency (U.S. dollar) (2,454 ) 678 (9,276 ) 12,489 Comprehensive income (loss) (2,796 ) 850 (15,847 ) 2,634 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to: Subordinate Voting Shares and Multiple Voting Shares (2,682 ) 825 (15,582 ) 2,721 Non-controlling interest (114 ) 25 (265 ) (87 ) (2,796 ) 850 (15,847 ) 2,634 Other comprehensive income (loss) is composed solely of items that may be reclassified subsequently to the consolidated statement of loss. Velan Inc. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) (in thousands of U.S. dollars, excluding number of shares) Equity attributable to the Subordinate and Multiple Voting shareholders Number of shares Share capital Contributed surplus Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Retained earnings Total Non-controlling interest Total equity Balance - February 28, 2018 21,621,935 73,090 6,057 (19,790 ) 256,668 316,025 5,592 321,617 Adjustment related to the transition to IFRS 15 - - - - 4,741 4,741 - 4,741 Adjusted balance - March 1, 2018 21,621,935 73,090 6,057 (19,790 ) 261,409 320,766 5,592 326,358 Net loss for the period - - - - (6,401 ) (6,401 ) (170 ) (6,571 ) Other comprehensive loss - - - (9,181 ) - (9,181 ) (95 ) (9,276 ) 21,621,935 73,090 6,057 (28,971 ) 255,008 305,184 5,327 310,511 Effect of share-based compensation - - 13 - - 13 - 13 Dividends Multiple Voting Shares - - - - (1,044 ) (1,044 ) - (1,044 ) Subordinate Voting Shares - - - - (389 ) (389 ) - (389 ) Non-controlling interest - - - - - - (927 ) (927 ) Balance - November 30, 2018 21,621,935 73,090 6,070 (28,971 ) 253,575 303,764 4,400 308,164 Balance - February 28, 2017 21,667,235 73,584 6,017 (35,550 ) 281,343 325,394 6,517 331,911 Net loss for the period - - - - (9,590 ) (9,590 ) (265 ) (9,855 ) Other comprehensive income - - - 12,311 - 12,311 178 12,489 21,667,235 73,584 6,017 (23,239 ) 271,753 328,115 6,430 334,545 Effect of share-based compensation - - 30 - - 30 - 30 Share repurchase (45,300 ) (494 ) - - (136 ) (630 ) - (630 ) Dividends Multiple Voting Shares - - - - (3,603 ) (3,603 ) - (3,603 ) Subordinate Voting Shares - - - - (1,433 ) (1,433 ) - (1,433 ) Non-controlling interest - - - - - - (41 ) (41 ) Balance - November 30, 2017 21,621,935 73,090 6,047 (23,239 ) 266,581 322,479 6,389 328,868 Velan Inc. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow (Unaudited) (in thousands of U.S. dollars) Three-month periods ended November 30 Nine-month periods ended November 30 2018 2017 2018 2017 $ $ $ $ Cash flows from Operating activities Net income (loss) for the period (342 ) 172 (6,571 ) (9,855 ) Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities 2,676 2,420 9,679 10,885 Changes in non-cash working capital items (4,519 ) 5,727 (8,499 ) 5,990 Cash provided (used) by operating activities (2,185 ) 8,319 (5,391 ) 7,020 Investing activities Short-term investments 11 (24 ) 500 (487 ) Additions to property, plant and equipment (1,111 ) (1,457 ) (6,401 ) (4,372 ) Additions to intangible assets (13 ) - (112 ) (405 ) Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets intangible assets 19 14 144 75 Net change in other assets 18 (8 ) 596 44 Cash used by investing activities (1,076 ) (1,475 ) (5,273 ) (5,145 ) Financing activities Dividends paid to Subordinate and Multiple Voting shareholders (484 ) (1,720 ) (2,614 ) (4,989 ) Dividends paid to non-controlling interest - (41 ) (927 ) (41 ) Repurchase of shares - (94 ) - (630 ) Short-term bank loans 426 (791 ) 1,411 (564 ) Increase in long-term debt 3,509 - 4,116 - Repayment of long-term debt (857 ) (793 ) (2,787 ) (2,352 ) Cash provided (used) by financing activities 2,594 (3,439 ) (801 ) (8,576 ) Effect of exchange rate differences on cash (711 ) 568 (3,122 ) 6,495 Net change in cash during the period (1,378 ) 3,973 (14,587 ) (206 ) Net cash Beginning of the period 51,334 72,048 64,543 76,227 Net cash End of the period 49,956 76,021 49,956 76,021 Net cash is composed of: Cash and cash equivalents 68,450 88,241 68,450 88,241 Bank indebtedness (18,494 ) (12,220 ) (18,494 ) (12,220 ) 49,956 76,021 49,956 76,021 Supplementary information Interest received (paid) 52 (32 ) (116 ) 89 Income taxes reimbursed (paid) (4,422 ) (1,363 ) (8,776 ) (4,122 ) For further information please contact: Yves Leduc, President & Chief Executive Officer or John D. Ball, Chief Financial Officer Tel: (514) 748-7743 Fax: (514) 748-8635 Web: www.velan.com TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Galane Gold Ltd. (Galane Gold or the Company) (TSX-V: GG; OTCQB: GGGOF) is pleased to announce that during 2018, the Company produced 35,528 ounces of gold at its Mupane property which represents its best annual output since 2013. Galane Gold CEO, Nick Brodie, commented: This represents a strong year for the Mupane operations with production from Tau underground contributing to exceptional operating results. Work is still ongoing at Galaxy with first production still expected in April 2019. Production at Galaxy will ramp up slowly in line with the current mine plans so that the full capacity of the new plant will only be filled in 2020. With both operations running in 2019, we are targeting a combined production in excess of 40,000 ounces with over 8,000 of such ounces coming from Galaxy.(1)(2) About Galane Gold Galane Gold is an un-hedged gold producer and explorer with mining operations and exploration tenements in Botswana and South Africa. Galane Gold is a public company and its shares are quoted on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol GG and the OTCQB under the symbol GGGOF. Galane Golds management team is comprised of senior mining professionals with extensive experience in managing mining and processing operations and large-scale exploration programmes. Galane Gold is committed to operating at world-class standards and is focused on the safety of its employees, respecting the environment, and contributing to the communities in which it operates. Notes (1) The deposits at the Mupane mine are supported by a technical report entitled Independent Technical Report on the Mupane Gold Mine dated May 10, 2011, a copy of which is available under the Companys profile on www.sedar.com. (2) The deposits at the Galaxy mine are supported by a technical report entitled A Technical Report on the Galaxy Gold Mine, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa which was issued January 4, 2016 with an effective date of September 1, 2015, a copy of which is available under the Companys profile on www.sedar.com. This technical report satisfies the requirements to be a pre-feasibility study. Cautionary Notes Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including, without limitation, those regarding the Companys future financial position and results of operations, strategy, proposed acquisitions, plans, objectives, goals and targets, and any statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words believe, expect, aim, intend, plan, continue, will, may, would, anticipate, estimate, forecast, predict, project, seek, should or similar expressions or the negative thereof, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only the Companys expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Additional factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially include, but are not limited to: the Companys dependence on two mineral projects; gold price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Companys mining activities in Botswana and South Africa; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to the Companys exploration, development and mining activities being situated in Botswana and South Africa; risks relating to reliance on the Companys management team and outside contractors; risks regarding mineral resources and reserves; the Companys inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks arising from the Companys fair value estimates with respect to the carrying amount of mineral interests; mining tax regimes; risks arising from holding derivative instruments; the Companys need to replace reserves depleted by production; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; lack of infrastructure; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; health risks in Africa; the Companys interactions with surrounding communities and artisanal miners; the Companys ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; risks related to restarting production; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; development of the Companys exploration properties into commercially viable mines; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; risks related to the market perception of junior gold companies; and litigation risk. Management provides forward-looking statements because it believes they provide useful information to investors when considering their investment objectives and cautions investors not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law. Information of a technical and scientific nature that forms the basis of the disclosure in the press release has been approved by Kevin Crossling MAusIMM, Pr. Sci. Nat. and Business Development Manager for Galane Gold, and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. 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. For further information please contact: Nick Brodie CEO, Galane Gold Ltd. + 44 7905089878 Nick.Brodie@GalaneGold.com www.GalaneGold.com NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Huffington Capital Corp. (TSXV:HU.H) (Huffington), a capital pool company pursuant to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSXV), is pleased to announce details of the transactions contemplated in its letter of intent dated September 7, 2018 (the LOI) with Nano Graphene Inc. dba Grapheneca (Grapheneca). Pursuant to the LOI, Huffington and Grapheneca will effect a transaction that will result in a reverse takeover of Huffington by the shareholders of Grapheneca (the Transaction) to ultimately form the resulting issuer (the Resulting Issuer). Upon completion of the Transaction, it is the intention of the parties that the Resulting Issuer will continue the business of Grapheneca. Pursuant to the terms of the LOI and subject to completion of certain conditions precedent, Huffington intends that the Transaction will qualify as its Qualifying Transaction as defined by Policy 2.4 of the TSXV. About Grapheneca A private Florida corporation incorporated on July 18, 2016, Grapheneca is a commercial scale graphite-, graphene- and other carbon-based materials producer and supply company headquartered in New York. Grapheneca has developed a production facility in New York and has commenced production of high quality un-oxidized nanosized pristine graphite and graphene flakes depending on customer and application requirement. Grapheneca also implements its own products to broad range of carbon-based composite materials for different commercial and industrial applications. The technology underlying Graphenecas products provides an ecologically friendly cost-efficient way for nano-sized carbon materials that are free from physical defects, chemically pure, non-oxidized and have a high length-to-width aspect ratio. Grapheneca has filed a provisional application for patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and has passed the preliminary examination with the China State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO). Grapheneca is ready for bulk products manufacturing with simultaneous implementation of these products in numerous industrial and commercial applications. In parallel, Grapheneca has developed independently, a wide range of carbon-based composite products for different commercial and industrial applications. Additionally, Grapheneca is also working with several industrial customers to develop multiple high-tech commercial products. Amongst such projects are battery production, supercapacitors, sensors, conductive inks, 3D printing, corrosion protective coatings and paints, scratch and impact resistance coatings, thermal management applications, water treatment and filtration, cement and mortar additives, electronics and microelectronics, polymer and rubber composites. For more information please visit Graphenecas website (www.graphene.ca). There are currently over 25 shareholders of Grapheneca. It is anticipated that immediately following the Transaction, the only shareholders that will hold greater than 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Resulting Issuer (the Resulting Issuer Shares) will be High Technology Capital Fund LP, governed by the laws of Delaware and of which Dr. Boris Goldstein is a director (and he is also anticipated to be a director of the Resulting Issuer). It is anticipated that High Technology Capital Fund LP will own as much as approximately 30% of the Resulting Issuer Shares). Based on the unaudited financial statements of Grapheneca for the year ended December 31, 2017, Grapheneca had total assets of approximately US$1.8 million, total liabilities of approximately US$2.1 million and a deficit of approximately US$0.3 million. As at September 30, 2018, Graphenecas unaudited interim financial statements indicate that Grapheneca had total assets of approximately US$2.8 million, total liabilities of approximately US$3.6 million, total deficit of approximately US$0.8 million. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2018, Grapheneca had no revenue and an operating loss of approximately US$1.2 million. Details of the Proposed Transaction Pursuant to the Transaction, Huffington and Grapheneca will combine their businesses. The Transaction will effectively provide for the acquisition of all the outstanding equity interests of Grapheneca by Huffington, indirectly through a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huffington (the SubCo), in a transaction in which the shareholders of Grapheneca will be issued Resulting Issuer Shares. It is anticipated that Grapheneca and SubCo will amalgamate (the Amalgamation), which amalgamated entity (the Amalgamated Corporation) will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Resulting Issuer. As of the date hereof, there are 52,846,000 common shares of Grapheneca issued and outstanding (the Grapheneca Shares) and, other than stock options exercisable for up to 2,000,000 Grapheneca Shares, broker warrants exercisable for up to 455,630 Grapheneca Shares and convertible debentures (principal amount C$1.1 million) exercisable for up to 5,692,000 Grapheneca Shares, no other convertible securities outstanding. Subject to completion of a Concurrent Financing (as defined below), as part of the Transaction, it is anticipated that an aggregate of 60,000,000 Resulting Issuer, at a deemed value of C$0.30 per share, will be issued to the holders of Grapheneca Shares in exchange for all of the Grapheneca Shares issued and outstanding as at the effective date of the Transaction. In addition, all outstanding convertible securities of Grapheneca will be exchanged for convertible securities of the Resulting Issuer based on the same ratio Grapheneca Shares are exchanged for Resulting Issuer. Prior to the Transaction, it is anticipated that Huffington will complete a private placement into Huffington (the Huffington Financing) for gross proceeds of a minimum of C$150,000, consisting of the issuance of 600,000 shares in the capital of Huffington at a price of C$0.25 per share. Prior to or concurrently with the Transaction, Grapheneca proposes to complete a brokered private placement led by Leede Jones Gable Inc. (LJG) of subscription receipts (the Subscription Receipts) of a company to be incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia (Finco), an entity to be wholly-owned by Boris Goldstein, the Chief Executive officer and founder of Grapheneca, at a price of C$0.30 per Subscription Receipt, for gross proceeds to Finco of a minimum of C$4,500,000 and a maximum of C$6,600,000 (the Concurrent Financing). Each Subscription Receipt will automatically convert into one common share of Finco (each, a Finco Share) on the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent to the Transaction and certain other ancillary conditions (the Release Conditions) without any further consideration on the part of the subscriber. It is anticipated that the Transaction will be structured to ensure that the holders of Finco Shares issued upon conversion of the Subscription Receipts will receive Resulting Issuer Shares in exchange therefor which are freely tradeable at the time of completion of the Transaction. In connection with the Concurrent Financing, Finco will pay LJG a cash commission equal to 8.0% of the gross proceeds of the Concurrent Financing, except in respect of funds raised by presidents list purchasers for which the cash commission will be limited to 2.0% of such funds, and, upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions, will issue to LJG non-transferable options to purchase that number of Finco Shares equal to 8.0% of the number of Subscription Receipts issued under the Concurrent Offering at a price of C$0.30 per share for a period of 24 months. Upon completion of the Transaction, subject to approval of the TSXV, Hamsa Capital Inc. and Ansacha Capital Inc. (together, the Finders) will be entitled to an aggregate finders fee of 2,400,000 Resulting Issuer Shares, equal to 4.0% of the value (C$18,000,000) ascribed to Grapheneca. Following the completion of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer will be governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia, and it is expected that approximately 79,575,000 Resulting Issuer Shares will be outstanding, and approximately 9,548,630 Resulting Issuer Shares will be reserved for issuance pursuant to convertible securities of the Resulting Issuer. The current shareholders of Huffington, not including investors in the Huffington Financing, are expected to hold approximately 2.2% of the Resulting Issuer Shares, investors of the Huffington Financing are expected to hold approximately 0.8% of the Resulting Issuer Shares, the current shareholders of Grapheneca are expected to hold approximately 73.0% of the Resulting Issuer Shares, investors of the Concurrent Financing are expected to hold approximately 20.7% of the Resulting Issuer Shares (assuming the minimum offering of C$4,500,000), and the Finders are expected to hold approximately 3.3% of the Resulting Issuer Shares. Closing of the Transaction remains subject to several conditions precedent, including execution of a definitive agreement, the preparation and filing of an Filing Statement, completion of the Concurrent Financing and the Huffington Financing, Huffington having no less than C$100,000 in shareholders equity (assets less liabilities) as at the time of closing of the Transaction, Huffington shareholders approving the change of the Resulting Issuers name as may be determined by Grapheneca, Grapheneca shareholders approving the Transaction, and obtaining TSXV approval for the Transaction. The Transaction will not constitute a Non-Arms Length Qualifying Transaction (as such term is defined by the TSXV). In addition, the Transaction is not a related party transaction as such term is defined by Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions and is not subject to Policy 5.9 of the TSXV. As a result, no meeting of the shareholders of Huffington is required pursuant to Policy 2.4 of the TSXV or securities laws. The Resulting Issuer Immediately prior to the completion of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer is expected to change its name to Grapheneca Holdings Inc., and the Resulting Issuer will be an Industrial/Technology/Life Sciences issuer under the policies of the TSXV. Concurrent with the completion of the Transaction, all directors and officers of Huffington will resign and be replaced by nominees put forth by Grapheneca. The following individuals are expected to be appointed as new directors and/or officers of Grapheneca pursuant to the Transaction: Dr.Boris Goldstein Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Boris Goldstein has 30 years of experience in cavitation technologies, hydrojet slotting technologies, oil sand technologies, medical sensors, digital, electronic exchanges and diagnostics. Dr. Goldstein is the founder of Grapheneca. Dr. Goldstein is also a founder and Chairman of Brain Scientific (BRSF), a publicly traded FDA approved medical device company through its subsidiary Memory MD, focused on EEG and brain scan and storage with AI capabilities. Dr. Goldstein is a serial entrepreneur, having founded or co-founded over a dozen private companies over the past 10 years alone. Since February 2014, he is the founder and Chairman of Potbotics Inc., a private data aggregation and technology company focused on the global medical cannabis market. Since April 2015, he is the founder, Chairman of the Board and president of Lendindex LLC, a private financial technology company providing innovative lending and credit scoring solutions for small businesses and investors. Since April 2015, he is the founder, Chairman of the Board and was the president of Art2Score Inc., a private, artificial intelligence commerce company. He is also the founder, Chairman of the Board and was the president of BDA Ventures LLC, a private company focused on machine intelligence and applications in various Fin-tech sectors. Other private companies founded or co-founded by Dr. Goldstein include BarterRoot, BrainBit, Callibri, Energy Price Index, High Data Technologies, The Native Inc., Nano Agro Group and OncoTrial. Dr. Goldstein is the founder in November 2016 and Managing Director of High Technology Capital Fund and High Technology Capital Management LLC, and is a partner in High Accelerator, which helps build and support next generation technologies. Dr. Goldstein moved from Latvia to Silicon Valley in 1991 to monitor the growth of Solby. While residing in California with his family members, Mr. Goldstein obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Latvia. Mark Corrao Chief Financial Officer Mark Corrao has 35 years of accounting and finance experience. Mr. Corrao is the managing director of the CFO Squad, where he assists clients with corporate development. Mr. Corrao also provides oversight at the board level for both public and private companies. Mr. Corrao offers over thirty years of experience in the public accounting arena specializing in certified auditing, SEC accounting, corporate taxation and financial planning. Prior to joining the CFO Squad, Mr. Corrao was the Chief Financial Officer for Business Efficiency Experts (BEE), a Long Island consulting firm specializing in outsourced CFO services and SEC regulatory compliance services. Prior to working for BEE, Inc., Mr. Corrao served as the CFO and chief accounting officer for StrikeForce Technologies, Inc., a software company specializing in the prevention of identity theft and computer protection. His tenure in accounting included partner at a Connecticut CPA firm for several years and includes numerous years on Wall Street with prestigious firms such as Merrill Lynch, Spear Leeds & Kellogg and Greenfield Arbitrage Partners. Mr. Corrao has been involved in numerous IPOs, and several startup companies. Irina Migalina Director Irina Migalina, has been working in the area of banking and finances for more than 20 years. Ms. Migalina has provided Grapheneca strategic analysis in areas of finances, operations and business management since 2017. Prior to joining Grapheneca, Ms. Migalina was Chief Financial Officer of Grostex, LLC from 2002 to 2005, Chief Executive Officer of Bastion Group, LLC from 2005 to 2009, and a Financial Adviser at Europack Group from 2005 to 2017. George Anastassov Director Dr. George E. Anastassov has been the Chief Executive Officer of AXIM Biotechnologies, Inc. since May 2014. Prior to that Dr. Anastassov was one of the founders and the Chief Executive Officer of CanChew Biotechnologies, LLC since April 2011. Dr. Anastassov is also one of the founders and a Board Member and a general partner of Sanammad Foundation and Sanammad Pharmaceuticals; both companies originated and located in the Netherlands since 2009 and 2014, respectively. He is one of the developers of the first-in-the-world cannabinoid-containing chewing gum-based delivery systems. Dr. Anastassov possesses Medical and Dental Doctorates from New York University and Medical Academy in Sofia, Bulgaria as well as an Executive MBA from The University of Tennessee. Dr. Anastassov has been recognized in the United States Whos Who in Medicine as well as the United States Whos Who in Business Professionals numerous times. He is the recipient of multiple national and international professional and humanitarian awards. Robbie Grossman Corporate Secretary Mr. Grossman, an experienced corporate finance, M&A and securities partner, has been with DLA Piper (Canada) LLP since February 2018, and previously was at McMillan LLP from September 2013 to February 2018 and at Garfinkle Biderman LLP from February 2004 to September 2013. Mr. Grossman has been, and currently is, an officer and director of several publicly traded companies. Mr. Grossman holds a LL.B. from the University of Windsor and a B.A. (Political Science) from Concordia University, and he was called to the Ontario bar in 2002. Other independent directors of the Resulting Issuer are still being identified. Sponsorship Sponsorship of a Qualifying Transaction of a capital pool company is required by the TSXV unless exempt in accordance with TSXV policies. Huffington intends on applying for an exemption from the sponsorship requirements under subsection 3.4(a)(ii) of Policy 2.2 of the TSXV Corporate Finance Manual, however, there is no assurance that Huffington will ultimately obtain this exemption. About Huffington Huffingtons principal business activity is to identify and evaluate opportunities for acquisition of assets or business. Huffington was incorporated pursuant to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) on July 21, 2015. Additional Information All information contained in this press release with respect to Huffington and Grapheneca was supplied, for inclusion herein, by the respective parties and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party. Contact Information For more information please contact: Steve Bajic Chief Executive Officer and Director Huffington Capital Corp. Tel: (604) 288-8906 Email: steve@orangecapital.ca Peter Nesveda VP International Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations Grapheneca Tel: +61 412 357 375 Email: pnesveda@graphene.ca Forward-Looking Information Although Huffington believes, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Huffington can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. When used in this press release, the words estimate, project, belief, anticipate, intend, expect, plan, predict, may or should and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release include information relating to the business plans of Huffington and Grapheneca, the Transaction (including receipt of TSXV approval, and the closing of the Transaction and timing thereof), the board of directors and management of the Resulting Issuer and the business to be conducted by the Resulting Issuer upon completion of the Transaction, the number of Resulting Issuer Shares to be issued in connection with the Transaction and the relative ownership thereof, and the Concurrent Financing and the Huffington Financing and the use of proceeds therefrom. Such statements and information reflect the current view of Huffington and/or Grapheneca, respectively. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: (i) there is no assurance that Huffington and Grapheneca will obtain all requisite approvals for the Transaction, including the approval of the TSXV for the Transaction (which may be conditional upon amendments to the terms of the Transaction); (ii) there is no assurance that the Concurrent Financing will be completed as contemplated or at all; (iii) there is no assurance that the Huffington Financing will be completed as contemplated or at all; (iv) following completion of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations and financing may not be available when needed or on terms and conditions acceptable to the Resulting Issuer; (v) new laws or regulations could adversely affect the Resulting Issuers business and results of operations; and (vi) the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies. These fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Resulting Issuers securities, regardless of its operating performance. There are a number of important factors that could cause Huffingtons and Graphenecas actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others: currency fluctuations; limited business history of Huffington; disruptions or changes in the credit or security markets; results of operation activities and development of projects; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, and general market and industry conditions. The terms and conditions of the Qualifying Transaction may be based on Huffingtons due diligence and the receipt of tax, corporate and securities law advice for both Huffington and Grapheneca. Huffington undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of Huffington, Grapheneca, their securities, or their respective financial or operating results (as applicable). Huffington cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on Huffingtons forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Huffington has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Huffington as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. Huffington does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. Completion of the proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and if applicable pursuant to TSXV requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. The certain financial data contained herein is unaudited and may be subject to refinement or modification during the audit process. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information release or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities for sale, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements. English French MONTREAL, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Velan Inc. (TSX:VLN) ("Velan" or the "Company") announces today measures aimed at improving its operational efficiency and optimizing its manufacturing footprint in North America. As part of the Companys optimization and specialization efforts in North America, Velan will consolidate its valve manufacturing facilities in Quebec (Canada) from three plants into two. The completion of the consolidation is scheduled for the end of 2020 or the beginning of 2021, allowing for reasonable time for a proper transition. The current production will be integrated into the Company's other valve facilities in Quebec and India, which will be focused on the production of specific valve lines to improve delivery and supply chain efficiency. The Company will work with the Union to minimize the impact on its employees and help those who will be impacted by this closure. The Companys objective is to minimize the impact of the layoffs taking into account attrition and retirements. The other employees will be provided with severance and outplacement support and some may be offered the possibility of transferring to other Velan locations. This decision is part of the Company's continual analysis of its overall activities. Recently, Velan reorganized into strategic business units, allowing the Company to significantly reinforce its market positioning, better serve its customers, and drive growth. This is in line with work over recent years, under the umbrella of its strategy, Velocity 2020, to pursue additional efficiencies, decrease costs, and upgrade its systems while strengthening its market presence, improving its on time delivery and maintaining its reputation for high-quality industrial valves. Yves Leduc, President & CEO of VELAN Inc., said: To better confront the competitive trends in the industry and after an in-depth strategic diagnosis, Velan is undertaking several transformative initiatives to return to profitability and growth. We are on the right track this year, allowing us to take a measured approach to this consolidation while benefitting from the reduction of costs it will afford. About Velan Founded in Montreal in 1950, Velan Inc. ( www.velan.com ) is one of the worlds leading manufacturers of industrial valves, with sales of US$338 million in its last reported fiscal year. The Company employs over 1,800 people and has manufacturing plants in 9 countries. Velan Inc. is a public company with its shares listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol VLN. Safe harbour statement This news release may include forward-looking statements, which generally contain words like should, believe, anticipate, plan, may, will, expect, intend, continue or estimate or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar expressions, all of which are subject to risks and uncertainties, which are disclosed in the Companys filings with the appropriate securities commissions. While these statements are based on managements assumptions regarding historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that it believes are reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may differ materially from those expressed herein. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by the applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. For further information, please contact: Yves Leduc, President & Chief Executive Officer or John D. Ball, Chief Financial Officer Tel.: (514) 748-7743 Fax: (514) 748-8635 Web: www.velan.com PITTSBURGH, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As a gesture of appreciation to more than 200 federal employees working at Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport without pay due to the ongoing government shutdown, the Allegheny County Airport Authority will distribute free lunches to them throughout Friday. The Airport Authority has joined with Brueggers Bagels to provide bagged lunches that include a sandwich, chips, cookie and drink on all shifts for workers including TSA agents and FAA air traffic controllers who are essential to airport safety and security and to keeping operations running smoothly 24/7 at Pittsburgh International and Allegheny County Airport (AGC) in West Mifflin. A table will be set up on the landside ticketing level at 10 a.m. where airport staff will distribute some of the lunches. Lunches will also be delivered to air traffic controllers and other tower workers at AGC. We have not seen an impact on operations or lines here in Pittsburgh due to the shutdown. We are so thankful to the federal employees including TSA, FAA, Customs and others for continuing to work without pay at this critical time, Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis said. I think we all can agree that this is an issue that needs to be fixed quickly. The Airport Authority plans to continue providing the lunches on Fridays to federal workers until the government is reopen. Read more about the local TSA impact here. About Allegheny County Airport Authority: Allegheny County Airport Authority, which manages Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport, is committed to transforming Pittsburghs airports to reflect and serve the community, inspire the industry, and advance the regions role as a world leader. Its 2017 Annual Report detailing growth and improved financial position can be found at www.flypittsburgh.com/AR17. Pittsburgh International Airport serves more than 9 million passengers annually on 17 carriers. Air Transport World named Pittsburgh International its 2017 Airport of the Year. Travel + Leisure and J.D. Power have again named Pittsburgh International a Top 10 Domestic Airport in 2018. NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2019 (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 Southern District of New York on behalf of investors that purchased or otherwise acquired Liberty Health Sciences Inc. (Liberty or the Company) (OTC: LHSIF; XCNQ: LHS) securities between June 28, 2018 and December 3, 2018, inclusive (the Class Period). Shareholders who purchased shares of Liberty Health Sciences Inc. and suffered losses on United States and/or Canadian exchanges 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 Liberty Health Sciences Inc., you may, no later than March 9, 2019, 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 March 9, 2019. ## Follow the firm and learn about newly filed cases on Twitter and Facebook. ## The filed complaint alleges that defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: Liberty, in conjunction with Aphria, was involved in a scheme whereby numerous fraudulent acquisitions and transactions were made to provide undue benefits to both companies insiders; and as a result, Libertys public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. In September 2018, Liberty sold its stake in Aphria Inc. (Aphria). On December 3, 2018, Quintessential Capital Management and Hindenburg Research issued a report entitled Aphria: A Shell Game with a Cannabis Business on the Side, claiming that Aphria was part of a scheme orchestrated by a network of insiders to divert funds away from shareholders and into their own pockets. On this news, Libertys stock price fell $0.36 per share, or nearly 34%, over the next two trading days to close at $0.70 on December 4, 2018, thereby injuring investors. 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. 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. MONACO, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG) ("Scorpio Tankers," or the "Company") announced today an update on the Securities Buyback Program. Since November 1, 2018, the Company has repurchased an aggregate of 13,512,650 of its common shares for a total of $23.2 million or at an average price of $1.72 per share. About Scorpio Tankers Inc. Scorpio Tankers is a provider of marine transportation of petroleum products worldwide. The Company currently owns or finance leases 109 product tankers (38 LR2 tankers, 12 LR1 tankers, 45 MR tankers and 14 Handymax tankers) with an average age of 3.4 years and time or bareboat chartersin 11 product tankers (four MR tankers and seven Handymax tankers). Additional information about the Company is available at the Companys website www.scorpiotankers.com, which is not a part of this press release. ForwardLooking Statements Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forwardlooking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forwardlooking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forwardlooking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. Scorpio Tankers desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words believe, expect, anticipate, estimate, intend, plan, target, project, likely, may, will, would, could and similar expressions identify forwardlooking statements. The forwardlooking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, managements examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Companys records and other data available from third parties. Although management believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond the Companys control, there can be no assurance that Scorpio Tankers will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. The Company undertakes no obligation, and specifically declines any obligation, except as required by law, to publicly update or revise any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in the Companys view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forwardlooking statements include, unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition, losses, future prospects, business and management strategies for the management, expansion and growth of the Companys operations, risks relating to the integration of assets or operations of entities that we have or may in the future acquire and the possibility that the anticipated synergies and other benefits of such acquisitions may not be realized within expected timeframes or at all, the failure of counterparties to fully perform their contracts with the Company, the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand for tanker vessel capacity, changes in the Companys operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, the market for the Companys vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, charter counterparty performance, ability to obtain financing and comply with covenants in such financing arrangements, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, vessels breakdowns and instances of offhires, and other factors. Please see Scorpio Tankers filings with the SEC for a more complete discussion of certain of these and other risks and uncertainties. Contact Information Scorpio Tankers Inc. (212) 542-1616 INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Residents in the city of Anderson, Indiana and the surrounding communities are invited to the attend the Indiana Minority Health Coalitions (IMHC) Type 2 diabetes informational session and blood sugar screening, titled Change Your Lifestyle. Change Your Life (CYL2), on January 23 at the Westville Manor in Anderson. During the first six months of the program, the participants meet once a week, said Vanessa J. Summers, Project Coordinator, NDPP. During the second six months, the participants will meet once or twice a month. During the year they will learn all the technics to help with their lifestyle change. CYL2, in partnership with the Anderson Housing Authority, is designed to help program participants make moderate lifestyle changes to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. According to the Center for Disease Control, there are 26 million people in this county with diabetes, and 86 million people with prediabetes. Prediabetes is a rise in blood sugar levels above normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. The agency stated 90% of adults who have prediabetes dont know they have it, and Prediabetes can put you at a higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. More Details: When: January 23, 2019 Time: 1:30 p.m. Location: Westville Manor 2215 Fulton Street Anderson, IN Program Contact: Vanessa Summers 1-866-295-2377 About IMHC In 1992, local minority health coalitions throughout Indiana were inspired to start addressing the health disparities among Indiana residents. With the help of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, they collaborated to develop the first 5-year Minority Health Strategic Plan for Indiana. As a result, these local coalitions were able to create the Indiana Minority Health Coalition to facilitate the adoption of the strategic plan as it passed through the legislative process. The general consensus among the leadership was that the Minority Health Initiative needed one statewide entity that could serve as a focal point and a unified voice for the local coalitions' concerns. Thus, IMHC was legally incorporated in 1994. For more information, please visit: Official Website - www.imhc.org Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/IndianaMinorityHealth/ Twitter - @IMHC_Indiana Instagram imhc_indiana Boston, MA, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS), the largest nonprofit dedicated to the brain tumor community in the United States, has announced the appointment of Sarah Durham as Chair of its Board of Directors. Ms. Durham is the Founder, Principal, and Chief Executive Officer of Big Duck, a national communications firm that works exclusively with nonprofits to increase their visibility, raise money, and achieve their missions. Ms. Durham, who lost both parents to brain tumors, has been volunteering with the National Brain Tumor Society since 1996, and first joined its Board in 2013. She has served as the Vice Chair of the NBTS Board since 2016. Sarah has been all-in with NBTS for close to two decades, said David F. Arons, Chief Executive Officer, National Brain Tumor Society. She brings great passion for our cause, as well as tremendous community and leadership expertise. Sarah cares about patients and their families because shes been in their shoes, and like the rest of us, wants to conquer and cure brain tumors. She will be an outstanding Board Chair. National Brain Tumor Societys vision is to conquer brain tumors-- once and for all," said Ms. Durham. "There is nothing Id rather see, and help achieve, in my lifetime. Weve got an outstanding staff and board who are fully focused on creating breakthrough treatments, supporting the brain tumor community, and providing leadership and strength throughout the brain tumor world. Its my honor to serve as board chair. Ms. Durham is the author of the 2010 book, Brandraising: How Nonprofits Raise Visibility and Money Through Smart Communications and has provided expert commentary to numerous publications including, NPR, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and Guidestar. She is a sought-after speaker on topics such as branding, fundraising, and other nonprofit communications topics, regularly invited to present at local and international Association of Fundraising Professionals conferences, the International Fundraising Congress in the Netherlands, and the Nonprofit Technology Conference. In 2006, she was named a top fundraiser under 40 by Fundraising Success and one of the most influential women in technology by Fast Company in 2010. She also serves as an adjunct professor at NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, teaching strategic communications. Prior to founding Big Duck, a certified woman-owned business (MWBE), in 1994, Ms. Durham spent two years consulting on communications design and strategy work for some of the worlds most prominent brands, including Disney Consumer Products, Hearst Publications, and Estee Lauder. She graduated from the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design with Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1992. About National Brain Tumor Society National Brain Tumor Society invests in, mobilizes, and unites the brain tumor community to discover a cure, deliver effective treatments, and advocate for patients and care partners. We are the largest patient advocacy non-profit solely dedicated to the brain tumor community and a leading thought leader in the neuro-oncology field. Headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts, our organization raises funds to invest in accelerating brain tumor treatments, prepare the community to navigate their unique brain tumor experience, and convene stakeholders while changing public policy to improve the lives and survival of brain tumor patients. Visit us at https://braintumor.org. English French Paris, 10th January 2019 An independent expert is appointed and an ad hoc committee is created The Board of Directors has assessed the proposed resolutions presented by several of the Groups shareholders Benoit Herault intends to resign from his position of Chairman and member of the Board of Directors Update on the asset sale project and the work being undertaken to optimize the Groups cost structure Appointment of an independent expert and creation of an ad hoc committee The Board of Directors today appointed the company Ledouble as an independent expert tasked with providing a fairness opinion regarding the capital increase reserved for COFEPP. Additionally, the Board of Directors decided today to establish an ad hoc committee comprised of independent Board members who will interact with the independent expert and will provide an opinion to the Board of Directors. As the Reserved Capital Increase is to be executed at a higher price than the current share price, this designation is being made on a voluntary basis (based on the framework of Article 261-3 of the general regulations of the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF). The report of the independent expert will be made available to the shareholders before the Annual General Meeting, to be held on 31st January 2019. Assessment by the Board of Directors of the proposed resolutions presented by several of the Groups shareholders The Board of Directors met on 10th January 2019 to consider the requests made by several of the Groups shareholders, for the inclusion of new resolutions to the agenda of the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). At the conclusion of their assessment, the Board has decided the following: Resolution presented by BDL Capital Management Received by letter, on 3 rd January 2019. BDL Capital Management, providing proof that it holds 7.1% of the Companys share capital, requested that the Board of Directors include in the AGMs agenda the following resolution: Received by letter, on 3 January 2019. BDL Capital Management, providing proof that it holds 7.1% of the Companys share capital, requested that the Board of Directors include in the AGMs agenda the following resolution: Establishment of an ad hoc committee This request has been approved. Resolutions presented by Denis Nahas, Robert Gobin, Guillaume Tromp, Arnaud Kermagoret, Jean-Pierre Lavoine, Pierre Van Peteghem and Francoise Lavoine Received by letter on 4 th January 2019. Denis Nahas, Robert Gobin, Guillaume Tromp, Arnaud Kermagoret, Jean-Pierre Lavoine, Pierre Van Peteghem and Francoise Lavoine, holding approximately 1% of the Companys share capital, have requested that the Board of Directors include the following resolutions in the agenda of the AGM: Received by letter on 4 January 2019. Denis Nahas, Robert Gobin, Guillaume Tromp, Arnaud Kermagoret, Jean-Pierre Lavoine, Pierre Van Peteghem and Francoise Lavoine, holding approximately 1% of the Companys share capital, have requested that the Board of Directors include the following resolutions in the agenda of the AGM: Revocations of Board membership of all Board members with the exception of Jacques Tierny, who was recently appointed These requests have not been approved. Establishment of attendance fees allocated to the Board of Directors This request has not been approved. Exclusion of variable, extraordinary items to Jean-Noel Reynaud, Chief Executive Officer, and Benoit Herault for the years 2017 and 2018 These requests have not been approved. Modification of Resolution 27: authorization given to the Board of Directors in order to proceed to the attribution of free existing shares or to issue shares for the benefit of recipients to be determined among the Companys staff This request has not been approved. Amendments to the two options in the agreement between MBWS and COFEPP of 24 th December 2018 These requests have not been approved. The justifications for the decisions made by the Board of Directors and the complete text of the resolutions proposed by the shareholders, along with the explanation of their arguments, are presented in the Board of Directors report published today on the Groups website (in French). Benoit Heraults intention to resign from his position as Chairman and member of the Board of Directors During the Board of Directors meeting on 10th January 2019, Benoit Herault announced his intention to resign from his position as Chairman and member of Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits Board of Directors, upon completion of one of the two options outlined in the binding agreement signed by the Company and COFEPP. Benoit Herault declared, These past five years as an independent Board member and then as Chairman of the Board of Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits have been very intense. In 2018, given a sharply deteriorated financial situation, I accepted at the request of the members of the Board of Directors to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis, with the main objectives of finding a new Chief Executive Officer for the Group and securing a solution for ensuring its status as a going concern. These objectives have now been accomplished. Mr. Herault continued, A new strategic plan will be presented over the course of Q1 2019 and the backing of our Group by a solid industrial player opens a new chapter for Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits. I will remain with the Company until the recapitalization is completed. Update on the asset sale project and the work being carried out to optimize the Groups cost structure The Board of Directors has decided, given the current circumstances, to end the project to sell some of the Groups brands. This projects objective was to cover part or all of the losses in FY 2018. The various efforts carried out have not resulted in offers that would meet the stated objective, in the required timeframe. This led the Board of Directors to seek another solution to address the Groups financial situation. The binding agreement signed between MBWS and COFEPP provides such a solution. Nevertheless, the Group confirms that it is continuing to study the sale of assets whose disposal would not limit its capacity for development or the execution of its strategy, including some brands whose strategic interest would not be significant in the context of the Companys medium-term strategy. The Board of Directors has confirmed that it will continue to carry out the work to adapt the Groups cost structure. The results of this work are expected to be presented along with the new strategic plan. Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits produces and sells a range of wine and spirits across four geographic clusters: Western Europe, Middle East & Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. MBWS has distinguished itself for its know-how, the range of its brands, and a long tradition and history of innovation. From the inception of Maison Marie Brizard in Bordeaux, France in 1755, to the launch of Fruits and Wine in 2010, MBWS has successfully developed and adapted its brands to make them contemporary while respecting their origins. MBWS is committed to providing value by offering its customers bold, trustworthy, flavorful and experiential brands. The company has a broad portfolio of leading brands in their respective market segments, most notably William Peel scotch whisky, Sobieski vodka, Krupnik vodka, Fruits and Wine flavored wine, Marie Brizard liqueurs and Cognac Gautier. MBWS is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Paris, Compartment B (ISIN code FR0000060873, ticker MBWS) and is included in the EnterNext PEA-PME 150 index, among others. Investor Contact Raquel Lizarraga raquel.lizarraga@mbws.com Tel : +33 1 43 91 50 Press Contact Simon Zaks, Image Sept szaks@image7.fr Tel : +33 1 53 70 74 63 Attachment BURLINGTON, Mass., Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Profitect Inc. , the leading prescriptive analytics provider for the retail and CPG industry, today announced the company will be participating in two speaking panel sessions at the 2019 NRF Big Show . The first session, Executives with 50+ Years Experience Talk Successful Enterprise Profit and Performance Strategies will take place on Sunday, January 13 at 11:00 a.m. ET. The second session Success Stories: The Best Artificial Intelligence for Retail to Drive Results Quickly, will take place on Monday, January 14 at 9:15 a.m. ET. Profitect will also exhibit and hold customer and media meetings at booth #4237 at the renowned retail conference being held at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. Moderated by Profitect CEO, Guy Yehiav, the speaking sessions will bring together distinguished retail industry experts to discuss how retailers can implement technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and prescriptive analytics to drive results. Session details include: WHAT: Executives with 50+ Years' Experience Talk Successful Enterprise Profit and Performance Strategies WHO: Guy Yehiav, Profitect CEO; Andrea Auchterlonie, Auricle Consulting Principal and former Suitsupply executive; Andre Persaud, The AVNP Group, Principal and former Shopko executive; Andrea Weiss, Retail Consulting, Inc. CEO and Cracker Barrel Board member; Laurie Wilson, LW Associates CEO and former Macys executive Panelists will leverage their expertise to discuss the best approach to selecting, implementing and ensuring adoption of technology. Attendees will learn how to make an impact within their organizations with the right technology solution. WHEN: Sunday, January 13, 1111:30 a.m. ET WHERE: Exhibitor Big Ideas Stage 6, Expo Hall, Level 3 WHAT: Success Stories: The Best Artificial Intelligence for Retail to Drive Results Quickly WHO: Guy Yehiav, Profitect CEO; Chris Adams, VP of Category Management Services at Retail Business Services, an Ahold Delhaize USA company; Brad Eckhart, Columbus Consulting Senior Inventory and Logistics Consultant and former Finish Line executive Panelists from Ahold Delhaize and Columbus Consulting will discuss success stories and case study use cases of AI and prescriptive analytics in retail. Attendees will learn practical ways to drive sales and margin increases. WHEN: Monday, January 14, 9:159:45 a.m. ET WHERE: Exhibitor Big Ideas Stage 2, Expo Hall, Level 1 In addition to presenting at booth #4237, Profitect will also be exhibiting and discussing the benefits of the companys prescriptive analytics solution mobile capabilities in partner Zebra Technologies booth #2101. To learn more about Profitect and prescriptive analytics, visit here . To follow along with the Profitect team, including insights from the show, connect with Profitect on LinkedIn , or follow us on Twitter at @Profitect . ABOUT PROFITECT Profitects prescriptive analytics solution leverages pattern detection and machine learning to identify opportunities that impact sales and margin. Profitect takes retail and CPG company data and identifies areas for improvement including: inventory accuracy, out of stocks, pricing accuracy, unsellable merchandise, and assortment discrepancies. Profitect customers typically realize a 2-5% increase in sales, better consumer experience, 10-15% basis point margin improvement, and labor productivity improvement within 6 months. To learn more about Profitect visit: www.profitect.com or follow the company on Twitter and LinkedIn . Newscity Mayor: Progress Report Outdated Mayor Tim Keller said a progress report on the city needs to be updated with more recent figures. Last week the city released its 2018 Albuquerque Progress Report, comparing Albuquerque to six other similar metro areas. Out of 59 progress indicators, the city was given an undesirable rating in 27 categories, including those evaluating poverty, violent crime, residents' perception of cultural diversity, population movement, job growth and others. But Mayor Keller said the report uses data from 2016 and is drastically in need of an update, according to KOB4. He said he wants to work with the City Council and the group who compiled the report, the Indicators Progress Commission, to improve future reports. While Keller said property crime was lower than reflected by the report, he mentioned concern over one metric in the report. According to the City Responsiveness indicator, 72 percent of residents felt the government did not respond to their needs. Keller suggested this was because of a change in the city's 311 system that was made by the previous administration which put an end to the practice of delivering complaints to the mayor that had gone unresolved for more than 30 days. Keller says he will reintroduce the system and hopes it will improve the city's efficacy. PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK New Mexico News Here Comes the Legislature! 60-day sesh ensures hijinks will ensue NMLegis.gov At noon on Tuesday, Jan. 15 they are holding a special grand opening up en el norte, up in Santa. The elected representatives youve chosen and their duly chosen administrators, assistants and sometimes, enablers all plan to be there. Maybe there will be ice cream and cake. For sure there will be a keen focus on instituting a progressive agenda in the wake of eight years of Republican dominance. With a bountiful surplusmostly provided by the volatile gas and oil industryquestions of sustainability as well as spending versus saving are sure to be part of the festivities. With a Democratic administration at the helm of the Merry Roundhouse, those interested in the legislative and governance process in these partswhich should, at this critical juncture in our history translate as every citizen of voting ageare guaranteed great action as heroic attempts are made to sustain this state and ultimately preserve the larger republic. Heres whats coming up, fellow watchers: Recreational Cannabis The local daily led with a story that aims to tell the tale of the path toward legalization, if you can follow them for the next five days. In an act of magic surpassing that of Joe Monahan making a plate of ribs from El Modelo disappear, we here at Alibi HQ can do the job in just a few paragraphsalthough well probably write a lot more about the subject in the next couple of months. It comes down to this: there is a substantial groupingnot a cabalof relatively conservative, long-time New Mexican Democratic senators who have consistently voiced opposition to the legalized recreational use of cannabis. Theyre as hard as El Morro, ese. And though current legalization legislation sponsor Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino (D-Albuquerque) referred to those traditionalists as 30 years behind the times, it appears that bi-partisanship is the only way forward here, determining whether or not the perennial, pot package gets sent up to the Governors office. Theres a razor-thin margin in the upper chamber this year, and flipping a couple of votes could well be the key to passing the bong upstairs. Education and Education Education reform is a priority for Michelle Lujan Grisham, a point the governor made with one of her first official acts. By executive order, Grisham halted the statewide use of the PARCC test. The test has been used to determine not only student outcomes, but has also played a significant role in teacher evaluations and school grades. It was a Tejana legacy. As the session approaches, the Legislature is in rhythm with the governor, ready to change the landscape for New Mexican students, instructors and the institutions they fill. Back at the end of December, Senator John Sapien (D-Corrales) pre-filed SB110, a bill that would permanently do away with PARCC and require our schools to use an exam designed by a newly reformed, Dem led Public Education Department. State Representative Miguel Garcia (D-Albuquerque) prefiled legislation aimed at lifting up teachers throughout the state. HB 39 and HB 42 would provide funding to secure $3,000 bonuses across a five year span for New Mexico-born teachers or those willing to commit to working at or improving schools that have been deemed to be failing or alternatively have a population of students dependent on the free or reduced lunch program. Additionally, the keystone educational reform of the Lujan Grisham platformimproved and consequential upgrades to early childhood educationseem to be on the advance track this year. A House Joint Resolution introduced by Representative Antonio Maestas (D-Albuquerque) would earmark fundingone percent per yearfrom one of the states permanent funds to pay for early childhood education programs now and in the long-term. In another prefiling that portends much reform, Senator Michael Padilla has introduced legislation that will revisit and revise our states commitment to its youngest citizens. His bill will see to the formation and management of a new cabinet level department: the Early Childhood Education and Care Department. Though some in the press have invoked the traditional careful with those expansive funds rhetoric here, we believe it a step in the right direction. Adequately providing for the management of funding designed to help our children on the path to becoming educated and informed adults is a goal whose achievement may be further marked by an improved economy and other positive consequences. French English VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rogers Sugar Inc. (RSI) will be holding a conference call to discuss their 2019 first quarter results on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at 17:30 (Eastern Time). The conference call will be chaired by Mr. John Holliday, Chief Executive Officer and Ms. Manon Lacroix, Chief Financial Officer. If you wish to participate, please dial 1-877-223-4471 . A recording of the conference call will be accessible shortly after the conference, by dialing 1-800-585-8367 or 416-621-4642, access code 8589737#. This recording will be available until February 7, 2019. Dateline: Australia The world's most identical twins have announced they want to be impregnated at the same time by their shared boyfriend. Anna and Lucy DeCinque, a pair of identical twins from Perth, Western Australia, became celebrities after a local news station featured their enmeshed lives. The twins reportedly wear matching outfits, received matching cosmetic surgeries, exercise together, eat the same amount of calories every day, share a single job position and even share the same boyfriend. Last month the DeCinques told the host of an Australian television show that they wanted to marry their shared boyfriend, mechanic Ben Byrne, but were barred by Australia's laws against polygamy. According to The Sun, the sisters met Byrne online in 2012. They told reporters that they were honest from the beginning with Byrnea twin, himselfabout their intentions to live a shared life. They reportedly sleep in the same bed with Byrne and take turns having sex with him. In a recent appearance on the Australia's Today show, the pair announced their plans to get pregnant at the same time by Byrne. According to the New York Post, the idea came from the twins' mother, who suggested they time the pregnancies to coincide. Its going to be another challenge, they told the hosts of Today. Theres a lot of pressure on Ben. Dateline: Russia Researchers have discovered that the woman believed to be the oldest person to have ever lived might have lied about her age. Huffington Post reports a new paper from ResearchGate questions the death of Jeanne CalmentGuinness World Record-holder who reportedly died in 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days. According to Russian researchers mathematician Nicolai Zak and gerontologist Valeri Novoselov, an identity card issued to Jeanne Calment in the 30s lists a different height and hair color from those recorded later in her life. The study concluded that the woman who died in 1997 might have been Jeanne's daughter Yvonne. Researchers believe Jeanne died in 1934, and Yvonne switched places with her to avoid paying inheritance taxes. The study found that Yvonne's family were paying large inheritance taxes following the death of her father and mother-in-law. According to Novoselov, the death of Jeanne would have been an unneeded hardship. However, if it were Yvonne who died, he told reporters, the family wouldnt have to pay any taxes, as she didnt own the homestead. The gerontologist who helped confirm Jeanne's claim to the Guinness Book of World Records in 1997, Jean-Marie Robine, has dismissed the study. Inside Edition reports the runner-up for Calment's record is Sarah Knauss, an American who died in 1999 at the age of 119. Dateline: Japan A man's recent marriage to a hologram has been met with mixed reactions. According to CNN, Akihiko Kondo, a school administrator, turned heads in November with his wedding to the computer-generated pop star Hatsune Miko. Miko is a Vocaloid software voicebank developed by Crypton Future Media that synthesizes the human voice and is used by composers belonging to a globe-spanning community of fans. She is also an anthropomorphic character used to represent the program which has performed a number of live concerts in the form of a hologram. Kondo, whose home is reportedly decorated with plush dolls and merchandise dedicated to Miko, told reporters he fell in love with the virtual character a decade ago. He now owns a Gatebox, a device which projects a small hologram of the character and is outfitted with basic artificial intelligence. The device controls home lighting and is able to greet Kondo. Experts call those interested in pursuing romantic relationships with virtual lovers, like Kondo, second-wave digisexualsthose who integrate technology into their sexual identity. First-wave digisexuals are those who use technology to facilitate meeting potential matespeople who use dating apps or social media to meet partners. According to Amazon, over a million people asked Alexa to marry them in 2017. The wedding between Miko and Kondo was not legally recognized by the Japanese government. Dateline: Australia A man's neighbors thought he was killing his wifethe real victim was a spider. The West Australian reports multiple police units were called to a residence in Perth, Western Australia, in response to reports that a murder was occurring inside the home. According to a tweet made by the Wanneroo Police that has since been deleted, emergency services received a call from someone who claimed to have heard their neighbor repeatedly screaming, Why don't you die? while they walked past their house. The neighbor's toddler could be heard crying, but there appeared to be no other sounds. Since the caller knew the man was married, they became concerned and decided to notify authorities. Police raced to the scene to find that the man, who reportedly suffers from a serious fear of spiders, had been confronting one of the terror-inducing arachnids. He apologized for the inconvenience and officers explained the situation to all parties involved. According to a follow-up report from police, no injuries were observed at the site of the incident, except to spider. CC0 Heres the picture: This is the news section of an ascendant progressive publication. Weve reported on all sorts of notably newsworthy phenomena in the past couple of years, since we decided to jump back into this news thing wholeheartedly. Because of that directionality wherein we reach out to the community as a source of information and ideasall sorts of folks send us information and ideas. These are called leads. Some of the leads weve received recently have to do with affordable healthcare, with the rising cost of healthcare. That may be because weve covered the subject recently, urging readers to sign up for insurance through the Affordable Care Act, to consider proposals to bring Medicaid to the masses or to create a new not-for-profit network for citizens of this state. Ultimately we believe that there is an urgent need for healthcare reform in this state and in the nation, too. But anyway, back to the leads. Two in particular stand out. One reader wrote to me about his wifes battle with cancer. There were mixed resultshe had written by handbut she was still alive and vital. The only problem with that: they had just received notice in the mail. The letter from their insurance company informed them that the drug she depended on would no longer be on their formulary come next year, that she should seek out sound medical advice and look into alternatives instead. What had been a medicine with high co-payment ($500 per month) had become a possible cause of financial ruin at a price of just over $8,000 per month. Another reader called my office phone directly. That line is usually forwarded to my cell phone. A couple of rings rattled out of the new contraption (thanks Ms. Addison!) before I clicked on the unfamiliar Android icon that made mutual transmission possible. A man who turned out to be local, Hispanic and in his middle years revealed his plight. He had suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for years. It had gotten worse and his doctors had tried all sorts of different treatments. Finally when his condition had worsened into dangerous (his vasculitis showed signs of coming back, many of his joints were very swollen, etc.) his doctors stumbled upon a medicine that changed everything. A year after this treatment with a biologic drug began, he was still symptom-free and as healthy as he had been in his youth. But this citizen had also received the letter from True Health New Mexico, a subsidiary of Virginia based corporation Evolent Health. In case you want to know, the CEO of Evolent, Frank Williams, received $3,160,800 in compensation for his work at Evolent last year. Here in New Mexico, True Health New Mexico CEO Dr. Martin Hickey pulled down a $450,000 per year base salary when he was the head of New Mexico Health Connections. The subsidiary True Health was the result of Hickeys company selling much of its assets to Evolent in 2017. Anyway, the mass-produced missive said the drug my source had been taking for 18 months had been moved from Tier 5 to Tier 6 by a panel of expert doctors and pharmacists. This essentially meant that the mans insurance company would no longer pay for the drug, which without insurance cost $4,000 per monthhalf as much as Williams average daily compensation and about as much as Hickey made in one week running the precursor to True Health. In the cases of both writers, I made contact and asked if they had followed up with their insurance company and each one proceeded to tell me a familiar story about how difficult it was to get a definitive answer, how hard it was to communicate their needs with the humans and AI agents that staffed their customer service line. Mostly they felt resigned about a situation that could determine how one lives and how one dies. So I decided to do some following up of my own. First I found it very difficult to contact the insurance company in questionwithout going through a customer portal that is as anonymous as it is labyrinthine. By the time I finally got a patient care representative on the line who would talk to a nonmember and divulge the number of the local corporate office, my steaming hot coffee had grown cold. I returned the cup to the microondas, set it for two minutes and dialed the local number. Of course they put me through to their media person, a very friendly and efficient individual named Lydia T. Ashanin, the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at True Health New Mexico. She was decent and professional but seemed to grow defensive at first, especially when I asked about the panel of expert doctors and pharmacists who made the potentially life changing decisions related to consumer medicine options. She ended up confirming that the identities of the panel was proprietary information, and, sensing my exasperation at such an answer, we both moved on. She had a lot to tell me about the process that changes a rarely used but very important prescription from something comforting and semi-affordable to a substance that is dangerously absent, an unobtainium of sorts. And this is what she said: August, I really appreciate the opportunity to respond to your questions about changes in health plan pharmacy tiers. Here is a statement for you: Health insurers may change their health plan benefits annually to adjust to changes in available services and medications, including making changes to the pharmacy formulary to address overall costs borne by the populations served. The letter that your readers received in October is the letter we send out to let members know well ahead of time when a change is being made to their pharmacy benefits. The intention is to give them time to work with their doctor to make any changes that are specific to their healthcare situation. Within the health insurance industry, drugs may change tiers for various reasons, including availability of less expensive or more clinically appropriate options. This may be the situation for your readers. First and foremost, we want to ensure that any True Health New Mexico members are getting the appropriate care. Our goal is to keep you in your optimal state of health, and every persons health situation is unique. We strongly encourage our members to get in touch with us directly to address their specific and unique needs. Go to our website to find contact information truehealthnewmexico. com. Again, I really appreciate the opportunity to provide context on this issue. In this particular situation, if your two readers who contacted you would be willing to call our case management phone number, 1-844-691-9984, our medical management staff can look more deeply into their care plan and provide confidential input. It is really hard to help members without being able to look at the specifics of their care management plan, and wed really like to be able to ensure that they are getting the most appropriate care. Maybe the case management phone number is a place to start. Maybe. Also, in both cases, Im told that those who wrote in about this phenomenacall it the case of the expensive, lifesaving medication whose withdrawal from lifesaving missions was prompted by an admittedly anonymous corporate board in an organization where the folks in charge literally make millionshave already spent hours on hold and in virtual queues that seem to uniformly end in uncertainty and more complications. Clearly the need for healthcare reform is an urgent task that must not be left to multibillion dollar corporations where the decision-makers live lives that are markedly different (based on salary) from those they purportedly serve. In the meantime, theres much more to this story. For instance, how did certain drugs for certain medical conditions become so expensive? And how does the salary of healthcare CEOs figure into that and the pricing that reaches the consumer? Did the insurance company make a diligent effort to reach out to, interface with and offer solutions to at-risk patients or is the letter sent (a form letter sent to about five patients, according to Ms. Ashanin) all there is? According to Ashanin, we count on members to talk to their doctors about the changes and call our case managers/customer service if there is some reason for concern. When that happens, our medical management team will talk through options with the member or their doctor to make sure they are getting the best care for their health situation. Most importantly we wonder who is on that board and why they are making decisions for at-risk patientsinstead of actual providerswithout actually meeting with and evaluating them. That should be a doctors duty that is carried outefficiently and proactivelyby the insurer. The inverse of that seems odd and may even be cruel, given the promises and objectives of the Affordable Care Act. PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Show Up! A Girl Fight, A Ball of Funk The sunny wintertime shows Paris Mancini Where I am its sunny and bright. All of the snow is gone and light comes streaming through my front window in big brilliant lines that cut across the curtain by the window. The light beams land upon my desk and so spread over the objects assembled there, which include a computer keyboard. Its the perfect place from which to write something encouragingnay rockingabout this weeks upcoming local live musical events. Thursday Burquena musician extradordinareand former Alibi stafferMarisa Demarco wrote me to remind me that this weeks Thursday Night Girl Fight at Launchpad (618 Central Ave. SW) on Thursday, Jan. 10 marks the 10th year of the lauded local concert series featuring women musicians. Demarcos missive serves as a potent reminder that like much else in Western civilization, rocanrol has long been dominated by human males hell bent on preserving the hegemony of the patriarchy. While thats certainly true, much has been doneparticularly in the past 70 yearsto rectify that calamitous situation. Here in our hometown, players like Demarco and her cadre often stand out as the ultimate rockers, tuned-in, possessed of divine chops and able to transcend the normative with an aplomb that resides well beyond any definition of gender. Becki Jones, the bass player in Weed Rat and Nizhoni Girlsand one of the forces behind Cat Teeth and Litter Braintold Weekly Alibi that Demarcos unflagging output organizationally and musicallyhad been a big influencenot to mention a huge game-changeron the scene, saying, Marisa started it because not a lot of women were on a lot of music bills, especially 10 years ago here in Albuquerque. The change, she continued, has come about due to Thursday Night Girl Fight, concluding that, its building a lot more confidence for women and for bands with women to do their own stuff, to play their own music. This weeks anniversary programme includes epic performances by Chicharra, Nizhoni Girls, Ebony Isis Booth, Ermine, Ramonda Holiday, Baby Tuna and many more of the most rocking femmes in this sunny city by the river. 8:30pm $5 21+. Friday Of course theres more stoner/desert/doom rock than the average mortal can handle in the Duke City and maybe thats why were all here, above the mean and always prepared for a savage sonic onslaught where ones soul is part of the currency being bartered for by very dark forces indeed. Ahem. In proof of such metallic contentions I offer the following: an album release gathering shall be held on Friday, Jan. 11 at the Launchpad (618 Central Ave. SW) to commemorate the latest release by local heavier than hell itselfeven if you count the Republicans already thereband The Horned God, a cosplay power trio who base their outrageous output on the works of a series of graphic novels describing life amongst certain Celtic barbarian tribes possesed of magic. I dunno about you, but that sounds pretty, pretty good to me. Their new eponymous work will be played in its entirety and The Horned God will be joined by other occult-ish entities Red Mesa, The Talking Hours, Prey For Kali and Manhigh or a night not to be missedunless you gotta stay home and mind the dragons. 9pm $5 21+. Saturday George Clinton and his gang Parliament Funkadelic: I first heard about George and his followers in high school. Certain folks would jam to his music after the Screamin Eagleswhich is what they called the high school jazz bandrehearsed in the music building. But the whole thing was sorta funky and secretive. Then a single called Flash Light dropped and everything came bright clear. The other thing has to do with the origin and maintenance of something called the funk. Two things aboutand his gang: I first heard about George and his followers in high school. Certain folks would jam to his music after the Screamin Eagleswhich is what they called the high school jazz bandrehearsed in the music building. But the whole thing was sorta funky and secretive. Then a single called Flash Light dropped and everything came bright clear. The other thing has to do with the origin and maintenance of something called the funk. According to the Mighty Boosh , its a thing of vile beauty whichonce posessed by Bootsy Collins and thrown overboard into the world by Clintonchanged life as you and I know it, forever. Anyway Clinton and his ensemble du jourP-Funk is a rotating collective after all, depending who is riding on the mothership at any given timeare playing two gigs in advance of their 2019 Mardi Gras Tour. And Burque is one of them. The gig goes down on Saturday, Jan. 12 at the Isleta Resort and Casino Showroom (11000 Broadway SE). Damn thats going to be funky. And psychedelic and bitchin too. 8pm $25 to $45 21+. Jewish Community Center ABQ This weekend, the Jewish Community Center of Albuquerque is hosting their second annual ABQ NoshFest, an event to celebrate Jewish cuisine past and present. After a huge turnout last year of almost 2,000 people, theyve relocated to a larger venueSandia Resortand have added vendors and activities to the schedule. If youre a fan of challah, bagels and lox, latkes and matzoh ball soup, youll want to come by and bring the family with you. Some of the new activities this year include a challah bake-off, a cake walk, plenty of games for the kids and a cooking demo and talk from Amy Kritzer, food blogger and author of the cookbook Sweet Noshings: New Twists on Traditional Jewish Desserts. Vendorsincluding Savoy Bar & Grill and Zinc Bistrowill be selling classic Jewish foods like rugelach and latkes, as well as some new takes on the classics, like Tamashis cream cheese and lox sushi roll. There will also be a raffle with a first place prize of a three-night trip to New York City donated by Rio Grande Travel and a second place prize of a 55 digital TV from Baillios. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25. Since Jewish people make up less than one percent of the Albuquerque population, NoshFest is a unique opportunity for the JCC to share Jewish culture with the city. And what better way to learn about a culture than through its food? says Phylis Wolf, Director of Arts, Culture and Education at the JCC. Since last years event was so popular, Wolf suggests getting your tickets in advanceand also promises that theyre ready for the crowds this year. Tickets are $6.50 in advance and can be purchased at abqnoshfest.org, or at the door for $8. Entry to the challah bake-off costs $18 and includes regular entry to NoshFest. NoshFest starts at noon and goes until 4pm at Sandia Resort (30 Rainbow Rd.) this Sunday, Jan. 13. PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Reel World Atomic Monsters Super 8 Movie Night in the Nuclear Living Room is about as cool a name for an event as you can imagine. Turns out it was the fine folks at local arts org Basement Films who imagined it. The event takes place on Saturday, Jan. 12 from 6 to 10pm, at Vitrine (214 Sixth Street SW). Basement Filmers Beth Hansen, Jenette Isaacson and Ren Adams are on hand slinging live projections of short, vintage Super 8 horror movies including The Mummy, Man Made Monster, The Wolfman and other terrifying haunts. The evening ends with a special, multi-projector grand finale. It all takes place inside the gallerys nuclear family living room installation. Guests are advised to bring a pillow to sit on. View in Alibi calendar Wild Wild Life A free screening of the documentary Killing Games: Wildlife in the Crosshairs takes place Saturday, Jan. 12 at the South Broadway Cultural Center (1025 Broadway SE). This hard-hitting documentary exposes the gratuitous world of wildlife killing contests. Such contests are still legal in New Mexico and in other states throughout the US. The film includes appearances by noted actor Peter Coyote, tribal leaders, prominent scientists and conservation leaders. The screening is being presented by Project Coyote. After the film the group has scheduled a Q&A session with Project Coyote Executive Director Camilla Fox, Science Advisory Board member Dave Parsons, Santa Fe-based author and Project Coyote Ambassador Dan Flores and other local luminaries. The film screening and panel discussion takes place from 4 to 5:30pm. A post-screening reception happens in the Cultural Centers lobby from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Admission is free; but if you want to secure your seat, you can reserve a ticket in advance at holdmyticket. com/ tickets/ 324996. View in Alibi calendar Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Notorious RBG, as been bouncing around news headlines for months now as one of the last remaining progressives on the US Supreme Court, holding on to her judicial position with an iron grip despite a number of recent health scares. So right now seems like a most timely opportunity to release a Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic. As you might expectgiven the subject matterits a classy, well-spoken and nobly intentioned effort. Though it isnt convincing enough to change the hearts and minds of todays rabid MAGA crowd, it will certainly give progressive audiences an opportunity to feel good and maybe even a tad hopeful. Director Mimi Leder, who delivered a bit of action back in the day (The Peacemaker, Deep Impact), settles into professional biopic mode for this efficient and reverential outing. Our RBG stand-in here is Felicity Jones, the up-and-coming English award-winner who has made notable appearances in Like Crazy, The Theory of Everything and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. At first, Jones seems too glam and too, well, British for the assignment. But she inhabits Ginsburgs tiny frame with a steely gaze and a sense of unstoppable momentum. As a young Harvard student in the mid-50s (one of the first women to be admitted to the universitys prestigious law school), Ginsburg faces opposition and derision from various teachers and deans. When her husband Martin (Armie Hammer, acting as stalwart and supportive as possible) falls ill with cancer, Ruth does double dutyattending both her classes and his and transcribing the lectures. She does this while caring for her sick hubby and raising an infant daughter. Clearly, we are dealing with a super woman here. In mid-century America, however, few people seem willing to hire womenimpressive Harvard degrees or not. As a result, Ruth is unable to find work outside of academia. Eventually, she settles on a job at Rutgers Law School, teaching The Law and Sex Discrimination. Its in these 70s-set segments that Jones really settles into the character conservative necklines, giant glasses and all. Even as a young woman, Ginsburg seems frumpy and self-serious amid the young, hippie-era womens libbers of her class. But her moral and social center is unshakably progressive. Frustrated by the lack of progress on the Equal Rights Amendment (which we should probably point out is still unratified), Ruth is directed to a particularly interesting tax case that her husband is embroiled in. Admittedly, the words interesting and tax case rarely go together. But in this instance, its what helped propel our country toward equality among the sexes. The case centers around a Denver man named Charles Moritz (longtime character actor Chris Mulkey). Charles, an unmarried middle-aged man, is taking care of his elderly mother. To help out, he hires a nurse. Under federal tax code a woman, a widower or divorcee, or a husband whose wife is incapacitated or institutionalized can receive a tax deduction for hiring a caregiver. The tax code makes no provisions for unmarried men. It was basically inconceivable, at the time, that a man would be unmarried or accept responsibility for taking care of his aging parents. This is basically a cut-and-dried case for rewriting the tax code. But in doing so, a judge would have to rule that the law was sexually discriminatory against men. And any such ruling would set a groundbreaking legal precedent for the upcoming Equal Rights battle. Ruth and her husband both recognize the importance of this little case and try to bring it to the attention of various legal experts, including Mel Wulf (a wonderfully loose Justin Theroux) at the ACLU and pioneering feminist, political activist and civil liberties lawyer Dorothy Kenyon (Kathy Bates, offering another fine cameo). Nobody wants to touch this case. So Ruth and her husband proceed, mostly on their own. This leads to your basic, buttoned-up courtroom drama. Courtroom dramas are like road movies: formulaic and familiar, with a preordained ending (arrive at your destination/receive a judgment). And On the Basis of Sex is no exception. But it does a very admirable job of pointing out the minutia over which legal precedent often turns. And it gives the perfect setting for poor brainy wallflower Ruth Bader Ginsburg to find her purpose and blossom into the fiery orator she was born to be. Yes, On the Basis of Sex is a schmaltzy, prepackaged, borderline hagiographic origin story for blue state Americas favorite judicial figure. Its narrative is episodic and somewhat slackly paced. But its optimism is infectious. Anyone inclined to go see a biopic about Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the first place is going to be perfectly happy with Jones passionate portrayal and with the films unwavering, reform-minded efforts. Belen, New Mexico, is home to just 7,089 people, but more than 30 churches. A quick 33-mile drive south of Albuquerque, Belen (whose name means Bethlehem) made international news last month when The New York Times covered a culture war taking place there. One one side, we have a progressive young mayor trying to get funds to build a museum honoring the citys only world-famous resident, visual artist Judy Chicago; on the other, a conservative sixtysomething city councilor and his evangelical minions, who would really rather not, because vaginas are scary. Chicago, 79, is an American feminist icon: an artist, art educator and writer best known for her large collaborative art installation pieces about birth and creation images, according to her website. Her work examines the role of women in history and culture. By the 70s, Chicago had founded the first feminist art program in the United States. Her celebrated artwork includes, but is in no way limited to, representations of sex organs. Chicago chose to make Belen her home 26 years ago because, she says, it was close enough to Albuquerque to get anything she might need, but quiet enough for her to focus on her work. She and her husband, photographer Donald Woodman, live in the old Belen Hotel, which theyve renovated as a home and studio. Time magazine named Chicago one of the 100 most influential people on the planet in 2018. None of this matters to Belens Bible-thumpers, and you have to wonder if Chicagos Jewishness has anything to do with their attacks. In a slew of recent public meetings, theyve made it clear theyre way more terrified of Chicagos artwork than they are of the citys devastating poverty and creeping blight. The median household income for Belen is a little more than $30,000, compared to the New Mexico average of $46,000, and many of the buildings along Main Street are boarded up and empty. In an already poor state, Belen is bleaker than the bleak norm. Speaking to the Times, a member of Calvary Chapel, located in Belens old Wal-Mart (of course it is), 19-year-old Lacey Greer, explained her opposition to the museum thus: As Christians, we are for order, justice, security and protection. Im for protecting the eyes of children. This evangelical distress with lady-bits does not extend, naturally, to the Bibles endless mentions (albeit oblique) of Marys hoo-hah never having been penetrated by anyone but God. Nor does apostolic apoplexy over artistic representations of the spasm chasm ever seem to open its arms wide enough to include Biblical passages such as Song of Songs, in which a womans breasts are compared in beauty to two fawns, and her navel is said to be like a goblet that never lacks for wine. Maybe this is because evangelicals are only distressed by vaginas they cannot control. The Judy Chicago Museum was the brainchild of Ronnie Torres, a former Belen mayor and current city councilor who, as his day job, is a hairdresser. He counts Chicago among his clients. The citys current mayor, a 34-year-old upstart named Jerah Cordova who got a degree in political science and journalism from George Washington University before returning home to run for office on Twitter (a strategy his conservative opponents laughed at, until he won), loves the idea. He loves it so much he just last week announced he was giving his entire $10,000 per year mayoral salary over to the cause. Cordovas nemesis in this battle is City Councilor Donald Carter, 63, who has lived in Belen all his life and holds a business degree from the for-profit University of Phoenix. He says he doesnt want angry mobs rising up once Chicagos art upsets them. Torres, Cordova and others have been trying to rebrand Belen, once a thriving railroad hub, as an arts destination, with the idea being that the same art-lovers in Albuquerque who are willing to travel 64 miles north to Santa Fe for a show might also be willing to travel half that distance south, to Belen, which, like Santa Fe, is accessible via the Rail Runner train. The city has had some modest successes thus far, with the creation and opening of the Harvey House Museum in 1985, and with helping to launch Hub City Brewing in 2016, the only brewery in Valencia County. Belens push to make itself part of New Mexicos creative community and economy is a smart way to set itself apart from nearby Los Lunas, which recently attracted tech giant Facebook to open a data center there. It has been heartening as well to see millennial eco-conscious farmers like Kemper Barkhurst and Elizabeth Arnold planting roots in the fertile farmland of Valencia County, with successful ventures such as BlueFly Organic Lavender Farm in Peralta. If Belen is to survive, Cordova says, it is going to have to move forward in a similar manner. We here at Weekly Alibi agree. We support the Judy Chicago Museum in Belen. It should be built. We salute Cordova for fighting the good fight. We leave you with a quote from the Bible, Proverbs 1:7. Fools despise wisdom and instruction. The Ukrainian sailors who suffered in the ship wreck near Turkey were discharged from Samsun City Hospital as Ukraines Ambassador to Turkey Andriy Sybyga reported on Twitter. He also specified that today, on January 10, they met the governor of Samsun. The Ukrainian sailors were discharged from the hospital in Samsun city. They met the governor of Samsun in the morning. We express gratitude to the Turkish side for the provided highly professional support and sincere care one more time. The sailors will return to the homeland soon, the ambassador wrote. Earlier, a cargo ship under Panama flag, which came from the Russian Azov port, sent a distress signal around 148 km (92 miles) away from the north-eastern Black Sea province Samsun. It was noted that four Ukrainians died as a result, seven were rescued. According to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, the tragedy happened due to a wave hit. Pavlo Klimkin, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine stated that all possible measures are assumed to return the sailors to Ukraine. Andriy Novichkov, Ukrainian sailor TSN Ukrainian sailor Andriy Novichkov released from the Iranian prison returned to Ukraine. He arrived at Boryspil airport today, on January 10, as 112 Ukraine reported. Novichkov noted that he felt well, both physically and mentally. He also stressed that he never had any conflicts with the Iranian citizen Novichkov was accused of murder. It is a peculiarity of their nation. Steps were taken without thinking, and they put someones life in danger, sometimes cost a fortune to us. A man who jumps overboard on the move into cold water without even thinking... I guess such people should not sail. He jumped out and I was accused for some reason. We never had any conflicts. I tell him what to do and he does it. Its simple. Failure to do your duties is not a conflict. If you get a reprimand, you go home. Period, he explained. He also told about the hunger strike he announced on May 30. We were talking to the investigator. He said he did not have any claims and told me to go back to prison. No claims so something should be done. I saw a chance, a possibility, which could help me. And it did. For the first time, it pushed the trigger and I was released under personal responsibility of Zayachkovsky, the Consul, First Deputy Ambassador of Ukraine. I was released under his personal responsibility without bail. We skipped some procedures, they cooperated. The Foreign Ministry representatives were doing their best, they were carrying out negotiations. The issue of the improvement of the detention conditions was partially solved. Everyone was trying to help - Ukrainians who live there, in particular. Whoever had an opportunity provided help. No claims at all, I want to thank the citizens who live there and the Embassy. They helped me not only in prison, but also when I was released, till the last moment, he noted. Novichkov is to come back home to Odesa and meet his family, then he wants to return to work. It was also noted that Ali Dzheduel, the Iranian citizen, whom Ukraine exchanged for Andriy Novichkov, returned home a bit earlier, at midnight. Earlier, President Poroshenko informed that Novichkov, the Ukrainian sailor, has been released from custody in Iran and brought to the Ukrainian embassy in this country - after the court found him innocent in the murder case. Andriy Novichkov left Ukraine in November 2016, after he signed the contract for the job of the captain's senior assistant at Arezoo, the Iranian vessel. Novichkov joined the crew near Shanghai. 18 days after the vessel entered the South China Sea, Novichkov had a conflict with another sailor. According to the Ukrainian, he acted aggressively, tried to punch him, and then just jumped off the board. The crew stopped the vessel and tried searching the man, but never found him. The crew was disbanded after the incident. In February 2017, Novichkov was taken to the coast by force and taken to the police, where they demanded that he admit his guilt in the murder. In April 2017, the Ukrainian diplomats managed to bring Novichkov to another prison in Tehran. In November 2017, Novichkov began a hunger strike; eleven days after that, the investigation released him under the personal commitment of the ambassador. Novichkov was forbidden to leave the country. If considered guilty, the Ukrainian sailor could have been executed. SANDUSKY, Ohio, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via OTC PR WIRE -- PAO Group, Inc. (OTC:PAOG), a physicians practice management company focused on the proper use of cannabis for treatment of chronic pain, opioid addictions, and terminal patients, is pleased to announce that it has completed the process of transferring all existing corporate assets to Rising Biosciences, Inc. (RBII). Simultaneous with the transfer of all old assets to Rising Biosciences, PAO Group has acquired RSB Management Inc., a business management company in the cannabis sector. The definitive acquisition agreement between PAO Group and RSB Management has been executed by all necessary parties and the Company is proud to report that the acquisition was closed on December 31st, 2018. PAOG is now in the process of posting its financial statements with OTC Markets in order to achieve current status. Upon completion of this process interim CEO Arthur Hall will be stepping down and new management changes will take effect. Outgoing PAOG Interim CEO Arthur Hall stated: This new acquisition will become the new PAOG. The outgoing executive team is fulfilling our stated commitment to shareholders by adding an entity of immense value that is in line with PAOGs historic philosophy, mission, and industry sector. I am very proud to hand the baton to the experienced and successful leadership of RSB Management and believe that there will be future synergies between the incoming company and Rising Biosciences, Inc. It is now my pleasure to introduce our valued investors to the superstar team that is RSB Management. Incoming PAOG CEO Karl Riedel was employed most recently as Executive Vice President of Marketing for VMR Products LLC, the largest online vendor of electronic cigarettes and vapor devices. He was with the company for 8+ years and helped carry VMR through a recent acquisition by JUUL Labs, Inc. for $75M ( https://vaping360.com/vape-news/72683/why-did-juul-buy-v2-and-vmr-products/ ). As Executive VP, he was responsible for overseeing online marketing initiatives, E-Commerce sales & promotions, Merchandising both domestically and internationally, Press and Media relations, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Social Media influencers and engagement, and Affiliate Marketing initiatives. He built the largest affiliate program in the vapor industry the V2 Profit Affiliate Network with 9000+ affiliates worldwide generating traffic and sales to VMRs e-commerce websites. With 14+ years' experience across a diverse array of technical fields including Content Management, IT and software implementation, and Affiliate Marketing, Karl leveraged a diverse, multi-platform marketing strategy across VMRs brands. He has held a variety of positions in the new media and technology industries; most recently management positions in two of the portfolio companies of Verleur Capital Ventures, LLC. Karl possesses a Bachelors of Arts from Miami University (Oxford, OH) where he graduated with Honors in Psychology, and he attended law school at University of Miami (FL). Karl has been interviewed by magazines like Forbes and the MJ Business Journal. The articles below represent an assortment of places where Karl has been quoted while serving as Executive VP for VMR: Incoming CFO Tom Sawyer boasts not only an Accounting Degree from Henry Ford College, but he is also a Master Grower who has been a member of the Michigan medical marihuana* program since its inception (circa 2008). With 10+ years in the cannabis industry, he is well-versed in standard business practices within the state of Michigan. Tom previously worked at an accounting firm under a financial advisor with a $27M portfolio, and he managed payroll and bookkeeping for approximately 30 companies and 100+ employees. Toms diverse and unique mix of skills give PAO Group an added advantage by having an accounting professional with real world cannabis experience to manage the daily operations of cultivation and processing. His background in both financial and managerial accounting ensures shareholders are provided with up-to-date and accurate business metrics data at all times. Incoming COO Patrick Blasko is a proven Entrepreneur versed in both business management and start-up experience, with 12+ years experience in B2C retail. Patricks vast knowledge pertaining to the wholesale and retail side of the industry allowed him to grow and expand his current business to multiple brick-and-mortar locations. Understanding profit and growth challenges along with inventory management skills, Patrick will be the key component to establishing and growing vendor relations. He has forged solid business relationships with distributors, shops and dispensaries which gives PAOG a serious advantage with sourced product, particularly during periods of rapid growth or business transformation when execution risks are high. Incoming PAOG CEO Karl Riedel enthusiastically commented: After my experience with VMR, I decided that I wanted to do something bigger. I am passionate about the cannabis industry and am confident that we can build a powerhouse brand in the Michigan market through a coordinated effort of delivering high quality products, combined with effective branding and targeted marketing. We have assembled a team of dedicated, hard-working, and skilled professionals with a unique array of talents to drive these initiatives. With the recent legalization of recreational marijuana, and transition to licensed-only grow operations and processing facilities within the state, the market is prime for entry. We already have the infrastructure and relationships in place to be strategically positioned in the Michigan cannabis market. My goal for PAOG is to be the dominant player in Michigan regarding the cultivation, processing, and transportation of medical and recreational marijuana. We are hitting the ground running in 2019. Im very excited to begin telling investors about our plans to achieve these objectives. My long term vision for PAOG is to continue to drive this business growth, as well as focus on expansion to other markets. *NOTE: marihuana is specifically spelled this way in Michigan Law. Visit our website at: www.PAO.Group Contact us: info@pao.group or 1-888-PAO-Group "Like" and "Share" PAO Group on Facebook/paogroupinc and follow us on Twitter @paogroup Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Technical complications, which may arise, could prevent the prompt implementation of any strategically significant plan(s) outlined above. The Company undertakes no duty to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release. CONTACT INFORMATION Contact us: info@pao.group 1-888-PAO-Group There are several prisons in this Russian city it remains unknown, in which one he will be placed Ukrainian political prisoners Yevhen Panov Human Rights in Ukraine Yevgen Panov, the Ukrainian political prisoner convicted in Crimea to eight years behind bars for preparation of subversions on the peninsula, will be transferred to one of the prisons in Russian Omsk, as his mother Vira Kotelyanets said, KrymRealii reported. After he was out of Crimea, which is more than a month ago, we do not have any connection with him, we do not know where exactly he is. A few weeks ago we found out that Zhenya would probably be transferred to one of Omsk prisons. We know for sure that he passed Orenburg, Chelyabinsk and Tyumen. I contacted the Russian human rights defenders and the Ukrainian Consul in Novosibirsk, they promised that they would track his location and arrival in the prison. There are several prisons in Omsk, I cant say where he would be placed, Panovs mother said. Earlier, his brother Igor Kotelyanets said Panovs end point would be a prison in Russian Omsk. In August 2016, The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation claimed to have detained Ukrainian saboteurs in Crimea. Russia says that Ukrainian diversionary group planned terrorist acts in the occupied Crimea, and Yevhen Panov, born in 1977, residing in Zaporizhia region, the officer of the Chief Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, was allegedly the leader of the group. Later, Russian authorities released a video with Panovs confession; however, Ukrainian human rights defenders stated that the video showed the signs of testifying under duress. Related video: Ukraine's Ombudsman Denisova had appealed to her Russian colleague again Health condition of the Crimean Tatar Kazim Ametov, detained in occupied Simferopol, got worse, as Ukraines Ombudsman Lyudmyla Denisova wrote on Facebook. According to his lawyer, his life is in danger, his condition is critical. His daughter stated that he had constant suffocation attacks, high blood pressure and kidney problems. At the same time, he does not receive medical aid, Denisova wrote. According to the Ombudsman, his relatives are ready to pass all necessary medicine so that he could feel better. Denisova has addressed her Russian colleague Tatyana Moskalkova and Russian President Adviser Mykhail Fedotov again. Ombudsman reminded that since October 2018 she had appealed to the Russian Ombudsman and Presidents Adviser multiple times. She asked them to assist in providing medical aid for Ametov, yet she had not received any answers. As it was reported, the political prisoner Asan Chapukh was hospitalized in occupied Crimea. Related video: Ukraine news on 112.international The court sessions on the extension of sailors detention will take place in the second half of January Open source Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Lyudmyla Denisova has announced her visit to Moscow next week. She will try to meet the captive Ukrainian sailors as 112 Ukraine reported. I will be in Moscow next week. I will talk with them specifically on these questions. We know that the session at Lefortovo court will take place on the extension of the detention of our sailors. We will work, Denisova claimed. Lawyer Nikolai Polozov added that the sessions on the extension of sailors detention in the remand center will take place in the second half of January, preliminary, on January 17-23. Considering the further actions, the extension of the detention is expected. It will take place in the second half of January. We expect that it will take place on January 17-23. The extension will take place in Moscow, Lefortovo court as the case is at the Investigative Department of Russias FSB. According to the present information, all sailors will be taken to the court. Probably, the session will last for a few days, as it was when the restrictive measure was chosen in Crimea at the end of November and appeal consideration of the claims against the choice of the restrictive measure at the end of December. We expect that the court sessions on the extension of the sailors detention will take place starting from the next week, Polozov said. Earlier, Denisova flew to Odesa to meet the relatives of the Ukrainian sailors. On November 25, the coast guard ships of the Russian Navy attacked the ships of the Ukrainian Navy, which have been carrying out a scheduled transition from Odesa port to Mariupol port in the Sea of Azov. 21 Ukrainian sailors were delivered to Lefortovo remand center in Moscow, three others are in the hospital of Matrosskaya Tishina prison, also in the Russian capital. On December 3, the Russian prosecutors officially accused Ukrainian sailors with the 'illegal crossing of the state border' during the attack in the Kerch Strait. On December 26, Crimean Supreme Court left all Ukrainian sailors under arrest. Ukraine will continue carrying out passages through the Kerch Strait and sending vessels to Azov Sea ports despite the existing danger, as Ukraines Defence Minister Stepan Poltorak said, Ukurier reported. There are still huge threats from the Russian side on the land border and in Azov Sea, its troops are deployed in occupied Crimea. But I assure such passages will be organized. There will be the twentieth and the hundredth passages. And always, because the Azov Sea is Ukrainian as well, as Mariupol and Berdyansk our ports where a huge part of our economy is concentrated. We will not refuse from our right to pass through the Kerch Strait whenever we need. I hope our international partners will manage to convince Russia to comply with the international agreements, the Minister stressed. He also noted that Russia tried to provoke the Ukrainian servicemen and get a reason for further large-scale aggression. An open attack at our military vessels in the neutral waters was unacceptable for us. In my opinion, Russia was waiting for our guys to open fire to use it for a large-scale aggression. It prepared a large amount of equipment and personnel on the border with Ukraine. Our sailors were acting without violation of any convention or international treaty. Martial law became protection for the country from possible further interference, Poltorak said. Related video: The date of the court sessions on the case of the Ukrainian sailors is unknown yet Russian lawyer Ilia Novikov spoke about the prospects of the release of 24 Ukrainian sailors captured by the Russian side near Kerch Strait in November 2018 as 112 Ukraine reported. We know from the previous experience that Russia will agree on any option of the exchange very reluctant, especially, for 70 people apart from the sailors, on whom exchange Ukraine presented the proposals at different times. In fact, it was able to make it with six persons, if we count the leaders of the Crimean Tatars community. At the same time, the situation with the sailors is unique. We hope for this uniqueness when we discuss the possibility of their return. According to the reaction of the last month and a half, it is very tough and far surpasses the previously expressed reactions on other Ukrainian citizens detained by Russia. In this case, we look forward with great expectation not to the offers of the Ukrainian side but to the tough pressure, the lawyer said. Novikov does not know the date of the court session on the case of the sailors yet, but he specified that not one but 24 sessions will be held, for each sailor. One court session will not be held. The issue is about 24 people, and, technically, 24 sessions will be held. I think that Lefortovo Court of Moscow will deal with the holding of the sessions the next week. They did not report us anything, Novikov stated. On November 25, the coast guard ships of the Russian Navy attacked the ships of the Ukrainian Navy, which have been carrying out a scheduled transition from Odesa port to Mariupol port in the Sea of Azov. 21 Ukrainian sailors have been delivered to Lefortovo remand center in Moscow, three others are in the hospital of Matrosskaya Tishina prison, also in the Russian capital. On December 3, the Russian prosecutors officially accused Ukrainian sailors with the 'illegal crossing of the state border' during the attack in the Kerch Strait. On December 26, Crimean Supreme Court left all Ukrainian sailors under arrest. IT experts wrote that artificial intelligence, 5G mobile communication and the so-called Internet of things have already become the main event of the exhibition in Las Vegas Eight Ukrainian start-ups will represent the country at the worlds largest exhibition of "Consumer Electronics Show-2019" which takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 8-11, as Ukraines Embassy to the U.S. reported. Ukraine is represented by its own technological pavilion, "Ukraine Tech Pavilion"; Ukrainian start-ups represent various ideas and developments from module light at the photo studios to the food 3D printer. Ukraines participation in CES 2019 demonstrates the importance of the development of the innovation sector of Ukraines cooperation with the U.S. and the interest of the possible investors in the Ukrainian ideas, the Embassy informed. Read more about the Ukrainian developments here. IT experts wrote that artificial intelligence, 5G mobile communication and the so-called Internet of things have already become the main events of the exhibition in Las Vegas. This triad comes down to the fact that all the future technological devices will be linked in a united ecosystem supporting artificial intelligence and 5G. His mother says he wrote an application to get the medical examination as he has pain in his heart and kidneys Open source Stanislav Klykh, another Ukrainian political prisoner imprisoned in Russia, has a suspicion that he has skin cancer. Tamara Klykh, his mother, reported that after speaking to her son over the telephone on January 9, Hromadske reported. He is upset that he spent only 5 days at the hospital in Chelyabinsk. He wrote an application to get medical examination as he has pain in the heart and kidneys. They took specimen of his blood and urine and sent him back to prison on the 4th day after that. No diagnosis established, she said. Tamara also states that Stanislav Klykh has problems with his legs; some spots appeared on the skin on his legs. The is now in the colony in Chelyabinsk, however he may be soon transferred to another penitentiary facility. Stas says there are rumors about his transfer to Sakhalin. He agrees to be transferred there or to the place where Sentsov is held in custody. According to him, he can't stay in this prison anymore, Tamara Klykh added. The family wants him to be transferred to another Russian prison in the region, closer to Ukraine for it would be less complicated for them to visit him. His lawyer has to solicit for it. Tamara also says that the lawyer only speaks to Stanislav, and doesnt call his mother. Klykh was detained in Russia in September 2014, when he came to Russia to visit his pregnant girlfriend. The Russian jury said Klykh and another Ukrainian political activist, Mykola Karpyuk both allegedly joined the Viking unit, which fought on the side of Chechen nationalists as they sought independence from Russia in the 1990s. The jury accused Karpyuk and Klykh of killing and wounding dozens of Russian servicemen. Klykh was sentenced to 20 years in prison. White men in camouflage arrived in Khartum inside the Ural-4320, a military van used by the Russian military, - The Times The mercenaries from Wagner private military company may be participating in the suppression of public protests in Khartum, the capital city of Sudan. The Times referred to photos shot in Khartum and the reports by the local opposition. White men in camouflage arrived in Khartum inside the Ural-4320, a military van used by the Russian military. John Hutson, the political observer of The Times published respective images on Twitter. Hutson wrote that the said men reached the site of the protest actions on December 31, assuming that the individuals could be the members of Wagner PMC. According to The Times, the anti-government uprising in Sudan became the largest threat for the military dictatorship of Omar al-Bashir who has been in power for 30 years in a row. Kosmos-2430 was placed in the orbit on October 23, 2007. It fell from the orbit and burnt down in the atmosphere Russian spacecraft Kosmos-2430 with Oko missile attack warning system, which was launched in October 2007, fell from the orbit and burned down in the atmosphere, as TASS reported referring to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). According to the American experts, Russian military satellite (NORAD 32268) has ceased to exist on January 5. Kosmos-2430 was placed in the orbit from Plesetsk Cosmodrome by the Molniya-M rocket on October 23, 2007. It was designed for tracking the launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles from the territory of the United States with the use of optical telescopes and infrared sensors. According to the unconfirmed data, connection with Kosmos-2430 was lost in 2012-2014 due to the fact that the satellite produced its own resource. Russia is trying to make a new space echelon of missile attack warning system. Tundra satellite is included in this one, the first one was placed in orbit in 2015. Open source The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine made a decision on the withdrawal of Ukraine from the Agreement on the development of exhibitions and fairies activity within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) as 112.ua reported. The explanatory note to the draft regulation of the government published by RBK-Ukraine states that this agreement was worked out for the development of the integration processes in the CIS and strengthening of the international contacts for the assistance in the forming of the common economic and information space. The agreement has become obsolete in general and does not correspond to the modern state of the trade and economic relations between countries. proekt postanovi from Piter234903 from As it was reported earlier, on April 12, 2018, Petro Poroshenko stated that he indented to present a bill on termination of certain articles of the agreement on friendship with Russia. The President also called the Cabinet of Ministers for suspending the participation in the Commonwealth's statutory bodies and supported the withdrawal of Ukraines representation in the relevant institutions in Minsk. Later, Iryna Lutsenko, the MP from Petro Poroshenko Bloc, the Presidents representative in the Parliament, stated that Ukraine would not denounce a series of agreements within CIS, including those on diplomas recognition, recruitment and transit. Later Poroshenko also claimed that Ukraine will reconsider all international agreements with the CIS. In June 2018, Ukraine withdrew two diplomats from the composition of the statutory bodies of the CIS according to the order of President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko. Besides, Ukraine's service for foreign intelligence began the official procedure of withdrawal from the CIS Agreement on Cooperation of Intelligence and Security Services in December 2018. SALISBURY, MD, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chesapeake Health Care, a Federally Qualified Health Center, serving Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties in Maryland is pleased to announce they have improved their patient access solutions by partnering with Clearwave Corporation. Chesapeake Health Care launched Clearwave in their Salisbury Adult Medicine site. Clearwave Corporations patient access solutions include self-service registration and eligibility verification via kiosk, desktop and mobile. Clearwave improves the patient experience, decreases patient wait times and produces a more efficient insurance verification and eligibility process. Chesapeake Health Care Chief Development Officer, Joshua Boston stated, Over the course of my 14 years with Chesapeake Health Care I have managed many implementations and transitions, and this may have been the smoothest implementation I have ever done. Clearwaves implementation team was professional and detail oriented. The entire process has been very user-friendly both for patients and staff. Boston continued, We went live on December 11, 2018. In the first thirty days, Clearwave has had a dramatic impact on our practice. Before Clearwave, our check-in process had inevitable delays for patients and staff, now the lobby has no lines, and the sleek, modern appearance of the kiosks have created an aesthetic and efficient registration process. The patients and the staff quickly adapted to Clearwave. We had tried other options including a tablet solution and it didnt work as well as Clearwave. Clearwave Chief Executive Officer, Gerard White said We are proud to partner with Chesapeake Health Care. In less than one month, they have already achieved a 93% kiosk utilization rate and they have cut their check-in times in half. We applaud Chesapeake Health Care for leveraging Clearwaves foreign language options to provide communication with patients in English, Haitian Creole, Korean and Spanish. Through the strength of Clearwaves integration, Clearwave exchanges patient data with over different 40 electronic health records. Clearwave then references this patient information with their Clearwave unique patient identifier and national databases to ensure that the most accurate and up-to-date patient data is used when verifying plan benefits and submitting insurance claims. Once the patient has been recognized, Clearwaves unique patient identifier is part of a comprehensive portfolio of self-service and eligibility solutions that enhance an organizations existing systems while improving current processes. Clearwave allows healthcare organizations to improve patient data, lower healthcare administration costs, comply with federal and state regulations and improve the patient experience. About Clearwave Clearwave is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company is the leading provider of Patient Information Exchange software, kiosk, mobile, and desktop self-service solutions. Clearwaves Patient Information Exchange software integrates with healthcare provider existing systems and processes to verify patient demographics, insurance and payment information resulting in improved cash flow and administrative processes while enhancing patient experiences. Please visit www.clearwaveinc.com for more information. About Chesapeake Health Care Founded in 1994, Chesapeake Health Care is a multidisciplinary healthcare practice serving Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties in Maryland. More than 100 providers are on staff to provide healthcare to the regions patients in Adult and Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urogynecology, Mental Health, Dental, and Pharmacy. Health care is extended to individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, and insured. A Sliding Fee Scale program is available to assist eligible patients with healthcare payments. For more information about Chesapeake Health Care visit www.ChesapeakeHC.org. #### Attachments The U.S. President was displeased with Spokeswoman of House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi refusing to approve construction of The Wall on the border with Mexico U.S. leader Donald Trump made a ragequit amidst the meeting with Democrats representing their party in the Congress. The reason was the disagreement between Trump and the Democrats, as Spokeswoman of House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi refused to approve construction of The Wall on the border with Mexico. According to the New York Times, 'stunned Democrats emerged from the meeting in the White House Situation Room declaring that the president had thrown a temper tantrum and slammed his hands on the table before leaving with an abrupt bye-bye. Republicans disputed the hand slam and blamed Democratic intransigence for prolonging the standoff'. I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, Trump tweeted. It wasnt even a high-stakes negotiation; it was a petulant president of the United States, Ms. Pelosi said as she returned to the Capitol. A person who would say, Ill keep the government shut down for weeks, months or years unless I get my way., as NYT reported quoting the sides. It is his response to the ongoing opposition with the Democrats on the wall construction on the U.S.-Mexico border U.S. leader Donald Trump has canceled his visit to Davos within the World Economic Forum in late January. The reason is his ongoing opposition with the Democratic Party within the discussions about the wall construction on the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump posted the following on his Twitter. Because of the Democrats intransigence on Border Security and the great importance of Safety for our Nation, I am respectfully cancelling my very important trip to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum. My warmest regards and apologies to the @WEF! Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump January 10, 2019 Earlier, the U.S. President said he would cancel the visit to Switzerland in case the shutdown in the States continues. Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump made a ragequit amidst the meeting with Democrats representing their party in the Congress. The reason was the disagreement between Trump and the Democrats, as Spokeswoman of House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi refused to approve construction of The Wall on the border with Mexico. Belarus will also upgrade the oil refineries to diversify the supplies of the raw material from Russia President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko has requested the government to work out the issue of the alternatives of the oil supply through Baltic countries instead of Russia as BELTA reported. It is planned to finish the upgrading of two Belarusian oil refineries in 2019, and it will become possible to purchase oil for further processing from other destinations, not only from the Russian Federation. I have requested this task to be completed for a long time ago and it is necessary to solve it: to open the alternative oil supply through Baltic ports. If Lithuanians do not agree, then we will agree with Latvians and purchase oil. We will process it at Novopolotsk refinery and provide the Baltic States with oil, Lukashenko said. According to him, it will be cheaper for the Baltic States than now, when they buy oil products at world prices. It is possible to agree that it will be our joint oil, which we process at upgraded Novopolotsk refinery. Moreover, we already have some possibilities for it, Lukashenko noted. Besides, the president urged not to exaggerate the issues connected with the losses of the Belarusian budget due to the tax maneuver of Russia and to search for other sources, which will compensate these negative aspects. But I want to warn: do not even think about such things as shifting of the problems on us, Belarusians. The population should not feel any additional burden. At least, this year there are no issues, even if we do not compensate anything, Lukashenko claimed. Earlier, Lukashenko stated that he would not call Russia a fraternal state anymore but only a partner. Besides, the Belarusian president expressed the opinion that Moscow wants to incorporate Belarus into the composition of Russia on the pretext of deep integration. Crimean Tatar Edem Bekirov in Russian prison Open source It took a week and international calls for the release of Crimean Tatar activist Edem Bekirov for Russia to publicly report its arrest of the 57-year-old amputee who recently suffered a major heart attack. It was not easy, however, to match the Russian media reports with Bekirov, and not only because, for some reason, they called the Ukrainian a Russian citizen. Even the media reports that showed Bekirov having difficulty walking with a crutch still posted headlines claiming that he was a member of a military formation whod been seized with 11 kilograms of explosives. None of the reports on 19 and 20 December 2018 mentioned the 57-year-old, nor did they explain why the arrest on 12 December was only now being reported. In their actual reports, most gave details that contradict the misleading titles and make it clear that Bekirov was not caught with explosives. He is merely alleged to have placed 12 kilograms of TNT, 200 bullets and firearms in a secret hiding place in occupied Crimea. It is also claimed that the 57-year-old was a member of the nationalist militarized formation the Noman Celebicihan Battalion. This volunteer battalion, named after the famous Crimean Tatar politician, was formed soon after the beginning of the Crimean Blockade in 2015, initiated by exiled Crimean Tatar leaders Mustafa Dzhemilev and Refat Chubarov with specific human rights demands. Despite its persistent demonization by Russia, the Celebicihan Battalion remains a relatively small formation whose role at present is merely to back the Ukrainian border guards in areas near the administrative border with occupied Crimea. Its initiator, Lenur Islyamov, has long indicated that this is a Crimean formation, not only Crimean Tatar. While they would be willing to serve in the Armed Forces in the area of conflict in Donbas, the steps needed to formalize such service have yet to be taken. The battalion does not, therefore, muster to a militarized band. It is also highly unlikely that Bekirov, who suffers from diabetes, needed major heart surgery last year and has had one leg amputated, could have taken an active part in either the initial Crimean Blockade of goods, the subsequent blockade of electricity, or any Celebicihan Battalion activities since. This appears to have been the latest of many propaganda exercises aimed at presenting Crimean Tatars as dangerous extremists or even terrorists. So what that the person seized is disabled and very ill, and could not hope to lift even three kilograms, let along 12 kilograms? It is equally irrelevant that there is quite literally no evidence of any planned acts of sabotage in occupied Crimea. It has often been suggested that Russia is frustrated by the persistent policy of non-violent resistance among Crimean Tatars. It would prefer acts of armed resistance to justify measures to brutally crush them. In the absence of any violence, Russias FSB, aided by the state-controlled media, are inventing it, with arrests enabling lurid and entirely untrue reports. The Federal News Agency also claimed that the FSB had detained a 22-year-old fighter from Islyamovs extremist group last month, and went on to add that the Crimea is suspected of involvement in the blockade of Crimea. Any such activities would have been in the Kherson oblast, indisputably under Ukrainian law, and even the one power cut which was almost certainly deliberately caused was soon repaired. It was Russian President Vladimir Putin and Moscow who have insisted on imposing an electricity blockade by refusing to sign an agreement for supplies with Ukraine that identified Crimea, in full accordance with international law, as Ukrainian. None of this would, unfortunately, be understood by most of these agencies readers. The latter will be accustomed to a general narrative clearly aimed at blaming all hardships since Russias annexation on fictitious terrorists and saboteurs. Edem Bekirov was indeed seized on 12 December, however this was as he tried to cross into occupied Crimea to visit his elderly mother and other relatives. The suggestion that with his grave health problems and artificial leg, Bekirov should have been hauling around vast loads of explosives is nonsensical. His lawyer, Alexei Ladin explained in court that his client cannot lift even a 1.5 litre bottle without difficulty. He would quite simply not be alive now had he tried to drag such a weight. This was ignored, and on 13 December judge Valentina Kamynina of the Kievsky District Court in Simferopol remanded Bekirov in custody for two months. There was another reason why the charges are devoid of any credibility. Bekirov is married to a member of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people which Russia is persecuting. It was therefore guaranteed that he would be under surveillance in occupied Crimea and it would be absurd to imagine that he could have brought such a load of explosives, etc. into Crimea. The charges Bekirov is facing under Article 222 2 of Russias criminal code are based on the words of a supposed witness (identified only by his last name, Memetov), According to this individual, Bekirov passed the explosives and bullets to him in May of this year. Memetov purportedly placed them in a secret hiding place around Krasnoperekopsk and then in August revealed this place to the Russian FSB and gave testimony against Bekirov. Bekirov has been imprisoned in the Simferopol SIZO [remand prison] where the conditions, even for men in good health, are tantamount to torture. The SIZO is filthy and overcrowded, with the men having to take turns to sleep on the available bunks. The cells that the men are held in are small and grossly unsanitary, and the men are plagued with cockroaches, fleas, mosquitos and ants. Gulnara Bekirova is surely right in fearing that any period of detention is equivalent to a death sentence given her husbands state of health. Read the original article here. Since South Sudans civil war erupted five years ago, 400,000 people have died. In September, President Salva Kiir and his main rival, the former vice president-turned rebel leader Riek Machar, signed an agreement to hold fire and rule together until elections in 2022. The deal satisfies for now at least the two antagonists interests and those of Presidents Omar al-Bashir of Sudan and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, the two regional leaders with the most sway in South Sudan. Most importantly, it has reduced violence. For now, this is the reason enough to support the accord. Yet the odds remain stacked against it ushering in a new era of stability. First, the deal is worryingly similar to a pact the two men signed in August 2015, which collapsed the following year, triggering a surge in fighting. By envisaging elections in 2022, the deal perpetuates the Kiir-Machar rivalry until then, paving the way for another showdown. It also remains a work in progress. Most alarming, security arrangements for Juba, the capital, remain contested, as do plans for unifying a national army. In Sudan, meanwhile, Bashir faces what could be a serious challenge to his own rule. In mid-December, protesters took to the streets in many towns and cities decrying high prices and urging the president to step down. The protests endgame is unclear. But a prolonged crisis in its northern neighbor could be hugely destabilizing for South Sudan. Finally, donors, wary of funding deals that have collapsed in the past, are now mostly sitting on the sidelines. The United States, which until recently spearheaded Western diplomacy in South Sudan, has stepped back. Others are waiting to see tangible steps forward by Kiir and Machar before opening their checkbooks. Such caution is understandable. But if this deal fails, it is not clear what would replace it, and the country could collapse into major bloodshed again. Some form of third-party shuttle diplomacy among regional heads of state, who back different sides and largely focus on protecting their own short-term interests, will be necessary. An envoy, clearly backed by Western and other actors outside the region, might help keep regional leaders focused on ensuring the deal does not fall apart, as well as build consensus for a wider settlement that shares power across South Sudans groups and regions. Without that, the fragile opportunity for peace that currently exists could evaporate. *** In a world with fewer rules, the only truly effective one is knowing what you can get away with. The answer today, it turns out, is: quite a lot. As the era of largely uncontested U.S. primacy fades, the international order has been thrown into turmoil. More leaders are tempted more often to test limits, jostle for power, and seek to bolster their influenceor diminish that of their rivalsby meddling in foreign conflicts. Multilateralism and its constraints are under siege, challenged by more transactional, zero-sum politics. Instruments of collective action, such as the United Nations Security Council, are paralyzed; those of collective accountability, including the International Criminal Court, are ignored and disparaged. Nostalgia can be deceptive. Too fond a portrayal of the era of Western hegemony would be misleading. Iraqs chemical weapons use against Iran in the 1980s; the 1990s bloodletting in Bosnia, Rwanda, and Somalia; the post-9/11 wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; Sri Lankas brutal 2009 campaign against the Tamils; and the collapse of Libya and South Sudan: all these happened at a time ofin some cases because ofU.S. dominance and a reasonably coherent West. A liberal and nominally rules-based order hardly stopped those setting the rules from discarding them when they saw fit. The erosion of Western influence, in short, looks different from Moscow, Beijing, and the developing world than it does from Brussels, London, or Washington. Still, for better and for worse, U.S. power and alliances have for years shaped international affairs, set limits, and structured regional orders. As the Wests influence declines, accelerated by U.S. President Donald Trumps contempt for traditional allies and Europes struggles with Brexit and nativism, leaders across the world are probing and prodding to see how far they can go. In their domestic policies, many of those leaders embrace a noxious brew of nationalism and authoritarianism. The mix varies from place to place but typically entails rejection of international institutions and rules. There is little new in the critique of an unjust global order. But if once that critique tended to be rooted in international solidarity, today it stems chiefly from an inward-looking populism that celebrates narrow social and political identity, vilifies minorities and migrants, assails the rule of law and independence of the press, and elevates national sovereignty above all else. Trump may be the most visible of the genre, but he is far from the most extreme. The wind is in the sails of strongmen worldwide. They realize, at times perhaps to their surprise, that constraints are crumbling, and the behavior that results often fuels violence or crises. Myanmars mass expulsion of 700,000 Rohingya, the Syrian regimes brutal suppression of a popular uprising, the Cameroonian governments apparent determination to crush an Anglophone insurgency rather than tackle the grievances fueling it, the Venezuelan governments economic warfare against its own people, and the silencing of dissent in Turkey, Egypt, and elsewhere are but a few examples. All are motivated in part by what leaders perceive as a yellow light where they used to see solid red. Beyond their borders, these leaders test norms, too. Having annexed parts of Georgia and Crimea and stoked separatist violence in Ukraines Donbass region, Russia is now throwing its weight around in the Sea of Azov, poisoning dissidents in the United Kingdom, and subverting Western democracies with cyberwarfare. China obstructs freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and arbitrarily detains Canadian citizensincluding the International Crisis Groups Michael Kovrig. Saudi Arabia has pushed the envelope with the war in Yemen, the kidnapping of a Lebanese prime minister, and the gruesome murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in its consulate in Istanbul. Iran plots attacks against dissidents on European soil. Israel feels emboldened to undermine ever more systematically the foundations of a possible two-state solution. Such actions are hardly new or equal in magnitude. But they are more brazen and overt. They have this much in common: They start with the assumption that there will be few consequences for breaches of international norms. The U.S. government has hardly been an innocent bystander. Trumps disdain for human rights and penchant for transactional diplomacy have set a strikingly negative tone. So too has his flouting of Americas international commitments: tearing up the Iran nuclear deal and, worse, threatening to impose economic punishment on those who choose to abide by it; hinting he will leave the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty if U.S. demands are not met rather than working within it to press Russia to comply; and signaling, through attacks on the International Criminal Court and chest-thumping speeches about U.S. sovereignty, that Washington regards its actions and those of its friends as beyond accountability. The danger of todays free-for-all goes beyond the violence already generated. The larger risk is of miscalculation. Overreach by one leader convinced of his immunity may prompt an unexpected reaction by another; the ensuing tit for tat easily could escalate without the presence of a credible, willing outside power able to play the role of arbiter. True, not everyone gets away with everything all the time. Bangladesh seemed poised to forcibly return some Rohingya refugees to Myanmar but stopped, almost certainly in response to international pressure. The feared Russian-backed reconquest of Idlib, the last rebel stronghold in Syria, has, for now, been averted, in no small measure due to Turkish, European, and U.S. objections. The same is true (again: for the time being) when it comes to a potential Saudi-led offensive on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah, with Riyadh and Abu Dhabi largely deterred by warnings about the humanitarian impact and cost to their international standing. Elsewhere, leaders anticipating impunity have been taken aback by the severity of the response: Russian President Vladimir Putin, for example, by the stiff sanctions and show of united resolve that Western powers have maintained since Moscows annexation of Crimea and the killing of its former agent on British soil; Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by the outrage that followed Khashoggis murder. Overall, though, it is hard to escape the sense that these are exceptions that prove the absence of rules. The international order as we know it is unraveling, with no clear sense of what will come in its wake. The danger may well lie less in the ultimate destination than in the process of getting there. As the following list of 10 Conflicts to Watch in 2019 amply illustrates, that road will be bumpy, and it will be perilous. Read the original text at Foreign Policy. Washington: As the partial US government shutdown neared the end of its 19th day, President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats were still divided over his demands for funding a US-Mexico border wall, with a prompt resolution looking unlikely. Trump walked out of negotiations with Democrats on Wednesday, according to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. The following are some possible scenarios for how the impasse might play out, with Trump`s request for $5.7 billion in taxpayer funds for his wall firmly opposed by congressional Democrats. A COMPROMISE EMERGES As ordinary Americans begin to feel the impact of the closure of about a quarter of the government, both sides could feel the heat from voters and move to do a deal, perhaps focussed on these factors. Dreamers: These mostly young Latin Americans are living in the United States after being brought into the country illegally as children. Trump could offer to protect them from deportation in return for wall money. A deal along those lines was nearly achieved previously but collapsed. Barrier, not wall: Trump has insisted on funding for a "wall," but lately has shifted to talking about steel fencing in the hope the term is less politically charged. Tall, slatted fences already are in place in some spots on the border and more are being built. Funding for more slats, or other alternatives to concrete, could let Trump declare victory and let Democrats say they blocked a wall. Other steps: There are many additional ways to fortify the US-Mexico border, such as deploying more all-terrain vehicles and border guards on horses. Large metal detectors also could be installed to scan trucks and buses for illegal activities. Follow the money: A dollar-figure bargain could be reached somewhere between Trump`s demand for $5.7 billion in wall funding and the Democrats` offer of $1.6 billion for border security. TRUMP DECLARES `NATIONAL EMERGENCY` Trump has threatened to declare a national emergency, saying that illegal immigration jeopardizes US security and empowers him to redirect existing federal funds to build his wall, perhaps by tapping Defense Department accounts. Under the Constitution, Congress holds the power to make decisions about spending US taxpayers` money. Trump did not mention that option in a televised address on Tuesday about what he calls a border "crisis." Such a step by Trump would escalate what is now a policy dispute into a fight over presidential powers. Democrats would almost certainly move to block Trump, likely kicking off a protracted court battle. DEMOCRATS FOLD, TRUMP WINS Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer have vowed they will not give Trump any money to build a wall. But as the shutdown grinds on, they could have second thoughts, although that seems unlikely given the political climate. Democrats won a majority in the House of Representatives by a landslide in November`s elections. Trump`s approval rating continues to hover at around 40 per cent. There is plenty of scepticism among voters about the need for a wall, polls show. In addition, a growing proportion of Americans now blame Trump for the shutdown even as Republicans mostly are supportive, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll found. TRUMP BACKS DOWN, DEMOCRATS WIN Trump, whose main responsibility as president is to make sure the federal government carries out its duties, could find the shutdown too politically hazardous. Closed national parks and museums is one thing. But US airport security workers and air traffic controllers working without pay have been warning that security and safety could be compromised if the government shutdown continues. Union officials said some TSA officers had already quit. Trump has promised for years to build his wall - initially saying Mexico would pay for it - and has repeatedly attacked Democrats for standing in his way. But he may find the shutdown unsustainable, fold and endorse Democrats` shutdown-ending bills while finding a way to claim victory. Democrats on Wednesday began advancing agency-by-agency funding bills in the House that would then go to the Senate. Republicans there would then have to decide whether to approve the bills or block them in the name of Trump`s wall project. Blocking a bill to fund the Treasury Department, for example, might delay Americans` tax refunds. So far, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has not indicated any interest in staging votes on those bills. SYDNEY: Australian police on Thursday charged a 49-year-old man for sending as many as 38 packages containing a hazardous material to diplomatic embassies and consulates across the country. More than a dozen foreign offices received suspicious packages on Wednesday, including the US and British missions in Melbourne. The man, named as Savas Avan, was charged with sending dangerous articles through a postal service, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said in a statement. Police said the packages contained asbestos, once a popular building material that can cause cancer and scaring of the lungs. Police, who have recovered 29 of the parcels, said they would intercept the rest. They gave no additional details of how the asbestos was packaged or what the motive might have been. Australian media on Wednesday said the parcels appeared to contain plastic bags of concrete and asbestos, with "asbestos" written on at least one of the bags. The Age newspaper said one firefighter was seen outside the South Korean consulate carrying a large plastic bag with the word "asbestos" written on it. Other missions in Melbourne reported by media to have received suspicious packages included those of Denmark, Egypt, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Pakistan, Spain, Switzerland and Thailand. Reuters could not confirm the reports. Avan, who was originally said by police to be 48 years old, will next appear in court in March. There was no ongoing threat to the general public, the AFP said. Australia`s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said it had sent an email to all diplomatic missions in Canberra this week, after three offices in the capital and Sydney received suspicious packages. It subsequently sent similar advice to missions elsewhere. "The note advised missions to handle mail in accordance with their own government`s protocols and instructions," a DFAT spokesman said. Kolkata: Expressing doubts over whether the decision to provide 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education to upper castes can be implemented, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said it would seal "whatever little opportunities" those in the general category enjoyed so far. Banerjee`s comments came a day after Parliament cleared the quota Bill. "The people in the general category do not enjoy many opportunities. And whatever little opportunities they had so far has now been sealed," Banerjee said while addressing a rally in Nadia district. Banerjee pointed out that government job opportunities have shrunk. "But after this, a teacher`s child, a labourer`s child wouldn`t get jobs. The poor people wouldn`t get jobs. The common people will face hardships," she said. Raising doubts over whether the decision can be implemented, she said: "Even if it is implemented, that would be detrimental (for the country)." She also hinted that the latest quota policy would have difficulty in passing judicial scrutiny. "The Supreme Court has ruled that reservation can never touch 50 per cent. But now the total reservation of seats is 59.5 per cent," said the Trinamool Congress supremo. Miami, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Queer Miami: A History of LGBTQ Communities, curated by Miami native and history professor Julio Capo Jr., will chronicle Miamis queer past, reflecting its gender and sexual diversity for over one hundred years. Through artifacts, photographs, archival footage, and more, the exhibition will display the stories of Miamis queer communities who, despite discrimination, isolation, and violence, managed to carve out spaces for themselves and made their voices heard in southern Florida. The exhibition opens Saturday, March 16 at HistoryMiami Museum . We are thrilled to show Miamis LGBTQ community of today and the journey to this present moment, said HistoryMiami Museum Executive Director Jorge Zamanillo. This exhibit is unique because the story is still being told and changing every day. Were inviting visitors to tell their own stories and be a part of history. An expert on the intersection of gender and sexuality throughout history, Capo is also the author of Welcome to Fairyland: Queer Miami Before 1940. Published by the University of North Carolina Press in 2017, his book has received six honors, including several awards from the Florida Historical Society, Florida Book Awards, and Southern Historical Association. Capo is an associate professor of history at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Its an excitingand most necessarytime to tell these stories, said Capo. One of the greatest challenges in studying LGBTQ history is that our lives and experiences are so often purposefully erased from history books and archives. As this exhibit will show, our LGBTQ community, of which I am also a proud member, has persisted and persevered in Miami since its inception. Queer Miami will be HistoryMiami Museums featured exhibition for the 2018-2019 calendar. Displayed in the museums 5,000 square foot gallery, Queer Miami will address topics such as: policing and criminalization, community development, advocacy and activism, immigration and the AIDS crisis, and what the future holds for Miamis queer community. Visitors will be able to see memorabilia from some of Miamis oldest gay bars, photographs of rallies and marches, archival material from Anita Bryants Save Our Children campaign, historical footage, and original video interviews from the people involved in creating Miamis LGBTQ communities. Interactive components will encourage visitors to contribute their own story to the exhibition. HistoryMiami Museum will open the exhibition with a preview party on Friday, March 15 at 6 pm. The opening event will feature live music, performances, complimentary beverages, and more. Tickets are $10 or free with pre-registration. Visit bit.ly/queer-miami-party to reserve your spot. Museum Hours & Fees: Hours: Tuesday Saturday, 10:00am 5:00pm; Sunday, 12:00pm 5:00pm; Monday, closed. Regular museum admission: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students with ID, $5 for children 6-12, and free for museum members and children under 6. About HistoryMiami Museum HistoryMiami Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, safeguards and shares Miami stories to foster learning, inspire a sense of place, and cultivate an engaged community. We accomplish this through education, collections, research, exhibitions, publications and City Tours. Located in the heart of downtown Miami, HistoryMiami Museum is a 70,000 square foot facility and home to more than one million historical images and 30,000 three-dimensional artifacts, including a 1920s trolley car, artifacts from Pan American World Airways, and rafts that brought refugees to Miami. For more information, call 305-375-1492 or visit historymiami.org . Attachment PewDiePie thanked Logan Paul... and the world makes sense again. That is right. One-man Swedish YouTuber PewDiePie thanked another mega Youtuber Logan Paul for supporting his battle against music record label T-Series. Before ending the show, there's something i need to do... something i never thought I would do, says Felix Kjellberg, the man behind PewDiePie the Youtube channel with highest subscribers, a mantle held by him for six straight years. Kjellberg goes on to wear Logan's Maverick hoodie on his Youtube show 'I'm not afraid to say it...' I am a freaking maverick now. And there's nothing you can do about it...And I am not afraid to say it anymore, says PewDiePie. He goes on to admit, that he did ask for help from Logan, and the later made an effort. I did ask for help. He did reach out. I appreciate it. I think its safe to say that I didnt like Logan Paul before he was cool, but I think it's a point where it becomes a dead meme and I was starting to feel bad for him.... You can tell he's genuinely changing. We all make mistakes. I'm not making apology video.. but from someone who's personally made lot of mistakes, that will definitely haunt me for the rest of my life, I think the kid deserves a break, says PewDiePie. At the peak of PewDiePie's battle with music label T-Series for the most subscribed channel on Youtube last year, the Swedish content creator asked for Logan's help in an episode of LWIAY on December 5. Paul, an American content creator and actor famous for his former Vine and YouTube videos, responded by creating a charity campaign towards the Kevin and Margaret Hines Foundation. Every subscriber gained through his trackable link lead to donation. But his help was offered with a condition PewDiePie wears an article of his merchandise in his video. Nearly a month after Logan reaching out, PewDiePie finally donned the merchandise, fullfilling his end of the bargain. New Delhi: In yet another attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the Congress has caused deep damage to Indian armed forces citing instances of alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland Chopper scam Christian Michel. "Many people think that Congresss biggest failure was in their mismanagement of the economy and their corruption. But they did deep damage to our armed forces too. For decades, they had made the defence sector a den of brokers and middlemen," he said during an interaction with the BJP workers from Tamil Nadu. Hitting out at the grand old party over the arrest of Michel, the Prime Minister said, "Recently, a defence middleman was caught and brought back to India. But do you know who this middleman is close to? This middleman is close to the current 'First Family' of the Congress." PM Modi kept on attacking the Modi government and said, "People of country deserve to know how did middleman Michel know about the time of a meeting of cabinet on security, about status of a govt file, what role he played in delaying procurement of Rafale for 10 long yrs, what role he played in putting national security in danger." "The people behind attacks on our defence procurement are often middlemen from the Congress era and international forces who want to ensure that Indias military doesnt get stronger," he added. New Delhi: Sonu Sood's last release 'Simmba' turned out to be one of the biggest hits of 2018. The film was loosely adapted from 2015 released Telugu film 'Temper'. The actor, who is currently basking in the success of 'Simmba', is going through a couple of Telugu film scripts. Sonu is a popular face in the Telugu film industry and is known for his roles in 'Super', 'Arundhati', 'Kandireega', 'Julaayi', 'Athadu' and other films. His last film in Telugu was 'Abhinetri', where he played the role of Raj Khanna and was paired up with Tamannaah Bhatia. Sonu, who has played villains in several films, is excited about signing a Telugu film after three long years. Sonu is playing the lead antagonist in Teja's upcoming directorial which has Kajal Aggarwal and Sreenivas Bellamkonda in lead role. The film is titled 'Sita' and for the first time ever, Kajal is playing a negative role in the flick. When approached, Sonu said, "I am happy to be part of the film. I was busy with a handful of projects in Bollywood. So, though I had a good number of offers from Telugu filmmakers, I couldnt give them the dates. But somehow, Sita worked out and I really wanted to do this film. Teja sir is helming the film really well and I am sure that it would attract the audience to the theatres." The shooting of the film is going on at a brisk mode and almost 60 per cent is completed. The film is expected to release later this year. Sonu added that he is going through few more scripts in Telugu and will soon announce his upcoming projects. New Delhi: Actress Madhuri Dixit Nene says she has tried to give her best in every role in her life -- right from being an actor to a mother to a wife. "I was fortunate to get good songs and collaborate with amazing choreographers to create such memorable songs which are loved and enjoyed till date so much," Madhuri said in a statement. "And there is no substitute to hard work. To succeed, 2 per cent is genius and 98 per cent is hard work. I have tried to give my best in every role in my life, right from being an actor, dancer, mother, wife," added the actress, who is married to Shriram Nene. Madhuri, who shares two sons with her husband, expressed her views when she became a part of StarPlus` show "Dance+4". "One of the most important aspects of dancing is growing and practicing every day," she said. On the film front, the actress will soon be seen in "Kalank" and "Total Dhamaal". New Delhi: Some of the biggest faces of Bollywood met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to discuss various issues concerning the film industry. After the meet, our dear B-Towners posed for an epic selfie which calls for a freeze frame! It isn't every day that we see our Prime Minister striking a pose with top Bollywood celebrities. Check out the epic picture here, as shared by noted film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh on Twitter: #Hindi film industry delegation meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi... Various issues concerning the film industry were discussed. pic.twitter.com/qCGH6PsvHU taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 10, 2019 Sharing the pic, Adarsh wrote, "#Hindi film industry delegation meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi... Various issues concerning the film industry were discussed." The pic includes Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Karan Johar, Rohit Shetty, Sidharth Malhotra, Varun Dhawan, Bhumi Pednekar, Ekta Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari. Well, this is one pic from the year 2019 that will be remembered for quite a long time! The celebs arrived at Delhi airport this afternoon for their meet with the PM and were clicked by the paparazzi. Mumbai: Actor-filmmmaker Farhan Akhtar, who turned a year older on Wednesday, celebrated the day with his loved ones and rumoured girlfriend Shibani Dandekar. The actor, who earlier attended the trailer launch of his upcoming production 'Gully Boy', was seen cheering for the team at the event. Later, in the evening, he attended his birthday bash, thrown by his sister Zoya Akhtar at her residence. He was accompanied by Shibani Dandekar, who was perfectly dressed up for the occasion. Also spotted were filmmaker Ritesh Sidhwani and Shaad Ali-Aarti Patkar, Reema Kagti among others. Take a look at some of the pictures from last night: (Farhan Akhtar) (Shibani Dandekar) (Ritesih Sidhwani) (Shaad Ali with wife Aarti) (Reema Kagti) (Photo courtesy: Yogen Shah) Earlier in the day, Zoya wished his little brother by sharing an unseen picture of his childhood and a funny wish, that read, "Happy Birthday Farhan May you always look this cute in passport pictures and may you never post mine as revenge. I Jadore You. #farhanakhtar#birthdayboy #babybro #favboy@faroutakhtar." Shibani too took to Instagram to wish Farhan on his birthday by sharing a sun-kissed picture with him. She captioned it, "Because he has the coolest tattoo in the world and because its his bday! Happy birthday my sweet grumps love you loads @faroutakhtar." Farhan and Shibani have been going strong with each other. The rumour mills are buzz with gossip of the duo planning to walk the aisle in March or April this year. Reports also say that the rumoured couple has exchanged the rings and has begun preparing the big day. They are on a lookout for a perfect wedding planners and caterers and are also zeroing out for a 'perfect' destination to tie the knot. New Delhi: The news of world's richest person and Amazon.com Inc founder and Chief Executive Jeff Bezos seeking divorce from his wife MacKenzie Bezos after 25 years of marriage, has shocked one and all. Though market experts believe that the divorce may not have any material impact on the company and its shares, the reason behind the split has made everyone curious given that Bezos had on several occassions contributed his success to his wife`s support. As per the National ENQUIRER report, Bezos and his wife have decided to call it quits due to Jeff's secret affair with Lauren Sanchez the wife of Hollywoods talent agent Patrick Whitesell. The ENQUIRER reported Bezos and Sanchez have been seeing each other for eight months. According to Radaronline website, the ENQUIRER tracked Bezos and Sanchez across five states and 40,000 miles, tailed them in private jets, swanky limos, helicopter rides, romantic hikes, five-star hotel hideaways, intimate dinner dates and 'quality time' in hidden love nests. MacKenzie Bezos met her husband Jeff Bezos when interviewing for a job at a New York hedge fund, according to a 2013 profile in Vogue. The two were engaged after three months of dating and married three months after that, according to the magazine. They have four children. Speaking at an event in Berlin last April, Jeff Bezos said his wife`s support was instrumental when he founded Amazon. "When you have loving and supportive people in your life, like MacKenzie, my parents, my grandfather, my grandmother, you end up being able to take risks," he said. Jeff Bezos, 54, has a fortune that has soared as high as $160 billion thanks to his stake in Amazon, which again became Wall Street`s most valuable company this week, surpassing Microsoft Corp . Bezos has credited MacKenzie, 48, for her support when he uprooted the young couple to Seattle from New York to launch Amazon, an online bookseller that grew into the world`s largest internet retailer. MacKenzie Bezos, a Princeton graduate who is now a novelist, did accounting for Amazon for its first year after it was founded in 1994. With Reuters Inputs Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday clearly said that her state will not contribute any fund for the Ayushman Bharat scheme. If the Centre wants to run the scheme it will have to pay the full amount. "My state will not contribute 40 per cent of the funds for the Ayushman scheme. Centre has to pay the full amount if Centre wants to run the scheme," Banerjee said. The Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September last year. It aims to provide insurance cover of Rs five lakh per annum to 50 crore poor people by calling it a "great commitment". All states and union territories, barring Delhi, Telangana and Odisha, had earlier signed agreements with the health ministry for implementing the scheme. The ambitious healthcare scheme, touted as the world's largest, aims to benefit more than 10 crore poor families in the country. On January 1, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had termed the government's flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat a 'game changer' in healthcare and said on an average 5,000 claims are being settled every day since its rollout on September 23, 2018. The total number of hospitals covered by this scheme is 16,000 and increasing steadily. More than 50 per cent of the implementing hospitals are in the private sector. Jaitley said in the first 100 days, 6.85 lakh patients have been provided hospital treatment and 5.1 lakh claims have availed of the scheme, for which payment has been released. Several robbers on Wednesday night looted passengers aboard a train in Lakhisarai district of Bihar. The unidentified robbers looted cash worth Rs 25 lakh, jewellery and mobile phones from passengers on the 12350 New Delhi-Bhagalpur express. The incident took place between Dhanauri and Kajra in the district. This is a developing story. More details are awaited. Rameswaram: The Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department with the help of the Indian Coast Guard Thursday seized around 80 banned fishing nets from fishermen here, officials said. The Sri Lankan Navy has been complaining about Indian fishermen allegedly using banned fishing nets, destroying their fish species. It had charged the Indian fishermen with poaching even protected fish species. The state Deputy Director of Fisheries E Kathavarayan said banned fishing nets not only caused severe damage to the fish population in the seas, but also resulted in pollution and contamination in fish food. Despite repeated warnings, the fishermen were allegedly using the "irattai madi" (double fold) nets, killing fish species in the Gulf of Mannar. The fisheries department official told PTI that it seized banned fishing nets from 86 fishing boats with the help of the Indian Coast Guard. Kathavarayan also said the Fisheries Department had been acting time and again and had slapped a fine of Rs 26 lakh in the last few months on fishermen who had used banned nets. However, they were repeatedly indulging in violating the Wildlife Act and using banned nets, he added. The fisheries official said the department did not have sufficient infrastructure to tackle the issue of fishermen violating norms and soon one boat would be procured to monitor the fishermen. He warned that in future the boats would also be seized along with the fishing nets if the fishermen continued to violate the norms. English French Bollene, 10th January 2019 - 7:00pm (CET) 2018 4th Quarter Revenue 2018 Revenue 2018 revenue was 31.69 million euros, in line with expectations A good overall yearly performance for the US entities Excellent performance of HTCC ceramic sales at Egide USA Confirmation of the stabilization of the activity at Santier as order intake rebounded in the Q4 Growth of revenues in 2019 is expected in all business units, especially in H2 Egide Group's unaudited consolidated revenue grew by 2.6% to 31.69 million in 2018, in line with the forecast published at the time of the publication of the S1 results of 31.60 million. On a like-for-like basis and constant currency effects, revenue in 2018 was stable. Sales of US entities now represent 55% of the group's total turnover. Fourth-quarter sales amounted to 7.79 million, which was a 1.8% increase over the previous quarter. Compared to Q4 - 2017, there was -6.3% at real exchange rate (-8.1% at constant exchange rate). HIGHLIGHTS BY BUSINESS UNIT Thousand of euros Q4 2017 Q4 2018* Var. % Change on a comparative basis ** FY 2017 FY 2018* Var. % Change on a comparative basis *** Egide SA 4,587.5 3,445.9 -24.9% -24.9% 15,563.6 14,305.1 -8.1% -8.1% Egide USA 1,697.6 2,443.8 44.0% 41.0% 7,246.2 8,454.2 16.7% 22.1% Santier 2,021.6 1,896.4 -6.2% -11.3% 8,081.6 8,931.2 10.5% -4.1% Group 8,306.8 7,786.1 -6.3% -8.1% 30,891.4 31,690.5 2.6% 0.0% * unaudited ** At constant exchange rates *** At constant perimeter and exchange rates As expected, the difficult environment in which Egide SA operates has temporarily impacted the group's turnover in the second half of 2018, as well as the competitive environment of Santier's heat sink market. Egide SA has faced a drop-in demand from one of its main customers. The very good level of revenue of Santier in the first half does not compensate for the deceleration in revenue at the end of the year. However, Santier realized a rebound in the order intake in Q4, suggesting a rapid stabilization of business for the beginning of 2019. Egide USA's HTCC ceramic product sales have contributed positively to the overall growth of the Group in 2018 with over $1.4 million added during the year (combined sales of Egide USA and Santier's orders manufactured at Cambridge). For information, the average euro / dollar parity in 2018 was 1.18143 against 1.12929 in 2017. REVENUE PER APPLICATION Thousand of euros Q4 2017 Q4 2018* Var. % Change on a comparative basis ** FY 2017 FY 2018* Var. % Change on a comparative basis *** Power 1,588.6 1,530.8 -3.6% -6.7% 6,540.7 6,045.0 -7.6% -5.2% RF/MW 1,742.8 1,422.9 -18.4% -21.0% 5,973.3 6,152.4 3.0% -10.5% Optronics 968.2 1,394.9 44.1% 39.9% 4,162.1 5,624.7 35.1% 28.3% Thermal Imaging 3,258.5 2,590.9 -20.5% -20.4% 10,949.0 10,438.1 -4.7% -3.2% Others 748.6 846.5 13.1% 10.3% 3,266.3 3,430.3 5.0% 4.6% Group 8,306.8 7,786.1 -6.3% -8.1% 30,891.4 31,690.5 2.6% 0.0% * unaudited ** At constant exchange rates *** At constant perimeter and exchange rates Thermal Imaging The downturn in activity of the Thermal Imaging market segment in EU was partially offset by market share gains in the US by both Egide USA and Santier. The increases were primarily due to the HTCC ceramic activity in Cambridge, which supported both Egide USA and Santier, and is expected to increase in 2019. RF/Microwave The downturn in activity in the EU in this market segment was offset by increases in market share in the US, primarily at Santier. Santier was awarded a large contract by a major defense contractor, which allowed for a 45% increase in revenue within this segment. Power Completion of a transfer of product line from Bollene to Cambridge for an aerospace company, indicates the ability of our group to serve similar customers from either the EU or US. The group still has majority market share in the power conversion business. Optronics All business units experienced growth as more complex hermetic package requirements find demand in specific applications. The increase in the miscellaneous segment comes mainly from Santier sales in the medical field, which accounts for 10% of the subsidiary's sales. There is also demand from clients seeking specific services, such as plating activity. OUTLOOK For 2019, the group expects growth at all three business units. The difficult market in the EU and a more complex geopolitical environment especially regarding China-US relations will slow the increase in H1. Based on expectations from our customer base, this situation should be rectified by the end of H1, and we should see improvement in H2 demand. The HTCC ceramic operations in Cambridge will continue to support increases in revenue streams for both Egide USA and Santier, primarily in the thermal imaging market segment. The Bollene team continues to work with key clients in China, India and Israel which are considered growth markets in 2019. FINANCIAL CALENDAR End of March 2019: 2018 financial results To find out more about Egide: www.egide-group.com About Egide Egide is a group with an international dimension, specialized in the manufacture of hermetic packages and heat dissipation solutions for sensitive electronic components. It operates in cutting edge markets with strong technology barriers to entry in all critical industry segments (Thermal Imaging, Optronics, High-Frequency, Power Units.). Egide is the only pure player in this market niche with manufacturing bases in France and the United States. Egide's eligibility for tax efficient French innovation-focused mutual funds (FCPI) was renewed on May 14, 2018. Egide is listed on Euronext Paris(TM)- Segment C - ISIN code: FR0000072373 - Reuters: EGID.PA - Bloomberg : GID New Delhi: The Supreme Court will hear former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar's plea against his conviction in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case on Monday, January 14. Kumar had challenged Delhi High Court's conviction and life imprisonment sentence on December 22. After surrendering before the Karkardooma court in Delhi, the 73-year-old was sent to Mandoli jail where he is currently lodging. Sajjan Kumar was convicted and sentenced to life by the Delhi High Court on December 17 in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Raj Nagar area. The case relates to killing of five Sikhs in Raj Nagar part-I area in Palam Colony in South West Delhi on November 1-2, 1984, and burning down a Gurudwara in Raj Nagar part II during that period. In its judgment, the high court had noted that over 2,700 Sikhs were killed in the national capital during the 1984 riots which was indeed a "carnage of unbelievable proportions". It had said the riots were a "crime against humanity" perpetrated by those who enjoyed "political patronage" and aided by an "indifferent" law enforcement agency. The high court had set aside the trial court's 2010 verdict which had acquitted Kumar in the case. After his conviction in the case, Kumar had resigned from the Congress party. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Thursday the case of Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute in Ayodhya. A five-judge Constitution Bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and also comprising of Justices SA Bobde, NV Ramana, UU Lalit and DY Chandrachud will hear the matter. A three-judge bench of the top court had on September 27 last year, by 2:1 majority, refused to refer to a five-judge constitution bench for reconsideration of the observations in its 1994 judgement that a mosque was not integral to Islam. The matter had arisen during the hearing of the Ayodhya land dispute. When the matter was last taken up on January 4, there was no indication that the case would be referred to a constitution bench as the apex court had simply said that further orders in the matter would be passed on January 10 by "the appropriate bench, as may be constituted". The newly set up five-judge bench comprises not only the incumbent CJI but the four judges who are in line to be CJI in the future. Justice Gogoi's successor would be Justice Bobde followed by Justices Ramana, Lalit and Chandrachud. As many as 14 appeals have been filed in the apex court against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgement, delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.77-acre land is partitioned equally among the three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. The apex court on October 29 last year had fixed the matter in the first week of January before the "appropriate bench". Later, an application was moved for according an urgent hearing by advancing the date, but the top court had refused the plea, saying it had already passed an order on October 29 relating to the hearing of the matter. The plea for early hearing was moved by the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM) which is one of the respondents in the appeal filed by legal heirs of M Siddiq, one of the original litigants in the case. Various Hindutva organisations have been demanding an ordinance on early construction of Ram temple at the disputed site. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had suggested that any decision on an ordinance on Ram temple in Ayodhya can happen only after the completion of the judicial process. PM Modi's comments had come amidst heightened demands by Hindutva organisations, including the RSS, for an ordinance for early construction of the temple. "Let the judicial process take its own course. Don't weigh it in political terms. Let the judicial process be over. After the judicial process is over, whatever be our responsibility as a government, we are ready to make all efforts," the prime minister had said during an interview, broadcast by several TV channels. PUNE: A passenger was detained on Thursday morning at Pune airport for carrying bullets in his baggage. The passenger was travelling to Bengaluru on a SpiceJet flight when the ammunition was found by the airline's staff in his baggage. SpiceJet's employees found 22 live rounds of .22 caliber bullets at around 4.45 am on Thursday, ANI reported. At about 4:45 am today, SpiceJet Staff detected 22 live rounds of .22 caliber from baggage of a passenger bound for Banglore by SpiceJet flight No. SG-519 at Pune airport. He couldn't produce any valid document & has been handed over to Police by airline for further legal action pic.twitter.com/P1sv9PE0KQ ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 The passenger was questioned by the airline's staff over the ammunition but he failed to produce a valid document. The passenger - whose identity was not revealed - was handed over to the police for further legal actions. "SpiceJet security staff during baggage screening found a passenger carrying 22 live cartridges at Pune airport. He was questioned by SpiceJet staff & CISF was immediately informed. Passenger was handed over to CISF & was then taken to local police station" said a SpiceJet spokesperson. On Wednesday. a Dubai-bound SpiceJet flight from Mumbai landed back in the city after being airborne, due to a technical glitch in the aircraft. According to a statement by SpiceJet, "On January 9, 2019, flight SG-13 returned back to Mumbai due to a minor technical issue. The aircraft made a normal landing. Reports of emergency landing are wrong and baseless. After checks, aircraft continued with its rotation and has landed at Dubai in the normal course of business." On January 6, SpiceJet's Boeing 737 MAX plane from Hong Kong suffered a mid-air engine problem, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Varanasi, according to news agency PTI. The plane was flying to Delhi from Hong Kong. A Dubai-bound SpiceJet flight from Mumbai landed back in the city on Wednesday, after being airborne, due to a technical glitch in the aircraft. The flight, SG-13, was delayed by four hours. The snag was rectified by airline engineers and the plane resumed the journey to Dubai after a delay of four hours. All passengers are said to be safe. According to a statement by SpiceJet, "On January 9, 2019, flight SG-13 returned back to Mumbai due to a minor technical issue. The aircraft made a normal landing. Reports of emergency landing are wrong and baseless. After checks, aircraft continued with its rotation and has landed at Dubai in the normal course of business." On January 6, SpiceJet's Boeing 737 MAX plane from Hong Kong suffered a mid-air engine problem, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Varanasi, according to news agency PTI. The plane was flying to Delhi from Hong Kong. In another incident, a Pratt &Whitney engine of an IndiGo A320 neo plane stopped working mid-air when the aircraft was on its way to Kolkata from Chennai. A senior official of the Director General of Civil Aviation said the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft faced an engine issue and made an emergency landing. When contacted, a SpiceJet spokesperson said the plane landed safely in Varanasi and passengers were deplaned normally. Flight SG-32 was diverted to Varanasi after the pilots noticed low fuel supply in no. 1 engine, he said. "On inspection, a fuel control valve (a minor component) was found to have malfunctioned and is being replaced," the spokesperson added. There have been issues with Boeing 737 MAX planes, which are currently flown by SpiceJet and Jet Airways. Though the 10 per cent reservation for economically backward upper castes passed the test in Parliament on Wednesday, the politics over the same failed to end. The latest to hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government is Shiv Sena. In an editorial in its mouthpiece Saamana, the Shiv Sena questioned as to where the jobs would come from. The editorial also referred to the reservation given to Maratha community members, claiming that there were hardly any jobs. Accusing the central government of playing the reservation card, the editorial said, When those in power fail on the twin fronts of employment and poverty, they have to play the reservation card...If this decision has been taken for votes, it will prove costly. After 10 per cent reservation, what about employment? Where will you get the jobs from? In the last two years, job opportunities have decreased instead of increasing and about 1.5 crore to two crore jobs have been lost due to decisions like demonetisation and GST implementation. There is a feeling of helplessness among youth," said the editorial in Saamana. The Shiv Sena also took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raking up his 'pakoda' remark: "After the government's 10 per cent reservation, will the eligible youth be able to gain anything? The prime minister, who had advised youth to fry 'pakodas' (snack), had to eventually give 10 per cent reservation to the economically backward classes." This comes even as both Lok Sabha as well as Rajya Sabha passed the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019. Amid attack from opposition parties over the timing of the bill, the government defended the move, questioning as to why the bill was supported with ifs and buts. Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Wednesday, "Let me tell honourable members that the 10% reservation does not violate SC ruling. It is our responsibility that people from all castes should progress." Targeting the Congress party, he further said, "Why didn't the UPA government bring the bill in their term and now that we are passing it, why are you supporting it with ifs and buts?" (With PTI Inputs) NEW DELHI: A high-powered Selection Committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which will decide the fate of CBI director Alok Verma, met for the second time in the national capital on Thursday. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi had nominated second senior-most judge AK Sikri as his representation in the panel a day before. The CJI reportedly recused himself from the meeting since he was part of the bench which authored the Supreme Court judgment to reinstate Verma as CBI chief. The selection panel also includes Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. The panel's previous meet held Wednesday night remained inconclusive, said the members, without giving further details. CBI chief Verma and his second-in-command Special Director Rakesh Asthana were sent on the forced leave over two months ago in October after reports of differences emerged between the two. The two seniormost CBI officials had accused each other of corruption. The court, while reinstating Verma, however, made it clear that he will desist from taking any major policy decision till a high-powered committee considers the issue of "divestment of power and authority". Verma later had challenged his ouster from the CBI in the Supreme Court. Asthana too approached the Delhi High Court for quashing of an FIR registered by the CBI, reportedly at the instance of Verma, in an alleged corruption case. A decision in this regard is pending in the high court. Verma's two-year fixed tenure as CBI director ends on January 31. Justice Sikri will have a huge role to play in the final decision as Kharge had vehemently opposed the government when Verma was sent on leave in October 2018. Kharge had demanded answers from the Prime Minister stating that the decision was made without consulting other members of the panel that selected him. Kharge was part of the three-member panel headed by PM Modi that had selected Verma as CBI chief. The then Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar was the other member of the selection committee. Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs VK Singh on Thursday asserted that people in Pakistan will continue to watch content shown on Indian television despite the ban imposed by the country. "Let the Pakistan judge opine whatever he wants, have people stopped seeing? People to people contact won`t end with one man`s statement," stated Singh. Singh was referring to a report which stated that the Pakistan Supreme Court on Wednesday said that no Indian content will be aired on Pakistani channels. On India's engagement with the Taliban in Afghanistan, Singh said, "We've not participated, we've just sent non-officials because it was something called for by Russia. We've got nothing to do with the Taliban." Pakistan's Chief Justice Saqib Nisar refused to air Indian content on Pakistani TV channels, stating that it "damages our culture". A three-member SC bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, made it clear that the Supreme Court will not allow Indian content to be shown on Pakistani channels. "We will not allow Indian content to be aired on (Pakistani) channels", reported the country's leading daily Dawn. The court was listening to an appeal filed by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) against high courts' decision to ban the broadcast of Indian content on TV channels in Pakistan. In 2016, the PEMRA had imposed a complete ban on airing and transmission Indian content on local television and FM radio channels. A year later, the Lahore High Court lifted the ban. However, in October 2018, the Pakistan SC reinstated it. In the latest plea, PEMRA Chairman Saleem Baig told the court that 65 per cent of the content shown on Filmazia channel is foreign and that the number at times goes as high as 80 per cent. Pemra counsel explained to the chief justice that "Filmazia is not a news channel but is an entertainment channel; it does not do any propaganda." "It is, however, damaging our culture," the top judge countered. Pakistani Channel Filmazia Entertainment broadcasts local and international shows including content from Turkish, Indian, Russian, Korean. Indian soaps and movies are quite popular in Pakistan. GONDA: In what comes as another case of administrative apathy, a woman in Uttar Pradesh`s Gonda district gave birth to her baby on the floor of a Community Health Centre (CHC) due to the non-availability of doctors. The woman delivered the baby near a heap of garbage after a couple of females, present in the vicinity, spread the sheet on the floor of the CHC. Speaking to media, Dr Ratan Kumar, Additional Director of Health, said that strict action would be taken against the employees who are found guilty. "A probe will be conducted into the matter," added Dr Kumar.According to the World Health Organisation, at least five women die of complications related to pregnancy or childbirth every hour in India. Nearly 45,000 women die due to childbirth-related causes every year in India.According to official details, India has one doctor for every 1,668 people. Nearly eight lakh doctors across the country were estimated to be in active service in 2017. In a significant development, Justice UU Lalit, who was part of the five-judge bench to hear Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute case, recused himself from the hearing on Thursday. Justice Lalit recused himself as senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan pointed that the former had appeared in the matter for former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh in 1994. Following the development, the top court decided that the bench would be reconstituted and the schedule of the hearing in the case would be decided on January 29. Chief Justice Gogoi in his order said that under the Supreme Court rules in exercise of his administrative powers, it was his perogative to decide the strength of the bench. He said this while declining the submission by Dhawan that an earlier bench headed by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra had said that a hearing on the batch of petitions will be heard by three judge bench. The court thereafter directed its registry to go through all the records relating to the Ayodhya case which are available with it and submit a report by January 29 as to how much time it would require for translating the documents and the case material which are in Persian, Arabic, Urdu and Gurmukhi languages. However, when senior counsel Harish Salve, appearing for one of the Hindu litigants, offered to assist the registry in handling of the papers and their translations, Chief Justice Gogoi said that he will rely entirely on his own registry to do the job. Having directed the secretary general of the Supreme Court to submit the report in 15 days the court directed that the reconstituted bench will hold the hearing on January 29. The top court bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, was earlier slated to decide on the schedule of the Ayodhya case on Thursday itself. Besides CJI Gogoi, the bench comprised Justice SA Bobde, Justice NV Ramanna, Justice UU Lalit and Justice DY Chandrachud. On September 27, 2018, a three-judge bench of the apex court had refused to refer to a five-judge Constitution bench for reconsideration of the observations in its 1994 judgement that a mosque was not integral to Islam. The decision was taken by a 2:1 majority of the bench. When the matter was last taken up on January 4, there was no indication that the case would be referred to a constitution bench as the apex court had simply said that further orders in the matter would be passed on January 10 by "the appropriate bench, as may be constituted". (With IANS Inputs) NEW DELHI: National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday issued a notice to Congress President over his statement "PM ran away & asked a 'mahila' (Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman) to defend him." National Commission for Women (NCW) issues notice to Congress President Rahul Gandhi over his statement "PM ran away & asked a 'mahila' (Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman) to defend him" pic.twitter.com/xTAyqNeXg1 ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 "We've asked explanation from Rahul Gandhi for why he said what he said y'day in 2 tweets.The statement was pathetic, sexist & misogynistic. That's why we've sent him a notice.He have to explain what does he mean when he is trying to talk low of women," NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma told ANI. Rahul Gandhi had tweeted yesterday, "with all due respect Modi Ji, in our culture respect for women begins at home. Stop shaking. Be a man and answer my question: Did the Air Force and Defence Ministry object when you bypassed the original Rafale deal? Yes? Or No? #RafaleScam" https://t.co/f4T54nogJ5 ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 The Congress president made the shocking remark on Wednesday while addressing a rally at Jaipur, Rajasthan. He had said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi got a woman to defend him in Parliament on Rafale fighter jet deal. Rahul was referring to the speech delivered by the defence minister in Lok Sabha last week. The watchman with a 56-inch chest ran away and told a woman, Sitharaman ji, defend me. I won't be able to defend myself, defend me. For two and a half hours, the woman could not defend him. I had asked a straight question answer yes or no, but she couldn't answer, said Gandhi. On Wednesday, Rekha had said that the Congress president has shown his misogynistic attitude by making this remark and as a politician he should not make such a statement. ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Planned Systems International, Inc. (PSI) today announced that it has acquired QuarterLine, LLC. QuarterLine is a healthcare services company delivering expertise in a wide range of clinical solutions and insights, behavioral health solutions, virtual care and telemedicine solutions, and enterprise technology services to public and private-sector customers. This acquisition expands PSIs current contract and customer base, adding critical capabilities in health care delivery and IT operations, and strengthening service offerings to its growing list of federal, state, local and commercial customers. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, QuarterLine was founded in 2009 and has other office locations in North Carolina and Arizona. The company supports government and commercial customers nationwide in all areas of healthcare, including supporting our nations active duty military and veterans with clinical services, providing expertise in pharma, health policy and federal health initiatives, and navigating complex regulatory and business environments. We are thrilled to welcome QuarterLine into the PSI family, said Terry Lin, CEO. PSI and QuarterLine share a similar corporate culture and a deep commitment to our customers, employees, partners and community. This acquisition represents an important building block to both organizations as we continue to adopt the mission of our customers and deliver exemplary solutions to improve the delivery of healthcare, while maintaining a top-notch, engaged workplace for our employees. Pamela Graff, President and CEO of QuarterLine, added, Were excited about the synergy created by joining with PSI, an organization that shares our values of innovation, collaboration and technical excellence. We look forward to serving our customers better than ever before, and to continuing to provide concrete solutions for some of the most complex problems facing healthcare agencies, national security and government missions. This adds to PSIs recent acquisition of KINEX, Inc., a cybersecurity, modeling and simulation, and software development company. These acquisitions broaden PSIs health IT and cybersecurity capabilities to better serve its federal, state, local and commercial clients. About Planned Systems International, Inc. Founded in 1988, PSI is a CMMI Maturity Level 3-appraised, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 20000-1:2011, ISO 27001:2013, and ISO 14001:2015-certified enterprise IT solutions and management consulting services provider specializing in Healthcare & Healthcare IT, Cyber Security & Intelligent Information Sharing, and Advisory & Assistance Services. PSI has a stellar record of past performance and award-winning experience, and our core capabilities include: Enterprise Architecture & Design; Software Development & Maintenance; Systems Integration; IT Modernization; IV&V Testing Services; Cloud Computing; E-Learning & Medical Modeling & Simulation; Big Data Analytics & Business Intelligence; Mobility & Theatre Support Systems. PSI has earned a reputation for applying the state-of-the-art technologies and the industry's most successful methodologies to support business solutions for the Department of Defense (DoD), Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other Government clients. For more information, visit www.plan-sys.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Facebook. New Delhi: Following the removal of Alok Verma from the post of CBI Director on Thursday, CBI Additional Director M Nageshwar Rao will look after the duties of CBI chief till a new appointment or until further orders. Verma was sacked earlier in the day after a two-hour-long meeting of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Selection Committee in New Delhi. The panel which also included Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of the largest party in the Lok Sabha and the second senior-most Supreme Court judge, AK Sikri, decided to remove Alok Verma with a 2-1 majority. Verma, whose two-year fixed tenure as CBI director would have ended on January 31, 2019, has now been posted as the DG Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards, by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Nageshwar Rao has been appointed the interim CBI chief for the second time. Rao, a 1986-batch Odisha cadre IPS officer, was given the duties and functions of CBI director late night on October 23, 2018, after Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana were divested of all powers by the government following a spat between them. The next morning, Rao had effected a large number of transfers, including of officials probing a corruption case against Asthana like DSP A K Bassi, DIG M K Sinha and Joint Director A K Sharma, the officials said. New Delhi: Bravehearts in the Indian Army who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty deserve the country's top honours but their familes too require all the support they can get. And while the Indian Army is known for its compassion, General Bipin Rawat said on Thursday that 2019 would be marked as the 'Year of Next of Kin.' The Army chief said that it is his top priority to ensure that families of fallen heroes deserve every bit of support they require and deserve. "Year of 2019 is planned to be the 'Year of Next of Kin'. Many soldiers, who are no more with us, their next of kin, require our support and assistance," he said. The Indian Army had marked 2018 as the 'Year of Disabled in the Line of Duty'. This was especially to honour soldiers who have been disbaled in the line of duty while serving the nation and to celebrate the undying spirit of soldiers. A number of initiatives were taken - including providing monetary and medical assistance - to soldiers who suffered mishap in the line of duty. The Indian Army had created awareness and organisational support. The Indian Army on Wednesday evening rescued as many as 150 tourists from North Sikkim amidst heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures. We rescued stranded tourists amidst heavy snowfall in North Sikkim. Unprecedented snowfall in a span of two hours had cut off the popular tourist destinations in Lachung Valley, rendering the tourists helpless. The troops of Trishakti Corps immediately launched Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) including medical staff to locate the tourists in stranded vehicles, provide medical care and bring them to the nearest army camps, said a senior official of the Army Eastern Command. Army jawans launched rescue operations and reached out to all stranded persons. Among the stranded tourists, there were some elderly people and children who complained of dizziness, breathlessness and other high altitude related symptoms. A lady with a fractured hand was given immediate medical care. All rescued tourists are being provided, food, shelter and medical care at the army camps keeping in view the unabated snowfall and temperatures dipping down to minus 10 degrees, added the officer. Sources in the Army said that rescue and search operations will continue through the night to locate any other tourist who may have been stranded in the area. This is the second such rescue operations that have been carried out in this winter. On December 28, 2018, Indian Army soldiers had evacuated over 3,000 stranded tourists from Nathula area in the biggest ever rescue operation carried out in Sikkim. The Indian Army has managed the situation well along the borders with China and Pakistan and there should be no cause for concern, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat said on Thursday. "We have managed the situation well along borders with China and Pakistan," said Army chief Rawat. Speaking at his annual press conference in the national capital, Rawat also said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be improved further. "Situation in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be improved further. We are only facilitators for peace in J&K," he said. The Taliban analogy cannot apply to Jammu and Kashmir as "talks in the state have to be on our terms" said the Army chief. He also reiterated that talks and terror cannot go together and that is applicable in Jammu and Kashmir also. Asserting that there should be no cause for concern, General Rawat added, "We have managed the situation well along the northern and western borders." Speaking on India's ties with Afghanistan and on talks with Taliban, Rawat said, "We have interests in Afghanistan, we can't be out of bandwagon." New Delhi: Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland Chopper scam, moved an application before a special CBI court on Thursday, seeking permission to make international calls to family, friends and his lawyers. Michel, who was sent to judicial custody till February 26 by a Delhi court last week, has expressed his desire to contact his family and friends as well as his lawyers over telephone. He has reportedly said that they are concerned of his well-being. The CBI court has now asked the jail superintendent to submit a report in the matter on January 14. Michel, a British citizen, was arreded on December 5 after he was extradited to India from Dubai. He is accused of having played a key role in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter deal, finalised during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's tenure, and one that was mired in allegations of kickbacks. 54-year-old Michel is an accused in the case along with former India's Air Force Chief, Air Marshal SP Tyagi, among others. Interestingly, Michel's lawyers in India have been allowed to meet him for 15 minutes every morning and evening after the Enforcement Directorate alleged that the Britisher was being tutored from the outside. New Delhi: Barely two days after Supreme Court paved the way for Alok Verma to resume duties as the chief of Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI), he was removed by a high-powered selection panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (January 10). The decision comes despite Verma's retirement date of January 31 a little less than three weeks away and because of the grave nature of corruption charges against him. Verma would have a sense of deja vu even if this is a bigger blow than when he was sent on forced leave by the government back in October of 2018. It has indeed been a bitter rollercoaster ride for the now former director of CBI who will spend his last few days before retirement as DG Fire Services. Here's a timeline of how the last few months have been for Verma amid a raging political battle that has rocked the country and put a massive blot on the image of India's premier investigative agencies: October 15, 2018: Alok Verma files a case against his deputy Rakesh Asthana - the CBI No. 2. He accuses him of taking Rs 3 crore as bribe from a businessman being investigated by him in lieu of ensuring relief and a clean chit in the case. Asthana, while denying the charges leveled against him, fires back at Verma and accuses him taking a bribe of Rs 2 crore from the same businessman. He also says that Verma tried to stop probe against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. October 22: Verma vs Asthana matter escalates with CBI conducting a raid on the 10th floor of its own headquarters in New Delhi. October 23: Asthana moves Delhi High Court to get CBI's FIR against him quashed. Thought the HC did not cancel the case, it issued a notice to the CBI director and said that Asthana would not be arrested at least until it heard the case on October 29. October 23-24 (intervening night): Verma and Asthana told to go on leave. Verma moves Supreme Court against the government order. October 24, 25: Political row erupts with Congress and several other opposition parties backing Verma. October 26: Asthana moves Supreme Court against order to go on leave. SC sets two-week deadline for CVC to complete inquiry against charges of corruption against Verma. November 9: Verma defends himself against corruption charges in front of CVC. November 16: Verma's plea against being sent on forced leave heard by Supreme Court. November 29: Supreme Court says it would first consider whether the government has the power to divest CBI director of his duties. December 6: Supreme Court asks government why the selection panel was not consulted before Verma was sent on leave. January 8, 2019: Supreme Court sets aside Centre's decision to send Verma on 'forced leave'. January 9: Verma returns to work after being on forced leave for 77 days. January 10: Verma withdraws almost all transfer orders made by interim CBI chief M Nageswara Rao. He then transferred five officers. Later in the day, a three-member selection panel sacks him as CBI chief by a vote margin of 2-1. New Delhi: Alok Verma was Thursday removed unceremoniously as the CBI director after a high-powered panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi found that he had not been functioning with integrity expected of him. Verma, whose fixed tenure of two years was to end on January 31, is the first chief in the 55-years of the CBI's history to face such action, officials said. He has been posted as Director General Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards, under the Union Home Ministry. The charge of the CBI has been given to Additional Director M Nageshwar Rao, a government order issued on Thursday evening said. The panel which comprised Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and Justice A K Sikri, appointed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi as his nominee, had met here Thursday evening after which a decision for Verma, a 1979-batch IPS officer, was taken. Kharge has expressed his dissent to the decision which was taken by a majority of 2:1. There were eight counts of charges against Verma in the CVC report presented before the panel which included alleged attempts to induct tainted officers, compromising probe in the case related to controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi, IRCTC scam among others, they said. The Central Vigilance Commission claimed that it had found evidence of influencing of probe in the Moin Qureshi case and there were intercepts of RAW, an external snooping agency, that Rs 2 crore had changed hands. The CVC was of the view that his conduct in the case was suspicious and there was a prima facie case against him, and wanted a criminal investigation to be conducted in the case. In the IRCTC case, the CVC felt that it can be reasonably concluded that Verma deliberately excluded a name from the FIR, for reasons best known to him. The CVC also found instances of wilful non-production of record and fabrication of record. The committee also took note of Verma's attempts to induct officers of doubtful integrity in the CBI. The CVC said that he had been given ample opportunity to present his case before the CVC, in presence of Justice (retd) Patnaik. The officials said the panel, barring Kharge, felt that investigation, including criminal probe, was necessary, in some cases, and his continuation as CBI Director was not desirable, and he should be transferred. The meeting of the committee was convened Wednesday which lasted nearly 30 minutes. It was convened again on Thursday at the residence of Prime Minister Modi at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg at around 4.30 PM. The meeting continued for nearly two hours with Kharge strongly arguing for giving a chance to Verma to present his case before the committee on the allegations levelled by the CVC against him. "It is my considered opinion that the CBI director should be allowed to explain himself before this committee along with the charges made against him prior to any decision being taken," Kharge said. He also advocated the restoration of Verma as CBI Director, so as to ensure the independence and neutrality of the CBI. There was lack of substantial findings in the CVC report and listed "that there was no evidence of payment of bribe" in the Moin Qureshi case. The allegations in the IRCTC case and subsequent charges levelled by the CVC were not substantiated, the Congress leader said. Kharge, however, agreed that charges against Verma in a case related to gold smuggling at the IGI Airport were partially substantiated and his attempts to induct tainted officers were found substantiated, too. He said that the high-power committee must order an investigation into the events of the early hours of October 23 last year when Verma along with Asthana were sent on forced leave. "There are too many coincidences and unexplained events that took place in the late hours of October 23 last year which clearly indict the present government," he said. Kharge had also demanded an extension to Verma. However, the Prime Minister and Justice Sikri did not agree with his position making clear his ouster from the agency. Reacting to the development, the Congress said, "By removing Alok Verma from his position without giving him the chance to present his case, PM Modi has shown once again that he's too afraid of an investigation, either by an independent CBI director or by Parliament via JPC." A delegation of former ministers Arun Shourie and Yashwant Sinha along with activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan had met Verma on October 4, 2018, with plea of registering an FIR in the Rafale aircraft purchase deal. Verma was sent on forced leave by the government in a late-night controversial order on October 23, 2018, in the wake of a feud between him and his deputy Special Director Rakesh Asthana which had intensified after Asthana was booked on corruption charges by the CBI on October 15, 2018. He had challenged the order in the Supreme Court which had quashed the government order Tuesday and reinstated him with a condition that the high-powered selection committee will decide his fate in a week. Verma had joined the office Wednesday after 77 days of forced leave set aside by the Supreme Court. The apex court had said any further decision against Verma, who was scheduled to retire on January 31, would be taken by the high-powered committee which selects and appoints the CBI director. New Delhi: The Modi government's "social justice" plank with its outreach to Dalits, backward classes and general category is likely to be a key theme at the BJP's two-day national council meeting starting Friday, as the party looks to set the tone for its Lok Sabha poll campaign. BJP president Amit Shah will inaugurate the meeting -- the biggest ever for its national council with the party expecting participation of close to 12,000 members -- while Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the concluding speech on Saturday, laying down the agenda for the general elections. Sources said the council may pass three resolutions, highlighting the government's "successes" on various fronts ranging from economy to social justice and also dwell at length on the prevailing political scenario. Senior BJP leaders were tight-lipped on whether the Ram temple issue will find a mention in the meeting but some delegates said that the party may refer to it amid demands by Hindutva organisations, including its ideological parent RSS, for a law to construct a temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya. The party has invited its all elected members, ranging from those in local elections to its MPs, besides organisational leaders from across the country, for the meeting. A meeting of BJP general secretaries chaired by Shah was held Thursday evening to deliberate on the party's agenda for the council's meeting. Parliament's approval of a bill providing 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education for economically weaker sections in the general category has boosted the saffron party's morale after it suffered a blow in the recent assembly polls where it lost power in all three states it ruled. The BJP believes that the bill, which will come into force after getting the President's nod -- a mere formality -- will consolidate its core vote of upper castes in the Hindi-speaking states and also strengthen its appeal among political significant communities like Jats, Patidars and Marathas, among others. A section of the party believes that anger among upper castes played a role in its loss in the recent state polls. Party sources said the Modi government's measures, like granting constitutional status to the OBC Commission and strengthening the law on atrocities against Dalits and tribals, are likely to be highlighted and projected as part of its "social justice" project. "The Modi government has empowered every section of society. The party will naturally talk at length about it," they said. The council is also expected to hit out at the Congress over its "falsehoods", including those on the Rafale deal, and refer to the Supreme Court's order that rejected demands for a probe into the matter. The government's measures for farmers, besides various schemes for the welfare of the poor and economic growth, will also be discussed, they said. Shah has often asserted that the BJP will win more seats than the 2014 polls when it had won its first-ever majority bagging 282 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats. BJP's rivals believe that the party is facing a resurgent Congress in several states while the expected alliance of the Samajwadi Party and the BSP will dent its prospects in Uttar Pradesh, making the likelihood of its repeat of 2014 feat challenging. BJP Yuva Morcha leader and one of the main accused in Bulandshahr violence, Shikhar Aggarwal, was arrested from Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, in the early hours of Thursday. Shikhar Aggarwal, accused in murder case of Inspector Subodh Singh in #BulandshahrViolence, arrested by Bulandshahr police from Hapur today pic.twitter.com/xCZqU0aAya ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 10, 2019 On December 3, violence erupted in Bulandshahr which resulted in the murder of Inspector Subodh Singh and a youth named Sumit Kumar. "He was arrested this morning. We are interrogating him and produce him in the local court later today," Additional Superintendent of Police (Bulandhshahr city) Atul Kumar Srivastava told PTI. According to police, Shikhar was allegedly involved in instigating the mob which went on a rampage on December 3 killing the police officer and setting on fire a police post and a number of vehicles. The police took more than a month to arrest Shikhar though he kept on uploading his videos on social media claiming innocence in the whole incident. Shikhar also gave interviews to several TV channels while in hiding. Agarwal had said in one of his interviews that it was the slain inspector who created tension by stopping him and others from taking some carcasses to the Chingrawathi police post for filing an FIR over the alleged cow slaughter, as reported by PTI. A mob of around 500 people, most of them right-wing activists, clashed with the police in Siana area of Bulandshahr district on December 3, after allegedly discovering cow carcasses thrown in a nearby jungle. It is to be noted that Inspector Subodh once investigated Akhlaq lynching case. Siyana Police Station had registered an FIR against 27 named people and 50 to 60 unidentified people for the violence. Local Bajrang Dal leader Yogesh Raj, also a key suspect in the case, was arrested by the police on January 3. The police said that over 35 people have been arrested so far in connection with the case, including Army jawan Jeetender Malik, Prashant Nat who allegedly shot the inspector dead and Kalua who had attacked him with an axe. (with agency inputs) New Delhi: Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat on Thursday suggested that the Supreme Court verdict on decriminalisation of gay sex may not be implemented in the Army. General Rawat, during his annual press conference, said such actions are forbidden in the Army. At the same time, he added that the Army is not above the law. "We will not allow this to happen in the Army," he said. In what was hailed as a historic move, a five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court last September unanimously decriminalised part of the 158-year-old colonial law under Section 377 of the IPC which criminalises consensual unnatural sex, saying it violated the rights to equality. When asked about the court ruling on adultery, he said the Army is conservative. "We can't allow it to perpetrate into the Army," the Army chief said. In 2018, the Supreme Court had struck down a colonial-era anti-adultery law, saying it was unconstitutional, dented the individuality of women and treated them as "chattel of husbands". RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tax season is quickly approaching and State Employees Credit Union (SECU) is ready to help! Mark your calendars starting January 23rd, SECU tax preparers in all 265 offices statewide will be able to complete and electronically file federal and North Carolina income tax returns for members who are eligible to participate in the Credit Unions Low-Cost Tax Preparation program. SECU began offering its low-cost program in 2010, providing members with convenient tax preparation service. Qualifying members can have their tax returns prepared for a flat fee of only $75, which includes preparing and filing both the federal and state tax returns. It is an affordable benefit for members and one they continue to take advantage of year after year. During the 2018 tax filing season, SECU personnel filed 72,847 tax returns on behalf of members! The growth of SECUs Low-Cost Tax Preparation program is an indication of the tremendous value were offering members, said Tenesha Carter, SECUs Senior Vice President of Tax Preparation Services. Our tax preparers work diligently to help members during tax season and throughout the year, offering education for tax and financial matters to help strengthen their overall financial health. Were looking forward to helping even more members this upcoming tax season! Members can visit SECUs website, www.ncsecu.org, to learn more about the Low-Cost Tax Preparation program as well as information regarding other available filing options. About SECU A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for over 81 years. The Credit Union also offers a diversified line of financial advisory services including retirement and education planning, tax preparation, insurance, trust and estate planning services, and investments through its partners and affiliated entities. SECU serves over 2.3 million members through 265 branch offices, nearly 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Member Services via phone and a website, www.ncsecu.org. Contact: Leigh Brady, EVP Organizational Development Office: 919-807-8347 | leigh.brady@ncsecu.org The Supreme Court on Thursday said that the schedule for the hearing in Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute case will be decided on January 29, even as Justice UU Lalit recused himself from the case. It was pointed out by advocate Rajeev Dhavan that Justice Lalit had appeared in the Ayodhya case for Kalyan Singh government in 1997. Earlier, a five-judge Constitution Bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, and also comprising Justices SA Bobde, NV Ramana, UU Lalit and DY Chandrachud was constituted to hear the matter. However, after the fresh development, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will now constitute a new bench that decide on a schedule and the frequency of hearings in the case when the issue is taken up on January 29. Justice Lalit decided to recuse himself from hearing the case after it was pointed out by advocate Rajeev Dhavan that Justice Lalit had appeared for Kalyan Singh government in 1997. A three-judge bench of the top court had on September 27, 2018, by 2:1 majority, refused to refer to a five-judge constitution bench for reconsideration of the observations in its 1994 judgement that a mosque was not integral to Islam. The matter had arisen during the hearing of the Ayodhya land dispute. When the matter was last taken up on January 4, there was no indication that the case would be referred to a constitution bench as the apex court had simply said that further orders in the matter would be passed on January 10 by "the appropriate bench, as may be constituted". As many as 14 appeals have been filed in the apex court against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgement, delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.77-acre land is partitioned equally among the three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. The apex court on October 29 last year had fixed the matter in the first week of January before the "appropriate bench". Later, an application was moved for according an urgent hearing by advancing the date, but the top court had refused the plea, saying it had already passed an order on October 29 relating to the hearing of the matter. The plea for early hearing was moved by the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM) which is one of the respondents in the appeal filed by legal heirs of M Siddiq, one of the original litigants in the case. Here are the live updates: # Supreme Court registry will need to give a report on by when will all documents be translated and the case be ready for hearing. # SC gives January 29 as the next date after constituting a new bench. Supreme Court fixes January 29 as the next date of hearing https://t.co/AIQ6k0g20U ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 # Hearing adjourned after Justice UU Lalit recused himself from hearing the case. A new bench to be constitutedSupreme Court fixes January 29 as the next date of hearing https://t.co/AIQ6k0g20U ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 # Muslim petitioners object to Constitutional bench set-up # Supreme Court says no hearing today, only date and schedule to be decided # Five-judge Constitution bench of Supreme Court starts hearing in Ayodhya matter # Delhi: Visuals of security outside the Supreme Court ahead of #AyodhyaHearing by a five-judge Constitution bench. pic.twitter.com/5jnLDmPtjL ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 # Various Hindutva organisations have been demanding an ordinance on early construction of Ram temple at the disputed site. # Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had suggested that any decision on an ordinance on Ram temple in Ayodhya can happen only after the completion of the judicial process. PM Modi's comments had come amidst heightened demands by Hindutva organisations, including the RSS, for an ordinance for early construction of the temple. NEW DELHI: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Alok Verma was sacked on Thursday following a two-hour-long meeting of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Selection Committee in New Delhi. The panel which also included Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of the largest party in the Lok Sabha and the second senior-most Supreme Court judge, AK Sikri, decided to remove Alok Verma with a 2-1 majority. While Modi and Justice Sikri voted in favour of removing Verma, Kharge was against the move. The panel previously convened on Wednesday night. However, the meeting remained inconclusive. CBI vs CBI timeline: The rollercoaster ride of Alok Verma Verma has now been posted as the DG Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards, by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). CBI Additional Director, M Nageshwar Rao will now look after the duties of the Director, CBI till the appointment of a new Director or until further orders, said sources. CBI chief Verma and his second-in-command Special Director Rakesh Asthana were sent on the forced leave over two months ago in October 2018 after reports of differences between the two. The two seniormost CBI officials had accused each other of corruption. After a few weeks of an all-out war between Verma and Asthana, the Centre cracked the whip and sent both the officers on leave. Verma challenged his "forced leave" in the Supreme Court which on Tuesday (January 8, 2019) reinstated him while making it clear that he will desist from taking any major policy decision till a high-powered committee considers the issue of "divestment of power and authority". "We deem it proper to direct that Verma, Director CBI, upon reinstatement, will cease and desist from taking any major policy decisions till the decision of the committee permitting such actions and decisions becomes available within the time frame indicated," a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said. Asthana too approached the Delhi High Court for quashing of an FIR registered by the CBI, reportedly at the instance of Verma, in an alleged corruption case. A decision in this regard is pending in the high court. Verma's two-year fixed tenure as CBI director would have ended on January 31. A portion of the building, which was being built to be used as a heliport during Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, collapsed on Wednesday night. At least two labourers got trapped in the collapse. They were, however, rescued later. Several construction works have been taken up in Prayagraj ahead of the Kumbh Mela, which is slated to begin on January 15. A new temporary city, which is believed to be the largest in the world, has been set up along Prayagraj, which has 250-km long roads and 22 pontoon bridges. Prayagraj: A portion of the building for heliport which was being built as a part of the arrangements for Kumbh Mela, collapsed last night, trapping two labourers under it; they were later rescued. pic.twitter.com/RAJ34ynlx5 ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 10, 2019 The Uttar Pradesh government and police department has also made elaborate security arrangements for the grand religious event. Integrated Control and Command Centre and CCTV cameras have been put in place to keep a vigil as lakhs of devotees are expected to converge from across India and abroad. The Uttar Pradesh Police has also deputed more than 20,000 police personnel, who are teetotallar and consume only vegetarian food. Authorities have also advised those visiting Prayagraj during Kumbh Mela to keep their identity cards handy. People have also been asked to keep with them the phone number of any of their family members, who could be contacted in case of any emergency. Nearly 12 crore devotees are expected to visit the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj which will begin January 15. Touted as the biggest cultural and religious event in the world, the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj has been accorded the status of world heritage by the UNESCO. The event, which will conclude on March 4, has been included in the list of 'intangible cultural heritage of humanity.' Representatives of 192 countries are expected to visit the Kumbh Mela. During the Kumbh Mela, millions of pilgrims including naked, ash-smeared ascetics, will bathe at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and a mythical third river, the Saraswati. New Delhi: The all powerful GST Council has agreed on recommendations to increase the turnover limit for biz availing composition scheme at its crucial 32nd meeting on Thursday. The GST Council meeting, which is still underway, is discussing on the recommendations of the two ministerial panels. The ministerial panel under Minister of State for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla had suggested to the Council to allow businesses with turnover of up to Rs 1.5 crore to avail composition scheme, up from the current Rs 1 crore. Zee Media sources said that the new rule will come to effect from April 1, 2019. Sources also added that the GST Council has agreed that dealers under the composition schemes can now file returns annually, even as they would continue to pay their taxes. Currently, composition scheme dealers file returns and pay taxes quarterly. It has also agreed on giving relief to MSMEs under the goods and services tax, deliberated on the exemption threshold for such businesses. Currently, businesses with turnover of up to Rs 20 lakh are exempt from the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The Council has decided to hike the turnover to up to Rs 40 lakh, sources told Zee Media. GST Council is also discussing recommendation of ministerial panel under Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi for levy of 1 percent 'calamity cess' in line with Kerala. While the GoM on MSME was constituted in August last year, the same for 'calamity cess' for set up in September. New Delhi: Former chief minister Sheila Dikshit has on Thursday been appointed as the new president of Delhi unit of Congress. She succeeded Ajay Maken who resigned last week. On being appointed as the Delhi Congress chief, Dikshit said, "I am honoured that the party has given me this opportunity." Sheila Dikshit on being appointed Delhi Congress President: I am honoured that the party has given me this opportunity. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/vHQMa6yiWL ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019 Congratulating Dikshit, former DPCC Chief Ajay Maken said, "I congratulate Shiela Dikshit ji for being appointed the DPCC (Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee) president. I am confident that under her leadership, we will play the role of strong opposition to Modi and Kejriwal governments." The 80-year-old Congress veteran will be assisted by three working presidents. "Sheila Dikshit appointed Delhi Congress President. Devendra Yadav, Rajesh Lilothia, Haroon Yusuf appointed working presidents," Congress' PC Chacko said. Dikshit served as Delhi chief minister for three consecutive terms till 2013 when the Congress lost power. Maken, a 54-year-old former minister in Dikshit's Cabinet, stepped down as Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president on January 4, citing health reasons. He served as the party unit head for about four years. The change of guard in Delhi Congress assumes significance as the party is gearing up to brighten its fortunes in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, considering that the BJP had bagged all the seven seats at stake in the capital in the last general elections. (With inputs from agencies) New Delhi: Just a week ahead of the release of Emraan Hashmi's upcoming flick 'Cheat India', the makers have changed the titled of the film by appending an extra 'why' to the original title. The film will now release as 'Cheat India'. A statement issued on behalf of the film's producers - T-Series Films, Ellipsis Entertainment and Emraan Hashmi Films read, "The CBFC had concerns about the title 'Cheat India'. We had an extensive conversation with the Examining Committee and Revising Committee regarding the proposed change as the film has been in public domain for a year, and more importantly, because the theatrical teaser, trailer and television promos had already been certified with the original title. Noted trade analyst Taran Adarsh first shared the news on the social media, tweeting, "#CheatIndia is now titled #WhyCheatIndia... Releases next Fri [18 Jan 2019]." #CheatIndia is now titled #WhyCheatIndia... Releases next Fri [18 Jan 2019]. taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 10, 2019 #WhyCheatIndia title logo... The tagline [Nakal Mein Hi Akal Hai] is removed... 18 Jan 2019 release. pic.twitter.com/Vl5fkcFNoe taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 10, 2019 Tanuj Garg of Ellipsis Entertainment tweeted the film`s new poster and captioned: "Don't ask WHY! But it's WHY! Sigh! 'Why Cheat India'." "This would lead to dual communication a week before the release. The duress of lack of time left us with no choice but to mutually agree to the new title, `Why Cheat India`." Also starring Shreya Dhanwanthary, the film is scheduled to arrive in theatres on January 18, 2019. 'Why Cheat India' exposes the underbelly of our education system and how much corruption and greed has taken over. The trailer of the film showed Emraan playing the role of a henchman, who strikes deals between the rich students and the needy, brainy ones, to fraudulently appear for others' at examinations. Needless to say, the trailer generated great buzz and Emraan received great appreciation for his acting. Earlier, the makers had rescheduled the release date of the film in order to pave way for Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer 'Thackeray'. The film was originally slated to release on January 25, 2019. Several reports claimed that Shiv Senas film wing members had asked other filmmakers to not release their films with 'Thackeray'. 'Why Cheat India' is helmed by 'Gulaab Gang' director Soumik Sen and features over 40 theatre actors, who were cast by the makers after extensive auditioning. This is the second flick from Hashmis production house- Emraan Hashmi Films. New Delhi: Anupam Kher's much-anticipated biographical 'The Accidental Prime Minister' is all set to arrive in theatres on Friday, i.e. January 11. Directed by Vijay Ratnakar Gutte and written by Mayank Tewari, based on the 2014 memoir of the same name by Sanjaya Baru. The film features Anupam Kher as Manmohan Singh, the economist and politician who served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014 under the UPA. The film will be released on 1,300 screens in India and 140 screens overseas, taking the total count to 1440 screens. This is for the Hindi version of the film. The Telugu and Tamil versions of the film will arrive in theatres on January 18, 2019 while the release date of the English version is yet to be decided by the makers. #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister screen count... India: 1300 Overseas: 140 Worldwide total: 1440 screens. #Hindi version.#Tamil and #Telugu versions will release on 18 Jan 2019... Release date of #English version will be decided shortly... #TAPM taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 10, 2019 Produced under the banner of Pen India Limited, the film also features Akshaye Khanna, Aahana Kumra and Arjun Mathur, among others. Meanwhile, the film has been courting controversies ever since its trailer was unveiled by the makers a few days back. Several petitions have so far been filed against the release of the film and its trailer in courts across the country. On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court dismissed a PIL filed by a Delhi-based fashion designer against the film on allegations that it defamed the constitutional post of the prime minister. As per PTI report, a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao said the petitioner has no locus standi to file the plea and private interest was involved in it. Dublin, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Automotive Light-Vehicle Sensors - Technology, Trends and Forecasts to 2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This newly updated report offers a detailed overview of the light vehicle sensors sector with forecasts out to 2033. From powertrain and emission control, to safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), sensors have become a vital component of the modern automobile. Based on exclusive interviews, primary research and proprietary data this study includes: Sensors by application including: autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection systems, electronic stability control systems, lane departure warning systems, parking assistance systems and radar and camera sensors. A comprehensive overview of sensor developments for each of the following areas: Safety and body control Pedestrian protection systems Tyre pressure monitoring systems Powertrain & Emission Control applications Exclusive interviews with OE suppliers (news and interviews only available in QUBE) Updated profiles of the major automotive companies active in providing lightweight solutions PESTER analysis - political, economic, social, technological, environmental and regulatory motivators for this megatrend You can use this report to: Gain a quick and comprehensive overview of lightweight vehicle manufacturing Hear direct from leading companies on their strategies and plans Review the latest and most significant technological developments Know the key trends within this area and what's driving them Spot opportunities and threats in this area Establish key companies' latest activities and prospects Key Topics Covered: Introduction Pester analysis Companies Allegro Microsystems Analog Devices BorgWarner Bosch Continental CTS Corporation Delphi Technologies Denso Flexpoint Sensor Systems Freescale Semiconductor Hella Infineon Kionix Mando Melexis Micronas Murata NGK Spark Plug Panasonic Preh Schrader Sensata Technologies Sensonor STMicroelectronics Tung Thih Electronic ZF Forecasts Autonomous vehicle sensor forecasts Sensor-specific application forecasts Adaptive cruise control Anti-lock braking system Crash Electronic stability control Gasoline direct injection systems Lane departure warning systems Parking assistance systems Tyre pressure monitoring systems Vehicle application forecasts Advanced driver assistance systems All vehicle sensors Interior Powertrain and Emission Control Safety and body control Future developments Integrated design and verification solutions Wireless sensors Sensors by application Advanced driver assistance systems Introduction Autonomous emergency braking Blind spot detection systems Electronic stability control systems Lane departure warning systems Parking assistance systems Radar and camera sensors Aptiv's RACam Banner Engineering's solutions Bosch's solutions Denso Ten's solution Denso's solutions GM's solutions Honda's solutions OmniVision Technologies' solution Sony's CMOS image sensor for automotive cameras TRW's solutions Valeo's driver assistance for electric vehicles Body applications Alarms Doors Liftgate switches Road grip sensors Windscreen sensors Wipers Interior applications Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) Brushless motors for HVAC applications Instrumentation Other Seats Powertrain & Emission Control applications All-wheel drive system Battery sensors Engine management Fuel sensors Ignitions Lambda sensors Other Continental's solutions Henkel's solutions Start-stop engine sensors Temperature sensor Transmission sensors Safety and body control Acceleration/crash sensors Continental's crash sensors Delphi's collision mitigation system TRW's remote acceleration sensors Airbag sensors Freescale Semiconductor's solutions TRW's airbag control unit Pedestrian protection systems Continental's solutions Continental's air hose Denso's pedestrian collision detection sensor TRW's solutions Seatbelt sensors Tyre pressure monitoring systems For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/c686l6/global_automotive?w=12 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Provocarea zilnica a pompierilor buzoieni: lupta cu tehnica invechita Parcul auto de interventie al pompierilor din Romania dateaza de zeci de ani. Potrivit datelor oficiale, aproape jumatate dintre autospeciale sunt mai vechi de 25 de ani, multe fiind trecute chiar de 30 de ani. Mai exact, 45,27 la suta dintre masinile de interventie [citeste mai departe] Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 03:48:03|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before leaving the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on Jan. 10, 2019. Donald Trump said Thursday he "would almost say definitely" that he would declare a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, a controversial option he has been publicly contemplating since last week. (Xinhua/Ting Shen) WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday canceled his planned trip later this month to the Swiss ski resort of Davos for the annual World Economic Forum (WEF), due to the ongoing partial government shutdown. "Because of the Democrats intransigence on Border Security and the great importance of Safety for our Nation, I am respectfully cancelling my very important trip to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum," the president tweeted. Trump has locked himself in a stalemate with congressional Democrats in the dispute over his demand for more than 5 billion U.S. dollars for funding a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Earlier in the day, Trump told reporters before setting out for a trip to the U.S. southern border that he "won't go" to Davos if the shutdown continues. "Well, I intended to go and speak in front of the world financial community in Davos. That's still on, but if the shutdown continues, which is in a while from now, if the shutdown continues, I won't go," Trump told reporters outside the White House. On Dec. 18, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders announced the presidential trip to Davos, adding that the president will be accompanied by an entourage led by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. According to Sanders, the U.S. delegation comprises Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, among others. Trump, whose presence at the 2018 WEF was the first by a U.S. head of state since former President Bill Clinton, said Washington has "a great story to tell" at the international gathering this year, which runs on Jan. 22-25. Trump on Thursday headed for McAllen, a city in the southern U.S. state of Texas that borders Mexico, to continue pitching his demand for the wall-funding money. The president said during the press gaggle before his departure that he "would almost say definitely" that he would declare a national emergency at the border, a controversial option he has been publicly contemplating since last week. White House Counsel Pat Cipollone is accompanying Trump during the border visit, as the White House Counsel's Office has been assessing the legal process involved in a national emergency declaration over the wall. While claiming that he has "the absolute right" to make a national emergency declaration, Trump said "it makes sense" to get the wall-funding money from the Congress, but using his executive power to get it done is "the easy route." A U.S. president does have the authority to declare a national emergency, which, in the case of the current deadlock, will enable Trump to bypass congressional approval and build the wall using the Department of Defense money that has already been allocated. However, Democratic lawmakers and legal experts have said Trump's adoption of this method constitutes an abuse of power and will invite immediate court challenges. In a nationally televised speech from the Oval Office on Tuesday night, Trump painted a picture of "growing humanitarian and security crisis at our southern border," justifying his argument with a number of unchecked examples. He at that time refrained from mentioning his decision on national emergency declaration. The partial government shutdown, which now stretched into its 20th day and is set to surpass the 21-day historical record, has paralyzed a quarter of federal agencies and left 800,000 federal employees furloughed or working without pay. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 06:48:41|Editor: zh Video Player Close CAIRO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's calls for regional cooperation to defy Iran's influence in the Middle East is part of a U.S. strategy to topple the Iranian regime, experts said Thursday. Delivering a major speech at the American University in Cairo on Thursday, Pompeo said Feb. 11 will mark 40 years since "this (Iranian) brutal regime came to power." He stressed that the U.S. government stands with the Iranian people as they demand new freedoms and accountability they deserve. The United States will "use diplomacy" and work with partners to curb Iran's influence in the Middle East region, Pompeo added. He also said countries of the Middle East will never enjoy security, achieve economic stability, or advance dreams of their peoples if Iran's regime persists on its current course. "The U.S. is working with partners in the region and beyond to stop malign activity by Iran and its proxies in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and elsewhere," he noted. Pompeo's speech was seen by observers as a clear announcement of a new U.S.-led regional coalition to strip Tehran of its powers in the Middle East, or further bring down the Islamic regime. "Pompeo's words about Iran were anticipated because most of his recent speeches focused on demonizing Iran and mobilizing partners against its policies," Cairo-based Mohamed Mohsen Aboul-Nour, founder and chief of Arab Forum for Analyzing Iranian Policies, told Xinhua. "There have been U.S.-led arrangements over the past few months to form a coalition in the region to defy Iran," Aboul-Nour said. Washington will lead the coalition, but its allies in the region, mainly the Gulf countries and Israel, will be the tools to implement the coalition's plans, he noted. The Egyptian expert explained that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Oman two months ago was meant to discuss the implementation of the new U.S. plan against Iran. However, according to Aboul-Nour, Iran's influence cannot be undermined easily because it managed to create non-Iranian militias in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. "Iran is not going to lose any military confrontation in these countries. Iran also presents in these countries under their governments' request, so its presence in these countries is legal under the international law," he said. Pompeo arrived in Cairo late Wednesday following stops in Jordan and Iraq during his Middle East tour that also includes Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman. Earlier in the day, he held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi over the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries. U.S. President Donald Trump announced last May his country's withdrawal from the Iranian nuclear deal, a landmark international agreement signed in 2015. Afterward, the White House said Trump had "directed his administration to immediately begin the process of re-imposing sanctions related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)." Trump's decision was widely anticipated, but the international society has shrugged a cold shoulder at his move. Federica Mogherini, EU foreign and security policy chief, said Europe will stand by the nuclear accord with Iran. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on "other JCPOA participants to abide fully by their respective commitments under the JCPOA and on all other (UN) member states to support this agreement." Russia also expressed deep disappointment at the U.S. withdrawal, saying "there are no grounds for such a move." While Pompeo's speech largely focused on Iran, he barely spoke of the Middle East's main issue, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During his speech in Cairo, Pompeo said Washington will continue to ensure that Israel has the military capacity to defend itself against regional threats, particularly what he referred to as "the Iranian regime's aggressive adventurism." The Trump administration recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital last year and moved the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the disputed holy city amid regional and international rejection. Pompeo reiterated U.S. commitment to the Jerusalem recognition in favor of Israel, but he said Washington will work on the settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and continue "to press for real and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians." "Pompeo's talk about Iran was meant to evade the spotlight from the region's main problem," Fadi Elhusseini, researcher and board member of the Institute for Middle East Studies-Canada, told Xinhua. Elhusseini said the U.S. and Israeli governments always exaggerate the Iranian threat, and in turn play down the value of the Palestinian cause. This approach reduces the chances of peacemaking because the focus of the international community goes for the Iranian issue, he added. According to Elhusseini, the United States is attempting to use its allies in the region to cause harm to Iran, one of the U.S. bitter foes. The expert noted that Pompeo's speech was also intended to polish U.S. image and to show it as the guardian of democracy in the world. "Pompeo said the U.S. is not an occupying force and this is totally against the truth. History says the U.S. occupied Iraq and Afghanistan, fought in Vietnam, and intervened militarily in Somalia. It also dropped nuclear bombs on Japan in World War II," Elhusseini said. He revealed that Pompeo also wanted to shed light on the recent deal in Syria to remove U.S. troops from there and leave Russia as a main player in the Arab country. "In return, Iranian forces would also leave Syria and its role there would decrease," the expert explained. He pointed out that there seems to be an international consensus on this agreement. The change in the policies of many countries toward Syria and their acceptance of the idea of keeping Syrian President Bashar Assad in power proves this possibility, he added. RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JAGGAER, the worlds largest independent spend management company, today announces that the University of California has leveraged JAGGAERs software to meet the schools Sustainable Procurement Policy and associated Guidelines. JAGGAERs platform allows UC schools to select suppliers based on multiple classes of Green and socially responsible categorization. JAGGAERs solutions are helping us fulfill a critical part of our vision, as an essential component of the financial health of the University, and our mission, to expand opportunities for teaching, research and public service, by delivering savings and efficient procurement services. Now these same solutions are enabling us to operate with a Green mandate, which we feel should set a standard for the entire country, says William M. Bill Cooper, Associate Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer, University of California Procurement Services. Each year, just over 300 University of California procurement professionals partner with fellow administrators, faculty and students to purchase over $8 billion in goods and services in support of the institutions missions of teaching, research and public service. JAGGAER provides UC campuses with the ability to create a customized supplier product or item flag on the eProcurement platform. Campuses develop a standardized UC Green custom flag to denote products in catalogs that meet preferred level Green criteria. Flags can also be used to highlight items that meet UC Green standards in product searches, and to track Green spend. The JAGGAER solution also provides for supplier class flags that can be used to identify suppliers who are Economically and Socially Responsible (EaSR) i.e. Small Business Enterprises, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, Women-owned Business Enterprises, etc. The UC employs a systemwide approach, leveraging the Universitys spending power for better pricing, terms and conditions, resulting in the delivery of $382 million in annual benefit in fiscal year 2018. Their mandates include driving down Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and promoting new revenue opportunities through effective sourcing, contract management and supply chain solutions; and partnering with suppliers to develop business relationships and solutions that optimize value for the University. About JAGGAER: Global Spend Management Solutions JAGGAER is the worlds largest independent spend management company, with over 2,000 customers connected to a network of 3.7 million suppliers in 70 countries, served by offices located in North America, Latin America, throughout Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Asia and the Middle East. JAGGAER offers complete SaaS-based Source to Pay eProcurement solutions with advanced Spend Analytics, Sourcing, Supplier Management, Contract Lifecycle Management, Savings Tracking and intelligent workflow capabilities. JAGGAER has pioneered spend solutions for over two decades and continues to lead the innovation curve by listening to customers and analyzing the market. Our solution suites are trusted by the worlds largest manufacturing, education, health care, retail, consumer package goods, logistics, construction, utilities companies and public service organizations. Additionally, JAGGAER holds 38 patentsmore than any other spend management company. www.JAGGAER.com To join the conversation, please visit our blog at https://JAGGAER.com/blog/ or follow us on Twitter @JaggaerPro Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 06:33:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A rising number of attacks by extremist groups, using more sophisticated tactics, risk undermining progress in West Africa and the Sahel, the region's UN envoy told the Security Council on Thursday. "Military solutions, while necessary, are not sufficient," said Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the special representative of UN secretary-general for West Africa and the Sahel, pushing for holistic responses. In the Chad Basin, there have been increased Boko Haram attacks in recent months, notably against military installations, he said, adding that violent clashes between farmers and herders continue, but on a lesser scale. Speaking of Burkina Faso, he said that against the backdrop of a significant rise in security incidents, a state of emergency had been declared in seven of the country's 13 regions in the north, west and east. In Niger, despite mass mobilization of defense and security forces, they are "continuing to face challenges in the west and south," he noted. While talking about the situation in Niger, Benin and Togo as a whole, he said that "increased attacks and kidnappings by extremist groups are heightening security risks." Against the backdrop of high population growth, worsening youth unemployment and economic austerity measures, including the elimination of subsidies in some countries, Chambas underscored that "rising insecurity has placed a heavy burden on governments in the region." The special envoy said UNOWAS (United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel) was working to advance the region's long-term stabilization goals, cooperating closely with regional partners, within the framework of the last year's new UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS). He also noted that while "laudable progress" was made in implementing the Council's 2017 resolution for a regional response to the Lake Chad Basin crisis, "more support is needed to advance the stabilization efforts in the Sahel." Beyond the "persisting security challenges," Chambas lauded presidential elections in Mali last year, regional elections in Mauritania, and voting across Togo and Cote d'Ivoire, while underscoring that "despite appreciable progress in democratic consolidation in the region, continuous efforts are needed to address contentious issues around elections." Indicating that this was of particular importance over the next six months as the region would conduct "several high-stake elections" in Nigeria, Senegal, Mauritania and Benin, he called the next cycle of regional elections "a litmus test for the consolidation of democratic gains." Chambas pointed out that women continue to be discriminated against and marginalized from political processes, saying that they "comprise less than 15 percent of parliamentarians in several countries of the region." He also expressed concern over human rights challenges, particularly allegations of human rights violations by security forces, as well as the increasing re-emergence of self-defense groups, "whose actions have been fueling intercommunal tensions." "Through inclusive approaches predicated on national ownership, we must continue to work hard on addressing the governance deficits, the extreme poverty and lack of development that feed and sustain armed violence and extremism," the special representative said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 06:28:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Thursday met with visiting Iranian Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zanganeh over further cooperation in the sectors of oil and energy. According to a statement by Iraqi Prime Minister's office, Mahdi hailed the relations between the two neighboring countries to serve the interests of both peoples. For his part, Zanganeh also voiced the need to further develop the bilateral relations, saying he hoped more cooperation could be achieved. Zanganeh and his delegation arrived in Iraq's capital Baghdad on Thursday morning, a day after a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Iraq. Washington withdrew from the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal last May and imposed a new round of sanctions against Iran on Aug. 7, 2018. On Nov. 5, the United States announced the second package of anti-Iran sanctions covering the sectors of oil, energy and banking. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 06:23:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CHICAGO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) soybean futures dropped nearly 2 percent on Thursday, with market under pressure as traders are awaiting new purchases by Chinese buyers. The most active corn contract for March delivery went down 5.75 cents, or 1.51 percent to close at 3.7625 dollars per bushel. March wheat delivery was down 6.25 cent, or 1.20 percent to close at 5.1375 dollars per bushel. March soybean delivery dropped 17.25 cents, or 1.87 percent to close at 9.0675 dollars per bushel. Traders were missing details on daily U.S. grain export sales, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture has not been reporting during the federal government's partial shutdown. CBOT soybean prices rose for five of the six previous sessions on optimism over U.S.-China trade talk. China and the United States held a talk at the vice-ministerial level on economic and trade issues in Beijing from Monday to Wednesday, said a statement from Chinese Ministry of Commerce. The talk has enhanced mutual understanding and laid a foundation for addressing each other's concerns, the statement said. CBOT wheat futures fell after Egypt chose Russian supplies in its latest tender, and corn futures also went down as there is lack of fresh news to support corn prices. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 06:23:35|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close SARAJEVO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The European Union is still waiting for Bosnia and Herzegovina's answers to additional European Commission questions and candidate status of BiH depends on these answers, an EU lawmaker said here Thursday. Cristian Dan Preda, Standing Rapporteur for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European Parliament, urged BiH authorities to answer the additional questions as soon as possible, following his meeting with two members of BiH's Presidency, Sefik Dzaferovic and Zeljko Komsic. "I remind you that the additional questions were sent in June 2018, and now, it is January 2019. I would say that this is taking a long time. I hope you will solve this question first," Preda told reporters. He explained that it is of great importance to answer the questions in order to get the European Commission's opinion on candidate status. Preda also highlighted that, apart from not answering on the additional questions, BiH authorities failed to appoint parliamentarians to work with their counterparts from the European Union. "We have adopted a report on BiH, but no joint committee has yet been established which would equally comprise parliamentarians from BiH and the EU, which would enable a consolidated, joint work on the European path of BiH," Preda explained. "My message is to convince your parliamentarians to work with the European parliamentarians," he said. Dzaferovic specified that currently, the most urgent issue in BiH is to answer the additional questions. "I expect this process to be completed in the following days. Our aim is to get the candidate status as soon as possible," Dzaferovic said. On Feb. 28 2018, the former Chairman of BiH Presidency Dragan Covic officially handed the answered EU accession questionnaire to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. In June, the European Commission sent additional 655 questions out of which 106 questions refer to political criteria, 43 regarding social politics employment, 36 questions regarding education, and another 33 questions regarding economy. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 06:08:31|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close GAZA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian official said on Thursday that the truce with Israel will be kept valid under the mediation of a senior Egyptian security intelligence delegation. The announcement was made after a three-hour meeting between the Egyptian delegation and the leaders of the Palestinian factions at the office of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Gaza City. Talal Abu Zarifa, a senior leader of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, told Xinhua that the meeting with the Egyptian delegation "was positive, important and fruitful." "We discussed with the senior Egyptian security officials the calm understanding (with Israel), the internal Palestinian reconciliation issues and the recent crisis at Rafah Border Crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt," he said. However, the calm may not last long "as long as the Israeli occupation is not committed to it," he added. Earlier in the day, the Egyptian delegation arrived in Gaza from the West Bank through the Erez Crossing on the border with Israel. Soldiers of the Mauritania Army wait in an armed vehicle at a G5 Sahel task force outpost in the southeast of Mauritania, along the border with Mali, on Nov. 22, 2018. (AFP Photo) UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday said that China backs the United Nations' necessary financial support for the G5 Sahel joint force. At a UN Security Council meeting, Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, urged the international community to provide strong support to the countries in West Africa and the Sahel region, in fighting cross-border crimes and terrorism. "Overall the situation in West Africa and the Sahel region has been stable, but countries are still facing threats such as violent extremists, terrorist groups, cross-border organized crimes and natural disasters," he said. To address these challenges, Wu said that to tackle the root causes of conflict is important, the international community should focus on the countries' development while assisting them on hotspot issues. The Sahel region stretches across the south-central part of Northern Africa between the Atlantic Ocean and the Red Sea, touching multiple countries. In 2017, 5 Sahel nations, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad and Mauritania, set up the joint force with the aim to roll back terrorism and lawlessness in the aftermath of a Tuareg separatist uprising in northern Mali in 2012. However, due to inefficient financing, the joint force has met difficulties in attaining full operational capacity. Concluding his statement, the Chinese envoy pledged that China is ready to work with the international community in continuing to play a constructive role in achieving peace and stability on the African continent. Ever since its establishment, the China-UN Peace and Development Trust Fund has provided financial support to a number of projects on anti-terrorism in Africa. Strengthening the cooperation with African countries has always been a priority in China's diplomacy, he said. A T-34 tank drives during the Victory Day parade in Moscow May 9, 2016. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi) VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A batch of 30 Soviet T-34 tanks from Laos has arrived in the city of Vladivostok, the Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday. The combat vehicles will be delivered to the city of Naro-Fominsk by rail, the ministry said in a statement. According to the ministry, the tanks will be used during Victory Day parades, as well as in museum expositions and films about the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War. The T-34 was a technological breakthrough for its time, the ministry said. Between 1940 and 1946, the Soviet Union produced over 58,000 such tanks. According to TASS news agency, the Soviet tanks were handed over to Laos three decades ago. The agreement on the transfer of the tanks was reached during Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's visit to Laos in January 2018. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 03:48:03|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close HELSINKI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Helsinki District Court sentenced on Thursday a former soldier of the Iraqi army in prison for war crimes, local media reported. According to the court, the 41-year-old Iraqi man treated the bodies of dead people in an inhuman and degrading way and offended their honor in Iraq in the spring of 2015, when he participated in battles against the militant group ISIS. The man was accused of posting two horrible videos on Facebook. In the first video, the man cut the head of a dead ISIS fighter, and in the second video, he posed in front of burning corpses. In the judgment, the court stated that the man's decapitation of a dead fighter, taking videos and photos and distributing them on the social media, are generally a violation of human dignity. The court, therefore, sentenced him to one and a half years of conditional imprisonment. The defendant admitted in the court that he cut off the head of a dead fighter and hung the head in his hand, but denied being involved in burning bodies and uploading or allowing others to upload the footage to Facebook. He also told court the cruelty of ISIS and the injustice he experienced. ISIS had kidnapped his four loved ones, according to the man. However, the court did not accept the man's reasoning and considered that he had committed war crimes, saying that the cruelty of ISIS' actions against the local population is not a justification for accepting inhuman and degrading treatment. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 03:48:02|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close RABAT, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Morocco will restore compulsory military service in September, a government spokesman said Thursday. The two chambers of the Moroccan parliament voted with an overwhelming majority to adopt the draft bill reinstating a 12-month compulsory military service for young people aged between 19 and 25 years old, said Mustapha El Khalfi. The first batch of people to join the compulsory military service will include 10,000 young men and women, he added. The compulsory military service was lifted in 2006. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 03:23:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close CHICAGO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has reached an 800-million-U.S. dollar settlement with U.S. authorities and consumers over alleged diesel emissions cheating cases, the Italian-American automaker said on Thursday. Civil penalties under the settlement total approximately 400 million dollars, payable to various U.S. federal and state authorities that have accused FCA of using defeat devices to cheat emissions tests. FCA's U.S. subsidiary has agreed to provide free software update for an estimated 100,000 vehicles, which don't require any hardware modification. The recall involves model-year 2014-2016 Ram 1500 pickups and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs equipped with 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engines. Meanwhile, each eligible customer affected by the recall will receive an average of 2,800 dollars in compensation. However, FCA maintains its position that the company did not engage in any "deliberate scheme" to install defeat devices to cheat emissions tests. "The consent decree and settlement agreements contain no finding or admission with regard to any alleged violations," FCA said in a statement. The settlement now awaits U.S. judicial approval. Berlin, Germany, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (via Blockchain Wire) Paranoid Internet industry research finds that some industries change rapidly while others take their time to adapt to new technology. Traditional advertising, specifically traditional OOH (out of home) advertising, still conjures Mad Men style images of cigarette holding, suit-wearing men strategizing billboard ad copy. As many industries continue to dive deep into digital, advertising is actually keeping pace. DOOH (digital out of home) advertising is expected to continue to see major growth as these trends continue. With more and more screens popping up, the old school business model will soon be struggling to keep up. Currently, to be able to purchase DOOH advertising, having an extensive capital and long lead time is expected. Due to these barriers, connecting owners of public displays with advertisers in a peer-to-peer fashion seems to have lots of potentials. And this is where the HYGH platform comes in: to empower everyone to become an advertiser, regardless of advertising competence, budget, or/and company size. The HYGH player turns any screen into highly flexible ad space, be it a tablet located at a convenience store checkout, a TV in a small shop window or a professionally mounted outdoor billboard in Times Square. Not only they plan to revolutionize the advertising industry, but also the way to invest in it. As of today, HYGH's Pre Security Token Sale is running, giving investors a 9% share of their revenue and therefore, allows them to explore this emerging funding model. This has the potential to be particularly interesting for first-time crypto investors because the main risks associated with ICOs are reduced. The timing is ideal to get the best offer during the First Pre-Sale Round at a 40% discount. This is the only time to purchase HYGH Tokens at 0.03$ instead of 0.05$ with ETH, BTC, USD, and EUR. Investors who participate in the pre-sale can benefit from the lowest entry prices to the HYGH Security Token and then sell HYGHer once it will be listed on the exchanges. In addition, HYGH has been officially recognized as a security token by FINMA (Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority). To invest, users should simply register and fill out their KYC. On top of any investment, HYGH is offering a bonus of 5% until 24th January. But also, for those interested in other alternative ways of earning tokens, HYGH also offers a bounty program just by signing up. The goal of democratizing the advertising industry is something that HYGH truly cares about. For more information check out their timeline to stay ahead of the DOOH Advertising industry: January 2019: Launch Pre Security Token Offering April 2019: Final product launch and full support with all major devices End of 2019: Launch the app and enable live streaming 2020: 150,000 screens in the network Alternatively, they can decide to hodl the tokens and receive a quarterly payout of 9% of the revenue that is generated through the HYGH platform after taxes. About Paranoid Internet: Paranoid Internet is the leading interactive agency for blockchain companies and the crypto market. We provide customized and proven solutions for tech startups, blockchain companies, cryptocurrencies and innovators. The company has helped token sales, like HYGH, worldwide with strategic, personalized game plans to realize their potential and maximize their token sale profits. About HYGH: HYGH is a peer-to-peer advertising network and content management system that connects owners of public displays with brands. Managed through an easy to use app, The HYGH platform empowers everyone to become an advertiser, regardless of budget, resources or company size. For more information, visit: https://hygh.tech/ Press Contact: Nuria Gimeno Head of Branding, Paranoid Internet Berlin nuria@paranoid-internet.de https://paranoid-internet.de/ Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 03:12:57|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that he would cancel his planned trip later this month to the Swiss ski resort of Davos for the annual World Economic Forum, due to the ongoing partial government shutdown. "Because of the Democrats intransigence on Border Security and the great importance of Safety for our Nation, I am respectfully cancelling my very important trip to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum," the president tweeted. Trump has locked himself in a stalemate with congressional Democrats in the dispute over his demand for more than 5 billion U.S. dollars for funding a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Earlier on the day, Trump told reporters before setting out for a trip to the U.S. southern border that he "won't go" to Davos if the shutdown continues. "Well, I intended to go and speak in front of the world financial community in Davos. That's still on, but if the shutdown continues, which is in a while from now, if the shutdown continues, I won't go," he said. Last month, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders announced the presidential trip to Davos, adding that the president will be accompanied by an entourage led by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. According to Sanders, the U.S. delegation comprises Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, among others. Trump, whose presence at the 2018 WEF was the first by a U.S. head of state since former President Bill Clinton, said Thursday that Washington has "a great story to tell" at the international gathering this year, which runs on Jan. 22-25. The partisan fight has forced the partial government shutdown which stretched into the 20th day and, with no end in sight, is about to make it the longest in U.S. history. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 02:52:50|Editor: zh Video Player Close China sends Zhongxing-2D satellite into space on a Long March-3B carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province at 1:11 a.m., Jan. 11, 2019. The satellite has entered the preset orbit. (Xinhua/Liang Keyan) XICHANG, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- China sent Zhongxing-2D satellite into space on a Long March-3B carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province at 1:11 a.m. Friday. The satellite has entered the preset orbit. The Chinese-made communication and broadcasting satellite will provide transmission service for the country's radio, television stations and cable television networks. The Zhongxing-2D satellite and Long March-3B carrier rocket were developed and produced by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. This was the 298th mission of the Long March rocket series. File Photo: People stand behind the border fence that divides the U.S. and Mexico in San Diego, California, the United States, Nov. 17, 2018. (Xinhua/Zhao Hanrong) WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he "would almost say definitely" that he would declare a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, a controversial option he has been publicly contemplating since last week. Trump gave the remarks as he was set to travel to McAllen, a city in the southern U.S. state of Texas that borders Mexico, to continue pitching his demand for more than 5 billion U.S. dollars for funding a border wall. The president has locked himself in a stalemate with congressional Democrats in the dispute over the wall. The partisan fight has dragged a partial government shutdown into the 20th day and, with no end in sight, is about to make it the longest in U.S. history. White House Counsel Pat Cipollone is accompanying Trump during the border visit, as the White House Counsel's Office has been assessing the legal process involved in a national emergency declaration over the wall. While claiming that he has "the absolute right" to make a national emergency declaration, Trump said that "it makes sense" to get the wall-funding money from the Congress, but that using his executive power to get it done is "the easy route." A U.S. president does have the authority to declare a national emergency, which, in the case of the current deadlock, will enable Trump to bypass congressional approval and build the wall using the Department of Defense money that has already been allocated. However, Democratic lawmakers and legal experts have said Trump's adoption of this method constitutes an abuse of power and will invite immediate court challenges. File Photo: U.S. President Donald Trump attends the 48th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 26, 2018. (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan) WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that if the partial government shutdown continues, he might cancel a planned trip later this month to the Swiss ski resort of Davos for the annual World Economic Forum (WEF). "Well, I intended to go and speak in front of the world financial community in Davos. That's still on, but if the shutdown continues, which is in a while from now, if the shutdown continues, I won't go," Trump told reporters outside the White House. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders announced the presidential trip to Davos on Dec. 18, adding that the president will be accompanied by an entourage led by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. According to Sanders, members of the U.S. delegation also include Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, among others. Trump, whose presence at the 2018 WEF was the first by a U.S. head of state since former President Bill Clinton, said Thursday that Washington has "a great story to tell" at the international gathering this year, which runs from Jan. 22 to 25. Trump gave the remarks as he is set to travel to McAllen, a city in the southern U.S. state of Texas that borders Mexico, to continue pitching his demand for more than 5 billion U.S. dollars for funding a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 02:02:35|Editor: zh Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese engagement has propelled Ethiopia's development ambitions by boosting the East African country's capacity building efforts, an Ethiopian scholar said on Thursday. Costantinos Bt. Costantinos, who served as an economic advisor to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), told Xinhua on Thursday that "Ethiopia has benefited from China's investments, grants and loans." According to the expert, partnership with China has among other things helped the East African country to build close to 74,000 km of all-weather roads, modern railway lines, hydro-power stations, transmission lines and industrial parks. "This is a great stride towards structural transformation," Costantinos said, adding that "some arenas in particular that merit attention in this regard focusing on excellence and not just quantity and cost," he said. Costantinos, also professor of public policy at the Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, further stressed the various ways that Ethiopia recently embarked on to benefit from its partnership with China. "It is about engaging more local human endowment in Ethiopia by using the vast number of graduates from universities and vocational schools," he said. "It is about greater capacity building of local competences of those graduates from universities and vocational schools," Costantinos added. The scholar's assertion came days after the two countries recently emphasized their common interest to further strengthen their comprehensive strategic relation, with due emphasis given to a win-win partnership modality. Speaking in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa last week, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China and Ethiopia are close friends and strategic partners. The friendship has withstood the tests of fluctuating international situations and is unbreakable, said Wang. Wang, who met Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, President Sahle-Work Zewde and Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu, said that China will firmly remain the most reliable and long-lasting partner of Ethiopia, and strive to provide assistance and support to Ethiopia's development. China supports Ethiopia to pursue a development path that suits its national conditions and wins the support of its people, Wang said. Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed stressed that China has made positive contributions to the development of Ethiopia and other African countries. Costantinos also outlined some of the potential areas that Ethiopia in particular, and other Sub-Saharan countries, could implement so as to spur their comprehensive development. Rural reforms in China that helped accelerate economic take-off through the restructuring of property rights and a boost to saving rates and outputs, as well as China's focus on excellence and quality, could further yield more benefits for many Sub-Saharan African countries, Costantinos said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 01:57:31|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close OTTAWA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- President of the Treasury Board of Canada Scott Brison on Thursday announced his resigning from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government and will not be seeing re-election in the Canadian House of Commons late this year. Brison made the announcement online Thursday morning. He has held cabinet portfolios in the Liberal governments of Paul Martin and Justin Trudeau. Brison has informed Trudeau of his decision, and said he is working to ensure a smooth transition, as his departure is expected to trigger a cabinet shuffle to fill his ministerial vacancy. Becoming a member of parliament of Canada in June 1997, Brison has represented his Kings-Hants, Nova Scotia riding for 22 years, and said he wants to spend more time with his family. "They say life begins at 50, well I'm 51 and ready for new challenges," Brison said in a video posted to social media. In a tweet, Trudeau thanked Brison for being a "tireless champion for the people of Nova Scotia and for Canada." Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 01:52:30|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Libya's Prime Minister Fayez Serraj and the Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya Ghassan Salame on Thursday held a meeting in the capital Tripoli and discussed preparations for the upcoming national conference. "During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on the steps taken by the UN mission to ensure the success of the national conference to be held soon, which will gather political, social and cultural representatives without excluding anyone," said a statement issued by the PM's information office. The Libyan national conference is expected to discuss the upcoming elections, constitution, mechanisms of resource allocation, and national reconciliation. On Tuesday, the UN mission said that all information including the date, venue and other details of the conference will be announced on the mission's communications channels, and invitations to the event "will be sent out to expected participants, only from the mission." Ever since the fall of the late leader Gaddafi's regime in 2011, Libya has been struggling to make a democratic transition amid escalating violence and political division. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 01:12:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ARUSHA, Tanzania, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Four people died and more than 70 others were hospitalized following an anthrax outbreak in southwestern Tanzania's district of Momba, health official confirmed on Thursday. Anno Maseta, Momba District Medical Officer, confirmed that there were 78 patients from Nzoka ward infected with anthrax and four of them died. Anthrax is a rare but deadly bacterial disease and this particular outbreak is believed to have spread to humans from a dead cow. "So far four people died with the bacterial disease; the remaining 74 are receiving treatment," he said. Juma Irando, Momba District Commissioner, said the district leadership was working on measures to address the anthrax outbreak, a highly infectious, fatal bacterial disease of mammals, especially cattle and sheep. When transmitted to humans it causes skin ulcers or a form of pneumonia. Some patients, who were admitted at Nzoka Village Dispensary in the district, confirmed that they had eaten the meat of a dead cow believed to have died of anthrax. Silvester Simwinga, one of the patients, said: "I started feeling bad just a few hours after I ate the meat. Doctors have confirmed that I am suffering from anthrax." Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 00:47:16|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Thursday said that 164 illegal immigrants from Niger have been voluntarily deported from Libya to their country. "Altogether 164 migrants from Niger were able to return home safely via Misurata airport. IOM teams continue to provide much needed assistance to stranded migrants in Libya with support from the European Union Trust Fund," IOM said. The voluntary repatriation program is carried out by the IOM with an aim to arrange the return of illegal immigrants stranded in Libya to their countries of origin. Migrant shelters in Libya are crowded with thousands of migrants who have been rescued at sea or arrested by the Libyan security services. Libya has become a preferred departure point for illegal immigrants hoping to cross the Mediterranean Sea into Europe due to insecurity and chaos in the North African country following the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 00:37:12|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close AMMAN, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Yemeni Foreign Minister Khaled Al Yamani said Thursday that no progress has been made on the ground since the signing of an agreement with the Houthis in Sweden in December last year. "After almost one month since signing the deal, nothing has been realized on the ground and the rebels who started the coup did not leave the sea ports," the minister said at a joint press conference in Amman with Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi. "In Stockholm, we stretched our hand for peace and thus we agreed to the Hodeidah Initiative and agreed to start talks to end the siege on Taiz," Al Yamani said. "These initiatives are based on the assumption that the rebels will release the prisoners and withdraw from several sea ports, and nothing has so far happened," the top Yemeni diplomat added. In December 2018, the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels reached an agreement during the peace talks in Sweden on the city of Hodeidah and the ports of Hodeidah, Salif and Ras Issa, an executive mechanism on activating the prisoner exchange agreement, and a statement of understanding on Taiz. They vowed to fully implement the agreement, refrain from any action, escalation or decision that would undermine the full implementation of the agreement, and continue the consultation unconditionally in January 2019 at a location to be agreed upon by the parties. For his part, Safadi told the press conference that Jordan has received a request from UN Envoy on Yemen Martin Griffiths to host a meeting between the Yemeni government and the Houthis in Jordan. "Jordan will look into the request as soon as possible in line with our clear stand that supports all efforts that would help lead to resolving the Yemeni crisis in line with clear references leading to ending the suffering of the Yemenis," said the minister. He added that Jordan will continue to exert all efforts to help resolve the Yemeni crisis. Dublin, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Light Vehicle Safety Systems Market - Forecasts to 2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report has been extracted from motor industry information and intelligence platform QUBE and provides a comprehensive overview of the global OE automotive active and passive safety systems sector, major suppliers, top 14 markets, technology trends and market size forecasts. Based on exclusive interviews, primary research and proprietary data this global safety market study includes: Automotive OE active safety systems (adaptive cruise control, head- up displays, lane departure warning, parking assistance, brakes) and passive safety systems (front airbags, side airbags, driver airbags, passenger airbags, curtain airbags) fitment and market size data for the top 14 markets A review of the latest technological developments and market trends of safety systems (including frontal airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, seatbelts, active head restraints, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, lane departure, park assist, electronic braking, ABS, ESC, predictive braking, lighting systems, steer assist, radar, head- up display, cameras, adaptive front lighting, daytime running lights, run- flat tyres, TPMS) Regional supplier market share data tables and commentary Exclusive interviews with OE suppliers of safety technology including Takata, Bosch, TRW, Continental, Harman, Delphi (news and interviews only available in QUBE) Updated profiles of the major automotive safety systems suppliers including their strategies and prospects for future safety developments Sector PESTER (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Regulatory) analysis The top 14 markets accounting for over 98% of global light vehicle production include: North America (US, Canada and Mexico) ; Mercosur (Brazil and Argentina); Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, UK, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, Finland and Morocco) ; Central Europe (Turkey, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia); Russia; Japan; China; India; Korea; Thailand; Other Asia; Iran; South Africa; Australia. You can use this report to: Gain a quick overview of the automotive safety systems sector globally Understand the size and scope of the world's markets Hear direct from leading companies on their strategies and plans Review the latest and most significant technological developments in safety systems Follow the key trends within the safety sector and what's driving them Spot opportunities and threats in the safety sector Establish key companies' latest activities and prospects Prepare supply and demand forecasts Produce internal sales plans and forecasts Carry out competitive intelligence Key Topics Covered: Introduction Pester analysis Companies Active and passive safety Autoliv Inc. Continental AG Robert Bosch GmbH Takata Corporation Infrastructure Merger and acquisition activity ZF Customers and contracts Infrastructure Passive safety Active safety Aptiv PLC Bendix CVS Denso Corporation Ficosa International, S.A. Freescale Semiconductor Huf Electronics Magneti Marelli Valeo SA Others CTS Corporation Gentex Harman Jabil Inc Magna International Inc. Mando Mobileye Omron Corporation Pioneer Tung Thih Electronic ZF Passive safety Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. Key Safety Systems, Inc. Customers and contracts Infrastructure Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. Others Hyosung iSi Automotive Tokai Rika Forecasts Active safety Adaptive cruise control Autonomous Emergency Braking Autonomous vehicles Head-Up Displays (HUDs) Lane departure warning systems Parking assistance systems Rearview cameras Passive safety Market forecasts Frontal airbags Side curtain airbags Side impact airbags Markets Active safety Electronic braking systems' market shares Asia-Pacific Europe North America South America Market drivers Market shares Research findings Survey shows distrust of full autonomous vehicles Why people become distracted while driving Emerging markets Passive safety Market drivers Market segmentation Market shares Asian market Chinese market European market Indian market North American market Technologies Accident research Accidents happen Active safety Driver assistance systems Adaptive cruise control Blind spot detection systems Head-up display Lane departure warning systems Other driver assistance Aisin Seiki's solutions Aptiv's electronically scanning radar Audible warnings in the autonomous car Autoliv's Stereo Vision Sensing system Banner Engineering's radar-based sensors Bosch's mid-range radar sensors Bosch's parking solutions B-segment Nissan Note features self-cleaning rearview camera Cadillac uses seat vibrations to warn drivers of crash threats Continental offers advance warning about low road grip Continental's crash sensors Continental's DAS solution for buses and trucks Continental's 'driver focus' vehicle Continental's emergency steer assist Continental's Multimedia Radio Navigation system Continental's system warns wrong way drivers Denso's image recognition technology Denso's laser radar Denso's millimetre-wave radar EyeSight's solutions Ford's solutions Freescale Semiconductor's solutions GM's solutions Harman's solution Hyundai Motor's solutions JLR's solutions Laser-based head-up display developed by Aptiv Nissan's emergency assist for pedal misapplication Radar that detects end of traffic jams and actuates emergency brakes Renesas Electronics' solution Subaru's solution Valeo's DAS for electric vehicles ZF's solutions Parking assistance systems Bosch's solution Ficosa's solution Hitachi Automotive Systems' solution Valeo's solution Tomorrow's driver assistance Aptiv's RACam Aptiv's vision systems BMW's vision of automated parking Bosch's vision of automated driving Continental's camera monitor system Continental's sensor technologies Denso Ten's solution Ford's solution GM's solutions Haptic steering wheel Hitachi Automotive Systems' solution Honda's solutions Kia's solutions Nissan's solutions Opel's solutions Optical sensors Panasonic's solutions PSA Group's solutions Rear camera displays Self-driving vehicles will be available by 2020 Subaru's solutions Technologies to assist older drivers Toyota's pre-collision system UR:BAN Visteon's camera-enhanced cockpit concept Visteon's solutions Volvo's solutions Electronic braking systems Anti-lock braking system developments Braking assistance system developments Electronic Stability Control system developments Predictive emergency brake control developments Technology developments Tomorrow's steering systems Tyres Other Run-flat tyres Tyre pressure monitoring systems Lighting Adaptive front lighting systems Daytime running lights Other lighting system developments Gentex's SmartBeam Night vision systems Passive safety Active head restraints Frontal airbags Airbag satellite Autoliv's smart belt system Takata's airbag venting technology Other applications Autoliv's thin windshield pillar Brembo's airbag jackets for motorcyclists Denso's pedestrian collision detection sensor Ford develops digital human child body models Freescale Semiconductor sensors for airbag systems Mercedes-Benz Pre-Safe Passive safety system for electric light truck Rear seat centre airbag Second generation head protection systems for convertibles from TRW Sensor for EVs which shuts off the battery in the event of a collision Seatbelts Active seatbelt buckle Autoliv's next generation seatbelts Bag-in-belt from Autoliv Continental's Active Emergency Belt Control Dynamic locking tongue seatbelt technology from TRW Inflatable seatbelts Ford's rear inflatable seat belts Inflatable seatbelt from Key Safety Systems Next generation seatbelt pretensioner from TRW Seatbelt tension sensors from Key Safety Systems Self-adaptive seat belt load limiting system from TRW Three-point seatbelt from Autoliv Side airbags Pelvis-Thorax Side Airbag from Key Safety Systems Regulations and test requirements Active safety regulation and test rating update Passive safety regulations Passive safety test ratings For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/pktplw/global_light?w=12 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 00:22:06|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BEIRUT, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Political sources said Thursday that Lebanon's Amal Movement is planning to implement nationwide protests to close the airport ahead of Beirut summit in a bid to prevent the Libyan delegation from taking part in the event, local media reported. "There are also other surprising steps that will be taken by Amal Movement to prevent any attempt to normalize ties with Libya which was not cooperative with regard to Imam Musa Sadr's issue and his friends," political sources told Elnashra, an online independent newspaper. Meanwhile, Supreme Shiite Council head Sheikh Abdel Amir Kabalan called for an urgent meeting to discuss inviting Libya to take part in the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit while emphasizing the need to follow up on the issue of the disappearance of Imam Musa Sadr and his friends. Imam Musa Sadr, the most prominent and charismatic Shia voice in the decade prior to the outbreak of the Lebanese civil war in 1975, disappeared alongside sheikh Muhammad Yaacoub and journalist Abbas Badreddine during an official visit to Libya in August 1978. Lebanon accuses Libya's former leader of being responsible for his disappearance. House Speaker and Amal Movement Head Nabih Berri has on several occasions asked Libya to provide information regarding Sadr's disappearance. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 00:12:03|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close DHAKA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A three-day Smartphone & Tab Expo kicked off on Thursday in Bangladesh capital Dhaka to help gadget lovers experience the latest editions of smartphone and tablet computer brands. The expo is being held in Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC), also known as Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Center, in capital Dhaka. Techshore, a local ICT solution provider, organized the expo, which is considered the largest event of showcasing smartphones and tabs in the country. Organizers said mobile brands Huawei, Samsung, Tecno, Vivo, Maximus, among others, will participate in the fair. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-11 00:02:01|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close DAMASCUS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Turkey-backed rebels are expected to leave their positions to the al-Qaida-linked militants in northern Syria within the next 24 hours, a war monitor reported on Thursday. The fighters allied with the National Liberation Front (NLF) are expected to leave their areas to the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in the province of Idlib in northwestern Syria and the countryside of Hama province in central Syria, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Britain-based watchdog group said the withdrawal is part of a deal reached a day earlier between the rival rebel groups in that part of the country. The Turkey-backed rebels will withdraw to areas controlled by the "Olive Branch" and the "Euphrates Shield" operations, as both are Turkey-backed operations through local rebel groups. The areas controlled by the two operations are located in the northern and northwestern countryside of Aleppo province in northern Syria. The deal between both sides comes on the heels of the wide-scale campaign of the HTS, which is the umbrella group of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front, against the Nour Al-Din Al-Zenki group, which is allied with the NLF, in the western countryside of Aleppo. The HTS succeeded to capture the entire western countryside of Aleppo and expanded its operation to the countryside of Idlib and Hama last week. The developments cast doubts on the future of the demilitarized zone's deal established by Turkey and Russia last September as the areas that are witnessing rebel-on-rebel fighting are included in the deal. According to the Turkey, Russia-backed deal, the HTS should have withdrawn from the demilitarized zones which didn't materialize; on the contrary, the group is expanding on the expense of the Turkey-backed rebels. Meanwhile, Syria's state-run SANA news agency said that the Syrian Army on Thursday targeted rebel groups, which have renewed their attempts to infiltrate military positions in the northern countryside of Hama and the southern countryside of Idlib. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 23:57:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close MANILA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Philippine police have filed murder charges against two suspects in the Dec. 31 bombing that killed two people and injured more than 30 others in Cotabato City in the southern Philippines, police said on Thursday. Two counts of murder and 34 counts of frustrated murder have been filed against Salipudin Lauban Pasandalan and "Alias Saed Nur Kasim," both from Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, Police Chief Superintendent Eliseo Tam Rasco, director of Philippine National Police Regional Office 12 in Soccsksargen, an administrative region in the central Mindanao, said in a statement. Pasandalan is in police custody while Kasim is at large. The charges were filed on Wednesday, Rasco said. At around 2:00 p.m. local time on Dec. 31, 2018, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded at the entrance of the South Seas shopping mall in Cotabato City. Another IED was found at the same mall with authorities carrying out a controlled explosion. Rasco alleged that the suspects planted the two IEDs at the entrance of a mall. One of the IED exploded while the other did not. On Tuesday, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana blamed the terrorist attack on the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), an Islamic rebel organization. The BIFF was founded in 2010 as a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, itself a splinter group of the Moro National Liberation Front. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 23:51:59|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close LUSAKA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has congratulated Andry Rajoelina after he was declared winner of a presidential election held in the country. Zambian President Edgar Lungu, who is also Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics Defense and Security, said in a statement released on Wednesday that the regional body congratulates Rajoelina on his election and the people of Madagascar for their peaceful conduct in the post-election period. The regional body said it welcomes the release of the final results of the Dec.19, 2018 presidential run-off and commended the High Constitutional Court for the timely release of the results. It further expressed continued support to Madagascar and to the country's electoral body, the National Electoral Commission, as it prepares for the legislative elections to be held later this year. On Tuesday, Madagascar's Constitutional Court confirmed Rajoelina as the winner of the presidential election after his opponent lodged a complaint alleging that the result was riddled with fraud. In the run-off vote, Rajoelina took 55 percent while his opponent Marc Ravalomanana won 44 percent, according to final results. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 23:41:56|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close KINSHASA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least two people were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Thursday as violence broke out after opposition candidate Felix Tshisekedi was declared winner of the presidential election. In the western town of Kikwit, two people were shot dead during a demonstration against the interim election results announced by the electoral commission on Thursday morning. An on-site report from the authorities indicated that several bullet wounds were also recorded during the clashes. Protesters also set fire to a building housing police station offices while four public buses were also set on fire. This part of the country is the stronghold of Martin Fayulu, the candidate who came second after Tshisekedi. In the cities of Kisangani and Goma, the police dispersed Fayulu's supporters who protested against the results. Fayulu had rejected the results at a press conference held a few hours after the results were announced. According to the interim results proclaimed by the electoral commission, Tshisekedi, candidate of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), received more than 7 million votes across the country. Polls were not held in three cities for safety reasons. Tshisekedi ran ahead of Fayulu of the "Lamuka" coalition, and far ahead of Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, candidate for the ruling coalition. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 23:41:55|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close TEHRAN, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami arrived in the Venezuelan capital Caracas on Thursday to take part in the inauguration ceremony of Nicolas Maduro's presidency, Tasnim news agency reported. Hatami told reporters that Iran attaches importance to expanding all-out ties with "friendly and brotherly" country of Venezuela. The Latin American state has played an active role in "anti-colonial struggles," he was quoted as saying. The Iranian delegation headed by Hatami is scheduled to meet with high-ranking officials of the Venezuela government, including Maduro. Maduro will be sworn in for a second six-year term on Thursday. He won the presidential election on May 20 with 57.4 percent of the votes, and will lead his country till 2025. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 23:31:48|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close CAIRO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that the United States will "use diplomacy" and work with partners to curb Iran's influence in the Middle East region. "The nations of the Middle East will never enjoy security, achieve economic stability, or advance the dreams of their peoples if Iran's regime persists on its current course," Pompeo said during a speech at the American University in Cairo. Pompeo said that the U.S. administration is confronting Iran's "campaigns of destruction and destabilization in the region and around the world," stressing that the U.S. economic sanctions against Iran are among the strongest in history, and will keep getting tougher until Iran changes its policies that threaten the United States and the international community. "The United States is working with partners in the region and beyond to stop malign activity by Iran and its proxies in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and elsewhere," he added. "Feb. 11 will mark 40 years since this brutal regime came to power. The Trump Administration stands with the Iranian people, as they demand new freedoms and accountability they deserve," the U.S. top diplomat added. Pompeo arrived in Cairo late Wednesday following stops in Jordan and Iraq, in a tour for the Middle East that also includes Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman. Earlier on Thursday, he held a talk with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as both asserted the depth of the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 23:21:42|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BERLIN, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- "Over four decades, you can see the big progress China has made, and other countries say they would need for hundreds of years," said Bernd Gerich, the son of China's first foreign factory director in reform and opening-up. Last December, China held a grand gathering to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the country's reform and opening-up. Ten foreigners were awarded the China Reform Friendship Medals in appreciation of the support and help from the international community during China's reform and opening-up. Bernd's father, Werner Gerich, is a well-known German expert during China's reform and opening-up that started in the late 1970s. He passed away in 2003 in Germany, and Bernd was invited to Beijing to receive the medal on behalf of his father. "It was very emotional because it's been such a long time since he passed away. I'm very proud that he is still not forgotten and deeply loved by the Chinese," said Gerich junior in an interview with Xinhua. In 1984, 65-year-old retired engineer Werner Gerich was dispatched to the Wuhan Diesel Engine Factory by a Germany's Senior Experten Service, and appointed the factory director months later. At that time, it was unprecedented in China. Bernd placed the medal in front of a bronze bust of his father in the living room, alongside other awards and souvenirs from China. Recalling the past, he highly praised the great changes in China. "When my father arrived in China, the factory was in a very bad situation. There's no heating and the factory was surrounded by scarps and disorders, and diesel engine performance was very poor. As a result, the factory was very poor, as well as the living standard of workers," Bernd said. In his two years as a director, Gerich senior tried hard to introduce reforms and reinvigorated the old enterprise. He introduced, as his son recalled, a responsibility system that ties pay to performance. High-quality diesel engines have been exported to Southeast Asia, earning him the nickname "Mr. Quality" for his strict management and quality control. In 2005, two bronze busts of Werner Gerich were erected by Wuhan local government, one in Wuhan and another in Duisburg, Germany. According to Bernd, the story of his father was a mirror reflecting China's efforts to improve industrial products quality in the course of reform and opening-up. And now, China's dream is coming true. "Made in China" is becoming more competitive. "During our stays in Beijing this time, I had a chance to visit the national museum, and there was a big exhibition about the development of China today, and you could see the great progress China had made. It was amazing," Bernd said. "It's very interesting to see how China has changed. When I went to Wuhan in 2005, there are only 8 million people in the city, and now they have more than 10 million. The government does a lot, not only for industries but also for people's living standard," he added. While celebrating the 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up, Chinese leaders pledged to unceasingly advance reform and opening up. And Bernd believed that the pledge to continue the policy is a wise decision. "As you see, if you continue to have a good economic connection, it will help keep the world peace, and good economic relationships can be a win-win situation for all countries," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 23:16:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close CAIRO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that the United States will "use diplomacy" and work with partners to expel the Iranian presence from Syria. "The nations of the Middle East will never enjoy security, achieve economic stability, or advance the dreams of their peoples if Iran's regime persists on its current course," Pompeo said during a speech at the American University in Cairo. Pompeo said that the U.S. administration is confronting Iran's "campaigns of destruction and destabilization in the region and around the world," stressing that the U.S. economic sanctions against Iran are among the strongest in history, and will keep getting tougher until Iran changes its policies that threaten the United States and the international community. STERLING HEIGHTS, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We welcome Bendoraytes & Cia Auditores Independentes, our new member firm in Brazil, to the global accountancy network UHY, extending our coverage within South America. The firm is in the process of adopting the UHY branding and will be known as UHY Bendoraytes & Cia Auditores Independentes. Bendoraytes & Cia Auditores Independentes is based in the capital, Rio de Janeiro and was originally founded in 1960 in Sao Paulo. With a team of 87, including 10 partners, the firm provides audit, accounting, tax, corporate finance and management consulting services to a portfolio of local and international clients primarily represented in the financial, energy and manufacturing sectors. Franklin Bendoraytes, Managing partner of Bendoraytes & Cia Auditores Independentes comments: We hope our local expertise and the UHY networks collaboration will help us to enhance the services and advice we can offer our local and international clients. The global presence of the network combined with our local capabilities and knowledge of UHYs 8,100 colleagues around the world, not only strengthens our own market position, locally and internationally, but also these of our current and potential clients and their operations. Rick David, chairman of UHY comments: We are delighted to welcome Bendoraytes & Cia Auditores Independentes to the UHY network, extending our South American coverage. Over the past two decades, strong growth combined with remarkable social progress have made Brazil one of the worlds leading economies, and we are excited to see its re-emergence as a leading financial center. Bendoraytes & Cia Auditores Independentes admittance to the UHY network will further strengthen UHYs regional market expertise and capabilities to support clients needs in this region. We very much support the firms ambitions to expand their coverage in the wider territory and are pleased to be able to serve our international clients who have a business presence in this country. ENDS About UHY LLP UHY LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that performs attest services in an alternative practice structure with UHY Advisors, Inc. and its subsidiary entities. UHY Advisors, Inc. provides tax and business consulting services through wholly owned subsidiary entities that operate under the name of UHY Advisors. UHY Advisors, Inc. and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms. UHY LLP and UHY Advisors, Inc. are US members of Urbach Hacker Young International Limited, a UK company, and form part of the international UHY network of legally independent accounting and consulting firms. UHY is the brand name for the UHY international network. Any services described herein are provided by UHY LLP and/or UHY Advisors (as the case may be) and not by UHY or any other member firm of UHY. Neither UHY nor any member of UHY has any liability for services provided by other members. Liaison office for Bendoraytes & Cia Auditores Independentes Contact: Partner, Franklin Bendoraytes on +55(21) 3030 4662, Email: franklin.bendoraytes@uhy-br.com website: www.uhy-br.com About UHY Established in 1986 and based in London, UK, UHY is a leading network of independent audit, accounting, tax and consulting firms with offices in over 325 major business centres across more than 95 countries. Our staff members, over 7,850 strong, are proud to be part of the 16th largest international accounting and consultancy network. Each member of UHY is a legally separate and independent firm. For further information on UHY please go to www.uhy.com. UHY is a member of the Forum of Firms, an association of international networks of accounting firms. For additional information on the Forum of Firms, visit www.forumoffirms.org. UHY press contact: Dominique Maeremans on +44 20 7767 2621 Email: d.maeremans@uhy.com. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 23:16:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia exported 626,225 tons of milled rice in 2018, a decrease of 1.5 percent over a year earlier, according to an official report released on Thursday. Roughly 87 firms have brokered the country's rice for 61 countries and regions across the world last year, said the report from the Secretariat of One Window Service for Rice Export. China is the biggest buyer of Cambodian rice, followed by France, Malaysia, Gabon, the Netherlands, and Vietnam, it said. Cambodia shipped 170,154 tons of milled rice to China in 2018, down 14.8 percent year-on-year, said the report, adding that Chinese market absorbed 27.1 percent of Cambodia's total rice export. Cambodia produces around 10 million tons of paddy rice a year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 23:11:39|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan addresses a reception marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 10, 2019. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States should respect each other's sovereignty, security and development interests and properly handle and control differences through dialogue and consultations, which is key to the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, Vice President Wang Qishan said Thursday. The remarks came as Wang attended a reception marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Wang said 40 years ago, leaders of the two countries made a historic decision to establish diplomatic relations, in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples and out of extraordinary strategic vision and outstanding political courage. China-U.S. relations are one of the most important bilateral ties in the world with the greatest potential, Wang said. Over the past 40 years, their relations have forged ahead despite twists and turns, and recorded achievements unimaginable to people four decades ago. The ties have not only benefited the two peoples but also promoted world peace, stability, and prosperity. Recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump have met each other, had a phone call, and exchanged congratulatory letters on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, pointing the way for the two sides to further promote bilateral ties, Wang said. He called on the two sides to keep in mind the original aspirations of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and stick to the keynote of coordination, cooperation, and stability to benefit the two countries as well as the world. Wang said the two sides should respect each other and seek common ground while shelving differences and adhere to the three joint communiques and important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries. The two sides should keep seeking and expanding the overlapping interests, deepen and promote pragmatic cooperation to bring the two peoples a greater sense of gain, the vice president said. He also called on the two countries to conform to the two peoples' desires to enhance exchanges and cooperation, and encourage more interactions from all circles to further consolidate the public opinion and social foundation for bilateral relations. Noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Wang said no matter how the international landscape may evolve, China will insist on its own development path and well handle its affairs so that the Chinese people can live a better life. "China's reforms will never stop, and its door will only open even wider," Wang said, vowing that China will always be a contributor to world peace, facilitator of global development and proponent of international order. The nations of the world including the United States stand to gain more opportunities and interests from the development and progress of China, he said. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in a congratulatory letter urged builders of bilateral ties to face challenges and opportunities with vision, courage and pioneering spirit, and asked the two countries to work together to forge a future which will benefit the peoples of the two countries and all humanity. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 23:11:38|Editor: zh Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Vice Premier Hu Chunhua on Thursday called for more emphasis on the construction of farmland water conservancy projects. Hu made the remarks during an agricultural inspection tour in Shandong and Hebei provinces. Farmland water conservancy projects are key to safeguarding food security, ensuring the supply of major agricultural products, and maintaining a stable economy, Hu said. Hu said high-standard cropland should be at the center of the construction of farmland water conservancy projects and more efforts should be made to guarantee the task will be completed in a timely and high-quality manner. China has stepped up efforts to build major water conservancy projects as 132 key water conservancy projects have been under construction since 2014, with the total investment exceeding one trillion yuan (about 146.71 billion U.S. dollars). Hu also stressed the improvement of facilities for flood control and drought relief and better protection of water resources during the inspection. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 23:01:35|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close A Tesla Model 3 is displayed at the groundbreaking ceremony of Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 7, 2019. China welcomes foreign companies to make investment and tap into the opportunities in its automobile market, a trade official said on Jan. 10, 2019. The demand is huge for new energy vehicles (NEVs) and other automobile products in China as the market is entering a new phase that features diversified demand and quality-oriented purchases, Gao Feng, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce, said at a press conference. (Xinhua/Ding Ting) BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China welcomes foreign companies to make investment and tap into the opportunities in its automobile market, a trade official said Thursday. The demand is huge for new energy vehicles (NEVs) and other automobile products in China as the market is entering a new phase that features diversified demand and quality-oriented purchases, Gao Feng, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce, said at a press conference. Gao's remarks came after the U.S. electric carmaker Tesla Inc. broke ground on its first overseas factory in Shanghai on Monday. Tesla's new factory will be a boon to the development of China's NEV sector, pushing forward industrial upgrades and bringing domestic buyers more choices, Gao said. As the first carmaker to set up a wholly-owned company in China, Tesla has witnessed and benefited from the new round of China's opening up to the outside world, Gao said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 23:01:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's Consumer Price Index (CPI) in November 2018 increased by 0.2 percent year-on-year compared to November 2017, owing to the rise in prices of food and recreation, according to the latest statistics from Brunei's Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy. In its monthly CPI report released on Thursday, JPKE said the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages prices increased by 0.9 percent year-on-year and Non-food prices remained nearly unchanged. The increase in the overall CPI in November was largely attributed to the rise in the indices of Recreation and Culture (2.4 percent); Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (0.9 percent)); and Transport (0.6 percent). A senior manager of Baiduri Bank, the second biggest local bank by total assets in Brunei, told Xinhua that the country's CPI has been stable from January to November in 2018, which is supportive of local economic growth. On a month-on-month basis, the CPI in November 2018 decreased by 0.1 percent as compared to October 2018. Brunei's list of goods and services in the CPI is based on the average expenditure per household. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 22:56:31|Editor: zh Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan are allowed to sign up and sit teaching qualification exams for primary and middle school teachers in the Chinese mainland, according to the website of the Ministry of Education (MOE) Thursday. They are also allowed to apply for teaching qualifications of kindergarten or secondary vocational school teachers, said the website, quoting a circular jointly issued by the general office of the MOE as well as two departments under the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council. The circular said the applicants should meet the educational background requirements stipulated in the country's Teachers Law, and there are also requirements regarding their standard Mandarin Chinese proficiency. Applicants from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan are required to hold residence or travel permits to the mainland. Other conditions, procedures and materials needed for primary and middle school teaching qualifications are the same as those for mainland applicants, it added. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 22:56:30|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close JAKARTA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Mount Agung volcano on the Indonesian resort island of Bali erupted on Thursday night, spewing column of volcanic ash, Indonesian authorities said. The height of the volcanic ash could not be seen as the mountain peak was covered by thick haze. The eruption took place at 7:55 p.m. Central Indonesian Time (1155 GMT), and lasted for 4 minutes and 26 seconds, according to data from Mount Agung monitoring outpost located in Rendang, Bali's Karangasem regency. The agency kept the alert status of Mount Agung at second highest Level 3 out of the highest Level 4. Indonesia's Center of Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation has set a danger zone of 4 km from Mount Agung's crater, advising locals, tourists and trekkers not to have any activities within the danger zone. The agency also advised residents living around rivers with upstream near Mount Agung's summit to stay alert on secondary impacts from the eruption. Heavy rain may drift down cold lava and volcanic materials from the peak of the volcano to the rivers, the agency said. Mount Agung last erupted on Dec. 30, 2018, affecting areas in Bali's eastern regency of Karangasem. The eruption lasted for around 3 minutes. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 22:51:30|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- More than 30 pieces of rhino horns valued about 23 million Rand (about 1.6 million U.S. dollars) were seized at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport, South African police said on Thursday. Police spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the rhino horns were recovered by police on Thursday morning during an on-going operation into criminal activities in the airport. While performing searches at several cargo warehouses, a detector dog reacted positively to a consignment of so-called "decoration items" whose destination is Middle East. The rhino horn was found hidden among doormats and pieces of wood. Authorities recently increased enforcement operations at the airport after reports that rhino horn was being flown out of the country. The multi-disciplinary team is on alert and will continue to work tirelessly to stop contraband including rhino horns from being smuggled through this port of entry," said Katlego. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 22:31:24|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ANKARA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A planned Turkish military offensive against Kurdish militants in northern Syria is not dependent on the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the region, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday. In an interview with private broadcaster NTV, Cavusoglu said Turkey would conduct the planned military operation to thwart the threat in northern Syria, even if the U.S. delays the withdrawal. Turkey had announced its intention to enter the east of Euphrates before Trump revealed his plan about withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria, therefore Turkey's offensive is not tied to the U.S. pullout, Cavusoglu said. He also added that some people in the Trump administration are trying to change the president's mind about the withdrawal. The minister's comments came after Ankara on Tuesday rejected U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton's demands for protecting the Syrian Kurdish fighters following the U.S. withdrawal. In a parliamentary speech on Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Turkey's determination to eliminate the "terror corridor" in northern Syria. Turkey regards the People's Protection Units (YPG), an ally with the U.S. troops in the fight against the militant group Islamic State in Syria, as an offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) rebels fighting for autonomy inside Turkey. In mid-December last year, Erdogan threatened to launch a cross-border operation against Syrian Kurdish militias, but the operation was postponed after Trump declared the plan to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 22:26:17|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close TIANJIN, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A total of 132 health product companies in Tianjin Municipality were found to be involved in illegal operations, according to the Tianjin Administration for Market Regulation on Thursday. During an ongoing campaign to regulate the health product market, the city investigated 14,923 companies and 132 were found to be problematic. The city filed 117 cases, with two transferred to the public security department. Fifteen companies were banned from the market, and 52 were asked to make improvements within a certain period. A total of 306,730 units or packs of illegal health products were seized. The campaign began Jan. 2 and will last till March 31. It came after an investigation over Quanjian, a local health product company involved in pyramid scheme selling and false advertising. NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Attorney Advertising -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Danske Bank A/S (Danske or the Company) (OTCMKT: DNKEY) and certain of its officers, on behalf of shareholders who purchased or otherwise acquired Danske American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) during the period between January 9, 2014 and October 23, 2018 (the Class Period). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firms site: www.bgandg.com/dnkey . This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Danske Banks Estonian branch was facilitating money laundering through at least March 2016; (2) that a whistleblower had reported the Estonian money laundering to the Company in 2013; (3) that Denmarks Financial Supervisory Authority (the DFSA) had been investigating the Estonian money laundering since 2014; (4) that Danske Bank had concealed the results of its own internal investigation from the DFSA, further exposing it to regulatory action and fines; (5) that Danske Bank had been overstating its historical profits by including the profits derived from its illicit Estonian operations; and (6) that Danske Bank lacked effective internal and reporting controls. On October 24, 2018, the Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. Department of Justice, Treasury Department, and the SEC, are investigating Danskes small Estonian branch for allegedly processing about $234 billion from 2007 through 2015 from foreign countries, and the CEOs resignation. The Wall Street Journal also mentioned that Danskes management was informed that the Estonian branch could not isolate the issue and therefore acts against [anti-money-laundering] legislator principles. As a result of the abovementioned, Danske ADRs and U.S. bonds have dropped this year. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint you can visit the firms site: www.bgandg.com/dnkey or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Investor Relations Analyst, Yael Hurwitz of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 212-697-6484. If you suffered a loss in Danske you have until March 11, 2019 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a corporate litigation boutique. Our primary expertise is the aggressive pursuit of litigation claims on behalf of our clients. In addition to representing institutions and other investor plaintiffs in class action security litigation, the firms expertise includes general corporate and commercial litigation, as well as securities arbitration. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contact: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Peretz Bronstein or Yael Hurwitz 212-697-6484 | info@bgandg.com Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 22:26:17|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close ROME, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Two people were injured in a shooting outside a nursery school in the Italian capital on Thursday, prompting local authorities to appeal for more police across the city. The shooting occurred outside a kindergarten in the southern Magliana neighborhood at around 8.50 a.m. local time, Ansa news agency reported. The alleged target of the attack was a 34-year-old man, who was shot while sitting in his car by a single assailant on a scooter before the eyes of other parents and teachers. The victim was accompanied by his partner, and the couple had just dropped their children at the nursery when the shooting occurred. The man was hit several times, including in his head, and was brought to hospital in serious conditions, according to Ansa citing police sources. The woman was hit in her groin, but her wounds would not be life threatening. The investigation was carried out by the police's flying squad, while Rome mayor Virginia Raggi appealed to the Interior Ministry for more security forces. "I am outraged by the shooting outside the nursery school in Magliana," Raggi wrote on Twitter. "Rome needs an appropriate number of police forces, as Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has announced. Waiting further is not possible," she added. According to preliminary information gathered by police, the victim had drug and exploitation charges on his criminal records, and had received an 8-month sentence in jail for extortion in the past, local media reported. In October, Interior Minister Salvini had announced the government's plan to hire 10,000 people to boost law enforcement agencies overall, at least 6,000 of which in the various police forces. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 22:26:17|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close TOKYO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Japan's securities watchdog filed a complaint against ousted Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn and the company itself on Thursday, over suspicions the embattled former chief doctored remuneration reports. According to the Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission, both Ghost and Nissan were alleged to have under-reported Ghosn's pay package in the company's securities reports presented to Japanese regulators. The allegation of the misreporting of remuneration spans the three-year period through last March, the securities watchdog said, and has accused both Ghosn and Nissan of violating Japan's Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. Ghosn was initially arrested on Nov. 19 last year for allegedly understating about 5 billion yen (45 million dollars) of his 10-billion-yen compensation during the five years through March 2015. The latest development in the ongoing saga involving Ghosn, currently detained at the Tokyo Detention House since his arrest in November, comes as the automotive heavyweight has been suffering from a high fever, leading to his interrogation being suspended. Ghosn's lawyer said Thursday that a doctor attending to the 64-year-old has said that he has been suffering from a high fever since Wednesday and needed to rest. On Wednesday, the Tokyo District Court rejected a request filed by Ghosn's defense counsel to end his detention. The court's decision came a day after Ghosn appeared in court, the first public appearance since his arrest. He robustly maintained his innocence regarding all allegations of financial improprieties. Ghosn heard from the presiding judge at his hearing that his ongoing detention was in part due to concerns he might try to destroy key evidence and that he was also a flight risk. The ousted chairman has rigorously maintained he has in no way violated Japan's financial instruments law and has also claimed that allegations he transferred personal investment losses to Nissan during the 2008 global financial crisis, which led to his detention in Tokyo being extended, were baseless. Ghosn's detention is scheduled to end Friday and prosecutors by this time must make an ultimate decision as to whether or not to indict him. His chief lawyer has said that Ghosn could theoretically be detained for a minimum of another six months, citing the complexities of the case and said that bail is unlikely to be granted as he has unequivocally denied all allegations against him. Sources close to the matter said Thursday that Japanese prosecutors are likely to indict him on Friday. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 22:21:16|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close GAZA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The visit of Ismail Haniyeh, the politburo chief of Islamic Hamas movement, to Russia scheduled next week has been postponed, a senior Hamas official said on Thursday. Musa Abu Marzooq, member of the movement's politburo, said in a press statement that the postponement of Haniyeh's visit to the Russian capital was made in a telephone conversation between him and Russia's envoy to the Middle East, Mikhail Bogdanov. "The visit of Haniyeh to Moscow was postponed because of the full schedule of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov," he said, adding that the Russian side explained that they are still interested in receiving Haniyeh in Moscow. Abu Marzooq also said that he discussed with Bogdanov about the recent developments related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the stalled internal Palestinian reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah party. In November, Hamas had announced that Haniyeh received an official invitation from Russia to visit Moscow on Jan. 15, as Russia has kept good ties with the movement that has been ruling the Gaza Strip since 2007. Meanwhile, the Palestinian ambassador to Russia Abdul Hafiz Noofal told Voice of Palestine Radio on Thursday that postponing Haniyeh's visit to Moscow was due to the current feuds between Hamas and Fatah in the Gaza Strip. "The Russians apologized to Hamas movement and told their leaders that the visit has been postponed and a new appointment will be arranged later," said Noofal, referring to the Russian role of pushing forward to ending the internal Palestinian division. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 22:06:14|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh on Thursday denounced the U.S. sanctions on Iran as "completely illegal," vowing that Iran will never comply with them. "The U.S. sanctions against Iran are completely illegal and we believe we are not obliged to comply with them," the Iranian minister told a joint news conference with his Iraqi counterpart Thamir al-Ghadhban in Baghdad. "Iran will not discuss the volume of oil exports or destination while it remained under U.S. sanctions," Zanganeh told reporters after meeting with al-Ghadhban. Zanganeh said that he discussed with al-Ghadhban the means to improve bilateral cooperation in different aspects, including oil and energy issues. For his part, al-Ghadhban said "that there are opportunities for further cooperation between Iraq and Iran, hoping that the talks would bring about success to the bilateral ties." Washington withdrew from the landmark 2015 Iranian nuclear deal in May 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, targeting its shipping, financial and energy sectors. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 22:01:13|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close JUBA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's Jonglei region will intensify joint police patrol along its five-state borders to contain cattle rustling and abduction of children, officials said on Thursday. Philip Aguer Payang, Jonglei State governor, said the patrols aim to ease interstate crimes and maintain law and order between the neighboring states of Boma, Akobo, Bieh and Pangak. "The five states of greater Jonglei had agreed since last year that we have to form joint integrated police that will be responsible for combating child abduction and cattle raiding," said Aguer. He revealed President Salva Kiir has approved the plan and instructed the national police to put the necessary arrangement in order for the training of the new recruits, saying each state will contribute 500 trainees. The official noted that the 2,500 police force will be comprised of young men and women that will undergo thorough proper training to eradicate organized crime in the five states. "We will start with contributing with resources from each of the states and then the national government has already adopted the idea and we expect logistical support from the national government," said Aguer. "As soon as we get the recruits then the training process will commence in Gadiang. The focus will be between ages of 18 to 20, and if we get those who read and write then it will be the best criteria. We want young people to join this force," he added. Aguer appealed to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to offer technical support to the initiative through its UN police as a way to restore peace and reconciliation in the area. He revealed that the force will also establish its independent joint border court that will be able to prosecute cattle raiders and child abductors. The Jonglei region has suffered decades of communal and tribal violence, mainly caused by cattle raiding, child abduction and grazing land. Earlier this year, more than 42 people were killed and more than 78 others wounded in Bieh State located in the northeastern part of Jonglei. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 21:51:12|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BEIRUT, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's public drivers on Thursday held nationwide protests against privatization of the auto inspection sector, while calling for reforming the public transport sector. "We do not care if this government is a caretaker government. We want our demands to be respected or else we will take escalating measures by next Thursday," said Bassam Tleis, head of the Union of Public Drivers, was quoted by the National News Agency as saying. Unions representing Lebanon's public transportation drivers have on many occasions voiced their opposition to the privatization of the auto inspection centers and the increase in the cost of auto inspections. Lebanese company Autospect was awarded over two years ago a contract to manage the centers in collaboration with Swiss company SGS, saying they would offer new and improved services. Auto inspection fees would increase by 65 percent, from 20 U.S. dollars to 33 dollars. Tleis previously called on the government to take control of the auto inspection centers and to keep current employees while protecting their rights. The drivers' demands also included the need by the government to track cars with forged plates in addition to stopping foreign drivers from operating and competing with local drivers. Public drivers also want the transport minister to allow public drivers to enter and work at the airport under the supervision of security forces. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 21:31:08|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MANILA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will pay a state visit to the Philippines from Jan. 15 to 19, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Thursday. In a statement, the DFA said the Sri Lankan president will meet with his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte next Wednesday "to hold bilateral discussions on areas of mutual interest, including political, economic, cultural and people-to-people engagement." The DFA said Sirisena is also scheduled to visit the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Sirisena's visit will be the first by a Sri Lankan president serving both as head of state and government under Sri Lanka's 1978 Constitution, and the second by a Sri Lankan leader since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Sri Lanka in 1961. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 21:16:06|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close GAZA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A senior Egyptian security intelligence delegation arrived in the Gaza Strip on Thursday afternoon to hold talks over calm with Israel and internal Palestinian reconciliation with Islamic Hamas officials. Husam Badran, Hamas politburo member, said in a press statement that the Egyptian delegation arrived in the Gaza Strip through Erez crossing point on the border between northern Gaza Strip and Israel. He said that the major issues to be discussed between the two sides included the resumption of talks related to the commitment of Israel to the Egyptian-brokered calm understanding reached between Israel and Hamas last November. Badran added that another issue will be the stalled internal reconciliation talks between Hamas and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party, and the disputes between the two rivals that led to the closure of Rafah crossing with Egypt. Security sources in Gaza said that the Egyptian delegation will discuss the development of the crisis between Fatah and Hamas which resulted in the withdrawal of the Palestinian Authority employees who left their offices from Rafah crossing earlier this week. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 21:16:06|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close LONDON, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Britain's main opposition leader, Labour's Jeremy Corbyn, called on Thursday for a general election to allow people to decide the Brexit issue. Corbyn was speaking in Wakefield in Yorkshire where people voted in favor of Britain leaving the European Union (EU). In a speech, Corbyn set out Labour's Brexit strategy, saying a general election was the best option. "If a general election cannot be secured then we will keep all options on the table, including the option of campaigning for a public vote," he said, adding: "But an election must be the priority. It is not only the most practical option, it is also the most democratic option." He said if the House of Commons rejects Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal next week, Labour will move towards tabling a vote of no confidence in the government. But he said it will choose a time to table a no confidence measure to give it the best chance of success. Corbyn said Labour would vote against May's Brexit deal next week, and if a general election is called and won by Labour, he would seek to negotiate a new deal with Brussels. Labour, he said, would want to negotiate with the EU urgently. He said Labour would respect the decision of the 2016 referendum when people in Britain voted by a 52-48 margin to leave the EU. Corbyn also said an extension of the Article 50 implementation period would be a possibility because clearly there would have to be time to negotiate. Corbyn said Labour policy will be one of negotiating around a customs union, and not allowing workers' rights to fall below EU standards. He also backs Britain remaining in a European single market. Insisting that Labour will not support a No Deal Brexit, Corbyn said: "I know people are genuinely scared by the prospect of no deal. I meet people who are frightened and going through real stress." He concluded: "A general election is the right answer and the best way to break the deadlock. Labour is ready to bring Leave and Remain voters together to rebuild Britain for the many, not the few." Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 21:11:06|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A financial crisis emerged between Iraq and Jordan after the latter demanded Iraq to pay debt of over one billion U.S. dollars, reported local al-Mada newspaper on Thursday. In return, the financial committee of the Iraqi Parliament said that Iraq requested release of multi-billion frozen deposits from Saddam Hussein era. The newspaper quoted a Jordanian official as saying that "the financial file between Iraq and Jordan is still pending, as there are financial claims by the two sides against the other since 2003 remained unsettled yet." "The Jordanian claims include debts for the Jordanian central bank on its Iraqi counterpart of more than one billion U.S. dollars," the Jordanian official said. On the other hand, the newspaper quoted the rapporteur of the financial committee in the Iraqi parliament Hoshyar Abdullah as saying that "the available information indicates that Iraq has got 3-5 billion dollars deposited in Jordan from Saddam's era, and Jordan has never declared it." He said that Iraq "is yet to make real action to reclaim the frozen deposits in Jordan, therefore, it is important for both sides to get its right back," according to the newspaper. Iraq and Jordan have long maintained good relations and the two sides are working to enhance ties especially after the full defeat of the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq and the secure of the joint border crossing point of Treibil and the main international Baghdad-Amman road in Iraq's western province of Anbar. ALEXANDRIA, Va. and CHICAGO, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. (ASCO) and Tempus announced today an agreement to support research sites participating in ASCOs Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization (TAPUR) Study. The TAPUR Study is a prospective, non-randomized clinical trial that aims to describe the performance (both safety and efficacy) of Food and Drug Administration-approved, targeted anticancer drugs that are used for the treatment of patients who have both advanced cancer and a potentially actionable genomic alteration. Tumor profiling testing by a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA)-certified, College of American Pathologists-accredited lab is required for patients to enroll in the study. Clinicians who order the Tempus xT 596 gene assay will receive a report that has been optimized for TAPUR participation and includes a summary of those genomic alterations targeted by TAPUR study drugs. This designation is available to entities that demonstrate reporting of TAPUR-specific genes in a format that meets criteria established for the TAPUR Study. Based on the genomic findings reported by Tempus xT, the TAPUR Summary will allow clinical sites to quickly identify and screen patients who may be eligible for the study, based on their genomic profiles. We are pleased to lend support to clinicians across the country and the countless patients who can benefit from access to targeted therapies made available through this unique precision medicine trial, said Gary Palmer, Chief Medical Officer at Tempus. One of the goals of Tempus is to gather as much information as possible regarding efficacy of targeted therapies in specific clinical situations and we are pleased to offer this report to support the goals of the TAPUR study. The TAPUR Study enrolls patients with advanced cancer who are not responding to standard treatment and who have genomic alterations in their tumors that can be targeted with a TAPUR Study drug, said Richard L. Schilsky, MD, FACP, FASCO, ASCO Chief Medical Officer and principal investigator of the TAPUR Study. The optimized Tempus report will help TAPUR clinical sites determine who is eligible in a more expedited manner. More than 1,700 participants have consented to participate, and more than 1,220 have been treated with a TAPUR Study drug. To learn more about the TAPUR Study, please visit: https://www.tapur.org/ About ASCO Founded in 1964, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. (ASCO) is committed to making a world of difference in cancer care. As the worlds leading organization of its kind, ASCO represents nearly 45,000 oncology professionals who care for people living with cancer. Through research, education, and promotion of the highest-quality patient care, ASCO works to conquer cancer and create a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy. ASCOs Conquer Cancer Foundation supports the Society by funding groundbreaking research and education across cancers full continuum. Learn more at www.ASCO.org , explore patient education resources at www.Cancer.Net , and follow us on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , and YouTube . About Tempus Tempus is a technology company that is building the worlds largest library of molecular and clinical data and an operating system to make that data accessible and useful. We enable physicians to deliver personalized care for patients through our interactive analytical and machine learning platform. We provide genomic sequencing services and analyze molecular and therapeutic data to empower physicians and researchers to make real-time, data-driven decisions. Our goal is for each patient to benefit from the treatment of others who came before by providing the health care industry with tools that learn as we gather more data. For more information, visit tempus.com. CONTACT: Aaron Tallent (571) 483-1371 Aaron.Tallent@asco.org Clo Ewing (312) 638-8794 clo@tempus.com ABC/Image Group LAThomas Rhett got autobiographical on his most recent #1, "Life Changes," but now he's getting philosophical with his latest single, "Sixteen." "You know, that song is the epitome of 'the grass is always greener,'" he tells ABC Radio. "We've all been sixteen. If we haven't been sixteen yet, we can't wait to be sixteen." "And then when you get there, you're just like, 'Well, all my friends are going to college, and I can't buy a lottery ticket,'" he says with a smile. TR sees his final single from his Life Changes album as a reminder that we should enjoy the moment, instead of always wanting to press fast-forward. "I feel like so many of us go through life," he explains, "just always 'can't wait to get to the next step,' when you really just should sit there and cherish it, because one day you're gonna look back at it and be like, 'Man, those were great times.'" Thomas Rhett is likely to have some great times himself when he headlines one night of Luke Bryan's Crash My Playa fan getaway vacation January 25 in Riviera Maya, Mexico, before he heads to Australia in March. Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 21:09:13|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close Sanitation worker Dong Jidong helps relax his wife Dong Jinxiang's shoulders in Xinluo District of Longyan City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Jan. 8, 2019. Due to femoral head necrosis disease, Dong Jinxiang has been living on a wheelchair for about a decade. To take care of his handicapped wife, Dong Jidong, who himself has been afflicted with ankylosing spondylitis, gave up his work in a cement plant and chose to clean the streets near their home two years ago just in order to take better care of his wife. Everyday, Dong Jidong works in the streets with his wife's companionship. (Xinhua/Song Weiwei) Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 20:56:02|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close HANOI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam made footwear export turnovers of 16.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2018, posting a year-on-year rise of 11 percent, according to the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association on Thursday. The country also earned roughly 3.4 billion U.S. dollars from exporting handbags, wallets, suitcases, hats and umbrellas last year, fulfilling the total targeted revenue of 19.5-20 billion U.S. dollars. Its products are now available in over 100 countries and regions in the world, with largest importers being the United States, China, Belgium, Japan and South Korea. Foreign-invested firms accounted for 78.8 percent of the total export turnovers. By the end of 2018, Vietnam had some 3,000 firms operating in the sector, said the association. Forecasting that market demand will remain positive in 2019, the association expected footwear and handbag export turnovers to expand by 10 percent on-year to some 21.5 billion U.S. dollars. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 20:56:02|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KABUL, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least 30 combatants from both the government security forces and the Taliban were killed since early Thursday as the warring sides intensified attacks against each other in insurgency-battered Afghanistan, officials said. In a coordinated offensive, Taliban fighters stormed security checkpoints in Sitoot area of Faizabad district in the northern Jawzjan province early Thursday, triggering gun battles and leaving four security personnel dead and five others injured, deputy provincial governor Abdul Rahman Mahmoudi said. According to Mahmoudi, the Taliban also suffered casualties but he did not give a figure. Similarly, the government forces launched cleanup operations in Pashtunkot district of Faryab province bordering Jawzjan at 1:00 a.m. local time Thursday, killing three militants and injuring five others. The government forces also expelled the militants from several villages, said an army statement on Thursday. Two bastions of the insurgents were also destroyed in the area, the statement said. Clash between government forces and the Taliban in Khawja Ghar district of the northern Takhar province also left 18 dead from both sides, district governor Mohammad Omar said. The clash, according to the official, erupted at 2:00 a.m. local time when the militants attacked security checkpoints in Gortepa area and lasted for hours, leaving 10 militants and eight security personnel dead. Five more militants were reported killed in a clash that broke out in Qala-e-Zal district of the northern Kunduz province on Thursday, army spokesman in the province Abdul Hadi Jamal confirmed. Both the government and the Taliban, according to local observers, have intensified operations to gain an upper hand at possible peace talks between the two sides expected to take place in the coming months. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 20:51:01|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Mongolian parliament speaker Miyegombo Enkhbold again rejected calls for him to resign on Thursday. Some lawmakers have called for Enkhbold to resign. On Thursday, tens of thousands of Mongolians gathered in the central square of the capital Ulan Bator to protest his alleged conflicts of interest. Organizers said an estimated 50,000 people turned out for the protest. However, Enkhbold said he will not resign and insisted that he has done nothing wrong. "The demand is contrary to the law on dismissing a speaker of the parliament. This is an attempt to illegally take the position of the parliament speaker," Enkhbold told the protestors. According to Mongolian law, a parliament speaker can be dismissed on some legal grounds, namely, death, severe disease, appointment to another position, crime, or decision of dismissal from the constitutional court. The protest on Thursday came just two weeks after a massive demonstration against Enkhbold. Audio recordings made public last year suggest some officials of the ruling Mongolian People's Party, including Enkhbold, allegedly used their government positions as a tool to run in the parliamentary election in 2016. The incident gradually led to a political tussle in the Asian country. More than half of the 76 lawmakers in the parliament and some ministers have boycotted plenary sessions and meetings of standing committees of the parliament over the past six weeks, demanding Enkhbold's resignation. Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh also submitted a request to the constitutional court on Nov. 29, 2018, to fire Enkhbold. According to Khurelsukh, Enkhbold has been interfering in the investigation into the case. In late December, Enkhbold submitted an official request to the prime minister demanding the parliament stop boycotting plenary sessions. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 20:51:01|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close NAIROBI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan government in partnership with investors lobby will later this month host a national anti-corruption summit to explore innovative ways to root out the vice, organizers said on Thursday. Patrick Obath, co-convener of a multi-sectoral initiative against corruption, said the Jan. 24-25 summit to be attended by national leaders, industry executives, clerics and grassroots campaigners, is expected to inject vitality in the fight against misappropriation of public funds. "The conference will promote national and collective participation in the fight against corruption by all sectors and citizens. It will review strategies and commitments in place to catalyze the war against graft," said Obath. He disclosed that President Uhuru Kenyatta and eminent persons from other parts of the world are expected to attend the two-day anti-corruption summit to be held in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. Kenya loses an estimated 30 percent of the annual budget to corruption and the vice is to blame for undermining economic growth, job creation and national security. President Uhuru Kenyatta has pledged to spearhead the fight against embezzlement of public funds in order to secure a legacy of economic prosperity, peace and unity. Industry leaders said the upcoming anti-corruption summit will revitalize national conversation on effective ways to eradicate a vice that is entrenched in public and private sectors. "It is imperative that all Kenyan citizens come together to fight corruption in all its form and safeguard not only our current existence but also that of future generations," said Lee Karuri, a member of Kenya Private Sector Alliance. He said that Kenya's investors lobby has developed a strategic working relationship with lawmakers to strengthen legal framework underpinning the fight against corruption. Irene Wanyoike, chairperson of association of professional society of east Africa, said the anti-corruption summit will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to explore international best practices that can be applied locally to eradicate the vice. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 20:51:01|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close VALLETTA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Maltese government refuted claims on Thursday that Malta did not take its share of migrants from those taken in by Italy over the summer. Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, writing on Twitter on Wednesday, said that Malta had not kept its promise to take 50 of the 447 migrants who arrived in Pozzallo last July. In a statement on Thursday, the Maltese government said it was "disdained and surprised" at Salvini's "inaccurate allegations". The Maltese government recalled that Italy had pledged to take 50 migrants that were rescued by the MV Lifeline in July. Then, when, later that month, the 447 migrants landed in Pozzallo, Malta had also pledged to take 50 migrants. It was then decided, the government said, that given that both countries had agreed to take the same amount from each other, and since these migrants are human beings who had already suffered a difficult crossing and rescue -- rather than have them undergo another voyage to another state, each country would retain 50, and "thus fulfil its pledges by cancelling each other's pledge". The government also stressed that it was the European Commission that was coordinating these voluntary reallocation initiatives, and that as far as it was concerned, both countries had fulfilled their pledges. It urged Salvini to "revise its statistics and refrain from repeating unfounded claims". Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 20:51:01|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TEHRAN, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Thursday that Iran will send two new satellites into orbit in near future, state TV reported. "In the coming weeks, we will send two new satellites into space using our domestically-built rockets," he was quoted as saying. "Missiles are our defensive tool and we are proud of it," he said. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier in January that Iran's planned launch of space rockets and missiles breaches UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2231 that endorsed the 2015 nuclear deal. However, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif dismissed Pompeo's claims, saying that Washington has already violated that resolution and thus cannot "lecture" Tehran on it. Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, Iranian Minister of Information and Communications Technology, said that new Iranian satellites had successfully passed pre-launch tests, according to Press TV. In July 2017, Iran launched an indigenous satellite carrier Simorgh in low earth orbit. Simorgh is able to carry satellites weighing as much as 250 kilograms at an orbit about 500 km above the earth's surface. In February 2015, Iran also placed the domestically-made Fajr (Dawn) satellite into orbit. The satellite is capable of taking and transmitting high-quality and accurate pictures to stations on earth. The country also sent its first bio-capsule containing living creatures into space in February 2010 using Kavoshgar-3 Explorer-3 carrier. Iran launched its first indigenous data-processing satellite, Omid (Hope), into orbit in February 2009. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 20:51:01|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close LILONGWE, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Three Independents and ten political party leaders, including President Peter Mutharika, Vice President Saulos Chilima and Former President Joyce Banda (JB), have collected nomination papers ahead of the May 21 elections, according to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC). President of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), the main opposition party, Lazarus Chakwera also have shown interest in contesting for the presidency, according to Mwafulirwa. Until Chilima launched the United Transformation Movement in July 2018, Chakwera remained Mutharika's key opposition contender. The vice president, however, seems likely to win votes from Mutharika and Chakwera, who came first and second respectively in May 2014 as 12 candidates contested for the presidency. Since Mutharika rose to power under the Democratic Progressive Party, he has been working with Leader of the United Democratic Front (UDF) Atupele Muluzi, who is the son to Malawi's first democratic president Bakili Muluzi and has served in various ministerial positions, hinting at a possible coalition. However, Atupele Muluzi recently said he would contest on the ticket of the UDF, which remains a force to reckon with in the eastern region. Among the four major candidates, namely Mutharika, Chakwera, JB and Chilima, only the MCP leader has picked a running mate, Sidik Mia, a veteran and influential politician from the south. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 20:51:01|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BANGKOK, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Four security guards were killed by unknown gunmen at a school in southern Thailand on Thursday, police said. Three of the defense volunteers, who were standing on guard at Ban Buko school in Yarang district of Pattani province, were fatally shot at point blank range while the other one was pronounced dead at hospital. A group of gunmen in camouflage gears approached the security guards and engaged in a conversation minutes before they opened fire at them, the police said. The assailants fled with four HK-33 rifles of the slain guards aged between 24 and 43. No school children or teachers were reportedly harmed by the gunmen who fled the scene in a pickup truck. The school was immediately closed with all students and teachers being told to go home, following the mid-morning attack. Pattani is one of four southernmost provinces of Thailand which have been riddled with ambushes and bombings over the past several years. The three other provinces are Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla. Authorities suspected that separatists including those of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional group, or National Revolutionary Front, launched the deadly attack. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 20:51:01|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close HANOI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam spent 1.9 billion U.S. dollars importing nearly 2.1 million tons of paper of various kinds, including waste paper, in 2018, a year-on-year rises of 14.2 percent and 6.1 percent respectively, the Ministry of Industry and Trade said on Thursday. Last month alone, the country imported 210,000 tons of paper worth 172 million U.S. dollars, mainly from China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea and Thailand, up 24.7 percent in volume and up 13.6 percent in value. Among Vietnam's total paper output, 70 percent is made from waste paper, the ministry's Industry Agency said, noting that of the waste paper, some 60 percent are imports. Vietnam's demand for paper of all kinds is estimated to grow 8-10 percent annually in the near future, while the country exports over 1 billion U.S. dollars worth of paper each year, mainly to China, the United States and Japan, according to the Vietnam Pulp and Paper Association. TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inspiration Mining Corporation (CSE:ISM) (Inspiration or the Corporation) announces that its previously scheduled shareholder meeting for December 28, 2018 has been rescheduled for February 21, 2019 (the Meeting). At the Meeting the shareholders of Inspiration will consider, among other things, the appointment of directors, a special resolution changing the name of the Corporation from its current form to Silk Energy Limited , consolidation of the Corporations issued and outstanding common shares on a three (3) for one (1) basis and approval for the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding securities in the capital of Silk Energy AS (Silk). Further to its press release dated October 25, 2018, Inspiration and Silk entered into a share purchase agreement dated October 24, 2018 (the Agreement) with the shareholders (collectively, the Vendors) of Silk, an arms length party incorporated pursuant to the laws of Norway. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Inspiration will acquire one hundred percent (100%) of the issued and outstanding securities of Silk (the Acquisition) from the Vendors for an aggregate purchase price of $32,364,500 (the Purchase Price). The Purchase Price will be satisfied through the issuance of an aggregate 161,822,500 post-consolidated common shares (the Consideration Shares) in the capital of Inspiration at a deemed price of $0.20 per Consideration Share. The entering into this Agreement is considered a fundamental change under Policy 8 of the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) and, as such, closing of the Acquisition is subject to all of the requirements of Policy 8 including, but not limited to, CSE and shareholder approval. About Silk Energy AS Silk is a private Norwegian company, established specifically to secure undervalued and distressed oil assets in Kazakhstan. It recently agreed terms to participate in 50% of the Ustyurt license comprising 6,451 sq km in the Caspian Sea region, which includes an obligation to pay US$5 million to KazMunaiGas to bring the licence up to date and a US$10 million work program incorporating the drilling of two wells in 2019. Ustyurt is less than 100 kms from the super giant Tengiz and Kashagan fields with a combined 22 billion barrels of recoverable reserves and it's in the fairway of other giant fields. In excess of $80 million has been spent by the previous owners and the state oil company on the acquisition and interpretation of a comprehensive set of 2D seismic. Despite all of the data, only one well has been drilled in the whole contract territory in the last 30 years. It is incredibly under-explored and management has multiple targets to exploit. Inspiration also announces that it has negotiated debt conversion agreements (the Debt Agreements) with six (6) arms length parties and three (3) non-arms length parties. Pursuant to the terms of the Debt Agreements, Inspiration issued an aggregate of 35,000,000 common shares (the Debt Shares) to the creditors in exchange for the cancellation of an aggregate of $1,750,000 in dent owing to the creditors. The Debt Shares were issued at a deemed price of $0.05 per common share. Of the 35,000,000 Debt Shares, an aggregate of 12,000,000 common shares were issued to non-arms length parties or which 6,000,000 Debt Shares were issued to a director of the Corporation and an aggregate of 6,000,000 common shares were issued to a director and officer of the Corporation and a private corporation controlled by the officer and director. The issuance of the 12,000,000 Debt Shares constitutes a related party transaction pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). Pursuant to MI 61-101, the issuance of the 12,000,000 Debt Shares to the related parties is exempted from the valuation and shareholder approval requirements as the fair market value of the shares issued to the related parties is not more that 25% if Inspirations market capitalization. For further information, please contact Randy Miller, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, at tel: 416-842-9000, www.inspirationmining.com The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions, uncertainties and managements best estimates of future events. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements are detailed from time to time in the Corporation's periodic reports filed with the Ontario Securities Commission and other regulatory authorities. The Corporation has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 20:46:00|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TEHRAN, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry on Thursday confirmed the recent arrest of a U.S. national in the Iranian northeastern city of Mashhad, Tasnim news agency reported on Thursday. Michael R. White, the American national, was arrested in Iran's Mashhad city several month ago and Iran informed the American government of his detention through the U.S. interest section in Tehran, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi was quoted as saying. In the absence of diplomatic or consular relations of the United States with Iran, the Swiss government, acting through its embassy in Tehran, has been serving as the protecting power of the United States in Iran since May 21, 1980. Qasemi dismissed western reports about unfavorable condition of White in detention, saying that "such reports are lies, false and are categorically denied." Michael R. White, 46, a U.S. navy veteran from California, has been imprisoned in Iran since July 2018 on unknown charges, according to Western media. White was arrested as he and his girlfriend were about to fly out of Hasheminejad Airport in Mashhad, the New York Times reported. The U.S. State Department said in a statement that it was aware of the reports of White's detention. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 20:46:00|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The list of "tigers" (senior officials taken down on corruption charges) grew by 51 last year, fulfilling the vow by Chinese graft fighters that "the battle will not end." "We will continue to see that there are no no-go zones, no stone is left unturned and no tolerance is shown for corruption," said a communique adopted at the second plenary session of the 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) last January. The 51 officials at or above the provincial/ministerial level were among a total of 621,000 people punished by CCDI and the National Supervisory Commission (NSC) in 2018. Another plenary session of the CCDI will be held from Friday to Sunday, and is expected to set the agenda for this year's anti-graft campaign. "Although China's campaign against corruption has made sweeping victory, now is not the time to lie back," said Xin Ming, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee. "We need to deal with not only some officials who have yet been investigated and punished for past misconduct, but also a few officials who dared to try in recent years even facing such a fierce campaign." A TV documentary, broadcast by the China Central Television Wednesday, revealed a case showing the challenges in rooting out corruption at the local level. The documentary featured villas illegally built in northwest China's Qinling Mountains, which undermined local environment. Despite repeated instructions from the central authorities, the governments in Shaanxi Province had acted slowly to curb the unlawful construction in the past four years. Due to persistent follow-up from the central level and disciplinary inspection agencies, the 1,000 villas have been demolished and a number of local officials investigated since July last year, under the supervision of a special team from the CPC Central Committee headed by a deputy chief of CCDI. A year ago the CCDI communique said the fight against corruption remained "grave and complex." "The tough stance against corruption should not and will not ease," Xin said. PRIORITIES ADDRESSED Last year's communique listed several priorities in the fight, including officials who show no restraint and continue their wrongdoing, corruption in selection and appointment of officials, government approval and supervision, resource exploitation, finance, and other key areas. A series of heavyweight officials were investigated, ranging from senior officials of the central government, such as former deputy director of the National Energy Administration Wang Xiaolin and former vice minister of Public Security Meng Hongwei, to executives of state-owned enterprises such as Lai Xiaomin, former board chairman of China Huarong Asset Management Co. Ltd. Corruption on the people's doorsteps, especially in poverty relief, as well as corruption linked to criminal gangs, was also closely addressed. About 180,100 people were disciplined for corruption and violations of the code of conduct in poverty alleviation projects since late 2017. And in the first 11 months of 2018, 8,288 officials received disciplinary and administrative punishment and 1,649 were prosecuted for harboring criminal gangs. Operations to improve conduct of officials made major progress. About 55,800 officials were punished for violating rules against undesirable conduct, such as bureaucratism and extravagance, in the first 11 months of 2018. PREVENTION HIGHLIGHTED "One outstanding feature of the anti-graft campaign last year was more resources were used and efforts made to prevent corruption," Xin said. Increasing attention was paid to minor offenses of officials. About 1.1 million officials were interviewed and cautioned for slight violations, about 63.6 percent of the total cases disciplinary inspectors handled in 2018. It was important to detect minor misconduct as early as possible to prevent it from developing to serious corruption, Xin said. Last year witnessed notable institutional improvements in supervision. With the Supervision Law taking effect in March, a more sophisticated and efficient anti-graft network was formed to oversee everyone working in the public sector who exercises public power. The country pools supervisory powers that used to be divided and form a centralized, unified and efficient state supervisory system, said Ma Huaide, vice president of the China University of Political Science and Law. The CCDI and NSC introduced over 30 new regulations in fulfilling their duties, including on NSC jurisdiction and on handling duty-related crimes. Two rounds of disciplinary inspections were launched by the 19th CPC Central Committee in 2018, including a special inspection on poverty alleviation covering 13 provincial-level regions and 13 central units. Disciplinary inspections were also carried out at provincial, municipal and county-level Party committees, as well as in 140 central and state organs and centrally-administered state-owned enterprises. GLOBAL HUNT DOWN Among 1,335 fugitives sent back to China in 2018, 307 were former Party members and officials, mostly involved in graft cases. Xu Chaofan, former chief of Bank of China Kaiping branch in south China's Guangdong Province and suspect of a 485 million U.S. dollar bank embezzlement case, was repatriated in July, 17 years after he fled to the United States. Yao Jinqi, a former deputy head of Xinchang County in east China's Zhejiang Province who fled abroad in December 2005, was extradited from Bulgaria in November, the first time China had extradited a former official suspected of duty crimes from the European Union. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 20:35:58|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TEHRAN, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Air Force kicked off a massive military exercise in central region on Thursday, official IRNA news agency reported. The annual war game, named Defenders of Velayat Skies, began at Shahid Babaei air base in Iranian central province of Isfahan. The drills' spokesman Alireza Angizeh said that other air bases across the country would join the maneuvers. The two-day military exercise aims to enhance the preparedness of Iranian defensive and offensive units as well as testing the capabilities of Iranian air defense hardware to protect the country against threats. The maneuvers will put to test dozens of bombers, hunter and interceptor jets as well as transport, refueling, reconnaissance and patrolling aircraft besides unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), according to the Press TV. Sukhoi Su-24, F-4 and F-7 Phantoms, MiG-29, F-14 jets, Boeing 707 and 7047 aerial refueling planes and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, along with drones equipped with precision strike missiles and long-range smart bombs are taking part. Domestically-manufactured rockets and bombs as well as laser-guided, anti-radar and thermal missiles will be put to test during the exercises. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 20:30:57|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ATHENS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Greece can "continue to count on its partnership and friendship with Germany", German Chancellor Angela Merkel told a Greek newspaper ahead of her two-day visit to Athens starting Thursday. The German leader is scheduled to have a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Thursday afternoon and talks with President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and main opposition New Democracy party leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis before departing from Athens. Merkel had last visited Greece in April 2014. In an statement to "Kathimerini" (Daily) newspaper, the German leader praised Greece for the efforts made to exit the debt crisis in the past eight years. "With the completion of the third adjustment program last year, Greece has made great progress. That should be a motive for the future. At this point I would like to reassure Greece that, in this course, it can continue to count on its partnership and friendship with Germany," she said. According to Greek government sources, the chancellor was expected to also voice once again Germany's support for the agreement achieved last summer between Athens and Skopje for the resolution of their long-standing dispute over the use of the name Macedonia. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 20:30:57|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close CAIRO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo said here on Thursday that the United States will remain a steadfast partner in the Middle East to crush terrorism. "We will stand partner in the Middle East to crush terrorism," Pompeo said in a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shokri. "We destroyed 99 percent of the Islamic State (IS) in Syria and will continue to eradicate it from the entire world," he added. Pompeo said the U.S. withdrawal from Syria didn't contradict the ongoing danger of the IS. He also thanked Egyptian leaders for tackling terrorism and protecting his people, saying "Egypt will stand as our partner in the region in eradicating terrorism." Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Pompeo asserted the depth of the longstanding strategic partnership between both countries, said Presidential Spokesman Bassam Radi. The two sides also confirmed the importance of continuing joint coordination and consultation on political and security issues in the region, Radi added. Pompeo described on his twitter "the meeting was fruitful." "The U.S. stands firm with Egypt in light of its obligations of protecting religions and combating terrorism that threatened our friends in the Middle East," he tweeted. Pompeo arrived in Cairo late Wednesday following stops in Jordan and Iraq, in a tour for the Middle East that also includes Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 20:20:55|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close GABORONE, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Botswana authorities on Thursday banned the importation of live cloven-hoofed animals and their products from South Africa, following an outbreak of the highly contagious foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the South African province of Limpopo. Letlhogile Modisa, the director of veterinary services in Botswana's Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security, decreed the ban. As a result, Modisa said in a statement that import restrictions are imposed on live cloven-hoofed animals and their products. "The movement of such animals and their products, originating from South Africa and transiting through Botswana, is also not allowed," said Modisa. Furthermore, the importation of veldt grasses, bedding and animal manure, contaminated products and vehicles are also not allowed, he said. The ban could have a serious impact on meat consumption in Botswana since the southern African country relies heavily on imports of cloven-hoofed animals from South Africa. FMD is a highly infectious viral disease which can affect all hoofed mammals, domestic and wild. The disease is a major threat to livestock farmers and industries and measures to contain outbreaks often include strict restrictions on movement and mass culling of animals. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 20:10:48|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close COLOMBO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's tourism sector earned 4.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2018, surpassing the government target of 4 billion U.S. dollars, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka said in a statement here Thursday. However, Sri Lanka attracted 2.3 million tourists last year, falling short of its expected arrival number of 2.5 million tourists. India, China and Britain remained the leading markets throughout the year. Sri Lankan Tourism Minister John Amaratunga said last week that mega publicity campaigns had been organized to be carried out in many major cities including those in India and China this year, and the country was expecting at least 3 million tourists by the end of December 2019. Amaratunga said he was also expecting a revenue of 5 billion U.S. dollars from tourism in 2019. In addition to the campaigns, a full comprehensive destination promotion program is also expected to take off, including promotions with the "Lonely Planet" magazine. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 20:05:45|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, speaks at a symposium on healthcare security in Beijing, capital of China, on Jan. 10, 2019. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng on Thursday demanded stricter supervision over medical insurance funds to enhance security. Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, ordered a crackdown on medicare fund fraud at a symposium on healthcare security. "The medicare funds save people's lives," Han said, adding that a permanent system to supervise and manage the funds should be established as soon as possible. China's National Healthcare Security Administration launched a nationwide campaign to combat medicare fund fraud at the end of 2018, focusing on violations including the fraudulent use of social security cards and falsification of medical documents. Han also underscored the importance to improve the unified systems of basic medical insurance and serious disease insurance, and called for efforts to bring more benefit to people from medicare services. "More lifesaving drugs and other drugs that people need should be added to the medical insurance reimbursement list," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 20:00:43|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close LHASA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Economy in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region remains upbeat as it has recorded double-digit GDP growth for 26 consecutive years. High-tech and digital industries, together with agriculture, tourism and culture, green industries and modern services, have become major industries, which contribute to high-quality growth in the region. Tibet's GDP in 2018 was estimated at more than 140 billion yuan (21 billion U.S. dollars), up about 10 percent from 2017, Qizhala, chairman of the regional government, said in his government work report delivered Thursday at the second session of the 11th People's Congress of Tibet Autonomous Region. Per capita disposable income for the region's rural residents grew about 13 percent, while for residents in urban areas it rose more than 10 percent. In the report, Qizhala said that Tibet has "made decisive progress" in the battle against poverty, with 180,000 people lifted out of poverty. A total of 14.49 billion yuan was allocated to aid 218,000 people to relocate and live better lives. The regional government also vowed to lift the last 150,000 people out of poverty and eradicate absolute poverty this year, which marks the 60th anniversary of democratic reforms in the region. Meanwhile, credit spending expanded, with 368 billion yuan of loans granted to companies, up 20 percent. Small- and micro-sized companies, agriculture, anti-poverty projects, private businesses and startup entrepreneurs benefited from the loans. This year the region aims to create new jobs for 50,000 people in cities and towns. Tibet will open wider to the outside world in 2019, as it will enhance interconnectivity in terms of infrastructure to build "a big routeway of openness" towards South Asia, Qizhala said. He said that up to five export bases will be developed in 2019. The region aims to increase foreign trade by at least 10 percent and border trade by at least 30 percent. Tibet will continue to build the border economic cooperation area in Gyirong and the bonded area in Lhasa. The port of Zham will resume its passage for goods and several other ports will also open to the outside. More than 30 million tourists visited Tibet in 2018, up 31.5 percent from the previous year, generating a tourism revenue of 49 billion yuan, according to the latest figures. Local authorities have been trying to bolster the tourism industry with a raft of preferential policies rolled out to develop tourist attractions, hotels, tour buses and air routes, and hope that tourist numbers will exceed 40 million this year. In the meantime, Tibet will continue to strengthen ecological protection, with 20-percent more investment earmarked for 2019. The region will continue making efforts in protecting its forests, grasslands, wetlands and biodiversity, building ecological safety barrier, and curbing desertification and soil erosion, said Qizhala. "This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and a key year for the country to achieve its goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects," he said. "The regional GDP is expected to grow 10 percent this year. The average per-capita disposable income among the region's rural residents will increase by 13 percent, while for residents in urban areas it will rise at least 10 percent." Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 19:50:38|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close CAIRO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Muslim Brotherhood spiritual leader Mohamed Badie, who was charged of committing violence and murder outside a mosque in Giza province, was found innocent on Thursday by an Egyptian court. Badie, along with other six prominent figures of the Brotherhood, have initially been sentenced to life in jail in 2014 for killing ten people and wounding 20 others, official news agency MENA reported. Life sentence is 25-year imprisonment in Egypt, according to the law. The case dated back to August 2013 after the army toppled the Islamist leader Mohamed Morsi due to mass protests against his rule. The defendants were accused of gathering on purpose of committing murder, sabotage, causing disorder and destroying public properties. The prosecution said the defendants had ordered other members to use molotov and live ammunition against the police. This is the first time that Badie has been declared innocent. He is now serving death verdict and three life sentences over charges of killing, jailbreak and spying for foreign countries. Lombard, Illinois, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pinnacle Dermatology has acquired Silverton Skin Institute, further expanding the Pinnacle footprint and dermatology expertise in Michigan. Silverton Skin Institute is led by Kimball Silverton, D.O., a distinguished dermatologist in the Grand Blanc area. Our continued expansion in Michigan is based on partnering with practices dedicated to the highest quality patient care, said Chad A. Eckes, CEO, Pinnacle Dermatology. Silverton Skin Institute is dedicated to the same patient centered principles as Pinnacle Dermatology. We are honored to welcome Dr. Silverton and his team to our network of high quality practices. Kimball Silverton, D.O. is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon. Dr. Silverton trained exclusively in Los Angeles where he completed a dermatology residency followed by a cosmetic surgery fellowship through the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. He is also an associate professor of dermatology at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan and is Chief of Dermatology at Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc. As an Associate Professor of a Dermatology Residency program, Dr. Silverton teaches aspiring dermatologists as well as other physicians. Dr. Silverton is also an expert in Mohs surgery and spent years engaged in clinical drug research pertaining to skin cancer, acne, Psoriasis, Rosacea, Eczema and other conditions of the skin. "We look forward to continuing to serve dermatology patients in the Grand Blanc area with highly personalized attention and expertise we have always provided, says Dr. Silverton. Leveraging the Pinnacle Dermatology shared services model, we will continue our focus on high quality, patient-centered care. In addition to Dr. Kimball, Silverton Skin Institute has the following dermatology providers Timothy Kessler, PA-C is a certified Physician Assistant. He graduated top of his class from the University of Detroit Mercy with a Masters of Science degree. He completed his internship at Hurley Medical Center in 1996. Tim is also a member of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants (AAPA). After nine years in practice, Tim joined the Silverton Skin Institute in 2009. Tim participates in several prominent research projects addressing psoriasis, A-topic dermatitis and other skin diseases. Jason Hui, PA-C is a certified Physician Assistant. He attended Michigan State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1999. He then furthered his career after successfully completing a didactic course and receiving a Masters Degree from Central Michigan University. Jason is also a member of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants (AAPA). Jason tracks dermatological advances by taking part in research at the Silverton Skin Institute with a focus on psoriasis. Michelle Bowling, MSN, FNP-C started her career in 2006 as a registered nurse at Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington, KY. Michelles background was in telemetry as well as post-operative surgical care. During her time at Saint Joseph, she was named, Nurse of the Year, she graduated with honors from Indiana Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She was invited to join the Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society because of her achievements. After several years in management, she decided to further her career as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Frontier Nursing University to reach her dream of practicing as a provider in Dermatology. After becoming board certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Michelle moved from Winchester, KY to be a part of the Silverton Skin Institute. She is an active member of both the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. Pinnacle provides a preeminent patient experience in comprehensive and compassionate skin care and has expanded services throughout the region with offices whose values and standard practices are aligned with this mission. Responsive and passionate patient care, including same day appointments, patient education and a commitment to provide screening for early skin cancer detection are central to our practices. Silverton Skin Institute will continue to serve patients at their current location. Medical insurance coverage will remain the same. To schedule an appointment, call the office at 810-606-7500. About Pinnacle Dermatology, LLC Pinnacle Dermatology is proud to be a place where extraordinary things happen. Our physicians, clinic staff members and corporate employees all work together to help our patients get and keep healthy skin, hair and nails in every clinic, every day. If you are looking for extraordinary medical and cosmetic dermatology services, let us show you what is possible. www.pinnacleskin.com Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 19:40:34|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ATHENS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The University of the Aegean on Greece's Lesvos island remained closed on Thursday, after seven persons were transferred to hospital on Wednesday evening with health problems after the opening of an envelope which contained a suspicious substance. The five administrative employees, a legal counsel and a police officer suffered mainly from eye irritation and on Thursday they were still hospitalized as a precaution measure, Greek national news agency AMNA reported. The envelope was addressed to the University's rector and was sent from India, according to initial information. A group of experts from Athens travelled to the northern Aegean Sea island to receive the envelope for examination. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 19:35:34|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KAMPALA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Five children in the western Ugandan district of Hoima have died of measles, the country's health ministry said on Thursday. Emma Ainebyoona, the ministry's public relations officer, told Xinhua by telephone that all the children were under 10. The cases occurred in the past week. The officer said the country is facing a measles outbreak and that 56 districts have already been affected. Ainebyoona urged parents to take their children for vaccination against the disease. "We shall soon roll out the mass measles and rubella immunization campaign before the end of this month," Ainebyoona said. Measles, according to the ministry of health, is one of the killer diseases among children below five years. The others include diphtheria, polio and tuberculosis. Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that may spread through coughs and sneezes and can cause serious illness. The symptoms of the disease include a high fever, cough, runny nose and red watery eyes. According to the World Health Organization, the symptoms of measles appear about seven to 14 days after a person is infected. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 19:35:33|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close RABAT, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 29 tons of cannabis have been seized in less than one week in Moroccan northern city of Tangier, a few miles away from Spain, according to the Moroccan police on Thursday. The police said in a statement that they seized a total of 15.24 tons of cannabis Wednesday on board a Morocco-registered semi-trailer truck which was spotted at a popular neighborhood in Tangier. This operation is part of the ongoing investigations which enabled the seizure on Saturday of 13.75 tons of cannabis at the port of Tangier-Med, the statement added. Initial investigations revealed that a cross-border criminal network is involved in the trafficking of these record quantities of drugs, the same source noted. This network is suspected of creating fictitious companies to hide its illicit activities and to maintain links with criminal networks in Morocco or Europe. The police said that the investigations are underway to arrest all the people involved in this operation and to unveil all the activities of this criminal network. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 19:05:25|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to classify different types of diabetes, which may help Chinese patients obtain more precise treatment. Different types of diabetes require diverse treatment. The current diabetes classification system, which has been used for more than 20 years is based on cause and pathological features, which has limitations in guiding clinical treatment. Researchers from Peking University People's Hospital are working on a more elaborate classification of diabetes that may support individualized treatment. They conducted research on diabetes classification based on the data of 2,316 Chinese people newly diagnosed with diabetes and 815 Americans. Using the AI clustering method, they separate the two groups into four diabete subtypes based on five variables including age, BMI, blood glucose levels and insulin resistance indexes. According to Zou Xiantong, one of the researchers, a previous study from Northern Europe has used similar methods to divide diabetes into five subgroups and demonstrated that the subgroups have different clinical manifestations and corresponding treatments. However, all cases involved in the study were from Northern Europe, and it is unknown whether it is applicable to other populations. "We hope our research may provide data support for more accurate typing and treatment of diabetes in the Chinese population," Zou said. The data analysis showed that the main clinical features of the four subtypes were basically consistent in the Chinese and U.S. groups, which also coincided with the subtype characteristics of the Northern Europe research. The research was published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 18:50:24|Editor: ZX Video Player Close LHASA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Qizhala, chairman of the government of Tibet Autonomous Region, delivered a government work report at the annual session of the 11th People's Congress of this autonomous region on Thursday. He reviewed the progress made in 2018 and outlined government work for 2019. Here are some facts and figures from the report: -- Tibet's GDP is expected to grow by 10 percent and top 140 billion yuan (21 billion U.S. dollars) in 2018. Major industries in the region include agriculture, tourism and culture, green industry, modern services, and high-tech and digital industry. -- Average per-capita disposable income in rural areas is expected to increase by about 13 percent, and that for urban dwellers by 10 percent in 2018. -- The region created 54,000 new jobs for urban residents in 2018 and its urban unemployment rate stood at 2.83 percent. -- A total of 180,000 people in Tibet were taken off the list of impoverished, defined as per capita annual income of 2,300 yuan (about 335 U.S. dollars) at 2010 prices. -- About 14.49 billion yuan (about 2.1 billion U.S. dollars) was spent to fund the resettlement of 218,000 people from less inhabitable areas. -- Tibet launched more than 700 poverty alleviation projects, trained 36,000 poverty-striken farmers and herdsmen, and provided 47,000 new jobs in ecological protection. -- Tibet received 33.68 million tourists, up 31.5 percent. Tourist revenue reached 49 billion yuan (about 7 billion dollars), up 29.2 percent. -- The installed capacity of Tibet's clean energy is expected to reach 3.33 million kilowatts. The region sends 870 million kilowatt-hours of electricity to 14 provinces and regions in China. -- Border trade volume in 2018 was 4.8 billion yuan (about 700 million dollars). -- A total of 10.7 billion yuan (1.5 billion dollars) was spent on environment efforts. New trees were planted on 74,000 hectares of land. Forests cover 12.14 percent of land in Tibet. -- Around 33 percent of the people live in urban areas in Tibet. -- Tibet targets 10-pct economic growth in 2019. About 50,000 new jobs will be created in cities and towns this year. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 18:50:23|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. electric car maker Tesla will stop selling the cheapest versions of its Model S sedans and Model X SUVs beginning Monday, its CEO Elon Musk tweeted late Wednesday. "Starting on Monday, Tesla will no longer be taking orders for the 75 kWh version of the Model S & X. If you'd like that version, please order by Sunday night ..." he said in the tweet. The two versions of the Tesla vehicles are equipped with 75-kw-hour (kWh) battery packs, which offer a range of 259 miles (about 416.8 km) for the Model S, and 237 miles (about 381.4 km) for the Model X. The 75-kWh versions of Model S and X are priced from 76,000 U.S. dollars and 82,000 dollars respectively. The next cheapest versions of Model S and X will be equipped with 100-kWh battery packs that provide a longer driving range, with market prices starting from 94,000 dollars and 96,000 dollars respectively. While Tesla is ramping up production of its popular Model 3 sedans at home, Musk is eyeing China, the world's second-largest economy, as a more promising market for the company's electric vehicles. On Monday, Musk attended a ground-breaking event for his Shanghai factory, Tesla's first plant outside the United States, which is located in the Lingang area, a high-end manufacturing park in the city. It has an annual capacity of 500,000 electric cars. The Shanghai factory is also the first U.S. plant that benefits from a new policy by China that allows foreign carmakers to set up wholly-owned subsidiaries in the world's most populous country. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 18:40:22|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close SANAA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Yemen's Houthi rebels on Thursday claimed a drone attack on a government military parade in the Yemeni southern province of Lahj that killed at least four and injured 20 others. The Houthi-controlled Saba news agency said the attack was carried out by "Kasif 1" drone on the military parade in al-Anad military base Thursday morning. It said the attack came after "a close observation on the invaders." The head of the Houthi highest revolutionary committee Mohammed Ali al-Houthi said in a statement obtained by Xinhua that the drone attack targeted "the (government) Chief of Staff Abdullah al-Nakhey, his deputy Saleh al-Zindany and several other top leaders." Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV reported that at least six loyal military leaders were killed in the rebel drone attack. The attack came after a fragile cease-fire between the Saudi-backed government and Iranian-backed rebels in the country's Red Sea port city of Hodeidah has apparently stalled. On Wednesday, the United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths briefed the Security Council that "both parties, the government and Houthis, have largely adhered to the ceasefire in the Hodeidah governorate that entered into force on 18 December, 2018." "There has been a significant decrease in hostilities since then," added Griffiths. Griffiths said his team will continue to cement the fragile cease-fire and move forward to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement. However, the Yemeni rival forces continued trading accusations of being reluctant to implement the UN-brokered cease-fire and peace agreement reached in Stockholm last month. The Houthis have controlled much of the country's north since late 2014, while the government controls much of the country's south. Saudi Arabia has been leading an Arab military coalition in Yemen against the Iran-backed Houthi militia since March 2015, in order to reinstate the exiled Yemeni government of Hadi. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 18:30:21|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close WELLINGTON, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's population could hit five million by the end of the year, according to the country's statistics department Stats NZ on Thursday. At the moment, New Zealand's population is more than 4.93 million, according to the Stats NZ population clock. Given current trends, New Zealand's population could reach the five-million milestone by the end of 2019, or early 2020, said Stats NZ senior demographer Kim Dunstan. Based on forecasts around births, deaths and net migration, Stats NZ estimates that the country's population increases by one person every five minutes and 26 seconds. The four-million milestone was reached back in 2003, Dunstan said, adding over the last few years, the population has grown particularly quickly. In the year ending September 2018 the population had grown by 90,000, he said, adding it was growing as fast as 2.1 percent in 2016 and 2017. New Zealand's population reached one million in 1908. The second million was reached in 1952. The population hit three million in 1973 and four million in 2003, according to Stats NZ. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 18:10:15|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese hospital on Thursday launched free consultations featuring artificial-intelligence (AI) cameras to detect ocular fundus diseases, which are a major cause of blindness. Deqing county hospital in Guangdong Province became the first to use the device, co-developed by China's search engine Baidu and Sun Yat-sen University, to serve the general public, Baidu told Xinhua. The instrument is capable of diagnosing three types of fundus disorders -- diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration. It scans the eyes and generates a report in 10 seconds, all done without the need for an ophthalmologist to be present. With an accuracy rate of 94 percent, it has previously been piloted in hospitals in nine Chinese provinces, according to Baidu. Though it may be interpreted as AI threatening the jobs of doctors, Baidu said the new tool is aimed to alleviate the needs due to the scarcity of ophthalmologists, especially in China's rural regions. Fundus diseases are a major cause of blindness in the developing world, where a lack of eye doctors and instruments has stymied timely diagnosis and treatment. China, with a population of 1.39 billion, has only thousands of ophthalmologists capable of analyzing fundus photos screening. Xu Yanwu, a Baidu engineer developing the instrument, said the AI cameras were specifically designed to address the lack of medical instruments and ophthalmologists at grassroots health facilities. "It is easy to use and can be operated by a non-professional. Its 94-percent sensitivity and specificity at analysing photos can match that of a senior doctor at a tertiary hospital," Xu said. RISE OF AI Thanks to a vast pool of data and the push for innovation, China's AI industry has seen rapid growth in recent years, drawing in tech heavyweights like Baidu, Huawei and Alibaba. It is not the first time Baidu has demonstrated its prowess in the AI sector. In December, Shanghai started trial operations of a fleet of sightseeing buses equipped with the company's AI technologies, featuring facial recognition and wireless translators. The use of AI has also been trendy in the medical sector, and many Chinese hospitals are already engaged in AI research, according to Zhang Meifen, an ophthalmologist at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Zhang, who is not involved in the Baidu project, said the device is significant for detecting diabetic retinopathy, a disease common among the over 100 million diabetes patients in China. "AI technologies can play a big role in China, which has a large population and unevenly distributed medical resources," she told Xinhua. Zhang acknowledged the prospects that smarter computers may cause some job losses in hospitals in the long term, but insisted that experts are unlikely to be affected. "Diseases and their treatments are always in a process of change and evolution, so human doctors are always needed to work out tailored solutions," she said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 18:05:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TALUQAN, Afghanistan -- A total of 18 fighters including eight police and 10 militants have been confirmed dead as clash erupted in Khawja Ghar district of the northern Takhar province on Thursday, district governor Mohammad Omar said. "A group of Taliban insurgents attacked security checkpoints in Gortepa area of Khawja Ghar district at 02:00 a.m. local time today, triggering heavy gun battle which lasted for a few hours, and as a result 10 rebels and eight security personnel were killed," Omar told Xinhua. (Afghanistan-Taliban-Clash) - - - - SEOUL -- China has played a positive role in denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula and improving inter-Korean relations, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in his New Year press conference on Thursday. "Until now, China has played a positive role in helping very much the Korean Peninsula's denuclearization and the improved inter-Korean relations," said Moon in the televised press conference. (S.Korea-DPRK-China) - - - - SEOUL -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday that Japan should take a humble attitude over history, referring to Japan's protest against the country's top court ruling on forced labor by the Imperial Japan during World War II. "The Japanese government should respect the ruling by (South) Korea's judicial branch though it has complaints. It is not a wise attitude for Japanese politicians and leaders to politicize and cause controversy over the issue," Moon said during his New Year press conference. (S.Korea-Japan-Dispute) - - - - TOKYO -- The Japanese government said Wednesday an uninhabited island in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima will be purchased by March to be used by Japanese forces, as well as for U.S. military aircraft to practice carrier landings. Japan's top government spokesperson told a press briefing on the matter Wednesday that along with U.S. military drills to be held on Mage Island, located 12 km west of Kagoshima's Tanegashima Island, the government is also mulling the use of the island for Japan's Self-Defense Forces' (SDF) operations. (Japan-Island-Military Base) Enditem FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vista Proppants and Logistics, LLC ("Vista" or the Company), today announced a long-term agreement with Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE:CHK) (Chesapeake) whereby the Company will supply the industry leading exploration and production company high crush strength 100 mesh frac sand from Vistas Cresson, Texas mine for delivery to the Companys transload facility in Dilley, Texas located in the Eagle Ford Basin. Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Gary Humphreys, Vistas Chief Executive Officer, commented, We are pleased to enter into this strategic relationship with Chesapeake to support their extensive acreage development program in the Eagle Ford. Our unique Company-owned vertically integrated logistics network will provide them with increased reliability and surety of supply. As important, Chesapeake will benefit from using Granburys Texas Premium White 100 mesh frac sand offering, which we view as having superior quality and crush strength as compared to locally sourced 100 mesh mined in the Eagle Ford region. Vista Proppants and Logistics Al Petrie Advisors Wes Harris Phone: 281-740-1334 Email: wes@alpetrie.com About Vista Proppants and Logistics Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 17:40:10|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close BANGKOK, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Four defense volunteers were shot dead by insurgents disguised as rangers in a school in southern Thailand on Thursday, police said. The four victims, in their 30s, were guarding the school in Pattani province when the gun attack happened. Attackers in army uniforms pretended to be rangers visiting the school before they opened fire, according to police. Gunshots were heard when classes were in session. No teachers or students were injured, according to witnesses. The four volunteers were killed on the spot, with their rifles stolen. The insurgents left road spikes behind to halt authorities' hunt, according to police. Police said they've set up checkpoints across the district to intercept the perpetrators. Pattani has eyed the second attack in a week. Two days ago, a 12-year-old girl was injured by a bomb on her way to school, not far from where the gun attack happened on Thursday. Pattani, along with Yala and Narathiwat, are the three southernmost provinces that were haunted by gun attacks and bombings launched by separatist insurgents. More than 7,000 people have been killed since 2004. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 17:40:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HARARE, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The following are the news highlights in Zimbabwe's major media outlets on Thursday. -- The Zimbabwean government has developed a comprehensive plan to revive the economy, which will involve painful measures like a bitter pill administered to a patient, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has said. He made the remarks in Brussels, Belgium, Wednesday while addressing the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group. (The Herald) -- Zimbabwe consumed almost 480 million more liters of petrol and diesel in six months between June and November last year than in the same period in 2017, a gargantuan 77 percent extra, at an additional foreign currency cost of more than 200 million U.S. dollars. It is not known as of now who used the extra fuel and for what. (The Herald) -- Pharmacies and clinics in Zimbabwe's second largest city, Bulawayo, have run out of birth control pills amid a biting shortage of basic drugs and medicines in the country. A survey on clinics and pharmacies in the city showed they did not have the commonly used Marvelon birth control pill. (NewsDay) -- A mob of ZANU-PF youths on Wednesday invaded Gweru's biggest long distance bus terminus, Kudzanayi, and took over revenue collection from council officials. Kudzanayi bus terminus finance supervisor Nicodemus Hakunavanhu said that the shock troops, numbering 14, arrived around 5 am and closed the entrance. (NewsDay) Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 17:35:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The following are news highlights in Ethiopia's major media outlets on Thursday. -- Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday received the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland, Leo Varadkar, at his office in Addis Ababa, capital of the East African country. During the bi-lateral discussions Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed noted that the visit by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland is a testimony to the strengthened ties between Europe and Ethiopia. (Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation/EBC) -- Ethiopia's President Sahle-Work Zewde and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Wednesday discussed ways of enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries. Speaking to journalists after the discussion at the National Palace, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said his country is keen to build strong partnership with Ethiopia. (Ethiopian News Agency/ENA) -- Contending political parties (in Ethiopia) have been urged to work together to overcome the challenges occurred in connection with the ongoing nationwide reforms in the country. This was revealed on Wednesday at a dialogue and consultation forum held among political parties in Ethiopia. (Fana Broadcasting Corporate/FBC) Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 17:35:07|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close NEW YORK, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The just-concluded U.S.-China trade talks in Beijing achieved "useful progress" and both parties are expected to narrow down their differences further in addressing the trade tension between the world's two largest economies, said a U.S. expert. "Let me be frank in saying that I belong to a very tiny minority who has always viewed that a deal between the two sides is eminently do-able," Sourabh Gupta, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Institute for China-America Studies, told Xinhua on Wednesday. "I am glad to see that both sides have made positive moves in this regard. I have felt that the two sides were never as far apart as has been deliberately mischaracterized by the Washington establishment and by hardline figures in the Trump administration," he said. There was "never much of a problem" with regard to China's foreign investment policies although further liberalization would have been welcome, and was necessary to level the playing field, he said. "There were issues with regard to certain Chinese foreign investment-related practices. But that these practices were leading to hundreds of millions of dollars of 'theft' was a gross falsehood perpetrated by motivated parties in the United States and the Anglosphere," he said. "As it now appears, there has been useful progress in addressing these 'practices'-related concerns," Gupta said. "Given that the gaps between the two sides in reality was never as large as advertised, I fully expect that both parties will be able to narrow down their differences further." "That significant market access-related concerns have also been successfully dealt with, including agricultural biotechnology-related approvals, which adds to the sense of optimism," he said. "It is instructive to note that just on Tuesday, the World Bank released a pessimistic outlook for the global economy in 2019. At this time, the most important factor weighing down on the global economy is policy uncertainty," he said, adding "a good deal of that uncertainty stems from the ongoing trade frictions" between the U.S. and China. "As such, both countries, being major players in the global economy, have a responsibility to put their trade and investment relationship back onto a stable and productive track," he said. Further, he said, from China's long-term growth perspective, there is no fundamental contradiction between stabilizing aggregate and continuing with a new era of reform and opening-up policies, particularly in the sphere of liberalization of foreign investment policies and practices in the goods and services sectors. "Such liberalization generates strong internal drivers of growth, delivers the economy to a higher productivity frontier, and reduces the temptation for (unsustainable) debt-fueled, excess investment-led growth," he said. China and the United States held vice-ministerial-level talks on economic and trade issues in Beijing from Monday to Wednesday. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 17:35:07|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close SUVA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Fijian government has topped up about 80,000 student eTransport cards as part of its efforts to build a cashless society. The Fiji's Ministry of Education said on Thursday that the government-subsidised student eTransport cards are now eligible for redemption before the start of Term 1 next Monday. The ministry said that to access these funds, all students carrying blue eTransport cards need to get the balance loaded into their cards using the "redeem" function on any eTicketing machines installed on buses, or by visiting any Vodafone/Valuefone and Mr Mobile outlets or District Education Offices. All cards are open for redemption from Thursday. Parents and students are urged to redeem these funds ahead of the start of Term 1 next Monday. For years, the Fijian government has made more moves towards a cashless society. In October, 2017, the eTransport system was introduced in the island nation to counter pilferage by bus companies and also help Fijians adapt to a cashless society as the world is changing that way. Since December, 2017, all payments made by the Fijian government departments have been switched to be done electronically without issuing cheques, adding to Fiji's change of becoming a cashless society. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 17:35:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUSAKA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The following are news highlights in Zambia's major media outlets on Thursday. -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa have agreed to urgently consult other Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders to come up with a position in ensuring a peaceful outcome of elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The two leaders made the decision after a meeting held in South Africa on Wednesday, according to a press release from the Zambian leader's office. (Zambia Daily Mail) -- The Zambian government has asked Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), a unit of India's Vedanta Resources, to honor its pledge to invest in two mining operations in order to ramp up production. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Richard Musukwa said KCM should have been the last company to complain about the new mining tax measures as it has not honored its investment pledges in the Konkola Deep Mine and Nchanga Underground Mine projects. (Times of Zambia) -- The Zambian government should develop a mechanism to ensure that all export earnings from the mining sector are accounted for in local banks. Yusuf Dodia, chairperson of the Private Sector Development Association (PSDA), said a law should be passed to compel mining houses to account for export earnings in the local banks. (Daily Nation) -- Army worms have invaded six districts on the Copperbelt Province of Zambia, posing a serious challenge to farmers, authorities have revealed. Copperbelt Agriculture Coordinator Obvious Kabinda said however measures were being put in place to address the spread of the pests. (The Mast) Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 17:25:04|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close VIENTIANE, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government expects domestic and foreign private investment to climb to 23,086 billion kip (over 2.72 million U.S. dollars) in 2019, accounting for 52.06 percent of total investment or 13.95 percent of GDP, local media reported here on Thursday. The figure was revealed on Wednesday at the Lao central and provincial investment promotion and management committee meeting, held in capital Vientiane. It was chaired by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Central Committee for Investment Promotion and Management Sonexay Siphandone, local daily Vientiane Times reported. Under the socio-economic development plan for 2019, the Lao government expects GDP to grow at 6.5 percent this year. Promoting and attracting domestic and foreign private investment is a top priority for the achievement of socio-economic development plans and is a key driver of economic growth, the report said. Private investment and investment in special economic zones is one of the government's four funding sources for achieving its target, Lao Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment and member of the Lao Committee for Central Investment Promotion and Management Khamlien Pholsena, told the meeting. Realizing the importance of promoting and attracting investment and improving the investment environment, in particular addressing the 10 specific indicators of business operations in Laos, the Lao government's plan for 2019 sets clear measures to concretely resolve these indicators, the minister said. In 2018, the Lao committee approved 43 concession investment projects, which included 14 electricity projects, 15 mining projects, five agricultural projects and nine service projects. With regard to special economic zone promotion and management, 593 domestic and foreign companies have registered operations in special and specific economic zones (SEZs) in Laos, the report said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 17:25:03|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAPE TOWN, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The following are news highlights in South African major news outlets on Thursday. -- A South African court ruled on Wednesday that the detention of Mozambique's former finance minister Manuel Chang over 2 billion U.S. dollars of fraudulent loans was legal. Lawyers for Chang, who was arrested in South Africa on December 29, argued in court that his detention was illegal because a request for extradition had not yet been received. (Independent Online) -- As riot police took up position outside the electoral commission headquarters in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Zambian counterpart Edgar Lungu urged the commission to speedily release the result of the presidential vote to maintain stability. The DRC is awaiting delayed results from last month's poll, which is meant to lead to the Central African country's first democratic transfer of power. (Eyewitness News) -- African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday that unity within the party is gradually improving but admits that it has not been smooth-sailing. Ramaphosa was speaking after he delivered his January 8th statement - which is part of the ANC's 107th anniversary celebrations in Inanda, north of Durban.(South African Broadcasting Corporation) Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 17:25:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KINSHASA -- Opposition candidate Felix Tshisekedi has won the presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to interim results proclaimed early Thursday morning by the electoral commission. According to the electoral commission, Tshisekedi, candidate of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), has collected more than 7 million votes across the country, with the exception of three cities where polls were not conducted for safety reasons. (DRC-Election Result) - - - - BRASILIA -- Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday reaffirmed his decision to pull the country out of the United Nations (UN) Global Compact for Migration, saying migration policies must be defined on the national level. The president tweeted that he wants immigrants to Brazil to sing the national anthem and respect the country's culture. (Brazil-Bolsonaro-Migration) - - - - TALUQAN, Afghanistan -- A total of 18 fighters including eight police and 10 militants have been confirmed dead as clash erupted in Khawja Ghar district of the northern Takhar province on Thursday, district governor Mohammad Omar said. "A group of Taliban insurgents attacked security checkpoints in Gortepa area of Khawja Ghar district at 02:00 a.m. local time today, triggering heavy gun battle which lasted for a few hours, and as a result 10 rebels and eight security personnel were killed," Omar told Xinhua. (Afghanistan-Clash) - - - - WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday abruptly walked out from a meeting with congressional leaders, saying later that his talks with top Democrats on ending the partial government shutdown were "a total waste of time." "I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier? Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works!" Trump tweeted after his fresh engagement with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. (US-Government Shutdown) Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 17:25:01|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close CHENGDU, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Ahe Tiequ was kicked off the bus during her first trip ever down the mountains to the outside world. She was just 15, and had to trek two days to visit her relatives in the neighboring township. It was the only time she, now 54, had ever left her hometown of Wajiji -- a cliffside village in remote Daliang Mountain in southwest China's Sichuan Province. Wajiji in Meigu County of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture used to be called "Mafeng Village," or leprosy village, as leprosy patients expelled from their hometowns gathered on the isolate and barren land decades ago. Amid China's efforts to eradicate absolute poverty by 2020, Wajiji Village announced last month that it had already cast off poverty. Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that can cause nerve damage, leading to muscle weakness and atrophying, and permanent disability. Leprosy patients also suffer from discrimination due to their disability. The Yi ethnic group used to believe the disease was caused by "demons," regarding leprosy patients as "ghosts." Brought to Wajiji by her sick father at the age of three, Ahe was called a "second generation of leper." Although Ahe had not contracted the disease, she remembered clearly how she and other villagers were looked down upon. "Nobody dared to walk on the same path we had taken," she said. By the 1980s, almost half of the 300-plus villagers had leprosy. "Many of them had physical disabilities," said Luo Qingguo, former director of the disease control center of Meigu County. Over the past 30 years, Luo has climbed the mountain over 100 times to treat patients at the village. The leprosy was preventable, non-inheritable and with proper treatment, curable, he said. Luo also contacted government departments and non-government organizations to raise funds for the village and welcome volunteer services. In the late 1990s, the village finally had a power supply, and an iron bridge to the village was built. Mafeng Village was renamed "Kangfu" (rehabilitation). In 2008, when most of the patients had been cured, the village was renamed "Wajiji," which means "under the cliff" in the Yi language. In 2014, when China unveiled targeted poverty alleviation measures, remote Wajiji geared up to battle poverty. The winding mountain path that took villagers hours to climb was replaced by a 6-km cement road. Impoverished households were allocated two-storey houses with flush toilets and water heaters, said Aer Ermo, village Party chief. A clinic, small library and recreational room were built. Local government has encouraged villagers to raise goats and grow Sichuan pepper, a popular spice plant. Per capita annual income exceeded 5,000 yuan (731 U.S. dollars) last year. The village now has a kindergarten where two teachers take care of preschoolers and teach them Mandarin. Many children walk from the village to primary and high schools in the neighboring county. The 13 remaining leprosy patients, mostly elderly with no family, have been cured and moved to a rehabilitation center funded by the county government. Veteran Qumu Eri, 76, lives in the center. Qumu moved to the village after he was diagnosed with leprosy. Now, he likes to wear his military uniform and sing the songs he learned in the army. "Although I get older and older, my life becomes better and better," he said. Yang Xiuming, 28, comes every year as a volunteer, taking care of the elderly and helping with chores at the center. "Over the past eight years, I have witnessed the great changes in the village. I am so delighted to have been a small part of it." OVERLAND PARK, Kan, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mariner Wealth Advisors, the wealth advisory firm nationally ranked by Barrons as a top three RIA Firm in 2018, 2017 and 2016,1 today announced it has acquired Martin Financial Group. Located in New Albany, Indiana, Martin Financial Group has approximately $250 million in assets under advisement and a team of eight professionals dedicated to delivering personalized wealth advisory services to a wide range of clients. The partnership with Mariner Wealth Advisors provides Martin Financial Groups professionals with additional support and business continuity to ensure advisors are available to provide trusted advice for generations to come. Mariner Wealth Advisors also supports advisory teams with a dedicated investment committee and business development team, as well as back-office support related to human resources, operations, finance, information technology, marketing, legal and compliance. This allows advisors to focus solely on working with clients. I am thrilled to join a firm that shares our commitment in putting the client first, said Wesley Martin, ChFC, CFP, principal of Martin Financial Group. This relationship with Mariner Wealth Advisors will allow us to focus on what matters most: spending time with clients, while also gaining exceptional investment and back-office support. Its a win-win for our clients and associates. Marty Bicknell, chief executive officer of Mariner Wealth Advisors, said, I am incredibly pleased to welcome Martin Financial Group to the Mariner Wealth Advisors family. Its professionals have an exceptional history of delivering for clients, and they share our focus on providing holistic wealth advisory services to meet a wide range of needs. I look forward to adding the teams talent and experience to our bench, and to supporting the firms clients with additional resources and services. The partnership with Martin Financial Group is the latest development in Mariner Wealth Advisors growth strategy. With the addition of Martin Financial Group, Mariner Wealth Advisors has 28 offices in 20 states, with over 240 wealth advisors and over 500 associates. This will be Mariner Wealth Advisors second location in Indiana. About Mariner Wealth Advisors Mariner Wealth Advisors is a national wealth advisory firm that provides wealth advice focused on meeting client needs. Founded in 2006 with $300 million in assets under advisement, Mariner Wealth Advisors has grown to more than $23 billion in assets under advisement as of November, 2018. The firms mission is to help clients and their families navigate their financial future, charting a course to achieve their goals today, tomorrow and for years to come. About Martin Financial Group Located in the heartland of America, Martin Financial Group was founded on the traditional values of integrity, objectivity and hard work, matched with a commitment to staying in tune with the continually changing investment environment. Because planning your financial future is about more than choosing investments, Martin Financial Group aims to grow your assets over time while minimizing risks and helping you achieve your key financial milestones. The following professionals advised Martin Financial in the transaction: David Selig with Advice Dynamics Partners, Middleton Reutlinger Law, Harding Shymanski CPAs. 1 Barrons awarded the 2018 #3 Top 40 RIA Firms to Mariner, LLC d/b/a Mariner Wealth Advisors based on data compiled for Mariner Wealth Advisors and the 2017 #2 and 2016 #1 rankings in the Top 20 Independent Advisory Firms to Mariner Holdings based upon data compiled for Mariner Holdings registered investment adviser subsidiaries. Barrons publishes these lists based upon a number of criteria and the firms filings with the SEC were used to cross-check the data provided to Barrons. The listing includes the firms numbers of clients, employees, advisors, offices and state locations. The award is not indicative of future performance and there is no guarantee of future investment success. Registration of an investment advisor does not imply a certain level of training or skill. Heather Valle hvalle@hotpaperlantern.com Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 17:14:57|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close ADEN, Yemen, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The High-ranking military commanders of Yemen's internationally-backed government, including the army's chief of staff, were injured on Thursday in a deadly drone attack launched by the Houthi group in southern province of Lahj, a security official told Xinhua. The security source based in the province said that a drone belonging to the Houthis targeted a military parade at the Anad air base in Lahj, causing injuries among the leaders who attended the ceremony. The leader of Yemen's military intelligence agency and the governor of Lahj were injured by the Houthi attack, according to the source. All the injured were transferred to the public hospitals in Lahj to receive treatment. A medical official confirmed to Xinhua that around 20 were injured as a result of the Houthi drone attack against the pro-government military air base in Lahj. The Houthi-affiliated Masirah television network claimed responsibility for targeting the Saudi-backed Yemeni government military parade, but mentioned no details. The impoverished Arab country has been locked in a civil war since the Iranian-backed Shiite Houthi rebels overran much of the country militarily and seized all northern provinces, including the capital Sanaa, in 2014. Saudi Arabia leads an Arab military coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after Houthi rebels forced him into exile. The United Nations has listed Yemen as the world's top humanitarian crisis, with 7 million citizens on the brink of famine. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 17:04:56|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close LHASA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region will open wider to the outside world in 2019, a local government official said Thursday. Tibet will enhance interconnectivity in terms of infrastructure to build "a big routeway of openness" towards South Asia, Qizhala, chairman of the regional government, said in his government work report delivered Thursday at the second session of the 11th People's Congress of Tibet Autonomous Region. Qizhala said that up to five export bases would be developed in 2019. The region aims to increase foreign trade by at least 10 percent and border trade by at least 30 percent. Tibet will continue to build the border economic cooperation area in Gyirong and the bonded area in Lhasa, the regional capital. The port of Zham will resume its passage for goods and several other ports will also open to the outside, Qizhala said. In recent years, border trade in Tibet has seen rapid development. Last year, trade value of imports and exports totaled 4.8 billion yuan (about 700 million U.S. dollars). Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 17:05:03|Editor: ZX Video Player Close A nurse guides a patient to collect invoices and residual payment directly from the toll office by text message at the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical Unversity in Fuzhou, capital of southeast China's Fujian Province, March 22, 2018. In November 2013, the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held its third plenary session to focus on comprehensively deepening reform. China has achieved all-round progress in deepening reform in its judicial and social systems in the five years after the session. (Xinhua/Song Weiwei) Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 16:59:53|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close VIENTIANE, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Trading across borders has improved due to the government's effort to create a more business-friendly environment, a local report said on Thursday, quoting Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Lao ministries and other government bodies are making efforts to improve the ease-of-doing-business (EDB) climate after Laos' EDB ranking as assessed by the World Bank dropped 13 places to 154th among 190 economies worldwide, local daily Vientiane Times reported. Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce said trading across borders, one of the 11 indicators the World Bank used to assess the ranking, has improved considerably. Laos' trading across borders facilitation ranking climbed from 124th in 2018 to 76th so far this year -- an improvement of 48 places, according to the Lao ministry's 2019 trading across borders report. This progress has put Laos at the fourth place among the members of ASEAN. Other ASEAN members, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, took the top three places. Trading across borders facilitation is measured by such indicators as time taken to complete paperwork, procedures at border crossings, import, export, as well as total time taken and expenses. Thanks to Laos' improvement in this regard, the time taken to complete import-export documents dropped from nine days previously to two and a half days, the Lao ministry said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 16:49:50|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KHARTOUM, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese Police announced that three protesters were killed in demonstrations in Omdurman city on Wednesday, official SUNA news agency reported on Thursday. "The Omdurman city on Wednesday witnessed riots and illegal gatherings in which the police and security forces dispersed protesters using tear gas in accordance with the law," Hashim Abdel-Rahim, Sudanese police spokesman, was quoted in the report as saying. "The police forces later received reports about some injuries and three death cases. Investigation is underway under the supervision of the prosecution," he added. The demonstration in Omdurman city continued until late Wednesday evening in protest against the economic conditions. Since Dec. 19, 2018, various areas in Sudan, including Khartoum, have been witnessing popular protests over the deteriorating economic conditions and price hikes of basic commodities. According to government statistics, 22 people have been killed during the popular protests. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 16:57:39|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close Wang Liqun (2nd L), Kang Zhen (1st R), Meng Man (C) and Li Bo (2nd R), four guests giving comments during CCTV's Chinese poetry competition, attend a press conference on the program in Beijing, capital of China, March 21, 2018. In November 2013, the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held its third plenary session to focus on comprehensively deepening reform. In the five years after the session, China has been carrying out cultural system reform, ushering in a new situation of socialist cultural construction in a new era with firm cultural confidence. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 16:39:46|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close LHASA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's Tibet Autonomous Region has vowed to lift 150,000 people out of poverty and eradicate absolute poverty this year. "This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and a key year for the country to achieve its goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects," said Qizhala, chairman of the regional government, in his government work report delivered Thursday at the second session of the 11th People's Congress of Tibet Autonomous Region. "This year also marks the 60th anniversary of democratic reforms in the region and a key year for the elimination of absolute poverty in Tibet." Qizhala said Tibet achieved decisive progress in poverty relief in 2018, with 180,000 people lifted out of poverty. Last year, Tibet launched more than 700 poverty alleviation projects, trained 36,000 poverty-striken farmers and herdsmen, and provided 47,000 new jobs in ecological protection. "To achieve the goal in 2019, the region is to combine the poverty alleviation strategy with the rural vitalization strategy, continue to take measures including industrial development and job creation, complete the relocation projects of poor people, and accelerate the construction of infrastructure and public service in poor areas," Qizhala said. "The regional GDP is expected to grow 10 percent this year. The average per-capita disposable income among the region's rural residents will increase by 13 percent, while for residents in urban areas it will rise at least 10 percent." He said this year the region would create new jobs for 50,000 people in cities and towns. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 16:39:46|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BRASILIA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday reaffirmed his decision to pull the country out of the United Nations (UN) Global Compact for Migration, saying migration policies must be defined on the national level. The president tweeted that he wants immigrants to Brazil to sing the national anthem and respect the country's culture. "Brazilians and the immigrants who live here will be safer with rules we define on our own, without outside pressure," Bolsonaro tweeted, adding that he won't refuse to help those crossing the border. The agreement, which sets goals to better manage migration, is a comprehensive treaty which entails international cooperation to fight irregular migration and provides fair treatment for immigrants, including about 3 million Brazilians living abroad, according to Brazil's former Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes Ferreira. It was signed in December 2018 by 163 countries, including Brazil. A recent survey by polling company Datafolha indicates that 42 percent of Brazilian citizens "completely agree" with the idea of tighter control over immigration to Brazil, with an additional 24 percent saying they somewhat agree. Ferreira once expressed his concern over the pull-out, saying the move will cause problems for Brazilians living abroad. Migration is "indeed a global issue," he said in December. "All regions of the world are affected by migrations, sometimes as origin points, sometimes as transit points and sometimes as destinations. That is the reason for the need for global responses." Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 16:29:45|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces Thursday found the body of a local journalist in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, an Interior Ministry source told Xinhua. The body of Samir Ali Shgara, a cameraman assistant who worked for U.S.-based al-Hurra Iraq, an Arabic-language satellite TV channel, was found dumped near al-Qanat Street with bullet holes in his head, the source said. According to figures of the Iraqi Journalists' Syndicate, some 500 Iraqi journalists have been killed in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Iraq is considered one of the most dangerous countries for journalists who have been frequently targeted following the chaos and insecurity unleashed by the invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 16:19:43|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A batch of 30 Soviet T-34 tanks from Laos has arrived in the city of Vladivostok, the Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday. The combat vehicles will be delivered to the city of Naro-Fominsk by rail, the ministry said in a statement. According to the ministry, the tanks will be used during Victory Day parades, as well as in museum expositions and films about the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War. The T-34 was a technological breakthrough for its time, the ministry said. Between 1940 and 1946, the Soviet Union produced over 58,000 such tanks. According to TASS news agency, the Soviet tanks were handed over to Laos three decades ago. The agreement on the transfer of the tanks was reached during Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's visit to Laos in January 2018. PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via OTC PR WIRE Nexus Energy Services, Inc. (OTCPINK: IBGR), an application development company, today announced that late Wednesday, it became aware of a program of illegal spam emails which hyped the companys common stock. These emails were sent from the address money867time@gmail.com and implored recipients to buy IBGR shares. The company has no association with the perpetrator of this campaign to defraud the public and was unaware of it until a shareholder stepped forward. Uncoincidentally, an Investorshub poster with the handle 867moneytime has also been hyping IBGR shares. The evidence shows that both the emailer and the poster have concurrently hyped other stocks in the past. Taking advantage of the experience and contacts that Nexus Energy CEO, Ron Minsky, has as a former Deputy Attorney General for the State of New Jersey, the company is in the process of engaging federal authorities to investigate in hopes of the criminal prosecution of the perpetrator(s). Counsel has been engaged to immediately commence civil litigation against the cloaked deviant(s), and Investorshub will be subpoenaed to provide the personal details of 867moneytime, who is a paid subscriber to the forum. The company believes that Investorshub posters with handles Huggy Bear, I-Glow and PeanutButterJellyTime are also participants in the stock manipulation, and we will seek out their personal information as well. Mr. Minsky remarked, The chutzpah required to manipulate the stock of a company that is headed up by someone with my prosecutorial background is incredible, as is the incredibly stupid notion that I would sit back and let this happen. Nexus Energy will seek to prosecute the perpetrators criminally and civilly to the fullest extent of the law. Nexus Energy Corporate Advisor, and President of Guard Dog, Inc. (OTCPINK: GRDO), George Sharp, whose background as a whistleblower and contributions to the prosecution and incarceration of stock manipulators is well known stated, Anyone who buys or sells ANY stock on the recommendation of touting emails, posts on message board such as Investorshub, or comments made in chat rooms is nothing less than INSANE. These forums are manipulated by those who intend to illicitly profit from the gullibility of those who follow them. Mr. Sharps experience in litigation matters involving stock manipulators is expected to be invaluable in the coming legal actions. The company believes that the recent swings in its share price are due to the hype created by those who disseminated the illegal emails, thereby creating artificial volume. These wrongdoers then sold their previously purchased stock and intensified their sales after the company issued press releases regarding positive events. Management implores potential investors in any stock to do their own due diligence and rely only on material events as reported by the company. About Nexus Energy Services, Inc. (OTC: IBGR) Nexus Energy Services, Inc. is an application development company which will soon announce a significant project in the real estate sector. Safe Harbor Statement This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimates," "projects," "intends," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to successfully execute its expanded business strategy, including by entering into definitive agreements with suppliers, commercial partners and customers; general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technical advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, regulatory requirements and the ability to meet them, government agency rules and changes, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 16:19:43|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close HAIKOU, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Hainan provincial government has published an action plan for language learning on the island as it gears up to build a free trade port. The plan, effective for 2019-2025, is aimed at improving language competence and communicative skills for employees in government bodies, schools, media and public agencies in Hainan. The languages include English, Japanese, Russian, Korean and French languages. As a free trade zone and port, Hainan plays a pivotal role in China's opening-up drive and in the Belt and Road Initiative. Starting this year, English lessons will be stepped up for first and second graders in Haikou and Sanya. As the language-learning drive proceeds, English lessons will offered at kindergartens, the plan said. Besides Mandarin Chinese, primary and middle school students already have one mandatory language lesson, which is usually English. Schools are encouraged to teach a second foreign language to the students, it said. Hainan will also recruit teachers from overseas. Websites for government and public agencies will have different language versions. Public signs will multi-lingual by 2020. The provincial government will establish work teams to inspect the language study work. The southernmost island province in China is a popular tourist destination. Overseas tourists made 1.1 million visits to Hainan in the first 11 months of 2018, generating revenue of around 680 million U.S. dollars. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 15:44:36|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close QINGDAO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A direct flight has been launched between Qingdao, a coastal city in east China's Shandong Province, and the Vietnamese city of Nha Trang. The air route, operated by Vietnam's Vietjet Air with an Airbus 320 or 321 aircraft, is the first regular direct flight between the two cities, according to Qingdao Liuting International Airport. Three round trips are scheduled each week on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The outbound flight leaves Qingdao at 11 p.m. Beijing Time and arrives at Nha Trang at 3:25 a.m. local time. The return flight departs from Nha Trang at 5:40 p.m. local time and arrives in Qingdao at 10 p.m. Beijing Time. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 15:29:34|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close TALUQAN, Afghanistan, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A total of 18 fighters including eight police and 10 militants have been confirmed dead as clash erupted in Khawja Ghar district of the northern Takhar province on Thursday, district governor Mohammad Omar said. "A group of Taliban insurgents attacked security checkpoints in Gortepa area of Khawja Ghar district at 02:00 a.m. local time today, triggering heavy gun battle which lasted for a few hours, and as a result 10 rebels and eight security personnel were killed," Omar told Xinhua. Over a dozen militants and six security personnel were injured in the fighting, the official asserted. Taliban militants who have adopted aggressive policy and are active in parts of the restive Takhar province have yet to make comments on the situation. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 15:04:30|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- About 200 homestays will be ready to receive global visitors to Beijing's Yanqing District, where an international expo will be held from April to October. The International Horticultural Exhibition 2019 will begin in late April, and authorities in the district are preparing a batch of "middle- and high-end" homestays to boost its hosting ability, said Zheng Aijuan, with Yanqing's tourism commission. "So far we have built 124 such homestays," Zheng said, adding that these homestays are mostly built in rural houses, which exude "a sense of nature and simplicity." Homestays in the district have seen a rising number of tourists, particularly on weekends, thanks to events like the expo and the 2022 Winter Olympics, Zheng said. Besides the homestays, many star hotels are also under construction, Zheng added. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 14:34:24|Editor: mmm Video Player Close SHIJIAZHUANG, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd., China's largest sport utility vehicles (SUV) and pickup maker, sold more than 1.05 million vehicles in 2018, down 1.6 percent year on year. The automaker saw its annual SUV sales drop 3.49 percent from a year ago to 905,500 units, accounting for around 86 percent of total sales, the company said in a notice to the Shanghai Stock Exchange Wednesday. China's auto market experienced a bumpy year in 2018. Auto sales in the first 11 months of last year dropped 1.7 percent year-on-year to 25.42 million, making 2018 likely the first in 28 years to see decreasing auto sales, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Headquartered in the city of Baoding, north China's Hebei Province, Great Wall Motor said it would further explore global markets in 2019. Its factory in Russia's Tula region is expected to launch production this year. The company plans to invest 30 billion yuan (around 4.4 billion U.S. dollars) on science and technology in fields such as active and passive safety systems and automatic driving. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 14:23:39|Editor: mmm Video Player Close Aerial photo taken on April 8, 2018 shows a view of the Yangtze River and its green banks in Wanzhou District of Chongqing, southwest China. In November 2013, the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held its third plenary session to focus on comprehensively deepening reform. In the five years after the session, China's ecological civilization system has been rapidly taking shape and the ecological environment is significantly improved. (Xinhua/Liu Chan) Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 13:34:14|Editor: WX Video Player Close SYDNEY, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Sydney is no longer Australia's most expensive city for renters, with the nation's capital Canberra the most expensive place currently to lease a house, according to a report released by real estate website Domain Group on Thursday. The harbor city posted an annual decline in rental rates for the first time in 12 years, which experts say is due to an increase in supply from recently completed construction projects. The Domain Rental Report for the December quarter shows that median Sydney rent prices dropped 1.8 percent to 387 U.S. dollars per week for a house, and 2.8 percent to 380 U.S. dollars per week for a unit. Domain senior research analyst Nicola Powell told Xinhua that the increase in supply could see tenants gain more control over their situations. "Available rental stock continued to increase over the year, with development completions adding to the pipeline of supply," Powell said. "Tenants will find greater bargaining power as rising supply keeps pressure on rents, providing strong grounds to negotiate lease terms." Around the country, however, it is a different story, with all the other capital cities seeing rental prices continuing to rise. To rent a house in Canberra has risen 3.7 percent over the year to 401 U.S. dollars, while units have shot up 8.1 percent to 334 U.S. dollars per week. With a further supply of construction projects due for completion in Sydney, Powell says that renters may see further reductions in costs over the coming year. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 13:14:10|Editor: WX Video Player Close MEXICO CITY, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Wednesday said he will not seek confrontation with the United States but a friendly and cooperative relationship. Lopez Obrador reiterated that Mexico seeks to convince the United States to implement a proposed development and employment program that favors Central American countries as well as southern Mexico which would create jobs and help reduce migration. "We are persuading, (and) convincing the U.S. government that the best thing is development for the Central American countries, (and) Mexico ... That immigration becomes optional and not obligatory; that is our policy," he said at a daily news conference. Mexico has proposed that governments and businesses in the United States and Canada join an integral development plan launched by Mexico and countries of the Northern Triangle of Central America, namely, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, to spur investment and generate jobs in the region and thus address the migration issue. In December, the U.S. government said it welcomed the plan and pledged 5.8 billion U.S. dollars for institutional reforms and economic development in the Northern Triangle countries and another 4.8 billion dollars to boost private and public investment in Mexico. With that in mind, Lopez Obrador said he was confident that bilateral cooperation will move forward. He also said Mexico will reinforce security along its southern border given the possible arrival of a new wave of Central American migrant caravans. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 12:34:02|Editor: mym Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's central bank skipped open market operations for a fourth consecutive day Thursday, citing abundant liquidity. As reverse repos worth 70 billion yuan (about 10.3 billion U.S. dollars) matured Thursday, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) effectively withdrew the same amount of funds from financial institutions. "Liquidity in the banking system is at a relatively high level," a PBOC statement said. Reverse repos involve the central bank purchasing securities from commercial banks through bidding, with an agreement to sell them back in the future. China will keep its monetary policy "neither too tight nor too loose" while maintaining market liquidity at a reasonably ample level in 2019, according to the annual Central Economic Work Conference held last month. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 12:08:56|Editor: mym Video Player Close SEOUL, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday that Japan should take a humble attitude over history, referring to Japan's protest against the country's top court ruling on forced labor by the Imperial Japan during World War II. "The Japanese government should respect the ruling by (South) Korea's judicial branch though it has complaints. It is not a wise attitude for Japanese politicians and leaders to politicize and cause controversy over the issue," Moon said during his New Year press conference. The South Korean Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that two Japanese companies should compensate the South Korean victims who were forced into labor without pay during the Pacific War. The Korean Peninsula was colonized by Japan from 1910 to 1945. Japan protested against the ruling, claiming that the colonial-era issue was resolved through the 1965 government-to-government deal that normalized ties between Seoul and Tokyo. It was in contrast to the Seoul top court's ruling that acknowledged the individuals' right to claim damages. Moon said that despite the 1965 deal, unresolved issues have continued, noting that those issues were not created by the South Korean government. The South Korean leader said those issues came from the long history of the miserable past, urging the Japanese government to take a humble attitude over history. TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a release issued under the headline "WeedMD Signs Supply Agreement with Province of Manitoba" earlier today by WeedMD (TSX-V:WMD) (OTCQX:WDDMF) (FSE:4WE), please note that in the headline, first paragraph, and fourth paragraph, incorrect language was used to describe the relationship between WeedMD and the Province of Manitoba. The corrected release follows: WeedMD Inc. (TSX-V:WMD) (OTCQX:WDDMF) (FSE:4WE) (WeedMD or the Company), a federally-licensed producer and distributor of medical-grade cannabis, is pleased to announce that it has added the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation (MBLL) to its provincial distribution network and will supply branded cannabis products to the provinces private cannabis retailers. With our recent production capacity expansion, we are thrilled to announce the addition of another provincial partner at a time when high-quality cannabis is in full demand across Canada, said Brett Moon, SVP, Sales and Marketing at WeedMD. Our branded products are widely-recognized by Canadas discerning consumers and an additional supply opportunity directly supports our strategy for capturing and increasing recreational market share. We look forward to working with the MBLL and Manitoba's retailers, while remaining committed to fulfilling our supply agreements with provincial distribution agencies across the country. With the recent licensing of its six grow rooms, WeedMD now has a production capacity of over 110,000 sq.ft at its modern greenhouse facility. The Company is on track to increase its cultivation platform to more than 550,000 sq.ft. by Q1 2019. Latest greenhouse update 2019 video here. In addition to Manitoba, the Company has signed agreements with the Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation (OCRC) operating as the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS), the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC), the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB), the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) and Shoppers Drug Mart. Additionally, WeedMD continues to be engaged in advanced discussions with other provincial liquor boards and emerging private retail operators. For more information, access WeedMDs investor presentation here and recently updated corporate video here . About WeedMD Inc. WeedMD Inc. is the publicly-traded parent company of WeedMD Rx Inc., a federally-licensed producer and distributor of cannabis and cannabis oil for both the medical and adult-use markets under the Cannabis Act. The Company operates two facilities: a 26,000 sq. ft. indoor facility in Aylmer, Ontario and a state-of-the-art greenhouse facility located in Strathroy, Ontario. The greenhouse currently has 110,000 square feet of licensed space in production and is expected to have a total footprint of more than 550,000 square feet online in early 2019. WeedMD has a multi-channeled distribution strategy that includes supply agreements with Shoppers Drug Mart and provincial distribution agencies, as well as through strategic relationships across the seniors market in Canada. Follow WeedMD On: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weedmd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/weedmd/?originalSubdomain=fr Twitter: https://twitter.com/WeedMD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weedmd/ For further information, please contact: WeedMD Inc. Keith Merker, Chief Executive Officer Tel: 519-765-2440 Ext. 222 Email: investor@weedmd.com To learn more, visit us at www.weedmd.com For Media Inquiries: Marianella delaBarrera VP, Communications & Corporate Affairs Tel: 416-897-6644 Email: marianella@weedmd.com Forward Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation which are based upon WeedMD's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs and views of future events. Forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expect", "likely", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "anticipate", "potential", "proposed", "estimate" and other similar words, including negative and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "would" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy. The forward-looking information in this news release is based upon the expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and views of future events which management believes to be reasonable in the circumstances. Forward-looking information includes estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, targets, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Forward-looking information in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to internal expectations, expectations with respect to actual production volumes, expectations for future growing capacity and the completion of any capital project or expansions. Forward-looking information necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; loss of markets; future legislative and regulatory developments; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; the cannabis industry in Canada generally; the ability of WeedMD to implement its business strategies; competition; crop failure; and other risks. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, WeedMD does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for WeedMD to predict all such factors. When considering this forward-looking information, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in WeedMD's Annual Information Form dated December 13, 2017 (the "AIF") and other disclosure documents of WeedMD filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . The risk factors and other factors noted in the AIF and other disclosure documents could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking information. 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 Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 11:03:47|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close South Korean President Moon Jae-in holds a New Year press conference at Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 10, 2019. China has played a positive role in denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula and improving inter-Korean relations, Moon said in his New Year press conference here on Thursday. (Xinhua/NEWSIS) SEOUL, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China has played a positive role in denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula and improving inter-Korean relations, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in his New Year press conference on Thursday. "Until now, China has played a positive role in helping very much the Korean Peninsula's denuclearization and improving inter-Korean relations," said Moon in the televised press conference. China, Moon said, has always played a positive role in helping the summits between South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and between the DPRK and the United States. The latest summit talks between the top leaders of China and DPRK are anticipated to play "a very positive role" for the success of the second summit between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump, said the South Korean president. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 10:43:42|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close CARACAS, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday called on member countries of the Lima Group to rectify their stance on Venezuela. Maduro said the Venezuelan government demands a rectification of the countries' positions in 48 hours or "it will take the most urgent and crude diplomatic measures." The request went out to 13 of the 14 countries belonging to the regional multilateral bloc which called on him to step down. On Friday, the group issued a declaration urging Maduro to renounce another term as president. He is set to be sworn in on Jan. 10. The group alleged Maduro's government has violated democratic norms and that his re-election in May was illegitimate. Mexico refused to sign the declaration, citing its foreign policy of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other countries. Maduro claimed the group's real intention was to impose a more business-friendly government on Caracas and access the country's oil and mineral wealth. The Lima Group, comprising mostly Latin American countries, was formed following the Lima Declaration in the Peruvian capital in 2017 with a proclaimed aim to settle Venezuela's domestic crisis. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 10:38:41|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- South Korean Ambassador to the United States Cho Yoon-je said Wednesday that he expected the second summit between the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to take place. In his speech at a Washington-based think tank, Cho said that both U.S. President Donald Trump and the DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un want a second meeting to deal with the denuclearization issue. "The train is on the move, and no one wants to jump off the train," Cho said in the speech. At the same time, Cho noted that achieving complete denuclearization and permanent peace on the Korean peninsula, which is the shared goal of related parties, would be "a long journey (that) may take years to get to the final destination." In a New Year speech on Jan. 1, Kim said that he would push forward the denuclearization and was ready to meet with Trump at any time. Trump responded one day later that he expected his second encounter with Kim in the "not-too-distant future." Trump also revealed on Jan. 6 that negotiations were underway on the location to meet with Kim and the two leaders had spoken "indirectly." However, the list of possible locations has not yet been presented to Pyongyang, U.S. media reported earlier this week, citing a source familiar with the planning process. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said earlier this month that China always believes that more positive interactions and productive dialogues between the United States and the DPRK will contribute to the settlement of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue as well as peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. The relations between the United States and the DPRK improved last year. Trump and Kim had their first summit in Singapore in June. However, differences between the two sides remain over key issues including the scale of denuclearization, U.S. sanctions and whether to issue a war-ending declaration. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 10:38:41|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close YANGON, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar will launch Mekong-Lancang Cultural Exchange Youth Camp with the use of Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Fund, aiming at enhancing cooperation between cultural groups and youth artists from six Mekong-Lancang countries, Myanmar News Agency reported on Thursday. The six Mekong-Lancang countries include China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand. A work coordination meeting was held on Jan. 9 to hold the camp, attended by Myanmar Minister of Religious Affairs and Culture U Aung Ko. Artists and participants from the regional countries had discussions on matters concerning paper reading, art gallery and handicrafts, display from the youth training schools and broadcasting of programs of Myanmar Radio and Television. An agreement on projects of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund for Myanmar was signed in early last year. Of the 132 projects selected for implementation under the Mekong-Lancang Special Fund, 10 projects from Myanmar were selected with funding of 2.4 million U.S. dollars. The Mekong-Lancang Special Fund of 300 million U.S. dollars was established by China during the 2nd Mekong-Lancang Foreign Ministers Meeting held in 2016 in Cambodia. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 10:38:41|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close CANBERRA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has guaranteed he will deliver a budget surplus before May's general election despite a global ratings giant casting doubt on the prospect. Fitch Solutions, a global macroeconomic consulting firm, on Thursday forecast that Australia's deficit would be 0.1 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in financial year 2019-20 after a deficit of 0.3 percent of GDP in 2018-19. The projection contradicts that of Frydenberg, who in December said he would deliver a 4.1-billion-Australian dollar (2.94 billion U.S. dollars) surplus when he hands down the federal budget in April. "The prime minister has been very clear that I'll be delivering a budget on April 2," he told Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio on Thursday. "This will be an important economic document, laying out our economic plan and following through from the very strong numbers we saw in the Mid Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO). "We are very committed and will deliver a surplus ... we are seeing strong fundamentals." Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Frydenberg decided to deliver the budget one month earlier than usual so that the governing Liberal National Party coalition (LNP) could build its campaign for the general election, which is due in May, on the budget surplus. However, Fitch said the government would "struggle to register a federal fiscal surplus" because of slowing economic growth. "A slowing growth environment will likely spur the government to increase spending so as to provide support to the economy going into 2020," it said in its assessment. Frydenberg acknowledged "cold headwinds in the global economy" but said it would not prevent him from delivering a surplus. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 10:23:37|Editor: ZD Video Player Close CANBERRA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Police in Australia's Northern Territory (NT) have deployed drones to help find a German tourist missing in the nation's Outback. Monika Billen, a 62-year-old German national, was reported missing on Jan. 8, a week after she was last seen by hotel staff in Alice Springs, the biggest town in Central Australia. Billen was due to check out of the Desert Palms Resort and catch a flight to Darwin, capital of the NT, on Jan. 5. NT Police Acting Superintendent Pauline Vickery said that brochures found in Billen's hotel room suggested she was interested in local walking trails. She said that Billen is clearly identifiable on footage captured by closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras outside the hotel on Jan. 1. Police have urged the drivers of five vehicles seen passing the hotel at around the same time Billen left on Jan. 1 to come forward with any information they might have about her disappearance. "Police have been and will continue to conduct inquiries into Billen's possible movements since leaving the resort," Vickery told reporters on Wednesday night. "Police have been in touch with the German embassy in an effort to contact her family and are awaiting further advice," Vickery said. Police have deployed drones and motorbikes to search popular walking trails around Alice Springs for any sign of the missing woman. "We continue to hope that we'll find her alive but we are gravely concerned about the recent hot conditions," Vickery said. Authorities urged tourists and hikers to exercise caution over the New Year's period with temperatures in Central Australia topping 45 centigrade. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 09:38:25|Editor: WX Video Player Close SEOUL, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in welcomed the offer by Kim Jong Un, the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), to resume inter-Korean cooperation projects during his New Year press conference on Thursday. "The Kaesong Industrial Complex and the Mount Kumgang tour project were beneficial to both South and North Korea (DPRK). (I) welcome North Korea (DPRK)'s intention very much to resume (the operations) without any condition and compensation," Moon said in the televised press conference. Moon's remarks came in response to the overtures that Kim made during his New Year's speech earlier this month. Kim said he is willing to reopen the inter-Korean factory park in the DPRK's border town of Kaesong and resume the tours by South Koreans to the DPRK's scenic resort of Mount Kumgang "without any preconditions." Amazon CEO Jeff and wife MacKenzie Bezos arrive at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California, the United States. (REUTERS Photo) SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, who is the wealthiest man in the world, said Wednesday that he and his wife are divorcing after 25 years of marriage. "After a long period of loving exploration and trial separation, we have decided to divorce and continue our shared lives as friends," he and his wife novelist MacKenzie Bezos said in a statement posted on the Amazon CEO's twitter account. Bezos said that despite their separation, they will remain a family and "cherished friends." He noted that he and his wife had such a great life together as a married couple over the past 25 years. "We also see wonderful futures ahead, as parents, friends, partners in ventures and projects, and as individuals pursuing ventures and adventures," Bezos said. Bezos, 54, and MacKenzie, 48, got married in the early 1990s when they worked at a hedge fund in New York, before they moved to Seattle, Washington state. He has four children from the marriage with MacKenzie. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index rated Bezos as the richest person in the world with an estimated net wealth of 137 billion U.S. dollars. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 08:20:30|Editor: mym Video Player Close U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd R), accompanied by Vice President Mike Pence (1st R), arrives at the Capitol for a Senate Republican Policy lunch in Washington D.C., the United States, on Jan. 9, 2019. (Xinhua/Ting Shen) Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 06:42:58|Editor: WX Video Player Close NEW YORK, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. state of New York is tackling its worst measles outbreak in decades as the highly contagious disease is spreading quickly in the Hudson Valley and New York City, local media reported on Wednesday. As of Jan. 8, at least 55 people had been confirmed as infected in New York City, and some 112 in Rockland County of the Lower Hudson Valley were diagnosed with the epidemic, according to the New York Post newspaper. The outbreak began in September 2018 when a child came back from a trip to Israel, where a battle against measles had been going on for months. Most of the victims in the New York state are living in Orthodox Jewish communities. State and local health departments are urging parents to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible, even earlier than the scheduled age of one. Rockland County is recommending local children get their first shot at six months old and the next shot 28 days later, the New York Post reported. Measles spreads easily and can be dangerous to anyone who is not vaccinated, especially young children and pregnant women. Major early symptoms include fever, cough, watery eyes and runny nose. Later, a rash of red spots will appear and spread over the face and body of the patient. For every 1,000 children who get infected with measles, one or two will die from it, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. According to media reports, measles outbreaks are going on in Israel and many parts of Europe. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northstar Electronics, Inc. (OTCQB: NEIK) is pleased to provide an update to its shareholders on a key milestone achieved by its subsidiary, Northstar Sealand Enterprises Ltd. (NSEL), on a major acquisition. As previously reported, NEIK and NSEL have been working closely with a major global Aerospace Company with the objective to acquire the worldwide rights and IP for a high-performance Turbo-Prop industrial aircraft. Recently, the Aerospace Company presented the main details of this complex transaction to the Canadian governments Industry, Science and Education Department (ISED), where the plan was met with positive and enthusiastic feedback from the departments representatives. This confirmation of interest in this transaction, and its eligibility for substantial Offset credits under ISEDs Industry Trade and Benefits program, will now expedite the planned transaction through the Aerospace Companys internal review processes. Completion of the review will clear the path toward the final stages of negotiations with NSEL. To this end, NEIK is moving forward on its plans to provide financial support for the endeavour, aligning key investors and financial instruments, while NSEL continues its pre-sales efforts and its preparations for a rapid and efficient ramp-up to production, and an expedient rise to profitability. For more details about Northstar Electronics and its subsidiary, Northstar Sealand Enterprises, Ltd., refer to the Companys website, www.northstarelectronics.com . For further information about this news release contact, Rich Kaiser, Investor Relations, YES INTERNATIONAL, 757-306-6090, and yes@yesinternational.com. About Northstar Electronics, Inc. Northstar Electronics, Inc. (OTCQB:NEIK), established in the late 1990s, carried out design and manufacturing contracts for various divisions of Lockheed Martin Corporation including LM MS2 (Submarine Command and Control Consoles), LM Canada (Naval Anti-Terrorism System), LM Aeronautics (Parts for P-3 Orion Airplane), and L-3 ( Navy Frigate Command and Control Consoles). Northstar also designed, manufactured, and sold its own sonar-based system to commercial customers. In the past few years, Northstar has moved towards making and selling its own independent systems, www.northstarelectronics.com. Safe Harbor Statement: This press release may include predictions, estimates, opinions or statements that might be considered "forward-looking" under the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements generally can be identified by phrases such as the Company or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "forecasts," "estimates," or other, similar words or phrases. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 06:27:52|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close TEHRAN, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday confirmed the recent arrest of a U.S. national in Iran's northeastern city of Mashhad, official IRNA news agency reported. Months ago, "the American national, Michael White, was arrested in Iran's Mashhad city, and Iran informed the American government of the detention through the U.S. interest section in Tehran," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi told the reporters. In the absence of diplomatic or consular relations of the United States of America with the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Swiss government, acting through its embassy in Tehran, serves as the Protecting Power of the USA in Iran since May 21, 1980. Qasemi dismissed western reports about unfavorable condition of Mr. White in detention, saying that "such reports are lies, false and are categorically denied." Michael R. White, 46, the American Navy veteran from California, has been imprisoned in Iran since July on unknown charges, according to western media. White was arrested as he and his girlfriend were about to fly out of Hasheminejad Airport in Mashhad, the New York Times reported. The U.S. State Department said in a statement that it was aware of the reports of White's detention. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 05:37:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close NEW YORK, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Chrysler Building in New York City, an iconic skyscraper that has been standing in Midtown Manhattan for nearly 90 years, is up for sale in the market, local media reported Wednesday. The building's owners -- an Abu Dhabi government fund and New York real estate firm Tishman Speyer -- have hired CBRE Group, a leading real estate broker, to sell this property, according to The Wall Street Journal. The Abu Dhabi Investment Council paid 800 million U.S. dollars for a 90-percent stake in the 77-story office tower in 2008, shortly before the devastating financial crisis that crippled the real estate market. Estimates for the property's value vary widely, though some real estate investors believe the United Arab Emirates' owners might be able to get back what they had paid for the building over 10 years ago, according to the report. As an essential part of the city's skyline with a delicate Art Deco spire, the building was the tallest in the world when it was completed in 1930 and was surpassed a year later by the Empire State Building just blocks away. It was named after the founder of Chrysler Automobiles Walter Chrysler, and housed the headquarters of the company till 1953. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 04:47:28|Editor: WX Video Player Close MOSCOW, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday slammed the recent statements of Japan on the peace treaty with Russia as an attempt to stir up tensions around four disputed Pacific islands. The ministry said it had summoned Japanese Ambassador Toyohisa Kozuki and told him it had drew attention to Tokyo's recent remarks, in particular, those about the need to prepare the inhabitants for the transfer of the islands to Japan and about dropping a demand for compensation from Russia. It accused the remarks of "grossly distorting the essence of the agreements between the leaders of Russia and Japan to accelerate the negotiation process" and "disorienting the public of both countries." "Such statements can only be interpreted as an attempt to artificially incite the atmosphere around the problem of a peace treaty and to force its own scenario of settlement on the other side," the ministry said in a statement. Russia and Japan have not signed a post-World War II peace treaty due to their rival claims to four Pacific islands, called the Southern Kurils in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan. The four islands used to belong to Japan, which were seized by the Soviet Union after the war and were incorporated into Russia following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Tokyo maintains that Moscow illegally occupied the islands. According to a joint declaration signed in 1956, Russia agreed to return two of the islands after a bilateral peace treaty is signed, while Japan refused to sign such an agreement, insisting on the return of all four islands. Russia's principled position remains unchanged on Japan's "unconditional recognition" of the results of World War II, including Russia's Sovereignty over the islands, the foreign ministry said. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is scheduled to visit Russia around Jan. 21 and hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Russian media. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 03:42:17|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BUCHAREST, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Romania has caught up with the average absorption rate of the European Union (EU) funds, Prime Minister Viorica Dancila announced on Wednesday. "Romania's total absorption rate at the end of 2018 is 26 percent, while the EU average is 27 percent," Dancila told a government meeting citing data of the European Commission (EC). "Funding for agriculture has a major economic and social importance in this respect. The presented data proves the important contribution... of agriculture to economic growth, as a priority sector supported by the government both through legislative measures and through constant allocations from the budget, but also from European funds," noted the prime minister. According to Dancila, Romania received in the first days of the new year 807.5 million euros (924.59 U.S. dollars) from the EC in funding provided to the farmers from the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund. "We will receive in early February a further 452 million euros, which means a total of 1.2 billion euros in European money for Romania's agriculture," Dancila said. Romania has around 454 billion euros in EU funds allocated in the the 2014-2020 budgetary period of EC and the coalition government led by Dancila vowed to surpass the average absorption rate in EU shortly. "Between 2007 and 2017, Romania benefited 45.7 billion euros from the EU budget, which account for 2.8 percent of the country's GDP," said central bank governor Mugur Isarescu earlier. He estimated that a 95 percent absorption level of the EU funds in the current multiannual financial framework may lead to a yearly 1.7-percent impulse of Romania's growth of the gross domestic product. Central and eastern European countries are the biggest beneficiaries of EU funds in the current financial exercise, with about 40 percent of the allotted sums. Poland is the main beneficiary in the region.(1 euro=1.145 U.S. dollars) Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 03:32:14|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close KIGALI, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Rwandan government announced on Wednesday a ban on increasing school tuition for students in public secondary schools and government-aided schools ahead of the start of the new academic year next Monday. Concerns have arisen over the strain put on parents, which could lock out students of poor families from attaining education, said Rwandan Minister of Education Eugene Mutimura at a press briefing in the capital city Kigali. Tuition hikes impede the government goal of education for all, Mutimura said, adding that a circular has been sent to the ministry of local government to ask districts to ensure that schools do not raise tuition fees anyhow without consultation of the district authorities. The ministry's ban came days after parents complained of schools asking extra fees. There are about 460 public secondary schools and 871 government-aided schools in Rwanda, according to the ministry. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 03:02:03|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close Ma Zhaoxu (C, front), China's permanent representative to the United Nations, addresses a Security Council meeting on the situation in Yemen, Jan. 9, 2019. Ma Zhaoxu on Wednesday called on the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels to strictly implement the cease-fire agreement in Hodeidah governorate. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called on the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels to strictly implement the cease-fire agreement in Hodeidah governorate. Endorsed in Sweden by both the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels in December, the agreement provided for a cease-fire in Hodeidah governorate and the mutual redeployment of forces from Hodeidah city and the three ports that have been under Houthi control. "Parties in Yemen have largely adhered to the cease-fire, and recently there has been a decrease in hostilities," said Ma Zhaoxu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, in a Security Council meeting. "Yet challenges remain," said the Chinese ambassador, adding that there has been some violence in the area, and the humanitarian convoy cannot be deployed because the main road from Hodeidah to Sanaa has still not been re-opened as agreed. The redeployment of both parties' armed forces should be completed on time according to the established time frame, he said. Ma also called on all parties in Yemen to show more goodwill toward each other, to build trust and to achieve an inclusive political solution as soon as possible. Political means is the only way to resolve the crisis. China stands ready to continue its constructive role in search for a solution, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-10 07:00:56|Editor: mmm Video Player Close Xi Jinping (R), general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chinese president, holds a welcoming ceremony for Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, before their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2019. Xi Jinping on Tuesday held talks with Kim Jong Un, who arrived in Beijing on the same day for a visit to China. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chinese president, on Tuesday held talks with Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), who arrived in Beijing on the same day for a visit to China. In a cordial and friendly atmosphere, the two leaders had an in-depth exchange of views on China-DPRK relations and issues of common concern, and reached important consensus. The two sides agreed to make joint efforts to push for continuous new development of China-DPRK relations in the new era, constantly advance the political settlement process of the Korean Peninsula issue, bring more benefits to people of the two countries, and make positive contribution to peace, stability, prosperity and development of the region and the world. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-09 21:40:25|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MANILA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Tourism stakeholders have vowed to improve infrastructure and services in 2019 in key tourism sites frequented by Chinese tourists, said Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) President Marlene Dado Jante on Wednesday. "We are happy with the (huge) turn-out of Chinese tourists in the Philippines. We promise to give them more enjoyable and exciting destinations in the future," Jante said in an interview with Xinhua. PTAA, founded in 1979, is the major Philippine national association of outbound travel agencies and inbound tour operators. The association has more than 600 members with 68 percent of them being travel agencies that are in operation nationwide. Jante thanked Chinese people for trusting the Philippines as destinations of their travel. Tourism has now become one of the most critical support industries of the Philippines. Nearly 1.06 million Chinese tourists visited the Philippines in the first 10 months of 2018, making China the Philippines' second largest source market of foreign tourists. The president of PTAA said she has confidence that the Philippine tourism market has great potential in China. "I hope 5 million Chinese tourists will come to Manila," she added. Jante said that if more Chinese tourists visit the country, local travel agencies, international airlines, hotels, resorts, and cruise companies need to work closely with the Philippine government to improve services in key tourism sites. "I would say that we need more hotel rooms ... and we need more flights to actually lower the airfare," she said. Jante expressed the hope that the Philippines will invite more Chinese travel agents to promote new Philippine destinations to Chinese markets. She said Chinese tourists will love myriad touristy things the country can offer. The Philippines is a close neighbor of China and it only takes four hours or so to travel from China to the Philippines. "That's our advantage. We are very close to China," she added. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-09 21:25:20|Editor: zh Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping's speech at a gathering to commemorate the 40th anniversary of issuing Message to Compatriots in Taiwan has been published. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered the speech, themed "jointly strive to realize national rejuvenation and promote peaceful reunification of the motherland," on Jan. 2. The booklet, published by the People's Publishing House, is available at Xinhua Bookstore outlets across the country from Wednesday. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-09 20:45:09|Editor: ZX Video Player Close LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- As the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) kicked off here Tuesday, world tech companies are seizing the opportunity to boost cooperation with Chinese firms, eyeing the Chinese market, technology and talent. At a press conference before the opening of the CES, French automotive supplier Valeo announced its strategic cooperation with Meituan, one of China's leading on-demand food delivery platforms, and the two sides will work together on autonomous delivery vehicles. "The Chinese market is the biggest market in the world. So, we absolutely need to be present and to grow our presence in the market," Jacques Aschenbroich, chairman and CEO of Valeo, told Xinhua Tuesday. Pointing out the "upmost importance" of the Chinese market in electric cars, Aschenbroich said that currently about 15 percent of the company's global turnover in electric cars comes from China. "There are some new players that bring a new concept of mobility into the market and Meituan is one of those new players," Aschenbroich said, adding that they are "convinced" that the two can "take a leading position" in the market. Valeo is going to deliver droids using 48V mild hybrid technology to Meituan, the company said in a tweet earlier. Meanwhile, Meituan also signed strategic cooperation agreements with NVIDIA, a U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) computing and semiconductors company, and Icona, an Italian design company for the automotive industry. Eric Winston from Aristocrat Technologies, a Las Vegas gambling solution provider, told Xinhua that he has noticed the large presence of Chinese companies at the CES in recent years. Winston appreciated the flexible displays produced by startup Royole Corporation which is based in Shenzhen city, southern China. "Royole has been around for a short time, but they prove to have good quality products from what I understand," Winston said, noting that Shenzhen is a big producer of technology. The CES is the world's largest trade show and presents new products and technologies in the consumer electronics industry. At the CES this year, Royole released FlexPai, a flexible, foldable smartphone and tablet, with an ultra-thin display, drawing a big crowd at the exhibition hall. Winston said his team is doing their research to determine if it's a product that his company would consider integrating into their technology. As global tech firms make serious efforts to enhance their interaction with Chinese companies, the latter are also actively seeking worldwide partners and expanding the global market. Chinese PC giant Lenovo on Tuesday released a smart clock with Google, which responds to Google Assistant voice commands. It also released with Amazon a new pair of devices, a tablet and a charging station, which accept Amazon's Alexa voice requests. "Our cooperation with Google and Amazon are long-term strategic cooperation," Yao Li, vice president of Lenovo Consumer Tablets and Smart Devices Product and Business Management, told Xinhua. "This helps us tap into international markets such as the United States and Europe," Yao said. Lenovo, known for its hardware manufacturing, has seen the potential of cooperation between China and the United States on smart devices. "I believe China and the United States are the engines for smart living in the future," Yao said. "There will be great opportunities for in-depth cooperation with Chinese and U.S. technologies, which will benefit both Chinese and American manufacturers and customers," Yao said. For Li Chuangang, vice president of iFLYTEK, a Chinese company specializing in voice recognition, the opening-up and going global strategy is the best option. "The number of consumers determines the speed of the development of artificial intelligence technology, and more big data is certainly conducive to the development of our company," Li told Xinhua. At the CES, the AI tech-driven company unveiled its fully upgraded smart translator, an honoree of the CES 2019 Innovation Award. Besides exploring the U.S. market, the company has been looking to establish research partnerships with U.S. universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Li said. "We hope to come out and communicate with everyone, and find some good partners in each country to jointly develop these good technologies," said Li. Research cooperation is also highly valued by Aschenbroich, whose company has already been working with universities in cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen and Wuhan in China. "I'm very, very impressed with what is happening in China, the leading companies and innovation, and the education of young engineers is very, very impressive," Aschenbroich said. "So that's the reason why we're increasing in different locations in China our R&D (research and development) footprint in order to really deal with the Chinese customers, Chinese universities and upgrade our competency in China," he said. HOUSTON, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Targa Resources Partners LP (the Partnership), a subsidiary of Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE: TRGP), and the Partnerships subsidiary Targa Resources Partners Finance Corporation announced today that, subject to market conditions, they intend to sell in an offering in the United States to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and to persons outside of the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act, $750.0 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due 2027. The Partnership intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general partnership purposes, which may include partial or full redemption of its outstanding senior notes due 2019 or other senior notes, repaying borrowings under its credit facilities or other indebtedness, working capital and funding growth investments and acquisitions. The securities to be offered have not been registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and unless so registered, the securities may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The senior unsecured notes are expected to be eligible for trading by qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act and by non-U.S. persons pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. This announcement shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities, except as required by law. About Targa Resources Partners LP Targa Resources Partners LP is a Delaware limited partnership formed in October 2006 by its parent, Targa Resources Corp. (TRC or the Company), to own, operate, acquire and develop a diversified portfolio of complementary midstream energy assets. On February 17, 2016, TRC completed the acquisition of all outstanding common units of the Partnership. Targa Resources Corp. is a leading provider of midstream services and is one of the largest independent midstream energy companies in North America. TRC owns, operates, acquires and develops a diversified portfolio of complementary midstream energy assets. The Company is primarily engaged in the business of: gathering, compressing, treating, processing and selling natural gas; storing, fractionating, treating, transporting and selling natural gas liquids (NGLs) and NGL products, including services to liquefied petroleum gas exporters; gathering, storing, terminaling and selling crude oil; and storing, terminaling and selling refined petroleum products. The principal executive offices of Targa Resources Partners LP are located at 811 Louisiana, Suite 2100, Houston, TX 77002 and their telephone number is 713-584-1000. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Partnership expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, factors and risks, many of which are outside the Partnerships control, which could cause results to differ materially from those expected by management of the Partnership. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, weather, political, economic and market conditions, including a decline in the price and market demand for natural gas liquids and crude oil, the timing and success of business development efforts, the credit risk of customers and other uncertainties. These and other applicable uncertainties, factors and risks are described more fully in the Partnerships filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018, and any subsequently filed Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Partnership does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For more information please go to www.targaresources.com. Contact the Company's investor relations department by email at InvestorRelations@targaresources.com or by phone at (713) 584-1133. Sanjay Lad Director Investor Relations Jennifer Kneale Chief Financial Officer In a tweet, President Trump threatened to stop federal aid to California for wildfires "unless they get their act together." Billions of dollars are sent to the State of California for Forest fires that, with proper Forest Management, would never happen. Unless they get their act together, which is unlikely, I have ordered FEMA to send no more money. It is a disgraceful situation in lives & money! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2019 President Trump tweeted that "billions of dollars" are sent to the state for wildfires that "would never happen" with "proper Forrest Management." The tweet states that the president has ordered FEMA to stop sending money "unless they get their act together," which the president calls "unlikely." Governor Gavin Newsom responded to the president's tweet, saying he, Governor Kate Brown of Oregon and Governor Jay Inslee of Washington have sent a letter "asking the federal government to work with us." Governor Newsom also said they were put in office to "get things done, not to play games with lives." Mr. President -- Just yesterday, @OregonGovBrown, @GovInslee, and I sent a letter asking the federal government to work with us in taking on these unprecedented wildfires. We have been put in office by the voters to get things done, not to play games with lives. https://t.co/GjIVr6yxOP Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 9, 2019 The tweets comes one day after Governor Gavin Newsom held a press conference with fire officials regarding fire prevention. Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. In the Wednesday tweet, the President says "Billions of dollars are sent to the State of California for Forrest (sic) fires that, with proper Forrest Management (sic), would never happen. Unless they get their act together, which is unlikely, I have ordered FEMA to send no more money. "It is a disgraceful situation in lives & money!", the tweet says. While the President misspelled forest in his first tweet, he later sent a new tweet with the correct spelling. Trump's tweet today comes as he faces heat over the ongoing government shutdown, in which FEMA is partially affected. The recent large California wildfires continue to make headlines. In late December, PG&E could face manslaughter charges if it's found to be responsible for causing any of the state's spate of deadly wildfires, including the horrific Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive blaze in state history. The utility said it's doing all it can to reduce wildfire risks. It's stock has continued to tumble this week as the California utility giant faces billions in liabilities. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - Legislation filed at the state capitol would repeal a state law that once limited marriage to opposite-sex couples. Court rulings in recent years have ensured the rights of same-sex couples to marry in Florida since 2015. However, many LGBT rights groups say there is still symbolic meaning in repealing the obsolete law which limits marriage to between a man and woman. Several lawmakers and the group Equality Florida held a news conference in the capitol today to support the repeal legislation. Senator Gary Farmer is the bill sponsor. "It is our hope that in repealing this antiquated law, we give recognition to the power of love and the right that every person has, regardless of their sexual orientation, to express that love," said Gary Farmer. Bill supporters say repealing the legislation would also be important if a more conservative future U.S. Supreme Court were to once again allow marriage to be a states' rights issue. In that scenario, current state law could once again be enforceable. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - At age 40, Governor Ron DeSantis is the youngest Florida governor in a century. He is closer in age to college students than his predecessor Senator Rick Scott who is 66. Florida Governor Rick DeSantis is a member of Generation X, he brings a generational shift to the gubernatorial office as he succeeds the three baby boomers before him. About a quarter of the students WTXL spoke to said they would prefer a younger governor to an older one. "I think that compared to someone who is older from another generation I think that someone who is closer in age to our generation, I would like someone who is closer in age to our generation," said student Kayla Phillips. Others WTXL spoke to said it all comes down to viewpoints whether they match up or they don't. "He really doesn't align with my political views especially when it comes to climate change so I'd like to see a lot more done with that," said student, Quinn Chittenden. For now, the new governor may have some work to do if he wants to convince those who voted against him. "I think if Andrew Gillum would have won it would have been better because Andrew Gillum was actually on FAMU's campus rallying while Ron DeSantis didn't," said student Kayla Hopkins. Most of the young adults WTXL spoke to agreed that DeSantis' age alone isn't a huge factor when it comes to his governorship it's all about relatability, the policies that he chooses to implement and how well he works with other parties to get things done. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The nation's partial government shutdown has now lasted for 19 days. In addition to impacting federal workers, it's also affecting the immigration court system. An immigration law firm based here in Tallahassee said hundreds of its clients are waiting for their day in court to resolve a range of issues, but because part of the government is shutdown, those cases are on hold. Dockets for those who are detained will continue as scheduled, but the non-detained docket will be reset once federal funding resumes. Immigration Lawyer Neil Rambana said due process in those cases is being denied. So, people trying to deal with issues about their green cards, other identification, and special applications are essentially stuck in the system. "There are people who have asylum cases that are pending before the court," said Rambana. "They're not detained, but they need to have those matters addressed, and sometimes, it's a life and death situation and all of those cases that were to be heard are now going to be pushed down the road, and that's not helpful because the president did identify that the system is broken, and the president is correct." The closest immigration court to Tallahassee is more than two hours away in Lumpkin, Georgia. Other locations include Atlanta and Orlando, so for some, even traveling to see an immigration judge is a factor. Rambana said hundreds of thousands of people legally come to the U.S. but stay past their status. It's those cases where he says the system is failing and the longer the shutdown continues, the longer it will take to get to each case. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Tallahassee) - Governor Ron DeSantis will travel across the state using a former drug plane, which was seized by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and later upgraded. An issue surrounding the governor's travel came about after former Governor Rick Scott sold the state air fleet eight years ago and the multimillionaire's wealth allowed him to use his own private jet to travel the state during his tenure. DeSantis' opinion is that the seized plane can be used, because FDLE has the responsibility to protect the governor and provide transportation. However, he says use of the plane will be limited to his travels. "FDLE does have a plane that was seized," said DeSantis. "It's a drug seizure that's been upgraded, and it's their opinion and our opinion in terms of being legal, that that is something because they have the responsibility to protect and transport the governor, that that can be used for my transportation." The legislature is also considering options for transporting cabinet members and other state officials across Florida, where the driving distance from the state capitol of Tallahassee to Miami is nearly 500 miles. During Scott's tenure, other state officials typically logged thousands of miles and hundreds of hours traveling by car. MEXICO BEACH, Fla. (WTXL) - Governor Ron DeSantis spent part of his first full day in office touring Mexico Beach, a community that took a direct hit from Hurricane Michael just three months ago. Charles Smith, Owner of Gulf View Hotel, rode out Hurricane Michael in his motel that overlooks Mexico Beach. He said he watched the walls being ripped from around him and neighboring houses being torn off their foundation. Smith is just one person in Mexico Beach who has a story like this. Houses surrounding his motel split in half, ripped off their foundation, and dragged several hundred feet from their lot. Smith said many of his neighbors don't have insurance and for three months he's been living in a scene of rubble and destruction. "I couldn't sit around and wait for FEMA because they're just now giving people trailers," said Smith. "And I live here so I had to have a place to live. Right now I have no money coming in, it's all going out." Smith said he's doubtful Governor DeSantis can help the individuals, like him, who are struggling to get their business or their home back together. Smith said even though he has insurance, there's a 90 day moratorium on building permits so he hasn't even been able to start picking up the pieces of his motel. The first order of business for Governor DeSantis was meeting with mayor Al Cathey of Mexico Beach. With First Lady Casey DeSantis by his side, they went on a tour to see the damage that ravaged the community. Governor DeSantis said he wants to make sure all impacted communities don't feel forgotten three months after the storm. He had a sit down with city leaders to talk about how he can help recovery efforts moving forward. "These people here are working awfully hard to try to put this back together. They need a little help and so what I wanted to do is just talk to people, figure out what we could do to be helpful and what they needed," said DeSantis. "And if I can be helpful with facilitating things with the federal government, we wanted to do that as well." Governor DeSantis said the people in this community are resilient and will bounce back from this scene of destruction they're currently living in. He said he recognizes it's going to be an on-going effort, but he's in it for the long haul and plans to continue working closely with city leaders in Mexico Beach. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The impact of the fedeeral shutdown is being felt by many here in our community. Thursday federal employees plan to rally outside Florida's Capitol. That's where we found WTXL ABC 27 reporter Jada Williams, who was live. Many of the federal workers say they are frustrated and are now ready to demand answers by calling on the president to do more to help. The group is rallying to let the public know that many in the community are suffering due to the government shutdown. Organizers say that eventually those federal workers won't be able to come into work, and then those struggles will start to extend past the federal workers. A worker at the Federal Correctional Institute in Tallahassee says that inmates are still getting their benefits during this shutdown, but those on staff are having to work for free. Now those workers are saying put aside political affiliations and paying attention to their fellow Americans hurting from the shutdown. There will be multiple rallies Friday across the nation, including one at the White House. NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NetworkWire NetworkNewsWire ("NNW"), a multifaceted financial news and publishing company, today announces the publication of an editorial featuring Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (CSE: BOLT) (OTCQB: PCRCF) (XFRA: NXFE), a client of NNW currently focused on the development of cobalt projects within Indonesia. To view the full publication, titled Global EV Demand Drives Scramble for Fresh Supplies of Vital Metals, visit: http://nnw.fm/2liAM Battery producers located in Asia are eager to secure access to cobalt supplies outside of Southern Africa. Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (OTCQB: PCRCF) (CSE: BOLT) is in a unique position to support these battery producers grow their operations. The company controls the Cyclops Nickel-Cobalt Project in Indonesia, which is in proximity to all three major battery-producing nations. In addition, further exploration work at Cyclops is planned. After the companys exploration results from a mini-bulk sample were announced last year, Pacific Rim Cobalt CEO Ranjeet Sundher commented that, we expect the near-surface nature of cobalt/nickel mineralization at the Cyclops project will lend itself well to low-cost, logistically straightforward drilling. We thus anticipate the opportunity to undertake a resource calculation study, as well as ongoing metallurgy and process option testing, will present itself in the near future. Its going to be a busy year ahead, and we look forward to getting the drills turning and building value. About Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. is a Canadian publicly listed company currently focused on the development of cobalt projects within Indonesia. The company believes cobalt will be the next dominant investment trend related to the critical components of lithium-ion batteries. Cobalt is currently in a global supply deficit, has a vulnerable supply chain, and is part of an emerging sector with extraordinary potential. For more information, visit the companys website at www.PacificRimCobalt.com. About NetworkNewsWire NetworkNewsWire (NNW) is a financial news and content distribution company that provides (1) access to a network of wire services via NetworkWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible, (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets, (3) enhanced press release services to ensure maximum impact, (4) social media distribution via the Investor Brand Network (IBN) to nearly 2 million followers, (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions, and (6) a total news coverage solution with NNW Prime . As a multifaceted organization with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, NNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in todays market, NNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. NNW is where news, content and information converge. For more information, please visit https://www.NetworkNewsWire.com . Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the NetworkNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by NNW, wherever published or re-published: http://NNW.fm/Disclaimer . Forward-Looking Statements This release contains 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. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Corporate Communications Contact: TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - Gov. Ron DeSantis will rescind some appointments made during former Gov. Rick Scotts final days in office, a DeSantis spokesman said Wednesday. "Theres a few right off the bat hes looking at pulling back," said DeSantis spokesman David Vasquez. Vasquez later added, "There are some that will be pulled back." Vasquez wouldnt say which of the nearly 100 appointments to courts, boards and committees might not survive. DeSantis made similar comments Monday, a day before replacing Scott. The former governor made most of the appointments Friday and followed with 14 more on Monday. "We will definitely rescind some of the appointments that are effectively lame-duck appointments or have not been confirmed by the Senate," DeSantis said Monday. DeSantis said that while Scott had the right to make the appointments, the new governor has the right to review the selections. Among Scotts late appointments were Andy Pollack to the State Board of Education and Carlos Beruff to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Pollack is the father of a student killed in the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland last February. Beruff, a developer from Bradenton, was appointed to a number of positions during Scotts tenure as governor, including serving as chairman of the Constitution Revision Commission. Scott was sworn into the U.S. Senate Tuesday afternoon. He could have been sworn in last week but delayed the move to Washington so he could complete the entire four-year term as governor. TIFTON, Ga. (WTXL) - Authorities are investigating the death of an 18-year-old who was found dead inside a vehicle in Tifton Thursday morning. According to WALB, the Tift County Sheriff and the Georgia State Patrol have roped off an area of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The body has now been identified as 18-year-old Kenyada Mitchell. WALB reports that body was found in a vehicle after a 911 call Thursday morning. The vehicle was found in a wooded area of Emerson O'Bynes Avenue. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is also aiding in the investigation. Anyone with information in the case is asked to call the Tift County Sheriffs Office at (229) 388-6020 or the GBI Sylvester office at (229) 777-2080. This is a developing story. EATONTON, Ga. (AP) - Authorities say a Georgia jailer recorded having sex with an inmate has been arrested and fired. Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills says he personally arrested 20-year-old Durell Malik Roberson of Milledgeville and fired him Tuesday. News outlets report that Sills said an inmate released from jail last month informed authorities that Roberson was having sexual contact with a woman in custody. The sheriff's office installed a camera and captured an alleged sexual encounter between Roberson and the female inmate earlier this week. Roberson was charged with sexual assault by a person with supervisory or disciplinary authority, aggravated sodomy and violation of oath by a public officer. It's unclear if he has a lawyer who could comment. HOLLY HILL, Fla. (AP) Police say a Florida father burned his 4-year-old son with a lighter to teach him a lesson about not being careless with fire. The Daytona Beach News-Journal reports 26-year-old Jesse Colaw was arrested Tuesday and charged with aggravated battery on a child. An arrest report says the boy showed up at preschool Monday with a fresh injury on his wrist and told staff his father had burned him. The boys mother said she and her husband noticed a burn mark on his bedroom door and warned him about the dangers of fire. Police say she left the room and heard the boy screaming moments later. Police say Colaw decided to burn the boy with a torch-style lighter to teach him a lesson. Its unclear if Colaw has a lawyer who could comment. ___ Information from: Daytona Beach (Fla.) News-Journal, http://www.news-journalonline.com MONTREAL, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (http://pyrogenesis.com) (TSX-V: PYR) (OTCQB: PYRNF) (Frankfurt: 8PY: FRA) a TSX Venture 50 high-tech company, (the "Company", the Corporation or "PyroGenesis") a Company that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes plasma atomized metal powder, plasma waste-to-energy systems and plasma torch products, is pleased to announce today that, further to an earlier press release dated October 10th, 2018 on the topic (PyroGenesis Announces US Congress Support For the Purchase of Two Aircraft Carriers), the U.S. Navy has reached an agreement with the shipbuilder, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), to move forward with the purchase of two Ford-class aircraft carriers. This transaction will cover CVN 80 (the Enterprise) and CVN 81 (yet-to-be-named), which are the third and fourth carriers of the Gerald R. Ford-class. This is great news for PyroGenesis as we are the proud supplier of plasma-based waste destruction systems to the U.S. Navy. We are in the design of the aircraft carrier, and have delivered two systems to date, said Mr. P. Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis. The original schedule envisioned ordering one aircraft carrier in 2018. Amending this schedule for a two-ship buy required various approvals causing some minor delays which, as we see from todays press release, have all been overcome. According to the Daily Press , The Navy has reached an agreement with HII for a block purchase of two aircraft carriers. James F. Geurts, the Navys chief weapons buyer, told Congress in November that he expected a decision on a two-carrier purchase by years end (2018). The deadline was made with a few hours to spare, with first word of the deal coming Monday afternoon, New Years Eve. That day, the Defense Department notified select members of Congress, in a letter, that it had reached an agreement. Capt. Danny Hernandez, a spokesman for Geurts [the Navys chief weapons buyer], confirmed the agreement and said more details would be forthcoming after the contract award.1 HII spokesperson Beci Brenton said in a statement that a two-ship buy is a significant step toward building these ships more affordably...it is important to note that the multi-ship purchase of aircraft carriers helps stabilize the Newport News Shipbuilding workforce, enables the purchase of material in quantity, and permits a fragile supplier base of more than 2,000 in 46 states to phase work more efficiently. The U.S. Navy, and the shipbuilder, have effectively come to an agreement to build two aircraft carriers at the same time, instead of one, said Mr. P. Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis. The order is for approximately $12.5MM and will represent the largest commercial contract to date. The Company has been put on notice that an order is imminent. One system typically takes between 12-15 months to build so we would expect a two-order contract to take a few more months. About PyroGenesis Canada Inc. PyroGenesis Canada Inc., a TSX Venture 50 high-tech company, is the world leader in the design, development, manufacture and commercialization of advanced plasma processes and products. We provide engineering and manufacturing expertise, cutting-edge contract research, as well as turnkey process equipment packages to the defense, metallurgical, mining, advanced materials (including 3D printing), oil & gas, and environmental industries. With a team of experienced engineers, scientists and technicians working out of our Montreal office and our 3,800 m2 manufacturing facility, PyroGenesis maintains its competitive advantage by remaining at the forefront of technology development and commercialization. Our core competencies allow PyroGenesis to lead the way in providing innovative plasma torches, plasma waste processes, high-temperature metallurgical processes, and engineering services to the global marketplace. Our operations are ISO 9001:2015 certified and have been since 1997. PyroGenesis is a publicly-traded Canadian Corporation on the TSX Venture Exchange (Ticker Symbol: PYR) and on the OTCQB Marketplace. For more information, please visit www.pyrogenesis.com This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "in the process" and other similar expressions which constitute "forward- looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Corporation's current expectation and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Corporation with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Corporation's ongoing filings with the securities regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com , or at www.otcmarkets.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward- looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange, its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) nor the OTCQB accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. SOURCE PyroGenesis Canada Inc. For further information please contact: Clemence Bertrand-Bourlaud, Marketing Manager/Investor Relations, Phone: (514) 937-0002, E-mail: ir@pyrogenesis.com RELATED LINKS: http://www.pyrogenesis.com/ Medical Marijuana Bill Introduced by Legislators By The Associated Press FRANKFORT - Diagnosed with cancer seven years ago, Kentucky Republican State Sen. Dan Seum said doctors gave him a "nice bottle of Oxycontin," a legal opioid-based prescription painkiller that has led to a spike in overdose deaths throughout the state."I threw it in the garbage can and went home and smoked a joint," the 77-year-old lawmaker said. "And guess what? No nausea. I was able to function. I was going through the (chemo) treatment. It was during the legislative session, I did not miss a day due to nausea from the cancer."Seum was one of a bipartisan group of Kentucky lawmakers on Wednesday who introduced a bill that would make marijuana legal in Kentucky for medical purposes only. The proposal comes weeks after the U.S. Congress, led by U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, passed a farm bill that effectively legalized hemp, a crop that comes from the same plant that produces marijuana.Medical marijuana is legal in 33 other states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Kentucky House of Representatives flipped to Republican control in 2017, giving the GOP complete control of state government. Since then, support for the bill has been growing among the Republican majority. That includes GOP Rep. Jason Nemes, who said he was opposed to medical marijuana when he first ran for the legislature in 2016 but has since changed his mind."I am quite confident a majority of House members support it," Nemes said. "If we get a vote, the numbers will be above 60."But the bill is unlikely to get a vote in the 100-member state House of Representatives this year. House Majority Floor Leader John "Bam" Carney, who controls which bills get called for a vote to the House floor, said he would not call the bill for a vote if the state Senate would not support it. Wednesday, Republican Senate President Robert Stivers called marijuana "a gateway drug" and said he had seen no credible studies showing marijuana had medicinal value other than "it makes you feel good.""We're going to smoke marijuana and outlaw tobacco? That's a little inconsistent to me," Stivers said.The 149-page bill includes regulations for growers, processors and dispensers. Michael Raus, founder of Kentucky Bluegrass Cannabis, said it has the potential to create a $100 million industry in the state.The bill still would not let people could smoke marijuana in public, but the proposal is silent on what they could do with it in their own homes. Other restrictions would include a ban on advertising, requiring plants to be grown indoors under lock and key and a program to monitor inventory. Republican Rep. Diane St. One said the proposal would even let low-income people grow up to six marijuana plants in their homes, but only if doctors prescribe it and local law enforcement agencies know about it.Seum he would provide studies on the medical benefits of marijuana to Republican Senate leaders, adding he felt no unease about admitting publicly to smoking marijuana. He also outed one of his 24 grandchildren, saying she "partakes" of marijuana to treat her epilepsy."Wouldn't it be nice if my granddaughter was no longer a criminal," he said. In this Monday, July 17, 2017 photo, Meg Stern, left, and other escort volunteers lined up outside the EMW Women's Surgical Center in Louisville, Ky. A federal judge issued an order Friday, July 21, 2017, to keep protesters away from a "buffer zone" outside Kentucky's only abortion clinic, which is targeted by a national anti-abortion group. (AP Photo/Dylan Lovan) PHOTO:AP Photo/Dylan Lovan Fetal Heartbeat: New Abortion-related Fight in KY By The Associated Press FRANKFORT - Already mired in three lawsuits over abortion restrictions, Kentucky lawmakers are ratcheting up the stakes with a new bill to ban most abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected. As a new legislative session opens, the measure appeared to be on a fast track in the Republican-dominated state Senate. The American Civil Liberties Union, the state's adversary in the ongoing courthouse fights, warns the heartbeat bill would prohibit most abortions in Kentucky and would immediately trigger a legal challenge. "It's blatantly unconstitutional," ACLU attorney Brigitte Amiri said Wednesday, a day after the measure was introduced by lawmakers. "This is certainly the most blatant attempt to take aim at Roe vs. Wade. It's extreme. It's yet again anti-abortion politicians trying to push abortion out of reach for women in this state." Kentucky's bill is at odds with the legal standard set by the Supreme Court in its 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, which prohibits states from banning abortions before viability. But the Kentucky proposal is among a series of measures introduced by abortion opponents who hope the Supreme Court will be more receptive to limiting abortion rights now that Justice Anthony Kennedy, a key vote to preserve abortion rights, has retired. Kennedy was replaced by Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Though Kavanaugh's record on abortion is limited, he did vote as a federal appeals court judge in 2017 in favor of delaying an abortion for a pregnant immigrant teenager in federal custody. In Iowa, a heartbeat law was temporarily blocked while a judge weighs whether it is unconstitutional. North Dakota's fetal heartbeat law was struck down as unconstitutional and the U.S. Supreme Court refused to review the lower court rulings. The effort to prohibit abortions in Kentucky once a fetal heartbeat is detected which is around six weeks of pregnancy would further cement Kentucky's reputation as "one of the most hostile states" to abortion rights in the country, Amiri said by phone. The ACLU attorney added that the "vast majority" of abortions occur after six weeks of pregnancy and called a six-week ban unconstitutional under more than 40 years of precedent. "Most women don't even know they're pregnant at six weeks," she said. "So this is a virtual ban on abortion." The heartbeat bill was introduced Tuesday, opening day of Kentucky's new session, and one of the many sponsors expected it to be heard in committee on Thursday. Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer said he hopes the bill would get a Senate vote this week. It would still have to pass the GOP-led House before it would go to the state's anti-abortion governor, Republican Matt Bevin. After Friday, lawmakers head home for a break before reconvening in early February for the rest of the year's session. If it reaches the governor's desk, the heartbeat bill would give Bevin an opportunity to attach his name to a measure imposing stricter limits on abortions a popular stance with his socially conservative base. Bevin, who has said he'll seek re-election this year, saw his approval ratings drop after he criticized public workers who opposed his efforts to change the state's struggling public pension plans. Kentucky and two other states Louisiana and Mississippi will elect governors in 2019. Embry said the state's legal setbacks in the other abortion cases would not deter Kentucky lawmakers from pushing ahead with an even more restrictive measure. "We're still going right ahead with what we think is the right thing to do," he said. Thayer said the threat of another ACLU lawsuit also wouldn't hold up the bill in the Senate: "It's our job to make laws, to make policy, and that's what we're going to do." Republican lawmakers in Kentucky have aggressively pushed bills to restrict the procedure since consolidating their hold on the legislature starting in 2017, even though two abortion-related laws have been struck down in the courts. Bevin's administration has appealed in both cases. One of those laws, enacted in early 2017, had required doctors to perform ultrasounds and show and describe the ultrasound images to pregnant women, who could avert their eyes. Another legal challenge arose over Bevin's interpretation of another law passed about two decades ago that required a Kentucky abortion clinic to have written agreements with a hospital and ambulance service in case of medical emergencies. Bevin's administration actions had threatened the state's last abortion clinic, EMW Women's Surgical Center in Louisville. In a third case, lawyers for Bevin's administration and the ACLU argued over a lawsuit challenging a state law aimed at a common second-trimester procedure to end pregnancies. The law remains suspended pending a ruling by a federal judge. Marshall County Murder Case Sent to Grand Jury By West Kentucky Star Staff BENTON, KY - The case of a man accused of murder last month will be heard by a Grand Jury.At a preliminary hearing on Wednesday in Marshall County Court, evidence was presented from the investigation of 54-year-old Billy Lee's death.Commonwealth Attorney Dennis Foust confirmed that a Benton police officer testified, saying he heard the suspect, 53-year-old Jonathan "Danny" Williams, tell him he didn't mean to kill Lee. Testimony also revealed that Williams told the officer Lee had been selling methamphetamine to his daughter.Autopsy results from December determined Lee died of multiple blunt force trauma.After testimony at the hearing, Foust said the judge ruled there was probable cause, and the case should be heard by a grand jury. It is scheduled to meet on February 12.Benton Police were called to Lee's home on December 1st after he was found dead in his living room by two friends. Police asked for help finding Williams for questioning on December 3, and he turned himself in ten days later.On the Net: Graves County Pursuit Leaves Man Facing Charges By West Kentucky Star Staff GRAVES COUNTY - A Mayfield man is facing a long list of charges after a high-speed chase in Graves County Wednesday. According to the Graves County Sheriff's Office, deputies attempted to stop a car for a speeding violation on State Route 121 North, just north of Mayfield. Nineteen-year-old Max Davis allegedly disregarded the deputy's emergency lights and sirens and continued at a high rate of speed. Davis turned onto I-69 and proceeded north toward Marshall County. Deputies say Davis then abruptly exited the Parkway onto State Route 131 and disregarded the stop sign, almost causing a collision at the intersection. Davis then traveled south toward the intersection of State Route 131 and State Route 58 East, where he skidded through the parking lot of West Mart gas station, before circling back to State Route 131. While heading north on State Route 131, police say Davis ran several vehicles off the road and attempted to cause a collision with deputies. In a final attempt to evade deputies, Davis pulled into a driveway on State Route 131, traveled through the yard of a home and became stuck in a ditch. Davis was taken into custody and lodged in the Graves County Jail. He's charged with fleeing or evading police, 10 counts of wanton endangerment, two counts of wanton endangerment of a police officer, reckless driving, speeding, disregarding a stop sign, failure to signal, improper passing and criminal mischief. Semi Crash Blocks Eastbound Lane of I-24 By West Kentucky Star Staff MARSHALL COUNTY - One eastbound lane of I-24 is still blocked at the 18 mile marker in Marshall County due to an overturned semi near the Marshall-McCracken County line. Keith Todd with the Kentucky Transportation Department says McCracken County DES and deputies responded to the scene early Thursday morning, diverting eastbound traffic off at the US 68 Reidland-Paducah Exit 16 Interchange for several hours. Traffic is reportedly now moving smoothly, but drivers on I-24 are advised to use caution when approaching the area. The truck was reportedly carrying a load of candy, and officials say it will take until around 11 a.m. to offload the treats. Todd says there is no impact on westbound traffic. Woman Injured in US 45 Crash By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - A woman was hurt Thursday morning in a crash on US 45.The McCracken County Sheriff's Office said 64-year-old Terry Lynn Jones was nearing the Lebanon Church Road intersection when another vehicle driven by 36-year-old Christopher Roberson of Paducah had slowed to let a vehicle turn in front of him.Jones told deputies she attempted to stop, but struck the rear of Roberson's car.Jones was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Fireman, CEO of 2018 Top Performing Cannabis Stock in Mass., will share insight on MariMed, U.S. cannabis market opportunity Norwood, MA and MIAMI, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MariMed Inc. (OTCQB: MRMD) CEO Robert Fireman will be a featured presenter at the second annual Cannabis Capital Conference , hosted by premier financial media outlet Benzinga, to be held in Miami, Florida, Jan. 15-16, 2019. This highly-anticipated event sets the standard among cannabis conferences, offering unparalleled access and seamless interaction between the entrepreneurs who are establishing highly promising companies and the investors whose capital will fuel their efforts. Firemans MariMed presentation will be at 1:50 pm in Ballroom 3 at Eden Roc Hotel-Miami Beach, 4525 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Fla. Mr. Fireman, who grew MariMed from its early stages to a multi-state, publicly traded cannabis organization that was one of the top performing cannabis stocks of 2018, will be in good company with presenters including top investors like CNBC's Tim Seymour, Jon Najarian and New Cannabis Ventures founder Alan Brochstein and other top cannabis company CEOs. 2018 was a banner year for MariMed and the cannabis and hemp industries. In anticipation of the federal government legalizing hemp through passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, MariMed expanded its footprint into the Hemp CBD industry, creating a new business division and revenue stream, stated Robert Fireman. Several new medical and recreational cannabis markets have emerged or expanded this year. Were looking forward to sharing details of strategic license and facility acquisitions and how we will leverage developments in new legal markets to accelerate MariMeds growth in 2019 and beyond. Tickets for the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference are on sale now and can be purchased online at https://www.benzingacannabisconference.com . Investors can qualify for free passes by emailing bzcannabis@benzinga.com . MariMed was named The Best Performing Stock in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal , The Best Performing Marijuana Stock in 2018 by Fresh Toast, one of the 3 Best Cannabis Stocks of 2018 by Motley Fool, and one of five Top Cannabis Stocks to Watch by High Times. MariMed has developed and manages six facilities in five states, has five additional facilities under development, and distributes its branded products in seven states. Fireman will present an overview of MariMeds current operations, examples of MariMeds best-in-class branded products, an update of company strategy, and highlights of the companys financial performance. His presentation will address MariMeds competitive advantages in the US cannabis market, as well as a preview of emerging themes in the rapidly evolving U.S. cannabis industry. Search MariMed and post on social media with the hash tag #MedicatedByMarimed: Twitter: @MariMedInc Facebook: @MariMedInc Instagram: MariMedInc YouTube: MariMedInc # # # About MariMed Inc.: MariMed is a multi-state cannabis company that develops, owns and operates licensed cannabis facilities and develops and distributes branded cannabis and hemp product lines. MariMeds team has developed state-of-the-art regulatory-compliant facilities in DE, IL, NV, MD, MA, and RI, which are models of excellence in horticultural principals, cannabis production, product development, and dispensary operations. In addition, MariMed is on the forefront of precision-dosed branded cannabis and hemp-derived products for the treatment of specific medical conditions. MariMed currently distributes its branded products in approximately 10 states, and is expanding licensing and distribution to additional markets, encompassing thousands of dispensaries and additional retail outlets. MariMed Inc. is one of the top-performing public cannabis companies in the U.S., according to the U.S. Marijuana Index , ( www.marijuanaindex.com ). For additional information, visit www.MariMedAdvisors.com Media Contacts: For MariMed Business Development Jon Levine, CFO, MariMed info@MariMedAdvisors.com 781-559-8713 Media Relations Julie Shepherd, Accentuate PR Julie@accentuatepr.com 847-275-3643 Forward Looking Statements: This release contains certain forward-looking statements and information relating to MariMed Inc., that is based on the beliefs of MariMed Inc.s management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events including estimates and projections about its business based on certain assumptions of its management, including those described in this Release. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risk and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including, among other factors, changes in demand for the Company's services and products, changes in the law and its enforcement and changes in the economic environment. Additional risk factors are included in the Company's public filings with the SEC. Should one or more of these underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as "hoped," "anticipated," "believed," "planned, "estimated," "preparing," "potential," "expected" or words of a similar nature. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements. None of the content of any of the websites referred to herein (even if a link is provided for your convenience) is incorporated into this release and the Company assumes no responsibility for any of such content. Gibraltar Based Patient Receives Kidney Transplant The first Gibraltar based patient to receive a cadaveric renal transplant in the UK for over 15 years, has recently returned home to Gibraltar. Renal transplantation is life changing for patients on dialysis. For most, transplantation dramatically improves, both, a patients quality of life and longevity. GHA Consultant Nephrologist and Physician, Dr Simon Lines said: A lot of work goes into working patients up to ensure they are suitable to receive a kidney transplant. This involves a Multi- Disciplinary Team approach and close and continued liaison with the Hammersmith Hospital, which is where our patients are listed. Once the patient receives a transplant call, a number of time critical protocols are followed to ensure the patient arrives at the tertiary centre within a suitable timeframe to receive the kidney. Due to the hard work and dedication of the Sponsored Patient team at the GHA, the patient actually arrived in London before the kidney did! I would like to take this opportunity to wholeheartedly thank everyone involved in the process. The GHAs Medical Director, Dr Daniel Cassaglia, commented: I am very proud that via the close clinical links that we have forged with leading specialist centres in the United Kingdom and Spain, our patients can receive the most advanced treatments available. We continue to build these links, ensuring that our patients can receive an unprecedented number of specialist treatments both in Gibraltar and with our partners abroad. Minister for Health, Care and Justice, the Honourable Neil F. Costa MP commended the efforts of those involved in the successful process, adding: This is a wonderful example of dedicated professionals, both within the GHA and at specialist centres, working together for the good of our patients. I would like to sincerely thank Dr Lines and all those members of staff, such as our excellent Sponsored Patients Department, who, in one way or another, contributed to the treatment and seamless transfer of the patient. This is also a great example of the huge positive impact organ donations can have on peoples lives. To become an organ donor is a very personal choice, and I would urge anyone interested in doing so, or anyone who simply wishes to gather more information on this subject, to visit the NHSs Organ Donation website. Gibraltar residents can record their desire to become an organ donor after death, by signing up to the UK Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk or by calling 0044 300 123 23 23. After you submit your registration, the Organ Donation team will have a record of your wishes. After you register, it is also important to make your wishes known to your family members so they can support you in making the gift of life after your death. According to the US transnational ExxonMobil, on 22 December 2018 the Venezuelan navy expelled two ships that were carrying out prospecting works in the territorial waters between Venezuela and Guyana. Venezuela and Guyana are disputing to which of them these waters belong. On the faith of this communique, Guyana, followed by the United States and finally the Lima Group have condemned this military action by Venezuela. According to Para 9 of the Lima Groups Declaration on 4 Jan 2019, the thirteen states that are still members of this organization have denounced the military provocation of Venezuela which threatens peace and security in the region [1]. Then on Wednesday 9 January, Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, presented proof that his countrys territorial waters were violated on 22 December 2018. He denounced this as an international manoeuvre against Venezuela. He has published videos and recordings of conversations between the captain of one of the two ships at issue and the Venezuelan Navy. In this exchange, the captain gives his precise location and he admits being in waters that are internationally recognized belong to Venezuela. The captain provides an authorization given only by the government of Guyana which had fallen just the day before. The Venezuelan Navy then invites him to leave Venezuelas territorial waters. This evidence negates the communication of ExxonMobil, the main supplier of oil to the Pentagon and the company previously led by Rex Tillerson (the former US Secretary of State of the Trump Administration) [2]. This evidence also robs the United Kingdom of any justification for its proposal to install a military base in Guyana. Finally it delays the war between the Latin American states that the Pentagon is preparing [3]. Venezuela has given the Lima Group just two days to withdraw para 9 of its declaration. Near the United Nations Glass Palace in New York, there is a metallic sculpture entitled Evil Defeated by Good, representing Saint George transfixing a dragon with his lance. It was donated by the USSR in 1990 to celebrate the INF Treaty concluded with the USA in 1987, which banned land-based short- and mid-range nuclear missiles (a reach of between 500 and 5,000 km). Symbolically,the body of the dragon is in fact made with pieces of US Pershing-2 ballistic missiles (originally based in West Germany) and Soviet SS-20 missiles (originally based in the USSR). But the nuclear dragon, which in the sculpture is shown as dying, is now being reborn. Thanks to Italy and other countries of the European Union, which, at the United Nations General Assembly, voted against the resolution presented by Russia on the Preservation and Implementation of the INF Treaty, rejected by 46 to 43 with 78 abstentions. The European Union of which 21 of its 27 members are part of NATO (including the United Kingdom, which is currently leaving the EU) has thus taken a uniform stance with the position of NATO, which in turn has taken a uniform stance with that of the United States. The Obama administration first, followed by the Trump administration, have accused Russia, without any proof, of experimenting with a missile from the forbidden category, and have announced their intention of withdrawing from the INF Treaty. At the same time, they have launched a programme aimed at renewing the installation of nuclear missiles in Europe to guard against Russia, while others will also be based in the Asia-Pacific region against China. The Russian representative at the UN has warned that this constitutes the beginning of a full-blown arms race. In other words, he warned that if the United States should once again install in Europe nuclear missiles pointed at Russia (as were the Cruise missiles based in Comiso in the 1980s), Russia would once again install, on its own territory, similar weapons pointed at targets in Europe (but which would be unable to reach the USA). Ignoring all that, the EU representative at the UNO accused Russia of sabotaging the INF Treaty, and announced the opposition vote by all the countries of the Union because the resolution presented by Russia avoids the question under discussion. Essentially, therefore, the European Union has given the green light to the possible installation of new US missiles in Europe, including Italy. On a question of this importance, the Conte government, like its predecessors, has abandoned the exercise of national sovereignty and aligned itself with the EU, which, has in turn adopted the position of NATO, under US command. And across the entire political arc, not one voice has been raised to request that it should be the Parliament which decides how to vote at the UNO. And similarly, no voice has been raised in Parliament to request that Italy observe the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which requires that the USA must withdraw its B61 nuclear bombs from our national territory, and must also abstain from installing here, as from the first half of 2020, the new and even more dangerous B61-12s. So this is a new violation of the fundamental constitutional principle that sovereignty belongs to the people. And since the politico-media apparatus swaddles Italians in the ignorance of these questions of such vital importance, it is also a violation of our right to information, not only in the sense of the freedom to inform, but also the right to be informed. We must do this now, or else tomorrow there will be no time to decide a mid-range ballistic missile can reach and destroy its target with its nuclear warhead in between 6 and 11 minutes. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chakana Copper Corp. (TSX-V: PERU; OTC: CHKKF; FWB: 1ZX) (the Company or Chakana), is pleased to announce it has completed infill drilling on the upper 340m mineralized extent of Breccia Pipe 5 (Bx 5) at the Soledad copper-gold-silver project in central Peru. All drilling to date has been on the portion of the Soledad Project optioned from Condor Resources Inc. The four holes reported here were designed to explore the upper 200m extent of the breccia pipe from surface (Figs. 1 and 2). Chakana had previously released thirteen drill holes from Bx 5 (see news releases dated February 22, 2018 and November 13, 2018 on www.sedar.com ), that included a 264m intercept with 0.71% Cu, 1.30 g/t Au and 24.3 g/t Ag (1.77% Cu_EQ; 2.82 g/t Au_EQ) from surface in hole SDH18-080. All four holes intersected significant intervals of mineralization. Hole SDH18-084 was drilled to the south from a collar located on the east-central part of the breccia pipe and intersected 103.3m of mineralized breccia from surface with 0.42% Cu, 1.36 g/t Au, and 46.7 g/t Ag. Excluding the oxide zone, primary grades are 0.56% Cu, 1.07 g/t Au, and 31.4 g/t Ag for 72.3m starting at 31m depth. Hole SDH18-086 intersected 140.4m of primary mineralization from 13m with 0.46% Cu, 1.70 g/t Au, and 23.5 g/t Ag. These results compliment results from the previous thirteen holes in Bx 5 and demonstrate good continuity of mineralization in the breccia. As with Bx 1, mineralization at Bx 5 remains open at depth. In addition, numerous known breccia pipes and exploration targets remain to be tested, said President and CEO David Kelley. Examples of mineralized breccias from holes in this release are shown in Figure 3. Previously unreported mineralized intervals from Breccia Pipe 5 are: Bx 5 - Infill Holes DDH # Az Dip From - To (m) Core Length (m) Au g/t Ag g/t Cu % Cu-eq %* Au- eq g/t* Note SDH18-083 61 -79 0.00 38.60 38.60 1.24 19.2 0.07 1.04 1.60 Oxide and 57.00 59.50 2.50 0.54 72.0 0.31 1.28 1.96 Primary and 83.00 112.00 29.00 1.35 18.5 0.24 1.28 1.96 Primary SDH18-084 185 -70 0.00 103.30 103.30 1.36 46.7 0.42 1.71 2.61 including 0.00 31.00 31.00 2.01 82.3 0.11 2.13 3.25 Oxide including 31.00 103.30 72.30 1.07 31.4 0.56 1.53 2.34 Primary SDH18-085 255 -68 0.00 98.00 98.00 0.73 35.0 0.34 1.12 1.71 including 0.00 42.00 42.00 0.94 53.7 0.03 1.1 1.69 Oxide including 42.00 98.00 56.00 0.57 21.0 0.57 1.12 1.72 Primary SDH18-086 300 -82 0.00 153.40 153.40 1.68 25.2 0.42 1.73 2.65 including 0.00 13.00 13.00 1.42 44.4 0.03 1.34 2.05 Oxide including 13.00 153.40 140.40 1.70 23.5 0.46 1.77 2.71 Primary * Cu_eq and Au_eq values were calculated using copper, gold, and silver. Metal prices utilized for the calculations are Cu US$2.90/lb, Au US$1,300/oz, and Ag US$17/oz. No adjustments were made for recovery as the project is an early stage exploration project and metallurgical data to allow for estimation of recoveries are not yet available. The formulas utilized to calculate equivalent values are Cu_eq (%) = Cu% + (Au g/t * 0.6556) + (Ag g/t * 0.00857) and Au_eq (g/t) = Au g/t + (Cu% * 1.5296) + (Ag g/t * 0.01307). Reported mineralized intervals are not true widths given the vertical nature of the breccia pipe and the steep inclination of the holes. Surface Exploration and Permitting Update Surface exploration continues throughout Chakanas 3,085 hectare concession area. Detailed soil sampling covering the entire Soledad cluster of breccia pipes has been completed and downhole electromagnetic (EM) and surface surveys are underway. Two downhole EM surveys as well as 7 out of a planned 17 surface loops have been completed using imported Crone geophysical equipment. Integration of these data sets will be used to prioritize drill targets. Soil geochemistry results covering the entire Soledad cluster of breccia pipes have been received and further document the extent of mineralization hosted in breccia (Fig. 4). Results previously released (see news release dated November 13, 2018) highlighted an anomalous zone of gold in soil corresponding to several known and potential breccia pipes extending north-northeast from Huancarama to Bx 5. In addition, a very prominent soil anomaly related to Bx 1, and a new breccia pipe, Bx 7, are clearly delineated in the results. New results from extensions of the original soil grid show anomalous gold in soil at the Western and Corral breccias, north of Bx 5, and Cima Blanca. Cima Blanca is an area of silica-illite-paragonite-tourmaline alteration hosted in dacite tuff associated with east-west-trending gold-bearing quartz veins (Fig. 4). The expanded soil geochemistry results delineate a more complete picture of the additional mineralization at Soledad. In addition to confirming the gold-bearing nature of several known breccias, several areas with anomalous gold in soil highlight other exploration targets for testing. The large anomalous area covering the Western and Corral breccias is particularly exciting, highlighting new targets in this area, stated Kelley. Three component surface time domain EM data was collected over Bx 1 and Bx 7 using transmitter loops designed to preferentially couple with conductive sulfides hosted within known or blind breccia pipes. Data was collected within the transmitter loop along north south oriented lines every 25m with line density of 50m. Results for the vertical component of the measured field for a relatively early time window detected responses from confined conductors that correlate well with known breccias (Fig. 5). The time domain EM results are outstanding in that this technique confirms a robust response from Bx 1 where we have had excellent high-grade drill results. The response at the untested Bx 7 pipe is even more impressive in comparison to the Bx 1 response, commented Kelley. As previously reported, Chakana received government approval for a Semi-detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAsd) covering a portion of the Soledad project (see news release dated November 26, 2018). The approval applies to the original area of the Declaration of Environmental Impact (DIA) on the Soledad exploration permit and includes 120 additional drilling platforms. In order to drill in the new concessions acquired by Chakana, a modification to this permit is required. This modification has been submitted and once approved will allow drilling the Huancarama and Paloma breccia pipes and concession area. Sampling and Analytical Procedures Chakana follows rigorous sampling and analytical protocols that meet or exceed industry standards. Core samples are stored in a secured area until transport in batches to the ALS facility in Callao, Lima, Peru. Sample batches include certified reference materials, blank, and duplicate samples that are then processed under the control of ALS. All samples are analyzed using the ME-MS41 (ICP technique that provides a comprehensive multi-element overview of the rock geochemistry), while gold is analyzed by AA24 and GRA22 when values exceed 10 g/t. Over limit silver, copper, lead and zinc are analyzed using the OG-46 procedure. Soil samples are analyzed by 4-acid (ME-MS61) and for gold by Fire Assay on a 30g sample (Au-ICP21). Results of the previous sixty-six drill holes from the Soledad Project have been released and are also available at www.chakanacopper.com . Additional information concerning the Project is available in a technical report prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 made available on Chakanas SEDAR profile on www.sedar.com. Qualified Person David Kelley, an officer and a director of Chakana, and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD (signed) David Kelley David Kelley President and CEO For further information contact: Michelle Borromeo, Manager Corporate Communications Phone: 604-715-6845 Email: mborromeo@chakanacopper.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking Statement Advisory: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Chakana to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements or information relates to, among other things, the interpretation of the nature of the mineralization at the Project, the potential to grow the Project, the potential to expand the mineralization, the planning for further exploration work, the ability to de-risk the potential exploration targets, and our belief about the unexplored parts of the Project. These forward-looking statements are based on managements current expectations and beliefs but given the uncertainties, assumptions and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward- looking statements or information. The Company disclaims any obligation to update, or to publicly announce, any such statements, events or developments except as required by law. Figure 1 Map showing drill holes with geology discussed in this release. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/84df2add-15e1-4a77-bd62-1d74529cc2c8 Figure 2 Section looking north showing the breccia pipe at Bx 5 highlighting holes in this release. Light red 3D shapes based on Leapfrog model of breccia from all holes drilled by Chakana. Drill holes show tourmaline breccia (red), andesitic wall rock (green), and other host rocks (other colors). Section includes data from 75m in front of and behind section. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a905df20-bec6-4be5-b640-28899a7d40c4 Figure 3 Mineralized intercepts from drill holes reported in this release showing different styles of mineralization in Bx 5: A) SDH18-083 shingle breccia with strong tourmaline replacement; the interval 93.85-99m assays 1.79 g/t Au, 0.42% Cu, and 24.1 g/t Ag; B) SDH18-084 chaotic shingle and mosaic breccia; the interval 49-55m assays 0.49 g/t Au, 1.77% Cu, and 18.86 g/t Ag; C) SDH18-085 shingle breccia with strong tourmaline replacement; the interval 82-88m assays 0.42 g/t Au, 2.13% Cu, and 27.6 g/t Ag; D) SDH18-086 shingle breccia with variable clast sizes; the interval 27-33m assays 1.24 g/t Au, 1.43% Cu, and 59.9 g/t Ag; E) breccia with interstitial chalcopyrite and pyrite in SDH18-084 at 37.17m; F) chalcopyrite and pyrite filling open space in shingle breccia; SDH18-086 at 89.6m. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1c227747-fcb5-44b1-8969-80821435238d Figure 4 3D perspective view looking northeast of the main Soledad breccia pipe cluster showing confirmed breccia pipes (circles) and occurrences (stars). Color image shows gold in soils collected on 50m centers. Anomalous areas without confirmed breccia pipes or occurrences are considered exploration targets. Gold is determined by Fire Assay on a 30g sample. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3b5a4a71-62a5-4bbb-be54-73faccfda185 Figure 5 Images showing results for the time domain surface EM survey over Bx 1 (A) and Bx 7 (B). Results are for the vertical component, Channel 10 (0.268ms to 0.328ms). A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3174f038-50ec-4072-ac18-6344bd6d8acb The governments of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Santa Lucia, faced at the beginning of 10 January 2019 of the illegitimate presidential period of the regime of Nicolas Maduro (2019-2025) in Venezuela, declare as follows: 1. They reiterate that the electoral process that took place in Venezuela on 20 May 2018 lacks legitimacy. This is because it did not take place with the participation of all Venezuelan political actors, nor in the presence of the independent international observers, nor with the guarantees and international standards necessary for a free, just and transparent process. As a result, they do not recognise the legitimacy of the new presidential mandate of the regime of Nicolas Maduro, which will begin on 10 January 2019. 2. They confirm that they fully support and acknowledge the National Assembly, legitimately elected on 6 December 2015, as the democratically elected constitutional organ in Venezuela. 3. They urge Nicolas Maduro not to assume the presidency on 10 January 2019 and to respect the powers of the National Assembly and provisionally transfer to it, executive power until new fresh democratic elections are held. 4. They emphasize the importance of respecting the integrity, autonomy and independence of the Supreme Court of Justice, legitimately established, in accordance with the Venezuelan Constitution, so that the Rule of Law can take full effect in this country. 5. They re-declare their unambiguous and firm condemnation of the rupture of the constitutional order and Rule of Law in Venezuela, emphasizing that it is only through the full reestablishment, as quickly as possible, of democracy and respect for human rights, that it will be possible to attend to the causes of the political, economic and social and humanitarian crisis that this country is undergoing. 6. They demonstrate their conviction that the solution to the political crisis in Venezuela falls on the Venezuelan people. Therefore they repeat their unwavering determination to support political and diplomatic initiatives that lead to the reestablishment of the constitutional order, democracy and the Rule of Law in this country through fresh elections with democratic guarantees. 7. They express their determination to continue to promote initiatives in multilateral fora, in particular in the Organization of American States and the UN Council of Human Rights, to contribute to re-establishing the democratic order and to respecting human rights in Venezuela. 8. They appeal to all countries that are members of the OAS to reaffirm their support for the Charter of the OAS and the Inter-American Democratic Charter, in order to contribute to the reestablishment of the democratic order in Venezuela. 9. They condemn any provocation or military deployment whatsoever that threatens peace and security in the region. They call upon the regime of Nicolas Maduro and the Armed Forces of Venezuela to desist from actions that violate the sovereign rights of their neighbours. In this respect, they demonstrate their deep concern in regard to interception that took place on 22 December 2018, of a ship for seismic research, by the Venezuelan navy within the Economic Exclusive Zone of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. 10. They reiterate they are deeply concerned about the serious political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, that has generated an exodus en masse of migrants and the requests for refugee status coming from this country, product of the anti-democratic, oppressive and dictatorial acts and policies practiced by the regime of Nicolas Maduro, that which will only be able to be resolved through the full reestablishment of a democratic order and respect for human rights. Equally, they renew their commitment, wherever they are able, of continuing to provide help to migrants coming from Venezuela, as well as promoting and developing initiatives of regional coordination in response to this crisis. In this respect, they salute the inclusion for the first time of the crisis of the migrants and refugees coming from Venezuela in the UN Global Humanitarian Appeal for 2019, as well as the appointment of a joint representative of the OIM and ACNUR. 11. They express their concern for the impact on the economy and security of the countries of the region on account of the political crisis in Venezuela. 12. They encourage the Venezuelan regime to allow the immediate entry of humanitarian assistance for the Venezuelan people, in order to prevent the aggravation of a humanitarian and public health crisis in this country and its transnational effects. 13. They agree the following measures: A. To reevaluate the status or level of diplomatic relations with Venezuela, on the basis of re-establishing democracy and constitutional order in this country and the need to protect its nationals and interests. B. As far as is permitted by their domestic legislations, they will prevent High Officials of the Venezuelan regime from entering the territory of the Lima Group countries; elaborate lists of natural and legal persons with which the financial and banking entities of its countries must not operate or must carry out an enhanced due diligence; prevent access to the financial system, and if necessary to freeze their funds and other assets and economic resources. C. To evaluate, with a restrictive criteria, the granting of loans to the regime of Nicolas Maduro in international and regional financial organizations of which Venezuela is part. D. To suspend military cooperation with the regime of Nicolas Maduro including the transfer of arms in light of articles 6 and 7 of the Treaty on the Sale of Arms, and to evaluate, in the case of humanitarian assistance, the authorizations for Venezuelan military planes to fly over. E. To intensify contacts with non-member countries of the Lima Group in order to keep them informed about the actions of the Group, the seriousness of the situation in Venezuela and the need to work together to re-establish democracy in this country. F. In relation to the request filed by Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay and Peru to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate into possible commissions of crimes harmful to humanity in Venezuela, to encourage other countries to support the ICC Prosecutor to make speedy progress in the such proceedings. G. To urge the other members of the international community to adopt similar measures to those agreed by the Lima Group against the regime of Nicolas Maduro to re-establish democracy. MEMORIAL DAY PARADE AND CEREMONY ONE TO REMEMBER: On a beautiful day, May 31, Our Town watched the parade along Washington and attended a meaningful ceremony at city hall that honored our fallen heroes. The gathering was among the largest in memory for this important day in Our Town. First, BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reflecting on the successes of 2018, Sunrise Strategic Partners , the largest investment fund on the Front Range focusing on food and beverage, recognizes two of its award-winning leadership teams. Matt OHayer, founder and CEO of Vital Farms , along with Joel Clark and Cam Smith, co-founders of Kodiak Cakes , were awarded EYs prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 in the Consumer Products category. They were chosen by an independent judging panel made up of previous award winners, leading CEOs, investors and regional business leaders. Vital Farms is based in Austin and Matt OHayer was given the award in the Central Texas region. He created an entirely new category in the market by democratizing pasture-raised eggs and has led Vital Farms to over $100 million in revenue. Sunrise Strategic Partners became an equity partner in 2017, recognizing OHayers innovative leadership and commitment to a more sustainable food system would lead Vital Farms to unprecedented growth. The team behind Park City based Kodiak Cakes was named Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 in the Utah region. Co-founder and CEO Joel Clark, and co-founder and COO Cam Smith, have an incredible gift for product innovation and leading people. Their whole grain, protein packed baking mixes have invigorated a previously quiet category in the grocery store, and the brand is projected to do approximately $100 million in revenue this year. Sunrise Strategic Partners became an equity partner in 2016 and a day-to-day resource for the growing brand. These CEO teams are changing the way Americans eat, making healthy and sustainable food available and affordable, said Steve Hughes, founder of Sunrise Strategic Partners. Being named Entrepreneurs of the Year is a well-deserved honor and we are thrilled they are receiving public recognition for their years of hard work. About Sunrise Strategic Partners Sunrise Strategic Partners, LLC ("Sunrise"), based in Boulder, Colorado, provides growth expertise and capital to differentiated and authentic emerging brands in the healthy, active and sustainable living space that resonate with Millennials, have a strong proof of concept, and need capital for growth. The Sunrise team is deeply experienced in scaling brands and supports these investments by adding strategic value and guidance on tactical priorities. Sunrise Strategic Partners was founded by Steve Hughes, founder of Boulder Brands, in partnership with Trilantic North America, a leading private equity firm. For more information, visit www.sunrisestrategicpartners.com About Trilantic North America Trilantic Capital Management L.P. ("Trilantic North America") is a private equity firm focused on control and significant minority investments in North America. Trilantic North America's primary investment focus is in the business services, consumer, and energy sectors. Trilantic North America currently manages six private equity fund families with aggregate capital commitments of $9.4 billion. For more information, visit www.trilanticnorthamerica.com . Jenn McFerron Sloan jenn@comodditiesinc.com SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) today announced The Range Companies have successfully deployed Calix Support Cloud (CSC), generating dramatic improvements in operational efficiency and customer service while reducing truck rolls by 42 percent in the first 30 days. The Range Companies are comprised of four operators that serve rural communities spanning parts of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and South Dakota. Due to its large geographic coverage area, truck rolls can add significant costs to operations and impede quick resolution of subscriber issues. With CSC, the Range Companies remote support services have already realized an impressive 30 percent in operational cost savingsa 173 percent return on investment in the first six months. The Range Companies are proud of their role in bringing big city communications services to rural communities while delivering small town customer service. The provider connects 18,000 voice customers and over 12,000 broadband subscribers scattered over hundreds of square miles. Subscriber issues that involve an on-site technician can require as much as three hours of travel time. CSC enables the Range Companies to address issues remotely and proactively. Through the application of CSCs self-healing capabilities, the Range Companies can resolve issues before they even impact the subscriber experience. CSC delivers a new means to differentiate their customer experience and optimize their operations. The Range Companies have been particularly impressed by the quick time-to-value realized through CSC. They purchased CSC in July of 2018 and generated measurable results in just one month. By August, only 18 percent of customer support calls required truck rolls compared to 31 percent in August of 2017 a savings of $15,000 per month. The Range Companies have partnered with Calix for more than a decade to build world-class access networks and deliver exceptional subscriber experiences. CSC is the latest innovation from Calix that the Range Companies have deployed to innovate, improve operations, and ensure the delivery of exceptional service for their subscribers. Our mission is to be a technology leader among our peers and a partner to our customersnot simply a provider of connectivity, said Jason Wille, chief marketing officer for The Range Companies. Calix has provided the end-to-end network solutions we need to deliver on both of these promises and provide the advanced broadband services that would be otherwise inaccessible to our rural subscribers. With innovative features like network self-heal through Calix Cloud, we have realized tangible results in just a matter of weeks. We are now being proactive rather than reactive, ensuring that our customers have the best possible experience. Founded as the Range Telephone Cooperative, Inc. in 1953, the Range Companies have grown through multiple acquisitions of regional exchanges and by forming a competitive company to provide wholesale and transport services. To support their growth strategy, they have also simplified their GPON network operations with the AXOS platform . AXOS is providing the Range Companies with a common set of service models across all of their networks. With AXOS, they can maintain common operational workflows across these networks while enabling each company to address its own unique deployment requirements. By adding CSC to its arsenal, the Range Companies are also able to ensure that each of their companies delivers a consistent subscriber experience. Providing world-class customer service is a core mission for the Range Companies, so Calix Support Cloud was a perfect fit, said Stephen Eyre, area vice president of cloud and software solutions sales for Calix. Range has a complex company structure that combines multiple networks into a massive, multi-state footprint, so the ability to troubleshoot remotely is paramount. Calix Support Cloud enables them to address subscriber issues not only remotely but proactively. By leveraging the best support tools for delivering a world-class subscriber experience today, Range is also laying the foundation for the smart home of the future. About Calix Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) Innovative communications service providers rely on Calix platforms to help them master and monetize the complex infrastructure between their subscribers and the cloud. Calix is the leading global provider of the cloud and software platforms, systems, and services required to deliver the unified access network and smart premises of tomorrow. Our platforms and services help our customers build next generation networks by embracing a DevOps operating model, optimize the subscriber experience by leveraging big data analytics and turn the complexity of the smart home and business into new revenue streams. This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are based upon management's current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this release, and we assume no obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement to reflect any event or circumstance after the date of this release, except as required by law. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from current expectations based on risks and uncertainties affecting Calixs business. The reader is cautioned not to rely on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Additional information on potential factors that could affect Calix's results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov. Learning to ice climb and chill out in what may be sport's perfect classroom in Canada ANDREW DOUGHERTY is a News Editor for The Vidette. Contact him at vidette_addough@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @addough IF YOU SUPPORT THE VIDETTE MISSION of providing a training laboratory for Illinois State University student journalists to learn and sharpen viable, valuable and marketable skills in all phases of print and digital media, please consider contributing to this most important cause. Thank you. Making a sandwich is easy, right?. You take a couple slices of bread, slap something in between them and call it lunch. But making one of those life-changing sandwiches, one where the bread, fillings and condiments all work in perfect harmony, is no small feat. The Daily Meal tracked down the best sandwich in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. (Dan Myers, The Daily Meal) UW Second-Year WWAMI Student Works on Health Project in Nepal Second-year medical student Sarah Maze, of Ranchester, helped establish a Gestational Diabetes Education Awareness Program in Nepal during the summer of 2018. (Maggie Webster Photo) A second-year medical student from Ranchester has been recognized for her efforts to combat a gestational disease in Nepal. Sarah Maze, who received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wyoming and is now in the WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho) medical education program, is passionate about quality health care for individuals in underdeveloped communities. In the summer of 2018, her passion carried her to Dhulikhel, Nepal, where she worked with local health providers to develop a Gestational Diabetes Education Awareness Program in the hope of improving patient understanding of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and promoting the adoption of effective disease management strategies. GDM affects one in seven births worldwide, and it is becoming increasingly detrimental in developing countries. Recent epidemiological studies in Nepal indicate that the national prevalence of GDM was 6.6 percent -- 4.68 percent in patients seen at Dhulikhel Hospital -- and both percentages are steadily increasing. Mazes effort was, by all accounts, successful. In November, she presented her work and was recognized by the University of Washington School of Medicine, receiving the 2018 Outstanding Poster Award. Additionally, her work was accepted for presentation at the prestigious Western Student and Resident Medical Research Conference this month. All student and resident abstracts at this conference are published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine. I was inspired by the deep sense of community in Dhulikhel and the way it guided all aspects of health care, education and outreach at Dhulikhel Hospital, Maze says. It was an incredible opportunity to be part of their mission, learn from them and explore a health issue beyond the physiologic mechanisms of disease to incorporate cultural, societal and community-specific factors. I will certainly incorporate this approach and Dhulikhel's spirit of community into my future practice. Maze was the recipient of the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri Award as the University of Wyomings outstanding graduating woman in 2017. Eighteen Sessions at Wyoming-Utah Ag Days in Evanston Wyoming-Utah Ag Days are Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 30-31, at the Roundhouse in Evanston. Sessions both days are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. With many different breakout sessions to choose from, there is a lot to learn, says Bridger Feuz, University of Wyoming Extension educator based in Uinta County. The program is in collaboration with Utah State University Cooperative Extension. Wednesday sessions include beef quality assurance; body condition scoring; cheatgrass; riparian grazing; using control burns to improve rangeland dominated by sagebrush; the economic value of winter forages; all-terrain vehicle use in agriculture; and a bovine viral diarrhea discussion. Feuz, UW Extension livestock marketing specialist, will forecast the market outlook during the Wednesday lunch. John Madany will discuss the book Defending Beef: The Case for Sustainable Meat Production by Nicolette Hahn Niman during lunch Thursday. Thursday sessions include ag legacies; the small acre water guide; conservation techniques to increase grazing potential and natural resources; common mistakes in pasture management; sheep management strategies; cull cow marketing; and a meat cutting demonstration. Participants can attend any or all of the sessions but must RSVP to be included in the lunch sessions, Feuz says. To reserve a meal for the lunch sessions, call (307) 783-0570 by 9 a.m. Jan. 28 and leave a message if you get the voice mail. (Jan. 10, 2019) -- Texas lawmakers got back to work this week for the 86th legislative session, spending the next several months addressing the states needs and funding priorities. In a message sent to the campus community just before the holidays, President Taylor Eighmy acknowledged the significant impact the legislature can have on current and future programs offered at the UTSA. We have a vested interest in the Legislatures priorities and the political tides that impact higher education, said Eighmy. I will spend a lot of time up in Austin this winter and spring, advocating as much as I can for UTSAs priorities. Eighmy pointed to UTSAs Legislative Appropriations Request , which outlines the funding requests the university has put forward to lawmakers. Higher education institutions are expected to present their priorities to the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees in mid- February. UTSAs representatives in the Texas Senate and House are an experienced group with a deep ties to education. They include: (Jan. 10, 2019) This week, nine students and two staff members from UTSA are in the Rio Grande Valley, working alongside and learning from La Union Del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), a non-profit and community union rooted in the belief that members of the low-income community have the responsibility and the obligation to organize themselves. UTSA Volunteer Services hosts alternative break experiences each semester focusing on current social needs within central or south Texas. The mission of this trip is to better understand how the lack of immigration reform impacts residents who live along the Texas-Mexico border. For student trip leader, Edgar Garza, a UTSA sophomore majoring in kinesiology, this experience hits close to home. He grew up in Mission, Texas along the border. The lack of immigration reform is very prevalent in my hometown and throughout the Valley, said Garza. Im excited to advocate for these communities and learn about resources to help them. This week, the students have been learning about immigration reform and immigrant rights, working with Proyecto Azteca to refurbish and construct parts of housing units for low-income residents, volunteering in Colonias, low-income neighborhoods along the border and witnessing and learning about the U.S.-Mexico border wall. The UTSA delegation visited with locals, sharing with them the services that LUPE provides for them such as preparing taxes, how to apply for citizenship, and how to regain lost wages. LUPE is positively impacting the lives of U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents and the undocumented community in ways that holistically uplift the Rio Grande Valley. I decided to come on this trip because I feel that immigration is an issue that effects all of us, Maria Barriga, a UTSA sophomore majoring in communication. Fear is not the problem, it is what you do with that fear. Some people are fortunate to have citizenship but should not forget the struggles undocumented people face. We are all human and deserve the same rights no matter our status. When the students return to UTSA, they will hold a reflection session to discuss what they learned from the experience. UTSA Volunteer Services, as well as grants from the Family Fund and Transformational Fund, cover the majority of the expenses related to these experiences. The group will be traveling to Puerto Rico in March for Alternative Spring Break to help with hurricane relief. TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeedMD Inc. (TSX-V:WMD) (OTCQX:WDDMF) (FSE:4WE) (WeedMD or the Company), a federally-licensed producer and distributor of medical-grade cannabis, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a supply agreement with Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation (MBLL) to supply branded cannabis products to the provinces private cannabis retailers. With our recent production capacity expansion, we are thrilled to announce the addition of another provincial partner at a time when high-quality cannabis is in full demand across Canada, said Brett Moon, SVP, Sales and Marketing at WeedMD. Our branded products are widely-recognized by Canadas discerning consumers and an additional supply opportunity directly supports our strategy for capturing and increasing recreational market share. We look forward to working with the MBLL and Manitoba's retailers, while remaining committed to fulfilling our supply agreements with provincial distribution agencies across the country. With the recent licensing of its six grow rooms, WeedMD now has a production capacity of over 110,000 sq.ft at its modern greenhouse facility. The Company is on track to increase its cultivation platform to more than 550,000 sq.ft. by Q1 2019. Latest greenhouse update 2019 video here. The agreement with the MBLL is the sixth supply agreement signed by WeedMD. In addition to Manitoba, the Company has signed agreements with the Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation (OCRC) operating as the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS), the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC), the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB), the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) and Shoppers Drug Mart. Additionally, WeedMD continues to be engaged in advanced discussions with other provincial liquor boards and emerging private retail operators. For more information, access WeedMDs investor presentation here and recently updated corporate video here . About WeedMD Inc. WeedMD Inc. is the publicly-traded parent company of WeedMD Rx Inc., a federally-licensed producer and distributor of cannabis and cannabis oil for both the medical and adult-use markets under the Cannabis Act. The Company operates two facilities: a 26,000 sq. ft. indoor facility in Aylmer, Ontario and a state-of-the-art greenhouse facility located in Strathroy, Ontario. The greenhouse currently has 110,000 square feet of licensed space in production and is expected to have a total footprint of more than 550,000 square feet online in early 2019. WeedMD has a multi-channeled distribution strategy that includes supply agreements with Shoppers Drug Mart and provincial distribution agencies, as well as through strategic relationships across the seniors market in Canada. Follow WeedMD On: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weedmd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/weedmd/?originalSubdomain=fr Twitter: https://twitter.com/WeedMD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weedmd/ For further information, please contact: WeedMD Inc. Keith Merker, Chief Executive Officer Tel: 519-765-2440 Ext. 222 Email: investor@weedmd.com To learn more, visit us at www.weedmd.com For Media Inquiries: Marianella delaBarrera VP, Communications & Corporate Affairs Tel: 416-897-6644 Email: marianella@weedmd.com Forward Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation which are based upon WeedMD's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs and views of future events. Forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expect", "likely", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "anticipate", "potential", "proposed", "estimate" and other similar words, including negative and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "would" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy. The forward-looking information in this news release is based upon the expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and views of future events which management believes to be reasonable in the circumstances. Forward-looking information includes estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, targets, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Forward-looking information in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to internal expectations, expectations with respect to actual production volumes, expectations for future growing capacity and the completion of any capital project or expansions. Forward-looking information necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; loss of markets; future legislative and regulatory developments; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; the cannabis industry in Canada generally; the ability of WeedMD to implement its business strategies; competition; crop failure; and other risks. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, WeedMD does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for WeedMD to predict all such factors. When considering this forward-looking information, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in WeedMD's Annual Information Form dated December 13, 2017 (the "AIF") and other disclosure documents of WeedMD filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . The risk factors and other factors noted in the AIF and other disclosure documents could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking information. 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 Published: January 09, 2019 UTs Next Business Network Symposium Jan. 15 The leaders of Workscapes Inc., Quala and Gator Cases are slated to speak at the next Business Network Symposium at The University of Tampa on Tuesday, Jan. 15. The event, which is free and open to the public, begins with a continental breakfast at 7:15 a.m. with the program running from 7:459 a.m. on the ninth floor of the Vaughn Center, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. Elizabeth Dvorak is CEO and Richard Dick Dvorak is president of Workscapes Inc., a full-service office dealership offering furniture, architectural products and space planning. Workscapes is one of the largest woman-owned businesses in the state of Florida, and Elizabeth Dvorak was named the Orlando Business Journals Business Woman of the Year in 2006. Scott Harrison is CEO of Quala, the largest provider of tank cleaning, tank washing, testing and repair services for portable liquid and dry bulk containers in the U.S. Harrison joined Quala in 2017, previously serving as CEO at both Rea Magnet Wire and Azure Dynamics and serving as group president at Hayes Lemmerz. Crystal Morris founded Gator Cases with her father, Jerry Freed, in 2000, and currently serves as CEO. Beginning with a small offering of molded plastic guitar cases, they expanded the product line to more than 1,000 case and bag solutions for pro audio, IT, audio visual, general utility, band instrument and percussion. The Business Network Symposium is hosted by The University of Tampa Board of Fellows and underwritten by TD Bank, Americas Most Convenient Bank. Other sponsors include the Tampa Bay Business Journal and Sodexo Campus Services. The Board of Fellows holds this networking event three times a year to allow businesses that are well known, changing or new to the Tampa Bay area the opportunity to share their accomplishments and plans with the business community. The final symposium in the 2018-2019 series is scheduled for Tuesday, April 23. For more information or to RSVP, go to www.ut.edu/businesssymposium or contact Sharon McDonald, director of volunteer engagement, at (813) 257-3582 or smcdonald@ut.edu. UNODC supports judges and subject matter experts in Belarus to discuss juvenile justice and crime prevention Minsk, Belarus, 10 January 2019 - An international conference 'Prevention of crimes, related to illegal drug and psychoactive substance trafficking committed by children, and improvement of national legislation' organised within the framework of the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) took place on 14 December 2018 in Minsk, the Republic of Belarus. Jointly organised by the Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus, the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the event brought together some 70 participants, including judges, law enforcement professionals, representatives of the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health and international organisations. The event provided a platform to discuss current practices, trends and challenges in Belarus concerning drug-related crimes committed by children as well as to review and share best international standards and practices. The conference was opened by Ms Zhannat Kosmukhamedova, Regional programme coordinator, UNODC, who thanked Belarus for its cooperation and underlined the timeliness and critical importance of the topic in focus. Protecting the health of people and society from the dangerous effects of drugs is the main objective of the international drug control conventions. This was reaffirmed at the special United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Drugs (UNGASS) in 2016. While the conventions provide an excellent basis for the application of the principle of proportionality in drug related crimes, the international community has also developed standards, norms and expertise that provide additional guidance for governments on the use of measures alternative to incarceration and punishment. The event benefited substantially from contributions by UNODC Justice Section. In particular, Ms Anna Giudice from the Global Programme on Violence against Children, outlined the obligations of States parties to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as the UN drug control conventions as regards children's involvement in drugs: children's rights need to be respected and any criminal justice response should focus on alternatives to prosecution and imprisonment, reintegration and rehabilitation as well as prevention and treatment for children with drug use disorders. Meanwhile, Ms Anna Tsitsina, representing the UNODC Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section, talked about trafficking in persons, including children, for forced criminality and its connection to drugs, presenting concrete examples of judicial cases concerning children involved in drug (marijuana) cultivation in the United Kingdom. Ms Tsitsina discussed the innovative approach taken by the courts in the United Kingdom in demonstrating that in those particular instances the drug-related crimes committed by children were a direct part of their human trafficking experience thus confirming that the children were victims of human trafficking. Ms Tsitsina further outlined relevant international standards on non-criminalisation of victims of human trafficking, including child specific standards, and made reference to the latest United Kingdom legislation, which provides a specific defence for children trafficked for forced criminality. Lastly, Ms Elizabeth Mattfeld from UNODC Drug Prevention and Health Branch explained that children may be exposed to various risks, including to people who use drugs, may use drugs themselves and may have a drug use disorder. She noted that these children need skills and support to learn, grow and be healthy, and those with a drug use disorder require a health-based approach grounded in the latest research to address their physical and mental health challenges. 'The justice and health sectors need to work together to address the needs of these children at risk and create alternatives that support healthy participation in society', concluded Ms Mattfeld. On the margins of the conference, GLO.ACT Belarus focal point had meetings with representatives of two partner-implementing agencies to learn about latest project achievements in the country and to discuss way ahead in delivering the GLO.ACT as 'one' that would allow to build on past achievements, avoid duplications and amplify the project impact. A bilateral meeting was also held with the GLO.ACT focal point in the European Union delegation to Belarus who shared updates on capacity building initiatives run in 2017-2018 for representatives of the Ministry of Interior. Following the recommendation of the European Union focal point, a steering group meeting between project partners is planned to take place in Minsk on 14-15 January 2019. Starting early 2019, GLO.ACT will be ramping up its presence in Belarus with a series of advanced training workshops being scheduled with the Ministry of Interior. The aim is that these will cover issues related to identification and documenting cases of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, combatting child sexual exploitation and child pornography, and trafficking for labour exploitation. Training workshops will be held at the International Training Centre on Migration and Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Belarus. The Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) is a four-year (2015-2019), 11 million joint initiative by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The project is being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). GLO.ACT aims to provide assistance to governmental authorities and civil society organizations across 13 strategically selected countries: Belarus, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Mali, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, South Africa, Ukraine. GLO.ACT works with the 13 countries to plan and implement strategic national counter-trafficking and counter smuggling efforts through a prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships approach. It supports the development of more effective responses to trafficking and smuggling, including providing assistance to victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants through the strengthening of identification, referral, and direct support mechanisms. In Belarus the Ministry of Interior is the project's principal national counterpart. Here you can find a web story in Russian by the Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus. For more information, please contact: Elena Nyanenkova: nyanenkova-lowry@un.org https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/glo-act/ Email: glo.act@un.org Twitter: @glo_act Union Springs, AL (36089) Today Mainly clear. Low 63F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low 63F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Compass Gold Corp. (TSX-V: CVB) (Compass or the Company) is pleased to provide an update on the first-ever bedrock drilling on the Ouassada exploration permit on its Sikasso Property in Southern Mali. Highlights All 8 reverse-circulation (RC) holes completed over the first 5 of 14 prospective targets on Ouassada permit intercepted gold mineralization, including 13 metres (m) @ 1.97 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) (from 51 m) and 16 m @ 1.47 g/t Au (from 96 m) in a single bedrock hole Longest mineralized intervals were 46 m @ 0.65 g/t Au (from 18 m) and 27 m @ 0.92 g/t Au (from 96 m) from OURC005 (Ouassada RC hole 5) Thirty-eight one-metre sample intervals contained more than 1 g/t Au, and fifteen contained more than 3 g/t Au, with the highest being 11.8 g/t Au Funded and preparing for the next round of exploration in Q1-2019 to include ground geophysics and diamond drilling Compass CEO, Larry Phillips, commented, We are pleased with the results from our initial bedrock drilling program on the Ouassada permit, not only because all RC drill holes intersected gold mineralization in bedrock but also because we have identified two, wide mineralized gold zones in holes OURC004 and OURC005. Without doubt, this provides us with confidence that we are on the right exploration track. We are already funded and preparing for the next phase of work at Ouassada in the coming weeks and months, including additional ground geophysics and bedrock drilling. Technical Director, Dr. Sandy Archibald, PGeo, added, The drilling results are highly encouraging since they have given us extremely valuable information on the geology, structure and, most importantly, the style of gold mineralization at Ouassada. We will apply this knowledge to the remaining nine exploration targets on the permit, and additional targets identified on the adjacent Sankarani permit. Meanwhile, we are laying out a 500-m diamond drilling program at our Farabakoura and Kabangoue targets on Ouassada to generate additional geological information on the mineralization in aid of our continued examination of the numerous targets that we have identified thus far. Farabakoura and Kabangoue Drilling targets A total of 2,742 m of air core (AC) drilling (72 holes) and 882 m of reverse circulation (RC) drilling from 8 holes have been completed over 5 prospective targets on two areas of the Companys Ouassada exploration permit located within the Yanfolila Belt in southern Mali. The area is underlain by Birimian (Lower Proterozoic) meta-volcanic, -volcaniclastic and -sedimentary, and intrusive rocks, which have been deformed during tectonic movements along the Siekoroli shear zone. The Yanfolila Belt hosts several multi-million gold deposits, i.e., Yanfolila, Kalana, and Kodieran. Numerous artisanal workings are present on the Ouassada permit, and some of the most extensive areas are illustrated on Figure 1 below. This first ever bedrock drilling on the 1,179 km2 Sikasso Property occurred over these artisanal workings. Air Core Drilling Results The 73-AC hole program was designed on a nominal spacing of 50 m on five east-west trending lines to cover five of the previously identified geochemical anomalies (see Compass news release dated July 31, 2018) located just above the bedrock to a maximum depth of 50 metres. One hole, OUAC039, was not drilled due to surface conditions, so a total of 72 holes were completed. Two lines were drilled at Kabangoue (see Figure 1), two lines at Farabakoura, and one line on Farabakoura NW. All holes were drilled at an angle of 55 to the east and were planned to test shallow soil and auger drilling gold results, and also to provide some geological control on the bedrock. Nineteen of the AC holes intersected gold concentrations greater than 100 ppb (0.1 g/t) Au over the 2 m sampling interval assayed, with depths varying from the surface (0 to 2 m) to 48 m. Generally, gold mineralization was restricted to zones 2 to 4 m in thickness, but a wide zone (up to 18 metres) with low-grade gold (0.12 g/t Au) was also present at Kabangoue in drill hole OUAC061. An adjacent hole (OUAC060) contained a mineralized interval of 8 m @ 0.75 g/t Au (from 10 m), including a 2-m interval containing 4.0 g/t Au (from 14 m), which was the highest grade encountered in the AC portion of this second phase drilling program. Mineralization was associated with pyrite and quartz veining. The AC program was modestly successful in confirming the presence of bedrock gold mineralization associated with the quartz veining being exploited by artisanal miners on the various drilling lines. Importantly, detailed interpretation of the drilling results suggested that the mineralized zones were not parallel to the north-south trending Siekoroli shear zone as initially expected, but were generally orientated NW or WNW, thus explaining the number of intercepts over the large Farabakoura artisanal gold workings. Significant drill intersections from the AC program are summarized in Table 1. A full listing of hole locations and assay results is presented in Table 4 at the end of this document. Table 1. Significant drill intersections for the air core drilling program at Ouassada Hole No. Down Hole Intercept From Depth (down hole) OUAC018 2 m @ 1.49 g/t Au 24 m OUAC032 4 m @ 0.42 g/t Au 20 m OUAC060 8 m @ 0.75 g/t Au 10 m Including 2 m @ 4.00 g/t Au 14 m OUAC061 18 m @ 0.12 g/t Au 16 m OUAC062 2 m @ 1.38 g/t Au 16 m OUAC069 2 m @ 1.84 g/t Au 0 m Figure 1 is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3dffe82-c05b-4bf2-8835-eb1f2a6b7f32 Reverse Circulation Drilling Results Subsequent to the AC drilling program, the Company also undertook a limited 8-hole reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at Ouassada. Hole locations for this RC program were based on a combination of the presence of bedrock gold identified from grab samples at Farabakoura (up to 40.4 g/t Au) and Kabangoue (89.3 g/t Au), together with geophysical and remote sensing targeting, and the preliminary AC results. A total of 882 m were drilled, with an average length of 100 m (corresponding to a depth of 82 m). The deepest hole was 130 m and the shallowest, 82 m. The purpose of these holes was to provide geological control of the bedrock lithology and identify bedrock hosted mineralization (since AC stops at the top of bedrock at an approximate depth of 50 m). Drilling at Farabakoura was concentrated on a large excavation (100 m by 150 m) made by artisanal miners, with five holes drilled within the pit and one hole drilled 50 m to the north of the pit, but still inside the area of extensive artisanal workings. Holes were drilled at various azimuths to determine the orientation of mineralization, with dips between 55 and 60. RC drilling results were considerably more encouraging than the shallow AC drilling at the same location. Gold mineralization was recorded in discrete intervals that ranged in thickness from 1 m up to 16 m and grades up to 11.80 g/t Au over 1 m. The most significant intervals are presented in Table 2, with all results presented in Table 5. Table 2. Significant drill intersections for the RC drilling program at Farabakoura Hole No. Down Hole Intercept From Depth (down hole) OURC001 20 m @ 0.30 g/t Au 83 m OURC002 44 m @ 0.80 g/t Au 59 m including 1 m @ 9.20 g/t Au 66 m including 7 m @ 1.75 g/t Au 88 m including 2 m @ 5.38 g/t Au 103 m OURC003 3 m @ 0.34 g/t Au 93 m OURC004 37 m @ 0.87 g/t Au 29 m including 10 m @ 2.25 g/t Au 29 m including 9 m @ 0.84 g/t Au 57 m OURC005 46 m @ 0.65 g/t Au 18 m including 6 m @ 0.53 g/t Au 18 m including 13 m @ 1.97 g/t Au 51 m OURC005 27 m @ 0.92 g/t Au 96 m including 16 m @ 1.47 g/t Au 96 m OURC006 2 m @ 1.00 g/t Au 70 m Assay results show that several broad, well-mineralized zones are present. Particular significance is placed on the results from OURC004 and OURC005 since they represent intercepts that the Company believes are likely to approximate true thicknesses. When plotted in plan view, Figure 2, it appears that mineralization is trending NW and cross section interpretation suggests the structure is at a shallow angle (<30). Diamond drilling is planned to determine the precise orientation of mineralization. Figure 2 is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/30fa46e0-f234-4046-8750-3c1a0f559a15 Two additional RC holes were drilled on the Kabangoue prospect located 1.3 km to the southeast of the Farabakoura workings. OURC007 was a 112-m vertical hole, and OURC008 was a 90-m inclined hole drilled to the north. Both holes were drilled in an area of artisanal workings on a NW-trending granodiorite. OURC007 was located 35 m north of artisanal workings that contained WNW-trending quartz-pyrite veins assaying up to 89.3 g/t Au from grab samples, and OURC008 was located adjacent to a mineralized outcrop of granodiorite that contained thin pyrite-arsenopyrite veins and euhedral pyrite crystals, and assayed 11.55 g/t Au during historic grab sampling. Both holes collared and remained in the granodiorite for their entire length. OURC007 encountered several narrow-mineralized zones which, when combined, formed a wide (29 m) zone with low grade (0.33 g/t Au) gold concentrations (Table 3). OURC008 contained only one zone within bedrock. Table 3. Significant drill intersections for the RC drilling program at Kabangoue Hole No. Down Hole Intercept From Depth (down hole) OURC007 29 m @ 0.33 g/t Au 36 m including 3 m @ 1.60 g/t Au 37 m including 2 m @ 1.06 g/t Au 62 m OURC008 3 m @ 0.21 g/t Au 30 m The results indicate that narrow zones of mineralization are present within the intrusion, but it appears that the best mineralization, as noted by the AC drilling, is located at the northern margin of the intrusion. First Quarter 2019 Exploration Outlook Based on these results, the Company aims to undertake additional drilling on the Ouassada permit. A short diamond drilling program (totaling about 500 m) will be performed following an induced polarization (IP) survey on all 14 of the exploration targets on Ouassada (see Compass news release dated September 27, 2018). The purposed of the diamond drilling is to help refine the geology, mineralogy, and petrophysics, which will be used in conjunction with the IP survey interpretation to ensure that subsequent AC and RC drilling targets the most promising structures. Further, trenching and deep auger drilling is planned on the Sankarani permit, and follow-up geological mapping trenching is planned for select areas at Kale and Kourou that showed enhanced soil anomalism coincident with crustal-scale faults. About Compass Gold Corp. Compass, a public company having been incorporated into Ontario, is a Tier 2 issuer on the TSX- V. Through the recent acquisition of MGE and Malian subsidiaries, Compass holds gold exploration permits located in Mali that comprise the Sikasso Property. The exploration permits are located in three sites in southern Mali with a combined land holding of 1,179 km2. The Sikasso Property is located in the same region as several other multi-million ounce gold projects, including Morila, Syama, Kalana and Kodieran. The Companys Mali-based technical team, led in the field by Dr. Madani Diallo and under the supervision of Dr. Sandy Archibald, P.Geo, is initiating a new exploration program. They are examining the first of numerous anomalies noted for further investigation in Dr. Archibalds August 2017 *National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on the Sikasso Property, Southern Mali. QAQC All AC and RC samples were collected following industry best practices, and an appropriate number and type of certified reference materials (standards), blanks and duplicates were inserted to ensure an effective QAQC program was carried out. The samples were prepared and analyzed at SGS SARL (Bamako, Mali) by fire assay technique FAE505. All standard and blank results were reviewed to ensure no failures were detected. Qualified Person This news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Sandy Archibald, P.Geo, Compasss Technical Director, who is the Qualified Person for the technical information in this news release under National Instrument 43-101 standards. Table 4. Ouassada AC drill hole locations and significant intersections Hole Easting (m) Northing (m) Depth (m) Azimuth () Dip () From (m) To (m) Interval (m)1 Au Grade (g/t) OUAC001 581451 1278203 42 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC002 581401 1278203 48 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC003 581351 1278203 24 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC004 581301 1278203 24 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC005 581251 1278203 26 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC006 581201 1278203 26 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC007 581051 1278203 18 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC008 581001 1278203 28 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC009 580901 1278203 32 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC010* 580851 1278203 42 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC011* 580801 1278203 36 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC012 580751 1278203 20 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC013 580701 1278203 20 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC014 580651 1278203 34 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC015 580601 1278203 32 90 -55 16 18 2 0.19 OUAC016* 580750 1279500 48 90 -55 0 4 4 0.24 OUAC017* 580701 1279500 42 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC018* 580651 1279500 34 90 -55 24 26 2 1.49 OUAC019* 580610 1279500 48 90 -55 0 2 2 0.39 OUAC020* 580400 1279500 44 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC021* 580351 1279503 42 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC022 580851 1280003 28 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC023* 580801 1280003 40 90 -55 24 38 14 0.16 OUAC024* 580751 1280003 42 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC025* 580701 1280003 42 90 -55 38 40 2 0.17 OUAC026 580651 1280003 46 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC027 580601 1280003 38 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC028 580551 1280003 36 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC029 579500 1281003 50 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC030 579451 1281003 50 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC031 579401 1281003 50 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC032 579351 1281003 38 90 -55 20 24 4 0.42 OUAC033 579301 1281003 36 90 -55 10 12 2 0.15 OUAC034 579251 1281003 50 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC035 579201 1281003 48 90 -55 0 4 4 0.13 OUAC036 579151 1281003 48 90 -55 36 40 4 0.11 OUAC037 579101 1281003 48 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC038 579051 1281003 40 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC039 579100 1281003 Hole not drilled due to surface conditions OUAC040 581100 1279500 42 90 -55 6 8 2 0.12 OUAC041 581050 1279500 42 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC042 581000 1279500 42 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC043 580950 1279500 42 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC044 580900 1279500 48 90 -55 42 44 2 0.11 OUAC045 580850 1279500 48 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC046* 580800 1279500 48 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC047 581750 1278200 50 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC048 581700 1278200 50 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC049 581650 1278200 50 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC050 581600 1278200 50 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC051 581550 1278200 50 90 -55 14 16 2 0.32 OUAC052 581500 1278200 50 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC053 579750 1281000 32 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC054* 579700 1281000 34 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC055* 579650 1281003 30 90 -55 6 10 4 0.12 OUAC056* 579600 1281003 46 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC057 579550 1281015 30 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC058* 581200 1278400 30 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC059* 581150 1278400 24 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC060* 581100 1278400 32 90 -55 10 16 6 0.97 OUAC061* 581050 1278400 36 90 -55 2 6 4 0.20 12 34 22 0.12 OUAC062 581000 1278400 24 90 -55 16 20 4 0.38 OUAC063 580950 1278400 32 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC064 580913 1278400 28 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC065 580850 1278400 22 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC066 581151 1278203 28 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC067* 581101 1278203 24 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC068* 580952 1278204 28 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC069* 580544 1279503 28 90 -55 0 6 6 0.34 OUAC070* 580473 1279500 48 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC071* 580451 1279500 48 90 -55 No Significant Intersection OUAC072 580500 1280003 40 90 -55 26 28 2 0.29 34 36 2 0.11 OUAC073 580450 1280003 46 90 -55 No Significant Intersection 1 Until the vein orientation is determined the stated interval does not imply true thickness of mineralization * Denotes drill holes overlying artisanal workings Shaded drill holes OUAC069 to OUAC071 are located above the artisanal open pit where RC drill was performed Table 5. Ouassada RC (bedrock) drill hole locations and significant intersections Hole Easting (m) Northing (m) Depth (m) Azimuth () Dip () From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au Grade (g/t) OURC001 580548 1279506 130 90 55 7 11 3 1.50 83 103 20 0.30 including 95 102 7 0.60 OURC002 580474 1279502 126 90 55 59 103 44 0.80 59 60 1 0.57 66 67 1 9.20 88 95 7 1.75 101 103 2 5.38 OURC003 580607 1279503 118 270 55 0 2 2 0.53 93 96 3 0.34 OURC004 580556 1279431 92 50 66 29 66 37 0.87 including 29 39 10 2.25 including 46 47 1 1.20 including 57 66 9 0.84 (including 60 63 3 2.12 ) 77 78 2 1.67 OURC005 580547 1279448 130 50 60 18 64 46 0.65 including 18 24 6 0.53 (including 23 24 1 1.49 ) including 51 64 13 1.97 96 112 16 1.47 including 122 123 1 0.72 OURC006 580587 1279602 114 180 60 64 65 1 0.72 70 72 2 1.00 OURC007 580952 1278139 82 180 60 36 65 29 0.33 including 37 40 3 1.60 including 59 65 6 0.50 (including 62 64 2 1.06 ) OURC008 581058 1278234 90 0 60 30 33 3 0.21 ForwardLooking Information This news release contains "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the Companys planned exploration work and management appointments. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forwardlooking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by such information. The statements in this news release are made as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forwardlooking information except as required by applicable law. For further information please contact: Compass Gold Corporation Compass Gold Corporation Larry Phillips Pres. & CEO Greg Taylor Dir. Investor Relations & Corporate Communications lphillips@compassgoldcorp.com gtaylor@compassgoldcorp.com T: +1 416-596-0996 X 302 T: +1 416-596-0996 X 301 Website: www.compassgoldcorp.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. Register for a FREE account to keep reading! Register now for a FREE account to keep reading. No cost and no credit card required! Access up to 5 articles per month when you register, or get unlimited access to all of our content online starting at $1.99 now! Already registered? Click the log in link below Oregon, WI (53575) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 52F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 52F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Education & Career University of Africa, Khartoum conferred King Faisal International Prize 2019 The Norwegian Professor Bjorn Reino Olsen and Professor Steven L. Teitelbaum of USA were announced co-winners of the Prize in Medicine Riyadh: The Khartoum-based International University of Africa bagged the King Faisal International Prize 2019 in the category of service to Islam. The General Secretariat of King Faisal International Prize announced winners of the 41st edition of the Prize in a ceremony held in the presence of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, emir of Makkah, advisor to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and chairman of the King Faisal Foundation, and other dignitaries at Prince Sultan Grand Hall of Al-Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh on Wednesday evening, according to Saudi Gazette. The Prize in Arabic Language and Literature was shared by Dr. Abdelali Mohamed Oudrhiri of Morocco and Dr. Mahmoud Fahmy Hegazi of Egypt. The Norwegian Professor Bjorn Reino Olsen and Professor Steven L. Teitelbaum of USA were announced co-winners of the Prize in Medicine while the Prize in Science (chemistry) was shared by Professor Allen Joseph Bard and Professor Jean M.J. Frechet, both from the United States. The Prize for Islamic Studies with the topic of Studies on the Objectives of Islamic Law has been withheld due to the lack of sufficiently meritorious nominations. Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Subayyil, secretary general of the Prize, said that the International University of Africa in Sudan was named for the service to Islam in recognition of its outstanding contributions in the service to Islam and spreading of the Arabic language in Africa. Founded in Khartoum in 1966, the university is considered as the largest Sunni religious institution in sub-Saharan Africa. The university has 15 colleges outside Sudan in Africa, China and Turkey. In order to expand the scope of knowledge, culture and advocacy, the University has established the Radio Africa station and the Al-Alamiya satellite channel. The university has become a prominent foundation for Islamic sciences in the African continent. It has brought together most Muslim scholars in seminars and conferences and has become a role model for Islamic colleges and universities in Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. The university has raised awareness for values and teachings of Islamic religion and moderation concept. It has also established the largest Islamic library in African languages. Dr. Oudrhiri, who shared the Prize with Dr. Hegazi on the topic of Arabic Language and Contemporary Challenges is a professor at the University of Mohammed V in Rabat. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Islamic University of Niger, and secretary general of Moroccan Linguistic Union. He is also a member of several scientific societies and journals in Morocco and the Arab world. Dr. Hegazi held several academic and administrative positions, including president of the Egyptian University, Almaty, Kazakhstan; chairman of the National Library and Archives, Professor of Linguistics and Head of Arabic Language and Literature at the Faculty of Arts and Director of Arabic Language Center at Cairo University, University of Budapest and visiting professor of Postgraduate Studies at several Arab universities. Hegazi is currently Professor of Language Sciences at the Faculty of Arts, Cairo University, Member of the Arabic Language Academy in Cairo, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Language Sciences, Cairo, and Editor-in-Chief of the ZAL Journal, Erlangen, Germany. The Prize in Medicine was awarded on the topic of Bone Biology and Osteoporosis. The co-winner Bjorn Reino Olsens works were contributed to mapping the gene for craniofacial disorder Cherubism, the identification of the mutation in the myeloid signaling regulator SH3BP2, the mapping of the gene responsible for excess bone formation in craniometaphyseal dysplasia and identification of mutations in pyrophosphate transporter ANK and its regulation of bone mass. Professor Olsens work on the genetics of vascular syndromes has led to identification of mutations governing pyrophosphate transport (ANK) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. Professor Olsen has published over 400 papers. The co-winner Professor Teitelbaums scientific studies included confirming the hematopoietic lineage of the osteoclast and the mechanisms by which the cell resorbs bone, which contributed to development of anti-osteoporosis drugs and understanding the importance of clinically arresting osteoclast function as opposed to formation. Additionally, he developed a new paradigm for the pathogenesis of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis eventuating in a novel approach to its treatment. Moreover, his recent work defined the relationship of osteoclast to obesity and established that a new family of drugs. Professor Teitelbaum has published over 340 papers. The researches of Professor Allen Joseph Bard, the co-winner of the Prize in Science, is honored for his groundbreaking development of electro-generated chemiluminescence methods, currently employed as bioanalytical tools, and the realization of scanning electrochemical microscopy enabling single molecule detection in liquids. He has focused in the field of electrochemistry, but it has broadly impacted all subdisciplines of chemistry as evident by his co-discovery of electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) in 1965, and its subsequent impact and development, the Prize jury noted. Professor Bard invented the scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) in 1987, and it has been used for very high-resolution electrochemical analysis and fabrication of surface reactions. Professor Bard has published over 1,000 papers, 8 books, and holds more than 29 patents. Professor Jean M.J. Frechet is awarded the Prize in Science for his pioneering work and seminal contributions in the areas of convergent synthesis of dendrimers and their applications, chemically amplified photoresists and organic photovoltaics. Professor Frechet invented and co-developed with Grant Wilson the concept of chemically amplified photoresists, opening a new era in the fabrication and miniaturization of microelectronic devices, which nearly all of the worlds microelectronic devices that have been made in the last two decades were based on. His work on dendrimers has been used to explore a host of applications including the delivery of therapeutic materials. Professor Frechet has published over 880 papers and holds over 100 patents. For all the latest News, Opinions and Views, download ummid.com App . Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Life & Style Conference in Albania on Role of Woman in Modern Society from Islamic Perspective The conference will gather scholars, imams, researchers, students, among others from different countries and cultures of the world Tirana: The Second International Conference on Islamic Studies will kick off Thursday in Tirana, capital of Albania, under the theme of The Role of Woman in Modern Society from the Islamic Perspective. The two-day conference is being organized by the Muslim Community of Albania, Department of Islamic Sciences at University College Beder and World Council of Muslim Communities. The conference will gather scholars, imams, researchers, students, among others from different countries and cultures of the world. They will speak about the role of women in educating society; the rights of women in modern society; gender equality issues; discrimination against women; divorce and domestic violence; and women's education. The participants will also discuss the forms of resistance to patriarchy, the Muslim women and challenges in their integration, women in the Qur'an and Prophetic Tradition, the image of women in the Albanian media, and women's political participation and leadership. Opening speeches are set to be delivered by Chairman of the Muslim Community of Albania Sheikh Skender Brucaj, Deputy Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Dr. Vasilika Hysi, Secretary General of the World Council of Muslim Communities Dr. Mohammed Al-Bashari, and Rector of Beder University Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Gjana. The conference will come to conclusion with the holding of a training session for the students of the Department of Islamic Sciences at University College Beder in Albania. The Abu Dhabi-based World Council of Muslim Communities is an international organization aims to enable Muslim communities across world to integrate into their societies and achieve full citizenship. It also aims to promote cultural pluralism and respect for the cultural and intellectual specificities of the Muslim communities in the world, as well as promoting moderation, dialogue, tolerance, and the civil and political rights of Muslim communities as an inherent human right in accordance with international and national conventions. For all the latest News, Opinions and Views, download ummid.com App . Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. The theme of the year 2019 Turkmenistan - the Motherland of Prosperity was officially launched at a ceremony in Ashgabat. It was attended by members of the government, heads of ministries, departments, university rectors, representatives of public associations and the mass media. As speakers noted at the launching ceremony, unity and consolidation of people around their national leader is a distinctive feature of the modern Turkmen society. Large-scale plans for 2019 provide for the further strengthening of the national economy, as well as development of science, education, health care and social system. All these plans aim to improve the welfare of the Turkmen people. Similar launching ceremonies were also held in the regional centers of Turkmenistan. TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021 ETF Inflows Breach $300 Billion Again in 2018 Bam. Pow. Kazowie! Despite disappointing returns for equity investors, ETFs attracted over $300 billion of inflows for the second consecutive year in 2018, according to the latest US ETF Flash Flows report from State Street Global Advisors. Last year saw a grand total of $314 billion of ETF inflows, resulting in ETF assets falling by $26 billion since the end of 2017. With the market in risk-off mode, fixed income ETFs posted their second highest monthly flow total of all time ($16.2 billion) in December. ETFs second consecutive year with over $300 billion in flows was a first for the industry. Nonetheless, three out of the five major asset class focuses we track had a decrease in assets: Equities, Commodity and Specialty, noted Matthew Bartolini, Head of SPDR Americas Research at State Street Global Advisors. Considering that equity focused ETFs made up 80% of all ETF assets to start the year, if their assets decline, so do the industrys. While fixed income ETFs broke their consecutive monthly inflow streak (38 in a row) during the year and didnt surpass $100 billion in total flows, 2018 was still a good year. As a result of the risk-off market sentiment, bond ETFs amassed a staggering $16 billion in the month of December the second highest monthly flow total of all time. With November registering the sixth highest flow total ever, bond ETFs closed out 2018 with the largest back-to-back month hauls ever. As investors continue turning to ETFs for asset allocation, Bartolini expects fixed income assets to continue this ascent, irrespective of market sentiment. Overall, stripping out market impact, the industry continued growing in 2018 and taking share from mutual funds that witnessed both negative market returns and outflows, Bartolini said. He also noted a few year-end trends worth noting. First, while fixed income ETFs snapped their 38-month streak of consecutive inflows in 2018, bond ETFs amassed an impressive $97 billion of inflows during the year, as investors seeking to mitigate equity drawdowns increased their Government and Aggregate bond exposures. Notably, Government bond ETFs saw their asset base increase by 72% just from inflows in 2018. Secondly, from a full year perspective, global funds witnessed the most growth with 2018 flows equating to over 20% of their start-of-year assets. This growth is likely a result of an increase in strategic asset allocation models using basic building blocks to construct customized solutions, Bartolini explained. Single country funds had the third highest growth rate for 2018, driven by China focused funds which accounted for 64% of all single country flows in 2018. However, their influence has waned; of the $1.3 billion deposited in December, China focused funds accounted for only $139 million. Brazilian focused funds drove flows in December, as investors positioned for populist driven fiscal stimulus. Regional funds saw a 10% reduction in assets from flows in 2018, predominantly led by European regional funds ($9 billion of outflows in 2018) that have had nine consecutive months of outflows two months shy of the record (11 months). Given the uncertainty of Brexit negotiations, a new record may be set in 2019. Lastly, SSGA saw a rotation into value funds. Value ETFs attracted $7 billion of inflows in December, raising their 2018 total to $27 billionnearly $10 billion more than growth ETFs attracted during the year. Conversely, currency hedged ETFs continue bleeding assets, a sign investors are no longer considering the impact currencies can have on returns. $14 billion left even as hedged international exposures outperformed unhedged in 2018. For more information on related topics, visit the following channels: SGX Welcomes Yuanta Futures (HK) as Derivatives Trading Member Singapore Exchange (SGX) welcomed Yuanta Futures (HK) Co. Limited as a Trading Member of its derivatives market. Yuanta Futures (HK), established in 2012, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Taiwans Yuanta Financial Holdings Co. Limited. It provides services in corporate finance, asset management and brokerage to global and local institutional clients, as well as individual investors. Michael Syn, Head of Derivatives at SGX, said, We are pleased to welcome Yuanta Futures (HK) to our growing derivatives market. We look forward to supporting their ability to meet the risk-management needs of clients as they reach out to more investors, particularly in Greater China. Eric Jen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Yuanta Futures (HK), said, Becoming a derivatives Trading Member of SGX, one of the worlds leading exchanges, will bolster our mission to provide the best financial services to clients. We look forward to working closely with SGX as we continue to enhance our comprehensive trading platforms. With the addition of Yuanta Futures (HK), SGXs derivatives market now has 64 Trading Members and 25 Clearing Members. For more information on related topics, visit the following channels: Saudi Aramco, a global petroleum and natural gas company, plans to launch service stations across Saudi Arabia featuring modern and self-serve fuel pumps with option to pay by credit or debit card as well as a convenience store and restaurant. With the creation of RetailCo, a wholly owned subsidiary established to cater to fuel retailing, Saudi Aramco will be creating a sustainable and profitable business model for integrating across the hydrocarbon value chain, said Ahmed A Al-Subaey, vice president of Marketing, Sales, and Supply Planning and chairman of the board of RetailCo. RetailCo will grow its operations in both the automotive and aviation fuel segments, offering customers enhanced services and quality products while implementing a sustainable and profitable business model that delivers a new and stable source of revenue for Saudi Aramco. One of the key and critical factors for success for RetailCo will be its focus on customers and not only meeting expectations, but raising expectations for what customers expect at a fuel station in the Kingdom, said Mohammed H Al-Gahtani, RetailCos CEO. We are pursuing a total shift in paradigm in the gas station perception among the public, from what people think of gas stations now as a divergence from a main route to get convenience service to a destination of services on major highways, to work, or simply on the way back home. This focus on quality and customer service is what we can add to the retail business in our country, and it is the level of service that not only Saudi Aramco is pursuing, but also the Kingdom through the Saudi Vision 2030 Quality of Life Program. We are pursuing a total shift in paradigm in the gas station perception among the public, from what people think of gas stations now as a divergence from a main route to get convenience service to a destination of services on major highways, to work, or simply on the way back home, Al-Gahtani added. Training is a major part of the business plan and a key to our success, said Al-Gahtani. We are already in touch with training centres, and we will ensure that our employees have the soft and technical skills they need, including a focus on customer satisfaction. Well-trained employees will be able to furnish our four main brand differentiators that will set Aramco stations above the competition. Those include Well-being, a relaxing and refreshing experience, revitalizing the customer and the car; Pioneering, a dynamic and innovative experience, setting a path for others to follow; Mass Premium, a high-end experience made accessible to all sects of society; and blanketing all these services with the utmost in Service Excellence, setting service standards through people and technology, he added. Cars and planes RetailCos core business and operations will be two-pronged automotive and aviation fuel segments. For the automotive segment, RetailCo will take a phased approach to expand its network of domestic fuel retail stations to cover the Kingdom. The flagship fuel stations will be destinations on critical intercity highways, offering a full range of services, including food, convenience store, and other amenities. Inner city fuel stations will retain the same keen attention to cleanliness and detail, while offering a more pared down list of services. Adding new business lines that put us directly in touch with our end customers will open up new challenges, to be sure, but it will also help the company to derive the full value of each hydrocarbon molecule from wellhead to customer, ensuring service excellence to customers along the way. TradeArabia News Service The Saudi Export Development Authority (Saudi Exports) will organise meetings of Saudi-Pakistani Trade Mission next week in Jeddah with the participation of about 100 firms. The meeting will be joined by 65 Saudi companies and 35 Pakistani firms wishing to import Saudi products in food and building materials sectors, said a Saudi Press Agency report. The meetings in Jeddah will continue for two days from January 13 to 14 in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources for Industry Affairs Engineer Abdulaziz bin Abdullah AlAbdul Karim and the Secretary-General of the Saudi Export Development Authority Engineer Saleh bin Shabab Al-Sulami. Engineer Al-Sulami praised the depth of historical relations with Pakistan, which was translated into cooperation and mutual understanding at various levels, foremost of which is the trade and economic partnership. He pointed out that total Saudi non-oil exports to Pakistan during the last five years amounted to SR17 billion ($4.53 billion). LOS ANGELES, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global sternal closure systems market size is anticipated to around USD 3.2 billion by 2026, this market is anticipated to grow with 6.5% CAGR during the forecast time period. Supportive government initiatives along with increasing cost of prescription medicines are expected to work in support of the sternal closure systems market. The market is driven by developing number of medical procedures attempted to treat complex cardiovascular issues. For example, as indicated by information distributed by American Heart Association (AHA), around 520,000 Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) medical procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2014. The report further expresses that in excess of 800,000 CABG medical procedures are performed worldwide consistently. Download Report Sample Pages For better understanding@ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/request-sample/946 Moreover, the National Health Interview Survey led by CDC in 2016 inferred that 28.1 million individuals in the U.S. were determined to have heart related scatters, including valvular coronary illness and heart failure. Besides, expanding innovative work exercises are clearing route for cutting edge frameworks, for example, claw frameworks and twofold sternal wires. This, combined with great repayment criteria, is reinforcing market development. Mergers and acquisitions, new product improvement, and land extension are key systems received by players to remain ahead in the market. For example, KLS Martin, began its business activities in the U.K., the Netherlands, Italy, France, Australia, Russia, Dubai, Japan, Malaysia, and Brazil in most recent few years so as to build its geological nearness. The organization is additionally concentrating on Asia Pacific because of essence of vast patient pool in the locale. In accordance with the methodology, in June 2016, the organization began an assembling unit in Chennai, India. VIEW DETAIL REPORT WITH COMPLETE TOC@ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/sternal-closure-systems-market The global sternal closure systems market is segmented into product, material, procedure and region. On the basis of product, the global sternal closure systems market is segmented into closure devices (sternal closure wires, sternal closure plates and screws, sternal closure clips, and sternal closure cables) and bone cement. On the basis of material, the global sternal closure systems market is segmented into titanium, polyether ether ketone (peek), stainless steel, and others. On the basis of procedure, the global sternal closure systems market is segmented into median sternotomy, hemisternotomy, and bilateral thoracosternotomy. On the basis of region the global sternal closure systems market is segmented into Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and Median East & Africa. North America was at the forefront of the worldwide field in 2018. The region is probably going to keep up its situation until 2025, because of expanding synergistic endeavors by key players to enhance their item contributions and guarantee top notch models. For example, A&E Medical Corporation obtained RTI Surgical's Cardiothoracic Closure business in August 2017. RTI Surgical's Cardiothoracic Closure business offers link based plate items, for example, Tritium SPC System. Other than this, the district's strength can be ascribed to high cardiovascular disease trouble. Ideal repayment directions are additionally helping in keeping selection rate of sternal conclusion frameworks high in the locale. According to changed injury conclusion Medicare repayment coding guide, sternal conclusion methods are repaid under 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 228, and 229 MS-DRG codes from 2018. Then again, Asia Pacific is ready to enroll a worthwhile CAGR over the coming a very long time as key players are expanding their geological nearness in the locale and concentrating on commercialization of their items at a moderately reasonable cost. For example, in June 2016, KLS Martin gathering, began its tasks in Chennai, India trying to underwrite the chance. Besides, developing medicinal services use and framework offices combined with rising mindfulness about heart maladies and treatment accessibility are anticipated to trigger the development of the regional market. The key players catering to the global sternal closure systems market are Zimmer Biomet, Johnson & Johnson, Orthofix Holdings, Inc., and B. Braun Melsungen AG are a few of the main players in the worldwide market. The players are continuously developing and innovating new products to meet the competitive environment. Partnerships with other industry members, need in R&D, and item separation are among the key techniques received by market players for increasing focused edge. Significant strategic initiatives undertaken by global businesses include partnerships, new product launch, acquisitions. INQUIRY BEFORE BUYING@ https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/request-sample/946 The report is readily available and can be dispatched immediately after payment confirmation. Buy this premium research report - https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/buy-now/0/946 Would like to place an order or any question, please feel free to contact at sales@acumenresearchandconsulting.com | +1 407 915 4157 For Latest Update Follow Us: https://twitter.com/AcumenRC https://www.facebook.com/acumenresearchandconsulting https://www.linkedin.com/company/acumen-research-and-consulting/ Bahrain's Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning has secured a 27.9 million ($35.5 million) loan from UK Export Finance (UKEF) for the work on a major water treatment plant being developed in co-ordination with leading wastewater specialist Bluewater Bio. Headquartered in London, Bluewater Bio is an award-winning global specialist in technologies for cost-effective water and wastewater treatment. Its range of best-in-class technologies have been deployed at over 80 sites globally. The British group was awarded a 28.6-million contract by Bahrain's Ministry of Works for the upgradation of the plant, said a statement from the UKEF. The loan has been provided by UKEF to Bahrains Ministry of Works under its direct lending facility to upgrade a waste water plant in the Tubli Bay area of the kingdom. Bluewater Bios enhancements follow previous successful work by the company on the plant. UKEF is the British export credit agency and a government department, working alongside the Department for International Trade as an integral part of its strategy and operations. The announcement comes shortly after the chancellor announced an additional 2 billion in direct lending support from UKEF in this years autumn budget. The deal follows 450 million worth of support provided by UKEF for healthcare and power provision in Angola. International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox MP, said: "Bluewater Bio is an innovative, company and the continuing demand for its market-leading capabilities shows the value placed on British expertise in the water and wastewater sector across the globe." "It also shows how UK Export Finances support ensures innovative businesses like Bluewater can take full advantage of international opportunities as we develop relationships as an independent trading nation," he stated. Fergus Rooksby, the commercial director of Bluewater Bio, pointed out that the governments support, through UKEF, has played an important role in helping the company secure this second significant contract for Bluewater Bio in Bahrain. "Having eco-friendly technology, backed by UK government support is a winning formula with our ongoing export expansion plans elsewhere around the world. We are delighted the Government of Bahrain has chosen to work with us again as it is a testament to our technology that will benefit the residents and businesses in the Tubli Bay area," he added. Simon Martin, Ambassador to Bahrain, said: "This is an excellent example of the positive impact - in this case environmental impact - of British-Bahraini collaboration. This project has the potential to improve the lives of countless people living, working and investing in the Tubli Bay area." "I am delighted to see UK commercial, technological and financial expertise helping provide a platform for Bahrain and Bahrainis to achieve," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Golden Gate Developers, a joint venture between Kooheji Golden Gate and Indian real estate groups Ajmera and Mayfair Housing, has signed a deal with Khaleeji Commercial Bank to offer escrow account services to investors in its premium Bahrain project. With specially-designed architecture that celebrates two culturally rich countries in one place, The Golden Gate is poised to become the jewel in the crown at Bahrain Bay boasting key features including its sun-defying glazed windows and stylish, modern interior. A first-of-its-kind real estate project in Bahrain, Golden Gate, which aims to become the tallest residential towers in Bahrain, will consist of two towers with 45 and 53 storeys and a total of 746 apartments, as well as luxurious amenities, facilities and services that are unparalleled, said the developer. These apartments are available for a starting price of BD45,000 ($118,669), it stated. The property will come up over a 140,000-sq-m area, offering residents remarkable views of the waterfront and top Bahraini landmarks in the area. With state-of-the-art gyms and spas, a home theatre, business centre and a concierge service to tend to peoples every need, Golden Gate has a customer-centric focus, providing its residents with a unique experience of modern living, said the developer. Through this agreement, Golden Gate Developers will open escrow accounts for investors to help regulate the relations and service agreements with property owners that meet the global advanced practices in real estate development, it added. Kooheji Group chairman Ishaq Al Kooheji said: "We are proud to partner in offering escrow services to our investors, in line with the new law that aims to protect property owners rights and assist in minimizing any associated risk in full compliance with the laws of Bahrain, CBB, the Real Estate Development Corporation and all regulatory authorities." "We are keen to support national efforts to propel Bahrain into the spotlight, making the kingdom an exemplar of excellence in the real estate industry. remarked Mr. Kooheji after signing the deal," he stated. Ajmera Realty managing director Manoj Ajmera said: "The escrow service will attract more Indian investors to Bahrain, along with Bahraini and GCC investors. Golden Gate project is the jewel of the crown for our group, which has accumulated over 100 years of experience in the real estate sector and a project portfolio of 40 million sq ft of commercial and residential space in India." Lauding the agreement, Sattam Sulaiman Algosaibi, the chief executive of KHCB, said the bank was keen to support the growth of real estate projects in Bahrain and to provide the appropriate financing for those wishing to own their residential units. "The signing of this agreement aims to enhance the measures for buyers and investors. We are working with a group of local developers to create these accounts, which undoubtedly contributes to increased confidence in the real estate development market in Bahrain," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Wellsboro, PA (16901) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 46F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 46F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Northeast States new president sums up her first-year plan as, Listening, learning and assessing SemGroup to own 51% and KKR to own 49% of the new company, SemCAMS Midstream ULC; SemGroups contribution of SemCAMS shares and assets to SemCAMS Midstream valued at C$1.15 billion (US$860 million) Cash proceeds received from the formation of joint venture will deleverage and strengthen SemGroups capital position Acquisition of Meritage Midstream for C$600 million (US$449 million) expands and diversifies SemCAMS portfolio, accelerating growth plan for Canada Complementary asset locations significantly expand SemCAMS presence in a top-tier Montney production region Partnership with industry-leading investor KKR provides strategic and financial benefits CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SemGroup Corporation (NYSE: SEMG) and KKR today announced they have formed a joint venture to create a Canadian midstream infrastructure platform, SemCAMS Midstream ULC (SemCAMS Midstream). The companies also announced that SemCAMS Midstream has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Meritage Midstream ULC and its midstream infrastructure assets for C$600 million (US$449 million). Under the terms of the joint venture, SemGroup will contribute the shares and assets of its Canadian subsidiary, SemCAMS, valued at C$1.15 billion (US$860 million), in exchange for C$615 million (US$460 million) cash proceeds and 51% common equity ownership in SemCAMS Midstream. KKR will contribute C$515 million (US$385 million) of cash in exchange for 49% of the common equity ownership. KKR will also contribute C$300 million (US$224 million) to acquire perpetual preferred equity. In addition, the joint venture will enter into a C$800 million (US$598 million) underwritten bank credit facility. Assets $CAD $USD SemCAMS Valuation $1,150 $860 Meritage Valuation $600 $449 Total Assets $1,750 $1,308 Debt $CAD $USD Joint Venture $400 $299 KKR Preferred $300 $224 Total Assets $700 $523 Cashback to SemGroup $CAD $USD SemCAMS Valuation $1,150 $860 less SemGroup Equity ($535) ($400) Cash Proceeds to SemGroup $615 $460 Capital Structure $CAD $USD Common Equity - SemGroup $535 $400 Common Equity - KKR $515 $385 Preferred Equity $300 $224 JV Term Loan $350 $262 JV Revolver $50 $37 Total Capital Structure $1,750 $1,308 Common Equity Ownership $CAD % SemGroup Common Equity $535 51% KKR Common Equity $515 49% Total Common Equity $1,050 100% The transactions create a well-capitalized Canadian growth platform and expand SemGroups Montney footprint while deleveraging and strengthening its capital position. The joint venture positions SemCAMS Midstream for future growth opportunities. Carlin G. Conner, Chief Executive Officer of SemGroup, said, This transaction captures an attractive valuation for our SemCAMS business and accelerates our Canadian strategy in one of North America's premier energy basins. The acquisition of Meritage enables SemCAMS Midstream to expand and optimize its portfolio of assets, broaden its service offerings and create a more attractive Canadian growth platform. In addition, it delivers on our commitment to strengthen our balance sheet. We are pleased to partner with KKR, an industry-leading investor with extensive experience in the energy sector. Brandon Freiman, Member and Head of North American Infrastructure at KKR, said, We have been an active investor in the Canadian energy space for the last decade and are big believers in the Montney as a growing, low-cost natural gas play that is relevant on a global scale. The combination of the highly complementary SemCAMS and Meritage businesses creates a leading midstream platform in the core of the Alberta Montney that is well-positioned to serve its growing infrastructure needs. We are thrilled to be partnering with SemGroup and the SemCAMS management team to build a nimble, well capitalized, customer-focused midstream business together in Western Canada in the coming years. Dave Gosse, President of SemCAMS Midstream, added, Combining the SemCAMS and Meritage portfolios will diversify our customer base and broaden our service offerings to include oil batteries and liquids processing, while considerably expanding our gas processing capacity. Our contiguous asset mix, geographic proximity and operational leverage will allow us to optimize our system while creating increased reliability. This acquisition complements our competitive advantages, including our unique, flexible assets that now include additional infrastructure in a top quartile producing basin. Partnering with KKR will further enhance our ability to execute on our growth strategy and our focus on being the midstream provider of choice for area producers. SemCAMS Midstream A High Growth Canadian Midstream Platform Upon close of the transaction, SemCAMS Midstream will acquire Meritage Midstream ULC, an operating portfolio of approximately 195 MMcf/d of natural gas processing capacity, 101 miles of gas gathering pipelines, 38 miles of oil gathering pipelines and 18 miles of emulsion and gas lift pipelines (Patterson Creek facilities) in the liquids-rich Montney play. Additionally, a 200 MMcf/d gas processing expansion is currently under construction and expected to be in service by third quarter 2019. Development at Meritage is underpinned by a combination of area dedications and contracted minimum volume commitments with industry-leading producers. In addition, active drilling continues across these plays and there is a significant inventory of drilled, but uncompleted (DUC) wells, which supports our near-term growth expectations. SemCAMS Midstream will own approximately 900 MMcf/d of natural gas processing capacity between the existing SemCAMS and Meritage facilities. The Wapiti Plant is ahead of schedule and is currently being commissioned to be online by the end of January 2019. The Smoke Lake Plant and Pipestone Pipeline are on track for completion later this year. Total natural gas processing operational capacity will increase to approximately 1.3 Bcf/d following completion of the SemCAMS and Meritage projects under construction. Potential growth projects include the proposed 280 MMcf/d Pipestone sour gas plant, 100,000 bbl/d Montney-to-Market liquids pipeline and potential expansions at the Patterson Creek facility. SemCAMS Midstream continues to evaluate other greenfield and brownfield development opportunities. SemCAMS Midstream Governance The business and affairs of SemCAMS Midstream will be managed by a Board of Directors composed of seven board members, four nominated by SemGroup and three nominated by KKR, with SemGroup appointing the Chair. SemCAMS Midstream will be headquartered in Calgary and the management team will be led by SemCAMS Dave Gosse as President. Financing & Closing The Meritage transaction will be financed with a combination of funds from KKR Global Infrastructure Investors III and a fully-underwritten SemCAMS Midstream credit facility. KKR Global Infrastructure Investors III and its affiliated investment vehicles will contribute C$815 million (US$609 million) of cash, of which C$300 million (US$224 million) will be used to acquire perpetual preferred shares of SemCAMS Midstream, which will pay quarterly dividends at an annual rate of 8.75%. SemCAMS Midstreams underwritten credit facility commitment is being provided by a syndicate of banks led by TD Securities, CIBC Capital Markets, BMO Capital Markets, and includes a C$350 million (US$262 million) senior secured amortizing term loan facility and C$450 million (US$336 million) senior secured revolving credit facility. These facilities will be used to fund a portion of the Meritage acquisition, future growth projects and ongoing working capital requirements. SemCAMS Midstream is targeting leverage of 3.0x to 3.5x. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019 and is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. KKR KKR has extensive experience with similar midstream investments, including investing in approximately $1 billion of equity over the last three years to build out gathering and processing infrastructure in the Montney through Veresen Midstream. Other KKR midstream investments include a sale-leaseback of strategic offshore oil and gas infrastructure assets with Pemex in the Gulf of Mexico; a midstream joint venture with El Paso Corporation in the Uinta, Marcellus, and Eagle Ford basins; a recent partnership with Williams to acquire $1.2 billion of midstream assets in the Colorado DJ basin, and a 23% interest in the Colonial Pipeline Company, the largest refined products pipeline in North America. KKR also has deep experience in upstream oil and gas investing in Canada and in the U.S. Prior upstream investments include Westbrick Energy, Hilcorp Resources and East Resources. Advisors CIBC Capital Markets acted as the financial advisor to SemGroup, Evercore acted as financial advisor to SemGroups Board of Directors and TD Securities acted as the financial advisor to KKR with respect to this transaction. RBC Capital Markets acted as financial advisor to Meritage and Riverstone. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP acted as legal advisors to SemGroup. Torys LLP and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett acted as legal advisors to KKR. Dentons Canada LLP and Vinson & Elkins LLP acted as legal advisors to Meritage and Riverstone. Conference Call SemGroup will host a conference call for investors at 8:30 a.m. Eastern, January 10, 2019. The call can be accessed live over the telephone by dialing 1-855-239-1101, or for international callers, 1-412-542-4117. Interested parties may also listen to a simultaneous webcast of the conference call by logging onto SemGroup's Investor Relations website at www.semgroup.com . A replay of the webcast will be available following the call. Supplemental Slide Presentation A slide presentation supplementing this press release is posted on SemGroups Investor Relations website under presentations at www.semgroup.com . About SemCAMS SemCAMS ULC, a subsidiary of SemGroup Corporation (NYSE: SEMG), is a gathering and processing business which provides midstream solutions for natural gas producers in Western Canada. SemCAMS is one of Albertas largest licensed sour gas processors with Duvernay and Montney facilities located near Whitecourt and Fox Creek, and two plants under construction in the Smoke Lake area and the Wapiti area south of Grand Prairie. The company also operates sweet gas processing facilities in this region. SemCAMS is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. About SemGroup SemGroup Corporation (NYSE: SEMG) moves energy across North America through a network of pipelines, processing plants, refinery-connected storage facilities and deep-water marine terminals with import and export capabilities. SemGroup serves as a versatile connection between upstream oil and gas producers and downstream refiners and end users. Key areas of operation and growth include western Canada, the Mid-Continent and the Gulf Coast. SemGroup is committed to safe, environmentally sound operations. Headquartered in Tulsa, Okla., the company has additional offices in Calgary, Alberta; Denver, Colo.; and Houston, Texas. SemGroup uses its Investor Relations website and social media outlets as channels of distribution of material company information. Such information is routinely posted and accessible on SemGroups Investor Relations website at www.semgroup.com , SemGroups Twitter account and LinkedIn account. About KKR KKR is a leading global investment firm that manages multiple alternative asset classes, including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate and credit, with strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns for its fund investors by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and driving growth and value creation with KKR portfolio companies. KKR invests its own capital alongside the capital it manages for fund investors and provides financing solutions and investment opportunities through its capital markets business. References to KKR's investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR's website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co. Forward-Looking Statements Certain matters contained in this Press Release include 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. We make these forward-looking statements in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this Press Release may constitute forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that these expectations will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause actual results to differ include the possibility that the conditions to the closing of the pending transactions described herein (the Transactions), including the conditions related to obtaining regulatory approvals, may not be satisfied in a timely manner or at all, that if such conditions are not satisfied, they may not be waived, and that the Transactions may not be completed on the terms currently contemplated or at all; the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Transactions, assuming they are completed; and the risk factors discussed from time to time in each of SemGroups documents and reports filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained in this Press Release, which reflect managements opinions only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to any forward-looking statements. SemGroup Investor Relations: Alisa Perkins 918-524-8081 investor.relations@semgroupcorp.com SemGroup Media: Tom Droege 918-524-8560 tdroege@semgroup.com KKR: Kristi Huller 212-750-8300 media@kkr.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/59624b11-1a22-42a7-a766-93282694cfd4 Comment When the Minister of Housing and Urban Development Prince Simelane took office, he called for an end to infighting among councillors and management of municipalities because, as a prince, he does not tolerate noise. He urged the municipalities to put the interests of the ratepayers and the development of the towns and cities above all else. It would appear though, that the Matsapha Town Council did not get this ministerial memo, as the mayor, councillors and council management have done a good job of out staging the Mbabane Municipality clashes between councillors and the CEO. There is no doubt that the level of discord prevailing at Matsapha Town Council now requires the intervention of the minister, to ensure that order is restored and, as requested, that he gets his peace and quiet. For a country crying out for constructive engagement that will bring about meaningful development in the industrial town in order to lure investors and create the much needed job opportunities, the current lot in the Matsapha Council chambers does not seem to share in this vision if their clashes are anything to go by. The preoccupation with self was evident in the previous government and the results are the tragedy that our economy is today. We dont need another episode of this type of administration and ratepayers deserve better than squabbles as a reward for their time and effort spent voting councillors into office. The ratepayers are fed up and they have officially registered this disgust in a letter to council. If the councillors will disregard the mandate bestowed upon them by the ratepayers, then we call upon the minister to consider invoking the powers he enjoys in the Urban Government Act, to dissolve council at worst. There can be no better need to do so than when a council is forced to conduct its business at a police station. This circus must stop! NHLANGANO A local family is mourning a loved one who was accidentally shot by a mourner at a funeral in South Africa. The shooting reportedly happened at a cemetery near Soweto, outside Johannesburg, last Saturday morning. The victim was identified as a 37-year-old male resident of Nhlangano, who was based in the neighbouring country. His name cannot be published since his family was yet to notify his next-of-kin. This publication understands that the bereaved family was only able to establish that the deceased was attending a funeral of a relative at the densely populated location of Johannesburg, when a mourner started fidgeting with a gun he had recently acquired. Information gathered was that the man was trying to fix the firearm which had not been working properly, when it accidentally went off. Mourners A relative, who preferred anonymity, told this publication that they learnt that their family member was among a crowd of mourners at the burial site while proceedings were ongoing. The inconsolable family member said eyewitnesses told them that the man holding the gun did not intend to hurt anyone but was trying to fix a mechanical fault on the firearm. They said the South African national was behind my brother when he started fidgeting with the gun. We gathered that no one paid much attention as many people carried firearms in that country and especially because he had also alerted those seated next to him about the guns problem, explained the grieving relative. It was gathered that after the gun went off, a bullet went straight to the liSwati and he got seriously injured. Reports are that he was immediately whisked to a nearby health facility where he was pronounced dead on arrival. We were told that the gun discharged and the bullet pierced through my brothers body from the back, and he died instantly, narrated the family member. It is understood that the owner of the gun handed himself over to the police on the same day. Even though it is understood that the shooting was not intentional, the matter is subject to investigation by the South African Police Services, according to the relatives who travelled to the neighbouring country. The family members said they were not sure about the exact charges the man was facing in that country. However, experts indicated that the suspect could likely be charged under that countrys firearms control laws and possibly face a murder charge. The relative, who spoke to this publication, said the family was very devastated by what happened. Everyone is trying to cope with what happened, it was just a sad situation which happened when nobody had expected, lamented the relative. The grieving family member revealed that the family was in the process of repatriating the deceaseds corpse. At the moment, the bereaved family is currently working on documentation to enable the deceaseds body to be repatriated back into the kingdom. The corpse remains kept at a mortuary in Johannesburg, according to a relative. The burial is expected to take place at the deceaseds parental homestead, which is situated in Nhlangano on Saturday morning. When approached for comment, Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, said they had not received any reports regarding the incident. Incident She said this was probably because the tragic incident happened beyond their jurisdiction. She said the South African Police Service would be best placed to comment on the issue. This is not an isolated incident as many local citizens have died under unclear circumstances while in the neighbouring country. Just recently, another family in Nhlangano buried a loved one who died in a shack fire in Diepsloot, also in South Africa. In this particular incident, the 49-year-old male died when the shack he was sleeping in went up in flames. The shack was completely destroyed in the tragedy. The victim was working as a migrant textile worker in the neighbouring country. FNB theft suspect, Thembela Mamba (R), tries to hide from the camera after his court appearance yesterday morning. (Pics: Sibusiso Zwane) MANZINI - After he discovered that life in Mozambique was not at all rosy and giving him lemons, one of the suspects in the First National Bank (FNB) E2.8 million fraud surrendered to the police. Thembela Mamba (24) of Kwaluseni, made a confession before Senior Magistrate Phathaphapha Mdluli yesterday morning, a session which lasted for four hours. It is worth noting that the accused person allegedly received a portion of the E2.8 million allegedly stolen by an employee of the bank, Thulani Nkambule, which was E1 173 million. The accused person, who was accompanied by a team of four officers from the Fraud Department, arrived in court at around 8am and got inside the magistrates chambers for the arranged confession. During the confession, the accused person is alleged to have given details on the matter, beginning from when the key suspect (Nkambule) started contacting him to reveal that he was going to commit the theft offence at the bank. Requested He called me before committing the offence and said ufikelwa busathane, and when I asked him what he wanted to do, he told me and requested that I furnish him with my banking details. On the following day, he called me once again and told me he would deposit some money into my account in smaller amounts of about E70 000 and slightly above. The amount totalled E1 173 million and from there, we were ready to move to another destination. Since my bank limit was about E2 000, it was increased by my friend and the money was withdrawn, in different amounts, Mamba alleged. He mentioned that after they had spoken about the next destination, which was Mozambique, they packed their bags, resided in a guest house, spent part of it on new clothing, smartphones and further bought a new vehicle, an Altezza sedan, which they used to cross through the Mhlumeni Border to Maputo, Mozambique. Upon arrival there, the three of us and a female, who was with one of us, booked into guest houses and spent the money we had. However, after some days when we needed to withdraw more, we discovered that all our bank cards had been blocked and the accounts were frozen. One of us tried contacting his father, who was in South Africa and who had received part of the money, who told us that his account had also been blocked and he could not withdraw more money, Mamba said. He also alleged that before leaving the country, Nkambule had handed over about E50 000 to his wife. While having all the fun in Mozambique and living the life, I made a decision that I never wanted to be a fugitive anymore. The cash we had was running out and I was missing home as well. Suspect The worst part was when the key suspect, who had initiated the whole plan, left us in one of the guest houses in Mozambique together with the female friend. He disappeared without saying a word and we were stranded, Mamba also alleged. He added that after Nkambule had left them for another city in Mozambique, he made a decision to return home and surrender. Mamba stated that upon arrival at Lomahasha Border, he handed himself over to the police who noticed through scanning his passport that he was a wanted suspect. The police then liaised with the fraud police officers who later arrested and charged me with the fraud offence of E1 173 million. I do not have an idea where the others are at the moment, however, I do know that the other friend has most of his family members and relatives in Mozambique, and I do not see him ever returning to the country, Mamba also said. MANZINI Finally, after Tuesdays 10-hour-long dramatic standoff between councillors at Matsapha Town Council, the vote of no confidence against Mayor Sandlane Zwane was passed. Impeccable sources said the motion of a vote of no confidence was moved and passed during a meeting which was held at the Matsapha Police Station boardroom at around midnight on Tuesday. They said following the standoff which took place after the mayor ruled the fourth move to oust him defective, some councillors eventually left the council chambers around 11pm while the mayor and other members of the council departed at 1am yesterday. Mover The sources said the councillors who left at around 11pm were Bongani Mamba, who was the mover of the motion of the vote of no confidence against the mayor, together with Mfanufikile Dlamini and Musa Ndzimandze. They said the councillors were joined by Deputy Mayor Siphesihle Sibandze, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lucky Sukati and Ministry of Housing and Urban Development representative Gordon Mbuli. They said the afore mentioned people were led by a senior police officer to Matsapha Police Station boardroom where they convened the meeting to move the motion. During the meeting, the insiders said the deputy mayor was the chairman while the town clerk recorded minutes as the ministrys representative observed the proceedings of the gathering. While the vote of confidence meeting was proceeding at the police station, the mayor, together with Councillors Bongani Mkhatshwa and Mavela Shongwe were in the chambers. They stayed until 1am on Wednesday (yesterday), the inside sources said. Efforts of getting a comment from the CEO proved futile as his mobile phone rang unanswered yesterday between 2pm and 3pm. When he was contacted later on, his mobile phone was off. The deputy mayor, who chaired the meeting, could not be reached too as his mobile phone off for the better part of yesterday afternoon. Meanwhile, Gordon Mbuli, who was representing the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, confirmed that just before midnight, the meeting of moving a motion of a vote of no confidence against the mayor resumed at Matsapha Police Station. He said the motion was moved and passed during the meeting which was chaired by the deputy mayor. On another note, Mbuli said he did not know if councillors had been served with the final report of what transpired in the meeting, but his office had been furnished with one. MBABANE- Revealed! The two senior Nedbank (Swaziland) Limited managers who have been placed on a precautionary suspension are Phesheya Nkambule, who is the banks Head of Retail, and Finance Manager Terry Kamanga. Nkambule previously held the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The duo has been suspended following a forensic investigation by the bank where it was discovered that the institution was defrauded millions of Emalangeni. The bank recently obtained an order to freeze the bank accounts of Sate Investments and Kwasa Woodworks (PTY) Limited. It is suspected the two suspended managers used the companies as a conduit to defraud the bank. Through its acting Managing Director (MD) James Matthews, the bank has since filed a report narrating how the investigations had gone so far. He informed the court that the irregular procurement between the bank and the first respondent (Sate Investment) appeared to have commenced sometime in August 2014 and had subsisted until December 2018. Matthews said the assertion by the Director of Sate Investment, Sanele Nkambule, that the business relationship commenced sometime in 2016, was incorrect and designed to mislead the court. According to Matthews, preliminary investigations had revealed that Sate Investment was implicated in a number of irregularities relating to improper payments that were made to its account. By way of an example, and this is not comprehensive, but intended to demonstrate to the court, one of the ways in which the fraud was being perpetuated. On or (about) October 2016, Sate Investment submitted an invoice for a sum of E97 983 being in respect of maintenance work that was to be undertaken in respect of a building formerly owned by Tibiyo TakaNgwane, submitted Matthews. He alleged that the first respondent (Sate Investment) misrepresented to the bank that it carried out maintenance work and therefore was entitled to be paid the sum of E97 983. Mathews highlighted that an investigation into this payment had revealed that the work was never done and the payment was irregularly processed and approved, allegedly by the two managers, who were subject of the investigation. He went on to state that in January 2019, and during the course of an interview, one of the suspended managers, Kamanga, confirmed that he had received, at various times, loans and/or financial assistance from Sate Investment. Mathews explained that the disclosure came about when Kamanga was being requested to explain deposits made to his account with other financial institutions. The disclosure triggered a further focal point for the investigation, in that in terms of the banks code of ethics, its employees are not permitted to receive gifts; loans or any kind of benefits from vendors or any other client of the bank and if they do receive such, they are obliged to declare it, said acting MD. Mathews said there was no record of Kamanga ever having made such declaration. He averred that the fact that the banks managers were processing improper payments to Sate Investment, and in turn giving one of them loans, gave rise to the reasonable conclusion that there was improper relationship between the two. In the course of the investigation, it has transpired that one of the suspended managers, Phesheya Nkambule, made a number of notable payments to a certain Sanele Nkambule, for example in September 2018, for a sum of E1 800, alleged Mathews. The Real Jackie Kennedy Her style and grace were legendary, and her image came to define the 1960s. She captured the hearts of world leaders, fashion icons and people all over the planet, who knew her as Jackie Kennedy, Jacqueline Onassis, or simply Jackie O. But who was the real Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis? Take our quiz and find out. Take The Quiz remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Ortega Utilizes Provisions Retail Network to Boost Coupon Redemption and In-Store Sales CHATSWORTH, California, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Provision Interactive Technologies, Inc. ("Provision"), a subsidiary of Provision Holding, Inc. (OTCPINK: PVHO), announced today that Ortega, a leader in Mexican meal solutions, is running a national media campaign on the Provision media network to increase purchases at the point-of-sale. Provisions patented and award-winning 3D holographic display and 2D interactive touch screens are deployed at retailers nationwide, including through Coinstar kiosks at leading grocers. Through the kiosks, consumers are able to access product information, promotions, rewards and coupons for all of Ortegas products including taco shells and kits, taco sauce, seasonings, and more. We are thrilled to have added an established and well-respected brand such as Ortega to the Provision platform, said Provisions President and CEO Mark Leonard. The Provision network has proven to be highly effective in generating above average coupon redemption rates and we look forward to achieving similar results for the Ortega brand. We are always looking for new ways to engage with our customers and provide them with additional value, said Juv Marchisio, Marketing Director Grocery, Ortega. The Provision technology not only stands out at the point of purchase, but it enables us to provide a coupon to incentivize buying now and buying more. Provisions patented and award-winning media network is currently available in hundreds of retail locations across the U.S. A recent case study identified that the average rate of redemption for coupons generated by Provision was 17.4 percent. This is an extraordinary redemption rate when measured against the published national average coupon redemption rate of 1.2 percent. About Ortega Since 1897, Ortega has offered distinctive Mexican foods inspired by Mama Ortega's passion for cooking. Today, Ortega makes Americas number one selling taco sauce, along with great-tasting taco shells, tortillas, salsas, seasonings, dinner kits, refried beans, and jalapeno and chile peppers. About Provision Interactive Technologies, Inc. Provision Interactive Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Provision Holding, Inc. (OTCPINK: PVHO), is the leading developer of intelligent, interactive 3D holographic display technologies, software, and integrated solutions used primarily in retail settings. Provisions 3D advertising displays are designed to increase in-store engagement, coupon redemption and point-of-purchase activity. Provision's 3D holographic display systems represent a revolutionary technology that project full color, high-resolution videos into space detached from the screen, without the need for special glasses. Provision holds more than 10 patents related to its 3D holographic technology, for both consumer and commercial applications. For more information, visit www.provision.tv. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains projections of future results and other forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Important factors that may cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those contained in the projections and forward-looking statements included in this press release are described in our publicly filed reports. Factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to, the acceptance of our products, lack of revenue growth, failure to realize profitability, inability to raise capital and market conditions that negatively affect the market price of our common stock. The Company disclaims any responsibility to update any forward-looking statements unless legally required. Support local journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Posted Wednesday, January 9, 2019 6:51 am Members of the community can help the Hockinson School District select its next superintendent by attending a public forum at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14, in the high school commons room. The goal of this gathering, according to the district, is to identify characteristics the community desires in Hockinson's next superintendent. The districts Board of Directors selected Northwest Leadership Associates to conduct the search, with Glenys Hill and Roger Rada facilitating. Community members unable to attend the forum are encouraged to complete an online survey by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15 at surveymonkey.com/r/HOCKINSON2019. Sandra Yager, who has served as superintendent for eight years, will leave the district at the end of the school year to become the new superintendent of Cornerstone Christian Academy in Vancouver. Southern Pines, NC (28387) Today Generally clear skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Generally clear skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Lincoln Park Man gets caught up in scam after trying to purchase apple cider vinegar A man carries a star-spangled cross with him to worship at Church Under the Bridge in Waco, Texas, on Nov. 18, 2018. RNS photo by Bobby Ross Jr. Grosse Iles Anthony Naso tied for second at the 2021 Division 3 state meet, which was held Friday and Saturday at Grand Valley State University. 35, were offence PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT|The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office is asking that no one try to stop to get the chicken Posted by Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency Alabama on Sunday, January 6, 2019 UPDATE| ROADWAY HAS BEEN CLEARED AND REOPENED..Alabama Highway 35 north of Highway 273 will be shutdown for an extended period of time due to an overturned 18 wheeler. Please avoid the area. Posted by Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency Alabama on Saturday, January 5, 2019 killin me 5 second ( Aonip /Getty Images) Motorists had been stopping to pick up the fried chicken treats, which were scattered when an 18-wheeled vehicle tipped over on Alabamas Highwaybutlater told it was unsafe and a criminalIn a widely shared Facebook post, the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency said: The Cherokee County Sheriffs Office is asking that no-one try to stop to get the chicken tenders that were spilled from the 18-wheeler accident last night on Highway 35. Youre creating a traffic hazard! Its a crime to impede the flow of traffic. Those cases have been on the ground for over 24 hours and are unsafe to consume.The public notice was met with mockery by many on social media. The fact that you have to post this is wrote one Facebook user, while another said: So, therule doesnt apply to this? Others appeared interested in visiting the chicken spillage, saying: What mile marker is this at? Asking for a friend.Another simply wrote: Salmonella for you! The Cherokee authority later said the scene had been cleaned and the road reopened. Charlotte O'Brien, University of York We are going to be making decisions based on science and data no advertisers, no snake oil salesmen, or fucking Saatchis. Were gonna follow algorithmic, statistical analysis. One of the many highlights of Channel 4s Brexit: The Uncivil War was this rather throwaway line delivered by Vote Leave strategist Dominic Cummings, played as an exuberant and impatient campaign mastermind by Benedict Cumberbatch. The quote throws into sharp relief the response to the weight of economic and legal opinion stacked against the Leave campaigners, when they famously dismissed and denigrated experts and urged voters to distrust evidence and listen to their gut. Channel 4/Nick Wall scenes All about the spin side, lobbing of Accountability questions The what next question Highlights Turnkey Drilling Contract for up to two CSG appraisal wells executed with Danos Drilling Gaborone, Botswana. Appraisal wells will be the first to drill and flow test bright and gas saturated coals within Strata-Xs interpreted high graded area. The Company holds 100% equity in approximately 320,000 acres within the interpreted high grade area of the Serowe CSG Project. Coal Seam Gas expert appointed to manage well site appraisal program. DENVER and BRISBANE, Australia and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The directors and management of Strata-X Energy Ltd. (Strata-X or the Company) (TSX-V:SXE) (ASX:SXA) are pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a turnkey contract for 1 firm plus one optional vertical well with Danos Drilling of Gabarone, Botswana for the initial appraisal drilling of the Companys 100% owned Serowe CSG Project. The Company has received all the necessary government approvals for the appraisal program and is set to begin drilling operations during the first week of February. Following the Companys internal interpretation of historical coal and CSG drilling in Botswana last year, Strata-X focused on the upper stratigraphic section within a high graded area. The stratigraphic section has bright and gas saturated coals that are interpreted to be highly prospective for commercial CSG. The Company holds 100% equity in approximately 320,000 acres within the interpreted high grade area of the Serowe CSG Project. SXE 19B-1 will be the first vertical well to drill and flow test within the high graded area and is located adjacent to (~ 2.5 km) a fully cored well. The cored well was drilled in 2003 by the Government of Botswana and intersected about 8 metres of bright coals with gas saturations up to 100%. The SXE 19B-1 well will be drilled to approximately 490 metres and is located in Strata-Xs 100% owned Prospecting License (PL) 19-B. The operations plan is to case and suspend the SXE 19B-1 well for long term production testing. If the results of SXE 19B-1 are sufficiently positive, the Company may consider expanding the drilling program to a pilot program and include the optional second well in that pilot. As previously announced, the Company has selected Mr. Adam Scott to direct the CSG wellsite evaluation for the drilling program. Mr. Scott has a long career in CSG exploration and appraisal with Arrow Energy, Sino Gas and Energy, Origin Energy and others and is a highly regarded expert in CSG evaluation. Mr. Scott will be on location directing the evaluation of the coals, gas measurements and flow tests. Ron Prefontaine, Strata-X Chairman stated, Our small team at Strata-X is looking forward to the results of the first wells within the interpreted high graded area of the Botswana CSG Fairway. Botswana has low sovereign risk and a supportive government that recognizes the value of commercializing domestic gas, to feed the growth of this emerging economy. In addition to the immediate and longer term gas markets in Botswana, there are large and diverse energy hungry markets in the surrounding Southern Africa countries. The potential size of the Southern African gas market far exceeds the internal estimates of the gas markets servicing the Walloon CSG Fairway in Queensland, when I started as an executive director at Arrow Energy in 2001. Starting from zero reserves in 2001, fast-forwarding to 2018, the Walloon CSG Fairway now has 30 TCF of remaining reserves.(2) There are many similarities between the Surat Basin Walloon CSG Fairway and the Botswana CSG Fairway. The main technical difference is that the majority of the Walloon CSG Fairway are bright coals and typically have high gas saturations that have proven to be highly prospective for CSG. Whereas over the majority of Botswana CSG Fairway, the traditionally targeted coals are dull and under-saturated. These dull and under-saturated coals require a lot more regional water drawdowns before sustained gas flows are achieved and therefore more expensive to produce than bright, highly gas saturated coal seams but these characteristics are not true of the interpreted highgrade area coals.(2) Last year, Strata-X identified an area over the Botswana CSG Fairway with multiple bright and highly gas saturated coal seams similar to the Walloon CSG Fairway coals over an ~80 metre stratigraphic interval that are interpreted as highly prospective for CSG. We have referred to this area as the highgraded area. Since the highgrade identification, Strata-X has acquired all available vacant and dormant acreage and now has 320,000 acres of land holdings within the interpreted high grade area. Our certifier has estimated an average of ~1.3 Bcf of gas resource potential per square kilometer within the high graded area.(1) Strata-Xs 19B-1 test will be the first vertical production well to drill and flow test the bright, gassy coals within the highgraded area of the Botswana CSG Fairway. An example of positive results from our first well would be encountering multiple bright coal seams coupled with modest water flows and some free gas. This result could demonstrate to our technical team that the highgraded area has the potential to be highly prospective for commercial CSG. If positive results are encountered in the first well, with the goal to accelerate timelines to achieve reserve certification required for a foundation gas sales agreement, Strata-X may elect to go straight to a CSG pilot programme with the target outcome to prove commercial gas flows. Commercial gas flows are not only a requisite for reserve certification, but are in my experience, a major catalyst for gas sales agreements and successful CSG field development. The Company holds 4,784 KM2 (1,173,000 acres) over the Serowe CSG Project with a certified Prospective Resource of 3.3 TCF.(1) ASX disclosure note - 5.28.2 - The estimated quantities of petroleum that may potentially be recovered by the application of a future development project(s) relate to undiscovered accumulations. These estimates have both an associated risk of discovery and a risk of development. Further exploration appraisal and evaluation is required to determine the existence of a significant quantity of potentially moveable hydrocarbons. About Strata-X Strata-X is a Denver, Colorado (USA) based company and is engaged in the business of oil and gas exploration and development with a variety of exploration opportunities in the States of California and Illinois in the United States of America and the Republic of Botswana. Strata-X has 81,201,984 common shares outstanding and trades under the symbol "SXE" on the TSX-V and "SXA" on the ASX. (1) Prospective Resources figures are from an audit report prepared by MHA Petroleum Consultant, a qualified reserves auditor, dated and effective 26 March 2018 following their audit in accordance with the COGE Handbook of the available technical data including the geological interpretation, information from relevant nearby wells, analogous reservoirs and the proposed program for the Project, prepared and presented to MHA by Strata-X. Prospective Resources are those quantities of petroleum estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially recoverable from undiscovered accumulations by application of future development project. Prospective Resources have both an associated chance of discovery and a chance of development. A high level of uncertainty exists with the Prospective resources given the lack of historical drilling, available data and other productivity factors that limit the economic viability of coal seam gas deposits. The Report reviewed only Prospective Resources as the project is not sufficiently developed to assign Contingent Resources or additional Petroleum Reserves to it. Stated Prospective Resource figures are Best Estimate undiscovered natural gas quantities and net of a royalty and are shown at a 100% working interest in the Project. The total costs associated with establishing the commerciality of this project are unknown at this time given the early stage of the Projects development. There is no certainty that any portion of the resources will be discovered, if discovered, there is no certainty that it will be commercially viable to produce any portion of the resources. (2) https://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/excel_doc/0005/1261886/petroleum-gas-reserves-statistics.xlsx For further information please contact: Tim Hoops (USA) President +1 855-463-2400 info@strata-x.com View this post on Instagram #comeoneileen #dungarees #heatwave A post shared by Ingeborg van Lotringen (@cosmobeautyboss) on Jun 29, 2018 at 1:43am PDT View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alessandra Steinherr (@alexsteinherr) on Nov 18, 2018 at 2:55am PST Who is your favourite beauty journo?! Personally, I love nothing more than looking at what other women in the industry are doing and supporting them through random likes and 'you go girl!' comments on their Instagrams, so this week I decided to compile a list of my favourite beauty journalists and their envious Instagram pages...Ava is not only a brilliant writer but she also has an Instagram to envy. Her feed is full of Stylist images, gorgeous destinations and her beautiful natural curls. Who couldn't love that?Mi-Anne Chan is the beauty editor at Refinery29 and if you haven't seen her YouTube series #BeautywithMi then where have you been?! Everyone should be jealous of her ability to apply eyeliner and her pastel hair...Beauty director and Queen of Cosmopolitan, Ingeborg van Lotringen is living the dream. Her words are always interesting and well written - the woman really knows her stuff! Of course, she not beauty director for nothing!I met Lucy at a Cosmopolitan event where I wrangled her forAs lovely as she is talented, Lucy is now the beauty editor at Stylist and deserves every good thing that happens to her and I won't hear of anything otherwise!Alessandra's Instagram is full of skincare and selfies - and we wouldn't want it any other way! You can even join her for Instagram LIVE's where she answers your burning beauty questions - what a boss!Formerly beauty editor at Glamour UK, Dominique Temple's Instagram is filled with beautiful blowouts and dresses. She even uses a hashtag #ADressADay to document her beautiful wardrobe! Salida, CO (81201) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 58F. SE winds shifting to WNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 58F. SE winds shifting to WNW at 10 to 15 mph. New York City Transit chief Andy Byford dropped in on a Community Board 3 meeting this week, promising to fully vet the governors L Train repair scheme. [Gothamist] Mount Sinai details its plans for a behavioral health center in the former Rivington House building. [Villager] The mayor says hes going to push for a vacancy tax on empty storefronts. [Daily News] Patton Hindle, co-founder of the Lower East Side gallery, yours mine & ours, talks about the reasons for closing the Eldridge Street space. [Artnet News] Comedian Michael Che, who grew up in Lower East Side public housing, talks about his fundraiser for NYCHA. [New York Times] The rooftop bar at the citizenM Bowery is now open. [Time Out] HIGHLIGHTS Measured and Indicated Resource of 1,678,000 tonnes of LCE, an increase of 29%, with lithium grade of 505mg/l Li Inferred Resource of 631,000 tonnes of LCE, an increase of 27%, with lithium grade of 518mg/l Li Combined Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes (PPG) Project Resource of 2,617,000 tonnes LCE in Measured and Indicated category and 938,500 tonnes LCE in the Inferred category1 TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LSC Lithium Corporation (LSC or together with its subsidiaries, the Company) (TSXV:LSC) is pleased to announce the filing of the technical report on the updated resource estimate (Resource Estimate) for its Pozuelos Project in Salta Province, Argentina titled Mineral Resource Estimate and Technical Report on the Salar de Pozuelos Project, Salta Province, Argentina dated December 21, 2018 with an effective date of November 22, 2018. Ian Stalker, President and CEO of the Company, noted, The filing of the updated Pozuelos Resource Estimate is another significant milestone in the development of the PPG Project. The updated Resource Estimate emphasises the potential of the jointly developed Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes Project with the impressive size of the Resource. The PPG Project now has a combined Resource of 2,617,000 tonnes LCE in the Measured and Indicated category and 938,500 tonnes LCE1 in the Inferred category which was used in the PEA based on a target production rate of 20,000tpa lithium carbonate. Our targeted 20,000tpa of lithium carbonate production in 2021 may indeed be only the beginning for this impressive inventory when we combine both salars. The Resource Estimate states, Overall, the work undertaken to date indicates that the salar de Pozuelos has a significant, high quality brine resource and potential to be a producer of lithium brine for lithium carbonate production. The salar has high effective porosity and high lithium brine values down to significant depth. Lithium values in the brine are typically in excess of 400mg/l, with significant brine volumes reporting lithium values greater than 500mg/l. The brine chemistry is highly amenable to processing using a variety commercially proven processes and (potentially) several new process technologies. Hains Engineering Company Limited and Hains Technology Associates located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada were engaged to prepare an independent Mineral Resource Estimate for LSCs Pozuelos Project and also to prepare the technical report in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards and Disclosures for Mineral Projects. The Company is not basing its production decision on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. Historically such project have a much higher risk of economic and technical failure. The updated NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate has increased the Measured and Indicated Resource to 1,678,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate (Li 2 CO 3 ) equivalent (LCE) and the Inferred Resource to 631,000 tonnes of LCE. This is an increase of 29% in the Measured and Indicated Resource category and 27% in the Inferred Resource category compared to the previous Resource Estimate dated February 28, 20182. The average grades from the salar have also increased by 30% in the Measured and Indicated category from 387mg/l to 505mg/l and by 52% in the Inferred category from 340mg/l to 518mg/l. The Resource Estimate previously announced on February 28, 2018 for Pozuelos included 1,296,000 tonnes of LCE in the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource category with average grade of 387mg/l Li and 497,000 tonnes in the Inferred Mineral Resource category with average grade of 340mg/l Li2. Updated Pozuelos Resource The updated Mineral Resource Estimate for Pozuelos is detailed in Table 1. Table 1: Resource Estimate Summary, Salar de Pozuelos November 22, 2018 Classification Brine Vol1 (000 m3) RBRC2 (%) Brine Assay Values3 (mg/L) Contained Li (tonnes) LCE9 (tonnes) Li Ca Mg K SO 4 2- Measured 4,713,466.09 8.41 470 1757 2652 4143 6570 180,000 958,000 Indicated 4,259,737.29 5.84 544 1054 3216 2761 11359 135,155 719,500 Measured & Indicated 8,973,203.38 7.19 505 1423 2920 3487 8843 315,155 1,678,000 KEY RATIOS Measured and Indicated Mg/Li Ca/SO 4 K/Li SO 4 /Li Li/Ca K/Mg 5.78 0.16 6.91 17.52 0.35 1.19 Classification Brine Vol1 (000 m3) RBRC2 (%) Brine Assay Values3 (mg/L) Contained Li (tonnes) LCE9 (tonnes) Li Ca Mg K SO 4 2- Inferred 4,936,541.30 4.64 518 1170 2948 2240 8771 118,603 631,000 KEY RATIOS Mg/Li Ca/SO 4 K/Li SO 4 /Li Li/Ca K/Mg 4.82 0.13 4.32 16.82 0.44 0.76 Notes: Brine volumes are before application of Relative Brine Release Capacity (RBRC) factor. RBRC value is the weighted average for the Resource classification category. Resources have been classified in accordance with CIM Mineral Resource definitions, May 25, 2014. Assay values have been rounded to nearest whole number. Resources have been estimated by Louis Fourie, P. Geo., Pr.Nat. Sci., under the direction of D. Hains, P. Geo. The effective date of this Mineral Resource Estimate is November 22, 2018. Resources have been estimated using a cut-off grade of 330mg/l lithium. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic value. There is no assurance that additional exploration will result in the conversion of Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves. Inferred Mineral Resources are considered as too speculative to have economic criteria applied to them. There is no assurance that additional exploration will result in the conversion of Inferred Mineral Resources to Indicated or Measured Mineral Resources. A conversion factor of 5.323 has been used to convert Li metal to Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE). Totals for M&I and Inferred Resources have been rounded. The Company has filed the technical report on SEDAR ( www.sedar.com ) and is also available on the Company website ( www.lsclithium.com ). Qualified Person/Data Verification The scientific and technical information included in this press release is based upon information prepared and approved by Donald H. Hains, P.Geo. Mr. Hains is a qualified person, as defined in NI 43-101 and is independent of LSC. Mr. Hains has verified all sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information contained in this press release by on-site inspection during drilling, brine sampling, and selection of RBRC samples; review of drill core photographs to verify lithology; review of certified assay certificates against the assay data base; review of pump test data; and review of RBRC results received from DBSA. There are no drilling, sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy and reliability of the data. ABOUT LSC LITHIUM CORPORATION: LSC Lithium has amassed a large portfolio of prospective lithium rich salars and is focused on developing its material projects: Pozuelos and Pastos Grandes Project, Rio Grande Project and Salinas Grandes Project. All LSC tenements are located in the Lithium Triangle, an area at the intersection of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile where the worlds most abundant lithium brine deposits are found. LSC Lithium has a land package portfolio totaling approximately 300,000 hectares, which represents extensive lithium prospective salar holdings in Argentina. For further information please contact: LSC Lithium Corporation Ian Stalker, President & Chief Executive Officer 40 University Avenue, Suite 605 Toronto, ON Canada M5J 1T1 +416 306 8380 Email: info@lsclithium.com Web: lsclithium.com Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance, including statements as to the timing and completion of its PEA study for the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes Project, ability and likelihood of using combined resource of PPG in the PEA, timing of production and likelihood of producing in 2021, likelihood of meeting target production rate at PPG, ability and results of combining inventory from PPG, ability and timing of advancing LSCs properties through various stages of exploration and resource development, and any other matters relating to the exploration and development of Pozuelos and LSCs other properties. The use of any of the words could, anticipate, intend, expect, believe, will, projected, estimated and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on LSC's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Whether actual results and developments will conform with LSC's expectations is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties including factors underlying management's assumptions, such as risks related to: drill program results; title, permitting and regulatory risks; exploration and the establishment of any resources or reserves on LSC properties; volatility in lithium prices and the market for lithium; exchange rate fluctuations; volatility in LSCs share price; the requirement for significant additional funds for development that may not be available; changes in national and local government legislation, including permitting and licensing regimes and taxation policies and the enforcement thereof; regulatory, political or economic developments in Argentina or elsewhere; litigation; title, permit or license disputes related to interests on any of the properties in which the Company holds an interest; excessive cost escalation as well as development, permitting, infrastructure, operating or technical difficulties on any of the Company's properties; risks and hazards associated with the business of development and mining on any of the Company's properties. Actual future results may differ materially. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and LSC is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. For more information, see the Company's filing statement on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. 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 TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. ____________________ 1 See the Technical Report titled Technical Report on Pastos Grandes Lithium Project with an effective date of October 19, 2018 filed on the Companys SEDAR profile. This Measured and Indicated figure is comprised of 1,678,000 tonnes LCE from Pozuelos with average grade of 505mg/l Li and 939,080 tonnes LCE from Pastos Grandes with average grade of 464mg/l Li. This Inferred figure is comprised of 631,000 tonnes LCE from Pozuelos with average grade of 518 mg/l Li and 307,500 tonnes from Pastos Grandes with average grade of 467mg/l Li. Numbers have been rounded and may not add. 2 See the Technical Report titled Mineral Resource Estimate & Technical Report on the Salar de Pozuelos Project, Salta Province, Argentina with an effective date of February 28, 2018 filed on the Companys SEDAR profile. If you already subscribe to our print edition, sign up for FREE access to our online edition. Thanks for reading The Henderson News. Welcome back pirates! As you make your return to campus The East Carolinian has created a forum that centers around topics within the community where readers can express their experiences and concerns. With the new guidelines set in place by East Carolina University do you feel as these precautions will keep you safe? Survey TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With more than one million newcomers coming to Canada within the next three years*, sharing and celebrating positive stories of immigrants in an increasingly diverse Canada is more important than ever. For the last decade, the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards program has been doing just that highlighting inspiring stories of immigrants who have made incredible contributions to Canada, and honouring them with the most esteemed national award celebrating immigrant success. Since the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards program launched in 2009, we have received thousands of nominations, shortlisted 750 nominees and awarded 250 remarkable immigrants. Its Time to Nominate for the 2019 Awards! Is there an inspiring immigrant deserving of recognition that you know? Do they have a story that should be heard and honoured across Canada? Canadian Immigrant and title sponsor Royal Bank of Canada are now calling on all Canadians to nominate these extraordinary immigrants at www.canadianimmigrant.ca/rbctop25. Our goal at Canadian Immigrant is to support newcomers integration and success in Canada. Through the RBC Top 25 Awards program, we celebrate immigrants who have achieved great things and, in turn, serve as inspiring role models, said Margaret Jetelina, Editor of Canadian Immigrant, a national multimedia platform and producer of the awards. Canada has always been known as a welcoming country to immigrants, and these awards are a shining example of that humanitarian hospitality. Immigrants who have been honoured with this prestigious national award in the past include well-known Canadians like restaurateur/TV host Vikram Vij, acclaimed ballerina Chan Hon Goh and former Governor General of Canada Adrienne Clarkson, as well as other immigrants who demonstrated incredible contributions and achievements in their communities and for the country. RBC is committed to supporting newcomers in Canada and is honoured to be able to celebrate their significant contributions and successes that positively effect change in our country, said Ivy Chiu, Senior Director, Newcomer Strategy, RBC. These awards not only showcase the richness and diversity newcomers add to the fabric of our communities, but also the important role they play in making Canada the success it is today and will continue to be in the future. Eligibility A nominee can be anyone who has immigrated to Canada and has since contributed to the success and uplifting of this country and/or its people. Achievements can be either professional or personal. Nominees must be aged 15 or older, hold landed immigrant (permanent resident) or citizen status in Canada, and reside in Canada. Entrepreneur Award This will be the fifth consecutive year that one of the Top 25 winners will also be selected for the additional Entrepreneur Award, honouring one of the Top 25 who has demonstrated entrepreneurial excellence in business. No additional application is required to apply for this award. Youth Award For the third consecutive year, the Top 25 will include the Youth Award, which recognizes of young immigrants between the ages of 15 and 30 who are making a difference through achievement and/or service, and who exhibit great potential as long-term contributors to Canada. No additional application is required to apply for this award. Settlement Agency Award Canadian Immigrant and RBC are also happy to announce the return of the Settlement Agency Award. For the second consecutive year, this award recognizes the amazing work immigrant settlement agencies are doing to help newcomers integrate and succeed in Canada. Concurrent with the RBC Top 25 Awards, we are now accepting nominations for the top immigrant settlement agencies in your community at www.canadianimmigrant.ca/rbctop25. One agency will be selected to receive the Settlement Agency Award for 2019 after an online voting process. Last years inaugural winner was Vancouver-based ISSofBC, one of the oldest immigrant-serving agencies in Canada. Nomination Process Nominations can be made at www.canadianimmigrant.ca/rbctop25 until February 22, 2019, 11:59 p.m. EST. A distinguished panel of judges made up of past winners will review all nominees and present a list of 75 finalists who will be announced in March, after which all Canadians can vote for their favourite nominees. The 25 winners will be announced in June 2018 in Canadian Immigrant and online at canadianimmigrant.ca. Winners will receive a commemorative plaque and a $500 donation to a charity of their choice provided by RBC. Media partners include Toronto Star, Metro and Sing Tao. About Canadian Immigrant Attracting more than 400,000 readers each month and over 100,000 visitors a month online, Canadian Immigrant is a national multimedia platform to help immigrants succeed in Canada, with content, resources and events on careers, education and settlement. Canadian Immigrant is the producer of the cross-country Canadian Immigrant Fairs. Canadian Immigrant is a division of Metroland Media Group, a dynamic media company with more than 100 community and daily newspapers in print and online, as well as innovative websites including wheels.ca, goldbook.ca, flyerland.ca and localwork.ca. About RBC Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 80,000 employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canadas biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 16 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 35 other countries. For more information, please visit rbc.com. We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-sustainability. For more information, contact: Canadian Immigrant Laura Jackman, 905 273 8160, ljackman@metroland.com RBC Cory Fisher, 647-339-9521, cory.fisher@rbc.com *Source: Federal immigration levels plan 2019-2021 Welcome Week to welcome back students, old and new ROBIN UTRECHT/AFP/Getty Images Our project to update and expand the Tiarapedia, the original online encyclopedia of tiaras, has arrived in Morocco! Moroccan Government/Getty Images The royal ladies of Morocco dont often wear tiaras for grand events, generally choosing elaborate suites that include jeweled earrings and belts, but the royal vaults do include several examples of traditional tiaras. You can find information about all of the tiaras recently worn by Moroccos princesses in the newest section of the Tiarapedia. ROBIN UTRECHT/AFP/Getty Images Ive been updating the Tiarapedia, which originally launched way back in 2008, with expanded and updated sections recently. Stay tuned for even more tiaras and dont forget to read up on the glittering diadems of Morocco! Dublin, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Underground Gas Storage Market 2019-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global underground gas storage market will grow at a CAGR of more than 3% during the forecast period. The growth in conventional oil and gas exploration and production activities as an alternative to conventional production has led to the identification of major unconventional oil and gas reserves. Some unconventional resources such as shale oil and gas have hydrocarbon-bearing rock formations with low permeability and low porosity. Natural gas such as shale gas and tight gas produces lower GHG emissions when compared with other fossil fuels during combustion and hence the adoption of this fuel is growing to support the increase in energy needs. Therefore, the adoption of unconventional has production techniques has observed a higher growth than conventional oil and gas production due to the lower GHG emission in the former as well as the widespread presence of unconventional reserves. Market Overview Growing demand for natural gas The increasing demand for natural gas for various purposes will spur the construction and storage of natural gas to ensure sufficient supply, and in turn will lead to the growth of the global underground gas storage market. Change in energy mix The increase in the adoption of renewable energy sources for power generation and other purposes will impact the adoption of conventional fossil fuel in the market, which, in turn will have a negative impact on the investments in oil and gas E&P activities and ultimately affect the growth of the market. Competitive Landscape The underground gas storage market is highly fragmented with the presence of many vendors in the market. This market research report will help clients identify new growth opportunities and design unique growth strategies by providing a comprehensive analysis of the market's competitive landscape and offering information on the products offered by companies. Key Topics Covered: PART 01: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PART 02: SCOPE OF THE REPORT PART 03: MARKET LANDSCAPE Market ecosystem Market characteristics Market segmentation analysis PART 04: MARKET SIZING Market sizing 2018 Market size and forecast 2018-2023 PART 05: FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition PART 06: MARKET SEGMENTATION BY TYPE Comparison by type Depleted fields Aquifers Salt caverns Market opportunity by type PART 07: CUSTOMER LANDSCAPE PART 08: GEOGRAPHIC LANDSCAPE Geographic comparison Key leading countries Market opportunity PART 09: DRIVERS AND CHALLENGES PART 10: MARKET TRENDS Global initiatives to reduce GHG emissions Cessation of World Bank funding for oil and gas projects Regulations to ensure safety in underground gas storage PART 11: VENDOR LANDSCAPE PART 12: VENDOR ANALYSIS Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors Costain Group ENGIE Gazprom Polskie Grnictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo Uniper For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/9c4b97/global?w=12 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Unlimited website access 24/7 Unlimited e-Edition access 24/7 The best local, regional and national news in sports, politics, business and more! With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. A puppy for Grandma? It may seem like a good idea to get Grandma a puppy, but is it? There are situations in which a senior having a dog can be a blessing for... A Dane in Denmark As you begin to feel comfortable at the thought of taking a trip abroad, you might consider an uncommon destination. If you wish to visit a place where people are... Cloud Practice Inc. products include: Juno EMR, a cloud based EMR solution; ClinicAid, a medical billing software; and MyHealthAccess, an online patient portal The Juno EMR system is currently used by 287 clinics, over 3,000 licensed practitioners, 1,500 staff and 2,870,000 registered patients Cloud Practice services over 60 Cannabis Clinics with over 120,000 active patients. ClinicAid processes upwards of $30,000,000 in payments to over 3000 health providers on a monthly basis VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Premier Health Group Inc. (CSE: PHGI, OTCQB: PHGRF, Frankfurt: 6PH) (the Company or Premier Health), a Company focused on developing innovative approaches that combine human skill based expertise with emerging technologies for the healthcare industry, is pleased to announce, further to its news release dated December 17, 2018, the Company has signed a Definitive Agreement (the Agreement) to acquire all of the outstanding securities of Cloud Practice Inc. (Cloud Practice). Cloud Practices founders, including CEO Jordan Visco, and the entire support team, consisting of several software developers and sales staff, will join and work alongside the Premier Health team to offer tools and resources providing for better efficiency on a day-to-day basis for both physicians and customers. The combined Premier and Cloud Practice ecosystem consists of over 3,000,000 patients. We are very excited to have completed this acquisition and to have the experienced team at Cloud Practice join the team at Premier Health. With this acquisition, we now have a medical software company with national reach. Thus, enabling us to build on our patient centric technology platform that will integrate telemedicine, online booking and other premium services with our electronic medical records (EMR) system, said Dr. Essam Hamza, CEO of Premier. Jordan Visco, CEO of Cloud Practice, stated: We are thrilled to be joining a progressive group such as Premier Health. We are focused on delivering top quality service to Canadas healthcare industry and we are confident that with Cloud Practices offerings combined with the Premier Health teams expertise and long-term vision, we can achieve considerable success. In consideration for the acquisition of all of the outstanding Cloud Practice securities, Premier will pay to the Cloud Practice shareholders total consideration of up to $5 million as follows: (i) $500,000 paid in cash on signing of the binding LOI as a refundable deposit, (ii) $500,000 in cash payable on closing, (iii) $500,000 in cash payable 90 days after closing, (iv) $500,000 in cash payable within six months of the LOI subject to the satisfaction of certain milestones related to the integration of the Juno EMR, and (v) an aggregate of $3 million payable in common shares of Premier at a deemed price of $0.76 per share. All shares issued in the transaction are subject to a restricted period of four months and one day. There were no finders fees paid in connection with the Transaction. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. Essam Hamza, MD" Chief Executive Officer About Premier Health Premier Health is a Canadian company that is strategically poised to take advantage of business opportunities in the global health care industry. We are developing innovative health care approaches that combine human skill based expertise with emerging technologies, with the goal of setting the gold standard for services in locations of interest worldwide. Premier Healths subsidiary, HealthVue, is focused on developing proprietary technology to deliver quality healthcare through the combination of connected primary care clinics with telemedicine and artificial intelligence (AI). We currently have an ecosystem of over 100,000 active patients and have plans to rapidly increase that number both domestically and internationally. The HealthVue team has a strong track record of successfully creating value in healthcare and technology enterprises. The Management team has deep clinical, financial and operational expertise and a passion for improving healthcare for all patients. About Cloud Practice Cloud Practice is a cloud-based software solutions company focused on streamlining medical practice throughout Canada. They offer three products including Juno EMR, ClinicAid and MyHealthAccess. Juno EMR, a modified branch of an open-source electronic medical records (EMR) software which was originally released by McMaster University, is hosted in the cloud and can be accessed anywhere, anytime. ClinicAid is Canadas easiest medical billing software. MyHealthAccess is an online patient portal which puts patients back in control of their health care through connecting with their clinics and booking appointments online. Cautionary Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on Premier Health's expectations, estimates and projections regarding its business and the economic environment in which it operates, including with respect to its business plans, completion of its acquisition of Cloud Practice, and the timing thereof, the expected benefits to the Company following the integration of Cloud Practices software and the expected implementation of new applications, including the timing thereof, the expect growth to Cloud Practices business and the expected synergies resulting from the Companys acquisition of Cloud Practice. Although Premier Health believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements and readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Premier Health undertakes no obligation to update them publicly to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances, unless otherwise required to do so by law. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: Premier Health Group Inc. www.mypremierhealth.com Email: investors@mypremierhealth.com Monday 05 September, 2016 Reliable information reaching Biafra writers desk has it that the life of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indi... English Finnish Next Games Corporation Company Release January 10, 2019 at 09:30 a.m. (EET) The Board of Directors of Next Games has authorized the companys management to initiate a program to review the cost structure of the companys operations and streamline its operational model, including initiating consultation proceedings concerning the companys staff. The aim of the program is to achieve cost savings and increase operational efficiency and predictability of the companys production processes in an effort to improve future profitability. The program is expected to generate significant cost savings during the full year 2019 compared to 2018. Through the implementation of the program, the company estimates annual cost savings in the range of 4-8 million euros during the full year 2019. In connection with the program and in accordance with the Finnish law, Next Games plans to initiate consultation proceedings covering the companys operations and personnel in its entirety. The company estimates that the proceedings may result in the reduction of personnel or in significant changes in job descriptions and organizational setup. The proceedings will commence latest on 17 January 2019 and are estimated to continue for at least six weeks, unless concluded earlier. As of 31 December 2018, Next Games has 143 employees. As reported in the companys Q3 2018 business review, Next Games also assesses alternatives to strengthen its financial position, to secure future product development and to support the companys marketing investments for future growth. Next Games CEO Teemu Huuhtanen: With a mandate from the Board of Directors, we have initiated a program to address both operational efficiency and costs, simultaneously as we are reviewing options to strengthen the companys financial status through procuring additional financing. The actions we are taking today form a part of our efforts to transform into an agile and resilient team, while giving us the flexibility to invest in the future. We are committed to continue operating our current live games, The Walking Dead: Our World and No Mans Land as well as to keep delivering our strategic goal of launching one game per year. Next Games Chairman of the Board, Petri Niemi: After a challenging third quarter, the Board of Directors, in collaboration with the companys management team, has initiated a program to bring focus to the companys operations in an effort to strengthen the companys financial status and improve future profitability. Additional information: Saara Bergstrom CMO investors@nextgames.com +358 (0)50 483 3896 Certified Adviser: Danske Bank A/S, Finland branch, tel. +358 10 546 7938 About Next Games Next Games (Helsinki Nasdaq First North: NXTGMS) is the first publicly listed mobile game developer and publisher in Finland, specializing in games based on entertainment franchises, such as movies, TV series or books. The developers of the critically acclaimed The Walking Dead: No Mans Land redefines the way franchise entertainment transforms into highly engaging service-based mobile games. Next Games launched The Walking Dead: Our World on 12 July, which utilizes cutting edge AR technology and is powered by Google Maps. Currently Next Games is working on four new games based on popular entertainment franchises including a mobile game for the popular Blade Runner franchise. Next Games employs over 140 people and is based in Helsinki, Finland. For more information head to www.nextgames.com Vfx house Electric Theatre Collective has made three new hires to its production team: Elle Lockhart, Polly Durrance and Antonia Vlasto. Elle Lockhart joins from Touch Surgery where she ran the Johnson and Johnson account. Prior to that she worked at Analog as a VFX producer where she delivered three global campaigns for Nike. At Electric, she will serve as producer on Martini and Toyota. Antonia Vlasto joins Electric working on clients such as Mercedes, Tourism Ireland and Tui. She joins from 750MPH where, over a 4-year period, she served as producer on Nike, Great Western Railway, VW and Amazon. At Electric, Polly Durrance serves as producer on H&M, TK Maxx and Carphone Warehouse. She joins from UNIT where she helped launched its in-house Design Collective, worked with clients such as Lush, Pepsi and Thatchers Cider. Prior to UNIT she was at Big Buoy where she produced work for Jaguar Land Rover, giffgaff and Redbull. Harry Jones, General Manager, said: We are thrilled to have added three talented female producers to our busy production department. Each of them brings their own unique quality and character to the company and we are chuffed to bits to welcome them to the Electric family. Pictured left to right: Elle Lockhart, Antonia Vlasto, Polly Durrance San Felipe, BCN, Mexico, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Video on YouTube to embed Photographs and video to download San Felipe, BCN, Mexico January 9th, 2019 Sea Shepherd Vessel M/V Farley Mowat was conducting maritime patrols inside the Vaquita Refuge in the Upper Gulf of California, and had recovered three illegal gillnets that morning, when at 1:00 PM the crew noticed approximately 35 skiffs operating inside the refuge. The Sea Shepherd vessel headed towards the skiffs to observe fishing methods being employed, as all gillnet fishing is strictly prohibited inside the marine protected area. At 1:20 PM, the Sea Shepherd ship approached the skiffs where obvious illegal poaching was taking place, as totoaba fishing gear was detected being loaded into a skiff. At this point, one of the skiffs began circling the Sea Shepherd vessel which was soon joined by the remainder of other skiffs. The M/V Farley Mowat was ambushed and overwhelmed by more than 35 skiffs, many containing gillnets. The poachers attacked by hurling lead weights, anchors, trash, dead fish and even Tabasco sauce at the vessel and its wheelhouse windows in addition to threatening ships crew with Molotov cocktails, spraying gasoline at the ship and pouring gas in the sea around the vessel. Poachers then dropped an illegal gillnet in front of the bow of the moving Sea Shepherd vessel in an attempt to foul the ships propellers. Five agitated poachers illegally boarded the M/V Farley Mowat and looted multiple objects from the vessels deck while it was temporarily immobilized. During the illegal boarding, the Sea Shepherd crew was able to keep the poachers from entering into the ship, and used an emergency firehose to repel the boarders, while waiting for naval forces to arrive. At this time a Mexican Naval Helicopter made several passes above the scene and the skiffs began to disperse. Mexican Navy sailors and Gendarmeria stationed onboard the Sea Shepherd vessel were under strict orders not to fire. The captain of the M/V Farley Mowat managed to restart the engines after the propeller fouling and headed to the port of San Felipe where the ship was met by the regional Navy Commander and reinforcements. Captain Paul Watson, Founder and CEO of Sea Shepherd said of the event Sea Shepherd will not be deterred by violence. Our mission is to prevent the extinction of the vaquita porpoise and we will continue to seize the nets of poachers in the Vaquita Refuge. Sea Shepherd salutes the quick responsiveness of the Mexican Navy in defusing a dangerous situation. Sea Shepherd has been present in the Upper Gulf of California since 2015 as part of Operation Milagro, a campaign to protect the most endangered marine mammal on Earth Mexicos Vaquita porpoise. Less than 30 vaquitas remain alive. The main threat to the tiny cetacean is illegal Totoaba gillnet fishing. The Totoaba fish is another endemic endangered species to the Gulf of California and it is poached for the trade of its swim bladder in Asian black markets. Totoaba bladders are known as aquatic cocaine due to their high value. It is believed that a totoaba bladder can be worth up to USD 100,000. Sea Shepherd has already removed more than 780 pieces of illegal fishing gear from the Upper Gulf of California. That is more than 174,000 meters of illegal gear, directly saving the lives of over 3100 animals. # # # Notes to Media: MEDIA LINKS Video on YouTube to embed Photographs and video to download Video and photographs Credit: Alex Beldi/ Sea Shepherd By using any of these images you agree to credit Sea Shepherd in a legible manner. If broadcasting you agree to credit Sea Shepherd on footage. ABOUT SEA SHEPHERD CONSERVATION SOCIETY: Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization. Our mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the worlds oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Visit www.seashepherd.org for more information. For more information Contact: Carolina Castro at carolina@seashepherd.org or call 1-212-220-2302 ext. 2 Attachments * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ICC International Cannabis Corp. (CSE: WRLD.U) (FWB: 8K51) (OTC: KNHBF) ("ICC" or International Cannabis or the Company) is pleased to provide the following updates pertaining to Denmarks Cannabis export regulations, as well as Auxly Cannabis Group Inc.s (TSXV: XLY) (Auxly) acquisition of licensed Uruguayan Cannabis operator and CBD distributor, Inverell SA. DANISH EXPORT REGULATIONS On January 1, 2019, the Government of Denmark implemented an executive order authorizing the bulk shipments of medical Cannabis. Bulk exports of Danish medical Cannabis are now permitted in any form and quantity, provided the requisite permits are obtained. This executive order builds on preliminary Danish export regulations adopted in 2018, which allowed for single-dosage medical Cannabis exports. Eugene Beukman, chief executive officer and a director of International Cannabis, stated: The Kingdom of Denmark is emerging as the preeminent European jurisdiction for medical Cannabis cultivation. International Cannabis applauds Denmarks recent executive order, which permits bulk shipments of medical Cannabis. This recent executive order further reinforces the Companys opinion that it holds one of the few Danish medical Cannabis licenses; and that these licenses have become premier European Cannabis assets, given the access allowed to the EU by Denmarks recently revised export regulations. AUXLY INVERELL SA ACQUISITION International Cannabis is pleased to note that Auxlys acquisition of 80 per cent of the outstanding common shares of Inverell SA (Inverell) has been finalized. In September 2018, Auxly completed a $5 million strategic investment into International Cannabis. "The marriage of Auxly's anticipated low-cost Uruguayan production with International Cannabis' significant European distribution provides a fantastic synergy for the partnership." stated Eugene Beukman. Inverell is a federally licensed cannabis operator based in Montevideo, Uruguay. Inverell is a large-scale outdoor producer of hemp plants for cannabidiol (CBD) extraction operating on an initial footprint of approximately 300 hectares. Inverell has recently commenced the planting of its feminized seeds on 150 hectares, which it expects harvest in April 2019. Auxlys acquisition of Inverell will allow for a consistent, low-cost source of cannabinoids for distribution throughout International Cannabis robust distribution network of over 36,000 pharmacies across 16 countries. DENMARK SUMMARY Denmark legalized medical cannabis on January 1, 2018, following a unanimous vote by the Danish parliament. Since legalization, the Danish government has displayed strong support for cannabis development, in the forms of research grants and tax incentives. Denmark has quickly evolved into a premier European jurisdiction for medical Cannabis cultivation due to the following: Motivated and stable government; Ample supple of low cost power; No medical Cannabis production cap or quotas; Access to skilled agricultural and manufacturing labour forces; Local plant breeding and genetics expertise; Well funded healthcare system Established retail pharmacy network for product distribution; and, Proximity to larger import-based markets, such as Germany, as well as the European Union; International Cannabis controls a medical cannabis cultivation and manufacturing licence in the Kingdom of Denmark. The Company's Danish assets mirror industry peers such as Canopy Growth Corp., Green Organic Dutchman Holdings, Aurora Cannabis Inc. and Canntrust Holdings. On December 19, 2018, International Cannabis provided the following material progress updates pertaining to its Danish medical cannabis operations: Expansion of its Danish land parcel to 100 acres; Engagement of leading greenhouse engineering and manufacturing firm, Azrom ( https://azrom.com/ ); ); Finalization of project plan and submission of building permits; Land development and infrastructure operations; Construction and validation of its planned GMP (good manufacturing practices) manufacturing facility; Continued augmentation of its seed/strain catalogue; Establishment of genetics room and completion of successful test sprouts. AUXLY URUGUAY SUMMARY In December 2013, Uruguay passed legislation legalizing recreational Cannabis, becoming the first country in the modern era to do so. Uruguay offers optimal, low-cost, and fertile growing conditions for Cannabis cultivation operations, married with a state-run dispensary and distribution model. Uruguays Cannabis Regulation and Control Institute (IRCCA) and Ministry of Health govern the Countrys Cannabis industry. In 2018, the IRCCA approved new levels of recreational cannabis with THC equal to 9 per cent and CBD equal to 3 per cent. Uruguay is equipped with a supportive government, as well as regulations conducive to a successful Cannabis industry. ICC International Cannabis, through its subsidiaries, has operating assets and is developing a world-class platform for cultivation, extraction, formulation and distribution across the globe in Denmark, Poland, Greece, Portugal, Macedonia, Bulgaria, South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho. ON BEHALF OF THE ICC INTERNATIONAL CANNABIS CORP BOARD OF DIRECTORS Eugene Beukman Eugene Beukman CEO, Director +1 (604) 687-2038 info@intlcannabiscorp.com Learn more about ICC by visiting our website at: https://intlcannabiscorp.com/ Stay up to date with everything happening at ICC by following or liking us on: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ICCWRLD/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ICC_WRLD LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/icc-wrld/ THE CSE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE. Notice Regarding Forward Looking Information: This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or information that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. This information is only a prediction. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking information throughout this news release. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to: political changes in Canada and internationally, future legislative and regulatory developments involving cannabis in Canada and internationally, the Companys ability to secure distribution channels in international jurisdictions, competition and other risks affecting the Company in particular and the cannabis industry generally. The forward-looking information contained in this release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements and is made as of the date of this release. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward- looking information to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise. *The Raleigh Police Department and NC State University Police were on the scene of the shooting on Centennial Campus on June 10, according to WRAL. Thank you for Reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and Purchase a Subscription to continue reading. A Temple Police officer who was on paid investigatory leave is in the Bell County Jail today. Det. Brandon Mathiews is now charged with three sex-related felonies including indecency with a child by child by sexual contact, a second-degree felony; possession of child pornography, a third-degree felony; and invasive visual recording in a bathroom/dressing room, a state jail felony. Letter to the Editor The efforts been renewed to bond for a new school. . Let me state the problem Everybody, including me, wants a new school, nobody wants to ... BENSALEM, Pa., Jan. 09, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Law Offices of Howard G. Smith reminds investors of the January 28, 2019 deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in the class action filed on behalf of investors that purchased Ternium S.A. (Ternium or the Company) (NYSE: TX ) securities between May 1, 2014 and November 27, 2018, inclusive (the Class Period). Ternium investors have until January 28, 2019 to file a lead plaintiff motion. Investors suffering losses on their Ternium investments are encouraged to contact the Law Offices of Howard G. Smith to discuss their legal rights in this class action at 888-638-4847 or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com . On November 27, 2018, Bloomberg published an article alleging that Terniums Chairman, Paolo Rocca, was indicted for his role in a graft scheme. Specifically the article alleges that, the judge charged Rocca after the Argentine billionaire testified that one of his companys executives paid an undisclosed amount of cash to government officials in monthly installments from 2009 to 2012. On this news, Terniums share price fell $1.42 per share or nearly 5% to close at $28.02 per share on November 27, 2018, thereby injuring investors. The complaint filed in this class action alleges that, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Defendant Rocca, Ternium's Chairman, knew that one of his company's executives paid cash to government officials from 2009 to 2012 to expedite compensation payments for the sale of Ternium's Sidor unit; (2) this conduct would lead Rocca to be charged in a graft scheme and subject Ternium, its affiliates, and/or its executives to heightened governmental scrutiny; and (3) as a result, Ternium's public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times. If you purchased shares of Ternium during the Class Period you may move the Court no later than January 28, 2019 to ask the Court to appoint you as lead plaintiff if you meet certain legal requirements. To be a member of the Class you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the Class. If you wish to learn more about this action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020 by telephone at (215) 638-4847, toll-free at (888) 638-4847, or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com , or visit our website at http://www.howardsmithlaw.com . This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 712-243-2624 or email circ@ant-news.com. Launched at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the new four-door coupe is built on a re-engineered version of the previous cars platform and uses technology from the latest A-Class. Available with front- and four-wheel drive and the choice of two rear suspension systems, the new car was displayed at CES in CLA250 guise, featuring a 221bhp four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine, driven through a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Meanwhile a decoupled multi-link rear axle will be offered, with active adaptive damping available as an option. At 4688mm long and 1830mm wide, the new CLA is wider than its predecessor, and its wheelbase has been extended too. Mercedes said this, along with the cars lower centre of gravity, helps to ensure it has improved driving dynamics. In its design, the new CLA has echoes of the A-Class and other recent new Mercedes, but with an elongated bonnet featuring a sharply raked nose, uniquely designed flat headlights and a prominent powerdome on the bonnet. The sloping coupe roofline is emphasised by frameless doors, while the rear of the car features narrow tail-lights designed to make the vehicle appear even wider. A new interior assist system enables gesture control of certain functions and it is said the car can detect whether the driver or passenger is using the touchscreen and react accordingly. Gesturing towards the rear-view mirror can also control the reading light. The new Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe is due to arrive in the UK in June. A young boy located after going missing in the surf in Raglan has died. Police confirmed the seven-year-old's death at 5.40pm. Witnesses at scene describe the boy being bought ashore on a jetski at about 5pm. Paramedics at the scene performed CPR but were unsuccessful, says Sergeant Vince Ranger. The child's family are on the beach and speaking with police. A young girl with them has been lead away my an ambulance officer. Lifeguards who were helping in the search have now come out of the water and huddled further up the beach. The police were called to what locals call Ocean Beach around 3.30pm on Thursday. Earlier a witness described seeing a helicopter flying above, two ambulances and lots of police searching the area. Anxious beachgoers were gathered at the scene waiting for news. They say the tide was going out fast and it was very windy at the scene. There was a large drop-off about a metre into the water. One beachgoer says she'd heard that the parents were watching the child, turned their backs for a moment, and then when they looked back the child was gone. According to Metservice, Raglan Bar's high tide was at 1.47pm. Surf Life Saving New Zealand northern region chief executive Matt Williams couldn't offer any details about the rescue. However, the incident was "a prompt for people to be aware of the conditions and always keep your kids within arms reach". "Whatever the outcome, this is a terrible, terrible tragedy. These are not the type of memories you want to take from a beautiful beach like Raglan." -Stuff Changes to the SunCommercial's back end processing means the e-edition is getting a facelift. The biggest change is the e-edition, by default, is now presented in Text view. Protecting the United States of America is first and foremost his job. The problem we have now is Nancy Pelosi and her band of "gangster Democrats" trying to make a statement because they do not care about our safety. They care about going after our president. Unfortunately, they are going to lose this game because Trump is the president and he will decide very shortly his decision. Part of the problem is the reluctance of textbook publishers to invite any controversy, even if it means bleaching their books of any relevance. Another is the fear that to teach children about other faiths, or even to acknowledge them, is to undermine what theyre taught at home and in their respective churches. Some denominations are hostile to ecumenical studies. And of course it takes a very special person to teach these subjects fairly, without bias. But it is not an impossible task. But at a meeting of Truman's top war council in June 1945, Stimson, who was 77 years old, was exhausted. Suffering from a migraine, he had not slept well the night before. He barely spoke up. Instead, Stimson's aide, Jack McCloy, tried to argue that we ought to have our heads examined if the United States didn't try to induce the Japanese to surrender before dropping the bomb. McCloy suggested that instead of demanding unconditional surrender, the Allies should let Japan keep its emperor, a gambit that might have worked to avert Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The instance cried out for creative thinking, but no one in the room was ready to listen to the 40-year-old McCloy, who was deemed too young and brash. You cant really blame Kirk here at the time of his tweet, he was just writing what he thought to be accurate given the erroneous reporting of Fox News though it probably wouldnt hurt to delete the tweet. Because as of Thursday morning, that tweet had been retweeted more than 14,000 times and, unfortunately for folks who care about preventing the spread of false information, one of the most recent retweets on Thursday morning, well after the initial Fox News report was revealed to be mistaken was that of President Donald Trump. Employees of the U.S. Coast Guard who are facing a long U.S. government shutdown just received a suggestion: To get by without pay, consider holding a garage sale, babysitting or serving as a "mystery shopper." The suggestions were part of a five-page tip sheet published by the Coast Guard Support Program, an employee-assistance arm of the service often known as CG SUPRT. It is designated to offer Coast Guard members help with mental-health issues or other concerns about their lives, including financial wellness. The Coast Guard receives funding from the Department of Homeland Security, and is subjected to the shuttering of parts of the government along with DHS's other agencies. That stands in contrast to other military services, which are part of the Defense Department and have funding. The tip sheet, titled "Managing your finances during a furlough," applies to the Coast Guard's 8,500-person civilian work force. About 6,400 of them are on indefinite furlough, while 2,100 are working without pay after being identified as essential workers, said Lt. Cmdr. Scott McBride, a service spokesman. They were last paid for the two-week period ending Dec. 22. "While it may be uncomfortable to deal with the hard facts, it's best to avoid the 'hide your head in the sand' reaction," the tip sheet said. "Stay in charge of the situation by getting a clear understanding of what's happening." The Coast Guard removed the tip sheet from the support program's website late Wednesday morning after The Washington Post inquired about it. The suggestions do not "reflect the Coast Guard's current efforts to support our workforce during this lapse in appropriations," said Lt. Cmdr. Scott McBride, a service spokesman. "As such, this guidance has been removed." The situation shows the increasing strain that the service is under as the partial government shutdown continues. About 41,000 active-duty Coast Guardsmen are working without pay. Their next check is due Jan. 15. Overall, about 420,000 government employees are working under the promise they will be paid retroactively, with nearly another 350,000 on furlough at home. The Coast Guard's status as an unfunded military service increasingly has become a political issue, as family members share their worries about a shutdown with no end in sight amid a political dispute about President Donald Trump's proposed border wall. Coast Guardsmen rely not only on paychecks, but also now-frozen government housing allowances in order to afford housing in expensive coastal cities where many are assigned. Late last month, the Coast Guard announced that it had found enough money to pay its service members one last time through the end of the year. The Trump administration took credit afterward, releasing a statement that said the president and some of his staff members had worked "round the clock" to address the issue. Coast Guard leaders have sought to provide as much information as possible, and offer suggestions for where financial assistance might be possible. Late last month, it also released a letter for families to provide to creditors while seeking temporary financial relief. "This lapse in beyond in appropriations is beyond our members' control and is expected to be a temporary situation," said the letter, signed by Rear Adm. Matthew Shibley. "We appreciate your organization's understanding and flexibility in working with Coast Guard members who request forbearance on their obligations until this situation is resolved." Coast Guard family members said Wednesday that there are no easy solutions as the political stalemate continues, but that they are getting by. Jacqueline Esparza, whose husband is in the Coast Guard and stationed in Seattle, said not all families affiliated with the service live in houses where having a garage sale is possible. Service members, who are still required to work, also are not easily able to find supplemental income, she said. "Doing odd jobs and selling items we don't need anymore is a temporary fix," she said. "It's not going to help us pay the rent." Natalie Daniels, whose husband is stationed in San Diego, said her family's situation isn't "dire just yet," but missing the upcoming paycheck would definitely "start the clock" on that. Their family includes four children. "I am not afraid of this shutdown," she said. "I am afraid of the current political discourse that may discourage future generations from wanting to serve their country on the basis of being used as political pawns." Daniels said both political parties are "playing a game of political chicken with Americans," and it needs to stop. "Frankly, I am exhausted, stressed, and emotionally drained by our current political climate, but if you were to ask my husband what I've said to him when he's called every night, he would tell you I've said, 'We are fine,' " she said. "That's how a military spouse supports her husband, and that is how a military spouse supports their country." VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 09, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RSI International Systems Inc. (TSX-V: RSY) (RSI or the Company) is pleased to report that it has signed a Definitive Agreement (the Definitive Agreement) with NSight, Inc. for the arms length sale of RSIs RoomKeyPMS business and assets for gross proceeds of US$4.6m in cash, before applicable adjustments (the Transaction) and costs, as originally announced September 7, 2018. Shareholder approval for the Transaction will be sought at the Companys Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for February 5, 2019. Mr. David Keys, Chairman of the RSI Board of Directors and a representative for the Ernest W. Moody Revocable Trust, which holds 44.4% of RSIs outstanding shares commented, We strongly believe that the sale of the RoomKeyPMS business is in the best interests of our shareholders and other stakeholders, as the purchase price represents cash proceeds significantly in excess of the market capitalization of our Company immediately before the Transaction was announced. Mr. Keys added, Post Transaction-closing, our goal is to minimize costs, while looking for a new business to buy and vend into the RSI public vehicle. Weve seen some interesting candidates so far, but nothing that we believe will deliver the value we want both as shareholders and stewards of the Company. To that end, we are casting our nets far and wide in search of a reasonably valued business that can be made better with some additional funds. The Company expects the Transaction to close before February 15, 2019. Under the terms of the Definitive Agreement, NSight will pay RSI gross proceeds of US$4.6m, (the Purchase Price) for the Companys current business and assets related to the development and operation of RSIs RoomKeyPMS. The US-dollar figure will be converted to Canadian dollars by averaging the posted Bank of Canada US$/C$ exchange rate for the seven days preceding the Letter of Intent as announced September 7, 2018, and for the seven days preceding the closing of the transaction. Should the exchange rate move more than five percentage points, in either direction, from the seven-day average prior to September 7th, the disadvantaged party will have the option to terminate the transaction. Assuming the 7-day average of the posted Bank of Canada US$/C$ exchange rates for the seven days preceding September 7, 2018, of 1.3063 and the Companys 36,835,278 issued and outstanding shares, the Purchase Price translates to approximately C$6m, or just over C$0.16 per share, before any adjustments and costs incurred as a result of the Transaction. Accordingly, the final amount of cash available to the Company will be less than this amount. RSIs shares last traded on the TSX-V at C$0.04. NSight is not assuming any of RSIs liabilities, except where necessary to run the business going forward, and the assumption of any such liabilities will be deducted from the Purchase Price. The Purchase Price will be adjusted to account for the timing of certain receivables, payables, deferred revenue, prepaid costs and other items that are assumed by NSight, including: increased by an amount equal to 65% of accounts receivable up to $205,000, and a further 100% of accounts receivable in excess of $205,000; decreased by an amount equal to 100% of accounts payable assigned to the Purchaser and any other Assumed Liabilities; increased by an amount equal to 100% of the pro-rated amount remaining of any prepaid expenses; decreased by an amount equal to 35% of any deferred revenues up to $550,000, and a further 100% of deferred revenues in excess of $550,000; decreased by an amount equal to 50% of the transferring employees accrued employment benefits; where the annualized value of any existing customer contracts which are not assigned to the Purchaser (Terminated Contracts) exceeds the annualized value of any new customer contracts (New Contracts) by at least $100,000, the purchase price shall be decreased by an amount equal to 100% of the recurring revenue from the Terminated Contracts in the 12 months prior to the closing; where the annualized value of any New Contracts exceeds the annualized value of any Terminated Contracts by at least $100,000, the purchase price shall be increased by an amount equal to 100% of the recurring revenue from the New Contracts in the 12 months following the closing; and decreased by an amount equal to 5% of the recurring revenues from all customer contracts expiring or requiring renewal after July 31, 2019 As a result of completing the Transaction, RSI will incur some costs related to winding up its business and transitioning employees. In particular, three members of the Companys senior management team have change of control provisions as part of their employment agreements. The maximum total payments under these agreements is $305,000 and the Company is currently negotiating with the applicable parties to reduce the payments. The Company will also incur costs for items such as runoff insurance and some payments for employee benefits that have been accrued to date. The transaction remains subject to a number of conditions in favour of NSight, including RSIs receipt of all necessary approvals, there being no material adverse change in the Business, the discharge of all encumbrances on RSIs assets, RSIs significant customers consenting to the assignment of their contracts to NSight, RSIs employees having accepted NSights offer for continued employment, and RSIs delivery to the Purchaser of a disclosure letter and closing disclosure letter satisfactory to the Purchaser, by January 18, 2019 and as of the closing date, respectively. The Definitive Agreement also provides for a non-competition period of two years, and a break fee payable to NSight of US$460,000 if the Definitive Agreement is terminated as a result of RSI accepting a superior proposal. The closing of the Transaction is also subject to conditions in favour of RSI, which the Company may waive, including a provision that the final Purchase Price following all Purchase Price adjustments is not less than US$3.5m. There can be no assurances that NSight will have the financial and other resources to complete the transaction. For further details on the Transaction and shareholder considerations, please see the Companys Information Circular at www.sedar.com or on the Companys website at www.roomkeypms.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. About NSight With the acquisition of RSI, NSight Inc. continues to rapidly assemble a portfolio of hospitality technology solutions to accelerate growth in the middle market hotel segment. Currently, NSights cornerstone acquisition, nSight for Travel, provides predictive data and marketing solutions for hotels and destinations helping deliver incremental revenue through improving their pricing and marketing practices. About RSI RSI International Systems Inc. is the developer of RoomKeyPMS, a web-based Property Management System (PMS) that incorporates a fully integrated Online Reservation Booking engine and seamless real-time connectivity to the major Global Distribution and Internet Distribution Systems. RSI markets its RoomKeyPMS and a number of other proprietary hosted software solutions to a wide variety of Hospitality Industry clients around the world. For more information, please see our website at www.roomkeypms.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not strictly historical fact are considered "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed and involve assumptions and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to materially differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and not place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements made herein are made as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation and disclaims any intention to revise or update any forward-looking information and statements except as required by applicable laws. For more information, please contact: If confirmed by the Republican-led Senate, Barr could be in place at the Justice Department by February. Rosenstein is expected to leave his position soon after that, though he is not being forced out, said a person familiar with the plans who was not authorized to discuss them on the record and spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. Dear Deputy Ryan, I am sorry that your dog got shot, Kline said. Thank you for keeping me safe. Thank you for your service. Your dog did a lot for the world. Don't worry, you will get a new buddy. Keep up the good work. I will keep praying for you to do good. Keep arresting the bad guys and one day I hope I can meet you and your new dog. Dressed in matching gray sweatpants, hoodie sweatshirt, hat, and sneakers, he pulled up his sweatshirt to reveal the handgun in his waistband. Once the clerk calmly put an unknown amount of cash in a plastic bag, she handed it to the robber and he walked out the door and headed east down the street, the video showed. The B-17 Nine O Nine is one of only nine in flying condition in the United States; the B-24 Witchcraft is the sole remaining example of its type flying in the world; and the P-51 Toulouse Nuts received the prestigious Grand Champion award for the highest level of restoration, he said. Nancy Metayer, a program manager for the New Florida Majority, which describes itself on a website as an independent political organization working to increase the voting and political power of marginalized and excluded constituencies toward an inclusive, equitable, and just Florida. Since Friday, she said she has been on leave to concentrate on the mayoral campaign. A former member of the Broward County Soil and Water Conservation District, she said in a statement that she has had internships with the Florida House of Representatives and the White House. Hilton, who was born in Warsaw, Poland, and was just 13 when the Nazis marched into her hometown, has donated personal artifacts to the museum, including a scarf that was given to her mother, Dr. Flora Kerner, while interned in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. She has also provided an oral history testimony to the museum and has donated her memoir and testimonial as well as personal wartime papers to the museum. She and her family members were recently recognized for their lifetime cumulative philanthropy of more than $100,000 to the museum with their names inscribed on its Donor Wall. Lucky for us, the guys really captured it, says Emilio Estefan, a 19-time Grammy-winning producer. Sometimes, you have chemistry with a producer or a writer, you hope for that, but we had it with everyone. [They] really captured every single thing. People today dont know, unless you live it, they dont know that we were told to, Change your last name. Change that sound. And I said, Im not changing anything. And they said things like, Go back to your country. We live in a time that its important that people need to feel proud of where they come from. And in Miami, they come from all over the world. And they feel inspired to come here and really do something, with a lot of sacrifice, to build something totally different. You can love the country you were born in. But Im totally American. Im Cuban-American, but I love this country where you have these opportunities. And where you dont have to change your last name. "In the last couple of years of the internship, there was anxiety with the survivors watching rising global anti-Semitism, and increasingly there were more conversations between the students and the survivors happening about this issue," Hersh says. "And then, Charlottesville happened. So all of a sudden, we went from this awareness of what was happening 'over there' to what was happening 'over here.' Not that this wasn't already occurring, but Charlottesville put everything front and center." The movie is neither good nor bad. Its simply OK, proficient in its craft, deftly acted as far as the roles allow the actors to get with them. Lorenzo Ferro portrays Carlos, a one-man boy band, without the band. In El Angel Carlos seems perpetually in search of his own teen-heartthrob bedroom poster. Director Ortegas screenplay downplays the more unsavory aspects of his subjects resume (namely, the rapes) while foregrounding a thematic notion of its own, that of Carlos tortured, closet-y sexuality being the driving force behind his psychopathology. Keith Koenig noted that his son has led City Furniture to adopt lean management principles and advanced technology. Andrew Koenig also has helped the company embrace green practices, such as the 100-truck delivery fleet running on compressed natural gas, which has cut emissions nearly in half, he said. The company is looking for candidates with at least two years experience, plus a professional appearance and ability to work as a team, and those with reliable transportation and the ability to be flexible when business dictates, the release said. Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. On Friday, January 11, Larry Ossei-Mensah will discuss Kehinde Wiley: The Power of Aesthetics and explore Wileys ability to leverage the power of aesthetics via the themes of art history, music, place, and identity, as part of the programming in conjunction with Kehinde Wiley: Saint Louis which is currently on display at the Saint Louis Art Museum through February 10. Charles 1, 2018, oil on linen Courtesy of the artist and Roberts Projects, Los Angeles, California 2018.124 Supporters yell out in support of a $15 an hour raise and union rights in their industry. The rally was Tuesday afternoon in front of St. Louis City Hall. CONNEAUT [emdash] Jessie Jarvela, 92, of Conneaut passed away unexpectedly but peacefully May 20, 2021 in Holly Hill, Florida. Her daughter Sandra, son Carey and dog Lily were by her side. Jessie will be inturred with her husband Bob & son Bobby in Conneaut with services announced at a f Ait Melloul (Morocco), Jan 09, 2019 (SPS) - The prison administration repeatedly prevented the visit to Sidahmed Lemjeyid, a Saharawi political prisoner, currently detained in the Moroccan prison of Ait Melloul 2, according to information received from the family. The administration of the local Ait Melloul prison denied the right of family visit to the Saharawi political prisoner of the Gdeim Izik Group on Monday, January 7, 2019. It denied visiting rights three times in the last months, on December 24, January 2 and January 7, in violation of the law on the rights of prisoners. The Lemjeyid family protested for several hours in front of the prison, but received no explanation. The prison of Ait Melloul is several hundred kilometers from El Aaiun, Western Sahara, and the travel expenses are a huge effort for the families of the political prisoners. SPS 125/090/TRA Photo Gallery The Limits of the UN Security Council Germany is once again part of the UN Security Council for a two-year stint. But the council's inability to put a stop to the violence in Syria and Yemen in recent years shows the need for reform is more urgent than ever. Can Berlin make a difference? HRW says children tortured in Iraq Kurdistan for 'IS links' Baghdad (AFP) Jan 8, 2019 Security forces in Iraqi Kurdistan have been "torturing children" to force them to confess to having links with the jihadist Islamic State group, Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday. The rights group said it interviewed 23 boys aged between 14 and 17 who were charged with, or convicted of, belonging to IS, and that 16 of them said they had been "tortured" during questioning. Some boys sai ... more Turkey, Iraq to boost anti-terror cooperation Iraq sentenced 616 foreigners for IS links in 2018 Russian IS fighters' children return home from Iraq German IS woman let 'slave' girl, 5, die of thirst: prosecutors Dozens of bodies 'found in IS mass grave' in Iraq Six suspected jihadists killed in French air strike in Mali: military UK and France to do more against IS after US Syria pullout Indian Army says won't allow gay sex, adultery New Delhi, Jan 10 (AFP) Jan 10, 2019 India's army chief said Thursday that gay sex and adultery would not be tolerated in the army's ranks, months after a landmark court ruling struck down colonial-era prohibitions against homosexuality and infidelity. After a decades-long campaign by activists the Supreme Court last year decriminalised Section 377 -- also know as "unnatural offences" -- and the adultery law from the statue books. But General Bipin Rawat said the military would not permit such acts. "In the Army, it is not acceptable," Rawat told reporters at a press conference when asked about the court verdicts. "The Army is conservative. The Army is a family," he said. India's estimated million-strong army and other armed forces are governed by their own laws that restrict certain constitutional rights enjoyed by civilians. Under the Army Act, both homosexuality and adultery are punishable offences, with jail terms of up to 10 years. There are no figures on homosexuality in the armed forces. But media reports show that the army is increasingly concerned with adultery -- defined as "stealing the affection of a brother officer's wife". The accused are tried by army courts. Last month a court martial found a Brigadier guilty of having an affair with a Colonel's wife. He was dismissed from the service and sentenced to three years in prison. In November, a Colonel was sentenced to two years' loss of seniority after he was found guilty of having a romantic relationship with another officer's wife. India's Supreme Court overturned the British colonial-era laws after campaigns by activists, who termed both laws as discriminatory and against the fundamental right to equality. Section 377 was introduced in 1861 and carried up to 10 years in prison. Although it was rarely enforced, it was often used to harass and intimidate India's gay community. The adultery law carried up to five years jail time for a man found guilty of having sex with a married woman without the permission of her husband. The court had said the 158-year-old law treated women as "chattel of husbands". Finnish court sentences Iraqi ex-soldier for war crimes Helsinki, Jan 10 (AFP) Jan 10, 2019 A Helsinki court on Thursday sentenced a former Iraqi soldier for war crimes after he was filmed cutting off the head of a dead Islamic State fighter. Ahmed Jabbar Hasan, 41, a corporal in the Iraqi army between 2003 and 2015, was handed an 18-month suspended sentence for desecrating and violating the dignity of a dead body, which constitute war crimes under international law. During an operation against the IS near the town of Karma in March 2015, Hasan was filmed decapitating the body of an IS militant and then brandishing the man's head. The video was uploaded to Hasan's Facebook page, along with a second clip of him posing in front of burning bodies. Hasan admitted to the acts but denied they constituted a war crime. The court did not release details of when, or for what reason, Hasan came from Iraq to Finland. The Helsinki District Court quoted Hasan as saying that the IS fighter "had been a terrorist and was himself accused of far more serious crimes" and that he, on the other hand, "had not caused anyone suffering, pain or injury." Hasan carried out his actions knowing that four of his close army colleagues had been captured and executed by IS, court documents said. However, the judges found Hasan guilty, ruling that the cruelty of IS "does not justify inhuman and degrading treatment". In 2016 two Iraqi migrants to Finland also received suspended sentences after they were pictured on social media cutting off the heads of dead fighters. sgk/gab/ach Iraq deploys special forces in Kirkuk amid Kurdish flag dispute Kirkuk, Iraq, Jan 10 (AFP) Jan 10, 2019 Iraqi special forces deployed Thursday in Kirkuk after the raising of the Kurdish flag over a political party headquarters revived tensions more than a year after Baghdad seized the disputed northern city. Iraq's counter-terrorism chief gave President Barham Saleh's Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) until noon on Friday to lower the red, white, green and yellow flag of the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan. Under Iraq's constitution, multi-ethnic Kirkuk province is controlled by the central government in Baghdad. Kirkuk is one of several regions that Kurdish peshmerga fighters took over in 2014 as jihadists from the Islamic State group swept through much of northern and western Iraq. Angered by an independence referendum held in the three provinces of Iraqi Kurdistan as well as in disputed border areas including Kirkuk, Baghdad deployed federal forces to retake the oil-rich province in 2017. The vote saw more than 92 percent of Kurds back secession, but the federal government rejected the poll as "illegal," imposed economic penalties and seized the disputed Kirkuk oil fields, halting exports. In December Baghdad and Iraqi Kurdistan announced a deal to resume oil exports from Kirkuk. Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, seen as a consensual figure who has settled disputes between Kurdistan and Baghdad in the past, appealed to Saleh after the flag was raised on Tuesday evening. Abdel Mahdi spoke by telephone to the president, who was on a visit to Qatar, the premier's office said. Abdel Mahdi complained that flying the flag above party headquarters in Kirkuk is "a violation of the constitution". He suggested the matter be referred to the Supreme Court, which had ruled the independence referendum was illegal. Boko Haram threatens civilians in NE Nigeria: army Abuja, Jan 10 (AFP) Jan 10, 2019 Boko Haram fighters have told civilians in northeast Nigeria to leave their homes, the army said on Thursday, as tensions mount in the long-running conflict. Army spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu said there was "credible information" the jihadists had "infiltrated some villages" near the Borno state capital Maiduguri. "They have clandestinely been going about threatening innocent residents, warning them to vacate their homes," he said in a statement. A member of the civilian militia told AFP earlier this week that Boko Haram had warned people in Jakana village to leave by Wednesday as they were going to launch a major attack. On Wednesday, the army stepped up stop and search operations on the main road heading west out of Maiduguri, on which Jakana lies. Warnings are also reported to have been given to locals in Mainok, which is on the same route leading to Damaturu, the capital of neighbouring Yobe state. Nwachukwu described the threats as "psychological war" and urged residents to report suspicious activity. Nigeria's government and military has repeatedly claimed the Islamist militants have been weakened to the point of defeat but attacks have persisted. On Wednesday, the United Nations said more than 30,000 people had fled their homes in the Baga area of northern Borno after attacks from an Islamic State group-backed Boko Haram faction. The attacks were the latest against military installations and soldiers that have increased since July last year. The military has rejected suggestions the jihadists are resurgent. Star Trek style translators step closer to reality at gadget show Las Vegas, Jan 10 (AFP) Jan 10, 2019 Once confined to the realms of science fiction, near real-time translation devices that whisper discreetly into your ear during a conversation are finally coming of age thanks to leaps in artificial intelligence and cloud computing. An array of companies at the Consumer Electronics Show are promoting increasingly sophisticated devices that allow people speaking different languages to converse with the help of hand-held devices or wireless earpieces. Waverly Lab's "Pilot" headphones translate 15 languages and are priced from $180 and $250. If each person in a conversation is wearing a Pilot, they can speak directly to one another using their own language. During a brief demonstration in Las Vegas, an AFP journalist speaking French was ably translated into the ears of English-speaking Andrew Ochoa, boss of Waverly Labs. The company was founded in 2014 in New York. Translation work was routed to the cloud by Ochoa's smartphone, where an application can also create a written transcription of a conversation. Computer power in online data centers interpret what is said, and send the appropriate translations to listeners taking part in conversations, Ochoa explained. As a result, there could be lag of a few seconds to allow for interpretations. - Machine learning - Universal translators have long been a fixture of science fiction, from shows like "Star Trek" to the babel fish that sits inside the ear canal and feeds off brain wave energy in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." But they have only recently become viable in the real world thanks to the increasing power and speed of mobile devices, machine learning, and wireless connections. "We apply some features of AI, such as machine learning and neural network, to translation models," Ochoa said. "Those technologies have matured enough to make this possible." Software neural networks can be trained to understand phrases even if words are new to them, eliminating the need to feed entire dictionaries into systems. Some 35,000 pairs of Pilot headphones have sold in less than a year, with customers including businesses such as hotels with keen need to engage customers speaking various languages, according to Ochoa. China-based TimeKettle was at CES with WT2 earbuds that worked in a way similar to Pilot. A Pocketalk device being shown off here by Japanese firm Sourcenext took smartphones out of the translation equation and hoped to be a hit during the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. "We realized that, thinking about the 2020 Olympics, many Japanese only speak Japanese," said Sourcenext spokesman Richard Gallagher. Pocketalk, which appeared reminiscent of an early-generation mobile phone, could translate 74 languages and was priced at $299, according to Gallagher. "Thanks to machine learning, it progressively understands you better; your pronunciation," he said. "It can adapt to the user." Gallagher noted strong sales, with particularly heavy in retail, taxi, hotel or restaurant operations. Chinese company iFlytex, a heavyweight in AI and voice recognition in Asia, presented a Translator 2.0 at the show capable of translating between Chinese and 30 other languages. The latest Translator model was priced about $400. Netherlands-based Travis laid claim to the first pocket-sized translation device infused with AI, and boasted having already sold 120,000 devices. Internet giant Google meanwhile offers free translation software that ties up with its Pixel earbuds launched two years ago. This week at CES, Google announced it was building translation capabilities into an array of new products through its virtual assistant software. Austrian Post Office to delete customers' political data Vienna, Jan 10 (AFP) Jan 10, 2019 Austria's postal service said Thursday it would delete data about their customers' assumed political allegiances after privacy campaigners likened the practice to the Facebook data-sharing scandal. Austrian Post head Georg Poelzl told the APA news agency that a database of the likely political affinities of around 2.2 million customers would be deleted "as soon as is legally possible." The company's board "made a decision yesterday that the entire database will be established along new lines," Poelzl said, arguing that the product in its current form "has become outdated, anyway." Austrian Post is publicly listed but still majority-owned by the government. It has compiled the names, addresses, age and gender of around three million Austrians -- or around one third of the population -- and regularly sells that information to advertisers as part of its direct mailings business. The division generates annual revenues of around 200 million euros ($230 million) for the company. Privacy campaigners were up in arms when it emerged that Austrian Post also made educated guesses about the political affinities of its customers and sold that information to political parties. The privacy campaign group, Epicenter Works, argued that this breaches EU data protection rules. Consumer protection group VKI also raised questions about the legality of the practice. Austrian Post argued that the assumptions were based on opinion polls and voting statistics in specific geographical areas, in the same way that exit polls are calculated after elections. It said the data cannot be extrapolated to reveal the voting behaviour of specific individuals. Campaigners nevertheless drew comparisons to the series of scandals concerning data protection and privacy that have engulfed Facebook, the world's largest social network, in a number of countries after user data were hijacked in the 2016 US election campaign. The Austrian Data Protection Authority also said it would look into the affair. Poelzl told APA on Thursday that his group would work closely with the authority in the destruction of the data. "We don't want to be accused of trying to hide anything," he said. But the Austrian Post would continue to collect and hold address data, Poelzl insisted. "Our advertising customers and the entire population expect the Post Office to have the correct addresses," he said. spm/ach OSTERREICHISCHE POST AG Nancy Madsen has written for newspapers in Watertown, N.Y., and Mankato, as well as for PolitiFact Virginia at the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Richmond, Va. Nancy is a graduate of Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill., and Syracuse University in Syracuse, N.Y. Minnesota Public Radio News can be heard in Steele County on 103.9 FM or online at MPRnews.org. You are the owner of this article. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. 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Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7fbff41f31a8)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbff427f800)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7fbff41f31a8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbff427f800)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7fbff422c040)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbff427f800)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbff427f800)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbff3d08e90)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7fbff42638e8)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7fbff42638e8)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 "The basic price of petrol and diesel has declined across the country over the last 2 months due to fall in international crude oil prices. Instead of making the people benefit from lower prices, the state government had increased the sales tax on fuel by 2 per cent since January 1. It should be rolled back," state BJP's state unit general secretary C.T. Ravi told reporters here. Bengaluru: Slamming the Karnataka coalition government for burdening the people again, the opposition BJP on Wednesday urged Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to withdraw the 2 per cent hike in state tax on petrol and diesel. Kumaraswamy, who also holds the finance portfolio, increased the state tax to 32 per cent on petrol and to 21 per cent on diesel because their base price decreased since November. "As the fuel prices declined after fall in crude oil rates in the global market since November, the state tax has been revised to 32 per cent on petrol from 30 per cent and to 21 per cent on diesel from 19 per cent since January 1, 2019," said a statement by the chief minister's office here on January 5. Noting that the state tax on petrol was Rs 20.59 per litre and Rs 13.75 on diesel per litre, which was among the highest in the country, Ravi said the state levy was three times over that levied by the state-run oil marketing firms. "When fuel prices decline, the ruling coalition partners (Congress and Janata Dal-Secular) say it is owing to fall in crude oil rates and when they go up, they blame the Modi government for it, indulging in double-speak," said Ravi. The state government had on September 17 reduced its tax on petrol to 28.75 per cent from 32 per cent and diesel to 17.73 per cent from 21 per cent in a bid to give relief to the people from on soaring international crude oil prices. In the state budget for fiscal 2018-19 Kumaraswamy presented on July 5 Che increased the state tax on petrol by 2 per cent to 32 per cent from 30 per cent and on diesel to 21 per cent from 19 per cent with effect from July 15 despite protests and public resentment. "We will launch a protest strike if the hike in the state tax on the fuel is not rolled back before the Sankranti festival next week," a party official told IANS./Eom/405 words. State Capitals (Applicable from 6:00 a.m. on 10-01-2019) Petrol Current Price(Per Lt) Petrol Previous Price(Per Lt) Change(Rs) Petrol price in Delhi Rs.68.50 Rs.68.50 0.00 Petrol price in Kolkata Rs.70.64 Rs.70.64 0.00 Petrol price in Mumbai Rs.74.16 Rs.74.13 0.03 Petrol price in Chennai Rs.71.07 Rs.71.08 -0.01 Petrol price in Faridabad Rs.69.89 Rs.69.87 0.02 Petrol price in Gurgaon Rs.69.75 Rs.69.66 0.09 Petrol price in Noida Rs.68.77 Rs.68.64 0.13 Petrol price in Ghaziabad Rs.68.47 Rs.68.66 -0.19 Petrol price in Agartala Rs.68.50 Rs.68.50 0.00 Petrol price in Aizwal Rs.65.61 Rs.65.13 0.48 Petrol price in Ambala Rs.69.53 Rs.69.45 0.08 Petrol price in Bangalore Rs.70.74 Rs.70.74 0.00 Petrol price in Bhopal Rs.71.42 Rs.71.37 0.05 Petrol price in Bhubhaneswar Rs.67.72 Rs.67.88 -0.16 Petrol price in Chandigarh Rs.64.79 Rs.64.79 0.00 Petrol price in Dehradun Rs.69.12 Rs.69.18 -0.06 Petrol price in Gandhinagar Rs.66.14 Rs.66.21 -0.07 Petrol price in Gangtok Rs.71.90 Rs.71.90 0.00 Petrol price in Guwahati Rs.67.96 Rs.68.28 -0.32 Petrol price in Hyderabad Rs.72.67 Rs.72.67 0.00 Petrol price in Imphal Rs.64.85 Rs.64.85 0.00 Petrol price in Itanagar Rs.62.57 Rs.62.57 0.00 Petrol price in Jaipur Rs.69.32 Rs.69.06 0.26 Petrol price in Jammu Rs.70.03 Rs.70.03 0.00 Petrol price in Jalandhar Rs.73.66 Rs.73.60 0.06 Petrol price in Kohima Rs.67.17 Rs.66.55 0.62 Petrol price in Lucknow Rs.68.60 Rs.68.63 -0.03 Petrol price in Panjim Rs.61.26 Rs.61.18 0.08 Petrol price in Patna Rs.72.83 Rs.72.67 0.16 Petrol price in Port Blair Rs.59.35 Rs.59.35 0.00 Petrol price in Raipur Rs.67.12 Rs.67.08 0.04 Petrol price in Ranchi Rs.67.92 Rs.67.74 0.18 Petrol price in Shillong Rs.65.99 Rs.65.80 0.19 Petrol price in Shimla Rs.67.87 Rs.68.12 -0.25 Petrol price in Srinagar Rs.70.03 Rs.70.06 -0.03 Petrol price in Trivandrum Rs.71.68 Rs.71.79 -0.11 Petrol price in Silvassa Rs.66.85 Rs.67.01 -0.16 Petrol price in Daman Rs.66.92 Rs.66.88 0.04 Petrol price in Pondicherry Rs.67.77 Rs.67.77 0.00 Source for prices: Indian Oil Corporation Accordingly, the BSE Sensex crossed the 36,000-mark while the NSE Nifty50 reclaimed the 10,850-level. The rise came after a sharp dip in the mid-afternoon session. Mumbai: Despite heavy volatility, fresh inflows of foreign funds and buying interest in FMCG, banking and realty stocks lifted the Indian equity market for the fourth straight session on Wednesday. The domestic investor sentiment was boosted by firm global markets and expectations of healthy corporate earnings for the October-December quarter. Globally, investor sentiment was upbeat after the US-China trade talks concluded during the day. Investors expect a positive outcome from the three-day talks. Index-wise, the Nifty50 rose by 53 points or 0.49 per cent to settle at 10,855.15 points. The Sensex closed at 36,212.91 points, higher by 231.98 points or 0.64 per cent from the previous close of 35,980.93 points. It had opened at 36,181.37 and touched an intra-day high of 36,250.54 and a low of 35,863.29 points. "The market started on a positive note but took some caution ahead of major quarterly results scheduled tomorrow. In totality with expectation of a breather from the US-China meeting which concluded today led the market to close on a positive bias," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services. "Buying interest has been seen across sectors led by private banks, IT and FMCG while PSU banks declined due to profit booking post recent gains." The Indian rupee stood weaker by 26 paise at Rs 70.46 per dollar from its previous close of 70.20. In just two days the rupee has lost over 75 paise. On the other hand, Brent crude futures rose to around $59 per barrel. "Technically, with the Nifty moving up further, traders will need to watch if the recent gains can sustain in the near term. Further upsides are likely once the immediate resistances of 10,870 are taken out," said Deepak Jasani of HDFC Securities. "Crucial supports to watch for resumption of weakness is at 10,815." Investment-wise, FIIs bought Rs 276.14 crore while DIIs bought stocks worth over Rs 439.67 crore on Wednesday. Stock-wise, the top gainers on Sensex were Axis Bank, ITC, Tata Motors, Bharti Aitel, HDFC which inched up in the range of 1 to 3 per cent. In contrast, Yes Bank lost 3.07 per cent and Tata Steel, ONGC, Heromoto Corp, NTPC declined up to 2 per cent. New Delhi: The BSE Sensex ended 230 points higher on Wednesday as the stock markets recovered from a sharp dip in the mid-afternoon session to post gains for the fourth straight session. The Nifty50 on the National Stock Exchange crossed 10,850-mark. The domestic investor sentiment was boosted by firm global markets and expectations of healthy corporate earnings for the October-December quarter. (BPT) - There's nothing better than getting outside during the summer. Not only can it help reduce stress, but it can also bring more energy a New Zealand shares fell as investors took a breather after a round of US-China trade talks wound up. Ryman Healthcare gave back some recent games and Summerset dipped. The S&P/NZX 50 index fell 28.06 points, or 0.3 percent, to 8,919.16. Within the index, 23 stocks fell, 24 gained and three were unchanged. Turnover was $123 million. Delegates from China and the US wrapped up three days of trade talks Wednesday and markets had been cheered by the first face-to-face negotiations since both sides agreed to a 90-day truce. Chinas Commerce Ministry said the talks were extensive, and helped establish a foundation for the resolution of each others concerns, according to Reuters. However, there were few concrete details. Equity markets were also cheered when minutes from the US Federal Reserves' December meeting underscored the central bank is willing to be patient about any future monetary tightening. "We have had four days of stronger equity markets globally as investors anticipated the potential for a US-China deal," said Shane Solly, a portfolio manager at Harbour Asset Management. The "softer tone" from Federal Reserve officials had added to the upbeat mood, he said. However, "we are having a bit of a pause today" and some stocks that gained - yesterday in particular - had seen some profit-taking, he said. Ryman Healthcare was down 3.3 percent to $10.98 on slightly higher than normal volumes with 1 million shares changing hands. Fellow retirement village operator and developer Summerset shed 1.9 percent to $6.18 on very light volume. Earlier it said it sold 193 occupation rights in the three months to Dec. 31, versus 204 in the prior year, but that it has met its 2018 target to build 450 new units. SkyCity shed 1.4 percent to $3.53 while Fletcher Building was down 0.2 percent to $4.97. Kathmandu, which has been hard hit after reporting a weaker-than-expected Christmas trading period, shed 1.3 percent to $2.26. Volumes, however, were very thin with only about 69,000 shares trading hands. Stocks like Heartland Group, up 2.2 percent to $1.42, and Gentrack, up 2.8 percent to $5.09, and Skellerup, which added 1 percent to $2.04, fared better. Solly noted they tend to be more favored by local investors. The heaviest trading was in Spark, which again accounted for almost a quarter of total trading volume. It ended up 0.2 percent at $4.16. According to Solly, it is well held by international investors and Australian institutions so it "does tend to get more activity." Chorus shed 1.9 percent to $4.73. Trade Me was also heavily traded, with 3.2 million shares changing hands versus its average daily volume of 855,741 over the past three months. Trade Me was unchanged at $6.33. Solly said investors will now be shifting their attention to the upcoming reporting season. He noted that today's "Truckometer" data from ANZ Bank, which tracks heavy and light traffic as a gross domestic product indicator, is pointing to softness in the economy. It was "pretty weak," Solly said. "We had been anticipating the New Zealand economy would come off the boil and it is. "We will be looking pretty carefully at companies that are New Zealand focused. There could be a little bit of risk around some of their earnings," he said. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 16th June 2021 Morning Report Investore Property Limited (NZX: IPL) Divestment of Dunedin Property 15th June 2021 Morning Report 14th June 2021 Morning Report Tower Limited (NZX: TWR) Update on Financial Impact of Canterbury Floods SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited (NZX: SKC) Earnings Guidance for FY21 Result 11th June 2021 Morning Report Precinct Properties New Zealand Limited (NZX: PCT) Announces $284 Million Revaluation Uplift 10th June 2021 Morning Report Me Today Limited (NZX: MEE) Opening of Offer to Retail Investors Press Release January 10, 2019 Villanueva's work-from-home bill signed into law Senator Joel Villanueva welcomed on Thursday the signing into law of his bill which allows employees in the private sector to telecommute or work-from-home. RA 11165 or An Act Institutionalizing Telecommuting as an Alternative Work Arrangement for Employees in the Private Sector encourages employers to adopt telecommuting - a work arrangement that allows an employee to work from an alternative workplace with the use of telecommunication and/or computer technologies. While the adoption of the work-from-home scheme will remain as employers' prerogative based on a mutual agreement between the employer and the employee, Villanueva stressed that the telecommuting program should not be less than the minimum labor standards set by law including that for health and safety of workers, schedule and workloads, work hours and social security. "We thank the President for supporting our bill that will promote our workers' right to work-life balance and flexible work arrangement," Villanueva, principal author and sponsor of the law, said. The senator, who is also the chair of the Senate committee on labor, employment, and human resources development, added that the law in itself has enough safeguards to ensure that the rights of home-based workers are protected by giving them equal pay, leave benefits and promotion as their counterparts in the office. Aside from promoting work-life balance, the law also targets to address traffic congestion and its tremendous effect on the country's economy. Under the law, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is expected to come up with guidelines that will ensure the "fair treatment" provision of the measure such as the: Rate of pay, including overtime and night shift differential, and other similar monetary benefits not lower than those provided in applicable laws, and collective bargaining agreements; Right to rest periods, regular holidays, and special non-working days; Equivalent workload and performance standards as those of comparable workers at the employer's premises; Access to training and career development opportunities as those of comparable workers at the employer's premises, and be subject to the same appraisal policies covering these workers; Appropriate training on the technical equipment at their disposal, and the characteristics and conditions of telecommuting; and Collective rights as the workers at the employer's premises, and shall not be barred from communicating with workers' representatives. The Telecommuting law further provides for the establishment of a telecommuting pilot program in select industries for a period of not more than three years to enable DOLE to determine the advantages and disadvantages of a telecommuting program in the Philippines. "We greatly extend our gratitude to our counterpart in the House and our fellow colleagues who supported our well-meaning advocacy to produce a cohesive and strong policy that gives our workers meaningful work-life balance and an option to work under a flexible work arrangement," Villanueva said. "With this recently signed law, we can now have a stable and consistent legal framework that can provide an enabling environment to encourage participation and enforce compliance among enterprises, big or small. This is indeed a fitting New Year's welcome for our dedicated Filipino workers" the senator added. Press Release January 10, 2019 New Bulacan airport to kick off provincial development 'domino effect' Senate Trade and Commerce Chair Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III today welcomed a proposal to build a new airport in Bulacan, saying the project would kick off "a domino effect" of development in the province that would provide economic opportunities for millions of Filipinos outside Metro Manila. "President Duterte is right; Metro Manila is in the ICU (intensive care unit) and if nothing is done to decongest the nation's capital, it will be virtually unlivable," said the senator from Mindanao. Metro Manila, also known as the National Capital Region, is composed of 16 cities and one municipality. It is home to 12.8 million Filipinos and is the most densely populated region in the country and the fifth most populous urban area in the world, with over 20,000 residents per square kilometer. According to Pimentel, dispersing development to other areas of the country was one of the major calls of the President when he ran for office in 2016, "and it is clear that his Administration is following through on his commitment to bring economic development in areas outside NCR." "Aside from the 735.6 billion-peso Bulacan airport being proposed by San Miguel Corporation that is expected to directly and indirectly generate 1.8 million jobs by 2025, development in New Clark City in Tarlac is currently underway," said the legislator. "These are going to be major growth areas with world-class airports. The businesses and jobs these new urban centers will create will provide Metro Manila residents - as well as those who want to come here - with viable livelihood alternatives outside NCR," Pimentel added. "In the future, those who come to Manila for college or advanced studies will not have to stay in NCR to obtain gainful employment" explained the lawmaker, who began studying in Cagayan de Oro and later went to graduate from elementary, high school, college, and law school in Metro Manila. Construction of the new airport is expected to begin after the government holds a "Swiss Challenge" by the first quarter of 2019. A Swiss Challenge is a procurement system in which the government allows other parties to match or improve on an unsolicited proposal. The airport project, dubbed the New Manila International Airport, will be located in Bulakan, Bulacan. Once completed, it will have six parallel runways and will be able to accommodate 100 million passengers a year and contribute as much as 395 billion pesos to the country's GDP by 2025. "Pagdating sa pagbigay ng trabaho at negosyo sa Pilipino, seryoso si Presidente. He is also serious about decongesting Metro Manila and spreading development across the regions. As long as the Administration focuses on these priorities, we can expect more balanced progress in our country moving forward." Press Release January 10, 2019 Lacson: Reenacted Budget Doesn't Block Government Workers' Pay Hike More at:https://pinglacson.net/2019/01/10/lacson-reenacted-budget-doesnt-block-government-workers-pay-hike/ The stalemate over the proposed P3.7-trillion budget for 2019 should not be a reason to put on hold a scheduled salary increase for government workers, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said Thursday. Lacson said the Department of Budget and Management can use P99.446 billion under the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund (MBPF) in the 2018 budget for the purpose. "Mr. DBM Secretary, implement the salary increase now. It is not unconstitutional. It has basis in law and there is PhP99.446 billion under the MPBF in the 2018 budget," he said in a post on his Twitter account. "Pointing to a re-enacted budget won't fly," he added. The MPBF allows the government to address the personnel requirements of public institutions. Lacson noted that of the P99.4 billion in the MPBF in the 2018 budget, P62.8 billion is for Compensation Adjustment, while P12.36 billion is for Stafing Modification Upgrading of Salaries. "Obviously, there is legal basis as there are funds to implement the salary hike, especially for the first quarter of 2019," he said. Executive Order No. 201, signed by former President Benigno Aquino III, provides for a salary increase for civilian government employees this year. Joint Resolution No. 1, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, provides for a pay hike for military and uniformed personnel also this year. Earlier, DBM Secretary Benjamin Diokno said it may be unconstitutional to implement a new round of salary increases for government workers without passing the proposed 2019 budget first. Diokno was quoted as saying last Wednesday that the DBM cannot implement the scheduled pay hike for government workers "without legal basis." Government is presently operating on the reenacted budget for 2018, until the 2019 budget is signed into law. The Senate is due to resume deliberations on the proposed 2019 budget starting Jan. 14. Last December, Lacson unearthed and questioned several pork-like insertions in the proposed 2019 budget, which involved grave abuse of discretion by lawmakers. These included: * the ballooning of allocations for infrastructure in some legislative districts * the Tulong Dunong program where lawmakers distribute checks to their chosen scholars, even when the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (Free Tuition Act) had already been passed Lacson stressed a "pork-laden" budget is far worse than a delayed or reenacted one, adding it is the patriotic duty of lawmakers to be the vanguard of good governance through conscientious spending of the Filipino people's money. "The national budget is the lifeblood of the country. Therefore, we must see to it that we do our role in making sure it serves its purpose and not just stuff the pockets of some insatiably greedy politicians," he said. Press Release January 10, 2019 GORDON SEES TUBA AS NEW EDUCATIONAL HUB IN PROPOSED GREATER BAGUIO Senator Richard J. Gordon sees Tuba or any of the other four municipalities of Benguet that will be included in the cluster that will comprise the proposed Greater Baguio, as the new educational hub to decongest Baguio City and enable it to restore its old glory as the country's Summer Capital. During the hearing/public consultation on Senate Bill No. 1692 or the Baguio City, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay Development Authority in Baguio last week, Gordon said academic institutions such as the University of the Philippines, the University of the Cordilleras and the Philippine Military Academy, among others, could be relocated in Tuba and turn it into the Silicon Valley of the Philippines. "The academe, the population of universities in Baguio, is approximately 1/3 of the population of the city. The academic population is contributing to the congestion of Baguio. If we can ask UP, UC and other universities to expand outside Baguio, you can just imagine how great the reduction to Baguio's population would be. We can develop Tuba as the Silicon Valley of the Philippines," he said. SBN 1692 aims to create a Greater Baguio Metropolitan Authority that would formulate a master plan for redeveloping Baguio City and spreading development and opportunities in the five other municipalities under the cluster to provide better quality of living for the people. Statistics show that 115,000 of Baguio City's 330,000 total population are comprised of students. Dr. Achilles Costales, of UP Baguio said they have 2,600 to 3,000 students while Dr. Leonardia Aguinalde, of UC, said they are already crowded with only eight buildings for UC's 18,000 student population. Both disclosed that they are requesting to be transferred to Tuba as they could no longer expand in Baguio. "We can establish a campus outside Baguio. Coming from the Chancellor, we are willing to do that to accommodate more students. We are in the process of requesting land grants. We are thinking of Itogon or Tuba," Costales said. "The government should also look into the concern of the private universities like UC. If the government is going to give lands to us, we would like to get a land in Tuba because we already have a land there. That would help us. We have 18,000 students right now and only eight buildings," Aguinalde said meanwhile. Gordon said that with the available lands in Tuba or any of the four other municipalities under the cluster, the colleges and universities could put up dormitories so they could accommodate more students. "In this climate, education will really thrive. Put dorms because maraming mag-aaral dyan. Sa Manila ang hirap mag-aral, sa traffic lang patay na. We can put up an education community with dorms in Tuba. With the good weather, it will be more conducive for learning and studying," he said. Press Release January 10, 2019 Dispatches from Crame No. 446: Sen. Leila M. de Lima's further thoughts on PDI's Filipinos of the Year 2018, in relation to the latest ruling of Judge Alameda After issuing Dispatch from Crame No. 445 yesterday, I couldn't help reflecting further on the Philippine Daily Inquirer's choice for Filipinos of the Year 2018 - the four (4) "courageous judges" who were honored for "rendering judgments that satisfy the people's clamor for justice, at a time when key institutions or their stewards seem to be under political pressure or payroll." For all that the voting process was reportedly "hardly contentious", the implication is deeply unsettling. To be clear, the recipients are truly well-deserving of the honor, and so are all the other nominees, and I laud the PDI for its choice. But this compels us to ask an unsettling question: why are judges - officers of the least political of the three branches of government - being honored for doing what is supposedly the most basic and simplest definition of what they are duty-bound to do? This question becomes even more pressing in light of the most recent decision of Judge Elmo Alameda of Makati - RTC Branch 150, to deny the Motion for Reconsideration filed by Senator Sonny Trillanes questioning the earlier ruling that there was "factual and legal basis" for President Duterte's Proclamation No. 572 revoking the amnesty given to Sen. Trillanes by then President Benigno S. Aquino III on the ground that no application for amnesty was filed. This ruling is a deeply disturbing reminder of the state of our justice system as the judge basically abdicated his duty as a trier of facts and as an officer of justice, as it flies in the face of evidence to the contrary. These include a reporter who testified that he saw Sen. Trillanes apply, and the fact of the amnesty itself, which triggers this Administration's favorite presumption: the presumption of regularity in the performance of official duty. If an amnesty has been issued, there is a presumption that the same was issued in the regular performance of duty. It is not up to Sen. Trillanes to prove anything because said application, by its nature, was supposed to be filed and turned over to the custody of the government, which now issued a self-serving Presidential Proclamation suddenly denying its existence. Since it is a self-serving declaration, the least that the Makati judge ought to have done is to require the Government to rebut the presumption of regularity of the issuance of the amnesty. Until and unless such presumption is rebutted, it is NOT Sen. Trillanes's burden to prove that it does exist. And, in fact, he did prove it anyway by presenting the reporter who was reporting on events as they happened long before any controversy ever arose. This is supported by other evidence, such as a certification from the Department of National Defense (DND) stating that Sen. Trillanes IV submitted an application for amnesty, wherein he admitted specific crimes, such as mutiny. These evidence are key since the application is in the custody or under the control of adverse party. Instead, the judge ruled that he is "not convinced that there is still a need to conduct a reception of evidence to rule on the factual issues" Oo nga naman, it is hard to convince someone who has willfully averted his eyes from the truth. Sayang si Judge Alameda. If only he had the courage to stand up for truth and justice, and against the tyranny of weaponizing the law to perpetuate oppression, maybe he, too, would have been named Filipino of the Year. All he had to do was the bare minimum - and yet, apparently, that is too much to ask of a judge these days, esp. those handling high-profile and sensitive cases. These days when facts and logic seem to have no place in this repressive regime, where even courts are being bullied into becoming weapons of tyranny. Injustice, indeed, is not merely the absence of justice, but the perversion of it that turns right into wrong, and wrong into right. We have, indeed, fallen into an upside-down world and the monsters are real. So, this year, 2019, we need more heroes to emerge. More heroes like the judges who were ultimately chosen, but also like the other nominees, who are all in their own ways Filipinos of the Year 2018. This isn't supposed to be a competition where only one can win. We need all the heroes that are brave enough to step forward. Though they may be hailed as such for doing the simplest thing, we know that they deserve the recognition because when things get tough, it takes persons of character to even keep going. So yes, I hope that each Filipino emerges as a hero in 2019 - even if it is "just" to do the right thing under difficult and tempting circumstances. Even if it is simply because they went out to use their votes wisely by not selling their votes for a pittance, and instead choosing leaders who know what a public servant is and who are willing to be that for us Filipinos. That's how I hope the Filipino of the Year Award for 2019 will be decided. A year when every Filipino stood up to be a hero for himself and for others. Perhaps it is high time that we stop looking to others to save us, and about time that we see the hero in our own reflection. Because heroism isn't in the act of doing the right thing, but in the courage to choose to do it against fear and temptation. Press Release January 10, 2019 Heed call on PH gov't to end violence vs HR defenders - De Lima Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has urged the Philippine government to heed United Nations Special Rapporteur Michel Forst's assessment about the plight of human rights defenders in the country, notably those critical of the administration. De Lima made the statement after Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo belittled Forst's World Report which calls, among others, on the Duterte administration to end all forms of violations committed against human rights defenders in the country. "Mr. Panelo may have forgotten those several instances when no less than his boss, Mr. Duterte, constantly hurled insults and threats against human rights defenders. He has called us names and has branded us terrorists and enemies of the state," she said. "Instead of dismissal, the Duterte administration should take a second hard look at how it has deliberately aimed its attacks to silence human rights defenders, making us more vulnerable to harassment and our work more difficult and dangerous," she added. Last Dec. 19, Forst released an assessment report which highlighted the so-called "stigmatization, defamation, judicial harassment, arbitrary arrest, and criminalization of defenders" as a key area of concern in the Philippines. According to him, human rights defenders in the Philippines - including De Lima - "are subject to smear campaigns and online harassment" by the government who falsely connect them to the drug trade, communist groups or terrorist groups. Panelo, however, dismissed Forst's report as "reckless and irresponsible" as he accused local groups which he claimed have been feeding false information to the United Nations in exchange for some financial benefits. Named by Amnesty International as a human rights defender under threat, De Lima pointed out that intimidation, harassment and attacks against human rights defenders are deliberate to suppress any criticism or opposition against the government. "In the last two years, the international community has consistently expressed grave concern about what is happening in the Philippines, and how this administration disregards human rights of individuals and organizations critical of its policies," she said. "Several international organizations and treaty-based committees have issued statements of serious concern over the plight of human rights defenders, and the present government could not just ignore these continuing concerns," she added. In his world report, Forst pointed out that Mr. Duterte's War on Drugs, which was launched shortly after he assumed office in June 2016, "has created a climate of insecurity and impunity for extrajudicial killings that affects human rights defenders." Citing De Lima's plight as an example of the fate of human rights defenders under the government, Frost wrote that "In what could be considered to be part of a politically motivated defamation campaign, [D]e Lima was arrested in February 2017 and detained under the Dangerous Drugs Act for allegedly accepting money from 'drug lords'. She has also been subject to intimidation, persecution and threats." Since Duterte has "fostered very harmful rhetoric against human rights defenders," Forst is concerned that there are still no existing specific protection mechanisms for human rights defenders at risk in the Philippines and that three related legislative measures remain unacted, including De Lima's Senate Bill (SB) No. 1699, or the Human Rights Defenders Act of 2018. Amid the challenges human rights defenders are facing the country, Forst has called on the Philippine government to end its incessant attacks against them, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. A known human rights defender here and abroad, De Lima has since pushed for the passage of SB No. 1699 she authored which seeks to institutionalize and enforce State obligations for the protection of the rights of human rights defenders. Its a great time to start a small or micro business or get help with an existing one on Kalamazoos Eastside.Thanks to the City of Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo Eastside Neighborhood Association (KENA), and other local non-profits, financial and mentorship assistance is plentiful. Small business owners only have to ask.I am totally impressed, amazed and hopeful about the amount of resources that are available to small business owners right now, says Pat Taylor, KENA Director. The Eastside is just ripe for acquiring property and land, and small business owners really couldnt pick a better spot to have an easier time of it. We are ready and willing to help.At a small business seminar that took place at KENA in December, over a dozen residents gathered to hear representatives from Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Western Michigan Universitys Small Business Development Center, and the City of Kalamazoo discuss available loans, grants, and support.Its an exciting time to be starting a business in the city, said Dwayne Powell, Jr., a neighborhood business and special projects coordinator for the city, as he outlined the various new small business loans and grants the city began offering in late 2018. We like to under-promise and over-deliver.Through the Foundation of Excellence, grants up to $25,000 are now available for small businesses to help with facade improvements in the citys urban core (downtown, Edison, Northside and Eastside). An additional $25,000 is available for loans. Applicable projects include siding, signage, or storefront improvements, for instance, but would not include roofing, Powell said.Grants of up to $2,500 are also available for technical, legal, marketing or accounting assistance. And business loans of up to $35,000 are also available through the Capital Consortium if banks have not approved desired loans due to credit scores.Powell says the city is trying to lessen barriers for new, small or micro business starts by decreasing the necessity to have a large credit score or financial resources. We are in the business of supporting the underserved, he says.As an initiative to encourage existing small business, LISC is matching KIVA loans of up to $5,000, which means a total of $10,000. The application process requires those interested to secure the endorsement of a certified KIVA Trustee, which currently includes Taylor at KENA and Tammy Taylor at the Edison Neighborhood Association. Heres a link to the program.While anyone can apply for crowdfunding through KIVA, the LISC match needs application and approval. More information is available through the neighborhood associations.For consulting services, SMBDC at WMU and SCORE Kalamazoo , 1126 Gull Road, have business experts that provide small business support free of charge. Most of the consultants have owned or run their own businesses and have experience and access to a wide variety of resources to ease all aspects of starting or maintaining a business.Were here to assist you in whatever you think you need to keep things going, said John Schmitt, Senior Business Consultant.Taylor says shes excited about the future of business development on the Eastside.Thousands of cars go through East Main, Gull Road, and East Michigan, monthly and the Eastside is an easy drive from any side of town so it would be easy for a new business to secure a large clientele, says Taylor. The time to start a small Eastside business couldnt be better. Its become a tradition to take a look back at the previous year before we jump ahead with our coverage for the new year. Here is our list of the Southwest Michigan Second Wave stories that were the best read in 2018 with comments from the correspondents who wrote them. Maybe you will find one you missed that you will want to check out.Rosemary Parkers says: Whats not to love about the story of a retired English teacher and his turtle-fetching spaniels bringing low-tech help a team of research scientists?Jane Simons says: What really stays with me about this story is that it bucks the notion that young people who were born and raised in Battle creek aren't coming back. Jake Minear is an example of Battle Creek natives who left, thinking they'd never come back, and made the decision to come home to make a positive impact in their community.Jane Simons says: Jennifer Cole's decision to open a Burmese restaurant in one of the city's lowest-income neighborhoods speaks to the potential in Battle Creek for growth and an embracing of diverse culture. Jennifer could have opened this restaurant anywhere and her decision to locate in Washington Heights signals a change in the mindset of business owners who now see opportunities to be a part of a resurgence.Ryan Boldrey says: But a snapshot of what is happening around Kalamazoo, this story honed in on numerous projects that are bringing jobs, growth and opportunities at higher education to the residents of Kalamazoo. Everywhere one looks more buildings appear to be on the rise as the economy improves and home values rise in the area. Of note, since this story was written, there are no longer plans for a Drake Taphouse at the Corner@Drake Development, however a Mod Pizza has recently opened there and an Olga's will soon fling open its doors as well.Kathy Jennings says: I enjoyed the walk through the Douglas neighborhood in search of Wireless Internet Service Provider transmission towers with Aeron Wireless business owner Brad Loomis. Who knew that in one tiny part of Kalamazoo some of the latest in cordless internet is being installed?Theresa Coty ONeil says: While working on the first article of our On the Ground coverage, I loved learning about the people, history and dreams of Edison, a neighborhood that is one of Kalamazoo's true melting pots.Theresa Coty ONeil says: While writing this story, I learned how a focused group of motivated residents, neighborhood leaders, and supportive organizations, can have a tremendous impact on the morale of a neighborhood, even if it takes decades.Theresa Coty ONeil says: Sitting down with Krystal and Jed Gast to discuss the evolution of Jericho Town demonstrated to me the tremendous potential of ingenuity, hard work and faith: if you renovate it, they really will come.Mark Wedel says: This is the second time Ive interviewed Irving Roth. Hes open, friendly, humorous, and will tell you exactly what it was like to see ones people methodically turned to ashes. I think his most-important message is that these wereordinary people, following a once-fringe political philosophy, participating in brutality.Theresa Coty ONeil says: As our first in-depth Northside feature, Charlie Parker was an inspiration, not only for all he has done for the Northside, but for how his spirit of giving back to the community has been passed down to his six children and a niece who serve the neighborhood and the city in so many ways.These are among the top read stories of the year, but not written in 2018.This story published in February 2016 has been the best read story of the year for three years in a row. Mark Wedels report on what it takes to fight the Japanese Knotweed continues to draw readers eager to find out how to treat the invasive plant that evolved to thrive on the volcanoes of Japan.The No. 3 best read story of the year was an even older story and also written by Mark Wedel. The avid biker hes even written a book on his travels by bike offered his list of the top 10 rides on Southwest Michigan trails in July 2015. People have been reading and riding ever since. We're taking a ride across the Eastside over the next few months. Join us. Eric Hennig On the Ground, a program run by the Michigan-based Issue Media Group, the parent company for Southwest Michigan's Second Wave movies into its third neighborhood, Kalamazoos Eastside, on Jan. 10. The move comes after 120 days of coverage in both the Edison and Northside neighborhoods, including Julys coverage written by Edison residents. The first story appeared in Southwest Michigans Second Wave online magazine on April 5, 2018 and we began Northside coverage Aug. 2. On the Ground helps to tell the story of the people, projects, and innovations that are creating whats next for communities. The intended impact is for solutions-oriented media coverage, engagement and ultimately understanding of the community, resulting in awareness and investments that can contribute to the vitality and prosperity of the district covered. The concept of On the Ground is to use an embedded journalism model to maintain a presence in a specific neighborhood for a period of 120 days. During this time the publication focuses weekly coverage on those neighborhoods to tell the story of the businesses, individuals, and nonprofits working and living there. The publication also produces, covers, and promotes a finale event upon completion of the project. The event depends upon what best fits the neighborhood. The event for the Northside included creation of large displays of the stories written as part of the series and presented at the December Art Hop. The event for the Edison neighborhood included a collaboration with Washington Writers Academy and participation in Art Hop at Washington Square. What I love about the program is this is journalism the way it used to be done, says Managing Editor Kathy Jennings. A reporter digs in and really gets to know a community. And since we are an online magazine we present it in an updated way. Its the best of both the old and the new. On the Ground coverage began May 2012 with a pilot program through the IMG publication Flying Kite based out of Philadelphia. Former Flying Kite publisher Michelle Freeman developed the concept of an ongoing initiative that aimed to dive deep into neighborhood transformation. For 90 days, a project editor from Flying Kite was embedded in a vacant storefront or building and after three months they moved on to the next neighborhood. Between May 2012 and August 2013, Flying Kite was embedded in four neighborhoods in Philadelphia and New Jersey. IMG adopted this program model in 2013 for its Detroit-based publication Model D, which implemented its first On the Ground in the Osborn neighborhood in the city of Detroit and was followed by another program in Brightmoor. The way it works is IMG identifies a partner or partners in each neighborhood who assists in connecting and orienting a dedicated journalist with residents. In order to establish a lasting relationship with the community and the groups involved with the project, the project editor dedicates time to researching the history of the neighborhood and developing an editorial framework based on the interests of the community. The journalist attends monthly neighborhood events and the On the Ground team hosts dedicated editorial advisory conversations to engage residents and stakeholders for story ideas and networking. This project offers our team, as well as the community, an opportunity to explore, consider, and engage with a neighborhood in ways that contemporary journalism doesnt often allow, says Project Editor Theresa Coty ONeil. Every day I meet new people and hear of new stories that reinvigorate my sense of what rich resources of spirit the Kalamazoo area contains. I cant wait to see what additional stories well discover on the Eastside. And Vicky Kettner, Neighborhood Engagement Manager, says, Transitioning to Eastside has been a wonderful experience. Weve been warmly welcomed into the neighborhood and have had many stimulating discussions leading to exciting story ideas. There is no shortage of them. There is a richness of culture, entrepreneurship, and pride in the neighborhood that is emerging as an important theme and in need of being lifted. Were looking forward to continuing capturing the voices of Eastside. In Kalamazoo, the On the Ground project also will involve training local residents as reporters. They will attend four classes and publish stories in Southwest Michigans Second Wave. They will be paid as journalists for attending classes and having their work published. Their relationship as writers for Second Wave is expected to continue after their training. Four correspondents have completed this program so far in Kalamazoo. Since launching On the Ground back in 2013, IMG has worked in over 15 different neighborhoods across the country. There have been On the Ground programs that have taken place in Memphis, Tampa, Grand Rapids, Dearborn, Ypsilanti, Pontiac, Cincinnati, and Detroit. IMG views this engagement as an initial investment in a neighborhood. Programs are tailored to approach the needs of each neighborhood differently and treated as the first step in creating long-term media impact in the highlighted areas. The Northside neighborhood has invited Second Wave to be the next community covered in the On the Ground Program. Your On the Ground Kalamazoo Team is Managing Editor Kathy Jennings, Project Editor Theresa Coty O'Neil, and Engagement Manager Vicky Kettner, and photographer Eric Hennig of Vague Photography. The MSC Zoe encountered heavy weather off the Dutch coast on 2 January causing some 270 containers to fall from the vessel with debris washing up on beaches in the Netherlands and Germany. Genava-based owner MSC contracted Ardent Global to coordinate the sea search and salvage operations for the missing containers. Sonar-assisted search has helped locate hundreds of objects in the water in recent days and these contacts are being evaluated by MSCs contractors and the authorities. So far, 21 entire containers were washed up, MSC said. Watch - Video of damage to containers on the MSC Zoe The company said that a total of 1,120 tonnes of debris had been collected in beach clean-up operations. By deploying 4x4 vehicles, tractors and specialist equipment such as a beach vacuum-cleaners the response operation has achieved significant progress on the Frisian islands of Terschelling, Vlieland, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog, in the Wadden Sea, it said. However, storms this week are disrupting clean-up operations. MSC has pledged to find all the containers lost overboard and pay costs. Read more: MSC pledges to find all containers lost from MSC Zoe and cover costs The Shoei Kisen Kaisha owned and managed car carrier Sincerity Ace caught fire in the Pacific on 31 December 2018 1,800 nm northwest of Oahu forcing the crew to abandon ship. Four Good Samaritan vessels came to their aid, including the Green Lake, successfully recusing 16 of 21 seafarers. In the weekly magazine of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, Captain William Boyce of the Green Lake told of the 18 hour long heroic rescue efforts of his crew to save seven of the seafarers from the Sincerity Ace. The entire crew did a truly incredible job under extreme conditions, Captain Boyce said. The survivors reported being trapped on forward deck of the vessel due to smoke and the decks were so hot that they melted survival bags. They had to abandon ship one by one via man ropes 100 ft to water into very rough seas, he said. The rescue operation lasted from 2am to 8pm with the entire deck crew working tirelessly to get the survivors onboard. USCG Photos and Video - Sincerity Ace fire and rescue operation Winds were blowing a steady 25 knots, gusting to 30 knots, with a heavy 20-25 ft northwesterly swell. Due to the sea state and our high freeboard, it was very difficult to maneuver, bring the ship alongside each survivor, and get them on board with limited retrieval resources, the Captain said. The crew showed incredible perseverance, teamwork and determination, Boyce said, constantly improvising with each survivors recovery in very difficult and dangerous conditions. I am proud of each and every one of this crew for saving seven souls that had experienced horrific conditions and were exhausted. The Green Lake diverted to Honolulu to disembark the rescued seafarers. Early booking discounts The schedule and rates for all 2020 Arctic and for late 2020 and early 2021 Antarctic departures have been announced. Early booking discounts of 10% to 15% are available for reservations made by July 31, 2019, on all departures. New destinations and additional departures of favorite journeys that were added to the 2019 and 2020 seasons will continue into 2020 and 2021. Besides double-occupancy rooms, Sea Spirit offers triple-share rates, for families or single travelers, on all departures. 2020 Arctic Five departures of Poseidons most popular Arctic cruise, 'West Spitsbergen and the Polar Ice Edge,' are offered between May 31 and June 30, 2020. They range from nine to 12 days and all operate round-trip from Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Rates start at $7,286, including the early bird discount. 'Arctic Odyssey: Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland,' a two-week cruise from Longyearbyen to Reykjavik, Iceland, takes place Aug.25-Sept. 7, 2020, with rates starting at $10,976. Poseidons signature program in the Russian High Arctic and the only cruise of its kind to operate round-trip from Longyearbyen, 'Franz Josef Land Archipelago,' will be offered in three 14-day departures, July 20, Aug.1 and Aug. 13, 2020. Rates are from $12,506. The summer concludes with two aurora borealis-focused 11-day journeys to East Greenland, round-trip Reykjavik. 'East Greenland: Arctic Sights and Northern Lights departs Sept. 6 and 15, 2020, with rates from $7,826. And returning in 2020 will be two single-departure itineraries that take advantage of Sea Spirit's springtime repositioning from Antarctica to the northern climes. These are the May 8, 2020, 'British Isles: Legendary History and Wild Nature' discovery cruise, 13 days, from Plymouth, England, to Edinburgh, Scotland. Fares start at $7,466. The May 21, 2020, 'From the Highlands to the High Arctic: Crossing the Arctic Circle, Jan Mayen and Spitsbergen,' is a 12-day journey from Edinburgh to Longyearbyen starting at $5,936. 2020-21 Antarctica Six 'Antarctic Peninsula' departures of 11 or 12 days sail round-trip from Ushuaia. Dates are Nov. 29, Dec. 8, Dec. 18 (holiday cruise), Dec. 27 (New Years cruise), Feb. 7 and Feb. 17. Rates start at $8,906. Four 'Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands/Malvinas' cruises, ranging from 21 to 24 days, are offered. Dates are Oct. 19, Nov. 10, Jan. 6 and Feb. 27, with rates from $15,476. Embarkation and disembarkation ports are Montevideo or Ushuaia. The popular 'Antarctic Circle: Crossing 66 South Latitude' cruise will again be offered Jan. 25, 2021. This 15-day journey, round-trip Ushuaia, starts at $14,216. The stomach contents preserved in an adult specimen of the archaic whale Basilosaurus isis from the site of the Wadi Al Hitan in Egypt suggest it was an apex (top) predator that fed on smaller whales (juvenile Dorudon atrox) and large fishes (Pycnodus mokattamensis), according to new research, published in the journal PLoS ONE. Apex predators live at the top of an ecological pyramid, preying on animals in the pyramid below and normally immune from predation themselves. They are often, but not always, the largest animals of their kind. The living killer whale (Orcinus orca), about 20 to 26 feet (6-8 m) in length, is an apex predator in modern world oceans. They feed on a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate animals including squids, sharks, bony fishes, turtles, seabirds, and other marine mammals. Basilosaurus isis, an archaic whale that lived about 38-34 million years ago (late Eocene epoch), had a broad marine distribution at a time when few modern whales existed. In a new study, Dr. Manja Voss of the Museum fur Naturkunde Berlin in Germany and co-authors examined the 50-foot (15 m) long specimen of Basilosaurus isis from the Wadi Al Hitan (Valley of Whales) site in Cairo, Egypt. This site was once a shallow sea during the Eocene period and is remarkable for its wealth of marine fossils. While excavating the specimen, the paleontologists also found the remains of sharks, large bony fish, and, most numerously, bones from Dorudon atrox, a smaller species of ancient whale. The skeleton of Basilosaurus isis was distinct from other skeletons in the cluster, containing pointed the specimens incisors and sharp cheek teeth as well as bones. Most of the fish, and the remains of Dorudon atrox showed signs of breakage and bite marks, were fragmented, and tended to be clustered within the body cavity of the Basilosaurus isis specimen. One hypothesis to explain the clustering of these remains was that Dorudon atrox had scavenged the Basilosaurus isis carcass and fish, the researchers said. However, the Dorudon atrox specimens were juveniles, capable only of drinking mothers milk. Bite marks on prey skulls also indicated predation rather than scavenging, since predators commonly target the head. Basilosaurus isis was a top predator which ate its prey live, rather than by scavenging, they said. The remains of fish and juvenile Dorudon atrox in the cluster are remnants of previous Basilosaurus isis meals, while the teeth of sharks indicate postmortem scavenging. The Wadi Al Hitan site was a whale calving site for prey whale Dorudon atrox, making it a hunting site for top predator Basilosaurus isis during the late Eocene. _____ M. Voss et al. 2019. Stomach contents of the archaeocete Basilosaurus isis: Apex predator in oceans of the late Eocene. PLoS ONE 14 (1): e0209021; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209021 New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/10/2019 -- The latest market intelligence study on the Tubing Cutter market applies the best of both primary and secondary research techniques to bring to light the growth rate of the Tubing Cutter market for the forecast period, 2018 - 2026. The comprehensive study covers hard to find facts about the market landscape as well as its growth prospects in the years to come. Most importantly, the research report includes vital statistics about the major vendors occupying a strong foothold in this industry. Besides this, in order to calculate the market share, the study takes a closer look at the selling price of the product across different regions. Request for Sample Copy of Tubing Cutter Market Report@ https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/27754 Scope of the Report: The researcher assessing the Tubing Cutter market dive deep to unearth intangible facts related to the key restraints, opportunities, and threats expected to shape the progress of the industry during the forecast period, 2018 - 2026. Significant evaluation of other factors such as demand and supply status, import and export, distribution channel, consumption volume, and production capability play a vital role in offering business owners, stakeholders and field marketing personnel a competitive edge over others operating in the same space. All important data are presented in self-explanatory charts, tables and graphic images that can be incorporated into any business presentation. Extensive data on market segmentation: The Tubing Cutter Market report divides the market of potential buyers into different groups, or segments/sub segments, based on various characteristics. The segments and sub segments identified contain buyer who are expected to respond or react similarly to certain products and services. The report further finds out consumers who share traits including similar expectations, interests, geography and needs. The segmentation sheds light on how some customers are likely to purchase a product or service than others to enable marketers allocate their focus as well as resource. Estimating the potential size of the Tubing Cutter industry: Industry experts conducting the study further estimate the potential of the Tubing Cutter industry. Such information is important for firms looking to launch an innovative service or product on the market. Industry experts have measured the total volume of the given market. Researchers have calculated the industry in terms of sales by the competitors and end-user customers. Data on the entire size of the Tubing Cutter market for a particular product or a service for the forecast period, 2018 to 2026 covered in the report makes it valuable. This information reveals the upper limit of the Tubing Cutter industry for a specific product or service. Market Segment on the basis of manufacturers, the report covers: RIDGID, VALUE BRAND, BEVEL TOOLS, ROTHENBERGER, WESTWARD, MILWAUKEE, BOSCH, HUSKIE TOOLS, STEELMAX, KLEIN TOOLS, KNIPEX, IMPERIAL, REED, WHEELER-REX, MAKITA, DEWALT, GENERAL, OTC, RATCH CUT, YELLOW JACKET, LENOX Most widely used downstream fields of Tubing Cutter market covered in this report are: - Tubing Installation Buy Tubing Cutter Market Report @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/checkout-form/27754 Market segment by Region/Country including: - North America (United States, Canada and Mexico) - Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia and Spain etc.) - Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia and Southeast Asia etc.) - South America Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Chile etc.) - Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia etc.) The study explores in details about the recent trend fast gaining momentum in the Tubing Cutter industry due to factors including but not limited to growing customer preference and a sudden rise in their spending capacity. Aspects attributed to the gross margin, profit, supply chain management and product value and their considerable impact on the development of the Tubing Cutter market during the forecast period, 2018 - 2026 is carefully scrutinized during the research. The research provides answers to the following key questions: - What is the estimated size of the Tubing Cutter market for the forecast period, 2018 - 2026? What will be the growth rate of the industry during the estimated period? - What are the prominent driving forces likely to impact the progress of the industry across different regions? - Who are the major market players occupying a strong foothold in the Tubing Cutter market? What are the winning strategies adopted by them to stay ahead in the competition? - What are the potential opportunities for the Tubing Cutter market for the forecast period, 2018 - 2026? There are 13 Chapters to deeply display the global Tubing Cutter market. Chapter 1 covers the Tubing Cutter Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force; Chapter 2 talks about the top manufacturers and analyses their sales, revenue and pricing decisions for the duration 2018 and 2026; Chapter 3 displays the competitive nature of the market by discussing the competition among the top manufacturers. It dissects the market using sales, revenue and market share data for 2018 and 2026; Chapter 4, shows the global market by regions and the proportionate size of each market region based on sales, revenue and market share of Tubing Cutter, for the period 2018- 2026; Continue Read More @ https://www.marketexpertz.com/industry-overview/tubing-cutter-market About MarketExpertz Planning to invest in market intelligence products or offerings on the web? Then marketexpertz has just the thing for you - reports from over 500 prominent publishers and updates on our collection daily to empower companies and individuals catch-up with the vital insights on industries operating across different geography, trends, share, size and growth rate. There's more to what we offer to our customers. With marketexpertz you have the choice to tap into the specialized services without any additional charges. Contact Us: John Watson Head of Business Development Market Expertz | Web: www.marketexpertz.com Direct Line: +1-800-819-3052 E-mail: sales@marketexpertz.com News: https://www.marketexpertz.com/market-news Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/10/2019 -- In the highly competitive and fragmented Europe specialty printing consumables market, a notable transformation has been observed from focus on traditional printing technologies such as lithographic and offset printing to digital ones such as laser printing in the past few years, observes a recent report by Transparency Market Research. This trend is expected to gain strength with time and an increasing number of companies operating in the specialty printing consumables market are expected to venture into the field of digital printing in the near future. Many companies, such as Electronics for Imaging, Inc., which acquired Reggiani Machine in 2015, a leader in digital textile printing machines, are already making their move into the world of digital printing. TMR estimates that the Europe specialty printing consumables market will exhibit a 3.7% CAGR over the period between 2016 and 2024. As a result, the market, which had a valuation of US$20.22 bn in 2015, is expected to reach US$28.21 bn by 2024. In terms of product variety, the segment of toners, which occupied nearly 51% of the market in terms of revenue, dominated in 2015. The segment is also expected to retain its dominance over the forecast period. In terms of geography, the market in Germany emerged as the most prominent consumer of specialty printing consumables in 2015. The market in Germany accounted for over 31% of the Europe market in the said year. Report Details: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/europe-specialty-printing-consumables-market.html Rising Adoption of Advanced Technologies to Bolster Market's Growth Prospects The Europe market for specialty printing consumables is chiefly driven by the rising use across the textile industry for textile printing applications, availability of effective technologies for printing processes, and rising applications in the packaging industry. Rising applications in the form of packaging printing and label printing are expected to make the packaging industry one of the key growth drivers of the Europe specialty printing consumables market in the near future. The growing volume of exports and online orders for products through e-commerce websites will add to the rising demand for printing consumables in the packaging and labelling sector in Europe. Request PDF Brochure: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=16067 Availability of cost effective and less time consuming printing techniques such as 3D printing are becoming a growing trend in the Europe specialty printing industry. The rising adoption of such technologies is opening new and diverse growth avenues for manufacturers of specialty printing consumables in the Europe specialty printing consumables market. In addition to this, the increasing adoption of technologies such as mobile and cloud printing are also expected to lead to growth opportunities for new players in the market in the next few years. Low-cost Printing Services from Asia Pacific to Restrain Market Specialty printing consumables companies in Europe are expected to bear the brunt of the cheaper printing services provided by countries in the Asia Pacific region. Vast investments in the printing industry in Japan and China, especially in the 3D printing sector, have helped the Asia printing industry become one of the most promising regional markets in the global printing industry of late. In addition to this, the availability of cheap labor and advanced technologies enable these countries to meet quality demands of the European consumer at a fairly lower cost as compared to European service providers. The European commission has stated that printing exports from China to Europe have increased by about four times over the past decade. The Europe market for specialty printing consumables is also expected to be restrained owing to the increasing rate of digitization, which is resulting in the rising preference of businesses to conducting their work online and using digital media substitutes instead of papers. This factors is expected to lead to a significant decline in the specialty printing consumables demand in the region in the next few years. View Report TOC: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/16067 Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/10/2019 -- In a highly consolidated business landscape, top five companies in the Iraq edible oils & fats market hold 70% of the overall market, states Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a new report. Marsan Gida San Ve Tic A.S. the holding company which owns five brands in the edible oil and fats category is a key factor for its high market share. Heavy investments for research & development, joint ventures, and mergers and acquisitions have been key competitive strategies adopted by key players in this market. Expanding production facility in cost-effective regions has also been on the growth chart of leading players in the Iraq edible oils & fats market. Request to view Sample Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=14888 According to a market study by Transparency Market Research, the Iraq edible oils & fats market is predicted to be worth US$2.3 bn by the end of 2025, rising at 6.0% CAGR between 2017 and 2025. The demand in the market was valued at US$1.4 bn in 2017. Vis-a-vis revenue, vegetable & seed oil product segment holds prominence in the Iraq edible oils & fats market. The segment is anticipated to hold the leading 51.3% of the overall market by 2025. Among the key regions, Baghdad is predicted to retain its dominance in the overall market through 2025. Substantial R&D to Develop High Quality Products to Benefit Market Primarily fuelling the Iraq edible oils & fats market is increasing demand for high quality edible oil. High quality edible oils are rich in vitamin E, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and omega-3. They have a high smoking point which helps retain nutritional value at higher temperatures. To cater to this demand, large companies involved in the production of edible oils in the country are engaged in research and development to manufacture high quality products. These companies are also making efforts to develop edible oils & fats for health savvy consumers. Read Report Overview @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/edible-oils-fats-market.html The increasing consumption of processed food which are mainly oil based has also been a key factor behind the growth of Iraq edible oils & fats market. Changing lifestyle and changing eating habits are fuelling demand for ready-to-eat packaged food. This is favoring the growth of Iraq edible oils & fats market. The growth of the tourism sector holds potential for the growth of Iraq edible oils & fats market. Due to decades of war, closed regimes, and recurrent political instability the Iraqi tourism sector is currently underdeveloped and neglected. However, as political stability and economic development gains momentum, Iraq has the potential to emerge as a global tourist destination. Long considered a destination for pilgrims, leisure tourism is pacing up albeit in low numbers. This is likely to indirectly benefit the edible oils & fats market. Apart from this, rising population leading to the increase in per capita consumption of edible oils is spiking the growth of Iraq edible oils & fats market. This, along with increasing disposable income of consumers which has led to increased spending on dining out and purchase of ready-to-eat foods. Political Instability and Weak Economic Growth Challenges Market On the downside, political disturbances and economic upheavals are a key restraint to the growth of Iraq edible oils & fats market. Weak economic condition of large population along with rising population living below the poverty line due to the ongoing conflict have been the reasons International Monetary Fund has provided grant. Moreover, high costs of extraction of various types of cooking oils is restricting the entry of new players. This is slowing the growth of Iraq edible oils & fats market. The Padres and Robbie Erlin have avoided arbitration for a second year. The 28-year-old left-hander will make $1.45 million this year, up from $650,000 in 2018 as he returned from Tommy John surgery. The Padres have not confirmed the settlement. Erlin was 4-7 with a 4.21 ERA, 88 strikeouts and a 1.14 WHIP in 109 innings, although he provided his best work out of the bullpen (2.05 ERA in 52 2/3 innings). The Padres have jettisoned left-hander Clayton Richard, but Erlin will have to impress in spring training to win a rotation job outright. Advertisement The team remains on the lookout for starting pitching, but is also expected to let its young arms think prospects Chris Paddack, Logan Allen, Cal Quantrill and Michel Baez fight for jobs alongside the likes of Joey Lucchesi, Eric Lauer, Matt Strahm, Bryan Mitchell and Luis Perdomo. Other arbitration-eligible Padres include closer Kirby Yates, catcher Austin Hedges and outfielder Travis Jankowski. Friday is the deadline to exchange figures. MLBTradeRumors.com projects Yates at $3 million, Hedges at $1.8 million and Jankowski at $1.4 million. Erlin was projected for $1.1 million. Advertisement Padres Videos On Now Padres pitcher Chris Paddack on start vs. Mariners and possibility of making rotation On Now Meet the Padres: Ian Kinsler 5:18 On Now Catching up with Padres OF Franmil Reyes 5:18 On Now Meet The Padres: Greg Garcia 5:11 On Now Catching up with Padres reliever Craig Stammen 5:33 On Now Meet the Padres: Logan Allen 6:23 On Now Meet The Padres: Manny Machado 9:08 On Now Meet The Padres: Chris Paddack 5:08 On Now Three things that stood out from Machado's first day with the Padres 1:53 On Now Padres manager Andy Green on Machado joining his roster jeff.sanders@sduniontribune.com; Twitter: @sdutSanders If you are thinking about traveling to Italy or Croatia, the North San Diego Business Chamber has two discounted trip opportunities this year open to everyone. The deadline to sign up for the Tuscany trip is Jan. 20, while early bird pricing for the Croatia trip closes on March 29. Were offering the opportunity for the community to travel with chamber and community members at competitive and inclusive rates, said Debra Rosen, chamber president and CEO. The chamber has organized several other trips in recent years, including those to China, Spain, Italy, Ireland, South Africa and the Rhine River. Chamber trips are ideal for those traveling alone or with friends, and a great deal featuring all-inclusive travel destinations, said Melissa DeLaCazada, who has gone on all the trips. Ive visited countries (Ive) always dreamed of visiting and felt completely comfortable and safe doing so with the chamber. The Tuscany trip, scheduled for March 20 to 27, includes visits to many Italian landmarks. Per the chambers website, destination highlights include the medieval towns of Montecatini, Lucca, Siena and San Gimignano; scenic drives through gentle rolling hills of Tuscany; and opportunities to viewing Renaissance art and architecture in Florence and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Also on the itinerary are the Piazza dei Miracoli, the Pisa Baptistery of St. John and Duomo, experiencing the magic and spectacular scenery of Cinque Terra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and wine tasting in the Chianti Classico wine region. The tour will also include a visit to Rome and Vatican City, where travelers will get to see the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. Cost for the eight days and six nights trip starts at $2,599 per person (double occupancy). It includes roundtrip bus between San Diego and Los Angeles, roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles, first-class hotel accommodations for six nights, nine meals, a sightseeing tour program that includes all entrance fees and a cultural discovery series that lets participants learn about the local economy and social systems. The cost also includes a professional tour directors assistance while in Italy and transportation. A trip extension to spend a couple more days in Rome, go on optional tours or have single occupancy accommodations are available for additional cost. The Croatia trip, scheduled for Oct. 4 to 12, is a cruise aboard the M/S Splendid, a private 38-guest vessel that can access small, unspoiled ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, according to the chambers website. The cruise along the Adriatic Coast will include visiting inlets, bays and ancient coastal towns, including the medieval city of Dubrovnik. Travelers will also see Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque art and architecture, the lavender-scented lanes in Hvar, island of Brac, Old Town of Bol and Split Croatias second-largest city. It also includes the Diocletians Palace in Split, Korcula and Mljet National Park. Early bird pricing for the nine days and seven nights trip starts at $3,499 per person (double occupancy) if reserved by March 29. After that it starts at $3,599. It includes roundtrip airfare from San Diego, first-class accommodations for seven nights about the M/S Splendid, 15 meals, ports of call, a guided walking tour program and a cultural discovery series that lets participants learn about the local economy and social systems. The cost also includes assistance from a professional cruise director and tour guide plus other fees. An optional tour extension in Dubrovnik is available for an additional cost. For details, go to SDBusinessChamber.com or call 858-487-1767. Email: rbnews@pomeradonews.com Thermal Storage Systems Inc., a small but innovative high-tech company in Ramona, is gaining traction with the U.S. Army and UCLA researchers during its process of developing solar storage technology. The companys system being built and tested in an industrial facility at the corner of Olive and Maple streets collects solar energy, concentrates and stores the energy in a patented device, then delivers the energy as needed around the clock, whether the sun is shining or not. Practical applications for the device, dubbed Helia, include providing solar power to heat water for kitchens and latrines in remote locations such as the militarys Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Afghanistan, mining camps, refugee camps and, closer to home, for apartment buildings. Thermal Storage Systems Chief Technology Officer Alan Spero said Helia is more efficient than traditional solar hot water heaters, in part because the device follows the sun to capture maximum energy. Spero sees it as a cost-effective alternative to existing solar storage units and expensive jet fuel the Army currently uses at its FOBs. He believes Helia could pay for itself within two years. The Helia being built and tested in Ramona collects and stores energy, then delivers the energy for uses such as heating water in remote locations. Julie Gallant Spero describes the Helia as a 12-foot-by-12-foot mirror that reflects light and concentrates the light into a 2-inch receptacle. As the sun moves, a sensor detects the motion and adjusts the direction of the Helia. It swings across a track and moves up and down, Spero said. A sensor helps keep it pointed at the sun all day. We collect the energy and store it, so when the sun isnt shining it draws on the storage. The storage of energy is patented. Spero said the device generates about 7,000 watts, which is enough energy to power about six houses running on up to 1.5 thousand watts each when multiple electrical devices are on. Thermal Storage Systems initial design was a basic device, but the second prototype was carefully engineered and built and is entering a third prototype stage. Spero said the third prototype has 16 mirrors bolted on the device to produce 30 percent more power than the second prototype. The Army tested Helia at Fort Devens near Boston and approved a contract for further development. Spero said his crew are working feverishly to get the third prototype delivered to the Army in Boston, and if further testing is successful, the next step would be to begin producing a limited number of them. Although Helia is not in operation at any Army bases yet, Thermal Storage Systems has designed its structure to be able to fit two Helias in a standard Army shipping container, or 6-foot, 6-inch long Tricons. The simplicity of the design facilitates assembly with few tools. The design is that four people can take it out of the container and assemble it in the field in less than four hours, Spero said. It was a real challenge to make something this big get into that box. This rendering shows future potential uses of the Helia solar storage device at an Army Forward Operating Base. Alan Spero Spero is also working with a postdoctoral student and two graduate students from UCLA who are working on a different method of storing energy. Spero said Thermal Storage Systems has agreed to help UCLA test its device by providing the solar energy needed to run their tests. Theirs works at a lower temperature than ours, Spero said. Theirs has a different storage concept, but were supplying them with solar power. Spero said he began working on the Helia concept about six years ago based on an idea for storing energy. He said he woke up early one morning and started investigating the concept and decided it could actually work. He eventually obtained a patent for the procedure, then formed Thermal Storage Systems to commercialize it. Equipped with a Ph.D. in theoretical physics from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, Spero describes himself as more of a theorist than engineer who has done research in cosmology and general relativity. He has worked at Northrop Grumman, General Atomics, Aerojet Rocketdyne and spent 20 years at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in addition to teaching physics at Northern Michigan University for five years. I retired about eight years ago, he said. I failed at retirement. This is the second solar company I started. Spero runs the company with a business partner, Stephen Wyle, located in Hollywood where the corporate office is based. He has two employees and outsources some of the work to machine shops including WinterMotorsports in Ramona. Safety is a concern at the Ramona shop because the intensity of the power generated by Helia has the potential to burn wood or melt aluminum. Spero is hopeful of extending the commercial applications of Helia to the Marine Corps and apartments in Glendale. The people who didnt want television networks to cede a prime-time hour last night or, as it turned out, a prime-time 10 minutes to the president of the United States were implicitly giving Donald Trump a credit that he does not deserve. There is a kind of silver-tongued orator who can persuade in any situation, who like Caesars Mark Antony can find a crowd leaning one way and leave them stirred up for the opposite cause, who is legitimately dangerous when given a rostrum or a soapbox or a prime-time speech. But that is not our president: His rhetoric is a bludgeon, and what we saw last night was just an attempt to club his enemies and critics with the same arguments he has made a thousand times before. In fairness to Trump, the immigration bludgeon was effective once for two reasons that played out in surprising ways across the 2016 campaign. First, Trump-the-candidates dire warnings about criminals and terrorists crossing the southern border dovetailed with two 2016-specific trends the spike in violent crime after decades of decline, and the rash of Islamic State-inspired attacks on both sides of the Atlantic. Second, the extremity of his rhetoric persuaded skeptics of mass immigration, long burned by politicians of both parties, that Trump would not betray them. In a political landscape where every year seemed to bring a new bipartisan push for amnesties and immigration increases, his xenophobic style was an effective political marker for anyone with inchoate anxieties about immigration. You did not have to literally believe that he would build the wall and make Mexico pay for it to regard that wild promise as evidence that he would be more genuinely restrictionist and hawkish on the issue than politicians merely paying lip service to border security. But the problem for Trump is that presidents have to deal with changing circumstances and cope with unexpected crises, not just fulminate in the same style regardless of the context. And the world of 2019 looks different than the world in which he campaigned. Advertisement The crime rate did not keep rising, the pace of terror attacks has not quickened, and fate has given him an immigration crisis that is substantially different than the crisis of murderers and terror plotters that he invoked in his campaign rhetoric a humanitarian crisis, a crisis of families and children, in which the problem is not the people that we cant catch crossing the borders but the people who surrender willingly, hoping to exploit our overstrained asylum system and disappear with their kids into the American interior. A more supple strategist and orator than our president might have been able to adapt his tough-guy proposals to this complicated new reality, and in the process to exploit the Democrats core vulnerability their difficulty figuring out exactly what kind of deportation policies, if any, their base will allow them to support. Such an adaptation would have involved making two arguments in parallel. First, Trump could have argued that 15 years of increased spending on border security walls and fencing and other barriers very much included has played a big role in reducing the old kind of illegal immigration, in which single young men cross the border looking for work. My proposed wall, really an expansion of steel fencing, would build on this success, he could have said, and build on policies that Democrats once voted for, in order to make sure the old rates of illegal immigration dont come back. Then, second, he could have explained the new challenge of family migration, admitted to mistakes (I know, imagine that) in the child separation policy of 2018, and emphasized that he is asking for more money and various legal and administrative changes to ensure that inhumane conditions can be improved, that families can be kept together, that the system can adjudicate, process and deport without last years performative cruelty. He could have even talked about the attempts at deal making with Mexico, the attempt at a bilateral arrangement that our southern neighbor would keep migrants on its territory while they applied for asylum on ours. If you parsed Tuesday nights 10 minutes of presidential words carefully enough you could find fragments of these arguments but only fragments, shored around an argumentative edifice that was just the same old 2016-vintage Trumpian warnings about how (to quote Voxs Dara Lind) immigrants are coming across the border to kill you. And this IACATBTKY argument just does not match up with the news that most Americans consume. There is no rising immigrant crime wave at the moment, no wave of terror attacks by border jumpers, the immigrant caravan did not end in bloodshed, and the dominant images from the current border crisis are pictures of exhausted parents and frightened, incomprehending kids. So what we heard from the president was a play to people deep in the Trumpian bubble, a pledge to his electoral rump that he is still fighting the fights he promised two years ago even if the facts on the ground require a somewhat different strategy. Advertisement Where the rest of the country was concerned, including many voters a more effective president would be trying to win over or win back, it was almost certainly just a waste of breath. Douthat is on Twitter, @DouthatNYT. Democrats share blame for partial shutdown Re Tantrum in progress (Jan. 4): Steve Breens cartoon on blaming the government shutdown on a tantrum in progress by Donald Trump illustrates his bias. The Democrats have as much to do with the shutdown as Trump. Havent they also drawn a line in the sand with their position of no funding for a wall? Arent the Democrats just as complicit in this shutdown by their position? Lets fix the immigration problem. Lets address Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Lets quit pointing fingers at each other and get something done. Breen should take the high road and point out that both sides are to blame. Why is Trumps line in the sand any different than the Democrats? Breens cartoons should address the real issues facing this country. This type of cartoon just contributes to the divisiveness that defines Washington politics where nothing gets done. The notion of government for the people has been abandoned for government for the politicians. Dean Dwyer Advertisement San Diego Democrats tried to put forth a compromise To say the Democrats share the blame is incorrect. The Democrats have already passed a bill to end the shutdown and the bill includes more than $1 billion for border security. This bill would probably pass in the Senate also, but Mitch McConnell doesnt want to embarrass the president due to party politics. Donald Trump said he would build a wall and Mexico would pay for it. And now that everyone knows that was a lie, he wants $5 billion of U.S. taxpayer money to start building his wall and labeling it a crisis at the border ala the movie Crisis is Our Brand. Since he is not getting his funds this instant, he has shut down the government and hurt untold thousands of U.S. citizens as a result. This is certainly the signs of someone having a tantrum for not getting his way. Edward Knowles Bay Park Freeze debt payments until shutdown ends Advertisement Many federal workers on involuntary leave and without paychecks are already suffering financially. Congress should pass an emergency measure to freeze payment requirements for these workers for essentials such as mortgage and car payments as well as gas and electric bills. The payment freeze ends when the government shutdown is resolved. Jerome Litvinoff Del Cerro Advertisement Make legislators, not federal workers, suffer Re Shutdown negotiations fail to yield progress (Jan. 6): Lets try something innovative. Why not pay the government workers, but not pay those in Congress until they work out a deal for the sake of America? Why dont we try something different and let the people causing the problem suffer for a change? Those elected officials dont give a flying Fanzini about the workers of this country. Phyllis Russell Advertisement Oceanside Fans of fact-checking weigh in on article Re Fact-checking Trumps speech about wall and border (Jan. 5): I appreciate the U-Ts recent article dedicated to fact-checking Trump. Although fact-checking online (PolitiFact and Snopes) is routine for me, I would love to see a weekly (daily) article dedicated to fact-checking him. It would help readers to keep up on his constant love affair with spreading outright lies, spinning ridiculous conspiracy theories and making dubious accusations. Advertisement Newspapers have the means and the obligation to set the record straight, especially with Trump, who tweets falsehoods daily, doesnt take advice from anyone (even those who he hired as experts) and has no understanding of or regard for political protocol, American history or world events. Melissa Whipple San Diego This piece is so helpful in promoting truth and blurring the flood of daily distortions and lies by our current destructive leader. Advertisement You and the media will never overdo such fact-checking as long as he continues to promote his plans and ideas with baseless falsehoods, every day at every opportunity. Please do more of it. How can 40 percent of our citizens continue to support him? R. Larry Schmitt San Diego Letters and commentary policy The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below. Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook. The GOP doesnt think theres a border crisis Re Trump makes appeal to fund border wall (Jan. 9): If actions still speak louder than words, consider that during the past two years, while Republicans controlled all the levers of government, they did not pass any measure remotely connected to reforming the immigration system, and did not even take up funding for Donald Trumps border wall. On policies that mattered to that majority i.e. corporate tax relief and judicial nominations they got things passed in short order. Conclusion, the status quo at the border suits the Republicans just fine. Joseph S. Carmellino Advertisement San Diego Walls have be used effectively all over Re Trumps border wall: To build or not to build? (Dec. 28): It is truly amazing to me when I read these absurd arguments that a physical barrier on our southern border would not be effective. The facts dont lie. In every nation where they have been employed they have been effective. Next, we have people like Nancy Pelosi come out and call the wall immoral even though when the Democrats were in power they all supported some sort of barrier on our southern border. What is even more offensive to me however, is that a Catholic/Christian woman like Pelosi, who embraces and supports the abhorrent practice of abortion, calls someone who wants to protect our American citizens from drugs, gangs and human traffickers immoral. I sure would like to know how technology (e.g., a drone) can physically stop someone from crossing the border as well. Larry Kovalchik Murrieta Advertisement History shows most walls eventually fail If Trump doesnt learn from history I fear we will have to repeat it. The walls of Jericho succumbed to a trumpet. Greek armies couldnt breech the walls of Troy but the Trojans ultimately welcomed a horse-full of trouble. (40 percent of our illegals simply overstayed their welcoming visas.) The Great Wall of China? What is now a tourist attraction in its time facilitated smuggling abetted by corrupt officials and border officers, incurred significant continued maintenance and monitoring costs, and had significant ecological effects. Advertisement The Maginot Line was to provide the equivalent of a defensive wall against a German invasion of France. Hitler just went around it. The walls in Israel have effectively reduced terrorism, but at a cost of loss of sympathy for Israel and damage to Palestinians and peace prospects. In short, walls are problematic. They cost more and achieve less than expected. Polls show the general public agrees. Rick Dunn San Diego Advertisement Trump is doing what needs to be done Re Tantrum in progress (Jan. 4): Steve Breens Friday cartoon is really missing the issue. We must have a barrier at the border to protect the citizens of this country. Just drive through any upscale neighborhoods and they all have some kind of walls or gate. It is not a president tantrum, it is a protection for U.S. citizens. Wake up, Breen, and see what we really need. A barrier plus some high-tech items. Former presidents always promised to protect our borders. I start with Ronald Reagan and all those who followed until we voted for one that really means what he has promised. Stop spreading hatred about our current president. Some of us think he is doing what needs to be done. P. Schonfeld Advertisement San Diego Nation was conned and were all paying for it Remember, when the real issue was income inequality and stagnant middle-class incomes? Illegal immigrants may or may not cause this, but theyre a handy and probably racist foil. They look different and some dont speak English. The symbolic fix for this was the wall. A good con artist promises to give you something for nothing, so Mexico was to pay for it. Advertisement Then the symbol turned into the issue and whether we foot the bill in this con game. Same goes for unfair trade, where the Chinese were going to pay to fix it. Also a subliminal racist pitch, but we, not the Chinese, end up paying the tariffs in this part of the con game. Bob Schmidt La Jolla Democrats like walls but just dont like Trump Advertisement So, walls dont work? Ask any East German who tried to escape to the west if the Berlin Wall was a deterrent to them and worked? Then there is another wall that was built for the same thing, to keep invaders out that was called the Great Wall of China. Walls are built around prisons to keep people from escaping. Rich people build walls around their homes to keep unwanted guests from entering. Everyone in the Border Patrol from the top on down to the boot on the ground, say that walls are effective. But, the Democrats hate Trump so much they will forgo logic, facts and our nations security to obstruct something they have always supported. I hope the rest of the American people can see how ignorant the Democrats point of view really is and support the wall and the rest of his border security measures. Kevin Konczal San Diego Advertisement Trumps wall would cost more than hes seeking I think that many people think that Trumps wall can be built for the $5 billion he is now requesting from Congress. The actual cost of building his 30 or 40 foot tall wall that has a foundation that extends 10 or more feet below grade will cost at least $21 billion, a number formulated by his Homeland Security Department. Engineers at MIT estimate the cost to be at least $40 billion. If built, this wall will primarily be a tribute to the vanity of the 45th President. Mike Reardon Fallbrook Advertisement Beware of emergency declaration by Trump Re Trump sticks to funding demand (Jan. 7): The ability of the president to act by declaring a national emergency reminds me of the Enabling Act of 1933, which turned Adolf Hitler into an absolute dictator. The fact that the president has to inform Congress of his actions doesnt sound like much of a deterrent. An irresponsible president could accomplish quite a bit by declaring emergencies, it seems. Richard Maheu Advertisement San Diego Crisis presidential address was not believable A presidential address from a pathological liar with a tenuous grasp on reality? Why bother? You cant believe anything he says. Tom Harpley Advertisement San Diego Donald Trump used some pretty compelling rhetoric to plead his case during his televised speech. There indeed is something right and wrong but it is in regard to his flagrant obfuscation of facts and his outright fearmongering. There is also a lot of immoral activity going on but it has to do with the utter lack of compassion our government has shown for the desperate families seeking legal asylum while escaping poverty and violence. The only crises we face is the tyranny of Donald Trump and his Republican sycophants. Advertisement Regina Hanan Scripps Ranch Letters and commentary policy The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below. Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook. President Donald Trumps Twitter declaration on Wednesday that he had ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to withhold funds from California unless they get their act together on forest management showed both a lack of understanding for how that money is spent and a lack of compassion for the fire survivors relying on it. Yes, its plain that the state should have been more aggressive in addressing the forest conditions that have helped fuel the awful wildfires of the past several years. A February 2018 Little Hoover Commission report knocked the state for policies that emphasized fire suppression instead of clearing 129 million dead trees from Sierra Nevada forests and using controlled burns to clear out underbrush. But California leaders have already accepted and acted on this criticism. The state has increased and plans in coming years to further boost its forest management funding. Meanwhile, its undeniable that the federal government, not just the state government, has also dropped the ball on forest management. There are 33 million acres of forest in California. More than half are controlled by the federal government. State and local governments manage 3 percent. The remaining land is privately controlled. Federal government indifference to fire risks on lands it controls is not new. In 2008, The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board decried the George W. Bush administrations steady decline in federal fire prevention efforts in an era in which blazes are growing in number, intensity and duration. And as wildfire risks have soared in the West because of dry, hot conditions related to global warming, the U.S. Forest Service budget has been cut by more than $2 billion since 2016. Advertisement This historical backdrop is why on Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom joined Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee in sending a compelling, justified letter to the Trump administration asking the U.S. government to double its spending on forest management. The letter noted that of the $111.3 million that California had spent on forest management since 2017, nearly half was on federal lands. Was it this letter and its implied criticism of the Trump White House that led the president to lash out? Was it the war of words Trump has had with newly reinstalled House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a San Francisco Democrat? Was it the presidents desire to change the topic from the federal government shutdown that he has forced without the support of many elected Republicans and that has halted federal wildfire preparations? Who knows. Can he withhold FEMA funding? Will he? Few knew that Wednesday, either, as Trumps self-indulgent, impulsive management style drew the ire of Democrats and Republicans alike. In their own polite way, the Republicans who represent the Northern California community that suffered the states worst wildfire of all the Camp fire that killed 86 people and torched nearly 14,000 homes in November had the most damning words for Trump. Calling that fire one of the worst disasters in our nations history, state Sen. Jim Nielsen, R-Tehama, and Assemblyman James Gallagher, R-Yuba City, wrote: We thank the president for being attentive and personally visiting the community to tour the devastation. This Twitter war, however, is not helpful. It will not solve the problem. We can all agree that peoples lives and livelihoods are at stake, they wrote. There is no higher priority. That is why the presidents threat to withhold FEMA funds from California is wholly unacceptable. He made a commitment to the people who have lost everything in these fires, and we expect the federal government to follow through with this promise. So let us work together. ... [We] need cooperation and funding from the federal government to address the huge buildup of fuels on federal land. That is what Californians have every right to expect. But we should probably expect the worst. In Donald Trumps White House, alas, chaos is far more common than competence. Twitter: @sdutIdeas Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion President Trump did something Tuesday night that he has rarely done since taking office: He used the presidential bully pulpit to reach beyond his hardcore base of supporters to make his case to the American people as a whole. Speaking from the Oval Office for the first time during his presidency, Trump embraced our countrys tradition as a nation of immigrants, declaring America proudly welcomes millions of lawful immigrants who enrich our society and contribute to our nation. He then offered a cogent explanation for why he believes we face what he called a humanitarian crisis a crisis of the heart and a crisis of the soul along our southern border. He pointed out the human cost of our broken system to illegal migrants themselves, expressing compassion for the children [who] are used as human pawns by vicious coyotes and ruthless gangs and the women [who] are sexually assaulted on the dangerous trek up through Mexico. He shared heartbreaking stories of Americans killed by criminal aliens who had no right to be here including a police officer in California who was murdered, a 16-year-old girl who was brutally stabbed in Maryland, and an Air Force veteran who was raped and beaten to death. Advertisement Ive held the hands of the weeping mothers and embraced the grief-stricken fathers, Trump declared. I will never forget the pain in their eyes, the tremble in their voices, or the sadness gripping their souls. And he laid out his solution, which he explained was developed by law enforcement professionals and border agents and includes funds for cutting-edge technology, more border agents, more immigration judges, more bed space and medical support and $5.7 billion for a physical barrier that he called just common sense. Without naming her, Trump responded to the absurd charge from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, that a wall is immoral. Democrats voted repeatedly for physical barriers until he was elected president, he noted. If a wall is immoral, Trump asked, why do wealthy politicians build walls, fences and gates around their homes? They dont build walls because they hate the people on the outside, but because they love the people on the inside. The president did not unilaterally declare a national emergency. Instead, he called for compromise and said, To those who refuse to compromise in the name of border security, I would ask: Imagine if it was your child, your husband, or your wife, whose life was so cruelly shattered and totally broken? He was, in short, presidential. Democrats insisted on equal time, which is highly unusual for presidential addresses other than the State of the Union. It was a mistake. In contrast to Trump, Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York came across as small and intransigent. While Trump spoke calmly and rationally from behind the Resolute Desk, the Democratic leaders accused him of pounding the table and having a temper tantrum. While Trump told human stories, they complained about process. Advertisement They accused him of arguing that the women and children at the border were a security threat when he had just explained to the American people that they were victims, too. They charged him with using the backdrop of the Oval Office to manufacture a crisis, stoke fear and divert attention from the turmoil in his administration. They were partisan and petty, while Trump came across as reasonable and even compassionate. To normal Americans watching in the heartland, and who are not steeped in Trump hatred, the president must have seemed like the adult in the room. And, most important, Pelosi and Schumer failed to use the one word that millions of Americans were longing to hear compromise. But Trump did. That is why the president won the night. Schumer and Pelosi appealed to their base, while Trump made an effective appeal to persuadable Americans. Until now, Trump has owned the 18-day government shutdown that prompted this address, because hes the one who started it. But if Democrats continue to attack him, and wont entertain any compromise, soon the shutdown will be all theirs because theyre the ones who have refused to end it. Advertisement Thiessen is on Twitter, @marcthiessen. President Donald Trumps Oval Office address failed to sway most Californians on the need for a border wall, a new poll shows. Of the 614 registered voters surveyed across the state who saw the address, more than half said they oppose construction of a wall across the U.S. border with Mexico. A little more than one-third of the respondents, 34 percent, said they support this plan. A majority of those surveyed said the presidents remarks would divide Americans by using scare tactics and exaggerations. Only one in five agreed that the speech would unify Americans and cause them to rally around a shared goal. Thats one of the things that jumps out at me, said Ken Alper, news director of SurveyUSA, the firm that conducted the poll Wednesday for The San Diego Union-Tribune, 10News and KABC-TV Los Angeles. Advertisement Almost two-thirds of the people who watched the speech thought it would further divide Americans. To the extent the president had a goal with this, Im not sure he succeeded. However, this question prompted overwhelming agreement across ideological lines: if a wall was built, who would pay for it? American taxpayers, said 74 percent of Republicans, 78 percent of independents and 88 percent of Democrats. As a candidate, Trump had promised that Mexico would pay for the wall. Only a small fraction of respondents, 7 percent, still believe this. (The breakdown by party affiliation: 11 percent of Republicans, 4 percent of Democrats, 10 percent of independents.) The poll, Alper said, indicated that the average Californian has already heard enough about the proposed border wall to have a firm opinion on the subject. Most people have already made up their minds, he said. There were not a lot of surprises. Answers tended to reflect partisan divisions. For instance,nearly two-thirds of Republicans said the presidents comments were completely true or mostly true. In contrast, roughly three-quarters of Democrats said they were completely false or mostly false, a view that was echoed by almost half of the independents. Would the wall cut down on the number of immigrants illegally entering the U.S.? Yes, said about three-quarters of Republicans, nearly half of independents but fewer than one in five Democrats. Advertisement Two-thirds of the respondents blame President Trump for the government shutdown. Nearly six in 10 Republicans pointed to Democrats in Congress, while nearly one-third of Republicans faulted Trump. Given this lack of common ground, responses to the surveys final question may have caught pollsters by surprise. Asked how the shutdown will end, there was broad agreement 79 percent of Republicans, 63 percent of Democrats and 68 percent of independents that all parties will compromise a little. Fewer than one in 10 believe that Trump will embrace the Democrats proposals or that Democrats will come over to Trumps position. Advertisement Lifeguards pulled an unresponsive man from the high surf off Ocean Beach on Wednesday after he had gone into the water to rescue his dog, Fire-Rescue authorities said. Witnesses called for help about 1:50 p.m. after spotting the Nevada man face down in the water. He had run into the channel at Dog Beach, department spokesman Jose Ysea said. Lifeguards brought the man, said to be in his late 50s, to shore using a jet ski, then began life-saving efforts on the beach. He was still receiving CPR when medics took him to a hospital. The dog was OK, Ysea said. Advertisement The department tweeted out that the man may have been swept away by waves. SDFD lifeguards & medics responded to Dog Beach in OB for a swimmer possibly swept away by waves. Patient brought to beach & in CPR status. Please be safe along coastline with high surf & tide today. SDFD (@SDFD) January 9, 2019 Earlier in the day, high surf and tide led lifeguards to close Ocean Beach Municipal Pier for safety reasons. Waves were reportedly reaching public areas. The National Weather Services San Diego office reports a high surf advisory is in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday. .@SDLifeguards have closed the #OceanBeachPier due to #highsurf and high tide. Waves are reaching public areas of the pier and it will remain closed until the high surf event is over and lifeguards have deemed it safe to reopen. pic.twitter.com/xNiRNEG2Jd SDFD (@SDFD) January 9, 2019 teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Advertisement Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT A man using a cane was stabbed in the leg after getting off a bus on Wednesday, following an argument with a man who said he was moving too slowly, San Diego police said. The incident happened shortly after noon at a stop on El Cajon Boulevard at 43rd Street, Lt. Steve Shaw told OnScene TV. The victim was getting off the bus when he exchanged words with a stranger, an argument Shaw said police suspect was something about (the victim) moving too slow getting off the bus and moving from the sidewalk. The assailant pulled out a folding knife and stabbed the mans left leg, Shaw said. Advertisement The victim was taken to a hospital with a wound that was not considered life-threatening, Shaw said. The suspect, he said, appears to have some mental issues, and is known to be homeless by officers who patrol the area. He was taken into custody on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, a police spokesman said. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT Sheriffs officials on Wednesday released the name of a man fatally shot during a confrontation with deputies in a Lemon Grove restaurant over the weekend. Homicide Lt. Rich Williams said deputies shot Adolfo Gonzalez, 28, of San Diego, after he brandished a handgun in a Lemon Grove restaurant Saturday. Williams identified the deputies involved in the incident as Carlos Cenizo, Sean Daly and Casey Dow. All three are assigned to the Sheriffs Lemon Grove substation. According to Williams, a customer at a Del Taco on Broadway near state Route 94 called 911 shortly after 8:30 and said a man had just pointed a handgun at him inside the restaurant. Advertisement Soon after deputies arrived, the man pulled out a gun, Williams said. All three deputies opened fire. Deputies rendered first aid until medics arrived and took Gonzalez to a hospital, where he died. The sheriffs homicide unit investigates all deputy-involved shootings. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT Ocean Beach is the latest San Diego community to join a nationwide effort to keep neighborhoods clean and safe while also helping homeless people in their area. The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association recently launched its Clean & Safe Program to tackle graffiti abatement, keep sidewalks clean, provide solar lighting and install signs about cleanliness and security in the commercial areas. The business association also will work with local organizations that help homeless people to provide them with volunteer opportunities in the program. The OB Clean & Safe Program is one of several in the city and around the country with similar missions. Advertisement The largest local Clean & Safe Program is operated by the Downtown San Diego Partnership. City Heights, El Cajon, Hillcrest and Pacific Beach also have Clean & Safe programs, and similar programs by that name are in Sacramento and major cities in Hawaii, Oregon, Ohio and other places. Ocean Beach MainStreet Association Executive Director Denny Knox said the program introduced a few months ago isnt really new, but rather a rebranding of the organizations Public Safety Committee. We felt Clean and Safe Program better describes what were trying to do, she said. The safety component of the program is handled by the Harbor Patrol, which is contracted to provide security personnel on the Voltaire corridor, Newport Avenue district and Point Loma Avenue. Clean-up efforts in the community are handled by volunteers, including some homeless people who are recruited through social service agencies that partner with the association, Knox said. While the homeless people are not paid as they are in some other communities, an announcement about the program on the associations website states they will earn a sense of pride in helping create and maintain public spaces in their community. I know some of them like to have a purpose during the day, Knox said about homeless volunteers, adding that about eight homeless people have been among the hundreds who have pitched in at various beautification projects in the community. Advertisement Were involved with churches and different organizations that do outreach, Knox said. Were trying to deal with this new reality of so many people living on the street. The association raises money for the safety patrols in part through donations and prize drawings at the first Farmers Market of the month, held 4 to 8 p.m. each Wednesday on the 4900 block of Newport Avenue. Donatiosn also are accepted at the association office at 1868 Bacon St. and online at oceanbeachsandiego.com/obmastore/ob-clean-safe-program. Advertisement Homeless Playlist On Now San Diego hepatitis outbreak continues to grow: 481 cases On Now Homeless entrenched in booming tent city along Santa Ana River On Now San Diego mayor agreed to homeless hub, then delayed, advocates say On Now Homeless outreach in San Diego On Now Video: Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #8 On Now In poverty himself, 'Water Man Dave,' is the fearless saint of San Diego's homeless 5:41 On Now Video: Homeless living in cars find safe havens 2:21 On Now Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #7 On Now Pitching a tent plan for San Diego's homeless On Now Homeless efforts get $80M boost for various services gary.warth@sduniontribune.com Advertisement Twitter: @GaryWarthUT 760-529-4939 Two San Diego visitors, a 26-year-old conservative journalist and a 4-year-old child from Southwest Riverside County, both died after suffering rare neurological flu complications, according to the latest weekly influenza report released Wednesday by the county public health department. Both suffered from flu-associated encephalitis, severe brain swelling which can cause seizures, stroke, altered mental state and a range of other potentially-deadly complications. Dr. Eric McDonald, medical director of the countys Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch, said the two patients were not related in any way, adding that he could not say specifically which symptoms either case exhibited. They were typical of encephalitis in general, McDonald said. Advertisement Little information, including gender and reason for visiting San Diego County, was released regarding the four-year-old Wednesday. Much more is known about the 26-year-old woman who was previously identified as Bre Payton, a writer for a Washington publication who was discovered unconscious by a friend on Dec. 21. At the time, that friend said Payton had the flu and possibly meningitis. Meningococcal disease is a different but similar consequence of bacterial or viral infection but involves harmful swelling of the meninges protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord rather than of the brain itself. Many different pathogens that cause other well-known diseases, from herpes and West Nile to rabies and chicken pox, are known to cause encephalitis in rare cases. No formal nationwide estimate of the prevalence of influenza-associated encephalitis was available Wednesday from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, researchers estimated in 2012 that neurological complications during the 2009 H1N1 epidemic in California were present in 1.2 of every 100,000 flu cases with about 7 percent of cases experiencing encephalitis. If that ratio held true nationwide, it would translate to about 300 cases per year. According to the county, there was no record of Payton or the 4-year-old receiving their flu shots this year. McDonald said it is unclear why a tiny fraction of severe flu infections end up causing severe brain swelling. Because its so uncommon, we dont have a lot of chances to study it in detail, McDonald said. Advertisement Because Payton and the boy were visiting San Diego County, neither death will be added to the local flu season count which grew by two this week, reaching 11. Thats significantly less than the 91 deaths that had occurred through the first week of January last year. Health Playlist On Now Video: Why aren't Americans getting flu shots? 0:37 On Now Video: Leaders urge public to help extinguish hepatitis outbreak On Now San Diego starts cleansing sidewalks, streets to combat hepatitis A On Now Video: Scripps to shutter its hospice service On Now Video: Scripps La Jolla hospitals nab top local spot in annual hospital rankings On Now Video: Does a parent's Alzheimer's doom their children? On Now Video: Vaccine can prevent human papillomavirus, which can cause cancer 0:31 On Now 23 local doctors have already faced state discipline in 2017 0:48 On Now EpiPen recall expands On Now Kids can add years to your life Advertisement paul.sisson@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1850 Twitter: @paulsisson The woman who now holds the second highest position in California education was flunked in kindergarten. Lupita Cortez Alcala, a Tijuana native and Harvard University alumna who grew up in the San Diego area, was sworn in Wednesday as chief deputy to the new state Superintendent Tony Thurmond. She is the first Latina to hold the position. Alcalas family moved to the Poway Unified School District from Tijuana when she was three years old, after her father spent years crossing the border daily to earn enough money for a house there. The six people in Alcalas family lived off of one income, Alcala said. Alcala grew up balancing the pride that she and her family had of being Mexican-American with the discrimination that came with it. She said she felt the stigma that many attach to people who come from Tijuana. Advertisement We were ashamed for a while there, or at least I was, Alcala said. People had this certain connotation that Tijuana had this reputation. You wanted to fit in, you wanted to only speak English. Growing up, that was a little hard. When Alcala was in kindergarten, she was labeled as an academically deficient student because she didnt know English and spoke only Spanish, she said. She was held back in kindergarten a year and was often teased for it. It was in sixth grade, when Alcala got the chance to take Spanish as a language, that her grades noticeably started going up, she said. I started taking Spanish and I realized that, wow, it started clicking for me, she said. Alcalas story is a textbook example of why education experts are increasingly calling for a bilingual approach to teaching English learner students, something that Alcala has focused on in her own education career. There are more than 1.2 million K-12 English learner students in the state, according to the California Department of Education. We absolutely have to spend resources on high-quality dual immersion or bilingual education for English learner students, Alcala said. Were missing a critical opportunity and richness that students from other countries can provide. You have a wealth of knowledge and information and culture that youd be negating if you just wanted to throw them right into English and not value and know how to leverage what they bring to the table. To make that happen for English learner students, Alcala said that California needs not only more quality training for teachers, but services for English learner students physical and emotional needs. Thats because many of these students are refugees or living in or near poverty, on top of needing to learn English, Alcala noted. Alcala focused on language education and support for English learner students in the 12 years she served in the California Department of Education, where she was chief adviser to former state Superintendent Tom Torlakson and the deputy superintendent of instruction and learning support. She oversaw the formation of the departments English Learner Division and is credited with implementing the states Seal of Biliteracy program, which honors students who are fluent in two or more languages. Advertisement Alcala was most recently the executive director of the California Student Aid Commission, which is in charge of the states higher education financial aid programs. She was also chair of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls from 2015 to 2017. Lupita is a proven education leader with the experience, dedication, and talent to serve effectively as Chief Deputy of the California Department of Education, Superintendent Thurmond said in a statement about Alcalas swearing-in Wednesday. She has a record of achievement, deep knowledge of education policy, and the right mix of experiences. Alcala, who was a first-generation college student, is an alumna of the University of California San Diego and has a masters degree from Harvard Universitys School of Education. Before she worked for the California Department of Education, she was an academic counselor for UC San Diego, according to the California Student Aid Commission. Advertisement Kristen Taketa Email: kristen.taketa@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @Kristen_Taketa First there were the 911 calls, early in 2016, when Winnie Perry Whitby told sheriffs dispatchers his wife was posting sexual photos of him on Craigslist to advertise him for prostitution. She was insane, he said, and he feared that he was in danger, according to a detectives testimony Wednesday in El Cajon Superior Court. A year after those calls, the body of 49-year-old Melissa Estrada Whitby was found off a hiking trail not far from the couples home in the rural East County community of Jamul. Whitby was arrested last year and charged with murdering his wife, with an allegation that he used a knife. He faces 26 years to life in prison if convicted. Advertisement Sheriffs homicide detectives, deputies and the victims co-worker took the stand Wednesday on the first day of a preliminary hearing for a judge to decide whether there is enough evidence to hold Whitby for trial. The hearing is expected to conclude on Thursday. Homicide Detective Christi Ramirez testified that she collected recordings from the 911 calls Whitby placed in January 2016, making accusations against his wife. After one such call, Melissa Whitby made her own 911 call and asked for a Psychiatric Emergency Response Team to evaluate her husbands mental stability, Ramirez said. A deputy and a psychiatric clinician went to their home and ended up placing Winnie Whitby in a hospital for an evaluation. The deputy testified that Whitby told them he was feeling paranoid, believing his wife had people coming after him. Testimony then jumped to events on Dec. 30, 2016, when Melissa Whitbys co-workers at a San Diego nursing and rehab center worried about her failure to show up for work. Co-worker Olivia Moreno said Melissa Whitby, a registered nurse, always checked in if she wasnt coming in. Another employee called the Sheriffs Department to check the Whitby home. The deputy who made that check testified that the husband said he wasnt really worried because he and his wife had a loose marriage and didnt contact each other every day. Whitby slept in a separate room attached to the mobile home where his wife slept, the deputy said. Advertisement Whitby told the deputy his wife might be gambling at a casino. The last hed seen of her, he said, was when she asked him on Dec. 29 to go to a Star Wars movie with her and he declined. He went motorcycle riding around East County instead, the deputy said. At the deputys advice, Whitby called the Sheriffs Department the next day to make a formal missing persons report on his wife. Under cross-examination by Deputy Public Defender Kathleen Lee, the deputy said he saw no evidence of violence, a struggle or property damage at the Jamul home. Advertisement A former San Diego County deputy now with Ventura County, Alex Ferguson, testified that he followed up on the missing persons report on Jan. 3, 2017, and Whitby said he thought his wife might be having an affair. Ferguson said that four days later, two hikers reported finding a body off a dirt trail near Skyline Truck Trail, a few miles from the Whitby home. Some of the remains had been strewn around by animals, he said. That day, investigators traced the wifes last cellphone usage to a cellphone tower in the Casa de Oro area of Spring Valley, and her car was found in the area. Two small spots of her blood were found on the cars back bumper and brake light, homicide Detective William Clem testified. Advertisement Investigators who announced in October that they had arrested Whitby in Maryland on suspicion of his wifes slaying did not reveal what evidence linked him to the crime. That link was still not made clear in Wednesdays testimony. Among the witnesses expected to testify Thursday are crime scene analysts and a deputy medical examiner. Advertisement pauline.repard@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @pdrepard Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, announced Wednesday he had sent a letter asking President Donald Trump to intervene in the case of a San Diego-based Navy SEAL being held at the Navy Consolidated Brig on MCAS Miramar. Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward R. Gallagher, 39, is charged with committing multiple war crimes while on deployment in Mosul, Iraq, in 2017. He is charged with premeditated murder, shooting civilians and with attempting to obstruct justice by intimidating witnesses. He was arrested on Sept. 11 and has been confined to a military brig since. His trial is scheduled to begin Feb. 19. On Monday, Hunter visited Gallagher in the brig for about 45 minutes to an hour, according to Hunter spokesman Michael Harrison. Advertisement In a letter to the president, dated Monday, Hunter who himself served as a Marine infantry officer in Iraq and Afghanistan says the conditions at the brig are no way to treat an American war hero. Chief Gallagher has been forced into a general population which consists mostly of convicted sex offenders and pedophiles, Hunter says in the letter. Reportedly his children are required to wear hospital gowns while they visit, so that they may not bring unwanted attention from any of the other inmates. Chief Special Warfar Operator Edward R. Gallagher. (Courtesy photo) Hunter calls the policy irregularly harsh for someone that has not stood trial or even charged with any sexual misconduct charges. A Navy SEAL with eight combat deployments and two Bronze Stars with Valor deserves better, Hunter says. Among Gallaghers military decorations are two Bronze Star with combat V awards, signifying the SEAL had performed acts or services (while) exposed to personal hazard involving direct participation in combat operations, according to Navy regulations. Hunter goes on to say that Gallaghers brig confinement has interfered with his right to a speedy trial. In order for his current legal representation to meet with Chief Gallagher inside of the Brig, they first must obtain permission to enter the base and are forced to speak with their client in rooms that allegedly have cameras, guards and most likely microphones, Hunter says. These circumstances could directly interfere with his attorney-client privilege. Advertisement Although Hunter did not make specific requests of the president, in another statement Friday he described the Navy Judge Advocate Corps as over aggressive and the Navy justice system political. Hunter has made similar criticisms of the U.S Department of Justice for its prosecution of Hunter on campaign-finance charges and its investigation into the Trump campaigns dealings with Russia. Due to verifiable political nature of the Navys justice system, I believe that Chief Gallaghers matter needs to be taken away from the Navy and President Trump himself needs to personally review and dismiss this case, taking an American hero out of a prison cell and back on the front lines where he belongs, Hunter said in the statement. Harrison said on the phone Wednesday that the congressman would be watching developments in the case closely. (Gallagher) has not been convicted of anything, Harrison said. Advertisement A spokeswoman for Navy Personnel Command, which oversees the brig, said she could not comment specifically on Hunters statement Wednesday, but provided the brigs dress code and visitation rules to the Union-Tribune. It says excessively tight or revealing clothing, which includes shorts shorter than mid-thigh and shirts that dont cover the midriff, would be considered inappropriate for visitation. Gallaghers court martial on war crimes charges began Friday. Military prosecutors say that during a 2017 deployment in Iraq, Gallagher, who is also a medic, stabbed a wounded ISIS combatant under his care, then posed for photos next to the body. He is also accused of holding his reenlistment ceremony next to the teenage fighters corpse. Upon returning to San Diego and learning he was under investigation, prosecutors say Gallagher reached out to a network of former SEAL community members in an effort to leak the names of SEALs cooperating with investigators names he ascertained because their initials were printed on a search warrant authorities provided when they searched his home. Advertisement Attorneys for Gallagher told reporters after Fridays hearing that the SEALs actions that day in Iraq did not the cause the fighters death. The question in what hes being charged with is, Did he murder anyone? said Colby Vokey, one of Gallaghers attorneys. No, he didnt murder anyone. Neither Vokey nor Gallaghers other civilian attorney, Phillip Stackhouse, would comment on whether Gallagher stabbed the fighter in the neck, only saying he did not murder him. Gallaghers attorneys filed a motion Friday asking the judge, Capt. Aaron Rugh, to release Gallagher from the brig while hes awaiting trial. A ruling is expected this week. Advertisement Contact Andrew Dyer via email or Twitter. Shane Mauss brings his combination of comedy and science to San Diego with Stand Up Science with Shane Mauss at the American Comedy Co. The comedian and host of the popular podcast Here We Are will be joined on stage by local scientists and comedians for some traditional stand-up, guest speakers and performers, and a question-and-answer session with the audience. As a comedian, Mauss has performed all over the world and on television; as a podcast host, hes interviewed more than 200 experts and will be joined by author Ramin Nazer, UC San Diego professor Uma Karmarkar and University of Colorado Boulder professor Peter McGraw. Stand Up Science with Shane Mauss: 8 p.m. tonight. American Comedy Co., 818-B Sixth Ave., San Diego. $18. Must be 21 or older to attend. (619) 795-3858. americancomedyco.com San Diegos flagship theater nationally renowned for its devotion to the works of Shakespeare is rolling out a new professional training program aimed at keeping the Bards legacy thriving locally and beyond. The Old Globe has just announced a Classical Directing Fellowship, led by Barry Edelstein, the Balboa Park institutions Erna Finci Viterbi artistic chief and a prominent Shakespeare director and scholar. The Globe also has announced the programs first participants: Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, Daniel Jaquez, Sam White and LA Williams. Sonnenberg and Jaquez both live in San Diego, while White is from Detroit and Williams is New York-based. The quartet will be in residence at the Globe Jan. 22-26. Advertisement The new program, says the Globe, will focus on Shakespeares text; Edelstein will teach master classes and train the directing fellows to take the techniques they learn and implement them in rehearsals with professional actors. The work will culminate in a private presentation on the Saturday of the fellows tenure, plus subsequent, broader conversations about Shakespeare, his place in the culture and the directors role. The fellows also will meet with members of the Globes staff as well as representatives from the larger San Diego theater community. Im very happy to launch this new program and help enrich American Shakespeare, Edelstein said in announcing the fellowship. Artist training has been a huge part of my career, and Ive benefited from the mentorship and guidance of some wonderful Shakespeareans at many points in my artistic life. I care a great deal about the future of Shakespeare in America, and it seems only right that I do everything I can to provide opportunities to artists who treasure this work as I do. Our first cohort of fellows Daniel, Delicia, Sam, and LA has demonstrated the kind of passion and seriousness that I think merit support and encouragement. Im beyond delighted to be part of their trajectory in this way, and I look forward to this fellowship growing in both excellence and impact in the years ahead. A bit more info on the four inaugural fellows: Delicia Turner Sonnenberg is a co-founder and former artistic chief of the women-centered Moxie Theatre, where she continues to direct and serve in an advisory role. She is also one of San Diegos most prominent directors, with credits at the Globe, San Diego Rep, La Jolla Playhouse and numerous other companies. Daniel Jaquez is a freelance director, theater-maker and translator of plays; he also is a co-founder of TuYo Theatre, a new San Diego company aimed at producing and celebrating Latinx artists. He held numerous theater leadership roles in his former homes of New York and Seattle, and serves on the Latinx Theatre Commons Steering Committee. Advertisement Sam White is an artist, activist and founding artistic director of Shakespeare in Detroit. Her credits include the 2017 Paul Nicholson Arts Management Fellowship at Oregon Shakespeare Festival; she also recently served as assistant director for The Tempest at Canadas renowned Stratford Festival, and will direct Twelfth Night for Utah Shakespeare Festival later this year. LA Williams is a New York director focused primarily on new work. He recently staged Rated Black: An American Requiem for Next Door at NYTW, and has developed and directed new work at the Public Theater, Clubbed Thumb, the Eugene ONeill Theater Center and others. He also was the founding artistic director of the Black Directors Studio. Advertisement jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @jimhebert Its not rare for chamber-music ensembles to stay together a long time, and the Ariel Quartet has played together for two decades. Yet all the groups members are in their early 30s. The newest member, violist Jan Gruning, joined in 2011, but the other three have been friends since their early teens in Israel. While its not rare for chamber-music ensembles to stay together a long time, the Ariel Quartet has not only played together for two decades, they are all in their early 30s. The newest member, violist Jan Gruning, joined in 2011, but the other three have been friends since their early teens in Israel. This results in a seasoned, experienced, yet youthful group, known for its enthusiastic and passionate performances. The Ariel Quartet composed of violinists Gershon Gerchikov and Alexandra Kazovsky, cellist Amit Even-Tov and Gruning returns to the University of California San Diegos Prebys Concert Hall on Jan. 18. Its April 2017 appearance here was also presented by ArtPower. Advertisement Not long after Gruning joined the quartet, it became the quartet-in-residence at the University of Cincinnatis College-Conservatory of Music, where it remains today. Around the same time, Gruning and Even-Tov became a couple. They married in 2015 and have an almost-year-old daughter, named Ori. How do the longtime friendships among the group affect the music? Thats a loaded question, Gruning replied via email from his hometown of Munich, where he and his family were visiting over the holidays. Quartets in general are very tight-knit organisms, but I think its fair to say that for better or for worse we are special, in that the members started playing together since the ages of 12 and 13. This, of course, is not true for me, but since Amit and I are married, I dont feel that Im missing much in the way of closeness! The friendship and the music-making have always coexisted, so its the only way we know to function, he continued. I personally feel that the music-making, especially in a performance situation, benefits greatly from our friendship in that the level of care and emotional investment in the other members melt into the music in a very inspiring and positive way. Although the Ariel Quartets 2018 debut album presents its interpretation of works by Brahms and Bartok, the ensemble is embarking on a four-year endeavor performing the complete Beethoven string-quartet cycle, in honor of the composers 250th birthday in 2020. The quartet has performed the cycle at least six times. In fact, its website provides detailed information about the cycles early, middle and late periods, as well as accompanying video clips of related performances during the 2013-14 season in Cincinnati. At the quartets Jan. 18 ArtPower concert, the program will include Quartet in F major, Op. 18, No. 1, and Quartet in G major, Op. 18, No. 2, from the early period; Quartet in F minor, Op. 95, from the middle; and the final Quartet in F major, Op. 135. Featuring a piece from each of the periods, Gruning explained, offers insight into Beethovens compositional development. The familiarity with the pieces they will play and with one another should make for a characteristically animated and exciting concert. Perhaps more than other string quartets, the members of Ariel Quartet seem to be in constant communication. Advertisement First, there is a purely technical reason for that, Gruning said. While, of course, always relying on our ears, we also place importance on visual communication, in the form of a cue or a specific timing one has in mind. At the same time, we also know how to interpret each others looks and body movements as a form of expression, be it an enhancement of a musical thought or direction, or even in anticipation of a musical sound coloring. This, paired with the intimate knowledge we have of each other, helps tremendously in shaping a unified vision onstage and in the moment. More from Ariel Quartets Jan Gruning Touring with a baby: Ori is used to coming with us everywhere we go. She is still breastfeeding and therefore always backstage while we are onstage. She has been on well over 60 flights by now, but, on the upside, we both feel lucky to always be with her. Whos on first (violin): (Gershon Gerchikov and Alexandra Kazovsky switch off on first and second violin) They mostly just figure it out between the two of them, according to such parameters as musical preference and variety within a program, but also within a composers work. They feel this is a very special luxury as the first and second parts are different worlds entirely. If we could, I think all of us would love to experience playing each others instruments or rather, roles, in the quartet it would be fascinating! Animated stage presence: Our way to express ourselves is derived directly from the immediate feelings we experience by playing. At no point did we ever spend time thinking about how we look while performing, but the training we received from our mentors always encouraged us to dive deeper into the music and enable us to find the expressive depth we were and are looking for. At the same time, we are also quite outspoken and expressive people, so perhaps its a natural inclination! Advertisement ArtPower presents the Ariel Quartet When: 8 p.m. Jan. 18; 7 p.m. pre-performance Art Talk at The Loft Where: Conrad Prebys Concert Hall, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla Tickets: $40-$54 Phone: (858) 534-8497 Advertisement Online: artpower.ucsd.edu Wood is a freelance writer. New Beers Resolutions This year, resolve to get in shape, one pint at a time. San Diego has at least two brewery-sponsored running clubs, blending good cardiovascular workouts with good craft beers. Tonight, you can join the Thursday Beer Run Club, which meets 6:30 p.m. weekly at Eppigs Brewings Waterfront Biergarten, 2817 Dickens St., San Diego. After a three-mile jog around Shelter Island, most athletes return to Eppig to re-hydrate. Theres also the Mikkeller Running Club San Diego, which meets on the first Saturday of each month, at the brewery, 9366 Cabot Drive. The start time tends to vary, so check the clubs Facebook page, www.facebook.com/mrcsandiego. Theres a side-benefit, beside the obvious boost to your health. At Eppig, finishers are treated to $1 off the normal $7 pint price. Advertisement Most runners, noted brewery co-owner Stephanie Eppig, order a pilsner or another lager. Something light and refreshing, she said. But now that its getting colder, a few people are switching over to stouts and schwarzbier. Where to Drink Next This month, two much-anticipated brewpubs will debut in San Diego: 1. Gravity Heights, 9920 Pacific Heights Blvd. in Sorrento Mesa, has generated deafening levels of buzz for good reasons. The principals include Arturo Kassel, CEO of Whisknladle, and Charles Skip Virgilio, co-founder of AleSmith. Twenty-five years ago, Virgilio became the first local brewer to capture a Great American Beer Festival medal. Since selling AleSmith in July 2002, Virgilio dropped from the commercial brewing ranks. Hell soon return with a vengeance, rolling out 13 house-brewed beers when Gravity Heights opens. (The tentative date: Jan. 24.) Its been really fun and exciting, Virgilio said about his return. When I started edging back into it, there was some nervousness and theres still a little. His brewing team includes Tommy T.K. Kreamer, previously at Lost Abbey, and Mike Williams, formerly with Benchmark. 2. Joe Peach may sound like a native Californian, but his beers speak with a strong Kiwi accent. Pretty much everybody involved in the business is from New Zealand, said Joe Peach, head brewer at Kairoa, 4601 Park Blvd. in University Heights. Advertisement OK, Joe, but your SoCal English? I moved here when I was 10, so I pretty much lost my accent. Peachs beers lean heavily on New Zealands tropical, juicy hop varieties and hes partial to lagers. One of our specialty beers is a New Zealand-style pilsner, he said, very similar to a Northern German pilsner but it uses all New Zealand hops. Its slightly more bitter and has more of a citrus, lemon-lime character. The food, too, will have a Middle Earth flavor: pork sausage roll, green lipped mussels, meat pies and smoked lamb. Still, Peach is well-grounded in the local beer scene. Hes brewed for Poways Lightning and San Diegos Bitter Brothers. Advertisement At press time, Kairoa was awaiting its final inspection. If all goes well, the 24-tap, 10,500-square-foot establishment will open by months end. Kings of Beer If you cant beat em, brew em? Dominic Engels, Stones CEO, noted that roughly three out of every four beers sold in the U.S. is a lager, while Stone has focused on ales until now. This month, Stone Tropic of Thunder Lager (5.8 percent alcohol by volume) is rolling out to all 50 states. I suspect this will please craft ale fans and mass-market lager lovers alike. The hops here Citra, Mosaic and a newcomer, Cashmere are sweet and full. Theres a spritz of pineapple on the nose, and layers of tea, melon and green grapes please the tongue. The finish offers a hint of new-mown grass. TOT probably wont replace any of Stones better-known ales, but its a welcome and different addition to the catalog. Advertisement The Coors Caucus In a recent online video, prospective presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) hoisted a Michelob Ultra. Or, as she dubbed it, the club soda of beer. This blip from the campaign trail gawd, has it started already? inspired Tom Acitelli to dash off an article for The Washington Post: Why Elizabeth Warren and Every Would-Be President Prefers Macrobrews. The author of The Audacity of Hops: The History of Americas Craft Beer Revolution, Acitelli indicates that voters are divided into craft beer and macro beer camps. (He plants San Diego County in the former.) Do you agree? Read the whole essay at wapo.st/2CW95EP and share thoughts with Brewery Rowe (peter.rowe@sduniontribune.com). Advertisement Words to Drink By He was just annoyed because I told him the ale was too weak. I told him the true Highland brew requires an old boot to be added to the vat, and the final product strained through a well-worn undergarment. Frank Randall reveals his unique brewing technique in Diana Gabaldons Outlander (1994). Gabaldons 67th birthday is Friday. Advertisement Beer Videos Twitter: @peterroweut peter.rowe@sduniontribune.com Photo above: The Monday Plein Air Painters have been painting together for more than 20 years at their meetings on Monday mornings. The groups work was recently on display at the Fallbrook Art Center in the Salon and Lehman Galleries. The show, titled Still Together After All These Years. highlighted the style of each artist. Members of the group include, front row, from left, Eileen Pace, Sarah Meisenholder, Penny Fedorchak and back from left, Marialice Bopf, Phee Sherline and Carilyn Vice. (Not pictured is Ann Kreile.)The Art Center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at 103 S Main Ave. The works are for sale. Visit fallbrookartcenter.org. The Carlsbad Newcomers Club donated 228 pounds of canned goods and $1,685 to provide 8,425 meals for residents in need. From left is the Carlsbad Newcomers Food Drive Committee, including Jeanette Sullivan, chairman; Sharon Weiler and Karen Jacobs (courtesy) North County community events, news: CARLSBAD Advertisement Free sign language class starts Wednesday The Carlsbad Senior Center holds weekly English Conversation classes starting Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the center, 799 Pine Ave. Students will learn how to meet and greet deaf community members using American Sign Language. Each free class focuses on basic subjects that help students learn functional sign language along with a quick look at fingerspelling. Drop-ins are welcome. Call (760) 602-4650. Library holds parenting class this weekend A presentation on Mindful Stress Navigation: Parenting will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Carlsbad City Library Schulman Auditorium, 1775 Dove Lane. The class covers how to be fully present for joys and challenges of parenting and how to improve your health and relationship with your children. Visit carlsbadlibrary.org. ENCINITAS Free family concert Saturday at library A free Hutchins Consort Family Concert, Something Old, Something New, will be from 11 to 11:50 a.m. Saturday at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. The consort will start its 2019 family concert series playing some old tunes juxtaposed by modern melodies. Visit hutchinsconsort.org. ESCONDIDO Advertisement Piano Man to perform Sunday at arts center Piano Man A.J. Croce will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Tickets are $25-$40 at artcenter.org or at the ticket office, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., or (800) 988-4253. Visit artcenter.org/event/a-j-croce. Mindfulness and meditation retreat Mindfulness expert and author Julie Potiker leads a Mindfulness and Meditation Retreat, Grey Matter, from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at A Ship In the Woods. Park and ride at 272 E. Via Rancho Parkway. Cost is $75/$3 parking, including dinner from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Immersive Art & Music ($10 donation/$3 parking) is from 7 to 10 p.m. Potiker is the author of Life Falls Apart, But You Dont Have To: Mindful Methods for Staying Calm in the Midst of Chaos. Proceeds benefit nonprofit A Ship In the Woods. Visit MindfulMethodsForLife.com. Advertisement OCEANSIDE Motown Line Dance Party set for Sunday A Motown Line Dance Party will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, for ages 21 and older, hosted by El Corazon Senior Centers Center for Your Lifestyle, at 3302 Senior Center Drive. The event will feature Pam Jackson of StepNicely Dance as instructor. Jackson specializes in hosting Soul Line Dance classes and events in North County. There will be dancing and refreshments served courtesy of Fairwinds Ivey Ranch. Admission is $10 and tickets are at bit.ly/2Cfrvyz or the El Corazon Senior Center and the Country Club Senior Center or at the event. Lectures on giraffes, free speech Friday Advertisement The LIFE Lectures at MiraCosta College features speaker David OConnor on Working with Giraffes, at 1 p.m. Friday and Carla Demare on First Amendment Free Speech at 2:30 p.m. at the college, 1 Barnard Drive. There is a $1 parking permit at the machine in Lot A. Visit miracosta.edu/life or call (760) 757-2121, ext. 6972. RANCHO SANTA FE Animal shelter holds volunteer orientation Advertisement The Helen Woodward Animal Center is recruiting volunteers and holds a volunteer orientation from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the center, 6461 El Apajo Road. Volunteers are required to complete an orientation session. Visit animalcenter.org/get-involved/volunteer. The San Marcos City Council updated its massage ordinance Tuesday, to improve regulation of the citys massage businesses. The changes aimed to clarify rules passed in 2017 to ensure the health and safety of employees and customers at the citys 35 massage businesses. They included changes to tighten record-keeping by massage services and to ensure that all of their employees understand and follow the rules. And they added flexibility for owners, by allowing them to name managers who can run the business in their absence, rather than requiring the owner to be on site during all business hours. Starting in 2008, state law restricted local authority over massage businesses, turning licensing of massage therapists over to a state body, the California Massage Therapy Council. Officials said that made it harder for local governments to regulate and control those businesses. Advertisement In many jurisdictions including San Marcos, massage businesses proliferated rapidly, and became an enforcement issue, City Attorney Helen Peak said. In 2015, the state allowed cities to regulate licensing and zoning and to impose limited health and safety requirements for massage parlors. However, problems have continued, and some cities have reported problems with prostitution and human trafficking at massage parlors. In March, 2017, the National City Police Department found evidence of prostitution at three massage businesses during raids of those sites. In June of that year, two women were arrested on suspicion of prostitution at massage parlors in Fallbrook. And last September, the San Diego City Council began exploring stricter rules for massage businesses, which would allow the city to immediately shut down sites engaged in prostitution, human trafficking or other illegal activities. San Marcos has not reported those kinds of problems, but in January of last year, officials did revoke the permit for one massage business because of multiple code violations. The updated regulations aim to help city code enforcement officers regulate massage practice in San Marcos, and maintain the credibility of lawful massage businesses We want to recognize massage as a legitimate business, but want to protect the businesses and the community, Assistant City Attorney Wendy House said. The original city rules established licensing and record-keeping procedures for massage businesses in San Marcos. They banned sexually provocative advertising or attire, forbade sleeping in the establishment and required separate areas for men and women. The rules established sanitary practices for towels, linens and other materials. And they required the owner to be onsite during all business hours. Advertisement However, there were some problems after the rules were adopted, including confusion over certain provisions of the ordinance, as well as language barriers, she said. Some of the owners and employees speak Mandarin, Cantonese or Thai as their first language, and couldnt read the ordinance in English, House said. In some cases, they filled out logs in their own language, which left code inspectors unable to verify records. In other instances, businesses brought in new temporary employees to fill shifts, without ensuring that they were properly licensed. The updated ordinance clarifies that all employees including part-time or temporary massage technicians must all have state licenses through the California Massage Therapy Council, and wear their badges at all times while on the premises. Business owners must also notify the city of any personnel changes. They are required to keep massage logs in English, so that code enforcement can determine which employees were on duty and what services they performed. The citys website provides translation services, so massage technicians and business owners can read the regulations in the language of their choice, officials said. Advertisement While the city discussed the changes with sheriffs deputies and code enforcement officers, they didnt adopt all their suggestions, Peak said. There was a request that we require the customers identification to be kept, she said. We did not believe that was something that passed the privacy test. Although the original rules required owner/operators to be onsite at all times during business hours, the updated ordinance allows them to designate site managers to run their businesses while theyre away. However, it adds stricter penalties for code violations; owners whose licenses are revoked cant operate any other massage business in the city for five years. Advertisement deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan Oceanside City Council members unanimously appointed former police Officer Ryan Keim to fill the two years remaining in an at-large term left open by an incumbents election to a new district seat last fall. Keim, 36, was in the Oceanside Police Department for 10 years before he was medically retired as the result of an on-duty injury that occurred in 2012. Since then, he also has worked as a public information officer for the San Diego County Sheriffs Department. Hes excited about his appointment to the council, he said. Its a bit of a surprise, he said Thursday. Its overwhelming, to have that much confidence from the sitting council. Advertisement Twenty-nine people, including Keim, submitted their names for the appointment. The four council members interviewed the candidates individually over the past two weeks. Then, at the request of Mayor Peter Weiss, each council member gave the deputy city clerk a list of their top five candidates. Keim was the only person on all four lists, and he was appointed in a single motion with little discussion at the councils meeting Wednesday night. Two candidates, Phillip Schwartze and former Councilman Jerry Kern, were on three of the four lists. This was not an easy decision, said Chris Rodriguez, elected in November to his first term on the council. We have a lot of great candidates. Councilwoman Esther Sanchez and some residents had pushed for the council to take more time with the selection and perhaps hold public interviews with the candidates to make the process more open. That did not appear to be a concern for the other council members. Councilman Jack Feller said he interviewed 21 of the candidates, each for about one hour, and that Keim was a good choice. He knows the city, Feller said. The issue for me was to make sure that its somebody committed to the development we need going forward. The two-year opening was created when Sanchez, who was elected to her fifth four-year term in 2016, ran again in 2018 and won a four-year term in the citys newly created District 1. Advertisement As a result, the council declared her former at-large seat vacant. State law gives the council 60 days to appoint someone to the opening or to schedule a special election, which could not be held until next November and could cost more than $750,000. Keim grew up in Oceanside and lives in District 3, which will hold its first election in 2020. He said hes undecided about whether he will be a candidate in 2020. He ran for the Oceanside council once before, unsuccessfully, in 2004, and served on the citys Police and Fire Commission in 2004 and 2005. He earned a bachelors degree in political science at Cal State San Marcos, and worked as a swimming pool lifeguard and emergency medical technician in Oceanside before joining the Police Department. Public safety is always going to be an issue, and its a priority for me, he said. He also wants continue the citys economic development in ways that improve residents quality of life. Advertisement As a police officer, he served in the departments gang unit and was on the neighborhood policing team. You have to have the trust of the different communities, he said of his police work. You build those bonds over years. To have that trust is the most rewarding thing. Also Wednesday, the council agreed unanimously to declare the office of city clerk vacant and begin accepting the names of candidates for an appointment. Former City Clerk Zack Beck, first elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2016, resigned effective Dec. 31 to accept a full-time appointment as city clerk in Escondido. Advertisement The city clerk and city council positions are part time in Oceanside. The basic salary for a council member is about $34,000 annually, and for the city clerk, it is about $24,000. Keim collects about $53,000 annually from the California Public Employees Retirement system, according to the website TransparentCalifornia.com The council has 60 days as of Wednesday to appoint a new city clerk or schedule a special election for the position. Advertisement philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @phildiehl A proposed glass-blowing studio and retail art gallery got the all-clear this week for construction on the site of what some said was briefly the worlds smallest skateboard shop in downtown Carlsbad. The Elm Street Boardshop opened less than a year ago in what was formerly a Bank of America drive-by ATM kiosk on Roosevelt Street, just south of Carlsbad Village Drive, which was called Elm Avenue until about 20 years ago. The proposed Barrio Glassworks project and the skateboard shop both have strong support within their respective communities. For a few weeks the competing business owners battled for the right to inhabit the Roosevelt Street property, each collecting signatures and enlisting residents support. However, after appealing the glass shops approval, the skate shop owner found a new, larger location. That helped resolve the dispute and seemed to satisfy everyone. Advertisement This is our passion project, said Mary Devlin, owner of Barrio Glassworks with her husband, Gary Raskin. They plan to demolish the two small structures on Roosevelt and erect a single new building where they will create, display and sell their glass pieces and other artwork. Supporters of the project said it would bring more people to the Village neighborhood and support other businesses in the area. The Roosevelt Street property, most of which is a parking lot, also included a small building that was a vape shop for several years. The skateboard shop was subleased from the vape business. The Carlsbad Planning Commission approved the Barrio Glassworks project Sept. 5, but skateboard shop owner Cameron Wetzler appealed the decision to the City Council. Wetzler said in his appeal that public safety was overlooked and that exhaust fumes from the studio would pollute the nearby neighborhood. Wetzlers supporters attended the Planning Commission meeting and spoke in his favor, saying the community needed the skateboard shop more than a glass-blowing studio. But in November Wetzler moved his shop to a building a few blocks away on Carlsbad Village Drive, across from the Village Faire shopping center. As a result, no one opposed the Glassworks project at Tuesdays City Council meeting. Its probably a blessing in disguise, Wetzler said Wednesday of the way things turned out. Advertisement His new location, though still not large, is about five times the size of the former kiosk his business was in, and theres more pedestrian traffic in the area. We went from 68 square feet to about 340 square feet, he said. Before the move he had applied to the Guinness World Records organization to officially recognize the Roosevelt Street store as the worlds smallest skateboard shop, he said. We filled out all the forms, Wetzler said. Just as we came into the final things, we were kicked out. Advertisement Supporters of the glass-blowing business said it would use an electric kiln to heat the glass, and that the operation would release no toxic fumes into the air. The location probably would be the third glass-blowing studio in North County, supporters said. The other two are at Palomar College and in San Marcos. The new building is being designed with a sawtooth-style roof to improve air circulation and to take advantage of solar power. The west side will have a rolling glass door typical of newer buildings in the Village. Advertisement philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @phildiehl Kellie Shay Hinze, the executive director of the Leucadia 101 Main Street Association, was appointed the newest member of the Encinitas City Council, the council unanimously decided Wednesday night. An Encinitas native whos known for her advocacy of the Leucadia Streetscape project, her support of environmental causes and her ability to organize community members, Hinze will fill out the two years remaining in the term of Tasha Boerner Horvath, who vacated her council post after she was elected to the state Assembly in November. Hinze, 33, said she plans to step down from her executive directors job at the Leucadia 101 Main Street Association immediately, but may assist the organization in some capacity in the weeks to come as its board seeks her replacement. Shes held the post since 2017. Shell be sworn in as a council member at next weeks City Council meeting. Advertisement On Wednesday night, council members and many people in the audience repeatedly praised her people skills, her knowledge of city issues and her ability to keep calm in stressful situations. Shes deeply knowledgeable about Encinitas and very qualified for this job, Mayor Catherine Blakespear said as she described why Hinze had her vote for the council spot, adding that she brings the added bonus of being part of the Millennial generation, an age category thats not often represented at city meetings. Councilman Tony Kranz said he, too, liked the idea of picking someone who represents the younger generation, while Councilwoman Jody Hubbard said she admired Hinzes ability to think before she speaks. Councilman Joe Mosca, who has served with Hinze on a city tourism committee, praised her compassion and her leadership skills. Shes an amazing leader and she inspires people ... she inspires people to action, he said. Hinze was picked from a pool of what was originally 10 applicants, but ultimately dropped to six. The other five others were retired judge Anthony Tony Brandenburg, city Planning Commissioner Kevin Doyle, real estate brokerage owner Susan Susie Nancarrow Glenn, landscape architect William Morrison and computer software designer Richard Schiavi. Three other applicants -- Edward Brehm, William Creagan and Melissa Lane -- withdrew their applications. One person, John Paul Elliott, was disqualified because he was not registered to vote at the address he provided to the City Clerks office. As she made her pitch for the job to the council Wednesday night, Hinze said she brought a unique mix of experience to the job. She noted that she is proficient in Spanish, has the diplomatic skills of a public servant, has a strong background in environmental issues, and can connect with the towns younger residents. Advertisement Shes the daughter of an Encinitas teacher who has multiple sclerosis, so she knows first-hand the challenges people with disabilities face in trying to navigate the citys streets and buildings, she said. Hinze holds two masters degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara, one in global and international studies and one in education with a bilingual emphasis. She has a bachelors degree in psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She started working in the Leucadia Main Street Association office as an assistant director in 2014. Prior to that, she was a teaching and research assistant at UCSB, and before that she taught elementary school in Bhutan. Twenty-nine people spoke to the council after the applicants made their pitches Wednesday night, and 19 of them urged the council to pick Hinze. The other speakers lobbied for Brandenburgs appointment. Advertisement Hinzes supporters included everyone from her mother and the mom of a child she used to babysit to the PTA president of Paul Ecke-Central Elementary School and a woman who first met her while on a pre-dawn count of homeless people in town. Her mom told the council that Hinze had an amazing ability to read facial expressions because of deafness issues she experienced as a baby, while several fellow Millennials said she motivated young people like them to become active in city issues. The seat shes taking currently is an at-large council post, but in the 2020 election it will shift to a district-based position, representing the citys new District 2, a region that covers the citys core central coast, including downtown Encinitas and the southern parts of coastal Leucadia. Hinze lives within this region of the city. Brandenburg does not, which Kranz said was a factor in his decision to support Hinze for the position. CARLSBAD Sprouts plans to hire 140 for new store Sprouts Farmers Market is finishing construction on a 28,000-square-foot store at 2634 Gateway Road scheduled to open Wednesday. The new store is bringing roughly 140 full- and part-time jobs to the area. Potential employees should share a passion for healthy eating and the fresh, natural and organic products offered in the store. Job opportunities include Employment opportunities include: department managers, department clerks, cashiers, courtesy clerks, backup receiver, administrative coordinator and scan coordinator. Sprouts offers competitive pay, team member discounts and numerous career advancement opportunities. To learn about career opportunities and team member benefits, or to apply, visit sprouts.com/careers or call (866) 925-2396 for non-managerial roles. FALLBROOK Advertisement Chamber sponsors member expo The Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce hosts a Chamber Member business expo from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday at Pala Mesa Resort. Take advantage of this opportunity to showcase and market your business. Member expo booths are $50. Sign up early; space is limited. Registration deadline is Wednesday. Call (760) 728-5845. NORTH COUNTY San Diego County Economic Roundtable What does the San Diego County economy look like for 2019 and beyond? Find out from 8:30 a.m.-noon Jan. 17 at the free San Diego County Economic Roundtable, held at the University of San DiegoJoan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego. Join a discussion with a panel of experts covering the future of the economy, housing/homelessness, the military, diversity and inclusion. Panelists will provide predictions and their perspective on what may be in store. Speakers include Ray Major, SANDAG; Ryan Ratcliff, USD School of Business; Sarah Burns, San Diego Workforce Partnership; Stephen Maduli-Williams, city of San Diego; Jesse Gipe, San Diego Regional Development Corporation; and Dwayne Crenshaw, RISE San Diego. Register at https://bit.ly/2QryJos. OCEANSIDE NARFE speaker to discuss tax changes The National Active and Retired Federal Employee Association will host Dale Huffman, a certified public accountant, at 1:45 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Oceanside Senior Center, 455 Country Club Lane. Huffman will speak about the new tax changes, how these changes might affect you when filing your tax return, and answer general tax questions. Light refreshments. A brief business meeting will be held from 1:30-1:45 p.m. NARFE is a nonprofit serving federal employees and retirees and their families. The meeting is free to the public. Visit narfechapter706.org. Advertisement SAN MARCOS Music studio honored at NAMM Show The San Diego Music Studio will be honored at The 2019 NAMM Show with the National Association of Music Merchants Milestone Award for 25 years of service in the music products industry. Presented annually by NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond in January at the show in Anaheim, the awards are given to industry leaders celebrating notable anniversaries. The NAMM Show brings together more than 100,000 industry professionals to preview the latest gear, attend educational sessions, and network with peers from more than 129 countries and regions. San Diego Music Studio is at 423 S. Las Posas Road. Visit www.SanDiegoMusicStudio.com; email info@sandiegomusicstudio.com; call (760) 761-0055. Please send items to laura.groch@sduniontribune.com at least 10 days before events. Advertisement laura.groch@sduniontribune.com There is virtually no scenario in which 3.6 million pounds of radioactive waste could pose a public-safety or economic threat to people who live miles away from the shuttered San Onofre nuclear plant, utility officials and federal regulators said Wednesday. The bottom line is that no credible accident mechanism exists for radioactive material to leave the San Onofre site, given how much the spent fuel has cooled off since the reactors were shut down for the last time, said Scott Burnell of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This means there is no basis for examining potential economic effects of an accident beyond the site boundary, never mind out to 10 or 50 miles. Burnell and officials from majority power plant owner Southern California Edison were responding to a pair of reports Tuesday by the Samuel Lawrence Foundation. One said a worst-case accident could cripple transportation, close ports and cost the regional economy more than $13 trillion. The other questioned the process Edison is using to transfer nuclear waste into steel-lined canisters along the San Onofre shoreline, north of Oceanside. Advertisement Critics of the studies said its authors made key mistakes in their assumptions about the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station or SONGS, which closed in 2012 amid a radiation leak. Edison is in the process of transferring millions of pounds of spent nuclear fuel from cooling pools to so-called dry storage at the site. The plan calls for dozens of steel-lined concrete casks to be filled with the used fuel assemblies and buried in a special storage facility on the San Onofre beach. The transfer was halted temporarily after a near-miss accident in August that resulted in a notice of violation issued by federal regulators. Edison and the nuclear commission said the foundation researchers improperly compared the possibility of an accident at the closed nuclear plant to a similar event at a plant that is still producing electricity. The statements provided to Southern California Edison lack scientific or engineering basis and the subject matter has been discussed many times by the Community Engagement Panel, said Edison spokesman John Dobken in an email, referring to a utility-funded volunteer group that is monitoring the San Onofre decommissioning program. The public should know the spent nuclear fuel canisters at SONGS are thicker than any other stainless steel spent fuel canisters in the United States. SCE chose to proactively make them 25 percent thicker and they exceed all regulatory requirements. Scientists behind the foundation reports stood by their findings Wednesday. They said the waste-transfer program already has proved problematic, citing the notice of violation the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued against Edison after one of its 50-ton canisters was wedged inside a storage cavity 18 feet from the bottom for nearly an hour. These canisters are certified for drops of 11 inches, said Subrata Chakraborty, a University of California San Diego biochemistry professor and co-author of one of the foundation studies. For a canister to drop 18 feet thats a huge force to crack open, and if the the canister breaks, its definitely going to have some effect, and I believe that would be serious. Another co-author said its not clear what would happen if a canister is exposed -- by being dropped, degraded by saltwater intrusion or gouges caused in the transfer process. There are really major questions about the stability of the spent fuel in these situations, said Tom English, a retired nuclear waste expert from Carlsbad. Its not a clear-cut case at all. I wish it were. Thats why it should be aired out in public, with public discussion and not such hearsay. Advertisement James Conca is a retired nuclear-waste expert based in Richland, Wash. He said the spent fuel from San Onofre already is much less dangerous than it was when the plant shut down because it has been cooling for seven years. He also said if a canister fails, it would simply be replaced. Any health or environmental damage would be limited to the immediate area -- not spread to urban neighborhoods away from Camp Pendleton, which leased the San Onofre property to Edison. This debate has been going on for decades and decades, and weve never had a problem with spent fuel, Conca said. A lot of people want to be afraid of nuclear; they want some evil to have to worry about, but theres never been any risk. Donna Gilmore, who runs a group called San Onofre Safety, said the canisters Edison selected for the spent fuel already have proved unsafe -- along with the fuel-transfer process that resulted in the violations issued to Edison. Advertisement Some parts of the spent-fuel assemblies stored inside the canisters -- cesium, plutonium and strontium -- will remain dangerous for hundreds or thousands of years, Gilmore said. You have roughly a Chernobyl disasters worth of cesium in one can, she said. It will travel wherever the winds blow in case of an accident or explosion. Dobken, the Edison spokesman, said there is no chance of an accident on the magnitude of the 1980s nuclear disaster in the former Soviet Union. Exposing spent fuel to air will not result in an explosion, he said. For example, spent fuel is handled in air at DOE facilities (hot cells), and is a proposed method for repackaging fuel for disposal at Yucca Mountain. Advertisement David Victor, another UCSD professor who serves as chairman of the Community Engagement Panel for San Onofre, said the foundation researchers do not know enough about the project and processes to produce an authoritative report. The team is way out of their depth, he said. They have done an economic study that is based on an assumption that is fallacious. Its really important that we study worst-case scenarios and that we prepare for the worst, but that goal is not served by people whose research is not grounded in reality. The Samuel Lawrence Foundation is a Del Mar nonprofit whose mission is to promote science, arts, medicine and education. President and co-founder Bart Ziegler has been a longtime critic of Edisons management of the San Onofre nuclear plant. Advertisement jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald Every day in San Diego County, adult children are faced with the question of how to find assisted living for an elderly loved one, usually a parent. The population is aging at an advanced rate and this scenario will occur more and more often as the years go on. The majority of seniors prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. We call this aging in place, and it can be done with the proper planning and financial resources. But in some cases its simply not feasible. In home care is expensive, and in many cases requires family members to become caregivers or care managers in the process. This can quickly take a toll on a familys finances, as well as their physical and emotional well-being. So whats a family to do? This is a question I get asked on a weekly basis. The answer may be to find assisted living in a setting that is right for your loved one. Sounds simple? Its not as easy as wed like to think. Advertisement In San Diego County we have over 100 large assisted living communities and, at last count, over 700 small board and care homes. There are also dozens of facilities specializing in dementia care. How do you know which is best? There are several ways families find assisted living. One is to talk with friends and co-workers, which is a great place to start. A personal recommendation is always better than not. But depending upon your loved ones specific situation and care needs, the assisted living facility your friends mother or father is doing well in may not be the most appropriate place for your parent. Does your loved one have any cognitive impairment? Do they need physical assistance getting to the dining room? Is he or she diabetic? The answers to these and dozens more questions will help determine which assisted living community of home may be the most appropriate fit for your loved one. The method most commonly used to find assisted living is to search online, and this could work. But these searches can also become confusing and frustrating the more we scroll, read and click. An online search should lead you first to the San Diego County assisted living facilities closest to you, for Google knows where you live. Dont hesitate to call and visit if their website and your phone conversation with their representative gives you a positive feeling. Your online search may also lead you to several senior care referral services, also called placement services. Youre likely to find some large, national companies. You may also find some small personal services, but probably not on the first page of Google. Referral services are generally free to the families they help. You may come across some who also charge a consulting fee, which is fine as long as you understand and agree with these terms. Most placement agencies offer their service free of charge because they are compensated by the assisted living communities and homes they refer to. This arrangement is similar to a home seller paying a fee to a real estate agent who offers their service at no charge to the buyer. But heres the kicker.. This business arrangement works very well, as long as the service you choose has your best interests at heart, not the best interests of the assisted living facilities they refer you to. Its important the service you choose does not have any personal or financial bias toward any specific care provider. Human nature and the financial world being what it is, this is not always an easy thing to guarantee. Advertisement So, what should you look for in a senior care referral service to help you find an assisted living community or a board and care home? First, make sure the person or company you are speaking with has specific experience with assisted living in your local area. This is not the time to use an unfamiliar adviser based in a call center in another location. Licensing, regulatory issues, and care level requirements can be complex and must be completely understood. Second, make sure the person or company you are speaking with represents all the assisted living communities and small board and care homes in your geographic area. Some placement agencies do not have agreements with every facility. What if one of the assisted living facilities or homes best for your loved one is not in their listing? Third, make sure the person or company you are speaking with checks all assisted living licensing records for any red flags. An assisted living placement agent with personal knowledge of the facilities/homes and their administration is a plus. Advertisement Fourth, find out if your personal information will be made public. It can be helpful to give the potential care communities or homes your phone number and email address, but only if you agree. Fifth, make sure the referral agent you are speaking has visited and evaluated the assisted living communities and homes they are referring you to. Its also helpful for your placement agent to personally meet and assesses your loved one, but this is not always practical or needed. Before you begin any detailed conversation with a service, ask the referral agency if they meet the criteria above. If they dont, or if you are uncomfortable with the way their service is presented, dont hesitate to move on. Lise Marquis is owner of Elder Answers and has been a placement professional in San Diego County for 10 years. Prior to venturing out on her own as Elder Answers, Lise worked for A Place for Mom. The CEO of Holtec International conceded his company may have violated U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission rules when it made a design change to canisters that pack spent nuclear fuel at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. But Holtec boss Kris Singh, appearing Wednesday at a conference before NRC officials at the agencys headquarters in Maryland, said the changes were minor and posed no safety issues to the public. For the record: This story has been updated to reflect the correct title for the NRCs Michael Layton. This, if you were to quote Shakespeare, is much ado about nothing, Singh said while delivering a 37-page PowerPoint presentation as part of a public NRC webcast. At least that is our perspective. In the bureaucratic parlance of the NRC, the pre-decisional enforcement conference centered on whether Holtec should have alerted the federal agency before making changes to the design of aluminum shims that help center the highly radioactive nuclear fuel in a fuel basket inside the canisters. Advertisement The New Jersey-based company in 2016 redesigned the canisters by threading stainless steel pins about 4 inches long and a half-inch thick into the shims to improve circulation of helium inside the canister to keep the spent fuel cool. Holtec said it did not notify the NRC ahead of time because it considered the redesign to be minor. Adding the stainless pins plays no role in the safety function of the canisters, Singh said. I dont mean a minor role, I mean no role. Holtec is a major contractor at the San Onofre site, also known as SONGS. The plant has not produced electricity since January 2012 and is in the process of being decommissioned. Southern California Edison operates SONGS and is in charge of its dismantling and overseeing the transfer of nuclear waste from cooling pools to dry storage facilities at the site. In addition to designing the canisters, Holtec has also designed a newly constructed dry storage facility that is located at the plant, a little more than 100 feet from the Pacific Ocean, behind a seawall 28 feet high. The issue with the redesign came to light in early 2018 when workers at SONGS discovered one of the pins had come loose inside the canister. The NRC did not make any final decisions Wednesday on whether Holtec committed infractions the agency typically takes as much as two months to make that rendering but before the meeting it cited the company for two potential violations. Advertisement If the violations reach a sufficient level of severity, the NRC could issue the company a fine. Singh acknowledged violations might have occurred but stressed they were not willful and pointed to a larger issue inherent weaknesses in the industry between designing improvements and manufacturing that design without flaws. We concluded this was an isolated incident, Singh said, adding that the company has undertaken a series of measures, including siting its manufacturing operations next to the companys design office. Kris Singh, president and CEO of Holtec International, speaks to members of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission at a meeting at the agencys headquarters. (Image from NRC webcast) Advertisement Singh defended the change but since the discovery of the loose pin, Holtec has stopped using canisters with the newer design. All subsequent canisters at SONGS will revert to the original design that does not use pins. I can tell you that this kind of a problem that deals with design not properly vetted for manufacturing or side services will never happen again, Singh said. At Holtec, it will never happen again. Singh concluded by defending his company. The loaded canisters do not and never have posed any risk to public health and safety, as is being incorrectly and continuously alleged by certain activists in social media, Singh said. We regret such canards because they are without any facts and they are inflammatory. Advertisement The comment rankled many who participated in a 30-minute public comments period via telephone. Were just concerned citizens, said Gary Headrick, co-founder of the advocacy group San Clemente Green. He (Singh) should back off from blaming us. This is not a social media problem. Its incompetence on his part. Nina Babiarz, public advocate for San Diego-based Public Watchdogs, called on the NRC to inspect all the canisters at SONGS and other sites that used the Holtec stainless steel pin design. Michael Layton, director of the NRCs Division of Spent Fuel Management, responded by saying the information the agency gathers from Holtec during its review of potential violations is designed to provide the significance of the safety issues and also whether there are any other follow-up actions that need to be taken. Advertisement The NRC is also looking into another issue at SONGS a separate incident last August in which a 50-ton canister containing nuclear waste was accidentally left suspended on a metal flange, nearly 20 feet from the floor of a storage cavity for as long as one hour. What was described as a near-miss led to a special inspection by a team from the NRC. A final inspection report is still pending. No transfers of spent fuel have occurred at SONGS since the August incident, although Edison officials said recently they hope to resume transfers some time this month. BAGHDAD (AP) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sought Wednesday to reassure U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in Syria that they will be safe after American troops withdraw from the country. Amid confusion over plans to implement President Donald Trump's pullout order and threats from Turkey to attack the Kurds, Pompeo made an unannounced stop in Iraq while on a weeklong trip to the Middle East aimed at assuaging the fears of Washington's Arab partners that the U.S. is abandoning the region or walking away from the fight against the Islamic State group. "These have been folks that have fought with us and it's important that we do everything we can to ensure that those folks that fought with us are protected," Pompeo said of the Kurds while visiting Irbil, the capital of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, after talks in Baghdad. His comments were similar to those made earlier in the week by Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, who said on visits to Israel and Turkey that protecting the Kurds is a priority for the U.S. even as it moves to withdraw some 2,000 American troops from Syria. Bolton's comments drew a quick rejection from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who said they were a "serious mistake" and that Turkey "cannot make any concessions in this regard." Turkey regards the Kurds as terrorists and has vowed to attack them. Pompeo, however, downplayed Erdogan's response to Bolton and predicted that any differences could be ironed out in upcoming talks between the U.S. special envoy for Syria, Jim Jeffrey, and Turkish and Kurdish officials. "Erdogan has made commitments; he understands that - I think he uses the language - he talks about he has no beef with the Kurds. We want to make sure that that's the case, and I'm confident that as Ambassador Jeffrey and others travel through the region in the days ahead, we'll make real progress on that," Pompeo said. Still, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Wednesday that Turkey will not refrain from military action to protect its borders from what he describes as threats posed by Syrian Kurdish fighters. The Turkish rebuffs continue to amplify a rift between the NATO allies and raise new questions about how the United States would protect fighters who are U.S. allies in the war against the Islamic State group. Earlier in Baghdad, Pompeo said he told Iraqi officials that "the fight to counter Iran is real and important." Pompeo and Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi discussed efforts to ensure the "lasting defeat throughout the region" of the Islamic State group, State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said. Pompeo also promoted the U.S. push to move Iraq toward energy independence, said Palladino. Iraq imports electricity and natural gas from Iran to meet its energy needs. Iran has cultivated close ties with Iraqi politicians and religious and business leaders since the 2003 U.S. invasion toppled dictator Saddam Hussein and destabilized the country. Neutralizing those relations will be a difficult and possibly dangerous task. Iran has the ear of several powerful Iraqi militias that rival the might of the country's U.S.-funded security forces. Abdul-Mahdi and Parliament Speaker Mohamed al-Halbousi, who met with Pompeo separately, both said they told the American diplomat that Iraq values good relations with its neighbors. Pompeo also met with Iraqi President Barham Salih and Foreign Minister Mohamed Alhakim and stressed the U.S.'s support for strong, relations based on the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement between the two countries. Pompeo has said the Syria withdrawal would not detract from U.S. efforts to contain Iran's considerable clout in the region. The White House reinstated sanctions against Iran last year for allegedly violating the 2015 nuclear deal championed by former President Barack Obama. International nuclear inspectors had said there was no evidence that Iran was violating the deal. Pompeo's visit is the third high-profile visit by an American official to Iraq in the last month. Iraqi politicians were incensed when Trump last month made an unscheduled visit to a U.S. base in western Iraq without also meeting Abdul-Mahdi, as his predecessors Obama and George W. Bush had done. Trump said on his Dec. 26 visit that the United States could use its bases in Iraq as a platform for continued operations against the Islamic State group in Syria. The visit left lawmakers smarting and prompted calls to annul a 2014 agreement that brought U.S. forces back to Iraq. Some 5,200 U.S. troops are now stationed in the country. Earlier in December, U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry urged Iraq to sever its energy dependence on Iran and open its energy sector to American investment. He was in Baghdad with a trade delegation arranged by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. DENVER (AP) Denver on Wednesday became the latest city in the nation to take steps to eliminate low-level marijuana convictions in places where the drug is now legal, acknowledging the barriers that such offenses pose to minority, low-income and other people. Denver officials said Colorado law doesn't allow them to go as far as some other cities and states in automatically dismissing or pardoning convictions. Instead, they unveiled a program allowing thousands of people to avoid costly legal action by filling out an online form or attending an event to start the process with help from city officials. Such efforts across the country are intended to help repair problems that strict enforcement of marijuana laws caused in finding jobs and housing. "This is about equity for our communities of color and individuals who were disproportionately impacted by low-level marijuana convictions that are no longer crimes in Colorado," Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said. "Overturning these convictions is part of Denver's multi-pronged approach to correct the social injustices caused by the war on drugs." Colorado was among the first states to broadly allow the sale and adult use of marijuana, but cities elsewhere have led the way on automatic expungement of past convictions. Seattle, San Francisco and some prosecutors in New York City last year rolled out programs to toss hundreds of marijuana convictions, saying now-legal activity should no longer block people from getting jobs or finding housing. States also have sought solutions to the problem. Washington state's governor announced this month that he would pardon thousands of people convicted of marijuana possession, and Michigan's governor has said she would consider a similar approach. California has a new law requiring the state Department of Justice to provide lists of marijuana convictions eligible for erasure or reduction to local prosecutors. Colorado currently allows people to petition courts to remove marijuana offenses, including possession, from their records. Advocates have criticized that approach because it puts the onus on people with convictions and can become expensive and time-consuming. The new program still requires people to take the first step toward clearing their records, either by filling out an online form or attending an event. The Denver district attorney or city attorney will then seek court approval for the convictions to be eliminated and follow up with state agencies to make sure records used by employers, landlords and others during background checks have been updated. Denver District Attorney Beth McCann called the effort a matter of "justice and fairness." Based on a review of digitized court records between 2001 and 2013, Denver officials have estimated 10,000 convictions could be eligible. Advocacy groups that work with people hamstrung by old marijuana convictions welcomed the change and hope it will lead to more sweeping action by Democrats who now control the Legislature. A past conviction "is a jacket that you wear the rest of your life," said Rudy Gonzales, executive director of Servicios de la Raza. The nonprofit group focuses on Denver's immigrant and refugee communities and has hosted events giving people free access to attorneys for advice on clearing convictions. Gonzales said even minor drug convictions keep people from working in well-paying industries, improving their credit and finding housing. He called Denver's program "a start" that can be expanded and improved over time. Most people will not be required to pay anything to have their convictions eliminated. The Marijuana Industry Group that represents growers, sellers and other sector businesses is helping cover court fees. The Head of State, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, was among dignitaries at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum on Tuesday night. Despite the rain and sodden soil, His Highness Tuimalealiifano, Prime Minister Tuilaepa and a host of Government officials, members of the private sector and members of the public turned up to welcome the Asian Development Bank delegation. The President of A.D.B Takehiko Nakao and his colleagues were welcomed with food, drinks and a cultural performance by Taupou Manaia, featuring the traditional Tausala Samoa. Chief executive officer of the Ministry of Finance Leasiosiofaasisina Oscar Malielegaoi hosted the event. Prime Minister Tuilaepa delivered the keynote address. Mr. Nakao also delivered brief remarks, before the festivities began. The welcome function was held on the second day of Mr. Nakaos first official visit to Samoa. Since he arrived on Monday, he visited the A.D.Bs first private sector investment in the country, the Solar Power Development Project, which is expanding an existing solar farm to help the country lower its dependence on fossil fuels. He also visited the Fiaga power station and battery storage facility, which are part of the Power Sector Expansion Project that has funded 13 generation projects and 27 transmission projects in Samoa to meet growing electricity demand. Yesterday, Mr. Nakao helped to commission the Tafitoala and Fausaga small hydropower plant. He also visited the Agribusiness Support Project, which is expanding access to finance and providing capacity building support for commercially sustainable agribusinesses. ADB is building its presence in 11 Pacific island countries to increase the impact of its growing program of assistance, a statement from ADB said. The expansion will involve the conversion of four extended missionsSamoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatuinto country offices, and the establishment of seven new country offices in the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, and Tuvalu. ADB currently has resident missions in Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste, a Pacific liaison and coordination office in Sydney, and a Pacific subregional office in Fiji. Across the Pacific region, ADB is significantly scaling up financing to help developing member countries achieve sustainable economic and social development, while strengthening climate and disaster resilience. The volume of ADB active projects in the Pacific has doubled every 5 years since 2005 and exceeded $3 billion as of end of 2018. The volume of active ADBs projects in the Pacific is expected to surpass $4 billion by 2020. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members48 from the region. Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "be a man" and answer queries raised by him over the Rafale fighter aircraft deal. Respect for women in the Indian culture begins at home, he said hours after Modi hit out at opposition leaders accusing them of "insulting" Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the first woman to occupy the post, and said the opposition parties will have to pay a price for it. "With all due respect Modi Ji, in our culture respect for women begins at home. Stop shaking. Be a man and answer my question: Did the Air Force and Defence Ministry object when you bypassed the original Rafale deal? Yes? Or No?," Gandhi tweeted. Addressing a public meeting in Agra, Modi had said that the country has seen how the opposition leaders tried to disrespect Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha when she was exposing their bundles of lies bit by bit, referring to the debate in the Lok Sabha on the Rafale deal. "They (opposition) were left so baffled that they are now bent on insulting a woman Defence Minister. This is not just an insult to the Defence Minister but an insult to women and women power in the country. Such irresponsible leaders will have to pay a price for it," Modi said Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Parliament on Wednesday 10 per cent reservation to upper castes ' title=' passed a landmark Constitution amendment bill providing for 10 per cent reservation to upper castes '>passed a landmark Constitution amendment bill providing for 10 per cent reservation to upper castes in government jobs and higher educational institutions, with the Rajya Sabha voting it late in the night after rejecting a demand for referring it to a select committee for detailed scrutiny. The House passed the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019 -- which was adopted by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday -- with 165 members in its favour and seven against it in a division amidst broad support from the Congress and other opposition parties despite their reservations over its constitutional validity and the timing in view of the approaching elections. Earlier, the House rejected an amendment moved by DMK member Kanimozhi and CPI(M)'s T.K. Rangarajan for referring the bill to a select committee for indepth scrutiny, with 155 voting against it and 18 for in a House of 244. Several other opposition amendments were also negatived. A constitutional amendment needs a special majority of more than half of the House present and two-thirds of those present voting in favour of it. The AIADMK, which is friendly with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), staged a walkout opposing the Bill with its member A. Navaneethakrishnan saying it violated the basic structure of the Constitution. Rejecting the opposition criticism that the bill was brought late in the government's tenure with an eye on upper caste votes in the coming Lok Sabha elections, Social Justice Minister Thawarchand Gehlot said the measure had been brought with good intentions and was aimed at justice for the economically weaker sections. He called the bill historic and allayed fears that the legislation would face legal hurdles, saying since it is a constitutional amendment even the Supreme Court would accept it, should there be any challenge. The Minister told the Congress party that unlike the Narasimha Rao government which issued a government order to implement a similar quota, the Modi had taken precaution by bringing in a statute amendment. Intervening in the over eight-hour debate, Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the proposed quota would not breach the Supreme Court's cap of 50 per cent on overall reservations. He said the legislation would apply to both Central and state governments. Senior Congress member and an eminent lawyer, Kapil Sibal, said the bill had been brought with "complete non-application of mind" and raised questions over the constitutionality of the bill and its implementation. "If the bill is passed, the implementation of the reservation due to complexities involved and absence of required data with the government would be like demonetisation." Calling it a "jumla" (gimmick), Sibal said: "Kamal ka hamla, aur ek jumla (attack of lotus, one more gimmick)." "What was the hurry? The bill could have been sent to the Select Committee. There would have been discussions and suggestions before it was introduced (in Parliament)," he said. Earlier, his party colleague and deputy leader in the House, Anand Sharma, welcomed the 10 per cent quota for the upper caste poor but questioned its timing as it comes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "We are not opposing it. But the question is why it is being brought all of a sudden. It is the last session (of Parliament)...then there are elections," he said. He asked why the BJP did not bring the bill in its four-and-half years of rule and emphasised that the decision came after the saffron party lost five states in the recently-concluded Assembly elections. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Derek O'Brien accused the government of committing a "fraud with the poor and youth" on jobs and "spitting on the Constitution" by moving bills for passage without proper legislative scrutiny. Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav said that since the government had now breached the 50 per cent ceiling on reservations, it should give OBCs the benefit of quota in accordance with their population at 54 per cent. BSP member Satish Chandra Misra backed the bill and demanded that minorities also be given reservation. BJP President Amit Shah, who was present during the entire debate, at one point intervened to accuse the opposition of trying to give quotas for Muslims at the cost of other communities. Hours after re-joining office after nearly two-and-half months, CBI Director Alok Verma on Wednesday revoked most of the transfer orders issued by agency's interim chief M. Nageswara Rao. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director's order came a day after the Supreme Court reinstated him as the agency's head, though with limited powers. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court reinstated Verma as the agency chief, setting aside the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Centre's decision to divest him of his powers to function as its head but with a caveat that he will not take any policy decision till a high-level committee goes into the issue afresh. While reinstating Verma, the top court also junked the Centre's order appointing Rao as the interim Director. According to a senior official, Verma can still file FIRs and sign on the transfer orders as Rao also discharged these duties after being orderd by the apex court not to take any major policy decision. On October 24, Rao, after being appointed as the interim Director, transferred transferred 13 officials, including the agency's Joint Director (Policy) A.K. Sharma, Deputy Inspectors General M.K. Sinha, Anish Prasad, K.R. Chaurasia, Tarun Gauba, Additional Superintendent of Police S.S. Gurm and Deputy Superintendents of Police A.K. Bassi and Ashwani Kumar. Bassi and Sinha were investigating Verma's deputy Rakesh Asthana, who the agency has accused of corruption. The Centre had relieved Asthana too of his duties on October 23. According to an agency source, earlier in the day, Bassi and Ashwani Kumar met Verma at his office. Verma was asked to proceed on leave on the night of October 23-24. Verma after re-joining the office met several officials of the agency at its headquarters at south Delhi's Lodhi Road and also reviewed the progress of various high profile cases. The judgement was culmination of a six-month-long battle between Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana. Both levelled corruption allegations against each other. In October, matters came to a head when Verma lodged an FIR against Asthana on a complaint by Satish Sana Babu, the alleged middleman in meat exporter Moin Qureshi's case. Army destroys 2 saudi-led armored fighting vehicles in Nehm [10/January/2019] NEHM, Jan. 10 (Saba) Engineering unit of the Yemen army on Thursday destroyed two armored fighting vehicles of coalition-backed militias in Nehm district, a military official said. A vehicle was destroyed using a guided missile and the another using artillery shells. AA Saba Dozens of saudi-led commanders killed in army's drones aristrikes against Anad's Lahj [10/January/2019] LAHJ, Jan. 10 (Saba) - The Armed forces spokesman Brigadier General Yahia Sarie confirmed that dozens of senior leaders of the mercenaries of the aggression were killed and wounded in a in today's qualitative operation launched by airstrikes waged by drones belonging to the air force against their military base of Anad in Lahj province. He said in a statement to the Saba news agency that the operation came in response to the continuing raids by the air force of the aggression coalition, which targeted innocent civilians, as well as the escalation of its mercenaries on various fronts. This operation was launched after an intelligence operation and hit a gathering of a number of senior leaders of the mercenaries of the aggression during their meeting held at Al-Anad military base. he added. Qasif K2 had entered the service and had been tested before and it explodes from top to bottom with a distance of 20 meters into fragments. This drone has the capacity to carry a large quantity of explosive material and will be announced properties through videos over previous experiences on the drone and will be released later. He added that dozens of high-ranking mercenaries were killed and injured and were transported via helicopter evacuation to the German hospital in Aden and their names would be announced later. Adding that the mercenaries are living in a state of panic and horror because of this qualitative operation and that the leaders of mercenaries are no longer safe today as long as they continue in their intransigence and insist on continuing their positions in line with the forces of aggression. The spokesman stressed that this qualitative operation is a launching of the new fighting year 2019, which will be the year of victories and qualitative operations unless the forces of aggression and their mercenaries accept peace and stop their aggression against our country and our people. The brigadier quickly concluded his statement by stressing that the next will be more severe and will earn the invaders and mercenaries only shame and shame and the terrible defeats on the hands of our heroes of Yemen. AA Saba Cassadee Pope has announced plans to release her second studio album, Stages, on February 1. Pope, who became the first female winner of The Voice in the competition's third season, released her debut album, Frame By Frame, in 2013. Stages will feature Pope's recently released singles "Take You Home" and "One More Red Light." "It's a validating feeling to look back at a painful moment, and see how I was able to put the pieces back together and come back stronger," Pope says in a press release. "For the first time in my life, I'm confident in the way I navigate things thrown my way, and I hope someone listening finds the same strength." The album features Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay, Lindsay Ell, RaeLynn and Lauren Alaina. Pope is also set to embark on her first headlining tour in support of Stages. The 11-date CMT Next Women Of Country trek kicks off on April 11 in Tampa, Florida, and concludes on May 4 in Columbia, Missouri. Pope will be joined by Clare Dunn and Hannah Ellis, her fellow CMT Next Women of Country inductees. Stages Track Listing: 1. "Take You Home" 2. "One More Red Light" 3. "How I Feel Right Now" 4. "Bring Me Down Town" 5. "If My Heart Had a Heart" 6. "FYI" 7. "Distracted" 8. "Gavi" 9. "Don't Ask Me" 10. "Still Got It" 11. "I've Been Good" For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand announced that the country's Ministry of Finance granted digital asset licenses to four operators, but denied it to two operators. The four licenses were issued by the finance ministry following the recommendation of the SEC Board. Digital asset businesses in Thailand are regulated under the Emergency Degree on Digital Asset Businesses B.E. 2561 (2018). Legal framework for cryptocurrencies in the country was introduced in May 2018, defining such currencies as digital assets and digital tokens, and bringing them under the jurisdiction of the Thai SEC. Three of the applicants namely Bitcoin Exchange Co., Ltd. (BX) (bx.in.th), Bitkub Online Co., Ltd. (BITKUB) (bitkub.com), and Satang Corp. (Satang Pro) (satang.pro) have been granted a license to operate as digital asset exchanges, while Coins TH Co., Ltd. (Coins.co.th) was granted license to operate as a cryptocurrency broker and dealer. The two rejected applicants, Cash2coin Co., Ltd. (cash2coins.com) and Southeast Asia Digital Exchange Co., Ltd. (SEADEX) (seadex.io), failed to meet the approval criteria regarding important work systems. The sufficiency of their IT security and cyber security systems also could not be verified. The two business were operating until now by virtue of the Transitional Provisions of the Emergency Decree on Digital Asset Businesses B.E. 2561 (2018), but have now become subject to business cessation. However, the Ministry of Finance is allowing both companies to continue their business operation until January 14, 2019 to ensure proper proceeding of related matters including notification to the clients regarding asset refunds or asset transfers to other digital asset operators according to the clients' order. Meanwhile, the rejected businesses can apply again for a digital asset business license in the future after they meet the criteria set by the Thai SEC. The application of one of the total seven operators is still under consideration because there has been a change of company executives, which is material information for the consideration of the application. All the seven applicants have until now been operating digital asset businesses by virtue of the Transitional Provisions of the Emergency Degree on Digital Asset Businesses B.E. 2561 (2018). The latest approval follows a group of seven crypto businesses that were granted approval in mid-August to conduct cryptocurrency operations. Five of them were to operate legal cryptocurrency exchanges, while two of them were to operate as cryptocurrency dealers. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Norwegian Tycoon Tom Hagen's wife has been abducted, with a demand for around 9 million euros ransom to be paid in cryptocurrency, Norway police said. According to Norwegian news agency NTB, Anne-Elisabeth Falkevik Hagen has been missing from her home outside Oslo since October 31. Tom Hagen found a ransom note when he returned home, threatening to kill her if the payment is not made in the cryptocurrency Monero. The digital currency Monero, created in 2014, uses an obfuscated public ledger, meaning anybody can broadcast or send transactions, but no outside observer can tell the source, amount or destination. This makes it the favorite of criminals. Cybersecurity company Carbon Black reportedly said that the currency was used in 44 percent of crypto ransomware attacks in the first half of 2018. The Norwegian police till now had asked the media to stay silent on the kidnap. The news was made public recently to found out any relevant information from neighbors or people hiking in the area, which may lead to the attackers. Tommy Brske, the police inspector leading the investigation, said at a press conference, "There have been both ransom demands and serious threats. Police have so far advised the family not to meet the requirements." The police said the people behind the abduction had made contact over a digital platform, but no proof is available till now that she remains alive. Tom Hagen, a real estate investor and owner of power facilities, is at number 172 in the list of Norway's wealthy people by financial magazine Kapital. Worldwide, kidnaps for demanding cryptocurrencies, and other related criminal activities have been growing following the enormous surge in such currencies' value as well as their secret nature. In mid December, the U.S. government had issued a nationwide alert to take a number of precautionary measures in the wake of bomb threat emails that demand bitcoin from businesses and organizations. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News . , , , ... Royal Philips (PHG) announced a realignment of its three reporting segments Diagnosis & Treatment, Connected Care & Health Informatics, and Personal Health. The company said the most notable changes are the shift of the Sleep & Respiratory Care from the Personal Health segment to the renamed Connected Care segment and the shift of the Healthcare Informatics business from the Connected Care segment to the Diagnosis & Treatment segment. Philips reaffirmed its overall targets of 4-6% comparable sales growth and an adjusted EBITA margin improvement of 100 basis points on average per year for the 2017-2020 period, and an improvement of the organic Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) to mid-to-high teens in 2020. The company expects to increase the annual free cash flow to above 1.5 billion euros in 2020. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Lewisville, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/10/2019 --Vehicle wrapping is gaining prominence in recent times as individuals are considering it more important as a showcasing instrument for their organization. This is an extraordinary method for advertising a specific item or an organization. This solution can be considered on the car, transport, truck, van, or motorbike and so on and move one's vehicle all around the city. Titan Wraps is a popular name when it comes to vinyl wraps in Dallas and DFW, Texas. They offer options for every type of business and every type of vehicle and every budget. From half coverage to a logo-only application to most-but-not-all of the vehicle, the company handles it all. Of all, carbon fiber vinyl wrap proves to be a good option, especially when it is contrasted with alternative ways which are utilized for showcasing the item. With a glue, this could be connected to an assortment of things extending from cell phones, fly skis, snowboards, to vehicles and even as vast as planes. It is altogether up to the purchaser what precisely he needs a wrap for. These days various kinds of wrapping are considered to make vehicles look alluring. The compelling options that are often used are of high, and the illustrations are of high determination and in delightful and appealing hues. The vinyl wrap offers a distinct look to the vehicle. Using this wrapping option means cleaning the whole car/transport/motorbike with an extraordinary, thin vinyl material that has cement on the back, therefore, can be imprinted on with a close boundless assortment of work of art and designs. The most significant benefit of using vinyl wraps is the adaptability it offers, and it is much better than the standard paint and can inform significantly more regarding an organization than merely the conventional name, telephone number, and address as found on numerous business vehicles. For more information on truck wraps in Dallas and DFW, Texas, visit http://www.titanwraps.com/vehicle-wraps-graphics-dallas-tx-dfw-frisco-lewisville-texas. About Titan Wraps Titan Wraps is a renowned company that offers best quality vehicle wrapping services in Plano, Lewisville, Carrollton, Frisco, & Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Farmington Hills, MI -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/10/2019 --With business owners looking for unique ways to boost their brand, the use of signs in Northville and Farmington Hills, Michigan has remarkably increased. If the business involves selling services or products directly to consumers, getting known should be one's paramount marketing strategy. Creating professional promotions with alluring visuals is an excellent way to establish brand identity. In doing so, the future promotional efforts will be that much more effective. Perfect Impressions can create the highest quality banners and posters to promote special even, signs for both internal and external displays, and vehicle graphics to expand the business wherever one goes. The experts are familiar with promotional techniques and visual messaging, making it easy to find just the right solution for one's promotional need. Signs that effectively promote products, services, and events include: LED displays, pole banners, retractable banner stands, vehicle magnets, vehicle wraps, vinyl banners, wall graphics, and lot more. Indoors and out, they can design cost-effective, high-impact visual signs, banners, and displays that can promote anything from a new location, a sale, a big outdoor sporting event or concert, or any other eye-friendly visual message one is looking to convey. At Perfect Impressions, the professionals with years of experience and expertise can custom make all types of signs including vehicle/fleet graphics, banners, shop front signage, window graphics, vinyl lettering, illuminated signs, safety signs, etc. They understand how crucial the brand is to the client, and they want to provide it the respect that it deserves, by producing quality signage that helps the business stand out. The goal is to boost the business and increase the brand identity. The team of experts closely works with the clients to determine the right sign for the business and budget. For more information on signs in Troy and Canton, Michigan, visit http://www.perfectimpressionsinc.com. About Perfect Impressions Perfect Impressions is a well-known banners, car wraps, trade show display Services Company that offers first-class services for quite a few years now. Saugus, MA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/10/2019 --Business owners are always looking for innovative ways to advertise and appeal their consumers. Those who are familiar with window clings will be aware of its uniqueness regarding enhancing the appeal of the interior. Even though custom window clings might seem very much like window stickers, they are not. A window cling is a high-quality material that is printed on the glass but does not include adhesive like truck rear window decals do. Besides, one can have them customized according to the shape of a printed advertisement. The reason that window clings are so popular among many is the fact that they can be removed and installed repeatedly. Today, both window clings, and window decals have become quite popular in the marketing industry. Park Press Printing is one of the leading resources for window clings in Somerville and New Bedford, Massachusetts. The window clings that the company supplies are typically designed to serve numerous objectives when it comes to advertising products and services. These items could be extensively used for fundraising, demonstration, agitation, expression, promotion, and more. Park Press Printing is one such company that now offers overnight printing to accomplish one's targeted audience. Upon combining custom window clings and truck window decals, one can get static cling stickers that have several benefits and advantages for thousands of business. One of the significant benefits of these decals and clings is the transparency and quality they hold. They also play a vital role in expanding a business, while increasing business ROI, and giving a long-term business outlook. Apart from promotional purposes, window clings are also used as a decorative tool. Be personal or promotional use they are now available almost everywhere. Not only trucks, but they can also be placed now on any vehicles to promote the business and brand. For more information on window decals in Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts, visit https://www.parkpressprinters.com/posters-mounted-prints. About Park Press Park Press, an expert Cambridge, MA Printing Service Provider, is dedicated to provide cost-effective printing solutions. With 80 years of experience, they have made the reputation as one of the leading printing service providers who specialize in commercial printing, newspaper printing, hardcover book printing, magazine printing, or any other form of printing. Russian Interior Ministry proposes tougher penalty for online drug propaganda Fotolia/ jamdesign 13:21 10/01/2019 MOSCOW, January 10 (RAPSI) Russias Interior Ministry has drafted a bill toughening penalty for owners of websites and hosting providers distributing prohibited information on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The document has been published on the official website of draft laws and regulations. Current fine sanctions for online drug propaganda do not fully prevent further offences, an explanatory note to the bill reads. In 2017, the Interior Ministry considered over 47,000 e-applications from Russias communications watchdog Roskomnadzor and accepted more than 20,500 expert decisions to block websites disseminating banned information on drugs. Under the bill, propaganda of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their precursors would be punishable by fines ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 rubles for individuals and from 50,000 to 100,000 rubles ($1,500) for officials. Moreover, the initiative toughens penalty for the Internet service providers failure to restrict or reopen access to certain website basing on the reports received from Roskomnadzor and also introduces punishment for repeated violations of this type. Presently, fines for such violations may reach as high as 5,000 rubles for officials and 100,000 rubles for companies, according to the bills sponsors. Russian Supreme Court upholds 14-year term for Budyonnovsk attack case defendant RIA Novosti, Alexander Zemlyanichenko 16:48 10/01/2019 MOSCOW, January 10 (RAPSI) The Supreme Court of Russia on Thursday upheld a 14-year prison term given to Badruddi Daudov for involvement in the attack and hostage taking in Budyonnovsk in 1995, the courts press service told RAPSI. The defendant was convicted and sentenced in June. He was found guilty of taking hostages, membership in a gang and terrorism. Daudov pleaded not guilty. According to case papers, in June 1995, Daudov participated in the attack under the leadership of a notorious warlord Shamil Basayev. On June 14, 1995, a group of at least 160 gunmen led by Basayev attacked Budyonnovsk holding 1,586 people as hostages at a local hospital. The attack left 129 persons dead and 317 injured while the property damage was estimated at 95.6 billion rubles (about $1.5 billion at the current exchange rate). Overall, 31 members of the gang have been sentenced to prison terms varying from 11 to 15 years. Proceedings against 18 members including Basayev were dropped owing to their death. Vostochny Cosmodrome contractor detained in $400k embezzlement case RIA Novosti, Igor Ageenko 12:11 10/01/2019 MOSCOW, January 10 (RAPSI) A court in Blagoveshchensk, a city in Russias Far East, has ordered detention for Anton Novikov, CEO of LEO TELECOM company, a contractor of Vostochny Cosmodrome, as part of a 26-million-ruble embezzlement case (about $400,000), a statement published on the courts website reads. Novikov is placed in jail until February 28. According to the Blagoveshchensk City Courts press service, Novikov misappropriated nearly 26 million rubles belonging to the Operation Center of Ground-Based Space Infrastructure Facilities between August and December 2017. He was charged with swindling and could face up to 10 years behind bars if convicted. The construction of Vostochny space center, due to become Russia's main launch site, began in 2012. The first launch vehicle operation was carried out on April 28, 2016. Richard Brown announced that he will not seek re-election as Queens district attorney after his term ends. Former Supreme Court Justice Gregory Lasak, Councilman Rory Lancman and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, left, previously announced their bids to replace him. Want to find out how federal agencies are handling the federal budget shutdown? it will be difficult, with all workers considered not essential to operations and safety on furlough, while others are working for no pay. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: US Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas): I understand from whats been testified to the Forest Service and the BLM [Bureau of Land Management], you want very much to work on the issue of climate change. We know theres been significant solar flare activity, and so is there anything that the National Forest Service or BLM can do to change the course of the moons orbit, or the Earths orbit around the sun? Obviously that would have profound effects on our climate. Jennifer Eberlein, associate deputy chief for the National Forest System, responded that she would have to follow up with you on that one, after a brief pause. Gohmert: Well, if you figure out a way that you in the Forest Service can make that change, Id like to know. Jittery daigou scramble to cope under China's new e-commerce law From:ChinaDaily | 2019-01-09 13:33 HANGZHOU - Melbourne-based Chinese expatriate Luo Lin says he is ready to give up being a daigou, a cross-border personal shopper who buys cosmetics, accessories and clothing and then resells them in China. "If I continue, I will have to apply for a license and deal with taxes, which I have no time for," said the 24-year-old graduate student in Australia. "I have to give up. I will probably only shop for relatives and friends," he said. China's e-commerce market has been expanding at a break-neck pace since 1999, with individuals joining industry giants like Alibaba and JD in mining the country's consumption potential. The army of personal shoppers profited through price gaps between China and overseas countries. They did not have to pay taxes or customs duties when they resold the merchandise to buyers in China. Under the new e-commerce law, which took effect on Jan 1, such commercial behaviors will fall under tighter government scrutiny. Vendors on e-commerce platforms, WeChat, live-streaming websites and other online platforms are required to register their business, receive a license, pay taxes accordingly and be held responsible for fraudulent goods. Violators are subject to fines up to 2 million yuan ($290,900). The law also bans vendors from unscrupulous practices like deleting shopper reviews, canceling orders at will and click farming. After the law went in force, shoppers who frequently advertised on their WeChat moments kept silent for a while, fearing that their advertisements would be targeted by social media platforms. A housewife in Perth, who gave the name Li, has only updated her moments once in the past week. In the past two years, she would usually post three entries a day. Li has started applying for a business license. "I've built up a good reputation, and it is hard to give up my clients," she said. When Li came to Perth five years ago, she understood nothing about baby formula and luxury couture. Now she knows which mall offers the best discount. On a busy day, she drove to five malls to make purchases for her clients, making as much as half a million yuan a year. "The world of daigou develops very fast. It is a booming cash-rich market," she said. "The new law is a good chance for surrogate shoppers to improve their practices, though some people may be forced to withdraw from the industry," she said. China's e-commerce market has developed at double-digit pace for years. E-commerce transaction totalled 22.69 trillion yuan in the first three quarters of 2018, up 11.2 percent year-on-year. The 2021 CYO Track and Field Championship Meet was held at Divine Child on Friday, June 4. It marked the first time that Divine Child served as host for the event. Przepraszamy! Ogoszenie na stanowisku: Accountmanager In Vitro Diagnostics wygaso z dniem 2019-03-06 Ta propozycja bya zozona przez SIRE Life Sciences Mozliwe przyczyny wygasniecia ogoszenia to: propozycja zamieszczona przez pracodawce zostaa wycofana z naszej bazy ogoszeniodawca zakonczy proces rekrutacji uzyskujac odpowiednia ilosc zgoszen zleceniodawca zmodyfikowa tresc ogoszenia i jest ono dostepne pod innym adresem WWW dostawca tresci usuna ogoszenie z bazy danych zy adres WWW ogoszenia Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w branzy Sprzedaz, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Sprzedaz Jezeli poszukujesz pracy na stanowisku Accountmanager In Vitro Diagnostics, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Accountmanager In Vitro Diagnostics Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w miescie: Netherlands, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Netherlands Pamietaj, ze mozesz takze rozpoczac poszukiwanie pracy od strony gownej, kliknij tutaj. Inne oferty, ktore mogy byc w kregu Twoich zainteresowan: LMAS: More need to seek vaccine to protect districts population MANISTIQUE While vaccination efforts continue throughout the county, LMAS District Health Department reminds residents that measures to reduce and prevent the spread of COVID-19 remain important. The department is... GO AHEAD AND JUMP Emerald Elementary students wrapped up their school year last week with the annual Field Day event. The event at A.F. Hall Stadium, skipped last year due to the pandemic, boasted... On Tuesday, Jan. 8, the Lee County Sheriffs Office Highway Interdiction Unit, the Cape Coral Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspector completed a month-long joint investigation in reference to an increase in suspicious packages being delivered to Lee County. According to a release from the Lee County Sheriffs Office, upon arrival at the postal facility, detectives utilized their K9 partners to conduct a free air sniff of the packages, and the K9s subsequently indicated the odor of narcotics. The packages found were addressed to Jason Scott Smith, 46, of 4300 N.W. 27th St., Cape Coral, the report states. During the investigation, detectives learned that Smith and his wife, Karea Michelle Smith, 47, also of of 4300 N.W. 27th St., Cape Coral, were both allegedly involved in illegal narcotic activity throughout Lee County. As a result, multiple search warrants were authored and executed at several locations that were believed to be utilized by the Smiths. These locations were used to store, package and distribute these illegal drugs, investigative officers said. In total, detectives seized $13,942 in U.S. currency, a 2017 Toyota Tundra, over 35 pounds of raw marijuana, 487 grams of THC wax, 186 grams of THC infused edibles, 110 grams of mushrooms, 1,057 grams of THC oil and multiple drug paraphernalia items, the report states. At the conclusion of the investigation, detectives arrested both Jason Smith and Karea Smith on multiple marijuana charges to include trafficking, smuggling and distribution. The LCSO noted the help of the K9 partners involved in the investigation: Lee County Sheriffs Office K9s Cashius, Zeus, JoJo and JJ, and Cape Coral Police Departments K9 Arca. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday and Wednesday in a show of brotherly harmony. Kim needs China's backing ahead of another summit with U.S. President Donald Trump and stands to gain crucial leverage in overcoming sanctions if China simply opens its backdoor to trade. At a time like this, South Korea, which suffers the greatest threat from North Korea's nuclear weapons program, should have concentrated all its diplomatic resources on keeping up with what Kim and Xi are up to. But the South Korean ambassador to China made an unceremonious exit on Tuesday just as Kim was arriving in Beijing because he has a new job as President Moon Jae-in's chief of staff, and now the post is vacant. Noh Young-min (66) claimed he "wrapped things up" before vacating his post, but it remains a mystery what he is talking about. Noh also suffered a barrage of criticism in June last year when he went on holiday just as Kim was on his third visit to China. The communist Chinese government is a stickler for rank, and it is extremely difficult for diplomats of even major countries to meet high-ranking Chinese officials. They will certainly not want to talk to some acting charge d'affaires, so the embassy will have to content itself with reading the tea leaves. China does not exactly support a nuclear-armed North Korea, but it is more interested in increasing its dominance in Asia, weakening the Seoul-Washington alliance and decreasing or ending U.S. troop presence in the South. China has shown it is willing to pull out all the stops to tame South Korea, snubbing Moon by putting his special envoy in low-ranking seats twice, to say nothing of its devastating boycott of South Korean goods and services over the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery from the U.S. here. South Korea has never protested. Trump has already pledged to pull American troops out of South Korea. During his first summit with Kim, he promised to end annual joint military exercises with South Korea without even consulting Seoul. The reason for both is saving U.S. taxpayers' money. Now Trump is calling on South Korea to shoulder a much bigger share of the cost of keeping U.S. troops here. Based on his track record, Trump could drop another bombshell about their presence during his impending second summit with Kim. U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis is no longer in office, so there is now nobody who can keep Trump from making rash military decisions. And yet again the Moon administration is making no serious efforts to protect the country's security. Diplomatic relations with Japan are in even worse shape. A spat over a South Korean destroyer allegedly pointing its fire radar at a Japanese spy plane is only one of many recent crises and has immediately been replaced by protests over a Korean court's decision to seize the assets of Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal on behalf of forced labor victims. Yet most of South Korea's old diplomatic hands in Tokyo were phased out because they are thought to be part of the old establishment that Moon has ostensibly set out to sweep away. The ambassador cannot even speak the language and is widely thought to be incompetent. South Korea's ambassador to Russia, meanwhile, was recalled recently after corruption allegations surfaced and had to rush through the airport covering his face. South Korea's diplomacy is a shambles. The country is surrounded by bigger powers, "a shrimp among whales" as the old saying goes. Diplomacy is key to its survival, and survival must take precedence over ethics. Only recently National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang said, "We need to stop the practice of appointing political allies to key posts as rewards. We need to assign experts." It is high time that rule was applied to senior diplomatic posts. The Great St. Antony Church, right, and the Great mosque, left, are illuminated in Cairo, Egypt on Sunday. The Coptic Christian population are considered to be the largest Christian community in the Middle East and observe Christmas on Jan. 7 according to the old, Julian calendar. AP Photo/Amr Nabil Thank you for reading the Philadelphia Tribune. You have exhausted your free article views for this month. Please press the "subscribe" button below and see our introductory price of $0.25 per week for 13 weeks. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you next month. Contractor, landscape designer, Realtor, and reality TV personality Matt Blashaw is a quadruple threat in a good way at the Philly Home Show. Friday through Sunday at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Blashaw, currently a host on HGTVs Yard Crashers and Vacation House for Free, will present 40-minute show-and-tells on outdoor spaces hes created. But that doesnt mean he cant offer insight in his other areas of expertise. The Orange County native has appeared on or hosted Project Xtreme, Money Hunters, Blog Cabin, Professional Grade, Cool Tool Builders Show, Worst Kitchen in America, Ellens Design Challenge and Stud Finders. In March, hell shoot a one-hour special of Americas Most Desperate Landscape. Blashaw is a font of knowledge on home remodeling, the real estate market, and how those two things go together. Its knowledge he gladly shares. Hes been building since age 15. In the past six years, hes become an in-demand real estate advocate, he said, for luxury properties in Southern California. How do you keep track of all that you do? When it comes to home shows, I have not gone on the stage yet and called the city another city. Thats my worst fear in the world, to say, Hey, its good to be in Cincinnati, and were in Philadelphia. I do five or six home shows a season, but I dont mix up cities because I engage with people. I cater my talks to the climate and the perspective of the people in the audience. I also just got a new gig working with Redfin that enables me to still shoot shows for DIY and HGTV. What do people ask you about during a home show appearance? Mostly, people will ask me landscaping questions, which is great. Thats what Im there for. If you think about the backyard, its the most daunting place in your house. If you look at the interior of your home, you know the placement of everything. With the backyard, you have to basically build the house, and do the placement, and then think about the finishes, and how they interact with one another. I show people where to start in the backyard, how to design it, how to make it functional and beautiful. Once you get these basics down, youll be able to look at your yard in a really simple way. What common mistake do yard owners make? They often build their barbecue in a far corner of their yard, and they never use it. A barbecue should never be placed more than 20 feet away from your back door or patio door. You have to have it interact with your home. Any favorite landscaping trends? Connecting your outdoor space to the indoor space. People are knocking out doors and putting in cantina doors and glass doors. When you have connectivity, your yard feels like the inside of your house. You love your living room. You love your dining room. You love your kitchen. Create your backyard to have that same feeling, and youll use it so much. What about real estate trends? The real estate world is changing. Amazon is getting into real estate. More people are looking online. The traditional, I-just-put-out-flyers, old-school way of doing business isnt working anymore. Its high technology. About 60 percent of people who purchase homes find their homes online and thats going up by the month. Zillow and Redfin are dominating the market. People arent even using the MLS anymore. So, how do you set yourself apart as a Realtor? I show other people the potential of a house, how it can be remodeled, or if its a money pit. I even show them how to stage it themselves for sale. My passion is the home, making the home beautiful, and empowering people to do it themselves. The mentality for me is completely different. I work on a customer-service basis. Im a real estate advocate a home advocate not a salesman. Can you share a funny story from home shows past? Ill always wait after I give my talk. I go to the side, shake peoples hands, and I ask if they want to talk about any specific questions. I had this one lady, she came up and had this blueprint. She said, I really need you to help me with this. I asked her to wait until I was done with everyone else, and then went down and sat with her. I gave her a couple of really good pointers, but after about 15 minutes, I said, Im so sorry, but youre going to have to pay me for this. Im basically designing your yard for you. If you want a consultation, Im $100 an hour. How should people approach you? Bring your questions. If you have pictures of your yard, I love to see pictures. I can give you a few pointers. Im as excited about peoples yards as they are. But people can come with all their questions, not just about landscaping. Ive been in the industry for 25 years now. I know everything from real estate to building to landscaping. If youre stuck, and you need some help, Ill help. Ive had a lot of couples come up, and I will always settle an argument. Sometimes it works. Sometimes not. Im very honest with people. Philadelphia Home Show Matt Blashaw Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 1 & 4 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Home show runs noon-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, noon-8 p.m. January 18, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. January 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. January 20. Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th & Arch Streets, $10 (online), $13 (door), $3 ages 6-12, free under 6, 610-940-1677, phillyhomeshow.com With more than 700 employees, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Philadelphia office is one of the biggest of the agencys 10 regional offices. They inspect businesses from Pennsylvania to Virginia to make sure theyre not polluting rivers or disposing of hazardous material incorrectly. They manage the cleanups of abandoned hazardous Superfund sites. And theyre involved in other similar situations, like the response to the water contamination thats affected tens of thousands of residents in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. But only 30 employees have been working at the office at 17th and Arch Streets in Center City since Dec. 31, the day the EPA ran out of funding during the partial government shutdown. According to its shutdown contingency plan, the EPA and its contractors will continue to monitor and clean up abandoned Superfund sites that pose an imminent threat to human life," such as a site that could contaminate a towns drinking water. (The EPA employees doing so, like other essential federal employees, are not getting paid.) The Philadelphia region is home to dozens of Superfund sites, including four that were on a national priorities list as of December 2017. The EPA did not respond to questions about which ones had been deemed imminent threats. Still, those in Philadelphia who work for the EPA, an agency that has been under threat since President Donald Trump came into office, say that virtually stopping the agencys operations poses a risk to public health and safety. The shutdown means citizens cant, for example, get information on a business that might be emitting noxious fumes, Marie Owens Powell, president of the EPA workers' union AFGE Local 3631, said this week. And it means businesses required to comply with EPA regulations cant get answers. Owens Powell, an underground-storage inspector for 17 years, said that prior to the shutdown she fielded daily calls from businesses asking how to comply with regulations, like how to dispose of certain types of materials. With the shutdown, those businesses might have to spend extra money to hire an expert to make that determination or else face financial penalties down the line if theyre found to be breaking the law. Then there are businesses that might see the shutdown as a window of reprieve from the EPAs regulations, since inspectors arent conducting their normal enforcement. Garth Connor, an environmental scientist who travels to states to inspect manufacturing and other industrial facilities, says hes seen how companies cut corners to save money. He recalled a business owner in Richmond, Va., who didnt want to spend $500 to dispose of every 55-gallon drum he had filled with hazardous waste. When Connor arrived for inspection, there were 20 of those drums on the property. Another recent inspection sent Connor to a Pennsylvania manufacturer that discharged wastewater into the Susquehanna River but was using outdated equipment. Poorly treated water can impact drinking water and harm aquatic life. In general, were often sent to facilities that are struggling with compliance, said Connor, 64. Sometimes Ill look at their equipment and say, Whoa, man, this is really old. When it comes to Superfund sites, the shutdown could delay the cleaning process, especially for those not deemed imminent risks. The EPA is constantly monitoring contamination levels from these sites to see how the cleanup is progressing, as well as keeping track of the cleanup work being done by private owners of Superfund sites, said Mindi Snoparsky, a geologist who works in the hazardous-site cleanup division. Without this kind of routine monitoring, its possible that Snoparsky and her colleagues will miss an important change at the site, which would drive up costs for both the EPA and the businesses that own Superfund sites. Angela McFadden, an environmental engineer in the Philadelphia regions water protection division, said no one is monitoring the constant stream of pollutant data normally handled by the EPA. And no one would be on duty if there was spill into a waterway. She wonders what would happen if there was a discharge like the one in June 2006, when Merck & Co. sent potassium thiocyanate into the Wissahickon Creek, which resulted in an extensive fish kill and the Philadelphia Water Departments having to close a drinking water intake. Merck eventually agreed to a $20 million settlement. Right now, we cant even go out and determine if there are industrial violations, McFadden said. We cant even go and investigate. Ultimately, said EPA paralegal specialist Jan Nation, the air and the water are not being protected." By the time the line began moving on a hot Tuesday morning in June, nearly a dozen seniors had been waiting for almost a day. They gathered in South Philadelphia by the end, scores of them, most older than 62 to try to secure one of the new, affordable senior housing units sprouting near Fourth and Snyder Streets. Many had begun lining up the afternoon before with their lawn chairs and sun hats. Waiting hours overnight even seemed a small price to pay, they thought, for a chance at safe, clean housing that they could afford. In reality, most of them had been waiting much longer than 24 hours. The new development, called Cantrell Place, had been in the works since 2011 when Montgomery County-based developer Presbys Inspired Life envisioned the senior housing community. Before finally opening its doors in December, Presby had spent the time drawing up plans, assembling land, and applying for funding over and over again. The 61 one-bedroom units, with space for seniors who make as little as $12,240 and as much as $36,708 annually, had been more than seven years in the making. For seniors who lived in the surrounding neighborhoods, that meant living in rowhouses with too many stairs or too much space to maintain. Some stayed in properties crumbling from disrepair. Others had seen their incomes decline and cost of living rise, leaving them in houses they could no longer afford. Yet in todays affordable housing landscape, seven years to finish a project could be considered the norm. Government funding for these types of projects has continued to shrink. Competition for what remains has intensified. Nonprofit and for-profit affordable housing developers must often apply repeatedly for the limited public money. If they dont get it, experts say, its hard for affordable housing projects to proceed. The issue has become particularly problematic for senior citizens. A majority of the massive baby boom generation, defined as those born between 1946 and 1964, is in its 60s, with several million boomers now in their 70s. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, the population of people aged 65 and older is expected to jump to 73 million by 2030, an increase of 33 million in two decades. But the problem is far greater than growing demand. Its no longer uncommon for people to live into their 80s and beyond, meaning housing is needed for longer than it once was. At the same time, the number of older, low-income households is growing, the Harvard study said, with those earning less than $15,000 per year jumping 39 percent between 2000 and 2016. The result, experts say: an affordable senior housing crisis one that is expected to grow worse in the coming years. Subsidies havent really kept pace with the growth in that population, said Robert Silverman, a professor at the University of Buffalo and an expert in affordable housing. Without funding for affordable housing development, what developers have been left with as options and what kinds of options they pursue have really been market-rate housing that leans toward the high-rent market. A five- to 10-year wait for a home Isabella Kelly has survived cancer twice, suffers from spinal stenosis, and has endured a broken ankle that landed her in the hospital. In other words, at 66, she knows shes a pretty tough lady. Which is why, she thinks, she stayed in her collapsing West Philadelphia home for so long. For years, she had no heat and eventually broke her oven using it to try to stay warm. Water from her leaking roof filled buckets and bags. And when she came home from the hospital after ankle surgery in 2017, she found her kitchen ceiling with a gaping hole in it. I saw stuff dropping down from the ceiling one day, and I looked up and there was a raccoon looking at me, Kelly said. I yelled and it just stood there. And then the second time it was on top of the closet. I nailed a 2-by-4 up there and some heavy cardboard to the roof, but I couldnt sleep. I was like, What if I wake up and it is sitting on my chest? So in the summer of 2017, Kelly applied to Presby for a low-income apartment. But like thousands of other seniors looking for affordable housing in the region, she was told there was a wait list one that could take years to be whittled down. At Presbys affordable senior communities, as well as other senior communities in the region, applicants face wait lists that are often hundreds of people long. At Presby, for example, nearly 4,200 people are waiting to move into the 2,451 slots they offer at the 36 communities they developed or manage. The wait, a spokesperson said, can typically last several years. Kelly ultimately secured a spot at a community in Southwest Philadelphia just a few days before Christmas roughly a year and a half after she applied. The Philadelphia Housing Authority said its wait list for affordable senior housing is 11,262 people long meaning applicants can expect to wait between five and 10 years to get a spot inside one of its 2,100 senior-only public housing apartments. For physically disabled seniors, however, PHA typically can move them into accessible units within a year, a spokesperson said. (PHA classifies seniors as people 55 and older, compared to Presby, which has a minimum age requirement of 62 for its residents.) The demand is really high, said Vidhi Anderson, executive director of housing and land development at Presby. I think it becomes a bit of a bottleneck with funding. Its extremely limited and extremely competitive. Its not for the faint of heart. Slashed federal funding, fiercer competition When developers of affordable senior housing want to build a new community today, their options for sizable chunks of funding largely boil down to one: low-Income Housing Tax Credits, administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. It wasnt always this way. For decades, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funded new affordable senior housing projects through its Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program, known as Section 202. Started in 1959, the program produced nearly 400,000 new units for low-income elderly households over its lifetime, HUD estimates. Yet the program was slashed in 2012 by several million dollars, eliminating the ability for Section 202 to be used for new projects. Current funds support only existing senior housing, and allocations were cut further in 2016-17, Harvard says. The only real way to fund [projects] now is through the low-income tax credits, Anderson said. And competition can be fierce. Each year, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency receives around $30 million in housing tax credits from the federal government, which developers can apply for in amounts as large as $1.25 million. If selected, developers then transfer those credits to investors and corporations in exchange for millions of dollars of equity. The investors, in return, can use the credits as a discount against future taxes. Last year, across the state, developers of 98 affordable housing projects submitted an application for tax credits. Slightly more than a third 39 total were selected. Ted Wasserman, president of Montgomery County-based Wasserman Properties, was one applicant who was denied last year. He hopes to build a 44-unit low-income senior housing community called Frankford House in Philadelphias Frankford neighborhood, which he said will provide social and health-care services, in addition to housing. Already, he said, he has sunk nearly $150,000 into planning his project. He recently applied again. But with competition just as aggressive 86 applicants theres no guarantee that he will get the funds this year. All types of affordable housing are going after that same pot of money, Wasserman said. And there are stories of people who have applied three or four times." Anderson from Presby knows what thats like. For the organizations Witherspoon senior housing project in Southwest Philadelphia, which also opened its doors in late 2018, Presby applied three years in a row before being awarded tax credits. And then, it still needed funding from the city, as well as private money, to cover the projects full cost. With a line of senior citizens camped out for that rent-subsidized project, too, Presby had the 60-unit community filled up in a matter of days. On the 20th day of a partial government shutdown, President Donald Trump spent the day in Texas, continuing to press his case for $5.7 billion to build a proposed border wall that he had promised would be paid for by Mexico. Before his departure from Washington and after arriving in Texas, Trump doubled-down on his demands for a wall, saying he would probably declare a national emergency to get funding for the wall if Democrats dont concede. The trip came after talks to reopen the government fell apart Wednesday, with Trump walking out of a meeting with Democratic leaders after they refused to support his plan to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Nine federal agencies are closed due to the shutdown, which began Dec. 22. Roughly 800,000 federal workers have gone without their regular paychecks, with more than 400,000 considered essential and required to work without pay. The longest government shutdown lasted 21 days, stretching from December 1995 into January 1996 under President Bill Clinton. Heres a recap of Trumps trip to the border and other shutdown updates: Trump says he shouldnt have to declare emergency Doubling down on claims that he never literally meant that Mexico would pay for a wall on the United States' southern border, Trump stood next to Texas Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz while he spoke to reporters Thursday. Do you think theyre going to write a check for $20 billion or $10 billion or $5 billion or two cents? No. Theyre paying for the wall in a great trade deal, Trump said, adding that he shouldnt have to declare a national emergency. This is common sense," the president said. "They need a barrier, they need a wall. If you dont have it, its going to be nothing but hard work and grueling problems. And, by the way, and death, and death, a lot of death. When asked about the anticipated length of the government shutdown, which is in its third week, Trump said he couldnt say. That I cant tell you, but I can tell you I feel very badly for the people who have family members who have been killed, that should have never happened," he said. "Those are the people Im thinking most about. The president also brushed off a reporters question about news of his former attorney, Michael Cohen, agreeing to testify publicly before the House Oversight Committee. "Im not worried about it at all, no, Trump said, before departing back to Washington. On Twitter, the President announced he had canceled his upcoming visit to the Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum, blaming the Democrats' intransigence on border security. Pence: No wall, no deal' Meanwhile, in a rare press briefing at the Capitol Thursday, Vice President Mike Pence declared an ultimatum for ending the government shutdown. "Walls work. Its not a debatable point, Pence told reporters, calling on Congress to approve $5.7 billion in funding for construction on the southern border, according to The Hill. No wall, no deal. Because walls work. Pence also added that the president has the absolute right to declare a national emergency at the border, the Hill reported. According to a report from USA TODAY, the Pentagon is devising plans to build a border from its approved budget for construction projects in the event Trump does declare a national emergency. Heres who traveled to Texas with Trump Ten people made the trip from Washington to Texas along with Trump, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders told CNN. The group includes: Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, both Republicans who represent Texas Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney White House senior adviser Jared Kushner White House communications director Bill Shine White House senior policy adviser Stephen Miller White House social media director Dan Scavino Lt. General Todd Semonite, head of US Army Corps of Engineers Kevin McAleenan, commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection FBI agents: Government shutdown could threaten national security More than 60 current FBI special agents signed a petition urging both the White House and Democrats in Congress to end the government shutdown, warning that a lack of funding could threaten national security. The agents say the impact of the government shutdown to the FBI includes potential delays in securing or renewing security clearances, lack of funding for day-to-day operations, and the possible loss of special agents who have a variety of employment options in the private sector. As those on the frontlines in the fight against criminals and terrorists, we urge expediency before financial insecurity compromises national security, the petition states. McConnell blocks House bills to reopen government Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) blocked two spending bills passed by the House to re-open the government on Thursday, calling them political stunts. Democrats hoped to force McConnell to take up the budget bills in an effort to end the government shutdown that approaches its fourth week. But McConnell has made it clear he wont move forward on any bills Trump would refuse to sign. The last thing we need to do right now is trade pointless absolutely pointless show votes back and forth across the aisle, McConnell told reporters on Capitol Hill. Prior to the shutdown, on Dec. 19, the Senate passed a bipartisan funding bill that did not including $5.7 billion to fund Trumps border wall. But Trump later backed away from supporting the bill after conservative media figures including Ann Coulter and Rush Limbaugh warned hed lose support from the Republican base if he failed to deliver on his campaign pledge to build a wall along the Mexican border. Pelosi responds to Trumps comments about declaring an emergency Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said Trump will likely have problems convincing fellow Republicans to back his idea of declaring a national emergency to fund the construction of a border wall. I think the president will have problems on his own side of the aisle for exploiting the situation in a way that enhances his power, Pelosi told reporters on Capitol Hill Thursday morning. Several Republicans have made it clear they would rather see a negotiated resolution with Democrats over Trumps demands for a border wall, urging the president to tread lightly. I think it adds new layers of complexity because we know the first thing that will happen is somebody will file a lawsuit, and it wont be resolved for weeks, maybe months, maybe even years, Sen. John Cornyn (R., Texas) told The Hill. Fox & Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade, among Trumps loudest media allies, also warned the president about declaring a national emergency. It would be a disaster in the big picture and it would show us being inept and unable to govern around the world," Kilmeade said. It would set a terrible precedent." Trump says he will probably declare border emergency Speaking to reporters at the White House ahead of his departure for Texas, Trump said he would likely declare an emergency along the southern border to get funding to build his proposed border wall if Democrats dont agree to his demands. "I have an absolute right to declare a national emergency Probably I will do it. I would almost say definitely, Trump told reporters If we dont make a deal, I would say it would be very surprising to me that I would not declare a national emergency. If we declare national emergency, we have a tremendous amount of funds. Tremendous, Trump added. Trump backtracks on claim Mexico will pay for the wall Throughout the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump promised that Mexico would pay for his proposed border wall. But speaking to reporters ahead of his trip to Texas, Trump backtracked on that claim. Obviously, I never said this and I never meant theyre going to write out a check, Trump said, suggesting Mexico would pay for the wall indirectly through a re-negotiated trade agreement that has yet to pass through Congress. But as Popular Information newsletter writer Judd Legum pointed out, Trump proposed forcing Mexico to make a one-time payment of $5 to $10 billion as part of a new provision of the Patriot Act on his campaign website. Fentanyl bust at Port of Philadelphia goes viral A story about a fentanyl drug bust at the Port of Philadelphia from back in July gained new attention on social media Thursday morning following Trumps comments about stopping the flow of drugs with a border wall. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Philadelphia discovered 110 pounds of fentanyl inside barrels of iron oxide being shipped from China, my colleague Chris Palmer reported July 2. The agency pegged the street value of the fentanyl around $1.7 million. As users on social media quickly pointed out, Trumps proposed border wall would not have stopped those drugs from reaching Philadelphia. As my colleague Aubrey Whelan reported Wednesday, the DEA says fentanyl is generally shipped to the United States in packages directly from China or from China through Canada. Its also smuggled across the southern border through ports of entry, which in most cases already have physical barriers present. Trumps 2004 wall speech unearthed by Daily Show The Daily Show dug up a 2004 video of Trump delivering the commencement address at Wagner College in Staten Island, where the then-reality TV star spoke about concrete walls a bit differently than he does as president. Ill tell you, to me, the second-most important thing after love what you do is never, ever give up, Trump told the student. Dont give up. Dont allow it to happen. If theres a concrete wall in front of you, go through it. Go over it. Go around it. But get to the other side of that wall. By Thursday morning, the video on the Daily Shows Twitter account had been viewed more than four million times. Coast Guard families told to have garage sales Families of Coast Guard employees among the roughly 800,000 federal works not getting paid during the shutdown received a suggestion to help them get by: have a garage sale. It was one of the many money-making ideas published in a tip sheet that has since been taken down by the Coast Guard. Among the other ideas were turn your hobby into income and become a mystery shopper. "Yes, your credit score may suffer during this time," the document read, encouraging families to "keep things in perspective." Bankruptcy is a last option, the document said. Hannity to interview Trump at the border Trump will sit down for an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Thursday that will air at 9 p.m. on Hannity. Its Trumps first appearance with Hannity since the host joined the president on stage during a Nov. 5 political rally in Missouri. The Daily Beast reported earlier this week that Hannity has been advising Trump during the government shutdown and the fight over the wall, urging the president to take a hard-line stance against Democrats. Bill Shine, Hannitys former producer at Fox News, is currently Trumps deputy chief of staff for communications. WASHINGTON - Top Senate Republicans emerged Wednesday from meetings with attorney general nominee William Barr insisting that if confirmed, he would not hinder Robert Mueller III's investigation of the Trump campaign's Russia ties, despite previous statements blasting the probe for looking into whether President Donald Trump attempted to obstruct justice. "Based on what I heard, he has a high opinion of Mr. Mueller, believes Mr. Mueller is doing a professional job, will do a professional job and be fair to the president and the country as a whole," Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told reporters, adding that Barr sees "no reason for Mr. Mueller to stop doing his job and is committed to allowing Mr. Mueller to finish." Graham is one of four Republican senators with whom Barr met on Wednesday, as he prepares for a two-part confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee next Tuesday and Wednesday. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, one of the senators who met with Barr on Wednesday afternoon, emerged citing similar confidence that the nominee would be largely hands-off when it came to Mueller's probe. "William P. Barr is what I would call a judicial law-and-order attorney general. He's not a politician," Cornyn told reporters. "He respects [Mueller], and I think he's on record saying he thinks he should be allowed to complete his work. To me, that's the long and short of it." But Barr's previous public statements about the Mueller probe have become a sticking point for Senate Democrats, who question whether he will be truly impartial in overseeing the investigation. Chief among Democratic lawmakers' concerns is a memo Barr wrote last year blasting the Mueller investigation's focus on whether President Trump attempted to obstruct justice, in particular when he fired FBI Director James Comey. Some Democrats have pressed for Barr to recuse himself over that memo, as well as opinion pieces he wrote defending Comey's termination and pressing the Justice Department to further investigate Hillary Clinton. Democrats also want Barr to explain his view of presidential pardons, out of concern that Trump may move to pardon his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort or other associates caught in Mueller's investigation, the staffer said. But thus far, Democrats have not had an opportunity to interview Barr - and it is unclear if all of those who wish to will have the opportunity before his confirmation process begins in earnest next week. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the Judiciary Committee's top Democrat, is scheduled to speak with Barr on Thursday, according to her spokeswoman. But other Democrats on the panel have complained that Barr is refusing to meet with them due to the ongoing government shutdown. Sen Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., a member of the committee, said the administration cited the "truncated schedule" as the reason why Barr would not be available. An aide to another Democratic senator on the Judiciary Committee confirmed that the senator was similarly denied a meeting, with the administration citing the shutdown. "William Barr's refusal to meet with Democratic senators on the Judiciary Committee is entirely unprecedented and unacceptable," Blumenthal said in a statement. "The Department of Justice's attempt to excuse this gross break in the norms by citing a 'truncated schedule' is galling when they are the ones who have rushed it. My Republican colleagues should share my outrage at this appalling violation of the Senate's independent authority." Kerri Kupec, a DOJ spokeswoman, noted that Barr is meeting with both Democrats and Republicans "despite the holidays, reduced DOJ staff and resources due to the partial government shutdown, and the compressed timeline to prepare for the upcoming hearing." "He will continue to do so both before and after the hearing and looks forward to meeting with Senator Blumenthal and his colleagues," Kupec said. Meanwhile, Republicans on the panel are projecting an unflappable sense of calm as they plan out Barr's confirmation, which leaders hope to accomplish soon. Graham downplayed the Democrats' fears about whether Barr's stated opinions about the probe would cloud his judgment. "He's got some concerns about turning the firing of a political appointee into an obstruction-of-justice case, and I share those concerns," Graham told reporters. "But that's his opinion as a private citizen. As an attorney general, his job is to receive Mr. Mueller's report." He added that he intended to share Barr's memo and the full list of people with whom the nominee shared it with all Judiciary Committee members. Meanwhile in the House, the dawn of Barr's confirmation process is giving rise to tensions in the House Judiciary Committee, where Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., on Tuesday threatened to prepare a subpoena for acting attorney general Matthew G. Whitaker if he refuses to testify by Jan. 29. Democrats are concerned that Whitaker might have coordinated with Trump to restrict the reach of the Mueller probe, fears that were fomented after the acting attorney general decided to ignore the advice of Justice Department ethics officials to recuse himself from overseeing the investigation. But Republicans, led by ranking committee member Douglas Collins of Georgia, have argued that the focus on Whitaker is superfluous, because he is soon going to be replaced anyway. Collins said Wednesday that he was also "taken aback" by Nadler's subpoena threat, which he argued was currently impossible to even make good on. "I'm sorry, the chairman can't issue subpoenas right now when there's no committee that's been formed," Collins said, pointing out that the Judiciary Committee - like every other House committee - still lacks the rank-and-file members who would be needed to give the chairman the authority to subpoena in the first place. On Wednesday, Nadler sent Whitaker a letter asking him to appear by Jan. 29. Nadler earlier sent a letter to Whitaker in December, requesting his testimony. House Judiciary Committee Democrats consider that to be ample notice - and argue that if Whitaker does not agree to a January date, they will have the right to subpoena his testimony, with notice, as soon as Judiciary Committee members have been selected. Rank-and-file members are expected to be appointed to panels by next week. Collins also pushed back against Democrats' plans to ready a bill to protect the special counsel from being fired, by giving him swift recourse in the federal courts to appeal any termination order. "My question for the chairman would be: What's he need protecting for?" Collins said of Mueller, pointing out that neither Whitaker nor Barr had made moves or announced plans to limit Mueller. "Nobody has gone out of their way or even attempted to stop the investigation." - - - The Washington Post's Tom Hamburger and Matt Zapotosky ontributed to this report. The popular U.S. TV series "Designated Survivor" will be remade in Korea to be aired on cable TV channel tvN. Actor Ji Jin-hee has been cast to play the lead role, an official who is put in charge to run the county during a state of emergency. A tvN staffer said Wednesday, "Casting is in progress and we aim to air the series before June." "Designated Survivor," whose second season ended in the U.S. in May last year, won many Korean fans as it was made available on Netflix. The plot is that a terrorist attack kills the president and most of his cabinet, leaving the presidency in the hands of the secretary of Housing and Urban Development, who is 12th in the presidential line of succession. The title of the series refers to the system developed during the Cold War to guarantee continuity of government when the president and multiple senior officials are killed. In the Korean remake, Ji will play a former chemistry professor who is appointed environment minister. Initially interested only in his research and studies, he discovers political convictions and ambition after having the presidency thrust upon him. With Point Breeze and Newbold bustling with new development on the west side of the city, and with East Passyunk experiencing the same directly to the east, it's surprising that a corridor as large as South Broad Street has only recently drawn interest from large Philadelphia developers. Beyond early investments such as Carl Dranoff's 777 South Broad apartments in 2010 and Southstar Lofts in 2014, the South Philadelphia boulevard otherwise has remained home to gas stations and drive-through restaurants, empty lots, and spotty, smaller developments. But developers have taken more interest recently: Two large, mixed-use projects are moving ahead at Broad Street and Washington Avenue. One, called Lincoln Square, by Alterra Property Group and MIS Capital, is slated to bring more than 300 apartments, restaurants, and a Target store to the intersection sometime this year. Across the street, developer Bart Blatstein last month closed on a vacant lot, and is considering a 34-story retail and residential tower. Already, the increased interest in South Broad has stoked concerns and questions among residents: How much will projects like these change Broad Street? Will longtime neighbors be displaced? To help address at least some of that concern, one plan is emerging along the South Philadelphia corridor to help a population facing a housing dilemma: Philadelphia's lower-income seniors. At South Broad and Ellsworth Streets, next to the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia, plans are moving forward for a five-story building that would offer 46 one-bedroom apartments for income-qualified senior citizens. On the ground floor, the design includes more than 7,000 square feet of conference rooms, offices, a kitchen, and communal spaces for the church's Cascia Center, a "center for peace and justice" to serve the community and the many pilgrims who visit the shrine each day to pay homage to St. Rita. "It's a great thing for this neighborhood and for affordable housing, and having it right on Broad Street is great it's a great gesture for the city," said Nancy Bastian, a partner at Cecil Baker + Partners, the Philadelphia architecture firm that designed the property. "There's just not a lot of affordable housing in that area." The design is quite a change for the space, which today is a parking lot across from a diner, corner stores, and bars. Three years ago, renderings for the site were put forward by Robert W. McCauley of Strada Architecture L.L.C in Philadelphia, planning for a one-story, prefabricated $2.5 million shedlike structure. Inquirer architecture critic Inga Saffron called it "one step up from a tent," arguing that greater density was needed at such a prime location. Community pushback followed, despite explanations from the pastor and former shrine director, the Rev. Joseph Genito, that it was all St. Rita's could afford. Those plans fizzled, and the St. Rita's site began drawing interest from developers, many of whom had different residential and commercial mixed-use plans. Finally, one developer and one plan won out: affordable senior housing, to be developed by Catholic Health Care Services of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia. "It's supportive senior housing at an address on South Broad Street for people who have lived in this community for years," said John Wagner, CEO of Catholic Health Care Services. "This development represents an opportunity to provide balanced development in one of the hottest neighborhoods in Philadelphia." Across the region and the nation, senior citizens are facing a housing dilemma: As Americans are living longer, many seniors want to age at home. But locally, with half of Philadelphia's houses estimated to be more than 60 years old, many properties are not equipped for the features seniors need, such as handrails and first-floor bedrooms, minimal stairs, and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. For many seniors, moving is necessary. And though 55-plus luxury retirement complexes, nursing homes, and assisted-living facilities abound, options for lower-income seniors are more limited. Today, about one-third of adults 50 and older are estimated to be "cost-burdened" because they spend 30 percent of their income on housing. Nearly a quarter spend more than 50 percent. The Philadelphia Housing Authority supports more than a dozen affordable senior-only housing communities across the city, and private developers offer affordable options, too. Yet most the housing authority's developments are far from Center City, concentrated in the Northeast, West Philadelphia, the Strawberry Mansion area, and the Southwest. Only one, the Gladys B. Jacobs Manor at Fairmount Avenue and 11th Street in the West Poplar neighborhood, is close to the center of Philadelphia. More and more, affordable-housing advocates nationwide have been pushing for increasing integration of affordable housing into wealthier communities. Building low-income housing in more impoverished areas, they argue, makes it more difficult for residents to get richer. Placing an affordable-housing community in a prominent Center City spot was part of the strategy behind Catholic Health Care Services' planned development. "I can step outside and wave to City Hall," said Chesley Turner, the shrine director for the parish who will lead the Cascia Center once it is built. "We want to leverage this position to be more of a part of our community and help it." "This is a society that tucks our seniors away," Turner said. "But having them right on Broad Street says we don't forget about our seniors." The senior-housing plan received zoning approval in December, and Catholic Health Care Services is now working on amassing city, state, and federal funding for the $17.3 million project. The project has received a $1.4 million commitment from the Augustinian Friars, and the development group is applying for nearly $12 million in low-income housing tax credits from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. There is no cost for the land, which is owned by the St. Rita of Cascia Shrine and the archdiocese. The group is aiming for a 2020 opening. To qualify for the housing, seniors must be 62 or older, and rent will be based on a sliding scale. No senior will pay more than 30 percent of his or her income, said Suzanne O'Grady Laurito, assistant director of development at Catholic Health Care Services. Only a person who makes 60 percent or less of the area median income can qualify $34,980 for a single person, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2017 estimates. Bastian said the architecture firm designed the apartments with accessibility in mind. They include open kitchens with appliances at wheelchair level, walk-in showers, and lower-to-the-ground windows. A plaza and open spaces for seniors to gather will be situated outside. For the Cascia Center on the ground floor, Bastian said, the firm designed an all-glass facade to show the center's openness to the community. And though its opening is years away, Turner said, she was exploring programs the center could offer, such as counseling and meditation, services for victims of violence, and panels to promote interfaith understanding. "St. Rita of Cascia, in her own time, was a peacemaker she brokered peace between two warring families," Turner said. "In this city, we need to help our people love each other. That's what we want to focus this corner lot on." Robert Whitley, an attorney in Bucks County, was sitting in the pews at Crossing Community Church in Newtown on a Sunday morning about two years ago when someone stood up and asked the congregation to pray for a family member whod just died from a drug overdose. Whitley said the sense of loss wasnt totally unfamiliar hed lost a member of his extended family to addiction eight or nine years earlier but he was jarred when just a week or two later another church member stood up with a similar request for prayers. Then, a week or two after that, there was a third. Im thinking, 'Holy smokes! ... Three in a few weeks? recalled Whitley. And were a small congregation. Well-connected in legal circles, he asked Bucks County District Attorney Matthew Weintraub to speak to the Newtown church and bring the countys top expert on drug treatment and then found out other churches and community groups were begging for the same thing. Thats how Whitley came up with the idea for whats now called the Bucks County Blitz" a two-week spring flurry of presentations and seminars on the still-worsening opioid crisis that has enveloped much of his county, from rusted cul-de-sacs of Levittown-style ranchers to Delaware River McMansions. The lawyer, whose crusade featured 70 events last year and may grow in 2019, said the goal is simply to have a frank, public discussion about the overlapping problems of drugs, alcohol, suicide, and despair that kill hundreds in Bucks County and thousands of Americans every year. The stigma, he told me, is still there. It certainly does seem like theres a stigma against candid talk and innovative ideas in dealing with Americas deadliest crisis. Over the next couple of months, youre likely to see a score (literally) of politicians announcing their 2020 White House bids, and youre likely to hear some proposals about expanding health care or bringing jobs to the Rust Belt . These might tackle some of the symptoms but not the broader disease that is, arguably. killing 150,000 Americans every year and which goes by many names. Alienation. Despair. Loneliness. Instead of coming up with a bold new kind of politics that tackles Americas deaths from despair that manifest as heroin overdoses or suicide-by-gun or cirrhosis of the liver, the nations so-called leaders continue to warp our political debates around the tired fault lines of the past, Consider the words of President Trump in his very first address from the Oval Office, Tuesday night. "More Americans will die from drugs this year than were killed in the entire Vietnam War, the president said, citing the 300 citizens who perish every week from heroin overdoses. But Trump was marshaling those statistics to call for his boondoggle of a proposal for an ultimately $25-billion-or-more border fence a political ploy for his xenophobic base that would divert money from the nations real problems. Trump says he may declare a national emergency to build his wall without the approval of Congress ironic since the national health emergency that the president declared in 2017 to tackle the opioid crisis that last year claimed more lives than the number of American soldiers killed in the entire Vietnam War has come with little serious follow-up in either dollars or White House attention. Looking for a true American crisis? Last month, the Centers for Disease Control reported U.S. life expectancy is declining for the first time since 1993, and bucking the trends for longer living elsewhere. The clearly identifiable culprits were the rising rates particularly among younger Americans of drug overdoses, suicides, and liver disease tied to alcoholism. Soon, America could be losing our loved ones to what experts call deaths of despair at a rate of 2 million every decade. That alarming report quickly drowned out by the screaming sirens of Trumps government-by-tweet renewed my interest in a column that I wrote seven months ago that was headlined, Suicide, drugs, despair: Americas biggest crisis is the one we dont talk about. Since then, weve had a big midterm election and rolled straight into the 2020 presidential campaign, and yet deaths of despair is still not an issue that we easily talk about in the few places left (mostly electronic) that Americans even talk about things. Maybe thats natural. The understandable tendency when you talk about alienation and despair and arguably a correct one is to declare it a social problem thats way too complicated to deal with politically, let alone in any organized way. But that seems like what we used to call a cop-out an excuse for doing nothing, Last year, a major study found that 54 percent of Americans especially our app-addicted young people say that no one (no one!) really knows them well. That seems like a crisis, but what are the odds that a politician would start her or his presidential bid by stating, I want to talk to the nation about the problem of loneliness, when its so much easier to talk about undocumented immigration or what not? If the United States has, in the past, declared a war on poverty, and a war on terror, why not declare a war on despair? But then, what would that look like? I spoke with an expert from the Well Being Trust, a non-profit that last year released what it calls a National Resilience Strategy thats one of the few attempts at a nationwide plan for fighting deaths of despair. The problem is that our health care is so fragmented especially mental health and substance abuse, Benjamin Miller, the Denver-based chief strategy officer for the Well Being Trust, told me. We operate a separate system to take care of the mind from the body, and that doesnt really work out. Some of the specifics included in the National Resilience Strategy include calls for not just better coordinated services for mental health and addiction but also just more of them expansion of the use of the anti-overdose drug naloxone as well as sterile-syringe programs for drug users. Programs would be less reactive and more focused on prevention, especially for groups with a higher risk of suicide. The plan would also train more behavioral workers but also work toward better integration of mental-health services into conventional health systems and insurance a problem that any consumer of mental-health services knows all too well. We need leaders whove got a vision for leadership for health care that naturally assumes that responsibility for mental health is not treated as a one-off, or anything else but a main driving force, Miller said. That includes a definition of a healthy community where people dont just have access to a hospital but also to good schools and meaningful jobs. No, that doesnt fit on a bumper sticker like Build the Wall! But the first 2020 candidate who mentions the war on despair and cites the statistics on loneliness as a bigger crisis than the lack of a concrete border wall deserves a gold star and is worthy of a serious look inside the voting booth. Im not holding my breath, though. Recently, the Democrats announced a plan for a dozen presidential debates that sound like more of the same. Imagine the first national presidential debate that focused not just on opioid ODs, suicide and alcoholism, but also on the American malaise that causes them. Ill bet Robert Whitley and a lot of other folks in Bucks County would watch that. I know I would. The recent deaths of a woman and the lion who killed her in North Carolina have some asking, Whats up with lions in North Carolina? and Whats a roadside zoo? Ranging from a handful of animals in backyard pens to dozens jammed into ramshackle cages, hundreds of these sleazy menageries can be found all over the country. Just about anybody whether or not they have any qualifications can apply for and receive a U.S. Department of Agriculture animal exhibitors license. Roadside zoos are typically privately owned and on precarious financial footing. At these facilities, naturally free-ranging animals like lions, bears, tigers, and primates are usually housed in cramped cages consisting of chain-link fencing and concrete floors. Their comfort is an afterthought. Since most of these places operate with little staff or money, cages are often poorly maintained and filled with urine and feces. The grounds are typically littered with garbage and abandoned construction projects. The animals may not be provided with any kind of enrichment to help them pass the interminable days, beyond an old tire or a dead tree branch. Veterinary care, even for animals who are sick and injured, may be of the do it yourself variety. At one California wildlife sanctuary, a running water hose was shoved into a dying tigers mouth. No vet was called, and after the animal died, people were encouraged to take photos with her corpse. At an Oklahoma facility, the owner, not a veterinarian, attempted to stitch up a bears 4- to 8-inch wound. Not surprisingly, the bear died. Oversight of visitors to roadside zoos may be minimal. As a result, animals have been harassed, bludgeoned, and stolen by people who were able to gain access to the exhibits. Others have died after ingesting coins, garbage, and other items thrown into the cages. Because animals in roadside zoos have such a poor quality of life, many develop an abnormal, repetitive form of behavior known as zoochosis. Bears pace back and forth like crazed automatons, birds pluck out their own feathers until theyre bald, and stressed primates bite their own limbs, leaving them bloodied and raw. Many roadside zoos deliberately breed animals because they know that babies are profitable photo props and bring customers through the entrance gates. Tiger and bear cubs are exploited almost from the day theyre born. The owner of an Indiana facility that churns out cubs for public playtime was caught on video telling visitors to smack tiger cubs on the nose if they got too rowdy and dangled a 14-week-old bear cub by the mouth. At a Florida tiger cub breeding mill, exhausted, struggling, and screaming cubs just weeks old were forced to swim with paying customers. The seedy animal exhibition industry often seems to appeal to the most unsavory characters. One longtime roadside zoo operator was recently arrested on a slew of federal charges related to violations of wildlife-protection laws and two counts of murder-for-hire. An employee of another facility was arrested on charges of molesting children. The owners of a South Dakota bear breeding mill pleaded guilty to selling bears' body parts illegally. And a convicted drug kingpin currently operates a Florida roadside zoo. If your family is planning a vacation, theres an easy way to save time and gas and avoid returning home with awful memories: Simply bypass decrepit roadside zoos and other cruel tourist traps that display animals. Vacationers with money to spend keep these archaic exhibits in business, and animals will continue to suffer and die in them as long as people heed the call of interstate billboards and pull over to buy a ticket. Jennifer OConnor is a senior writer with the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Foundation, 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510; www.PETA.org. This piece was written for the Tribune News Service. In a well-intentioned effort to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions that cause climate change, the French government announced it would increase fuel taxes to discourage driving and encourage low-carbon transportation. It did not go over well. Violent demonstrations erupted in Paris and other French cities, forcing the government to delay the tax hike. The protests have now gone on for nine weeks. This backlash against higher fuel taxes suggests it may be hard to get public support for carbon pricing in general, and thats a huge concern. Putting an effective price on carbon pollution is the single most important tool for reducing the heat-trapping emissions that will inevitably cook the planet in a business-as-usual scenario. If nations feel they need to set that tool aside, the world has little to no chance of cutting greenhouse-gas pollution enough to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. But the Yellow Vest protests were not against climate action; they were about social justice . The tax on fuel was highly regressive and hurt the people who could least afford to bear these costs. Fortunately, there is a powerful, climate-protecting alternative that avoids the mistake the French government made with its carbon-pollution fee: Give the revenue to people. Late in November, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced legislation to place a fee on carbon pollution from fossil fuels and return all revenue to households through a monthly dividend. Under the policy outlined in their bill, known as the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (H.R. 7173), a majority of families, particularly low- and middle-income, will receive more money from the carbon dividend than they would pay as the cost of using dirty fossil fuels increases. Politicians across the nation, and in the Philadelphia region, have gotten behind the bill. Its sponsors include Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R.,Pa.), Ted Deutch (D., Fla.), Francis Rooney (R., Fla.), John Delaney (D., Md.), Charlie Crist (D., Fla.), Dave Trott (R., Mich.), and Anna Eshoo (D., Calif.). The sponsors who have returned to the new Congress say they intend to reintroduce their bill. As bipartisan support continues to grow, their legislation stands a good chance of moving forward. Starting at $15 per ton of carbon dioxide and increasing $10 per ton each year, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act will push the price of carbon pollution to around $100 per ton within a decade. Such a steep price is expected to slash that pollution by at least 40 percent compared with 2015 levels by 2030. The bill targets 90 percent reductions by mid-century. Charging a high and steadily increasing pollution fee on dirty fossil fuels will accelerate the transition, already underway, to a clean-energy economy. But Frances experience suggests that citizens wont accept such an ambitious price without returning revenue to households. Paying a carbon dividend also helps the overall economy: A study from Regional Economic Models Inc. found this approach would actually add 2.1 million jobs in the first 10 years. Climate scientists are clear that to avoid the worst impacts of climate change coastal cities underwater, food shortages, more extreme weather and flooding, mass migrations, unbearable heat waves society must dramatically reduce its carbon dioxide emissions. That message was delivered most recently in the fourth installment of the National Climate Assessment, as well as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes report in the fall. The IPCC report specifically mentioned carbon pricing as a powerful tool to reduce emissions and stabilize our climate. The IPCC warns that time is running out for the world to take the unprecedented steps needed to ward off climate catastrophe. If the rioting in France keeps nations from putting a price on carbon pollution, catastrophe is assured. But with the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, American lawmakers have proposed a model that can calm anxious citizens. By returning revenue to households, nations can implement carbon pricing in a way that is good for their people and good for their economies. Mark Reynolds is executive director of Citizens Climate Lobby. Welcome to the 20th day of the partial government shutdown. If this lasts until Saturday, and it looks like it might itll set a new record not the good kind, of course. In the meantime, its effects continue to pile up and area domestic violence shelters are starting to feel the pressure as they face the uncertain future of federal funding. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump made his case for building a wall along the southern U.S. border, the request on which the shutdown hinges. He suggested it might help keep drugs out of the country, but my colleague Aubrey Whelan has found that a wall is not likely to keep heroin and fentanyl from getting to Philly. Reading this online? Sign up here to get this newsletter delivered to your inbox every morning. Aubrey Nagle (@aubsn, morningnewsletter@philly.com) In his prime-time address Tuesday night, President Trump suggested the wall he wants built for the southern border of the U.S. might stop heroin from entering the country. In reality, traffickers smuggle most of the heroin through legal crossing points that are patrolled, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. So, how does it happen? Inquirer reporting and recent DEA reports show that heroin and fentanyl come into the U.S. and to the Philadelphia region in ways unlikely to be stopped by a border wall. The partial shutdown of the federal government continues and yesterdays negotiating session between President Trump and congressional leaders ended almost as soon as it began. The longer it goes on, the bigger domino-effect the shutdown has. Programs that rely on federal funding to aid vulnerable populations, for instance, are starting to worry. Some area domestic-violence shelters say they could have to cut services if the shutdown continues, and theyre already starting to feel its effects. In 2009, Michael Beautymans Porsche 911 Carrera was flooded by torrential rain in Florida. State Farm refused to pay for thousands of dollars in repairs, so Beautyman, a Flourtown-based lawyer, sued the insurer. The case has gone nowhere in nine years, but a new twist has thickened the plot of the slow-moving drama. Beautyman now claims that State Farm was helped by a judge who oversaw the case and was once State Farms lawyer. Legal experts, however, dont see a problem. What you need to know today Through Your Eyes | #OurPhilly I believe wow is the appropriate word here, @hswphilly. Tag your Instagram posts or tweets with #OurPhilly and well pick our favorite each day to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout out! Thats Interesting Opinions Unfortunately, our states antiquated voter registration law rather than harnessing this enthusiasm by making it easier for residents to vote perpetuates an outdated system that restricts access and discourages participation. State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro on the case for same-day voter registration in Pennsylvania. President Trumps claim of a growing security crisis is fake hype; the real problem, columnist Trudy Rubin writes, is Trumps solo foreign policy-making mess. Lawmakers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are pushing to legalize recreational marijuana. The Inquirer asked readers if you think it should be legalized, generating some thoughtful and interesting responses. What were reading A Daily Dose of | Pipe Dreams Twenty years ago, Philly cardiologist Kimberly Frenchs bag was stolen with her keys and wallet inside. On Monday she finally got it all back after a plumber found the bag inside a wall. In a tragic coincidence, two crashes that have left three people dead and at least nine others injured in Philadelphia since the start of the year were preceded by car chases that began in Delaware and made their way up I-95. And in a third scary case during the same period, police chased a naked man driving the wrong way on I-95 from Wilmington to Philadelphia International Airport before stopping him. The crash that left three dead occurred on Packer Avenue in the early hours of Jan. 2, when a car driven by Keith Campbell, 29, of Newport. Del., slammed into an SUV with four people returning from a party after the Mummers parade, according to police. Campbell crossed the line and slammed head-on into the other vehicle after repeatedly stabbing himself. Killed were Joseph Ferry, 36, of South Philadelphia, the driver of the SUV; Kelly Wiseley, 35, of Glenolden; and Dennis Palandro, 31, of Morton, police said. Palandros 30-year-old wife, Nicole, was critically injured in the crash. Joseph Ferry and Dennis Palandro were both members of the South Philadelphia String Band and had marched hours earlier in the New Years Day parade. Campbell had fled police in Newport, Del., for reasons that still are not clear, making his way up I-95 before reaching Packer Avenue. A law enforcement source said the pursuit in Delaware reached speeds approaching 100 mph and was terminated at the state line with Pennsylvania, about 10 minutes before the crash in South Philadelphia. Campbell, who is recovering from his stab wounds, has been charged with three counts of homicide by vehicle and other offenses. READ MORE: 2 Mummers, woman killed in South Philly crash with car driven by possibly suicidal man READ MORE: Driver charged with homicide in South Philly crash that killed 3 On Wednesday morning, an attempt by Wilmington police to pull over a car with a man wanted for probation violations led to another chase that went up I-95 and resulted in crashes that left eight people, including three officers, injured and sparked a massive manhunt in South Philadelphia. With Wilmington police and Pennsylvania State Police in pursuit, the suspect, identified as Dujuan Robinson, 20, triggered a chain-reaction crash by ramming a vehicle near Philadelphia International Airport, officials said. A Pennsylvania State trooper and two Wilmington officers were injured, as were four members of a family from Baltimore in a Sebring convertible, including a 3-year-old boy who, according to his mother, was in critical condition. Robinson then sped over the Girard Point Bridge and got off the interstate in South Philadelphia, where, police said, he crashed into a SEPTA bus at Broad Street and Oregon Avenue before bolting on foot. One passenger on the bus suffered minor injuries. With Philadelphia police reporting that Robinson was a person of interest in two homicides in Delaware and likely carrying a gun, heavily armed officers fanned out through South Philadelphia looking for him Wednesday afternoon. He remained at large Thursday. READ MORE: Police chase wreaks havoc in South Philadelphia; 3 officers hurt in crash READ MORE: Manhunt for Wilmington suspect led to Southwest Philly car crash that seriously injured 3-year-old boy, mother says While the chase of Campbell that preceded to the fatal crash ended at the state line, the one after Robinson was a bi-state pursuit. Ryan Tarkowski, a Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson, said the department has guidelines on pursuing suspects. Safety of the general public, troopers, and suspects is our top priority when it comes to the decision whether or not to pursue a fleeing suspect," he said in an emailed statement. A trooper will pursue a suspect when the risks posed by allowing the suspect to remain at large outweigh the risks of the pursuit. Some things troopers take into consideration are: the nature of the crime committed, amount of vehicle/pedestrian traffic in an area, weather conditions, etc. In another chase Wednesday night, police arrested a naked man who had been driving the wrong way on I-95 with police in pursuit from Wilmington to just south of Philadelphia International Airport, authorities said. Police used a spike strip to stop the car, the Associated Press reported, but Delaware State Police said the car hit a Pennsylvania State Police vehicle. Kyle Merena, 29, of Harrisburg, was taken to a hospital for evaluation, police said. He faces charges of reckless endangerment and other offenses in both states. READ MORE: Naked driver arrested after police chase through 2 states HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) An internal Pennsylvania state government watchdog agency is criticizing how county-level agencies investigate thousands of complaints they receive about elder abuse and how the state ensures complaints are investigated adequately. Among the shortcomings identified by the Office of State Inspector General were failures by some county-level agencies to properly investigate complaints under timelines required by state law and inadequate staffing of the state office that monitors those agencies. A six-page summary of the report released this week also said investigative practices aren't standardized across counties and it criticized training requirements for caseworkers as far too weak, particularly compared to model states. Complaints can involve physical abuse, self-neglect, or financial exploitation and Pennsylvania, like other states, is seeing a fast-growing number of complaints that has forced some counties to hire more caseworkers to keep up. Gov. Tom Wolf's administration said it has begun to address the report's findings. In the days before it released the report's summary, Wolf cleared out the top two officials in his Department of Aging, which oversees what is called protective services for people who are 60 and older. The Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging, which speaks for the 52 county-level agencies, said those organizations and the Department of Aging "have made significant improvements" since the inspector general's investigation began. Wolf's administration is not releasing the inspector general's full 24-page report, although his office said that, in releasing the summary, it is being more transparent than the state's long-standing practice of keeping such reports confidential. The Associated Press in 2017 reviewed hundreds of pages of Department of Aging records and found the performance of the county-level agencies varied widely. The department's reviewers had told some counties that they had failed, sometimes repeatedly , to meet regulations and expectations over properly investigating complaints and logging casework. At times, department officials had demanded that a county agency ensure the safety of an alleged victim. The AP also found wide disparities in how often a county deemed a complaint to be worthy of a full investigation and action. The details of complaints, investigations and the identity of the person whose situation is in question are kept secret. Caseworkers handled nearly 32,000 calls about potential elder abuse in the 2017-18 fiscal year, according to department records, up from 18,500 five years earlier. Since 2011, the Department of Aging has been led by people who came from a county-level agency. The department does not report to an outside, independent agency or reviewer. Should a county-level agency fall down on the job, the department reserves the right to take over the task, or fire it and hire some other agency. It has never done that. Wolf said last month that he is tapping Robert Torres to lead the Department of Aging after 14 months as Wolf's acting secretary of state. If confirmed by the Senate, Torres would become the first secretary of aging in eight years who did not come from one of the county-level agencies that the department oversees. Wolf will nominate his first secretary of aging, Teresa Osborne, for a lower-paid job on the Civil Service Commission. Asked about the reason for leaving, Osborne, in an email, did not bring up the inspector generals report, and said she is looking forward to her new job on the commission. Wolfs office said the inspector generals report had nothing to do with Osbornes removal. The administration said it ended the employment of the Department of Agings No. 2 official on Friday, but declined to comment on the reasons. Frustrated by shortcomings they had identified in elder-abuse investigations, department staff in 2017 began grading counties on a more aggressive compliance schedule. Since then, better than one third of the 52 county-level area agencies on aging have at one point received a substandard red or yellow rating, according to information from the department. Three women filed a lawsuit against Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner on Thursday, alleging that he retaliated against them in the workplace because they reported to federal officials that he engaged in mortgage fraud, concealed his financial troubles before taking office, and rewarded male political allies and personal friends with choice jobs and salaries while sidelining and firing experienced women. The 96-page complaint filed in Superior Court on behalf of three former or current veteran employees also accuses Tyner and two top assistants, Cary Shill and Mario Formica, of withholding evidence in the high-profile murder trial of physician James Kauffman, who was charged with killing his wife last year before taking his own life. Additionally, the suit alleges, Tyner has improperly quashed criminal charges filed against friends and acquaintances. At a Thursday morning news conference in Egg Harbor Township, the womens attorneys, Michelle Douglass and Phillip Burnham, said they hoped the lawsuit sends a clear message that women should not face retaliation when they address gender discrimination. The suit was filed on behalf of former first assistant Diane Ruberton; former Lt. Heather McManus, who oversaw units that included insurance fraud, internal affairs and computer crimes; and chief assistant prosecutor Donna Fetzer. McManus said there was a chill in the office for weeks after Ruberton was confronted, fired, and escorted out in June 2018 after serving for nearly 20 years. Both women expressed concern for Fetzer, who still works at the office and could not attend the news conference. Because I spoke up, because I dared to challenge Mr. Tyner, because I blew the whistle, I was fired, Ruberton said. McManus, who said she was forced to retire, added, We felt we had to shine a light on this conduct. The lawsuit contends that Tyner, who was appointed to a five-year term by Gov. Chris Christie in 2017, discriminated against women in the office, and whitewashed complaints of sexual harassment and discrimination. We will have no comment on the lawsuit, said Donna Weaver, spokesperson for the Prosecutors Office. All three women had about 20 years' experience in the Prosecutors Office with no history of disciplinary problems. Just before Tyner was appointed, Ruberton served as acting prosecutor. Shortly after Tyner arrived, the women said, the discrimination began. The lawsuit comes after Ruberton, McManus, and Fetzer sent a lengthy letter to the state Attorney Generals Office in October asking for an investigation. Peter Aseltine, a spokesperson for that office, said he could not comment on the investigation. Tyner issued a brief response in October after the initial complaints were made. The matters alleged involved personnel issues with disgruntled former employees and a current employee," he said then in a statement. "As a result, I have retained legal counsel to respond to these matters. The great work of the women and men of the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office will continue unimpaired under my leadership. Tyners attorney, William Tambussi, did not return calls seeking comment on the lawsuit. The suit contends that Tyner was appointed prosecutor because of his ties to the politically connected Parker McCay firm in Atlantic City, where he was in private practice before serving as a Superior Court judge for about three years. The lawsuit alleges that Tyner and other male prosecutors created a toxic culture for women" in an office where the executive staff is all-male and the detective division, with 75 employees, has only one woman holding a supervisory position. This culture favored men over women, turned a blind eye to instances and reports of sexual harassment and gender discrimination, and permitted retaliation against anyone who dared question this culture, according to the lawsuit. Ruberton said Thursday that she was given no explanation as to why she was fired. According to the lawsuit, Tyner had clear disregard of the law, and the women who sued him do not take lightly the gravity and seriousness of the allegations. They filed this lawsuit because they realize that they are in a unique position to put an end to [Tyners] unlawful conduct. The suit also accuses Tyner of fraud. In 2003, the lawsuit says, Tyner and his wife bought a house in Egg Harbor Township for $276,000 and over several years took out mortgages that exceeded the value of the home. In 2006, the house was sold to Tyners father-in-law for $425,000 creating an intentional overvaluation, according to the lawsuit and was listed as the father-in-laws primary residence. Instead, Tyner and his family continued to live there, the suit says, and his father-in-law lived elsewhere. In 2006, Tyner bought the house back for $1, eliminating income taxes on the sale. At the same time, Tyner received a $403,700 mortgage. These transactions, the suit contends, amount to mortgage fraud. By 2017, Tyner had defaulted on the mortgage, and the bank initiated foreclosure proceedings in March 2017 the day that he was sworn in as prosecutor. Afterward, Ruberton and McManus, who had investigated corruption for the office, reported allegations of mortgage fraud to the FBI. Tyner, the suit alleges, subsequently engaged in a course of conduct intended to harass, embarrass and humiliate Ruberton and McManus by excluding them from discussions and cases involving corruption and internal affairs, the units they both supervised. Instead, Tyner consulted with Shill and Formica, and directed law enforcement officers to no longer contact Ruberton for cases involving corruption or internal affairs, even though that was her area of expertise. The suit also accuses Tyner of seeking to aggrandize himself in the media after the high-profile arrest of Kauffman, a doctor charged with killing his wife, April, a radio personality. It said Tyner violated state ethics rules by giving an interview about the case to ABCs 20/20. The prosecution team in the Kauffman case, the suit notes, included only men. In the Kaufman case, the suit says, prosecutors withheld from defense lawyers information about internal investigations involving two detectives assigned to the case as well as questions about the conduct of a police officer involved in the investigation. The suit also accuses Tyners office of quashing a 2017 aggravated assault and weapons case against a man with connections to the Democratic Party in Atlantic City. And last year, the suit says, the Prosecutors Office declined to press charges against a lawyer who tried to bring marijuana into the local jail because the lawyer was a brother of a friend of Tyners. According to the suit, Tyner rewarded his brother with a $50,000-a-year job as an agent, paying him $20,000 more than the starting salary. Others with personal connections to Tyner were hired as well, the suit said. All the while, the lawsuit alleges, Tyner ignored complaints of sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the office. Ruberton said she was devastated when she was fired. I went to law school to become a prosecutor, she said. That was my dream. Vatican investigators have finished collecting evidence in the sexual abuse case of disgraced ex-cardinal Theodore McCarrick, according to a person familiar with the investigation, indicating that the Catholic Church is moving quickly toward sentencing the cleric in its secretive justice system. The former prominent archbishop of Washington, who now stands accused of sexually abusing three minors and harassing adult priests and seminarians, already has become the first U.S. cardinal ever removed from that office due to sexual misconduct allegations. Now, he faces the prospect of soon being defrocked meaning he would no longer be a priest of the Catholic Church, and would lose his church housing and financial support. In the past several weeks, witnesses far from the Vatican offered testimony under questioning by American clergy tapped to help with the case. James Grein, who has spoken publicly about his alleged abuse by McCarrick which he says began when he was 11, told The Washington Post that he testified in late December in the office of the Archdiocese of New York. A man who says McCarrick molested him when he was a teenage altar boy has also testified, along with a third man who was a minor when he was allegedly abused by McCarrick. A person familiar with the investigation said that the Vatican required all testimony be completed by the first weekend in January. The transcripts and recordings of all those witness statements are now in the hands of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, an arm of the church that handles discipline in many abuse cases. Another source in the Vatican said he felt that the Holy See waited too long to start the canonical process, the workings of the Vatican's internal justice system, but that the case is now accelerating. The CDF is now trying to "make up for lost time," he said. The bishops have the option, "when the evidence is clear," to skip a full canonical trial, which can last years, and instead opt for an abbreviated process, he said. In rare instances, the pope has decided such cases directly. In the last two instances, a decision could conceivably be reached ahead of a February meeting of top bishops from around the world called by Pope Francis to discuss the subject of sexual abuse in the church. "I don't know what the timetable will be. Much depends on the results of those testimonies. But I think it may as well be very short," he said. "But always respecting the rights of the individuals. They are not trying to be theatrical. They have already done that part by stripping him" of his rank as cardinal. Davide Cito, a canon lawyer at Rome's Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, said the process would happen mostly on paper, if the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith opts for the accelerated option. "Don't imagine a public debate. The accused isn't present," he said. The CDF would give a file of evidence to the accused cleric's defense lawyer, and the lawyer would write back with his defense, Cito said. Then a judge and two assistants would meet in a room that Cito described as "little more than a closet" and make a decision, which the cleric could appeal. McCarrick, who was ordered last year to a friary in a remote Kansas town to live in seclusion, prayer and penance, testified in the case by electronic means, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. When the first accusation, that of the teenage altar boy, was publicly reported last year, McCarrick denied any memory of the abuse. He resigned from the college of cardinals when additional reports came to light, and he has not offered any public statement since. His church and civil lawyers have both declined to comment. Kurt Martens, a professor of canon law at the Catholic University of America, said the faster administrative penal process can be used instead of a full trial when the evidence is very strong; or when the evidence is strong and the accused does not dispute the charges, the decision can come straight from the pope. The last option is rare, he said. "The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith understands they have to give the accused some fair trial as well. It's always a balancing act." McCarrick is the most prominent defendant in such a case in recent memory. Martens pointed to other bishops whose cases took a variety of courses. Archbishop Anthony Apuron of Guam went through a complete trial and was expelled from the priesthood after he was found guilty of sexually abusing minors last year. He is appealing his case. Archbishop Jozef Wesolowski, a Polish cleric who was the Vatican's ambassador to the Dominican Republic was also expelled after a canonical trial for abusing children, and died in 2015 while awaiting a civil trial. In other cases, Pope Francis has acted directly. In October, he expelled from the priesthood the official term is "laicized," or made a member of the laity two Chilean bishops accused of sexually abusing minors. The Catholic site Crux, in reporting the news then, called it "an extremely unusual, if not unprecedented, move," one "tantamount to the Church's version of capital punishment." Francis also laicized two other Chilean clergy, earlier in 2018. A common punishment in Vatican cases is to sentence the accused to a life of prayer and penance which Pope Francis has already imposed on McCarrick before trial. McCarrick, currently an archbishop, would lose his church housing and stipends if he is laicized, Martens said. He would not be allowed to wear clerical garb, celebrate Mass or present himself in a priest in any way. He would retain only one priestly role, Martens said, since the church believes the ordination it confers on priests is permanent: In an emergency, he would still be obligated to minister to a sick person in danger of dying. Catholics are already debating McCarrick's potential punishment. Some Catholics are saying they find it insulting and insufficient that regaining the status of a layperson is a punishment for a cleric who abuses children. McCarrick served as archbishop of Washington from 2001 until his retirement in 2006, after which he remained a prominent diplomat representing the church and occasionally the U.S. State Department around the world. His successor in Washington, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, announced his own early retirement in October due to vociferous complaints about his handling of sexual abuse when he was bishop of Pittsburgh. Wuerl has denied knowledge of McCarrick's behavior. But critics suspect he knew, because the cardinal's indiscretions with adult priests and seminarians were widely rumored and because Wuerl was named in Ciolek's 2005 settlement involving McCarrick, a fact reported by the Post in September before Wuerl stepped down. Wuerl remains the administrator of the Archdiocese of Washington, until Pope Francis appoints a new archbishop, and remains a member of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. But archdiocese spokeswoman Chieko Noguchi said his duties on the CDF do not include judging McCarrick's case. The Washington Posts Stefano Pitrelli contributed to this article. JACKSON, Miss. (AP) A community organizer shown in an iconic photograph while challenging racial segregation at a Mississippi lunch counter in the 1960s has died at his home in Pocatello, Idaho. Known by his birth name John Salter Jr. when he worked at historically black Tougaloo College in Mississippi, he later changed his name to John Hunter Gray to honor the Native American part of his ancestry. He sometimes went by the nickname Hunter Bear Gray. Relatives say he was 84 when he died Monday after an illness. Salter was a sociology teacher and NAACP youth adviser in Mississippi in the early 1960s, working closely with Mississippi NAACP leader Medgar Evers. In May 1963, Salter joined black and white Tougaloo students during a sit-in at a segregated lunch counter at the Woolworths store in downtown Jackson. A mob of young white people doused them with sugar, mustard, and ketchup and attacked Salter with brass knuckles and broken glass. The taunting crowd and the peaceful protesters were captured in a black-and-white photograph that gained international attention. "I was burned with cigarettes, hit and had pepper thrown in my eyes," Salter, by then known as Gray, wrote in an article published in The Guardian in 2015. "The women weren't struck, but had their hair pulled. All the while the air was filled with obscenities, the n-word it was a lavish display of unbridled hatred." The two young women in the photo with Salter were an African American student named Anne Moody, who later wrote a memoir called Coming of Age in Mississippi and who died in 2015, and a white Tougaloo student named Joan Trumpauer, who is now named Joan Trumpauer Mulholland and lives in Alexandria, Va. She told the Associated Press on Wednesday that Salter taught young people they could take action to challenge injustice. "I think he inspired a lot of students to realize what we could do to make the world better," Mulholland said. Like many civil rights activists in the 1960s, Salter was monitored by people working for the Mississippi Sovereignty Commission, a state-funded spy agency that sought to preserve segregation. Mulholland was also watched by the commission. "It was an absolute given," she said. Salter grew up in Arizona and worked as a labor union organizer in the U.S. Southwest before moving to Mississippi, said one of his sons, John Salter of Lincoln, Neb. After working in Mississippi, the elder Salter worked on voting rights in North Carolina, taught in Iowa, did human-rights work for Native Americans in New York and Chicago, and taught American Indian studies in North Dakota. "He never considered himself a career professor," his son said Thursday. "His real love was the stuff he did outside the classroom." John Salter said his father lived by a favorite phrase from the Industrial Workers of the World labor union: "An injury to one is an injury to all." Michael OBrien interviewed John Salter Jr. for his book We Shall Not Be Moved: The Jackson Woolworths Sit-In and the Movement It Inspired. John was a true radical in the very best sense of that word, OBrien said in a statement Thursday. "He was a fierce advocate for those without a voice, or perhaps better stated, for those who had not yet discovered their voice. Johns charismatic blend of political activism and can-do philosophy empowered thousands to begin advocating for their rights and their freedoms. "In my mind, he was a 'great soul' who felt deeply the suffering of others and who turned that empathy into action," O'Brien said. Salter is survived by two sons and two daughters. His wife of more than 50 years, Eldri Salter, died in 2015. A memorial service will be organized later. He then had lunch with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a downtown Beijing hotel before boarding his train. Earlier in the day, Kim visited a special economic development zone in Beijing and toured a factory run by China's largest pharmaceutical company Tong Ren Tan. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un wrapped up his visit to China on Wednesday afternoon, arriving in Pyongyang on Thursday morning. The itinerary showed off his close ties to China and demonstrated his eagerness to develop the North Korean economy. In a meeting at the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday a day earlier, the two leaders discussed economic cooperation aimed at alleviating the North's hardships from international sanctions. They will also have talked about a "new path" that Kim mentioned in his New Year's address, but neither China nor North Korea gave any detail of their discussions. The summit lasted only an hour, suggesting that the visit chiefly aimed to flaunt the solidarity between the two allies ahead of the second U.S.-North Korea summit and attracting the attention of Washington. But Kim and Xi also spent four hours dining and two hours having lunch together. Kim's visit appeared to follow a well-planned script. China and North Korea, which face negotiations with the U.S. either on trade or nuclear disarmament, flaunted their close ties in a year marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations to give Washington a nudge. One diplomatic source in Beijing said, "It looks like they meticulously planned the summit at a time when their interests coincide ahead of talks with the U.S." Representatives of the Mummers and a pair of African American leaders met Thursday, with city Democratic boss Bob Brady in the middle, to talk about the parades checkered history with racial imagery, spurred by a Jan. 1 skit that some found offensive. After the hour-long closed-door meeting, participants said it was a useful session but did not elaborate. State Sen. Anthony H. Williams, the Philadelphia Democrat who asked for the session, called it an extraordinarily candid and honest" conversation. In this space, as in many spaces in America, sometimes we do things or say things that we dont really realize could be offensive to someone else, with no malice intent behind it," he said. But its seen differently by different people. George Badey III, a lawyer and Mummers spokesperson, called the meeting productive" and said the goal was "to have more diversity in the Mummers Parade going forward so that the tradition thrives. We dont want to offend people, Badey said. But at the same time, a big part of the comic skits is to poke fun at celebrities. Our general rubric is, we want to punch up, we dont want to punch down. The Rev. Jay Broadnax, president of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity, and Rusty Martz, president of the Mummers Museum, also attended. At issue was a skit performed by the Finnegan New Years Brigade Comic Club that portrayed Mayor Jim Kenney on his hands and knees, led on a leash by music mogul Jay-Z. That brought to life an editorial cartoon by the Inquirer and Daily News' Signe Wilkinson last summer that mocked Kenney for backing down in a dispute about Jay-Zs Made in America Festival, held on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The controversy skidded sideways last week when City Council President Darrell L. Clarke inaccurately accused the Mummers of using blackface in the skit. The Mummer who played Jay-Z is black. Clarke backtracked on his claim but still accused the Mummers of minstrelsy. The skit that prompted the meeting was approved before the parade by Kenneys administration. Williams urged the Mummers to form their own pre-parade advisory committee to get more diverse opinions involved in the planning and discussion of skits. Stop worrying about government, Williams said, was the message he conveyed. Were not good at designing things to be funny. Thats not what we do. The Philadelphia District Attorneys Office has informed a judge that prosecutors have found six boxes of files in the case of convicted cop-killer Mumia Abu-Jamal that may be significant to his appeals effort. Or, they could just be copies of existing documents. In a Jan. 3 letter to Common Pleas Court Judge Leon W. Tucker, Assistant District Attorney Tracey Kavanagh wrote that the boxes were discovered Dec. 28, a day after Tucker ruled that Abu-Jamal can reargue an appeal before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. In his 36-page decision filed Dec. 27, Tucker noted that prosecutors had failed to produce two documents they were obligated to preserve while Abu-Jamals appeals were active. The unavailability of the documents could be prejudicial to Abu-Jamal, but the prosecutors' conduct was not egregious, Tucker said. Kavanagh wrote in the Jan. 3 letter that the District Attorneys Office was reviewing the contents of the six boxes and the judge was welcome to take a look, too. Ben Waxman, spokesperson for District Attorney Larry Krasner, said Wednesday in an email that the boxes were being made available for review to Abu-Jamals lawyers. The letter was released to the media Wednesday. Kavanagh explained that on Dec. 28, the D.A. and members of his staff went to a remote and largely inaccessible room of the District Attorneys Office marked Storage,' looking for office furniture. They discovered the boxes, which were labeled with variations of Abu-Jamals name and were designated as 18/29, 21/29, 23/29, 24/29, 29/29. The sixth had no numbering." Five of the boxes also were marked with the name McCann. Edward McCann was a high-level supervisor in the District Attorneys Office who left the office in 2015. Kavanagh wrote: This means the Commonwealths prior representations that it had produced the complete file for this Courts review in this case were incorrect, although those representations were based upon a diligent search and were accurate to the best of the Commonwealths knowledge at the time. Prosecutors had previously delivered to the court what they said was their complete file in the Abu-Jamal case, which included 32 boxes with each being marked as 1 of 31, 2 of 32, 3 of 32, etc. Lawyers for Abu-Jamal did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday night. McCann declined to comment on the development. In his ruling, Tucker wrote that Abu-Jamal can reargue his appeal because former Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille did not recuse himself due to his prior role as Philadelphia district attorney when Abu-Jamal was appealing his case. Abu-Jamal, 64, a former Black Panther and sometime radio reporter, is serving a life sentence for the Dec. 9, 1981, shooting death of Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner, 25, at 13th and Locust Streets. Staff writer Chris Palmer contributed to this article A 24-year-old Pottstown man was charged with first-degree murder after the man he allegedly stabbed last week died, authorities said Wednesday. Sean Emmell was originally charged with attempted murder and related offenses in the attack on Joshua Shupard, 20, of Gilbertsville, outside Pottstown Middle School late the night of Jan. 3. Shupard died Monday at Reading Hospital. Authorities said a 19-year-old woman asked Shupard, who was her boyfriend, to keep an eye out while she met with Emmell, her ex-boyfriend outside the middle school. When Emmell acted in a threatening manner, she pulled out a folding knife. Emmell allegedly grabbed the knife, and when Shupard approached, Emmell stabbed him multiple times, authorities said. Police arrived and took Emmell into custody. Emmell was being held without bail at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. WASHINGTON The president and vice president visited, Capitol Police shut down halls for security and reporters swarmed Republican senators seeking any hint of progress. It seemed urgent, but for all the activity, nothing was accomplished. A later White House negotiating session with congressional leaders ended in acrimony. As the partial government shutdown enters its 20th day Thursday, President Donald Trump and Democratic leaders appear only more entrenched. In the government equivalent of a burning house, the firefighters are on the scene with their axes and helmets but havent deployed the hoses. I think its safe to say we didnt make any progress today, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) told Fox News on Wednesday. He said that after a contentious White House meeting that reportedly began with Trump offering candy to Democratic leaders, and ended soon after with the president storming out. Trump called the session a total waste of time. I asked what is going to happen in 30 days if I quickly open things up, are you going to approve Border Security which includes a Wall or Steel Barrier?, the president tweeted. Nancy said, NO. I said bye-bye, nothing else works! Democrats said Trump specifically demanded funding for his long-promised wall along the southern border (which he had pledged Mexico would fund) and walked out when they refused to support federal money for the project. We saw a temper tantrum because he couldnt get his way, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) said after the blow up. The growing bitterness in Washington came as the shutdown threatened to bite even deeper into federal agencies and workers. Some 800,000 government employees have been affected, and are expected to miss their first paychecks Friday. Rep. Dwight Evans, a Philadelphia Democrat, tweeted out a video of a Philadelphia woman who works for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. She worried about paying her mortgage and her childs student loans. I need my job, she told Evans in the video. I have the American dream, but my American dream is slipping through my fingers through no fault of my own, and its not fair, its really not fair. Labor leaders representing federal workers joined Schumer and Pelosi at a news conference where the union officials said some of their members make $500 to $700 a week, leaving them with little cushion if they miss a check. Single mothers are being forced to work without pay, while still on the hook for gas and child-care costs, said Eric Young, president of the Council of Prison Locals C-33, which represents federal prison employees. Trump and other Republicans, meanwhile, accused Democrats of forsaking security at the southern border in order to deny him an achievement. Their objection is purely political. Their extreme left wing base hates President Trump and the reason were in a shutdown is because Schumer and Pelosi are captive of their extreme left wing base, said Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas). Trump, after delivering a nationally televised Oval Office address Tuesday, planned to travel to the southern border in Texas Thursday in another symbolic move aimed at reinforcing his existing position. Democrats point to Trumps insistence on having $5.7 billion wall funding and his boast in December that he would be proud to shutter the government for securitys sake. They have refused to provide any money beyond the existing $1.3 billion for border security, and say the president brought on the crisis by abruptly scrapping a deal the Senate unanimously approved in December, and that the White House had seemed to support. I think well get to an end, I hope sooner rather than later, Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.) said after Trump met with GOP senators. What will that end look like? I dont know exactly. Do they have a strategy? I think theyre working on it. Toomey said he would not at this point support plans to fund the government without the wall money, which Democrats and a few Republicans have advocated. I think we should get this resolved, Toomey said. While that approach won bipartisan Senate support last month, most Republicans have argued that its not worth advancing again because Trump has made it clear he wont sign the measure. One exception is Rep. Brian Fitzptatrick, of Bucks County, who has voted for funding bills without the wall spending. He did so again on Wednesday, when House Democrats put forward measures to reopen the government, knowing they would be blocked by the GOP-led Senate. Democrats argued that they support border safeguards, but not the physical wall Trump promised. We all believe in border security, we just dont agree on a wasteful wall that wont achieve what the president misleadingly claims it will, said Sen. Cory Booker (D., N.J.). Throughout the day, the common phrase all over the Capitol was dug in. One House Republican told the Washington Post, were dug in. We really believe in our souls that we have a responsibility to the American people to secure the border. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D., N.J.) told NPR, We want to get the government open but we're not going to give our souls away. We're not going to do that. We're going to stand pretty damn firm. As Sen. Tim Scott (R., S.C.) told freelance reporter Matt Laslo, I think were going to be here a while. Firefighters found a man dead Thursday after they put out a blaze in a house in Philadelphias Juniata Park section. The fire in the house on the 4300 block of Bennington Street was reported shortly before midnight and arriving units reported finding heavy smoke coming from the second floor of the two-story rowhouse, officials said. The fire was declared under control about 12:15 a.m. Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel told reporters at the scene that firefighters making a secondary search of the house found the body of the man, whose name was not released. He was reported to be 67 years old. The Medical Examiners Office will conduct an autopsy. Fire marshals are investigating to determine the cause of the fire, Thiel said. Philadelphia police on Thursday charged a 24-year-old man with involuntary manslaughter for allegedly throwing the punch that led to the death of a fellow dog walker in a South Philadelphia park last weekend. Matthew Thomas Oropeza of the 1600 block of South Sixth Street also faces charges of simple assault, reckless endangerment,and terroristic threats in Saturdays attack on Drew Justice at Gold Star Park, police said. Oropeza surrendered to police Thursday and was expected to be arraigned later in the day. As of early evening, Oropeza was in police custody. A message left on a phone line associated with his address went unanswered. On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Medical Examiners Office ruled the death of Justice, a 38-year-old data management programmer, to be homicide. Justice, who lived across the street from Gold Star Park, died from a blunt impact trauma injury to the head," the office said. Public records show that Oropeza moved into the neighborhood last summer from Delaware County, where he lived between 2013 and June 2018. Court records show two previous arrests for fighting, in Brookhaven in 2013 and Ridley Township in 2016. In 2013, he pleaded guilty, and in 2016, disorderly conduct charges, as well as accompanying drug misdemeanors, were dismissed after he completed a diversionary program, records show. Witnesses told police that Justice and his fiancee, Kristi Buchholz, were walking their black shih tzu shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday in the park bounded by Wharton, Marshall, Manton, and Sheridan Streets between Sixth and Seventh Streets when Justice asked Oropeza, who was with his dog, to put a leash on his animal. Oropeza took offense, police said, and punched Justice in the face. Justice fell backward and hit his head on the ground. He was pronounced dead less than an hour later at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. In Pennsylvania, involuntary manslaughter is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to five years in prison. A corner store on a mission, Rowhouse Grocery in Point Breeze is a posh yet accessible oasis in a supermarket desert. In too many low-income areas of Philadelphia where large food stores dont exist, residents have to think of tomatoes and apples as exotic fruit, as hard to find as guavas, rambutans, and whatever else gets piled into bins at such luxe spots as Whole Foods. But at Rowhouse, the general goal was to have a store that provides fresh produce at affordable prices," said Jen Holman, one of the four co-owners of the store, which opened in November. No one can say for certain, but it might be a one-of-a-kind spot in the city. Most corner stores have few, if any, fruits and vegetables, because they spoil too quickly and the cost of the waste is difficult for a small business to carry. But at Rowhouse, two professional cooks create dishes with the produce before it spoils, so Rowhouse can maintain a fresh inventory. The owners also plan to offer catering, so they can reach outside the local community for income, thus subsidizing the items in the store, and keeping prices affordable. A revolution Rowhouse is a kind of revolution in a sedate setting a different way to feed people. Its also a new way to attack poverty, and to offer healthy options to people who dont normally see much in typical corner stores beyond salt- and fat-filled food choices that can lead to a lifetime of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, according to health professionals who study low-income areas. The four co-owners know one another from living in the neighborhood. Each left a long-term position in the food industry to rent the Rowhouse from owners whod recently renovated the building after it had sat dormant for about 30 years. We felt we had skills to use in a way that could help lots of people, Holman said. Two of the group ran an outdoor market in the summer and fall of 2017 and were encouraged by the curious food traffic. In Point Breeze, in South Philadelphia, one out of every four residents lives in poverty, according to U.S. Census statistics. But the neighborhood is also gentrifying: Median household income rose from $29,342 in 2010 to $37,879 in 2017, federal figures show. So, along with low-income residents, Rowhouses customers are also middle- and upper-class neighbors. The store, then, pulls double duty, attracting folks who have a taste for Rowhouse specialty sandwiches such as turkey with bacon jam, as well as those hoping not to pay a kings ransom for a half-gallon of milk, as is the case in many corner stores. We felt we had the skills to use in a way to help everybody," said Holman, 45, who once taught nutrition to low-income children and still works at the South Philadelphia Taproom. Ultimately, were trying to show kids here how to source food other than two dozen chicken wings from the local Chinese takeout store. Allie Hauptman, 31, a Rowhouse co-owner, agreed. I know my neighbors, said Hauptman, who once ran the kitchen at Friends School Haverford. And it would be a betrayal to make a store here with high prices. The food in the well-appointed grocery featuring hardwood floors and artfully exposed bricks and beams is so well-priced that some customers have actually complained that they pay too little, said Holman, laughing. Its not easy The pricing is no accident. The owners did research that showed the nearest supermarket is about a mile away. They also found that there were 3,234 households receiving food stamps (SNAP benefits) within a half-mile radius as of 2015. The goal, Holman explained, was to provide food that could be afforded by a three-member household receiving $382 in monthly SNAP benefits. We dont want to charge prices some in the neighborhood can afford but others cant, said co-owner Susan Holland, 32. "We want to bring in revenue to operate, but be conscious of what others can afford. Its not easy. And I understand why it hasnt been done before. Informing the co-owners' desire to create a corner store with equal parts panache and public spirit are well-developed social consciences. Its great to hand people food and drinks for money as a waitress, Holman said. I love the restaurant industry. But I need to do more for my community than just serving beer to young professionals on a Friday night. For Hauptman, Rowhouse reflects personal values generated from attending a Quaker school and learning from Judaism that "giving back is a big part of life. Relatively new to the area, Rowhouse customer Ava Burns, 31, a nurse, said she cant get over how reasonable the prices are, and praised the look of the place: "Very appealing, homey, and comfortable. For longtime resident Lewis Richmond, 69, a retired Temple University housekeeper on a fixed income, the store seems a bit too fancy to go into, but he plans to maybe buy milk there sometime soon. I hear they keep prices low, he said. If the Rowhouse group can get enough catering gigs, the store will catch on and thrive, the co-owners believe. They have plans to make the commodious second floor available to the neighborhood for classes on starting a business, or learning tenants' rights. And while theyre aware that the neighborhood is changing, with richer people moving in, Hauptman said one Rowhouse principle soars above all others: We want to make sure that this store will always be affordable for the people whove always lived here. Philadelphia Media Network is one of 21 news organizations producing Broke in Philly, a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the citys push toward economic justice. See all of our reporting at brokeinphilly.org. A Delaware County judge on Wednesday ordered the City of Chester to temporarily halt its plan to install more than 400 parking meters on the sidewalks at Widener University, citing concern that the meters would pose immediate and irreparable harm to students. Judge Barry C. Dozors order grants Widener a temporary injunction requested after the school filing sued Chester, its mayor, and the private vendors hired for the project. Still, the judge expressed some bewilderment over the entire case, saying it was striking that it has come to this level. Rocco Imperatrice III, who represented Widener, argued during the three-hour hearing in Media that installing the parking meters would dissuade students from enrolling at the school, thereby reducing Wideners revenues. Parking meters, he added, would prompt some students to search for free parking in nearby residential neighborhoods, undermining the citys goal to keep students cars on campus property. City authorities said residents had long complained that Widener students would crowd parking spots in their residential neighborhoods, leaving few open spaces. Last year, the city contracted with two vendors, PFS VII and Pango, to install parking meters on campus that would charge $2 per hour. The plan sharply reduced free or permitted parking. Chester officials said the meters would be a way to control the traffic chaos that has spilled from the school into the citys residential neighborhoods, namely Sun Hill. As part of the citys deal with the vendors, Chester would pay nothing for the meters, lawyers said. Instead, PFS would foot the multimillion-dollar bill for installing the meters and PFS and Pango would regularly take their cuts of the revenues collected. Eventually, over three installments, PFS would pay Chester $1 million for its involvement in the project. The money would be deposited into the citys general fund and be used for such matters as fixing potholes and damaged parking lots. Chester Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland, in testimony Wednesday, called the contracts a good deal. We thought about the residents more than anything, he said. Lawyers representing Chester said the city intended to install 480 meters, not the 1,200, as the university had alleged. The attorneys also denied accusations that Chester had trespassed onto Wideners property, saying the meters would be installed on sidewalks, a public space. In 2017, Widener had more than 3,400 undergraduates enrolled and nearly 3,100 graduate students, many of them commuters. University officials said a prospective graduate student recently opted to instead enroll at Rowan University in New Jersey once he heard about the prospective parking meters that could be installed at Widener. William Lanzilotti, a junior majoring in criminal justice, drives to Widener from South Philadelphia five days a week during the semester and parks his car on campus for five to eight hours a day. In court Wednesday, he said he partly picked Widener because of its non-metered parking. If the city begins charging to park, I wont be able to afford it, Lanzilotti said. School officials said Widener would suffer a $30 million loss in enrollment decrease spurred by installation of the parking meters. Anthony Campisi, spokesperson for Chester, called the projected loss ridiculous. Also, the city is going to be receiving a share of parking revenue going forward, which it will use for street maintenance and public safety, Campisi added. The date of a future hearing in the lawsuit has not been scheduled. The injunction is effective until that date. WASHINGTON Two Philadelphians have been named to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, appointments that could boost the citys power in Congress and the profiles of two ambitious lawmakers. Reps. Brendan Boyle and Dwight Evans, both Democrats, were named to the committee Wednesday. The panel is one of Congress' most prestigious. It primarily handles tax policy, but that gives it broad influence over the economy and trade. The committee was central to the two most significant legislative achievements of both Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump the Affordable Care Act and the GOP tax bill. Democrats now plan to use the committee to try to force Trump to release his tax returns, an effort Evans and Boyle both said they support. By dint of their influence, members of the committee also typically draw massive campaign donations and can build a platform for bigger ambitions. Seven presidents, eight vice presidents, and 21 House speakers have served on the panel, Boyle noted in a statement. He added that at 41, he will be one of the youngest members. The last Philadelphian to serve on the panel was William J. Green III, Evans said. He left Congress in 1976 and would later become mayor. This is extremely significant to the region and to the state, Evans said. Weve got to show, in a very specific way, outcomes. Major legislation from Democrats will still face significant hurdles, given Republican control of the Senate, but Evans hoped to use the committee to advance plans to rebuild crumbling schools, boost infrastructure investments, and shore up private pension funds. If youre going to address the issue of poverty and close the gap, the school repair aspect of it is very essential, he said. Evans said Democrats might also revisit the GOP tax bill, including its limits on the State and Local Tax Deduction, a significant concern in high-tax states. Boyle said he hopes to use the seat to protect the Affordable Care Act, Social Security, and Medicare, and be a force against GOP economics, which favors the 1 percent over middle-class Americans. He also hoped to address student loan debt. Serving on this storied and powerful committee will allow me to fight for Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania like never before, Boyle said in a statement. While larger states often have multiple members on powerful committees, it is less common for two from the same city to land on such a panel. Boyle had support from senior Democrats in the region, including former Rep. Bob Brady, while Evans won backing from the Congressional Black Caucus. Former Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz of Montgomery County was the last Pennsylvania Democrat on the committee. She left Congress to run for governor in 2014. Her district included part of Philadelphia. On the Republican side, U.S. Reps. Pat Meehan of Delaware County and Mike Kelly of Erie County were also on the committee in the last Congress. Meehan resigned from Congress last year. Many other lawmakers are awaiting new committee assignments, though newly elected Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, a Delaware County Democrat, was named to the House Rules Committee, which oversees process and procedure, giving it influence over key debates. Scanlon is the first Pennsylvania woman to sit on the panel, her office said. Dark bread, cured salmon, foraged mushrooms, and pickled vegetables you might mistake this for a menu item from one of Phillys seasonally influenced restaurants. But its also what the Vikings ate. As the Franklin Institutes massive, six-month-long Vikings exhibit soldiers on (it closes March 3), the museum partnered with WHYY to supplement the displays 600 historical artifacts with something visitors could digest in a single sitting: a Nordic feast. That idea led to Jan. 17s Vikings: Beyond the Feast dinner at the American Swedish Historical Museum. The dinners tasting menu features a selection of traditional Nordic dishes prepared by Swedish chef Henrik Ringbom, who currently heads the kitchen at Wallingfords Pendle Hill retreat center, along with his friend and former Brauhaus Schmitz sous chef Eric Chicaleski. While Ringboms dinner is sold out, its far from your only chance to try Nordic cuisine. Defined by ancient (and once-again popular) methods like fermenting, smoking, and foraging, Nordic food has been enjoying a moment for the past several years in the United States and beyond. (Granted, that moment has been less pronounced in Philadelphia than in cities like Chicago and Minneapolis, which have historically large Scandinavian American populations.) There are several local spots to try salty-sweet cured salmon, open-faced smrrebrd, caraway-laced aquavit, and other staples from the land of the Vikings. Below, we explore some of the hallmark traditions and dishes of Nordic cuisine and where to find them in Philadelphia. Nordic Cuisine 101 Cold, dark weather the kind were experiencing now has a lot to do with Nordic food. Northern Europes below-zero temps and short harvest season shaped its cuisine. People relied on preserved foods like dried cod to make it through, Ringbom says. The fermentation, the smoking, the salting it all originated in figuring out how to survive the winter, and it remains a huge part of the cuisine today. The frigid atmosphere lends itself to substantial fare, too. Theres an emphasis on root vegetables and heartier foods like stews and sausages and potatoes boiled potatoes show up at a lot of meals. Other staples of Nordic cuisine include: Seafood: Nordic countries that is, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands have miles and miles of coastline and, as a result, abundant access to seafood. Fish is frequently part of lunch and often dinner, too. In many cases, its preserved: Gravlax (or cured salmon), pickled herring, and salted cod are some of the best-known preparations. Salmons very popular nowadays," Ringbom says, "but cod has always been the go-to. He recommends using it in soup. Throw it in there with root vegetables, some dill, and some mustard greens and have the huge pot to share when people come over. Meat: Swedish meatballs may be one of the most famous Nordic exports, but smoked sausages often served with mashed potatoes and green peas and other preserved meats are arguably even more common. As for those meatballs, each country has their own take. In Sweden and Norway, cooks usually use a mix of beef and pork. In Denmark, minced pork is the go-to. And in Finland, you might find reindeer meatballs. Dark bread: Nordic breads are often made from hearty whole grains such as rye, barley, and whole wheat. Rye is often used to create crispbread, a flat and dry cracker essential to any proper Nordic bread basket, according to Ringbom. I love it for lunch with some sliced cheese, or ham, or with smoked fish. Foraged food: Northern Europeans make the most of the hardy berries and plants that do grow in their harsh climate. Ringbom remembers picking blueberries and lingonberries in the forests of Sweden and Finland as a child. There was never a lack of homemade jam, he says. Items such as wild mushrooms, black and red currants, tart cloudberries, and wild garlic are also popular. Preserved vegetables: When fresh vegetables are in season, Nordic preparations can be very straightforward Ringbom describes a simple snack of fresh-picked chanterelles sauteed in butter and onions, scattered on dark bread but more often, produce is pickled or fermented. Preserved items like sauerkraut and pickled beets are eaten year-round. Smrrebrd: These open-faced sandwiches, popular for lunch in Denmark, combine several mainstay ingredients into a single bite. A slice of dark rye is the classic base, and toppings include eggs, smoked fish, cured meat, and/or preserved or fresh vegetables. Smorgasbord: A Swedish concept that migrated to the U.S. long ago, smorgasbord (which translates to sandwich table) originally meant a spread of bread, cheese, and butter. Today, it often includes a buffets worth of hot and cold Swedish staples, such as pickled herring, gravlax, egg dishes, cured meats, crispbreads, meatballs, and lingonberry jam. Aquavit: Distilled from grain or potatoes and flavored with caraway and dill, this Scandinavian spirit is often described as rye bread in a bottle. Aquavit and schnapps are a big part of our culture," Ringbom says. Especially when we have a midsummer fest, Christmas, or crayfish party, you pour a shot, sing a song, and everyone does the shot together its a lot of fun. Finding Nordic Food in Philadelphia Fancy your own Nordic feast? You have options. For classic highlights, head to East Passyunks Noord, where chef-owner Joncarl Lachman prepares a few Nordic staples as part of his mostly Dutch-inspired menu. We wanted to be an ode to the North Sea and all of the cultures that come together there, Lachman says. Noords current menu includes a grilled gravlax dish with pickled beets and watermelon rind, and a celery leaf sour cream. The rotating smrrebrd trio piles smoked or cured fish and pickles on house-made rye bread. And for a Dutch-Nordic mash-up, theres the broodje haring, a Dutch-style sandwich topped with herring, a classic Scandinavian ingredient. Lachman serves it as a slider, with cucumbers, pickled onions, and a potato roll. Elsewhere, theres Fairmounts Bar Hygge, named after the Danish concept hygge (pronounced HOO-gah), which describes the feeling of contentment in enjoying simple things. While its menu doesnt adhere exclusively to the Danish theme, the brewpub does have a variety of boards each served with local bread featuring smoked meat, fish, cheese, and vegetables. For ultrasophisticated Nordic cuisine, turn to longtime West Philly BYOB Marigold Kitchen. Chef Eric Leveilee uses local, seasonal ingredients and some of the avant-garde culinary techniques that New Nordic cuisine popularized by the legendary Copenhagen restaurant, noma is known for. Think toasting hay (to extract its aroma), pureeing fermented rice, and aerating unconventional ingredients to make foam. One of Leveilees current favorites is a take on rmmegrt, a rich, tangy porridge made with sour cream and whole-wheat flour; to transform it, he lets it solidify, then slices and fries it in blocks before it coating it with shave fenalar (cured leg of lamb) and garnishing it with pickled pumpkin and an almond bechamel. Marigold offers 10- to 15-course tasting menus Tuesday through Saturday ($100), five- to six-course menus Tuesday through Thursday ($50), and a la carte brunch on Sundays. Finally, for much more mainstream and cheap Nordic fare, head to IKEA. The cafeteria usually offers Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, and beet salad at very reasonable prices. And their take-home market sells items like lingonberry preserves, potato fritters, dill-flavored crispbread, and several types of frozen meatballs (beef and pork, salmon, vegetarian). Many of the items can be purchased online, for those not near IKEAs South Philly or Conshohocken stores. DIY Nordic Dinner Of course, you can always bring a little hygge into your own home. Ringbom says the real key to eating like a Nordic native is to frequent farmers' markets and use whats in season. Good dark bread is easy to find. In the Northeast and South Philadelphia, Lipkins Bakery carries fresh-made pumpernickel and seeded rye. Or choose from many rye breads at Kaplans New Model Bakery in Northern Liberties. Lost Bread Co. also makes a beetroot rye; visit its Kensington outlet at 1313 N. Howard St. on weekends, or check with the many shops that carry the bakerys loaves. Pickled vegetables are easier to find than ever. Brine Street Picklery products are in several area stores. And local markets like Weavers Way (Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, and Ambler) and Riverwards Produce (Fishtown) offer even more selection. For seafood, Ringbom swears by the fresh cuts and smoked salmon at Samuels & Son. Visit their store at 3400 Lawrence St., near the stadiums in South Philly. (Samuels & Sons other storefront, Ippolitos Seafood, closed last year for renovation and doesnt have a set return date.) Famous 4th Street Deli also carries an excellent selection of smoked fish and deli meats, as do Eastern European markets Bells Market and NetCost in the Northeast. And to make your own gravlax, see the recipe below. Once youve assembled some staple Nordic ingredients, you can easily make your own smrrebrd or a simple smorgasbord. Serve shots of Rowhouse Spirits' Akvavit found at the Kensington distillery and in area state stores for the perfect liquid pairing. Big Dill gravlax recipe Serves 5 to 7 INGREDIENTS 1 pound salmon filet (highest grade available, deboned with skin on) 1 cups sea salt 1 cups white sugar 4 tablespoons coriander, lightly crushed 3 teaspoons white pepper 3 teaspoons minced garlic (use minced and smoked garlic, if available) 1 lemon 1 bunch fresh dill DIRECTIONS Combine salt, sugar, coriander, white pepper, and minced garlic in a bowl. Zest the lemon and finely chop half of the fresh dill. Add the dill and lemon zest into curing mixture and mix well. Dry the salmon with paper towels and place it, skin-side down, in a baking dish or pan. Heavily coat the top, bottom, and sides of the salmon with the curing mixture. Cover the salmon with plastic wrap. Place weight on top of the salmon using, for example, a plate with cans of tomatoes or bags of rice on top. Place the salmon in the refrigerator and allow to cure for 24 to 48 hours, flipping and draining any liquid every 12 to 24 hours. Remove salmon from the refrigerator, rinse well, and dry. Finely chop the rest of the dill and rub over the outside of the salmon. Slice the salmon as thin as possible, discarding any blood line or skin. Matthew Cahn of Middle Child Some 200 people braved subzero temperatures in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul on Wednesday to mark the 27th anniversary of protests for women forced into sexual slavery by Imperial Japan. The protesters along with some surviving victims are still demanding that Japan officially admit responsibility. But they are also calling on the Korean government to put more efforts into resolving the issue of wartime sex slavery through diplomatic channels. Out of 240 registered victims in Korea, only 25 are still alive. Eight victims died last year alone, but the issue continues to flare up as Tokyo's efforts to settle the matter without admitting full responsibility keep exacerbating the problem. Fiore, a modern Italian cafe-restaurant from two pedigreed New York chefs, is now soft-open at 757 S. Front St. in the Queen Village building that years ago housed Fredericks before The Village Belle and Kanella South. Ed Crochet and Justine MacNeil are aiming at the neighborhood with an operation that starts in the morning and adds dinner once the liquor license comes though. Now, it opens at 9 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday, starting the day with breads and pastries served on the bar, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Savory dishes, such as toasts, go out closer to noontime. They expect to wrap by 3 p.m. Thats the plan, said MacNeil said. It sounds like were wishy-washy. We just want to be flexible. If we find that people really want to come earlier, well expand earlier. And if we find that people are kind of hanging out later, well expand later. Dinner, which will begin after they acquire their liquor license, will be more ambitious. A lot of the heart of it is Italian, Crochet said. Its getting stuff from right around you. Its seasonal cooking. Its using whats best right now as opposed to the recipe that weve done every single time up until now. I think that that sort of aesthetic and the way that Italians feel and cook food, its very, very similar. So I think the two mesh together very well. And I love pasta. Were calling it modern Italian because we wanted to figure out a way to say that were new American slash Italian without being the most wordy thing ever, MacNeil said. Crochet said to expect bold flavors. Theres going to be some dishes that not everyone is going to like, Crochet said, citing a chicory dish with anchovy dressing and pecorino on top. I like super sour vinaigrettes, he said. "I like stuff that you remember afterward. Thats the kind of food that we want to try to cook. And you know, fit that into the kind of generalized Italian setting. As far as dining is concerned, we want people to be as comfortable as possible. I think that family style is a really good way for people to have fun while theyre eating out. As for working together, Crochet said, we also trust each others opinions about food pretty well, especially Italian food especially. We also know each other well enough to be like, Hey, how is this? And the other ones like, No its not [good]. Because thats not how you react when the stuff tastes good. Its nice to have an honest and supportive foil for the stuff that youre doing on a day to day basis so the goal was to get food that obviously tastes as good as possible. We make a good team in that regard. Crochet, 38, a Navy brat who grew up in Maryland and Italy and attended LAcademie de Cuisine in Bethesda, and MacNeil, 30, who grew up in Jackson, N.J., and French Culinary Institute grad, met at Craft, one of Tom Colicchios restaurants. They both worked for Colicchio until MacNail went to work at Del Posto and Crochet left to work for Starr Restaurants at Storico on the Upper West Side. When Starr Restaurants sold off its catering company, Crochet followed and ended up at Rats at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton Township, N.J. Starr Catering wanted him to move to Philadelphia, but he kept putting it off. They both wanted to stop paying rent and buy something in New York. Once we started looking at housing prices, we realized it was never going to happen out there, MacNeil said. So we decided we were going to move down here. Once we decided to move down here, I was looking up jobs and I realized there werent a lot of jobs for a pastry chef in Philadelphia, unfortunately." MacNeil began making and selling chocolates, and they bought a house in Kensington. MacNeil said they could cover their expenses on Crochets salary. I was just going to open up a small bakery, she said. "If that was successful, we would expand to include Ed. But a couple weeks after I was down here in Philadelphia and figuring out a business plan, Ed was like, Lets just do it now. Instead of waiting to do the whole thing, we just decided to dive in and just go for the ultimate goal all at once. If youre making a movie about brotherly love, it makes sense to call your leads Phil and Dell. Particularly if you shot most of it in Philadelphia, as was the case with The Upside, a competent, pat remake of the French hit The Intouchables Americanized to star Bryan Cranston as a wealthy aristocrat stricken with paralysis, and Kevin Hart as a straight-from-the-projects ex-con who becomes his caretaker. Hart is Dell, assigned by his parole officer to collect three job interview signatures to prove that hes looking for work. He wanders into a Park Avenue building (actually a soundstage in Aston) looking for a janitorial position, and ends up in the queue for health care workers applying to be live-in caregiver for a billionaire named Phil (Cranston). Phil doesnt much care for any of the candidates, or even the selection process hes deeply depressed, a consequence of a hang-gliding accident that cost him the use of his arms and legs. So in an odd way its a match a guy who doesnt really want the job, and guy who doesnt really want to live. Even if you havent seen The Intouchables, you have a pretty good idea where the drama is headed. Still, The Upside nonetheless does an amiable job of taking you there, thanks to hard work by the two leads. There is also the novelty of seeing Hart turning in an effectively restrained performance conjuring genuine emotion and turning the Kevin down to seven. There are also plenty of moments that allow him to invoke his more familiar, antic persona. We watch Dell, for instance, trying to figure out the mysterious workings of a digitally activated shower a vast, glass-walled, chrome and black tile modernist bathing cathedral that responds to vocal commands with a voice that sounds like Alexa crossed with a German Bond villain. It gets laughs, but it is also in keeping with a serious thread in the movie, one that highlights the yawning gap in the lives of Dell and Phil two men who are a train ride and also worlds apart. Dell is astounded to be clearing a couple grand per week, and though its peanuts for Phil, its life-altering money for Dell, an in-arrears dad who signs over his first paycheck to his suspicious ex (Aja Naomi King). She lives with their son in a moldy apartment no bigger than Phils high-tech shower, and certainly worth a lot less. For Dell, the income is a conduit to self-respect that comes from being able to meet his neglected obligations. Elsewhere, the movie goes overboard with high jinks Dell scoring pot and hookers for Phil, the kind of scenes that could have been cut along with the other material trimmed from The Upside after it screened at festivals in 2017 (its been tied up in legal proceedings following the collapse of its original studio, the Weinstein Co.). Hart and Cranston also must transcend the foreseeable trajectory of their relationship. Dell pushes Phil to reconnect to life, to those around him Nicole Kidman is the devoted assistant whose devotion may speak to deeper feelings. She refuses to obey Phils do not resuscitate order, and Dell has problems with it as well, even if the reasons are not ethical/philosophical: I need this gig. And to fill a need, Phil sees, is to be useful, and to be useful is to be in possession of a life worth living. So the two men lift each other up, a message we could have absorbed without the five minutes of hang-gliding imagery that hammers it home. MOVIES The Upside Directed by Neil Burger. With Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston, Nicole Kidman, Julianna Margulies, Aja Naomi King, and Tate Donovan. Distributed by STX Films. Running time: 2 hours, 6 mins. Parents guide: PG-13 (suggestive content, drug use) Playing at: Area theaters True Detective. Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali (Moonlight, Green Book) stars in the third, and so far my favorite, installment of Nic Pizzolattos anthology series, which kicks off with two back-to-back episodes. Ali plays a retired detective with memory issues whos asked to look back at the biggest case of his career for a true-crime documentary. Stephen Dorff plays his partner on the case and Carmen Ejogo (Selma) his wife, a schoolteacher and writer, in a story told over three different periods in their lives. 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, HBO. Victoria on Masterpiece. Jenna Coleman returns for a third season as the still-young (and again pregnant) queen, for whom the revolutions of 1848 pose challenges both personal and professional. Monarchies are toppling across Europe, sending some of her relatives fleeing and fueling sentiment in Britain against the status quo. We also meet the queens half-sister, Princess Feodora (Kate Fleetwood), whos a real piece of work. 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, WHYY12. Valley of the Boom. Remember Netscape? Halt and Catch Fire meets The Big Short in this docudrama about the internet boom of the 1990s that uses a variety of comic devices to explain things like the browser wars. Stars include Bradley Whitford, Lamorne Morris, and Steve Zahn. 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, National Geographic Channel. The Passage. Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Saniyya Sidney (Hidden Figures) star as a federal agent and the young girl he bonds with after hes sent to kidnap her in a Ridley Scott-produced thriller. Fans of the best-selling Justin Cronin trilogy about a secret medical experiment that goes very, very wrong could be justifiably skeptical of any networks ability to pull off a story this sprawling, but Liz Heldens' adaptation, which reimagines some major characters, makes good use of the chemistry between Gosselaar and Sidney. 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14, Fox. Roswell, New Mexico. Less a reboot of the old WB/UPN teen drama Roswell than a new adaptation of Melinda Metzs young-adult novel series Roswell High, the new, slightly more adult version stars Jeanine Mason as Liz Ortecho, a biomedical researcher who returns to her UFO-mad hometown 10 years after her sisters death. There she discovers that Max (Nathan Dean Parsons), the guy she liked in high school, is a policeman now and, oh, by the way, hes also an extraterrestrial, one of three in town. Theres a murder mystery as well as an immigration story line (Lizs father is undocumented) that pairs well with the story of the shows trio of outsiders trying to hide in plain sight. 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, CW. Deadly Class. Set in 1980s San Francisco, this drama based on a best-selling graphic novel stars Benjamin Wadsworth as Marcus, an orphaned, homeless teen whos recruited into a private school where crime lords send their children, apparently to learn the family business, and the headmaster, Master Lin (Benedict Wong), believes that some people deserve to die. Lets just say this place makes Hogwarts look like a nursery school. 10 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, Syfy. Star Trek: Discovery. Second-season premiere of the latest installment in the Star Trek franchise, available only on CBSs subscription streaming platform. 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, CBS All Access. Grace and Frankie. The fifth season of the all-star comedy cocreated by Broomalls Marta Kauffman (Friends) picks up with Grace (Jane Fonda) and Frankie (Lily Tomlin) still between the retirement home they fled and the beach house their children sold out from under them. Meanwhile, their two exes (Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston) are caught by their children in a particularly awkward situation. RuPaul guest-stars. Friday, Jan. 18, Netflix. Brexit. Everyone knows who won, but not everyone knows how, says Benedict Cumberbatchs character, Dominic Cummings, in the opening moments of this film, which has already ignited controversy in Britain. Cummings led the campaign in 2016 to have the United Kingdom leave the European Union, though the actual exit is still very much in the air as the deadline approaches. (Think of making a film about special counsel Robert Muellers investigation before its over.) Written by James Graham, whose excellent play about Rupert Murdoch, Ink, is to come to Broadway this year, its an incisive, if dispiriting, look at what now goes into selling voters including those who usually sit out elections starting with their Facebook pages. 9 p.m. Saturday, HBO. After she moved to Philadelphia two years ago to teach at Temple University, Sara Goldrick-Rab was struck by the fact that few in the city were talking about the growing student loan crisis. Pennsylvania tops the nation for student-debt burden at least 67 percent of Pennsylvania students have loans and the average debt per student is $36,193, according to LendEDU, a New Jersey-based student-loan refinancing company. And, the Keystone State is home to 33 of the top 100 public universities in the country with the most student debt. Its striking to me that Philadelphia is not talking about student debt," she told the Inquirer. In most parts of the country, the conversation is louder. Its not quite the right conversation. Most of the talk about student debt is that debt is bad, and we need to deal with existing debt. To get rid of it. But Im hoping we can host a different conversation not just how did we get here, but how to keep more young people from debt as a consequence. So Goldrick-Rab is hosting a conversation, and everybody is invited. Students, parents, and anybody else wanting to learn more about the epidemic can attend the Wednesday, Jan. 16, town hall meeting, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Temple Performing Arts Center (1837 N. Broad St.) in North Philadelphia, to discuss solutions to the growing college affordability problem. Goldrick-Rab has made this issue her lifes work. Shes a professor of higher education policy and sociology at Temple, and founder of the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice in Philadelphia, which seeks to reduce college student dropouts due to non-academic reasons such as poverty or lack of transportation. Student loans, she points out, are epidemic, but arent the only cause of the college affordability crisis. The cause is that college tuition is unaffordable, housing is unaffordable, food is unaffordable. Debt isnt the only cause of the crisis, its the consequence. I really focus on how people end up with debt in the first place and keep that from happening. Its not just complaining were working toward solutions." Other speakers at the town hall will include Michael Luna, student government president at Community College of Philadelphia; Seth Frotman, former ombudsman at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and founder of the Student Borrower Protection Center; Helen Gym, Philadelphia city councilwoman; Jeff Hornstein, executive director, Economy League of Greater Philadelphia; and Malcolm Kenyatta, Pennsylvania state representative and a Temple alum. Goldrick-Rab has at various times advocated for reduced or free tuition, much like Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. She is on the senators education policy panel. "Free tuition is one piece of the puzzle. Its a good piece. I dont buy that its a giveaway, she said. Right after she moved to Philadelphia from Wisconsin, Gov. Wolf invited me to a task force on college affordability. I went to Harrisburg excited. I did a task force in Wisconsin and we made some real concrete recommendations, like whether the state set up a work-study program to supplement federal work study. The state now has emergency aid for students in Wisconsin, and Scott Walker, the GOP governor, passed it. Sadly, she says, the Pennsylvania task force disbanded. The education sector is divided. Schools like Temple and Pitt dont feel they share common cause with the community colleges. In addition, the state-related designation makes no sense. Philly needs to know we at Temple live or die by that state budget. so if you want student debt to go down, Temple and CCP need revenue restored. Meanwhile, the University of Pennsylvania is making all these promises to be affordable. But theyre not paying taxes appropriately and they have a huge endowment. For profits are moving in. After earning her Ph.D. at Penn, Goldrick-Rab won a professorship at the University of Wisconsin. And since then, the student loan crisis has grown to nearly $1.5 trillion at the end of 2018, growing faster than any other class of consumer debt, including auto loans and mortgages. Obviously its now affecting the middle class. I think thats the one silver lining when the middle class gets involved, stuff changes. The middle class has a lot to lose now. Where does she find is the biggest pocket of resistance in Philadelphia to change? She acknowledges that in a high-poverty city, Where does this fit in the list of priorities, given clear need for K-12 and early childhood education? Given the homeless crisis, why worry about homeless students? Im struck by Phillys many problems. I agree its hard to decide where to start. Every 3-year-old becomes a 17-year-old who wants to go to college. Their parents drop out too and have debt too. One solution she points to: This month, Goldrick-Rab went to Chicago to interview people who live in public housing there. Theyre all trying to get out of poverty by going to college. Theyre in their mid-30s. Two of them were 55. They keep saying I cant get out of poverty unless I go to college. Public housing made a partnership with community college whereby they can go for free. Why couldnt the Philadelphia Housing Authority do something like that?" Registration is not required to attend the Jan. 16 town hall. The event website has more information: https://realcollege.org/event/philly-town-hall-on-student-debt. Michael Beautyman has battled State Farm since 2009, when he said a torrential rain in Florida flooded his Porsche 911 Carrera, soaking the cars electronics and breeding toxic mold. State Farm refused to pay for thousands of dollars in repairs, so Beautyman, a Flourtown-based lawyer, sued the insurer. Nine years later, his case has gone nowhere. Now, Beautyman claims State Farm was helped by a judge who oversaw the case and who, in an unusual twist, used to be State Farms lawyer. Montgomery County Senior Judge Arthur Tilson represented State Farm in at least 129 cases during a 15-year period that ended in 1993, according to briefs filed by Beautymans attorney. Tilson was appointed to the bench in 2001. Beautyman argues that Tilson should have recused himself from the case. Legal ethics experts largely disagree. And another judge not Tilson denied Beautymans motion last week that raised the issue. Beautymans attorney is considering an appeal. Tilson did not return messages seeking comment. The slow-moving case, which has no scheduled trial date, pits a giant insurance company against a lawyer who said hes not going to stop fighting, and now is drawing attention to the self-policed rules regarding judicial recusal. Pennsylvanias code of judicial conduct requires judges to disqualify themselves in any proceeding in which the judges impartiality might reasonably be questioned. Judges must consider whether they personally know the parties or facts of the case, if they have an economic interest in the subject, or other factors. He relied upon State Farm for his daily bread, Stephen Alvstad, a partner at Beautymans firm and his attorney in this case, said of Tilson. Alvstad argued that no reasonable person would want a lawsuit overseen by a judge who represented the other party 129 times, no matter how long ago. Although the number of cases in which Tilson served as State Farms lawyer seems large and only accounts for litigation in Montgomery County legal ethics experts mostly shrugged. They noted that Tilson had been on the bench for more than a decade before he considered motions in Beautymans case. And judges typically start off as lawyers. Merely having represented State Farm for over 15 years and in many cases by itself doesnt warrant for recusal, said Stephen Gillers, a professor of legal ethics at New York University. Absent any personal relationships, knowledge of facts, or some kind of financial interest, judges are not recused because one of the parties is a former client, even a frequent former client. Beautyman didnt raise the issue until 2018, five years after Tilson last issued an order in the case. Montgomery County rotates judges, so Tilson is no longer in charge of the case. Tilson reached the then-mandatory retirement age of 70 in 2013, but still serves as a part-time senior judge. Issues of disqualification and issues of recusal should be brought up as soon as the party becomes aware of the concern," said Robert Tintner, a Fox Rothschild lawyer who handles the Philadelphia Bar Associations ethics hotline. It is entirely inappropriate to use either a recusal motion or disqualification motion as a tactical weapon. Alvstad said he and his client didnt discover Tilsons work for State Farm until they looked for it last year, when they considered Tilsons odd rulings and recalled a comment they said he made about his law firm doing work for the insurer. The most galling episode, according to Alvstad, was when Tilson initially overruled some of State Farms preliminary objections, then granted them after the insurer filed them again. Its essential that the public, the citizens, have faith in the fairness of the judicial process, Beautyman said. You have so many cases that a judge represented one party. It erodes the publics faith in the judicial system. And if the public does not have faith in the judicial process, that will lead to anarchy. State Farm declined comment due to pending litigation. But in court filings, the insurer said Beautymans complaints against Tilson were unfounded. Among other arguments, the insurer said one of Tilsons orders giving Beautyman more time to respond to discovery was not a win for State Farm. State Farm did not get any help from Judge Tilson with the orders entered in this matter, State Farm lawyer Yolanda Konopacka DeSipio wrote. Plaintiffs attempt to rewrite history five and six years after it occurred does not help to move the case forward. The case remains stuck in arguments over discovery. Beautyman has been unable to persuade a judge to force the insurer to give him an unredacted copy of his claim file, which he says is essential to prove that State Farm acted in bad faith in refusing to pay for repairs. In June 2009, Beautyman said, he found his car parked at a Boca Raton, Fla., airport with steamed-up windows and water inside. The 2004 Porsche wouldnt start. He had it towed to a mechanic. Beautyman said State Farm took two weeks to first inspect the Porsche (State Farm said it accidentally looked at the wrong car). After months of back and forth and multiple inspections at several locations, State Farm refused to pay for repairs because it said the water damage was caused by poor maintenance clogged drains, not a sudden flood event. The insurer also disputed that toxic mold grew in the car, but also, there is no coverage in the policy for fungi, State Farm said in court filings. If I were to negligently fail to clean the drain tubes, theres still insurance coverage just as if I negligently drive the car into a tree, Beautyman contended. Beautyman paid roughly $11,500 for repairs and diagnostic tests, according to court filings. State Farm provided $728.94. Beautyman called the car a total loss in his 2010 complaint, though the car sold for $12,000 at a Conshohocken auction, according to court records. This litigation is going to proceed on its course no matter what, because Im not going to stop and State Farm is not going to stop, Beautyman said. The Porsche, meanwhile, has moved on. The car got a new owner in Ohio in 2011, according to documents filed by State Farm. A Carfax history report on the vehicle makes no mention of water damage. Giant Heirloom Market, the first urban format store from Carlisle-based Giant Food Stores LLC, will open at 7 a.m. Jan. 25 at 2303 Bainbridge St., the company announced Thursday. The 9,500-square-foot store will bring about 60 full- and part-time jobs and will be open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, according to the announcement. The company first shared its plan for the new store during its 95th anniversary celebration at Dilworth Park in October. At the time, Nicholas Bertram, Giant Food Stores president, said the companys network of more than 170 locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia was missing out on an opportunity to serve the increasing residential population in downtown Philadelphia. >>READ MORE: A new kind of Giant is coming to 2303 Bainbridge St. We cant meet our full potential without this new format, Bertram said in an interview. I was surprised, whenever we did research, how much customers wanted to be able to prepare their own food. Thats where I saw the opportunity. People want shortcuts and hacks. They are inspired by the chefs in Philly and want to re-create those dishes, and they dont always have access to the best ingredients, and were going to solve that for them. This store is part of a trend of grocery retailers trying to reach city residents by increasing their presence in urban mixed-use projects. Giants parent, Netherlands-based Ahold Delhaize, tried this strategy before with bfresh, a small-format grocery store for these markets, but ended up dropping it in 2017. This Heirloom store format is smaller than the suburban locations and will include an on-site produce chef, kombucha on tap, the ability for customers to create olive oil and vinegar blends, and a selection of beers and wines, among other products. If customers cant find what they need in store, they will be able to order online through an in-store iPad for next-day delivery. There will also be self and mobile checkout, the company wrote in a news release. "Were proud to serve our ... neighbors during their culinary quests by offering fresh produce, meat and seafood alongside the Philly products they know and love all in a store designed for them, said Angel Cordero, the Heirloom store manager. Were confident that by providing an authentic shopping experience, our passion for locally sourced products and our customers will shine bright at GIANT Heirloom Market. Although Giant has had a store on Grant Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia since 2011, the store on Bainbridge will be its first downtown location. The company has anticipated the opening will create about 60 jobs. Other grocery sellers opening shops in Center City urban mixed-use developments include Aldi, Moms Organic, Sprouts, and Target in a bid to reach residents who previously had no nearby grocery stores. Thomas Jefferson University is in exclusive talks with Temple University to buy Fox Chase Cancer Center, the two nonprofit Philadelphia institutions said Thursday. The deal would add to a string of acquisitions under Jefferson chief executive Stephen K. Klasko that have shuffled the regions health-care landscape and expanded the scope of the Center City institution from three hospitals to 18, including the pending deal for Einstein Healthcare Network. Jefferson also acquired Philadelphia University. For Temple, a sale of the 100-bed Fox Chase system with 2,036 employees could help bolster its weak financial position and improve its ability to provide crucial health-care services in a high-poverty area of the city. Its too soon to say what an acquisition of Fox Chase, which is in the Burholme section of Northeast Philadelphia and is in an elite group of 41 comprehensive cancer centers, as designated by the National Cancer Institute, would mean for cancer patients in the region, but one expert said the purchase could make sense for Jefferson. It could raise Jeffersons position in cancer treatment to another level," said Dan Grauman, CEO of Veralon, a Philadelphia health-care consulting firm. Jefferson has the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, but it sits one notch below Fox Chase in the governments cancer-treatment hierarchy. The deal is far from done. Jefferson and Temple have entered into a 90-day negotiating period. They will also negotiate the possible sale of Temples interest in Health Partners Plan, a Philadelphia nonprofit that manages Medicaid and Medicare benefits in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The arrangement with Jefferson came six months after Temple University announced that it would hire a restructuring officer and consider selling Fox Chase and Jeanes Hospital as part of a plan to shore up Temple University Health Systems operations in North Philadelphia, where Temple University Hospital serves as the de facto safety-net hospital. This agreement represents the next step in finding a partner that can enhance Fox Chases future growth, while also strengthening the health systems ability to serve its core mission of providing outstanding clinical care to its North Philadelphia community and beyond, and maintaining its unique research and educational mission, Temple officials said in a statement. Daniel J. Hilferty, chief executive of Independence Health Group, which owns the largest health insurer in the Philadelphia region, said the sale of Fox Chase would strengthen Temples health system. It gives them capital to focus on delivering quality services to the Medical Assistance population, the Medicare population, and the communities that they serve so well. Thats a positive for the consumer," he said. As to Fox Chase, they are terrific clinicians. They do a wonderful job, but we have great relationships with Penn Medicine, value-based relationships for cancer treatment," Hilferty said. It remains to be seen what [the sale] will mean for Fox Chase and the future of Fox Chase, but from our perspective, thats the beauty of this region, that there are so many high-quality cancer-treatment entities. Jefferson officials declined to comment beyond a statement in which Klasko said that partnering with Fox Chase could improve lives for patients throughout Philadelphia and far beyond. Fox Chase has 100 beds in its American Oncologic Hospital and employed 2,036 last year. Temple bought Fox Chase in 2012 for $84 million as part of an effort under chief executive Larry Kaiser to make the system more financially sustainable by expanding to more complex services. Kaiser had significant successes in returning Fox Chase to profitability and developing a leading organ-transplant program, but the financial drag of its North Philadelphia location was too much to overcome. Supplemental funding from the state to compensate for Medicaid shortfalls increased to $155.8 million in fiscal 2018 from $138.3 million in fiscal 2016, according to a November report from the bond-ratings agency Fitch Ratings. Kaiser said on a Dec. 12 conference call with bond investors that the purpose of the sale from Temple Universitys perspective was to raise money for the health system, which had more than $500 million in long-term debt at the end of June and struggles to make a profit because so many of its patients have government-sponsored insurance that doesnt cover all expenses. Nearly 47 percent of Temple University Hospitals business in the quarter ended June 30 came from Medicaid. By contrast, less than 10 percent of Fox Chases business was from Medicaid. The impact showed up in financial results. Temple University Hospital lost $11.5 million in the quarter, while Fox Chase had a $2.2 million profit. Kaiser also said on the call that Fox Chase leadership wanted a new patient tower. We were unable to come up with capital to build it, he said. Stuart H. Fine, a professor of health services administration and policy at Temples College of Public Health, said the possibility that Jefferson could take control of Health Partners, a manager of Medicaid and Medicare benefits in the region, was more intriguing than the potential Fox Chase deal. Health Partners' other owners are Aria, already part of Jefferson, and Einstein, which agreed last March to become part of Jefferson. There are tremendous opportunities for Jefferson to creatively gain market position in the regions health insurance space, Fine said, "lessening Jeffersons dependence upon Independence Blue Cross while also better positioning Jefferson to compete with the health insurance products of UPMC, Geisinger, and others who are nibbling at the fringes of the Philadelphia market. " In the long term, this could prove to be a much more important transaction than Jeffersons acquisition of Fox Chase, he said. Hilferty, of Independence, said it doesnt matter to his company who owns Health Partners. We will continue to be a lead competitor in the marketplace. Staff writer Marie McCullough contributed to this report. Speculations that actress Yvonne Nelson is dating Nigerian actor Kunle Remi is gaining more attention, as she keeps flaunting him on her social media pages. Yvonne who is a known lover of her babys daddy, Jamie Roberts has been giving her followers on social media a reason to think that she has found love in another man. This is because she has consistently projected Kunle as someone dear to her heart and that is partly evident in the compromising photos she shared with the actor on social media last year. In one of her posts on Instagram which raised a lot of eyebrows, she described him as my husband. On Tuesday, she again shared a photo of her and Kunle in yet another romantic posture and wrote underneath, its ok babymaking plans for you. The post is also heightening earlier rumours that she has, indeed, parted ways with Jamie Roberts, who is based in the UK. In June 2018, there were rumours that their relationship had fallen apart, but both personalities came out to deny that claim. Subsequently, Jamie visited Ghana for their daughters birthday celebration and a donation ceremony at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. In 2019, nothing has been heard of them yet but followers are observing how Yvonne is giving attention to Kunle Remi, who is being alleged to be the new man in her life. 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 Norway is considering whether to join other western nations in excluding China's Huawei Technologies from building part of the Nordic country's new 5G telecommunications infrastructure, its justice minister said on Wednesday. The Norwegian government is currently discussing measures to reduce potential vulnerabilities in its telecoms industry ahead of the upgrade. State-controlled operator Telenor, which has 173 million subscribers across eight countries in Europe and Asia, signed its first major contract with Huawei in 2009, a deal that helped pave way for the Chinese firm's global expansion. Telenor and competitor Telia currently use 4G Huawei equipment in Norway and are testing equipment from the Chinese company in their experimental 5G networks. "We share the same concerns as the United States and Britain and that is espionage on private and state actors in Norway," Justice Minister Tor Mikkel Wara told Reuters on the sidelines of a business conference. "This question is high priority... we want to have this in place before we build the next round of the telecom network." Asked whether there could be actions taken against Huawei specifically, Wara said: "Yes, we are considering the steps taken in other countries, that is part of it -- the steps taken in the United States and Britain." Lawyer and Member of Parliament for Sekondi, Andrew Agyapa Mercer has commended the Ghana Police Service for their swift response to the plight of customers of Menzgold, a gold dealership firm. The Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has declared the embattled Chief Executive Officer of the gold firm, Nana Appiah Mensah, wanted. This follows an Accra Circuit Court order for the immediate arrest of all directors of the company. According to information, an arrest warrant has been issued for four main Directors of Menzgold; Nana Appiah Mensah, his wife Rose Tetteh, Benedicta Appiah and Abigail Mensah. The other three whose names appeared on the warrant document were listed on the registration documents of Menzgold Ghana as Directors and are also relatives of Nana Appiah Mensah, popularly called NAM1. The court warrant documents stated their offense as Defrauding by false pretense contrary to section 131 of 29/60 for which reason they were wanted. The warrant further stated You are hereby ordered in the name of the President forthwith to apprehend the said Nana Appiah Mensah and produce him before court. Addressing the issue on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme on Thursday, Hon. Agyapa Mercer told sit-in host Nana Yaw Kesseh that "the step that the Ghana Police Service, through their Criminal Investigations Department, have taken by issuing or obtaining a court order for the arrest of NAM1 and subsequently engaging Interpol to help them to effect his arrest to face the laws appropriately is a step in the right direction. To him, it is a prudent action towards resolving the financial scandal and also to ensure that the challenges by customers of Menzgold to retrieve their monies from the gold firm are tackled. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been lauded for playing an instrumental role in ensuring Ghana returned from the shackles of military regime to the path of constitutionalism. Professor Philip Ebow Bondzi-Simpson, the Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), who gave the commendation when delivering the maiden Constitution Day Public Lecture, acknowledged the contributions of other prominent Ghanaians for advocating and fighting tirelessly for the entrenchment of the Fourth Republican Constitutional dispensation. Prof. Bondzi-Simpson, an astute legal luminary, also singled out the contributions of B.J. Da Rocha, J.H Mensah and Prof. Albert Adu Boahen, (all of blessed memory) and former President John Agyekum Kufour for commendation. Prof. Bondzi-Simpson, also commended some personalities who yielded to the demand for constitutionalism at that period and subsequently allowed the necessary constitutional structures and processes to be laid for smooth take-off. He mentioned some of the personalities as Justice D.F Annan, Paul Victor Obeng, (both of blessed memory) former President Jerry John Rawlings and Captain Kojo Tsikata (RTD). He said the current peace and stability being enjoyed by Ghanaians under the Fourth Republic was not achieved on a silver platter, but through intense struggle and advocacy, which some people lost their lives in the process. Prof. Bondzi-Simpson recounted the countrys trajectory from colonial rule through to the period Ghana achieved a Republican status in 1960 and the various military interruptions and military regimes, as well as the short-lived Second and Third Republics until the Fourth Constitutional Republican dispensation. Ghana had so far witnessed five coup detats and military regimes between 1966 and 1982. Prof. Bondzi-Simpson, therefore, underscored the need for Ghanaians to use the Day for sober reflection and chart the way forward towards ensuring socio-economic advancement. He said the Day was worth celebrating since it ushered the nation into the rule of law, respect for human rights and freedom of speech and expression, and should not be a mere public holiday for workers to rest after Christmas. It should be an occasion for public education and to re-orient ourselves to improve on the countrys public service and constitutionalism, he added. He said the Day should be preceded with a citizens forum for District, Municipal and Metropolitan Chief Executives to render account of their stewardship to the people. The celebration, he said, should be facilitated by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to engage teachers, students and pupils to conscientise them on the path of constitutionalism, while think tanks, civil society organisations and the media allowed to ask questions and critique the performance and activities of the local assemblies. In that regard, he said, it would provide a platform for the people to come out with suggestions and innovative ideas that would improve upon the quality of public service delivery. Additionally, Ghanaians would be afforded the opportunity to do retrospection and plan the way forward towards enhancing political and socio-economic development of the nation. Constitutionalism, he said, was supposed to improve on the rule of law, respect for human rights and grassroots participation in the decision-making processes and ensure probity and accountability. 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 A survey conducted by the Department of Political Science, University of Ghana, Legon, shows that majority of Ghanaians are happy with the performance of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Over 56 per cent of the respondents said the party has demonstrated that it has what it takes to deliver on its campaign promises. Another 57.7 per cent admires the NPPs manifesto and its programs. Dr. Maame Gyekye-Jordon, the Head of the Department, who presented the findings of the study, said about one-third of the respondents - 33.2 per cent, however said they are unimpressed. It sampled the views of 5,000 voters, selected from 590 electoral areas in 80 constituencies and 50 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, nationwide. The study sought to assess the views of voters and potential voters in deciding the performance of government and their confidence in its management of the affairs of the country, two years into its mandate. It was carried out, between December 8 and 24, 2018, and this was done with support from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, a German Political Foundation Dr. Gyekye-Jordan said when the question was put, If elections were held today, which political party, will you vote for?, 2,481 of the respondents, representing 49.6 per cent said they would give their votes to the NPP, while 1,667 respondents (33.3 per cent), preferred the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). She said 63.6 per cent of respondents applauded the implementation of the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy. It came out that 51.2 per cent of them said the policy has made education accessible to the youth. Even though the study showed that overwhelming 82.1 per cent of respondents labeled the policy as good, 72.7 per cent think it is facing some challenges - inadequate infrastructure, feeding problems, double-track system and placement issues. She said 47.7 per cent, ranked inadequate school infrastructure higher over the Double Track System, representing 12.4 per cent as a challenge of the FSHS policy, while feeding problems and placement challenges, were a bother only to a few, 5.7 per cent and 1.8 per cent respectively. Again 78 per cent of the people said they have been following the double track system very closely, and 33.3 per cent of them thinks that the system is a good policy, but 45.5 per cent disagrees. The Planting for Food and Jobs and the One District One Factory programmes also received high ratings with 60.8 per cent of the respondents expressing confidence that they would lead to economic progress and prosperity. In excess of 25 per cent, however, expressed doubt. Touching on corruption, 36.2 per cent of the people associated the government with corruption, while 42.9 per cent said they do not see the government as corrupt. Unemployment, corruption, one-district-one factory, and inadequate roads remain areas many of the voters want the government to do more to meet their expectations. The study showed that job creation ranked high among the unfulfilled expectations of voters representing 19 per cent, followed by one district-one-factory with 17.7 per cent and road construction representing 15.6 per cent. 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 The Western Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (RMTTD) has intercepted an unregistered Toyota Rav 4 vehicle with weapons and ammunition. DSP Olivia Awurabena Adiku, the Regional Police Public Relations Officer, who confirmed this to the Ghana News Agency in Takoradi, said the driver on seeing the police took to his heels and entered a near-by bush near Shama- Kumasi. She said a search of the car revealed one pistol, two magazine guns loaded with seven rounds of ammunitions, 23 AAA ammunitions, six rolls of dried leaves concealed in a phone cover, suspected to be Indian hemp, master keys and two temporary drivers licence bearing the names of Andoh Bismarck and Quansah Benjamin Abeku. DSP Adiku said the vehicle and exhibits had been handed over to Regional Crime Investigation Department in Sekondi for further investigations. 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 Ghana is taking steps to cost its agricultural sector against climate risk to enable the government to plan properly, do the necessary investment and increase resilience for the sector which is the backbone of the economy. Dr Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, Principal Research Officer at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who announced this at the recently held COP 24 in Katowice, Poland, said the costing of the sector would also enable it to adapt well and increase climate resilience. He emphasized that increasing resilience in the agricultural sector constitutes the Paris Agreements Nationally Determined Contribution (NDCs) first priority for climate change adaptation. Therefore, Ghana had taken a participatory approach of involving affected local stakeholders from the most vulnerable agricultural regions in the North into the planning process, which also proposes concrete investment programmes to increase the resilience of agrarian communities to climate change. Speaking at a side-event organised by GIZ and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), in Katowice, Dr Amoah, who is also a Climate Negotiator, explained that Ghana, as one of the most vulnerable African countries, was very much being impacted by climate change, having been experiencing rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and severe droughts. The country was also experiencing increased flooding and higher erratic rainfall patterns. The side event was themed: Risk-informed adaptation to climate change the example of weather risk insurance. Dr Amoah mentioned that the agricultural sector in particular, was increasingly challenged by extreme and unpredictable weather events due to climate change, and therefore, it was critical that measures like insurance risk were embraced. He said climate change was posing serious threat to food security in the country, and putting the livelihoods of the rural population, especially small holder farmers at risk, in the sector that provides more than 90 per cent of Ghanas food needs. According to Dr Amoah, climate change was said to reduce the yields of maize and other cereal crops by seven per cent, therefore, there was the need to address the vulnerability of Ghanas agriculture sector and increase resilience of agrarian communities to climate change by developing and implementing coordinated adaptation polices and investment plans in line with the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. He said integrating resilience paradigm into national and local planning, strategies and policies was key for driving forward adaptation action in Ghana. He said government of Ghana had taken a number of steps to promote adaptation planning and policies on various levels: including the development of a National Climate Change Policy (2013) and National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (2012). Also, a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Framework for driving forward Ghanas NAP process was developed in October 2018; and the development and submission of its NDC in 2016 with 11 adaptation actions in seven priority sectors to be implemented in a 10- year period (2020-2030). He acknowledged Germanys support in providing assistance for Ghanas NDC investment planning in the agricultural sector and capacity building on climate-smart agriculture, adding that, as a follow-up, Ghana was currently finalizing the chapter on the NDC Investment and Implementation Plan for the agricultural sector with the support of GIZ, the Germany International Development Agency. As a next step, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture was currently carrying out regional sensitization workshops to raise awareness and to provide guidance on how to access domestic and international funding for the proposed investment programmes. This year, all sectoral chapters of the NDC Investment Plan would be merged and Ghanas finalized NDC Investment and Implementation Plan would be presented. Dr Amoah said there was the need for Ghana, to take more action in increasing the enabling legal and regulatory environment for distribution of insurance, especially for agricultural insurance. He said the growing role of micro-insurance and mobile insurance provision as well as new companies entering the market, provide a great potential for further development of climate risk insurance for the agriculture sector. Climate risk insurance could help in various ways to alleviate some of the impacts of extreme weather events by providing rapid assistance in the form pay-outs to the people affected, he pointed out. 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 The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) paid a surprise visit to St. Aquinas Senior High School and Labone Senior High School as part of it's Greater Accra Senior High Schools tour to interact and engage with school authorities and students. The Visit by NUGS to these selected Senior High Schools is aimed at giving the union a better understanding of grievances and challenges faced by Senior High School students and to find out their views, criticisms and overview of the Free SHS Policy and Double Track System respectively. The Headmaster of St Aquinas, Mr. Amoasi Baidoo was glad to have the Student leadership in the country in his school to engage with students to understand their concerns and challenges and how they can be solved, he applauded the leadership of NUGS for taking such a task upon themselves to serve students of Ghana. The NUGS President , Tinkaro Asare Osei encouraged the Students of both St. Aquinas and Labone Senior High School to fight for their welfare and should always call on the union when they face any challenges. NUGS as well paid visit to the Chief Executive Officer of Free Zones Authority, Mr. Michael Okyere Barfi to interact and engage his outfit in creating opportunity for students and youth in this country. President Tinkaro also advocated for the support of the Free Zones Authority in engaging Student entrepreneurs at the various tertiary institutions and coordinating a business rapport between the companies under the Free Zones and the need for much cooperation and partnership between NUGS and these companies which will be of mutual interest for the betterment of the welbeing of students in this country. The CEO of Ghana Free Zones Authority in his response encouraged the leadership of NUGS to focus on leaving a lasting legacy in students and youth development in the country. He again promised the readiness of his outfit to support the union and students of Ghana in terms of entrepreneurship, advance education and more importantly the renovation of the Union's Secretariat. The NUGS delegation was led by the President, Tinkaro Asare Osei ,who was joined by the Ghana Union of Professional Students (GUPS) President, Mr. Justice Sarpong, Mr. Pius Nimako, General Secretary of NUGS, Mr. Shadrach Owusu, NUGS Coordinating Secretary, Mr. Kobby Otchere Marfo Mr. Eric Guggisberg, NUGS Financial Controller, Mr. Eric Osei Akoto, NUGS Project and Programs, Mr. Solomon Cudjoe, NUGS Education and Democratization Secretary, Miss Vida Owusu Agyemang , NUGS Womens' Commissioner, Miss Rhoda Adu Gyamera ,GUPS Coordinating Secretary. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Mr Kofi Adda, the Minister for Aviation has called on the Ghana Airports Company Limited to make some modifications to the new Terminal 3 of the Kotoka International Airport. This he said, was to safeguard security at the new Terminal and give it a Ghanaian feel. Speaking at the opening of a two-day meeting of aviation sector officials on Wednesday, Mr Adda, said the current situation where passengers on arrival walked straight into the waiting crowd outside without an area to identify their meters was not ideal. He said there were no separate tunnels to distinguish between passengers with goods to declare and those without. This, he said clearly fell below global standards of passenger safety and security and thus needed to be addressed. The Minister noted that in order to appreciate the Ghanaian culture, it was important to add some Ghanaian art and culture such as; Adinkra symbols and the National colours to both the airside and landside areas of T3. When you fly into Accra and look at it from the airside, you dont see anything Ghanaian about it, he lamented. He urged the GACL to ensure that planned maintenance of the facility was strictly adhered to in order to make it a standard facility. 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 Banks operating in Ghana wrote off a total amount of GH1.1 billion in the first 10 months of 2018 as bad debt. The provision for bad debt was made up of loan losses, depreciation, among others. According to the Bank of Ghanas (BoG) Banking Sector report released in December, the banking industrys adjusted non-performing loans (NPLs) ratio - NPLs adjusted for fully-provisioned loss-loans category - increased to 11.4 per cent from January to October 2018 from 10.5 per cent within same period in 2017. This reflected the decline in the loss loan category as a result of the write-offs by banks that were given approval by the Bank of Ghana. To reduce the size of the loss loan component of the industrys NPLs, the Bank of Ghana in June 2018 issued a directive to all banks to submit a schedule of loss loans that were past due for more than two years to activate the write-off policy. This directive was in line with Section 75(2) and 92(2) ii of the Banks and Specialized Deposits-taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930). Following that, the central bank gave approval to some banks to write-off their loss loans totalling a maximum of GH1.2 billion by August 2018. The banks that received approvals to write-off their loss loans were required to submit quarterly reports on recoveries made on the loans that have been written off to Bank of Ghana to ensure full loan recovery. NPLs The stock of NPLs in the banking industry declined to GH7.14 billion in October 2018 from GH8.3 billion in October 2017, representing 14 per cent contraction compared with the 27.2 per cent growth a year ago. Consequently, the ratio of NPLs to gross advances declined to 20.1 per cent from 21.6 per cent during the same period under review. The private sector accounted for 95.5 per cent of the banking industrys NPLs in October 2018, up from the 94.7 per cent recorded in October 2017, while the public sectors contribution declined to 4.5 per cent from 5.3 per cent over the same period. Indigenous private enterprises accounted for 73.2 per cent of total NPLs in October 2018 compared with 78.2 per cent in the corresponding period in 2017, while the contribution of foreign enterprises declined marginally to 10.5 per cent from 10.8 per cent. Households accounted for 11.3 per cent of total NPLs in October 2018, compared with a share of 5.3 per cent a year ago. Commerce and finance contributed to the largest NPL, accounting for 23.9 per cent of the NPLs in October 2018 against 35.2 per cent in October 2017. The lowest recipient of banking industry credit, mining and quarrying, also contributed the least to the industrys NPLs of 1.4 per cent in October 2018 from 2.1 per cent in October 2017. However, electricity, water and gas sector contributed a higher proportion of 18.3 per cent compared with 12.7 per cent for the manufacturing sector, though the former received a greater proportion of the banking industry credit. Banks register 22.3% profit Meanwhile, the banking industry recorded an improved income statement with a profit after-tax of GH1.95 billion in October 2018, representing a year-on-year growth of 22.3 per cent, compared with GH1.59 billion representing a modest 1 per cent growth in October 2017. The sharp increase in banks net income came from the 10 per cent increase in net operating income to GH4.02 billion in October 2018 from GH3.66 billion (7.6 per cent y/y growth) a year ago. Net operating income of banks increased following the slower growth of banks interest income compared with interest expenses. Banks interest income declined due to the slowdown in loans and advances which constitute the bulk of interest-bearing assets of the banks, while the decline in money market rates and the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) between October 2017 and October 2018 led to a decline in the interest expense of banks, especially the interest paid on deposits. Consequently, growth in banks operating expenses slowed to 5.2 per cent in October 2018 from 18 per cent in October 2017, and was attributed to sharp declines in staff cost and other operating expenses during the review period. Source: The Finder 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 Mr Odun Odunfa, the Managing Director of First Atlantic Bank, says the year 2019 holds immense promise for the bank, following approval from Bank of Ghana for its merger with Energy Commercial Bank Limited. He said the merger with Energy Commercial Bank is in line with the vision of both banks to become a bigger and stronger player in the financial services sector. Mr Odunfa, who is also the Chief Executive Officer, said the merged entity would operate under the First Atlantic Bank brand which will ensure integration of respective channels, customers and staff of both banks. First Atlantic Bank is proud to report that we have exceeded the target of GHS 400 million within the specified time frame. As we execute our vision of building a global bank out of Ghana, we are committed to continue to be a credible and dependable financial partner to all our customers both existing and prospective. As we welcome all customers of Energy Commercial Bank to the Purple Family, we commit to maintaining our high standards of banking service delivery and excellent customer care across all our diverse channels, Mr Odunfa said in a New Year statement to staff and clients. As we enter 2019, we can confidently affirm that First Atlantic Bank has once again proven its credentials as a major player in Ghanas financial sector. We have established ourselves as the financial institution that helps to increase opportunities for our stakeholders through our purple experience, he said. Mr Odunfa thanked the banks customers all over the country for their loyalty and commitment as well as staff who continue to be leading lights for professional banking services across all our locations and channels. 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 The Chrysler Building, an Art Deco masterpiece that has been a defining image of New York City's skyline for decades, has been put up for sale, a minority owner of the building and a broker hired to market the property said on Wednesday. The 77-story stainless steel-clad skyscraper, briefly the world's tallest building after it was finished in 1930, is 90 percent owned by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, a sovereign wealth fund, with developer Tishman Speyer owning the remainder. "It's exciting. I'm getting inquiries from all over the world," said Darcy Stacom, chairman and head of New York City Capital Markets at brokerage CBRE Group. The 1.26 million square foot building underwent a $100 million renovation after Tishman acquired the property in 1997. Tishman later reduced its holding. The sovereign wealth fund paid $800 million when it bought its stake in 2008. The building's brand and its location on 42nd Street just east of Grand Central Terminal, a major Manhattan transportation hub, are ripe for greater retail exploitation, Stacom said. The building's occupancy rate is in the low 80 percent range, below the city average, according to CBRE. Stacom declined to reveal the asking price for the building. Paxton, IL (60957) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low near 55F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low near 55F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Openly gay British singer-songwriter Olly Alexander, the voice behind pop project Years & Years, was photographed for the pages of Teen Vogue when he was 18 years old. What would be a dream opportunity for most young adults was a nightmare for him, because all he could think about on set was the catering: a "big delicious buffet with cake." It gave him anxiety because he was expecting cigarettes and water. Related | Olly Alexander Is Done Being Repressed Today, in a series of tweets, Alexander, now 28, addressed how he had an eating disorder when he was 18, consumed for years with what he was or wasn't eating. In the spirit of New Year's reflection, he is healthier and no longer triggered by those experiences, but rather, empowered to speak publicly about them. And while he's definitely not alone, as a gay person, Alexander highlights an experience of negative body image that is both isolating and all too common. --- At the start of every year, Americans all set and flaunt their "resolutions," which time-honored tradition shows. Most of them concern the tenets of "happiness," as ingrained as ideas of patriotism, and we don't mean life or liberty. In 2019, happiness is the amount of money in your bank account, where you've traveled, and how hot you look. If you're gay and cisgender, and especially if you're white and/or particularly privileged, resolutions can be about any version of the above. But ideas of what it means to be gay and "well," promulgated by seeing the same forms of media over and over that tell women they're never thin enough and men they're never buff enough, have had a historically and statistically unfortunate effect on LGBTQ people everywhere, regardless of how they identify. "Much of our culture tells us that we won't get the things we want in life if we don't achieve these aesthetic conformities," said New York-based writer and editor Alex Blynn, who identifies as gay. "Nothing makes me feel less satisfied with my body or guiltier about my choices than the January-barrage of gay 'fitness influencers' sharing near-naked photos of themselves on Instagram. They show off their hairless chests and abs and quads while beaming ear to ear with impossibly white teeth and a large plastic container of protein powder in their hands. They're usually on beaches or on a balcony somewhere in LA." For Blynn, who is six feet tall and weighs 245 pounds, because of these messages, and especially at the start of the deluge of New Year #fitspo, he is often left wondering what's wrong with his body. "I can run a couple steady miles, I occasionally lift weights, I practice yoga regularly, I even enjoy hiking," he told PAPER. "I adore pizza and marijuana. I also have a plethora of body hair, a gut, and thick thighs. And most of the time I do feel happy in my natural body, but the majority of mainstream gay culture certainly does not help me feel that way." Although wellness is a spectrum of thought, habit, and experience, this concept narrows for cis gay men. It is most evident at the dawn of a New Year, when we are bombarded with posts on social media, on which gay men post before-and-after progress photos with vaguely spiritual captions; on which gay men talk and write breathlessly about their fitness journeys as if doing so is totally disconnected from the size of their bank accounts, where they get to travel (and how they fly when they do), what clothes they wear, who they surround themselves with, and what they look like. As if a post on social media is just for them and not for an audience of occasional thousands; as if being seen as the hottest person in the room isn't inextricably linked to social currency, and all that affords; as if reinforcing a standard of beauty for those who look like you and believe the same things you do doesn't harm or exclude those who don't look like or believe the same things you do. But what does that mean, really? And is any of it attainable? When is enough good enough? --- Andrew Power, a New York-based graphic designer and erstwhile drag queen who performs as Hellvetika, hit a raw nerve on the Internet's reactive current this month, when he posted this tweet, despite having also shared his #TopNine images of shirtless 2018 selfies beforehand. "I just want gay men to be honest with themselves," he wrote, calling out "fitness journeys" as being a disguised gateway for social and sexual access. The ensuing thread prompted a polarizing discussion online, with naysayers accusing Power of being a bitter and hateful gay criticizing the whole of fitness culture, who was probably also just ugly and jealous. They also called him a hypocrite due to his own online shirtless selfies. Those who agreed with Power said that he was most likely confronting an inconvenient truth and calling out the privileges of those holding this "truth" sacred. When PAPER spoke with non-binary Brooklyn-based performance artist Blvck Lae D., they echoed similar sentiments as Power's. "I think that we as gay and queer people tend to focus on fitness, not for ourselves, but for other people," they said. "Usually potential suitors." London musician Neo 10Y (real name: Nik Thakkar) acknowledged the historical pressure tied to all this, citing a "Tom of Finland meets Venice Bitch/Beach aesthetic" that's become a gay goal, but feels that as a community, we've made strides forward. "I feel that queer progressives over the last few years have been leading the body diversity conversation, and helping us all to accept who we are on the outside," he said, though he's shared plenty of ToF-leaning thirst traps online over the years. "It's hilarious," Power wrote on Twitter. "I've been called ugly & lazy, people assume I don't go to the gym myself and that I'm lashing out because I'm jealous and bitter, several people have made fun of me for being short lol." Another user responded to Power's thread: "I go to the gym because I desperately need serotonin. Also I definitely would be healthier if i lost weight. All the shit you talked about is at the back of my head as part of a melange of negativity saying that I'm not worthy. I try to work out inspite [sic] of all that." Another chimed in: "You called out 'gay men.' Which refers to all gay men on a 'fitness journey.'" Power doubled down, writing: "People know that someone going to the gym a normal amount and trying to be healthy is not what I'm talking about right???? Like I'm referring to fitness obsessed guys who do steroids and are always talking about how they need to get bigger." A video posted to his YouTube further clarifies his position, and shows that Power knows he struck a chord of discomfort that also yielded discussion. But he said it is a necessary, and essential step for progress in helping gay men transform the way they see themselves. --- According to a 2016 study, of 131 gay and bisexual men deemed the "sexual minority," 32% of them reported having a negative self and body image. Objectification theory is used to explain this experience, which poses the idea that men in the sexual minority face an increased pressure to achieve and maintain an "ideal" body lean and muscular in order to obtain the attraction and validation from male sex partners, not unlike straight women. However, the ongoing negative effects of self-objectification include a cyclical pattern of monitoring one's own body, but focusing more on how it looks than how it feels or functions. Naturally, the study found that this level of physical dissatisfaction, the constant comparison to an ideal, leads to depression, anxiety when having sex, and overall, the undertaking of risky sex decisions. (For example: the study found a direct link between HIV transmission between men who have condomless sex with men and elevated levels of body dissatisfaction). In this 2008 study, co-authors found that among gay men, lesbians, and heterosexual men and women, gay men reported the worst sex quality of life as a function of their body image, with 42% of gay men stating their body image negatively impacted the quality of their sex life. The perceived lack of transparency around the relationship between idealized gay body image and sex is something else Power called out, writing on Twitter: "You wanna be one of the guys standing in a line on a beach in Mykonos just saaay that [...] I'm not saying you can't DO IT, just stop bullshitting us omg." Rembrandt Duran, a buzzy New Yorker who's been referred to as the city's most popular top on a mission to normalize gay sex, has arguably leaned into embracing desirable physical traits inextricably linked to having even more gay sex. But it's something he's felt less pressure to conform to, as he's become more comfortable with himself. "I definitely learned that I had to [conform to gay attractiveness standards] when I first came out, and I was more expressive via the clothing I wore," Duran said. "But as I got older, it bothered me less, and maybe because I became numb to it, but it truly doesn't bother me anymore to 'play the game', especially if it's just a quick hook-up. I've turned it into almost a role playing experience, but I'd never do that when it came to dating. I'd never date anyone I had to masc it up for or be performative." Despite stories like Duran's, research might suggest that the widely held assumption of all idealized, hot gay men having the best sex in the world with other idealized, hot gay men could be little more than myth. Regardless, that assumption continues to be reinforced by pressure within the community that many gay men know intimately. Power remembers when he first moved to New York at age 22 and struggled to fit in: "I was very blind to what the whole fitness culture entailed," he said. "I didn't know what was possible and who I could be friends with, so I kind of wrapped up in all the wrong stuff. And I definitely spent a few years just working way too hard in the gym trying to look a certain way, trying to gain. Basically I felt like that's what I had to do. How do I make friends otherwise? Why would people even pay attention to me?" But this experience is shared by many across the divide. --- Let it be known that gay men can engage in fitness for any reason they desire, and are not obligated to share their motives. Let it be known that this is true for everyone. If one's goal in going to the gym is to use the accepted standard of chiseled attractiveness to gain social and sexual capital, that's also an individual choice. But for choices that are so personal for gay men, why are they so aggressively reinforced within the community? For New York artist and graphic designer HeyRooney, who identifies as queer, the reinforcement of a "gay adonis" standard means that the culture of wellness, then, fails to be an inclusive one. Take, for instance, what feels like an endless stream of Instagram accounts dedicated to showing only the bodies of toned gay men. "We have to consider how or whether we invest energy in perpetuating that culture," Rooney said. "That doesn't mean everyone cancels their gym memberships, and it doesn't mean we shame fit bodies. It just means we spend less time worshipping them or feeling bad we don't look that way." Tommy Hart works as an instructor for Equinox, an international, high-end chain of gyms, in which some clubs are considered gay meccas. In New York, an "all-access" membership runs well over $200 a month. For many members, it's simply a luxurious place to work out, accommodating of aspirational lifestyles. But in many ways, it also represents an undeniable intersection of social status and body politics. How can a toned, taut physique get you ahead, and what does it take to keep it up? Few feel that pressure more intimately than gay men. And for Hart, his literal job involves staying in "ideal" shape, and helping others achieve similar fitness goals. "We're kidding ourselves if we say we're spending at least an hour a day lifting weights six times a week because 'it's good for your heart,'" Hart said. "Whether it be the movies that glamorize masculine men with massive shoulders, social media 'celebrities' with shredded abs and hundreds of thousands of followers, or even a lot of the porn that I watch, I feel like I'm not sexy or worth anything as a young gay man if I don't have a strong back and a big chest to show off when I post a photo or when I'm at the club. The real problem is, I feel like I need a great body so that I get attention from people who wouldn't otherwise look twice at me." For Paris-based artist and musician Casey Spooner, who is one-half of electronic pop duo Fischerspooner, working toward having a "great" body became part of a performance, a personal politic, and ensuring his success. "I was under immense pressure to perform as my career was in free fall due to the banking collapse of 2008," Spooner said. "I started chanting, My body is a weapon, my body is a tool, my body is a language, my body is for you." This chant became a mantra that he explored through his music over the next nine years. When his album SIR was released last year, Spooner debuted an archetypal new image, complete with an aforementioned Tom of Finland physique, handlebar mustache, leather chaps, and all. This visual narrative was intentionally employed to take a close look at homosexuality and its relationship to the ideal cis male body, but this artist's experiment had its own real-life consequences. "In my pursuit for visual perfection, I found myself struggling with self-esteem and dysmorphia," Spooner said. "I never felt that I could fully achieve the body I wanted so that I could draw connections between art history and gayness." Where life imitated art, Spooner, too, became lost in an image, though he said he did attain what he was after. "I've learned happiness and perfection are painfully allusive." Like Spooner, Power also once believed he could achieve a fit body if only he tried hard enough. "I've spent all this time thinking that I could become a certain kind of image," he said. "I really thought that I could do it by being healthy and that it would be maybe three or four years in the gym really pushing myself that I could become this ideal. Once I realized that there's often so much dangerous risk and sacrifice at stake, I let a lot of that go." --- A legitimate danger of chronic body dissatisfaction among gay and queer people, and especially gay men, is overdoing it. In addition to more mental and social symptoms of body dysmorphia including depression, poor job performance leading to unemployment, sexual anxiety, and high-risk behavior, there are more severe physical symptoms resulting from dysmorphia: steroid abuse, muscular injury, and disordered eating habits including overly restrictive diets, such as over-reliance on dietary supplements are a few. According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, at least 30% of people diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) also have an eating disorder. BDD is also a form of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and people with OCD may feel as though taking action on those thoughts is the only way to make the thoughts stop. It's easy, then, to see how an obsession with muscles, translating to hours in the gym, could be considered part of an OCD lifestyle. Most of the people quoted for this story mentioned any of the above afflictions affecting how gay and queer people view themselves. Still others only wanted to speak off the record about their harrowing experiences with forms of body dysmorphia. About three years ago, I was in a place of financial ruin that I'd never previously experienced. I had just returned to New York from Indiana after two years away "finding myself." I returned, nursing the wounds of a breakup that left me feeling unlovable and worthless. I was 26 going on 27; I struggled to find work for months, and had to settle for a string of minimum-wage service jobs to make ends meet, and one of them was working the front desk at a downtown Equinox. I had to pay my rent in installments as money slowly came in, both from those jobs and kind loans from friends. I survived for months on one $1 pizza slice per day, and I lost some weight and got compliments from men who had never noticed me before the weight loss. The sole perk of my gig at Equinox was a free membership, and so, at the pinnacle of high social standing, class privilege, and attractiveness was me, a Black, non-binary, queer, femme-presenting person, spending up to two hours at a time on a Stairmaster. I lost even more weight, could fit a 27 waist for the first time since high school, and still more gorgeous gay men told me how good I looked and that I was skinty. I posted my first-ever shirtless selfies online and my sex life improved. I loved the attention. The broken heart was buried with idealized self-image. I really loved that, too. After about a year of this, I got higher paid jobs, dropped that free luxury membership, and my monetary outlook improved. I started eating more regularly because my body craved it, and I noticed my body return to a more "normal" weight. Though I was fully self-supporting financially and started looking and generally feeling healthier, the compliments and sexual attention stopped. That's when I started throwing up. At first, once a day, then, after every meal. I told a friend I felt myself spiraling, and I got psychiatric help. It has taken years of professional opinions and personal choices, but I have a fuller view of myself than ever before. And even though I still feel invisible in a Venice Beach lineup of shirtless gays because, to so many of them, I am I don't feel pressure to look a certain way. I do feel obligated to make sure I feel my best. Sometimes that's in tandem with a regular, manageable (for me) fitness routine. Mostly it's about my support system. And in the three years since my body-image rock bottom, I've become more grateful for the strength of it, and the strength within me. And thankfully, for every story like mine, there are other antidotes to toxic sides of wellness culture. One online trend that emerged at the end of 2018 was #TopNine posts. Here is one from activist and writer Adam Eli, who told PAPER, "I thought it was true for so long that in order to have a voice or a platform in the queer community you have to look a certain way. But now I know it isn't." Additional reporting by Brendan Wetmore Popularity is relative, and especially in the digital age. You could have hundreds of thousands of followers online, but be completely unknown in the streets massively famous on Instagram, YouTube or Twitter, but lack any kind of real, authentic cool in person. For our new series, Coolest Person in the Room, New York-based photographer Megan Walschlager pinpoints all the people whose energy is contagious regardless of their following count or celebrity. Meet Chicago-based photographer Elizabeth De La Piedra (@elizabethdelapiedra), the skin care guru, style maven, Internet icon, wife and mother of two adorable boys that you need to know. What is your day job? I am a photographer and a creative, so I spend my days either working on my art projects or creating content for the different brands I work for. How did you get into photography and content creation? I've always been really interested in photography and art. I did a lot of drawing in high school and I always loved technology, as well. So, when the Internet happened when I was like 14, I began blogging, and because I was already taking photos it sort of lent itself to that medium. I've essentially been doing content creation since I was 14. I went to art school and photo school which is very commercial, studio-based lighting and technique. There I majored in documentary [photography] and I worked on a lot of stuff. From there I think things have come my skill level, but I also live my life kind of online via my Instagram, so it just became this very organic platform where I get to share. I'm very multidimensional on IG it's not just a portfolio, it's not just a blog, I have kids but I'm not a mommy blogger. I started posting and showing my art, then people would see my style or my lifestyle, and that's when brands got interested in working with me whether it was shooting for them or shooting low-key as an influencer creating the content. And that has kept growing and growing. I do creative direction as well which stemmed from my IG. I work with artists sourcing materials for what their tours will look like from helping them with their style to their graphics and the visuals behind them on stage. That's so cool. I feel like because of the Internet I have been able to grow as a creative in multiple ways: as a photographer for sure, and secondly building relationships with brands and figuring out that side of it all. So, the Internet has been very formative for you and your career. Yes, I met everyone I love on the Internet. I met my husband on MySpace (one half of the DJ duo Flosstradamus), my best friend on LiveJournal it turns out we are both from the same neighborhood in the Western suburbs of Australia (shoutout Blacktown). But we wouldn't have been able to make that connection unless I had seen her online and seen how weird she was and been like Yay, there's another weirdo over here. Photo by Megan Walschlager I remember following you on Tumblr back in the day your handle was @elizabethsmart, correct? Yes! I'm such a big believer in Internet love and friendships. So many of my best friends are from the Internet, it facilitates a lot of connections. And it also broadens your horizon and your world. You can find your people when you come from a place where no one really gets you. I remember seeing you did a documentary project with fellow tumblr icon Rashida Renee. Did you guys meet online? Yes, I had been following her for 4-5 years before I did the project and then she followed me in her funny way. Like, she would block me every time I posted something about Rihanna and then refollow me again a few days later because she can't stand her. That's so funny. What was going out like then when you were in Australia? I DJed when I was in school at these illegal bars that all my friends worked at. That was a really fun time for me, but it was almost like too fun, so I had to leave. When that started happening, I was at an age when I was finishing school and I wanted to work more and I found that where I was from in Australia was a little bit limiting in terms of the creative scene and like job availability because you have big cities like Melbourne and Sydney and that's it. What are your favorite places to go in Chicago? I love Blind Barber. And Cafe Marie-Jeanne has a really nice vibe and you can drink at any time of the day there which is nice. I also like the Logan Theatre when they have late night movies; we went and saw Home Alone there for Christmas they had hot toddies, but I don't really like bourbon, so [my husband] Josh got me hot chocolate from the bar and got them to put Baileys in it. Do you have a special getting ready routine for a night out? I like to chill in my bathroom, smoke, listen to a podcast and do my makeup. And I really like mimosas, so I'll probably have a mimosa too. Photo by Megan Walschlager What does going out for you look like now now that you have two kids? I love going out for like a really nice dinner and going out dancing afterwards. Or like, I love going out to a gallery and ending up at an art after party because those are the best ones. Or the party Queen at Smart Bar is really big here. What's your current favorite song? I almost broke my ankle when i heard "Throw Some D's" by Rich Boy at the club the other night. What's your favorite thing to take photos of? Women. I just love documentary [photography] and melding documentary and fashion, if I get the opportunity. That's what's really interesting to me when I can find a narrative that I can visualize and be like, "This can look beautiful if I shoot it like a campaign, but its real life." What's next for you? I'm working on this big art project now shooting a lot of women in Chicago. It's exploring the authorship of our image and how it's perceived as "unofficial" unless the author is a male artist. So it's just trying to create a space where we can start a dialogue about women owning their images like nudes and it not being an issue. Just like how it's not an issue when you go into an art gallery and see us naked and presented by men. Sometimes in very, very rare instances the Internet is good. For example: when it gave us the gift of Baby Chanco, a newborn whose thick and lustrous mane rivals that of a fierce, supplement-taking supermodel. She can even do 2009 Gaga-inspired hair bows. Now, six months after going viral for the first time, one-year-old Chanco is fulfilling her destiny as a Pantene Japan representative. PAPER literally predicted this! Her mom, Kano, gave an exclusive interview with People to announce 2019's hottest new collab. "I'm so surprised with the reaction, but also very proud of the praise from many countries," she said of her baby's Instagram fame. "We went straight to her mother because Chanco's personality and special character matches our image for women we want to support," Yoshiaki Okura, Pantene Japan's Hair Care Associate Brand Director, added. Pantene Japan also made a short movie about Baby Chanco to support the campaign. It is appropriately titled The Hairy Tale. Watch the world's most beautiful baby, below. File photo of medical officers with the medical detachment of the 17th Chinese peacekeeping force to Lebanon. By Liu Wei and Yuan Jiale BEIRUT, LEBANON, Jan.10 (ChinaMil) -- The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Tuesday held the Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) Conference in the first quarter of 2019. The medical detachment of the 17th Chinese peacekeeping force to Lebanon was invited to participate in the conference and demonstrated Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the first time in the UNIFIL Military Medical Exchange Lecture Hall. The SMOs Conference is organized by the UNIFIL Medical Office on a quarterly basis. The conference aims to clarify the deployment of medical institutions in the UNIFIL mission area, the authorized strength of medical personnel from each troop-contributing country, and the requirements for medical transfer procedures. Military medical issues, including the effective injury prevention, fast treatment, and emergency medical services, were also discussed during the conference. Senior medical officers from more than 10 countries including France, Italy, Ghana, and Nepal, as well as military and civilian medical personnel participated in the exchange activities. Based on actual operations, the Chinese medical personnel introduced the efficacy of TCM in the treatment of some common diseases and frequently-occurring diseases. Besides that, they also explained the indications and taboos of TCM treatment. Oswego, NY (13126) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 54F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 54F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Back in the day, Prohibition to be precise, Surfside was a hot hamlet. The legendary Surf Club was a boozy bacchanal filled with the demimonde of the day. Later on luminaries such as Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, the Duchess of Windsor, Winston Churchill and the Shah of Iran stayed there. Recently reopened and sharing a block with the Four Seasons hotel, the Surf Club is now under the auspices of super-duper chef Thomas Keller. To letter-writer Peter Mascovits (Legal immigration, a letter from Jan. 5): Thank you for speaking up and clarifying the situation of the Hungarian refugees of the 1956 Revolution. My mother and I did not secure entry until almost a full year later. We also had to go through all the steps and interviews and supportive documentation that may have been available in order to qualify our entry into the United States. Whatever it took, we stayed within the law. You and I have lived that event, but the daughter of a refugee who wrote a letter a few days ago and who never suffered through that bit of history had to have an opinion taking the side of the illegals. Regardless of the varying opinions, laws are created to be followed. Thats all there is to it. Powers wrote fondly of McCall, one of the genuine villains in Central Floridas history. In a November 1951 column, Powers had this to say: Knowing McCall as long as we have, and watching his face as he testified about the Shepherd-Irvin matter before the coroners jury, we have no doubt he was telling the truth when he said the Negroes attacked him and he shot in self defense. Scott left as reports about possible bad blood between the Scott and DeSantis camps emerged, partly fueled by Scotts decisions during the final days of his administration to make dozens of appointments to courts, boards and commissions. The DeSantis camp made clear the new governor will rescind at least some of the Scott appointments. Its a drug seizure thats been upgraded, and its their opinion and I think its our opinion in terms of being legal, that that is something because they have the responsibility to protect and transport the governor, that that can be used for my transportation, DeSantis continued. Now, thats not going to be like the old state planes where the Cabinet and other people could do it. It flows from their responsibility to protect me. By Mao Pengfei Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian (L) welcomes the visiting Chinese naval escort taskforce at the wharf on January 9. (Photo by Huang Yaohui/China News Service) SIHANOUKVILLE, CAMBODIA, Jan. 10 (ChinaMil) -- The 30th Chinese naval escort taskforce, comprised of guided-missile frigates Wuhu (Hull 539) and Handan (Hull 579) as well as comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu (Hull 960) arrived at the port of Sihanoukville on Cambodias southern coast on Wednesday, kicking off its four-day friendly visit to Cambodia. This is the fourth visit by Chinese naval fleet to the Southeast Asian country in recent years. At 10 a.m. (local time) of the day, the vessels of the 30th Chinese naval escort taskforce led by Rear Admiral Xu Haihua and Rear Admiral Du Naihua sailed into the port of Sihanoukville under the accompany of several Cambodian naval vessels. Chinese naval officers and soldiers in white uniforms manned the rails and waved to the people who came to greet them. Led by Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian, staff of Chinese embassy in Cambodia, Chinese military experts for aid missions in Cambodia, representatives of the Khmer-Chinese Friendship Association in the Kingdom of Cambodia and Chinese enterprises, as well as overseas Chinese in Cambodia waited at the wharf to welcome the visiting Chinese escort taskforce. Rear Admiral Ros Veasna, deputy commander of the Ream Naval Base of the Royal Cambodian Navy, and some Cambodian naval officers attended the welcome ceremony. People visited the Chinese naval vessels in groups after the ceremony. "While Mexicans and Americans moved freely back and forth across the boundary line, by the late nineteenth century a series of new U.S. laws restricted a growing number of immigrants from crossing the border," St. John wrote. "The U.S. Congress passed the first law restricting immigration specifically that of convicts and prostitutes in 1875. By 1910 new legislation had added Chinese immigrants, lunatics, people likely to become public charges, contract laborers, polygamists, anarchists, and others deemed undesirable to the list of excluded groups. This legislation turned what had been an innocent movement of people into illegal immigration." In an email to the Sentinel, Anderson said: I am passionate about public broadcasting. I am pleased to have had several opportunities to support the mission of bringing one-of-a-kind non-commercial programming for the enjoyment and enlightenment of all. I appreciated the opportunity to advance public broadcasting in Central Florida. Looking back, I believe we preserved and strengthened public broadcasting in the area. I remain committed to a career dedicated to create better and stronger communities through a vibrant public broadcasting presence. It's all human designed and engineered in terms of the names, Demeter said. But it gives us a chance to explain the cultural aspect of the moon, a chance to talk about the eclipse and also the celestial mechanics behind what makes the moon significant at this point. When reached for comment, a Disney spokeswoman said in a statement, Nothing is more important to us than the safety of those who visit and work at our resort. We will respond to the allegations, as appropriate, in court. ''What's money?'' Brown told Look magazine in a 1971 feature about the Disney boom in Kissimmee. ''It's only paper, most of it. ... I never could keep money. The land, it won't run off. Lots of people like money, but I don't care so much for it. I reckon I'm peculiar that way.'' We think the right thing to do is to get everyone home early rather than have guests worry about their health, he said in a statement. Returning on Saturday also gives us more time to completely clean and sanitize the ship before her next sailing. Our guests sail with us to have great vacations, and we are sorry this cruise fell short. The stalemate in Washington is probably making things worse, she said. That's a particular concern for American because of its strength at Reagan National Airport in Washington, Becker said. The company has a 25 percent share of passengers at the airport, about 10 percentage points higher than the second-largest carrier there, according to the Department of Transportation. Hindu Munnani in Every House Gaupuja during the celebration Pongalur: Tiruppur District witnessed a mammoth spiritual gathering in the history of Tamil Nadu from December 23 to 25. For the last 11 years, Coimbatore Vibhag of Hindu Munnani (comprising Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode and Tiruppur districts) organises programmes for youth on January 26 and programmes for women on December 25. This year the Coimbatore Vibhag planned to organise one lakh families at one place with the motto Hindu Munnani in every house and Hindu Munnani Committee in every street. To acquire divine power and love to the Hindu community, Gaja Puja (strength), Ashwa Puja (speed) and Gau Puja (peace) was conducted. One Gaja Puja, 17 Yagnas, 108 Ashwa Puja, 1008 Gau Puja and 1 lakh families meet, Meenakshi Kalyanam and Andal Thiru Kalyanam were organised for three days. Four Rath Yatras in four districts were organised. Through the yatra, meetings at 1380 places were organised. A total of 2,17,640 people performed puja during the yatra. For yajnas, bricks and ghee were also received from the public. A total of 1,25,000 bricks and 1100 litre ghee were received from the devotees. To purify the yajna place, more than 500 women involved themselves in coating with cow-dung. An exhibition showcasing the achievements of Hindu Munnani was also organised. The postal department released a special postal cover depicting the historic event. To surprise all, 190 Ashwas came to the event place and puja was done to all. On December 24, Gau Puja with 1008 indigenous breed of cows were also performed. Founder of Hindu Munnani, Shri Ramagopalan, state general secretary Sri N Muruganandam, state organiser Shri Bakthavatsalam and other leaders called for a vigilant, united Hindu society. RSS Dakshin Tamil Nadu Prant Sanghachalak Shri RVS Marimuthu presided over the function. RSS National Executive member Shri Sethumadhavan was also present. The event witnessed around 5 lakh people on all the three days. China's far-reaching, anti-ship ballistic missile the DF-26 has been mobilized to Northwest China's plateau and desert areas, reported China's national broadcaster on Tuesday after a US warship trespassed into China's territorial waters off the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea on Monday. The DF-26 is China's new generation of intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of targeting medium and large ships at sea. It can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. The DF-26 is attached to a brigade under the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force that operates in Northwest China's plateau and desert areas, China Central Television (CCTV) reported. The report said the missiles are now capable of mobile operations across the country. It was unclear from the CCTV report when the missiles were mobilized. A mobile missile launch from deep in the country's interior is more difficult to intercept, a Beijing-based military expert, who asked not to be named, told the Global Times on Wednesday. During the initial phase of a ballistic missile launch, the missile is relatively slow and not difficult to detect, making it an easier target for enemy anti-missile installations, the expert noted. After the missile enters a later stage, its speed is so high that chances for interception are significantly lower, the expert said. This is also the first time the missile has made a close-up public appearance since it came into service with the PLA, cctv.com reported. The timing of the report sparked discussions among Chinese military observers online, as it came after the USS McCambell, a US guided missile destroyer, trespassed into China's territorial waters off the Xisha Islands on Monday without permission from the Chinese government. China dispatched aircraft and warships to warn the US vessel and has lodged a solemn representation with the US, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said at a daily briefing on Monday. The report is a good reminder that China is capable of safeguarding its territory, the anonymous expert said. "Even when launched from deeper inland areas of China, the DF-26 has a range far-reaching enough to cover the South China Sea." It can hit targets 4,500 kilometers away, china.com reported, making it capable of striking targets including US naval bases in Guam in the western Pacific. In April 2018, Ministry of National Defense announced that the missile has officially joined the PLA Rocket Force. Corvallis, OR (97331) Today Cloudy with occasional rain showers. High around 70F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Clear skies. Low 46F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan expresses solicitude for the people. BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan Wednesday called for a system to safeguard the rights and interests of veterans. Sun, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in Tianjin. Veterans should be motivated to make positive contributions to the nation's reform, development and social stability, Sun said. She called on Party committees and governments at all levels to implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and develop new methods to help veterans. Are you looking for a Social Media Agency in Manchester? Social Media Marketing is about making your brand image known... So, it s not new for Google to update its ranking signals. Near the end of October 2020, they introduced... CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in cannabis plants, which is commonly used in the medicinal... In the past 20 years, weve seen a total revolution in information transparency. We have the option to research and... I Agree This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 716-372-3121 or email nfinnerty@oleantimesherald.com. As a Democrat-controlled state Legislature gets to work, advocates are getting giddy about the possible passage of congestion pricing. As one of those who has supported the concept ever since I was city transportation commissioner and MTA board member, I am pleased that it has some chance of getting through the historically recalcitrant Senate and Assembly. Drivers and matrons who serve the roughly 50,000 special education students who travel by bus will get better training in how to work with children with disabilities, to prevent a repeat of a horrifying incident late last November in which an attendant was caught on camera throttling a 13-year-old girl. When during the campaign, I would say 'Mexico is going to pay for it,' obviously, I never said this, and I never meant they're gonna write out a check, I said they're going to pay for it. They are," he said as departed the White House for an afternoon trip to McAllen, Texas for a roundtable on border security. Porn star Stormy Daniels folded clothes on Instagram Live Tuesday night while President Trump went on live television to try and sell Americans on the idea that its necessary to build a wall on the nations southern border. Both broadcasts started at 9 p.m. and lasted 10 minutes. Daniels, who filmed the skit in her underwear, played Pink Floyds Another Brick in the Wall" while doing her chores. She said she attracted 100,000 viewers. It is time for the proverbial three men in a room to say to goodbye to how they think our government should be run, Gianaris (D-Queens) said. The winds of change are sweeping a fabulous scarf into the room, and things will never be the same. ALBANY ALBANY The campaign for new Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has made helping the working class and poor her top priority, was fined by the state for not carrying workers compensation coverage for a month last year. The specifics of the interview were not immediately known but the revelation first reported by CNN comes on the heels of Manaforts legal team inadvertently revealing in court papers that the incarcerated ex-Trump campaign chairman shared internal polling data with Konstantin Kilimnik, a mysterious Russian operative suspected of having deep ties to the Kremlins top spy agency. They know the situation. Everyone is just trying to help in the best way that they can, saving in electricity in this or that, she said. For the car, I don't have this month. I have to feed people. It's not easy." Despite the status, he counts himself as one of the lucky ones because hell receive half of his normal pay at the end of the week because the EPA had enough funds in reserve to cover it. However, if the deadlock already in its 19th day lasts much longer, he could be in trouble. Cuomo, who has argued the process was too time consuming and had not uncovered potential corruption, said he wants to instead give the controller and attorney general, who also must sign off on state contracts, a questionnaire they can send to state grantees before the contracts are signed off on. Ill tell you the second most important thing after love what you do, it is to never ever give up. Dont give up, the then-real estate mogul said. Dont allow it to happen. If theres a concrete wall in front of you go through it, go over it, go around it. But get to the other side of that wall. We dont think that hes suitable as a practicing Muslim to be vice chair because hed be the representative for ALL Republicans in Tarrant County, and not ALL Republicans in Tarrant County think Islam is safe or acceptable in the U.S., in Tarrant County, and in the TCGOP, and there are big questions surrounding where Dr. Shafis loyalties lie, vis a vis Democrat and Republican policies, she wrote in one of several Facebook posts dedicated to the topic. The post, widely decried as racist, was flagged by journalist Emily Jane Fox, who tweeted, Immigrants as caged animals, from the First Son, along with a screen shot of his post. But it was perhaps in keeping with a guy who has in the past has compared Syrian refugees to a bowl of Skittles seeded with potentially poisoned ones. Amster said his client did not do any drugs with Dean and was cooperating with the investigation. He claimed Buck knew Dean well and was trying to help him during a time of need. "It's kind of a bombshell for my field it's so rare to find material evidence of women's artistic and literary work in the Middle Ages," said Alison Beach, a professor of medieval history at Ohio State University. "Because things are much better documented for men, it's encouraged people to imagine a male world. This helps us correct that bias. This tooth opens a window on what activities women also were engaged in." While we await the results of the law enforcement investigation, I am going to donate the contributions I have received from Mr. Buck to my federal campaign over the years, he said. Nothing about todays ruling changes that Ms. Judds case is moving forward on multiple claims. The court today dismissed only one of Ms. Judds four claims for relief. In doing so, it made clear that it was not determining whether Ms. Judd was sexually harassed in the colloquial sense of the term, lawyer Theodore J. Boutrous Jr. said in a statement to the Daily News. These 50 sodomites are all perverts and pedophiles, they're the scum of the Earth and the Earth is a better place now and I'll take it a step further," Romero said. 'll pray to God like I did this morning, and I will again tonight, that God will finish the job that that man started. Unless the Bezoses had a prenuptual or postnuptial agreement, which controlled their property division, Washingtons community property law will be in effect, family law lawyer Boaz Weintraub, who works in Seattle, told the Daily News this week. And I understand that Amazon was started after the couple got married, so it will be presumed to be community property, entitling his wife to at least a 50 percent interest under Washington community property law. All we have to do is talk, and to not judge people by their differences, but look for what we have in common, and we have a lot in common, said the Green Book director Peter Farrelly. The resistant strain of gonorrhea has been detected in various parts of the U.S. since the late 1990s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is one of several emerging STDs that are concerning health officials in general. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, cipro resistance had been detected in Hawaii and on the U.S.West Coast, the CDC said. I tried to turn over, but the way all three of them were trying to handle me, I can barely get over in time, so he punched me, Ellison told WSB-TV. I had both hands behind my back, and he punched me one more time. The device turned out to be a training grenade, and it was hollow and therefore not a threat, Sgt. Christopher Perry said. I hope that this case will help people understand that there is more to the story and we need to try to understand it all before passing judgment, her lawyer, Tiffanny Smith, told Cleveland.com Wednesday. Black was arrested Saturday after he failed to use a turn signal while driving, and authorities said he then admitted to driving the car from which the bullets were fired at Barnes. He was charged with capital murder Sunday, but is not believed to have been the gunman. While this type of behavior by an individual is extremely rare, it's unacceptable and clearly it has consequences. Committing fraud, whether it takes place on or offline is against the law. We are fully cooperating and assisting law enforcement officials to recover every dollar withdrawn by Ms. McClure and Mr. D'Amico. It underscores the reason why all such videos should be ignored until the totality of circumstances are revealed through a thorough investigation. This case is a perfect example of why our citys leaders should not react in any way to uninvestigated videos promoted through social media. I dont know where they get this behavior, and then to record this? They put the video out. she said of the teens. Would they to do this to their sisters? People think she was just attacked, but she was also sexually harassed. When cops showed up at the building about 2 a.m., the suspects fled. After a brief chase at least five suspects were taken into custody by officers from the 77th Precinct's anti-crime team. "It's the closure survivors of the Holocaust needed," said former Assemblyman Dov Hikind. "It also goes to show that our efforts in seeking justice were not in vain, and reinforces our commitment to ridding the world of any last vestige of Nazism regardless of where it may exist. He certainly did not deserve to die on blessed American soil, but rather in a country closer to where he committed his abhorrent crimes." Lawmakers must also empower people through access to education, voting rights, and strengthened support for families and community ties while ending the torture of solitary confinement as part of a shift away from the racist punishment paradigm of the whole system, a press release from the group says. An intriguing showdown in the Supporting Actor category pits the previous two Academy Award winners in the same category Mahershala Ali (Green Book ) and Sam Rockwell (Vice). Ali won for 2016s Moonlight and Rockwell last year for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. They face off against Adam Driver for BlackKkKlansman, Richard E. Grant for Can You Ever Forgive Me? and Timothee Chalamet for Beautiful Boy. The Thriller performer, who died in 2009, faced multiple accusations of child sexual abuse over the course of his career. He was acquitted of all charges in 2005 at the end of a highly publicized trial that stemmed from allegations he molested a 13-year-old boy. This week we are focusing on baseball. We will rotate through each of the varsity sports going on during the current season. We will post the nominations online, and you get to pick the winner. The winner will have a short feature printed in this week's edition of The N'West Iowa REVIEW. POLL CLOSES 9 A.M. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16. You voted: The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the peace accord signed by the President candidates of the Peoples Democrati... The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the peace accord signed by the President candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and others, will not work. Wike described it as a mere ceremony, adding that the people of Rivers State will not fold their arms and watch the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies rig election for the APC. The Governor said INEC cannot be trusted to conduct credible polls this year because of the inconsistent actions of the commission. Wike also noted that the failure of President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the amended Electoral Act was a sign that the president is not committed to credible polls. Wike spoke in an interview on Channels Televisions Sunrise Daily. According to him, INEC has different interpretations of judgements depending on where it is coming from. When the court nullified the Rivers All Progressives Congress, APC, primaries, a lawyer of one of the factions wrote to INEC not to recognise any candidate because of the judgment. INEC wrote to APC notifying them of outcome of that judgment. INEC merely said they were in receipt of the letter requesting that INEC should obey. In the case of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, INEC wrote to PDP in Ogun State, where Buruji (Kashamu) dragged the party to court, telling them they will comply. When there is a judgement against PDP, there is immediate enforcement. When it concerns APC, INEC says they are studying the judgement. In the case of Ogun State PDP, INEC quickly obeyed the judgement. I was shocked that the president did not sign the Electoral Act. In my matter, the Supreme Court appreciated the card reader, but said it was not backed by law. They called for the Electoral Act to be amended for more credible polls. He said he wants to leave a legacy of free and fair elections, but he refused to sign the Electoral Act that will facilitate the process. If Mr. President had signed the Electoral Act, it would have made it difficult to manipulate. But he refused to sign the law. Wike alleged that the electoral umpire had been involved in several under-the-table actions in Rivers State since 2015. He said during the rerun elections, INEC connived with the Police to deny the people of Rivers East senatorial district their rightful mandate. He added that INEC and security agencies should commit themselves working towards credible polls, noting that INEC and security agencies should sign a pact to respect the tenets of the Electoral Act. The peace accord is a ceremony. It is a mere public display. The peace accord cannot work because they are not sincere. INEC and security should sign peace accord because they are the ones who create circumstances for electoral violence. They try to manipulate the process against the will of the people, he said. The governor noted that security agencies had played negative roles in over-heating the polity in Rivers State. It is INEC and security that dont want us to have peaceful elections in Rivers State. Why do they want to capitalize on the claim that politicians are the ones that compel them to act illegally. Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has denied endorsing Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples... Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has denied endorsing Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Chuks Ibegbu, deputy national publicity secretary of the organisation, issued the denial while speaking at a press conference in Enugu on Thursday. Ibegbu said the clarification became necessary following misconceptions over the event of November 2018 where some Igbo leaders endorsed Abubakar for president. The leaders were said to have endorsed the PDP presidential candidate after he met with them. He said the endorsement was done by the friends of Atiku, adding that the organisation has not endorsed any particular candidate. He said the organisation needs to be circumspect, as our children are in all the political parties. It is erroneous to say that we endorsed Atiku. Ohaneze Ndigbo did not endorse anybody. That meeting at Nike Lake Resort was organised by friends of Atiku, he said. However, due to our peculiar circumstance in the country, we will identify with candidates that will restructure Nigeria if voted into power. He said the organisation would soon meet to take a holistic position on the 2019 general election. According to him, Ohaneze Ndigbo has been canvassing for our people to identify with candidates that will restructure Nigeria. We still stand on that and in the next few days we shall meet to take a holistic position on the elections. Ibegbu said the John Nwodo-led Ohaneze Ndigbo has given its modest contribution by re-jigging Igbo leadership and issues concerning our people. He said the current leadership of the organisation had built synergy with its affiliate groups with a view to achieving unity in the south-east. The United Nations on Wednesday expressed concern about the upsurge in Boko Haram attacks in the North-East. The UN said since the... The United Nations on Wednesday expressed concern about the upsurge in Boko Haram attacks in the North-East. The UN said since the recent resurgence in the attacks, about 260 aid workers had been withdrawn, lamenting that it had affected its humanitarian service delivery in the troubled region. It also said that more than 30,000 people had arrived in Maiduguri from Baga following the Boko Harams attack on the town. A statement by the spokesperson for the UN in Nigeria, Samantha Newport, on Wednesday, said the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon, expressed grave concern following an upsurge in violence in the countrys North-East region that had caused tens of thousands of innocent civilians to flee their homes. The statement read in part, Clashes on December 26, 2018, between Nigerian government forces and non-state armed groups in Baga town, on the shores of Lake Chad, about 200 kilometres north of state capital Maiduguri, triggered the massive displacement, with most women, men and children converging on already congested camps for internally displaced people in Maiduguri or Monguno town. A subsequent attempted attack on Monguno on December 28, 2018, has exacerbated the situation, generating further displacement. Newport, quoting Kallon, who was said to have visited Monguno and Teachers Village camp for internally displaced people in Maiduguri, said, The impact of the recent fighting on innocent civilians is devastating and has created a humanitarian tragedy. It is heart-wrenching to see so many of these people living in congested camps, or sleeping outside with no shelter. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict and the United Nations is extremely concerned about the impact that violence in north-east Nigeria, especially in Borno State, is having on civilians. The statement said that than 30,000 internally displaced people have arrived in Maiduguri, mainly from Baga, in recent weeks. The majority of these people have arrived since December 20, 2018, often after arduous journeys with young children. These people include an estimated 20,000 internally displaced people who have arrived in Teachers Village camp in Maiduguri, stretching the camps capacity beyond the limit. Former minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode said the National leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu slumped, c... Former minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode said the National leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu slumped, collapsed and was rushed to the hospital the day he was appointed Chairman of Buharis Campaign Council. Fani-Kayode urged Nigerians and particularly the Yorubas to pray for him stating despite their political differences he loves Bola Tinubu. The 58-year old added that something similar happened to Tinubu last year when he was appointed Chairman of the APC Reconciliation Commitee, he lost his son. He tweeted: Last year on the day that Bola Tinubu was appointed Chairman of the APC Reconciliation Commitee,he lost his son. 3 days ago, on the day that he was appointed Chairman of Buharis Campaign Council, he slumped, collapsed and was rushed to the hospital where he remains till today. A Nigerian man identified as MC Emmydon took to his Facebook page to complain about the amount of things his friend who recently got mar... A Nigerian man identified as MC Emmydon took to his Facebook page to complain about the amount of things his friend who recently got married to a lady from Imo state, presented to the bride's family for their marriage introduction. He shared a photo which show various sets of wrapper, bag of rice, bottles of wines, non-alcoholic drinks among others things as requested in the requirement list for their wedding introduction. Emmydon wrote; Angered by the non-prosecution of crime suspects, Justice Suleiman Dikko, Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, has threatened to stop signing ... Angered by the non-prosecution of crime suspects, Justice Suleiman Dikko, Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, has threatened to stop signing arrest warrants for the Police. Dikko issued the threat on Wednesday in Wamba, during his tour of Federal Prisons in the state. The CJ expressed shock at the persistent lack of prosecution of a large number of accused persons in prisons, and described the situation as frustrating. According to him, efforts to de-congest the prisons were being frustrated by the inability of the Police to prosecute accused persons, after arresting them over alleged crimes. In the course of going round prisons, we found that some inmates have not been arraigned in court, four years after they were arrested. If the legal units of the Police Force fail to take urgent action towards addressing this trend, I will stop signing arrest warrants. We are working to de-congest the prisons and ensure justice to inmates; the judiciary will not want its efforts thwarted by anybody, he said. Dikko directed the welfare department of the prisons to contact family members of the inmates who were granted bail, to come to their aid. He also directed judges in lower courts to conclude minor cases involving awaiting-trial inmates, especially those who had admitted to their crime. By March, I will be coming for another round of visit. I will free the suspects if I discovered that their cases have not been concluded, he said. (NAN) The Taraba Governorship Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), United Democratic Party (UDP) and the All Progressives Party (... The Taraba Governorship Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), United Democratic Party (UDP) and the All Progressives Party (APC) failed to show up at the peace accord signing ceremony. The candidates are Gov. Darius Ishaku of Taraba (PDP), Sen. Aisha Alhassan, the immediate past Minister of Women Affairs (UDP), and Alhaji Sani Danladi (APC). The signing of the peace accord took place on Thursday at the Police Command headquarters of Taraba in Jalingo. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 14 other candidates, including Mr Kefas Sule of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), who is contesting on the platform of the All Blended Party (ABP) signed the peace pact. Mr David Akinremi, the Commissioner of Police in the state, who presided over the signing of the accord, said the aim was to commit the governorship candidates to peaceful conduct of the election. We cannot as a nation move forward if we fail to promote peace. I want to appeal to you stakeholders to shun violence. If contesting election is for the sake of service, then there will be no need for violence before, during and after the election, he said. Akinremi pledged that the Police and other security agencies would be neutral and will give all parties equal protection before, during and after the election. Alhaji Baba Yusuf, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, pledged to ensure a level playing ground for all candidates. Responding on behalf of the candidates, Sule thanked the security agencies for the initiative and pledged the resolution of the candidates to stand by the agreement. He called on those absent to make efforts to sign the accord with a view to having a peaceful election in the state. NAN reports that representatives of Ishaku and Alhassan were turned down, as the peace accord officials insisted on signing in person, while Danladi was not represented. (NAN) The Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, on Wednesday, said it had arrested a man, identified as Josiah A... The Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, on Wednesday, said it had arrested a man, identified as Josiah Akinsuyi, for allegedly impregnating a 16-year-old girl (name withheld). According to the command, the suspect claimed to be a pastor of a Christ Apostolic Church in Akure, the state capital. The state Commandant, NSCDC, Mr Pedro Awili, while parading the suspect at the headquarters of the command in Akure, said the victims father reported the case after the teenager had confessed to him that she was four months pregnant. According to the NSCDC boss, a test conducted on the victim confirmed that she was indeed pregnant. The commandant explained that the victims family and the suspect were neighbours at Abusoro in the Ijoka area of Akure, adding that the suspect took over from one Sunday Babatunde, who allegedly had earlier been sleeping with the teenager. Awili said, Our investigation revealed that the pastor had carnal knowledge of the girl three times and we have carried out a test, which proved that the girl was four months pregnant. Investigation also revealed that the elder sister of the girl had something to do with the pastor, because the first time he wanted to have carnal knowledge of the victim, she did not cooperate and she informed her sister about it. The sister allegedly advised her to cooperate with the pastor. One of the times the pastor slept with her was in the classroom of the school owned by his wife. Though the pastor denied having intercourse with the girl, I did not expect him to accept the accusation just like that. The girl also confessed to us that the pastor had earlier promised to give her N50,000, but he failed; may be because he did not redeem his promise and he was no longer paying her attention, that was why the girl opened up to her father. The victim was said to have been transferred to the correction centre of the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will speak on a phone-in radio programme from Israel at about 6pm o... Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will speak on a phone-in radio programme from Israel at about 6pm on Saturday. The programme is to enable him address issues relating to the threat to boycott the general elections by IPOB. Kanu will also talk about the alleged betrayal of the Igbos, caused by the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the five South-East Governors. A statement by the Media and Publicly Secretary of IPOB, Comrade Emma Powerful, read: This is to notify the general public that our leader and prophet of our time, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will be addressing Biafrans, friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom on live interactive session via Radio Biafra from the State of Israel on Saturday 12th January 2019. The Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos State, Joe Igbokwe, has admitted that members of the National ... The Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos State, Joe Igbokwe, has admitted that members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers who clashed at the flag-off of the partys campaign in the state and stabbed a factional leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Musiliu Akinsanya, are members of the party. Igbokwe, who confirmed that the hoodlums who stabbed Akinsanya popularly known as MC Oluomo, were engaged in a supremacy battle, wondered why they brought the fight to the campaign ground. He stated this while reacting to comments on a Facebook post he made concerning the rally. The APC chieftain, while thanking residents of Lagos in the post, said he had never witnessed such a massive turnout of supporters since he became the publicity secretary of the party in 2007. NURTW took their gang war to our venue, but thank God it was not worse. We are overcomers, he later added in a comment. A Facebook fan, Adeniyi Jones, who mentioned the names of some gang leaders, including late Small Jpron, tackled Igbokwe. He said hoodlums in the NURTW were members of the party in the South-West; to which Igbokwe replied: We are not denying they are our members, but must they take their struggle for power and supremacy to our campaign ground to endanger other people? Recall that no fewer than eight persons were reportedly injured during the rally, including three journalists who sustained gunshot injuries. MC Oluomo is currently receiving treatment at the Eko Hospital, Ikeja. OAP and leader of the Free the Sheeple Movement, Daddy Freeze, has taken to his Instagram page to react to the recently released Forbe... OAP and leader of the Free the Sheeple Movement, Daddy Freeze, has taken to his Instagram page to react to the recently released Forbes list of Africa's Richest Bilionaires. According to Freeze, Aliko Dangote and Mike Adenuga who made the first and second cut on the list, do not pay tithes to any pastor or give first fruits to churches. He advised Christians not to listen to the messages of the likes of RCCG general overseer, Pastor E. Adeboye or Winners Chappel founder Bishop David Oyedepo, if they want to be rich this year. Read what he wrote below: Once again those prosperity pastors misled you.... Where is the prosperity in the land, if we overtook India as the poverty capital of the world and our billionaires became poorer and fewer? Mike Adenuga was one of the only billionaire that became richer last year and he neither pays tithes nor gives first fruit. In the same vein, the man at the top spot, Aliko Dangote also doesnt tithe to pastors or churches and neither does he give first fruit. However, both of Nigerias richest men are EXTREMELY CHARITABLE, giving a lot to support the poor, weak and the sick. It has been shown to us repeatedly by verifiable statistics and empirical studies, that the god of the prosperity doctrine Pentecostals cannot bless anyone with anything except poverty, hardship and sorrow. If you want to be rich in 2019, stop listening to Adeboye, Oyedepo and the likes of them and stop giving them your money as well, Instead understudy Dangote and Adenuga, while you invest your money. ~FRZ Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has said his administration is probing his predecessor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso o... Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has said his administration is probing his predecessor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso over multi-billion naira 5 kilometre road projects. Ganduje, who made this known yesterday while inaugurating 12 campaign committees for his second term bid, said Kano State government had taken the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He explained that the EFCC had gone far in its investigation into the matter in terms of how the money meant for the construction of 5 kilometre roads in the 44 local governments of Kano state were diverted for Kwankwasos presidential campaign in 2015. He said so far, the EFCC was able to discover how the fund was collected from the 44 local governments and was changed into dollar. He said, I was the deputy governor when the project was conceived. Ninety per cent of the total sum of the contract was provided by the 44 local governments while the remaining 10 per cent was provided by the state government. The Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organization, PPCO, has challenged the co-Chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign... The Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organization, PPCO, has challenged the co-Chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Bola Tinubu, to explain his role in the President Muhammadu Buhari Presidency cabal that has crippled our nations economy. PPCO dares Tinubu to respond to allegations that he agreed to lead Buharis campaign team, following alleged threats by agents of the Buhari Presidency to expose and prosecute him for corruption allegations and not because he believes in the propriety of President Buharis re-election. A statement by PPCO spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan said It is very unfortunate that at the time Nigerians, across the board, are boldly jettisoning their personal interests and joining in the quest to rescue our nation from President Buharis incompetent, corrupt, divisive and anti-people regime, a leader of Asiwajus status is chasing personal interests and self-preservation. Nigerians can recall how Asiwaju in January 2018, at the 15th Annual Daily Trust Dialogue rejected the Buhari administrations nepotism, incompetence, corrupt oil subsidy regime; blamed it for the high-level of poverty in our country and urged Nigerians to be guided by their conscience in electing leaders in the 2019 general elections. Asiwaju had also rightly posited that, under President Buhari, rather than becoming a joyous nation, Nigeria has become a cruel playground where the fears and concerns of the average person get exploited but their interests never get promoted. He then concluded by urging Nigerians to follow their conscience in the 2019 elections by resisting unthinking passions and old prejudices, which is the hallmark of President Buharis re-election campaign. The question Nigerians are asking now is, what has suddenly changed in President Buharis leadership style to warrant Asiwajus full circle turn. Nigerians have seen that Asiwajus involvement in Buhari 2019 campaign is not motivated by any national or even regional interests but by personal reasons far from the general good. While we understand the frustration being faced by Asiwaju in this unfortunate task of marketing a rejected product, we caution him to be careful not to allow the ill-fated Buhari Presidency to destroy whatever is left of the respect he has earned among Nigerians, who have already made up their minds to rally behind the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as the next President of Nigeria. Asiwaju, by now, would have noted how Nigerians berate him whenever he lends himself as a tool in the hands of the Buhari Presidency to cast aspersions on Atiku Abubakar. We, therefore, counsel Asiwaju to be mindful of his status in the pantheon of leaders and note that he is not with Nigerians in his new enterprise, for which he now needs to clear his name over alleged involvement in the anti-people cabal at the Buhari Presidency. We also want to caution Tinubu on his penchant for making unsubstantiated allegations against our candidate, Atiku Abubakar. PPCO insisted that the former Lagos State governor has no moral rectitude upon which he can stand to make allegations against Atiku. He should control his emotions and ensure that he desists from making frivolous allegations against Atiku Abubakar, whom Nigerians have resolved to elect as President, come 2019, the statement added. The Senator representing Kaduna Central at the National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has described the state Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, as unpo... The Senator representing Kaduna Central at the National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has described the state Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, as unpopular. Sani, who is contesting for the Senate on the Peoples Redemption Party platform, also said the governor had not achieved anything since 2015. The senator had dumped the All Progressives Congress for the PRP three days after he was denied the ticket to contest for the Senate on the APC platform. His rift with the state governor was believed to have cost him the ticket. Speaking on Nigeria 2019, an Arise TV programme on Thursday, Sani said the PRP was a major threat to the APC in Kaduna State, saying, This is why every morning and evening, they destroy our billboards and tear our posters. They are persecuting our members. If we were inconsequential, they would have ignored us. Sani alleged that, the fact that el-Rufai had a hand in denying him the APC ticket didnt mean anything. He said, The question is, can he win? The fact is that he is one of the most unpopular governors in the history of Kaduna State. The President (Muhammadu Buhari) has been to the state for many times, but how many times have you seen him inaugurating a project in the state? The first time the President went there, he was given a honorary degree from a university that had not started a PhD programme; the second time he was in the state was to inaugurate Olam, a company from Singapore. The third time was to inaugurate a project by the Ministry of Transport. So, he (el-Rufai) has not done anything and we are going to remove him out of power. That is a fact. The lawmaker explained that he and el-Rufai had always been at daggers drawn because of their differences both politically and ideologically. He said, Politically, he is a product of the establishment. Out of what they say is the 16-year tragedy of the Peoples Democratic Party, he spent 14 or 15 years there as a member, from the regime of (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo, where he held different positions. So, he was part of the system before he joined the APC. All my life, I have been a freedom fighter, that is, a human rights activist. Most of the years under military rule, I spent my time in prison. From this angle, you can see where we differ. Sani said the adoption of the Muslim-Muslim ticket by el-Rufai for the forthcoming governorship election in the state also showed that the governor is arrogant and haughty. For a governor of a state who came into office with a Muslim-Christian ticket now going for a second term and saying some people dont matter, I dont want to be associated with that kind of person, because all I know is that, with all his arrogance, haughtiness and egoism as a governor, power is ephemeral. The fan who Davido gave one million naina for protecting girls from being harassed at the Davidos concert on 27th December, 2018 has ... The fan who Davido gave one million naina for protecting girls from being harassed at the Davidos concert on 27th December, 2018 has invested the money in a brand new Keke Napep for transport business. OBO boss took to Instagram to share the news describing the young man as a smart dude. Davido Instagram post reads: Wise investment ! Gbe maruwa eh I think say him go spend d money finish ! Smart dude. The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, has challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to come ou... The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, has challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to come out and engage the people with his record of performance if any and stop hiding in the Villa. Prince Secondus said that Nigerians must elect a President they can see, feel, a President that can act like the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar. The National Chairman was addressing a mammoth crowd of party supporters in Lafia Square in Nasarawa state on Thursday in continuation of the partys nationwide campaign. According to a statement from his media office signed by Ike Abonyi, Secondus said that Nigeria could no longer afford analogue leaders in digital era, pointing out that PDP flag bearer Atiku is bringing his digital approach to leadership to rescue Nigeria. He said that while PDP candidates and leaders are engaging the people for votes, President Buhari and APC leaders are hiding in the Villa planning how to rig election. But let me reiterate this warning to them including the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies, that any attempt to manipulate the election would be an invitation to a national crisis. If they love this county, they must not attempt to thwart the will of the people because it would be a recipe for crisis, he said. Prince Secondus said that the Presidents wife confirmed that the Presidency under her husband has been hijacked and wondered what other prove we need to show that Nigeria is in a wrong hand. The National Chairman also made some scorching remarks on some politicians in Lagos who talk about corruption when they are thieves who have milked the state dry. Some thieves from Lagos are also talking about corruption, some of them had nothing before they became governor but today they are stinking in stolen wealth and talking of corruption, he said. Prince Secondus said that APC has already collapsed with some of their state governors talking with the PDP. He assured the jubilant crowd of mostly youths that PDP candidate Atiku believes in the vibrancy of the youths, and his administration will be for them because they are the future. Your gubernatorial candidate Hon. David Ombadugu is a youth and that shows you PDPs believe in youths, so caste your votes for him and all other PDP candidates. Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of lying by saying ... Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of lying by saying he wont allow use of state resources for campaign purposes. Abubakar has released what he described as evidence of how state resources have been used for Buharis reelection campaign. The president on Wednesday said he would not allow the use of public funds for the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign. But in a statement issued on his behalf by Paul Ibe, his spokesman, Abubakar cited alleged instances where the federal ministry of information and culture has been producing campaign materials for the president and the APC. In negation of the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, the Buhari administration and the APC has taken to the illegal deployment of state resources to its advantage for the election, the statement issued on Thursday read. We wish to remind President Buhari and the APC that the use of state videos released by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture is illegal under the Electoral Act 2010 as amended. The media is awash with advertisements with the hashtag #PMBDIDIT and signed by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture and referencing so-called achievements of the APC administration in the states of Abia, Kwara, Lagos, Ebonyi, Delta and Kano, among others. These are without doubt 2019 presidential campaign materials produced by the Ministry of Information and Culture using state resources and apparatuses to benefit President Buhari. (See attached videos). Below are links to the said videos: RETIRED BIAFRAN WAR AFFECTED POLICE OFFICERS. 162 officers placed on the pension payroll and 57 next of kin have received death benefits of their deceased family member.@Ayourb @Johannxs @BashirAhmaad @fkeyamo pic.twitter.com/9A7ZZvtlCU [ANOTHER PROMISE DELIVERED]RETIRED BIAFRAN WAR AFFECTED POLICE OFFICERS.162 officers placed on the pension payroll and 57 next of kin have received death benefits of their deceased family member. #PMBDIDIT #GovtAtWorkNG @abikedabiri November 6, 2018 #PMBDidIt pic.twitter.com/tZeR9mLBHz Listen to Akpoteghor a former Staff of the Delta Steel Company tells his testimony of how former staff of the company were neglected over the decades but remembered under the President @MBuhari Administration. #PMBPaysPensions November 6, 2018 For the first time, 2 million market women & men are offered interest-free loans of N10,000 to N100,000. These beneficiaries didn't have to bribe their ways into the scheme, neither did they know any powerful Nigerian. This might seem little, but lives have been touched! APC Nigeria (@APCNigeria) December 30, 2018 Atiku argued that the videos produced by the federal ministry of information violate section 100 of the electoral act, 2010. The section reads: A candidate and his party shall campaign for the elections in accordance with such rules and regu lations as may be determi ned by the Commission. (2) State apparatus including the media shal l n ot be employed to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate at any election. No fewer than 5,000 families on Wednesday stormed Lagos State to hold a rally for the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari. Th... No fewer than 5,000 families on Wednesday stormed Lagos State to hold a rally for the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari. The different families unanimously declared that President Buhari must be voted back into power to finish the good work he had started in Nigeria. The families, under the umbrella of Nigerian Families for Baba Buhari, hinged their decision to back Buhari for another term on the progress that has been made in the short span of four years, albeit in the midst of distractions. Speaking during the well-attended rally at the Freedom Park, coordinator of the families, Festus Akintola, said the Buhari-led government had shown tenacity in its drive to set Nigeria on the part of economic growth and sustainability. According to Akintola Considering the prosperity and prospect we enjoy from taking the right decision of supporting President Muhammadu Buhari to emerge the winner in 2015, we should have stayed back in our respective places of employment, businesses, and homes. But the good governance that is being delivered to us is something that must not be interrupted. There is a need for the good life we now have, courtesy President Buharis government to continue. Therefore, we are gathered here because of our firm belief in the imperative of ensuring the continuity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Buhari-Osinbajo Presidency for another four years term in office. Lagosians are known to be politically enlightened. We have been able to read between the lines and we have watched with keen interests the events of the past four years. We have been able to compare with what existed before and we know that the best bet for us is for Baba Buhari to continue in office for another four years. This does not mean that there are no distractions. These are expected antics of the opposition and we dare say we are already used to them. We have taken our time to look beyond Lagos state so that we are not limited by focusing only on our own spaces. Our decision to support Baba is therefore based on the results we see in all the geo-political zones of the country. When we look across the country, What we see is the progress that has been made in a short span of four years albeit in the midst of distractions. The Buhari/Osinbajo stewardship is therefore one that the country cannot do without at this critical time of our history. We have been told that certain Nigerians aspire to replacing Baba when they had not taken time to take tutelage at his fit and appreciate what it takes to have the interest of the country at heart. Babas government has shown tenacity in its drive to set Nigeria on the part of economic growth and sustainability. He has worked on the diversification of the economy, which has continue to yield astonishing results across the country. Millionaire farmers have emerged and among them are many women and mothers, SMEs are smiling, the intervention programme like Trader Moni, N-Power, school feeding and Conditional Cash Transfer positively impacted our lives as mothers. We do not want the return of those that will divert such funds to build homes for themselves in Dubai. Above all dear compatriots, you would have noticed that there are a few people that have been crying about how they are not getting slush funds in their accounts. It is because Baba Buhari has turned the situation around for Nigeria to now belong to us, the citizens. For the first time those of us that do honest work in Nigeria have become empowered to earn our daily bread as opposed to being tied to the apron strings of bigwigs for paltry handouts. The early life of Hans Sloane Hans Sloane was born in 1660 Killyleagh in County Down, Northern Ireland, the youngest of seven sons born to Alexander and Sarah Sloane. He was reportedly a curious child, fascinated by the flora and fauna around him. In later life he recalled how he had 'from my Youth been very much pleas'd with the study of Plants and other Parts of Nature'. In 1679, aged 19, he moved to London to study chemistry at the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London and botany at the Chelsea Physic Garden, laying the foundations for his future prosperous career as a physician. He became friends of celebrated botanists of his day, including John Ray. In 1683 Sloane left London to tour France, where he studied anatomy, medicine and botany and received his Doctorate of Physics. Other ways Trump shutting down the government employees jobs is only putting himself first. It is a power struggle between him and the Democrats. The Democrats dont want illegal immigrants pouring into this country, but they also dont want a $5.78 billion expense to our country. We have seen pictures of people climbing over this fence and they also are tunneling under it. So there are other ways to protect that border. Making stuff In Wednesdays paper the Democrats are claiming President Trump is manufacturing a crisis on our border. The Democrats know well how to manufacture things. They manufacture lies. They manufacture truths. I get really tired of Democrats blaming conservatives because the borders are open, when they will do absolutely nothing to stop the inflow of criminals. Not the case To the caller who said Democrats hate Christians, this is simply not the case. We just see ignorance in your blind support of this president. Gangs of St. Joe The increase in shootings in town is supposedly caused by the increase in the number of guns in town. Someone ask the police chief how many of those shootings were done with firearms listed to the perpetrators. It is not the guns, its the gangs. Down the pike I read Ben Pecoras letter in Wednesday mornings paper with interest. Very interesting look back over the decades, but I would like to point out to him that the phrase is down the pike with pike being an old-fashioned road. Just wait Democrats have had years to fix the southern border security issue but now need another month to come up with a solution to fix it. This is nothing but a political stunt by saying open the government first. We all know what will happen if President Trump does so nothing. Nothing will be done for border security. I say leave the government shut down another month. Wounded warriors We often see wounded warriors on television needing donations. I would rather see $5 billion go to them than to Trumps wall. Seeing a trend The police are doing their jobs. Violence is increasing as a direct result of the increase of gangs and drugs in our community, and gangs and drugs are the direct result of the illegal immigrants in our community. Go after drugs When the Police Department was confronted about the shootings that are going on, they said they need to get rid of guns. I feel sorry for them. It is not the guns who did it. It is the people they dont arrest. They dont go after drug dealers. They know where they are but they dont arrest them. They just sit back and handle whatever crime comes along. They are not proactive in getting drug dealers prosecuted. They just take it as it comes and want to blame anything that happens on somebody else or a gun. The 5th Judicial Circuit of Missouri, covering associate and circuit judges in Andrew and Buchanan counties, now has a new leader. Judge Dan Kellogg was elected as the circuits presiding judge by virtue of secret ballots cast by himself and his six colleagues last Friday. Kellogg takes over the post from Judge Patrick Robb, who served in that capacity for the last 22 years. Kellogg was elected to serve a two-year term as presiding judge. Both he and Robb said the process is mandated by state statute and held the first week of January every other year. The next election is set for 2021. Robb told News-Press Now he decided this was the right time to relinquish the duties to one of his fellow judges after two decades of service. He had first indicated two years his desire to leave the post. Its really an administrative position, he said. Its time for other people to take over. The presiding judge works on budget matters concerning the circuit and cooperates with the Buchanan County Commission in that regard. Robb added that the presiding judge also transmits any changes in local court rules and makes modifications as necessary. Presiding judges from each state circuit gather twice annually to discuss new laws and common courtroom administration issues, said Robb. The next meeting is set for February, and a two-day state judicial conference will be held in September. There, the presiding judges will be joined by justices from the Missouri Supreme Court and the states court administrators. This also is Robbs final mandated term as a circuit judge, with his public service set to conclude Dec. 31, 2024. He will turn 69 years old before that date, and has decided not to seek re-election for a one-year term. By law, Missouri judges are not allowed to serve past 70 years old. However, like other previous circuit judges of the past such as Frank Connett he will remain available as a resource whenever needed. Ill be around, said Robb. Kellogg said he had approached each of his colleagues to express interest in becoming presiding judge, seeking their support. So I kind of thought about that over the last couple of years and decided that was something that I wanted to do, he said. He said the presiding judge works with attorneys in the circuit in developing local rules and try to stay abreast of upcoming changes and innovations. Judges believe its important, he continued, to make the courts user-friendly to the public. Its important, I think, that we as judges work together to make sure that we can provide the best service to the public, as far as when theyre in courts, said Kellogg. All judges seek to complement each others caseloads and provide assistance among themselves, he said. Its all about what we can do best to serve and dispense the criminal and civil justice system in our area, Kellogg said. Kellogg was appointed associate circuit judge in 1996 and was re-elected in 1998. He was elected circuit judge in 2000 and was re-elected in 2006 and 2012. He was previously in private practice as an attorney and also was an assistant county prosecutor. Robb also was a private attorney and assistant county prosecutor prior to becoming an associate judge in 1986, serving in that role for several years. He was elected circuit judge in 1988 and was re-elected in 1994, 2000, 2006 and 2012. Over 10 years beginning in 2003, Marine veteran Calvin Smith endured 21 surgeries and a leg amputation caused by war injuries in Iraq, a motorcycle accident and a brain tumor. But looking back on that devastating decade, the 37-year-old Vista, California, resident said he wouldnt change a thing. On his road to recovery, he fell in love with his speech therapist and shes now his wife. He also discovered Pilates, which has so reshaped his mental and physical health that hes now becoming an instructor. His new mission in life is to share the health benefits of the strength-training exercise program with other veterans whove experienced traumatic injuries. My message is that just because youre wounded, that doesnt mean you cant do something, he said. The only person holding you back is yourself. Smith is the first veteran amputee in training to become an instructor for Club Pilates, which has 400 gyms nationwide and 250 more scheduled to open this year, said Tianna Strateman, vice president of education for Club Pilates. Calvin is definitely a rock star, Strateman said. I cant say enough about him and everything hes accomplished. Were excited about his teacher training and becoming an instructor for both regular members and others in the military. Hes our first and we hope he wont be our last. Hes a trailblazer. Smith grew up in Mesa, Arizona, where he said he had a Marine Corps poster tacked up on his bedroom wall by the time he was in second grade. Serving in the military was the family business. His grandfather spent 33 years in the Navy and his father did three tours in Vietnam. In high school, he enlisted in the Marines on delayed-entry status and spent most weekends drilling with other recruits before heading to boot camp after his senior year in 2000. As an infantryman, he was stationed at several international bases. Then, after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, he prepared for war. On his first seven-month deployment to Iraq in 2003, he suffered a brain injury and five herniated discs in his upper spine when the Humvee he was riding in struck a hole in the road caused by a tank. He returned to Camp Pendleton for spine fusion surgery and a period of recuperation. He returned to Iraq in 2006, where he aggravated his back problems, which led to more surgeries. On May 30, 2007, Smith had just finished processing his final discharge papers at Camp Pendleton and was riding home on his motorcycle on Interstate 5 when he was nearly killed in a three-vehicle crash. Smith collided with a speeding car, which pushed his bike into the next lane where he was hit by a second car. Smith has no memory of the accident, which shattered his right wrist, damaged the muscles in his right arm, caused a traumatic brain injury and broke most of the bones below the knee in his left leg. As a result of the brain injury, Smith struggled with short-term memory loss and word finding. Five months after the accident, he started therapy at the Brain Injury Day Treatment Clinic at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas. Thats where he met his future wife, Kristina Reinhold-Smith. After he graduated from the program, they started dating in 2009. They married in December 2010 and share a combined five children from their previous marriages. Reinhold-Smith, 43, said it was difficult seeing her husband struggle with his health. He suffered chronic pain and muscle spasms related to his spine and leg injuries and he battled post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Although he underwent multiple surgeries to repair his leg, he still spent most of his time in a wheelchair or with a cane. Finally, in 2013, he decided to have the lower limb amputated. His only regret is that he didnt do it sooner. Now he enjoys hiking outdoors with his children and shopping trips to Costco, outings he couldnt do before. After leaving the service, Smith spent 18 months at Palomar College, studying to become a transition liaison for discharged veterans. But because of his brain injury, he couldnt retain the course material despite long hours of studying and he failed most of his classes. Then, during a checkup in early 2017, doctors found that he had a brain tumor, which they removed. Smith was depressed, overweight, out of shape and unsure what to do with the rest of his life. Then, in April 2017, he and his wife decided to take a class at Club Pilates in San Marcos. Before they finished their introductory class, he had decided to sign up for unlimited visits. I could feel my body being challenged but not that jarring, squishing pain that you get with other workouts, he said. I knew this was something I could do without injuring myself. Developed in the early 20th century by German fitness trainer Joseph Pilates, Pilates is a strength-and balance-training fitness program that uses floor exercises, equipment and a table-like gym apparatus to do core-building exercises. Strateman said Pilates is ideal for people like Smith with disabilities or physical limitations because the regimen can be modified for each user. The goal is to make it the best for one person, not a one size fits all. Smith began taking classes at the San Marcos club every day, which helped him shed 45 pounds. And through interacting with trainers and fellow students at the club, it also helped him come out of what he calls his bubble of isolation at home. Over the past year, Smith has completed nearly 500 hours of classroom, fitness and assistant teacher training. Once he finishes his teaching hours and an anatomy class next month, hell be certified to teach classes at several North County clubs. Eventually, he hopes to teach Pilates to Marines at Camp Pendleton. Reinhold-Smith, who now works as a speech therapy manager for Kaiser Health, said shes been amazed by her husbands transformation. He no longer walks with difficulty, no longer suffers muscle spasms and his personality has been transformed. He was really depressed before the brain tumor was removed and was increasingly isolated and trying to figure out his future, she said. Coming here gave him a purpose for his day. Hes a people person and a natural teacher, so being here makes him so much more happy. Smith said hed like to bring more men into the fitness program, which is primarily practiced by women. Reinhold-Smith said she thinks her husbands recovery through the program might be an incentive for other veterans struggling with amputations and chronic pain. I think he could become an ambassador for people with injuries who are looking for something, she said. He has a lot to give back to people. When 85-year-old Gerry Fairbanks sits down in front of a blank canvas, she says her paintbrush might just as well be a magic wand. Painting is magic to me, she said during an oil-painting class at Cypress Court retirement community in Escondido, Calif. To start off with a blank page and all of a sudden you have something? Thats magical. Fairbanks started painting about 20 years ago when she began losing her hearing. It was one of the few recreational activities she could enjoy without the necessity of sound. Shes now a regular at the weekly oils classes led by art instructor Janice Eakin. Recently, Fairbanks was painting a violin with a pair of songbirds perched on its neck. Among her fellow students, shes known for her beautiful birds. Fairbanks now has a cochlear implant, which has improved her hearing, particularly in quiet spaces like the painting class. Shes one of many Cypress Court painters who, in spite of physical limitations, have found unbridled freedom through a paintbrush. Eakins students include residents who are recovering from strokes, battling hand tremors and arthritis and suffer from failing vision, among other age-related issues. Some are novice painters, some are accomplished. All share the same desire to create in whatever ways they can. Case in point: Former student Louise Nielson, 100, who learned to paint with her left hand after a stroke disabled her right. She passed away last year. Judy Lucous, wellness director at Cypress Court, said shes inspired every week when she visits the painting class. I love how everyone interacts with each other and how they inspire the other residents here, Lucous said. It shows how its never too late to try something new. John Call, 96, has macular degeneration. He has lost all vision in his left eye and has only limited vision in his right. But with Eakins help he has found a creative way to paint over the past three years. Eakin mixes Calls colors and when he puts brush to canvas he follows the motion of her finger to direct his brush strokes. After the paint dries, Eakin goes back in with a black marker to add outlines to his somewhat shapeless forms. Calls favorite painting is a riverscape near the Valley of the Kings in Upper Egypt. A felucca boat with a lateen sail rests on a sandy shore near a mudbrick home and palm tree grove. Its a scene he remembers well from his 20 years working in the U.S. Foreign Service, including three years in Cairo. He visited this very village in the mid-1950s. Ruth Gelgand, 86, learned how to paint many years ago from a close friend who studied art in Mexico City. But she didnt really put her training to work until she moved into Cypress Court from Valley Center four years ago. On this day, Gelgand was starting on a still life of fruits, including a plum, pear, eggplant and mango. After drawing the outline of the fruits on her canvas with a pencil, she mixed her colors with a bit of help from Eakin and began painting. Because her right hand shakes a bit, she stabilizes her brush with her left hand. She also appreciates the forgiving nature of oils, which can be painted over easily once theyre dry. I like the challenge in trying to do something more difficult each time, Gelgand said. When Im painting, the time goes by very fast. Its relaxing. Eakin first discovered painting in high school and has studied art under professional painters in San Diego. She has worked for Kisco Senior Living, which owns Cypress Court, for 25 years and started teaching art there in 2008. She teaches two 90-minute classes every Thursday and draws 5 to 8 residents to each class. When she first started the classes, Eakin said her instructions were more formal, with step-by-step instructions and every participant painting the same picture. Now, she encourages residents to paint whatever they like. Some residents bring in their own family or vacation photos for inspiration, other ideas are drawn from greeting cards, calendar art and museum paintings. Fairbanks said she likes Eakins style of instruction. Eakin can provide expert advice when its requested, but she isnt overbearing. She helps me find colors and mix colors, Fairbanks said. Sometimes I get stuck and she helps me get unstuck. Cathie Martin, 76, is Eakins newest student. A 1-year resident of Cypress Court, she joined the class two weeks ago and on Thursday morning was putting the final touches on her first painting, a vase of large daisy-like cut flowers. Martin has a tremor in her hands, so she cant do detail work with a paintbrush. Eakin helped her choose a subject that lends itself well to broad, impressionistic brushstrokes. I love the color, lots of color and I love mixing the colors. Its fun, she said. Eakins oldest student is Zola Brink, 102, who likes painting landscapes in addition to playing bridge two to three days a week and volunteering in the communitys store. Brinks favorite subjects to paint are landscapes, particularly bucolic and farm scenes that remind her of her childhood in Kansas. One of Eakins most enthusiastic students is Rita Courtney, 90, who moved to Cypress Court from Ramona 15 years ago. Shes been painting with Eakin for the past four years. On Thursday, she was working on a wintry painting of a cardinal perched on a snow-covered branch studded with red berries. She said she appreciates how Eakin allows her the freedom to make her own choices but also provides a safety net of advice when she needs it. I love coming here every week, Courtney said. Its my moment of serenity. The health ministry said Wednesday that the number of influenza patients per medical institution reached 11.17 in the week through Dec. 30, exceeding the warning level of 10. The figure was up by 3.12 from the preceding week, according to reports from about 5,000 regularly monitored medical institutions, which suggests the possibility of an outbreak occurring in four weeks. Based on the reports, the total number of flu patients at medical institutions across the nation in the reporting week is estimated at some 446,000, the ministry said. By prefecture, the number of patients per institution was the highest in Hokkaido, at 32.07, followed by Aichi, at 30.45, Gifu, at 20.33, Kumamoto, at 14.53 and Mie, at 13.68. Carlos Ghosnas appeal against his ongoing detention was rejected by the Tokyo District Court, according to a statement released by the court Wednesday. The ousted Nissan chairmanas lawyers will now appeal the decision at a higher court, NHK reported. Wednesdayas decision by the judge means the auto industry icon, who is fighting charges of financial misconduct related to his time while heading Nissan Motor Co., could remain behind bars until a possible trial, which his main lawyer, Motonari Otsuru, has said may not be for another six months. Ghosnas current period of custody ends Friday, but prosecutors are likely to hand him fresh charges or request another extension as they build their case against him. Separately, sources said Wednesday that Ghosn had planned to extend a loan of A3 billion ($27 million) to a Saudi businessman through the carmaker, possibly to use as collateral for his private investment contract. The plan did not materialize as Nissan felt there would be legal problems, the sources said. Prosecutors have arrested Ghosn for allegedly transferring personal investment losses to Nissan during the 2008 global financial crisis and causing damage to the automaker by making it pay $14.7 million to Khaled Al-Juffali, the businessman who guaranteed credit for Ghosn, between 2009 and 2012. According to the sources, Ghosn compiled a document to extend a loan of A3 billion to Al-Juffalias company in January 2009 after being asked for additional collateral by Tokyo-based Shinsei Bank, with which he had a currency swap contract that incurred an appraisal loss of A1.85 billion due to the financial crisis. The contract was shifted to Nissan in October 2008 from Ghosnas private asset management company and was transferred back to the management firm in February 2009 after Al-Juffali guaranteed credit. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived yesterday in Jordan on a Middle East tour to show commitment to the region after President Donald Trumps surprise decision to withdraw troops from war-torn Syria. The top US diplomat, on his longest trip since taking the post last year, pledged that the Islamic State group (IS) would not be allowed to regroup following a string of battlefield defeats. But in a stark reminder of the lingering threat, a war monitor reported that the jihadists had killed 23 US-backed fighters in a counterattack in eastern Syria aimed at defending their last bastion. After setting off on the trip to eight Arab capitals, Pompeo told reporters he would show that the United States is still committed to all the missions that weve signed up for with them over the past two years. The eight-day tour comes weeks after Trump announced that the United States would quickly pull its 2,000 soldiers out of Syria, declaring that IS -- also known as ISIS -- had been defeated. His advisers have since been walking back his timeline, with national security adviser John Bolton saying Monday in Jerusalem that the United States would verify that the group is truly beaten before withdrawing. Highlighting that IS emerged during the tenure of Trumps predecessor Barack Obama, Pompeo said the campaign to destroy the movements selfstyled caliphate in war-battered Syria has been enormously successful. And I am confident that we will continue to ensure that the kind of rise that ISIS had under the Obama administration doesnt occur again, he said on his plane. IS hits back Just hours later the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said IS suicide attackers had hit the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces in eastern Syria, killing 23 of its fighters. IS was unable to hold on to the positions it attacked but the assault which began late Sunday killed 23 SDF members and also left nine jihadists dead, the Britain-based monitor said. Pompeo opened his trip in Jordan and will deliver an address on Middle East policy in Egypt, whose army chief turned president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has been a key partner of Trump. He will also visit Manama, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, Muscat, Kuwait City, and possibly Baghdad. A major focus of the tour will be sustaining a re - gional coalition to counter Iran. This is a coalition that understands that the largest threats -- terrorism and the Islamic Republic of Iran -- are things that we ought to work on jointly and we will be marshalling all of the resources, theirs and ours, to achieve them, Pompeo said. An early morning trailer fire at Gold Rush Estates claimed the life of a 2-year-old girl Monday. An adult man and woman were able to escape the blaze without injury, according to Alaska State Troopers. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaks to reporters as she walks into the office of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky. for a meeting with Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Let us know what you're seeing and hearing around the community. Submit here This file image released by Netflix shows Sandra Bullock in a scene from the film, "Bird Box." Netflix lifted the usually tightly sealed lid on its viewership numbers in a recent tweet that disclosed 45 million subscriber accounts had watched the thriller, Bird Box, during its first seven days on the service. That made the film the biggest first-week success of any movie made so far for Netflixs 12-year-old streaming service. (Merrick Morton/Netflix via AP) Click here to get the full weekly calendar of events or subscribe to our weekly email newsletter. Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by subscribing or contributing today. (Newser) President Donald Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, will testify publicly before Congress next month, the AP reports. Cohen's testimony before the House Oversight and Reform Committee will be the first major public hearing for Democrats, who have promised greater scrutiny of Trump. Cohen is a pivotal figure in investigations by special counsel Robert Mueller into potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign, and by federal prosecutors in New York into campaign finance violations related to hush-money payments to two women who say they had sex with Trump. Trump has denied it. Cohen has pleaded guilty in both investigations and was sentenced last month to three years in prison. story continues below Cohen, Trump's former longtime legal fixer, said Thursday in a statement that he looks forward to having a platform to give a "full and credible account of the events which have transpired." He says he accepted an invitation from a top House Democrat to testify. (Cohen says he didn't visit Prague. Phone pings disagree.) (Newser) A commercial crabbing boat capsized in rough waters off the Oregon coast this week, killing the three men aboard and sending a shock wave through a seafaring community already struggling from a monthlong delay to the annual crabbing season. The Coast Guard said the vessel, the Mary B. II, overturned about 10pm Tuesday as it crossed Yaquina Bay bar in Newport, Oregon, the AP reports. The bara coastal area where a river meets the sea, causing forces that can create hazardous currents and swellsis one of the most notorious off the Oregon coast, and authorities said crews faced 12- to 14-foot waves as they tried to rescue the fishermen. The men had called for an escort across the bar and a responding Coast Guard boat was nearby when the crabbing boat capsized "without warning," the Coast Guard said. story continues below James Lacey, 48, of New Jersey, was pulled from the ocean by helicopter and flown to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The body of Joshua Porter, 50, of Oregon, washed up on a beach early Wednesday. The body of the boat's skipper, Stephen Biernacki, 50, also of New Jersey, was found on the hull of the boat after it, too, washed up on a jetty. The tragedy was nothing new for Newport, where more than 100 local fishermen have been lost at sea over the past century, but those in the industry said the loss hit particularly hard this year because of a season delayed first by small crab size and then by storms. The Yaquina Bay bar is so treacherous that the dangers of crossing it with a fully loaded crab boat were the premise of a spin-off of the Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch. (Elsewhere, these veteran crabbers were gone like "dust in the wind.") (Newser) The White House probably won't be happy with an old clip of Donald Trump unearthed by Trevor Noah's Daily Show, one that shows him giving inspirational advice about conquering walls. The 2004 video clip (watch it here) shows Trump giving a commencement address at Staten Island's Wagner College, notes Slate. Trump implores graduates to "never, ever give up," then talks about a metaphorical wall. "If theres a concrete wall in front of you, go through it. Go over it. Go around it. But get to the other side of that wall." (Trump, more bullish on walls these days, visits the US-Mexico border on Thursday.) (Newser) The website for Fort Worth's Stedfast Baptist Church describes it as an "old-fashioned" institution that goes in "hard against sin" and "stands for the old paths and zero compromise preaching." Its notorious founder, however, who railed against the Pulse nightclub victims as "perverts" and "scum of the Earth," apparently made some compromises, and he's now stepping down as pastor of the church. The New York Times reports Donnie Romero resigned his post last week after reportedly paying prostitutes for sex, using drugs, and gambling. "I haven't been ruling my house well. I've been a terrible husband and father," Romero told congregants on Jan. 2 during a brief speech at the podium, which was captured on video. story continues below Another pastor who led that meeting, Steven L. Anderson, put up his own video that elaborated on Romero's "major sins." "Basically, the major sin involved was being with prostitutes, and then there were also marijuana and gambling that were also discovered," he noted. Anderson founded Arizona's Faithful Word Baptist Church, which is tied to Stedfast and more than two dozen other independent Baptist churches around the country. Anderson himself prayed in 2009 for President Obama's death of "natural causes." Stedfast, which the Southern Poverty Law Center has classified as an anti-LGBT hate group, now has a new pastor: Jonathan Shelley, who NBC News notes also "strongly condemns homosexuality." (Read more Pulse Orlando shooting stories.) (Newser) One of the most famous skyscrapers in the world is up for sale. The Chrysler Building of New York City, which briefly held the title as the tallest building in the world, is on the market, reports the Wall Street Journal. The building is currently owned by a government fund out of Abu Dhabi, which paid $800 million for a 90% stake in 2008, along with developer Tishman Speyer. The building went up in 1930 and earned the world's-tallest title thanks to some last-minute subterfuge: Its builders tacked on a secret 185-foot-high spire to edge out the Bank of Manhattan, which was going up around the same time. Both buildings, however, were eclipsed by the Empire State Building the following year. story continues below That the building has such a long history also works against it, notes the Journal. Pushing 90, it doesn't have modern amenities such as massive windows now in high demand by businesses. Plus, maintenance is especially costly given its old bones. Still, there might be a billionaire who comes along and says, I want to tell the world I own the Chrysler Building, says one real estate exec. These days, the 77-story building doesn't even rank in the top 5 tallest buildings of New York City, notes CNN. It comes in No. 6 on that score. But the building's prestige endures, and anyone who has seen movies such as Spider-Man, Armageddon, and Independence Day would be familiar with its art deco style. (Read more Chrysler Building stories.) (Newser) Green Book racked up big wins at the Golden Globes on Sunday, including a best picture honor, but it's now making headlines for different reasons. USA Today reports the film had a "bad day" Wednesday, and the Cut reveals one issue: director Peter Farrelly used to "flash his penis as a joke." The site unearthed stories of what it calls "egregious sexual misconduct" in 1998 articles in Newsweek and the Observer, in which Farrelly admits he showed his privates "easily 500 times" as a joke. One notable quote from actress Cameron Diaz from Newsweek: "When a director shows you his penis the first time you meet him, you've got to recognize the creative genius." Farrelly doesn't deny the supposed prank, telling the Cut via his rep he was an "idiot" back then and "the truth is I'm embarrassed and it makes me cringe now. I'm deeply sorry." story continues below More negative press involves co-writer Nick Vallelonga, also the son of the character played by Viggo Mortensen. Vallelonga has axed his Twitter account after a 2015 tweet bubbled up showing his support for Donald Trump's debunked claim of Muslims celebrating on 9/11. "100% correct," Vallelonga wrote in the now-vanished tweet (Deadline has a screenshot). "Muslims in Jersey City cheering when towers went down. I saw it, as you did, possibly on local CBS news." Vallelonga's manager confirms to BuzzFeed his client tweeted that. La La Land producer Jordan Horowitz called the post "disgusting," pointing out Green Book star Mahershala Ali is Muslim. Meanwhile, Variety reports on a third maelstrom around the film: backlash from the family of Don Shirley, the character portrayed by Ali, who won a Golden Globe for the role. Shirley's family has called the movie a "symphony of lies." (Read more Peter Farrelly stories.) (Newser) An appellate court has upheld the conviction and 20-year sentence of a white former South Carolina policeman for the shooting death of an unarmed black motorist who was running from a traffic stop. The 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals made that determination Tuesday in the case of Michael Slager, writing that a judge "committed no reversible error" in sentencing Slager in 2017, the AP reports. Attorneys for the former North Charleston police officer said they planned to ask the court to reconsider. US District Judge David Norton sentenced Slager after the ex-officer pleaded guilty to a civil rights violation in the 2015 shooting death of Walter Scott, who ran from Slager after a traffic stop. story continues below Slager is one of only a few police officers to go to prison for a fatal shooting, and his sentence was the stiffest since the shootings came under scrutiny in recent years. The case became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement. As part of a plea agreement when Slager pleaded guilty in federal court to violating Scott's civil rights, prosecutors agreed to drop state murder charges that still lingered after a first state proceeding ended in a mistrial when a jury couldn't agree whether he had committed a crime. Kristen Clarke, president of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said Tuesday that while the decision won't bring Scott back, "it provides some small measure of justice for communities and families that are too often impacted by the tragic and fatal shootings of unarmed African Americans." (Read more Michael Slager stories.) (Newser) China's ambassador to Canada accused the country Wednesday of "white supremacy" in calling for the release of two Canadians detained in China last month, while describing the detentions as an "act of self-defense," the AP reports. The arrests were in apparent retaliation for the arrest of a top Chinese tech executive in Canada. But Ambassador Lu Shaye charges in an op-ed in the Ottawa-based Hill Times that Western countries are employing a "double standard" in demanding the immediate release of the Canadians. "The reason why some people are used to arrogantly adopting double standards is due to Western egotism and white supremacy," Lu writes. story continues below "What they have been doing is not showing respect for the rule of law, but mocking and trampling the rule of law." China detained Canadian ex-diplomat Michael Kovrig and entrepreneur Michael Spavor on Dec. 10 on vague allegations of "engaging in activities that endanger the national security" of China. In the op-ed, Lu seemed to admit detaining the Canadians was in retaliation for the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, something China has previously denied. Roland Paris, a former foreign policy adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, called Lu's claims "hogwash." "I don't know what the ambassador was trying to accomplish but his article won't help China's cause. The reference to white supremacy was bizarre and unfortunate," Paris said. (Read more Meng Wanzhou stories.) (Newser) A Brazilian celebrity faith healer facing rape and sexual abuse allegations from hundreds of women will face triala development that might serve to bolster the #MeToo movement in the country. A judge in Abadianiathe site of Joao Teixeira de Faria's spiritual center, where he claims to have performed miraculous surgeries without anesthesia or a medical licenseon Wednesday accepted rape and sexual abuse charges brought against the 76-year-old by four women, paving the way for a trial date to be set, per the Guardian. Featured on Oprah's Next Chapter in 2013, Faria, also known as "John of God," denies the allegations by a Dutch choreographer who sought treatment from him for trauma tied to a prior sexual assault, as well as three anonymous women. Many more, including Faria's own daughter, claim to have suffered at his hands. story continues below Per Reuters, four American women, three from Australia, and three from across Europe are among the accusers. "Even the (skeptical), like me, can be lulled into credulity by the John of God machine," Lancaster University lecturer Laura Premack writes at the Conversation, recalling her own meeting with Faria. "I watched him scrape a man's eyeball with a scalpel and I fainted." Had she not, Premack says she would've accepted a request for a private consultation because "what's the worst that could happen?" It was during such consultations at Faria's center, said to receive 10,000 visitors a month, that the healer is alleged to have abused more than 300 women beginning in the 1980s. He remains imprisoned following his arrest last month. "We're calm and believe justice will be served," his lawyer says, per the Guardian. (Much more on Faria here.) (Newser) A debate is raging in Canada over how best to put injured animals out of their misery following video footage of an Alberta police officer repeatedly running over a "shrieking" deer. It took nearly 15 minutes for the young animal to die Saturday in Lethbridge, where it had been hit by a car, reports Global News. "I watch a lot of animal cruelty videos, unfortunately for my job, and this is among the worst that I've ever seen," an animal rights lawyer tells the CBC. Camille Labchuk says it's a crime to cause an animal "horrific pain and suffering," as was witnessed in this case. "You can hear the deer shrieking and screaming and crying out," she says. Officers are more often known to end an injured animal's life using a firearm, while a wildlife expert tells Global News that a "quick kill" is also done by cutting an animal's carotid and jugular arteries. story continues below A police rep refused to comment, citing an investigation by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team. The cellphone video as well as the events leading up to the start of filming will be reviewed in the agency's first animal-related investigation, which comes amid "considerable public interest." ASIRT says calls have flooded government agencies, including Alberta's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Fish and Wildlife department, causing "strain on both the resources of these agencies and their staff, who very much care about the treatment of animals." Per the CBC, there are also reports of death threats against the officer, while more than 29,000 have now signed a petition demanding he be fired. Protesters plan to gather outside police headquarters on Sunday. (This train should deter deer.) (Newser) Drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman was so paranoid that he installed spyware on the phones of his wife and mistress, along with those of dozens of associates. He wasn't paranoid enough, however, to realize that the FBI had flipped his IT guy. The New York Times reports that jurors in Guzman's federal trial in Brooklyn saw many pages of Guzman's messages Wednesday, in which he discussed business and more personal matters with the women in his life. "Our Kiki is fearless, he wrote to wife Emma Coronel of one of their twin baby daughters. "I'm going to give her an AK-47 so she can hang with me." story continues below In messages from when Guzman was on the run in 2012, he described his escape from authorities to his wife and told her he needed items including dye for his mustache. Coronel was present in court Wednesday but did not react when the messages were displayed, reports the AP. In messages to mistress Agustina Cabanillas Acosta, Guzman asked how drug sales were going, Fox reports. She later told a friend: "He wants a security system at the construction site ... He wants to spy on me. Guess what, Im smarter than him." Christian Rodriguez, Guzman's IT expert, testified that the cartel kingpin had spyware installed on more than 50 phones and was fond of calling associates, then using the software afterward to find out what they said about him to others. (A key member of Guzman's Sinaloa cartel testified against him last week.) (Newser) The government shutdown has put America's food supply at risk despite the best efforts of the Food and Drug Administration, experts warn. The agency has had to suspend routine testing of most domestic food production facilities, though inspections of imports are continuing. Inspectors working without pay are continuing to inspect meat and poultry facilities. Under normal circumstances, the FDA inspects around 160 US food production facilities a week, many of them deemed high-risk. "Theres no question of whether it's business as usual at FDA," FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb told NBC News. "Its not business as usual, and we are not doing all the things we would do under normal circumstances. There are important things we are not doing." story continues below The FDA, which oversees around 80% of the US food supply, has had to furlough the 41% of workers who are in jobs not supported by user fees. Sarah Sorscher of the Center for Science in the Public Interest advocacy group tells the Washington Post that cutting back on inspections "puts our food supply at risk." "Regular inspections, which help stop foodborne illness before people get sick, are vital," she says. Gottlieb says he is working on a plan to bring back around 150 furloughed inspectors to deal with inspections of high-risk facilities, including those dealing with seafood and soft cheeses, though he is trying to make sure he is not "imposing undue hardship," the New York Times reports. (President Trump abruptly walked out of a meeting on ending the shutdown Wednesday.) (Newser) More than a year after taking a leave of absence from his role as creative chief at Pixar and Disney due to missteps that made employees there feeling disrespected and uncomfortable, John Lasseter has a new gig overseeing Skydance Animation. He will start this month, per the Hollywood Reporter. Lasseter, who co-founded Pixar, left the studio in November 2017 and later announced he would retire at the end of 2018. In a statement, Skydance Media CEO David Ellison lauded Lasseter as a singular creative and executive talent whose impact on the animation industry cannot be overstated. But not everyone is celebrating. In a statement, the Times Up organization says hiring Lasseter endorses and perpetuates a broken system that allows men to act without consequence. story continues below Female employees at Pixar and Disney claimed Lasseter subjected them to unwanted physical contact, which was then covered up by executives, Vulture reports under the headline, And just like that, disgraced Pixar exec John Lasseter has a new job. In an internal memo, per THR, Ellison says that the accusations were thoroughly investigated and John has acknowledged and apologized for his mistakes and, during the past year away from the workplace, has endeavored to address and reform them. In a statement of his own, Lasseter says he wants to return to my creative and entrepreneurial roots on a foundation of quality, safety, trust, and mutual respect. (Read more John Lasseter stories.) (Newser) The expressed purpose of the India Science Congress Association is to advance and promote the cause of science in India. But some of the information shared at the organizations 106th annual meeting this month may be at odds with that goal. One speaker at the event, for example, claimed Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton were full of it, NPR reports. Newton and Einstein did not understand space and physics the way I do, Kannan Jegathala Krishnan told scientists and school children in attendance at one talk, per the New York Post. Krishnan, who also disparaged Stephen Hawking, tells the Indian Express that the fact that he has a PhD in renewal energy systems, rather than physics, does not contradict his claim that I am a better physicist than any of them, arguing, Why do you need a degree for knowledge? story continues below Another speaker, Gollapalli Nageswara Rao, a university administrator, tried to link scientific breakthroughs of the modern age with Hindu mythology, per the Independent. He said that the story of a woman who birthed 100 kids is evidence that, thousands of years ago, ancient Indians had stem cell technology. Rao also said, per NPR, that the 10-headed demon god Ravana had a fleet of aircraft. Another scientist, Ashu Khosla, said the god Brahma created dinosaurs. The embarrassed science association was quick to distance itself from the controversial claims, Al Jazeera reports, with the organizations general secretary saying, We dont subscribe to their views. And Indias scientific community has largely condemned the comments. (Read more science stories.) (Newser) In August 2010, Abby Ellin and her fiance moved into a one-bedroom rental at the Watergate in Washington, DC. It's a location infamous for being "ground zero for deception," and it's an almost poetic detail in Ellin's story of falling for a con man. Ellin is a journalist who allowed herself to suspend her disbelief upon falling in loveand she had to suspend a lot of it. Marie Claire published an excerpt from her upcoming book, Duped: Double Lives, False Identities, and the Con Man I Almost Married, and in it, she charts a course of highs, lows, and questions. She met the man who would become her fiance (she refers to him as "the Commander") via phone in 2006, when she interviewed the West Coast doctor while working on an article. They remained in touch and began to date in February 2010, when he was working at the Pentagon. story continues below He presented himselfover a fancy first date at NYC's Four Seasons Restaurantas a divorced dad of two who was a former Navy SEAL and still did undercover operations with the CIA. He claimed he met his ex-wife while rescuing her from a hostage situation in Iran in 1990. He said he worked as the medical director at Guantanamo one summer and implied he had treated Osama bin Laden. If it sounds unbelievable, it did to Ellin, too, but the top-secret nature of it all posed a problem: She couldn't fact-check it. "And maybe there was something to it," she writes. "Someone has to do these jobs in real life, dont they? Isnt that what weve learned from Homeland and Zero Dark Thirty?" He showered her with attention, flowers, jewelry, love notes, and, soon, an engagement ring. Read the full excerpt to find out what led her to end itand the lies that unraveled afterward. (Read more Longform stories.) Despite the continued economic hardships, Harare residents will not be compelled to pay their water bills solely in United States dollars. In an interview with the Daily News, Harare City Council Town Clerk Hosea Chisango said residents would still pay through the normal channels and local currency. The country has been experiencing one of its most crippling economic crises since 2008 with constant shortages of cash and fuel while prices of basic commodities are skyrocketing. Our bills will remain in the currency that we are using. Those who bring US dollars are most welcome and we have since opened a Foreign Currency Account (FCA) as requested by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and ministry of Finance. No one has yet paid in foreign currency so the bond account is the only one that is working, Chisango said. He said in terms of water treatment chemicals, they have varying stocks from 90 and 45 days for those imported to 14 days for the local stock. Chisango emphasised that they no longer kept huge amounts of stocks as they did not want all their capital to be stuck in chemicals. Requests for foreign currency are dealt with directly with the supplier. The supplier invoices the RBZ and it pays them directly. But it is not released in a single day, it is when they want it. In October, we had some delays in the release of the money and our chemical stocks went low but that was only temporary. As long as we are getting chemicals to the plant, we are good, Chisango said. Since the announcement of stringent tax regimes by Finance minister Mthuli Ncube, Zimbabwe went into panic mode with shortages and price hikes setting in. When Ncube presented the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, he said Zimbabweans should brace themselves for trying times as government addresses the economic challenges bedevilling the country. President Emmerson Mnangagwa further emphasised that for a viable and solid economy, his administration was going to take painful measures. Daily News Junior doctors who had embarked on a 40-day strike since December have officially called it off. They started returning to work on Monday following an agreement they reached with the Government on Saturday. In a statement yesterday, the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) announced that all doctors were back at their work stations. ZHDA is delighted to inform the membership, members of the press and public that the industrial action by doctors in Government hospitals has come to an end. It has been 40 straight days since doctors embarked on an industrial action citing various grievances that were and are crippling health service delivery in public institutions, said the association. It said the industrial action was meant to remind and send a clear message to relevant authorities that the health sector in the country needs urgent interventions. It is therefore important to appreciate that, the MOHCC (Ministry of Health and Child Care) has made commitments with its employees to address these crippling factors and we can only hope that these commitments would be implemented in all honesty at the correct time frame and as agreed, for the benefit of our patients and the country as a whole, said the ZHDA. The doctors said there is a need for consistent and continuous engagement between doctors and the Health Ministry to avoid unnecessary interruption of services. The MOHCC has committed in writing that it will consistently improve supply of medicines, medical and surgical sundries in public health facilities. It was further agreed that there is going to be unfreezing of critical posts for doctors across Central, Provincial and District Hospitals. We hope these promises will be fulfilled with urgency, as it has been the culture of the Health Service Board to go back on agreements before, the doctors association said. We also continue to negotiate on outstanding issues like remuneration and working hours and we hope we find common ground soon. We believe that, if these crucial commitments are implemented, it will go a long way in alleviating the challenges our members encounter when discharging life saving services in government hospitals. Industrial action by doctors should not be the only language that brings about improvement in drug supply and conditions of service. The doctors said it is important to have dialogue, transparency, honesty and accountability to improve the health sector. Sadly, with no salary review and frozen December salaries in this rough and ravaging economic environment, it remains a dilemma how our members will report to work daily. Indeed, poor remuneration and the current fuel shortage remain a threat that may spontaneously hinder our members from reporting to work daily and discharging quality health services to patients. That being said, our members have begrudgingly resumed work with effect from today, as dialogue continues, said the ZHDA. The doctors reaffirmed their determination and commitment to unite and work towards a healthy and prosperous Zimbabwe. We wish to do so, through advocating for efficient and effective health delivery system and improvement in conditions of service for doctors, reads the doctors statement. The Ministry of Health has said disciplinary hearings for junior doctors who participated in the industrial action will proceed as scheduled and will be conducted in a fair and transparent manner. Health and Child Care Secretary Dr Gerald Gwinji urged the doctors who were returning to work to subject themselves to due process. He said information being peddled that all who presented themselves for the hearings faced summary dismissal was inaccurate and misleading Herald France and Belgium are challenging the outcome of DR Congo's presidential election, with France's foreign minister saying the declared victory of opposition chief Felix Tshisekedi was "not consistent" with the results and that his rival Martin Fayulu appeared to have won. In remarks made just hours after the provisional results were announced on Thursday, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Tshisekedi's opposition rival Fayulu, who was declared the runner up, should have been declared the winner. "It really seems that the declared results ... are not consistent with the true results," he told France's CNews channel. "On the face of it, Mr Fayulu was the leader coming out of these elections." He said DR Congo's powerful Catholic Church, which deployed more than 40,000 observers to monitor the elections, knew who had really won the vote with their observations suggesting a win for Fayulu. "CENCO (National Episcopal Conference of the Congo) carried out an inspection and declared a result which was totally different," he said, referring to the body representing the country's Catholic bishops. Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders also cast doubt on the election result, saying his country would use its temporary seat on the UN Security Council to seek clarification about Tshisekedi surprise victory. "We have some doubts that we need to check and which will be debated in the coming days in the Security Council," Reynders, whose country was Congo's former colonial power, told Belgian public broadcaster RTBF. Democratic Republic of Congo's electoral commission on Thursday declared opposition leader Tshisekedi the winner of last month's chaotic presidential election, but the runner-up dismissed the outcome as an "electoral coup". Last week, CENCO said it knew the outcome of the contested December 30 vote and urged the electoral commission to publish the results "in keeping with truth and justice". Although it did not name the winner, its announcement drew a sharp rebuke from the ruling coalition. The provisional results were announced earlier on Thursday, putting Tshisekedi on course to take over as president, replacing Joseph Kabila who ruled the nation for nearly 18 years. In a country which has never known a peaceful handover of power since gaining independence from Belgium in 1960, Le Drian called for calm. "It is crucial to keep calm, to avoid confrontations and to ensure there is clarity about the results which are the opposite of what we expected, of what was projected," he added. Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, the hand-picked candidate of long-time President Joseph Kabila was third with about 4.4 million votes. Barnabe Kikaya Bin Karubi, one of Kabila's top advisors, accepted the loss of the ruling party's preferred candidate. "Of course we are not happy as our candidate lost, but the Congolese people have chosen and democracy has triumphed," Kikaya told Reuters news agency shortly after Tshisekedi was declared the winner. The announcement of Tshisekedi victory came hours after the riot police were deployed at the commission's headquarters in Kinshasa amid fears of violence due to the disputed result. Election observers reported a number of irregularities during the vote and the opposition alleged it was marred by fraud. Zimbabwe is looking at conducting 10 diamond auctions this year, as it seeks to generate more revenue from the gems, the countrys minerals marketing agency has said. The targeted auctions are double what the Minerals and Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe held last year, the State-owned entity charged with marketing all countrys minerals except gold and silver, said yesterday. The MMCZ can confirm that 10 diamond auctions have been proposed and the dates are to be finalised with the Zimbabwe Consolidate Mining Company, said MMCZ. Last year, the MMCZ conducted five auctions, which attracted buyers from the Middle East, Europe and Africa. It is envisaged that more auctions will enable Zimbabwe to sale its 3,2 million carats stockpile. The country, which has not realised expected earnings from the diamonds since it formalised diamond mining activities in Chiadzwa, is looking at ramping up output after it approved the new national diamond policy late last year. The Zimbabwe National Diamond Policy is expected to strengthen regulatory activities in the diamond mining sector and ensure accountability, and improve processing and selling of the precious mineral. The policy will see only ZCDC, Murowa Diamonds and two other companies to be approved by Government undertaking diamond exploration and mining in the country. So far, Murowa Diamonds, formerly majority-owned by Rio Tinto plc until June 2015, is the only private company still exploiting diamonds in south central Zimbabwe. According to media reports, citing Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando, De Beers and Vast Resources will be allowed to explore for diamonds in Zimbabwe, which would make them the first listed companies to mine there in that sector for two years. Vast Resources, the London-listed company in May last year said it had concluded an agreement with Red Mercury, a vehicle owned by Marange-Zimunya Community Share Ownership Trust that will see it exploiting diamonds in Chiadzwa area believed to have great potential for new discoveries of alluvial and conglomerate. The ZCDC is mainly extracting conglomerate diamonds in Chiadzwa in eastern Zimbabwe while exploration for kimberlite diamonds in Mwenezi has also started. The exploration works include gravity and ground magnetic geophysics. The geophysics method done on some kimberlite pipes in Mwenezi have successfully delineated the kimberlite pipes and dykes ore body outlines. According to the ZCDC, pitting and trenching is in progress for geological mapping to further increase the confidence levels on the ore body outline. Kimberlites are geological formation of igneous rock in which diamonds are sometimes found. Zimbabwe has more than 130 known kimberlite pipes and dykes, which occur in clusters. The Mwenezi cluster is believed to host the bulk of the kimberlite pipes and dykes of varying sizes. Under the new diamond policy, the Government through ZCDC will hold 46 percent and the local community trusts will be the 5 percent indigenous partners of any foreign investor who intends to undertake diamond mining activities in Zimbabwe. Government may waive that local ownership threshold subject to satisfactory submissions and due diligence for the waiver. All rough diamonds produced from all diamond mining operations shall be submitted to the Diamond Value Management Centre to be established by the ZCDC for cleaning, sorting and valuation save for Murowa Diamonds.Herald What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 574-583-5121 or email cgrace@thehj.com. One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021 Reporter/Columnist Julie Wurth is a reporter covering the University of Illinois at The News-Gazette. Her email is jwurth@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@jawurth). Reporter Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. In June 2017, Dr Rasha Kelej was appointed CEO of Merck Foundation, whose work focuses on developing countries and underserved communities to improve health and wellbeing through science and technology. Dr Kelej spoke about ongoing endeavours to improve health sectors across the African continent. How did you rise to CEO of Merck Foundation? After graduating from Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, I worked as a marketing manager at a multinational pharmaceutical companie in Dubai until 2012. Then I obtained my Masters degree in corporate social responsibility. At that time I met with the chairman of Merck Pharmaceuticals to discuss focusing on providing solutions to countries in Africa. I presented a comprehensive study on developing the health sectors in many African countries through training for medical staff in those societies. He immediately adopted the idea and after the success of its pilot projects, a foundation was established in 2015 with a dedicated fund and I was appointed its CEO. What are the main goals of the foundation? It aims at developing health sectors in underserved African communities, by training staff in certain fields, mainly non-contagious diseases such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes and reproductive health. We take a special interest as well in research to find new treatments for such diseases. The foundation aims also to empower women and youth by providing grants and scholarships, and we try to eradicate stigma associated with infertility which is associated with 25 percent of women in Africa. We already started training African doctors in more than 35 countries and employing them in Egypt and India since 2017. What kind of assistance does the foundation provide to African countries? No financial assistance is provided, but rather training of medical staff to reach maximum efficiency in their profession. We focus on human development, which is unfortunately underserved in many countries in the continent. On what grounds are these doctors selected? We coordinate with ministries of health in each country in the selection process. Each doctor has to be above 40 years old, passionate about learning and willing to sign a contract with a commitment to serve his community after accomplishing his training. How countries are a priority, and what about Egypt in that regard? Priorities are countries that have no doctors in certain specialties, like cancer and infertility, such as Gambia and Liberia. As for Egypt, we made an agreement with the ministry of health for Egypt to partner as a training centre for doctors. At the National Cancer Institute, doctors from Ghana, Rwanda, Liberia and Namibia received training. And we provided training in India for 60 African doctors as well. And why not conduct such training in developed countries, like the US and Canada? Developed countries have equipment that other countries could lack, so it is better that trainees train in similar circumstances they will find in their homelands. Also, African doctors are registered as staff in Egypt and thus can practice, but in other countries in Europe, for instance, they can only observe. What about projects related to reproductive health? To eradicate the stigma associated with infertilities in some societies, we launched the campaign "More than a mother" in 2015, which was backed by many first ladies in Africa. The campaign gained more momentum and support after the amputation of limbs of a woman from Kenya named Jackeline Mwende because of infertility. We work on finding treatment and training doctors in that field, as well as collaborating with governments to set regulations that are usually absent regarding adoption. Through art and media we try as well to change misconceptions about the issue and eradicate stigma. How did you manage to get 15 African first ladies on board in that campaign? The beginning was the Republic of Central Africa, where the first lady cooperated in that regard. After this initial success, other countries picked up the momentum and now 15 first ladies are ambassadors representing their countries in the endeavour. Tell us about the first lady of Sierra Leone taking a role in the movie the foundation is making about the tragedy of Jackeline Mwende? First Lady of Sierra Leone Fatima Bio is an outstanding award receiving actress, and she also held the title of Miss Africa in the past. When we presented last November the idea of producing a short movie telling the story of Mwende, she volunteered to play her role on the screen. Short link: By PTI ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani court on Thursday fixed January 21 as the date for hearing of a petition filed by jailed former premier Nawaz Sharif seeking suspension of his sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case. The Islamabad High Court also set up a two-member bench comprising Justices Amir Farooq and Mohsin Akhtar Kiani to hear the appeal. The bench will also hear Sharif's petition for suspension of his sentence. On December 24, 2018, an accountability court sentenced 69-year-old Sharif to seven years in prison along with a fine of Rs 1.5 billion and USD 25 million in the Al-Azizia corruption case, concluding a series of three court cases against the Sharif family in the high-profile Panama Papers scandal. The three-time former premier is serving his term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail. Sharif filed an appeal against his conviction in the Islamabad High Court and also filed a separate petition seeking suspension of the sentence until adjudication of his appeal. Later, he filed an application for early scheduling of his appeal, which was accepted and set for hearing on January 21. Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were filed against the Sharif family by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on September 8, 2017, following a judgment by the Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif in the Panama Papers case. In July, 2018 Sharif, his daughter Maryam and his son-in-law Captain (retd) M Safdar were sentenced to 10 years, seven years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices. However, the three were bailed out by the Islamabad High Court in September. Sharif was acquitted in the Flagship case due to insufficient evidence. He has maintained that the cases against him were initiated on the basis of allegations levelled by his political rivals and the report of a joint investigation team in the Panama Papers case was biased. The National Accountability Bureau has also filed two appeals in the Islamabad High Court against Sharif. The first appeal sought an extension in Sharif's sentence from seven to 14 years in the Al-Azizia case, while the second challenged his acquittal in the Flagship Investment case. So far the court has not fixed any date for hearing of NAB appeals. By IANS WASHINGTON: Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna has asked President Donald Trump to end the ongoing government shutdown and denounced his plans to declare a national emergency to build a border wall. As the partial government shutdown entered 19th day on Wednesday, making it the second-longest in the US history, the California Democrat, in a series of tweets, talked about the implications of the shutdown and how it is affecting Americans, reports The American Bazaar. Trump may want to declare a national emergency to sidestep Congress and build a border wall. The real national emergency is that young Americans are drowning in student debt, families are forced into bankruptcy due to health costs & millions of our citizens are left behind. Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) January 9, 2019 The Congressman, who has been very vocal about his views on building the wall on the US-Mexico border, had described in December that issue was a manufactured crisis and said it was a "15th-century concept". "Not only did Trump leave hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay for the holidays due to the shutdown, but he's also frozen their 2019 pay increase. Can someone please tell me how this will grow the economy?... End this shutdown now," he said in another tweet on Wednesday. In a CNN interview also on Wednesday, Indian-American Senator Kamala Harris criticised Trump and called the shutdown a "crisis of the President's own making". She spoke about how her heritage as the daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica has shaped her outlook on the plight of immigrants under the policies of the Trump administration. Khanna and Harris' remarks comes a day after Trump in a primetime address to the nation appealed to the American people to pressure legislators to fund the border wall he wants and end the government shutdown. By AFP NEW YORK: Prosecutors trying Joaquin "Chapo" Guzman opened an extraordinary window on Wednesday into the intimate life of the Mexican drug lord as he plotted crime deals with his wife and a lover while doting on his twin daughters. Jealous and paranoid, Guzman spied on both his beauty queen wife, Emma Coronel, and the lover, Agustina Cabanillas Acosta, using a surveillance system installed in the encrypted Blackberries he gave them. The FBI, it turns out, also had access to his communications, after recruiting the computer expert who installed the FlexiSpy surveillance system. Read out in court, text messages between Guzman and the two women recorded them discussing major cocaine shipments but also more mundane things, like the kids. "Our Kiki is fearless," Chapo jokes to his wife in one message in January 2012, referring to one of their twin daughters, Maria Joaquina, now seven. "I'm going to give her an AK-47 so she can hang with me." The 29-year-old Coronel, who married Guzman while still an adolescent, was in court as the messages were read out. She listened with a serious expression, avoiding eye contact with anyone but her 61-year-old husband, who waved to her several times during the proceedings. Little queens and the Wild Beast Chapo's nickname for his wife was "Reinita Coronel," or "RC" and the girls were "reinitas," or little queens in Spanish. The couple discuss the children, a $12,000 watch he gave her that she wanted to return, and a drug shipment across the border that Coronel's father is involved in. She also asks him for money for plastic surgery. Guzman, whose trial began two months ago, faces life in prison if convicted of smuggling 155 tonnes of drugs into the United States as the head of the Sinaloa cartel. He was extradited to the United States nearly two years ago after twice escaping from prison in Mexico. While on the run, he was nearly captured in Los Cabos, a Mexican resort town, on February 22, 2012, escaping minutes ahead of the police. The same day he sent a text to Emma, asking her to quickly send him two pair of black shoes, jeans, shampoo - and "black ink for the moustache." Although Guzman escaped, three others were captured, including Cabanillas, his lover and partner in crime who was known as "Fiera," Spanish for Wild Beast. The text messages read out in court suggest she was particularly close to him. They discuss the formation of two companies -- a chemical fertilizer business in German and citrus firm in Ecuador -- with the aim of exporting drugs to "Europe, Canada, Australia and also the United States." In another exchange, they talk about buying between 630 and 700 tonnes of cocaine in Belize. They address each other as "Love" in the texts. The evidence shows she had liposuction performed at his expense. "I adore you," Guzman tells her. "You are the most important person to me." But in a text to a friend, Cabanillas dismisses Guzman as an "idiot." "I don't trust these BlackBerries, the ones he gives me over here, because the b*****d can locate me." By AFP PATTANI: Four Thai civil defence volunteers were gunned down Thursday at a school in the kingdom's south with students just metres away, as bloodshed greets the 15th year of an insurgency in the Malay-Muslim border zone. The culturally distinct region that borders Malaysia has seen rebels fight against the rule of Buddhist-majority Thailand, which annexed the area over a hundred years ago. Since 2004, armed insurgents have clashed with Thailand's powerful military, killing nearly 7,000 people -- mostly civilians -- both Muslims and Buddhists. The death toll dropped to a record low last year as Thailand's junta tightened its security web in the south. But recent weeks have seen an uptick in violence, as rebels show they remain able to carry out operations after 15 years of conflict. ALSO READ | Why 2018 was the worst year for school shootings in the US The men killed on Thursday were all Muslim and were guarding a school in Yarang district of Pattani province when the gunmen struck. An AFP photographer at the scene saw uniformed bodies on a blood-splattered floor in the school compound. "They were shot dead at the scene," Lieutenant Wicha Nupannoi, of Yarang police station told AFP, adding the killers were suspected insurgents. "The assailants seized their four rifles," he said, adding there were no eyewitnesses to the attack, which took place before lunch. Civil defence "volunteers" are poorly paid local civilians -- both Muslim and Buddhist -- who are lightly-trained, armed and paid by the Thai state to supplement security forces who have blanketed the southernmost provinces throughout the rebellion. The 15-year insurgency has seen scores of teachers killed, slain for their perceived collaboration with the Thai state, and led to the deployment of armed guards at schools. In a rare public statement dated January 4 the main rebel group -- the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) -- which has command and control over most of the rebel foot soldiers, swore to "keep fighting". "Siam (Thailand) can't hold out," the BRN wrote, signing off with a warning: "Do not help and support Siam." Prolonged peace talks between the Thai government and an umbrella group which claims to represent the rebels have failed to yield peace. But Thai authoritie, as well as the Malaysian facilitator of the talks,s have recently expressed confidence they will reach a detente soon. By Express News Service Banking services were affected across Malkangiri district on the second day of two-day general strike. All the private and public sector banks remained closed. Besides, there was no cash in the ATMs. Shops and business establishments were open and a few buses were seen plying in Malkangiri and the State Highway between Malkangiri and Jeypore. In Koraput too, markets remained open and vehicular traffic was normal. However, bus services were affected. The bandh unions evoked mixed response in Berhampur. In Keonjhar district, the nationwide strike threw life out of gear, particulary in mining areas.All government offices, business establishments, educational institutions and banks remained closed. Similarly, the strike affected coal mining operations in Angul. Unnikrishnan S By Express News Service KOLLAM: Alappad Village, once spread over 89 sqkm between the TS Canal and Arabian Sea, has dwindled to just 7.6 sqkm in 60 years primarily due to mining, but as it continues unabated, the local people fear they would lose their last piece of land soon. The residents of Alappad, located 10 km north of Kollam, assemble at a makeshift protest venue near the village office every day to carry out a relay hunger strike started by Karimanal Khananavirudha Janakeeya Samarasamithi on November 1 last year against mining. As it passed 71 days on Thursday, the protest has received attention on social media, with many organisations and prominent personalities extending support. Our land is going to disappear if we dont stop mining at the earliest. Well fight till we get justice, said Rohini, a protest council member. The Save Alappad, Stop Mining campaign has gained traction on social media with several film stars joining it. The Indian Rare Earths Ltd (IRE), a public sector company, has been in charge of mining. Their work has narrowed the land strip between TS Canal and Arabian Sea to just 33 meters as close to 20,000 hectares of land in 81.5 sqkm have been claimed by the sea in six decades. Villagers blame 60 years of IRE mining Notwithstanding the arguments of climate change for sea erosion, a phenomenon witnessed right throughout Keralas coasts, the villagers blame IREs 60 years mining for the present state.Around 5,000 families became landless and had to be rehabilitated due to mining. Among the displaced include fishermen who lost their livelihood as a result of relocation. The protesters say mining has also resulted in the vanishing of a sea phenomenon called mud bank, which helps in the spawning of fish as well as protection of land from sea erosion.Protest groups chairman K Chandradas said mining, if allowed to continue, would have a devastating effect on the area and its people. Its not just a case of Alappad alone as Arattupuzha, Thrikunnapuzha and Purakad in Alappuzha district too will be completely destroyed if we allow mining to continue, said Chandradas. Therell be no national waterways on the western shore and therell be sea water incursion in Upper Kuttanad and Onattukara. He cited various studies conducted by the Centre for Earth Science Studies, National Institute of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, T M Mahadevan Committee, Trivikramji Committee to vindicate the villagers stand.According to him, the company has violated National Mineral Policy, Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, The Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, Coastal Regulation Zone, The Environment (Protection) Act, The Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wet Land Act, 2008. Min dismisses allegations Fisheries Minister J Mercykutty Amma had dismissed the allegations, saying the concerns were exaggerated and the groyne project would stop sea erosion. But Alappad panchayat member Cibi Boney said the state government is ignoring protestors and supporting black sand mining business. A senior IRE officer, on condition of anonymity, said the protest was the private mining lobbys conspiracy to destroy the public sector company. The rehabilitation offered by IRE at Puthanthura in Chavara is a model for the country, he said. Ramu Patil By Express News Service BENGALURU: Former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda, who is at the forefront of the efforts to bring together non-BJP parties, on Wednesday made it clear that he is not in the race for prime ministership. I have no political ambition. My only ambition is to see that my party survives, Gowda told The New Indian Express in an exclusive interview. He said his only priority now is to strengthen the JD(S) in Karnataka and ensure its survival. Saying that his party may win five to six seats in the coming parliamentary elections, Gowda asked: My strength will be just five or six seats. Who am I in a House of 545? He, however, said that his party was with the Congress. The 85-year-old leader is still undecided on contesting the election but said the party has decided to field his grandson in his Hassan constituency. Gowda said though he initiated the process to bring together anti-BJP forces, it is being taken forward by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Asked if the mahagatbandhan will be able to stop PM Modi from returning to power, Gowda said it will be difficult for the BJP to get a majority on its own. He said the coalition governments survival in Karnataka depends on the Congress. This government was formed after the Congress came forward to support Kumaraswamy, he said. He expressed his unhappiness about the way the Congress announced appointments to boards and corporations. The boards with a total budget allocation of Rs 16,000 crores have been taken by the Congress, leaving us the boards with an allocation of just Rs 3,000 crores, Gowda said indicating that the Congress took a unilateral decision in these appointments. With just about three months left for the Lok Sabha polls, former Prime Minister Deve Gowda is a busy man these days -- managing the party affairs so that his son, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, can focus on governance. Gowda (85) says he doesnt even get time for yoga in the morning. Excerpts from an interview: Your thoughts on the coalition government and its stability? Though the JD(S) and the Congress have had differences for years, we came together to form the government. After the assembly elections, the Congress took a firm stand that it is going to support Kumaraswamy for five years. The entire state is watching what is happening now. Stability of the government depends on the Congress too. Did the Congress consult you before announcing appointments for boards and corporations? Only names of boards were discussed tentatively, but deputy chairman of Planning Commission was not discussed at all. When they announced the names for the boards, they chose boards with a total budgetary allocation of Rs 16,000 crore while we got boards with the allocation of only Rs 3,000 crore. The discussion we had was tentative and I had told them to compile the names before deciding. After that there was no discussion. Appointment to the Pollution Control Board is an issue? We cannot appoint an MLA to the board because of a court direction. Whatever may be their intention, the CM is not going to select such a person (Congress MLA Sudhakar) who cannot be appointed. Congress MLAs are accusing JD(S) of withholding names. Does that upset you? I have taken so many insults in the last 12 years. I have become thick-skinned. Do you think the Congress will accept your demand for 12 Lok Sabha seats? When Congress got the message from New Delhi to form the government, they had not broached the subject of one-third and two-third (power sharing). When my son formed the government with the BJP against my wishes, the power sharing was on a 50:50 basis. This time, 2:1 formula was applied. So, I said 12 seats. I have also said I am flexible. Will you take seven or eight seats? No. Congress leader Veerappa Moily said JD(S) should get 10 seats. State leaders, including Siddaramaiah, will discuss it. I dont know what is on his mind. I said 12 seats, but I dont know which. Congress high commands representative is coming two-three days and we will discuss it. Is fighting the elections on your own an option? No. Such a situation will not arise as I am not rigid with my demand. Both JD(S) and Congress have to stop the BJP. Will you contest the coming Lok Sabha polls? I am 86 years old and not keen on contesting. I must do something for my constituency as people have supported me for years. That is why I announced that my grandson will contest from Hassan. Some people are pressurising me to contest. I have not decided yet. People say JD(S) has been reduced to a family party. Some leaders who have grown because of this party say Gowda had not allowed them to grow. Its they who say this party has been reduced to a family party, a caste-based party. I dont want to allow this party to sink and that is why I am working hard. I am also planning to tour the state. I will focus on the state, and the effort to unite secular forces will be led by (Andhra Pradesh CM) Chandrababu Naidu. How confident are you about mahagathbandhan stopping Modi? Modis image has taken a beating and that is why they have come up with upper caste quota. What happened to demonetisation and other measures? Everything failed. It will be difficult (for BJP) to get a majority. Are you in the race for PMs post? No. I have no political ambition. My only ambition is to see that my party survives. My strength will be just five or six seats. Who am I in a house of 545? By Express News Service HYDERABAD: This year Chennai may not get its full allocation of 15 tmcft of Krishna water for drinking purpose from Kandaleru reservoir in AP as water levels have touched rock bottom. At the most, Chennai may get little less than five tmcft water from Telugu Ganga Project. Chennai has so far got only 1.6 tmcft Krishna water. Bachawat Award had provided 15 tmcft of water to Chennai for drinking needs of its residents. Tamil Nadu irrigation engineer-in-chief Bhaktavatsalam explained the grim situation Chennai was facing at the first meeting of the committee of official representatives from four riparian states and Tamil Nadu at Telangana Jala Soudha on Wednesday. He is quoted as having said: We have shortage of drinking water for Chennai because of insufficient release of Krishna water through Telugu Ganga Project by Andhra Pradesh. READ | Andhra babus refusing to share Krishna water: TRS It was pointed out in the meeting that the shortage of water in Telugu Ganga was on account of farmers drawing water from the canal illegally. At this juncture, Telangana engineer-in-chief C Muralidhar suggested to the Telangana officials to lay a pipeline either from Srisailam or from Somasila to draw drinking water for Chennai, to prevent evaporation and transmission losses. ALSO READ | Andhra Pradesh used Krishna water more than its quota, complains TS We have made some temporary arrangement for next three to four months to provide drinking water to Chennai. After examining the data of flow of water in river Krishna, we will work out a long term plan to mitigate the problems of Chennai, Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) chairman RK Jain. AP chief engineer Muralidhar Reddy said that they would release sufficient water to Chennai, if the KRMB released 45 tmcft from Srisailam to downstream. Maharashtra CE Munde said they were ready to release their share of water to Chennai. Karnataka officials skipped the meeting. Speaking to TNIE, Tamil Nadu officials explained what they were getting is less as against allocated volume from Krishna, and were compensating with Kaveri water. NE monsoon failed this year and potable water crisis stares at Chennai, an official explained. By Express News Service ICHCHAPURAM (SRIKAKULAM DIST): YSR Congress chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, who concluded his 3,648 km Praja Sankalpa Yatra here on Wednesday, unveiled his vision for the economic development of the State by completely overhauling the administration to take it to the doorsteps of people, if his party is voted to power in the coming elections. After unveiling Vijaya Sankalpa Stupa, an 88-ft pylon to mark the completion of his 341-day padayatra, the Opposition leader addressed a massive public meeting on the outskirts of Ichchapuram. Explaining his vision of development, the YSRC chief said he would carve out 25 districts from the existing 13 in the State. "Each parliamentary constituency will be made a district for better administration. It will bring more accountability in the administration as the Collector does not need to monitor more than seven Assembly constituencies," he said. YS Jaganmohan Reddy during his Praja Sankalpa Yatra at Ichapuram constituency of Srikakulam district. (Photo | EPS) One of the development initiatives taken by the TRS government in neighbouring Telangana is creation of small districts to strengthen administration. In the second stage of administration revamp, it has been proposed to set up village secretariats. About 10 locals will be appointed to the village secretariat to coordinate with the official machinery in the implementation of development schemes. READ HERE | Chandrababu Naidu blames Jagan Mohan Reddy for unemployment in Prakasam district The objective of the move is to promote accountability and those appointed will be held responsible for effective implementation of Navaratnas (the nine schemes evolved by the YSRC) and other welfare programmes. "In the implementation of welfare schemes, our government will not go by caste, religion or political affiliation of the beneficiary," the YSRC chief said. Further, Jagan plans to appoint one Grama Volunteer for every 50 houses in a village. We will appoint service-oriented persons as volunteers, who will be paid on honorarium of Rs 5,000 per month. They will work in coordination with village secretaries and see that every scheme reaches the doorsteps of the poor. The volunteers will also ensure door-delivery of rice and other essentials to ration card holders to avoid malpractices in the public distribution system. The new mechanism will eliminate corruption in the system and ensure that Navaratnas reach all the genuine beneficiaries, the YSRC chief Jaganmohan Reddy said. In his 100-minute address, Jagan said farmer welfare was another focus area of his party. People who attended the meeting, hailed him by raising CM Jagan slogan. Announcing a slew of welfare measures and other benefits from his Navaratnas, Jagan said he would launch YSR Bima scheme for the benefit of farmers. In case of untimely death, the family of the beneficiary will get Rs 5 lakh under the insurance scheme. The insurance premium will be borne by the State government, Jagan said, adding that he will also enact legislation in the first Assembly session to see that the insurance amount is handed over to the woman member of the bereaved family. The YSRC chief lashed out at Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu by describing him as Nara Rakshasudu and Narasurudu (Nara Demon) for the large scale corruption in the State during the TDP regime. He sarcastically remarked that Naidu was busy having coffee with Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy in Karnataka, Idli Sambar with DMK chief MK Stalin and chicken with West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for a bigger role in national politics, while the farmers in the State were in dire straits due to recurring drought and frequent cyclones. Jagan said people should be aware of Naidus conspiracies to retain power in the State in the next elections. In an emotional tone, the Opposition Leader said he was moved by the suffering of people during his 341-day padayatra. With all your blessings, I will emerge victorious. While Naidu is power hungry, my only aim is to serve the people, he said. Contrary to reports that the YSRC chief would announce party candidates for the coming elections at the end of Praja Sankalpa Yatra, he did not mention anything in this regard. Jagan will visit Tirumala on Thursday. After having darshan of Lord Venkateswara, he will go to Kadapa. Later, he will take out a bus yatra covering the constituencies, which were not touched during his Praja Sankalpa Yatra. Focus on farm sector Jagan devoted a good part of his speech to the welfare of small and marginal farmers. British Prime Minister Theresa May suffered an early defeat to her Brexit plans on Wednesday when parliament demanded the government come up with a plan-B within days if she loses a vote on her deal to leave the European Union. With less than three months before Britain is due to quit the EU, parliament began a five-day battle over Mays Brexit plan with a show of force - undermining her preferred timetable if lawmakers vote down her blueprint next Tuesday. May has so far refused to retreat from her unpopular deal, which envisages close trading ties with the EU, but without any say on policy as Britain has now, after leaving in March. Instead, she has pressed ahead with a vote she looks set to lose after failing to win over her nominal Northern Irish allies. Losing the vote would deepen the uncertainty over the future of Brexit, Britains biggest shift in foreign and trade policy for more than 40 years, and open the way for several different outcomes, ranging from a disorderly exit to another referendum. Lawmakers voted 308-297 on Wednesday in favor of demanding the government come up with an alternative plan within three working days after the Jan. 15 vote, rather than a planned 21-day limit. There were turbulent scenes in parliament when some in Mays Conservative Party accused the speaker of bias. Responding to the vote, Brexit minister Stephen Barclay told parliament it was the governments intention to act quickly if Mays Brexit plan was rejected on Tuesday. I also want to reassure colleagues that whatever the outcome of this debate, we will respond rapidly, recognizing that we must provide parliament with as much security as possible, Barclay said. But, combined with a vote late on Tuesday when the government lost on the finance bill, the defeats underline Mays precarious position in parliament. The opposition Labour Party said it will call for a vote of no confidence in the government if May loses on Jan. 15. One of Labours top policy team said this would take place immediately, but a spokesman said the timing would be decided as events unfold. ALTERNATIVES? With the likelihood of a disruptive no-deal Brexit rising, the EU is looking at how Brexit might be postponed, and pro-EU campaigners are testing ways Britain could hold another referendum after voters narrowly backed leaving in 2016. Keir Starmer, Labours Brexit policy chief, suggested Britain might not leave on March 29 as planned and raised the prospect of extending Article 50, which triggered two years of talks to leave the EU. There is a question of extension of Article 50 and that may well be inevitable now given the position that we are in, but of course we can only seek it because the other 27 (member states) have to agree, he said. Labours spokesman earlier said the party was not seeking an extension to Article 50. Earlier on Wednesday, May called on parliament to back her deal, suggesting she was confident of securing further assurances from the EU to ease their concerns and offering Northern Ireland more control over the backstop arrangement to prevent the return of a hard border with EU member Ireland. Ive been in contact with European leaders...about MPs (members of parliament) concerns. These discussions have shown that further clarification over the backstop is possible and those talks will continue over the next few days, May said. The government also offered a concession to Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party, saying the British province would have a strong role in any decision between triggering the backstop or extending a transition period if a future relationship with the EU is not in place by December 2020. It also said it would accept a change to its Brexit plans which, if passed, would mean that parliament would have the chance to express its disapproval about entering the backstop, if the need to do so arose, without compromising the deal. The proposal was first put forward in December to try to win over skeptics, but given a cool reception. The suggestions did little to win over the DUP. Sammy Wilson, the partys Brexit spokesman, said: The only thing which could swing the DUP round is if the backstop as it applies to the United Kingdom as a whole or to Northern Ireland specifically were removed from this agreement. Wilson, one of 10 DUP lawmakers propping up Mays minority government, described her deal as ruinous. FANTASIES Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29 at 2300 GMT. May told lawmakers that parliament had a choice: back her or risk Britain leaving the bloc without a deal - a scenario many businesses say would splinter supply chains and hamper investment in the worlds fifth largest economy. Mays de-facto deputy said it was a delusion to think the government would be able to negotiate a new divorce deal if parliament voted down hers. I dont think the British public are served by fantasies about magical, alternative deals that are somehow going to spring out of a cupboard in Brussels, Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington told BBC radio. The government needs 318 votes to get a deal through the 650-seat House of Commons, as seven members of Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein do not sit, four speakers and deputy speakers do not vote and the four tellers are not counted. Some investors and major banks believe Mays deal will be defeated on Tuesday but that eventually it will be approved. Short link: Sheikh Hasina, whose Awami League-led Grand Alliance won a landslide victory in the Bangladeshi Parliamentary elections, took oath of office for the third consecutive term on Monday. While the League alone won 257 seats, the Opposition got just seven, lending credence to allegations of mass scale rigging and intimidation of Opposition workers. New Delhi, however has reasons to be happy. Hasina has helped resolve several issues which have been thorns in the bilateral relationship since Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971. These include enclaves, where the two nations had small pockets of territory in each others lands, reportedly used as gambling stakes centuries ago between two regional kings. She also granted India transit rights across Bangladesh into Indias northeastern states and cracked down on insurgents from Indias Northeast who had been granted shelter on Bangladeshi soil by her predecessor. While the quiet jubilation in Delhi is justified, there are reasons for caution as well. These include the long-pending Teesta water sharing accord repeatedly torpedoed by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Chinas growing economic influence in the country and the co-opting of some hardline religious outfits into the ruling coalition. T hough Hasina has adroitly balanced Dhakas ties with Beijing and Delhi, the fact remains that China is Bangladeshs main supplier of weapons and is financing bridges, railway tracks, airport, and power plants using extremely generous lines of credit. And a Chinese consortium owns almost a quarter of the Dhaka Stock Exchange. There are also concerns that Awami Leagues alliance partner, the Hefazat-e-Islam, might dilute the Leagues secular credentials and force Hasina to accept two of its most strident demands: death sentence for blasphemy and declaration of Ahmediyas as kafirs, or non-Muslims. But, as an Indian official said, most of these concerns are speculative, and Delhi did not really have much of a choice. Karamatullah K Ghori By When he was on the campaign trail last yearand for years before thatImran Khans rallying cry was that he was on a crusade against Pakistans bone-corrupt political mafias.However, once he became the prime minister last August, Imran had to quickly shift gears. It dawned on him that top priority had to be given to fixing a haemorrhaging economythe bequest of series of corrupt governments preceding his. The economy Imran inherited was on life-support and the Nawaz regimes bequest to him was an empty treasury. Pakistans foreign exchange reserves had been declining, barely enough to cover less than two months of imports. So, with his well-known crusading zeal, Imran embarked on a mission that had barely figured in his campaign to become Pakistans leader. He had to revive the moribund economy before it became a terminal case. The options in front of him were few. There was the easy option of going to IMF, which had been the wont of all governments and regimes coming before him. The begging bowl was there and so was IMF. But in his election rhetoric Imran had lambasted his political rivals for the blight of loans crushing Pakistan under their weight. In the ten yearsfrom 2008 to 2018that Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif alternated in power, the two corrupt dons had borrowed more than twice as much from the outside world than all the previous governments had in sixty years. Moreover, Imran had decried IMF habit of giving loans with lots of strings and conditionalities attached. (Talks between Imrans government and IMF for a bailout package are still going on.) He decided to explore another option: knocking on the doors of Pakistans rich friends and brothers-in-faith in the Arab world. Abandoning an election pledge that he would not go abroad and instead spend all his time fixing the countrys myriad socio-economic problems at home, Imran visited Saudi Arabia and UAE (United Arab Emirates) twice within his first three months in power. He refused to be distracted by his political rivals and detractors thumbing their noses at what they pooh-poohed as his unabashed U-turns.But it seems that Imrans decision to ask for largesse from the rich and powerful sheikhs and potentates of the Gulf is paying visible and early dividends. The Crown Prince of UAE, Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrived in Islamabad on January 6 on a two-day visit to lend a hand of munificence to Imrans New Pakistan. He came with a handsome package of $6.2 billion in badly needed economic assistance to Pakistan. Of this amount, $3 billion is going to be a cash deposit for Pakistans foreign exchange reserves and $3.2 billion in the form of oil supplies to Pakistan on deferred payment. In addition, Parco, a joint venture between Pakistan and Abu Dhabi, will set up, at Khalifa Point in Balochistan, a deep-conversion oil refinery worth $ 5 billion to $6 billion.Earlier, Imran had courted the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a.k.a. MbS, at a time when the royal was being shunned by his Western friends for his alleged culpability in the heinous murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, Turkey. That gambit by Imran had also garnered lucrative goodies for Pakistan. The Saudis, too, agreed to bolster Pakistans low foreign exchange reserves with a hefty dole of $3 billion. Two billion dollars of it are already in Pakistans kitty. In addition, oil supplies worth $3.2 billion was pledged to Pakistan on deferred payment. The Saudis are also going to commission a petro-chemical complex in the Pakistani city of Gwadar, which is not very far from their arch-rival Iran. In addition to these two generous Arab brothers of Pakistanwho have between them doled out nearly $14 billion dollars to shore up the Pakistani economythe International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) in Jeddah is extending, on a nod from the Saudis, its principal benefactors, $1.5 billion in trade financing support to Pakistan. It has stunned Imrans friends and foes alike that in a short span of four months, he has managed to drag Pakistan back from the precipice of almost-certain economic ruin. And the remarkable achievement is that he has done it without IMF, with whom talks are still dragging on for the bailout package.Imrans legions of fawning fans credit this achievement to his charisma and his image of an incorruptible and honest leader. The sheikhs of Arabia, too, apparently seem impressed by him. However, the more seasoned pundits, looking at the larger picture, warn of an impending test of his yet-unproven skills as a statesman. Both Saudi Arabia and UAE are sworn enemies of Iran, Pakistans next-door neighbour. They tried to take on Iran in Yemen but their misadventure has fired back on them. They may have decided to take a chance on Imrans Pakistan. Imran is not known for his caution. But he will have to learn, quickly, how to walk the tightrope with Arabs on one side and Iranians on the other. Karamatullah K Ghori Former Pakistani diplomat Email: K_K_ghori@hotmail.com Express News Service NEW DELHI: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday declared that India may be left out if it does not join the talks with the Taliban over the Afghanistan peace process. Does India have an interest in Afghanistan? If the answer is yes then you cannot be out of the bandwagon. Because If you are out of the bandwagon then you are out, he said at his annual conference before Army Day. At the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi a day earlier, General Rawat had said any talks with the Taliban must be held without preconditions, sparking protests from several Kashmiri leaders who said this exposed the hypocrisy of the government which refuses to talk with Kashmiri separatists. While several nations, including the US, Russia, Iran and Pakistan have been talking with the Taliban in the belief that no peace can be achieved in the country without their involvement, New Delhi, which believes the Taliban is a proxy front for Pakistans ISI, has traditionally shunned any overt dialogue with the radical Sunni outfit. However, it did send two non-official representatives to participate in talks initiated by Moscow in November last year, where the Taliban and unofficial Afghan representatives were present. The Army Chief is not qualified to comment on the subject, said Rana Banerji, a retired intelligence official who specializes on the region. Vehemently rejecting any talks with the Taliban "at the moment,", he said this must be discussed first with our friends in Afghanistan, and even if we do talk, it should not be made part of the public discourse. Alok Bansal, director of India Foundation and Executive Director of South Asian Institute for Strategic Affairs, concurs. In fact, the Americans talking to the Taliban is a big disaster for two reasons. First, in a tribal society, a persons stature is decided on who he is talking to. So if the US is talking to Taliban, it actually marginalizes Ashraf Ghani and his government, he said. Second, any who believes the Taliban can be brought to a negotiated settlement is living in a fool's paradise. Because the Al Qaeda will never allow it. While the Taliban needs Al Qaeda, the Al Qaeda also needs the Taliban. When the Al Qaeda talks of waging jihad, it never says it is doing so under Zawahiri or Osama Bin Laden. It is always under the Amirul Momineen, who is the leader of the Taliban..earlier Mullah Omar, and now Hibatullah Akhundzada. The Taliban is committed to the creation of an Islamic Emirate, so there can never be a negotiated settlement with them." By Express News Service GUWAHATI: A conglomerate of tribal organisations has called for a 24-hour "Assam bandh" on Friday in protest against the Centre's move to grant scheduled tribe (ST) status to six "advanced" communities such as Chutia, Motok, Moran, Koch-Rajbongshi, Tai-Ahom and Tea Tribes/Adivasis. The bandh comes amidst statewide protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 which the Centre wants to pass to grant citizenship to the non-Muslim immigrants of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who migrated till December 31, 2014. Friday's bandh has been called by the Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations. It accused the Central government of hatching a conspiracy to destroy the state's "original tribals". "By keeping us in the dark, the government introduced a draft bill in the Parliament on Wednesday to grant ST status to the six communities. As this will destroy the existing ST communities, we will not accept this. We will launch a democratic movement to thwart its passage. As part of it, we have called the bandh on Friday. We will stage a series of protests in the coming days," the committee said. The All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU), which is one of the organisations in the committee, said ST status to the six communities would eat into the political representation and economic, job and admission benefits of the 14 recognised tribal communities. "The six communities in question are far more advanced than the 14 recognised tribes educationally, politically and economically. The Ahoms are not less than the Meenas of Rajasthan. In fact, they are more advanced than the Meenas," ABSU president Promode Bodo, who is a coordinator in the committee, said.He said the marginalized ST communities would be destroyed as the Rajbongshis, Ahoms and Tea Tribes/Adivasis together make up around 1.5 crore of Assam's 3.12 crore population compared to the 38 lakh tribals in the state. "The Sarbananda Sonowal government cheated us by not taking us into confidence despite an assurance. The government says the six communities will be in 'other ST' category but there is nothing like this in the Constitution," Bodo said. The ABSU is miffed not just with Sonowal, who is a tribal, but also with the state's four tribal ministers and 22 tribal MLAs for their failure to resist the bill's introduction in Parliament. Meanwhile, leaders of the six communities are not amused. They sniffed that the Centre's move was an "election gimmick". Some organisations are viewing it as a ploy by the Centre to douse the flames of anger against Citizenship Bill. Anand ST Das By Express News Service PATNA: A sixteen-year-old girl in Bihars Gaya district was beheaded in cold blood and her body was mutilated in a ghastly manner in what police on Thursday claimed to be a case of honour killing. Her parents and a local butcher who killed her have been arrested. The girl, who lived with her parents in Patwa village under Buniyadganj police station, had eloped with a local youth and returned home three days later, prompting her angry parents to order her murder, said Gaya SP Rajiv Kumar Mishra. The girls severely mutilated body and the severed head were recovered from a field on Sunday, two days after her father had lodged a missing report. Her face was burnt and her breasts chopped off. While police initially suspected it to be a murder after rape, no sign of rape was found in the autopsy report. The brutal murder had led to massive public protests in Gaya. While her father claimed that she had gone missing since December 28 and was possibly abducted, her younger sister said she (victim) was seen with a friend of her fathers, who is a butcher by profession, on December 31. Our probe has gathered clinching evidence that it was an honour killing, said the SP. Police became suspicious of the role of the victims parents as they refused to come to the police station to answer questions after the body was found. The victims three sisters one elder and two younger also did not turn up to answer questions when a woman police officer of the special investigation team (SIT) called them. It was one of the two younger sisters who revealed to investigators that the victim had eloped with a local youth on December 28 and returned home on December 31. She also revealed that the victim was seen last with their fathers butcher friend, Leela Patwa, on December 31 night. During interrogation, the butcher confessed to killing the girl on the orders of her father, Turaj Prasad. Then the girls parents confessed to the crime. The trio was arrested and forwarded to jail, said a police official involved in the investigation. By PTI NEW DELHI: The five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, formed to hear the politically sensitive case of Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute in Ayodhya, on Thursday clarified that there was going to be no hearing. Only the date and the schedule of the case would be fixed today, said the apex court. Justice U U Lalit, who was part of the five-judge Constitution Bench, recused himself, prompting the Supreme Court to reschedule the hearing on January 29 by setting up a fresh bench. No sooner than the bench assembled, senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for a Muslim party, told a bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi that Justice Lalit appeared for former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh in 1994. Though Dhavan said he was not seeking recusal of Justice Lalit, the judge himself opted out the hearing the matter. The bench will be headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and will comprise of Justices S A Bobde, N V Ramana, D Y Chandrachud and a yet-to-be-named judge in place of Justice Lalit. READ HERE | Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case explained Dhavan also drew the attention of the bench to the fact that the matter was earlier fixed for hearing before a three-judge bench but the CJI took a decision to list it before a five-judge Constitution Bench. He further submitted that there was need for a judicial order to set up a five-judge Constitution bench. The CJI, however, quoted Supreme Court rules mandating that any bench should comprise two judges and there was nothing wrong in constituting a five-judge Constitution bench. In view of the the facts and circumstances of the matter and the voluminous records pertaining to it, this was a fit case for constituting a five-judge bench, he said. In its order, the bench said the apex court registry will physically examine the records stored in 50 sealed trunks in the room, which has also been kept sealed. The top court said the records pertaining to the matter are voluminous and some of the documents are in Sanskrit, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Persian and Gurmukhi that need to be translated. If required, the apex court registry can take the service of official translators, the bench said. The apex court said in its order that 113 issues are likely to be perused during the hearing. It also noted that 88 witnesses were examined and their statements recorded when the matter was before the Allahabad High Court. It said the deposition of the witnesses runs into 2,886 pages and 257 documents were exhibited. The apex court noted that the high court judgement itself is 4,304 pages; along with additional annexures it runs into 8,000 pages. A three-judge bench of the top court had on September 27 last year, by 2:1 majority, refused to refer to a five-judge constitution bench for reconsideration of the observations in its 1994 judgement that a mosque was not integral to Islam. The matter had arisen during the hearing of the Ayodhya land dispute. Justice Uday U Lalit recuses from hearing the case as petitioners form Muslim side points out he was once a lawyer for Kalyan Singh @NewIndianXpress kanusarda (@sardakanu_TNIE) January 10, 2019 When the matter was last taken up on January 4, there was no indication that the case would be referred to a constitution bench as the apex court had simply said that further orders in the matter would be passed on January 10 by "the appropriate bench, as may be constituted". The newly set up five-judge bench comprises not only the incumbent CJI but the four judges who are in line to be CJI in the future. Justice Gogoi's successor would be Justice Bobde followed by Justices Ramana, Lalit and Chandrachud. As many as 14 appeals have been filed in the apex court against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgement, delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.77-acre land be partitioned equally among the three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. SC constitution bench clarifies that Ayodhya matter is listed for working out a hearing schedule and not for hearing to begin @NewIndianXpress kanusarda (@sardakanu_TNIE) January 10, 2019 The apex court on October 29 last year had fixed the matter in the first week of January before the "appropriate bench". Later, an application was moved for according an urgent hearing by advancing the date, but the top court had refused the plea, saying it had already passed an order on October 29 relating to the hearing of the matter. The plea for early hearing was moved by the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM) which is one of the respondents in the appeal filed by legal heirs of M Siddiq, one of the original litigants in the case. Various Hindutva organisations have been demanding an ordinance on early construction of Ram temple at the disputed site. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had suggested that any decision on an ordinance on Ram temple in Ayodhya can happen only after the completion of the judicial process. Modi's comments had come amidst heightened demands by Hindutva organisations, including the RSS, for an ordinance for an early construction of the temple. "Let the judicial process take its own course. Don't weigh it in political terms. Let the judicial process be over. After the judicial process is over, whatever be our responsibility as government, we are ready to make all efforts," the prime minister had said during an interview, broadcast by several TV channels. (With inputs from online desk) Ramananda Sengupta By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Russias deputy foreign minister Sergey A Ryabkov on Wednesday asserted that Moscow would fulfill its obligations to deliver the S-400 missile systems to India.Our commitments under the contract will be fulfilled. India will receive the systems on time, at the agreed date and without any delays. Therefore, the national security of your country will be strengthened, Ryabkov, who is in Delhi to attend the Raisina Dialogue, told journalists. We are capable of dealing with the financial aspect of the contract, let alone the technical one, regardless of decisions made by the United States, he said, referring to US sanctions on entities or countries that import weapons from Russia. Although Russia has been under Western sanctions for several years, defence cooperation is not falling apart; it is progressing, he said. If it (the US) makes such decisions, then it will tarnish its own image not only in Russia but also in other countries that want to, and will, cooperate with us. Defying US sanctions, India and Russia signed a contract for the delivery of the S-400 systems worth more than $5 billion on October 5, 2018 during the bilateral summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The first regiment of the missile system is expected to be delivered in late 2020. The US later allowed a waiver from the sanctions to India, given its strategic dependence on Russian weapons, but has already imposed sanctions on several Chinese entities which procured the system for the PLA. Earlier, outlining what he perceived as the three major threats facing the world today, Ryabkov listed cyber warfare, the weaponisation of space and the growing tendency towards unilateral decisions undermining time-tested multilateral treaties and institutions. Designed to boost Indias security The S-400 Triumf is an advanced long-range anti-aircraft missile system designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles. It can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 35 km, and can also be used against targets on the ground By PTI NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram Thursday took a dig at the BJP-led central government over the resignation of IAS officer Shah Faesal, saying the world will take note of "his cry of anguish and defiance". In a series of tweets, the former home and finance minister claimed whatever Faesal, the first Kashmiri IAS topper, had said was an indictment of the Narendra Modi government. "Though sad, I salute Mr Shah Faesal IAS (now resigned). Every word of his statement is true and is an indictment of the BJP government. The world will take note of his cry of anguish and defiance," he said. Faesal has resigned from the civil services. READ | Kashmiri IAS topper Shah Faesal resigns, may join National Conference He had Wednesday attributed his decision to the "unabated killings in Kashmir", the central government's "lack of sincere" efforts to reach out to the Kashmiris and the "marginalisation of the Indian Muslims". Chidambaram said that not long ago "legendary police officer" Julio Ribeiro, a former DGP of Punjab and a former commissioner of Mumbai Police, had stated the same thing, but there was "not a word of reassurance from the rulers". "Such statements from our fellow citizens must make us hang our heads in regret and shame," he said. Though sad, I salute Mr @shahfaesal IAS (now resigned). Every word of his statement is true and is an indictment of the BJP government. The world will take note of his cry of anguish and defiance. P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 10, 2019 On the Modi government, Ribeiro had said the country needed inclusive development and not just for some sections. He had also said he "felt threatened, not wanted, reduced to a stranger in his own country" and that he never felt that he belonged to a different religion. Namita Bajpai and Abhijit Mulye By Express News Service LUCKNOW/ MUMBAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday sought to set the tone for the 2019 Loks Sabha polls in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh with blistering attacks on the SP-BSP alliance in the central Indian state and attacks on the Congress. Speaking a rally in Agra, he termed the pre-poll alliance between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) as political opportunism by those had joined hands in desperation. Jo ek doosre ka munh dekhne ko tayyar nahi thhe, unhone aaj haath mila liya hai ki aur tinka tinka jod rahe Modi ko hatane ko (those who never could stand each other , have shaken hands and doing everything possible to remove Modi), said the PM. In the same vein, the PM took an indirect jibe at former UP CM and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav over his alleged role in an illegal mining case being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). UP mein balu, maurang khane walon ne haath mila liya hai (those who have digested even the sand and gravel, have shaken hands), he said. They (SP-BSP alliance) get scared as they see the chowkidar and think, if he goes they will be able to rob the country together, he said and asserted that he wont let those who intend to loot the nation live peacefully. Referring to 10 per cent quota Bill, the PM said the historical step was in line with the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. Earlier, at an event in Nagpur, where he was inaugurating several development projects, the PM brought up the ongoing investigation into the AgustaWestland chopper case. Bringing up Christian Michel, the middleman in the deal, Modi said, The Chowkidar was accused of stealing. But, this chowkidar cannot be bought or scared... A middleman was brought from foreign soil. Now those who accused me will have to explain their relations with this Michel Mama, he said and reiterated his governments resolve of Dalal Mukt Bharat (Broker-free India). By Online Desk NEW DELHI: Israels new Ambassador to India, Ron Malka, presented the Letter of Credence to President Ram Nath Kovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday. Speaking at the occasion, Ambassador Malka said, I am honoured and privileged to be given this opportunity of taking the Growing Partnership between our countries forward. Our true friendship is based on our shared values as prominent ancient civilizations in the past, and leading democracies in the present. This month, January 2019, marks 27 years of Diplomatic Relations between India and Israel. Our countries are strategic partners working together to achieve prosperity, security and peace. Ron Malka, has graduated in Economics and Business Administration, and also holds an MBA in Finance and Business Administration and a PhD in Economics. Malka served the military service from where he retired with the rank of Full Colonel. Ambassador Malka is married to Mrs. Lea Malka and has three children Amir, Assaf and Maya. A planned trip to Moscow next week by the leader of Hamas has been canceled, Palestinian officials said on Thursday amid new friction between the Islamist group that controls Gaza and the Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank. The Jan. 15 meeting between Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was called off due to Lavrovs busy schedule, Moussa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official, tweeted. No new date was announced. The cancellation was first reported by Russias Interfax news agency, which cited information from the Palestinian Authoritys ambassador. A long-running dispute between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority over power-sharing worsened this week when the PA pulled its personnel from Gazas Rafah border crossing with Egypt. They were replaced by Hamas employees. Israel maintains tight restrictions on its border crossings with Gaza, citing security concerns. Two senior Egyptian security officials met Hamas representatives in Gaza on Thursday to discuss the faltering unity efforts as well as tensions along the border with Israel, Palestinian sources said. Hamas, which seized the Gaza Strip in a brief Palestinian civil war in 2007, and the PA have failed repeatedly to implement an Egyptian-mediated reconciliation deal. *This story was edited by Ahram Online. Short link: By Express News Service NEW DELHI: R Madhavan, CMD of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), met Defence Minsiter Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on Wednesday in the backdrop of the financial crisis which the public sector aerospace major is facing. Madhavan was accompanied by senior HAL officials. Also present were Army chief General Bipin Rawat, Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa and Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba. A HAL source said the cash crunch was among the many issues discussed. The company had clarified on Sunday that the orders for 83 light combat aircraft and 15 light combat helicopters were in advanced stages and that HALs finances are expected to improve. It acknowledged its overdraft of `962 crore to meets its current requirements. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been accusing the Narendra Modi government of corruption in the Rafale fighter jet deal with France. He alleged a few days ago that the PM personally ensured that the offset contract with Dassault, the manufacturer of Rafale, went to Anil Ambanis Reliance Defence instead of HAL. By Online Desk Malaysia will act against Islamic preacher Zakir Naik if India provides irrefutable evidence, the Islamic nation's PM-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim said, according to a report in The Hindu. However, Ibrahim said no formal evidence had been offered by India so far. [The Naik case] has not been raised with me personally. We do not subscribe to all allegations unless we are furnished with the details. We would need some evidence. Malaysia has been tough on terrorism and if we are given incontrovertible evidence that someone has been involved we would not tolerate it, Ibrahim was quoted as saying. Ibrahim is on a visit to India to participate in the Raisina Dialogue which began on January 8. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had in January 2016 made a formal request to Malaysia to deport Naik. Malaysian current prime minister Mahathir Mohamad Mahathir, who had met the radical Indian cleric in July 2016, had said that Malaysia will not deport Naik to India as long as he does not create problems in the country. The Mahathir government had also granted Naik permanent resident status. India's National Investigation Agency (NIA), which probes terror cases, had last year filed a charge sheet in a court against Naik for allegedly inciting youth to take up terror activities, giving hate speeches and promoting enmity between communities. It had first registered a case against Naik under anti-terror laws in 2016. Naik is also under investigation for issuing hate speeches that reportedly inspired a deadly terror attack on a popular cafe in Dhaka in 2016. Naik's Mumbai-based non-government organisation, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), has been declared an unlawful association by the Union Home Ministry. By PTI NEW DELHI: Corruption and dereliction of duty flagged by the Central Vigilance Commission in its enquiry report, citing telephone interceptions by external spy agency RAW, led to the unceremonious exit of Alok Verma as the CBI chief, the first in the probe agency's over 50-year history. According to officials, the high-powered panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi considered the CVC report which levelled eight counts of charges against Verma, who had been reinstated by the Supreme Court on Tuesday. The panel's decision to remove Verma was based on a majority vote of 2:1 with Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge opposing it and Justice A K Sikri siding with the government, they said. The CVC report spoke about the controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi's case and claimed that CBI team looking into the case wanted to make Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Babu Sana an accused in the case but Verma never gave clearance. READ: Mallikarjun Kharge gives dissent note on Alok Verma's removal as CBI chief The probe in this case was led by special director Rakesh Asthana, who along with Verma was sent on forced leave on October 23. The CVC report also contained intercepts from the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), the external snooping agency, in which "money changing hands with number one in the CBI" is talked about, the officials said. Incidentally, Sana is the complainant for a case registered against Asthana in which he has given graphical details about how he had paid bribe to his middlemen. He has also mentioned the name of Samanta Goel, the second-in-command at the RAW, of being involved in protecting the middleman, Manoj Prasad. The other case relates to a Preliminary Enquiry registered by the CBI about acquisition of land in Gurgaon. The CVC alleged that Verma's name had figured in the case and at least Rs 36 crore had changed hands. The CVC had recommended a thorough probe into the case. The CVC, which has a supervisory role over the CBI, had also alleged that Verma tried to save an officer in the IRCTC case involving former Union Minister Lalu Prasad. The commission also alleged that Verma was trying to bring in tainted officials into the CBI. It claimed that efforts seeking cooperation from the CBI chief did not yield results as he continued to keep the files away from the CVC. Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: Over a month after mob violence in Bulandshahr, BJP youth wing activist Shikhar Agarwal, one of the prime accused of inciting frenzy, was arrested in Hapur on early Thursday morning. Agarwal was named among 27 persons booked for violence, rioting, vandalism and murder following a mob frenzy over alleged cow slaughter and recovery of a trolley load of carcasses from a field of Mahaw village in Syana town of Bulandshahr on December 3, 2018. The violent protest by villagers near Chingrawati police outpost had resulted in the loss of two lives including inspector Subodh Kumar Singh and one of the protestors Sumit, 21. READ: Slain police officer was attacked with stones, axe before being shot, claim cops According to police authorities, Shikhar was arrested by Bulandshahr police from Hapur. Agarwal had been uploading videos on social media pleading innocence. He was among the last few accused in Siyana violence as the police have already arrested over three dozen persons in connection with the violence and murder as they were part of the rampaging mob which had indulged on arson setting the police outpost and the vehicles parked outside it afire on a fateful day. ALSO READ: Bulandshahr violence attempt to instil fear among Muslims, claim human rights bodies Those in police custody include Prashant Nutt, who allegedly pulled the trigger at the slain inspector, Johnny who snatched the service revolver of the cop, Kalua who attacked him with axe inflicting injuries at inspector's head and other parts of the body. Moreover, the police had recently, arrested Yogesh Raj, the district convenor of Bajrang Dal. Raj is also accused of instigating the mob to resort to violence and vandalism. READ: Recovery of four cow carcasses lead to tension in Bulandshahr village Meanwhile, working on another FIR lodged the same day over cow slaughter, the district police have arrested seven persons. Police have also recovered the axe with which Kalua had attacked the slain cop. However, the inspector's service revolver with which he was shot dead is yet to found. On Wednesday, police got remand of Natt for 12 hours and ADG Meerut zone Prashant Kumar had said, "With most of the accused in jail, now the priority is to find the weapon used to kill the cop." Incidentally, the incident took place on the last day of Tablighi Ijtema that witnessed a religious conclave comprising around 15 lakh Muslim devotees in the district. Fayaz Wani By Express News Service SRI NAGAR: An IAS officer from Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday resigned from government service to protest the unabated killings in Kashmir, and lack of a sincere outreach from the Central government. The officer, Shah Faesal, is likely to join the regional party National Conference and contest the forthcoming parliamentary polls from the Baramulla-Kupwara seat in north Kashmir. Announcing his resignation on Facebook, the 35-year-old said: To protest against the unabated killings in Kashmir, and lack of any sincere reach-out from the Union Government; the marginalization and invisiblization of around 200 million Indian Muslims at the hands of Hindutva forces reducing them to second-class citizens; insidious attacks on the special identity of the J&K and growing culture of intolerance and hate in the mainland India in the name of hypernationalism, I have decided to resign from Indian Administrative Service. Faesal, who topped the civil services exam in 2010, said he wishes to remind the regime of the day that subversion of public institutions like RBI, CBI and NIA has the potential to decimate the constitutional edifice of this country. Anand ST Das By Express News Service PATNA: The parties in Bihars Opposition RJD-led Grand Alliance (GA) have found a new handle to beat Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with as the Lok Sabha polls draw near. They are latching on to certain off-the-cuff remarks of supposed insult Kumar had used for them recently to paint him as a casteist leader. Hundreds of workers of GA parties along with their leaders took out a march in Patna on Thursday to protest against Kumars allegedly derogatory remarks about RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha and Vikashsheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahni, both claiming to represent the extremely backward classes. The protesters clashed with police, who prevented them from marching to the Raj Bhawan. A delegation of GA leaders later submitted a memorandum to Governor Lalji Tandon, urging him to direct Nitish Kumar to withdraw his undignified remarks against the Grand Alliance leaders, seek apology from the states people for such remarks and to use dignified language in future. Nitish Kumar has insulted the democratic tradition of having Opposition parties and also the people of Bihar by speaking with disdain about Grand Alliance leaders, which has exposed his arrogance. He must apologise, said RJD state president Ram Chandra Purve. He was accompanied by several leaders from RJD, Congress, RLSP, HAM, VIP and Smaajwadi Party (SP). Speaking at a public event organised by a television channel in October last, Kumar had declined to answer questions about Upendra Kushwaha. When the journalist pressed Kumar to answer if he did not want to remain CM after the 2020 Assembly polls like Kushwaha had predicted, the CM had said: Please do not take the standards so low. This had prompted Kushwaha, then a Union minister, to claim that Kumar had insulted him in public. Kushwaha quit NDA and joined GA last month. GA leaders were angry about Kumars choice of words to dub the Opposition alliance as a hopeless group of parties and leaders on Monday. Replying to journalists queries, he had said the GA is presenting a rosy picture of itself by picking up people from the streets (sadak par se logon ko utha kar shamil kar rahe hain). The remark was widely seen as directed at Sahni, whose VIP had joined the GA a few weeks earlier. Dignified beahaviour and speech used to be the hallmarks of Nitish Kumars public life. But he has crossed all limits of undignified speech recently, exposing his nervousness, said RJD state general secretary and former minister Alok Mehta. But the ruling JD(U) and BJP dismissed these charges. The GA parties are making such ludicrous charges as they have no political agenda. They have come together because of the narrow personal interests of their leaders, said BJP leader Nitin Navin. In our participatory democracy, Nitish Kumar is among the leaders respected nationally for his special pro-people actions, communication skills and probity. The Opposition parties are making a hullabaloo over a non-issue, said senior JD(U) leader and MLC Neeraj Kumar. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: The Assam Police have registered cases against three persons, including a scholar, and slapped the charge of sedition against them. The trio scholar Hiren Gohain, activist Akhil Gogoi and journalist Manjit Mahanta had allegedly said that the demand for Assams sovereignty might arise if the Narendra Modi government goes ahead with the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 by ignoring the voices of people. Gohain, a known BJP critic, described the police action as muzzling the voices of dissent. The BJP has brought an undemocratic and communal bill and we were raising our voice against it to protect democracy, Gohain told reporters. Gogoi is the leader of peasants body Krishak Mukti Sangram Samitee which is spearheading the anti-bill protests in the state. He had allegedly said at a protest rally that if the Centre went ahead with the anti-Assamese bill, independence could be an option for the community. Two-time former Chief Minister and leader of Asom Gana Parishad Prafulla Kumar Mahanta dubbed the police action as shameful. Senior journalist Haidar Hussain said, The case registered against the trio is a suicidal move by the government. We will not keep quiet but stage protests against it. The Paresh Baruah faction of banned insurgent group United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent was equally critical. The government will have to pay a price if it does not desist from taking such anti-Assamese steps, the outfits military chief Paresh Baruah told a local news channel. The All Assam Students Union described it as sheer misuse of power by the state government. By PTI NEW DELHI: Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said that while the security forces favour peaceful dialogue among stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir, there will be zero tolerance on violence. Gen Rawat added that there were around 300 terrorists across the LoC waiting to infiltrate into India Speaking at the annual press conference prior to the Army Day, Army Chief said that the security forces are using various strategies to bring situation in Jammu and Kashmir under control and there is standing offer for the terrorists. READ | Pakistan troops shell LoC areas in Poonch, ceasefire violated for third day in row "We're adopting both hard and soft approaches. The offer to terrorists to join the mainstream stays. If that happens, people of the state will be benefit the most," Gen Rawat said. He added that security forces were deployed in Kashmir for peace but the separatists should also shun violence. On talks with the Hurriyat, Rawat said they should immediately shun the gun and stop taking support from the western neighbour. "Our position is very clear. Shun the gun and stop taking support from the western neighbour. Talks can happen only if they lay down weapons. During Ramzan, we had given opportunity to the separatists to lay down arms. But if someone picks up the gun, we will take action," Rawat said. He said the Indian Army was a professional outfit and never targeted civilians. "However, when terrorists operating from the western border try to cross the border, it becomes difficult to differentiate between a civilian and a terrorist." To a query if the terrorists could infiltrate into the country from the Punjab border, Rawat said: "We have state-of-the-art technologies to prevent such activities." He said the Army's Northern Command would get new sniper rifles by January 20 and added that the force was using quadcopters for surveillance in border areas. "These high-end gadgets help in detecting explosives," he said. Meanwhile, responding to a question on Army veterans, Rawat said he had heard about some rift among veterans. "I have heard there is some disunity among some of our veterans. I think they need to be united. Our veterans are a very strong community and their unity is a must to support the mainstream," he added. On Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) he said the organisation had assured to handover the missiles and rockets that had been ordered by February-March. "If they fail to deliver, we will go in for imports," Gen Rawat added. By Express News Service SRINAGAR: Amid reports that he is all set to join regional party National Conference and contest the forthcoming parliamentary elections from Baramulla-Kupwara Lok Sabha seat in north Kashmir, 35-year-old Shah Faesal who quit the IAS to protest unabated killings in Jammu and Kashmir, has said his next course of action would depend on what the people of Kashmir, especially youth, want him to do. In the Facebook post, the outspoken Faesal said he has received a storm of abuse and adulation over his decision to quit the government service to protest unabated killings in Kashmir and lack of sincere reach out from central government. "Hundreds and thousands of people reacted to my resignation in hundreds and thousands of ways. I totally expected this," he said. Faesal, who was IAS topper in 2010, resigned from government job yesterday."As of now I have quit the service. What I am going to do hereafter also depends on what people of Kashmiri want me to do. More so the youth," Faesal said. "I have an idea how I can do it. I am sure you have ideas too and you want me to factor those ideas in before I take a final decision," he said. "If you are ready to come out of Facebook/Twitter and show up in Srinagar tomorrow, we could think this through together. My choice of politics will be decided by real people, not FB likes and comments," Faesal said. Later, in another Facebook post, he said due to the adverse weather forecast for tomorrow, the proposed youth interaction at Srinagar is postponed. "We shall meet soon. Thank you for showing interest," he said. Faesal's quitting the civil service job has evoked mixed reaction from netizens on social media with some supporting his decision. Some suggested him not to join any existing mainstream political parties and float his own party. Some others suggested him to join separatist camp to represent the "true aspirations of people." The separatist leader and cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq hailed Faesal for quitting the IAS job to protest against "unabated killing of Kashmiris by GoI". "Welcome the stand to resign by @ShahFaesal to protest unabated killing of Kashmiris by GOI. Hope his outrage over killings and his sentiment that #KashmiriLivesMatter guide his choice of politics... and gets reflected in representing his people's collective deep driving desire of right to self-determination and their relentless struggle and sacrifice in achieving it - also the reason behind killings and repression on them by the state (sic)," Mirwaiz tweeted. Faesal is scheduled to address a press conference tomorrow to reveal his future plans on joining politics. Sources close to him said he has been in contact with former chief minister Omar Abdullah and is likely to join his National Conference. They said NC may field him as a candidate for Baramulla-Kupwara Lok Sabha seat in north Kashmir during the forthcoming parliamentary polls in the State. Shilajit Mitra By Express News Service At least video games let you skip the cut-scenes. That's a luxury Aditya Dhar's debut feature, Uri: The Surgical Strike, doesn't allow. Certainly, the film boasts some admirable action in the opening, middle and closing sequences: the explosions and muzzle flashes look real, the sounds of shelling and recoil pierce the eardrum, and the sight of Indian commandos flicking on their night-visions in a dense, dark forest like the ember-eyed ghosts from Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives is oddly becalming. How I wish this military shooter of a film was all action, all the time. Sadly, it's not. And you must sit through long stretches of grim exposition before getting down to the cool hacking-and-slashing (I play up the films violence only because it seems to be the centerpiece here, everything else being as predictable and manipulative as the many chest-out war weepies weve endured through the years). This is a film based on the 2016 Uri attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, where 19 Indian soldiers were killed in a pre-dawn ambush by Pakistani militants from across the LOC. Its also a film, as claimed in the opening disclaimer and later through dialogue, about 'a new India'. I wonder what exactly is implied by this delicate phrasing: is this a film about the new government, which shies not from military retaliation against the neighbouring state? Is it a film about the new youth represented by the relative young-ness of the leading cast and how valiantly they deploy themselves in service of the nation? Or is it a film (if you spare me a more oblique reading) about new Indian cinema, wherein artistry, budget and sophistication can not only co-exist with blatant propaganda but also serve it better? The political co-ordinates of Uri: The Surgical Strike need no encoding. Theres an actor famous for playing a Bengali sleuth on TV now playing the Prime Minister. Theres Paresh Rawal pulling an Ajit Doval impersonation (the actor looks constantly distressed, worrisome almost, as though tipped off about Vivek Oberoi sweeping his Modi biopic). There are other hilariously cast actors portraying various cabinet ministers, while the main heroism and rabble-rousing is shouldered upon Vicky Kaushal a rising mainstream star endowed with a menacing brawn and dropped off into Sunny Deol territory. Vickys character, major Vihaan Singh Shergill, is the kind of soldier who values the element of surprise. In one of the opening sequences, which takes place along the Indo-Myanmar border in 2015, he calls attack on terror cells in the cover of the night, despite being outnumbered, instead of waiting around for morning reinforcement. We see his troops communicate via sign language and spread into formations some assault, some recon while Shergill takes charge out front. It all seems well-researched and military-like, when suddenly Shergill is knocked out in an oncoming grenade attack. Dazed, he gets up from the ground, leaves his rifle behind, and performs a melee attack on a lone militant, beating him bloody with his bare hands. The whole scene goes against the established tone of tactical efficiency, and exists solely to foreground the machismo and fury of the lead character, as he finishes off the combatant and walks off in a blaze of smoke and fire. Thats the film for you, decking up frippery in pretend realism, hoping for a sell. After the North-eastern skirmish, Shergill takes up a desk job in the Delhi base to stay closer to his mother, who is suffering from Alzheimers. Theres an entire Ranbir Kapoor-suited-follow-your-heart sequence where Vicky is shown getting bored in his new profile, loitering around coffee machines and unwrapping cold sandwich, waiting for something terrible to happen to get back into action. Meanwhile, Yami Gautam appears as a good intelligence officer who is also a bad undercover nurse (she insists the two skill-sets are different) and Kirti Kulhari plays a suspended air force pilot with an undercooked backstory. Despite Vickys boots-on the-ground ruggedness, the show is mostly stolen by feature film debutant Mohit Raina, who brings an easy charm to a brief but memorable part. This two-hour-plus film, like I said, takes too long to get down to business. The titular surgical strike is shot impressively with an attentive shifting of scale from sneaky stealth manoeuvres to large-canvas gun battles but there's always a convenient clipping of logic. The climactic boss fight drags on well beyond the stated escape time of two minutes, and bullets from an enemy chopper magically miss the fleeing soldiers (Of course, this can be pinned on the Pakistani army's sheer incompetence, and that's pretty much the feeling the screenwriters want you to run with, but I wish the stakes were slightly higher). Uri: The Surgical Strike plays out in the precarious sub-genre of the 'well-made' propaganda. The ambitious production design and consistent visual flair come scarily close to masking out the timely histrionics. The film is well-executed, if not well-intended. In 2019 its either this or the unbearable tackiness of certain other offerings. Its time to make a pick, new India. It was a cold and gusty day in December when the army came to the Bzeibiz camp and told families displaced by the war against the Islamic State group that it was time to go home. The fighting was over, they said, and the camp west of Baghdad was going to be closed. Some of the families protested that they had no homes to return to. The army said they would be sent to Amariyat al-Fallujah, a remote camp ringed by chain-link fences and barbed wire. ``They threatened us,'' said Khalwa Hamid, 27. ``They said, whoever doesn't leave, we'll haul them out in our Humvees.'' In the next few days, close to 800 families filed out, according to family interviews and U.N. data. A little over a year since the country fought its last battle against the Islamic State group, but well before it has gotten a handle on reconstruction, Iraq is closing its camps for the displaced in western Anbar province and casting vulnerable families into a maelstrom of peril. Many families cannot return home, accused by their tribes of collaborating with IS. Others worry there is no work, schooling, or housing to return to. Stragglers are being sent to two tightly-controlled camps deep in the plains of Anbar, where military authorization is required to leave. ``We were displaced once because of IS. Do we have to go through this again because of the government?'' said Hamid. When IS militants swept through north Iraq in 2014, they triggered a migration and displacement crisis unprecedented in Iraq's history. Millions fled their homes in the face of the militants' rapid advance; others fled as Iraqi forces, backed by the U.S. and Iran, battled back, ultimately reclaiming the last town in late 2017. Some 1.8 million people out of Iraq's population of 38 million are still waiting to return to their communities. Destitute, homeless, and unprotected by the courts, displaced families have borne the brunt of the political and personal score-settling underway in post-war Iraq. Since liberation, thousands of men have been swept up in arrests for alleged affiliation with IS _ more than 19,000 in prison as of March 2018 . Many of them have been pushed through cursory trials lasting only a few minutes that often end in convictions and death sentences. Between June and December 2018, Iraqi security forces closed three of the Anbar's five displaced persons camps _ Bzeibiz, Kilo 18, and Khalidya _ which together sheltered more than 12,000 people, according to U.N. figures. At least 3,000 of them were pushed into the Amariyat al-Fallujah and Habbaniyah Tourist City camps, already the largest in the province. Maj. Gen. Mahmoud Khalaf Al-Falahi, commander of the armed forces in Anbar, said the army was doing its utmost to return families to their communities of origin, while consolidating the remaining camps to provide better security and services. ``If these camps stay, then we are going to raise another generation of ISIS,'' he said. At Bzeibiz, families had just days to pack their belongings. Several families said officers collected personal information and fingerprints that, they were told, were for IDs. ``But three or four days later, an officer came and said, everyone get out, because you all gave your fingerprints. We didn't know about this provision. We signed for badges,'' said Naima Abd, 37. The camp had housed 4,896 people, or 831 families, according to a Dec. 15 U.N. census. When The Associated Press visited four days later, it was nearly deserted. Empty tents sagged under the winds, and discarded furnishings littered the dirt lanes. Hamid, who worked at a medical charity in Bzeibiz, said only 47 families had remained. Hundreds were moved to much harsher circumstances in Amariyat al-Fallujah, fifteen kilometers (9 miles) to the west and host to more than 21,000 people. Schools are understaffed, and clinics are not equipped to provide the specialized care that many war victims require, such as treatment for chronic pain, nerve damage or blindness. Guards make sure no one leaves the camp without army permission. ``Some of the people being held in Amariyat al-Fallujah are, de facto, in detention,'' said Belkis Wille, senior Iraq researcher at Human Rights Watch. Qusay Jasser, 54, said he was selling his food rations to pay for regular appointments to treat his daughter's eyes at a hospital in Baghdad. But some weeks, the guards do not let them through. They demand a fresh letter from the hospital confirming each appointment. ``There are 100,000 hurdles to leaving,'' said Sabah Ahmed, a Bzeibiz resident who wound up in Amariyat al-Fallujah. Al-Falahi, the Anbar commander, said all humanitarian cases were allowed through checkpoint at the camp entrance. But he said the Army has an obligation to secure the camps against militants circulating among displaced families, an assertion that could not be verified because of restrictions placed on the media. ``Those who want to work should go back to their areas,'' he said. ``Those who want their freedom of movement should go back to their areas.'' Conditions were similarly severe at the Habbaniyah Tourist City camp, with a population of 11,706. A military detail followed the AP around the camp and photographed reporters interviewing residents. Residents said food rations were inadequate and families were huddling together in unheated tents to stay warm in near freezing temperatures. Camp residents may leave to work, but there are no settlements for miles around, except for the nearby resort which lends the camp its name. It's only open in the summer. On Dec. 5, the army moved 190 families to Habbaniyah after closing Kilo 18 in much the same way it closed Bzeibiz approximately two weeks later. Kilo 18 suffered from winter floods, but it had a free clinic, a delivery room, a psych center, and a center for victims of gender-based violence _ facilities not available at Habbaniyah. Hassan Jalal, 80, from Kilo 18, said he did not choose to move to Habbaniyah; he wanted to return home. He produced military documents showing that he had been checked by six security agencies and against 10 witnesses to confirm he had no links to IS. But two of his sons, now deceased, had been members of the jihadi group, and his village's mayor barred him from returning with his family. ``I hope day after day to return home. Even if I have to eat dirt, it's better than living in this humiliation,'' said Jalal. Even families that make it home are finding conditions trying beyond their imagination. Hadi, a father of five who asked for his details to be withheld to avoid friction with the authorities, removed his children from school in Bzeibiz to return to his village near al-Qaim, one of the last cities liberated from IS in 2017. But when they arrived they found that their home was damaged and the local school was shuttered. The children are now sitting at home with their parents. The nearest school is miles away. ``We don't have a car, and I can't find any work,'' said Hadi. Short link: By Express News Service BENGALURU: The 23-year-old fan of actor Yash, who had set himself ablaze after he was not allowed to meet Yash on his birthday, succumbed to burns at Victoria Hospital in the wee hours of Wednesday. A post-mortem was conducted before his body was handed over to his parents. Before this, Yash, who learnt about the incident visited Ravi in the hospital. Yash told reporters that those who commit such acts are not even fans and no actor would want his fans to behave in such a way. I am depressed by the incident and though he was lying on the hospital bed, he wished me on my birthday when I visited him. Doctors told me that he was enquiring with them whether I would visit him at least now. I request all fans to restrain from such acts. Yash also spoke to Ravis father, who told him that his son wanted to become like him. Ravi, a resident of Nelamangala, had come to wish Yash on his birthday, and security staff did not allow him in as Yash was not at home. He waited for more than an hour, then quite suddenly, lost his patience. He went to his bike and took out petrol, doused himself in it and set himself ablaze. Then he ran towards the gate where security personnel alerted locals. Staff at a nearby hotel rushed to Ravis rescue. They poured water on him and used a bedsheet to douse the fire. After a while, an ambulance rushed him to Victoria Hospital. Jagadish, an eyewitness, said that Ravi was sitting on a stone block about 200 metres from Yashs house, and had reached there around 11 am. I was shocked to see him running towards the house after setting himself ablaze. Then I noticed security staff standing helpless, while a passerby poured water on him. He was lying on the ground with burns for more than an hour. Yash told police that he had announced that he was not celebrating his birthday following actor Ambareeshs death, and only a few fans had gathered in front of his house. He was not in the house when the incident took place, and after he learnt about the incident, he rushed to Victoria Hospital to meet the victim. Hosakerehalli police later registered a case. By Express News Service BENGALURU: A pall of gloom descended over the residence of actor Yash, after a 23-year-old fan set himself ablaze because he was not allowed to meet Yash, at his Hosakerehalli residence on Tuesday. Ravi, a resident of Nelamangala, had come to wish Yash on his birthday, and security staff did not allow him in as Yash was not at home. He waited for more than a hour, then quite suddenly, lost his patience. He went to his bike and took out petrol, doused himself in it and set himself ablaze. Then he ran towards the gate where security personnel alerted locals. Staff at a nearby hotel rushed to Ravis rescue. They poured water on him and used a bedsheet to douse the fire. After a while, an ambulance rushed him to Victoria Hospital. Jagadish, an eyewitness, said that Ravi was sitting on a stone block about 200 metres from Yashs house, and had reached there around 11am. I was shocked to see him running towards the house after setting himself ablaze. Then I noticed security staff standing helpless, while a passerby poured water on him. He was lying on the ground with burns for more than a hour. Yash told police that he had announced that he was not celebrating his birthday following actor Ambareeshs death, and only a few fans had gathered in front of his house. He was not in the house when the incident took place, and after he learnt about the incident, he rushed to Victoria Hospital to meet the victim.Ravis condition is critical as he suffered more than 60% burns.Hosakerehalli police later registered a case. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to accord urgent hearing on a plea challenging the January 7 order of the Delhi High Court which had disposed of a petition seeking to ban the trailer of the upcoming movie, 'The Accidental Prime Minister'. The matter was mentioned for urgent listing before a bench headed by Justice A K Sikri which said the matter would come up for hearing in the regular course. The film is scheduled for release on January 11. The movie, which stars Anupam Kher as former prime minister Manmohan Singh, is based on a book of the same name by Singh's then media advisor Sanjaya Baru. ALSO READ: Congress government in Punjab not likely to ban 'The Accidental Prime Minister The plea in the apex court has sought to stay on an exhibition of the trailer of the film on YouTube and to suspend the release and exhibition of the movie during the pendency of the matter. The high court on January 7 had disposed of the writ petition against the trailer but left it open for petitioner to file a public interest litigation (PIL). The appeal against the January 7 order was filed by petitioner Pooja Mahajan in the top court on Wednesday, hours after a division bench of the high court had dismissed the PIL which had sought a ban on both -- the film and its trailer -- alleging it defamed the constitutional post of Prime Minister. The appeal, filed through advocate A Maitri, has claimed that "at present, if the film 'The Accidental Prime Minister' is allowed to be released then it will cause unaccountable damage to the name and fame of the office of Prime Minister of India". It has alleged that Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) should not have given certification to the film as actors have performed the "character of public personalities", like Manmohan Singh, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi which constitutes an offence under section 416 (cheating by personation) of the Indian Penal Code. "It is a known fact that film producers have not taken any consent/permission from Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to perform their characters or to perform their political life or to dress up in the same way as they had been doing in their normal life or to copy their voice in any manner," the plea has alleged. ALSO READ: The Accidental Prime Minister: Bihar court orders lodging of FIR against actor Anupam Kher, 16 others It further claimed that it "seems that filmmakers, producers have made an attempt to make commercial gains and the act of 'impersonation' have been committed deliberately to defame the office of Prime Minister just to hype the excitement amongst the prospective viewers". "The release of film is likely to cause unaccountable damage to high profile public personalities i.e.Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi," it claimed, adding, "it seems that film has been produced in a selected manner and it clearly shows that it's political propaganda with some other motives". It alleged that promo of the film showed that the movie has been produced "simply to damage the image" of Singh. A division bench of the high court had Wednesday rejected the PIL seeking ban on the movie and its trailer saying the petitioner has no locus standi to file the plea and private interest was involved in it. The petitioner had alleged in the high court that provisions of the Cinematograph Act were being misused and the film producer has released the trailer affecting the image of the office of the prime minister and giving a bad name to it at the national and international level. Advocate Sangram Patnaik, appearing for film producers Sunil Bohra and Dhaval Gada, had told the high court that the plea was not maintainable and how the production house was not made a party in it. The plea has arrayed the Centre, through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Google (India) and YouTube as parties. By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: The development of the much-touted Start-up Area in capital Amaravati will finally begin with the Amaravati Development Partners (ADP) set to launch the works of the Welcome Gallery on Thursday. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Singapore minister for Communications and Information S Iswaran will formally unveil the ceremonial plaque in Lingayapalem at 9.30 am. The ADP, which consists of the Singapore Consortium Ascendas Singbridge and Sembcorp Development and the Amaravati Development Corporation Ltd (ADCL), will develop a 40,000 sqft gallery with an estimated cost of Rs 47 crore as part of the catalytic development of the Start-up Area. The Singapore Consortium holds 58 per cent stake in ADP. The Start-up Area is expected to kick-start the economic activity in the capital and the ADP will develop a total of 1,691 acres in the capital in three phases over 15 years. The officials of ADCL, which holds the remaining 42 per cent stake in ADP, said the Welcome Gallery would be a venue that would showcase the capital city of Amaravati to the world and a place that fosters new collaborations from across the globe. The Gallery will host community and business events, education summits and exhibitions. It will also let the world know of the making of Amaravati, the officials explained. It may be noted that the Singapore Consortium entered into a pact with the State government in July last year. While minister S Iswaran announced that the development would immediately begin, it took six months for the next step of the development to be taken. Meanwhile, meeting of the fourth Joint Implementation Steering Committee, formed for the development of Amaravati by the State and Singapore representatives, is also to be held on Thursday. The deliberations will be held between CM Naidu and S Iswaran. By ANI KOLKATA: The West Bengal government has walked out of the Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee saying she won't let taxpayers' money to be spent on the programme. Addressing a rally in Nadia district on Thursday, chief minister Mamata Banerjee said the state government would no longer contribute funds for the scheme, which according to her was a political gimmick. The Ayushman Bharat scheme was merged with Bengal's Swasthya Sathi health scheme under which the state government provided 40 per cent of the total cost. "Why should we contribute to the scheme if Prime Minister Narendra Modi's face is on the letterhead with a picture of lotus, instead of the symbol of the Indian government," Banerjee said. She said the state funds needed for the scheme came from the taxpayers' money and she wouldn't allow it to be spent for a central scheme. With this move, Bengal became the sixth state to opt out of the scheme claiming it had better healthcare for the people. The others are Telangana, Odisha, Delhi, Kerala and Punjab, all having non-BJP governments. She added her government was taking care of people's health in the state. The Swasthya Saathi scheme, which has been running in Bengal since 2017, provides paperless, cashless and smartcard-based facilities to its citizens. Basic health cover for secondary and tertiary care up to Rs 1.5 lakh a year through insurance is provided under the scheme. The Ayushman Bharat national health scheme, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 28 from Ranchi, plans to cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families which approximately comes to 50 crore beneficiaries. Under the scheme, each family will get health coverage of up to 5 lakh rupees for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. The scheme replaced the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana and the Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme. Mamata said the Centre's interference in the state's affairs was an emerging trend. "They finished the CBI, the RBI, the banks and were promoting the loot culture," she added. She had recently announced that the state government would bear the entire 100 per cent of the crop insurance to farmers to prevent the Centre from taking credit for the state's crop insurance scheme by bearing 20 per cent of the cost. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: The Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF) staff detained a passenger at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) for possessing foreign currency illegally. The CISF personnel seized foreign currency worth of Rs 1.2 crore from the passenger. According to the CISF officials, around 2 am on Wednesday, Mohammed Parvez came to the airport to fly to Dubai from the city. He is resident of Chandrayanagutta. At the time of checking, based on profiling and further screening of baggage by CISF SI Varun Kumar, he noticed that Mohammed Parvez possessed foreign currency. It was revealed during the verification process that the passenger possessed US $ 16,500 (worth of `11.5 lakh), Qatar - 52,450 (worth of `9,96,550), UAE -- 37,950 (`7.2 lakh), Kuwait-- 2,165 (worth of `5 lakh), Oman -- 4,625 (`8.4 lakh), Bahrain-- 2,395 ( `4.4 lakh), Saudi- 2,99,100 (`55 lakh)-- a total `1.2 crore. Meanwhile, Shamshabad police detained eight persons for indulging in creating nuisance at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) during the cordon and search held on Wednesday. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Three months after a skeleton was found by labourers beneath the flower bed of a balcony here, the police have arrested a 37-year-old man for killing and later burying the body of his nephew, over suspicion that he was going around with the former's girlfriend. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dwarka, Rajendra Singh Sagar said the accused Bijay Kumar Maharana from Odisha killed his nephew Jai Prakash in 2016. "He smashed his head, when he was asleep, with the motor of a ceiling fan which had been removed for repair and was lying in the flat on February 7. He then dragged the body of the balcony of the flat, the two of them were residing at, and buried it under the soil which had been arranged by him in pursuit of his plan," the officer said. Saplings were planted on the soil to alleviate any suspicion. On February 12, he lodged his nephew's missing report at Dabri Police Station. He vacated the flat after two months and shifted to Nangloi, Delhi. He then shifted to Hyderabad, where after initially working in a couple of small companies, he was now serving as the HR Manager at an Engineering Company. Last year on October 8, police received a call regarding the recovery of the human skeleton in the balcony of a house under renovation in Dabri area. The police reached the spot a house and found that the fencing wall of balcony in a flat on the third floor of the house was pulled down for renovation and parts of a human skeleton were visible buried beneath the soil on floor of the balcony. The skeleton was found wrapped inside a blue colour jacket and a green colour shirt, bed sheet, blanket and a mattress. The information gathered on examining many persons and data collected from various agencies was analyzed and technical surveillance was mounted. On January 6 this year, the accused was arrested from Hyderabad and produced in the court. Anuradha Shukla By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Its going to be a vote-on-account in February but that may not stop the Narendra Modi-led government from announcing tax sops to woo the middle class ahead of the upcoming general elections. Outgoing governments usually dont announce tax reliefs in their interim budgets as it may run afoul of poll code. This year, however, the model code of conduct would not be in place when Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presents his sixth consecutive Budget on February 1. Being a vote-on-account, there may not be big-ticket announcements. However, the government is seriously considering increasing the income tax exemption threshold to give relief to the salaried class, an official told TNIE. A vote on account is a special provision through which the government obtains the vote of Parliament for a sum sufficient to fund its expenses for a short period of time or until a full Budget is passed. Vote-on-account deals only with the expenditure side of the governments budget and is normally valid for two months. In its pre-Budget recommendations, Industry chamber CII had urged the government to double the income tax exemption threshold to Rs 5 lakh and increase the deduction limit under Section 80C to Rs 2.5 lakh to incentivise savings. In vote-on-account, the government seeks Parliaments nod for incurring expenditure for part of a fiscal year but estimates are presented for the full year. Constitutionally, the government in power can announce tax changes. However, the new government has full freedom to change the estimates completely when it presents a full-fledged budget. According to highly placed sources, the Economic Survey will not be presented on the eve of the Budget day, which is the custom. There was a significant gap in the office when Arvind Subramanian resigned from the post of Chief Economic Advisor, ahead of his tenure. Even though we have a new CEA, there was too less time to prepare the Economic Survey. Its an important document and cant be prepared overnight. So it is likely there will be no Economic Survey this time, a senior official in the finance ministry told TNIE. The Budget session will start on January 31. On the first day, President Ram Nath Kovind is likely to address the joint sitting of the two Houses. Full budget in July Since the interim budget is only for four months April to July a full budget will be presented by the new government in July. The Economic Survey will also be tabled at that time, sources said. (With online desk inputs) US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo insisted Thursday that US troops will leave Syria, ahead of a keynote speech aiming to lay out a coherent US policy in the Middle East. President Donald Trump's "decision to withdraw our troops has been made. We will do that. We will withdraw our forces, our uniformed forces, from Syria and continue America's crushing campaign," Pompeo told reporters. Washington's top diplomat was speaking at a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry on the third leg of a key Middle East tour. He also met earlier with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, after arriving in Cairo late Wednesday on his longest trip since taking office last year which has already taken him to Jordan, Baghdad and Arbil. Later Thursday, Pompeo was to give a planned address entitled "A Force for Good: America Reinvigorated in the Middle East" at the American University in Cairo. His tour is aimed at urging regional allies to continue to confront the "significant threats" posed by Iran and Islamic jihadists despite Trump's shock decision last month to pull all 2,000 American troops from Syria. But the muddled pronouncements from the Trump administration, which swiftly walked back the planned withdrawal of troops from Syria, has triggered regional concern. A senior State Department official insisted ahead of the trip the US will "not leave the Middle East." The whistle-stop tour will also take Pompeo to Gulf countries including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. As he arrived in Egypt, the State Department described the country as a "steadfast partner in the anti-terror fight, and a courageous voice in denouncing the radical Islamist ideology that fuels it". But there are rising concerns that US policy is getting bogged down. A long-promised proposed Trump plan for a peace deal between Israelis and Palestinians has so far failed to materialise. Ahead of his visit to Saudi Arabia in the coming days, Pompeo is also expected to confirm the strength of the US alliance with Saudi Arabia. * This story was edited by Ahram Online. Short link: The Lawrence County commissioners are close to committing to the purchase of a new paper ballot voting system. The one they are considering will be like going back about 12 years in the county, to when voters filled out a paper ballot, then slipped it into a secured box, Commissioner Dan Vogler said Wednesday at a meeting of the county planning commission. "It's kind of like going back to the future." After reviewing three possible options at a meeting of the Lawrence County Board of Elections this week, the commissioners acting as the members of the elections board delayed their decision on buying the new system until Tuesday, hoping that interested county voters might attend their public meeting to hear more about their options. The election board will convene immediately after the commissioners regular 10 a.m. meeting at the courthouse, and that is when the vote to buy a new voting system is expected to take place. Ed Allison, Lawrence County director of elections, presented a detailed analysis of each of three possible voting systems that have been certified by the state. Pennsylvania counties have until the 2020 May primary election to put new voting systems in place that use paper ballots, and the systems must be state-certified. The existing election systems will be decertified. That mandate comes without funding, but the governor is asking the state legislature to consider allocating at least 50 percent of funds to the counties for the systems they choose, Commissioner Dan Vogler explained. The rest of the cost would be borne by the taxpayers, he said, calling it "a partially unfunded mandate." LEAST EXPENSIVE The commissioners are leaning toward buying the system that costs the least, with a price tag of about $530,000. The most expensive of the three certified would cost about $1.3 million, according to figures presented by Ed Allison, county director of elections. Vogler told the planning commission that the county's existing touch-screen voting system, purchased in 2006 under a previous state mandate, has only been used for 26 elections. He is hoping the system is marketable to another county outside of Pennsylvania, in a state that does not have the same paper-ballot mandate. Allison said that there have never been any major problems with the existing system, only a few calibration issues or machine freeze-ups. But election days usually have gone smoothly with no issues or questions about vote counts, he said. The county bought the existing system from Elections Systems and Software, based in Omaha, Nebraska, one of only two vendors that also have machines certified by the state now that are being marketed in Pennsylvania. Allison said at the election board meeting Tuesday that ES&S equipment is one level above all of the competing companies, and is the low-cost provider for two of the three types of certified voting systems that he recommended. THE OPTIONS The commissioners are favoring the "central count" option. That would involve all voters casting paper ballots at their polling places. The ballots would be inserted into locked boxes at the precincts, and the boxes would be transported to the Lawrence County courthouse for tabulation on high-speed scanners. Following tabulation, the ballots would be secured until disposal for the next election. Story continues below video Allison wrote in his report, "this would be the simplest method for the poll officials, but would greatly increase the back-end work of scanning ballots, and reporting results would unquestioningly be delayed." The other options are a precinct count, where all voters would cast paper ballots that would be run through scanners at the precincts by the voters. At the close of the polls, the ballots and a single thumb-drive would be taken to the courthouse, and the thumb drives would be read and votes tallied. The ballots would be secured and held for disposal until the next election. Backend work is further reduced by reading the absentee ballots at the polls. The system cost would be about $697,000, according to Allison's report. The third option, precinct vote and count, would cost about $1.3 million, he said. That involves all voters creating their own ballots on ballot-writing equipment at the precincts, inspecting their ballots, then passing them through a scanner for tabulation. This is the closest to the county's current distribution of the direct record equipment, Allison reported. A thumb drive from each scanner would be taken to the courthouse with the ballots. He noted that the costs associated with the systems are for the systems, only, and do not include the cost of supply bags, ballot boxes and other ancillary election needs. He pointed out also that with each option, voting devices for people with disabilities also would have to be available in each precinct. Although Allison advocated the second option to the commissioners, their discussions led them to favor the least expensive choice. Vogler commented that even though that option would take more time in publicizing the final results after an election, the county would tell the state, "you wanted paper, you've got paper." CHANGE FOR 2019 The commissioners instructed Allison to talk to ES&S representatives to make sure that the new voting system will be in place well in advance of this year's primary election on May 21. Although the state mandate is not required until 2020, Allison and the commissioners have resolved to purchase the voting system for this year's election to ensure that it is up and running properly before putting it to the test of the next presidential election in 2020. They also wanted to be able vote on the new system purchase as election board members, after working with the elections office on all of the research of the systems. Two of the three commissioners will have step down from the election board this year, once they announce their candidacies for re-election. In his recommendation, Allison noted that "it would be foolhardy to attempt to roll out a new voting manner in a presidential election year, and equally onerous to split (this) 2019 election year with so many local races" between the existing system for this year's primary and the new system for the general election. Allison, who attended the meeting with his three staff members, told the board that it is all of their recommendation, "after exhaustive examinations and demonstrations, to roll out the new voting system in the Primary 2019. To do so, time has become the critical factor." He pointed out that the voting machine companies have offered the option of arranging financing for the systems over a number of years. dwachter@ncnewsonline.com HARTFORD Gov. Ned Lamonts calls for innovative solutions and collaboration during two speeches Wednesday drew mostly applause from lawmakers. Lamont, sworn in as Connecticuts 89th governor, said during his inaugural and State of the State addresses that now is the time for bold ideas to move the state forward. He also urged lawmakers to work together on Connecticuts biggest problems, most notably a budget deficit of roughly $1.7 billion in the next fiscal year. The budget vote will be a tough one, no doubt, he said in his address to the General Assembly. It will be easy to vote no, but I have a responsibility to get us to yes, and we only get there by working together. Leaders from each party said Lamonts remarks demonstrated a desire to work collaboratively. We see D.C. right now, and theres a bunch of political leaders from our president on down that arent willing to compromise thats not going to be us here in Connecticut, said House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, who represents part of Southington. Aresimowicz said he expects Lamont, who founded a cable service company, will draw on his business background, but that he will address policy issues with heart. Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven, said Lamont gave the impression hes willing to listen to any and all ideas. I dont think there is anything thats a non-starter, said Fasano, who represents Wallingford. Lamont laid out some policy proposals during his State of the State address that are in line with some of the Democrats campaign pledges, namely raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour and implementing a paid family medical leave program. Im very optimistic, Sen. Mary Daugherty Abrams, D-Meriden, said. I think paid family leave is something everybody can get behind. It depends on how it gets rolled out. Democrats have already submitted proposals for each policy, and Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, said Lamonts support shows he is in line with legislative Democrats on those issues. Lamont also called for transportation upgrades, something else that drew support from Democrats. He has the priorities in his head correct, Rep. Mary Mushinsky, D-Wallingford, said. Were curious to see how he cuts the budget to get there. Others, including Reps. Cathy Abercrombie and Hilda Santiago, both Meriden Democrats, expressed optimism about Lamonts ideas, including investment in technology. I am really encouraged by the governors speech, Abercrombie said. We are really lacking as a state when it comes to technology. Santiago, meanwhile, said she was supportive of Lamonts speech but well see what comes down the pike. Some Republicans felt that Lamont, even when pushing policies they didnt support, seemed to indicate that he was willing to listen to their concerns. Sen. Rob Sampson, R-Wolcott, pointed to Lamonts call for a minimum wage increase responsibly and over time. Sampson also took Lamonts speech as a sign the new governor wants to increase revenues with economic growth, not tax increases. I think, more than anything, he has a reality he has to live within, and you cant just put in all of these policies and expect to get the growth hes talking about, Sampson said. Republicans were also pleased with Lamonts comments on the budget. Lamont said the state needs to pass a budget that wont result in deficits during or after the upcoming biennium. I like that he acknowledged that its not time for excuses anymore, hes not going to play the blame game, Rep. Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, said. We need to look forward if were trying to balance a budget. Some Republicans did express concerns. House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, said she wants to see how the minimum wage and paid family leave proposals would be administered. She expressed concern that Lamont may give into the demands of the Democrats Progressive Caucus. State Republican Chairman J.R. Romano was more critical, saying that Lamont was trying to appeal to everyone. He doubts Lamont can make good on his promises for a minimum wage hike, paid family leave and infrastructure improvements and avoid a budget increase. When youre in a leadership position, you cant be all things to all people, and thats what hes trying to do, he said. mgodin@record-journal.com 203-317-2255 Twitter: @Cconnbiz PALM BEACH, FLA. Eversource received a national industry award for its response to a severe storm in May that included tornadoes and resulted in widespread power outages. The utility received the award Thursday during the Edison Electric Institutes winter board meeting in Palm Beach, Florida. The dedication of Eversources crews to restore service throughout Connecticut after this severe weather event illustrates our industrys commitment to customers, institute President Tom Kuhn said in a statement. Eversources crews worked tirelessly in hazardous conditions to quickly and safely restore power. They are truly deserving of this award. The May 15 storm produced confirmed tornadoes in Winsted, Barkhamsted, and one from Beacon Falls that traveled into Hamden. It eventually became a microburst which caused significant damage in Wallingford. Two people died during the storm and federal authorities approved a major disaster declaration for parts of New Haven and Fairfield counties. The storm also left more than 130,000 customers without power at its peak, including customers of Eversource, United Illuminating, and municipal providers like Wallingford. "This award is a tremendous honor that truly reflects the unyielding commitment and determination of our employees, who worked tirelessly day and night to successfully complete the massive restoration following the devastating storms last May, said Eversource Chairman, CEO and President James Judge. The tornadoes and macroburst that hit several western Connecticut communities caused monumental damage to the electric grid and left customers in the dark for many days. The award is a stark contrast to the attention the utility received after storms in 2011 left hundreds of thousands of customers around the state without power, some for more than a week. Jeffrey Butler resigned from his post as president of Connecticut Light & Power Co., Northeast Utilities electricity subsidiary in the state prior to the Eversource rebranding, in November 2011. CL&P received harsh criticism that year for its response after Tropical Storm Irene, in August, and an October snowstorm each knocked out power to residents across the state. msavino@record-journal.com 203-317-2266 Twitter: @reporter_savino PLAINVILLE A local woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to running over another woman with a car in 2017. Justine Cusick, 36, of 92 W. Main St., pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter in New Britain Superior Court. She is scheduled to be sentenced on March 28. Cusick was charged in 2017 with second-degree manslaughter, misconduct with a motor vehicle, driving under the influence of drugs and or alcohol, second-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree assault and unsafe backing. In October 2017, officers found Deborah Sheak, 59, unconscious and pinned underneath a running Nissan Altima at 14 Bradley St., according to a police report. She was airlifted to Hartford Hospital and was pronounced dead hours later. Another woman struck by the car suffered minor injuries to her legs. Police identified Cusick as the driver. Officers noticed Cusick had an odor of alcohol on her breath and she failed field sobriety tests. She later gave a breath alcohol test that showed a blood alcohol level of .17. lsellew@record-journal.com 203-317-2225 Twitter: @LaurenSellewRJ MERIDEN New City Planner Renata Bertotti says she hopes to improve the citys image and attract more commercial development in her new role. Bertotti was hired last month as director of planning, development and enforcement, replacing Bob Seale, who took a job in Idaho to be closer to family. Bertotti worked under Seale as the citys assistant planner since May, and was previously senior planner for the town of Manchester for 11 years. City Manager Tim Coon said he was impressed by Bertottis energy and ability to lead. A selection committee consisting of town planners from surrounding communities identified three finalists, ranking Bertotti as their top candidate. Renata has had six months of experience learning some of the ins and outs here, Coon said, so she knows where the city is headed and where its been, and shell be able to hit the ground running. One of Bertottis first tasks will be updating the citys Plan of Conservation and Development, a document Connecticut municipalities are required to revisit every 10 years to outline their future development goals. The city recently hired a consulting firm, New York City-based BFJ Planning, for $99,500 to work with the Planning Commission. Bertotti said she also wants to eliminate some of the procedural redundancies applicants face. An applicant may have to attend as many as four meetings of various land use boards and commissions to get approval. Everybody now is trying to get commercial and industrial development to lessen our reliance on residential property taxes, she also said. Bertotti also believes the city should rehabilitate its image to let the public know that Meriden is a place to come, its a place to live, to work in. We have a very beautiful city here that just needs some love, she said. ...I bring my friends to check out the park and theyre like, Oh my God, I had no idea that this is what Meriden looked like nowadays. People just dont know. Bertotti is inheriting the department at a time of transition, as four of the departments 14 employees are set to retire in the next six months under the citys early retirement program. She expects to fill the openings and noted the retirements are staggered, which should help the transition. She also said the six months she served as assistant city planner gave her time to think about how the department would transition from the retirements. Bertotti, 48, who has worked in municipal planning for about 15 years, said she was attracted to Meriden by the citys investment in its future. Honestly, Meriden is one of the most popular places for planners right now because of the investment that they made in their downtown projects, said Bertotti, who will earn a starting salary of $110,000. This is one of those communities that actually cares about their future and they have shown that through action. Bertotti was born and grew up in Bosnia, but left in the late 1990s to escape a civil war. She has been in Connecticut for about 20 years and has also worked in planning jobs in Coventry, Windsor and Manchester. Coon said he was impressed by Bertottis long string of municipal experience in planning in a number of communities. Bertotti doesnt remember what made her get into planning but said she became hooked while working her first job as a zoning officer in Coventry. I really, really liked it, and from there on it grew to become this thing thats kind of like my calling, she said. Its a very exciting position, Bertotti said of being a city planner, because it kind of allows you to make a difference or at least believe that you have some ability to make a difference and thats important. At the end of the day, you want to go home and say to yourself, Today, I helped something. mzabierek@record-journal.com 203-317-2279 Twitter: @MatthewZabierek MERIDEN A local man pleaded guilty Thursday to possessing child pornography and will face five years in prison. Jordan Thibodeau, 23, of 421 Parker Ave. S., pleaded guilty in Meriden Superior Court to second-degree possession of child pornography. He was arrested on May 12, 2016 and charged with first-degree possession of child pornography and promoting a minor in an obscene performance. According to the states attorneys office, there is a plea agreement in place that calls for a sentence of 10 years, suspended after five years, followed by 10 years of probation. Two years of the sentence is mandatory under state statute. Thibodeau will be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years and undergo sex offender evaluation and treatment as deemed necessary. Meriden police were alerted in 2015 by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about suspected child pornography downloaded on a peer to peer network, according to Thibodeaus arrest warrant. Police reviewed the suspected images and noted they showed young children between one and 12 years old. Police obtained a warrant for the IP address that downloaded the images, the warrant said. Officers went to the Parker Avenue South address and spoke with Thibodeau, who told police he downloaded child pornography from a website. The states attorney said police found 244 images and two videos of child pornography on Thibodeaus devices, adding that the images had been deleted and had to be recovered by forensic analysis. lsellew@record-journal.com 203-317-2225 Twitter: @LaurenSellewRJ Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said on Thursday US sanctions against his country were "fully illegal" and Tehran would not comply with them. Zanganeh, speaking at a joint news conference in Baghdad with Iraqi Oil Minister Thamer al-Ghadhban, said Iran would not discuss the volume or destination of its oil exports while it remained under US sanctions. Ghadhban said Iraq had not yet reached an agreement with Iran to develop joint oilfields. He also said the decline in global oil prices had stopped and that he expected them to improve gradually. Short link: CHESHIRE A state panel will review the December death of an 11-year old girl and could conduct an investigation. Anjelita Estrada, 11, attended Doolittle Elementary School. The state chief medical examiner 's office ruled her death a suicide. Cheshire police are investigating. The child fatality review panel examines untimely and unexplained juvenile deaths. The panel will meet later this month to review the case and consider what action, if any, to take, according to state assistant child advocate Faith Vos Winkel. Not all reviews turn into a full investigatory report, she said. The panel will draw from police and medical examiner reports. The girls father Anthony Estrada said she had moved to Cheshire about six months before her death with her mother and stepfather. Estrada believes bullying was a factor in her suicide although he said getting details from his daughter on phone calls was difficult. Hed also heard about Anjelitas troubles at school through the girls mother. My part in this is to push this message. I lost my 11-year-old daughter not entirely because of this, she was strong kid, but this definitely did not help, Estrada said. She was too young, she didnt understand the finality of the consequences of what was going on. School Superintendent Jeff Solan declined to comment Wednesday. Vos Winkel said the fatality review panel might do additional fact-finding on the details surrounding Anjelitas death. I know theres been some reports about bullying, Vos Winkel said. Anjelitas mother could not be reached for comment. Estrada lives in New Mexico. Hes working to raise money to bring his daughters body there. Its not anything that any family wants to deal with. No parent should have to go through this, Estrada said. jbuchanan@record-journal.com 203-317-2230 Twitter: @JBuchananRJ Strikes work, it is a very ... Houthi drones on Thursday attacked a Yemeni government military parade in Lahaj province, killing several people, Saudi and Houthi media reported. The parade was taking place inside a military base in al-Anad district when a loud explosion rocked the area, eyewitnesses said, adding high-ranked officials including Yemens deputy chief of staff were wounded in the attack. Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV said five were killed and several were injured. The Houthis Al-Masirah TV said the attack targeted the leadership of the invaders. Short link: Welcome to Morningstar.co.uk! You have been redirected here from Hemscott.com as we are merging our websites to provide you with a one-stop shop for all your investment research needs.To search for a security, type the name or ticker in the search box at the top of the page and select from the dropdown results.Registered Hemscott users can log in to Morningstar using the same login details. Similarly, if you are a Hemscott Premium user, you now have a Morningstar Premium account which you can access using the same login details. Sayre, PA (18840) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. While the Palestinian people suffer under continued political division and its impact on their daily lives, the wedge between Fatah and Hamas has grown amid a raging media war. This is a clear indicator at the start of the new year that reconciliation is not possible, at least in the near future. Reconciling adversaries in the West Bank and Gaza Strip has become very difficult due to intransigence on both sides and finger pointing about who is to blame for the rift. This has dashed all hopes that the new year will be one that sees Palestinian unity in confronting a most serious and possibly existential threat facing the Palestinian cause and people. Reham Ouda, a Palestinian political analyst, believes the general outlook according to statements by President Mahmoud Abbas is to directly punish Hamas, while not punishing the Palestinians in Gaza. Citizens will be all but screened to differentiate between normal civilians and those associated with Hamas, whose salaries will be suspended. There are reports that the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Fatah will pay overdue salaries to civil servants in the next few months and dismiss others based on their affiliations after they began following Mohamed Dahlans camp. Ouda continued that dissolving parliament triggered new steps; new parliamentary elections could take place in the West Bank only since they cannot be held in Gaza, which means a semi-separation between the West Bank and Gaza. She also noted the PA could declare Gaza a rebel territory, but this requires Arab and international support for such a serious step. I dont believe President Abbas would take such a decision, at least not anytime soon, Ouda stated. Such a declaration would mean a political siege on Hamass foreign relations and banning any international agencies, institutions or countries from dealing with Gaza and the de facto government there because it is illegitimate. Hamas or the government in Gaza would also lose all international and local representation. Opening bank accounts, money transfers and taxes would also be suspended and PA would impose sanctions. This would also impact the freedom of movement, in travel permits from Gaza to the West Bank and vice versa. Declaring the Gaza Strip a rebel territory has serious economic and political repercussions, Ouda said. Ouda continued that from a legal standpoint the PA is the legitimate power in front of the world. It goes to the UN and gathers votes in support of the Palestinian cause; therefore, it is capable of enforcing such a decision. But Ouda does not expect such steps would cause Hamas to surrender or change its course. Loathsome division would continue indefinitely, especially since Hamas receives financial support from Iran and Qatar. Therefore, despite the financial strain, it can manage the situation and continue operating. Ouda noted that Hamass claims that it was able to remove former Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman from office are not true. She believes Hamass impact is limited and short lived, unlike the PA, which has an impact on the international stage and has succeeded diplomatically through the use of international law. We cannot say Hamas won, even if Lieberman resigned, she said. War is deception, especially since now, Israel sends Qatari funds to Hamas via Beit Hanoun (Erez) border crossing. It is putting a band aid on Gaza because it is in dire straits due to tensions with Hizbullah in the north, Operation North Shield and the Iran issue. This leaves Israel with little time to think about a crisis with Gaza or rockets launched from there. Therefore, it is calling for de-escalation. Liebermans resignation was not due to his defeat, as Hamas claims. It is because his resignation triggered early elections. Ouda believes major confrontations even if many years down the road will take place between the occupation army and Hamas. This is what will decide whether Hamas is victorious or not. However, such confrontations are on the back burner until Israel resolves the threats on its northern border, the issue of Iran and preoccupation with Syria. Adnan Abu Amer, an expert on Israeli affairs, said it is clear that Abbas is moving quickly towards separating the West Bank and Gaza. Even if he does not announce it directly, his steps imply this. Abu Amer believes separation will happen and Palestinian brethren in the West Bank and Gaza will be torn apart and segregated. When the West Bank is allocated a large budget and Gaza is denied everything, this means separation, he said. Intermittent threats by President Abbas mean that cooperation with Gaza is beyond Palestinian legitimacy, and dealing with it is done separately, not within political unity despite unanimous denouncement by Palestinian factions of Abbass policy. Abbas is persistent in separation and ignores all calls for Palestinian unity. Abu Amer said that this would be a serious, difficult and cruel political development. Palestinian reaction to the salaries issue indicates the extent of the current crisis There are thousands of citizens, including martyrs, the injured and prisoners who are being axed under the usual pretext of technical errors and denials that these salaries are slashed, he said. The funds of the PA belong to all Palestinians, not the president to do as he pleases. He continued that even though Abbas denies participating in the US-spawned deal of the century and publicly rejects it, his actions on the ground show he is implementing it either through the issue of salaries or suspending funds to Gaza. All these hasten the steps towards separation, he said. Abu Amer noted that the message the leadership in the West Bank is propagating, that salaries will be dispensed depending on the party affiliation of civil servants (meaning only to Fatah loyalists), is unpatriotic since civil servants should get paid irrespective of their politics. He believes this is to put pressure on Hamas to force Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to protest against Hamas and trigger an uprising for its overthrow, which is nonetheless unlikely. Ibrahim Deebes, a writer, believes the fracture is now becoming a permanent condition and if it wasnt for the geographic distance between the West Bank and Gaza there would have been armed clashes and sectarian war. All conciliation efforts by Egypt have failed, said Deebes. All the agreements are ink on paper; all claims of wanting to restore national unity were just to deceive the masses and serve the interests of division. He warned that the cancer of occupation continues to expand and the threat of complete Judaicisation is increasing, and division accomplishes the next goals of occupation. They want Gaza to be the centre of what we call a state, and for West Bank residents to join them so [Israel] can capture the land and remove the people, said Deebes. Also, there are moves on Jerusalem such as reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque and eliminating crowded suburbs such as Abu Dees, Al-Ayzariya, Kafr Aqab, Semiramis and Al-Ram. This is why Israel supports a truce with Gaza and ensures the delivery of funds there, while putting pressure on the Gaza Strip. He added that upcoming elections in Israel will usher in a more radical right-wing government and the worst is yet to come. Abbass recent confrontational steps began with the decision to dissolve parliament, followed by the removal of PA-loyal staff from Rafah border crossing, and threatening to suspend the budget of the Gaza Strip, estimated at $96 million. The situation will likely continue to escalate and deteriorate. Meanwhile, Hamas prevented Fatah supporters from celebrating the anniversary of the groups creation and igniting a torch in Unknown Soldier Square in the centre of Gaza. This was preceded and followed by extensive arrests and interrogations of leading Fatah members. Tensions boiled over after the PAs radio and television building at Tal Al-Hawa in Gaza was raided and its contents destroyed. Hamass Interior Ministry said it has identified the culprits, but many international agencies and institutions blame Hamas because it is in charge of security in Gaza. *A version of this article appears in print in the 10 January, 2019 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Wedge widens between Fatah and Hamas Short link: SUPPORT THIS INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM The article youre about to read is from our reporters doing their important work investigating, researching, and writing their stories. We want to provide informative and inspirational stories that connect you to the people, issues and opportunities within our community. Journalism takes a lot of resources. Today, our business model has been interrupted by the pandemic; the vast majority of our advertisers businesses have been impacted. Thats why the Weekly is now turning to you for financial support. Learn more about our new Insiders program here. Thank you. JOIN NOW US sanctions fully illegal, Iran wont comply with them oil minister US sanctions fully illegal, Iran wont comply with them oil minister Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said on Thursday that US sanctions against his country were fully illegal, adding that Tehran would not comply with them. We believe that we should not comply with the illegal sanctions against Iran, Zanganeh told a news conference in Baghdad with his Iraqi counterpart, Thamer al-Ghadhban. Zanganeh also said Iran would not discuss the volume or destination of its oil exports while it remained under US sanctions. Ghadhban, who also said the discussions had touched on energy issues, added that Iraq had not yet reached an agreement with Iran to develop joint oilfields.Source : RT - Daily news Turkish military op in Syria not dependent on US pull-out FM Cavusoglu Turkish military op in Syria not dependent on US pull-out FM Cavusoglu A military operation against the Kurdish YPG militia, which Turkey has pledged to carry out in northern Syria, is not dependent on a US pull-out from the region, Turkeys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said. In an interview with broadcaster NTV on Thursday, Cavusoglu said it was not realistic to expect the United States to collect fully weapons it gave to its YPG ally. Ankara views the YPG as a terrorist group. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that the US troop withdrawal from Syria will not be scuppered despite Turkish threats against Washington's Kurdish allies there. Pompeo also promised to ensure that the Kurds would still be protected, Reuters reported.Source : RT - Daily news The volume of mutual trade between Russia and China finally reached $100 billion for the first time ever, according to Gao Feng, the Chinese commerce ministry's spokesman. The official said that the trade turnover hit the all-time high in the middle of December, 2018. Feng added that Russia was Chinas major partner when it comes to trade growth dynamics. Russia is reportedly ranked as Chinas tenth biggest trade partner, while China remains a major importer of Russian produce, accounting for 15 percent of the countrys international trade as of 2017. Feng highlighted that Beijing was ready to expend efforts to strengthen the ties between the states. According to the latest data by China's customs administration, trade turnover between the neighboring states grew 27.8 percent from January through November 2018 compared to the same period in the previous year, and totaled $97.23 billion. Exports of Chinese goods to Russia increased 12 percent and amounted to $43.45 billion, while Russias sales to China surged 44.3 percent to $53.78 billion. In November, Chief Executive of the Russian Export Center Andrey Slepnev said that the projected figure of $100 billion worth of mutual Russia-China trade could double in the years ahead. The partners are promoting settlements in ruble and yuan in an attempt to bypass the US dollar and other Western currencies due to numerous anti-Russian sanctions and persisting trade pressure placed on Beijing by Washington. For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section Hungarian right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that he must oppose French leader Emmanuel Macron, calling him a key player in EU pro-immigrant agenda. Both nations futures are at stake, he added. Responding to a question from Le Monde at a press event in Budapest on Thursday, the Hungarian PM said that he has good relations with Macron, but when it comes to views of migration, the two are bitter rivals. It is nothing personal, but a matter of our countries futures, Orban noted. If what he wants with regards to migration materializes in Europe, that would be bad for Hungary, therefore I must fight him. Also on rt.com Macron doubles down after Orban & Salvini declare opposition to him as pro-migration leader Emmanuel Macron is the leader of the pro-immigration forces in the EU, the prime minister explained. DETAILS TO FOLLOW : Earthcomment (), : Science : Famous Anthropologist Mr. Hu Jiaqi Responded to the Issue of "Gene-edited Babies" : BBS (Thu Jan 10 00:52:14 2019, ) The worlds first gene-edited babies have been born in China recently, according to startling news. The babies are immune to HIV/AIDS because a gene segment was removed from the zygote. It is said they are the worlds first gene-edited babies immune to HIV. Since the news was announced, the issue of gene-edited babies has sparked heated discussion concerning ethics and morality, as well as security. Well, what is the famous anthropologist Mr. Hu Jiaqis view on the issue? The author has sorted out two important points of view through interviews. Key point I: The developing Human Gene Editing is bound to bring crisis to mankind. Human genes are rational because they are the result of billions of years of natural evolution. Will human editing of genes arbitrarily cause a crisis? In fact, there is no mature technology for accurate editing of human genes at present. With the existing technologies, it is very difficult for human beings to avoid failures because the human genome consists of billions of bases. There is a phenomenon called "off-target effect" in gene editing. What does being off target mean? In short, it means the gene is located mistakenly. The negative impact of off-target gene editing is far beyond our estimation. The safety of gene editing is affected because of the off- target effect. It is one of the most important issues in the application of gene editing technology. However, even if it is on-target, there may also be unforeseen serious consequences as the technology develops. The famous anthropologist Mr. Hu Jiaqi held the view years ago that it would be entirely possible for humans to reconstruct themselves in the near future by altering their genes. And the crisis brought by science and technology themselves will be far greater than the current state of primary development of science and technology. The similar view was mentioned later in the book Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Hawking. There will be gene-edited super humans in the future. Not only do they have a longer life and better physical quality, but also they may even have higher IQ and better memory than ordinary people. Once the gene editing technology is mature, it will bring tremendous pressure on the lives of civilians who have no access to the resources of gene editing, and even bring disaster to them. What makes us even more frightened is that the modified genes are bound to be passed on to their descendants through such editing at the level of embryo. This is equivalent to adding a new variety of gene to the human gene pool. After generations of reproduction, there will even be incalculable mutations. Key point II: The moral and ethical issue of gene-edited babies. In fact, many scientists were able to use the gene editing technology years ago. But the scientists around the world were unwilling to or were afraid to use the technology because of the uncertainty of being off target and unpredictable mutations, and the more important moral and ethical issue. The research ofgene-edited babieswas approved by an ethical committee called Ethical Committee of Shenzhen Hemei Gynecological and Pediatric Hospital. However, the Shenzhen Health and Family Planning Commission said the organization of Ethical Committee of Shenzhen Hemei Gynecological and Pediatric Hospital had not put on required record. So far, more than 100 scientists said in a signed joint statement, We are firmly against and condemn the research. They think the so-called biomedical inspection exists in name only. It is mentioned in the book Saving Humanity by the famous anthropologist Mr. Hu Jiaqi, The so-called gene reconstruction technology is to cut, paste and repair genes on DNA with enzymes so as to create creatures that meet our own needs based on our own wishes. The technology has been widely used so far. Scientists are able to produce red, yellow and brown cotton, and breed seedless watermelons and seedless grapes. They can let frogs grow six eyes and let mice have no tails. The reason lies in the technology of gene reconstruction. Human beings will be able to, if they want to, reconstruct their genes in the near future. Especially today, we know that the Human Genome Project has comprehensively studied and sequenced 3 billion base pairs of human DNA and more than 20,000 genes made up of the base pairs, and considerable results have been achieved. With the further development of biological science, it is entirely predictable for human beings to thoroughly understand all human genetic structures and the human life code that they represent in the near future. So we are able to freely rebuild ourselves as long as we make a little effort on this basis. People neither consider the negative effects of science and technology, nor do they doubt the justice of the development of science and technology. We have been marching forward bravely to the depth of science without any scruple. Because of such basic historical facts, we cannot fully believe that human beings will be able to control the development of science and technology in the future. At present, babies are used as an experimental article to modify the genetic code through gene editing. Their future will be exposed to unknown risks. What is more terrible is that even half-human and half-beast monsters may be created through gene editing in the future if human beings disregard morality and ethics, the relevant ethical regulatory bodies fail to act, research is carried out for a temporary impulse, or some scientists are overwhelmed by commercial interests. This is not an alarmist definitely. If the issue of gene-edited babies is not condemned but allowed to develop, human beings will surely taste the bitter wine brewed by ourselves. During the interview, the famous anthropologist Mr. Hu Jiaqi emphasized more than once that the issue must be condemned from an ethical point of view. Once Pandora's box is opened, human beings will not always be lucky to escape the disaster. We will have to restrict the development of science and technology since law and morality can not really play a restrictive role. With the emergence of various gene editing technologies, ethics and morality are always a threshold to enter the gate. Meanwhile, faced with the benefits brought about by the operation of commercial capital, scientists should maintain moral integrity and uphold the rationality as scientific researchers. They should not be callous to seek such so-called results that only attract attention and serve their personal interests. Humans can no longer be so numb. As what the famous anthropologist Mr. Hu Jiaqi said, When people accept all scientific and technological achievements without much thinking, they will inevitably show indifference to the negative effects of scientific and technological achievements. However, disasters always stem from numbness. The sea is often very calm before the arrival of huge waves but the undercurrent is surging on the bottom of the sea. When the whole society is numb, a devastating disaster may be just ahead of us. Original link http://www.wicz.com/story/39703277/famous-anthropologist-hu-jiaqi-responded-to-the-issue-of-gene-edited-babies -- :WWW mitbbs.com [FROM: 66.] As a current print subscriber, you receive 24/7 access to our website and online e-edition at no additional charge. All you have to do is activate your access. To activate digital access, you will need your account number. You can find your account number on any recent subscription notice or bill. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that the United States is a "force for good" in the Middle East while expressing damning criticism of the Obama administration's policies in the region. In a speech in Cairo, Pompeo lambasted President Donald Trump's predecessor Barack Obama for his "timid" and "wishful" vision, which he said had plunged the Middle East in turmoil, undermined Washington's role in the region and failed to adequately confront extremism. "Remember, it was here, here in this very city, another American stood before you," Pompeo said, apparently referring to Obama's major 2009 speech which he gave in his first year of presidency. "He told you that radical Islamist terrorism does not stem from ideology. He told you that 9/11 led my country to abandon its ideals, particularly in the Middle East. He told you that the United States and the Muslim world needed a new beginning. The results of these misjudgments have been dire,'' he added, without mentioning Obama by name. Pompeo blamed the former president's approach for contributing to the rise of the Islamic State terrorist group in Iraq and Syria and failing to counter Iran's growing influence in the region. He also criticised Obama's "hesitation" to counter the growth of Lebanon's Iranian-backed Hezbollah group and Iran-allied rebels in Yemen. "Our eagerness to address only Muslims and not nations ignored the rich diversity of the Middle East and frayed old bonds. It undermined the concept of the nation states, the building block of international stability," Pompeo told an audience of top Egyptian officials, foreign diplomats and students at the American University in Cairo. "When America retreats, chaos often follows. When we neglect our friends, resentment builds and when we partner with our enemies, they advance." Pompeo said that Obama's successor, Trump, has brought a "real new beginning" and ended "the age of self-inflicted American shame." "In less than two years, the United States under President Donald Trump has reasserted its traditional role as a force for good in this region." In a bid alleviate concerns over the use of the US power in region, Pompeo said that "America has always been and always will be a liberating force, not an occupying power. We have never dreamed of domination in the Middle East." Pompeo sought to reassure allies in the region that Washington remains committed to the "complete dismantling" of the threat posed by the Islamic State terrorist group as well as the ongoing fight against radical Islamism. He said Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has joined the Trump's administration in denouncing radical Islam. "I thank President Sisi for his courage," he said. He reaffirmed that Washington strongly supports Egypt's efforts to destroy extremists in the border Sinai region, the epicenter of a militancy that has killed hundreds over the past few years. Pompeo arrived in the Egyptian capital late on Wednesday on the third stop of a nine-nation Mideast tour, following Trump's surprise decision to withdraw all US troops from Syria. Earlier on Thursday, he met with President El-Sisi and Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Cairo to discuss security and economic cooperation. Short link: Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi discussed bilateral ties and counterterrorism efforts with visiting Greek intelligence chief Yiannis Roubatis in Cairo on Thursday, El-Sisi's spokesman said. The talks, also attended by chief of Egypt's General Intelligence Service Abbas Kamel, discussed ways to boost cooperation between the two countries in all fields, whether at the bilateral level or as part of the tripartite cooperation mechanism with Cyprus, spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement published on Facebook. The tripartite summit was first held in Cairo in 2014 with the aim of boosting cooperation between the three countries, with the most recent round of the summit held on the Greek island of Crete in October 2018. The officials also addressed efforts to combat tourism and developments in the Middle East. Short link: We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. The National Rifle Association and other opponents of expanded background checks contend they miss the point because criminals dont obtain their firearms through legal purchases. Theyre right. Background checks wouldnt help with shootings by gang members, drug dealers and other degenerates. But background checks could keep firearms away from people who try to buy them legally and shouldnt be allowed to have them because of their history of being unstable or dangerous. Meanwhile, in the White House and Capitol, its business as usual for Trump, Pelosi, Schumer and others. They still get paid during a shutdown. Yes, the president doesnt take his salary. And yes, some lawmakers have tried to show solidarity with the unpaid federal workforce by saying they won't take a paycheck until the shutdown ends. Its easy for them to say that because they dont live paycheck-to-paycheck. Trump, who has survived on the family handout known as inheritance his entire life, was apparently unaware that a government shutdown meant food stamps could get cut, tax refunds would not go out (his administration is now addressing that), and certain housing subsidies would go unpaid. And, despite claiming he's an ace businessman, Trump didn't seem to realize that retailers and restaurants in towns with a heavy federal presence will suffer from a lack of traffic if the shutdown goes on. If you aren't reporting for work, you aren't heading out for lunch near your office. "Mary told me, 'If something happens, that's the way it's supposed to be,' " Henrichs recalled. "We talked about it for a bit, and she made me feel better. And of course I said, 'Thank you.' What she did is incredible. I'm still overcome when I wake up in the night and think about it." Theres no black and white rule you can follow on what you can do and what you cant do, said Freking, a member of Workplace Fairness, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting workers rights. The more clear guidance we can get from any supreme court the better it is for everybody. Now, social media is lighting up over a report from last summer about a shipment of nearly 110 pounds of fentanyl that U.S. officials said made its way from China to the Port of Philadelphia. 2001: Ridge lets lawmakers dip into the surplus by signing Act 9. The law retroactively raises pensions for legislators by 50 percent, and state workers and teachers by 25 percent from the first day of public service. It also reduces from five to 10 years how long it takes for elected officials and employees to become vested. The Sept. 11 terror attacks come months later, putting Wall Street investments into a tailspin and triggering todays deficit. Nettleton and Lara were engaged in inappropriate behavior during a going away party for a Navy officer, which resulted in Nettleton and Christopher Tur fighting, Michael Tur said. Later that evening Christopher Tur went to Nettleton's home and the two men fought again, the indictment said. Tur's blood was found in the house, on the deck and on a rag found at the house, it said. With her four children, the woman had recently left an abusive marriage. She was behind on her rent. And, as an employee of the Department of Homeland Security in Philadelphia for nearly two decades, she is one of hundreds of thousands of federal workers who are furloughed during the government shutdown. If the shutdown drags on through March, annual economic growth could fall to zero in the first three months of the year. Even if the government reopens by the end of the month, the annual pace of growth could be a meager 1.6 percent only half the pace of last quarter, said Sal Guatieri, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets. The case has drawn outcry from the governor to the San Carlos Apache tribe in southeastern Arizona, of which the 29-year-old victim is an enrolled member, and put the spotlight on the safety of group homes and facilities that care for those who are incapacitated or severely disabled. Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi met on Thursday in Cairo with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, where he stressed Egypt's keenness to enhance bilateral and strategic relations with the US on all levels. The meeting was attended by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and the chief of Egypt's General Intelligence Service Abbas Kamel. The US Secretary of State affirmed that his country stands firmly behind Egypt's commitments to protecting religious freedoms and fighting terrorism. Pompeo conveyed greetings from US President Donald Trump to El-Sisi on the recent inauguration of Al-Fattah Al-Alim Mosque and the Nativity of the Christ Cathedral, which Pompeo said reflects Egypt's efforts to reinforce the principles of fraternity and coexistence. The US secretary of state stressed his country's interest in strengthening strategic relations with Egypt, as well as intensifying coordination and joint consultation on Middle East issues in light of Egypt's political role and leadership in the region. Egyptian presidential spokesman Bassam Rady said that the meeting also involved a discussion on combating terrorism and extremist ideologies. El-Sisi stressed the Egyptian government and people's determination to continue their efforts to defeat terrorism. The US secretary of state praised and expressed his country's support for Egypt's decisive efforts in this regard. Rady said that the meeting also discussed the developments in Libya, Syria and Yemen, and the efforts to reach political settlements to the conflicts in these countries while preserving their territorial integrity and national institutions. The two also reviewed the latest developments in the Palestinian issue and means of reviving the peace process. The Egyptian president affirmed Egypt's stance on reaching a just and comprehensive solution that guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state according to international resolutions, expressing Egypt's keenness to cooperate with the United States on this issue. Pompeo embarked on an eight-country tour in the region on Tuesday, starting with Jordan. The tour is expected to focus on Syria, Iran and Yemen, as well as US bilateral relations with Arab countries. The US Secretary of State will meet with a number of Egyptian officials to discuss economic and energy cooperation as well as major regional issues including Iran, Gaza and counterterrorism, the US State Department said. While in the Egyptian capital, Pompeo delivered a speech on the US commitment to peace, prosperity, stability, and security in the Middle East. Short link: Its not new for districts to expose students to skills needed to find and land post-education careers. But nationwide, districts now are graded on how well they do it. The first report card came out in November. Another one set to a higher standard comes out in the fall. Schools, including charter schools, need to show the state that students, starting in kindergarten, are learning such job skills as making resumes, writing reports on industries and job shadowing. It was the second police chase that started in Delaware and ended in Pennsylvania on Wednesday. Several people were injured in connection with the earlier incident, and Dejuan Robinson, 20, is still being sought, according to the Delaware News Journal. Jahsan A. Truitt, 26, and Coy B. Tyler, 19, were charged with three counts each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. They were arraigned by District Judge Karen Devine and released after posting $15,000 bail. Short then allegedly pulled a pistol on the victim. According to the news release, Short did this inside the house to force her to walk in front of him as he took more items and then fled the scene in his vehicle. Its not clear if the victim was injured. Pocono Mountain Regional police went to the source of the flashing S-O-S signal, finding a girl who told them her older brother, Richie Ortiz Jr, 20, was holding the a 19-year-old at knifepoint and was threatening to kill her and her unborn child, police said. The girl also told police that her brother was refusing to allow police inside, police said. Unlike other states, he said, Pennsylvania allows breweries to sell directly to the consumer without the federal approval, dubbed a certificate of label approval, so long as the new brands are registered with the state. He said that means beer lovers can go to a taproom or even the local farmers market and take home a brewerys newest beer in, say, a growler, despite the shutdown. The diocese, which includes Lehigh, Northampton, Schuylkilll, Carbon and Berks counties, has renewed its focus on abuse prevention since the August release of a grand jury report that identified 301 priests accused of sexually abusing more than 1,000 children over the past several decades. That included more than 50 priests from the diocese. Wolfel is assistant to the executive director for Student Services at Colonial IU 20. He began his education career at the intermediate unit and over 20 years has progressed from classroom teacher through each level of administration. He previously served as supervisor of the Colonial IU 20s partial hospitalization program and then as supervisor of its large autistic support program. He was then promoted to director of special education in 2013 and has served as assistant to the executive director for all student services since 2016. We will try to talk about the songs a little bit and give a little history, Gilmartin says. Audience members can expect to hear Flow Gently Sweet Afton and Burns most famous work, Auld Lang Syne, a poem set to the tune of a traditional folk song and traditionally sung on New Years Eve. The groups will play traditional Scottish folk music, too, including, Scotland the Brave and Skye Boat Song. The Skye Boat Song has seen a bump in popularity because of the Starz TV series Outlander, which adapted the song for its theme. While Bandit Truck Stop is one of more than 20 establishments across the state to receive conditional license approval so far, its unknown when the first terminals will go live a timeline that should become clearer in the months ahead. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. America's New Africa Strategy Recently, the White House released its new U.S. Africa strategy, which seeks militarization and portrays China as a threat. Both are misguided. Africa can greatly benefit from Chinese and U.S. economic development. On December 13, 2018, U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton gave a speech in the conservative Heritage Foundation about the Trump administrations new Africa strategy, based on Trumps America First foreign policy doctrine. In the United States, the media focus was on Boltons attack against U.S. adversaries and American aid. Specifically, Boston accused Russia and China of predatory practices in Africa. In practice, the Trump administrations Africa strategy implies militarization of U.S. activities in Africa to undermine Chinese economic contribution, which has effectively supported modernization and growth in the continent. Militarization of U.S. Africa Strategy In 2017, the United States had a $39.0 billion in total goods trade with Sub-Saharan African countries and a trade deficit of $10.8 billion. Americas largest export markets were South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia and Angola. In imports, Cote dIvoire and Botswana played a role as well. In the past, U.S. Africa strategy focused mainly on economic cooperation and aid, and secondarily on military cooperation. In the new strategy, the focus areas have been reversed. The America First Africa strategy purports to address three core U.S. interests in Africa: First, advancing U.S. trade and commercial ties with nations across the region to the benefit of both the United States and Africa Second, countering the threat from Radical Islamic Terrorism and violent conflict And third, we will ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars for aid are used efficiently and effectively. While the first core interest ostensibly involves economic dealings, it actually doesnt. The Trump administration wants our economic partners in the region to thrive, but it downplays all economic efforts to boost African prosperity. It is the second principle that's the key to the new U.S. strategy. According to Bolton, ISIS, al-Qaida, and their affiliates all operate and recruit on the African continent, plotting attacks against American citizens and targets. The new strategy sees Africa mainly as a base of Islamic terrorism, which must be defused in the continent so that it will not threaten American interests. Third, the new strategy will no longer support unproductive, unsuccessful, and unaccountable U.N. peacekeeping missions. Moreover, the America First stance portrays as adversarial the Chinese efforts to boost global economic integration through the One Road and Belt initiative in emerging and developing economies. Chinas economic contribution is mainly an effort to dominate the world. As Bolton puts it: [Chinas] predatory actions are sub-components of broader Chinese strategic initiatives, including One Belt, One Road - a plan to develop a series of trade routes leading to and from China with the ultimate goal of advancing Chinese global dominance. Since economic facts do not support the Trump administrations narrative, it relies increasingly on ideological trashing. Chinese Economic Cooperation in Africa Since the mid-2010s, Washington has accused China of neocolonialism in Africa. The misguided narrative seeks to reframe the eclipse of the commodity super-cycle, which caused a drastic fall in commodity prices, as another Chinese plot. In 2016, the value of China-Africa trade was $128 billion, almost three times bigger than U.S. trade with the continent. The largest African exporters to China comprise Angola, South Africa and the Republic of Congo, whereas the largest buyers of Chinese goods include South Africa and Nigeria. The Sino-African trade increased rapidly some two decades until the fall of the commodity prices since 2014, when the bilateral trade peaked at $215 billion. Since then, the value of African exports to China has been penalized, even as Chinese exports to Africa have remained steady. Meanwhile, U.S. investment in China has collapsed. U.S. FDI into Africa grew through the Bush years, when the White House still hoped to benefit from the impending industrialization in several African economies. But as the Obama administration presented its Africa vision in the early 2010s, U.S. FDI first plunged and then collapsed (Figure). Figure Chinese FDI and US FDI to Africa (flows), 2003-2015 Source: UNCTAD; China Statistical Yearbook; Difference Group When the administration began its attack against Chinese initiatives last fall, these outbursts were preceded by President Xi Jinpings speech in the 2018 Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) where Xi pledged $60 billion to the continent in loans, grants, and development financing. The new U.S. Africa strategy is largely dictated by the concern that a has become Africas largest economic partner. In contrast to Boltons fearful images of Chinese negative impact in Africa, leading business consultancies, including McKinsey, offer very different accounts. The former is based on ideological bashing without facts. The latter reflects simple economic analysis: Bolton on the U.S. Africa Strategy: McKinsey on China in Africa: China uses bribes, opaque agreements, and the strategic use of debt to hold states in Africa captive to Beijings wishes and demands. Its investment ventures are riddled with corruption, and do not meet the same environmental or ethical standards as U.S. developmental programs The Chinese dragons - firms of all sizes and sectors - are bringing capital investment, management know-how, and entrepreneurial energy to every corner of the continent - and in so doing, they are helping to accelerate the progress of Africas lions, as its economies are often referred to. In the past two decades, Africa-China trade has been growing at some 20% per year. FDI has grown twice as fast in the past decade. McKinsey estimates Chinas financial flows to Africa are 15% higher than official figures when non-traditional flows are included. China is also a large and fast-growing source of aid and the largest source of construction financing, which support Africas ambitious infrastructure developments. But is Chinese infrastructure investment in Africa a threat to U.S. interests, really? U.S., China, and Africa: Two Scenarios Ever since the release of the U.S. administrations new 2017 National Security Strategy, China has been perceived as Americas adversary rather than a partner: For decades, U.S. policy was rooted in the belief that support for Chinas rise and for its integration into the post-war international order would liberalize China. The new Africa strategy is actually based on the old neoconservative Wolfowitz Doctrine, which in the early 90s deems that the American goal must be to prevent the re-emergence of a new rival, either on the territory of the former Soviet Union or elsewhere that poses a threat. That's why the White House sees its China ties mainly in win-lose terms. But there is another future scenario that sees the multipolar world economy as a strength rather than a liability. It is predicated on more stable, global prospects as developing economies focus on economic development, instead of militarization. Unlike the U.S. Africa strategy, the multipolar scenario would not foster major power competition in Africa. Rather, it supports a win-win scenario, in which both America and China would trade and invest, and provide development aid to African economies. That would accelerate modernization and industrialization across the continent and thus living standards. With rising prosperity, terror would diminish. The multipolar scenario would fulfill the three U.S. core interests in Africa and foster triangular economic ties among the U.S., China and Africa, while intensifying modernization in the continent. In contrast, the old new U.S. Africa strategy has potential to undermine such futures. Dr Steinbock is the founder of the Difference Group and has served as the research director at the India, China, and America Institute (USA) and a visiting fellow at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (China) and the EU Center (Singapore). For more information, see http://www.differencegroup.net/ 2019 Copyright Dan Steinbock - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. Dan Steinbock Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Every short-term trader wishes they had a strategy they could rely on for 1-5 trades a week. Well, two of my favorite intraday trade setups I discovered during my 23 years of trading everything from stocks, ETFs, options, currencies, and futures 24 hours a day I am going to be sharing to subscribers of the Wealth Building Newsletter where these strategies and charts update live throughout the trading day for them to follow and trade the signals that are generated. Below is the post I sent to members today after both our gap and spike targets where hit within 2 hours. A very similar setup happened yesterday as well, thats 4 winning trades in two days. Members Update: The market opened slightly higher today and we expected a pullback to fill the morning gap. Also, we had to small price spikes to the downside adding more confirmation to this. IMPORTANT NOTE: Pre-market trades like these are posted in our morning update and video only. We dont want to blanket all our longer-term traders with day trades. So if you are an active trader be sure you read our morning update and watch the video with your morning coffee. The morning gap has filled and our spike targets are being reached as well. Keep in mind, these are short-term trade setup which will be implemented into our members area in the near future that auto-update and post for those of you who want to take advantage of early day trades and be done by 11 am most trading sessions. Once we have things implemented there will be a detailed PDF on how trading these along with a video. For you longer-term traders we are also working on having our swing trade charts and signal post and update automatically in the members area as well. Each trading strategy, chart, and signals will run in a separate members area page and you will be able to follow and trade the strategies that fit your personality and trading style. This is going to take us 30-60+ days to get things fully set up and running and its going to add a lot of value and opportunities for you Subscribe Now! Chris Vermeulen www.TheTechnicalTraders.com Chris Vermeulen has been involved in the markets since 1997 and is the founder of Technical Traders Ltd. He is an internationally recognized technical analyst, trader, and is the author of the book: 7 Steps to Win With Logic Through years of research, trading and helping individual traders around the world. He learned that many traders have great trading ideas, but they lack one thing, they struggle to execute trades in a systematic way for consistent results. Chris helps educate traders with a three-hour video course that can change your trading results for the better. His mission is to help his clients boost their trading performance while reducing market exposure and portfolio volatility. He is a regular speaker on HoweStreet.com, and the FinancialSurvivorNetwork radio shows. Chris was also featured on the cover of AmalgaTrader Magazine, and contributes articles to several leading financial hubs like MarketOracle.co.uk Disclaimer: Nothing in this report should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any securities mentioned. Technical Traders Ltd., its owners and the author of this report are not registered broker-dealers or financial advisors. Before investing in any securities, you should consult with your financial advisor and a registered broker-dealer. Never make an investment based solely on what you read in an online or printed report, including this report, especially if the investment involves a small, thinly-traded company that isnt well known. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report has been paid by Cardiff Energy Corp. In addition, the author owns shares of Cardiff Energy Corp. and would also benefit from volume and price appreciation of its stock. The information provided here within should not be construed as a financial analysis but rather as an advertisement. The authors views and opinions regarding the companies featured in reports are his own views and are based on information that he has researched independently and has received, which the author assumes to be reliable. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content of this report, nor its fitness for any particular purpose. Lastly, the author does not guarantee that any of the companies mentioned in the reports will perform as expected, and any comparisons made to other companies may not be valid or come into effect. Melinda "Mindy" Kaye (Tweet) Tarleton, age 52, of Budapest, Hungary, originally of Leota, MN, graduated to heaven on June 12, 2021 in Mankato, MN. Funeral service will be 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato, lunch following. Visitation and concurrent memor A Giza criminal court has acquitted leader of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood Mohamed Badie and seven others in a retrial over 2013 violence, the first time the group's leader and associates have been acquitted in a series of trials. The case dates back to clashes that took place near the Istikama Mosque on the outskirts of Cairo in July 2013 following the overthrow of President Mohamed Morsi, which left nine people dead and 20 injured. Among those acquitted on Thursday alongside Badie are senior Brotherhood members Mohamed El-Beltagy and Essam El-Erian, cleric Safwat Hegazy, as well as former supply minister under Morsi Bassem Ouda. This is the first time the above-mentioned leaders have been cleared of violence and murder charges in a string of court cases against them. The defendants were initially sentenced to death in 2014 by the same court before it later commuted the sentences to life imprisonment. They faced charges of murder, attempted murder and belonging to a group that aims to disturb public security and peace. But Egypt's top appeals court, the Court of Cassation, accepted an appeal by Badie and the others and ordered a retrial in October 2016. Badie is already serving a life sentence after being convicted of leading an illegally founded organisation and plotting to stir chaos, as well as other charges in the case known in local media as the Rabaa Operations Room trial. Last month, another criminal court sentenced Badie and his deputy Khairat E-Shater to life in prison in a retrial over violence charges during Morsi's overthrow. In 2013, Egypt banned the Brotherhood and designated it a terrorist organisation. Most of the group's leaders, including former president Morsi, are in jail on violence and terror-related charges. Short link: Wiring spills out of a Frontier Communications utility box in Ceylon. The Minnesota Department of Commerce last year found Frontier Communication failed to maintain and repair its equipment among a host of other service complaints. The state has just launched another investigation into the company. "It was there I met the love of my life." I am saddened by reports that a bomb exploded at the entrance of the South Sea Mall in Cotabato City. Two people were killed and over 30 were injured. The blast is being attributed to the Islamic State-inspired terror group called the Daulah Islamiyah, a splinter of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters which is itself a terror group. Santa Banana, this can only mean that terrorism has infiltrated Cotabato itself, the seat of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao! First, Cotabato City was plagued with kidnapping to the extent that Muslim bandits and kidnap-for-ransom gangs were telling residents that their family members would be kidnapped unless they paid ransom. After a while, members of the Armed Forces got stationed at the city proper, making residents sigh with relief. But now with IS-inspired groups operating in the city, this is most certainly not the place to go. I can only commisserate with its residents. Cotabato City is nearest to my heart. I got my feet wet in journalism here when an Oblate priest named Cuttbert Billman went to Ateneo to ask for volunteers to operate the newspaper The Mindanao Cross. Fr. Billman said he wanted graduates with some experience in newspaper publication. Rudy Tupas, my good friend, used to be editor-in-chief of The Guidon, and it was he who first volunteered. He asked me if I wanted to goI used to be his associate editor. I said yes for two reasons. First was my sense of adventureimagine, faraway and foreign Mindanao! Second, the Jesuits taught us that Ateneans must have a mission in life. In fact, at that time I was considering becoming a priest. But God had other plans. In Cotabato, I met the love of my life. Five years later, I married her. But thats getting ahead of the story. The love of my life walked past me in the aisle as she received the Holy Communion. I thought I had seen an angel! One morning after Mass I mustered enough courage to catch up with her as she was walking back home. I asked: May I walk with you? and she said yes. I started visiting her at her mothers drug store, and she told me she was just vacationing from Philippine Womens University and had plans of transferring to the University of the Philippines. After a month, she returned to Manila.A year or two hence, I was also back in Manila to continue my law studies. I got a job as a high school instructor at Ateneo High School. I heard through the grapevine that there was a certain Miss Trinidad Capistrano, a pharmacy student, who was the talk of the university. She was living at one of the dormitories in UP. I started taking my lunch at the South Dorm of UP after spending my mornings teaching at Ateneo. I was hoping to see Miss Capistrano again. One day, a friend, Rudy Olivarez, told me that a certain Flory Aristomenas, who was dorming with Miss Capistrano, had arranged a double date for the four of us. When the love of my life saw me, she said: So, its you! The rest is history as they say. I proposed to her to the tune of Love Letters and Autumn Leaves by the great Serafin Payawal, a 21-man orchestra at the Skyroom Jai Alai, when I invited her there for her birthday, January 8. And, Santa Banana, she accepted! We got married in Cotabato City on May 14, 1955. * * * Going back to my experience with the Mindanao Cross, Cotabato was then a whole province before it was divided into Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, General Santos and Sarangani. During the wars, Cotabato was ruled by the Sinsuat family. There was Duma Sinsuat, the governor, Blah Sinsuat, the congressman, Mando Sinsuat, mayor, and Mana Sinsuat, who became a cabinet member of the Marcos administration. Odin Sinsuat was mayor of Dinaig. Strangely, all the Sinsuats married Christian women. All of them were my friends from whom I learned a great deal. I have only gone back twice. First was to speak before a Rotary meetingbut left in a huff because I received a letter warning me that I would be kidnapped. Another instance was when we visited friends. I had to seek the help of National Security Adviser Joe Almonte. Its a sad development, what is happening now in my beloved Cotabato City. Medical device patent strategy The convergence of technologies in smart medical devices has led to inflated negotiation and freedom-to-operate (FTO) challenges in the medical device industry, according to in-house counsel. Sources explain that they are increasingly looking to create smart devices by partnering with technology developers and incorporating artificial intelligence, cloud or telecommunications solutions into their products. Getting to that end result is not so difficult so long as all the partners agree on that. That means developing a level of trust in exchange of know-how and making inventions together Maaike van Velzen, Philips But the growing number of partnerships means medical devices firms are faced with negotiating IP ownership, use and protection provisions on an enlarged scale. We have always done these sorts of contracts but never before at this volume, says the senior IP counsel for a global medical device company. It used to be a matter of negotiating one alliance per quarter and now it is more like one per week. The surge of new players into the sector and the use of unfamiliar technologies in medical devices is also expanding the prior art landscape and making infringement more difficult to detect for companies that do not necessarily have the right technological expertise in house. The medical device tech-partnership trend began around five years ago, with notable collaborations such as the one between Philips and Amazon, who worked together to unite medical device, application and electronic medical record data in the cloud. Partnerships in the health continuum bring together an ecosystem of players who can contribute to a final healthcare solution for customers, says Maaike van Velzen, head of IP portfolio management at Philips. We innovate and co-create solutions with partners to improve health outcomes, patient experience and workflow. One source adds that his company is looking to develop a line of smart orthopaedic implants with various partners that will communicate data around how the implant is coping, whether it is experiencing unforeseen stresses and how a person is responding to it from inside a patient. Ownership diagnosis According to the senior IP counsel at the global device firm, IP ownership is a main cause of tension between medical device companies and third-party tech companies in smart device partnerships. Every negotiation is so fact specific, he explains. Broadly, the goal is to negotiate the best terms and work out some compromises. He points out that some negotiations are just a matter of setting out that each party in the partnership owns what it creates and puts into a new invention, which is often the case when the other business does something very different to medical devices. We have always done these sorts of contracts but never before at this volume. It used to be a matter of negotiating one alliance per quarter and now it is more like one per week The trouble, he adds, is when the companies working together have fairly similar business models and inventions are developed jointly. In those cases both parties have to ask, who will own the invention? Will it be jointly owned? he says. Does each party have the right to commercially exploit the invention without paying money to the other side? He adds that there is also the matter of whether one party should pay royalties if it licenses the invention to a third party or if its exploitation of the invention requires use of third-party IP or builds on it. The patent counsel for the medical devices branch of a life sciences firm adds that, despite the increased number of partnerships, the negotiations themselves are not any more difficult than past ownership discussions. He says the key is to ensure that IP ownership matters are worked out before both companies spend thousands or millions on a project so that both parties can get a good deal out of it. Other parties come into the mix with certain ideas and it is important to have a meeting of the minds before proceeding on a mutually beneficial project, he says. Van Velzen at Philips says that the best strategy for these negotiations is to keep the end needs of the customer in mind and use that as a starting point. Getting to that end result is not so difficult so long as all the partners agree on that, she says. That means developing a level of trust in exchange of know-how and making inventions together. It is the corner stone of a good strategy in patent portfolio management for healthcare businesses. Franz Wittwer, senior innovation manager at medical device firm Biotronik, adds that successful negotiations are also about teaming up with the right partner one that has a similar culture and shares a desire to innovate and improve the end-user experience. Protection analysis Another challenge for medical device companies is working with third parties to determine the best protection strategy for the jointly-made new inventions on an increased scale. The patent counsel for the medical devices branch of a life sciences firm points out that some entities like to protect inventions with trade secrets, other with patents and others yet with a combination of the two. He adds that like IP ownership, working out protection preferences should be done ahead of time. It is a question of time until the med-tech industry has a major infringement challenge because certain tech companies that are not the industrys usual competitors are getting into the space Franz Wittwer, Biotronik The senior IP counsel for a global medical device company adds that protection analysis with partners should be a matter of practicality as much as preference. His company, he says, has not traditionally relied on trade secrets, but has started using them more and more as it works with more software developers. Software, of course, is notoriously difficult to patent and perhaps more difficult to enforce. Companies must also work together to determine if an invention is likely to be seen as obvious by a patent office. The patent counsel at the medical devices branch points out that a lot of tech going into medical devices now, such as sensors, are already used in consumables and wearables. Many of the implants were creating are brand new, but have been out for years and the combination of the implant and these technologies could be seen by patent offices as fairly obvious, he says. Perhaps it is not obvious and the tech is more difficult to create than meets the eye. But we should consider that some of the tech may be better protected by trade secrets, nonetheless. Pumping up FTO The introduction of new tech players into the medical device market also means medical device firms have to expand their prior art searches to ensure that they have freedom to operate for their smart innovations. It is a question of time until the med-tech industry has a major infringement challenge because certain tech companies that are not the industrys usual competitors are getting into the space, says Wittwer at Biotronik. The Apples and Googles of this world are moving into the industry and it may get crowded in regards to patents being filed. The senior IP counsel for a global medical device company argues that these entrants should only affect companies that operate more in the consumer space. But he adds that as medical device companies incorporate tech into their products or build new tech-based innovations, they may need to consider whether theyre infringing patents in other industries. Certain advancements on the touch screen for an ultrasound machine, for example, could already have been developed and protected by another company for a driverless car. The senior IP counsel says that this fact will not alter his companys FTO strategy, however. The FTO process gets too complicated if we start looking outside medical devices for infringement, he says. Could we be infringing on an Apple or Google patent? Absolutely. But it would not be worth their time to come after us even if they realised we were infringing and even though we're a big company. He explains that his company is diversified in terms of its products. The company will only sell a few thousand systems a year of a particular version of an ultrasound system, and the damages that could be sought for infringement of a particular component if that system would be quite small. It would not be worth their time if they're selling smartphones, for example, and selling millions of units a year or at least hundreds of thousands, he says. He adds that this business model is both a blessing and curse because it makes it difficult to go after competitors who might be infringing on a particular component in eight different types of ultrasound systems. Technology is providing wonderful new opportunities for medical device companies to enhance their products, improve the end-user experience and generate revenues. But a lack of expertise in these new technologies makes multiple partnerships necessary. Unless medical device firms swallow up SME firms on mass to bring the knowledge in-house, the number of partnerships and associated IP challenges will keep escalating. The material on this site is for law firms, companies and other IP specialists. It is for information only. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notice before using the site. All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws. 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQs. Share this article Proposed changes to the Australian Patents Act 1990 have been advanced in recent weeks as Australia looks to address the long-standing perception that its intellectual property arrangements fall short of the required standard. On July 23 2018, IP Australia announced a consultation on proposed legislative amendments included in Schedule 1 to the Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Productivity Commission Response Part 2 and Other Measures) Bill 2018. The proposed measures include: amending inventive step requirements for Australian patents; introducing an objects clause into the Patents Act 1990; phasing out of the innovation patent system. The decision to implement these measures has already been taken and the consultation concerns the form of the amendment to the Patents Act. Inventive step The draft provision aims to increase the threshold for inventive step by aligning the requirement more closely with that of Article 56 of the European Patent Convention (EPC): "S.7(2) For the purposes of this Act, an invention is taken to involve an inventive step when compared with the prior art base if the invention is not obvious to a person skilled in the relevant art." The Draft Explanatory Memorandum to the proposed legislative changes states that the purpose of adopting wording similar to Article 56 EPC is for the problem-and-solution approach followed by the European Patent Office to become the normal approach adopted by IP Australia for the examination of inventive step. The approach is expected to increase the threshold for inventive step. The statutory requirement for inventive step was amended only a few years ago and time will tell as to whether this further amendment to the statute, if approved, will achieve the desired effect. Objects clause An objects clause is proposed to the Patents Act "to provide additional clarity and guidance to the purpose of the legislation". The proposed objects clause includes the wording: "to provide a patent system in Australia that promotes economic wellbeing through technological innovation and the transfer and dissemination of technology." The Explanatory Memorandum states that the clause is not intended to narrow or change the subject matter eligibility threshold for grant of a patent. Nevertheless, the consultation focused on the use of the word 'technological' in the clause, and it is foreseeable that such a clause may potentially be invoked by anyone seeking to limit the boundaries of what should be considered to be patentable subject matter. Phasing out of innovation patents A long process for phasing out of the innovation patent is proposed. While new applications for innovation patents will no longer be possible following commencement of the legislation, the legislation will not apply to any application for an innovation patent that is filed before the commencement of the legislation or the claims of which have a priority date before the commencement date (e.g. divisional applications or applications converted from a standard to an innovation patent). Innovation patents will therefore be with us until the last of these expires. Next steps The consultation period was completed on August 31 2018. The resulting legislation will likely commence in 2019. Meanwhile, on August 24 2018, royal assent was granted to the Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Productivity Commission Response Part 1 and Other Measures) Act 2018,the provisions of which underwent a similar public consultation at the end of 2017. The Act, insofar as it relates to the Patents Act, relates mainly to administrative matters and also removes a requirement for patentees to provide the Department of Health with certain data relating to pharmaceutical patents with an extended term. Andrea Ruhrmann FB Rice Level 23, 44 Market St Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Tel: +61 2 8231 1000 Fax: +61 2 8231 1099 contact@fbrice.com.au www.fbrice.com.au The material on this site is for law firms, companies and other IP specialists. It is for information only. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notice before using the site. All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws. 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQs. Share this article Support Local Journalism The Malibu community needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please help keep us in print by making a contribution. Egypt's House of Representatives spokesperson Salah Hassaballah said Thursday that parliament has not received any official request to amend the constitution. "If we receive any proposed amendments in his respect, we will discuss them in accordance with Article 226 of the constitution," said Hassaballah. Hassaballah said that Article 226 states that if one or more than one of the articles of the constitution is asked to be amended by the president or one-fifth of MPs, they shall be discussed within 30 days, and if approved, they shall be put up for a vote in a public referendum within 60 days. Article 140 of the constitution imposes a limit of two four-year terms on the office of president. Several politicians have suggested that Article 140 should be amended to increase the presidential term from four years to six. Osama Heikal, the head of parliaments media and culture committee, told reporters in December that a number of constitutional amendments are urgently needed. Heikal argued that the current four-year term is too short for a president to implement significant policies or introduce political reforms. Some politicians also insist that many of the constitution's articles regarding political, economic and social matters need to be amended, arguing that the current constitution was drafted in 2014 to serve a transitional period. Hassaballah also pointed out that parliament has passed a number of unprecedented pieces of legislation, such as the law easing restrictions on building churches and an anti-human trafficking law to combat irregular migration. Meanwhile, he indicated that for various reasons, parliament has so far refrained from discussing three controversial laws that the constitution states should take priority. "The first one is on transitional justice, and this we can't discuss because it clearly seeks to achieve reconciliation with the banned Muslim Brotherhood group," said Hassaballah, adding: "As you know, this is a terrorist group which has the blood of hundreds of Egyptians on its hands, and so there is no room in the foreseeable future for any reconciliation with such a movement." Hassaballah continued: "There is a total popular rejection for the return of Muslim Brotherhood or for reintegrating them into political life." "We know that Brotherhood television channels broadcasting from Qatar and Turkey are doing their best to paint a bleak picture of Egypt, and so it is a waste of time to respond to the mouthpieces of the group," Hassaballah said. A number of MPs recently announced that they are ready to join a collective aimed at amending the constitution so that the presidential term be increased from four to six years, so President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi can stay in power beyond 2022 and for an unlimited period of time. Yasser Rizk, board chairman Akhbar El-Youm newspaper, also suggested in two articles last week that the majority bloc in parliament Support Egypt should move to form working groups to prepare for amending at least 15 articles of the existing constitution, particularly increasing the presidential term from four to six years and returning to a bicameral system by recreating the now defunct Shura Council. Hassaballah, meanwhile, indicated that a new law regulating the performance and election of local councils will take some time to be discussed. "This is a very important law that needs some security arrangements so that it can be implemented," said Hassaballah. He added that a new law to regulate the performance and election of parliament would need to be subject to a kind of national dialogue before being referred to parliament for discussion. Hassaballah revealed that as many as 506 laws have been passed by parliament since January 2016. "This is compared to 146 laws that were passed by Egypt's 2005-2010 parliament, and this shows you that we are doing a great job," said Hassaballah, adding that, "Parliament has approved 170 foreign agreements, 2,645 information requests, 2,616 questions, and 62 discussion requests." On other matters, Hassaballah denied that "there is conflict between the executive and legislative authorities, as some like to suggest." "We work under the principle that we are all in one boat, and that we all seek the supreme national interests of Egypt," said Hassaballah. He stressed that parliament's active foreign diplomacy has been able to reinforce relations between Egypt and many countries. "For the first time in six years, Egypt's parliament speaker was elected a member of the executive committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, representing the Arab world," said Hassaballah. In regular business, Egypt's parliament will hold new plenary sessions Sunday to discuss laws on fighting monopolistic practices, regulating the medical profession, and establishing a higher council for the physically challenged. Short link: You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Standard Lithium has reported success in producing battery-grade lithium at a prototype for a facility planned for Union County. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Stock Market News UK Shares News - Love Island's Tyla Carr shares candid hospital photo after welcoming son Archie via C-section 10-01-2019 03:01 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Business SOUKA at CABSAT 2017 | Soukacatv.com 10.01.2019 08:18:30 - SOUKA's ALL-IN-ALL-OUT headend with 16 HDMI input and 1 RF output, provides an intuitive interface that is both fast to learn and quick to work with. It only takes three steps and you will have a 16-HD-channel system. (live-PR.com) - SOUKA's ALL-IN-ALL-OUT headend with 16 HDMI input and 1 RF output, provides an intuitive interface that is both fast to learn and quick to work with. It only takes three steps and you will have a 16-HD-channel system. The 16 in 1 digital headend--SK-16D is like a small system, which is able to transmit the HDMI signal into any system standard - SOUKA's ALL-IN-ALL-OUT headend with 16 HDMI input and 1 RF output, provides an intuitive interface that is both fast to learn and quick to work with. It only takes three steps and you will have a 16-HD-channel system.The 16 in 1 digital headend--SK-16D is like a small system, which is able to transmit the HDMI signal into any system standard (ATSC/DVB-C/DVB-T/DTMB/ISDB) connected to the network. The applications include universities, school, hospital, bar and conference rooms. You don't need to know that much on how to setting up the whole system, for we have integrate the encoder and QAM modulator in that small box and set it perfectly to most of the situations. HDMI Encoder Modulator,16in1 Digital Headend, HD RF Modulator at SOUKA For those who want more professional settings, we also offer two kinds of control management : Mobile phone and computer software. Please find the links below: The SOUKA 16 in 1 encoder modulator headend with its compact design and competitive price has set fire to the market. However, in the coming day we will improve it from 16 HDMI input to 32 HDMI input with the same chassis. (DSW) is dedicated to design, manufacture and sales of CATV analog & digital headend with our brand name SOUKA. DSW obtained ISO9001:2008 certificate authorized by CQC. We have 100 in-house skillful workers, which ensures the punctual delivery date. And a professional engineer team made up of 10 senior RF engineers and 6 IT engineers to fulfil precise management over all projects honored by our customers. As one of the most reliable suppliers in this field, we continually spare no efforts in developing DSW into a world recognized brand with trustworthy and solid reputation. DSW sincerely invites you to enjoy the fascinating experience of modern technology and excellent customer service provided for you by our professional staff. Our main products are modulators both in analog and digital ones, amplifier and combiner. We are the very first one in manufacturing the headend system in China. Our 16 in 1 and 24 in 1 now are the most popular products all over the world. In 2016,we launched the digital 16 in 1 headend with 1080P output,which supports all digital TV standards in the world. And we never stop our steps,more products will be released in the coming days. We are young but we have faith to find our path to the peak. (DSW) is dedicated to design, manufacture and sales of CATV analog & digital headend with our brand name SOUKA. DSW obtained ISO9001:2008 certificate authorized by CQC. We have 100 in-house skillful workers, which ensures the punctual delivery date. And a professional engineer team made up of 10 senior RF engineers and 6 IT engineers to fulfil precise management over all projects honored by our customers. As one of the most reliable suppliers in this field, we continually spare no efforts in developing DSW into a world recognized brand with trustworthy and solid reputation. DSW sincerely invites you to enjoy the fascinating experience of modern technology and excellent customer service provided for you by our professional staff. Our main products are modulators both in analog and digital ones, amplifier and combiner. We are the very first one in manufacturing the headend system in China. Our 16 in 1 and 24 in 1 now are the most popular products all over the world. In 2016,we launched the digital 16 in 1 headend with 1080P output,which supports all digital TV standards in the world. And we never stop our steps,more products will be released in the coming days. We are young but we have faith to find our path to the peak. Source: (ATSC/DVB-C/DVB-T/DTMB/ISDB) connected to the network. The applications include universities, school, hospital, bar and conference rooms. You don't need to know that much on how to setting up the whole system, for we have integrate the encoder and QAM modulator in that small box and set it perfectly to most of the situations.HDMI Encoder Modulator,16in1 Digital Headend, HD RF Modulator at SOUKA www.soukacatv.com/ For those who want more professional settings, we also offer two kinds of control management : Mobile phone and computer software. Please find the links below:The SOUKA 16 in 1 encoder modulator headend with its compact design and competitive price has set fire to the market. However, in the coming day we will improve it from 16 HDMI input to 32 HDMI input with the same chassis.(DSW) is dedicated to design, manufacture and sales of CATV analog & digital headend with our brand name SOUKA. DSW obtained ISO9001:2008 certificate authorized by CQC. We have 100 in-house skillful workers, which ensures the punctual delivery date. And a professional engineer team made up of 10 senior RF engineers and 6 IT engineers to fulfil precise management over all projects honored by our customers.As one of the most reliable suppliers in this field, we continually spare no efforts in developing DSW into a world recognized brand with trustworthy and solid reputation. DSW sincerely invites you to enjoy the fascinating experience of modern technology and excellent customer service provided for you by our professional staff.Our main products are modulators both in analog and digital ones, amplifier and combiner. We are the very first one in manufacturing the headend system in China. Our 16 in 1 and 24 in 1 now are the most popular products all over the world.In 2016,we launched the digital 16 in 1 headend with 1080P output,which supports all digital TV standards in the world. And we never stop our steps,more products will be released in the coming days. We are young but we have faith to find our path to the peak.(DSW) is dedicated to design, manufacture and sales of CATV analog & digital headend with our brand name SOUKA. DSW obtained ISO9001:2008 certificate authorized by CQC. We have 100 in-house skillful workers, which ensures the punctual delivery date. And a professional engineer team made up of 10 senior RF engineers and 6 IT engineers to fulfil precise management over all projects honored by our customers.As one of the most reliable suppliers in this field, we continually spare no efforts in developing DSW into a world recognized brand with trustworthy and solid reputation. DSW sincerely invites you to enjoy the fascinating experience of modern technology and excellent customer service provided for you by our professional staff.Our main products are modulators both in analog and digital ones, amplifier and combiner. We are the very first one in manufacturing the headend system in China. Our 16 in 1 and 24 in 1 now are the most popular products all over the world.In 2016,we launched the digital 16 in 1 headend with 1080P output,which supports all digital TV standards in the world. And we never stop our steps,more products will be released in the coming days. We are young but we have faith to find our path to the peak.Source: www.soukacatv.com/souka-at-cabsat-2017_n11 Press Information: Dingshengwei Electronics Co., Ltd Buliding A,the first industry park of Guanlong,Xili Town,Nanshan,Shenzhen,Guangdong,China Contact Person: Phone: +86 0755 33019315 eMail: eMail Web: http://https://www.soukacatv.com/ 10.01.2019 08:18:30 - Disclaimer: If you have any questions regarding information in this article please contact the author. Please do not contact Live-PR.com. We are not able to assist you. Live-PR.com disclaims content contained in this article. Live-PR.com is not authorized to give any information about content and not responsible for content posted by third party. Georgia DNR to celebrate Natl. Fishing, Boating Week You probably dont need a reason to go fishing and boating but when we tell you it is National Fishing and Boating Week (NFBW), doesnt... Giant invasive bees could threaten native pollinators University of Georgia entomologists are seeking citizen help to document the presence of the sculptured resin bee also known as the giant resin bee... The US State Department has released a factsheet on US-Egyptian relations, describing Egypt as one of the United States longest-standing strategic partners in the Middle East. The factsheet release comes as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is set to meet with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and other Egyptian officials for talks in Cairo Thursday. "Egypt plays a vital role in regional security and stability through its counterterrorism efforts, support for the UN-facilitated political process in Libya, efforts to counter the Iranian regimes malicious activities, and the maintenance of the Egypt-Israel Treaty of Peace, which will see its 40th anniversary this March," the State Department release said. "The deep commercial, security, and people-to-people relationships between our two countries are rooted in mutual interest and respect, as well as our shared commitment to combating terrorism and fostering the conditions for prosperity, the release said, quoting comments made by Pompeo in July. "The US and Egypt share many security interests and enjoy a strong security partnership, which includes cooperation on overflight requests and Suez Canal transit, and an unwavering commitment to the defeat of ISIS (the Islamic State group). Egypt also works to counter the flow of foreign fighters, material, and financial support to terrorists." President El-Sisi has been "a steadfast partner in the anti-terror fight and a courageous voice in denouncing the radical Islamist ideology that fuels it," the State Department release noted. "The United States seeks broadened and deepened cooperation with Egypt, including on issues of human rights and civil society. We believe nation-states progress when all citizens enjoy basic freedoms. "As we seek a stronger partnership, we encourage President Sisi to unleash the creative energies of the Egyptian people, unfetter the economy, and promote a free and open exchange of ideas. "The United States welcomes the acquittal of the employees of US NGOs who were wrongly convicted of improperly operating in Egypt. We strongly support President Sisis initiative to amend Egyptian law to prevent future miscarriages of justice," the release stated. "The United States applauds President Sisis efforts to promote religious freedom, which stand as an example for all leaders and peoples of the Middle East. "The Secretary (Pompeo) is eager to discuss how the United States can help support President El-Sisis efforts to reform religious discourse and promote interfaith tolerance, as evidenced by the recent opening of the new Coptic Cathedral and the Al-Fattah Al-Alim Mosque." On promoting joint economic opportunities through a stable prosperous Egyptian economy, the release affirmed Egypt has one of the most diversified economies in the Middle East. "Under President Sisis leadership, Egypt is undertaking many important initiatives, including on the economic and energy fronts. The United States encourages a greater role for the private sector in the Egyptian economy. "Total bilateral trade in goods between the United States and Egypt was $5.0 billion in 2016. Egypt and the United States signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty in 1982 to promote and facilitate investment between our countries. "Americas Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with Egypt helps support freer trade and increased investment flows, helping to advance both countries economic interests. "With US support, the IMFs $12 billion Extended Fund Facility program has supported Egypts homegrown economic reforms and prospects for strong growth and employment generation. "OPICs recent provision of $430 million in political risk insurance for oil and gas projects supports Egyptian goals of improved energy self-sufficiency and job creation, and will help create a better integrated regional energy market. "US assistance to Egypt has helped bolster regional stability. "Since 1980, the United States has provided Egypt with more than $40 billion in military and $30 billion in economic assistance to advance shared interests between the US, Egypt and the region. "This military assistance supports Egypts maritime and border security, as well as its counterterrorism fight. "Economic assistance has brought improved education, clean water, better health, economic growth, antiquities and heritage preservation, and numerous other benefits to the Egyptian people," the State Department release concluded. Short link: Amid shortages of gasoline and long lines at the pumps, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Wednesday that citizens should not fall into panic and tried to reassure them that the availability of fuel would soon return to normal. Motorists lined up for blocks to fill their tanks as more and more gas stations closed because of shortages that began when authorities shut down certain pipelines in a concerted operation to eliminate rampant theft of fuel. The effort is part of a major anti-corruption campaign by Lopez Obrador, who took office last month vowing to do away with institutional graft including the pilfering of gasoline from state-owned pipelines and tanker trucks. Fuel theft is a multibillion-dollar criminal enterprise involving corrupt Mexican officials. But the gas shortages have drawn fierce criticism of the new government from motorists, business leaders and opposition politicians. Advertisement In some gas stations there are going to be lines, Lopez Obrador said at a news conference. If there is gasoline available in automobile tanks, please dont go to the gas station in these days because we are in the process of normalizing the supply. But the president would not be pinned down on a timetable as to when fuel supplies would return to normal even as business leaders issued warnings about the perils of prolonged shortages. We are already hearing reports of concern and disquiet from companies, Juan Pablo Castanon, who heads Mexicos main business chamber, told the Milenio news outlet. Some are beginning to envision economic impacts. The shortages emerged this week in half a dozen states, including the auto-manufacturing hub of Guanajuato and the Pacific state of Jalisco, home to Guadalajara, the nations second most-populous city. By Wednesday, some Mexico City gas stations were experiencing long lines as word of potential shortages spread on social media and motorists rushed to fill their tanks. I need my car to take my children to school, to move around this city, said Martha Trejo Castano, 43, who waited for more than two hours at a station in the capitals southern Santa Catarina district. And please dont tell me as the supporters of Lopez Obrador suggest to use public transport, because public transport in this city is a terror, with robberies, attacks on women and the like. The governments insistence that there is no gasoline shortage just a short-term distribution issue has outraged many here. I passed by five gas stations today and all were closed, said Alfredo Flores Garcia, 47, a doctor who was also waiting for gas in the Santa Catarina district. If there is no gasoline, there is a shortage. That is clear. Advertisement Officials said the problem stems from a decision to shut down some pipelines long tapped by gasoline thieves known as huachicoleros. Criminal networks many believed to be linked to drug cartels distribute the stolen gasoline to regional suppliers, who sell the discounted gas openly in many parts of Mexico. While the closed pipelines are evaluated for vulnerability to theft, more fuel is being transported by much slower tanker trucks, according to the government. Pemex, the state oil company, lost about $3 billion to fuel theft last year, according to the government. Lopez Obrador, who said some Pemex employees and officials of the previous government were probably complicit, unveiled a plan last month to send about 4,000 soldiers and marines to guard petroleum facilities in a bid to combat fuel theft. Advertisement McDonnell is a Times staff writer and Sanchez a special correspondent. patrick.mcdonnell@latimes.com Twitter: @PmcdonnellLAT A bomb-laden drone operated by Yemens Houthi rebels flew into a military parade on Thursday outside the southern port city of Aden, killing at least six troops from a Saudi-led coalition and their allies in a brazen attack threatening U.N.-brokered peace efforts to end the yearslong war tearing at the Arab worlds poorest nation. The attack at the Al Anad Air Base, where American special forces once led their fight against Yemens Al Qaeda branch, targeted high-ranking military officials in Yemens internationally recognized government. The attack also raised new questions about Irans alleged role in arming the Houthis with drone and ballistic missile technology, something long denied by Tehran despite researchers and U.N. experts linking the weapons to the Islamic Republic. Once again this proves that the Houthi criminal militias are not ready for peace and that they are exploiting truces for deployment and reinforcements, said Information Minister Moammar Eryani, who said two senior military officials were wounded in the attack. Advertisement This is time for the international community to stand by the legitimate government and force the militias to give up their weapons and pull out of the cities, he added. The Houthis immediately claimed the attack through their Al Masirah satellite news channel, saying the attack targeted invaders and mercenaries at the base in the southern province of Lahj, leaving dozens of dead and wounded. Yemeni officials said that among the wounded were Mohammad Saleh Tamah, head of Yemens Intelligence Service, senior military commander Mohammad Jawas, and Lahj governor Ahmed Turki, adding that authorities were still searching for wounded among the rubble. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to reporters. Local reporter Nabil Qaiti was attending the ceremony and standing in front of the stage when he saw a drone approach and hover about 25 yards up, minutes after the parade started. Army spokesman Mohammed Naqib was delivering a speech when the drone exploded. It was a very strong explosion and we could feel the pressure, Qaiti said, adding that two people standing next to him a soldier and a journalist were wounded. He said he saw many wounded but no dead. The drone was packed with explosives, he said. Yemen plunged into civil war in 2014 when the rebels captured Sana, and the Saudi-led coalition intervened a year later when they pushed further south. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo used a keynote address in the Egyptian capital Thursday to take aim at two favorite targets Iran and former President Obama as he sought to reassure Middle East allies of Washingtons commitment to the region. In just 24 months, the United States under President Trump has reasserted its traditional role as a force for good in this region, because weve learned from our mistakes, Pompeo said in an address at Cairos American University. We have rediscovered our voice. We have rebuilt our relationships. Pompeo is on a nine-nation swing through the Middle East and the Persian Gulf to allay allies concerns after Trump abruptly announced the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria. Advertisement Many in the region fear the U.S. disengagement will bolster Iran, which has gained territory in Syria in what enemies like Israel and Saudi Arabia see as a growing threat. Ahead of the speech, Pompeo met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi and Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, whom he praised as firm partners in fighting terrorism. Egypt is one of the top recipients of U.S. aid, including the sale of tons of armaments. Under Sisi, however, Egypt also has one of the most egregious human rights records in the region, with hundreds of dissidents killed and thousands jailed. Speaking briefly to reporters, Pompeo sidestepped the issue of human rights, saying he had raised the panoply of concerns but declined to criticize the Egyptian government or enter into specifics. Sisi is one of the autocratic strongmen for whom Trump has expressed unabashed admiration. Since Trump last year withdrew the United States from the landmark Iran nuclear deal, the administration has not hesitated to portray the Islamic Republic as the worlds most evil proponent of terrorism. Pompeo on Thursday said Iran was the greatest threat of all in the Middle East. By giving the speech in Cairo almost exactly 10 years after Obamas groundbreaking and well-received address in the same city, Pompeo invited comparison between the two administrations very different approaches to the Muslim world. Obama on June 4, 2009, invoked the Koran and extolled the virtues of Islam and the potential for relations between the faith and America. Pompeo took a more aggressive tone, and he suggested Obama was weak in countering the threat of radical Islam. Advertisement Remember: It was here, in this very city, another American stood before you, Pompeo said. He told you that radical Islamist terrorism doesnt stem from ideology. He told you [the terrorist attacks of] 9/11 led my country to abandon its ideals, particularly in the Middle East. He told you that the United States and the Muslim world needed a new beginning, Pompeo said. And the results of these misjudgments were dire. The Trump administration repeatedly blames Obama for the rise of Islamic State militants in part because of the decision to withdraw most troops from Iraq. And Trump and his advisors claim credit for combating the group and dismantling most of the so-called caliphate it built across large swaths of Iraq and Syria. However, the success in fighting Islamic State has come in the final phase of a military campaign launched under Obama. We grossly underestimated the tenacity and viciousness of radical Islamism, Pompeo said. Advertisement The age of self-inflicted American shame is over, and so are the policies that produced so much needless suffering, he added. He said that when the United States withdraws, chaos follows. And yet that is what the Trump administration is planning for Syria. Pompeo contended that the withdrawal from Syria will go ahead, despite numerous contradictions over the plans. Trump initially said it would be immediate, which alarmed his advisors and drove Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis to resign. Trumps national security advisor, John Bolton, then said the pullout would not happen while pockets of Islamic State remain and without a guarantee from Turkey that it wont attack U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters in Syria. Meanwhile, the Pentagon continues to plan for a withdrawal within 120 days. Advertisement There is no contradiction whatsoever, Pompeo said, adding the reports were made up by the media. tracy.wilkinson@latimes.com For more on international affairs, follow @TracyKWilkinson on Twitter Iranian authorities confirmed Wednesday that a U.S. Navy veteran has been detained in Iran, making him the latest foreigner with ties to America to be imprisoned. Bahram Qasemi, a spokesman for Irans Foreign Ministry, told state news agency IRNA that Michael White, 46, has been imprisoned in the eastern city of Mashhad at the notorious Vakilabad Prison, which is known for its executions of drug traffickers, and that his case is still being reviewed. The formal announcement comes weeks after an activist who was imprisoned alongside White took to social media to announce the veterans arrest. Ivar Farhadi, a 30-year-old activist, said that White, who is from San Diego, has been imprisoned since last summer. Farhadi said he was outside playing volleyball during a break when he first met White in prison in October. Advertisement I was surprised to see an American in this prison, Farhadi said. He was kept in a cell with around 20 people. From the archives: Ex-Reseda resident executed in Iran While in prison, the Persian-speaking Farhadi said he was able to speak with White with the help of another prisoner who translated into English for him. White told him that he had visited Iran three times to see his girlfriend. He also said that White told him he had been arrested at the international airport in Mashhad, on the day he was supposed to leave Iran to go to Turkey with his Iranian girlfriend. Farhadi said White was concerned his family thought he was missing since he wasnt allowed to make a phone call. He also told Farhadi that he suffers from a tumor in his neck. Farhadi last saw White before being released on bail in November. He decided to flee to Turkey after he was sentenced to six years for spreading propaganda against the Islamic Republic. In mid-December, after settling down in Turkey, Farhadi took to Twitter to get the message out about White. An America citizen by the name of #MichaelWhite is prisoned in Vakilabad general jail #3, section 6/1, in Mashahd, Iran. He is 45 from San Diego and an ex-American marine. Hes been in prison since August 2018 in an anti-human condition and he has no access to phone and Ivar Farhadi (@FarhadiIvar) December 18, 2018 Advertisement A few weeks later, Farhadi got in touch with a journalist who writes for IranWire, an online publication written by young Iranians both inside and outside of Iran. IranWire reported earlier this week that White had been arrested. Whites mother said that she only found out three weeks ago from State Department officials that her son was in prison in Iran, the New York Times reported. She did not respond to queries from the Los Angeles Times. The State Department confirmed this week that it is aware of reports that a U.S. citizen is being held in Iran. Advertisement Qasemi, the spokesman for Irans Foreign Ministry, said Americans were notified about Whites arrest soon after it happened via the American mission inside the Swiss Embassy in Tehran. The United States broke off formal diplomatic relations with Iran during the Iran hostage crisis in 1980, and Switzerland has represented U.S. interests in Tehran. According to a nonprofit website dedicated to helping veterans, White served 13 years in the U.S. Navy, working in aviation maintenance administration. After retiring, White attended San Diego State University, where he earned a bachelors degree in political science and hoped to go to law school in the future. White is the eighth known foreigner with ties to the United States currently being held in Iran and the first to be taken during the Trump administration. Hard-liners in Irans establishment typically hold prisoners with Western ties as bargaining chips for future negotiations. Whites arrest is likely to escalate tensions between Iran and the United States, tensions that are already rocky following Trumps withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal that sought to curb Irans nuclear activities. Advertisement Whites background is the kind of person that Iranian intelligence would take hostage for future negotiations, said Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the New York-based nonprofit Center for Human Rights in Iran. Weve seen it over and over again. They collect hostages with the hopes that theyll bring some future deals. The last time Americans being held in Iran were freed was in January 2016. Three Americans, including Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, were freed in a prisoner exchange that came shortly after Tehran reached an agreement with world powers over its nuclear program in exchange for easing economic sanctions. melissa.etehad@latimes.com Twitter: @melissaetehad Congo appeared for the moment to be choosing stability over credibility in order to achieve its first peaceful transfer of power. On Thursday, opposition candidate Felix Tshisekedi was declared the surprise victor in the December presidential election despite clear signs that a rival opposition leader actually won in a landslide. With no major protests in the capital and limited violence elsewhere in the vast Central African country, the population seemed to be accepting Tshisekedis win and the end to President Joseph Kabilas long and turbulent rule. But a court challenge to the results could spin the country into chaos, observers warned. Advertisement The influential Catholic Church, which deployed 40,000 observers at polling stations, said official results did not match its findings, and diplomats briefed on them said that rival opposition candidate Martin Fayulu won easily. Fayulu alleges that Kabila engineered a backroom deal with the largely untested Tshisekedi to protect his power base in a country with abundant mineral wealth. An outspoken campaigner against Congos widespread graft it ranked 161th among 180 countries in Transparency Internationals latest index Fayulu denounced the official results as robbery. He called on people to rise as one man to protect victory. As night fell, scores of police with automatic rifles and tear gas launchers were positioned along a road in Kinshasa leading to the Kingabwa neighborhood, a Fayulu stronghold. One vehicle was filled with military personnel in combat gear. Democratic Republic of Congos population of 80 million remained largely calm. Some protest violence was reported in Kikwit, a Fayulu stronghold, where police said three people were killed. Police also confirmed agitations in Congos third-largest city, Kisangani, but said they were quickly brought under control. It was not immediately clear whether Fayulu would challenge the election results in court. Candidates have two days after the announcement to file challenges and the constitutional court has seven days to consider them before results are final. Careful statements by the international community did not congratulate Tshisekedi, merely taking note of official results and urging peace and stability in a country with little of it. Observers appeared to be watching for the reactions of Fayulus supporters. Two diplomats said all major election observation missions, including those of the African Union and the Southern African Development Community, showed similar results to those of the Catholic Church. The diplomats spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the news media. Advertisement The little known Tshisekedi, who was listed in official results as receiving 38% of the vote, had long been in the shadow of his father, the late opposition leader Etienne. Tshisekedi, startled Congo last year by breaking away from the oppositions unity candidate, Fayulu, to stand on his own. Fayulu, a former Exxon Mobil manager and Kinshasa lawmaker, received 34% of the vote in the official results. He was a vocal activist during the two-year delay in Congos election, insisting it was time for Kabila to go. Even before the election announcement, some observers suggested that Kabilas government might make a deal with Tshisekedi as hopes faded for ruling-party candidate Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, who received just 23% of the vote. Many Congolese suspected Shadary would allow Kabila to continue to rule from behind the scenes and protect his vast assets. Several Congo analysts said it appeared Kabila made a quiet agreement with Tshisekedi. Advertisement If Fayulu and his allies, with their own independent security and financial networks, had taken power, they would have changed the power structure of Congo and definitively ousted Kabila and his clan, said Patrick Smith of the newsletter Africa Confidential. By breaking away from the opposition coalition supporting Fayulu, Tshisekedi positioned himself to bargain with the regime, Pierre Englebert, a fellow at the Atlantic Councils Africa Center, wrote in an analysis. Western powers appeared wary. Britains foreign secretary said he was very concerned about discrepancies in Congos results, adding that the United Nations Security Council would discuss the matter on Friday. Frances foreign minister bluntly cast doubt on the official results and Belgiums foreign minister expressed concern. There was no immediate U.S. comment. The largely peaceful election faced numerous problems as many voting machines being used for the first time malfunctioned. Dozens of polling centers opened hours late as materials went missing. Most alarming to many Congolese, some 1 million of the countrys 40 million voters were barred from participating altogether, with the electoral commission blaming a deadly Ebola virus outbreak. Advertisement Congos government cut internet service the day after the vote to prevent speculation about the results on social media. On Thursday it remained off in parts of the country, which was formerly known as Zaire. Some Congolese, weary of Kabilas 18-year rule, the two turbulent years of election delays and years of conflict that killed millions of people, said they simply wanted peace. Some said they would be happy as long as Fayulu or Tshisekedi won, recalling the violence that followed past disputed elections. Kabila is barred from serving three consecutive terms, but until he announced last year that he would step aside, many Congolese feared hed find a way to stay in office. Now Congo prepares for a new leader who is little known after spending many years in Belgium and standing behind his outspoken father. Tshisekedi, 56, took over as head of Congos most prominent opposition party in early 2018, a year after his fathers death. Steakhouses and burgers are sure bets on the Las Vegas Strip, but the citys second Veganuary Las Vegas takes over in January during the month-long focus on all things vegan. Vegas resident Diana Edelman, a longtime vegetarian who adopted a vegan lifestyle a couple years ago, launched the campaign to spread the gospel of animal-free eating in the city. It runs through Jan. 31. Sponsored by Edelmans website, vegansbaby.com, the event has drawn more than 30 restaurants to offer plant-based specials. Its part of a national Veganuary campaign that Edelman hopes will last beyond January. Border Grill and Hussongs Cantina, both at Mandalay Bay, Stack at Mirage, Beauty and Essex and China Poblano, both at the Cosmopolitan resort, and downtown pizza specialists Good Pie and Evel Pie are among the notable Vegas restaurants participating. Advertisement You can view an up-to-date list of venues and their vegan dishes at vegansbaby.com. Edelman said more restaurants are asking to join each week. When I launched vegansbaby.com in 2016, there were only four or five vegan restaurants in the whole city, she said. Now there are more than 20. Chefs are catching on that this isnt a fad. Vegan specials range from a $14 Spanish root vegetable tamale and $26 cauliflower-stuffed chile relleno at Border Grill to a $28 vegan chicken piccata (using Gardein brand meatless chicken) at Stack and a $45 eight-course tasting menu at China Poblano. Mary Sue Millkens Border Grill in Las Vegas will be serving a $26 cauliflower-stuffed chile relleno. (Michael Hiller) Edelman said the number of high-profile Vegas restaurants offering vegan options year-round has more than doubled in the last year. The omakase tasting menu at Nobu at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the tasting menu at Sage at Aria and the egg-free omelets at Terrace Point Cafe at Wynn, made with the egg substitute Just Egg, are among her favorites. Griffin Schaffer, general manager of Stack steakhouse, said adding a vegan menu last year also made good business sense. There are a million steakhouses across the country, but not a lot of them offer vegan options, Schaffer said. We added a vegan menu to appeal to the broadest range of customers. Advertisement Im not vegan, but I like the challenge of cooking vegan, said Stacks executive chef, Jessica Perlstein. I dont want to just send out side dishes. I want customers to leave happy and full. Ivo Angelov, the general manager of big-deal French restaurant Le Cirque at Bellagio resort, said guests often order the vegan version of Le Cirques $115 five-course vegetarian menu, which includes ratatouille, a salad of baby artichokes and asparagus with warm truffle vinaigrette. People are looking for healthy options, but they also want beautiful food, beautiful plating and the indulgent ingredients like truffles and wild mushrooms. Who does that better than the French? The Good Vegan Detroit-style Sicilian deep-dish pizza served at Good Pie is made with sauce, roasted mushrooms, caramelized onion, yellow peppers, oregano and finished with garlic oil and roasted kale. (Diana Edelman) Advertisement For those who favor pizza over pizzazz, Edelman said the citys vegan pizza scene is also worth a spin. A few spots remain on Edelmans $33 four-stop tour of downtowns best gluten-free vegan pizzas on Jan. 20. A wave of new meltable cheeses and gluten-free crusts have made vegan pizzas more appealing to non-vegans too. Last week, nationally recognized pizzaiolo John Arena added vegan pizzas to the menus at his four Las Vegas Metro Pizza locations. The goal of all this is to get people to try good vegan food and like it, said Edelman. You can live a vegan lifestyle without it being a hassle, but Its one step at a time. Info: vegansbaby.com Advertisement travel@latimes.com @latimestravel For some members of the community, the publicly disclosed contents of settlement agreements reached last month between the La Canada Unified School District and two former administrators raise more questions than they answer. As reported last week, documents released by the school districts attorney at the request of local media revealed former La Canada Elementary School principal Christine Castillo settled with the district on Dec. 4 for $385,000 in a lump sum payment to legally resolve a two-year battle over claims of gender discrimination and retaliation. Her husband, former La Canada High Principal Ian McFeat, walked away with $133,192 for an ostensible promotion to a district-level position he would only work at the districts request in exchange for his June 30 resignation, continued LCUSD enrollment for the couples two young daughters, positive employee evaluations for both and surrender of future claims against the district. And the couples complete silence. District officials were also locked into a terse comment the matter has been resolved by the terms of the settlement. However, the mutual agreement to keep the arrangement out of the public eye is not sitting well with some local residents, whove gone to social media to air their many questions. How much of the combined $518,192 settlement will be paid for by taxpayer dollars? How much did LCUSD pay in attorneys fees after years of court appointments, conferences, filings and depositions? Could a smaller settlement or compromise have been reached earlier on? Or could the whole thing have been avoided in the first place? Local attorney and La Canada Unified parent Cameron Totten questioned the districts handling of the couple, from their joint hiring in 2012 through the long settlement period and now its aftermath. My concern is that theyve tried to make a settlement which involved public funds private, Totten said of the district. They mischaracterized Mr. McFeats promotion, which isnt really a promotion if it turns out hes not allowed in the building. They mischaracterized in the beginning that these two were not a couple and were being hired together. I think it could have been handled better, he said. Sinnette responds In a phone interview Tuesday, La Canada Unified Supt. Wendy Sinnette attempted to shed light on what she could, acknowledging the last thing we want to do is violate the terms of the settlement agreement and end up back in negotiations. While she could not fully explain the ins and outs of the districts insurance policy, which LCUSD attorney Dana McCune previously said would cover a significant portion of Castillos $385,000 payout, she clarified the district participates in a self-insured pool through the Alliance of Schools for Cooperative Insurance Programs. Mark Evans, LCUSDs associate superintendent of business and administrative services, typically handles matters pertaining to financing and insurance but is on vacation until Monday. Sinnette suggested all future requests for information be made through the districts legal counsel or a Public Records Act request. Sinnette said the governing board had discussed some of the questions and comments going around the school community in an agenda planning meeting that morning but could not elaborate. Were aware of them but are not allowed, according to the confidentiality covenant, to make any kind of response, she said. Sinette did confirm that while past employee settlement agreements have involved payouts, to her knowledge, never before has a change of position been granted as was the case with McFeat. She took umbrage at the suggestion a Dec. 7 district press release announcing McFeats promotion to executive director of student services a move that was stipulated in the former principals settlement agreement was an attempt to mislead the public. McFeat could be called back to perform some duties, such as grant research, in his new position, Sinnette said. She maintained LCUSD could potentially benefit from his expertise in the area of career technical education, for which state funds are becoming available. The settlement agreement allows for that, she said of his possible return, also recognizing the agreement equally provides for his never being called back. Trying to solve a problem While the involved parties are barred from expounding upon the settlement terms, one attorney familiar with education matters says the arrangements made in the documents are not unfamiliar. Daniel Jaffe is a professor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Ohio who, for years, represented school districts in a range of disputes. While he recognizes education law varies from state to state, there tend to be patterns of behavior that remain consistent. Jaffe said agreeing to pay someone for work they will not do in order to make them go away is not unheard of and, in some ways, resembles settlements hes overseen. He offered his initial thoughts on the Castillo and McFeat settlements. [LCUSD] and its lawyers are trying to solve a problem, he surmised. Theyd love to be rid of both principals and theyre trying to do it in a way that everyone can agree to it and no one gets hurt, other than the financial cost to the district. The situation becomes complicated, he said, when the district is obligated to respond to public record requests and agreements made in private become public. When the whole thing unravels and becomes public, you get a lot of people with egg on their face, Jaffe said. For a high profile position like this, Im a little surprised they thought it would all go away quietly. Closing ranks As community members question everything from Castillos hiring to the districts insurance policy to what role a generally well-regarded McFeat might have played in the dispute, those who work closely with the district would not speak against recent actions taken. Representatives of the La Canada Teachers Assn., which regularly negotiates for more funding for teachers, did not answer requests by press deadline. An official with the La Canada Flintridge Educational Foundation which raises more than $2 million annually to support LCUSD with funding for counselors, class size reduction, arts programs and technology says donations are earmarked for specific programs and staffing needs, not administrative positions. LCFEF Executive Director Marilyn Yang affirmed the groups partnership with LCUSD and said while shed not received direct questions or concerns from the community, board members were attempting to provide clarification on social media comments mentioning the foundation. This lawsuit has been around for a couple of years now, Yang added. Hopefully, people understand we still need donations these programs dont fund themselves. But for residents like Totten, however, questions remain. It kind of rubs me the wrong way it came to this point, and no one can stand up and say, Hey look, we made a mistake, he said. sara.cardine@latimes.com Twitter: @SaraCardine A local lawyer who was deemed ineligible to run for city attorney in Huntington Beach last year is still trying to challenge the city, about four months after a judge validated Huntingtons reasons for its strict rules for the position. Jerry Friedmans attorney Christine Kelly filed a notice of appeal in November of Orange County Superior Court Judge Robert Moss ruling two months earlier, but Presiding Justice Kathleen OLeary of the state 4th District Court of Appeal dismissed the motion last week because Kelly didnt file necessary documents in a timely manner. The dismissal will be final within 30 days of OLearys order unless Friedman and Kelly show good cause as to why the documents were late. But Friedman held out hope this week that the appeal can go forward. He called the matter a disagreement and contended the papers were filed on time. Somebody made a mistake and it can be fixed, Friedman said. It happens. Kelly could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday. With Friedman ruled ineligible, City Attorney Michael Gates ran unopposed and won reelection in November. He called Friedmans legal action politically motivated and inappropriate. Friedman dropped the ball on easy procedures, Gates said this week. If you were hell-bent on a certain goal, you dont miss stuff like this. The legal wrangling began in July after City Clerk Robin Estanislau disqualified Friedman from the city attorney race because he didnt graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Assn., one of the citys four requirements to run for the office. Friedman earned his law degree at the University of West Los Angeles in 2013. The Inglewood-based school lacks the ABAs endorsement, though it is accredited by the Western Assn. of Schools and Colleges and the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California. Friedman contended that Huntington Beachs requirement is unconstitutional, and Kelly petitioned the California Supreme Court in August for an order to stop the city from enforcing the rule. The case was passed down to the 4th District Court of Appeal and a hearing was scheduled in Orange County Superior Court, more than a week past the county registrar of voters Sept. 11 cutoff for the Nov. 6 ballot. On Sept. 21, Moss denied Friedmans request to declare the requirement unconstitutional and reinstate him as a candidate. Moss said Friedmans arguments were without merit and that the city has a valid interest in candidates qualifications because its status as a charter city imposes a wide range of responsibilities for an elected city attorney. Priscella.Vega@latimes.com Twitter: @vegapriscella If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, stay away from cannabis. Its a simple message that First 5 Orange County is hoping to impress upon families, as the legalization of cannabis has blurred the line between legal and OK. While its perfectly legal to use marijuana in California for those over age 21, it is not OK to expose newborn or unborn babies to the harm associated with cannabis use. Smoking anything is detrimental to your health and can have lasting negative health consequences for your newborn or unborn baby. The chemicals from marijuana are particularly concerning, as they are stored in fat cells and can therefore affect an infant for an extended period of time. In fact, a new UC San Diego study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics examined breast milk samples from marijuana-using, nursing mothers and found that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component of marijuana, was detectable in the majority of breast milk samples up to six days after last use. Any form of marijuana (edibles, oils, etc.) can be passed from a mother to her infant through breast milk, possibly affecting a variety of neuro-developmental processes in the babys developing brain. Like cigarettes, smoking marijuana is associated with lower birth weights, which sets babies up for immediate problems, such as respiratory issues, as well as long-term issues, such as increased risk of high blood pressure and diabetes later in life. Some studies suggest that use of cannabis during pregnancy increases the risk of stillbirth and adversely affects how a babys brain develops. Other research finds that children exposed to marijuana while in the womb have poorer visual-motor coordination and a higher rate of behavioral issues. First 5 Commissions across the state, including Orange County, have successfully allocated state tobacco tax revenue to support the health and early education of young children and families for nearly 20 years. In response to studies that show marijuana use doubling among pregnant women nationwide, the commission believes now is the time to educate women and families about the perils of cannabis use during pregnancy and while nursing. We ask that local obstetrician/gynecologists join us in discussing marijuana use the same way they do alcohol and tobacco use. Health care professionals roles can be particularly vital, as some women who diligently stay away from cigarettes and alcohol during pregnancy, continue to use cannabis throughout their pregnancies. Part of this disconnect is marijuanas image as natural. In fact, numerous online mothers groups and dispensaries will recommend cannabis to other women as a natural remedy for the ailments common to pregnancy, from morning sickness to back pain to post-partum depression. Yes, cannabis is a weed, but so is hemlock. Natural is not the same as harmless. Getting this message out can make a significant difference in the health and welfare of Orange Countys children for decades to come. Another possible reason for marijuanas growing popularity among pregnant women and new mothers is the fact that THC is increasingly recommended for medicinal use for a variety of illnesses. However, for women who are pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant or who are nursing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises physicians to search for alternative, better-studied medicines to recommend. We agree. As the leader in early childhood health and education, the commission hopes to serve as a resource for families in this county and as a voice against the use of cannabis in pregnancy and while nursing. Yes, cannabis is legal. But with the health and long-term welfare of thousands of Orange County children at stake, we strongly believe that using marijuana in any form during pregnancy or while nursing is not OK. Dr. Maria Minon is vice president of medical affairs at CHOC Childrens and a commissioner with First 5 Orange County . Nothing captures Southern California culture and lifestyle as much as images engendered by our beachside communities. Its what has drawn us to settle here. Living near the beach has also raised our property values, underwriting our wealth and security. So it should be alarming to consider that our communities may be among the biggest losers to climate change, as rising sea levels threaten to wipe out ocean beaches and flood harbor islands. Newport Beach recently announced that it is planning for seas to rise as much as 5 feet by 2100. Imagine what that will do to our peninsula beaches or Balboa Island, areas now barely above sea level. Recent climate reports warn that the impacts of climate change are even worse than previously predicted, that we are running out of time to avert a global catastrophe, and that massive action is required to reduce greenhouse gases. Every day that we deny or ignore the fact that climate change is real and caused by burning coal, oil and gas, yet continue to do nothing about it, condemns us, our children and future generations to a frightening future. The only way to stop the sea from rising, of course, is to reduce carbon emissions so that polar ice does not continue to melt, and the ocean does not expand from global warming. There are policy solutions available to Congress for reducing emissions. Most promising are market-based solutions that place a steadily increasing price (tax/fee) on carbon pollution. This makes fossil fuels more expensive, directs business and consumer behavior away from carbon-producing energy, and drives the development and deployment of green alternatives. Revenues could then be returned equally to American families as a monthly dividend, easing the transition to a clean energy economy for low and middle income families. For years economists have advocated carbon pricing as the single most effective way to reduce emissions. In recent months support for this policy has mushroomed. Major newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times, have added their endorsements. Canada announced that it will institute a nationwide carbon fee and dividend program. And recently members of the House sponsored legislation for a national climate policy. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act would put a price on carbon pollution and give the revenue back to American households. After years of inaction we now have a bipartisan approach that can lead us forward. This revenue-neutral legislation promises to reduce U.S. emissions at least 40% within 12 years, provides economic justice for low income families by putting money in peoples pockets to cope with increased energy costs, adds 2.1 million additional jobs over the next 10 years, and establishes a carbon border adjustment that is fair to U.S. businesses while motivating our trading partners to join us in a truly global solution. The success of this legislation is vital to coastal communities. If adopted by Congress it could effectively avert the worst of climate change, including limiting sea level rise. We owe future generations the opportunity to enjoy, as we have, the charms of our coastal communities, the pleasures of our ocean beaches. Urge your member of Congress to support this promising bipartisan legislation. Bob Taylor lives in Newport Beach. Little did I know when I penned my Monday editorial on the links between watch brands and the history and future of space exploration that an entire project team (researchers, engineers, historians, watchmakers you name it) had been working under the secret codename Alaska 11 over the past two years to bring the legendary Omega calibre 321 back to life. After writing the editorial I concluded that, when it came to space exploration, watch brands had their attention focused on the past. In a way, Omega has proved my point, but they have done so in a brilliantly revolutionary way. Its difficult to overstate the significance of this announcement for Speemdaster collectors and it may be difficult to fully understand unless you are a true Speedmaster fanatic. As a proud owner of an early 2000s model Speedmaster Moon Phase equipped with the 1866 manually-wound calibre that was derived from the calibre 321, I have to admit that it is definitely my favourite movement to admire through the sapphire crystal. But for collectors like our own contributor Serge Panczuk and Robert-Jan Broer (founder of the Fratello Watches website, inventor of the #speedytuesday hashtag and leading authority on the Speedmaster), the news is nothing short of epoch-making. Calibre 321 Omega If youre not convinced, do a quick search for a calibre 321 Speedmaster for sale on line, note the five-figure price, then come back and continue reading. Few movements have enough desirability among collectors to convince a modern CEO to commit to restart production of them exactly as they were 50 years ago. Omegas boss Raynald Aeschlimann can be lauded for taking up this audacious challenge. Its amazing that so many people are passionate about the Calibre 321, he says. We produced the last one in 1968 and fans have never stopped talking about it. That shows how special it is. Were very excited to finally meet their wishes and have gone to great efforts to bring the movement back. Just one small anecdote is enough to show just how great these efforts were. In its quest to re-develop this calibre in a manner that was totally faithful to the original (with the small exception of the Sedna gold PVD coating on the bridges to recreate the copper colour), rather than open up and disassemble the movement in the precious watch of Eugene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon, Omega resorted to computer tomography (a technique more familiar from body scanners) to create a complete scan of the movement inside this watch. What is even more astonishing is that this excitement is, for the moment, just about the movement. It was presented to a select group of Robert-Jans followers at the Omega Headquarters in Bienne and there is, as yet, no watch. But given that this is the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing that firmly put the Speedmaster and its calibre 321 in the history books, we will no doubt see something very special at whatever event or platform that will substitute Omegas presence at Baselworld this year. The company promises us that further evolutions and information will follow over the coming months. After the initial frenzy, collectors now have a few months to discuss among themselves what kind of Speedmaster might have the honour of housing this legendary movement. Omega certainly knows how to keep its fans always wanting more! Costa Mesa has hired four new employees to assist the City Council. Connor Lock currently a legislative analyst for the Long Beach City Council will come aboard as chief of staff, a full-time role in which he will help conduct legislative research and analysis and ensure council members are properly prepared for meetings and community events. He previously was a political analyst for Long Beach Vice Mayor Dee Andrews and was an intern for Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank). Joining Lock will be three part-time council aides Hadassa Jakher, Alberto Ruiz and Ivis Torres each of whom will work up to 20 hours a week and help council members with outreach, providing services, responding to requests and related duties. The council last month authorized creating the positions at an annual cost of $222,000. All four employees will start with the city this month. With a population of about 115,000 and a budget of more than $160 million, the amount of work expected of the Costa Mesa City Council continues to expand, Mayor Katrina Foley said in a statement. Add to this the addition of two new council members, and the timing was right to increase the resources and support for the council to better serve the community. I look forward to working closely with the new chief of staff and council aides. Bartlett is named chairwoman of county Board of Supervisors; Steel is vice chairwoman Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, pictured at a Laguna Beach event in 2015, has been selected as Board of Supervisors chairwoman for this year. (File Photo) Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett took the gavel Tuesday after her colleagues unanimously selected her as Board of Supervisors chairwoman for 2019. Supervisor Michelle Steel was chosen as the boards vice chairwoman. Im looking forward to a productive year, Bartlett said in a statement. We have been able to accomplish so much these past few years, and it is imperative we keep with that momentum moving forward to ensure that constituents of Orange County are well-represented. Bartlett represents the countys 5th District, which encompasses Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza and Ladera Ranch. I look forward to working with Chairwoman Bartlett and our colleagues to ensure a higher quality of life on behalf of all our Orange County residents, said Steel, whose 2nd District includes Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Cypress, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Stanton, parts of Fountain Valley and Buena Park and the unincorporated area of Rossmoor. Ex-congresswoman among guest speakers at Newport Democratic Womens Club meeting The Newport Beach Womens Democratic Club will host former Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez as a guest speaker during its meeting Tuesday. Also scheduled to speak is Erin Spivey, the Orange County group lead for Moms Demand Action, a gun control advocacy group. Club officers will provide information about the OC Womens March set for Jan. 19 in Santa Ana. Tuesdays meeting will start at 6 p.m. in Room 1 of the Oasis Senior Center, 801 Narcissus Ave., Corona del Mar. RSVPs are required. For more information or to register, visit NBWDC.org or call (949) 423-6468. Speaker scheduled for Jewish Republican Alliance meeting Rabbi Dov Fischer an attorney and senior rabbinic fellow at the Coalition for Jewish Values will be the featured speaker during next weeks meeting of the Jewish Republican Alliance in Newport Beach. The Jan. 17 meeting, which also will feature a question-and-answer period with Fischer, will start at 6:30 p.m. at 1903 Yacht Truant. Admission is $15 for alliance members and $20 for non-members. Coffee and dessert will be served. For more information or to RSVP, visit JewishRepublicanAlliance.org or email Stefanie@JewishRepublicanAlliance.org. What do Itzhak Perlman, Tevye, Fagin, Betty Boop, early jazz, Yentl, Millie (as in Thoroughly Modern) and UC Irvine have in common? Theyve all been klezmerized! And so will Segerstrom Concert Hall Jan. 17, when the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, under the banner of its Eclectic Orange series, presents Perlman as part of a dectet in a program of klezmer music. In the Fiddlers House is named after Perlmans Emmy-winning 1995 PBS special and CD (which spawned a sequel, Klezmer 2). Klezmer which is derived from a combination of two Hebrew words meaning vessels of song (i.e., musical instruments) is a tradition of Eastern Europes Ashkenazi Jews, who eventually came into contact with early 1920s jazz to produce an American version. One can hear strong strains of klezmer in those jazzy, black and white Betty Boop cartoons, as well as throughout the scores of Fiddler on the Roof (especially Tevyes songs), Oliver! (Fagins songs), Thoroughly Modern Millie (the wedding scene) and Yentl. The Klezmorim, a kleztmer revival band, made the music popular again in the 70s and 80s. This kind of music is so much fun, Perlman said. Theres a lot of emotion happy, sad very accessible. A lot of history is involved, concerning the Jews of Eastern Europe and its not always the same instrumentation. When you think of klezmer, you first think of the clarinet, then the violin. But there are different mixtures of instrumentation; it evolves all the time. Twenty-four years after his special, hes embarking on a klezmer tour that, in addition to Costa Mesa, will take him to San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Escondido and Los Angeles. I grew up in Israel listening to this music on radio, he said, so its always sounded very familiar to me, but I never played it. Until 1995. PBS wanted me to host a program on klezmer music, so I began talking to the participants, he said. And they started saying, Read with us, jam with us, even though I told them I never played this music before. So I did and I fell in love with it. Its like riding a bike, because the music was already familiar to me. Hearing Perlman the virtuoso classical violinist with multiple Grammy awards perform klezmer was no shock to his legion of fans, he said. Ive done things not in my day job a lot of crossover, country, jazz and so forth, he said. Despite the more modern forms of klezmer others perform, Perlman prefers the Old World versions. Some groups evolve to include Greek, Middle Eastern, he said, but Im more comfortable with the old fashioned way of playing klezmer music, sticking to the Polish, the Hungarian, Eastern Europe in general. Joining with Perlman in that more-Eastern European approach are members of the Brave Old World and Klezmer Conservatory Band, two traditional klezmer groups. The music begs for people to get up and start dancing, Perlman said. If you feel like doing that, go ahead. But if there are no aisles handy, then jump up and down, holding hands. That should do it. Michael Rydzynski is a contributor to Times Community News. IF YOU GO Who: Itzhak Perlman, violin What: In the Fiddlers House, a program of klezmer music presented by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County under its Eclectic Orange banner When: 8 p.m. Jan. 17 Where: Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa Cost: Tickets start at $48 Information: (714) 556-2787; scfta.org January looks to be a busy and important month for the Burbank Unified School District in terms of meetings, with topics including budget deficits, a school modernization project and a potential school name change. While the school board will hold only one regular meeting this month on Jan. 17 there will be several special meetings, forums and town halls dealing with hot-button issues beginning on Jan. 23. On that day, residents can express their opinions about whether they support or oppose a potential name change to David Starr Jordan Middle School during a forum at 6 p.m. on the schools campus, 420 S. Mariposa St. Burbank Unifieds facilities-naming committee will hold a second forum on the issue after a low turnout at the first meeting on Dec. 13. The forum will center on whether the middle school, christened after David Starr Jordan in 1948, should drop its namesake. Though Jordan, who died in 1931, was a renowned scientist, educator and founding father of Stanford University, he was also a supporter of eugenics, a system of controlled breeding that aimed to improve the chances of so-called desirable heritable characteristics. The philosophy of eugenics led to roughly 20,000 forced sterilizations in California up until 1964. The ideology was adopted and espoused by the Nazis and Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger. The facilities-naming committee may make a recommendation for a specific action to the school board based on input given that night. If its important to Ms. Community Member or Mr. Community Member, theyll make the effort to come to the next meeting and speak up, said Burbank Unified board member Charlene Tabet, who is also a naming committee member. The next day, school officials will hold a budget study session at 7 p.m. in the districts headquarters, 1900 W. Olive Ave. Burbank Unified is currently operating with a $1.14-million structural deficit expected to grow to $2.5 million by the close of the 2018-19 school year. The defeat on Nov. 6 of Measure QS, a parcel tax that would have generated a little more than $9 million annually for the district, means its likely Burbank Unified officials will have to make cuts to some programs potentially music, art and gifted-student education while increasing classroom sizes and potentially laying off teachers. Its more of a study session to talk about how were going to balance the budget for next year, Burbank Unified Supt. Matt Hill said. At that point, well have a high-level overview of [Gov. Gavin Newsoms] budget Were going to start proposing recommendations on how to balance the budget. On Jan. 29, the district will hold a follow-up special town hall meeting at Walt Disney Elementary, 1220 W. Orange Ave., regarding the schools next steps in a modernization project. Board members and district staff ran into a hail of criticism during a special meeting on Nov. 13, where Disney parents sounded off over their frustration about delays and changes to plans. Parents had expected to see blueprints for a two-story structure to be built on campus and were instead presented a plan with two portable buildings. Since that last meeting, I had a smaller working session to get some ideas with parents and staff at Disney, and Ive been working with the facilities to look at options, Hill said. Im trying to see if theres any way to do two stories. Hill added, If thats a possibility, great. If not, then well have to explain why and move on. The price tag for two portables fell n line with the districts $6.4-million budget for the project, while a two-story structure will most likely require more money. Hill also said he district will probably add another special meeting sometime this month to address the possibility of moving Burbank Highs graduation off campus, likely to rival Burroughs High. Currently, it costs more than double to host the graduation ceremony at Burbank High than at Burroughs. I dont have a date yet, but there will also be a meeting toward the end of the month for Burbank High on the graduation site, Hill said. It will be a parent meeting ... at Burbank High but open to the public. andrew.campa@latimes.com Twitter @campadresports Although theyre both Democrats, the leadership styles of Govs. Gavin Newsom and Jerry Brown are utterly different. That has quickly become evident. Newsom swings for the fences. Predecessor Brown played a cautious game, working the percentages. Rookie Newsom doesnt yet know his capabilities and intends to test himself. The veteran Brown in his second gubernatorial tenure, anyway believed he knew his limits. He wouldnt fight battles he wasnt confident of winning. In his inaugural address Monday, Newsom promised to be a prudent steward of taxpayer dollars, but emphasized: Let me be clear: We will be bold. We will aim high and we will work like hell to get there. Advertisement Contrast that to Brown, who recently told the Sacramento Press Club: The essence of leadership is knowing when to hold and when to fold, when to move forward and when to stay still. Newsom is impatient. His style is to make a big splash, as he famously did soon after becoming San Francisco mayor in 2004. He irritated many Democratic leaders by allowing same-sex couples to marry when it was illegal. That bold action ultimately led to gay marriages becoming legal across the country. Brown carefully picked his shots. If he didnt have a good one, so be it. Newsom has adopted the classic, proven strategy of most governors and presidents: leaking policy proposals to selected news reporters before theyre announced publicly. The purpose is to generate early support and put the best face on an idea before its picked apart by the entire media. One example: The Times last week was leaked Newsoms intention to propose spending $1.8 billion to expand early-childhood education and childcare. More from George Skelton Brown didnt really give a rat. He almost never leaked. In fact, he didnt care much about the media at all, except for large national publications and Sunday talk shows. One difference for the public is that Sacramento could be a lot more interesting with a free-swinging governor trying to hit home runs. Brown himself was always interesting his oratorical flourishes especially but his governing style was often too much like a ballplayer taking pitches and walking to get on base. Advertisement The fact that one Democrat has replaced another in the governors office is cited by some analysts as the reason this transition was so dull compared to previous changes of power. But I dont think so. I think its primarily because polarizing President Trump and the Democratic takeover of the House have grabbed the publics focus. But Newsoms rapid-fire actions could start attracting attention. Its like he has a new toy that he cant put down. His early-childhood program was leaked even before he was sworn in. On his first day as governor, Newsom proposed a sweeping expansion of Medi-Cal, Californias federally subsidized healthcare program for the poor. That was virtually unprecedented. Governors usually spend their first day partying, not engaging in governance. Advertisement Coverage of California politics One piece of the Medi-Cal expansion will be politically touchy. Newsom wants to extend Medi-Cal coverage to young adults up to age 26 who are living in the country illegally. Undocumented children up to 18 already are covered. The additional annual cost is estimated to be $260 million. Newsom proposed that all Californians be required to have health insurance, an old Obamacare mandate that Trump and congressional Republicans dumped. Newsom also wants to subsidize insurance for the middle class. And hed merge the states prescription drug buying into a single program to provide more bargaining power and cut costs. Advertisement Some of what Newsom wants he can do himself with executive orders. Other things require legislation. Some stuff needs Trumps and congressional approval. Scratch that. Newsom characterized his ambitious proposal as an initial step toward the universal healthcare system that he promised in the election campaign. His second day on the job, Newsom traveled into the Sierra to propose spending $305 million to accelerate the stripping of dying trees and thick brush from wildlands, expand firefighting crews and modernize 911 systems. Bravo. Theres no higher priority for California right now than preventing and fighting wildfires. Advertisement On Day 3, Newsom announced a crackdown on the DMV, which he asserted has been chronically mismanaged and failed in its fundamental mission to the state customers it serves. Its time for a reinvention. No kidding! One smart thing Newsom did was move his wife and four small children into the historic governors mansion in downtown Sacramento. It has housed 14 governors since 1903, but Nancy Reagan fled the place in 1967, calling it a firetrap. Gov. Jerry Brown updated the three-story, 30-room Victorian and reoccupied it. Its close to the Capitol, is majestic inside and should provide lots of mysterious romping space for Newsoms kids, the youngest of whom stole the inaugural show. Two-year-old Dutch sucking on a pacifier and carrying a blankie toddled on stage halfway through his fathers speech. Newsom scooped him up, smiled and didnt miss a beat reading off a teleprompter. Everyone got a good laugh. Advertisement It showed Newsom to be a multitasker, easily juggling parenting with governing and politicking. It also highlighted a generational divide between Brown, 80, and Newsom, 51. Browns style worked for him. He didnt lose a real fight in his last two terms. We wont know about Newsom for a while. If a home run hitter connects, hes a hero. If he strikes out often, hes benched. Advertisement george.skelton@latimes.com Follow @LATimesSkelton on Twitter Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a $209-billion budget proposal Thursday that relies on a record-setting windfall of tax revenues to boost public schools and healthcare programs while adding significant one-time spending to address the states homelessness epidemic and prepare for future natural disasters. Newsom presented his plan in a free-wheeling event more akin to a political rally or TED talk than a formal budget introduction, using a slide presentation at the nearly two-hour event to make critiques and observations. The governor invited not only journalists but statewide elected officials, as well as leaders of powerful labor unions that supported his candidacy. Guests applauded as he vowed to expand services to help Californias neediest. I know its rote and cliche to say its a reflection of our values, but it is a reflection of our values, Newsom said of his budget. It is demonstrable that these dollars attach to real people and real peoples lives. (Los Angeles Times) Advertisement Key to the governors fiscal blueprint is its projection of $21.6 billion in unexpected revenue money with no strings attached on its use. The estimate is significantly higher than even the most optimistic projections made just two months ago. And its on top of $15.3 billion expected for the official rainy day reserve fund set aside for the direst of economic circumstances. Newsom insisted that his plan, which uses $18.5 billion of the unrestricted windfall for one-time expenses, is even more prudent in some respects than those crafted by his predecessor, former Gov. Jerry Brown. We are arguing for even more discipline on our one-time investments, Newsom said. The message we are advancing here is discipline. Building a strong foundation on which everything else can be built. The budget offers additional money for myriad programs, many of which are used primarily by low-income residents, particularly those with children. Newsom proposed a $1-billion working families tax credit, more than double the size of the states existing tax break for low-income workers. The budget would notably expand eligibility for the tax break to those who earn up to $15 an hour, estimated by the administration to add up to 400,000 additional families. The governor will also ask lawmakers to increase monthly welfare assistance grants under the states CalWorks program, building on an effort led by lawmakers over the last two years. Efforts to help ease Californias housing and homelessness crises would be bolstered under the spending plan too, with $500 million to be set aside to help local governments build shelters and add services to help the homeless. Some of the money would be earmarked for the states 11 largest cities, while other funds would be used to reward communities that are the most successful at creating housing options. Newsom also called for an expedited environmental review of construction projects to alleviate homelessness. He said if the state can use those same tools to expedite [sports] stadium projects, and we do all the time, we sure as hell should be able to do that for 138,000 damn souls that are out on streets and sidewalks. Newsom pledged to escalate the state governments response to the lack of affordable housing, asking lawmakers to allocate $1.3 billion toward a new effort to build more homes and apartment units and saying that fewer state transportation dollars could go to communities that fail to take action on housing. Advertisement Im in the spirit of collaboration and cooperation, the governor said. But Im also in the spirit of seeing things happen. State Senate Minority Leader Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) said any refusal to fund transportation projects would fly in the face of promises made to voters last fall who left in place higher fuel taxes and vehicle fees. Withholding funds for road repairs would be a mistake and a bait-and-switch on the commitments made, Bates said. A number of proposals reflect relatively small, targeted infusions of cash. The Newsom administration believes those initiatives will provide a foundation for new or expanded services, many of which would need to be funded over the course of several years. Advertisement Some of the phased-in efforts were outlined in the days leading up to Newsoms inauguration Monday. The governor will ask lawmakers to spend $1.8 billion, mostly in one-time expenses, to improve early childhood education and encourage more schools to provide full-day kindergarten. He will also ask for early steps toward a significant expansion of Californias paid family leave for new parents. And Newsom has embraced calls for a second year of tuition-free community college for any student who wants it, a $40-million proposal that builds on existing law that covers costs for the first year. We are excited, said Eric Heins, president of the California Teachers Assn.. He said what his commitments were on the campaign, and now hes following through on those. The budget also makes good on a promise by Newsom hours after taking the oath of office: full access to Medi-Cal, the states low-income healthcare program, for anyone up to age 26 who is in the U.S. illegally. Those who are 19 or younger are already covered. The budget proposal, which would be the first of its kind in the nation, puts the estimated cost for the first year at $260 million, dollars that must come from the state given federal restrictions based on immigration status. Newsom said the expansion would be a first step toward providing universal healthcare, a key part of his platform during the 2018 campaign. Estimates are that increasing the age cut-off to 26 would extend coverage to 138,000 young immigrants now in the state. Advertisement Even without federal funding, the effort has drawn the ire of conservative lawmakers. On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) vowed to lead an effort in Washington to block Newsom from expanding healthcare access to more immigrants without legal status. Cassidy tweeted that California shouldnt use American citizens money for the effort. Newsom fired back on Twitter that healthcare should be a basic right. The governor also proposed new help for some communities devastated by recent wildfires, including an offer to pay back property tax revenues that were lost when homes were destroyed. The list of new spending in the Newsom budget is long: a boost to in-home support services, completing Californias early earthquake warning system, extra payments toward public employee pensions and an almost four-fold increase in the size of Cal Grants for college tuition and books. He even offered assistance to federal government workers who are without pay due to the shutdown stalemate in Washington. Advertisement Well get you unemployment insurance, Newsom said. Well cover you. We have your back. Those proposed efforts and others are made possible by a continued strong economy, the seventh consecutive year in which tax revenue collections are expected to outpace official estimates. It is a remarkable run in a state where deficit-plagued budgets were once commonplace, helping plunge credit ratings and voter approval of lawmakers to historic lows. But the governor and legislative leaders also know that a recession could be looming. Analysts have pointed out that if the national economy continues to produce solid results through this summer, it will tie the record 10 years for the longest recovery in modern history, double the length of average economic expansions. Last month, officials reported the states unemployment rate remained low at 4.1%, with more than 3 million California jobs created since the beginning of the current economic upswing. Advertisement The new governor will get his best chance to set the states fiscal agenda in May, when his revised budget will take into account tax payments made by millions of Californians by April 15. Times staff writers Taryn Luna, Phil Willon, Patrick McGreevy and Melody Gutierrez contributed to this report. john.myers@latimes.com Twitter: @johnmyers Gov. Gavin Newsom will unveil a lengthy blueprint for California government spending on Thursday, with promised money for healthcare, low-income housing and education riding on whether he sees boom or bust times on the horizon. State officials use that economic forecast to calculate expected tax revenues. It is also a key component in gauging the size of whats believed to be a substantial windfall as much as $15 billion in unexpected, discretionary revenues through next summer due to a still-booming economy. The question is how long these good times will last. Newsom piqued the curiosity of state Capitol watchers on Tuesday when he described a soon-to-be-revealed decision he made in preparing his first budget as governor. Im about to announce an interesting surplus, he told reporters during an event to announce new wildfire prevention efforts. That will be a little more interesting than the one youre reading about, writing about. Advertisement With so much of the money collected by the state dedicated to things few governors would tinker with those controlled by either constitutional mandate or political consensus, including bond obligations and prison spending the bonus cash stands out as the most likely source of funding for much of Newsoms ambitious agenda. The funding plan could also bring into view a sharp contrast with his predecessor, the preternaturally cautious former Gov. Jerry Brown. Fear of recession has become the accepted mantra in Sacramento, said Chris Hoene, executive director of the California Budget & Policy Center, a nonprofit that advocates for programs to help those in the state living in poverty Were already seeing a difference in approach with this governor. Newsoms advisers did little during the nine-week transition between governors to dissuade lawmakers or advocacy groups from believing an evolution in budgeting was in store. In the week leading up to Mondays inauguration, a series of proposals were revealed for new investments in programs for children and families: expanded early childhood education services, longer workplace leave with pay for new parents and greater access to tuition-free community college. Most of the documents on Newsoms budget plans, leaked to news outlets over the past week, lack details on what the programs would cost. But a plan to expand education programs, including full-day kindergarten and infant or toddler childcare, was pegged at $1.8 billion. Much of that money, according to a document obtained last week by The Times, would be a one-time expense. Newsom would expand classroom facilities and training programs for childcare workers the kind of spending that would lay the groundwork for enhanced programs. Actual growth in the programs would have to wait until the future. That kind of step-by-step staging is whats needed, Hoene said. I think we are seeing some smart policymaking in these early plans. On Tuesday, Newsom continued his focus on one-time expenses by proposing $10 million for a long-term effort to move Californias 911 system from decades-old analog technology to more reliable digital-based communications. He told reporters full funding of the conversion would come in the future through a new, dedicated fee on phone bills, a plan likely requiring legislative action. Newsoms approach is not completely at odds with that of Brown, who famously constrained his tax revenue projections and then insisted to lawmakers that any windfall created by the miscalculation shouldnt be construed as money to pay for long-term government commitments. In his inaugural speech, the new governor signaled what sounded like a new middle-ground approach. Advertisement We will be prudent stewards of taxpayer dollars, pay down debt and meet our future obligations, Newsom said. But let me be clear: We will be bold. We will aim high and we will work like hell to get there. Education advocates are counting on that promise of audacity. The largest single share of state general fund spending each year more than a third of such expenditures in the budget enacted last summer are earmarked to K-12 schools and community colleges. But Californias three-decade-old law prioritizing public school funding sets only a minimum level, not goals for additional spending. Theres an opportunity now to do something very significant, said Kevin Gordon, a longtime education lobbyist. The expected revenues could help break the back of this mentality that schools should only get the bare minimum [required by law]. Successive years of strong tax revenues helped the state in recent times pay back most of the legal obligations to schools dating back to cuts enacted during the Great Recession. But Gordon pointed out that a number of school districts have raised a red flag of financial distress. Advertisement [Newsoms] hearts in the right place when it comes to focusing on early education, Gordon said. But it sets those kids up for failure if they go into an underfunded K-14 system. Times staff writer Phil Willon contributed to this report. john.myers@latimes.com Follow @johnmyers on Twitter, sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter and listen to the weekly California Politics Podcast President Trump moved closer Thursday to declaring a national emergency to bypass Congress to secure funds for a border wall and resolve a government shutdown now into its 20th day. I have the absolute right to declare a national emergency, Trump said to reporters before departing the White House for McAllen, Texas, where he toured Border Patrol facilities and met with agents along the U.S.-Mexico border. If this doesnt work, he said of getting Congress to include wall money in its final government-funding bill, probably I will do it. I would almost say definitely. This is a national emergency. Administration officials say that move could allow the president to tap money already approved by Congress for other purposes, including funds for military construction and disaster relief. Advertisement Insisting that he would prefer that Congress approve $5.7 billion hes requested for the wall, Trump left himself some wiggle room, but clearly signaled that an emergency declaration is becoming more likely. And already-slim prospects for a deal with Congress seemed to evaporate as Trump was in Texas. Vice President Mike Pence, at the Capitol back in Washington to confer with lawmakers over the impasse, told reporters the administration would not support any compromise giving legal protections to undocumented young immigrants who years ago came to the U.S. illegally as children. A bipartisan group had been negotiating a trade-off between such protections and wall funding, but by afternoon Sen. Lindsey Graham (R.-S.C.) said a deal was all but dead, adding, Were kind of stuck. Trump, in remarks at the White House as he departed for Texas, also put a new spin on the discrepancy between his famous, often-repeated campaign promise that Mexico would pay for a border wall and the fact that Mexico is not doing so. When, during the campaign, I would say, Mexico is going to pay for it, obviously, I never said this and I never meant theyre going to write out a check, the president said. In fact, Trump did specifically assert that Mexico would make direct payments, threatening at one point to halt remittances that Mexican American workers send to relatives in Mexico as a tactic to force Mexico to make a one-time payment of $5 [billion] to $10 billion. Trump repeated his more recent claim that Mexico would indirectly pay for the wall through a new North American trade agreement. That agreement has yet to win legislative approval in Congress, Mexico or Canada and has no provision in it that would involve Mexico reimbursing the U.S. for the costs of a wall. Trumps comments and the visit to the border came a day after his White House meeting with congressional leaders ended abruptly, with the president walking out of the room after Democratic leaders told him they did not plan on approving more money to fund a border wall. I didnt pound the table. I didnt raise my voice. That was a lie, Trump said, describing the acrimonious end to the meeting. I very calmly said, If youre not going to give us strong borders, bye-bye. I didnt rant like you reported. Advertisement Although Democrats have approved $1.3 billion for border security in the current fiscal year, of the $1.6 billion that Trump originally asked for last year, the president has been unable to persuade them to now support the $5.7 billion despite his argument that conditions have become a national security crisis. In another sign that the shutdown that has closed a quarter of the government could continue for some time, Trump tweeted from Air Force One en route to Texas that he has decided not to attend the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, which is less than two weeks away. In McAllen, Trump was greeted by more than a thousand demonstrators, most of whom opposed a wall. A few expressed support. At a round table with aides and local officials, the president sat before a table displaying items said to have been seized by Border Patrol agents an AR-15 rifle, a plastic bag full of cash and black-taped bricks of heroin and methamphetamine and repeated his vow to build a powerful steel barrier to stop what he described as a hellish influx of dangerous immigrants. Advertisement The people that are coming in the criminals, the gangs, the traffickers, the drugs its all crime, he said, an assertion at odds with government figures. Later, at an outdoor briefing along the border, Trump told reporters that Democrats are losing the argument badly. Polls, however, have shown that significantly more Americans blame Trump for the unpopular shutdown while his proposed wall has consistently had minority support, except among Republicans. With the partial shutdown two days from matching the longest on record, the option of declaring a national emergency has become more attractive to Trump. Although an emergency declaration would face legal challenges, it would provide him a way to reopen the government without appearing to cave on his demand for a wall. Trump has received conflicting advice about declaring an emergency from administration aides and friends outside of Washington. Some view it as an effective way out of the prolonged stalemate that would still show the presidents supporters that he continues to fight to achieve his signature campaign promise. Advertisement Other conservatives, however, have cautioned that declaring a national emergency to bypass a stubborn Congress would set a dangerous precedent, one that could backfire on Republicans in the future should Democrats retake the presidency and attempt to fund other initiatives without legislative approval. Can Trump declare a national emergency to get his border wall? We have to be careful about endorsing broad uses of executive power, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) told CNBC in opposing an emergency declaration. If today the national emergency is border security, tomorrow the national emergency might be climate change. Even Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina, a Trump ally who leads the conservative House Freedom Caucus that backs the presidents hard line, said the president should pursue an emergency declaration as a last resort. Advertisement Trump and his advisors have said that by declaring a national security emergency he could pay for a wall by diverting military funds that Congress has approved for other purposes, including for the Army Corps of Engineers. With Trump in Texas was Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, the Army Corps commanding general. A Pentagon official said the Corps is preparing options to present to Trump should he declare an emergency. It is reviewing accounts to see how much money is freely available and, where contracts have been made, how much it might cost to break them. Yet, Rep. Mac Thornberry of Texas, the ranking Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, has emerged as a vocal opponent of taking money from the Pentagons budget. Still, some Republicans in Congress see an emergency declaration as perhaps the only way the shutdown can end quickly, given both sides unyielding stands. It will change the landscape might be for the better, might not be, said Sen. Richard C. Shelby of Alabama, the Republican chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Advertisement In dismissing the idea of a compromise that would protect young undocumented immigrants the so-called Dreamers from deportation, Pence echoed Trumps argument that the administration would prefer to await a ruling from the Supreme Court on the constitutionality of a temporary Obama-era order that protected the longtime immigrant-residents. The vice president, expressing confidence that the court would find the order an unconstitutional use of executive power, said that outcome would then force both sides to negotiate an alternative measure to address the Dreamers plight as well as tighten immigration laws. The president, during the freewheeling exchange with reporters on the South Lawn as he left for Texas, complained that the Democratic leaders, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York were more difficult to negotiate with than Chinese President Xi Jinping. I really believe the Democrats dont care about crime, he said. Theyve been taken over by young people who I really believe this I think theyre crazy. Advertisement The president, who said last month he would proudly take responsibility for a shutdown, would not accept the premise that he now bears responsibility for resolving it. The buck stops with everybody, he said. Stokols reported from Washington and Hennessy-Fiske from McAllen, Texas. Times staff writers Jennifer Haberkorn, Sarah D. Wire and David S. Cloud in Washington contributed to this report. The latest from Washington Advertisement eli.stokols@latimes.com @EliStokols Many politicians today perceive the idea of free tuition as a winning strategy, and its easy to see why. Young people are more anxious than ever about getting a college education as a path to a more successful career, and college debt is on the rise. But, despite what the term implies, free tuition is not the best way to enable more students to afford a college education. As state legislatures have reduced general funding for higher education, college costs have risen more swiftly than family income, especially at public colleges and universities. Rather than support more adequate funding for these schools, politicians have turned to giving the money directly to the students. Its an instant win with families. Several states have already introduced their own brand of free college and others are either actively considering bills or having conversations about the ramifications. Programs are wide ranging: The Tennessee Promise provides free tuition to community colleges. Georgias Hope Scholarship rewards students who achieve a 3.0 grade-point average in high school. California provides one free year of community college to all full-time students; a new bill would add a second year. Maryland will be doing the same at least in 2019. New Yorks Excelsior Scholarship will provide free tuition to students whose families earn up to $125,000 in 2019. By their nature, free tuition programs are stacked against low-income students. Advertisement Certainly, these programs will make college less expensive for many students, but they wont do nearly as much for low-income students as they do for the middle class and even the well to do. By their nature, free tuition programs are stacked against low-income students. The reason is that college costs include much more than tuition: Room and board, books, computers, transportation and other living expenses are often higher than the original tuition price. Middle-class and well-off students can afford those expenses much more easily than low-income students. Low-income students, unable to afford the basic costs of living during their college years, are less likely to take advantage of a state tuition-only grant to begin with because of the total costs they face, and if they do get one, they are at higher risk of dropping out for financial reasons. A better way to increase graduation rates across the country would be to make free college truly free, or as close as possible, for those who really cant afford it, and the way to do that is through a proven program: the Pell grant. Born out of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, Pell grants give low-income students money to help pay for college and related expenses. Students and families demonstrate need and the Pell program awards grants dependent on a students financial situation. The maximum award, however, is $6,095 per year. Even at in-state, public institutions this is far less than the full cost of attending college. The free college movement should focus on expanding the Pell program to cover at least some living expenses. Expanding Pell grants would address another problem with states free tuition programs. They tend to spend more money per middle-class student than low-income one. Thats because the programs are largely last dollar aid; in other words, after a student has received other aid, including Pell grants, the state adds just enough to pay off the rest of the tuition bill. Middle-class students are much less likely to have those other grants, so the state is left to pay more. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion Last year, the Institute for Higher Education Policy published a report that suggested free college programs in New York and Tennessee werent making college more affordable for low-income students because neither program allocated scarce state funding to the students with the greatest need. The study concluded that these programs instead allocate limited funding to middle- and, in the case of Tennessee, high-income students. Advertisement The U.S. Senate recently passed an appropriations bill that increases the individual Pell grant amount by $100. That doesnt begin to address the affordability problem. In an environment of competing priorities, collaboration is critical.We dont have the resources to send the children of wealthy or even middle-class families to college. College and university leaders must come to the table with federal and state officials to help those who need it most. Free college makes a great bumper sticker. But the nations young adults dont need bumper stickers; they need practical solutions to the cost of a higher education. Jeff Abernathy is president of Alma College in Alma, Mich. Advertisement Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook Last June, the Supreme Court fumbled an opportunity to deal a death blow to political gerrymandering, the time-dishonored practice of drawing state legislative and congressional lines to give an unfair advantage to one political party. The court disposed of two cases on narrow procedural grounds, rather than confronting the constitutional issue. But two new cases to be heard later this year give the court an opportunity to atone for that abdication in time to ensure that all congressional and state legislative district lines drawn after the 2020 census will be fair. Because of Republican gains in 2010, the decennial redistricting process that followed that election favored the GOP. If Democrats carry their 2018 momentum into 2020, House delegations and state legislatures could be gerrymandered in the opposite direction for a decade. But regardless of which political party you support, it should be obvious that in a functioning democracy, district lines should be drawn fairly, rather than rigged to benefit one side or the other. The court has struggled to identify a standard for deciding when a gerrymander violates the Constitution. Advertisement One case to be heard by the Supreme Court in March involves the same Maryland congressional map the justices considered before, boundaries that were drawn by Democrats to eliminate a long-serving Republican incumbent. The other involves a map drawn by North Carolinas Republican leaders that locked in a 10-3 GOP advantage in the states House delegation even though votes statewide were almost evenly split between the parties. A lower court noted that the legislator responsible for the map said it reflected his view that electing Republicans is better than electing Democrats. The Supreme Court recognized as long ago as 1986 that partisan gerrymandering could be challenged as unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment if it involved intentional discrimination against an identifiable political group and an actual discriminatory effect on that group. Justice Anthony Kennedy, before he retired, suggested that extreme gerrymanders might also violate the 1st Amendment because they penalize certain voters for their voting history, their association with a political party or their expression of political views. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion Yet the court has struggled to identify a standard for deciding when a gerrymander violates the Constitution, and some justices have urged that the court stop trying and leave the issue to the states and Congress. Some states indeed have dealt with gerrymandering on their own. California and Arizona, for instance, have removed congressional redistricting decisions from the legislature, entrusting them to independent commissions not dominated by one party. Voters in Ohio approved a plan that will make it harder for a single party to dominate congressional redistricting. But that doesnt absolve the court of the duty to strike down unconstitutional gerrymandering plans in states in which the majority party in the legislature still controls redistricting. The court has agonized about partisan gerrymandering for more than three decades; its time to rule. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook. This week marks the debut of our two new restaurant critics, Bill Addison and Patricia Escarcega, whose first reviews are now up online, and out in print this Saturday. Were excited to welcome them to our city, our tables and our pages. In addition to their first reviews, we also have short interviews, as a way to introduce them a bit beyond their takes on pies and tacos. Amy Scattergood KEY LIME PIE AND MORE A slice of Key lime pie at Fiona bakery and restaurant. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times) Advertisement Bills first review is of Fiona, the new bakery and restaurant on Fairfax from pastry chef Nicole Rucker and chef Shawn Pham. So there are pastries and pies excellent pies and a full menu with a rendition of the Vietnamese beef stew bo kho. TALKING WITH BILL ADDISON Bill Addison is one of two new restaurant critics for The Times. (Martina Ibanez-Baldor / Los Angeles Times) A Baltimore native, Bill tells Andrea Chang that he worked as a pastry chef before becoming a food writer and restaurant critic. Yes to Lebanese food, no to hard-boiled eggs. And if not a critic, maybe a spy. (Costumes can come in handy for both professions.) ARABESQUE OAXACAN COOKING Chicken shawarma tacos at Xtiosu Kitchen. (Calvin B. Alagot / Los Angeles Times) Patricias first review is of Xtiosu Kitchen, a Boyle Heights restaurant that combines the flavors of Oaxaca and Lebanon. The name means thank you in Zapotec, the native tongue of Oaxacan-born brothers Felipe and Ignacio Santiago, who cook there; Ignatio is an alum of Sunnin, the Lebanese restaurant in Santa Monica. TALKING WITH PATRICIA ESCARCEGA Advertisement Patricia Escarcega is one of two new restaurant critics for The Times. (Martina Ibanez-Baldor / Los Angeles Times) Patricia tells Lucas Kwan Peterson about growing up in Riverside with memories of citrus stands, working as a pallet jack operator and what she thinks about the current state of food journalism. Is there a Werner Herzog reference? There is. Our 101 Restaurants We Love list for 2018 is out. The list incorporates restaurants and trucks from around Los Angeles and Orange County, in alphabetical order (no rankings this year). Plus, this year, theres a bonus list of 10 classic restaurants. Check us out on Instagram at @latimesfood. Advertisement And dont forget the thousands of recipes in our California Cookbook recipe database. Feedback? Wed love to hear from you. Email us at food@latimes.com. (Photo/CRI Online) China-U.S. trade negotiations concluded on Jan. 9, and three details from the discussions can be seen as an indication that positive progress has been made, according to analysis of Niutanqin, a Wechat account associated with Xinhua. The first noticeable detail is that the two-day vice-ministerial-level trade talks were extended by half a day. More than 200 officials from over 10 departments from both sides took part in the talks. An insider disclosed that there was so much to be discussed that both sides agreed to continue discussions on Jan. 9 after talking on Jan. 7 and 8. It sent out a positive message that the two sides are willing to sit down, negotiate and reach a consensus. The second detail worth noting is that Chinese Vice Premier, Liu He, unexpectedly appeared at the venue. A picture showing a smiling Liu at the meeting on Jan. 7 went viral online. The extraordinary move, according to foreign media, reflected the attention and respect that China placed on the meeting. On Jan. 8, US President Donald Trump tweeted that Talks with China are going very well! It showed that Washington was also keeping a close eye on the progress of the talks. The third detail which shows progress is that the negotiations were candid, in-depth and practical. According to information released by the United States, Washington expected to narrow its trade deficit with China, and Beijing agreed to import a sizeable amount of agricultural, energy and manufactured products and services from the U.S. Undeniably, China's trade surplus with the United States is significant. To increase high-quality imports from the U.S. will serve the Chinese aspiration for a better life. On the other hand, the U.S. did compromise on some of China's concerns. The U.S. side also raised some questions, including forced technology transfer, intellectual property rights protection, non-tariff trade barriers and theft of trade secrets. China had been deepening reform and opening up in an orderly manner amid the escalation of U.S.-China trade tensions. Last year, the country rolled out four tariff reductions and invited enterprises from around the world to attend the first China International Import Expo. Its ranking leaped up 32 spots in a World Bank report on global business environment. There is no winner in the trade war, and both China and the U.S. will suffer losses. The recent decline seen by the American stock market was clear proof of this. The progress seen during these talks is sure to bring relief to both countries, and indeed the world. However, we should stay rational in the face of such progress, as this is only the beginning and there are still difficulties facing both sides going forward. On Tuesday in the Mexican border city of Matamoros, a group of 55 asylum seekers camped at the foot of bridges, waiting to cross into Brownsville, Texas. The group, including a deaf man and half a dozen children, face an average wait of six weeks. Farther west in Nogales, on the border with Arizona, about 150 asylum seekers waited to enter the United States. In Juarez, across from El Paso, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials turned one Guatemalan father away six times over three days in October. The smuggler hed paid to get him and his two young daughters to the United States gave him a choice: Continue waiting on the bridge to Texas, alone, or take a raft illegally across the Rio Grande with the children. With one of his daughters sick, he chose the river and surrendered to the Border Patrol to apply for asylum. In San Diego, Central American families who have traveled north as part of the most recent caravan have been ducking through known gaps in a fence at Tijuana. Border Patrol agents wait on the other side for them to turn themselves in and claim asylum. In a nationally televised speech from the Oval Office, President Trump is expected to address what administration officials repeatedly have called a humanitarian and national security crisis at the southern border. Advertisement Yet from Mexico City to the U.S.-Mexico border, to inundated U.S. immigration courts and interior checkpoints, current and former officials, as well as outside experts, say that to the extent the border faces such a crisis, its largely of the administrations own making. Its a self-imposed crisis, said Stephanie Leutert, director of the Mexico Security Initiative at the University of Texas at Austin, who spoke to the Guatemalan father. Apprehensions at the border the most common measure of illegal immigration are near historic lows. From the 1980s to the mid-2000s, apprehensions routinely reached more than 1 million migrants a year. In the fiscal year that ended in September, 521,090 people were apprehended or stopped at the border. There is absolutely not a border-security crisis right now, said Chris Wilson, deputy director of the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington. Apprehensions are way down from their peak. Everard Meade, director of the Trans-Border Institute at the University of San Diego, said the administration has tried to keep this impression that the border is overwhelmed, even though empirically its not. Nor is there significant evidence of a terrorist threat at the border something that Trump and other administration officials have implied. As recently as July 2017, the State Department said there was no credible information that any member of a terrorist group has traveled through Mexico to gain access to the United States. Advertisement Homeland Security data for fiscal 2017 show that U.S. officials encountered 2,554 people on the terrorist watch list trying to enter the United States. The vast majority, however, were attempting to enter at airports or by sea, not by crossing the border from Mexico. Wilson said there had been no clear increase since 9/11 on the numbers of special interest foreigners at the border a category defined broadly as anyone from a country that has produced or promoted terrorism and though it remains an area of concern, theres never been a terrorist attack by someone who entered the United States from Mexico. In every national security risk assessment, you have to direct resources to where they will be most effective, he said. When it comes to combating terrorism and protecting the homeland, the southern border is not high on the list. What has changed at the border in the last couple of years is a significant shift in who is coming, and why. In November, Border Patrol agents apprehended 25,172 family members on the border, a record, and 5,283 unaccompanied minors, most seeking asylum. Advertisement Even if migrant children traveling north without adults keep pace, they wont come close to the height of the so-called unaccompanied minors crisis in 2014, when they reached more than 67,000. But the number of children and adults seeking asylum has grown dramatically. In fiscal 2013, there were only about 43,000 asylum applications. In fiscal 2018, there were 160,000, an increase contributing to a current backlog of roughly 800,000 asylum cases, Wilson said. If theres a crisis right now, Wilson said, its in our asylum system. At ports of entry and detention centers, U.S. immigration and border enforcement personnel say a system designed in the 1990s for single adult Mexican males has been overwhelmed by Central American families and unaccompanied minors. Two migrant children died in U.S. custody last month, the first such fatalities in more than a decade, according to the administration. But although the numbers themselves are daunting, several actions by the administration may have worsened the problem. Advertisement Thousands of migrants fleeing violence and poverty in Central America have amassed at the U.S.-Mexico border, waiting weeks or sometimes months in dangerous Mexican border towns for the chance to claim asylum in the United States. At ports of entry, U.S. officials have been metering asylum seekers, at times turning them away and telling them that facilities are at capacity. Last month, the administration announced what they called a historic policy shift to force migrants to wait in Mexico while their U.S. cases are processed. Although theres little sign the Remain in Mexico strategy is being implemented, increasingly, migrants stuck at the border are resorting to smugglers or more remote areas to cross illegally, according to observers. The large number of unaccompanied children trying to enter the U.S. also stems, in part, from the administrations abrupt decision, early in Trumps tenure, to end Obama-era programs that enabled Central American minors to apply in their home countries for asylum in the United States. That move stranded thousands of children. Most of the 13,000 applicants came from El Salvador, a country with one of the highest homicide rates in the world for those under age 19. Administration officials have recently discussed reinstating that program. Advertisement Over the holidays, in Texas, Arizona, and California, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement released thousands of migrants to the streets and bus stations, without the advance notice typically given to local shelters, with many already at capacity. Ruben Garcia, director of El Pasos main shelter network, Annunciation House, said the decision to suddenly release detainees in large groups without coordination felt calculated to send a political message. Why was it for 361 days immigration communicated with us, we had a system where they told us their capacity? he said. I see it as political. And thats very, very sad, that the administration is taking what are basically law enforcement agencies and politicizing them. Dylan Corbett, director of El Paso-based Hope Border Institute, said a pregnant Honduran migrant told him that she too had tried to cross the border bridge but had been turned back into Juarez by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. She hid on a mountain at the edge of town, near a remote crossing favored by smugglers. While waiting to cross, she says she was raped. Advertisement Because weve made these policy choices to militarize the border, Corbett said, we dont have the capacity to respond to the reality of the situation, which is these families. Meanwhile, the current partial government shutdown has made the backlog of asylum claims worse. With many immigration judges furloughed, and others forced to work, without pay, court backlogs have grown. Every day that we are not in court, thousands of cases will have to be rescheduled, said Ashley Tabaddor, president of the National Assn. of Immigration Judges. That means after two, three years of waiting, someone else will have to be bumped for them to be heard. Advertisement OToole reported from Washington, Hennessy-Fiske from Houston and Morrissey from San Diego. Already mired in three lawsuits over abortion restrictions, Kentucky lawmakers are ratcheting up the stakes with a new bill to ban most abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected. As a new legislative session opens, the measure appeared to be on a fast track in the Republican-dominated state Senate. The American Civil Liberties Union, the states adversary in the ongoing courthouse fights, warns the heartbeat bill would prohibit most abortions in Kentucky and would immediately trigger a legal challenge. Its blatantly unconstitutional, ACLU attorney Brigitte Amiri said Wednesday, a day after the measure was introduced by lawmakers. This is certainly the most blatant attempt to take aim at Roe vs. Wade. Its extreme. Its yet again anti-abortion politicians trying to push abortion out of reach for women in this state. Kentuckys bill is at odds with the legal standard set by the Supreme Court in its 1973 Roe vs. Wade ruling, which prohibits states from banning abortions before viability. But the Kentucky proposal is among a series of measures introduced by abortion opponents who hope the Supreme Court will be more receptive to limiting abortion rights now that Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, a key vote to preserve abortion rights, has retired. Advertisement Kennedy was replaced by Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Though Kavanaughs record on abortion is limited, he did vote as a federal appeals court judge in 2017 in favor of delaying an abortion for a pregnant immigrant teenager in federal custody. In Iowa, a heartbeat law is temporarily blocked while a judge weighs whether it is unconstitutional. North Dakotas fetal heartbeat law was struck down as unconstitutional, and the U.S. Supreme Court refused to review the lower court rulings. The effort to prohibit abortions in Kentucky once a fetal heartbeat is detected which is around six weeks of pregnancy would further cement Kentuckys reputation as one of the most hostile states to abortion rights in the country, Amiri said by phone. The ACLU attorney added that the vast majority of abortions occurred after six weeks of pregnancy and called a six-week ban unconstitutional under more than 40 years of precedent. Most women dont even know theyre pregnant at six weeks, she said. So this is a virtual ban on abortion. The heartbeat bill was introduced Tuesday, opening day of Kentuckys new session, and one of the many sponsors expected it to be heard in committee on Thursday. Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer said he hoped the bill would get a Senate vote this week. It would still have to pass the GOP-led House before it would go to the states anti-abortion governor, Republican Matt Bevin. After Friday, lawmakers head home for a break before reconvening in early February for the rest of the years session. If it reaches the governors desk, the heartbeat bill would give Bevin, who has said hell seek reelection this year, an opportunity to attach his name to a measure imposing stricter limits on abortions a popular stance with his socially conservative base. Advertisement Thayer said the threat of another ACLU lawsuit wouldnt hold up the bill in the Senate: Its our job to make laws, to make policy, and thats what were going to do. Republican lawmakers in Kentucky have aggressively pushed bills to restrict the procedure since consolidating their hold on the Legislature starting in 2017, even though two abortion-related laws have been struck down in the courts. Bevins administration has appealed in both cases. One of those laws, enacted in early 2017, required doctors to perform ultrasounds and show and describe the ultrasound images to pregnant women, who could avert their eyes. Another legal challenge arose over Bevins interpretation of another law passed about two decades ago that required a Kentucky abortion clinic to have written agreements with a hospital and ambulance service in case of medical emergencies. Bevins administration actions had threatened the states last abortion clinic, EMW Womens Surgical Center in Louisville. Advertisement In a third case, lawyers for Bevins administration and the ACLU argued over a lawsuit challenging a state law aimed at a common second-trimester procedure to end pregnancies. The law remains suspended pending a ruling by a federal judge. Two San Francisco police officers were injured Thursday afternoon after a collision with another officer while all three were on their patrol motorcycles, authorities said. The officers were riding eastbound on Bryant Street at 5th Street shortly before 1 p.m. when the crash occurred, said Officer Robert Rueca, a spokesman for the San Francisco Police Department. They were taken to a hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening, he said. Due to unforeseen reasons, there was a collision between three of the department vehicles, Rueca said. Advertisement The third officer in the collision was not hurt. All were riding in a pool of six officers on department vehicles in one lane. Rueca said the six officers were patrolling the city and not responding to an emergency at the time of the crash. Though there was medium traffic, no other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. Rueca said these types of crashes are rare. These are some of our most highly trained officers, he said, adding that the type of motorcycle they were riding was designed for on road and off road use. The San Francisco Police Department is investigating the crash, he said. alejandra.reyesvelarde@latimes.com Twitter: @r_valejandra Human remains found on a Northern California beach belong to one of the six adopted children killed along with their parents when their mother intentionally drove their SUV off a cliff, authorities said Wednesday. The remains of Hannah Hart, 16, were found shortly after the March 26 crash, but the Mendocino County Sheriffs Department had trouble identifying them until her biological mother called from Mobile, Ala. in October. She was responding to a request from investigators for family members to come forward and help with the identification process. The womans DNA sample matched the teens remains, the Sheriffs Department said. All six children are believed to have died in the crash, though the remains of 15-year-old Devonte Hart still have not been found. Advertisement Devonte, who was black, had drawn national attention in 2014 after he was photographed in tears while hugging a white police officer at a protest. The Sheriffs Department said Jennifer Hart, 38, was drunk when she intentionally drove the vehicle off a cliff into the ocean about 155 miles north of San Francisco. Investigators are still trying to determine a motive. Toxicology results showed that Harts wife, Sarah Hart, 38, and several of the children ages 12 through 19 had large amounts of a drug that can cause drowsiness in their systems. The crash occurred just days after authorities in Washington state had opened an investigation into allegations that the children were being neglected. A neighbor of the Harts in Woodland, Wash., had filed a complaint with the state, saying it appeared that the children had been deprived of food as punishment. Three days later, their SUV was found partially submerged in the ocean below a rugged cliff. Sarah Hart had pleaded guilty in 2011 to a domestic assault charge in Minnesota over what she said was a spanking given to one of her children. Child-welfare officials in Oregon where the family lived before moving to Washington also investigated the couple in 2013, but closed the case without taking any action. McDonalds golden arches greet diners from near and far, but a San Francisco location Sunday was forced to close for a thorough scrub-down after it received a most unwelcome guest: a dead raccoon. A video (warning, it contains graphic language and images) taken by a customer and later posted on social media shows a man seated in the restaurants dining room with the dead animal on the table in front of him. McDonalds employees gestured toward the table and appeared to ask the man to leave as shocked customers watched the bizarre situation unfold. Another man eventually grabbed the animal by its tail and carried it outside, leaving a bloody trail on the restaurants floor. The man then returned to the restaurant and sat down at another table. San Francisco police responded about 7 a.m. to evaluate the man, and animal control removed the raccoon. No one was arrested in the incident, officials said. Advertisement Chris Brooks, 54, of San Francisco told SF Gate that he was picking up an Egg McMuffin before work at the McDonalds at Potrero Avenue and 16th Street when he saw the man gripping the raccoon. The guy came in screaming, Help, help, help! Brooks told the newspaper. He came to the counter, and I thought it was a dog at first. The employees told him to leave and he went and sat down with it. Scott Rodrick, who owns and operates the franchise, said staff immediately closed the restaurant and began cleaning. Staff cleaned and sanitized the entire dining room and reopened the restaurant two hours later, he said. We are thankful that SFPD and animal control were so responsive to the incident. Rachael Kagan, spokeswoman for the San Francisco Department of Public Health, said agency officials visited the restaurant Wednesday after getting inquiries about the video. Kagan said restaurant staff handled the situation exactly as they were supposed to and cleaned the dining area with a type of ammonia cleaner that kills bacteria. The restaurant is safe for patrons, she said. They did all the right things, Kagan said. Its a very peculiar incident for sure. hannah.fry@latimes.com Advertisement Twitter: @Hannahnfry Ongoing talks to avert a teachers strike ended Wednesday without a deal between United Teachers Los Angeles and the L.A. Unified School District. The two sides will meet again on Friday. Dueling news conferences after the half-day session indicated that little to no progress was made. We did not see seriousness on the part of the school district to try to resolve this contract struggle, said Alex Caputo-Pearl, president of UTLA. Caputo-Pearl criticized senior district officials for attending meetings in Sacramento rather than taking part in negotiations. Advertisement L.A. schools Supt. Austin Beutner and school board President Monica Garcia went to the state Capitol for a closed-door briefing with lawmakers. People in the meeting said the goal was to explain how the nations second-largest school system would be managing the anticipated strike. Beutner also gave details in his own news conference, which followed the unions. He said one purpose of the trip was to explain the districts latest contract offer and how it matched up well with the recommendations in a recent report from a neutral fact-finder brought in to help bring the parties together. He also said he brought up the need for more state funding. He added that his presence was not required in Los Angeles on Wednesday because he had a qualified team in place: We can walk and chew gum at the same time. Beutner also indicated that one purpose of the negotiation session was for the two sides to justify and explain their understanding of what resources are available in the district budget. Lets separate sophistry and rhetoric from facts, Beutner said. We have limits on resources. The superintendent also announced that the Los Angeles County Office of Education had assigned a fiscal advisory team to L.A. Unified. The purpose is to monitor district spending and provide advice, Beutner said. The countys action was evidence of its concern about the districts long-term finances, Beutner said. Union leaders had scheduled a strike for Thursday, but have announced a postponement until Monday due to ongoing legal wrangling with L.A. Unified. Advertisement Attorneys for the district contend that UTLA did not provide the legally required formal 10-day notice that it was canceling the previous labor agreement. That agreement ran only through June 2017, but union members have continued to work under its terms during negotiations. The district is asking the court to delay any strike for at least 10 more days. Caputo-Pearl says the strike will begin Monday if no agreement is reached. We are more resolved than ever to fight for what our students need, he said. howard.blume@latimes.com Advertisement @howardblume A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge Thursday cleared the path for a Los Angeles teachers strike to start Monday. Whether it does, however, will depend on negotiations that resume Friday and could stretch into the weekend. Additional funding from the state budget could help bridge the gap between United Teachers Los Angeles and the L.A. Unified School District. L.A. schools Supt. Austin Beutner said Thursday he was encouraged enough by Gov. Gavin Newsoms budget proposal that he will take an improved offer into Fridays meeting. He did not offer details. Our commitment is to use every nickel we have to invest in our schools, Beutner said. If the state is going to give us a few more nickels, well make sure those go right into the classrooms. Advertisement At issue in court was whether the union gave 10-day notice to the school district that its members would no longer work under terms of the previous contract. This notice provision is laid out in that agreement between the union and the L.A. Unified School District. The district argued that the union should be barred from walking out because it hadnt fulfilled its notice obligations. But Judge Mary H. Strobel disagreed. UTLA has the better argument here, Strobel told attorneys. Strobel focused on a Jan. 3 union email to the district that met the legal requirement, in her view. When the union on Wednesday moved its strike date from Jan. 10 to Jan. 14 11 days after the Jan. 3 email it had done enough, she said. The union had decided to postpone the strike date out of concern about a potential adverse ruling. Attorneys for L.A. Unified also had argued that the union should be required to start the 10-day notice period over because its leadership had encouraged a strike, which is not allowed during such a period. Advertisement The union countered that both sides have been preparing for a possible strike for months and that there have been no surprises. Strobel did not take issue with the unions recent activities. L.A. Unified will be weighing whether to ask a court of appeal to review the judges decision, said its deputy general counsel, Alexander Molina. Attorneys for the district asserted that it may still pursue a breach-of-contract lawsuit, but that would play out in standard legal time, perhaps over the course of six months to a year, attorneys said. Advertisement 1 / 18 Parents, teachers, and students rally in support of teachers at the corner of Topanga Canyon and Ventura Blvd. in Woodland Hills. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 18 Arlene Inouye, Co-Chair UTLA Bargaining Committee and UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl walk down the front stairs to an area where they hold a press conference in front of the LAUSD offices. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 18 Arlene Inouye, Co-Chair UTLA Bargaining Committee, speaks at a press conference in front of the LAUSD offices. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 18 Anastasia Foster, center, and Timothy Hayes right and join supporters of LAUSD teachers for a rally in front of Venice High School. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 18 Michael Rothhammer gives a fist bump to Jayden Arriaga, center, and Emely Herrera, kindergartners in an after school program at Reseda Elementary School. (mel melcon / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 18 Thousands gathered in downtown L.A. in December at a march held by the teachers union, which has scheduled a strike for Jan. 14. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles TImes) 7 / 18 Michael Fono, a teacher at Thomas Edison Middle School in South Los Angeles, holds a strike sign at a planning meeting on Jan. 5. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 18 Jasper Anderson, 15, participates in what could be one of his last pre-teachers strike baseball practices on Jan. 8 at Crenshaw High School. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 18 Merwinn Rojas, a Foshay Learning Center sixth-grader, works on his homework on Jan. 8. His mother worries he might regress if teachers go on strike. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 18 Kweisi Gharreau, center, parent of two kids at Canfield Elementary School in Beverlywood, speaks to the media in support of teachers following a Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education meeting on Jan. 8. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 18 In addition to its wage proposal, the L.A. teachers union has pushed for fully staffed campuses with smaller classes and more support staff. In talks this week, the district upped its offer by $75 million to increase staffing. Above, students at Cleveland High in Reseda. (mel melcon / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 18 Shannon Stoller picks up her children Presley and Cooper from Pacific Palisades Charter Elementary School. Soller backs the teachers union but is concerned that keeping kids out of class costs schools money. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 18 Alex Caputo-Pearl, president of United Teachers Los Angeles, speaks at a news conference about negotiations with the school district Wednesday. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 18 Los Angeles Unified School District Supt. Austin Beutner speaks at a news conference about negotiations with the teachers union Wednesday. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 18 School psychologist Fabiana Lamm gets ready to go to work at a San Fernando Valley campus on Jan. 8. Shes hoping a strike will lead to the hiring of more psychiatric social workers. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 18 Students depart Belmont High School in Los Angeles after classes on Jan. 9, the first day of school of 2019, while last-ditch bargaining efforts continued to avert a Los Angeles teachers strike. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 18 Maria Espinoza, picking up son Michael from an after-school program at El Sereno Middle School, is concerned that a strike might ground school buses. Luis Sinco Los Angeles Times (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 18 A group supporting the United Teachers Los Angeles gathers at a news conference on strike negotiations Jan. 7. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) Negotiations, meanwhile, appear unlikely to avert a walkout because the two sides have made only limited progress since they resumed talking this week. The lack of trust between the parties was evident on Wednesday, when UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl demanded information from the district that was not directly related to bargaining. First, Caputo-Pearl said he wants details of the districts confidential reorganization plan. The union leader has expressed concern that Beutner plans to turn campuses over to privately run charter schools, most of which are non-union. Advertisement Beutner strongly denies such a goal, and has said his reorganization strategy is still being developed. The union also wants the district to prove its made progress in creating community schools defined by Caputo-Pearl as campuses that have social services for families, rich curricula and leadership roles for teachers and parents. Before Beutner joined L.A. Unified in May, the school board passed a resolution in support of such schools. Caputo-Pearl also said he asked for a briefing on district efforts to increase enrollment. He has accused district leaders of trying to starve schools by hoarding funding and allowing enrollment to drop. Again, Beutner has denied such an intent. Advertisement Caputo-Pearl spoke just outside district headquarters, in a small entryway, surrounded by his bargaining team. Minutes later, it was Beutners turn, in a second-conference room secured by a phalanx of school police officers. To emphasize the districts budget limitations, Beutner announced that the Los Angeles County Office of Education has assigned a team of fiscal experts to work with LAUSD to eliminate deficit spending. He also talked of his trip that day to Sacramento to brief lawmakers on the district contract offer and plans to cope with a strike. He said as he often does that the district has no choice but to live within its means and that he shares the unions goal of increased state funding. A day later, with the release of details from the proposed state budget, Beutner sounded cautiously optimistic. Advertisement Yesterday, we spoke with state leaders in Sacramento about our shared commitment to public education, and the budget announced today by the governor is a strong statement of those values, said the superintendent. We expect the final budget adopted in June will reflect these values and provide additional funding for Los Angeles Unified. School district employees Robert Partida, Lisa LaCoste Clayton and Katherine Zdyvewl work at emergency call center set up at LAUSD headquarters to answer questions about a possible strike. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) howard.blume@latimes.com Twitter: @howardblume In this high desert enclave, Rand Abbott is a well-known man of action. Hes a paraplegic rock climber; a vocal lightning rod at town hall meetings; and a tireless promoter for the desert landscape and its resident creatures. So it came as little surprise to friends two weeks ago when he volunteered to clean restrooms and remove trash that was littering Joshua Tree National Park due to a partial government shutdown over funding for President Trumps border wall. For the record: An earlier version of this article misspelled the first name of Gayle Austin, a Joshua Tree resident and co-owner of Ink & Steel Tattoo, as Gale.An earlier version of this article included a photo which incorrectly identified a Joshua tree as having been cut down by vandals during that time. Although a park ranger initially identified the tree as part of the vandalism, park officials now say the tree was downed as a result of wind damage.An earlier version of this article included a photo showing a vandalized rock. The graffiti was first reported on the rock in October and has since been removed. Unfortunately, the park was in far more disarray than a one-man army could handle. Amid reports of plundered Native American artifacts and chain-sawed Joshua trees, officials announced they would close the park entirely at 8 a.m. Thursday the 20th day of the government shutdown. The closure, they said, would allow them to assess damage to the park and mount an intensive cleanup effort. Advertisement But then, hours before the shutdown was to occur, the National Park Service released a statement late Wednesday saying officials had averted the closure by immediately utilizing revenue generated by recreation fees. The funds will allow park maintenance crews to address sanitation issues, the statement said. While Joshua Tree is famous for its otherworldly landscape of weather-beaten rocks and spindly, namesake trees, unruly visitors have turned it into a worst-case example of parkland abuse, officials say. With no rangers in sight for roughly three weeks, visitors have fought over official campsites and driven through off-limit areas to create illegal encampments. They have littered, set illegal fires, defecated in the wild, and chopped down vegetation to drive around barriers intended to keep people out of sensitive wildlife corridors. Abbott, one of dozens of ardent volunteers helping out in the park, figures hes spent nearly $5,000 on bleach, rags and garbage bags and driven 702 miles while cleaning overflowing toilets, picking up garbage and documenting the mess from his wheelchair. The 55-year-old said that last Sunday, he confronted a group that had used a chain saw to cut up a Joshua tree and a pine tree for firewood. In a separate incident, he cautioned a man who had illegally parked a pickup truck and trailer in a rocky cove frequented by bighorn sheep. Rand Abbott has spent thousands on supplies and driven hundreds of miles to clean overflowing toilets and pick up garbage at Joshua Tree National Park. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) That guy was casually brushing teeth when I pointed out that hed run over and crushed creosote and cactus, Abbott recalled. He just flipped me off. Then, a mile up the road, Abbott said he spotted a pile of beer bottles beside a rock facing the highway that someone had desecrated with graffiti. Advertisement Environmental and community groups say the conditions have reached a point of crisis. Given whats been going on, Im still not sure whats actually best for the park we all cherish closure or reopening it, said Gayle Austin, a Joshua Tree resident and co-owner of Ink & Steel Tattoo. Its hard not to think were just pawns in a political chess game. On Tuesday, David Smith, superintendent of the 800,000-acre park, telephoned the leaders of local volunteer groups to inform them of the closure. A vandalized rock in Joshua Tree National Park. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Advertisement Due to significant resource destruction, aggressive defiance and flagrant acts over the past week, the park is in jeopardy of being permanently damaged, Smith said in a message left on Abbotts phone. So, were going to shut it down and lock it up at 8 a.m. on Thursday. It brought tears to my eyes, Abbott said of the message. The park lures roughly 3 million visitors a year, and the local economy is heavily reliant on these tourists. The sleepy, unincorporated high desert community of Joshua Tree has a population of about 9,000 and an estimated 800 unlicensed vacation rental businesses offering alternatives to traditional lodging: neighborhood homes, vintage trailers, Sherpa huts, tepees, shipping containers and camps where guests are encouraged to let their dogs run free while they sip cocktails and watch the sunset. Advertisement By noon on Tuesday, many small-business owners were making plans to adjust by reducing work hours. Owners of vacation rentals began calling prospective clients who had made reservations. Local hotels posted signs in their lobbies informing guests of the impending closure. Displays of American flags hung upside down had already triggered heated arguments over whether that symbol of dire distress was appropriate for this community of low-slung motels and artist enclaves. Tom OKey, a local activist and astronomer, put it this way: There needs to be a Constitutional amendment protecting our cherished public landscapes. Because right now, the worst among us are trampling the best weve got. Abbott, a veteran who was once stationed at the U.S. Marine base in nearby Twentynine Palms, said he welcomed news that the park would conduct an official cleanup. Advertisement But he said hell always feel the weight of protecting the national park and the economy built around it. At a popular destination known as Lost Horse Campground, Abbott reached out with his arms as if to embrace the stark scenery. When I was in the Marines, the others guys took leave in Las Vegas or the Sunset Strip, he recalled with a smile. Id come here, toss a sleeping bag down and stare at the Milky Way, which seemed so close I could reach up and scoop up stars. louis.sahagun@latimes.com Advertisement @LouisSahagun When the first season of HBOs True Detective arrived in 2014, it was as praised and argued over as any series in televisions increasingly self-conscious New Golden/Platinum Age. Starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as an odder-than-usual odd couple of Louisiana policemen chasing an old case into the present, it was brilliant and maddening and new in ways that seem much less new now. In the years since, we have become accustomed to slow-building television, anthologies and the notion that an entire series might be written or directed by a single person crime novelist Nic Pizzolatto and Beasts of No Nation director Cary Joji Fukunaga, respectively in this case. A second season the following year, written almost wholly by Pizzolatto with a rotating crew of directors, was set in a fictional Southern California town and starred Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams and Taylor Kitsch as law enforcement officers from different departments brought together on an increasingly convoluted case involving Vince Vaughn as a crook in big trouble. It was less well-received critically though not the bloodbath you may remember but was not without its points of interest as it moved its sometimes tiring way to an ending partly cribbed from Casablanca. Once again, the series, which returns Sunday, is mainly Pizzolattos work, with Deadwood creator David Milch co-writing one episode and Graham Gordy, another. (There will be several directors, including Pizzolatto himself.) Wayne Hays (Mahershala Ali, the series first black lead) and Roland West (Stephen Dorff) are the partnered cops here, Arkansas state police detectives. Both are Vietnam vets. Roland is more relaxed, though not exactly well-adjusted. Wayne, who developed preternatural tracking skills through his wartime specialty long range reconnaissance (Drop him in the jungle alone he comes out two or three weeks later with scalps) has a stricter code. He stops Roland from shooting a fox; he doesnt want to go to a whorehouse (guess Im a romantic). But bucking a tradition in crime fiction, they are generally in sync. Advertisement Stephen Dorff, left, and Mahershala Ali in season 3 of True Detective. (Warrick Page / HBO) Like the first season, the story runs in multiple timelines. In 1980, the two are investigating the disappearance of a young brother and sister in a northwest Arkansas small town. In 1990, the case has been reopened, and they become partners again, just as Waynes wife, Amelia (Carmen Ejogo), is about to publish a book eventually considered a classic of literary non-fiction on the case. (In a nice touch, Roland wears the same Western jacket in 1990 as in 1980.) In 2015, Wayne is being interviewed for a documentary on the subject, both prompting him to relive the case and challenging his ability to do it. Afflicted with an unnamed dementia, he is losing great tracts of his past, even as it seems to invade his waking present. Mahershala Ali as an older Wayne Hays in the 2015 timeline of the third season HBOs True Detective. (Warrick Page/HBO) In either conscious callbacks to the first season or just ruts in which the writer is stuck, there are strange folk-art objects as clues, a corpse in an attitude of prayer, a hint of powerful people doing something in secret. There was a missing child in Season 1 as well. As before, the series looks good, with place and atmosphere well evoked (if somewhat less exquisitely than by original director of photography Adam Arkapaw). It moves slowly. (There is not much action, as we usually understand it, in the five of eight episodes available for review.) It remains a talky show, if a less self-consciously eloquent one; Wayne is a man of few words and Roland only a few more. Once again, its well-cast and played Dorff, currently appearing in Foxs Star and mostly relegated to thrillers and horror films this century, may get a McConaughey moment out of this. Scoot McNairy and Mamie Gummer, as the parents of the missing children; Michael Greyeyes as a local scavenger of trash; and Jon Tenney, as a lawyer on different sides of the case in 1980 and 1990 are some of the vivid characters who fill out the narrative. But its mostly Waynes story and Alis show he is already having his moment, with big awards for Green Book this year and Moonlight two years ago. Mamie Gummer as a parent of missing children in HBOs True Detective. (Warrick Page / HBO) That Wayne and Amelia are among the few people of color seen here can seem odd we are in the South, after all but its consistent with the demographics of northwestern Arkansas. Race is occasionally a point, if not exactly an issue in the five episodes I was able to watch. (How is it here? 1980 Wayne asks Amelia, a black woman teaching white kids. Its fine. Its good really, for what it is. I hear something now and then. Theyre all poor around here; thats the main thing.) The woman interviewing Wayne for the documentary in 2015 asks if he ever felt that his superiors discounted his leads, because Im interested in the intersectionality of marginalized groups within authoritarian and systemic racist structures. Wayne says no, but in an earlier timeline, he makes it clear to Roland, I know where I am in a way you will never understand. Advertisement Wayne Hays (Mahershala Ali) and future wife Amelia Reardon (Carmen Ejogo) get acquainted in a scene from HBOs True Detective. (Warrick Page/HBO) Given the less than convincing endgames of the preceding seasons, I would not concentrate too much on the whodunit-and-why elements of the plot; the balls in the air may be more interesting than where they come down. What matters here, as before, are partnerships between Wayne and Roland, and also between Wayne and Amelia and what will matter most in the end is how they last or dont. Its an ambitious and imperfect work, beautiful and corny, believable and less believable by turns. I recommend it, with advisories. The mere fact that it involves missing children makes it hard to watch. Though there are moments of sweetness, especially in the scenes where Wayne and Amelia get to know each other, there isnt much in the way of humor; nothing like the weird comic edge of McConaughey and Harrelsons philosophical double act in Season 1. (Waynes imitation of a lightsaber is about as light-hearted as it gets.) And when Wayne, usually contained and controlled, bursts out, its as shocking as anything in the show. Whats most compelling, and touching, in True Detective are these elements of memory and time, how it moves on and stands still. Ali, especially, with the help of some crack makeup and hair people, is persuasive as Wayne across a span of 35 years, living in the present and in an incomplete past that is running away from him even as he runs toward it. (Perhaps because we meet him first as an old man, we are drawn immediately to his side.) When Wayne meets Amelia, in 1980, shes teaching a Robert Penn Warren poem, Tell Me a Story to a high school class: Make it a story of great distances and starlight. / The name of the story will be Time, / But you must not pronounce its name. Later, in a waking dream, 1990 Amelia will ask 2015 Wayne, Einstein said, Past, present and future are all a stubbornly persistent illusion and are you waking up to that illusion now that things fall apart? Advertisement The dead are only dead, but the still living have work to do. ----- True Detective Where: HBO Advertisement When: 9 p.m. Sunday Rating: TV-MA (may be unsuitable for children under the age of 17) robert.lloyd@latimes.com Follow Robert Lloyd on Twitter @LATimesTVLloyd Though it sounds like a chain of bro-run hot wing shacks, Buffalo Boys is actually a cartoony Indonesian action western with maybe a minute of total screen time showing the riding of buffalo, and seemingly half the rest of its length fetishizing cruelty and CGI violence at the expense of true gonzo style or freshly drawn archetypes. The boys in co-writer/director Mike Wiluans sloppy 19th-century ode to dust-and-blood standoffs by way of Asian fight cinema, are a pair of brothers from Java named Jamar (Ario Bayu) and Suwo (Yoshi Sudarso). Exiled from their homeland as babies after the murder of their Sultan father at the hands of a Dutch colonizer, the duo grew up in Americas untamed badlands as railroad-building cowboys under the care of their uncle Arana (Tio Pakusadewo). But after an opening train brawl for cash between a grime-slicked bruiser and a seemingly outmatched Jamar the kind of semi-humorous scrap Walter Hill might have filmed the action shifts to Indonesia, where the brothers and their uncle are intent on exacting some vengeance for their slain dad. Following the rescue of a young woman from bandits, they become guests to her grateful fathers local community of farmers. What they find are terrorized villagers under forced labor, routinely brutalized by their Dutch overseer Captain Van Trach (Reinout Bussemaker). Advertisement Naturally, conveniently, this is the same sadist who killed their pa, and like any modern genre pic worth its oversaltedness, Van Trach is shown torturing, killing and raping with a blase-witted, attention-grabbing malevolence we can all blame Quentin Tarantino for, and which no amount of showdown showmanship can ever satisfy as eye-for-an-eye comeuppance. Its safe to say Wiluan is more comfortable pushing his camera in on the scarred, bleeding back of Van Trachs freshly whipped sex slave Seruni (Happy Salma), or lingering on the branded flesh of the village headmans daughter Sri (Mikha Tambayong), or drawing out the shooting of a child by one of Van Trachs evil henchmen, than caring about how enjoyable any villains life-ending turnabout is. Because ultimately, the combat in Buffalo Boys is perfunctorily handled, seemingly designed more to showcase a digital effects crews blood-spurt acumen than the thrill of clever choreography. The fights are leaden, so when a movies bid for historical verisimilitude has already stopped at backlot-acceptable, and the character development is constrained by dumb dialogue, such meager tending-to of an Asian action flicks primary draw is nigh unforgivable. Its especially head-scratching that after introducing Sris sister Kiona (Pevita Pearce) as a fiery woman eager to kick butt the brothers first notice her riding a buffalo and shooting arrows simultaneously the movie doesnt use her in any meaningful way in its action scenes. Likewise, the storys attempt to set up Suwo as a kind of charming underdog looking to match his taciturn older brothers bravery barely registers as a dramatic arc. Equally wasted in the shallow screenplay is exploring the brothers Americanness as an awkward cultural chasm to be bridged in a land they belong to but arent a part of. The most we get is a bathroom sanitation joke and comic reacting to a shopkeepers selling of scorpion liquor. Lastly, a word about slow motion. Is this the most overused tool in the genre directors quiver? Are filmmakers worried that were going to miss something? Is the movie only an hour long otherwise? Did the massive close-up of the guy spitting into the lens need to be cranked down to half-speed? That cutaway to boots taking a few steps? Is this a secret underwater world? Have I taken this comment as far as it can go? As in, belaboring it? Are you ready to move on? Did I make my point? ------------- Buffalo Boys Not rated Advertisement Running time: 1 hour, 42 minutes Playing: Starts Jan. 11, Arena Cinelounge Sunset, Hollywood; also on VOD ------------ See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Advertisement Movie Trailers calendar@latimes.com @LATimesMovies LHASA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The GDP in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region grew about 10 percent in 2018. Tibet's GDP was estimated at more than 140 billion yuan (21 billion U.S. dollars) last year, Qizhala, chairman of the regional government, said in his government work report delivered Thursday at the second session of the 11th People's Congress of Tibet Autonomous Region. Per capita disposable income for the region's rural residents grew about 13 percent, while for residents in urban areas it rose more than 10 percent. It is the 26th straight year that Tibet has recorded double-digit GDP growth. The region reported 10-percent GDP growth in 2017. In the report, Qizhala said that Tibet has "made decisive progress" in the battle against poverty, with 180,000 people lifted out of poverty. A total of 14.49 billion yuan was allocated to help 218,000 people relocate to help them live better lives, he said. Meanwhile, credit spending expanded, with 368 billion yuan of loans granted to companies, up 20 percent year on year. Small and micro-sized companies, agriculture, anti-poverty projects, private businesses and startup entrepreneurs benefited from the loans. Qizhala added that last year, construction began on nine of 24 key projects in Tibet, drawing investment of 44.6 billion yuan. Major industries like tourism, clean energy and border logistics all contributed to high-quality growth in the region, in addition to a series of projects that support the development of Tibet, he said. On April 1, 2016, Brady, a young cowboy and horse trainer from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, entered the PRCE rodeo in Fargo. He felt confident after a string of successful rides, but that night he was thrown off by a notoriously difficult horse, and his head was stomped and his skull crushed. With internal bleeding to his brain, Brady was rushed to the hospital and placed into a three-day induced coma. I had known Brady for a year-and-a-half before his near-fatal injury. I watched his life and physical health change dramatically after the injury. His life was turned upside down, but his deep conviction towards his way of life never wavered. Brady is a young man of the land. He feels most at home when he is on the range, riding, hunting, fishing and staying away from the hustle and bustle of modernity. Brady Jandreau in a scene from The Rider. (Sony Pictures Classics / AP) Ignoring the doctors advice, Brady was back training wild horses in no time. We talked about why he continued doing something that he knew came with such a great risk to his life. He told me a story about his horse Apollo, who he had to put down a month previously after it was severely injured by a barbed-wire fence. Advertisement If an animal around here gets hurt like I did, they get put down. I was only kept alive because Im human, and thats not enough. Brady reflected on the day he and his father went out to the prairie and said goodbye to Apollo. I believe God gives each of us a purpose. Im not who I am if I cant do what I was born to do. I took out my notebook and wrote down what he said, and I started to work on a story that could lead the audience to the moment when they can hear these words from Brady himself on screen. Brady Jandreau as Brady Blackburn in The Rider. (Sony Pictures Classics / TNS) Bradys own reflection on the first few months of his life after the injury became the foundation of the script. For example, Brady told me that one evening when he came home and he saw Gus, the family horse he has been riding since he was a child, standing in the evening light by his house, it was as if Gus was waiting for me to go for a ride. I know the landscape, and Ive watched Brady connecting with Gus countless times. I just needed to create a situation in the script so that this moment could work in the film. Many of the emotional moments in the film were written this way. Things change on a daily and hourly basis on a shoot that depended on our non-actors daily schedules, real-life events, weather and the limitations of a five-person crew. I was constantly rewriting on set. If a scene isnt working, I usually rewrite instead of forcing things and doing more takes. Based on what I saw in the dailies, I would write new scenes for the following day. Its a way of working that Im fortunate enough to be able to continue into my next project, even on a slightly bigger scale. Most of the time, the risks and unpredictability pay off. For example, we cut a planned scene so we could go film Brady getting on a wild horse that had never been ridden before. We lost a scripted scene but gained so much more. Writer/director Chloe Zhao posing for a portrait to promote her film The Rider. (Taylor Jewell / Invision / AP) Advertisement The challenge of working this way is that in order to include these kinds of moments, the script isnt always following the most structured plot points. I find myself sometimes wanting to add in more story, more dramatic events or sociopolitical statements. I would write them to fill up the script, but more often than not, when I returned to the ranch and started spending more time with Brady and his horses, none of those things really mattered. It was about a young man, his connection with his horses and his re-connection with himself. It was more natural to let Bradys emotions guide the story. When in doubt, I tune out everything, including my own perception of the world, and just focus on the human connection formed right in front of me. FULL COVERAGE: Get the latest on awards season from The Envelope Advertisement calendar@latimes.com The motion picture academys recent membership drive has increased its voting numbers to 7,902. But thats a drop in the bucket compared with the 120,782 dues-paying SAG-AFTRA members eligible to vote for this years SAG Awards winners. That kind of volume lends itself to naming winners with broad appeal. Lets look at who might benefit this year. 2019 SAG Awards: See the full nominations list CAST IN A MOTION PICTURE Advertisement The nominees: Black Panther, BlacKkKlansman, Bohemian Rhapsody, Crazy Rich Asians, A Star Is Born And the winner is: Black Panther. Get ready for a bunch of Oscar pundits to update their best picture predictions. Unless: A Star Is Born and BlacKkKlansman figure to get some votes, but their casts arent as deep as Panthers. And quantity (not necessarily over quality) usually matters with SAG Awards voters in this category. Lady Gaga and Anthony Ramos in a scene from A Star is Born. (Clay Enos/Warner Bros. Pictures) RELATED: Lady Gaga on letting go for A Star Is Born and what Bradley Cooper insisted she do before filming FEMALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE The nominees: Emily Blunt, Mary Poppins Returns; Glenn Close, The Wife; Olivia Colman, The Favourite; Lady Gaga, A Star Is Born; Melissa McCarthy, Can You Ever Forgive Me? And the winner is: The last six women to win this trophy have gone on to take the Oscar, a streak that will probably end this year because this category is so competitive. Here, Ill lean toward Gaga for her star turn in a show-biz tale. Advertisement Unless: Theres going to be a fair amount of sentiment for Close, who has never won a SAG Award on the film side. (She took the lead actress miniseries/movie award in 2005 for The Lion in Winter.) A Close victory would be akin to Julie Christie winning for Away From Her in 2008. Colman, another highly regarded veteran, is a possibility too. Bradley Cooper in a scene from A Star Is Born. (Neal Preston/Warner Bros.) MALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE The nominees: Christian Bale, Vice; Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born; Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody; Viggo Mortensen, Green Book; John David Washington, BlacKkKlansman Advertisement And the winner is: Cooper. Actors will find it hard to resist rewarding one of their own for going all multi-hyphenate with a passion project. Unless: Bale becomes the first actor to win lead and supporting SAGs. (He took the supporting honor for The Fighter.) Amy Adams (left) as Lynne Cheney and Christian Bale (right) as Dick Cheney in Vice. (Matt Kennedy/Annapurna Pictures) RELATED: Adam McKay and Christian Bale on launching their Dick Cheney biopic Vice into todays polarized climate Advertisement FEMALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE The nominees: Amy Adams, Vice; Emily Blunt, A Quiet Place; Margot Robbie, Mary Queen of Scots; Emma Stone, The Favourite; Rachel Weisz, The Favourite And the winner is: You probably know that Adams has never won an Oscar. Shes also come up empty five times at the SAG Awards. Look for that to change in a big way this year, with wins here and for her lead turn in the HBO limited series Sharp Objects. Unless: Weisz and Stone are both so good in The Favourite that theres no clear choice between them. Thats probably going to scuttle their chances throughout this awards season. Ill go with Blunt as an alternate. Advertisement Melissa McCarthy, left, and Richard E. Grant in a scene from Can You Ever Forgive Me? (Mary Cybulski/AP) MALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE The nominees: Mahershala Ali, Green Book; Timothee Chalamet, Beautiful Boy; Adam Driver, BlacKkKlansman; Sam Elliott, A Star Is Born; Richard E. Grant, Can You Ever Forgive Me? And the winner is: The well-liked Grant earns some overdue career love for his winning turn in Can You Ever Forgive Me? Advertisement Unless: A Star Is Born runs the table, carrying Elliott, another industry favorite, to the podium. Milo Ventimiglia as Jack Pearson in a scene from This Is Us. (Ron Batzdorff/NBC) RELATED: Hes Americas TV dad. Get to know This Is Us star Milo Ventimiglia ENSEMBLE IN A TV DRAMA SERIES Advertisement The nominees: The Americans, Better Call Saul, The Handmaids Tale, Ozark, This Is Us And the winner is: This Is Us repeats, appealing again to this voting bodys more mainstream tastes. Unless: Everyone comes to their senses and rewards The Handmaids Tale. Side note: As this is the first nomination for The Americans, Im not holding my breath for a proper sendoff. But Ozark could prevail based on SAG Awards voters historic love for all things Netflix. Rachel Brosnahan in a scene from Season No. 2 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. (Nicole Rivelli / Amazon Prime Video) Advertisement ENSEMBLE IN A TV COMEDY SERIES The nominees: Atlanta, Barry, GLOW, The Kominsky Method, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel And the winner is: Mrs. Maisel follows its Emmy win, prevailing on its first try. Unless: Again, never underestimate the spell Netflix has on this group. So maybe GLOW for a second season that improved on its first. Advertisement Sandra Oh in a scene from Killing Eve. (Nick Briggs/AP) RELATED: Sandra Oh on making Emmy history, Killing Eve and the joy and grief in feeling recognized FEMALE ACTOR IN A TV DRAMA SERIES The nominees: Julia Garner, Ozark; Laura Linney, Ozark; Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaids Tale; Sandra Oh, Killing Eve; Robin Wright, House of Cards Advertisement And the winner is: Im going with Oh, though SAG Awards voters tend to be a year or two behind the curve in their television choices. Unless: SAG Awards voters are a year or two behind the curve and reward Moss, who should have won last year. Jason Bateman in a scene from Netflix Ozark. (Jackson Davis/Netflix) MALE ACTOR IN A TV DRAMA SERIES Advertisement The nominees: Jason Bateman, Ozark; Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us; Joseph Fiennes, The Handmaids Tale; John Krasinski, Tom Clancys Jack Ryan; Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul And the winner is: Bateman. Ozark is going to win something. Unless: Brown repeats. Rachel Brosnahan in a scene from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. (Nicole Rivelli/Amazon) Advertisement RELATED: Rachel Brosnahan infuses her Mrs. Maisel with fearlessness, even when its misguided FEMALE ACTOR IN A TV COMEDY SERIES The nominees: Alex Borstein, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel; Alison Brie, GLOW; Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel; Jane Fonda, Grace and Frankie; Lily Tomlin, Grace and Frankie And the winner is: Brosnahan and Borstein both won Emmys, as Borstein was slotted in the supporting category. Go with the woman who plays the title character. Advertisement Unless: They really like Borstein! Alan Arkin and Michael Douglas in a scene from The Kominsky Method. (Mike Yarish/Netflix) MALE ACTOR IN A TV COMEDY SERIES The nominees: Alan Arkin, The Kominsky Method; Michael Douglas, The Kominsky Method; Bill Hader, Barry; Tony Shalhoub, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel; Henry Winkler, Barry Advertisement And the winner is: The SAG Awards dont have supporting categories for television, which is why three of the nominees here Arkin, Shalhoub and Winkler arent leads. You have to go back 13 years to find the last supporting actor to win this category (Sean Hayes for Will & Grace), so Douglas seems like the logical pick. Unless: Voters remember how great it was seeing Winkler win an Emmy and want to repeat that high. Amy Adams in the HBO limited series Sharp Objects. (Anne Marie Fox/HBO) RELATED: Sharp Objects star Amy Adams and director Jean-Marc Vallee talk family dysfunction and rock to Led Zeppelin Advertisement FEMALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR LIMITED SERIES The nominees: Amy Adams, Sharp Objects; Patricia Arquette, Escape at Dannemora; Patricia Clarkson, Sharp Objects; Penelope Cruz, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story; Emma Stone, Maniac And the winner is: As mentioned earlier, its going to be a great night for Adams and loyalists who have long lamented her lack of awards recognition. Unless: Arquette pulls a surprise for her almost unrecognizable, series-stealing turn in Escape at Dannemora. Advertisement Darren Criss as Andrew Cunanan in a scene from The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. (Ray Mickshaw/AP) MALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR LIMITED SERIES The nominees: Antonio Banderas, Genius: Picasso; Darren Criss, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story; Hugh Grant, A Very English Scandal; Anthony Hopkins, King Lear; Bill Pullman, The Sinner And the winner is: Probably Emmy-winner Criss, both for the work and the simple fact that it is easily the most-seen performance. Advertisement Unless: Between his baddie in Paddington 2 and the oily charmer he plays in A Very English Scandal, Grant had a very good year. Hed get my vote. glenn.whipp@latimes.com Twitter: @glennwhipp Edward Lamperts ESL Investments hedge fund has raised its bid to keep Sears Holdings Corp. in business with an offer of about $5 billion that would cover severance for workers and bills from its suppliers. Advisors for the hedge fund crafted a bid that would commit ESL to cover more than $40 million of existing severance costs, and more for workers hired in a reorganized Sears, said a person with knowledge of the matter. Lampert is adding $120 million that a U.S. Bankruptcy Court said he needed to post in advance to qualify for an auction set for next week, said the person, who wasnt authorized to comment publicly. ESL would pick up tax and supplier bills that Sears incurred during bankruptcy proceedings, the person said. Sears is teetering on the edge of liquidation after the rejection of a previous offer from Lampert, whose hedge fund is Sears biggest shareholder and creditor. Lampert previously made a $4.4-billion bid to take over selected stores and keep them open, but so far, he has been unable to convince some of the other creditors that he could ever make Sears profitable again. If he doesnt qualify, the only bidders left in the auction would be firms planning to shut Sears and Kmart and sell off the parts. Representatives for Sears Holdings, based in Hoffman Estates, Ill., declined earlier in the day to comment. A representative for ESL referred to the hedge funds previous comments, which said the proposal provides substantially more value to stakeholders than would be the case in liquidation and is the only option to save an iconic American retailer and up to 50,000 jobs. Advertisement Lampert, who engineered the acquisition of Sears by Kmart in 2005, held about $2.5 billion in Sears debt as of September, the result of multiple attempts to keep the chain afloat. The company has shut hundreds of money-losing stores, cut more than $1 billion in annual expenses and spun off units such as Lands End Inc. The original bid doesnt have sufficient upside for other creditors who are being asked to drop pending lawsuits against Lampert and ESL that challenge the validity of some of his prior rescue deals, said Peter Kaufman, president of investment bank Gordian Group, which isnt involved in the Sears case. Lampert has to beat the creditors view that a combination of liquidation recovery from the assets plus litigation claims against him isnt worth more than his plan to keep it as a going concern, Kaufman said. ESL needs to make their deal more attractive than not, if he wants the creditors to play along. Some creditors have concluded that Sears is worth more to them dead than alive if the stores and other assets are auctioned off. U.S. bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain reminded Sears lawyers at a hearing this week that the company has an obligation to review all its options, not just the offer from Lampert. One obstacle could be the official committee of unsecured creditors, who said in court that they will continue to challenge the legitimacy of the liens underpinning the debt ESL holds. This could hobble Lamperts bid because he is offering to pay for Sears in part by trading some of those debts for ownership of Sears. Doherty and Saul write for Bloomberg. Ford Motor Co. said Thursday it will cut thousands of jobs, weed out slow-selling variants and potentially close entire factories in Europe, as the carmakers global cost-cutting drive targets a region that has been a drag on earnings for years. The manufacturer, which employs about 54,000 workers mainly in Germany, Britain and Spain, will also review its joint venture in Russia, part of a host of measures that Steven Armstrong, Fords head of Europe, called a step-change in the performance of the business. He didnt specify the number of possible job cuts and said that plant closures are an option to streamline the operations. Therell be significant impact across the region, Armstrong said. This isnt a one- or two-year issue. We have had periods of profitability but not on the level it should be. Ford last year kicked off a company-wide $11-billion restructuring after Europe and Asia operations swung to losses and as costs to invest in electric and self-driving vehicles mount. Like many other carmakers, Ford warned it wouldnt meet its targets for 2018, and Chief Executive Jim Hackett jettisoned a goal to reach an 8% profit margin by 2020. Advertisement As the global car market shows first signs of a slowdown after years of growth, Ford has overhauled its global operations, exiting the sedan business in North America to focus on bigger vehicles and shifting its Chinese business to more local production. Europe has been particularly tough for the company because of the key market in Britain, where the chaos surrounding Brexit has thrown up an additional challenge for the company. The overhaul marks another sign of pressure on traditional automakers as they grapple with fundamental technology changes, tougher environmental regulations and trade tensions. Tata Motors Ltd.s Jaguar Land Rover, formerly part of Ford, plans to cut 4,500 jobs in response to a sales slowdown. Ford was among U.S. carmakers that fell short of expectations when the industry presented sales for last year, adding to concern that a slowdown may occur in 2019. China, which has fueled the industrys growth, disclosed Wednesday that auto sales fell for the first time in more than two decades. Armstrong said the future of the European operations lies in crossover vehicles and SUVs, and that sedans and compact vans are in decline. He cautioned that whatever action the company takes might have to be significantly more dramatic should a no-deal Brexit occur at the end of March. Fords debt has been trading like its speculative grade, and Moodys Investors Service cut the carmakers credit rating to one step above junk in August. The stock traded below $8 late last year for the first time since November 2009, the year its Detroit peers General Motors and Chrysler went bankrupt. Analysts have speculated Fords generous dividend may be at risk. Volkswagen AG, which is in talks with Ford about a deeper alliance, said Thursday its namesake brand will redouble its focus on returns amid another year of enormous challenges, foreshadowing more belt-tightening. Audi, VWs biggest profit center, likewise noted more struggles ahead, reporting a 3.5% drop in sales last year. Ford shares, which have slumped 33% over the last 12 months, rose 0.9% to $8.80 in pre-market trading. Ford will seek to reduce European staff through voluntary measures as much as possible, the Dearborn, Mich.-based manufacturer said in a statement. The review also includes rescaling the footprint of the business with Ford reviewing the efficiency of its plants, Armstrong said. Advertisement Ford has already said it will cease production at a transmission plant in Bordeaux, France, and has started labor talks at the Saarlouis factory in Germany to end production of the C-MAX compact van. A review of the Ford Sollers joint venture in Russia is expected to conclude in the second quarter, it said. Fords European business, which relies on models such as the recently revamped Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks, reported a $245-million loss during the third quarter, widening from $192 million a year earlier. Similar to its North America plans, Ford will swing to a lineup of crossovers and SUVs, and drop several derivatives to streamline its offering, Armstrong said. Over the long term, Ford is targeting earnings before interest and taxes of 6% of sales in Europe. This year, performance will already be significantly better than 2018, he said. Ford, whose business in Europe includes a solidly profitable commercial-vehicle unit, said it will establish three separate groups for passenger cars, its vans business and imports such as the iconic Mustang. Advertisement We are continuing to invest in the business, especially in electrified cars, Armstrong said. We will still have a comprehensive lineup of cars in future with primarily SUVs and crossovers. The furloughing of hundreds of Food and Drug Administration inspectors by the partial government shutdown has sharply reduced inspections of the nations food supply. The agency, which oversees 80% of the food supply, has suspended all routine inspections of domestic food-processing facilities, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in an interview. He is working on a plan to bring inspectors back as early as next week to inspect facilities considered high-risk because they handle sensitive items such as seafood, soft cheese and vegetables, or have a history of problems. We are doing what we can to mitigate any risk to consumers through the shutdown, Gottlieb said. The Center for Science in the Public Interest, a nonprofit advocacy group, described the inspection reductions as unacceptable. Advertisement That puts our food supply at risk, said Sarah Sorscher, deputy director of regulatory affairs at the group. Regular inspections, which help stop food-borne illness before people get sick, are vital. Food-borne illnesses are a major problem in the United States, sickening 48 million people each year and killing 3,000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates. Food inspections are just one of the public health and safety efforts that have been cut or curtailed during the shutdown, now deep into its third week. The federal government also keeps airplanes from colliding, inspects pharmaceutical drugs, pursues criminals and defends against possible terrorist and cyberattacks. It is a 24/7/365 effort to make Americans safer. But a shutdown upends the calculus of risk management as agencies including the FBI, Coast Guard, Secret Service, FDA, Federal Aviation Administration and Agriculture Department face drastically reduced resources. You cant shut down the United States government at this magnitude and expect that everythings going to be hunky-dory, said Bruce McIndoe, founder and president of WorldAware, a risk management firm with corporate clients around the globe. Every federal agency has to make a judgment call about what to go without. Who is essential? Who is not? This is not simply about people, but also about functions. The government has operational mandates. Some of the results are clearly visible, as in the much-publicized cases of trash piling up in national parks. But there are subtler and more significant effects involving government functions that are unseen by most Americans but have far greater effects. The FDA, for example, typically conducts about 160 routine food inspections a week in the United States, with about a third involving high-risk processing facilities, Gottlieb said. The agencys inspectors look for problems such as unsanitary conditions, insect infestations, and salmonella and E. coli contamination as it did, for instance, in the recent investigations of romaine lettuce. Advertisement Gottlieb said that legal guidance from the 2013 shutdown said the agency could not conduct regular food inspections during a funding shortfall. But after canceling more than 50 high-risk inspections, he said, he has sought authority to call back about 150 furloughed inspectors to focus on high-risk facilities. The agency is continuing to inspect foreign manufacturers, imports and domestic producers involved in recalls or outbreaks, and places where inspectors suspect there may be a problem. The U.S. Department of Agriculture operates in parallel with the FDA, inspecting meat, poultry and egg products, and those inspections have continued, according to a shutdown plan forwarded by a USDA representative. About 60% of the FDAs activities are funded by user fees, which enable the agency to continue many operations, at least for now, including drug and device reviews. About 40% of the agencys activities, including most of its food-related work, are paid for by appropriations, which have not been approved by Congress Even by the standards of previous shutdowns, this event has been chaotic. It came on quickly, amid false expectations that a political deal over the budget was close. The Trump administration was not fully prepared for the cascading effects of closing major departments and halting the gears of the bureaucracy. Advertisement The Secret Service is mostly at work. But even there, according to the Department of Homeland Securitys shutdown plan approved last year, 1,242 of the 7,222 employees are deemed nonessential. In DHSs Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, 1,523 of the 3,531 employees are considered nonessential. DHSs Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office is two-thirds unstaffed. The DHS shutdown guide states that only 65 of the 204 employees of the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office will remain on the job during a funding shortfall. The rest go home. McIndoe, the WorldAware president, listed multiple areas of concern for his clients who rely on commercial aviation, including stress on the Transportation Security Administration, where employees may quit if not paid and where there have been media reports of workers calling in sick in unusually large numbers reports denied by TSA. Advertisement Another concern is air traffic control, a system that McIndoe said was chronically underfunded before the FAA ran out of money during the shutdown. He noted that the FAAs functions are highly specialized and that if workers quit, they cannot quickly be replaced. As the shutdown continues, questions about safety and security issues are drawing more attention. On Tuesday, Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, issued 10 questions for DHS, all touching on security.He asked whether the office charged with countering weapons of mass destruction is still able to share bioterrorism and nuclear-threat information with state and local officials.He also wanted to know whether the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is still inspecting high-risk chemical facilities. DHS officials did not immediately respond to Thompsons questions. The bulk of the departments legislative affairs team has been furloughed. But Tyler Q. Houlton, the departments press secretary, said that most of the agency remains on duty and is fully prepared to protect the homeland and keep Americans safe during this lapse in government funding. Unions representing federal workers, and nonprofit organizations aligned with progressive causes, are less sanguine. The Air Line Pilots Assn. International, the union representing pilots, sent a letter to President Trump saying the FAA has fewer inspectors on duty than are required to ensure the air traffic control infrastructure is performing at its peak levels of performance. Advertisement The letter, signed by Capt. Joe DePete, president of the union, urged Trump to immediately end the shutdown of government agencies that is affecting the safety, security and efficiency of our national airspace system. One government function that does not seem imperiled at the moment is asteroid monitoring. NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory is operated by Caltech under a contract and remains open for now. JPLs Center for Near-Earth Object Studies which tracks objects that might slam into the Earth is still keeping tabs on space rocks. A federal judge in Los Angeles has dismissed Ashley Judds sexual harassment claim against Harvey Weinstein but says the actress can still pursue other claims in her civil suit against the disgraced movie producer. Judge Philip S. Gutierrez struck down Judds sexual harassment claim against Weinstein in a ruling issued Wednesday, saying Californias sexual harassment law doesnt apply to her case. The law was changed starting this year to specifically include directors and producers, but the judge said the change could not be applied retroactively. Judd sued Weinstein in April last year, alleging harassment as well as defamation. The actress claimed Weinstein embarked on a smear campaign against her that resulted in her losing a role in the Lord of the Rings movies. In September, the judge threw out Judds sexual harassment claim, saying the actress didnt have a professional relationship at the time of the alleged incident. The court, however, allowed Judd to amend her complaint. Advertisement Judds attorney said Thursday the actress was looking forward to continuing with the case. Nothing about the courts ruling changes that Ms. Judds case is moving forward on multiple claims seeking millions of dollars in damages from Mr. Weinstein to punish his egregious misconduct, said Theodore J. Boutrous Jr., a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. While we respectfully disagree with the courts decision as to the one claim it ruled on yesterday, we look forward to pursuing the three claims for relief that the court has already ruled can move forward. Judd intends to donate financial damages she receives to the Times Up Legal Defense Fund. Phyllis Kupferstein, a lawyer for Weinstein, praised Wednesdays decision. We have said from the beginning that this claim was unjustified, and we are pleased that the court saw it as we did, she said in a statement. We believe that we will ultimately prevail on her remaining claims. Judd has alleged that Weinstein harassed her during a 1998 meeting in his room at the Peninsula hotel in Beverly Hills. The actress claims Weinstein asked for a massage and then requested she watch him take a shower. After rejecting his overtures, Judd says Weinstein embarked on a campaign against her, including making disparaging remarks about her to Peter Jackson, the director of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Advertisement Jackson later confirmed that he removed Judd from consideration for the movies after meeting with Weinstein. Judd was one of the first actresses to publicly accuse Weinstein of misconduct. Since then, the producer has been accused by more than 80 women of harassment and assault. Weinstein has denied all allegations of unwanted sexual contact. MORE: Weinsteins scorched-earth defense against rape allegations Advertisement david.ng@latimes.com @DavidNgLAT Japanese author Marie Kondo has made a career out of urging people to get rid of clutter in their homes. But when the author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing recently suggested that books can be clutter, literary lovers were having none of it. The internet controversy came courtesy of Kondos new Netflix show,"Tidying Up With Marie Kondo, which features the writer visiting the homes of Americans who have a problem getting rid of junk. She introduces them to her KonMari method, which has people dispose of objects that dont spark joy. One episode showed Kondo advising a woman to part with books that she had already read or likely never would. That drew the ire of Irish Canadian author Anakana Schofield, who challenged Kondos advice on Twitter, writing, Do NOT listen to Marie Kondo or Konmari in relation to books. Fill your apartment & world with them. ... Every human needs a v extensive library not clean, boring shelves. The tweet went viral, and Schofield expanded upon it in an editorial for the Guardian, writing, The metric of objects only sparking joy is deeply problematic when applied to books. ... Literature does not exist only to provoke feelings of happiness or to placate us with its pleasure; art should also challenge and perturb us. Advertisement In the New Statesman, Sarah Manavis defended Kondo, accusing her critics of humble-bragging and classism. The idea that Marie Kondo thinks people shouldnt have lots of books is also a misconception, Manavis wrote. Marie Kondo isnt suggesting everyone throw away their book collection. ... She is simply advising the people who have asked for her help to pick and choose what they value most. And if that means every ... book in their house, shell happily encourage them to keep each one. At O: The Oprah Magazine, Arianna Davis declared that she wouldnt be following Kondos advice, despite living in a tiny New York City studio apartment. I know its not possible or practical to hold on to every single physical copy youve ever owned, Davis wrote. But Kondos method simply wont work for me because every single one of the books in my library have sparked joy in me. My books are not clutter. They are my escape, my teachers, and my friends. The controversy sparked joy on Twitter, with users offering varying takes on Kondos advice: I threw the Marie Kondo book out because it did not bring me joy (thanked it first) Xeni Jardin (@xeni) January 10, 2019 90% of the Marie Kondo Book Discourse seems to boil down to "I have unconsciously or deliberately misinterpreted this advice so that I can treat it as an attack on my idea of myself as a Book Person" send tweet Kim-Mei Kirtland (closed to queries) (@kmkirtland) January 8, 2019 MARIE KONDO: hold this book and see if it sparks joy ME: wow, it does MARIE KONDO (removing fake book jacket): that book was mein kampf Ben Rosen (@ben_rosen) January 3, 2019 Advertisement I cant believe Marie Kondo said to destroy all books and then broke into peoples houses individually and made them eat all their books and then when they tried to protest she said dont talk with your mouth full of books, bookmouth and all the cool kids laughed at them. Sam Sykes (@SamSykesSwears) January 5, 2019 Marie Kondo: h- People With Too Many Books: I CANT BELIEVE YOURE FORCING ME TO BURN ALL OF MY BOOKS betty felon (@bettyfelon) January 4, 2019 The 1969 occupation of Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay is one of the most notable acts of political resistance in American Indian history. In Kent Blansetts latest book, A Journey to Freedom: Richard Oakes, Alcatraz, and the Red Power Movement, he captures the action as it happened: Dressed in blue jeans, a sweater, and a cherished pair of cowboy boots, Richard Oakes made his way to the side of the boat. Looking over at the waves and the island, he turned to the crowd and motioned, Come on. Lets go. Lets get it on! Within a few seconds, his shirt was off; his large frame disappeared into the chilled November waters, his boots still on as he swam for the land. In the turbulent but transformative civil rights era, the Red Power movement was the American Indian version of what became multiple ethnic nationalist movements that sprang up in the 1960s and 70s. Inspired by the Black Power movement, which fostered ethnic pride and Black social empowerment, the Red Power Movement led to sea changes in federal Indian policy, resulting in the affirmation of sovereignty and self-determination for tribal nations after centuries of physical and cultural genocide at the hands of Euro-Americans. One of the most important movers and shakers of the Red Power era was Richard Oakes, who led the occupation of Alcatraz Island. Despite the fact that Oakes passed away in 1972, A Journey to Freedom is the first ever biography of his life. Civil disobedience occupations like Alcatraz were a cornerstone of 1960s and 70s social justice activism, especially in Indian country. Advertisement Richard Oakes, one of the Indian leaders in Alcatraz, Nov. 17, 1970. (Sal Veder / AP) Much has been written about the Red Power movement often revolving around the American Indian Movement and some of its higher profile personalities such as Russell Means, Dennis Banks and others. AIM is often associated with a more militant approach to political activism, such as the 71-day armed siege of Wounded Knee in 1973. But while AIM and Red Power emanated largely from urban (as opposed to reservation) Indian youth, AIM was only one aspect of a larger Red Power movement. Much of the eras activism, in other words, had nothing to do with AIM. And Oakes was not formally affiliated with AIM either. Blansetts biography was 18 years in the making from when he first became interested in Richard Oakes life as an undergrad at the University of New Mexico. His meticulous research pays due respect to Oakes massive contribution to the Red Power movement but avoids the hubris of hagiography by understanding Oakes as a flawed individual who could be polarizing and difficult. Although the book is published by a major university press, it is not bogged down by academic jargon and inaccessible prose. Blansetts balanced writing combines with copious photos and maps that bring the story to life, making this book available to the average reader while it simultaneously fills a void in the Red Power historical literature. Oakes was most known for leading the occupation of Alcatraz, an action that is often, although somewhat misleadingly, thought of as the genesis of the Red Power movement. Civil disobedience occupations such as that at Alcatraz were a cornerstone of 1960s and 70s social justice activism, especially in Indian country. Relocation was sold as a way for Indians to escape federal supervision of reservation life where poverty was rampant. An assortment of Native Americans, part of the 200 who occupied the former prison island of Alcatraz in San Francisco, stand under signs painted at dockside, Nov. 25, 1969. (Anonymous / AP) The abandoned prison island of Alcatraz had become a target for occupation based on the belief that the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie allowed for the reclamation of unused land, and a plan was drafted to turn the island into an American Indian cultural center. But by the time Alcatraz happened in 1969, there had already been numerous other direct-action campaigns in various tribal communities, all based on the assertion of treaty rights, self-determination and returning land. Advertisement One well-known example is the occupation of Franks Landing in Washington State in protest of state fishing laws that violated treaty rights. It had attracted national media attention due to the involvement of celebrities including Marlon Brando and Dick Gregory. But while the fish-in began in 1964, it was by no means the first organized protest in Indian country. In the genealogy of 20th century American Indian activism, Blansett traces the origins of Oakess own political engagement to his Mohawk roots in New York, where his home community at Akwesasne on the U.S. side of the international border and Kahnawa:ke Mohawks on the Canadian side had been fighting the building of a massive canal on the St. Lawrence River since the early 1950s, which resulted in the confiscation of much of their land. Oakes was a kid when his family was fighting that battle and was deeply influenced by it. John Trudell, a Sioux poet, actor, activist and more, stands next to a teepee on one end of Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, in November 1969. (Anonymous / AP) The urban grounding of the Red Power movement is often framed as pan-Indianism, an older term originating in the early 20th century when Native people increasingly integrated into cities. But Blansett argues that the term is wrong because it implies that Native people gave up their tribal identities in favor of a more ambiguous Indian or Native American identity. Advertisement Instead, Blansett contends that Native people brought their tribally based national identities with them, resulting in what can more accurately be understood as intertribalism. Blansett writes: Intertribalism centers on the power of place and the Native Nationalist definitions of shared culture. It was the amalgamation of many different Native nationalisms that resulted in what he calls Indian cities in places such as San Francisco, Seattle and Brooklyn, where Oakes grew up. The federal relocation policy of the 1950s was designed to empty reservation communities and had resulted in tens of thousands of Native people moving to cities, where they found each other and together built intertribal communities that reinforced their respective tribal identities. An author photo of Kent Blansett for his book A Journey to Freedom: Richard Oakes, Alcatraz, and the Red Power Movement. (Will Wilson) Relocation was sold as a way for Indians to escape federal supervision of reservation life where poverty was rampant. Like many Mohawk and Iroquois people, to escape the poverty of reservation life, the Oakes family moved to Brooklyn, where life was a different kind of rough. The parents divorce resulted in Oakes and his brother living in an orphanage for a couple of years. As a teenager and young adult, Oakes had altercations with the law. Advertisement In New York City, Mohawks were famous for their death-defying construction work on skyscrapers and bridges. The risky ironworking jobs were well-paying, and Oakes followed in his fathers footsteps, dropping out of high school to become an ironworker. Eventually he went back to school, however, and after a short-lived marriage, Oakes found himself needing to rebuild his life. Oakes left New York in 1968 for San Francisco, where revolution was in the air. He landed in the Indian city of the Mission District where he immediately became involved in political organizing as a student at San Francisco State College. Owing to Oakes leadership, the Alcatraz occupation began in November of the following year. By then he had married a Kashaya Pomo woman named Annie Marrufo who brought several children with her into the marriage. Their 10-year-old daughter Yvonne had died in a mysterious accident just a few weeks into the occupation, and the Oakeses decide to leave the island. The assassination was perceived by American Indian activists as just one more in a long line of injustices Advertisement Richard Oakes, one of the Indian leaders, with a small child on Alcatraz, Nov. 17, 1970. (Sal Veder / AP) After Alcatraz, Oakes political work kicked into high gear and he organized many other direct-action campaigns in Indian country. Settling in Marrufos home community on the Stewarts Point Rancheria in Sonoma County, he embroiled himself in local Native conflicts with non-Natives, raising the ire of white ranchers. In September 1972, Oakes was murdered in a confrontation with one of the ranchers in what Blansett characterizes as an assassination, since the murder was a direct result of Oakes political activism. After a short jury trial, Richards killer was found not guilty of murder. A book jacket of Kent Blansetts biography of Richard Oakes, a book 18 years in the making. (Yale University Press) Advertisement The assassination was perceived by American Indian activists as just one more in a long line of injustices, sparking outrage and leading to a cross-country caravan to take over the Bureau of Indian Affairs building in Washington, D.C., later that year, known as the Trail of Broken Treaties. Richard Oakes organizing successfully resulted in the return of land for Native people, including the Pit River tribes in Northern California, Fort Lawton in Seattle (which was turned into an urban Indian center), and others. Todays tribal relationships with the federal government are based on the recognition of mutual sovereignty, stemming in no small part from the activism of the Red Power Movement and Oakes leadership. The recognition of his legacy is long overdue. :: A Journey to Freedom: Richard Oakes, Alcatraz, and the Red Power Movement Advertisement Kent Blansett Yale University Press, 392 pp. Speaking of major projects, in September we broke ground on our new health & human services (HHS) building. The facility will be located where our former nursing home once stood, on the north side of County Trunk Highway NN, east of the Judicial Center and west of the Lakeland Health Care Center. The two-story building will contain about the same square footage as the current facility (77,500); however, the design and layout will allow staff to function more effectively and will include room for future expansion. The design ensures that all HHS services will be made available from the main lobby at the front of the building. The current building has multiple public entrances, causing confusion among customers. The original budget for our new building was $24.1 million. Given a more favorable-than-expected construction bid, we expect to complete the project well within that amount. Anticipating the need to replace the building, we set aside money to pay for it and will not need to borrow for the project. LHASA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's Tibet Autonomous Region has taken a "clear-cut" stance against the Dalai Lama clique and resolutely safeguarded national security and core interests, a regional government official said Thursday. "Tibet has firmly curbed and cracked down on secession, infiltration and sabotage activities by hostile forces at home and abroad," said Qizhala, chairman of the regional government, in his government work report delivered at the second session of the 11th People's Congress of Tibet Autonomous Region. Qizhala said the region has taken resolute measures to safeguard the stability of the region on certain occasions and strengthened social management governance across the region. He said that the regional government has managed religious affairs in accordance with the law and strictly followed the revised regulations on religious affairs. Last year, the region launched an education campaign among monks and nuns, and improved the mechanism for long-term monastery management, he said in the report. "Tibet has also strengthened joint efforts in border areas to maintain harmony and stability," Qizhala said. 1960s Mustang stolen The 1966 powder blue Mustang featured in La Jolla Lights 2017 One for the Road series about classic cars has been stolen, owner Mark Anderson reports. He is offering a $1,000 reward for its return. Ive had it for 40 years and Im rather bummed that it was stolen, he said. The car was taken from the 300 block of Bonair Street the night of Jan. 6. Those with information can reach Anderson at (858) 395-6741. One injured in home blaze on Westbourne St. One person was treated for minor burns to their hands following a fire that broke out Wednesday, Jan. 2 at a house on the 400 block of Westbourne Street. According to San Diego Fire-Rescue spokesperson Monica Munoz, the fire was accidental and caused by someone smoking. Structure damage was estimated at $100,000 and the estimated damage to the contents was $50,000. Two adults and one dog were displaced due to the fire. Crews were able to get the blaze under control within 15 minutes. Smoke detected at nursing center An odor of smoke inside La Jolla Nursing & Rehabilitation Center on Torrey Pines Road (north of La Jolla Parkway) drew nearly a dozen fire rigs the night of Jan. 5. Fire officials report no fire was found, no one was injured, and crews believe the smoke smell came from a short in some electrical wiring. The fire alarm sounded about 8 p.m. and staff at the center were prepared to move about three dozen patients out of the affected wing to other rooms, but it wasnt clear if that proved necessary. Firefighters reported a light odor of smoke in one patient wing and the lobby. According to radio traffic, the facility had a brief power outage and the smoke occurred after power was restored. An electrician was called in to make repairs and fire crews left after an hour. Electrical fire causes 5-hour power outage An electrical fire started in the alley behind The Taco Stand restaurant at 621 Pearl St. around 1 p.m. Dec. 30, 2018. The fire was extinguished immediately, but power to The Taco Stand and its neighbors (China Chef and Mr. Moto Pizza) was out for around five hours, causing each restaurant to sustain sales and inventory losses, reportedly in the thousands of dollars. SDG&E spokesperson Helen Gao said SDG&E is investigating what caused the outage, and are looking at whether a third-party performing electrical work caused the outage. Corey Levitan Carlton Gallery owner pleads not guilty in ivory sale The owner of a La Jolla gallery and a salesman charged with illegally selling ivory art works valued at more than $1.3 million entered not guilty pleas through an attorney in San Diego Superior Court on Jan. 3. Carlton Gallery owner Victor Hyman Cohen and salesperson Sheldon Miles Kupersmith are charged with a combined total of 12 misdemeanor counts of purchasing or selling ivory and 12 misdemeanor counts of importing, possessing or selling parts of an elephant. If convicted, they could face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $40,000 on each of the ivory-related counts and six months in jail with a fine up to $5,000 on each elephant parts-related counts. Cohen and Kupersmith did not appear in court. Defense attorney James Dicks, representing both men and Carlton Gallery, said prosecutors have made an offer to settle the case. The terms of the offer were not disclosed. On May 1, agency officers working undercover bought one ivory sculpture from Kupersmith, who offered to sell three more pieces, said San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott. Officers then got a search warrant for the gallery and a warehouse, turning up 338 artworks made with allegedly illegal elephant ivory or hippopotamus teeth. Police Blotter Dec. 7, 2018 Fraud, 1700 block Colgate Circle, noon Dec. 9, 2018 Vehicle break-in/theft, 6600 block Tyrian St., 6 p.m. Dec. 10, 2018 Grand theft, 7400 block Olivetas Ave., midnight Fraud, 7200 block La Jolla Blvd., 8 a.m. Dec. 14, 2018 Petty theft, 6400 block La Jolla Blvd., 8:50 a.m. Dec. 17, 2018 Weapons, metal knuckles, 1100 block Coast Blvd., 10:55 p.m. Dec. 18, 2018 DUI: Alcohol, 900 block Pearl St., 2:42 a.m. Dec. 21, 2018 Residential burglary, 1700 block Colgate Circle, noon Residential burglary, 100 block Coast Blvd., 8:54 p.m. Petty theft, 1000 block Pearl St., 8 p.m. Dec. 24, 2018 Vehicle theft, La Jolla Boulevard at Sea Ridge Drive, 11:45 a.m. Dec. 26, 2018 Petty theft, 7800 block Fay Ave., 2 p.m. Residential burglary, 300 block Kolmar St., 7 p.m. Grand theft, over $950, 800 block Turquoise St., 9:20 p.m. Dec. 27, 2018 Grand theft, 700 block Tourmaline St., 3 a.m. Vehicle theft, 200 block Rosemont St., 8 a.m. Vehicle break-in/theft, 700 block Prospect St., 3 p.m. Vandalism, 5400 block La Jolla Blvd., 8:35 p.m. Dec. 28, 2018 Vehicle break-in/theft, 300 block Bonair St., midnight Petty theft, 7400 block La Jolla Blvd., 9:30 a.m. Petty theft, 1000 block Wall St., 6:30 p.m. Dec. 29, 2018 Vehicle theft, Genter St. at La Jolla Blvd., 6 p.m. Dec. 30, 2018 Vehicle break-in/theft, 2400 block Avenida de la Playa, 7:35 a.m. Disorderly conduct: Alcohol, 5400 block La Jolla Blvd., 7:50 a.m. Petty theft, 5700 block Santa Fe St., 10 p.m. Vandalism, 7400 block La Jolla Blvd., 10:25 p.m. Dec. 31, 2018 Assault, 1000 block Pearl St., 5:20 a.m. Vandalism, 7600 block Girard Ave., 7:51 p.m. Jan. 1 Residential burglary, 1200 block Virginia Way, 10 a.m. DUI: Alcohol and drugs, 5100 block Cass St., 6:32 p.m. Jan. 2 Tamper with auto, 1300 block Bluebird Lane, 5:20 a.m. Vehicle break-in/theft, 7900 block Via Capri, 5:30 p.m. Grand theft, 700 block Agate St., 10 p.m. Jan. 4 Battery with injury, 400 block Coast Blvd., 9:20 a.m. Petty theft, 1100 block Turquoise St., 10:05 p.m. Compiled by Ashley Mackin-Solomon The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) has completed its investigation into allegations made in February 2018 against former Bird Rock Elementary School (BRE) principal Dr. Amanda Hale, clearing her of the charges levied against her. The 58-page report (several pages of which contained redacted information) was conducted on behalf of the SDUSD Human Resources Department by private investigator Cynthia Smith, and includes interviews with parents, teachers and former principals, document reviews, and a resulting independent analysis. Dr. Hale arrived as principal of Bird Rock Elementary in July 2016. In the subsequent months, a group of parents filed complaints against her, calling her leadership and conduct into question. Soon after, she took a leave of absence and interim principals stepped in to head the school. In June 2018, Dr. Hale was transferred to the SDUSD Office of Leadership & Learning, and the search began for a new Bird Rock principal. Andrea Frost was appointed to the position in August 2018. The investigators report centered on three issues: 1) a petition that circulated indicating parents had lost confidence in Hale with more than 100 signatures; 2) a teacher evaluation survey process in which Hale was in the room while teachers filled out the evaluations, causing some to feel uncomfortable; and 3) a parent survey for which Hale reportedly promised a $5 Starbucks gift card to teachers who could get 70 percent of parents to return the non-anonymous evaluations of teacher and principal performances. Of the final report, Dr. Hale told La Jolla Light she was: thankful that this matter came to the conclusion, as it should have, with the truth. Complete exoneration of all allegations that was consistent with my actions and integrity. Of the petition (issue 1), investigator Smith wrote: The complaint is not an allegation, but appears to be a preamble (to the subsequent complaints). ... Parents request the removal of Dr. Amanda Hale as principal, the placement of a qualified interim principal, and the search and recruitment for an exemplary principal commence in a timely manner. However, Smith found most of the printed names and signatures were illegible, and the creation of the petition may have stemmed from a field trip, aka Elf Party, that Dr. Hale refused to authorize in December 2016. The Elf Party, in past years, was typically hosted by a teacher at her home for the students in her class, and approved by prior BRE principals. The application to have the 2016 Elf Party, Smith learned, was filed eight days before the event, where six weeks prior is District policy. Further, Dr. Hale contacted the Districts legal department, which advised against the party for liability reasons. However, the parents informed Dr. Hale that BRE was special and had autonomy from the District, and the District rules do not apply to BRE, Smiths report states. A few days later, Dr. Hale received a letter from some of the parents stating their disappointment with her decision to deny the party, which read in part: At this point, we do not believe that you are the right leader to lead Bird Rock Elementary. Show us you stand with us and not with the District. We are a mighty group of parents. It would be extremely advantageous for you to approve this field trip. Because Dr. Hale would not authorize the party, 20 of the 24 students in the subject class were kept home from school on the day it was planned. Throughout 2017, additional complaints were filed by parents about Hales conduct, which Hale said she believes stemmed from the Elf Party complaint. In addition to parent concerns, in December 2017, Hale was tasked with distributing an evaluation to teachers, which led to issue 2. Hale gave teachers an evaluation form to fill out and promised them a gift card drawing if they wrote their name on it, and she remained in the room while teachers filled out the evaluation. However, the purpose of the evaluation may have led to some confusion. From Dr. Hales perspective, Smith wrote, the survey was to gather data for the La Jolla Cluster Association regarding safe and collaborative culture, so there would not have been an issue with her being present. However, some teachers were of the impression the evaluation was to review Hales performance, and her presence may have had an impact on the validity of the survey results since some teachers stated they could not be honest or as candid with their feedback. As to whether Hale was trying to influence the teachers with the gift card, Smith determined that was unfounded. There was also a question (issue 3) as to whether Hale was trying to influence teachers by also offering them a gift card for signing their names on the evaluations (and thereby producing more positive reviews). In January 2018, parent surveys were distributed. Dr. Hale confirmed that an incentive ($5 Starbucks gift card) was offered to all teachers who received 70 percent of the forms back. No evidence was provided to establish that the gift card incentive was used as a means of impacting the results of the survey. However, the evidence did establish that some parents were concerned the form may not have been anonymous, Smith wrote. Dr. Hale was concerned that there would be users who would submit multiple bad surveys. Several pages about the parent evaluations were redacted from the report. LAHAINA The Hinatea finished with the top blue marlin for 2018, and into the 700-pound club, with a 753.5-pound fish by Garett Monsen. He was fishing with Capt. Greg France and deckman Chris Canaiy. Greg was headed back in from the K-Buoy, toward the small slides just north of the Palaoa Point Lighthouse, Lanai. They were in 150 fathoms when they got a strike on the Laseration Kraken lure on the second wave, short corner position. They were using 100-test line, taking them an hour to land the fish. The only problem they had was the last 50 feet. When they finally saw deep color, right as they saw the fish, they spotted an estimated 12- to 14- foot tiger shark right on it. The tiger was right there near the surface, swimming back and forth, stalking the marlin about ten feet away. Chris leaned over the rail, handlining the marlin upward a little faster. The marlin came up right under the boat off the stern, tailwrapped backwards and dead. This is the largest marlin for Lahaina Harbor since 2015. It is also the largest for Chris, with Gregs previous largest a 690-pounder back in 2003. The first 500-pounder of the year made it to the scales in March, with the Start Me Up Too weighing a 509.2-pound fish with 13-year-old angler Winston Thomas, Jeff Rosander and Zac Pew. They were fishing with Capt. John Burke and Deckman Dave Bergman. John was heading toward Lanai, with Dave just setting up the lure pattern as they passed Kamaiki Point. They were between Manele Bay and the Palaoa Point Lighthouse, about six miles out in the K2-Buoy area, when they had their bite. The marlin hit the short rigger lure on 130-test line, taking them 50 minutes to land the fish. The Start Me Up Too put another 500-pound marlin into the Top Stats, besting their previous top blue of 509.2 pounds just a month earlier, with a 582.4-pounder by Eric Blake. He was fishing with Capt. John Burke and Deckman Dave Bergman. They were in the middle of the Kealaikahiki Channel, between Lanai and Kahoolawe, getting a strike on the short corner Steve Elkins Stinger lure, taking them 45 minutes using 130-test line. The Start Me Up made the 500-pound marlin club with a 563.4-pound blue by Gary McCartney. He was fishing with Capt. Timster Putnam and Deckman Matt Hoff. They were headed to the HS-Buoy, located between the south corner of Maui and Kahoolawe, to fish for the ahi that were hanging out in the area. They were about a mile from the buoy, getting their bite behind the short corner lure. It only took them 18 minutes, on 130-test line, to land the marlin, the shortest fight time of the year. There were six blue marlin in the 400-pound range during the year. The Action started the new year with a 494.0-pound blue marlin by Jack Poindexter and David Goldenberg. They were fishing with Capt. Jonny Keiley and Deckman Kapono Brown. The Reel Hooker joined the Top Marlin Stats, just two-tenths-of-a-pound away, with a 493.8-pound fish by 18-year-old John Ivan. He was fishing with his dad, John; Capt. Ryno Fiedorowicz; and Deckman Jeff Tesiny. The Jun Ken Po made the Top Marlin Stats with a 465.8-pound blue by Dan Yorke on the first day of spring. He was fishing with Capt. Chris Cole and Deckman John French. The Start Me Up Again placed a marlin into the Top Marlin Stats, with a 462.4-pound blue by 17-year-old David McGreal. He was fishing with Capt. Jukka Hyytia and rookie deckman Summer Smith. The largest marlin over 380 pounds in over four months was weighed by the Start Me Up Too by Capt. Denny Putnam and rookie Deckman Josh Verfurth at 451.0 pounds. The Die Hard 2, with Capt. Jay Rifkin and Deckman Sam Thies, finished out the Top Marlin Stats with a blue weighing 418.4 pounds. This was the third worst year for big blue marlin over 400 pounds since 1983, with only ten making it to the scales. I had to go back to 2016, when eight were weighed, and all the way back to 1988, when eight were also weighed. Most years see 15-25 marlin over 400 pounds. The top ten blue marlin stats: Position: short corner (4), short rigger (2), long corner (1), long rigger (2), long gone (1); Test line: 50 (1), 100 (2), 130 (7); Time of day: 6 to 9 a.m. (5), 9 a.m. to noon (4); Fight time: one hour (3), 45-50 minutes (4), 25-35-minutes (2), and 18 minutes (1), the shortest time; Lure: Steve Elkins (3). How to improve the schools I wish to address those people on the island who think that the problems with the education of our keiki can be solved by them (i.e., property taxpayers) throwing additional money at it. Point #1: Why are the present school problems only a problem for the educational system to solve and not on the local school communities? When something/someone is reliant on systems, it eliminates the power of the individual and negates personal incentive and responsibility for coming up with a solution. Private schools (as elitist as they may be perceived), for example, are more reliant on soliciting support among themselves when there is an agreed upon problem and they dont have a system to blame, fall back on, etc. If you want it you make it happen either by giving personal time, talent or finances. Why cant our Education Department establish within the public school level a process of community organizing/empowering a local schools parent, alumni and neighborhood communities to tackle goals needing short-term and/or long-term attention? How easy it is for each school to establish their own 501(c)(3) to raise tax-deductible funds for the schools particular interests, for example! As every island is responsible for producing a certain percentage of its own energy, how about a community being responsible for a percentage of their own budget? Point #2: Whoever is responsible for state and Maui County education programs isnt doing their job. Obviously, having the worst school system in the nation is proof enough that the job isnt getting done; a job of motivating, advocating, planning and creatively dealing with the problems at hand within our schools (personnel, materials, human resources, budgets, family support, etc.). Point #3: To blame a lack of funding and, in reaction, to ask for more money (an education tax on property owners again) for the same incompetents to mismanage is not a good idea, yeah? Point #4: Please note that whenever the school unions want more money for schools and their teachers, it also means THEY want more money from increased teacher/staff union dues. Point #5: Since its when in Rome (Hawaii) do as the Romans (Hawaiians) do, may I suggest that until a committed process of reviewing and improving our schools is set, I suggest that instead of increasing taxes, we slice every departments budget (exempting fire, police and safety) 1-5 percent and invest it in a trust fund governed by a benevolent board of some kind. Lets face it.every government runs on excessive funding. KEN DEASY, Lahaina - Make a resolution to eat healthy With the glow of Christmas barely behind us, we look forward to the new year and the customary New Years Resolutions: reduce social media, reduce weight, and, this year, reduce animal food consumption. One-third of consumers already report reducing their consumption of animal foods. Hundreds of school, college, hospital and corporate cafeterias have embraced Meatless Monday. Even fast-food chains Chipotle, Dennys, Panera, Subway, Taco Bell, and White Castle are rolling out plant-based options. A dozen start-ups, led by Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, are creating healthy, eco-friendly, compassionate, convenient, delicious plant-based meat and dairy products. Meat industry giants Tyson Foods, Cargill, and Canadas Maple Leaf Foods have invested heavily in plant-based meat development. So have a number of Microsoft, Google, Twitter, and PayPal pioneers. According to the Plant-Based Foods Association, plant-based food sales have grown by 20 percent in the past year (ten times the growth rate of all foods). Sales of plant-based cheeses, creamers, butter, yogurts and ice creams are exploding at a 50 percent growth rate. Plant-based milks now account for 15 percent of the milk market. The plant-based New Years Resolution requires no sweat or deprivation just some fun exploration of your favorite supermarket and food websites. LEX NAKAHARA, Lahaina The meaner Trump gets, the more kindness we feel In this difficult and traumatic holiday season, it struck me tonight that a remarkable phenomenon is occurring. With desperate migrants on the move around much of the planet, and authoritarian forces frantically erecting barricades, both literal and figurative, to turn them back, this country has shown it is not immune to the global dynamic. But the meaner Donald Trump gets, the more kindness the evolved among us seem to feel. The government is in partial shutdown again, with 750,000 workers furloughed or expected to work without scheduled pay. The president is going off the rails over funding for his border wall, while a senator noted dryly the only wall hell get is the one closing in on him from Robert Mueller. Yet the midterm elections showed we also have an awakening populace, as women and minorities ran for and won elective races in record numbers, despite criminal voter suppression and outrageous gerrymandering. People are organizing on grassroots levels to foster change and accomplish it in sustainable farming, maker spaces, arts and crafts cooperatives, intentional communities and centers of culture and learning. Creative expression is finally becoming acknowledged as a force for change. In the vacuum created by the shameless example of the most powerful human in the free world while he demonstrates daily that he is also the smallest, weakest, most petty and insecure others are rediscovering their own humanity. As we sit under the moon tonight, there is no telling if the goodness in human hearts will triumph over the fear, anger and violence in those who refuse to relinquish so much as a thread of the gilded garments in which they cloak themselves. In their very un-Christlike behavior, they reek of hypocrisy, but they are armed and they are desperate. It will take all the good within us to subdue them or, better yet, awaken them. We need to do it together, with love. STEVE KLINGER, PeaceVoice Aloha West Maui. I really missed writing this column! After a year of delivering the Green Room column in 2017, I went dark in 2018. Lets just say the clean-up set of raising my three-year-old daughter wiped out my solitary writing time for awhile. . . . But the column is back this year, and Im excited to continue to explore West Mauis ocean community, culture and environment in 2019 in this space. My vision is to help preserve the matchless mana of our island idyll by telling stories and raising awareness, and taking time out for fun along the way. Allow me to re-introduce your humble columnist, I am a 37-year-old teacher in West Maui, having lived here for almost a decade. Before that, I lived on the Big Island and North Shore, Oahu. Im flown here, not grown here, but there is no place on Earth my wife, daughter and I feel more alive than West Maui. In the past decade, the Surfrider Foundation has been my primary way to serve by cleaning beaches, improving laws, protecting open spaces and advocating for beach access, and I continue in that role as volunteer coordinator in 2019. I am a guest of the Hawaiian host culture, and if I dont strive to contribute to West Maui, I dont deserve to call this land home. Its a privilege to be able to call this sacred aina my home, and my kuleana is to malama this precious community however I can. In sum, Im a husband, a father, an educator, a concerned citizen and a passionate surfer, in that order. Enough about me. There is a lot to discuss, because 2019 is going to be a game-changing year for Maui for three reasons. First, our new County Council has just been installed, and this may well be the most progressive, green and blue, sustainability-focused council in the State of Hawaii today and in Mauis history. Lifeguard and Save Honolua Coalition Founder Tamara Paltin will take over the West Maui seat held by Elle Cochran. Councilwoman Cochran served her community valiantly over eight years in advocating for affordable housing, community-focused development, waste reduction policies, open space preservation and more. She stepped down to run for mayor, but she will continue to play a positive mentoring role to Councilwoman Paltin and carry forward on as an active and engaged citizen. Paltin brings the perspective of an environmentalist, ocean lover, life saver, public servant and county employee to her position, and it will be fascinating to see her emerge as the key representative for West Maui in the coming two years. I wish, and all of West Maui wishes, Tamara the best of luck in her public service. With County Council Chair Kelly King steering an environmentally minded coalition of council members, it will be fascinating to see how this council impacts the present and future of Maui, and this columnist looks forward to unpacking and engaging with the key policy issues in this space. Second, later this year the Lahaina Harbor expansion will begin. This is a major federal infrastructure project conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers on the busiest small boat harbor in the state. Lahaina Harbor is absolutely central to the economy, community and culture of our West Maui maritime lifestyle, and this necessary project in a sensitive area will certainly be one of the key stories to track in West Maui in 2019. Finally, in December 2018, Alexander & Baldwin confirmed the sale of some 30,000 acres in the Central Valley to a private Mainland consortium that aims to transform the old model of commercial sugar operations into a new, diversified model of agriculture. This is the biggest real estate deal of the last the century in Maui, and its successful implementation will be essential to thzae bright future of our island home. So, of course, weve got to keep a close eye on this transformation. Our Maui County issues exist against the backdrop of Hawaii State politics, embedded inside the machinations of federal politics in Washington, D.C. As the Democratic Party has taken the majority in the House of Representatives there, the next two years nationally will be different than the previous two years, when the Republican Party held more power. This all matters, because in 2019, no island is an island. Maui doesnt exist in a void, and our local challenges are also state, national and global challenges. Its an intricate, ever-changing and messy world out there, but I take one thing for certain: West Maui is dearly beloved, to me, hopefully to you, and to millions of visitors. This is one of the most special places on the planet, and we all have a role to play in protecting it. Hopefully Green Room 2019 will be a force for good, in sharing stories, knowledge and perspectives on this precious place we all share. Hope youll join me for the ride. Now, lets drop in to the New Year. . HONOLULU The Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. (HHFDC) is partnering with SMS Research to conduct a phone survey to gather data on housing supply and demand. The phone survey will start this week and be completed over the next two months. The study consists of four major tasks: Gather and analyze data on demographic and economic characteristics of Hawaii households, the supply of housing in the short-run (2-5 years) and long-run (5-20 years) by specific geographic areas, income groups and Native Hawaiian status; and measure demand and trade-offs for different housing options. Project statewide and county need by HUD income groups, elderly households, persons with special housing needs, at-risk homeless and Native Hawaiian status. Provide a statewide and county inventory, including government-assisted units and military housing on and off base. Gather and analyze current and historic information statewide and by county. Folks in Hawaii have always been generous in answering this survey, and we hope they can spare some time again this year. The data will be even more important this year, because it looks like Hawaii will be building a lot more affordable housing over the next few years, stated Jim Dannemiller, president of SMS Research & Marketing Services. Other participants in the study include the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; Hawaii Public Housing Authority; Homeless Programs Office of the Department of Human Services; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Department of Community Services, City and County of Honolulu; Office of Housing and Community Development, County of Hawaii; Kauai County Housing Agency, County of Kauai; and Department of Housing and Human Concerns, County of Maui. The HHFDC is the primary agency overseeing affordable housing finance and development statewide. The agency is tasked with developing low- to moderate-income housing projects and administering state rental assistance and home ownership programs. LAHAINA The West Maui Taxpayers Association (WMTA) will hold its Annual Members Meeting on Thursday, Jan. 17, at Lahaina Civic Center. The public is invited to this informative event. Akaku: Maui Community Television will tape the event for later re-broadcast. Complimentary food service will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a short meeting at 5:30 p.m. with official WMTA business, including the election of its board of directors. The slate of directors includes Lee Chamberlain, Richard Jarman, Gregg Nelson, Jess Joe Park, Joseph Pluta, John Seebart and Fereshteh Tali. Immediately following this short business meeting will be presentations important to the West Maui community. Last year, nearly 300 attendees enjoyed the interesting community presentations on WMTAs top issues. Invited guest speakers for the special presentations at the 2019 Annual Meeting are: message from Governors Office; Sen. Rosalyn Baker, Sixth Senate District; Rep. Angus McKelvey, Tenth House District; Maui County Mayor Mike Victorino; West Maui County Councilwoman Tamara Paltin; Kaloa Robinson, project manager for Stanford Carr Development LLC, with an update on the Kahoma Village Affordable Housing Project; Pamela Eaton of the county Department of Planning, speaking about the West Maui Community Plan update process; Brian Hoyle of the West Maui Hospital Foundation Inc., providing a West Maui Hospital update; Colin Yamamoto, retired chief of ocean safety for Maui County, speaking on the rescue tube project to mitigate the number of drownings in the ocean in West Maui; and Tom Yamachika, president of the Tax Foundation of Hawaii. The major purpose of the meeting is to have elected officials address issues of interest to the West Maui community and to have special presentations on major projects impacting the isolated region. For more information on the meeting or WMTA, visit www.westmaui.org or call President Joseph Pluta at (808) 661-7990. In this Nov. 6, 2018, file photo World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, left, and Bill Gates, former Microsoft CEO and co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, listen to a speaker at the Reinvented Toilet Expo in Beijing. AP-Yonhap World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim will join Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a private equity fund that invests in projects in wealthy and developing countries, the firm said on Tuesday, a day after Kim's shock resignation from the bank. Kim, who joins New York-based GIP on Feb. 1 as a partner and vice chairman, has accepted a one-year ban from dealings with any World Bank units, including its private sector lending arm, the International Finance Corp, a person familiar with his departure arrangements said. A major part of the lender's work is lending to build infrastructure such as power, water and transportation projects in developing countries. Kim resigned more than three years before his term ends in 2022 amid differences with the Trump administration over climate change and the need for more development resources. Discussions between Kim and GIP about the new job came together about six weeks ago at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, the person said. Kim has emphasized that harnessing private sector investment funds was the key to building badly needed infrastructure amid constrained public budgets. File photo taken on Oct. 12, 2017 shows World Bank Group (WBG) President Jim Yong Kim attending a press conference of the 2017 International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings in Washington D.C., the United States. Xinhua-Yonhap In this file photo taken on January 6, 2019 US President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he arrives at the White House in Washington, DC, after meetings at Camp David. AFP-Yonhap President Donald Trump said "bye-bye" and stormed out of negotiations Wednesday on funding a US-Mexico border wall when Democratic opponents refused to agree to the project. "A total waste of time," Trump tweeted about his White House meeting with top Democratic congressional leaders. "I said bye-bye, nothing else works!" Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Senate, told journalists Trump "sort of slammed the table," then "got up and walked out." "Again, we saw a temper tantrum because he couldn't get his way," Schumer said. Although the two sides agreed that the meeting ended abruptly, they argued over who was to blame. According to supporters of Trump at the meeting, the president asked Democratic leaders whether they would agree to fund his wall project in exchange for him ending a painful shutdown of swaths of government, which he has instigated in retaliation for the standoff. US President Donald Trump delivers a televised address to the nation on funding for a border wall from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington DC on January 8, 2019. AFP-Yonhap The Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, "raised her hand and said no, not at all," said Kevin McCarthy, the senior Republican in the House, who was also present. "We heard once again that Democratic leaders are unwilling to even negotiate," Vice President Mike Pence said. The vice president insisted that Trump came in good faith. "The president walked into the room and passed out candy," Pence said. "I don't recall him ever raising his voice or slamming his hand." Shutdown Trump wants $5.7 billion to fund a wall he says is needed to keep out dangerous illegal immigrants, drug dealers and people smugglers from Mexico. Democrats say the wall would have little impact on real border problems and that Trump's tough approach has instead created a humanitarian crisis among vulnerable, unthreatening migrants. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks while participating in a tour of U.S.-Mexico border wall prototypes near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, California. U.S., March 13, 2018. REUTERS-Yonhap Trump's main lever to exert pressure on Congress has been to refuse signing spending bills that cover large areas of government. As a result, some 800,000 federal employees and many more contractors have now been without pay for almost three weeks. Democrats insist they will not lift their opposition to the wall project and believe Americans will tire of the shutdown chaos and blame Trump. But Trump indicated Wednesday on a visit to Republican allies in Congress that he will continue to play hardball. "Whatever it takes," he told journalists, when asked how long the shutdown could continue. Earlier at the White House, Trump told journalists that if he cannot get his way, he could declare a national emergency a measure that allows him to bypass Congress and take the wall funds he needs from the military. "I think we might work a deal, and if we don't, we might go that route," he said, insisting he has the "absolute right" to declare an emergency, despite warnings in Congress that this could be seen as serious presidential overreach. A section of the US-Mexico border fence is seen from Tijuana, in Baja California state, Mexico, on January 8, 2019. AFP-Yonhap 'American blood' speech Trump's triumphant 2016 campaign relied heavily on his "build the wall" slogan and since then, he has pushed the idea that the United States is being overwhelmed by dangerous migrants who enter the country illegally. But with Democrats winning control of the House in November midterm elections, Trump's wall push has come up against a wall of its own. This week, an increasingly frustrated president is trying to seize the initiative. On Thursday, he will fly down to the southern border that he described in a prime-time television speech Tuesday as an open door to murderers and other criminals. "How much more American blood must we shed before Congress does its job?" Trump said. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) watch a recording of their televised response to President Donald Trump's national address about border security at the U.S. Capitol January 08, 2019 in Washington, DC. AFP-Yonhap Xi Jinping (2nd R), general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chinese president, and his wife Peng Liyuan (1st R) pose for photos with Kim Jong Un (2nd L), chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and his wife Ri Sol Ju at Beijing Hotel in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 9, 2019. Xinhua-Yonhap By Lee Jeong-ho Chinese President Xi Jinping accepted an offer to visit Pyongyang after meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, North Korea's state media reported on Thursday. "Xi accepted the offer," the KCNA reported, without elaborating on details of the plans. The report came as Kim returned to Pyongyang after a trip to China, where he held talks with Xi and visited an economic development area in Beijing. (Chinanews.com/Tong Yu) Annual legislative sessions began in the Tibet Autonomous Region on Jan. 9, ushering in China's local "two sessions" season. Other provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities are scheduled to start legislative sessions later this month. The local "two sessions" are made up of annual meetings attended by provincial lawmakers and political advisors, who will discuss local economic and social development in the past year and make plans for the year to come. Government work reports are always a primary focus during the sessions. This year is significant, as 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China, as well as a decisive year in the building of a moderately prosperous society. Beijing, Shanghai, Anhui, Henan, and Guangdong have gathered opinions on their government work reports, in areas such as economic development, urban and rural construction, poverty alleviation, environmental protection, business environment, and government construction. Specifically, the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area, the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, education, medical care, employment, and housing are all included in these government work reports. The preparatory work of the two sessions guarantees that the meetings will run smoothly and effectively. Ottogi Chairman Ham Young-joon, second from left, smiles during President Moon Jae-in's meeting with conglomerate heads at Cheong Wa Dae, July 27, 2017. / Yonhap By Nam Hyun-woo Ottogi Jin Ramen Apartment complexes in Banpo area, Seocho-gu, Seoul. / Yonhap Builder fined W635 mil. fine for abusing contractors By Nam Hyun-woo HDC Group Chairman Chung Mong-gyu A Perfume Blender official, right, explains his firm's perfume making device to visitors at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Thursday. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics By Baek Byung-yeul LAS VEGAS With more than 4,500 firms exhibiting what they call innovative products at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Samsung Electronics' in-house startups also displayed their capabilities during the world's largest tech fair. Samsung has been operating the Creative Lab (C-Lab), an in-house startup incubator program since 2012. This year, eight C-Lab startups have been showcasing their products, which are all based on artificial intelligence (AI) technology. "We launched the project to create a challenge culture that allows employees not be afraid of failure," a Samsung official said, Thursday. "It actually helps the country to create more jobs as the startup support program also supports outsiders, too." Among the eight C-Lab startups, Perfume Blender took part in the tech fair with their AI technology-based fragrance-making device. "The device has eight ingredients which can be mixed together to create a customized fragrance," said an official of Perfume Blender. "If users take a photo of their favorite fragrances with their smartphone, our device gives recommendations on similar recipe blends." The C-Lab program also has a policy that helps its employees who have had successful results from their projects to launch their own their own start-ups. Samsung also invests seed money to the spin-off startups and they can return to Samsung if their businesses don't go well. For C-Lab startups, the CES has been a great opportunity to show off their innovative products and attract funding from investors. Linkflow, which won an innovation award at the 2018 fair with its FITT360 wearable 360-degree camera device, gathered eight times more funding than the team's initial goal of $50,000 on Kickstarter, an online funding platform. At this year's tech fair, three spin-off startups were recognized. Linkflow was recognized again this year, winning the innovation award with its FITT360 CONNECT product. Besides Perfume Blender, Girin Monitor Stand came with its auto-adjusting monitor stand. The stand ensures users have proper posture while sitting at their computer desks as embedded sensors track the users' posture. SnailSound introduced a hearing assistant product designed to help people who have hearing difficulties. The product is comprised of an earpiece and a smartphone app. As the app uses AI-based adaptive noise suppression algorithms, the product amplifies inaudible sound and suppresses background noise. By Jun Ji-hye LG Chem will invest more to expand its battery plants in Nanjing, southeastern China, to strengthen its standing in the global market, the company said Thursday. The nation's leading battery and chemical company said it will spend 1.2 trillion won ($1 billion) by the end of 2020 600 billion won each into its electric vehicle (EV) and small-sized battery plants. The company signed a contract allowing for the expansion with the Nanjing local government, Wednesday. The investment is aimed at responding to rapidly increasing demand for pouch-type batteries for EVs and cylindrical batteries for cordless vacuum cleaners, power tools and light EVs such as e-bikes. According to market researcher B3, global demand for cylindrical batteries will grow 27 percent annually and reach 6 billion next year. "Through the expansion of our plants, we will lead in the emerging light EV and power tools markets as well as the EV market," said LG Chem Energy Solution Company President Kim Jong-hyun. "We will use our three plants in Nanjing as export bases." By Lee Seong-hyon Here's the initial observation on the latest intrigue behind Kim Jong-un's China visit. First of all, even for many Chinese analysts on North Korea, Kim's visit to China this time came as something "unexpected." Kim already visited China three times last year. Therefore, it was widely expected that, it would be Chinese leader Xi Jinping's turn to visit North Korea. Xi himself said he would do so, during his meeting with President Moon Jae-in November last year. It's also notable that Kim is visiting China on his 35th birthday. This inevitably emits a sense of "urgency." Otherwise, why would the North Korean leader "skip" his birthday party at home to make a journey all the way to China, unless there is a pressing need that compelled him to do so, the logic would go. Interestingly, Kim took a train as his means of transportation. Kim's immediate two previous trips to China were via air. When Kim's train passed through the Chinese city of Dandong that borders North Korea, it served as an automatic trigger for the watchful international media to react and make headlines. If Kim was to travel by air, it would have been less visible to the media. In addition, compared to air travel, a train trip offers the media more time to cover his journey. It is then reasonable to believe that Kim is staging his trip to China to be noticed. But for what purpose? Kim's choice of traveling to China on the day of his birthday and his choice of transportation discharges the impression that there is something "special" about the China-North Korea relationship. It establishes an appearance of strong bonding between Xi and Kim. Currently, Kim is negotiating with Trump on nuclear weapons. Currently, Xi is negotiating with Trump on trade. Since last year, North Korea's relationship with China has changed dramatically for the better. Since last year, China's relationship with the United States has changed dramatically for the worse. Kim Jong-un's visit to China, is unfolding in front of this backdrop. There is a complexity of strategic calculus intertwined among different players in Pyongyang, Washington, and Beijing. The visit also happens amid Trump's public statement that a second summit with Kim will be held soon. Regarding Kim, it's reasonable to believe that his trip is a "preparation" for his upcoming summit with Trump, who sent out mixed messages. Trump said he would meet with Kim, but made it clear that economic sanctions, currently imposed on North Korea, would remain in place, going against Kim's wishes. For Xi, North Korea's denuclearization is not necessarily his most immediate policy priority. China's immediate and paramount priority is to "soft land" the ongoing trade war with Washington. China is seen as the country that has the largest influence over North Korea. Against the backdrop, China will be tempted to think to "utilize" Kim's visit to serve China's interest. If that is the case, we may speculate that China may use the occasion to nudge Kim to be more forthcoming in denuclearization measures as a "goodwill" sign of China's cooperation with the United States. Washington maintains that the trade war (between the U.S. and China) and the denuclearization (between the U.S. and North Korea) are "separate" matters. We also agree, in theory. We should remember that Trump, upon inauguration, proposed to China that he would be willing to be soft on China on trade if China cooperates on the North Korean issue. Trump has already openly complained, at least three times, that "China was behind" North Korea's defiant attitude that led to the negotiations being stalled last year. Will the same thing happen again? Is China playing the "North Korea card" against Washington? It is unwarranted to conclude that Xi will again turn out to be a spoiler. We should be open to the possibility that China this time may turn out to be a positive force in mediating between Pyongyang and Washington. During Kim's new-year speech, he said he will closely consult "parties to the Korean War armistice" to transform the armistice state to the peace state. Without naming China, it indicates China. It's Kim's invitation for China to play a more active role in North Korea's stalemate in negotiations with the U.S. Taken together, depending on how Xi envisions China's relationship with the U.S., the outcome of Xi's talking with Kim will have ramifications for both the denuclearization and the trade war. Lee Seong-hyon (sunnybbsfs@gmail.com), Ph.D., is director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the Sejong Institute. We'll give the president this much: Even after making major announcements about U.S. forces in Syria, no one really knows what he will do there in the coming year. In terms of keeping the enemy off-balance, we can support the president. After all, one way to win a military campaign is to keep the other side guessing. There is, however, another aspect of President Donald Trump's leadership in the Syrian conflict and the war on terror more broadly that hasn't gotten the attention it deserves. Namely, U.S. presidents carry a unique burden in wartime. While Congress is charged with declaring war, it falls to the president to wage military conflicts. While Congress has to approve any funding for military campaigns, it is the president who must build the team that can win the war. And while it is up to Congress to conduct oversight of the executive branch, it falls to the president who has the biggest bullhorn to make the case to the American people as to how and why military campaigns should proceed. Trump didn't launch the United States into war, but he is a wartime president. And, yes, that means that he must make the moral case for war or for withdrawing from the conflicts that we are engaged in. That responsibility doesn't disappear once a war is joined; it continues for as long as American military servicemen and -women are in harm's way. We would argue that, in fact, the president's responsibility in this regard increases after the shooting starts because it is then that our society must support our troops. In our case, the shooting in the global war on terror started a long time ago, on a different president's watch. It's been more than 17 years since 19 hijackers used four jetliners to attack the United States on our home soil. They succeeded at killing some 3,000 people and in provoking a peaceful nation into addressing what had long been a festering wound on humanity terrorist cells using violence and threat of violence against civilians to achieve political aims. With the hindsight of history, it seems clear that Osama bin Laden and his terrorist brethren believed that their attacks on 9/11 would show the United States to be a paper tiger, a pushover. And with that fact demonstrated to the world, al-Qaeda would be strengthened as it threatened regimes in far-flung and desperate parts of the world into advancing a tyrannical caliphate. Instead, the United States reacted by toppling the Taliban regime that had played host to al-Qaeda and spent years hunting down terrorists. And the U.S. did something else that was critically important. Once the Taliban fell, the American government needed to have an opinion about what would follow it. Rather than a strongman, the U.S. supported the people of Afghanistan as they built a democratic government that would expand and protect women's rights, focus on the well-being of its people and support international norms for how nations interact with each other. This approach is often derided as nation-building or dismissed as "imposing" our values on other societies. In reality, it is an approach with moral and practicable imperatives. There are no people in the world who desire oppression. So by supporting democracy abroad, the United States can give moral purpose to its work while also giving millions of people across the globe a compelling reason to join our fight against those who would bring terrorism to our shores. Similarly, the sacrifices made to support democracy in Iraq demonstrated America's commitment to this work. It also showed something else: That even in the face of protracted warfare, the United States is not a nation than can be cowed. Americans can disagree with the decisions involved in launching these wars. In fact, many have and continue to do so in vigorous public debates. And that brings us to Trump. In recent days he has mocked allies that have dispatched troops to stand alongside the United States in Afghanistan and seemed to indicate he thinks the Soviet Union was justified in invading Afghanistan in 1979. Those comments are so off-base that it is fair to wonder if he said them just to enflame public debate. Add these comments to his flip-flopping on Syria, and we believe it is past time for the president to make his case to the nation on his strategy for using the American military abroad. Count us among those who are relieved that the president is now going to slow-walk removing troops from Syria. But these decisions whether to wage war or whether to withdraw aren't ones that should be made on the fly. Lives are at stake, both our soldiers and our citizens who face attacks at home if terrorist organizations aren't knocked back on their heels. So we would ask, does the president see us locked in a struggle over ideas, where liberty and tyranny are at each other's throats? What is his plan for engaging the world and enlisting others to push back against those who would do us harm? Does he see a larger moral purpose in how we conduct ourselves abroad? None of these questions necessitates keeping troops in Syria. But how they are answered have real consequences in terms of building credibility and enhancing American influence across the world, and they can determine how and whether Americans will support the president's strategy. Democracies are funny about war. Even when there is strong public support at the start, democratic societies tend not to favor protracted military campaigns. At some point, the sacrifices become too great and large numbers of people begin to ask whether our aims are worth the price we are paying. This has been true for every military conflict in our history. And it is true now as we engage in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and other places. At some point the American public will tire of the fighting. In fact, there is a large constituency in the country that would prefer to simply pull back from world affairs. That constituency will only grow if more Americans conclude that Trump doesn't know what he wants to do in Syria or any other place where our troops are deployed. If that occurs, it will only grow harder to put American soldiers in harm's way, even if that is what is required to keep Americans safe. So now, more than 17 years into the war on terror, it falls to Trump to make his case. What is his strategy for rallying the country and protecting Americans from attack? The above commentary appeared in the Dallas Morning News. It was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. By Choe Chong-dae It is hard to think of Portugal apart from the Porto wine and maritime power. The country is renowned for being one of the oldest producers of wine in the world and is especially famous for its distinctive Porto wine. The term "Porto" (or port in English) has its origin in the city of Porto, from where Portuguese wine is exported. Although I am not a big wine drinker, I thoroughly savor the sweet and unique flavor of Porto wine presented to me by a Portuguese associate. With each inhalation of the wonderful aroma, a vision of a bright future comes to mind. Portugal truly embodied the pioneer spirit during most of the 15th and 16th centuries. Under the leadership of Prince Henry the Navigator, Portugal's ships sailed around Africa, to India and to the Americas. It also sought to accomplish circumnavigating the world earlier than any other country. Although the Italian Christopher Columbus discovered the New World in 1492 in the name of Spain, he was Portuguese-trained. He lived in Lisbon for several years and married a Portuguese woman, through whom he obtained navigation charts and sailing techniques from his father-in-law. Prior to the discovery of the New World, Portuguese navigator Bartolomeu Dias (1450-1500) became the first European explorer to successfully sail around the southern coast of Africa, thereby opening the way for a sea route from Europe to Asia in 1488. His daring voyage enabled his compatriot Vasco da Gama to find a sea route to India 10 years later. Da Gama's discovery of the route to India contributed greatly to the age of global maritime power. Consequently, most scholars regard the geographical discoveries initiated by Portugal as a critical turning point in world history. This year marks the 500th anniversary of another great feat undertaken by a Portuguese. Navigator Ferdinand Magellan (1480 - 1521) organized the Spanish expedition that circumnavigated the world and courageously commanded its fleet westward to the East Indies 1519-1521. The expedition was completed by Juan Sebastian Elcano from Spain in 1522. Battling extreme sailing conditions such as fierce winds and high waves, Magellan nonetheless boldly led his crew across the Atlantic, through a perilous strait south of South America now named after him. With limited remaining rations, he continued to push westward over the vast Pacific Ocean until arriving in the Philippines on March 16, 1521. On the island of Cebu, Magellan converted some natives to Christianity and forged ties with a local chief. However, Lapu-Lapu, a native chieftain of Mactan Island, refused to cooperate with Magellan. The conflict culminated in a skirmish between Magellan and Lapu-Lapu on April 17, 1521, and Magellan perished in the attack. Although Magellan did not make it back to Spain, he is widely recognized as the first European to set foot in the Philippines and to achieve the first-ever circumnavigation of the Earth. Through it all, he exhibited bravery, Elcano was able to complete the journey in his name and honor. Today, in the spot where he passed away in Cebu, stands a memorial shrine dedicated to the heroic efforts of Magellan. The journals kept of the voyage describe Magellan as looking back towards his men with concern as he himself was being struck by multiple indigenous warriors. On my recent trip to the Philippines, I had the honor of paying homage to Magellan at this shrine. Standing there and looking out to the sea, I could visualize and feel connected to the Portuguese explorers who were part of Portugal's golden age of discovery. Ultimately, Portugal was the pioneer who opened up the sea trade between the East and West, including Korea, and we can see traces of its rich legacy to this day. Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and director of the Korean-Swedish Association. By Jung Hae-myoung A taxi driver died Thursday morning, after setting himself and his car on fire to protest against a ridesharing service which the government plans to allow. This was the second case of a driver burning himself to death to protest the service to be offered by Kakao Mobility. According to police, the 64-year-old driver, surnamed Lim, set fire to his car while he was sitting in it on a street near Gwanghwamun Station in central Seoul at around 6 p.m. The fire was contained within six minutes, and a severely injured Lim was sent to Hallym University Medical Center, where he died early Thursday morning. Police found an oil container inside his car. "A burnt diary was found inside the taxi. There was a note for the family in the diary that could be considered as his will," a police officer said. In the note, Lim complained about his hardship living as a taxi driver and expressed opposition to the ridesharing service, according to police. Lim's colleagues said he was one of most active protesters against the ridesharing service, and participated in every rally held since December. Before setting the fire, Lim sent them a record of his opposition to the service. "He was full of resentment when he talked, saying 'we are all going to die,'" said Park Kwon-soo, head of Korea National Joint Conference of Taxi Associations. The group and other taxi drivers' and operators' organizations plan to stage a strike and a massive rally as early as next week. On Dec. 10, a 57-year-old surnamed Choi set himself on fire in front of the National Assembly on Yeouido, Seoul. After his death and following a massive demonstration, Kakao Mobility postponed the official launch of its ridesharing service indefinitely. President Moon Jae-in gives his New Year's address at Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday. Yonhap By Kim Hyun-bin Creating a safe environment and increasing support programs for the needy and the unemployed will be one of the key focuses this year, President Moon Jae-in said. "The government will strive to ensure that the social safety net runs in conjunction with the employment safety net," Moon said Thursday in a speech before the New Year's press conference at Cheong Wa Dae. Moon acknowledged the need to establish a safe work environment and enhance safety in basic infrastructure. The need came from several devastating incidents in recent months, including the derailment of a KTX bullet train, a communications blackout from fire at KT building, a deadly gas leak at a pension in Gangneung, and the death of an irregular worker at a power plant in Taean, South Chungcheong Province. By Park Ji-won Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon met Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Thursday, on a visit to the firm's factory in Suwon, in an apparent move to expand communication with the business community. The prime minister inspected the facilities with government officials including Science and ICT Minister You Young-min. Samsung makes fifth-generation (5G) network-related products at the factory, one of its future growth engines. It has been speculated that the prime minister will have a closed meeting with Lee to discuss the company's economic plans while asking for his cooperation in job creation. If it materializes, it will be the first time the prime minister has had a one-on-one meeting with the head of one of the country's conglomerates since his inauguration. The visit was likely aimed at urging the company to boost investment and job creation. During a meeting with newly appointed key aides, Tuesday, President Moon Jae-in stressed the need to meet people from the business circle to encourage industry in the face of criticism of his poor performance on the economy. Samsung, meanwhile, has been pushing 5G network technology as one of its four growth engines, pledging to invest 1.5 trillion won ($1.3 billion) through 2022 to finance studies of future technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT). The company began producing 5G network equipment at the Suwon factory last week. In March, the firm will officially commercialize the technology. BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese hospital on Thursday launched free consultations featuring artificial-intelligence (AI) cameras to detect ocular fundus diseases, which are major causes of blindness. Deqing county hospital in Guangdong Province become the first to use the device, co-developed by China's search engine Baidu and Sun Yat-sen University, to serve the general public, Baidu told Xinhua. The instrument is capable of diagnosing three types of fundus disorders -- diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration. It scans the eyes and generates a report in 10 seconds, all done without the need for an ophthalmologist to be present. With an accuracy rate of 94 percent, it has previously been piloted in hospitals in nine Chinese provinces, according to Baidu. Though it may be interpreted as AI threating the jobs of doctors, Baidu said the new tool aimed to alleviate the scarcity of ophthalmologists, especially in China's rural regions. Fundus diseases are a major cause of blindness in the developing world, where the short supply of eye doctors and instruments has stymied timely diagnosis and treatment. China, with a population of 1.39 billion, has only thousands of ophthalmologists capable of analysing fundus photos screening. Xu Yanwu, a Baidu engineer developing the instrument, said the AI cameras were specifically designed to address the lack of medical instruments and ophthalmologists at grassroots health facilities. "It is easy to use and can be operated by a non-professional. Its 94-percent sensitivity and specificity at analysing photos can match a senior doctor at a tertiary hospital," Xu said. President Moon Jae-in gives his New Year's address at Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday. Yonhap By Lee Min-hyung North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is well aware that the United States Forces Korea (USFK) will continue to be stationed in the South despite his ongoing efforts for the regime's denuclearization, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in a televised New Year's press conference, Thursday. "Kim Jong-un clearly understands the North's denuclearization has nothing to do with the presence of the USFK in the South, viewing its existence as part of the security alliance between Seoul and Washington," Moon said. The remark came amid lingering concerns that North Korea may demand the withdrawal of the USFK in the future, as it will be difficult for the South to justify U.S. troops' continuing presence here after the possible declaration of the end to the 1950-53 Korean War. President Moon, however, dispelled such worries, underlining Kim made it clear not to link the USFK issue with the ongoing inter-Korean and Washington-Pyongyang dialogues. "Strategic weapons, deployed in Japan and Guam by the USFK and the U.S. armed forces, are not necessarily aimed at North Korea, but their presence is for overall peace and stability across Northeast Asia," Moon said. For this reason, the North is unlikely to demand the US withdraw the weapons, as part of a "corresponding step" for the latter to take in exchange for the regime's efforts for denuclearization, President Moon said. U.S. President Donald Trump and Kim plan to hold their second summit in the near future to seek breakthrough in their stalled denuclearization talks. Neither side has made meaningful progress on the dialogue since their first meeting in June. All eyes are on whether Trump and Kim will be able to sign a big deal at the second summit. To make smooth progress in their dialogue, President Moon has served as a mediator between the two sides. He has particularly held three summits with Kim last year to fine-tune differences between Washington and Pyongyang. Against the backdrop, President Moon called on the international community to trust Kim Jong-un's willingness for denuclearization of the peninsula. "I am aware that American society has had a deep distrust of and hostility towards North Korea for a long period of time, and as far as I know, many people in the U.S. think that what Kim Jong-un means by denuclearization is different from their view on the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization." North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Tuesday. Yonhap By Kim Bo-eun North Korean leader Kim Jong-un invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit his country, and Xi accepted the invitation, the North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Thursday. The report stated Kim invited Xi to visit "at a convenient time" and that Xi accepted the invitation and "notified Kim of his plan." The invitation came during a summit held in Beijing during Kim's Wednesday through Thursday trip to China. Kim and Xi have held four summits so far, all of them in China. Xi visited Pyongyang as vice president in 2008 and met with Kim Jong-un's father Kim Jong-il. If made, the trip will be the first for Xi after Kim Jong-un took power in December 2011. The KCNA also reported the leaders discussed denuclearization and the achievement of peace on the Korean Peninsula. "There is no change in our stance of adhering to the goal of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, carrying out the joint statement reached at the North Korea-U.S. summit in Singapore and seeking a peaceful resolution through dialogue," it cited Kim as stating. "China can play an active and constructive role for the stabilization of affairs on the Korean Peninsula," Xi was cited as saying. The report said the two discussed the issue of "jointly studying and steering the management of affairs on the Korean Peninsula and the process of denuclearization talks" in depth, signaling China's intention to play a weighty role. It also stated that Kim brought up the "difficulties and concerns that came up in the process of denuclearization talks." This is seen to have been referring to differences between Pyongyang and Washington over disarmament steps and corresponding measures that would be taken, which have led to a months-long deadlock in the bilateral talks. China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported Xi as saying "it has become the international community's common expectation and consensus for the dialogue to continue and yield results." He said China supports North Korea's continued adherence to the direction of denuclearization on the peninsula and supports North Korea and the U.S. holding summits and achieving results. "China stands ready to work with North Korea and relevant parties to play a positive and constructive role in maintaining peace and stability and realizing denuclearization on the peninsula and lasting peace and stability in the region," he was quoted as saying. The report stated Kim said, "North Korea will make efforts for the second summit between North Korea and U.S. leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community." Kim arrived in Beijing Tuesday and held a summit with Xi the same day. The Chinese first couple hosted a dinner reception for their North Korean counterpart. Kim and Xi also met in the morning and for a luncheon the following day, according to the Xinhua report. Justice Minister Park Sang-ki announces the government plan to grant special pardons to minor offenders at the government complex in Seoul in this Dec. 29, 2017. / Korea Times file By Park Ji-won President Moon Jae-in is considering granting special pardons to minor offenders and activists ahead of the 100th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement and the establishment of the government-in-exile on April 11 1919 under Japanese colonial rule. The Ministry of Justice has already sent documents to district prosecutors' offices asking them to submit a list of possible candidates for the presidential amnesty, officials said Thursday. The number of people who will be pardoned is not immediately known. But sources say it could be quite many, since the Moon Jae-in government may seek to give amnesty to as many people as possible to celebrate the centennial. The list may include protesters convicted of illegally protesting against the U.S. deployment of a missile defense system, those convicted of occupying land for a naval base on Jeju Island and people convicted of participating in illegal rallies related to the Sewol ferry disaster. One of the biggest concerns is that the Moon Jae-in government will grant pardons to Han Sang-kyun, a former leader of the one of the biggest umbrella labor organizations Korea Confederation of Trade Unions, and Lee Seok-ki, a former lawmaker of an extinct progressive party Unified Progressive Party (UPP) convicted of treason. Calls by so-called liberal organizations have been rising to pardon them since Moon took office while conservative supporters have been insisting President Park Geun-hye be pardoned. March 1 is one of most important national holidays for South Koreans and the ruling camp has been preparing for the amnesty in a move to hold various events to mark the day. The former governments have been granting pardons on historic days including Aug. 15, the National Liberation Day. The Moon Jae-in administration granted special pardons to 6,444 people for the first time in December 2017. Most who were pardoned were minor offenders. 1.65 million people who received administrative penalty orders for violating traffic regulations, for example, also got a special commutation from the government. The president has pledged during the presidential campaign that his government will not allow clemency for those convicted of violating corruption and bribery laws. South Korean President Moon Jae-in addresses the nation in his first press conference in 2019, televised live, at Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday. Yonhap President Moon Jae-in sought to defend his embattled income-led growth strategy Thursday, vowing efforts to make "tangible" benefits this year. While addressing the nation before his first press conference in the new year, the president said the government too is well-aware of difficulties facing Asia's fourth-largest economy but that that is only the more reason the country should continue to push for income-led growth. "An economic policy shift can be truly frightening. It will take time and may generate controversy," the president said in his nationally broadcast speech. "However, it is the path that we must take. We will achieve the goal of an innovative, inclusive nation by all means while sufficiently making up for any shortcomings," he said. The national address was soon followed by a question-and-answer session, attended by some 200 journalists at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae. Lee Hae-chan, the head of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, center, the party floor leader Hong Young-pyo, second from right, and other party members watch the South Korean President Moon Jae-in's speech at the National Assembly, Thursday. Yonhap Moon's remarks come amid growing concerns that the country's economy may be slowing, partly due to increased costs and job reductions that may have been caused by the very tactic Moon introduced at the start of his presidency in May 2017. The income-led growth, along with people-oriented growth, seeks to boost the economy by increasing the average income of households and thus their spending. Under such a notion, the government-led tripartite commission on the minimum wage has hiked the minimum hourly pay rate by nearly 30 percent from 6,470 won in 2017 to 8,350 won this year (US$5.78-$7.46). The president insisted the problem of fair distribution was not unique to the country and that the rest of the globe was moving in a similar direction to address the issue. "Economic inequality, also dubbed the 1% versus 99% society or a winner-take-all economy, is not a problem unique to us. It is a common challenge facing the entire world," he said. Kim Byong-joon, the interim leader of the largest opposition Liberty Korea Party, right, and the party floor leader Na Kyung-won watches the South Korean President Moon Jae-in's televised national address at the National Assembly on Thursday. Yonhap "The people-centered economy and innovative, inclusive nation being pursued by my administration are precisely in line with such thinking. Our goal is to create an economy in which all prosper together on the basis of a fair economy with a level playing field, where innovative and income-driven growth enable sustainable development," Moon added. The president acknowledged some shortcomings in the process, especially in creating new jobs. On Wednesday, the finance ministry reported the country's jobless rate stood at 3.8 percent in 2018, the highest since 2001, while the number of people employed grew only by 97,000 from a year earlier, the lowest on-year gain since 2009. "My administration is taking this economic situation very seriously. However, I want to emphasize that the hardships we are suffering now are even stronger proof of the need for the people-centered economy," the president said in his nationally televised address. He vowed to make progress this year. "This year's objective is to make the people clearly see signs in their own lives that the government's economic policy is heading in the right direction," he said. Journalists from local media outlets and those from overseas join the question-and-answer session with the South Korean President Moon Jae-in at Cheong Wa Dae's Young Bin Gwan Hall, Thursday. Yonhap The president also vowed continued and increased efforts to further improve the country's relations with North Korea. "Peace can drive economic growth. The desire to prosper lies in the people of both South and North Korea," he said. Moon said the country will also work to resume its economic cooperation with the North, which currently is blocked by various international sanctions placed on the communist state for its past military provocations that included six nuclear tests. "My administration will cooperate with the international community, including the United States, to resolve the remaining issues (to inter-Korean economic cooperation), such as international sanctions, as soon as possible," Moon said. Reporters at Cheong Wa Dae's Young Bin Gwan Hall raise their belongings from smartphone to hat and notepad to grab the South Korean President Moon Jae-in's attention during the question-and-answer session on Thursday. Yonhap Pyongyang's denuclearization In the question-and-answer session, Moon stressed the need for North Korea to take more concrete and faster denuclearization steps while also highlighting the importance of corresponding measures by the international community to further accelerate the denuclearization process. "I believe North Korea needs to take practical denuclearization steps more boldly if it wishes to resolve the issue of international sanctions because the issue of international sanctions depends on the speed of North Korea's denuclearization process," the president told the press conference. "I believe corresponding measures too must be considered to further promote North Korea's denuclearization process," Moon said. Moon's remarks follow months of apparent debates between the United States and North Korea over who should do what first. Pyongyang is said to be demanding corresponding measures for the denuclearization steps it has taken so far, while Washington says the North needs to do more. The South Korean Presidnet Moon Jae-in's national address is televised at Seoul Station, Thursday. Yonhap By Dong Sun-hwa Police booked three drunken high school students for allegedly bashing two Russian-Koreans in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province, on Jan. 1, according to Tuesday. CCTV footage showed the moment the students assaulted the Russian-Korean father-in-law and son-in-law. When one victim tried to flee, the attackers chased him and kicked him. The attack lasted several minutes. The father-in-law suffered a serious right eye injury and had an operation in Seoul. The victims say the attack happened after they asked the students for directions. "I was horrified and confused," one victim said. "I had no idea of what was going on." The attackers have not yet graduated high school, but could have drunk alcohol because they legally became adults in "Korean age," Jan. 1. By Lee Suh-yoon A Seoul court sentenced Lee Kwang-goo, former CEO of Woori Bank, to 18 months in jail for his involvement in a massive hiring scandal, Thursday. The Seoul Northern District Court found him guilty of helping 37 job applicants children of the bank's VIP customers and high-ranking government officials get a free pass through one or more stages in the bank's recruitment process from 2015 to 2017, even though their scores or resumes did not meet required standards. "Though the head of the bank has the right to step into the recruitment process, it should not be to the degree that it breaks the law or harms the principles of fairness," Presiding Judge Lee Jae-hee said. "The unfairness in the recruitment gave other applicants and jobseekers a sense of discouragement and betrayal, and damaged public trust in the bank and society." Right after the verdict was read out, Lee was taken to a detention center due to him being a flight risk. Lee stepped down in November 2017 after the hiring scandal emerged during a National Assembly audit. He and 37 other senior officials at Woori and the nation's other top banks were indicted in June for the hiring irregularities. Blaze engulfs a K5 taxi and its driver near Gwanghwamun subway station in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Jan. 9. Yonhap A cabbie presumed to have set himself and his taxi on fire in another apparent suicide protest over a planned commercial ride-sharing service, died in hospital early Thursday, police said. A sedan taxi near Gwanghwamun Station in central Seoul caught fire on Wednesday night. The driver, only identified by the last name Lim, was moved from his vehicle with severe burns on much of his body. Lim's death is the second case in which a taxi driver apparently killed himself to protest the carpool service. Last month, a 57-year-old taxi driver from Seoul set himself ablaze in protest against Kakao T. Rescue workers from Jongno Fire Station put out fire on the taxi near Gwanghwamun subway station in the Wednesday evening. Yonhap Police have raised the possibility of self-immolation by the 64-year-old, in protest of the planned launch of Kakao T, a carpooling app created by a unit of major South Korean IT company Kakao Corp. Police found flammable materials and a burned notebook believed to be Lim's diary inside the car, they said, adding that an investigation is under way to determine the exact cause of the fire. Officials at a taxi labor union later claimed that Lim left a four-page suicide note for his family. It apparently included statements objecting to the carpool service and that he was under stress making a living as a taxi driver. Inside the taxi were found flammable materials the driver possibly had used to set himself and the vehicle on fire. Yonhap Lee Chun-sik, the only surviving plaintiff of a suit against Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal for forced labor speaks after the Supreme Court ruled for the Japanese company to pay each of the plaintiffs 100 million won, at the court in Seoul, Oct. 30. / Korea Times file By Jung Min-ho Two Korean university students have died of an unknown cause while doing volunteer work in Cambodia, school officials said Thursday. According to the Konyang University, the students were hospitalized in Phnom Penh Tuesday after suffering acute stomach pains. After receiving treatment, they returned to their lodge the next day, only to start showing the same symptoms. They were immediately returned to the hospital, but one died that night and the other died early Thursday. The cause of their deaths is still unknown. The students reportedly did not have any medical conditions. The university said the two, other students and professors arrived in the country on Jan. 6 to help residents build facilities and equipment. The 19-member group was scheduled to return to Korea on Jan. 19 but is planning an early return. The school said it has notified the students' families. The parents and doctors will fly to Cambodia to look into what happened. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chinese president, holds a welcoming ceremony for Kim Jong-un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, before their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2019. Xinhua-Yonhap North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reaffirmed his commitment to the denuclearization and vowed efforts to produce good results from his second summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese state media said Thursday. Kim made the pledge during his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday, according to Xinhua News Agency. Kim was in China for a four-day trip, his fourth visit to the neighboring ally in about 10 months. "The DPRK will continue sticking to the stance of denuclearization and resolving the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue and consultation, and make efforts for the second summit between DPRK and U.S. leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community," Xinhua quoted Kim as saying during talks with Xi. DPRK is the abbreviation of the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. In this Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, third from left, and his wife Ri Sol Ju, second from left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, third from right, and his wife Peng Liyuan, far right, attend a meeting at the Beijing Hotel in Beijing. A special train believed to be carrying Kim Jong Un departed Beijing on Wednesday after a two-day visit by the North Korean leader to the Chinese capital. Xinhua-Yonhap Xi strongly supported Kim's meeting with Trump and hoped the two will find common ground, adding that China is ready to play a "positive" and "constructive" role in the process. "China hopes that the DPRK and the United States will meet each other halfway," he was quoted as saying. "China stands ready to work with the DPRK and relevant parties to play a positive and constructive role in maintaining peace and stability and realizing denuclearization on the peninsula and lasting peace and stability in the region." Xinhua also said that Kim and Xi agreed to make efforts for continuous "new development," a "political settlement process of the Korean Peninsula" and "more benefits" for the people of the two countries and that they would contribute to peace and stability, prosperity and development of the region and beyond. Xi Jinping (2nd R), general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chinese president, and his wife Peng Liyuan (1st R) pose for photos with Kim Jong Un (2nd L), chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and his wife Ri Sol Ju in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2019. Xi Jinping on Tuesday held talks with Kim Jong Un, who arrived in Beijing on the same day for a visit to China. Before the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcoming ceremony for Kim Jong Un at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xinhua-Yonhap Kim's trip to China, which was made at the invitation of Beijing, came amid speculation that a second summit between the North's leader and U.S. President Donald Trump is imminent. Pyongyang and Washington have been locked in a stalemate over how to carry out the agreements they reached in their first-ever summit in June, at which Kim promised to work toward complete denuclearization in exchange for security guarantees from the U.S. Progress has been slow ever since as the North wants sanctions relief, while the U.S. remains firm that sanctions will remain in place until the North completely gives up its nuclear weapons program. In this Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, photo released Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, by China's Xinhua News Agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, in hat, visits a facility for Chinese traditional medicine maker Tong Ren Tang in Beijing. A special train believed to be carrying Kim Jong Un departed Beijing on Wednesday after a two-day visit by the North Korean leader to the Chinese capital. Xinhua-Yonhap Man arrested for sending suspicious parcels to consulates and embassies in Australia SYDNEY, Jan. 10 (Peoples Daily Online) -- The Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested a 48-year-old man at his home on Wednesday night for sending suspicious packages to diplomatic missions throughout Australia. The man was charged with sending dangerous articles to be carried by postal service, and appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court this morning. He will face a maximum of 10 years imprisonment if convicted. According to a joint statement between the AFP and Victoria Police, the man sent 38 parcels to consulates and embassies in Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney, with a substance suspected to have been sourced from his Shepparton home in Victoria. Police said they had recovered 29 packages which will now go for forensic testing to determine the exact composition of the material used. The US, British, Pakistani, New Zealand, Swiss and Greek consulates confirmed that they had not received suspicious parcels in the mail. This Tuesday, The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) notified all diplomatic missions to be cautious with suspicious packages being delivered by mail. According to the DFAT statement, the department has since provided AFP guidance on handling suspicious mail to all diplomatic missions. DFAT also advised consulates and embassies to report anything suspicious to the AFP protection Liaison Team. Police confirmed in a joint statement: There is no ongoing threat to the general public. The assistance of the Australian Post has been crucial to the outcome of this investigation, police said in the statement. (Peoples Daily Online/ Shengyin Li) Holding company to boost risk management amid slowdown By Park Hyong-ki Woori Financial Group Chairman Sohn Tae-seung has three important tasks to achieve in 2019 as soon as the firm is launched as a holding company Jan. 14, and relists its shares on the stock market Feb. 13. They are pursuing acquisitions, attracting long-term foreign institutional investors, and increasing risk management amid a weak economic outlook, according to the group Sohn already unveiled his interest in seeking targets that would help enlarge the group's size to that of other financial groups at a Dec. 28 shareholder meeting. Although he did not identify targets of the group's interest, the company reiterated it would most likely go after securities companies. It is not yet interested in acquiring insurance companies because of the risk stemming from the planned introduction of a stronger accounting standard. "Obviously, M&A are done in secrecy. The chairman may talk a bit more about it on Feb. 14 when he plans to hold a press conference," said a company spokesman. It is most likely Woori Financial will unveil the specifics of its deals when the company is ready to sign acquisition documents, as Shinhan Financial Group did for its purchase of Orange Life, he added. Another task on the chairman's priority list is seeking foreign investors in an effort to increase their share ownership in the group to around 30 percent from 20 percent. A higher foreign equity ownership will help stabilize its stocks, and shield them from market volatility and disruptions. To this end, the chairman is expected to travel overseas soon for meetings with potential foreign investors as he did in 2018, the spokesman noted. His investor relations team is currently preparing for his roadshows. Last but not least, boosting risk management is pivotal to sustaining its business amid the slowdown, the company said. Sohn will head both the financial group and Woori Bank until March 2020. By Lee Kyung-min Kim Kyung-ja, 55, currently director of the credit screening and evaluation department at the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank), has been promoted to become its first-ever female executive. The state-run bank said Thursday that it appointed Kim to lead a key division that manages screening and credit assessment for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This is the first time for the Eximbank to name a woman to an executive position since the bank was established in 1976. "Kim was appointed through an open, fair and transparent screening procedure. We will continue to appoint qualified people that meet our standards of professionalism, leadership, communication, and ethics and morals," a bank official said. Kim's expertise mostly involves overseas business management and credit analysis and assessment of companies. She graduated from Yonsei University where she also earned a master's degree in environmental science. She will begin work following a regular reshuffle, Jan. 14. Kim is among a growing number of women appointed as a CEO or senior executive at Korea's major financial service firms both private and state-run. This is seen as a significant advancement inching closer to breaking the glass ceiling in the conservative industry. Shinhan Financial Group appointed two women to senior executive positions Wang Mi-hwa and Cho Kyoung-sun in December 2018. Their appointment came around the same time as former KB Financial Group and Kookmin Bank Vice President Park Jeong-rim was appointed as KB Securities co-CEO. Park became the industry's first female CEO in the history of Korea's securities market since its launch in March 1956. Her achievement was meaningful given the reluctance of securities firms that are known to "exclude" women even more than banks. The Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) appointed Kwon Sun-joo in 2013 as the first woman to head a bank in 2013. The Korea Development Bank (KDB) has no female executives. "Lacquered Statue of Buddhist Monk Huirang," who was teacher of Goryeo founder Wang Geon, is on display at the "Goryeo: The Glory of Korea" exhibition at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan, Seoul. The national museum placed an empty lotus-shaped pedestal next to Master Huirang's statue for the Wang Geon statue in the Korean Central History Museum in Pyongyang. Yonhap By Kwon Mee-yoo This nation's name Korea is derived from an exonym of the 918-1392 Goryeo Kingdom, one of the ancient countries that reigned over the Korean peninsula. Best known for its beautiful jade-colored celadon as well as woodblock and metalloid typography techniques, Goryeo is the first country to rule most of the Korean Peninsula and improve its foundation for cultural and economic expansion. The National Museum of Korea (NMK) holds an exhibition to commemorate this less-noticed part of Korea's history. Titled "Goryeo: The Glory of Korea," NMK director general Bae Ki-dong said the exhibit is "the finale of the national museum's year-long project celebrating the 1,100th anniversary of Goryeo Kingdom in 2018. Though it might not be perfect, we put much effort into this exhibition. This is likely to be the largest of its kind in 100 years." This exhibit features over 450 paintings, sculptures, celadon and craftworks borrowed from about 40 organizations from four countries, including the United States and Italy. The exhibition is divided into four sections "Gaegyeong, Capital of Goryeo"; "Wisdom of 1,100 Years"; "A Place for Tea"; and "The Brilliant Technical and Design Expertise of Goryeo." "People might remember Goryeo as a short-lived country, but in fact the 474-year history of Goryeo is on par with the Joseon Kingdom which lasted for 518 years. We are more familiar with cultural heritage from Joseon, but much of Joseon's culture is based on the legacy of Goryeo," said Yoo Su-ran, curator of the exhibit. The curator said this exhibit centers on the cultural history of Goryeo, which is better known as a country of warriors. "During the Goryeo era, commercial and cultural trade was frequent and we shed light on how Goryeo absorbed foreign cultures through exchanges," Yoo said. "Parcel Gilt-silver Ewer with Basin" is on view at the "Goryeo: The Glory of Korea" exhibition at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan, Seoul. / Courtesy of National Museum of Korea Exhibit showcases art, history of Goryeo Upon entering the Special Gallery of the NMK, visitors will be introduced to Byeokrando, the main port of Goryeo close to its capital Gaegyeong, now Kaesong, or Gaeseong, in North Korea. "Gaegyeong was a metropolis of over 100,000 households with quite a number of foreign residents. Artifacts showing international aspects of the city are on view here," curator Yoo explained. A "Bronze Mirror with the Inscription of 'Hwangbichangcheon'" show bears waving and a ship pattern symbolizing the sea and voyage. Islamic style "Glass vessel" and "Celadon Bag-shaped Ewer" excavated from Gaeseong showcase result of trade and foreign influences in the Goryeo era. A map of Gaeseong from 19th century Joseon gives a glimpse of the port city with its outer wall and inner wall. "Since we cannot visit Gaeseong now, the city remains vague and abstract to South Koreans. So we present this map to provide a geographic image of Gaegyeong." Goryeo was founded by Wang Geon, also known as King Taejo of Goryeo, who achieved unification of the Later Three Kingdoms. The statue of Master Huirang, a monk who helped the Goryeo founder to build up the nation, is on display outside its home Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon, South Gyeongsang Province, for the first time. "This is the only remaining statue of a monk from the 10th century. The front is made of dry lacquer, while the back is wood. The statue is very realistic with asymmetric shoulders as if modeled after the actual person," the curator explained. The NMK attempted to showcase Master Huirang's statue with a bronze statue of Wang Geon from the Korean Central History Museum in Pyongyang, but historic encounter fell through as the negotiations with the North Korea didn't go as expected. The museum placed an empty lotus-shaped pedestal next to Master Huirang's statue as a nod to the master-pupil relations and hope for possible loan from the North. Another important cultural asset that the NMK attempted to borrow, but didn't make for this exhibition is the Jikji, the world's oldest extant book printed with movable metal type dating back to 1377 currently kept at the National Library of France in Paris. "Celadon Fish Dragon-shaped Ewer" Like most countries, Goryeo's royal court art was the highest art with the most difficult techniques. Goryeo was a country of banquets, including the Pangwanhoe (Festival of the Eight Vows). During such events, foreign envoys and merchants presented the Goryeo king and attended banquets. Celadon ceramics of intricate patterns and animal shapes were assumed to be used in such parties. "Celadon Fish Dragon-shaped Ewer" demonstrates creativity of Goryeo potters, while "Parcel gilt-silver Ewer with Basin" showcases the height of metal craft. Xu Jing, a member of diplomatic mission to Goryeo from Northern Song in 1123, stayed in Goryeo for about a month and wrote a travelogue "Illustrated Account of the Xuanhe Embassy to Goryeo," describing what he saw and heard during his trip. In Xu's surviving writings, he mentioned the unique green color of Goryeo celadon and elaborateness of mother-of-pearl works and craftworks similar to those appear in Xu's travel journal are on view at the exhibit. "Gaegyeong was also the center of trade where goods and supplies from across the nation gathered. A variety of Chinese ceramics, clearly differentiated from Goryeo style, are also unearthed in Gaeseong as aristocrats had eclectic tastes in collecting," the curator said. "Woodblock of the Avatamsaka Sutra" carved in 1098 Buddhism was the state religion in the Goryeo period and left the Tripitaka Koreana, also known as Palman Daejanggyeong in Korean. The Buddhist scriptures carved onto some 80,000 wooden printing blocks are the oldest intact version of Buddhist canon in Chinese characters. "Though the woodblock carving of Buddhist scriptures is mostly known to have been created in hopes of overcoming foreign powers during wars, we saw these scriptures as the repository of knowledge. Buddhism was initiated in India and conveyed to Korea via China and these Buddhist scriptures have become an agglomeration of information and knowledge as it traveled through countries," the curator said. The famous Tripitaka Koreana could not leave its depository in the Haeinsa Temple, the oldest existing woodblock of the Avatamsaka Sutra carved in 1098 is on view at the Seoul museum. "Most of Goryeo temples were demolished and reconstructed during Joseon Kingdom. So the portable shrines from Goryeo era give us a glimpse of the architectural style of Goryeo temples. They also represent Goryeo people's Buddhist faith as they used these portable shrines to pray at home," Yoo said. The exhibit sheds light on various types of Buddha statues from lacquered fabric to steel and bronze. Some of Goryeo Buddha statues have clothes and other artifacts enshrined in them, providing rare examples of Goryeo fabric and clothing culture. "Bhaishajyaguru from Janggoksa Temple" has a 10-meter-long prayer written on a fabric piece by Monk Gyeonghan. Also written on the cloth are names of those who donated for making of the Buddha's image and their wishes. "Avalokiteshvara with a Thousand Hands" maximizes the compassion of the Amitabha Buddha. "Avalokiteshvara statues usually have about 40 hands, each hand holding objects representing wishes such as sayings of Buddha or treasure," the curator explained. "Bhaishajyaguru from Janggoksa Temple" By Park Si-soo Rapper Black Nut has been found guilty of defaming a female rapper with sexually abusive lyrics and stage performances. Seoul Central District Court on Thursday sentenced the musician, 30, whose real name is Kim Dae-woong, to six months in prison. He avoided immediate imprisonment because the court suspended the term for two years. The court also ordered him to do 160 hours of community service. Black Nut was accused in 2017 of sexually defaming KittiB in his song containing lyrics that apparently convey sexual humiliation of her. He was also charged with making defamatory on-stage actions against her four times between 2016 and 2017. "As much as the protection of artistic freedom is important and valuable for the accused, the protection of the victim's dignity and reputation deserves due protection," said Judge Kim Hyun-duk. "The accused was tenacious in harassing the victim with sexually humiliating acts." The judge said Black Nut showed no remorse. An internal Kokomo Police Department memo shows that former Capt. Kevin Summers interrupted a 2016 traffic stop in an attempt to halt his sons arrest and avoid the embarrassment that could result from a booking at the Howard County Jail. The memo, obtained by the Tribune through a public records request, describes an incident that took place while Summers was running for countywide office and involved him telling an Indiana State Police trooper that his son was innocent before acknowledging he didnt want the 24-year-olds name in the paper. Undated, the internal document was written by KPD Maj. Tony Arnett and sent to Police Chief Rob Baker and recounts intimate details of conversations that took place on the side of Dixon Road between Summers and the trooper. Arnett, who in recent weeks contacted at least one person involved in the incident, and Baker both failed to return multiple requests for comment. Meanwhile, an area sheriff involved that night has disputed parts of the KPD account. Summers has declined to speak about what took place, instead railing against local media for what he called an example of character assassination. In late 2018, Summers emerged at the forefront of Kokomos political scene after announcing that he would seek the Democratic nomination for mayor this spring. That announcement drew the ire of the Howard County Democratic Party and sparked a separate, public accusation of attempted nepotism involving Summers. But the internal memo provides the most detailed account yet of possible improper conduct committed by Summers during his two-decade career with the KPD. The incident started at 8:52 p.m. Aug. 5, 2016, when a car driven by Colton Summers was stopped on Dixon Road by Indiana State Trooper Adam Moore for excessive speed, according to Arnetts account. During the stop, Moore discovered that Colton, who is currently an employee with the citys street department, was wanted on a Monroe County warrant for battery. The memo does not detail the alleged incident that led to the warrant, and an official with the Monroe County clerks office said the case did not show up in the countys criminal database. It is unclear whether Colton ever faced charges resulting from the battery warrant. Meanwhile, Kevin Summers soon arrived at the traffic-stop scene, claiming he was there to back up the trooper, notes the memo. It is also unclear how Summers first heard about the traffic stop. Summers quickly asked Moore whether it was possible to let Colton leave the scene. The trooper is advised by Capt. Summers, That is my son. The trooper explains that Colton has an active warrant and no he will not let him go, explains Arnetts memo. In response, Summers reportedly told Moore that his son is innocent and this has been blown out of proportion, requesting that Colton be released to his father so Summers can transport Colton himself directly to the Monroe County Jail. Moore again denied Summers. It was then, alleges the memo, that Summers admitted to Moore that he didnt want Coltons name in the paper and asks that Colton be taken to another jail (outside Howard County). At the time of the incident, Summers was in a heated race for the Howard County Board of Commissioners second district seat against incumbent Tyler Moore, who would soundly defeat Summers in November 2016 with 55 percent of the vote. Summers, however, was continuously rebuffed by trooper Moore. Despite Summers plea about negative publicity, Moore remained adamant: Colton was headed to the Howard County Jail. The trooper says Capt. Summers walks away very upset and gets on the phone, reads the memo. A few minutes later Capt. Summers returns to the trooper with his phone in his hand and says, he wants to talk to you. On the other end of the line was Tipton County Sheriff Tony Frawley. Moore took the phone and began speaking with Frawley. It was then decided that Frawley would take Colton on behalf of Monroe County, and Moore, in an apparent change of heart, agreed to transport Colton to the Tipton County Jail. Not to go to Howard County, emphasized Arnett. Day after announcing mayoral bid, Summers retires from KPD Kokomo Police Capt. Kevin Summers declared his sudden and immediate retirement Wednesday mor Once Colton arrived at the jail, Tipton County sheriffs deputies made arrangements to transfer Colton from their jail to a Monroe County deputy. The two sides ultimately met south of Indianapolis to finalize the transfer. All this took place within a few hours of the initial traffic stop, ends the memo. ISP Public Information Officer Tony Slocum said that troopers often use their own discretion when deciding what jail to take a suspect. Depending on distance, a person thats been arrested is often taken to jail in the county that the arrest happened. However, if the county that issued the warrant is nearby, a trooper can take the suspect to that countys jail. The Monroe County Jail is 110 miles from the Howard County Jail. Trooper Moore did not return a request for comment. In an interview, however, Frawley said Summers was worried about Coltons safety, not possible publicity. It could be dangerous, he noted, for a cops son to be jailed in the county where his father works. Heres how that conversation went as I recall: Kevins concern was not about it being in the paper, but about him being incarcerated in the county jail of a county that he works, said Frawley. And that too would be a concern of mine. So I simply agreed to be the go-between between Howard County and Monroe County, and get him to Monroe County. He added: I would do that for anybody, to avoid that situation that I think might not go well for everyone involved, as far as incarcerating the son of someone in the county where the father works. While the memo is undated, Frawley said he was contacted by Arnett about the situation as recently as five or six weeks ago, and told him the same thing I just told you. Arnett did not explain the timing of the call, said Frawley. It was in early December, however, when Summers was reassigned from the KPDs Community Services Unit to its property room. A public disagreement between Summers and department leaders about the timing of the move later led to an internal investigation. As a result of his failure to respond and communicate to members of the administrative staff, (of which he is a member), and, additionally, because he has failed to complete tasks that he have been assigned to him in a timely manner as the Community Service Officer, Capt. Summers was reassigned on Dec. 5, 2018, to the K.P.D. Property Room, said Maj. Brian Seldon in a statement. A day after the internal investigation opened, which came on the same day he announced his mayoral candidacy, Summers declared his sudden and immediate retirement. There is no indication that Summers was punished directly after the 2016 incident. When reached by phone Tuesday, Summers declined to speak about the memo but bemoaned the idea that it was newsworthy. If reporters are going to trash peoples families, said Summers, then it is time to fold up local media. When you go backwards in life, youre going to run off the road and it makes no bearing whatsoever. And if you guys start to engage in that youre just like the rest of the media. Some memo or whatever you guys got thats two years old or three years old or 10 years old, do yourself a favor and our community, lets go forward instead of backwards, he remarked. You guys want the controversy. Is that what you want? You guys want to ruin our community in that capacity? At one point, Summers said the media would face backlash for its reporting. I think with you guys reporting that, you guys are getting the backlash too, he said. Ive had people that are upset that our local media and everybody wants to engage in that conversation. So I dont think its going to benefit anybody. Not only that, the people that want to go down that route, I think the backlash is going to be there too. So far, much of the local backlash has targeted Summers. His bombshell candidacy announcement enraged the Howard County Democratic Party, which once touted Summers and his defection from the local Republican Party in 2015 but now accuses him of serious misconduct within the citys police department. Kevin Summers is only running because he is upset that Mayor [Greg] Goodnight refused to break the rules in order to hire Kevins son as a police officer, party chair Kathy Skiles said. Kevin repeatedly attempted to coerce the Mayor into defying KPD procedures and hiring process. It is both sad and unfortunate that Summers has decided that his own personal demands are more important than the quality of our police force and the betterment of our city. Summers previously declined to speak about Skiles specific accusations, instead criticizing her for bringing the families in. Notably, Summers served with the Kokomo Police Department for 20 years and has been a resident of Howard County for more than 50 years. In addition to two terms on the Common Council, Summers previously served on the school board for the Kokomo School Corp. He currently is serving as a board member for the Carver Community Center. He also has served as a vice president of the Kokomo Traffic Commission and vice president of the Howard County Solid Waste District. And as the KPD's community service officer, he was one of the most visible faces in local law enforcement, interacting with people at various events throughout the city. Meanwhile, incumbent Democratic Mayor Greg Goodnight is expected to seek re-election, although he has only publicly acknowledged that he will make a campaign announcement in January. Stay up to date on COVID-19 Get Breaking News Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. Chinese Consul General in San Francisco Wang Donghua delivered a keynote speech during the 2019 Las Vegas "China Night". The 2019 Las Vegas China Night, an event jointly hosted by the Consulate General of the Peoples Republic of China in San Francisco and the Organizing Committee of the China Information Technology Expo (CITE), was unveiled on the evening of Jan. 7, also the eve of the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Under the theme Innovation & Cooperation in the Era of Great Change, the event aims to promote communication between Chinese and U.S. companies in consumer electronics. I hope that guests will exchange ideas and discuss the future development of the electronic information industry and explore new opportunities for cooperation, Chinese Consul General in San Francisco, Wang Donghua, said during the event. Noting that 2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, Wang said China and the United States are not strategic rivals, but necessary partners, adding that he welcomes more American companies in the Chinese market. Support Local Journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by subscribing or making a contribution. Subscribe or contribute Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Jasper, TX (75951) Today Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 70F. NW winds at 10 to 15 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 70F. NW winds at 10 to 15 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph. Chinas auto market still full of potential despite first decline in 28 years A production line in the Chang'an Automobile Group. (Chongqing Daily/Luo Bin) In 2018, China sold a total of 27.8 million vehicles, 1 million less than the previous year. However, the industry is still full of promise, as the country implements further measures to boost this figure, said Ning Jizhe, deputy chairman of Chinas National Development and Reform Commission, in a recent interview. Although Chinas auto market recorded its first slump in 28 years, it still accounted for 30 percent of the global market share. Ning disclosed that China would implement measures to further facilitate the consumption of hot-spot commodities including cars and home appliances. He noted that while Chinas average annual auto sales figure is now approaching 30 million, the country still holds further market potential. The previous rapid growth of auto sales, the downfall of macroeconomic growth, the cancellation of preferential purchase tax, as well as the stable housing market in central and western China all bring pressure to the continuous growth of vehicle sales in 2019, said Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association. Shi Jianhua, deputy secretary general of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, described the recent slump as normal, considering the steady development of the auto market and the average sales growth of automobiles over recent years. Insiders believe that compared with the slowing growth of the urban auto market, Chinas rural regions are gradually emerging as an important arena for the auto industry's future. Thanks to the growing income of rural residents and the improving infrastructure in rural areas, these regions are expected to see an increasing appetite for auto consumption. In spite of the general optimism surrounding Chinas auto market, the sales volume of vehicles in the country is not likely to return to its former glory in the short-term. It's likely that China will maintain a low-speed growth in the auto market, said Song Zifeng, director of the Research Department of Industrial Economy under the Development Research Center of the State Council. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. This bat was among those roosting in the attic of an old Peachland school in 2017. A provincial conference on bats will be held in Peachland in early April. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Agriculture Workers Jobs 2019 in Saudi Arabia Latest Soundlines Recruitment Promotion Labor Posts Saudi Arabia 2021 Experienced and strong person for the post of Agriculture Workers required for a well known and reputed Abdulaziz Al Rajhi Endowments Farm in Saudi Arabia. How to Apply on Soundlines Recruitment Promotion Job Advertisement Apply as per details in job advertisement. In some cases, you may apply online at vacancies after registering at https://www.jobz.pk online. Telephone: 051-4927351 Note: Beware of Fraudulent Recruiting Activities. If the employer asks you to pay money for any purpose including processing to shortlisting, do not pay at all and report us using our contact us form. Apply as per instuctions & dates mentioned in official job ad. Govt jobs cannot be applied online here. Error & omissions excepted. BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese military is an important force in maintaining the world's peace and stability, a military expert said on Wednesday. At a press briefing, He Lei, former vice president of the Academy of Military Science of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), said military relations between China and the United States could serve as the stabilizer of China-U.S. relations. He said the two militaries should show sincerity and treat each other as friends, and the U.S. side should be positive on China's development as well its military. "They should uphold the principles of 'no conflicts and confrontations, not stir up troubles, and adhere to the one-China principle and the three joint communiques as well as the consensus reached by the two heads of states," he said. Zhang Junshe, a researcher from the Naval Research Academy of the PLA, echoed He, saying "the Pacific Ocean is vast enough to accommodate both China and the United States." Calling freedom of navigation in the South China Sea a "pseudo-proposition," Zhang said over 100,000 ships passed through the water every year, including those from countries that have disputes with China. "It is China's consistent stance to respect all countries' navigation freedom in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea," Zhang said. "A total of 31 Chinese naval fleets have escorted more than 6,600 ships in the Gulf of Aden over the past 10 years, of which more than a half are foreign commercial ships and those from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. "The Chinese military is taking more and more international responsibilities. All other countries should view the development of the Chinese military in a correct way." He Lei said: "The Chinese military has always been committed to safeguarding national sovereignty and security and maintaining world peace." Samsung is reportedly looking to unveil the Galaxy S10 and its foldable phone on February 20 at an Unpacked event to be held simultaneously in San Francisco and London. If true, this means the company will not be waiting for MWC 2019 to unveil its flagship smartphone for the year. Samsung has usually unveiled its flagship Galaxy S handset at MWC. Only on a few rare occasions has the company unveiled the handset at a separate Unpacked event. This time around, the Korean company seems to have decided to unveil the Galaxy S10 ahead of MWC 2019. While Mobile World Congress 2019 is scheduled to take place from February 25-28 in Barcelona, Samsung is planning on unveiling the handset on February 20 itself. Samsung Electronics Co. plans to unveil its 10th anniversary flagship phone lineup and show a fully functional foldable-screen handset at Feb. 20 events in San Francisco and London, according to people familiar with the matter. In addition to the Galaxy S10, Samsung will also be unveiling its much-hyped foldable phone at the event. An early unveiling date means that the Galaxy S10 series will end up going on sale early as well. Looking at Samsungs previous track record, it looks like the Galaxy S10 series will end up hitting the retail stores in early March. As for the foldable phone, it will be available in limited quantities in selected markets from March. Rumors point to Samsung unveiling three different Galaxy S10 variants this year: S10 Lite, S10, and S10+. The lite variant will feature a 5.8-inch flat OLED display and lack an in-display fingerprint scanner. It will also only feature a single camera setup at the rear. The Galaxy S10 and S10+ will feature an in-display fingerprint scanner, bigger Infinity-O punch-hole displays along with bigger batteries. The S10+ is also rumored to sport a triple camera setup at its rear, something which the 2019 iPhones are also going to sport as per a recent leak. [Via WSJ A young Nigerian lady who stripped off in the middle of a road in a busy Mushin area of Lagos, made it to the list of trending topics on the internet social media users all want to know what led to the incident. The yet to be identified lady who stripped in the middle of a road in Mushin, had a mischievous smile as she was reportedly hailed by residents of the area. See another photo below; The Peoples Democratic Party,PDP has challenged a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was coerced into leading Buharis reelection campaign because agents of the president threatened to expose and prosecute him for corruption allegations and not because he believes Buharis re-election. The PDP said this in statement on Thursday. According to the opposition party, Tinubu must also explain his role in President Muhammadu Buharis government cabal through which the nations economy was crippled. We challenge the Co-Chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to explain his role in the Buhari Presidency cabal, through which President Muhammadu Buharis administration crippled our nations economy. We also dare Tinubu to respond to allegations that he succumbed to leading the Buhari ill-fated re-election bid following purported threats by agents of the Buhari Presidency to expose and prosecute him for corruption allegations and not because he believes Buharis re-election. According to the former ruling party, rather join other Nigerians to savage the country from the incompetent, corrupt, divisive and anti-people regime of Buhari, Tinubu is busy chasing personal interests and self-preservation. It is very unfortunate that at the time Nigerians, across the board, are jettisoning their personal interests and joining in the quest to rescue our nation from Buharis incompetent, corrupt, divisive and anti-people regime, Asiwaju is chasing personal interests and self-preservation. Nigerians can recall how Asiwaju in Jan. 2018, at the 15th Annual Daily Trust Dialogue rejected the Buhari administrations nepotism, corrupt oil subsidy regime and urged Nigerians to be guided by their conscience in electing leaders in the 2019 elections. Asiwaju had also rightly posited that, under President Buhari, rather than becoming a joyous nation, Nigeria has become a cruel playground where the fears and concerns of the average person get exploited but their interests never get promoted. PDP also warned the former Lagos state governor to be careful not to completely lose the little respect that Nigerians still have for him, because of Buharis ill-fated Buhari Presidency. Annyfat Ashabi Omotoyosi has been killed in a gas explosion in Lagos. Annyfat Ashabi Omotoyosi has been killed in a gas explosion in Lagos. According to reports on social media, she was using her phone beside a gas cooker which resulted into an explosion that killed her. Vanguard Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, yesterday, said the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, cannot be trusted to conduct credible polls this year because of the inconsistent actions of the commission. Thisday The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Mr. Tonye Cole, has said that despite all entreaties, his rival for the partys ticket, Senator Magnus Abe, has frustrated all efforts to amicably settle the crisis rocking the party. The Sun Osun State farmers and stakeholders gathered recently to discuss the way forward on agricultural development aimed at efficient food production and security. The move was to boost the states economy through agriculture and increase capacity for poverty alleviation. Daily Times A Federal High Court Abuja has fixed Jan. 21, to hear a suit seeking to disqualify President Muhammadu Buhari from contesting the 2019 general elections. The plaintiffs, Mr Kalu Agu, Labaran Ismail and Hassy El-Kuris, allege that the president lied in his form CF 001 submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), regarding his educational qualifications and certificates. When the matter came up for mention on Wednesday, U.C.Ndubisi, counsel to the plaintiffs, who was holding brief for Mr Okpai Ukiro, informed the court that the matter was for mention. Leadership President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in Abuja reiterated his commitment to eliminate corruption in campaign financing in the country, pledging that he will not authorise the use of any money from the treasury for his re-election campaign.The Nation The Nation A Tinubu Magistrates Court yesterday heard that a passenger died, while two others were injured when a tricycle rammed into a stationary truck at Ajah near Lekki, Lagos last December. Tribune The Zone B of the Nigeria Customs Federal Operation Unit, has seized three cartons of Tramadol 255 mg and 1,100 bags of foreign rice with Duty Paid Value of over N54 million in Kaduna. The Authority A few weeks ago, Dr Kenneth Iroegbu, a medical doctor and a specialist in Pathology took a swipe on Medical Laboratories in Nigeria for furnishing laboratory results which he described as spurious. He chose to launch his tirade on the platform of International Pathology Day in Abuja possibly for maximum effect. A former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has called for prayer for a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu after he allegedly collapsed at the APC rally in Lagos on Tuesday. According to the former minister, the former Lagos state governor lost his son, the same day he was appointed chairman of APC reconciliation committee. He further stated that the APC chieftain during the partys campaign rally in Lagos, slumped, collapsed and was rushed to a hospital were remains till date. Last year on the day that Bola Tinubu was appointed Chairman of the APC Reconciliation Commitee, he lost his son. 3 days ago, on the day that he was appointed Chairman of Buharis Campaign Council, he slumped, collapsed and was rushed to the hospital where he remains till today, he said. Fani-Kayode said he loves Tinubu despite party political difference and therefore urged Nigerians to pray for God to make him understand His(God) ways. Despite our political differences I love Bola Tinubu and I urge every Nigerian and particularly the Yoruba to pray for him. That God should preserve and protect him and make him understand His ways. In the world of Nigerian Ads, its no news that Airtel has in recent times released a couple of refreshing ads including the famous Meet-the-inlaws Ad and they dont look like they are dropping the bar anytime soon. The new Airtel 4G Gele Ad took it up a notch by inviting its audience to the exciting experience of an owambe party yet still passing across their brand message. Watch the video below; The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians to vote the party in the forthcoming elections because they will restore lost jobs. The former vice president said the party will not only restore jobs lost during the President Muhammadu Buhari administration but will create new ones. Atiku, who held a mega rally in Minna, Niger state on Wednesday, told Nigerians that apart from restoring and creating jobs, they will also create an enabling environment to do business. He noted that he was making the promise on behalf of his party. My fellow brothers and sisters, I want to promise you that if you vote PDP we will restore the jobs you lost, he said. You will either get a job or get a business to do. This is a promise I am making on behalf of PDP if you vote for PDP, he added. BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan Wednesday called for a system to safeguard the rights and interests of veterans. Sun, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in Tianjin. Veterans should be motivated to make positive contributions to the nation's reform, development and social stability, Sun said. She called on Party committees and governments at all levels to implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and develop new methods to help veterans. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 wellesenterprises/iStock(NEW YORK) -- The Department of Justice is expected to announce a major settlement with Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles on Thursday, resolving allegations that the automaker used illegal software to circumvent laboratory emissions inspections on 100,000 diesel vehicles, according to a source briefed on the matter. The settlement, according to the source, will include an approximately $305 million fine against Fiat-Chrysler. The amount does not include the cost the company will have to incur in order to bring those 100,000 vehicles back to emissions standards by installing a software update. This settlement is not expected to outline any criminal charges. The automaker will recall approximately 100,000 vehicles including model year 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Ram pickup trucks for the software update. Fiat-Chrysler and the Department of Justice each declined to comment when reached by ABC News. Scrutiny of U.S. vehicle emissions grew in 2015 when Volkswagen reached a $25 billion settlement with the Department of Justice after admitting to illegally installing software in diesel vehicles that altered its emissions when undergoing tests. The German automaker recalled roughly 500,000 vehicles in the United States and executives were criminally charged by the Department of Justice. Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.